Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphologic and Cytochemical Properties of Mouse Liver Neoplasms Induced by Diethylnitrosamine and Promoted by 4,4'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, Chlordane, or Heptachlor

The relationships between the gross appearance, histologic types, and cytochemical characteristics of hepatocellular neoplasms were studied in B6C3F1 mice given the liver carcinogen diethylnitrosamine either alone or followed by the organochlorine pesticides, 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, chlordane, or heptachlor as promoting agents. Hepatocellular neoplasms were categorized according to their cytoplasmic staining properties with hematoxylin and eosin. Acidophilic neoplasms more of ten displayed increased activity of alkaline phosphatase than did basophilic neoplasms. The activities of glucose-6-phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase were decreased in both acidophilic and basophilic neoplasms. There was no difference in the activities of these enzymes or γ-glutamyltranspeptidase between adenomas and carcinomas, although most neoplasms did not display γ-glutamyltranspeptidase. Chlordane or heptachlor exposure increased the alkaline phosphatase activity in neoplastic cells, but not that of other enzymes. The majority of neoplasms displayed a deficiency of iron accumulation. The macroscopic appearance of neoplasms was closely related to their cytoplasmic staining properties and cytochemical characteristics.
Harnessing electronic medical records to advance research on multiple sclerosis

Background: Electronic medical records (EMR) data are increasingly used in research, but no studies have yet evaluated similarity between EMR and research-quality data and between characteristics of an EMR multiple sclerosis (MS) population and known natural MS history. Objectives: To (1) identify MS patients in an EMR system and extract clinical data, (2) compare EMR-extracted data with gold-standard research data, and (3) compare EMR MS population characteristics to expected MS natural history. Methods: Algorithms were implemented to identify MS patients from the University of California San Francisco EMR, de-identify the data and extract clinical variables. EMR-extracted data were compared to research cohort data in a subset of patients. Results: We identified 4142 MS patients via search of the EMR and extracted their clinical data with good accuracy. EMR and research values showed good concordance for Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), timed-25-foot walk, and subtype. We replicated several expected MS epidemiological features from MS natural history including higher EDSS for progressive versus relapsing–remitting patients and for male versus female patients and increased EDSS with age at examination and disease duration. Conclusion: Large real-world cohorts algorithmically extracted from the EMR can expand opportunities for MS clinical research.
Characterization of Leachate and Solid Waste of Dhaka City Corporation Landfill Site for Solid Waste Stabilization

Rapid urbanization of Dhaka city has created immense pressure on its urban services including solid waste disposal. Both city corporations (Dhaka North, DNCC and Dhaka South, DSCC) have been facing tremendous problem to maintain sustainable waste management over the last few decades. At present, the DNCC and DSCC dump 68% of the total sold waste to the sanitary landfill site at Matuail. Decomposed solid waste is a potential source of heavy metals and toxic chemicals that pollute the soil as well as the surrounding water body. For environmental sustainability, it is now essential to reduce the load of decomposed solid waste at landfill site through the conversion of waste into re-usable product. Proper characterization of solid wastes is pre-requisite for efficient management and solid waste stabilization. In this paper, it is therefore aimed to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of decomposed solid waste and leachate collected from Matuail landfill sites. The average concentrations of Fe, Cu, and Ni in leachate samples collected from treated pond were found to be 19.11mg/l, 0.71mg/l, and 2.5mg/l respectively exceeding Bangladesh standards. The presence of heavy metals in decomposed solid waste was also found to be significant. In order to reduce the scale of pollution it is recommended to stabilize solid waste to use it as a construction material. Physical properties that were analyzed in this study will also be helpful for selecting stabilizing additive for perfect stabilization.
Src kinases involved in hepatitis B virus replication

