Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Small RNAs make big impact in cardiac repair.

During the past few decades, there has been enormous progress made in understanding and treating cardiovascular diseases. However, heart failure remains a progressive and debilitating condition with generally poor clinical outcomes and high socio-economic burden. The most common cause of heart failure is caused by loss of functional cardiomyocytes from myocardial infarction and subsequent fibrosis, leading to adverse remodeling, reduced contractile function, and hemodynamic compromise. Given the dire need for better heart failure treatment, investigators have actively explored strategies to improve cardiac function via numerous approaches, including cell transplantation, mechanical device support, or whole organ replacement.1 Although a detailed comparison of the merit of each of these approaches is beyond the scope of this article, one strategy that has captured tremendous interest in recent years is the use of highly potent transcription factors to reprogram cells into an alternative fate. The remarkable finding of Yamanaka and colleagues to revert a fully differentiated cell back to its most primitive state using a combination of transcript factors brought forth widespread optimism that a similar approach can be used successfully to reprogram any somatic cell into a different cell type.2–5 This subsequently led to several follow-on studies to directly reprogram fibroblasts into other cell lineages.6,7 In 2010, one such study by Ieda, Srivastava, and colleagues described the generation of cardiomyocyte-like cells (iCM) by overexpressing Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 (GMT), transcription factors that have been shown to play important roles in cardiac development.8 Although this study reported the generation of 5% to 10% troponin T expressing cells in vitro, 2 follow up studies by Qian et al9 and Song et al10 report the ability of GMT or GMT+Hand1 to reprogram resident cardiac fibroblasts within the failing/fibrotic myocardium into functional …
The Effect of Weight Loss Surgery and Body Mass Index on Wound Complications After Abdominal Contouring Operations

Abdominal contouring operations are in high demand after massive weight loss. Anecdotally, wound problems seemed to occur frequently in this patient population. Our study was designed to delineate risk factors for wound complications after body contouring. Our retrospective institutional analysis was assembled from 222 patients between 2001 and 2006 who underwent either abdominoplasty (N = 89) or panniculectomy (N = 133). Weight loss surgery (WLS) before body contouring occurred in 63% of our patients. Overall the wound complication rate in these patients was 34%: healing-disturbance 11%, wound infection 12%, hematoma 6%, and seroma 14%. WLS patients had an increase in wound complications overall (41% vs. 22%; P < 0.01) and in all categories of wound complications compared with non-WLS-patients by univariate methods of analysis. In a multivariate regression model, only American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification was a significant independent risk factor for wound complications. In conclusion, WLS patients are at increased risk for wound complications and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification is the most predictive of risk.
Ambivalent relations: the ‘tricky footwork’ of parental involvement in school communities

Parental involvement in schools, generally seen to be a good thing, is now closely linked through policy to the educational achievement of their children. In this Victorian case study, teacher and parent responses to policies advocating parental involvement are examined. It explores the intersections of gender and class in the context of changing home/school relationships characterised by policies and processes of institutionalisation, familialisation and individualisation that are shaping parental involvement. It suggests that the current discursive construction of parent/school relationships around partnerships for student learning fail to recognise the complexity of parent/teacher relations and its gendered nature. Feminist critical policy analysis framed by the sociology of the family inform our understandings of the ways changing discourses and practices currently are informing parental involvement in a culturally and socio‐economically diverse school.
Analysis of the Anatomical Tachycardia Circuit in Verapamil-Sensitive Atrial Tachycardia Originating From the Vicinity of the Atrioventricular Node

Background—Calcium channel–dependent tissue has been suggested to be involved in the circuit of verapamil-sensitive atrial tachycardia originating from the atrioventricular (AV) node vicinity (V-AT), but little information exists. Methods and Results—To examine the tachycardia circuit of V-AT, a single extrastimulus was delivered during tachycardia to 10 sites of the intraatrial septum: the earliest atrial activation site; His bundle (HB) site; 3 arbitrarily divided sites on the AV junction extending from the HB site to the coronary sinus ostium (CSOS) (sites S, M, and I); the internal-CSOS, inferior-CSOS, superior-CSOS, posterior-CSOS, and posteroinferior-CSOS in 10 patients with V-AT. The longest coupling interval that reset V-AT and subsequent return cycle were measured. The longest coupling interval at earliest atrial activation site was significantly longer than the longest coupling interval at the HB site, site S, M, and I, internal-CSOS, inferior-CSOS, superior-CSOS, posterior-CSOS, and posteroinferior-CSOS, respectively (P<0.001 for HB site and P<0.0001 for the remaining 8 sites). The return cycle at earliest atrial activation site did not differ from the tachycardia cycle length, whereas those at the remaining 9 sites were significantly longer than tachycardia cycle length (P<0.001). Furthermore, a single extrastimulus delivered from sites inferior to the HB site advanced His potential without resetting V-AT in 7 patients in whom AV block was not observed during tachycardia. Conclusions—Atrial tissue within the Koch's triangle extending from the HB site to posteroinferior-CSOS is not involved in the tachycardia circuit. Verapamil-sensitive atrial tissue close to the AV node but not the AV nodal conducting system forms the tachycardia circuit of V-AT.
Mifepristone 5 mg versus 10 mg for emergency contraception: double-blind randomized clinical trial

