Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autophagy, apoptosis, vitamin D, and vitamin D receptor in hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis C virus

Abstract The aims of this study were to investigate the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis and to investigate the association between both of autophagy and apoptosis and vitamin D and its receptor in hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral infection and its implication in the progression into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A cross-sectional study where serum levels of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3); marker of autophagy, caspase-3; marker of apoptosis, vitamin D3 and vitamin D receptor (VDR) were measured in healthy subjects as well as HCV and HCV-HCC patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Collectively, the liver profile revealed hepatic dysfunctions in HCV patients with or without HCC. A significant reduction in the serum concentration levels LC3 and caspase-3 were observed referring to the down regulation of autophagy and host-mediated apoptosis in HCV patients with or without HCC. Deficiency of vitamin D and decreased levels of its receptor were observed in HCV and HCV-HCC patients. The perturbation in vitamin D/VDR axis, which modulates both of autophagy and apoptosis in HCV infection, may point out to its involvement and implication in the pathogenesis of HCV infection and the development of HCV-related HCC. Therefore, supplementation with vitamin D may not be the only solution to restore the vital biological functions of vitamin D but VDR-targeted therapy may be of great importance in this respect.
Alternative method to treat oroantral communication and fistula with autogenous bone graft and platelet rich firbin

Background Removing a tooth from the jaw results in the occurrence of oroantral communication in beneficial anatomic conditions or in the case of a iatrogenic effect. Popularized treatments of the oroantral communication have numerous faults. Large bone defect eliminates the chance to introduce an implant. Purpose of this work was assessment of the usefulness of autogenous bone graft and PRF in normal bone regeneration in the site of oroantral communication. Material and Methods Bone regeneration in the site of oroantral communication was assessed in 20 patients. Bone defects were supplemented autogenous bone graft from mental protuberance in 14 cases and from oblique line in 6 cases. The graft was covered with a PRF membrane. Results In the study group in all cases closure of the oroantral communication was observed. The average width of the alveolar was 13 mm and the average height was 12.5 mm. In 3 patients an average increase of alveolar height of 1.5 mm was observed. Conclusions This method may be the best option to prepare alveolar for new implant and prosthetic solutions. Key words:Oroantral communication, oroantral fistula, autogenous bone graft, bone regeneration, platelet rich fibrin.
Ancient DNA applications for wildlife conservation

Ancient DNA analyses of historical, archaeological and paleontological remains can contribute important information for the conservation of populations and species that cannot be obtained any other way. In addition to ancient DNA analyses involving a single or few individuals, population level studies are now possible. Biases inherent in estimating population parameters and history from modern genetic diversity are exaggerated when populations are small or have been heavily impacted by recent events, as is common for many endangered species. Going directly back in time to study past populations removes many of the assumptions that undermine conclusions based only on recent populations. Accurate characterization of historic population size, levels of gene flow and relationships with other populations are fundamental to developing appropriate conservation and management plans. The incorporation of ancient DNA into conservation genetics holds a lot of potential, if it is employed responsibly.
A Procedure for Experimental Evaluation of Cartesian Stiffness Matrix of Multibody Robotic Systems

In this paper a general procedure is proposed for experimental evaluation of Cartesian Stiffness matrix. The proposed procedure is based on a trilateration technique that is applied for a new tracking system named as Milli-CaTraSys (Milli Cassino Tracking System). A case of study for experimental evaluation of the stiffness matrix is presented in order to show the soundness of the proposed procedure. KeywordsRobotics, Stiffness Matrix, Experimental Mechanics
Antagonistic pleiotropy in species with separate sexes, and the maintenance of genetic variation in life‐history traits and fitness

