Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) protein expression in precancerous conditions and ductal carcinomas of the pancreas

Aberrant DNA methylation has been shown to play an important role during multistage carcinogenesis in various human organs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the significance of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) protein expression during pancreatic carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemical analysis of DNMT1 in 48 peripheral pancreatic duct epithelia showing no remarkable histological findings without an inflammatory background (DE), 54 peripheral pancreatic duct epithelia with an inflammatory background (DEI), 188 pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanIN), and 220 areas of invasive ductal carcinoma from surgical specimens resected from 100 patients, was carried out. The average incidence of DNMT1 immunoreactivity increased progressively from DE to DEI (P = 0.003), from DE and DEI to PanIN (P < 0.0001), among PanIN with different grades of dysplasia (from PanIN I to PanIN II, P = 0.0012), from PanIN to invasive ductal carcinomas (P < 0.0001) and among invasive ductal carcinomas with different grades of histological differentiation (from well or moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas, P < 0.0001). High‐level DNMT1 protein expression in invasive ductal carcinomas was correlated significantly with an advanced t category (P = 0.0224) and an advanced stage (P = 0.0294). Moreover, patients with invasive ductal carcinomas showing high‐level DNMT1 protein expression had a poorer outcome (P = 0.0469). These data suggest that increased DNMT1 protein expression participates in multistage pancreatic carcinogenesis from the precancerous stage to malignant progression of ductal carcinomas and may be a biological predictor of poor prognosis. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 403–408)
Continual One-Shot Learning of Hidden Spike-Patterns with Neural Network Simulation Expansion and STDP Convergence Predictions

This paper presents a constructive algorithm that achieves successful one-shot learning of hidden spike-patterns in a competitive detection task. It has previously been shown (Masquelier et al., 2008) that spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) and lateral inhibition can result in neurons competitively tuned to repeating spike-patterns concealed in high rates of overall presynaptic activity. One-shot construction of neurons with synapse weights calculated as estimates of converged STDP outcomes results in immediate selective detection of hidden spike-patterns. The capability of continual learning is demonstrated through the successful one-shot detection of new sets of spike-patterns introduced after long intervals in the simulation time. Simulation expansion (Lightheart et al., 2013) has been proposed as an approach to the development of constructive algorithms that are compatible with simulations of biological neural networks. A simulation of a biological neural network may have orders of magnitude fewer neurons and connections than the related biological neural systems; therefore, simulated neural networks can be assumed to be a subset of a larger neural system. The constructive algorithm is developed using simulation expansion concepts to perform an operation equivalent to the exchange of neurons between the simulation and the larger hypothetical neural system. The dynamic selection of neurons to simulate within a larger neural system (hypothetical or stored in memory) may be a starting point for a wide range of developments and applications in machine learning and the simulation of biology.
Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and other hemostatic parameters in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objectives. To investigate the plasma levels of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its correlation with various metabolic, hormonal and hemostatic parameters. Methods. Forty-eight women with PCOS and 43 age- and BMI-matched ovulatory controls were recruited during a 20-month study period. Blood samples were drawn for all tests, which included plasma lipids and lipoproteins, reproductive hormones, glucose, insulin, TAFI antigen concentration, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity, fibrinogen concentration, thrombomodulin, thrombin–antithrombin (TAT) complexes, D-dimer, Protein C Antigen, Protein S Antigen, Antithrombin III (AT III) and activated protein C (APC) resistance. Results. Plasma TAFI levels of PCOS patients were found to be significantly higher than in healthy controls (93.8%±30.6%vs. 79.8% ± 22.4%, p < 0.05). Plasma levels of D-dimer, AT III, PAI-1 and thrombomodulin were also significantly higher in women with PCOS compared with healthy controls. All the other hemostatic parameters (including TAT complexes; Protein C; APC; and Protein S) were comparable between the two study groups. Conclusion. This study showed that plasma levels of TAFI, PAI-1, D-dimer, AT III and thrombomodulin were significantly increased in women with PCOS compared with age- and BMI-matched controls.
POSSIBLE IMPACT OF CO-INFECTIONS OF TUBERCULOSIS AND MALARIA ON THE CD4+ CELL COUNTS OF HIV PATIENTS IN NIGERIA

