Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human cardiac tissue induces transdifferentiation of adult stem cells towards cardiomyocytes.

BACKGROUND AIMS The goal was to induce the transdifferentiation (or conversion) of human adipose-derived stem cells to cardiomyocytes using an intracellular extract obtained from adult human heart tissue. METHODS Human adult stem cells from lipoaspirates were transiently permeabilized, exposed to human atrial extracts and allowed to recover in culture. RESULTS After 21 days, the cells acquired a cardiomyocyte phenotype, as demonstrated by morphologic changes (appearance of binucleate, striated cells and branching fibers), immunofluorescence detection of cardiac-specific markers (connexin-43, sarcomeric alpha-actinin, cardiac troponin I and T, and desmin) and the presence of cardiomyocyte-related genes analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (cardiac myosin light chain 1, alpha-cardiac actin, cardiac troponin T and cardiac beta-myosin). CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated for the first time that adult cardiomyocytes obtained from human donors retain the capacity to induce cardiomyocyte differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells. The use of autologous extracts for reprogramming adult stem cells may have potential therapeutic implications for treating heart disease.
Adipose-derived stem cells modified genetically in vivo promote reconstruction of bone defects.

AIMS Bone defects induced by different causes are difficult to replace and repair. We sought to repair bone defects by transplantation of genetically modified adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) and acellular bone matrix (ACBM). METHODS We constructed the biologic material of ACBM and evaluated its mechanical properties, general biocompatibility and biosafety. ADSC isolated from minipigs were cultured in vitro and then transfected by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (rhVEGF) plasmids, respectively. Subsequently, the compounds of ACBM/ADSC/rhBMP-2/rhVEGF were used to repair bone defects of the ulna in minipigs. X-ray examination, radionuclide bone imaging and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) were employed to monitor the therapeutic effects 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation. Histologic experiments were carried out 12 weeks after operation. RESULTS ACBM had no or weak antigenicity and the natural mechanical properties of ACBM were preserved. In vitro, ADSC transfected by rhBMP-2 and rhVEGF, respectively, could release rhBMP-2 or rhVEGF for at least 4 weeks. The X-ray, radionuclide bone imaging and SPECT examinations indicated that the compound of ACBM/ADSC/rhBMP-2/rhVEGF had better treatment effects on bone defects compared with the controls. CONCLUSIONS Scaffolds, seed cells and bioactive factors are key points in tissue engineering. This research indicates that ACBM is a good biologic material for tissue repair, and ACBM/ADSC/rhBMP-2/rhVEGF can accelerate bone formation significantly.
Gravity with Extra Dimensions and Dark Matter Interpretation: A Straightforward Approach

Any connection between dark matter and extra dimensions can be cognizably evinced from the associated effective energy-momentum tensor. In order to investigate and test such relationship, a higher dimensional spacetime endowed with a factorizable general metric is regarded to derive a general expression for the stress tensor—from the Einstein-Hilbert action—and to elicit the effective gravitational potential. A particular construction for the case of six dimensions is provided, and it is forthwith revealed that the missing mass phenomenon may be explained, irrespective of the dark matter existence. Moreover, the existence of extra dimensions in the universe accrues the possibility of a straightforward mechanism for such explanation. A configuration whose density profile coincides with the Newtonian potential for spiral galaxies is constructed, from a 4-dimensional isotropic metric plus extradimensional components. A Miyamoto-Nagai ansatz is used to solve Einstein equations. The stable rotation curves associated with such system are computed, in full compliance with the observational data, without fitting techniques. The density profiles are reconstructed and compared to the ones obtained from the Newtonian potential.
Isolation of a new bioactive cinnamic acid derivative from the whole plant of Viola betonicifolia

