Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High mucosal healing rates in 5‐ASA‐treated ulcerative colitis patients: Results of a meta‐analysis of clinical trials

Background: Recently, mucosal healing (MH) is regarded as an important treatment goal in ulcerative colitis (UC). 5‐Aminosalicylates (5‐ASA) are the standard treatment in mild‐to‐moderate UC, but the effect on MH is less known. The aim of this study was to systematically review the medical literature in order to compare different preparations of 5‐ASA for the effect on MH. Methods: We conducted a structured search of PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify randomized controlled clinical trials with 5‐ASA in UC providing data about MH. We calculated the sample size‐weighted pooled proportion of patients with MH, and performed meta‐analysis of head‐to‐head comparisons. Results: Out of 645 hits, we included 90 treatment arms, involving 3977 patients using oral 5‐ASA (granulate and tablets) and 2513 patients using rectal 5‐ASA (suppositories, enema, and foam). Overall, 43,7% of 5‐ASA treated patients achieved MH (oral 36,9%; rectal 50,3%). In oral studies, 49% of patients using granulate (7 treatment‐arms) achieved MH compared to 34,9% using tablets (43 treatment‐arms). In rectal studies the proportion of MH was 62% for suppositories (eight treatment arms), 51% for foam (nine treatment arms), and 46% for enema (23 treatment arms), respectively. Conclusions: 5‐ASA preparations achieved MH in nearly 50% of UC patients. There were no significant differences in MH between the various 5‐ASA agents, either in the oral or the rectal treatment groups. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;)
Lobular distribution of alcohol dehydrogenase in the rat liver

The hepatic lobular localization of alcohol dehydrogenase was determined in male, female and castrated male rats. Alcohol dehydrogenase immunoreactive protein and activity were increased in female and castrated rats as compared to normal male rats. By immunohistochemistry, alcohol dehydrogenase protein was found localized principally in the perivenous area of the hepatic lobule in all of the animals. Alcohol dehydrogenase activity eluted from the male rat liver, during bidirectional digitonin perfusion, exhibited a pattern characteristic of cytosolic enzymes predominantly localized to the perivenous area. The elution of the enzyme was more rapid during cava‐porta than porta‐cava perfusion occurring in close association with the elution of glucokinase, an enzyme localized principally in the perivenous area. By contrast, elution of lactate dehydrogenase, which is located predominantly in the periportal area, preceded elution of alcohol dehydrogenase during porta‐cava perfusion, but followed it during cava‐porta perfusion. These differences were less apparent in the cava‐porta than in the porta‐cava direction. The predominant localization of alcohol dehydrogenase immunoreactive protein and activity to the perivenous area of hepatic lobule was not affected by sexual difference or increase in the enzyme following castration.
G-protein-coupled Receptor Agonist BV8/Prokineticin-2 and STAT3 Protein Form a Feed-forward Loop in Both Normal and Malignant Myeloid Cells*

Background: Signaling pathways underlying BV8-mediated oncogenesis remain unknown. Results: BV8-STAT3 forms a feed-forward loop in both normal and malignant myeloid cells and promotes tumor growth. Conclusion: JAK2/STAT3 signaling plays critical roles in BV8-mediated myeloid cell-dependent oncogenesis. Significance: This study identifies a novel role of BV8-STAT3 signaling in mediating cross-talk between tumor microenvironment and tumor cells. An important role of BV8 in mobilization of myeloid cells and myeloid cell-dependent angiogenesis has been established. Recently, it has also been shown that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-induced BV8 expression is STAT3 dependent in CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells. However, the BV8 downstream signaling pathway(s) intrinsic to myeloid cells crucial for angiogenesis, and potentially also for development of cancers of myeloid origin, remains largely unknown. Here we show that BV8 activates STAT3, which is critical for regulating genes important for both tumor cell proliferation/survival and tumor angiogenesis, in both normal and malignant myeloid cells. Further, BV8-induced STAT3 activation requires Janus-activated kinase 2 (JAK2) activity as shown by both genetic and pharmacologic inhibition. Knocking down BV8 in human myeloid leukemia cells inhibits STAT3 activity and expression of STAT3 downstream angiogenic and pro-proliferation/survival genes, leading to a decrease in tumor cell viability. BV8 shRNA expressing leukemia cells exhibit reduced STAT3 activity and tumor growth in vivo. Taken together, we have delineated a signaling pathway downstream of BV8 that plays critical roles in both the tumor microenvironment and malignant myeloid cells for angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation/survival.
Analysis of laser transmission and thermal effects on the inner root surface during periodontal treatment with a 940-nm diode laser in an in vitro pocket model

