Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tricetin suppresses the migration/invasion of human glioblastoma multiforme cells by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-2 through modulation of the expression and transcriptional activity of specificity protein 1

Objective: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a severely invasive tumor that can be fatal because it is difficult to treat. Tricetin, a natural flavonoid, was demonstrated to inhibit the growth of various cancers, but the effect of tricetin on cancer motility is largely unknown. Research design and methods: In the present study, we examined the anti-invasive properties of tricetin in huwman GBM cells. Results: Our results showed that tricetin inhibited the migration/invasion of two GBM cell lines. We found that tricetin inhibited MMP-2 expression in the GBM cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and promoter activity assays indicated that tricetin inhibited MMP-2 expression at the transcriptional level. Such inhibitory effects were associated with the suppression of specificity protein-1 (SP-1) DNA-binding activity. An examination of clinical samples revealed a positive correlation between SP-1 and MMP-2 in glioma specimens, and higher expression levels were correlated with a worse probability of survival. Moreover, blocking the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway also inhibited MMP-2-mediated cell motility, and further enhanced the anti-invasive ability of tricetin in GBM cells. Conclusions: SP-1 is an important target of tricetin for suppressing MMP-2-mediated cell motility in GBM cells, and a combination of tricetin and an ERK inhibitor may be a good strategy for preventing GBM invasion.
Corporate economic performance: Diversification strategy versus market structure

This paper incorporates both diversification strategy and market structure variables in a study of corporate economic performance. A subsample of 128 firms from Rumelt's 1974 study was updated and utilized to investigate the possibility that market structure variables might moderate or confound the diversification/performance relationship he reported. Study results indicate that performance differences could be demonstrated for some of Rumelt's categories, but, across the range of categories, a hypothesis of performance differences was rejected. As expected, categories associated with distinctly high or distinctly low economic performance were also associated with significant differences in a series of market structure variables.
Exposure–response analyses of liraglutide 3.0 mg for weight management

Liraglutide 3.0 mg, an acylated GLP‐1 analogue approved for weight management, lowers body weight through decreased energy intake. We conducted exposure‐response analyses to provide important information on individual responses to given drug doses, reflecting inter‐individual variations in drug metabolism, absorption and excretion.
Kinesio Taping in patients with lumbar disc herniation: A randomised, controlled, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) causes pain and working day loss when activated. Patients spend most of their time in the hospital. And also it may limit patients' daily living activities. Kinesio Taping (KT) is a method that can be easily applied to the patients and does not interfere with their daily activities or movements of body. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the effects of KT in patients with low back pain due to LDH. METHODS Randomised-placebo controlled double blind clinical trial. Sixty Patients with low back pain due to LDH were randomised as KT group or placebo taping group. Taping was performed once a week for three weeks. Patients were followed up during twelve weeks. Numeric rating scale (NRS), lumbar flexion, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and paracetamol tablets taken were used for outcome measurements. RESULTS Demographic and clinical features of the groups were similar. There were significant improvements in all parameters during intervention period in groups. Improvements in NRS-activity, HAQ and ODI continued to twelfth weeks only in KT group. In KT group, analgesic need was significantly less at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS KT reduced analgesic need of patients with LDH when compared with placebo taping.
Synthesis and classification of periodic motion trajectories of the swinging spring load

The study of possibilities of geometric modeling of non-chaotic periodic paths of motion of a load of a swinging spring and its variants has been continued. In literature, a swinging spring is considered as a kind of mathematical pendulum which consists of a point load attached to a massless spring. The second end of the spring is fixed motionless. Pendular oscillations of the spring in a vertical plane are considered in conditions of maintaining straightness of its axis. The searched path of the spring load was modeled using Lagrange second-degree equations. Urgency of the topic is determined by the need to study conditions of dissociation from chaotic oscillations of elements of mechanical structures including springs, namely definition of rational parameter values to provide periodic paths of their oscillations. Swinging springs can be used as mechanical illustrations in the study of complex technological processes of dynamic systems when nonlinearly coupled oscillatory components of the system exchange energy with each other. The obtained results make it possible to add periodic curves as «parameters» in a graphic form to the list of numerical parameters of the swinging spring. That is, to determine numerical values of the parameters that would ensure existence of a predetermined form of the periodic path of motion of the spring load. An example of calculation of the load mass was considered based on the known stiffness of the spring, its length without load, initial conditions of initialization of oscillations as well as (attention! ) the form of periodic path of this load. Periodic paths of the load motion for the swinging spring modifications (such as suspension to the movable carriage whose axis coincides with the mathematical pendulum) and two swinging springs with a common moving load and with different mounting points were obtained. The obtained results are illustrated by computer animation of oscillations of corresponding swinging springs and their varieties. The results can be used as a paradigm for studying nonlinear coupled systems as well as for calculation of variants of mechanical devices where springs influence oscillation of their elements and in cases when it is necessary to separate from chaotic motions of loads and provide periodic paths of their motion in technologies using mechanical devices
Mentoring K Scholars: Strategies to Support Research Mentors

