Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of radiopacity, pH and cytotoxicity of a new bioceramic material

Objective RetroMTA® is a new hydraulic bioceramic indicated for pulp capping, perforations or root resorption repair, apexification and apical surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the radiopacity, pH variation and cytotoxicity of this material to ProRoot® MTA. Material and Methods Mixed cements were exposed to a digital x-ray along with an aluminum stepwedge for the radiopacity assay. pH values were verified after incubation period of 3, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours. The cytotoxicity of each cement was tested on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts using a multiparametric assay. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc in GraphPad Prism. Results ProRoot® MTA had higher radiopacity than RetroMTA® (p<0.001). No significant differences were observed for the pH of the materials throughout experimental periods (p>0.05) although pH levels of both materials reduced over time. Both ProRoot® MTA and RetroMTA® allowed for significantly higher cell viability when compared with the positive control (p<0.001). No statistical difference was observed between ProRoot® MTA and RetroMTA® cytotoxicity level in all test parameters, except for the ProRoot® MTA 48-hour extract media in the NR assay (p<0.05). Conclusion The current study provides new data about the physicochemical and biological properties of Retro® MTA concerning radiopacity, pH and cytotoxic effects on human periodontal ligaments cells. Based on our findings, RetroMTA® meets the radiopacity requirements standardized by ANSI/ADA number 572, and similar pH values and biocompatibility to ProRoot® MTA. Further studies should be performed to evaluate additional properties of this new material.
Clinical outcomes in 995 unselected real-world patients treated with an ultrathin biodegradable polymer-coated sirolimus-eluting stent: 12-month results from the FLEX Registry

Objectives To evaluate, in the FLEX Registry, clinical outcomes of an ultrathin (60 µm) biodegradable polymer-coated Supraflex sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) for the treatment of coronary artery disease. Additionally, to determine the vascular response to the Supraflex SES through optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis. Setting Multicentre, single-arm, all-comers, observational registry of patients who were treated with the Supraflex SES, between July 2013 and May 2014, at nine different centres in India. Participants 995 patients (1242 lesions) who were treated with the Supraflex SES, between July 2013 and May 2014, at nine different centres in India. A total of 47 participants underwent OCT analysis at 6 months’ follow-up. Interventions Percutaneous coronary intervention with Supraflex SES, Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary endpoint—the rate of major adverse cardiac events (defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularisation (TLR))—was analysed during 12 months. Results At 12 months, the primary endpoint occurred in 36 (3.7%) of 980 patients, consisting of 18 (1.8%) cardiac deaths, 16 (1.6%) MI, 7 (0.7%) TLR and 2 (0.2%) cases of non-target lesion target vessel revascularization. In a subset of 47 patients, 1227 cross-sections (9309 struts) were analysed at 6 months by OCT. Overall, a high percentage of struts was covered (98.1%), with a mean neointimal thickness of 0.13±0.06 µm. Conclusions The FLEX Registry evaluated clinical outcomes in real-world and more complex cohorts and thus provides evidence that the Supraflex SEX can be used safely and routinely in a broader percutaneous coronary intervention population. Also, the Supraflex SES showed high percentage of stent strut coverage and good stent apposition during OCT follow-up.
Neuropathic pain: a practical guide for the clinician

Neuropathic pain, caused by various central and peripheral nerve disorders, is especially problematic because of its severity, chronicity and resistance to simple analgesics. The condition affects 2%–3% of the population, is costly to the health care system and is personally devastating to the people who experience it. The diagnosis of neuropathic pain is based primarily on history (e.g., underlying disorder and distinct pain qualities) and the findings on physical examination (e.g., pattern of sensory disturbance); however, several tests may sometimes be helpful. Important pathophysiologic mechanisms include sodium-and calcium-channel upregulation, spinal hyperexcitability, descending facilitation and aberrant sympathetic–somatic nervous system interactions. Treatments are generally palliative and include conservative nonpharmacologic therapies, drugs and more invasive interventions (e.g., spinal cord stimulation). Individualizing treatment requires consideration of the functional impact of the neuropathic pain (e.g., depression, disability) as well as ongoing evaluation, patient education, reassurance and specialty referral. We propose a primary care algorithm for treatments with the most favourable risk–benefit profile, including topical lidocaine, gabapentin, pregabalin, tricyclic antidepressants, mixed serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tramadol and opioids. The field of neuropathic pain research and treatment is in the early stages of development, with many unmet goals. In coming years, several advances are expected in the basic and clinical sciences of neuropathic pain, which will provide new and improved therapies for patients who continue to experience this disabling condition.
TIME FOR COFFEE Represses Accumulation of the MYC2 Transcription Factor to Provide Time-of-Day Regulation of Jasmonate Signaling in Arabidopsis[C][W][OA]

