Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced NLRP3, Caspase‐1, and IL‐ 1β Levels in Degenerate Human Intervertebral Disc and Their Association with the Grades of Disc Degeneration

The NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an important role in a variety of diseases. However, the role of NLRP3 in the human intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration remains unknown. In the present study, we assessed the expression levels of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream targets caspase‐1 and IL‐1β in 45 degenerate and seven nondegenerate IVD samples. The correlation between the degeneration scores and expression levels of NLRP3, caspase‐1, and IL‐1β were also analyzed. The mRNA expression levels of the three molecules (NLRP3, caspase‐1, and IL‐1β) were higher in the degenerate IVDs group than the controls (nondegenerate IVDs group). Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression levels of all three molecules were markedly increased in the nucleus pulposus of degenerate IVDs compared with nondegenerate IVDs. There was a positive correlation between the degeneration scores and the expression levels of the NLRP3 inflammasome as well as its downstream targets caspase‐1 and IL‐1β. The findings suggest that excessive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome results in overproduction of downstream IL‐1β, which participates in the pathogenesis of human IVD degeneration. Therefore, the NLRP3 inflammasome might serve as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of IVD degeneration. Anat Rec, 298:720–726, 2015. © 2014 The Authors The Anatomical Record: Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
12‐month primary patency rates of contemporary endovascular device therapy for femoro‐popliteal occlusive disease in 6,024 patients: Beyond balloon angioplasty

Endovascular approach to superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease, the most common cause of symptomatic peripheral arterial disease, remains fraught with high failure rates. Newer devices including second‐generation nitinol stents, drug‐coated stents, drug‐coated balloons, covered stents, cryo‐therapy, LASER, and directional atherectomy have shown promising results. Clinical equipoise still persists regarding the optimal selection of devices, largely attributable to the different inclusion criteria, study population, length of lesions treated, definition of “patency” and “restenosis,” and follow‐up methods in the pivotal trials.
The psychenet public health intervention for anorexia nervosa: a pre–post-evaluation study in a female patient sample

Aim This non-randomized pre–post-intervention study investigated the effect of a systemic public health intervention on the length of time between anorexia nervosa symptom onset and contact with the health care system as well as the initiation of treatment. Background Although systemic public health interventions have successfully been implemented in physical and mental health fields, their effect on the early treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa remains unclear. Methods In total, 59 anorexia nervosa patients (mean age=21.5 years, SD=7.2) were recruited before a systemic public health intervention, and 18 patients (mean age=22.2 years, SD=8.9) were recruited afterwards. Using validated self-report measures and a semi-structured interview, the duration of untreated anorexia nervosa and the duration until first contact with the health care system were investigated. Findings At the beginning of the individual treatment initiation process, participants in both samples most frequently consulted their general practitioner or paediatrician about their eating disorder-related symptoms. Neither the mean duration of untreated anorexia nervosa, that is, the time between illness onset and the initiation of a recommended treatment, nor the duration until first contact with the health care system significantly decreased after the implementation of the systemic public health intervention. The mean duration of untreated anorexia nervosa was 36.5 months (SD=68.2) before the systemic public health intervention and 40.1 months (SD=89.4) after the implementation of the systemic public health intervention. The mean duration until first contact with the health care system was 25.0 months (SD=53.0) before the intervention and 32.8 months (SD=86.5) after the intervention. Conclusion Primary care providers are crucial to the treatment initiation process and should be involved in future interventions to improve early detection and treatment commencement amongst patients with anorexia nervosa.
Positive health practices and depressive symptoms among high school adolescents in Oman.

INTRODUCTION The study aimed to investigate the association of health practices and depressive symptoms among high school adolescents in a national representative sample of 5,409 students in Oman. METHODS Depressive symptoms were screened in 2004 through the application of the self-report 27-item Child Depression Inventory. Health practices scale comprised a simple sum of five healthy practices, namely: sleeping seven to eight hours at night, having breakfast daily, not eating between meals, not smoking the month prior to the study, and doing physical activities more than once per week apart from attending physical education classes in school. RESULTS Sequential logistic regression models were run to test for the change in the odds-ratio (OR) of having depressive illness with a one point increase in the healthy practices scale, after adjustment for other risk factors of depression. Health practices remained having a significant protective effect on depression (OR is 0.72, 95 percent confidence interval is 0.64-0.80) even after adjustment to other significant covariates in the last model, such as history of chronic medical or mental illness diagnosed by a doctor, high scoring in chance health locus of control (HLC), low scoring in internal HLC, poor relationships with social contacts, and physical abuse during childhood or adolescence. CONCLUSION Findings support the protective effects of positive health practices on adolescents' depression.
Inhibiting kinases in malignant gliomas

