Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What is aging? What is its role in Alzheimer's disease? What can we do about it?

Here we present a summary of the round-table dis-cussion entitled “What is Aging, What Is its Rolein Alzheimer’s Disease and What Can We Do AboutIt? ” from the recent conference, Challenging Viewsof Alzheimer’s Disease – 2004, held in Philadelphia,July 2004. Eight scientists specializing in aging,Alzheimer’s disease, and neurobiology discussed thedeﬁnition of aging, how aging theory relates to under-standing Alzheimer’s disease, and what insights fromunderstanding this relationship could be applied to de-veloping means to treat or prevent this disease.
Challenges and opportunities in treating inflammation associated with pulmonary hypertension

ABSTRACT Introduction: Inflammatory cells are present in the lungs from patients with many, if not all, forms of severe pulmonary hypertension. Areas covered: Historically the first inflammatory cell identified in the pulmonary vascular lesions was the mast cell. T and B lymphocytes, as well as macrophages, are present in and around the pulmonary arterioles and many patients have elevated blood levels of interleukin 1 and 6; some patients show elevated levels of leukotriene B4. An overlap between collagen-vascular disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and idiopathic PAH exists, yet only a few studies have been designed that evaluate the effect of anti-inflammatory treatments. Here we review the pertinent data that connect PAH and inflammation/autoimmune dysregulation and evaluate experimental models of severe PAH with an emphasis on the Sugen/athymic rat model of severe PAH. Expert commentary: We postulate that there are several inflammatory phenotypes and predict that there will be several anti-inflammatory treatment strategies for severe PAH.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Interleukin-10 in Whole Blood Is Associated with Disease Progression in Pulmonary Mulitdrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients

Background: Cytokine production profiles may reflect the clinical pictures of patients with tuberculosis (TB). Objective: We examined the relationship between cytokine levels and clinical parameters indicating the state of disease in active pulmonary TB patients. Methods: We measured interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10 levels in whole blood after stimulation with culture filtrate protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 33 multi-drug resistant (MDR)-TB and 51 non-MDR-TB patients. Results: No significant difference was found in IFN-γ production between non-MDR-TB and MDR-TB patients, but there was a marked reduction in TNF-α production in MDR-TB patients accompanied by a moderate increase in IL-10 levels. In contrast, the presence of cavity was associated with a significant increase in IFN-γ, whereas no difference in TNF-α between the cavity and non-cavity group was observed. Those who have TB lesions in the left lung showed lower levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α and higher IL-10 levels than the patients with lesions on the right side. IFN-γ levels were significantly increased in those with moderate or advanced lesions compared with patients with mild lesions. TNF-α and IL-10 levels did not change with disease severity. The number of M. tuberculosis bacilli in sputum was closely associated with TNF-α levels. The patient group with high value (+++) of sputum culture acid-fast bacilli produced significantly reduced levels of TNF-α compared with medium (++) and low (+) values. Conclusion: These findings suggest that IFN-γ, TNF-α or IL-10 production patterns in whole blood are associated with disease progression in active pulmonary TB.
Patterns of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Sonographers in selected Health Facilities in Nigeria

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are the most common work-related health problems in the World, affecting millions of workers. Health professionals are also vulnerable to WMSDs during the course of routine work especially those who are in direct contact with patients. The literature on WMSDs is scarce in Nigeria, especially with regards to sonographers. This study therefore set out to determine the prevalence and patterns of WMSDs among sonographers in Nigeria. A total of 55 self-administered structured questionnaires were distributed to sonographers. Items covered included types of examination performed, time spent daily/ weekly, duration of examination, average number of examination done daily, etc as related to the types of symptoms experienced by the sonographers and the measures taken to alleviate the symptoms. Descriptive statistics of means, standard deviations and percentages were obtained and strengths of correlations of measured parameters were tested using the Pearson’s Product moment correlation coefficient statistics. Alpha level was set at 0.05significant level. The total of fifty-one respondents which included thirty-five (69.6%) males and sixteen (31.4%) females ultrasonographers were studied. The ages ranged between 25- 60 years. The mean weight and height of all the respondents were 74.3± 11.7kg and 1.66± 0.25m respectively. All 51 respondents reported varying degrees of WMSDs which they associated with tasks of scanning. There was a high preponderance of back pain [upper and lower] (41%) and wrist joint (27%) respectively among other areas of the body. Symptoms manifested ranged from weakness, movement restriction (stiffness) to tingling sensation. The study recorded high prevalence of WMSDs among Nigerian sonographers with back region and the wrist joints respectively worse affected by symptoms. Age of sonographers was found to be an internal risk factor associated with affected anatomical sites. Physical
Venous Thromboembolism in Brain Tumor Patients: A Review of Literature