The goal of this paper is to present strategies utilized to support K scholar research mentors. K scholars are generally assistant professors who are close to developing independent research programs. Of all the various types of mentees, K scholars offer the greatest challenges, as well as the greatest rewards, for research mentors. To see one’s mentee achieve independent PI status and become an established investigator is one of the great joys of being a research mentor. Research mentors for K scholars, however, may not directly benefit from their mentoring relationship, neither in terms of obtaining data to support their research program or laboratory, nor in assistance with grants or scientific papers. There is a pressing need for the research community to address the workload, institutional expectations, and reward system for research mentors. The dearth of research mentors and role models in clinical translational science parallels the decreasing number of physicians choosing careers in clinical research. While there is limited empirical information on the effectiveness of mentor support mechanisms, this white paper concludes that providing mentor support is critical to expanding the available pool of mentors, as well as providing training opportunities for K scholars. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 199–203
On Knowledge Reduction In Inconsistent Decision Information Systems

Due to issues such as noise in data, compact representation and prediction capability, many types of knowledge reduction and decision rules have been proposed and applied in inconsistent decision information systems. It is thus important to clarify the interrelationships among the existing types of knowledge reduction. In this paper, the relationships, particularly those suggested in [1], are reconsidered and rectified, and some related results are theoretically improved. In terms of two new types of reducts proposed in this paper together with other existing ones, the method for optimizing all types of decision rules is also discussed in details.
Nivel de adherencia al tratamiento y el control glucémico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 descontrolados

Antecedentes: La falta de adherencia al tratamiento es un problema de tal magnitud que la Organizacion Mundial de la Salud (OMS) la considera un tema prioritario de salud publica, y, por tanto, deben emprenderse acciones para su prevencion y control. Objetivo: Evaluar el nivel de adherencia al tratamiento y el control glucemico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) descontrolados, despues de una intervencion educativa. Diseno: Estudio cuasi experimental comparativo. Material y metodos: Pacientes diabeticos descontrolados del Modulo de Diabetes de la Clinica de Medicina Familiar (CMF) «Dr. Ignacio Chavez», del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE). Hubo dos grupos de trabajo segun la adherencia al tratamiento: pacientes con baja adherencia o sin ella, con aplicacion de intervencion educativa, y pacientes con alta adherencia, o grupo control, sin intervencion. En ambos grupos se realizo una evaluacion inicial del nivel de adherencia, hemoglobina glucosilada, peso y circunferencia del abdomen, asi como un seguimiento durante tres meses y mediciones finales. Se utilizo la t de Student, con un nivel de significancia de 0.05. Se uso el programa estadistico SPSS, version 17. Resultados: Se incluyeron 33 pacientes en el grupo problema y 17 controles. En el primero, se obtuvo una diferencia con significancia en todas las variables analizadas, excepto el peso, y en el grupo control solo se obtuvo diferencia significativa en la HbA1c. Conclusiones: Al incidir sobre el factor de la adherencia, se obtuvieron resultados favorables sobre algunos de los parametros utilizados para evaluar el control glucemico
Leisure time and social activity after a newly diagnosed unprovoked epileptic seizure in adult age. A population‐based case–referent study

Purpose– To investigate leisure time activity and factors that influence it in an adult cohort having newly diagnosed unprovoked epileptic seizures. Patients and methods– A cohort of 62 patients ≥17 years with a newly diagnosed unprovoked epileptic seizure during 1985–87 and 93 sex‐ and age‐matched referents were followed up regarding leisure time activity, marital status and driver's license for 10 years till 1996. Data were questionnaire derived. Results– Patients became significantly less physically active, traveled abroad less often and were generally less active during their leisure time than referents. No other significant differences were observed. Conclusion– After a newly diagnosed unprovoked epileptic seizure in adult age, most leisure time activities, marital status and holding of driver's license are not affected. Patients become physically less active than referents. The role of seizures for this difference is unclear and other medical and social factors should be considered.
Effects of sex and hypertension subtype on haemodynamics and left ventricular diastolic function in older patients with stage 1 hypertension

