Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of the experimental antithrombotic effect of some apple varieties involves enhanced endogenous thrombolytic activity

Abstract Prevention of arterial thrombotic diseases has high priority in developed countries. As inappropriate diet is known to enhance the risk for acute thrombotic events, a regular diet with experimentally proven antithrombotic effect might be a beneficial way of prevention. The present study is part of a series of investigations testing fruits and vegetables for antithrombotic activity. The Global Thrombosis Test was used to screen sixteen different apple varieties for antiplatelet and thrombolytic activities. The in vitro effective varieties were further investigated using the laser-induced thrombosis model in mice. In order to investigate the mechanism, hemostatometry and flow-mediated vasodilation test (FMV) were performed. Apple varieties were grouped into subclasses according to their antithrombotic activity. AP-2, AP-13, AP-14 and AP-15 showed significant antithrombotic effect both in vitro and in vivo. AP-8 was antithrombotic in vitro but could not determine in vivo because of the shortage of t.
Elevated expression of microRNAs 155, 203, 210 and 222 in pancreatic tumors is associated with poorer survival

Pancreatic cancer is the eighth most common cancer and has an overall 5‐year survival rate lower than 10%. Because of their ability to regulate gene expression, microRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor‐suppressor genes and so have garnered interest as possible prognostic and therapeutic markers during the last decade. However, the prognostic value of microRNA expression in pancreatic cancer has not been thoroughly investigated. We measured the levels of miR‐155, miR‐203, miR‐210, miR‐216, miR‐217 and miR‐222 by quantitative RT‐PCR in a cohort of 56 microdissected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC). These microRNAs were chosen as they had previously been shown to be differentially expressed in pancreatic tumors compared to normal tissues. The possible association of microRNA expression and patients' survival was examined using multivariate Cox's regression hazard analyses. Interestingly, significant correlations between elevated microRNA expression and overall survival were observed for miR‐155 (RR = 2.50; p = 0.005), miR‐203 (RR = 2.21; p = 0.017), miR‐210 (RR = 2.48; p = 0.005) and miR‐222 (RR = 2.05; p = 0.035). Furthermore, tumors from patients demonstrating elevated expression levels of all 4 microRNAs possessed a 6.2‐fold increased risk of tumor‐related death compared to patients whose tumors showed a lower expression of these microRNAs. This study provides the first evidence for an oncogenic activity of miR‐155, miR‐203, miR‐210 and miR‐222 in the development of pancreatic cancer as has been reported for other tumor types. Furthermore, the putative target genes for these microRNAs suggest a complex signaling network that can affect PDAC tumorigenesis and tumor progression.
EWS/Fli‐1 chimeric fusion gene upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor‐A

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A plays an important role in the pathological angiogenesis that occurs in soft‐tissue sarcoma and in about half of Ewing's sarcoma cases, where it is highly overexpressed. EWS/Fli‐1 is considered to be a transcriptional activator and to play a significant role in tumorigenesis of Ewing's sarcoma. However, the relationship between EWS/Fli‐1 and VEGF‐A is still unclear. The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between EWS/Fli‐1 and VEGF‐A, and to determine whether small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐targeting of VEGF‐A can be developed as a novel treatment for Ewing's sarcoma. Knockdown of EWS/Fli‐1 using siRNA on a Ewing's sarcoma cell line (A673) suppressed VEGF‐A expression, and transfection of EWS/Fli‐1 into a human osteosarcoma cell line increased VEGF‐A expression. To inhibit VEGF‐A secretion from Ewing's sarcoma, we developed a chemically synthesized siRNA that targets VEGF‐A. Transfection of the VEGF siRNA into the Ewing's sarcoma cell line significantly suppressed VEGF‐A secretion by up to 98% in vitro, compared with a control. In vivo, we established Ewing's sarcoma xenograft models and performed intratumoral injection of the siRNA mixed with atelocollagen. We observed that the inhibition of tumor growth occurs in a dose‐dependent manner. Histological examination revealed decreased microvessel density and morphological change around microvessels in the Ewing's sarcoma xenografts treated with the siRNA. It is considered that a combination of chemically synthesized siRNA that targets VEGF‐A and atelocollagen might be a novel and effective option for treating Ewing's sarcoma that secretes VEGF‐A.
Diet and serum micronutrients in relation to cervical neoplasia and cancer among low‐income Brazilian women

