Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ESTIMATES OF DERIVATIVES OF (LOG) DENSITIES AND RELATED OBJECTS

We estimate the density and its derivatives using a local polynomial approximation to the logarithm of an unknown density function f. The estimator is guaranteed to be non-negative and achieves the same optimal rate of convergence in the interior as on the boundary of the support of f. The estimator is therefore well-suited to applications in which non-negative density estimates are required, such as in semiparametric maximum likelihood estimation. In addition, we show that our estimator compares favorably with other kernel-based methods, both in terms of asymptotic performance and computational ease. Simulation results confirm that our method can perform similarly or better in finite samples compared to these alternative methods when they are used with optimal inputs, that is, an Epanechnikov kernel and optimally chosen bandwidth sequence. We provide code in several languages.
Human mesenchymal stem cells do not differentiate into cardiomyocytes in a cardiac ischemic xenomodel

AIM. As the capability of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) to engraft, differentiate and improve myocardial function cannot be studied in humans, exploration was performed in a xenomodel. METHODS. The rats were divided into three groups depending on the type of rats used (Rowett nude (RNU) or Fischer rats +/− immunosuppression). Different groups were treated with intramyocardial injection of hMSC (1–2 million) either directly or three days after ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Myocardial function was investigated by echocardiography. The hMSC were identified with fluorescence in situ hybridization and myocardial differentiation was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS. When hMSC were injected directly after LAD ligation they could be identified in half (8/16) of the RNU rats (without immunosuppression) at 4 weeks. When injected 3 days after LAD ligation in immunosuppressed RNU rats they were identified in all (6/6) rats at 6 weeks. The surviving hMSC showed signs of differentiation into fibroblasts. No cardiomyocyte differentiation was observed. There was no difference in myocardial function in treated animals compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS. The hMSC survived in this xenomodel up to 6 weeks. However, hMSC required implantation into immunoincompetent animals as well as immunosuppression to survive, indicating that these cells are otherwise rejected. Furthermore, these cells did not differentiate into cardiomyocytes nor did they improve heart function in this xenomodel.
Phosphorylation of Microtubule-associated Proteins MAP2 and MAP4 by the Protein Kinase p110

The phosphorylation of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) is thought to be a key factor in the regulation of microtubule stability. We have shown recently that a novel protein kinase, termed p110 microtubule-affinity regulating kinase (“MARK”), phosphorylates microtubule-associated protein tau at the KXGS motifs in the region of internal repeats and causes the detachment of tau from microtubules (Drewes, G., Trinczek, B., Illenberger, S., Biernat, J., Schmitt-Ulms, G., Meyer, H. E., Mandelkow, E.-M., and Mandelkow, E.(1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 7679-7688). Here we show that p110 phosphorylates analogous KXGS sites in the microtubule binding domains of the neuronal MAP2 and the ubiquitous MAP4. Phosphorylation in vitro leads to the dissociation of MAP2 and MAP4 from microtubules and to a pronounced increase in dynamic instability. Thus the phosphorylation of the repeated motifs in the microtubule binding domains of MAPs by p110 might provide a mechanism for the regulation of microtubule dynamics in cells.
Supernumerary ring chromosome in a Bednar tumor (pigmented dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans) is composed of interspersed sequences from chromosomes 17 and 22: A fluorescence in situ hybridization and comparative genomic hybridization analysis

Cytogenetic analysis of Bednar tumor (pigmented dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans) has not been reported previously. Here, we report the identification of a supernumerary ring chromosome in a Bednar tumor by chromosome painting with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Chromosome painting with FISH demonstrated that the supernumerary ring chromosome was composed of discontinuous, interwoven sequences from chromosomes 17 and 22. Amplification of chromosomes 17 and 22 sequences was confirmed by CGH. These results indicate that Bednar tumor and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans are characterized by the same chromosomal features. To our knowledge, this is the first report that the ring chromosome in Bednar tumor is composed of amplified material from chromosomes 17 and 22. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An open label clinical trial of thalidomide in NSAIDs refractory ankylosing spondylitis

