Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Histopathological Analysis of Skin Adnexal Tumors: A Three Year Study of 110 Cases at A Tertiary Care Center

Background: Skin adnexal tumors (SAT) encompass wide spectrum of benign and malignant tumors that differentiate toward one or more adnexal structures found in normal skin. Overall incidence of SATs is low yet they can be challenging to diagnose. Aims: The aim of this study is to study the spectrum and microscopic features of SATs. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted over a period of 3 years. Formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological analysis. Results: Out of the total 34,400 biopsies, 110 cases were diagnosed as SATs comprising 39.09% of tumors with follicular differentiation followed by tumors showing sweat gland differentiation (37.27%), and sebaceous differentiation (23.63%). The age ranged from 5 years to 85 years and male:female ratio was 1.03:1. Most of the tumors were benign (82.73%) while only 17.27% were malignant. Pilomatricoma (28.2%) was the most common benign tumor while sebaceous carcinoma (11.8%) was the most common malignant tumor. Conclusion: Architectural features are of great importance in differentiating benign tumors from malignant.
Age-related rehabilitation outcome in stroke patients.

BACKGROUND Patients who survive a stroke usually have residual neurological deficits. Consequently, a rehabilitation program is valuable for improving their quality of life (QOL). However, age is a known factor that needs qualification vis-à-vis rehabilitation outcomes among Thai patients. OBJECTIVE To study the functional and psychological outcomes and the QOL before and after rehabilitation program among three age groups of Thai stroke patients (< or = 44, 45-64 and > or = 65 years of age). STUDY DESIGN Prospective, analytical study. MATERIAL AND METHOD Three hundred and twenty seven stroke patients were measured using the Barthel index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) and the WHO QOL BREF questionnaire before and after undergoing an in-patient rehabilitation program. Data were collected from nine sites around Thailand. RESULTS Functional and psychological outcomes and the quality of life score improved after the rehabilitation program. The youngest group of stroke victims showed the greatest improvement in functional outcome and QOL score in both the physical and social domains. No significant difference was found regarding anxiety and depression among the three groups. CONCLUSION An in-patient rehabilitation program was of benefit to Thai stroke patients but age significantly determined rehabilitation outcomes.
European Identity and Citizen Attitudes to Cohesion Policy : What do we know?

This paper provides a state-of-the art review of the literature on European identity and on citizens’ attitudes to Cohesion policy. It is the first research paper in the COHESIFY project, which aims to assess the impact of Cohesion policy on citizens’ support for and identification with the European Union. The paper beings by examining the European identity literature distinguishing conceptual perspectives, methodological approaches, controversies and explanations. It then reviews the literature on the impa ct of EU Cohesion policy on citizens’ attitudes to the EU and related studies of Cohesion policy communication . Building on these different strands of literature, the final section sets out the analytical framework for the COHESIFY project including the co nceptual approach, research design, case selection rationale and methodology.
Role of phospholipase D2 in the agonist‐induced and constitutive endocytosis of G‐protein coupled receptors

We have recently shown that the μ‐opioid receptor [MOR1, also termed μ‐opioid peptide (MOP) receptor] is associated with the phospholipase D2 (PLD2), a phospholipid‐specific phosphodiesterase located in the plasma membrane. We further demonstrated that, in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells co‐expressing MOR1 and PLD2, treatment with (D‐Ala2, Me Phe4, Glyol5)enkephalin (DAMGO) led to an increase in PLD2 activity and an induction of receptor endocytosis, whereas morphine, which does not induce opioid receptor endocytosis, failed to activate PLD2. In contrast, a C‐terminal splice variant of the μ‐opioid receptor (MOR1D, also termed MOP1D) exhibited robust endocytosis in response to both DAMGO and morphine treatment. We report here that MOR1D also mediates an agonist‐independent (constitutive) PLD2‐activation facilitating agonist‐induced and constitutive receptor endocytosis. Inhibition of PLD2 activity by over‐expression of a dominant negative PLD2 (nPLD2) blocked the constitutive PLD2 activation and impaired the endocytosis of MOR1D receptors. Moreover, we provide evidence that the endocytotic trafficking of the δ‐opioid receptor [DOR, also termed δ‐opioid peptide (DOP) receptor] and cannabinoid receptor isoform 1 (CB1) is also mediated by a PLD2‐dependent pathway. These data indicate the generally important role for PLD2 in the regulation of agonist‐dependent and agonist‐independent G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) endocytosis.
PIK3CA mutation and histological type in breast carcinoma: high frequency of mutations in lobular carcinoma

