Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of urokinase plasminogen activator and the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor in myeloma cells

Binding of urokinase (uPA) to its receptor (uPAR; CD87) focuses proteolytic activity on the cell surface and this system is of importance in malignant matrix degradation and tumour invasion. By immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry, we found that primary myeloma cells and myeloma cell lines expressed uPA and uPAR. Soluble uPA was present in cell line supernatants and lysates in low concentrations. In cell lines, uPA and uPAR were located both on the cell surface and intracellularly, but the expression of both proteins was low. Higher levels of uPAR was detected on the cell surface of primary myeloma cells. When primary myeloma cells were gated by CD45 expression, stronger expression was found on immature CD45+ cells than on mature CD45−/dim cells. Finally, both myeloma cell lines and primary cells were able to cleave a uPA‐specific substrate showing that the uPA system is functionally active. We conclude that myeloma cells are able to produce uPA and uPAR. This opens up a possible role of the uPA system in myeloma cell invasion and in the proteolytic digestion of bone matrix.
Motivation alters impression formation and related neural systems

Abstract Observers frequently form impressions of other people based on complex or conflicting information. Rather than being objective, these impressions are often biased by observers’ motives. For instance, observers often downplay negative information they learn about ingroup members. Here, we characterize the neural systems associated with biased impression formation. Participants learned positive and negative information about ingroup and outgroup social targets. Following this information, participants worsened their impressions of outgroup, but not ingroup, targets. This tendency was associated with a failure to engage neural structures including lateral prefrontal cortex, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, temporoparietal junction, Insula and Precuneus when processing negative information about ingroup (but not outgroup) targets. To the extent that participants engaged these regions while learning negative information about ingroup members, they exhibited less ingroup bias in their impressions. These data are consistent with a model of ‘effortless bias’, under which perceivers fail to process goal-inconsistent information in order to maintain desired conclusions.
Differential expression of Ro/SSA 60 kDa and La/SSB, but not Ro/SSA 52 kDa, mRNA and protein in minor salivary glands from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of La/SSB, Ro/SSA 60, and Ro/SSA 52 antigens in minor salivary glands (MSG) from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS La/SSB, Ro/SSA 60, and Ro/SSA 52 protein expression was studied by immunohistochemistry in MSG from 26 patients with pSS and 16 controls. mRNA expression was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction in MSG of 10 patients with pSS and 7 controls. RESULTS La/SSB and Ro/SSA 60, but not Ro/SSA 52, mRNA expression was higher in samples from patients with pSS compared to controls (p < 0.05). La/SSB protein had higher expression in the cytoplasm of ductal cells than in the cytoplasm of mucous acinar cells in patients with pSS (p = 0.013) but not in controls. Ro/SSA 60 had higher expression in the cytoplasm of ductal cells than in the cytoplasm of serous acinar cells in patients with pSS (p = 0.006) but not in controls. The Ro/SSA 52 expression pattern was similar in patients and controls. There was no association between circulating autoantibodies to Ro/SSA or La/SSB and the aberrant expression of the cognate autoantigens. CONCLUSION The increased Ro/SSA 60 and La/SSB mRNA expression in MSG of patients with pSS as well as the differential Ro/SSA 60 and La/SSB protein expression in ductal cells of MSG in patients with pSS suggest that these these 2 autoantigens, but not Ro/SSA 52, are probably involved in triggering and maintaining the tissue-specific autoimmune response in pSS MSG and may contribute to the antigen-driven immune response and local autoantibody production in pSS.
HIV prevalence, sociodemographic, and behavioral correlates and recruitment methods among injection drug users in St. Petersburg, Russia.

