Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Histological classification of 1,025 cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma from the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE It is currently asserted that, in industrialized countries, nodular sclerosis is the most frequent type of Hodgkin's lymphoma, in contrast to developing countries, where mixed cellularity and lymphocyte depletion are more frequently seen. The objective was to review histological data from cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma from São Paulo and Campinas cities. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional histopathological analysis, in four university hospitals and one cancer care center. METHODS 1,025 cases diagnosed as Hodgkin's lymphoma between 1990 and 2000 were collected from five institutions; 631 of them (61.5%) had been immunophenotyped using antibodies to CD20, CD3, CD15 and CD30. The relative frequencies of histological types (as informed by the contributing authors, who are hematopathologists in their institutions) were determined according to age and gender. RESULTS The Hodgkin's lymphoma types were distributed as follows: lymphocyte predominance 4.8%, nodular sclerosis 69.2%, mixed cellularity 21.1% and lymphocyte depletion 4.6%. CONCLUSIONS The controversy regarding the frequencies of Hodgkin's lymphoma types within the Brazilian setting seems to be due to the small number of cases in previous studies. The present data show a picture close to the situation in the industrialized countries.
Explaining the Persisting Mathematics Test Score Gap between Boys and Girls

This paper provides evidence on the sources of the persisting mathematics test score gap between boys and girls. In particular, we investigate the role of the share of female mathematics teachers in secondary school and of pupils self-confidence and extrinsic motivation in mathematics. We find that the share of female mathematics teachers does not seem to affect differences in test scores between boys and girls. The number of books at home as well as the included psychological factors significantly reduce the gender test score gap. A remaining gap of 14% of a standard deviation in test scores is unexplained.
QT Interval in Children and Infants Receiving Cisapride

Objectives. Life-threatening arrhythmias and prolonged QT interval have been reported in adults and children using cisapride, a medication structurally similar to procainamide. Premature infants have reduced activity of cytochrome p-450, the system responsible for metabolism of cisapride, which could lead to QT prolongation. Therefore, we prospectively studied premature infants and children receiving cisapride to analyze the effect of prolonged cisapride therapy on QT interval. Design. Premature infants in a neonatal intensive care unit and children seen at a pediatric gastroenterology clinic in a tertiary care hospital had electrocardiography-analyzed and -corrected QT interval measured before cisapride (0.8/mg/kg per day) therapy, and again after 1 month of therapy. If baseline electrocardiography was not performed initially, it was obtained after cessation of therapy. Results. A total of 30 children participated in the study. Mean corrected QT interval was similar at baseline and at 1 month after therapy. Significant QT prolongation was not found, and no adverse effects were recorded. Conclusions. Corrected QT interval during prolonged cisapride therapy at 0.8 mg/kg per day appears to be similar for premature infants and children. An inherent trend toward QT prolongation was not detected in either group. In the absence of other risk factors that alter cisapride metabolism or predispose to arrhythmia, cisapride may be safe for use in premature infants as well as in children. Additional studies are needed to confirm these data.
Transfected Poly(I:C) Activates Different dsRNA Receptors, Leading to Apoptosis or Immunoadjuvant Response in Androgen-independent Prostate Cancer Cells*