Chronic infection by hepatitis B virus is a leading cause of human liver cancer and liver disease. The hepatitis B virus HBx protein is a regulatory factor that is essential for virus infection in mammals and is implicated in development of liver cancer and liver disease. Among the reported activities of HBx is the ability to stimulate Src tyrosine kinases, Ras‐GTPases and transcriptional activation. We now demonstrate that HBx activation of Src tyrosine kinases, but not Ras, promotes a high level of viral replication in cell culture. HBx is shown to stimulate reverse transcription of the viral pregenomic mRNA into genomic DNA through a Src‐mediated pathway in tissue culture cells. Targeted inhibition of Src tyrosine kinase activity, mutational inactivation of the HBx gene or retargeting of HBx to the nucleus to abolish cytoplasmic signal transduction activity, are shown to impair viral reverse transcription strongly. These studies implicate HBx stimulation of the Src family of tyrosine kinases in stimulation of viral polymerase activity.
The Ketogenic Diet Inhibits Epileptogenesis in EL Mice: A Genetic Model for Idiopathic Epilepsy

Summary: Purpose: The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high‐fat, low‐carbohydrate and ‐protein diet that has been used to treat refractory seizures in children for more than 75 years. However, little is known about how the KD inhibits seizures or its effects on epileptogenesis. Several animal models of epilepsy have responded favorably to KD treatment, but the KD has not been studied in animals with a genetic predisposition to seizures. Here we studied the antiepileptogenic effect of the KD in EL mice, an animal model for human idiopathic epilepsy.
The evolution of electronic structure in few-layer graphene revealed by optical spectroscopy

The massless Dirac spectrum of electrons in single-layer graphene has been thoroughly studied both theoretically and experimentally. Although a subject of considerable theoretical interest, experimental investigations of the richer electronic structure of few-layer graphene (FLG) have been limited. Here we examine FLG graphene crystals with Bernal stacking of layer thicknesses N = 1,2,3,…8 prepared using the mechanical exfoliation technique. For each layer thickness N, infrared conductivity measurements over the spectral range of 0.2–1.0 eV have been performed and reveal a distinctive band structure, with different conductivity peaks present below 0.5 eV and a relatively flat spectrum at higher photon energies. The principal transitions exhibit a systematic energy-scaling behavior with N. These observations are explained within a unified zone-folding scheme that generates the electronic states for all FLG materials from that of the bulk 3D graphite crystal through imposition of appropriate boundary conditions. Using the Kubo formula, we find that the complete infrared conductivity spectra for the different FLG crystals can be reproduced reasonably well within the framework a tight-binding model.
The Chandra COSMOS Legacy Survey: Energy Spectrum of the Cosmic X-Ray Background and Constraints on Undetected Populations

Using Chandra observations in the 2.15 deg2 COSMOS-legacy field, we present one of the most accurate measurements of the Cosmic X-ray Background (CXB) spectrum to date in the [0.3–7] keV energy band. The CXB has three distinct components: contributions from two Galactic collisional thermal plasmas at kT ∼ 0.27 and 0.07 keV and an extragalactic power law with a photon spectral index Γ = 1.45 ± 0.02. The 1 keV normalization of the extragalactic component is 10.91 ± 0.16 keV cm−2 s−1 sr−1 keV−1. Removing all X-ray-detected sources, the remaining unresolved CXB is best fit by a power law with normalization 4.18 ± 0.26 keV cm−2 s−1 sr−1 keV−1 and photon spectral index Γ = 1.57 ± 0.10. Removing faint galaxies down to leaves a hard spectrum with and a 1 keV normalization of ∼1.37 keV cm−2 s−1 sr−1 keV−1. This means that ∼91% of the observed CXB is resolved into detected X-ray sources and undetected galaxies. Unresolved sources that contribute ∼8%–9% of the total CXB show marginal evidence of being harder and possibly more obscured than resolved sources. Another ∼1% of the CXB can be attributed to still undetected star-forming galaxies and absorbed active galactic nuclei. According to these limits, we investigate a scenario where early black holes totally account for non-source CXB fraction and constrain some of their properties. In order to not exceed the remaining CXB and the accreted mass density, such a population of black holes must grow in Compton-thick envelopes with 1.6 × 1025 cm−2 and form in extremely low-metallicity environments .
Antituberculosis activity of clarithromycin

