Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cabbage Juices and Indoles Modulate the Expression Profile of AhR, ERα, and Nrf2 in Human Breast Cell Lines

Our previous studies showed the diversified effect of cabbage juices and indoles on the estrogen metabolism key enzymes (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1) in breast epithelial cells differing in ER status, i.e., in tumorigenic—MCF7, MDA-MB-231 and non-tumorigenic—MCF10A cells. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the mechanism of chemopreventive action of cabbage juice and its active components by evaluating their effect on the expression of AhR, ERα, and Nrf2 using the same treatment regimen. The mRNA level of AhR and ERα was changed in a cell type-dependent manner and in general correlated with previously observed modulation of CYP expression. However, in most cases the alterations in mRNA were not accompanied by the changes in the level of relevant proteins. Marked differences were also found in the effect of cabbage juices and indoles; although both cabbage juices and indoles increased most of the NQO1 transcript levels in all tested lines, indoles also enhanced GSTP transcription in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231. Overall, the results of this study partly explain the mechanism behind the chemopreventive activity of white cabbage products and indicate that modulation of the expression of specific transcription factors may play an important role in this process.
The minimum knowledge base for predicting organ-at-risk dose–volume levels and plan-related complications in IMRT planning

IMRT treatment planning requires consideration of two competing objectives: achieving the required amount of radiation for the planning target volume and minimizing the amount of radiation delivered to all other tissues. It is important for planners to understand the tradeoff between competing factors so that the time-consuming human interaction loop (plan–evaluate–modify) can be eliminated. Treatment-plan-surface models have been proposed as a decision support tool to aid treatment planners and clinicians in choosing between rival treatment plans in a multi-plan environment. In this paper, an empirical approach is introduced to determine the minimum number of treatment plans (minimum knowledge base) required to build accurate representations of the IMRT plan surface in order to predict organ-at-risk (OAR) dose–volume (DV) levels and complications as a function of input DV constraint settings corresponding to all involved OARs in the plan. We have tested our approach on five head and neck patients and five whole pelvis/prostate patients. Our results suggest that approximately 30 plans were sufficient to predict DV levels with less than 3% relative error in both head and neck and whole pelvis/prostate cases. In addition, approximately 30–60 plans were sufficient to predict saliva flow rate with less than 2% relative error and to classify rectal bleeding with an accuracy of 90%.
Local anesthetic toxicity and lipid resuscitation in pregnancy

Purpose of review Lipid emulsion has emerged as an effective treatment of local anesthetic-induced cardiac arrest, but its therapeutic application for the obstetric patient requires definition at present. This review discusses clinical reports, relevant laboratory studies, and future directions for the development of an optimal protocol for lipid resuscitation in pregnancy. Recent findings Several mechanisms have been postulated to account for the apparent enhanced sensitivity to local anesthetic systemic toxicity during pregnancy. One case report of lipid resuscitation in the pregnant patient demonstrates favorable outcomes and supports the safety of lipid therapy. Current guidelines and case reports propose that a large bolus of lipid at the earliest signs of toxicity may prevent cardiovascular collapse. Summary As the obstetric demographic becomes older and more obese, new technologies and strategies can assist in controlling maternal death and major morbidity secondary to anesthesia complications. Lipid resuscitation appears to be an effective treatment for toxicity induced by lipophilic medications and may be useful in treating systemic toxicity in the pregnant patient. Obstetric care providers should be aware of lipid resuscitation and consider its use as described by American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine guidelines.
Escherichia coli K1 utilizes host macropinocytic pathways for invasion of brain microvascular endothelial cells