Cervical cancer is a leading cancer among women in developing countries. Infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) types has been recognized as a necessary cause of this disease. Serum carotenoids and tocopherols have also been associated with risk for cervical neoplasia, but results from previous studies were not consistent. We evaluated the association of serum total carotene and tocopherols, and dietary intakes with the risk of newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades 1, 2, 3 and invasive cancer in a hospital‐based case‐control study in São Paulo, Brazil. The investigation included 453 controls and 4 groups of cases (CIN1, n = 140; CIN2, n = 126; CIN3, n = 231; invasive cancer, n =108) recruited from two major public clinics between 2003 and 2005. Increasing concentrations of serum lycopene were negatively associated with CIN1, CIN3 and cancer, with odds ratios (OR) (95% CI) for the highest compared to the lowest tertile of 0.53 (0.27–1.00, p for trend = 0.05), 0.48 (0.22–1.04, p for trend = 0.05) and 0.18 (0.06–0.52, p for trend = 0.002), respectively, after adjusting for confounding variables and HPV status. Increasing concentrations of serum α‐ and γ‐tocopherols, and higher dietary intakes of dark green and deep yellow vegetables/fruit were associated with nearly 50% decreased risk of CIN3. These results support the evidence that a healthy and balanced diet leading to provide high serum levels of antioxidants may reduce cervical neoplasia risk in low‐income women.
Transactivation and expression patterns of Jun and Fos/AP‐1 super‐family proteins in human oral cancer

Transcription factor activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) super‐family is known to modulate expression of array of genes during development of many cancers and considered as an important target for modern therapeutics. But the role of AP‐1 during development of human oral cancers is still poorly understood. Because oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in India and south‐east Asia, we studied the activation and expression pattern of AP‐1 family of proteins and mRNA in different stages of oral carcinogenesis. Gel‐shift assay, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and northern blotting have been used to assess the binding activity and expression pattern of AP‐1 family (c‐Jun, JunB, JunD, c‐Fos, FosB, Fra‐1 and Fra‐2) proteins and mRNA transcripts in a total of 100 fresh oral tissue specimens comprising precancer (n = 40), cancer (n = 50) and healthy control (n = 10). Constitutive activation of AP‐1 with concomitant upregulated expression of majority of AP‐1 family of proteins and mRNA was observed in cancer cases. Interestingly, almost all precancerous cases showed JunD homodimers, whereas c‐Fos/JunD was the most prevalent complex found in cancer tissues. The overexpression of EGFR mRNA, p50:p50/NF‐κB homodimer formation, together with overexpression of pERK and c‐Fos proteins in this study suggests an interesting cross talk between AP‐1 and NF‐κB pathways in oral cancers. Thus, this study demonstrates differential expression and activation of AP‐1 super‐family proteins in relation to severity of lesion and their crucial role in human oral carcinogenesis.
Women's Knowledge, Views, and Experiences Regarding Alcohol Use and Pregnancy: Opportunities to Improve Health Messages

Background Women continue to drink alcohol during pregnancy despite Surgeon Generals' Advisory statements and educational efforts about the dangers. Purpose This focus group research study examined women's knowledge and beliefs about alcohol consumption and its risks during pregnancy along with related perceptions of social influences and information sources in order to inform future messaging. Methods The study included 20 focus groups of 149 reproductive-age women segmented by age, pregnancy status, and race/ethnicity. Results and Discussion Women acknowledged the risks and consequences of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, but many held common misconceptions. Some women continued to drink during pregnancy or expressed intent to continue drinking until pregnancy confirmation. Findings indicated that women's partners, families, and friends influence women's decisions to drink or abstain from alcohol. In addition, health care providers and the Internet act as important sources of health information for women but sometimes do not adequately educate them about the risks of alcohol use and pregnancy. Translation to Health Education Practice Considerations for messaging and educational materials related to alcohol use and pregnancy include providing clear and consistent messaging (especially from health professionals), focusing on social support strategies, and utilizing electronic media.
Interventions to increase free school meal take-up