Mutations in the PIK3CA gene have recently been reported in different human neoplasms, including breast cancer. This paper reports the results of a systematic analysis of PIK3CA mutations in different histological types of breast carcinoma. One hundred and eighty invasive breast carcinomas, comprising 74 ductal, 56 lobular, 22 mucinous, 20 medullary, and eight papillary, were selected on the basis of their histological type in a consecutive series of 780 breast cancers. Exons 1–20 of the PIK3CA gene were subjected to SSCP analysis followed by direct sequencing. PIK3CA mutations were observed in 46 (26%) of the 180 tumours examined: 23 (50%) mutations were located in exon 9, and 23 (50%) in exon 20. Mutations were frequent in lobular (46%), less frequent in ductal (22%), and uncommon in medullary (10%), mucinous (5%), and papillary tumours (12%) (p = 0.0002). Mutations in exon 9 were more frequent in lobular carcinomas (30% of cases) than in the other histological types (less than 5% of cases) (p = 0.00014). No significant differences were observed in the distribution of mutations in exon 20. There was no significant correlation between PIK3CA mutations and other clinicopathological and biological variables, including age, tumour size, lymph node metastases, oestrogen receptor (ER) status, progesterone receptor (PgR) status, p53 gene mutations, and p53 protein expression. The findings indicate that in invasive breast carcinomas, PIK3CA alterations are mainly present in lobular and ductal tumours, whereas the other histological types, known to be associated with a favourable prognosis, show a very low incidence of PIK3CA mutations. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromosome Targeting at Short Polypurine Sites by Cationic Triplex-forming Oligonucleotides*

Triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) bind specifically to duplex DNA and provide a strategy for site-directed modification of genomic DNA. Recently we demonstrated TFO-mediated targeted gene knockout following systemic administration in animals. However, a limitation to this approach is the requirement for a polypurine tract (typically 15–30 base pairs (bp)) in the target DNA to afford high affinity third strand binding, thus restricting the number of sites available for effective targeting. To overcome this limitation, we have investigated the ability of chemically modified TFOs to target a short (10 bp) site in a chromosomal locus in mouse cells and induce site-specific mutations. We report that replacement of the phosphodiester backbone with cationic phosphoramidate linkages, either N,N-diethylethylenediamine orN,N-dimethylaminopropylamine, in a 10-nucleotide, psoralen-conjugated TFO confers substantial increases in binding affinity in vitro and is required to achieve targeted modification of a chromosomal reporter gene in mammalian cells. The triplex-directed, site-specific induction of mutagenesis in the chromosomal target was charge- and modification-dependent, with the activity of N,N-diethylethylenediamine >N,N-dimethylaminopropylamine ≫ phosphodiester, resulting in 10-, 6-, and <2-fold induction of target gene mutagenesis, respectively. Similarly,N,N-diethylethylenediamine andN,N-dimethylaminopropylamine TFOs were found to enhance targeting at a 16-bp G:C bp-rich target site in a chromatinized episomal target in monkey COS cells, although this longer site was also targetable by a phosphodiester TFO. These results indicate that replacement of phosphodiester bonds with positively chargedN,N-diethylethylenediamine linkages enhances intracellular activity and allows targeting of relatively short polypurine sites, thereby substantially expanding the number of potential triplex target sites in the genome.
Distribution and Prognosis of WHO Lymphoma Subtypes in Taiwan Reveals a Low Incidence of Germinal-Center Derived Tumors

