Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Statistical analysis of upper ocean temperature response to typhoons from ARGO floats and satellite data

Even under extreme atmospheric and oceanic conditions such as tropical storms and typhoons, satellites and ARGO floats are continuously transferring their temperature observations to us at near real-time. These data enable us to monitor the typhoons and understand upper ocean response during typhoon events. Using both satellite data and ARGO float data, sea surface temperature (SST) response and mixed layer temperature (MLT) response are examined for the typhoons occurring from 2000 to 2003 in the North Pacific. There is a high correlation of temperature changes between MLT and SST, but shows dependence on latitude and initial mixed layer depth before arrival of typhoon. Statistically, majority of matchups for pre and post typhoon show the largest peak of MLT cooling of around 1.0C and deepening of ML of about 56m after typhoon passage. This study presents overall statistical characteristics of upper ocean response during typhoon events and discusses their causes.
Suberanilohydroxamic Acid as a Pharmacological Kruppel‐Like Factor 2 Activator That Represses Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis

Background Kruppel‐like factor 2 (KLF2) is an important zinc‐finger transcription factor that maintains endothelial homeostasis by its anti‐inflammatory, ‐thrombotic, ‐oxidative, and ‐proliferative effects in endothelial cells. In light of the potent vasoprotective effects of KLF2, modulating KLF2 expression or function could give rise to new therapeutic strategies to treat cardiovascular diseases. Methods and Results High‐throughput drug screening based on KLF2 promoter luciferase reporter assay was performed to screen KLF2 activators. Real‐time PCR and western blot were used to detect gene and protein expression. Identified KLF2 activator was orally administered to ApoE−/− mice to evaluate anti‐atherosclerotic efficacy. By screening 2400 compounds in the Spectrum library, we identified suberanilohydroxamic (SAHA) acid, also known as vorinostat as a pharmacological KLF2 activator through myocyte enhancer factor 2. We found that SAHA exhibited anti‐inflammatory effects and attenuated monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells inflamed with tumor necrosis factor alpha. We further showed that the inhibitory effect of SAHA on endothelial inflammation and ensuing monocyte adhesion was KLF2 dependent using KLF2‐deficient mouse lung endothelial cells or KLF2 small interfering RNA– depleted human endothelial cells. Importantly, we observed that oral administration of SAHA reduced diet‐induced atherosclerotic lesion development in ApoE−/− mice without significant effect on serum lipid levels. Conclusions These results demonstrate that SAHA has KLF2‐dependent anti‐inflammatory effects in endothelial cells and provide the proof of concept that KLF2 activation could be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating atherosclerosis.
GENETICS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL RESISTANCE TO HOST FURANOCOUMARINS IN THE PARSNIP WEBWORM

Depressaria pastinacella, the parsnip webworm, feeds almost exclusively on the flowers and fruits of Pastinaca sativa, the wild parsnip. Resistance to webworms in wild parsnip populations is largely attributable to genetically based variation in furanocoumarin chemistry; by differentially reducing fruit set among chemical phenotypes, parsnip webworms may act as selective agents on wild parsnip populations. To determine whether wild parsnip chemistry can act as a selective agent on webworm populations, it is necessary to establish that resistance mechanisms in the webworm to furanocoumarins are genetically based. In this study, we estimated the amount of genetic variation in behavioral and physiological responses of webworms to parsnip furanocoumarins. Virtually no variation was found among webworm families for feeding preferences for diets varying as much as fourfold in furanocoumarin content. Nor was significant variation found for mean furanocoumarin intake over the assay period, except in one case, in which maternal effects may account for differences among families. In contrast, substantial familial variation existed for cytochrome P450–mediated metabolism of bergapten and xanthotoxin, two host furanocoumarins. The presence of additive genetic variation in metabolism, and the absence of such variation in discriminative feeding behavior, suggests that adaptation to changes in furanocoumarin chemistry, resulting either from changes in the distribution of chemical phenotypes in parsnip populations or from shifts to new chemically different host plants, is likely to be facilitated by physiological rather than behavioral means.
Recurrent Thrombosis: A Case of Hereditary Thromboembolism

