Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of plasma aminothiol levels and the association with recurrent atherothrombotic events in patients hospitalized for an acute coronary syndrome: a prospective study

Abstract Background: The aminothiols homocysteine and, to a lesser extent, cysteine have been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcome, whereas glutathione, as an antioxidant, may protect against atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Potentially, the combined assessment of these aminothiols may provide a more accurate association with future cardiovascular outcome. We evaluated the association between recurrent atherothrombotic events and the concentration of total plasma cysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione and their combination. Methods: Respective aminothiols were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in blood plasma of consecutive first-day survivors admitted for an acute coronary syndrome between April 2002 and January 2004. The combined score was calculated using the combination of the individual aminothiols. The end point was the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and/or stroke. Results: A cohort of 375 consecutive patients (median age 66 years, 66% male) were followed for a median duration of 2.7 years. The end point occurred in 82 patients (22%). In univariate analyses, all aminothiols were significantly associated with the composite end point. After correction for possible confounders, only cysteine and glutathione remained significantly associated. The strongest association with the end point was observed for the combined score (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.40 per standard deviation increase; p=0.005). Conclusions: Although homocysteine is generally considered the aminothiol of interest with respect to cardiovascular disease, in our prospective study, only cysteine and glutathione appeared independently associated with recurrent atherothrombotic events. Moreover, we showed that an imbalance in the combination of aminothiols could be of more importance than investigating the individual metabolites.
Phytochrome Phosphorylation Modulates Light Signaling by Influencing the Protein–Protein Interaction w⃞

Plant photoreceptor phytochromes are phosphoproteins, but the question as to the functional role of phytochrome phosphorylation has remained to be elucidated. We investigated the functional role of phytochrome phosphorylation in plant light signaling using a Pfr-specific phosphorylation site mutant, Ser598Ala of oat (Avena sativa) phytochrome A (phyA). The transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana (phyA-201 background) plants with this mutant phyA showed hypersensitivity to light, suggesting that phytochrome phosphorylation at Serine-598 (Ser598) in the hinge region is involved in an inhibitory mechanism. The phosphorylation at Ser598 prevented its interaction with putative signal transducers, Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase-2 and Phytochrome-Interacting Factor-3. These results suggest that phosphorylation in the hinge region of phytochromes serves as a signal-modulating site through the protein–protein interaction between phytochrome and its putative signal transducer proteins.
Inhibition of the mitochondrial fission protein dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) impairs mitochondrial fission and mitotic catastrophe after x-irradiation

The role of mitochondrial dynamics in cellular responses to ionizing radiation (IR) is still largely unknown. This study demonstrates that IR triggers Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission and that Drp1 inhibition attenuates radiation-induced mitotic catastrophe, suggesting that Drp1 is involved in determining the fate of cells after irradiation.
A novel type of glial cell in the retina is stimulated by insulin‐like growth factor 1 and may exacerbate damage to neurons and Müller glia

Recent studies have demonstrated that insulin can have profound affects on the survival of neurons within the retina. The purpose of this study was to determine how insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) influences retinal cells; in particular, the glial cells. We identify a novel type of glial cell in the avian retina and provide evidence that these cells can respond to acute damage and IGF1. In normal retinas, we found a distinct cell‐type, scattered across the ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers that express Sox2, Sox9, Nkx2.2, vimentin, and transitin, the avian homologue of mammalian nestin. These glial cells have a unique immunohistochemical profile, morphology, and distribution that are distinct among other known types of retinal glia, including microglia, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and Muller glia. We termed these cells nonastrocytic inner retinal glia‐like (NIRG) cells. We found that the NIRG cells may express the IGF1 receptor and respond to IGF1 by proliferating, migrating distally into the retina, and upregulating transitin. In addition, IGF1 stimulated microglia to become reactive and upregulate lysosomal membrane glycoprotein and CD45. With microglia and NIRG cells stimulated by IGF1 there were elevated levels of cell death and numerous focal detachments across the retina in response to excitotoxic damage. Cell death was prominent within the areas of detachment coinciding with a stark loss of Müller glia and accumulation of NIRG cells. We conclude that NIRG cells are a novel type of retinal glia that is sensitive to IGF1 and whose activity may impact the survival of neurons and Müller glia. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Shape-Dependent Aggregation of Silver Particles by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

In crystallization, nanoparticle aggregation often leads to the formation of orderly structures, even single crystals. Why can nanoparticles form orderly structures and what is the mechanism dominating their orderly aggregation? These questions raise interesting research problems, but the occurrences that could answer them often fail to be directly observed, since the interaction among particles is invisible. Here, we report an attempt to discover the interaction and aggregation of building blocks through a computer simulation, focusing on the shape effect of building blocks on the aggregation. Four types of silver building blocks were selected, each consisting of (100) and (111) facets, but the ratio of these two facets was different. It was found that the area of facets played an important role in selecting the aggregation mode. The facets with a large area and high energy had a high possibility of aggregation. In addition, the effects of solvent viscosity and temperature were also investigated. High viscosity and low temperature enhanced the orderliness of aggregation. This paper reports a detailed view of the aggregation process of silver nanoparticles, which is expected to be helpful in understanding the structure evolution of materials in nonclassical crystallization.
The Leisure-Noise Dilemma: Hearing Loss or Hearsay? What Does the Literature Tell Us?

