Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alternative NF‐κB Regulates RANKL‐Induced Osteoclast Differentiation and Mitochondrial Biogenesis via Independent Mechanisms

Mitochondrial biogenesis, the generation of new mitochondrial DNA and proteins, has been linked to osteoclast (OC) differentiation and function. In this study we used mice with mutations in key alternative NF‐κB pathway proteins, RelB and NF‐κB–inducing kinase (NIK), to dissect the complex relationship between mitochondrial biogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. In OC precursors lacking either NIK or RelB, receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) was unable to increase mitochondrial DNA or oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) protein expression, which was associated with lower oxygen consumption rates. Transgenic OC precursors expressing constitutively active NIK showed normal RANKL‐induced mitochondrial biogenesis (OxPhos expression and mitochondria copy number) compared to controls, but larger mitochondrial dimensions and increased oxygen consumption rates, suggesting increased mitochondrial function. To deduce the mechanism for mitochondrial biogenesis defects in NIK‐deficient and RelB‐deficient precursors, we examined expression of genes known to control this process. PGC‐1β (Ppargc1b) expression, but not PGC‐1α, PPRC1, or ERRα, was significantly reduced in RelB–/– and NIK–/– OCs. Because PGC‐1β has been reported to positively regulate both mitochondrial biogenesis and differentiation in OCs, we retrovirally overexpressed PGC‐1β in RelB–/– cells, but surprisingly found that it did not affect differentiation, nor did it restore RANKL‐induced mitochondrial biogenesis. To determine whether the blockade in osteoclastogenesis in RelB‐deficient cells precludes mitochondrial biogenesis, we rescued RelB–/– differentiation via overexpression of NFATc1. Mitochondrial parameters in neither WT nor RelB‐deficient cultures were affected by NFATc1 overexpression, and bone resorption in RelB–/– was not restored. Furthermore, NFATc1 co‐overexpression with PGC‐1β, although allowing OC differentiation, did not rescue mitochondrial biogenesis or bone resorption in RelB–/– OCs, by CTX‐I levels. Thus, our results indicate that the alternative NF‐κB pathway plays dual, but distinct, roles in controlling the independent processes of OC differentiation and OC mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, the inability of PGC‐1β to drive mitochondrial biogenesis in OCs without RelB indicates a cell‐type specificity in mitochondria regulation. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Why Conservation Needs Dissent

M. NILS PETERSON,∗ MARKUS J. PETERSON,† AND TARLA RAI PETERSON‡ ∗Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Michigan State University, 13 Natural Resources Building, East Lansing, MI 48824-1222, U.S.A. , email peter529@msu.edu †Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2258, U.S.A. ‡Department of Communication, Program in Peace & Conflict Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0491, U.S.A.
A novel biofilm channel for evaluating the adhesion of diatoms to non-biocidal coatings

Laboratory assessment of the adhesion of diatoms to non-toxic fouling-release coatings has tended to focus on single cells rather than the more complex state of a biofilm. A novel culture system based on open channel flow with adjustable bed shear stress values (0–2.4 Pa) has been used to produce biofilms of Navicula incerta. Biofilm development on glass and polydimethylsiloxane elastomer (PDMSe) showed a biphasic relationship with bed shear stress, which was characterised by regions of biofilm stability and instability reflecting cohesion between cells relative to the adhesion to the substratum. On glass, a critical shear stress of 1.3–1.4 Pa prevented biofilm development, whereas on PDMS, biofilms continued to grow at 2.4 Pa. Studies of diatom biofilms cultured on zwitterionic coatings using a bed shear stress of 0.54 Pa showed lower biomass production and adhesion strength on poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) compared to poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate). The dynamic biofilm approach provides additional information to supplement short duration laboratory evaluations.
Modeling Long-Term HIV Dynamics and Antiretroviral Response: Effects of Drug Potency, Pharmacokinetics, Adherence, and Drug Resistance

