Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic polymorphism at the glutathione S‐tranferase (GST) P1 locus is a breast cancer risk modifier

The isolation of full‐length cDNAs of naturally occurring GSTP1 gene variants, and the demonstration that these alleles are distributed in the normal population, have provided conclusive evidence that the human GSTP1 gene locus is polymorphic and that specific GSTP1 alleles may be associated with different risk for cancers or other diseases. Recent data have indicated that the different GSTP1 alleles encode proteins with different enzymatic activities against carcinogens. In this case‐control study, we examined the effect of the GSTP1 genetic polymorphism and its interaction with other factors to determine breast cancer risk. GSTP1 and GSTM1 genotypes of 220 breast cancer patients and 196 controls, all residents of western France, were examined. Data on menopausal status and family cancer history were obtained from 195 patients and 147 controls. Exons 5 and 6 of the GSTP1 gene, which contain the polymorphic nucleotide transitions, were analyzed by DNA polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism to distinguish between the GSTP1 alleles. In the control population, GSTP1 allelic frequencies were 64.3%, 26.0% and 9.7%, respectively, for GSTP1*A, GSTP1*B and GSTP1*C. In the breast cancer patients, the frequencies were 67.9% for GSTP1*A, 26.8% for GSTP1*B and 5.3% for GSTP1*C. In multivariate analysis, breast cancer risk increased by 7.7‐fold (p < 0.001) in women with a family history of cancers and 2.18‐fold (p = 0.026) in non‐GSTP1*C individuals. GSTM1 genotypes did not emerge as risk factor. Our results show that in addition to well‐known risk factors, in particular, a family history of cancer, GSTP1 allelopolymorphism is a significant modifier of breast cancer risk. The results also suggest a protective role against breast cancer for the GSTP1*C allele. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dental stability and maximal masticatory muscle activity.

The electromyographical (EMG) activity of masticatory muscles during full clenching in the retruded contact position (RCP) and intercuspal position (IP) with and without a posterior stabilizing splint was studied. The linear envelope EMG signal from three bilateral muscles was recorded (masseter, anterior temporal and posterior temporal). Thirty-seven subjects were evaluated. Clenching in the RCP without the splint and with the presence of an unstable occlusal contact inhibited the masseter muscle activity and reduced anterior temporal and posterior temporal muscle activity. The masticatory muscle activity returned to normal when clenching in the RCP with a splint that permitted stability in the dentition. EMG activity was the same in the IP with and without the splint. The results indicate that the determinant of maximal masseter isometric muscle contraction is the amount of stability in the dentition rather than the jaw position. If the dentition takes the major role of stabilizing the mandible, i.e., there is good intercuspation, the masseter muscle can exert maximal isometric contraction. If the stability is not provided by the dentition, i.e., there is a premature contact, the jaw muscles must contribute to the stabilization and reduce the magnitude of the maximal contraction to avoid damage to the structures involved in the compensatory stabilization.
Screening curriculum aims and objectives using the philosophy of education

A special session at the 2007 Frontiers in Education Conference was devoted to the question ldquoCan philosophy of engineering education improve the practice of engineering? rdquo In supporting a positive answer to this question it is argued that philosophy can contribute to better educational decision making, as for example in the screening of aims and of objectives. If that is the case then every engineering educator should have a defensible philosophy of education. The intention of this paper is to argue the case for screening using the example of the constructivist-realist debate that has pre-occupied teaching in science during the last twenty-five years. It is argued that at the epistemological level the stance taken by the educator has implications for the teaching of ethics. At the pedagogical level the differences are minimal although constructivism has caused consideration of ldquonegotiated curricularrdquo that has consequences for the design of project work. Realists have pointed out that in certain circumstances rote learning is likely to be necessary. Both theories support the contention that too much is covered in the curriculum. Brief mention is made of constructive alternativism. It is concluded that the learning procedures used will depend on the objectives to be obtained. It is argued that this discussion supports the contention that the screening of aims using the philosophy of education is a valuable exercise.
Evidence-Based Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Neonates