Minhaj Rahim Choudhury, M. Masudul Hassan , M. Ekramul Kabir, M. Golam Rabbani, Syed Atiqul Haq and Md. Kasedur Rahman Department of Rheumatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Department of Medicine, Kurmitola General Hospital, Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Department of Statistics, Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh; United General Hospital, Tongi, Bangladesh
Digestive system complications among hospitalized children with sickle cell anaemia in Enugu , Nigeria

DISCLOSURES: NONE ABSTRACT Background: Sickle cell anaemia is a multi-systemic disease with variable clinical manifestations including those involving the digestive system. There is paucity of data on the digestive system complications of sickle cell anaemia in children in our setting. Objective: To determine the pattern of digestive system complications among hospitalized children with sickle cell anaemia in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria. Methodology: A 7-year retrospective observational study of cases of digestive system complications among hospitalized children with sickle cell anaemia was carried out. Relevant clinical data including sociodemographic characteristics, digestive system complications diagnosed, definitive investigations applied, treatment given and possible outcomes were extracted from the case record files of selected cases using a semistructured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY 2012) while the level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: There were 350 children with sickle cell anaemia attending the sickle cell clinic out of which 33 had serious digestive system complications requiring hospitalizations during the period under review. Their mean age was 9.1±4.8years (9months to 18years). Nearly half, 16(48.5%) of the affected children were of low socio-economic background. Acute abdominal crisis, which was found in 12(36.4%) of cases was the most common complication, while cholelithiasis was the least common complication, occurring in one (3.3%) of the cases studied. Conclusion: Acute abdominal crisis is the most common digestive system complication in children with sickle cell anaemia in our setting. Efforts should be made to exclude other potential causes of acute abdomen which may require surgical intervention in children with sickle cell anaemia. History taking, diligent physical examination and relevant laboratory and imaging studies, would readily facilitate the diagnosis, and save lives.
AN ANALYSIS OF INTEGRATIVE OUTCOMES IN THE DAYTON PEACE NEGOTIATIONS

The nature of the negotiated outcomes of the eight issues of the Dayton Peace Agreement was studied in terms of their integrative and distributive aspects. In cases where integrative elements were found, further analysis was conducted by concentrating on Pruitt's five types of integrative solutions: expanding the pie, cost cutting, non‐specific compensation, logrolling, and bridging. The results showed that real world international negotiations can arrive at integrative agreements even when they involve redistribution of resources (in this case the redistribution of former Yugoslavia). Another conclusion was that an agreement can consist of several distributive outcomes and several integrative outcomes produced by different kinds of mechanisms. Similarly, in single issues more than one mechanism can be used simultaneously. Some distributive bargaining was needed in order to determine how much compensation was required. Finally, each integrative formula had some distributive aspects as well.
Antiproliferative and angiostatic activity of suramin analogues.

Suramin, a polyanionic naphthylurea, represents a novel class of antineoplastic drugs with a variety of activities against tumor cell proliferation. However, its clinical use is hampered by serious toxicity. To gain more insight into structure-activity relationships of suramin, we investigated the antiproliferative action of suramin and 19 suramin analogues in vitro using 5 different human cell lines (HT29, MCF7, SW13, PC3, and T47D). In addition, for seven analogues the angiostatic potential with and without hydrocortisone was assessed using a modified chorioallantois membrane assay. Only the symmetric compounds exhibited antiproliferative action in vitro; several analogues were more active than suramin (e.g., NF031, NF037, NF326). Suramin analogues with six sulfonic acid groups showed a wide range of activity in HT29 cells (IC50 = 43-390 microM), indicating that besides the polyanionic feature, other structural elements are important (e.g., stiffness of the bridge between the two terminal naphthyl rings). Some of the smaller ureas with only four sulfonic acid groups retained significant antiproliferative activity. Compounds active in cell lines also inhibited angiogenesis in the chorioallantois membrane assay, suggesting a similar mode of action. Hydrocortisone increased the angiostatic effect of most but not all of the screened suramin analogues. These findings may guide the use of suramin analogues for improved antitumor therapy in vivo.
Facteurs déterminants le regret après ligature tubaire

