Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Cytology and HPV Typing as a Screening Tool in Patients With Intraanal Warts

Background and Aim Given that anorectal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been related to anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and rectal cancer, we conducted this study to evaluate the role of cytology of anal smears in the diagnosis of intraanal disease and related AIN and to correlate it to HPV genotypes. Method A total of 72 patients (58 males and 14 females) with perianal warts underwent anoscopy with biopsies and anal cytologic examination. Cytology was carried out for the identification of any dysplasia according to the Bethesda system. All specimens were examined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HPV DNA identification. Exclusion criteria included immunosuppression and high-grade squamous intraepitheliel lesion (HGSIL) or SCC in anal specimens. Results Seven patients were excluded from the study. Intraanal warts were detected with anoscopy in 57 out of 65 patients, whereas histology showed HPV infection in 56 out of 65 patients and cytology was positive in 52 out of 65 low-grade squamous intraepitheliel lesion (LGSIL) patients. In 43 out of 52 positive patients, simple HPV infection was detected whereas in 9 out of 52 positive patients AIN I. HPV DNA was detected in 51 out of 65 patients, whereas 3 specimens were characterized as invalids. In the majority, HPV 6 could be identified (39/48, 81%), whereas HPV 16 was detected in 4 patients (4/48, 8.3%). One fourth of the positive patients had been infected with more than 1 HPV types (13/48, 27%). Cytology presented a sensitivity 87.5% and specificity 67% in comparison with the histology. Conclusions Cytology is highly sensitive in the diagnosis of intraanal warts comparable with histopathology. The combination of the 3 examinations (anoscopy, cytology, and PCR HPV typing) improves diagnostic accuracy and offers a global picture of the anorectal HPV disease.
TEL Is a Sequence-specific Transcriptional Repressor*

TEL is a gene frequently involved in specific chromosomal translocations in human leukemia and sarcoma that encodes a member of the ETS family of transcriptional regulators. TEL is unusual among other ETS proteins by its ability to self-associatein vivo, a property that is essential to the oncogenic activation of TEL-derived fusion proteins. We show here that TEL is a sequence-specific transcriptional repressor of ETS-binding site-driven transcription of model and natural promoters. Deletion of the oligomerization domain of TEL or its substitution by the homologous region of monomeric ETS1 impaired the ability of TEL to repress. In contrast, substitution of the oligomerization domain of TEL by unrelated oligomerization domains resulted in an active repressor, showing that the ability of TEL to repress depends on its ability to self-associate. The study of the properties of TEL fusions to the heterologous DNA binding domain of Gal4 identified two autonomous repression domains in TEL, distinct from its oligomerization domain, that are essential to the ability of TEL to repress ETS-binding site-containing promoters. These results have implications for the normal function of TEL, its relation to other ETS proteins, and its role in leukemogenesis.
Recent advances in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer

The treatment of advanced colorectal cancer has improved in recent years. Prospective randomized trials comparing innovative therapies with the “standard” bolus dose of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) found increased response rates after biochemical modification of the drug, infusion administration of 5‐FU, and direct intrahepatic arterial infusion. Although the impact on survival of these techniques has been minimal, it is possible that these innovative approaches provide an incremental survival advantage for certain subgroups of patients that may be the foundation for additional therapeutic improvements in the future.
Increased exhalation of hydrogen peroxide in healthy subjects following cigarette consumption.

