Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Coordinates the Down-regulation of the Visual Cycle in the Retina and Retinal-pigmented Epithelium*

Background: Neurocytokines (LIF and CNTF) mediate photoreceptor protection and down-regulation of phototransduction. Results: LIF down-regulates the visual cycle decreasing RPE65 expression and activity through activation of STAT3 in RPE. Conclusion: The gp130/STAT3 pathway is independently modulated in RPE and retina for coordinated control of visual cycle activity. Significance: A single, endogenous paracrine factor (LIF) can stimulate RPE cells to reduce production of 11-cis-retinal. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), an interleukin-6 family neurocytokine, is up-regulated in response to different types of retinal stress and has neuroprotective activity through activation of the gp130 receptor/STAT3 pathway. We observed that LIF induces rapid, robust, and sustained activation of STAT3 in both the retina and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). Here, we tested whether LIF-induced STAT3 activation within the RPE can down-regulate RPE65, the central enzyme in the visual cycle that provides the 11-cis-retinal chromophore to photoreceptors in vivo. We generated conditional knock-out mice to specifically delete STAT3 or gp130 in RPE, retina, or both RPE and retina. After intravitreal injection of LIF, we analyzed the expression levels of visual cycle genes and proteins, isomerase activity of RPE65, levels of rhodopsin protein, and the rates of dark adaptation and rhodopsin regeneration. We found that RPE65 protein levels and isomerase activity were reduced and recovery of bleachable rhodopsin was delayed in LIF-injected eyes. In mice with functional gp130/STAT3 signaling in the retina, rhodopsin protein was also reduced by LIF. However, the LIF-induced down-regulation of RPE65 required a functional gp130/STAT3 cascade intrinsic to RPE. Our data demonstrate that a single cytokine, LIF, can simultaneously and independently affect both RPE and photoreceptors through the same signaling cascade to reduce the generation and utilization of 11-cis-retinal.
Psychosocial factors and survival after diagnosis of inoperable non‐small cell lung cancer

Objective: Although several previous studies have investigated the association between psychosocial factors and the survival of lung cancer patients, most previous studies were flawed by severe methodological limitations. The purpose of the present study was to use a rigorous study design to investigate the association between relevant psychosocial factors and survival after a diagnosis of inoperable non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Amelioration of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in Rats Through Plant

The present study was carried out to evaluate the beneficial effects of ethanolic extract of flaxseed, sesame seed, safflower seed and soybean in rat model of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The whole powders of these plants were also evaluated. BPH was induced in castrated adult rats by subcutaneous injections of testosterone propioneate (3 mg/kg rat body weight) for 4 weeks. Total cholesterol (T-Ch), malondialdehyde (MDA), testosterone (TS), prostate specific antigen (PSA) and acid phosphatase were determined. Plasma creatinine and urea levels were determined as indicator of kidneys function. Aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase activities were determined as indicator of liver function. All BPH rats administrated with different treatment showed significant reduction in plasma levels of T-Ch, TS, MDA, PSA as well as total prostatic and non-prostatic acid phosphatase activity compared with BPH rats. Flaxseeds powder was the most promising treatment in the reduction of total cholesterol and MDA levels, while flaxseeds ethanol extract showed the highest reduction of TS level compared with BPH control followed by sesame seeds ethanol extract. The plants’ under investigation showed complete safety toward liver and kidney functions. In conclusion, the ethanolic extracts and whole powders of the studied plants’ showed promising effect towards BPH in animal model.
Prognostic Significance of Nucleolar Organizer Regions in Ovarian Epithelial Tumors

