Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma on proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells in mice with asthma].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) agonist rosiglitazone on the expression of cyclin D1 in lung tissue, and the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in mice with bronchial asthma. METHODS Thirty clean BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group (n = 10), asthma group (n = 10), and rosiglitazone treatment group (n = 10). A mouse model of asthma was established by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. The treatment group received rosiglitazone (5 mg/kg) by gavage 1 hour before each challenge and the control group received saline instead of OVA sensitization and challenge. Leukocytes and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted under a microscope. Airway structural changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Protein and mRNA expression levels of cyclin D1 were measured by immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR. Perimeter of the basement membrane (Pbm), total bronchial wall area (WAt), airway smooth muscle area (WAm), and number of nuclei in ASMCs (N) were determined using image analysis software, and WAt/Pbm, WAm/Pbm, and N/Pbm were calculated. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the asthma group showed significant increases in the total number of leukocytes and percentage of eosinophils in BALF, as well as in the mRNA and protein expression of cyclin D1, but changes in these indices were significantly reduced in the rosiglitazone treatment group (P < 0.05). In addition, compared with the control group, the asthma group had significantly increased WAt/Pbm, WAm/Pbm, and N/Pbm, but rosiglitazone significantly decreased these ratios (P < 0.05). CONCLISONS Rosiglitazone may delay the process of airway remodeling by inhibiting the proliferation of ASMCs, so it can be used for preventing and treating chronic asthma.
A DNA-Interacting Payload Designed to Eliminate Cross-Linking Improves the Therapeutic Index of Antibody–Drug Conjugates (ADCs)

Tumor-selective delivery of cytotoxic agents in the form of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) is now a clinically validated approach for cancer treatment. In an attempt to improve the clinical success rate of ADCs, emphasis has been recently placed on the use of DNA–cross-linking pyrrolobenzodiazepine compounds as the payload. Despite promising early clinical results with this class of ADCs, doses achievable have been low due to systemic toxicity. Here, we describe the development of a new class of potent DNA-interacting agents wherein changing the mechanism of action from a cross-linker to a DNA alkylator improves the tolerability of the ADC. ADCs containing the DNA alkylator displayed similar in vitro potency, but improved bystander killing and in vivo efficacy, compared with those of the cross-linker. Thus, the improved in vivo tolerability and antitumor activity achieved in rodent models with ADCs of the novel DNA alkylator could provide an efficacious, yet safer option for cancer treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(3); 650–60. ©2018 AACR.
Prognostic Value of nm23 Protein Expression in Renal Cell Carcinomas

In the present study, an analysis of whether expression of nm23-H1 and nm23-H2 proteins has prognostic significance was performed. A series of 95 renal cell carcinomas was analyzed for nuclear grade, tumor size (larger than 50 mm or not), staging in the Robson system and expression of nm23-H1 and nm23-H2, as well as patient survival. Immunohistochemical staining of nm23-H1 and nm23-H2 was found in 68.4 and 50.5% of the cases, respectively. Significant differences in nm23-H1, but not nm23-H2 expression were noted with regard to nuclear grade and tumor size. The patients with nm23-H1-expression-negative tumors sized ≤50 mm had a significantly poorer prognosis than their positive counterparts. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards regression model indicated that the staging in the Robson system and expression of nm23-H1 were significant and independent prognostic factors for survival. However, no significant correlation between the incidence of metastasis and expression of nm23-H1 or nm23-H2 was found. The results imply that reduced expression of nm23-H1 influences the prognosis of patients with renal cell carcinomas, but not the likelihood of metastasis. In small tumors sized ≤50 mm, reduced expression of nm23-H1 protein was suggested to be an especially strong predictor of a poor prognosis.
A Prospective Multicenter Study Evaluating Bleeding Risk after Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration in Patients Prescribed Antithrombotic Agents

Background/Aims Although the risk of bleeding after endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is low, the safety of EUS-FNA in patients prescribed antithrom-botic agents is unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the incidence of bleeding after EUS-FNA in those patients. Methods Between September 2012 and September 2015, patients who were prescribed antithrombotic agents underwent EUS-FNA at 13 institutions in Japan were prospectively enrolled in the study. The antithrombotic agents were managed according to the guidelines of the Japanese Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Society. The rate of bleeding events, thromboembolic events and other complications within 2 weeks after EUS-FNA were analyzed. Results Of the 2,629 patients who underwent EUS-FNA during the study period, 85 (62 males; median age, 74 years) patients were included in this stduy. Two patients (2.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6% to 8.3%) experienced bleeding events. One patient required surgical intervention for hemothorax 5 hours after EUS-FNA, and the other experienced melena 8 days after EUS-FNA and required red blood cell transfusions. No thromboembolic events occurred (0%; 95% CI, 0.0% to 4.4%). Three patients (3.5%; 95% CI, 1.2% to 10.0%) experienced peri-puncture abscess formation. Conclusions The rate of bleeding after EUS-FNA in patients prescribed antithrombotic agents might be considerable.
Very Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: Outcomes of Adenotonsillectomy and Risk Factors for Persistence

