Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Butyrate modulates antioxidant enzyme expression in malignant and non‐malignant human colon tissues

The induction of antioxidant enzymes is an important mechanism in colon cancer chemoprevention, but the response of human colon tissue to butyrate, a gut fermentation product derived from dietary fiber, remains largely unknown. Therefore, our study investigated the effect of a butyrate treatment on catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD2) in matched human colon tissues of different transformation stages (n = 3–15 in each group) ex vivo. By performing quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blot, and spectrophotometric measurements, we found an increase in SOD2 at expression and activity level in colonic adenocarcinomas (mRNA: 1.96‐fold; protein: 1.41‐fold, activity: 1.8‐fold; P < 0.05). No difference was detectable for CAT between normal, adenoma, and carcinoma colon tissues. Treatment of normal colon epithelium (12 h) with a physiologically relevant concentration of butyrate (10 mM) resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in CAT mRNA (1.24‐fold) and protein (1.39‐fold), without affecting the enzymatic activity. Consequently, preliminary experiments failed to show any protective effect of butyrate against H2O2‐mediated DNA damage. Despite a significantly lowered SOD2 transcript (0.51‐fold, P < 0.01) and, to a lesser extent, protein level (0.86‐fold) after butyrate exposure of normal colon cells, the catalytic activity was significantly enhanced (1.19‐fold, P < 0.05), suggesting an increased protection against tissue superoxide radicals. In malignant tissues, greater variations in response to butyrate were observed. Furthermore, both enzymes showed an age‐dependent decrease in activity in normal colon epithelium (CAT: r = −0.49, P = 0.09; SOD2: r = −0.58, P = 0.049). In conclusion, butyrate exhibited potential antioxidant features ex vivo but cellular consequences need to be investigated more in depth. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sialyl-Lewis x-Independent Infection of Human Myeloid Cells by Anaplasma phagocytophilum Strains HZ and HGE1

ABSTRACT Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, is an obligate intracellular bacterium that infects neutrophils and neutrophil precursors. Bacterial recognition of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) and the α2,3-sialylated- and α1,3-fucosylated-moiety sialyl-Lewis x (sLex), which modifies the PSGL-1 N terminus, is important for adhesion to and invasion of myeloid cells. We have previously demonstrated that A. phagocytophilum organisms of the NCH-1 strain that utilize an sLex-modified PSGL-1-independent means of entry can be enriched for by cultivation in undersialylated HL-60 cells that are unable to construct sLex. Because it was unknown whether other A. phagocytophilum isolates share this ability, we extended our studies to the geographically diverse strains HZ and HGE1. HL-60 A2 is a clonal cell line that is defective for sialylation and α1,3-fucosyltransferase. HL-60 A2 cell surfaces, therefore, not only lack sLex but also are virtually devoid of any other sialic acid- and/or α1,3-fucose-modified glycan. By cultivating HZ and HGE1 in HL-60 A2 cells, we enriched for bacterial subpopulations (termed HZA2 and HGE1A2) that bind and/or infect myeloid cells in the absence of sialic acid and α1,3-fucose and in the presence of antibody that blocks the N terminus of PSGL-1. Thus, multiple A. phagocytophilum isolates share the ability to use sLex-modified PSGL-1-dependent and -independent routes of entry into myeloid cells. HZA2 and HGE1A2 represent enriched bacterial populations that will aid dissection of the complexities of the interactions between A. phagocytophilum and host myeloid cells.
In Vitro Release by Aspergillus fumigatus of Galactofuranose Antigens, 1,3-β-d-Glucan, and DNA, Surrogate Markers Used for Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis

