Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does β-adrenoceptor blocker therapy improve cancer survival? Findings from a population-based retrospective cohort study.

AIMS To examine the effect of β-adrenoceptor blocker treatment on cancer survival. METHODS In a UK primary care database, we compared patients with a new cancer diagnosis receiving β-adrenoceptor blockers regularly (n= 1406) with patients receiving other antihypertensive medication (n= 2056). RESULTS Compared with cancer patients receiving other antihypertensive medication, patients receiving β-adrenoceptor blocker therapy experienced slightly poorer survival (HR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.04, 1.33 for all β-adrenoceptor blockers; HR = 1.21, 95% CI 0.94, 1.55 for non-selective β-adrenoceptor blockers). This poorer overall survival was explained by patients with pancreatic and prostate cancer with no evidence of an effect on survival for patients with lung, breast or colorectal cancer. Analysis in a cancer-free matched parallel cohort did not suggest selection bias masked a beneficial effect. CONCLUSION Our study does not support the hypothesis that β-adrenoceptor blockers improve survival for common cancers.
The DMI 1 and DMI 2 Early Symbiotic Genes of Medicago truncatula Are Required for a High-Affinity Nodulation Factor-Binding Site Associated to a Particulate Fraction of Roots 1

Surfaces Cellulaires et Signalisation chez les Végétaux, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5546 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, Pôle de Biotechnologie Végétale, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France (B.V.H., R.R., J.-J.B.); and Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-Microorganismes, Unité Mixte de Recherche Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (441/2594), 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France (B.V.H., J.V.C., J.-J.B.)
EXCESSIVE GROWTH OF THE SYMPATHETIC GANGLIA EVOKED BY A PROTEIN ISOLATED FROM MOUSE SALIVARY GLANDS.

1 Chandrasekhar, S. , "The Stability of Non-Dissipative Couette Flow in Hydromagnetics," these PROCEEDINGS, 46, 253-257 (1960); see also Velikhov, E. P., "Stability of an ideally conducting liquid flowing between cylinders rotating in a magnetic field," Soviet Phys.-JETP, 36, 995-998 (1959). 2 Reid, W. H. , "Inviscid modes of instability in Couette flow," J. Math. Anal. and Applications (to appear). 3 Miller, J. C. P., The Airy integral, giving tables of the solutions of the differential equation ye = xy, British Association Mathematical Tables, Part B (Cambridge: The University Press, 1946).
Atributos escolares e o desempenho dos estudantes: uma análise em painel dos dados do Saeb

Em busca de desenvolvimento economico e social por meio da melhora na qualidade da educacao, o Brasil assim como outros paises procuram formas de elevar a aprendizagem e, consequentemente, o desempenho dos estudantes. Este estudo tem o objetivo de contribuir na identificacao de atributos escolares que possam ser alvos de politicas educacionais voltadas a melhora do desempenho escolar. Alem disso, a analise contribui para a literatura com dados e metodologia ainda nao aplicados para esse fim: foram utilizados um painel de dados do SAEB e Censo Escolar, ambos do Inep/MEC, aos quais foram aplicados os metodos de Minimos Quadrados Ordinarios e de Efeitos Fixos. Entre os efeitos significativos encontrados neste estudo, tem-se que a ausencia de rotatividade dos professores ao longo do ano letivo, a experiencia media dos professores superior a dois anos em sala de aula e a existencia na escola de conexao com a Internet afeta positivamente o resultado medio. Outros resultados interessantes sao que a forma de escolha do diretor tem efeito sobre o desempenho medio e a existencia na escola de laboratorio de informatica esta negativamente relacionada com o desempenho, porem ha evidencias de que o uso de computadores para fins pedagogicos tem efeitos positivos sobre a proficiencia.
Reversible H-atom abstraction from alcohols by thiyl radicals: determination of absolute rate constants by pulse radiolysis.

