Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipidomic analysis of phospholipids from human mammary epithelial and breast cancer cell lines

Alterations of phospholipid (PL) profiles have been associated to disease and specific lipids may be involved in the onset and evolution of cancer; yet, analysis of PL profiles using mass spectrometry (MS) in breast cancer cells is a novel approach. Previously, we reported a lipidomic analysis of PLs from mouse mammary epithelial and breast cancer cells using off‐line thin layer chromatography (TLC)‐MS, where several changes in PL profile were found to be associated with the degree of malignancy of cells. In the present study, lipidomic analysis has been extended to human mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cell lines (MCF10A, T47‐D, and MDA‐MB‐231), using TLC‐MS, validated by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography‐MS. Differences in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) content relative to total amount of PLs was highest in non‐malignant cells while phosphatidic acid was present with highest relative abundance in metastatic cells. In addition, the following differences in PL molecular species associated to cancer phenotype, metastatic potential, and cell morphology were found: higher levels of alkylacyl PCs and phosphatidylinositol (PI; 22:5/18:0) were detected in migratory cells, epithelial cells had less unsaturated fatty acyl chains and shorter aliphatic tails in PE and sphingomyelin classes, while PI (18:0/18:1) was lowest in non‐malignant cells compared to cancer cells. To date, information about PL changes in cancer progression is scarce, therefore results presented in this work will be useful as a starting point to define possible PLs with prospective as biomarkers and disclose metabolic pathways with potential for cancer therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 457–468, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hemocompatibility-Related Outcomes in the MOMENTUM 3 Trial at 6 Months: A Randomized Controlled Study of a Fully Magnetically Levitated Pump in Advanced Heart Failure

Background: The HeartMate 3 (HM3) Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) (Abbott) is a centrifugal, fully magnetically levitated, continuous-flow blood pump engineered to enhance hemocompatibility and reduce shear stress on blood components. The MOMENTUM 3 trial (Multicenter Study of MagLev Technology in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Circulatory Support Therapy With HeartMate 3) compares the HM3 LVAS with the HeartMate II (HMII) LVAS (Abbott) in advanced heart failure refractory to medical management, irrespective of therapeutic intention (bridge to transplant versus destination therapy). This investigation reported its primary outcome in the short-term cohort (n=294; 6-month follow-up), demonstrating superiority of the HM3 for the trial primary end point (survival free of a disabling stroke or reoperation to replace the pump for malfunction), driven by a reduced need for reoperations. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the aggregate of hemocompatibility-related clinical adverse events (HRAEs) between the 2 LVAS. Methods: We conducted a secondary end point evaluation of HRAE (survival free of any nonsurgical bleeding, thromboembolic event, pump thrombosis, or neurological event) in the short-term cohort (as-treated cohort n=289) at 6 months. The net burden of HRAE was also assessed by using a previously described hemocompatibility score, which uses 4 escalating tiers of hierarchal severity to derive a total score for events encountered during the entire follow-up experience for each patient. Results: In 289 patients in the as-treated group (151 the HM3 and 138 the HMII), survival free of any HRAE was achieved in 69% of the HM3 group and in 55% of the HMII group (hazard ratio, 0.62; confidence interval, 0.42–0.91; P=0.012). Using the hemocompatibility score, the HM3 group demonstrated less pump thrombosis requiring reoperation (0 versus 36 points, P<0.001) or medically managed pump thrombosis (0 versus 5 points, P=0.02), and fewer nondisabling strokes (6 versus 24 points, P=0.026) than the control HMII LVAS. The net hemocompatibility score in the HM3 in comparison with the HMII patients was 101 (0.67±1.50 points/patient) versus 137 (0.99±1.79 points/patient) (odds ratio, 0.64; confidence interval, 0.39–1.03; P=0.065). Conclusions: In this secondary analysis of the MOMENTUM 3 trial, the HM3 LVAS demonstrated greater freedom from HRAEs in comparison with the HMII LVAS at 6 months. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02224755.
Role of lymphatic system in water and solute transport from rat intestine in vitro.