ABSTRACT Aspergillus markers are becoming increasingly important for the early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. The kinetics of release of these surrogate markers, however, is largely unknown. We investigated the release of β-(1-5)-galactofuranosyl (galf) antigens (Platelia Aspergillus), 1,3-β-d-glucan (BG) (Fungitell), and DNA (PCR) in an in vitro model of Aspergillus fumigatus. The results showed that release is correlated to the growth phase of the fungus, which depends on available nutrients. Whereas galf antigens and BG are released during logarithmic growth, DNA is released only after mycelium breakdown. During early logarithmic growth, galf antigens seem to be released somewhat earlier than BG. Furthermore, galf antigen concentrations of more than 120,000 times the serum cutoff value (0.5 ng/ml) can be measured, while BG concentrations reach a value only 978 times the serum cutoff value (60 pg/ml). During lytical growth, release of galf antigens further increased to a maximum level, which depended on pH. After that, the concentration of galf antigens stayed high (pH 7.4) or decreased to zero within 4 days (pH 5.0). In contrast to galf antigens, BG concentration decreased after 1 day of growth. The decrease of galf components seems to be due to the enzyme β-galactofuranosidase, which is able to destroy galf epitopes and whose activity fluctuates in the culture filtrates in parallel with galf antigen concentration. Fungal DNA seems to be released only due to autolysis caused by nutrient limitation. In conclusion, several factors clearly influence the release of surrogate markers in vitro. These same factors might also play a role at the infection site of Aspergillus disease in humans.
Single‐stranded polyinosinic acid oligonucleotides trigger leukocyte production of proteins belonging to fibrinolytic and coagulation cascades

The present study assessed the inductory effects of ds‐ and ssRNA on the leukocyte production of proteins belonging to fibrinolytic and coagulation cascades. Murine splenocytes were stimulated with dsRNA [polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (polyIC)] and ssRNA sequences [polyinosinic acid (polyI), polycytidylic acid (polyC), and polyuridylic acid (polyU)]. The expression of plasminogen (Plg), tissue factor (TF), IL‐6, and IFN‐α was assessed. Intracellular tranduction mechanisms activated by oligonucleotides were evaluated using specific inhibitors of signaling pathways and genetically modified mice. polyIC efficiently and dose‐dependently induced the expression of Plg, IL‐6, and IFN‐α, whereas TF was not induced by polyIC. polyI was unable to trigger IFN‐α production, and it was efficiently inducing Plg and TF. IFN‐αR and dsRNA‐dependent protein kinase signaling were not required for the polyI‐induced production of Plg or TF. Neither polyU nor polyC induced the expression of Plg or TF. Importantly, the presence of U‐ and C‐nucleotide strands in the dsRNA significantly reduced expression of Plg and TF compared with polyI alone. Exposure of splenocytes to polyI activated the NF‐κB pathway followed by the expression of TF and IL‐6. In contrast, Plg production did not require NF‐κB, was only partly down‐regulated by p38 MAPK inhibitor, and was efficiently inhibited by insulin, indicating a different mechanism for its induction. ssRNA exerts its TF‐generating properties through NF‐κB activation in an IFN‐α‐independent manner. The expression of fibrinolytic versus coagulation proteins is regulated through distinctly different transduction pathways. As fibrinolytic and coagulation cascades are important components of inflammatory homeostatis, these findings might have importance for developement of new, targeted therapies.
Increased angiogenesis in portal hypertensive rats: Role of nitric oxide

