Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Significance of Serum Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein/β2-Glycoprotein I Complexes in Patients with Chronic Renal Diseases

Background: Peroxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plays an important role in the development of dyslipidemias associated with the progression of chronic renal disorders. We recently reported [J Lipid Res 2001;42:697, 2002;43:1486, 2003;44:716] that oxidized LDL (oxLDL) interacts with an endogenous plasma protein, β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI), via specific ligands. In the present study, the prevalence and clinical significance of oxLDL/β2GPI complexes were evaluated in patients with chronic renal disorders. Methods: Serum levels of oxLDL/β2GPI complexes were measured by ELISA in patients with chronic renal disease and their association with clinical manifestations was assessed. Results: The serum levels of oxLDL/β2GPI complexes were significantly higher in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), chronic nephritis (CN) and diabetes mellitus than those in healthy individuals. The presence of complexes in patients with CN was significantly associated with high dietary protein and sodium chloride intake, but not with lipid metabolic parameters. Malondialdehyde-modified LDL was significantly associated with total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in all patient groups, but did not correlate with renal function parameters. Conclusions: Serum oxLDL/β2GPI complexes, generated by oxidative stress and associated with high dietary protein and salt intake, might be a novel risk factor and a diagnostic marker for the development of chronic renal diseases, especially IgA nephropathy.
Social Support, Retirement Resources, and the Gendered Experiences of Aging for Tunisian Older Adults

ABSTRACT Cultural context plays an important role in the experience of aging. The country of Tunisia is of particular interest because limited studies on aging have been done in the past decade. The study examined data collected from Tunisian older adults in an attempt to gain additional information about their experience aging in this culture. The purpose of this study was to identify key information tied to social policy factors that have the potential to impact older adults living in Tunisia. From June to July 2017, semi-structured interviews were completed with 60 older adults covering topics about family history, daily activities, health and health satisfaction, retirement benefits and satisfaction, medical coverage, social support, service availability, feelings of growing older, as well as advice provided to younger adults. Findings include gender differences in retirement resources and benefits, sources of support, and older adults’ self-reported desires for the future. This work adds to the growing body of literature concerning differences in global aging and provides greater awareness of aging in the distinctive context of Tunisia. Additional work should seek to deepen the investigation of the various social policies that impact the Tunisian older adult.
Matrix metalloproteinases as target genes for gene regulatory networks driving molecular and cellular pathways related to a multistep pathogenesis of cerebrovascular disease

The present study investigated a joint contribution of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) genes to ischemic stroke (IS) development and analyzed interactions between MMP genes and genome‐wide associated loci for IS. A total of 1288 unrelated Russians (600 IS patients and 688 healthy individuals) from Central Russia were recruited for the study. Genotyping of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MMP genes (rs1799750, rs243865, rs3025058, rs11225395, rs17576, rs486055, and rs2276109) and eight genome‐wide associated loci for IS were done using Taq‐Man–based assays and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry iPLEX platform, respectively. Allele − 799T at rs11225395 of the MMP8 gene was significantly associated with a decreased risk of IS after adjustment for sex and age (OR = 0.82; 95%CI, 0.70‐0.96; P = 0.016). The model‐based multifactor dimensionality reduction method has revealed 21 two‐order, 124 three‐order, and 474 four‐order gene‐gene (G×G) interactions models meaningfully (Pperm < 0.05) associated with the IS risk. The bioinformatic analysis enabled establishing the studied MMP gene polymorphisms possess a clear regulatory potential and may be targeted by gene regulatory networks driving molecular and cellular pathways related to the pathogenesis of IS. In conclusion, the present study was the first to identify an association between polymorphism rs11225395 of the MMP8 gene and IS risk. The study findings also indicate that MMPs deserve special attention as a potential class of genes influencing the multistep mechanisms of cerebrovascular disease including atherosclerosis in cerebral arteries, acute cerebral artery occlusion as well as the ischemic injury of the brain and its recovery.
Support Platform for Learning about Multimodal Biometrics

Lately, there is an increasing interest in multimodal biometric systems. Faculty of organizational sciences and Ministry of Education and Science of Serbia have recognized importance of biometrics, and started an international project named "Multimodal biometry in identity management". As a part of our project, we have developed a support platform for learning about multimodal biometrics. Platform is used as part of biometric course in order to improve student’s learning experience and to increase their interest in biometrics. A research study was conducted to compare traditional learning method and learning method based on our support platform. Results of our research study speak in favour of using elBio support platform
Chiral Recognition Methods in Analytical Chemistry: Role of the Chiral Ionic Liquids

