Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value of MGMT promoter methylation in glioblastoma: A meta‐analysis of clinical trials

The DNA repair protein O6‐Methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is suggested to be associated with resistance to alkylating agents such as Temozolomide which is being used in treatment of patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Therefore, we evaluated the associations between MGMT promoter methylation and prognosis of patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Data were extracted from publications in Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. Data on overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and MGMT methylation status were obtained and 4,097 subjects were enrolled. Data from 34 studies showed that MGMT methylated patients had better OS, compared to GBM unmethylated patients (pooled HRs, 0.494; 95%CI 0.412–0.591; p = 0.001). Meta‐analysis of 10 eligible studies reporting on PFS, demonstrated that MGMT promoter methylation was not significantly associated with better PFS (pooled HRs, 0.653; 95%CI 0.414–1.030; p = 0.067). GBM patients with MGMT methylation were associated with longer overall survival, although this effect was not detected for PFS. Moreover, we performed further analysis in patients underwent a comprehensive imaging evaluation. This data showed a significant association with better OS and PFS, although further studies are warranted to assess the value of emerging marker in prospective setting in patients with glioblastoma as a risk stratification biomarker in clinical management of the patients.
The influence of deposition temperature on the correlation of Ge quantum dot positions in amorphous silica matrix

We studied the structural properties of (Ge+SiO2)/SiO2 multilayer films, especially the influence of the deposition temperature and the parameters of subsequent annealing on the formation and spatial correlation of Ge quantum dots in an amorphous silica matrix. We showed that in-layer and inter-layer spatial correlations of the formed Ge quantum dots strongly depend on the deposition temperature. For suitable chosen deposition parameters, highly correlated dot positions in all three dimensions can be obtained. It is demonstrated that the degree of the spatial correlation of quantum dots influences the size distribution width, which further affects the macroscopic properties of the quantum dot arrays.
Biomechanical Analysis of the Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of bone marrow–derived stem cells on consolidation period by using a new biomechanical testing method on sheep mandible model. MethodsEight sheep underwent bilateral mandibular osteotomies. After latency period, bone distraction was activated. Mesenchymal stem cells were transplanted into the gap of the left mandibular distracted callus on the first day of consolidation period. The sheep were then randomly divided into 2 groups (group A = 4, group B = 4). Group A and group B animals were killed on the third and sixth weeks of consolidation, respectively. Fracture pattern and localization, bone regeneration ratio and density, and stress distribution of 16 distracted hemimandibles were evaluated by computed tomography and biomechanical analysis. ResultsTwo different fracture patterns were observed in the 2 groups. The left halves of mandibles exhibited horizontal fracture out of the distraction zone, and the cross-sectional area was compact bone [H (−) C], whereas the fracture patterns of control sides were oblique, which passed through the distraction zone with a propensity of trabecular bone [O (+) T]. Stress distribution at the critical cross-section of distraction region was not different in halves of mandibles. However, bone regeneration ratios and regenerated bone densities were significantly higher in left sides (P < 0.05). ConclusionsTransplantation of mesenchymal stem cells promotes maturity of the distracted callus. The new experimental model, which allowed to test the mandible as a system by simulating in vivo loading conditions, revealed differences in the mechanical behavior of the halves of mandible.
Effects of electrical stimulation on cell proliferation and apoptosis

The application of exogenous electrical stimulation (ES) to cells in order to manipulate cell apoptosis and proliferation has been widely investigated as a possible method of treatment in a number of diseases. Alteration of the transmembrane potential of cells via ES can affect various intracellular signaling pathways which are involved in the regulation of cellular function. Controversially, several types of ES have proved to be effective in both inhibiting or inducing apoptosis, as well as increasing proliferation. However, the mechanisms through which ES achieves this remain fairly unclear. The aim of this review was to comprehensively summarize current findings from in vitro and in vivo studies on the effects of different types of ES on cell apoptosis and proliferation, highlighting the possible mechanisms through which ES induced these effects and define the optimum parameters at which ES can be used. Through this we hope to provide a greater insight into how future studies can most effectively use ES at the clinical trial stage.
Electrical properties and memory effects of field-effect transistors from networks of single- and double-walled carbon nanotubes

