Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systemic Transcriptional Alterations of Innate and Adaptive Immune Signaling Pathways in Atherosclerosis, Ischemia Stroke, and Myocardial Infarction

Background Transcriptional profiles are available for a variety of cardiovascular-related diseases. The goal of this study was to compare blood transcriptional profiles of the Toll-like receptor (TLR), T-cell receptor (TCR), and B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathways in asymptomatic atherosclerosis, acute ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction patients to identify common mechanisms of immune regulation and their association with epigenetic regulation. Methods and results Peripheral blood gene expression profiles from human atherosclerosis-related diseases and healthy controls were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Genes in the TLR, TCR, and BCR pathways were retrieved from the NCBI BioSystems database. Significance of gene enrichment and concordance of expression changes in each pathway was compared between studies. Gene expression was significantly correlated across the three disease conditions (p<10−15) and the proportion of significant genes was high (30~60%, p<0.001). Hub genes identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) in the TCR/BCR sub-network, including CD81 and TCR-CD3ζ, were significantly down-regulated and highly correlated with DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). Conclusion Common biologically relevant networks associated with immune regulation in stroke, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction were discovered. Given the high correlation of DNMT1 with these immune signaling pathways, epigenetic regulation may contribute to the coordination of innate and adaptive immune response in all CVD disease states. Down-regulation of the TCR-BCR axis in the adaptive immune system offers critical information for the investigation of the functional mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation-induced immune suppression in cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Vibrational analysis of glutathione

Infrared and Raman spectra have been obtained of crystalline glutathione and its deuterated derivative and interpreted by normal mode analysis. The force field consisted of our empirical force fields for the peptide group and NH 3+3 and CO 2− end groups, plus our ab initio force fields for the CH2SH and CH2COOH moieties. Observed bands are reproduced with an average error of 5 cm−1, demonstrating that the vibrational spectrum of such a complex molecule can be understood in great depth. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
IMMUNOBIOLOGY Resolution of acute in fl ammation bridges the gap between innate and adaptive immunity

• Resolving, but not hyperinflammatory stimuli create a microenvironment conducive for the optimal development of adaptive immunity. • After onset and resolution, we introduce a third phase to acute inflammatory responses dominated by macrophages and lymphocytes. Acute inflammation is traditionally characterized by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) influx followed by phagocytosing macrophage (Mws) that clear injurious stimuli leading to resolution and tissue homeostasis. However, using the peritoneal cavity, we found that although innate immune-mediated responses to low-dose zymosan or bacteria resolve within days, these stimuli, but not hyperinflammatory stimuli, trigger a previously overlooked second wave of leukocyte influx into tissues that persists for weeks. These cells comprise distinct populations of tissue-resident Mws (resMws), Ly6c monocyte-derivedMws (moMws), monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs), andmyeloidderived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Postresolutionmononuclear phagocyteswere observed alongside lymph node expansion and increased numbers of blood and peritoneal memoryTandB lymphocytes. The resMwsandmoMws triggeredFoxP3expressionwithin CD4 cells, whereas moDCs drive T-cell proliferation. The resMws preferentially clear apoptoticPMNsandmigrate to lymphnodes tobringabout their contraction inan inducible nitric oxide synthase-dependent manner. Finally, moMws remain in tissues for months postresolution, alongside altered numbers of T cells collectively dictating themagnitude of subsequentacute inflammatory reactions.Thesedatachallenge theprevailing idea that resolution leadsback tohomeostasisandasserts that resolution actsas abridgebetween innateandadaptive immunity, aswell as tissue reprogramming. (Blood. 2014;124(11):1748-1764)
Type : REGULAR PAPER Title : “ Correction of Odometry Errors in a Group of Mobile Robots ”

In the paper a new approach to calibrating a group of mobile robots in order to reduce systematic odometry errors is presented. During their motion the vehicles estimate its own position and orientation as well as parameters responsible for systematic errors. The estimates of these values are obtained from an extended Kalman filter, which uses internal encoder readings as inputs and relative measurements of distances and orientations between robots as feedback information. The theory and results of simulations for synchronous and differential drive are presented. The key idea in obtaining reliable values of systematic error parameters is to calibrate first one of the robots, a leader, which moves in front of the formation, using the remaining ones as reference points and then allow the whole formation to move together and calibrate all the robots in-motion.
Diabetes and end of life: ethical and methodological issues in gathering evidence to guide care.

