Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ω‐3 Supplementation increases amyloid‐β phagocytosis and resolvin D1 in patients with minor cognitive impairment

We investigated the effects of 4–17 month supplementation with ω‐3 fatty acids and antioxidants (Smartfish drink; Smartfish AS, Oslo, Norway) in 12 patients with minor cognitive impairment (MCI) [mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) ≥19], 2 patients with pre‐MCI (normal MMSE), and 7 patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) (MMSE <19). We measured the phagocytosis of amyloid‐β 1‐42 (Aβ) by flow cytometry and microscopy, the transcription of inflammatory genes by RT‐PCR, the production of resolvin D1 (RvD1) by enzyme immunoassay, and the cognitive status by MMSE. In patients with MCI and pre‐MCI, phagocytosis of Aβ by monocytes increased from 530 to 1306 mean fluorescence intensity units (P = 0.016). The increase in patients with AD was not significant (N.S.). The lipidic mediator RvD1, which stimulates Aβ phagocytosis in vitro, increased in macrophages in 80% of patients with MCI and pre‐MCI (mean increase 9.95 pg/ml) (N.S.). Transcription of inflammatory genes' mRNAs was increased in a subgroup of patients with low transcription at baseline, whereas it was not significantly changed in patients with high transcription at baseline. The mean MMSE score of patients with MCI and pre‐MCI was 25.9 at baseline and 25.7 after 4‐17 months (N.S.). Our study is the first to show significant immune and biochemical effects of ω‐3 fatty acids with antioxidants in patients with MCI. Cognitive benefits of ω‐3 supplementation in patients with MCI should be tested in a clinical trial. —Fiala, M. , Halder, R. C. , Sagong, B. , Ross, O. , Sayre, J., Porter, V. , Bredesen, D. E. ω‐3 Supplementation increases amyloid‐β phagocytosis and resolvin D1 in patients with minor cognitive impairment. FASEB J. 29, 2681‐2689 (2015). www.fasebj. org
Effect of intravenous or intra-amniotic injection of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate on oestrogen levels in urine and serum in late pregnancy with live anencephalic foetuses.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHAS) was injected intravenously or intra-amniotically into eight volunteers carrying live anencephalic foetuses (including one microcephalic foetus). Urinary and unconjugated serum oestrone, oestradiol and oestriol were measured before and after DHAS administration. In seven pregnant women with live anencephalic foetuses the urinary excretion of oestriol was very low, and the ratio of oestriol to oestrone + oestradiol was much less than that during normal pregnancy. Increases of urinary oestrone and oestradiol but no significant change in the ratio of oestriol to oestrone + oestradiol were observed 24 h after i.v. administration of DHAS to five patients. In three patients, between 1 and 12 h after i.v. administration of DHAS (100-200 mg), the concentrations of serum oestrone, oestradiol and oestriol increased to 13-5, 6-8 and 3-1 times the control values, respectively. After injection of DHAS (200 mg) intra-amniotically into two patients, the urinary excretion of all three oestrogens increased much more on day 2 than on day 1, and the ratio of urinary oestriol to oestrone + oestradiol rose greatly. On the other hand, the concentrations of unconjugated serum oestrogens in these patients increased progressively between 1 and 12 h or more after DHAS administration, and the maximal level of serum oestriol was 9-8 times the control value while those of oestrone and oestradiol were 4-6 times and 5-0 times the control values, respectively. These results suggest that in late human pregnancy DHAS in the circulation of the mother is converted to oestriol largely via the phenolic pathway (DHAS leads to oestrone leads to oestriol), whereas DHAS circulating within the foeto-placental compartment is converted to oestriol via both the phenolic and the neutral intermediates.
Simultaneous Application of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Platelet-Rich Fibrin for the Treatment of Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of Jaw.

B isphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) is one of the most serious complications in patients receiving bisphosphonates. It is clinically characterized by an exposed necrotic jaw bone lasting longer than 8 weeks despite continuous treatment by the health care provider. Although there have been constant efforts to elucidate the pathogenic nature of the disease, many aspects, such as diagnosis, mechanism, treatment, and prognosis, remain unknown. In general, for the treatment of BRONJ, position papers from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research have recommended conservative approaches, including systemic antibiotic therapy, oral antimicrobial rinses, and minimal surgical debridement. These treatment modalities, however, have inconsistent results and, thus, are considered to be palliative management rather than definitive treatment. A novel approach to treating BRONJ, the application of platelet-rich plasma, which is an autologous product containing a high concentration of various growth factors, was attempted and showed positive results. Another form of platelet concentrate, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) was recently used to treat BRONJ. The rationale for the use of platelet concentrates for BRONJ is based on the role of growth factors in stimulating and accelerating regeneration of soft and hard tissues, which were thought to be disoriented by the pharmacologic effects of bisphosphonates. However, the absence of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) within platelet concentrates resulted in controversy about whether the platelet concentrate is effective for an osseous disease such as BRONJ. Regarding the delivery of BMP to the lesion of BRONJ, fibrin is a recognized support matrix for BMP, and the fibrin matrix associated with BMP has angiotrophic, hemostatic, and osseous conductive properties. This suggests that BMP within a fibrin matrix such as PRF is expected to stimulate not only soft tissue healing but also osseous regeneration, thus contributing to the successful treatment of BRONJ. In this report, the authors describe the simultaneous application of BMP-2 and PRF for a refractory case of BRONJ.
Derlin‐Dependent Retrograde Transport from Endosomes to the Golgi Apparatus

