Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantification of changes in muscle from individuals with and without mitochondrial disease

Introduction: Muscle biopsy is used in the diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders. There are limited data on the normal ranges, so interpretation of findings can be difficult. Methods: We evaluated the percentage of fibers showing mitochondrial abnormalities using Gomori trichrome staining, succinate dehydrogenase, and cytochrome oxidase histochemistry in autopsy samples taken from 45 individuals without evidence of muscle disease and biopsies from 17 patients with mitochondrial disorders. Results: In controls, mitochondrial abnormalities were rare before the fifth decade, and most had <0.1% abnormal fibers. The proportion of abnormal fibers increased with age and was higher in deltoid than quadriceps. Most patients with mitochondrial disorders had >0.5% abnormal fibers. Conclusions: Although some patients with mitochondrial disease have very few muscle fibers that show mitochondrial abnormalities, a rate of abnormality of >0.5% fibers, in the absence of a primary muscle disease this should raise the possibility of a mitochondrial disorder. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Attitudes of Candidate Teachers towards Multicultural and Gifted Education

Nowadays problematic issues which multicultural and gifted education that became more important in educational policy. It was unavoidable that perusing these topics at teachers education. This study was aimed that investigate to candidate teachers attitudes towards multicultural and gifted education. Data was obtained from 120 candidate teachers enrolled in Bulent Ecevit University Eregli Educational School at 2011-2012 educational term. Data tools are; Opinions about the Gifted and Their Education (OGTE) and Teacher Multicultural Attitude Survey (TMAS) were used. At results of study candidate teachers attitudes towards gifted education did not differ from according to age/gender/department, but attitudes towards multicultural education only differ from gender (p<.05). Besides there was a relationship candidate teachers attitudes towards gifted education between multicultural education (r=.432, p<.05).
Preoperative assessment of deep myometrial and cervical invasion in endometrial carcinoma: Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and histopathologic evaluation

Summary This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the detection of deep myometrial invasion and cervical extension by endometrial carcinoma. This prospective study included 101 patients with histologically documented endometrial carcinoma, between July 1998 and April 2004. The findings of preoperative pelvic MRI were compared with histological diagnosis. From 101 cases studied by pelvic MRI, 43 were classified as deep myometrial invasion (≥50% of myometrium), where the pathological evaluation confirmed as having deep myometrial invasion. Cervical extension in the MRI study was found in 19 cases. Pathologic study found cervical extension and/or invasion in 31 cases including all cases identified by MRI. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 95%, 89%, 100%, detecting deep myometrial invasion and 88%, 61%, 100%, detecting cervical invasion, respectively. The high accuracy achieved makes MRI an adequate method for determine the depth of myometrial and cervical invasion in endometrial carcinoma.
HOXC6 Is Deregulated in Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Modulates Bcl-2 Expression*

Background: HOXC6 is involved in malignant progression, yet its signaling pathways in HNSCC remain largely unknown. Results: HOXC6 induces Bcl-2 expression by directly increasing promoter activity. Conclusion: The role of HOXC6 in HNSCC is associated with the aberrant cell growth and anti-apoptotic role. Significance: These studies provide a new mechanistic link between HOXC6 and Bcl-2 in HNSCC cell lines. Homeobox C6 (HOXC6) genes belong to the homeoprotein family of transcription factors, which play an important role in morphogenesis and cellular differentiation during embryonic development. The aim of this study was to explore the role of HOXC6 in the regulation of Bcl-2 in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The HOXC6 and Bcl-2 gene were identified as being overexpressed in HNSCC tissue and cell lines. Transfection assays demonstrated that HOXC6 increased the levels of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein. A luciferase reporter assay suggested that HOXC6 induced activity of the Bcl-2 promoter. A series of Bcl-2 promoter deletion mutants were examined and the minimal HOXC6-responsive region was identified to be in the TAAT motif (-420 bp) of the Bcl-2 promoter. Interestingly, the inhibition of HOXC6 using siRNA led to the repression of Bcl-2 expression and induced caspase-3-dependent apoptosis; overexpression of HOXC6 in HNSCC cells increased the resistance to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. Together, our findings suggest that HOXC6 is an important mechanism of the anti-apoptotic pathway via regulation of Bcl-2 expression.
Pathogenesis of malignant ascites formation: initiating events that lead to fluid accumulation.