INTRODUCTION Providing palliative care for people with diabetes at the end of life is part of the chronic disease care trajectory, but end of life care is complex and the presence of diabetes further complicates management. AIM The aim of the paper is to discuss the ethical and methodological issues encountered when undertaking research to develop guidelines for managing diabetes at the end of life and the strategies used to address the issues. METHOD The issues emerged as we developed guidelines for managing diabetes at the end of life, which included conducting individual interviews with 14 people with diabetes requiring palliative care and 10 family members. A reflexive researcher journal was maintained throughout the guideline development process. The interview transcripts and researcher's journal were analysed to determine key methodological, ethical and researcher-related issues. FINDINGS Key themes were vulnerability of the sampling population, methodological issues included recruiting participants and ensuring rigor, ethical issues concerned benefit and risk, justice, autonomy, privacy, professional boundaries and informed consent. Researcher-related issues were identified such as managing participant distress and their own emotional distress. People were willing to discuss end of life diabetes management preferences. CONCLUSIONS Undertaking research with people at the end of life is complex because of their vulnerability and the ethical issues involved. However, the ethical principles of autonomy and justice apply and people should be given the relevant information and opportunity to decide whether to participate or not.
Pre-S1 Antigen-Dependent Infection of Tupaia Hepatocyte Cultures with Human Hepatitis B Virus

ABSTRACT The susceptibility of the tree shrew Tupaia belangeri to human hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we show that purified HBV infects primary T. belangeri hepatocyte cultures in a very specific manner, as detected by HBV covalently closed circular DNA, mRNA, HBV e antigen, and HBsAg production. A monoclonal antibody (MAb), MA18/7, directed against the pre-S1 domain of the large HBs protein, which has been shown to neutralize infectivity of HBV for primary human hepatocytes, also blocked infection of primary Tupaia hepatocytes. MAbs against the pre-S2 domain of HBs inhibited infection only partially, whereas an S MAb and polyvalent anti-HBs antibodies neutralized infection completely. Thus, both pre-S1 and S antigens are necessary for infection in the tupaia. Using subviral particles, >70% of primary Tupaia hepatocytes are capable of specific binding of pre-S1-rich HBsAg, showing localization in distinct membrane areas. The data show that the early steps of HBV infection in Tupaia hepatocyte cultures are comparable to those in the human system.
Controlled release of clarithromycin from PLGA microspheres enhances bone regeneration in rabbit calvaria defects.

This study evaluated the sustained release effect of clarithromycin-loaded in PLGA microspheres in a rabbit calvaria defect model. Four bone defects (ø5.0) were created in the calvaria of New Zealand White rabbits (n = 21, n = 7/time point). The defects were randomly designated to four groups. Group 1: No augmentation (sham), Group 2: beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), Group 3: β-TCP with 0.12 µg clarithromycin, and Group 4: β-TCP with 6.12 µg PLGA microspheres loaded with 0.12 µg Clarithromycin. After 2, 4, and 12 weeks of healing, bone regeneration was evaluated using micro-computed tomography (µCT) and histology. Clarithromycin release from PLGA microspheres revealed sustained release for around 4 weeks with ∼50% release during the first week. Histologically, new bone formation was evident at 2 and 4 weeks of healing in all groups and bone formation increased as a function of healing time. At 12 weeks, Group 4 showed significantly higher amount of newly formed bone compared to Group 1. The µCT showed that Group 4 expressed significantly higher bone formation compared to Group 1 at all time points. The in vivo findings showed that β-TCP with clarithromycin-loaded microspheres can enhance bone formation in bone defects. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 201-208, 2018.
Different stiction mechanisms in electrostatic MEMS devices: Nanoscale characterization based on adhesion and friction measurements

