Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bio-informatics in the Light of the Maximum Ordinality Principle - The Case of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

In a previous paper (presented at the Third International Conference on Bioinformatics) we have shown that Protein Folding, although considered as being an “intractable” problem that would require thousands of years to be solved, in reality can be solved in less than 10 minutes when modeled in terms of Incipient Differential Calculus (IDC). Such an evaluation was specifically made with reference to Dystrophin, precisely because, being made up of about 100,000 atoms, it represents the largest protein in a human being. Consequently it can be considered as being the most significant ostensive example in the context of such Informatics problems. The present paper aims to show that the folding of Dystrophin can also be run on a simple PC in less than two hours, as a consequence of very profound “symmetry” properties of the Ordinal Matrices that characterize the mathematical model adopted. The same happens in the case of dynamic interactions, such as Molecular Docking and computer-aided Drug Design, which can be obtained in absolutely comparable computation time. This is also why, by keeping the original reference to Dystrophin, we assumed Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as the pertinent corresponding example. The paper will also point out that such advantages are strictly referable to a different gnoseological (and mathematical) approach based on the Maximum Ordinality Principle, which can be considered as being the most advanced Ordinal Self-organization Principle for living (and also non-living) Systems.
Feasibility of Using American Joint Committee on Cancer Classification Criteria for Staging Eyelid Carcinomas

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of staging eyelid carcinomas using the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) criteria, and to compare the 6th and 7th editions. Methods: The records of 27 consecutive patients who underwent excision of eyelid carcinoma between April 2007 and April 2008 were reviewed. Patients with melanoma, lymphoid tumors, nonmeasurable disease, or medial or lateral canthal tumors were excluded. Each patient was staged using the AJCC 6th and 7th edition criteria based on clinical, pathologic, and radiographic data. Results: The study included 13 men and 14 women aged 32 to 93 years (median, 65 years). Seventeen patients had basal cell carcinoma; 3, squamous cell carcinoma; 6, sebaceous carcinoma; and 1, Merkel cell carcinoma. Tumor location was lower eyelid in 20 patients and upper eyelid in 7. TNM designations were reliably determined for all 27 patients and were: A) using the 6th edition: T1N0M0, 6 patients; T2N0M0, 6; T2N1M0, 1; T3N0M0, 4; T4N0M0, 9; and T4N1M0, 1. B) using the 7th edition: T1N0M0, 6 patients; T2aN0M0, 8; T2aN1M0, 1; T2bN0M0, 2; T3aN0M0, 6; T3aN1M0, 1; T3bN0M0, 2; and T4N0M0, 1. Pathologic tumor size and nodal status, and systemic work-up were recorded for all patients. Conclusions: Eyelid carcinomas can be reliably staged using the AJCC criteria. There are notable differences between the 6th and 7th editions of AJCC TNM designation. We recommend AJCC staging using the latest published edition during the initial work-up for all patients with eyelid carcinoma to make reporting of outcomes more reliable and reproducible.
NMDA‐induced phosphorylation of the microtubule‐associated protein MAP‐2 is mediated by activation of nitric oxide synthase and MAP kinase

Microtubule‐associated protein MAP‐2 is a neuronal phosphoprotein which modulates microtubule stability and spatial organization of signal transduction pathways. The functions of MAP‐2 are modulated by phosphorylation. We studied the modulation of MAP‐2 phosphorylation using the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) type of glutamate receptors and the signal transduction pathways mediating this modulation in primary cultures of rat cerebellar neurons. NMDA induced a rapid increase (330% of basal at 5 min) in MAP‐2 phosphorylation which was not prevented by KN‐62, indicating that it is not mediated by activation of Ca‐calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase. NMDA‐induced phosphorylation of MAP‐2 was inhibited by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitors nitroarginine and 7‐nitroindazole and by PD098059 (an inhibitor of MAP kinase kinase), but was only slightly reduced by calphostin C or U‐73122, inhibitors of protein kinase C and of phospholipase C, respectively. This indicates that the main pathway mediating NMDA‐induced phosphorylation of MAP‐2 is activation of nitric oxide synthase and subsequent activation of MAP kinase. We show that activation of NMDA receptors induces an activation of MAP kinase which is prevented by nitroarginine. The nitric oxide‐generating agent (±)‐S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) also induced activation of MAP kinase and increased phosphorylation of MAP‐2. Other nitric oxide‐generating agents (NOC‐18 and NOR‐3) also increased MAP‐2 phosphorylation. The interplay between NMDA receptors‐associated signal transduction pathways and MAP‐2 may be involved in the modulation of neuronal responses to extracellular signals and in the regulation of neuronal function.
Investigation of clinician agreement in evaluating movement quality during unilateral lower extremity functional tasks: a comparison of 2 rating methods.

