Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The continuing story of nutritional supplements and doping infractions

Nutritional supplements can be a source of positive doping cases as some supplements contain prohibited substances without showing this on their label. This problem has existed for some time and has been extensively studied in the past 8 years. The sport of tennis has played a particular role in this problem because of some peculiar doping cases within its community. This article focuses on this particular doping problem, explaining the background and reviewing the available literature. It presents the first 3 years of experience within the Netherlands Security System Nutritional Supplements Elite Sports (“Nederlands Zekerheidssysteem Voedingssupplementen Topsport” or NZVT) and explains the most extensive system established to combat this particular doping problem. The NZVT experience has shown that paper-based quality systems are still prone to possible contaminations, which leads to the conclusion that the best possible solution for athletes who wish to use nutritional supplements must include laboratory-based analysis for doping substances, preferably repeated for every new batch. The most important educational message, however, is to use a nutritional supplement only if it is deemed of benefit by a nutritional expert.
The biomechanics of lumbar disc herniation and the effect of overload and instability.

A multipart study has been performed to provide a mechanical explanation for the epidemiologic association between sitting in static (e.g., factory or office) or vibration (e.g., car or truck driving) environments and acute herniated lumbar discs. It was shown that a 1 h exposure to sitting environments caused significant changes in the mechanical properties of the lumbar intervertebral disc. During many of the latter tests, specimens were unstable (exhibited by a sudden, large flexion and/or lateral bend rotation response to an axially applied load). This showed that a motion segment in the lumbar spine could suddenly buckle and apply a tensile impact loading to the posterolateral region of the disc. We also demonstrated that a combined lateral bend, flexion, and axial rotation vibration loading could cause tracking tears proceeding from the nucleus through the posterolateral region of the anulus. It suggests that a mechanism for disc herniation is mechanical changes leading to instability of the motion segment. These experiments complete the argument that lumbar disc herniations can be a direct mechanical consequence of prolonged sitting in static or vibration environments.
Availability Analysis and Optimization in CoMP and CA-enabled HetNets

Traditional cellular networks are moving toward heterogeneous cellular networks (HetNets) to satisfy the stringent demand for data rates and capacity. To enable the new applications in 5G, such as haptic communications, we face new challenges of achieving high availability with low latency in HetNets. In this paper, we introduce coordinated multi-point (CoMP) and carrier aggregation (CA) techniques in HetNets to guarantee the availability of all user equipment (UE), where the CoMP improves the single-path availability, and the CA enhances availability via multi-carrier gain combining. To characterize the availability, we first derive an exact closed-form expression for the availability of a random UE in a CoMP and CA-enabled HetNets. To achieve the maximum UE availability, we formulate a max-min optimization problem. To solve it, we then propose a two-step optimization algorithm (TSOA) and a joint (JTOA). The TSOA is based on heuristic algorithm for the optimal subcarrier assignment and UE association, and based on the Lagrangian dual method for the power allocation. The JTOA is based on genetic algorithm to achieve the interaction between the first step and the second step. Our results showcase the effective of our proposed JTOA, and the effective of the CoMP in availability improvement in HetNets.
Host–virus genome interactions: macro roles for microRNAs

MicroRNAs are recently discovered small endogenous non‐coding RNAs. These small RNAs of ∼22 nucleotide length are crucial post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression in a wide spectrum of normal and abnormal biological processes including antiviral defence, oncogenesis and development in higher eukaryotes. Of late, a number of viruses have also been shown to encode for microRNAs. The host‐ and virus‐encoded microRNAs and their targets together thus form a novel regulatory layer of genetic interactions between the host and the virus. Recent reports have thrown light on this new regulatory layer. A clear understanding of the cross‐talk between the host and virus would not only enable us to understand the molecular basis of viral pathogenesis, but also enable us to develop better therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the intricacies of host–virus cross‐talk mediated by microRNAs. Recent trends in this field and the challenges that need to be addressed are also discussed.
Guia Para Realizar uma Revisão Sistemática de Literatura

Muitos pesquisadores não são bem treinados na realização de uma revisão de literatura autônoma, um documento acadêmico que resume e sintetiza na sua totalidade o conhecimento anterior de um corpo de pesquisa. Numerosos guias que existem para pesquisa em sistemas de informação (SI) concentram-se somente em certas partes do processo; poucos abrangem todo o processo. Este artigo apresenta uma metodologia rigorosa e padronizada para a revisão sistemática de literatura (também chamada de revisão sistemática) para pesquisadores em SI. Este guia abrangente amplia a metodologia básica das ciências da saúde e outros campos com numerosas adaptações para atender às necessidades de campos metodologicamente diversos, como a pesquisa em SI, especialmente aqueles que envolvem, incluem e sintetizam estudos quantitativos e qualitativos. Além disso, este guia fornece muitos exemplos da pesquisa em SI e referências a guias com mais detalhes úteis para a realização de uma revisão de literatura rigorosa e valiosa. Embora seja adaptado à pesquisa em SI, é suficientemente amplo para ser aplicável e valioso para pesquisadores de qualquer campo das ciências sociais. Tradução de: OKOLI, Chitu. A guide to conducting a standalone systematic literature review. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, v. 37, n. 43, p. 879? 910, nov. 2015. Disponível em: . Autorizada pela Association for Information Systems - Copyright © 2015
Concentrations of Estrogens. Progesterone and LH During the Ovulatory Cycle of the Laying Chicken IGallus domesticusl