In this work, different stiction mechanisms in electrostatic micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and particularly in RF-MEMS switches were studied for the first time. In these devices stiction can be caused by two main mechanisms: dielectric charging and meniscus formation resulting from the adsorbed water film between the switch bridge and the dielectric layer. The effect of each mechanism and their interaction were investigated by measuring the adhesive and friction forces under different electrical stress conditions and relative humidity levels. An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to perform force-distance and friction measurements on the nanoscale. The study provides an in-depth understanding of different stiction mechanisms, and explanation for the literature reported lifetime measurements for electrostatic capacitive MEMS switches.
Neurofibroma of tongue — Case report

TUMOURS of nerve sheath origin in the upper air and food passages are not common. At the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, seeing 20,000 to 30,000 new cases a year, only six cases have been seen in the last twenty years. Four of these involved the larynx, one was a pedunculated tumour arising from the base of tongue, and the case reported here, involving the posterior one-third of tongue. A review of available literature to date records 36 cases of tumours of nerve sheath origin in tongue (Bititci, 1969; Pantazopoulos, 1965). However, our case appears unique in that the tumour is very much larger than any previously reported case.
Molecular docking studies of guggultetrol from Nymphaea pubescens with target glucokinase (GK) related to type-II Diabetes

Article history: Received on: 07/12/2012 Revised on: 31/12/2012 Accepted on: 07/02/2013 Available online: 28/02/2013 Diabetes prevalence is one of the life threatening diseases in India. In this work we address a specific suitable ligand for diabetes mellitus. A large focus has been on structure based drug designing. Guggultetrol isolated from Nymphaea pubescenswas taken as ligand for molecular docking. A theoretical docking study, the evaluation of guggultetrol as inhibitor of Glucokinase (PDB ID: 1V4S) a validated drug target enzyme of the Type-II diabetes, was taken up. Guggultetrol was found to bind at active site of glucokinase with lowest binding energy and RMSD values to be -9.45Kcal/Mol and 2.0 A respectively. Docking analysis of 1V4S with ligand enabled us to identify specific residues viz. Thr-168, Glu-290, Glu-51, Ser-411, Gly-410, Asn-254, Thr-206, Arg-155 and Asp-205 within the 1V4S binding pocket to play an important role in ligand binding affinity. The docking studies of the Guggultetrol with target protein showed that this is a suitable molecule which docks well with target related to diabetes mellitus. This compound has shown promising biological activity in preliminary studies by targeting multiple signaling pathways. Thus on the basis of our in silico studies we hypothesize that this compound into guggultetrol can be inhibitory effect on against diabetes. We concluded that the natural products with interesting biological properties and structural diversity have often served as valuable lead drug candidates for the treatment of human diseases.
Consensus for multi-agent systems based on genetic algorithms

In this paper, we study the consensus problem for multi-agent systems based on genetic algorithms. First, the velocity-free consensus algorithm is proposed, in which, the graph theory and Lyapunov stability theory are applied. The proposed consensus algorithm guarantees that the states of all agents can reach consensus asymptotically. The genetic algorithms optimization process is then introduced to turn the control parameters for cooperative control to achieve good results. Numerical simulation is given to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Applications of gene therapy for familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy

Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), caused by mutated transthyretin (TTR), is the common form of hereditary generalised amyloidosis. As TTR is predominantly synthesised in the liver, liver transplantation is now considered an effective treatment for FAP to halt the production of variant TTR. However, this invasive therapy has several problems, leading to a requirement for a non-invasive treatment to be developed. At present, gene therapy for FAP has focused on two therapeutic strategies for suppressing variant TTR gene expression. The first is inhibition of variant TTR mRNA expression by antisense or ribozymes, and the other is the repair of mutated TTR gene by chimaeraplasts or single-stranded oligonucleotides. In particular, targeted gene repair is considered to be a promising tool for gene therapy because the effect can last permanently and the method is more suitable for proteins with a short plasma half-life. This article summarises the general concept of gene therapy and reviews the recent data on gene therapy for FAP.
The gradient in sub-saharan Africa: Socioeconomic status and HIV/AIDS

Using data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) for Burkina Faso (2003), Cameroon (2004), Ghana (2003), Kenya (2003), and Tanzania (2003), I investigate the cross- sectional relationship between HIV status and socioeconomic status. I find evidence of a robust positive education gradient in HIV infection, showing that, up to very high levels of education, better-educated respondents are more likely to be HIV-positive. Adults with six years of schooling are as much as three percentage points more likely to be infected with HIV than adults with no schooling. This gradient is not an artifact of age, sector of residence, or region of residence. With controls for sex, age, sector of residence, and region of residence, adults with six years of schooling are as much as 50% more likely to be infected with HIV than those with no schooling. Education is positively related to certain risk factors for HIV, including the likelihood of having premarital sex. Estimates of the wealth gradient in HIV, by contrast, vary substantially across countries and are sensitive to the choice of measure of wealth.
Cloning and expression of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor from GH 3 rat anterior pituitary cells

Functional thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptors have been expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes following the microinjection of total and poly(A)+ RNA from GH3rat anterior pituitary tumour cells. Under voltage-clamp conditions, application of the peptide induced a biphasic Ca2+-dependent chloride current. The amplitude of the initial, fast, component of the response was dependent on the concentration of the hormone and on the amount of mRNA injected. Size fractionation of poly(A)+ RNA on a continuous sucrose gradient and Northern blot analysis indicated that the receptor was encoded by an mRNA of approx. 3.5 kb. A 3.28 kbp cDNA-encoding the TRH receptor has been cloned and sequenced. Full functionality of the predicted 412-amino-acid receptor protein was demonstrated by functional expression of cell surface receptors in Xenopus oocytes after both cytoplasmic injection of sense RNA transcribed in vitro from this cDNA and nuclear injection of the cDNA under the control of the Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase promoter. The predicted protein contains seven putative membrane-spanning domains and shows significant sequence identity with some G-protein-coupled receptors. RNA blot analysis indicates that the mRNA for the TRH receptor is exclusively expressed in the pituitary gland. Expression studies performed with clones in which the 3' region of the mRNA has been successively shortened indicate that the 3' terminal region is not an important determinant for efficient functional expression in oocytes.
Dynamics of heart rate variability analysed through nonlinear and linear dynamics is already impaired in young type 1 diabetic subjects

Abstract Background Autonomic diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus, and studies using heart rate variability to investigate these individuals have shown inconclusive results regarding autonomic nervous system activation. Aims To investigate the dynamics of heart rate in young subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus through nonlinear and linear methods of heart rate variability. Methods We evaluated 20 subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 23 healthy control subjects. We obtained the following nonlinear indices from the recurrence plot: recurrence rate (REC), determinism (DET), and Shanon entropy (ES), and we analysed indices in the frequency (LF and HF in ms2 and normalised units – nu – and LF/HF ratio) and time domains (SDNN and RMSSD), through analysis of 1000 R–R intervals, captured by a heart rate monitor. Results There were reduced values (p<0.05) for individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus compared with healthy subjects in the following indices: DET, REC, ES, RMSSD, SDNN, LF (ms2), and HF (ms2). In relation to the recurrence plot, subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus demonstrated lower recurrence and greater variation in their plot, inter-group and intra-group, respectively. Conclusion Young subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus have autonomic nervous system behaviour that tends to randomness compared with healthy young subjects. Moreover, this behaviour is related to reduced sympathetic and parasympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system.
The Bangladesh Clubfoot Project: Audit of 2-Year Outcomes of Ponseti Treatment in 400 Children