SummaryRecent studies have shown that the silver-stained nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) score is related to the cell growth rate in several neoplasms. In the work presented here, we tested the AgNOR technique in 79 ovarian epithelial tumors (13 benign, 10 borderline, 56 malignant) to evaluate the diagnostic potential of AgNOR count in distinguishing between ovarian borderline tumors and carcinomas and to assess its prognostic value in carcinomas. Ovarian carcinomas exhibited higher mean AgNOR values than borderline and benign tumors, but statistically significant differences were found only in the serous type. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation of higher AgNOR score, advanced tumor stage, and adverse prognosis. On the contrary, low AgNOR counts identified stages I and II carcinomas with disease-free follow-up. These results suggest that the AgNOR count may improve the prognostic evaluation of ovarian epithelial tumors by representing a reliable indicator of survival.
Smoking cessation and outcome after ischemic stroke or TIA

Objective: To assess whether smoking cessation after an ischemic stroke or TIA improves outcomes compared to continued smoking. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of 3,876 nondiabetic men and women enrolled in the Insulin Resistance Intervention After Stroke (IRIS) trial who were randomized to pioglitazone or placebo within 180 days of a qualifying stroke or TIA and followed up for a median of 4.8 years. A tobacco use history was obtained at baseline and updated during annual interviews. The primary outcome, which was not prespecified in the IRIS protocol, was recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), or death. Cox regression models were used to assess the differences in stroke, MI, and death after 4.8 years, with correction for adjustment variables prespecified in the IRIS trial: age, sex, stroke (vs TIA) as index event, history of stroke, history of hypertension, history of coronary artery disease, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Results: At the time of their index event, 1,072 (28%) patients were current smokers. By the time of randomization, 450 (42%) patients had quit smoking. Among quitters, the 5-year risk of stroke, MI, or death was 15.7% compared to 22.6% for patients who continued to smoke (adjusted hazard ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.48–0.90). Conclusion: Cessation of cigarette smoking after an ischemic stroke or TIA was associated with significant health benefits over 4.8 years in the IRIS trial cohort.
Adult-Derived Human Liver Mesenchymal-Like Cells as a Potential Progenitor Reservoir of Hepatocytes?

It is currently accepted that adult tissues may develop and maintain their own stem cell pools. Because of their higher safety profile, adult stem cells may represent an ideal candidate cell source to be used for liver cell therapies. We therefore evaluated the differentiation potential of mesenchymal-like cells isolated from adult human livers. Mesenchymal-like cells were isolated from enzymatically digested adult human liver and expanded in vitro. Cell characterization was performed using flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence, whereas the differentiation potential was evaluated both in vitro after incubation with specific media and in vivo after intrasplenic transplantation of uPA+/+-SCID and SCID mice. Adult-derived human liver mesenchymal-like cells expressed both hepatic and mesenchymal markers among which albumin, CYP3A4, vimentin, and α-smooth muscle actin. In vitro differentiation studies demonstrated that these mesenchymal-like cells are preferentially determined to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. Ten weeks following intrasplenic transplantation into uPA+/+-SCID mice, recipient livers showed the presence of human hepatocytic cell nodules positive for human albumin, prealbumin, and α-fetoprotein. In SCID transplanted liver mice, human hepatocyte-like cells were mostly found near vascular structures 56 days posttransplantation. In conclusion, the ability of isolated adult-derived liver mesenchymal stem-like cells to proliferate and differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells both in vitro and in vivo leads to propose them as an attractive expandable cell source for stem cell therapy in human liver diseases.
Imaging of Spine Trauma.

: Imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is fundamental to the evaluation of traumatic spinal injury. Specifically, neuroradiologic techniques show the exact location of injury, evaluate the stability of the spine, and determine neural element compromise. This review focuses on the complementary role of different radiologic modalities in the diagnosis of patients with traumatic injuries of the spine. The role of imaging in spinal trauma classifications will be addressed. The importance of magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of soft tissue injury, particularly of the spinal cord, will be discussed. Last, the increasing role of advanced imaging techniques for prognostication of the traumatic spine will be explored. ABBREVIATIONS ADC, apparent diffusion coefficientALL, anterior longitudinal ligamentAS, ankylosing spondylitisASIA, American Spine Injury AssociationCTA, computed tomography angiographyCVJ, craniovertebral junctionDISH, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosisDTI, diffusion tensor imagingFA, fractional anisotropyMDCT, multidetector computed tomographyMRA, magnetic resonance angiographySCI, spinal cord injurySTIR, short tau inversion recoveryVAI, vertebral artery injury.
Author ' s personal copy The hydrophobic effect and its role in cold denaturation q

