Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Yeast Sphingolipid Phospholipase Gene ISC1 Regulates the Spindle Checkpoint by a CDC55-Dependent Mechanism

Defects in the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) can lead to aneuploidy and cancer. Sphingolipids have important roles in many cellular functions, including cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. However, the specific mechanisms and functions of sphingolipids in cell cycle regulation have not been elucidated. Using analysis of concordance for synthetic lethality for the yeast sphingolipid phospholipase ISC1, we identified two groups of genes. The first comprises genes involved in chromosome segregation and stability (CSM3, CTF4, YKE2, DCC1, and GIM4) as synthetically lethal with ISC1. ABSTRACT Defects in the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) can lead to aneuploidy and cancer. Sphingolipids have important roles in many cellular functions, including cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. However, the specific mechanisms and functions of sphingolipids in cell cycle regulation have not been elucidated. Using analysis of concordance for synthetic lethality for the yeast sphingolipid phospholipase ISC1, we identified two groups of genes. The first comprises genes involved in chromosome segregation and stability (CSM3, CTF4, YKE2, DCC1, and GIM4) as synthetically lethal with ISC1. The second group, to which ISC1 belongs, comprises genes involved in the spindle checkpoint (BUB1, MAD1, BIM1, and KAR3), and they all share the same synthetic lethality with the first group. We demonstrate that spindle checkpoint genes act upstream of Isc1, and their deletion phenocopies that of ISC1. Reciprocally, ISC1 deletion mutants were sensitive to benomyl, indicating a SAC defect. Similar to BUB1 deletion, ISC1 deletion prevents spindle elongation in hydroxyurea-treated cells. Mechanistically, PP2A-Cdc55 ceramide-activated phosphatase was found to act downstream of Isc1, thus coupling the spindle checkpoint genes and Isc1 to CDC55-mediated nuclear functions.
Effects of low volume high intensity interval training in Hispanic HIV+ Women: a non-randomized study.

BACKGROUND Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is usually observed in people living with HIV (PLWH). The effect of a low-volume high intensity interval training (LV-HIIT) on CRF in HIV+ and HIV- Hispanic women was evaluated in this study. SETTING A non-randomized clinical trial with pre and post-test using a LV-HIIT intervention was conducted in the AIDS Clinical Trials Unit (ACTU) and the Puerto Rico Clinical and Translational Research Consortium (PRCTRC) at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. METHODS 29 HIV+ and 13 HIV- Hispanic women recruited from community-based programs and clinics, and able to engage in daily physical activities, volunteered to participate. Of these, 20 HIV+ (69%) and 11 HIV- (85%) completed the study and were included in the analyses. LV-HIIT consisted of 6-weeks, 3 days/week, 8-10 high and low intensity intervals on a cycle-ergometer at 80-90% of heart rate reserve. Main outcome measures were CRF (defined as VO2peak), peak workload, and time to peak exercise. RESULTS Average peak workload and time to peak exercise increased after training (P<0.05) in both groups. However, average CRF was significantly higher after training only in the HIV- group. Gains in CRF were observed in 100% of HIV- and 50% of HIV+ women. This was not influenced by exercise testing, habitual physical activity, or anthropometric variables. CONCLUSION Given the lack of change in CRF observed in the HIV+ group post LV-HIIT intervention, it is important to focus on variations that may occur within groups.
HEG1 Is a Highly Specific and Sensitive Marker of Epithelioid Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma can be difficult to distinguish from other malignancies, particularly non–small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs), without immunohistochemistry. However, conventional markers of mesothelial lineage all have variable degrees of cross-reactivity with other neoplasms, including NSCLCs, necessitating the use of multiple mesothelioma and carcinoma markers in every case for accurate diagnosis. A recently described monoclonal HEG homolog 1 (HEG1) antibody was proposed to be a specific marker for mesothelioma. Here we performed a large scale assessment of the SKM9-2 HEG1 antibody using tissue microarrays containing 69 epithelioid mesotheliomas, 32 sarcomatoid mesotheliomas, 167 NSCLCs, and 17 ovarian high-grade serous carcinomas. Strong membrane staining, usually diffuse, for HEG1 was seen in 65/69 (94%) epithelioid mesotheliomas, 0/60 pulmonary squamous cell carcinomas, 0/73 pulmonary adenocarcinomas, and 0/13 pulmonary large cell carcinomas. HEG1 showed staining in 14/32 (44%) sarcomatoid mesotheliomas compared with 0/21 sarcomatoid pulmonary carcinomas. Three of 17 (18%) high-grade serous carcinomas demonstrated membrane staining. Ten B3 thymoma whole sections were negative. On the microarrays, the conventional mesothelial markers calretinin, WT1, D2-40, and CK5/6 had sensitivities for epithelioid mesothelioma of 94%, 90%, 96%, and 91%, respectively. We conclude that HEG1 SKM9-2 antibody offers sensitivity comparable to conventional markers for epithelioid mesotheliomas, but provides considerably better specificity, such that the diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma versus NSCLC potentially could be confirmed with a combination of HEG1 and a suitable broad spectrum carcinoma marker such as claudin-4. HEG1 is specific but insensitive for separating sarcomatoid mesotheliomas from sarcomatoid lung carcinomas.
Intramuscular Injection of Combined Calf Blood Compound (CFC) and Homeopathic Drug Tr14 Accelerates Muscle Regeneration In Vivo