Initiating events leading to the accumulation of malignant ascites in the peritoneal cavity were investigated in two syngeneic transplantable murine ascites-producing tumors, MOT mouse ovarian tumor and the TA3/St mammary carcinoma. The transport of two tracers, 125I-labeled human serum albumin (125I-HSA) and 51Cr-labeled red blood cells (51Cr-RBC), into and out of the peritoneal cavity was studied at early times after i.p. tumor cell injection, prior to abundant fluid accumulation, and at intervals of 5 to 360 min after i.v. or i.p. tracer injection. Tracer influx and efflux rates were estimated from the mass of tracer passing into or out of the peritoneal cavity following a bolus injection of tracer into either the blood or the peritoneal cavity. Efflux of 125I-HSA from the peritoneal cavity was markedly reduced (3- to 5-fold) within 1 day of i.p. injection of either type of tumor cell. Significantly reduced efflux preceded any increase in tumor cell number and by itself did not induce peritoneal fluid accumulation. 125I-HSA tracer influx from plasma to peritoneal fluid did not increase detectably until 5 to 7 days after tumor cell injection, when the tumor cell number had increased by 10- to 100-fold. Only at relatively late stages of ascites tumor growth, when the flow rate into the peritoneal cavity had increased relative to the flow rate out of the peritoneum, was there net peritoneal fluid accumulation. Thus, increased influx, in addition to impaired efflux, were required for malignant ascites accumulation. Following i.p. injection, the efflux rates of 125I-HSA always exceeded those of 51Cr-RBC, even in ascites tumor-bearing animals. Furthermore, 125I-HSA tracer disappeared from the peritoneal cavity more rapidly than it appeared in the plasma, suggesting that 125I-HSA moves more rapidly through the channels by which 51Cr-RBC egress from the peritoneum (primarily diaphragmatic lymphatics) and/or has access to additional pathways not open to 51Cr-RBC. Finally, flow rates into and out of the blood and peritoneum were used to obtain kinetic parameters that characterized tracer transport: k1, the rate constant for tracer transport from the blood to the peritoneum; k2, the rate constant for tracer transport from the peritoneal cavity to the blood; and k6, the rate constant for tracer transport from the peritoneal cavity to surrounding interstitial tissue. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Correlation of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with restless legs syndrome: a population based survey

Background and objectives: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an important and common cause of insomnia, and previous studies indicate that psychiatric wellbeing may be impaired among RLS patients. We aimed to investigate the interaction between anxiety/depression and RLS in a population based survey. Methods: Data were drawn from the Mersin University Neuro-Epidemiology Project, a representative community sample of adults aged over 17 years residing in Mersin (n = 3234). Subjects found to be positive for RLS (n = 103) were evaluated for symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scales and compared with the same number of contemporaneous control subjects. Results: Significantly greater anxiety and depression symptoms were observed among patients with RLS than in the control subjects. Our data also seem to provide initial evidence of a correlation between the severity of RLS and of anxiety and depression symptoms (r = 0.21, p = 0.03 and r = 0.201, p = 0.04 respectively). Conclusions: Assessment of psychiatric status of RLS patients can be helpful and sometimes necessary to determine additional features and treatment strategies of this bothering condition. Further studies are needed to replicate our findings using longitudinal data.
Evaluation of Apligraf® persistence and basement membrane restoration in donor site wounds: a pilot study

