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Background: Functional foods have been widely used as the anti-diabetic agents worldwide. Existing studies presented conflicting results of anti-hyperglycemic properties of gums. This systematic review and meta-analysis study evaluated the existing trials and determined the efficacy of different gums on glycemic indices. Method: Systematic search was performed on four main databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science) by November 2023 using medical subject headings. The meta-analyses were conducted on the findings of the studies of guar gum supplementation on glycemic indices including fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c (hemoglobinA1c) and systematic review studies include the effect of xanthan gum, arabic gum, bitter almond gum, flaxseed gum, oat gum, gellan gum, locust been gum, tragacanth gum, and karaya gum on fasting plasma insulin, postprandial plasma glucose, HbA1c and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA – IR). Results: Totally, 42 studies were included in this systematic review. Regarding guar gum, xanthan gum, and Arabic gum, most of included studies in our investigation showed that guar gum can be considered as an anti-hyperglycemic agent. Results on other types of gums including bitter almond gum, flaxseed gum, oat gum, gellan gum, locust been gum, tragacanth gum, and karaya gum are limited and exact interpretation cannot be obtained. In meta-analysis on 17 studies of guar gum, it was identified guar gum had a non-significant decrease of 3.02 mg/dl (Mean difference: -3.02, CI 95%: -7.60, 1.56) on the fasting glucose and 0.23 (Mean difference: -0.23, CI 95%: -0.63, 0.17) on HbA1c. Conclusion: Modification of food processing using gums may be a promising strategy to help modulate glycemic indices. More studies with larger sample size are needed, both with acute and long-term interventions to clarify this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial strain SECRCQ15T was isolated from seeds of Chenopodium quinoa in Spain. Phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic analyses, as well as genome similarity indices, support the classification of the strain into a novel species of the genus Ferdinandcohnia, for which we propose the name Ferdinandcohnia quinoae sp. nov. To dig deep into the speciation features of the strain SECRCQ15T, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of the genome of this strain and those of the type strains of species from the genus Ferdinandcohnia. We found several genes related with plant growth-promoting mechanisms within the SECRCQ15T genome. We also found that singletons of F. quinoae SECRCQ15T are mainly related to the use of carbohydrates, which is a common trait of plant-associated bacteria. To further reveal speciation events in this strain, we revealed genes undergoing diversifying selection (e.g., genes encoding ribosomal proteins) and functions likely lost due to pseudogenization. Also, we found that this novel species contains 138 plant-associated gene-cluster functions that are unique within the genus Ferdinandcohnia. These features may explain both the ecological and taxonomical differentiation of this new taxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flood routing in natural channels is essential to predict the location and the physical properties of the flood waves, which is very important for the design of hydraulic structures and flood control processes and strategies. For example, the flood routing gives accurate information on flood peak and the period of water level rise. In this context, this study employed Muskingum's graphical method along with other numerical methods [least interpolation, nonlinear regression, classical fourth-order Runge–Kutta, and improved bat algorithm (IBA)] to conduct a flood routing in the Euphrates River at Husaybah region (near the Iraqi-Syrian borders). The IBA, which is based on the chaotic search tool and it improves the population homogeneity and periodicity, was employed in this study to optimize the estimated values of the Muskingum model. The flood routing in this study was developed using a big enough hydrological data (from 1993 to 2017) from the records of the Euphrates River. The collected data were processed and analyzed using the MATLAB software (version 9.6). The results of the analysis indicated that all the numerical methods can acceptably estimate the parameters of the Muskingum's graphical method, but the IBA was the best method as it fits the data with the minimum errors. In terms of the sum of squared differences between the observed and expected discharges (SSQ) were as follows (in a descending order): Nonlinear regression (2.46), Runge–kutta method (2.38), Least squares method (2.28), Graphical method (2.21), IBA (1.36). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the performance of a supply chain as a decision-making unit (DMU) is a significant topic for many researchers and learners. Presence congestion is one of the key events that results in lower efficiency and performance in a DMU. One of the most suitable methods to explore congestion is data envelopment analysis (DEA). A supply chain may encounter congestion in its inputs or intermediate products or both. Some studies have been conducted to explore the intermediate product congestion through solving network DEA (NDEA) models regardless of the role of intermediate products. In this study, a two-stage series supply chain with separate inputs and outputs for each stage as a DMU is considered. Then, a new linear programming problem is presented to determine extreme efficient supply chain. Since extreme efficient DMUs play an essential role in production technology, we proposed a novel linear programming problem to detect congested extreme efficient supply chain according to their intermediate products' role for the first time. To reach this end, various scenarios that congestion may arise in intermediate products have been identified. And so, for each scenario, a novel linear model was offered to determine congested extreme efficient DMU. According to this method, an extreme efficient DMU under evaluation was removed from the production technology and by comparing it with other units belonging to this technology, the presence of congestion and the status of congestion (strong congestion and weak congestion) in intermediate products were determined. Finally, 15 Iranian supply chains of cement factories have been employed to establish applicability of the suggested models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework was designed and adopted for assessing the sustainability of solid waste treatment techniques (six treatment techniques) in urban areas of Baghdad (the capital of Iraq). A questionnaire has been developed that contains the four dimensions of sustainability (environmental, economic, social, and technical) and their indicators. These indicators have been studied, analyzed, and evaluated by a group of specialists working on solid waste management. Then the data were modelled adopting the weighted sum model (WSM), weighted product model (WPM) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The main results of the study clearly showed that the sustainability of municipal solid waste treatment in the city of Baghdad is directly related to the four dimensions in variable proportions (weights), and the environmental dimension gained the largest impact (46.9%) while the technical dimension gained the least impact (16.1%) on sustainability. By analyzing the questionnaire data according to the designed framework with reference to the three methods of MCDA (WSM, WPM, and TOPSIS) and in the presence of three Scenarios of the multi-criteria weights, Recycling by Source-Separation (RSS) Technique gained the highest score (0.896) which means that it is the best alternative, while Anaerobic Digestion Technique (AD) gained the lowest score (0.397) which means that it is the worst alternative, other scores are (0.874) for material recycling facility (MRF) Technique, (0.84) for Landfill Technique, (0.813) for Composting Technique, and (0.584) for mass-burn incineration (MBI) Technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the performance of a system with a network structure as a Decision-Making Unit (DMU) is a significant topic for many researchers and scholars. In this context, an appropriate method to assess the efficiency of a system is Network Data Envelopment Analysis (NDEA). Based on the structure of a corresponding network, which consists of at least two stages, an intermediate factor has an output nature for the first stage and an input nature for the second stage. Therefore, it is not appropriate to consider the same weight for each stage using this factor. Unfortunately, contrary to real-world conditions, all previous conventional NDEA studies have considered the same role for intermediate factors in order to linearize or simplify models. For the first time, this study seeks to determine the efficiency of a two-stage series system and its sub-processes with unequal intermediate product weights. Thus, the proposed model remains in its original nature as a complex combinatorial problem in the Non-Linear Programming (NLP) category of NP-hard problems. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) is utilized as a metaheuristic algorithm, and a novel hybrid GA-NDEA algorithm is presented to solve the problem. It is worth noting that the absence of any restrictions on the inequality of the intermediate weights brings the model closer to the nature of DEA models; consequently, the performance evaluation of DMUs comes closer to reality. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method is tested on non-life insurance companies in Taiwan, and the results are compared with the existing models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Although non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common human cancer and its incidence continues to rise worldwide, the mechanisms underlying its development remain incompletely understood. Here, we unveil a cascade of events involving peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) β/δ and the oncogene Src, which promotes the development of ultraviolet (UV)‐induced skin cancer in mice. UV‐induced PPARβ/δ activity, which directly stimulated Src expression, increased Src kinase activity and enhanced the EGFR/Erk1/2 signalling pathway, resulting in increased epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression. Consistent with these observations, PPARβ/δ‐null mice developed fewer and smaller skin tumours, and a PPARβ/δ antagonist prevented UV‐dependent Src stimulation. Furthermore, the expression of PPARβ/δ positively correlated with the expression of SRC and EMT markers in human skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and critically, linear models applied to several human epithelial cancers revealed an interaction between PPARβ/δ and SRC and TGFβ1 transcriptional levels. Taken together, these observations motivate the future evaluation of PPARβ/δ modulators to attenuate the development of several epithelial cancers.

Degeneration of the neurological system linked to cognitive deficits, daily living exercise clutters, and behavioral disturbing impacts may define Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease research conducted later in life focuses on describing ways for early detection of dementia, a kind of mental disorder. To tailor our care to each patient, we utilized visual cues to determine how they were feeling. We did this by outlining two approaches to diagnosing a person's mental health. Support vector machine is the first technique. Image characteristics are extracted using a fractal model for classification in this method. With this technique, the histogram of a picture is modeled after a Gaussian distribution. Classification was performed with several support vector machines kernels, and the outcomes were compared. Step two proposes using a deep convolutional neural network architecture to identify Alzheimer's-related mental disorders. According to the findings, the support vector machines approach accurately recognized over 93% of the photos tested. The deep convolutional neural network approach was one hundred percent accurate during model training, whereas the support vector machines approach achieved just 93 percent accuracy. In contrast to support vector machines accuracy of 89.3%, the deep convolutional neural network model test findings were accurate 98.8% of the time. Based on the findings reported here, the proposed deep convolutional neural network architecture may be used for diagnostic purposes involving the patient's mental state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of co-treatment of aerobic-resistance training (ART), vitamin D3 (VD3) on cardiovascular function considering the involvement of microRNA-15a and microRNA-146a, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. To induce MI, male Wistar rats subcutaneously received isoproterenol for 2 days, then MI was confirmed by echocardiography. MI rats were divided into six groups (n = 8/group). MI + VD3, MI + sesame oil (Veh), MI + ART, MI + VD3 + ART, and MI + Veh + ART, and received the related treatments for 8 weeks. Exercise tests, echocardiography, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and histological staining were performed after the end of treatments. The highest ejection fraction (EF%), fractional shortening (FS%), exercise capacity (EC), and maximal load test (MLT) amounts were observed in the groups treated with VD3, ART, and VD3 + ART (P < 0.05). These were accompanied by a significantly increased angiogenesis post-MI. Furthermore, the levels of circulating microRNA-15a and microRNA-146a were significantly decreased in these groups compared to MI rats that were together with a significant upregulation of cardiac VEGF, PI3K, and eNOS expression. Overall, the best results were observed in the group treated with VD3 + ART. Concurrent VD3 supplementation and ART attenuated microRNA-15a and microRNA-146a and induced angiogenesis via VEGF/PI3K/eNOS axis. This data demonstrate that concurrent VD3 supplementation and ART is a more efficient strategy than monotherapy to improve cardiac function post-MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an improved path planning algorithm with two stages is proposed for indoor mobile robots to help them navigate across dynamic crowded areas. First, an environmental model is built with a restricted tangent graph, and the shortest path is determined before the robot starts to move. Second, the obtained path is employed to create virtual corridor distances. This featured data along with local range-finder readings are used to train a deep Q-learning agent to efficiently plan the robot's motion. Simulation results show above 70% success rate with significant improvements compared with a counterpart algorithm in terms of path length, learning cost, and generalization capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In qualitative, non-numerical models, there are numerous challenges raised by the ambiguity, uncertainty, and risk within variables. The root of this ambiguity may lie in the variable itself or other related variables, or be due to expert opinions. Fuzzy cognitive maps allow better understanding of such problems, determining the cause-effect relationships between variables. When dealing with problems where the associated numerical data are unavailable, or the nature of the problem is qualitative, cognitive maps are constructed based on the statements of related experts. One of the problems with using the common cognitive maps model that it fails to consider uncertainty, risk and error within expert comments. This problem affects the quality and credibility of the models applied to complex issues. This paper proposes an R-cognitive maps approach, based on the distance-based automatic construction approach and R-numbers, in order to capture possible risks, uncertainty and ambiguity of expert opinions, with regard to variables and