Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antagonist effect of flufenamic acid on TRPM2 cation channels activated by hydrogen peroxide

The melastatin‐related transient receptor potential channel TRPM2 is a plasma membrane Ca2+‐permeable cation channel that is activated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a consequence of oxidative stress although the channel activation by H2O2 appears to represent a cell‐specific process in cells with endogenous expression of TRPM2. Flufenamic acid (FA) is a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory compound. Whether H2O2 activates or FA inhibits TRPM2 channels in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell is currently unknown. Due to lack of known antogonists of this channel, we demonstrate in CHO cells that FA inhibits TRPM2 activated by extracellular H2O2. CHO cells were transfected with cDNA coding for TRPM2. Cells were studied with the conventional whole‐cell patch clamp technique. The intracellular solution used EDTA (10 mM) as chelator for Ca2+ and heavy metal ions. H2O2 (10 mM) and FA (0.1 mM) were applied extracellularly. Non‐selective cation currents were consistently induced by H2O2. The time cause of H2O2 effects was characterized by a delay of 2–5 min and a slow current induction to reach a plateau. The H2O2‐ induced inward current was effectively inhibited by 0.1 mM FA applied extracellularly. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that FA is an effective antogonist of TRPM2 channels and H2O2activated currents in CHO cells. FA in CHO cells may be considered, at best, a starting point for the development of TRPM2 channel blockers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CC chemokine and CC chemokine receptor profiles in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue are altered in human obesity.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Obesity is associated with a low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, and macrophage infiltration of adipose tissue. The role of CC chemokines and their respective receptors in human adipose tissue inflammation remains to be determined. METHODS sc and visceral adipose tissue of obese patients (body mass index 53.1 +/- 11.3 kg/m(2)) compared with lean controls (body mass index 25.9 +/- 3.8 kg/m(2)) was analyzed for alterations in inflammatory gene expression. RESULTS Macrophage infiltration was increased in sc and visceral adipose tissue of obese patients as determined by increased mRNA expression of a macrophage-specific marker (CD68) and by elevated macrophage infiltration. Gene expression of CC chemokines involved in monocyte chemotaxis (CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL7, CCL8, and CCL11) and their receptors (CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, and CCR5) was higher in sc and visceral adipose tissue of obese patients. Serum concentrations of the inflammatory marker IL-6 and C-reactive protein were elevated in obese patients compared with lean controls. Obese patients revealed increased insulin resistance as assessed by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index and reduced plasma adiponectin concentrations. Adipose tissue expression of many CC chemokines and their receptors in the obese group positively correlated with CD68 expression. CONCLUSION Up-regulation of the CC chemokines and their respective receptors in adipose tissue occurs in human obesity and is associated with increased systemic inflammation.
The state of monetary policy and industrial asset allocation: the Ghanaian perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether asset allocation across various industries listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) varies across different monetary policy states. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts the Markov Chain technique to split monetary policy into three different states. The authors further adopt the Markowitz portfolio optimization technique to find the minimum variance and optimum portfolio for the industries listed on the GSE. Findings The finding reveals a dynamic asset allocation, which varies the industry’s weight mix across the various monetary policy states enhance excess returns compared to the static asset allocation. Specifically, the authors find risk-return trade-off among industries listed on the GSE. Financial and Food and Beverage industries portfolios record high returns relative to the Government of Ghana 91-day Treasury bill. The Food and Beverage portfolio is the only portfolio that records relatively high excess returns across all the monetary policy states. The authors also find that, during expansionary state (high monetary policy rates) of the monetary policy, investors are to allocate about 69 and 30 percent of their investment into food and beverages and financials, respectively. Corner solution is found in the transient state where 100 percent of wealth is allocated to financial to obtain the optimum portfolio. The optimum portfolio in the contraction state assigns 52 percent to financials and 42 percent to manufacturing. In summary, the result supports the dependence of investors’ asset allocation decisions on monetary policy. Practical implications Therefore, the authors propose an investment strategy which is dynamic and takes into consideration the monetary policy states rather than static asset allocation which maintains the same industry weight mix over the investment period. Social implications In sum, the authors interpret the result as support for the dependence of investors’ asset allocation decisions on monetary policy. In Ghana, an increase in the monetary policy appears to support industries listed on the equity market. The result also gives knowledge about investors’ asset allocation decisions on the GSE, which is practical balanced source of information for investors’ risk and return choices. For a prudent monetary policy framework, the monetary policy committee should monitor industries listed on the GSE. The result from the analysis has also an implication for investors, portfolio managers and fund managers to consider the state of the monetary policy in Ghana when making investment decisions. Originality/value The study differs from earlier research on asset allocation by breaking new grounds on two levels. First of all, based on the notion that different industries have different exposures to monetary policy states, the authors extend the portfolios by grouping the equities listed on the GSE into their industrial sectors. Second, the authors examine how investors’ optimal portfolio allocation may change depending on the state of monetary policy.
Lack of association between CYP1A1 polymorphisms and risk of bladder cancer: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND The effects of CYP1A1 gene polymorphisms on the risk of bladder cancer (BC) remain controversial. We carried out a meta-analysis to clarify the role of CYP1A1 gene polymorphisms in BC. MATERIAL AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted up to November 20, 2013. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the strength of the association. Meta-regression, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also performed. RESULTS Eight studies involving 1,059 BC cases and 1,061 controls were included. The meta-analysis showed that there was no significant association between the two common mutations of CYP1A1 and BC risk. For the I1e462Val A/G polymorphism with GG vs. AA the OR was 1.47 (95 % CI= 0.70-3.07, P =0.308). For the MspI T/C polymorphism, though a slight trend was found this was not statistically nonsignificant (CC vs.TT, OR = 1.24, 95 % CI= 0.98-1.58, P =0.078). Subgroup analyses by ethnicity also found no obvious association between CYP1A1 and BC risk. CONCLUSION The present meta-analysis suggests that CYP1A1 polymorphism is not associated with bladder cancer risk.
Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches for Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: Nine-Year Experience