Eukaryotic cells utilize multiple endocytic pathways for specific uptake of ligands or molecules, and these pathways are commonly hijacked by pathogens to enable host cell invasion. Escherichia coli K1, a pathogenic bacterium that causes neonatal meningitis, invades the endothelium of the blood‐brain barrier, but the entry route remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the bacteria trigger an actin‐mediated uptake route, stimulating fluid phase uptake, membrane ruffling and macropinocytosis. The route of uptake requires intact lipid rafts as shown by cholesterol depletion. Using a variety of perturbants we demonstrate that small Rho GTPases and their downstream effectors have a significant effect on bacterial invasion. Furthermore, clathrin‐mediated endocytosis appears to play an indirect role in E. coli K1 uptake. The data suggest that the bacteria effect a complex interplay between the Rho GTPases to increase their chances of uptake by macropinocytosis into human brain microvascular endothelial cells.
FAST RADIO BURSTS AND RADIO TRANSIENTS FROM BLACK HOLE BATTERIES

Most black holes (BHs) will absorb a neutron star (NS) companion fully intact without tidal disruption, suggesting the pair will remain dark to telescopes. Even without tidal disruption, electromagnetic (EM) luminosity is generated from the battery phase of the binary when the BH interacts with the NS magnetic field. Originally, the luminosity was expected to be in high-energy X-rays or gamma-rays, however, we conjecture that some of the battery power is emitted in the radio bandwidth. While the luminosity and timescale are suggestive of fast radio bursts (FRBs; millisecond-scale radio transients) NS–BH coalescence rates are too low to make these a primary FRB source. Instead, we propose that the transients form a FRB sub-population, distinguishable by a double peak with a precursor. The rapid ramp-up in luminosity manifests as a precursor to the burst which is 20%–80% as luminous given 0.5 ms timing resolution. The main burst arises from the peak luminosity before the merger. The post-merger burst follows from the NS magnetic field migration to the BH, causing a shock. NS–BH pairs are especially desirable for ground-based gravitational wave (GW) observatories since the pair might not otherwise be detected, with EM counterparts greatly augmenting the scientific leverage beyond the GW signal. The EM signal’s ability to break degeneracies in the parameters encoded in the GW and probe the NS magnetic field strength is quite valuable, yielding insights into open problems in NS magnetic field decay.
Renewable Energy in the European Union: An Econometric Approach to Trends and Effects

The European Union is working for a global agreement to control climate change. Several steps have been taken in order to cut its emissions and implement energy efficiency measures. In this context, this paper analyzes the role of renewable energies in the European Union, studying their evolution and shift-share components, thus identifying the competitive effects of the different countries. Furthermore, an econometric panel model is developed with the aim of explaining the impact of economic growth and renewable energies in the evolution of CO2 emissions within the European Union.
The Most Polymorphic Residue on Plasmodium falciparum Apical Membrane Antigen 1 Determines Binding of an Invasion-Inhibitory Antibody

ABSTRACT Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) is currently one of the leading malarial vaccine candidates. Anti-AMA1 antibodies can inhibit the invasion of erythrocytes by Plasmodium merozoites and prevent the multiplication of blood-stage parasites. Here we describe an anti-AMA1 monoclonal antibody (MAb 1F9) that inhibits the invasion of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in vitro. We show that both reactivity of MAb 1F9 with AMA1 and MAb 1F9-mediated invasion inhibition were strain specific. Site-directed mutagenesis of a fragment of AMA1 displayed on M13 bacteriophage identified a single polymorphic residue in domain I of AMA1 that is critical for MAb 1F9 binding. The identities of all other polymorphic residues investigated in this domain had little effect on the binding of the antibody. Examination of the P. falciparum AMA1 crystal structure localized this residue to a surface-exposed α-helix at the apex of the polypeptide. This description of a polymorphic inhibitory epitope on AMA1 adds supporting evidence to the hypothesis that immune pressure is responsible for the polymorphisms seen in this molecule.
Three‐Dimensional Perfusion Culture of Human Bone Marrow Cells and Generation of Osteoinductive Grafts