We propose a long-term HIV-1 dynamic model by considering drug potency, drug exposure, and drug susceptibility. Using a Bayesian approach, HIV-1 dynamic parameters were estimated by fitting the model to viral load data from a phase 1/2 randomized clinical study of 2 indinavir (IDV)/ritonavir (RTV)-containing highly active antiretroviral (ARV) therapy regimens in HIV-infected subjects who had previously failed protease inhibitor-containing ARV therapies. A large between-subject variation in estimated viral dynamic parameters was observed, even after accounting for variations in drug exposure and drug susceptibility, suggesting that characteristics of HIV-1 dynamics are host dependent. Significant correlations of baseline factors such as HIV-1 RNA levels and CD4+ cell counts with viral dynamic parameters were found. These correlations coincide with biologic interaction mechanisms between HIV and the host immune system and also provide an explanation for the correlations between the baseline viral load and phase 1 viral decay rate, for which inconsistent results have been reported in the literature. The relations between viral dynamic parameters and virologic response were established, and these results suggest that viral dynamic parameters may play an important role in determining treatment success or failure. In particular, we estimated a drug efficacy threshold for each patient that can be used to assess whether an ARV regimen is potent enough to suppress HIV viruses in the individual patient. Our findings indicate that it is necessary to individualize the ARV regimen to treat HIV-1-infected patients. The proposed mathematic models and statistical techniques may provide a framework to simulate and predict antiviral response for individual patients.
Spread of Situation Awareness in a Group : Comparison of Population-based vs . Agent-based Models

This paper compares population-based and agent-based modelling approaches for the dynamics of group Situation Awareness. These two models were applied to a case study in aviation. Numerous relevant simulations of the models were performed in order to investigate whether the behaviour of the population-based model can approximate the pattern produced by the agent-based model. It was demonstrated that, especially for large populations, the agent-based approach might be substituted by a population-based approach, since both models demonstrate a similar pattern.
The clinical management of hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide: A concise review and comparison of current guidelines from 2001 to 2017.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In this review, we made a review on current guidelines published from January 2001 to June 2017 worldwide with a focus on the clinical management of HCC. The electronic databases MEDLINE, the Chinese SinoMed, and the Japanese CiNii were systematically searched. A total of 18 characteristic guidelines for HCC management were finally included, including 8 guidelines from Asia, 5 from Europe, and 5 from the United States of America (USA). If guidelines were published in multiple versions, the most recent update was included, and surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment were compared. The composition of and recommendations in current guidelines on HCC varied, so these guidelines were regrouped and diagnostic and treatment algorithms were summarized graphically to provide the latest information to clinicians. The diagnostic criteria were grouped into 2 categories of a "Size-based pathway" and a "Non-size-based pathway. " The treatment criteria were divided into 4 categories: i) Criteria based on the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system; ii) Criteria based on the modified Union of International Cancer Control staging system; iii) Criteria based on the Child-Pugh class of liver function; and iv) Criteria based on tumor resectability. Findings from comparison of current guidelines might help target and concentrate efforts to improve the clinical management of HCC. However, further studies are needed to improve the management and outcomes of HCC. More straightforward or refined guidelines would help guide doctors to make better decisions in the treatment of HCC in the future.
Interorganizational Relationships in the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Spark Together for Healthy Kids™

The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Spark Together for Healthy Kids™ (Spark) is a multiyear initiative in Ontario, Canada, that takes a population approach to obesity prevention. It focuses on creating healthy environments by improving access to healthy foods and physical activity, with an emphasis on strengthening the advocacy capacity of organizations and citizens. Consistent with the complexity of the intervention, the evaluation of Spark applied systems concepts and methods to test the utility of network analysis as a method for evaluation, and to inform collaborations of organizations involved in programs and advocacy. Relationships among organizations from different sectors and jurisdictional levels with a focus on school community environments were of particular interest. Interorganizational network analysis was used to understand these relationships, including the role of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Findings revealed a niche brokering role for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and other provincial and national organizations, and the importance of these brokers for engaging local and regional organizations. Findings also reinforced the importance of a mixed methods approach to network analysis, and the potential value of the analysis for scientific and practical purposes.
The Role of Morphology of the Thumb in Anthropomorphic Grasping: A Review

The unique musculoskeletal structure of the human hand brings in wider dexterous capabilities to grasp and manipulate a repertoire of objects than the non-human primates. It has been widely accepted that the orientation and the position of the thumb plays an important role in this characteristic behavior. There have been numerous attempts to develop anthropomorphic robotic hands with varying levels of success. Nevertheless, manipulation ability in those hands is to be ameliorated even though they can grasp objects successfully. An appropriate model of the thumb is important to manipulate the objects against the fingers and to maintain the stability. Modeling these complex interactions about the mechanical axes of the joints and how to incorporate these joints in robotic thumbs is a challenging task. This paper presents a review of the biomechanics of the human thumb and the robotic thumb designs to identify opportunities for future anthropomorphic robotic hands.
Volume of Pituitary Macroadenomas: Assessment by MRI