Background: Hypertension is associated with cardiovascular stiffening and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, leading to comorbidities such as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). It is unknown whether sex and hypertension subtype affect haemodynamics and left ventricular function in older individuals. Methods: Ninety-five older patients with Stage 1 hypertension (ambulatory awake SBP135–159 mmHg) and 56 normotensive controls were enrolled. Patients were stratified prospectively into isolated systolic hypertension (ISH, DBP <85 mmHg) or systolic-diastolic hypertension (SDH, DBP ≥85 mmHg). Haemodynamics and Doppler variables including early filling (E) and averaged mitral annular (E′mean) velocities were measured during supine rest. Results: Ambulatory awake blood pressures (BPs) were the highest in SDH, whereas supine SBP was similar in both hypertensive groups. No sex difference was observed in supine or ambulatory awake BPs in all groups. Stroke volume was similar among groups within the same sex, but smaller in women. Women exhibited faster E, slower E′mean and greater E/E′mean, whereas no group difference was observed in E within the same sex. In women, E′mean was significantly slower in SDH (5.9 ± 1.6 vs. 7.4 ± 1.1 cm/s, P < 0.01) and ISH (6.6 ± 1.6 cm/s, P = 0.07) than controls, resulting in the highest E/E′mean in SDH. In men, E′mean and E/E′mean were similar among the three groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that elderly hypertensive women may have left ventricular early diastolic dysfunction and higher estimated filling pressure, consistent with their susceptibility to HFpEF. Women with SDH seemed to have more left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, which might be explained by the greater cumulative afterload when ambulatory.
Palatal changes of reverse smokers in a rural coastal Andhra population with review of literature

Aim: To investigate and record the palatal changes in individuals habituated to reverse chutta smoking in rural coastal Andhra population. Materials and Methods: Sixty individuals out of whom 47 females and 13 males habituated to reverse smoking with no other tobacco and alcohol habits and no other systemic disturbances were selected. The palatal changes were recorded by six examiners. Database were searched for the following terms “reverse smokers,” “nicotina palatini” and “palatal lesions. ” Results: The mean and percentage prevalence of the each lesion recorded and agreed by six examiners among 60 subjects showed presence of 87.77% hyperpigmented areas, 64.44% depigmented areas, 51.66% excrescences, 32.22% potentially malignant lesions and 9.72% frank ulcerations. Conclusion: Reverse smoking is an endemic tobacco habit still practiced in the coastal rural Andhra Pradesh. It is a well-established and socially acceptable habit among adult females. The changes recorded clinically shows characteristic features that are unique among this population group.
The Bioactivity and Photocatalytic Properties of Titania Nanotube Coatings Produced with the Use of the Low-Potential Anodization of Ti6Al4V Alloy Surface

Titania nanotube (TNT) coatings were produced using low-potential anodic oxidation of Ti6Al4V substrates in the potential range 3–20 V. They were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The wettability was estimated by measuring the contact angle when applying water droplets. The bioactivity of the TNT coatings was established on the basis of the biointegration assay (L929 murine fibroblasts adhesion and proliferation) and antibacterial tests against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213). The photocatalytic efficiency of the TNT films was studied by the degradation of methylene blue under UV irradiation. Among the studied coatings, the TiO2 nanotubes obtained with the use of 5 V potential (TNT5) were found to be the most appropriate for medical applications. The TNT5 sample possessed antibiofilm properties without enriching it by additional antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, it was characterized by optimal biocompatibility, performing better than pure Ti6Al4V alloy. Moreover, the same sample was the most photocatalytically active and exhibited the potential for the sterilization of implants with the use of UV light and for other environmental applications.
[Effects and holding time of hyperbaric oxygen on human severe periodontitis].

OBJECTIVE This paper studied the therapeutic effects and holding time of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on human severe periodontitis. METHODS 30 cases with periodontitis were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups, i.e. the HBO group and control group. For HBO group, they were exposed to a pressure of 0.25 MPa. For control group, they were rinsed with gargle. Gingival indices (GI), sulcus bleeding indices (SBI), plaque index (PLI), probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL) and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were measured during both the first and last clinical visits, and 1 year after HBO therapy. The gingival blood flow (GBF) were measured by Laser Doppler Flowmeter. RESULTS HBO can decrease GI of patients with periodontitis by 1.1 decrease SBI by 1.2, lower PD and AL by 0.7 mm, decrease the volume of GCF by 2.0, and significant differences could be seen in the above indices between pre and post HBO therapy. The GBF had a 1.8 folds increase after HBO exposure. GI and SBI one year after HBO therapy were larger than that of the time after HBO therapy. There were no significant differences in the PLI, PD, AL, GCF, GBF between post HBO therapy and 1 year after HBO therapy. CONCLUSION HBO had good therapeutic effects on human severe periodontitis, the effects can keep more than 1 year.
What Determines Local Governments' Cost-efficiency? The Case of Road Maintenance

Kalb A. What determines local governments' cost-efficiency? The case of road maintenance, Regional Studies. This paper investigates the determinants of local governments' cost-efficiency in road maintenance for a panel of German counties using a broad variety of estimation approaches. More specifically, efficiency indices were calculated using non-parametric and parametric reference technologies, and were examined by estimating and comparing four different regression models. The results show that the disposable income of the counties' citizens, intergovernmental grants and the municipalities' payments to the counties influence efficiency negatively. Concerning political variables the results show weak evidence that efficiency decreases with an increasing share of seats of left-wing parties in the county council.
PSD‐95 regulates synaptic transmission and plasticity in rat cerebral cortex