OBJECTIVE: To describe surgical endoscopic experience in the repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks treated by transnasal approaches. METHODS: Different surgical approaches and techniques in the repair of cranial base defects are reviewed in a series of 135 patients. RESULTS: Success rate at first attempt was 93.3%. Only 9 patients (6.7%) needed a second surgical repair, and in one patient, a coronal approach with frontal craniotomy was necessary. In the other eight cases, an endoscopic procedure was chosen. Two patients needed a third endonasal endoscopic surgical repair, with successful outcome. CONCLUSION: The target of endoscopic endonasal technique in the repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks is to ensure a stable duraplasty with the least invasive approach avoiding craniotomy. A correct diagnosis surely allows the choice of the best treatment, surgical approach, graft, and technique. Our multidisciplinary approach to this pathology during these years has been essential to gain our challenging results.
Characteristics of psychoanalytic patients under a nationalized health plan: DSM-III-R diagnoses, previous treatment, and childhood trauma.

OBJECTIVE This article reports the results of a survey to collect data on the characteristics of patients in psychoanalysis under a nationalized health insurance scheme. METHOD A questionnaire, to be answered anonymously, was sent to all 174 accredited psychoanalysts in Ontario, Canada. Part 1 of the questionnaire consisted of 38 questions on the analyst's pattern of practice. Part 2, also to be filled out by the analyst, consisted of 452 questions on the demographic characteristics, childhood traumas, DSM-III-R diagnoses, and indications for psychoanalysis of each of the analyst's patients. RESULTS One hundred seventeen analysts responded--a survey response rate of 67%--with data on 580 patients. Fifty-nine percent (N = 344) of patients were women, and 41% (N = 236) were men. Eighty-two percent had attempted other forms of treatment, including briefer forms of psychotherapy and medication, prior to psychoanalysis. During childhood, 23% had had traumatic separations, 23% had been sexually abused, 22% had been physically abused, and 21% had had a parent or sibling die. The mean number of adult psychiatric disorders at the beginning of analysis was four, and the mode was two. CONCLUSIONS In a nationalized health insurance scheme, the psychoanalytic patients were mostly women, they had high rates of trauma and psychopathology, and they had attempted other forms of briefer treatment before resorting to psychoanalysis.
‘Revertant’ DCIS in human axillary breast carcinoma metastases

Recent experimental evidence obtained in Scid mice has suggested that the metastatic process is in large part epigenetically regulated and undergoes partial reversion once the metastatic process is completed: the metastatic colonies become more engaged in the process of growing in situ than actively metastasizing. Based on this experimental evidence, examples were sought of metastatic human cancers where similar reversion to an in situ growth state was occurring. Review of 200 cases of metastatic human breast cancer revealed a 21 per cent incidence of reversion to a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) growth pattern within axillary nodal metastases. The revertant DCIS areas were characterized by an intact and circumferential basement membrane, as demonstrated by extracellular laminin and type IV collagen immunoreactivity. These revertant DCIS areas could be distinguished from primary DCIS, however, by the absence of surrounding myoepithelial cells in the former, identified in the latter by their positive maspin, S‐100, and smooth muscle actin immunoreactivity. The pattern of revertant DCIS, poorly differentiated (comedo) (13 per cent), intermediate (non‐comedo) (6 per cent), or well‐differentiated (non‐comedo) (2%), exhibited complete 100 per cent concordance with the primary DCIS pattern. The concordance of histological patterns held true for even the subtypes of DCIS determined by architectural pattern, such as the micropapillary or cribriform subtypes. Nuclear size by digital image analysis and Her‐2/neu, p53, and Ki‐67 status in the revertant DCIS also exhibited complete concordance with the primary DCIS counterparts. Cases exhibiting a revertant DCIS pattern tended to be ER‐negative/EGFR‐positive and exhibited significant nodal involvement (mean number, 9; mean area, 90 per cent) compared with cases lacking a revertant pattern (mean number, 4; mean area, 15 per cent) (P<0·01) These findings suggest that reversion of the metastatic phenotype may also be occurring within autochthonous human metastasis. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Digital dannelse for ældre Undervisning af ældre i it efter Digitaliseringsstrategien

