Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Porphyrin-Mediated Binding to Hemoglobin by the HA2 Domain of Cysteine Proteinases (Gingipains) and Hemagglutinins from the Periodontal Pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis

ABSTRACT Heme binding and uptake are considered fundamental to the growth and virulence of the gram-negative periodontal pathogenPorphyromonas gingivalis. We therefore examined the potential role of the dominant P. gingivalis cysteine proteinases (gingipains) in the acquisition of heme from the environment. A recombinant hemoglobin-binding domain that is conserved between two predominant gingipains (domain HA2) demonstrated tight binding to hemin (Kd = 16 nM), and binding was inhibited by iron-free protoporphyrin IX (Ki = 2.5 μM). Hemoglobin binding to the gingipains and the recombinant HA2 (rHA2) domain (Kd = 2.1 nM) was also inhibited by protoporphyrin IX (Ki = 10 μM), demonstrating an essential interaction between the HA2 domain and the heme moiety in hemoglobin binding. Binding of rHA2 with either hemin, protoporphyrin IX, or hematoporphyrin was abolished by establishing covalent linkage of the protoporphyrin propionic acid side chains to fixed amines, demonstrating specific and directed binding of rHA2 to these protoporphyrins. A monoclonal antibody which recognizes a peptide epitope within the HA2 domain was employed to demonstrate that HA2-associated hemoglobin-binding activity was expressed and released by P. gingivalis cells in a batch culture, in parallel with proteinase activity. Cysteine proteinases from P. gingivalis appear to be multidomain proteins with functions for hemagglutination, erythrocyte lysis, proteolysis, and heme binding, as demonstrated here. Detailed understanding of the biochemical pathways for heme acquisition in P. gingivalis may allow precise targeting of this critical metabolic aspect for periodontal disease prevention.
Pediatric Response to Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in South Africa

Background With improved access to pediatric antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings, more children could experience first-line ART treatment failure. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort analysis using electronic medical records from HIV-infected children who initiated ART at McCord Hospital's Sinikithemba Clinic in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, from August 2003 to December 2010. We analyzed all records from children who began second-line ART due to first-line treatment failure. We used logistic regression to compare viral outcomes in Protease Inhibitor (PI)-based versus Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI)-based second-line ART, controlling for time on first-line ART, sex, and whether HIV genotyping guided the regimen change. Results Of the 880 children who initiated ART during this time period, 80 (9.1%) switched to second-line ART due to therapeutic failure of first-line ART after a median of 95 weeks (IQR 65–147 weeks). Eight (10%) of the failures received NNRTI-based second-line ART, all of whom failed a PI-based first-line regimen. Seventy (87.5%) received PI-based second-line ART, all of whom failed a NNRTI-based first-line regimen. Two children (2.5%) received non-standard dual therapy as second-line ART. Six months after switching ART regimens, the viral suppression rate was significantly higher in the PI group (82%) than in the NNRTI group (29%; p = 0.003). Forty-one children (51%) were tested for genotypic resistance prior to switching to second-line ART. There was no significant difference in six month viral suppression (p = 0.38) between children with and without genotype testing. Conclusion: NNRTI-based second-line ART carries a high risk of virologic failure compared to PI-based second-line ART.
CEMARAN LOGAM BERAT TIMBAL (PB) PADA INSANG IKAN CENDRO (TYLOSURUS CROCODILUS) DI PESISIR KRUENG RAYA KABUPATEN ACEH BESAR (HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION OF LEAD (PB) ON THE GILLS OF NEEDLEFISH (TYLOSURUS CROCODILUS) AT KRUENG RAYA ACEH BESAR)