The authors undertook a review of the literature, focussing on publications describing the following: (1) Pure tone threshold data for adolescents/young adults; (2) Measurements/estimates of noise exposure from leisure activities; and (3) The relationship between hearing threshold levels (HTLs) and leisure-noise exposure. There is a large volume of published materials relevant to these topics, and opinion among authors regarding the relationship between leisure-noise exposure and HTLs varies significantly. At one extreme is the view that the effects of leisure-noise are minimal. The opposing belief is that as a direct result of leisure-noise exposure, significant HTL shifts and possibly significant hearing disability are occurring in a large (and increasing) proportion of young people. It has been claimed that behaviors relating to leisure-noise are “as threatening to young people’s health as more traditional risk behaviors” (Bohlin & Erlandsson 2007, p. 55). This view has been reiterated by the popular media. This review revealed that while sufficient data confirm that some leisure pursuits provide potentially hazardous noise levels, the nature of the exposure–injury relationship for leisure-noise is yet to be determined. Specific information about the quality-of-life effects of threshold shift related to leisure-noise exposure is also lacking. The scope and limitations of a large sample of relevant publications and an overview of the methodological issues in this area of research are briefly presented. Considerations for future research are raised.
Intraspecific violation of genetic colinearity and its implications in maize

Although allelic sequences can vary extensively, it is generally assumed that each gene in one individual will have an allelic counterpart in another individual of the same species. We report here that this assumption does not hold true in maize. We have sequenced over 100 kb from the bz genomic region of two different maize lines and have found dramatic differences between them. First, the retrotransposon clusters, which comprise most of the repetitive DNA in maize, differ markedly in make-up and location relative to the genes in the bz region. Second, and more importantly, the genes themselves differ between the two lines, demonstrating that genetic microcolinearity can be violated within the same species. Our finding has bearing on the underlying genetic basis of hybrid vigor in maize, and possibly other organisms, and on the measurement of genetic distances.
Optically sectioned imaging by oblique plane microscopy

An optically sectioning microscopy technique based on oblique selective plane illumination combined with oblique imaging is described. The same high numerical aperture lens is used to both illuminate and image the specimen and correction optics are employed to tilt the focal plane of the imaging system so that the imaged plane aligns with the illuminated plane in the specimen. An optically sectioned image is obtained without the use of moving parts or image processing and this technique therefore has the potential to be used for very high speed optically sectioned microscopy. As only the part of the specimen that is being imaged is illuminated then the photobleaching and phototoxicity of this method is low compared to conventional microscopy techniques.
Abnormal Behaviors in the Capillary Rheometry of Plastisol Formulations

Abstract The rheology of plastisol formulations for flooring applications using knife-over-roll coating process is studied using both Couette and capillary rheometers. The behavior is similar in many aspects to the rheology of suspensions: Shear thinning behavior at low shear rate, then a Newtonian plateau at intermediate shear rates followed by a dilatancy peak. However several abnormal phenomena may be observed in capillary experiments. At very high shear rates, a second shear thinning behavior is observed which depends on the flow geometry. Due to the non-monotonous behavior of the plastisol viscosity, this is analysed using a dedicated numerical method. An apparent slip velocity has been determined. Otherwise capillary experiments point out the existence of important entrance pressure loss. These measures are interpreted using a modified Cogswell method as an important elongationnal viscosity, around hundred times the shear viscosity.
High Efficiency Poly(acrylonitrile) Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes for Airborne Nanomaterials Filtration

The potential of poly(acrylonitrile) electrospun membranes with tuneable pore size and fiber distributions were investigated for airborne fine‐particle filtration for the first time. The impact of solution concentration on final membrane properties are evaluated for the purpose of designing separation materials with higher separation efficiency. The properties of fibers and membranes are investigated systematically: the average pore distribution, as characterized by capillary flow porometry, and thermo‐mechanical properties of the mats are found to be dependent on fiber diameter and on specific electrospinning conditions. Filtration efficiency and pressure drop are calculated from measurement of penetration through the membranes using potassium chloride (KCl) aerosol particles ranging from 300 nm to 12 μm diameter. The PAN membranes exhibited separation efficiencies in the range of 73.8–99.78% and a typical quality factor 0.0224 (1 Pa−1) for 12 wt% PAN with nanofibers having a diameter of 858 nm. Concerning air flow rate, the quality factor and filtration efficiency of the electrospun membranes at higher face velocity are much more stable than for commercial membranes. The results suggest that the structure of electrospun membranes is the best for air filtration in terms of filtration stability at high air flow rate.
Symptoms Defined by Parents' and Teachers' Ratings in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Changes with Age

