Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Long Noncoding MALAT-1 RNA Indicates a Poor Prognosis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Induces Migration and Tumor Growth

Introduction: The functions of large noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have remained elusive in many cases. Metastasis-Associated-in-Lung-Adenocarcinoma-Transcript-1 (MALAT-1) is an ncRNA that is highly expressed in several tumor types. Methods: Overexpression and RNA interference (RNAi) approaches were used for the analysis of the biological functions of MALAT-1 RNA. Tumor growth was studied in nude mice. For prognostic analysis, MALAT-1 RNA was detected on paraffin-embedded non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue probes (n = 352) using in situ hybridization. Results: MALAT-1 was highly expressed in several human NSCLC cell lines. MALAT-1 expression was regulated by an endogenous negative feedback loop. In A549 NSCLCs, RNAi-mediated suppression of MALAT-1 RNA suppressed migration and clonogenic growth. Forced expression of MALAT-1 in NIH 3T3 cells significantly increased migration. Upon injection into nude mice, NSCLC xenografts with decreased MALAT-1 expression were impaired in tumor formation and growth. In situ hybridization on paraffin-embedded lung cancer tissue probes revealed that high MALAT-1 RNA expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung was associated with a poor prognosis. On genetic level, MALAT-1 displays the strongest association with genes involved in cancer like cellular growth, movement, proliferation, signaling, and immune regulation. Conclusions: These data indicate that MALAT-1 expression levels are associated with patient survival and identify tumor-promoting functions of MALAT-1.
Changes in Plasma Mass-Spectral Profile in Course of Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Introduction: Our previous study showed that pretreatment serum or plasma Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry may predict clinical outcome of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In this study, plasma proteomic profiles of NSCLC patients were evaluated in the course of EGFR TKIs therapy. Materials and Methods: Plasma samples were collected at baseline, in the course of gefitinib therapy and at treatment withdrawal. Samples were analyzed by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. Acquired spectra were classified by the VeriStrat test into “good” and “poor” profiles. The association between VeriStrat classification and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and types of clinical progression, was analyzed. Results: Plasma samples from 111 NSCLC patients treated with gefitinib were processed. VeriStrat “good” classification at baseline correlated with longer PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.83; p = 0.005) and OS (HR, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.26–0.61; p < 0.0001), when compared with VeriStrat “poor. ” Multivariate analysis confirmed longer PFS (HR, 0.52; p = 0.025) and OS (HR, 0.44; p = 0.001) in patients classified as VeriStrat “good”, when VeriStrat was considered as a time-dependent variable. About one-third of baseline “good” classifications had changed to “poor” at the time of treatment withdrawal; progression in these patients was associated with the development of new lesions. Conclusions: Our findings support the role of VeriStrat in the assistance in treatment selection of NSCLC patients for EGFR TKI therapy and its potential utility in treatment monitoring.
Effect of hypoxia on the contractile response to KCl, prostaglandin F2α, and hemoglobin

✓ The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of hypoxia on the in vitro contractile responses of canine basilar artery to KCl, prostaglandin (PG) F2α, and hemoglobin. Hypoxia was induced by changing the bubbling gas mixture in the chamber from 95% O2/5% CO2 to 95% N2/5% CO2. Hypoxia augmented the contractile response developed at 95% O2 to 25 mM and 50 mM KCl, 3 × 10−7 M and 10−5 M PGF2α, and 10−6 M hemoglobin. No significant alteration of the hypoxic augmentation in any preparation exposed to 25 mM KCl, 3 × 10−7 M PGF2α, or 10−6 M hemoglobin was observed with guanethidine (10−5 M), prazosin (10−5 M), methysergide (10−5 M), or diphenhydramine (10−5 M). Endothelial denudation did not affect hypoxic augmentation. Hypoxia did not cause any alteration of the contractile response to 10−6 M PGF2α in Ca++-free media. Pretreatment with a calcium channel blocker, nicardipine, significantly inhibited the hypoxic potentiation of the contractile response to 25 mM KCl, 3 × 10−7 M PGF2α, and 10−6 M hemog.
6LoWPAN: a study on QoS security threats and countermeasures using intrusion detection system approach

