Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of MDM2 T309G polymorphism in susceptibility and prognosis of nonsmall cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis.

AIMS This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationships of a common polymorphism (T309G, rs2279744 T>G) in the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) gene with susceptibility and prognosis of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS The PubMed, CISCOM, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases were searched for relevant articles published before November 1st, 2013 without any language restrictions. Meta-analysis was conducted using the STATA 12.0 software. Crude odds ratios (ORs) or hazard risk (HR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Seven clinical studies with a total 3732 NSCLC patients and 1472 healthy controls met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS The results of our meta-analysis suggested that MDM2 T309G polymorphism might be strongly correlated with an increased risk of NSCLC (G allele vs. T allele: OR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.42-1.89, p<0.001; TG+GG vs. TT: OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.31-1.80, p<0.001; respectively). Furthermore, we observed significant associations of MDM2 T309G polymorphism with poor overall survival (TT vs. GT: HR=1.22, 95% CI: 101-1.43, p<0.001; TT vs. GG: HR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.04-1.59, p<0.001; TT vs. GT+GG: HR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.13-1.76, p<0.001; respectively) and progression-free survival (TT vs. GT+GG: HR=1.26, 95% CI: 0.82-1.69, p<0.001) of NSCLC patients. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide convincing evidence that the MDM2 T309G polymorphism may contribute to individual differences in NSCLC susceptibility and prognosis. Thus, the MDM2 T309G polymorphism may be a promising potential biomarker for NSCLC diagnosis and prognosis.
Reduction in hospital admissions for acute coronary syndrome after the successful implementation of 100% smoke-free legislation in Argentina: a comparison with partial smoking restrictions

Background Several studies have shown a decrease in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admissions after the implementation of 100% smoke-free legislation. However, no studies have been conducted in developing countries. Methods We conducted a time series analysis of ACS hospital admissions in Santa Fe province and Buenos Aires city, Argentina. In 2006, Santa Fe implemented a 100% smoke-free law and Buenos Aires implemented a partial law with designated smoking areas and exceptions. Age-standardised ACS admissions rates were compared before and after the implementation of the laws in each district. Smoking prevalence, compliance with legislation and exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) was also assessed in both districts. Results In Santa Fe an immediate decrease in ACS admissions was observed after implementation (−2.5 admissions per 100 000, p=0.03; 13% reduction), compared with no change in Buenos Aires city (rate ratio Santa Fe vs Buenos Aires: 0.74, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.86, p≤0.001). In Santa Fe, the immediate effect was followed by a persistent decrease in admissions due to ACS (−0.26 admissions per 100 000 per month). Smoking prevalence did not change significantly in either district during the same period. In both districts, there was a reduction in self-reported SHS exposure, with a trend towards lower exposure in Santa Fe province. No other comprehensive tobacco control interventions were implemented during the study period. Conclusions A 100% smoke-free law was more effective than a partial restriction law in reducing ACS admissions. An immediate effect was followed by a sustained decrease in ACS admissions. Smoke-free initiatives can be also effective in decreasing acute coronary events in developing countries.
Metabolic syndrome and short-term and long-term heart rate variability in elderly free of clinical cardiovascular disease: the PROOF study.

OBJECTIVE Autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity decrease has been associated with a higher risk of sudden cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Thus, we explored the relationship between ANS control of the cardiovascular system and metabolic syndrome. METHODS We analyzed the relationship with both short-term and long-term heart rate variability (HRV) and metabolic syndrome in the cross-sectional PROgnostic indicator OF cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (PROOF) cohort study of 1,011 elderly subjects recruited amongst the inhabitants of the city of Saint Etienne, France, aged 65.6 ± 0.8 years at the inclusion date. Physical examination included measurements of height, weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and biological parameters. HRV variables were measured over 5-min, nighttime, and 24-h periods using Holter monitoring. RESULTS After adjustment for current type 2 diabetes, depression, and smoking, we found that metabolic syndrome status, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and waist circumference were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with total power, very-low frequency, low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio, and normalized LF. HDL-C and metabolic syndrome status were significantly associated with decreased long-term HRV variables. Both nighttime and 24-h HRV showed closer associations with metabolic syndrome than did short-term HRV (5-min). Metabolic syndrome severity was associated with a decrease in both the long-term and short-term HRV variables. CONCLUSIONS ANS control alteration of the cardiovascular system was more pronounced when evaluated by long-term than short-term HRV recordings, particularly in women.
Affine-Constrained Group Sparse Coding and Its Application to Image-Based Classifications

