Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative Mitomycin C in Dacryocystorhinostomy

Purpose To assess the efficacy of intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) in external dacryocystorhinostomy (EXT-DCR). Methods Forty-six cases (50 lacrimal drainage systems [LDS]) with nasolacrimal duct obstruction were randomized into three groups. In the control group, a standard EXT-DCR procedure was performed. In the two MMC groups, a piece of cotton soaked with 0.2 mg/ml MMC (group 1) or 0.5 mg/ml MMC (group 2) was applied to the nasal mucosa and the mucosa of the lacrimal sac in the osteotomy site for 5 minutes. Results The dacryocystorhinostomy in all patients was patent by irrigation 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively. After a mean follow-up interval of 35.2 ± 5.3 months, the dacryocystorhinostomy was patent in 15 (83%) of 18 LDS in the control group, 16 (100%) of 16 LDS in group 1, and 15 (94%) of 16 LDS in group 2. The mean ostium sizes were 22.2 ± 5.0 mm2 in group 1, 20.6 ± 4.5 mm2 in group 2, and 13.2 ± 2.7 mm2 in group 3 at the final follow-up visit; the difference between the patients treated with MMC and the control group was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between the two MMC groups, however. No surgical complications occurred. Conclusions Intraoperative MMC in DCR is a safe and effective adjuvant that helps achieve favorable long-term success rates.
Insights into cancer from transgenic mouse models

The generation of mice designed to overexpress activated forms of oncogenes or carrying targeted mutations in tumour suppressor genes, has allowed scientists to causally link the function of these genes with specific tumour processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis or metastasis. In addition, these mice have been interbred to assess the extent of cooperativity between different genetic lesions in disease progression, leading to a greater understanding of the multi‐stage nature of tumourigenesis. The effect of genetic mutations is often influenced by the genetic background of the mouse and by analysing strain‐dependent phenotypes, modifier loci have been identified. Although genetic mutations in mouse and humans do not always lead to the same tumour spectrum, the underlying molecular mechanisms are frequently relevant to both species. Furthermore, new technical approaches creating conditional mouse mutants which develop tumours in a tissue‐specific manner, will allow the effect of mutation of certain genes to be studied in specific tissues, free from the fatal effects of the mutation in other clinically less relevant tissues. Several exising mouse strains have already been used to develop and test new therapies and conditional mutagenesis will undoubtedly increase the potential use of transgenic mice in understanding and treating cancer. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental Brain Tumors. I. Tumors Produced with Methylcholanthrene

Efforts to produce intracranial neoplasia by various chemical carcinogens have been attended with scant success prior to the work of Seligman and Shear (2). By intracerebral implantation of pellets of 2o-methylcholanthrene, these workers produced i i gliomas and 2 fibrosarcomas in a series of 2o male mice of the C3H strain. Seligman and Shear reported also successful subcutaneous transplantation of several of these tumors, one of which was stated to be a glioma. Utilizing the same technic, the present writers reported a preliminary experiment (3) in which they found u6 intracranial tumors in 51 C3H mice. These tumors, occurring during the first io months of the experiment, consisted of oligodendroglioma, glioblastoma multiforme, medulloblastoma, unclassified glioma, and meningeal sarcoma. More recently Peers (1) implanted cholesterol pellets containing lO per cent methylcholanthrene in the brains of 99 mice, of which 87 survived into the tumorbearing period. In all, 32 intracranial tumors were produced--i 7 sarcomas and 15 gliomas. These observations were significant in that they suggested the future possibility of studying the incidence, histiogenesis, and growth behavior of experimentally induced primary brain tumors. From such a study it was felt that certain deductions could be drawn regarding the human counterparts of these neoplasms. The present investigation was thus undertaken for a threefold purpose; namely, the determination of the incidence, the histiogenetic origin, and the growth behavior of experimental brain tumors.
Perceptions of Cognitive Behavioural Guided Self-Help Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa in Primary Care

