Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insulin resistance in short children with intrauterine growth retardation.

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between intrauterine growth retardation and an increased risk of adult diseases that include essential hypertension, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease. A common feature of these diseases is insulin resistance. To investigate whether abnormal insulin sensitivity was a characteristic of subjects with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), we compared two groups of short prepubertal children: a group with IUGR (birth weight less than the tenth percentile; n = 15) and a normal birth weight group (n = 12). Subjects underwent a modified frequently sampled iv glucose tolerance test that permitted calculation of the acute insulin response, insulin sensitivity index, and glucose effectiveness. A marked difference in the insulin sensitivity index was noted between groups, with the IUGR group being less insulin sensitive [6.9 vs. 16.9 10(-4)min-1. (microU/mL); P = 0.0048]. The acute insulin response was also significantly different between groups, with IUGR subjects having higher insulin levels (445 vs. 174 microU/mL; P = 0.005). There was no difference in glucose effectiveness between groups. Short prepubertal IUGR children have a specific impairment in insulin sensitivity compared to their normal birth weight peers. In short IUGR children, impaired insulin sensitivity is a potential marker for the early identification and intervention in the development of late adult-onset noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Enhanced apoptotic effects by the combination of curcumin and methylseleninic acid: potential role of mcl‐1 and fak

Curcumin and methylseleninic acid (MSeA) are well‐documented dietary chemopreventive agents. Apoptosis appears to be a major mechanism for both agents to exert anti‐cancer activity. The purpose of the present study was designed to determine whether the apoptotic effect on human cancer cells can be enhanced by combining curcumin with MSeA. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V staining of externalized phosphatidylserine by flow cytometry. Expression of protein was analyzed by Western blotting. Localization of apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) was detected by immunocytochemistry. RNA interference was employed to inhibit expression of specific protein. We found here that combining curcumin with MSeA led to a significantly enhanced apoptosis in both MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells and DU145 prostate cancer cells. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that curcumin treatment alone caused a concentration dependent upregulation of Mcl‐1, which can be overcome by combining it with MSeA. In line with the Mcl‐1 reduction, an enhanced mitochondrial permeability transition and AIF nuclear translocation by the combination were achieved. In addition, an increased suppression of focal adhesion kinase activity was observed in the combination‐treated cells which were associated with cell detachment‐induced apoptosis by the combination. Our findings suggest that curcumin/MSeA combination holds excellent potential for improving their efficacy against human breast and prostate cancer through enhanced apoptosis induction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectral sensitivity of the two-spotted goby Gobiusculus flavescens (Fabricius): a physiological and behavioural study

SUMMARY Microspectrophotometry of Gobiusculus flavescens photoreceptors revealed a single rod visual pigment (λmaxat 508 nm) and the three cone pigments (λmax 456, 531 and 553 nm). The cone population was dominated by identical double cones containing the middle-wave-sensitive (MWS) pigment, but with a small number of non-identical MWS/LWS (long-wave-sensitive) and identical LWS double cones. Small populations of large single cones also contained either the MWS or LWS pigment. The short-wave-sensitive (SWS) pigment was found in small single cones. Lens transmission was great reduced below 410 nm. The spectral sensitivity of the behaviourally determined reaction distance (RD) to prey at a high irradiance level 0.5 μmol m-2 s-1) correlated with the maximum sensitivity of the MWS cones, both peaking around 530 nm. However, at a lower irradiance level (0.015 μmol m-2 s-1)such a correlation was not so apparent. The RD was greatly reduced, though still maintaining a peak around 530-550 nm, but with a relatively smaller reduction in RD at shorter wavelengths. Optomotor behaviour displayed a somewhat similar spectral sensitivity to the RD responses at the higher light intensity. However, the peak was at slightly longer wavelengths at 550 nm, suggesting a greater input from LWS cones to the optomotor response.
Cyclic Strain Stress-induced Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Phosphatase 1 Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Is Regulated by Ras/Rac-MAPK Pathways*

