Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae: Tissue Expansion Treatment

BACKGROUND Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a chronic idiopathic reaction responsible for a great deal of discomfort in patients, and requires radical treatment to be eradicated. OBJECTIVE To analyze the technique used for and the results of a case of AKN treated with tissue expansion, which was tracked for 2 years after the initial study. METHODS A patient with AKN was treated with chronic tissue expansion, total resection, and reconstruction of the injured area by advancing the flap of the expanded scalp. Local radiotherapy was applied to the resultant scar. RESULTS After 2 years' follow‐up we did not observe a recurrence of AKN, and a good cosmetic result was achieved. CONCLUSION Tissue expansion has a role in surgical management of AKN. Staged excision, skin grafting, and nonsurgical treatments are also options, however they must be individualized to the case at hand.
[Enteral nutrition in the elderly].

Elderly is particularly at risk of malnutrition: he is not able to feed himself adequately, it is then important to attain correct intakes using also artificial enteral nutritional techniques (nasogastric tube, gastrostomy, etc.). These techniques may lead to complications (ab ingestis pneumonia, metabolic complications, alvus disorders): the use of artificially nutrition in the elderly must be carefully evaluated. 257 patients (M = 180, F = 77) aged 65 or more, mainly affected by neoplastic diseases (n 195) and by neurological and vascular diseases (n 62). The feeding route were evaluated in this study: 74% by nasogastric tube, 13% by gastrostomy, 11% by jejunostomy. In a group of 55 patients similar concerning clinical and nutritional conditions we evaluated at the beginning of enteral feeding and four months later, caloric/protein intake, body weight and plasmatic albumin. In patients fed by nasogastric tube a mean intake of 1300 +/- 365 Kcal n.p./die, with a protein rate of 58.5 +/- 16.9 g/die was attained; by gastrostomy 1450 +/- 324 Kcal n.p./die and 65.5 +/- 16 g/die; by jejunostomy 1219 +/- 398 Kcal n.p./die and 53.3 +/- 21 g/die. The compliance to enteral nutrition was well in 37% of patients night administration was performed. Clinical complications: nausea and vomiting were observed in 9 patients with nasogastric tube, in 1 patient with gastrostomy and in 3 patients with jejunostomy; diarrhea has been noticed in 6 patients with nasogastric tube and in 1 patient with jejunostomy. Mechanical complications; nasogastric tube (n 189): 35 displacements, 7 breakages, 4 obstructions; pharyngostomy (n 6): 2 displacements and 1 obstruction; gastrostomy (n 33): 3 displacements; jejunostomy (n 29): 2 misplacements. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The 1.8-Å Crystal Structure of a Matrix Metalloproteinase 8-Barbiturate Inhibitor Complex Reveals a Previously Unobserved Mechanism for Collagenase Substrate Recognition*

The individual zinc endoproteinases of the tissue degrading matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family share a common catalytic architecture but are differentiated with respect to substrate specificity, localization, and activation. Variation in domain structure and more subtle structural differences control their characteristic specificity profiles for substrates from among four distinct classes (Nagase, H., and Woessner, J. F. J. (1999)J. Biol. Chem. 274, 21491–21494). Exploitation of these differences may be decisive for the design of anticancer or other drugs, which should be highly selective for their particular MMP targets. Based on the 1.8-Å crystal structure of human neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8) in complex with an active site-directed inhibitor (RO200-1770), we identify and describe new structural determinants for substrate and inhibitor recognition in addition to the primary substrate recognition sites. RO200-1770 induces a major rearrangement at a position relevant to substrate recognition near the MMP-8 active site (Ala206–Asn218). In stromelysin (MMP-3), competing stabilizing interactions at the analogous segment hinder a similar rearrangement, consistent with kinetic profiling of several MMPs. Despite the apparent dissimilarity of the inhibitors, the central 2-hydroxypyrimidine-4,6-dione (barbiturate) ring of the inhibitor RO200-1770 mimics the interactions of the hydroxamate-derived inhibitor batimastat (Grams, F., Reinemer, P., Powers, J. C., Kleine, T., Pieper, M., Tschesche, H., Huber, R., and Bode, W. (1995)Eur. J. Biochem. 228, 830–841) for binding to MMP-8. The two additional phenyl and piperidyl ring substituents of the inhibitor bind into the S1′ and S2′ pockets of MMP-8, respectively. The crystal lattice contains a hydrogen bond between the Oγgroup of Ser209 and Nδ 1 of His207 of a symmetry related molecule; this interaction suggests a model for recognition of hydroxyprolines present in physiological substrates. We also identify a collagenase-characteristic cis-peptide bond, Asn188–Tyr189, on a loop essential for collagenolytic activity. The sequence conservation pattern at this position marks this cis-peptide bond as a determinant for triple-helical collagen recognition and processing.
Effect of wearing compression stockings on recovery after mild exercise-induced muscle damage.