Advances in the understanding of glioma pathogenesis have led to increasing interest in the development of targeted molecular agents, and especially kinase inhibitors, for treatment of malignant gliomas. Protein kinases are a large family of enzymes that function as key regulators of cellular signaling pathways governing diverse functions, such as cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, invasion, angiogenesis and apoptosis in malignant gliomas. Preliminary clinical results with kinase inhibitors suggest that they are generally well-tolerated but have shown only modest activity. However, valuable information was obtained from these early clinical trials that will help the future development of these agents. This article reviews the important protein kinases in malignant gliomas, summarizes the existing clinical development of kinase inhibitors and discusses strategies to improve their effectiveness.
Constraints for Safe Partition Testing Strategies

Although previous studies have shown that partition testing strategies are not always very effective, with appropriate restrictions on the test allocation they can be guaranteed to be safe, in the sense that they will never be less reliable in detecting at least one failure than random testing. Several sufficient conditions for this have already been established in the literature. In particular, the proportional sampling strategy, which allocates test cases in proportion to the size of the subdomains from which they are selected, has been proved to be safe for all programs. In practice, since the number of test cases must be positive integers, often the proportional sampling strategy can only be approximated. This paper examines the necessary conditions for safe partition testing strategies. We also prove that, when the input domain is large enough with respect to the numbers of failure-causing inputs and test cases, a safe partition testing strategy cannot deviate from the proportional sampling strategy other than rounding due to integral constraints.
Optimizing the voltage measurements location for the management of active distribution networks

By increasing the penetration of distributed generators connected to existing radial medium voltage distribution systems, DSOs have to leave traditional passive management philosophies and adopt innovative management strategies. In particular the control of active networks by means of a distribution management system requires the adoption of state estimation algorithms for the real time identification of the overall system operational state. The costs for a widespread on-line remote measurement system prompts for a reduced number of voltage measurements optimally located within the network. To this aim a procedure based on a genetic algorithm and a suitable parameter here denoted as "variance moment" has been developed and tested.
Array‐comparative genomic hybridization to detect genomewide changes in microdissected primary and metastatic oral squamous cell carcinomas

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common worldwide malignancy. However, it is unclear what, if any, genomic alterations occur as the disease progresses to invasive and metastatic OSCC. This study used genomewide array‐CGH in microdissected specimens to map genetic alterations found in primary OSCC and neck lymph node metastases. We used array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) to screen genomewide alterations in eight pairs of microdissected tissue samples from primary and metastatic OSCC. In addition, 25 primary and metastatic OSCC tissue pairs were examined with immunohistochemistry for protein expression of the most frequently altered genes. The highest frequencies of gains were detected in LMYC, REL, TERC, PIK3CA, MYB, MDR1, HRAS, GARP, CCND2, FES, HER2, SIS, and SRY. The highest frequencies of losses were detected in p44S10, TIF1, LPL, MTAP, BMI1, EGR2, and MAP2K5. Genomic alterations in TGFβ2, cellular retinoid‐binding protein 1 gene (CRBP1), PIK3CA, HTR1B, HRAS, ERBB3, and STK6 differed significantly between primary OSCC and their metastatic counterparts. Genomic alterations in PRKCZ, ABL1, and FGF4 were significantly different in patients who died compared with those who survived. Immunohistochemistry confirmed high PIK3CA immunoreactivity in primary and metastatic OSCC. Higher FGF4 immunoreactivity in primary OSCC is associated with a worse prognosis. Loss of CRBP1 immunoreactivity is evident in primary and metastatic OSCC. Our study suggests that precise genomic profiling can be useful in determining gene number changes in OSCC. As our understanding of these changes grow, this profiling may become a practical tool for clinical evaluation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Effect of periodontal mechanical treatment on periodontal pathogenic bacteria in gingival crevicular fluid of chronic periodontitis patients].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the subgingival prevalent rates of 6 periodontal pathogenic bacteria in gingival crevicular fluids of CP patients before and after treatment, to analyze the relationship between the prevalent variance and periodontal clinical parameters, and to provide a microbiologic method of evaluating curative effect and estimating the prognosis. METHODS Gingival crevicular fluids of 13 CP patients were collected at baseline, 2 weeks, 2 months and 4 months after periodontal mechanical treatment. Also, gingival crevicular fluids were collected from 11 healthy subjects. Six periodontal pathogenic bacteria including Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis(Pg), Tannerella forsythensis (Tf), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Fusobacterium nucleatum(Fn), Prevotella nigrescens (Pn) were detected by 16S rRNA based PCR. RESULTS The PLI, PD, BI of the CP patients 2 months and 4 months after periodontal mechanical treatment were evidently less than those before treatment. These 4 months after treatment were a little more than those 2 months after. The six bacteria were more frequently detected in the CP patients at baseline than in healthy controls. The prevalent rates of Tf (42.1%, 73.7%, 70.2%), Pg (47.4%, 68.4%, 77.2%), Aa (15.8%, 22.8%, 7.0%), Pn (38.6%, 57.9%, 64.9%), Pi(15.8%, 38.6%, 42.1%) 2 weeks, 2 months and 4 months following treatment were significantly lower than those at baseline (Tf 96.5%, Pg 93.0%, Aa 36.8%, Pn 86.0%, Pi 84.2%), but the prevalent rates of all the detected bacteria 2 months after treatment were higher than those at 2 weeks after. CONCLUSION Tf, Pg, Aa, Pn and Pi may cooperate in the development of CP. The changes of periodontal pathogenic bacteria could be detected before the changes of clinical parameters and the patients should be re-evaluated and re-treated regularly within 2 months after treatment.
Exposure, infection and immune responses to Schistosoma haematobium in young children

