Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IMP3 is upregulated in primary ovarian mucinous carcinoma and promotes tumor progression.

OBJECTIVE Primary ovarian mucinous tumors progress from benign adenoma to borderline tumors to invasive mucinous carcinoma. A proper differential diagnosis is crucial to discriminate malignancies at the early stages of disease. However, few biomarkers are clinically available. We designed this study to analyze the clinical application of the oncogene IMP3 in monitoring early malignancies in ovarian primary mucinous tumors. METHODS We collected 250 samples of ovarian primary mucinous tumors along with the corresponding clinicopathological information between 2009 and 2015 at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital of Fudan University and performed immunochemical assays. Statistical analysis of the correlation between expression of IMP3 and clinic-pathological parameters as well as the survivals of these patients was carried out. Finally, wound-healing and transwell assays were performed in SKOV3 and CAOV3 cells. RESULTS The expression rate and intensity of IMP3 were much higher in invasive carcinoma than those in benign adenoma and classic borderline adenoma (P<0.05). The expression rate and intensity of IMP3 were also higher in cases with mucinous intraepithelial carcinoma than those in cases with classic borderline tumors (P<0.05). Among the malignant cases, the expression rate and intensity of IMP3 increased with advancing FIGO staging (P<0.05). The expression rate and intensity of IMP3 were much higher in cases with involved fallopian tubes, uterine and omentum than those in cases without the involvement of these tissues (P<0.05). The expression rate and intensity of IMP3 were much higher in cases with lymph node metastasis than those in cases without lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). Elevated expression of IMP3 significantly deteriorated the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of mucinous carcinoma (P<0.05). IMP3 was an independent risk factor of DFS but not OS. Further in vitro experiments indicated that IMP3 promoted the proliferation, motility and invasive potential of ovarian tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS IMP3 is highly expressed in ovarian mucinous tumors and is positively correlated with malignancy. IMP3 could be used in the differential diagnosis of ovarian mucinous tumors and might be applicable in monitoring tumor initiation and progression.
Estimates of worldwide burden of cancer in 2008: GLOBOCAN 2008

Estimates of the worldwide incidence and mortality from 27 cancers in 2008 have been prepared for 182 countries as part of the GLOBOCAN series published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. In this article, we present the results for 20 world regions, summarizing the global patterns for the eight most common cancers. Overall, an estimated 12.7 million new cancer cases and 7.6 million cancer deaths occur in 2008, with 56% of new cancer cases and 63% of the cancer deaths occurring in the less developed regions of the world. The most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide are lung (1.61 million, 12.7% of the total), breast (1.38 million, 10.9%) and colorectal cancers (1.23 million, 9.7%). The most common causes of cancer death are lung cancer (1.38 million, 18.2% of the total), stomach cancer (738,000 deaths, 9.7%) and liver cancer (696,000 deaths, 9.2%). Cancer is neither rare anywhere in the world, nor mainly confined to high‐resource countries. Striking differences in the patterns of cancer from region to region are observed.
Increased susceptibility to development of triggered activity in myocytes from mice with targeted disruption of endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

