Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induction of apoptosis by hinokitiol, a potent iron chelator, in teratocarcinoma F9 cells is mediated through the activation of caspase‐3

Abstract. Hinokitiol, a potent iron chelator, has been reported to induce differentiation in teratocarcinoma F9 cells with a reduction of viable cells. In this study, we examined the steps leading to eventual cell death by hinokitiol during differentiation. Hinokitiol induced DNA fragmentation of F9 cells in a concentration‐and time‐dependent manner. This effect was also observed in a cell‐free system using the nuclei from intact cells and the cytosols from hinokitiol‐treated cells. In contrast, hinokitiol methyl ether and hinokitiol‐‐Fe (III) complex, which are deficient in iron‐chelating activity, showed no DNA fragmentation activity in both cell culture and cell‐free systems. These results suggest that iron deprivation by hinokitiol may be involved in the induction of apoptosis of F9 cells. Caspase‐3, one of the key enzymes in the apoptotic cascade, was specifically activated by hinokitiol treatment, but not by the other two derivatives. In addition, its specific inhibitor, benzyloxycarbonyl‐Val‐Ala‐Asp‐fluoromethyl ketone, strongly blocked hinokitiol‐induced DNA fragmentation. These results indicate that iron deprivation by hinokitiol can induce apoptosis of F9 cells through the activation of caspase‐3.
Occupational Health Surveillance

Links [1] https://www.uoguelph.ca/hr/occupational-health-surveillance [2] https://www.uoguelph.ca/hr/occupational-health-surveillance-0 [3] https://www.uoguelph.ca/hr/occupational-health-surveillance-1 [4] https://www.uoguelph.ca/hr/occupational-health-surveillance-4 [5] https://www.uoguelph.ca/hr/occupational-health-surveillance-2 [6] https://www.uoguelph.ca/hr/occupational-health-surveillance-3 [7] https://www.uoguelph.ca/hr/diving-2 [8] mailto:ohw@uoguelph.ca
Molecular Specificities of R Factor-Determined Beta-Lactamases: Correlation with Plasmid Compatibility

Beta (β)-lactamases determined by 29 ampicillin resistance plasmids could be divided into two types. One, TEM-type, was very uniform with respect to substrate specificity but heterogeneous in absolute levels of β-lactamase activity. The TEM-type β-lactamase was determined by R factors of compatibility groups FII, Iα, Iε, N, C, A, T, W, P, L, and X, and by prophage φ Amp. The other type, characterized by the ability to hydrolyze oxacillin, was less common, showed lower absolute levels of activity, and was heterogeneous as regards substrate specificities. Oxacillin-hydrolyzing β-lactamases were determined by R factors of compatibility groups FI, Iα, N, C, and O.
Painful, purpuric plaques in a child with fever.

REPORT OF A CASE A previously healthy 4-year-old black girl was admitted to the hospital for fever, leg pain, and rash. The illness began 2 weeks earlier with rhinorrhea, spiking fevers, and a nonproductive cough. She was evaluated at another institution 5 days prior to admission for leg pain, fever, and a seizure. A viral syndrome was diagnosed and the seizure was attributed to the fever. Despite treatment with ibuprofen, the myalgias, arthralgias, and fever continued. Nausea, vomiting, and a painful rash developed 1 day prior to admission. There was no personal or family history of infections, bleeding disorders, or known exposure to anyone with a febrile illness. On physical examination, the child was febrile (temperature, 38.2°C) but alert and in no acute distress. Her neck was supple and results of the neurologic examination were normal. Her tonsils were red and swollen without exudate. There was nontender anterior and posterior
Identification and characterization of a peptide mimetic that may detect a species of disease-associated anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To test the feasibility of applying a mimetic (specific for a patient-derived prothrombotic anticardiolipin antibody [aCL]) to study the homologous, disease-associated aCL in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). METHODS We used the CL15 monoclonal aCL to screen 17 phage-display peptide libraries. Peptides (corresponding to recurrent peptide sequences) and their derivatives were synthesized and analyzed for binding to CL15 and for their abilities to inhibit CL15 from binding to cardiolipin. A peptide was chosen and used to study CL15-like IgG aCL in plasma samples from patients with APS, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but without APS, and normal healthy donors. RESULTS Library screening with CL15 yielded 4 recurrent peptide sequences. Analyses of peptides showed that peptide CL154C reacted with antibody CL15 and inhibited binding of CL15 to cardiolipin, indicating that peptide CL154C may be a peptide mimetic for the CL15 aCL. Initial studies with plasma samples revealed that CL154C-reactive IgG was present (positivity defined as the mean + 3 SD optical density of the 25 normal controls) in 15 of 21 APS patients and 1 of 12 SLE patients. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that it is feasible to develop a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for each immunologically and functionally distinct disease-associated aCL. Additional testing of CL154C with a larger number of APS patients and SLE patients, as well as identification of peptide mimetics for each distinct aCL, will reveal the diagnostic potential of CL154C and other mimetics in identifying patients with aCL who are at risk of developing life-threatening thrombosis.
Artificial bee colony algorithm for real estate portfolio optimization based on risk preference coefficient