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a relatively common and well-described condition, affecting approximately 1-2% of the general population. VTE can lead to significant morbidity and death via pulmonary embolism (PE). During the post-operative period, VTE occurs at higher rates due to natural thrombotic responses to injury and limited post-operative mobility. In general, rates of post-operative VTE are higher in patients undergoing operations for cranial and spinal lesions than for lesions of other types, a phenomenon that is not fully explained. Several studies have demonstrated that other risk factors for VTE include age, sex, ethnicity, hospital stay length, and coagulation state. Aggressive chemical and mechanical measures for VTE prophylaxis are indicated in the postoperative period to prevent the formation of VTE. Here we review the literature on VTE in brain tumor patients, with a focus on their etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis.
Is the density-fertility relation a statistical artifact?: A reply to eric Jensen

ConclusionIs the density-fertility relation a statistical artifact? The answer, I conclude, is no. Like all empirical findings, the observed coefficients might misstate the true effects, so the density coefficient could be “wrong. ” Moreover, the density coefficient does not identify the mechanism(s)—inheritance, child labor value, or migration—through which density affects fertility. But the density coefficient is not artifactual. Jensen’s claims are specious. His principal claim, that the use of ratio variables with common components creates bias, is based on a statistical myth. Two other claims, that pooling the village data creates a spurious correlation between density and the CBR and that the density coefficient has been inflated by simultaneity bias are shown to be false. His final claim, that omitted-variable bias must inflate the density coefficient, is also wrong. I see no reason, then, to modify the conclusions of the Punjab study.
Secreted Effector Proteins of Salmonella dublin Act in Concert To Induce Enteritis

ABSTRACT The ability of enteropathogenic salmonellae to recruit inflammatory cells and induce secretory responses in the infected ileum is considered to be a main feature in Salmonella-induced enteritis. Interactions between the pathogen and intestinal epithelial cells result in a variety of cellular responses mediating inflammation and fluid secretion. It is becoming apparent that proteins secreted by the Inv-Spa type III secretion system of Salmonella spp. play a key role in the induction of these responses. We have recently demonstrated that the SopB effector protein is translocated into eukaryotic cells via a Sip-dependent pathway and mediates inflammation and fluid secretion in infected ileal mucosa. However, SopB did not appear to be the only effector involved, as inactivation of thesopB gene only partially impaired enteropathogenicity. We suggested that at least some of such protein effectors are likely to be proteins of the same class as SopB, i.e., secreted effector proteins translocated into eukaroyotic cells via a Sip-dependent pathway. In this work, we identify SopD, another secreted protein belonging to the family of Sop effectors of Salmonella dublin. Using thecya reporter system we showed that SopD is translocated into eukaroyotic cells. We assessed the potential involvement of SopD in enteropathogenicity and found that inactivation of sopDhas an additive effect in relation to the sopB mutation.
Effect of gastric pH on urease-dependent colonization of gnotobiotic piglets by Helicobacter pylori

