Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targeting Sirt1 in a rat model of high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Comparison of Gegen Qinlian decoction and resveratrol

The present study aimed to explore the mechanism of action of Gegen Qinlian decoction (GGQLD) in experimental non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A total of 30 rats were randomly divided into five groups: The chow, model, high- and low-dose GGQLD (GGQLD-H and GGQLD-L, respectively) and resveratrol (Resl) groups, and were treated with saline, GGQLD and Resl when a model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD was established. Blood lipid and liver enzymes were detected following treatment for 8 weeks and liver tissue pathology was observed using Oil Red O and haematoxylin and eosin staining. Furthermore, the liver protein and mRNA expression of sirtuin (Sirt)1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α and nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were measured using western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Compared with the chow group, the model group demonstrated significantly increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (P<0.01). GGQLD doses and Resl attenuated the elevated serum ALT and AST levels. GGQLD-H and Resl significantly increased the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level compared with that in the model group (P<0.01), while GGQLD-L and Resl significantly decreased serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P<0.01). The GGQLDs and Resl groups revealed an evident improvement in Sirt1 protein and mRNA expression. Although GGQLD and Resl significantly decreased NF-κB gene expression compared with the model group (P<0.01), the effect on NF-κB protein expression was not significant. Furthermore, the PGC-1α gene and protein expression in the HFD rat group slightly decreased compared to the levels in the chow group, but the decrease was insignificant. However, an evident increase in PGC-1α mRNA expression was observed in the GGQLD-H group compared with the model group (P<0.01). Histological staining revealed that GGQLD and Resl decreased the lipid droplets in hepatocytes and normalized steatosis in rats fed with a HFD. The results indicated that GGQLD treatment may be a potent strategy for managing NAFLD by managing lipid metabolism and inflammatory and histological abnormalities by triggering the Sirt1 pathway.
Dental students' knowledge and perceptions of non-invasive dental caries management.

BACKGROUND An evidence-based, risk-specific, and non-invasive modality for caries management was implemented in the University of Sydney dentistry curriculum. This study reviews its impact on student learning outcomes and their perceptions of the efficacy of a risk-based caries management. METHODS One hundred and nine Year 3 and Year 4 students were invited to complete a questionnaire to assess their understanding of the protocols and their perceptions of both the education process and value of the non-invasive treatment modality. RESULTS A response rate of 93% Year 3 and 46% Year 4 students was obtained. They correctly identified high and low risk cases but Year 3 students were inclined to misclassify medium risk cases. Most understood correctly that enamel lesions should be arrested and remineralized but were often more radical in dealing with dentine lesions. Students who believed the protocols were useful and who spent more time on preventive care were less likely to restore enamel and dentine lesions. CONCLUSIONS A modest level of knowledge concerning application of the non-invasive caries management system to paper-based clinical case studies was demonstrated. Protocol misinterpretation may reflect inconsistent instruction by some clinical tutors. It is hoped that the promulgation of evidence-based dentistry will overcome these barriers in future.
High prevalence of immuno-unreactive intact albumin in urine of diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND Intact albumin in urine may exist in two forms, immunoreactive and immuno-unreactive. Previous estimates of albuminuria in diabetic urine have only detected immunoreactive forms. METHODS High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used in this study to measure both forms of intact albumin (termed total intact albumin) to provide a more accurate measurement of albuminuria compared with radioimmunoassay (RIA) on 97 fresh urine samples from patients with diabetes. Eighty-six control urine samples from volunteers without diabetes were also tested. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the two methods for nondiabetic controls. For diabetic urine samples, 91.6% of samples showed a greater concentration of albumin measured by HPLC than RIA. For normoalbuminuric diabetic samples, HPLC gave a mean albumin excretion rate of 12.5 +/- 4.4 microgram/min (SD), whereas RIA gave a rate of 8.0 +/- 6.7 microgram/min (P = 0.004; N = 28). For microalbuminuric samples, there also was a statistically significant difference: HPLC albumin excretion rate, 82.0 +/- 49.9 microgram/min, and RIA, 49.0 +/- 34.6 microgram/min (P = 0.004; N = 30). Thirty-two urine samples were normoalbuminuric by RIA (albumin, 11.4 +/- 3.9 microgram/min), but in the microalbuminuric range as determined by HPLC (albumin, 38.5 +/- 14.4 microgram/min). For urine samples in the macroalbuminuric range, there was no statistically significant difference between HPLC and RIA. Immuno-unreactive albumin was confirmed as albumin, analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. CONCLUSION These studies show that to determine microalbuminuria accurately, there is a need to assess urinary total intact albumin, rather than simply immunoreactive albumin. Am J Kidney Dis 41:336-342.
The safety of pharmacological treatment options for lupus nephritis