Nitric oxide generated by cardiac myocytes or delivered by drugs has been shown to regulate cardiac contractile function and has been implicated in suppressing some cardiac arrhythmias, although this remains controversial. We examined the ability of the soluble cardiac glycoside, ouabain, to trigger arrhythmic contractions in ventricular myocytes isolated from mice lacking a functional endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (eNOS(null)). Arrhythmic activity, defined as aftercontractions, was induced with ouabain (50 micromol/L) and recorded using a video-motion detector in isolated, electrically driven single ventricular myocytes from adult eNOS(null)or from their wild-type (WT) littermates. The rate of ouabain-induced arrhythmic contractions was significantly higher in eNOS(null)myocytes than in WT myocytes. Application of the NO donor S-nitroso-acetylcysteine (SNAC) significantly diminished the frequency of arrhythmic contractions in eNOS(null)myocytes. The antiarrhythmic effect of NO, whether generated by eNOS in WT cells or by SNAC, could be partially reversed by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4, 3-a]- quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), a specific soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor. Ouabain significantly increased intracellular cGMP in WT but not eNOS(null)hearts, and this cGMP response was blocked by ODQ. Since cardiac glycoside- induced aftercontractions are activated by the transient inward current (I(ti)), the role of NO in ouabain (100 micromol/L)- induced I(ti)was examined using the nystatin-perforated patch-clamp technique. The frequency of ouabain-induced I(ti)was significantly higher in eNOS(null)myocytes than in WT myocytes, and this could be suppressed by SNAC. These data demonstrate that NO derived from myocyte eNOS activation suppresses ouabain-induced arrhythmic contractions by a mechanism that might involve activation of guanylyl cyclase and elevation of cGMP.
Azoospermia factor deletions in varicocele cases with severe oligozoospermia.

BACKGROUND Varicocele is the most common cause of male infertility. The etiology and pathophysiology of varicocele are multifactorial. When low sperm counts are associated with varicocele, varicocelectomy can partially restore spermatogenesis and fertility. Few recent studies have reported that in some varicocele cases, there may be an associated genetic etiology. Presence of a genetic factor like azoospermia factor microdeletions may lead to irreversible spermatogenic arrest in these cases, but very few reports support these findings. However, it is still not understood why some cases improve after varicocelectomy and why some cases show no improvement in semen parameters postoperatively. AIM It is important to distinguish varicocele cases from Yq microdeletions as these cases have irreversible testicular damage and thus carry a poor prognosis after varicocelectomy. SETTINGS Research and Referral tertiary care hospital. DESIGN Prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-two infertile men with varicocele were referred for Yq microdeletion analysis from the infertility clinic of AIIMS and Army Research and Referral Hospital. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood and polymerase chain reaction microdeletion screening was done in these cases to determine the presence or deletion of AZF loci. RESULTS In this study 7 (9.7%) varicocele cases harbored Yq microdeletion. The sperm count in cases which harbored Yq microdeletion was significantly lower than in cases without Yq microdeletion. CONCLUSION Varicocele cases with Yq microdeletion do not show improvement in semen parameters post-varicocelectomy. Detection of Yq microdeletion determines prognosis and future management in such cases.
Differential localization of alkaline phosphatase in barrier tissues of the frog and rat nervous systems: A cytochemical and biochemical study

We investigated the localization of alkaline phosphatase (AP) in the peripheral and central nervous systems of the frog (Rana pipiens) and rat. In the frog sciatic nerve, AP reaction product was seen as a precipitate within caveolae and vesicular profiles of perineurial cells, and frequently filled the extracellular space. In the rat peripheral nerve, AP reaction product appeared as small tufts on the cell surfaces and within vesicular profiles of endoneurial blood vessels. AP reaction product was not detected in the rat perineurium or in endoneurial blood vessels of the frog. In the frog central nervous system, AP reaction product was detected in the arachnoid membrane adjacent to the subarachnoid space, but not in the cerebral or pial vessels, whereas in the rat it was detected in the outer arachnoid membrane and in the cerebral and pial blood vessels. Biochemical analysis indicated a sevenfold higher AP activity in the frog perineurium over the endoneurium, whereas in the rat, threefold more activity was measured in the endoneurium over the perineurium. Levamisole, an AP inhibitor, decreased the enzyme activity by 95% in rat tissues, and by 70% in frog tissues and in plasma from both animals. Similar decrements were observed cytochemically.
Fluticasone propionate and mometasone furoate have equivalent transcriptional potencies

Background Glucocorticoids exert their anti‐inflammatory effects mainly through transrepression of the transcription factors activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB). Certain adverse effects of glucocorticoids are mediated through gene transactivation. Fluticasone propionate (FP) and mometasone furoate (MF) are the most recently developed topical glucocorticoids for the treatment of airway disorders. Their relative capacities to repress AP‐1 and NF‐κB activities are not known and comparison of their transactivation potencies has given unclear results.
The quality of life and factors associated with it in the medically hospitalised elderly

