Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tolvaptan regulates aquaporin-2 and fecal water in cirrhotic rats with ascites.

AIM To investigate the role of tolvaptan in regulating aquaporin (AQP)-2 expression and fecal water content in cirrhotic rats with ascites. METHODS Cirrhosis with ascites was induced in rats by repetitive dorsal injection of CCl4 for 14 wk. In total, 84 cirrhotic rats with ascites divided into three groups (vehicle, 3 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg tolvaptan), and then further divided into five subgroups (days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). Blood samples were obtained to measure vasopressin and sodium concentrations. Rats were killed and colonic mucosa was scraped for analysis of protein expression and AQP-2 transcriptional level. The whole layer was fixed for hematoxylin&eosin (HE) staining and feces were collected for determination of fecal water content. CONCLUSION Compared with vehicle, vasopressin decreased significantly in the tolvaptan groups from day 2 to a similar level in each treatment group. AQP-2 showed significant upregulation in cirrhotic rats with ascites compared with an untreated control group (100% ± 22.9% vs 22.2% ± 10.23%, P < 0.01). After administration of tolvaptan, AQP-2 expression began to decrease significantly from day 2 in each treatment group, but no significant difference was finally found between the treatment groups. Fecal water content in the distal colon was increased by 5 mg/kg tolvaptan on day 1 (66.8% ± 9.3% vs 41.4% ± 6.3%, in the vehicle group, P < 0.05). Fecal water content returned to baseline at day 4 at the latest in both treatment groups, and did not correspond to the change in AQP-2 expression. HE staining of the colonic mucosa showed no mucosal damage related to tolvaptan. CONCLUSION Upregulation of AQP-2 in the distal colon is found in cirrhotic rats with ascites. Tolvaptan inhibits its expression and may decrease water reabsorption and induce diarrhea.
Asian and Hispanic Americans' cancer fatalism and colon cancer screening.

OBJECTIVES To explore fatalistic attributions of colon cancer development among Asian and Hispanic Americans in comparison with non-Hispanic whites; also to examine the impacts of fatalism on adherence to the colon cancer screening guideline. METHODS For the analysis, the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey data were employed. RESULTS Both Asian and Hispanic Americans were more likely to make fatalistic attribution and were less likely to follow the guideline than whites. Particularly for Asians, fatalism was a significant predictor for not adhering to the guideline. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasize the need for cultural interventions to disrupt fatalistic attitudes towards colon cancer preventions.
Spatial Differencing Method for DOA Estimation Under the Coexistence of Both Uncorrelated and Coherent Signals

Direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation is an important problem in array signal processing. An effective spatial differencing method is addressed, for the DOA estimation problem of a number of uncorrelated and coherent narrowband signals simultaneously impinging on the far field of a uniform linear array (ULA). In the proposed method, the uncorrelated sources are firstly estimated using conventional subspace methods, and then they are eliminated by exploiting the spatial differencing technique, that is, only coherent components remain in the spatial differencing matrix. Finally, the remaining coherent signals are estimated by utilizing the spatial differencing matrix. Compared with the previous works, the presented method can improve the DOA estimation accuracy, as well as increase the maximal number of detectable signals. The theoretical analysis and simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the method.
No association between egg intake and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Egg consumption has been suggested to increase the risk of colorectal and some other cancers. The present study summarized and quantified the current evidence relating dietary intake of eggs and prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature searches were conducted to identify peer-reviewed manuscripts published up to July 2012. Twenty manuscripts from nine cohort studies and 11 case-control studies were identified. Summary risk estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for case-control and cohort studies separately. RESULTS Neither the case-control not the cohort studies showed any association of prostate cancer incidence with egg consumption (case-control studies: odds ratio 1.09, 95% CI 0.86-1.31; cohort studies: relative risk 0.97, 95% CI 0.97-1.07). The results were consistent in subgroup analysis. Furthermore, no association was observed between egg consumption and prostate cancer-specific mortality. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses provided no evidence of a significant influence of egg consumption on prostate cancer incidence and mortality. However, more studies, particularly large prospective studies, are needed.
CC family chemokines directly regulate myoblast responses to skeletal muscle injury

