Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Use of Cluster Analytic Techniques in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Research

Ric G. Steele, PhD, ABPP, Brandon S. Aylward, MA Cluster analysis refers to several person-centered exploratory data analytic approaches that identify and describe groups of individuals who are defined by similarities along one or more dimensions of interest.1 At a very basic level, the techniques can be seen as similar to factor analysis, except that in cluster analysis, similarities across cases (rather than covariance between items) are used to empirically define cluster group membership. Cluster analysis techniques have a relatively long history of use in the fields of business and economics and have also been used extensively in biology and sociology. However, the use of cluster analytic techniques has emerged relatively recently in the medical and psychological literature. Cluster analytic techniques are often used as a means of describing change across time but may also be used to identify patterns of differences across multiple measures at a single point in time.2,3 For example, a marketing specialist might use cluster analysis to determine that individuals who (a) own a home, (b) have incomes between $75,000 and $99,000, (c) read the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, and (d) work in a hospital setting constitute a unique “cluster” and that members of this cluster are more likely than members of other cluster groups to purchase a particular product. Conversely, a developmental pediatrician might use cluster analysis to determine that the weight gain trajectories of premature infants fall into four distinct groups and that these distinct groups (clusters) differentially predict longterm outcomes. Thus, regardless of whether longitudinal (i.e., developmental) or cross-sectional data contribute to the development of clusters, group membership can then be used for descriptive or predictive purposes. Because cluster analytic techniques are typically exploratory in nature, authors often recommend a fairly rigorous two-step process to identify the most robust and ecologically valid (i.e., clinically relevant) cluster patterns.1,4 Specifically, these steps include (a) the use of hierarchical cluster analysis to identify the nature and number of clusters and (b) the use of nonhierarchical (k-means) cluster analysis to confirm these clusters. This process is roughly analogous to how one might follow an exploratory factor analysis with a confirmatory factor analysis to ensure robust and nonsample-dependent factors. As Henry and colleagues1 note, using a combination of hierarchical and nonhierarchical clustering methods “capitalizes on the strengths of both methods and compensates for their weaknesses. ”
Testing the efficacy of a molecular surveillance network: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) genotypes in six hospitals in the metropolitan New York City area. The BARG Initiative Pilot Study Group. Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance 

Molecular fingerprinting techniques are rapidly becoming indispensable tools for hospital epidemiology. On the other hand, the relative complexity and unfamiliarity of these techniques to most hospital diagnostic laboratories limit their usefulness. In an attempt to provide a solution for this dilemma, we tested the feasibility and efficacy of a cooperative venture in which molecular typing of isolates recovered from patients in six hospitals was performed at two microbiology research laboratories with expertise in these techniques. In a small preliminary study, 30 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and 30 vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) isolates were collected over a 3-week period from six hospitals in the metropolitan New York area and transported to the Laboratory of Microbiology at The Rockefeller University during the summer months of 1994. Nineteen of the 27 confirmed MRSA isolates were closely related strains carrying the same mecA and the same Tn554 polymorphs in a pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) background represented by closely related subtypes of a single pattern, indicating the wide distribution of this MRSA clone among the participating hospitals. Typing of the same 27 MRSA isolates was also performed at the Tuberculosis Center of the Public Health Research Institute and identical results were obtained. The 29 confirmed VREF isolates were highly heterogeneous and belonged to as many as 23 distinct clonal types as defined by PFGE patterns and probing with vanA. Characterization of the 60 isolates by these methods was completed in one month of full-time effort by a single experienced laboratory assistant guided by a doctoral-level expert in molecular fingerprinting techniques. The collection of samples for both MRSA and VREF was not intended to address epidemiological questions but to determine the feasibility of a multicenter study. On the basis of our preliminary findings we are encouraged that a larger cooperative effort is possible and with the correct sampling method we believe that epidemiological and surveillance studies could be accomplished that would provide a tracking system to assist hospitals, clinics, and chronic care facilities in controlling the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Electron microscopy and immunogold labelling of proteins involved in brain tumour growth and invasion

Gliomas are amongst the most common tumours of the central nervous system and are derived from glial cells including astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The most malignant of the astrocytomas is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) which is classified as WHO grade IV [1]. The main treatment options for GBM consist of surgical resection followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.The characteristics of GBMs include intense cell proliferation, areas of necrosis and accentuated angiogenesis. In this study our aim was to identify by transmission electron microscopy the localization of VEGF, MMP-2 and Tenascin C using immunogold labelling techniquesin the C6 rat glioma model implanted orthotopically in the brain of the Wistar rat.
Formulation and antifungal performance of natamycin-loaded liposomal suspensions: the benefits of sterol-enrichment

