Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in malignant melanoma: prognostic versus diagnostic usefulness.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an endothelial cell mitogen, plays a role in angiogenesis and progression in malignant melanoma. VEGF expression was examined in 62 biopsy specimens of melanocytic proliferations, including 45 malignant melanomas, 3 cellular blue nevi, 12 atypical compound nevi, and 2 Spitz nevi. The cases of malignant melanoma included 11 in situ melanomas, 18 Clark Level II, 9 Clark Level III, and 7 Clark Level IV tissue samples. All of the specimens were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. Cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for VEGF was demonstrated in 19 (42%) of 45 melanoma samples, but there was no immunoreactivity for VEGF exhibited by any of the atypical compound melanocytic nevi, cellular blue nevi, or Spitz nevi (P < .009). Immunoreactivity for VEGF was found to be related to tumor thickness (as evidenced by Clark level [P < .03]) and to absence of regression (P < .04). Although VEGF is not a useful prognostic indicator for malignant melanoma, it may be useful as a discriminating factor between malignant melanoma and benign melanocytic lesions, and it may offer some insight into tumor growth.
Investigating mobile money acceptance in Somalia: An empirical study

The main purpose of this paper is to study the perception and willingness of Somali customers to adopt mobile money, based on an upgraded version of technology acceptance model. The questionnaire used in this study was distributed to 100 Somali customers, and the data gathered were then analysed using multiple regression and one sample t-test. The results indicate that perceived ease of use has a significant positive influence on the perceived usefulness of mobile money. Moreover, perceived usefulness and security were found to have a significant positive influence on attitude. Finally, social influence together with perceived usefulness both have significant positive influence on the Somali customers’ intention to adopt mobile money. This is one of the first studies to be conducted on mobile money in Somalia, the study uses an upgraded version of technology acceptance model and it reports significant findings based on this approach.
Bilateral Plasticity of Vibrissae SII Representation Induced by Classical Conditioning in Mice

The somatosensory cortex in mice contains primary (SI) and secondary (SII) areas, differing in somatotopic precision, topographic organization, and function. The role of SII in somatosensory processing is still poorly understood. SII is activated bilaterally during attentional tasks and is considered to play a role in tactile memory and sensorimotor integration. We measured the plasticity of SII activation after associative learning based on classical conditioning, in which unilateral stimulation of one row of vibrissae was paired with a tail shock. The training consisted of three daily 10 min sessions, during which 40 pairings were delivered. Cortical activation driven by stimulation of vibrissae was mapped with 2-[14C]deoxyglucose (2DG) autoradiography 1 d after the end of conditioning. We reported previously that the conditioning procedure resulted in unilateral enlargement of 2DG-labeled cortical representation of the “trained” row of vibrissae in SI. Here, we measured the width and intensity of the labeled region in SII. We found that both measured parameters in SII increased bilaterally. The increase was observed in cortical layers II/III and IV. Apparently, plasticity in SII is not a simple reflection of changes in SI. It may be attributable to bilateral integrative role of SII, its lesser topographical specificity, and strong involvement in attentional processing.
Alveolar Cell Death in Hyperoxia‐Induced Lung Injury

Abstract: Exposure to high oxygen concentration causes direct oxidative cell damage through increased production of reactive oxygen species. In vivo oxygen‐induced lung injury is well characterized in rodents and has been used as a valuable model of human respiratory distress syndrome. Hyperoxia‐induced lung injury can be considered as a bimodal process resulting (1) from direct oxygen toxicity and (2) from the accumulation of inflammatory mediators within the lungs. Both apoptosis and necrosis have been described in alveolar cells (mainly epithelial and endothelial) during hyperoxia. While the in vitro response to oxygen seems to be cell type‐dependent in tissue cultures, it is still unclear which are the death mechanisms and pathways implicated in vivo. Even though it is not yet possible to distinguish unequivocally between apo‐ptosis, necrosis, or other intermediate form(s) of cell death, a great variety of strategies has been shown to prevent alveolar damage and to increase animal survival during hyperoxia. In this review, we summarize the different cell death pathways leading to alveolar damage during hyperoxia, with particular attention to the pivotal role of mitochondria. In addition, we discuss the different protective mechanisms potentially interfering with alveolar cell death.
Computational method for characterization of a microchannel heat sink with multiple channels involving two-phase flow