Systemic and especially splanchnic arterial vasodilation accompany chronic portal hypertension. Different soluble mediators causing this vasodilation have been proposed, the strongest evidence being for nitric oxide (NO). No data exist if structural vascular changes may partly account for this vasodilatory state. Here, we developed a new in vivo quantitative angiogenesis assay in the abdominal cavity and determined if: 1) portal hypertensive rats show increased angiogenesis; and 2) angiogenesis is altered by inhibiting NO formation. Portal hypertension was induced by partial portal vein ligation (PVL). Sham‐operated rats served as controls (CON). During the index operation (day 0), a teflon ring filled with collagen I (Vitrogen 100) was sutured in the mesenteric cavity. After 16 days, rings were explanted, embedded in paraffin, and ingrown vessels counted using a morphometry system. The role of NO was tested by adding an antagonist of NO formation (Nω‐nitro‐l ‐arginine [NNA], 3.3 mg/kg/d) into the drinking water. The mean number of ingrown vessels per implant was significantly higher in PVL rats compared with CON rats, i.e., 1,453 ± 187 versus 888 ± 116, respectively (P < .05; N = 5 per group). NNA significantly (P < .01) inhibited angiogenesis in PVL (202 ± 124; N = 5) and in CON (174 ± 25; N = 6) rats, respectively. In contrast, the β‐adrenergic blocker, propranolol, did not prevent angiogenesis either in PVL or CON rats in a separate set of experiments (data not shown). The conclusions drawn from this study are that: 1) rats with portal hypertension show increased angiogenesis; and 2) inhibition of NO formation significantly prevents angiogenesis in both PVL and CON rats. Therefore, splanchnic vasodilation in chronic portal hypertension may also be a result of structural changes.
Neosporosis in an Aborted Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) Fetus

Abstract In December 2008, a southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) aborted a 7-mo gestation male fetus. On hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of fetal tissues, foci of necrosis were noted in the hepatic parenchyma and were associated with low numbers of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and neutrophils. Protozoal zoites were identified within the hepatic lesions and within the cerebellum. Evaluations utilizing immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, and DNA sequencing identified the protozoan as Neospora caninum. A microsatellite analysis using MS10 marker showed a unique trinucletoide repeat pattern (ACT)6 (AGA)19 (TGA)8 distinct from all studied N. caninum to date. This is the first report of N. caninum-related abortion of a rhinoceros fetus of any species and the first report of polymerase chain reaction-confirmed N. caninum infection in any rhinoceros.
Timescapes of obesity: Coming to terms with a complex socio-medical phenomenon

Obesity is generally considered to be a growing global health problem that results from changes in the way we live in late modern societies. In this article, we argue that investigating the complexities of contemporary timescapes (i.e. the entanglement of physical, culturally framed and personally experienced times) is of key importance for understanding how ‘the obesity phenomenon’ is conceptualised, performed and acted upon. Analysing both focus groups and print-media articles, we identified three major groups of temporal narratives that shape our perception of obesity: trajectories, temporalities and timing. Each group of narratives follows a different logic and performs a specific kind of ordering work: ontological work that defines what obesity ‘really is’, diagnostic work that assesses the state of contemporary society and moral work that assigns responsibility to act. We show how the narratives are assembled into distinct timescapes that distribute agency in specific ways. Combining data from both focus groups and media articles allows us to analyse how these two discursive arenas are intertwined, as it makes visible how stories travel and converge, but also diverge in quite important ways. This highlights the importance of a multi-arena approach to fully understand the tensions between different framings of health-related issues. The article argues that the difficulties of controlling body weight are closely entangled with a perceived lack of control over time on both collective and individual levels. In conclusion, we suggest time-sensitive approaches for the analysis of health phenomena and the development of corresponding policy measures.
Influence of sequence context and length on the structure and stability of triplet repeat DNA oligomers.

