Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estrogen receptor α gene (ESR1) polymorphisms associated with idiopathic premature ovarian failure in Chinese women

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between Estrogen receptor α gene (ESR1) polymorphisms and idiopathic premature ovarian failure (POF) in Chinese women. Methods: 155 idiopathic POF and 150 healthy controls were recruited in this study. All subjects were analyzed at the PvuII and XbaI loci of the ESR1 gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Results: The frequency of the P allele of the PvuII polymorphisms was 38.1% in POF women, which was significantly higher than controls (28.0%) (p = 0.008). And for the XbaI polymorphisms, the X allele was 21.0% in POF patients, compared to 13.3% in control women (p = 0.013). Carriers of the PP genotype had higher increased risk of POF than those of the pp genotypes (p = 0.011), whereas in three genotypes of the XbaI polymorphisms, no difference was found in the prediction value of POF. In addiction, the P-X haplotype was associated with a significantly increased risk for idiopathic POF. Conclusion: These data suggest that the PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms of ESR1 gene are associated with POF, which may be a potential genetic risk factor of idiopathic POF. More researches are needed to determine whether the findings are generalizable to other populations.
Effects of Patellar Thickness on Compression and Shear Forces in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Ten unembalmed cadaveric knees were disected to the capsule preserving the ligamentous and tendinous structures. A posterior cruciate ligament sparing total condylar knee arthroplasty was implanted routinely. A force transducer that measured compression force and shear was implanted into each patella. For each knee, 3 thicknesses of the patellar composite (osteotomized patella, transducer, polyethylene component) were evaluated: (1) precut patellar thickness, (2) precut plus 2 mm, and (3) precut plus 4 mm. The knees were tested in an Oxford Knee Testing Rig, which allowed dynamic testing with 6 ° of freedom. Values of patellar forces were obtained throughout a range of motion of 0 ° to 95 ° flexion. At higher flexion angles (45 ° and above), the total patellofemoral shear forces for the precut plus 2 mm and the precut plus 4 mm composites were altered significantly from the precut thickness. Increasing the patellar thickness results in a significant increase in shear forces, potentially leading to early loosening of the component or increased wear or both. Therefore, bone conserving resections that increase the patellar composite thickness above the precut thickness should be avoided.
Uncoupling Effect of F16 Is Responsible for Its Mitochondrial Toxicity and Anticancer Activity

As a novel delocalized lipophilic cation, F16 selectively accumulates in mitochondria of carcinoma cells and shows a broad spectrum of antiproliferative action towards cancer cell lines. In order to reveal the mode of action and molecular mechanism of F16 inducing cytotoxicity, we investigated the effects of F16 on cancer cells and isolated mitochondria relative to its precursor compound (E)-3-(2-(pyridine-4yl)vinyl)-1 H-indole (PVI), which has a similar structure without positive charge. It was found that PVI did not accumulate in mitochondria, and exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to F16. However, when they were directly incubated with mitochondria, both F16 and PVI were observed to induce damage to mitochondrial structure and function. Moreover, it was found that F16 as well as PVI acted as uncouplers on mitochondria, and further rescue experiments revealed that the addition of adenosine 5'-triphosphate was the most effective way to recover the cell viability decreased by F16. Thus it was concluded that the decreased intracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate availability induced by the uncoupling effect of F16 was a major factor in F16-mediated cytotoxicity. Futhermore, the results indicated that the uncoupling effect of F16 is attributed to its chemical stucture in common with PVI but independent of its positive charge. The study may shed light on understanding the underlying mechanism of action for F16, and providing suggestions for the design of new mitochondria-targeted antitumor molecules.
Waist circumference at five common measurement sites in normal weight and overweight adults: which site is most optimal?

