Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incidence of occult rectal prolapse in patients with clinical rectoceles and defecatory dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of occult rectal prolapse (rectal intussusception) by defecating proctography in patients with clinical rectoceles and defecatory dysfunction. STUDY DESIGN Patients who were seen from September 2000 through August 2001 with defecatory dysfunction and clinical rectoceles underwent single contrast defecating proctography. Radiologists who specialized in gastrointestinal fluoroscopy interpreted the results, which were retrieved from a computerized database. Study Design: Sixty patients who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Twenty patients (33%) had intussusception; 58 patients (97%) had rectocele; 1 patient (1.7%) had sigmoidocele, and 6 patients (10%) had anismus (paradoxic contraction of the puborectalis). RESULTS All but 1 case of intussusception was associated with a rectocele radiographically. Anismus was associated with rectoceles radiographically, except in 1 patient for whom it was the sole finding. CONCLUSION The data suggest a 33% incidence of occult rectal prolapse in patients with clinical rectoceles and defecatory dysfunction. This is highly clinically significant because one third of patients who are examined for defecatory dysfunction and rectocele may require sigmoid resection rectopexy along with other reconstructive procedures to restore pelvic floor function and prevent symptomatic recurrence.
A project-problem based learning approach for appreciating ancient cultural heritage through technologies: Realizing mystical buildings in Dunhuang Mural

This paper reports a project-problem based learning approach for motivating technically skilled students to learn and appreciate cultural heritage, a discipline which is unrelated to their own majors. A group of undergraduate students participated in this pilot project. They were placed in an interdisciplinary environment, instructed to apply 3D design and 3D printing technologies to realize ancient drawings of buildings found in the Dunhuang Mural from the Tang Dynasty, China (618–907 AD). Self-learning and peer-learning pedagogies were adopted in the project, they guided students to overcome the challenges and attain the project outcomes. All participants had successfully completed the assigned tasks and their achievements were recognized in a public exhibition. From the qualitative and quantitative feedbacks, participants reported statistically significant improvement in their perceptions of learning and appreciating cultural heritage through the project. It also revealed that peer-learning was essential for them to complete the 3D designs, while self-learning was adopted in learning cultural heritage knowledge.
Tumor antigen glycosaminoglycan modification regulates antibody-drug conjugate delivery and cytotoxicity

Aggressive cancers are characterized by hypoxia, which is a key driver of tumor development and treatment resistance. Proteins specifically expressed in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment thus represent interesting candidates for targeted drug delivery strategies. Carbonic anhydrase (CAIX) has been identified as an attractive treatment target as it is highly hypoxia specific and expressed at the cell-surface to promote cancer cell aggressiveness. Here, we find that cancer cell internalization of CAIX is negatively regulated by post-translational modification with chondroitin or heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains. We show that perturbed glycosaminoglycan modification results in increased CAIX endocytosis. We hypothesized that perturbation of CAIX glycosaminoglycan conjugation may provide opportunities for enhanced drug delivery to hypoxic tumor cells. In support of this concept, pharmacological inhibition of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis with xylosides significantly potentiated the internalization and cytotoxic activity of an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeted at CAIX. Moreover, cells expressing glycosaminoglycan-deficient CAIX were significantly more sensitive to ADC treatment as compared with cells expressing wild-type CAIX. We find that inhibition of CAIX endocytosis is associated with an increased localization of glycosaminoglycan-conjugated CAIX in membrane lipid raft domains stabilized by caveolin-1 clusters. The association of CAIX with caveolin-1 was partially attenuated by acidosis, i.e. another important feature of malignant tumors. Accordingly, we found increased internalization of CAIX at acidic conditions. These findings provide first evidence that intracellular drug delivery at pathophysiological conditions of malignant tumors can be attenuated by tumor antigen glycosaminoglycan modification, which is of conceptual importance in the future development of targeted cancer treatments.
Identification of Two Novel Components of the Human NDC80 Kinetochore Complex*[boxs]