Optimization of real estate portfolio is to select two or more different types of real estate for investment, and the previous models based on expected return-variance cannot meet the needs of the investors. Furthermore, the investors change their risk preference with the risk level. In this study, firstly, the semi-variance model of real estate investment portfolio based on risk preference coefficient was constructed. The return per unit of risk is the key factor to determine an investment decision. Secondly, artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC) was employed to solve the constructed model. Finally, a real-world case was analyzed to verify the performance of ABC. The result indicated that ABC could generate better solution than GA and it could be regarded as a useful approach for solving real estate portfolio problem.
Gate-all-around MOSFETs based on vertically stacked horizontal Si nanowires in a replacement metal gate process on bulk Si substrates

We report on gate-all-around (GAA) n- and p-MOSFETs made of 8-nm-diameter vertically stacked horizontal Si nanowires (NWs). We show that these devices, which were fabricated on bulk Si substrates using an industry-relevant replacement metal gate (RMG) process, have excellent short-channel characteristics (SS = 65 mV/dec, DIBL = 42 mV/V for LG = 24 nm) at performance levels comparable to finFET reference devices. The parasitic channels below the Si NWs were effectively suppressed by ground plane (GP) engineering.
Mise en correspondance multi-échelles

Cette article traite de la mise en correspondance de primitives de type point d'interet. Ces primitives sont extraites automatiquement de zones de l'image riches en information de luminance. Elles sont donc particulierement interessantes dans un contexte de mise en correspondance. Nous proposons ici une description locale et multi-echelles de ces primitives directement basee sur le signal de luminance. Cette description est invariante aux rotations et translations de l'image et tres robuste aux changements d'echelles. L'algorithme de mise en correspondance comprend 4 etapes : l'extraction des primitives, leurs caracterisation, la recherche des points semblables, et enfin le filtrage des couples errones.
Integrating Substance Use Disorder Services with Primary Care: The Experience in California

Abstract Integrating substance use disorder (SUD) services with primary care (PC) can improve access to SUD services for the 20.9 million Americans who need SUD treatment but do not receive it, and help prevent the onset of SUDs among the 68 million Americans who use psychoactive substances in a risky manner. We lay out the reasons for integrating SUD and PC services and then explore the models used and the experiences of providers as they have begun SUD/PC integration in California.
Eating disorders in males : a review

Eating disorders are stereotypically believed to be a white, female, middle class malady. There is not currently a widely-held awareness among health professionals that these conditions exist in males, although past research has estimated that between 5-10% of individuals presenting with eating disorders are male. Despite increased records of the incidence of both Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa in females over the last 50 years, the awareness of these disorders in males remains low. This has been attributed to bias and inaccuracy in diagnosis, stigma, and reluctance among males to seek treatment. This paper reviews the existing literature on males with eating disorders in an attempt to properly outline typical features that males may present with. These features are assessed within the context of generally accepted diagnostic criteria, and further the understanding of this phenomenon in males. Key words: Males, Eating disorders, Age of onset and presentation, Body dissatisfaction, Weight control, Comorbidity, Sexual orientation, Social class, Socio-cultural pressures, Family relationships South African Psychiatry Review Vol.8(2) 2005: 58-64
Até quando? Bullying na escola que prega a inclusão social