The aim of this study was to determine (i) if adults would measure their own waist circumference (WC), (ii) which WC site(s) are the most intuitive and easy to measure and (iii) if measurement accuracy and association between WC and blood pressure differs across five measurement sites. Participants (n = 198) measured their WC first with no instruction and then using visual instructions for the iliac crest, last rib, midpoint, minimal waist and umbilicus. Without instruction, men most commonly measured their WC at the umbilicus and iliac crest, while women measured their WC at the umbilicus and minimal WC. Both men and women reported the minimal waist and umbilicus to be moderately easier to self‐measure compared to the other sites (P < 0.05). Prevalence of abdominal obesity varied significantly by gender and measurement site, especially for females (normal weight: 0–18%; overweight: 51–79%). Measurement site did not influence accuracy of WC self‐measurement or the association between WC and blood pressure (P > 0.05). A universal WC landmark is needed. From these results, there does not appear to be a clear clinical advantage in terms of blood pressure or practical advantage of measuring one WC site over another. However, the umbilicus may be the most intuitive and easy to measure.
Blockade of myeloid differentiation protein 2 prevents obesity‐induced inflammation and nephropathy

Obesity is a major and independent risk factor of kidney diseases. The pathogenic mechanisms of obesity‐associated renal injury are recognized to at least involve a lipid‐rich and pro‐inflammatory state of the renal tissues, but specific mechanisms establishing causal relation remain unknown. Saturated fatty acids are elevated in obesity, and known to induce chronic inflammation in kidneys. Myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2) is an important protein in lipopolysaccharide‐induced innate immunity response and inflammation. We suggested that obesity‐associated renal injury is regulated by MD2 thereby driving an inflammatory renal injury. The used three mouse models for in vivo study: MD2 knockout mice (KO) maintained on high fat diet (HFD), wild‐type mice on HFD plus L6H21, a specific MD2 inhibitor and KO mice given palmitic acid (PA) by IV injection. The in vitro studies were carried out in cultured renal tubular epithelial cells, mouse mesangial cells and primary macrophages, respectively. The HFD mice presented with increased hyperlipidemia, serum creatinine and proteinuria. Renal tissue from HFD mice had increased fibrosis, inflammatory cytokines, macrophage infiltration, and activation of NF‐κB and MAPKs. This HFD‐induced renal injury profile was not observed in KO mice or L6H21‐treated mice. Mice given PA mimmicked the HFD‐induced renal injury profiles, which were prevented by MD2 knockout. The in vitro data further confirmed MD2 mediates PA‐induced inflammation. MD2 is causally related with obesity‐associated renal inflammatory injury. We believe that MD2 is an attractive target for future therapeutic strategies in obesity‐associated kidney diseases.
Role of Diffusion MRI and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Measurement in the Diagnosis, Staging and Pathological Classification of Bladder Tumors

Objectives: Our aim was to investigate the role of simultaneous apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement and diffusion-weighted MRI (DWMRI) in the diagnosis and differentiation of bladder masses. Methods: Weexamined 45 patients presenting with hematuria by dynamic and diffusion MRI (at b100, b600, b1000 gradients) and cystoscopy. Thirty healthy volunteers without hematuria were also included in the study. Results from imaging techniques were compared to cystoscopic and histopathologic findings. The ADC values of benign and malignant bladder masses, and bladder tissue in healthy subjects were measured and compared with each other. Results: The mean ADC values of benign (n = 10) and malignant lesions (n = 35) were significantly lower than the mean ADC values of adjacent bladder walls and bladder walls of healthy subjects at all 3 gradients (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was detected between benign and malignant lesions (p > 0.05). Mean ADC values of invasive tumors were significantly lower than superficial malignancies at b600 and b1000 gradients. The mean ADC values of transitional cell tumors were significantly higher than squamous cell tumors at b100 and b600 gradients. Conclusion: Simultaneous measurement ofADC and DWMRI provided useful information in the diagnosis, staging and histopathological classification of bladder tumors.
The role of radiation therapy in the management of adrenal carcinoma and adrenal metastases

