Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
3, 3′5 Triiodo L Thyronine Induces Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer MCF-7cells, Repressing SMP30 Expression through Negative Thyroid Response Elements

Background Thyroid hormones regulate cell proliferation, differentiation as well as apoptosis. However molecular mechanism underlying apoptosis as a result of thyroid hormone signaling is poorly understood. The antiapoptotic role of Senescence Marker Protein-30 (SMP30) has been characterized in response to varieties of stimuli as well as in knock out model. Our earlier data suggest that thyroid hormone 3, 3′5 Triiodo L Thyronine (T3), represses SMP30 in rat liver. Methodology/Principal Findings In highly metastatic MCF-7, human breast cancer cell line T3 treatment repressed SMP30 expression leading to enhanced apoptosis. Analysis by flow cytometry and other techniques revealed that overexpression and silencing of SMP30 in MCF-7 resulted in decelerated and accelerated apoptosis respectively. In order to identify the cis–acting elements involved in this regulation, we have analyzed hormone responsiveness of transiently transfected hSMP30 promoter deletion reporter vectors in MCF-7 cells. As opposed to the expected epigenetic outcome, thyroid hormone down regulated hSMP30 promoter activity despite enhanced recruitment of acetylated H3 on thyroid response elements (TREs). From the stand point of established epigenetic concept we have categorised these two TREs as negative response elements. Our attempt of siRNA mediated silencing of TRβ, reduced the fold of repression of SMP30 gene expression. In presence of thyroid hormone, Trichostatin- A (TSA), which is a Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor further inhibited SMP30 promoter activity. The above findings are in support of categorisation of both the thyroid response element as negative response elements as usually TSA should have reversed the repressions. Conclusion This is the first report of novel mechanistic insights into the remarkable downregulation of SMP30 gene expression by thyroid hormone which in turn induces apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. We believe that our study represents a good ground for future effort to develop new therapeutic approaches to challenge the progression of breast cancer.
Virtual Reality and Computer-Enhanced Training Devices Equally Improve Laparoscopic Surgical Skill in Novices

Background: The study aim was to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality and computer-enhanced video-scopic training devices for training novice surgeons in complex laparoscopic skills. Methods: Third-year medical students received instruction on laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing and knot tying and then underwent a pretraining assessment of the task using a live porcine model. Students were then randomized to objectives-based training on either the virtual reality (n=8) or computer-enhanced (n=8) training devices for 4 weeks, after which the assessment was repeated. Results: Posttraining performance had improved compared with pretraining performance in both task completion rate (94% versus 18%; P<0.001*) and time [181±58 (SD) versus 292±24*]. Performance of the 2 groups was comparable before and after training. Of the subjects, 88% thought that haptic cues were important in simulators. Both groups agreed that their respective training systems were effective teaching tools, but computer-enhanced device trainees were more likely to rate their training as representative of reality (P<0.01). Conclusions: Training on virtual reality and computer-enhanced devices had equivalent effects on skills improvement in novices. Despite the perception that haptic feedback is important in laparoscopic simulation training, its absence in the virtual reality device did not impede acquisition of skill.
Tissue characterization using simultaneous estimation of backscatter coefficient and elastic shear modulus

Tissue characterization using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters has received significant attention in recent years due to its potential to improve the detection and diagnosis of diseased states. However, the vast majority of studies in QUS tissue typing have used parameters derived from either longitudinal or shear waves in isolation, thereby discarding potentially useful complementary information these parameters may carry. In this study, the simultaneous estimation of backscatter coefficients (derived from longitudinal waves) and shear modulus (derived from shear waves) was implemented on data from a clinical scanner. Both parameters were estimated from five ex vivo porcine kidney samples and used to calculate the anisotropy ratio in the parameters when analyzing the middle and pole regions of the kidneys. For all samples, the estimated parameters were higher in the pole regions than in the middle region, with anisotropy ratios of 1.42±0.11 and 3.07±0.70 for the shear modulus and the backscatter coefficient, respectively. Therefore, these results demonstrate that QUS parameters derived from both longitudinal and shear waves can be estimated simultaneously and may be used in conjunction to track changes in tissue structure and composition.
Self-efficacy in pregnant women with severe fear of childbirth.