PSD‐95 is one of the most abundant proteins found in the postsynaptic density of excitatory synapses. However, the precise functional role played by PSD‐95 in regulating synaptic transmission and plasticity remains undefined. To address this issue, we have overexpressed PSD‐95 in cortical pyramidal neurons in organotypic brain slices using particle‐mediated gene transfer and assessed the consequences on synaptic transmission and plasticity. The AMPA receptor/NMDA receptor (AMPAR/NMDAR) ratio of evoked EPSCs recorded at +40 mV was greater in PSD‐95‐transfected pyramidal neurons than in controls. This difference could not be accounted for by a change in rectification of AMPAR‐mediated synaptic currents since the current‐voltage curves obtained in controls and in PSD‐95‐transfected neurons were indistinguishable. However, the amplitude of AMPAR‐mediated evoked EPSCs was larger in PSD‐95‐transfected neurons compared to matched controls. Paired‐pulse ratio analysis suggested that overexpression of PSD‐95 did not alter presynaptic release probability. Transfection of PSD‐95 was further accompanied by an increase in the frequency, but not amplitude, of AMPAR‐mediated mEPSCs. Together, these results indicate that transfection of PSD‐95 increased AMPAR‐mediated synaptic transmission. Furthermore, they suggest that this phenomenon reflects an increased number of synapses expressing AMPARs rather than an increased number or function of these receptors at individual synapses. We tested the consequences of these changes on synaptic plasticity and found that PSD‐95 transfection greatly enhanced the probability of observing long‐term depression. These results thus identify a physiological role for PSD‐95 and demonstrate that this protein can play a decisive role in controlling synaptic strength and activity‐dependent synaptic plasticity.
Normal Human Cementum‐Derived Cells: Isolation, Clonal Expansion, and In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization

Cultures of primary human cementum‐derived cells (HCDCs) were established from healthy premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. Cementum was manually dissected, fragmented, and digested twice with collagenase. Following a thorough wash to remove liberated cells, the remaining cementum fragments were plated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/F12 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Discrete colonies that contained cells exhibiting fibroblast‐like morphology were visible after 14–21 days of culture. When the colonies became sufficiently large, cells from individual colonies were isolated and subcultured. Cementum‐derived cells exhibited low levels or no alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized in vitro to a lesser degree than human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and human bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) cultures. To study differentiation capacities of HCDCs, cells were attached to hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate ceramic and transplanted subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice. The transplants were harvested 3, 6, and 8 weeks after transplantation and evaluated histologically. In human BMSC transplants, new bone tissue was formed with a prominent osteoblastic layer and osteocytes embedded in mineralized bone matrix. No osseous tissue was formed by PDL cells. Of six single colony‐derived strains of HCDCs tested, three formed a bone‐like tissue that featured osteocyte/cementocyte‐like cells embedded within a mineralized matrix and which was lined with a layer of cells, although they were somewhat more elongated than osteoblasts. These results show that cells from normal human cementum can be isolated and expanded in vitro. Furthermore, these cells are capable of differentiating and forming mineralized tissue when transplanted into immunodeficient mice.
BGP Ingress-to-Egress Route Configuration in a Capacity-constrained AS

The BGP ingress-to-egress route configuration problem is to find a set of paths in an ISP to carry the transit flows, such that the amount of network resources consumed is minimized without violating the bandwidth constraint on all network links. To solve the problem, we first formulate it using integer linear programming (ILP). Due to the high complexity involved in ILP, a heuristic algorithm, called MPPF, is then proposed. MPPF is designed based on the idea that heavily-loaded destination prefixes should be given higher priority to select less expensive edge links and routes. Simulation results show that MPPF requires less network resources and edge link capacity than an alternative heuristic called BTF
Histology of breast development in early life.

Histological examination of the breasts of 26 infants and young children who died suddenly between the ages of 3 weeks and 2 years was performed. The glands were composed of well formed lobules surrounded by dense interlobular stroma, while within the lobules there was looser connective tissue. The lobules contained ducts, many of which were dilated and contained secretions. Foci of extramedullary haematopoiesis were found, and in the older infants, fat was prominent within the connective tissue of the breast. Myoepithelial cells were regularly present. No sex differences in breast development at this time were noted. Newborn breast development did not regress rapidly after birth and secretory activity continued for many months in both sexes. This study shows that the human mammary gland remains active for many months after birth and may continue to grow and secrete. The findings are not consistent with the current view that breast development in infancy results from stimulation from 'pregnancy hormones. ' It is more likely that the infant's own gonadal secretions are responsible.