Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radical excision of rectovaginal endometriosis results in high rate of pain relief – results of a long‐term follow‐up study

Objective. To evaluate the long‐term results of radical excision for rectovaginal endometriosis (RVE) with special emphasis on current symptoms and risk factors as regards recurrence. Methods. A total of 116 patients operated upon because of RVE were offered a clinical follow‐up evaluation visit; 60 (52%) consented. The time (mean ± SD) from the index surgery to the follow‐up visit was 4.0 ± 0.5 years. Main outcome measures. Daily symptoms using a visual analogue scale for 30 consecutive days prior to clinical assessment; the amount of uterine bleeding was also assessed. Endometriosis recurrence was evaluated via clinical and ultrasonographic examination. Results. The symptom sum scores (maximum 300) were low with median scores (range) of 3 (0–32) for dysmenorrhea and 9 (0–72) for pelvic pain. Evidence of RVE recurrence was found or suspected in 29 (48%) of the 60 women assessed. Clinical recurrence was not associated with pain symptoms. In univariable analysis, amenorrhea at the time of clinical assessment was associated with a lower risk of recurrence (odds ratio; OR 0.13; 95% CI (confidence interval) 0.02–0.65, p = 0.01); the effect of bowel resection was not significant (OR 0.37: 95% CI 0.13–1.07, p = 0.07). In multivariable analysis, the protective effect of bowel resection on recurrence was significant (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.06–0.89, p = 0.03). Conclusions. Radical surgery may result in long‐term pain relief in cases of RVE. Bowel resection is associated with a lower risk of RVE recurrence. Therapy that induces amenorrhea may be effective in preventing recurrence following surgical treatment of RVE.
5′-End RET Splicing: Absence of Variants in Normal Tissues and Intron Retention in Pheochromocytomas

The Ret tyrosine kinase is implicated in neuronal cell survival, kidney development and tumorigenesis. Several 3′ and 5′ transcript variants have been described resulting from alternative splicing of the RET pre-mRNA. The 3′ variants code for three C-terminal isoforms, RET51, RET9 and RET43. The 5′ variants RET2/4, RET2/5 and RET2/6 result from skipping exons 3, 3–4 and 3–5, respectively. These variants code for putative Ret proteins differing in their extracellular ligand-binding domains, and their expression is strongly regulated during kidney development. Here we analyzed the presence of these RET 5′ variants in normal tissues and in MEN2 and sporadic pheochromocytomas. In all tissues examined, the abundance of these transcripts remained extremely low (less than 1% of all RET transcripts) thus indicating these species as rare variants with little biological meaning. On the other hand, in tumors, the 5′ RET splicing pattern differed from that of normal tissues. Indeed, we identified a RET-derived transcript that results from the aberrant retention of intron 2. This transcript is enriched in tumor samples of both familial and sporadic origin, and indicates RET as a target for RNA splicing deregulation in tumor cells.
Sex Hormone Levels and Functional Outcomes: A Controlled Study of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury Compared with Healthy Subjects

Celik B, Sahin A, Caglar N, Erhan B, Gunduz B, Gultekin O, Karabulut M: Sex hormone levels and functional outcomes: a controlled study of patients with spinal cord injury compared with healthy subjects. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2007;86:784–790. Objectives:To investigate testosterone and free testosterone levels in male patients after spinal cord injury (SCI) in comparison with healthy subjects, the effects of free testosterone on Functional Independence Measure (FIM) instrument, and their relationship between time since injury, spinal cord injury levels, and testosterone levels. Design:Prospective case series during 2004–2005. Male patients with SCI (n = 44) and a control group (n = 42) from healthy volunteers with similar age and body mass index were included in the study. Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) was measured along with testosterone and free testosterone in the same blood sample. The FIM instrument was administered at the admission to hospital and at discharge. Results:Serum LH levels were significantly higher in both patient subgroups than in the control group (P < 0.01 and 0.03). Free testosterone levels were lower in the subgroup with time since injury ≤12 mos than in the other patient subgroup and the control group (P = 0.01 and 0.02). No significance was found between androgen status and FIM change. Conclusions:Our findings suggest that a negative androgen status might be notable especially in the first year after spinal cord injury. However, the androgen status does not correlate with functional outcome in patients coming for rehabilitation after spinal cord injury.
SPEAKING ENGLISH AND THE MALAY COMMUNITY