ABSTRACT Introduction: The management of lupus nephritis (LN) has changed significantly over the last 10 years due to emerging evidence from large randomised clinical trials that produced good quality data and guided the formulation of two key concepts: the induction of remission and the maintenance phase of immunosuppressive therapy. Areas covered: Optimizing cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoid regimens and the introduction of mycophenolate mofetil for proliferative and membranous LN has been pivotal. Nevertheless, concerns remain about treatment toxicity especially long term glucocorticoid use and exposure to cumulative cyclophosphamide doses. Here we discuss the conventional and newer pharmacological options for managing LN focusing on drug safety and toxicity issues. Expert opinion: The need for effective and less toxic treatments led to the development of the role of targeted biologic therapies in LN. However, evidence from the initial randomized controlled trials has been disappointing, although this reflects inadequate trial design rather than true lack of efficacy.
On using the logarithmic number system for finite wordlength matrix inversion

Matrix inversion is a key operation in for instance adaptive filters and MIMO communication system receivers. For ill-conditioned channel matrices long wordlengths are required for fixed-point implementation of matrix inversion. In this work, the wordlength/error trade-offs for matrix inversion using different algorithms with fixed-point and logarithmic number systems (LNS) are considered. LNS provides higher resolution for small numbers and a larger dynamic range. Also, it will alter the cost of the basic operations in the algorithms. The results show that also the wordlength required to achieve a comparable error differ significantly between different algorithms and for most algorithms is reduced for LNS compared to fixed-point.
Gammaherpesvirus Lytic Gene Expression as Characterized by DNA Array

ABSTRACT Gammaherpesviruses are associated with a number of diseases including lymphomas and other malignancies. Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) constitutes the most amenable animal model for this family of pathogens. However experimental characterization of gammaherpesvirus gene expression, at either the protein or RNA level, lags behind that of other, better-studied alpha- and beta-herpesviruses. We have developed a cDNA array to globally characterize MHV-68 gene expression profiles, thus providing an experimental supplement to a genome that is chiefly annotated by homology. Viral genes started to be transcribed as early as 3 h postinfection (p.i.), and this was followed by a rapid escalation of gene expression that could be seen at 5 h p.i. Individual genes showed their own transcription profiles, and most genes were still being expressed at 18 h p.i. Open reading frames (ORFs) M3 (chemokine-binding protein), 52, and M9 (capsid protein) were particularly noticeable due to their very high levels of expression. Hierarchical cluster analysis of transcription profiles revealed four main groups of genes and allowed functional predictions to be made by comparing expression profiles of uncharacterized genes to those of genes of known function. Each gene was also categorized according to kinetic class by blocking de novo protein synthesis and viral DNA replication in vitro. One gene, ORF 73, was found to be expressed with α-kinetics, 30 genes were found to be expressed with β-kinetics, and 42 genes were found to be expressed with γ-kinetics. This fundamental characterization furthers the development of this model and provides an experimental basis for continued investigation of gammaherpesvirus pathology.
revalence of Human KI and WU Polyomaviruses in Children with 1 Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in China 2

