Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Usnic acid: a non-genotoxic compound with anti-cancer properties

The majority of human tumors bear inactive p53 or cellular factors that down-regulate the expression and activity of the p53 network. Therefore, finding therapies that are effective in such tumors is of great interest. Usnic acid, a normal component of lichens, showed activity against the wild-type p53 breast cancer cell line MCF7 as well as the non-functional p53 breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and the lung cancer cell line H1299 (null for p53). In MCF7 cells treated with usnic acid, although there was an accumulation of p53 and p21 proteins, the transcriptional activity of p53 remained unaffected. We also found that there was no phosphorylation of p53 at Ser15 after treatment of MCF7 cells with usnic acid, suggesting that the oxidative stress and disruption of the normal metabolic processes of cells triggered by usnic acid does not involve DNA damage. The property of usnic acid as a non-genotoxic anti-cancer agent that works in a p53-independent manner makes it a potential candidate for novel cancer therapy.
Cardiac Rehabilitation after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: 10-Year Results on Mortality, Morbidity and Readmissions to Hospital

Aim To evaluate the long-term secondary preventive effect of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods The study group included 49 consecutive patients who underwent bypass surgery and were then offered a rehabilitation programme consisting of education in risk-factor control, a physical training programme and regular follow-up at a post-CABG clinic. The control group (n = 98), consisting of two well-matched CABG patients for each study patient, was offered the usual care with no access to a cardiac rehabilitation programme. The two groups were followed for 10 years and the results regarding cardiovascular mortality, morbidity, total cardiac events and readmissions to hospital were compared Results The total mortality (study group 8.2%, control group 20.4%) and cardiovascular mortality (8.2 versus 15.3%) after 10 years did not differ significantly between the groups. In the study group, nine patients (18.4%) had 10 cardiac events (four cardiovascular deaths, five non-fatal myocardial infarctions and one CABG) compared to 34 patients (34.7%, P < 0.05) suffering 46 (P < 0.01) cardiac events (15 cardiovascular deaths, 18 non-fatal myocardial infarctions, eight CABG, five coronary angioplasties) in the control group. The number of readmissions to hospital (2.1 versus 3.5 per patient) and length of admissions (11 versus 26 days per patient) was significantly lower in the study group (P < 0.01). Conclusion A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme offered to patients after coronary artery bypass surgery will improve the long-term prognosis and reduce the need for hospital care. J Cardiovasc Risk 2001, 8:153-158 © 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Internal two-PIFA system with comparable polarization radiation for metal back cover tablet

A two-PIFA system suited to functioning inside the tablet computer with a complete, metal back cover for 2.4GHz wireless local area network (WLAN) operation is proposed. The antenna was constructed by stamping a flat plate and bent two times to form a compact structure. The PIFA was fed and short-circuited at the top patch above the antenna ground with a vertical ground wall connecting there between. The two PIFAs were symmetrically located on the metal cover and grounded therein. The results showed that comparable Eθ and Eφ fields were obtained for the tablet used in the three major positions, the landscape, portrait, and bottom-down modes.
The role of the opioid system in alcohol dependence

The role of the brain opioid system in alcohol dependence has been the subject of much research for over 25 years. This review explores the evidence: firstly describing the opioid receptors in terms of their individual subtypes, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and ligands; secondly, summarising emerging data from specific neurochemical, behavioural and neuroimaging studies, explaining the characteristics of addiction with a focus on alcohol dependence and connecting the opioid system with alcohol dependence; and finally reviewing the known literature regarding opioid antagonists in clinical use for alcohol dependence. Further interrogation of how modulation of the opioid system, via use of MOP (mu), DOP (delta) and KOP (kappa) agents, restores the balance of a dysregulated system in alcohol dependence should increase our insight into this disease process and therefore guide better methods for understanding and treating alcohol dependence in the future.
A preliminary investigation of self-reported personality disorders in late life: prevalence, predictors of depressive severity, and clinical correlates

Previous research suggests that personality disorders, particularly in clusters A and C, persist into late life, are particularly prevalent in late-life depressed samples, and negatively impact treatment of late-life depression. The present study examined the self-reported personality disorder traits of a sample of 65 depressed elders using the Wisconsin Personality Disorder Inventory IV (WISPI IV). As expected, clusters A and C were most prevalent and the presence of a personality disorder predicted the maintenance or re-emergence of depressive symptoms, as did hopelessness and ambivalence regarding emotional expression. No specific personality disorder traits were associated with clinical features of late-life depression (age of onset, number of previous episodes) while some personality disorder traits were associated with psychological correlates of depression (hopelessness, ambivalence regarding emotional expression, thought suppression). A theoretical explanation for the cluster prevalence based on self-verification is discussed along with a profile of elderly patients who may have poor depression treatment course if they exhibit personality disorder traits, particularly interpersonal rigidity or avoidance, chronic hopelessness, and emotional inhibition.
Thermal-Mechanical Noise in Resonant Thin-Film Magnetoelectric Sensors

