Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vitis vinifera Extract Ameliorate Hepatic and Renal Dysfunction Induced by Dexamethasone in Albino Rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the biochemical effects of grape seed extract against dexamethasone-induced hepatic and renal dysfunction in a female albino rat. Twenty-eight adult female rats were divided randomly into four equal groups: Group 1: animals were injected subcutaneously with saline and consider as normal control one. Group 2: animals were injected subcutaneously with dexamethasone in a dose of 0.1 mg/kg body weight. Group 3: animals were injected subcutaneously with 0.1 mg/kg body weight of dexamethasone, and then treated with a grape seed extract in a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage. Group 4: animals were injected subcutaneously with 0.1 mg/kg body weight of dexamethasone, and then treated with a grape seed extract in a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage. After 4 weeks, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, albumin, uric acid, creatinine, and glucose levels were assayed. Hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH), total protein content, and catalase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were also assayed. Dexamethasone administration caused elevation of serum levels of glucose, uric acid, creatinine, ALT, AST activities, and a decrease in other parameters such as hepatic glutathione, total protein levels, and catalase enzyme activity. Treatment with Vitis vinifera L. seed extract showed a significant increase in the body weight of rats in the group treated with Vitis vinifera L. seed extract orally compared with the dexamethasone control group. An increase in GSH and catalase activity in response to oral treatment with Vitis vinifera L. seed extract was observed after treatment. Grape seed extract positively affects glucocorticoid-induced hepatic and renal alteration in albino rats.
Connective tissue origin of the amyloid-related protein SAA

Protein SAA is a serum protein related to the major constituent of secondary amyloid fibrils, protein AA, and has been suggested to be a precursor of the amyloid protein AA. In the present study, the origin of SAA was investigated by studying human fetal tissues and cultured human fetal fibroblasts with the indirect immunofluorescence technique. Anti-SAA antibodies reacted strongly with cultured fibroblasts producing a fine fibrillary cytoplasmic staining and with extracellular fibrils in loose connective tissues and vessel walls. The reactions were specifically inhibited by absorption with degraded amyloid material, isolated protein AA, isolated protein SAA, and sera from patients with elevated levels of SAA. In contrast, no inhibition was seen with amyloid fibril material devoid of AA protein or by human sera in which SAA was not detectable by double-diffusion tests. These observations showed that SAA-like material is produced by fibroblasts and indicate that it is a normal constituent of developing extracellular connective tissue fibers.
Interference alignment and power allocation for multi-user MIMO interference channels

We present centralized iterative algorithms that jointly determine the optimal transmit and receive filters as well as the optimal power allocation for a K-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) interference channel (IC). The optimality criterion is based on the achievable sum-rate and the average per user multiplexing gain in the MIMO IC. By allowing channel state information (CSI) exchanged between users and a central unit (CU), we design a feedback topology where the CU collects local CSIs from all base stations (BSs), computes all transmit and receive filters and sends them to corresponding user-BS pairs. At the CU, we propose iterative algorithms utilizing alternating optimization strategy to design the filters. In most of the studies on the MIMO IC, choice of equal transmit powers for all user-BS pairs ignores the essential need to search for the optimal power allocation policy; they do not take the full advantage of the system's total power. How to allocate power among all the user-BS pairs in the network based on the sum-rate maximization strategy is the key to this paper. Thus, while the filters are designed at the CU, we propose a novel power allocation problem for sum-rate maximization under sum power constraint.
PVT1: A Rising Star among Oncogenic Long Noncoding RNAs