Patient: Female, 56 Final Diagnosis: Hereditary thombophilia Symptoms: Dyspnea Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Hematology Objective: Congenital defects/diseases Background: Thrombophilia is a predisposition to thrombosis. Genetic causes include antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, factor V Leiden, prothrombin 20210A allele, and MTHFR mutations. Other genetic factors causing thrombosis and pulmonary embolism have been identified in recent studies, including 4G/4G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene. Case Report: A patient with a personal and family history of recurrent thrombosis and pulmonary embolism was admitted to our Internal Medicine Department. After the most common acquired risk factors for thromboembolism were ruled out, the patient and her family members underwent genetic diagnostic testing. These tests showed homozygous 4G/4G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene in 14 subjects, homozygous 4G/4G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene and C677T/A1298C polymorphism of the MTHFR gene in 4 subjects, and heterozygous 4G/4G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene and C677T/A1298C polymorphism of the MTHFR gene in 3 subjects. Afterwards, we initiated the administration of Rivaroxaban, with beneficial results. Conclusions: No thrombotic recurrence has been observed in the patient since 2014. This case report shows the efficacy and superiority of Rivaroxaban over traditional anticoagulants in the treatment of hereditary thrombophilia. Further studies are clearly needed before Rivaroxaban can be recommended as a standard treatment in patients with inherited thrombophilia.
Laparoscopy Decreases Postoperative Complication Rates After Abdominal Colectomy: Results From the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

Objective:Compare outcomes of non-emergent laparoscopic to open colon surgery. Background:Laparoscopy has revolutionized much of gastrointestinal surgery. Colon and rectal surgery has seen drastic changes with many of the abdominal operations being performed laparoscopically. However, data comparing recovery and complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic and open colon surgery has shown only slight benefits for laparoscopy. Given the large benefits of laparoscopy in most gastrointestinal surgical procedures, this outcome is surprising. We, therefore, have set out to test the hypothesis that laparoscopic approaches decreases postoperative complications. Methods:We have undertaken a review of the database maintained by the American College of Surgeon's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. We have identified 8660 patients who met inclusion criteria for this study. Postoperative complication data were collected for patients undergoing laparoscopic or open colon surgery. Using a combination of univariate and multivariate analyses we evaluated for statistical significance. Results:We found that laparoscopy decreased overall complications as well as individual complications. We found a decreased length of stay as well as a decreased risk for postoperative complications in the elderly. We found that laparoscopy decreased complication rate independent of the probability of morbidity statistic. Conclusions:When controlled for probability of morbidity, laparoscopy decreases the rate of postoperative complications. Given the equivalent outcomes of laparoscopic approaches, we conclude that laparoscopy should be offered to all patients who lack an absolute contraindication for laparoscopic surgery.
Gain Scheduling Control of a Nonlinear Electrostatic Microgripper: Design by an Eigenstructure Assignment With an Observer-Based Structure

This paper deals with the modeling and the robust control of a nonlinear electrostatic microgripper dedicated to embedded microrobotics applications. We first propose a polynomial linear parameter varying model of the system, where the varying parameter is the mean position of the microgripper that is used for the linearization. The controller is then derived using a multimodel and scheduled observer-based control strategy. The structure and the order of the controller are defined a priori allowing the derivation of a robust low-order controller suitable for a real-time implementation in embedded on-chip environments. Results show that a very wide (several tens of micrometers) and fast positioning of the gripping arm can be achieved using the control strategy. A robustness analysis and experimental implementation results show the efficiency of the controller and the relevance of the theoretical approach.
Small-Dose Propofol Sedation Attenuates the Formation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Tourniquet-Induced Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Under Spinal Anesthesia