Recently, we demonstrated that mechanical stress results in rapid phosphorylation or activation of platelet-derived growth factor receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) followed by activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and AP-1 transcription factors (Hu, Y., Bock, G., Wick, G., and Xu, Q. (1998) FASEB J. 12, 1135–1142). Herein, we provide evidence that VSMC responses to mechanical stress also include induction of MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), which may serve as a negative regulator of MAPK signaling pathways. When rat VSMCs cultivated on a flexible membrane were subjected to cyclic strain stress (60 cycles/min, 5–30% elongation), induction of MKP-1 proteins and mRNA was observed in time- and strength-dependent manners. Concomitantly, mechanical forces evoked rapid and transient activation of all three members of MAPKs, i.e.extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinases (JNKs), or stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs), and p38 MAPKs. Suramin, a growth factor receptor antagonist, completely abolished ERK activation, significantly blocked MKP-1 expression, but not JNK/SAPK and p38 MAPK activation, in response to mechanical stress. Interestingly, VSMC lines stably expressing dominant negative Ras (Ras N17) or Rac (Rac N17) exhibited a marked decrease in MKP-1 expression; the inhibition of ERK kinases (MEK1/2) by PD 98059 or of p38 MAPKs by SB 202190 resulted in a down-regulation of MKP-1 induction. Furthermore, overexpressing MKP-1 in VSMCs led to the dephosphorylation and inactivation of ERKs, JNKs/SAPKs, and p38 MAPKs and inhibition of DNA synthesis. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that mechanical stress induces MKP-1 expression regulated by two signal pathways, including growth factor receptor-Ras-ERK and Rac-JNK/SAPK or p38 MAPK, and that MKP-1 inhibits VSMC proliferation via MAPK inactivation. These results suggest that MKP-1 plays a crucial role in mechanical stress-stimulated signaling leading to VSMC growth and differentiation.
Controlling Fibroblast Proliferation with Dimensionality-Specific Response by Stiffness of Injectable Gelatin Hydrogels

Abstract We report an injectable hydrogel system with tunable stiffness for controlling the proliferation rate of human fibroblasts (HFF-1) in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) culture environments for potential use as a wound dressing material. The hydrogel composed of gelatin–hydroxyphenylpropionic acid (Gtn–HPA) conjugate was formed by the oxidative coupling of HPA moieties catalyzed by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The stiffness of the hydrogels was controlled well by varying the H2O2 concentration. The effects of hydrogel stiffness on the proliferation rate of HFF-1 in both 2D and 3D were investigated. We found that the proliferation rate of HFF-1 using Gtn–HPA hydrogels was strongly dependent on the hydrogel stiffness, with a dimensionality-specific response. In the 2D studies, the HFF-1 exhibited a higher proliferation rate when the stiffness of the hydrogel was increased. In contrast, the HFF-1 cultured inside the hydrogel remained non-proliferative for 12 days before a stiffness-dependent proliferation profile was shown. The proliferation rate decreased with an increase in stiffness of the hydrogel in a 3D culture environment, unlike in a 2D environment.
The Integration of Activity-based Costing and the Theory of Constraints in Exante Cost Control

As cost control in decision-making and planning,the ex-ante cost control aims at optimize allocation of enterprises' resources to achieve their stretigic objectives of cost control.The effectiveness of ex-ante cost control is mainly depended on the correctness of analysis of cost drivers and cost behaviour and the relevance and reliability of cost information.As the alternative paradigms of control,both activity-based costing(ABC) and the theory of constraints(TOC) are designed to aid managers in understanding the enterprise's production processes and to provide information for resource allocation decisions.Each of them has advantages and disadvantages.They both are valuable techniques in their own right.However,they are remarkably complementary to one another in nature.They can be integrated in many aspects to improve the scientificity of cost decision-making and planning,which can offer enterprises significant benefits.
An examination of synchronisation in Artificial Gene Regulatory Networks

An Artificial Genetic Regulatory Network (GRN) is a model of the gene expression regulation mechanism in biological organisms. It is a dynamical system that is capable of mimicking non-linear time series. The GRN was adapted to allow for input and output so that the system's rich dynamics could be used for dynamic problem solving. In order for the GRN to be embedded in the environment, the time scale of the physical system has to be mapped to that of the GRN and so a synchronisation process was introduced. This work examines the impact of different synchronisation intervals and how they effect the overall performance of the GRN. A variable synchronisation step that stops once the system has stabilised is also explored as a mechanism for automatically choosing the interval size.
Uganda offers hope in Africa's AIDS battle.

