Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methylglyoxal Inhibits the Binding Step of Collagen Phagocytosis*

Bacterial infection-induced fibrosis affects a wide variety of tissues, including the periodontium, but the mechanisms that dysregulate matrix turnover and mediate fibrosis are not defined. Since collagen turnover by phagocytosis is an important pathway for matrix remodeling, we studied the effect of the bacterial and eukaryotic cell metabolite, methylglyoxal (MGO), on the binding step of phagocytosis by periodontal fibroblasts. Type 1 collagen was treated with various concentrations of methylglyoxal, an important glucose metabolite that modifies Arg and Lys residues. The extent of MGO-induced modifications was authenticated by amino acid analysis, solubility, and cross-linking. Cells were incubated with fluorescent beads coated with collagen, and the percentage of phagocytic cells was estimated by flow cytometry. MGO inhibited collagen binding (20% of control for 10 mm MGO) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. MGO-induced inhibition of binding was prevented by aminoguanidine, which blocks the formation of collagen cross-links. MGO reduced collagen binding strength and blocked intracellular calcium signaling. MGO modified the Arg residue in the critical α2β1 integrin-binding recognition sequence of triple helical collagen peptides, whereas MGO-induced cross-linking of Lys residues played only a small role in binding inhibition. Thus, MGO modifications of Arg residues in collagen could be a key factor in the impaired degradation of collagen that promotes fibrosis in chronic infections, such as periodontitis.
Longitudinal Study Of A Diabetes Education And Care Intervention: Predictors Of Improved Glycemic Control

Background: This study prospectively identifies those characteristics of office patients with diabetes that predict subsequent improvement in glycemic control in response to an educational intervention. Methods: Data on demographic factors, disease characteristics, and glycemic control were obtained on a consecutive series of patients referred by their primary physician to a 4-day outpatient diabetes education and care program. Follow-up measurement of g1ycosyIated hemoglobin (HbA1C) was obtained from the same laboratory 2 months later. Analysis using logistic response models identified baseline characteristics associated with improved HbA1C. Results: Among the 169 study subjects, 74 (44 percent) had at least a 20 percent improvement in HbA1C levels 2 months after the program. Among these subjects, mean HbA1C level was 10.6 percent before and 7.4 percent 2 months after the program. Factors associated with improvement in HbA1C values in bivariate and multivariate logistic models included duration of diabetes less than 2 years (risk ratio = 1.90, 95 percent confidence interval (CI) 1.30–2.76) and initial HbA1C level greater than 10 percent (risk ratio = 2.75,95 percent CI 2.08–4.01). Baseline functional status, health locus of control, social support, knowledge of diabetes self-care, age, weight as percentage of ideal body weight, age at diagnosis, race, sex, family history of diabetes, type of diabetes, and mode of treatment were not significant predictors of improved HbA1C. Conclusions: Patients with shorter duration of diabetes and poor baseline glycemic control were most likely to have clinically significant glycemic responses to this program. Severity of disease and regression to the mean were unable to account for this association, leaving unanswered the question of the mechanism of this association. The data also identified a group of patients who do not respond well to this educational approach and for whom novel approaches to behavior change should be considered.
Genetic Variation and Structure of Chinook Salmon Life History Types in the Snake River

We evaluated 25 inland populations of Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Snake River with 13 microsatellite loci to test for contemporary genetic differentiation at three scales: between life history types, among regions within life history types, and among populations within regions. The genetic distance and diversity of natural Chinook salmon populations were also contrasted with those of Chinook salmon from several hatcheries. The results provide strong evidence for reproductive isolation among ocean- and stream-type life histories (F ST range, 0.080-0.120). Regional structuring of stream-type Chinook salmon within subbasins was also significant, as all populations were differentiated (F ST range, 0.017-0.045), but populations generally clustered together by region in a neighbor-joining dendrogram. This evidence suggests high levels of philopatry to natal areas in stream-type Chinook salmon, but ocean-type collections were not significantly different from one another (F ST range, 0.001-0.002). Higher levels of genetic diversity in ocean- type (306 total alleles; allelic richness, 16.5) than in stream-type collections (206 total alleles; allelic richness, 12.2) may also reflect variable levels of gene flow within each life history type and colonization history. The genetic similarity of populations within regions suggests gene flow not only from transplanted stocks but also from natural dispersal that provides metapopulation structure. None of the 25 populations in this study offered significant evidence for a genetic bottleneck (M ratio , 0.68) despite apparent demographic bottlenecks in several populations throughout the Snake River drainage in the last century. The combination of dispersal through metapopulation dynamics and transfers of hatchery stocks may be responsible for reducing the genetic bottleneck signal.
An exploratory study into the determinants of adoption of mobile TV services: an integrated value perspective

