Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic silencing of the candidate tumor suppressor gene PROX1 in sporadic breast cancer

Extensive hypermethylation and consecutive transcriptional silencing of tumorsuppressor genes have been documented in multiple tumor entities including breast cancer. In a microarray based genome‐wide methylation analysis of five sporadic breast carcinomas we identified a hypermethylated CpG island within the first intron of the prospero related homeobox gene 1 (PROX1). We, therefore, investigated CpG island methylation of PROX1 in a series of 33 pairs of primary breast cancer and corresponding normal tissue samples by bisulfite sequencing and COBRA analyses. Seventeen of these (52%) breast cancer samples revealed a significant accumulation of methylated CpG sites along with a significant reduction of PROX1 transcription compared to normal breast tissues of the same patients. Frequent methylation was also observed in brain metastases from primary breast cancer (21/37 = 57% of cases). Secondary, we analysed 38 brain metastases of primary breast carcinomas and detected a significantly reduced expression of PROX1 compared to normal breast tissue (p < 0.001) and primary breast carcinomas (p < 0.05), respectively. Additionally, treatment of breast cancer cell lines with demethylating agents could reactivate PROX1 transcription. In summary, we have identified PROX1 as a novel target gene that is hypermethylated and transcriptionally silenced in primary and metastatic breast cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatial-Temporal Features Based Sensor Network Partition in Dam Safety Monitoring System

Many various types of sensors have been installed to monitor the deformation and stress in the dam structure. It is difficult to directly evaluate the operation status of the dam structure based on the massive monitoring data. The sensor network is divided into multiple regions according to the design specifications, simulation data, and engineering experiences. The local results from sub-regions are integrated to achieve overall evaluation. However, it ignores the spatial distribution of sensors and the variation of time series, which cannot meet the real-time evaluation for the dam safety monitoring. If the network partitions can provide the preliminary foundation for analyzing the dynamic change laws of the dam’s working conditions in a real-way, we should consider the similarity of structure and stresses in the local region of the dam and the correlation among the monitoring data. A time-series denoising autoencoder (TSDA) is proposed to represent the spatial and temporal features of the nodes by compressing high-dimensional monitoring data. Then, a network partitioning algorithm (NPA) based on spatial-temporal features based on the TSDA is presented. The NPA ensures that the partition results can support the analysis of the physical change laws by introducing the auxiliary objective variable to optimize the network partition objective function. Experimental results on the public datasets and a real dataset from an arch dam demonstrate that the proposed network partition algorithm NPA can achieve better partition performance than TSDA+K-Means and TSDA+GMM. The NPA can improve the silhouette coefficient by 45.1% and 58.4% higher than the TSDA+K-Means and TSDA+GMM, respectively. The NPA can increase the Calinski-Harabaz Index by 30.8% and 61.6%, respectively.
Antitumoral Drug-Loaded Biocompatible Polymeric Nanoparticles Obtained by Non-Aqueous Emulsion Polymerization

Non-aqueous dispersions (NAD) with two types of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), such as hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and hydrophilic cross-linked poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PNVP), were synthesized in the present study starting from monomer-in-silicone oil (PDMS) polymerizable non-aqueous emulsions stabilized with the same tailor-made PDMS-based block copolymer. These NPs were loaded with CCisplatin, an antitumoral model drug, directly from the emulsion polymerization step, and it was observed that the presence of the drug leads only to a slight increase of the NPs size, from 120 to 150 nm. The drug release kinetics was evaluated at 37 °C in phosphate buffer at pH = 7.4 and it appeared that the drug release rate from the hydrophilic cross-linked PNVP-based NPs is higher than that from the hydrophobic PCL-based NPs. Moreover, haemolysis tests revealed the fact that these two types of NPs have a good compatibility with the blood. Furthermore, for both the free and drug-loaded NPs, the in vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis was studied on two types of cancer cell lines, such as MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line) and A-375 (skin cancer cell line). Both types of NPs had no cytotoxic effect but, at a concentration of 500 μg/mL, presented an apoptotic effect similar to that of the free drug.
Sex-biased initial eggs favours sons in the slightly size-dimorphic Scops owl (Otus scops)