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to design and implement interventions to increase free school meal (FSM) uptake in pilot schools. This paper describes the interventions, reports on acceptability (as perceived by school working parties) and explores the process of implementing change. Design/methodology/approach – The research consisted of two phases, an exploratory phase followed by an intervention phase. Findings from the latter are presented. Ten pilot schools (five primary and five secondary) in Leeds, England were recruited. Each established a working party, examined current claiming processes and implemented individualised action plans. This paper draws on the final action plans and interviews/focus groups with working parties. Findings – Interventions to improve FSM claiming process, minimise discrimination and maximise awareness were designed. The majority were implemented successfully, the exception being amending anti-bullying policies. Creative ways of delivering interventions were demons.
Radiation‐induced leukemia among children aged 0–5 years at the time of the Chernobyl accident

This case–control study was conducted to estimate the radiation‐induced risk of acute leukemia during the period from 1987 to 1997 among residents 0–5 years of age at the time of the Chernobyl accident in the most radioactively contaminated territories of the Ukraine (Rivno, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv and Cherkasy regions). Data were collected from 246 leukemia cases diagnosed between 1 January, 1987, and 31 December, 1997. Each case was verified and interviewed. Verified cases were compared to 492 randomly selected controls matched by age, sex, type of settlement (rural, semirural and urban) and administrative region of residency. The cumulative level of radiation exposure from the time of the Chernobyl accident to the date of diagnosis was assessed for each case and corresponding controls. Four dose‐range groups were selected for statistical analysis (0–2.9, 3–9.9, 10–99.9 and 100–313.3 mGy). The risk of leukemia was significantly increased (–2.4 [95%CI: 1.4–4.0]) among those with radiation exposure doses higher than 10 mGy (p = 0.01). The association between radiation exposure and risk was stronger among males (–2.8 [95%CI: 1.4–5.5, p = 0.01]), and for cases of acute leukemia that were diagnosed during the period from 1987 to 1992 (–2.5 [95%CI: 1.2–5.1, p = 0.05]), particularly acute myeloid leukemia (–5.8 [95%CI: 1.4–24.6, p = 0.05]). The influence of possible confounders and methods of selecting controls on the leukemia risk assessment was analyzed. The evaluated risk per unit dose is discussed.
Recall and Believability of the Tips From Former Smokers Campaign Among University Students

Background: Tobacco media campaigns are effective, but less is known regarding the impact on college students. Purpose: The purpose was to test the effects of an on-campus Tips television campaign on frequency and believability of ads recalled and to assess demographic and personal factors associated with believability. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post design was used to assess the 8-week campaign with 3 Tips ads. Two randomly selected cohorts of college students (N = 1593) from a large public university completed online surveys pre- and postcampaign. Group comparisons using chi-square tests, 2-sample t tests, and logistic regression, controlling for residence or cohort, and predictors of believability using proportional odds modeling were examined. Results: Ads were recalled by significantly more students (68%) postcampaign. Believability for one or more ads was lower for males, undergraduates, those belonging to fraternity/sorority, and current polytobacco users (P < .05). Believability was greater for those who recalled seeing the ads more often (P < .05). Discussion: Subgroups of college students, including males and undergraduates, reported less ad believability, which should be considered when designing communication strategies. Translation to Health Education Practice: Considering the potential impact and cost-effective nature of on-campus TV media campaigns, these ads need to be integrated into current campus tobacco control strategies.
Is the improved prognosis of p16 positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma dependent of the treatment modality?

