Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of EGFR in Gastric Stromal Tumors: A Clinicopathologic Study

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in cancer biology and offers a promising molecular therapeutic target. The expression profile of EGFR in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is derived from a limited number of small series samples and case reports. We evaluated the involvement of EGFR in human gastric GISTs. Tissue microarray sections representing 33 gastric GISTs with known follow-up were surveyed by immunohistochemistry, using antibodies specific for EGFR. Expression of EGFR was identified in 8/33 (24.2%) cases, and tended to be present in tumors of smaller size (3.69±0.66 cm vs. 10.69±1.52 cm, P=0.0001), fewer mitoses (3.5±1.0/50 high power field vs. 23.44±7.61, P=0.0073), and lower necrosis percentages (0% vs. 5.37±1.37%, P=0.0003); the expression was more frequently seen in the benign/probably benign category (6/8, 75%, P=0.047), than in gastric GISTs that lacked EGFR expression. Expression showed a trend as a favorable prognostic indicator but did not reach statistical significance, although the number of cases was limited. This observation suggests that EGFR is present in some gastric GISTs, especially in small tumors, and might participate in the growth regulation of human gastric GISTs. Expression of EGFR in some gastric GISTs might be of clinical significance with the recent emergence of EGFR-targeted therapies.
Skp2 and Jab1 Expression Are Associated with Inverse Expression of p27KIP1 and Poor Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Previous studies have shown that low levels of p27KIP1, an inhibitor of G1 cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK), are associated with high aggressiveness and poor prognosis in a variety of cancers. Decreased levels of p27KIP1 are caused, at least in part, by an acceleration of degradation with Skp2 (S-phase kinase-associated protein 2) and Jab1 (Jun activation domain-binding protein 1). This investigation was undertaken to examine whether the Skp2 and Jab1 expression is correlated with p27KIP1 protein levels, and how it is clinically relevant in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The correlations between p27KIP1 and Skp2, and p27KIP1 and Jab1 expression were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis was done in 75 cases of OSCC. A strongly significant inverse correlation was found between levels of p27KIP1 and Skp2, and p27KIP1 and Jab1 (p < 0.0001). Thus, decreased levels of p27KIP1 were associated with strongly increased levels of Skp2 and Jab1, whereas high levels of p27KIP1 coincided with low levels of Skp2 and Jab1. Reductions of p27KIP1 expression and overexpression of Skp2 and Jab1 were significantly associated with cervical lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. Overexpression of Skp2 and Jab1 is associated with the reduction of p27KIP1 expression, and may have a role in the progression of OSCC.
Antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the United States, 1979-1987. The Pneumococcal Surveillance Working Group.

The increasing number of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates identified as relatively or fully resistant to penicillin or fully resistant to other antimicrobials in the United States supports the need to monitor for this resistance. Thus, 5459 S. pneumoniae isolates submitted to the Centers for Disease Control in 1979-1987 by 35 hospitals in a hospital-based pneumococcal surveillance system were evaluated. The MIC to penicillin or ampicillin was greater than or equal to 0.1 micrograms/ml for 274 (5%) isolates; 1 had an MIC of 4.0 micrograms/ml to penicillin. Seventeen (0.3%) were resistant to erythromycin (MIC, greater than or equal to 8 micrograms/ml), 157 (2.9%) were resistant to tetracycline (MIC, greater than or equal to 16 micrograms/ml), and 34 (0.6%) were resistant to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (MIC, greater than or equal to 76 and 4 micrograms/ml). Isolates relatively resistant to penicillin represented 1.8% of isolates in 1979, 8% in 1982, and 3.6% in 1987. Sixty-five multiply resistant isolates were identified. Pneumococci from the southwestern United States (region 4) were more likely to be relatively resistant to penicillin. Using logistic regression analysis, serotypes 14 and 19A, isolates from region 4, and isolates from middle ear fluid were associated with penicillin resistance (P less than or equal to . 008, chi 2. These data confirm that antimicrobial resistance among pneumococcal isolates remained at low levels in the United States through 1987.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy training and its impact on colorectal cancer screening by primary care physicians.