Premature infants are at risk for many health problems including gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is very distressing to parents and caregivers. Infants with GER experience symptoms such as regurgitation, crying, irritability and arching within 30 minutes of feeding. The purpose of this article is to examine GER in neonates and review research evidence to support effective interventions. Common interventions such as elevating the head of the bed, holding the infant upright, using prone or left-lateral positioning, thickening feedings and use of medications will all be discussed. In addition, research evidence about the supposed relationship of GER to apnea in preterm infants will be presented.
HYPOXIA AND REOXYGENATION INCREASE H 2 O 2 PRODUCTION IN RATS

To test the effect of transition from sustained hypoxia to normoxia on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lungs, the authors measured hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) output in the expired air of rats breathing hypoxic, normoxic, and hyperoxic gas mixtures at the end of exposure to 72 hours of hypoxia. Twenty-one male Wistar rats (200 to 280 g) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. First two groups (experimental) were kept for 3 days in normobaric hypoxic chamber (F 1 O 2 0.1), rats of the third group (controls) breathed air. The rats were then anesthetized, intubated, placed in the plethysmograph, and their ventilation measured. Two periods of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection, each lasting 1 hour, were then performed to assay H 2 O 2 output. The controls breathed during both samplings air, the first experimental group breathed during first sampling period hypoxic mixture (F 1 O 2 0.1; SH-H measurement) and then, during second period, air (SH-H-A measurement), the second experimental group breathed first air (SH-A measurement) and then hyperoxic mixture (F 1 O 2 1.0; SH-A-O 2 measurement). Concentration of H 2 O 2 in the EBC was assayed by chemiluminescence. H 2 O 2 production in the control group was low and similar in both measurements (20 ± 10 and 13 ± 5 pmol/h, mean ± SEM). Exposure to 72 hours of hypoxia increased the H 2 O 2 production to 105 ± 18 pmol/h (SH-H). Transition from hypoxia to normoxia resulted in an increase in the H 2 O 2 production (SH-A 421 ± 24 pmol/h, and SH-H-A 366 ± 19 pmol/h). Following transition from air breathing to hyperoxia did not affect the H 2 O 2 production (SH-A-O 2 373 ± 25 pmol/h). The results showed that sustained hypoxia and transition from sustained hypoxia to normoxia increased H 2 O 2 formation in the lungs.
THE STUDY OF HISTOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SOLDER FUMES IN RAT LUNGS

Objective(s) To determine the potential toxic effects of manual soldering flux cored solder wire on lung of the rat as an experimental model. Materials and Methods A total number of 48 adult male rats were divided into experimental (n= 30) and control (n= 18) groups. Based on exposure time to solder fume, each group was further subdivided into 2, 4 and 6 week subgroups. Rats of experimental groups were exposed to fume in exposure chamber for 1 hour/day (Research Center of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, 12 Apr 2005 to 14 May 2005). The amount of fumes were measured daily by standard methods. At the end of experiment, lung specimens were collected from each experimental and control subgroups. Tissue samples were processed routinely and thickness of epithelium in bronchioles and interalveolar septas were measured in stained microscopic slides. Obtained data were analyzed by SPSS. Results Statistical analysis of data for thickness of epithelium in bronchioles showed that there was only a significant difference between 4 week experimental and control subgroups (P< 0.001). Analysis of data for thickness of interalveolar septa showed statistically significant differences between experimental and control subgroups of 4 and 6 weeks (P< 0.001). Histological examination was also revealed an inflammatory process in bronchioles and disorganized architecture in alveoli of lung in experimental subgroups. Conclusion The result showed that solder fume can change the normal architectures of epithelium in bronchioles and alveoli of the lung and it seems that the severities of changes were dependent on the exposure time.
B2B green marketing and innovation theory for competitive advantage