Penicillamine thiyl radicals, PenS. , are shown to abstract hydrogen atoms from 2-propanol and to establish an equilibrium PenS. + (CH3)2 CHOH in equilibrium PenSH + (CH3)2 COH. The rate constants for the forward and back reaction have been determined to (1.4 +/- 0.3) x 10(4) and (1.2 +/- 0.3) x 10(8) M-1 s-1, respectively, by means of pulse radiolysis. The data have been obtained from various independent methods which include direct measurements and competitive schemes involving irreversible interception of the alcohol radical by electron acceptors (e.g. CCl4, PNAP) and/or the thiyl radical by antioxidants (e.g. alpha-tocopherol). The results demonstrate that the reaction of carbon-centered radicals with thiols, in radiation biology commonly known as "repair" reaction, may be reversed and thus imply the possibility of thiyl radical induced biological damage.
A Robust Spectrum Sensing Method Based on Maximum Cyclic Autocorrelation Selection for Dynamic Spectrum Access

Spectrum sensing is an important function for dynamic spectrum access (DSA) type cognitive radio systems to detect opportunities for sharing the spectrum with a primary system. The key requirements for spectrum sensing are stability in controlling the probability of false alarm as well as detection performance of the primary signals. However, false alarms can be triggered by noise uncertainty at the secondary devices or unknown interference signals from other secondary systems in realistic radio environments. This paper proposes a robust spectrum sensing method against such uncertainties; it is a kind of cyclostationary feature detection (CFD) approaches. Our proposed method, referred to as maximum cyclic autocorrelation selection (MCAS), compares the peak and non-peak values of the cyclic autocorrelation function (CAF) to detect primary signals, where the non-peak value is the CAF value calculated at cyclic frequencies between the peaks. In MCAS, the desired probability of false alarm can be obtained by setting the number of the non-peak values. In addition, the multiple peak values are combined in MCAS to obtain noise reduction effect and coherent combining gain. Through computer simulations, we show that MCAS can control the probability of false alarm under the condition of noise uncertainty and interference. Furthermore, our method achieves better performance with much less computational complexity in comparison to conventional CFD methods.
Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex in writer’s cramp

Objective: To study the short-term effects of slow repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the motor cortex on cortical excitability and handwriting in patients with writer’s cramp. Background: Cortical excitability of the primary motor cortex is abnormally enhanced in patients with writer’s cramp. Therefore, reducing cortical excitability by low-frequency rTMS of the motor cortex might result in beneficial effects on handwriting in writer’s cramp. Design/Methods: We studied the effects of subthreshold 1-Hz rTMS on motor threshold and cortico-cortical excitability using the paired-pulse technique in seven patients and seven controls. In another 16 patients and 11 age-matched controls we evaluated changes in cortical excitability by measuring the stimulus-response curve and the postexcitatory silent period before and after subthreshold 1-Hz rTMS. In addition, we analyzed the handwriting before and 20 minutes after 1-Hz rTMS. Results: In the first experiment, low-frequency rTMS resulted in a normalization of the deficient cortico-cortical inhibition in the patients without affecting motor threshold. In the second experiment, 1-Hz rTMS resulted in a significant prolongation of the postexcitatory silent period without affecting the stimulus-response curve in the patient group. Moreover, the dystonic patients showed a significant reduction of mean writing pressure after subthreshold 1-Hz rTMS that was associated with clear but transient improvement in six patients. Conclusions: In some patients 1-Hz rTMS can reinforce deficient intracortical inhibition and may improve handwriting temporarily. Our data support the notion that reduced intracortical inhibition plays a part in the pathophysiology of focal dystonia.
Acute blindness in dogs: sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome versus neurological disease (140 cases, 2000-2006).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate dogs with amaurosis and compare signalment, history, ophthalmic examination and neurologic abnormalities between dogs diagnosed with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) versus neurological disease (ND). Animals Studied-140 dogs with acute vision loss and ocular abnormalities insufficient to account for visual deficits. An electroretinogram (ERG) was performed on each dog. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed and information was collected for all dogs meeting the inclusion criteria. Dogs diagnosed with SARDS were compared to those with ND based on signalment, duration of clinical signs, past medical problems, clinicopathologic findings, and ophthalmic and physical examination abnormalities. RESULTS 120 dogs were diagnosed with SARDS and 20 dogs with ND based on ERG results. Mixed-breed dogs were most commonly diagnosed with SARDS as well as ND. Pure breed dogs frequently diagnosed with SARDS included the Miniature Schnauzer and Dachshund. Dogs with SARDS did not differ significantly from those with ND based on age or sex distribution. Cushing's-like symptoms were reported more frequently in SARDS dogs as well as conjunctival hyperemia and retinal vascular attenuation. Papilledema and asymmetric visual deficits were observed more frequently in dogs with ND. Dogs with ND were no more likely than SARDS dogs to have additional neurological deficits. CONCLUSIONS Appreciable overlap of clinical signs exists between dogs with SARDS and dogs with ND resulting in acute vision loss. As a significant portion of dogs (14%) in the present study were diagnosed with ND, an ERG to rule out ND is indicated in dogs with amaurosis.
Using computational, parallel distributed processing networks to model rehabilitation in patients with acquired dyslexia: An initial investigation

