Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis of thyroglobulin related to the ultrastructure of the human fetal thyroid gland.

The thyroid glands from 22 human fetuses of crown rump lengths (CR) from 28 to 130 mm were studied in the light and electron microscope and by biochemical analysis of labeled proteins after incubation with 125Iiodide and 3H-leucine. In 3 fetuses of CR 47–54 mm only non-iodinated proteins of low mol wt were synthesized. The thyroids of these young fetuses were not organized into follicles, and the epithelial cells were lacking a rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum but were rich in free ribosomes. In one fetus of CR 60 mm the thyroid synthesized non-iodinated thyroglobulin in addition to proteins of low mol wt. This gland was still lacking a follicular organization but the epithelial cells had a fairly well developed roughsurfaced endoplasmic reticulum. Iodinated 17-19 S thyroglobulin was synthesized in the thyroid gland of one fetus of 60 mm and in all older fetuses. The morphology of these thyroids was similar to that of the adult gland, and the epithelial cells, differing from those of the biochemically.
Predictors of endoscopic treatment outcome in the management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation

Background and aims The most common complications after liver transplantation nowadays affect the biliary tract. We carried out a retrospective study to identify predictors of endoscopic treatment outcome in the management of post-transplantation biliary complications. Methods Data from all patients with post-transplantation biliary complications subjected to endoscopic treatment at the University of Udine between 2000 and 2012 were extracted. To identify predictors of endoscopic treatment outcome, a logistic regression analysis was carried out. Cox modeling was used to identify factors associated with mortality. Results We identified 142 patients who developed biliary complications: 83 of these patients had a successful endoscopic therapy, whereas 45 had a failure. Fourteen patients, who developed nonanastomotic biliary stricture, were excluded from the analysis. Patients with biliary complications who had pretransplant Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score more than 10 [odds ratio (OR) 3.88; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–12.95; P=0.03] and stent retention time more than 12 months (OR 6.45; 95% CI 2.14–19.42; P<0.01) were less likely to respond to endoscopic therapy. In contrast, both dilatation and stenting procedures (OR 0.10; 95% CI 0.03–0.30; P<0.01) and 10 Fr diameter stent placement (OR 0.21; 95% CI 0.07–0.70; P=0.01) predicted favorable endoscopic treatment outcome. Time to the occurrence of biliary complications of more than 3 months [hazard ratio (HR) 0.24; 95% CI 0.10–0.56] and placement of five or more stents (HR 0.31; 95% CI 0.12–0.79) were found to be protective against mortality, whereas hepatic artery thrombosis was a significant risk factor for mortality (HR 13.88; 95% CI 4.08–47.25). Conclusion We found endoscopic treatment to be less effective in patients with pretransplant Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score more than 10 and stent retention time more than 12, whereas dilatation and stenting procedure and 10 Fr diameter stent placement predicted a favorable outcome.
Heterogeneous gene methylation patterns among pre‐invasive and cancerous lesions of the prostate: A histopathologic study of whole mount prostate specimens

Gene methylation may contribute to prostate carcinogenesis through the silencing of gene transcription. We report on the methylation status of several genes shown to be silenced at different stages of progression using whole mount prostate specimens and laser capture microdissection. This is the first study to evaluate gene methylation patterns across multiple pre‐cancerous and invasive cancer foci from the same prostate gland.
Sexual Therapy for Women with Multiple Sclerosis and Its Impact on Quality of Life

Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease with a detrimental effect on functional status. The present study investigated the effect of a sexual therapy program on the quality of life (QOL) of women with multiple sclerosis. Method: Women with multiple sclerosis and sexual dysfunction (n = 30) were selected, and were randomly assigned into the treatment (n = 15), or the control groups (n = 15). Participants of the treatment group (n = 15) received 12 weekly sessions of sexual therapy. Participants in both groups completed the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) and the MS Quality of Life- 54 (MSQOL-54) in the onset of the program and at the end of the program. Results: ANCOVA(s) using pre-test scores as covariate(s) revealed that in comparison to the control condition, MS patients within the treatment group showed a significant improvement in their sexual desire (0.0001), arousal (0.022), lubrication (0.001), orgasm (0.001), satisfaction (0.0001), overall quality of life (0.001), energy (0.023), cognitive function (0.005), and social function (0.001) at the end of the program. In addition, they were less limited in their roles due to the emotional and health problems. Conclusion: The present study revealed that addressing sexual dysfunction in MS patients could improve their quality of life. In the future, this research can extend its results, and apply the same method to men with MS to find whether sexual therapy enhances their quality of life.
Existence and uniqueness of periodic solutions for a nonlinear reaction-diffusion problem