This research, situated in Malaysia, uses the first-person narratives of Malay learners to explore adult second language learning beyond the classroom as a process of identity negotiation, and a struggle for participation, acceptance and legitimacy in multiple communities. Set within a constructivist framework, it examines how ethnic, religious and cultural affiliations can structure access to linguistic and interactional opportunities, and how these are in turn constituted and reconstituted in the process of language learning and use. The study foregrounds the interplay between community ideology, language use and identity, and shows how learners’ investment in English is an investment in new identities and possibilities for the future.
Gemcitabine, capecitabine and oxaliplatin with or without cetuximab in advanced biliary tract carcinoma

Biliary tract carcinoma includes gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. Cholangiocarcinoma can be subdivided into intrahepatic, hilar (perihilar, Klatskin) and extrahepatic carcinoma. Biliary tract carcinoma is a relative rare cancer which account for less than 1% of new cancer cases. Only resection is a curative treatment, but unfortunately resection is only possible in approximately 10%, leaving most patients with advanced disease. For patients with advanced disease only palliative treatment is possible. The most active drugs in phase 2 trials are gemcitabine [1,2] flouropyrimidine/capecitabine [3,4] and cisplatin/oxaliplatin [5–9]. Support for gemcitabine as an anchor drug for the treatment of advanced biliary tract carcinoma comes from a pooled analysis of 104 trials showing that the subgroup who received a combination of gemcitabine and a platinium-based agent had the greatest benefit [10]. In 2010 Valle et al. published a study with 410 patients comparing cisplatin and gemcitabine to gemcitabine alone [11]. The patients who received cisplatin and gemcitabine had a better median overall survival (OS) of 11.7 months versus 8.1 months with gemcitabine monotherapy. Cisplatin and gemcitabine were therefore suggested as standard treatment to patients with advanced biliary tract carcinoma. One small phase 2 trial randomized between best supportive care, 5-FU monotherapy and gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin and found the gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin combination superior to 5-FU alone [12]. Several phase 2 trials have replaced cisplatin with oxaliplatin and the combination of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin showed similar OS of approximately 12 months [12,13]. A systematic review of cisplatin/gemcitabine and oxaliplatin/gemcitabine found no difference between the two regimens [14]. The triplet of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and capecitabine has been examined in a small phase 2 trial and in a large retrospective analysis [15,16]. In the triplet regime a lower oxaliplatin dose was used compared to the double, which made it well tolerable and with similar OS as gemcitabine and platinium. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway regulates biliary epithelial cell growth and proliferation, and EGFR is overexpressed in 67–100% of biliary carcinoma, making it a rational target for treatment [17]. Studies of KRAS in biliary tract carcinoma found few patients with mutations in KRAS, leaving 70–90% with wild-type [18–20], which further support the idea of adding an EGFRinhibitor to the chemotherapy. Some smaller trials have shown encouraging results when adding cetuximab to chemotherapy [21–24]. In the present study we wanted to investigate the efficiency of adding cetuximab to the triplet gemcitabine, capecitabine and oxaliplatin. To our knowledge, this is the first trial to establish the efficacy of the combination of capecitabine, oxaliplatin, gemcitabine and cetuximab in biliary tract carcinoma.
Many new down‐ and up‐regulatory signaling pathways, from known cancer progression suppressors to matrix metalloproteinases, differ widely in cells of various cancers

