Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of prostaglandin E receptor subtype EP3 during colon cancer development

Background and aims: Involvement of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptors EP1, EP2, and EP4 in the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and/or intestinal polyps has been suggested. In contrast, EP3 appears to have no influence on the early stages of colon carcinogenesis. In the present study, we examined expression of PGE2 receptor subtypes EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 in normal colon mucosa and colon cancers, and assessed the contribution of EP3 to colon cancer development. Methods: mRNA expression of PGE2 receptor subtypes EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 in normal colon mucosa and colon cancers in azoxymethane (AOM) treated mice and rats, and in humans, were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative real time RT-PCR, and immunohistochemical analyses. Evaluation of the role of EP3 was performed by intraperitoneal injection of AOM, using EP3 receptor knockout mice. Effects of EP3 receptor activation on cell growth of human colon cancer cell lines were examined using ONO-AE-248, an EP3 selective agonist. Moreover, EP3 expression in colon cancer cell lines was analysed with or without 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) treatment. Results: Expression levels of EP1 and EP2 mRNA were increased in cancer tissues. EP4 mRNA was constantly expressed in normal mucosa and cancers. In contrast, expression of EP3 mRNA was markedly decreased in colon cancer tissues, being 5% in mice, 9% in rats, and 28% in humans compared with normal colon mucosa, analysed by quantitative real time RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the rat EP3 receptor protein to be expressed in epithelial cells of normal mucosa and some parts of small carcinomas but hardly detectable in large carcinomas of the colon. Colon cancer development induced by AOM in EP3 receptor knockout mice was enhanced compared with wild-type mice, with a higher incidence of colon tumours (78% v 57%) and mean number of tumours per mouse (2.17 (0.51) v 0.75 (0.15); p<0.05). Expression of EP3 mRNA was detected in only one of 11 human colon cancer cell lines tested. Treatment with 5 μM of an EP3 selective agonist, ONO-AE-248, resulted in a 30% decrease in viable cell numbers in the HCA-7 human colon cancer cell line in which EP3 was expressed. Treatment with 5-aza-dC restored EP3 expression in CACO-2, CW-2, and DLD-1 cells but not in WiDr cells, suggesting involvement of hypermethylation in the downregulation of EP3 to some extent. Conclusion: The PGE2 receptor subtype EP3 plays an important role in suppression of cell growth and its downregulation enhances colon carcinogenesis at a later stage. Hypermethylation of the EP3 receptor gene could occur and may contribute towards downregulating EP3 expression to some extent in colon cancers.
Retrospective review of chemotherapy treatment for locally advanced and metastatic penile cancer in the north west of England.

Aims: To examine current practices in the UK in the use of chemotherapy in advanced penile cancer and investigate the treatment outcomes of this group of patients. Study Design: Retrospective series. Place and Duration of Study: The study population received chemotherapy at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, The Christie Hospital or Lancashire Teaching Hospital between January 1999 and January 2009. Methodology: Patients undergoing chemotherapy for histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the penis within the designated time period were identified retrospectively. Through case note review, data were collected on chemotherapy regimens, tolerability, response to treatment and survival. Response to chemotherapy was categorized by the investigators Original Research Article Cliff et al.; BJMMR, 6(2): 149-157, 2015; Article no.BJMMR. 2015.191 150 according to RECIST (version 1.0) criteria. Chemotherapy given concurrently with radiotherapy was excluded. Results: 40 patients were treated with chemotherapy for locally advanced or metastatic penile cancer. Prior to the inception of a Supra-regional Multidisciplinary Team (SMDT), seven different chemotherapy regimens were used first line. After introduction of the SMDT Cisplatin/5-Fluoruracil (5FU) was almost exclusively prescribed outside of clinical trials. 12/40 (30%) patients completed the planned course of chemotherapy. 27/40 (67%) discontinued treatment prematurely, 14/40 (35%) due to progressive disease, and 13/40 (32%) due to declining performance status and/or toxicity. Response to chemotherapy was assessed radiologically in 23/40 patients and categorised by the investigators according to RECIST criteria. There were three complete responses and eight partial responses (objective response rate 28%). Median survival was 15 months from diagnosis and 5 months from commencing first line chemotherapy. Conclusion: This supra-regional collaboration highlighted varying use of chemotherapy historically in penile cancer. Development of a supra-regional MDT has reduced much of the variability. Response rates are modest and survival outcomes are poor. This reinforces the urgent need for clinical trials to establish a framework for novel, more active regimens and to guide patient selection.
Gender differences in obesity among preschool children in Ibaraki prefecture