Thirty-seven gnotobiotic piglets from seven litters were infected with either Helicobacter pylori N6 or urease-negative H. pylori N6ureG::Km which contains an insertion in the ureG gene and produces inactive urease. To produce achlorhydria, piglets were treated throughout the experiment with omeprazole (5 mg intravenously every 12 h) and ranitidine (75 mg orally every 6 h). Treatment resulted in elevation of gastric pH to 7.0 +/- 1.1 throughout the experiment. Control piglets were not treated and remained normochlorhydric. Strain N6 colonized well in both normal and achlorhydric piglets. All 10 piglets were colonized, and colonization ranged from 4.4 +/- 1.5 log10 CFU/g of gastric mucosa in normochlorhydric piglets sacrificed after 2 days to 6.9 +/- 0.5 log10 CFU/g in normochlorhydric piglets sacrificed after 5 days. Strain N6ureG::Km did not colonize any of seven normochlorhydric piglets and was recovered only in low numbers (< 100 CFU/g) from four of nine achlorhydric piglets. In the second experiment, piglets were coinoculated with both strains N6 and N6ureG::Km. Coinoculation did not affect colonization by urease-positive N6. Urease-deficient N6ureG::Km was unable to colonize even in the presence of urease-positive bacteria. These results confirm that urease enzymatic activity (and not urease protein) is essential for colonization, that this effect is independent of diffusible products of urea metabolism, and that gastric pH protection is not a major role of urease in promoting colonization by H. pylori.
The effects of Taiwan's state-industrial arrangements on international competitiveness : the case of notebook-sized computer and high-definition television industry

This thesis aims at testing Hart's theoretical model -- the effects of state- societal arrangements on international competitiveness, by applying it to Taiwan's situation in the 1990s through two empirical studies, namely, the public-private collaboration in the innovation process of NPC and HDTV industries. It is argued that the authoritarian explanation of the developmental state does not accord with the transitions that have had happened in Taiwan in the relation between the state and industry concerning the issues of promoting technology development in the emerging industries. More international and technological considerations need to be incorporated into the developmentalist analysis. Moreover, the state alone is inefficient in moving industrial development without active participation from the industrial sector. Under circumstances of fierce international competition, rapid technological changes, and heavy physical and human investment for innovation, an innovative arrangement is called for in which the state actors and industry can cooperate and associate. The research findings suggest that a new type of institutional arrangement has emerged in the innovation process through collaboration between the public and private sector in both NPC and HDTV industries which has had a substantial impact on international competitiveness. Jhe NPC Alliance demonstrates an initial case of coupling the public sector research institute with the industrial sector in terms of R&D for a new industrial product, while HDTV consortia-complexes modelling the NPC example shows an extensive adaptation to bring this kind of institutional advantage for the revitalisation of declining consumer electronics industries. It arrives at the conclusion that Taiwan’s state-industrial arrangement in the 1990 characterised as the institutionalised strategic partnership (ISP), a reciprocal institution based on industrial policy-driven cooperation with prudent definition by the state. ISP, a new form of industrial governance, combines state-defined policy and an implementation network of state-industrial cooperation which differs from the conception of onesided interventionist governance and purely free market solutions. The theoretical application of Hart's model to Taiwan's current situation is appropriate. Taiwan fits into his model in the position of the state-business coalition side which is assumed to be a more competitive arrangement than in the position of the state vertex. State-Societal arrangements have been an endogenous and institutional factor which forms a necessary part of the explanation and understanding of the promotion of international competitiveness. Institutional arrangements should be evolved to cope with changes in order to create institutional advantages rather than be subject to environmental constraints.
Catheterization laboratory activations and time intervals for patients with pre-hospital ECGs

