Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Expression and clinical significance of matrix metalloproteinase-26 in non-small cell lung cancer.].

BACKGROUND It has been proven that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -26 played an important role in tumorigenesis. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of MMP-26 protein in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to analyze the correlations between MMP-26 and clinicopathological parameters. METHODS Seventy specimens of lung cancer, 30 of (para-cancer) normal lung tissues and 19 of pulmonary benign disease tissues were collected. Immunohistochemistrical technique was used to measure the levels of expression of MMP-26 protein. RESULTS (1) The expression levels of MMP-26 protein in lung cancer tissues (64.3%) were significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissues (26.7%) and pulmonary benign disease tissues (31.3%) (P <0.01). (2) The expression levels of MMP-26 protein in lung cancer tissues were closely related to histological classification, grade of cell differentiation and TNM stages (P <0.05), but not related to age, sex, smoking history and tumor size (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS The expression levels of MMP-26 protein may play an important role in early invasion of NSCLC and may be an useful biomarker in determining its progress and prognosis.
Transcriptional profiling and genotyping of degraded nucleic acids from autopsy tissue samples after prolonged formalin fixation times.

BACKGROUND Samples used for genotyping and transcription studies are obtained and conserved in very specific conditions. The possibility to use autopsy tissue samples, which contain nucleic acids of very poor quality, would open new possibilities for genetic studies. METHODS We have used liver tissue samples from autopsy cases to (i) determine its quality; (ii) study gene expression of 13 genes involved in different cell processes, before and after cDNA pre-amplification (quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction); and (iii) analyze the presence of 2 common polymorphisms of relevance for illness (ACE I/D genotype by PCR amplification, and TNF-α promoter gene polymorphism, by DNA sequencing). RESULTS Samples were grouped according to different buffered formalin fixation times (group 1, <15 days; group 2, 60-90 days; group 3, 150-180 days; group 4, 240-270 days). Nucleic acids showed a time-dependent degradation. The expression of 13 genes could be studied in all cases from groups 1 and 2, only 7 from group 3 and none from group 4. cDNA preamplification allowed the study of all genes in all samples. DNA genotyping for ACE and TNF-α promoter region was possible in all cases. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that nucleic acids extracted from autopsy specimens after prolonged periods of time in formalin were of sufficient quality to study gene expression and genotyping using currently available methodology and cDNA pre-amplification.
Effect of Nutrients, Dietary Supplements and Vitamins on Cognition: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Observational studies have suggested that various nutrients, dietary supplements, and vitamins may delay the onset of age-associated cognitive decline and dementia. We systematically reviewed recent randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of nutritional interventions on cognitive performance in older non-demented adults. Methods We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for articles published between 2003 and 2013. We included randomized trials of ≥ 3 months’ duration that examined the cognitive effects of a nutritional intervention in non-demented adults > 40 years of age. Meta-analyses were done when sufficient trials were available. Results Twenty-four trials met inclusion criteria (six omega-3 fatty acids, seven B vitamins, three vitamin E, eight other interventions). In the meta-analyses, omega-3 fatty acids showed no significant effect on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (four trials, mean difference 0.06, 95% CI −0.08 – 0.19) or digit span forward (three trials, mean difference −0.02, 95% CI −0.30 – 0.25), while B vitamins showed no significant effect on MMSE scores (three trials, mean difference 0.02, 95% CI −0.22 – 0.25). None of the vitamin E studies reported significant effects on cognitive outcomes. Among the other nutritional interventions, statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups on at least one cognitive domain were found in single studies of green tea extract, Concord grape juice, chromium picolinate, beta-carotene, two different combinations of multiple vitamins, and a dietary approach developed for the control of hypertension. Conclusions Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and vitamin E supplementation did not affect cognition in non-demented middle-aged and older adults. Other nutritional interventions require further evaluation before their use can be advocated for the prevention of age-associated cognitive decline and dementia.
Association of QnrB Determinants and Production of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases or Plasmid-Mediated AmpC β-Lactamases in Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae

ABSTRACT Clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases or plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases were screened for qnrA and qnrB genes. QnrB was present in 54 of 54 DHA-1-producing K. pneumoniae isolates and 10 of 45 SHV-12-producing ones, suggesting that the distribution of plasmids conferring resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and quinolones in clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae is widespread.
Frog decline, frog malformations, and a comparison of frog and human health.