Three‐dimensional (3D) culture systems are critical to investigate cell physiology and to engineer tissue grafts. In this study, we describe a simple yet innovative bioreactor‐based approach to seed, expand, and differentiate bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) directly in a 3D environment, bypassing the conventional process of monolayer (two‐dimensional [2D]) expansion. The system, based on the perfusion of bone marrow–nucleated cells through porous 3D scaffolds, supported the formation of stromal‐like tissues, where BMSCs could be cocultured with hematopoietic progenitor cells in proportions dependent on the specific medium supplements. The resulting engineered constructs, when implanted ectopically in nude mice, generated bone tissue more reproducibly, uniformly, and extensively than scaffolds loaded with 2D‐expanded BMSCs. The developed system may thus be used as a 3D in vitro model of bone marrow to study interactions between BMSCs and hematopoietic cells as well as to streamline manufacture of osteoinductive grafts in the context of regenerative medicine.
Transcriptional organization and regulation of the Escherichia coli K30 group 1 capsule biosynthesis (cps) gene cluster

Escherichia coli group 1 capsules are important virulence determinants, yet little is known about the transcriptional organization or regulation of their biosynthetic ( cps ) operons. Transcription of the prototype serotype K30 cluster is modulated by the JUMPStart–RfaH antitermination mechanism, with the cps promoter being localized to a region immediately upstream of the JUMPStart sequence. A putative stem–loop structure located within the K30 cps cluster separates conserved genes with products that are required for surface expression of capsule from serotype‐specific genes encoding enzymes for polymer repeat‐unit synthesis and polymerization. This putative stem–loop structure significantly reduces transcription in a termination‐probe vector and may contribute to differential expression of the cps genes. Previous work indicated that increased amounts of group 1 capsular polysaccharide synthesis resulted from the overexpression of the Rcs ( r egulator of c apsule s ynthesis) proteins. However, neither overexpression of the transcriptional activator RcsB nor an rcsB :: aadA chromosomal insertion altered the level of transcription measured by cps::lacZ fusions. In the group 1 strains examined, an RcsAB box was found immediately upstream of galF , a gene involved in the production of sugar nucleotide precursors. Overexpression of RcsB was found to result in a threefold increase in transcription of a galF::lacZ chromosomal fusion. Moreover, overexpression of GalF gave rise to a two‐ to threefold increase in cell‐free as well as cell‐associated capsule, without affecting cps::lacZ activity. These results indicate that transcription of the E. coli group 1 capsule cluster itself is not regulated by the Rcs system and may, in fact, be constitutive. However, the Rcs system can potentially influence levels of capsular polysaccharide production by increasing galF transcription and influencing the available pool of biosynthetic precursors.
Attention-training with children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds in Cape Town

Objective: Attention is a core process underlying competence in higher-order cognitive abilities. Previous research suggests that healthy children from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds perform poorly, relative to those from higher SES backgrounds, on tasks assessing attentional abilities. In this pilot study, we investigated the effects of an attention-training intervention on task performance in low-SES children. Method: We conducted a quasi-controlled trial with stratified randomisation, using a pre-test/ post-test design. Participants were low-SES children aged 7–13 years. Each was assigned to either an intervention group, a play control group, or a test-only control group (n = 5 per group). We implemented a ten-week manualised cognitive rehabilitation program, Pay Attention! , administering standardised tests of attention, working memory, and inhibition before and after the intervention. Between- and within-group analyses and Reliable Change Index statistics evaluated differences in scores from pre- to post-intervention. Results: Analyses detected no notable between-group differences at either pre- or post-intervention testing. However, on tests of selective attention, attentional control, and inhibition, there were significant within-group and positive individual reliable changes exclusive to the intervention-group participants. Conclusions: Given the variability in our findings, more research needs be conducted with a larger sample to determine, with greater rigour, the efficacy of the intervention within samples of healthy children from low-SES backgrounds.
Fibronectin-integrin interaction promotes fibroblast activation (nemosis) and crosstalk with tumor cells