Aim: The present study describes the quality of life (QOL) and explores health-related factors associated with domains of the QOL in the acutely ill and hospitalised elderly. Method: In all, 484 elderly (65–101 years, 241 men) patients hospitalised in an acute medical unit participated. Their QOL (in its overall and physical, psychological, social and environmental domains) was assessed with the World Health Organisation's WHOQOL-BREF. The QOL was explored with multiple linear regression analysis. Health-related variables controlled for socio-demographic background were the independent variables. Results: The overall QOL was good in two-thirds of the elderly patients. In multiple linear regression models, lower physical QOL was significantly associated with a number of medications, impaired personal activities of daily living (PADL), impaired cognition, depression and anxiety. Lower psychological QOL was significantly associated with impaired PADL, impaired cognition, depression and anxiety. Lower social QOL was significantly associated with depression and anxiety. Lower environmental QOL was significantly associated with female gender, impaired PADL, depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Our results indicate that improvement in the medical state, functional status and/or emotional condition of elderly medically hospitalised patients may improve their QOL.
A review on the current state of urine cytology emphasizing the role of fluorescence in situ hybridization as an adjunct to diagnosis

Urinary cytology has a significant role in the detection and surveillance of patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC), which has a high morbidity rate in the United States. Examination of the urine is a comprehensive screen of both the upper and lower urinary tract and is ideal for detecting both primary bladder UC and synchronous or metachronous, multifocal UCs that commonly occur because of a “field effect. ” This field effect is the result of both clonal and random genetic abnormalities that have resulted from exposure to carcinogens (most frequently in tobacco smoke) in conjunction with the individual's ability to repair DNA damage. Although urinary cytology has high specificity for the detection of UC, its sensitivity is relatively low, especially for more prevalent low‐grade tumors. Consequently, several urine‐based tests have been investigated, some of which are available commercially and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, these tests also have their limitations and often have lower specificity than urinary cytology. Consequently, urinary cytology, which is a noninvasive, cost‐effective test, continues in mainstream use because of its ability to detect high‐grade, flat lesions that can be difficult to detect clinically and that often have more aggressive biologic behavior. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Development of search algorithm for contingency case identification using matlab

Every power system grid in any nation experiences outage in its transmission line, distribution lines, substations, generators and transformers, either a single element or combination of the elements at the same time which affects the delivery of power to the consumers. Statistical computation is used to determine the cases of the combination of outages that occurred at the same time. This paper presents the development of a search algorithm for contingency case identification which helps the operator to decide on what should be done to the system and return to its normal operation when outages occurred. The study focuses on IEEE bus 6 system that was modeled and simulated on MatPower, making the line / load flows as the predetermined values of the database. The MATLAB software codes are responsible on the search algorithm for contingency case identification. The modeling of the system is satisfactory because the values of % difference are within the specified ±5% tolerance. It is concluded that the case search algorithm is working properly on the IEEE 6-bus system.
Model-driven discovery of underground metabolic functions in Escherichia coli

