Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced expression of cancer testis antigen genes in glioma stem cells

Cancer stem cells are an important target for effective therapy, since they show tumorigenicity, chemoresistance, and radioresistance. We isolated cancer stem cells from glioma cell lines and tissues and examined the expression of cancer testis antigen (CTA) genes as potential target molecules for cancer vaccine therapy. CTA genes were highly and frequently expressed in cancer stem cells compared with differentiated cells. In addition, histone acetylation levels in the promoter regions of CTA genes were high in cancer stem cells and low in differentiated cells, while DNA methylation analysis of the promoter regions revealed hypomethylation in cancer stem cells. This epigenetic difference between cells leads to heterogeneous expression of CTA genes in the tumor mass, which consists of cells at various levels of differentiation. Moreover, the expression level of HLA class I antigens was not affected by the differentiation status, suggesting that CTA genes may present as surface antigens in cancer stem cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that CTA genes may be attractive candidates for targeted vaccine therapy against cancer stem cells in glioma patients. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy in a population of thoroughbred horses

CERVICAL vertebral stenotic myelopathy (CVSM) is a common cause of spinal ataxia and paresis in horses that results from stenosis of the cervical vertebral canal and static or dynamic compression of the spinal cord ([Nout and Reed 2003][1]). The disease is seen commonly in young, rapidly growing
Morphogenesis of Rete Ridges in Human Oral Mucosa: A Pioneering Morphological and Immunohistochemical Study

Objective: One of the major impediments in tissue-engineered oral mucosa (TEOM) is the lack of rete ridge (RR) structures that can weaken the connection between the epidermis and dermis. This study aimed to investigate the native morphology of RRs as well as the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), Ki67, and keratin-19, which are related to cell mechanotransduction, proliferation, and stemness in the oral epidermis, respectively. Methods: RR characteristics, including type, density, length, and width, were analyzed in the masticatory mucosa (Mm) and lining mucosa (Lm) sites of 52 specimens. The expression of ERK1/2, Ki67, and keratin-19 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. ERK1/2 activation by masticatory stimuli was confirmed in vitro by loading pressure onto cultured keratinocytes isolated from the specimens. Results: Three types of RR were found. The RRs in the Mm and Lm differed. The length and percentage of ERK1/2-positive (%ERK1/2+) basal layer cells had a negative correlation (p = 0.004), whereas the length and %Ki67+ basal layer cells had a positive correlation (p = 0.013). The %ERK1/2+ basal layer cells and %keratin-19+ basal layer cells had a negative relationship (p = 0.011). ERK1/2 activation in the oral epithelium was induced by pressure and propagated in cultured keratinocytes. Conclusion: RRs are longer in the Mm, which may result from the topical basal cell proliferation and migration induced by masticatory pressure via ERK1/2 activation. Our findings preliminarily interpret RR histomorphology as influenced by oral masticatory pressure. Results may benefit future studies on RR development and reconstruction in TEOM models to enhance the epidermis-dermis connection.
Economic Sentiment Level versus the Quality of Life in European Union Member States

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the interplay between variables pertaining to the satis-faction of life and economic sentiments of citizens of selected European countries. The analysis of the connections will be conducted based on existing subjective primary data. The data in question are results of international comparative surveys (European Social Survey, ESS; the OECD's Better Life Initiative) and results of consumer economic sentiment surveys ordered by the European Commission. The research procedure also benefitted from the selected items of literature available in the form of books and articles. Population economic sentiments are subject to cyclical changes connected with the changes in economic situation in individual countries. The analysis of secondary data allows for the con-clusion that there is a statistically significant direct or indirect strong relationship between assessments of life satisfaction and consumer confidence indicator. The grouping of the researched countries based on secondary data has made it possible to capture the similarities between individual states.
2-DOM: A 2-Dimensional Object Model towards Web Image Annotation

The automatic annotation of images is still a non-reliable process due to the well-known semantic gap dominating between the physical representation of images and their high level semantics. To avoid the confrontation with the semantic gap several approaches restrict the image dataset to web images. Web images mostly appear on websites with other text contents which can deliver important information about the image semantics. Popular image search engines use text contents surrounding the image to generate annotation keywords. Also emphasized text contents like headlines are assumed to be important description providers. Otherwise we discover false positive results in high ranking positions of this search engines which are the effect of incorrect text-to-image mappings. This paper addresses the problem of finding correct matches between text elements and images in HTML-documents by extending the DOM model tree of a web-page to a 2-dimensional object model (2-DOM) tree. This model adapts to the two dimensional manner of web documents and thus allows a better mapping of text articles to images. The evaluation results show that with a precision over 90 percent text articles are well assigned to web images. This leads intuitive to better textual information about the presented events on the images and thus yields to a better image retrieval quality in querying-by-keyword scenarios.
CYP2B6 genotypes and early efavirenz-based HIV treatment outcomes in Botswana