9 KIPyV and WUPyV were found in 11 of 406 (2.7%) and 17 of 406 (4.2%) 10 nasopharyngeal aspirates, respectively, from children with acute respiratory tract 11 infections (ARTIs). The phylogenetic analysis indicates that they are all in the same 12 cluster as the prototype strains. Our findings suggest that they are common in 13 children with ARTIs in China. 14
Complement Activation Product C5a Is a Selective Suppressor of TLR4-Induced, but Not TLR3-Induced, Production of IL-27(p28) from Macrophages

There is accumulating evidence that the complement activation product, C5a, can orchestrate cellular immune functions. IL-27(p28/EBI3) is an emerging key player essential for regulating inflammatory responses and T cells. In this article, we report that C5a robustly suppressed IL-27(p28) gene expression and release in peritoneal macrophages. These cells from C57BL/6J mice abundantly produced IL-27(p28) after engagement of either the TLR3 (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid) or TLR4 (LPS) receptor. Genetic deficiency of either TLR4 or LBP completely incapacitated the ability of macrophages to secrete IL-27(p28) in response to LPS. IL-27(p28)–producing macrophages also expressed the C5aR receptor, thus displaying an IL-27(p28)+F4/80+C5aR+ phenotype. C5a suppressed IL-27(p28) in LPS-stimulated macrophages via interactions with the C5aR receptor rather than the C5L2 receptor. After endotoxemia, C5aR−/− mice displayed higher plasma levels of IL-27(p28) compared with C57BL/6J mice. C5a did not affect the release of IL-27(p28) or the frequency of IL-27(p28)+F4/80+ macrophages after engagement of TLR3. Mechanistically, LPS activated both the NF-κB and the PI3K/Akt pathways, whereas C5a activated only the PI3K/Akt pathway. Engagement of PI3K/Akt was inhibitory for IL-27(p28) production, because PI3K/Akt pharmacologic blockade resulted in increased amounts of IL-27(p28) and reversed the suppressive effects of C5a. Blockade of PI3K/Akt in endotoxemic C57BL/6J mice resulted in higher generation of IL-27(p28). In contrast, the PI3K/Akt pathway was not involved in TLR3-mediated release of IL-27(p28). These data provide new evidence about how complement activation may selectively interfere with production of T cell regulatory cytokines by APCs in the varying contexts of either bacterial (TLR4 pathway) or viral (TLR3 pathway) infection.
Single-port transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A prospective randomised comparison of clinical results of 140 cases

INTRODUCTION: A novel single port access (SPA) cholecystectomy approach is described in this study. We have designed a randomised comparative study in order to elucidate any possible differences between the standard treatment and this novel technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2009 and March 2010, 140 adult patients with gallbladder pathologies were enrolled in this multicentre study. Two surgeons (RV and UB) randomised patients to either a standard laparoscopic (SL) approach group or to an SPA cholecystectomy group. Two types of trocars were used for this study: the TriPort™ and the SILS™ Port. Outcomes including blood loss, operative time, complications, length of stay and pain were recorded. RESULTS: There were 69 patients in the SPA group and 71 patients in the SL group. The mean age of the patients was 43.2 (17-77) for the SPA group and 42.6 (19-70) for the SL group. The mean operative time was 63.9 min in the SPA group and 58.4 min in the SL group. For one patient, the SPA procedure was converted to a standard laparoscopic technique and to open approach in the SL group. Complications occurred in eight patients: Five seromas (two in the SPA group) and three hernias (one in the SPA group). The mean hospital stay was 38.5 h in the SPA group and 24.1 h in the SL group. Pain was evaluated and was 2 in the SPA and 2.9 in the SL group, according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) after 24 h (P<0.001). The degree of satisfaction was higher in the SPA group (8.3 versus 6.7). Similar results were found for the aesthetic result (8.8 versus 7.5). (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Single-port transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be feasible and safe. When technical difficulties arise, early conversion to a standard laparoscopic technique is advised to avoid serious complications. The SPA approach can be undertaken without the expense of additional operative time and provides patients with minimal scarring. The cosmetic results and the degree of satisfaction appear to be significant for the SPA approach.
Epidemiology, outcomes and validation of RIFLE and AKIN criteria in acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients: Indian perspective

