Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Antibacterial, Antifungal and Anti-HIV Evaluation of Schiff and Mannich Bases of Isatin and its Derivatives with Triazole

Summary Isatin (indole 2,3-dione) and its 5-chloro and 5-bromo derivatives have been reacted with 3-(4’-pyridyl)-4-amino-5-mercapto-4-(H)-1,2,4-triazole to form Schiff bases and the N-Mannich bases of these compounds were synthesised by reacting them with formaldehyde and several secondary amines. Their chemical structures have been confirmed by means of their IR, 1H-NMR data and by elemental analysis. Investigation of antimicrobial activity of compounds was done by agar dilution method against 27 pathogenic bacteria, 8 pathogenic fungi and anti-HIV activity against replication of HIV-1 (III B) in MT-4 cells. Among the compounds tested 1-(piperidinomethyl) 5-bromo 3-[3’-(4”-pyridyl)-5’-mercapto-4’-(H) 1’,2’,4’-triazol 4’-yl]imino isatin showed the most favourable antimicrobial activity.
Identification of dihydropyrimidinase‐related protein 4 as a novel target of the p53 tumor suppressor in the apoptotic response to DNA damage

The p53 tumor suppressor gene, which is frequently mutated in a wide variety of tumors, plays an important role in maintaining genomic integrity. Following genotoxic insults, the protein level of p53 is increased, and p53 functions as a sequence‐specific transcription factor that regulates the expression of downstream target genes required for cell cycle arrest, DNA repair or apoptosis. However, the mechanism for p53‐inducible apoptosis remains largely unclear. To search novel downstream targets of p53 on apoptosis, we had carried out microarray analysis. We identified dihydropyrimidinase‐related protein (DPYSL) 4 gene, which was upregulated by overexpressing p53 in p53‐deficient cells. Both mRNA and protein expressions of DPYSL4 were specifically induced by anticancer agents in p53‐proficient cells. Further analyses demonstrated that DPYSL4 was a direct target for p53. We also found that genotoxic‐induced apoptosis was repressed in cells silenced for DPYSL4. These findings indicate that DPYSL4 is a novel apoptosis‐inducible factor controlled by p53 in response to DNA damage.
Iron and Vitamin D Deficiency in Healthy Young Children in Western Europe Despite Current Nutritional Recommendations

Background and aim: Iron deficiency (ID) and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) are the 2 most common micronutrient deficiencies in young children worldwide and may lead to impaired neurodevelopment and rickets, respectively. Risk factors for ID and VDD differ between populations. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for ID and VDD in 12- to 36-month-old children in Western Europe. Methods: This study took place in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom from 2012 to 2014. A venous blood sample was taken to establish iron and vitamin D status. ID was defined as serum ferritin <12 &mgr;g/L in the absence of infection (high sensitivity C-reactive protein <10 mg/L). VDD was defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D <50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL). Furthermore, parents were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding their child's demographic- and socioeconomic characteristics, food intake, sun exposure, and medical history. Results: In 325 children (white race 95%, boys 56%, mean age 20.7 months) the overall prevalence of ID and VDD was 11.8% and 22.8%, respectively. The use of primarily cow's milk as major type of milk was associated with ID (odds ratio [OR] 3.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–8.53) and VDD (OR 7.17, 95% CI 3.10–16.57). The use of vitamin D supplements (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07–0.56) was associated with a lower prevalence of VDD. Conclusion: Despite current nutritional recommendations, ID and VDD are common in healthy young white children. Health programs focusing on adequate iron and vitamin D intake at an early age should be implemented to prevent deficiencies.
Acute on chronic liver failure because of acute hepatic insults: Etiologies, course, extrahepatic organ failure and predictors of mortality

Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) because of precipitating factors (variceal bleed/infections) identifies cirrhotics at risk for high short‐term mortality. Information on ACLF because of acute hepatic insults is lacking. The aim of the study was to evaluate acute hepatic insults in ACLF and their effect on the course and outcome.
THE EFFECTS OF ADVERTISING ON CYPRIOT CONSUMER

