Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of a temporary living skin replacement composed of human neonatal fibroblasts cultured in Biobrane, a synthetic dressing material.

BACKGROUND Preferred coverings for excised burn wounds when sufficient autograft skin is not available are fresh or cryopreserved cadaveric skin. Problems with supply, preservation, immune rejection, and potential infection transmission accompanying the use of allograft skin underscore the need for effective alternative temporary skin replacements. METHODS We cultured human neonatal fibroblasts (HF) for 4 to 6 weeks in nylon mesh of Biobrane, a synthetic dressing consisting of a thin layer of silicone bonded to nylon mesh. Secreted matrix proteins were identified by immunostaining and quantitated, and growth factor-specific messenger RNAs were identified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Living grafts (Biobrane/HF) were sutured to full-thickness, excised wounds on athymic mice; control animals received Biobrane alone. Wounds were observed and biopsy specimens were obtained at intervals during the subsequent 40 days. RESULTS After 3 to 6 weeks of culture in Biobrane the HF proliferated and secreted matrix proteins including type I collagen, fibronectin, and decorin, as well as messenger RNA for several growth factors (acidic fibroblast growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and keratinocyte growth factor). Biobrane/HF grafts were transferred to full-thickness wounds, resulting in rapid fibrovascular ingrowth from the wound and effective wound closure for up to 40 days with minimal inflammatory responses. Biobrane control grafts adhered initially to wounds, but within several days many grafts developed subgraft exudates; histologic sections revealed marked inflammatory responses in these wounds. By 20 days, most BB grafts were separating from the underlying wounds that were closing by epithelialization and contraction. CONCLUSIONS The Biobrane/HF living skin replacement provides long-term biologic coverage of full-thickness wound defects in mice with rapid incorporation of a living tissue matrix into the wound bed. Because HF have been found to be relatively nonantigenic when transferred to allogeneic hosts, Biobrane/HF grafts could replace the use of cadaveric allograft skin for achieving temporary wound closure after burn wound excision. Biobrane/HF grafts may persist on human wounds for weeks or months, with long-term persistence perhaps primarily dependent on durability of the silicone rubber layer.
The thalassaemia syndromes

The thalassaemia syndromes, endemic in the Mediterranean area, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, the Far East and in tropical Africa, are the most common hereditary disorders in humans, and millions of people are affected by diseases. Due to a widespread population flow between continents in recent past centuries, the thalassaemias are now occurring with relatively high frequency in many non‐endemic areas. In the Nordic countries, homozygous thalassaemia is still relatively rare, and most health‐care personnel are not familiar with these diseases. This article focuses on two important issues, namely the biological and the clinical aspects of thalassaemia.
Relationship between FDI and Local Government Fiscal Expenditure Structure:Based on 29 Provinces'Panel Data in China

This paper uses China's 29 provinces' data from 1999 to 2004 to study the relationship between FDI and local governments' investment expenditure and consumer spending in the eastern,central and western regions.The results show that in the eastern region local governments' consumer spending has a positive relationship with FDI and investment expenditure is in a negative relationship with FDI,both are tested as"U"-type features;in the central region local governments' consumer spending is in a positive relationship with FDI,it shows a inverted"U"-type features,and investment expenditure is in a negative relationship with FDI,it shows a"U"-type features;in the western region local governments' consumer spending is in a negative relationship with FDI,it shows a"U"-type features and investment expenditure is in a positive relationship with FDI,it shows a inverted"U"-type features.
Evaluation of resveratrol and N‐acetylcysteine for cancer chemoprevention in a Fanconi anemia murine model

