Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF OCTREOTIDE ACETATE LOADED PLGA MICROSPHERES

Objective: The objective of the present work was to formulate and evaluate controlled release Octreotide acetate microspheres for subcutaneous administration for treating symptoms associated with metastatic carcinoid and vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIPsecreting tumors) and acromegaly effectively and also to improve patient compliance with fewer side effects. Octreotide is a long acting cyclic octapeptide with pharmacologic properties mimicking those of the natural hormone somatostatin. It in hibits growth hormone, glucagon, and leutinizing hormone response to Gonadotropin releasing hormone, serotonin gastrin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, motilin and pancreatic polypeptide. Method: Different formulations were prepared by following solvent evaporation technique (double emulsion) using biodegradable poly (Lactide-coGlycolide) acid and evaluated for percentage yield, entrapment efficiency, surface morphology (SEM), particle size analysis, in-vitro drug release and stability studies. Results: The prepared microspheres were white, free flowing and spherical in shape. The mean Particle size of the microspheres was found in the range of 26 to 206μm. The drug-loaded microspheres showed 70-86% of entrapment and release was extended up to 6 to 8 h releasing 93% of the total drug from the microspheres. The infrared spectra showed stable character of octreotide in the drug-loaded microspheres and revealed the absence of drug-polymer interactions. Scanning electron microscopy study revealed that the microspheres were spherical and porous in nature. Conclusion: The octreotide is uniformly distributed within the microspheres which are made of a biodegradable D,L-lactic and glycolic acids copolymer. The optimized formulations of Octreotide acetate microspheres with controlled release were attempted for a release upto atleast one
Complex Patterns of Gene Duplication in the APETALA3 and PISTILLATA Lineages of the Ranunculaceae

It has been proposed that the diversification of the MADS‐box gene family of transcription factors has played a major role in the radiation of land plants. This suggestion is based on the critical roles that these genes play in plant development and the apparent coincidence of key duplication events with major radiations, such as the establishment of the B and C lineages concurrent with the evolution of the seed plants. On a more recent scale, it is also possible that subsequent duplication events have contributed to later morphological diversifications. In order to investigate this possibility, we are studying the evolution of homologs of the petal and stamen identity genes APETALA3 (AP3) and PISTILLATA (PI) in the Ranunculaceae. In this family, the AP3 and PI lineages have undergone many duplication events at every phylogenetic level. Early duplications gave rise to three paralogous AP3 lineages, which are found throughout the family. In contrast, numerous duplications have occurred relatively recently in the PI lineage. We outline a hypothesis that these duplications have played a role in the evolution of the unique types of petaloid organs in the Ranunculaceae and present preliminary expression data supporting such a scenario.
Managing One’s Symptoms: A Qualitative Study of Low-Income African Americans With Advanced Cancer

Background: African Americans endure disproportionately high advanced cancer rates and also are disproportionately represented in the lower socioeconomic strata. These individuals work to manage symptoms in order to function and have a satisfactory quality of life. Objective: The purpose of this study was to discover what low-income African American adults with advanced cancer do on a day-to-day basis to relieve and manage symptoms. This study viewed the individuals as experts and asked them not what they are told to do, but rather what they actually do. Methods: A purposive sample of 27 individuals participated in semistructured interviews conducted by 2 research interviewers. This qualitative descriptive approach used content analysis to develop themes to describe symptom self-management. Results: Participants described 2 approaches: making continual adjustments and finding stability through spirituality. In seeking comfort from the distress of their symptoms, they were constantly altering their activities and fine-tuning strategies. They adjusted medical regimens and changed the speed and selection of daily activities, including comfort measures and diet modifications. In contrast, their spirituality was a consistent presence in their lives that provided balance to their unstable symptom experience. Conclusions: This study illustrates that people with advanced cancer actively engage in multiple complex self-management strategies in response to symptoms. Implications for Practice: As providers assess how individuals manage their symptoms, they must find ways to support those efforts. Providers then will recognize the challenges faced by advanced cancer patients in obtaining the best quality of life while managing multiple symptoms, activities, and family responsibilities.
Molecular Approaches to the Study of Human B‐Cell and (Auto)antibody Repertoire Generation and Selection