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan mengidentifikasi cemaran logam berat timbal (Pb) pada insang ikan cendro (Tylosurus crocodilus) di pesisir Krueng Raya Aceh Besar. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah ikan cendro yang diperoleh langsung dari tempat penjualan ikan di Desa Lamnga Kecamatan Mesjid Raya Kabupaten Aceh Besar. Sebanyak 9 ekor ikan dibagi atas 3 kelompok dan 3 ulangan menurut ukuran tubuh, yaitu ikan cendro kecil dengan bobot 1000 g (P3). Prosedur pengujian logam berat timbal mengacu pada SNI 2354.5-2011 dan diperiksa menggunakan alat Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Hasil uji memperlihatkan rata-rata (±SD) konsentrasi Pb pada insang ikan cendro yaitu (P1) (-0,2038±0.09), (P2) (-0,2148±0.11) dan (P3) (-0,1681±0.12). Berdasarkan batas deteksi alat uji dari Laboratorium Balai Riset dan Standardisasi Industri menunjukkan bahwa kadar Pb dari masing-masing bobot ikan adalah
Efficient On-Demand Image Transmission in Visual Sensor Networks

In a tracking system, an object of interest is monitored continuously in a sensor network. Information about the object is kept in the sensors and sensors transmit the information upon request. In this paper, we consider the scenario where all sensors around a targeted object capture images of it and these pictures will be sent to a mobile agent upon request. Due to the size and energy limitations in sensors, images kept in sensors are often small and highly compressed. We describe a framework to facilitate a mobile agent in the sensor network to request images of the object of interest. As sensors are limited in energy, it is desirable to reduce the energy used in transmitting the images. We observe that, in a sensor network that is sufficiently dense, images from neighbor cameras would likely overlap, and therefore intermediate sensors can process and combine overlapping portions so as to reduce the energy spent on image transmission. We develop a protocol for involved sensors to determine how to transmit the images they have kept to the mobile agent in an energy efficient manner. Our protocol is truly distributed and does not require any global information. We evaluate our protocol through extensive simulations.
Multivariate analysis of dim elves from ISUAL observations

The Imager of Sprites and Upper Atmospheric Lightning (ISUAL) on the FORMOSAT‐2 satellite, launched in 2004, records Transient Luminous Events (TLEs). ISUAL has an imager and a spectrophotometer that observe TLEs all over the globe. Among these phenomena, elves are particularly difficult to detect. ISUAL often records events that correspond to significant far ultraviolet (FUV) emissions in the spectrophotometer but have no discernible TLEs in the imager. These FUV events are called “dim” elves. Therefore, it is important to develop mathematical tools to analyze the data to obtain a better evaluation of the number of elves and their occurrence. Multivariate approaches are applied to characterize the unlabeled events. The first approach is the principal component analysis which distinguishes two different groups, one including elves and dim elves. The second approach is the PARallel FACtor analysis which provides a waveform model for each group. These methodologies confirm that FUV signal is the evidence of TLE presence. A crude classification method was then suggested taking into account these results. The proportion of elves, relatively to the considered ISUAL data set, is found to be about 40%. It is similar to previous results and confirms that relatively weak lightning peak current is sufficient to produce elves. This new strategy demonstrates the potential for discriminating between lightning and TLEs without prior knowledge within the selectivity of the FUV spectral band.
Low antimullerian hormone levels may be associated with cardiovascular risk markers in women with diminished ovarian reserve

Abstract There is growing evidence that diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) may be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the study was to investigate whether there was any relationship between antimullerian hormone (AMH) and CVD risk markers in the study. Ninety women with DOR and 90 women with normal ovarian reserve (NOR) attending the infertility unit at XXXX, were enrolled in the study. CVD risk markers such as insulin resistance [defined by the homeostasis model assessment ratio (HOMA-IR)], C-reactive protein (CRP), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were assessed. HOMA-IR, CRP, TG, LDL levels were higher and HDL and AMH were lower among patients with DOR compared with controls (p < 0.05, for all). There were positive associations between low AMH and HOMA-IR, CRP, TG, LDL levels and a negative correlation with HDL (p < 0.05, for all). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HOMA-IR, CRP, TG and HDL were independent variables that were associated with low AMH. There was a close relationship between low AMH and CVD risk markers in the study. Further studies with larger groups are needed to investigate the nature of this link in these patients.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Therapy in Temporomandibular Disorder: A Clinical Study