Purpose – In these economically and ecologically challenging times, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how innovation theory can be used to design more effective, proactive B2B green marketing strategies in order to meet the triple bottom line of economic, social, and ecological sustainability.Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper provides a literature review of green marketing strategies and competitive advantage, and relates it to diffusion of innovation theory in a new way. First, a brief overview is described of corporate social responsibility (CSR) theories related to green marketing, with this paper providing value by adding innovation theory to address the gap in the literature. Next, a discussion is provided on reactive and proactive B2B green marketing strategies, degrees of innovation, and diffusion theory research, and propositions are developed. Then, a new model is presented on B2B green marketing innovation strategies and competitive advantage. Next, a conceptual analy.
Health‐related quality of life in parents of pediatric solid organ transplant recipients in Japan

Few studies have examined HRQOL in pediatric Tx recipients’ parents. This study investigated HRQOL in these parents and relationships between HRQOL and perceived burden of nurturing, family functioning, and social support. Self‐report anonymous questionnaires and a survey of medical records were completed between September and December 2013. The SF‐36v2, which evaluates physical, psychological, and social health, was used to measure HRQOL. While values for physical and psychological health were higher than standard values (Cohen's d = 0.34 and 0.17, respectively), social health scores were lower (d = 0.21). “Parental consultation unrelated to donation” (standardized partial regression coefficient: β = −0.52) was associated with physical health. “Family functioning” and “Commuting time between home and primary follow‐up hospital” (β = 0.57 and −0.31) were related to psychological health. “Total score for perceived burden of nurturing” (β = −0.31) was related to social health. Regarding parental HRQOL, while physical and psychological health was favorable, social health was impaired. In clinical practice, interventions targeting parents’ physical conditions and facilitation of community and family understanding and support to share recipients’ nurturing are important in improving parental HRQOL.
A conceptual overview of housing affordability in Selangor, Malaysia

Socioeconomic stability and development of a country, can be describe by housing affordability. It is aimed to ensure the housing provided as one of the key factors that is affordable by every income earner group whether low-income, middle income and high income group. This research carried out is to find out affordability of home ownership level for first medium cost landed-house by the middle-income group in Selangor, Malaysia. It is also hope that it could be seen as able to contribute to the knowledge and understanding on housing affordability level for the middleincome group and variables that influenced the medium income group’s ability to own first medium-cost houses. Keywords—Residential, Housing Affordability, Middle income.
Nucleocapsid disassembly and early gene expression by positive-strand RNA viruses.

Introduction. Virological literature tends, almost universally, to consider either the structural events leading to release of RNA from a virus particle into the cytoplasmic matrix (the so-called early events), or the subsequent functional expression of that RNA by the cellular protein synthetic machinery. Seldom are both aspects viewed together. This convenient, arbitrary division might not exist in vivo and we should perhaps consider these two processes occurring in concert, bearing in mind the likely fate of the released RNA. As the title suggests, the principal aim of this review is to introduce a new perspective on the location and mechanism of the uncoating of positive-sense RNA viruses. Recent results from my laboratory (Wilson, 1984a, b) and work by several colleagues (Brisco et al., 1985; D. V. Sangar, personal communication) have alerted us to the possibility that nucleocapsid disassembly might occur in vivo as a consequence of translational events (i.e. ‘co-translational disassembly’).
Prebiotics to Fight Diseases: Reality or Fiction?