We have shown that the restricted repertoire of VH genes expressed in second trimester human fetal liver is not solely determined by JH proximity. Furthermore, by following the fate of two VH gene segments in different B-cell repertoires, we have provided evidence that multiple factors contribute to the frequency with which individual VH genes are utilized. We found that the repertoire of adult blood IgM-bearing B cells contains a high proportion of B lymphocytes that express extensively mutated VH genes. Finally, we show that somatically-mutated variants of particular VH and VL genes that, in germline configuration, are frequently found in the early B-cell repertoire and in natural autoantibodies, encode pathogenic IgG autoantibodies characteristic of human SLE. These VH and VL genes harbor all the characteristics of an antigen-driven B-cell activation and selection process.
Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium infection causing mortality in eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus) in Hokkaido.

Yumi Une*, Asuka Sanbe, Satoru Suzuki, Takeshi Niwa, Kazuto Kawakami, Reiko Kurosawa, Hidemasa Izumiya, Haruo Watanabe and Yukio Kato Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Laboratory of Public Health, Azabu University, Kanagawa 229-8501; Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Ibaraki 305-8687; Institute of Low Temperature Science Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0819; and National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
Endothelin-1-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been indirectly implicated in the pathophysiology of asthma, and it is a potent bronchoconstrictor both in vitro and by inhalation in animal models in vivo. We examined the effect of inhaled ET-1 on airway tone in comparison with methacholine in eight asthmatics and five healthy volunteers in a double-blind randomized fashion. After a screening methacholine challenge each asthmatic had two ET-1 (doubling dose range, 0.96 to 15.36 nmol) and one methacholine (doubling dose range, 0.33 to 21.0 mumol) challenge, and normal subjects had a single ET-1 challenge. Inhalations were delivered using a dosimeter, and lung function measurements were made using constant-volume body plethysmography, with end points being a 35% fall in specific airway conductance (SGaw) and a 15% fall in FEV1. Samples for plasma ET-1 were taken before and after the inhalations, and pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation were monitored throughout the inhalations. All the asthmatic subjects displayed rapid-onset (< 5 min) dose-dependent bronchoconstriction to ET-1 across the dose range used, with mean (range) ET-1 PC35SGaw values of 5.15 (1.4 to 13.9) nmol, and 4.3 (1.2 to 8.3) nmol for the two ET-1 inhalations, and 0.42 (0.2 to 0.7) mumol for methacholine. Albuterol completely and rapidly reversed ET-1-induced bronchoconstriction, and in two patients not given albuterol, bronchoconstriction lasted 60 to 90 min. No significant bronchoconstriction was observed in any of the healthy volunteers across the ET-1 dose range used (mean PC35SGaw > 15.36 nmol). Oxygen saturation did not alter in either group, and plasma ET-1 did not change after ET-1 inhalation. Noninvasive blood pressure measurements revealed a fall in systolic blood pressure in normal subjects, with no change in asthmatics. Endothelin-1 is a potent bronchoconstrictor in asthma, with a bronchoconstrictor potency around 100 times that of methacholine in asthma. Asthmatics exhibit bronchial hyperreactivity to ET-1, and inhaled ET-1 can safely be given to asthmatics and normal subjects in the nebulized dose range 0.96 to 15.36 nmol.
Cyclin D1 Overexpression Permits the Reproducible Detection of Senescent Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract: The senescence of mitotic cells is hypothesized to play a causal role in organismal aging. Cultures of normal human cells become senescent in vitro as a result of a continuous decline in the mitotic fraction from cell turnover. However, one potential barrier to the evaluation of the frequency and distribution of senescent cells in tissues is the absence of a panel of robust markers for the senescent state. In parallel with an analysis of the growth kinetics of human vascular smooth muscle cells, we have undertaken transcriptomic comparisons of early‐ and late‐passage cultures of human vascular smooth muscle cells to identify potential markers that can distinguish between senescent and growth‐competent cells. A wide range of genes are upregulated at senescence in human vascular smooth muscle cells. In particular, we have identified a 12‐fold upregulation of expression in the cyclin D1 message, which is reflected in a concomitant upregulation at the protein level. Quantitative cytochemical analysis of senescent and growing vascular smooth muscle cells indicates that cyclin D1 reactivity is a considerably better marker of replicative senescence than senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity. We have applied this new marker (in combination with Ki67, COMET, and TUNEL staining) to the study of human vascular smooth muscle cells treated with resveratrol, a putative anti‐aging molecule known to have significant effects on cell growth.
ENMD-2076 for hematological malignancies