Antituberculosis activity of clarithromycin (CLA), a macrolide antibiotic, was investigated in vitro, in macrophages, and in C57BL/6 mice, CLA showed high in vitro MICs (4 to > 16 micrograms/ml) for several strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and caused slight enhancement of activity of rifampin (RIF) against H37Rv but failed to increase the activity of either RIF or isoniazid (INH) against other strains. However, inside J774A.1 macrophages, CLA showed high activity and was synergistic with RIF against some strains of tubercle bacilli susceptible or resistant to INH and RIF. In the in vivo studies with a drug-susceptible strain (H37Rv), CLA protected mice from mortality due to tuberculosis for up to 8 weeks of observation. The CFU data for lungs and spleens revealed that the antituberculosis activity of CLA is inferior to those of INH and streptomycin. However, the activity of CLA when used alone or in combination was comparable to that of thiacetazone, indicating its potential usefulness as a secondary drug for the treatment of tuberculosis.
A look back on how far to walk: Systematic review and meta-analysis of physical access to skilled care for childbirth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Objectives To (i) summarize the methods undertaken to measure physical accessibility as the spatial separation between women and health services, and (ii) establish the extent to which distance to skilled care for childbirth affects utilization in Sub-Saharan Africa. Method We defined spatial separation as the distance/travel time between women and skilled care services. The use of skilled care at birth referred to either the location or attendant of childbirth. The main criterion for inclusion was any quantification of the relationship between spatial separation and use of skilled care at birth. The approaches undertaken to measure distance/travel time were summarized in a narrative format. We obtained pooled adjusted odds ratios (aOR) from studies that controlled for financial means, education and (perceived) need of care in a meta-analysis. Results 57 articles were included (40 studied distance and 25 travel time), in which distance/travel time were found predominately self-reported or estimated in a geographic information system based on geographic coordinates. Approaches of distance/travel time measurement were generally poorly detailed, especially for self-reported data. Crucial features such as start point of origin and the mode of transportation for travel time were most often unspecified. Meta-analysis showed that increased distance to maternity care had an inverse association with utilization (n = 10, pooled aOR = 0.90/1km, 95%CI = 0.85–0.94). Distance from a hospital for rural women showed an even more pronounced effect on utilization (n = 2, pooled aOR = 0.58/1km increase, 95%CI = 0.31,1.09). The effect of spatial separation appears to level off beyond critical point when utilization was generally low. Conclusion Although the reporting and measurements of spatial separation in low-resource settings needs further development, we found evidence that a lack of geographic access impedes use. Utilization is conditioned on access, researchers and policy makers should therefore prioritize quality data for the evidence-base to ensure that women everywhere have the potential to access obstetric care.
Human insulin: lessons from the UK?

C ontroversy remains as to whether hypoglycaemia, particularly hypoglycaemic unawareness, is more of a problem to people with diabetes when treated with human rather than animal insulins. This has become an important issue to some diabetic patients and their carers, particularly those with long-standing diabetes who have been transferred from animal to human insulins. It is an issue that needs to be seriously addressed in any country in which it is proposed to replace animal with human insulins. I understand Australia is in such a position: although beef insulins remain available, pork insulin has been replaced with human. Such a change requires great care and sensitivity; there are lessons to be learnt from the United Kingdom experience.
Math Clears Up an Inner-Ear Mystery: Spiral Shape Pumps Up the Bass

PHYSIOLOGYFor decades, researchers have wondered why a mammal's sound-perceiving organ, called the cochlea, coils like a seashell. Now, a team of auditory researchers has come up with an answer: The spiral shape increases sensitivity to low-frequency vibrations. ([Read more][1].) [1]: http://www.sciencemag. org/cgi/content/full/311/5764/1087a
Early growth and coronary heart disease in later life: longitudinal study

