Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ Lymphocytes in Human Ovarian Cancer

Tumor-infiltrating immune cells and their prognostic value have been analyzed in various malignancies. Although tissue microarray (TMA) has been used in some of these studies, it is still questionable whether this technique can represent the results of infiltrating CD8+ cells obtained from whole-tissue sections (WTS). The aim of this study was to assess and compare the density of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ cells in ovarian cancer using TMA and WTS. CD8+ lymphocytes were immunohistochemically stained on WTS and TMA cores from 37 ovarian cancer patients and quantified using the image analysis software HistoQuest. Four different areas were selected on the WTS, namely (i) tumor; (ii) stroma; (iii) mixed; and (iv) dense, whereby dense represented areas of most abundant CD8+ cells. On the TMA, (i) the whole TMA cores and (ii) areas containing only epithelial tumor tissue were analyzed. The Pearson correlation and principal component analysis was used to estimate the correlation of results from different techniques. CD8+ lymphocytes showed highly correlated measurements between tumor, mixed, and dense areas. Moderate correlations were found between each of these 3 measurements and stroma. CD8+ cell counts from WTS showed moderate correlation with TMA cell counts. Consistently, principal component analysis showed 3 clusters (i) tumor, dense, mixed; (ii) stroma; and (iii) TMA areas. Taken together, when the prognostic impact of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ cells in ovarian cancer is investigated with TMA technique, a moderate correlation with WTS results has to be considered.
Cathepsins L and S are not required for activation of dipeptidyl peptidase I (cathepsin C) in mice

Abstract The cysteine protease dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) activates granule-associated immune-cell serine proteases. The in vivo activator of DPPI itself is unknown; however, cathepsins L and S are candidates because they activate pro-DPPI in vitro. In this study, we tested whether cathepsins L and S activate pro-DPPI in vivo by characterizing DPPI activity and processing in cells lacking cathepsins L and S. DPPI activity, and the relative size and amounts of DPPI heavy and light chains, were identical in mast cells from wild-type and cathepsin L/S double-null mice. Furthermore, the activity of DPPI-dependent chymase was preserved in tissues of cathepsin L/S double-null mice. These results show that neither cathepsin L nor S is required for activation of DPPI and suggest that one or more additional proteases is responsible.
Measurement Variability in the Assessment of Sagittal Alignment of the Cervical Spine: A Comparison of the Gore and Cobb Methods

Background: Reconstructive procedures of the cervical spine are being performed with increasing frequency. Maintenance of physiologic sagittal alignment is an essential component of reconstructive procedures of the spine. Two methods exist for measuring sagittal alignment in the cervical spine: the Gore and Cobb methods. An experimental study comparing Gore and Cobb measurement techniques for nonspondylotic and spondylotic cervical spines was conducted. The objectives were to assess the intra- and interobserver variability of both the Gore and the Cobb methods of measurement to determine the most reproducible technique for assessing sagittal alignment of the cervical spine. Methods: With use of C3 and C7 as the end vertebrae, lateral radiographs of 20 nonspondylotic (group 1) and 20 spondylotic (group 2) cervical spines were measured by the Gore and Cobb methods on three different occasions by three orthopaedic surgeons with different levels of experience. Results: For group 1, there was less intra- and interobserver variability for the Gore method than for the Cobb method (P < 0.05). Group 2 measurements were also less variable for the Gore method, although this was not statistically significant. Pooling all three observers, 95% confidence limits for intra- and inter-observer variability for the Gore method were 3° and 6° for group 1 and 4° and 7° for group 2, respectively. For the Cobb method, corresponding values were 4° and 9° for group 1 and 5° and 9° for group 2. Overall, intraobserver measurements were less variable than interobserver measurements (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in variability based on experience level. Conclusion: Measurements of cervical spine sagittal alignment by the Gore method are more reproducible than by the Cobb method.
Residential radon exposure and risk of lung cancer in Missouri.