The prevalence of childhood obesity in Japan has risen since the 1970s (Nagai et al., 1997; Sakamoto et al., 1997). The rise in prevalence of childhood obesity follows an increase in adulthood obesity, along with economic growth which brought a great change in dietary habits and other lifestyles (Sakamoto et at., 1997). Changes in eating habits have persisted since World War II and have greatly affected the physical size and health of children (Murata M, 2000). Among obese preschool children, the risk of adult obesity was 2.0 to 2.6 times higher than non-obese children (Serdula et al., 1993). A recent study (Freedman et al., 2001) reported that 77% of the overweight children with BMI (Body Mass Index) above 95 percentile in the Center for Disease Control in United States (CDC) growth chart BMI-For-Age remain obese (BMI>30kg/ m2) as adult. Obesity in adulthood is a risk factor for chronic diseases such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis (Komiya et al., 2000 ; Fontaine et al., 2001). Gender differences in body fat mass are generally considered to be manifested after puberty. A study (Taylor et al., 1997) found differences in body fat mass between pre-puberty boys and girls but no difference in BMI, weight and bone mineral content. In Japan, there have been few studies undertaken concerning gender
Soluble epoxide hydrolase: A potential target for metabolic diseases

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), important lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid, have many beneficial effects in metabolic diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, diabetes, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, and kidney disease. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids can be further hydrolyzed to less active diols by the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Increasing evidence suggests that inhibition of sEH increases levels of EETs, which have anti‐inflammatory effects and can prevent the development of hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, fatty liver, and multiple organ fibrosis. Arachidonic acid is the most abundant omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and shares the same set of enzymes with omega‐3 PUFAs, such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. The omega‐3 PUFAs and metabolites, such as regioisomeric epoxyeicosatetraenoic acids and epoxydocosapentaenoic acids, have been reported to have strong vasodilatory and anti‐inflammatory effects. Therefore, sEH may be a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders. In this review, we focus on our and other recent studies of the functions of sEH, including the effects of its eicosanoid products from both omega‐3 and omega‐6 PUFAs, in various metabolic diseases. We also discuss the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of sEH.
A male with a pelvic mass

Background: Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) are a specific but only moderately sensitive diagnostic marker for Crohn’s disease. We sought to explore the role of ASCA as a prognostic marker for aggressive disease phenotype in Crohn’s disease. Aims: To determine the role of ASCA status as a risk factor for early surgery in Crohn’s disease. Subjects: We performed a case control study in a cohort of patients, newly diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, between 1991 and 1999. All patients were followed for at least three years. Case subjects (n = 35) included those who had major surgery for Crohn’s disease within three years of diagnosis. Controls (n = 35) included patients matched to cases for age, sex, disease location, and smoking status, and who did not undergo major surgery for Crohn’s disease within three years of diagnosis. Methods: Blinded assays were performed on serum for ASCA (immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG). A paired analysis of cases-controls was performed to test for the association between ASCA status and risk of early surgery. Results: ASCA IgA was strongly associated with early surgery (odds ratio (OR) 8.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0–75.9); p = 0.0013). ASCA IgG+ and ASCA IgG+/IgA+ patients were also at increased risk for early surgery (OR 5.5 (95% CI 1.2–51.1), p = 0.0265; and OR 5.0 (95% CI 1.1–46.9), p = 0.0433, respectively). The association between ASCA and early surgery was evident in patients requiring surgery for ileal or ileocolonic disease. Conclusions: Patients with Crohn’s disease who are positive for ASCA IgA, IgG, or both, may define a subset of patients with Crohn’s disease at increased risk for early surgery.
Changes in the expression of intestinal iron transport and hepatic regulatory molecules explain the enhanced iron absorption associated with pregnancy in the rat

Background: Iron absorption increases during pregnancy to cater for the increased iron requirements of the growing fetus. Aims: To investigate the role of the duodenal iron transport molecules and hepatic regulatory molecules in coordinating the changes in iron absorption observed during pregnancy. Methods: Rats at various days of gestation and 24–48 hours post-partum were examined for hepatic expression of hepcidin, transferrin receptors 1 and 2, and HFE (the gene mutated in the most prevalent form of hereditary haemochromatosis), and duodenal expression of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), duodenal cytochrome b (Dcytb), iron regulated mRNA (Ireg1), and hephaestin (Hp) by ribonuclease protection assay, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Results: Decreased hepatic non-haem iron and transferrin saturation and increased expression of transferrin receptor 1 in the liver indicated a progressive reduction in maternal body iron stores during pregnancy. Duodenal expression of the iron transport molecules DMT1, Dcytb, and Ireg1 increased during pregnancy, and this corresponded with a reduction in hepcidin, HFE, and transferrin receptor 2 expression in the liver. Expression of all molecules returned towards control values by 24–48 hours post-partum. Conclusions: These data indicate that increased expression of key iron transport molecules is responsible for the elevated iron absorption associated with pregnancy, and implicate hepcidin, HFE, and transferrin receptor 2 in determining how the maternal iron homeostatic machinery responds to the increased iron demands accompanying gestation.
DEPRIVATION OF PLACENTAL BLOOD AS A CAUSE OF IRON DEFICIENCY IN INFANTS