Two-phase microchannel heat sinks are of interest in electronics cooling because of their compactness and low thermal resistance. In this study, a computational method is presented for the analysis of conjugate heat transfer and two-phase flow in a heat sink containing multiple microchannels that have prescribed flow rates. It involves coupled analysis of conduction within the solid and simultaneous two-phase flow and heat transfer in the microchannels. The flow and thermal behavior in each microchannel is determined by solving the one-dimensional momentum and energy conservation equations. Coupling between the heat transfer within the solid region and the two-phase flow in the microchannels is handled through iterations involving the transfer of heat flux distributions on the channel bounding surfaces. The method has been applied for the prediction of the flow and thermal performance of a heat sink with equal mass flow through individual microchannels. The results of our analysis show the important physical effects in the two-phase flow regime, namely the acceleration pressure drop and the boiling enhancement of heat transfer, that strongly affect the relative behavior of the individual microchannels. The study demonstrates quantitatively that the disparity in the heat loads is the cause of flow redistribution among the microchannels. Finally, the computational method presented in this study enables determination of the flow resistances of individual microchannels for a prescribed flow distribution. When combined with a network-based approach, this method will enable the prediction of both the two-phase flow distribution and thermal performance of practical heat sinks containing multiple microchannels
Avoiding Malicious Agents in E-Commerce Using Fuzzy Recommendations

This paper presents a complex computing reputation mechanism to be applied in a domain of e-commerce, that handles reputation as a fuzzy set while decision making is inspired in a cognitive human-like approach. This reputation algorithm has been proved in several scenarios where the goal is to avoid (in other words, filter out) the disturbing influence of wrong recommendations from agents with malicious intentions, such as a collusion between a merchant and a recommender. Results show how the evolution of reputation computed with our fuzzy reputation algorithm is compared with other previous reputation models.
The Effects of Treatment With Octreotide, Diuretics, or Both on Portal Hemodynamics in Nonazotemic Cirrhotic Patients With Ascites

Goals To evaluate the effects of diuretic treatment, octreotide, or both on portal hemodynamics in nonazotemic cirrhotic patients with ascites. Background Diuretics and octreotide have been associated with a decrease in portal pressure in cirrhotic patients, suggested to be mediated by plasma volume depletion and splanchnic vasoconstriction, respectively. However, liver cirrhosis is characterized by activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis, which increases hepatic vascular resistance and is augmented or suppressed by diuretics or octreotide, respectively. Study Twenty nonazotemic cirrhotic patients with ascites were treated with furosemide and spironolactone. Of them, 10 (group 1) discontinued diuretic treatment for 7 days. Thereafter for 5 days, each patient received subcutaneous octreotide, 300 μg twice per day; ten of them (group 2) received the octreotide in addition to their usual diuretic treatment. Portal and systemic hemodynamics with Doppler ultrasound and endogenous vasoactive systems were evaluated while the patients received diuretics (both groups), after discontinuation of diuretics (group 1), and after octreotide administration (both groups). Results The withdrawal of diuretics did not alter portal hemodynamics, but it impaired systemic hemodynamics and suppressed the renin-aldosterone axis. The addition of octreotide to diuretic treatment but not octreotide alone improved portal and systemic hemodynamics. In both groups the initiation of octreotide administration suppressed the renin-aldosterone axis and plasma glucagon levels. Conclusions In nonazotemic cirrhotic patients with ascites, the combination of diuretics and octreotide improves systemic hemodynamics and inhibits the diuretic-related component of the activated renin-aldosterone axis, which in turn augments the portal hypotensive effect of diuretic-induced plasma volume depletion.
The effect of lumbar extension training with and without pelvic stabilization on lumbar strength and low back pain.