Fanconi anemia (FA) patients suffer from progressive bone marrow failure and often develop cancers. Previous studies showed that antioxidants tempol and resveratrol (RV) delayed tumor onset and reduced hematologic defects in FA murine models, respectively. Here we tested whether antioxidants N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) or RV could delay cancer in tumor prone Fancd2−/−/Trp53+/− mice. Unlike tempol, neither compound had any significant chemopreventive effect in this model. We conclude that not all anti‐oxidants are chemopreventive in FA. In addition, when given to Fancd2−/− mice, NAC helped maintain Fancd2−/− KSL cells in quiescence while tempol did not. The mechanisms behind the different actions of these antioxidants await further investigation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:740–742. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxaliplatin Combined with Continuous Infusion of 5-Fluorouracil as First-Line Chemotherapy in Patients with Metastatic or Recurrent Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Background: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of combination chemotherapy of oxaliplatin, leucovorin and continuous-infusion 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for advanced gastric cancer. Methods: Patients with previously untreated gastric cancer with measurable disease received oxaliplatin (100 mg/m2, day 1), followed by leucovorin (100 mg/m2, day 1) and 5-FU (2,400 mg/m2, days 1–2), which was repeated every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) and secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicity. Results: Forty-eight patients were enrolled, and 45 were evaluable for response. A total of 320 cycles of chemotherapy were administered (median 6 cycles per patient). One complete response (2.1%) and 19 partial responses (39.6%) were noted, resulting in an ORR of 41.7% (95% confidence interval, CI: 27.7–55.6%) by intent-to-treat analysis. With a median follow-up duration of 22 months, the median PFS was 5.3 (95% CI: 2.8–7.8) months and the median OS was 13.6 (95% CI: 9.3–17.9) months. There was 1 treatment-related death, and the most common grade 3/4 toxicity was neutropenia (36.1%). Three patients discontinued treatment because of serum creatinine elevation. Conclusion: This study reaffirms the efficacy of oxaliplatin in advanced gastric cancer, but its dose of 100 mg/m2 remains to be reconsidered in Korean patients.
Expression of complement restriction factors (CD46, CD55 & CD59) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

BACKGROUND Tumor cells can escape complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) by expressing complement restriction factors (CRFs), CD46, CD55 and CD59. CRF-expression in non-neoplastic mucosa of the head and neck was compared with biopsies of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and cell lines derived from oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). METHODS Normal mucosa and HNSCC tumor tissue (poor, moderate, or well differentiated) specimens were immunostained with anti-CRF monoclonal antibodies. Immunostaining of the OSCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC71) was examined under laser scan fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS CD46, CD55 and CD59 were highly expressed in HNSCC cells including T1/T2N0M0 stages. The CRF expression was much lower or absent in non-neoplastic squamous epithelia or in the submucosa of both normal and tumor tissues. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced staining of tumor tissues at stages T1/T2 indicates that the CRFs are overexpressed by primary tumors before metastasis to either lymph nodes or organs (N0M0 stage) suggesting that CRFs are formed early during tumorigenesis.
Effect of force feedback from each DOF on the motion accuracy of a surgical tool in performing a robot-assisted tracing task

In robot-assisted surgery, it may be important to provide force feedback to the hand of the surgeon. Here we examine how force feedback from each degree of freedom (DOF) on a hand controller affects the motion accuracy of a surgical tool. We studied the motion accuracy of a needle-shaped tool in performing a robot-assisted tracing task. On a virtual simulation of the tool and neuroArm robot, human participants manipulated a hand controller to move the tool attached to the end-effector of the robot. They used the tool to trace a line on pipes (mimicking blood vessels) along 3 orthogonal directions, corresponding to 3 DOF on the hand controller. We observed that force feedback from each DOF on the hand controller had a significant effect on the motion accuracy of the tool during tracing. Varying force conditions yielded insignificant difference in motion accuracy. These results indicate a need of revising the hand controller for achieving improved motion accuracy in performing robot-assisted tasks.
Stoichiometry of a Recombinant GABAA Receptor

GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. The postsynaptic GABAA receptor/pore complex is presumed to be a pentamer typically composed of a combination of α, β, and γ subunits, although the stoichiometry remains controversial. We probed the stoichiometry of the GABAAreceptor by site-directed mutagenesis of a conserved leucine (to serine) in the putative second membrane-spanning domain of the rat α1(αL263S), β2(αL259S), and γ2(αL274S) subunit isoforms. Coexpression of wild-type and mutant subunits of each class (e.g., α and αL263S), along with their wild-type counterparts (e.g., β and γ), in Xenopus laevis oocytes resulted in mixed populations of receptors with distinct GABA sensitivities. This is consistent with the interpretation that the leucine mutation increased the GABA sensitivity in proportion to the number of incorporated mutant subunits. The apparent number of incorporated subunits for each class (α, β, and γ) could then be determined from the number of components comprising the compound GABA dose–response relationships. Using this approach, we conclude that the recombinant α1β2γ2 GABAA receptor is a pentamer composed of two α subunits, two β subunits, and one γ subunit.
PerLoc: Enabling Infrastructure-Free Indoor Localization with Perspective Projection

With the rapid development of mobile applications, there is an urgent need for highly efficient indoor localization service. Dedicated systems achieve good accuracy at the cost of deploying special hardware. Fingerprint-based methods avoid maintaining the expensive infrastructure but suffer from intensive labor for site-survey and poor robustness. In this paper, we present Per Loc, an infrastructure-free localization system which leverages rich vision features in indoor environment with high efficiency and accuracy. Per Loc makes use of binocular ranging technique to calculate the depth of a feature point and then figures out its geographical coordinates to build up reference point database, for which we design a filtering scheme to keep the database efficient in storage and search delay. During the localization stage, users simply take a photo of surroundings and feature points are extracted automatically as input for search scheme. Then a fast two-stage search scheme is proposed to find the nearest neighbors of query feature points in reference point database. Based on the perspective projection model, we inversely calculate users' geographical location in real time. We implement the proposed localization system on commercial smartphones as well as laptops and conduct extensive experiments. Per Loc achieves 1.76m of average error in office environment, and 2.2m of average error in shopping mall.
Staufen-1 Interacts with the Human Endogenous Retrovirus Family HERV-K(HML-2) Rec and Gag Proteins and Increases Virion Production

ABSTRACT The human endogenous retrovirus family HERV-K(HML-2) Rec protein is an RNA transport factor that enhances nuclear export of intron-containing retroviral transcripts. Using the yeast two-hybrid approach, we have newly identified human Staufen-1 as a Rec-interacting protein. The interaction was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation experiments, and the relevant site in Staufen-1 has been mapped to double-stranded RNA binding domain 4 (RBD4). Staufen-1 is in several aspects functionally related to retroviral RNA transport proteins. It binds mRNAs and targets its ribonuclear cargo to polysomes for efficient translation. We observed an accumulation of Staufen-1 in the nucleus of Rec-expressing cells and colocalization in the nucleoli as well as in the cytoplasm. Overexpression of Staufen-1 resulted in a 5-fold enhancement in nuclear export and/or translation of unspliced HERV-K(HML-2) viral RNAs in the presence of Rec and its Rec-responsive element (RcRE) binding site together with a clear increase in virus production. Staufen-1 was previously shown to interact with the Gag protein of HIV-1, promoting Gag oligomerization and RNA encapsidation. We demonstrate here that Staufen-1 also binds to the Gag protein of HERV-K(HML-2). Under stress conditions, Rec colocalizes with Staufen-1 in stress granules in cells that express viral RNA but not in mRNA-decay-related processing bodies. Our results suggest a new role for Staufen-1 as a cellular Rec and HERV-K(HML-2) Gag cofactor.
Mucolytics for bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND Bronchiectasis is predominantly an acquired disease process representing the end stage of a variety of unrelated pulmonary insults. It is defined as a persistent irreversible dilatation and distortion of medium-sized bronchi. Patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis frequently have difficulty exporating the infected sputum. Mucolytic agents target hyper-secretion or changed physiochemical properties of sputum to make it easier to clear. One drug, recombinant human DNase, breaks down the DNA that is released at the site of infection by neutrophils. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to assess the effects of ingested or inhaled mucolytics in people with bronchiectasis. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register, reference lists of relevant articles. We also contacted experts in the field and drug companies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials of mucolytic treatment in people with bronchiectasis but not cystic fibrosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Study authors were contacted for confirmation. MAIN RESULTS Three trials were included, but none of their data could be aggregated in a meta analysis. Compared to placebo, high doses of bromhexine with antibiotics eased difficulty in expectoration (weighted mean difference -0.53, 95% confidence interval -0.81 to -0.25 at 16 days). There was also a reduction in sputum production with bromhexine (weighted mean difference -21.5%, 95% confidence interval -38.9 to -4.1 % at day 16). Compared to placebo, recombinant human DNase showed no difference in forced expiratory volume or forced vital capacity in one study and was reported to have a significant negative effect on forced expiratory volume in another study. Adverse effects, including influenza-like symptoms, were more common in the group receiving recombinant human DNase. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS There is not enough evidence to evaluate the routine use of mucolytics for bronchiectasis. High doses of bromhexine coupled with antibiotics may help with sputum production and clearance.
Erythropoietin and Erythropoietin Receptor in Colorectal Cancer