Purpose To estimate the efficacy and safety of 5 mg and 10 mg mifepristone for emergency contraception up to 144 hours after unprotected coitus. Methods This double-blind randomized clinical trial was carried out at Eusebio Hernandez Hospital (Havana, Cuba). A total of 2,418 women who requested emergency contraception after unprotected coitus received either 5 mg or 10 mg mifepristone. The variables for assessing efficacy were the pregnancies that occurred and the fraction of pregnancies that were prevented. Other variables assessed were the side effects of mifepristone, vaginal bleeding, and changes in the date of the following menstruation. Results There were 15/1,206 (1.2%) and 9/1,212 (0.7%) pregnancies in the 5 mg and 10 mg group, respectively (P=0.107). There were 88% and 93% prevented pregnancies in the 5 mg and un ≥7 days was experienced by 4.9% and 11.0% of subjects in the 5 mg and 10 mg group, respectively (P=0.001). There was a significant high failure rate for women weighing >75 kg in the 5 mg group. Conclusion It would be advisable to use the 10 mg dose of mifepristone for emergency contraception as there was a trend suggesting that the failure rate of the larger dose was lower.
Coopted environmental justice? Activists’ roles in shaping EJ policy implementation

In this article, I augment scholars’ explanations for why agencies’ environmental justice (EJ) programs often fail to meet EJ movement principles. Other scholars have shown that countermovement actors within the state and from industry have coopted EJ policy implementation by reframing ‘EJ’ away from activist principles. Drawing on insights from social movement theorists who have shown that social movement outcomes are shaped also by movements’ own internal struggles, I focus here on the cleavages among EJ activists and how those factions shape EJ policy implementation outcomes. I do so through an analysis of agencies’ EJ grant programs in the United States. I use agency documents to describe how most of the programs were implemented in problematic ways that deviate from long-standing EJ movement priorities, and I use qualitative interviews with movement leaders influential over other EJ advocates and agency EJ efforts to help explain those outcomes. I demonstrate that EJ policy implementation often deviates from long-standing EJ movement priorities not only because of cooptation by countermovement actors and other factors that scholars have rightly noted, but also because some leading EJ activists are reframing what EJ means in problematic ways and shaping agency EJ efforts to accord with that vision.
Factors of Board Governance and Fundraising Success

This article presents an empirical analysis of board governance and fundraising performance in a sample of 98 Swiss museums. Through multiple regression analysis, the inclusion of donors and business professionals on museums' boards is identified as a significant success factor for fundraising governance in Swiss museums. This study substantiates the central role board composition plays in arts management and nonprofit research. Through covariance analysis, the relevance of the variables ‘organization size’ and ‘legal form’ is further discussed.
An Integrative -omics Approach to Identify Functional Sub-Networks in Human Colorectal Cancer

Emerging evidence indicates that gene products implicated in human cancers often cluster together in “hot spots” in protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Additionally, small sub-networks within PPI networks that demonstrate synergistic differential expression with respect to tumorigenic phenotypes were recently shown to be more accurate classifiers of disease progression when compared to single targets identified by traditional approaches. However, many of these studies rely exclusively on mRNA expression data, a useful but limited measure of cellular activity. Proteomic profiling experiments provide information at the post-translational level, yet they generally screen only a limited fraction of the proteome. Here, we demonstrate that integration of these complementary data sources with a “proteomics-first” approach can enhance the discovery of candidate sub-networks in cancer that are well-suited for mechanistic validation in disease. We propose that small changes in the mRNA expression of multiple genes in the neighborhood of a protein-hub can be synergistically associated with significant changes in the activity of that protein and its network neighbors. Further, we hypothesize that proteomic targets with significant fold change between phenotype and control may be used to “seed” a search for small PPI sub-networks that are functionally associated with these targets. To test this hypothesis, we select proteomic targets having significant expression changes in human colorectal cancer (CRC) from two independent 2-D gel-based screens. Then, we use random walk based models of network crosstalk and develop novel reference models to identify sub-networks that are statistically significant in terms of their functional association with these proteomic targets. Subsequently, using an information-theoretic measure, we evaluate synergistic changes in the activity of identified sub-networks based on genome-wide screens of mRNA expression in CRC. Cross-classification experiments to predict disease class show excellent performance using only a few sub-networks, underwriting the strength of the proposed approach in discovering relevant and reproducible sub-networks.
Pengaruh Idiosyncratic Risk Dan Likuiditas Saham Terhadap Return Saham