Aims: Though use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in dentistry was first described in 1967 by Shane and Kessler, it has yet to gain widespread acceptance in dentistry. This study was designed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of active and placebo TENS therapies in the treatment of temporomandibular disorder. Methods: Thirty patients received active TENS therapy and 15 received placebo TENS therapy. VAS was used to measure changes in pain and tenderness in the muscles of mastication and TMJS during and after therapy- Also, changes in mouth opening was recorded and analyzed. Results: A significant improvement was observed in both active and placebo TENS therapies regarding orofacial pain, muscles and TMJs tenderness and interincisal distance. None of the parameters except medial pterygoid muscle tenderness revealed any differences between the methods. Conclusion: This study justifies the use of TENS therapy as well as placebo in the management of TMD. TENS therapy appears to be useful in relieving pain, especially muscular and chronic pain Hence, along with TENS therapy, placebo should also be considered as a potent and independent therapeutic modality in its own right.
Association of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease and Subglottic Stenosis

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease and extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux have been recognized to have dramatic effects in the upper airways. Patient-reported symptoms alone underestimate the presence of LPR, making accurate clinical diagnosis difficult. Many previous studies examine populations with only standard dual-probe pH testing that does not include a test probe in the pharynx. Therefore, documentation of acid exposure at the laryngeal inlet is lacking. In adult patients with subglottic stenosis (SGS), whether due to granulomatous disease or presumed idiopathic causes, LPR is often a contributing or causative factor. a retrospective chart review from 1991 to 1999 identified 19 patients with SGS. Ten of the 19 patients had concomitant disease states, including sarcoidosis (3), Wegener's granulomatosis (3), laryngeal trauma (3), and a history of intubation (1). Fourteen patients underwent 24-hour ambulatory pH probe testing with 3- or 4-port probes. The proximal port in either catheter was positioned by manometric guidance directly behind the laryngeal inlet. Measurements of pH of less than 4 were recorded at the level of the larynx in 12 of the 14 patients tested (86%). This finding was noted in half of the patients despite empirical therapy with proton pump inhibitors at the time of the testing. Seven of 10 patients with underlying disease were studied, and all demonstrated acid reflux in the hypopharynx. In 9 patients, the stenosis was presumed to be idiopathic. Five of the 7 patients (71%) with idiopathic SGS tested had positive pH probe studies (pH below 4 in the pharyngeal probe). Our results demonstrate a strong association of LPR and SGS. In the idiopathic group, reflux is the probable cause of their stenosis. In the group of patients with underlying disease states, reflux was involved in all tested patients and likely acts as a synergistic factor that stimulates their granulomatous disease to react and subsequently result in the development of stenosis. Evaluation for LPR with pharyngeal pH testing should be performed in all patients with SGS.
Assessment of Type of Allergy and Antihistamine Use in the Development of Glioma

Background: Allergies have been associated with decreased risk of glioma; but, associations between duration and timing of allergies, and antihistamine use and glioma risk have been less consistent. The objective was to investigate this association by analyzing types, number, years since diagnosis, and age at diagnosis of allergies, and information on antihistamine usage, including type, duration, and frequency of exposure. Methods: Self-report data on medically diagnosed allergies and antihistamine use were obtained for 419 glioma cases and 612 hospital-based controls from Duke University and NorthShore University HealthSystem. Results: High- and low-grade glioma cases were statistically significantly less likely to report any allergy than controls (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49–0.87 and OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25–0.76, respectively). The number of types of allergies (seasonal, medication, pet, food, and other) was inversely associated with glioma risk in a dose–response manner (P value for trend < 0.05). Age at diagnosis and years since diagnosis of allergies were not associated with glioma risk. Oral antihistamine use was statistically significantly inversely associated with glioma risk, but when stratified by allergy status, remained significant only for those with high-grade glioma and no medically diagnosed allergy. Conclusions: All types of allergies appear to be protective with reduced risk for those with more types of allergies. Antihistamine use, other than in relationship with allergy status, may not influence glioma risk. Impact: A comprehensive study of allergies and antihistamine use using standardized questions and biological markers will be essential to further delineate the biological mechanism that may be involved in brain tumor development. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(2); 370–8. ©2011 AACR.
Advice giving and taking