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is an ideal disease for prevention with screening programs. Efforts to increase compliance with screening recommendations have included training primary care physicians to perform flexible sigmoidoscopy. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of flexible sigmoidoscopy training on compliance with current screening recommendations. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study of 232 patients cared for by physicians in a primary care network. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Rates of screening for colorectal cancer and rates of undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy were compared across patient groups according to the physician's training and whether the physician performs flexible sigmoidoscopy in his or her practice. RESULTS Among 217 patients included in the analysis, 122 (56%) were cared for by physicians who were trained in flexible sigmoidoscopy, of whom 79 (36%) were cared for by physicians who perform flexible sigmoidoscopy in their practice. Patients cared for by physicians trained in flexible sigmoidoscopy were not significantly more likely to receive any colorectal cancer screening than were patients cared for by physicians not trained in flexible sigmoidoscopy (odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-2.01). However, patients cared for by physicians who perform flexible sigmoidoscopy in their practice were more likely to have undergone any colorectal cancer screening (odds ratio, 1.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.95) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (odds ratio, 2.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-6.36). CONCLUSION Performance of flexible sigmoidoscopy by primary care physicians has the potential to increase the rate of colorectal cancer screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Effects of Thai traditional massage on autistic children's behavior.

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to access whether there were any therapeutic effects of Thai Traditional Massage (TTM) on major behavioral and emotional disturbances in Thai autistic children. DESIGN This was a randomized controlled trial study. SETTINGS/LOCATION The study was conducted at the Rehabilitation Centre of the Thai Red Cross Society. SUBJECTS A total of 60 autistic children between the ages of 3 and 10 completed this study. INTERVENTIONS Standard sensory integration therapy (SI) was compared to the SI with TTM treatments. OUTCOME MEASURES Parents and teachers assessed major behavior disturbances using the Conners' Rating Scales at 0 and 8 weeks. Sleep Diary (SD), recorded by the parents, assessed the patient's sleeping patterns every week. RESULTS Sixty (60) autistic children, mean age 4.67 +/- 1.82, were recruited. No statistical differences were seen in the demographic and baseline data among both groups. From both the Conners' Teacher Questionnaire and SD, statistical improvement was detected for conduct problem, hyperactivity, inattention-passivity, hyperactivity index, and sleeping behavior. However, results from the Conners' Parent Questionnaire revealed an improvement only for anxiety (p = 0.04) in the massage group, whereas when both groups were compared, a significant improvement in conduct problem (p = 0.03) and anxiety (p = 0.01) was found. Results indicated that TTM may have a positive effect in improving stereotypical behaviors in autistic children. CONCLUSIONS Over a period of 8 weeks, our findings suggested that TTM could be used as a complementary therapy for autistic children in Thailand.
Control of Postnatal Bone Mass by the Zinc Finger Adapter Protein Schnurri‐3

Abstract: The completed skeleton undergoes continuous remodeling for the duration of adult life. Rates of bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts determine adult bone mass. Abnormalities in either the osteoblast or osteoclast compartment affect bone mass and result in skeletal disorders, the most common of which is osteoporosis, a state of low bone mass. Much is known about the molecular control of bone formation and resorption from rare single gene disorders resulting in elevated or reduced bone mass. Such genetic disorders can be attributed either to osteoclast deficiencies, collectively termed “osteopetrosis,” or to intrinsically elevated osteoblast activity, termed “osteosclerosis. ” However, an increasing need for anabolic therapies to prevent age‐induced bone loss has stimulated a search for additional genes that act at the level of the osteoblast to regulate matrix synthesis. Recently, we have discovered a zinc finger adaptor protein called Schnurri‐3 (Shn3) that potently regulates adult bone mass. Mice that lack Shn3 have normal skeletal morphogenesis but display profoundly elevated bone mass that increases with age. The molecular mechanism was revealed to be the recruitment of WWP1, a Nedd4 family E3 ubiquitin ligase, by Shn3 to the major transcriptional regulator of the osteoblast, Runx2. In the absence of Shn3, Runx2 degradation by WWP1 is inhibited resulting in increased levels of Runx2 protein and enhanced expression of Runx2 target genes leading to increased osteoblast synthetic activity. Small molecules that inhibit Shn3 or WWP1 may be attractive candidates for the treatment of diseases of low bone mass.
Copulation and Mate Guarding Behavior in Triatoma brasiliensis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