BACKGROUND Compression garments are increasingly popular in long-distance running events where they are used to limit cumulative fatigue and symptoms associated with mild exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). However, the effective benefits remain unclear. OBJECTIVE This study examined the effect of wearing compression stockings (CS) on EIMD indicators. Compression was applied during or after simulated trail races performed at competition pace in experienced off-road runners. METHODS Eleven highly trained male runners participated in 3 simulated trail races (15.6 km: uphill section 6.6 km, average gradient 13%, and downhill section 9.0 km, average gradient -9%) in a randomized crossover trial. The effect of wearing CS while running or during recovery was tested and compared with a control condition (ie, run and recovery without CS; non- CS). Indicators of muscle function, muscle damage (creatine kinase; CK), inflammation (interleukin-6; IL-6), and perceived muscle soreness were recorded at baseline (1 h before warm-up) and 1, 24, and 48 h after the run. RESULTS Perceived muscle soreness was likely to be lower when participants wore CS during trail running compared with the control condition (1 h postrun, 82% chance; 24 h postrun, 80% chance). A likely or possibly beneficial effect of wearing CS during running was also found for isometric peak torque at 1 h postrun (70% chance) and 24 h postrun (60% chance) and throughout the recovery period on countermovement jump, compared with non-CS. Possible, trivial, or unclear differences were observed for CK and IL-6 between all conditions. CONCLUSION Wearing CS during simulated trail races mainly affects perceived leg soreness and muscle function. These benefits are visible very shortly after the start of the recovery period.
Cutaneous melanoma risk evaluation through digital image processing

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of human cancer but also the most likely to be cured if detected in its early stages. The risk of skin lesions to turn into melanoma can be easily evaluated by dermatologists using a non-invasive procedure called dermoscopy. This paper addresses the issue of melanoma risk evaluation through digital processing of macroscopic skin lesions images. The main goal of our research is the development of an application for tracking the time evolution of skin lesions and evaluating the risk of these lesions to turn into melanoma. The first step in the evaluation process is the extraction of the pigmented skin lesions by means of image segmentation. The two objectives presented in this paper are the determination of the best suited segmentation method in terms of computational complexity and the evaluation of the color space used for digital image representation in order to obtain good initial segmentation results.
Population rates of cardiac catheterization and yield of high-risk coronary artery disease

Background: The optimal population rate of cardiac catheterization is unknown. One potential way to determine it would be to examine whether there is a population rate beyond which the yield of high-risk coronary artery disease (CAD) does not rise. Methods: Using a detailed clinical registry that captures all patients undergoing cardiac catheterization in Alberta, we determined annual population rates of cardiac catheterization and the corresponding yield of cases of high-risk CAD in each of Alberta's 17 health regions from 1995 to 2002. Least squares linear regression analysis and hierarchical modelling methods were then used to assess the linear relation between catheterization rates and rates of high-risk CAD. Results: The age-adjusted average rate of cardiac catheterization among men ranged from 404.9 to 638.1 per 100 000 population aged over 20 years. Among women, the average rate ranged from 171.8 to 314.0 per 100 000. For both sexes, increased regional rates of catheterization were associated with a linearly increasing yield of high-risk CAD, with no evidence of a plateau in yield when more procedures were performed. One additional case of high-risk CAD was identified for every 2.5 additional cardiac catheterization procedures performed among men, and for every 3.7 additional procedures performed among women. Interpretation: The increasing yield of patients with high-risk CAD associated with increased regional population rates of cardiac catheterization, together with the absence of a plateau in yield, suggests that Alberta's population rates of cardiac catheterization are suboptimal to detect people with high-risk CAD.
Effects of High-Pressure CO2 Processing on Flavor, Texture, and Color of Foods