OBJECTIVE To apply and test the concept of childbirth self-efficacy to expectations of the upcoming birth in the context of severe fear of childbirth (SFOC). DESIGN Qualitative study using semistructured interviews. SETTING A region in the southeast of Sweden. PARTICIPANTS Nulliparous pregnant women (N = 17) with SFOC. METHOD The interviews were analyzed according to content analysis using deductive and inductive approaches. The seven domains of The Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory (CBSEI) made up the matrix for the deductive analysis. RESULTS Behaviors for coping with labor and childbirth were related to six domains of childbirth self-efficacy: concentration, support, control, motor/relaxation, self-encouragement, and breathing. Most of these behaviors referred to capabilities to carry out (self-efficacy expectancy) rather than to beliefs in effectiveness (outcome expectancy). Five additional subdomains representing defined childbirth self-efficacy were identified: guidance, the body controls, the professionals' control, reliance, and fatalism. CONCLUSION The domains of childbirth self-efficacy have been deepened and expanded in relation to SFOC. It is imperative to identify pregnant women with SFOC and their efficacy beliefs to help them find appropriate coping behaviors prior to the onset of labor, and furthermore these behaviors must be supported by health care professionals during labor and childbirth. Support in the form of verbal persuasion emanating from the subdomains of childbirth self-efficacy ought to be added.
The impact of triclosan on the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment

Triclosan (TCS) is a commonly used antimicrobial agent that enters wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and the environment. An estimated 1.1 × 105 to 4.2 × 105 kg of TCS are discharged from these WWTPs per year in the United States. The abundance of TCS along with its antimicrobial properties have given rise to concern regarding its impact on antibiotic resistance in the environment. The objective of this review is to assess the state of knowledge regarding the impact of TCS on multidrug resistance in environmental settings, including engineered environments such as anaerobic digesters. Pure culture studies are reviewed in this paper to gain insight into the substantially smaller body of research surrounding the impacts of TCS on environmental microbial communities. Pure culture studies, mainly on pathogenic strains of bacteria, demonstrate that TCS is often associated with multidrug resistance. Research is lacking to quantify the current impacts of TCS discharge to the environment, but it is known that resistance to TCS and multidrug resistance can increase in environmental microbial communities exposed to TCS. Research plans are proposed to quantitatively define the conditions under which TCS selects for multidrug resistance in the environment.
Effect of metabolic rate on ventilatory roll-off during hypoxia.

This study was done to determine 1) whether goats demonstrate the roll-off phenomenon, i.e., a secondary decrease in minute ventilation (VE), after an initial hyperventilation during various levels of hypoxia and, if so, 2) whether roll-off could be due to changes in metabolic rate. We hypothesized that roll-off occurs in the goat during hypoxia but is not due to hypometabolism. To answer question 1, eight unanesthetized adult goats were exposed to 15-20 min of hypoxia at 0.15, 0.12, and 0.09 inspired O2 fraction (FIO2), resulting in 60, 40, and 30 Torr arterial PO2, respectively. Goats were fitted with a face mask connected to a spirometer to measure VE, and arterial blood gas samples were obtained via carotid arterial catheters. Roll-off was seen with 0.15 and 0.12 FIO2, whereas VE steadily increased with 0.09 FIO2. During hypoxia, arterial PCO2 fell 2, 3, and 7 Torr at 0.15, 0.12, and 0.09 FIO2, respectively. In the second series of experiments, nine different goats were exposed to 30 min of 0.12 FIO2. O2 consumption and CO2 production were measured five times during baseline and hypoxia. VE increased to 32% above baseline values after 2 min of hypoxia and then gradually decreased by 18%. Changes in breathing frequency and tidal volume contributed to the roll-off. O2 consumption decreased (P = 0.0029, analysis of variance) and CO2 production increased (P = 0.0027) during hypoxia, although both changes were small (< 7%) compared with the eventual 18% decrease in VE. We conclude that the adult goat demonstrates the roll-off phenomenon during moderate levels of hypoxia. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A CENTURY OF INDUSTRIALIZATIONÐ AN EPIDEMIC OF LEAD POISONING