The incidence of human papilloma virus (HPV) induced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) increases in the western countries. These OPSCC show distinct molecular characteristics and are characterized by an overexpression of p16, considered a surrogate marker for HPV infection. When compared to patients with p16 negative OPSCC, patients with HPV induced p16 positive OPSCC show a significantly better prognosis, which is reported to be caused by increased radiosensitivity. The objective of the present study was to analyze the impact of p16 expression status on the prognosis of OPSCC treated by either radiotherapy (RT) or primary surgery. Results are based upon a tissue microarray (TMA) of 365 head neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) including 85 OPSCC with clinico‐pathological and follow‐up data. p16 positivity correlated significantly with oropharyngeal tumor localization (p < 0.001). Patients with p16 positive OPSCC exhibited a significantly better overall survival than those with p16 negative tumors (p = 0.007). In a multivariate analysis, survival benefit of patients with p16 positive OPSCC was independent of clinico‐pathological parameters such as cT and cN classification and treatment modality. The improved prognosis of p16 positive OPSCC is found after RT as well as after surgery.
Sunlight, hormone replacement status and colorectal cancer risk in postmenopausal women

A reanalysis of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomized clinical trial found a significant interaction between supplementation with vitamin D/calcium and estrogen therapy and the risk of colorectal cancer risk, with reduced risks from supplementation limited to the placebo arms of the estrogen trials. To explore whether the vitamin D effects are modified by estrogen therapy, we report a largely cross‐sectional, analysis of the association between sun exposure, which is an important vitamin D source, and colorectal cancer risk among postmenopausal women in the U.S. Radiologic Technologists study. Among 21,695 participants, there were a total of 108 cases. Sun exposure was based on time outdoors and on ambient ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure based on residence linked to erythemal exposures derived from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer database. Although there was no relationship between outdoor time or ambient UV measure and colorectal cancer risk in current hormone replacement therapy (HRT) users, in never/past HRT users, there was an inverse association with higher ambient UV exposure, RR for highest vs. lowest tertile = 0.40; 95% CI 017, 0.93; p for trend = 0.04. Non‐significant lower risks were also associated with higher levels of outdoor time (≥3.5 hr/week) in never/past HRT users. The interaction between both indicators of sun exposure and HRT and CRC risk was not significant. These data, although exploratory, are consistent with evidence from the WHI suggesting a decrease in colorectal cancer risk may be associated with vitamin D exposure among postmenopausal women who are not taking HRT, but not among current HRT users.
Relationships Among Age, Gender, Anthropometric Characteristics, and Dynamic Balance in Children 5 to 12 Years Old

Purpose: To examine relationships among age, gender, anthropometrics, and dynamic balance. Methods: Height, weight, and arm and foot length were measured in 160 children with typical development aged 5 to 12 years. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Pediatric Reach Test (PRT), and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Results: Moderate to good positive relationships (r = 0.61 and r = 0.56) were found between increasing age and PRT and PBS scores. A fair negative relationship (r = −0.49) was observed between age and TUG test. No significant gender-by-age group difference was observed. Age had the strongest influence on TUG and PBS scores; arm length had the strongest influence on PRT scores. Conclusions: Dynamic balance ability is directly related to chronological age. Age and arm length have the strongest relationships with balance scores. These findings may assist pediatric therapists in selecting dynamic balance tests according to age rather than specific diagnosis. PowerPoint Slideshow Abstract: For more insights from the authors, access Supplemental Digital Content 1, at http://links.lww. com/PPT/A75.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Aging‐related neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are the culmination of many different genetic and environmental influences. Prior studies have shown that RNAs are pathologically altered during the inexorable course of some NDs. Recent evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be a contributing factor in neurodegeneration. miRNAs are brain‐enriched, small (∼22 nucleotides) non‐coding RNAs that participate in mRNA translational regulation. Although discovered in the framework of worm development, miRNAs are now appreciated to play a dynamic role in many mammalian brain‐related biochemical pathways, including neuroplasticity and stress responses. Research about miRNAs in the context of neurodegeneration is accumulating rapidly, and the goal of this review is to provide perspective for these new data that may be helpful to specialists in either field. An overview is provided about the normal functions for miRNAs, including some of the newer concepts related to the human brain. Recently published studies pertaining to the roles of miRNAs in NDs––including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and triplet repeat disorders—are described. Finally, a discussion is included with theoretical syntheses and possible future directions in exploring the nexus between miRNA and ND research.
Knowledge of caregivers on the risk factors of otitis media

