Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interstitial compartment pathology and spermatogenic disruption in testes from impotent diabetic men

Studies utilizing animal models of diabetes suggest that diabetic complications of impotence involve structural lesions in the testis as part of an overall defect in the pituitary‐testicular axis. In the present study testicular biopsies from ten oligospermic and/or impotent men with diabetes were evaluated by light and electron microscopy.
Impact of endoscopic ultrasound quality assessment on improving endoscopic ultrasound reports and procedures.

AIM To evaluate the impact of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) quality assessment on EUS procedures by comparing the most recent 2013-2014 local EUS procedural reports against relevant corresponding data from a 2009 survey of EUS using standardized quality indicators (QIs). METHODS Per EUS exam, 27 QIs were assessed individually and by grouping pre-, intra-, and post-procedural parameters. The recorded QI frequencies from 200 reports (2013-2014) were compared to corresponding data of 100 reports from the quality control study of EUS in 2009. Data for QIs added after 2009 to professional guidelines (added after 2010) were also tabulated. RESULTS Significant differences (P-value < 0.05) were found for 13 of 20 of the relevant QIs examined. 4 of 5 pre-procedural QIs, 6 of 10 intra-procedural QIs, and 3 of 5 post-procedural QIs all demonstrated significant upgrading with a P-value < 0.05. CONCLUSION Significant improvements were demonstrated in QI adherence and thus EUS reporting and delivery quality when the 2013-2014 reports were compared to 2009 results. QI implementation facilitates effective high-quality EUS exams by ensuring comprehensive documentation while limiting error.
Design and Implementation of a Cloud-Based Big Data Programming Service

With the rise of cloud computing in recent years, more computing resources have been brought from enterprises to normal users. Cloud computing plays a major role in big data programming, and makes it feasible for everyone to deal with massive data. However, there are always some obstacles keeping unskilled users from utilizing the power of cloud computing. For example, the experts in statistics need to analyze big data, which heavily relies on computation power, but they may not necessarily possess the ability to build up reliable, flexible and scalable clusters. To overcome the gap, we address the challenges and design a user-friendly service to let users execute their program on website or from eclipse plugin. Considering to big data, we offer two storage services for different scale of datasets. Furthermore, we support not only certain kinds of programming system, such as MapReduce and MPI, but also more general execution environments and languages, including CUDA, Java and C. For design evaluation, we implement the service and prove that the architecture takes the advantages of cloud computing and it has ability to deal with big data programming. Keywords—Big Data; Cloud computing
Prostaglandin E2‐Mediated Inactivation of Various Killer Lineage Cells by Tumor‐Bearing Host Macrophages