OBJECTIVES This study investigated residential radon exposure and lung cancer risk, using both standard radon dosimetry and a new radon monitoring technology that, evidence suggests, is a better measure of cumulative radon exposure. METHODS Missouri women (aged 30 to 84 years) newly diagnosed with primary lung cancer during the period January 1, 1993, to January 31, 1994, were invited to participate in this population-based case-control study. Both indoor air radon detectors and CR-39 alpha-particle detectors (surface monitors) were used. RESULTS When surface monitors were used, a significant trend in lung cancer odds ratios was observed for 20-year time-weighted-average radon concentrations. CONCLUSIONS When surface monitors were used, but not when standard radon dosimetry was used, a significant lung cancer risk was found for radon concentrations at and above the action level for mitigation of houses currently used in the United States (148 Bqm-3). The risk was below the action level used in Canada (750 Bqm-3) and many European countries (200-400 Bqm-3).
DNA‐protein complexes during attachment‐site synapsis in Mu DNA transposition.

Initial events in Mu DNA transposition involve specific recognition of Mu DNA ends (att sites) and an internal enhancer site by the Mu transposase (A protein). This interaction between A protein and Mu DNA sequences present on a supercoiled DNA substrate leads to the formation of a stable synaptic complex in which the att ends are nicked, prior to DNA strand transfer. This study examines the properties of a synaptic complex proficient for DNA transposition. We show that the A protein binds as a monomer to its binding sites, and causes the DNA to bend through approximately 90 degrees at each site. All six att binding sites (three at each Mu end) are occupied by A within the synaptic complex. Three of these sites are loosely held and can be emptied of A upon challenge with heparin. A synaptic complex with only three sites occupied is stable and is fully competent in the subsequent strand‐transfer step of transposition.
Advances in Silver Ion Chromatography for the Analysis of Fatty Acids and Triacylglycerols—2001 to 2011

An effort is made to critically present the achievements in silver ion chromatography during the last decade. Novelties in columns, mobile-phase compositions and detectors are described. Recent applications of silver ion chromatography in the analysis of fatty acids and triacylglycerols are presented while stressing novel analytical strategies or new objects. The tendencies in the application of the method in complementary ways with reversed-phase chromatography, chiral chromatography and, especially, mass detection are outlined.
ANALYSIS OF LAND USE/COVER TRENDS IN KIRIMA SUB/COUNTY KANUNGU DISTRICT

N.96 Like other countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda is not an exception to the effects of land use/cover changes on the environment. This study aimed at analyzing land use/cover trends in Kirima Sub/County-Kanungu District. Specifically the study intended to; establish the main drivers of land use/cover change and determine their magnitude and trend for the last 35 years. In establishing the main drivers of land use/cover change the study utilized household questionnaires and a focus group discussion guide. A total of 65 respondents included in the study were randomly selected from the local council members list for questionnaire administration while 12 participants were included in the focus group discussions from eight randomly sampled villages in the sub-county. The data was analyzed using a Logistic Regression in SPSS Windows (10.0). A series of satellite imagery (1975, 1987 and 1999) were utilized to determine the magnitude of land use/cover change using unsupervised classification in Integrated Land and Water Information Systems (ILWIS 3.3) Academic software. Findings indicate that household size and the weak environmental laws were the main drivers of land use/cover changes. Other drivers included; type of crops grown, extension agents’ visits, and customary land tenure, all were statistically significant predictors of land use/cover change (P<0.05). The magnitude of small scale farming (non-uniform) largely increased by 5% from 1975 to 1999 while areas covered by Tropical high forest relatively decreased by 16% between 1975 and 1987 but slightly increased by 1% in 1999. The areas covered by wetlands comparatively increased by 4% from 1975 to 1987 and by 1999 they slightly decreased by 3% while the woodland areas also moderately decreased by 3% from 1975 to 1987 and to some extent increased by 2% in 1999 in Kirima sub-county. The time series regressions showed that small scale (non-uniform) farming (0.829) and Tropical High Forest (0.697) had relatively strong regression strength and good fit compared to wetlands (0.053) and woodlands (0.049) with very weak regression strength and a weak fit. This study has shown that it is possible to use GIS and Remote Sensing to quantify change patterns at micro scale to provide territorially differentiated statistics.
Prebiotic effects and intestinal fermentation of cereal arabinoxylans and arabinoxylan oligosaccharides in rats depend strongly on their structural properties and joint presence.