STUDY DESIGN Nonexperimental. OBJECTIVES To determine interrater and intrarater agreement for 2 methods of evaluating movement quality during 2 lower extremity functional tasks, and to descriptively compare levels of agreement between the 2 methods. BACKGROUND Clinicians typically use observational analysis to evaluate movement quality during functional tasks, but the extent of agreement is unknown. METHODS AND MEASURES Twenty-five uninjured subjects performed 3 trials of unilateral squat and lateral step-down tasks. Three clinicians evaluated the trunk, pelvis, and hips for coronal plane and transverse plane movement deviations. Two rating methods were used: assessment of the entire movement ("overall method") and rating each segment individually ("specific method"). Movement deviation severity was rated using basic clinical guidelines and ratings were repeated from videotape. Percent agreement and weighted kappa coefficients were calculated between rater pairs and rating sessions. Generalized kappa coefficients were calculated across raters. RESULTS Interrater and intrarater percent agreement were higher using the overall method. Interrater weighted kappa coefficients were similar between rating methods (overall method, 0-0.55; specific method, 0.23-0.53). Intrarater weighted kappa coefficients were higher for the specific method (0.38-0.68) compared to the overall method (0.13-0.50). Generalized kappa coefficients were also higher for specific method compared to the overall method (unilateral squat, 0.19 and 0.01, respectively; lateral step-down, 0.22 and 0.18, respectively) and 95% confidence intervals remained above zero. CONCLUSIONS Rating movement at body segments appears to result in agreement among raters that is better than chance. Neither rating method produced high agreement, indicating a need to develop more explicit criteria for rating movement deviation severity.
Influence of Withania coagulans Protease as a Vegetable Rennet on Proteolysis of Iranian UF White Cheese

Extraction of protease from Withania coagulans ’ fruits and the effect on proteolysis of Iranian UF white cheese in comparison with pure chymosin and fungi rennet (fromase) were investigated during ripening. The results indicated that, except for pH which was significantly (P< 0.05) lower in cheeses made with Withania coagulans , there was no significant difference observed among the cheeses produced with different rennet preparations as in moisture, fat and salt contents during ripening. The values of pH 4.6SN and the Urea-polyacrylamide gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) pattern revealed severe proteolysis in cheeses produced with Withania coagulans ’ enzyme as compared with
Exposure to parental mortality and markers of morbidity, and the risks of attempted and completed suicide in offspring: an analysis of sensitive life periods

Background There is evidence of parental risk factors for suicidal behaviour in offspring, but research on variations in their effects with offspring's age at first exposure is sparse. Aims To explore the effects of age at exposure to parental mortality and markers of morbidity on the risks of suicide and attempted suicide in offspring. Methods This was a case–control study effected through record linkage between Swedish registers. Individuals born 1973–83 who committed suicide (n=1407) or were hospitalised due to an attempted suicide (n=17 159) were matched to ≤10 controls by sex, month and county of birth. ORs were measured in time windows representing age at first exposure. Results A general pattern of increasing risks of suicide and attempted suicide in offspring with decreasing age at exposure to parental risk factors emerged. Adjusted suicide risk (OR (95% CI)) was most pronounced in the youngest exposure window for parental psychiatric disability pension (3.1 (1.6 to 5.8)), somatic disability pension (1.9 (1.0 to 3.4)), psychiatric inpatient care (2.5 (2.0 to 3.1)), parental attempted suicide (2.9 (2.0 to 4.1)) and suicide (2.9 (1.7 to 5.2)). For parental non-suicidal deaths, the general pattern was the opposite. Patterns in offspring attempted suicide were similar to completed suicide for parental disability pension, psychiatric inpatient care and non-suicidal death. Attempted suicide risk after parental suicide showed an increasing trend with increasing age at exposure. Conclusion Parental morbidity and parental suicidal behaviour show the most detrimental effects on completed suicide among offspring when they appear early in life. Early interventions in families at risk are necessary to prevent suicide in offspring.
Knowledge in food tourism: the case of Lofoten and Maremma Toscana