The use of radiation therapy (RT) to treat adrenal tumors has historically been limited by the risk of normal tissue toxicity, given the proximity of the adrenals to radiosensitive structures, such as the kidney, stomach, intestine, and spinal cord. However, contemporary techniques have made RT safe and effective for use in the management of adrenal carcinoma and adrenal metastases. Data on recent advances in the use of RT to treat adrenocortical carcinoma and adrenal metastases are reviewed, in both surgical and non‐surgical settings. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:647–650. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sindrome de ventriculo izquierdo hipoplasico. Descripcion de un caso clinico con supervivencia luego de realizar la tecnica de Norwood

Se reporta un caso clinico de una paciente de 72 horas de vida, que ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediatricos por sindrome de bajo gasto cardiaco: anuria, acidosis metabolica y sindrome de dificultad respiratoria. Se inicio ventilacion mecanica, soporte inotropico e infusion continua de prostaglandina E1. La ecocardiografia reporto sindrome de ventriculo izquierdo hipoplasico. A los 6 dias de vida se realizo procedimiento de Norwood estadio I, bajo circulacion extracorporea con hipotermia profunda y paro circulatorio. Durante el periodo postoperatorio temprano, presento hipoxemia e hipertension pulmonar que mejoraron con hiperventilacion controlada y terapia con vasodilatadores. Otras complicaciones que desarrollo fueron sepsis clinica y sindrome de abstinencia, que se resolvieron con el manejo medico; la paciente se extubo al sexto dia postoperatorio. Los controles ecocardiograficos posteriores evidenciaron regurgitacion de la valvula tricuspide, disfuncion y dilatacion del ventriculo derecho, ademas de un trombo organizado en auricula izquierda, los cuales mejoraron con diureticos, dopamina, milrinona y heparina. La paciente fue dada de alta a los 32 dias del postquirurgico, sin signos de insuficiencia cardiaca. El interes de este caso radica en la alta tasa de mortalidad de esta patologia, siendo la tecnica de Norwood una estrategia paliativa que se puede ofrecer en nuestro medio frente al transplante cardiaco ortotopico en recien nacidos, por la dificultad en la consecucion de donantes a esta edad y las complicaciones de la terapia inmunosupresora, lo que representa un avance importante en la cardiologia infantil en Colombia porque hasta hace pocos anos estos pacientes no tenian opcion quirurgica
The importance of employing computational resources for the automation of drug discovery

Introduction: The application of computational tools to drug discovery helps researchers to design and evaluate new drugs swiftly with a reduce economic resources. To discover new potential drugs, computational chemistry incorporates automatization for obtaining biological data such as adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET), as well as drug mechanisms of action. Areas covered: This editorial looks at examples of these computational tools, including docking, molecular dynamics simulation, virtual screening, quantum chemistry, quantitative structural activity relationship, principal component analysis and drug screening workflow systems. The authors then provide their perspectives on the importance of these techniques for drug discovery. Expert opinion: Computational tools help researchers to design and discover new drugs for the treatment of several human diseases without side effects, thus allowing for the evaluation of millions of compounds with a reduced cost in both time and economic resources. The problem is that operating each program is difficult; one is required to use several programs and understand each of the properties being tested. In the future, it is possible that a single computer and software program will be capable of evaluating the complete properties (mechanisms of action and ADMET properties) of ligands. It is also possible that after submitting one target, this computer–software will be capable of suggesting potential compounds along with ways to synthesize them, and presenting biological models for testing.
Estrogen Receptor Dinucleotide (TA) Polymorphism Does Not Predict Premature Myocardial Infarction in Caucasian Women

In this association study, we tested the hypothesis whether the estrogen receptor gene dinucleotide (TA) polymorphism is a risk factor for premature myocardial infarction in Caucasian women. We also investigated the relationships between estrogen receptor gene dinucleotide (TA) polymorphism and serum lipid levels. One-hundred and forty-one women with premature myocardial infarction were compared with healthy women. Cases and controls did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in distribution of the estrogen receptor dinucleotide (TA) gene polymorphism alleles. Neither could we demonstrate the length of the dinucleotide (TA) repeats of the estrogen gene to be associated with premature myocardial infarction in Caucasian women. Subjects with larger alleles (both alleles of ≧19 repeats) did not differ in serum lipid levels (total, LDL, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) from subjects with other genotypes. We may conclude that in Caucasian women the length of the dinucleotide (TA) repeat in the regulatory region of the α-estrogen receptor gene is neither associated with premature myocardial infarction nor with serum lipid levels.
Uneven comb pilots based channel estimation for CDD-OFDM system

