Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chronic repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) does not affect tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase (DBH) expression in rats in vivo

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a new tool in psychiatry in which a pulsed electric current is applied to the scalp via a coil (Post and Keck, 2001). The electric current generates a magnetic ﬁeld which passes the skull to depolarize the subjacent neuronal tissue (Roth et al., 1991). rTMS has been proposed to exert therapeutic effects in diseases associated with an altered dopaminergic and/or noradrenergic neurotransmission, namely, depression (George et al., 2000) and Parkinson’s disease (Siebner et al., 1999). This is in line with Keck et al. (2000), who described enhanced hippocampal release of serotonin and dopamine in rats following rTMS. The catecholamines noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) serve as neurotransmitters both in the peripheral and central nervous system. Mesencephalic tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the key enzyme for DA synthesis, while TH and dopamine-(cid:1) -hydroxylase (DBH) are expressed in the noradrenergic locus coeruleus. There is evidence that the upregulation of the catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes and a subsequent enhancement of monoamine-mediated neurotransmission accompanies the therapeutic effect of most antidepressant agents in the rat (Blier and de Montigny, 1994). The aim of this study was to investigate if chronic rTMS is able to affect late gene and protein expression of TH and DBH in vivo in the rat. Six adult 250 g male Sprague Dawley rats were chronically treated for 14
Neuroprotective Effects of Viral Overexpression of microRNA‐22 in Rat and Cell Models of Cerebral Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury

Several studies have reported that microRNA (MIR) is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of ischemic diseases, including cerebral ischemia, and that MIR‐22 may inhibit the inflammatory response and cell apoptosis, which contribute to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the specific function of MIR‐22 in cerebral I/R injury remains far from clear. This study aimed to examine the potential protective effect of MIR‐22 against cerebral I/R injury and its mechanism. As predicted, adenovirus‐mediated MIR‐22 overexpression markedly reduced the neurological score and infarct size (P < 0.05). We demonstrated that MIR‐22 overexpression resulted in a reduction in inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐6, COX‐2, and iNOS, whereas the level of IL‐10 was enhanced. MIR‐22 overexpression significantly inhibited NF‐κB activity by decreasing NF‐κB coactivator NCOA1 expression. Furthermore, we found that MIR‐22 could reduce the apoptotic rate of cortical neurons. Caspase‐3 activity was inhibited by MIR‐22, and the expression of the anti‐apoptosis gene Bcl‐2 in neurons was increased and that of the pro‐apoptosis gene Bax decreased following MIR‐22 overexpression. Our results suggest that MIR‐22 could be used to treat cerebral I/R injury and that its neuroprotective effect may be attributed to a reduction in inflammation and apoptosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 233–241, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterisation and follow-up study of occult hepatitis B virus infection in anti-HBc-positive qualified blood donors in southern China.