causality relationships. The proposed approach can function as a decision support tool for risk-based cognitive maps problems involving expert opinions, and is tested numerically with an engineering problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of online social networking applications, microblogs have become a necessary online communication network in daily life. Users are interested in obtaining personalized recommendations related to their tastes and needs. In some microblog systems, tags are not available, or the use of tags is rare. In addition, user-specified social relations are extremely rare. Hence, sparsity is a problem in microblog systems. To address this problem, we propose a new framework called Pblog to alleviate sparsity. Pblog identifies users' interests via their microblogs and social relations and computes implicit similarity among users using a new algorithm. The experimental results indicated that the use of this algorithm can improve the results. In online social networks, such as Twitter, the number of microblogs in the system is high, and it is constantly increasing. Therefore, providing personalized recommendations to target users requires considerable time. To address this problem, the Pblog framework groups similar users using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. Then, Pblog prunes microblogs of the target user group and recommends microblogs with higher ratings to the target user. In the experimental results section, the Pblog framework was compared with several other frameworks. All of these frameworks were run on two datasets: Twitter and Tumblr. Based on the results of these comparisons, the Pblog framework provides more appropriate recommendations to the target user than previous frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) involves the integrating of environmental, social and economic concerns into supply chain management activities with emphasis on the managers' efforts in the context of reducing the negative social and environmental impacts. Evaluating sustainable supply chain performance and efficiency is a significant topic for many researchers and scholars. Presence of input and intermediate product congestion is one of the key issues that results in lower efficiency and performance in a sustainable supply chain. Therefore, determination of congestion is of prime importance and removing it improves performance of the sustainable supply chain. One of the most appropriate methods for detecting congestion is Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Some studies have been conducted to detect the intermediate product congestion via solving Network DEA (NDEA) models without considering the role of intermediate products. In this study, a sustainable supply chain with two-stage structure was considered. Then, the congestion status according to the role of intermediate products was found out for the first time. Towards this aim, different scenarios which congestion can occur in intermediate products were identified. Then, in each scenario, the dominant cone definition was developed in network structure and NDEA models were proposed. Finally 20 Iranian sustainable supply chains of Resin manufacturing companies have been used to demonstrate applicability of the proposed models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pine engraver beetle, Ips acuminatus Gyll, is a bark beetle that causes important damages in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) forests and plantations. As almost all higher organisms, Ips acuminatus harbours a microbiome, although the role of most members of its microbiome is not well understood. As part of a work in which we analysed the bacterial diversity associated to Ips acuminatus, we isolated the strain Arthrobacter sp. IA7. In order to study its potential role within the bark beetle holobiont, we sequenced and explored its genome and performed a pan-genome analysis of the genus Arthrobacter, showing specific genes of strain IA7 that might be related with its particular role in its niche. Based on these investigations, we suggest several potential roles of the bacterium within the beetle. Analysis of genes related to secondary metabolism indicated potential antifungal capability, confirmed by the inhibition of several entomopathogenic fungal strains (Metarhizium anisopliae CCF0966, Lecanicillium muscarium CCF6041, L. muscarium CCF3297, Isaria fumosorosea CCF4401, I. farinosa CCF4808, Beauveria bassiana CCF4422 and B. brongniartii CCF1547). Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene, six concatenated housekeeping genes (tuf-secY-rpoB-recA-fusA-atpD) and genome sequences indicated that strain IA7 is closely related to A. globiformis NBRC 12137T but forms a new species within the genus Arthrobacter; this was confirmed by digital DNA-DNA hybridization (37.10%) and average nucleotide identity (ANIb) (88.9%). Based on phenotypic and genotypic features, we propose strain IA7T as the novel species Arthrobacter ipsi sp. nov. (type strain IA7T = CECT 30100T = LMG 31782T) and suggest its protective role for its host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fipronil (FIP) is a phenylpyrazole insecticide that is commonly used in agricultural and veterinary fields for controlling a wide range of insects, but it is a strong environmentally toxic substance. Exposure to FIP has been reported to increase the hepatic fat accumulation through altered lipid metabolism, which ultimately can contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. The present study aimed to examine the function of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) in protecting against hepatotoxicity and lipogenesis induced by FIP. Twenty-eight male albino rats were classified into four groups: FIP (5 mg/kg/day per os), CTR, CeNPs (35 mg/kg/day p.o.), and FIP + CeNPs (5 (FIP) + 35 (CeNPs) mg/kg/day p.o.) for 28 consecutive days. Serum lipid profiles, hepatic antioxidant parameters and pathology, and mRNA expression of adipocytokines were assessed. The results revealed that FIP increased cholesterol, height-density lipoprotein, triacylglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-c) concentrations. It also increased nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) hepatic levels and reduced glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities. Additionally, FIP up-regulated the fatty acid-binding protein (FABP), acetyl Co-A carboxylase (ACC1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α). Immunohistochemically, a strong proliferation of cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) reactions in the endothelial cells of the hepatic sinusoids, and increased expression of caspase3 were observed following FIP intoxication. FIP also caused histological changes in hepatic tissue. The CeNPs counteracted the hepatotoxic effect of FIP exposure. So, this study recorded an ameliorative effect of CeNPs against FIP-induced hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα) acts as a fatty acid sensor to orchestrate the transcription of genes coding for rate-limiting enzymes required for lipid oxidation in hepatocytes. Mice only lacking Pparα in hepatocytes spontaneously develop steatosis without obesity in aging. Steatosis can develop into non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may progress to irreversible damage, such as fibrosis and hepatocarcinoma. While NASH appears as a major public health concern worldwide, it remains an unmet medical need. In the current study, we investigated the role of hepatocyte PPARα in a preclinical model of steatosis. For this, we used High Fat Diet (HFD) feeding as a model of obesity in C57BL/6 J male Wild-Type mice (WT), in whole-body Pparα- deficient mice (Pparα−/−) and in mice lacking Pparα only in hepatocytes (Pparαhep−/−). We provide evidence that Pparα deletion in hepatocytes promotes NAFLD and liver inflammation in mice fed a HFD. This enhanced NAFLD susceptibility occurs without development of glucose intolerance. Moreover, our data reveal that non-hepatocytic PPARα activity