Objective: To determine whether Child Behavior Checklist/4–18 (CBCL) and Teacher Report Form (TRF) scores of children and adolescents with a first-time diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are different and whether there is a similar difference in normal control subjects. Method: We analyzed the CBCL and TRF scores of 146 patients (124 boys and 22 girls, aged 6 to 18 years; mean age 11.0 years, SD 3.6). We analyzed the same scores for 274 age and sex-matched control subjects recruited from a nationally representative sample. Results: Subjects with ADHD had significantly higher CBCL and TRF scores than control subjects. Age was significantly correlated with scores on the CBCL and TRF subscales Social Withdrawal, Somatic Complaints, and Internalization Problems; with scores on the CBCL subscale Attention Problems; and with scores on the TRF subscale Anxiety–Depression. In the group with ADHD, age was negatively correlated with scores on the CBCL and TRF subscale Externalizing Problems and with scores on the TRF subscale Aggressive Behavior. In the control group, the only significant correlation was between age and the CBCL subscale Somatic Complaints score. Conclusions: These results indicate that underdiagnosis of ADHD in childhood may cause the emergence of greater internalization problems in adolescence. attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Raptors Present but Unobserved: Detectability at a Western Migration Watch-Site and Its Effect on Trend Analysis

Annual counts of migrating raptors are used as indices of population size. Heterogeneous detectability may cause the counted proportion of raptors to vary. This variation may reduce the precision of population trend estimates. I used a dependent double-observer method to estimate detectability at the annual fall raptor migration count at Lucky Peak, Idaho, in 2009 and 2010. I used Huggins closed-capture removal models and information-theoretic multi-model inference to determine factors affecting detectability. The most parsimonious model included effects of observer identity, distance, wingspan, genus, and day of the season. Competitive models also included wind-speed, cloud cover, and hour of the day. These results demonstrate the importance of controlling observer skill and effort and the potential utility of adjusting daily counts to account for differences in flight distance. By employing methods that address the factors that affect detectability, raptor-observatory organizations may be able to produce trend assessments with greater statistical power, thereby better informing timely management decisions. Introduction Population monitoring is essential to avian conservation (Finch and Martin 1995, Dunn 2002). The North American Breeding Bird Survey has proven to be an effective monitoring method for many species, but trend estimates for many raptors
Symptoms, symptom beliefs, and quality of life of older breast cancer survivors: a comparative study.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To compare symptoms, symptom beliefs, and quality of life (QOL) of older breast cancer survivors to those of older women without breast cancer. DESIGN Descriptive, correlational study. SETTING Urban and rural communities in the Midwest United States. SAMPLE 18 breast cancer survivors and 24 women without breast cancer, older than age 64 (X age = 76 years). METHODS In-home interviews using structured instruments. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Symptom distress (number of and distress from symptoms), symptom beliefs, chronic health problems, and QOL. FINDINGS No group differences existed in demographic characteristics, symptom number, symptom bother, chronic health conditions, or QOL. Women in both groups most often attributed the cause of their symptoms to aging, chronic illness, or unknown, but rarely to breast cancer. Attributing symptoms to chronic illness or breast cancer was significantly related to more pain, depression, role impairment, and poorer mental health. Not knowing the cause of symptoms was significantly related to poorer social functioning, mental health, and purpose in life; less energy; and higher levels of depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS The symptom experience and QOL of older breast cancer survivors are similar to those of older women with other chronic health problems. Beliefs about symptoms influence QOL in older women. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING A broader assessment of symptoms is needed to assist older breast cancer survivors with symptom management. Symptom interventions in older women should address patients' beliefs about symptoms if QOL is to be enhanced.
Clinical features and the role of atypical pathogens in nursing and healthcare-associated pneumonia (NHCAP): differences between a teaching university hospital and a community hospital.

