Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diallyl Trisulfide Inhibits Activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 in Prostate Cancer Cells in Culture and In vivo

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an oncogenic transcription factor implicated in prostate carcinogenesis. The present study shows that diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a promising cancer-chemopreventive constituent of processed garlic, inhibits phosphorylation of STAT3 in prostate cancer cells in culture and in vivo. Exposure of DU145 and LNCaP human prostate cancer cells to growth-suppressive and pharmacologically relevant concentrations of DATS (20 and 40 μmol/L) resulted in suppression of constitutive (DU145) as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6)–induced (LNCaP) phosphorylation of STAT3 (Tyr705), which correlated with inhibition of Janus-activated kinase 2 phosphorylation. Constitutive and/or IL-6–induced nuclear translocation of pSTAT3 and STAT3 dimerization was also markedly inhibited on treatment with DATS in both cell lines. Inhibition of prostate cancer development in transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate mice by gavage of DATS correlated with a visible decrease in the levels of pSTAT3. Interestingly, the IL-6–mediated activation of STAT3 largely failed to confer protection against proapoptotic response to DATS in both cells. Likewise, DATS-mediated inhibition of cell migration was either not affected or minimally reversed by IL-6 treatment or ectopic expression of constitutively active STAT3. In conclusion, the present study indicates that DATS treatment suppresses STAT3 phosphorylation in prostate cancer cells in culture and in vivo, but activation of this oncogenic transcription factor is largely dispensable for cellular responses to DATS. Ability of DATS to overcome STAT3 activation is a therapeutic advantage for this chemopreventive agent. Cancer Prev Res; 3(11); 1473–83. ©2010 AACR.
Issues and challenges in implementing entrepreneurial Students Character building (SCB) activities: A study at UniKL BMI

Good character is the key to self-respect, to earning the respect of others, to positive relationships, to a sense of fulfillment, to achievements that can be proud of, to a happy life and to success in every area of life. To ensure progressive growth in one's life, one must first know one self, one strengths and weaknesses and progress in trying to lead a good life. Students character building(SCB) is part of Student Development theories that focussed on human growth and environmental influences and designs that provide environments to promote students' learning and maturation, both in and outside of class. Most educators agree that assisting students in building character is worthwhile goal. Some of the virtues stressed in schools today includes trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, caring, fairness, citizenship, courage, diligence and integrity. The study is relevant and important because it helps to advance student learning, helps students meet the challenges of university and hence enhances the quality of the student life. Finally it will develop the student as a better quality person in the future. The study is focused on lecturers and students currently studying in UniKL BMI. Data and information are gathered through interviews, readings, experiences and observations. To accomplish SCB objectives, the university could make available a wide range of educational experiences through programs and activities that complement and support the academic experience in the classroom. The results of the study showed that there are issues and challenges faced by educators and university in their mission in implementing SCB. Among the issues are time, student's interest, moral support and financial aids. Each issues would pose several challenges that need to be addressed such as building a caring campus-life community and encouraging good role models among the educators. The findings of the study would be useful for the university policy makers to enhance and improve the current approach in implementing SCB in the university.
Role of Matrix Gla Protein in Parathyroid Hormone Inhibition of Osteoblast Mineralization

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) exerts biphasic effects on bone, dependent on the frequency and dose of administration. The catabolic actions of PTH on bone have been associated with continuous treatment, an increase in osteoblast-mediated resorption of bone via osteoclast activation, and inhibition of osteoblast activity and mineralization. Downregulation of differentiation markers and inhibition of mineralization by PTH have been reported in primary calvarial explants and osteoblast cell lines. Using MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells, we have shown that matrix Gla protein (MGP) can be induced by PTH, and that this induction may explain the PTH-mediated inhibition of osteoblast biomineralization. MGP is a known inhibitor of mineralization, and mice deficient in Mgp show severe vascular calcification and premature bone mineralization. This review discusses the role of MGP in mineralization, comparing bone and vascular mineralization. In addition to MGP, the regulation and possible role of osteopontin, another known regulator of osteoblast mineralization, in PTH-mediated regulation of bone and vascular mineralization is discussed.
Evaluation of a Liposome System for the Delivery of Desferrioxamine to Lungs in Rats

