Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Nuclear Factor-κB Activation in H9c2 Cardiomyocytes Exposed to Cigarette Smoke Extract

Cigarette smoke contains and generates a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that affect normal cellular function and have pathogenic consequences in the cardiovascular system. Increased oxidative stress and inflammation are considered to be an important mechanism of cardiovascular injury induced by cigarette smoke. Antioxidants may serve as effective therapeutic agents against smoke-related cardiovascular disease. Because of the presence of oxygen vacancies on its surface and self-regenerative cycle of its dual oxidation states, Ce3+ and Ce4+, cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles offer a potential to quench ROS in biological systems. In this study, we determined the ability of CeO2 nanoparticles to protect against cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in cultured rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes. CeO2 nanoparticles pretreatment of H9c2 cells resulted in significant inhibition of CSE-induced ROS production and cell death. Pretreatment of H9c2 cells with CeO2 nanoparticles suppressed CSE-induced phosphorylation of IκBα, nuclear translocation of p65 subunit of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and NF-κB reporter activity in H9c2 cells. CeO2 nanoparticles pretreatment also resulted in a significant down-regulation of NF-κB-regulated inflammatory genes tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and inducible nitric-oxide synthase and further inhibited CSE-induced depletion of antioxidant enzymes, such as copper zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, and intracellular glutathione content. These results indicate that CeO2 nanoparticles can inhibit CSE-induced cell damage via inhibition of ROS generation, NF-κB activation, inflammatory gene expression, and antioxidant depletion and may have a great potential for treatment of smoking-related diseases.
Evaluation of Educational Materials on Colorectal Cancer Screening in Appalachian Kentucky

Introduction Despite the availability of preventive screening for colorectal cancer, compliance with screening recommendations in Appalachian Kentucky is low. Although there are various cancer education materials available, none focus on Appalachian populations and few on low-literacy populations. The purpose of this study was to assess the type of information needed in written educational materials about colorectal cancer for Appalachian populations in Kentucky. Methods Seven focus groups were held in two Appalachian regions of Kentucky. Thirty-four members of the community participated in four focus groups held for the general public, and 15 staff members of primary care physicians' offices participated in three focus groups. One facilitator led all seven focus groups using a moderator's guide. Participants were asked to review and rank two fact sheets and two brochures about colorectal cancer according to perceived effectiveness. Results There was consensus between the general public focus groups and physician office staff focus groups about the ranking of materials. All groups preferred the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign fact sheet and brochure to the other materials. They indicated that factors such as print size, inclusion of diagrams, and clear and simple presentation of the information were important and made the materials easier to use and understand. A consensus was also reached among groups on the relative importance of types of information that should be provided in the materials. Conclusion The use of educational materials to communicate messages about cancer screening is important in increasing awareness and providing valuable health information. Members of the Appalachian community and staff members of physicians' offices preferred and recommended use of Screen for Life materials for low-literacy and Appalachian populations over other educational materials.
Validation of a New Cycle Ergometer