UNAIDS, the Joint UN Program on HIV/AIDS, estimates that 14 million people were living with HIV infection or AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa at the end of 1996, 63% of the world's total HIV-infected population. More than 18% of adults in Botswana and 17% in Zambia and Zimbabwe are infected, and the prevalence of HIV infection is growing in South Africa and Zaire. However, while HIV continues to spread at alarming rates in many countries, the rate of infection has dropped over the past few years from 30% to 15% of the population in some of Uganda's urban areas. This apparent drop in the rate of infection is the result of a public health policy of openness about the problem and the need to take preventive measures. However, with 1.5 million of the 20 million population infected with HIV, more than 50% of the health facilities taken up by AIDS patients, and more than 1 million orphans, the HIV/AIDS epidemic will be a major problem in Uganda for quite some time.
Bayesian multidimensional scale clustering based on Dirichlet process

An important reason for doing multidimensional scaling is to cluster the objects which are only given dissimilarity metrics. A prior number of components could be infinite in a Bayesian mixture model. In this work we apply infinite Gaussian mixture model and present a Bayesian multidimensional scale clustering method based on Dirichlet process. Estimating the parameters of Bayesian multidimensional scaling model is done using Markov chain Monte Carlo. As the method avoids the model selection, it can be used not only for generating low-dimensional coordinates and model-based clustering simultaneously, but also for choosing the number of clusters and performing parameters of components at the same time.
Manual asymmetries in the kinematics of a reach-to-grasp action

In the present study, we manipulated the perceived demand of an ecologically valid task to investigate the possible presence of manual asymmetries in a reach-to-grasp action. Participants reached, grasped and sipped from a water glass under low (nearly empty) and high (nearly full) demand conditions. Participants reached to grasp in closed-loop, open-loop and delay visual conditions. Manual asymmetries were found in movement time, peak velocity and maximum grip aperture variability. Consistent with reach-to-point literature: (1) right-handed actions were completed in less time than left-handed actions in visually and memory-guided conditions; (2) right-handed movements were more accurate (i.e., produced more consistent maximum grip apertures) than left-handed movements in visually guided conditions. The results support a theory of left-hemisphere specialization for visual control of action.
Effect of metastasis suppressor 1 on H1299 cells and its clinical significance in non-small cell lung cancer.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of metastasis suppressor 1 (MTSS1) on the proliferation, migration and invasion of human H1299 non-small cell lung cancer cells and its clinical significance in non‑small cell lung cancer. The target gene MTSS1-overexpressing lentivirus (LV-MTSS1) was transfected into H1299 cells and expression of MTSS1 was detected at the mRNA and protein levels. Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing and Transwell assays revealed that the migration and invasion activities were significantly suppressed by MTSS1, but that it had no effect on cell proliferation. In addition, MTSS1 expression in tissue microarrays including samples from 223 cases of non-small cell lung cancer was tested by immunohistochemistry to explore the correlation between MTSS1 and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. MTSS1 suppressed H1299 cell migration and invasion, and its expression level can be used as a new independent factor for determining the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer.
Hepatocarcinogenesis is the sequel to hepatitis in Z#2 α1‐antitrypsin transgenic mice: Histopathological and DNA ploidy studies