Erythropoietin via erythropoietin receptor effectively prevents anemia, giving reasons for a clinical use of erythropoietin in patients with colorectal cancers. However, erythropoietin seems to promote survival of the neoplastic cells in hypoxic environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate immunohistochemically the expression of erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor in 136 primary colorectal cancers with a correlation to different anatomo-clinical features. Erythropoietin correlated with erythropoietin receptor in colorectal cancers (r = 0.547, P < .00001). Erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor expressions were statistically higher in adenocarcinomas versus mucinous carcinomas (P = .05 and P = .03, respectively) and in moderately (G2) versus poorly differentiated (G3) tumors (P = .001 and P = .02, respectively). This in vivo study is the first study that provides evidences for the presence of erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor in human colorectal cancer. The expressions of these proteins strictly depended on grading because the better histological differentiation probably comes from trophic influence of erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor.
EPS-I polysaccharide protects Mycoplasma pulmonis from phagocytosis.

Few mycoplasmal polysaccharides have been described and little is known about their role in pathogenesis. The infection of mice with Mycoplasma pulmonis has been utilized in many in vivo and in vitro studies to gain a better understanding of host-pathogen interactions during chronic respiratory infection. Although alveolar macrophages have a primary role in host defence, M. pulmonis is killed inefficiently in vitro. One antiphagocytic factor produced by the mycoplasma is the family of phase- and size-variable Vsa lipoproteins. However, bacteria generally employ multiple strategies for combating host defences, with capsular polysaccharide often having a key role. We show here that mutants lacking the EPS-I polysaccharide of M. pulmonis exhibit increased susceptibility to binding and subsequent killing by alveolar macrophages. These results give further insight into how mycoplasmas are able to avoid the host immune system and sustain a chronic infection.
Grain Processing and Nutrition

ABSTRACT: Referee: Dr. Gary Fulcher, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, 1334 Eckles Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108 Whole grains provide a wide range of nutrients and phytochemicals that optimize health. Epidemiologic studies support the protectiveness of whole grain consumption for cardiovascular disease and cancer. Dietary guidance endorses increased whole grains in our diet. A crucial question remaining is the effect of processing of whole grains on their content of nutrients and phytochemicals. Although processing is often considered to be a negative attribute in nutrition, and some forms of processing reduce nutritional value, many factors support the importance of processing of grains to enhance grain consumption. First, whole grains as harvested are generally not consumed directly by humans but require some processing prior to consumption. While refining, that is, removal of the bran and the germ, reduces the nutrient content of grain, milling of grains otherwise concentrates desirable grain components and removes poorly digested compounds and contaminants. Cooking of grains generally increases digestibility of nutrients and phytochemicals. Studies in both animal models and humans support the notion that processed grains are often nutritionally superior to unprocessed grains, probably because of enhanced nutrient bioavailability in processed grains. Processing of grains also provides shelf-stable products that are convenient and good tasting for consumers.
Recent advances in the biology and treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

