Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of Work Situation With Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Risk Among Working-Age Japanese Men　- A 20-Year Follow-up of NIPPON DATA90.

BACKGROUND Several cohort studies have demonstrated an association between socioeconomic status (SES) and health outcomes in Japan. As long-term employment is common in Japan, the size of the company may be related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk. We examined the association of employment conditions with CVD mortality risk among working-age Japanese men (30-59 years, n=2,091). Methods and Results:We used 20-year follow-up data from NIPPON DATA90, for which baseline data were obtained from the 4th National Survey on Circulatory Disorders in 1990. Participants were classified into 4 groups: 3 strata for indefinite-term employees according to company size (large company/public office, moderate-sized, or small), and the self-employed/administrator group. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were adjusted for age, lifestyle, and CVD risk factors. Smokers were more common, habitual exercise was less common, and the average systolic blood pressure was higher among indefinite-term employees of small companies compared with employees at large companies/public offices. There was no significant difference in the total CVD mortality risk between indefinite-term employees and self-employed/administrator participants. The age-adjusted HR (95% confidence interval) for total CVD using indefinite-term employees of large companies/public office as a reference was 2.53 (1.12, 5.69) for employees of small companies. CONCLUSIONS Working as an indefinite-term employee at a small company in Japan was significantly associated with elevated risk of CVD mortality among Japanese men.
Biofabrication of Bacterial Constructs: New Three-Dimensional Biomaterials

An enormous number of bacteria live in almost every environment; from deep oceans to below the surface of the earth or in our gastrointestinal tract. Although biofabrication is growing and maturing very quickly, the involvement of bacteria in this process has not been developed at a similar pace. From the development of a new generation of biomaterials to green bioremediation for the removal of hazardous environmental pollutants or to develop innovative food products in a recent trend, researchers have used cutting-edge biofabrication techniques to reveal the great potential of 3D structured bacterial constructs. These 3D bacterial workhouses may fundamentally change our approach toward biomaterials.
High-Intensity Interval Training for Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention

Purpose The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee systematically searched existing literature reviews to assess the relationship between high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and reduction in cardiometabolic disease risk. Methods Duplicate independent screenings of 260 articles identified from PubMed®, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases yielded suitable data from one systematic review and two meta-analyses. Search terms included a combination of “high intensity” “physical activity/exercise” and “interval training” and outcome-specific terms. The quality of the included reviews was assessed using a tailored version of the AMSTARExBP report on quality. Exposure Subcommittee members graded scientific evidence strength based on a five-criteria rubric and assigned one of four grades: strong, moderate, limited, or not assignable. Results Moderate evidence indicates that HIIT can improve insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and body composition in adults with group mean ages ranging from ~20 to ~77 yr. These HIIT-induced improvements in cardiometabolic disease risk factors are comparable with those resulting from moderate-intensity continuous training, and they are more likely to occur in adults at higher risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes than in healthy adults. Moderate evidence also indicates that adults with overweight or obesity classification are more responsive than adults with normal weight to HIIT-related improvements in insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and body composition. Insufficient evidence was available to determine whether a dose–response relationship exists between the quantity of HIIT performed and several risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, or whether the effects of HIIT on cardiometabolic disease risk factors are influenced by age, sex, race/ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Conclusions HIIT by adults, especially those with overweight and obesity classification, can improve insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and body composition, comparable with those resulting from moderate-intensity continuous training.
Macroporous Polymer–Protein Hybrid Materials for Antibody Purification by Combination of Reactive Gelation and Click-Chemistry

Clickable core-shell nanoparticles based on poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene-co-vinylbenzylazide) have been synthesized via emulsion polymerization. The 38 nm sized particles have been swollen by divinyl benzene (DVB) and 2,2’-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) and subsequently processed under high shear rates in a Z-shaped microchannel giving macroporous microclusters (100 µm), through the reactive gelation process. The obtained clusters were post-functionalized by “click-chemistry” with propargyl-PEG-NHS-ester and propargylglicidyl ether, yielding epoxide or NHS-ester activated polymer supports for bioconjugation. Macroporous affinity materials for antibody capturing were produced by immobilizing recombinant Staphylococcus aureus protein A on the polymeric support. Coupling chemistry exploiting thiol-epoxide ring-opening reactions with cysteine-containing protein A revealed up to three times higher binding capacities compared to the protein without cysteine. Despite the lower binding capacities compared to commercial affinity phases, the produced polymer–protein hybrids can serve as stationary phases for immunoglobulin affinity chromatography as the materials revealed superior intra-particle mass transports.
Cofactor Tpr2 combines two TPR domains and a J domain to regulate the Hsp70/Hsp90 chaperone system