predominantly contributes to the metabolic response to HFD. Taken together, our data support hepatocyte PPARα as being essential to the prevention of NAFLD and that extra-hepatocyte PPARα activity contributes to whole-body lipid homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In conventional data envelopment analysis (DEA), a production system has been seen as a black box for measuring the efficiency without any attention to what is happening inside the system. However, in practice, performance improvement often requires observing the internal structure of the producing system in order to find the sources of inefficiencies. In addition, weight flexibility as a key property of the multiplier DEA models allows a system to totally disregard an assessment factor, either input or output, from the evaluation process by assigning a value of zero or epsilon to its weight. This paper contributes to the existing literature by proposing a common-weights DEA model when the production system includes a number of interrelated processes. To this end, we propose an aggregate DEA model to calculate the most favourable common weights for determining the efficiency of all production systems and their processes at the same time. Our proposed aggregate model not only is linear for equitably evaluating the producing units on the same scale, but also enables us to deal with the mixed network structures. Furthermore, the network system is decomposed into a series system to build a relational network DEA model that emphasises separate relatedness. This greatly reduces the computational complexities for enormous volumes of data in many real applications and treat difficulties in network DEA models including the zero value and fluctuating weights and multiple solutions. Managerially speaking, this paper aims to provide the top management team of a production system with an integrated framework to shape a better strategic decision process about firm performance, which is to treat the sources of inefficiencies and ultimately take corrective actions over the long run. Put differently, the proposed framework helps top managers make proper decisions in complex situations with a view of improving a firm's efficiency in all production divisions, which can be identified as a core competency leading to competitive advantages of the organisation. In the context of performance management, our study is equipped with a simple numerical example and a case study of the non-life insurance companies to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed common-weights network model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to estimate the chronological age of individuals according to the correlation of age with morphological variables of the maxillary canine teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) based on Kvaal's method. Method: This study was conducted on CBCT scans of 300 patients in Hamadan city, including 142 females and 158 males between 14 and 60 years of age. To measure the morphological variables, cross-sectional views of the maxillary right canine tooth were studied. The pulp to tooth area ratio (AR), the pulp to tooth length ratio (P), the mesiodistal and the buccolingual pulp to tooth width ratio at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) (A1, A2), the mesiodistal and buccolingual pulp to tooth width ratio at the mid-root (C1, C2), and the mesiodistal and buccolingual pulp to tooth width ratio at the midpoint between the CEJ and the mid-root (B1, B2) were measured on CBCT scans. Results: A significant inverse correlation was noted between age and all measured variables. No significant difference was found in the mean variables between males and females. The correlation between the actual age and estimated age in the regression model was 0.88. The mean square error (MSE) of prediction was 5.89 years; also, the mean absolute error (MAE) was 4.46 years. Conclusion: The fitted regression model suggested in this study can estimate the age of individuals with acceptable accuracy and mean absolute error of lower than 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important issues in microeconomics is congestion. In general, an increase in inputs will result in an increase in outputs. However, in some cases, it does not happen. Hence, in these situations congestion occurs. The existence of the congestion reduces efficiency of Decision Making Units (DMUs), so determination of congestion is highly regarded. Some studies suggested methods to determine the congestion via solving conventional Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models, in which first an inefficient unit was depicted on the BCC frontier. However, sometimes, some optimal projections are obtained, where some previous models encounter problems. In this paper, according to S-shape form of the production function and with respect to the geometric features of anchor points, we have developed an algorithm by the connection between the anchor points and congestion definition. In this algorithm, with no need for efficiency value and projecting the inefficient DMUs on BCC efficiency frontier, only by determining the anchor point with the largest output and comparing inefficient units with it, with an easier calculation, and solving conventional DEA models, congested DMUs and their status of congestion are obtained and their values are calculated. At the end, the proposed algorithm is illustrated by some examples and the results are compared to those of the existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of review: In recent years, there have been advances in the prevention, management, and control of peripheral vascular disease (PVD). There is a trend towards aggressive risk factor modification, noninvasive screening, and endovascular revascularization with surgical approaches reserved only for select cases. This article reviews the different management strategies ranging from pharmacotherapy, revascularization, and rehabilitation with an emphasis on the response of women to these therapies. Recent findings: Overall, the representation of women in the majority of the published data in this arena remains poor. Studies examining medical therapy and endovascular and surgical revascularization were not designed to address sex disparities. Nevertheless, we dissect these therapies and their relevant randomized trials. Summary: The paucity of data investigating the response of women to the different management options makes it difficult to make any evidence-based recommendations. This not only applies to the type of intervention, but also the appropriate timing and risks entailed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a congener of fumonisins produced by Fusarium species, is the most abundant and most toxicologically active fumonisin. FB1 causes severe mycotoxicosis in animals, including nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and disruption of the intestinal barrier. However, mechanisms associated with FB1 toxicity are still unclear. Preliminary studies have highlighted the role of liver X receptors (LXRs) during FB1 exposure. LXRs belong to the nuclear receptor family and control the expression of genes involved in cholesterol and lipid homeostasis. In this context, the toxicity of FB1 was compared in female wild-type (LXR+/+) and LXRα,β double knockout (LXR−/−) mice in the absence or presence of FB1 (10 mg/kg body weight/day) for 28 days. Exposure to FB1 supplemented in the mice's drinking water resulted in more pronounced hepatotoxicity in LXR−/− mice compared to LXR+/+ mice, as indicated by hepatic transaminase levels (ALT, AST) and hepatic inflammatory and fibrotic lesions. Next, the effect of FB1 exposure on the liver transcriptome was investigated. FB1 exposure led to a specific transcriptional response in LXR−/− mice that included altered cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis. ELISA showed that these effects were associated with an elevated FB1 concentration in the plasma of LXR−/− mice, suggesting that LXRs participate in intestinal