This study examined perceptions of 36 women who participated in Guided Self-Help (GSH) treatment for bulimia nervosa delivered by general practitioners (GPs) in primary care. Qualitative responses revealed factors perceived to contribute toward treatment effectiveness including: improved eating behaviours, body image and emotional and general well-being; the empathic and practical style of the manual; specific behavioural strategies; GP facilitated positive therapeutic alliance and interventions with program implementation; and accessible treatment. Factors perceived as contributing to treatment ineffectiveness concerned: lack of changes to eating and body image; inadequacies of treatment program and approach; inadequate treatment dose; poor service delivery; and perceptions of low GP competence/professionalism and poor therapeutic alliance.
Screening-detected and symptomatic ductal carcinoma in situ: differences in the sonographic and pathologic features.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to retrospectively compare the sonographic and pathologic features of screening-detected and symptomatic ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Of 5,790 cases diagnosed as breast cancer at our institution between January 1998 and December 2005, 528 (9.1%) cases were DCIS. We found 106 screening-detected and 125 symptomatic DCIS lesions in 226 patients (age range, 20-77 years; mean age, 47.8 years) who underwent preoperative whole-breast sonography and mammography. Three radiologists reviewed the sonographic features of these 231 cases of DCIS by consensus according to Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). The pathologic features were also reviewed. Statistical comparisons were performed using the chi-square test, the Fisher's exact test, and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS On sonography, masses (p < 0.001) and associated ductal change (p = 0.019) were more common in symptomatic than in asymptomatic patients. Associated microcalcifications and posterior shadowing were more frequently found in screening-detected than in symptomatic DCIS (p < 0.001). On mammography, microcalcifications were more common in screening-detected than in symptomatic DCIS, and masses were more common in symptomatic than in screening-detected DCIS (p < 0.001). No significant differences were seen in the pathologic features of the two groups. CONCLUSION Our results showed that differences exist in the sonographic features of screening-detected and symptomatic DCIS. Recognition of the many and varied sonographic appearances of DCIS might be helpful to decrease the false-negative rate of bilateral whole-breast sonography and to detect symptomatic mammographically occult DCIS when we use sonography to supplement mammography.
Differential effects of social stress on laboratory-based decision-making are related to both impulsive personality traits and gender

Urgency is the tendency to make impulsive decisions under extreme positive or negative emotional states. Stress, gender and impulsive personality traits are all known to influence decision-making, but no studies have examined the interplay of all of these factors. We exposed 78 men and women to a stress or a non-stress condition, and then administered the Balloon Analogue Risk Task. We found that stress effects varied as a function of gender and urgency traits. Under stress, women low in negative urgency and men high in negative urgency made fewer risky decisions. Positive urgency yielded a similar pattern. Thus, decisions under stress depend on a complex interplay between gender and impulsive personality traits. These findings have implications for clinical disorders, such as substance use disorders, in which there are known deficits in decision-making and high levels of impulsive traits.
Relationship between leptin and C-reactive protein in young Finnish adults.

CONTEXT Leptin and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations are increased in inflammation, and both have been linked to increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to explore in a population-based sample whether the relation between leptin and CRP is independent of obesity level and whether genetic causes of CRP elevation contribute to leptin levels. DESIGN This was a population-based study including 1862 young adults (971 women; 891 men) aged 24-39 yr. SETTING The study was conducted at five centers in Finland. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Associations between leptin and CRP adjusted for obesity indices, risk factors, genetic variables, and lifestyle variables were measured. RESULTS Women had 3.0-fold higher median concentrations of leptin (12.5 vs. 4.1 ng/ml) and 1.3-fold higher median concentrations of CRP (0.75 vs. 0.56 mg/liter) than men (P < 0.0001 in both comparisons). In univariate analyses, CRP and leptin were significantly intercorrelated (r = 0.47, P < 0.0001 for women; r = 0.46, P < 0.0001 for men). In multiple regression analysis including age, body mass index, waist circumference, insulin, lipids, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, smoking status, and use of oral contraceptives in women, leptin was the main determinant of CRP in men (P < 0.0001) and the second most important determinant in women (P < 0.0001). A Mendelian randomization test based on genetic variants in the CRP gene (five single nucleotide polymorphisms) provided no support for CRP as a causal agent for leptin. CONCLUSIONS Leptin, obesity, and oral contraceptive use in women were the main factors related to CRP. The relation between leptin and CRP was independent of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors.
[Effects on serum myelin proteins of n-hexane exposure].