We study field-effect transistors made of single- and double-walled carbon nanotube networks for applications as memory devices. The transfer characteristics of the transistors exhibit a reproducible hysteresis which enables their use as nano-sized memory cells with operations faster than 10 ms, endurance longer than 10 + 4 cycles and charge retention of a few hours in air. We propose water enhanced charge trapping at the SiO2/air interface close to the nanotubes as the dominant mechanism for charge storage. We show that charge storage can be improved by limiting exposure of the device to air.
Angiogenesis biomarkers and their targeting ligands as potential targets for tumor angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is known as one of the hallmarks in cancer which could play a key role in providing oxygen and nutrients for tumor cells. It has been shown that tumor cannot grow without sufficient development of new blood vessels. Accordingly, targeting angiogenesis, especially endothelial cells, could be considered as a common therapeutic target in tumors and more investigation on already existing biomarkers and potentially new biomarkers of endothelial cells seems to be necessary in cancer therapy. Moreover, the use of effective targeting approaches such as proteins and peptides, aptamers, and small molecules is an important step for targeting biomarkers associated with endothelial cells and angiogenesis in cancer therapy. These agents are FDA approved, or are currently under investigation in pre‐clinical and clinical studies. Among various biomarkers for angiogenesis microRNAs are suitable candidates for target therapy. These molecules play key roles in tumor angiogenesis which exert their effect via targeting a variety of cellular and molecular pathways involved in tumor angiogenesis. Here, we summarize a variety of biomarkers which their expressions or their functions could change the function of endothelial cells in tumor microenvironments. Moreover, we highlighted various therapeutic agents which could target these biomarkers.
Trap-shyness subsidence is a threshold function of mark-recapture interval in brown mudfish Neochanna apoda populations.

The influence of capture interval on trap shyness, and temperature, rainfall and drought on capture probability (p) in 827 brown mudfish Neochanna apoda was quantified using mark-recapture models. In particular, it was hypothesized that the loss of trapping memory in marked N. apoda would lead to a capture-interval threshold required to minimize trap shyness. Neochanna apoda trap shyness approximated a threshold response to capture interval, declining rapidly with increasing capture intervals up to 16.5 days, after which p remained constant. Tests for detecting trap-dependent capture probability in Cormack-Jolly-Seber models failed to detect trap shyness in N. apoda capture histories with capture intervals averaging 16 days. This confirmed the applicability of the 16 day capture-interval threshold for mark-recapture studies. Instead, N. apoda p was positively influenced by water temperature and rainfall during capture. These results imply that a threshold capture interval is required to minimize the trade-off between the competing assumptions of population closure and p homogeneity between capture occasions in closed mark-recapture models. Moreover, environmental factors that influence behaviour could potentially confound abundance indices, and consequently abundance trends should be interpreted with caution in the face of long-term climate change, such as with global warming.
Friction force on slow charges moving over supported graphene

We provide a theoretical model that describes the dielectric coupling of a two-dimensional (2D) layer of graphene, represented by a polarization function in the random phase approximation, and a semi-infinite three-dimensional (3D) substrate, represented by a surface response function in a non-local formulation. We concentrate on the role of the dynamic response of the substrate for low-frequency excitations of the combined graphene–substrate system, which give rise to the stopping force on slowly moving charges above doped graphene. A comparison of the dielectric loss function with experimental high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) data for graphene on a SiC substrate is used to estimate the effects of damping rate and the local field correction in graphene, as well as to reveal the importance of phonon excitations in an insulating substrate. While the local field correction and linearly dispersing damping rate did not yield any important effects compared to the constant damping rate in graphene, a strong signature of the hybridization between graphene’s π plasmon and the substrate’s phonon is found in both the HREELS spectra and the stopping force. A friction coefficient that is calculated for slow charges moving above graphene on a metallic substrate shows an interplay between the low-energy single-particle excitations in both systems.
Relapsing fever in pregnancy: analysis of high‐risk factors