The hydrophobic effect is considered the main driving force for protein folding and plays an important role in the stability of those biomolecules. Cold denaturation, where the native state of the protein loses its stability upon cooling, is also attributed to this effect. It is therefore not surprising that a lot of effort has been spent in understanding this phenomenon. Despite these efforts, many unresolved fundamental aspects remain. In this paper we review and summarize the thermodynamics of proteins, the hydrophobic effect and cold denaturation. We start by accounting for these phenomena macroscopically then move to their atomic-level description. We hope this review will help the reader gain insights into the role played by the hydrophobic effect in cold denaturation. 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
The Use of Double Y-Shaped versus Conventional Titanum Miniplates in Fixation of Anterior Mandibular Fractures

Introduction:Anterior mandibular fracture rated between 23% to 36% of mandibular fracture, it anatomical location and muscle insertion can affect the frequents involvement.Objectives:This work aims at Compare clinically and radiographicallythe use of double Y-shaped titanium mini plate versus 2 straight titanium mini plates in treatment of anterior fracture of the mandible.Material and methods:A prospective study was conducted on a total number of 14 adult patients, who are suffering from mandibular fractures including (Symphyseal and parasymphyseal fractures), indicated for open reduction and internal fixation. the fracture was exposed throw trans oral vestibular incision and reduced under general anesthesia, temporarily maxillomandibular fixation was done using 26 gauge stainless steel wires with arch bar, one double Y shaped mini plated fixed by 6 screws for group A, and 2 conventional mini plates fixed by 8 to 10 screws for group B.Results: Pain, edema and trismus decreased gradually through the follow up period , state of occlusion , condition of the teeth at fracture line, surgical wound healing was perfect at all cases and sensory nerve function one patient had parathesia in first month, decreased throw the follow up time, maximum interincisal mouth opening increased significantly throw the period. Postopertive panorama and cone beam CT showed the adequate reduction and bine healing on fracture line. There was no postoperative complication occurred.Conclusion:It has been shown that double Yshaped mini plates have same stabilization due to it’s configuration as conventional mini plates in fixation of simple anterior mandibular fractures.
Renal Clearance of Pancreaticand SalivaryAmylase Relativeto CreatinineClearance in Patientswith Renal Disease and Proteinuna

To study the charge-selective properties of the glomerular filter in renal disease, we measured the fractional clearance, relative to creatinine clearance (ECC), of the amylase isoenzymes pancreatic amylase and salivary amylase, which have identical size but different charge. In 63 healthy subjects the mean (and SD) fractional excretion of pancreatic amylase, 4.07% (1.24%), was fourfold that of salivary amylase: 1.02% (0.54%). For 29 patients with renal disease and proteinuna, the mean fractional excretion of pancreatic amylase was significantly lower, 3.31% (1.94%), and that of salivary amylase significantly higher, 2.06% (1.41%), than in controls. In these patients, fractional excretions of both these isoenzymes were negatively correlated with unnary excretion of /32-microglobulin and ECC. Evidently, differences in clearances of pancreatic and salivary amylase are a consequence of differences in charge-related glomerular filtration. The relative increase of salivary amylase clearance in patients with renal disease and proteinuna is most probably caused by a loss of the charge-selective properties of the glomerular basement membrane.
Analysis of the influencing factors for hospital charge of spinal fractures with a category tree model