Não há quem não conheça casos de constrangimentos a que escolares são submetidos continuamente por seus colegas. Infelizmente o fenômeno bullying, termo inglês que significa intimidação, encontra-se mais disseminado do que se supõe. Numa investigação com 400 alunos de escolas públicas e particulares brasileiras, é comprovada a ocorrência de atos de violência física ou psicológica, intencionais e repetitivos, entre tais alunos. O estudo foi motivado pelas angustias e preocupações de escolas que sozinhas não têm conseguido resolver problemas de violência que se manifestam no seu interior. Quando entrevistadas com finalidades diagnósticas da situação que vivem, crianças e adolescentes apontam para o bullying como um problema sério que as atinge. No entanto, os dados mais significativos encontrados por essa investigação dizem respeito a uma questão que, propositalmente, fora inserida no questionário sobre bullying (baseado nos experimentos de Dan Olweus): crianças e adolescentes são menosprezados, humilhados ou zombados pelos próprios professores. Tal afirmação nos permite concluir que há ainda na escola uma lacuna quanto às formas pelas quais educadores de diferentes níveis escolares intervêm nos conflitos cotidianos, assim como pensam a formação moral de seus alunos. Palavras-chave: Bullying; Relação professor-aluno; Escola.
Quantitative Assessment of Diabetics with Various Degrees of Autonomic Neuropathy

In this study, we investigate the feasibility of using power spectral density (PSD) analysis and crosscorrelation function (CCF) analysis to assess the healthy subjects and diabetics with mild, moderate and severe autonomic neuropathy. Continuous cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) was measured using transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD), and continuous arterial blood pressure (ABP) was measured using Finapres device under supine, tilt-up and hyperventilation conditions. In PSD analysis, the results revealed that the autonomic nervous balance to normal subjects declined in trend from supine to hyperventilation in comparison with that of diabetics. The CCF analysis of mean ABP (MABP) and mean CBFV (MCBFV) for each group of patients was calculated in three frequency bands, i.e., very low frequency (VLF), low frequency (LF), and high frequency (HF). The maximum peak value of CCF (Max CCF) and its corresponding standard deviation and time lag were obtained. Max CCF values at LF of normal subjects and patients with diabetes without autonomic neuropathy in both supine and tilt-up positions were significantly larger than that of diabetics with autonomic neuropathy. Max CCF values gradually increased in hyperventilation at VLF from normal subjects to diabetics without autonomic neuropathy, diabetics with mild autonomic neuropathy, and diabetics with severe autonomic neuropathy.
Lysyl oxidase activity contributes to collagen stabilization during liver fibrosis progression and limits spontaneous fibrosis reversal in mice

Collagen stabilization through irreversible cross‐linking is thought to promote hepatic fibrosis progression and limit its reversibility. However, the mechanism of this process remains poorly defined. We studied the functional contribution of lysyl oxidase (LOX) to collagen stabilization and hepatic fibrosis progression/reversal in vivo using chronic administration of irreversible LOX inhibitor β‐aminopropionitrile (BAPN, or vehicle as control) in C57Bl/6J mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced fibrosis. Fibrotic matrix stability was directly assessed using a stepwise collagen extraction assay and fibrotic septae morphometry. Liver cells and fibrosis were studied by histologic, biochemical methods and quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription PCR. During fibrosis progression, BAPN administration suppressed accumulation of cross‐linked collagens, and fibrotic septae showed widening and collagen fibrils splitting, reminiscent of remodeling signs observed during fibrosis reversal. LOX inhibition attenuated hepatic stellate cell activation markers and promoted F4/80‐positive scar‐associated macrophage infiltration without an increase in liver injury. In reversal experiments, BAPN‐treated fibrotic mice demonstrated accelerated fibrosis reversal after CCl4 withdrawal. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that LOX contributes significantly to collagen stabilization in liver fibrosis, promotes fibrogenic activation of attenuated hepatic stellate cells, and limits fibrosis reversal. Our data support the concept of pharmacologic targeting of LOX pathway to inhibit liver fibrosis and promote its resolution. —Liu, S. B. , Ikenaga, N. , Peng, Z. ‐W. , Sverdlov, D. Y. , Greenstein, A. , Smith, V. , Schuppan, D. , Popov, Y. Lysyl oxidase activity contributes to collagen stabilization during liver fibrosis progression and limits spontaneous fibrosis reversal in mice. FASEB J. 30, 1599–1609 (2016). www.fasebj. org
The validation of a new quality of life questionnaire for patients with congestive heart failure–an extension of the Cardiac Health Profile