Antagonistic pleiotropy (AP)—where alleles of a gene increase some components of fitness at a cost to others—can generate balancing selection, and contribute to the maintenance of genetic variation in fitness traits, such as survival, fecundity, fertility, and mate competition. Previous theory suggests that AP is unlikely to maintain variation unless antagonistic selection is strong, or AP alleles exhibit pronounced differences in genetic dominance between the affected traits. We show that conditions for balancing selection under AP expand under the likely scenario that the strength of selection on each fitness component differs between the sexes. Our model also predicts that the vast majority of balanced polymorphisms have sexually antagonistic effects on total fitness, despite the absence of sexual antagonism for individual fitness components. We conclude that AP polymorphisms are less difficult to maintain than predicted by prior theory, even under our conservative assumption that selection on components of fitness is universally sexually concordant. We discuss implications for the maintenance of genetic variation, and for inferences of sexual antagonism that are based on sex‐specific phenotypic selection estimates—many of which are based on single fitness components.
KIT D816V Positive Acute Mast Cell Leukemia Associated with Normal Karyotype Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Introduction Mast cell (MC) leukemia (MCL) is extremely rare. We present a case of MCL diagnosed concomitantly with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). Case Report A 41-year-old woman presented with asthenia, anorexia, fever, epigastralgia, and diarrhea. She had a maculopapular skin rash, hepatosplenomegaly, retroperitoneal adenopathies, pancytopenia, 6% blast cells (BC) and 20% MC in the peripheral blood, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, cholestasis, hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and increased serum tryptase (184 μg/L). The bone marrow (BM) smears showed 24% myeloblasts, 17% promyelocytes, and 16% abnormal toluidine blue positive MC, and flow cytometry revealed 12% myeloid BC, 34% aberrant promyelocytes, a maturation blockage at the myeloblast/promyelocyte level, and 16% abnormal CD2−CD25+ MC. The BM karyotype was normal, and the KIT D816V mutation was positive in BM cells. The diagnosis of MCL associated with AML was assumed. The patient received corticosteroids, disodium cromoglycate, cladribine, idarubicin and cytosine arabinoside, high-dose cytosine arabinoside, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The outcome was favorable, with complete hematological remission two years after diagnosis and one year after HSCT. Conclusions This case emphasizes the need of an exhaustive laboratory evaluation for the concomitant diagnosis of MCL and AML, and the therapeutic options.
Psychiatric admission during pregnancy in women with schizophrenia who attended a specialist antenatal clinic

Abstract Objectives: The mental health and wellbeing of pregnant women with schizophrenia is an area of research interest. We aim to explore this relationship particularly in regards to psychiatric admission rates, timing and their associated contributing factors. Methods: A total of 98 pregnancies to women with schizophrenia, who attended a specialist antenatal clinic and delivered from July 2007 to February 2016, were retrospectively examined. The cohort was divided into two groups based on psychiatric admission. Descriptive data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Overall, 40.8% required psychiatric admission during pregnancy. A higher proportion of subjects had their initial psychiatric admission in the first trimester compared to the third trimester (p = .002). Of note, 10.2% were admitted within one month either side of conception. Women with admission also presented later for their first antenatal appointment (p = .04, 95% CI −2.1 to −1.9). Psychiatric admission was associated with substance (p = .014) and alcohol use (p = .001), child protective services involvement (p = .022) and infant being placed in out-of-home care (p = .01), but not with poorer obstetric or neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: High rates of psychiatric admission are evident throughout pregnancy for women with schizophrenia, with a high proportion of first presentations for admission occurring in the first trimester. Psychiatric admission is associated with poorer antenatal care attendance and adverse psychosocial outcomes, highlighting the need for enhanced multidisciplinary pregnancy care for this at risk group. Inpatient psychiatric services should consider pregnancy testing and contraception review for all women of childbearing age, admitted with schizophrenia.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Extended Perioperative Counseling in Enhanced Recovery After Colorectal Surgery

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery programs reduce the length of hospital stay in patients who undergo elective colorectal resection, but the reasons for this reduction are not well understood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the impact of extended perioperative counseling in treatment groups that were otherwise the same with respect to enhanced recovery after surgery criteria. DESIGN: Patients eligible for open or laparoscopic colorectal resection were randomly assigned to extended counseling (repeated information and guidance by a dedicated nurse) or standard counseling. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a single institution. PATIENTS: Patients (n = 164) were randomly assigned to enhanced recovery after surgery plus extended counseling (n = 80) or enhanced recovery after surgery with standard counseling (n = 84). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was the total length of hospital stay. Discharge criteria were defined. Secondary end points were postoperative complications, postoperative length of hospital stay, readmission rate, and mortality. RESULTS: Total hospital stay was significantly shorter among patients randomly assigned to enhanced recovery after surgery plus extended counseling (median 5 (range 2–29) days vs 7 (range 2–39) days, p < 0.001). The 2 treatment groups differed in adherence to the elements of postoperative enhanced recovery after surgery such as mobilization and total oral intake. The 2 treatment groups did not differ in overall, major, and minor morbidity; reoperation rate; readmission rate; and 30-day mortality. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of this study was the absence of blinding. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative information and guidance were important factors in enhanced recovery after surgery care and were associated with a significantly shorter length of hospital stay. Our findings suggest that perioperative counseling enables patients to comply with the elements of postoperative enhanced recovery after surgery and thereby reduces the length of hospital stay. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01610726). See Video Abstract at http://links.lww. com/DCR/A505.
Construction of a secretome mutant library of Lactobacillus reuteri