Abstract The increasing demand of the chiral compounds in drug and food industries has stimulated the considerable attention towards the chiral recognition and separation methods. For this, a number of chiral selectors have been employed for the recognition of enantiomers. In this context, chiral ionic liquids (CILs) have appeared as cheap and lucrative chiral selectors. The present report enlightens the role of CILs in chiral recognition of the enantiomers using various analytical techniques such as NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy, liquid and gas chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. Due to plethora of reports published in this direction, we have tried to limit our discussion about the literature published in the last decade only.
Methanol-Extract/Fractions of Dacryodes edulis Leaves Ameliorate Hyperglycemia and Associated Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

The present study evaluated the antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of the methanolic extract/solvent fractions of the leaves of Dacryodes edulis using a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Albino Wistar rat model. The fasting blood glucose/insulin levels and inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were determined. Antioxidant activity was assessed in vitro by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl, superoxide scavenging, reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity assays and in vivo by monitoring catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The aqueous-methanol fraction exhibited the highest and significant (P < .05) reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG; 54.03%) with a concomitant inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. The ethyl acetate fraction also exhibited a significant (P < .05) reduction in FBG and an increase in insulin levels in the treated diabetic Wistar rats. A significantly (P < .05) higher reducing power and radical scavenging activity was observed in the aqueous-methanol and ethyl acetate fractions. The aqueous-methanol and ethyl acetate fractions also significantly (P < .05) reversed the alterations in oxidative stress markers (GSH, MDA, CAT, and SOD) observed in the diabetic control group. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the methanol extract of Dacryodes edulis ameliorates hyperglycemia and the associated oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rats. These observed activities are largely due to the compounds that partitions into the aqueous-methanol (55:45) solvent fraction. This provides scientific evidence for the use of this plant extract in folk medicine and also a baseline data for its further characterization. Further work should be carried out to characterize the aqueous-methanol solvent fractions for the active compounds.
Deciphering nasopharyngeal carcinoma pathogenesis via proteomics

ABSTRACT Introduction: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinct head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in its etiological association of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection, hidden anatomical location, remarkable racial and geographical distribution, and high incidence of locoregional recurrence or metastasis. Thanks to the advancements in proteomics in recent decades, more understanding of the disease etiology, carcinogenesis, and progression has been gained, potentially deciphering the molecular characteristics of the malignancy. Areas covered: In this review, we provide an overview of the proteomic aberrations that are likely involved or drive NPC development and progression, focusing on the contributions of major EBV-encoded factors, intercommunication with environment, protein features of high metastasis and therapy resistance, and protein–protein interactions that allow NPC cells to evade immune recognition and elimination. Finally, multistep carcinogenesis and subtypes of NPC from a proteomic perspective are inquired. Expert commentary: Proteomic studies have covered various aspects involved in NPC pathogenesis, yet much remains to be uncovered. Coherent study designs, optimal conditions for obtaining high-quality data, and compelling interpretation are critical in ensuring the emergence of good science out of NPC proteomics. NPC proteogenomics and proteoform analysis are two promising fields to promote the application of the proteomic findings from bench to bedside.
Cognitive effects of brief and ultrabrief pulse bitemporal electroconvulsive therapy: a randomised controlled proof-of-concept trial

Abstract Background Reduction of the pulse width has been reported to improve ECT outcomes with unilateral ECT (similar efficacy, fewer cognitive side effects), but has been minimally studied for bitemporal ECT. The only study comparing brief and ultrabrief pulse bitemporal ECT found reduced efficacy for bitemporal ultrabrief compared to bitemporal brief pulse stimulation. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to test if ultrabrief pulse bitemporal ECT results in fewer cognitive side effects than brief pulse bitemporal ECT, when given at doses adjusted with the aim of achieving comparable efficacy. Methods Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to receive ultrabrief (at 3 times seizure threshold) or brief (at 1.5 times seizure threshold) pulse bitemporal ECT given 3 times a week in a double-blind, controlled proof-of-concept trial. Blinded raters assessed mood and cognitive functioning over the ECT course. Results Efficacy and cognitive outcomes did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups over the ECT course. The ultrabrief pulse group performed better on a test of visual memory assessed acutely after an ECT treatment. Conclusions This study suggests there may be a small cognitive advantage in giving bitemporal ECT with an ultrabrief pulse when dosage is increased to match the efficacy of brief pulse bitemporal ECT, but the study was underpowered to fully examine this issue. Clinical Trials Registration: www.clinicaltrials. gov, NCT00870805.
Construction and evaluation of SAK-HV protein oral dosage form based on chitosan quaternary ammonium salt-PLGA microsphere

