Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of miR-221-3p and upregulation of its target gene PARP1 are prognostic biomarkers for triple negative breast cancer patients and associated with poor prognosis

The purpose of this study was to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) closely associated with the prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and their possible targets. This study recruited 125 early-stage TNBC patients, including 40 cases in the experimental group (20 cases with poor prognoses vs. 20 cases with good prognoses) and 85 cases in the validation group (27 cases with poor prognoses vs. 58 cases with good prognoses). In the experimental group, miRNA microarray showed 34 differentially expressed miRNAs in patients with different prognoses. We selected 5 miRNAs for validation. The differential expression of miR-221-3p was further verified in the experimental and validation groups using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). High miR-221-3p expression was associated with better 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 0.480; 95% CI, 0.263–0.879; p = 0.017) of TNBC patients. High expression of its target gene PARP1 predicted poorer 5-year DFS (HR = 2.236, 95% CI, 1.209-4.136, p = 0.010). MiR-221-3p down-regulated PARP1 by targeting its 3'-untranslated region. In conclusion, low miR-221-3p expression may contribute to the poor outcome of TNBC patients through regulating PARP1. MiR-221-3p likely plays a role as a PARP1 inhibitor by directly regulating PARP1 expression, thereby affecting the prognoses of TNBC patients.
Trends in cigarette smoking among US adolescents, 1974 through 1991.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine national trends in adolescent cigarette smoking prevalence. METHODS We conducted trend analyses based on 1974 through 1991 current smoking prevalence data among persons aged 12 through 19 years from the National Household Surveys on Drug Abuse, High School Seniors Surveys, and National Health Interview Surveys. RESULTS Overall smoking prevalence declined much more rapidly from 1974 through 1980 (1.9 percentage points annually among younger adolescents; the range among surveys of older adolescents was 0.2 to 2.0 percentage points annually) than from 1985 through 1991 (0 to 0.5 percentage points annually among all adolescents). Since 1980, smoking has generally declined at a slightly faster rate among older female adolescents than among male adolescents. Smoking among Black adolescents of all ages declined in nearly every survey population during each study period (range among surveys: 1974-1985 = 1.0 to 2.9 percentage points; 1985-1991 = 0.7 to 1.5 percentage points annually); for White adolescents, only minimal declines in smoking have occurred since 1985. CONCLUSIONS Since 1974, major changes in adolescent smoking patterns have occurred, especially among Blacks. The overall slowing rate of decline in smoking prevalence since 1985 may indicate success of increased tobacco advertising and promotional activities targeted at adolescents or inadequate antitobacco education efforts.
It’s Complicated: Negotiating Between Traditional Research and Community-Based Participatory Research in a Translational Study

Abstract: Background: The Interactive Systems Framework (ISF), a guide for translational research, encourages the balancing of traditional research and community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches. Objectives: This paper focuses on the challenges, solutions, and lessons learned in applying the ISF to our translational research project. Methods: A community–campus partnership translated evidence-based screening guidelines on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and depression into culturally relevant educational materials. Community health workers (CHWs) disseminated the information through a cross-over design to Hispanic women in Pima County, Arizona. Challenges, solutions, and lessons learned were identified throughout this process. Lessons Learned: We identified challenges in the areas of research design, and in the ISF systems of prevention synthesis and translation, prevention support, and prevention delivery. We successfully negotiate solutions between the scientific and local community that resulted in acceptable compromises for both groups. Conclusions: The model presented by the ISF is difficult to achieve, but we offer concrete solutions to community members and scientists to move toward that ideal.
Mapping of a novel locus for achromatopsia (ACHM4) to 1p and identification of a germline mutation in the α subunit of cone transducin (GNAT2)

Objective: To determine the molecular basis for achromatopsia using autozygosity mapping and positional candidate gene analysis. Design and methods: A large consanguineous Pakistani family containing six subjects with autosomal recessive complete achromatopsia was ascertained. After excluding linkage to the two known achromatopsia genes (CNGA3 and CNGB3), a genome wide linkage screen was undertaken. Results: Significant linkage was detected to a 12 cM autozygous segment between markers D1S485 and D1S2881 on chromosome 1p13. Direct sequence analysis of the candidate gene GNAT2 located within this interval identified a frameshift mutation in exon 7 (c842_843insTCAG; M280fsX291) that segregated with the disease. Conclusions: The GNAT2 gene codes for cone α-transducin, the G protein that couples the cone pigments to cGMP-phosphodiesterase in phototransduction. Although cone α-transducin has a fundamental role in cone phototransduction, mutations in GNAT2 have not been described previously. Since mutations in the CNGA3 gene may cause a variety of retinal dystrophies (complete and incomplete achromatopsia and progressive cone dystrophy), GNAT2 mutations may also prove to be implicated in other forms of retinal dystrophy with cone dysfunction.
Exploration and Research on Educational Governance in Higher Vocational Colleges