This study focused on evaluating the possible impact of coinfections of tuberculosis and malaria on the CD4+ cell counts in HIV infected subjects. This is a cross sectional study. The subjects were drawn from three hospitals and a blood bank in Lagos State. After due consent blood samples were obtained from 69 subjects with single infections (HIV TB and Malaria) 34 subjects with multiple infections (HIV/Malaria HIV/TB Malaria/TB HIV/TB/Malaria) and 24 blood donors (controls). The CD4+ cell counts of all the 127 blood samples were estimated using a FACS count. Data obtained were analysed and a comparison of the results showed that the median CD4+ counts in all groups of subjects with HIV infections (whether single or co-infection) were similar and significantly lower than the median counts for the healthy control group as well as groups without HIV infection (malaria TB and malaria/TB). Overall data further confirmed the progressive depletion of CD4+ cells in HIV infection while co-infections with TB and malaria did not have any impact on the CD4+ cells of HIV infected subjects. A larger prospective study is needed. (authors)
Rollover Risk and the Maturity Transformation Function of Banks

This paper shows that banks that rely heavily on short-term funding engage less in maturity transformation in an attempt to decrease their exposure to rollover risk. These banks shorten both the maturity of their portfolio of loans as well as the maturity of newly issued loans. We find that the loan yield curve becomes steeper with banks’ increasing use of short-term funding. The loan maturity shortening is driven by banks and affects borrowers’ financing choices - they turn to the bond market for long-term funding. To the extent that borrowers do not manage to compensate for the undesirable shortening of loan maturities by going to the bond market, they may become more exposed to rollover risk due to banks. This potential synchronization of banks’ and borrowers’ rollover risk can be a source of financial instability once short-term funding suddenly disappears.
Baculoviral vector loaded mesenchymal stem cells as efficient gene therapy tools for cancer treatment

Insufficient targeting of the therapeutic genes to tumor cells is one of the major reasons for failure in cancer gene therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seem to be a good candidate as a carrier for gene therapy because of its selective tumor tissue-homing properties. In the current study, we constructed baculoviral vectors (BVs) carrying cytosine deaminase (CD) (BV-CD) or green fluorescence protein (GFP) genes (BV-GFP) and tested the transduction efficiency of the vectors in tumor and mesenchymal stem cells. We also tested the in vivo efficacy of the BV-CD vector in a colon cancer model. Our results showed that the recombinant baculoviral vectors can efficiently transduce mammalian cells and express genes of interest. The BV-CD vector treatment caused significant in vitro cytotoxicity when used with 5-fluorocytosine. MSCs loaded with the BV-CD vector caused a significant delay in tumor growth and increased survival when compared to control and MSC alone treated groups bearing colon cancer.
Antimicrobial effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in protein-energy malnutrition.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate, in a murine model of protein-energy malnutrition, whether granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) improves the host response to a septic challenge and to determine the potential mechanisms involved. DESIGN Nonblinded study of GM-CSF in mice with protein-energy malnutrition. SETTING A university-based surgical laboratory and animal facility. INTERVENTION In study 1, malnourished mice were randomized to receive either GM-CSF (120 micrograms/kg subcutaneously to receive either GM-CSF (120 micrograms/kg subcutaneously from day 4 to 7 of the protein-free diet) or saline vehicle as a control. On day 7, all mice were given Candida albicans (5 x 10(5) organisms intravenously). In study 2, malnourished mice received the same dose of GM-CSF or saline vehicle for 7 days of the protein-free diet. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In study 1 mice were followed up for survival. In study 2, after 7 days of diets, splenic macrophages were harvested and were assayed for interleukin-6, superoxide anion, and nitric oxide production. Splenocytes were stimulated with concanavalin A (5 micrograms/mL) for interleukin-4, interleukin-10, and interferon-gamma production. RESULTS Treatment with GM-CSF significantly enhanced survival in malnourished mice infected with C albicans. Treatment with GM-CSF was associated with increased production from splenic macrophages of interleukin-6, superoxide anion, and nitric oxide as well as decreased interleukin-4 production from splenocytes. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a beneficial role for GM-CSF in the malnourished host predisposed to infection. The antimicrobial properties of GM-CSF may function through enhanced production of nitric oxide and superoxide anion.
Ultrasound differentiation of two types of de Quervain's disease: the role of retinaculum

de Quervain's disease (dQD) is a stenosing tenosynovitis of the first extensor compartment of the wrist which is formed by the tendons of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB). 1,–,3 Thirty-three consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of dQD underwent ultrasound (US). The inclusion criteria were (1) a history of pain over the radial aspect of the wrist aggravated by excessive use of the thumb; (2) an orthopaedic diagnosis of dQD; and (3) a positive Finkelstein test. The control group consisted of 24 healthy subjects and was matched for age and sex. All studies were performed using a Vivid 7 machine (General Electric, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) with a 12 MHz matrix linear array transducer. The sonographer was not blinded to the identity of the control subjects. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student …
Tests of Ten Control-Display Linkages1

This experiment tested ten different linkages between four displays and four control buttons on a verticallymounted surface. The displays were arranged in a square and the controls were in a vertical column to the right of the displays. A single panel was used for all tests; different linkages were made by changing electrical connections. Eighty male subjects (eight for each linkage) were tested. The subject's task was to push the appropriate control button as soon as a light appeared in one of the displays. Each subject was given 96 consecutive trials on the linkage to which he was assigned. Dependent measures were: times to first response, times to correct response, and errors. The results show that one of the ten linkages is best in terms of both time and errors. There are also some significant differences between certain other linkages. These findings hold only for those situations in which, for some reason, it is necessary to have the displays arranged in the form of a square and the controls in a vertical column to the right of the displays.
Conductive hearing loss and middle ear pathology in young infants referred through a newborn universal hearing screening program in Australia.