It is becoming increasingly clear that short and long noncoding RNAs critically participate in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and (mis)function. However, while the functional characterization of short non-coding RNAs has been reaching maturity, there is still a paucity of well characterized long noncoding RNAs, even though large studies in recent years are rapidly increasing the number of annotated ones. The long noncoding RNA PVT1 is encoded by a gene that has been long known since it resides in the well-known cancer risk region 8q24. However, a couple of accidental concurrent conditions have slowed down the study of this gene, that is, a preconception on the primacy of the protein-coding over noncoding RNAs and the prevalent interest in its neighbor MYC oncogene. Recent studies have brought PVT1 under the spotlight suggesting interesting models of functioning, such as competing endogenous RNA activity and regulation of protein stability of important oncogenes, primarily of the MYC oncogene. Despite some advancements in modelling the PVT1 role in cancer, there are many questions that remain unanswered concerning the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its functioning.
Basal-Like Subtype Breast Cancers in Women Older Than 40 Years of Age

Basal-like (BL) carcinoma, distinguished by the expression of keratins that are a characteristic of myoepithelial cells, is 1 of the 5 distinct subtypes of breast tumors identified by gene microarray technologies. BL cancers have been well described in women <40 years of age. However, little data exist about this carcinoma in older patients. Twenty-three BL breast cancer specimens from patients >40 years of age were evaluated. The study demonstrated that there is a subset of patients >40 years of age with breast cancers, manifesting features of BL carcinoma. There has been a significant increase in BL cancers among women >40 years of age having larger tumors and lymph node metastasis in comparison with younger women <40 years of age. This could be due to the tumor heterogeneity in BL cancers between the 2 age groups. BL cancer patients from all age groups require further investigation for BRCA-1, as well as gene microarray analysis to compare the gene expressions with those observed in the younger population.
Typical renal‐coloboma syndrome phenotype in a patient with a submicroscopic deletion of the PAX2 gene

We present a patient with optic nerve hypoplasia, secondary strabismus, mild deafness, abnormal external ear helices, and renal hypoplasia. The clinical phenotype was consistent with renal‐coloboma syndrome, but no point mutation in the PAX2 gene could be identified. High‐resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis showed that this patient has a submicroscopic deletion on chromosome 10, affecting the entire coding region of the PAX2 gene. This finding provided the molecular confirmation of the patient's clinical diagnosis and showed that, in addition to point mutations, deletions of the PAX2 gene contribute to the etiology of the renal‐coloboma syndrome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stage-specific immune responses in human Necator americanus infection

We describe how hookworms interact with their human hosts by comparing lymphocyte phenotyping, proliferative responses, and cytokine and chemokine secretion patterns in adults who are either mono‐infected with Necator americanus or egg‐negative controls resident in an area of high transmission in Brazil. Cellular immune responses against crude hookworm antigen extracts from different developmental stages were evaluated simultaneously. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the standardized immune responses. Random effects multivariate regression was then used to investigate whether principal components (PC) differ between the two groups once potential confounders and effect modifiers have been accounted for. Although hookworm patients had reduced percentages of T and B cells, they had higher levels of activated CD4+ T and CD19+ B cells. This state of ‘immune activation’ coincided with lower proliferative responses, especially to third‐stage larval antigen. Cytokine levels in mono‐infected adults were also lower and characterized by a mixed Th1/Th2‐type profile. Excretory/secretory antigen from adult worms was a potent modulator of the immune response, resulting in diminished TNF‐α and IL‐10 secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from hookworm infected patients. We propose that the longevity of hookworms in their human hosts results from a stage‐specific, down‐modulation of the immune response.
True, true, unrelated? A review of recent evidence for a causal influence of breakfast on obesity

Purpose of reviewIt has long been known that breakfast skipping is associated with obesity; however, well controlled clinical trials have only recently been conducted to determine a causative relationship. Recent findingsSkipping breakfast is likely to be detrimental for insulin sensitivity; however, randomized trials suggest that it does not play a large role in weight gain or weight loss. Specific breakfast strategies such as certain types of breakfast, and consuming more calories in the morning relative to the evening, however, may produce greater weight loss. SummaryThe act of eating breakfast, compared to skipping it, does not appear to have a large impact on body weight. More specific strategies regarding the size and type of breakfast may be required for a substantial effect on weight loss, and improving glycemic regulation may be an important reason to consume breakfast rather than skipping it.
Biophysical Properties and Slow Voltage-Dependent Inactivation of a Sustained Sodium Current in Entorhinal Cortex Layer-II Principal Neurons