While promising appealing benefits to consumers and increased revenues for stakeholders, mobile TV success remains very uncertain with disappointing adoption levels. The literature suggests that there is no comprehensive theoretical framework for explaining the adoption of mobile TV services. Our paper aims to propose a new theoretical framework for better understanding of consumers' adoption of new mobile TV services. The paper outlines major issues drawn from the extensive literature review and an exploratory qualitative study that we carried out. We present a new comprehensive value–centric framework that integrates theories and constructs from different fields of research. As such, it fulfils identified theoretical gaps while providing orientation to managers who deal with the development and implementation of new mobile services.
The Cayley Isomorphism Property for Cayley Maps

In this paper we study finite groups which have Cayley isomorphism property with respect to Cayley maps, CIM-groups for a brief. We show that the structure of the CIM-groups is very restricted. It is described in Theorem~\ref{111015a} where a short list of possible candidates for CIM-groups is given. Theorem~\ref{111015c} provides concrete examples of infinite series of CIM-groups.
Analysis of heat affected zone in the micro-electric discharge machining

It is known from the classical EDM process, which is a thermal process, that a significantly damaged zone, called Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) is generated around the EDmachined features. However, the presence of the analogous zone in the micro-EDM process has not been addressed adequately so far. This paper therefore reports experimental investigation into such zone, HAZ around the micro-EDmachined microholes. The work involved microhardness measurement, Scanning Electron (SE) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis along the longitudinal cross sections of the micro-EDmachined microholes. It was evident that there is a definite presence of HAZ around the micro-EDmachined holes wherein there is a reduction in the microhardness, which could be a function of variation in the material erosion phenomenon prevailing along the length of microholes and the metallurgical changes due to annealing of bulk material around holes. SE and EBDS microscopy did not show evidence of any recast layer ahead of the HAZ on micro-EDmachined surfaces.
Interface reaction at dental implants inserted in condensed bone.

PURPOSE The influence of the osteotome technique on the interface reaction of cylinder implants (SLA, ITI) was compared with the interface reaction of conventional implant insertion in an animal model. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 64 implants were placed in the cranial and caudal tibia of 8 Göttinger minipigs. The implant site was prepared either by a conventional technique with drills (control group A) or by the osteotome technique (experimental group B). Bone tissue responses were evaluated by histomorphometry, fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy after 7 and 28 days of osseointegration. RESULTS The average initial (7 days) bone-to-implant contact ratio was not statistically significantly different for the osteotome technique (35.88+/-2.94%) than for the control group (43.78+/-3.39%, P<0.095). After 28 days, the bone-to-implant contact ratio became statistically significantly higher when implants were inserted by conventional preparation (44.81+/-3.07% (group B), 63.47+/-4.87% (group A), P=0.003). Whereas fluorescence and immunhistologic examination revealed new bone formation with osteocalcin deposition directly at the implant surface in both groups, the extent of direct bone/implant contact was enhanced in conventionally prepared implant sites. SEM analysis confirmed an intimate bone to implant bond without fibrous tissue formation in places of direct contact at an ultrastructured level. CONCLUSION Implant placement in conventionally prepared implantation sites is accompanied by an improved interface formation at an early stage of implantation.
Impact of CC-NUMA Memory Management Policies on the Application Performance of Multistage Switching Networks

In this paper, the impact of memory management policies and switch design alternatives on the application performance of cache-coherent nonuniform memory access (CC-NUMA) multiprocessors is studied in detail. Memory management plays an important role in determining the performance of NUMA multiprocessors by dictating the placement of data among the distributed memory modules. We analyze memory traces of several scientific applications for three different memory management techniques, namely buddy, round-robin, and first-touch policies, and compare their memory system performance. Interconnection network switch designs that consider virtual channels and varying number of input buffers per switch are presented. Our performance evaluation is based on execution-driven simulation methodology to capture the dynamic changes in the network traffic during execution of the applications. It is shown that the use of cut-through switching with buffers and virtual channels can Improve the average message latency tremendously. However, the choice of memory management policy affects the amount of network traffic and the network access pattern. Thus, we vary the memory management policy and confirm the performance benefits of improved switch designs. Results of sensitivity studies by varying switch design parameters, cache block size, and memory page size are also presented. We find that a combination of first-touch memory management policy and a switch design with virtual channels and increased buffer space can reduce the average message latency by as high as 70 percent.
The ostium primum syndrome.