Chemokines have been implicated in the promotion of leucocyte trafficking to diseased muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a subset of inflammatory chemokines are able to directly drive myoblast proliferation, an essential early component of muscle regeneration, in a manner which is entirely independent of leucocytes. Cultured myoblasts (C2C12) were exposed to monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1; CCL2), macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α(MIP‐1α; CCL3) or MIP‐1β (CCL4). All chemokines induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and greatly increased myoblast proliferative responses. Chemokine‐induced myoblast proliferation was abolished by pertussis toxin and the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126, implicating both Gαi‐coupled receptors and ERK1/2‐dependent signalling. Myoblasts expressed receptors for all of the chemokines tested, and mitogenic responses were specifically inhibited by antibodies directed against CC family chemokine receptors 2 and 5 (CCR2 and CCR5). Within an in vitro myogenic wound healing assay devoid of leucocytes, all chemokines significantly accelerated the time course of myoblast wound closure after mechanical injury. Injections of MCP‐1 into cardiotoxin‐injured skeletal muscles in vivo also suppressed expression of the differentiation marker myogenin, consistent with a mitogenic effect. Taken together, our results indicate that CC chemokines have potent and direct effects on myoblast behaviour, thus indicating a novel role in muscle repair beyond leucocyte chemoattraction. Therefore, interventions aimed at modulating the balance between myoblast and leucocyte effects of CC chemokines in injured muscle could represent a novel strategy for the treatment of destructive muscle pathologies.
Review: Stem cell therapy: the great promise in lung disease

Lung injuries are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pulmonary diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by loss of lung elasticity, small airway tethers, and luminal obstruction with inflammatory mucoid secretions, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis characterized by excessive matrix deposition and destruction of the normal lung architecture, have essentially symptomatic treatments and their management is costly to the health care system. Regeneration of tissue by stem cells from endogenous, exogenous, and even genetically modified cells is a promising novel therapy. The use of adult stem cells to help with lung regeneration and repair could be a newer technology in clinical and regenerative medicine. In fact, different studies have shown that bone marrow progenitor cells contribute to repair and remodeling of lung in animal models of progressive pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, lung stem cell biology may provide novel approaches to therapy and could represent a great promise for the future of molecular medicine. In fact, several diseases can be slowed or even blocked by stem cell transplantation.
Staff Training in Autism: The One-Eyed Wo/Man…

Having well-trained staff is key to ensuring good quality autism services, especially since people affected with autism generally tend to have higher support needs than other populations in terms of daily living, as well as their mental and physical health. Poorly-trained staff can have detrimental effects on service provision and staff morale and can lead to staff burn-out, as well as increased service user anxiety and stress. This paper reports on a survey with health, social care, and education staff who work within the statutory autism services sector in the UK that explored their knowledge and training with regards to autism. Interview data obtained from staff and service users offer qualitative illustrations of survey findings. Overall, the findings expose an acute lack of autism-specific training that has detrimental impacts. At best, this training was based on brief and very basic awareness raising rather than on in-depth understanding of issues related to autism or skills for evidence-based practice. Service users were concerned with the effects that the lack of staff training had on the services they received. The paper concludes with a discussion of policy routes to achieving quality staff training based on international best practice. The focus is on improving the quality of life and mental health for services users and staff, as well as making potentially significant cost-savings for governments.
Hippo vs. Crab: tissue‐specific functions of the mammalian Hippo pathway

The Hippo signaling pathway is a vital suppressor of tumorigenesis that is often inactivated in human cancers. In normal cells, the Hippo pathway is triggered by external forces such as cell crowding, or changes to the extracellular matrix or cell polarity. Once activated, Hippo signaling down‐regulates transcription supported by the paralogous cofactors YAP1 and TAZ. The Hippo pathway's functions in normal and cancer biology have been dissected by studies of mutant mice with null or conditional tissue‐specific mutations of Hippo signaling elements. In this review, we attempt to systematically summarize results that have been gleaned from detailed in vivo characterizations of these mutants. Our goal is to describe the physiological roles of Hippo signaling in several normal organ systems, as well as to emphasize how disruption of the Hippo pathway, and particularly hyperactivation of YAP1/TAZ, can be oncogenic.
IP Over WDM Networks Employing Renewable Energy Sources

With network expansion, the energy consumption and CO2 emissions associated with networks are increasing rapidly. In this paper we propose an approach for energy minimization in IP over WDM networks and furthermore propose the use of renewable energy to further reduce the CO2 emissions at a given energy consumption level. We develop a Linear Programming (LP) model for energy minimization in the network when renewable energy is used and propose a novel heuristic for improving renewable energy utilization. Compared with routing in the electronic layer, routing in the optical layer coupled with renewable energy nodes significantly reduces the CO2 emission of the IP over WDM network considered by 47% to 52%, and the new heuristic introduced hardly affects the QoS. In order to identify the impact of the number and the location of nodes that employ renewable energy on the non-renewable energy consumption of whole network, we also constructed another LP model. The results show that the nodes at the center of the network have more impact than other nodes if they use renewable energy sources. We have also investigated the additional energy savings that can be gained through Adaptive Link Rate (ALR) techniques where different load dependent energy consumption profiles are considered. Our optimized REO-hop routing algorithm with renewable energy and ALR results in a maximum energy saving of 85% (average of 65%) compared to a current network design where all nodes are statically dimensioned for the maximum traffic in terms of IP ports and optical layer and hence consume power accordingly. Furthermore, when all the nodes have access to typical levels of renewable power we show that the associated reduction in non-renewable energy consumption reduces the network's CO2 emissions by 97% peak, 78% average.
Relationship between Organizational Culture, Transformational Leadership, Working Motivation to Organizational Commitment