absorption and/or clearance of the toxin. In summary, this study demonstrates an important role of LXRs in protecting the liver against FB1-induced toxicity, suggesting an alternative mechanism not related to the inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis for mycotoxin toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-stage data envelopment analysis (TsDEA) models evaluate the performance of a set of production systems in which each system includes two operational stages. Taking into account the internal structures is commonly found in many situations such as seller-buyer supply chain, health care provision and environmental management. Contrary to conventional DEA models as a black-box structure, TsDEA provides further insight into sources of inefficiencies and a more informative basis for performance evaluation. In addition, ignoring the qualitative and imprecise data leads to distorted evaluations, both for the subunits and the system efficiency. We present the fuzzy input and output-oriented TsDEA models to calculate the global and pure technical efficiencies of a system and sub-processes when some data are fuzzy. To this end, we propose a possibilistic programming problem and then convert it into a deterministic interval programming problem using the α-level based method. The proposed method preserves the link between two stages in the sense that the total efficiency of the system is equal to the product of the efficiencies derived from two stages. In addition to the study of technical efficiency, this research includes two further contributions to the ancillary literature; firstly, we minutely discuss the efficiency decompositions to indicate the sources of inefficiency and secondly, we present a method for ranking the efficient units in a fuzzy environment. An empirical illustration is also utilised to show the applicability of the proposed technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrogenin A (DDA) is a newly discovered cholesterol metabolite with tumor suppressor properties. Here, we explored its efficacy and mechanism of cell death in melanoma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We found that DDA induced lethal autophagy in vitro and in vivo, including primary AML patient samples, independently of melanoma Braf status or AML molecular and cytogenetic classifications. DDA is a partial agonist on liver-X-receptor (LXR) increasing Nur77, Nor1, and LC3 expression leading to autolysosome formation. Moreover, DDA inhibited the cholesterol biosynthesizing enzyme 3β-hydroxysterol-Δ8,7- isomerase (D8D7I) leading to sterol accumulation and cooperating in autophagy induction. This mechanism of death was not observed with other LXR ligands or D8D7I inhibitors establishing DDA selectivity. The potent anti-tumor activity of DDA, its original mechanism of action and its low toxicity support its clinical evaluation. More generally, this study reveals that DDA can direct control a nuclear receptor to trigger lethal autophagy in cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the use of a longitudinal corticotomy (S-Z osteotomy) results in more rapid consolidation following distraction osteogenesis of short tibiae. Methods: Sixty-seven lengthening procedures were performed in 51 patients ranging in age from nine to 38 (mean 25) years. Diagnoses included short stature (32 tibiae), postpolio limb deformity (22 tibiae), osteomyelitis (three tibiae), trauma (two tibiae) and other diagnoses (eight tibiae). Forty-five lengthenings were performed via a longitudinal corticotomy, and 22 were performed via a transverse corticotomy. Patients were followed until consolidation of the regenerated bone was noted radiographically (consolidation time). The healing index (consolidation time per centimetre of lengthening) was calculated for each patient and compared between groups. Results: The healing index was significantly lower in the S-Z group (30.8 ± 9.6 days/cm) than in the transverse corticotomy group (46.8 ± 20.2 days/cm) ( p < 0.0001). Mean lengthening was 6.6 (range 2.5-12.5) cm in the S-Z group and 5.8 (range 2.0-12.0) cm in the transverse group ( p = 0.28). Mean consolidation time was 6.3 ± 2.8 (range 3-16) months in the S-Z group and 8.1 ± 3.8 (range 3-13.5) months in the transverse group ( p = 0.03). Conclusion: The S-Z osteotomy safely reduces consolidation time of regenerative bone during distraction osteogenesis in the tibia relative to a transverse corticotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver and lung metastases are the predominant cause of colorectal cancer (CRC)-related mortality. Recent research has indicated that CXCR3/chemokines interactions that orchestrate haematopoetic cell movement are implicated in the metastatic process of malignant tumours, including that of CRC cells to lymph nodes. To date, however, the contribution of CXCR3 to liver and lung metastasis in CRC has not been addressed. To determine whether CXCR3 receptors regulate malignancy-related properties of CRC cells, we have used CXCR3-expressing CRC cell lines of human (HT29 cells) and murine (C26 cells) origins that enable the development of liver and lung metastases when injected into immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice, respectively, and assessed the effect of CXCR3 blockade using AMG487, a small molecular weight antagonist. In vitro, activation of CXCR3 on human and mouse CRC cells by its cognate ligands induced migratory and growth responses, both activities being abrogated by AMG487. In vivo, systemic CXCR3 antagonism by preventive or curative treatments with AMG487 markedly inhibited the implantation and the growth of human and mouse CRC cells within lung without affecting that in the liver. In addition, we measured increased levels of CXCR3 and ligands expression within lung nodules compared with liver tumours. Altogether, our findings indicate that activation of CXCR3 receptors by its cognate ligands facilitates the implantation and the progression of CRC cells within lung tissues and that inhibition of this axis decreases pulmonary metastasis of CRC in two murine tumour models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study was performed between cactus (Opuntia spp.) and alum as coagulants. Monthly samples of raw water, delivered from (Al-Mashroo Canal), were studied and analyzed for turbidity removal during the period from August 29, 2014, to July 23, 2015. The analysis was conducted to decide the optimum dose, optimum velocity gradient, and optimum flocculation time for both coagulants. The results of the study indicate the efficiency of alum over cactus and that the optimum dose of alum was larger than that of cactus. The pH level of raw water was in the range of 7.734-8.203, while the temperature of raw water was in the range of 13-35 °C during the period of the study. The reliable velocity gradient for both coagulants was 25 1/s, and the reliable flocculation time for both coagulants was 20 min. The residual turbidity for cactus was in the range of 0.0-296 NTU, while that of alum was in the range of 0.0-5.81 NTU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: PF-06438179, a potential biosimilar to Remicade® (infliximab, Janssen Biotech, Inc.), is a chimeric mouse-human monoclonal antibody targeting human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF).Methods: Analytical (small subset reported here) and nonclinical studies compared the structural, functional, and in vivo nonclinical similarity of PF-06438179 with Remicade sourced from the United States (infliximab-US) and/or European Union (infliximab-EU).Results: The peptide map profiles were superimposable, and peptide masses were the same, indicating identical amino acid sequences. Data on post-translational modifications, biochemical properties, and biological function provided strong support for analytical similarity. Administration of a single intravenous (IV) dose (10 or 50 mg/kg) of PF-06438179 or infliximab-EU to male rats was well tolerated. There were no test article-related clinical signs or effects on body weight or