Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical Composition and Physical Properties of "Pale Yellow" Naphtalan

The Pale Yellow (PY) Naphthalan is potentially a new treatment modality for some oral mucos- al and dermatological diseases. Its chemical composition and physical properties were studied by standard and sophisticated methods. Special attention was paid to steranes and hopanes as favorable components and to aromatics as unfavorable compounds. PY Naphthalan is predominantly composed of saturated ali- phatic hydrocarbons of different structures, and of hydrocarbons comprising aromatic ring(s) (< 15%). Among aromatics, 98% were monoaromatics and 2% diaromatics, while 16 polycyclic aromatic hydro- carbons designated by US Environmental Protection Agency as priority pollutants were found at mini- mum detectability levels. Steranes and hopanes appeared in native geogenic clusters of homologs and each of identified compounds was in native geogenic configuration. Steranes were in the range from nor- cholestanes up to propyl cholestanes and hopanes up to pentakishomohopanes. The content of steranes and hopanes was relatively high. Compared to the other naphthalan products, the composition of PY Naphthalan is remarkably improved. Physical properties make PY Naphthalan convenient for application. (doi: 10.5562/cca1886)
Association of salivary levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone with periodontitis in older Japanese adults.

BACKGROUND The relationship between periodontitis and psychoneuroimmunologic variables, such as stress-related hormones, is poorly understood. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the associations between two kinds of stress-related hormones, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and periodontitis in healthy community-dwelling elderly subjects aged > or =60 years. METHODS A total of 171 subjects (85 males and 86 females) participated in this study. The subjects were independently living elderly people with a mean age of 68.4 (+/- 4.46) years. Stimulated whole saliva samples were collected, and hormone levels were determined. A medical questionnaire regarding medical conditions, lifestyle, and psychosocial stress also was administered. The clinical examinations included probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level (CAL). RESULTS There was a positive correlation between hormone levels and PD and CAL values. When the subjects were divided into two groups based on periodontitis severity, hormone levels were significantly higher in subjects with severe PD or CAL. Multiple regression analysis showed that higher cortisol and DHEA levels were associated significantly with greater numbers of teeth with severe PD or CAL, after adjusting for confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested close relationships between the extent and severity of periodontitis and salivary levels of cortisol and DHEA in healthy elderly subjects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the association between the levels of DHEA and extensive periodontitis.
A Risk Model with Delayed Claims

In this paper we introduce a simple risk model with delayed claims, an extension of the classical Poisson model. The claims are assumed to arrive according to a Poisson process and claims follow a light-tailed distribution, and each loss payment of the claims will be settled with a random period of delay. We obtain asymptotic expressions for the ruin probability by exploiting a connection to Poisson models that are not time homogeneous. A finer asymptotic formula is obtained for the special case of exponentially delayed claims and an exact formula is obtained when the claims are also exponentially distributed.
Epidemiology of trauma deaths: a reassessment.

OBJECTIVE Recognizing the impact of the 1977 San Francisco study of trauma deaths in trauma care, our purpose was to reassess those findings in a contemporary trauma system. DESIGN Cross-sectional. MATERIAL AND METHODS All trauma deaths occurring in Denver City and County during 1992 were reviewed; data were obtained by cross-referencing four databases: paramedic trip reports, trauma registries, coroner autopsy reports and police reports. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS There were 289 postinjury fatalities; mean age was 36.8 +/- 1.2 years and mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 35.7 +/- 1.2. Predominant injury mechanisms were gunshot wounds in 121 (42%), motorvehicle accidents in 75 (38%) and falls in 23 (8%) cases. Seven (2%) individuals sustained lethal burns. Ninety eight (34%) deaths occurred in the pre-hospital setting. The remaining 191 (66%) patients were transported to the hospital. Of these, 154 (81%) died in the first 48 hours (acute), 11 (6%) within three to seven days (early) and 26 (14%) after seven days (late). Central nervous system injuries were the most frequent cause of death (42%), followed by exsanguination (39%) and organ failure (7%). While acute and early deaths were mostly due to the first two causes, organ failure was the most common cause of late death (61%). CONCLUSIONS In comparison with the previous report, we observed similar injury mechanisms, demographics and causes of death. However, in our experience, there was an improved access to the medical system, greater proportion of late deaths due to brain injury and lack of the classic trimodal distribution.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Stimulates Expression and Translocation of Protein Kinase Cα and Cδ via a Nongenomic Mechanism and Rapidly Induces Phosphorylation of a 33-kDa Protein in Acute Promyelocytic NB4 Cells*