Objectives (1) To describe the clinical, demographic and polysomnographic (PSG) characteristics of children with very severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without significant comorbidities; (2) to assess the outcomes following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A); and (3) to determine predictors of persistence of OSA after T&A. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Tertiary-level freestanding children’s hospital. Subjects and Methods Seventy-four children aged 2 to 12 years who underwent T&A for very severe OSA (obstructive apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] >30) were included. Children with significant comorbidities were excluded. PSG variables were compared pre- and post-T&A using statistical tests. Factors affecting OSA resolution and persistence were studied. Results The mean (95% confidence interval) age was 4.3 (3.8-4.7) years with the majority black or Hispanic (64/74, 86%). The mean decrease in AHI after T&A was 49 (43-58) (P < .001). Complete resolution of OSA, defined by an AHI <1, or an AHI <5 was seen in 32% (24/74) and 80% (59/74), respectively. Total sleep time (TST) greater than 5 minutes with end-tidal CO2 >50 mm Hg was strongly associated with persistent OSA. The decrease in AHI post-T&A was best predicted by higher preoperative oxygen saturation (SpO2) nadir and lower TST with SpO2 <90% (R 2 = 0.24, P < .001). Conclusions T&A is associated with a significant improvement but not resolution of very severe OSA. The severity of baseline hypercapnia and hypoxemia may best predict persistent OSA after T&A. The study supports obtaining routine post-T&A PSG in children with very severe OSA.
Irritable bowel syndrome: what do the new Rome IV diagnostic guidelines mean for patient management?

The Rome criteria are universally used as inclusion criteria in pharmaceutical clinical trials and have therefore contributed to testing of several irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-specific drugs. However, clinicians do not routinely use them because they are complex and consequently difficult to remember. Revised Rome diagnostic criteria for IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) were published in May 2016 [1]. These revised criteria, referred to as the Rome IV criteria, replace the Rome III diagnostic criteria published 10 years earlier. Changes to the diagnostic criteria raise a number of questions both for clinicians and clinical researchers which will be addressed in this review:
Pan-Genotype Hepatitis E Virus Replication in Stem Cell-Derived Hepatocellular Systems.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The 4 genotypes of hepatitis E virus (HEV) that infect humans (genotypes 1-4) vary in geographical distribution, transmission, and pathogenesis. Little is known about the properties of HEV or its hosts that contribute to these variations. Primary isolates grow poorly in cell culture; most studies have relied on variants adapted to cancer cell lines, which likely alter virus biology. We investigated the infection and replication of primary isolates of HEV in hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) derived from human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. METHODS Using a cell culture-adapted genotype 3 strain and primary isolates of genotypes 1 to 4, we compared viral replication kinetics, sensitivity to drugs, and ability of HEV to activate the innate immune response. We studied HLCs using quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We used an embryonic stem cell line that can be induced to express the CRISPR-Cas9 machinery to disrupt the peptidylprolyl isomerase A gene, encoding cyclophilin A (CYPA), a protein reported to inhibit replication of cell culture-adapted HEV. We further modified this line to rescue expression of CYPA before terminal differentiation to HLCs and performed HEV infection studies. RESULTS HLCs were permissive for infection by nonadapted, primary isolates of HEV genotypes 1 to 4. HEV infection of HLCs induced a replication-dependent type III interferon response. Replication of primary HEV isolates, unlike the cell culture-adapted strain, was not affected by disruption of the peptidylprolyl isomerase A gene or exposure to the CYPA inhibitor cyclosporine A. CONCLUSIONS Cell culture adaptations alter the replicative capacities of HEV. HLCs offer an improved, physiologically relevant, and genetically tractable system for studying the replication of primary HEV isolates. HLCs could provide a model to aid development of HEV drugs and a system to guide personalized regimens, especially for patients with chronic hepatitis E who have developed resistance to ribavirin.
Identification of preterm birth in women with threatened preterm labour between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess whether serum markers would be useful as a new predictor of preterm birth in patients with spontaneous, late preterm labour. Patients diagnosed with late preterm labour were divided into preterm delivery (229 patients) and term delivery (178 patients) groups. The two groups were compared in terms of clinical characteristics and levels of serum markers (leukocyte subtypes, platelet, C-reactive protein [CRP], neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio [NLR] and platelet to lymphocyte ratio [PLR]), which were obtained at admission. The levels of leukocyte (p < .001), neutrophil (p < .001), CRP (p = .001), NLR (p < .001) and PLR (p = .003) were significantly higher, whereas lymphocytes (p = .012) were significantly lower in the preterm delivery group, compared to the term delivery group. On multivariate regression analysis, NLR positive was the most powerful predictive variable (OR = 1.41; 95%CI: 1.32–1.51; p = .005). NLR had the highest area under curve (0.711; 95%CI 0.662–0.760) in predicting preterm birth and a NLR >6.2 had the highest sensitivity (65.1%) and specificity (62.5%). High NLR at admission is an independent predictor of preterm birth in patients with spontaneous, late preterm labour. Impact statement What is already known on this subject: Preterm birth accounts for 5–12% of all births, and is a major factor associated with perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, more than 70% of preterm births occur at late preterm between 340/7 and 366/7 weeks of gestation. The central role of systemic and subclinical infections in preterm labour is well documented. Intrauterine infection leading to delivery can be measured by using a variety of laboratory parameters. What do the results of this study add: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is an inexpensive, easily interpretable and promising haematologic parameter that is widely available. This study explored the association of high neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio with the risk of preterm birth in women with preterm labour between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio could be used in combination with existing markers to improve detection rates of preterm birth. Concomitant use of markers could be more powerful than measuring any of the individual markers alone.
Terminology for Describing the Elastic Behavior of Arteries