Lead poisoning existed and was already known in Antiquity but was forgotten, at least in the literature, until the end of the Middle Ages, where it was mentioned sporadically. In the 19th century this disease, which reached epidemic dimensions during the period of industrialization, was `̀ rediscovered. '' Several comprehensive clinical articles appeared in the literature. The clinical picture deepened during the beginning of the 20th century, and preventive efforts were started. However, the concept of poisoning remained strictly clinical. During the latter half of the 20th century a new concept emerged: subclinical and early forms became recognized as undesirable effects. This led to a substantial lowering of hygienic standards. Pediatric poisoning has also been a serious problem during the 20th century. After the 1920s, environmental pollution by lead caused by the introduction of tetraethyl lead in gasoline became an alarming public health problem. The use became restricted in the 1980s; its effects on blood lead levels are now evident. Today's research focuses on the effects of low exposure, often with the aim of de®ning noneffect levels for different types of effects. Am. J. Ind. Med. 38:244±254, 2000. ß 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Flow and permeability structure of the Beowawe, Nevada hydrothermal system

A review of past geologic, geochemical, hydrological, pressure transient, and reservoir engineering studies of Beowawe suggests a different picture of the reservoir than previously presented. The Beowawe hydrothermal contains buoyant thermal fluid dynamically balanced with overlying cold water, as shown by repeated temperature surveys and well test results. Thermal fluid upwells from the west of the currently developed reservoir at the intersection of the Malpais Fault and an older structural feature associated with mid-Miocene rifting. A tongue of thermal fluid rises to the east up the high permeability Malpais Fault, discharges at the Geysers area, and is in intimate contact with overlying cooler water. The permeability structure is closely related to the structural setting, with the permeability of the shallow hydrothermal system ranging from 500 to 1,000 D-ft, while the deeper system ranges from 200 to 400 D-ft.
Discovering network-level functional interactions from working memory fMRI data

It is widely believed that working memory process involves large-scale functional interactions among multiple brain networks. However, network-level functional interactions across large-scale brain networks in working memory have been rarely explored yet in the literature. In this paper, we propose a novel framework for modeling network-level functional interactions in working memory based on our publicly released 358 DICCCOL landmarks. First, 14 DICCCOLs are detected as group-wise activated ROIs via GLM and compose the `basic network' of working memory. Second, the time-frequency functional interaction patterns of each pair of activated DICCCOL and other DICCCOLs are calculated using cross-wavelet transform. Third, the common functional interaction patterns and corresponding brain networks are learned via effective online dictionary learning and sparse coding methods. Experimental results showed that multiple brain networks are involved in working memory processes. More importantly, each brain network interacts with the `basic network' via a specific functionally meaningful time-frequency interaction pattern.
Direct Spinal Ventral Root Repair following Avulsion: Effectiveness of a New Heterologous Fibrin Sealant on Motoneuron Survival and Regeneration

Axonal injuries at the interface between central and peripheral nervous system, such as ventral root avulsion (VRA), induce important degenerative processes, mostly resulting in neuronal and motor function loss. In the present work, we have compared two different fibrin sealants, one derived from human blood and another derived from animal blood and Crotalus durissus terrificus venom, as a promising treatment for this type of injury. Lewis rats were submitted to VRA (L4–L6) and had the avulsed roots reimplanted to the surface of the spinal cord, with the aid of fibrin sealant. The spinal cords were processed to evaluate neuronal survival, synaptic stability, and glial reactivity, 4 and 12 weeks after lesion. Sciatic nerves were processed to investigate Schwann cell activity by p75NTR expression (4 weeks after surgery) and to count myelinated axons and morphometric evaluation (12 weeks after surgery). Walking track test was used to evaluate gait recovery, up to 12 weeks. The results indicate that both fibrin sealants are similarly efficient. However, the snake-derived fibrin glue is a potentially safer alternative for being a biological and biodegradable product which does not contain human blood derivatives. Therefore, the venom glue can be a useful tool for the scientific community due to its advantages and variety of applications.
Clinical Course and Prognostic Factors in Acute Low Back Pain: Patients Consulting Primary Care for the First Time