food consumption. Systemic exposures [maximum drug concentration (C max) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)] in rats administered PF-06438179 or infliximab-EU were similar, with mean exposure ratio of PF-06438179 relative to infliximab-EU ranging from 0.88 to 1.16. No rats developed anti-drug antibodies. A 2-week IV toxicity study was conducted with once-weekly administration of 10 or 50 mg/kg of PF-06438179 to male and female rats. PF-06438179-related hyperplasia of sinusoidal cells occurred in the liver in rats administered 50 mg/kg, but was not adverse based on its minimal to mild severity. The no-observed adverse-effect level for PF-06438179 was 50 mg/kg. At this dose, C max was 1360 µg/mL and AUC at 168 h was 115,000 µg h/mL on day 8.Conclusions: The analytical and nonclinical studies have supported advancement of PF-06438179 into global comparative clinical trials.Funding: Pfizer Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a post hoc analysis of 135 laparoscopic left pancreatectomy cases, focusing on its role in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Primary outcomes of resection margin and lymph node retrieval and secondary endpoints of post-operative pancreatic fistula are discussed. Conclusions suggest the safe adoptability of a standardized laparoscopic approach to left pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Nowadays automatic road extraction from satellite imageries is considered as one of the most important research trends in the field of remote sensing. This paper presents a method for automatic extraction of road centerlines from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. During the first step, three features, namely the direction of the least total radiance, the corresponding radiance, and the contrast are extracted to define the road characteristics by the backscatter coefficient of each pixel and its neighboring pixels from the SAR imagery. The fusion of the extracted features is carried out in the next step for detection of the road areas by using a fuzzy inference system. Afterwards, the morphology skeletonization is applied on the road areas to extract the road skeleton. Then some interested seed points are extracted so that they could be used in a snake model, which is employed to connect the seed points in order to form up the road centerlines. The proposed algorithm is tested on different parts of TerraSAR-X images. The experimental results reveal that the proposed method is effective in terms of correctness, completeness, and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies with a mortality that is almost identical to incidence. Because early detected PDAC is potentially curable, blood-based biomarkers that could detect currently developing neoplasia would improve patient survival and management. PDAC develops from pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions, graded from low grade (PanIN1) to high grade (PanIN3). We made the hypothesis that specific proteomic signatures from each precancerous stage exist and are detectable in plasma.Methods: We explored the peptide profiles of microdissected PanIN cells and of plasma samples corresponding to the different PanIN grade from genetically engineered mouse models of PDAC using capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry (CE-MS) and Chip-MS/MS.Results: We successfully characterised differential peptides profiles from PanIN microdissected cells. We found that plasma from tumor-bearing mice and age-matched controls exhibit discriminative peptide signatures. We also determined plasma peptide signatures corresponding to low- and high-grade precancerous step present in the mice pancreas using the two mass spectrometry technologies. Importantly, we identified biomarkers specific of PanIN3.Conclusions: We demonstrate that benign and advanced PanIN lesions display distinct plasma peptide patterns. This strongly supports the perspectives of developing a non-invasive screening test for prediction and early detection of PDAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Padmakar-Ivan (PI) index of a graph G is defined as where n( e| G) is the number of edges of G lying closer to u than to v, n( e| G) is the number of edges of G lying closer to v than to u, and summation goes over all edges of G. Let G be a connected graph, n( e| G) be the number of vertices of G lying closer to u, and n( e| G) be the number of vertices of G lying closer to v. Then the Szeged index of G is defined as the sum of n( e| G) n( e| G) over the edges of G. The PI index of G is the Szeged-like topological index defined as the sum of [ n( e| G) + n( e| G)], where n( e| G) is the number of edges of G lying closer to u than to v, n( e| G) is the number of edges of G lying closer to v than to u, and summation goes over all edges of G. Different types of symmetry groups are commonly used in chemistry. Point groups are used for molecules, whereas, for solids, the 230 space groups are used. Neither of these types of symmetry groups are suitable for representing unit cells in solids, the symmetry of which is intermediate between that of point groups and space groups representing the symmetry of unit cells in an infinite lattice; the third type of symmetry group must be used. An algorithmic method of generating these symmetry groups is described. It could be demonstrated that these groups are appropriate by applying the conventional symmetry. This technique has been used in the case of the two-dimensional graphite lattice. Because the new method generates symmetry tables using only the topology of the system, the symmetry properties of graphs could also be readily derived. Finally, the relationship between these groups and the other two types of groups is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-021-01811-x [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work deals with entropy generation rate due to flow and heat transfer by unsteady natural convection coupled with thermal radiation within a vertical channel open at both ends and filled with a semi-transparent porous medium. The radiative transfer equation is solved by the finite volume method. The governing equations for this problem and the relevant boundary conditions are non-linear differential equations depending on different dimensionless numbers. Various results are obtained for the average dimensionless conductive, convective, radiative and total Nusselt numbers for different combinations of the Planck number N, optical thickness τ, walls' emissivity $${\varepsilon}$$, single scattering albedo ω and temperature ratio R. The present work mainly investigates the rate of local as well as total entropy generation enhancement due to radiation. Profiles of spatial variations of local entropy generation rate and time variations of the total entropy generation rate are presented for different values of $${10^{-1}\le N \le 10^{-3},0.1\le \tau\le 5, 0\le \varepsilon\le 1,0.1~\le \omega\le 0.9}$$ and 0.1 ≤ R ≤ 0.9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the second-most common non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The disease affects the lymph nodes, and 50% of patients present with bone marrow infiltration; however, the mechanisms involved in dissemination of the disease are not yet known. We previously reported that FL cells display an overexpression of Syk, a tyrosine kinase involved in many cellular processes including cell migration. Therefore, we sought to explore its role in the invasive process. Here, we show that FL patients display higher matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels than healthy donors. Moreover, using Syk small interfering RNA and the Syk inhibitor R406, we demonstrate that, in FL cells, Syk is involved in the regulation of MMP-9 and VEGF expression, and that invasion and angiogenesis is mediated through a phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)-mammalian target of rapamycin module. Finally, using a FL xenograft mouse model we observe that fostamatinib (R788), inhibits MMP-9 expression and angiogenesis