CONTEXT Increased hydrogen peroxide has been described in the expired breath condensate (H2O2-E) of several lung conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. This technique has been advocated as being a simple method for documenting airway inflammation. OBJECTIVE To evaluate H2O2-E in healthy cigarette smokers, and to determine the acute effects of the consumption of one cigarette on H2O2-E levels. TYPE OF STUDY Prospective, controlled trial. SETTING A pulmonary function laboratory in a University Hospital. PARTICIPANTS Two groups of healthy volunteers: individuals who had never smoked (NS; n=10; 4 men; age = 30.6 +/- 6.2 years) and current cigarette smokers (S; n=12; 7 men; age = 38.7 +/- 9.8). None of the volunteers had respiratory symptoms and all showed normal spirometric tests. INTERVENTION Expired air was collected from all volunteers through a face mask and a plastic collecting system leading into a flask with dry ice and pure ethanol. Samples from the group S were collected twice, before and half an hour after the combustion of one cigarette. MAIN MEASUREMENTS Expired hydrogen peroxide using the Gallati and Pracht method. RESULTS The S and NS groups showed comparable levels of H2O2-E at basal conditions [NS = 0.74 microM (DP 0.24) vs. S = 0.75 microM (DP 0.31)]. The smokers showed a significant increase in H2O2-E levels half an hour after the consumption of only one cigarette [0.75 microM (DP 0.31) vs. 0. 95 microM (DP 0.22)]. CONCLUSION The present results are consistent with the concept that smokers increase oxidative stress with elevated production of reactive oxygen species, contributing to the development of smoking-related disorders.
Chloroplast DNA haplotype variation and population differentiation in Sorbus aucuparia L. (Rosaceae: Maloideae)

Intra‐specific chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation was studied in Sorbus aucuparia L. , an entomophilous, mid‐or early successional tree producing fleshy fruits. Eight PCR‐amplified fragments of the chloroplast genome were screened for restriction fragment length polymorphisms, using one or two 4 bp‐cutter restriction endonucleases. cpDNA variation was investigated on two geographical scales: (1) among four regions in France and Belgium; and (2) within the Belgian region. A total of 150 individuals from six populations were analysed. Fourteen polymorphisms were detected in six of the cpDNA fragments. All polymorphisms probably resulted from insertions or deletions, and allowed the identification of 12 haplotypes. The level of genetic differentiation computed on the basis of haplotype frequencies was similar on the two geographical scales considered (GSTc = 0.286 among regions, GSTc = 0.259 among populations within the Belgian region). These values are much lower than those obtained in nine previously studied temperate tree species, which are all wind‐pollinated, late‐successional species producing dry fruits. These results might primarily be accounted for by the contrasting life history traits of S. aucuparia. In order to obtain insights into the relative contribution of pollen and seeds to gene flow, GSTc was also compared with previously obtained GST estimates based on allozyme data.
Superiority of Optimized Portfolios to Naive Diversification: Fact or Fiction?

DeMiguel, Garlappi, and Uppal (2009) conducted a highly influential study where they demonstrated that none of the optimized portfolios consistently outperformed the naive diversification. This result triggered a heated debate within the academic community on whether portfolio optimization adds value. Nowadays several studies claim to defend the value of portfolio optimization. The commonality in all these studies is that various portfolio optimization methods are implemented using the datasets generously provided by Kenneth French and the performance is measured by means of the Sharpe ratio. This paper aims to provide a cautionary note regarding the use of Kenneth French datasets in portfolio optimization without controlling whether the superior performance appears due to better mean-variance efficiency or due to exposures to established factor premiums. First, we demonstrate that the low-volatility effect is present in virtually all datasets in the Kenneth French online data library. Second, using a few simple portfolio optimization models that are said to outperform the naive diversification, we show that these portfolios are tilted towards assets with lowest volatilities and, after controlling for the low-volatility effect, there is absolutely no evidence of superior performance. The main conclusion that we reach in our paper is that a convincing demonstration of the value of portfolio optimization cannot be made without showing that the superior performance cannot be attributed to profiting from some known anomalies.
Isolation and Characterization of Multipotent Cells from Human Fetal Dermis