A phantom study was performed to assess the accuracy of MRI in volume determination of pituitary macroadenomas, using the summation of areas technique. Five phantoms, 3–4 cm in diameter, simulating pituitary macroadenomas of various shapes, were evaluated. The volume could adequately and reproducibly be determined, regardless of minor rotational variations of the phantom position. Using a three-dimensional SE sequence with 2.5 mm slices, the error was independent of the shape of the phantom and did not differ significantly from zero (<5%); this sequence was found to be the best of those tested. The coefficient of variation between examinations with different tilts was 2%. In a clinical part, the volume of pituitary macroadenomas was determined with the same technique on coronal two-dimensional 5 mm images and was used as a “gold standard” to which the largest transverse, sagittal, vertical, and oblique diameters, a central tumor area, and the product of the three orthogonal diameters were correlated. In interpatient comparisons the largest diameter was found to be useful, but only as a rough measure of the tumor size. The formula 0.5 X width X length X height provided a fairly adequate estimation of the tumor volume, except in the largest tumors. In intrapatient comparisons during bromocriptine treatment, the height was found to be the best of the diameters, but the central tumor area or the product of the orthogonal diameters was preferable.
Colonization Sites of USA300 Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Residents of Extended Care Facilities

Background. The anterior nares are the most sensitive single site for detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization. Colonization patterns of USA300 MRSA colonization are unknown. Objectives. To assess whether residents of extended care facilities who are colonized with USA300 MRSA have different nares or skin colonization findings, compared with residents who are colonized with non-USA300 MRSA strains. Methods. The study population included residents of 5 extended care units in 3 separate facilities who had a recent history of MRSA colonization. Specimens were obtained weekly for surveillance cultures from the anterior nares, perineum, axilla, and skin breakdown (if present) for 3 weeks. MRSA isolates were categorized as USA300 MRSA or non-USA300 MRSA. Results. Of the 193 residents who tested positive for MRSA, 165 were colonized in the anterior nares, and 119 were colonized on their skin. Eighty-four percent of USA300 MRSA-colonized residents had anterior nares colonization, compared with 86% of residents colonized with non-USA300 MRSA (P = .80). Sixty-six percent of USA300 MRSA–colonized residents were colonized on the skin, compared with 59% of residents colonized with non-USA300 MRSA (P = .30). Conclusions. Colonization patterns of USA300 MRSA and non-USA300 MRSA are similar in residents of extended care facilities. Anterior nares cultures will detect most—but not all—people who are colonized with MRSA, regardless of whether it is USA300 or non-USA300 MRSA.
D-dimer may predict poor outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective study

Serum biomarkers may play a reliable role in predicting the outcomes of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. This study retrospectively analyzed the relationship between serum biomarkers on admission and outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. We recruited 146 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage who were treated in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University of China between 1 May 2014 and 30 March 2016. There were 57 males and 89 females included and average age of included patients was 57.03 years old. Serum samples were taken immediately on admission (within 48 hours after initial hemorrhage) and the levels of serum biomarkers were detected. Baseline information, complications, and outcomes at 6 months were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between biomarkers and clinical outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves were obtained to investigate the possibility of the biomarkers predicting prognosis. Of the 146 patients, 102 patients achieved good outcomes and 44 patients had poor outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that high World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade, high serum D-dimer levels, and high neurological complications were significantly associated with poor outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves verified that D-dimer levels were associated with poor outcomes. D-dimer levels strongly correlated with neurological complications. In conclusion, we suggest that D-dimer levels are a good independent prognostic factor for poor outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The effect of maternal flora on Candida colonisation in the neonate

Colonisation may be the first step for the development of Candida infection. The source of neonatal colonisation is thought to be the hospital environment or the maternal vaginal tract. This study investigated to what extend Candida isolates in neonates are similar to isolates from their mother's vaginal tract. Vaginal samples were collected from 347 pregnant women within 48 h before delivery. Samples from oral and rectal mucosa of their neonates were collected within 24–72 h after delivery, were cultured and yeast species were identified. Antifungal susceptibility tests against six antifungal agents were performed. All paired isolates from mother and infant were genotyped by pulse field gel electrophoresis. A total of 82 mothers and of 16 infants were found colonised by Candida spp. C. albicans was the most common species in pregnant women (n = 68) followed by C. glabrata (n = 11). Only C. albicans was isolated from infants, mainly (14/16) from rectal site. All colonised neonates were born to mothers colonised by C. albicans. Candida genotyping revealed identical strains in all investigated neonate–mother pairs. All isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B. Our findings strongly suggest that vertical transmission has the principal role in the neonatal colonisation by C. albicans in the very first days of life.
Commercial TiO2 P25 activation: Evaluation of efficacy in photodegration processes of different radiating sources