OBJECTIVE In St. Petersburg, Russia, we sought to describe the characteristics of active high-risk injection drug users (IDUs) to evaluate the associations between behavioral and demographic characteristics and HIV-1 infection and to describe 3 discrete recruitment methods. METHODS Active high-risk IDUs were recruited in 3 ways: through street outreach, at facilities serving IDUs, and by network-based chain referral. Recruits were screened, counseled, and tested for HIV-1. Sociodemographic and behavioral data were collected. HIV-1 prevalence was analyzed as a function of sociodemographic and behavioral variables. RESULTS During the 10-month recruitment period, data from 900 participants were collected: median age was 24 years, and in the previous month, 96% used heroin and 75% shared needles with others. The baseline HIV prevalence was 30% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27 to 33). Recruitment through social networks was the most productive strategy. HIV-positive individuals were younger, but none of the other sociodemographic or behavioral characteristics differed significantly by HIV status. CONCLUSIONS The estimated HIV prevalence of 30% places St. Petersburg among the worst IDU-concentrated epidemics in Europe. Recruitment through network-based chain referral is a useful method for recruiting active IDUs. Sociodemographic and behavioral links to prevalent HIV infection remain to be elucidated.
Fecal immunochemical test accuracy in familial risk colorectal cancer screening

There is little information on fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in familial risk colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Our study assesses FIT accuracy, number needed to scope (NNS) and cost to detect a CRC and an advanced neoplasia (AN) in this setting. We performed a multicentric, prospective, double‐blind study of diagnostic tests on individuals with first‐degree relatives (FDRs) with CRC submitted to screening colonoscopy. Two stool samples were collected and fecal hemoglobin in the first sample (FIT1) and the highest in both samples (FITmax) were determined. Areas under the curve (AUC) for CRC and AN as well as the best FIT1 and FITmax cutoff value for CRC were determined. At this threshold, NNS and the cost per lesion detected were calculated. A total of 595 individuals were included (one FDR > 60 years, 413; two FDR or one ≤ 60 years, 182). AN and CRC were found in 64 (10.8%) and six (1%) patients, respectively. For CRC diagnosis, FIT1 AUC was 0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95–0.98] and FITmax AUC was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93–0.97). For AN diagnosis, FIT1 and FITmax AUC were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.66–0.82). The best cutoff point for CRC was 115. At this threshold, the NNS to detect a CRC was 5.67 and 7.67, and the cost per CRC was 1,064€ and 1591.33€ on FIT1 and FITmax strategies, respectively. FIT shows high accuracy to detect CRC in familial CRC screening. Performing two tests does not improve diagnostic accuracy, but increases cost and NNS to detect a lesion.
Ontogenetic Scaling of Caudal Fin Shape in Squalus acanthias (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii): A Geometric Morphometric Analysis With Implications for Caudal Fin Functional Morphology

The shark heterocercal caudal fin and its contribution to locomotion are of interest to biologists and paleontologists. Current hydrodynamic data show that the stiff dorsal lobe leads the ventral lobe, both lobes of the tail are synchronized during propulsion, and tail shape reflects its overall locomotor function. Given the difficulties surrounding the analysis of shark caudal fins in vivo, little is known about changes in tail shape related to ontogeny and sex in sharks. A quantifiable analysis of caudal fin shape may provide an acceptable proxy for inferring gross functional morphology where direct testing is difficult or impossible. We examined ontogenetic and sex‐related shape changes in the caudal fins of 115 Squalus acanthias museum specimens, to test the hypothesis that significant shape changes in the caudal fin shape occur with increasing size and between the sexes. Using linear and geometric morphometrics, we examined caudal shape changes within the context of current hydrodynamic models. We found no statistically significant linear or shape difference between sexes, and near‐isometric scaling trends for caudal dimensions. These results suggest that lift and thrust increase linearly with size and caudal span. Thin‐plate splines results showed a significant allometric shape change associated with size and caudal span: the dorsal lobe elongates and narrows, whereas the ventral lobe broadens and expands ventrally. Our data suggest a combination of caudal fin morphology with other body morphology aspects, would refine, and better elucidate the hydrodynamic factors (if any) that underlie the significant shape changes we report here for S. acanthias. Anat Rec 293:1184–1191, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Education, genetic ancestry, and blood pressure in African Americans and Whites.