Proper kinetochore function is essential for the accurate segregation of chromosomes during mitosis. Kinetochores provide the attachment sites for spindle microtubules and are required for the alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate (chromosome congression). Components of the conserved NDC80 complex are required for chromosome congression, and their disruption results in mitotic arrest accompanied by multiple spindle aberrations. To better understand the function of the NDC80 complex, we have identified two novel subunits of the human NDC80 complex, termed human SPC25 (hSPC25) and human SPC24 (hSPC24), using an immunoaffinity approach. hSPC25 interacted with HEC1 (human homolog of yeast Ndc80) throughout the cell cycle and localized to kinetochores during mitosis. RNA interference-mediated depletion of hSPC25 in HeLa cells caused aberrant mitosis, followed by cell death, a phenotype similar to that of cells depleted of HEC1. Loss of hSPC25 also caused multiple spindle aberrations, including elongated, multipolar, and fractured spindles. In the absence of hSPC25, MAD1 and HEC1 failed to localize to kinetochores during mitosis, whereas the kinetochore localization of BUB1 and BUBR1 was largely unaffected. Interestingly, the kinetochore localization of MAD1 in cells with a compromised NDC80 function was restored upon microtubule depolymerization. Thus, hSPC25 is an essential kinetochore component that plays a significant role in proper execution of mitotic events.
SOBREPESO E OBESIDADE EM ALUNOS DE 6-10 ANOS DE ESCOLA ESTADUAL DE UMUARAMA/PR

A obesidade e o sobrepeso vem crescendo de forma acentuada, principalmente na infância e na adolescencia, tornando-se um grave problema de saude publica. A obesidade infantil esta crescendo acentuadamente em varios paises incluindo o Brasil, sendo importante fator de risco para o desenvolvimento das doencas cardiovasculares na vida adulta. O acumulo de tecido adiposo, sobretudo abdominal, e fundamental para o desencadeamento da sindrome metabolica (SM). Objetivou-se identificar o perfil antropometrico e os fatores predisponentes da SM. Foi realizado um questionario, estudos antropometrico e nutricional de criancas de 6-10 anos de escola estadual de Umuarama/PR. Foi estudado um total de 226 criancas com media das idades de 8,68 anos, sendo a maioria meninas na faixa de 9 anos. Avaliou-se sobrepeso e obesidade entre as criancas de ambos os sexos, bem como a deficiencia de atividade fisica e habitos alimentares pouco saudaveis, favorecendo o aumento do IMC e score Z das criancas. Sendo assim, torna-se importante maior incentivo na qualidade e quantidade na atividade fisica e tambem orientacoes relacionadas a alimentacao saudavel, prevenido que essas criancas se tornem adultos obesos, diminuindo os riscos de desenvolverem a SM, alem de evitar os problemas psicologicos gerados pela discriminacao relacionada com o excesso de peso, que podem gerar ansiedade, depressao e ate mesmo o isolamento social. Fica claro que o envolvimento familiar, juntamente com a escola torna-se essencial para o exito da prevencao e tratamento da obesidade.
On the average codeword-capacity optimality of chaos-based asynchronous DS-CDMA

The ultimate limits of chaos-based asynchronous DS-CDMA communication is assessed in terms of Shannon capacity for two classes of maps yielding exponentially decaying autocorrelation of the spreading sequences. Detailed analytical computation performed in the classical two-users system show that, for any possible choice of the spreading factor, a suitable chaotic map exists which generates sequences maximizing capacity in terms of number of averaged codewords per pair of system use. Moreover, when the spreading factor grows to infinity, such an optimal map is characterized by an autocorrelation decay with rate r=-2+/spl radic/3, similarly to what was found in the simple case of correlation receivers.
EVALUACIÓN DEL EFECTO ANTINOCICEPTIVO DE BIDENTS ODORATA