INTRODUCTION A dynamometer employing a stabilization procedure (lumbar extension machine, MedX, Ocala, FL) is effective in improving strength and reducing symptoms of low back pain (LBP), and researchers have hypothesized that this effectiveness is due to the pelvic stabilization. However, effects of the dynamometer with and without pelvic stabilization on LBP have not been compared: This was the aim of the present study. METHODS Forty-two chronic LBP patients were randomly assigned to a lumbar extension training with pelvic stabilization group (STAB; n=15), a lumbar extension without pelvic stabilization group (NO-STAB; n=15) and a control group (n=12). STAB and NO-STAB participants completed one weekly session of dynamic variable resistance exercise (one set of 8-12 repetitions to fatigue) on the lumbar extension machine (with or without pelvic stabilization) for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-test measures of self-reported LBP (101-point visual analog scale; pre-test mean of 25), related disability (Oswestry disability index; pre-test mean of 34) and lumbar strength were taken. RESULTS After the exercise program, the STAB group increased significantly in lumbar strength at all joint angles, and decreased significantly in visual analogue and Oswestry scores. However, there were no significant changes in these variables in the NO-STAB and control groups. DISCUSSION Isolated lumbar extension exercise is very effective in reducing LBP in chronic patients. However, when the pelvis is not stabilized, otherwise identical exercises appear ineffective in reducing LBP.
Parametric fMRI analysis of visual encoding in the human medial temporal lobe

A number of functional brain imaging studies indicate that the medial temporal lobe system is crucially involved in encoding new information into memory. However, most studies were based on differences in brain activity between encoding of familiar vs. novel stimuli. To further study the underlying cognitive processes, we applied a parametric design of encoding. Seven healthy subjects were instructed to encode complex color pictures into memory. Stimuli were presented in a parametric fashion at different rates, thus representing different loads of encoding. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess changes in brain activation. To determine the number of pictures successfully stored into memory, recognition scores were determined afterwards. During encoding, brain activation occurred in the medial temporal lobe, comparable to the results obtained by others. Increasing the encoding load resulted in an increase in the number of successfully stored items. This was reflected in a significant increase in brain activation in the left lingual gyrus, in the left and right parahippocampal gyrus, and in the right inferior frontal gyrus. This study shows that fMRI can detect changes in brain activation during variation of one aspect of higher cognitive tasks. Further, it strongly supports the notion that the human medial temporal lobe is involved in encoding novel visual information into memory. Hippocampus 1999;9:637–643. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetically increased antioxidative protection and decreased chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RATIONALE Increased oxidative stress is involved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, plasma and bronchial lining fluid contains the antioxidant extracellular superoxide dismutase. Approximately 2% of white individuals carry the R213G polymorphism in the gene encoding extracellular superoxide dismutase, which increases plasma extracellular superoxide dismutase 10-fold and presumably also renders bronchial lining fluid high in extracellular superoxide dismutase. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that R213G reduces the risk of COPD. METHODS We studied cross-sectionally and prospectively (during 24 yr) 9,258 individuals from the Danish general population genotyped for R213G. MEASUREMENTS We determined plasma extracellular superoxide dismutase concentration, pulmonary function and COPD diagnosed by means of spirometry or through national hospitalization and death registers. MAIN RESULTS In the general population, 97.5% were noncarriers, 2.4% were heterozygotes, and 0.02% were homozygotes. Among R213G noncarriers, extracellular superoxide dismutase plasma concentration was 148+/-52 and 142+/-43 ng/ml (mean+/-SD) in individuals with and without COPD (Student's t test, p=0.02). Among heterozygotes, corresponding concentrations were 1,665+/-498 ng/ml and 1,256+/-379 (p<0.001). The adjusted odds ratio for spirometrically diagnosed COPD in heterozygotes versus noncarriers was 0.5 (95% confidence interval: 0.3-0.9). After stratification, the equivalent adjusted odds ratio was 1.5 (0.3-6.6) among nonsmokers and 0.4 (0.2-0.8) among smokers (p value for interaction=0.10). The adjusted hazard ratio for COPD hospitalization or death during follow-up in heterozygotes versus noncarriers was 0.3 (0.1-0.8). CONCLUSIONS Extracellular superoxide dismutase R213G heterozygosity protects against development of COPD in the Danish general population. This was observed in smokers, but not in nonsmokers.
Structural Modeling of Djenkolic Acid with Sulfur Replaced by Selenium and Tellurium