Introduction La ligature tubaire peut générer regret. Le but de cette étude est d’étudier le vécu après la stérilisation ainsi que le regret et ses facteurs de risque. Méthodes Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective chez 52 femmes stérilisées entre 2004 et 2010. Résultats Vingt cinq (48%) femmes avaient regretté la réalisation de la ligature tubaire. La moyenne d’âge était de 40,5 ans. Le temps consacré aux explications était très court dans tous les cas. Trois quart des femmes n’était pas au courant des complications de la ligature tubaire. Le regret était dû au facteur religieux (23%), aux algies pelviennes (11,5%), au désir d'autres enfants (9,6%) ou à la prise de connaissance d'autres moyens contraceptifs (3,9%). Conclusion Un certains nombre de facteurs de risque de regret de la ligature tubaire sont retrouvés dans la littérature, comme dans notre série, dont l’âge, le désir de procréer, l'information incomplète, le délai de réflexion et le facteur religieux.
Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as a pancreatic mass by computed tomography scan and mimicking a primary neuroendocrine tumor: A potential pitfall in aspiration cytology

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant neoplasm, often presenting at late stage and portending a poor prognosis for the patient. The peripancreatic fat is a rare site of extrahepatic metastasis, and metastatic HCC can mimic primary pancreatic neoplasms, even in this location. It is crucial to be aware of this pitfall in the evaluation of aspiration cytology of pancreatic neoplasms and to develop a strategy to reach the correct diagnosis. We present an endoscopic ultrasound fine‐needle aspiration diagnosis of metastatic HCC presenting as a pancreatic mass radiologically that had neuroendocrine features on various cytological and histological preparations. The metastatic lesions were located surgically in the peripancreatic adipose tissue with involvement of one peripancreatic lymph node. This case illustrates the utility of FNA for diagnosing uncommon presentations of HCC and the importance of clinical history, cell block, and an immunocytochemical panel in determining the origin of the tumor. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Availability and consumption of fruits and vegetables in nine regions of Ethiopia with special emphasis to vitamin A deficiency

Background: Vegetables and fruits are the main sources of a number of essential micronutrients, and therefore, information on availability and consumption of vegetables/fruits is vital in designing sustainable interventions to prevent micronutrient deficiencies, particularly that of vitamin A deficiency. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess availability and consumption of fruits and vegetables in Ethiopia. Methods: Employing, multistage cluster sampling approach, a sample of 2552 households in nine administrative regions were interviewed on availability and consumption practice of vegetables and fruits. Results: In aggregate, 41.5% and 75.5% of households did not produce/cultivate any of the common vegetables and fruits over the year preceding the survey, respectively. The proportion of households who did not produce/cultivate vegetables was high in Addis Ababa (99.7%), Afar (94.9%), Dire Dawa (94.2%) and Tigray (86.4%). The proportion of households who did not produce/cultivate fruits was highest in Addis Ababa (100%), followed in Dire Dawa (95.3%), Afar (92.9%), Tigray (92.2%), Harari (83.3%) and Oromiya (81.8%). In the overall, 38.1% and 36.5% of the children studied did not eat vegetable and fruit in the week preceding the survey, respectively. Own production of fruits and vegetables was significantly better (p 4000μg/100gm), spinach, mango and papaya contain moderate amounts (500-800μg/100gm), while staple foods contain no or negligible amounts. Conclusions: Cultivation and consumption of vegetables and fruits is extremely sub-optimal in Ethiopia, calling for strengthened efforts to promote production and consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Preventing trafficking in women and children in Asia: issues and options.