We assessed the potential control of female Scops owls (Otus scops) over the production of daughters and sons in relation to their order in the laying sequence, and investigated the possible adaptive value of such control on the survival and growth of nestlings. The population sex ratio at fledging was not significantly biased. A relationship between ovulation order and egg sex was found, which was mostly due to the strong male biased sex ratio among initial eggs, as 17 of 18 first-hatched chicks (94%) from first-laid eggs were males. Asynchronous laying and subsequent asynchronous hatching resulted in a decreasing survival of chicks with increasing hatching order. Female chicks fledged with a higher mass than males and fledging mass decreased with hatching order due to male biased hatching order and its influence in the growth of the single first-hatched female. These results suggest that female Scops owls may be able to adjust the sex of their offspring at egg production to invest differentially in their survival and growth. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2002, 76, 1–7.
Impact of immunophenotypic characteristics on genetic subgrouping in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group (TCCSG) study L04‐16

Immunophenotyping was performed in 1044 consecutive childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients enrolled in the Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group L04‐16 trial, revealing novel findings associated with genetic abnormalities. In addition to TCF3‐PBX1 and MEF2D fusions, the CD10(+) subtype of KMT2A‐MLLT3‐positive ALL frequently exhibited the cytoplasmic‐μ(+) pre‐B ALL immunophenotype. Although ETV6‐RUNX1 was significantly correlated with myeloid antigen expression, more than half of patients expressed neither CD33 nor CD13, while the CD27(+)/CD44(−) immunophenotype was maintained. Expression of CD117 and CD56 in B‐cell precursor‐ALL was limited to certain subtypes including ETV6‐RUNX1 and KMT2A‐MLLT3. Besides BCR‐ABL1, CRLF2, hyperdiploidy, and hypodiploidy, CD66c was also expressed in Ph‐like kinase fusion‐, PAX5 fusion‐, and DUX4 fusion‐positive ALL, but not in MEF2D fusion‐positive ALL, indicating constant selectivity of CD66c expression. In T‐ALL, SIL‐TAL1‐positive patients were likely to exhibit a more mature immunophenotype. Expression of CD21 and CD10 was not rare in T‐ALL, while lack of CD28 was an additional feature of early T‐cell precursor‐ALL. Considering the immunophenotype as a prognostic maker, MEF2D fusion‐positive ALL with CD5 expression may be associated with a poorer prognosis in comparison with those lacking CD5 expression. In cases with characteristic marker expression, the presence of certain fusion transcripts could be predicted accurately.
Quality of Life of Patients with Mandibular Third Molars and Mild Pericoronitis. A Comparison between Two Different Treatments: Extraction or Periodontal Approach

Background: The extraction of the mandibular third molar is one of the most frequent intervention in oral surgery. A common indication for wisdom tooth extraction is represented by pericoronitis, which can determine discomfort and pain in patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of patients’ quality of life by comparing a surgical approach with a periodontal approach. Methods: We evaluated 82 patients diagnosed with pericoronitis that occurred at the third molar site. In total, 41 of them received a periodontal treatment and 41 were treated by extraction. The quality of life (QoL) of the patients was assessed by using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) index. Results: A total of 82 patients were included in the study and were followed up for 6 months. Of the patients, 41 received a periodontal treatment and 41 underwent surgical extraction. At the baseline, the OHIP-14 scores of the surgical group were higher (19.71, SD 9.90) than the periodontal group (14.41, SD 8.71). At 1 week, there was a reduction in terms of OHIP-14 in both groups, but the periodontal group showed lower values (12.3, SD 8.11). Long-term follow-up showed a reduction of the OHIP-14 values, with a difference in favor of the surgical group (0.10, SD 0.45). However, there was a reduction in OHIP-14 scores in both groups. Conclusion: Although the periodontal treatment offered a rapid improvement in terms of quality of life during the first week after the treatment, after 1 month and 6 months, the extraction of the mandibular third molar extraction remained the best treatment, removing the occurrence of re-inflammation of the site.
Human REXO2 controls short mitochondrial RNAs generated by mtRNA processing and decay machinery to prevent accumulation of double-stranded RNA