There are many ways to look at advertising that are as a business, a creative communication process, a social phenomenon, and a fundamental ingredient of the organization system. Advertising has existed for decades, and as time goes by, more and more advertising mediums are discovered where companies can invest to promote their products and hopefully to influence the consumers to purchase their product. Consumers are exposed to thousands of advertising everyday and thousands of products, whether advertising achieves in persuading these consumers to purchase their product remains a great mystery. This study examines consumers’ perception and attitude towards advertising through a questionnaire survey. Specifically, this study is concentrated in three hypothesis questions. First, consumers are asked if they ignore advertising in general such as billboard advertisements, radio advertisements, internet advertisements, and TV advertisements. It also examines which of these advertising mediums are the most popular. Second, this research examines whether or not other marketing tools except advertising lead to increase in sales. Particularly, this study examines the impact of special offers, packaging, and testing the product before purchase on Cypriot consumer behaviour. Third, this research examines whether or not advertising generates sales from the majority of the Cypriot consumers. Exclusively, for this hypothesis, this research examines in what degree advertising persuades, influence, and informs Cypriot consumers to buy products.
Assessment of the soil CO 2 gradient method for soil CO 2 efflux measurements : comparison of six models in the calculation of the relative gas diffusion coefficient By NATC

This paper uses a refined soil gradient method to estimate soil CO2 efflux. Six different models are used to determine the relative gas diffusion coefficient (ξ ). A weighted harmonic averaging is used to estimate the soil CO2 diffusion coefficient, yielding a better estimate of soil CO2 efflux. The resulting soil CO2 efflux results are then compared to the soil CO2 efflux measured with a soil chamber. Depending on the choice of ξ model used, the estimated soil CO2 efflux using the gradient method reasonably approximates the efflux obtained using the soil chamber method. In addition, the estimated soil CO2 efflux obtained by this improved method is well described by an exponential function of soil temperature at a depth of 0.05 m with the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of 1.81 and a linear function of soil moisture at a depth of 0.12 m, in general agreement with previous findings. These results suggest that the gradient method is a practical cost-effective means to measure soil CO2 emissions. Results from the present study suggest that the gradient method can be used successfully to measure soil CO2 efflux provided that proper attention is paid to the judicious use of the proper diffusion coefficient.
4×25-Gbit/s, 1.3-μm, monolithically integrated light source for 100-Gbit/s Ethernet

We have developed 4×25-Gbit/s, 1.3-μm, monolithically integrated light source for 100-Gbit/s Ethernet (100GBASE-LR4) for the first time. Error-free transmission of 10-km on SMF under 100-Gbit/s (4×25-Gbit/s simultaneous) operation is demonstrated.
Nuclear-structure corrections to estimates of the spin-dependent WIMP-nucleus cross section.

Using the nuclear shell model we calculate the correction factor to the single-particle estimate of the spin-dependent elastic cross section on nuclei of dark matter. Our analysis shows that, depending upon the nucleus, the single-particle estimate of the figure of merit as defined by Ellis and Flores must be corrected by a factor which may be as large as an order of magnitude.
Negating Tissue Contracture Improves Volume Maintenance and Longevity of In Vivo Engineered Tissues

Background: Engineering large, complex tissues in vivo requires robust vascularization to optimize survival, growth, and function. Previously, the authors used a “chamber” model that promotes intense angiogenesis in vivo as a platform for functional three-dimensional muscle and renal engineering. A silicone membrane used to define the structure and to contain the constructs is successful in the short term. However, over time, generated tissues contract and decrease in size in a manner similar to capsular contracture seen around many commonly used surgical implants. The authors hypothesized that modification of the chamber structure or internal surface would promote tissue adherence and maintain construct volume. Methods: Three chamber configurations were tested against volume maintenance. Previously studied, smooth silicone surfaces were compared to chambers modified for improved tissue adherence, with multiple transmembrane perforations or lined with a commercially available textured surface. Tissues were allowed to mature long term in a rat model, before analysis. Results: On explantation, average tissue masses were 49, 102, and 122 mg; average volumes were 74, 158 and 176 &mgr;l; and average cross-sectional areas were 1.6, 6.7, and 8.7 mm2 for the smooth, perforated, and textured groups, respectively. Both perforated and textured designs demonstrated significantly greater measures than the smooth-surfaced constructs in all respects. Conclusions: By modifying the design of chambers supporting vascularized, three-dimensional, in vivo tissue engineering constructs, generated tissue mass, volume, and area can be maintained over a long time course. Successful progress in the scale-up of construct size should follow, leading to improved potential for development of increasingly complex engineered tissues.
Incidence of septic and thromboembolic‐related deaths after splenectomy in adults