Genetic expansion diseases have been linked to the properties of triplet repeat DNA sequences during replication. The most common triplet repeats associated with such diseases are CAG, CCG, CGG, and CTG. It has been suggested that gene expansion occurs as a result of hairpin formation of long stretches of these sequences on the leading daughter strand synthesized during DNA replication [Gellibolian, R. , Bacolla, A. , and Wells, R. D. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 16793-7]. To test the biophysical basis for this model, oligonucleotides of general sequence (CNG)(n), where N = A, C, G, or T and n = 4, 5, 10, 15, or 25, were synthesized and characterized by circular dichroism (CD) spectropolarimetry, optical melting studies, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The goal of these studies was to evaluate the influence of sequence context and oligomer length on their secondary structures and stabilities. The results indicate that all single oligomers, even those as short as 12 nucleotides, form stable hairpin structures at 25 degrees C. Such hairpins are characterized by the presence of N:N mismatched base pairs sandwiched between G:C base pairs in the stems and loops of three to four unpaired bases. Thermodynamic analysis of these structures reveals that their stabilities are influenced by both the sequence of the particular oligomer and its length. Specifically, the stability order of CGG > CTG > CAG > CCG was observed. In addition, longer oligomers were found to be more stable than shorter oligomers of the same sequence. However, a stability plateau above 45 nucleotides suggests that the length dependence reaches a maximum value where the stability of the G:C base pairs can no longer compensate the instability of the N:N mismatches in the stems of the hairpins. The results are discussed in terms of the above model proposed for gene expansion.
Tantangan Globalisasi terhadap Nilai-nilai Keindonesiaan

In recent years most of social movements that are coming from under developed countries have protested against the new economic order called neoliberalism. They have criticized their governments and corporation that get involved in economic injustice and cultural imperialism created by globalization and its ideology. In this respect, there have been two problems, namely social economic discrepancy and cultural imperialism. In Indonesia millions labors are in struggle for the sake of the increasing minimum labor wage, health insurance, and labor rights. Most of them are hired by multinational corporates that practice outsourcing system. They demand from the Government to protect labour rights and to carry out “ekonomi kerakyatan” based on the Ideology Pancasila and the Constitution. This article is concerned with the challenges of globalization in Indonesian. Economically globalization has threatened the value and the spirit of ‘gotong royong’ and resulted in social economic imbalance. Rich people have become wealthier and those who are poor become more and more poor. Socially, communal violence and conflict in the name of cultural and religious identities have emerged in communities. A number of religious movements have got involved in terrorist attacs as a way of resistance that aims to protect their identity. Keywords: Globalization, Indonesian.
Use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) via scalp veins in neonates

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the use and complications of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) via scalp veins in neonates. Methods: A retrospective review of neonates who had PICCs inserted, between January 2010 and June 2013, in the NICU at Children's and Women's Health Center of British Columbia. Results: During the study period, 689 PICCs were inserted over a total of 46 728 NICU patient days. The PICC insertion sites were scalp veins (69), upper limb veins (471), and lower limb veins (149). The mean catheter durations were 17 d, 19 d, and 18 d for PICCs inserted through scalp, upper limb, and lower limb veins, respectively. The complication rates were 23%, 23%, and 15% for insertion via scalp, upper, and lower limb veins, respectively. Centrally placed PICCs at the time of insertion were more likely to remain in situ for longer than one week (p < 0.001). The incidence of central line-associated blood stream infection was 4.4, 6.4, and 3.4 per 1000 catheter days, respectively, for scalp, upper, and lower limb PICCs. Conclusions: Insertion of PICC via the scalp veins are feasible and not associated with higher complication rates compared with insertions via other sites.
Feasibility of a Team Approach to Complex Congenital Heart Defect Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up: Early Experience of a Combined Cardiology/Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Follow-Up Program

Infants with complex congenital heart disease are at high risk for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, implementation of dedicated congenital heart disease follow-up programs presents important infrastructure, personnel, and resource challenges. We present the development, implementation, and retrospective review of 1- and 2-year outcomes of a Complex Congenital Heart Defect Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up program. This program was a synergistic approach between the Pediatric Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pediatric Intensive Care, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Follow-Up teams to provide a feasible and responsible utilization of existing infrastructure and personnel, to develop and implement a program dedicated to children with congenital heart disease. Trained developmental testers administered the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 over the phone to the parents of all referred children at least once between 6 and 12 months’ corrected age. At 18 months’ corrected age, all children were scheduled in the Neonatal Intensive-Care Unit Follow-Up Clinic for a visit with standardized neurological exams, Bayley III, multidisciplinary therapy evaluations and continued follow-up. Of the 132 patients identified in the Cardiothoracic Surgery database and at discharge from the hospital, a total number of 106 infants were reviewed. A genetic syndrome was identified in 23.4% of the population. Neuroimaging abnormalities were identified in 21.7% of the cohort with 12.8% having visibly severe insults. As a result, 23 (26.7%) received first-time referrals for early intervention services, 16 (13.8%) received referrals for new services in addition to their existing ones. We concluded that utilization of existing resources in collaboration with established programs can ensure targeted neurodevelopmental follow-up for all children with complex congenital heart disease.
Location Choice, Linkages and the Spatial Economy: Essays on Theory, Evidence and Heterodox Assessment

