Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Delayed Internet routing convergence

This paper examines the latency in Internet path failure, failover and repair due to the convergence properties of inter-domain routing. Unlike switches in the public telephony network which exhibit failover on the order of milliseconds, our experimental measurements show that inter-domain routers in the packet switched Internet may take tens of minutes to reach a consistent view of the network topology after a fault. These delays stem from temporary routing table oscillations formed during the operation of the BGP path selection process on Internet backbone routers. During these periods of delayed convergence, we show that end-to-end Internet paths will experience intermittent loss of connectivity, as well as increased packet loss and latency. We present a two-year study of Internet routing convergence through the experimental instrumentation of key portions of the Internet infrastructure, including both passive data collection and fault-injection machines at major Internet exchange points. Based on data from the injection and measurement of several hundred thousand inter-domain routing faults, we describe several unexpected properties of convergence and show that the measured upper bound on Internet inter-domain routing convergence delay is an order of magnitude slower than previously thought. Our analysis also shows that the upper theoretic computational bound on the number of router states and control messages exchanged during the process of BGP convergence is factorial with respect to the number of autonomous systems in the Internet. Finally, we demonstrate that much of the observed convergence delay stems from specific router vendor implementation decisions and ambiguity in the BGP specification.
Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 8 Mutant Corticotrope Adenomas Present Unique Secretory and Molecular Features and Shed Light on the Role of Ubiquitylation on ACTH Processing

Background: Somatic mutations in the ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) gene have recently been shown to occur in ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas, thus calling attention to the ubiquitin system in corticotrope adenomas. Objectives: Assess the consequences of USP8 mutations and establish the role of ubiquitin on ACTH turnover in human ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Methods: USP8 mutation status was established in 126 ACTH-secreting adenomas. Differences in ACTH secretion and POMC expression from adenoma primary cultures and in microarray gene expression profiles from archival specimens were sought according to USP8 sequence. Ubiquitin/ACTH coimmunoprecipitation and incubation with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, were performed in order to establish whether ubiquitin plays a role in POMC/ACTH degradation in corticotrope adenomas. Results: USP8 mutations were identified in 29 adenomas (23%). Adenomas presenting USP8 mutations secreted greater amounts of ACTH and expressed POMC at higher levels compared to USP wild-type specimens. USP8 mutant adenomas were also more sensitive to modulation by CRH and dexamethasone in vitro. At microarray analysis, genes associated with endosomal protein degradation and membrane components were downregulated in USP8 mutant adenomas as were AVPR1B, IL11RA, and PITX2. Inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway increased ACTH secretion and POMC itself proved a target of ubiquitylation, independently of USP8 sequence status. Conclusions: Our study has shown that USP8 mutant ACTH-secreting adenomas present a more “typical” corticotrope phenotype and reduced expression of several genes associated with protein degradation. Further, ubiquitylation is directly involved in intracellular ACTH turnover, suggesting that the ubiquitin-proteasome system may represent a target for treatment of human ACTH-secreting adenomas.
Role of Platelet Activation and Oxidative Stress in the Evolution of Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction, commonly known as heart attack, evolves from the rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaques to coronary thrombosis and myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. A body of evidence supports a close relationship between the alterations following an ischemia–reperfusion injury-induced oxidative stress and platelet activity. Through their critical role in thrombogenesis and inflammatory responses, platelets are fully (totally) implicated from atherothrombotic plaque formation to myocardial infarction onset and expansion. However, mere platelet aggregation prevention does not offer full protection, suggesting that other antiplatelet therapy mechanisms may also be involved. Thus, the present review discusses the integrative role of platelets, oxidative stress, and antiplatelet therapy in triggering myocardial infarction pathophysiology.
Extubation Readiness in Critically Ill Stroke Patients.