Abstract— Liposomes with various lipid composition and sizes, prepared by two different techniques were evaluated for their potential to deliver desferrioxamine to lungs as a treatment against oxidative lung damage. Multilamellar vesicles (MLV) and reverse evaporation vesicles were prepared out of a lipid mixture containing dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, stearyl amine, cholesterol and vitamin E. The administration of desferrioxamine‐encapsulated liposomes to rats by the intravenous route at a dose of 100 mg kg−1, significantly prolonged the presence of desferrioxamine in all the tested organs when compared with the administration of free desferrioxamine. The injection of reverse evaporation vesicles extruded through a 2 μm polycarbonate membrane exhibited a longer residence time of the desferrioxamine and of liposomal vitamin E in lungs compared with the other types of liposomes tested. The examination of liposome components in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the alveolar macrophages recovered from BALF revealed that about 7 × 10−3% of the administered desferrioxamine dose was recovered by this technique at 3 and 17 h after liposome administration. This high residual concentration in the alveolar space confirms the hypothesis that liposomes can be delivered to the lung tissue when encapsulated in alveolar macrophages.
Lung Cancer in Shipbuilding and Related Industries in Louisiana

The relationship between shipbuilding and related industries and risk of fatal lung cancer (1960–1975) is described for selected Louisiana parishes. Deaths from lung cancer were matched to deaths not caused by cancer. Shipbuilders had a significantly increased risk (greater than twofold) of dying of lung cancer as compared with other causes. The risk of dying of lung cancer in related occupations (seamen and longshoremen) was also increased. Information on laterality of lung cancer was not supportive of particulate substances contributing to causality due to the large number of unspecified cases. The preponderance of deaths appears to be occurring in men with a greater number of years of exposure to this industry and in those aged 20 to 34 years in 1940. These common occupations in Louisiana could contribute to the high rate of lung cancer.
Neonatal outcomes of pregnancies affected by haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn and managed with intrauterine transfusion: a service evaluation.

BACKGROUND This study, conducted in the tertiary Foetal Medicine Unit at St Michael's Hospital, Bristol, was designed to obtain information regarding neonatal outcomes of pregnancies affected by haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn and managed by intrauterine transfusion, and to determine whether a change in intrauterine transfusion protocol in 2004 had improved safety. The new protocol included attendance of two Foetal Medicine Unit consultants, foetal sedation and use of the intrahepatic vein as an alternative route to placental cord insertion if deemed safer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data for pregnancies affected by haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn as a result of haemolytic red cell alloimmunisation and managed with intrauterine transfusion at St Michael's Hospital between 1999 and 2009 were retrospectively collected using local databases, and medical note review. RESULTS Overall, 256 relevant intrauterine transfusions were performed. The median number of intrauterine transfusions per pregnancy was two. Ninety-three per cent of the live deliveries had 5-minute APGAR scores ≥9 and 98% were admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit/Special Care Baby Unit, requiring phototherapy (96%), top-up transfusions (44%: 23.2% immediate, 13.4% late, 7.3% both), and exchange transfusion (37%). An association was found between increased intrauterine transfusion number and reduced phototherapy duration and hospital admission: each additional intrauterine transfusion reduced the duration of phototherapy by 16% (95% CI: 0.72-0.98), and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit/Special Care Baby Unit admission by 44% (95% CI: 0.48-0.66). Following the change in intrauterine transfusion protocol, there was a significant reduction in the number of emergency Caesarean sections occurring directly after an intrauterine transfusion (n =5 vs 0; P =0.02). The foetal loss rate within 48 hours of an intrauterine transfusion was 1.9% per pregnancy, or 0.8% per intrauterine transfusion: no losses occurred under the new protocol (n =3 vs 0; P = NS). DISCUSSION Although the majority of neonates required admission to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit/Special Care Baby Unit and phototherapy, the medium-term outcomes were positive. Importantly, the safety of the intrauterine transfusion procedure has improved significantly since the change in protocol.
Global cerebral ischemia with subsequent respiratory arrest in a cat after repeated use of a spring-loaded mouth gag