Previously we detected new signaling pathways, some downregulatory and others upregulatory, from seven known suppressors of cancer progression to the expression of eight cancer‐promoting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in breast cancer cells. The goals of the present study were to test whether the preceding observations occur only in breast cancer cells and, if not, whether the same downregulatory and upregulatory signaling pathways are active in cells of other human cancers, focusing on activator protein‐2α, E‐cadherin, fibulin1D, interleukin 4, p16INK4α, p53, PTEN, and RKIP, and on MMP1, MMP2, MMP7, MMP13, MMP14, MMP16, MMP19, and MMP25. To this end, in the present study we tested the effects of raising the cellular levels of wild‐type copies of these known suppressors of cancer progression on the expression of these MMPs. This study yielded several unexpected results. We have detected 53 new signaling pathways in cells of prostate, brain, lung, ovarian and breast human cancers, with an abundance of signaling pathways as high as ∼40% of the cancer progression regulator/MMP pairs tested in cells of prostate and breast cancers. Cells of various cancers differed widely and sequence‐specifically in the identity of their signaling pathways, so that almost 90% of the pathways were different in cells from one cancer to another. In each of 18 out of 51 signaling pathways, a known suppressor of cancer progression stimulated, rather than inhibited, the expression of a cancer‐promoting MMP. Ten signaling pathways were upregulatory in cells of some cancers and downregulatory in cells of other cancers. J. Cell. Physiol. 224: 549–558, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long-term extensive expansion of mouse hepatic stem/progenitor cells in a novel serum-free culture system.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The liver has high regenerative potential. We attempted to establish a novel culture system for extensive expansion of fetal mouse hepatic stem/progenitor cells and to characterize cultured cells. METHODS Hepatic spheroids collected from 6-day floating cultures were cultured on collagen-coated dishes in serum-free conditions in medium containing growth factors. Cultured cells were mainly characterized by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry or transplanted into adult mice. RESULTS Approximately 400 expanding hepatic spheroids were generated from every 1 x 10(6) fetal liver cells. Subsequently, highly replicative colonies were subcultured with maintaining colony formation on collagen-coated dishes. These colonies consisted of small immature alpha-fetoprotein-positive cells and hepatocytic and cholangiocytic lineage-committed cells. The immature alpha-fetoprotein-positive cells could be expanded in a reproducible manner at least 5 x 10(5)-fold (which involved at least 30 passages over >6 months) without losing differentiation potential. Flow cytometric analysis showed that all cultured cells expressed CD49f, but not CD34, Thy-1, c-kit, or CD45. Nearly 15% of the cells expressed Sca-1, and approximately 5%-20% of the cells were side population cells. Both sorted side population cells and Sca-1-positive cells (especially side population cells) produced a large number of alpha-fetoprotein-positive cells and lineage-committed cells. Expanded cells had bidirectional differentiation potential and improved serum albumin levels in mice with severe liver damage. CONCLUSIONS Long-term extensive expansion of transplantable hepatic stem/progenitor cells was reproducibly achieved in a novel serum-free culture system. Moreover, this culture system yielded side population and Sca-1-positive cell populations that included hepatic stem/progenitor cells with differentiation and proliferation properties.
Male hormonal contraception

Although women have traditionally shouldered the responsibility of contraception, up to a third of couples worldwide employ a male form of contraception (e.g., condoms or vasectomy). Some women are unable to use hormonal contraception; vasectomy is best considered irreversible; and long-term use of condoms is associated with a relatively high failure rate (pregnancy). Thus, a need exists for a safe, effective, reversible, well-tolerated male hormonal contraceptive agent. Two large multi-centre, multi-national trials sponsored by the World Health Organization in the 1990s showed that high-dosage exogenous testosterone provided contraceptive efficacy similar to existing female oral contraceptives. However, the supraphysiological dosages of testosterone used resulted in androgen-related adverse effects such as weight gain and suppression of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Subsequent efforts have been directed at combining testosterone with other agents, such as progestogens or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, to decrease the dosage of testosterone (and thus androgen-related side effects) while achieving uniform azoospermia. This review discusses the latest developments in male hormonal contraception.
Keeping the magic alive: social sharing of positive life experiences sustains happiness