To assess the distribution of lymphomas in Taiwan according to the WHO (World Health Organization) classification, 175 recently diagnosed cases of malignant lymphomas were studied and the clinicopathologic data were analyzed. B-cell lymphomas accounted for 57.1% of cases, T-cell lymphomas 38.9%, and Hodgkin's lymphoma 4%. Extranodal lymphomas predominated (55.4%). The most common subtype of B-cell lymphoma was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (33.1%). All tumor types believed to be derived from germinal center (GC) B-cells including follicular lymphoma (4.6%), Burkitt lymphoma (1.7%), Hodgkin lymphoma (4.0%), and GC-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (as defined by combined expression of bc1-6 and CD10) were rather uncommon as compared to frequencies seen in series from Western countries. The common T-cell lymphomas included nasal and extranasal NK/T cell lymphoma (7.4%), mycosis fungoides (7.4%), and unspecified peripheral T-cell lymphoma (6.9%). Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma was very uncommon and accounts for only 0.6%. The proportional increase in T-cell lymphomas that were unrelated to type I human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1) may be linked to differential Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) oncogenesis. The survival data revealed that mantle cell lymphoma, NK/T-cell lymphoma, unspecified peripheral T-cell lymphoma, and subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma had an aggressive course. Our results confirm the utility of the WHO classification scheme for prognostic stratification and further highlight the distinctive distribution pattern of malignant lymphoma in Taiwan including the higher relative incidence of T cell lymphomas and the rarity of germinal center-derived B-cell tumors.
CSR disclosure and corporate sustainability: evidence from the Shenzhen Stock Exchange

In this paper we examined the relationship between CSR and corporate sustainability of Chinese companies listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. This is necessitated by the high demand and increase in CSR activities and disclosures around the globe. Using a sample of 317 companies, we drew insights from the triple bottom line (TBL) and stakeholder theory to investigate the relationship between CSR and corporate sustainability. Data was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). A major contribution of this paper is the construction of a comprehensive CSR information disclosure index capable of guiding researchers and managers in measuring their CSR activities and reporting. The study's findings revealed that most Chinese companies stayed at the intermediate level of CSR information disclosure. Although CSR disclosure in economic and social dimension has a significant positive effect on corporate sustainability, our result shows a negative relationship with CSR in environmental dimension.
The relationship between overactivity and opioid use in chronic pain: a 5-day observational study

Abstract With increasing concerns about the potential harm of long-term opioid therapy, there is a need for the development and implementation of alternative treatment strategies for patients with chronic pain who have been using opioids for a prolonged period of time. Based on the findings from a recent qualitative investigation that suggested there may be a bidirectional association between opioid reliance and habitual overactivity behaviour (activity engagement that significantly exacerbates pain), this study was designed to quantitatively investigate the association between opioid use and habitual overactivity over a 5-day period in a group of chronic pain patients. Participants provided a list of their prescribed pain medication, completed a self-report measure of habitual overactivity, and then commenced 5 days of data collection. Data collection required participants to wear an activity monitor and to complete a diary that detailed their daily activities and the time at which they took medication. Individuals reporting higher levels of habitual overactivity were more likely to be prescribed opioids. In addition, higher levels of habitual overactivity were associated with more frequent pro re nata (“as needed”) opioid use over the 5 days, and with a discrepancy between the prescribed and actual oral morphine-equivalent daily dose, where more medication was taken than was prescribed. There was no predominant context for pro re nata use. The results of this study support the idea that habitual overactivity behaviour may play a role in the development of reliance on opioid medication and that such an association may provide a potential treatment target for opioid therapy rationalisation.
Transitioning to adolescence: How changes in child personality and overreactive parenting predict adolescent adjustment problems