Abstract Objective. The use of pre-hospital ECGs (PH-ECG) reduces time to reperfusion for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The feasibility of reperfusion therapy within 60 minutes for hospitals with 24/7 PCI capability has been questioned, and current guidelines have set time targets to 90 minutes. Our primary objective was to investigate the proportion of false-positive catheterization laboratory activations by PH-ECG. Our secondary objective was to describe the time intervals from first medical contact to reperfusion and to establish the proportion of patients receiving reperfusion within 60 minutes. Design. A retrospective cohort study among 4298 patients for whom a PH-ECG was transmitted to the investigating hospital, mainly due to chest pain, during 2013 were included. Results. Among patients with PH-ECGs, 139 (3.2%) patients had a STEMI. There were 115 pre-hospital catheterization laboratory activations among which 16% (95% confidence interval 10–23) were false-positive for STEMI. The median total time from emergency call to arterial puncture was 76 minutes. The target of PCI within 60 minutes was met in 83% of the cases. The time from EMS arrival to PH-ECG was 20 minutes for female patients and 13 minutes for male patients (p < .001), and only 16% had a PH-ECG within 10 minutes from Emergency Medical Service arrival. Conclusion. The rate of false-positive catheterization laboratory activations based on pre-hospital ECGs was low and the target of PCI within 60 minutes is achievable for a majority of patients. Efforts should be made to reduce the time from ambulance arrival to PH-ECG transmission, especially for female patients.
nilR is necessary for co‐ordinate repression of Xenorhabdus nematophila mutualism genes

The bacterial mutualist Xenorhabdus nematophila colonizes a specific region of its nematode host Steinernema carpocapsae. We previously reported the identification of a chromosomal locus encoding three X. nematophila genes of unknown function, nilA, B and C, that are each necessary for colonization. Subsequent work indicated the global regulator Lrp is a repressor of nilC: nilC transcription is elevated in an lrp mutant and Lrp interacts directly with the nilC promoter. In this manuscript, we report the identification of an additional gene, nilR, required for repression of nilC transcription. We show that nilR and lrp mutants also have elevated expression of nilA and nilB, demonstrating that nilA, B and C are co‐ordinately regulated. nil gene expression is derepressed most strongly when both nilR and lrp are lacking, suggesting NilR and Lrp synergistically repress nil transcription. NilR contains a helix–turn–helix‐type DNA binding domain and likely acts directly at promoters. A comparison of the wild type and nilR proteomes indicates that NilR, unlike Lrp, regulates a small number of genes. Finally, X. nematophila carrying an ectopic copy of nilR colonizes at ∼60‐fold lower levels than the control strain, suggesting that derepression of nil gene expression is necessary for nematode colonization.
Suppression of cytokines in mice by protein A-V antigen fusion peptide and restoration of synthesis by active immunization

It is established that an approximately 70-kb Lcr plasmid enables Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of bubonic plague, to multiply in focal necrotic lesions within visceral organs of mice by preventing net synthesis of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), thereby minimizing inflammation (Lcr+). Rabbit antiserum raised against cloned staphylococcal protein A-V antigen fusion peptide (PAV) is known to passively immunize mice against 10 minimum lethal doses of intravenously injected Lcr+ cells of Y. pestis. In this study, injected PAV suppressed TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma in mice challenged with avirulent V antigen-deficient Y. pestis (lcrV or Lcr-) and promoted survival in vivo of these isolates as well as salmonellae and Listeria monocytogenes (with which the outcome was lethal). Active immunization of mice with PAV protected against 1,000 minimum lethal doses of intravenously injected Lcr+ cells of Y. pestis and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis but not Yersinia enterocolitica. The progressive necrosis provoked by Lcr+ cells of Y. pestis in visceral organs of nonimmunized mice was replaced after active immunization with PAV by massive infiltration of neutrophils and mononuclear cells (which generated protective granulomas indistinguishable from those formed against avirulent Lcr- mutants in nonimmunized mice). Distinct multiple abscesses typical of Lcr+ cells of Y. pseudotuberculosis were prevented by similar immunization. Significant synthesis of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma occurred in spleens of mice actively immunized with PAV after challenge with Lcr+ cells of Y. pestis. These findings suggest that V antigen contributes to disease by suppressing the normal inflammatory response.
Spice Model for Transient Analysis of EEPROM Cells

An equivalent model for the EEPROAM cell, described on a SPICE circuit analyzer. is used for the transient analysis of erase(E)/write(W) characteristics with ramp waveform programming pulses. The results of the simulation are compared with the experiemental data obtained by an innovative method for measuring E/W curves. The validation of the model is made over different variations of the cell lay-out, different programming voltages and diffrernt rise times for the ramp of the programming pulse.
First-principles calculation of positron lifetimes and affinities in perfect and imperfect transition-metal carbides and nitrides.