9 1. REVIEW OF LITERATURE . 11 1.1 Cancer.11 1.2 Fibroblasts . 12 1.2. 1 Fibroblasts in tumor microenvironment . 13 1.2. 2 Cells in tumor microenvironment . 14 1.2. 3 Fibronectin.16 1.2. 4 Integrins as fibronectin receptors. 17 1.3 Autophagy . 18 1.3.1 Induction and progression of autophagy. 19 1.3.3 Autophagy in cancer.22 1.3.3.1 Autophagy in tumor stroma and fibroblast activation.25 1.4 The Cell cycle.26 1.4.1 Checkpoints . 27 1.4.3 Quiescence.28 1.4.4 Cellular senescence . 28 1.5 Nemosis.30 1.5. 1 Nemosis and paracrine signaling.31 1.5. 2 Nemosis and cancer.32 2. AIMS OF THE STUDY . 34 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS . 35 3.1 Cell culture (I-IV). 35 3.1.1. Liposome-mediated siRNA transfections (I) . 36 3.1.2. Lentiviral mediated shRNA (II). 37 3.2 Functional assays . 37 3.2. 1 Soft-agar assay (II) . 37 3.2. 2 Collagen co-culture assay (III) . 38 3.2. 3 Tumor xenograft models (II). 39 3.3. Protein expression (I-IV). 39 3.3.1 Western blot (I-IV). 39 3.3.2 Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and senescenceassociated ! -galactosidase (I-IV) . 39 3.3.3 Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (IV) . 40 3.3.4 LDH activity assay (II, III). 40 3.3.5 Caseinolysis assay. 40 3.4 mRNA expression (II-IV) . 42 3.4.1 RT-qPCR (II, IV). 42 3.4.2 In situ hybridization (III) . 42 3.4.3 Microarray.43 3.4.3.1 Microarray data analysis.43 3.5 Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) (II). 44 3.6 Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) (II). 44 3.7 Statistical analyses . 44 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . 45 4.1 Fibronectin-integrin interaction is required for fibroblast spheroid formation and activation (I). 45 4.1.1 Effect of fibronectin on spheroid formation (I). 45 4.1.2 FN-integrin interaction and FN matrix formation in fibroblast spheroids (I) . 46 4.2 Gene expression changes in fibroblast spheroids compared to adherent fibroblast cultures (II). 48 4.3 Autophagic activity increases during early time-points (II). 49 4.3.1 ERK and Akt as possible regulators of autophagy in fibroblast spheroids (II). 51 4.4 The downregulation of cytoskeleton is associated with fibroblast spheroid formation (II) . 52 4.5 Fibroblast spheroid formation relates to cell cycle arrest (II). 53 4.6 Spheroid-activated fibroblasts acquire secretory phenotype (II-III) . 54 4.7 Fibroblast spheroids express markers of senescence (II). 54 4.8 Nemotic fibroblasts secrete matrix metalloproteinases to modulate their environment (III). 56 4.9 Benign keratinocytes inhibit, whereas malignant keratinocytes promote nemotic activation (IV) . 57 4.10 Fibroblast spheroids inhibit growth of malignant keratinocytes (II). 59 4.10. 1 RT3 cell growth on soft-agar is attenuated by co-culture with fibroblast spheroids (II) . 59 4.10. 2 Fibroblast spheroids attenuate the growth of xenograft tumors by inducing tumor cell senescence (II) . 60 4.11 The summary of results . 61 CONCLUDING REMARKS . 62 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . 64 REFERENCES . 66 ORGINAL PUBLICATIONS . 82
Chronic Medical Conditions and Work Performance in the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire Calibration Surveys

Associations between chronic conditions and work performance (absenteeism, presenteeism, and critical incidents) were studied in reservation agents, customer service representatives, executives, and railroad engineers. Conditions and work performance were assessed with the World Health Organization’s Health and Work Performance Questionnaire. Analysis of covariance was used to estimate associations. More work performance was lost from presenteeism than absenteeism. However, chronic conditions more consistently had negative impacts on absenteeism than presenteeism. Conditions with significant effects included arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease–emphysema, depression, and chronic headaches. Arthritis had the largest aggregate effect on absenteeism–presenteeism. Only depression affected both absenteeism–presenteeism and critical incidents. Some chronic conditions have substantial workplace effects. Disease management programs for these conditions might have a positive return on investment (ROI). Health and productivity tracking surveys are needed to evaluate ROI and provide quality assurance.
Playing catch-up with China: challenges and strategies for smaller developing countries

