Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Expression of DNA methyltransferase 1, 3A and 3B mRNA in the epithelial ovarian carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE To explore the role of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) 1, 3A, 3B in the development of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. METHODS Semi-quantitative RT-PCR method was used to detect the mRNA levels of DNMT 1, 3A and 3B in the tissues of epithelial ovarian carcinoma from 55 cancer patients (40 primary and 15 recurrent cancer) and 20 normal ovary tissues, and the relevant clinical pathological parameters were analyzed. RESULTS DNMT1 mRNA levels were 1.15, 3.11, 2.85, respectively in normal ovary, primary and recurrent ovarian epithelial cancer tissues, with significant difference between them (P < 0.05). DNMT3A mRNA levels had no obvious changes in the different groups, being 1.32, 0.71, 1.24, respectively (P > 0.05). DNMT3B mRNA levels were 0.25, 0.60, 2.12, in normal ovary, primary and recurrent ovarian epithelial cancer tissues, respectively and there was a significant increase in recurrent cancer tissues compared with normal and primary ovary cancer tissues (P < 0.01). In the primary ovarian cancer tissues, DNMT1 mRNA levels were over expressed in the tissues of low-moderate differentiated (4.92, 1.38), stage III-IV (6.02, 2.13) and lymphatic metastasis (8.25, 2.40; P < 0.05). DNMT 1, 3A, 3B mRNA were over expressed in primary carcinoma, serous carcinoma and clear cell carcinoma of the ovary (5.64, 1.00, 0.78), in comparison with the other pathologic types (1.76, 0.44, 0.23), the differences were significant (P < 0.05). Using COX regression analysis, and after analyzing the parameters effecting survival in epithelial ovarian cancer tissues, including DNMT1, 3A, 3B mRNA level and pathologic type, differentiation, surgical staging, lymphatic metastasis as well as residue tumor post cytoreductive surgery, we found that the mRNA level of DNMT3B was the only factor affecting survival of ovarian cancer patients. CONCLUSION DNMT1, 3B mRNA were overexpressed in primary and recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma, and they have some correlation with clinical pathology and prognosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
Hot , It ’ s Not : Reflections on Cool It !

These are three of the things that Bjorn Lomborg wants you to know about climate change. All three are true. All three are responses to mass media oversimplifications of the threat of climate change. Such oversimplification is an important problem to address if you agree with Lomborg’s premise that the world is in danger of exaggerating the importance of climate change and doing too much to combat it.
Cement bonded composites - A mechanical review

Over the last years promising cement bonded wood composites for structural purposes have evolved. Durability, toughness, high dimen-sional stability, resistance against environmental influences such as biodegradation or weathering but also availability of the raw material as well as economic factors are features which can make cement-bonded composites superior to conventionally bonded composites. This paper reviews the relationship of diverse parameters, including density and particle size on mechanical and physical properties of cement bonded composites, based on published sources from the last 60 years. For general and recent information about bonding mechanisms, compatibility and setting problems, determination and improvement of compatibility, the used raw materials as well as accelerators are discussed. The main part deals with failure mechanisms in connection with several production parameters. Furthermore, the influence of particle size and geometry, orientation of the particles, cement-wood ratio and the effect of accelerators and treatment of the particles on modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture as well as thickness swelling are discussed.
Melatonin restores the basal level of lipid peroxidation in rat tissues exposed to potassium bromate in vitro.