This article presents the result of observational studies and interviews conducted of two types of it-education aimed at the elderly. The purpose is to illuminate how the volunteers at these learning facilities approach the needs and wants that older adults may have following the Digitization Strategy of 2014. The approach is mainly based on participant observations and interviews. The major finding of this study is that the focus of the volunteers extends far beyond the instrumental demands put on older adults by the Digitization Strategy. The focus is instead on a long line of other skills, and the volunteers can be said to guide their users towards a type of digital bildung (da: “digital dannelse”). In this digital bildung, as opposed to the implicit demands of national strategies and much previous research, the priority is on a self-guided and interest-focused approach to the medium of the computer. Occasionally this also includes a conscious rejection of the specific services that citizens are required to use according to the Digitization Strategy.
Interactions of Liposomes and Platelets

Summary Rats were injected intravenously with liposomes of various compositions and sizes and blood platelet count measured. It was found that negatively-charged liposomal systems produced a transient reduction in platelet count in the first 5 minutes after injection which recovered by 60 minutes post-injection. This effect was most striking for multilamellar vesicles (MLV’s) containing phosphatidylglycerol (PG). Dose levels of 25 mg/kg of MLV’s containing 10 mole% PG caused the platelet count to drop from a control value of 1,086 ± 21 × 109/1 to 193 ± 14 × 109/1 by 2 minutes post-injection, an 82% decline. This thrombocytopenic effect was observed to diminish as vesicle size or vesicle dose was decreased. Positively-charged liposomes produced a less pronounced transient reduction in platelet count while neutral liposomes caused only a mild, transient platelet decline. This transient thrombocytopenic effect was not blocked by common anticoagulants and fibrinolytic agents but was pi evented by liposomal pretreatment. Radiolabeled platelet studies revealed that transient sequestration of platelets occurs in the liver and spleen 2 minutes after PG :EPC:CHOL MLV injection with a normalization of platelet distribution by 60 minutes post-injection. In vitro studies, using an automated blood counter suggest a transient association of liposomes and platelets occurring following injection. Liposomally-induced transient thrombocytopenia suggests a role for platelets in the biodistribution of liposomes.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is a clinicopathological condition that comprises a wide spectrum of liver damage, ranging from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis represents only a stage within the spectrum of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and is defined pathologically by the presence of steatosis together with necro‐inflammatory activity. The true prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is unknown, but it is estimated that it affects 10–24% of the general population in different countries. The diagnosis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is based upon convincing evidence of absent or minimal alcohol consumption, compatible histological changes in liver biopsy and the exclusion of other liver diseases. The natural history of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease remains to be defined. Patients with pure steatosis on liver biopsy follow a relatively benign course, whereas patients with histological necro‐inflammatory changes and/or fibrosis may progress to end‐stage liver disease. An initial step in the treatment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is the management of associated conditions, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients with steatohepatitis and/or fibrosis on liver biopsy may benefit from investigational pharmacological therapy. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis from non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease may be candidates for liver transplantation.
Pricing European option with the short rate under Subdiffusive fractional Brownian motion regime

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the problem of option pricing when the short rate follows subdiffusive fractional Merton model. We incorporate the stochastic nature of the short rate in our option valuation model and derive explicit formula for call and put option and discuss the corresponding fractional Black-Scholes equation. We present some properties of this pricing model for the cases of $\alpha$ and $H$. Moreover, the numerical simulations illustrate that our model is flexible and easy to implement.
Drug Interaction between St. John's Wort and Cyclosporine