Abstract The present study examined how changes in child Big Five personality characteristics and overreactive parenting during the transition from childhood to adolescence predict adolescent adjustment problems. The sample included 290 children, aged 8–9 years. At three moments, with 2-year intervals, mothers, fathers, and a teacher reported on the child's personality, and mothers and fathers reported on their parenting behavior. At the third measurement moment, mothers, fathers, and children reported on the child's adjustment problems. Rank-order stability of the personality dimensions and overreactive parenting were high. Univariate latent growth models revealed mean-level decreases for extraversion, conscientiousness, and imagination. Mean levels of benevolence, emotional stability, and overreactive parenting were stable. Multivariate latent growth models revealed that decreases in extraversion and emotional stability predicted internalizing problems, whereas decreases in benevolence, conscientiousness, and emotional stability predicted externalizing problems. Increases in overreactive parenting predicted externalizing, but not internalizing problems. The associations were similar for boys and girls. The results indicate that changes in child personality and overreactive parenting during the transition to adolescence are associated with adolescent adjustment problems. Overall, child personality was more important than overreactive parenting, and children were more likely to “act out” than to “withdraw” in reaction to overreactive parenting.
Molecular characterization of prothoracicotropic hormone and diapause hormone in Heliothis virescens during diapause, and a new role for diapause hormone

cDNAs encoding prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) and diapause hormone (DH) were isolated from the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (Hvi). Hvi‐PTTH cDNA reveals key structural features known from other PTTHs, yet there is a > 30% amino acid difference between the PTTH sequences found in this noctuid when compared with the PTTHs known from Bombycoidea. Hvi‐DH‐PBAN cDNA encodes a precursor protein including a DH‐like peptide, pheromone biosynthesis‐activating neuropeptide (PBAN) and three additional neuropeptides with an FXPRL sequence at the C terminus. PTTH and DH‐PBAN transcripts are most highly expressed in the brain and subesophageal ganglion (SG), respectively. Expression of both the PTTH and the DH‐PBAN transcripts is high in larvae and remains high in nondiapausing pupae, but in larvae programmed for pupal diapause, expression declines sharply at the onset of larval wandering behaviour and remains low during pupal diapause. This pattern implies that both of these genes are shut down during diapause. These results are not consistent with a role for DH in promoting the entry into diapause as noted in Bombyx mori. Instead, the higher expression of DH in nondiapausing pupae suggests a possible role for DH in promoting continuous development. The injection of DH into diapausing pupae did indeed successfully terminate diapause, thus suggesting a possible new role for this neuropeptide.
Hydrolysis of myelin basic protein by IgM and IgA antibodies from the sera of patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND The presence of abzymes (Abzs) in human sera is a specific feature of different autoimmune pathologies. We have shown that IgGs of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) specifically hydrolyze human myelin basic protein (hMBP). However, the presence of hMBP-hydrolyzing MS IgMs and IgAs in patients with MS has not been studied. MATERIAL/METHODS Homogeneous IgM and IgA fractions were isolated from human sera by affinity chromatography on different adsorbents. The Ab-dependent hydrolysis of hMBP was analyzed using SDS-PAGE. RESULTS We present evidence showing that MS IgMs and IgAs (but not Abs from the sera of healthy individuals) catalyze the hydrolysis of hMBP. Specific enzymatic activities of IgMs and sIgAs from sera of any single patient were usually significantly higher than those of IgGs. Specific inhibitors of acidic and thiol proteases demonstrated a weak effect on proteolytic activity of IgGs and IgMs. However, specific inhibitors of serine proteases (AEBSF, PMSF, and benzamidine) significantly inhibited proteolytic activity. IgMs and IgAs hydrolyze specifically both human and pig MBP but not many other tested proteins. Although the biological function of this proteolytic activity is not known, it is clear that MBP-hydrolyzing Abs may play an important role in MS pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS The findings display the generation by the immune systems of individual MS patients of a variety of polyclonal IgGs, IgMs, and IgAs with different proteolytic properties, which hydrolyze MBP, the major protein component of the myelin-proteolipid shell of axons and a well-known MS autoantigen.
Evaluation of a new rapid antigen detection kit for group A beta-hemolytic streptococci