Introduction: Otitis media (OM) is common in children. In developing countries, it is the most common cause of hearing impairment. Many factors predispose to OM, some of which are modifiable through lifestyle changes. This study aimed to determine the knowledge of caregivers on the risk factors (RFs) associated with OM and their willingness to modify their lifestyle to reduce the risk of OM. The impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on the knowledge and willingness in lifestyle alteration was also assessed. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study using a modified Ear Infection Survey questionnaire. The SES of caregivers/mothers was determined, and they were interviewed to determine their knowledge of RFs for OM and their willingness to undergo lifestyle modifications. Results: One hundred caregivers (96 females) were interviewed, majority of whom (81%) were in the higher SES. There were significant differences between low and high SES in day care attendance, siblings and parents with history of OM. Apart from daycare attendance and household smokers, all other RFs were higher among the lower SES. Individuals from low SES background had poorer knowledge of the RFs for OM. A strong willingness to modify behavior to avert a surgical procedure for OM is seen in both groups. Conclusion: Caregivers in both SES groups were willing to undergo behavioral modifications in reducing the risk of OM; utilizing this knowledge in educational programs will help to reduce the prevalence of OM in children. This must be coupled with training and encouragement of health workers to disseminate information on RFs of OM.
A new role for the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Tumor metastasis is not only a sign of disease severity but also a major factor causing treatment failure and cancer-related death. Therefore, studies on the molecular mechanisms of tumor metastasis are critical for the development of treatments and for the improvement of survival. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an orderly, polygenic biological process that plays an important role in tumor cell invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. The complex, multi-step process of EMT involves multiple regulatory mechanisms. Specifically, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway can affect the EMT in a variety of ways to influence tumor aggressiveness. A better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms related to the EMT can provide a theoretical basis for the early prediction of tumor progression as well as targeted therapy.
Flow-induced focal adhesion remodeling mediated by local cytoskeletal stresses and reorganization

Cells respond to fluid shear stress through dynamic processes involving changes in actomyosin and other cytoskeletal stresses, remodeling of cell adhesions, and cytoskeleton reorganization. In this study we simultaneously measured focal adhesion dynamics and cytoskeletal stress and reorganization in MDCK cells under fluid shear stress. The measurements used co-expression of fluorescently labeled paxillin and force sensitive FRET probes of α-actinin. A shear stress of 0.74 dyn/cm2 for 3 hours caused redistribution of cytoskeletal tension and significant focal adhesion remodeling. The fate of focal adhesions is determined by the stress state and stability of the linked actin stress fibers. In the interior of the cell, the mature focal adhesions disassembled within 35-40 min under flow and stress fibers disintegrated. Near the cell periphery, the focal adhesions anchoring the stress fibers perpendicular to the cell periphery disassembled, while focal adhesions associated with peripheral fibers sustained. The diminishing focal adhesions are coupled with local cytoskeletal stress release and actin stress fiber disassembly whereas sustaining peripheral focal adhesions are coupled with an increase in stress and enhancement of actin bundles. The results show that flow induced formation of peripheral actin bundles provides a favorable environment for focal adhesion remodeling along the cell periphery. Under such condition, new FAs were observed along the cell edge under flow. Our results suggest that the remodeling of FAs in epithelial cells under flow is orchestrated by actin cytoskeletal stress redistribution and structural reorganization.