The decline in frog populations and the increase in the frequency of frog malformations are discussed. Topics considered for analysis include chytridiomycosis, retinoids, UV-B radiation, chemical contaminants, environmental threats, introduced invasive species and predation, unsustainable use, and enigmatic decline. Care must be taken to distinguish between hypotheses, laboratory experiments, and the findings in feral frog populations. Clearly, the causes of population decline and malformations are heterogeneous. The subject of frogs and humans is addressed under three subheadings: the importance of frogs to human societies, medical implications of frog studies, and a comparison of frog and human disease factors.
Changes in pituitary responsiveness to luteinizing hormone-releasing factor during the rat estrous cycle.

In order to evaluate the role of changing pituitary responsiveness to LRF in mediating the midcycle ovulatory LH surge in rats, LH secretory response to LRF was determined at different times during the estrous cycle. A standard dose of crude methanol extract of porcine stalk median eminence tissue (SME) was used as a source of LRF and responses were evaluated by LH radioimmunoassay in plasma removed before and ten minutes after intravenous injection. A significant response was elicited on all days of the estrous cycle. Responses early in proestrus and estrus were moderately but significantly greater than those observed at diestrus. Striking effects were noted in the late afternoon of proestrus at the time of the ovulatory LH surge. Pentobarbital blockade of the ovulatory surge early in the afternoon of proestrus prevented the sensitization of the pituitary which is observed in unblocked animals. Since estrogen secretion is known to be maximal late in diestrus and early in proestrus, failure to demonstrate.
La Contribución de las series juveniles de televisión a la formación de la identidad en la adolescencia

Esta investigacion se trata de estudiar las contribuciones de las series juveniles de television para la formacion de la identidad del adolescente. Para esto analizamos la serie espanola Companeros, presentada por la cadena privada Antena 3 en el ano 2000, despues que identificamos que esta serie especifica era la favorita de 62 de 100 adolescentes investigados entre 15 y 17 anos en Barcelona. El marco teorico se basa en la Psicologia; Comunicacion Social; Antropologia; la Semiologia, los Analisis del Discurso, Recepcion Activa y ha recurrido a investigaciones recientes sobre el tema. Adicionamos tambien lecturas e investigaciones sobre Genero, porque habia que considerar los resultados ya encontrados en investigaciones anteriores a respecto. Las principales conclusiones del trabajo son que las series juveniles de television aportan informaciones y contribuyen para la formacion de opiniones y actuacion social de los adolescentes, que el adolescente remite su interpretacion personal como punto de referencia. Pese a que haya coincidencia en la mayoria hay diferencias marcadas en las minorias y interpretaciones individuales.
Fine‐scale simulation of ammonium and nitrate over the South Coast Air Basin and San Joaquin Valley of California during CalNex‐2010

National ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) have been set for PM2.5 due to its association with adverse health effects. PM2.5 design values in the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB) and San Joaquin Valley of California exceed NAAQS levels, and NH4+ and NO3− make up the largest fraction of total PM2.5 mass on polluted days. Here we evaluate fine‐scale simulations of PM2.5 NH4+ and NO3− with the Community Multiscale Air Quality model using measurements from routine networks and the California Research at the Nexus of Air Quality and Climate Change 2010 campaign. The model correctly simulates broad spatial patterns of NH4+ and NO3− including the elevated concentrations in eastern SoCAB. However, areas for model improvement have been identified. NH3 emissions from livestock and dairy facilities appear to be too low, while those related to waste disposal in western SoCAB may be too high. Analyses using measurements from flights over SoCAB suggest that problems with NH3 predictions can influence NO3− predictions there. Offline ISORROPIA II calculations suggest that overpredictions of NHx in Pasadena cause excessive partitioning of total nitrate to the particle phase overnight, while underpredictions of Na+ cause too much partitioning to the gas phase during the day. Also, the model seems to underestimate mixing during the evening boundary layer transition leading to excessive nitrate formation on some nights. Overall, the analyses demonstrate fine‐scale variations in model performance within and across the air basins. Improvements in inventories and spatial allocations of NH3 emissions and in parameterizations of sea spray emissions, evening mixing processes, and heterogeneous ClNO2 chemistry could improve model performance.
Probing the Interactions of Putidaredoxin with Redox Partners in Camphor P450 5-Monooxygenase by Mutagenesis of Surface Residues*

