Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micro-RNA signature of lymphovascular space involvement in type 1 endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE Lymphovascular space involvement (LVSI) is a major prognostic factor in type 1 endometrial cancer (EC). However, its use has been criticized because of poor subjectivity. MicroRNA signatures have recently been linked to EC pathologic characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether microRNA profiles of type 1 EC can be related to LVSI status and used as a tool to adapt therapy. STUDY DESIGN MicroRNA expression was assessed by chip analysis and qRT-PCR in 12 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded grade 2 EC specimens with positive LVSI and in 12 specimens with negative LVSI. Various statistical analyses, including enrichment analysis and a minimum p-value approach, were performed. RESULTS The expression levels of microRNAs 34c-5p, -23b-5p, and 23c were significantly lower in the EC with positive LVSI compared to those with negative LVSI. Women with a microRNA-34c-5p fold change <0.15 were more likely to have positive LVSI status (92.3%) compared with those with a microRNA-34c-5p fold change >0.15 (0.0%), p<0.001. Furthermore, women with a microRNA-23b-5p fold change <0.51 were more likely to have positive LVSI status (90.0%) compared with those with a microRNA-23b-5p fold change >0.51 (21.4%), p=0.003. CONCLUSION This was the first study to investigate the relative expression of microRNA in type 1 EC according to LVSI status. This microRNA expression profile may provide a basis for further study of the microRNA function in EC, and be used as a diagnostic tool for LVSI status.
Resting Autonomic Function in Active and Insufficiently Active People Living with HIV

Abstract Autonomic dysfunction appears to be prevalent in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However, there are limited data on the resting autonomic responses to exercise in active and insufficiently active PLWHA. We aimed to determine whether active PLWHA have better autonomic responses compared with insufficiently active PLWHA. Active PLWHA receiving anti-retroviral therapy (n=13) and insufficiently active PLWHA (n=10) were recruited. A 10-min recording of the supine electrocardiogram was taken. Resting heart rate variability was analyzed from this electrocardiogram. Parasympathetic modulation, as measured by high frequency power in normalized units, was greater in active PLWHA when compared to insufficiently active PLWHA (41.0±15.6 vs. 25.2±9.7; p<0.05). Sympathetic modulation as measured by low frequency power in normalized units was greater in insufficiently active PLWHA when compared to active PLWHA (55.6±15.8 vs 79.3±17.5; p<0.05). Sympathovagal balance as measured by low frequency/high frequency ratio was greater in insufficiently active PLWHA when compared to active PLWHA (3.4±1.8 vs 1.6±0.9; p<0.05), indicating greater parasympathetic dominance in the active group. In conclusion, PLWHA who regularly exercised demonstrated enhanced autonomic function compared with insufficiently active PLWHA. These results suggest that exercise is associated with enhanced autonomic function, and may improve cardiovascular risk.
Computer aided evaluation of pleural effusion using chest CT images

A pleural effusion is a condition where there is a buildup of abnormal fluid within the pleural space. This paper presents an automated method to evaluate the severity of pleural effusion using regular chest CT images. First the lungs are segmented using region growing, mathematical morphology and anatomical knowledge. Then the visceral and parietal layers of the pleura are extracted based on anatomical landmarks, curve fitting and active contour models. Finally, the pleural space is segmented and the pleural effusion is quantified. Our method was tested on 15 chest CT studies. The automated segmentation is validated against manual tracing and radiologist's qualitative grading. The Pearson correlation between computer evaluation and radiologist's grading is 0.956 (P=10−7). The Dice coefficient between the automated and manual segmentation is 0.74±0.07, which is comparable to the variation between two different manual tracings.
Social Movements On The Internet: Together Alone Or Alone Together?