Abstract RNA decay is a key element of mitochondrial RNA metabolism. To date, the only well-documented machinery that plays a role in mtRNA decay in humans is the complex of polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) and SUV3 helicase, forming the degradosome. REXO2, a homolog of prokaryotic oligoribonucleases present in humans both in mitochondria and the cytoplasm, was earlier shown to be crucial for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, but its function in mitochondria has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we created a cellular model that enables the clear dissection of mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial functions of human REXO2. We identified a novel mitochondrial short RNA, referred to as ncH2, that massively accumulated upon REXO2 silencing. ncH2 degradation occurred independently of the mitochondrial degradosome, strongly supporting the hypothesis that ncH2 is a primary substrate of REXO2. We also investigated the global impact of REXO2 depletion on mtRNA, revealing the importance of the protein for maintaining low steady-state levels of mitochondrial antisense transcripts and double-stranded RNA. Our detailed biochemical and structural studies provide evidence of sequence specificity of the REXO2 oligoribonuclease. We postulate that REXO2 plays dual roles in human mitochondria, ‘scavenging’ nanoRNAs that are produced by the degradosome and clearing short RNAs that are generated by RNA processing.
Fatty Acid Composition and Oxidative Stability of the Lipid Fraction of Skin-On and Skinless Fillets of Prussian Carp (Carassius gibelio)

Simple Summary Examination of the proximate nutritional composition of Prussian Carp fish fillets revealed substances with health-promoting or functional properties for humans. High-value constituents, such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids, were higher in skin-on fillets than in skinned products, but nutritionally controversial compounds were higher in the former. Fortunately, the obtained values did not exceed the limits adopted for fresh fish and/or fish fit for consumption. This study implies that Prussian Carp can be used on a larger scale in the food industry, thereby facilitating control of the growing domestic population of this species. Abstract The aim of the study was to compare the fatty acid profile and content and the oxidative stability of the lipid fraction of Prussian Carp (Carassius gibelio) fillets with and without skin. Carp specimens were obtained in spring from a fish farm located in the Lublin Voivodeship. The research material consisted of skin-on (n = 12) and skinless (n = 12) fillets (hand-filleted). Their chemical composition (water, ash, protein, and fat content), calorific value, and nutritional quality index (NQI) were analysed, as well as their fatty acid content and profile. The oxidative stability of the lipids was assessed on the basis of the peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value, and the content of the conjugated dienes and trienes (CD and CT), while determination of the degree of fat hydrolysis was based on the acid value (AV) and free fatty acids (FFA). The Carp fillet with skin contained significantly (p ≤ 0.01) more fat (by 2.69 pp) and calories (by 92.16 kJ∙100 g−1) than the skinless fillet, and over three times as much n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. In the skin-on fillet, the lipid oxidation and hydrolysis parameters were significantly higher, but did not deviate from the values specified for fresh fish and/or fish fit for consumption.
Characterization of the IS200/IS605 Insertion Sequence Family in Halanaerobium Hydrogeniformans