The morning-acting clock factor TIME FOR COFFEE (TIC) was found to work in the jasmonate (JA) hormone pathway through a protein-depletion role at the positive JA regulator MYC2. The Arabidopsis thaliana circadian clock thus allows JA hormone responses to be phased in the morning. Plants are confronted with predictable daily biotic and abiotic stresses that result from the day–night cycle. The circadian clock provides an anticipation mechanism to respond to these daily stress signals to increase fitness. Jasmonate (JA) is a phytohormone that mediates various growth and stress responses. Here, we found that the circadian-clock component TIME FOR COFFEE (TIC) acts as a negative factor in the JA-signaling pathway. We showed that the tic mutant is hypersensitive to growth-repressive effects of JA and displays altered JA-regulated gene expression. TIC was found to interact with MYC2, a key transcription factor of JA signaling. From this, we discovered that the circadian clock rhythmically regulates JA signaling. TIC is a key determinant in this circadian-gated process, and as a result, the tic mutant is defective in rhythmic JA responses to pathogen infection. TIC acts here by inhibiting MYC2 protein accumulation and by controlling the transcriptional repression of CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1 in an evening-phase–specific manner. Taken together, we propose that TIC acts as an output component of the circadian oscillator to influence JA signaling directly.
Automated interior design using a genetic algorithm

In this paper, we present a system that automatically populates indoor virtual scenes with furniture objects and optimizes their positions and orientations with respect to aesthetic, ergonomic and functional rules called interior design guidelines. These guidelines are represented as mathematical expressions which form the cost function. Our system optimizes the set of multiple interior designs by minimizing the cost function using a genetic algorithm. Moreover, we extend the optimization to transdimensional space by enabling automatic selection of furniture objects. Finally, we optimize the assignment of materials to the furniture objects to achieve a unified design and harmonious color distribution. We investigate the capability of our system to generate sensible and livable interior designs in a perceptual study.
Reproducibility of energy intake, gastric emptying, blood glucose, plasma insulin and cholecystokinin responses in healthy young males

Gastric emptying, as well as intragastric meal distribution, and gastrointestinal hormones, including cholecystokinin (CCK), play an important role in appetite regulation. The evaluation of gastrointestinal factors regulating food intake is commonly performed in healthy, lean, young male participants. It has, however, been suggested that there is a marked interindividual variability in the effects of nutrient ‘preloads’ on energy intake in this group. Whether there is significant intraindividual variation in acute energy intake after a nutrient preload, and, if so, how this relates to day-to-day differences in gastric emptying and gastrointestinal hormone release, is unclear. The purpose of the present paper is to evaluate the hypothesis that energy intake after a nutrient preload would be reproducible and associated with reproducible patterns of gastric emptying, intragastric distribution and gastrointestinal hormone release. Fifteen healthy men (age 25 (sem 5) years) consumed a glucose preload (50 g glucose in 300 ml water; 815 kJ) on three occasions. Gastric emptying and intragastric meal distribution (using three-dimensional ultrasound), blood glucose, plasma insulin and CCK concentrations and appetite perceptions were evaluated over 90 min, and energy intake from a cold buffet-style meal was then quantified. Energy intake was highly reproducible within individuals between visits (intraclass correlation coefficient, ri = 0·9). Gastric emptying, intragastric meal distribution, blood glucose, plasma insulin and CCK concentrations and appetite perceptions did not differ between visits (ri>0·7 for all). In healthy males, energy intake is highly reproducible, at least in the short term, and is associated with reproducible patterns of gastric emptying, glycaemia, insulinaemia and CCK release.
Feature point detection under extreme lighting conditions

This paper evaluates the suitability of High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging techniques for feature point detection under extreme lighting conditions. The conditions are extreme in respect to the dynamic range of the lighting within the test scenes used. This dynamic range cannot be captured using standard low dynamic range imagery techniques without loss of detail. Four widely used feature point detectors are used in the experiments: Harris corner detector, Shi-Tomasi, FAST and Fast Hessian. Their repeatability rate is studied under changes of camera viewpoint, camera distance and scene lighting with respect to the image formats used. The results of the experiments show that HDR imaging techniques improve the repeatability rate of feature point detectors significantly.
Eosinophils: Offenders or General Bystanders in Allergic Airway Disease and Pulmonary Immunity?