Sherry Turkle in her groundbreaking book ‘Alone Together’ suggests that the Internet gives an illusion of togetherness while contributing to isolation. How might this play out in social movements on the Internet? Can social media bring people together? This research in progress explores the role of social media as a way to facilitate collective political action. It discusses the preliminary findings of a grounded theory analysis of the postings to a Spanish online social movement between July and September 2012. Informed by a sociomaterial perspective, by which the social and the technical interact symmetrically, our analysis shows that there are heterogeneous groups cohabiting in the online environment, and using information technology as a platform to make their voices heard. The challenge for them remains in gaining space in the political decision-making process that takes place offline. They may indeed have achieved being ‘together alone’, but there is still difficulty in accessing power structures that would enable them to achieve social change.
vacA s1m1 genotype and cagA EPIYA-ABC pattern are predominant among Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from Mexican patients with chronic gastritis

Purpose. Virulent genotypes of Helicobacter pylori vacA s1m1/cagA+/babA2+ have been associated with severe gastric diseases. VacA, CagA and BabA are polymorphic proteins, and their association with the disease is allele‐dependent. The aims of this work were: (i) to determine the prevalence of H. pylori by type of chronic gastritis; (ii) to describe the frequency of cagA, babA2 and vacA genotypes in strains from patients with different types of chronic gastritis; (iii) to characterize the variable region of cagA alleles. Methodology. A total of 164 patients with chronic gastritis were studied. Altogether, 50 H. pylori strains were isolated, and the status of cagA, babA2 and vacA genotypes was examined by PCR. cagA EPIYA segment identification was performed using PCR and sequencing of cagA fragments of six randomly selected strains. Results/Key findings. The overall prevalence of H. pylori was 30.5 %. Eighty percent of the isolated strains were vacA s1m1, and the cagA and babA2 genes were detected in 74 and 32 % of the strains, respectively. The most frequent genotypes were vacA s1m1/cagA+/babA2− and vacA s1m1/cagA+/babA2+, with 40 % (20/50) and 28 % (14/50), respectively. In cagA+, the most frequent EPIYA motif was ‐ABC (78.4 %), and EPIYA‐ABCC and ‐ABCCC motifs were found in 10.8 % of the strains. A modified EPIYT‐B motif was found in 66.6 % of the sequenced strains. Conclusion. H. pylori strains carrying vacA s1m1, cagA+ and babA2− genotypes were the most prevalent in patients with chronic gastritis from the south of Mexico. In the cagA+ strains, the EPIYA‐ABC motif was the most common.
Anthropometrics and Body Composition in Adults with High-Grade Gliomas: Effects of Disease-Related Variables

ABSTRACT Nutritional status in adults with high-grade gliomas (HGGs) has been poorly investigated. We studied anthropometrics and fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), and body water in HGGs patients also in relation to disease-related variables. Fifty-one patients (17 III and 34 IV-grade) and fifty-one control group (CG) matched for sex, age, and BMI were enrolled. Neurological scales, anthropometry, bioimpedance, and blood sampling were performed and analyzed according to grade, lesion location, extent of resection, phase of treatment, current steroids and antiepileptic therapy, and age of patient. 41.2% were overweight and 15.7% obese. Compared to the CG, HGGs had similar anthropometrics and body composition. IV-grade, compared to the III, had higher BMI, waist circumference, FM and lower FFM. Only patients during concomitant radio and chemotherapy showed a negative BMI variation from baseline. In conclusion, overnutrition occurs in almost 6 out of 10 HGGs patients and is more relevant in IV-grade. Throughout all the treatment phases, there is a higher risk of weight loss occurred only during concomitant radio and chemotherapy. Body composition showed no specific features compared to controls. These results may assist intervention studies directed towards neurometabolic dietary treatment. Nutritional screening is warranted during the time course of disease.
Crystallization of amorphous Fe78Si9B13 alloy

The crystallization process of Fe78Si9B13 metallic glass was investigated by DSC, X-ray diffraction, electrical resistivity, Hall effect and TEM methods. The investigations proved two-stages crystallization. By means of non-isothermal DSC experiments the activation energy and the Avrami exponent were determined for both stages. The created phases: α-Fe(Si) and (Fe,Si)2B were identified on the basis of X-ray and TEM investigations. However, TEM observations showed also a little amount of the FeB49 phase as well as some rest of the amorphous phase. The electrical and Hall resistivities decrease abruptly after the creation of the phases out of the amorphous matrix.
Different Cognitive Profiles of Patients with Severe Aphasia