The concentrations of estrudiol, estrone, progesterone and LH are reported for blood samples taken at different intervals during the ovulatory cycle of the domestic fowl. In general there appears to exist a consistent relationship between peaks of estradiol and estrone concentrations, on the one hand, and the progesterone peaks, on the other hand. These peaks of estrogen end progesterone precede ovulation by 4-7 hours. Ovulation does, however, occur occasionally in the absence of estrogen peaks and some estrogen peaks appear not to be related to ovulation, In samples taken at 20-mm intervals at about the time of the expected progesterone peak it was found that the progesterone concentrations varied in a pulsatile fashion whereas estrogen and LH con- centrations did not, but showed a smooth peak. Experiments with different doses of cstradiol 17$ and progesterone failed to show either an inhibitory or facilitory effect of estradiol on spontaneous or progesterone-induced ovulation.
Relationship between expression and methylation status of p16INK4a and the proliferative activity of different areas’ tumour cells in human colorectal cancer

The p16INK4a gene is a cell cycle inhibitor and a major tumour suppressor protein, but the regulation and effects on tumour cells’ invasion process of p16INK4a is poorly known. A role for p16INK4a in basal cell carcinoma is suggested by the observation that p16INK4a was upregulated at the invasive front of the majority of basal cell carcinomas with infiltrative growth patterns, accompanied by cessation of proliferation. In this paper, we explore whether there is a difference of tumour cells’ proliferative activity between the centre and the invasion front tissues of human colorectal cancer and its relationship with the expression and methylation status of p16INK4a gene. We obtained the centre and the invasion front tissues of colorectal cancer respectively by the technology of laser mircodissection. The expressions of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen ki67 and p16INK4a were assessed by immunohistochemistry, methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MS‐PCR) and reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in the different areas. There was a significant difference in the expressions of ki67 between the centre and the invasion front tissues (p < 0.05). The difference did not correlate with age, sex, Dukes stage but did correlate with expression of p16INK4a gene (χ2 = 25.37, p < 0.01). Furthermore, hypermethylation of the promoter was the major mechanism of inactivation of p16INK4a in the centre areas. Demethylation of the p16INK4a promoter, the elevated expression of p16INK4a protein and mRNA level was proved in the invasion front. Our finding suggested that enhanced invasion in tumours was accompanied by ceased proliferation in the invasion fronts of human colorectal cancer. This interesting phenomenon may be due to not only the microenvironment, but also the molecular changes such as p16INK4a status.
Mathematical models for motile bacterial transport in cylindrical tubes.

Mathematical models considering motile bacterial transport within a geometrically restrictive cylindrical tube were developed. Two macroscopic transport parameters, the random motility coefficient as a self-diffusion coefficient of the cell population and the chemotactic velocity as a chemical-induced velocity, were derived. The three-dimensional cell balance equation was reduced to forms similar to Segel's one-dimensional phenomenological cell balance equations with additional modifications for bacteria-wall interactions. Two conceptually different approaches accounting for such interactions were presented. The first approach parallels treatments in the gas kinetic theory by viewing bacterial interactions with walls as collisions and subsequent diffusive/specular reflections, which led to the Bosanquet formula for the bacterial diffusion coefficient. Based on the experimental observation that bacterial swimming motion is guided by a straight tube, the second approach considered modifications in the bacterial swimming orientation as a consequence of various long-range interactions with the tube surface. A phenomenological turning model capable of aligning bacterial motion along a tube axis was proposed. The model predicts that under the geometrical restriction of a small cylindrical tube, the macroscopic bacterial transport resulting from the proposed turning model can exhibit behavior that ranges from dimensionally reduced diffusion to pure wave propagation, depending on the influence of the tube diameter on the reversal probability in the bacterial swimming motion. Our theoretical model provides explicit equations that explain how such a transition can occur. The predicted results were then qualitatively compared with experimental data from the literature. As a preliminary comparison, we concluded that bacterial transport in cylindrical tubes of diameter 10 micrometers remains in the mode of a dimensionally reduced diffusion, and shifts to a wave motion when the tube diameter decreases to 6 micrometers.
Matrix Metalloproteinases and Other Matrix Proteinases in Relation to Cariology: The Era of ‘Dentin Degradomics'