We report that cells from human fetal dermis, termed here multipotent fetal dermal cells, can be isolated with high efficiency by using a nonenzymatic, cell outgrowth method. The resulting cell population was consistent with the definition of mesenchymal stromal cells by the International Society for Cellular Therapy. As multipotent fetal dermal cells proliferate extensively, with no loss of multilineage differentiation potential up to passage 25, they may be an ideal source for cell therapy to repair damaged tissues and organs. Multipotent fetal dermal cells were not recognized as targets by T lymphocytes in vitro, thus supporting their feasibility for allogenic transplantation. Moreover, the expansion protocol did not affect the normal phenotype and karyotype of cells. When compared with adult dermal cells, fetal cells displayed several advantages, including a greater cellular yield after isolation, the ability to proliferate longer, and the retention of differentiation potential. Interestingly, multipotent fetal dermal cells expressed the pluripotency marker SSEA4 (90.56 ± 3.15% fetal vs. 10.5 ± 8.5% adult) and coexpressed mesenchymal and epithelial markers (>80% CD90+/CK18+ cells), coexpression lacking in the adult counterparts isolated under the same conditions. Multipotent fetal dermal cells were able to form capillary structures, as well as differentiate into a simple epithelium in vitro, indicating skin regeneration capabilities.
Lipid modification in the elderly using the combination of a statin and a cholesterol absorption inhibitor

While the optimal lipid-lowering treatment to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in elderly patients has not been definitively established, evidence so far indicates that reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) should be a primary goal, as with other patient groups. The VYTELD (VYTorin in the ELDerly) study – a multicenter, 12-week, randomized, double-blind trial – evaluated the efficacy and safety of combination therapy comprised of ezetimibe plus simvastatin (eze/simva) versus atorvastatin in 1289 hypercholesterolemic patients aged ≥ 65 years. For all prespecified comparisons, patients randomized to eze/simva were found to have significantly greater percentage decreases in LDL-C and were significantly more likely to achieve LDL-C target levels compared with those on atorvastatin monotherapy (p < 0.05 to < 0.001). Also, the proportions of subjects reaching secondary biochemical targets were similarly greater with eze/simva than with atorvastatin monotherapy for all prespecified comparisons (p < 0.01 to < 0.001). Finally, there were no differences in tolerability between the treatments. The authors concluded that in patients aged ≥ 65 years, the eze/simva combination provided significantly greater improvements in key lipid variables, with a larger proportion of subjects reaching target LDL-C compared with atorvastatin monotherapy. Despite these promising short-term results, the longer-term safety and efficacy of combination treatment across diverse populations requires further evaluation.
Electricity consumption and economic growth: A causality analysis for Turkey in the frame of import-based energy consumption and current account deficit

ABSTRACT In this study, first the relationship between electricity consumption (EC) and economic growth is analyzed using three different approaches to eliminate mis-specified statistical models and biased outcomes. Then, the relationship between primary energy resources, which are import-based and used to produce electricity, and current account balance (CAB) is investigated. The rationale behind analyzing the relationship between import-based energy consumption and CAB lies on understanding the potential positive and negative effects of energy consumption on economy. Statistical results show that (1) unidirectional causality running from EC to economic growth has been found for the case of Turkey and (2) there is a bidirectional causality running from import-based EC to current account deficit.
Long-Term Longitudinal Study on the Relationship Between Alternating Shift Work and the Onset of Diabetes Mellitus in Male Japanese Workers

Objective: This study investigated the effect of alternating shift work (ASW) on the onset of diabetes mellitus in Japanese workers compared with onset in day-shift work (DSW). Methods: A longitudinal study was carried out on a DSW group (n = 3203) and ASW group (n = 2426) of a steel company who received their annual health checkups over a 10-year period between 1991 and 2001. The association between job schedule type and onset of diabetes mellitus (glycated hemoglobin A1c ≥6.0% or medication) was investigated by multivariate pooled logistic regression analyses. Results: The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for the development of diabetes mellitus in the ASW group compared with the DSW group was 1.35 (1.05–1.75). Conclusions: Our study revealed that the ASW is an independent risk factor for the onset of diabetes mellitus.
Modulation of In Vivo Striatal Transmitter Release by Nitric Oxide and Cyclic GMP

