Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tenascin-C and matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels in crevicular fluid of teeth and implants.

BACKGROUND The role of and interaction between bacterial infection and biomechanical impact in the development of peri-implant inflammatory processes is not clear. OBJECTIVE To determine the amount and concentration of tenascin-C (TNC) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) around teeth and in peri-implant sulcus fluid from healthy implants and implants with peri-implantitis, and to correlate it with matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven control individuals and 18 patients with 41 implants with/without peri-implantitis were included. GCF was collected with filter strips and volumes were measured with a Periotron device. The amount of serum albumin per sample was quantified by densitometric analysis of Coomassie-stained sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Relative activity of MMP-9 was determined from the densitometry of zymograms. Amounts and concentrations of TNC were evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS Relative MMP-9 activity was increased in peri-implantitis. A tendency was observed to measure higher TNC concentrations at teeth than at implants. The amount of TNC in GCF collected from healthy implant sites and the peri-implantitis sites was significantly different. Based on immunoblotting, TNC in GCF seemed degraded. In contrast to TNC, MMP-9 was significantly related to the PD and the volume of GCF. CONCLUSION TNC is known to be induced in inflammation. The increase found in peri-implantitis was less than expected. In the context of peri-implantitis, TNC might be a marker of bone remodelling rather than inflammation and infection. A possible proteolytic degradation of TNC during peri-implantitis needs to be studied.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants <32 Weeks’ Gestation Between 1993 and 1998

Objective. This study evaluated the impact of changes in perinatal management on neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 18 to 22 months’ corrected age of low gestation (22–26 weeks) and higher gestation (27–32 weeks) extremely low birth weight infants (401–1000 g birth weight) who were cared for in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network during 3 epochs (1993–1994, 1995–1996, and 1997–1998). It was hypothesized that outcomes would improve over the 3 epochs. Methods. A multicenter cohort study was conducted of the outcomes of 3785 infants with assessments at 18 to 22 months’ corrected age. Regression analyses were completed to evaluate for epoch effects, gestational age effects, and time plus gestational age interaction. Regression analyses were also performed to identify the independent associations of epoch and 4 study perinatal interventions: antenatal steroids (yes, no), high-frequency ventilation (yes, no), number of days to regain birth weight as a marker of nutritional intake, and postnatal steroids for treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (yes, no) with outcomes. Results. Survival improved for both the low (55%–61%) and higher (82%–86%) gestational age groups during the 3 epochs. Regression analyses indicated that the decreased risk for adverse outcome was significantly lower in epoch 2 compared with epoch 1 with decreased rates of low Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI) and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). Antenatal steroids were associated with decreased risk for moderate to severe cerebral palsy (CP) and low Bayley Psychomotor Development Index. High-frequency ventilation was associated with a low Bayley MDI and NDI, and postnatal steroids were associated with moderate to severe CP, any CP, low Bayley MDI, low Bayley Psychomotor Development Index, and increased NDI. Conclusion. Survival of extremely low birth weight infants improved between 1993 and 1998. Although some outcomes remained unchanged, the rates of low Bayley MDI scores and NDI improved. Antenatal steroid administration was the only study intervention associated with improved outcomes.
Direct evidence for RNA–RNA interactions at the 3′ end of the Hepatitis C virus genome using surface plasmon resonance

The 3′ end region of the Hepatitis C virus genome folds into several stem–loops that play important roles in the viral replication cycle. This paper investigates the kinetics of these RNA–RNA interactions using short synthetic RNAs corresponding to the 3′ untranslated region of HCV RNA by surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
Conserved metabolic energy production pathways govern Eiger/TNF-induced nonapoptotic cell death