OBJECTIVE Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is a prooxidant and carcinogen. Melatonin is a highly effective antioxidant. Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA; indole substance) and propylothiouracil (PTU; antithyroid drug) reveal some antioxidative effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate KBrO3-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) in vitro in tissues collected from control or melatonin-treated rats, and to compare potential preventive effects of melatonin, IPA and PTU. MATERIALS AND METHODS Kidney, liver and lung homogenates from either control or melatonin-pretreated rats (0.0645 mmol/kg b.w., i.p., twice daily, 10 days) were incubated in the presence of KBrO3 (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mM). Then, control lung homogenates were incubated with KBrO3 (10.0 mM) together with melatonin (0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 7.5 mM), or with IPA or with PTU. LPO products (malondialdehyde+4-hydroxyalkenals) were measured spectrophotometrically. RESULTS Melatonin injections prevented KBrO3-induced LPO in lung homogenates. Melatonin, IPA and PTU, used in vitro, reduced KBrO3-induced LPO in control lungs. Unexpectedly, KBrO3 caused a concentration-dependent decrease in LPO in liver and kidney homogenates from control but not from melatonin-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS Potassium bromate-induced LPO in the rat lung homogenates suggests that the lung may be the target for this carcinogen. An exposure of organisms to melatonin decreases tissue sensitivity to KBrO3-induced damage, possibly by restoring the oxidative balance.
Evaluation of the effect of gamma rays on Echis Coloratus snake venom through toxicological , immunological and biological studies

The present study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of gamma radiation in detoxification of Echis Coloratus snake venom without affecting their immunogenic properties. This was carried out by studying the toxicological, immunological and biological properties of the crude venom. Data revealed that the toxicity of venom after (1.5 and 3 KGy) gamma irradiation was reduced 6.4 and 7.2 times, respectively, compared to the native venom. Immunogenicity was evaluated by performing the double immunodiffusion test; same number of visible lines joined smoothly at the corner was observed with the non-irradiated, as well as, the two dose levels gamma irradiated (1.5 and 3 KGy) snake venom; this result indicating that there was no change in antigenic reactivity. The effect of gamma radiation on some venom enzymes was studied; the phospholipase A2 specific activity of native, 1.5 and 3 KGy gamma irradiated venom was 6.25, 4.8 and 2.7 U/mg; respectively. The proteolytic specific activity of native, 1.5 and 3 KGy gamma irradiated venom was 13, 7.5 and 5.5 U/mg; respectively. This means that proteolytic and phospholipase A2 activities were inhibited by irradiation. The study confirmed that native Echis Coloratus snake venom showed high edema forming activity accompanied by apparent hematoma; peak volume was achieved after 30 min and percent edema reached 41.8 % from the initial diameter of the rat paw. This criteria greatly reduced by radiation as gamma irradiated (1.5 KGy and 3 KGy) venoms induced edema with peak volume achieved after 30 min and percent edema reached 29.7 and 21 % respectively, from the initial diameter of the rat paw. Echis Coloratus snake venom showed a high concentration dependant coagulant activity; The clotting time of native, 1.5 and 3 KGy gamma irradiated venom at 200 μg/ml was 4.8, 16.8 and 26.6 seconds. So, gamma irradiation decreased the coagulant activity of the venom. These results indicate that gamma irradiation of venoms offer an effective method for reducing the chronic toxic effect of venom in immunized animals for preparing the best toxoids and vaccines, facilitating antivenin production and extending the lifespan of immunized animals.
Dopamine formation, from its immediate precursor 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine, along the rat digestive tract

Summary— The formation of dopamine, from L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (l–dopa), in fragments of non‐glandular and glandular stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and proximal and distal colon of the rat was examined. The deamination of newly‐formed dopamine into 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (dopac) was also studied. The synthesis of dopamine in tissues incubated with 500 μM l–dopa for 20 min in conditions of catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (Comt) inhibition was found to be in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum 2‐fold that in the proximal colon, 6‐fold that in the glandular stomach and 120‐fold that in the non‐glandular stomach and distal colon. The formation of dopac in these tissues followed the pattern of amine formation. In the jejunum, the formation of dopamine and dopac was found to be dependent on the concentration of l–dopa (50 to 5000 μM) used. In another set of experiments, it was found that the formation of dopamine in jejunal segments loaded with increasing concentrations of l–dopa (50, 100 and 500 μM) was a time‐dependent process. The rate constant (k) of formation of dopamine as a function of time was found to be similar (0.050 ± 0.005) with either concentration of l–dopa; the rate constant of dopac formation in these experiments was, in contrast, found to be greater at the highest concentrations of l‐dopa (100 and 500 μM). Aromatic l–amino acid decarboxylase (Aaad) activity determined in homogenates of the jejunal mucosa was found to be twice that observed in homogenates of the remaining jejunal wall (muscular). The Vmax (nmol/g/h) and Km (μM) of Aaad was, respectively, in the jejunal mucoase 1324 ± 206 and 124 ± 13 and in the jejunal muscular wall 680 ± 35 and 136 ± 25. The results presented here show that the formation of dopamine along the digestive tract of the rat presents a heterogeneous pattern, the small intestine and the proximal colon being the areas where this reaction appears to be more important.
Infection-related health care utilization among people with and without multiple sclerosis