Background: Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is refractory to chemo-radiotherapy. Results: Transfection of the synthetic analog of dsRNA poly(I:C) simultaneously stimulates apoptosis and IFN-β expression through different pathways in androgen-independent prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Conclusion: Dual parallel pathways triggered by distinct receptors activate direct and immunologically mediated antitumor effects in advanced PCa. Significance: The proapoptotic/immunoadjuvant poly(I:C)-Lipofectamine complex may offer new therapeutic insights into CRPC. Despite the effectiveness of surgery or radiation therapy for the treatment of early-stage prostate cancer (PCa), there is currently no effective strategy for late-stage disease. New therapeutic targets are emerging; in particular, dsRNA receptors Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and cytosolic helicases expressed by cancer cells, once activated, exert a pro-apoptotic effect in different tumors. We previously demonstrated that the synthetic analog of dsRNA poly(I:C) induces apoptosis in the androgen-dependent PCa cell line LNCaP in a TLR3-dependent fashion, whereas only a weak apoptotic effect is observed in the more aggressive and androgen-independent PCa cells PC3 and DU145. In this paper, we characterize the receptors and the signaling pathways involved in the remarkable apoptosis induced by poly(I:C) transfected by Lipofectamine (in-poly(I:C)) compared with the 12-fold higher free poly(I:C) concentration in PC3 and DU145 cells. By using genetic inhibition of different poly(I:C) receptors, we demonstrate the crucial role of TLR3 and Src in in-poly(I:C)-induced apoptosis. Therefore, we show that the increased in-poly(I:C) apoptotic efficacy is due to a higher binding of endosomal TLR3. On the other hand, we show that in-poly(I:C) binding to cytosolic receptors MDA5 and RIG-I triggers IRF3-mediated signaling, leading uniquely to the up-regulation of IFN-β, which likely in turn induces increased TLR3, MDA5, and RIG-I proteins. In summary, in-poly(I:C) activates two distinct antitumor pathways in PC3 and DU145 cells: one mediated by the TLR3/Src/STAT1 axis, leading to apoptosis, and the other one mediated by MDA5/RIG-I/IRF3, leading to immunoadjuvant IFN-β expression.
Biomarcadores de respuesta al interferón beta en la esclerosis múltiple

La esclerosis multiple (EM) es una enfermedad cronica del sistema nervioso central (SNC) que se caracteriza por presentar desmielinizacion, inflamacion y dano axonal. El Interferon beta (IFN-beta) fue el primer farmaco inmunomodulador usado en el tratamiento de la esclerosis multiple remitente-recidivante (EMRR). Es un farmaco seguro y eficaz, capaz de disminuir la actividad de la enfermedad. Sin embargo, la respuesta a este tratamiento no es uniforme en todos los pacientes de EM. Por ello, dado el gran abanico de opciones terapeuticas que existen en la actualidad, la busqueda de biomarcadores que permitan identificar de manera precoz a los pacientes con alta probabilidad de mostrar una respuesta optima al interferon beta es de gran relevancia para poder realizar una medicina personalizada en la EM. Hasta ahora son los marcadores clinicos y radiologicos los que mas se utilizan para establecer la eficacia de las distintas opciones terapeuticas. Sin embargo, esto implica un cierto deterioro para los pacientes no respondedores que puede repetirse con distintas terapias. Objetivos El primer objetivo del estudio fue identificar antes del inicio del tratamiento, biomarcadores biologicos que predigan la respuesta a IFN-beta. En segundo lugar comparamos los niveles de todos los posibles marcadores incluidos en el estudio con los de los controles sanos. Nuestro ultimo objetivo fue analizar los cambios que el tratamiento podria inducir en todos los factores estudiados.
Comparison of Two Step LEEP and Cold Conisation For Cervical Intraepithelial Lesions to Decrease Positive Surgical Margins.

PURPOSE To assess the success rates of two step loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) compared with conventional cold conization procedures for decreasing positive surgical margins. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted on 70 patients who underwent colposcopic evaluation in Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Health Training and Research Hospital between 20132015 with indications of CIN 2/3 or persistent CIN 1 for more than 2 years. The study included age matched groups of patients with similar histopathololical lesions who underwent cold conization (n=40) or LEEP (N=30). RESULTS Comparison of tissue characteristics between the two groups revealed significantly higher deepest depth and lower volume of tissue removed by the two step LEEP. Ectocervical positivity rate was similar between groups (1/39 versus 0/29, P>0.05), while endocervical surgical margin positivity rate was significantly higher in the cold conization group (9/39 versus 0/29, P<0.05). Surgical margin positive cases were significantly older than the cases with negative margins (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Two step LEEP made it easier to reach the squamocolumnar junction in the endocervical region with lower blood loss and applicability in office settings. Our study suggests to use two step approach in cases with high grade and glandular CIN.
Correlation of Histopathology, Urinary Biomarkers, and Gene Expression Responses Following Hexachloro-1:3-Butadiene–induced Acute Nephrotoxicity in Male Hanover Wistar Rats