Objectives: To determine the association between cytochrome p450 2B6 genotypes and efavirenz-based HIV treatment outcomes. Design: Observational cohort study of HIV-infected adults initiating efavirenz-based regimens in Botswana. Methods: The primary endpoint was a composite of death or loss to care or HIV RNA more than 25 copies/ml at 6 months. CYP2B6 516G>T and 983T>C genotyping was done with Taqman Open Array platform. Adverse experiences were measured by using the Subject Experience Questionnaire. Metabolism alleles were included in logistic regression models of the composite endpoint. Results: A total of 801 individuals included 406 (51%) men, median age 37 years, median baseline CD4+ cell count 195 cells/&mgr;l, and plasma HIV RNA 4.9 log10 copies/ml. 288 (36%) reached the endpoint, including 34 (4%) deaths, 151 (19%) lost to care, 11 (1%) lost to the study, but alive and in care, and 92 (11%) with plasma HIV RNA more than 25 copies/ml. Metabolism variant alleles were common with 396 (49%) intermediate and 192 (24%) slow metabolizers. There were no statistically significant associations between metabolism and treatment endpoints. However, slower metabolism was associated with fewer adverse experiences. Conclusion: Slow metabolism alleles were associated with lower efavirenz clearance but not any of the treatment endpoints. Slow efavirenz metabolism did not exacerbate central nervous system toxicity. These results should allay concern that slow efavirenz metabolism adversely impacts individuals in sub-Saharan African settings in which these alleles are common.
[Comparison of treatment expenses of naturopathic and orthopedic in-patient treatment].

BACKGROUND In health services research comparative studies between orthopaedics and naturopathy are necessary. They allow evidence based decisions between individual therapeutical alternatives as well as decisions on health politics, e.g. concerning allocation of resources. PATIENTS AND METHODS A controlled prospective cohort study is presented. Conservatively treated patients were recruited for the study, if they needed in-patient treatment because of chronic back pain. The conservative orthopaedic treatment including Minimal invasive Therapy (MIT) was compared to in-patient naturopathic "complex"-treatment. The real costs to the public health insurance system are unknown--relating to both the individual patient and the physician. Hence an approximation was attempted on the basis of the billing of the concerned hospitals, the analysis of extensive patient interviews, randomly selected evaluation of in- and out-patient records, validated by an expert panel. RESULTS Costs for medication decreased in the post stationary phase after orthopedic and naturopathic treatment. Rehabilitation measures and treatments at a health resort increased after orthopedic treatment, whereas the frequency of specialist consultation decreased in both cohorts indicating the efficacy of the in-patient treatment. Incidence of psychotherapy was highest in the naturopathic group before admission to hospital and decreased afterwards. The gathered data point to a reduction of the total outpatient treatment costs in both cohorts. There were treatment-specific differences when regarding single components. CONCLUSION Naturopathic complex in-patient treatment is a cost-efficient complement of the conventional orthopedic treatment options.
Labour's Immigration Policy: The Making of the Migration State

This book explains how and why the New Labour governments transformed Britain’s immigration system from a highly restrictive regime to one of the most expansive in Europe, otherwise known as the Managed Migration policy. It offers the first in-depth and candid account of this period of dramatic political development from the actors who made policy during ‘the making of the migrant state. ’ Drawing on document analysis and over 50 elite interviews, the book sets out to explain how and why this radical policy change transpired, by examining how organized interests, political parties and institutions shaped and changed policy. This book offers valuable insights to anyone who wants to understand why immigration is dominating the political debate, and will be essential reading for those wanting to know why governments pursue expansive immigration regimes.
The Social Networking among Secondary School Students In Anambra State: Educational Implications For Counsellors

that social networking of a virtual community and the most popular Whatsapp and MySpace. These networks users with simple tools create a custom profile text and pictures. A typical profile includes basic the user, at one photo, and possibly a or other Abstract: The study examined social networking and the academic performance of secondary school students with focus on counselling implications. It was carried out in Anambra State. The descriptive survey research was adopted using questionnaires as instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was admitered personally by the researcher to the sample of 2250 SS II secondary school students selected from the six education zones in Anambra state using simple random sampling technique.Mean ratings were used in data analysis. The findings revealed that social networking has both positive and negative implications on the users. Positively it allows students to share information, ideas as well as gain knowledge among others. Whereas the negative use of social networking is distracting students from their studies. It is recommended that students should be counselled on the effective and appropriate use of social networking. Parents are advised to ensure that their wards and children spend quality time in reading their books than chatting on social networking sites. Finally government at all levels and ministries of education can make policies restricting the use of handset while schools are in session.
Effects of solarization on critical period of weed control in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