This article discusses the issues and options in the prevention of trafficking of women and children in Asia. Studies revealed a higher prevalence of trafficking in Asian countries such as Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Cambodia, and Thailand. This is due to a huge population, growing urbanization, and poverty. Several programs by the government and nongovernmental organizations have been developed to address the trafficking problem. In Nepal, the Maiti program was organized to help trafficking victims return to their home country, while occupational alternatives and awareness campaigns were organized for young women vulnerable to trafficking. In Thailand, greater penalties were imposed to customers as compared to the sellers so as to discourage the continuance and decrease the prevalence of trafficking. Other strategies have also been identified, such as prosecution of procurers, community awareness through campaigns, poverty alleviation, and gender equalization to address the trafficking problem.
Interaction with nucleic acids and stimulation of the viral DNA polymerase by the herpes simplex virus type 1 major DNA-binding protein

The interaction of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) major DNA-binding protein, infected-cell polypeptide 8 (ICP8), with nucleic acids has been examined by a filter-binding assay and electron microscopy. Filter-binding assays done over a broad pH range indicated that the optimum pH for the protein-DNA interaction is approximately 7.6. Heat inactivation studies showed that ICP8 is stable at temperatures up to 40 degrees C with a rapid loss of binding activity on incubation at 45 degrees C and above. Competition binding experiments have established the following relative affinities of ICP8 for the following nucleic acids: single-stranded HSV-1 DNA congruent to bacteriophage fd DNA greater than polyriboadenylate much greater than double-stranded HSV-1 DNA congruent to d(pCpT)5. Observation of negatively stained ICP8-single-stranded DNA complexes indicated that ICP8 binds along the length of the DNA in a regular repeating fashion. The average width of these complexes is 9.3 +/- 0.8 nms. Finally. Finally, addition of purified ICP8 to HSV-1 DNA polymerase reactions resulted in a stimulation of the viral polymerase activity.
Separable 2D dyadic wavelet and its applications in contour detection of handwriting

Separable 2D dyadic wavelets can be constructed by one dimensional dyadic wavelet, which have been done by some researchers but they are not constructed in a uniform way. A general rule they abide by is stated in this paper. This paper further investigates application of a 2D dyadic wavelet in contour detection of handwriting, where traditional modulus maxima method is discussed, and a new connecting method of step-structure edge points is suggested. Some test examples are given.
NAD ( P ) H : Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 ( NQO 1 ) C 609 T Gene Polymorphism Association with Digestive Tract Cancer : A Meta-analysis

Digestive tract cancers are the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with three million new cases each year (Parkin et al., 2005; Kanavos, 2006), of which Esophageal carcinoma is the sixth leading cause of cancer death in the world (Enzinger et al., 2003), Gastric cancer is the fourth commonest cancer and the second commonest cause of cancer death, globally (Ferlay et al., 2008), colorectal cancer is also the third most common cancer in males and the second in females (Jemal et al., 2011). Despite advances in surgery and chemotherapy, it still has a higher mortality rates. The mechanism of DTC is still unclear. The carcinogenesis of DTC is a complex, multifactorial, and multistep event, in which many factors are implicated, such as genetic factors, cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol drinking, and poor dietary pattern (Compare et al., 2010). Except for these shared risk factors, different primary sites of DTC cancers have different risk factors and thus different etiologies. For example, Helicobacter pylori infection is involved in gastric cancer (Asombang et al., 2012), Barrett’s esophagus is a key risk factor for
ANALISIS DE METALES PESADOS EN LAS AGUAS RESIDUALES DEL RIO SAN JAVIER Y REPERCUSION EN LA SALUD E IMPACTO AMBIENTAL

En este trabajo se ha empleado la Espectroscopia de Absorcion Atomica, la cual es una tecnica muy empleada en el estudio cuantitativo de casi todos los elementos de la tabla periodica. Para este caso, especificamente en la determinacion de metales pesados en aguas residuales (cromo y plomo) del Rio San Javier. Se determino que el metal en mayor concentracion es el cromo; se conoce que la toxicidad del cromo produce efectos especificos a nivel celular, ya que pueden existir interacciones entre el metal y los sistemas enzimaticos, membranas celulares, organelos y sobre el metabolismo celular en general. Con estos datos obtenidos se puede decir que las descargas de agua residual provenientes de los afluentes que se descargan en el Rio San Javier no cumplen con los limites permisibles de caracteristicas quimicas propuestos por la Comision Nacional del Agua y por lo tanto representan un riesgo para el medio ambiente.
Hyalinizing Trabecular Tumor of the Thyroid: A Variant of Papillary Carcinoma Proved By Molecular Genetics