in vivo. Altogether, this study provides strong evidence that Syk represents an encouraging therapeutic target in FL and suggests the potential use of fostamatinib as an anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The functional anatomy of the knee is frequently studied but remains incompletely understood. Numerous authors have described a structure in the lateral knee connecting the lateral femoral condyle with the lateral meniscus and tibial plateau. The goal of this study is to define the incidence, anatomy, and histology of this structure, the anterolateral ligament. Methods: The incidence of the ligament was determined in 30 consecutive patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for medial compartment osteoarthritis. The anatomy and histology were evaluated using 10 cadaveric knees. Results: The anterolateral ligament was noted to be present in all 40 knees. In all cases, it was noted to take origin near or on the popliteus tendon insertion and insert into the lateral meniscus and tibial plateau 5 mm distal to the articular surface and posterior to Gerdy's Tubercle. The average width of the relatively flat structure was 8.2 ± 1.5 mm, and the average length was 34.1 ± 3.4 mm. Histologic analysis revealed a discreet structure with a fibrous core surrounded by synovium. Fibers blended with the popliteus at its origin and with the lateral meniscus as it passed distally. Conclusions: The anterolateral ligament may play a role in preventing anterior tibial translation. The role, if any, of this structure in meniscal stability and the pathology of meniscal tears remain unclear. Level of evidence: Not applicable-Descriptive Anatomic Study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), tyrosine kinase oncogene is implicated in a wide variety of cancers. In this study we used conditional onco-ALK (NPM-ALK and TPM3-ALK) mouse MEF cell lines (ALK+ fibroblasts) and transgenic models (ALK+ B-lymphoma) to investigate the involvement and regulation of angiogenesis in ALK tumor development. First, we observed that ALK expression leads to downregulation of miR-16 and increased Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels. Second, we found that modification of miR-16 levels in TPM3-ALK MEF cells greatly affected VEGF levels. Third, we demonstrated that miR-16 directly interacts with VEGF mRNA at the 3'-untranslated region and that the regulation of VEGF by miR-16 occurs at the translational level. Fourth, we showed that expression of both the ALK oncogene and hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF1α) is a prerequisite for miR-16 downregulation. Fifth, in vivo, miR-16 gain resulted in reduced angiogenesis and tumor growth. Finally, we highlighted an inverse correlation between the levels of miR-16 and VEGF in human NPM-ALK+ Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphomas (ALCL). Altogether, our results demonstrate, for the first time, the involvement of angiogenesis in ALK+ ALCL and strongly suggest an important role for hypoxia-miR-16 in regulating VEGF translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis gene family, which is also implicated in mitosis regulation. Most reports in the literature impute poor prognosis to neoplasms with overexpression of this protein. The purpose of the present study is to validate and compare the immunohistochemical reactivity of malignant lymphomas and reactive lymphoid tissue using a new mouse monoclonal antibody to Survivin produced in our laboratory, 6-78. Survivin was detected by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. It was shown that the antibody anti-Survivin 6-78 reliably stains formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded reactive and neoplastic lymphoid tissues, mostly in a nuclear pattern. We confirmed using this novel antibody that Survivin immunostaining has a tendency to be lower in reactive lymphoid tissues and low-grade B cell lymphomas than in aggressive lymphomas. This antibody may represent a useful tool for standardizing the study of the immunoexpression of Survivin in neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare effects of multiple injections of small divided doses of intravitreal bevacizumab vs a single injection using a retinal neovascular model in rabbits. We assigned 12 pigmented rabbits to four groups of three each. All groups received an intravitreal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, 10 μg) on the first day. Group A received an intravitreal loading dose of bevacizumab (0.5 mg) on day 3, followed by five smaller injections (0.15 mg), one every third day. Those in groups B and C received a single intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1.25 mg) on day 3, followed by five injections of sham, one every third day in group C. Group D received only intravitreal VEGF. Follow-up examinations were performed for 26 days. In groups A and B, vascular changes associated with VEGF injection decreased substantially in the first 3 days, and continued to show gradual regression during each follow-up interval. No statistically significant differences were found between the changes of mean retinal thicknesses in groups A and B in both areas. In group C, the extra sham injections did not lead to any further vascular changes. The mean retinal thickness in groups B and C did not have a statistically significant difference during the follow-up period. In group D, vascular changes resolved more gradually than in other groups. The difference in retinal thickness between group D and the other groups was statistically significant on day 6 in both groups (medullary and inferior part; p = 0.0003) and in medullary wing on day 12 ( p = 0.03). Frequent smaller doses of bevacizumab can control VEGF-induced vascular changes as well as the currently utilized model of single large monthly injections. Dividing of currently used single injection (1.25 mg) of bevacizumab to multiple small doses can control VEGF-induced vascular changes as effectively as one large injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An implantable manually-actuated drug delivery device, consisting of a refillable drug reservoir, flexible cannula, check valve, and suture tabs, was investigated as a new approach for delivering pharmaceuticals to treat chronic ocular diseases. Devices are fabricated by molding and bonding three structured layers of polydimethylsiloxane. A 30 gauge non-coring needle was used to refill the reservoir; this size maximized the number of repeated refills while minimizing damage to the reservoir. The check valve cracking pressure was 76 ± 8.5 mmHg (mean ± SE, n = 4); the valve sustained > 2000 mmHg of reverse pressure without leakage. Constant delivery at 1.57 ± 0.2 µL/sec and 0.61 ± 0.2 µL/sec (mean ± SE, n = 4) under 500 mmHg and 250 mmHg of applied pressure, respectively, was obtained in benchtop experiments. The valve closing time constant was 10.2 s for 500 mmHg and 14.2 s for 250 mmHg. Assembled devices were successfully demonstrated in benchtop, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A major challenge in transplantation medicine is controlling the very strong immune responses to foreign antigens that are responsible for graft rejection. Although immunosuppressive drugs efficiently inhibit acute graft rejection, a substantial proportion of patients suffer chronic rejection that ultimately leads to functional loss of the graft. Induction of immunological tolerance to transplants would avoid rejection and the need for lifelong treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. Tolerance to self-antigens is ensured naturally by several mechanisms; one major mechanism depends on the activity of regulatory T lymphocytes. Here we show that in mice treated with clinically acceptable levels of irradiation, regulatory CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells stimulated in vitro with alloantigens induced long-term tolerance to bone marrow and subsequent skin and cardiac allografts. Regulatory T cells specific for directly presented donor antigens prevented only acute