In a review of 37012 autopsies over the last 20 years 202 deceased adults who had had a splenectomy were investigated. The incidence of infections and thromboembolic complications related to death in these patients was compared with that of a matched deceased population (n = 403) who had not undergone splenectomy. Death‐related pneumonia was diagnosed frequently in the splenectomy group and to a lesser extent in the control group (57.9 versus 24.7 percent, P < 0.001). Lethal sepsis with multiple organ failure occurred in 6.9 per cent of the splenectomy group and in 1.5 per cent of the controls (P < 0.001). Purulent pyelonephritis was observed in 7.9 per cent of the splenectomy group and was significantly more frequent than in the control group with its rate of 2.2 per cent (P < 0.001). Finally, pulmonary embolism was the major or a contributory cause of death more often in the splenectomy group than in the control group (35.6 versus 9.7 per cent, P < 0.001). We conclude that splenectomy generates a considerable life‐long risk of severe infection and of thromboembolism.
Serum Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis in Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, and Renal Transplantation Patients

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate thiol/disulfide homeostasis as an oxidative stress parameter in end-stage renal disease patients receiving different substitutive therapies. MATERIAL and METHODS: Twenty-four renal transplantation (46.2±8.1 years), 24 peritoneal dialysis (47.8±8.5 years), and 25 hemodialysis patients (45.7±16.0 years), and 24 healthy controls (47.6±8.1 years) were included. Serum native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide levels were measured for all subjects. RESULTS: Serum total thiol and native thiol levels in the ESRD patients were significantly lower than those in the controls (P<0.001). Native and total thiol levels were significantly lower in PD (256 ± 45 μmol/L, and 287 ± 57 μmol/L) compared to HD (324 ± 44 μmol/L and 356 ± 46 μmol/L) group (p<0.01 and p=0.03). Disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol levels increased significantly in the PD and transplantation patients compared to control group (P<0.001). Positive correlation was observed between total thiols (r= 0.491 P<0.001), disulfide/native thiol ratio (r=0.383, P<0.001), and blood urea nitrogen; disulfide levels and blood urea nitrogen showed a negative correlation (-0.415, P<0.001). Disulfide levels and glomerular filtration rate showed a positive correlation (r=0.276, P=0.030). CONCLUSION: Serum thiol/disulfide homeostasis can be an indicator of oxidative stress in end-stage renal disease and that thiol/disulfide homeostasis analysis should be included in the routine monitoring of end-stage renal disease patients. KEy wORDS: Hemodialysis, Peritoneal dialysis, Renal transplantation
Predictive value of human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with radiotherapy: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of 30 trials

Human papillomavirus–positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is emerging as a different subtype of head and neck cancer. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine the predictive role of HPV in patients with OSCC treated with radiotherapy‐based modality therapy.
The effect of neoplasia or pregnancy on the tissue desoxypentosenucleic acid.

The specific activity of desoxypentosenucleic acid was measured in the liver, spleen, kidneys, and small intestines of ( a ) A strain mice bearing bilateral transplants of Strong's mammary carcinoma, ( b ) pregnant mice, ( c ) Slonaker rats with bilateral lymphosarcomas. It was also measured in the liver and spleen of pregnant rats. In all groups investigated the specific activity of the desoxypentosenucleic acid of the liver, spleen, and kidneys was found to be higher than that of the controls. In the small intestines no appreciable rise was noted. In the mice bearing mammary carcinoma the specific activity of the desoxypentosenucleic acid of the liver shows a clear relationship to the age of the tumor. Inconclusive attempts were made to find some agent which might cause this rise in specific activity of DNA.
Variations in health and health behaviors by nativity among pregnant Black women in Philadelphia.