In the eukaryotic cytosol, Hsp70 and Hsp90 cooperate with various co‐chaperone proteins in the folding of a growing set of substrates, including the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Here, we analyse the function of the co‐chaperone Tpr2, which contains two chaperone‐binding TPR domains and a DnaJ homologous J domain. In vivo, an increase or decrease in Tpr2 expression reduces GR activation, suggesting that Tpr2 is required at a narrowly defined expression level. As shown in vitro, Tpr2 recognizes both Hsp70 and Hsp90 through its TPR domains, and its J domain stimulates ATP hydrolysis and polypeptide binding by Hsp70. Furthermore, unlike other co‐chaperones, Tpr2 induces ATP‐independent dissociation of Hsp90 but not of Hsp70 from chaperone–substrate complexes. Excess Tpr2 inhibits the Hsp90‐dependent folding of GR in cell lysates. We propose a novel mechanism in which Tpr2 mediates the retrograde transfer of substrates from Hsp90 onto Hsp70. At normal levels substoichiometric to Hsp90 and Hsp70, this activity optimizes the function of the multichaperone machinery.
LabVIEW based monitoring and rehabilitation module for freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Freezing of gait (FOG) is an episodic motor symptom that occurs in almost half of the patients having Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Levodopa and other dopaminergic drugs, although quite effective for tremors and bradykinesia (dyskinesia) are not so effective in case of postural instability and freezing of gait. This establishes a need for a non-pharmacological intervention. It has been well established in research that PD patients who experience FOG respond positively to sensory cueing. In this paper, a complete modular system has been developed that has both: (i) biofeedback in the form of vibrational cueing, synchronised with gait (hardware), as well as (ii) real-time monitoring, and graph generation for offline analysis (software). To realise this, a force sensor fitted shoe is constructed to analyse gait and provide vibrations in sync with phases of gait, for rehabilitation therapy. The assembly is monitored on LabVIEW, where (i) a 5-level force heat map and a 3D pressure map qualitatively shows the force experienced by force sensing resistors (FSR), (ii) an indicator for each vibrational motor shows its on/off state, and (iii) a live voltage vs. time graph (separate for each foot) is generated.
Youth Growing Up in Families Experiencing Parental Substance Use Disorders and Homelessness: A High-Risk Population.

Objectives: We sought to understand the stressors, the parent-child relationship and family processes, and experiences with services among families experiencing parental substance use disorders (SUDs) and homelessness. Methods: We conducted a total of 41 in-depth semistructured interviews with parents with a history of SUDs and homelessness (n = 16) and housing support staff (n = 25) from May 2017 until January 2018. Participants were recruited from transitional housing facilities across the Los Angeles metropolitan area, which served families experiencing homelessness and parental SUDs. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and themes coded with Dedoose. Results: We found a high burden of trauma and guilt among parents, and a fear of SUD disclosure. We found challenges with family processes important for SUD prevention, including communication, discussion of substance use, and family and youth goal setting. We also discovered unique stressors related to navigating housing and services within the community. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the need for a family-based SUD-preventive intervention for youth growing up in families with parental SUDs and experiencing homelessness, to address the heightened SUD risk. In addition, findings from our study can inform clinical and housing services for this important population.
Diversity, host association, and cocoon variability of reared Indian Microgastrinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

Nearly 3,500 specimens of microgastrine wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were reared during caterpillar surveys undertaken in 2010-2013 across India, covering 16 States and one Union Territory (Andaman & Nicobar islands), and deposited in the National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Insects, Bangalore, India. The caterpillar inventory recovered over two hundred morpho-species within 22 families of Lepidoptera and yielded 90+ morpho-species of microgastrine wasps distributed among 13 genera: Apanteles Förster, Buluka de Saeger, Cotesia Cameron, Diolcogaster Ashmead, Distatrix Mason, Dolichogenidea Viereck, Fornicia Brulle, Glyptapanteles Ashmead, Microgaster Latreille, Microplitis Förster, Neoclarkinella Rema & Narendran, Parapanteles Ashmead, and Protapanteles Ashmead. Records of hyperparasitoids are also included: Mokrzeckia menzeli Subba Rao (Pteromalidae), Pachyneuron groenlandicum (Holmgren) (Pteromalidae), Pediobius foveolatus (Crawford) (Eulophidae), Trichomalopsis thekkadiensis Sureshan & Narendran (Pteromalidae), Eurytoma sp. , and Pediobius sp. (Eurytomidae). The present study adds eight new host records and provides illustrations of 40 species of wasps (including types). A comprehensive list of microgastrine genera, host caterpillar species, host plants, cocoon colour, structure and spinning pattern, and hyperparasitoids is provided. Numerous photographs of parasitized caterpillars, cocoons (number/arrangement), associated host plants, and adult wasps are also provided. The Indian species Deuterixys ruidus (Wilkinson, 1928) is transferred to the genus Cotesia based on the shape and sculpture of the first and second mediotergites: Cotesia ruidus (Wilkinson) comb. nov. Microgaster carinicollis Cameron is transferred to Microplitis, based on examination of first and second mediotergites, length of metatibia spurs, and size of metaxocoxa: Microplitis carinicollis (Cameron) stat. rev.
One-step articular cartilage repair: combination of in situ bone marrow stem cells with cell-free poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffold in a rabbit model.