ABSTRACT Social sharing of positive life experiences has been linked to increased intensity of positive emotion. Less is known about the relations among sharing, the perceived response of the listener, and the duration of positive emotion. We hypothesised that sharing an experience would sustain positive emotion when listeners responded in a manner that highlighted the appraised importance and remarkability of the experience, thereby slowing hedonic adaptation. College students who received a desirable exam grade (N = 165) reported their emotional response, appraisals, and sharing on the day they received their grade and again the following evening. Sharing was associated with longer episodes of positive emotion and more time spent thinking about the positive event. The association between sharing and emotion duration was greatest when sharing partners were perceived as highlighting the importance and remarkability of the event. This type of sharing also mitigated the fading of emotion intensity over time. These findings suggest that sharing sustains positive emotion by promoting appraisals that “keep the magic alive. ”
Unterschiede zwischen Fiskal- und Geldpolitik und die Konsequenzen für eine Delegation

Dieser Artikel beschaftigt sich mit den Unterschieden zwischen Geld- und Fiskalpolitik, die fur die unterschiedliche institutionelle Ausgestaltung dieser beiden Bereiche der Wirtschaftspolitik in der Europaischen Union verantwortlich sind. Wahrend die Geldpolitik politisch unabhangig auf der supranationalen Ebene fur die Lander der Europaischen Wahrungsunion gemeinsam durchgefuhrt wird, ist die Kompetenz fur den Einsatz der Fiskalpolitik auf der nationalen Ebene verblieben und wird auch nicht von unabhangigen Institutionen durchgefuhrt. Diese Unterschiede lassen sich durch die unterschiedliche Komplexitat des geld- und fiskalpolitischen Instrumentariums begrunden, in Verbindung mit den Verteilungswirkungen. Letztere sind bei der Fiskalpolitik direkter Natur, wobei zugleich mit der Stabilisierungsfunktion die Aufgaben der Umverteilung und Allokation der Finanzpolitik beruhrt sind. Die Umverteilung durch geldpolitische Masnahmen ist eher indirekter Natur. Verstarkt wird die Tendenz zur Delegation der unabhangigen Geldpolitik bei nationaler, abhangiger Fiskalpolitik durch die Veranderung der strategischen Einsatzmoglichkeiten. Die Delegation der Geldpolitik auf die supranationale Ebene lockert eher die Beschrankungen fur die Fiskalpolitik, da die Reaktion der Geldpolitik nur noch in dem Mase erfolgt, wie die nationale Fiskalpolitik geldpolitisch relevante Variablen auf supranationaler Ebene beeinflusst
The Effect Of Dietary Intervention On Lipid Profiles In Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a simple dietary intervention for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury(SCI)and moderately elevated total cholesterol. Methods: Baseline and follow–up serum lipid values were obtained on 222 persons with SCI. Eighty–six individuals with total cholesterol>200mg∕dL were referred for dietary consultation (group 1). The remainder with values <200 mg∕dL and no consultation served as controls(group 2). Results: At average follow–up of 16 months, group 1 demonstrated significant declines in total cholesterol and low–density lipoproteincholesterol (LdL–C), whereas group 2 demonstrated significant increases in total cholesterol. Triglyceride levels followed similar butnonsignificant patterns. There were no significant changes in high–density lipoprotein cholesterol for either group. In group 1,17’7’o had clinically significant reductions in total cholesterol to <200 mg∕dL and 21 ’7’o had reductions of LdL–C from >135 mg∕dL to <135 mg∕dl. Conclusions: Dietary intervention should be an initial treatment for those with SCI and moderately elevated total cholesterol, with the expectation that approximately 20% will respond favorably.
Biomass and energy assessment of different natural and agricultural systems in Brazil.