The release of a tourniquet produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause ischemia-reperfusion injury. We investigated the effects on ROS production in 22 adult ASA physical status I–II patients sedated with small-dose propofol infusion and IV midazolam undergoing elective total knee replacement under intrathecal anesthesia, allocated randomly to one of two groups. In the Propofol group, sedation was performed with propofol 0.2 mg/kg followed by infusion at a rate of 2 mg · kg−1 · h−1. In the Control group, IV midazolam 5 mg was given. ROS production was measured by lucigenin chemiluminescence analysis. Blood samples were obtained from the radial artery after spinal anesthesia, 1 min before release of the tourniquet and 5 and 20 min after reperfusion. The ischemic time was approximately 70 min. ROS production decreased nonsignificantly before reperfusion in both groups but increased significantly 5 and 20 min after reperfusion in the Midazolam group. In the Propofol group, no significant increase of ROS production was found. We conclude that small-dose propofol infusion attenuates ROS production in tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury.
An experimental study of dendritic cells transfected with cancer stem-like cells RNA against 9L brain tumors

Cancer stem cells are defined as a subpopulation of cancer cells with the capacity to self-renew and differentiate, which may play critical roles in tumor initiation, progress and resistance to current treatments. It has been reported that Dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with total tumor RNA could induce strong antitumor T-cell responses both in vivo and in vitro. In the study, we investigated the characteristics of 9L tumor spheres, and evaluated the antitumor effects of DCs transfected with 9L tumor spheres RNA in vivo. The results showed that 9L tumor spheres have the properties of cancer stem cells, and the majority of 9L cells were positive for CD133 and nestin. DCs transfected with 9L tumor spheres RNA can significantly inhibit glioma growth and prolong the survival of 9L glioma-bearing rats. These results demonstrated that 9L cancer stem like cells were enriched in tumor spheres, and they were a part of CD133+ cells, DCs transfected with cancer stem cells RNA may be an effective therapy for glioma.
Toxicity of engineered nanomaterials mediated by nano–bio–eco interactions

ABSTRACT Engineered nanomaterials may adversely impact human health and environmental safety by nano–bio–eco interactions not fully understood. Their interaction with biotic and abiotic environments are varied and complicated, ranging from individual species to entire ecosystems. Their behavior, transport, fate, and toxicological profiles in these interactions, addressed in a pioneering study, are subsequently seldom reported. Biological, chemical, and physical dimension properties, the so-called multidimensional characterization, determine interactions. Intermediate species generated in the dynamic process of nanomaterial transformation increase the complexity of assessing nanotoxicity. We review recent progress in understanding these interactions, discuss the challenges of the study, and suggest future research directions.
The Influence of Diet and Fat Cell Size on Glucose Metabolism, Lipogenesis, and Lipolysis in the Rat*

Summary These experiments have evaluated the effects of caloric intake, dietary cornposition, and the size of fat cells on the response to exogenous insulin and on the metabolism of glucose in vi· vo and in vitro. The size of fat cells was varied by dietary modification. One group of rats was fed a restricted in take 01 Laboratory Chow and had the smallest fat cells. Rats fed ad lib with a diet containing two-thirds of its calories from Chow and one-third from corn oil had the largest fat ceHs. Inter mediate ceD size was achieved in two groups of rats by feed ing Laboratory Chow ad lib and by isocalorically pair-feeding the other group with the two-thirds Chow - one-third corn oil diet. The following conclusions seem warranted: 1) lsocaloric sub stitution of fat for carbohydrate impaired the response to in sulin in vive cven though fat cells did not change in size (ad lib fed Chow groups vs isocalorically pair-fed Chow fat group). 2) Lipolysis in vitro as measured by glycerol release was influenced by fat cell size but dietary composition over the range studied had little influence. 3) For the response to insulin in vitro, prior nutritional history is more important than the size of the adipocytes.
Can urinary PCA3 supplement PSA in the early detection of prostate cancer?