The aim of this paper is to contribute towards a better understanding of knowledge in food tourism in agricultural and/or fishery areas. The presence and role of different types of knowledge are investigated adopting a multiple case study strategy in the regions of Lofoten (Norway) and Maremma Toscana (Italy). The following types of knowledge are investigated: local and scientific food knowledge, tourism knowledge, local and global managerial and political knowledge. The results from the case study indicate that scientific food knowledge and global managerial and political knowledge are particularly important in Lofoten. These types of knowledge are identified as the strengths on which a form of gourmet food tourism could develop. In Maremma Toscana, local food knowledge and local managerial and political knowledge are identified as the basis of the development of a generic form of food tourism. It is concluded that food tourism development requires different types of knowledge and their role is strictly dependent on the specific context. Any policy regarding food tourism should be based on the peculiarities of the specific terroir. Further research is required to investigate the tacit dimension of knowledge and those factors that can favour the establishment of global knowledge-based networks.
Morphological changes in mouse embryos cryopreserved by different techniques

Cryopreservation of mammalian embryos is an important tool for the application of reproductive biotechnologies. Subjective evaluation to determine embryo viability is often used. The determination of the best cryopreservation protocol depends on morphological and molecular analysis of cellular injuries. The main objective of this study was to compare two methods of cryopreservation by assessing morphological alterations of frozen embryos using light, fluorescence, and transmission electron microscope. Fresh (control), slow frozen, and vitrified mouse embryos were composed. To evaluate the viability of the embryos, the cell membrane integrity was assessed using Hoechst33342 and propidium iodide (H/PI) staining. Morphological analyses using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining were performed to test different techniques (in situ, paraffin, and historesin) by both light and fluorescence microscopy. Transmission electron microscope was used to detect ultrastructural alterations in Spurr‐ and Araldite‐embedded samples. H/PI staining detected more membrane permeability in the vitrification (69.8%) than in the slow freezing (48.4%) or control (13.8%) groups (P < 0.001). Historesin‐embedded samples showed to be more suitable for morphological analyses because cellular structures were better identified. Nuclear evaluation in historesin sections showed the induction of pycnosis in slow freezing and vitrification groups. Cytoplasm evaluation revealed a condensation and an increase in eosinophilic intensity (indicating apoptosis) in the slow freezing group, and weakly eosinophilic structures and degenerated cells (indicating oncosis) in the vitrification group (P < 0.05). Ultrastructural analyses confirmed HE morphological findings. It was concluded that both cryopreservation techniques resulted in oncosis and apoptosis injuries. However, vitrification caused more severe cellular alterations and reduced embryonic viability compared to slow freezing. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of intubating conditions between rocuronium with priming and without priming: Randomized and double-blind study

Background: Rocuronium produces faster neuromuscular blockade compared with other neuromuscular blocking drugs. It produces comparable intubating conditions to that of succinylcholine, but does not have the short intubation time of the latter. Hence, it may not be preferable for rapid sequence intubation, but rocuronium with priming may produce comparable intubating time and conditions to that of succinylcholine. Rocuronium with priming may be an alternative to succinylcholine in rapid sequence intubation in conditions where succinylcholine is contraindicated. The present study was conducted to compare the intubating conditions and intubation time of rocuronium with and without priming. Methods: Sixty patients of ASA physical status I and II, aged between 18 and 60 years, of both sexes, were divided into priming and control groups of 30 each. Patients in the priming group received 0.06 mg/kg of rocuronium and those in the control group received normal saline. All patients received fentanyl 1 μg/kg, followed by thiopentone 5 mg/kg for induction. Intubating dose of rocuronium 0.54 mg/kg in the priming group and 0.6 mg/kg in the control group were administered 3 min after priming. Onset time of intubation was assessed using a Train of Four stimuli, and the intubating conditions were compared by the Cooper scoring system. Results: The onset time of intubation was 50.67±7.39 s in the priming group and 94.00±11.62 s in the control group, with excellent intubating conditions in both the groups and without any adverse effects. Conclusions: Priming with rocuronium provides excellent intubating conditions in less than 60 s with no adverse effects.
A series of new organic-inorganic molybdenum arsenate complexes based on [(ZnO6)(As3O3)2Mo6O18]4- and [HxAs2Mo6O26](6-x)- clusters as SBUs.