Eosinophils have long been noted to be present in asthma and other forms of pulmonary inflammation, but whether they act as true offenders or merely as bystanders has been a point of uncertainty. However, in recent years, there has been increasing evidence suggesting that eosinophils are not passive cells in the respiratory system, acting only as markers of allergic inflammation. This review discusses key evidence from animal models and human clinical trials that support the importance of eosinophils as active and necessary, rather than passive and unnecessary, to the pathogenesis of allergic airway disease. Analyses that are supportive of important immunoregulatory roles of eosinophils in allergic pulmonary inflammation are also reviewed. Data indicating that eosinophils contribute to viral, bacterial, and mycobacterial defense and clearance are detailed. Continually increasing evidence has supported a new conception of eosinophils as being multifaceted immune cells with complex interactions with other immune cells and their local environment.
Flight Phases in the Song of Skylarks: Impact on Acoustic Parameters and Coding Strategy

Skylarks inhabit open fields and perform an aerial song display which serves as a territorial signal. The particularly long and elaborate structure of this song flight raises questions about the impact of physical and energetic constraints acting on a communication signal. Song produced during the three distinct phases of the flight - ascending, level and descending phase could be subject to different constraints, serve different functions and encode different types of information. We compared song parameters during the ascending and the level phases. We found that the structure of the song varied with the phase of the flight. In particular, song had a higher tempo when skylarks were ascending which might be related to higher oxygen and energetic demands. We also explored which phase of the song flight might encode individuality. Earlier studies reported that skylarks reduced their territorial response to established neighbours if the neighbour song was broadcasted from the correct adjacent boundary, but reacted aggressively if the neighbour songs were broadcasted from an incorrect boundary (mimicking a displaced neighbour). Such differential response provides some evidence for individual recognition. Here, we exposed subjects to playback stimuli of neighbour song in which we had replaced either the song produced during the level or the ascending phase by the relevant song of the neighbour from the incorrect border. Singing response was higher towards stimuli in which the ‘level phase song’ was replaced, indicating that skylarks could be able to recognise their neighbours based on song of this phase. Thus, individuality seems to be primarily coded in the level phase of the flight song.
Predator effects on host-parasite interactions in the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica

Both parasitism and predation may strongly influence population dynamics and community structure separately or synergistically. Predator species can influence host−parasite interactions, either by preferentially feeding on infected (or uninfected) hosts — and thus altering parasite prevalence patterns — or by affecting host behavior in ways that increase host susceptibility to parasites. In this study, we tested if predators (the mud crab Panopeus herbstii and the blue crab Callinectes sapidus) influence interactions between the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica and 2 of its most prevalent parasites, Perkinsus marinus and Haplosporidium nelsoni. Using a combination of field and laboratory experiments, we tested for predatory effects on the prevalence and intensity of parasite infections and on oyster immune response (phagocytic activity). Our results consistently demonstrated that crabs do not influence parasite infections in oysters at either individual or population levels. Thus, even though predators often have strong top-down direct and indirect effects on marine communities, we found their influence on host−parasite interactions to be minimal in this system.
Deletion of mtrC in Haemophilus ducreyi Increases Sensitivity to Human Antimicrobial Peptides and Activates the CpxRA Regulon

ABSTRACT Haemophilus ducreyi resists killing by antimicrobial peptides encountered during human infection, including cathelicidin LL-37, α-defensins, and β-defensins. In this study, we examined the role of the proton motive force-dependent multiple transferable resistance (MTR) transporter in antimicrobial peptide resistance in H. ducreyi. We found a proton motive force-dependent effect on H. ducreyi's resistance to LL-37 and β-defensin HBD-3, but not α-defensin HNP-2. Deletion of the membrane fusion protein MtrC rendered H. ducreyi more sensitive to LL-37 and human β-defensins but had relatively little effect on α-defensin resistance. The mtrC mutant 35000HPmtrC exhibited phenotypic changes in outer membrane protein profiles, colony morphology, and serum sensitivity, which were restored to wild type by trans-complementation with mtrC. Similar phenotypes were reported in a cpxA mutant; activation of the two-component CpxRA regulator was confirmed by showing transcriptional effects on CpxRA-regulated genes in 35000HPmtrC. A cpxR mutant had wild-type levels of antimicrobial peptide resistance; a cpxA mutation had little effect on defensin resistance but led to increased sensitivity to LL-37. 35000HPmtrC was more sensitive than the cpxA mutant to LL-37, indicating that MTR contributed to LL-37 resistance independent of the CpxRA regulon. The CpxRA regulon did not affect proton motive force-dependent antimicrobial peptide resistance; however, 35000HPmtrC had lost proton motive force-dependent peptide resistance, suggesting that the MTR transporter promotes proton motive force-dependent resistance to LL-37 and human β-defensins. This is the first report of a β-defensin resistance mechanism in H. ducreyi and shows that LL-37 resistance in H. ducreyi is multifactorial.
High prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men in Zhejiang, China: a respondent-driven sampling survey