Objective: To determine the influencing factors for hospital cost of patients with spinal fractures using E-CHAID category tree, we performed this retrospective study. Patients and Methods: The data on 2109 patients with spinal fractures in our hospital, including the comorbidity conditions, surgical and other clinical characteristics, were collected. After Pearson correlation test was performed to explore the potential influencing factors for hospital cost, multivariate stepwise regression analyses were applied to investigate independent influencing factors. E-CHAID category tree model was used to determine the interactive relationship between these influencing factors and estimate the hospital cost of spinal fractures. Results: The average cost of spinal fractures was RMB 26015.76 (USD 4775.35) in male patients and RMB 28652.12 (USD 3317.21) in female patients, respectively. The hospital cost was classified by ECHAID category tree into 18 groups, in which the primary driver was the treatment methods, followed by the hospital length of stay. Conclusions: ECHAID decision tree model could be used to estimate the hospital cost of spinal fractures. The primary driver for hospital cost of spinal fractures was the treatment methods.
Use of Fluoroscopy-Guided Wire Manipulation and/or Laparoscopic Surgery in the Repair of Malfunctioning Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters

Background: Peritoneal catheter is the lifeline for the continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Over the years, obstruction or displacement of the CAPD catheter has been one of the common complications of CAPD. Fluoroscopy-guided wire manipulation or laparoscopic surgery has been developed to manage outflow obstruction. We analyzed the catheter outcome of fluoroscopy-guided wire manipulation or laparoscopic surgery to determine the ultimate benefit of these procedures. Methods: From June 1996 to August 2000, catheter complications were manipulated in 24 patients. Eleven (46%) of these patients were initially managed by guide wire under fluoroscopic control. The remaining 13 (54%) patients were manipulated by laparoscopic surgery. A successful outcome was defined as maintained normal peritoneal catheter function at 30 days after the manipulations. Among the catheters manipulated, 18 (75%) were inserted by nephrologist and 6 (25%) by surgeons at the initiation of CAPD. Tenckhoff double-cuff peritoneal catheters were inserted to all patients. Results: The time elapsed between catheter insertion and manipulation varied from 1 to 60 days with a mean of 11 days. The primary causes of catheter malfunction were kinking in 1 case, omental wrapping with adhesions in 9 cases, and catheter displacements in the remaining 14 cases. Thirty-day catheter function was achieved in 50% (12/24) of initial catheter manipulations, with guide wire under fluoroscopic control (46%, 5/11) and laparoscopic surgery (54%, 7/13). Overall success rate of repeated manipulation was 71% (17 of 24). Conclusion: The successful outcome in repairing of the malfunctioning CAPD catheters could be increased by the combination of fluoroscopy-guided wire manipulation and laparoscopic surgery.
Token monetary incentives improve mail survey response rates and participant retention: results from a large randomised prospective study of mid-age New Zealand women.

AIM To examine if a small token monetary incentive (NZ$5) increases mail survey response rates and participant retention of 40-50 year old New Zealand women. METHOD In 2009, 2500 women were randomly selected from the New Zealand electoral rolls for a prospective study investigating factors related to the prevention of weight gain. At baseline, 400 women were randomly assigned to receive NZ$5 with the initial survey mail-out in addition to nonmonetary gifts to encourage participation (pen, tea bag, entry in lottery draw) received by all women. At 2 years, 400 women (200 received NZ$5 at baseline and 200 had not) were randomly assigned to receive the same token monetary incentive. At 3 years, all women identifying as an ethnic minority (n=234) and 300 randomly selected women of other ethnicities received the token monetary incentive with the initial mail out. RESULTS The baseline response rate for women who received NZ$5 was significantly higher than for women who did not (76% vs 64%, p<0.001). At 2 years, retention rate for all women who received NZ$5 was significantly higher than for women who did not (88% vs 80%, p<0.001). At 3 years, among those women not identifying as an ethnic minority, the retention rate for those who received NZ$5 was significantly higher than for those who did not (84% vs 77%, p=0.014). CONCLUSION Inclusion of a small token monetary incentive significantly increases mail survey response rates and participant retention in mid-age New Zealand women.
Pain and mechanical properties of the rectum in patients with active ulcerative colitis

