Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High constant incidence rates of second cutaneous melanomas

The incidence of most epithelial cancers rises with a power of age. However, second breast cancers have a high constant incidence independent of age. The skin is one of the few other sites allowing examination of age incidence curves of second neoplasms of the same organ. We considered the risk of second primary cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) in a population‐based series of 3,439 first CMM registered and followed‐up between 1974 and 2003 in the Swiss Cantons of Vaud and Neuchâtel (about 786,000 inhabitants). A total of 43 cases of second CMM were observed vs. 9.3 expected, corresponding to a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 4.6. The SIR was 8.5 under age 50, 5.7 at age 50–59 and 3.5 at age 60 or over. At 20 years, the cumulative risk of second CMM was 5%. Age‐specific incidence rates of second primary CMM did not vary across age groups 30–39 through 80+, ranging between 1 and 2.5 per 1,000 person‐years. Thus, the risk of CMM is substantially increased in subjects diagnosed with a CMM, and the relative risk is greater at younger age and declines with advancing age. The high constant incidence curve of second CMM is compatible with the occurrence of a single mutational event in a population of susceptible individuals. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potassium Channel Blockers Tetraethylammonium and 4-Aminopyridine Fail to Prevent Microglial Activation Induced by Elevated Potassium Concentration

The effect of potassium channel blockers tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine was examined on the elevated K^+ concentration-induced microglial activation on rat hippocampal slice preparations. Microglial cells were detected by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal antibody (OX 42) raised against a type 3 complement receptor. During activation the morphology of the microglial cells changes and the staining intensity increases. The degree of microglial activation was determined by measuring the integrated optical density of the cells. Tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine failed to reduce the elevated K^+ concentration-induced microglial activation. Both potassium channel blockers, when applied on the hippocampal slices without K^+, caused significantly increased microglial activation as compared to the control slices. In order to check whether the functional alteration of the neuronal population induced by 4-aminopyridine caused the activation of the microglial cells, Schaffer collaterals were cut to block spreading of epileptiform hyperactivity of the CA3 pyramidal cells to the CA1 region. No significant differences were found in microglial activation between the CA3 and CA1 regions, indicating that the effect of 4-aminopyridine on microglial cells is independent of the epileptiform activity caused by the drug.
Broadband 4 × 4 microstrip antenna array utilizing slot-coupled power dividers

A 4 × 4 microstrip antenna array designated for 24 GHz FMCW radar systems featuring 2 GHz bandwidth is presented. The antenna array uses a stacked laminate structure composed of three dielectric layers. In the proposed antenna the power distribution is provided by series feeding across linear antenna subarrays with the use of inclined slot-coupled power dividers coupled to the straight transmission lines which feed these linear antenna subarrays. The broad impedance bandwidth has been ensured by application of parasitic elements located on the top metallization layer. The design and measurement results of the manufactured antenna array are shown.
Enhancing limit MAC performance for IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs

To provide the best effort and real-time traffic services in IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs, the DCF (Distributed Coordination Function) and PCF (Point Coordination Function) protocols were proposed for the basic MAC (Medium Access Control) protocols and the enhanced MAC protocols such as EDCA (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access) and HCCA (Hybrid Coordination Function Controlled Channel Access) protocols for the differentiated QoS (Quality of Service) traffic services have been developed based on the DCF and PCF protocols. Unlike the PCF protocol and the enhanced MAC protocols based on the PCF protocol, as the number of nodes contending for the access to WM (Wireless Medium) increases, the MAC throughput of the DCF protocol and the enhanced MAC protocols based on the DCF protocol degrades exponentially and converges to zero. To deal with the problem of the performance degradation of the DCF protocol, we propose the simple however efficient modification of the DCF protocol by which each node in a backoff stage attempts to transmit its data frame with probability 1/n PIFS a (PCF Inter-Frame Space) period after the detection of idle channel state without performing the backoff procedure when « nodes exist in a IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN and are associated with the AP (Access Point) of the wireless LAN.
Dietary Phosphorus Restriction in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: Merits, Challenges, and Emerging Strategies

Hyperphosphatemia is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients on maintenance dialysis. Since phosphorus clearance by standard three times‐weekly dialysis is insufficient to balance ongoing dietary phosphorus intake, strategies to prevent absorption of dietary phosphorus are essential for attenuating increased serum levels. Dietary phosphorus binders are used widely for this purpose but dietary phosphorus restriction is relatively underutilized, most likely because of the logistical complexity of instituting and monitoring a low phosphorus diet, and for fear of worsening protein‐energy wasting, which itself is a potent risk factor for mortality. In this review, we propose sustainable strategies for reducing phosphorus intake while avoiding exacerbation of protein‐energy wasting. The approach is based on recognition of the dissociation between protein and phosphorus content in phosphorus‐rich processed foods and the varying phosphorus bioavailability in different dietary sources. Controlling serum phosphate levels is among the most challenging aspects of day‐to‐day dialysis care but integration of sensible dietary interventions will likely improve phosphorus control.
An Analysis of Research and Clinical Practice in Neonatal Pain Management