Hexachloro-1:3-butadiene (HCBD) causes segment-specific injury to the proximal renal tubule. A time course study of traditional and more recently proposed urinary biomarkers was performed in male Hanover Wistar rats receiving a single intraperitoneal (ip) injection of 45 mg/kg HCBD. Animals were killed on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 14, and 28 postdosing and the temporal response of renal biomarkers was characterized using kidney histopathology, urinary and serum biochemistry, and gene expression. Histopathologic evidence of tubular degeneration was seen from day 1 until day 3 postdosing and correlated with increased urinary levels of α-glutathione S-transferase (α-GST), albumin, glucose, and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and increased gene expression of KIM-1, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1, and heme oxygenase (decycling) 1. Histopathologic evidence of tubular regeneration was seen from day 2 postdosing and correlated with raised levels of urinary KIM-1 and osteopontin and increased gene expression of KIM-1 and annexin A7. Traditional renal biomarkers generally demonstrated low sensitivity. It is concluded that in rat proximal tubular injury, measurement of a range of renal biomarkers, in conjunction with gene expression analysis, provides an understanding of the extent of degenerative changes induced in the kidney and the process of regeneration.
Effects of Different Tetra-n-Alkylammonium Ions on Acetylcholine-Induced Endothelium-Dependent Hyperpolarization in Rat Mesenteric Artery

The effects of a series of symmetric tetra-n-alkylammonium (TAA) compounds with alkyl side chains of one to six carbons in length on acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization were examined in rat mesenteric artery. All TAA compounds caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the hyperpolarizing response to acetylcholine. The potency of TAAs showed a general trend to increase with the lengths of the alkyl side chains. The inhibitory effects of TAAs, excepting the smallest compound, on the acetylcholine response were reversible. However, TAAs with long alkyl side chains may act as antagonists at muscarinic receptors, because the suppressive effect on A23187-induced endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization was more marked with TAAs having smaller alkyl side chains. Conversely, the hyperpolarizing response to pinacidil, an ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener, was significantly prevented only by TAA compounds with long alkyl side chains. TAA compounds with one-to three-carbon alkyl side chains caused a modest and reversible depolarization of the membrane, whereas the depolarizing effects of the compounds with four-to six-carbon alkyl side chains were marked and irreversible. These results suggest that TAAs could gain access to the target K+ channels for endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, the ATP-sensitive K+ channels, and the K+ channels responsible for the regulation of the resting membrane potential in different ways.
A Critical Reading of Wife Battering in Fred Amata and Bond Emeruwa’s Freedom in Chains

This paper exposed the rising violence on women in relation to violence shown in the Nollywood films and therefore, it aims to explore and examine violence meted against women with the intent of discovering why violence is perpetrated against them. The paper adopted literary research, focusing on content analysis of a selected Nollywood film entitled Freedom in Chains. Data collated was analysed with the intent of understanding the concept of violence as applied in the film, highlighting its patterns, trends, causes, effects, strategies and interventions. The study was anchored on the feminist film theories and aimed to contribute to feminist film theory. The suggested that no woman is immune to abuse, and recommended that there should be a re-examination of the underlying attitudes that maintain and encourage violence against women. Key-Words: Wife battery, Violence, Nollywood, Feminist, Film Theory
Fetal blood flow during intrathecal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section.

Fetal aortic and umbilical blood flows were studied in 15 mothers before and during spinal (intrathecal) anaesthesia for elective Caesarean section, using a method combining real-time ultrasonography and a pulsed Doppler technique. Spinal anaesthesia with 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride 2.5 ml in 8% glucose monohydrate solution was administered after preloading with 2 litre of lactated Ringer's solution. Simultaneously with the subarachnoid injection, an infusion i.v. of ephedrine 50 mg in 500 ml normal saline was initiated. Maternal heart rate and systolic arterial pressure remained stable during the spinal anaesthesia, but diastolic arterial pressure decreased (P less than 0.05). Fetal heart rate increased (P less than 0.05) 30 min after the introduction of the spinal anaesthesia, but blood flows in the fetal descending aorta and umbilical vein were unaffected. The pulsatility index of the fetal blood velocity decreased (P less than 0.05) both in the fetal aorta and in the umbilical artery 30 min after induction of the spinal anaesthesia, indicating a possible decrease in the placental vascular resistance. We conclude that, when normotension is maintained in the mother with a preload infusion and an infusion of ephedrine, spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section has no harmful effect on the fetal circulation.
Long-Term Outcome of Patients with Headache and Drug Abuse after Inpatient Withdrawal

