Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic polymorphism of the phospholipase C epsilon 1 gene and risk of gastric cancer

Background The pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC) involves environmental and genetic factors. Recently, two genome‐wide association studies found that phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE1) polymorphisms might be related to GC risk, and several studies further validated this finding. However, these studies yielded inconsistent results. Methods A comprehensive database search was performed to identify eligible studies. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the strength of the association between PLCE1 rs2274223, rs753724, and rs11187842 and risk of GC. Subgroup analyses, publication bias, and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Results Eleven studies (12 cohorts) were included in the meta‐analysis. Based on 13 676 cases and 23 569 controls, a significant association between PLCE1 rs2274223 and GC risk was detected under various genotypic models. In the subgroup analyses, the association was significant for cardia GC, but weak for non‐cardia GC. The association under the heterozygote model was detected for PLCE1 rs753724 and rs11187842 based on three studies involving 2768 cases and 3890 controls. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that the presence of the G allele at rs2274223 of the PLCE1 gene may contribute to susceptibility to GC, especially cardia GC. PLCE1 rs753724 and rs11187842 are associated with GC risk under the heterozygote model. Further well‐designed large studies are warranted to validate these findings.
The feedback control of luteinizing hormone in normal adult men.

ABSTRACT The effect of “low” and “high” constant infusion doses for 48 hr of testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) were studied in 13 normal men. Four control infusions of normal saline were performed for comparison. The slope of the line for the control studies was not statistically different from zero. Plasma T, LH, and FSH were measured, using established competitive binding or radioimmunoassay methods. Measurements were made every 6 hr during and every 12 hr following the infusion. “Low” doses of T (7 mg/day/1.7 m2) significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed LH by 50% within 48 hr in all subjects without increasing plasma T above physiological levels in blood. No significant suppression of FSH was observed at this dose. At the conclusion of the infusion, T fell below 200 ng/100 ml, and returned to baseline within 24 hr. “High” doses of T (35 mg/day/1.7 m2) significantly suppressed both LH and FSH. DHT, an androgen incapable of conversion to a known .
Homozygous and Compound-heterozygous Type I Plasminogen Deficiency Is a Common Cause of Ligneous Conjunctivitis

Summary Severe type I plasminogen deficiency has been recently linked to ligneous conjunctivitis, a rare and uncommon form of chronic conjunctivitis. In this study, eight unrelated ligneous conjunctivitis patients living in different parts of the world were examined. All affected subjects from which plasma was available displayed absent or markedly reduced plasminogen antigen and plasminogen functional activity. Molecular genetic studies of seven patients identified a Lys19 → Glu mutation in two boys in a homozygous state, and in two girls in a compound-heterozygous state in which the second plasminogen gene carried a missense (Arg134 → Lys) and a nonsense mutation (Cys133 → Stop), respectively. A fifth patient was shown to be homozygous for a frameshift mutation in plasminogen exon 14 (Gly565ins-G). In two unrelated subjects with ligneous conjunctivitis no mutations in the plasminogen gene were identified. Our results suggest that the Lys19 → Glu mutation is the most prevalent mutation in the plasminogen gene of patients with ligneous conjunctivitis.
Capacity Of Multicell Coverage Mimo Systems Analysis In High Altitude Platform ( Hap ) Channels

Recent studies on the capacity of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) channels have focused on the effect of spatial correlation. This paper is presenting a comparative study between the performances of conventional terrestrial multicell Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) working in a Rayleigh fading environment and its corresponding High Altitude Platform (HAP) system working under a different Path Loss (PL) model with the capacity as the performance metric of interest, calculated using the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD). The theoretical cases are shown to be accurate by comparison with simulation results, both systems are assumed to be affected by cochannel interference users in other cells. Simulation results show that the performance of multicell MIMO HAP dependent system outperforms its corresponding that works in terrestrial environment in terms of per user channel capacity.
Continuing Education Course #1