The thesis explores the relationship between governance theory and organizations, and helps improve the understanding of educational governance for organizations to find “Good Governance” approach and to promote healthy and orderly development of organizations. According to the method of governance theory and combined with the practical problems in the author’s organization, the thesis explores the educative purpose of governance, the ways educational governance can be planned and acted, and tries to analyze the relationship between educational governance and government, problems of the appearance of governance, failure of governance as well as the plans and action measures adopted by organizations during the process of educational governance etc.
Effects of restricted feeding on physiological stress parameters in growing broiler breeders

1. In previous studies, a lack of agreement in measurements of plasma corticosterone concentrations and heterophil:lymphocyte (H/L) ratio as physiological indices of stress, caused by hunger and frustration in restricted-fed broiler breeders, was observed. It could be suggested that the differences between previous studies were caused by differences in duration of restriction and time of the day of the measurements. Therefore, in the present study the plasma corticosterone concentration and the H/L ratio were again determined in restricted- and ad libitum-fed growing broiler breeders, taking possible causes of disagreement between previous studies into account. In addition, we measured the daily rhythm in body temperature and heart rate, and the corticosterone responses to an acute stressor as physiological indices of stress. 2. Female broiler breeders (64 per treatment, housed in groups of 4 birds) were used in the experiment. Behaviour, baseline plasma corticosterone concentrations and H/L ratio were determined at 21 d of age (immediately after the start of food restriction), and at 42 and 63 d of age. Body temperature, heart rate and activity were measured by radiotelemetry for 36 h at 49 and 70 d of age. In addition, the plasma corticosterone response to acute stress (5 min manual restraint) was measured at 77 or 78 d of age. 3. Restricted broiler breeders had higher plasma corticosterone concentrations at 42 and 63 d of age, but no differences in H/L ratio were found between restricted birds and unrestricted control birds. Restricted broiler breeders had a higher corticosterone response to 5 min manual restraint than unrestricted birds. Restricted birds displayed a clear day-night rhythm in body temperature, heart rate and activity whereas such a rhythm was blunted in ad libitum-fed birds. 4. It is discussed that some physiological differences (plasma corticosterone concentrations, body temperature and heart rate) between ad libitum-fed and restricted broiler breeders may have been caused by differences in metabolic rate as well as by differences in the level of stress. It is concluded that a combination of behavioural measurements and a wide range of physiological parameters should be used for the assessment of stress in growing broiler breeders.
Oral distension methods for small bowel MRI: comparison of different agents to optimize bowel distension

Background Different methods for bowel distension prior to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were described in recent years. Purpose To compare orally administered psyllium or locust bean gum / mannitol (LBM) with tylose administered through a duodenal catheter for bowel distension in patients undergoing MRI examination of the small bowel. Material and Methods Three different methods of bowel distension prior to MRI were compared: tylose applied through a duodenal catheter and orally administered psyllium and LBM in three groups with 15 patients each. Datasets were blinded and reviewed independently by two experienced radiologists, who assessed the diagnostic value and the maximum luminal diameter. Results Tylose was superior to psyllium and LBM in the examination of the duodenum and proximal jejunum. LBM was superior to the other methods for distension of the ileum and terminal ileum. The greatest luminal diameter of the duodenum was achieved after tylose and distension of the terminal ileum was the best in patients receiving LBM. The psyllium group was inferior to the other two groups in all segments. Conclusion By using LBM as an oral method of bowel distension, many patients can avoid the unpleasant placement of a duodenal catheter without compromising the diagnostic value of the examination.
Comparison of gastric intramucosal pH with measures of oxygen transport and consumption in critically ill patients

ObjectiveTo determine the relationship of tonometrically measured gastric intramucosal pH to clinically accepted indices of systemic oxygenation. DesignProspective, nonintervention study. SettingMedical and surgical ICUs of a university hospital. PatientsCritically ill patients (n = 22) with pulmonary artery catheters in place who also required nasogastric suctioning. Measurements and Main ResultsTonometric measurements of gastric intramucosal pH were compared with concurrently obtained systemic indices of tissue oxygenation. These variables included oxygen delivery (Do2), oxygen consumption (Vo2), oxygen extraction ratio, arterial lac-tate concentrations, mixed venous Po2, and mixed venous pH. The study period ranged from the time of insertion of the pulmonary artery catheter to the time of its removal. We classified patients who were alive by the end of the study as survivors and those patients who died with the pulmonary artery catheter in place as nonsurvivors. Both groups had similar levels of Do2 during the study period, but nonsurvivors had greater levels of Vo2, oxygen extraction ratio, and serum lactate concentrations than survivors. Gastric intramucosal pH, mixed venous pH, and mixed venous Po2 values were lower in nonsurvivors. Both groups demonstrated the phenomenon of oxygen supply dependency.When the final measurements taken before the removal of the pulmonary artery catheter or death were compared, only gastric intramucosal pH and mixed venous pH showed differences between the groups, being lower in nonsurvivors. All the patients who died, except for one, had final gastric intramucosal pH values of <7.32. ConclusionsIn this group of patients, death was associated with increased tissue needs for oxygen that were not adequately satisfied by the available levels of oxygen supply. We also conclude that tonometrically measured gastric intramucosal pH is a useful noninvasive adjunct to current methods of monitoring systemic oxygenation. (Crit Care Med 1992; 20:451–457)
New Reference Values for Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Children