Introduction: Aurora kinases are key regulators of mitosis and inhibition of Aurora kinase activity is a rational therapeutic strategy in the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Areas covered: This paper will provide an updated summary of preclinical and clinical experience with ENMD-2076 in hematological malignancies. The MEDLINE (OVID) (1980 through 31 January 2012) was searched with the term combinations including Aurora, multiple myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative neoplasms. In addition, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (1997 – 2011) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (1997 – 2011) conference proceedings were searched for reports of new or ongoing trials. Expert opinion: ENMD-2076 is a multi-kinase inhibitor, with activity against Aurora A kinase, FLT3, c-KIT, c-FMS and VEGFR-2 and -3. It appears to be tolerable, exhibits favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and has activity in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma. Further evaluation with cytotoxic chemotherapy and targeted agents, which affect different pathways and have non-overlapping toxicities, in patients with hematological malignancies are warranted.
On counting and counting errors

Counting objects in histological sections is often a necessary, sometimes an unexpected part of a research project. The recent literature shows that the subject of counting is of particular interest to readers of the Journal of Comparative Neurology but that it is also contentious and difficult. Even a brief review of past issues of the Journal shows that there are many misconceptions about counting and that there remain issues that have received little or no attention. Counts are subject to many errors. Some reports include readily recognizable errors, others fail to include all of the information that is needed for an evaluation of their accuracy. This review is above all a plea for adequate information about the methods used for counts in all publications. It serves to help those who are new to quantitative methods in histology; it considers some of the basic issues arising for anyone undertaking counts, or reviewing manuscripts that include counts. In particular, it considers recently introduced or re‐introduced counting methods that depend on accurate measures along the axis perpendicular to the plane of the sections, and looks at the difficulties inherent in these measures. J. Comp. Neurol. 447:1–7, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of class III beta-tubulin (bTubIII) expression as a prognostic marker in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated by perioperative chemotherapy (CT) in the phase III trial IFCT-0002.

7526 Background: IFCT-0002 phase III trial compared two timings of CT in early lung cancer, all before surgery (PRE) versus PERIoperative, and two CT regimens, CDDP-Gem vs. CBDCA-Pac. 528 patients were randomized. Paraffin embedded post- chemo pathological specimens were collected in the 490 non complete responder patients for tissue expression of the putative biomarker beta-tubulin III (bTubIII). METHODS 423 surgical pathological specimens with enough remaining viable tumor tissue after neoadjuvant chemo were processed for immunohistochemistry as published in the Bio-IALT study. A semi-quantitative score was attributed taking account the number of stained cells and the intensity of staining. Semi-quantitative scores were studied as continuous variables, without any pre- determined cut-off. Multivariate analysis for progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were corrected with Bonferroni-Holm method for multiple analyses. Median follow-up was 42 months. RESULTS bTubIII was the only IHC marker significantly associated with poor PFS in univariate (p=0.014) or multivariate analysis, adjusted for histology, T and stage (HR= 1.50 [1.07-2.10]; p=0.020). In patients with a pathological specimen showing a bTubIII positive immunostaining, median PFS was 30.6 months, versus 60.1 months (HR=1.46 [1.08-1.99]) for bTubIII negative patients. bTubIII IHC score remained predictive of poor OS in univariate (p= 0.0065) as in multivariate analysis (p=0.019 with Bonferroni correction, HR=1.75 [1.15-2.68] ). Median OS was not reached for bTubIII negative patients whereas it was 71.7 months in patients with bTubIII immunostaining of any intensity score (HR=1.61, [1.11-2.35]). CONCLUSIONS This study showed a dramatic negative prognostic impact for bTubIII immunostaining in resectable early lung cancer. A subset of bTubIII expressing patients with poor prognosis did not take any advantage from perioperative chemo. Hence, those patients could rather have beneficiated from personalized adjuvant treatment with alternative approaches. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
A dual-band embedded inverted T-slot circular microstrip patch antenna