The continuing education course “Non-Invasive Imaging as a Problem-Solving Tool and Translational Biomarker Strategy in Toxicologic Pathology” provided a thorough overview of commonly used imaging modalities and the logistics required for integration of small animal imaging into toxicologic pathology. Non-invasive imaging (NIN) is gaining acceptance as an important modality in toxicologic pathology. This technology allows nonterminal, time-course evaluation of functional and morphologic endpoints and can be used to translate biomarkers between preclinical animal models and human patients. NIN can support drug development as well as basic research in academic or industrial environments. An initial overview of theoretical principles was followed by focused presentations on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM), positron emission tomography (PET)/single proton emission computed tomography (SPECT), ultrasonography (US, primarily focused on echocardiography), optical (bioluminescent) imaging, and computed tomography (CT). The choice of imaging modality will depend on the research question and the needed resolution.
A novel management strategy for subungual exostosis

Subungual exostosis is a relatively uncommon benign bone tumour that mostly affects the toes of young people and can be a source of significant impact on health-related quality of life. Treatment consists of marginal excision and meticulous wound closure. We presented a case of subungual exostosis in the hallux of a young Caucasian girl. Once diagnosed, the lesion was completely excised leaving a sizable defect in the nail bed and skin folds. A pedicled vacuum assisted closure (VAC) device was used postoperatively in an attempt to minimise the tissue deficit. At 1-year follow-up, the nail had regrown and tissue reformed producing an optimal functional and cosmetic result with no recurrence. Postoperative wound complications in the setting of subungual exostosis are significant and a great variability exists in their appropriate management. We presented the novel use of the VAC device in the successful management of subungual exostosis.
Prognostic implications of cell cycle‐related proteins in primary resectable pathologic N2 nonsmall cell lung cancer

Patients who have pathologic N2 (pN2) nonsmall cell lung cancer (pN2 NSCLC) represent a heterogeneous group with regard to prognosis and treatment. Molecular features of NSCLC seem to be of interest. For the current study, to select an appropriate therapeutic strategy for each patient, patients with N2 NSCLC were stratified into homogenous subgroups according to the expression profiles of cell cycle‐related markers.
Calcium Flux between the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondrion Contributes to Poliovirus-Induced Apoptosis

ABSTRACT We show that poliovirus (PV) infection induces an increase in cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) concentration in neuroblastoma IMR5 cells, at least partly through Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum lumen via the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R) and ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels. This leads to Ca2+ accumulation in mitochondria through the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter and the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC). This increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration in PV-infected cells leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.
Yerel Halkın Turizmin Etkilerini Algılamalarına ve Tutumlarına Yönelik Bir Araştırma

Bu calisma, iki farkli tarihte yerel halkin turizmin etkilerine iliskin algilama ve tutumlarini belirlemeye yoneliktir. Ayrica yerel halkin ozellikleriyle turizmin etkisini algilamalari arasinda anlamli farklilik olup olmadigi ve iki donem arasinda algilamalarda ve tutumlarda bir degisim olup olmadigi arastirma kapsaminda degerlendirilecektir. 600 kisinin yasadigi Cumalikizik kultur destinasyonuna 2001 yilinda (80), 2003 yilinda (80) kisinin katildigi anket uygulanmistir. Yerel halkin turizme iliskin algilamalariyla turizmin etkileri arasindaki farkliliklari tespit amaciyla, ekonomik yarar, sosyal maliyet, kulturel gelisim ve cevreye zarar olmak uzere dort etki faktoru belirlenmistir. Ayrica tutumlarin belirlenmesine yonelik olarak bolgeye gelmesi istenen turist tipi ve milliyeti, turizme yatirim fikri, aileden birinin turistik tesislerde calismasina onay ve turizm planlarina katilim dusuncesi ile ilgili yore halkinin fikirleri alinmistir. Yapilan analizler sonucunda algilamalarla ilgili olarak yerel halkin ozellikleriyle etki faktorleri arasinda 2001 yilinda yirmidokuz, 2003 yilinda kirkiki anlamli farklilik belirlenmistir. Yerel halkin turizme yonelik tutumlari her iki donemde cogunlukla olumludur. 2003 yilinda 2001 yilina gore olumlu tutum seviyesi yukselmistir. Her iki donemde algilamalarda farkliliklar saptanmis; 2003 yilinda 2001 yilina gore olumsuz algilamalarin azaldigi gorulmustur. Degerlendirme ve oneriler sonuc kisminda verilmektedir.
Microscale screening of antibody libraries as maytansinoid antibody-drug conjugates