The results of the present study confirm previous observations and provide further evidence that water and solute are primarily transported from the intestine by the lymphatic system of rat jejunum in vitro, regardless of the nature of the serosal bathing medium (moist air, mineral oil or Ringer solution), or degree of intestinal motility. The transport of fluid by the venous system was negligible under all circumstances so far observed. Venous transport occurred only over a brief duration but lymphatic transport continued with little diminution in rate for at least 40 min. Lymph flow decreased with the increase of mucosal fluid osmolarity but was not affected by changing serosal fluid osmolarity. Lymph was always isosmotic with the mucosal fluid whether the latter was hypo-, iso-, or hypertonic. The composition of lymph with respect to concentrations of glucose; Na, K and Cl was the same as that of the absorbed fluid. The glucose concentration in the lymph was closely related to that in the bathing fluid on the mucosal side, rather than to that on the serosal side. It is concluded that the formation of lymph in the intestine is closely associated with water and solute absorption.
Haemorheology and exercise: intrinsic flow properties of blood in marathon running.

Haemorheological and haematological parameters were studied in venous blood samples taken from 8 endurance-trained athletes before and after a marathon run. Viscometry was performed in a 20 microns glass capillary and in a Couette viscometer. Apparent blood viscosity was lower in the capillary than in the rotational viscometer, but significant differences between pre- and post-run samples were not observed in either system. This is presumably due to the absence of changes of haematocrit (pre-run [mean +/- SD]: 0.453 +/- 0.016, post-run: 0.456 +/- 0.018). Although protein concentration increased significantly from 70.8 +/- 2.1 g/l (pre-run) to 76.0 +/- 3.9 g/l (post-run), the difference of plasma viscosity was not statistically significant (pre-run: 1.26 +/- 0.03 cP, post-run: 1.30 +/- 0.07 cP). In all samples, plasma viscosity showed a significant positive correlation with total protein, globulin, albumin, but not with fibrinogen concentration. Cone-plate aggregometry and a filtration technique were used to evaluate red cell aggregation and deformability, two determinants of blood rheology which also were not different between pre- and post-run samples. The absence of viscosity changes in relation to the marathon run may be due to the relative stability of blood and plasma volume, which can be deduced from haematological parameters. Alterations of plasma composition (e.g. acidosis or hyperosmolality) seem to cause only minor, if any, changes of microrheological cell properties.
IGF-1 and IGF-1BP3 in gastric adenocarcinoma. Preliminary study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a mitogenic and anti-apoptotic factor, mainly produced by the liver, which regulates cell proliferation. Most serum IGF-1s are bound with IGF-1BP3. Plasma IGF-1 values are positively related to cancer risk (breast, colon, and lung cancer) and seem to have a prognostic significance in prostatic cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between IGF-1, IGF-1BP3 and gastric cancer. METHODOLOGY IGF-1 and IGF-1BP3 serum levels were measured in 26 consecutive patients (M/F = 15/11, mean age 65 yrs) with histologically proven gastric adenocarcinoma from January 1999 to December 2000. Blood samples were collected at baseline, before surgery with radical intent (total and subtotal gastrectomies + D2 lymphadenectomy), and then at 14th and 50th postoperative days. These values were compared to a control group of healthy people. RESULTS At baseline was observed a significant increase of IGF-1 serum levels in cancer patients versus control group (p < 0.001). All gastric cancer patients showed IGF-1 over normal limits. After surgery there was a significant decrease of IGF-1 levels (14th day vs. baseline, p = 0.001) that was still present in late postoperative period (50th day). At baseline IGF-1 values were not related to tumor extension or nodal involvement status. Otherwise in postoperative period IGF-1 significantly decreased in earlier stages (N0; T < or = 2) but not in more advanced ones (N+; T > 2). At baseline, IGF-1BP3 values were increased compared to control group but did not significantly decrease after surgery. CONCLUSIONS IGF-1 values in gastric cancer patients are increased compared to control group, without stratification for stage and nodal status. Moreover radical surgery, with complete tumor ablation, induces a significant decrease in IGF-1 levels, without reach normal limits. Besides at baseline abnormally higher IGF-1BP3 values were observed, suggesting an alteration in IGF-1 and IGF-1BP3 system.
Next-generation oral preexposure prophylaxis: beyond tenofovir