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a promising technique for high speed data transmission over multipath fading channels. In an MIMO-OFDM system, cyclic delay diversity (CDD) serves as a simple and elegant solution to exploit transmit diversity. This paper investigates the uneven comb pilots based channel estimation for CDD-OFDM system with periodical frequency selective channel. Our study reveals that uneven comb pilots outperform their even counterpart in complicated channel conditions, such as adaptive CDD, where cyclic delay parameters may change from time to time. Furthermore, we identify the interpolation as a key problem in uneven-pilot based OFDM system and study several scattered data interpolation algorithms. Simulation results show that radial basis function (RBF) interpolation has the best tradeoff in terms of accuracy and computational complexity.
Vehicle velocity estimation based on data fusion by Kalman filtering for ABS

During the braking process, because of difference between the wheel velocity and the linear vehicle velocity, the slip occurred and it is made vehicle to lose steering control and the friction force, which stops the vehicle, is greatly reduced. To solve this problem, the Antilock Break System (ABS) was proposed, which monitors the wheel velocity and the vehicle velocity to detect and control the slip. The main stage in slip evaluation is vehicle velocity estimation and there are several methods for it, where each one has its advantages and drawbacks. In this paper, an analytical and practical solution to estimate the accurate vehicle velocity estimation based on the data fusion algorithms and during the breaking process is developed. Finally, simulation results show the effectiveness of the new methodology.
Tacrolimus and Lopinavir/Ritonavir Interaction in Liver Transplantation

OBJECTIVE: To report an interaction between tacrolimus and the protease inhibitor combination lopinavir/ritonavir in a liver transplant patient. CASE SUMMARY: A 48-year-old white male liver transplant recipient receiving tacrolimus 5 mg twice daily for immunosuppression started highly active antiretroviral therapy for his HIV-positive status. Three days after initiation of lopinavir/ritonavir, the tacrolimus concentration rose sharply to toxic levels. Subsequent tacrolimus doses were withheld until tacrolimus concentrations normalized over 15 days. The tacrolimus dose was reestablished at a much lower dose, 0.5 mg once weekly. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse event was highly probable. DISCUSSION: Tacrolimus is metabolized in the liver via CYP3A4. Protease inhibitors are known to inhibit CYP3A4 and have been documented to increase tacrolimus concentrations, putting the patient at risk of developing nephrotoxic and/or neurotoxic symptoms. In this case, concomitant use of lopinavir/ritonavir caused tacrolimus concentrations to rise more dramatically than had been previously reported in the literature for other protease inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Extreme caution must be used when administering tacrolimus concomitantly with lopinavir/ritonavir. Therapeutic concentrations of tacrolimus can be maintained with tacrolimus doses that are far below standard dosages.
Selection of appropriate exercise regimens for weight reduction during VLCD and maintenance.

Body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR) and physical work capacity (aerobic capacity) were measured in four groups of 10 overweight women during 8 weeks of VLCD (405 kcal/day (42 g protein] followed by 8 weeks of 1500 kcal/day maintenance with two additional non dieting groups as controls. Five groups, i.e. two control groups plus three dieting groups, undertook exercise in bicycle ergometry (aerobic) or isotonic resistance or 8 week ergometry followed by 8 week resistance. Weight loss and body composition patterns were similar in diet and diet and exercise groups but efficiency of residual FFM in isotonic resistance groups improved significantly (P less than 0.05). Strength gains/kg body weight significantly improved (P less than 0.05) in the isotonic and dieting group. We conclude that exercise with VLCD is beneficial particularly isotonic resistance training, in improving muscular efficiency and RMR/lean.
A Miniature $Q$-Band Balanced Sub-Harmonically Pumped Image Rejection Mixer