Skeletal muscle injuries in competitive sports cause lengthy absences of athletes from tournaments. This is of tremendous competitive and economic relevance for both the athletes and their respective clubs. Therapy for structural muscle lesions aims to promote regeneration and fast-track return-to-play. A common clinical treatment strategy for muscle injuries is the intramuscular injection of calf blood compound and the homeopathic drug, Tr14. Although the combination of these two agents was reported to reduce recovery time, the regulatory mechanism whereby this occurs remains unknown. In this in vivo study, we selected a rat model of mechanical muscle injury to investigate the effect of this combination therapy on muscle regeneration. Gene expression analysis and histological images revealed that this combined intramuscular injection for muscle lesions can enhance the expression of pro-myogenic genes and proteins and accelerate muscle regeneration. These findings are novel and depict the positive effects of calf blood compound and the homeopathic drug, Tr14, which are utilized in the field of Sports medicine.
Phonon stability and phonon transport of graphene-like borophene

Recent decades have seen tremendous progress in quantitative understanding of phonon transport, which is critical for the thermal management of various functional devices and the proper optimization of thermoelectric materials. In this work, using a first-principles based calculation combined with the non-equilibrium Green’s function and a phonon Boltzmann transport equation, we provide a systematic study of the phonon stability and phonon transport of a monolayer boron sheet with a honeycomb, graphene-like structure (graphene-like borophene) in both ballistic and diffusive regimes. For free-standing graphene-like borophene, phonon instabilities occur near the centre of the Brillouin zone, implying elastic instability. Investigation of the electronic structures shows that the phonon instability is due to the deficiency of electrons. Our first-principles results show that with net charge doping and in-plane tensile strain, graphene-like borophene becomes thermodynamically stable in ideal planar nature, because the bonding characteristic is modified. At room temperature, the ballistic thermal conductance of graphene-like borophene (7.14 nWK−1 nm−2) is higher than that of graphene (4.1 nWK−1 nm−2), due to high phonon transmission. However, its diffusive thermal conductivity is two orders of magnitude lower than graphene, because the phonon relaxation time is dramatically reduced compared with its carbon counterpart. Although the phonon group velocity and phonon anharmonicity are comparable with those of graphene, the suppressed phonon space results in dramatically strong phonon–phonon scattering. These thermal transport characteristics in both ballistic and diffusive regimes are of fundamental and technological relevance and provide guidance for applications of boron-based nanomaterials in which thermal conduction is the major concern.
Survey of receiving institutions' use and attitude to IELTS