Objective: To evaluate the use of a new rapid antigen-detection kit for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus and compare results with previously published studies. Methods: Throat swabs were obtained prospectively from patients, aged one to 18 years, presenting to the emergency department, acute concerns clinic, and walk-in clinic of an urban tertiary care children's hospital. Throat swabs were first inoculated on a 5% sheep blood agar plate and then used for the streptococcus A optical immunoassay (OIA) kit. Results of both the throat culture and the rapid antigen-detection test were then compared. Results: Two-hundred thirty-three patients were enrolled. Seventy-three patients had a positive culture and 63 patients had a positive OIA. Fifteen patients had a false negative result for the OIA kit and five patients had a false positive result Test sensitivity was 79.5%, specificity was 96.9%, positive predictive value was 92.1%, and negative predictive value was 91.2% Conclusion: Although previous studies have demonstrated OIA kit sensitivities as high as 98.9% and authors have, as a result, recommended that the performance of a backup throat culture for a negative OIA test is unnecessary, our results do not support this. A sensitivity of 79.5% is not sufficiently high to justify omission of a standard throat culture. Accordingly, all OIA tests that are negative should be confirmed by the performance of a throat culture.
[Non-conventional medicine in Tuscany: attitudes and use in the population].

OBJECTIVES With the aim of facilitating complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) regulation by decision-makers in the Tuscan region, objectives of the analysis were: 1) to estimate the frequency and motivations of CAM use (acupuncture, homeopathy, phytotherapy, manipulative therapies) within the Tuscan population; 2) to identify variables associated with CAM use; 3) to investigate public opinion concerning CAM. DESIGN We have analysed the regional data collected by the ISTAT through the survey Multiscopo su "Condizioni di salute e ricorso ai servizi sanitari", years 1999-2000. PARTICIPANTS The analysis was carried out on 5670 subjects > 20 years resident in the Tuscan region between July 1999 and June 2000. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Usefulness, utilization and benefits concerning CAM. RESULTS Forty-five percent of the surveyed population consider useful at least one type of CAM, and 20% had used CAM at least once in the three years prior to the interview. Most frequent users are middle-aged women with higher educational levels, and manipulative therapies and homeopathy are the most used remedies. Disorders that mostly have induced the population to use CAM are pain syndromes. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the Tuscan population has a positive attitude towards CAM use, which is slightly more frequent than the average national use.
Defects in Cell Adhesion and the Visceral Endoderm following Ablation of Nonmuscle Myosin Heavy Chain II-A in Mice*

Previous work has shown that ablation or mutation of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-B (NMHC II-B) in mice results in defects in the heart and brain with death occurring between embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5) and birth (Tullio, A. N., Accili, D., Ferrans, V. J., Yu, Z. X., Takeda, K., Grinberg, A., Westphal, H., Preston, Y. A., and Adelstein, R. S. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 94, 12407–12412). Here we show that mice ablated for NMHC II-A fail to develop a normal patterned embryo with a polarized visceral endoderm by E6.5 and die by E7.5. Moreover, A–/A– embryoid bodies grown in suspension culture constantly shed cells. These defects in cell adhesion and tissue organization are explained by loss of E-cadherin and β-catenin localization to cell adhesion sites in both cell culture and in the intact embryos. The defects can be reproduced by introducing siRNA directed against NMHC II-A into wild-type embryonic stem cells. Our results suggest an essential role for a single, specific nonmuscle myosin isoform in maintaining cell-cell adhesions in the early mammalian embryo.