Fuelled to bring the Internet of Things concept to real life, the Internet Engineering Task Force is working on 6LoWPAN, in which the standard allows a vast number of smart objects to be deployed in local wireless sensor networks (WSNs) using the huge address space of IPv6 for data and information harvesting through the Internet. From the security point of view, 6LoWPAN/WSN will be open to security threats from the local network itself and the Internet. Cryptography techniques applied as the front line of defence or deterrent can easily be broken because of the weak secure nature of LoWPAN devices and the wireless environment. Compromised nodes could lead to insider attacks without being detected by any cryptography checking. An intrusion detection system (IDS) is, primarily needed as a second line of defence to monitor the network operations and raise an alarm in case of any anomaly. This paper analyses potential security threats in 6LoWPAN and reviews the current countermeasures, in particular, the IDS‐based solutions for countering insider/internal threats. Additionally, it discovers three novel QoS‐related security threats, namely rank attack, local repair attack, and resource depleting attack, which are more seriously affecting the routing protocol for low‐power and lossy network, the routing protocol used to establish 6LoWPAN network topology. A new two‐layer IDS concept is introduced as a countermeasure method for securing the routing protocol for low‐power and lossy network‐built network topology from the internal QoS attacks. Potential research works are also presented to provide baseline reference to researchers in this field. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Novel Topology in Modular Ann Approach for Multi-Modal Concept Identification and Image Retrieval

Concept identification and automated image annotation helps to overcome the non-trivial issue of image retrieval. It is accomplished by decomposing the image at object level and extracting concepts from objects. Several applications like biometrics, geographical information systems, and automatic target recognition possess highly diffused feature vectors. Hence, a conventional Artificial Neural Network (ANN) fails to deliver truthful results. In this work, we have developed a modified back propagation algorithm and have proposed a novel topology in Modular Artificial Neural Network (MANN) to rectify the problem faced in concept identification. In this topology we have trained each module of ANN for one object in one verse all fashion and highly ranked output is taken as classified output. Our argument is supported by combined application of afore-mentioned algorithm and novel topology using MATLAB simulations on two different datasets.
Reliability of the Transverse Arch of the Forefoot as an Indicator of Foot Conditions

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the intraand inter-tester reliabilities of transverse arch length (TAL) standing position and lower leg maximum anterior tilting (LMAT) position. [Subjects] Eight subjects who were free from lower extremity injury at the time of testing and three testers participated in this study. [Methods] TAL was measured 3 times in each trial both in the standing position and the LMAT position. Three trial repetitions were performed at 1-hour intervals. Test–retest reliability was established using the ICC (1, k) model and data from the first to the third trials. Inter-tester reliability was established using the ICC (2, k) model and the averages of the first to third trials of each tester. [Results] In the standing position, intra-tester reliability was good or sufficient for use in a clinical setting. Inter-tester reliability was sufficient for use in a clinical setting. In the LMAT position, intra-tester reliability was excellent or sufficient for use in a clinical setting. Inter-tester reliability was good. [Conclusion] We suggest that it is possible to easily assess the flexibility of the transverse arch of the forefoot using the technique we describe here.
Improving Communication Near the End of Life

Research suggests that communication near the end of life is problematic. A literature review was conducted to identify barriers to optimal communication near the end of life and strategies to overcome them. Barriers include clinician beliefs, patient characteristics, American popular and medical cultures, and the health care system. Clinician and patient barriers can be addressed through education, advance planning, the inclusion of patients' family members, and individualizing care. Cultural and systems problems can be addressed through public as well as professional education, alternative models of care, and coalition building. Combined, these approaches can help improve communication near the end of life and ultimately improve care for the dying.
Blasenbildende Autoimmundermatosen. Teil 1: Klinik

Zusammenfassung Blasenbildende Autoimmundermatosen sind charakterisiert durch die Bildung von Autoantikörpern gegen Adhäsionsstrukturen der Haut, die zum Adhäsionsverlust innerhalb der Epidermis bzw. zwischen Epidermis und Dermis führt. Der Pemphigus vulgaris geht meist mit ausgeprägten Mundschleimhautläsionen einher, während beim Pemphigus foliaceus keine Schleimhautbeteiligung, sondern blätterteigartige Schuppenkrusten vorliegen. Der paraneoplastische Pemphigus ist obligat mit Tumorerkrankungen assoziiert und äußert sich klinisch häufig als hämorrhagische Stomatitis und akral betonte multiforme Exantheme. Beim IgA-Pemphigus finden sich vornehmlich Pusteln und anuläre Plaques. Die Pemphigoide mit subepidermalem Adhäsionsverlust zeigen sich klinisch in Form urtikarieller Plaques, praller Blasen oder pruriginöser Ekzeme. Das Pemphigoid gestationis tritt meist im letzten Trimenon einer Schwangerschaft auf, beim Schleimhautpemphigoid steht die Schleimhautbeteiligung an Mund und Konjunktiven mit narbiger Abheilung im Vordergrund. Die lineare IgA-Dermatose zeigt sich im Kindesalter mit „juwelenartig“ angeordneten prallen Blasen, im Erwachsenenalter liegt aber meist ein sehr heterogenes klinisches Erscheinungsbild vor. Bei der Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita zeigt sich eine ausgeprägte Hautfragilität. Die Dermatitis herpetiformis ist obligat mit einer glutensensitiven Enteropathie assoziiert und zeichnet sich klinisch durch starken Juckreiz mit Papulovesikeln an den Extremitätenstreckseiten und iliosakral aus. In dieser Übersicht soll das gesamte Spektrum der klinischen Manifestation der verschiedenen bullösen Autoimmundermatosen dargestellt werden.
Thymoma—A Clinico-Pathological Long-Term Study with Emphasis on Histology and Adjuvant Radiotherapy Dose