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh idiosyncratic risk dan likuiditas saham terhadap return saham. Penelitian mengggunakan data 50 perusahaan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia periode 2009-2011. Variabel independen dalam penelitian ini adalah idiosyncratic risk dan likuiditas saham, serta variable control berupa ukuran perusahaan. Dengan menggunakan panel data dan pooled least square diperoleh hasil: idiosyncratic risk memiliki pengaruh negative signifikan terhadap stock return, likuiditas saham berpengaruh positif signifikan, dan ukuran perusahaan berpengaruh negative signifikan. Hal ini memberikan implikasi bahwa perusahaan dengan idiosyncratic risk yang kecil akan lebih disukai investor yang tidak mampu melakukan diversifikasi, sehingga permintaan dari individual dan insitusi secara bersamaan akan mendorong harga saham dan memberikan return yang lebih tinggi. Kata kunci: idiosyncratic risk, likuiditas saham dan stock return
The Role of Macrophage 1 Antigen in Polymicrobial Sepsis

ABSTRACT Purpose: Macrophage 1 antigen (Mac-1, CD11bCD18) is a leukocyte adhesion molecule that is involved in many functions including leukocyte recruitment, phagocytosis, and neutrophil apoptosis. The previous report of mild polymicrobial, abdominal sepsis showed that the administration of anti–CD11b-blocking antibody administration attenuated lung injury without any survival benefit. Here we tested the impact of Mac-1 deficiency in severe polymicrobial abdominal sepsis model. Methods: Polymicrobial sepsis was studied using cecal ligation and puncture model in wild-type (WT) or Mac-1–deficient (CD11b knockout [KO]) mice, and their outcomes were examined. Bacterial tissue load and the recruitment of neutrophils to the abdominal cavity were assessed. In vitro bacterial killing assay was performed. Serum cytokine levels were measured using multiarray. Apoptosis of spleen tissues was assessed using Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry (cleaved caspase 3 and TUNEL staining). In addition, in vitro apoptosis assay was performed using primary splenocytes from both WT and KO mice. The recruitment of neutrophils to lung was assessed by measuring myeloperoxidase activity. Results: Macrophage 1 antigen deficiency significantly decreased survival (survival percentage WT 43.5% vs. KO 13.0%; P = 0.0038) with higher bacterial load in blood and more severe systemic inflammation. Knockout mice demonstrated higher apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. The recruitment of neutrophils to lung was not different between WT and KO mice. Conclusions: Macrophage 1 antigen deficiency was associated with poorer outcomes, more bacterial load, systemic inflammation, and splenic apoptosis. However, Mac-1 deficiency did not attenuate neutrophil recruitment to lung.
Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch after Mitral Valve Replacement: Comparison of Different Methods of Effective Orifice Area Calculation

Purpose The incidence of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) after mitral valve replacement (MVR) has been reported to vary. The purpose of the current study was to investigate incidence of PPM according to the different methods of calculating effective orifice area (EOA), including the continuity equation (CE), pressure half time (PHT) method and use of reference EOA, and to compare these with various echocardiographic variables. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 166 individuals who received isolated MVR due to rheumatic mitral stenosis and had postoperative echocardiography performed between 12 and 60 months after MVR. EOA was determined by CE (EOACE) and PHT using Doppler echocardiography. Reference EOA was determined from the literature or values offered by the manufacturer. Indexed EOA was used to define PPM as present if ≤1.2 cm2/m2. Results Prevalence of PPM was different depending on the methods used to calculate EOA, ranging from 7% in PHT method to 49% in referred EOA method to 62% in CE methods. The intraclass correlation coefficient was low between the methods. PPM was associated with raised trans-prosthetic pressure, only when calculated by CE (p=0.021). Indexed EOACE was the only predictor of postoperative systolic pulmonary artery (PA) pressure, even after adjusting for age, preoperative systolic PA pressure and postoperative left atrial volume index (p<0.001). Conclusion Prevalence of mitral PPM varied according to the methods used to calculate EOA in patients with mitral stenosis after MVR. Among the various methods used to define PPM, EOACE was the only predictor of postoperative hemodynamic parameters.
Ovarian Development of Female-Female Pairs in the Termite, Reticulitermes speratus

Abstract In the rhinotermitid termite Reticulitermes speratus (Kolbe) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), facultative parthenogenesis is known to occur occasionally and females cooperate with other females to found the colony. To elucidate the ovarian development in these two females, incipient female-female colonies were established under laboratory conditions, and the process of colony development was observed at 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 7.5 months (stages I–V, respectively) after colony foundation. Ovarian development, vitellogenin gene expression, and juvenile hormone (JH) titers were examined. A precise reproductive cycle in both females was observed, in which the oviposition rate was relatively higher during stages I and II, decreased during stages III and IV, and then increased again at stage V. JH III titer and vitellogenin gene expression changed in parallel throughout the reproductive cycle of these queens. Ovarian maturation and vitellogenesis were similar in both females in a female-female colony at all stages examined, suggesting that no conflicts existed for two females in terms of oviposition.
Chronic norepinephrine elicits desensitization by uncoupling the beta-receptor.