Abstract The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate food-grade liposomal delivery systems for the antifungal compound natamycin. Liposomes made of various soybean lecithins are prepared by solvent injection, leading to small unilamellar vesicles (<130 nm) with controlled polydispersity, able to encapsulate natamycin without significant modification of their size characteristics. Presence of charged phospholipids and reduced content of phosphatidylcholine in the lecithin mixture are found to be beneficial for natamycin encapsulation, indicating electrostatic interactions of the preservative with the polar head of the phospholipids. The chemical instability of natamycin upon storage in these formulations is however significant and proves that uncontrolled leakage out of the liposomes occurs. Efficient prevention of natamycin degradation is obtained by incorporation of sterols (cholesterol, ergosterol) in the lipid mixture and is linked to higher entrapment levels and reduced permeability of the phospholipid membrane provided by the ordering effect of sterols. Comparable action of ergosterol is observed at concentrations 2.5-fold lower than cholesterol and attributed to a preferential interaction of natamycin–ergosterol as well as a higher control of membrane permeability. Fine-tuning of sterol concentration allows preparation of liposomal suspensions presenting modulated in vitro release kinetics rates and enhanced antifungal activity against the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Interaction Between Genetic and Environmental Factors in Multiple Sclerosis

Genetic, as well as environmental factors, may represent risk factors for multiple sclerosis. A question of particular interest is whether risk factors may work synergistically. The main findings in this study are that whereas two genetic risk factors and a history of smoking have highly significant main effects on the risk (P-value <0.001), there is not sufficient evidence to proclaim an interaction between any of these genetic factors and smoking at a 5% level of significance. However, there is a significant interaction between gender and smoking. The interaction indicates that smoking among males contributes more to the risk of getting multiple sclerosis than smoking among females. Previous Epstein Barr virus infection is a significant risk factor when adjusting for smoking only. The data reveal a strong protective effect of snuffing. Contrary to the estimate of the effect of Epstein Barr virus infection, the latter estimate is statistically significant also after inclusion of several adjustment variables.
Mahayograj guggulu: Heavy metal estimation and safety studies

Objective: This study was conducted to estimate the heavy metal profile and determine the safety of Mahayograj guggulu, an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral preparation. Design: Mahayograj guggulu, manufactured by Shree Baidynath Ayurved Bhawan Pvt. Ltd., Gwalior Road, Jhansi - 284 003 (of batch number-07 and manufacturing date October 2004) was procured from the local market. Heavy metal concentrations were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A total of 40 Charles Foster strain albino rats of either sex with an average body weight of 160–250 g were divided into four groups (Groups I, II, III and IV), with 10 animals in each group. Group I served as the control, while Group II, III and IV rats received Mahayograj guggulu at a dose of 54 (dose equivalent to human therapeutic dose), 270 (five-times the dose equivalent to the human therapeutic dose) and 540 (10-times the dose equivalent to human therapeutic dose) mg/kg, p.o. for 120 days. The effect of drug administration was noted on the ponderal, biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters. In addition, urine examination was also carried out. At the end of the study, only six rats per group were sacrificed as per the IAEC advice. Results: Mahayograj guggulu was found to be safe at all dose levels tested. No significant behavioral changes were noted in any of the groups studied. The effect on food and water consumption and fecal and urine output remained unaffected in all groups during the study period. No major alterations were observed in hematology, serum biochemistry, necropsy and histopathology at the therapeutically advocated dose level. Heavy metal content measurement indicated levels of 25.8 µg/g for lead, 0.07 µg/g for mercury and 5.19 µg/g for arsenic. Conclusions: The test drug is well tolerated as no changes of a serious nature could be observed in any of the parameters assessed.
Stability of Maxillary Surgical Movement in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate with Preceding Alveolar Bone Grafting

Objective To evaluate the long-term three-dimensional stability of Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) who had preceding alveolar bone grafting. Design Analysis of prospectively collected data. Setting University teaching hospital and postgraduate training center. Subjects Thirty consecutive patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, who underwent the procedure between 1990 and 1999, satisfied the inclusion criteria and had complete records. There were 9 males and 21 females, with an age range of 14 to 28 years (mean, 18 years), and follow-up range of 12 to 66 months (mean, 62 months). Methods Cephalometric and study cast analyses using pre- and postoperative records (3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months). Evaluation of surgical movement and postsurgical change at all above time intervals was carried out to determine stability of surgical maxillary movement in the horizontal and vertical planes and to identify rotational and transverse relapse. Results Total relapse of surgical movement was 31% in the horizontal plane and 52% in the vertical plane, as well as 30% rotational. Relapse correlated with extent of surgical movement, and most relapse occurred in the first 6 months after surgery. No significant transverse relapse was documented. Conclusion Alveolar bone grafting prior to osteotomy stabilizes the transverse dimension of the dental arch, but does not improve horizontal, vertical, or rotational relapse, which remains significant. Correlation of relapse with extent of surgical movement does suggest that planned over-correction is a reasonable option.
Method for seamless unlock function for mobile applications