This paper proposes a novel approach for sparse coding that further improves upon the sparse representation-based classification (SRC) framework. The proposed framework, Affine-Constrained Group Sparse Coding (ACGSC), extends the current SRC framework to classification problems with multiple input samples. Geometrically, the affineconstrained group sparse coding essentially searches for the vector in the convex hull spanned by the input vectors that can best be sparse coded using the given dictionary. The resulting objective function is still convex and can be efficiently optimized using iterative block-coordinate descent scheme that is guaranteed to converge. Furthermore, we provide a form of sparse recovery result that guarantees, at least theoretically, that the classification performance of the constrained group sparse coding should be at least as good as the group sparse coding. We have evaluated the proposed approach using three different recognition experiments that involve illumination variation of faces and textures, and face recognition under occlusions. Preliminary experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach, and in particular, the results from the recognition/occlusion experiment are surprisingly accurate and robust.
Resveratrol Preconditioning Protects Against Cerebral Ischemic Injury via Nuclear Erythroid 2–Related Factor 2

Background and Purpose— Nuclear erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an astrocyte-enriched transcription factor that has previously been shown to upregulate cellular antioxidant systems in response to ischemia. Although resveratrol preconditioning (RPC) has emerged as a potential neuroprotective therapy, the involvement of Nrf2 in RPC-induced neuroprotection and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production after cerebral ischemia remains unclear. The goal of our study was to study the contribution of Nrf2 to RPC and its effects on mitochondrial function. Methods— We used rodent astrocyte cultures and an in vivo stroke model with RPC. An Nrf2 DNA binding ELISA and protein analysis via Western blotting of downstream Nrf2 targets were performed to determine RPC-induced activation of Nrf2 in rat and mouse astrocytes. After RPC, mitochondrial function was determined by measuring reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial respiration in both wild-type and Nrf2−/− mice. Infarct volume was measured to determine neuroprotection, whereas protein levels were measured by immunoblotting. Results— We report that Nrf2 is activated by RPC in rodent astrocyte cultures, and that loss of Nrf2 reduced RPC-mediated neuroprotection in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia. In addition, we observed that wild-type and Nrf2−/− cortical mitochondria exhibited increased uncoupling and reactive oxygen species production after RPC treatments. Finally, Nrf2−/− astrocytes exhibited decreased mitochondrial antioxidant expression and were unable to upregulate cellular antioxidants after RPC treatment. Conclusions— Nrf2 contributes to RPC-induced neuroprotection through maintaining mitochondrial coupling and antioxidant protein expression.
Associations of Dietary Intake with Cardiovascular Risk in Long-Term “Plant-Based Eaters”: A Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Study

A plant-based diet rich in whole foods and fiber is beneficial for cardiovascular (CV) health. This impact is often linked to specific food groups and their preparation methods, reflecting the overall dietary pattern. However, research on the long-term effects of a carefully designed plant-based diet on adults transitioning from a typical Western lifestyle is limited. Notably, studies on people managing CV risk factors effectively are scarce. As part of a cross-sectional study, we examined 151 individuals committed to a long-term, well-designed plant-based diet and active lifestyle. We investigated how specific food groups and macronutrient intake are related to various CV health markers. In this secondary analysis, our comprehensive approach encompassed several methods: 3-day weighted dietary records, fasting blood lipid and blood pressure measurements, body composition assessments, and evaluations of lifestyle status. We adjusted our analysis for multiple variables, such as age, sex, current body mass index, smoking status, physical activity, and time (years) following the plant-based diet. Our findings revealed several associations between macronutrient intake (per 50 g) and CV risk markers, although these associations were generally weak. Individuals who consumed more whole grains and fruits had lower levels of total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) cholesterol. We also found associations between the intake of legumes and nuts/seeds and reduced HDL-C levels. These findings suggested that these food groups might influence the lipid profile, contributing to CV health in a plant-based diet. A greater intake of spices/herbs was associated with lower uric acid levels, while diets rich in plant-based fast food and pasta (made from white flour) were associated with higher uric acid levels. A greater intake of various macronutrients, such as fiber, carbohydrates (from whole-food sources), proteins, and different types of fats (saturated fatty acids [SFAs], monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFAs], and polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs]), was associated with lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C (only for carbohydrates), and HDL-C. We found a unique negative correlation between PUFA intake and LDL-C, suggesting that PUFAs might significantly affect LDL-C levels. In contrast, increased fiber, protein and SFA consumption were associated with increased uric acid levels. These findings support the impact of dietary patterns on CV risk factors, highlighting that even small amounts of unhealthy food groups can significantly influence specific CV risk markers, regardless of the overall diet.
Triggering Ras signalling by intracellular Francisella tularensis through recruitment of PKCα and βI to the SOS2/GrB2 complex is essential for bacterial proliferation in the cytosol