OBJECTIVE: To report a probable drug interaction between the herbal dietary supplement St. John's wort and cyclosporine. CASE REPORT: A 29-year-old white woman who received a cadaveric kidney and pancreas transplant, with stable organ function and stable cyclosporine concentrations began self-medicating with St. John's wort. After taking St. John's wort supplements for four to eight weeks, her cyclosporine concentrations became subtherapeutic; this was associated with organ rejection. Four weeks after stopping St. John's wort, her cyclosporine concentrations again became therapeutic. Subsequent to this rejection episode, she has developed chronic rejection and now has returned to dialysis. DISCUSSION: St. John's wort is suspected to be a significant inducer of CYP3A4 isoenzyme activity and of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression, both of which are important in the metabolism and absorption of cyclosporine. Cyclosporine exhibits a relatively small therapeutic window and is sensitive to medications that can modulate the CYP3A4 isoenzyme and P-gp in both the liver and small intestines. CONCLUSIONS: Patients taking St. John's wort concomitant with other prescription medications whose absorption and metabolism are mediated by the CYP3A4 isoenzyme and P-gp require close monitoring. Patient medication histories should include inquiries into the use of herbal dietary supplements.
A novel input/output interface circuit with high voltage tolerant and PCI compliant capabilities

This paper presents a novel input/output interface circuit for field programmable gate array (FPGA) devices, which has high voltage tolerant and PCI compliant capabilities. In the proposed circuit, dynamic gate and N-well bias technology is used to eliminate gate-oxide overstress and Pad to output supply (Vcco) leakage current when FPGA devices operate with high voltage input, and to ensure that over-voltage and under-voltage at Pad is avoidable when FPGA devices connect with PCI devices. The proposed circuit can be used as an interface IP and had been successfully applied in a 200MHz SRAM-based FPGA device using both 2.5V and 3.3V MOS transistors in a 0.25um CMOS process with dual-oxide option.
Application of the accounting information at higher education institutions in Slovenia and Croatia - preparation of public policy framework

Application of accounting reports' information for managerial purposes has been commonly denoted as management accounting. The studies focused on management accounting at higher education institutions confirmed the lack of high quality information and revealed that existing management accounting practice is primarily centred on complying with legal requirements regarding external reporting. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to analyse the financial reporting systems at higher education institutions in relation to management accounting at micro and in relation to public policy framework at macro level in Slovenia and Croatia. The results revealed that exiting reporting systems at higher education institutions in observed countries is partially useful for decision making processes and that there are significant differences in the main elements of management accounting practice. Research findings could provide solid groundwork for the preparation of public policies and operative instructions.
Growth modelling of non-functioning pituitary adenomas in patients referred for surgery.

OBJECTIVE Recent observational studies have established progression and recurrence rates of pituitary adenomas. However, it is still unknown how individual pituitary adenomas grow over years and whether growth kinetics follow a distinct growth model. The objective of this study was to define a growth model for non-functioning pituitary adenomas. METHODS Fifteen patients who had five or more serial high-quality examinations with magnetic resonance images or computerized tomography scans were identified among 216 patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas. Tumour volumes were assessed using a stereological method based on the Cavalieri principle. Tumour growth during the observation period was analysed and different growth models were fitted to the data. RESULTS Fifteen pituitary adenomas (12 recurrent tumours and 3 newly diagnosed tumours) were longitudinally observed during a median observation period of 7.4 years (range: 2.3-11.9 years). Growth kinetics could be described either by an exponential growth model (nine patients) or by a logistic model (five patients) with initial exponential growth followed by deceleration of growth. One tumour remained unchanged in size during the observation period. None of the adenomas showed accelerated growth during the observation period. Overall, the linear growth model was not suitable to describe the growth kinetics of non-functioning pituitary adenomas. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that growth of pituitary adenomas can be described by distinct growth models. Knowledge of growth dynamics has implications for clinical practice and helps to adjust scanning protocols for follow-up investigations.
Comparative Genomics of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Shows the Emergence of Clone ST8-USA300 in Geneva, Switzerland.

BACKGROUND Previous investigations of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(CA-MRSA) isolates have revealed a wide diversity of genetic backgrounds, with only sporadic occurrence of ST8-USA300, in Geneva, Switzerland. We conducted a molecular epidemiologic analysis to identify the origin of a sudden increase of ST8 PVL-positive isolates in Geneva during 2013. METHODS On the basis of prospective CA-MRSA surveillance, we collected colonizing and infecting ST8-USA300 isolates and compared them to non-ST8 CA-MRSA isolates. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed for each isolate of this collection, and discriminating molecular features were linked to patient data. RESULTS In 2013, 22 isolates with the ST8-USA300 profile were identified among 46 cases of CA-MRSA. WGS revealed 2 groups of strains that differed by the type of the SCCmec IV element encoded and whether they harbored an arginine catabolism mobile element (ACME) locus. ACME-negative strains were mainly isolated from patients traveling in or originating from South America. Single-nucleotide polymorphism positions in isolate groups were used to infer their common ancestor, determine their geographical origin, and trace their relatedness. CONCLUSIONS WGS allowed the identification of transmission events and revealed that the increased prevalence of USA300 CA-MRSA isolates resulted from multiple importation events from the Americas but not from local clonal expansion of a successful clone.