First-principles electronic structure and positron-state calculations for transition-metal carbides and nitrides are performed. Perfect NaCl structures as well as structures with metal or carbon/mtrogen vacancies are considered. The positron affinities and lifetimes are determined. The trends are discussed and the results are compared with recent positron lifetime measurements for group-IV and -V refractory metal carbides. The present analysis suggests, contradictory to an earlier interpretation, that positrons are trapped and annihilated at both carbon and metal vacancies. The concentration of metal vacancies detected by positron annihilation methods is probably very low, below the sensitivity limit of other experimental methods.
Differential gene expression in rats following subacute exposure to the anticonvulsant sodium valproate.

Sodium valproate (VPA) is clinically employed as an anticonvulsant and, to a lesser extent, as a mood stabilizer. While the incidence of toxicity associated with the clinical use of valproate is low, serious hepatotoxicity makes up a significant percentage of these rare adverse effects, with fatalities occurring mainly in children receiving polypharmacy. Previous studies have highlighted the different pharmacological effects of acute valproate exposure, a combination of which are likely to underpin its observed broad-spectrum anticonvulsant efficacy. However, limited studies have been undertaken to investigate the subacute effects of this compound and how genomic effects may underlie the observed hepatotoxic effects. Investigation into the mild hepatoxicity observed in rats exposed to high doses of VPA may provide important information on the human situation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed with 500 mg/kg/day sodium valproate: after necropsy, mRNA was subjected to suppression PCR subtractive hybridization, identifying 8 up-regulated and 14 down-regulated mRNA species. The down-regulation of several mRNA species coding for enzymes involved in cellular energetics (e.g., succinate dehydrogenase, aldolase B) was of particular interest, as mitochondrial dysfunction is a key feature of valproate hepatotoxicity. In vitro studies were then undertaken to examine the dose and time dependence of these changes and also their effect on the overall energy levels within the cell. We demonstrate that, both in vivo and in vitro, valproate exposure in rats results in a significant decrease in pathways involved in cellular energy homeostasis. These changes may provide insight into the rare human hepatoxicity associated with this compound.
A high precision CMOS bandgap reference with second-order curvature-compensation

A high precision bandgap reference circuit with second-order curvature-compensation to improve the temperature coefficient in wider temperature range is presented in this paper. Simulation results with CSMC 0.6 mum 2P2M CMOS process model show that, the design features a reference voltage of 1.255 V at 25degC. The temperature coefficient is less than 5.29 ppm/degC at the range of -35-120 degC. With supply voltage variation of 2-5 V, the line-regulation ratio is 110 muV/V And PSRR is -81.54 dB. The active area of layout is 300 mum times 400 mum. Test results based on 20 samples show a good agreement with the simulation results.
Production of Novel Bioactive Yogurt Enriched with Olive Fruit Polyphenols

In the course of the present work, plain (non- encapsulated) and microencapsulated polyphenols were produced using olive mill wastewater (OMW) as raw material, in order to be used for enrichment of yogurt and dairy products. The OMW was first clarified by using membrane technology and subsequently the contained poly-phenols were isolated by adsorption-desorption technique using selective macro-porous resins and finally recovered in dry form after been processed by RO membrane technique followed by freeze drying. Moreover, the polyphenols were encapsulated in modified starch by freeze drying in order to mask the color and bitterness effect and improve their functionality. The two products were used successfully as additives in yogurt preparations and the produced products were acceptable by the consumers and presented with certain advantage to the plain yogurt. For the herein proposed production scheme a patent application was already submitted.