Introduction: To evaluate prognostic factors of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) with particular reference to histology and the dose–response relationship of adjuvant radiotherapy. Methods: Retrospective study with central pathological review on patients resected for TET between 1966 and 2004 at a single institution. Prognostic factors were identified using Cox regression analysis. Results: From 93 patients with TET, 33.3% relapsed and 47.3% died. Cause of death was known in 64% and attributed to TET in 25%. Myasthenia gravis was associated with superior disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Tumors smaller than 8.5 cm had a significantly better prognosis. With a median follow-up of 9.8 years actuarial OS at 5, 10, and 20 years were 96%, 92%, and 47% in stage I; 85%, 61%, and 53% in stage II; 72%, 39%, and 15% in stage III and IV. Advanced stage and incomplete resection had a negative impact on DFS and OS. According to histology (WHO type A, AB, B1; favorable; versus WHO type B2, B3; intermediate; versus thymic carcinoma, unfavorable) three prognostic groups were discernible. On multivariate analysis, tumor size, and stage emerged as prognostic factors, but neither histology nor myasthenia. Postoperative radiotherapy was administered in 27 patients (median dose 50.8 Gy). Doses in excess of 50 Gy were associated with significantly improved DFS and OS. Conclusions: Tumor stage, histology, complete resection, and tumor size had a significant impact on survival. Myasthenia may facilitate early detection and is correlated with superior survival. When postoperative radiotherapy is administered, doses above 50 Gy may improve outcome.
Elevated Expression of BIRC6 Protein in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancers is Associated with Cancer Recurrence and Chemoresistance

Introduction: Non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an aggressive, highly chemoresistant disease. Reliable prognostic assays and more effective treatments are critically required. BIRC6 (baculoviral inhibitors of apoptosis proteins repeat-containing 6) protein is a member of the inhibitors of apoptosis protein family thought to play an important role in the progression or chemoresistance of many cancers. In this study, we investigated whether BIRC6 expression can be used as a prognostic marker or potential therapeutic target for NSCLC. Methods: In a retrospective analysis, BIRC6 protein expression was determined for 78 resected primary NSCLCs and nine benign lung tissues. Twenty-nine chemoresistant or chemosensitive subrenal capsule NSCLC tissue xenografts were assessed for BIRC6 expression, using immunohistochemistry, and 13 of them for BIRC6 gene copy number, using array comparative genomic hybridization analysis. The effect of small interfering RNA–induced BIRC6 knockdown on the growth of human NSCLC cell cultures and apoptosis (in combination with cisplatin) was investigated. Results: Elevated BIRC6 protein expression in NSCLC tissues was associated with poor 3-year relapse-free patient survival, lymph node involvement, and advanced pathological tumor, node, metastasis stage. In patient-derived lung squamous cell carcinoma xenografts, chemoresistance was associated with elevated BIRC6 expression and increased gene copy number. Small interfering RNA–induced BIRC6 down-regulation inhibited growth of the NSCLC cells and sensitized the cells to cisplatin. Conclusions: BIRC6 may play an important role in the malignant progression and chemoresistance of NSCLC. Elevated BIRC6 protein expression may serve as a predictive marker for chemoresistance of NSCLCs and a poor prognostic factor for NSCLC patients. Down-regulation of the BIRC6 gene as a therapeutic approach may be effective, especially in combination with conventional chemotherapeutics.
Heterogeneity of Genetic Changes Associated with Acquired Crizotinib Resistance in ALK-Rearranged Lung Cancer

Background: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is markedly sensitive to the ALK inhibitor crizotinib. However, acquired resistance to crizotinib is inevitable through several mechanisms. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify genetic alterations associated with crizotinib resistance. Methods: Tumor samples were derived from seven ALK-positive NSCLC patients who showed acquired resistance to crizotinib, and these patients were analyzed for ALK, EGFR, and KRAS mutations and ALK and EGFR gene amplifications. In vitro cytotoxicity of crizotinib and ALK downstream signals were compared between crizotinib-naive and -resistant NSCLC cells. Results: After a median duration of 6 months (range, 4–12 months), seven ALK-positive NSCLC patients developed acquired resistance to crizotinib. Three patients harbored secondary ALK mutations, including one patient with both mutations: L1196M (n = 2) and G1269A (n = 2). Of note, one patient displayed ALK gene copy number gain (4.1-fold increase compared with the pre-crizotinib specimen) and EGFR L858R mutation with high polysomy. The amphiregulin concentration was high in the supernatant fluid from five patients with malignant pleural effusion (116.4–18934.0 pg/ml). SNU-2535 cells derived from a patient who harbored the G1269 mutation were resistant to crizotinib treatment similar to H3122 CR1 cells. L1196M and G1269A mutant clones were less sensitive to crizotinib and ALK downstream signals were ineffectively suppressed in these clones. Conclusions: Genetic changes associated with crizotinib resistance are heterogeneous in ALK-rearranged NSCLC patients who respond to crizotinib and subsequently develop resistance.
Chilli ingestion does not lead to macroscopic gastroduodenal mucosal damage in healthy subjects *