By synthesizing the novel molybdenum arsenate complexes, we have obtained eight new structures, namely, (4,4'-bipy)[Zn(4,4'-bipy)2(H2O)2]2[(ZnO6)(AsIII3O3)2Mo6O18]. 7H2O, 1, [Zn(phen)2(H2O)]2[(ZnO6)(AsIII3O3)2Mo6O18]. 4H2O, 2, [Zn(2,2'-bipy)2(H2O)]2[(ZnO6)(AsIII3O3)2Mo6O18]. 4H2O, 3, [Zn(H4,4'-bipy)2(H2O)4][(ZnO6)(AsIII3O3)2Mo6O18]. 8H2O, 4, (H24,4'-bipy)[CuI(4,4'-bipy)]2[H2AsV2Mo6O26]. H2O, 5, (H24,4'-bipy)3[AsV2Mo6O26]. 4H2O, 6, (H24,4'-bipy)3[AsV2Mo6O26(H2O)]. 4H2O, 7, and (H24,4'-bipy)2.5(H3O)[AsV2Mo6O26(H2O)]. 1.25H2O, 8 (4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine, 2,2'-bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). These structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and were further characterized by elemental analysis, IR, XPS spectroscopy, and TG analysis. The structure of 1 is constructed from two-dimensional square gridlike sheets linked by the polyanions [(ZnO6)(AsIII3O3)2Mo6O18]4- via hydrogen-bonding interactions to form a three-dimensional supramolecular framework with two types of channels. Compounds 2 and 3 display similar bisupported structures. Compound 4 features a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. Compound 5 possesses a 1D infinite ladderlike ribbon. Compounds 6-8 are discrete structures exhibiting three isomeric forms of [HxAs2Mo6O26](6-x)-. Furthermore, compound 8 represents a new isomer B'-[As2Mo6O26(H2O)]6-. In addition, the fluorescent properties of compounds 1-3 are reported.
Seafloor eruptions and evolution of hydrothermal fluid chemistry

A major challenge confronting geochemists is to relate the chemistry of vented hydrothermal fluids to the local or regional tectonic and volcanic state of mid–ocean ridges. After more than 15 years of sampling submarine hydrothermal fluids, a complex picture of spatial and temporal variability in temperature and composition is emerging. Recent time–series observations and sampling of ridge segments with confirmed recent volcanic eruptions (CoAxial and North Cleft on the Juan de Fuca ridge and 9–10° North on the East Pacific Rise) have created a first–order understanding of how hydrothermal systems respond to volcanic events on the seafloor. Phase separation and enhanced volatile fluxes are associated with volcanic eruptions, with vapour–dominated fluids predominating in the initial post–eruption period, followed in time by brine–dominated fluids, consistent with temporary storage of brine below the seafloor. Chemical data for CoAxial vents presented here are consistent with this evolution. Rapid changes in output and composition of hydrothermal fluids following volcanic events may have a profound effect on microbiological production, macrofaunal colonization, and hydrothermal heat and mass fluxes. Size and location of the heat source are critical in determining how fast heat is removed and whether subseafloor microbial production will flourish. CoAxial event plumes may be a direct result of dyking and eruption of lavas on the seafloor.
Multi-Route Exposure Assessment and Biological Monitoring of Urban Pesticide Applicators during Structural Control Treatments with Chlorpyrifos