We have previously reported that natural killer (NK) lineage cells are progressively inactivated during tumor development by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secreted by host macrophages; that this facilitates spontaneous tumor metastases, which can be prevented by chronic indomethacin therapy (CIT); and that CIT combined with multiple rounds of interleukin 2 (IL‐2) can cure experimental metastases and activate all killer lineage cells in situ including NK cells, lymphokine‐activated killer (LAK) cells, and tumoricidal macrophages. The present study tested whether PGE2 secreted by tumor‐bearing host macrophages exerts pansuppressor effects against the activation of T cells, NK cells, LAK cells, and tumoricidal macrophages from normal splenic cell populations. Macrophages isolated from CBA mice bearing 21‐day intraperitoneal Ehrlich ascites tumors (EAT) or C3H/HeJ mice bearing 21‐day subcutaneous T58 mammary adenocarcinomas were added (± 10−5 M indomethacin, or a monoclonal anti‐PGE2 ab) to syngeneic splenic lymphocytes to examine the effects on 1) polyclonal activation (3‐d 3H‐thymidine [3H‐TdR] uptake) with concanavalin A (Con A); 2) one‐way (CBA α BALB/C or C3H α BALBC) MLR (5‐d 3H‐TdR uptake) and subsequent CTL generation (tested against 51Cr‐labeled Con A blasts of the stimulator phenotype); 3) NK activity (after 24‐h co‐culture) against YAC‐1 targets; 4) generation of LAK cell activity (in the presence of 200 or 2,000 units recombinant IL‐2 for 3 or 5 days), tested against NK‐sensitive and NK‐resistant targets. Similar effects were also noted on the generation of tumoricidal activity in normal splenic macrophages cultured for 3 days in the presence of LPS. Normal splenic macrophages added under the same conditions served as controls. Effects of pure PGE2 or PGF2 (10−6M) were also examined on these activation events. Results revealed that tumor‐host‐derived macrophages (but not normal macrophages) markedly suppressed all these activation events and this suppression was abrogated nearly totally by indomethacin and totally by anti‐PGE2 ab, indicating its mediation by PGE2. This finding ran parallel with high levels of PGE2 production by tumor‐host‐derived but not normal splenic macrophages. Pure PGE2 but not PGF2α mimicked these suppressor effects. While tumoricidal activity was generated in normal macrophages in the presence of LPS, IL‐2, or IFN‐γ or their various combinations (which led to further augmentation), these agents required the presence of indomethacin to generate significant killer activity in tumor‐host‐derived macrophages. These results indicate that macrophages in tumor‐bearing hosts exert pansuppressor effects against the activation of all tumoricidal effector lineages inclusive of T, NK, LAK cells, and killer macrophages.
The muscle activity paradox during circular rhythmic leg movements.

A cyclist's legs make a simple 360 degrees circular and rhythmic movement, activated by a simple flexion-extension function in a sagittal plane. However, because of the simultaneous combination of leg rotation in the hip, knee and ankle joint with translation of the upper body, the general motion becomes quite complex. This complexity is increased by the anatomical interpretations of EMG readings taken during the pedalling cycle, indicating a high activity of 'flexor' muscles during the downward 'extension' of the leg (0-90 degrees propulsion phase of the pedalling cycle). This calls for an anatomical paradox. In order to verify these interpretations, the activity of six lower limb muscles was measured under field circumstances on nine elite cyclists using a portable EMG data acquisition system and active surface electrodes allowing remote (non-telemetric) monitoring of the cyclists' muscle activity patterns. Measurements were made during a 1000 m submaximal but constant effort and during a 200 m sprint. Confirmation of the anatomical paradox was found in both test circumstances. Analyses of the normalized EMG in combination with torque values of both hip and knee during the pedalling cycle indicate a zero torque at 135 degrees for the knee, while at this same angle the overall extensor activity ends in one leg and starts simultaneously in the other leg (at 315 degrees). Since the propulsion does not continue until 180 degrees, the flexor muscles have to be activated before the extension activity ends in order to generate the continuation of the circular motion until (and beyond) the bottom dead centre (180 degrees). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Achievable capacity with sequential equalizers in Rayleigh fading MIMO channels

Employing multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver end offers a promising channel capacity. Unfortunately equalizers, which can deliver better theoretical capacity performance usually, incur higher implementation cost. To facilitate the performance-complexity tradeoff design in practice, this paper explores the asymptotic capacity performance of sequential zero-forcing equalizers under i.i. d. Rayleigh fading channels, in terms of two measurements "capacity loss" and "capacity efficiency". Based on linear algebra and matrix operations, the capacity results are given in analytical form as functions of the coupling terms in the channel transfer function and the signal to noise ratio. The closed-form solutions enable our theoretical work serves as a reference for practical system designers.
A dose-response analysis of the reproductive effects of a single gestational dose of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in male Long Evans Hooded rat offspring.