Purpose To review the literature on neonatal pain management with a focus on historical misconcep‐tions, ethical issues, barriers to practice, the role of the advanced practice nurse (APN), and suggested improvements. Data Sources Selected research and review articles in nursing and medical literature. Conclusions Health care professionals agree that neonates experience pain and in turn deserve effective treatment. Research is controversial regarding the extent of pain management necessary in relation to short‐term benefits and long‐term consequences. Ethical issues arise when research supporting pain management is not consistently utilized in nursing practice. Implications for Practice Protocols and standardized pain management strategies have demonstrated a beneficial effect on overall patient outcomes. The APN is identified as being in the optimal position to facilitate enhanced neonatal pain management through research, education, and direct clinical care.
Bystander effects are induced by CENU treatment and associated with altered protein secretory activity of treated tumor cells A relay for chemotherapy?

In a previous study, it was reported that secondary untreated melanoma tumors implanted several weeks after and at distance from primary chloroethylnitrosourea (CENU)‐treated tumors underwent differentiation and growth inhibition. To see whether the primary treated tumor released soluble factors that mediated the secondary tumor response, serum transfer experiments were performed in vivo. Administration of serum from CENU‐treated tumor‐bearing donors arrested tumor proliferation, decreased vessel formation and induced tumor metabolite alterations encompassing glutathione decrease and polyunsaturated fatty acid and phosphoethanolamine increase. These changes mimicked secondary tumor phenotype. To reproduce the model in vitro, cell culture supernatant transfer experiments were performed. CENU‐treated cell cultures showed polyploidy and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Cell cultures challenged by a conditioned medium of CENU‐treated cells underwent growth inhibition, cytoskeleton disorders, cytokinesis retardation, metabolite alterations, glutathione decrease and phosphoethanolamine increase, without ROS elicitation. Proteomics of CENU‐treated cell conditioned media revealed altered protein secretion activity by CENU‐treated cells. Among de novo secreted proteins, the most expressed were phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein (PEBP), cardiovascular heat shock protein (cHsp), Rho‐associated coiled‐coil forming kinase 2 (ROCK) and actin fragments. These proteins testified of cytoskeleton disorders, growth inhibition and metabolite alterations. This article demonstrates the release by CENU‐treated tumors of growth inhibitory differentiation‐inducing soluble factors. These factors mediate remote bystander effects and attest persistent biological activity of residual tumors after chemotherapy. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Delphian node metastasis in head and neck cancers—Oracle or myth?

Delphian node (DN) refers to the pre‐laryngeal or pre‐cricoid nodal tissue often identified during laryngeal or thyroid surgery. The original nomenclature is based on the assumption that metastasis to this node was predictive of aggressive disease and poor outcome for patients. In this article, we review the existing literature on the topic to determine the significance of DN metastasis in laryngeal, hypopharyngeal and thyroid cancers. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:354–358. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Neutralizing Antibodies to Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha on Nucleus Pulposus–Induced Abnormal Nociresponses in Rat Dorsal Horn Neurons

Study Design. The effect of an anti–tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF&agr;) antibody on abnormal discharges caused by application of nucleus pulposus to the nerve root was investigated in an electrophysiologic study. Objectives. To assess whether inhibition of TNF&agr; can reduce nucleus pulposus–induced abnormal discharges. Summary of Background Data. It has been shown that TNF&agr;, a proinflammatory cytokine, is a key pathogenic factor in the development of nucleus pulposus–induced abnormal discharges as a pain sensation. However, the electrophysiologic mechanisms involved in sciatica after disc herniation still have not been elucidated. Methods. Extracellular activities of wide-dynamic-range neurons were assessed in 21 rats. Autologous nucleus pulposus harvested from the tail was applied to the L5 nerve root. The animals were simultaneously treated with antibodies to TNF&agr; (anti-TNF + nucleus pulposus group) and with phosphate-buffered saline (nucleus pulposus group). As a control (control group), a similar volume of muscle was applied to the nerve root with phosphate-buffered saline. Responses of wide-dynamic-range neurons to noxious and innocuous stimuli were examined for 2 hours. Results. Discharges evoked during noxious stimulation and discharges after withdrawal of stimulation in the nucleus pulposus group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In the anti-TNF + nucleus pulposus group, discharges after withdrawal of stimulation were remarkably inhibited, as compared with those of the nucleus pulposus group (P < 0.05). However, evoked discharges during stimulation apparently were not inhibited. Responses to innocuous stimulation did not change throughout the measurements. Conclusions. These data indicate that application of TNF&agr; antibodies to the nerve root partially prevents the nucleus pulposus–induced abnormal nociresponses. Therefore, anti-TNF&agr; treatment may have a therapeutic effect on sciatica after lumbar disc herniation.
The β Subunit of the Sec61p Endoplasmic Reticulum Translocon Interacts with the Exocyst Complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae*