Bacteria living in the gastrointestinal tract are crucial for human health and disease occurrence. Increasing the beneficial intestinal microflora by consumption of prebiotics, which are ‘functional foods’, could be an elegant way to limit the number and incidence of disorders and to recover from dysbiosis or antibiotic treatments. This review focuses on the short‐chain low‐digestible carbohydrates (LDCs) which are metabolized by gut microbiota serving as energy source, immune system enhancers or facilitators of mineral uptake. Intake of foods containing LDCs can improve the state of health and may prevent diseases as for example certain forms of cancer. Given the large number of different molecules belonging to LDCs, we focused our attention on fructans (inulin, fructo‐oligosaccharides), galacto‐oligosaccharides and resistant starches and their therapeutic and protective applications. Evidence is accumulating that LDCs can inhibit bacterial and viral infections by modulating host defense responses and by changing the interactions between pathogenic and beneficial bacteria. Animal studies and studies on small groups of human subjects suggest that LDCs might help to counteract colorectal cancer, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The action mechanisms of LDCs in the human body might be broader than originally thought, perhaps also including reactive oxygen species scavenging and signaling events. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tolerability of Intermittent Hemodialysis in a Cohort of Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device

The use of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has emerged as a popular treatment for patients with advanced heart failure. It is not uncommon for these patients to suffer from renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy. The purpose of this study is to assess hemodynamic parameters and ability to complete the prescribed hemodialysis session in a series of patients who underwent numerous dialysis treatments.
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Stimulates the Functional Capacity of Progenitor Cells by Activation of the CXCR4-Dependent Signaling Pathway via the S1P3 Receptor

Objective—Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid, which influences migration and proliferation of endothelial cells through activation of S1P receptors and has been shown to support SDF-1 induced migration and bone marrow homing of CD34+ progenitors. Methods and Results—Here, we show that incubation of patient-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) with S1P or its synthetic analog FTY720 improved blood flow recovery in ischemic hind limbs. Likewise, recovery of blood flow was dramatically reduced after induction of hindlimb ischemia in mice deficient for the S1P receptor 3 (S1P3). S1P3−/− bone marrow–derived mononuclear cells (BMCs) failed to augment neovascularization after hind limb ischemia. Of note, treatment of BMCs derived from S1P3−/− mice with S1P did not rescue blood flow recovery. Mechanistically, S1P and FTY720 induced phosphorylation of CXCR4, activated the Src kinase, and stimulated phosphorylation of JAK2. The contribution of CXCR4 for S1P-mediated effects was further supported by the findings that S1P preincubation failed to stimulate invasion capacity and in vivo blood flow recovery of BMCs from CXCR4+/− mice. The activation of CXCR4 was dependent on the Src kinase family as demonstrated by preincubation with the Src inhibitor PP2. The activation of the CXCR4 signaling by S1P is mediated via the S1P3 receptor, since S1P-induced Src phosphorylation was abrogated in EPC from S1P3−/− mice. Conclusions—S1P agonists might serve as sensitizers of CXCR4-mediated signaling and may be applied in clinical progenitor cell therapy to improve EPC or BMC function in patients with coronary artery disease.
Way to Play: Analyzing Gambling Ads for Their Appeal to Underage Youth

ABSTRACT This study is the first in Canada to look at gambling ads from a variety of media sources from different provincial lotteries, with 127 television, radio, print, and public-display ads obtained from the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Loto-Quebec, and the Western Lottery Corporation. Ads were coded for recurring themes, symbols, and discourses using a qualitative software program and analyzed, with their appeal to youth forming the framework for analysis. Major findings include the discussion of nine key themes: easy money, dream, social status, glamour, regular folks, sports, excitement, humour, and youth culture. These themes are discussed in terms of their specific appeal to youth audiences, and their significance is related to existing literature.RESUME Cette etude est la premiere au Canada a analyser des publicites sur le jeu provenant de medias et de loteries provinciales divers, examinant 127 annonces pour la television, la radio, la presse ecrite et les panneaux publicitaires obtenues de Loto Atlantique, de la Societe des loteries et des jeux de l’Ontario, de Loto-Quebec et du Western Canada Lottery Corporation. Au moyen d’un logiciel pour la recherche qualitative, nous avons recense et analyse les themes, symboles et discours recurrents dans ces publicites, leur attrait pour les jeunes constituant notre cadre d’analyse principal. Nos resultats ont mene a la discussion de neuf themes cles : l’argent facile, le reve, le statut social, le glamour, les gens comme vous et moi, les sports, l’excitation, l’humour et la culture de jeunesse. Nous discutons ces themes par rapport a leur signification aux travaux actuels sur le sujet.
Analysis and Design of a Zero-Voltage-Switching and Zero-Current-Switching Interleaved Boost Converter