CONSTUCTION OF A MUTANT LIBRARY OF LACTOBACILLUS REUTERI By Javiera Ortiz Villalobos During the last 10 years increased scientific attention has been given to probiotics due to their promising therapeutic benefits in enteric diseases. In this sense, Lactobacillus reuteri 6475 has emerged as a potential probiotic strain that has demonstrated various probiotic therapeutic features. These characteristics include the ability of this strain to produce and secrete the antimicrobial compound reuterin and anti-inflammatory factors. Because the main probiotic effects of L. reuteri 6475 that have been identified thus far are secreted, we were interested in developing a mutant library consisting of disruptions of genes that encode for secreted or cell-wall proteins. To complete this task we employed two different strategies: the identification of secretome protein sequences by predictive mathematical methods and the disruption of the protein coding sequences by single-stranded DNA recombineering. As a result, we have developed a mutant library of 127 secretome genes that would drive the elucidation of important L. reuteri probiotic mechanisms of action. To demonstrate the utility of this library, I screened all 127 mutants for the ability to produce reuterin and found 11 genes that increase reuterin secretion and 3 that eliminate reuterin secretion when disrupted. Future characterization of these genes will further elucidate the bacterial pathways that are critical for reuterin production. Copyright by JAVIERA ORTIZ VILLALOBOS 2013
DECREASING SUNSPOT MAGNETIC FIELDS EXPLAIN UNIQUE 10.7 cm RADIO FLUX

Infrared spectral observations of sunspots from 1998 to 2011 have shown that on average sunspots changed, the magnetic fields weakened, and the temperatures rose. The data also show that sunspots or dark pores can only form at the solar surface if the magnetic field strength exceeds about 1500 G. Sunspots appear at the solar surface with a variety of field strengths, and during the period from 1998 to 2002 a histogram of the sunspot magnetic fields shows a normal distribution with a mean of 2436 ± 26 G and a width of 323 ± 20 G. During this observing period the mean of the magnetic field distribution decreased by 46 ± 6 G per year, and we assume that as the 1500 G threshold was approached, magnetic fields appeared at the solar surface which could not form dark sunspots or pores. With this assumption we propose a quantity called the sunspot formation fraction and give an analytical form derived from the magnetic field distribution. We show that this fraction can quantitatively explain the changing relationship between sunspot number and solar radio flux measured at 10.7 cm wavelengths.
Generation of memory B cells and their reactivation

The successful establishment of humoral memory response depends on at least two layers of defense. Pre‐existing protective antibodies secreted by long‐lived plasma cells act as a first line of defense against reinfection (“constitutive humoral memory”). Previously, a second line of defense in which pathogen‐experienced memory B cells are rapidly reactivated to produce antibodies (“reactive humoral memory”), was considered as simply a back‐up system for the first line (particularly for re‐infection with homologous viruses). However, in the case of re‐infection with similar but different strains of viruses, or in response to viral escape mutants, the reactive humoral memory plays a crucial role. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of how memory B cells are generated in the pre‐GC stage and during the GC reaction, and how these memory B cells are robustly reactivated with the help of memory Tfh cells to generate the secondary antibody response. In addition, we discuss how these advances may be relevant to the quest for a vaccine that can induce broadly reactive antibodies against influenza and HIV.
Our experience of the necessity of adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy at the time of ventilation tube insertion in 11 941 children with middle ear effusion

Adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy are commonly performed at the time of myringotomy plus ventilation tube insertion (MVTI) in children with otitis media with effusion (OME). However, the evidence supporting this practice is not conclusive. This is because uncertainty remains regarding the pathogenic role of the adenoids in OME. It is unclear if mechanical obstruction is a more or less important factor than the adenoids' role as a bacterial reservoir. Some studies show that children who have large adenoids removed have higher rates of effusion resolution compared to those children with small adenoids. Yet other studies show that children with small non obstructing adenoids may still have chronic adenoid infection manifesting as a predisposition to OME, suggesting a primary role of bacteria. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
A Novel Approach to Understanding Recovering Personsâ Relationship Dynamics: Injection Heroin Users