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to analyze thermal effects during laser-assisted periodontal treatment. An in vitro model for temperature measurements was developed to investigate different laser settings regarding pulp safety. Additionally, the influence of transmission on pulp temperature elevation was evaluated. Longitudinal root sections were irradiated with a 940-nm diode laser with 1.0 and 1.5 W in continuous wave mode. According to wall thicknesses, irradiation times were adjusted to 20 s for upper and 10 s for lower incisors, respectively. Transmission was relatively low in both upper (4.8% to 8.3% of incident power) and lower incisors (10.2% to 15.0%). Samples were embedded in a polyurethane model and six thermocouples were affixed. Regardless of dentine thickness, the middle third of the root was identified to be the area with the most heat load, where a temperature rise of 7.5°C (1.0 W) and 10.5°C (1.5 W) was registered in upper incisors. A difference of 1.5°C to 3°C was detected in lower incisors compared with uppers. All settings were safe except for 1.5 W, 20 s. Transmission affected heat generation remarkably. The proposed model provides advantages regarding heat transfer and enables for spatially resolved temperature measurements.
Outcome of Twin Pregnancies Complicated By Early Second Trimester Rupture of Membranes in One Sac

The aim of this study was to present the outcome of bichorionic twin pregnancies complicated by early second trimester rupture of membranes in one sac. Data regarding all cases of ruptured membranes at 13–20 weeks in bichorionic twin pregnancies were collected retrospectively from three fetal medicine units. Patients who have chosen to terminate the pregnancy were excluded from the study. Between January 2003 and July 2009, nine patients met inclusion criteria. Three out of nine couples decided on expectant management, and six preferred selective feticide. With expectant management one fetus died in utero and take home baby rate was 83% (5 of 6 fetuses), delivered at 27–32 weeks. When selective termination was performed, all non-reduced fetuses were born alive at 33–40 weeks. Two survivors of rupture of membranes had limb contractures, none had lung hypoplasia. One patient had clinical signs of amnionitis, which was ruled out later on pathological examination. Her post partum course was uncomplicated. Our data suggest that rupture of membranes in one sac of bichorionic twins at 13–20 weeks has favorable prognosis whether an intervention is preformed or not. Nonetheless, selective termination may have an advantage over expectant management, since gestational age at delivery was higher when selective termination was performed.
Mortality attributable to smoking in China.

BACKGROUND Smoking is a risk factor for many diseases and has been increasingly prevalent in economically developing regions of the world. We aimed to estimate the number of deaths attributable to smoking in China. METHODS We conducted a large, prospective cohort study in a nationally representative sample of 169,871 Chinese adults who were 40 years of age or older. Investigators for the China National Hypertension Survey collected data on smoking and other risk factors at a baseline examination in 1991 using a standard protocol. Follow-up evaluation was conducted in 1999 and 2000, with a response rate of 93.4%. We used multivariable-adjusted relative risk, prevalence of smoking, mortality, and population size in each age group, stratified according to sex, to calculate the number of deaths attributable to smoking in 2005. RESULTS There was a significant, dose-response association between pack-years smoked and death from any cause in both men and women after adjustment for multiple risk factors (P<0.001 for trend). We estimated that in 2005, a total of 673,000 deaths (95% confidence interval [CI], 564,700 to 781,400) were attributable to smoking in China: 538,200 (95% CI, 455,800 to 620,600) among men and 134,800 (95% CI, 108,900 to 160,800) among women. The leading causes of smoking-related deaths were as follows: cancer, 268,200 (95% CI, 214,500 to 321,900); cardiovascular disease, 146,200 (95% CI, 79,200 to 213,100); and respiratory disease, 66,800 (95% CI, 20,300 to 113,300). CONCLUSIONS Our study documents that smoking is a major risk factor for mortality in China. Continued strengthening of national programs and initiatives for smoking prevention and cessation is needed to reduce smoking-related deaths in China.
Seasonal distribution of COPD exacerbations in the Prevention of Exacerbations with Tiotropium in COPD trial.