This paper considers how smaller developing countries can compete with China by examining the cases of two such countries; Mauritius and Morocco. In order to supplement their more traditional extractive and agro-based industries they have developed important textile and apparel sectors, supplying principally the EU. However, the textile industries in both countries have recently come under intense competitive pressure from China with its much lower production costs and huge capacity. This paper compares and contrasts the conditions under which Mauritius and Morocco have developed their textile industries as well as exploring the challenges they now face from China and the ways in which they have reacted to them. It also examines the wider industrial policy of both countries and the extent to which they have acquired the capability to meet the threats that now face them. Some specific strategies and actions are also described and evaluated with a view to providing advice and guidance for other smaller developing countries that face similar challenges in these and other industries.
Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Aim: There is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women. Thus, we systematically reviewed the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids by conducting a meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched in December 2016. The standardized mean difference (SMD) or weighted mean difference (WMD) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a fixed-effects model. Results: Eight trials were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled findings did not identify significant decreases in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (SMD −0.08, 95% CI −0.29 to 0.12, p = 0.429) and collagen type I cross-linked C-telopeptide (WMD 0 ng/ml, 95% CI −0.04 to 0.04, p = 0.899). There was a significant decrease in osteocalcin (WMD −0.86 ng/ml, 95% CI −1.68 to −0.04, p = 0.040) as compared with control. Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids reduced postmenopausal women’s serum osteocalcin. Further well-designed studies are needed to verify the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bone mass density and other bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women. Clinical trial registration number: CRD42016053219 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/).
Connectivity-based parcellation of the postcentral gyrus using a spectral approach

Subdividing the cortex into structural elements, known as parcellation, is a key aspect to apprehend the link between structure and function in the brain. A very exciting idea to parcellate the cortex and thus to construct the human connectome is to suppose that all structural elements of the cortex share similar connectivity patterns : this process defines a connectivity-based parcellation. We address the problem of the connectivity-based parcellation without anatomical priors using the highly efficient normalized cut algorithm to classify, in a reproducible way, a large data set of connectivity patterns. The idea was to model the seeds topology as a graph in which each node represents a seed, the edges between two nodes represent the local neighbourhood relationships of the seed, and weights of the edges represent the similarity of the two connectional fingerprints of the corresponding seeds. This connectivity-based parcellation was applied both on a phantom and on the left postcentral gyrus of four different subjects. For the real data set, the structural connectivity pattern of each seed, located on the surface of the grey/white interface of the left postcentral gyrus, was reconstructed from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data. These connectivity patterns were characterised using a probabilistic tractography based on a model of diffusion which could take into account up to two fibers in each voxel. Finally, the left postcentral gyrus of each subject was parcellated in twelve parcels.
A Simple Method of Incorporating Income Effects into Logit and Nested‐Logit Models: Theory and Application

Substantive income effects are incorporated in a logit or nested-logit model by assuming that utility is a piece-wise linear spline function of residual income. Specific income data are not required, only income by category. Expected compensating variation is easily and accurately approximated by the difference between expected maximum utility in the proposed and initial state, multiplied by the inverse of the individual's initial marginal utility of money. This approximation is almost exact because although any policy can, in theory, cause an individual to jump income categories, for most policies this probability will be very small.
Random Lifts of Graphs: Edge Expansion

We continue the study of random lifts of graphs initiated in [4]. Here we study the possibility of generating graphs with high edge expansion as random lifts. Along the way, we introduce the method of $\epsilon$-nets into the study of random structures. This enables us to improve (slightly) the known bounds for the edge expansion of regular graphs.