Apligraf® is a bilayered tissue‐engineered product consisting of a bovine collagen matrix with neonatal fibroblasts, overlaid by a stratified epithelium containing living keratinocytes. The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved its use for venous leg ulcers and neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. Apligraf® provides a dermal matrix and produces cytokines similar to the human skin. However, its mechanism of action and ultimate fate in host wounds are unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the persistence of Apligraf® fibroblasts and keratinocytes in human acute partial‐thickness wounds (split‐thickness donor sites) treated with Apligraf®. In an open‐label, within‐patient, three‐centered, controlled pilot study, 10 patients were treated with Apligraf®, Apligraf® dermis only (without epidermis), and a polyurethane film for donor site wounds of the same size, depth, and anatomical location. Apligraf® DNA persistence was the primary outcome measure. Basement membrane components, cosmetic outcome, time to wound healing, and safety parameters were secondary outcome measures. One week after the initial treatment, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis found that two Apligraf® and two Apligraf® dermis‐only‐treated sites had Apligraf® DNA present. Four weeks posttreatment, only one Apligraf® and one Apligraf® dermis‐only sites showed the presence of Apligraf® DNA. There was no difference between the three treatment modalities in establishing basement membrane in donor site wounds. No differences in other secondary outcomes were found. Apligraf® DNA persisted in a minority of patients at 4 weeks in acute partial‐thickness wounds. Apligraf®'s success in speeding healing of acute wounds appears to be related to factors other than the persistence of donor DNA or effect on basement membrane restoration.
Structural Determinants of Oligomerization of the Aquaporin-4 Channel*

The aquaporin (AQP) family of integral membrane protein channels mediate cellular water and solute flow. Although qualitative and quantitative differences in channel permeability, selectivity, subcellular localization, and trafficking responses have been observed for different members of the AQP family, the signature homotetrameric quaternary structure is conserved. Using a variety of biophysical techniques, we show that mutations to an intracellular loop (loop D) of human AQP4 reduce oligomerization. Non-tetrameric AQP4 mutants are unable to relocalize to the plasma membrane in response to changes in extracellular tonicity, despite equivalent constitutive surface expression levels and water permeability to wild-type AQP4. A network of AQP4 loop D hydrogen bonding interactions, identified using molecular dynamics simulations and based on a comparative mutagenic analysis of AQPs 1, 3, and 4, suggest that loop D interactions may provide a general structural framework for tetrameric assembly within the AQP family.
Constrained feedback RMPC for a category of LPV systems

For a category of linear parameter varying (LPV) systems, i.e. LPV systems with both bounded rates of parameter variations and parameter measurement errors, the approach to design the feedback robust model predictive control (RMPC) is studied. The proposed controller utilizes the information on system parameters so as to improve the control performance, where the LPV system model is transferred into a sequence of future models with parameter-incremental uncertainty to include both the parameter variations and the parameter measurement. Then, a sequence of feedback control laws is designed to correspond to the sequence of future models. Since the information on system parameters is utilized and the control actions will vary corresponding to the future variations of system parameters, the better control performance can be achieved. The recursive feasibility and closed-loop stability of the proposed RMPC are also proven.
Novel growth rate control of dam gene expression in Escherichia coli

Transcription of the dam gene in Escherichia coli is growth rate regulated by a mechanism distinct from that used for ribosomal RNA gene promoters. Single‐copy operon fusions to lacZ indicated that the major promoter, P2, is responsible for most or all of the growth rate dependence. Promoter P2 is a typical σ70 promoter with 18bp spacing between the ‐10 and ‐35 hexamers. Primer extension analysis was used to show that there was no inhibition of transcription from promoter P2 in cells induced for the stringent response. Beta‐galactosidase specific activity from a single‐copy dam::lacZ fusion was unaffected by either excess rrnB RNA or the level of Fis protein. Thus growth rate control of dam gene expression differs from that of the rRNA and tRNA genes by its lack of response to stringent control, ribosomal feedback and enhanced transcription by Fis protein. We devised a procedure for selection of mutant cells in which dam gene expression was unregulated. One such mutant (cde‐4), obtained by miniTn 10 insertion, showed the same level of β‐galactosidase activity at all growth rates tested, in contrast, growth rate‐dependent expression of the rrnB gene was unaffected by cde‐4 confirming the different modes of regulation. The cde‐4::mint Tn 10 insertion is located close to kilobase 670 on the physical map in or near the lipB gene.
Effects of Repetitive Training at Low Altitude on Erythropoiesis in 400 and 800 m Runners