Objectives To examine the prevalence of HIV and risk behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM) and to explore the feasibility of using respondent-driven sampling in this population in order to conduct customised interventions among MSM in the future. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Zhejiang, China. Participants 1316 MSM. Primary and secondary outcome measures HIV prevalence rates and factors associated with HIV infection; sociodemographic and behavioural information of participants, syphilis prevalence rates. Results The adjusted prevalence of HIV and syphilis were 13.8% and 11.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that higher educational level, support treatment of HIV, negative syphilis are protective factors of HIV infection. MSM who had heterosexual behaviour before and whose primary sexual partner was HIV-positive were less likely to be infected with HIV compared with their counterparts, while frequency of sexual behaviour with primary sexual partner was positively associated with HIV infection. Conclusions This survey confirmed a high HIV prevalence among MSM in Zhejiang province. MSM are extremely vulnerable to HIV infection and comprehensive interventions are urgently needed to slow the spread of HIV among MSM.
STAT3 knockdown by siRNA induces apoptosis in human cutaneous T-cell lymphoma line Hut78 via downregulation of Bcl-xL

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas resulting from clonal expansion and localization of malignant T-lymphocytes to the skin. CTCL cells have defective apoptosis. Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) are a family of transcription factors known to play important roles in the development and progression of several human cancers by promoting cell proliferation and protecting against apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the specific role of STAT3, a major component of the STAT family, in growth and survival of human CTCL cell line Hut78. Western immunoblot analysis showed elevated expression of STAT3 and phospho-STAT3(Y705) in human CTCL cells as compared to freshly isolated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Specific knockdown of STAT3 expression in Hut78 cells by RNA interference induced morphological and biochemical changes indicating apoptotic cell death. Moreover, STAT3 inhibition downregulated the expression of Bcl2 family of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-xL. These observations suggest that STAT3 is required for the survival of CTCL cells and strongly indicate that targeting STAT3 using siRNA techniques may serve a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CTCL.
Activation of right insular cortex during imaginary speech articulation

Human speech articulation is a complex process controlled by a form of ‘programming’ implemented in the brain. Analysis of speech articulation using neuroimaging techniques is difficult, however, because motor noise is time-locked to the articulatory events. The current magnetoencephalography study, in which 12 participants were required to imagine vocalizing a phonogram after a visual cue, was designed to visualize the prearticulatory ‘automatic’ processes corresponding to the motor initiation. Magnetic activity correlating with the preparation for articulation occurred in the insular cortices at about 160 ms after the visual cue, and had a relative dominance in the right hemisphere. This suggests that motor control of speech proceeds from the insular regions, although the ‘automatic’ nature of our task might have led to the observed right-sided dominance.
Speaking Anxiety in ESL / EFL Classrooms : A Holistic Approach and Practical Study

Despite the fact that second/foreign language speaking anxiety is a counterproductive phenomenon in the teaching and learning of English and language anxiety has a debilitating effect on the oral performance of speakers of English, teachers do not always identify anxious students, and often attribute their unwillingness to participate in speaking tasks to factors such as lack of motivation, or low performance. This paper analyses a research-oriented case study concerning the conceptualization of second/foreign language speaking anxiety, the relationship between anxiety and language performance, and the major reported causes of speaking anxiety. Furthermore, the paper aims to contribute to the literature on language anxiety and to provide teachers with practical strategies for reducing foreign language speaking anxiety stemming from students’ fear of negative evaluation from their peers and perception of low ability.
Effects of dietary fibre and tannins from apple pulp on the composition of faeces in rats

The present study was undertaken to explore the effect of apple pulp on weight and composition of faeces. This material is rich in dietary fibre (DF;620 g dry matter/kg) and contains appreciable amounts of polyphenols. Recent reports indicate that both condensed tannins (CT) and soluble polyphenols form cross-links with protein and inhibit digestive enzymes, affecting the protein digestibility, and may produce a stimulation of endogenous nitrogen excretion. Two groups of male Wistar rats were fed on either a control diet free of DF or a diet containing 100 g apple pulp DF/kg during 7 d after a 4 d adaptation period. Body-weight and food intake were monitored daily and faeces and urine were collected once daily. DF, water content and polyphenolic compounds were measured in faeces, and N content in both faeces and urine. Faecal weight increased in the fibre group by 280 and 240% when compared with wet and dry faecal weights of animals fed on the fibre-free diet. Soluble dietary fibre (SDF) excreted in faeces was 10.9% of the SDF ingested, which suggested a low resistance to fermentation of this fraction. Of the insoluble DF, 43% of the ingested fibre was fermented. Polyphenols were degraded in the intestinal tract. Of the ingested CT, 68.6% was recovered in faeces, while the soluble polyphenols were extensively degraded (85.7% of that ingested). On the other hand, a higher faecal N excretion was observed for the fibre-fed group, suggesting a decrease in the digestibility of the dietary protein and lower apparent digestibility and N balance indices.