When the umbilical cord is clamped immediately after birth, over 100 cc. of blood can usually be obtained from the placental end of the cord. 1 This blood normally flows into the infant if clamping is delayed until the placenta begins to descend into the vagina. 2 During the neonatal period the infant's total blood volume is about 10 per cent of the body weight, 3 and the average weight at birth is about 3.2 Kg. ; therefore it is possible that the blood contained in the placenta and its surface vessels is equivalent to a third of the blood volume of the newborn infant. We have shown previously that depriving the infant of the placental blood results in a significant decrease in the erythrocyte count and the hemoglobin content of the blood and an increase in the reticulocytes during the first week of life. 2c Further observations have indicated that
The effect of Topical Application of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Alleviating Knee Pain in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study

Objective: To investigate and compare the effect of topical application of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on the pain of osteoarthritic knee (s) with the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Participants: A convenient sample of thirty patients with knee(s) osteoarthritis (16 females and 14 males) were randomly assigned to three groups; Group A (n=10) treated with topical application of EVOO and exercise, group B (n=10) received topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketoprofen gel) over the knee(s) and exercise, and group C received therapeutic exercise only. Method: Treatment was carried out in physical therapy outpatient clinic for 5 days a week for two weeks. Group A received topical EVOO (3ml) and group B received topical ketoprofen gel (3 cm2) three times a day followed by therapeutic exercise. Group C received therapeutic exercise only three times a day. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMC) universities index measurement were taken at baseline and after two weeks of treatment. Results: All groups showed significant improvement (p0.05), however, both groups significantly experienced less pain than group C (p Conclusion: Topical application of EVOO showed to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis compared to topical application of NSAID.
The diabetic child and well sibling: Risks to the well child's self‐concept

Based on a sample of 60 children, 30 with juvenile diabetes, the self‐concepts of well siblings were evaluated as a function of (a) birth order, (b) sex of the children, and (c) sex of the sibling pairs. Siblings of diabetic children reported lower overall self‐concept scores. Younger siblings also had lower scores although this finding was common to both healthy and diabetic sibling pairs. Sibship to a male was associated with lower self‐concept scores, and having a diabetic brother and being male led to the lowest self‐concept scores. Implications are discussed in terms of research and suggestions for prevention and intervention are offered.
SUEFUL-7: A 7DOF upper-limb exoskeleton robot with muscle-model-oriented EMG-based control

This paper proposes an electromyography (EMG) signal based control method for a seven degrees of freedom (7DOF) upper-limb motion assist exoskeleton robot (SUEFUL-7). The SUEFUL-7 is able to assist the motions of shoulder vertical and horizontal flexion/extension, shoulder internal/external rotation, elbow flexion/extension, forearm supination/pronation, wrist flexion/extension, and wrist radial/ulnar deviation of physically weak individuals. In the proposed control method, an impedance controller is applied to the muscle-model-oriented control method by considering the end effecter force vector. Impedance parameters are adjusted in real time by considering the upper-limb posture and EMG activity levels. Experiments have been performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed robotic system.
Unconventional cell death in erythroid cells.

In this issue of Blood, Canli et al demonstrate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid hydroperoxides can function as unconventional upstream signaling activators of receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3) kinase-dependent necroptosis, causing anemia in mice lacking erythroid glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4). 1
Protective role of physical activity on type 2 diabetes: Analysis of effect modification by race–ethnicity

It is well known physical activity (PA) plays a role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the extent to which PA may affect T2D risk among different race–ethnic groups is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to systematically examine the effect modification of race–ethnicity on PA and T2D.
Factors Contributing to Work-Related Stress in Occupational Therapists: Results from a Pilot Study

This article reports the results of a pilot study which set out to design and validate an instrument for the measurement of factors which contribute to work-related stress in a sample of UK-based occupational therapists. One hundred and fifty-six therapists practising in the South West of England participated in the study and the instrument was shown to be a highly reliable and valid tool of measurement. In addition, a preliminary examination of the data highlighted six factors as contributing to work-related stress in this sample group. The article outlines the methodology employed and discusses in some detail the findings in terms of factor content.
Relationship of past, present, and passive smoking with sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and dysglycemic profiles

Cigarette smoking has been associated with the development of many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, and stroke. This has been attributed to tobacco-induced oxidants, inflammation, and insulin resistance. The Mediterranean island of Malta has an established high prevalence of dysglycemia. Malta is a small island nation. This makes it feasible to construct and conduct a cross-sectional study to establish the smoking determinants of diabetes mellitus at a population level. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of current, former, and passive smoking and their relationships with anthropometric and biochemical variables within the general and the dysglycemic population of Malta. Study objectives included the establishment of any association between smoking habits and dysglycemic status, namely impaired fasting blood glucose (IFG) and T2DM.
Vision-based detection and tracking of aerial targets for UAV collision avoidance