Since its launch in December 1989, IELTS has established a significant profile in Australia while still facing opposition in some circles and competition from other tests which eat into its potential candidature. Many universities run their own English tests for entry into programs possibly as an incentive to lure students to their university. Other institutions may use IELTS but with little understanding of what an IEL TS score actually signifies and what level of predictive validity it offers. This research project was conceived and designed to investigate some major issues relating to tertiary level English language testing generally and ascertain the attitude of the end users of these tests, ie the universities and TAFE colleges, in an attempt to piece together an overall picture of test usage. It was decided to target the institutions both at the Admissions level and also within individual faculties on a one to one basis, in particular those accepting large numbers of overseas NESB students, to ascertain views on the test. It was felt that opinions should be sought on a range of issues, from the product itself (ie the level of English competence that an organisation can expect from a student offering an IELTS score) to matters relating to test administration (eg the positive aspects and/or shortcomings of IELTS in terms of speed of results and cost to candidates). The overall objectives of the research were: - to establish which institutions are using IEL TS as their main instrument of assessment of English proficiency for incoming NESB students. - to establish to what extent IEL TS is serving the needs of these receiving institutions. - to establish what other language proficiency tests are being used for assessment of English proficiency. The research also posed the question as to whether Australia needs the variety of tests, which are currently being used/offered by institutions, and what effect this diverse choice may be having on overall educational standards across the Australian education sector.
Running Head: Organization of executive functions Invited Address at the Occasion of the Bertelson Award 2011 ORGANIZATION OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS: HEMISPHERIC ASYMMETRIES

This address provides a review of evidence for a deconstruction of executive functions, the set of cognitive operations which allow goal-directed behavior. The underlying working hypothesis is that some complementary and computationally diverse executive functions are dissociable not only functionally but also temporally and anatomically, along the left-right axis of prefrontal cortex and related neural networks. In particular, criterion-setting – the capacity to flexibly set up and select task rules – is more left-lateralized; monitoring – the process of continuously evaluating the internal or external contingencies to optimize behavior – is more right-lateralized; finally, superior medial prefrontal regions, including dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, have a role in energizing weakly activated but relevant processes. Several lines of empirical evidence, including neuroimaging and neuropsychological findings, are presented to support this tripartite model of executive functions. Evidence which is difficult to explain with this model and some future directions are also discussed.
Comparison of femoral tunnel length and obliquity of anatomic versus nonanatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A meta-analysis

Purpose Theoretical considerations suggest that femoral tunnel length might cause graft mismatch, and femoral tunnel obliquity could be related to the longevity of graft in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, controversy still exists regarding these issues in the context of the comparison of anatomic and nonanatomic ACL reconstructions. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the length and obliquity of the femoral tunnel created by drilling through either anatomic or nonanatomic ACL reconstructions. Materials and method In this meta-analysis, we reviewed studies that compared femoral tunnel length and femoral tunnel obliquity in the coronal plane with the use of anatomic or nonanatomic ACL reconstruction. The major databases were reviewed for appropriate studies from the earliest available date of indexing through December 31, 2018. No restrictions were placed on the language of publication. Results Twenty-seven studies met the criteria for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The femur tunnel length of anatomic ACL reconstruction was significantly shorter compared with that of nonanatomic ACL reconstruction by 8.66 mm (95% CI: 7.10–10.22 mm; P<0.001), while the femur tunnel obliquity in the coronal plane of anatomic ACL reconstruction was significantly more oblique versus that of nonanatomic ACL reconstruction by 15.29° (95% CI: 8.07°–22.52°; P<0.001). Similar results in terms of femoral tunnel length were found for the subgroup with cadaveric (7.15 mm; 95% CI: 2.69–11.61 mm; P = 0.002) and noncadaveric (8.96 mm; 95% CI: 7.24–10.69 mm; P<0.001) studies, whereas different results in terms of femoral tunnel obliquity were noted for the subgroup with cadaveric (10.62°; 95% CI: −6.12° to 27.37°; P = 0.21) and noncadaveric (15.86°; 95% CI: 8.11°–23.60°; P<0.001) studies. Conclusion Anatomic ACL reconstruction resulted in the femoral tunnel length and femoral tunnel obliquity in the coronal plane being shorter and more oblique, respectively, as compared with nonanatomic ACL reconstruction. Level of evidence Therapeutic study, Level III.
Change in Bone CT Attenuation and C-Reactive Protein are Predictors of Bone Biopsy Culture Positivity in Patients with Vertebral Discitis/Osteomyelitis.