Thirty-eight patients with “chronic daily” headache and ergotamine and/or analgesics abuse according to the criteria proposed by the international Headache Society were re-investigated 5 years after inpatient drug withdrawal. At the end of the observation period, 19 patients (50.0%) had their headaches on only 8 days per month or less, 18 patients (47.4%) were free of symptoms or had only mild headaches. A close correlation was found between the frequency of headache and the duration of drug abuse, as well as between the intensity of headache and the number of tablets taken per month. Frequency and intensity of headache had changed within the first 2 years after withdrawal, but remained stable afterwards. Fifteen patients (39.5%) reported on recurrent drug abuse. Patients with migraine showed a tendency towards a better prognosis compared to patients with tension-type headache or with combined migraine and tension-type headache. The results of this study highlight the long-term efficacy of inpatient drug withdrawal in patients with headache and ergotamine and/or analgesics abuse.
Child, soldier, child soldier - the implications of the construction of 'child' and 'child soldier' for rehabilitation practices in Northern Uganda

This paper investigates the view that non-governmental organizations have on childhood and child soldiers, and what its implications on the rehabilitation and reintegration of former child soldiers can be. Four documents produced by the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers are examined by using qualitative discourse analysis. Postcolonial theory and new sociology of childhood are the main theoretical frameworks applied to the study. The study finds that the documents share a certain view of childhood, and that the aim of rehabilitation is to reproduce the child in that image. As the discourse may not be shared with local community, it is necessary to become aware of the different discourses and attempt to reconcile them.
Selectable Subgenomic and Genome-Length Dicistronic RNAs Derived from an Infectious Molecular Clone of the HCV-N Strain of Hepatitis C Virus Replicate Efficiently in Cultured Huh7 Cells

ABSTRACT Dicistronic, selectable subgenomic replicons derived from the Con1 strain of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are capable of autonomous replication in cultured Huh7 cells (Lohmann et al., Science 285:110-113, 1999). However, adaptive mutations in the NS3, NS5A, and/or NS5B proteins are required for efficient replication of these RNAs and increase by orders of magnitude the numbers of G418-resistant colonies selected following transfection of Huh7 cells. Here, we demonstrate that a subgenomic replicon (NNeo/3-5B) derived from an infectious molecular clone of a second genotype 1b virus, HCV-N (Beard et al., Hepatology 30:316-324, 1999) is also capable of efficient replication in Huh7 cells. G418-resistant cells selected following transfection with NNeo/3-5B RNA contained abundant NS5A antigen and HCV RNA detectable by Northern analysis. Replicon RNA in one of three clonally isolated cell lines contained no mutations in the NS3-NS5B polyprotein, confirming that adaptive mutations are not required for efficient replication in these cells. However, the deletion of a unique 4-amino-acid insertion that is present within the interferon sensitivity-determining region (ISDR) of the NS5A protein in wild-type HCV-N drastically decreased the number of G418-resistant colonies obtained following transfection of Huh7 cells. This effect could be reversed by inclusion of a previously described Con1 cell culture-adaptive mutation (S2005→I), confirming that this natural insertion has a controlling role in determining the replication capacity of wild-type HCV-N RNA in Huh7 cells. Additional selectable, dicistronic RNAs encoding NS2-NS5B, E1-NS5B, or the full-length HCV polyprotein were also capable of replication and gave rise to G418-resistant cell clones following transfection of Huh7 cells. We conclude that RNA derived from this documented infectious molecular clone has a unique capacity for replication in Huh7 cells in the absence of additional cell culture-adaptive mutations.
Symptom experiences in patients after heart transplantation