Case summary A 10-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated because of signs of stertorous breathing and reverse sneezing of 8 months’ duration. A CT scan performed 1 week before evaluation indicated nasopharyngeal stenosis or collapse. Increased respiratory effort, stertorous breathing, coughing, reverse sneezing, bilateral black ocular discharge and mucoid left nasal discharge were noted. Rhinoscopy suggested possible nasopharyngeal stenosis. Balloon dilation was attempted but unsuccessful. Ventral rhinotomy was performed the following day using a spring-loaded mouth gag to access the surgical site. After rhinotomy, the patient had neurologic signs attributed to global cerebral ischemia that progressed to respiratory arrest, subsequently resulting in euthanasia. Relevance and novel information While ischemic brain injury has been associated with the use of a spring-loaded mouth gag in cats, to our knowledge this is the first reported instance where use resulted in respiratory arrest culminating in euthanasia.
Increased interleukin-4 production in response to mast cell mediators and human type I collagen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Mast cell synovial hyperplasia can occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Histamine can accelerate synovitis and heparin can inhibit lymphocyte function. Since interleukin-4 (IL-4) can stimulate murine mast cell and IgE synthesis, we determined whether mast cell mediators and anti-IL-4 might effect lymphocyte proliferation from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Twenty-four patients with rheumatoid arthritis and nine normal controls were evaluated by history, physical examination, physician and patient-assessed joint and allergic symptoms, and diary scores. An IL-2-driven-T cell (3H) Tdr proliferation assay with monoclonal anti-IL-4 and a sensitive ELISA were performed with isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with 10 micrograms/mL of either concanavalin A (Con A), type I human collagen, or heparin and 10(-6) M histamine. Increased lymphocyte proliferation indices with Con A (mean 21.69 +/- 4.9; 6.54 +/- 3.2 normal controls), type I human collagen (mean 2.17 +/- 0.52; 1.1 +/- .17, normal controls), histamine (mean 1.66 +/- .36; 0.62 +/- 0.08, normal controls), heparin (mean 1.61 +/- .38; 0.69 +/- .11, normal controls) occurred in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from all patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with normal controls (P < .0236 to .0015) which was inhibited in 32% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by anti-IL-4. Increased IL-4 ELISA levels in cultured supernatants were noted with heparin (P < .25) and collagen (P < .05). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Associations of Youth and Parent Weight Status with Reported versus Predicted Daily Energy Intake and Hemoglobin A1c in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: The epidemic of overweight/obesity affects youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and their families. In youth with T1DM and their parents, we examined weight status with reported and expected energy intake and with youth hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Methods: In 243 youth (48% female, 13 ± 3 years) and their parents (84% female, 45 ± 6 years), we assessed body mass index (BMI), prevalence of overweight/obesity, reported energy intake (REI), and youth glycemic control (HbA1c). The REI was compared with predicted daily energy requirements (DER; based on age, weight, sex, and physical activity). Results: Youth had diabetes duration of 6.3 ± 3.4 years and HbA1c of 8.5% ± 1.3%; 69% used insulin pump therapy. Overweight and obesity affected 23% and 11% of youth and 30% and 24% of parents, respectively. Youth and parent BMI (r = 0.38; p < .001) and weight status (overweight/obese; p < .001) were significantly associated. The ratio of REI:DER was significantly lower in overweight/obese compared with underweight/normal weight parents (1.0 ± 0.4 versus 1.2 ± 0.5; p = .001) but did not differ among youth by weight status. Both youth and parent BMI were positively correlated with youth HbA1c (r = 0.14, p = .02; r = 0.16, p = .01, respectively). Hemoglobin A1c tended to be higher in obese than in overweight and normal weight youth (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 8.4 ± 1.4, 8.4 ± 1.3, and 8.8 ± 1.0, respectively; p = .06) and was significantly higher in youth whose parents were obese versus overweight or underweight/normal weight (mean ± SD 8.2 ± 1.2, 8.5 ± 1.4, and 8.9 ± 1.5, respectively; p < .001). Conclusions: Similar to the general population, overweight and obesity are prevalent among families of youth with T1DM. Weight status appears to influence self-REI in parents and glycemic control in youth with T1DM, suggesting the need for family-based dietary interventions.
Unique features of dendritic cells in IFN-gamma transgenic mice: relevance to cancer development and therapeutic implications.