A novel interleaved boost converter with zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and zero-current switching (ZCS) characteristics is proposed in this paper. By using the interleaved approach, this topology not only decreases the current stress of the main circuit device but also reduces the ripple of the input current and output voltage. Moreover, by establishing the common soft-switching module, the soft-switching interleaved converter can greatly reduce the size and cost. The main switches can achieve the characteristics of ZVS and ZCS simultaneously to reduce the switching loss and improve the efficiency with a wide range of load. This topology has two operational conditions depending on the situation of the duty cycle. A driving circuit is designed for the proposed topology to determine the two conditions automatically. The operational principle, theoretical analysis, and design method of the proposed converter are presented. Finally, simulations and experimental results are used to verify the feasibility and exactness of the proposed converter.
A case of Robin sequence, microgastria, radiohumeral synostosis, femoral deficiency, and other unusual findings: A newly recognized syndrome?

In this report, we describe an 8‐year‐old male with Robin sequence, bilateral radiohumeral synostosis, microgastria, cryptorchidism, dislocated hips, proximal femoral deficiency, and an autism spectrum disorder. This combination of findings has not been previously reported. Features of particular interest are the radiohumeral synostosis and microgastria, both of which are rare defects, and to our knowledge, have not been reported to occur together. We propose that the patient has a newly recognized syndrome consisting of the aforementioned features, the etiology of which is unknown. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serum carcinoembryonic antigen as a tumour marker in patients with endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND No potential tumour markers have been validated for prognosis in endometrial cancer. However, carcinoembryonic antigen (cea) is one of the most widely used tumour markers in various types of cancer. Although cea expression in endometrial cancer has been investigated, its prognostic value remains controversial, and no studies have investigated serum cea levels in large case series. In the present study, we investigated diagnostic and prognostic applications of serum cea for endometrial cancer. METHODS This prospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. Between January 2006 and December 2012, serum cea was measured prospectively in 215 patients with endometrial cancer and was subsequently measured during treatment and at scheduled follow-up examinations in patients with elevated baseline serum cea. RESULTS During the study period, 215 patients (142 stage i, 19 stage ii, 32 stage iii, 22 stage iv) were treated for endometrial cancer. By the time of last follow-up, 52 had relapsed (24.2%), and the median follow-up duration was 45 months (range: 1-95 months). Elevated serum cea was identified in 25 patients (11.6%) and was associated with histologic type (p = 0.04), histologic grade (p = 0.03), and myometrial invasion depth (p = 0.01). Elevated serum cea was not related to clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, age, menopausal status, or body mass index. Relapse of disease was related to elevated serum cea (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Serum cea is a potential prognostic indicator for endometrial cancer.
Central osmotic regulation of sympathetic nerve activity.

AIM In this review, we will focus on the central neural mechanisms that couple osmotic perturbations to changes in sympathetic nerve discharge, and the possible impact these actions have in cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension and congestive heart failure. RESULTS Changes in extracellular fluid osmolality lead to specific regulatory responses in defence of body fluid and cardiovascular homeostasis. Systemic hyperosmolality is well known to stimulate thirst and the release of antidiuretic hormone. These responses are largely due to osmosensing neurones in the forebrain lamina terminalis and hypothalamus and are critical elements in a control system that operates to restore body fluid osmolality. An equally important, but less characterized, target of central osmoregulatory processes is the sympathetic nervous system. CONCLUSION Understanding the neurobiology of sympathetic responses to changes in osmolality has important implications for body fluid and cardiovascular physiology. By stabilizing osmolality, vascular volume is preserved and thereby relatively normal levels of cardiac output and arterial pressure are maintained.