Patients’ perceptions of immunosuppression-related symptom experience impact on quality of life and medication adherence. Using The Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress Scale capturing items on symptom occurrence and symptom distress, 261 heart transplant recipients reported on their symptom experiences. Symptoms occurring with the highest prevalence were tiredness, lack of energy, and nervousness. Men showed erectile dysfunction causing the most distress. Women and younger patients reported significantly higher levels of symptom distress. Distress levels increased with time after transplant. Investigating responses to immunosuppression-related symptom experiences should help develop interventional methods to support long-term outcome.
Divergent Structure and Regulatory Mechanism of Proline Catabolic Systems: Characterization of the putAP Proline Catabolic Operon of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and Its Regulation by PruR, an AraC/XylS Family Protein

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 utilizes proline as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen via a bifunctional enzyme (the putA gene product) that has both proline dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.99.8) and pyrroline 5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.1.12) activities. We characterized the pruR-putAP loci encoding the proline catabolic system of this strain. In contrast to the putA and putP (encoding proline permease) genes of other gram- negative bacteria, which are located at divergent or separate loci, Northern blotting demonstrated that the two genes form an operon in strain PAO1. While the phylogenetic lineage of the PutP protein of strain PAO1 was related to that of the origin (80% identity to the P. putida counterpart), PutA of PAO1 (PutAPAO) was rather distantly related (47% identity) to the P. putida counterpart. Moreover, unlike the PutA proteins of P. putida and enteric bacteria, PutAPAO appeared to lack a regulatory function. Upstream of the putAP operon, the divergent PA0781 gene specified a hypothetical outer membrane protein with a molecular weight of 74,202. This gene appeared to be dispensable for proline utilization as indicated by the normal growth of a knockout mutant of PA0781 on medium containing proline. The pruR (proline utilization regulator) gene immediately upstream of PA0781 encoded a transcriptional activator of the AraC/XylS protein family and mediated the proline-responsive expression of putAP. Primer extension studies identified a PruR-dependent promoter responsive to proline in the 5′-flanking region of putA. Thus, the proline utilization system of P. aeruginosa differs from that of P. putida with respect to putA structure, the organization of the putAP genes, and the regulatory mechanism of putA expression.
Binding of Lassa virus perturbs extracellular matrix‐induced signal transduction via dystroglycan

The arenavirus Lassa virus (LASV) causes a severe haemorrhagic fever with high mortality in man. The cellular receptor for LASV is dystroglycan (DG). DG is a ubiquitous receptor for extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, which cooperates with β1 integrins to control cell–matrix interactions. Here, we investigated whether LASV binding to DG triggers signal transduction, mimicking the natural ligands. Engagement of DG by LASV resulted in the recruitment of the adaptor protein Grb2 and the protein kinase MEK1 by the cytoplasmic domain of DG without activating the MEK/ERK pathway, indicating assembly of an inactive signalling complex. LASV binding to cells however affected the activation of the MEK/ERK pathway via α6β1 integrins. The virus‐induced perturbation of α6β1 integrin signalling critically depended on high‐affinity LASV binding to DG and DG's cytoplasmic domain, indicating that LASV–receptor binding perturbed signalling cross‐talk between DG and β1 integrins.
Long Term Outcome of Early Active Mobilization Following Flexor Tendon Repair in Zone 2

We reviewed 34 patients with 65 zone 2 flexor tendon injuries in 39 digits whose outcome had been prospectively studied in an earlier investigation at a mean of 10.6 years after repair. Grip strength was assessed using a Jamar dynamometer. Outcome of grip strength in relation to normal data indicated an excellent or good outcome in 94% of patients, fair in 3% and poor in 3%. Using the grading system recommended by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the active range of motion was graded as excellent or good in 75% of digits, fair in 15% and poor in 10%. These results compare favourably with those of the original study with 5/39 of digits showing an improvement from good to excellent. Sixteen of the 34 of patients continued to suffer from cold sensitivity.