Summary. The diagnosis of tick‐borne relapsing fever was established in 27 pregnant patients by demonstration of Borrelia spirochaetes in a thick blood smear and the borrelia index was estimated to calculate the density of the spirochaetaemia. Clinical findings are described and compared with those reported from Rwanda. The results suggest that the density of the spirochaetaemia and the gestational age are the main high‐risk factors.
17β‐estradiol rescues damages following traumatic brain injury from molecule to behavior in mice

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a public health concern, and causes cognitive dysfunction, emotional disorders, and neurodegeration, as well. The currently available treatments are all symptom‐oriented with unsatifying efficacy. It is highly demanded to understand its underlying mechanisms. Controlled cortical impact (CCI) was used to induce TBI in aged female mice subjected to ovariectomy. Brain damages were assessed with neurological severity score, brain infarction and edema. Morris water maze and elevated plus maze were applied to evaluate the levels of anxiety. Apoptosis in the hippocampus was assayed with Fluoro‐Jade B staining and TUNEL staining. Western blot was employed to measure the expression of NMDA receptor subunits and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and biochemical assays were used to estimate oxidative stress. 17beta‐Estradiol (E2) was intraperitoneally administered at 10–80 μg/kg once per day for 7 consecutive days before or after CCI. Chronic administration of E2 both before and immediately after CCI conferred neuroprotection, reducing neurological severity score, brain infarction, and edema in TBI mice. Additionally, E2 improved many aspects of deleterious effects of TBI on the hippocampus, including neuronal apoptosis, dysfunction in spatial memory, reduction in NR2B, enhancement of oxidative stress, and activation of ERK1/2 pathway. The present study provides clue for the notion that E2 has therapeutic potential for both prevention and intervention of TBI‐induced brain damages.
Blepharoconjunctivitis Resistant to Routine Blepharitis Theraphy: A Case with Phthiriasis Palpebrarum

ABS TRACT A case with phthiriasis palpebrarum upon eyelids was reported in this article. A fouryear-old girl with itching and irritation of both eyes for three months had been admitted, and hy peremia, crusty lid margins with grayish discoloration at the basement were noted in the ocular examination. Numerous nits and lice confirmed as pubic lice by microscobic evaluation were de tected on the eyelashes by slit-lamp examination. Treatment with 1% permethrin shampoo and pure vaseline were initiated but due to its irritation she could not use the shampoo. Diluated 50% vinegar solution was added to the treatment as to be used for two weeks. No severe ocular side ef fects occurred during the treatment. Instead of 1% permethrin shampoo which is difficult to apply upon the children, using 50% diluted vinegar may be an alternative method for the treatment of ph thiriasis palpebrarum owing to its keratolytic effe ct.
Regulating osteogenesis and adipogenesis in adipose‐derived stem cells by controlling underlying substrate stiffness