The objective of this research is to determine the correlation between dependent variables of organization culture, transformational leadership, and job motivation with an independent variable; organizational commitment of lecturers in a state institute for Islamic study. The survey is executed on samples of 180 lecturers by proportional random sampling technique in Jambi, Indonesia. The research applies a Sequential Explanatory Design Mixed Method by conducting quantitative research first then followed by the qualitative research to obtain comprehensive output. The study both quantitatively and qualitatively reveals that there is a positive significant relationship among variables under the following distribution of coefficient of determination: organizational culture to lecturers’ organizational commitment = 17 %, transformational leadership to lecturers’ organizational commitment = 18 % , working motivation to lecturers’ organizational commitment = 14 % and when tested together it produces coefficient of correlation = 19 % indicating the existence of other 81 % variables not including in the model affecting factors affecting organizational commitment in a state institute for Islamic study's lecturers working environment.
Cytokine profiles in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis suggest an important role for TGF‐β and IL-10

Modulation of cytokine expression represents a potentially useful approach for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). To identify potential targets for such intervention, semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to compare the expression of messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) coding for 17 cytokines in lung tissue obtained from patients with IPF at the time of diagnosis and control subjects. Some cytokines were also studied at the protein level by immunohistochemical techniques. mRNAs coding for all of the cytokines evaluated were detected in both control and fibrotic lung samples. Only transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and interleukin (IL)-10 mRNAs were quantitatively increased in lung biopsies from patients with IPF compared with those of controls, results confirmed at the protein level by immunohistochemistry. Although mRNAs for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) were expressed in similar amounts in lungs from patients with IPF and controls, localised accumulation of both factors was also observed in IPF. Hyperplastic alveolar epithelial cells were a prominent source of cytokines, where IL-10, PDGF-BB and KGF were present in increased amounts, although increased accumulation in fibroblasts, smooth-muscle cells and matrix components was also observed (PDGF-BB, TGF‐β). These results offer new insights into the cytokines produced in the lung in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and suggest that modulation of the production of transforming growth factor‐β and interleukin-10 may represent a potentially useful therapeutic strategy for this disabling disease.
Mammal Conservation: Old Problems, New Perspectives, Transdisciplinarity, and the Coming of Age of Conservation Geopolitics

I review the shocking current status of terrestrial mammals and then describe an approach to solving it, embracing a continuum of spatial and intellectual scales, from groundedness to geopolitics. Starting with an illustrative arena, the interface between agriculture and wildlife, I then outline the litany of threats to mammals and some successful approaches to their conservation, and document some broad-scale patterns regarding ecosystems, the mammalian communities within, and some implications for conservation. Observing that the battle for mammalian conservation is being badly lost, I dedicate the third part of this article to a combination of top-down and bottom-up, interdisciplinary studies, aspiring to a holistic approach that sets conservation in the wider sphere of the human enterprise and that I term transdisciplinary conservation.
Vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for childhood allergic disease and asthma

Purpose of reviewOver the past 2 years, the number of studies relating vitamin D deficiency and asthma and allergies has increased significantly. The purpose of this review is to update the last review in this journal and examine the evidence of the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and childhood asthma and allergies. Recent findingsIn the past 2 years since the last review, there have been many studies, both cross-sectional and prospective, that have investigated the effects of vitamin D on the inception and severity of asthma and allergies. Most, but not all, studies have shown that low vitamin D levels increase the risk for asthma and allergies, but a few suggest an increased risk with high levels. Results from small trials of short duration suggest that vitamin D supplementation decreases severity of eczema and decreases the risk for asthma exacerbations. SummaryData that vitamin D deficiency results in increased risks for asthma and allergies continues to accumulate. However, the optimal level of vitamin D that decreases both the risk for development and severity of these disorders remains elusive. Results of ongoing clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation will be needed before recommendations can be firmly established.
The epigenetics of maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy and effects on child development