Although induction of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and activation of antigen presenting dendritic cells (DCs) are two vital events during an immune response, the impact of endogenous IFN-gamma on DC function has yet to be clarified. The phenotype and function of DCs isolated from mice with high (IFN-gamma-transgenic mouse [Tg]) and undetectable levels of circulating IFN-gamma (normal mice [NM]) were therefore compared. The capacity to stimulate allogenic (p < 0.05) and antigen-specific T lymphocytes (p < 0.05), as well as the ability to produce IL-12 (p < 0.05) and to process soluble protein antigens (p < 0.05) was found to be significantly higher in DCs from the Tg mice compared to the NM case. The presence of activated DCs in a microenvironment of endogenous IFN-gamma suggests that the IFN-gamma-Tg mouse is a suitable animal model to study cancer immunotherapy in vivo.
Survey of the clinical assessment and utility of near-infrared cerebral oximetry in cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES Near-infrared cerebral oximetry increasingly is used for monitoring during cardiac surgery. Nonetheless, the scientific basis for incorporating this technology into clinical practice, the indications for when to do so, and standard diagnostic and treatment algorithms for defining abnormal values are yet to be rigorously defined. The authors hypothesized that there would be (1) variation in clinical use and practices for near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and (2) variation in management of patients when clinicians are provided with NIRS information. In order to test this hypothesis, they sought to assess the nature and strength of response heterogeneity among anesthesiologists and cardiac perfusionists when provided with cardiac surgery patient scenarios and cerebral oximetry data. DESIGN A prospectively collected survey. SETTING A hospital-based, multi-institutional, multinational study. PARTICIPANTS By e-mail, the authors surveyed the membership of the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists and the online Cardiovascular Perfusion Forum. INTERVENTIONS This survey was focused on ascertaining what actions clinicians would take in each scenario, given case information and cerebral oximetry tracings. Questions were based on 11 patient scenarios selected to represent small, large, symmetric, or asymmetric decreases in measured regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) encountered during cardiac surgery. Information on the respondents' (n = 796; 73% anesthesiologists) clinical practice, demography, and cerebral oximetry utilization was collected. An index of dispersion was used to assess response heterogeneity overall and within demographic subgroups. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The majority of respondents indicated that cerebral oximetry monitoring was either useful or an essential monitor, especially perfusionists and clinicians who used cerebral oximetry most frequently. There were marked differences in responses between perfusionists and anesthesiologists for 4 of the 6 scenarios (p<0.005 for each of these 4 scenarios) occurring during cardiopulmonary bypass. Scenarios having greatest rScO2 reduction or asymmetry in rScO2 were associated with the highest dispersion, indicating least agreement in management. Scenarios with mild or moderate rScO2 reduction were associated with the lowest dispersion, indicating greater agreement in management. CONCLUSIONS Although experimental data gradually are accumulating to support the role for cerebral oximetry monitoring during cardiac surgery, the results of the present survey support the view that its role remains poorly defined, and consensus for its appropriate use is lacking. Importantly, the authors observed marked variation in the use, perceived utility, and management of patients for 4 of the 6 CPB scenarios between perfusionists and anesthesiologists who share the management of CPB. These findings support the need for well-designed, adequately-powered clinical trials examining the value of this technology.
Soft tissue recession around implants: is it still unavoidable?--Part II.