A new cinnamic acid derivative was isolated from the whole plant of Viola betonicifolia as off white needle. On the basis of various modern spectroscopic techniques including HREI–MS and 1D and 2D NMR, its structure was elucidated as 2,4-dihydroxy, 5-methoxy-cinnamic acid. It showed marked inhibition against DPPH (diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) free radicals with IC50 = 124 ± 5.76 µM. The antioxidant property of the compound was compared with α-tocopherole and vitamin C having IC50 values 96 ± 0.46 and 90 ± 0.56 µM, respectively. In case of antiglycation assay, the compound exhibited moderate activity (IC50 = 355 ± 7.56 µM) similar to standard compound, rutin (IC50 = 294 ± 0.56 µM). However, it was non-toxic to PC-3 cell line. It is concluded that 2,4-dihydroxy, 5-methoxy-cinnamic acid has antiglycation potential which was further augmented by its antioxidant activity and thus offered an ideal natural therapeutic option for the effective management of diabetes.
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory potential and chemical constituents of Origanum dubium Boiss., growing wild in Cyprus

Abstract Origanum dubium Boiss. is a flavouring herb widely used in Cyprus. In this study, both lipophilic and polar extracts of the aerial parts of O. dubium were investigated for their chemical contents and their antioxidant potential. Overall, 20 constituents were isolated and identified, belonging mainly to three significant classes of compounds: terpenes, phenolic derivatives, such as hydroquinone glycosides and flavonoids and alicyclic derivatives. None of them was previously reported as constituent of O. dubium The inhibitory potencies of all total extracts and the isolated compounds on lipid peroxidation and their interaction with 1,1-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity is discussed. The polar extract showed strong interaction with DPPH stable radical and significant inhibition of lipoxygenase and lipid peroxidation.
Synthesis of some novel heterocylic compounds derived from 2-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]acetohydrazide and investigation of their lipase and α-glucosidase inhibition

Abstract In the present study, 2-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]acetohydrazide (1) was used as starting compound for the synthesis of 2-{[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]acetyl}-4-thiosemicarbazides (2a–c) and 5-{[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]methyl}-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thione (5). The cyclization of compounds 2a–c in the presence of NaOH resulted in the formation of 5-{[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]methyl}-4-alkyl/aryl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones (3a–c). Aminomethylation of compounds 3a–c and 5 with formaldehyde and N-methyl/phenylpiperazine furnished Mannich bases (4a–f and 6a–b). The newly synthesized compounds were well-characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, elemental analysis and mass spectral studies. They were also screened for their lipase and α-glucosidase inhibition. Among the tested compound 2c (IC50 = 2.50 ± 0.50 µM) showed the best anti-lipase activity and compounds 2c (IC50 = 3.41 ± 0.16 µM) and 6a (IC50 = 4.36 ± 0.10 µM) showed the best anti-α-glucosidase activity.
Targeting tumour hypoxia to prevent cancer metastasis. From biology, biosensing and technology to drug development: the METOXIA consortium

Abstract The hypoxic areas of solid cancers represent a negative prognostic factor irrespective of which treatment modality is chosen for the patient. Still, after almost 80 years of focus on the problems created by hypoxia in solid tumours, we still largely lack methods to deal efficiently with these treatment-resistant cells. The consequences of this lack may be serious for many patients: Not only is there a negative correlation between the hypoxic fraction in tumours and the outcome of radiotherapy as well as many types of chemotherapy, a correlation has been shown between the hypoxic fraction in tumours and cancer metastasis. Thus, on a fundamental basis the great variety of problems related to hypoxia in cancer treatment has to do with the broad range of functions oxygen (and lack of oxygen) have in cells and tissues. Therefore, activation–deactivation of oxygen-regulated cascades related to metabolism or external signalling are important areas for the identification of mechanisms as potential targets for hypoxia-specific treatment. Also the chemistry related to reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) and the biological handling of ROS are part of the problem complex. The problem is further complicated by the great variety in oxygen concentrations found in tissues. For tumour hypoxia to be used as a marker for individualisation of treatment there is a need for non-invasive methods to measure oxygen routinely in patient tumours. A large-scale collaborative EU-financed project 2009–2014 denoted METOXIA has studied all the mentioned aspects of hypoxia with the aim of selecting potential targets for new hypoxia-specific therapy and develop the first stage of tests for this therapy. A new non-invasive PET-imaging method based on the 2-nitroimidazole [18F]-HX4 was found to be promising in a clinical trial on NSCLC patients. New preclinical models for testing of the metastatic potential of cells were developed, both in vitro (2D as well as 3D models) and in mice (orthotopic grafting). Low density quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based assays were developed measuring multiple hypoxia-responsive markers in parallel to identify tumour hypoxia-related patterns of gene expression. As possible targets for new therapy two main regulatory cascades were prioritised: The hypoxia-inducible-factor (HIF)-regulated cascades operating at moderate to weak hypoxia (<1% O2), and the unfolded protein response (UPR) activated by endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) stress and operating at more severe hypoxia (<0.2%). The prioritised targets were the HIF-regulated proteins carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), the lactate transporter MCT4 and the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4-arm of the UPR. The METOXIA project has developed patented compounds targeting CAIX with a preclinical documented effect. Since hypoxia-specific treatments alone are not curative they will have to be combined with traditional anti-cancer therapy to eradicate the aerobic cancer cell population as well.
Immunohistochemical expression of apoptosis regulators in squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and their association with human papillomavirus 16/18 subtypes.

BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is an important aetiological factor in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix. Limited studies have been focused on the differences between carcinogenesis of SCCs with and without HPV infection. AIMS The main goal of this study is to determine the expression of some of the apoptotic pathway regulators, including P53, Bax and Bcl2 in SCCs with and without high risk HPV 16/18 infection. STUDY DESIGN Cross sectional study. METHODS A total of 42 paraffin-embedded blocks with the histopathological diagnosis of invasive SCC with determined HPV 16/18 status were selected; half of them were HPV positive and the rest were negative. Afterwards, immunohistochemistry stained slides for p53, Bcl2 and Bax were evaluated with H-score, multiplicative and Additive Quick score by two pathologists; in cases of controversy about the results, the mean results were recorded. RESULTS Mean results and percentage of expression of our three markers were significantly higher in the HPV 16/18 infected group than in uninfected individuals: Respectively, the mean score for Bcl2, Bax and p53 staining according to H-scoring method was 68.5, 234, 106.4 in the HPV 16/18 infected group and 4.5, 218.8, 5.07 in the uninfected group; and the Multiplicative Quick score was 4, 14.6, 8.2 in the HPV 16/18 infected group and 3, 12.3, 3.5 in the uninfected group. CONCLUSION High risk HPVs possibly act in favour of apoptotic pathway inactivation. The significant difference in apoptotic pathway between SCCs with and without high risk HPVs suggests a different early carcinogenesis pathway.
Patient condition modeling in remote patient management : hospitalization prediction

In order to maintain and improve the quality of care without exploding costs, healthcare systems are undergoing a paradigm shift from patient care in the hospital to patient care at home. Remote patient management (RPM) systems offer a great potential in reducing hospitalization costs and worsening of symptoms for patients with chronic diseases, e.g., heart failure and diabetes. Different types of data collected by RPM systems provide an opportunity for personalizing information services, and alerting medical personnel about the changing conditions of the patient. In this work we focus on a particular problem of patient modeling that is the hospitalization prediction. We consider the problem definition, our approach to this problem, highlight the results of the experimental study and reflect on their use in decision making.
A study of multiple full-face treatments with low-energy settings of a 2940-nm Er:YAG fractionated laser

Abstract Background and objective: Fractional Er:YAG 2940-nm laser resurfacing is a relatively new approach to the treatment of photodamaged skin. Typically, this approach uses fairly high delivered energies in order to create ‘microscopic wounds’ of tissue coagulation at various dermal depths. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of low-energy, multiple-treatment, fractional Er:YAG laser resurfacing for the treatment of photoaged skin. Methods: Sixteen subjects with photoaged skin received six, lower-fluence laser treatments with a 2940-nm wavelength Er:YAG laser, using a fractionated handpiece and a maximum energy of 30 mJ per micro-spot. Subject satisfaction, treatment tolerability, and subject outcome assessment were performed. Results: Of the 12 subjects who completed the trial, all recorded improvement in their treated skin; half reported over 50% improvement. Most patients reported none or only mild stinging and burning during and after treatment. There was no downtime associated with the procedure. No adverse events were reported. Patient satisfaction rates were high. Conclusion: Low-energy, multiple treatment, 2940-nm Er:YAG laser resurfacing with this novel device is a safe and well-tolerated method for the treatment of superficial to moderate photoaged skin.
Outcomes in 102 patients that present to the emergency department with chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia.