The role of surface amino acid residues in the interaction of putidaredoxin (Pdx) with its redox partners in the cytochrome P450cam (CYP101) system was investigated by site-directed mutagenesis. The mutated Pdx genes were expressed inEscherichia coli, and the proteins were purified and studied in vitro. Activity of the complete reconstituted P450cam system was measured, and kinetic parameters were determined. Partial assays were also conducted to determine the effect of the mutations on interactions with each redox partner. Some mutations altered interactions of Pdx with one redox partner but not the other. Other mutations affected interactions with both redox partners, suggesting some overlap in the binding sites on Pdx for putidaredoxin reductase and CYP101. Cysteine 73 of Pdx was identified as important in the interaction of Pdx with putidaredoxin reductase, whereas aspartate 38 serves a critical role in the subunit binding and electron transfer to CYP101.
The novel ER membrane protein PRO41 is essential for sexual development in the filamentous fungus Sordaria macrospora

The filamentous fungus Sordaria macrospora develops complex fruiting bodies (perithecia) to propagate its sexual spores. Here, we present an analysis of the sterile mutant pro41 that is unable to produce mature fruiting bodies. The mutant carries a deletion of 4 kb and is complemented by the pro41 open reading frame that is contained within the region deleted in the mutant. In silico analyses predict PRO41 to be an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein, and a PRO41–EGFP fusion protein colocalizes with ER‐targeted DsRED. Furthermore, Western blot analysis shows that the PRO41–EGFP fusion protein is present in the membrane fraction. A fusion of the predicted N‐terminal signal sequence of PRO41 with EGFP is secreted out of the cell, indicating that the signal sequence is functional. pro41 transcript levels are upregulated during sexual development. This increase in transcript levels was not observed in the sterile mutant pro1 that lacks a transcription factor gene. Moreover, microarray analysis of gene expression in the mutants pro1, pro41 and the pro1/41 double mutant showed that pro41 is partly epistatic to pro1. Taken together, these data show that PRO41 is a novel ER membrane protein essential for fruiting body formation in filamentous fungi.
Health-related quality of life after spinal cord injury

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in spinal-cord-injured adults living in Quebec (Canada). Method : Subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) all of whom were members of the Quebec Paraplegic Association who gave their consent to participate completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36); sociodemographic and medical data were also solicited. Results : Five hundred and eighty-seven participants were studied. The findings show a significant decrease in the score of the eight health concepts as measured by the SF-36 as well as that of the physical component summary measure (p<0.05). Analysing the various medical and sociodemographic variables with the eight scales of the SF-36 indicate that younger age, employment and the lack of hospitalization in the previous year were associated with a better quality of life. Mid- and long-term medical complications related to a spinal cord lesion and the impact of ageing are discussed briefly. Conclusion : HRQOL is decreased in the studied population with an SCI.
Doppler echocardiographic effects of medetomidine on dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in cats.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of medetomidine on dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in cats with left ventricular hypertrophy. DESIGN Clinical trial. ANIMALS 6 domestic shorthair cats with echocardiographic evidence of dynamic LVOT obstruction. PROCEDURE Cats were restrained in lateral recumbency, and baseline M-mode and Doppler echocardiographic examinations were performed. An ECG was recorded continuously, and blood pressure was measured indirectly with Doppler instrumentation. Medetomidine (20 microg/kg 19.1 microg/lb]) was then administered i.m. , and examinations were repeated 15 minutes later. RESULTS Significant decreases in heart rate, LVOT velocity, and the LVOT pressure gradient were documented following medetomidine administration. After adjusting for the effects of heart rate by ANCOVA, there were no significant differences in any other systolic or diastolic indices of left ventricular function. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggest that administration of medetomidine to cats with dynamic LVOT obstruction may result in elimination of outflow tract obstruction; medetomidine may be a suitable sedative and analgesic agent in this subpopulation of cats.
The organisation of elastin and fibrillins 1 and 2 in the cruciate ligament complex