UNLABELLED Implant therapy is a predictable method of replacing lost teeth and involves consideration of numerous surgical and restorative criteria. Part I of this article explained the behavior of the hard and soft tissue around the implant and reviewed various parameters that influence tissue remodeling. Part II emphasizes surgical factors (eg, tridimensional implant placement, platelet-rich fibrin, and the use of connective tissue grafts) and restorative factors as means of limiting soft tissue recession around implants. LEARNING OBJECTIVES This article discusses tridimensional implant placement and the use of connective tissue grafting to complete the aesthetic restoration. Upon reading this article, the reader should: Become familiar with how platelet-rich fibrin enables the simple, effective, and predictable management of the gap between alveolar bone and an implant. Understand the benefits of connecting the final abutment at the surgical stage and leaving it undisturbed.
[Ca2+], Not Diacylglycerol, Is the Primary Regulator of Sustained Swine Arterial Smooth Muscle Contraction

Sustained smooth muscle contraction has been proposed to be regulated by either 1) sustained increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]1)-dependent myosin phosphorylation or 2) diacylglycerol-dependent protein klnase C activation. We measured diacylglycerol mass with the diacylglycerol kinase assay and myoplasmic [Ca2+] with aequorin in swine carotid medial smooth muscle. Sustained and significant increases in [Ca2+], myosin light chain phosphorylation, and isometric stress were observed with histamine or endothelin stimulation. Neither stimuli, however, induced significant increases in diacylglycerol mass. Relaxation of hlstaminestimulated tissues was induced by removal of histamine or removal of extracellular CaCl2 in the continued presence of histamine. The rate of decline of both [Ca2+] and force was similar in both protocols, suggesting that removal of Ca2+ (without removing the stimulus) was equivalent to removal of the stimulus. These data suggest that [Ca2+], is the primary regulator of sustained swine arterial smooth muscle contraction, whereas diacylglycerol has, at most, only a minor role.
Designing the next generation of virtual learning environments — Virtual laboratory with remote access to real telecommunication devices

With the development of the modern telecommunication systems and networks many new options for providing education services have emerged. A general worldwide trend is the development of distance learning sites and virtual laboratories, which are providing state-of-the-art education in all possible areas and are coexisting with the available on-site and in-person courses and subjects. In the Internet-oriented 21st century many university students have turned to and prefer these electronic and virtual educational resources, not only as additional learning options, but also as primary means for obtaining the latest educational materials by the leading university lecturers worldwide. This process has presented one of the major challenges for the available virtual learning environments - how to make it possible for the students to access, use and work with real equipment. In this paper we present our vision for a virtual laboratory which will provide the possibility for the students to access remotely and in real time the available laboratory set of telecommunication devices. In the Introduction section of the paper we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the available virtual learning environments. In the next Section we introduce the general conceptual model of the planned laboratory and later we present the actual structure and the organizational requirements for its implementation. The paper continues with a Section, which presents the created virtual laboratory and its capabilities, and is finalized by the Conclusions and References sections.
Immunoglobulin-containing cells in lungs of hamsters infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Immunoglobulin production in lungs of hamsters experimentally infected with M. pneumoniae was studied with the indirect immunofluorescent technique. Only IgA was detected in normal controls as single plasmacytoid cells in the bronchial lamina propria. Varying numbers of cells infiltrating the peribronchial spaces during the infection were fluorescence-positive for IgM, IgA, 7Sγ1, and 7Sγ2 globulins. IgM appeared early and was followed by 7Sγ globulin production during the period of maximum pneumonia at 2 weeks. IgA-cells increased, but were the least affected, during the infectious process indicating that in this model of local immunization a unique local immunoglobulin response occurs. Non-immunoglobulin stainable lymphocytes increased in number during the period of infection, tending to surround small blood vessels. Upon reinfection of previously infected, immune animals, a perivascular-peribronchial lymphoid reaction was observed on the 3rd day. Very few of these cells were fluorescence-positive. The histology of these recall lesions suggested that delayed hypersensitivity is a major component of acquired immunity to M. pneumoniae.