SCOPE Cereal arabinoxylan (AX) is one of the main dietary fibers in a balanced human diet. To gain insight into the importance of structural features of AX for their prebiotic potential and intestinal fermentation properties, a rat trial was performed. METHODS AND RESULTS A water unextractable AX-rich preparation (WU-AX, 40% purity), water extractable AX (WE-AX, 81% purity), AX oligosaccharides (AXOS, 79% purity) and combinations thereof were included in a standardized diet at a 5% AX level. WU-AX was only partially fermented in the ceco-colon and increased the level of butyrate and of butyrate producing Roseburia/E. rectale spp. Extensive fermentation of WE-AX and/or AXOS reduced the pH, suppressed relevant markers of the proteolytic breakdown and induced a selective bifidogenic response. Compared with WE-AX, AXOS showed a slightly less pronounced effect in the colon as its fermentation was virtually complete in the cecum. Combining WU-AX and AXOS caused a striking synergistic increase in cecal butyrate levels. WU-AX, WE-AX and AXOS together combined a selective bifidogenic effect in the colon with elevated butyrate levels, a reduced pH and suppressed proteolytic metabolites. CONCLUSION The prebiotic potential and fermentation characteristics of cereal AX depend strongly on their structural properties and joint presence.
The relationships between defenses and experiences of depression: An exploratory study.

This study examined the relationships between defenses and depressive experiences. Two questionnaires, in counterbalanced order, were administered to a community sample of 205 adults: the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ; S. Blatt, J. D’Afflitti, & D. Quinlan 1976, 1979) and the Defense Mechanisms Inventory (DMI; D. Ihilevich & G. C. Gleser, 1986). Although turning against self related significantly to both depressive experiences of dependency, especially the less mature neediness in comparison with the more mature connectedness, and self-criticism, other types of defenses, as measured by the DMI, differentiated between interpersonal and self-critical experiences of depression. Results are discussed from psychodynamic and developmental perspectives.
Partial Characterization of Lectin from Artocatpus sps.

Plants are the most convenient and richest source of lectins due to their ease in isolation and availability. The present study was aimed to characterize the plant lectin isolated from the Artocarpus sps. After extraction of lectin from the jackfruit was subjected to SDS-PAGE which shows diverse biological active properties and also possible to examine their biological activity levels to elute and separate the bands of subunits of lectin from gel. In present study, it was found that all most all subunits are active and retains their natural biological activity of lectin. The present study revealed that smaller subunits of lectins has more agglutinating activity, it may be due to the more concentrated amount of the lectins subunits as the whole lectin. Native PAGE for the dialysed sample of Artocarpus sp. with different concentrations (25µl, 35µl, 45µl and 55µl) was shown that Purified lectin sample of Artocarpus sp. corresponds to 72 kDa with standard protein marker. According to the results of the present study lectin units are trimeric and have similar in lectin activity.
Low-Dose Gabapentin Combined with either Lamotrigine or Carbamazepine Can Be Useful Therapies for Trigeminal Neuralgia in Multiple Sclerosis