Cells have to maintain stable plasma membrane protein and lipid compositions under normal conditions and to remodel their plasma membranes in response to stimuli. This maintenance and remodeling require that integral membrane proteins at the plasma membrane that become misfolded, because of the relatively harsher extracellular milieu or carbohydrate and amino acid sequence changes, are degraded. We had previously shown that Derlin proteins, required for quality control mechanisms in the endoplasmic reticulum, also localize to endosomes and function in the degradation of misfolded integral membrane proteins at the plasma membrane. In this study, we show that Derlin proteins physically associate with sorting nexins that function in retrograde membrane transport from endosomes to the Golgi apparatus. Using genetic studies in Caenorhabditis elegans and ricin pulse‐chase analyses in murine RAW264.7 macrophages, we show that the Derlin–sorting nexin interaction is physiologically relevant. Our studies suggest that at least some integral membrane proteins that are misfolded at the plasma membrane are retrogradely transported to the Golgi apparatus and ultimately to the endoplasmic reticulum for degradation via resident quality control mechanisms.
Atrophy of Retinal Ganglion Cells after Removal of Striate Cortex in a Rhesus Monkey

The retinal ganglion cells were counted in a rhesus monkey from which the striate cortex had been removed 8 years earlier, and the results compared with those obtained previously with the eyes of normal monkeys. About 80% of the ganglion cells within 10 degrees of the fovea were missing. Peripherally their density was unaffected. The ganglion cell layer of the entire retina resembled the peripheral retina of a normal monkey, and this result helps to explain the remarkable nature of the animal's vision.
PSQM-based RR and NR video quality metrics

This paper presents a new and general concept, PQSM (Perceptual Quality Significance Map), to be used in measuring the visual distortion. It makes use of the selectivity characteristic of HVS (Human Visual System) that it pays more attention to certain area/regions of visual signal due to one or more of the following factors: salient features in image/video, cues from domain knowledge, and association of other media (e.g., speech or audio). PQSM is an array whose elements represent the relative perceptual-quality significance levels for the corresponding area/regions for images or video. Due to its generality, PQSM can be incorporated into any visual distortion metrics: to improve effectiveness or/and efficiency of perceptual metrics; or even to enhance a PSNR-based metric. A three-stage PQSM estimation method is also proposed in this paper, with an implementation of motion, texture, luminance, skin-color and face mapping. Experimental results show the scheme can improve the performance of current image/video distortion metrics.
Loss of genetic diversity and erroneous phylogeographical inferences in Lithocarpus konishii (Fagaceae) of Taiwan caused by the Chi-Chi earthquake: Implications for conservation

The effect of natural catastrophic events, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, on the genetic structure of species has been infrequently studied. The 1999 Chi-Chi Earthquake of Taiwan resulted in population extinction of Lithocarpus konishii (Fagaceae), an endangered species, and provides a case study for assessing impacts of natural catastrophes on genetic diversity. Genetic diversity of the atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer of opDNA and the intron 2 of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 7 gene of mtDNA in L. konishii was determined before and after the earthquake. Loss of rare polymorphisms due to extinction of an entire population at the earthquake epicenter contributed to the reduction of genetic diversity within species in both cpDNA and mtDNA. Star-like phytogenies and significantly negative Tajima's I) statistics suggest a history of recent expansion of the species, which, however, is not confirmed by a nested clade analysis. Phylogeographical inferences were made before and after the earthquake; differences in the phylogeographic analysis suggest that long-range dispersal inferences may be misidentified due to loss of haplotypes and clades in geographical regions of population extinction. Tests of genetic and ecological exchangeability indicate that Lithocarpus populations should be recognized as different conservation units that should be managed separately.
The Interplay between Calmodulin and Membrane Interactions with the Pleckstrin Homology Domain of Akt*