ABSTRACT Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are of great interest as targeted cancer therapeutics. Preparation of ADCs for early stage screening is constrained by purification and biochemical analysis techniques that necessitate burdensome quantities of antibody. Here we describe a method, developed for the maytansinoid class of ADCs, enabling parallel conjugation of antibodies in 96-well format. The method utilizes ∼100 µg of antibody per well and requires <5 µg of ADC for characterization. We demonstrate the capabilities of this system using model antibodies. We also provide multiple examples applying this method to early-stage screening of maytansinoid ADCs. The method can greatly increase the throughput with which candidate ADCs can be screened in cell-based assays, and may be more generally applicable to high-throughput preparation and screening of different types of protein conjugates.
A qualitative exploration of barriers and motivators to physical activity participation in women treated for breast cancer

Abstract Purpose: The adoption and maintenance of a physically active lifestyle among women after breast cancer is an important priority for public health and rehabilitation science. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore breast cancer survivors’ perceptions of the factors influencing their ability to maintain a self-directed physical activity program. Method: Nine women participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Data were coded into perceived barriers and motivators to maintenance of physical activity using thematic analysis. Results: Women identified a range of physical (e.g. cancer-related physical symptoms), environmental/organizational (e.g. bad weather, lack of equipment/facilities, lack of knowledge, time constraints) and psychosocial (e.g. lack of motivation, low social support, low confidence/skill) barriers. They also identified perceived physical (e.g. weight management, health improvement or maintenance, increase energy) and psychosocial (e.g. improve body image, experience enjoyment, social support, positive emotions) motivators. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with research on barriers and motivators to physical activity initiation, and can be used to develop self-directed physical activity programs that target active breast cancer survivors to sustain regular engagement. Furthermore, the barriers and motivators identified represent key variables for further investigation. Implications for rehabilitation The present study identifies a number of perceived physical, psychosocial and organizational/environmental barriers to naturally occurring physical activity participation among active breast cancer survivors that should be addressed to ensure they maintain a physically active lifestyle This study also provides evidence that comprehensive approaches that address physical and psychosocial motivators to physical activity should be developed to assist women with a history of breast cancer maintain their physical activity levels
Isolation and characterization of nine polymorphic microsatellite loci of the kelp greenling, Hexagrammos decagrammus, a temperate reef fish

Nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed and characterized for the temperate reef fish species, Hexagrammos decagrammus (kelp greenling). The number of alleles varied from three to 22 in a sample of 22 individuals from one population. Expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.354 to 0.979. These microsatellites allow us to investigate reproductive success of individuals, alternative mating strategies as well as population structure and metapopulation dynamics of this species.
On the Lathrobium fauna of the Emei Shan, Sichuan, China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae)

Abstract Six species of Lathrobium Gravenhorst, 1802 from the Emei Shan, Sichuan, are described and illustrated: Lathrobium iunctum Assing & Peng sp. n. , Lathrobium coniunctum Assing & Peng sp. n. , Lathrobium conexum Assing & Peng sp. n. , Lathrobium ensigerum Assing & Peng sp. n. , Lathrobium hastatum Assing & Peng sp. n. , and Lathrobium bisinuatum Assing & Peng sp. n. Based on their primary and secondary sexual characters, they represent two distinct lineages, each of them comprising three species. A key to the species recorded from the Emei Shan is provided.
Common variants in the haemostatic gene pathway contribute to risk of early-onset myocardial infarction in the Italian population