Caspase-independent cell death is known to be important in physiological and pathological conditions, but its molecular regulation is not well-understood. Eiger is the sole fly ortholog of TNF. The ectopic expression of Eiger in the developing eye primordium caused JNK-dependent but caspase-independent cell death. To understand the molecular basis of this Eiger-induced nonapoptotic cell death, we performed a large-scale genetic screen in Drosophila for suppressors of the Eiger-induced cell death phenotype. We found that molecules that regulate metabolic energy production are central to this form of cell death: it was dramatically suppressed by decreased levels of molecules that regulate cytosolic glycolysis, mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the electron transport chain. Importantly, reducing the expression of energy production-related genes did not affect the cell death triggered by proapoptotic genes, such as reaper, hid, or debcl, indicating that the energy production-related genes have a specific role in Eiger-induced nonapoptotic cell death. We also found that energy production-related genes regulate the Eiger-induced cell death downstream of JNK. In addition, Eiger induced the production of reactive oxygen species in a manner dependent on energy production-related genes. Furthermore, we showed that this cell death machinery is involved in Eiger's physiological function, because decreasing the energy production-related genes suppressed Eiger-dependent tumor suppression, an intrinsic mechanism for removing tumorigenic mutant clones from epithelia by inducing cell death. This result suggests a link between sensitivity to cell death and metabolic activity in cancer.
High sensitive C-reactive protein as a systemic inflammatory marker and LDH-3 isoenzyme in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background and Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease, mainly due to tobacco smoke. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are mandatory to diagnose COPD which shows irreversible airway obstruction. This study was aimed at understanding the behavior of biochemical parameters such as high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes in COPD. Cytoplasmic cellular enzymes, such as LDH in the extracellular space, although of no further metabolic function in this space, are of benefit because they serve as indicators suggestive of disturbances of the cellular integrity induced by pathological conditions. The lung pattern is characterized by proportional increases in isoenzymes 3, 4, and 5. Hs-CRP indicates low grade of systemic inflammation. Materials and Methods: Total (n = 45) patients of COPD (diagnosed on PFTs) were included. We followed the guidelines laid by the institute ethical committee. Investigations performed on the serum were the serum for hs-CRP, LDH isoenzymes on agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: The results obtained showed that the value of hs-CRP was 4.6 ± 0.42 mg/L. The isoenzymes pattern was characterized by an increase in LDH-3 and LDH-4 fractions. This is evident even in those patients with normal LDH (n = 13) levels. Interpretation and Conclusion: This study states that there is a moderate positive correlation in between CRP and LDH-3 (r = 0.33; P = 0.01). Raised LDH-3 levels do not correlate with FEV1 % (forced expiratory volume in first second) predicted. Moreover, it associates positively with hs-CRP and smoking status and negatively with body mass index. This underlines the potential of these parameters to complement the present system of staging which is solely based upon FEV1 % predicted.
A hierarchical knowledge-based classification for glacier terrain mapping: a case study from Kolahoi Glacier, Kashmir Himalaya

Abstract A glacierized terrain comprises different land covers, and their mapping using satellite data is challenged by their spectral similarity. We propose a hierarchical knowledge-based classification (HKBC) approach for differentiation of glacier terrain classes and mapping of glacier boundaries, using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery and Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM). The methodology was tested over Kolahoi Glacier, Kashmir Himalaya. For the sequential extraction of various glacier terrain classes, several input layers were generated from the primary datasets by applying image-processing techniques. Noticeable differences in temperature and spectral response between supraglacial debris and periglacial debris facilitated the development of a thermal glacier mask and normalized-difference debris index, which together with slope enabled their differentiation. These and the other layers were then used in several discrete tests in HKBC, to map various glacier terrain classes. An ASTER visible near-infrared image and 42 field points were used to validate results. The proposed approach satisfactorily classified all the glacier terrain classes with an overall accuracy of 89%. The Z-test reveals that results obtained from HKBC are significantly (at 95% confidence level) better than those from a maximum likelihood classifier (MLC). Glacier boundaries obtained from HKBC were found to be plausibly better than those obtained from MLC and visual interpretation.
What is bullying?