Background and Purpose- Predicting safe extubation represents a clinical challenge in acute stroke patients. Classical respiratory weaning criteria have not proven reliable. Concerning the paramount relevance of postextubation dysphagia in this population, criteria related to airway safety seem to perform better, but diagnostic standards are lacking. We compare clinical and instrumental swallowing examination tools to assess extubation readiness and propose a simple Determine Extubation Failure in Severe Stroke score for decision making. Methods- Data of 133 orally intubated acute stroke patients were prospectively collected in this observational study. Classical extubation criteria, a modified semiquantitative airway score, and an oral motor function score were assessed before extubation. A 3-ounce water swallow test and validated 6-point fiberoptic endoscopic dysphagia severity scoring were performed thereafter. Association of demographic and clinical parameters with extubation failure (EF) was investigated. Independent predictors of EF were translated into a point scoring system. Ideal cutoff values were determined by receiver operator characteristics analyses. Results- Patients with EF (24.1% after 24±43 hours) performed worse in all swallowing assessments ( P<0.001). Fiberoptic endoscopic dysphagia severity scoring was the only independent predictor of EF (adjusted odds ratio, 4.2; P<0.007) with optimal cutoff ≥5 (sensitivity 84.6% and specificity 76.5%). Restricting regression analysis to parameters collected before extubation, a 4-item Determine Extubation Failure in Severe Stroke score (duration of ventilation, the examination of oral motor function, infratentorial lesion, and stroke severity) was derived. The score demonstrated excellent discrimination (area under the curve 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.95) and calibration (Nagelkerkes R2=0.54) with an ideal cutoff ≥4 (sensitivity: 81.3% and specificity: 78.2%). Conclusions- Risk of EF is strongly correlated with postextubation dysphagia severity in stroke. Fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing best predicts necessity of reintubation but requires a trial of extubation. The Determine Extubation Failure In Severe Stroke score is based on easy to collect clinical data and may guide extubation decision making in critically ill stroke patients.
Profiling the rainbow trout hepatic miRNAome under diet-induced hyperglycemia.

Carnivorous rainbow trout exhibit prolonged hyperglycemia when fed diets exceeding 20% carbohydrates. This poor utilization of carbohydrates led to rainbow trout being classified as glucose-intolerant. The metabolic phenotype has spurred research to identify the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of glucose-intolerance. Evidence points to a contribution of hepatic intermediary carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as upstream insulin signalling towards this phenotype. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs acting as negative posttranscriptional regulators have emerged as critical regulators of hepatic control of glucose-homeostasis in mammals, revealing that dysregulated hepatic miRNAs play a role in organismal hyperglycemia in metabolic disease. To determine whether hepatic regulatory miRNA network may contribute to GI in rainbow trout, we used a carbohydrate-rich diet to induce hyperglycemia and profiled genome-wide hepatic miRNAs. Using small RNA next generation sequencing, we identified differentially regulated hepatic miRNAs between carbohydrate fed trout and trout that were fasted or received a protein rich control diet. Diet-induced hyperglycemia resulted in differential regulation of 49 hepatic miRNAs compared to fasted fish. Some of the identified miRNAs, such as miRNA-27b-3p and miRNA-200a-3p, are known to be responsive to hyperglycemia in the liver of glucose-tolerant fish and mammals, suggesting an evolutionary conserved regulation. Using an in silico approach, we predicted bona fide mRNA targets and enriched pathways and identify insulin signaling and intermediate carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as potential targets of posttranscriptional regulation by hyperglycemia-regulated miRNAs. These results provide a framework for testable hypothesis of functional involvement of specific hepatic miRNAs in GI in rainbow trout.
Nrf2 participates in mechanisms for reducing the toxicity and enhancing the antitumour effect of Radix Tripterygium wilfordii to S180-bearing mice by herbal-processing technology

Abstract Context: Radix Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (Celastraceae) (LGT) has outstanding curative efficacy; however, side effects include high toxicity, particularly hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Objective: To investigate detoxification mechanisms of LGT through processing separately with each of these medicinal herbs including Flower Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Caprifoliaceae) (JYH), Radix Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Ranunculaceae) (BS), Herba Lysimachia christinae Hance (Primulaceae) (JQC), Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (Fabaceae) (GC) and Seed Phaseolus radiatus L. (Fabaceae) (LD) in S180-bearing mice by involving nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). Materials and methods: LGT raw and processed products were orally administered at 60 mg/kg to KM male mice inoculated with S180 tumour cells for 14 consecutive days, and blood, tumour, liver and kidney were taken to observe the detoxifying effects and biological mechanisms. Results: Herbal-processing technology significantly weakened hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity evoked by LGT with ED50 of the converted triptolide in each processed-herb product for serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, creatinine and urea nitrogen of 9.3, 16.6, 2.5 and 4.2 μg/kg, for liver glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-10 of 114.9, 67.8, 134.1, 7.7, 4171.6 μg/kg, and for kidney 21.9, 20.5, 145.0, 529.7, 19.4 μg/kg, respectively. Moreover, herbal-processing technology promoted the accumulation of Nrf2 into the nucleus, and upregulated mRNA expression of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1. Additionally, herbal-processing technology enhanced the tumour inhibition rate with ED50 12.2 μg/kg. Discussion and conclusions: Herbal-processing technology improves the safety and effectiveness of LGT in cancer treatment, and future research may be focused on the Nrf2-related molecules.
Effect of a collaborative transdisciplinary team approach on oral health status in acute stroke patients.