Increasingly, people have to make personal decisions following some kind of consultation, e.g., decisions about medical treatment, genetic testing and financial investment. One approach suggested to deal with such problems is decision analysis. For reasons discussed in the paper, an alternative approach is proposed, advice giving and taking. This approach focuses on the difference in substantial expertise between consultant and client, implying in particular three features: consultants match options to clients rather than analyse the consequences of many alternatives; consultants and clients discuss one single option rather than multiple options; and clients reject or accept the consultants advice depending on the quality of the recommended option as well as on their trust in the consultant.
Dynamic formation of RecA filaments at DNA double strand break repair centers in live cells

We show that RecN protein is recruited to a defined DNA double strand break (DSB) in Bacillus subtilis cells at an early time point during repair. Because RecO and RecF are successively recruited to DSBs, it is now clear that dynamic DSB repair centers (RCs) exist in prokaryotes. RecA protein was also recruited to RCs and formed highly dynamic filamentous structures, which we term threads, across the nucleoids. Formation of RecA threads commenced ∼30 min after the induction of DSBs, after RecN recruitment to RCs, and disassembled after 2 h. Time-lapse microscopy showed that the threads rapidly changed in length, shape, and orientation within minutes and can extend at 1.02 μm/min. The formation of RecA threads was abolished in recJ addAB mutant cells but not in each of the single mutants, suggesting that RecA filaments can be initiated via two pathways. Contrary to proteins forming RCs, DNA polymerase I did not form foci but was present throughout the nucleoids (even after induction of DSBs or after UV irradiation), suggesting that it continuously scans the chromosome for DNA lesions.
Detection tube for small HF RFID tags, based on mutual coupling with a coil resonator

This communication concerns the detection of 13.56 MHz (HF) RFID “small” tags. Herein, the term “small” refer to an effective area below 1 cm2 and the detection principle is in volume, especially inside a tube of 9 cm in diameter and 2m in length. The ability to detect the “small” tags in the tube is achieved by using a coil resonator conformed on the tube surface, following a principle of multiple magnetic coupling, also referred as magnetic field guide. Theoretical considerations on mutual coupling formula and electrical model fit to CST simulations and VNA measurements concerning the evaluation of impedance and coupling factors range. Detection tests with an RFID reader (from IB technology) and NXP SLI-X chip confirm the possibility of detection by providing a first result of 2 cm range. This detection was impossible inside the tube without using the resonator. Perspectives of improvement evocated at the end of the paper are numerous for that structure.
Fasting plasma leptin level is a surrogate measure of insulin sensitivity.

CONTEXT Published studies indicate marked variability in plasma leptin levels among persons with similar body mass index (BMI). We tested the hypothesis that such variations in leptin levels reflect differences in insulin sensitivity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Using euglycemic clamp, we assessed insulin sensitivity (ISI) in 57 nondiabetic adults (36 women, 21 men), whose BMI ranged from 20 to 78 kg/m2. We identified 38 age-matched subjects, stratified by fasting leptin (normal, <15 ng/ml vs. high, >or=15 ng/ml) and BMI (nonobese, <27 kg/m2 vs. overweight/obese, BMI>or=27 kg/m2) and compared ISI across the four strata. RESULTS Fasting leptin levels correlated with ISI (r=-0.66 in men and -0.60 in women). In a multivariate regression model, leptin emerged as a strong predictor of ISI (r=-0.41, P=0.0002) after controlling for adiposity, whereas insulin weakened as a predictor (r=-0.32, P=0.0116). From regression plots of ISI vs. BMI and leptin, a BMI greater than 27 kg/m2 and a leptin level greater than 15 ng/dl strongly predicted decreased ISI. A fasting leptin cutoff of 15 ng/ml for detection of insulin sensitivity has a sensitivity of 72.7%, specificity of 56.3%, and positive predictive value of 69.6%. Overweight/obese subjects with fasting leptin less than 15 ng/ml were 100% more insulin sensitive than control subjects with leptin greater than 15 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS Insulin sensitivity explains about 40% of the variance in fasting leptin levels. Thus, fasting plasma leptin levels probably serve as an endogenous response to ambient insulin resistance and may provide a surrogate measure of insulin action.
Signal-based evaluation of handoff algorithms