Background : Traditional cognitive neuropsychological models are good at diagnosing deficits but are limited when it comes to studying recovery and rehabilitation. Parallel distributed processing (PDP) models have more potential in this regard as they are dynamic and can actually learn. However, to date very little work has been done in using PDP models to study recovery and rehabilitation. Aims : This study seeks to demonstrate how a PDP model of acquired dyslexia can be extended to provide a computational framework that is capable of making predictions about the relative effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Methods & Procedures : A replication of Plaut, McClelland, Seidenberg, and Patterson's (1996, simulation 2) model of word reading was trained and then damaged. This damaged network was then retrained in a number of different ways designed to model both natural (spontaneous) recovery and recovery that can be attributed to a specific therapeutic intervention. Outcomes & Results : Interventions that used regular words were more effective than interventions based on inconsistent words. Early intervention (during the period of spontaneous recovery) was more effective than late intervention. Conclusions : These results suggest that this technique has the potential to provide a useful input to the therapeutic arena. The potential opportunities for further work are discussed.
Pitfalls Associated With the Use of Molecular Diagnostic Panels in the Diagnosis of Cryptococcal Meningitis

Abstract We report the case of a kidney transplantation patient on chronic immunosuppressive therapy presenting with subacute meningitis. The final diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis was delayed due to 2 false-negative cryptococcal results on a molecular diagnostic panel. Caution with such platforms in suspected cryptococcal meningitis is needed.
Interflavin oxidation-reduction reactions between pig kidney general acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and electron-transferring flavoprotein.

The mechanism of interflavin electron transfer between pig kidney general acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (GAD) and its physiological acceptor, electron-transferring flavoprotein (ETF), has been studied by static and stopped-flow absorbance and fluorescence measurements. At 3 degrees C, pH 7.6, reoxidation of the dehydrogenase (stoichiometrically reduced by octanoyl-CoA) by ETF is multiphasic, consisting of two rapid phases (t1/2 of about 20 and 50 ms), a slower phase half-complete in about 1 s, and a final reaction with a half-time of 20 s. Only the two most rapid phases are significant in turnover. This complicated reaction course was dissected by examining the rates of plausible individual steps, e.g., GAD2e X P + ETF1e, GAD1e X P + ETFox, and GAD1e X P + ETF1e (where P represents the product, octenoyl-CoA, and the subscripts indicate the redox state of the flavin). Rapid reaction and static fluorescence measurements, in all cases, showed that the final equilibrium mixture included appreciable levels of oxidized ETF. This was confirmed by measuring the reverse reactions, e.g., ETF1e + GADox X P, ETF1e + GAD1e X P, and ETF2e + GADox X P. These data support the following overall scheme for the reaction of GAD2e X P with ETFox: The first and second phases correspond to reoxidation of GAD2e X P in two successive one-electron steps requiring two molecules of ETFox. This results in a rapid rise in absorbance at 370 nm where the red anionic radicals of both product-complexed dehydrogenase and ETF absorb strongly. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Percutaneous large-core biopsy of papillary breast lesions.