BACKGROUND Although newborn hearing screening programs have been introduced in most states in Australia, the prevalence of conductive hearing loss and middle ear pathology in the infants referred through these programs is not known. PURPOSE This study was designed to (1) evaluate the prevalence of conductive hearing loss and middle ear pathology in infants referred by a newborn hearing screening program in north Queensland, (2) compare prevalence rates of conductive hearing loss and middle ear pathology in indigenous and nonindigenous infants, and (3) review the outcomes of those infants diagnosed with conductive hearing loss and middle ear pathology. RESEARCH DESIGN Retrospective chart review of infants referred to the Audiology Department of The Townsville Hospital was conducted. STUDY SAMPLE Chart review of 234 infants referred for one or both ears from a newborn hearing screening program in north Queensland was conducted. A total of 211 infants attended the diagnostic appointment. Review appointments to monitor hearing status were completed for 46 infants with middle ear pathology or conductive hearing loss. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Diagnosis of hearing impairment was made using an age-appropriate battery of audiological tests. Results were analyzed for both initial and review appointments. RESULTS Mean age at initial diagnostic assessment was 47.5 days (SD = 31.3). Of the 69 infants with middle ear pathology during initial diagnostic assessment, 18 had middle ear pathology with normal hearing, 47 had conductive hearing loss, and 4 had mixed hearing loss. Prevalence of conductive hearing loss in the newborns was 2.97 per 1,000 while prevalence of middle ear pathology (with or without conductive hearing loss) was 4.36 per 1,000. Indigenous Australians or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) infants had a significantly higher prevalence of conductive hearing loss and middle ear pathology than non-ATSI infants (35.19 and 44.45% vs 17.83 and 28.66%, respectively). ATSI infants also showed poor resolution of conductive hearing loss over time with 66.67% of ATSI infants reviewed showing persistent conductive hearing loss compared to 17.86% of non-ATSI infants. Medical management of 17 infants with persistent conductive hearing loss included monitoring, antibiotic treatment, examination under anesthesia, and grommet insertion. CONCLUSIONS Conductive hearing loss was found to be a common diagnosis among infants referred through screening. ATSI infants had significantly higher rates of middle ear pathology and conductive hearing loss at birth and showed poor resolution of middle ear pathology over time compared to non-ATSI infants. Future research using a direct measure of middle ear function as an adjunct to the automated auditory brainstem response screening tool to distinguish conductive from sensorineural hearing loss may facilitate prioritization of infants for assessment, thus reducing parental anxiety and streamlining the management strategies for the respective types of hearing loss.
The Genome of the Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa M-1 Contains Nine Sites Dedicated to Nonribosomal Synthesis of Lipopeptides and Polyketides

ABSTRACT The genome of Paenibacillus polymyxa M-1 consisted of a 5.8-Mb chromosome and a 360-kb plasmid. Nine sites were dedicated to nonribosomal synthesis of lipopeptides and polyketides. Eight of them were located at the chromosome, while one gene cluster predicted to encode an unknown secondary metabolite was present on the plasmid.
Simple, Validated Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery Prediction Model for Use at the Time of Admission

OBJECTIVE: To create a simple tool for predicting the likelihood of successful trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) during the pregnancy after a primary cesarean delivery using variables available at the time of admission. METHODS: Data for all deliveries at 14 regional hospitals over an 8-year period were reviewed. Women with one cesarean delivery and one subsequent delivery were included. Variables associated with successful VBAC were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Points were assigned to these characteristics, with weighting based on the coefficients in the regression model to calculate an integer VBAC score. The VBAC score was correlated with TOLAC success rate and was externally validated in an independent cohort using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 5,445 women met inclusion criteria. Of those women, 1,170 (21.5%) underwent TOLAC. Of the women who underwent trial of labor, 938 (80%) had a successful VBAC. A VBAC score was generated based on the Bishop score (cervical examination) at the time of admission, with points added for history of vaginal birth, age younger than 35 years, absence of recurrent indication, and body mass index less than 30. Women with a VBAC score less than 10 had a likelihood of TOLAC success less than 50%. Women with a VBAC score more than 16 had a TOLAC success rate more than 85%. The model performed well in an independent cohort with an area under the curve of 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.76–0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Prediction of TOLAC success at the time of admission is highly dependent on the initial cervical examination. This simple VBAC score can be utilized when counseling women considering TOLAC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Autobiographical memory and problem-solving strategies of parasuicide patients