PURPOSE Given the limited sensitivity and specificity of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), its widespread use as a screening tool has raised concerns for the overdiagnosis of low-risk and the underdiagnosis of high-grade prostate cancer. To improve early-detection biopsy decisions, the National Cancer Institute conducted a prospective validation trial to assess the diagnostic performance of the prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) urinary assay for the detection of prostate cancer among men screened with PSA. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 859 men (mean age, 62 years) from 11 centers scheduled for a diagnostic prostate biopsy between December 2009 and June 2011 were enrolled. The primary outcomes were to assess whether PCA3 could improve the positive predictive value (PPV) for an initial biopsy (at a score > 60) and the negative predictive value (NPV) for a repeat biopsy (at a score < 20). RESULTS For the detection of any cancer, PPV was 80% (95% CI, 72% to 86%) in the initial biopsy group, and NPV was 88% (95% CI, 81% to 93%) in the repeat biopsy group. The addition of PCA3 to individual risk estimation models (which included age, race/ethnicity, prior biopsy, PSA, and digital rectal examination) improved the stratification of cancer and of high-grade cancer. CONCLUSION These data independently support the role of PCA3 in reducing the burden of prostate biopsies among men undergoing a repeat prostate biopsy. For biopsy-naive patients, a high PCA3 score (> 60) significantly increases the probability that an initial prostate biopsy will identify cancer.
External Effects of Hydraulic Fracturing: Risks and Welfare Considerations for Water Supply in Germany

In this paper, we investigate the externalities related to hydraulic fracturing (‘hydrofracking’) in Germany, based on a detailed analysis of hydrofracking risks and potentials, and a stylized social welfare analysis related to adverse impacts of unconventional gas production on both surface and ground water resources and water supply. Natural gas is extracted by a profit-maximizing monopolist. Society faces several kinds of negative externalities, including additional water purification costs. The results of our sensitivity analysis show that the maximized welfare is in any case higher than the welfare resulting from the profit-maximizing quantities, as is predicted by our model. Also, the regulator always has to pay a subsidy in order to maximize welfare, which shows that the monopolist has an incentive to exercise his market power in order to keep the prices up for profit maximization. The monopolist’s profits are always non-negative, whereas the welfare-maximizing shale gas production generally reduces his profits. As profits do not drop below zero, however, there is no need to employ a second-best approach. We conclude that increasing costs and/or an increasing price sensitivity will lead to reduced profits and to reduced social welfare, while for an increasing choke price it is the other way around.
Impact of fgd1 and ddn Diversity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex on In Vitro Susceptibility to PA-824

ABSTRACT PA-824 is a promising drug candidate for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). It is in phase II clinical trials as part of the first newly designed regimen containing multiple novel antituberculosis drugs (PA-824 in combination with moxifloxacin and pyrazinamide). However, given that the genes involved in resistance against PA-824 are not fully conserved in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), this regimen might not be equally effective against different MTBC genotypes. To investigate this question, we sequenced two PA-824 resistance genes (fgd1 [Rv0407] and ddn [Rv3547]) in 65 MTBC strains representing major phylogenetic lineages. The MICs of representative strains were determined using the modified proportion method in the Bactec MGIT 960 system. Our analysis revealed single-nucleotide polymorphisms in both genes that were specific either for several genotypes or for individual strains, yet none of these mutations significantly affected the PA-824 MICs (≤0.25 μg/ml). These results were supported by in silico modeling of the mutations identified in Fgd1. In contrast, “Mycobacterium canettii” strains displayed a higher MIC of 8 μg/ml. In conclusion, we found a large genetic diversity in PA-824 resistance genes that did not lead to elevated PA-824 MICs. In contrast, M. canettii strains had MICs that were above the plasma concentrations of PA-824 documented so far in clinical trials. As M. canettii is also intrinsically resistant against pyrazinamide, new regimens containing PA-824 and pyrazinamide might not be effective in treating M. canettii infections. This finding has implications for the design of multiple ongoing clinical trials.
Phase II study on the combination carboplatin-celecoxib in heavily pre-treated recurrent ovarian carcinoma patients.