Objective. To study the validity and reliability of the new disease-specific extension of the CHP, Cardiac Health Profile congestive heart failure (CHPchf), used to assess QoL specifically for patients with heart failure. Methods. Eighty-three consecutive patients with chronic heart failure were enrolled. Criteria and construct validity were studied by correlating the Global Mean Score (GMS) for the CHPchf with the total sum score of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and other measures predicted to correlate with QoL. Reliability was evaluated on the basis of internal consistency. Results. Significant correlations for CHPchf were found with MLHFQ (r=0.76, p=<0.0001), the Boston Heart Failure Score (BHFS) (p<0.001), the generic second section of the CHP, maximal workload at exercise test (p<0.05) and the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification (p<0.01). Cronbach′s α was calculated to 0.82. Conclusions. CHPchf was shown to be valid and reliable. CHPchf has favourable psychometric properties. Further studies are needed to explore its discriminative abilities.
Prospective feasibility trial of radiotherapy target definition for head and neck cancer using 3-dimensional PET and CT imaging.

UNLABELLED The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the influence and accuracy of (18)F-FDG PET in target volume definition as a complementary modality to CT for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) using dedicated PET and CT scanners. METHODS Six HNC patients were custom fitted with head and neck and upper body immobilization devices, and conventional radiotherapy CT simulation was performed together with (18)F-FDG PET imaging. Gross target volume (GTV) and pathologic nodal volumes were first defined in the conventional manner based on CT. A segmentation and surface-rendering registration technique was then used to coregister the (18)F-FDG PET and CT planning image datasets. (18)F-FDG PET GTVs were determined and displayed simultaneously with the CT contours. CT GTVs were then modified based on the PET data to form final PET/CT treatment volumes. Five-field intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was then used to demonstrate dose targeting to the CT GTV or the PET/CT GTV. RESULTS One patient was PET-negative after induction chemotherapy. The CT GTV was modified in all remaining patients based on (18)F-FDG PET data. The resulting PET/CT GTV was larger than the original CT volume by an average of 15%. In 5 cases, (18)F-FDG PET identified active lymph nodes that corresponded to lymph nodes contoured on CT. The pathologically enlarged CT lymph nodes were modified to create final lymph node volumes in 3 of 5 cases. In 1 of 6 patients, (18)F-FDG-avid lymph nodes were not identified as pathologic on CT. In 2 of 6 patients, registration of the independently acquired PET and CT data using segmentation and surface rendering resulted in a suboptimal alignment and, therefore, had to be repeated. Radiotherapy planning using IMRT demonstrated the capability of this technique to target anatomic or anatomic/physiologic target volumes. In this manner, metabolically active sites can be intensified to greater daily doses. CONCLUSION Inclusion of (18)F-FDG PET data resulted in modified target volumes in radiotherapy planning for HNC. PET and CT data acquired on separate, dedicated scanners may be coregistered for therapy planning; however, dual-acquisition PET/CT systems may be considered to reduce the need for reregistrations. It is possible to use IMRT to target dose to metabolically active sites based on coregistered PET/CT data.
Biallelic loss of function of the promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (PLZF) gene causes severe skeletal defects and genital hypoplasia