The comparative structural modeling of djenkolic acid and its derivatives containing selenium and tellurium in chalcogen sites (Ch = Se, Te) has provided detailed information about the bond lengths and bond angles, filling the gap in what we know about the structural characteristics of these aminoacids. The investigation using the molecular mechanics technique with good approximation confirmed the available information on X-ray refinements for the related compounds methionine and selenomethionine, as well as for an estimate made earlier for telluromethionine. It was shown that the Ch-C(3) and Ch-C(4) bond lengths grow in parallel with the increasing anionic radii. Although the distances C-C, C-O, and C-N are very similar, the geometry of conformers is quite different owing to the possibility of rotation about four carbon atoms, hence the remarkable variability observed in dihedral angles. It was shown that the compounds contain a rigid block with two Ch atoms connected through a methylene group. The standard program Gaussian 03 with graphical interface Gaussview 4.1. 2 has proved to be satisfactory tool for the structural description of less-common bioactive compositions when direct X-ray results are absent.
The Paradoxical Outcomes of Observing Others’ Exercise Behavior on Social Network Sites: Friends’ Exercise Posts, Exercise Attitudes, and Weight Concern

ABSTRACT This study examined the implications of observing others’ exercise behavior on social network sites (SNSs). Social cognitive theory and social comparison theory were used to make predictions about the conditions under which individuals’ (N = 232) exposure to exercise-related SNS posts from others in their social network were related to their weight concerns and exercise attitudes. The results revealed a paradox in which observing others’ exercise posts was associated with both adaptive and maladaptive responses. The number of exercise-related SNS posts received from members of respondents’ social networks was associated with greater weight concern, and this relationship was stronger among respondents who viewed exercise-related posts from network members who were similar to respondents. Yet, among respondents who had a tendency to make appearance-related upward social comparisons, the number of others’ exercise-related SNS posts received was associated with pro-exercise attitudes.
Chromosome 20p11 gains are associated with liver-specific metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer

Objective Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) cells have a selective preference for certain target organs that cannot be explained by circulatory patterns alone. This study aimed to identify clinicopathological features and chromosomal aberrations of primary tumours associated with organ-specific CRC metastasis. Design Clinicopathological features were investigated in patients with CRC who had exclusively hepatic (n=182) versus exclusively extrahepatic (n=139) metastases. A total of 139 primary tumours of patients with hepatic (n=85) and extrahepatic metastases (n=54) were screened for chromosomal aberrations by microarray-based comparative genomic hybridisation, and the findings were validated in an independent set of 80 primary tumours. A publicly available database was used to correlate chromosomal aberrations with gene expression. Protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. Results Patients with hepatic metastases were significantly more often male (71% vs 53% p=0.002), more often had abnormal lactate dehydrogenase activity (37% vs 14% p<0.0001), exhibited primary tumour localisation in the colon (52% vs 40% p=0.03) and had synchronous onset of metastases (70% vs 19% p<0.0001). Primary tumours of patients with hepatic metastases were more commonly T3 tumours (79% vs 63% p=0.006) and less commonly of mucinous histology (5% vs 16% p=0.02). Gain of 20p11 was more often observed in patients with hepatic metastases (p<0.05), which was confirmed in an independent dataset (p<0.05; false discovery rate <0.05). Twelve genes mapping at 20p11 were significantly overexpressed as a consequence of 20p11 copy number gain. C20orf3 showed the strongest correlation between RNA expression and DNA copy number. This was reflected in significantly higher protein expression in patients with hepatic metastases (59%; n=325) than in those with extrahepatic metastases (41%; n=256) (p=0.01). Conclusion C20orf3 mapping at 20p11 is associated with hepatic-specific metastasis in patients with CRC. This gene is a candidate biomarker for liver metastases and may be of clinical value in early-stage CRC.
Salvage of Malpositioned and Malfunctioning Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters by Manipulation with a Modified Malecot Introducer