BACKGROUND There is still a lack of data on the seasonality of exacerbations of COPD based on large randomized studies using COPD exacerbations as primary end points. The objective of this study was to assess the seasonal pattern of moderate and severe exacerbations and analyze the influence of associated baseline factors. We also determined the timing of second exacerbations and the potential impact of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic on exacerbations. METHODS Analyses of exacerbation rates across treatment groups were adjusted for differing times on treatment by means of descriptive statistics based on the 1-year Prevention of Exacerbations with Tiotropium in COPD (POET-COPD) trial, in which exacerbations were the primary end point. RESULTS Of the 7,376 patients who were randomized, a total of 4,411 exacerbations were reported in 2,691 patients. Mean monthly exacerbation rates during winter were 2.16-fold higher than during summer, regardless of baseline characteristics (age, sex, COPD severity, smoking status, BMI, inhaled corticosteroid use, cardiovascular comorbidity, concomitant cardiovascular medication). Second exacerbations after a previous event in October to March occurred 1 month earlier than during the warmer half of the season. The portion of exacerbation-related hospitalizations remained constant throughout the year. Most exacerbations were treated with antibiotics and reached a peak in the colder season. All-cause mortality showed a seasonal pattern similar to exacerbations. The 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic was not associated with an increase in exacerbation rates or deaths. CONCLUSIONS This analysis presented a marked impact of season on exacerbation outcomes, antibiotic treatment, timing of second exacerbations, and all-cause mortality.
Brief report: How short is too short? An ultra-brief measure of the big-five personality domains implicates “agreeableness” as a risk for all-cause mortality

Controversy exists over the use of brief Big Five scales in health studies. We investigated links between an ultra-brief measure, the Big Five Inventory-10, and mortality in the General Social Survey. The Agreeableness scale was associated with elevated mortality risk (hazard ratio = 1.26, p = .017). This effect was attributable to the reversed-scored item “Tends to find fault with others,” so that greater fault-finding predicted lower mortality risk. The Conscientiousness scale approached meta-analytic estimates, which were not precise enough for significance. Those seeking Big Five measurement in health studies should be aware that the Big Five Inventory-10 may yield unusual results.
Quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis reveals γ‐bisabolene inducing p53‐mediated apoptosis of human oral squamous cell carcinoma via HDAC2 inhibition and ERK1/2 activation

γ‐Bisabolene, one of main components in cardamom, showed potent in vitro and in vivo anti‐proliferative activities against human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). γ‐Bisabolene activated caspases‐3/9 and decreased mitochondrial memebrane potential, leading to apoptosis of OSCC cell lines (Ca9‐22 and SAS), but not normal oral fibroblast cells. Phosphoproteome profiling of OSCC cells treated with γ‐bisabolene was identified using TiO2‐PDMS plate and LC‐MS/MS, then confirmed using Western blotting and real‐time RT‐PCR assays. Phosphoproteome profiling revealed that γ‐bisabolene increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, protein phosphatases 1 (PP1), and p53, as well as decreased the phosphorylation of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in the process of apoptosis induction. Protein–protein interaction network analysis proposed the involvement of PP1‐HDAC2‐p53 and ERK1/2‐p53 pathways in γ‐bisabolene‐induced apoptosis. Subsequent assays indicated γ‐bisabolene eliciting p53 acetylation that enhanced the expression of p53‐regulated apoptotic genes. PP1 inhibitor‐2 restored the status of HDAC2 phosphorylation, reducing p53 acetylation and PUMA mRNA expression in γ‐bisabolene‐treated Ca9‐22 and SAS cells. Meanwhile, MEK and ERK inhibitors significantly decreased γ‐bisabolene‐induced PUMA expression in both cancer cell lines. Notably, the results ascertained the involvement of PP1‐HDAC2‐p53 and ERK1/2‐p53 pathways in mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis of γ‐bisabolene‐treated cells. This study demonstrated γ‐bisabolene displaying potent anti‐proliferative and apoptosis‐inducing activities against OSCC in vitro and in vivo, elucidating molecular mechanisms of γ‐bisabolene‐induced apoptosis. The novel insight could be useful for developing anti‐cancer drugs.
Automatic detection of rapid eye movements by discrete wavelet transform