ABSTRACT The hematophagous bug Triatoma brasiliensis (Neiva) is an important vector of Chagas disease in Brazil. We describe the mating behavior of this species in a comparative manner and analyze the effect of time elapsed since the first imaginal bloodmeal on motivation of males to mate, on female mate-rejections, and on overall mating frequency. We also evaluate whether females of this species copulate with several males in short time intervals, and we examine whether the duration of copulation may vary in the presence of other males compared with what is observed with isolated pairs. Age affected the motivation of males to perform mating attempts, whereas nutritional status affected the receptivity of females. Results showed that 70% of the females tested accepted copulating with three males over a period of 90 min, whereas the remaining 30% mated with at least two males. Mating duration in T. brasiliensis was prolonged in the presence of other males compared with observations of isolated pairs, and males of this species performed long postcopulatory associations only in the presence of other males, apparently as a mate guarding response to the presence of potential competitors.
Software products for manufacturing design and control

Scientific and engineering problems prompted the introduction of the electronic computer and have continued to be the main driving force of its development. Early attempts at a "computerized factory" failed because inadequate hardware was combined with inappropriate software tools. Realistic possibilities appeared with third generation computers, minicomputers, and Fortran. Later new philosophies emerged, based on microprocessors, networking, and systems programming languages. The penalties of undue ridigity (caused by outdated standardization efforts or commercial strategies) and the penalties of unrestrained flexbility are discussed. The balance is in favor of the flexible approach tempered with self-discipline and orderliness. In the future, in place of "software products," we shall have "algorithmic products," called "engineering science" and "manufacturing technology. "
Visual Degradation in Boston Naming Test Performance

The 60 pictures of the Boston Naming Test were degraded via a mask to be either “easy,” “medium,” or “hard” to process visually. The visual mask was created by cutting a 2-in. x 2-in. square from a security mailing envelope and progressively reducing the size 25% on a copy machine. Three groups of 50 undergraduates each were randomly assigned to one of these three degradation conditions, and the number of correct identifications made was measured. We expected that as degradation increased (from easy to medium to hard), Boston Naming Test performance would decrease. A one-way analysis of variance indicated that group scores differed. With “easy” degradation more pictures were identified in comparison with performance in the “hard” degradation condition, but no other differences were significant. Results were discussed from the perspective of how unknown situational variables may affect performance on psychological tests.
A Whiff of Oxygen Before the Great Oxidation Event?

High-resolution chemostratigraphy reveals an episode of enrichment of the redox-sensitive transition metals molybdenum and rhenium in the late Archean Mount McRae Shale in Western Australia. Correlations with organic carbon indicate that these metals were derived from contemporaneous seawater. Rhenium/osmium geochronology demonstrates that the enrichment is a primary sedimentary feature dating to 2501 ± 8 million years ago (Ma). Molybdenum and rhenium were probably supplied to Archean oceans by oxidative weathering of crustal sulfide minerals. These findings point to the presence of small amounts of O2 in the environment more than 50 million years before the start of the Great Oxidation Event.
Recombinant N-terminal Nucleotide-binding Domain from Mouse P-glycoprotein