OBJECTIVES We compared health behaviors and health outcomes among US-born, African-born, and Caribbean-born pregnant Black women and examined whether sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics explained differences among these population subgroups. METHODS We analyzed data from a prospective cohort study conducted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a series of nested logistic regression models predicting tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use and measures of physical and mental health. RESULTS Foreign-born Black women were significantly less likely to engage in substance use and had better self-rated physical and mental health than did native-born Black women. These findings were largely unchanged by adjustment for sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics. The foreign-born advantage varied by place of birth: it was somewhat stronger for African-born women than for Caribbean-born women. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are needed to gain a better understanding of the role of immigrant selectivity and other characteristics that contribute to more favorable health behaviors and health outcomes among foreign-born Blacks than among native-born Blacks in the United States.
Retinoic acid inhibits chondrogenesis of mesenchymal cells by sustaining expression of N‐cadherin and its associated proteins

Retinoic acid (RA) is a well‐known regulator of chondrocyte phenotype. RA inhibits chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal cells and also causes loss of differentiated chondrocyte phenotype. The present study investigated the mechanisms underlying RA regulation of chondrogenesis. RA treatment in chondrifying mesenchymal cells did not affect precartilage condensation, but blocked progression from precartilage condensation to cartilage nodule formation. This inhibitory effect of RA was independent of protein kinase C and extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase, which are positive and negative regulators of cartilage nodule formation, respectively. The progression from precartilage condensation to cartilage nodule requires downregulation of N‐cadherin expression. However, RA treatment caused sustained expression of N‐cadherin and its associated proteins including α‐ and β‐catenin suggesting that modulation of expression of these molecules is associated with RA‐induced inhibition of chondrogenesis. This hypothesis was supported by the observation that disruption of the actin cytoskeleton by cytochalasin D (CD) blocks RA‐induced sustained expression of cell adhesion molecules and overcomes RA‐induced inhibition of chondrogenesis. Taken together, our results suggest RA inhibits chondrogenesis by stabilizing cell‐to‐cell interactions at the post‐precartilage condensation stage. J. Cell. Biochem. 89: 837–847, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 protects against aging-associated mitochondrial dysfunction in platelets and hippocampi of SAMP8 mice

Standardized Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb761, has been shown to possess polyvalent properties, such as anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammation. Recently, it has also been proposed to have direct protective effects on mitochondria. The effects of EGb761 make it a potential anti-aging drug. Despite that, the ‘anti-aging’ effect of EGb761, particularly its effect on the central nervous system, is still inconclusive. Using two age groups (3-week-old and 40-week-old) of SAMP8 mice (a senescence-accelerated strain of mice), the effects of EGb761 on mitochondrial function in platelets and hippocampi were investigated in this study. It was found that mitochondrial functions, evaluated as cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity, mitochondrial ATP (adenosine-5′-triphosphate) content and mitochondrial glutathione (GSH) content, decreased with age. EGb761 protected against mitochondrial dysfunction in platelets of young and old mice, suggesting a peripheral effect of this herb in the prevention and treatment of age-associated degeneration. In contrast, in hippocampi, protective effects of EGb761 were observed only in the old mice, probably due to an age-associated increase in the permeability of the blood brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, while EGb761 has a potential anti-aging effect, its central effect can be affected by in vivo factors such as the BBB permeability. A better understanding of the in vivo pharmacological actions of EGb761 may contribute to a better understanding of the effectiveness and complexity of this drug.
Effects of Hysterectomy on Pelvic Floor Disorders: A Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND: Hysterectomy might adversely affect pelvic floor functions and result in many different symptoms, such as urinary and anal incontinence, obstructed defecation, and constipation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the influence of hysterectomy on pelvic floor disorders. DESIGN: This was a prospective and longitudinal study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at the Ankara University Department of Surgery and the Dr Zekai Tahir Burak Women’s Health Research and Education Hospital between September 2008 and March 2011. PATIENTS: The study was performed on patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign pathologies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A questionnaire about urinary incontinence (International Continence Society scoring), anal incontinence, constipation, and obstructed defecation (Rome criteria and constipation severity score), along with an extensive obstetric history, was administered preoperatively and postoperatively annually for 4 years. RESULTS: Patients (N = 327) who had completed each of the 4 annual postoperative follow-ups were included in this study. Compared with the preoperative observations, the occurrence of each symptom was significantly increased at each of the follow-up years (p < 0.001). Over the 4 postoperative years, the frequencies for constipation (n = 245) were 7.8%, 8.2%, 8.6%, and 5.3%; those for obstructed defecation (n = 269) were 4.5%, 5.2%, 4.1%, and 3.0%; those for anal incontinence (n = 252) were 4.8%, 6.3%, 6.0%, and 5.2%, and those for urinary incontinence (n = 99) were 12.1%, 12.1%, 11.1%, and 13.1%. In addition, patients who had no preoperative symptom (n = 70) from any of the selected symptoms showed a postoperative occurrence of at least 1 of these symptoms of 15.8%, 14.3%, 11.4%, and 8.6% for the postoperative years 1, 2, 3, and 4. LIMITATIONS: Although the study had several limitations, no comparison with a control population was the most important one. CONCLUSIONS: Hysterectomy for benign gynecologic pathologies had a significant negative impact on pelvic floor functions in patients who had no previous symptoms.
Age- and Sex-Specific Cancer Prevention and Screening Practices Among Asian Indian Immigrants in the United States