The Akt protein, a serine/threonine kinase, plays important roles in cell survival, apoptosis, and oncogenes. Akt is translocated to the plasma membrane for activation. Akt-membrane binding is mediated by direct interactions between its pleckstrin homology domain (PHD) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3). It has been shown that Akt activation in breast cancer cells is modulated by calmodulin (CaM). However, the molecular mechanism of the interplay between CaM and membrane binding is not established. Here, we employed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and biochemical and biophysical techniques to characterize how PI(3,4,5)P3, CaM, and membrane mimetics (nanodisc) bind to Akt(PHD). We show that PI(3,4,5)P3 binding to Akt(PHD) displaces the C-terminal lobe of CaM but not the weakly binding N-terminal lobe. However, binding of a PI(3,4,5)P3-embedded membrane nanodisc to Akt(PHD) with a 103-fold tighter affinity than PI(3,4,5)P3 is able to completely displace CaM. We also show that Akt(PHD) binds to both layers of the nanodisc, indicating proper incorporation of PI(3,4,5)P3 on the nanodisc surface. No detectable binding has been observed between Akt(PHD) and PI(3,4,5)P3-free nanodiscs, demonstrating that PI(3,4,5)P3 is required for membrane binding, CaM displacement, and Akt activation. Using pancreatic cancer cells, we demonstrate that inhibition of Akt-CaM binding attenuated Akt activation. Our findings support a model by which CaM binds to Akt to facilitate its translocation to the membrane. Elucidation of the molecular details of the interplay between membrane and CaM binding to Akt may help in the development of potential targets to control the pathophysiological processes of cell survival.
RSA Based Secured Image Steganography Using DWT Approach

The need for keeping safe secrecy of secret and sensitive data has been ever increasing with the new developments in digital system. In this paper, we present an increased way for getting embedding encrypted secret facts in gray scale images to give high level safety of facts for news over unsecured narrow channels Cryptography and Steganography are two closely related techniques are used in proposed system. Cryptography gets into making one of religion the secret note into a non-recognizable chipper. Steganography is then sent in name for using Double-Stegging to fix this encrypted data into a cover thing by which something is done and keeps secret its existence.
Cytokine Involvement in Immunomodulatory Activity Affected by Candida albicans Mannan

ABSTRACT Candida albicans mannoprotein (MAN) administered intravenously to mice stimulates the production of splenic CD8+ effector cells which downregulate delayed hypersensitivity (DH) in immunized mice. Cytokine involvement in the induction and/or elicitation of downregulation was studied by (i) examining murine splenocytes qualitatively for mRNA for interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-10, IL-12p40, and gamma interferon (IFN-γ), (ii) quantitating splenocyte mRNA for IL-12p40 by quantitative-competitive reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR, and (iii) measuring serum levels of IL-12p40 and IL-12p70 by capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, each performed at selected intervals over 96 h after giving MAN. Further, the effect of in vivo administration of anti-IL-4 on the induction and elicitation of MAN-specific DH in MAN-treated mice was measured. Expression of IL-12p40 mRNA in the spleen was reduced to near 0 during the first 24 h but rebounded thereafter. Transcripts for IL-10 were present throughout the 96-h period, whereas those for IL-4 and IFN-γ were either weak or undetectable prior to 24 to 48 h. In vivo administration of anti-IL-4 partially abrogated the downregulatory effect of MAN only when given at the time of MAN administration. Serum levels of IL-12p40, but not IL-12p70, were increased by 24 h and maximal at 48 h. The antagonistic effect of IL-12p40 could contribute to the mechanism(s) for downregulation of DH. Moreover, IL-10, IL-4, and/or IFN-γ, interacting with MAN-activated cells in the absence of biologically active IL-12, may induce the production of CD8+ downregulatory effector cells. Partial abrogation of downregulatory activity in animals treated with anti-IL-4 at the time of induction of such activity lends support to this hypothesis.
Plasma-Needle Treatment of Substrates With Respect to Wettability and Growth of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus mutans

In this paper, surface modification of various materials exposed to a nonthermal atmospheric plasma is investigated. The used source is the plasma needle: a radio-frequency-driven nonthermal atmospheric microplasma. A number of substrates (Perspex and polystyrene) were treated with the plasma needle. The modification of materials was subsequently identified as hydrophilization of the surface and was experimentally validated by water-contact-angle measurements. Furthermore, the effect of this modification on the growth of two bacterial species, which are the Escherichia coli and Streptococcus mutans, is studied. The bacteria were cultured on treated and nontreated polystyrene 96-well plates; the growth of E. coli on the treated substrates was enhanced, while for S. mutans, it was reduced. An explanation of these effects is provided
Operationalizing community participation in community-based rehabilitation: Exploring the factors