Thirty‐eight healthy subjects who had normal index endoscopies were re‐endoscoped following ingestion of 20 g of chilli powder with 400 ml of water, 600 mg aspirin BP with 400 ml of water or 400 ml of water only. There were good correlations between endoscopic scores given by two endoscopists who independently recorded their findings, as well as with scores given by a third observer viewing photographs taken at endoscopy. There were statistically significant differences between the aspirin group and the other two groups but not between the chilli and the control groups. Chilli ingestion, therefore, does not lead to macroscopic gastroduodenal mucosal damage.
Adolescent Time Use, Eating Habits, and Obesity

Abstract Rising obesity rates among Canadian adolescents have created concerns about population health and implications for the health care system. As part of the Ontario Adolescent Time Use Study (OATUS) 2001/03, 2,113 students aged 12 to 19 reported on time use, physical health, well-being, social relationships, and academic performance. Students were classified by Body Mass Index into weight categories of underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. Significant positive relationships were found between obesity and skipping breakfast, and watching television during family meals. Obese adolescents spent more time engaged in computer activities and watching television, and less time in physically active and social leisure. As well, they were bullied more frequently, reported having fewer friends, decreased popularity, and lower levels of self-worth. Normal weight adolescents reported significantly higher levels of self-assessed fitness, health, and had a more positive outlook for continued good health in the future. Normal weight teens also performed better academically and attributed greater importance to post-secondary education than obese teens.
Anti-IFNβ antibodies in IFNβ-treated MS patients

The Consortium of MS Centers organized a conference in London, England on May 16 and 17, 2003 titled “Anti-IFN Antibodies in IFN-treated MS Patients—Current Knowledge and Future Directions. ” The purpose of the meeting was to answer, based on the research literature and expert opinion, the following questions: 1. What is currently known about anti-interferon (IFN) antibodies and their effects on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with IFN therapies? 2. What are the tests available to detect antibodies; how accurate are they; and what is the best method for their detection in clinical care? 3. What are the research priorities in advancing our knowledge in this field? In an attempt to avoid, as much as possible, any potential bias from pharmaceutical companies, employees of pharmaceutical companies were not invited; the 33 participants were exclusively from academic institutions in Europe and Israel (13), Canada (5), and the United States (15). Participants were selected based on their contribution to the literature; all persons who had published in this field were invited. Additionally, representatives of large, academic MS programs actively involved in MS clinical research on IFNs were invited. The Consortium of MS Centers, which funded this conference, is a non-profit group, dedicated to improved care of MS patients. Prior to the conference, the Consortium mailed a packet containing research articles pertaining to this field to all participants, and the participants were informed of the above goals of the conference. The conference was chaired by Dr. Pachner and co-chaired by Dr. Giovannoni. In the last afternoon of the meeting, an audience response system was utilized to assess group opinion on a number of issues. Consensus statements are shown in the table. View this table: Table Consensus statements (>70% agreement) IFNβ injection into humans results in a complex series of cellular events, including the upregulation and downregulation of an …
Virtual Bronchoscopy Using OsiriX

Background:Although the utility of virtual bronchoscopy has been reported, the software for virtual bronchoscopy has not been popular because of the high cost. OsiriX is a reasonably priced software that is available to reconstruct virtual endoscopic images. Herein, we present the ability of OsiriX to enable virtual bronchoscopy. Methods:Computed tomography of the chest was performed using a 16-row multidetector. Data in 2 mm slices from one lung were obtained from 10 patients with a lung nodule. Virtual bronchoscopic images were established by OsiriX version 5.5 (32-bit). To examine the ability to visualize small bronchi, we tried to visualize the distal bronchus if possible. We selected B1a and B10c for the right lung and B1+2a and B10c for the left lung. In addition, to predict whether a pathologic diagnosis can successfully be made by transbronchial lung biopsy, we reconstructed virtual bronchoscopic images toward the lung nodule. Results:Bronchoscopic images were successfully reconstructed for all patients. The third to the seventh bronchi were visualized except in one patient whose right B10 was occluded by a tumor. In all patients, the virtual bronchoscopic path reached the lung nodule, and 5 lung nodules were successfully diagnosed by transbronchial biopsy. Conclusions:OsiriX is practicable for virtual bronchoscopy at a low cost.