Although elastin fibres and oxytalan fibres (bundles of microfibrils) have important mechanical, biochemical and cell regulatory functions, neither their distribution nor their function in cruciate ligaments has been investigated. Twelve pairs of cruciate ligaments (CLs) were obtained from 10 adult dogs with no evidence of knee osteoarthritis. Elastic fibres were identified using Verhoeff’s and Miller’s staining. Fibrillins 1 and 2 were immunolocalised and imaged using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Hydrated, unfixed tissue was analysed using Nomarski differential interference microscopy (NDIC), allowing structural and mechanical analysis. Microfibrils and elastin fibres were widespread in both CLs, predominantly within ligament fascicles, parallel to collagen bundles. Although elastin fibres were sparse, microfibrils were abundant. We described abundant fibres composed of both fibrillin 1 and fibrillin 2, which had a similar pattern of distribution to oxytalan fibres. NDIC demonstrated complex interfascicular and interbundle anatomy in the CL complex. The distribution of elastin fibres is suggestive of a mechanical role in bundle reorganisation following ligament deformation. The presence and location of fibrillin 2 in oxytalan fibres in ligament differs from the solely fibrillin 1‐containing oxytalan fibres previously described in tendon and may demonstrate a fundamental difference between ligament and tendon.
The Effect of Treatment With PTH on Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin and Energy Metabolism in Hypoparathyroidism.

CONTEXT Undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) has been shown to affect glucose metabolism in mice. We recently randomized patients with hypoparathyroidism to treatment with PTH or placebo and demonstrated a marked increase in total osteocalcin. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether there was a similar increase in ucOC and whether that increase affected glucose metabolism. DESIGN A 24-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING Ambulatory patients in a research facility. PATIENTS Sixty-two patients aged 31-78 years with hypoparathyroidism, of which 58 completed the trial. INTERVENTION 100 μg/d of PTH (1-84). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Change in ucOC. RESULTS ucOC increased by 1185.0 ± 814.4% (mean ± SD) in the PTH-treated group and by 69.3 ± 79.4% in the placebo group (P < 10(-50)). In addition, body weight decreased by 1.1 ± 4.0% in the treatment group and increased 0.8 ± 2.5% in the placebo group (P = .04). Glucose, adiponectin, leptin, homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance, total body fat mass, or truncal fat did not change significantly. In addition, the number of hypercalcemic episodes per patient was 3.7 ± 2.9 (mean ± SD) in the PTH-treated group but only 0.2 ± 0.6 in the placebo group (P < .001). Moreover, there was a significant and negative correlation between the change in ucOC and change in body weight (P = .004) or change in total body fat mass (P = .03), and a negative but nonsignificant correlation between the number of hypercalcemic episodes and percentage change in body weight (r = -0.32; P = .1). Change in ucOC did not significantly correlate with changes in other parameters. CONCLUSIONS An explanation for the weight loss may be subtle hypercalcemia in PTH treatment inhibiting appetite. Our data do not support a role for ucOC in energy metabolism in humans.
Employing a Qualitative Description Approach in Health Care Research