STUDY DESIGN Case-control study. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify the best laboratory and imaging factors to predict bone biopsy culture positivity in the setting of vertebral discitis/osteomyelitis (VDO). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Good predictors of bone biopsy culture positivity in the setting of VDO are unknown. METHODS Retrospective review was performed for 46 patients who underwent CT-guided bone biopsy for evaluation of clinically confirmed VDO. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), mean CT attenuation of the biopsied bone, and the change in the CT attenuation of the bone compared to unaffected vertebral bone (delta CT attenuation) were measured. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to identify the optimal threshold value for each variable. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to predict the probability of a positive bone culture using delta CT attenuation and CRPx100% fold above normal. RESULTS For one of the 46 VDO patients, bone cultures were not obtained. Approximately 35.6% (16/45) of bone cultures were positive. The most significant predictors of bone culture positivity were CRP x100% fold above normal (p = 0.011) and delta CT attenuation (p = <0.001). Optimized predictive thresholds were calculated to be CRP 4-fold above normal reference value (90.9% sensitivity, 73.7% specificity), or if the CT attenuation of the affected vertebral body was >25.9 HU lower relative to unaffected bone (93.8% sensitivity, 75.0% specificity). CONCLUSIONS Delta CT attenuation, as well as CRP level over 4 times the upper limits of normal, were the strongest predictors for bone culture positivity in patients with VDO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Association Between Change in Inflammatory Aspects of Diet and Change in IBD-related Inflammation and Symptoms Over 1 Year: The Manitoba Living With IBD Study.

BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate (1) the stability of inflammatory aspects of diet over 1 year among persons with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and (2) the impact of change in diet on changes in inflammation and IBD symptoms over 1 year. METHODS Participants were recruited to the Manitoba Living with IBD Study and completed the Harvard Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Index (EDII) were used to calculate the inflammatory potential of the diet. Inflammation was measured by fecal calprotectin (≥250 µg/g). Symptoms were measured by the IBD Symptom Inventory (IBDSI). All measures were obtained at baseline and 1 year. Dietary Inflammatory Index and Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Index scores >0 and <0 reflect pro- and anti-inflammatory diet, respectively. Variance components analyses were used to describe diet stability. Associations between changes in diet and changes in active inflammation and symptoms were assessed using ordinal logistic regression and multilevel linear regression modeling. RESULTS One hundred thirty-five participants (66% CD) were included. Approximately one third of the variance in EDII (36%) and DII (33%) scores was explained by changes in diet over time. Each unit increase in the change in EDII (baseline to follow-up) was associated with a greater odds of FCAL, indicating active inflammation (>250 µg/g; odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-9.93; P = 0.04) and with a rise in IBDSI of 6.7 (95% CI, 1.0-12.4; P = 0.022; theoretical IBDSI range, 0-81). There was no association between changes in DII and changes in FCAL or IBDSI. CONCLUSION The EDII, but not the DII, may have utility to identify the inflammatory potential of diet. This inflammatory potential can contribute to inflammation and/or disease symptoms in persons with IBD.
A Novel Fabry-Pérot Optical Sensor for Guided Wave Signal Acquisition