The purpose of this study was to test the concurrent validity of the ICBE compared to the Monark(®) cycle ergometer by indirect dynamic calibration. 42 men were randomly submitted to 2 maximal stress tests with increments of 50 W at 2-min intervals. One test was performed on the Monark(®) bicycle (834/E) and the other on the ICBE. Cardiovascular, perceived exertion and hemodynamic responses were compared between the 2 bicycles. No differences (p>0.05) were observed in resting heart rate (HR), maximum HR, peak oxygen uptake (VO(2P) L·min(-1) and VO(2P) mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)), and number of stages completed. High correlations (r>0.85) were found between HR and VO (2P). Residual analysis indicated strong agreement between the 2 cycle ergometers in terms of VO(2P) L·min(-1) [-0.36-0.30] and VO(2P) mL·kg(-1)·min(-1) [-4.98-4.46]. Residual dispersion (r=0.25 for both) showed that the mathematical differences in VO(2P) L·min(-1) and VO(2P) mL·kg(-1)·min(-1) between cycle ergometers were independent. The correlation coefficient (r) and coefficient of determination (R(2)) between VO(2P) L·min(-1) (r=0.90; R (2)=0.80) and VO(2P) mL·kg(-1)·min(-1) (r=0.90; R(2)=0.81) obtained for the 2 cycle ergometers were high, whereas the standard error of the estimate was low (0.186 L·min(-1) and 2.56 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1), respectively). The ICBE presents concurrent validity for use in submaximal and maximal cardiopulmonary tests.
Older patients with acute stroke in Denmark: quality of care and short-term mortality. A nationwide follow-up study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE age may predict level of care and subsequent outcome among patients with stroke. We examined fulfilment of quality-of-care criteria according to age and the possible impact of any age-related differences on short-term mortality in a population-based nationwide follow-up study in Denmark. METHODS we identified 29,549 patients admitted with stroke between January 2003 and October 2005 in the Danish National Indicator Project (DNIP). Data on 30- and 90-day mortality were obtained from the Civil Registration System. We compared proportions of patients receiving adequate care across age groups, as measured by admission to a specialised stroke unit, administration of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, examination with CT/MR scan, assessment by a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist, or assessment of nutritional risk. Further, we estimated 30- and 90-day mortality rate ratios (MRRs) across age groups, adjusted for fulfilment of quality-of-care criteria and patient characteristics. RESULTS the proportion of eligible patients who received adequate care declined with age for all the examined processes. The relative risk (RR) of receiving specific components of care ranged from 0.66 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60-0.73) to 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95-0.99) when comparing patients >80 years of age with patients < or =65 years of age. Although mortality increased with age, adjusting for the age-related differences in care did not alter the magnitude of the increase. CONCLUSIONS elderly stroke patients in Denmark receive a lower quality of care than do younger stroke patients, however, the age-related differences are modest for most examined quality-of-care criteria and do not appear to explain the higher mortality among older patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Findings After Focal Status Epilepticus

Summary: The etiology of cerebral abnormalities after focal status epilepticus (SE) is unknown. Possible causes include hypoxia and the excessive release of excitatory amino acids. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a 21–year‐old patient with “cryptogenic” continuous motor seizures showed swelling and signal hyperintensity of the contralateral panetotemporal cortex, the thalamus, and the ipsilateral cerebellum on T2‐weighted images. These regions are connected by glutamatergic pathways. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the cortical lesion yielded a signal peak at the resonance frequency of 2.29 ppm, suggesting a focal increase of glutamate or its degradation product glutamine. At 3–month follow‐up, structural alterations had disappeared, but the N‐acetylaspartatelcholine ratio was still reduced in the previously abnormal area. These findings are the first to demonstrate the contribution of MRS to pathophysiologic studies of focal SE in humans and, in combination with the pattern of imaging abnormalities, support a major role of glutamate for seizure‐related brain damage.
Copy Number Variation in Glutathione S-Transferases M1 and T1 and Ischemic Vascular Disease: Four Studies and Meta-Analyses

Background— Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) M1 and T1 detoxify products of oxidative stress and may protect against atherosclerosis and ischemic vascular disease (IVD). We tested the hypothesis that copy number variation (CNV) in GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes, known to be associated with stepwise decreases in catalytic activity, predict risk of IVD. Methods and Results— We included 23 059 Danes from 2 general population studies and 2 case-control studies, of whom 4930 had ischemic heart disease (IHD) and 2086 had ischemic cerebrovascular disease. A real-time polymerase chain reaction method genotyped for the exact number of GSTM1 and GST T1 gene copies. We also performed meta-analyses, including our own and former studies, totaling 13 196 IHD cases and 33 228 controls. CNV in GSTM1 or GSTT1 or genotype combinations were not associated with an increased risk of IHD, myocardial infarction, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, ischemic stroke, or any ischemic vascular event in studies individually or combined or in the meta-analyses. Furthermore, genotypes did not interact with smoking on risk of disease end points. Finally, GST genotypes did not associate with markers of inflammation and oxidation or interact with smoking on markers of inflammation in the general population. In contrast, we observed the well-established association between CNV in GSTM1 and risk of bladder cancer. Conclusions— In studies including 6557 IVD cases and 16 502 controls and in meta-analyses of 13 196 cases and 33 228 controls, CNV in GSTM1 and GST T1 genes did not associate with risk of IVD or with markers of inflammation. These observations were independent of smoking exposure.
INVESTIGATION OF OPTIMAL CONDITION FOR CHLORELLA VULGARIS MICROALGAE GROWTH (REVIEW PAPER)