Cognitive dysfunction frequently occurs in aphasic patients and primarily compromises linguistic skills. However, patients suffering from severe aphasia show heterogeneous performance in basic cognition. Our aim was to characterize the cognitive profiles of patients with severe aphasia and to determine whether they also differ as to residual linguistic abilities. We examined 189 patients with severe aphasia with standard language tests and with the CoBaGA (Cognitive Test Battery for Global Aphasia), a battery of nonverbal tests that assesses a wide range of cognitive domains such as attention, executive functions, intelligence, memory, visual-auditory recognition, and visual-spatial abilities. Twenty patients were also followed longitudinally in order to assess their improvement in cognitive skills after speech therapy. Three different subgroups of patients with different types and severity of cognitive impairment were evidenced. Subgroups differed as to residual linguistic skills, in particular comprehension and reading-writing abilities. Attention, reasoning, and executive functions improved after language rehabilitation. This study highlights the importance of an extensive evaluation of cognitive functions in patients with severe aphasia.
Effectiveness and Impact of Capsaicin 8% Patch on Quality of Life in Patients with Lumbosacral Pain: An Open-label Study.

BACKGROUND Capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza™) is mainly used to treat postherpetic neuralgia and HIV-associated neuropathy. Evidence of the efficacy of Qutenza in other forms of neuropathic pain is lacking. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the analgesic effect and the impact on quality of life after a single application of the capsaicin 8% cutaneous patch in patients with lumbosacral pain. STUDY DESIGN Prospective open-label study of capsaicin 8% patch in patients with lumbosacral pain. SETTING Outpatient Pain and Palliative Care Center. METHODS All recruited patients were evaluated prior to capsaicin 8% patch administration and were followed-up at 2 weeks, at 8 weeks, and at 12 weeks post administration. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to record pain intensity and EQ-5D was used to assess the quality of life of the participants. RESULTS Ninety patients met our inclusion criteria (54.4% men, mean age 59.1 ± 9.2 years). At baseline the mean VAS score of the participants was 7.6 ± 0.7. A statistically significant reduction of the VAS score between baseline and week 2 (mean VAS score 5.6 ± 1.1, P < 0.001) was observed. The therapeutic effect further continued between week 2 and week 8 (mean VAS score 3.2 ± 1.2, P < 0.001) and between week 8 and at endpoint at week 12 (mean VAS score 2.6 ± 1.1, P < 0.001). Between baseline and weeks 2, 8, and 12 (end-point) a significant improvement in all 5 dimensions of EQ-5D (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression) was observed (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS As it is an open-label study, a prospective randomized placebo-controlled study should be designed to confirm the effectiveness of capsaicin 8% patch in patients with lumbosacral pain. CONCLUSIONS Administration of the capsaicin 8% patch resulted in a significant relief of neuropathic pain and a significant improvement of the quality of life of patients with lumbosacral neuropathic pain. KEY WORDS Lumbosacral pain, peripheral pain, Qutenza, neuropathic pain, capsaicin, patch, quality of life, effectiveness.
Ligand- and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels differentially regulate the mode of vesicular neuropeptide release in mammalian sensory neurons