BACKGROUND Oral function deteriorates easily during the acute phase of cerebral stroke. Therefore, oral healthcare involving a transdisciplinary approach consisting of dental and medical professionals might be important, but has not been studied in detail. OBJECTIVE This study assessed the oral health status of patients with cerebral stroke in the acute phase, with the aim of elucidating the efficacy of collaborative, transdisciplinary oral healthcare involving dentists, dental hygienists, nurses, and speech therapists. METHODS The participants were 115 consecutive acute cerebral stroke patients, who received oral healthcare while hospitalized at the university hospital. Their oral health status was assessed using the oral health assessment tool (OHAT) on admission and discharge. RESULTS Patients with acute cerebral stroke had high OHAT scores on admission, meaning poor oral health status. The collaborative oral healthcare resulted in significant decrease of OHAT scores at discharge, indicative of the improvement of oral health status. Multivariate analysis identified OHAT score for tongue, dentures, and oral cleanliness on admission as the significant variables associated with poor oral health status at discharge. CONCLUSIONS Thus, the oral health of cerebral stroke patients in the acute phase can be improved by implementing transdisciplinary collaboration of medical and dental professionals. Particularly, patients with problems pertaining to the tongue, dentures, and oral cleanliness as revealed through OHAT on admission may require more intensive intervention. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Normative Data Assessment of Vessel Density and Foveal Avascular Zone Metrics Using AngioScan Software

ABSTRACT Purpose: To establish a normative database for macular and peripapillary vessel densities (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) metrics in healthy subjects with the new version of AngioScan software of RS-3000 Advance (Nidek Co, Ltd) optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) device. Methods: The study design was prospective and cross-sectional. VDs of the SCP, deep capillary plexus (DCP), retinal peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) and FAZ area, perimeter and circularity index (CI) along with the structural OCT measurements were scanned by using the Nidek’s RS-3000 Advance OCT-A device in healthy subjects. The new version of the AngioScan software was used for analytics. The relations between the OCT-A parameters with age, gender and OCT parameters were analyzed. Results: A total of 128 right eyes of 128 subjects (50% female) were included in this study. We divided subjects into 3 groups in accordance with age; 19–39 years to Group 1, 40–59 years to Group 2, >60 y. to Group 3. The mean SCP and DCP VDs were 41.25 ± 2.51% and 36.01 ± 5.07% respectively (P < .001). The DCP VD was significantly different between groups (P = .001). The mean FAZ area, perimeter and CI were 0.33 ± 0.12 mm2, 2.68 ± 0.6 mm and 0.47 ± 0.09 respectively. Only FAZ CI significantly differed between groups (P = .003). The FAZ area was significantly greater in female subjects than males (P = .025). The SCP and DCP VDs were inversely correlated with FAZ area and perimeter (P < .05). Conclusion: Our study provided for the first time the normative data of the recently updated AngioScan software of Nidek. Additional studies are needed to define pathological vascular changes in ocular and systemic diseases with this new software.
Systemic immune‐inflammation index, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio can predict clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic non‐small‐cell lung cancer treated with nivolumab

Explore markers to predict the clinical outcomes of checkpoint inhibitors have high unmet needs. The following study investigates whether hematologic parameter such as systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is associated with nivolumab efficacy in advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
A Comparison of van Hiele Levels and Final Exam Grades of Students at The University of Southern Mississippi

This research analyzed students final exam scores in a college mathematics class with geometric components and their van Hiele levels upon entering the class. After the class was completed, each student’s final exam grade was calculated. The researcher used a Spearman correlation to compare the two; the result was a correlation coefficient of 0.742. The researcher then reported that the results of the van Hiele test are a major component in predicting a student’s success in such a class.
Consistent temperature dependence of functional response parameters and their use in predicting population abundance