Due to its abundance and also flexibility of cultivation conditions, Chlorella vulgaris microalgae is one of the most ideal options available in order to production of microalgae based biodiesel. Since vulgaris cultivation for fuel production needs economic considerations to be taken, and in first place providing biomass and lipid production costs is important, wide researches have been conducted in this field, and this study aims to spot the best condition for cultivation of this valuable specie by reviewing the whole research conducted. So far, Researchers' efforts show that, the best condition for vulgaris cultivation is mixotrophic regime which is done in a bubble column photobioreactor. Glucose as carbonic source and nitrate as nitrogen source, have the most efficacy among nutrition conditions. It is known the best results obtain in amounts glucose and nitrate of 20 and o.5 g/L respectively. Alkaline medium (pH 9 to 10), non-continuous illumination, 5 to 7 Klux and a 200 mL/min aeration flow rate, indicated the best physical conditions. The most vulgaris biomass amount produced was 3.43 g/L, and the best lipid productivity was measured 66.25 mg/L/day.
Thiol-Based Regulation of Redox-Active Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase from Arabidopsis thaliana

Glutathione biosynthesis is a key component in the network of plant stress responses that counteract oxidative damage and maintain intracellular redox environment. Using a combination of mass spectrometry and site-directed mutagenesis, we examined the response of Arabidopsis thaliana glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) to changes in redox environment. Mass spectrometry identified two disulfide bonds (Cys186-Cys406 and Cys349-Cys364) in GCL. Mutation of either Cys-349 or Cys-364 to a Ser reduced reaction rate by twofold, but substitution of a Ser for either Cys-186 or Cys-406 decreased activity by 20-fold and abrogated the response to changes in redox environment. Redox titrations show that the regulatory disulfide bond has a midpoint potential comparable with other known redox-responsive plant proteins. Mutation of Cys-102, Cys-251, Cys-349, or Cys-364 did not alter the response to redox environment, indicating that modulation of activity depends on the Cys186-Cys406 disulfide bond. In vivo analysis of GCL in Arabidopsis root extracts revealed that multiple oxidative stresses altered the distribution of oxidized (active) and reduced (inactive) enzyme and that this change correlated with increased GCL activity. The thiol-based regulation of GCL provides a posttranslational mechanism for modulating enzyme activity in response to in vivo redox environment and suggests a role for oxidative signaling in the maintenance of glutathione homeostasis in plants.
Assessment of dental caries, oral hygiene status, traumatic dental injuries and provision of basic oral health care among visually impaired children of Eastern Odisha