BACKGROUND Most major Chinese blood centres look for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and perform nucleic acid testing to screen blood for hepatitis B virus infection. The search for antibodies to the core of hepatitis B virus (anti-HBc) has not been implemented because it would lead to a high rate of discarded blood units. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of occult HBV infection among anti-HBc-positive qualified blood donors in southern China. MATERIALS AND METHODS We tested anti-HBc-positive blood donations negative for HBsAg and HBV DNA by standard NAT from Shenzhen for the presence of HBV DNA by sensitive nested and quantitative polymerase chain reactions. Anti-HBs titres were quantified. HBV DNA-positive donors were traced and followed-up. RESULTS Of the 1,033 qualified donors, 47.4% (95% CI: 44.4 to 50.5%) carried anti-HBc as evidence of exposure to HBV. The rate of anti-HBc positivity increased steadily with age, ranging from 32.6% in the age group <30 years to 69.8% in the age group <50 years (p<0.001). Of the 1,033 donors, 777 (75.2%; 95% CI: 72.4 to 77.8%) carried anti-HBs (>10 IU/L). HBV DNA was detected in 14 donors who were anti-HBc-positive, HBsAg-negative and negative by routine NAT. Seven of those 14 specimens had an anti-HBs titre above 100 mIU/mL. The prevalence of OBI in anti-HBc-positive qualified blood donors was 2.86% (95% CI: 1.57 to 4.75%). Eight of the 14 OBI cases were genotype B and one was genotype C; 7/14 cases were followed-up, one case converted to anti-HBe. HBV DNA became undetectable in all follow-up samples. DISCUSSION A small proportion of anti-HBc-positive qualified donors carry HBV DNA after HBsAg and NAT screening. This finding suggests the possibility of HBV transmission from asymptomatic donors, especially in areas of high HBV prevalence. More sensitive NAT rather than anti-HBc testing should be considered to improve blood safety.
Significance of Tumor Marker CA15-3 in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Secondary spread of cancer to bones is commonest and frequent phenomenon and enhances the need of special care for sufferers. Bone metastases mostly are the first complication of different variety of cancers which increase the need of care and expensive facilities. Blood dissemination is another common route, might be due to the venous drainage from visceral organs directly into the axial bones. CA 15-3 is a mucinous tumor markers derived from MUC1 gene, provides better guide line about the treatment, recurrence and prognosis. Aim: Aim of the study was to signify the role of tumor marker CA15-3 in metastatic breast cancer. Original Research Article Fatima et al.; JCTI, 4(3): 1-12, 2016; Article no.JCTI. 28440 2 Methods: Hundred females of breast cancer (any age) with different stages of breast cancer with and without bone metastasis were tested for their serum level of CA 15-3 (biomarker of breast cancer). Bone scan was done to check the secondary metastasis to bones. Intravenous dye Ttechnicium 99 MDP has been used. Serum levels of ca15-3 were measured with the help of Gama Counter with computerized system and IRMA kit (Immunoradiometric Assay) by IMMUNOTECH. Ultrasound of whole abdomen and X ray/CT scan were used to detect liver and pulmonary metastasis respectively. Results: Results indicate a high statistical significant relationship between bone metastasis and elevated levels of tumor marker CA 15-3 in breast cancer patients. Elevated levels of tumor marker CA 15-3 is strongly correlated with positive bone scan. An elevated level of tumor marker CA 15-3 is also correlated with positive pulmonary metastasis CA 15-3 is highly sensitive to detect bone metastasis and also sensitive to detect pulmonary metastasis. A lesser extent of high CA 15-3 serum levels is determinant of liver metastasis. Bone scan is essential tool to detect bone metastasis but need assistance of chemical biomarkers. Conclusions: CA 15-3 as a tumor marker proved a help full determinant of tumor burden in metastatic breast cancer. Its significance is more to detect bone metastasis than to pulmonary and then to liver metastasis. Future studies upon CA15-3 in association with imaging techniques and other organ related specific tumor markers to detect specific metastasis or overall body tumor burden will be blessing for patients and physicians.
Racial/ethnic disparities in knowledge about risks and benefits of breast cancer treatment: does it matter where you go?

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between provider characteristics and treatment location and racial/ethnic minority patients' knowledge of breast cancer treatment risks and benefits. DATA SOURCES/DATA COLLECTION Survey responses and clinical data from breast cancer patients of Detroit and Los Angeles SEER registries were merged with surgeon survey responses (N=1,132 patients, 277 surgeons). STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. Multivariable regression was used to identify associations between patient, surgeon, and treatment setting factors and accurate knowledge of the survival benefit and recurrence risk related to mastectomy and breast conserving surgery with radiation. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Half (51 percent) of respondents had survival knowledge, while close to half (47.6 percent) were uncertain regarding recurrence knowledge. Minority patients and those with lower education were less likely to have adequate survival knowledge and more likely to be uncertain regarding recurrence risk than their counterparts (p<.001). Neither surgeon characteristics nor treatment location attenuated racial/ethnic knowledge disparities. Patient-physician communication was significantly (p<.001) associated with both types of knowledge, but did not influence racial/ethnic differences in knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to improve patient understanding of the benefits and risks of breast cancer treatments are needed across surgeons and treatment setting, particularly for racial/ethnic minority women with breast cancer.
A prospective study of water intake and subsequent risk of all-cause mortality in a national cohort.