Purpose of reviewClinical trials of oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have focused on regimens of tenofovir (TDF) with or without emtricitabine (FTC). However, TDF may be associated with toxicities (renal, bone), and FTC may select for drug resistance. Both are also first-line drugs for HIV treatment. In this review, we discuss agents that might serve as alternatives to TDF/FTC for HIV PrEP. Recent findingsSeveral drug characteristics are important to consider when selecting agents for PrEP with the most critical being safety, tolerability, adequate penetration into target tissues for prevention of HIV infection, and long-lasting activity with convenient dosing. With these factors in mind, we review five potentially useful agents for PrEP. The first group includes drugs that are already Food and Drug Administration approved (maraviroc, raltegravir) with attributes that make them attractive for PrEP. The second group includes investigational agents with long-lasting activity that are being developed in parenteral form (rilpivirine-long acting, S/GSK1265744, ibalizumab). SummaryFuture PrEP drugs may give clinicians the flexibility to select agents on the basis of individual patient needs and preferences.
Gelatinase activity in synovial fluid and synovium obtained from healthy and osteoarthritic joints of dogs.

OBJECTIVE To determine matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in synovial fluid (SF) obtained from the joints of dogs with degenerative joint disease (DJD) secondary to various underlying conditions. SAMPLE POPULATION 35 samples of SF obtained from 18 clinically normal (control) dogs and 34 samples of SF obtained from 17 dogs with DJD; dogs with DJD were from 2 populations (client-owned dogs and research dogs that had DJD secondary to the lysosomal storage disease mucopolysaccharidosis VII). PROCEDURE MMP activity in samples of SF was semiquantitatively examined by use of gelatin or casein zymography. Western blot analysis was performed by use of antibodies for MMP-2 and MMP-9. In addition, in situ MMP activity was observed in sections of synovial membrane obtained from healthy and osteoarthritic joints. RESULTS Samples of SF from osteoarthritic joints had higher MMP-2 activity and dramatically increased MMP-9 activity, compared with values for healthy joints. Substrate-overlay analyses indicated minimal gelatin-degrading activity in synoviocytes obtained from control dogs, whereas greater activity was seen in osteoarthritic synoviocytes, with additional activity in the underlying tissue. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Higher MMP-2 activity and dramatic increases in MMP-9 activity were associated with the osteoarthritic state, even though MMP-2 activity was detected in healthy joints. This study expands information on MMP production in SF of osteoarthritic joints in other species and documents the similarity of MMP activity patterns regardless of the cause of DJD.
Genotypic dominance and novel recombinations in HBV genotype B and C co‐infected intravenous drug users

Pathogenic differences among hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes have been documented. However, the interaction between different HBV genotypes remains unclear. Herein, we chose HBV genotypes B (HBV/B) and C (HBV/C) co‐infected intravenous drug users to study this issue. HBV genotype was determined in 40 HBsAg, anti‐HCV, and anti‐HDV co‐positive intravenous drug users by using genotype‐specific primers. The distribution of HBV genotype was as follows: HBV genotype B alone in 29 (72.5%); HBV genotype C alone in 4 (10.0%); and mixed HBV genotype B and HBV genotype C in 7 (17.5%). The interaction between HBV genotype B and HBV genotype C within the same individual was further studied in the seven intravenous drug users with HBV genotype B and HBV genotype C co‐infection. By direct sequencing of the pre‐S region, only HBV genotype B was detected. When 10–21 clones of the pre‐S region were propagated from each intravenous drug user and sequenced, most of the clones were HBV genotype B. Novel recombinations between HBV genotype B and HBV genotype C occurred in four clones (M7‐5, M1‐10, M1‐21, and M1‐24) from two intravenous drug users (M7 and M1). The recombination breakpoints were estimated at nucleotide 3120–3171 for M7‐5, at nucleotide 3060–3191 for M1‐10, and at nucleotide 2910–2950 for M1‐21 and M1‐24 by SimPlot program. The recombination sites of these HBV/pre‐S C‐B and B‐C recombinants may be within the pre‐S1 region. The results in this study suggest that HBV/B is the dominant strain in HBV genotypes B and C co‐infected intravenous drug users in Taiwan, and recombinations between different HBV genotype are not unusual. The impact of recombination on the evolution of HBV and their clinical significance remains to be studied. J. Med. Virol. 73:13–22, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An epithelial to mesenchymal transition programme does not usually drive the phenotype of invasive lobular carcinomas