In this paper, a novel hybrid damage detection system is proposed, which utilizes piezoelectric actuators for guided wave excitation and a new fibre optic (FO) sensor based on Fabry-Perot (FP) and Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG). By replacing the FBG sensors with FBG-based FP sensors in the hybrid damage detection system, a higher strain resolution is achieved, which results in higher damage sensitivity and higher reliability in diagnosis. To develop the novel sensor, optimum parameters such as reflectivity, a wavelength spectrum, and a sensor length were chosen carefully through an analytical model of the sensor, which has been validated with experiments. The sensitivity of the new FBG-based FP sensors was compared to FBG sensors to emphasize the superiority of the new sensors in measuring micro-strains. Lastly, the new FBG-based FP sensor was utilized for recording guided waves in a hybrid setup and compared to the conventional FBG hybrid sensor network to demonstrate their improved performance for a structural health monitoring (SHM) application.
Oligometastatic Disease and Local Therapies

Abstract Numerous studies in a variety of solid tumor malignancies have demonstrated prolonged progression-free and overall survival with the addition of definitive local therapies to systemic therapies in patients with a limited number of metastases. A subset of patients with oligometastases (1–5 metastases) may experience long-term disease remission or cure after local therapies such as surgery or stereotactic body radiation therapy to metastatic sites. This article reviews the literature in oligometastatic disease and considers a theoretical rationale for a curative approach in a subset of oligometastatic solid tumor patients. In oligometastatic colorectal cancer patients with liver-only metastases and in non–small cell lung cancer patients with disease control after primary therapy and with limited nodal involvement, aggressive local therapies should be considered. Clinical trials and further biomarker validation across disease types are necessary to clarify which subsets of patients may define a theorized “oligometastatic state” and therefore benefit from aggressive local therapies.
The Effect of Gender on Heart Rate Variability and Uric Acid Levels among Subjects with Different Blood Pressure Profiles

Context: Autonomic function is said to be different between males and females. Uric acid (UA) levels also vary with gender. We tried to explore if these differences exist among the subjects grouped based on their blood pressure (BP) profiles. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the level of UA and autonomic function differences between males and females classified according to their BP levels. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 105 subjects classified into three groups according to Joint National Committee (JNC) VII criteria. Materials and Methods: Heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed in Lead II electrocardiogram recording and UA levels were measured among 105 subjects after classifying them based on their BP levels according to JNC VII criteria. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0 version software. Chi-square test and Mann - Whitney U-test was used. Results: Males had significantly higher UA levels. The time domain parasympathetic parameters of HRV were higher among females on comparison with males indicating vagal withdrawal among males. The sympathetic parameters in the frequency domain were higher among males. This difference in HRV was observed among all BP profile groups. Conclusions: Males have a higher degree of vagal withdrawal and sympathetic activity as shown by HRV markers and UA levels. It is thus suggested that males could undertake more preventive measures and therapy at an earlier date than females. Further, treatment of male patients with hypertension should be much more vigorous than females.
Parity, lactation, and long‐term weight change in Mexican women

Abstract One post‐partum behaviour that may be protective against post‐partum weight retention and long‐term weight gain among women of reproductive age is lactation because of its potential role in resetting maternal metabolism after pregnancy. However, most of the evidence focuses on weight retention at 6, 12, or 24 months post‐partum, and data beyond 2 years after birth are sparse, and findings are inconclusive. Therefore, our aim was to assess the association of parity and mean duration of lactation per child with long‐term weight change in Mexican women. We assessed the association of parity and mean duration of lactation per child with long‐term weight change in 75,421 women from the Mexican Teachers' Cohort. Several multivariable regression models were fit to assess these associations. We also examined the non‐linear association between duration of lactation and weight change using restricted cubic splines. We found that parous women (≥4 children) gained 2.81 kg more (95% CI [2.52, 3.10]) than did nulliparous women. The association between mean duration of lactation per child and weight change appeared to be non‐linear. Women who breastfed on average 3–6 months per child had lower gain weight (−1.10, 95% CI [−1.58, −0.47 kg]) than had women who did not breastfeed. This association was linear up to 6 months of lactation per child. Our findings suggest that parity alters weight‐gain trajectory in women and that lactation could reduce this alteration. These findings are important in the prevention of excessive weight gain through reproductive years and their future health implications.