Abstract The aim of this study was to realize the oral delivery of SAK-HV protein and improve its oral bioavailability based on chitosan quaternary ammonium salt-PLGA microsphere. The results showed that the SAK-HV-loaded microsphere can overcome the multiple obstacles for oral adsorption and adhere effectively to the jejunal segment of a rat. The pharmacokinetic analysis of the oral drug-loaded microspheres in rats showed that the blood drug concentration of SAK-HV reached the peak value at 4 h after oral administration, and the relative oral bioavailability of SAK-HV was 3.4%. Additionally, after oral administration to the mice, a higher level of antibody against SAK-HV was produced on day 21 compared with that in the control and injection groups, and the antibody titre was 7.2 times that of the tail vein group. This work suggests that the microsphere of the chitosan quaternary ammonium salt-PLGA may be a promising drug delivery system for the oral administration of SAK-HV protein.
Emotion regulation choice: a broad examination of external factors

ABSTRACT Emotion regulation choices are known to be profoundly consequential across affective, cognitive, and social domains. Prior studies have identified two important external factors of emotion regulation choice: stimulus intensity and reappraisal affordances. However, whether there are other external factors of emotion regulation choice and how these factors contribute to emotion regulation choice when considered simultaneously is not yet clear. The current studies addressed these gaps by examining the relations between emotion regulation choice (distraction vs. reappraisal) and self-reported stimulus intensity, reappraisal affordances, and several other factors including discrete emotions and distraction affordances. Across three studies using different databases of standardised images to enhance generalizability, our results showed that in the context of our experiments, reappraisal affordances were strongly associated with emotion regulation choice (greater reappraisal affordances predicted higher use of reappraisal). Further, stimulus intensity was independently associated with emotion regulation choice in each study. Our results also demonstrated that the discrete emotion of disgust (but not other discrete emotions) is a previously unidentified external factor of emotion regulation choice. We discuss the implications of the current findings.
Face Detection & Recognition based on Fusion of Omnidirectional & PTZ Vision Sensors and Heteregenous Database

Large ﬁeld of view with high resolution has always been sought-after for Mobile Robotic Authentication. So the Vision System proposed here is composed of a catadioptric sensor for full range monitoring and a Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) camera together forming an innovative sensor, able to detect and track any moving objects at a higher zoom level. In our application, the catadioptric sensor is calibrated and used to detect and track Regions Of Iinterest (ROIs) within its 360 degree Field Of View (FOV), especially face regions. Using a joint calibration strategy, the PTZ camera parameters are automatically adjusted by the system in order to detect and track the face ROI within a higher resolution and project the same in faces-pace for recognition via Eigenface algorithm. Face recognition is one important task in Nomad Biometric Authentication (NOBA 1 ) project. However, as many other face databases, it will easily produce the Small Sample Size (SSS) problem in some applications with NOBA data. Thus this journal uses the compressed sensing (CS) algorithm to solve the SSS problem in NOBA face database. Some experiments can prove the feasibility and validity of this solution. The whole development has been partially validated by application to the Face recognition using our own database NOBA.
Investigation on a scroll expander for waste heat recovery on internal combustion engines

In the present article, a model of scroll expander will be introduced. This model is able to evaluate the performance of a given machine with influence of the geometry. Several losses are also included by the model such as internal leakages, heat transfers or mechanical losses. The forces generated by the gas pressure on the involutes can also be calculated.
On generalization of the Hosoya-Wiener polynomial

It is shown that some of the well-known relations of the Hosoya-Wiener polynomial to the Wiener number and the hyper-Wiener index generalize naturally to weighted graphs. Weighted graphs can be used in chemical graph theory to model molecules with heteroatoms. While vertex weighted graphs have been considered frequently [5, 2, 14, 11, 9], the edge weighted case seems to be less studied [16]. A weighted graph G = (V,E,w, λ) is a combinatorial object consisting of an arbitrary set V = V (G) of vertices, a set E = E(G) of unordered pairs {x, y} = xy of distinct vertices of G called edges, and two weighting functions, w and λ. w : V (G) 7→ IR assigns positive real numbers (weights) to vertices and λ : E(G) 7→ IR assigns positive real numbers (lengths) to edges. A simple path from u to v is a finite sequence of distinct vertices P = x0, x1, . , x` such that each pair xi−1, xi is connected by an edge and x0 = u and x` = v. The length of the path is the sum of the lengths of its edges, l(P ) = ∑` i=1 λ(xi−1xi). For any pair of vertices u, v we define the distance d(u, v) to be the minimum of lengths over all paths between u and v. If there is no such path, we write d(u, v) = ∞. The Hosoya-Wiener polynomial of a graph G is defined as H(λ; x) = H(G, λ; x) = ∑
All-sky component separation for the Planck mission