An embedded inverted T-slot circular microstrip patch antenna with dual-band at 2.4 GHz and 5.5GHz is proposed in this paper. It is designed on a substrate FR4 (ε<inf>r</inf> = 4.3 and tanδ = 0.04) with a size of 30 mm × 30 mm × 1mm. The radius of the circular patch is 11.4 mm. The inverted T-slot is 2 mm × 16 mm and 2 mm × 13.5 mm. This antenna is fed by coaxial probe feed. The bandwidth below −15dB is 80 MHz (from 2.4GHz to 2.48GHz) and below −10dB is from 5.36GHz to 5.87GHz. The directivity is 4.78dbi and 7.26dBi in 2.44GHz and 5.5GHz respectively.
Distributed generation using indirect matrix converter in boost operating mode

Indirect matrix converter (IMC) using two stages configuration is an interesting alternative for ac/ac conversions. In some cases, the ac/ac converter needs boost function, which can't be achieved by traditional IMC due to its limited input-to-output voltage transfer gain 0.866. Alternatively, reverse power flow operation of IMC can be implemented to meet voltage boost requirement, where the input ac source is connected to the converter's voltage source side and the output utility grid or load is connected to the current source side. This paper proposes control schemes of IMC under reverse power flow operation for both grid-connected and isolated modes with distributed generation suggested as a potential application. In grid-connected mode, the commanded power must be extracted from the input ac source to the grid, in addition to guarantee sinusoidal input/output waveforms, unity input power factor and controllable grid-side power factor. In isolated mode, the matrix converter is controlled to supply a three-phase ac voltage and also guarantee sinusoidal input/output waveforms as well as unity input power factor. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the effectiveness of the control schemes for the proposed matrix converter.
Botanical Medicines for the Treatment of Cancer: Rationale, Overview of Current Data, and Methodological Considerations for Phase I and II Trials

There appears to be exceptional and growing public enthusiasm for botanical, or “herbal”, medicines, especially amongst cancer patients. This has recently begun to be matched by increasing scientific attention. Whilst it is known that plant extracts are active against cancer, the standard approach has been to isolate, synthesize and administer the single chemical compound thought responsible for this effect. However, different components in a botanical may have synergistic activities. There is also some evidence that the presence of multiple compounds in a botanical extract can buffer the toxic effects of a single constituent. Though many of the botanicals popular among patients are probably not of benefit (e.g. Mistletoe, Pau D'arco), several botanicals have shown promise in Phase III (Sho-saiko-to, PSK) or Phase II (PC-SPES) trial. Quality control of botanicals poses significant challenges: small differences in genetics, soil, temperature, moisture and time of harvesting can lead to significant differences in the concentration of important constituents. Phase I and II methodology is also problematic: botanicals have low toxicity and are unlikely to cause rapid tumor regression. There is currently minimal regulation of botanical medicines.
IMMUNE RESPONSES OF RATS DEFICIENT IN THYMUS-DERIVED LYMPHOCYTES TO STRONG TRANSPLANTATION ANTIGENS (Ag-B): Graft-versus-Host Activity, Allograft Rejection, and the Factor of Immunization