Study Design. Inception cohort study. Objectives. To examine the clinical course of acute low back pain and to evaluate prognostic factors for nonrecovery. Summary of Background Data. Few studies have explored clinical course and prognostic factors in patients who consult primary care for their first time because of an episode of low back pain of <3 weeks duration. Methods. A total of 123 patients with acute low back pain <3 weeks consulting primary care for the first time were included, and 120 completed 3 months follow-up. Baseline assessments included sociodemographic characteristics, back pain history and current status, psychological questionnaires and clinical examination. Main outcome measures were pain intensity, disability by Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, and recovery of disability. Potential prognostic factors for recovery or not were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Results. At 4 weeks and 3 months 76% of the patients had recovered. Mean pain intensity and mean disability scores dropped 58% and 68%, respectively, of initial levels during the 3 months. The proportion with sickness absence was 8% at 4 weeks and 6% at 3 months. Several sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors were of prognostic value. Compared with their respective reference categories, age above 45 years (odds ratio 4.4, 95% confidence interval 1.4–14.0), smoking (3.0, 1.1–8.5), two or more neurological signs (4.6, 1.4–14.9), a score of ≥90 on the psychosocial screening (3.1, 1.0–9.4), and high levels of distress (4.1, 1.3–12.8) were the best prognostic factors of nonrecovery at 3 months. Conclusion. During a period of 3 months, 24% of the patients had not recovered. Psychological factors and neurological signs were strongly associated with nonrecovery at 3 months. In addition to the traditional examination of neurological symptoms and signs, psychological factors should be considered already at the initial visit of an episode of low back pain.
Deep learning via semi-supervised embedding

We show how nonlinear embedding algorithms popular for use with shallow semi-supervised learning techniques such as kernel methods can be applied to deep multilayer architectures, either as a regularizer at the output layer, or on each layer of the architecture. This provides a simple alternative to existing approaches to deep learning whilst yielding competitive error rates compared to those methods, and existing shallow semi-supervised techniques.
Deconstructing intercontinental invasion pathway hypotheses of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) using a Bayesian inference approach: are port interceptions and quarantine protocols successfully preventing new invasions?

Knowledge of how effective interceptions and quarantine measures are in preventing new biological invasions is of paramount importance for maintaining ecosystem function in a rapidly changing world. Here, we determine current macrogeographic population structure and routes of invasion of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) using genetic approaches and reconstruct and test invasion pathway hypotheses in a Bayesian framework.
Crosslinking Effect on Polydimethylsiloxane Elastic Modulus Measured by Custom-Built Compression Instrument

A macroscopic compression test utilizing a simple custom-built instrument was employed to measure polydimethylsilox- ane (PDMS) elastic modulus. PDMS samples with varying crosslinking density were prepared with the elastomer base to the curing agent ratio ranging from 5 : 1 to 33 : 1. The PDMS network elastic modulus varied linearly with the amount of crosslinker, ranging from 0.57 MPa to 3.7 MPa for the samples tested. PDMS elastic modulus in MPa can be expressed as 20 MPa/PDMS base to curing agent ratio. This article describes a simple method for measuring elastic properties of soft polymeric materials. V C 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41050.
Detection of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' in Diaphorina citri and its importance in the management of citrus huanglongbing in Florida.