A harmonic-space maximum-entropy method (MEM) is presented for separating the emission from different physical components in all-sky observations by the forthcoming Planck satellite. The analysis is performed at full Planck resolution, with a pixel size of 1.7 arcmin, which corresponds tomax ≈ 6000. The simulated Planck data include emission from the cosmic microwave background (CMB), the kinetic and thermal Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effects from galaxy clusters, as well as Galactic dust, free-free and synchrotron emission. Our simulations also assume homogeneous, uncorrelated pixel noise, although this is not a requirement of the method. We find that the MEM technique produces faithful reconstructions of the main input components over the whole sky, without the need to perform a Galactic cut. The CMB power spectrum is accurately recovered up to � ≈ 2000. The algorithm is parallelized so that the entire reconstruction can be performed in ∼6 h using 30 R10000 processors on an SGI Origin 2000 supercomputer and requires 14 Gb of RAM.
Drug screening in Drosophila; why, when, and when not?

The best global seller among oncology drugs in 2018 is lenalidomide, an analog of thalidomide. It took 53 years and a circuitous route from the discovery of thalidomide to approval of an analog for use in treatment of cancer. We understand now a lot more about the genetic and molecular basis of diseases than we did in 1953 when thalidomide was discovered. We have also no shortage of chemical libraries with hundreds of thousands of compounds, both synthetic and natural. What we need are better ways to search among these rich resources for compounds with the potential to do what we want them to do. This review summarizes examples from the literature that make Drosophila melanogaster a good model to screen for drugs, and discusses knowledge gaps and technical challenges that make Drosophila models not as widely used as they could or should be.
Third Chromosome Balancer Inversions Disrupt Protein-Coding Genes and Influence Distal Recombination Events in Drosophila melanogaster

Balancer chromosomes are multiply inverted chromosomes that suppress meiotic crossing over and prevent the recovery of crossover products. Balancers are commonly used in Drosophila melanogaster to maintain deleterious alleles and in stock construction. They exist for all three major chromosomes, yet the molecular location of the breakpoints and the exact nature of many of the mutations carried by the second and third chromosome balancers has not been available. Here, we precisely locate eight of 10 of the breakpoints on the third chromosome balancer TM3, six of eight on TM6, and nine of 11 breakpoints on TM6B. We find that one of the inversion breakpoints on TM3 bisects the highly conserved tumor suppressor gene p53—a finding that may have important consequences for a wide range of studies in Drosophila. We also identify evidence of single and double crossovers between several TM3 and TM6B balancers and their normal-sequence homologs that have created genetic diversity among these chromosomes. Overall, this work demonstrates the practical importance of precisely identifying the position of inversion breakpoints of balancer chromosomes and characterizing the mutant alleles carried by them.
Stochastic models in seed dispersals: random walks and birth–death processes

ABSTRACT Seed dispersals deal with complex systems through which the data collected using advanced seed tracking facilities pose challenges to conventional approaches, such as empirical and deterministic models. The use of stochastic models in current seed dispersal studies is encouraged. This review describes three existing stochastic models: the birth–death process (BDP), a 2 dimensional () symmetric random walks and a intermittent walks. The three models possess Markovian property, which make them flexible for studying natural phenomena. Only a few of applications in ecology are found in seed dispersals. The review illustrates how the models are to be used in seed dispersals context. Using the nonlinear BDP, we formulate the individual-based models for two competing plant species while the cover time model is formulated by the symmetric and intermittent random walks. We also show that these three stochastic models can be formulated using the Gillespie algorithm. The full cover time obtained by the symmetric random walks can approximate the Gumbel distribution pattern as the other searching strategies do. We suggest that the applications of these models in seed dispersals may lead to understanding of many complex systems, such as the seed removal experiments and behaviour of foraging agents, among others.
A software package for next-gen bisulfite sequencing data analysis

Bisulfite sequencing (BS-seq) is one of the most important sequencing protocols for genome-wide DNA methylation studies. However, it causes significant challenges in computation because it converts unmethylated cytosines to thymines. This paper presents a software package to address those challenges and to provide various kinds of analysis modules, from mapping to comparing multiple samples.