&NA; As cure rates in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia edge toward 80%, the focus of research is shifting to better means of identifying and treating resistant cases. This new emphasis has stimulated progress in several areas. Recent findings suggest that poor early responses to therapy and detection of minimal residual disease at the postremission induction period by immunologic methods are reliable indicators of an adverse prognosis warranting modification of treatment. In this regard, timely administration of intensified chemotherapy, including a second reinduction/intensification phase, may nullify the adverse prognosis conferred by a delayed response to induction therapy. Comparative analysis of survival outcomes in T-cell patients who received chemotherapy or cranial irradiation (12 Gy) to prevent overt leukemia in the central nervous system suggests that the latter modality should be retained for cases with leukocyte counts > 100 × 109/L. Recent innovations in histocompatibility matching, prevention of graft-versus-host disease, and antiviral prophylaxis have enhanced the applicability of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, making this procedure available to candidates lacking matched sibling donors. Finally, demonstration that acute lymphoblastic leukemia has an angiogenic phase in bone marrow raises the possibility of effective treatment with antiangiogenic agents, such as endostatin. Remaining challenges in the treatment of childhood leukemia include 1) the development of specific and more effective therapy for high-risk cases and 2) the reduction of long-term complications associated with intensive chemotherapy and cranial irradiation.
Taylorovo pravidlo a finanční krize

Tato bakalařska prace se zabýva popularnim Taylorovým pravidlem jakožto nastrojem predikce kratkodobých nominalnich urokových měr. Důraz je kladen předevsim na přilis nizke urokove sazby mezi lety 2003 – 2005, ktere dle autora Taylorova pravidla vedly ke vzniku nemovitostni bubliny ve Spojených statech. Prace nabizi i pohled na monetarni politiku v Ceske republice, ktera svým nastavenim nevedla k podobnemu scenaři, který nastal v ekonomice Spojených statů.
Robust electronic-nose system with temperature and humidity drift compensation for tea and spice flavour discrimination

The aim of this paper is to determine aroma and flavour of the tea and spices by using Electronic-nose (E-nose) system with temperature and humidity drift compensation techniques. E-nose sensors are used with variable temperature and humidity conditions. Compensation for drift is an important factor and that generally is neglected. Therefore, we have put an effort to compensate the drifts in E-nose response data. Firstly, drift coefficients for E-noses sensors due to temperature and humidity variations in samples are determined and subsequently, these coefficients are used to eliminate drift in E-nose response data during online capturing and processing. We have described the results and experiments conducted by using four metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) based E-nose sensors. Artificial neural network (ANN) based pattern recognition techniques are used for discrimination and classification of electronic nose response data for different flavour terms of tea and spice.
The prognostic value of triple negative in stage II/III breast cancer

Introduction. Breast cancer is no longer seen as a single disease but rather a multifaceted disease composed of distinct biological subtypes with diverse natural history, clinical, pathological, and molecular features. Recent attention has been directed at the molecular classification of breast cancer. Objective. To evaluate the prognostic value of triple-negative subtype in stage II/III breast cancer and to define the role of clinical stage in prognosis of breast cancer. Methods. We used the immunohistochemical technique to divide 255 cases of breast cancer, stages II and III, into four subtypes according to estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor and Her-2 expression. Results. Triple-negative subtype comprised 76.5% of the cases with 12.3% recurrence rate. Luminal A subtype also carried a poor outcome with 16.7% recurrence rate. Conclusion. Triple-negative subtype has the worst overall and disease-free survival in stage II/III breast cancer. Clinical stage is still an independent prognostic factor in the breast cancers of all types.