OBJECTIVE Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a major toxic responseto chemotherapy requiring prompt medical attention. There are a limited number of reports on clinical outcome in patients with FN that present to emergency departments. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated clinical manifestations, therapeutic outcomes, and risk factors for FN in 102 adult patients that presented to the emergency department between 1 January 2006 and 31 March 2009. FN was defined as a body temperature>38°C and a neutrophil count >0.5×109/L on the day of fever onset or the day after. RESULTS Mean age of the patients was 57 years. Mean absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was 436.8/mm3 (range: 0-1000/mm3). In all, 23 of the patients (22.5%) died due to complications related to FN. There were not a statistical difference in therapeutic outcome among tumor types, performance status, sex, depth of neutropenia, or time from emergency department presentationto initiation of antibiotic therapy. Age was an important prognostic factor for therapeutic outcome. Mean age of fatal cases was 65 years versus 56 years for non-fatal cases (p=0.016). Bacteremia was noted in 19 patients, 10 (53%) of which died. The mortality rate was significantly higher in thepatients with blood culture-proven bacteria than in those whose blood culture yielded no organism (p=0.013). CONCLUSION FN patients that presented to the emergency department had a high mortality rate that increased with age. Given the increasing age of patients diagnosed with cancer as well as therapeutic interventions, the high mortality rate associated withchemotherapy-induced FN in elderly patients requires further study in order to reduce the risk of death.
Critical Issues in Qualitative Research Methods

In what case do you like reading so much? What about the type of the critical issues in qualitative research methods book? The needs to read? Well, everybody has their own reason why should read some books. Mostly, it will relate to their necessity to get knowledge from the book and want to read just to get entertainment. Novels, story book, and other entertaining books become so popular this day. Besides, the scientific books will also be the best reason to choose, especially for the students, teachers, doctors, businessman, and other professions who are fond of reading.
EFFECTS OF CHEST WALL CONSTRICTION ON AEROBIC CAPACITY DURING EXERCISE

The aim of the present study was to determine whether a reduction in lung volume and chest wall movement using an externally applied thoracic constriction band over an eight-week training period, could improve aerobic capacity and running performance. Participants included 22 healthy, non-active adults (26 ± 4 year (mean ± SD)) who were studied over a period of eight weeks during which they participated in aerobic exercise for three days/week for 30 minutes/session at a moderate intensity estimated at 65% to 80% of their maximal exertion. Aerobic capacity (VO2max) and pulmonary lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75%, PEF) were measured pre-, mid-, and posteight weeks. Following the pre-testing, participants were randomly placed into one of two groups: (1) Chest Wall Restriction (CWR), or (2) a control group (Non-Chest Wall Restriction (NCWR)). The CWR Group performed the exercise sessions while wearing an elastic strap. Participants were encouraged to use a treadmill, elliptical machine, and/or stationary cycle in random order to complete the exercise session. Pulmonary lung function measures were not changed over the eight weeks for either group. At eight weeks, CWR and NCWR groups had significant increases in VO2max (from 33.55 ± 6.48 to 37.78 ± 7.11 and 33.30 ± 10.39 to 35.99 ± 9.09 mlminkg ± SD, respectively). However, a significant improvement of 11.0 ± 4.0% in aerobic capacity was observed in the experimental group at just four weeks compared to the control group (3.0 ± 6.0%, P < 0.05). These results suggest that the use of an externally applied thoracic constriction band during aerobic exercise assists in increasing aerobic capacity more rapidly than training without a band, because of the greater increase in VO2max seen within the first four weeks for the CWR group compared to the NCWR group.
Nanoliposomes: Synthesis methods and applications in cosmetics