A qualitative description design is particularly relevant where information is required directly from those experiencing the phenomenon under investigation and where time and resources are limited. Nurses and midwives often have clinical questions suitable to a qualitative approach but little time to develop an exhaustive comprehension of qualitative methodological approaches. Qualitative description research is sometimes considered a less sophisticated approach for epistemological reasons. Another challenge when considering qualitative description design is differentiating qualitative description from other qualitative approaches. This article provides a systematic and robust journey through the philosophical, ontological, and epistemological perspectives, which evidences the purpose of qualitative description research. Methods and rigor issues underpinning qualitative description research are also appraised to provide the researcher with a systematic approach to conduct research utilizing this approach. The key attributes and value of qualitative description research in the health care professions will be highlighted with the aim of extending its usage.
Fibroblastic Colony‐Forming Unit Bone Marrow Cells Delay Progression to Gastric Dysplasia in a Helicobacter Model of Gastric Tumorigenesis

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to have immune modulatory effects. Despite efforts to identify these cells in vivo, to date, MSCs have been defined mainly by their in vitro cell characteristics. Here, we show that Lin−CD44hiSca1−cKit+CD34− cells make up ∼0.5%–1% of murine whole bone marrow cells and yield nearly an equal amount of fibroblastic colony‐forming units (CFU‐F) as whole bone marrow. After transplantation into lethally irradiated recipients, Lin−CD44hiSca1−cKit+CD34− cells engrafted in the bone marrow long‐term and demonstrated characteristics of MSCs, including capacity to differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes. To examine whether Lin−CD44hiSca1−cKit+CD34− cells have immune modulatory effects, in vitro coculture with activated CD4+ T‐cells resulted in decreased Th17 cell differentiation by Lin−CD44hiSca1−cKit+CD34− cells. Furthermore, serial infusions with Lin−CD44hiSca1−cKit+CD34− cells reduced the progression to low‐grade gastric dysplasia in mice infected with chronic Helicobacter felis (p = .038). This correlated with reduced gastric interleukin (IL)‐17F, IL‐22, and ROR‐γt gene expression in responding mice (p < .05). These data suggest that bone marrow derived Lin−CD44hiSca1−cKit+CD34− cells have characteristics of MSCs and reduce progression of early gastric tumorigenesis induced by chronic H. felis infection. The prevention of dysplastic changes may occur through inhibition of Th17‐dependent pathways. STEM CELLS 2009;27:2301–2311
Family transitions and changes in drinking from adolescence through mid-life.

AIMS To examine how changes in social roles, particularly in the family, predict rises and falls in alcohol consumption from ages 16 to 50 years. DESIGN Longitudinal data from the National Child Development Study. SETTING The birth cohort includes 99% of British infants born in 1 week in 1958. Participants After initial assessment of 17,415 infants, the cohort was interviewed at ages 7, 11, 16, 23, 33, 42, 46, and 50. This study uses the six adolescent to adult waves (n = 7212 women, 7377 men). MEASUREMENTS Alcohol use [i.e. quantity consumed in past week and heavy daily drinking), symptoms of problem drinking (i.e. Cut-down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye-opener (CAGE)] and social roles (i.e. union formation, parenthood and employment). FINDINGS Estimates from fixed-effects models demonstrate that alcohol use is lower when women reside with child(ren) under age 5, compared to occasions when they do not [estimate = -0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.43, -0.32 for past week units; odds ratio (OR) = 0.47, CI = 0.36, 0.62 for heavy-daily drinking; OR = 0.66, CI = 0.50, 0.87 for CAGE symptoms]. Associations are similar for men (estimate = -0.29, CI = -0.36, -0.23; OR = 0.64, CI = 0.53, 0.77; OR = 0.69, CI = 0.51, 0.94, respectively). When women and men are married, working and residing with young child(ren), past week units (estimate = -0.51, CI = -0.61, -0.41 for women; estimate = -0.34, CI = -0.44, -0.25 for men), heavy-daily drinking (OR = 0.49, CI = 0.30, 0.79 for women; OR = 0.47, CI = 0.35, 0.64 for men) and CAGE (OR = 0.44, CI = 0.23, 0.83 for women; OR = 0.39, CI = 0.18, 0.82 for men) are lower compared to occasions when they are not in these roles. CONCLUSIONS From late adolescence to mid-life, women and men in Britain are most at risk for higher levels of alcohol consumption and problem drinking when family roles are absent.