The ability to characterize and quantify the elastic behavior of arteries has become increasingly important, because its application has broadened from basic physiology to clinical domains and the prediction of cardiovascular risk. Consequently, it is imperative that terminology to communicate across these disciplines is consistent and meaningful. In 1960, Peterson et al1 suggested coining a new definition of elastic modulus, the ratio of stress to strain, in terms of the pulse pressure, ΔP, and the directly measurable parameters ΔD and D (diameter). This has subsequently become known as Peterson’s modulus (Ep), where ! [Formula][1] In 1975, one of us (R.G.G.)2 suggested calling the inverse of Ep the arterial compliance , C, where ! [Formula][2] However, since that date, various authors have used the term distensibility for this quantity (eg, most recently O’Rourke et al3), and the term compliance has also become strongly linked with adherence to medical advice. The authors would therefore suggest that this difference in terminology is best resolved by using the long-established, engineering term compressibility when referring to the inverse of the elastic modulus.4,5 Thus, use of the well-defined, longer-established terms, elastic modulus and compressibility , would replace the need to use the terms compliance and distensibility, about whose mathematical definition some confusion exists in the literature. The classic physics of elasticity is often said to have started in 1600 with the discovery by Hooke that the ratio of stress to strain in isotropic materials, within … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/graphic-2.gif
Alternative Methods for Cost Allocation in Stochastic Service Systems

In this paper we consider the question of allocating costs and setting prices for customers in a variety of queuing systems. We will focus on the problem of setting users fees within an organization for a shared resource, such as a computer center. We argue that both the Aumann-Shapley pricing rule, and a pricing rule based on the Shapley value of a finite game, are appropriate cost allocation methodologies. These approaches allow us to explicitly determine prices for customers in a queuing situation, who differ from one another in terms of their arrival rates, service rates, costs of lost work, and the number of simultaneous servers which they require.
A Survey of Corporate Real Estate Executives on Factors Influencing Corporate Real Estate Performance

There is a growing awareness that corporations can profit from more effective management of their real estate assets, yet there is little academic research in the field. Based on a survey of corporate real estate executives, this article identifies some key organizational and operational factors that are considered to be important in effective corporate real estate asset management. A qualitative model of corporate real estate effectiveness is proposed, drawing on the emerging literature in the field. The model is tested using the survey data, yielding encouraging results that point to promising new areas of research.
Occurrence and host preferences of Anopheles maculipennis group mosquitoes in England and Wales

Mosquitoes of the Anopheles maculipennis Meigen (Diptera: Culicidae) group are of public health concern: five of the 11 morphologically indistinct species have been historically considered as vectors of malaria in Europe. Three members of the An. maculipennis group have been reported in the U.K.: Anopheles atroparvus van Thiel; Anopheles messeae Falleroni, and Anopheles daciae Linton, Nicolescu & Harbach. To study the distribution of the three U.K. species, particularly that of An. daciae, we developed a polymerase chain reaction–Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assay using the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS‐2) gene. Anopheles daciae was found to be widespread, occurring in four of the five counties surveyed in southern England and on the Welsh island of Anglesey, often in sympatry with the closely related species An. messeae. The host preferences of 237 blood‐fed females were determined using either direct sequencing or PCR‐based fragment analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase b gene with DNA from females' abdomens. All three species were found to be opportunistic, having fed on at least three different hosts. Seventeen individuals contained multiple bloodmeals, including two An. daciae that had fed on humans and birds. Our results show that An. daciae is widespread in England and Wales, occurs in sympatry with other members of the An. maculipennis group, and feeds on humans, which suggests it is a potential vector of disease in the U.K.
Regulation of Islet Amyloid Polypeptide in Human Pancreatic Islets