BACKGROUND Water, an essential nutrient, is believed to be related to a variety of health outcomes. Published studies have examined the association of fluid or beverage intake with risk of mortality from coronary diseases, diabetes, or cancer, but few studies have examined the association of total water intake with all-cause mortality. OBJECTIVE We examined prospective risk of mortality from all causes in relation to intakes of total water and each of the 3 water sources. DESIGN We used public-domain, mortality-linked water intake data from the NHANES conducted in 1988-1994 and 1999-2004 for this prospective cohort study (n = 12,660 women and 12,050 men; aged ≥25 y). Mortality follow-up was completed through 31 December 2011. We used sex-specific Cox proportional hazards regression methods that were appropriate for complex surveys to examine the independent associations of plain water, beverage water, water in foods, and total water with multiple covariate-adjusted risk of mortality from all causes. RESULTS Over a median of 11.4 y of follow-up, 3504 men and 3032 women died of any cause in this cohort. In men, neither total water intake nor each of the individual water source variables (plain water, water in beverages, and water in foods) was independently related with risk of all-cause mortality. In women, risk of mortality increased slightly in the highest quartile of total or plain water intake but did not approach the Bonferroni-corrected level of significance of P < 0.002. CONCLUSIONS There was no survival advantage in association with higher total or plain water intake in men or women in this national cohort. The slight increase in risk of mortality noted in women with higher total and plain water intakes may be spurious and requires further investigation.
The relationship between traditional and digital media as an influence on generational consumer preference

Marketers, advertisers and media planners often turn to reliable data on target markets to make decisions regarding the selection and use of media, allowing practitioners to communicate the message optimally and cost-effectively to the target audience. Decisions in media planning and media selection are only possible if information on media use patterns is up-to-date. Hence, understanding media consumers allows marketers to tailor specifically to a target market. This article presents an initial inquiry into preferences between traditional media and digital (online) media. With a better understanding of consumer preference between traditional and digital media platforms, practitioners could significantly improve media allocation. By applying a uses and gratifications approach to the concept of media use, the author conducted a crosssectional questionnaire survey (n=558). A t-test analysis of the findings indicated a significant difference in time spent on traditional media (m=3.60) over time spent on digital media (m=2.63) (t(555) = 20.73, p < . 05). The results revealed differential patterns across different media (traditional and digital); differences are most often based on the demographic variables. The data indicated that statistically significant differences in media consumed are more a function of whether or not people are employed and have completed their studies than age group per se. Accurate audience measurement remains complex due to media consumers’ mobility and wide variety in the media environment. However, the findings can be used as a guideline for media planners and advertising agencies when planning to target an exact audience at the right time on the right platform.
Anomalous DC-current-induced attenuation of Q factor in a silicon contour mode micromechanical resonator

In this work, we report the experimental observation of quality factor (Q) variation in piezoresistively sensed silicon micromechanical resonators vibrating in a lateral contour mode. By fine tuning the bias current, the gradual descending and ascending trend of Q is distinctively observable. It shows a drastic drop in Q by nearly one order of magnitude (from 105 to 104) at a certain bias current level. The observed Q variation is replicable even when applying a capacitive sensing configuration with bias current running through. This anomaly is consistently detected from multiple die samples including resonators aligned along both <;110> and <;100> crystal orientations in the (100) plane. A detailed quantitative study is currently underway.
Evaluations on the Earning Quality of Listed Firms in Jordan