Abstract Although the epidemiology and the impact of Acute Kidney Injury on outcomes are well-known in the Western literature, good data is lacking from India. Most studies published from India have not evaluated epidemiology of Acute Kidney Injury in the Intensive Care Unit setting and/or have not used validated criteria. In our observational study of 250 patients, admitted to a tertiary level ICU, we have explored the epidemiology of Acute Kidney Injury using both RIFLE and AKIN criteria and have validated them. We have also demonstrated that the severity of AKI is an independent predictor of mortality in critically ill patients. Our results are very much comparable to other studies and we feel that this study will remain as an epidemiological reference point for Indian clinicians dealing with AKI.
Aberrant promoter methylation of cancer-related genes in human breast cancer

The clinical relevance of aberrant DNA methylation is being increasingly recognized in breast cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the promoter methylation status of seven candidate genes and to explore their potential use as a biomarker for the diagnosis of breast cancer. A total of 70 Chinese patients with breast cancer were recruited, and matched with 20 patients with benign breast disease (BBD). Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the methylation status of selected genes. The protein expression of candidate genes was determined by immunohistochemistry. Hypermethylation of Breast cancer 1, early onset; DNA repair associated (BRCA1), glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1), cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A, O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, phosphatase and tensin homolog, retinoic acid receptor beta 2 and cyclin D2 was observed to be more common in cancerous tissues (24.3, 31.4, 40.0, 27.1, 48.6, 55.7 and 67.1%, respectively) as compared with BBD controls (0.0, 0.0, 20.0, 25.0, 40.0, 40.0 and 45.0%, respectively). Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a correlation between the methylation of the target gene and downregulation of protein expression. When BRCA1 and GSTP1 were combined as the biomarker, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve reached 0.721 (95% confidence interval, 0.616–0.827). The present findings indicated that promoter methylation of cancer-related genes was frequently observed in patients with breast cancer and was associated with various clinical features. Hypermethylation of BRCA1 and GSTP1 may be used as promising biomarkers for breast cancer.
Spatial profile of macular pigment and its relationship to foveal architecture.

PURPOSE Macular pigment (MP) is composed of two dietary carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, and a carotenoid generated by the retina, meso-zeaxanthin. There is large intersubject variability in peak optical density, spatial profile, and lateral extent of macular pigment, and it has been suggested that foveal architecture may play a role in this variability. This study is an initial investigation of the relationship between the spatial profile of macular pigment and foveal architecture. METHODS Sixty normal subjects were enrolled (one was eventually excluded). The spatial profile of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was measured by customized heterochromatic flicker photometry (cHFP). High-resolution macular thickness maps were obtained by optical coherence tomography. Four parameters were analyzed: (1) minimum foveal thickness (MFT) at the intersection of six radial scans; (2) central foveal thickness (CFT) averaged over the central 1 mm of the fovea; (3) foveal width identified as the region lacking a nerve fiber layer; and (4) foveal width measured from crest to crest. Lifestyle and vision information were obtained by questionnaire. RESULTS The mean +/- SD MPOD at 0.25 degrees eccentricity was 0.49 +/- 0.23 and at 0.5 degrees eccentricity, 0.41 +/- 0.21. A first-order decreasing exponential function accounted for most of the variance of the MP profile averaged across subjects (r(2) = 0.99). MPOD measured at 0.25 degrees was unrelated to both measures of foveal thickness for the entire study group (r = 0.03, P = 0.81, and r = -0.08, P = 0.57, respectively). Similarly, MPOD measured at 0.5 degrees was unrelated to foveal thickness in the entire study group (r = 0.12, P = 0.36 and r = -0.05, P = 0.71, respectively). However, when analyzed separately in the nonwhite subjects, the relationship between MPOD at 0.25 degrees and MFT was positive and significant (r = 0.59, P = 0.01), but remained unrelated to CFT (r = 0.20, P = 0.41). Similarly, in the nonwhite subjects, the relationship between MPOD at 0.5 degrees and MFT was positive and significant (r = 0.68, P < 0.01), but again was unrelated to CFT (r = 0.23, P = 0.32). There was no significant relationship between MPOD and either measure of foveal thickness in the white subjects. In the entire study group, there was a positive and significant relationship between foveal width and MPOD averaged across the fovea (r = 0.41, P < 0.01) and between foveal width and MP integrated across the fovea (r = 0.41, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Foveal MP was positively and significantly related to foveal width in the entire study group. This relationship may be determined by the greater length of the cone axons (Henle fibers) in wider foveas. MPOD was unrelated to foveal thickness in the white subjects. However, in the nonwhite subjects there was a positive association between MFT and MPOD at the 0.25 degrees and 0.5 degrees eccentricities, suggesting that other personal characteristics modulate the MPOD-retinal thickness relationship.
Effects of working memory and reading acceleration training on improving working memory abilities and reading skills among third graders