Cells reside in a complex microenvironment (niche) in which the biochemical and biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix profoundly affect cell behavior. Extracellular stiffness, one important bio‐mechanical characteristic of the cell niche, is important in regulating cell proliferation, migration, and lineage specification. However, the mechanism by which mechanical signals guide osteogenic and adipogenic commitment of stem cells remains difficult to dissect. To explore this question, we generated a range of polydimethylsiloxane‐based matrices with differing degrees of stiffness that mimicked the stiffness seen in natural tissues and examined adipose stem cell morphology, spreading, vinculin expression, and differentiation along the osteogenic and adipogenic pathways. Rigid matrices allowed broader cell spreading, faster growth rate and stronger expression of vinculin in adipose‐derived stem cells. In the presence of inductive culture media, stiffness‐dependent osteogenesis and adipogenesis of the adipose stem cells indicated that there was a combinatorial effect of biophysical and biochemical cues; no such lineage specification was observed in normal media. Osteogenic differentiation behavior showed a correlation with matrix rigidity, as well as with elevated expression of RhoA, ROCK‐1/‐2, and related proteins in the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. The result provides a comprehensive understanding of how stem cells respond to the surrounding microenvironment and points to the fact that matrix stiffness is a critical element in biomaterial design and this will be an important advance in stem cell‐based tissue engineering.
Development of H5 subtype-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAb) and MAb-based assays for rapid detection of H5 avian influenza

Avian influenza (AI) virology surveillance is the most important method to monitor AI virus (AIV) in poultry so as to effectively prevent and control AI outbreaks. Monoclonal antibodies (MAb)-based assays are highly sensitive and specific for AIV detection, and much practical and economic for test-in-field or onsite. Many such assays have been developed and are still in developing since the H5N1 highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) outbreaks occurred in South East Asia in 2003. A MAb-based dot-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed in our lab during late 1990s and early 2000s. Meanwhile, AIV H7 and H5 subtype specific-MAbs have been successfully developed in our laboratory to enhance the Dot-ELISA and other MAb-based assays for AIV detection. Production and purification of the H7 and H5 MAbs were made to provide essential reagents for Dot-ELISA and other immunoassays, and the current development of a novel Biosensor technique for rapid detection of AIV from clinical and field specimens.
Reconstruction of Human Mandibular Continuity Defects With Allogenic Scaffold and Autologous Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

AbstractMandibular continuity defects occur after tumor resection, maxillofacial injury, or osteomyelitis. In this clinical pilot study, we report a novel method for reconstruction of mandibular continuity defect by in vivo tissue engineering. In 3 patients with critical-size mandibular bone defects, the allogenic mandibular bone scaffold was customized, loaded by ex vivo expanded mesenchymal stem cells, and transplanted into the surgical defect site. According to the bone scintigraphy, vascularized bone was identified in 2 cases. In spiral computed tomography, normal bone healing without significant bone resorption was seen at the 2 viable grafts, but at the failed construction, there was a lack of osteointegration to the adjacent host bone and a higher density in the medullary bone. According to the serial panoramic imaging, the patients with viable bone grafts had normal bone healing, whereas the other patient had progressive overall bone resorption. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of allogenic bone scaffold loaded by mesenchymal stem cells in the reconstruction of mandibular continuity defects. Although long-term results are not yet available, it may be a novel method of reconstruction and a basis for further studies.
Student volunteers: why hospitals must invest in their futures

As the current volunteer work force ages, hospitals are faced with the challenge of evolving their student volunteers into active adult volunteers. Engaged student volunteers may be nurtured by the hospital to become future employees, links to the community or potential donors. Currently, retention rates among student volunteers indicate that once the majority of students begin post secondary education, they discontinue their association with the hospital. Using a scientific marketing research approach, this paper addresses three questions aimed at producing a model to increase long‐term retention among student volunteers. Why do seemingly committed volunteers discontinue their association with the hospital? How does the hospital develop a system that allows and encourages students to maintain contact with the hospital? How can a hospital integrate a virtual volunteering model into its traditional volunteering model? The conclusions lead the reader to reassess the way they view student volunteers and strongly encourage the reader to view the students not just as volunteers, but also as long‐term potential active members of the hospital community.
Hyaluronidase2 (Hyal2) modulates low shear stress‐induced glycocalyx impairment via the LKB1/AMPK/NADPH oxidase‐dependent pathway