Introduccion: Bidents odorata es una planta medicinal originaria de Mexico y Guatemala comunmente conocida como “Aceitilla”, es usada para el tratamiento de diarrea y diuretico. Sin embargo, aun no se han estudiado los efectos antinflamatorios y antinociceptivos de Bidents odorata. Metodologia: Se utilizaron ratones de la cepa BALB/c. El efecto antiinflamatorio se evaluo en el modelo de edema auricular inducido por una aplicacion de 13-acetato de 12-O-tetradecanoilforbol (TPA); se uso Indometacina como control positivo. El efecto antinociceptivo del extracto etanolico de Bidents odorata se evaluo con los modelos de acido acetico y formalina (50, 100 y 200 mg/kg); se utilizo Naproxeno como control positivo. Para determinar las diferencias entre los resultados se utilizo un ANOVA seguido de una prueba Dunnett. Resultados: El extracto etanolico de Bidents odorata redujo la inflamacion en el modelo de edema auricular inducido por una aplicacion de TPA al 30 %. El extracto etanolico de Bidents odorata mostro tener efecto antinociceptivo en el modelo de acido acetico y en el modelo de la formalina, con un efecto antinociceptivo del 30 al 60 % en los 2 modelos utilizados. Conclusiones: El extracto etanolico de Bidents odorata presento efecto antiinflamatorio y antinociceptivo en los modelos evaluados.
Alternative splicing in Drosophila neuronal development

Abstract Post-transcriptional pre-mRNA splicing has emerged as a critical step in the gene expression cascade greatly influencing diversification and spatiotemporal control of the proteome in many developmental processes. The percentage of genes targeted by alternative splicing (AS) is shown to be over 95% in humans and 60% in Drosophila. Therefore, it is evident that deregulation of this process underlies many genetic diseases. Among all tissues, the brain shows the highest transcriptome diversity, which is not surprising in view of the complex inter- and intracellular networks underlying the development of this organ. Reports of isoforms known to function at different steps during Drosophila nervous system development are rapidly increasing as well as knowledge on their regulation and function, highlighting the role of AS during neuronal development in Drosophila.
For Better or Worse: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Deterioration Among Participants Receiving Internet-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Objective: Psychological treatments can relieve mental distress and improve well-being, and the dissemination of evidence-based methods can help patients gain access to the right type of aid. Meanwhile, Internet-based cognitive–behavioral therapy (ICBT) has shown promising results for many psychiatric disorders. However, research on the potential for negative effects of psychological treatments has been lacking. Method: An individual patient data meta-analysis of 29 clinical trials of ICBT (N = 2,866) was performed using the Reliable Change Index for each primary outcome measures to distinguish deterioration rates among patients in treatment and control conditions. Statistical analyses of predictors were conducted using generalized linear mixed models. Missing data was handled by multiple imputation. Results: Deterioration rates were 122 (5.8%) in treatment and 130 (17.4%) in control conditions. Relative to receiving treatment, patients in a control condition had higher odds of deteriorating, odds ratios (ORs) = 3.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2.21, 4.34]. Clinical severity at pretreatment was related to lower odds, OR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.50, 0.77], and OR = 0.51, 95% CI [0.51, 0.80], for treatment and control conditions. In terms of sociodemographic variables, being in a relationship, OR = 0.58, 95% CI [0.35, 0.95], having at least a university degree, OR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.33, 0.88], and being older, OR = 0.78, 95% CI, [0.62, 0.98], were also associated with lower odds of deterioration, but only for patients assigned to a treatment condition. Conclusion: Deterioration among patients receiving ICBT or being in a control condition can occur and should be monitored by researchers to reverse and prevent a negative treatment trend.
Active Theater as a Complementary Therapy for Parkinson's Disease Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study