In order to detect rapid eye movements (REM) automatically, the Discrete Wavelet Transform was applied to each 8‐s segment of electrooculogram (EOG) data for 30 min of 8 h of normal sleep. The Haar function was used as an analysing wavelet because this function is similar to the REM waveform. By shifting the phase of the analysing wavelet by π/4 of the function, 96% of REM could be detected. The artifacts caused by body movements could be detected simultaneously by this method. Computing time required for the detection of REM was only 11 s for 30 min EOG data.
In vitro immunomodulatory properties of tucaresol in HIV infection.

The immunomodulatory properties of tucaresol (compound 589C80) were tested on in vitro antigen- and mitogen-stimulated proliferation and cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of HIV-infected individuals and healthy controls (HC). Results showed that tucaresol: (1) increases influenza A virus-, gp 160 peptide-, and HLA alloantigen-stimulated proliferation as well as interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon gamma (IFN gamma) production by PBMC of HIV-infected individuals with higher CD4 counts (>500/microl) but had only a marginal immunomodulatory effect on PBMC of patients with lower CD4 counts (<500/microl); (2) did not modify IL-10 production; (3) augmented CD25 expression on mitogen-stimulated T cells of HC but not of HIV-infected individuals; and (4) marginally increased CTL activity. The immunomodulatory properties of tucaresol were confirmed by PCR analyses; additional data showed that tucaresol costimulated CD3-dependent triggering of T cells and that this stimulation was independent of CD28 costimulation. The immunomodulatory effects of tucaresol on T cell functions are characterized by a bell-shaped dose response curve; the action of the compound is optimal in the 100 to 300 microM range. Analyses of mitogen-stimulated apoptosis demonstrated that the lack of effect of tucaresol at higher doses is not the result of increased cell death, suggesting a role of functional impairment. These data confirm that tucaresol can stimulate T helper cell function and enhance the production of type 1 cytokines, thus eliciting cell-mediated immunity, and warrant its potential utility in the therapy of HIV infection.
Selective renal vasoconstriction, exaggerated natriuresis and excretion rates of exosomic proteins in essential hypertension

In essential hypertension (EH), the regulation of renal sodium excretion is aberrant. We hypothesized that in mild EH, (i) abnormal dynamics of plasma renin concentration (PRC) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are responsible for the exaggerated natriuresis, and (ii) exosomic protein patterns reflect the renal tubular abnormality involved in the dysregulation of sodium excretion.
An Intelligent Decision System for Intraoperative Somatosensory Evoked Potential Monitoring

Somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) is a useful, noninvasive technique widely used for spinal cord monitoring during surgery. One of the main indicators of a spinal cord injury is the drop in amplitude of the SEP signal in comparison to the nominal baseline that is assumed to be constant during the surgery. However, in practice, the real-time baseline is not constant and may vary during the operation due to nonsurgical factors, such as blood pressure, anaesthesia, etc. Thus, a false warning is often generated if the nominal baseline is used for SEP monitoring. In current practice, human experts must be used to prevent this false warning. However, these well-trained human experts are expensive and may not be reliable and consistent due to various reasons like fatigue and emotion. In this paper, an intelligent decision system is proposed to improve SEP monitoring. First, the least squares support vector regression and multi-support vector regression models are trained to construct the dynamic baseline from historical data. Then a control chart is applied to detect abnormalities during surgery. The effectiveness of the intelligent decision system is evaluated by comparing its performance against the nominal baseline model by using the real experimental datasets derived from clinical conditions.
Teacher Perceptions of Change in Leadership Roles and Activities as a Result of Participation in a Science Education Leadership Program