It is important to consider the factors that contribute to a student exhibiting bullying behaviors. Specifically, some students may not have the language or strategies to navigate complex emotions or challenging situations. As a result, students may bully as a means to control their environment and create their own sense of safety and security. A key to reducing these harmful, yet preventable behaviors, is to provide students the opportunity to develop and practice pro-social skills to navigate peer interactions and strategies for recognizing and regulating their own emotions. Bullying behaviors can arise from a number of interrelated risk factors, so it is important not to consider each sign in isolation:
Reconstruction of Transected Postcommissural Fornix in Adult Rat by Schwann Cell Suspension Grafts

Schwann cell (SC) transplantation has emerged as a powerful tool to promote regeneration in the lesioned central nervous system (CNS). Most studies focused on the use of guidance channels to introduce the SCs into CNS neuropil; a technique that itself causes extensive damage to host tissue and is only applicable in superficial brain areas. The present study examines the efficacy of microinjected SC suspensions to promote structural reconstruction of the transected postcommissural fornix in the adult rat. Stereotactic, unilateral fornix transection was performed using a tungsten wire knife. Immediately after transection lesion cavities received either a Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium injection or a pure SC suspension graft derived from a highly purified SC culture that was prepared from syngeneic rat (P1) sciatic nerves. After 4 days to 8 months, the implant characteristics as well as the structural reconstruction of the tract were analyzed using immunocytochemical methods and anterograde tracing techniques. Numerous SCs of the graft could be identified for up to 8 months. They rapidly dispersed from the injection site and migrated freely for considerable distances into the host tissue. The SCs exhibited a low proliferation activity that ceased within 2 weeks after transplantation. They did not prevent retrograde axonal degeneration of the fornix tract for a short distance (600 micron) but promoted structural reconstruction of the transected fornix tract. Regenerating fibers traversed the lesion site and extended along their former pathway up to the mammillary body, their proper target. Moreover, the applied transplantation technique allowed remyelination of the regenerating fibers by host oligodendrocytes. In conclusion, microtransplantation of SC suspensions represents a promising strategy for promoting structural reconstruction of lesioned CNS projections.
On some cheap control problems for diffusion processes

On considere plusieurs cas de problemes de commande de processus de diffusion dans lesquels la fonctionnelle de cout ne depend pas explicitement de la commande. On demontre la continuite de la fonction cout optimale et on en donne une caracterisation a l'aide d'une inegalite quasivariationnelle interpretant le probleme comme la limite d'un probleme de commande impulsionnelle dont le cout tend vers zero
Apoptotic osteocytes regulate osteoclast precursor recruitment and differentiation in vitro

Fatigue loading causes a spatial distribution of osteocyte apoptosis co‐localized with bone resorption spaces peaking around microdamage sites. Since osteocytes have been shown to regulate osteoclast formation and activity, we hypothesize that osteocyte apoptosis regulates osteoclastogenesis. In this study, we used serum‐starvation to mimic reduced nutrient transport in microdamaged bone and induce apoptosis in MLO‐Y4 osteocyte‐like cells; conditioned medium was used to apply soluble factors released by apoptotic osteocytes (aOCY) to healthy non‐apoptotic MLO‐Y4 cells. Osteoclast precursor (RAW264.7 monocyte) migration and differentiation were assessed in the presence of conditioned media (CM) from: (A) aOCY, (B) osteocytes treated with apoptosis conditioned medium (i.e., healthy osteocytes in the presence of apoptosis cues; apoptosis CM‐treated osteocytes (atOCY)), and (C) osteocytes treated with non‐apoptosis conditioned medium (i.e., healthy osteocytes in the absence of apoptosis cues; non‐apoptosis CM‐treated osteocytes (natOCY)). Receptor activator for nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), macrophage colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA, and protein expression were measured. Our findings indicate that soluble factors released by aOCY and atOCY promoted osteoclast precursor migration (up to 64% and 24% increase, respectively) and osteoclast formation (up to 450% and 265% increase, respectively). Osteoclast size increased up to 233% in the presence of aOCY and atOCY CM. Recruitment, formation and size were unaltered by natOCY. RANKL mRNA and protein expression were upregulated only in aOCY, while M‐CSF and VEGF increased in atOCY. Addition of RANKL‐blocking antibody abolished aOCY‐induced osteoclast precursor migration and osteoclast formation. VEGF and M‐CSF blocking antibodies abolished atOCY‐induced osteoclastogenesis. These findings suggest that aOCY directly and indirectly (through atOCY) initiate targeted bone resorption by regulating osteoclast precursor recruitment and differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 2412–2423, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simulation of a membrane bioreactor pilot treating old landfill leachates with activated sludge model No. 1 and No. 3