Significance Organisms have evolved to take advantage of their environment. Enzymes drive this adaptability by displaying flexibility in terms of substrate specificity and catalytic promiscuity. This enzyme promiscuity has been observed in a limited number of laboratory experiments; however, a larger underground network of reactions may occur within a cell below the level of detection. It is not until a cell’s metabolic capabilities are probed that these novel functions come to light. In this study, a workflow is presented for probing promiscuous activity at the genome scale. This workflow combines genome-scale reconstructions of metabolic networks with gene KOs and adaptive laboratory evolution. Such tools become increasingly important when designing drugs targeting pathogenic bacteria or engineering enzymes and bacteria for biotechnology applications. Enzyme promiscuity toward substrates has been discussed in evolutionary terms as providing the flexibility to adapt to novel environments. In the present work, we describe an approach toward exploring such enzyme promiscuity in the space of a metabolic network. This approach leverages genome-scale models, which have been widely used for predicting growth phenotypes in various environments or following a genetic perturbation; however, these predictions occasionally fail. Failed predictions of gene essentiality offer an opportunity for targeting biological discovery, suggesting the presence of unknown underground pathways stemming from enzymatic cross-reactivity. We demonstrate a workflow that couples constraint-based modeling and bioinformatic tools with KO strain analysis and adaptive laboratory evolution for the purpose of predicting promiscuity at the genome scale. Three cases of genes that are incorrectly predicted as essential in Escherichia coli—aspC, argD, and gltA—are examined, and isozyme functions are uncovered for each to a different extent. Seven isozyme functions based on genetic and transcriptional evidence are suggested between the genes aspC and tyrB, argD and astC, gabT and puuE, and gltA and prpC. This study demonstrates how a targeted model-driven approach to discovery can systematically fill knowledge gaps, characterize underground metabolism, and elucidate regulatory mechanisms of adaptation in response to gene KO perturbations.
Coracoid fractures: Therapeutic strategy and surgical outcomes

Background: The majority of type I coracoid fractures set out in Ogawa's classification constitute double disruption of the superior shoulder suspensory complex (SSSC) as proposed by Goss, frequently resulting in healing delay and adverse functional consequences. However, there are few reports alluding to strategies or concrete treatment methods of such injuries. The purpose of this report is to introduce our surgical strategy for treating the type I coracoid fracture with concurrent injuries and to describe our treatment method with their outcomes. Methods: Thirty-six patients, who had acute type I coracoid fractures surgically treated and were followed up for 1 year or longer, constituted the present study population. Reduction and stabilization were undertaken beginning with the most medial unstable injury of SSSC and proceeding to the lateral ones. The respective coracoid fractures were finally reduced and fixed. In the follow-up, patients were directly examined and evaluated using the ratios of the Constant score for the injured side to that for the normal side. Results: There were a total of 80 ipsilateral injuries of SSSC, including the coracoid fractures, and double disruption accounted for 94% of the patients. Of these, 62 injuries were surgically treated. No complications associated with surgery were observed. Bone union was achieved in all fractures; no patients required an additional operation. The Constant score ratio at the follow-up was 93% ± 7.4% on average. Conclusion: Although the majority of cases with type I coracoid fractures suffered double disruptions of SSSC, satisfactory results have been obtained with surgical treatment focusing on the assured reconstruction of a firm scapuloclavicular union.
Complexity of Spectrum Activity and Benefits of Reinforcement Learning for Dynamic Channel Selection

We explore the question of when learning improves the performance of opportunistic dynamic channel selection by characterizing the primary user (PU) activity using the concept of Lempel-Ziv complexity. We evaluate the effectiveness of a reinforcement learning algorithm by testing it with real spectrum occupancy data collected in the GSM, ISM, and DECT bands. Our results show that learning performance is highly correlated with the level of PU activity and the amount of structure in the use of spectrum. For low levels of PU activity and/or high complexity in its utilization of channels, reinforcement learning performs no better than simple random channel selection. We suggest that Lempel-Ziv complexity might be one of the features considered by a cognitive radio when deciding which channels to opportunistically explore.
Comparison of two hypocaloric diets in obese children.