We consider a class of degenerate reaction-diffusion equations on a bounded domain with nonlinear flux on the boundary. These problems arise in the mathematical modelling of flow through porous media. We prove, under appropriate hypothesis, the existence and uniqueness of the nonnegative weak periodic solution. To establish our result, we use the Schauder fixed point theorem and some regularizing arguments.
Targeted Intermittent Treatment in Chronic Schizophrenia

Talking about non-continuous antipsychotic treatment in psychiatric practice in our time is tantamount to heresy. We have been perseverating in comparing psychiatric illness to diabetes and hypertension so much that we are having a hard time fathoming a different analogy; perhaps, lupus, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer in which intermittent dosing for shorter period of time is acceptable. In 1960s and 1970s, there was a lot of talk about targeting intermittent treatment throughout the duration of illness, rather than chronic and final phase of schizophrenia. Widespread use of antipsychotics is historically novel that only a small percentage phase four patients are being seen currently by average psychiatrists, but this number may grow in time. Reviewing the psychiatric literature from 1970s, it appears that continuous antipsychotic exposure were not always necessary at that time (Prien et al., 1973). Even in our times there are advocates of non-continuous treatment after the first episode of schizophrenia, as about 50% of patients have remained stable after discontinuing medications in the second year of treatment (Harrow and Jobe, 2007). Also, the duration of antipsychotic treatment after a first episode of psychosis remains unclear. A comparison of evidence-based treatment guidelines from different countries developed on highest-quality criteria, yielded inconsistent recommendations regarding the duration of maintenance treatment (Gaebel et al., 2011).
Diode laser endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation in the normal equine eye.

OBJECTIVE To determine the clinical and histologic effects of diode endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) in the phakic equine eye. ANIMALS STUDIED Phase I: 10 equine cadaver eyes. Phase II: four normal adult horses. PROCEDURES Phase I: ECP probe angle of reach (AR) was determined. Multiple ECP energy levels: 0.75, 0.90, 1.05, 1.20, 1.35, 1.50 J, and the resulting visible and histologic ciliary process changes were evaluated. Phase II: Ocular quadrants were treated with ECP at 0.90, 1.14, 1.38 J, and a control. The contralateral eye underwent a sham operation. Tissue changes (clinical and histologic) were evaluated. RESULTS Phase I: Mean combined AR was 162 ± 29 degrees. Mean visible tissue scores: 2.60 ± 0.58 (0.75 J) to 5.04 ± 0.30 (1.50 J) from possible total of 6. Tissue 'popping' was observed at 1.50 J. Histologic ciliary tissue damage was present at all settings. Phase II: Mean visible tissue scores: 2.90 ± 0.48 (0.90 J), 3.61 ± 0.57 (1.14 J), and 4.52 ± 0.56 (1.38 J). Tissue 'popping' was observed at 1.38 J. Histologic ciliary tissue damage was present at all settings. Clinical effects included acute inflammation, intraocular pressure reduction, cataract formation, corneal edema, corneal ulceration, and postoperative ocular hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Diode ECP between 0.90 and 1.14 J is a potential treatment option for glaucoma in horses based on visible tissue effects and target ciliary epithelium damage. Iatrogenic cataract development may limit the use of an anterior chamber approach in phakic horses. Supported in part by an ACVO VAF grant.
Paracrine Loops of Keratinocyte Stimulation in Cholesteatoma Tissue: An Immunofluorescence, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Molecular Study

Hypothesis: In relation to the keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) expression in cholesteatoma tissue, the inflammatory infiltrate present in this disease could play a relevant role in the paracrine stimulation of keratinocytes. Background: Cholesteatoma is a temporal bone pathologic disease characterized by active proliferation of epithelial cells, with progressive growth and involvement of the neighboring middle/inner ear structures. The pathogenetic mechanism underlying the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes is not yet fully clarified. It has been suggested that keratinocyte proliferation and migration could be mediated by several autocrine and paracrine growth factors and their receptors. A previous study has reported that the expression of KGF receptor is increased in more differentiated areas of the cholesteatoma tissue, whereas the expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor is associated with proliferative and migratory areas of the lesion. Methods: Fresh cholesteatoma samples were collected during surgical procedures. Serial cryosections were examined by conventional hematoxylin and eosin or by immunofluorescence with antipancytokeratin antibodies. The ultrastructural features were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of KGF, K1, and filaggrin in the samples was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and correlated with the dermal degree of inflammatory infiltrate and the presence of stromal cells. Results: Increased expression of KGF was associated with strong levels of the inflammatory infiltrate. Conclusion: These results would suggest that KGF up-modulation is a consequence of fibroblast stimulation by inflammatory cells and that this paracrine loop could be responsible not only for the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes in cholesteatoma tissue but also for the deregulation of epidermal differentiation.
Quantification of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Immunohistochemistry Using the Ventana Image Analysis System: Correlation With Gene Amplification by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization The Importance of Instrument Validation for Achieving High (>95%) Concordance Rate