Classical altitude training can cause an increase in total hemoglobin mass (THM) if a minimum "dose of hypoxia" is reached (altitude >or=2,000 m, >or=3 weeks). We wanted to find out if repetitive exposure to mild hypoxia during living and training at low altitude (<2,000 m) for several weeks, often performed by elite athletes, might also have significant effects on erythropoiesis. THM, erythropoietin (EPO), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and ferritin were determined in 8 elite runners before and after each of 2 training camps at low altitude interspersed by 3 weeks of sea-level training and at the same time points in a control group (CG) of 5 well-trained runners. EPO, sTfR and ferritin were also repeatedly measured during the altitude training camps. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant increases in EPO- and sTfR-levels during both training camps and a significant decrease in ferritin indicating enhanced erythropoietic stimulation during living and training at low altitude. Furthermore, significant augmentation of THM by 5.1% occurred in the course of the 2 altitude training camps. In conclusion, repetitive living and training at low altitude leads to a hypoxia-induced increase in erythropoietic stimulation in elite 400 m and 800 m runners and, apparently, might also cause a consecutive augmentation of THM.
Sovereign Debt and Asymmetric Market Information

I extend the recent quantitative models of sovereign default by allowing asymmetry in information between the government and foreign lenders. As a result, the model can account for the empirical fact that less transparent governments have higher levels of debt. Introducing information asymmetry emphasizes several mechanisms. First, a more informed government demands less precautionary savings. Second, less informed lenders offer a relatively better price when the probability of a bad outcome is higher. The effects of these channels are amplified when government is financially constrained, and any small change in price may trigger a default and bring the average debt level down considerably. Additionally, introducing asymmetric information allows assessing the consequences of the misalignment of market sentiments and generate business cycle moments closer to the one observed in the data.
The Influence of Etiology and Treatment Factors on Intellectual Outcome in Congenital Hypothyroidism

To determine the effects of hypothyroidism and hormonal patterns on outcome, we tested 65 7- to 12-year-old children with congenital hypothyroidism using standardized tests of intelligence, neuropsychological functioning, memory, and achievement. Results were analyzed by etiology, time to thyrotropin normalization, and hormone levels at testing. Children with athyreosis scored below other etiologies on visuospatial, attention, and arithmetic indices. Children whose thyroid-stimulating hormone levels normalized by 1 to 2 months of age scored higher than later normalizers on indices of visual memory, attention, and arithmetic. Normalization of thyroid-stimulating hormone by 3 months of age was associated with better memory and learning abilities than later normalization. Thyroid hormone levels at testing were correlated with indices of sensorimotor, spatial, and language abilities. Two children with persistently elevated thyrotropin levels were not adversely affected. Present findings signify the need to establish etiology, normalize thyrotropin early, and maintain hormone levels in the normal range throughout childhood in children with congenital hypothyroidism.
Acceleration of Hepatitis C Virus Envelope Evolution in Humans Is Consistent with Progressive Humoral Immune Selection during the Transition from Acute to Chronic Infection

ABSTRACT During the transition from acute to chronic infection in individuals persistently infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), cellular responses initiate within the first 6 months of primary infection and collapse thereafter, whereas humoral responses activate later during the chronic phase. Whether and how this deviation of immune responses specifically influences HCV evolution are unknown. To determine the pattern of HCV evolution during this critical period, we conducted extensive sequence analysis on annual clonal hemigenomic sequences for up to 3 years in six well-characterized subjects, using statistical methods that accounted for repeated measures. Significantly different evolutionary rates were observed in envelope versus nonenvelope genes, with an increasing rate of nonsynonymous change (dN) in envelope genes and a stable dN in nonenvelope genes (P = 0.006). The ratio of the envelope to nonenvelope nonsynonymous rate increased from 2 in year 1 to 5 in years 2 and 3. Centripetal changes (reversions toward matching of the worldwide subtype 1a consensus sequence) were frequently observed during the 3-year transition from acute infection to chronicity, even in the presence of neutralizing antibody (NAb) pressure. Remarkably, sequences of hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) remained stable for up to 21 months in the absence of NAb pressure in one subject, followed by rapid changes that were temporally associated with the detection of NAb responses, which strongly suggests that HVR1 evolution is shaped by NAb pressure. These data provide the first systematic estimates of HCV evolutionary rates in multiple genes during early infection in vivo and provide additional evidence for deterministic, rather than random, evolution of HCV.
[Tattooing dyes and pigments contaminated with bacteria].