The essays in this dissertation represent theoretical and empirical contributions to urban economics and regional science, focusing on the growing importance of nonmarket interactions. There is increasing evidence that the process of globalization is rendering the world “spiky” rather than “flat”. Nonmarket interactions, such as knowledge spillovers, innovation or amenity-based externalities, play a central role in this process. As economic activity is not evenly spread across space, a detailed understanding of the economic linkages between regions is key to the design of effective public policy. This is particularly important in the context of economic linkages between regions or cities, highlighting the key adjustment mechanisms – via both market and nonmarket transactions – and their long-run implications for incomes, the cost of living, and the spatial distribution of population. Both the neoclassically-grounded field of urban economics and the rapidly expanding New Economic Geography (NEG) literature pioneered by Krugman offer a variety of models and (not infrequently competing) predictions about the factors and processes that shape the spatial structure of the economy. At the same time, the dialogue between qualitative and quantitative discourses in regional science has been marred by an increasingly embittered dispute over methodology. While acutely pronounced in economics, this development has re-shaped large parts of its sister disciplines as well, particularly sociology and geography. Across the board, proponents of quantitative science methodology increasingly likened themselves to their natural science counterparts, whereas qualitative methods had become the last bastion of “true social scientists”. Today, these so-called “science wars” have rendered “qualitative” and “quantitative” analysis into almost mutually exclusive concepts.
Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy in Early Stage Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE To investigate the value of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) in the treatment of early stage cervical cancer by comparing intraoperative and postoperative outcomes with abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH). MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched the Medline, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, through February 2, 2016 with keywords of "laparoscopic OR laparoscopy" AND "radical hysterectomy OR early cervical cancer OR stage IB, stage IB1, stage IB2, stage IIA, stage IIA1, stage IIA2, stage IIA cervical cancer" to identify all relevant studies that compared LRH with ARH in treating early cervical cancer. Two reviewers evaluated the quality of literature independently. Standardized tables were used to extract data (study or participant details and results) from the texts, tables, figures, or any other attachments of eligible publications. Weighted mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) were pooled with the random effects model. Then we conducted meta-analysis using the RevMan5.3 software. RESULTS A total of 615 studies were initially identified. After screening, 23 studies, including 4205 patients were recruited. LRH was associated with lower estimated blood loss (mL) (MD = -178.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -214.89 to -141.94, P < .00001), longer operation time (minutes) (MD = 43.68, 95% CI = 29.42-57.95, P < .00001), fewer retrieved lymph nodes (MD = -3.44, 95% CI = -5.96 to -0.92, P = .007), shorter hospital stay (day) (MD = -3.17, 95% CI = -4.06 to -2.29, P < .00001), quicker return to normal bowel activity (day) (MD = -0.7, 95% CI = -0.96 to -0.45, P < .00001), and shorter duration of bladder catheterization (day) (MD = -1.69, 95% CI = -2.83 to -0.55, P < .004) than ARH. LRH also demonstrated lower odds of transfusion (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.30-0.73, P = .0007), and ileus (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.12-0.91, P = .03) than ARH. CONCLUSION LRH outweighs ARH in treating early stage cervical cancer in most essential aspects, which should arouse sufficient attention.