The functional and biophysical properties of a sustained, or “persistent,” Na+ current (I NaP) responsible for the generation of subthreshold oscillatory activity in entorhinal cortex layer-II principal neurons (the “stellate cells”) were investigated with whole-cell, patch-clamp experiments. Both acutely dissociated cells and slices derived from adult rat entorhinal cortex were used. I NaP , activated by either slow voltage ramps or long-lasting depolarizing pulses, was prominent in both isolated and, especially, in situ neurons. The analysis of the gating properties of the transient Na+ current (I NaT) in the same neurons revealed that the resulting time-independent “window” current (I NaTW) had both amplitude and voltage dependence not compatible with those of the observed I NaP , thus implying the existence of an alternative mechanism of persistent Na+-current generation. The tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ currents evoked by slow voltage ramps decreased in amplitude with decreasing ramp slopes, thus suggesting that a time-dependent inactivation was taking place during ramp depolarizations. When ramps were preceded by increasingly positive, long-lasting voltage prepulses, I NaP was progressively, and eventually completely, inactivated. The V1/2 of I NaP steady state inactivation was approximately −49 mV. The time dependence of the development of the inactivation was also studied by varying the duration of the inactivating prepulse: time constants ranging from ∼6.8 to ∼2.6 s, depending on the voltage level, were revealed. Moreover, the activation and inactivation properties of I NaP were such as to generate, within a relatively broad membrane-voltage range, a really persistent window current (I NaPW). Significantly, I NaPW was maximal at about the same voltage level at which subthreshold oscillations are expressed by the stellate cells. Indeed, at −50 mV, the I NaPW was shown to contribute to >80% of the persistent Na+ current that sustains the subthreshold oscillations, whereas only the remaining part can be attributed to a classical Hodgkin-Huxley I NaTW. Finally, the single-channel bases of I NaP slow inactivation and I NaPW generation were investigated in cell-attached experiments. Both phenomena were found to be underlain by repetitive, relatively prolonged late channel openings that appeared to undergo inactivation in a nearly irreversible manner at high depolarization levels (−10 mV), but not at more negative potentials (−40 mV).
Does the ThinPrep Imaging System increase the detection of high-risk HPV-positive ASC-US and AGUS? The Women and Infants Hospital experience with over 200,000 cervical cytology cases

Background: Published reports have demonstrated that introduction of the ThinPrep Imaging System (Imager) to the cytology screening services has increased the detection rate of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). In accordance with recent clinical treatment guidelines, patients with atypical squamous or glandular cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US or AGUS) are often tested for high-risk HPV infection using the Hybrid Capture HPV DNA test. We took the opportunity to investigate whether the Imager had resulted in any significant differences in our diagnostic categories, as well as whether the Imager increased the detection of high-risk HPV-DNA-positive (HRHPV+) ASC-US or AGUS. Materials and Methods: Cytology cases with the diagnosis of ASC-US and AGUS were retrieved from the archival files of our institution during periods of 11 months prior to and 11 months after the introduction of the Imager. The total number of cases in each category was correlated with results of reflex high-risk HPV DNA testing when the latter were available. All AGUS diagnoses were correlated with subsequent biopsy follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-Square test with Yate's Correction and Fisher's Exact test. Results: A total of 108,371 and 104,555 of ThinPrep® Pap Test (TPPT) cases were reviewed during 11 months pre- and post-imager introduction. The ASC-US rate was 5.4% in the pre-Imager and 5.3% in the post-Imager period. The HPV reflex test was 38% and 34% positive respectively in the pre- and post-Imager period (P>0.124). Similarly, 0.14% and 0.12% AGUS were found in the pre- and post-Imager period. The positive HPV reflex test was 14% versus 23% (P = 0.1690). The abnormal biopsy follow-up rate in the AGUS category was increased from 20.9% in the pre-Imager period to 31% in the post-Imager period (P = 0.1471). The ASCUS/SIL ratios were 1.9 and 1.6 respectively. Conclusions: The ASC-US and AGUS rates did not change statistically before and after the introduction of the Imager in our cytology laboratory. Although use of the Imager did not increase detection of HPV+ ASC-US, it did appear to increase the detection rate of HPV+ AGUS and subsequent abnormal biopsy follow-up rates in all categories. However, the increase in the detection rate did not reach the point of statistical significance
Improved analysis for the intermodulation performance of the contact-type MEMS microswitch