In this paper there is proposed an approach for seamless unlock security function for mobile application. The method combines the biomedical signals measured from human body and motion signals acquired from the devices. For this purpose a wearable device and a mobile device can be securely synchronized. It is shown that entropy extracted from biomedical ECG signal is comparable to the strength of the PIN-code security, the same time giving the easiness, flexibility, and seamlessness of the usage to the user. Also, it is shown that motion sensors can provide enough precision for the correct detection of the appropriate timing to unlock device.
Quasistatic compression of a compact torus.

We have demonstrated the formation of stable, symmetric, compact-torus (CT) plasma rings and the subsequent stable, twofold radial compression in coaxial conical electrodes with the ring accelerator experiment. The CT is compressed by {bold J}{times}{bold B} forces from a capacitor bank discharging across the conical electrodes. During compression, the force of the {bold B}{sub {theta}} acceleration field balances the force of the CT poloidal field against the cones, in good agreement with a 2D code. Power amplification factors of {similar to}100 may be possible with an opening switch based on this technique.
Bulge Region as a Putative Hair Follicle Stem Cells Niche: A Brief Review

Background: Hair follicle stem cells exist in different sites. Most of the hair follicle stem cells are reside in niche called bulge. Bulge region is located between the opening of sebaceous gland and the attachment site of the arrector pili muscle. Methods: Data were collected using databases and resources of PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, MEDLINE and their references from the earliest available published to identify English observational studies on hair follicle bulge region. Results: Bulge stem cells are pluripotent with high proliferative capacity. Specific markers allow the bulge cells to be isolated from mouse or human hair follicle. Stem cells isolated from bulge region are label retaining and slow cycling hence these cells are defined as label-retaining cells. Bulge cell populations, due to their plasticity nature are able to differentiate into distinct linage and could contribute in tissue regeneration. Conclusion: The current review discuss about bulge stem cells characteristics and biology including their cycle, location, plasticity, specific markers and regenerative nature. Also the differences between mouse and human hair follicles are investigated.
Product Inhibition of Butyrate Metabolism by Acetate and Hydrogen in a Thermophilic Coculture

Studies on product inhibition of a thermophilic butyrate-degrading bacterium in syntrophic association with Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum showed that a gas phase containing more than 2 × 10−2 atm (2.03 kPa) of hydrogen prevented growth and butyrate consumption, while a lower hydrogen partial pressure of 1 × 10−3 to 2 × 10−2 atm (0.1 to 2.03 kPa) gradually inhibited the butyrate consumption of the coculture. No inhibition of butyrate consumption was found on the addition of 0.75 × 10−3 atm (76 Pa) of hydrogen to the gas phase. A slight inhibition of butyrate consumption by the coculture occurred at an acetate concentration of 16.4 mM. Inhibition gradually increased with increasing acetate concentration up to 81.4 mM, when complete inhibition of butyrate consumption occurred. When the culture contained an acetate-utilizing methanogen in addition to M. thermoautotrophicum, the inhibition of the triculture by acetate was gradually reversed as the acetate concentration was lowered by the aceticlastic methanogen. The results show that optimal growth conditions for the thermophilic butyrate-degrading bacterium depend on both hydrogen and acetate removal.
Breast-conserving therapy for ductal carcinoma in situ Bijker

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Use of ischemia-modified albumin in diagnosis of coronary artery disease

ObjectiveThe diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) is an important clinical problem. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) has been demonstrated to be a helpful marker in detecting myocardial ischemia. In this study, we have investigated the diagnostic importance of IMA in CAD. Method and resultsFifty patients with chest pain were enrolled in the study. IMA levels were measured on admission and within 30–60 min after exercise by albumin cobalt-binding test. Coronary angiography was performed in all patients after the exercise test. The mean preexercise IMA level was 83±27 U/ml in the patient group. IMA levels before the exercise test were similar in both patient and control groups (P>0.05). The mean IMA level in the patient group was, however, higher than in the control group after the exercise test (P=0.001). The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the postexercise IMA levels >85 in diagnosis of CAD were 78, 73, 0.81 and 0.73%; respectively. Postexercise IMA levels were higher in patients with chest pain, ST depression and downsloping and horizontal ST depression of 2 mm or more. ConclusionIMA levels after the exercise test increased in patients with CAD. Our study results indicate that postexercise IMA levels can be helpful markers in the diagnosis of stable CAD in clinical practice.
Regulation of Osteoclastogenesis by Integrated Signals From Toll‐Like Receptors