We propose a new framework, based on signal quality, for performance evaluation and comparison between existing handoff algorithms. It includes new call quality measures and an off-line cluster-based computationally-simple heuristic algorithm to find a near optimal handoff sequence used as a benchmark. We then compare existing handoff algorithms and identify the trade-off between signal quality and number of handoffs.
Managing critical incidents in grocery shopping by community-living people with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Aim: People with Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain in their ordinary housing and continue to use public space despite increasing disabilities. The aim of this study was to discover and describe problematic situations and critical incidents that took place when people with AD performed the ordinary outside-home activity of grocery shopping and how these were met by them. Methods: Individual interviews (n = 12) and participant observations (n = 8) with six informants were performed and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Results: The findings are presented in six categories and each category describes different critical incidents and actions used to meet these. The categories were: (a) Remembering to bring things when leaving home, (b) Finding the way to and from the grocery shop without getting lost, (c) Finding a way through traffic when not feeling safe, (d) Finding objects when organization is disrupted, (e) Choosing when a lot of objects and products are available, and (f) Finding a method to pay when payment opportunities are restricted. The core category, “A challenging and unstable process of meeting critical incidents in grocery shopping”, was characterised by reflections and creativity to achieve relative harmony in each critical incident. Conclusions: In conclusion, it is important that relatives and professionals take into account relevant actions to help people with AD coordinate with their environment.
Uncoating ATPase Hsc70 is recruited by invariant chain and controls the size of endocytic compartments

Targeting of class II major histocompatibility complex molecules to endocytic compartments is mediated by their association with the invariant chain (Ii). Although the identity of certain sorting signals located in Ii's cytoplasmic tail is known, proteins that interact with Ii's cytoplasmic tail in living cells remain to be identified. Synthesis of a biotinylated trimeric Ii cytoplasmic tail allowed the retrieval of two proteins that interact with this domain. We identify one of them as the 70-kDa heat-shock cognate protein (hsc70), the uncoating ATPase of clathrin-coated vesicles, and the other as its mitochondrial homologue, the glucose-regulated protein grp75. Expression of Ii in COS cells results in the formation of large endocytic compartments. We observe extensive colocalization of hsc70 with Ii in these macrosomes. Expression of a dominant-negative (K71M) green fluorescent protein-tagged version of hsc70 counteracted the ability of Ii to modify the endocytic pathway, demonstrating an interaction in vivo of Ii with hsc70 as part of the machinery responsible for macrosome formation.
A Robust Relay Selection Strategy for Cooperative Systems with Outdated CSI

In this paper, we consider a cooperative system based on relay selection in a scenario where the available channel state information (CSI) is subject to delays. In order to exploit the selection diversity gains of the system while providing robustness against CSI inaccuracy, we propose a robust relay selection strategy based on a minimum mean square error (MMSE) Bayesian estimator. As shown in the paper, the proposed robust strategy provides significant gains in scenarios with different levels of CSI inaccuracy.
HEALS Hypertension Control Program: Training Church Members as Program Leaders

Introduction: Health disparities related to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including stroke have remained higher in the African-Americans (AAs) than in other populations. HEALS is a faith-based hypertension (HTN) control program modified according to AA community needs, and delivered by the church-lay members called church health advisors (CHAs). This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of training CHAs as HEALS program leaders. Design: Four CHAs completed a 10-hour HEALS program training workshop at the Church, conducted by the nutrition experts. Workshop was evaluated by CHAs on their level of satisfaction, clarity of contents covered and comfort in delivery the program to the church congregation. Results: The overall six main HEALS curriculum components were completed. Workshop was highly evaluated by CHAs on length of training, balance between content and skills development, and level of satisfaction with program delivery. Conclusion: Church-based culturally modified health promotion interventions conducted by the community lay members may be a way to reduce health disparities in ethnic minorities.