Objective The objective was to examine age- and sex-specific cancer prevention and screening practices among 1820 Asian Indian (AI) adults in the United States using items from the 2000 National Health Interview Survey Cancer Control Topical Module. Methods A cross-sectional study of 1820 randomly selected AIs living in 7 US cities. Data were collected via telephone interviews by trained multilingual AI staff; the response rate was 62%. The primary outcome variables were age- and sex-specific cancer screening behaviors. Results Most of the AIs are men, married, educated, and with some form of health insurance. One fifth reported a family history of cancer. Adherence to mammography, Papanicolaou test, and clinical breast examination was higher in contrast to low rates of breast self-examination in women. Similarly, men reported low clinical testicular examination and fecal occult blood test, although prostate-specific antigen screening was higher than the reported rates among Asian Americans. Men were more likely to get a colonoscopy than women. The length of time in the United States had a relatively weak effect, and a family history of cancer had a moderate effect on screening behavior. Education and access to health care increased the odds (2-6 times) of cancer screening in AI men and women. Conclusions Cancer screening varies by educational level, years lived in the United States, and access to health care, among AIs living in the United States. Differences in sociodemographic factors should be considered to predict adherence to cancer screening guidelines and also be factored into patient education in this ethnic subgroup.
Numerical Study on CO 2 Pollution in an D Zohreh Orshesh Ignition Chamber by Oxygen Enrichment

In this study, a 3D combustion chamber was simulated using FLUENT 6.32. Aims to obtain accurate information about the profile of the combustion in the furnace and also check the effect of oxygen enrichment on the combustion process. Oxygen enrichment is an effective way to reduce combustion pollutant. The flow rate of air to fuel ratio is varied as 1.3, 3.2 and 5.1 and the oxygen enriched flow rates are 28, 54 and 68 lit/min. Combustion simulations typically involve the solution of the turbulent flows with heat transfer, species transport and chemical reactions. It is common to use the Reynolds-averaged form of the governing equation in conjunction with a suitable turbulence model. The 3D Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) equations with standard k-ε turbulence model are solved together by Fluent 6.3 software. First order upwind scheme is used to model governing equations and the SIMPLE algorithm is used as pressure velocity coupling. Species mass fractions at the wall are assumed to have zero normal gradients.Results show that minimum mole fraction of CO2 happens when the flow rate ratio of air to fuel is 5.1. Additionally, in a fixed oxygen enrichment condition, increasing the air to fuel ratio will increase the temperature peak. As a result, oxygen-enrichment can reduce the CO2 emission at this kind of furnace in high air to fuel rates. Keywords—Combustion chamber, Oxygen enrichment, Reynolds Averaged NavierStokes, CO2 emission