Background: Congenital clubfoot deformity can cause significant disability, and if left untreated, may further impoverish those in developing countries, like Bangladesh. The Ponseti method has been strategically introduced in Bangladesh by a nongovernment organization, Walk For Life (WFL). WFL has provided free treatment for over 8000 Bangladeshi children with clubfeet, sustained by local ownership, and international support. This audit assesses the 2-year results in children for whom treatment began before the age of 3 years. Methods: The 10 largest WFL clinics, of the 24 across Bangladesh, were pragmatically accessed in this audit availing 1442 subjects meeting the study criteria, from which 400 children were randomly selected and examined. A specific assessment tool was developed and validated. Results: Results for 400 cases were returned: 269 males, 131 females. Typical clubfeet comprised 79% of cases, and 55% were bilateral. A tenotomy rate of 79%, and brace use after 2 years of 85%, were notable findings. Functionally, most children could walk independently (99.0%), run (95.5%), squat (93.3%), and manage steps unassisted (93.0%). The ability to squat was the most indicative outcome measure, correlating with: less corrective casts, good and continued brace use, nonvarus heel position, good ankle range of motion, good Bangla clubfoot scores, and the ability to walk. Relapsing deformity was suspected with heel varus (18.0% left; 21.5% right). Parental satisfaction was very high, but cost of 3000 Taka ($US 38.48) was deemed unaffordable by 59%. Conclusions: The outcomes in young children after 2 years of Ponseti treatment for clubfoot deformity showed that 99% were able to walk independently. The assessment tool developed for this study avails ongoing monitoring. Without the patronage of WFL, most of these children would not have had access to treatment, and be unable to walk. Level of Evidence: Level II—lesser-quality prospective study.
Physical activity in nursing homes--barriers and facilitators: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE To explore different institutional barriers to and facilitators of physical activity (PA) in nursing homes. METHODS Cross-sectional survey of 40 German nursing homes and 217 nursing-home residents (NHRs; M ± SD age 80 ± 10.2 yr, 55% women, MMSE ≥20). Quantitative data were collected on the structural characteristics of nursing homes and the PA services available. RESULTS Forms of exercise available were not adequately communicated to residents. Overall participation was below 50%. Awareness was significantly higher in residents with informed relatives (p = .003). A broad range of forms of exercise was generally available (M ± SD 5 ± 2.22, range 0-10), but they were rarely tailored to NHRs' needs and their effectiveness remains questionable. CONCLUSION Multidimensional opportunities to promote PA in NHRs are identified.
Exploratory active vision: theory

An active approach to the integration of shape from x modules-here shape from shading and shape from texture-is proposed. The question of what constitutes a good motion for the active observer is addressed. Generally, the role of the visual system is to provide depth information to an autonomous robot; a trajectory module will then interpret it to determine a motion for the robot, which in turn will affect the visual information received. It is suggested that the motion can also be chosen so as to improve the performance of the visual system. <<ETX>>
Co-primary spectrum sharing with resource allocation in small cell network

We study co-primary spectrum sharing concept in small cell multiuser networks. Downlink transmission is considered with Rayleigh fading in interfering broadcast channel. Multiple-input-single-output (MISO) system is considered in two small cells. The sum rate maximization problem is studied in two cells having multiple users with multiple subcarriers. Zero-forcing (ZF) precoders are considered at both base stations. The problem becomes non-convex then and we factor the main objective problem into two subproblems. First subproblem is multiuser with subcarriers allocation where we assume that each subcarrier can be allocated to multiple users. Gale-Shapley algorithm is proposed for subcarrier allocation problem. Second subproblem is where ZF precoders are employed at both base stations for allocating power. It leads to water-filling based power allocation for both base stations.