Activated sludge model No. 1 (ASM1) and activated sludge model No. 3 (ASM3) can simulate correctly the behaviour of a pilot membrane bioreactor treating old landfill leachates. Both models show similar results, which are consistent with measured data. In this work, a simplified calibration procedure is applied including hydrodynamic and oxygen transfer characterization. The wastewater characterisation was based on a physical–chemical method combined with a BOD analysis for the COD fractions and on standard analysis for nitrogen forms. Default parameters were used for both models; despite this, good simulations were obtained showing the flexibility and accuracy of the well-achieved ASM family models. The sensibility analysis performed allows identification of the most important kinetic, stoichiometric and operational parameters that should be measured to confirm or replace default values. In this specific case, the simulation is most sensitive to heterotrophic yield, particularly under anoxic conditions.
Lossy transmission line passive macromodeling algorithm - three case studies

The rapid increase in operating speeds, density and complexity of modern integrated circuits has made interconnect analysis a requirement for all state-of-the-art circuit simulators. Recently, a passive closed-form optimal matrix-rational approximation based algorithm has been developed for macromodeling of lossy multiconductor transmission lines. This paper presents three case studies for optimal matrix rational approximation and provides a performance comparison with the conventional lumped discretization.
Are Tuberculosis Patients Managed According to the National Guidelines in Lagos State Nigeria

Setting: Private and public tuberculosis (TB) treatment centers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Objective: To compare adherence of private and public providers of directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) in the Lagos State TB control program, Nigeria (LSTBLCP) with the national TB guidelines. Design: A retrospective review of treatment cards of TB patients managed within the first and second quarter of 2012 in 34 DOTS facilities {23 public, 7 private for profit (PFP), and 4 private not for profit (PNFP)} involved in the private public mix of the LSTBLCP. Results: Of the 1896 treatment cards reviewed, 1524 (80.4%), 132 (7.0%) and 240 (12.6%) were from public, PFP and PNFP DOTS facilities, respectively. About 19%, 25% and none of the patients managed at the public, PNFP, and PFP DOTS facilities were treated in full adherence with the national guidelines respectively. A significantly higher proportion of adults and sputum smear positive TB patients were treated in full adherence with the national guidelines (p < 0.05). Treatment success was associated with full adherence with the national guidelines. Conclusion: There is a need to reorient health care providers in public and private health facilities in Lagos State Nigeria to ensure full adherence with the national TB guidelines.
Avaliação da qualidade de vida de portadores de marcapasso cardíaco artificial em Goiânia, Goiás