Most medical treatments of Parkinson's disease (PD) are aimed at the reduction of motor symptoms. However, even when motor improvements are evident, patients often report a deterioration of their daily lives. Thus, to achieve a global improvement in personal well-being, not only drugs, but also complementary therapies, such as physical exercise, occupational and speech therapy, and active music therapy, have been used. We hypothesized that theater could reduce clinical disability and improve the quality of life of PD patients (primary end points) more efficiently than other complementary therapies because (1) in order to impersonate a character, patients are forced to regain the control of their bodies; and (2) while being part of a group, patients have a high degree of social interaction. The need to regain the control of their bodies and their social functioning is very likely to deeply motivate patients. To assess this hypothesis, we ran a randomized, controlled, and single-blinded study that lasted 3 years, on 20 subjects affected by a moderate form of idiopathic PD, in stable treatment with L-dopa and L-dopa agonists, and without severe sensory deficits. Ten patients were randomly assigned to an active theater program (in which patients were required to participate), while the others underwent physiotherapy (control group), the most common nonpharmacological treatment for PD rehabilitation. Patients of both groups were evaluated at the beginning of each year, using five clinical rating scales (Unified ParkinsonParkinson'ss Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS], Schwab and England Scale, ParkinsonParkinson'ss Disease Quality of Life [PDQ39] Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale). The theater patients showed progressive improvements and, at the end of the third year, they showed significant improvements in all clinical scales. Conversely, the control patients did not exhibit significant ameliorations with time. Thus, the present study provides the first scientific evidence that active theater, coupled with conventional medical treatments, represents a valid complementary therapeutic intervention for PD treatment.
Role of Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 in Apoptosis and Cancer Therapy

TP53, encoding p53, is one of the most famous tumor suppressor genes. The majority of human cancers demonstrate the inactivation of the p53 pathway. Mutant p53 not only, no longer, functions as a tumor suppressor but can also exert tumor-promoting effects. The basic function of p53 is to respond to cellular stress. We here in this review article discusses about the recent advances in p53 research, mainly focusing on apoptosis and therapy for human cancer. Hence, this review aims to update the current related articles and provide a further understanding about such molecular changes relevant to trigger imbalances in the regulation of apoptosis in cancer.
Trade, the Damage from Alien Species, and the Effects of Protectionism Under Alternate Market Structures

We first construct three measures of the expected damage from the unintentional introduction of alien species into a country called Home. We then focus on four market structures. First, perfect competition prevails in both Home and Foreign, and Home is a small country. Second, the Home and the Foreign markets are both perfectly competitive, but Home is now a large country. Third, the exporter in Foreign is a monopolist and there are no import competing firms in Home. Finally, the Foreign exporter and the import competing firm in Home engage in Cournot competition. In all four scenarios, we analyze the impact of small and optimal Home tariffs on prices, exports, imports, the damage from alien species, and social welfare in Home. Inter alia, our analysis identifies conditions under which it makes sense to use trade policy (tariffs) to regulate invasive species and conditions under which it does not.
Efficient Multimedia Multicast Using Distributed Source Coding

We propose a system for real-time multimedia multicast over heterogeneous wireless-wireline networks. The encoded source is transmitted from the base station over the wireless radio link to numerous Internet servers. Each server performs distributed source coding (as quantization followed by Slepian-Wolf coding) by exploiting mutual correlation among packets received at different servers. The resulting packets are forwarded to the clients for joint decoding. We provide an algorithm for optimal nonuniform scalar quantizers design at the server side that minimizes the required rate under the decoder bit error rate constraint. For scalable multimedia codes, we develop joint source-channel coding scheme which combines error-protection at the base station and distributed source coding at the servers. Our experimental results show significant performance improvements over conventional solutions due to spatial diversity and distributed source coding gains.
Draft Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium ST1660/06, a Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Strain Isolated from a Diarrheic Patient

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is one of the most prevalent serovars of Salmonella that causes human gastroenteritis. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the S. Typhimurium multidrug-resistant strain ST1660/06. Comparative genomic analysis unveiled three strain-specific genomic islands that potentially confer the multidrug resistance and virulence of the strain.
Using GBrowse 2.0 to visualize and share next-generation sequence data