OBJECTIVE Exploring the effects of n-hexane on expression of serum myelin proteins in occupational exposure workers, and finding the early biomarker of n-hexane exposure. METHODS In the study, 373 subjects were recruited, 269 exposure workers (work experience of more than1 year) and 104 non-exposure workers were selected. Firstly examined the level of urinary 2,5-hexanedione in the two groups, based on urinary 2,5-hexanedione biological limit value (4 mg/L), the exposed group was divided into high-exposed group and low-exposed group. And then collected blood samples and extracted serum. Human peripheral myelin protein zero (P0) antibody (IgG, IgM) and human peripheral myelin protein two (P2) antibody (IgG, IgM) analysis was performed according to ELISA kit. RESULTS The concentration of urinary 2,5-hexanedione in the exposed group was (3.10 ± 1.35) mg/L. The level of P0 antibody (IgG, IgM) and P2 antibody (IgG, IgM) in the high-exposed group and low-exposed group were both higher than that in the controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION P0 antibody and P2 antibody could be used as the early biomarkers of n-hexane exposure, which not only evaluate the occupational hazards in the early, but also provide the policy maker with scientific evidence.
The Adapter Protein SLP-76 Mediates “Outside-In” Integrin Signaling and Function in T Cells

ABSTRACT The adapter protein SH2 domain-containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa (SLP-76) is an essential mediator of signaling from the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR). We report here that SLP-76 also mediates signaling downstream of integrins in T cells and that SLP-76-deficient T cells fail to support adhesion to integrin ligands. In response to both TCR and integrin stimulation, SLP-76 relocalizes to surface microclusters that colocalize with phosphorylated signaling proteins. Disruption of SLP-76 recruitment to the protein named LAT (linker for activation of T cells) inhibits SLP-76 clustering downstream of the TCR but not downstream of integrins. Conversely, an SLP-76 mutant unable to bind ADAP (adhesion and degranulation-promoting adapter protein) forms clusters following TCR but not integrin engagement and fails to support T-cell adhesion to integrin ligands. These findings demonstrate that SLP-76 relocalizes to integrin-initiated signaling complexes by a mechanism different from that employed during TCR signaling and that SLP-76 relocalization corresponds to SLP-76-dependent integrin function in T cells.
The influence of C‐terminal extension on the structure of the “J‐domain” in E. coli DnaJ

Two different recombinant constructs of the N‐terminal domain in Escherichia coli DnaJ were uniformly labeled with nitrogen‐15 and carbon‐13. One, DnaJ(1—78), contains the complete “J‐domain,” and the other, DnaJ(1—104), contains both the “J‐domain” and a conserved “G/F” extension at the C‐terminus. The three‐dimensional structures of these proteins have been determined by heteronuclear NMR experiments. In both proteins the “J‐domain” adopts a compact structure consisting of a helix‐turn‐helix‐loop‐helix‐turn‐helix motif. In contrast, the “G/F” region in DnaJ(1—104) does not fold into a well‐defined structure. Nevertheless, the “G/F” region has been found to have an effect on the packing of the helices in the “J‐domain” in DnaJ(1—104). Particularly, the interhelical angles between Helix IV and other helices are significantly different in the two structures. In addition, there are some local conformational changes in the loop region connecting the two central helices. These structural differences in the “J‐domain” in the presence of the “G/F” region may be related to the observation that DnaJ(1—78) is incapable of stimulating the ATPase activity of the molecular chaperone protein DnaK despite evidence that sites mediating the binding of DnaJ to DnaK are located in the 1—78 segment.
The predictive value of fetal breathing movements in the outcome of premature labour