Approximately 22.5 million Americans or 9.4% of the U.S. population struggle with a substance abuse disorder, and 7 million are opiate abusers. Opiate overdoses have now surpassed automobile fatalities and is the leading cause of accidental death in the US [1]. One way to better understand this significant social problem is through social networks. These networks are a key provider of social, emotional, and human capital. It is possible that heroin users have difficulties developing ties with non-using friends which creates barriers to identifying and mobilizing the capital needed for successful reentry outcomes. Yet, there is a limited body of social network research with people reentering the community after substance abuse. This leaves the question about how to best understand and even change personal social networks of heroin users during recovery. Our study reviews social resource attainment in recovering heroin users in mutual help settings, and shows how network analysis can help better understand heroin use and recovery.
Psychosocial Challenges of Orofacial Cleft

Orofacial clefts result from a failure during embryonic development. Specifically, between the fourth and seventeenth weeks of embryonic development, the closure mechanisms for the facial and oral cavity fail. As a cleft child grows to adult through adolescence he comes across many people and situations which can make him psychologically weak or strong. Hence the psychological factors associated with cleft lip and palate is very much concerned with each parent.
CBT for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Emerging Evidence, Cognitive Ability and IQ Effects

Abstract Historically people with intellectual disabilities have not been offered or received cognitive behavioural interventions that have been shown to be effective for mental health and emotional problems experienced by those without such disabilities. This is despite many people with intellectual disabilities having life experiences that potentially result in them having an increased risk to such problems. This paper discusses whether such therapeutic disdain is justified based on the evidence that is available and emerging concerning the application of cognitive behavioural interventions for this population. Issues concerning access to services, the ability of people with intellectual disabilities to engage in and benefit from the cognitive components of CBT, and the effect of cognitive abilities and IQ level on treatment effectiveness are explored in relation to this question.
Cysteine dioxygenase is essential for mouse sperm osmoadaptation and male fertility

Sperm entering the epididymis are immotile and cannot respond to stimuli that will enable them to fertilize. The epididymis is a highly complex organ, with multiple histological zones and cell types that together change the composition and functional abilities of sperm through poorly understood mechanisms. Sperm take up taurine during epididymal transit, which may play antioxidant or osmoregulatory roles. Cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) is a critical enzyme for taurine synthesis. A previous study reported that male CDO−/− mice exhibit idiopathic infertility, prompting us to investigate the functions of CDO in male fertility. Immunoblotting and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis of epididymal segments showed that androgen‐dependent CDO expression was highest in the caput epididymidis. CDO−/− mouse sperm demonstrated a severe lack of in vitro fertilization ability. Acrosome exocytosis and tyrosine phosphorylation profiles in response to stimuli were normal, suggesting normal functioning of pathways associated with capacitation. CDO−/− sperm had a slight increase in head abnormalities. Taurine and hypotaurine concentrations in CDO−/− sperm decreased in the epididymal intraluminal fluid and sperm cytosol. We found no evidence of antioxidant protection against lipid peroxidation. However, CDO−/− sperm exhibited severe defects in volume regulation, swelling in response to the relatively hypo‐osmotic conditions found in the female reproductive tract. Our findings suggest that epididymal CDO plays a key role in post‐testicular sperm maturation, enabling sperm to osmoregulate as they transition from the male to the female reproductive tract, and provide new understanding of the compartmentalized functions of the epididymis.
An efficient and effective Decentralized Anonymous Voting System

A trusted electronic election system requires that all the involved information must go public, that is, it focuses not only on transparency but also privacy issues. In other words, each ballot should be counted anonymously, correctly, and efficiently. In this work, a lightweight E-voting system is proposed for voters to minimize their trust in the authority or government. We ensure the transparency of election by putting all message on the Ethereum blockchain, in the meantime, the privacy of individual voter is protected via an efficient and effective ring signature mechanism. Besides, the attractive self-tallying feature is also built in our system, which guarantees that everyone who can access the blockchain network is able to tally the result on his own, no third party is required after voting phase. More importantly, we ensure the correctness of voting results and keep the Ethereum gas cost of individual participant as low as possible, at the same time. Clearly, the pre-described characteristics make our system more suitable for large-scale election.
The Effect of the Ecology of Toads on the Distribution of Helminths

This paper presents the results of studies on the helminth fauna of the green toad, Bufo viridis, in Uzbekistan. Twently helminth species were identified. The highest diversity of helminths was recorded in toads in the newly-built districts of Tashkent (1966-76). The helminth fauna of the toads inhabiting foothills was less common.