A variety of pathogen‐derived molecules have been shown to cause bone loss by enhancing osteoclast differentiation through activation of toll‐like receptors (TLRs). The pathogen‐derived molecules (TLR‐ligands) modulate osteoclastogenesis in a complex manner: inhibition of the osteoclast differentiation factor RANKL in early precursors and osteoclastogenesis stimulation in RANKL‐primed cells. Since organisms may be challenged by several TLR ligands at a time, we investigated osteoclastogenesis modulation by simultaneous challenge with different TLR ligands. As an example we used ligands for TLR3 (Synthetic double stranded RNA [dsRNA], polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] mimicking viral dsRNA), TLR4 (lipopolysaccharide [LPS], found in the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria) and TLR9 (Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide mimicking bacterial DNA [CpG‐ODN]). In osteoclastogenesis‐inhibition, synergy between LPS and CpG‐ODN or LPS and poly(I:C) while in stimulation, synergy between LPS and CpG‐ODN or CpG‐ODN and poly(I:C) were observed. Modulation of molecules involved in osteoclastogenesis (c‐Fos, M‐CSF receptors [M‐CSFR], TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐12 and the three TLRs tested) was examined. The results indicate that M‐CSFR plays a role only in the inhibitory effect while c‐Fos plays a role in the two effects. TLR3 and TLR9 levels were increased by the TLRs ligands, suggesting that this may be part of the mechanism leading to the synergy. While TLRs activation in RANKL‐primed cells, increasing osteoclastogenesis, explains pathogen‐induced bone loss, activation of TLRs in early cells inhibiting osteoclastogenesis could attenuate excessive resorption, and promote differentiation of common precursor cells into inflammatory cells. The synergism between TLR ligands enables the individual to initiate response at a lower level of pathogen. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 2146–2154, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microglial zinc uptake via zinc transporters induces ATP release and the activation of microglia

Previously, we demonstrated that extracellular zinc plays a key role in transient global ischemia‐induced microglial activation through sequential activation of NADPH oxidase and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP)‐1. However, it remains unclear how zinc causes the sequential activation of microglia. Here, we examined whether transporter‐mediated zinc uptake is necessary for microglial activation. Administration of zinc to microglia activated them through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and poly(ADP‐ribose) (PAR) formation, which were suppressed by intracellular zinc chelation with 25 μM TPEN (N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(2‐pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine) or 2 μM BAPTA‐AM (1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid‐acetoxymethyl ester). The 65Zn uptake by microglia was temperature‐ and dose‐dependent, and it was blocked by metal cations, but not by L‐type calcium channel blockers nifedipine and nimodipine. Expression of Zrt‐Irt‐like protein (ZIP)1, a plasma membrane‐type zinc transporter, was detected in microglia, and nickel, a relatively sensitive substrate/inhibitor of ZIP1, showed cis‐ and trans‐inhibitory effects on the 65Zn uptake. Exposure of microglia to zinc increased the extracellular ATP concentration, which was suppressed by intracellular zinc chelation and inhibition of hemichannels. mRNA expression of several types of P2 receptors was detected in microglia, and periodate‐oxidized ATP, a selective P2×7 receptor antagonist, attenuated the zinc‐induced microglial activation via NADPH oxidase and PARP‐1. Exogenous ATP and 2′(3′)‐O‐(4‐benzoyl‐benzoyl) ATP also caused microglial activation through ROS generation and PAR formation. These findings demonstrate that ZIP1‐mediated uptake of zinc induces ATP release and autocrine/paracrine activation of P2X(7) receptors, and then activates microglia, suggesting that zinc transporter‐mediated uptake of zinc is a trigger for microglial activation via the NADPH oxidase and PARP‐1 pathway. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Zinc and Gamma Radiation on Some Chemical Compositions of Dill Herb

This investigation was initiated to study the effect of foliar spray with zinc, different gamma radiation doses and their interaction treatments on chemical composition of dill. The results can be summarized as follows; pre-sowing seeds were irradiated with gamma radiation doses (0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 k rd) with or without zinc (150 ppm). The treatments of zinc and in most doses of gamma radiation increased the contents of chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll (a+b), the interaction treatments between zinc and 2, 4 and 8 k-rad of gamma radiation was superior in increasing these values. The treatments of zinc or gamma radiation up to 32 k-rad increased total carbohydrate content, the treatment of zinc combined 2 k-rad gave the highest value in this concern.