Percutaneous peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter manipulation successfully corrects displacement and contributes to catheter salvage. We describe a new device for the percutaneous treatment of malpositioned PD catheters, the modified Malecot introducer technique, which is an improvement over previous methods because its flexible consistency also allows the manipulation of swan‐neck catheters. Twenty‐one patients experienced catheter displacement managed by the new introducer: 12 males, average time in PD 13.7 ± 23.2 months, six with “swan‐neck” catheter, seven obese, and six with previous abdominal surgery. Catheter manipulation was technically successful in 19 of 21 cases (90.4%) by the end of the first week and in 15 cases (71.4%) at 1 month. An additional eight episodes of malposition occurred ranging from 10 to 300 days after the first manipulation. A second manipulation using the same introducer was performed and resulted in long‐term patency in seven patients. No complications were reported. In the long‐term follow‐up, only one patient removed PD catheter for mechanical dysfunction. Overall survival of manipulated catheters was 32.7 ± 23.4 months. Function at 1 month correlated with function by the first week (r = 0.513; p = 0.017) and the need of a second manipulation with age (r = 0.494; p = 0.027) but not with obesity or previous abdominal surgery. We conclude that manipulation using the modified Malecot introducer is a simple and effective procedure for the correction of malpositioned PD catheters. It also represents a new alternative for the management of displaced “swan‐neck” catheters.
Estimation of Potential Deceased Organ Donors in Canada

Background Development of strategies to increase deceased organ donation is dependent on timely, accurate information regarding the number of potential deceased organ donors. Our objective was to estimate the number of potential deceased organ donors in Canada. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of information captured from hospital separations in Canadian provinces with the exception of Quebec between 2005 and 2009. We studied individuals 70 years or younger who died in hospital. Our primary outcome measure was potential deceased organ donors (identified by the presence of diagnostic codes compatible with donation, the absence of contraindications to donation defined by Canadian Standards, and the use of mechanical ventilation). Results Among 335 793 hospital deaths, 8274 potential donors were identified. The study method was 81% sensitive and 93% specific for identification of potential donors, and overestimated potential donors by a factor of 1.6- to 2.1-fold when compared to information from chart audits. After accounting for this overestimation, there are conservatively 400 unrecognized potential deceased donors in Canada annually. Conclusions These findings suggest there may be significant potential to increase deceased organ donations in Canada. Further studies to fully characterize the number of potential donors identified by the study method are needed.
Use of tocopherol extract and different nitrite sources and starter cultures in the production of organic botifarra catalana, a cooked cured sausage

This research evaluates the effects of adding a tocopherol mix (0 or 200 mg/kg), two nitrite sources (sodium nitrite or a nitrate-rich vegetable concentrate) and the use of Staphylococcus carnosus together with fermentation types that varied in temperature (12 h at 4 ℃ or 16 ℃) on different quality parameters and acceptability of cooked cured sausages after vacuum packing and storage at 4 ℃ for 120 days. In the presence of S. carnosus, residual nitrate and nitrite levels were reduced. Sausages containing vegetable concentrates and without S. carnosus resulted in higher amounts of residual nitrate and lower curing efficiency. The lowest values in redness and acceptability were observed in those sausages without starter cultures. The addition of tocopherols had no effect on oxidative status and susceptibility to oxidation. However, the highest amount of hydroperoxides was related with nitrite decreased formation. Overall, vegetable concentrates can be used as curing agents if fermentation with a nitrate-reducing starter culture is allowed.