This paper presents an improved analysis for the intermodulation performance of the contact-type MEMS microswitches. Contrary to the previously published analysis, where the source voltage comprises two equal-amplitude sinusoids, in this paper the source voltage is a mutisinusoidal signal comprising 2N equal-amplitude equally-spaced sinusoids. Previously published results can, therefore, be obtained as a special case of the present analysis with N =1. Moreover, the results show that as N increases the relative third-order intermodulation performance rapidly deteriorates.
Clinical outcome of radiosynoviorthesis: a meta-analysis including 2190 treated joints

A variety of indications for radiosynoviorthesis have been reported in literature, but the clinical outcome differs and depends on the primary disease and the pre-existing degenerative changes. This metaanalysis was carried out to establish groups for radiosynoviorthesis based on clinical outcome with respect to primary disease, clinical stage and the pre-existing degenerative changes. The literature search was carried out using the MEDLINE search term ‘radionuclide synovectomy’. Based on reports in the literature we determined groups for radiosynoviorthesis for clinical use. Our literature list comprised 2190 joints that were treated with radiosynoviorthesis. The overall response rate for all treated joints was 72.5±17%. The mean improvement rate for the treated joints in rheumatoid arthritis was 66.7±15.4%. For osteoarthritis the success rate was 56±11%, with better results in case of minimal radiological changes. Radiosynoviorthesis in patients with changes according to Steinbrocker I and II was successful in 72.8±12.3%, and in 64±17.3%, respectively. Steinbrocker III and IV had a mean success rate of 52.4±23.6%. In the case of haemophilia and Willebrand's disease a reduction of joint bleedings and factor usages after radiosynoviorthesis was evident in 91±4.3%. In patients with pigmented villonodular synovitis radiosynoviorthesis was successful in 77.3±25.3%. It is concluded that radiosynoviorthesis provides better results in rheumatoid arthritis than in osteoarthritis. Minimal or moderate changes according to Steinbrocker stages I and II respond better to radionuclide therapy than do stages III and IV. Deformed or unstable joints might fail treatment and therefore surgical interventions should be considered. Close cooperation with orthopaedists and rheumatologists is necessary to consider radiosynoviorthesis in each patient to ensure optimal medical care.
Respiratory heat and moisture loss is associated with eosinophilic inflammation in asthma

Increased mucosal vascularity is a hallmark of airway inflammation in asthma. It was hypothesised that this would lead to a detectable increase in respiratory heat and moisture loss (RHML), which would reflect the degree of airway inflammation present. A total of 23 subjects with asthma and 18 healthy controls had RHML measured in a cross-sectional study. The measurements were made using a device that combines temperature and humidity measurement during inspiration and expiration and allows precise control over inspirate conditions and ventilatory pattern. The subjects with asthma underwent parallel measurements of exhaled nitric oxide, sputum eosinophil percentage and exhaled breath condensate pH. Mean±sd RHML was elevated in patients with asthma (98.1±7.3 J·L−1) compared with control subjects (91.9±4.5 J·L−1). RHML measurement in asthma correlated with sputum eosinophil percentage. This novel correlation between thermal and cellular measurements in asthma suggests that both of these noninvasive indices are sensitive to the degree of underlying chronic airway inflammation.
Herpesvirus infection accelerates atherosclerosis in the apolipoprotein E-deficient mouse.