Focal full-thickness articular cartilage defects are challenging to repair. The purpose of this study was to find a simple, effective 1-step articular cartilage repair method. Because stem cell niches produce a microenvironment for stem cell self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation, we integrated in situ bone marrow stem cells with an implanted poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLLGA) scaffold. Marrow stem cells grew and proliferated on cell-free PLLGA scaffolds, which were evaluated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and Cell Counting Kit-8 (Dojindo, Kumamoto, Japan). Twenty-seven rabbits (54 knees) with large cylinder femoral trochlear cartilage defects were created and repaired with microfracture and cell-free PLLGA scaffold implantation (group 1), microfracture (group 2), or cell-free PLLGA scaffold implantation (group 3). Outcomes were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging, International Cartilage Repair Society scores, histology, and immunohistochemistry. The repair effects were better in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. In group 1, hyaline-like cartilage formed at week 24. Magnetic resonance imaging showed homogeneous signals as the adjacent normal cartilage. Collagen type II and toluidine blue were stained positively as normal cartilage tissue, and the color and thickness of regenerated tissue were similar to surrounding normal tissue. The combination of microfracture and cell-free PLLGA scaffold implantation used endogenous marrow stem cells in situ and promoted hyaline-like cartilage regeneration rapidly and effectively.
Three patients with probable aerotoxic syndrome

Abstract Introduction: “Aerotoxic syndrome” is a debated entity. Regulatory authorities consider long-term health effects to be an unlikely consequence of exposure to contaminated air because several air quality monitoring studies report low concentrations of toxic chemicals in cabin air. We describe two pilots and one flight attendant, who developed ill health during their flying career which improved after cessation of flying. Case details: The most frequently reported symptoms were headache, balance problems, fatigue, gastro-intestinal complaints and cognitive impairment. One of these patients had reduced levels of butyrylcholinesterase after a flight suggesting exposure to organophosphate compounds had occurred. All three were found to have elevated neuronal and glial auto-antibodies, biomarkers of central nervous system injury, and all three had genetic polymorphisms of paraoxonase (PON-1) and two of cytochrome P450, leading to a reduced ability to metabolize organophosphate compound (OPs). Discussion: A similar constellation of symptoms has been described in other studies of aircrew, although objective evidence of exposure is lacking in most of these studies. Reduced levels of butyrylcholinesterases in one of our cases is suggestive of causation and elevated neuronal and glial autoantibodies provide objective evidence of damage to the central nervous system. We consider further research is warranted.
Electrophysiological properties of rat CA1 pyramidal neurones in vitro modified by changes in extracellular bicarbonate.

1. Intracellular recordings were made from the somata of CA1b hippocampal pyramidal neurones in vitro and the concentration of bicarbonate ion ([HCO3‐]o) in the artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) was varied by substitution for Cl‐. 2. Reducing [HCO3‐]o from 26 mM (standard ACSF) to 8.6 mM or raising it to 72 mM had only minor effects on resting membrane potential but input resistance was reduced and increased, respectively. Threshold for Na(+)‐dependent action potential generation was raised during the perfusion with low‐HCO3‐ ACSF and lowered during perfusion with high‐HCO3‐ ACSF. In tetrodotoxin‐poisoned neurones where presumed Ca2(+)‐dependent potentials could be elicited in standard ACSF, perfusion with high‐HCO3‐ ACSF lowered the activation threshold. Where no Ca2(+)‐dependent spikes could be elicited in standard ACSF, perfusion with high‐HCO3‐ ACSF caused their appearance. Ca2(+)‐dependent spikes could not be evoked during perfusion with low‐HCO3‐ ACSF. 3. Depolarizing current pulses evoked two basic patterns of action potential discharge under standard [HCO3‐]o conditions. Conversion between the two types was possible by varying [HCO3‐]o. In those neurones which fired a train of fast Na(+)‐dependent spikes in standard ACSF, perfusion with high‐HCO3‐ ACSF usually led to the development of burst discharges. A smaller number of neurones responded to depolarizing current with an initial burst of three to six action potentials; the bursts were attenuated in low‐HCO3‐ ACSF and replaced by a repetitive spike discharge. Frequency accommodation of spike discharge in response to depolarizing current pulses and the after‐hyperpolarization following a current‐evoked discharge were usually both attenuated in low‐HCO3‐ ACSF and enhanced in high‐HCO3‐ ACSF. 4. Orthodromically evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and early and late inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) were reduced in amplitude during perfusion with low‐HCO3‐ ACSF. In high‐HCO3‐ ACSF, EPSP amplitude and duration increased, the latter reflecting a positive shift in the reversal potential of the early IPSP consequent upon reduced [Cl‐] in high‐HCO3‐ ACSF. The late IPSP was, however, unaffected. 5. Responses to ionophoretically applied excitatory amino acids were enhanced in high‐HCO3‐ ACSF and depressed in low‐HCO3‐ ACSF. 6. Perfusion with high‐HCO3‐ ACSF was associated with the development of epileptiform activity. Spontaneous or synaptically evoked bursts of action potentials were indistinguishable and could be blocked by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate antagonists. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Immunomodulatory Effects of Voriconazole and Caspofungin on Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Stimulated by Candida albicans and Candida krusei