This study investigated the effect of glucose on islet amyloid polypeptide secretion, content, and mRNA synthesis of human pancreatic islets. The release of islet amyloid polypeptide from fresh isolated islets in response to glucose was parallel to that of insulin. The islet amyloid polypeptide-to-insulin molar ratios in response to 5.5 and 16.7 mM glucose were 1:16 and 1:15 respectively. Islets were cultured for 1 and 7 days at two different glucose concentrations (5.5 and 16.7 mM). The islet amyloid polypeptide response to the 1-day culture was similar to that of the fresh islets; however, after the 7-day culture the islet amyloid polypeptide and insulin secretory responses to glucose were dissociated. The insulin response of islets to a high-glucose stimulus was significantly (P < 0.001) increased, whereas the islet amyloid polypeptide response of islets to the same stimulus was blunted. The IAPP content was > insulin content in a molar ratio (1:50 to 1:30) after long exposure of islets to concentrations of high glucose even though the increase was significant for both peptides (P < 0.005). Northern blot analysis of each cultured condition showed an increase of both mRNA IAPP and insulin signals after exposure of islets at 16.7 mM glucose, the maximum mRNA expression being after long exposure to high-glucose concentrations. Quantification of both signals by densitometry showed a greater increase for islet amyloid polypeptide than for insulin. These findings suggest that IAPP can be accumulated in beta-cells after long exposure of human islets to high-glucose concentrations, because glucose increases IAPP synthesis but not secretion. This may be important for understanding the factors involved in the amyloidogenicity of islet amyloid polypeptide and consequently in the pathogenesis of NIDDM.
The Predictive Power of Endocrine Tests for the Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovaries in Women with Oligoamenorrhea

Various hormonal parameters and the best logistic regression model to predict disease probability were evaluated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Concentrations of LH, FSH, LH/FSH ratio, testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG and insulin in serum were recorded in 32 women with PCOS and in 25 controls. A model including LH/FSH ratio, insulin and testosterone measurements yielded the best goodness of fit for classification of women with and without PCOS in the logistic regression analysis. Only LH/FSH ratio and insulin were retained as significant variables. The diagnostic characteristics of LH/FSH ratio and insulin for PCOS when compared by receiver-operator characteristic analysis were found to be equally effective. By combining these two variables a higher area under curve was obtained. LH/FSH ratio, insulin or the combination of these two can predict the disease probability in women with PCOS.
Applications of Microfluidics in Quantitative Biology

Quantitative biology is dedicated to taking advantage of quantitative reasoning and advanced engineering technologies to make biology more predictable. Microfluidics, as an emerging technique, provides new approaches to precisely control fluidic conditions on small scales and collect data in high‐throughput and quantitative manners. In this review, the authors present the relevant applications of microfluidics to quantitative biology based on two major categories (channel‐based microfluidics and droplet‐based microfluidics), and their typical features. We also envision some other microfluidic techniques that may not be employed in quantitative biology right now, but have great potential in the near future.
Hardware implementation for Turbo code-OFDM using Software defined Radio

In this paper, we present design and implementation of wireless Turbo Code OFDM (TC-OFDM) on the Small Form Factor (SFF) Software defined Radio (SDR) Platform, provided by Lyrtech and Texas Instrument (TI) [1]. TC-OFDM is proposed in different channels communication system in order to decrease the bit error rate (BER). The performance analysis of the TC-OFDM system is evaluated by simulations in different channels including AWGN and multipath Rayleigh fading channel. We show that TC-OFDM can provide a better performance than single carrier OFDM system in multipath Rayleigh fading charnels. On the other hand, Turbo codes can eliminate the residual inter symbol interference (ISI) and inter channel interference (ICI) and therefore reduce the length of the required Cyclic prefix in an OFDM system. Moreover, this decreases the overhead associated with the Cyclic Prefix. The use of Turbo codes in OFDM system for high data rate transmission in wireless LANs, results in a considerable improvement in terms of bit error rate performance and bandwidth efficiency.
Laser produced 3D display in the air

Taro Uchiyama and Burton Inc. noticed a phenomenon that, when laser beams are strongly focused, air plasma emission can be induced only near the focal point. Thereby, they succeeded in the experimental fabrication of a device displaying 2D-images in the air, which are constructed from dot arrays produced using a technique combining a laser light source and galvanometric mirrors. To further form 3Dimages in the air, the scanning of the focal point in the depth direction along the laser optical axis is essential. However, for such a purpose, the quality of the laser and the technique for varying the position of the focal point must be improved, and thus as yet there are no 3D display devices.