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to critically discuss issues that pertain to the operationalization of community participation in community-based rehabilitation (CBR). Method. Data were drawn from an international, questionnaire-based survey of occupational therapists involved in CBR conducted through the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. A search of CINAHL. PsychInfo and Medline databases for articles on CBR was performed and both descriptive articles and analytical ones were included. Results. Although there are guidelines on the nature of CBR these do not always match its application in practice. Active involvement of local communities in CBR projects is often limited, threatening the sustainability of CBR programmes. Furthermore, the failure to acknowledge the sociopolitical underpinnings and the cultural nature of disability is likely to compromise the nature of disabled people's involvement in CBR. Conclusions. There is confusion and lack of clarity about the nature of CBR. Educational modules on CBR should be made available to professionals. These should consider the importance of community involvement and context-specific and culture-sensitive programmes in practice.
Early Intervention for Children With Unilateral and Mild Bilateral Degrees of Hearing Loss

Some children with unilateral hearing loss or mild bilateral hearing loss are at risk for developmental delays, educational difficulties, and other adverse effects. However, these children face several challenges in receiving services that can prevent such problems. Many do not meet existing eligibility requirements for early intervention services in their state. Information disseminated to professionals and parents often does not convey the significance of unilateral and mild bilateral hearing loss. Some professionals indicate that there are insufficient guidelines defining appropriate intervention services for these children. Factors that influence developmental outcomes in this population are not well understood, making it difficult to determine which children can benefit from intervention services. Additional data are needed about how to minimize or prevent adverse outcomes in these children. This article presents suggestions for intervention and future research that were developed by participants of the 2005 National Workshop on Mild and Unilateral Hearing Loss.
Cross-Sectional Shape Optimization of Whispering-Gallery Ring Resonators

Optimal cross-sectional shapes of whispering-gallery ring resonators with prescribed emission wavelength and resonance mode are generated using topology optimization based on the finite element method. The two critical performance indices, the quality factor (Q factor) and mode volume of a resonator, are treated as the objective functions in the optimization. In our numerical study, characteristics of optimal configurations are identified and analyzed. Since the Q factor and mode volume have a tradeoff relationship, i.e., an increasing Q factor increases mode volume, a Pareto-optimal set of solutions can be identified under certain device specifications. These configurations achieve better performances than existing shapes in producing both a high Q factor and low mode volume.
IGF-I contributes to glucose homeostasis in the Berlin Fat Mouse Inbred line

This study aimed to investigate the tissue-specific role of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) on glucose homeostasis in the high-fatness selected Berlin Fat Mouse Inbred (BFMI) line. Therefore, the expression of different IGF-I transcripts and IGF-I protein, IGF-binding proteins, insulin as well as glucose tolerance was analyzed in BFMI in comparison with that in lean mice. In addition, dietary effects were investigated. The BFMI line showed normal blood glucose clearance on standard diet, but on high-fat diet the clearance was impaired, indicating the beginning of insulin resistance. Circulating IGF-I and insulin levels were elevated in BFMI than in lean mice on both diets along with a down-regulation of three IGF-I binding proteins in BFMI mice. Serum IGF-I levels corresponded with the expression pattern for both hepatic and one class II splice variants in reproductive adipose tissue, but not in muscle. High insulin and high IGF-I levels likely prevent BFMI mice from diabetes.
A 10-GHz Delay Line Frequency Discriminator and PD/CP-Based CMOS Phase Noise Measurement Circuit

This paper presents a delay line frequency discriminator and phase detector/charge pump (PD/CP)-based phase noise measurement (PNM) circuit with wide bandwidth, great sensitivity, and reliable on-chip integration. A delay-locked loop is integrated to automatically align the PD input phases, and a dc offset cancellation circuit is embedded to overcome the circuit mismatches. This PNM demonstrates −61/−81 dBc single tone sensitivity and −110.35/−138.60 dBc/Hz phase noise sensitivity at 100 kHz/1 MHz-offset, respectively, for a 10-GHz clock. The PNM errors are 0.35/1.12 dB at 100 kHz/1 MHz, respectively, compared with the signal analyzer’s (Agilent N9030A) PNM results. The PNM bandwidth is 110 MHz. This proof-of-concept design is fabricated in a 65-nm CMOS technology with the chip area of 1.5 mm <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times1.3$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm. The circuit consumes 97.7 mW of power.
Serum lipase determination in acute pancreatitis. Clinical appraisal of a new method.

THE DEVELOPMENT of a clinically useful colorimetric method for human serum lipase was reported from this laboratory recently and its value in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was analyzed in a series of 102 patients with abdominal pain. 1 The present paper will evaluate our total experience with this test in 304 patients over a four year period, 1961 through 1964. Brief Review of the Colorimetric Serum Lipase Method Those desiring a more detailed description of this method are referred to the original report of Kramer et al. 1 Principle. —Seligman et al 2 described a colorimetric method for determining lipase and esterase activity in the sera of dogs but they were not able to apply the method successfully to human sera. It was noted that the sodium taurocholate used was not a reliable activator of pancreatic lipase in human serum. 3 Substitution of esterase-resistant 2-naphthyl myristate 4 for 2-naphthyl-laurate