Earnings Quality is a crucial indicator of companies which may have negative earnings surprises and underperform due to high amounts of accruals. Earnings quality is a relative measure and as thus is interpreted relative to some benchmark. Numerous stakeholders including company’s managers, stock analysts, investor and other participants in capital market focus on the main figure of financial statements. To measure the earnings quality in context of Jordan this study adopted the methodology of IASB framework and based on five proxies we measured the earnings quality of listed firms in Jordan. The study has been divided into two phases, in the first phase of study we have determined the five proxies of earning quality based on the secondary data collected from Amman stock exchange while in the second phase of study we have measured the earning quality index to rank the firms based upon their earning quality. Results have revealed that in year 2012 Al-Kindi Pharmaceutical Industries Plc is ranked as best performed with the highest earning quality index score of 10.99. In year 2013 Jordan Cement Factories has highest earning quality index score which is 40.09, in 2014 National Steel Industry has highest earning quality index score which is 9.01. Finally, in year 2015 National Steel Industry has highest earning quality index score with value of 48.04. These analysis has indicated that overall earning quality of firms vary over the years. The study concludes with managerial implications and some suggestions for the future research.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in combination with or without variceal embolization for the prevention of variceal rebleeding: A meta‐analysis

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is the mainstay treatment option for the complications of portal hypertension. Whether or not variceal embolization should be performed during TIPS procedures remains controversial. A meta‐analysis to compare the incidence of shunt dysfunction, variceal rebleeding, encephalopathy, and death between patients treated with TIPS alone and those treated with TIPS combined with variceal embolization was conducted.
Tetragonal $\hbox{ZrO}_{2}/\hbox{Al}_{2}\hbox{O}_{3}$  Stack as High-$\kappa$ Gate Dielectric for Si-Based MOS Devices

Abstract-The combination of tetragonal ZrO<sub>2</sub> (t-ZrO<sub>2</sub>) and amorphous Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> was explored as the gate dielectric for Si-based MOS devices. Because of the absence of a ZrSiO<sub>4</sub> and/or ZrSi interfacial layer, the thermally stable t-ZrO<sub>2</sub>/Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/Si stack is more eligible than the Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/t-ZrO<sub>2</sub>/Si stack for the gate dielectric since it demonstrates larger capacitance, smaller hysteresis, better frequency dispersion, lower leakage current, and more robust reliability. By employing additional NH<sub>3</sub> plasma nitridation to well passivate the grain boundaries of the t-ZrO<sub>2</sub> film, without compromising its κ-value, a greatly reduced leakage current of 2.9 × 10<sup>-8</sup> A/cm<sup>2</sup> can be achieved at gate bias of flatband voltage (V<sub>fb</sub>)-1 V with an effective oxide thickness of 1.64 nm, which paves a new way to develop a high-performance crystalline gate dielectric for advanced MOS devices.
Systemin – a polypeptide defense signal in plants

Insect and pathogen attacks activate plant defense genes within minutes in nearby cells, and within hours in leaves far distant from the sites of the predator attacks. A search for signal molecules involved in both the localized and distal signalling has resulted in the identification of an 18‐amino‐acid polypeptide, called systemin, that activates defense genes in leaves of tomato plants when supplied at levels as low as fmols/plant. Several lines of evidence support a role for systemin as a wound hormone. As with animal polypeptide hormones, systemin is derived from a larger precursor protein, called prosystemin, by limited proteolysis. Systemin has been shown by autoradiography to be phloemmobile and, by antisense technology, to be an essential component of the wound‐inducible, systemic signal transduction system leading to the transcriptional activation of the defensive genes. A search for the receptor of systemin has led to the identification in plant plasma membranes of a systeminbinding protein. However, this protein has properties not of a receptor, but of a furin‐like proteinase that cleaves systemin into smaller polypeptides. Systemin and its precursor prosystemin provide prototypes for the emerging possibilities that polypeptide hormones may have broad roles in signalling environmental stress responses, and in regulating plant growth and development as well.
Extrapolation of Elementary Rate Constants of P-glycoprotein–Mediated Transport from MDCKII-hMDR1-NKI to Caco-2 Cells