Abstract: The effects of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic GMP on in vivo transmitter release in the rat striatum were investigated using microdialysis sampling in urethane‐anaesthetised animals. The NO release‐inducing substances S‐nitrosoacetylpenicillamine (SNAP), S‐nitrosoglutathione (SNOG), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) increased extracellular concentrations of aspartate (Asp), glutamate (Glu), γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), taurine (Tau), acetylcholine (ACh), and serotonin (5‐HT). Dopamine (DA) concentrations were decreased by SNAP but were increased by SNOG and SNP. An NO scavenger, haemoglobin, blocked or reduced the effects of SNAP on transmitter release. However, the control carrier compounds for SNAP, SNOG, and SNP (penicillamine, glutathione, and potassium ferricyanide, respectively, which do not induce release of NO) also increased GABA, Tau, DA, and 5‐HT concentrations. When NO gas was given directly by dissolving it in degassed Ringer's solution, DA concentrations decreased significantly, and those of Asp, Glu, GABA, Tau, ACh, and 5‐HT increased. These effects of NO gas were all inhibited by coadministration of haemoglobin and for GABA, Tau, ACh, and DA showed some calcium dependency. The cyclic GMP agonists 8‐bromo‐cyclic GMP and dibutryl‐cyclic GMP stimulated dose‐dependent increases in Asp, Glu, GABA, Tau, ACh, DA, and 5‐HT concentrations. Increased striatal transmitter release in response to NO may therefore be mediated by its stimulatory action on cyclic GMP formation. NO inhibition of DA release may be mediated indirectly through its stimulation of local cholinergic and GABAergic neurones.
Does isoflurane enhance rhinovirus replication and virus‐induced cytokine secretion in airway epithelial cells?

Background: There have been no previous studies regarding the effect of volatile anesthetics on human rhinovirus (RV) infection in airway epithelial cells of patients with an upper respiratory infection (URI). We have therefore evaluated in vitro the effect of isoflurane on RV infection in airway epithelial cells.
Arthrodesis of the cervical spine in rheumatoid arthritis.

Forty-one patients who had rheumatoid arthritis were treated with a cervical arthrodesis and were followed for a minimum of twenty-three months. Twenty patients had had an isolated atlanto-axial subluxation; five, isolated cranial settling; and four, subaxial subluxation alone. Twenty patients had an atlanto-axial arthrodesis; sixteen, an occipitocervical arthrodesis; and five, a posterior arthrodesis of the subaxial spine. In addition, two patients had a transoral odontoidectomy and one, an anterior cervical vertebrectomy. At the latest follow-up, thirty-six (88 per cent) of the patients had osseous union, two had fibrous union but were stable, and three had a non-union. All of the problems with union occurred in the patients who had had an isolated atlanto-axial arthrodesis. Clinically, twenty-seven (66 per cent) of the patients had improved, fourteen were unchanged, and none were worse. The preoperative neurological status remained the same postoperatively in thirty patients (73 per cent) and it improved in eleven (27 per cent). Twenty-one of the twenty-three patients who had had marked pain preoperatively had little or no pain at the latest follow-up. Complications included a transient hemiparesis in one patient, a superficial wound infection in two, displacement of an anterior graft in one, a broken wire in three, and erosion of methylmethacrylate into the outer part of the occipital cortex in one. Four patients died, but not as a result of the operation. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of milk composition and coagulation traits on Grana Padano cheese yield under field conditions