Summary Occlusive coronary thrombus formation superimposed on an atherosclerotic plaque is the ultimate event leading to myocardial infarction (MI). Therefore, haemostatic proteins may represent important players in the pathogenesis of MI. It was the objective of this study to evaluate, in a comprehensive way, the role of haemostatic gene polymorphisms in predisposition to premature MI. A total of 810 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 37 genes were assessed for association with MI in a large cohort (1,670 males, 210 females) of Italian patients who suffered from an MI event before the age of 45, and an equal number of controls. Thirty-eight SNPs selected from the literature were genotyped using the SNPlex technology, whereas genotypes for the remaining 772 SNPs were extracted from a previous genome-wide association study. Genotypes were analysed by a standard case-control analysis corrected for classical cardiovascular risk factors, and by haplotype analysis. A weighted Genetic Risk Score (GRS) was calculated. Evidence for association with MI after covariate correction was found for 35 SNPs in 12 loci: F5, PROS1, F11, ITGA2, F12, F13A1, SERPINE1, PLAT, VWF, THBD, PROCR, and F9. The weighted GRS was constructed by including the top SNP for each of the 12 associated loci. The GRS distribution was significantly different between cases and controls, and subjects in the highest quintile had a 2.69-fold increased risk for MI compared with those in the lowest quintile. Our results suggest that a GRS, based on the combined effect of several risk alleles in different haemostatic genes, is associated with an increased risk of MI.
The application of product measures in directing software maintenance activity

This paper is concerned with enhancing aspects of project-management techniques in relation to maintenance in commercial object-oriented software. Maintenance forms a significant proportion of the lifecycle of a product and consequently its costs. Techniques such as lean production attempt to reduce cost by focusing team effort and to pre-empt issues by the use of early detection and resolution strategies. This study involves a commercial application written in C++ and its evolution over a one-year period. Software product measures are used in conjunction with Pareto analysis to determine effective predictive class targeting in a release cycle. We assess the capability of the measures and consider how the results can be used by the project team. The study extends the work of others in this field in three ways. First, other studies have analysed procedural code, whereas we use an object-oriented code base. Second, most studies assess the predictive capability of measures against the number of software issues; we examine these factors, but uniquely test for change density using density modified measures and we also test for revision volume. Finally, we examine the implications of these results and offer a cohesive framework of recommendations placed within the lean management philosophy.
Clean-and-Forward Approach in Cooperative Wireless Networks

This paper proposes a new cooperative strategy for cooperative communication among distributed nodes in a wireless communication network. In the proposed strategy referred to as the clean-and-forward, each node in a set cooperating with the source node cleans the received signal from the source, which may be corrupted by channel-induced and/or multiple-access interference as well as noise, and then forwards it to the destination. To justify the benefit of the proposed strategy, the overall link performance is illustrated in terms of symbol error rate and compared with that of a hybrid decode-and-forward cooperative technique whose performance is known to be comparable to or better than that of another strategy known as the amplify-and-forward
Prognostic Value of Access and Non–Access Sites Bleeding After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background—Little is known about the impact of bleeding site on mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of access and non–access site bleeding within 30 days after percutaneous coronary intervention on mortality. Methods and Results—This study represents a pooled patient-level analysis of 14 180 patients recruited in 7 randomized trials. Access and non–access site bleeding were assessed using the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality. Follow-up was complete in 97.5% of the patients. There were 414 deaths within the first year after percutaneous coronary intervention: 44 deaths among patients with access site bleeding, 60 deaths among patients with non–access site bleeding, and 310 deaths among patients without bleeding (Kaplan–Meier estimates of mortality, 4.5%, 10.0%, and 2.5%, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.72 [95% confidence interval, 1.19–2.47] for access site bleeding versus no bleeding; hazard ratio, 2.78 [2.00–3.86] for non–access site versus no bleeding). The inclusion of non–access site bleeding (the absolute and relative integrated discrimination improvement, 0.005 and 8.9%; P=0.031) but not of access site bleeding (the absolute and relative integrated discrimination improvement, 0.0015 and 2.7%; P=0.084) was associated with an improvement of the discriminatory power of multivariable model for mortality prediction. Conclusions—Both access and non–access site bleeding events occurring within 30 days of a percutaneous coronary intervention are independently associated with an increased risk of 1-year mortality. Non–access site bleeding is a stronger correlate of mortality than access site bleeding, and it improves the discriminatory power of models for mortality prediction.
Correlation between in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory properties of lactic acid bacteria.