Paroxysmal symptoms occur frequently in multiple sclerosis (MS). Usually they are treated with carbamazepine (CBZ) and phenytoin, although these medications are often interrupted due to adverse effects. We report 11 MS patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN): 6 intolerant to a therapeutic dosage of CBZ, showing serious adverse effects and subsequently treated with a combination of low-dose CBZ and gabapentin (GBP) (group 1); 5 treated with lamotrigine (LMT), showing adverse effects and subsequently treated with GBP (group 2). Subjective pain level and impairment in performing daily activities were rated utilizing a 3-point scale at time 0 and at optimal dosage time (T1). GBP was initiated at 300 mg daily and titrated, until pain control was achieved without new adverse effects, to a maximum dose of 1,200 mg daily. CBZ or LMT were reduced to a level which no longer produced adverse effects, although resulting in a lack of efficacy in relieving pain. Pain control was obtained in all patients but 1, with no side effects. The plasma level analysis, performed in 5 patients, resulted in normal values. The mean dosages at T1 were: group 1 CBZ 400 mg and GBP 850 mg daily; group 2 LMT 150 mg and GBP 780 mg daily. Combining drugs with complementary modes of action may provide a rational pharmacological approach to the management of TN in MS.
Optimal placement of hybrid PV-wind systems using genetic algorithm

Genetic algorithms are proposed for optimal placement of hybrid PV-wind system (HPWS) and for determining the optimal ratio of wind/solar power contributions. The total capacity of HPWS is determined based on estimated annual power demand, average wind speed and sun radiation. Each PV and wind unit is defined based on real environmental conditions. To improve HPWS performance under different operating and environmental conditions, maximum power point tracking of PV units and blade angle pitch control of wind turbines are considered. For each candidate location, cost functions corresponding to PV, wind and battery units, as well as surplus produced power are defined and genetically minimized to determine the best location of HPWS. The proposed algorithm is used for optimal placement of a 1MVA hybrid PV-wind system in United States (considering 265 candidate locations) and to compute the optimal number of 40kW-PV and 68.46kW-wind units.
Type 4 Cardiorenal Syndrome: Myocardial Dysfunction, Fibrosis, and Heart Failure in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease manifested by a reduction in glomerular filtration function, albuminuria, or markers of chronic renal injury have been consistently associated with the development of heart failure, heart failure hospitalizations, and cardiac mortality. The principal mechanisms by which the cardiac ventricles ultimately fail include pressure overload, volume overload, and cardiomyopathy. Chronic and acute kidney diseases contribute via these pathways to cardiomyopathic processes that can be visualized as adverse remodeling, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and now with modern imaging and molecular techniques, myocardial fibrosis. It appears that both within the myocardium and the renal parenchyma, as there is loss of functional tissue, there is the deposition of collagen and other proteins resulting in fibrosis. Once this form of repair is initiated, it appears that it is progressively pathogenic itself leading to worsened cardiorenal syndrome type 4, a viscous cycle initiated by kidney disease and leading to heart failure hospitalizations and death. This paper will explore the complicated pathophysiologic processes involved in this syndrome with the aim of elucidating potential future diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
The Phenomenology of Delirium and its Motoric Subtypes in Patients with Cancer

Aim: To examine the phenomenological characteristics of delirium and its motoric subtypes in patients with cancer based on the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS) items. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of our delirium database. Sociodemographic as well as medical variables, the MDAS subitems (1-10) and the Karnofsky Performance Status scale (KPS) were analyzed in respect to the phenomenology of delirium. Results: We were able to retrieve 111 cases with diverse cancer diagnoses from our delirium database. The mean age of all subjects was 65.6 years, the delirium severity as measured with the MDAS was 18.3. The most common and severe symptoms were found in the cognitive domain (71-90%, MDAS 1.96-2.35), psychomotor abnormality (95%, MDAS 2.14), sleep-wake cycle disturbance (87%, MDAS 1.97) and disturbance of consciousness (87%, MDAS 1.94). Concentration was the most impaired cognitive task. Hyperactive delirium in comparison to hypoactive delirium was more severe; domains of more severe impairment were cognition, level of organization, perception, and psychomotor behavior. The prevalence of disorganization, perceptual disturbances and delusions were increased in hyperactive delirium, but in particular perceptual disturbances and delusions also occurred to a substantial rate in hypoactive delirium (59.5 and 53.2%). Perceptual disturbances and delusions were not associated with the impairment of the cognitive domain. Conclusion: Delirium in cancer patients is a disorder of cognition, consciousness, psychomotor behavior and sleep-wake cycle. Hyperactive delirium may present more severe, and the severity of symptomatology in the cognitive domain, level of organization, perception and psychomotor behavior may be increased. Perceptual disturbances and delusions may occur to a substantial rate in hypoactive delirium (German J Psychiatry 2011; 14(2): 66-71).
The PROMOTE UV Record: Toward a Global Satellite-Based Climatology of Surface Ultraviolet Irradiance