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of chemical composition, coagulation properties, pH, and titratable acidity (TA, SH°/50 ml) of vat milk on Grana Padano cheese yield (CY) under field conditions. Twelve cheese-making sessions were carried out from February to December 2009 in a dairy cooperative of Grana Padano Consortium (Italy), for a total of 96 vats of milk processed. For each vat, samples of raw milk were collected and analysed for quality traits (fat, protein, and casein contents), pH, TA, and milk coagulation properties (MCP), measured as rennet coagulation time (RCT, min), curd-firming time (k20, min), and curd firmness (a30, mm). Cheese yield was expressed as kilograms of cheese per 100 kg milk transformed, and was measured after 2 d of drainage. Fat, protein, and casein contents were positively and strongly correlated with CY (coefficients of correlation, r = 0·72, 0·88, and 0·84, respectively; P < 0·001). Coagulation properties were moderately and significantly (P < 0·001) related to CY: milk that coagulated earlier and had stronger a30 was associated to greater CY. Cheese yield was analysed with a model that accounted for fixed effects of cheese-making day, fat and protein content, TA, and a30. Significance was found for all the effects (P < 0·05). Milk characterised by high values of a30 resulted in higher CY than milk with low values of a30, indicating that MCP could be used as indicators of cheese-making efficiency. Future research should investigate the relationships between MCP and quality of cheese, and explore the feasibility of including MCP in multiple component milk pricing system for Grana Padano cheese production.
Erythrocyte levels compared with reported dietary intake of marine n-3 fatty acids in pregnant women

It is well established that marine n-3 fatty acids measured in erythrocyte phospholipids of non-pregnant subjects reflect the subjects intake of these fatty acids. In 135 pregnant women in the 30th week of gestation we compared intake of marine n-3 fatty acids and energy, estimated by a combined dietary self-administered questionnaire and interview, with fatty acids measured in erythrocyte phospholipids. Daily intake (g/d) and nutrient density of marine n-3 fatty acids (mg/MJ) correlated with the n-3 fatty acid: arachidonic acid ratio (FA-ratio) with correlation coefficients of 0·48 and 0·54 respectively. In a linear regression model with three frequency questions about marine sandwiches, marine cooked meals and fish oil as explanatory variables, and the FA-ratio as dependent variable, the multiple correlation coefficient was 0·46. Conclusions from the study were (1) levels of erythrocyte fatty acids in pregnant women may be employed as a qualitative method to rank subjects according to intake of marine n-3 fatty acids; (2) with respect to the power to explain FA-ratio variability, three simple marine food frequency questions were comparable with intake of marine n-3 fatty acids assessed by an elaborate semiquantitative dietary method involving an interview.
Agonist of growth hormone-releasing hormone as a potential effector for survival and proliferation of pancreatic islets

Therapeutic strategies for transplantation of pancreatic islet cells are urgently needed to expand β-cell mass by stimulating islet cell proliferation and/or prolonging islet cell survival. Control of the islets by different growth factors provides a potential venue for augmenting β-cell mass. In the present study, we show the expression of the biologically active splice variant-1 (SV-1) of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor in rat insulinoma (INS-1) cells as well as in rat and human pancreatic islets. In studies in vitro of INS-1 cells, the GHRH agonist JI-36 caused a significant increase in cell proliferation and a reduction of cell apoptosis. JI-36 increased islet size and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in isolated rat islets after 48–72 h. At the ultrastructural level, INS-1 cells treated with agonist JI-36 revealed a metabolic active stimulation state with increased cytoplasm. Coincubation with the GHRH antagonist MIA-602 reversed the actions of the agonist JI-36, indicating the specificity of this agonist. In vivo, the function of pancreatic islets was assessed by transplantation of rat islets under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin-induced diabetic non-obese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD-SCID) mice. Islets treated with GHRH agonist JI-36 were able to achieve normoglycemia earlier and more consistently than untreated islets. Furthermore, in contrast to diabetic animals transplanted with untreated islets, insulin response to an i.p. glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) in animals receiving islets treated with agonist Jl-36 was comparable to that of normal healthy mice. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that agonists of GHRH represent a promising pharmacological therapy aimed at promoting islet graft growth and proliferation in diabetic patients.
New concepts in staging and treatment of locally advanced pancreatic head cancer.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this article is to discuss the CT findings that guide surgeons in deciding the feasibility of tumor excision in patients with locally advanced pancreatic head cancers. CONCLUSION Vascular resection as an adjunct to pancreaticoduodenectomy is increasingly used in pancreatic head cancer. As a result, the imaging criteria to determine which patients are candidates for potentially curative resection are evolving.