Male rats exposed in utero to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) display reduced fertility as a consequence of the direct action of TCDD on the epididymides, as well as delayed puberty and altered reproductive organ weights. The current study provides dose-response data for the reproductive effects of TCDD, administered during pregnancy, with an emphasis on the effects of TCDD on testicular, epididymal, and ejaculated sperm numbers. Long Evans Hooded rats were dosed by gavage with 0, 0.05, 0.20, or 0.80 microg TCDD/kg on Day 15 of gestation. After birth, growth, viability, and developmental landmarks were monitored in both male and female offspring. Shortly after puberty (49 and 63 days of age) and at 15 months of age, male offspring were necropsied. Growth and viability of the pups were reduced only at 0.80 microg TCDD/kg, eye opening was accelerated (all dosage groups), and puberty was delayed (at 0.20 and 0.80 microg TCDD/kg). Treated progeny displayed transient reductions in ventral prostate and seminal vesicle weights, while epididymal sperm reserves and glans penis size were permanently reduced. Ejaculated sperm numbers were reduced (45% in the 0.8 and by 25% in the 0.05 and 0.2 microg TCDD/kg dosage groups) to a greater degree than were cauda or caput/corpus epididymal or testicular (unaffected) sperm numbers. In conclusion, administration of TCDD on Day 15 of pregnancy at 0.05 microg/kg altered eye opening and reduced ejaculated sperm counts, while higher dosage levels also delayed puberty and permanently reduced cauda epididymal sperm reserves.
Theoretical considerations to reduce anomalies from the globalization of innovation

Globalization of innovation offers advantages by acquiring innovation’s main element: Knowledge. However organizations still fail appropriating and absorbing the outcomes of exogenous innovation activities. To minimize these anomalies resulting from the externalization of innovation, network arrangements and internal organizational structures should be adjusted according to the singularities of project’s innovation-model.
The effect of loading in regenerated bone in dehiscence defects following a combined approach of bone grafting and GBR.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate by histology the effect of loading on the regenerated bone at dehiscence type defects around implants when treated with a combined approach of bone grafting and guided bone regeneration (GBR). MATERIALS AND METHODS In twelve Göttingen mini-pigs, the lower premolars and first molars were extracted and the alveolar process was reduced in width. After 3 months, two Straumann SLActive (Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) implants were placed in each hemi-mandible. Twelve implants were placed into the reduced alveolar ridge (group P) with no further defect or treatment on the site, while on 36 implants, buccal dehiscence defects were created and treated as follows: Group T1: synthetic bone substitute (Straumann Bone Ceramic, SBC, Straumann AG). Group T2: SBC with a polyethylene glycol membrane (Straumann MembraGel, Straumann AG); Group N: the dehiscence remained untreated. Three months following implantation, long, custom-made, healing abutments were placed in one hemi-mandible only to ensure functional loading. After 2 months, histological analysis was performed. RESULTS A trend for lower residual defect height and higher bone-to-implant contact was observed in the loaded sites compared with non-loaded sites in groups P, T1 and N. In group T2, the opposite effect was observed. In terms of bone formation, sites treated with SBC grafting and GBR (group T2) exhibited the largest surface area of regenerated bone followed by T1 and N. Significant resorption of the graft particles was noted in group T2 and the graft surface area occupied by SBC was significantly higher in group T1 compared with group T2 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Loading may have a positive effect on bone-to-implant contact in implants inserted in pristine bone or inserted in dehiscence sites and treated by grafting/no grafting.
A high‐affinity putrescine‐cadaverine transporter from Trypanosoma cruzi

Whereas mammalian cells and most other organisms can synthesize polyamines from basic amino acids, the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is incapable of polyamine biosynthesis de novo and therefore obligatorily relies upon putrescine acquisition from the host to meet its nutritional requirements. The cell surface proteins that mediate polyamine transport into T. cruzi, as well as most eukaryotes, however, have by‐in‐large eluded discovery at the molecular level. Here we report the identification and functional characterization of two polyamine transporters, TcPOT1.1 and TcPOT1.2, encoded by alleles from two T. cruzi haplotypes. Overexpression of the TcPOT1.1 and TcPOT1.2 genes in T. cruzi epimastigotes revealed that TcPOT1.1 and TcPOT1.2 were high‐affinity transporters that recognized both putrescine and cadaverine but not spermidine or spermine. Furthermore, the activities and subcellular locations of both TcPOT1.1 and TcPOT1.2 in intact parasites were profoundly influenced by extracellular putrescine availability. These results establish TcPOT1.1 and TcPOT1.2 as key components of the T. cruzi polyamine transport pathway, an indispensable nutritional function for the parasite that may be amenable to therapeutic manipulation.
Perception of Concerns about the Quality Management System Implementation on Its Levels of Use