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) primes NB4 cells for 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced monocytic differentiation in a dose- and sequence-dependent fashion. Experiments utilizing 1,25-(OH)2D3 analogues and kinase/phosphatase inhibitors suggested that tyrosine kinase and serine/threonine phosphorylation cascades, rather than vitamin D3 receptor-mediated signals, were involved in 1,25-(OH)2D3 action. Here we show that NB4 cells express the α and δ (but not the β, ε, and θ) isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC). Both authentic 1,25-(OH)2D3 and the nongenomic analogue 1α,25-dihydroxyprevitamin D3 (HF) increased expression of PKCα and PKCδ. PKCα and PKCδ were translocated to the nucleus of the cell in response to 1,25-(OH)2D3 or HF. The effects of HF were attenuated by the nongenomic antagonist 1β,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, suggesting that changes in PKC expression are mediated by a nongenomic signaling pathway. Consistent with the involvement of serine, threonine, and tyrosine phosphorylation cascades mediating 1,25-(OH)2D3 action, enhanced phosphorylation of a variety of cellular proteins at serine and threonine residues and the specific enhanced phosphotyrosyl content of a 33-kDa protein (vdrp33) were observed immediately after 1,25-(OH)2D3 addition. We propose that 1,25-(OH)2D3 primes NB4 cells for 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced monocytic differentiation by increasing the expression of specific PKC isoforms and inducing the specific phosphorylation of key protein signaling intermediates.
Escitalopram in the treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic, distressing illness that is associated with a specific and unique response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Escitalopram was granted marketing authorization for the treatment of OCD from the European authorities in 2007 based on results from two Phase-III clinical trials in patients with moderate-to-severe OCD. One, a relapse prevention study, demonstrated substantial efficacy of escitalopram 10–20 mg/day in both acute and maintenance treatment, and the other demonstrated superior efficacy and favorable tolerability of escitalopram compared with placebo during 24-week, double-blind treatment. These data, and other studies reviewed here, suggest that escitalopram is an important additional tool for the treatment of OCD.
The circadian timing system in clinical oncology

Abstract The circadian timing system (CTS) controls several critical molecular pathways for cancer processes and treatment effects over the 24 hours, including drug metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, and DNA damage repair mechanisms. This results in the circadian time dependency of whole-body and cellular pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anticancer agents. However, CTS robustness and phase varies among cancer patients, based on circadian monitoring of rest– activity, body temperature, sleep, and/or hormonal secretion rhythms. Circadian disruption has been further found in up to 50% of patients with metastatic cancer. Such disruption was associated with poor outcomes, including fatigue, anorexia, sleep disorders, and short progression-free and overall survival. Novel, minimally invasive devices have enabled continuous CTS assessment in non-hospitalized cancer patients. They revealed up to 12-hour differences in individual circadian phase. Taken together, the data support the personalization of chronotherapy. This treatment method aims at the adjustment of cancer treatment delivery according to circadian rhythms, using programmable-in-time pumps or novel release formulations, in order to increase both efficacy and tolerability. A fixed oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin chronotherapy protocol prolonged median overall survival in men with metastatic colorectal cancer by 3.3 months as compared to conventional delivery, according to a meta-analysis (P = 0.009). Further analyses revealed the need for the prevention of circadian disruption or the restoration of robust circadian function in patients on chronotherapy, in order to further optimize treatment effects. The strengthening of external synchronizers could meet such a goal, through programmed exercise, meal timing, light exposure, improved social support, sleep scheduling, and the properly timed administration of drugs that target circadian clocks. Chrono-rehabilitation warrants clinical testing for improving quality of life and survival in cancer patients.
Tuberculosis stigma in Gezira State, Sudan: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) stigma and to determine the relation between socio-demographic characteristics and TB stigma among TB cases and their controls in Gezira State, Sudan. METHODS A case-control study design was used. New smear-positive TB patients registered in Gezira State in 2010 (n = 425) and controls who attended the same health facility for other reasons (n < 850) formed the study population. Stigma was measured using a standard modified World Health Organization TB KAP (knowledge, attitudes, practice) instrument. RESULTS TB stigma did not differ between TB cases and controls; mild stigma was found in both groups. The higher degree of stigma among both groups was significantly associated with higher age, lower level of education, residence in rural areas, unemployment and poor TB awareness, while sex had no association with the degree of stigma in either group. CONCLUSION Although TB stigma among the Gezira population was found to be mild, it can affect treatment adherence. Empowering both TB patients and communities by increasing their knowledge through proper education programmes could effectively contribute to the effort of controlling TB in the state.
Best practices, new perspectives and the perfect emollient: optimizing the management of contact dermatitis