AIM To investigate the correlation between in vitro and in vivo immunomodulation potential of the probiotic strain and its ability to prevent experimental colitis in mice. METHODS In vitro immunomodulation was assessed by measuring interleukin (IL)-12p70, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and interferon gamma (IFNgamma) release by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after 24 h stimulation with 13 live bacterial strains. A murine model of acute TNBS-colitis was next used to evaluate the prophylactic protective capacity of the same set of strains. RESULTS A strain-specific in vivo protection was observed. The strains displaying an in vitro potential to induce higher levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and lower levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-12, offered the best protection in the in vivo colitis model. In contrast, strains leading to a low IL-10/IL-12 cytokine ratio could not significantly attenuate colitis symptoms. CONCLUSION These results show that we could predict the in vivo protective capacity of the studied lactic acid bacteria (LAB) based on the cytokine profile we established in vitro. The PBMC-based assay we used may thus serve as a useful primary indicator to narrow down the number of candidate strains to be tested in murine models for their anti-inflammatory potential.
[2,9-Bis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl-κN 2)-1,10-phenanthroline-κ2 N,N′](methanol-κO)(nitrito-κ2 O,O′)cadmium(II) perchlorate

In the title complex, [Cd(NO2)(C22H20N6)(CH3OH)]ClO4, the CdII ion is in a distorted pentagonal–bipyramidal CdN4O3 coordination geometry. The dihedral angles formed between the mean planes of the pyrazole rings and the phenanthroline ring system are 4.37 (19) and 5.84 (21)°. In the crystal, the anions and cations are connected by intermolecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bonding, while pairs of weak intermolecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds connect the cations into centrosymmetric dimers. In addition, there is a π–π stacking interaction involving two symmetry-related benzene rings, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.437 (3) Å.
Molecular analysis of rRNA and cholera toxin genes carried by the new epidemic strain of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O139 synonym Bengal

Vibrio cholerae O139 synonym Bengal recently caused large epidemics of cholera-like disease in Bangladesh and India. We compared the restriction fragment length polymorphisms of ctxA and rRNA genes (ribotypes) in 27 isolates of V. cholerae O139 from patients in Bangladesh and India with those of 48 isolates of V. cholerae O1 from patients and 21 V. cholerae isolates from surface waters in Bangladesh, which included 2 O139 and 19 other non-O1 isolates. Ribotyping of the isolates with BglI revealed that all 29 isolates of O139 vibrios belonged to a single ribotype, suggesting a clonal nature of the infection. However, the O139 vibrios comprised two ctxA genotypes and carried three or more copies of the ctxA gene, and the chromosomal locations of these copies were unlike those of the El Tor or classical vibrios. Analysis of the restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the rRNA genes suggested that V. cholerae O139 isolates are more closely related to El Tor strains of V. cholerae O1 than were 19 other non-O1 vibrios and 33 classical V. cholerae O1 isolates that were studied. However, further studies are needed to determine whether V. cholerae O139 originated from mutations and genetic changes in a V. cholerae O1 strain or was due to the acquisition of virulence genes by a previously unknown V. cholerae non-O1 strain.