Working memory (WM) plays a crucial role in supporting learning, including reading. This study investigated the influence of reading acceleration and WM training programs on improving reading skills and WM abilities. Ninety-seven children in third grade were divided into three study groups and one control group. The three study groups each received a different combination of two training programs: only reading acceleration, WM followed by reading acceleration, and reading acceleration followed by WM. All training programs significantly improved reading skills and WM abilities. Compared with the control group, the group trained with only the reading acceleration program improved word accuracy, whereas the groups trained with a combination of reading and WM programs improved word and pseudo-word fluency. The reading-acceleration-alone group and the WM-program-followed-by-reading-acceleration group improved phonological complex memory. We conclude that a training program that combines a long reading acceleration program and a short WM program is the most effective for improving the abilities most related to scholastic achievement.
FDA Approval Summary: Vemurafenib for Treatment of Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma with the BRAFV600E Mutation

On August 17, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vemurafenib tablets (Zelboraf, Hoffmann-LaRoche Inc.) for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with the BRAFV600E mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. The cobas 4800 BRAF V600 Mutation Test (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.) was approved concurrently. An international, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial in 675 previously untreated patients with BRAFV600E mutation–positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma allocated 337 patients to receive vemurafenib, 960 mg orally twice daily, and 338 patients to receive dacarbazine, 1,000 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks. Overall survival was significantly improved in patients receiving vemurafenib [HR, 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.33–0.59; P < 0.0001]. Progression-free survival was also significantly improved in patients receiving vemurafenib (HR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.20–0.33; P < 0.0001). Overall response rates were 48.4% and 5.5% in the vemurafenib and dacarbazine arms, respectively. The most common adverse reactions (≥30%) in patients treated with vemurafenib were arthralgia, rash, alopecia, fatigue, photosensitivity reaction, and nausea. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas or keratoacanthomas were detected in approximately 24% of patients treated with vemurafenib. Other adverse reactions included hypersensitivity, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, uveitis, QT prolongation, and liver enzyme laboratory abnormalities. Clin Cancer Res; 20(19); 4994–5000. ©2014 AACR.
Antecedents and Outcomes of Customer Satisfaction: A Comprehensive Review

Understanding the antecedents and outcome variables of customer satisfaction is become an important issue, since there are few comprehensive studies conducted related to the various antecedent and outcome variables of customer satisfaction as a whole. Therefore, the main aims of this qualitative study are to investigate and to build two comprehensive models related to the antecedent and outcome variables of customer satisfaction with the various literature supports. Importantly, the comprehensive and complex models contributes to the existing literature and enhances the future studies, which are related in both online and offline customer satisfaction contexts.