Abstract The period of in utero development is one of the most critical windows during which adverse intrauterine conditions and exposures can influence the growth and development of the fetus as well as the child's future postnatal health and behavior. Maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy remains a relatively common but nonetheless hazardous in utero exposure. Previous studies have associated prenatal smoke exposure with reduced birth weight, poor developmental and psychological outcomes, and increased risk for diseases and behavioral disorders later in life. Researchers are now learning that many of the mechanisms whereby maternal smoke exposure may affect key pathways crucial for proper fetal growth and development are epigenetic in nature. Maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy has been associated with altered DNA methylation and dysregulated expression of microRNA, but a deeper understanding of the epigenetics of maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy as well as how these epigenetic changes may affect later health and behavior remain to be elucidated. This article seeks to explore many of the previously described epigenetic alterations associated with maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy and assess how such changes may have consequences for both fetal growth and development, as well as later child health, behavior, and well-being. We also outline future directions for this new and exciting field of research.
How should treatment approaches differ depending on the severity of asthma?

ABSTRACT Introduction: Asthma is nowadays regarded as a syndrome of various overlapping phenotypes with defined clinical characteristics, different underlying inflammatory mechanisms, identifiable genetic background, environmental risk factors and possible biomarkers. There are no doubts that due to the diversity of asthma, a ‘one size fits all’ management of the disease is no longer valid. Areas covered: Nowadays asthma management is based on the control of the disease, and the goals of asthma treatment are defined as good symptom control, decreased future risk of exacerbations, fixed airflow limitation, and side-effects of treatment. Alternative strategies for adjusting asthma treatment such as sputum or exhaled nitric oxide guided protocols have been evaluated and despite some effectiveness, are regarded as impractical in every-day clinical conditions. Further studies in the field of asthma phenotypes/endotypes and biomarkers are warranted with the main goal to define which of those possible subgroups will be useful in clinical practice in regards to the potential allocation of successful treatment. Expert commentary: Despite the availability of guidelines on the diagnosis and management of asthma, it seems that the disease is still not optimally controlled. Addressing unmet needs in every day care, improving education, adherence/compliance and inhalation technique may significantly improve asthma control across all severities of the disease.
The use of synthetics in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse

Despite an improved understanding of pelvic anatomy and organ function and advances in surgical techniques, long-term success rates in pelvic surgery are still variable (3-59%), but can reach up to 92% in the case of associated procedures. The major causes of recurrent pelvic prolapse after corrective surgery are related to patient factors, such as poor tissues, impaired healing processes and chronic pathological increases in intra-abdominal pressure. Other causes of failure are, however, probably related to surgical techniques: the use of weak or insufficient sutures, or suboptimal performance of the surgery. In line with progress in the surgical correction of abdominal hernias, the use of synthetic mesh in pelvic reconstructive surgery also seems to guarantee its reliability, especially when autologous tissue is of poor quality or insufficient quantity. Moreover, the use of artificial mesh may simplify a surgical procedure, reducing operative time and the need for additional techniques. This review evaluates the main properties of synthetic biomaterials, their complications and the most common procedures involved in the use of synthetic mesh: the abdominal sacral colpopexy and transvaginal cystocele repair.
Faecal calprotectin levels in children with Henoch–Schönlein purpura: is this a new marker for gastrointestinal involvement?

Aim We aimed to investigate the significance of faecal calprotectin (FC) levels in children diagnosed with Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) and examine its relationships with gastrointestinal system (GIS), renal involvement and with clinical findings. Patients and methods In total, 66 children diagnosed with HSP for the first time and a control group of 25 healthy children were included. The cases were divided into mild and severe groups on the basis of GIS findings. FC was measured twice in all patients with HSP: within 3 days of onset of disease (FC1) and on day 15 (FC2). These results were compared with those of the control group. Faecal occult blood, gastric wall thickness and duodenal wall thickness were measured at the same time as FC1 in all patients, and the presence of renal involvement was recorded. Results Of the 66 patients, 37 (56%) were females (mean age, 7.5±2.9 years; range, 2.5–14.5 years) and were diagnosed with HSP. Renal involvement was detected in 19 (28%) cases and GIS involvement was found in 28 (43%) cases. GIS involvement was mild in 16 (53%) cases and severe in 12 (43%). A significant difference was detected in FC1 levels between the groups with and without GIS involvement (P=0.01). A marked difference was observed in FC1 levels between the groups with and without renal involvement (P=0.017). Conclusion FC may be a reliable marker for HSP, particularly for identifying GIS and renal involvement as well as disease severity.