Summary. Fetal breathing movements (FBM) were assessed in 28 pregnant women, presenting with uterine contractions before 34 weeks gestation. External tocometry was used to determine uterine contractions objectively. The first group consisted of 17 patients, treated by tocolytics after the ultrasound scanning showed absence of FBM. The second group comprised 11 patients with FBM present, who were observed only. In the first group nine women were delivered within 1 week, whereas in the second group no patient was delivered in that period, all of them being discharged. In patients with premature contractions the presence of FBM seems to indicate that the pregnancy will continue while absence of FBM foreshadows early delivery.
Treatment of Oil Refinery Wastewater Using Pilot Scale Fed Batch Reactor Followed by Coagulation and Sand Filtration

The current study evaluates the performance of a pilot scale fed batch reactor (FBR), followed by coagulation and sand filtration, for the treatment of an oil refinery wastewater. The total reductions in COD, BOD, oil contents and phenol were 95.11%, 94.30%, 99.47% and 100%, respectively, with FBR followed by coagulation and sand filtration. This FBR-coagulation-sand filtration treatment system also removed the toxicity from the oil refinery wastewater. Treated wastewater by this approach meets National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) of Pakistan, and can be safely released into the environment.
Novel insights in the use of hydrolytic enzymes secreted by fungi with biotechnological potential

Entomopathogenic and mycoparasitic fungi synthesize hydrolytic enzymes such as chitinases, proteinases and β‐glucanases. These enzymes can act synergistically, helping fungi to control insect pests and pathogens that attack productive crops, and offer potential economic benefit to agribusiness. A number of hydrolytic enzymes have also been utilized in industrial applications. This review focuses on biochemical and structural analyses of fungal enzymes, together with current research information on secretion mechanisms.
Synthesis of 9-Aminoacridine Derivatives as Anti-Alzheimer Agents

In the present study, some 9-aminoacridine derivatives have been synthesized by condensation of 9-aminoacridine with substituted phenacyl, benzoyl, and benzyl halides (RM1-RM6). Compounds were investigated for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition potential, considering these enzymes playing a key role in Alzheimer’s disease. All derivatives showed better inhibition of enzymes than the standard galantamine, whereas except RM4, all exhibit better results than tacrine, a well-known acridine derivative used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Predictive genetic testing: Mediators and moderators of anxiety

Mediators and moderators of anxiety following predictive genetic testing were investigated in a cross-sectional study of 208 individuals at risk for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Receiving a positive test result was associated with increased anxiety. The relationship between test result and anxiety was mediated by how threatened individuals felt by their test results. The impact of a positive test result was greater for those who felt distressed about FAP in their families, perceived FAP to be more serious, and perceived the genetic test to be more accurate. The results suggest that assessing, and possibly modifying, people’s appraisals of the condition and of its impact on the family and of the threat of the genetic test may help to reduce subsequent anxiety. This has implications for the practice of genetic counseling.
Prioritising action to accelerate gender equity and health for women and girls: Microdata analysis of 47 countries

ABSTRACT The Sustainable Development Goals set ambitious targets for health. Meeting such will require drastic improvements in the social conditions for women and girls. Understanding which social conditions have the greatest impact on health can help prioritise action, yet there is little comparative data. We use microdata from 338,580 women in 47 low- and middle-income countries to estimate the relative contributions of improved social determinants in bringing about maternal and child health gains over the past 20 years. Regression analyses examine determinants related to education, work, health services, family, and violence; the potential health benefit that could be derived from improving conditions is calculated. Secondary education and child marriage emerge as the strongest and most consistent predictors of health. The largest impact is seen on adolescent births: we estimate that achieving universal completion of secondary schooling for young women could lower adolescent births by 18 percentage points; eliminating child marriages could lower adolescent births by 11 points. Intervening in these two areas could also bring about substantial reductions in the unmet need for family planning, past-year intimate partner violence, and child mortality. Thus, we suggest prioritising policies targeting secondary education and child marriage in order to accelerate gender equity and health.
Characterization of human cultured periosteal sheets expressing bone‐forming potential: in vitro and in vivo animal studies