Neurotransmission of sensory input is determined by the type of calcium channel that is activated. Kiss-and-run or a full commitment? Communication between sensory neurons underlies our sense of touch and temperature and is mediated by the release of neuropeptides from exocytic vesicles. In response to calcium influx, these vesicles can either fuse completely with the synaptic membrane and release all of their contents (called full-fusion release) or fuse transiently and release only some of their contents (called “kiss-and-run” release). Using single-vesicle imaging in rodent sensory neurons, Wang et al. discovered that the release mode used by a neuron was determined by the type of calcium channel that was activated. Activation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) promoted greater calcium influx at the plasma membrane, which inhibited a protein that limits fusion pore size, thus enabling full-fusion release. Activation of ligand-gated TRPV1 calcium channels promoted partial but pulsed and thus more prolonged neuropeptide release. The findings provide insight into how calcium channels influence sensory neurotransmission. Neuropeptides released from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons play essential roles in the neurotransmission of sensory inputs, including those underlying nociception and pathological pain. Neuropeptides are released from intracellular vesicles through two modes: a partial release mode called “kiss-and-run” (KAR) and a full release mode called “full fusion–like” (FFL). Using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, we traced the release of pH-sensitive green fluorescent protein–tagged neuropeptide Y (pHluorin-NPY) from individual dense-core vesicles in the soma and axon of single DRG neurons after Ca2+ influx through either voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) or ligand-gated transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels. We found that Ca2+ influx through VGCCs stimulated FFL and a greater single release of neuropeptides. In contrast, Ca2+ influx through TRPV1 channels stimulated KAR and a pulsed but prolonged release of neuropeptides that was partially mediated by Dynamin 1, which limits fusion pore expansion. Suppressing the Ca2+ gradient to an extent similar to that seen after TRPV1 activation abolished the VGCC preference for FFL. The findings suggest that by generating a steeper Ca2+ gradient, VGCCs promote a more robust fusion pore opening that facilitates FFL. Thus, KAR and FFL release modes are differentially regulated by the two principal types of Ca2+-permeable channels in DRG neurons.
Lower Body Symmetry and Running Performance in Elite Jamaican Track and Field Athletes

In a study of degree of lower body symmetry in 73 elite Jamaican track and field athletes we show that both their knees and ankles (but not their feet) are–on average–significantly more symmetrical than those of 116 similarly aged controls from the rural Jamaican countryside. Within the elite athletes, events ranged from the 100 to the 800 m, and knee and ankle asymmetry was lower for those running the 100 m dashes than those running the longer events with turns. Nevertheless, across all events those with more symmetrical knees and ankles (but not feet) had better results compared to international standards. Regression models considering lower body symmetry combined with gender, age and weight explain 27 to 28% of the variation in performance among athletes, with symmetry related to about 5% of this variation. Within 100 m sprinters, the results suggest that those with more symmetrical knees and ankles ran faster. Altogether, our work confirms earlier findings that knee and probably ankle symmetry are positively associated with sprinting performance, while extending these findings to elite athletes.
The Equivalent Damping Ration in Capacity Spectrum Method

Study the calculation method of equivalent damping ratio in Capacity Spectrum Method. Analyzing the feature of several methods for the calculation of equivalent damping ratio in the world, from the numeral example, the numeral results of several calculation methods of equivalent damping ratio are compared to the results of time course method. The follow conclusions are reached: Secant stiffness method overestimate the value of equivalent damping ratio for steel structure, therefore, underestimate the supreme seismic reaction. The level of underestimate is interrelate to yield still coefficient; Under the medium earthquakes effect, all the method can fairly good forecast the supreme seismic reaction; But Under the large earthquakes effect, only the Kwan (EP) method can give the best result. The conclusions has impotent value for the perfect of Performance-Based Seismic Design Methods.
Soil Organic Carbon Loss and Selective Transportation under Field Simulated Rainfall Events