A preliminary study of dermal and respiratory exposure to chlorpyrifos (DursbanR TC) during structural treatments was conducted with eight workers from a commercial pest control company. The compound was applied by sub-slab and soil injection to four houses, with each application involving two workers. Crawl space applications were included in three of the jobs. Field sampling extended over the entire workday, and included personal air samples and dermal exposure evaluation with patches and handwashes. A fluorescent tracer was added to the formulation for qualitative determination of skin deposition patterns. Pre-exposure and complete 72 hour urine samples were also collected. Total dermal exposure averaged 5.94 mg/hr. The major contributors were the upper legs (38%) and the forearms (34%). Accidents occurred during two of the four applications observed, and the two workers involved in the accidents were the most highly exposed individuals. The mean estimated absorbed daily dose was 9.5 ug/kg/day, with approximately 73% contributed by the dermal route. Thus, under these work conditions the Threshold Limit Value is not an appropriate guide for worker safety. The principal urinary metabolite of chlorpyrifos, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, was found in measurable quantities in all urine samples. Urinary metabolite levels collected 24–48 hr post-exposure were highly correlated (R2 = 0.86) with total absorbed dose estimates. The high variability among individual excretion patterns suggests against the use of urine spot sampling, but longer collections may prove useful in the development of a Biological Exposure Index for chlorpyrifos.
CpG-DNA Aided Cross-Priming by Cross-Presenting B Cells1

Covalent linkage of immunostimulatory CpG-DNA to OVA (CpG-OVA complex) results in CpG-DNA-aided cross-presentation of OVA by dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we analyzed the thesis that CpG-OVA complexes may be cross-presented by B cells to route internalized Ag into the class I MHC presentation pathway. First, we describe that conjugation of CpG-DNA to OVA enhances up to 40-fold internalization of OVA by B cells, which in turn generate the CD8 T cell epitope SIINFEKL complexed to MHC class I, albeit less efficiently than DCs. Furthermore, upon internalization, CpG-DNA conjugated to OVA stimulates B cells to up-regulate costimulatory molecules and cytokines including IL-12. Adoptive transfer of CpG-OVA complex-loaded wild-type B cells cross-primes naive CD8 T cells both in wild-type mice and in MyD88-deficient mice. Overall, these findings disclose attributes of B cells, including cross-presentation of exogenous Ag and cross-priming of naive CD8 T cells that hitherto have been considered as hallmarks restricted to DCs.
Upper Cretaceous geosites on Golija Mountain - objects of geoheritage

The Upper Cretaceous rudist limestones are well-known from several localities in Serbia. Three of these localities (Svilanovo, Bele Vode and Kulizino Selo) are located in SW Serbia, on Golija Mt. These localities are crucial for understanding the development of the Upper Cretaceous shallow-water environments, thus this is an area of great scientific and educational value, particularly considering palaeontology, stratigraphy, palaeoecology and palaeogeography. One of the aims of this paper is to evaluate these geosites and their geotouristic potential, using Geosite Assessment Model (GAM), which is important for their geoconservation as well as for the sustainable development of the area.
Operative release of ankylosis of the elbow due to heterotopic ossification. Surgical technique.

BACKGROUND Although uncommon, complete ankylosis of the elbow secondary to heterotopic ossification results in severe disability. The results of surgical management remain unclear. METHODS A single surgeon used a consistent operative technique to treat complete osseous ankylosis of the elbow in eleven limbs in seven patients after severe burns and in nine elbows in eight patients after trauma. The elbows in the burn cohort were more often ankylosed in extension (average, 47 degrees of flexion) compared with those in the trauma cohort (66 degrees of flexion), and they had more skin problems (three elbows required a free microvascular muscle transfer for coverage) and associated problems of the shoulder, wrist, and hand. RESULTS Four patients in the burn cohort and three patients in the trauma cohort failed to regain at least 80 degrees of ulnohumeral motion. After a repeat release in three burn patients and three trauma patients, and at an average follow-up of forty months, the average arc of ulnohumeral motion was 81 degrees in the burn cohort and 94 degrees in the trauma cohort. Six of the eleven limbs in the burn cohort and five of the nine in the trauma cohort had a good result. The average score according to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons elbow assessment form was 72 points for the burn cohort and 76 points for the trauma cohort. CONCLUSIONS Osseous ankylosis of the elbow is a severely disabling problem, and attempts to regain mobility are both worthwhile and safe. The results are comparable when the ankylosis is caused by burns or trauma despite the greater complexity of osseous ankylosis in the burned arm. Patients and surgeons should be aware of the small risk of recurrent heterotopic ossification and the moderate risk of pain or recurrent contracture after operative release.