Behavioural, parasitological and immunological data were obtained from 48 children up to 6 years old, resident in a Schistosoma haematobium endemic area in Zimbabwe. The children averaged more than 1 contact with infective water bodies every 3 days and all showed immunological evidence of exposure (an anti-cercarial and/or anti-egg antibody response). IgM was the dominant isotype and appeared in the youngest children, followed by IgA, IgE and IgG3. However, only 38 children showed evidence of infection (an anti-egg response or eggs in urine) and only 14 were excreting eggs. The best estimates from these data are that less than 1 in 100 contacts result in infection and less than 1 in 1000 result in egg output. This suggests that there may be substantial attrition of invading cercaria even in naïve individuals.
Extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease: focus on the musculoskeletal, dermatologic, and ocular manifestations.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the 2 main subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are autoimmune disorders of unknown etiology that primarily involve the bowel. Additionally, multiple other organ systems can be affected in IBD, including the bones and joints, skin, eyes, hepatobiliary system, lungs, and kidneys (Table). Collectively, these are called extraintestinal manifestations of IBD, and they can occur prior to, in conjunction with, or subsequent to active bowel disease. The overall prevalence of any extraintestinal manifestation in IBD patients ranges from 21%–40%. [1–3] In most large studies of IBD, the prevalence of extraintestinal manifestations is higher in Crohn's disease compared with ulcerative colitis. [2–4] There may also be racial differences in prevalence, with blacks having a higher risk for eye and joint manifestations, and Hispanics having a higher risk for skin manifestations, compared with whites. [5] Table 1 Common Extraintestinal Manifestations of IBD
An NMR metabolomic investigation of early metabolic disturbances following traumatic brain injury in a mammalian model

The effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on brain chemistry and metabolism were examined in three groups of rats using high‐resolution 1H NMR metabolomics of brain tissue extracts and plasma. Brain injury in the TBI group (n = 6) was produced by lateral fluid percussion and regional changes in brain metabolites were analyzed at 1 h after injury in hippocampus, cortex and plasma and compared with changes in both a sham‐surgery control group (n = 6) and an untreated control group (n = 6). Evidence was found of oxidative stress (e.g. decreases in ascorbate of 16.4% (p<0.01) and 29.7% (p<0.05) in cortex and hippocampus, respectively) in TBI rats versus the untreated control group, as well as excitotoxic damage (e.g. decreases in glutamate of 14.7% (p<0.05) and 12.3% (p<0.01) in the cortex and hippocampus, respectively), membrane disruption (e.g. decreases in the total level of phosphocholine and glycerophosphocholine of 23.0% (p<0.01) and 19.0% (p<0.01) in the cortex and hippocampus, respectively) and neuronal injury (e.g. decreases in N‐acetylaspartate of 15.3% (p<0.01) and 9.7% (p>0.05) in the cortex and hippocampus, respectively). Significant changes in the overall pattern of NMR‐observable metabolites using principal components analysis were also observed in TBI animals. Although TBI clearly had an effect on the metabolic profile found in brain tissue, no clear effects could be discerned in plasma samples. This was at least partly due to large variability in dominant glucose and lactate peaks in plasma. However, disruption of the blood–brain barrier and the subsequent movement of metabolites from brain into blood may have been relatively small and below the detection limits of our analytical procedures. Overall, these data indicate that TBI results in several significant changes in brain metabolism early after trauma and that a metabolomic approach based on 1H NMR spectroscopy can provide a metabolic profile comprising several metabolite classes and allow for relative quantification of such changes within specific brain regions. The results also provide support for further development and application of metabolomic technologies for studying TBI and for the utilization of multivariate models for classifying the extent of trauma within an individual. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 14nm logic technology featuring 2nd-generation FinFET, air-gapped interconnects, self-aligned double patterning and a 0.0588 µm2 SRAM cell size