Abstract Objective: To determine how growth during infancy and childhood modifies the increased risk of coronary heart disease associated with small body size at birth. Design: Longitudinal study. Setting: Helsinki, Finland. Subjects: 4630 men who were born in the Helsinki University Hospital during 1934–44 and who attended child welfare clinics in the city. Each man had on average 18.0 (SD 9.5) measurements of height and weight between birth and age 12 years. Main outcome measures: Hospital admission or death from coronary heart disease. Results: Low birth weight and low ponderal index (birth weight/length3) were associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. Low height, weight, and body mass index (weight/height2) at age 1 year also increased the risk. Hazard ratios fell progressively from 1.83 (95% confidence interval 1.28 to 2.60) in men whose body mass index at age 1 year was below 16 kg/m2 to 1.00 in those whose body mass index was >19 (P for trend=0.0004). After age 1 year, rapid gain in weight and body mass index increased the risk of coronary heart disease. This effect was confined, however, to men with a ponderal index <26 at birth. In these men the hazard ratio associated with a one unit increase in standard deviation score for body mass index between ages 1 and 12 years was 1.27 (1.10 to 1.47; P=0.001). Conclusion: Irrespective of size at birth, low weight gain during infancy is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. After age 1 year, rapid weight gain is associated with further increase in risk, but only among boys who were thin at birth. In these boys the adverse effects of rapid weight gain on later coronary heart disease are already apparent at age 3 years. Improvements in fetal, infant, and child growth could lead to substantial reductions in the incidence of coronary heart disease. What is already known on this topic Coronary heart disease is associated with low birth weight One study has shown that irrespective of size at birth, low weight gain in infancy is also associated with increased risk of the disease among men Rapid weight gain after age 6 years is associated with further increase in risk What this study adds The association with low weight gain in infancy is confirmed The adverse effects of rapid childhood weight gain on risk of coronary heart disease are already apparent at age 3 years and occur only in boys who were thin at birth
Newer antifungal agents for invasive fungal infections in patients with haematological malignancy

Since 2001 five new systemically administered antifungal agents have been approved for clinical use. This represents a major advance for antifungal therapy in haematological malignancy patients undergoing chemotherapy or haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The echinocandins are a new class of antifungals with a novel mode of action. Capsofungin has already established itself as a valuable therapy for candidaemia and salvage therapy of invasive aspergillosis. Although both anidulafungin and micafungin are approved for treatment of candidiasis, their role in invasive aspergillosis requires more clinical trial evaluation. Of the two newer triazoles, voriconazole has been recommended in international guidelines as primary therapy for acute invasive aspergillosis. Posaconazole has a broad spectrum of activity in vitro and a potentially key role in antifungal prophylaxis in high‐risk HSCT recipients and during prolonged neutropenia. Although some of these drugs have important interactions with other medications, and potential toxicities, they are safer to use and more efficacious than amphotericin B deoxycholate. Their arrival gives more choices to treat rarer mycoses and will facilitate clinical trial assessment of combination therapy of aspergillosis where single agent therapy gives less than 50% success rates.
Evaluation of Serum CA125 Values in Healthy Individuals and Pregnant Women

CA125 is an antigenic determinant associated with human epithelial ovarian carcinoma. This study was undertaken to evaluate the distribution of serum CA125 levels and the effect of smoking on these levels among healthy individuals and clarify the relation of maternal serum CA125 level and pregnancy. Among 552 healthy individuals, the distribution of serum CA125 values was demonstrated to resemble logarithmic normal distribution. Analysis of variance about age and sex revealed apparent elevation of values for women under 49 years of age in comparison with those for women over 50 years of age and men. Values for these two groups were 143 units/ml for the former and 32 units/ml for the latter, with a 99.7% confidence limit. These values exclude 99.3% of the former and 99.7% of the latter. Serum CA125 values were not affected by smoking. The measurement of serum CA125 levels in 71 pregnant women disclosed a significant elevation during the first trimester in comparison with non-pregnant women under 49 years of age. These results indicate that CA125 values must be deliberatively evaluated in young women, especially during first trimester of pregnancy.
Voluntary Running Exercise Alters Microbiota Composition and Increases n-Butyrate Concentration in the Rat Cecum