Context: The magnitude and severity of oral health problems in visually impaired population are worse than in general population, and they tend to have more untreated dental diseases and more problems accessing dental care. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess dentition status and treatment needs, oral hygiene status, and traumatic dental injuries among institutionalized children attending special schools for the visually impaired in eastern Odisha. Settings and Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a universal sampling protocol. Subjects and Methods: American Dental Association Type III clinical examination was carried out using plane mouth mirrors and community periodontal index probes under adequate natural illumination by a single examiner assisted by a trained recording assistant. After completion of the study, all participants were provided with basic oral health care through outreach programs. Statistical Analysis: Comparisons were done using Student's t-test, analysis of variance, and Chi-square test. Results: Caries prevalence for primary and permanent dentition was 15% and 46%, respectively. Mean oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) was 2.43 ± 1.03. The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was 11%. A statistically significant difference in mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT/dmft) was observed in children consuming liquid sugar as compared to solid and those consuming sticky sugars as compared to nonsticky. A statistically significant difference in mean OHI-S scores was observed when compared with frequency of changing toothbrush. Conclusions: This sample of visually impaired children has a high prevalence of dental caries, traumatic dental injuries, and poor oral hygiene. Unmet needs for dental caries were found to be high indicating very poor accessibility and availability of oral health care.
PET and SPECT in the management of lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. Most recently in 2001, the Health Care Financing Administration has expanded Medicare coverage for positron emission tomography (PET) to include the diagnosis, staging, and restaging of lung cancer. This review discusses the current metabolic imaging techniques, including the role of PET, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and the new hybrid PET in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of lung cancer. The technological advantages, disadvantages, and benefits are compared. PET has the highest detection efficiency than gamma camera based devices. PET when merged with computed tomography (CT) forms the powerful hybrid PET-CT system, capable both of metabolic and anatomic imaging. Clinical imaging pathways based on these newer modalities for the management of lung cancer are proposed. Technological advances in metabolic imaging linked with therapy driven protocols and outcomes may further provide cutting edge modalities that positively impact on dismal lung cancer mortality statistics.
Time-Optimal Output Feedback Controller for Toxic Wastewater Treatment in a Fed-batch Bioreactor

Abstract Aerobic processes using sequencing fed-batch bioreactors are an effective technology to treat wastewater with toxic compounds. In order to implement optimal control schemes it is convenient to assess the biodegradation rate on-line. In this work, the dissolved oxygen concentration is used as output variable from the process to estimate this rate using a robust observer based on the generalized supertwisting algorithm. It does not require complete knowledge of the system dynamics or its parameters and is capable of estimating the biodegradation rate despite uncertainties and significant sensor and signal conditioning dynamics. The observer is then used for the implementation of a time-optimal output feedback controller that regulates the feed rate in a sequencing batch bioreactor used to treat toxic wastewater. This is tested using numerical simulations with promising results, while discussing the trade-off between allowed signal noise and convergence speed of the observer and how this affects the controller performance.
Systematic Planning and Ecosystem-Based Management as Strategies to Reconcile Mangrove Conservation with Resource Use

About 120 million people worldwide live within 10 kilometers of large mangrove forests, and many of them directly depend on the goods and services provided by these ecosystems. However, it remains unclear how to synchronize ecological definitions and legal conservation strategies regarding mangroves, especially in developing countries, such as Brazil. The influence of human populations’ socio-economic context in mangrove conservation policies, as well associated challenges in incorporating this influence, are underestimated or, often, largely ignored. Considering the recent threats emerging from changes in legislation and the lack of spatial and social-ecological integrated data to plan mangroves conservation in Brazil, this paper aims to answer the following questions: 1- What suitable measures could managers and other decision-makers adopt for efficient mangrove conservation planning, having Brazil as a case-study? ; 2- What are the site-specific, social-ecological aspects that need to be taken into account when deciding on conservation and management strategies? ; and 3- How could science contribute to the development of these measures? In order to achieve an ecosystem-based management approach, mangrove ecosystems should not be divided into sub-systems, but instead treated as an integrated system. Furthermore, interconnections with other coastal ecosystems must be assessed and taken into account. This is crucial for effective systematic conservation planning. Also, most of the particular social-ecological aspects in the different types of mangrove ecosystems along the coast, and how those differences might be considered while planning for conservation, remain poorly understood. Based on similar drivers of change, geological features, and likely impacts of climate change, a macro-unit approach is proposed to group mangrove systems along the Brazilian coast and guide national policies. This paper draws parallels with management approaches worldwide to find common points and hence lessons to be applied in other regional realms. It considers the issues of legal vulnerability and needs for social-ecological data on Brazilian mangroves, contributing towards systematic conservation planning and ecosystem-based management for these ecosystems
Structural and Functional Characterization of the Wnt Inhibitor APC Membrane Recruitment 1 (Amer1)*