IntroductionCardiopulmonary exercise testing is an essential tool to assess cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in children. There is a paucity of adequate pediatric reference values that are independent of body size and pubertal stage. The purpose of this study is to provide Z score equations for several maximal and submaximal CRF parameters derived from a prospectively recruited sample of healthy children. MethodsIn this cross-sectional multicenter study, we prospectively recruited 228 healthy children 12 to 17 yr old in local schools. We performed a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing progressive ramp protocol on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. Eighteen CRF parameters were analyzed. We tested several regression models to obtain prediction curves that minimized residual association with age, body size, and pubertal stage. Both the predicted mean and the predicted SD were modeled to account for heteroscedasticity. ResultsWe identified nonlinear association of CRF parameters with body size and significant heteroscedasticity. To normalize CRF parameters, the use of a single body size variable was not sufficient. We therefore used multivariable models with various combination of height, corrected body mass, and age. Final prediction models yielded adjusted CRF parameters that were independent of age, sex, body mass, height, body mass index, and Tanner stages. ConclusionsWe present Z score equations for several CRF parameters derived from a healthy pediatric population. These reference values provide updated predicted means and range of normality that are independent of sex and body size. Further testing is needed to assess if these reference values increase sensitivity and specificity to identify abnormal cardiorespiratory response in children with chronic diseases.
Relationship between nm23H1 genetic instability and clinical pathological characteristics in Chinese digestive system cancer patients.

AIM To study the relationship between nm23H1 gene genetic instability and its clinical pathological characteristics in Chinese digestive system cancer patients. METHODS Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) was used to analyze the microsatellite instability (MSI) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of nm23H1. RESULTS The MSI was higher in TNM stage I + II than in stage III + IV of gastric, colonic and gallbladder carcinomas. The LOH was higher in TNM stage III + IV than in stage I + II of gastric, colonic and hepatocellular carcinomas. Lymphatic metastasis was also observed. The expression of nm23H1 protein was lower in TNM stage III + IV than in stage I + II of these tumors and in patients with lymphatic metastasis.The nm23H1 protein expression was higher in the LOH negative group than in the LOH positive group. CONCLUSION MSI and LOH may independently control the biological behaviors of digestive system cancers. MSI could serve as an early biological marker of digestive system cancers. Enhanced expression of nm23H1 protein could efficiently inhibit cancer metastasis and improve its prognosis. LOH mostly appears in late digestive system cancer.
Chronic regulation of arterial blood pressure by ANP : role of endogenous vasoactive endothelial factors

Melo, L. G. , A. T. Veress, U. Ackermann, and H. Sonnenberg. Chronic regulation of arterial blood pressure by ANP: role of endogenous vasoactive endothelial factors. Am. J. Physiol. 275 (Heart Circ. Physiol. 44): H1826–H1833, 1998. —Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) exerts a chronic hypotensive effect due to a decrease in total peripheral resistance (TPR). This study examines if chronic ANPdependent vasodilation is attributable to differences in the cardiovascular regulatory activity of vascular endothelium (VE), based on evidence that ANP affects synthesis/release and target cardiovascular effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1), Ctype natriuretic peptide (CNP), and nitric oxide (NO). To determine if the synthetic activity of resistance vasculature VE is chronically altered by plasma ANP activity, we measured ET-1, CNP, and endothelial constitutive NO synthase (ecNOS) concentration and total NOS enzyme activity in homogenates of kidney, heart, lung, hindquarter skeletal muscle, and brain from hypotensive transgenic mice with elevated plasma ANP, hypertensive knockout mice (2/2) characterized by the absence of ANP, and the corresponding normotensive wild-type (NT, 1/1) mice. Tissue distribution and abundance patterns of ET-1, CNP, ecNOS, and NOS enzyme activity were comparable between the different genotypes and did not differ significantly between mutant and control mice. Antagonism of ETA/B receptors in 2/2 and 1/1 mice in vivo with SB-209670 reduced arterial blood pressure (ABP) significantly and comparably in both genotypes (227 6 4 and 225 6 2% change for 2/2 and 1/1 mice, respectively) independent of any significant changes in heart rate (HR) (26 6 8 and 24 6 4% change for 2/2 and 1/1 mice, respectively). Immunoneutralization of CNP-specific guanylate cyclase-linked receptors (GC-B) with monoclonal antibodies (3G12) increased ABP slightly, but not significantly, by similar relative amounts in both 2/2 (10 6 6% change) and 1/1 mice (8 6 3% change), without changing HR significantly (4 6 1% change for both 1/1 and 2/2 mice). Inhibition of NOS activity (by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) significantly increased ABP, but the changes were comparable between 2/2 (53 6 5% change) and 1/1 mice (50 6 6% change) and occurred in the absence of significant changes in HR (21 6 5 and 7 6 5% change for 2/2 and 1/1 mice, respectively). We conclude that the differences in ABP associated with chronic variations in endogenous ANP activity are not due to alterations in synthesis or responsiveness of the cardiovascular system to the effects of ET-1, CNP, or NO.
Community structure of methanogenic archaea and methane production associated with compost-treated tropical rice-field soil.