Dentin organic matrix, with type I collagen as the main component, is exposed after demineralization in dentinal caries, erosion or acidic conditioning during adhesive composite restorative treatment. This exposed matrix is prone to slow hydrolytic degradation by host collagenolytic enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins. Here we review the recent findings demonstrating that inhibition of salivary or dentin endogenous collagenolytic enzymes may provide preventive means against progression of caries or erosion, just as they have been shown to retain the integrity and improve the longevity of resin composite filling bonding to dentin. This paper also presents the case that the organic matrix in caries-affected dentin may not be preserved as intact as previously considered. In partially demineralized dentin, MMPs and cysteine cathepsins with the ability to cleave off the terminal non-helical ends of collagen molecules (telopeptides) may lead to the gradual loss of intramolecular gap areas. This would seriously compromise the matrix ability for intrafibrillar remineralization, which is considered essential in restoring the dentin's mechanical properties. More detailed data of the enzymes responsible and their detailed function in dentin-destructive conditions may not only help to find new and better preventive means, but better preservation of demineralized dentin collagenous matrix may also facilitate true biological remineralization for the better restoration of tooth structural and mechanical integrity and mechanical properties.
Forward Rate Unbiasedness Hypothesis in the Tunisian Foreign Exchange Market

Based on a linear framework, this paper aims to examine the relationship between future spot rates and forward exchange rates using USD-TND data, thanks to traditional regressions and to the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) in order to check if the Unbiasedness Forward Exchange Rate (UFER) hypothesis is satisfied and if the forward premiums contain valuable information useful to forecast the subsequent path that will be taken by spot exchange rates. The empirical analysis reveals that the UFER hypothesis is rejected and that the forward premium is a crucial tool, particularly at short term, to detect the future movements of spot exchange rates. A potential enrichment of such a paper will rely on a non linear framework.
Arachidonic acid containing phosphatidylcholine increases due to microglial activation in ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn following spared sciatic nerve injury

Peripheral nerve injury induces substantial molecular changes in the somatosensory system that leads to maladaptive plasticity and cause neuropathic pain. Understanding the molecular pathways responsible for the development of neuropathic pain is essential to the development of novel rationally designed therapeutics. Although lipids make up to half of the dry weight of the spinal cord, their relation with the development of neuropathic pain is poorly understood. We aimed to elucidate the regulation of spinal lipids in response to neuropathic peripheral nerve injury in mice by utilizing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry, which allows visualization of lipid distribution within the cord. We found that arachidonic acid (AA) containing [PC(diacyl-16:0/20:4)+K]+ was increased temporarily at superficial ipsilateral dorsal horn seven days after spared nerve injury (SNI). The spatiotemporal changes in lipid concentration resembled microglia activation as defined by ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) immunohistochemistry. Suppression of microglial function through minocycline administration resulted in attenuation of hypersensitivity and reduces [PC(diacyl-16:0/20:4)+K]+ elevation in the spinal dorsal horn. These data suggested that AA containing [PC(diacyl-16:0/20:4)+K]+ is related to hypersensitivity evoked by SNI and implicate microglial cell activation in this lipid production.
Effects of duration of breastfeeding during infancy on vascular dysfunction in adolescents.

AIM to investigate the effect of breastfeeding duration on vascular characteristics in adolescence. METHODS we conducted a retrospective cohort study on adolescents aged 15-18 years old. Breastfeeding duration was inquired using a questionnaire filled by parents and categorized into 0-<2, 2-<4, 4-<6, 6-<12, and >12 months. Outcomes assessed were flow mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), anthropometrics. Analysis was done using linear regression and MANOVA general linear model with cardiovascular risk factors as the dependent variables and breastfeeding duration as the independent variable with further adjustment for confounders. RESULTS 285 subjects aged 15-18 years were enrolled. Breastfeeding duration of 4-<6 months was associated with thinner CIMT and the effect was more prominent after adjustment for gender and postnatal tobacco exposure (mean difference=24.28 micrometer, p=0.045). No statistically significant association was found with FMD. CONCLUSION breastfeeding duration of 4-<6 months is associated with thinner IMT and thus has a protective effect on the development of cardiovascular disease. However the association with FMD in adolescence is less clear.
Model Predictive Control based Maximum Power Point Tracking technique applied to Ultra Step-Up Boost Converter for PV applications

This paper proposes two-stage Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique for PV Applications. The first stage is a Modified Incremental Conductance Algorithm (MICA), used to generate the maximum power reference current. And the second stage utilizes Model Predictive Control (MPC) for controlling the PV module and achieves the maximum power. The proposed algorithm has the ability to track the maximum power under sever environmental conditions and reaches to steady state at a very small time. Ultra-Step-Up Boost Converter (USUBC) is proposed in this paper for Photovoltaic (PV) application. The proposed system has a very high gain, so it enables reducing number of PV modules connected in series. Analysis and simulation of the proposed system is discussed in details through the paper.
Variation in nicotine intake among U.S. cigarette smokers during the past 25 years: evidence from NHANES surveys.