Intracellular proliferation of Francisella tularensis is essential for manifestation of the fatal disease tularaemia, and is classified as a category A bioterrorism agent. The F. tularensis‐containing phagosome (FCP) matures into a late endosome‐like phagosome with limited fusion to lysosomes, followed by rapid bacterial escape into the cytosol. The Francisella pathogenicity island (FPI) encodes a type VI‐like secretion system, and the FPI‐encoded IglC is essential for evasion of lysosomal fusion and phagosomal escape. Many host signalling events are likely to be modulated by F. tularensis to render the cell permissive for intracellular proliferation but they are not fully understood. Here we show that within 15 min of infection, intracellular F. tularensis ssp. novicida triggers IglC‐dependent temporal activation of Ras, but attached extracellular bacteria fail to trigger Ras activation, which has never been shown for other intracellular pathogens. Intracellular F. tularensis ssp. novicida triggers activation of Ras through recruitment of PKCα and PKCβI to the SOS2/GrB2 complex. Silencing of SOS2, GrB2 and PKCα and PKCβI by RNAi has no effect on evasion of lysosomal fusion and bacterial escape into the cytosol but renders the cytosol non‐permissive for replication of F. tularensis ssp. novicida. Since Ras activation promotes cell survival, we show that silencing of SOS2, GrB2 and PKCα and βI is associated with rapid early activation of caspase‐3 within 8 h post infection. However, silencing of SOS2, GrB2 and PKCα and βI does not affect phosphorylation of Akt or Erk, indicating that activation of the PI3K/Akt and the Erk signalling cascade are independent of the F. tularensis‐triggered Ras activation. We conclude that intracellular F. tularensis ssp. novicida triggers temporal and early activation of Ras through the SOS2/GrB2/PKCα/PKCβI quaternary complex. Temporal and rapid trigger of Ras signalling by intracellular F. tularensis is essential for intracellular bacterial proliferation within the cytosol, and this is associated with downregulation of early caspase‐3 activation.
Development and Characterization of Electrodes Coated with Plasma-Synthesized Polypyrrole Doped with Iodine, Implanted in the Rat Brain Subthalamic Nucleus

Biological treatments involve the application of metallic material coatings to enhance biocompatibility and properties. In invasive therapies, metallic electrodes are utilized, which are implanted in patients. One of these invasive therapeutic procedures is deep brain stimulation (DBS), an effective therapy for addressing the motor disorders observed in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This therapy involves the implantation of electrodes (IEs) into the subthalamic nucleus (STN). However, there is still a need for the optimization of these electrodes. Plasma-synthesized polypyrrole doped with iodine (PPPy/I) has been reported as a biocompatible and anti-inflammatory biomaterial that promotes nervous system regeneration. Given this information, the objective of the present study was to develop and characterize a PPPy/I-coated electrode for implantation into the STN. The characterization results indicate a uniform coating along the electrode, and physical–chemical characterization studies were conducted on the polymer. Subsequently, the IEs, both coated and uncoated with PPPy/I, were implanted into the STN of male rats of the Wistar strain to conduct an electrographic recording (EG-R) study. The results demonstrate that the IE coated with PPPy/I exhibited superior power and frequency signals over time compared to the uncoated IE (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, we conclude that an IE coated with PPPy/I has optimized functional performance, with enhanced integrity and superior signal quality compared to an uncoated IE. Therefore, we consider this a promising technological development that could significantly improve functional outcomes for patients undergoing invasive brain therapies.
Tyrosine kinase-dependent release of an adenovirus preterminal protein complex from the nuclear matrix

Adenovirus (Ad) replicative complexes form at discrete sites on the nuclear matrix (NM) through the interaction of Ad preterminal protein (pTP). The NM is a highly salt-resistant fibrillar network which is known to anchor transcription, mRNA splicing, and DNA replication complexes. Incubation of rATP with NM to which pTP was bound caused the release of pTP as a pTP-NM complex with a size of 220 to 230 kDa; incubation with 5' adenylylimidodiphosphate (rAMP-PNP) showed no significant release, indicating that rATP hydrolysis was required. With NM extracts, it was shown that a pTP-NM complex which was capable of binding Ad origin DNA could be reconstituted in vitro. A number of high-molecular-weight NM proteins ranging in size from 120 to 200 kDa were identified on Far Western blots for their ability to bind pTP. rATP-dependent release of pTP from the NM was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by the addition of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as quercetin, methyl-2,5-dihydroxycinnamate, or genistein. NM-mediated phosphorylation of a poly(Glu, Tyr) substrate was also significantly abrogated by the addition of these compounds. rATP-dependent release of Ad DNA termini bound to the NM via pTP was also blocked by the addition of these inhibitors. These results indicate that a tyrosine kinase mechanism controls the release of pTP from its binding sites on the NM. These data support the concept that phosphorylation may play a key role in the modulation of pTP binding sites on the NM.
Tear Resistance of Laminated and Non-laminated Paperboard Types Ivory and Duplex in Packaging Materials