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular phenotype switching phenomenon which occurs during normal development and is proposed to promote tumour cell invasive capabilities during tumour progression. Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a histological special type of breast cancer with a peculiar aetiology – the tumour cells display an invasive growth pattern, with detached, single cells or single files of cells, and a canonical feature is the loss of E‐cadherin expression. These characteristics are indicative of an EMT or at the very least that they represent some plasticity between phenotypes. While some gene expression profiling data support this view, the tumour cells remain epithelial and limited immunohistochemistry data suggest that EMT markers may not feature prominently in ILC. We assessed the expression of a panel of EMT markers (fibronectin, vimentin, N‐cadherin, smooth muscle actin, osteonectin, Snail, Twist) in 148 ILCs and performed a meta‐analysis of publically available molecular data from 154 ILCs. Three out of 148 (2%) ILCs demonstrated an early and coordinated alteration of multiple EMT markers (down‐regulation of E‐cadherin, nuclear TWIST, and up‐regulation of vimentin, osteonectin, and smooth muscle actin). However, the data overall do not support a role for EMT in defining the phenotypic peculiarities of the majority of ILCs. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accounting for Privacy in Citizen Science: Ethical Research in a Context of Openness

In citizen science, volunteers collect and share data with researchers, other volunteers, and the public at large. Data shared in citizen science includes information on volunteer location or other sensitive personal information; yet, volunteers do not typically express privacy concerns. This study uses the framework of contextual integrity to understand privacy accounting in the context of citizen science, by analyzing contextual variables including roles; information types; data flows and transmission principles; and, uses, norms, and values. Findings show that uses, norms, and values-including core values shared by researchers and public volunteers, and the motivations of individual volunteers' have a significant impact on privacy accounting. Overall, citizen science volunteers and practitioners share and promote openness and data sharing over protecting privacy. Studying the context of citizen science offers an example of contextually-appropriate data sharing that can inform broader questions about research ethics in an age of pervasive data. Based on these findings, this paper offers implications for designing data and information flows and supporting technologies in public and voluntary data sharing projects.
Yoga as palliation in women with advanced cancer: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the palliative potential of home-based yoga sessions provided to women with advanced cancer. METHOD Personalised 45-minute yoga sessions were offered to three women with advanced cancer by an experienced yoga teacher. Each woman took part in a one-to-one interview after the completion of the yoga programme and was asked to describe her experiences of the programme's impact. RESULTS The personalised nature of the yoga sessions resulted in similar positive physical and psychosocial effects comparable to those demonstrated in other studies with cancer patients. Participants described physical, mental, and emotional benefits as well as the alleviation of illness impacts. The enhancement of mind-body and body-spirit connections were also noted. CONCLUSION Personalised home-based yoga programmes for people with advanced cancer may produce similar benefits, including palliation, as those institutionally-based programmes for people with non-advanced cancer.
Interplexiform cells in rabbit retina