Hyalinizing trabecular tumors of the thyroid are interesting but uncommon neoplasms. They have been classified as benign hyalinizing trabecular adenomas or malignant hyalinizing trabecular carcinomas. They share both epidemiologic and morphologic features with papillary carcinoma, and there has been much speculation about the relationship between these two entities. Because RET/PTC gene rearrangements are specific to papillary thyroid carcinoma, the authors examined the presence of RET/PTC-1, -2, and -3 in eight hyalinizing trabecular tumors using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction with Southern hybridization and immunohistochemistry. They detected the presence of a RET/PTC gene rearrangement in six of the eight hyalinizing trabecular tumors. This confirms the long-standing suspicion that hyalinizing trabecular tumors do indeed represent a morphologic variant of papillary carcinoma.
CYP2A6 IS A PRINCIPAL ENZYME INVOLVED IN HYDROXYLATION OF 1,7-DIMETHYLXANTHINE, A MAIN CAFFEINE METABOLITE, IN HUMANS

In a caffeine test previously performed with healthy Japanese volunteers, we found that the CYP1A2 index defined as urinary {5-acetylamino-6-amine-3-methyluracil (AAMU) + 1-methylxanthine (1X) + 1-methyluric acid (1U)}/1,7-dimethyluric acid (17U) was affected by the whole deleted allele of CYP2A6 (CYP2A6*4). Since the high value of the CYP1A2 index could be caused by a low urinary concentration of 17U, we postulated that CYP2A6 was responsible for the 1,7-dimethylxanthine (17X) metabolism to generate 17U (17X 8-hydroxylation). Thus, the role of CYP2A6 in the 17X 8-hydroxylation was fully examined in the present study. Among 10 isoforms of human cytochrome P450 (CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP3A4, or CYP3A5) expressed in Escherichia coli cells, CYP2A6 and CYP1A2 showed high catalytic activities for the 17X 8-hydroxylation. The 17X 8-hydroxylase activities significantly associated with coumarin 7-hydroxylase activities (r = 0.67, p < 0.01) in liver microsomes from 17 individuals, but not with ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activities. Tranylcypromine, an inhibitor of CYP2A6, reduced the 17X 8-hydroxylase activities of human liver microsomes. The 17X 8-hydroxylase activities of CYP2A6.7, CYP2A6.10, and CYP2A6.11 expressed in E. coli cells were 12, 13, and 22% of that of CYP2A6.1, respectively. The 17X 8-hydroxylase activities were found to be low in liver microsomes from individuals possessing the deletion or mutations in the CYP2A6 gene. Based on these data, we conclude that CYP2A6 is a main 17X 8-hydroxylase and that the catalytic activities for the 17X 8-hydroxylation are reduced by the genetic polymorphisms of the CYP2A6 gene.
The Legionella pneumophila GIG operon responds to gold and copper in planktonic and biofilm cultures

Legionella pneumophila contaminates man-made water systems and creates numerous exposure risks for Legionnaires’ Disease. Because copper/silver ionization is commonly used to control L. pneumophila, its mechanisms of metal response and detoxification are of significant interest. Here we describe an L. pneumophila operon with significant similarity to the GIG operon of Cupriavidus metallidurans. The Legionella GIG operon is present in a subset of strains and has been acquired as part of the ICE-βox 65-kB integrative conjugative element. We assessed GIG promoter activity following exposure of L. pneumophila to multiple concentrations of HAuCl4, CuSO4 and AgNO3. At 37°C, control stationary phase cultures exhibited GIG promoter activity. This activity increased significantly in response to 20 and 50uM HAuCl4 and CuSO4 but not in response to AgNO3. Conversely, at 26°C, cultures exhibited decreased promoter response to copper. GIG promoter activity was also induced by HAuCl4 or CuSO4 during early biofilm establishment at both temperatures. When an L. pneumophila GIG promoter construct was transformed into E. coli DH5α, cultures showed baseline expression levels that did not increase following metal addition. Analysis of L. pneumophila transcriptional regulatory mutants suggested that GIG up-regulation in the presence of metal ions may be influenced by the stationary phase sigma factor, RpoS.