The paper describes the system, the procedure and the first results of a series of experiments of photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds (phenols and pyridines) carried out using commercial P-25 TiO2 as catalyst and commercial LEDs as light sources. A relevant amount of organic products (more than 50%) is converted to CO2 and aliphatic alcohols and carboxylic acids are formed as intermediates. Typically, in the case of phenols the degradation times are doubled (from 200 to 400 minutes) by comparing the processes performed using LEDs and conventional UV lamps. In the case of pyridines the times are comparable. These preliminary results are aimed to establish the lowest radiation power which can induce titania activation in order to design and optimize suitable cheap devices for pollutant degradation.
Studies on 3-Indoleacetic Acid Metabolism. II. Some Products of the Metabolism of Exogenous Indoleacetic Acid in Plant Tissues.

It has long been known that indoleacetic acid (IAA) is taken up by plants and translocated to various tissues, causing characteristic modifications in the pattern of growth. However the fate of IAA in vivo has received little attention. This is surprising in that IAA and its derivatives are virtually the only materials of known chemical constitution which both exhibit the formative effects of plant growth substances and occur naturally in plants. The fact that the concentrations of endogenous IAA are extremely low is no doubt in part responsible for the neglect of an important field of research. The authors of this paper have attempted to overcome the difficulty by supplying much larger amounts from an ambient solution. They are quite aware, however, that the reactions associated with relatively high concentrations of applied IAA may differ significantly from metabolic reactions as they occur in nature. Exogenous IAA participates in several biological reactions. Plants are known to contain IAA oxidizing enzymes and part of the IAA administered to plants presumably undergoes oxidative degradation to prodducts which are no longer growth active (8). Hemberg (3) has noted a rise in "bound auxin" in IAA treated corn kernels. Siegel and Galston (6) have reported that IAA administered to excised pea roots becomes attached to proteins. On the other hand we have recently found that IAA administered to pea stems is conjugated with aspartic acid (1). The present communication constitutes a report on the extention of our investigations to other plant species.
Elintapaohjauksen lähtökohtia korkeassa diabetesriskissä olevilla henkilöillä tyypin 2 diabeteksen ehkäisyn toimeenpanohankkeessa (D2D) : elintapaohjaus ennen D2D-hanketta, koettu ohjaustarve ja sovitut interventiomuodot

Salmela, Sanna M. Starting points for lifestyle counseling among individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes in a Finnish national diabetes prevention project (FIN-D2D): Lifestyle counseling before FIN-D2D, perceptions of a need for counseling, and agreed forms of intervention. Jyväskylä: University of Jyväskylä, 2012, 118 p. (Studies in Sport, Physical Education and Health ISSN 0356-1070; 185) ISBN 978-951-39-4905-1 (nid.) ISBN 978-951-39-4906-8 (PDF) English summary Diss. The study assessed the starting points for subsequent lifestyle counseling in a Finnish national diabetes prevention project (FIN-D2D, conducted during the years 2003–2008 in a primary care setting). Subjects were categorized according to their reporting of previous lifestyle counseling, their perception of a need for lifestyle counseling, and their form of agreement (or non-agreement) to subsequent lifestyle intervention. The forms of agreement were i) supervised intervention participants (those who agreed on group and/or individual intervention within public health care), ii) self-changers (those who agreed on a self-initiated lifestyle change), and iii) non-participants (persons who rejected any lifestyle intervention or perceived that no appropriate intervention method was available). The data (mainly cross-sectional) were obtained from 10,149 adults at high risk of type 2 diabetes, participating in FIN-D2D. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used. At baseline, 68% of the subjects reported that they had received previous counseling, while only 36% of men and 52% of women perceived the need for counseling. Despite these low figures, 81% of the individuals were categorized as participants in the subsequent intervention, while 8% were categorized as self-changers, and 12% as non-participants. Previous counseling neither increased nor decreased the perceived need for additional counseling. Men and nonmarried/non-cohabiting men and women appeared to form subgroups of likely nonparticipants. Obese women and men with central obesity were likely to be supervised intervention participants. In conclusion, the strong prevalence of previously received counseling should be seen as a resource for high-risk individuals and health professionals. However, the low prevalence of perceptions of a need for lifestyle counseling highlights the need to develop additional means to support lifestyle changes among high-risk individuals, especially among those subgroups that are likely to fall outside lifestyle counseling. In addition, the quality of lifestyle counseling and of the counseling system in health care should be developed to respond to individual needs. Many high-risk individuals may prefer self-change, but it seems that the possibilities of lifestyle change via self-change have been ignored in diabetes prevention studies.