The diversity and density of methanogenic archaea and methane production were investigated ex situ at different growth stages of rice plant cultivated in compost-treated tropical rice fields. The qPCR analysis revealed variation in methanogens population from 3.40 × 10(6) to 1.11 × 10(7) copies g(-1) dws, in the year 2009 and 4.37 × 10(6) to 1.36 × 10(7) copies g(-1) dws in the year 2010. Apart from methanogens, a large number of bacterial (9.60 × 10(9) -1.44 × 10(10) copies g(-1) dws) and archaeal (7.13 × 10(7) -3.02 × 10(8) copies g(-1) dws) communities were also associated with methanogenesis. Methanogen population size varied in the order: flowering > ripening > tillering > postharvest > preplantation stage. The RFLP-based 16S rRNA gene-targeted phylogenetic analysis showed that clones were closely related to diverse group of methanogens comprising members of Methanomicrobiaceae, Methanosarcinaceae, Methanosaetaceae and RC I. Laboratory incubation studies revealed higher amount of cumulative CH(4) at the flowering stage. The integration of methanogenic community structure and CH(4) production potential of soil resulted in a better understanding of the dynamics of CH(4) production in organically treated rice-field soil. The hypothesis that the stages of plant development influence the methanogenic community structure leading to temporal variation in the CH(4) production has been successfully tested.
Computationally rapid method of estimating signal‐to‐noise ratio for phased array image reconstructions

Measuring signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for parallel MRI reconstructions is difficult due to spatially dependent noise amplification. Existing approaches for measuring parallel MRI SNR are limited because they are not applicable to all reconstructions, require significant computation time, or rely on repeated image acquisitions. A new SNR estimation approach is proposed, a hybrid of the repeated image acquisitions method detailed in the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard and the Monte Carlo based pseudo‐multiple replica method, in which the difference between images reconstructed from the unaltered acquired data and that same data reconstructed after the addition of calibrated pseudo‐noise is used to estimate the noise in the parallel MRI image reconstruction. This new noise estimation method can be used to rapidly compute the pixel‐wise SNR of the image generated from any parallel MRI reconstruction of a single acquisition. SNR maps calculated with the new method are validated against existing SNR calculation techniques. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Case Report of Successful Treatment With Plasma Exchange for Hemophagocytic Syndrome Associated With Severe Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in an Infant Girl

Abstract: An infantile case of hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (s‐JIA), refractory to methylprednisolone pulse therapy and cyclosporine A administration, was successfully treated by plasma exchange. The patient was a one‐year‐old Japanese girl who had developed recurrent steroid‐dependent signs, including fever, skin eruption, and hepatopathy, while in France, where she had been diagnosed as having s‐JIA at eight months of age. As a high fever and rheumatoid rash were evident on arrival at our hospital, she was admitted and given intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy and cyclosporine A. She developed pancytopenia with a generalized clonic seizure, high fever, and liver dysfunction after her cytomegalovirus (CMV) titer became positive during the course of treatment; therefore, she was treated with ganciclovir. She was subsequently diagnosed as having HPS complicating s‐JIA from the findings of a bone marrow aspirate. At this time, her blood examination data including a high level of C‐reactive protein and hyperferritinemia, suggested that her s‐JIA was very active, and the pancytopenia continued after her CMV titer became negative. Therefore, CMV infection against a background of active s‐JIA could have triggered the HPS in this case. Because the HPS was resistant to an immunosuppressive regime of methylprednisolone pulse therapy and cyclosporine A, plasma exchange therapy was started. After three sessions of this therapy, the patient's symptoms and laboratory data were markedly improved. Our experience suggests that plasma exchange should be considered as a therapeutic tool for HPS refractory to conventional therapy.