The study on the lateral movement of soil organic carbon (SOC) during soil erosion can improve the understanding of global carbon budget. Simulated rainfall experiments on small field plots were conducted to investigate the SOC lateral movement under different rainfall intensities and tillage practices. Two rainfall intensities (High intensity (HI) and Low intensity (LI)) and two tillage practices (No tillage (NT) and Conventional tillage (CT)) were maintained on three plots (2 m width × 5 m length): HI-NT, LI-NT and LI-CT. The rainfall lasted 60 minutes after the runoff generated, the sediment yield and runoff volume were measured and sampled at 6-min intervals. SOC concentration of sediment and runoff as well as the sediment particle size distribution were measured. The results showed that most of the eroded organic carbon (OC) was lost in form of sediment-bound organic carbon in all events. The amount of lost SOC in LI-NT event was 12.76 times greater than that in LI-CT event, whereas this measure in HI-NT event was 3.25 times greater than that in LI-NT event. These results suggest that conventional tillage as well as lower rainfall intensity can reduce the amount of lost SOC during short-term soil erosion. Meanwhile, the eroded sediment in all events was enriched in OC, and higher enrichment ratio of OC (ERoc) in sediment was observed in LI events than that in HI event, whereas similar ERoc curves were found in LI-CT and LI-NT events. Furthermore, significant correlations between ERoc and different size sediment particles were only observed in HI-NT event. This indicates that the enrichment of OC is dependent on the erosion process, and the specific enrichment mechanisms with respect to different erosion processes should be studied in future.
ERα regulates lipid metabolism in bone through ATGL and perilipin

A decrease in bone mineral density during menopause is accompanied by an increase in adipocytes in the bone marrow space. Ovariectomy also leads to accumulation of fat in the bone marrow. Herein we show increased lipid accumulation in bone marrow from estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) knockout (ERαKO) mice compared to wild‐type (WT) mice or estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) knockout (ERβKO) mice. Similarly, bone marrow cells from ERαKO mice differentiated to adipocytes in culture also have increased lipid accumulation compared to cells from WT mice or ERβKO mice. Analysis of individual adipocytes shows that WT mice have fewer, but larger, lipid droplets per cell than adipocytes from ERαKO or ERβKO animals. Furthermore, higher levels of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) protein in WT adipocytes correlate with increased lipolysis and fewer lipid droplets per cell and treatment with 17β‐estradiol (E2) potentiates this response. In contrast, cells from ERαKO mice display higher perilipin protein levels, promoting lipogenesis. Together these results demonstrate that E2 signals via ERα to regulate lipid droplet size and total lipid accumulation in the bone marrow space in vivo. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1306–1314, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A homeostatic clock sets daughter centriole size in flies

Centrioles are highly structured organelles whose size is remarkably consistent within any given cell type. New centrioles are born when Polo-like kinase 4 (Plk4) recruits Ana2/STIL and Sas-6 to the side of an existing “mother” centriole. These two proteins then assemble into a cartwheel, which grows outwards to form the structural core of a new daughter. Here, we show that in early Drosophila melanogaster embryos, daughter centrioles grow at a linear rate during early S-phase and abruptly stop growing when they reach their correct size in mid- to late S-phase. Unexpectedly, the cartwheel grows from its proximal end, and Plk4 determines both the rate and period of centriole growth: the more active the centriolar Plk4, the faster centrioles grow, but the faster centriolar Plk4 is inactivated and growth ceases. Thus, Plk4 functions as a homeostatic clock, establishing an inverse relationship between growth rate and period to ensure that daughter centrioles grow to the correct size.
Executive dysfunction and survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Preliminary report from a Serbian centre for motor neuron disease

Abstract Our objective was to determine whether the presence of executive dysfunction in non-demented amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients might affect the longevity of survival. Forty-eight consecutive non-demented ALS patients (mean age = 52.93 ± 12.37) were followed for five years. All patients underwent clinical and neuropsychological assessments at baseline visit. Further, a yearly follow-up check for associated dementia (ALS-Dem) was completed and the time of death was recorded, when applicable. Executive deficits were shown in 49.5% of ALS patients, with the most striking differences found on the tests of verbal fluency (both phonemic and category, p < 0.01); as well as inefficient strategy on a working memory test (p < 0.05); as on the more demanding levels of the planning and problem solving task (p < 0.01). It appears that the baseline executive status might predict survival in ALS (p = 0.075), and the patients presenting executive dysfunction could have up to three times greater risk of death, after adjustment by several potential confounding factors. In conclusion, this study suggests that executive dysfunction could potentially influence survival in ALS patients. The cognitive testing might give us important clues about the prognosis of the disease. Further studies with larger sample size are necessary.