rejection, despite hematopoietic chimerism. By contrast, regulatory T cells specific for both directly and indirectly presented alloantigens prevented both acute and chronic rejection. Our findings demonstrate the potential of appropriately stimulated regulatory T cells for future cell-based therapeutic approaches to induce lifelong immunological tolerance to allogeneic transplants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphoproliferations are generally diagnosed via histomorphology and immunohistochemistry. Although mostly conclusive, occasionally the differential diagnosis between reactive lesions and malignant lymphomas is difficult. In such cases molecular clonality studies of immunoglobulin (Ig)/T-cell receptor (TCR) rearrangements can be useful. Here we address the issue of clonality assessment in 106 histologically defined reactive lesions, using the standardized BIOMED-2 Ig/TCR multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) heteroduplex and GeneScan assays. Samples were reviewed nationally, except 10% random cases and cases with clonal results selected for additional international panel review. In total 75% (79/106) only showed polyclonal Ig/TCR targets (type I), whereas another 15% (16/106) represent probably polyclonal cases, with weak Ig/TCR (oligo)clonality in an otherwise polyclonal background (type II). Interestingly, in 10% (11/106) clear monoclonal Ig/TCR products were observed (types III/IV), which prompted further pathological review. Clonal cases included two missed lymphomas in national review and nine cases that could be explained as diagnostically difficult cases or probable lymphomas upon additional review. Our data show that the BIOMED-2 Ig/TCR multiplex PCR assays are very helpful in confirming the polyclonal character in the vast majority of reactive lesions. However, clonality detection in a minority should lead to detailed pathological review, including close interaction between pathologist and molecular biologist.Leukemia (2007) 21, 222–229. doi:10.1038/sj.leu.2404482; published online 14 December 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a distinct biological and cytogenetic entity with a broad spectrum of morphological features (common type, small-cell variant and lymphohistiocytic variant). Few cell lines of ALCL are available and they all originate from primary tumors demonstrating the common type morphology (ie large-sized lymphoma cells). We established a new ALCL cell line (COST) from the peripheral blood of a patient with a small-cell variant of ALCL, at diagnosis. Cells growing in vitro and in SCID mice consisted of two populations, that is, small- and large-sized cells as seen in the patient's tumor. Both large and small malignant cells were positive for CD43/MT1 T-cell associated antigen, perform, granzyme B and TIA-1, but negative for CD2, CD3, CD5, CD7, CD4 and CD8 antigens. Standard cytogenetic studies as well as multiplex FISH confirmed the presence of the canonical t(2;5)(p23;q35) translocation, but also revealed additional numerical and structural abnormalities. The COST cell line is the first ALCL small-cell variant cell line, and thus provides a potentially useful tool for further functional and molecular studies that should improve our understanding of the small-cell variant of ALCL, which is more frequently complicated by a leukemic phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a fuzzy version of CCR model (Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes (1978)) with asymmetrical triangular fuzzy number is presented and a procedure is suggested for its solution. The basic idea is to transform the fuzzy CCR model into a crisp linear programming problem by applying an alternative α-cut approach. Thereby, the problem is converted to an interval programming. In this method, instead of comparing the equality (or inequality) of two intervals, a variable is defined in the interval, not only satisfies the set of constraints, but also maximizes the efficiency value. We also propose a ranking method for fuzzy DMUs using presented fuzzy DEA approach. To demonstrate the concept, numerical examples are solved and solutions are compared with Guo and Tanaka (2001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunohistochemical characteristics of the monoclonal antibody IND.64 are very similar to those of the monoclonal antibody Ki-67. The aim of this study was to further characterize this new antibody and to compare it with Ki-67 using immunobiochemical methods. Our results demonstrate that the similarity between the antibodies holds true even at the molecular level. Immunoblot analysis of IM-9-cell lysates with both antibodies showed a double band with apparent molecular weights of 395 kD and 345 kD, respectively. Competition ELISAs using a synthetic peptide derived from the thus far determined Ki-67 cDNA sequence as competitor, indicate that IND.64 may recognize the same epitope as Ki-67. The IND.64 epitope resides at least within a 20 amino acid sequence which also contains the Ki-67 epitope. Since IND.64 is of the IgG2b subclass, while Ki-67 is of the IgG1 subclass, the two antibodies may be useful for double immunostaining. In addition, IND.64 may help in determining the still unknown function of the anigen it recognizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agents that increase intracellular cAMP (cAMP elevating agents) and 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibit the proliferation of many cell types. We investigated the combined effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 and cAMP elevating agents on exponentially growing mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. The following cAMP elevating agents were used: theophylline and pentoxyfilline, which inhibit cAMP-dependent phosphodiesterase; prostaglandin E2 which activates adenylate cyclase by a receptor-mediated mechanism; forskolin, which directly stimulates adenylate cyclase; and the cell permeable cAMP analogs 8-bromo cAMP and N6 benzoyl cAMP. 1,25(OH)2D3 and cAMP elevating agents were added to exponentially growing fibroblasts cultured in 96-well microtiter plates and cell number was monitored 3–7 d later. 1,25(OH)2D3 and the cAMP elevating agents as single agents inhibited the growth of the 3T3 cells. The combined treatment of the fibroblasts with 1,25(OH)2D3 and the cAMP elevating agents resulted in an antiproliferative effect that was more than additive. The synergistic interaction depended on the dose of 1,25(OH)2D3 and was apparent already at 10−8 M of the hormone. The specificity of the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 was demonstrated by the finding that 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, a vitamin D metabolite with low affinity for the vitamin D receptor, did not affect the antiproliferative effect of cAMP elevating agents. From the synergistic interaction between 1,25(OH)2D3 and the cell permeable cAMP analogs, we infer that the site of interaction between the two signaling pathways is distal to the cAMP generating and degrading machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute pain in post joint replacement surgeries is common, which makes the management of acute pain following joint replacement surgeries to be very important. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate acute pain management of post TKR surgeries. Results: Patients with negative pain management index (PMI) scores were classified as receiving inadequate analgesic treatment for their pain. Zero PMI was the most frequent score among the others with 195 (80.6%). The rest were − 1 (11 (4.5%)), 1 (27 (11.2%)), and 2 (9 (3.7%)), respectively. Only 4.5% (11/242) patients have negative PMI score, which could be considered as inadequate pain management in which these patients received inadequate analgesic treatment. Conclusion: Acute pain management in post-TKR surgeries in both medical centers achieved an acceptable level, and majority of patients received an adequate analgesia in post-TKR surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]