Abstract Contact dermatitis (CD) is caused by environmental agents, irritants, and allergens that penetrate the epidermis and lead to inflammation. An intact skin barrier prevents penetration and is important in maintaining healthy skin. Classical diagnosis of CD is made using the patch test, and traditional treatment strategies for CD promote skin barrier integrity and resolve the inflammatory component of the condition. This can be achieved by using emollient-based therapy, which is most important for skin barrier repair, and in addition to topical glucocorticosteroids, which are used in severe cases of CD and are most effective in reducing inflammation. Preventative measures, such as irritant and allergen avoidance in the workplace, also play a pivotal role in effective CD management. Moreover, CD management necessitates a holistic approach that incorporates prevention, barrier repair, and inflammatory resolution to ensure optimized efficacy. It is also important to consider potential barriers to optimal management when evaluating individuals with CD, such as limited patient education or poor access to care. Finally, key literature and our own clinical practice experience have highlighted the value of patient preference, as well as safety, efficacy and simplicity, in building the perfect emollient.
Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas

Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas (SEDAVFs) are rare complex lesions often presenting with protean clinical manifestations secondary to compressive symptoms or congestive myelopathy. The imaging manifestations of SEDAVFs on MR angiography/MRI include high T2 signal in the spinal cord, vascular engorgement of the epidural space, and prominent intradural vascular flow voids. Given the complexity of these lesions, they are best characterized anatomically on catheter angiography where careful inspection of arterial feeders and venous drainage patterns can be performed. The imaging hallmark of an SEDAVF on angiography is the presence of a dilated epidural venous pouch through which spinal and paraspinal veins are secondarily opacified. In the lower thoracic and lumbar spine, SEDAVFs are usually located in the ventral epidural space and fed mainly by the anteriorly coursing epidural arteries. In the cervical and upper thoracic spine, SEDAVFs and their feeding arteries are more typically located laterally in the spinal canal. Current treatment options include transarterial or transvenous endovascular embolization with liquid embolic agents or coils, and surgical resection/disconnection of the fistula. Further research is needed to better characterize how and why these lesions form and to identify the best treatment modalities.
Protective effects of melatonin in ischemic brain injury

Recent studies have demonstrated that melatonin is a scavenger of oxyradicals and peroxynitrite and an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) production. NO, peroxynitrite (formed from NO and superoxide anion), and poly (ADP‐Ribose) synthetase (PARS) have been implicated as mediators of neuronal damage following focal ischemia. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of melatonin treatment in Mongolian gerbils subjected to cerebral ischemia. Treatment of gerbils with melatonin (10 mg kg−1, 30 min before reperfusion and 1, 2, and 6 hr after reperfusion) reduced the formation of post‐ischemic brain edema, evaluated by water content. Melatonin also attenuated the increase in the brain levels malondialdehyde (MDA) and the increase in the hippocampus of myeloperoxidase (MPO) caused by cerebral ischemia. Positive staining for nitrotyrosine was found in the hippocampus of Mongolian gerbils subjected to cerebral ischemia. Hippocampus tissue sections, from Mongolian gerbils subjected to cerebral ischemia, also showed positive staining for PARS. The degrees of staining for nitrotyrosine and for PARS were markedly reduced in tissue sections obtained from animals that received melatonin. Melatonin treatment increased survival and reduced hyperactivity linked to neurodegeneration induced by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. Histological observations of the pyramidal layer of CA‐1 showed a reduction of neuronal loss in animals that received melatonin. These results show that melatonin improves brain injury induced by transient cerebral ischemia.
A Wide-Area Damping Controller Considering Network Input and Output Delays and Packet Drop

This paper presents the development of a novel synchrophasor measurement-based wide-area centralized damping controller to improve the stability of a power system in presence of time-varying delay and packet dropout in the communication network. Two different strategies have been adopted to deal with the input and the output delays. In the first strategy, the system output delay has been compensated by predicting the dynamics of the signals. In the second strategy, a wide-area controller, based on delay-range-dependent stability criteria, has been designed for the time-varying delays in the input signals. The network induced delays and the maximum amount of the consecutive packet dropout are assumed to be bounded. The controller parameters are optimally obtained using a trace minimization of certain matrix variables by formulating Linear Matrix Inequalities problem. The system has been identified by applying Prediction-Error-Minimization methodology, and proposing a new type of probing test input-signal. A new methodology has been proposed to obtain the feedback channel latency in real time. The proposed methodology has been simulated on New England 39-bus test system and also validated on a hardware testbed consisting of physical Phasor Measurement Units connected, in feedback loop, to a Real-Time Digital Simulator.
Focal effector accumulation in a biotrophic interface at the primary invasion sites of Colletotrichum orbiculare in multiple susceptible plants