The use of computer-based image analysis for scoring human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) immunohistochemistry (IHC) has gained a lot of interest recently. We investigated the performance of the Ventana Image Analysis System (VIAS) in HER2 quantification by IHC and its correlation with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We specifically compared the 3+ IHC results using the manufacturer’s machine score cutoffs versus laboratory-defined cutoffs with the FISH assay. Using the manufacturer’s 3+ cutoff (VIAS score; 2.51 to 3.5), 181/536 (33.7%) were scored 3+, and FISH was positive in 147/181 (81.2%), 2 (1.1%) were equivocal, and 32 (17.6%) were FISH (−). Using the laboratory-defined 3+ cutoff (VIAS score 3.5), 52 (28.7%) cases were downgraded to 2+, of which 29 (55.7%) were FISH (−), and 23 (44.2%) were FISH (+). With the revised cutoff, there were improvements in the concordance rate from 89.1% to 97.0% and in the positive predictive value from 82.1% to 97.6%. The false-positive rate for 3+ decreased from 9.0% to 0.8%. Six of 175 (3.4%) IHC (−) cases were FISH (+). Three cases with a VIAS score 3.5 showed polysomy of chromosome 17. In conclusion, the VIAS may be a valuable tool for assisting pathologists in HER2 scoring; however, the positive cutoff defined by the manufacturer is associated with a high false-positive rate. This study highlights the importance of instrument validation/calibration to reduce false-positive results.
A novel approach for elimination of rogue access point in wireless network

Now a day's wireless LAN is widely used in many public spaces. Wireless access points expand wired network. It provides more flexibility to the users. There is a big risk that users connect to rogue access point (Rogue AP). Detection of rogue AP is a challenge for network administrator. Undetected rogue APs are serious threats which steal sensitive information from the network. There are many techniques used for detection of fake AP. But these solutions are expensive and not applicable for many scenarios. We need an effective solution which provides a high success rate for detection of rogue AP. In this paper we have discussed existing techniques for detection of rogue AP with its effectiveness and weaknesses. And also describe our solution for this major concern in wireless network.
Determination of Q and R Matrices for Optimal Pitch Aircraft Control

In this paper, the process of obtaining Q and R matrices for optimal pitch aircraft control system has been described. Since the innovation of optimal control method, the determination of Q and R matrices for such system has not been fully specified. The value of Q and R for optimal pitch aircraft control application, have been simulated and calculated. The suitable results for Q and R have been observed through the performance index (PI). If the PI is small “enough”, we would say the Q & R values are suitable for that certain type of optimal control system. Moreover, for the same value of PI, we could have different Q and R sets. Due to the rule-free determination of Q and R matrices, a specific method is brought to find out the rough value of Q and R referring to rather small value of PI. Keywords—Aircraft, control, digital, optimal, Q and R matrices
Neural Activity in Superior Parietal Cortex during Rule-based Visual-motor Transformations

Cognition allows for the use of different rule-based sensorimotor strategies, but the neural underpinnings of such strategies are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to compare neural activity in the superior parietal lobule during a standard (direct interaction) reaching task, with two nonstandard (gaze and reach spatially incongruent) reaching tasks requiring the integration of rule-based information. Specifically, these nonstandard tasks involved dissociating the planes of reach and vision or rotating visual feedback by 180°. Single unit activity, gaze, and reach trajectories were recorded from two female Macaca mulattas. In all three conditions, we observed a temporal discharge pattern at the population level reflecting early reach planning and on-line reach monitoring. In the plane-dissociated task, we found a significant overall attenuation in the discharge rate of cells from deep recording sites, relative to standard reaching. We also found that cells modulated by reach direction tended to be significantly tuned either during the standard or the plane-dissociated task but rarely during both. In the standard versus feedback reversal comparison, we observed some cells that shifted their preferred direction by 180° between conditions, reflecting maintenance of directional tuning with respect to the reach goal. Our findings suggest that the superior parietal lobule plays an important role in processing information about the nonstandard nature of a task, which, through reciprocal connections with precentral motor areas, contributes to the accurate transformation of incongruent sensory inputs into an appropriate motor output. Such processing is crucial for the integration of rule-based information into a motor act.
AEP-GA , an HSP 90 antagonist , is a potent inhibitor of glioblastoma cell proliferation , survival , migration and invasion