In the era of rapid internalization, higher education institutions (HEIs) are striving to gain competitive advantage. One of the most popular ways to do so is through implementing a quality management system (QMS). This study was a quantitative research. The population comprised of all academic and administrative staff. A total of 23 academic and administrative staff were identified as the respondents in the study. All study hypotheses were confirmed. Our analysis revealed several interesting findings on the effect of the stages of concerns and the demographic variables on the use of the QMS. The stages of concerns explained the 45.6% of variance in level of use, while the demographic profile explained the 34.0% of variance in level of use. The relationship between seven stages of concern and level of use were partially supported, but the relationship between the demographic profile and the level of use were not supported in the study. Additionally, implication of our findings and limitations of the study were discussed.
Smooth Muscle Cell Mineralocorticoid Receptors Are Mandatory for Aldosterone–Salt to Induce Vascular Stiffness

Arterial stiffness is recognized as a risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases. Aldosterone via its binding to and activation of the mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) is a main regulator of blood pressure by controlling renal sodium reabsorption. Although both clinical and experimental data indicate that MR activation by aldosterone is involved in arterial stiffening, the molecular mechanism is not known. In addition to the kidney, MR is expressed in both endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but the specific contribution of the VSMC MR to aldosterone-induced vascular stiffness remains to be explored. To address this question, we generated a mouse model with conditional inactivation of the MR in VSMC (MRSMKO). MRSMKO mice show no alteration in renal sodium handling or vascular structure, but they have decreased blood pressure when compared with control littermate mice. In vivo at baseline, large vessels of mutant mice presented with normal elastic properties, whereas carotids displayed a smaller diameter when compared with those of the control group. As expected after aldosterone/salt challenge, the arterial stiffness increased in control mice; however, it remained unchanged in MRSMKO mice, without significant modification in vascular collagen/elastin ratio. Instead, we found that the fibronectin/&agr;5-subunit integrin ratio is profoundly altered in MRSMKO mice because the induction of &agr;5 expression by aldosterone/salt challenge is prevented in mice lacking VSMC MR. Altogether, our data reveal in the aldosterone/salt hypertension model that MR activation specifically in VSMC leads to the arterial stiffening by modulation of cell-matrix attachment proteins independent of major vascular structural changes.
DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF A SINGLE SERUM THYROGLOBULIN DETERMINATION ON AND OFF THYROID SUPPRESSIVE THERAPY IN THE FOLLOW‐UP OF PATIENTS WITH DIFFERENTIATED THYROID CANCER