Prior to the development of intracardiac surgery the group of congenital anomalies associated with persistence of the ostium primum, although known to pathologists, was not clearly separated from other types of septal defect in the minds of clinicians. However, their physiologic and surgical implications are of great importance. 1,2 Bailey et al. have reported postoperative death in 11 of 16 patients with the ostium primum type of atrial septal defect but in only 3 of 30 with other types, such as ostium secundum. The purposes of this paper are to review the descriptive literature, to suggest a possible relationship and a scheme of classification of these various entities, to emphasize a reason for the high operative mortality, and to point out clinical features of diagnostic significance. Pathology Persistent common atrioventricular canal is probably the most familiar complex associated with ostium primum. There are four features. First, there is a defect
A Biomechanical Comparison of Locking and Nonlocking Plates for the Fixation of Calcaneal Fractures

Background: Locking plate systems have been developed in an attempt to increase the strength of fracture fixation and, in so doing, allow earlier mobilization and rehabilitation. The purpose of our study was to compare the mechanical integrity of the locking plate and traditional nonlocking plate fixation for calcaneal fractures in a cadaver model. Our hypothesis was that the locking plate construct provides stronger fixation than the nonlocking plate construct. Methods: We created a Sanders type-IIB fracture in 10 pairs of fresh-frozen cadaver feet (bone mineral density, 0.50 ± 0.14 g/cm2 age, 69 ± 16 years). One foot of each pair was fixed with a nonlocking calcaneal plate (Synthes, Paoli, PA), and the contralateral foot was fixed with the Locking Calcaneal Plate (Synthes, Paoli, PA). The specimens then were cyclically loaded through the tibia from 0 to 700 N at 1 Hz on a materials testing machine to simulate weightbearing. Fragment displacement was measured with a three-dimensional kinematic analysis system. Significance was set at p >0.05. Results: There was no significant difference between the two plating systems with respect to the mean (± SD) number of cycles to failure (locking plate, 3261 ± 2355; nonlocking plate, 2271 ± 2465). Conclusion: In a cadaver model of type-IIB calcaneal fractures, locking plate fixation did not provide a biomechanical advantage over traditional nonlocking plate fixation.
Epidemiological Evidence for Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer

Since Garland and Garland formulated the hypothesis that vitamin D may protect against colorectal cancer in 1980, various epidemiological approaches have been undertaken to evaluate this hypothesis. These approaches include studies based on regional solar UVB radiation, plasma‐ or serum‐based studies, dietary studies, and those examining multiple factors that influence vitamin D status. Studies over the past several decades have tended to support that higher levels of vitamin D may decrease risk of colorectal cancer. An important implication is that current recommended dietary intakes such as 200–400 IU/d may be too low to exert appreciable benefits. To substantially reduce risk, higher levels of vitamin D associated with sunshine exposure or considerably higher intakes may be required. Recent studies also suggest a potential benefit of vitamin D on other digestive system cancers. One study suggested that a better vitamin D status at the time of diagnosis and treatment, as indicated by season of diagnosis, may improve survival from colorectal cancer. Darker‐skinned individuals who tend to make less vitamin D may be at particularly high risk for digestive system cancer. The strong biological evidence for a protective role of vitamin D supports the epidemiological data. More study is needed to determine the optimal levels and intakes of this vitamin to optimally reduce colorectal cancer risk.
Virulence of the Nine Serovar Reference Strains of Haemophilus paragallinarum

The virulence of the reference strains of the nine currently recognized Kume serovars of Haemophilus paragallinarum was investigated. The capacity of the H. paragallinarum strains to cause the typical clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease associated with infectious coryza in unvaccinated, nasal-challenged chickens was assessed. Differences in virulence were assessed by means of a standardized scoring system for clinical signs. All nine strains were pathogenic to chickens, producing typical clinical signs of infectious coryza. The highest clinical signs score was obtained for serovar C-1 (1.72), while the lowest clinical signs score was obtained for serovar C-4 (0.32). Our results indicate that virulence differences exist among the serovars of H. paragallinarum.
PATTERNS OF REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION IN THREE ANGIOSPERM GENERA

Abstract Analyses among animal species have found that reproductive isolation increases monotonically with genetic distance, evolves more quickly for prezygotic than postzygotic traits, and is stronger among sympatric than allopatric species pairs. The latter pattern is consistent with expectations under the reinforcement hypothesis. To determine whether similar trends are found among plant species, patterns of reproductive isolation (postpollination prezygotic, postzygotic, and “total” isolation) in three plant genera (Glycine, Silene, Streptanthus) were examined using data from previously published artificial hybridization experiments. In Silene, all measures of reproductive isolation were positively correlated with genetic distance. In contrast, in Glycine and Streptanthus, correlations between reproductive isolation and genetic distance were weak or nonsignificant, possibly due to the influence of biologically unusual taxa, variable evolutionary forces acting in different lineages, or insufficient time to accumulate reproductive isolation. There was no evidence that postpollination prezygotic reproductive isolation evolved faster than postzygotic isolation in Glycine or Silene. We also detected no evidence for faster accumulation of postmating prezygotic isolation between sympatric than allopatric species pairs; thus we found no evidence for the operation of speciation via reinforcement. In Silene, which included six polyploid species, results suggest that changes in ploidy disrupt a simple monotonic relationship between isolation and genetic distance.
Study of Sex Hormone-binding Globulin Gene Polymorphism and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Egyptian Men.