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent and the most malignant human brain tumor. The expression of receptor tyrosine kinase MET and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is strongly increased in GBM, where they promote tumor proliferation, cell survival, migration, invasion and angiogenesis. We used geldanamycins (GAs) (inhibitors of HSP90) in order to block glioblastoma growth and HGF-dependent cell migration and invasion. The effect of GAs on three GBM cell lines was tested and we found their antiproliferative effect on tumor cells. The maximum level of inhibition reached 70%. After treatment with GAs, cells also became apoptotic as determined by Annexin V-positive staining and activation of the caspase-3 pathway. We examined the expression and activity of the MET receptor on GBM cell lines and we observed phosphorylation of AKT and MAPK after HGF stimulation by western blot analysis. Since GBM cells express high level of MET receptor and were shown to respond to HGF by increased motility we tested if GAs could negatively affect GBM cell movement. In our study, we found that GAs inhibited the chemotaxis of glioblastoma cells toward the hepatocyte growth factor gradient. The GAs also blocked migration of tumor cells through a Matrigel layer in invasion assays. The strongest inhibitory effect was observed for GA and its analog, 17AEP-GA. Based on our results, GAs, particularly 17AEP-GA, could be considered as a new potential agent to treat glioblastoma multiforme.
Effect of serum concentration on adhesion of monocytic THP-1 cells onto cultured EC monolayer and EC-SMC co-culture

BackgroundThe adhesion of monocytes to the endothelium following accumulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in subendothelial spaces is an important step in the development of intimal hyperplasia in arterially implanted vein grafts and atherosclerosis in both animals and humans. However, it is not well known how serum factors affect the adhesion of monocytes.MethodsWe have studied the effect of fetal calf serum (FCS), which we considered a source of LDL, on the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells (ECs) by using human monocytic THP-1 cells and both a monolayer of cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (EC monoculture) and a co-culture with bovine aortic smooth muscle cells (EC-SMC co-culture). ResultsIt was found that the addition of FCS to the medium greatly affected the adhesion of THP-1 cells, and the higher the concentration of FCS in the medium, the greater the adhesion of THP-1 cells to endothelial cells. Adhesion of THP-1 cells to an EC-SMC co-culture was approximately twofold greater than that to an EC monoculture, and after adhering to endothelial cells, many THP-1 cells transmigrated into the layer of smooth muscle cells.ConclusionThe results suggest that the elevation of the LDL (cholesterol) level in blood provides a favorable condition for the development of intimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis by promoting the adhesion of monocytes to the endothelium and their subsequent migration into subendothelial spaces.
Academic Self-concept and Motivation as Predictors of Academic Achievement

Abstract This paper explores the relationship between university students’ academic self-concept, motivation and academic achievement. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether academic self-concept and motivation of students enrolled for the Quantity Surveying course at a university in South Africa could predict their level of academic achievement. By means of a non-probability convenience sampling technique, all residential students in their first to fourth year of study who were registered for the major subject Descriptive Quantification in the Department of Quantity Surveying were included in the sample. A questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument and, on completion, data were statistically analysed using SPSS. Relevant literature indicated inconsistent findings about whether a relationship exists between students’ academic self-concepts and motivation, and academic achievement. The results of this empirical investigation, as confirmed by the statistical analysis carried out, revealed that significant correlations between academic self-concept, motivation and academic achievement do exist, but that they depend on study year level.
Natriuretic peptides as an adjunctive treatment for acute myocardial infarction: insights from the meta-analysis of 1,389 patients from 20 trials.

UNLABELLED Animal studies have reported a cardioprotective effect for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) or brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) administration in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, previous trials performed on AMI patients have reported differences in the cardiac function protection for ANP/BNP infusion, making it diffi cult to confirm the beneficial effect of natriuretic peptides. We performed a meta-analysis of all available trials to determine whether ANP/BNP infusion was effective in improving cardiac function. METHODS We searched various databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge, the Cochrane Library, and CKNI for studies related to ANP/BNP infusion in AMI. The major outcome was left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). RESULTS Twenty trials (4 for ANP, 16 for BNP) with 1389 patients were included. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the ANP/BNP infusion and control groups at baseline. Pooled analysis showed that patients in the ANP/BNP infusion group had significantly higher LVEF than in the control during follow-up [Studies on ANP: weighted mean differences (WMD) 2.94%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39%-4.50%, P = 0.0002; Studies on BNP: WMD 4.45%, 95%CI: 2.25%-6.65%, P < 0.0001]. CONCLUSIONS The present meta-analysis suggested that ANP/BNP infusion might be effective in protecting left ventricular function in patients with AMI. ANP/BNP infusion may be an effective adjunctive therapy for cardiac function protection in AMI patients.