Background: The pain, urgency, and incontinence in ulcerative colitis may be related to changes in viscoelastic properties of the gut wall or to alterations of the sensory pathways. In the present study, we used an advanced rectal probe to study the mechanosensory and smooth muscle properties in patients with active disease. Methods: Nine patients with ulcerative colitis (mean age 39.5 years) with exacerbation limited to the rectum and sigmoid colon and 17 age‐matched healthy subjects were included. The rectum was distended before and after pharmacological relaxation of the smooth muscle until moderate pain was reported, and the cross‐sectional area, volume, pressure, tension, and strain were computed. To investigate central integration of a tonic stimulus, the bag was finally distended to the pain threshold; then, the cross‐sectional area was held constant for 2 min. Results: The patients were hypersensitive to mechanical stimuli as assessed by the cross‐sectional area (F = 21.7; P < 0.001). There were no differences in compliance or stiffness between the 2 groups, but the hypersensitivity was abolished after muscle relaxation. Together with the muscle analysis, this finding demonstrated that the smooth muscles were tonically contracted in the inflamed rectum, resulting in a decreased rectal circumference. The tonic distensions did not evoke central integration of the pain response, indicating that hyperalgesia is more likely related to peripheral factors. Conclusions: Patients with active ulcerative colitis have hypersensitivity and increased tone of the smooth muscles, which may explain the symptoms. Drugs that affect smooth muscle contraction may be helpful in difficult cases.
Valproic Acid Induces Endocytosis-Mediated Doxorubicin Internalization and Shows Synergistic Anti-Proliferation Effects in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

We evaluated the monoand combination-therapy effects of valproic acid (VPA) and doxorubicin (DOX) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identified a specific and efficient, synergistic anti-proliferative effect of the VPA and DOX combination in HCC cells, especially HepG2 cells; this effect was not apparent in MIHA cells, a normal hepatocyte cell line. The calculation of the coefficient of drug interaction confirmed the significant synergistic effect of the combination treatment. Concurrently, the synergistic apoptotic cell death caused by the VPA and DOX combination treatment was confirmed by Hoechst nuclear staining and western blot analysis of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation. Co-treatment with VPA and DOX enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and autophagy, which were clearly attenuated by ROS and autophagy inhibitors, respectively. Furthermore, as an indication of the mechanism underlying the synergistic effect, we observed that DOX internalization, which was induced in the VPA and DOX combination-treated group, occurred via by the caveolae-mediated endocytosis pathway. Taken together, our study uncovered the potential effect of the VPA and DOX combination treatment with regard to cell death, including induction of cellular ROS, autophagy, and the caveolae-mediated endocytosis pathway. Therefore, these results present novel implications in drug delivery research for the treatment of HCC.
An unusually large renal angiomyolipoma peeping into the right atrium

Angiomyolipomas (AMLs) are benign hamartomatous tumours of the kidney that occur sporadically or in association with tuberous sclerosis. Although they are benign lesions, larger tumours can, rarely, behave aggressively and have extrarenal extension. Extension of an AML into the renal veins and inferior vena cava (IVC) is rare. We report a rare case of an AML with extension into the renal vein and IVC up to the right atrium that was successfully managed surgically.
EFFICACY OF QI-THERAPY (EXTERNAL QIGONG) FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC PAIN

To test the efficacy of Qi-therapy (external Qigong) in improving symptoms of pain and mood states in elderly peoples with chronic pain. Forty-three elderly people with chronic pain were randomly assigned either to an intervention or a general care group. The intervention group was given four weeks of Qi-therapy whereas the control group was given standard care. Compared with the control group, Qi-therapy participants experienced improvements in positive mood and psychological variables over the four-week program. Compared with baseline values, pain and psychological benefits remained significantly improved after two weeks of follow-up. These findings suggest that Qi-therapy may help the elderly cope with pain and associated mood disturbances.