OBJECTIVES Conditions of hypoandrogenism in men have been linked to insulin resistance, suggesting that alterations in normal sex steroid physiology could play a role in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) gene polymorphisms may be the cause of sex steroid alteration. The aim of this work is to study the effect of SHBG gene polymorphisms on the risk of T2DM through its impact on testosterone and oestradiol level in Egyptian men. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A case control study was performed in the diabetes clinic at Zagazig University Hospital on 185 males with Type 2 diabetes and their matched healthy controls. Two polymorphisms (rs6257 and rs6259) of the gene encoding SHBG were genotyped and serum levels of SHBG, testosterone and oestradiol were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Carriers of rs6257 variant allele (CC or CT) and carriers of rs6259 wild allele (GG) appear to have a high risk of diabetes than carriers of other alleles (OR 2.241, 1.585 and 2.391, respectively). They also showed a significant decrease in plasma level of both SHBG and testosterone and a significant increase in oestradiol blood level compared with carriers of other alleles. CONCLUSIONS Sex hormone-binding globulin gene polymorphisms at position rs6257 and rs6259 are associated with higher risk of T2DM in Egyptian men, through lowering circulating levels of SHBG and consequently, lowering testosterone and elevating oestradiol level.
Effects of Dietary Nitrate, Caffeine, and Their Combination on 20-km Cycling Time Trial Performance

Abstract Glaister, M, Pattison, JR, Muniz-Pumares, D, Patterson, SD, and Foley, P. Effects of dietary nitrate, caffeine, and their combination on 20-km cycling time trial performance. J Strength Cond Res 29(1): 165–174, 2015—The aim of this study was to examine the acute supplementation effects of dietary nitrate, caffeine, and their combination on 20-km cycling time trial performance. Using a randomized, counterbalanced, double-blind Latin-square design, 14 competitive female cyclists (age: 31 ± 7 years; height: 1.69 ± 0.07 m; body mass: 61.6 ± 6.0 kg) completed four 20-km time trials on a racing bicycle fitted to a turbo trainer. Approximately 2.5 hours before each trial, subjects consumed a 70-ml dose of concentrated beetroot juice containing either 0.45 g of dietary nitrate or with the nitrate content removed (placebo). One hour before each trial, subjects consumed a capsule containing either 5 mg·kg−1 of caffeine or maltodextrin (placebo). There was a significant effect of supplementation on power output (p = 0.001), with post hoc tests revealing higher power outputs in caffeine (205 ± 21 W) vs. nitrate (194 ± 22 W) and placebo (194 ± 25 W) trials only. Caffeine-induced improvements in power output corresponded with significantly higher measures of heart rate (caffeine: 166 ± 12 b·min−1 vs. placebo: 159 ± 15 b·min−1; p = 0.02), blood lactate (caffeine: 6.54 ± 2.40 mmol·L−1 vs. placebo: 4.50 ± 2.11 mmol·L−1; p < 0.001), and respiratory exchange ratio (caffeine: 0.95 ± 0.04 vs. placebo: 0.91 ± 0.05; p = 0.03). There were no effects (p ≥ 0.05) of supplementation on cycling cadence, rating of perceived exertion, , or integrated electromyographic activity. The results of this study support the well-established beneficial effects of caffeine supplementation on endurance performance. In contrast, acute supplementation with dietary nitrate seems to have no effect on endurance performance and adds nothing to the benefits afforded by caffeine supplementation.
Regulation of Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin gene (hla) expression by agr, sarA, and sae in vitro and in experimental infective endocarditis.

BACKGROUND The Staphylococcus aureus global regulators--agr, sarA, and sae--coordinately control alpha-toxin gene (hla) expression in vitro. However, their relative in vivo contributions to hla expression, particularly in endovascular infections, have not been defined. METHODS A plasmid-based hla-promoter:green fluorescent protein reporter system was constructed in 2 genetically related S. aureus strains: RN6390 (a natural sigma factor B [sigB]-deficient mutant), SH1000 (a sigB-repaired variant of RN6390 lineage), and their respective agr, sarA, agr/sarA, and sae mutants. These strain sets were used to quantify hla expression in vitro and in an experimental infective endocarditis (IE) model using flow cytometry. RESULTS In vitro, hla expression was positively modulated by all 3 regulons (sae > agr/sarA > agr and sarA) in both RN6390 and SH1000 backgrounds. In the IE model, hla expression in cardiac vegetations was lower in all single mutants than in the respective parental strains (P<.05 for sae mutant) but was maintained at near-parental levels in the agr/sarA double mutant in both backgrounds. A similar finding was also observed in kidneys and spleens. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that, although several distinct regulatory circuits can affect hla expression in vitro and in vivo, sae appears to play a crucial role in this context.