This paper describes the PROMOTE UV Record, which aims to provide a global long-term record of the surface UV radiation. The algorithm developed takes as input cloud information from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) and a recently developed multisensor assimilated record of the total ozone column. Aerosols and surface albedo are based on climatologies. Here, first validation results of the PROMOTE UV Record are presented through comparison against ground-based measurements of daily erythemal UV doses at eight European stations. The validation shows that the method is working reasonably, although there is a clear tendency toward overestimation. Typically, the median bias as compared to measurements is 3%-10% and 56%-68% of the daily doses are within plusmn20% from the ground-based reference. The prototype version of the PROMOTE UV Record included in this paper covers the period from July 2002 to June 2005. The time series will later be extended to start in 1983.
Rbs1, a New Protein Implicated in RNA Polymerase III Biogenesis in Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT Little is known about the RNA polymerase III (Pol III) complex assembly and its transport to the nucleus. We demonstrate that a missense cold-sensitive mutation, rpc128-1007, in the sequence encoding the C-terminal part of the second largest Pol III subunit, C128, affects the assembly and stability of the enzyme. The cellular levels and nuclear concentration of selected Pol III subunits were decreased in rpc128-1007 cells, and the association between Pol III subunits as evaluated by coimmunoprecipitation was also reduced. To identify the proteins involved in Pol III assembly, we performed a genetic screen for suppressors of the rpc128-1007 mutation and selected the Rbs1 gene, whose overexpression enhanced de novo tRNA transcription in rpc128-1007 cells, which correlated with increased stability, nuclear concentration, and interaction of Pol III subunits. The rpc128-1007 rbs1Δ double mutant shows a synthetic growth defect, indicating that rpc128-1007 and rbs1Δ function in parallel ways to negatively regulate Pol III assembly. Rbs1 physically interacts with a subset of Pol III subunits, AC19, AC40, and ABC27/Rpb5. Additionally, Rbs1 interacts with the Crm1 exportin and shuttles between the cytoplasm and nucleus. We postulate that Rbs1 binds to the Pol III complex or subcomplex and facilitates its translocation to the nucleus.
Drugs modulating the biological effects of peroxynitrite and related nitrogen species

The term “reactive nitrogen species” includes nitrogen monoxide, commonly called nitric oxide, and some other remarkable chemical entities (peroxynitrite, nitrosoperoxycarbonate, etc.) formed mostly from nitrogen monoxide itself in biological environments. Regardless of the specific mechanisms implicated in their effects, however, it is clear that an integrated pharmacological approach to peroxynitrite and related species is only just beginning to take shape. The array of affected chemical and pathological processes is extremely broad. One of the most conspicuous mechanisms observed thus far has been the scavenging of the peroxynitrite anion by molecules endowed with antioxidant activity. This discovery has in turn lent great significance to several naturally occurring and synthetic antioxidants, which usually protect not only against oxidative reactions, but also from nitrating ones, both in vitro and in vivo. This has proven to be beneficial in different tissues, especially within the central nervous system. Taking these results and those of other biochemical investigations into account, many research lines are currently in progress to establish the true potential of reactive nitrogen species deactivators in the therapy of neurological diseases, ischemia‐reperfusion damage, renal failure, and lung injury, among others. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 27, No. 1, 1–64, 2007