Z mutant–associated α1‐antitrypsin deficiency in human beings leads to hepatitis and, in some cases, hepatocellular carcinoma. To begin to delineate the molecular basis for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in α1‐antitrypsin deficiency, we previously developed transgenic mice using human α1‐antitrypsin M and Z genomic clones. High‐copy Z lineage mice (12 gene copies/haploid mouse genome; “Z#2”) had hepatocytes distended with human α1‐antitrypsin deficiency globules. Hepatitis was present, and the morphological changes mimicked those observed in human α1‐antitrypsin deficiency‐related liver disease. The numbers of hepatocytes containing α1‐antitrypsin globules decreased with age, and α1‐antitrypsin‐negative nodular aggregates of hepatocytes increased in number and size. Hepatocytic dysplasia occurred as early as 6 wk and was almost universally present at 1 yr. Nodules of dysplastic cells demonstrating aneuploidy were seen as early as 10 wks. These became persistent, proliferative lesions. Dysplasia and aneuploidy distinctly increased with time and advancing microscopic stage as lesions progressed to malignancy. Tumors were seen after 1 yr as adenomas, which are aneuploid and most likely well‐differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma, and borderline malignant lesions; and, in 82 of Z#2 mice 16 to 20 mo old, as invasive hepatocellular carcinoma. These observations suggest but do not conclusively prove that hepatocellular carcinoma in α1‐antitrypsin deficiency and other hepatic disorders arises as a result of a common, endogenously stimulated pathway for hepatocellular carcinogenesis. (Hepatology 1994;19:389–397).
Chlorophyll-Lipid-Interactions in Monomolecular Layers

Chlorophyll, Phase Separations, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Monolayers, Chlorophyll-Lipid Interaction Mixed monolayers containing chlorophyll a and dim yristoyllecithin (DM L) have been investigated by simultaneous thermodynamic, fluorescence and absorption spectroscopic m ea­ surements. It has been shown that the solubility lim it o f chlorophyll a in the fluid, as well as in the solid lipid matrix, is above 20 mol%. This contrasts to previous findings for pheophytin a containing monolayers and indicates the existance o f an interaction between the phospholipid head group and the central Mg atom. A fluorescence decrease on solidifying the monolayer was observed and it is suggested that it is due to an enhanced self quenching as a consequence o f the reorientation o f the porphyrin rings, accompanying the phase transition.
Development and In-vitro Characterization of Fish Oil Oleogels Containing Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid as Keratolytic Agents

Abstract Topical keratolytic agents such as benzoyl peroxide (BP) and salicylic acid (SA) are one of the common treatments for inflammatory skin diseases. However, the amount of drug delivery through the skin is limited due to the stratum corneum. The purposes of this study were to investigate the ability of fish oil to act as penetration enhancer for topical keratolytic agents and to determine the suitable gelator for formulating stable fish oil oleogels. 2 types of gelling agents, beeswax and sorbitan monostearate (Span 60), were used to formulate oleogels. To investigate the efficacy of fish oil oleogel permeation, commercial hydrogels of benzoyl peroxide (BP) and salicylic acid (SA) were used as control, and comparative analysis was performed using Franz diffusion cell. Stability of oleogels was determined by physical assessments at 20°C and 40°C storage. Benzoyl peroxide (BP) fish oil oleogels containing beeswax were considered as better formulations in terms of drug permeation and cumulative drug release. All the results were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05, ANOVA) and it was concluded that the beeswax-fish oil combination in oleogel can prove to be beneficial in terms of permeation across the skin and stability.
On the Industrialization of GM Rice in China: Dilemmas and Wayout

In the current situation,the industrialization of genetically modified rice(GMR) is faced with the plight of risk-benefit assessment,interest conflict,intellectual property issue and the opposition from different parties in China.To reverse the predicament,our government must take measures such as establishing an assessment system of integrated utility and an interest coordination mechanism,vigorously developing genetically modified rice lines with complete independent intellectual property rights,and expanding public and community participation in decision-making of industrialization of GMR,which will definitely contribute to the scientific and effective decision-making in the industrialization of GMR,and bring more well-beings to the humanity.
Digestion and physiological properties of resistant starch in the human large bowel