Abstract Global warming is one of the greatest threats to the persistence of populations: increased metabolic demands should strengthen pairwise species interactions, which could destabilize food webs at the higher organizational levels. Quantifying the temperature dependence of consumer–resource interactions is thus essential for predicting ecological responses to warming. We explored feeding interactions between different predator–prey pairs in controlled‐temperature chambers and in a system of naturally heated streams. We found consistent temperature dependence of attack rates across experimental settings, though the magnitude and activation energy of attack rate were specific to each predator, which varied in mobility and foraging mode. We used these parameters along with metabolic rate measurements to estimate energetic efficiency and population abundance with warming. Energetic efficiency accurately estimated field abundance of a mobile predator that struggled to meet its metabolic demands, but was a poor predictor for a sedentary predator that operated well below its energetic limits. Temperature effects on population abundance may thus be strongly dependent on whether organisms are regulated by their own energy intake or interspecific interactions. Given the widespread use of functional response parameters in ecological modelling, reconciling outcomes from laboratory and field studies increases the confidence and precision with which we can predict warming impacts on natural systems.
The Prospera conditional cash transfer program and its impact on education, labor, and migration in an indigenous Mayan community in Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract Prospera, a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCTs) program in Mexico, provides recipients with cash contingent on three nodes of civic engagement: health, nutrition and education. This article examines the educational component of Prospera in La Gloria, in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. I utilize gender and culture of migration theories to explore the role gender plays in the educational, employment and migration outcomes of 31 high school students, and a smaller sample that pursued post-secondary education, six years after participating in the Prospera program. My findings raise questions about the ability of Prospera to ameliorate social inequalities, foster gender equity, and economic mobility among indigenous recipient households.
Smart wearable systems for personalised health management: current R&D and future challenges

Remote health monitoring has the potential to improve the quality of health services and to reduce the total cost in healthcare by avoiding unnecessary hospitalisations and ensuring that those who need urgent care get it sooner. In conjunction with cost-effective telemedicine platforms, remote health monitoring can significantly contribute to the enhancement of disease prevention, early diagnosis, disease management, treatment and home rehabilitation. Latest developments in micro-and nanotechnologies as well as in information processing and wireless communication offer, today, the possibility for smart miniaturisation and noninvasive biomedical measurement as well as for wearable sensing, processing and communication. Although developing specific systems and applications to address specific user needs, the "smart health wearable" research and industrial community faces a number of common critical issues, e.g. biomedical sensors, scenarios of use data security and confidentiality, risk analysis, user interface, medical knowledge/decision support, dissemination, user acceptance and awareness, business models and exploitation. Beyond technology, which seems providing proof of concept, future challenges such as clinical validation and impact assessment of the newly developed smart wearable applications, are ahead. In addition, cutting edge development combining functional clothing and integrated electronics open a new research area and possibilities for body sensing and communicating health parameters. This paper review the current status in research and development of smart wearable health systems and applications and analyse the outstanding issues and future challenges.
IL‐7‐dependent compositional changes within the γδ T cell pool in lymph nodes during ageing lead to an unbalanced anti‐tumour response

How the age‐associated decline of immune function leads to increased cancer incidence is poorly understood. Here, we have characterised the cellular composition of the γδ T‐cell pool in peripheral lymph nodes (pLNs) upon ageing. We find that ageing has minimal cell‐intrinsic effects on function and global gene expression of γδ T cells, and γδTCR diversity remains stable. However, ageing alters TCRδ chain usage and clonal structure of γδ T‐cell subsets. Importantly, IL‐17‐producing γδ17 T cells dominate the γδ T‐cell pool of aged mice—mainly due to the selective expansion of Vγ6+ γδ17 T cells and augmented γδ17 polarisation of Vγ4+ T cells. Expansion of the γδ17 T‐cell compartment is mediated by increased IL‐7 expression in the T‐cell zone of old mice. In a Lewis lung cancer model, pro‐tumourigenic Vγ6+ γδ17 T cells are exclusively activated in the tumour‐draining LN and their infiltration into the tumour correlates with increased tumour size in aged mice. Thus, upon ageing, substantial compositional changes in γδ T‐cell pool in the pLN lead to an unbalanced γδ T‐cell response in the tumour that is associated with accelerated tumour growth.
The association between diet quality and obesity-related metabolic risks.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to examine the association between dietary quality measured by inflammatory potential of a diet and Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), and obesity-related metabolic risks in a representative sample of Iranian obese adults. METHOD This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 obese adults. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Diet quality was measured using AHEI-2010 and Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern (EDIP) scores. RESULTS Those in the upper quartile of AHEI-2010 were associated with lower serum level of triglycerides (TG), and higher body mass index (BMI), compared to participants in the lower quartile. Those in the higher quartile of EDIP score were associated with higher serum level of TG. Greater adherence to AHEI-2010 had 70% lower odds of high fasting blood glucose (FBG), compared with those in the first quartile [Q4 vs Q1: OR, 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1-0.8), p trend = 0.02] Those in the highest quartile of EDIP score had a 60% higher odds of high diastolic blood pressure, compared with those in the lowest quartile [Q4 vs Q1: OR, 2.4 (95% CI: 1.1-5.5), p trend = 0.05] after controlling for potential covariates. CONCLUSIONS High diet quality incorporating more anti-inflammatory diet may have a potential benefit in reducing obesity-related metabolic risks.