Background:Candida infections are frequently associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in immunosuppressed patients. T cell–mediated and phagocytic immunity are the primary protective immune responses against fungal infections. Antifungal agents such as voriconazole and caspofungin enter phagocytic cells and lead to various intracellular activities. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of voriconazole and caspofungin on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated by Candida albicans and Candida krusei. Methods:Human PBMC isolation was performed by Ficoll-hypaque density-gradient centrifugation method. Cell proliferation was assessed by colorimetric method using MTT. The cytokine levels in the human PBMC culture supernatants stimulated by C. albicans and C. krusei were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results:The addition of voriconazole and caspofungin lead to proliferation of PBMC. In the presence of voriconazole and caspofungin, the levels of IL-2, IFN-&ggr; and IL-6 remarkably increased in PBMC stimulated by C. albicans and C. krusei. However, the combination of antifungal drugs and PBMC stimulated by Candida species did not increase the levels of TGF-&bgr; and IL-10. Conclusions:The results indicate that voriconazole and caspofungin have immunomodulatory effects on human PBMC stimulated by Candida species. The interaction between antifungal drugs and PBMC stimulates Th1-type cytokine secretion. Cytokine stimulation from immune cells can assist in the elimination of fungal pathogens. Therefore, during the treatment of fungal infection, putative immunomodulatory effects of antifungal agents should be taken into account.
Phylogenetic evidence of allopatric speciation of bradyrhizobia nodulating cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. walp) in South African and Mozambican soils

ABSTRACT The legume host and soil environment play a major role in establishing effective symbiosis with diverse rhizobia for plant growth promotion and nodule formation. The aim of this study was to assess the morpho-physiology, distribution and phylogenetic position of rhizobia nodulating cowpea from South Africa and Mozambique. The results showed that the isolates were highly diverse in their appearance on yeast mannitol agar plates. The isolates tested also showed an ability to produce IAA at concentrations ranging from 0.64 to 56.46 μg. ml−1 and to solubilise phosphorus at levels from 0 to 3.55 index. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that soil pH and mineral nutrients significantly influenced bradyrhizobial distribution. Analysis of BOX-PCR placed the isolates in eight major clusters with 0.01 to 1.00 similarity coefficient which resulted in 45 unique BOX-types. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA, atpD, glnII, gyrB and recA gene sequences showed distinct novel evolutionary lineages within the genus Bradyrhizobium, with some of them being closely related to Bradyrhizobium kavangense, B. subterraneum and B. pachyrhizi. Furthermore, symbiotic gene phylogenies suggested that the isolates’ sym loci probably relates to the isolates’ geographical origin. The results indicated that geographical origin did affect the isolates’ phylogenetic placement and could be the basis for allopatric speciation
Aromatherapy massage: a promising non-pharmacological adjuvant treatment for osteoarthritis knee pain

Received August 13, 2018. Revised September 4, 2018. Accepted September 7, 2018. Correspondence to: Reza Ganji Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd 94149-75519, Iran Tel: +98-58-3151, Fax: +98-58-3224-6144, E-mail: drrezaganji@yahoo.com ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7198-3767 This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. c The Korean Pain Society, 2019 LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Parallel Processing in OCR - A Multithreaded approach

Document Image processing has been a frontline research area in the field of human-machine interface for the last few decades. Optical character recognition (OCR) of Indianlanguage scripts has been a topic of interest for quite some time. The earlier contributionswere reported in [1] and [2]. More recent works are reported in [3] and [4]. The need forefficient and robust algorithms and systems for recognition is being felt in India, especially inthe postal department for sorting mail and for preserving out-of-print old books by digitisingthem. Character recognition can also form a part in applications like intelligent scanningmachines, text to speech converters, and automatic language-to-language translators. Veryfew OCRs are available commercially for Indian languages. Most of these systems are font-specific and require the knowledge of the font