Mobile DNA elements play a significant evolutionary role by promoting genome plasticity. Insertion sequences are the smallest prokaryotic transposable elements. They are highly diverse elements, and the ability to accurately identify, annotate, and infer the full genomic impact of insertion sequences is lacking. Halanaerobium hydrogeniformans is a haloalkaliphilic bacterium with an abnormally high number of insertion sequences. One family, IS200/IS605, showed several interesting features distinct from other elements in this genome. Twenty-three loci harbor elements of this family in varying stages of decay, from nearly intact to an ends-only sequence. The loci were characterized with respect to two divergent open reading frames (ORF), tnpA and tnpB, and left and right ends of the elements. The tnpB ORF contains two nearly identical insert sequences that suggest recombination between tnpB ORF is occurring. From these results, insertion sequence activity can be inferred, including transposition capability and element interaction.
Prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa in Malta: comparison with established epidemiological data

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit. Patients with HS present with multiple, recurrent inflammatory nodules, abscess and sinus tracts in intertriginous skin - often after a diagnostic delay (1). Data suggests that the prevalence of HS varies between 0.14 and 4% globally (Table 1). Malta is small Mediterranean country with an estimated population of 493,559 inhabitants (2) . The country is in a unique position where all dermatology referrals made in the national health care system are received and pooled by a single dermatology center (Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, SPBH) and distributed equally between dermatologists without bias. Follow up care is also carried out at SPBH.
Designing Single-Molecule Magnets as Drugs with Dual Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Diabetic Effects

We have designed and synthesized two novel cobalt coordination compounds using bumetanide (bum) and indomethacin (ind) therapeutic agents. The anti-inflammatory effects of cobalt metal complexes with ind and bum were assayed in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by inhibition of nitric oxide production. Firstly, we determined the cytotoxicity and the anti-inflammatory potential of the cobalt compounds and ind and bum ligands in RAW 264.7 cells. Indomethacin-based metal complex was able to inhibit the NO production up to 35% in a concentration-dependent manner without showing cytotoxicity, showing around 6–37 times more effective than indomethacin. Cell cycle analysis showed that the inhibition of NO production was accompanied by a reversion of the differentiation processes in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, due to a decreased of cell percentage in G0/G1 phase, with the corresponding increase in the number of cells in S phase. These two materials have mononuclear structures and show slow relaxation of magnetization. Moreover, both compounds show anti-diabetic activity with low in vitro cell toxicities. The formation of metal complexes with bioactive ligands is a new and promising strategy to find new compounds with high and enhanced biochemical properties and promises to be a field of great interest.
Association between dihydrotestosterone and long‐term risk for prostate cancer mortality: A prospective cohort study

The androgen metabolism plays an important role in the progression of prostate cancer. Contradictory to what one might assume given the androgenic potency of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) there are indications that high DHT levels protect from prostate cancer. We want to determine whether there is a long‐term association between baseline levels of DHT and death from prostate cancer.
Comparison of Formalin and Chloramine-T for Control of a Mixed Gill Infection (Bacterial Gill Disease and Ichthyobodiasis) in Rainbow Trout

Abstract Juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss suffering from a mixed gill infection caused by Flavobacterium branchiophilum and Ichthyobodo necatrix were treated with a daily 1h formalin (0.167 mL/L) or Chloramine-T (10 mg/L) bath on each of three consecutive days. Neither formalin nor Chloramine-T completely removed both I. necatrix and F. branchiophilum from infected gills. Analysis of variance (P = 0.01) indicated that formalin treatment was most effective for I. necatrix, which correlated with an improvement in the: Clinical course of disease, but more formalin-treated fish died during the first few days than did Chloramine-T-treated fish following treatment. Both formalin and Chloramine-T significantly reduced cumulative mortality, compared to mortality of control (untreated) fish. Cumulative mortality was lowest among the Chloramine-T-treated fish, but this difference was not significant. After the third treatment, only formalin significantly reduced the number of I. necatrix on the gills (com.
Morphological and genetic variation in four Italian populations of Lebias fasciata (Teleostei, Cyprinodontidae)