BACKGROUND Obtaining a tattoo has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, the degree to which tattooing represents a health risk in the form of infections is still a matter of debate. The aim of the present study was to investigate the microbial content of tattooing dyes and pigments (colourants). MATERIAL AND METHODS Microbes present in colourants used for tattooing were counted and identified using standard techniques and rapid identification systems. RESULTS Seven of in total twelve colourants contributed by five studios contained bacteria. No fungi were found. Three solutions contained more than 10 8 bacteria/ml, chiefly aerobic, Gram-negative rods including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. No primary pathogens were found, however, the high colony counts found for some samples may represent infectious doses of a wide range of bacteria. INTERPRETATION Although required by current regulations to be sterile, a number of colourants were highly contaminated with bacteria. The detection of bacteria in colourants necessitates a review of the studios' internal control procedures. In addition, the appropriate monitoring body should initiate testing of colourants in order to ascertain if these are contaminated at the time of purchase, or become so during use.
Emerging drugs in assisted reproduction

Infertility affects ∼ 15% of couples of reproductive age. In assisted reproductive technology (ART), medications play a crucial role in stimulating ovaries to produce several oocytes and prepare the endometrium to be receptive after replacing one or more embryos into the uterine cavity. The availability of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone and human chorionic gonadotrophin; of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists; and of luteal supplementation with progesterone have allowed the tailoring of several stimulation schemes, which have enhanced the pregnancy outcome after ART treatment. However, the remaining risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, the still low implantation rates, the unacceptably high rates of multiple pregnancies and the daily parenteral administration of medications do not constitute the features of a patient-friendly procedure. Therefore, a number of molecules with gonadotrophin-like activity, inhibition of GnRH receptor ability, or endometrium receptivity enhancement properties are currently under active investigation. Orally bioactive therapeutic preparations, in particular, may revolutionise in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment in the near future. Nevertheless, the implementation of mild ovarian stimulation protocols with single embryo transfer policy and further development of oocyte in vitro maturation techniques may lead to a less drug orientated IVF treatment.
Formate as an Intermediate in the Bovine Rumen Fermentation

An average of 11 (range, 2 to 47) μmoles of formate per g per hr was produced and used in whole bovine rumen contents incubated in vitro, as calculated from the product of the specific turnover rate constant, k, times the concentration of intercellular formate. The latter varied between 5 and 26 (average, 12) nmoles/g. The concentration of formate in the total rumen contents was as much as 1,000 times greater, presumably owing to formate within the microbial cells. The concentration of formate in rumen contents minus most of the plant solids was varied, and from the rates of methanogenesis the Michaelis constant, Km, for formate conversion to CH4 was estimated at 30 nmoles/g. Also, the dissolved H2 was measured in relation to methane production, and a Km of 1 nmole/g was obtained. A pure culture of Methanobacterium ruminantium showed a Km of 1 nmole of H2/g, but the Km for formate was much higher than the 30 nmoles for the rumen contents. It is concluded that nonmethanogenic microbes metabolize intercellular formate in the rumen. CO2 and H2 are the principal substrates for rumen methanogenesis. Eighteen per cent of the rumen methane is derived from formate, as calculated from the intercellular concentration of hydrogen and formate in the rumen, the Michaelis constants for conversion of these substrates by rumen liquid, and the relative capacities of whole rumen contents to ferment these substrates.