High-pressure CO2 (HPCD) is a pasteurization method that inactivates microorganism and enzymes through molecular effects of CO2 under pressures below 50 MPa without exposing foods to adverse effects of heat. Thermal pasteurization can impart undesirable changes on organoleptic and nutritional quality of the foods, which can reduce sensory perception and consumer acceptance of the foods. As a novel nonthermal processing technique, HPCD does avoid drawbacks such as loss of flavor, denaturation of nutrients, production of side toxic reactions, as well as changes in physical, mechanical, and optical properties of the food materials involved in the processing. This review gives a survey and analysis of recent publications regarding the effects of HPCD on the flavor, texture and color of processed foods, and possible mechanisms explaining HPCD technique on the flavor, texture, and color of the foods were discussed.
Intra-Strain Genetic Variation of Platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) Strains Determines Tumorigenic Trajectory

Xiphophorus interspecies hybrids represent a valuable model system to study heritable tumorigenesis, and the only model system that exhibits both spontaneous and inducible tumors. Types of tumorigenesis depend on the specific pedigree of the parental species, X. maculatus, utilized to produce interspecies hybrids. Although the ancestors of the two currently used X. maculatus parental lines, Jp163 A and Jp163 B, were originally siblings produced by the same mother, backcross interspecies hybrid progeny between X. hellerii and X. maculatus Jp163 A develop spontaneous melanoma initiating at the dorsal fin due to segregation of an oncogene and a regulator encoded by the X. maculatus genome, while the backcross hybrid progeny with X. hellerii or X. couchianus and Jp163 B exhibit melanoma on the flanks of their bodies, especially after treatment with ultraviolet light. Therefore, dissecting the genetic differences between these two closely related lines may lead to better understanding of functional molecular differences associated with tumorigenic mechanisms. For this purpose, comparative genomic analyses were undertaken to establish genetic variants between these two X. maculatus lines. Surprisingly, given the heritage of these two fish lines, we found genetic variants are clustered together in select chromosomal regions. Among these variants are non-synonymous mutations located in 381 genes. The non-random distribution of genetic variants between these two may highlight ancestral chromosomal recombination patterns that became fixed during subsequent inbreeding. Employing comparative transcriptomics, we also determined differences in the skin transcriptional landscape between the two lines. The genetic differences observed are associated with pathways highlighting fundamental cellular functions including inter-cellular and microenvironment-cellular interactions, and DNA repair. These results collectively lead to the conclusion that diverged functional genetic baselines are present between Jp163 A and B strains. Further, disruption of these fixed genetic baselines in the hybrids may give rise to spontaneous or inducible mechanisms of tumorigenesis.
Distributed control architectures for multi-axis positioning systems

The past evolutions of manufacturing processes demand more flexible automation systems. The solution, for the multi-axis positioning systems, is to replace the traditional architectures with distributed motion control architecture based on local intelligent drives. This paper presents the control of an articulated arm robot with two local intelligent drives connected on a CAN network to a motion controller which receives the trajectory of the robot from a computer. The control structure is based on a single CAN network where are connected the local intelligent servo drives, the motion controller and the computer.
Activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase Kit is required for the proliferation of melanoblasts in the mouse embryo.