The endothelium glycocalyx layer (ECL), presents on the apical surface of endothelial cells, creates a barrier between circulating blood and the vessel wall. Low shear stress (LSS) may accelerate the degradation of the glycocalyx via hyaluronidase2 (Hyal2) and then alter the cell polarity. Yet the liver kinase B1 (LKB1) signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating cell polarity. However, the relationship between LKB1 and glycocalyx during LSS is not clear. In the current study, we demonstrate that LSS attenuates LKB1 and AMP‐activated protein kinase activation as well as activated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (p47phox) and Hyal2 in the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). Pretreatment with 5‐Aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside (AICAR), or diphenyleneiodonium (DPI chloride) and transfection with LKB1 overexpression vector and p47phox small interfering RNA downregulated LSS‐induced Hyal2 activation. By coimmunoprecipitation, we discovered the existence of p47phox/Hyal2 complex. LSS induced the dissociation of p47phox/Hyal2 complex, which was inhibited by LKB1 overexpression and AICAR. Furthermore, knockdown of Hyal2 performed a positive feedback on LKB1 activity. In addition, we also show that LSS enhanced LKB1 translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus. Taken together, these data indicate that Hyal2 regulates LSS‐induced injury of the glycocalyx via LKB1/AMPK/NADPH oxidase signaling cascades.
School Counselors Walking the Walk and Talking the Talk: A Grounded Theory of Effective Program Implementation

Comprehensive, developmental school counseling programming has been associated with numerous benefits for students and is considered current best practice. A qualitative, grounded theory study was conducted to investigate eight professional school counselors employed across grade level, geographic setting, and region within the United States. This article presents this research and the emergent model for successful comprehensive, developmental school counseling program implementation. Implications for school counselor education and practice, as well as future research, are discussed.
Three-Dimensional Anatomic Analysis of the Lingula and Mandibular Foramen: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

PurposeThe authors analyzed the anatomic location differences of the mandibular foramen (MF) and lingula in a cone beam computed tomography study, aiming to obtain information that could be used when performing mandibular osteotomies and the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). MethodsThree-dimensional mandibular computed tomography images were reconstructed from data for 139 patients (278 sides) aged between 9 and 18 years (growth group, 27 patients) and aged 19 to 71 years (adult group, 112 patients). ResultsIn the adult group, positive correlations were seen between right and left measurements. In the growth group, there are significant differences in lingula-anterior and MF-posterior ramus measurements. In the adult group, there are significant differences between man and woman MF-gonion distance measurements. Differences were seen in edentulous and asymmetry patients. ConclusionsThe MF is an important anatomic landmark for ramus surgery and IANB. When applied to ramus operations and IANB, the anatomic data provided by this study may help surgeons gain more understanding of nerve position during surgery.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Orally‐Administered Ruxolitinib (INCB018424 Phosphate) in Patients With Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF), Post‐Polycythemia Vera Myelofibrosis (PPV‐MF) or Post‐Essential Thrombocythemia Myelofibrosis (PET MF)

Ruxolitinib is a selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 1 and 2, which is approved to treat intermediate or high‐risk myelofibrosis. The population pharmacokinetics for ruxolitinib were characterized by a modeling dataset of 272 subjects from a Phase 2 and a Phase 3 study and validated by an external validation dataset of 142 subjects from a second Phase 3 study. The PK of ruxolitinib was adequately described by a two‐compartment disposition model with first‐order absorption and linear elimination. All model parameters were estimated with good precision. Gender and body weight were identified as covariates for oral clearance (CL/F) and volume of distribution for central compartment (Vc/F), respectively. Apparent oral clearance was 22.1 and 17.7 L/h for a typical male and female subject, respectively, with 39.1% unexplained inter‐individual variability (IIV). The typical Vc/F for a subject with a median weight of 72.9 kg was estimated to be 58.6 L, with 28% unexplained IIV. The model predictive performance was validated by visual predictive check (VPC) and the external validation dataset. This analysis suggests that effects of gender and body weight on ruxolitinib PK are not clinically significant and hence no dose adjustment is needed based on gender and weight.