Interplexiform cells, which may provide a centrifugal pathway within the retina, have been demonstrated in several vertebrate species. As revealed by Golgi stains, these cells are also present in rabbit retina and have several different morphologies. It appears that interplexiform cells are not only a general feature of the vertebrate retina, but are present in significant numbers.
Analysis of Thermal Effect Influence in Gallium-Nitride-Based TLM Structures by Means of a Transport&#8211;Thermal Modeling

The power dissipation in a semiconductor device usually generates a self-heating effect, which becomes very significant for gallium nitride power applications. The operating temperature of these devices increases significantly, and the transport properties are then degraded (IEEE Electron Device Lett., vol. 24, p. 375, 2003; IEEE Electron Device Lett., vol. 49, p. 1496, 2002; IEEE Trans. Electron Devices, vol. 52, p. 1683, 2005). Taking heating effects into account explains the physical phenomena observed in experiments, due in particular to the fact that temperature greatly affects the velocity. In this paper, numerical simulations are carried out to study the influence of thermal effects on the static characteristics of GaN transmission line measurement (TLM) model structures. A transport-thermal model is thus developed in order to take into account both the electrical and the thermal phenomena in a coupled way. This paper uses GaN TLMs on sapphire substrates. Simulations have shown that the saturation current is reached for electric fields much lower than the saturation electric field, thus confirming the experimental results
Death in the Life of a Tooth

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) constitutes an important mechanism in embryonic development. Although there is substantial evidence for essential roles of apoptosis in organ shaping and controlling of cell number, the mechanisms of these processes are poorly understood. The regulation of cell proliferation to form tooth buds of the appropriate size and at the correct positions must involve a balance between cell division and cell death. Apoptosis has been suggested to play both passive and active roles in bud formation and morphogenesis and in reduction of the dental lamina, as well as silencing of the enamel knot signaling centers. The location of apoptotic cells during tooth development has been described and suggests their temporospatial roles. Unfortunately, there is little functional evidence on these roles, and the aim of this review is to highlight areas where apoptosis may play key roles in odontogenesis.
Levosimendan Use Increases Cardiac Performance after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND The effect of levosimendan on myocardial performance has not been studied in dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Our aim was to investigate the effect of levosimendan on postoperative hemodynamic effects in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing CABG operation. METHODS We performed 58 elective isolated CABG operations in end-stage renal disease patients. The study group received levosimendan at a slow bolus dose of 3 µg/kg, followed by a 24-hour infusion of 0.03-0.05 µg/kg/kg/min. (study group [SG]: n = 25). The remaining patients received a placebo (control group [CG]: n = 33). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction of both groups was similar (44.6 ± 55.4% versus 42.8 ± 53.9%). Hemodynamic data were collected at the end, at 1 hour after CPB, and thereafter at 6, 12, and 24 hours in the ICU. Preoperatively, at the end of the operation, at 1 hour after CPB, and thereafter at 6, 12, and 24 hours in the ICU, blood samples from the peripheral vein were collected for cardiac troponin-I (c-TnI) and lactate levels. Norepinephrine if needed started during the rewarming period in both groups. RESULTS One patient in SG (4%) and 4 patients (12.1%) in CG died postoperatively (P < .01). Cardiac output and cardiac index values did not change early after weaning from extracorporeal circulation, and they were nearly similar during the next 6 hours in both groups. In SG, cardiac output and cardiac index significantly improved at 6 hours, and were stable at the end of 24 hours (P < .001). Hemodynamic parameters were nearly similar after the operation, and did not change significantly at the end of 24 hours in CG. Hemodynamic improvement caused a significant reduction in systemic and pulmonary artery vascular resistance index in SG (P < .002). Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased significantly in SG (P < .034). Cumulative inotrope dose requirement and intraaortic balloon pump use were significantly lower in SG. In addition, blood lactate and cTnI levels were significanly lower in SG (P < .044). CONCLUSION No important adverse effect was detected during levosimendan infusion. Because levosimendan at a dose of 0.03-0.05 μg/kg/min increased myocardial performance significantly in the postoperative period, it can be used safely in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing isolated CABG. The requirement of vasopressors were lower in SG.