BACKGROUND Human herpesviruses have been implicated but not proven to be involved in the etiology of atherosclerosis. To determine whether there is a causal relationship, the effect of herpesvirus infection on the development of atherosclerosis was assessed in the apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mouse. METHODS AND RESULTS In the present study, 3- to 4-week-old apoE-/- mice were infected with murine gamma-herpesvirus-68 (MHV-68). Atheroma formation was accelerated over a 24-week period in infected apoE-/- mice compared with control uninfected apoE-/- mice. Acceleration of atherosclerosis was reduced by antiviral drug administration. Histological analysis of the atheromatous plaques showed no difference between lesions of infected and control mice. Viral mRNA was present in the aortas of infected mice before lesion development on day 5 after infection. This suggests that the virus may initiate endothelial injury, which is believed to be an early event in the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, the virus may play a direct role in atherosclerosis rather than be an "innocent bystander. " CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that a gamma-herpesvirus can accelerate atherosclerosis in the apoE-/- mouse. This study provides the first report of a murine model in which to study the causative role of herpesvirus infection in the development of atherosclerosis.
The GNU C++ library

Data Types and Values While both may be described as C++ classes, there is a big di erence between, say, a Complex number and, say, a BankAccount. For example, there is a large, well-established mathematical theory of complex numbers, but essentially none for bank accounts. One consequence is that it is simply much easier to develop a Complex class containing features that one may be reasonably certain will makes sense across a wide range of applications. This is much less true of any BankAccount class one could construct. A more important distinction underlies the resulting design di erences. The \theory" of complex numbers revolves around the properties of complex values, not objects. Mathematical approaches typically abstract over the actual identities of objects possessing (Re, Im) attributes, and just deal with the values themselves { the complex quantity (2.4, 17.17) remains the same regardless of which or how many objects report this quantity as real(), and imag() attribute functions. By design, many operations don't care about the objects, and just deal with the quantities. However, this would be a losing attitude for a class like BankAccount. For example, even when we happen to both have the same bank balance, the fact that a particular identi able BankAccount instance belongs to you and not me is an obvious but critical design issue. These di erences result in di erent styles, approaches, and plans of attack for designing the associated classes and utilities. For example, while it is perfectly sensible to write a \constructive" function that accepts two complex numbers and returns a third representing their sum, there is hardly ever a reason to create a function that accepts two bank accounts and returns a third representing (among other things) the sum of their balances. Instead, the BankAccount class contains methods such as withdraw, transfer, and so on that mutate the states of particular objects. Libg++ contains substantially more components like Complex than those like BankAccount. Many classes maintain \value semantics", in a manner more similar to classic ADT approaches than to classic OO approaches.
Increasing effect of sodium 3-ethyl-7-isopropyl-1-azulenesulfonate 1/3 hydrate (KT1-32), a novel antiulcer agent, on gastric mucosal blood flow in anesthetized.

Effect of a novel azulene derivative KT1-32 on gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) was studied to elucidate its mucosal defensive mechanisms underlying the antiulcer action. The GMBF was measured by two methods which were based on heat clearance and laser Doppler velocimetry in the rat. Intravenous administration of KT1-32 produced a dose-dependent increase in GMBF at doses of 0.3-10 mg/kg; significant increases in GMBF were observed at doses not less than 1 or 3 mg/kg by the laser Doppler or heat clearance method, respectively. The duration of action was about 10 min at 10 mg/kg of KT1-32. A good parallelism in these GMBF changes was noted between both methods. Cetraxate, an antiulcer agent, elicited an increase in GMBF at 30 mg/kg, i.v. , when GMBF was measured by the heat clearance method. Sodium guaiazulene 3-sulfonate, another azulene antiulcer agent, showed no increase in GMBF. It is suggested that the increasing effect of KT1-32 on GMBF contributes to its antiulcer activity through strengthening mucosal defensive mechanisms.