SYNOPSIS Recent research has noted the tendency of parasuicide patients to retrieve over-general autobiographical memories. Separate studies suggest problem-solving deficits within this group. The present study was concerned first with replicating these findings and, secondly, with developing a model of the relationship between over-general memory recall and poor problem-solving abilities in parasuicide patients. Anger and hopelessness were measured as markers for mood. In line with the hypotheses, the parasuicide group (N = 12) produced significantly over-general memories in contrast to a matched control group (N = 12). This occurred significantly in relation to positive cues, and latency to first responses was significantly delayed in the parasuicide group. The parasuicide group also provided fewer and less-effective problem-solving strategies than the control group, and a significant association was found between low effectiveness of problem-solving strategies and over-general memory recall in the parasuicide group. Anger and hopelessness levels were significantly higher within the parasuicide group in line with previous findings. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
4-[5-(4-Pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]pyridine N-oxide–isophthalic acid (1/1)

The title compound, C12H8N4O2·C8H6O4, was synthesized from 4-[5-(4-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]pyridine N-oxide and isophthalic acid. The two molecules are linked through O—H⋯O and O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds. Weak intramolecular π–π interactions between the two hydrogen-bonded chains result in the formation a one-dimensional supramolecular curved tape (the face-to-face distance between the pyridine N-oxide ring and the benzene ring is 3.7 Å).
UWB-Over-Fiber Communications: Modulation and Transmission

The distribution of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals over optical fiber, or UWB over fiber (UWBoF), is proposed to extend the area of coverage and to offer the availability of undisrupted service across different networks. Various techniques have been reported recently for optical UWB pulse generation, but the study on the implementation of different modulation schemes based on these UWB pulses has just started. In addition, the influence of fiber dispersion on the power spectral density (PSD) of an UWB signal, and the bit-error-rate performance of an UWBoF system with different modulation schemes have not been systematically investigated. In this paper, we perform a comprehensive investigation of techniques to implement on-off keying (OOK), bi-phase modulation (BPM), pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM), pulse shape modulation (PSM), and pulse-position modulation (PPM) based on a phase modulator and an asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer (AMZI). The AMZI is electrically reconfigurable by employing a polarization modulator (PolM). UWB signals with OOK, BPM, PAM, PSM, and PPM are realized by adjusting the polarization controllers in the AMZI and the amplitude of the electrical drive signal to the PolM. The UWB signals with OOK, BPM, PAM, and PSM are transmitted over a wired (single-mode fiber) and wireless link. Error-free operation is obtained for all the modulation schemes. The power penalties of transmission are less than 1.8 dB. The fiber dispersion on the PSD of the UWB signals is also theoretically studied and experimentally evaluated. An excellent agreement between the theoretical and the experimental results is achieved. The system is potentially integratable, which may provide a simple and cost-effective solution for UWBoF applications.
Asthmatic subjects symptomatically worse at work: prevalence and characterization among a general asthma clinic population.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence of a historical occupational component to asthma in an adult asthma clinic and to compare characteristics of asthmatic subjects with and without work-attributed symptoms. DESIGN A retrospective review of data obtained from a physician-administered questionnaire, answers to which were obtained at the initial patient visit of asthmatic subjects, and which included specific questions regarding the relationship of work to symptoms. Chart review data were used to supplement information on workplace exposures and investigations. SETTING A university-based secondary- and tertiary-referral asthma clinic. PATIENTS Seven hundred thirty-one adult asthmatic subjects who were referred for assessment and management of asthma. INTERVENTIONS Statistical analyses of asthmatic subjects with and without work-attributed symptoms and a determination, from chart review, of the likelihood of causes for symptomatic worsening of asthma at work. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Sixty percent of the patients (435) had adult onset of asthma, among whom 310 patients (71%) were employed at the time of their visit. Fifty-one patients reported their asthma to be worse at work (ie, 16% of adult-onset working asthmatic subjects). Sixteen of these patients (31%) had likely or possible sensitizer-induced occupational asthma (OA), and 49% likely had aggravation of underlying asthma. The other 20% of patients had possible OA or aggravation of underlying asthma at work. CONCLUSIONS Adult-onset asthmatic subjects commonly report a worsening of asthma at work, more commonly on the basis of likely aggravation of underlying asthma than on the basis of likely or possible OA.