Varying length cDNAs encoding the N-terminal nucleotide-binding domain (NBD1) from mouse mdr1 P-glycoprotein were prepared on the basis of structure predictions. Corresponding recombinant proteins were overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the shortest one containing amino acids 395-581 exhibited the highest solubility. Insertion of an N-terminal hexahistidine tag allowed domain purification by nickel-chelate affinity chromatography. NBD1 efficiently interacted with nucleotides. Fluorescence methods showed that ATP bound at millimolar concentrations and its 2′,3′-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) derivative at micromolar concentrations, while the 2′(3′)-N-methylanthraniloyl derivative had intermediate affinity. Photoaffinity labeling was achieved upon irradiation with 8-azido-ATP. The domain exhibited ATPase activity with a K for MgATP in the millimolar range, and ATP hydrolysis was competitively inhibited by micromolar 2′,3′-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-ATP. NBD1 contained a single cysteine residue, at position 430, that was derivatized with radiolabeled N-ethylmaleimide. Cysteine modification increased 6-fold the K for 2′(3′)-N-methylanthraniloyl-ATP and prevented 8-azido-ATP photolabeling. ATPase activity was inhibited with a 5-fold increase in the K for MgATP. The results suggest that chemical modification of Cys-430 is involved in the N-ethylmaleimide inhibition of whole P-glycoprotein by altering substrate interaction.
Gastroesophageal reflux and sleep events in obstructive sleep apnea

Objective Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often coexist. We sought to determine the presence and direction of any association between GERD and sleep events in patients with OSA. Materials and methods We conducted a case–crossover study among 18 patients with known OSA and GERD. All study patients underwent overnight simultaneous polysomnography and esophageal pH monitoring. A series of case–crossover analyses was conducted by defining each of the sleep (i.e. arousal, awakening, and apnea) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) events as the outcome in turn. Respective control time points were randomly selected in all eligible control periods. When a sleep event was the outcome, the GER event was the exposure of interest. When GER was the outcome, each sleep event was assessed as the exposure individually. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Both awakenings and arousals were significantly associated with the subsequent onset of a GER event. The OR for a GER event following an awakening was 5 (95% CI 3.6–6.9) and for a GER event following an arousal was 2.5 (95% CI 1.8–3.4). Apnea did not lead to GER (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.8–1.4). GER was not more commonly observed before any of the sleep events compared with control periods without sleep events. Conclusion In patients with coexisting GERD and OSA, both awakening and arousal preceded GER events, but GER does not appear to precipitate sleep-related events.
A regenerative role for bone marrow following experimental colitis: contribution to neovasculogenesis and myofibroblasts.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Bone marrow (BM) cells form differentiated adult lineages within nonhematopoietic tissues, with a heightened propensity with increasing regenerative pressure dictated by disease. We have previously shown that BM cells engraft into the gut and contribute substantially to the subepithelial intestinal myofibroblast population in the lamina propria. To investigate the reparative capacity of BM in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a well-established model of experimental colitis was used. METHODS Lethally irradiated female mice were rescued by a BM transplant from male donors. Colitis was induced 6 weeks posttransplantation by injection of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), and tissues were analyzed 1-14 days later. Donor-derived cells were detected by in situ hybridization using a Y chromosome-specific probe, and their phenotype was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS TNBS-induced colitis was manifest as patchy lesions that increased in severity between days 1 and 8, and the mucosa gradually regenerated between days 8 and 14. The contribution of BM to intestinal myofibroblasts was significantly increased in regions of colitis compared with noninflamed regions. Furthermore, BM-derived endothelial cells, pericytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells were frequently interspersed throughout blood vessels, suggesting that these cells facilitate angiogenesis in tissue repair, substantiated by a significant increase in the incidence of BM-derived vascular smooth muscle cells in colitic compared with noninflamed regions. Blood vessels formed entirely from BM-derived cells were also seen, suggesting a role for BM in neovasculogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that BM contributes to multiple intestinal cell lineages in colitis, with an important function in tissue regeneration and vasculogenesis after injury.
A Novel Method to Estimate Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure Using the Downslope of the Doppler Mitral Regurgitant Velocity Profile