OBJECTIVES We assessed the relative roles of education and genetic ancestry in predicting blood pressure (BP) within African Americans and explored the association between education and BP across racial groups. METHODS We used t tests and linear regressions to examine the associations of genetic ancestry, estimated from a genomewide set of autosomal markers, and education with BP variation among African Americans in the Family Blood Pressure Program. We also performed linear regressions in self-identified African Americans and Whites to explore the association of education with BP across racial groups. RESULTS Education, but not genetic ancestry, significantly predicted BP variation in the African American subsample (b=-0.51 mm Hg per year additional education; P=.001). Although education was inversely associated with BP in the total population, within-group analyses showed that education remained a significant predictor of BP only among the African Americans. We found a significant interaction (b=3.20; P=.006) between education and self-identified race in predicting BP. CONCLUSIONS Racial disparities in BP may be better explained by differences in education than by genetic ancestry. Future studies of ancestry and disease should include measures of the social environment.
Reliability of polyimide-based thin and flexible capacitors with SrTiO3

The reliability of polyimide (PI)-based flexible capacitors as discrete components was evaluated. A Pt/SrTiO3 (STO)/Pt/Ti/Mo/Ti metal-insulator-metal structure is formed on PI and covered with resin. The 300-nm-thick STO layer is sputter-deposited at 400degC and the dielectric constant is approximately 140. The total thickness of the capacitor is 40 mum. Under various stresses, such as thermal cycles, high humidity, reflow process, and bending, the capacitance change is within plusmn3% and the dielectric breakdown voltage higher than 100 V is maintained. Therefore, the PI-based STO capacitors are reliable and flexible enough for practical use on and in printed circuit boards.
The Influence of Extreme Mixed Exertion Load on the Right Ventricular Dimensions and Function in Elite Athletes: A Tissue Doppler Study

Aims: The athlete's heart is a widely discussed topic regarding the adaptation of the left ventricle (LV) to regular training. The data on the morphology and—even more—the function of the right ventricle (RV) are less well studied. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of prolonged exertion on morphology and function of the RV. Methods and Results: We examined 38 elite athletes, members of the Polish Olympic Team and a control group of 41 age and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. Specifically, we assessed the details of RV size and function including: RV enlargement, transtricuspid systolic gradient, and dilatation of main pulmonary artery (PA) as compared with the values derived from the control group. There was no significant difference in the function of the RV assessed using tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) between the athletes and controls (S’: 15.0 cm/sec vs. 14.0 cm/sec; E’: 15.8 cm/sec vs. 15.7 cm/sec; A’: 9.9 cm/sec vs. 10.4 cm/sec), but the athletes had a higher transtricuspid systolic gradient (23.6 mm Hg vs. 19.0 mm Hg, P = 0.004). There were no significant differences in TDE velocities in athletes with dilated RV or PA. However, those with elevated tricuspid regurgitation velocity had lower systolic velocities of the tricuspid annulus then the rest (S’: 12.3 cm/sec vs. 15.5 cm/sec, P = 0.01). Conclusions: RV enlargement in professional athletes is not connected with deterioration of diastolic or systolic RV function. Athletes with elevated pulmonary systolic pressure at rest, however, present with lower longitudinal systolic velocities of RV assessed using TDE. (Echocardiography 2011;28:753‐760)
Predictive value of the ERCC1 expression for treatment response and survival in advanced gastric cancer patients receiving cisplatin-based first-line chemotherapy.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine whether the ERCC1 expression is effective to predict the clinical outcomes of patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) and who were treated with cisplatin-based first-line chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 89 measurable AGC patients received cisplatin and capecitabine, with or without epirubicin, as a part of a randomized phase II study. Patients were included for the current molecular analysis if they had received two or more cycles of chemotherapy, their objective tumor responses were measured and if their paraffin-embedded tumor samples were available. The ERCC1 expression was examined by performing immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and the patients were divided into two groups (positive or negative) according to the presence of IHC staining of the tumor cell nuclei. RESULTS Of the 32 eligible patients, 21 patients (66%) had tumor with a positive expression of ERCC1 and the remaining 11 patients had tumor with a negative ERCC1-expression. The ERCC1-negative patients achieved a higher response rate than that of the ERCC1-positive patients (44% vs. 28%, respectively), although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.42). The median survival time for the all patients was 14.6 months (95% CI: 13.6 to 15.6 months). The one-year survival rate was similar for the ERCC1-negative patients (61%) and the ERCC1-positive patients (70%). CONCLUSION In the current study, the tumor ERCC1 expression by IHC staining could not predict the clinical response or survival of AGC patients who were treated with cisplatin-based first-line chemotherapy. The ERCC1 protein expression does not appear to be a useful tool for the selection of tailored chemotherapy for these patients.
Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator –7,351C/T Enhancer Polymorphism Is Associated with a First Myocardial Infarction