This work presents a miniature Q-band balanced single side-band sub-harmonically pumped image rejection diode mixer (SHIRM) using a compact Marchand dual balun design. The SHIRM is realized employing four anti-parallel diode pairs for frequency mixing, a Lange coupler for radio frequency (RF) signal input, and a reduced size three-conductor-line Marchand dual balun for local oscillator pumping. The length of three-conductor-line dual balun is reduced by 81% after shunting two lumped capacitors at the center conductor. The measured results exhibit a minimum conversion loss of 8.6 dB, a maximum image rejection ratio of 22 dB, all ports isolation better than 37 dB, and an input 1-dB compression point of 2.5 dBm at RF bandwidth of 40.5 to 43.5 GHz and fixed intermediate frequency of 2.4 GHz. The chip area is very compact, only 1 times 0.84mm2
Molecular mechanisms of genetic adaptation to xenobiotic compounds

Microorganisms in the environment can often adapt to use xenobiotic chemicals as novel growth and energy substrates. Specialized enzyme systems and metabolic pathways for the degradation of man-made compounds such as chlorobiphenyls and chlorobenzenes have been found in microorganisms isolated from geographically separated areas of the world. The genetic characterization of an increasing number of aerobic pathways for degradation of (substituted) aromatic compounds in different bacteria has made it possible to compare the similarities in genetic organization and in sequence which exist between genes and proteins of these specialized catabolic routes and more common pathways. These data suggest that discrete modules containing clusters of genes have been combined in different ways in the various catabolic pathways. Sequence information further suggests divergence of catabolic genes coding for specialized enzymes in the degradation of xenobiotic chemicals. An important question will be to find whether these specialized enzymes evolved from more common isozymes only after the introduction of xenobiotic chemicals into the environment. Evidence is presented that a range of genetic mechanisms, such as gene transfer, mutational drift, and genetic recombination and transposition, can accelerate the evolution of catabolic pathways in bacteria. However, there is virtually no information concerning the rates at which these mechanisms are operating in bacteria living in nature and the response of such rates to the presence of potential (xenobiotic) substrates. Quantitative data on the genetic processes in the natural environment and on the effect of environmental parameters on the rate of evolution are needed.
Lateral Extracavitary Approach Versus Posterior Extensive Circumferential Decompression in the Treatment of Complicated Thoracic and Lumbar Tuberculous Spondylitis

Objectives and Study Design: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate 45 patients operated upon either by posterior extensive circumferential decompression (PECD) or by the lateral extracavitary (LEC) technique and compare the clinical, radiologic, laboratory, and functional outcomes. Summary of Background: The debate continues on the best decompression-fusion technique for treating complicated spinal tuberculosis. In recent times, the advantages of combined surgery have been successfully achieved using the 1-stage salvage technique, with enough accessibility to all 3 spinal columns. Materials and Methods: From January 2011 to December 2013, 51 patients with complicated spinal tuberculous were surgically treated at our department. After gaining the approval of the local ethics committee, 45 patients and their records were available for evaluation. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Group I included 23 patients treated with PECD and group II included 22 patients treated with LEC. Two authors and an independent observer performed the final clinical assessment by means of clinical examination and by using the Visual Analog Scale and Oswestery Disability Index for determining pain, disability, and quality of life. The radiographs were reviewed independently by 3 authors and a radiologist for fusion, kyphotic angle, and angle loss rate. Neurological assessment using the American Spinal Injury Association motor index was performed by 2 authors and a neurologist independently. Results: The mean follow-up period was 36±5.5 months. In all patients, local symptoms were relieved significantly postoperatively. There were no major complications in this series. Three patients contracted superficial wound infection and 2 developed intercostal neuralgia. Both complications resolved uneventfully and did not influence the outcome. Solid interbody fusion was diagnosed in 43 cases (95.6%). Deformity correction and neurological recovery were significantly improved in both groups (P<0.001). PECD showed better results than LEC. Conclusions: Both procedures attained good results for maintained deformity correction, bony fusion, spinal cord decompression, and neurological improvement in complicated tuberculous spondylitis. However, PECD may be superior to LEC.