The goal of this study was to determine the mechanism of beta-adrenergic receptor desensitization after chronic elevation of circulating NE levels. Osmotic minipumps containing either NE or saline were implanted subcutaneously in dogs for 3-4 wk. Physiologic desensitization to isoproterenol was confirmed in conscious dogs, i.e., left ventricular dP/dt increased in response to isoproterenol (0.4 micrograms/kg per min) by 5,625 +/- 731 mmHg/s in control dogs with saline pumps, and significantly less, P less than 0.01, by 2,093 +/- 263 mmHg/s in dogs with NE pumps. Myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor density as determined with 125I-cyanopindolol binding was 49% higher (p less than 0.05) in the NE pump group. However, beta-adrenergic receptor agonist binding with isoproterenol demonstrated a significant shift into the low affinity state for the animals with NE pumps. Basal, GTP plus isoproterenol, 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate, sodium fluoride, and forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the NE pump group were significantly depressed (P less than 0.05) by amounts ranging from 20 to 40%. The functional activity of the guanine nucleotide binding protein Gs was also reduced (P less than 0.05) in animals with NE pumps. Thus, the process of desensitization in response to chronic elevation of NE levels in intact, normal dogs does not involve a decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor density. Rather, it is characterized by reduced adenylate cyclase activation and uncoupling of the beta-adrenergic receptor in association with decreased activity of the GTP-coupling protein Gs.
No cytotoxicity or genotoxicity of graphene and graphene oxide in murine lung epithelial FE1 cells in vitro

Graphene and graphene oxide receive much attention these years, because they add attractive properties to a wide range of applications and products. Several studies have shown toxicological effects of other carbon‐based nanomaterials such as carbon black nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes in vitro and in vivo. Here, we report in‐depth physicochemical characterization of three commercial graphene materials, one graphene oxide (GO) and two reduced graphene oxides (rGO) and assess cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in the murine lung epithelial cell line FE1. The studied GO and rGO mainly consisted of 2–3 graphene layers with lateral sizes of 1–2 µm. GO had almost equimolar content of C, O, and H while the two rGO materials had lower contents of oxygen with C/O and C/H ratios of 8 and 12.8, respectively. All materials had low levels of endotoxin and low levels of inorganic impurities, which were mainly sulphur, manganese, and silicon. GO generated more ROS than the two rGO materials, but none of the graphene materials influenced cytotoxicity in terms of cell viability and cell proliferation after 24 hr. Furthermore, no genotoxicity was observed using the alkaline comet assay following 3 or 24 hr of exposure. We demonstrate that chemically pure, few‐layered GO and rGO with comparable lateral size (> 1 µm) do not induce significant cytotoxicity or genotoxicity in FE1 cells at relatively high doses (5–200 µg/ml). Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:469–482, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of zinc oxide nanoparticles binding proteins in rat blood and brain homogenate

Nanoparticles (NPs) are currently used in chemical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and electronic products. Nevertheless, limited safety information is available for many NPs, especially in terms of their interactions with various binding proteins, leading to potential toxic effects. Zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs are included in the formulation of new products, such as adhesives, batteries, ceramics, cosmetics, cement, glass, ointments, paints, pigments, and supplementary foods, resulting in increased human exposures to ZnO. Hence, we investigated the potential ZnO nanotoxic pathways by analyzing the adsorbed proteins, called protein corona, from blood and brain from four ZnO NPs, ZnOSM20(−), ZnOSM20(+), ZnOAE100(−), and ZnOAE100(+), in order to understand their potential mechanisms in vivo. Through this study, liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy technology was employed to identify all bound proteins. Totals of 52 and 58 plasma proteins were identified as being bound to ZnOSM20(−) and ZnOSM20(+), respectively. For ZnOAE100(−) and ZnOAE100(+), 58 and 44 proteins were bound, respectively. Similar numbers of proteins were adsorbed onto ZnO irrespective of size or surface charge of the nanoparticle. These proteins were further analyzed with ClueGO, a Cytoscape plugin, which provided gene ontology and the biological interaction processes of identified proteins. Interactions between diverse proteins and ZnO nanoparticles could result in an alteration of their functions, conformation, and clearance, eventually affecting many biological processes.