GBrowse is a mature web-based genome browser that is suitable for deployment on both public and private web sites. It supports most of genome browser features, including qualitative and quantitative (wiggle) tracks, track uploading, track sharing, interactive track configuration, semantic zooming and limited smooth track panning. As of version 2.0, GBrowse supports next-generation sequencing (NGS) data by providing for the direct display of SAM and BAM sequence alignment files. SAM/BAM tracks provide semantic zooming and support both local and remote data sources. This article provides step-by-step instructions for configuring GBrowse to display NGS data.
Outbreak of OXA-48-Positive Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates in France

ABSTRACT Seventeen Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates producing the OXA-48 carbapenemase, obtained from 10 patients hospitalized from April to June 2010, mostly in the medical intensive care unit of the Villeneuve-Saint-Georges Hospital in a suburb of Paris, France, were analyzed. Seven patients were infected, of whom five were treated at least with a carbapenem, and five patients died. Molecular analysis showed that the isolates belonged to a single clone that harbored a 70-kb plasmid carrying the blaOXA-48 gene and coproduced CTX-M-15 and TEM-1 β-lactamases. This is the first reported outbreak of OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae isolates in France.
Internet pajama

Internet Pajama is a novel application aimed at promoting physical closeness in remote communication between parent and child. A special pajama suit which is able to reproduce a hugging sensation is developed for the child. Parent is able to hug and physically interact with child by hugging a doll. Both pajama and doll are connected wirelessly to the Internet. Other features are incorporated to enhance the interaction and physical presence.
Deregulation of the G1 to S-Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoint Is Involved in the Pathogenesis of Human Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) displays complex karyotypes with numerical changes as well as structural abnormalities suggesting that several oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes may be implicated in the biology of OS. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible implication of the molecular alterations of the G1 to S-phase checkpoint genes in the pathogenesis of OS. We analyzed samples from 29 patients and found molecular alterations of the RB and TP53 genes in 6 (21%) and 3 (10%) cases, respectively. Homozygous deletion of the INK4A/ARF locus and methylation of INK4A was detected in 3 (10%) and 2 (7%) cases, respectively. CDK4 and MDM2 co-amplification was observed in 1 case (3%). Cyclin D3 is differentially expressed in a greater proportion than D1- and D2-type cyclins. Cytogenetically, all cases had complex karyotypes being especially significant the losses of the chromosomes 4, 13, and 17. As a whole, 11 of 29 (38%) analyzed OS presented alterations in some of the analyzed G1 to S-phase checkpoint genes. These alterations were more frequently present in adults (P = 0.032). All patients with genetic alterations in the G1/S-phase checkpoint died during their clinical follow-up, whereas more than 53% of the remaining cases were alive in this period (P = 0.007). Hence, in the pathogenesis of human OS, deregulation of the G1/S checkpoint genes, especially RB, TP53, and INK4/ARF locus, plays an important role and defines a subgroup of patients with a poor outcome.
Different Role of Cytokine Mediators in Septic Shock Related to Meningococcal Disease and Surgery/Polytrauma

So far, there has been a tendency towards a uniform concept of the role and kinetics of TNF and other cytokines in septic shock. However, our comparison of data from different groups of shock patients clearly demonstrates marked differences. On the one hand, the cytokine pattern in experimental septic shock and meningococcal disease has similarities which include early burst releases of TNF and IL-6. On the other hand, intensive care unit patients which includes patients with polytrauma, surgery, burns and other underlying diseases have a completely different pattern of appearance of TNF and IL-6 in the circulation. We have not been able to detect bioactive TNF in the circulation of these patients, whereas others have measured elevated levels of immunoreactive TNF. Bioactive IL-6 can be detected in serum; however, the levels are often fluctuating and there is no common pattern of appearance. These differences probably reflect differences in the release of endotoxin and the immunological status of the patients. TNF inhibitors and soluble TNF receptors probably play an important role. Experimental models for septic shock most commonly use administration of live bacteria or endotoxin to anesthesized healthy animals. This appears to be a good model for meningococcal disease, but not for intensive care unit patients.