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to assess the accuracy of percutaneous large-core biopsy in evaluating papillary breast lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review of imaging-guided large-core breast biopsy of 1077 consecutive lesions revealed that papillary lesions were diagnosed in 34 (3%) cases. Surgical correlation (n = 22) or minimum 2 years' mammographic follow-up (n = 4) were available for 26 papillary lesions. Mammographic and histologic findings in these 26 cases were reviewed. RESULTS Percutaneous biopsy histology had benign findings in nine lesions, atypical in 10, and malignant in seven. Of seven lesions yielding benign papilloma at percutaneous biopsy, none (0%) had carcinoma at surgery or mammographic follow-up. Surgery revealed carcinoma in one of two lesions yielding papillomatosis at percutaneous biopsy. This lesion was a spiculated mass; surgical biopsy, recommended because of mammographic-histologic discordance, revealed a radial sclerosing lesion and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Of 10 papillary lesions with atypical ductal hyperplasia at percutaneous biopsy, surgery revealed DCIS in three (30%). Of seven lesions in which percutaneous biopsy yielded papillary DCIS, surgery revealed DCIS in all seven; three (43%) also had invasive carcinoma. CONCLUSION Among our patients, diagnosis by percutaneous core biopsy of benign papillary lesions proved to be accurate when concordant with imaging findings. Surgical excision was indicated when diagnosis by percutaneous biopsy revealed atypical papillary lesions or papillary DCIS. A larger series with longer follow-up is required to assess the clinical course of benign papillary lesions without atypia that are not excised after percutaneous large-core breast biopsy.
The Scope of Sexual Victimization in Germany

This study examined the sexual victimization of 309 female students in Germany. The results indicate that the majority of the subjects have been victims of minor offenses and that a minority of subjects was severely victimized. As to the relation of victim and perpetrator, the milder offenses are more likely to be committed by strangers. In contrast, the most serious offenses are more likely to be committed by perpetrators with a close relation to the victim. It was also investigated whether the perception of being victimized correlates with the subjects’ gender-role orientation and their health problems.
A Prospective Randomized Study of Automated versus Mercury Blood Pressure Recordings in Hypertensive Pregnancy (PRAM Study)

Background. Mercury sphygmomanometry is being replaced with automated blood pressure (BP) recording. We tested the potential impact of this change on the outcomes of pregnant women with hypertension. Methods. Following routine detection of hypertension by mercury sphygmomanometry, 220 pregnant women with hypertension were randomized to have all subsequent BPs recorded with either mercury sphygmomanometry or an automated BP device (Omron HEM-705CP) for the remainder of their pregnancy. We used a prospective randomized open study with blinded end points design. Main Outcome Measures. The primary maternal outcome measure was the number of women having any episode of severe hypertension (BP 170/110 mmHg). The primary fetal outcome measure was small for gestational age baby. Results. Both groups were similar in age, weight, parity, race, use of assisted reproductive technology before this pregnancy, diabetes prevalence, smoking, mercury BP in the first trimester, use of antihypertensives at the time of study entry, and type of hypertension (essential, gestational or preeclampsia) at study entry. Severe hypertension occurred in 39% of women using mercury sphygmomanometry and 44% using the automated device (p = 0.5). Small for gestational age rates were 12 and 17%, respectively (p = 0.3). About 47% of women had preeclampsia at delivery. Birth weight and perinatal mortality were similar between groups. Conclusions. Using this automated BP recording device in hypertensive pregnant women is associated with similar maternal and fetal outcomes as in women whose BP is measured by sphygmomanometry, despite intra-individual BP differences between the two methods of recording BP.
Changes in Methionine Metabolism and Histone H3 Trimethylation Are Linked to Mitochondrial Defects in Multiple Sclerosis