In order to determine the critical period of weed control in sesame, field studies were conducted during the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons in Estahban, Iran. The experiments were conducted based on factorial arrangement which involved a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was conducted in two weed-infested and weed-free series until different phonological stages of sesame growth. These stages included a third pair true leaf initiation, first bud emergence, 50% opened flowers, and minor plants stop flowering, and the second factor was related to solarization which was achieved using light and dark polyethylene plastics and control. The results showed that the critical period of weed control was influenced by solarization so that solarization using light polyethylene plastic could severely shorten the critical period. Weed dry weight also gradually reduced, with increase in weed control, and the formation of first flower buds decreased significantly. Solarization did not have a great effect on the number of Convolvulus arvensis L. among the weeds, but its effect on one-year-old weeds was evident. Thus, weed infestation until the third pair true leaf initiation did not reduce sesame yield.
Ceramide Activates the Stress-activated Protein Kinases (*)

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) activates the stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs, also known as Jun nuclear kinases or JNKs) resulting in the stimulation of AP-1-dependent gene transcription and induces the translocation of NFκB to the nucleus resulting in the stimulation of NFκB-dependent gene transcription. A potential second messenger for these signaling pathways is ceramide, which is generated when TNFα activates sphingomyelinases. We show that treatment of HL-60 human promyelocytic cells with exogenous sphingomyelinase leads to rapid stimulation of JNK/SAPK activity, an effect not mimicked by treatment with phospholipase A, C, or D. Further, JNK/SAPK activity is stimulated 2.7- and 2.8-fold, respectively, in cells exposed to C-ceramide (5 μM) or TNFα (10 ng/ml). The prolonged stimulation of this kinase activity by C-ceramide is similar to that previously reported for TNFα. In contrast, the related mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1 and ERK2 are weakly stimulated following TNFα treatment (1.5-fold) and are inhibited by C-ceramide treatment. TNFα also potently stimulates NF-κB DNA binding activity and transcriptional activity, but these effects are not mimicked by addition of C-ceramide or sphingomyelinase to intact cells. Furthermore, TNFα, sphingomyelinase, and C-ceramide induce c-jun, a gene that is stimulated by the ATF-2 and c-Jun transcription factors. These data suggest that ceramide may act as a second messenger for a subset of TNFα's biochemical and biological effects.
Advances in molecular genetics and treatment of core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia

Purpose of review Core-binding factor (CBF) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is among the most common cytogenetic subtypes of AML, being detected in approximately 13% of adults with primary disease. Although CBF-AML is associated with a relatively favorable prognosis, only one-half of the patients are cured. Herein we review recent discoveries of genetic and epigenetic alterations in CBF-AML that may represent novel prognostic markers and therapeutic targets and lead to improvement of the still disappointing clinical outcome of these patients. Recent findings Several acquired gene mutations and gene-expression and microRNA-expression changes that occur in addition to t(8;21)(q22;q22) and inv(16)(p13q22)/t(16;16)(p13;q22), the cytogenetic hallmarks of CBF-AML, have been recently reported. Alterations that may represent cooperative events in CBF-AML leukemogenesis include mutations in the KIT, FLT3, JAK2 and RAS genes, haploinsufficiency of the putative tumor suppressor genes TLE1 and TLE4 in t(8;21)-positive patients with del(9q), MN1 overexpression in inv(16) patients, and epigenetic and posttranscriptional silencing of CEBPA. Genome-wide gene-expression and microRNA-expression profiling identifying subgroups of CBF-AML patients with distinct molecular signatures, different clinical outcomes, or both, have also been reported. Summary Progress has been made in delineating the genetic basis of CBF-AML that will likely result in improved prognostication and development of novel, risk-adapted therapeutic approaches.
Cross-border exchanges and volatility forecasting

We test for the performance of a series of volatility forecasting models (GARCH 1,1; EGARCH 1,1; CGARCH) in the context of several indices from the two oldest cross-border exchanges (Euronext; OMX). Our findings overall indicate that the EGARCH (1,1) model outperforms the other two, both before and after the outbreak of the global financial crisis. Controlling for the presence of feedback traders, the accuracy of the EGARCH (1,1) model is not affected, something further confirmed for both the pre and post crisis periods. Overall, ARCH effects can be found in the Euronext and OMX indices, with our results further indicating the presence of significant positive feedback trading in several of our tests.
Self-Worth Versus Net Worth: Image Motivation and the Quantity-Quality Trade-Off

Self-image concerns can motivate behaviour over which it is difficult to contract. We investigate how self-image concerns impact the quantity-quality trade-off of professionals, independent of external reputation. To do so, we use a framed field experiment with judges. The experiment measures the effect of self-image concerns compared to that of a bonus and to that of combing both incentives. We find that while both incentives increase the quantity of work, bonuses generate much worse quality. Subjects are less willing to engage in opportunistic behaviour to earn the bonus, however, if a peer might see their work, albeit anonymously.
Prediction of calf mortality by use of tests for passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulin.