OBJECTIVE To examine whether a protein-sparing modified fast diet and a hypocaloric balanced diet are safe and effective for children in an outpatient weight reduction program. DESIGN Randomization of two groups to either diet, with follow-up at 14.5 months. SETTING Physician or parent referral to outpatient program at Children's Hospital of New Orleans, La. PARTICIPANTS Nineteen children, ranging in age from 7.5 to 16.9 years, weighing 45% to 131% more than the mean weight for age, sex, and height. INTERVENTION During the first 10 weeks, 10 children were placed on a protein-sparing modified fast diet (2520 to 3360 J), and nine children and adolescents were placed on a hypocaloric balanced diet (3360 to 4200 J). Subsequently, all participants were placed on a hypocaloric diet; calories were increased from 4200 to 5040 J in a 3-month period and maintained for 1 year. SELECTION PROCEDURES Children were assigned to one of two diets for the first 10 weeks according to their time of enrollment. MEASUREMENTS/MAIN RESULTS Both diets produced significant weight loss during the first 6 months. However, the protein-sparing modified fast diet produced significantly greater changes in the percentage of overweight at 10 weeks (-30% vs -14%) and at 6 months (-32% vs -18%). At 10 weeks, a significant loss of adipose tissue with preservation of lean body mass occurred in the protein-sparing modified fast group. A transient slowing of growth velocity was noted at 6 months in both dietary groups compared with values at 14.5 months. Growth velocity approached normal levels at 14.5 months compared with standards for North American children. When dietary groups were combined, the initial mean blood pressure decreased significantly at all points in the study. The initial mean serum cholesterol value also decreased significantly at 10 weeks. No biochemical or clinical complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS These hypocaloric diets appear to be safe and effective in the short-term management of pediatric obesity. However, these diets should not be used without close medical supervision.
Clinical outcome in relation to care in centres specialising in cystic fibrosis: cross sectional study

Abstract Objectives: To assess the effect on clinical outcome of managing paediatric and adult patients with cystic fibrosis at specialised cystic fibrosis centres. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Two adult cystic fibrosis centres in the United Kingdom. Subjects: Patients from an adult cystic fibrosis centre in Manchester were subdivided into those who had received continuous care from paediatric and adult cystic fibrosis centres (group A), and those who had received paediatric care in a centre not specialising in cystic fibrosis followed by adult care in a cystic fibrosis centre (group B). Group C were referrals to the new adult cystic fibrosis centre in Cambridge who had received neither paediatric nor adult centre care for their cystic fibrosis. Main outcome measures: Body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m2)), lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 percentage of predicted)), the Northern chest x ray film score, and age at colonisation with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results: A prominent stepwise increase in body mass index was associated with increasing amounts of care at a cystic fibrosis centre; 18.3, 20.2, and 21.3 for groups C, B, and A respectively (P<0.001). Improved nutritional status was correlated with a higher FEV1 and better (lower) chest x ray film scores; r=0.52 and −0.45 respectively (P<0.001 for both). Conclusion: These findings provide the first direct evidence that management of cystic fibrosis in paediatric and adult cystic fibrosis centres results in a better clinical outcome, and strongly supports the provision of these specialist services. Key messages Management of patients with cystic fibrosis in paediatric and adult cystic fibrosis centres results in an improved clinical outcome Improved clinical outcome occurred in cystic fibrosis centres despite earlier and more frequent colonisation with Pseudomonas aeruginosa Nutritional status is an important predictor of lung disease in cystic fibrosis
Analysing the effect of candidate selection and instance ordering in a realtime algorithm configuration system

Algorithm configuration has been repeatedly shown to have a large impact on improving the performance of solvers. Realtime algorithm configurators, such as ReACTR, are able to tune a solver online without incurring costly offline training. In order to do this ReACTR adopts a one-pass methodology where each instance in a stream of instances to be solved is considered only as it arrives. As such, the order in which instances are visited can affect the quality of the tuned parameters and, as a result, the solving time. ReACTR uses a selection procedure to choose multiple configurations to run from a set of possible candidates. These configurations are then run in parallel on each instance. A winner, which solves the problem quickest, or achieves the objective value, emerges. The information on this winner is then fed back into a ranking system which is used as part of the selection procedure and the cycle continues for all future instances. This paper explores both the effect of the instance ordering on configuration performance and which candidate selection policy is most effective in each case.