Background: Little is known about infection risk in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: We examined infection-related health care utilization in people with and without MS. Methods: Using population-based health administrative data from British Columbia, Canada, people with MS were followed from their first demyelinating claim (1996–2013) until death, emigration, or study end (2013). Infection-related hospital, physician, and prescription data of MS cases were compared with sex-, age-, and geographically matched controls using adjusted regression models. Sex and age differences (18–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60+ years) were explored. Results: Relative to 35,837 controls, 7179 MS cases were over twice as likely to be hospitalized for infection (adjusted odds ratio: 2.39; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.16–2.65), had 41% more physician visits (adjusted rate ratio (aRR): 1.41; 95% CI: 1.36–1.47), and filled 57% more infection-related prescriptions (aRR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.49–1.65). Utilization was disproportionately higher in MS men than women and was elevated across all ages. MS cases had nearly twice as many physician visits and two to three times more hospitalizations for pneumonia, urinary system infections, and skin infections (aRRs ranged from 1.6 to 3.3) and over twice as many hospitalizations for intestinal infections (aRR = 2.6) and sepsis (aRR = 2.2). Conclusion: Infection-related health care utilization was increased in people with MS across all age groups, with a higher burden for men.
Nonenhanced MR Angiography 1

Mitsue Miyazaki, PhD Vivian S. Lee, MD, PhD While nonenhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiographic methods have been available since the earliest days of MR imaging, prolonged acquisition times and image artifacts have generally limited their use in favor of gadolinium-enhanced MR angiographic techniques. However, the combination of recent technical advances and new concerns about the safety of gadoliniumbased contrast agents has spurred a resurgence of interest in methods that do not require exogenous contrast material. After a review of basic considerations in vascular imaging, the established methods for nonenhanced MR angiographic techniques, such as time of flight and phase contrast, are considered and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. This article then focuses on new techniques that are becoming commercially available, such as electrocardiographically gated partial-Fourier fast spinecho methods and balanced steady-state free precession imaging both with and without arterial spin labeling. Challenges facing these methods and possible solutions are considered. Since different imaging techniques rely on different mechanisms of image contrast, recommendations are offered for which strategies may work best for specific angiographic applications. Developments on the horizon include techniques that provide time-resolved imaging for assessment of flow dynamics by using nonenhanced approaches.
Role of lipids in augmenting the antibacterial activity of benzoyl peroxide against Propionibacterium acnes

Antimicrobial activity and physicochemical properties of benzoyl peroxide (BP) were investigated to determine the mechanism of action for the compound as an antiacne agent. The MICs and MBCs against nine strains of Propionibacterium acnes ranged between 100 and 800 micrograms/ml in a nutrient broth system, with a median fourfold increase in activity demonstrated when lipid was added. The partition coefficient of BP in a 50:50 artificial skin lipid and water system was greater than 2,500, with the concentration of BP soluble in lipid measured at 1.12% and in water at 0.005%. When BP was incubated in the presence of a lipid mixture, reaction products were formed, with evidence that at least some of these compounds possessed antibacterial activity. These results suggest that BP reduces the P. acnes numbers in sebaceous follicles because of good lipid solubility and interaction with the lipid component, the latter property contributing to the antimicrobial activity of the compound in a high-lipid environment.
Facilitating process control teaching and learning in a virtual laboratory environment