Biomass and energy evaluation was carried out in the Municipality of Teresopolis Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Th e following agricultural and natural systems were considered: (i) vegetables systems (leaf, fruit and mixed vegetables); (ii) citrus; (iii) ecological agro-forestry; (iv) cattle ranching, (v) silvopastoril systems, (vi) forest fragments and, (vii) forest in regeneration stage (1, 2 and 3 years old). Th e main primary agricultural production systems have in general low energy conversion ratio (6:1), and store only small quantities of biomass in the system (2.1 Mg C ha–1). Th e ecological system has the most effi cient use of energy (2:1), and saves great biomass quantity in the system (1.80E11 J ha–1 yr–1). Th e cattle system presents the lowest values for all energy and biomass parameters causing largest environmental damage (aboveground biomass (AGB) = 0.49 ton DM ha–1; Energy Ratio 461:1).
Hyperprolactinemia and Hirsutism in Patients Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: Hirsutism is one of the most important diseases that lead women to refer to dermatology clinic. Hyperprolactinemia is one of the causes of hirsutism. The aim of this study was to determine prolactin (PRL) levels in hirsute women. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, hirsute patients were evaluated. For all of the patients, 2 or 3 days after mense starting, hormone level tests were performed, and 200 patients that had not polycystic ovary syndrome enrolled to the study. A questionnaire of history and physical examination were performed. Data have been analyzed with SPSS version 21. Results: Hyperprolactinemia were seen in 25 patients (12.5%). There was no significant relation between marital statuses, galactorrhoea, positive family history, and infertility with hyperprolactinemia. But significant relation was seen between irregular mense and hyperprolactinemia. Conclusion: Although hyperprolactinemia is the rare cause of hirsutism, the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia was high in our study. Thus, PRL level in hirsute patients should be evaluate.
Interleukin-18 induces interferon-gamma production through NF-kappaB and NFAT activation in murine T helper type 1 cells.

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) combined with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) induced interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by T helper type 1 (Th1) cells. Neither IL-18 nor anti-CD3 mAb alone induced production of IFN-gamma. Although treatment with IL-18 alone induced full activation of NF-kappaB in Th1 cells, it was not sufficient for the production of IFN-gamma. To examine the importance of NF-kappaB activation in IFN-gamma production, we established Th1 cells which expressed a transdominant IkappaBalpha mutant. In these cells, activation of NF-kappaB and production of IFN-gamma by IL-18 were suppressed. On the other hand, we examined the T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3-mediated signaling pathway. FK506, an inhibitor of NFAT activation, inhibited IFN-gamma production by IL-18 without any effect on the NF-kappaB activation. We conclude that dual signaling consisting of IL-18-induced NF-kappaB activation and TCR/CD3-mediated NFAT activation is crucial for IFN-gamma production by IL-18 in murine Th1 cells.
Increased blink rate in advanced Parkinson's disease: A form of ‘off’‐period dystonia?

Blink rates were measured in 25 patients with fluctuating Parkinson's disease in the “off” and “on” periods. In 17 patients, the “off”‐period blink rate was low and increased after administration of levodopa. In the remaining eight patients, the “off”‐period blink rate was high and returned to normal levels after levodopa. It is suggested that increased blink rate in the latter group represents a new form of “off”‐period dystonia.
Towards a functional analysis of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

This paper is concerned with the description of an aetiological model of anorexia nervosa and one form of bulimia nervosa. The model has been generated within the conceptual framework of 'functional analysis' and is based on a combination of research evidence and clinical observation. The model attempts to explain the development of anorexia nervosa in terms of a set of hypothesized antecedent events/variables and its maintenance/exacerbation in terms of both positive and negative reinforcers. Specifically it is suggested that initial dieting behaviour is triggered by apparently innocuous psychosocial stimuli, in the context of major setting conditions which predispose the individual towards self- and bodily control: an that successful dieting is then powerfully reinforced by its consequences, which rapidly lead to a downward spiralling into full-blown anorexia nervosa. In this formulation anorexia nervosa is viewed as an attempted adaptive strategy (which has functional value to the individual), given the major setting conditions of the individual's current life situation. Similarly, bulimia nervosa following on from anorexia nervosa is viewed as an attempted adaptive strategy given prevailing environmental and biological pressures towards increasing food intake. The model is presented in the form of diagrammatic formulations and its theoretical and therapeutic implications discussed in relation to the relevant literature.