Thin-film magnetoelectric sensors, i.e., composites of magnetostrictive and piezoelectric materials, are able to measure very low magnetic flux densities in the picotesla range. In order to further improve the limit of detection it is of high importance to understand and quantify the relevant noise sources. In this paper, a common model for the deflection noise in vibrational structures is applied to the cantilever structure of resonant magnetoelectric sensors. By means of deflection and noise measurements the existence of thermal-mechanical noise even in sensor structures with a size in the centimeter range is proven. Based on these findings a noise equivalent circuit is suggested which allows not only the distinction between the impact of different sensor-intrinsic noise sources and also the involvement of the preamplifier noise. We found that the thermal-mechanical noise is the dominant noise source if direct signal detection is performed at the first bending resonance frequency of the sensor. However, this kind of noise is not the limiting influence when applying magnetic frequency-conversion techniques.
Cryptosporidium species in humans and animals: current understanding and research needs

SUMMARY Cryptosporidium is increasingly recognized as one of the major causes of moderate to severe diarrhoea in developing countries. With treatment options limited, control relies on knowledge of the biology and transmission of the members of the genus responsible for disease. Currently, 26 species are recognized as valid on the basis of morphological, biological and molecular data. Of the nearly 20 Cryptosporidium species and genotypes that have been reported in humans, Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum are responsible for the majority of infections. Livestock, particularly cattle, are one of the most important reservoirs of zoonotic infections. Domesticated and wild animals can each be infected with several Cryptosporidium species or genotypes that have only a narrow host range and therefore have no major public health significance. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing techniques will significantly improve our understanding of the taxonomy and transmission of Cryptosporidium species, and the investigation of outbreaks and monitoring of emerging and virulent subtypes. Important research gaps remain including a lack of subtyping tools for many Cryptosporidium species of public and veterinary health importance, and poor understanding of the genetic determinants of host specificity of Cryptosporidium species and impact of climate change on the transmission of Cryptosporidium.
Three Carrier Ambiguity Resolutions: Generalised Problems, Models and Solutions

In this paper, the problems of three carrier phase ambiguity resolution (TCAR) and position estimation (PE) are generalized as real time GNSS data processing problems for a continuously observing network on large scale. In order to describe these problems, a general linear equation system is presented to uniform various geometry-free, geometry-based and geometry-constrained TCAR models, along with state transition questions between observation times. With this general formulation, generalized TCAR solutions are given to cover different real time GNSS data processing scenarios, and various simplified integer solutions, such as geometry-free rounding and geometry-based LAMBDA solutions with single and multiple-epoch measurements. In fact, various ambiguity resolution (AR) solutions differ in the floating ambiguity estimation and integer ambiguity search processes, but their theoretical equivalence remains under the same observational systems models and statistical assumptions. TCAR performance benefits as outlined from the data analyses in some recent literatures are reviewed, showing profound implications for the future GNSS development from both technology and application perspectives.
Comparison of Harmonic, Geometric and Arithmetic means for change detection in SAR time series

The amplitude distribution in a SAR image can present a heavy tail. Indeed, very high-valued outliers can be observed. In this paper, we propose the usage of the Harmonic, Geometric and Arithmetic temporal means for amplitude statistical studies along time. In general, the arithmetic mean is used to compute the mean amplitude of time series. In this study, we will show that comparing the behaviour of the Harmonic, Geometric and Arithmetic means, enables a change detection method along SAR time series.
Post‐training reversible inactivation of hippocampus reveals interference between memory systems

A post‐training reversible lesion technique was used to examine the effects of neural inactivation of the dorsal hippocampus on place and response learning. Male Long‐Evans rats trained in one of two versions of a water plus‐maze task received post‐training intra‐hippocampal infusions of the local anesthetic drug bupivacaine (0.75% solution, 0.5 μl), or saline. Post‐training intra‐hippocampal infusions of bupivacaine attenuated acquisition of the place task and enhanced acquisition of the response task. Delayed (2‐h) post‐training infusions of bupivacaine did not affect retention in either task. The findings demonstrate (1) enhanced learning after reversible hippocampal lesions that is independent of treatment influences on non‐mnemonic factors, and (2) inactivation of the dorsal hippocampus during the post‐training memory consolidation period is sufficient to enhance response learning. Hippocampus 2002;12:280–284. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel in vivo electrophysiological assay for the effects of cocaine and putative “cocaine antagonists” on dopamine transporter activity of substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons

The aim of these studies was to establish a rapid in vivo assay for evaluating potential “cocaine antagonists,” i.e., drugs postulated to block cocaine binding to the dopamine transporter (DAT) without corresponding blockade of dopamine reuptake. The assay is based on the ability of dopamine, and drugs that elevate synaptic dopamine levels, to inhibit the extracellular single unit activities of midbrain dopamine neurons in chloral hydrate‐anesthetized rats. As expected, cocaine itself (0.06–16 mg/kg, i.v.) caused a dose‐dependent inhibition of firing of both substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons, but had a significantly higher potency on VTA than nigral dopamine cells (ED50's 1.2 and 8.8 mg/kg, respectively). VTA cells were also inhibited to a greater extent (to 4.7 ± 4.5% vs. 41.3 ± 6.3% of baseline rates at 16 mg/kg, respectively). We next evaluated GBR12909, a piperazine analog promoted as a “cocaine antagonist” because of its ability to bind with high affinity to the DAT, while only modestly elevating extracellular dopamine levels. The agonist‐ and antagonist‐like properties of GBR12909 were evaluated on only VTA dopamine cells since these neurons were more fully inhibited by cocaine and have been implicated in its rewarding effects. Given alone, GBR12909 exhibited modest “cocaine‐like” activity insofar as it partially inhibited VTA dopamine neurons (to 59.0 ± 4.6% of baseline at 8 mg/kg). However, consistent with an antagonist profile, pretreatment with a low (0.5 mg/kg) dose of GBR12909, which depressed firing only slightly, resulted in a >2‐fold rightward shift in the dose–response curve to cocaine (ED50 2.6 mg/kg). We conclude that electrophysiological testing of putative “anti‐cocaine” drugs for their abilities to inhibit the firing of VTA dopamine neurons, and to block their inhibitory responses to cocaine, may provide a rapid in vivo screen for compounds expected to behave as functional cocaine antagonists in the dopamine reward system. Synapse 38:305–312, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Joint Prevalence and Control of Hypercholesterolemia and Hypertension in Thailand

The prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and control of hypercholesterolemia and/or hypertension were estimated for Thailand using data from a recent, nationally representative health examination survey. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with diagnosis, treatment, and control. In all, 14% of men and 17% of women had hypercholesterolemia, 23% and 21% had hypertension, and 5% and 6%, respectively, had both. A large proportion of individuals with these risk factors is neither diagnosed nor treated, let alone adequately controlled; 30% of people with hypertension had been diagnosed and 24% treated, and 9% had their blood pressure controlled. The figures for hypercholesterolemia were 13%, 9%, and 6%, respectively. Those for both risk factors combined were below 15% and did not differ by sex, urbanicity, age, or marital status. Among men, education correlated with diagnosis and treatment odds. There is great scope for improved prevention of cardiovascular disease in Thailand.
Ethical Climate in Nursing Practice: The Leader's Role

ABSTRACT Clarity in an organization's mission, vision, and values is key to effective management in today's complex healthcare work environment. To clearly articulate mission, vision, and values, employees must experience consistency between what is espoused and what is lived. The purpose of this article is to discuss the nurse leader's role in ensuring congruence between caring missions and caring practices. Ethical principles are discussed as the foundation necessary for creating an ethical climate for nursing practice. Components of ethical climate are presented and strategies to create a positive ethical climate for nursing practice are provided.
A DNA Methyltransferase Can Protect the Genome from Postdisturbance Attack by a Restriction-Modification Gene Complex

ABSTRACT In prokaryotic genomes, some DNA methyltransferases form a restriction-modification gene complex, but some others are present by themselves. Dcm gene product, one of these orphan methyltransferases found in Escherichia coli and related bacteria, methylates DNA to generate 5′-CmCWGG just as some of its eukaryotic homologues do. Vsr mismatch repair function of an adjacent gene prevents C-to-T mutagenesis enhanced by this methylation but promotes other types of mutation and likely has affected genome evolution. The reason for the existence of the dcm-vsr gene pair has been unclear. Earlier we found that several restriction-modification gene complexes behave selfishly in that their loss from a cell leads to cell killing through restriction attack on the genome. There is also increasing evidence for their potential mobility. EcoRII restriction-modification gene complex recognizes the same sequence as Dcm, and its methyltransferase is phylogenetically related to Dcm. In the present work, we found that stabilization of maintenance of a plasmid by linkage of EcoRII gene complex, likely through postsegregational cell killing, is diminished by dcm function. Disturbance of EcoRII restriction-modification gene complex led to extensive chromosome degradation and severe loss of cell viability. This cell killing was partially suppressed by chromosomal dcm and completely abolished by dcm expressed from a plasmid. Dcm, therefore, can play the role of a “molecular vaccine” by defending the genome against parasitism by a restriction-modification gene complex.
miRNA-205 Suppresses Melanoma Cell Proliferation and Induces Senescence via Regulation of E2F1 Protein*