The rapid pace of technological developments and the high cost of engineering equipment, pose several challenges to traditional modes of engineering education. Innovations in education are desirable. In particular, education on practical aspects of engineering and personnel training can be enhanced through the use of virtual laboratories. Such educative experiences allow a student to better understand the theoretical aspects of the discipline in addition to its integration with practical knowledge. In this work, the development, set‐up and application of a virtual twin heat exchanger plant is described. The philosophy and methodology of our approach is described, including the implementation details and our experience in using it. The effectiveness of the platform in educating students and in training industrial personnel is described. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 10: 79–87, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com.); DOI 10.1002/cae.10011
Polymorphisms in Xenobiotic Metabolism Genes and Autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental syndrome defined by deficits in social reciprocity and communication and by unusual repetitive behaviors. Although there is an underlying genetic predisposition, the etiology of autism is currently unknown. A recent increase in prevalence suggests that genetically determined vulnerability to environmental exposure might contribute to the causation of autism. We performed family-based association studies of polymorphisms in metal-regulatory transcription factor 1(MTF1 ), a multispecific organic anion transporter (ABCC1), proton-coupled divalent metal ion transporters (SLCI IA3 and SLC11A2), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), and glutathione S-transferase (GSTP1) genes in 196 autistic disorder families. There was deviation from the expected pattern of transmission for polymorphisms in MTF1 (Single nucleotide polymorphism database reference identification number, dbSNP rs3790625, P = .02) and divalent metal ion transporter SLCI IA3 (dbSNP rs2304704, P = .07) genes. Although these results might represent chance finding, further investigations of genetic variations of metal metabolism in autism are warranted. (J Child Neurol 2004;19:413-417).
Individual prediction of chronic motor outcome in the acute post‐stroke stage: Behavioral parameters versus functional imaging

Several neurobiological factors have been found to correlate with functional recovery after brain lesions. However, predicting the individual potential of recovery remains difficult. Here we used multivariate support vector machine (SVM) classification to explore the prognostic value of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to predict individual motor outcome at 4–6 months post‐stroke. To this end, 21 first‐ever stroke patients with hand motor deficits participated in an fMRI hand motor task in the first few days post‐stroke. Motor impairment was quantified assessing grip force and the Action Research Arm Test. Linear SVM classifiers were trained to predict good versus poor motor outcome of unseen new patients. We found that fMRI activity acquired in the first week post‐stroke correctly predicted the outcome for 86% of all patients. In contrast, the concurrent assessment of motor function provided 76% accuracy with low sensitivity (<60%). Furthermore, the outcome of patients with initially moderate impairment and high outcome variability could not be predicted based on motor tests. In contrast, fMRI provided 87.5% prediction accuracy in these patients. Classifications were driven by activity in ipsilesional motor areas and contralesional cerebellum. The accuracy of subacute fMRI data (two weeks post‐stroke), age, time post‐stroke, lesion volume, and location were at 50%‐chance‐level. In conclusion, multivariate decoding of fMRI data with SVM early after stroke enables a robust prediction of motor recovery. The potential for recovery is influenced by the initial dysfunction of the active motor system, particularly in those patients whose outcome cannot be predicted by behavioral tests. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4553–4565, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prolonged carriage and potential onward transmission of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Dutch travelers.

AIM The aim was to study acquisition and persistence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) among travelers. MATERIALS & METHODS Stools from 2001 travelers and 215 nontraveling household members, collected before and immediately post-travel as well as 1, 3, 6 and 12 months upon return, were screened for CPE. RESULTS Five travelers, all visiting Asia outside the Indian subcontinent, acquired CPE. One traveler persistently carried the same OXA-244 CPE up to 6 months post-travel. Three months after travel, her co-traveling spouse also became positive for this OXA-244 CPE strain, suggesting clonal transmission within this household. CONCLUSION Acquisition of CPE is not restricted to travelers to the Indian subcontinent and/or to travelers seeking healthcare during travel and can persist up to at least 6 months post-travel.
Stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase prevents cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary hypertension and emphysema.