Summary We recently identified a polymorphic Sp1 binding site in an enhancer at the tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) locus (tPA –7,351C/T), which was associated with vascular tPA release. Subjects homozygous for the –7,351C allele had twice the tPA release rate compared to subjects carrying the –7,351T allele. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the tPA –7,351C/T polymorphism is associated with myocardial infarction (MI). In a population-based prospective nested case-control study within northern Sweden, genotypes were determined among 61 MI cases and 120 controls. In a multivariate model, the tPA –7,351C/T polymorphism (OR 2.68 for T allele carriers; 95% CI 1.31– 5.50), tPA antigen (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.07–1.25) and apo A-I (OR, 0.997; 95% CI 0.995–0.999) were independently associated with a first MI. These findings suggest that genetic markers of local tPA release and circulating steady-state tPA levels carry independent prognostic information.
Results obtained with a low cost software-based audiometer for hearing screening

Summary Introduction: The implementation of hearing screening programs can be facilitated by reducing operating costs, including the cost of equipment. The Telessaúde (TS) audiometer is a low-cost, software-based, and easy-to-use piece of equipment for conducting audiometric screening. Aim: To evaluate the TS audiometer for conducting audiometric screening. Methods: A prospective randomized study was performed. Sixty subjects, divided into those who did not have (group A, n = 30) and those who had otologic complaints (group B, n = 30), underwent audiometric screening with conventional and TS audiometers in a randomized order. Pure tones at 25 dB HL were presented at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. A “fail” result was considered when the individual failed to respond to at least one of the stimuli. Pure-tone audiometry was also performed on all participants. The concordance of the results of screening with both audiometers was evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of screening with the TS audiometer were calculated. Results: For group A, 100% of the ears tested passed the screening. For group B, “pass” results were obtained in 34.2% (TS) and 38.3% (conventional) of the ears tested. The agreement between procedures (TS vs. conventional) ranged from 93% to 98%. For group B, screening with the TS audiometer showed 95.5% sensitivity, 90.4% sensitivity, and positive and negative predictive values equal to 94.9% and 91.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The results of the TS audiometer were similar to those obtained with the conventional audiometer, indicating that the TS audiometer can be used for audiometric screening.
The tension band principle and angular testing of extensor tendon repairs

Extensor tendons in the finger are flat and not amenable to repair by core and epitendinous sutures. Mattress sutures and Kessler repairs without epitendinous stitching are often used for extensor tendon divisions in the fingers. Except when in full extension, the finger presents a series of curved surfaces (at each joint) to the tendon. It was hypothesized that extensor tendons are subject to the ‘tension band’ principle and that they might be amenable to repair by dorsal-only epitendinous sutures. A Silfverskiöld dorsal-only repair was compared with mattress and Kessler repairs in vitro on a curvilinear testing apparatus. The epitendinous technique was found to be significantly more resistant to gapping and rupture, as well as more resistant to deformation (i.e. stiffer) than the conventional techniques.
Semen inflammatory markers and Chlamydia trachomatis infection in male partners of infertile couples