15009 Background: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been shown to be involved in several steps of ovarian onset and progression and its overepression is associated with a poor chance of response to chemotherapy and poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. Celecoxib, an orally active selective COX-2 inhibitor, has been tested for its ability to potentiate the activity of carboplatin in treatment of heavily pretreated recurrent ovarian cancer patients. METHODS A phase II study was planned, considering the regimen active if at least 12 responses were observed among the 43 enrolled patients. Celecoxib (400 mg/die), and carboplatin (5 AUC) q28 were administered, until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Response was assessed by RECIST and also by Rustin criteria. RESULTS 34 pts (median age: 60 yrs, range 28-74) and an ECOG performance status (0/1/2) of (21/12/1), were enrolled. 58.8% of patients were platinum resistant (progressing during or < 6 months from primary treatment). Median number of previous chemotherapy regimens was 3 (range 2-6). Currently 27 patients are evaluable for response. The overall response rate (CR and PR) was 25.9% (2 CR, 5 PR) with stabilization of disease in 8 patients (29.6%). Four responses occurred in platinum sensitive and 3 in platinum resistant group Median time to response was 11 weeks (range 9-19) and median duration of response was 23 weeks (range 12-39). According to Rustin criteria 10 patients out of 25 (40%) were considered responsive to treatment (return of CA125 levels to normal level or >50% reduction). Overall, 143 cycles were administered with a median value of 3 cycles (range = 1-10). Moderate/severe toxicities were as follows: G3 anemia occurred in 2.3% cycles, G3 neutropenia in 4.6% cycles, G3 thrombocytopenia in 1.5% cycles, G3/4 gastrointestinal toxicity occurred in 4.6% cycles. Cutaneous diffuse erithema was observed in 2 patients, in both cases recovered with a short period of antihistaminic treatment; 2 cases of hypertension were documented, G2 hypersensitivity reactions during carboplatin infusion were observed in 4 cases. CONCLUSIONS Celecoxib combined with carboplatin is well tolerated and has promising activity as salvage treatment in heavily pretreated recurrent ovarian cancer patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Infective dermatitis and human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis in childhood and adolescence.

BACKGROUND Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated infective dermatitis (IDH) is a chronic and recurrent eczema occurring during childhood and adolescence. HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a chronic myelopathy of adulthood, presenting with slowly progressive spastic paraparesis and sphincter dysfunction with mild sensory involvement. There are few reports describing an association between IDH and HAM/TSP. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of HAM/TSP in patients with IDH and in seropositive members of their families and to determine the blood levels of antibodies against HTLV-1 in patients with HAM/TSP. METHODS Twenty patients with IDH and their seropositive mothers and siblings underwent clinical, neurological, and laboratory evaluations. The diagnosis of HAM/TSP was made in accordance with the World Health Organization criteria. RESULTS Nine individuals had HAM/TSP (6 of the patients with IDH, 2 mothers, and 1 seropositive brother). In 3 families, > 1 individual had HAM/TSP. The serum antibody titers of the patients with HAM/TSP varied from 1 : 3.125 to 1 : 78.125. CONCLUSIONS A strong association was observed between IDH and HAM/TSP. The familial clustering of both diseases suggests a genetic background. Serological screening for HTLV-1 in children with symptoms of myelopathy is essential in areas where HTLV-1 is endemic.
Biomaterial mimicking indole-3-acetic acid based gold nanocomposite hydrogels

Abstract In this study, the gold nanoparticles loaded indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) based nanocomposite hydrogels have been prepared using ethylene glycol (EG) and citric acid (CA) by condensation polymerization without crosslinking agent. Two different concentrations of nanocomposite hydrogels have prepared and named as ICE-Au-1 and ICE-Au-2. Moreover, the resulting nanocomposite hydrogels were confirmed by FT-IR, UV and SEM analysis. The TEM and EDX system were used to found the shape and composition of gold nanoparticles in prepared nanocomposite hydrogels. The variation of swelling have noticed in acidic pH than the alkaline medium due to binding of gold nanoparticles. The results of biological properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant and biocompatible studies were also critically discussed. Thus, the aim of this work was to study various composition of gold nanocomposite hydrogels and its relation with stoichiometric concentration of monomers to evaluate good biomedical material in mere future. Graphical Abstract