The best parameters for incorporation into mechanistic physiologically based pharmacokinetic models for transporters are system-independent kinetic parameters and active (not total) transporter levels. Previously, we determined the elementary rate constants for P-glycoprotein (P-gp)–mediated transport (on- and off-rate constants from membrane to P-gp binding pocket and efflux rate constant into the apical chamber) using the structural mass action kinetic model in confluent MDCKII-hMDR1-NKI cell monolayers. In the present work, we extended the kinetic analysis to Caco-2 cells for the first time and showed that the elementary rate constants are very similar compared with MDCKII-hMDR1-NKI cells, suggesting they primarily depend on the interaction of the compound with P-gp and are therefore mostly independent of the in vitro system used. The level of efflux active (not total) P-gp is also fitted by our model. The estimated level of efflux active P-gp was 5.0 ± 1.4-fold lower in Caco-2 cells than in MDCKII-hMDR1-NKI cells. We also kinetically identified the involvement of a basolateral uptake transporter for both digoxin and loperamide in Caco-2 cells, as found previously in MDCKII-hMDR1-NKI cells, due to their low passive permeability. This demonstrates the value of our P-gp structural model as a diagnostic tool in detecting the importance of other transporters, which cannot be unambiguously done by the Michaelis-Menten approach. The system-independent elementary rate constants for P-gp obtained in vitro are more fundamental parameters than those obtained using Michaelis-Menten steady-state equations. This suggests they will be more robust mechanistic parameters for incorporation into physiologically based pharmacokinetic models for transporters.
Follow-up study of the importance of mapping technology knowledge and skills for entry-level forestry job positions, as deduced from recent job advertisements

The purpose of this investigation is to assess the importance of mapping technology knowledge and skills for entry-level forestry job candidates, based on relevant job advertisements made available through the Internet. The study assumes that an expectation of the relevant details regarding educational background and desired work experience of an entry-level forestry position would be evident in a job advertisement. One hundred and seventy-two (172) job advertisements were collected from 91 employment and recruitment Internet sites over a six-month period of time beginning on March 30, 2017 and ending on September 30, 2017. Using a summative content analysis approach, we analyzed the word/phrase frequency of use of mapping technology requirements in these job advertisements. Employers placed greatest emphasis on knowledge and skill related to geographic information systems. The results indicate that over half of the entry-level forestry job advertisements required candidates to possess knowledge (24.4%) or skill (26.2%) related to geographic information systems (GIS). Over one-quarter of the advertisements suggested knowledge (10.5%) or skill (16.9%) of global positioning systems (GPS) was important. Only one GIS system was specifically mentioned in the job advertisements. Knowledge and skill related to the use of a compass, aerial images, and in a broader sense, remote sensing were mentioned in much lower frequencies. We observed some differences with respect to the type of forestry organization seeking job applicants (public and private), and the region in which the job being offered was situated.
MR-directed ("Second-Look") ultrasound examination for breast lesions detected initially on MRI: MR and sonographic findings.

OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to assess the clinical utility of MR-directed ("second-look") ultrasound examination to search for breast lesions detected initially on MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review was performed of the records of 158 consecutive patients (202 lesions) with breast abnormalities initially detected on MRI between July 2003 and May 2006. All lesions were detected as enhancing findings on a dynamic contrast MR study and were subsequently evaluated with ultrasound. Ultrasound was performed using MR images as a guide to lesion location, size, and morphology. Pathology findings were confirmed by subsequent percutaneous biopsy or lesion excision. Imaging follow-up was used for probably benign lesions, which were not biopsied. RESULTS Of the 202 MRI-detected lesions, ultrasound correlation was made in 115 (57%) including 33 malignant lesions and 82 benign lesions. The remaining 87 lesions were not sonographically correlated and included 11 malignant lesions and 76 nonmalignant lesions. Mass lesions identified on MRI were more likely to have a sonographic correlate than nonmasslike lesions (65% vs 12%, respectively); malignant mass lesions were more likely to show an ultrasound correlation (85%). The malignant lesions with successful sonographic correlation tended to present with subtle sonographic findings. CONCLUSION MR-directed ultrasound of MRI-detected lesions was useful for decision making as part of the diagnostic workup. Malignant lesions were likely to have an ultrasound correlate, especially when they presented as masses on MRI. However, the sonographic findings of these lesions were often subtle, and careful scanning technique was needed for successful MRI-ultrasound correlation.