Teacher Perceptions of Change in Leadership Roles and Activities as a Result of Participation in a Science Education Leadership Program. (August 2009) Margaret Pettey Hobson, B.S., Texas Woman’s University; M.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Stephanie L. Knight Teacher leadership has emerged as a component of the movement to increase student achievement in science and mathematics. The Information Technology in Science Center for Teaching and Learning (ITS Center) was funded by the National Science Foundation with the goal of developing science education leaders. This study explored the changes in teachers’ descriptions of their leadership in their school settings before and after their participation in a science education leadership program and the aspects of their science education leadership. A study of teacher-participants in Cohort II of the ITS Center was conducted to investigate how they demonstrated leadership in their school settings and to what extent these teachers attributed changes in their leadership to their ITS Center experience. Participants in this study were 15 classroom teachers who participated in Cohort II of the ITS Center. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used. These teacher-participants completed a Teacher Leadership Roles Survey as a part of their application to participate
Focal adhesion kinase regulates actin nucleation and neuronal filopodia formation during axonal growth

The establishment of neural circuits depends on the ability of axonal growth cones to sense their surrounding environment en route to their target. To achieve this, a coordinated rearrangement of cytoskeleton in response to extracellular cues is essential. Although previous studies have identified different chemotropic and adhesion molecules that influence axonal development, the molecular mechanism by which these signals control the cytoskeleton remains poorly understood. Here, we show that in vivo conditional ablation of the focal adhesion kinase gene (Fak) from mouse hippocampal pyramidal cells impairs axon outgrowth and growth cone morphology during development, which leads to functional defects in neuronal connectivity. Time-lapse recordings and in vitro FRAP analysis indicate that filopodia motility is altered in growth cones lacking FAK, probably owing to deficient actin turnover. We reveal the intracellular pathway that underlies this process and describe how phosphorylation of the actin nucleation-promoting factor N-WASP is required for FAK-dependent filopodia formation. Our study reveals a novel mechanism through which FAK controls filopodia formation and actin nucleation during axonal development.
Effective regimens for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

Successful Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy remains a challenge in medical practice. Currently, a proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy containing clarithromycin, amoxicillin or nitroimidazole for 7 days is the recommended first-line treatment approach with an expected eradication success rate of ∼ 80%. As a second-line treatment option in the case of failure, a ranitidine bismuth citrate-based quadruple therapy is currently recommended curing another 80% of patients, leaving a subset of patients with persistent H. pylori infection. For these patients, promising rescue options have been evaluated including regimens that contain rifabutin, quinolones, furazolidone or high-dose amoxicillin. The role of susceptibility testing is still under discussion. It is not generally recommended prior to first-line treatment but guidelines propose a role for culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing after failure of the second attempt. Meanwhile, data on the geographic distribution of resistance pattern are available and may guide therapeutic decisions with regard to the combination of antibiotics chosen for the individual patients aiming at 100% cure rate in each individual patient.
Effect of a Single Bout of Resistance Exercise on Arterial Stiffness Following a High-Fat Meal

Abstract Consumption of a high-fat meal (HFM) causes postprandial lipemia and vascular dysfunction. Acute resistance exercise (RE) alone may also have a negative effect on vascular function. The purpose of this study was to measure arterial stiffness and postprandial lipemia after a HFM with or without acute RE. 9 recreationally active men (age 24±5 years, BMI 25±3 kg/m2) completed both: (1) HFM alone and (2) HFM+RE in a randomized order. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) from carotid to femoral artery and carotid to radial artery were used as measures of central/aortic and peripheral arterial stiffness, respectively. Circulating triglycerides (TRG) were obtained from finger stick samples as a marker of lipemia. There was a significant condition-by-time interaction for TRG (p<0.05). TRG levels increased significantly following both conditions with a significantly attenuated increase following HFM+RE (p<0.05). There was a significant condition-by-time interaction for peripheral PWV as this parameter increased following HFM, but decreased following HFM+RE (p=0.021). Central PWV did not change with HFM or HFM+RE (p>0.05). Following a HFM, acute RE attenuates postprandial lipemia and improves peripheral arterial stiffness without having a negative effect on central arterial stiffness.