Abstract Morphological and genetic analyses in four Italian populations of Lebias fasciata were carried out in order to assess the level of differentiation among populations. Fourteen meristic and 23 morphometric characters, relative to the skull, vertebral column, and the rays of the dorsal and anal fins were examined. In addition, variations at seven gene loci were investigated by allozyme electrophoresis. Both morphological and genetic results showed a noteworthy differentiation among the four populations which reflects their high degree of isolation. Allozyme results indicated that genetic variation is consistent with geographical distribution of these populations, while morphological differentiation cannot be interpreted biogeographically. The lack of dispersion phases in the life cycle of L. fasciata and its limited potential for gene flow account for the genetic divergence among populations. The inconsistency between morphological and genetic results for the two Sicilian populations may account for appreciable environmental (non‐genetic) influences on the morphological characters examined, which may obscure any enzyme‐morphological relation.
Characterization and refinement of monoclonal anti‐human globulins that lack reactivity with human IgG4

Anti–red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies consisting of only the immunoglobulin G (IgG) 4 subtype are typically considered clinically insignificant. A US Food and Drug Administration–approved monoclonal anti‐human globulin (16H8) is nonreactive with IgG4, which has been considered a benefit to avoid testing interference from IgG4. However, 16H8 also does not recognize two natural IgG3 variants (IgG3‐03 and IgG3‐13). Thus, 16H8 may miss clinically significant alloantibodies in some settings.
A comparison of soil test calibrations for the estimation of phosphorus fertilizer requirements of wheat

The value of a range of soil analyses as tests for the phosphorus fertilizer requirements of wheat is assessed, for northern New South Wales. The best individual analyses were the standard soil tests, P extracted by ammonium lactate (Egner), 0.5M sodium bicarbonate (Colwell), 0.01N sulphuric acid (Kerr and Von Stieglitz), and Truog's reagent, and the best calibration equation was obtained using both the ammonium lactate and sodium bicarbonate tests. Sorbed phosphate equilibrating with the phosphorus in these extract solutions, estimated by isotopic dilution, made only small contributions to test calibration equations, in the presence of other simpler P analyses. The likely effects of variation in P sorption capacity were represented by analyses for iron and aluminium soluble in Tamm's acid oxalate reagent, but these analyses added little to the calibration equations, suggesting that P sorption capacity is not an important variable affecting wheat production in northern New South Wales. Analyses of variance on the yield data demonstrate the importance of experimental error in field experiments as a factor limiting the precision of soil test calibrations.
Psychometric evaluation of the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale-Short Form in Alzheimer’s caregivers

Abstract The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of scores from the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale Short Form (BADS-SF) in a sample of older age, spousal, Alzheimer’s caregivers participating in an evaluation of Behavioral Activation (BA) therapy compared to an Information Support (IS) group. At baseline assessment, caregivers (N = 170) completed the BADS-SF, which is comprised of two subscales (Activation and Avoidance) that can be summed to produce a total score. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate structural validity. A two-factor solution fit the data adequately; however, the first item on the scale did not load onto either factor. Internal consistency reliability for the total and subscales scores was poor as measured by Cronbach’s alpha. Construct validity was evidenced by significant expected relationships with depression. Pre- to post-intervention scores did not evidence sensitivity to change. These findings provide some support but raise important concerns about the validity and reliability of BADS-SF scores in a population of older adult caregivers.
Investigating the Role of Glutamate in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Current Perspectives

Abstract Glutamate is a ubiquitous excitatory neurotransmitter, which is involved in normal physiology, a variety of central nervous system (CNS) functions, including excitotoxicity and neuronal migration. It is implicated in the pathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric disorders including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s dementia, schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Over the years, a growing body of evidence has helped researchers understand the mechanisms underlying glutamatergic involvement in the pathogenesis of these disorders. In this review, we attempt to elucidate the role of glutamate in OCD, which is a chronic psychiatric condition with significant morbidity. This article provides current perspectives on the role played by glutamate in the pathogenesis, clinical symptoms and treatment response in OCD, a critical analysis of existing and emerging evidence, both clinical and preclinical, followed by a summary and future directions.