Abstract We identified virulence-related effectors of a hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Colletotrichum orbiculare, and found that a novel interface was generated by a biotrophic interaction between C. orbiculare and the host cucumber, in which the effectors secreted from the pathogen accumulated preferentially. The interface was located around the biotrophic primary hyphal neck. Here, we showed that C. orbiculare also developed this interface in a biotrophic interaction with melon, which belongs to Cucurbitaceae. Furthermore, C. orbiculare developed interface in the interaction with a susceptible plant, Nicotiana benthamiana, which is distantly related to Cucurbitaceae, suggesting that the spatial regulation strategy for effectors in C. orbiculare is not specific to cucumber; rather, it is conserved among the various plants that are susceptible to this pathogen.
Dietary Calcium and Risk for Prostate Cancer: A Case-Control Study Among US Veterans

Introduction The objective of this study was to examine the association between calcium intake and prostate cancer risk. We hypothesized that calcium intake would be positively associated with lower risk for prostate cancer. Methods We used data from a case-control study conducted among veterans between 2007 and 2010 at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The study consisted of 108 biopsy-positive prostate cancer cases, 161 biopsy-negative controls, and 237 healthy controls. We also determined whether these associations differed for blacks and whites or for low-grade (Gleason score <7) and high-grade prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥7). We administered the Harvard food frequency questionnaire to assess diet and estimate calcium intake. We used logistic regression models to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Intake of calcium from food was inversely related to risk for prostate cancer among all races in a comparison of cases and biopsy-negative controls (P = .05) and cases and healthy controls (P = .02). Total calcium was associated with lower prostate cancer risk among black men but not among white men in analyses of healthy controls. The highest tertile of calcium from food was associated with lower risk for high-grade prostate cancer in a comparison of high-grade cases and biopsy-negative controls (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15-0.90) and high-grade cases and healthy controls (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17-0.86). Conclusion Calcium from food is associated with lower risk for prostate cancer, particularly among black men, and lower risk for high-grade prostate cancer among all men.
Uplink Performance of Single-Carrier Receiver in Massive MIMO With Pilot Contamination

We investigate the uplink (UL) performance of multicell massive MIMO (maMIMO) communication systems in frequency-selective fading channels, when the channel estimates are corrupted by pilot contamination, and the receiver employs maximum-ratio combining (MRC). Specifically, two fundamental schemes (receivers/waveforms) are considered: the time-reversal MRC (TRMRC) under single-carrier, and the conventional frequency-domain MRC (FDMRC) for orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing. We first derive approximate analytical expressions for the UL signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) performance of maMIMO systems, deploying both TRMRC and FDMRC. Then, lower bounds for the achievable rates of both systems are presented, and the derived expressions are validated by means of Monte–Carlo simulations. The performance of the investigated systems are compared regarding the variation of several parameters, such as the number of base station (BS) antennas <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$M$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, number of users for each cell <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$K$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, UL transmit power <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\rho _{u}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and the number of taps of the time-dispersive channel <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$L$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. Our results demonstrate that the attained SINR performance of both schemes are very similar, but, in terms of achievable rates, TRMRC in general outperforms FDMRC by not requiring cyclic prefix transmission. On the other hand, our computational complexity analysis demonstrates that the TRMRC scheme demands somewhat higher processing resources (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathcal {O}(LMK)$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) than FDMRC (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathcal {O}(MK)$ </tex-math></inline-formula>). Thus, we propose a reduced complexity implementation for the TRMRC receiver, by employing the fast convolution with overlap-and-add technique, which is able to achieve the same result of TRMRC with a complexity of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathcal {O}(\log _{2}(2L)MK)$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. For a practical maMIMO setup, the complexity reduction is about 50%. Finally, based on the derived expressions, we propose an iterative way to obtain the number of users that is able to maximize the sum rate of the cell, and investigate its behavior with the variation of different parameters, such as number of antennas, data, and pilot transmit power, as well as different frequency and pilot reuse schemes.