Background: Deletions of 11q23 are associated with mental retardation, craniofacial dysmorphism, microcephaly and short stature. We present a patient with similar clinical findings, in addition to absence of the thumbs, hypoplasia of the radii and ulnae, additional vertebrae and ribs, retarded bone age and genital hypoplasia. Methods: Genomic DNA from the patient was screened for chromosomal imbalances by array-based comparative genomic hybridisation. DNA sequence analyses and reporter gene assays were performed in order to identify candidate gene mutations. Results: The patient has an ∼8 Mbp de novo deletion on the paternal chromosome 11, which includes the promyelocytic leukaemia zinc-finger gene (PLZF, ZBTB16; OMIM 176797). The maternal PLZF allele harbours a recessive missense mutation (c.1849A→G), which leads to the substitution of a highly conserved methionine by valine (p.Met617Val) within a zinc-finger motif. Taking into account specific alpha-helical propensities of Val and Met, this mutation is likely to destabilise the alpha helix of the zinc finger that forms the contact with the DNA duplex, thus affecting the biological function as shown by reporter-gene assays. Discussion: The PLZF gene is one of five partners fused to the retinoic acid receptor α in acute promyelocytic leukaemia. We describe the first patient, to our knowledge, with a germline mutation of PLZF. Our findings as well as observations in Plzf-deficient mice indicate that PLZF is a key regulator of skeletal and male germline development. Furthermore, this case highlights the importance of searching for a recessive mutation on the non-deleted chromosome in patients with a microdeletion and atypical clinical findings.
Patients with coexisting COPD and OSA who require long-term oxygen therapy have less severe COPD

Correspondence: Sanja Jelic Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, PH8 Center, Room 840, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA Tel +1 212 305 7591 Fax +1 212 305 7072 Email sj366@columbia.edu Abstract: The high prevalence of both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Western societies is well documented. However, OSA frequently remains unrecognized and untreated among patients with COPD. Patients with both conditions have a greater risk for fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events compared with patients with COPD or OSA alone. Effi cacious treatment with continuous positive airway pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with OSA. The aim of the present review is to discuss the diagnostic approach to patients with both conditions and to delineate the benefi ts of timely recognition and treatment of OSA in patients with COPD.
Intratracheal Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) administration in preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND Clara cell secretary protein (CCSP) is an immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory agent. CCSP is available synthetically as recombinant human Clara cell protein (rhCC10). It has been shown in animal models to reduce lung injury, improve pulmonary compliance and oxygenation, decrease systemic inflammation and up-regulate surfactant protein and vascular endothelial growth factor expression. These properties makes intratracheally administered CCSP a potential agent in prevention of chronic lung disease (CLD). OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of intratracheal CCSP administration compared to placebo or no treatment on morbidity and mortality in preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). SEARCH STRATEGY We searched CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library, October 2010), MEDLINE and PREMEDLINE (1950 to October 2010), EMBASE (1980 to October 2010) and CINAHL (1982 to October 2010). We searched proceedings of scientific meetings, Google Scholar and reference lists of identified studies, and contacted expert informants and surfactant manufacturers. SELECTION CRITERIA Published, unpublished and ongoing randomised controlled, cluster-randomised or quasi-randomised trials of intratracheal CCSP administration, compared to placebo or no treatment on morbidity and mortality in preterm infants at risk of RDS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently assessed studies for eligibility and quality, and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS One pilot study was identified and included. This study enrolled 22 preterm infants 700 to 1300g with established RDS who required ventilation for surfactant administration. Infants received one intratracheal dose of placebo (n = 7), 1.5 mg/kg (n = 8) or 5 mg/kg (n = 7) rhCC10 within four hours of surfactant treatment. At either dose of rhCC10, no significant difference was reported in CLD (36 weeks postmenstrual age or 28 days), mortality, intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotising enterocolitis, sepsis or days supplemental oxygen compared to placebo. A significant increase in days mechanical ventilation was reported for infants receiving rhCC10 5mg/kg (mean difference 12.00, 95% confidence interval 0.39 to 23.61) but not at the lower dose. The study reported that a single intratracheal dose of rhCC10 was well tolerated and resulted in a significant reduction in tracheal aspirate neutrophil and total cell count, and lung protein concentration. There was no significant difference reported in tracheal aspirate cytokine levels between groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There are insufficient data to determine the role of rhCC10 in clinical practice. Further studies are required to determine if rhCC10 reduces lung inflammation in infants at risk of CLD, and to determine dose and dosing strategy.