SUMMARY A selective deficiency of thymus-derived lymphocytes was produced in adult rats by thymectomy followed by 1,000 rads of whole body y-irradiation and bone marrow restoration. By the popliteal lymph node assay, the graft-versus-host (GVH) activity of lymphocytes from such “B rats” was depressed by a factor of at least 20 compared to lymphocytes from normal rats. GVH activity was restored to normal by replenishment with 10° thymocytes, and no synergy was found between lymphocytes from B rats and lymphocytes from normal rats when these populations were injected together in varying proportions. Thus B lymphocytes are inert in this GVH response in agreement with evidence obtained by others in mice. The rejection of Ag-B-incompatible skin allografts on B rats was substantially delayed, and replenishment with thymocytes restored rejection times to normal. The time of second-set skin graft rejection in B rats was usually the same as in normal recipients but, in contrast, the GVH activity of lymphocytes from specifically immunized B rats remained very low. This suggests that the low factor of immunization found in normal animals is not simply an arithmetic consequence of the high proportion of cells which respond to strong antigens before immunization.
Reduction of plasma concentrations of large neutral amino acids in patients with maple syrup urine disease during crises

Editor,—Neurological dysfunction is a major clinical feature of children with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD). However, the mechanisms underlying the neuropathophysiology of the disorder are poorly known. There is some evidence associating the appearance of the neurological symptoms with increased plasma concentrations of leucine or its ketoacid, α ketoisocaproic acid or both.1 Impairment of brain energy production by inhibition of key mitochondrial enzymes by the acidic metabolites that accumulate in this disease has also been reported.2 …
Rate‐limiting factors of cholesterol efflux in reverse cholesterol transport: Acceptors and donors

1. Plasma levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) are believed to be inversely related to coronary artery disease. High‐density lipoprotein plays a key role in the process of reverse cholesterol transport, by which HDL is able to extract excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues and transfer it to the liver for biliary excretion.
Heterogeneity of receptor immunoreactivity at synapses of glycine-utilizing neurons

Neurons often contain, and probably release, more than one neuroactive substance that may have diverse or opposite actions on the postsynaptic cell. It remains unexplained how these neurons utilize their multiple neuroactive substances while maintaining appropriate resolution of neurotransmitter functions. Here, we have examined the ultrastructural localization of glycine receptors by using a monoclonal antibody directed to the intracellular domain of the strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor. We have found that glycine receptors are only localized to 56% of the synapses made by presumed ‘glycinergic’ (more accurately, glycine-utilizing) amacrine cells in the turtle retina. The remaining synapses made by these same boutons show no evidence of glycine receptors. As there is no evidence to suggest the presence of a second type of glycine receptor, these data indicate that only a portion of the postsynaptic sites contacted by the glycine-utilizing neurons can respond to glycine. They also suggest that a neuron containing multiple neuroactive substances can selectively affect postsynaptic elements by means of heterogeneous receptor localization.
Investigating sentimental relation between stress and heart disease mortality

Stress, anger, fear or negative relationships known as risk factors in heart diseases. Unfortunately this factors can not be measured with numeric data. In this study, main goal is system approach that classifies datas received from social media, specifically Twitter. Statistics and Twitter datas gathered based on cities of Turkey. In this system approach, Multinomial Naive-Bayes method has used as classifier and experimental results show 87.06% success rate.
Cost-Based Object Query Optimization

The long-term goal of our research is to develop a top-down transformation-based and cost-based optimizer for object queries. Relational optimization techniques have been widely and successfully adopted. Thus, the primary task of object query optimization is to adapt relational techniques, and meanwhile to invent new techniques, to address the new features in object query languages such as method invocation, path expressions, user-defined data type, reference attributes, collection-valued attributes and multiple collection types. Previous work [GM93, H95, S98] dealt with path expressions, method invocation and user-defined data types. Multiple collection types and collection-valued attributes (CVAs), being important features, have not been investigated thoroughly regarding their impact on traditional optimization techniques. This thesis proposed an algebraic framework for object query optimization with attention paid to multiplecollection types and CVAs. In the following, we first observe the problems in building a costbased object query optimizer using the current body of knowledge. Then we present our solutions to these problems. Finally, we report the current status of this research.