The effects of voluntary wheel-running exercise on cecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acid production were investigated in rats. The microbiota composition was notably different between the exercised and sedentary rats. Furthermore, the exercised rats showed a significantly higher n-butyrate concentration than the sedentary rats. This alteration of the cecal microbial environment may contribute to the beneficial effect of exercise on gastrointestinal disorders.
Transient hyper-17-hydroxyprogesteronemia: a clinical subgroup of patients diagnosed at neonatal screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE Neonatal screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is characterized by a high false-positive rate, mainly among preterm and low birth weight infants. The aims of this study were to describe a subgroup of infants with transient serum hyper-17-hydroxyprogesteronemia (hyper-17-OHPemia) and to compare them with false positive and affected by 21-hydroxylase deficiency newborns. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of all newborns positive at CAH neonatal screening, who were referred to our hospital to confirm the diagnosis from 2002 to 2006. They were submitted to clinical investigations and blood tests to evaluate 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), renin, and electrolyte levels. CAH-unaffected newborns with increased serum 17-OHP were submitted to strict follow-up monitoring, which included an ACTH-stimulating test and genetic analysis of the 21-hydroxylase gene, until serum 17-OHP decreased. RESULTS Thirty-seven newborns with gestational ages ranging from 33 to 40 weeks were studied. Eight infants (three male and five female) were affected by CAH (serum 17-OHP: 277.5 (210-921) nmol/l), 14 (ten male and four female) were false positives (17-OHP: 3.75 (0.3-8.4) nmol/l), and 15 (ten male and five female) showed a serum hyper-17-OHPemia (17-OHP: 15.9 (9.9-33) nmol/l). No mutations of the 21-hydroxylase gene were found in infants with hyper-17-OHPemia and their serum 17-OHP levels were normalized by the third month of life. CONCLUSION We identified a population of infants with transient serum hyper-17-OHPemia, and no clinical signs of disease or 21-hydroxylase gene mutations. No further investigations are necessary after birth in these newborns if 17-OHP levels decrease, other confirmatory tests such as ACTH-stimulation test or genotyping analysis are necessary only if symptoms appear.
Modulation of Inflammation by Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Peritoneal Dialysis in Rats

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation on the peritoneal morphology and inflammation markers in rat models of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Materials and methods: Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups: control (C) (n = 8) and experimental groups (n = 50). PD solution was given to the experimental group during 6 weeks. Then, experimental group was divided into three groups as PD, MSC, and placebo (P) groups. MSC group was treated with MSC (1.5 × 106 cells/kg) and P group was treated with phosphate buffer solution via intraperitoneal injection. Evaluation was performed to C and PD groups at the end of 6 weeks and to MSC and P groups at second and third week of the treatment (MSC-2, P-2, MSC-3, and P-3 groups). Results: The submesothelial area was significantly thickened in PD and P groups compared to C and MSC groups. Peritoneal fibrosis was seen in P-3 group but not in MSC group. There were no significant differences between the MSC-3 and C groups according to morphological findings. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly increased in MSC-2 group compared to the other groups (p-values ranged from 0.0001 to 0.04). TNF-α and IL-6 levels in MSC-3 and P-3 groups were lower than PD and C groups (p < 0.0001 for TNF-α and p = 0.0001–0.002 for IL-6). Conclusion: Giving MSC may protect the peritoneal membrane from the deleterious effect of PD and extend the life of the peritoneal membrane. Our study is the first on this issue and more detailed studies are needed.