The development of neural crest-derived melanocytes, as well as haematopoietic and germ cells, is affected by mutations of the Kit and Mgf genes, which lead to dominant spotting (W) or steel (Sl) phenotypes. Mgf codes for the ligand of the receptor tyrosine kinase encoded by the Kit locus. KitW-v, a point mutation exerting a dominant negative effect, causes a substantial reduction in tyrosine kinase activity of the Kit receptor and leads to a characteristic pigmentation phenotype, namely dilute coat colour and a white ventral and head spot with reduced pigmentation of the feet and tail in the heterozygous animal, as well as slight anaemia. Homozygous animals lack coat pigmentation and are severely anaemic and infertile. Dct is a marker for cells of the melanoblast lineage. In order to study these cells in detail we have generated transgenic mouse lines carrying the lacZ reporter under the control of the Dct promoter and have used the embryonic expression of the reporter to identify early melanoblasts before they begin to produce pigment. Our transgenic lines have simplified the study of melanoblasts in the mouse embryo, and by crossing our mice with KitW-v mutants we have been able to identify the midgestation stages at which melanoblasts rely critically on Mgf/Kit interactions. We conclude that the survival of immature melanoblasts depends crucially upon Kit signalling up until E11, and later in development Kit plays a vital role in melanoblast proliferation. Our data do not describe a dependence upon Kit for melanoblast migration or differentiation.
Circulatory and respiratory adaptation during prolonged exercise of moderate intensity in the sitting position.

Circulatory and respiratory adaptation during prolonged exercise of moderate intensity in the sitting position were studied with heart catheterization technique in 6 healthy young men of ordinary, physical fitness. The work load was chosen so that they worked at a level of 57.3 per cent of the rate of work they could perform at a pulse rate of 170 beats/min. This load gav a mean heart rate of 126.7 beats/min after 10 min and 138.5 beatslmin after 60 min of work. The circulatory changes under these experimental conditions were characterized by a constant cardiac output with a continuous increase in heart rate and a continuously falling stroke volume. The systemic arterial mean blood pressure fell slightly but significantly and the mean pulmonary arterial pressure also decreased significantly from 10 to 40 min work. The total blood volume decreased 7.2 per cent from rest to 10 min work and then remained unchanged. The respiratory response was characterized by a numerical increase (P<0.1) in total ventilation, dead space ventilation and an unchanged alveolar ventilation. The respiratory quotient increased from rest to the beginning of the exercise and then decreased significantly. The observed changes during prolonged exercise may be explained by a decreased vasomotor tone with a change in the compliance of the capacity vessels and the distribution of the blood volume. The relative level of work intensity seems to be more important than the body position to maintain a steady state.
PDK1 Regulates Cell Proliferation and Cell Cycle Progression through Control of Cyclin D1 and p27Kip1 Expression*

PDK1 (3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1) is a key mediator of signaling by phosphoinositide 3-kinase. To gain insight into the physiological importance of PDK1 in cell proliferation and cell cycle control, we established immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from mice homozygous for a “floxed” allele of Pdk1 and from wild-type mice. Introduction of Cre recombinase by retrovirus-mediated gene transfer resulted in the depletion of PDK1 in Pdk1lox/lox MEFs but not in Pdk1+/+ MEFs. The insulin-like growth factor-1-induced phosphorylation of various downstream effectors of PDK1, including Akt, glycogen synthase kinase 3, ribosomal protein S6, and p70 S6 kinase, was markedly inhibited in the PDK1-depleted (Pdk1-KO) MEFs. The rate of serum-induced cell proliferation was reduced; progression of the cell cycle from the G0-G1 phase to the S phase was delayed, and cell cycle progression at G2-M phase was impaired in Pdk1-KO MEFs. These cells also manifested an increased level of p27Kip1 expression and a reduced level of cyclin D1 expression during cell cycle progression. The defect in cell cycle progression from the G0-G1 to the S phase in Pdk1-KO MEFs was rescued by forced expression of cyclin D1, whereas rescue of the defect in G2-M progression in these cells required both overexpression of cyclin D1 and depletion of p27Kip1 by RNA interference. These data indicate that PDK1 plays an important role in cell proliferation and cell cycle progression by controlling the expression of both cyclin D1 and p27Kip1.
Antiproliferative, Antioxidant, and Antimutagenic Activities of Flavonoid-Enriched Extracts from (Tunisian) Rhamnus alaternus L.: Combination with the Phytochemical Composition