OBJECTIVE The Japan Respiratory Society documented a new category of guidelines for nursing and healthcare-associated pneumonia (NHCAP), which is distinct from community acquired pneumonia (CAP). The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological differences between NHCAP patients in a teaching university hospital and a community hospital. In addition, to clarify the strategy for treatment of NHCAP, we investigated the role of atypical pathogens. METHODS We analyzed 250 NHCAP and 421 CAP cases in a university hospital and 349 NHCAP and 374 CAP cases in a community hospital. RESULTS Patient age and the incidences of poor general condition were significantly higher in the community hospital compared with those in the university hospital. The distribution and frequency of pathogens, especially multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, were significantly different between the two hospitals. Central nervous system disorders, dementia and poor performance status, which was possibility related to aspiration pneumonia, were significantly more frequent in patients with NHCAP compared with those with CAP in both hospitals. Atypical pathogens were detected in a few cases in patients with NHCAP. CONCLUSION There were many differences in the clinical characteristics between NHCAP patients in a university hospital and a community hospital even for hospitals located in the same area. Aspiration pneumonia was thought to be the main characteristic of NHCAP in both hospitals. Thus, all NHCAP patients did not need the same empiric therapy with a multidrug regimen directed against MDR pathogens. In addition, physicians rarely need to consider atypical pathogens in NHCAP treatment.
Effects of anger regulation and social anxiety on perceived stress

The mediating role of social anxiety was explored within the effect of anger regulation on perceived stress in the national sample of American and Japanese older adults. Results indicated that anger suppression is a significant factor in perceived stress mediated by social anxiety. Anger suppression was also directly related to perceived stress. The correlation of anger suppression with social anxiety was stronger in Japan than in the United States. Understanding both universal and culture-specific aspects of emotion regulation and perceived stress will be essential for the development of sound theory, future research, and effective prevention and intervention efforts.
Microstructure of Annona muricata L. Leaves Extract Microcapsules Linked to Physical and Chemical Characteristics

Microstructure is closely related to techno-functional properties in microencapsulated powders intended to protect bioactive compounds. Soursop leaves provide phytochemicals that need to be protected to ensure their functionality. This investigation aimed to study the microstructure of microcapsules containing soursop leaves extract and its linkage with physical and chemical characteristics of the resulting powder. Microcapsules were prepared by spray drying using gum Arabic and maltodextrin as encapsulating agents at 5 and 10%. Powders were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, particle size analysis, solubility, infrared spectroscopy and encapsulation efficiency. Microphotographs showed spherical shape particles ranging from 0.25 to 13.87 μm, where the particles morphology depended on the concentration and the type of the encapsulant used. At higher concentration of encapsulant, there was an increase in the sphericity, integrity, size, and surface smoothness of particles. This relationship was inverse for solubility in treatments with gum Arabic. The extract encapsulation was confirmed by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy and encapsulation efficiency index, revealing that the treatment with maltodextrin at 10% showed a better capability for entrapment (72.12%). The results evidence that microstructure of microcapsules is closely linked to the type and concentration of encapsulant, which in turn determine the physical and chemical characteristics of powders intended for instant drinks solubility and entrapping soursop bioactive compounds.
Methylation regulates hepatitis B viral protein expression.

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA has been shown to contain CpG islands that are methylated in human tissue, which suggests a role for methylation in regulating viral protein production. However, data are lacking about whether methylation regulates viral gene expression. METHODS To investigate the hypothesis that methylation of viral DNA regulates viral gene expression, unmethylated, partially methylated, and fully methylated viral DNA was transfected into HepG2 cells. In addition, a new assay was designed that specifically identifies methylated covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in human liver tissue. RESULTS Transfection of methylated HBV DNA led to reduced HBV mRNA levels in HepG2 cells, decreased surface and core protein expression in these cells, and decreased secretion of HBV viral proteins into the cell supernatant. These data provide direct evidence that CpG islands regulate gene transcription of HBV. Furthermore, methylated cccDNA was found in tumor and nonneoplastic human liver tissues. Finally, an in vitro equivalent of cccDNA showed decreased viral protein production in HepG2 cells after DNA methylation. CONCLUSION Taken together, these data demonstrate that methylation of viral CpG islands can regulate viral protein production.
Metabolic syndrome in people with schizophrenia: a review

Metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors are highly prevalent in people with schizophrenia. Patients are at risk for premature mortality and overall have limited access to physical health care. In part these cardio-metabolic risk factors are attributable to unhealthy lifestyle, including poor diet and sedentary behaviour. But over recent years it has become apparent that antipsychotic agents can have a negative impact on some of the modifiable risk factors. The psychiatrist needs to be aware of the potential metabolic side effects of antipsychotic medication and to include them in the risk/benefit assessment when choosing a specific antipsychotic. He should also be responsible for the implementation of the necessary screening assessments and referral for treatment of any physical illness. Multidisciplinary assessment of psychiatric and medical conditions is needed. The somatic treatments offered to people with severe and enduring mental illness should be at par with general health care in the non-psychiatrically ill population.