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by repressing translation or directing sequence-specific degradation of complementary mRNA. Here, we report that expression of miR-205 is significantly suppressed in melanoma specimens when compared with nevi and is correlated inversely with melanoma progression. miRNA target databases predicted E2F1 and E2F5 as putative targets. The expression levels of E2F1 and E2F5 were correlated inversely with that of miR-205 in melanoma cell lines. miR-205 significantly suppressed the luciferase activity of reporter plasmids containing the 3′-UTR sequences complementary to either E2F1 or E2F5. Overexpression of miR-205 in melanoma cells reduced E2F1 and E2F5 protein levels. The proliferative capacity of melanoma cells was suppressed by miR-205 and mediated by E2F-regulated AKT phosphorylation. miR-205 overexpression resulted in induction of apoptosis, as evidenced by increased cleaved caspase-3, poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and cytochrome c release. Stable overexpression of miR-205 suppressed melanoma cell proliferation, colony formation, and tumor cell growth in vivo and induced a senescence phenotype accompanied by elevated expression of p16INK4A and other markers for senescence. E2F1 overexpression in miR-205-expressing cells partially reversed the effects on melanoma cell growth and senescence. These results demonstrate a novel role for miR-205 as a tumor suppressor in melanoma.
Planning and evaluating clinical trials with composite time‐to‐first‐event endpoints in a competing risk framework

Composite endpoints combine several events of interest within a single variable. These are often time‐to‐first‐event data, which are analyzed via survival analysis techniques. To demonstrate the significance of an overall clinical benefit, it is sufficient to assess the test problem formulated for the composite. However, the effect observed for the composite does not necessarily reflect the effects for the components. Therefore, it would be desirable that the sample size for clinical trials using composite endpoints provides enough power not only to detect a clinically relevant superiority for the composite but also to address the components in an adequate way. The single components of a composite endpoint assessed as time‐to‐first‐event define competing risks. We consider multiple test problems based on the cause‐specific hazards of competing events to address the problem of analyzing both a composite endpoint and its components. Thereby, we use sequentially rejective test procedures to reduce the power loss to a minimum. We show how to calculate the sample size for the given multiple test problem by using a simply applicable simulation tool in SAS. Our ideas are illustrated by two clinical study examples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chaotic Features for Traffic Video Classification

This paper proposes a novel framework for traffic video classification based on chaotic features. First, each pixel intensity series in the video is modeled as a time series. Second, the chaos theory is employed to generate chaotic features. Each video is then represented by a feature vector matrix. Third, the mean shift clustering algorithm is used to cluster the feature vectors. Finally, the earth mover’s distance (EMD) is employed to obtain a distance matrix by comparing the similarity based on the segmentation results. The distance matrix is transformed into a matching matrix, which is evaluated in the classification task. Experimental results show good traffic video classification performance, with robustness to environmental conditions, such as occlusions and variable lighting.
Urethral Cytokine and Immune Responses inChlamydia trachomatis-Infected Males

ABSTRACT Penile urethral swabs collected from PCR-confirmed Chlamydia trachomatis-infected, C. trachomatis-uninfected, and non-C. trachomatis-infected, nongonococcal urethritis-infected males were analyzed for cytokine, total immunoglobulin (Ig), and specific antibody levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differential cellular components of the swab transport medium were also enumerated for the same groups. Although low, the levels of C. trachomatis-specific IgA and IgG antibodies and interleukin 8 cytokine were significantly higher inC. trachomatis-infected individuals. There were no significant differences in the levels of seven additional cytokines evaluated.
Ad-IFNγ Induces Antiproliferative and Antitumoral Responses in Malignant Mesothelioma

Purpose: The aim of the work was to investigate the effects of adenovirus(Ad)-mediated IFNγ gene transfer on human mesothelioma (HM) cell proliferation in vitro and growth in nude mice. Experimental Design: We constructed an E1E3-deleted replication-defective recombinant Ad carrying the human IFNγ gene (Ad-IFNγ) and tested its activity in vitro on HM cell lines established in our laboratory and in a nude mice model. Results: In vitro , infection of HM cells with Ad-IFNγ led to a prolonged production of an active cytokine in the 10 HM cell lines tested and also led to an antiproliferative effect on the HM cells previously demonstrated as responsive to exogenous recombinant human IFNγ. In nude mice, s.c. inoculation of HM cells from one responsive HM cell line previously infected with Ad-IFNγ resulted in a delay in tumor development, and injection of Ad-IFNγ in preestablished tumors restrained tumor development. Conclusions: These results indicate for the first time that HM cells are efficiently transduced by Ad-IFNγ and produce an active cytokine for several days. IFNγ produced by gene transfer is shown to have both an antiproliferative effect in vitro and an antitumoral effect in vivo in a nude mice model.