Citrus huanglongbing (HLB or citrus greening), is a highly destructive disease that has been spreading in both Florida and Brazil. Its psyllid vector, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, has spread to Texas and Mexico, thus threatening the future of citrus production elsewhere in mainland North America. Even though sensitive diagnostic methods have been developed for detection of the causal organisms, Candidatus Liberibacter spp. , the pathogen cannot be detected consistently in plants until symptoms develop, presumably because of low titer and uneven distribution of the causal bacteria in nonsymptomatic tissues. In the present study, TaqMan based real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction methodology was developed for detection of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' in D. citri. Over 1,200 samples of psyllid adults and nymphs, collected from various locations in Florida, from visually healthy and HLB symptomatic trees at different times of the year were analyzed to monitor the incidence and spread of HLB. The results showed that spread of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' in an area may be detected one to several years before the development of HLB symptoms in plants. The study suggests that discount garden centers and retail nurseries may have played a significant role in the widespread distribution of psyllids and plants carrying HLB pathogens in Florida.
Lumbar disc prolapse: management and outcome analysis of 96 surgically treated patients.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the presentation, diagnosis and management outcome of surgically treated patients of lumbar disc prolapse. DESIGN This is a prospective study. SETTING AND DURATION OF STUDY: The study was conducted at Department of Neurosurgery, Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana over a period of three years. SUBJECT AND METHODS Patients were selected using following neuroimagings like plain radiographs, myelograms, CT myelograms and MRI Scan of lumbosacral spine. The operative procedure applied was hemilaminectomy and removal of herniated disc material. Postoperatively patients were analyzed for outcome by standard subjective analysis (Mac nab criteria), objective examinations and radiographic studies. RESULTS There were 96 patients, 70 males and 26 females. Predominant mode of presentation was low back pain with radiation to leg (46.9%), neurogenic claudication in 18 patients (18.7%). Eighty Six percent of the disc prolapses were found at L4 L5 and L5 SI levels. Complication rate was 14.6% with infections being commonest. Excellent to good outcome was found in 85.4% of the cases. Mean follow up period was 18 months. CONCLUSION Surgery for cauda equina syndrome and motor deficits has a good outcome with hemilaminectomy and is the best surgical option for large disc prolapses.
Spectrochemical Analytical Follow up of Phytoremediation of Oil-Contaminated Soil

ABSTRACT Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) are one of the most common groups of persistent environmental toxic organic contaminants to many organisms as well as to humans. In the present work, oil-polluted soil samples were phyto-remediated and analyzed. The investigated soil samples were collected from a location close to the oil petroleum production site in Ras-Gharib, Red Sea, Egypt. The phytoremediation process through TPH reduction and/or removal was carried out using Helianthus annuus (sunflower plant) based on its efficiency as a phytoremediator for organic pollutants. A preliminary four-week scheme of Helianthus annuus remediation, supported by twice quantized fertilization, provided a result of ∼56% clean soil. Contaminated and phyto-remediated samples were diagnosed and analyzed through particle size distribution, Carbon-Hydrogen-Sulfur-Nitrogen elemental analysis (CHSN), Organic Matter content (OM%), Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons determination (%) and spectroscopically through Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF). Promising results have been achieved indicating the feasibility of planting sunflower for effective TPH remediation of the polluted soil and also the possibility of in situ monitoring of the remediation with easy, cost effective and fast spectrochemical analytical techniques, namely LIBS and LIF.
Differential effects Of Speaker and Vowel Variability on Fricative Perception

Previous research has shown that listeners' identifications of synthetic fricative noises are influenced by both rounding on an adjacent vowel and by the sex of the speaker who produced the adjacent vowel. In each case, contextual information which indicates a longer vocal tract during the production of the fricative (vowel rounding, or male speaker) results in fewer “sh” responses to the items in an [s] to [f] continuum (i.e., listeners expect generally lower vocal tract resonances from longer vocal tracts). The experiments reported here indicate that these superficially similar perceptual effects interact differently with manipulations of presentation type (blocked vs. randomized) and the interstimulus interval. When tokens produced by different speakers were presented blocked by speaker, the perceptual effect of speaker differences was reduced, and the degree of reduction depended on interstimulus interval. However, neither of these manipulations had an impact on the perceptual effect of vowel rounding.