OBJECTIVE To examine the ability of several commonly used tests for evaluation of passive transfer of immunoglobulin to predict mortality in dairy replacement heifers. DESIGN Prospective observational study. ANIMALS 246 dairy replacement heifers between 1 and 8 days of age. PROCEDURE Using serum samples obtained from each calf, total serum protein concentration and results of zinc sulfate turbidity, sodium sulfite turbidity, radial immunodiffusion, and glutaraldehyde coagulation were determined. Calves were monitored for 100 days, and relative risks for death were calculated. Logistic regression models predicting death also were developed. RESULTS None of the logistic regression models detected a significant association between test results and mortality. The greatest relative risks of mortality were observed in calves with serum protein concentrations < 4.5 g/dl, serum IgG1 concentrations < 500 mg/dl, and sodium sulfite test scores < 1+. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Calves with lower passive transfer values had increased risk of death; however, failure of passive transfer is not an infallible predictor of mortality.
Transmembrane adapters: attractants for cytoplasmic effectors

Transmembrane adapter proteins (TRAPs) are a relatively new and growing family of proteins that include linker for activation of T cells (LAT), phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid‐enriched micro domains (PAG)/C‐terminal Src kinase (Csk) binding protein (Cbp), SHP2‐interacting transmembrane adapter protein (SIT), T cell receptor interacting molecule (TRIM), and the recently identified non‐T cell activation linker (NTAL) and pp30. TRAPs share several common structural features, but more importantly they possess multiple sites of tyrosine phosphorylation, by which they act as scaffolds for recruiting cytosolic adapter and/or effector proteins. The membrane association of TRAPs places them near to the immunoreceptors, a position from which they coordinate and modulate the signals they receive to produce an appropriate cellular response.
mRNA display selection of a high‐affinity, Bcl‐XL‐specific binding peptide

Bcl‐XL, an antiapoptotic member of the Bcl‐2 family, is a mitochondrial protein that inhibits activation of Bax and Bak, which commit the cell to apoptosis, and it therefore represents a potential target for drug discovery. Peptides have potential as therapeutic molecules because they can be designed to engage a larger portion of the target protein with higher specificity. In the present study, we selected 16‐mer peptides that interact with Bcl‐XL from random and degenerate peptide libraries using mRNA display. The selected peptides have sequence similarity with the Bcl‐2 family BH3 domains, and one of them has higher affinity (IC50=0.9 µM) than Bak BH3 (IC50=11.8 µM) for Bcl‐XL in vitro. We also found that GFP fusions of the selected peptides specifically interact with Bcl‐XL, localize in mitochondria, and induce cell death. Further, a chimeric molecule, in which the BH3 domain of Bak protein was replaced with a selected peptide, retained the ability to bind specifically to Bcl‐XL. These results demonstrate that this selected peptide specifically antagonizes the function of Bcl‐XL and overcomes the effects of Bcl‐XL in intact cells. We suggest that mRNA display is a powerful technique to identify peptide inhibitors with high affinity and specificity for diseaserelated proteins. —Matsumura, N. , Tsuji, T. , Sumida, T. , Kokubo, M. , Onimaru, M. , Doi, N. , Takashima, H. , Miyamoto‐Sato, E. , Yanagawa, H. mRNA display selection of a high‐affinity, Bcl‐XL‐specific binding peptide. FASEBJ. 24, 2201–2210 (2010). www.fasebj. org
Expression of the Ikaros gene family in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Summary. The Ikaros (Ik) gene family, which includes Ik, Aiolos (Ai), and Helios (He), is a primary regulator of lymphocyte differentiation, and is involved in the development of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We analysed the expression of the Ik gene family isoforms in 97 ALL cases, consisting of 64 childhood and 33 infant ALL cases, using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Expression of Ik was detected in all cases, 87 of which expressed either Ik1 or Ik2, or both, five of which expressed Ik1/Ik2 and Ik6, and another five of which expressed only Ik6. Therefore, the dominant negative isoform of Ik6 was expressed in 10 of the 38 cases of childhood precursor B ALL, but was absent in other types of childhood ALL (26·3%, χ2‐test, P = 0·0001). In terms of Aiolos and Helios expression, 49 (65·3%) out of the 75 and 40 (50%) out of the 80 ALL cases tested showed non‐spliced Ai1 and He1 respectively. Only one case of T lineage ALL expressed a small‐sized isoform of Helios (designated as He6). It was also found that the expression of Ai1 and He1 was low in Ik6‐positive patients (Fisher's exact test; Ai1 P = 0·005, Hel P = 0·035).