RATIONALE Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of death worldwide. No therapy stopping progress of the disease is available. OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-cGMP axis in development of lung emphysema and pulmonary hypertension (PH) and to test whether the sGC-cGMP axis is a treatment target for these conditions. METHODS Investigations were performed in human lung tissue from patients with COPD, healthy donors, mice, and guinea pigs. Mice were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for up to 6 months and treated with BAY 63-2521. Guinea pigs were exposed to CS from six cigarettes per day for 3 months, 5 days per week and treated with BAY 41-2272. Both BAY compounds are sGC stimulators. Gene and protein expression analysis were performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Lung compliance, hemodynamics, right ventricular heart mass alterations, and alveolar and vascular morphometry were performed, as well as inflammatory cell infiltrate assessment. In vitro assays of cell adhesion, proliferation, and apoptosis have been done. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The functionally essential sGC β1-subunit was down-regulated in patients with COPD and in CS-exposed mice. sGC stimulators prevented the development of PH and emphysema in the two different CS-exposed animal models. sGC stimulation prevented peroxynitrite-induced apoptosis of alveolar and endothelial cells, reduced CS-induced inflammatory cell infiltrate in lung parenchyma, and inhibited adhesion of CS-stimulated neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS The sGC-cGMP axis is perturbed by chronic exposure to CS. Treatment of COPD animal models with sGC stimulators can prevent CS-induced PH and emphysema.
Endothelium modulates vasoconstrictor response to prostaglandin I2 in rat mesenteric resistance arteries: interaction between EP1 and TP receptors

Background and purpose: Prostacyclin (PGI2) is usually described as an endothelium‐derived vasodilator, but it can also induce vasoconstriction. We studied the vasomotor responses to PGI2 in resistance arteries and the role of thromboxane (TP) and prostaglandin E2 (EP) receptors in this effect.
Overexpression of KIF11 in Gastric Cancer with Intestinal Mucin Phenotype

Objective: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common human cancers. A useful method of gastric cancer stem cell (CSC) characterization is spheroid colony formation. Previously, we reported that KIF11 expression is >2-fold in spheroid-body-forming GC cells compared with parental cells. Here, we analyzed the expression and distribution of KIF11 in human GC by immunohistochemistry. Methods: Expression of KIF11 in 165 GC cases was determined using immunohistochemistry. For mucin phenotypic expression analysis of GC, immunostaining of MUC5AC, MUC6, MUC2 and CD10 was evaluated. RNA interference was used to inhibit KIF11 expression in GC cell lines. Results: In total, 119 of 165 GC cases (72%) were positive for KIF11. Expression of KIF11 was not associated with any clinicopathologic characteristics; however, it was observed frequently in GC exhibiting an intestinal phenotype. Both the number and size of spheres formed by MKN-74 cells were significantly reduced following transfection of KIF11-targeting siRNA compared with negative-control siRNA. Furthermore, levels of phosphorylated Erk1/2 were lower in KIF11 siRNA-transfected cells than with negative-control siRNA-transfected cells. Conclusion: These results indicate that KIF11 is involved in intestinal mucin phenotype GC.
Subcutaneous IGF-1 is not beneficial in 2-year ALS trial

Background: Previous human clinical trials of insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-1) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been inconsistent. This phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was undertaken to address whether IGF-1 benefited patients with ALS. Methods: A total of 330 patients from 20 medical centers were randomized to receive 0.05 mg/kg body weight of human recombinant IGF-1 given subcutaneously twice daily or placebo for 2 years. The primary outcome measure was change in their manual muscle testing score. Secondary outcome measures included tracheostomy-free survival and rate of change in the revised ALS functional rating scale. Intention to treat analysis was used. Results: There was no difference between treatment groups in the primary or secondary outcome measures after the 2-year treatment period. Conclusions: Insulin-like growth factor type I does not provide benefit for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. GLOSSARY: ALS = amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; ALSFRS-r = revised ALS functional rating scale; AUC = area under the curve; DVT = deep venous thromboses; IGF-1 = insulin-like growth factor type I; MMT = manual muscle testing; PE = pulmonary embolisms.