Previous studies have given conflicting results about the effect of generally infection and Chlamydia trachomatis on seminal ILs and semen parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between semen quality and the level of seminal interleukins (ILs) in infertile couples with C. trachomatis. Blood, first void urine (FVU) and semen were obtained from 250 infertile men who had failed to conceive after 12 months of trying. Serological analysis for specific IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies to C. trachomatis in serum, the presence of C. trachomatis in FVU and semen sample and semen analysis were carried out. The main results are as follows: (i) elevated IL‐6 and IL‐8 are observed in C. trachomatis‐positive men, but this is not significant and it varies by diagnostic method; and (ii) IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels were correlated with each other and the concentration of leucocytes, but IL‐8 was correlated with semen volume and patient's age. This study showed that men with such an infection in FVU samples (PCR positive) had only lower semen volume compared with men without infection.
The population's use of pharmaceuticals.

OBJECTIVES In this study, population-based analysis is used to study the extent to which characteristics such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, and region of residence are associated with different patterns of pharmaceutical use. It also includes an examination of whether pharmaceutical use is responsive to differential health needs across the population. RESEARCH DESIGN Indicators of access, intensity of use, and total expenditures are used to describe Manitobans' use of pharmaceutical agents, consistent with the POPULIS framework. MEASURES Several rate-based measures have been developed for this purpose: the number of residents who are pharmaceutical users; the number of prescriptions dispensed; the number of different drugs dispensed; the total number of defined daily doses (DDDs) dispensed; and expenditures for pharmaceuticals. The DDD measurement provides a cumulative assessment of total drug use (i.e., across multiple drug categories) and is a useful indicator of a population's total drug exposure. RESULTS Patterns of use of pharmaceuticals follow patterns similar to those patterns in earlier POPULIS studies on health care access, intensity, and expenditures. In areas where health is generally poorer, a greater number of prescriptions are dispensed. The highest use of pharmaceuticals also was found in the lower-income quintiles and among those at greatest socioeconomic risk, traditionally those with the poorest health status. CONCLUSIONS This kind of population-based pharmaceutical information can help monitor the effectiveness of policy initiatives, as well as serve to better manage pharmaceutical use within the health care system.
First-Line Systemic Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) frequently presents at an incurable stage, and a majority of patients will be considered for palliative chemotherapy at some point in their disease. This article reviews the growing evidence for first-line treatment in NSCLC. Methods: Studies of first-line chemotherapy regimens including new agents (docetaxel, gemcitabine, irinotecan, paclitaxel, pemetrexed, and vinorelbine) and targeted agents (bevacizumab, erlotinib, and gefitinib) were identified through Medline, Embase, the Cochrane databases, and web sites of guideline organizations. Results: Two evidence-based guidelines, 10 systematic reviews, and forty-six randomized trials were eligible for inclusion. Randomized studies suggest that platinum-based doublets (platinum plus new agent) are the standard of care for first-line systemic therapy. No one new agent is clearly superior for use in combination with a platinum agent. The survival advantage of platinum-based doublets over nonplatinum combinations or older combinations is modest. The addition of bevacizumab to carboplatin and paclitaxel has shown improved survival, although multiple exclusion criteria limit the applicability of these data to a subset of patients. In patients at least 70 years of age or with Eastern Collaborative Oncology Group performance status 2, a new single agent is an alternative. Treatment beyond four to six cycles impedes quality of life without prolonging life. Emerging data suggest that the choice of chemotherapy agent may be influenced by histologic subtype. Conclusion: In NSCLC, a combination of a platinum agent plus a new agent continues to be the standard of care. As differences between regimens are small, toxicity and patient preference should help guide regimen choice.