To assess the significance of a single serum thyroglobulin (Tg) determination on and off thyroid suppressive therapy, serum Tg measurements have been performed in 349 serum samples from 82 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. All samples were collected after total thyroidectomy with or without subsequent ablation of residual thyroid tissue by radioiodine. One hundred and fifty‐three samples were obtained while the patients were on thyroid suppressive therapy and 196 after withdrawal of medication. The results of serum Tg assays were analysed in relation to the presence or absence of residual or metastatic thyroid tissue, as assessed by clinical and laboratory evaluation, including 131I whole body scan. In patients with thyroid residue but no metastases, undetectable serum Tg (false negative results) occurred in 45% of cases off therapy and in 92·9% of cases during therapy. In the presence of metastases no undetectable serum Tg result was found in patients off therapy, while four (6·9%) out of 58 samples from patients with bone and/or lung metastases and seven (31·8%) out of 22 samples from patients with lymph node metastases alone were undetectable (falsely negative) during suppressive therapy. Serum Tg was undetectable in sera from patients with no evidence of thyroid residue or metastatic disease in all but one (1·7%) of 59 samples on and three (5·4%) of 56 samples off suppressive therapy. These Tg results were confirmed to be truly rather than falsely positive, since evidence of metastatic disease was obtained by whole body scan after the administration of therapeutic doses of 131I. These data indicate that the finding of detectable serum Tg during suppressive therapy is a reliable indicator of metastatic disease, while a negative result does not exclude the presence of metastases especially in the case of lymph node involvement. In this regard assays performed off therapy have greater diagnostic value.
HYDROPHILIC / LIPOPHILIC BALANCE INFLUENCE ON MIDDLE PHASE MICROEMULSION ELECTROCHEMISTRY

The electrochemical behaviour in a “middle phase microemulsion” (MPME) of pentacyano(L)ferrate(III) complexes, where L is 4,4’bipyridine and pyrazine, was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). A near reversible CV behaviour for both redox couples, 2 3 5 5 [ ( ) ] /[ ( ) ] ] Fe CN L Fe CN L − − type, was found. The hydrophilicity-lipophilicity balance (HLB) of both coligand and of countercation of the complex ion influences the “distribution” of the complex ion between the “microscopic aqueous phase” and the “water phase”. As a consequence, the height of the peak current in the “middle phase” is also influenced. Considering the Randles-Sevcik equation, besides the concentration, both the diffusion coefficients of the electroactive species and the active area of the working electrode positioned in the “middle phase” influence the value of the peak current. The paper figures of these contributions and warns of risks to calculate the working electrode active area immersed in “middle phase”, the electroactive species diffusion coefficient, and the electroactive species concentration without knowing exactly two of the three amounts.
Multiple neoplasms among cervical cancer patients in the material of the lower Silesian cancer registry.

BACKGROUND According to the definition by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), primary multiple neoplasms are two or more neoplasms of different histopathological build in one organ, or two or more tumors occurring in one patient, regardless of the time of their occurrence (synchronic - up to 6 months, metachronous - after 6 months), coming from an organ or a tissue and not being an infiltration from another neoplasm, a relapse or a metastasis. OBJECTIVES It was the aim of the study to analyze the frequency of the occurrence of multiple neoplasms among patients suffering from uterine cervix cancer, with a special interest in coexistent neoplasms, the time of their occurrence and total 5-year survivals. MATERIAL AND METHODS The data from the Lower Silesian Cancer Registry concerning the years 1984-2009 formed the material of the present study. RESULTS 5.3% of all cervix neoplasms occurred as multiple cancers. Cervix neoplasms were 13.4% of multiple neoplasms. On average, cervical cancer occurred as a subsequent cancer in 6 patients yearly (60.7% of the occurrences of cervical cancer were in the period of 5 years following treatment for the first neoplasm). 5-year survival in patients suffering from primarily multiple cervix neoplasms constituted 57% and was convergent with the results for all patients suffering from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer as the first neoplasm occurred in 287 patients, on average in 11 patients annually. In the period of the first 5 years after the treatment of cervical cancer, there were 42.8% occurrences of other cancers. Cervical neoplasms most frequently coexisted with cancers of the breast, lung and large intestine. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of the occurrence of multiple neoplasm among cervical cancer patients is increasing. Most frequently they coexist with other tobacco-related neoplasms, those related to HPV infections and with secondary post-radiation neoplasms. These facts should be taken into consideration during post-treatment observation and when directing diagnostic and prophylactic tests. Synchronic neoplasms require detailed diagnostics and planning of treatment by a team of specialists. The occurrence of primary multiple cervical neoplasms does not worsen the prognosis as compared to patients suffering exclusively from cervical cancer.