Mitochondrial changes, including decreased expression of electron transport chain subunit genes and impaired energetic, have been reported in multiple sclerosis (MS), but the mechanisms involved in these changes are not clear. To determine whether epigenetic mechanisms are involved, we measured the concentrations of methionine metabolites by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, histone H3 methylation patterns, and markers of mitochondrial respiration in gray matter from postmortem MS and control cortical samples. We found decreases in respiratory markers as well as decreased concentrations of the methionine metabolites S-adenosylmethionine, betaine, and cystathionine in MS gray matter. We also found expression of the enzyme betaine homocysteine methyltransferase in cortical neurons. This enzyme catalyzes the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine, with betaine as the methyl donor, and has previously been thought to be restricted to liver and kidney in the adult human. Decreases in the concentration of the methyl donor betaine were correlated with decreases in histone H3 trimethylation (H3K4me3) in NeuN+ neuronal nuclei in MS cortex compared with controls. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that H3K4me3 levels and mitochondrial respiration were reduced in SH-SY5Y cells after exposure to the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside, and betaine was able to rescue H3K4me3 levels and respiratory capacity in these cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments showed that betaine regulates metabolic genes in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. These data suggest that changes to methionine metabolism may be mechanistically linked to changes in neuronal energetics in MS cortex. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT For decades, it has been observed that vitamin B12 deficiency and multiple sclerosis (MS) share certain pathological changes, including conduction disturbances. In the present study, we have found that vitamin B12-dependent methionine metabolism is dysregulated in the MS brain. We found that concentrations of the methyl donor betaine are decreased in MS cortex and are correlated with reduced levels of the histone H3 methyl mark H3K4me3 in neurons. Cell culture and chromatin immunoprecipitation-seq data suggest that these changes may lead to defects in mitochondria and impact neuronal energetics. These data have uncovered a novel pathway linking methionine metabolism with mitochondrial respiration and have important implications for understanding mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration in MS.
feasibility study on 15 patients with chronic leg ulcers to evaluate the effects and the safety of AM transplantation

1. Université de Franche Comté, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Medical School, 2. Cell and Tissue Engineering Department, Etablissement Français du Sang de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, 3. EA 3183, Université de Franche Comté, IFR 133, 4. Inserm U645, Université de Franche-Comté, Etablissement Français du Sang, IFR133, 5. Université de Franche Comté, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical School, and 6. EA 3181, Université de Franche-Comté, IFR 133, Besançon, France
Activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and PPARγ plays a role in the genistein-mediated attenuation of oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell injury

We investigate the cytoprotective effects and the molecular mechanism of genistein in oxidative stress-induced injury using an endothelial cell line (EA.hy926). An oxidative stress model was established by incubating endothelial cells with H2O2. According to the present results, genistein pretreatment protected endothelial cells against H2O2-induced decreases in cell viability and increases in apoptosis. Genistein also prevented the inhibition of B-cell lymphoma 2 and the activation of caspase-3 induced by H2O2. Genistein increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels and attenuated the decrease in these antioxidants during oxidative stress. We also found that genistein induced the promoter activity of both nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and PPARγ. Additionally, genistein induced the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and PPARγ. While genistein caused the up-regulation of both Nrf2 and PPARγ, it also activated and up-regulated the protein expression and transcription of a downstream protein, haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Moreover, the use of Nrf2 small interfering RNA transfection and HO-1- or PPARγ-specific antagonists (Znpp and GW9662, respectively) blocked the protective effects of genistein on endothelial cell viability during oxidative stress. Therefore, we conclude that oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell injury can be attenuated by treatment with genistein, which functions via the regulation of the Nrf2 and PPARγ signalling pathway. Additionally, the endogenous antioxidants SOD, CAT and GSH appear to play a role in the antioxidant activity of genistein. The present findings suggest that the beneficial effects of genistein involving the activation of cytoprotective antioxidant genes may represent a novel strategy in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular endothelial damage.