Continuous‐wave (CW) Doppler recording of mitral regurgitation (MR) is a reflection of the left ventriculoatrial pressure gradient. Accordingly, this jet may yield information about pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). In this study, we derived and then evaluated a novel method for prediction of PAWP. Patients (n = 80) with moderate to severe MR and left ventricular dysfunction were included in the study. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in patients during pulmonary artery pressure monitoring. A satisfactory CW Doppler recording of MR was obtained in 63/80 (78%). On the late descending portion of the CW recording, the time from a velocity of 4 m/sec to the end of the jet was defined as t1, and from 3 m/sec to the end of the jet as t2. Mathematical derivation of t1/t2 as a predictor of PAWP, was performed based on Weiss' derivation. If t1/t2 was <1.30, the PAWP was normal. If t1/t2 > 1.44, the PAWP was > 16 mmHg. With this new mathematical derivation, it appears that the downslope of the CW Doppler MR waveform may be able to distinguish a normal from elevated PAWP.
Problem‐based Learning: A Review of Literature on Its Outcomes and Implementation Issues

&NA; The effects of problem‐based learning (PBL) were examined by conducting a meta‐analysis‐type review of the English‐language international literature from 1972 to 1992. Compared with conventional instruction, PBL, as suggested by the findings, is more nurturing and enjoyable; PBL graduates perform as well, and sometimes better, on clinical examinations and faculty evaluations; and they are more likely to enter family medicine. Further, faculty tend to enjoy teaching using PBL. However, PBL students in a few instances scored lower on basic sciences examinations and viewed themselves as less well prepared in the basic sciences than were their conventionally trained counterparts. PBL graduates tended to engage in back‐ward reasoning rather than the forward reasoning experts engage in, and there appeared to be gaps in their cognitive knowl‐edge base that could affect practice outcomes. The costs of PBL may slow its implementation in schools with class sizes larger than 100. While weaknesses in the criteria used to assess the outcomes of PBL and general weaknesses in study design limit the confidence one can give conclusions drawn from the literature, the authors recommend that caution be exercised in making comprehensive, curriculum‐wide conversions to PBL until more is learned about (1) the extent to which faculty should direct students throughout medical training, (2) PBL methods that are less costly, (3) cognitive‐processing weaknesses shown by PBL students, and (4) the apparent high resource utilization by PBL graduates. Academic Medicine 68(1993):52–81.
The Incidence and Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Among U.S. Veterans: A National Cohort Study

Background:Temporal trends in incidence and prevalence of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in the United States have been reported only in regional populations. The Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system encompasses a national network of clinical care facilities. The aim of this study was to identify temporal trends in the incidence and prevalence of CD and UC among VA users using national VA data sets. Methods:Veterans with CD and UC were identified during fiscal years 1998 to 2009 in the national VA outpatient and inpatient files. Incident and prevalent cases were identified by diagnosis code, and age-standardized and gender-standardized annual prevalence and incidence rates were estimated using the VA 1998 population as the standard population. Results:The total of unique incident cases were 16,842 and 26,272 for CD and UC, respectively; 94% were men. The average annual age-standardized and gender-standardized incidence rate of CD was 33 per 100,000 VA users (range, 27–40), whereas the average for UC was 50 per 100,000 VA users (range, 36–65). In 2009, the age-standardized and gender-standardized point prevalence rate of CD was 287 per 100,000 VA users, whereas the point prevalence of UC was 413 per 100,000 VA users. Conclusions:Prevalence of CD and UC increased 2-fold to 3-fold among VA users between 1998 and 2009. The incidence of UC decreased among VA users from 1998 to 2004 but has remained stable from 2005 to 2009. The incidence of CD has remained stable during the observed time period.