A pronounced antiproliferative effect on human leukemia K562 cells was shown with flavonoid-enriched extracts from Rhamnus alaternus roots and leaves, with, respectively, IC50 values of 165 and 210.73 μg/mL. High DPPH radical-scavenging activity (7.21 and 18.84 μg/mL, respectively) and antioxidative effects using the xanthine oxidase assay (IC50 values of 83.33 and 103.96 μg/mL, respectively) were detected in the presence of the two tested extracts. Although no mutagenic effect was observed when using the Salmonella typhimurium assay system with TA1535 and TA100 strains, the two tested extracts exhibited a high-level protection toward the direct mutagen, sodium azide–induced response.
Solution structure of acyl carrier protein from Nitrosomonas europaea

Introduction. Here, we report the solution structure of Q82SY3 from Nitrosomonas europaea. N. europaea is a Gram-negative bacterium with the interesting capability to derive all its energy from oxidation of ammonia to nitrite. It lives in several places such as soil, sewage, fresh water, walls of buildings, and on the surface of monuments, especially in polluted areas where air contains high levels of nitrogen compounds. N. europaea and other ammonia-oxidizing bacteria play a very crucial role in the biogeochemical nitrogen fixing cycle, that is, biological conversion of reduced nitrogen in the form of ammonia or ammonium to oxidized nitrogen in the form of nitrite, nitrate, or gaseous forms (NO, N2O), which in turn, enhances nitrogen availability to plants and waste water treatment. We believe Q82SY3 is likely to be an acyl carrier protein (ACP) based on its structural similarity with such proteins from other organisms such as Escherichia coli and the presence of a conserved “DS” motif. In Figure 1(A), the conserved “DS” motif is highlighted in the sequence alignment of acyl carrier proteins from various sources. ACP is a small protein family involved in fatty acid biosynthesis. ACP is a cytosolic transport protein that carries fatty acid via thioester linkage facilitated by the conserved serine residue for chain elongation by fatty acid synthase system. In addition to its function as a carrier protein, ACP could also modulate activities of the enzymatic system involved in fatty acid synthesis. Evidence suggests that substituting ACP from one organism to another yields significant variation in the fatty acid distribution. Involvement of ACPs in fatty acid biosynthesis and antibiotic biosynthesis warrants the study of the structure–function relationships of this class of proteins.
Arbeitsbedingter Stress und der Allostatic Load Index – eine systematische Übersichtsarbeit

Zusammenfassung Ziel: Arbeitsbedingter Stress ist eine zunehmende gesellschaftliche Herausforderung und wird in ursächlichen Zusammenhang mit reduzierter Gesundheit, weniger Wohlbefinden und niedrigerer Produktivität von Mitarbeitern gebracht. Der Allostatic Load Index (ALI) ist ein Messkatalog für akkumulierte physiologische Stressfolgen. Die vorliegende Übersichtarbeit beschreibt das bisherige Wissen über den Zusammenhang von arbeitsbedingten Stress und ALI bei erwachsenen Beschäftigten. Methodik: Eine systematische Literaturrecherche auf Basis des PRISMA Statements wurde in 21 Datenbanken inklusive Medline, PubPsych, MedPilot und Cochrane Register durchgeführt. Es wurden ausschließlich Originalarbeiten berücksichtigt, die arbeitsbedingten Stress und medizinische Parameter mithilfe des ALI untersuchten. Angaben zur Studienpopulation, analytische Methoden und Ergebnisse wurden erfasst. Die methodologische Qualität wurde durch eine standardisierte Checkliste geprüft. Ergebnisse: Es wurden 9 Artikel zu Querschnittstudien im Zeitraum 2003–2013 identifiziert, die Daten von insgesamt 3 532 Mitarbeitern aus 5 Ländern beinhalteten. Sieben Studien berichteten einen positiven und signifikanten Zusammenhang von arbeitsbedingtem Stress und ALI, während 2 Studien keinen oder einen nicht signifikanten Zusammenhang fanden. Es wurde substantielle Heterogenität bezüglich der angewendeten Methoden sowie der Studienqualität festgestellt. Schlussfolgerung: Diese Übersichtarbeit zeigt einen positiven Zusammenhang von Arbeitsstress und ALI in Querschnittstudien. Weitere Untersuchungen in der arbeitenden Bevölkerung sollten diesen Zusammenhang im Längsschnitt nachweisen.