The exocyst is a conserved protein complex proposed to mediate vesicle tethering at the plasma membrane. Previously, we identified SEB1/SBH1, encoding the β subunit of the Sec61p ER translocation complex, as a multicopy suppressor of the sec15-1 mutant, defective for one subunit of the exocyst complex. Here we show the functional and physical interaction between components of endoplasmic reticulum translocon and the exocytosis machinery. We show that overexpression of SEB1 suppresses the growth defect in all exocyst sec mutants. In addition, overexpression of SEC61 or SSS1 encoding the other two components of the Sec61p complex suppressed the growth defects of several exocyst mutants. Seb1p was coimmunoprecipitated from yeast cell lysates with Sec15p and Sec8p, components of the exocyst complex, and with Sec4p, a secretory vesicle associated Rab GTPase that binds to Sec15p and is essential for exocytosis. The interaction between Seb1p and Sec15p was abolished in sec15-1 mutant and was restored upon SEB1 overexpression. Furthermore, in wild type cells overexpression of SEB1 as well as SEC4 resulted in increased production of secreted proteins. These findings propose a novel functional and physical link between the endoplasmic reticulum translocation complex and the exocyst.
Continuous administration of sorafenib in combination with transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: results of a phase I study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM It is unknown whether sorafenib can be combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. This study assesses the safety and tolerability of a continuous regimen of sorafenib combined with TACE. METHODS This was an open-label phase I study testing a continuous administration of sorafenib (dose escalation from 200 mg twice daily [bid] to 400 mg bid) starting 7 days prior to TACE with doxorubicin (50 mg). RESULTS Twenty-one patients were screened and 14 received sorafenib combined with TACE. Because there were no dose-limiting toxicities in the first three patients who received sorafenib at a dose of 200 mg bid, subsequent patients received 400 mg bid. Twenty-seven procedures were performed (median, two per patient) and two local therapy-related severe adverse events occurred. The median duration of sorafenib therapy was 246 days (range, 14-547 days). Sorafenib-related adverse events of grade ≥3 were hand-foot skin reaction (n = 3), weight loss (n = 2), diarrhea (n = 1), abdominal pain (n = 1), and thrombocytopenia (n = 3). After treatment with sorafenib and TACE, there was a significant decrease in the concentration of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from 93 ng/l to 67 ng/l. CONCLUSIONS Continuous administration of sorafenib at a dose of 400 mg bid combined with TACE was tolerable. The adverse event profile of this regimen was comparable with that of sorafenib monotherapy with the exception of thrombocytopenia, which may be more frequent. There were no increases in the circulating VEGF levels after TACE with this combined regimen. (Swiss Association for the Study of the Liver study number 25; ClinicalTrials.gov trial identifier, NCT00478374).
Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato andEhrlichia spp. in Ixodes Ticks from Southern Norway

ABSTRACT We report the results of a study of the prevalence ofEhrlichia and Borrelia species in 341 questing Ixodes ricinus ticks from two locations in southern Norway. The prevalences of Borrelia burgdorferisensu lato and Ehrlichia spp. were, respectively, 16 and 11.5% at site 1 and 17 and 6% at site 2. Prevalence and species composition of Borrelia and Ehrlichiavaried with location and date of collection. The dominantBorrelia species at both sites was Borrelia afzelii, followed by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. Borrelia garinii was found in only a single tick. The dominant member of the Ehrlichia group was a recently described Ehrlichia-like organism related to the monocytic ehrlichiae. Variants of Ehrlichia phagocytophila and the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis were also found. The highest prevalences for B. afzelii,B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, and theEhrlichia-like organism were observed in May. B. afzelii was most prevalent in females, less prevalent in nymphs, and least prevalent in males, while the prevalence ofEhrlichia was highest in nymphs, lower in females, and least in males. Double infections with B. afzelii andB. burgdorferi sensu stricto and with B. afzelii and the Ehrlichia-like organism were significantly overrepresented. Tick densities were highest in May, when densities of more than 200 ticks/100 m2 were observed, and declined during the summer months to densities as low as 20 ticks/100 m2. We conclude that estimates of the prevalence of tick-borne bacteria are sensitive to the choice of date and site for collection of ticks. This is the first study of tick-borneBorrelia and Ehrlichia in Norway and the lowest reported B.garinii prevalence in Northern Europe. The prevalence of the Ehrlichia-like organism is described for the first time in questing ticks.
Simplified current decoupler for microchip capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical and pulsed amperometric detection