The digestion of four sources of resistant starch (RS) has been studied in twelve healthy volunteers who ate controlled diets for 15 d periods. RS from potato, banana, wheat and maize (17−30 g/d) was compared with a starch-free diet, a diet containing wheat starch that was fully digested in the small intestine, and with 18·4 g NSP from bran/d. RS increased stool wet weight by 1·6 g/d per g RS fed for potato, 1·7 for banana, 2·5 for wheat and 2·7 for maize, but this was significantly less than bran NSP at 4·9 g/g. RS was extensively digested in twenty-seven of thirtyfour diet periods but five subjects were unable to break down one or two of the RS sources. Faecal N and energy excretion were increased. RS decreased NSP breakdown and RS2 (resistant starch granules) tended to prolong transit time. All forms of RS increased faecal total short-chain fatty acid excretion. RS2 (from potato and banana) gave greater proportions of acetate in faeces, and RS3 (retrograded starch from wheat and maize) more propionate. We have concluded that RS2 and RS3 are broken down in the human gut, probably in the colon although in 26% of cases this breakdown was impaired. RS exerts mild laxative properties, predominantly through stimulation of biomass excretion but also through some sparing of NSP breakdown.
A simple method for fixation and microdissection of frozen fresh tissue sections for molecular cytogenetic analysis of cancers

Microdissection has been widely used for procuring DNA from specific microscopic regions of formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue sections. We have developed a method for fixation and microdissection of frozen fresh biopsy tissue sections. Five micrometer frozen fresh tissue sections were fixed with ethanol and stored at room temperature. Well defined regions from hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) stained or unstained sections were briefly steamed and microdissected using a needle. The dissected tissue was digested with proteinase K and DNA was isolated. Whole genome amplifications were obtained by degenerate oligonucleotide primed polymerase chain reaction (DOP-PCR) from these samples. The reliability of this technique was demonstrated by comparing conventional comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) with DOP-PCR-CGH. The advantages of this method are that frozen fresh sections can be fixed easily and stored for more than 4 years, it is easy to microdissect and pick-up very minute regions (0.1 mm2), and it is rapid; microdissection and purification can be accomplished within 3 h. Using DNA from microdissected sections, DOP-PCR-CGH revealed genetic abnormalities more accurately than conventional CGH. Although this novel method was demonstrated using DOP-PCR-CGH, we believe that it will be useful for other genetic analyses of specific small regions and cell populations. We also observed whether storage time, H & E staining and crude DNA extracts affected the quality of amplified DNA. DNA integrity was maintained for at least 49 months in ethanol fixed sections that were stored at room temperature, but DNA was gradually degraded after one month if the ethanol fixed sections had been H & E stained and stored. When crude DNA extracts from H & E stained sections were used, the size of the DOP-PCR product was reduced. Our study suggests that ethanol fixed tissue sections may be stored at room temperature for at least 4 years without DNA degradation, the H & E stains may not affect the quality of amplified DNA, but H & E or other components in the staining process may reduce the size of DOP-PCR product, which is critical for the quality of CGH hybridization.
Myelin oligodendrocyte‐specific protein is expressed in Müller cells of myelinated vertebrate retinas

The retina of nonmammalian vertebrates has a loose myelin that enwraps the large axons of the ganglion cells in all areas, whereas that of mammals lacks myelin, with some exceptions, such as the rabbit retina, which shows compact myelin restricted to the myelinated streak. Electron microscopy studies in chicken retina showed processes of Müller cells (MCs) and oligodendrocytes enwrapping ganglion cell axons. How each of these cells contributes to chicken retina myelination and whether the MC of other myelinated retinas is involved in myelination remain unknown. By immunohistochemistry, with a monoclonal antibody against myelin oligodendrocyte‐specific protein (MOSP), we show that MOSP is intensely expressed in the MC and the optic‐fiber layer (OFL) in myelinated but not in unmyelinated retinas. By immunocytochemistry with isolated MCs from the chick and rabbit retinas, we show that MOSP is concentrated in the innermost domain of the vitread processes. By immunoblotting, we show that protein extracts from myelinated retinas, but not those from unmyelinated retinas, presented a single band labelled with anti‐MOSP of molecular weight similar to that of brain MOSP. In addition, we show that the MC of the embryonic chicken retina starts to express MOSP just before myelination starts. Our results agree with those of electron microscopy studies showing myelin in chick retina formed by MC processes and with those of immunohistochemistry studies in rabbit and human retinas showing expression of other myelin molecules in the MC. Altogether, our results suggest that the MC in myelinated retinas might contribute MOSP to myelin. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.