Amer1/WTX binds to the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli and acts as an inhibitor of Wnt signaling by inducing β-catenin degradation. We show here that Amer1 directly interacts with the armadillo repeats of β-catenin via a domain consisting of repeated arginine-glutamic acid-alanine (REA) motifs, and that Amer1 assembles the β-catenin destruction complex at the plasma membrane by recruiting β-catenin, adenomatous polyposis coli, and Axin/Conductin. Deletion or specific mutations of the membrane binding domain of Amer1 abolish its membrane localization and abrogate negative control of Wnt signaling, which can be restored by artificial targeting of Amer1 to the plasma membrane. In line, a natural splice variant of Amer1 lacking the plasma membrane localization domain is deficient for Wnt inhibition. Knockdown of Amer1 leads to the activation of Wnt target genes, preferentially in dense compared with sparse cell cultures, suggesting that Amer1 function is regulated by cell contacts. Amer1 stabilizes Axin and counteracts Wnt-induced degradation of Axin, which requires membrane localization of Amer1. The data suggest that Amer1 exerts its negative regulatory role in Wnt signaling by acting as a scaffold protein for the β-catenin destruction complex and promoting stabilization of Axin at the plasma membrane.
Molecular Mechanisms and Regulation of Specific and Nonspecific Autophagy Pathways in Yeast*

The normal growth and development of eukaryotic cells requires a constant balance between biosynthetic and degradative processes. There are two highly conserved mechanisms for degradation in eukaryotes that are responsible for the majority of protein turnover: one is the ubiquitin-proteasome system and the other is autophagy. Under conditions of normal growth, the bulk of protein degradation occurs via the proteasomal machinery (reviewed in Ref. 1). Proteins that are to be degraded are post-translationally tagged with polyubiquitin and are subsequently broken down via themultisubunit 26 S proteasome present in the cytosol and nucleus. In contrast, autophagy is largely a nonspecific process that leads to the vacuolar/lysosomal degradation not just of proteins but also of other cytosolic macromolecular components. Importantly, autophagy is the only degradative pathway that has the capacity to degrade large aggregates and even entire organelles. Autophagy plays a role in normal development and differentiation; however, it is also involved in defense against pathogens, life span extension, and the prevention of certain types of cancer and neurodegeneration (reviewed in Ref. 2).
Management of Chronic Spinal Cord Dysfunction

Purpose of Review:Both acute and chronic spinal cord disorders present multisystem management problems to the clinician. This article highlights key issues associated with chronic spinal cord dysfunction. Recent Findings:Advances in symptomatic management for chronic spinal cord dysfunction include use of botulinum toxin to manage detrusor hyperreflexia, pregabalin for management of neuropathic pain, and intensive locomotor training for improved walking ability in incomplete spinal cord injuries. Summary:The care of spinal cord dysfunction has advanced significantly over the past 2 decades. Management and treatment of neurologic and non-neurologic complications of chronic myelopathies ensure that each patient will be able to maximize their functional independence and quality of life.
Effect of CT on false positive diagnosis of appendicitis and perforation.

To the Editor: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common reasons for acute abdomen and the most common indication for emergency abdominal surgery in the United States.1 Surgeons have traditionally accepted up to a 20% rate of false positive diagnosis of acute appendicitis in order to minimize morbidity associated with a missed diagnosis. In clinical practice, the reported rate of false positive diagnosis of appendicitis among women has been as high as 42%. 2 Several studies,3 including our own,4 have suggested that when used appropriately, preoperative computed tomography (CT) involving a variety of techniques improves outcomes in patients with clinically .