A paperboard is a packaging material that has the disadvantage of being easily torn. One of the techniques used to overcome this is lamination. Two types of paperboard are often used as packaging materials, namely duplex and ivory. This research aimed to analyze the tear resistance comparison between duplex and ivory paperboard types. There are four types of samples in this research, namely duplex non-lamination, duplex lamination, ivory non-lamination, and ivory lamination. The variations of duplex and ivory grammation used include 350 gsm, 300 gsm, 270 gsm, 250 gsm, 230 gsm, and 210 gsm. Measurement of tear resistance refers to SNI 1974:2012 using the Elmendorf method. Each sample was measured for the CD and MD directions. The results showed that for the same grammage, the tear resistance of ivory was greater than that of duplex. The highest increase in tear resistance occurred in duplex and ivory with grammatical 210 gsm. The percentage increase in tear resistance of duplex and ivory with grams of 210 gsm, 230 gsm, 250 gsm is more than 20%, while for higher grams the percentage is less than 15%. The higher the grammage, the lower the percentage increase in tear resistance. Keywords: paperboard, duplex, ivory, tear resistance
The Fuzzy Description Logic G-FL0 with Greatest Fixed-Point Semantics

We study the fuzzy extension of the Description Logic FL0 with semantics based on the Gödel t-norm. We show that subsumption w.r. t. a finite set of primitive definitions, using greatest fixed-point semantics, can be characterized by a relation on weighted automata. We use this result to provide tight complexity bounds for reasoning in this logic, showing that it is PSpace-complete. If the definitions do not contain cycles, subsumption becomes co-NP-complete.
Assessing the Self-Report Instruments of Younger Versus Older Riders Involved in Near-Miss Motorcycle Incidents

Road accidents pose severe and pervasive consequences, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where both the population and fatal accidents among youth and the elderly are steadily increasing. Therefore, this study aims to develop a model for risky behavior in near-miss incidents among motorcycle riders in Thailand. It intends to compare models between younger and older riders utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) with a multi-group approach. The data were examined employing modified instruments derived from the Motorcycle Rider Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ). Samples depicting risky riding behavior were obtained from both younger and older rider groups. Parameter invariance testing revealed differences between the two groups. Control errors notably emerged as the predominant factor contributing to near-miss incidents for both age groups. Speeding was identified as the primary concern for the younger group, while adverse weather conditions were deemed crucial for the older group. Based on this study, policy recommendations endorse the creation of targeted training programs for novice riders, emphasizing adherence to legal speed limits and the adoption of safe riding practices. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of preparing riders, especially those in the older age group, for adverse weather conditions. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-02-019 Full Text: PDF
Distributed H∞ consensus control in directed networks

In this paper, the H∞ consensus problem of a group of linear multi-agent systems with strongly connected communication graph is addressed. To achieve H∞ consensus, a distributed consensus protocol based only on the relative states of the neighboring agents is proposed. By using tools from algebraic graph theory and Lyapunov stability analysis, it is theoretically shown that H∞ consensus in the closed-loop multi-agent systems can be achieved if the distributed consensus protocol is appropriately designed. Furthermore, a two-step algorithm is presented to construct such a protocol. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Effect of cessation interventions on hookah smoking: post-hoc analysis of a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION We explored the differential effect of cessation interventions (behavioral support sessions with [BSS+] and without [BSS] bupropion) between hookah and cigarette smokers. METHODS We reanalyzed the data from a major cluster-randomized controlled trial, ASSIST (Action to Stop Smoking In Suspected Tuberculosis), which consisted of 3 conditions: (a) behavioral support sessions (BSS), (b) behavioral support sessions plus 7 weeks of bupropion therapy (BSS+), and (c) controls receiving usual care. The trial originally recruited 1,955 adult smokers with suspected tuberculosis from 33 health centers in the Jhang and Sargodha districts of Pakistan between 2010 and 2011. The primary endpoint was continuous 6-month smoking abstinence, which was determined by carbon monoxide levels. Subgroup-specific relative risks (RRs) of smoking abstinence were computed and tested for differential intervention effect using log binomial regression (generalized linear model) between 3 subgroups (cigarette-only: 1,255; mixed: 485; and hookah-only: 215). RESULTS The test result for homogeneity of intervention effects between the smoking forms was statistically significant (p-value for BSS+: .04 and for BSS: .02). Compared to the control, both interventions appeared to be effective among hookah smokers (RR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.3-4.7 and RR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.3-3.8, respectively) but less effective among cigarette smokers (RR = 6.6; 95% CI = 4.6-9.6 and RR = 5.8; 95% CI = 4.0-8.5), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The differential intervention effects on hookah and cigarette smokers were seen (a) because the behavioral support intervention was designed primarily for cigarette smokers; (b) because of differences in demographic characteristics, behavioral, and sociocultural determinants; or (c) because of differences in nicotine dependency levels between the 2 groups.