Machine vision represents a particularly attractive solution for sensing and detecting potential collision-course targets due to the relatively low cost, size, weight, and power requirements of the sensors involved (as opposed to radar). This paper describes the development and evaluation of a vision-based collision detection algorithm suitable for fixed-wing aerial robotics. The system was evaluated using highly realistic vision data of the moments leading up to a collision. Based on the collected data, our detection approaches were able to detect targets at distances ranging from 400m to about 900m. These distances (with some assumptions about closing speeds and aircraft trajectories) translate to an advanced warning of between 8–10 seconds ahead of impact, which approaches the 12.5 second response time recommended for human pilots. We make use of the enormous potential of graphic processing units to achieve processing rates of 30Hz (for images of size 1024-by-768). Currently, integration in the final platform is under way.
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Classification and Histologic Appearances

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) constitutes the most common epithelial malignancy of the nasopharynx and shows a strong geographic variation. The histologic appearances of this carcinoma are varied, ranging from squamous cell carcinoma to undifferentiated carcinoma, sometimes with different patterns present within the same tumor. There is a strong association of all hislologic subtypes of NPC with the Epstein-Barr virus, which allows the use of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization studies for the diagnosis of NPC. Immunohistochemical stains for keratin are useful for the exclusion for lymphoid tumors which may clinically mimic NPC.
Risk of death for young ex‐prisoners in the year following release from adult prison

Background : In the community, all‐cause mortality rates among those younger than 25 years are considerably lower than those of older adults and are largely attributable to risk‐taking behaviours. However, given the unique health profiles of prisoners, this pattern may not be replicated among those leaving prison. We compared rates and patterns of mortality among young and older ex‐prisoners in Queensland, Australia.
Community pharmacy influenza immunisation increases vaccine uptake and gains public approval

There is widespread interest in cancer statistics. The following statement appeared recently: “In Australia in 2007, the risk of being diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85 was 1 in 2 for males and 1 in 3 for females. ” Similar reports appear in publications from some cancer organisations and in the media. How do policy makers use these reports, and how does the general public interpret these statistics? The method for calculating these risks can be summarised as follows. The incidence of cancer in a particular region and year is the number of new cases of cancer diagnosed in that region and year. The incidence rate is the incidence per 100,000 head of population. The concept of cumulative risk was developed to be a simple measure that can be used to compare incidence rates in different populations, or in the same population at different times. It is an alternative to the more common age-standardised incidence rate. The cumulative rate (R) up to age 85 is defined to be five times the sum of the age-specific incidence rates divided by 100,000. The factor – five – stems from the fact that, usually, data are collated in five-year age groups 0–4, 5–9, etc. This cumulative rate is normally expressed as a percentage. If all causes of death other than cancer are ignored, then the estimated probability that a person in this population will be diagnosed with cancer by age 85 (or cumulative risk) is given by 1-exp(-R). A mathematical justification of this result can be found elsewhere. The point of this letter is to draw attention to the fact that the calculation is based on the assumption that “no other cause of death [was] in operation”. In other words, it is assumed that everyone will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage during their lifetime. When estimates of cumulative risks are presented, the general reader may be better informed if this assumption were stated explicitly. Cumulative risk is not only an epidemiological measure; it can be a persuasive tool. It is a measure that may be used by the public (in interpreting advertising about the risk of cancer) and by oncology decision makers (in making policies or allocating resources). For example, at the policy level, different regions will have different cumulative risks. Assessing regional variation requires a sound understanding before cumulative risk is used to inform decisions. This is due to implicit value judgements concerning people’s welfare in measures of disparities that are age-related. Hence, it is important that all assumptions that underpin the calculations are clear. Williams and Doessel offer further discussion of measurement issues in health care.
PYELONEPHRITIS WITH NEPHROCALCINOSIS: CAUSED BY HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE AND ALLEVIATED BY SULFANILAMIDE: REPORT OF TWO CASES

It is our object in this paper to report the histories of two patients with almost identical clinical manifestations. In so doing, we believe that we are reporting a hitherto undescribed disease entity as well as demonstrating its specific etiologic factor and its treatment. The histories will appear later. The essential facts, however, can be briefly summed up as follows: Case 1 first came to our attention because roentgenograms showed multiple calcium deposits in the pyramids of both kidneys as well as kidney stones (fig. 1). This finding in adults had hitherto been considered almost pathognomonic of hyperparathyroidism, 1 and a presumptive diagnosis of that condition was made. Calcium and phosphorus studies, however, were normal, which ruled out such a diagnosis. It was then noted that the roentgenogram of the kidneys differed from roentgenograms of cases of hyperparathyroidism with nephrocalcinosis in that the calcium deposits were of unequal size and