There is a need to develop broadly applicable, highly sensitive detection methods for microchip CE that do not require analyte derivatization. LIF is highly sensitive but typically requires analyte derivatization. Electrochemistry provides an alternative method for direct analyte detection; however, in its most common form, direct current (DC) amperometry, it is limited to a small number of easily oxidizable or reducible analytes. Pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) is an alternative waveform that can increase the number of electrochemically detectable analytes. Increasing sensitivity for electrochemical detection (EC) and PAD requires the isolation of detection current (nA) from the separation current (μA) in a process generally referred to as current decoupling. Here, we present the development of a simple integrated decoupler to improve sensitivity and its coupling with PAD. A Pd microwire is used as the cathode for decoupling and a second Au or Pt wire is used as the working electrode for either EC or PAD. The electrode system is easy to make, requiring no clean‐room facilities or specialized metallization systems. Sensitive detection of a wide range of analytes is shown to be possible using this system. Using this system we were able to achieve detection limits as low as 5 nM for dopamine, 74 nM for glutathione, and 100 nM for glucose.
Large area sensor integration in textiles

In recent years, the integration of electronics in technical textiles has gained increasing attention especially in Europe. Many industry driven projects have already been started in this area on national as well as on European level. An example is the European project PASTA. In order to make the step towards industrial manufacturing of wearable electronics as well as smart large area technical textiles it is necessary to develop modular concepts as well as integration processes suitable for high volume production. Within PASTA new electronic packaging technologies and the development of new textile structures are investigated. By introducing new concepts for electronic packaging and module interconnects, a seamless, more comfortable and more robust integration of electronics in textiles will be possible. The main technological developments concentrate on different levels of integration: a new concept for bare die integration into a yarn, a new interconnect technology based on mechanical crimping, and the development of a stretchable interposer serving as a stress relief interface between the rigid component and the elastic fabric. The technologies will also be analyzed and evaluated regarding functionality and reliability. The proposed solutions for integration of electronics in textiles will cover a whole range of components, from ultra-small LEDs to complex multichip modules for sensor data processing. Moreover, a system design task will address the power distribution and system partitioning aspects to provide a complete solution for integration of a distributed sensor/actuator system in fabric. Different approaches are possible for large area sensors in textiles. The scope of this paper is to show which technologies enable the use of conductive yarns in a fabric for pressure and damage detection and in-situ monitoring of accumulated stress in composites to predict the residual lifetime and to indicate damage of industrial components.
Chronic treatment with parlodel LAR of patients with prolactin-secreting tumours. Different responsiveness of micro- and macroprolactinomas.

UNLABELLED Forty-one patients with prolactinoma (25 micro-, 16 macroprolactinomas) were treated with a long-acting injectable preparation of bromocriptine (Parlodel LAR, Sandoz), 25-100 mg (mostly 50 mg) in every 4-8 weeks for as long as 43 months (median 19 months). The first injection caused a prompt fall of plasma PRL which reached its nadir value after 3 days. Thereafter, hormone levels remained well below initial values for 4 weeks or longer, though with the tendency, more pronounced in microprolactinoma patients, to rise again toward baseline. The prevalence of PRL normalization was greater in the macro- than in the microprolactinoma group. By repeated injections plasma PRL could be kept close to or within the normal limits in most of the patients. However, the extent of PRL inhibition was significantly greater in macro- than in microprolactinoma patients (p less than 0.01). Clinical improvement occurred in the majority of the patients, shrinkage of the tumour in 50% of them. Adverse reactions were generally mild or of moderate severity and subsided spontaneously in 24 h. They were less frequent (NS) and less severe (p less than 0.05) in macro- than in microprolactinoma patients. IN CONCLUSION a. injectable bromocriptine (Parlodel LAR) is a highly effective preparation particularly suitable for the long-term treatment of tumourous hyperprolactinemia; b. patients with macroprolactinoma exhibit, compared with microprolactinoma patients, better responsiveness and better tolerability to injectable bromocriptine.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) and Age-Related Cognitive Decline (ARCD)

1. Age-Related Cognitive Decline (ARCD) Age related cognitive decline (ARCD) [1] is the scientific term for memory loss in elderly people who are clinically healthy. It is a physiological process associated with aging, not a disease, and occurs during middle life or later. Many people who are clinically healthy find as they get into their forties or fifties, sometimes even as early as their thirties, that they are losing mental sharpness. They have more trouble to keep track of their glasses and their keys. They have increasing difficulties in remembering names and matching names to faces. After reading important material, they forget it within minutes. One estimates that more than 40 percent of people aged 50 to 59 show ARCD, as do more than 50 percent of people aged 60 to 69, and even a greater proportion of those past 80. The decline in memory is significant, approximately half of our memory capabilities at age 25 are lost at ages 50-59, and even up to three quarters at age 70+.