Nanotechnology is used frequently in marketing skin care goods, and whereas the word sounds as if it belongs in robotics and science fiction, it is rapidly becoming common in medicine and skin care. As few people actually recognize what the technology, benefits, or possible implications of its use are, we determined to outline them. The type of nanotechnology that is most significant in cosmetics, skin care and health products is the use of nanoparticles (or Bucky balls as they are known in manufacturing), and a particular kind of these nanoparticles have been touted as the next generation of liposomes. Nanoliposomes is one of the most recognized names for the nanoparticles used in skin care and cosmetic products, and we are also familiar with the term liposome, so this connection between the two is the perhaps the best way to clarify what nanoliposomes are. In this article, some of the techniques for their production are reviewed. Common methods of nanoliposome preparation are discussed.
The fetal and maternal consequences of gestational diabetes mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that presents during pregnancy and usually disappears shortly after a woman gives birth. Better recognition of the risk factors of GDM, combined with more universal screening for the disease in many countries, has led to the increased detection of GDM along with other forms of pregestational diabetes. There is growing evidence that GDM significantly increases the risk of a number of short- and long-term adverse consequences for the fetus and mother, the most significant of which is a predisposition to the development of metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. Maternal and childhood obesity as well as cardiovascular disease are also potential long-term consequences of GDM. On the other hand, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the risk of many of these consequences can be significantly reduced or eliminated by aggressive treatment of GDM. There remains, however, a great deal of controversy over when to begin screening for hyperglycemia in pregnancy and at what level of hyperglycemia should aggressive intervention be initiated.
Pain Perception in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

AbstractPain complaints (myalgia, arthralgia, headache, sore throat) are commonly associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), yet to date, these patients' responses to standardized measures of pain perception have not been investigated. Pain perception was measured by pressure dolorimeter and ice water cold prcssor tests, and the McGili Pain Questionnaire among 15 female subjects with CFS, 11 subjects with Major Depression and 11 healthy controls. No differences were found between the groups for pain threshold or intolerance levels on the pressure dolorimeter and cold pressor tests. CFS and depressed subjects endorsed significantly more self-reported pain complaints than did control subjects. Although more pain complaints were predicted by greater somatization and lower health perceptions, pain threshold and intolerance were not associated with psychiatric symptoms or functional status. The study yielded some interesting preliminary observations related to variability in pain tolerance among CFS patie.
Entamoeba histolytica: Fagocitosis y captura de eritrocitos a distancia

Sr. Editor. En base a una serie de observaciones realizadas en el laboratorio del Instituto de Salud del Niño hemos podido objetivar al momento del estudio de la fagocitosis de glóbulos rojos por E. histolytica, un patrón sugerente de captura a distancia de glóbulos rojos. En el Video 1 (http://goo.gl/sQFMij) se observa claramente como los eritrocitos son atraídos e incluso deformados al momento de ser atraídos hacia la ameba. Una interesante hipótesis a plantear sería que la fagocitosis de eritrocitos por la E. histolytica podría estar mediada por estructuras proteicas proyectadas a manera de redes que facilitarían el atrapamiento de eritrocitos. La extrusión de proteínas a fin de facilitar el proceso de fagocitosis es un evento biológicamente plausible; en células fagocíticas humanas se han descrito estructuras a manera de redes constituidas por cromatina y proteínas con actividad antibacteriana las cuales se activan durante la respuesta inflamatoria (1). Por otro lado, se ha objetivado la presencia de reacomodos de las estructuras de actina que rodean a los hematíes al momento de la fagocitosis por E. histolyitica (2). Otro aspecto observado en el video ha sido la aparente expulsión de ciertos eritrocitos, lo cual sugeriría algún mecanismo de reconocimiento para la selección de los eritrocitos a ser fagocitados.