OBJECTIVE To estimate changes in nicotine intakes among U.S. cigarette smokers from 1988 to 2012 with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS NHANES provides data on nationally representative samples of cigarette smokers from the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population. A total of 4,304 smokers aged 20 years and older were studied in NHANES III 1988-1994 and 7,095 were studied in the continuous NHANES 1999-2012. We examined serum cotinine concentrations, daily cigarette consumption, and estimated nicotine intake per cigarette, with adjustment for sex, age, racial/ethnic background, level of education, and body mass index. RESULTS There was little overall change in nicotine intake from smoking cigarettes either in the U.S. population as a whole or in major racial/ethnic subgroups during the 25-year period from 1988. Serum cotinine averaged 223.7ng/mL (95% confidence interval [CI] = 216.1-231.3) in 1988-1994, which was not significantly different from the adjusted mean of 219.2ng/mL (95% CI = 214.1-224.4) in 1999-2012. During the same period, average daily cigarette consumption declined substantially, from 17.3 (95% CI = 16.5-18.0) in 1988-1994 to 12.3 (95% CI = 11.0-13.6) by 2012. Cotinine per cigarette smoked increased by some 42% between 1988-1994 and 2011-2012, from a geometric mean of 12.4 (95% CI = 11.7-13.1) to 17.6 (95% CI = 16.1-19.2). CONCLUSIONS Reductions in cigarette smoking prevalence since the late 1980s, changes in cigarette product design, and the widespread introduction of smoke-free policies have not had a significant impact on nicotine intakes among U.S. smokers. Reductions in cigarette consumption have been offset by increased nicotine intake per cigarette smoked.
The severity of brain damage determines bone marrow stromal cell therapy efficacy in a traumatic brain injury model

BACKGROUND: Patients who survive traumatic brain injury (TBI) can undergo serious sensorial and motor function deficits. Once damage occurs, there is no effective treatment to bring patients to full recovery. Recent studies, however, show bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) as a potential therapy for TBI. METHODS: This study was designed to determine whether the degree of neurologic deficits influences the efficacy of cell therapy using intracerebral transplantation of BMSC in an experimental model of chronically established TBI. Adult Wistar rats were subjected to weight-drop impact causing TBI. Two months later, the animals were classified according to levels of neurologic deficits. To achieve this, we used two different functional tests: the modified Neurologic Severity Score test and internal zone Permanence Time in Video-Tracking-Box analysis. Saline only or saline containing BMSC was injected into injured brain tissue of the animals that were classified having moderate or severe neurologic damage depending on the level of established functional deficits. All experimental groups were evaluated in the course of the following 2 months to study the efficacy of BMSC administration. The animals were then killed and their brains were studied. RESULTS: Our results showed that significant functional improvement was seen when BMSC was injected into animals with moderate brain damage, but no significant improvement was found in animals with severe functional deficits when compared with controls. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the severity of neurologic damage may determine the potential effect of cell therapy when applied to chronically established TBI.
Modular Ankle Robotics Training in Early Subacute Stroke

Background. Modular lower extremity robotics may offer a valuable avenue for restoring neuromotor control after hemiparetic stroke. Prior studies show that visually guided and visually evoked practice with an ankle robot (anklebot) improves paretic ankle motor control that translates into improved overground walking. Objective. To assess the feasibility and efficacy of daily anklebot training during early subacute hospitalization poststroke. Methods. Thirty-four inpatients from a stroke unit were randomly assigned to anklebot (n = 18) or passive manual stretching (n = 16) treatments. All suffered a first stroke with residual hemiparesis (ankle manual muscle test grade 1/5 to 4/5), and at least trace muscle activation in plantar- or dorsiflexion. Anklebot training employed an “assist-as-needed” approach during >200 volitional targeted paretic ankle movements, with difficulty adjusted to active range of motion and success rate. Stretching included >200 daily mobilizations in these same ranges. All sessions lasted 1 hour and assessments were not blinded. Results. Both groups walked faster at discharge; however, the robot group improved more in percentage change of temporal symmetry (P = .032) and also of step length symmetry (P = .038), with longer nonparetic step lengths in the robot (133%) versus stretching (31%) groups. Paretic ankle control improved in the robot group, with increased peak (P ≤ .001) and mean (P ≤ .01) angular speeds, and increased movement smoothness (P ≤ .01). There were no adverse events. Conclusion. Though limited by small sample size and restricted entry criteria, our findings suggest that modular lower extremity robotics during early subacute hospitalization is well tolerated and improves ankle motor control and gait patterning.