A qualidade de vida relacionada a saude engloba, alem dos aspectos sociais, emocionais e de bem-estar fisico dos individuos, o impacto de alguns tratamentos empregados para controle de problemas de saude e a habilidade do individuo de conduzir sua propria vida. Um dos tratamentos e o implante de marcapasso cardiaco artificial definitivo, cujos portadores relatam alteracoes na vida diaria apos o implante, que podem influenciar na qualidade de suas vidas. Trata-se de estudo descritivo exploratorio, que objetivou avaliar a qualidade de vida dos portadores de marcapasso cardiaco artificial por meio de um instrumento generico - SF-36® (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) e outro especifico - AQUAREL (Assessment of Quality of Life and Related Events). Foram entrevistados 84 portadores de marcapasso cardiaco artificial definitivo apos seis ou mais meses de implante. Os entrevistados tinham idade media de 59,9 anos, 58,3% eram do sexo feminino, catolicos (70,2%), possuiam escolaridade fundamental incompleta (81%). Autodenominaram-se brancos (59,5%), possuiam companheiro fixo (69%) e renda mensal familiar inferior a dois salarios minimos (51,3%). O tempo de implante variou entre um e 28 anos (mediana tres anos), a causa base foi a doenca de Chagas (76,2%), 73,8% estavam com o 1o gerador, o tipo de estimulacao predominante foi DDDR (67,9%) e pertenciam a classe funcional I (57,1%). As medianas dos escores do SF-36 foram maiores nas dimensoes Aspectos Sociais (100,00) e Saude Mental (68,00) e os menores escores foram obtidos em Aspectos Fisicos (00,00) e Aspectos Emocionais (33,33). As medianas dos escores do AQUAREL foram 81,25 para Desconforto no Peito, 80,00 para Arritmias e 71,43 para Dispneia ao Exercicio. O alfa de Cronbach variou entre 0,916 e 0,688 para as dimensoes do SF-36 e entre 0,852 e 0,693 para o AQUAREL, indicando boa confiabilidade dos instrumentos. Observou-se que a percepcao dos individuos frente aos aspectos analisados em cada dimensao do SF-36 e AQUAREL nao e homogenea, sendo influenciada pela religiao, sexo, faixa etaria, raca, presenca ou nao de filhos, trabalho, faixa de renda, escolaridade, numero de implante e motivo do implante. Os menores escores indicam quais aspectos precisam de maior atencao por parte da equipe de saude. Reforca-se a necessidade da atuacao qualificada de uma equipe multiprofissional que acompanhe o portador de marcapasso, minimizando os fatores que possam estar interferindo na sua qualidade de vida.
Synthesis and Preliminary Evaluation of 18-18F-Fluoro-4-Thia-Oleate as a PET Probe of Fatty Acid Oxidation

Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is a major energy-providing process with important implications in cardiovascular, oncologic, neurologic, and metabolic diseases. A novel 4-thia oleate analog, 18-18F-fluoro-4-thia-oleate (18F-FTO), was evaluated in relationship to the previously developed palmitate analog 16-18F-fluoro-4-thia-palmitate (18F-FTP) as an FAO probe. Methods: 18F-FTO was synthesized from a corresponding bromoester. Biodistribution and metabolite analysis studies were performed in rats. Preliminary small-animal PET studies were performed with 18F-FTO and 18F-FTP in rats. Results: A practical synthesis of 18F-FTO was developed, providing a radiotracer of high radiochemical purity (>99%). In fasted rats, myocardial uptake of 18F-FTO (0.70 ± 0.30% dose kg [body mass]/g [tissue mass]) was similar to that of 18F-FTP at 30 min after injection. At 2 h, myocardial uptake of 18F-FTO was maintained, whereas 18F-FTP uptake in the heart was 82% reduced. Similar to 18F-FTP, 18F-FTO uptake by the heart was approximately 80% reduced at 30 min by pretreatment of rats with the CPT-I inhibitor etomoxir. Folch-type extraction analyses showed 70–90% protein-bound fractions in the heart, liver, and skeletal muscle, consistent with efficient trafficking of 18F-FTO to the mitochondrion with subsequent metabolism to protein-bound species. Preliminary small-animal PET studies showed rapid blood clearance and avid extraction of 18F-FTO and of 18F-FTP into the heart and liver. Images of 18F-FTO accumulation in the rat myocardium were clearly superior to those of 18F-FTP. Conclusion: 18F-FTO is shown to be a promising metabolically trapped FAO probe that warrants further evaluation.