Our recent clinical studies have demonstrated that autologous implantation of human cultured periosteal (hCP) sheets in combination with porous hydroxylapatite (HAp) particles at the site of periodontal bone defects strikingly facilitates tissue regeneration. To better understand how the hCP sheet functions at the implantation site, we have now examined its biochemical and morphological characteristics in vitro and its ectopic osteoinductivity in nude mice. Cultured human periosteal tissue segments produced periosteal cells that migrated out from the central region within 4–8 days and grew more rapidly with longer culture times. Alkaline phosphatase activity increased in parallel with actual osteoblastic induction. Cytokine array assays demonstrated that osteoblastic induction downregulated IL‐6 and thrombopoietin, but upregulated IL‐8, IL‐13, IGF‐I and IGFBP‐2 in hCP sheets. When differentiated hCP sheets were implanted alone, areas of osteoid and mineralized tissue were formed within 2 weeks, but non‐induced, immature hCP sheets did not produce much mineralization. These findings suggest that mature hCP sheets potentially function not only as seeds of ectopic bone formation without the need of synthetic tissue scaffolds, but also as living drug‐delivery systems, to influence cells near implantation sites by producing several important cytokines. These two major characteristics indicate that a mature hCP sheet is a promising osteoinductive biomaterial, even without conventional scaffolds for periodontal regenerative therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low frequency epithelial cells in bone marrow aspirates from prostate carcinoma patients are cytogenetically aberrant

Low frequency epithelial cells occur in bone marrow aspirates of 25‐50% of patients with locally confined prostate carcinoma. It is assumed that bone marrow epithelial cells derive from the primary tumor; however, it has not been established unequivocally that they are tumor cells. Immunofluorescence approaches were used to quantify the frequency of epithelial cells in bone marrow aspirates from prostate carcinoma patients and genotypic analyses were used to determine whether they contained numeric aberrations of chromosomes 1, 7, and 8.
Sonographic standards for a single functioning kidney in children.

OBJECTIVE We investigated the sonographic measurements of the functioning kidney of children who were born with a single functioning kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 56 children (0-6 years old) with one multicystic dysplastic kidney and one functioning kidney, the length of the functioning kidney was correlated with the child's age, weight, and body surface area. RESULTS The mean length of the kidney was 51.0 mm in children 2 weeks old, 56.8 mm at 9 weeks, 62.8 mm at 23 weeks, 69.6 mm at 46 weeks, 71.7 mm at 63 weeks, 78.0 mm at 112 weeks, 79.6 mm at 172 weeks, 86.7 mm at 225 weeks, and 91.0 mm at 279 weeks. When these results were compared with existing sonographic standards for bilateral functioning kidneys, the single functioning kidneys were longer by a statistically significant amount. CONCLUSION Compensatory hypertrophy of single functioning kidneys occurs in utero. In children of the ages we investigated, the size of single functioning kidneys exceeded established standards for the size of bilateral functioning kidneys.
New Weapons in the War on Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis continues to be a global threat. Efforts to eradicate this disease are hampered by the long course and potential toxicity of currently available treatment regimens, the increasing prevalence of tuberculosis-HIV coinfection, the evolution of drug resistant organisms, and the lack of a highly effective vaccine. Recent studies have suggested methods to improve the cost effectiveness of existing treatment strategies. Decreasing the relapse rate among high-risk individuals by extending therapy can be balanced by the cost savings of self-administered therapy for low-risk individuals. For the first time in over 30 years, new medications are flowing through the drug discovery pipeline. New agents with activity against slowly dividing bacilli have the potential to shorten the duration of therapy. Many have a more favorable side-effect profile than currently available medications. And even extensively drug-resistant organisms will be susceptible to these secret weapons. The fully sequenced genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been exploited to develop safer and more effective candidate vaccines. Highly immunogenic mycobacterial fragments, revved-up versions of the existing vaccine, and toned-down versions of M. tuberculosis are all in various phases of clinical testing. This expanded arsenal has the potential to deliver a fatal blow to one of humanity's greatest enemies.