A 14nm logic technology using 2nd-generation FinFET transistors with a novel subfin doping technique, self-aligned double patterning (SADP) for critical patterning layers, and air-gapped interconnects at performance-critical layers is described. The transistors feature rectangular fins with 8nm fin width and 42nm fin height, 4th generation high-k metal gate, and 6th-generation strained silicon, resulting in the highest drive currents yet reported for 14nm technology. This technology is in high-volume manufacturing.
Successful Removal of German Yellowjackets (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) by Toxic Baiting

Abstract Vespula germanica (F.) is a social vespid that has invaded many parts of the world, including Argentina. This wasp usually becomes a pest, affecting several economic activities. It also may impact the host community through predation or competition. The purpose of our study was to field test toxic baiting for reduction of wasp abundance. Wasps were poisoned with 0.1% fipronil mixed with raw minced beef in two beech forest sites on 20 February 2000 in northwestern Patagonia. All nests (46) within the two 6-ha sites with poisoned bait stations were killed, whereas Malaise traps in those sites captured 81.1% fewer wasps at the end of the season than traps in the two control sites. The average reduction of forager wasps on nontoxic baits was 87%. Fipronil was very effective in controlling wasp numbers, although there are limitations to the method, especially concerning conservation purposes. Toxic baiting can be useful in controlling wasp numbers in honey bee hive yards, farms, and parks.
The Impact of Operating Reserves on Investment Planning of Renewable Power Systems

To limit computational effort, current power system expansion planning tools typically consider limited detail on the technical constraints of power systems, such as the need for operating reserves. With growing balancing needs, this is likely to underestimate the technical barriers and integration cost of large shares of renewable generation. This contribution studies the impact of operating reserve requirements on generation capacity investments following the large-scale integration of intermittent renewable generation. Simulations show that operating reserves have a substantial impact on the generation capacity installed, and its operation, and result in a substantial increase of renewable integration costs. Furthermore, it is shown that the use of improved reserve strategies, such as dynamic reserve sizing, and the participation of renewables in the supply of downward reserves, is able to significantly reduce this cost increase.
The Effect of Burnout on Organizational Citizenship Behaviour: The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of burnout on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) in a mediating model in which the job satisfaction was contextual state. Data were obtained from 257 nurses from three university hospitals. While the data involving burnout and job satisfaction were gathered from the nurses, OCB data were obtained from supervisors. The findings of hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that the only contributor burnout dimension on OCB-O (ODB toward organization) was the reduced personal accomplishment while emotional exhaustion and depersonalization had no effect. Also the findings of mediation analysis showed that job satisfaction is a mediator in the relation between reduced personal accomplishment and OCB-O and it is not a mediating factor in relation between all three burnout dimensions and OCB-I (OCB toward individuals).
Fatty Acid Composition , Tocopherol and Sterol Contents in Linseed ( Linum usitatissimum L . ) Varieties Matthäus

The oil contents of linseeds were determined between 39.9% (Antares) and 43.3% (Railinus). The oleic acid contents of seed oils varied between 0.8% (Maroc) and 24.8 (Railinus). The linoleic acid contents of linseed oil change between 10.2% (Avangard) and 48.2% (Maroc), while the palmitic acid of oils ranged from 4.8% (Antares) to 6.1% (Maroc), stearic acid contents ranged between 4.7% (Avangard) to 23.5% (Maroc). Also, linolenic acid contents of Avangard oil was higher (59.9%) than those of results of other linseed oils. The P8 contents of linseed oil change between 1.1 mg/kg (Railinus) and 16.4 mg/kg (Avangard). Also, the δ-tocopherol content of Railinus oil was also higher (262.7 mg/kg) than those of other linseed oils (0.3-0.4 mg/kg). The total tocopherol in Railinus seed oil was higher (437.4 mg/100 g) (p<0.05) than that of Maroc seed oil (30.3 mg/100 g).
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Using 99mTc-HM-PAO in the Routine Evaluation of Alzheimer's Disease

ABSTRACT: Regional cerebral blood flow was studied in 7 patients with clinically suspected Alzheimer's disease and 10 normal controls by single photon computed emission tomography (SPECT) using HM-PAO. All patients with Alzheimer's disease and no controls had parietal lobe hypoperfusion which was usually bilateral. In patients with more severe dementia hypoperfusion extended into the frontal lobes. Parietal lobe hypoperfusion corresponds to parietal lobe degeneration which is the one of the first neocortical regions to show the typical degenerative changes of Alzheimer's disease. SPECT with HM-PAO is a non-invasive investigation available in most nuclear medicine departments and complements existing tests in the routine evaluation of patients presenting with dementia.