Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The 13C-urea breath test for non-invasive diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection: which procedure and which measuring equipment?

• The 13C-urea breath test is one of the most important non-invasive methods for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection in both pre- and post-treatment phases. • In order to render the test less expensive and more rapid, a series of modifications have recently been proposed concerning the dose of 13C-urea and its formulation, as well as the type of measuring equipment used for detecting 13CO2 in breath samples. • The use of small doses (40–50 mg) of isotope in gelatin capsules or mixed with citric acid in rapid-releasing tablets seems to be promising as it shortens sampling time to 10–20 min. • Infrared spectroscopy and laser-assisted ratio analysis equipment are two new valid and less expensive alternatives to conventional isotope mass spectrometry for 13C analysis in breath. The 13C-urea breath test is one of the most accurate non-invasive tests for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection. This method has become increasingly popular in the last decade since it employs an innocuous, non-radioactive isotope that can be safely used in both children and adults. The test has been recently simplified by reducing the dose of 13C-urea used, by adopting shorter sampling times and by using new and cheaper measuring methods for 13C analysis in the breath samples. These include nondispersive isotope-selective infrared spectroscopy (NDIRS) and laser-assisted ratio analysis (LARA), which greatly differ from each other in their technical characteristics and cost. Both NDIRS and LARA are valid alternatives to conventional isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), although LARA appears to be more suitable for large laboratories or gastroenterological centres, which need to process many breath samples per day, whereas NDIRS seems to be more suitable for small laboratories or doctors’ offices.
A Study of Android Malware Detection Techniques and Machine Learning

Android OS is one of the widely used mobile Operating Systems. The number of malicious applications and adwares are increasing constantly on par with the number of mobile devices. A great number of commercial signature based tools are available on the market which prevent to an extent the penetration and distribution of malicious applications. Numerous researches have been conducted which claims that traditional signature based detection system work well up to certain level and malware authors use numerous techniques to evade these tools. So given this state of affairs, there is an increasing need for an alternative, really tough malware detection system to complement and rectify the signature based system. Recent substantial research focused on machine learning algorithms that analyze features from malicious application and use those features to classify and detect unknown malicious applications. This study summarizes the evolution of malware detection techniques based on machine learning algorithms focused on the Android OS.
Increased CD8+ central memory T cells in patients with multiple sclerosis

AT-cell-mediated autoimmune process against central nervous system myelin is believed to underlie the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Formation of immunological memory is based on the differentiation of naïve T cells to memory T cells after exposure to antigens and specific cytokines. The aim of this study was to analyse peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with MS for different T-cell subsets including naïve and memory T cells. Flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to analyse memory T-cell subsets and plasma concentration of interleukin-15 (IL-15) in peripheral blood of MS patients, patients with other neurological disorders and healthy controls. MS patients had a skewed distribution of T cells with an increased level of CD8 + /CCR7 + /CD45RA— central memory T cells (TCM) compared to healthy controls. In addition, MS patients showed significantly higher levels of plasma IL-15 than healthy controls did. Upregulated CD8+ TCM in MS patients may reflect a persistent chronic inflammatory response that may have been induced during early stages of the disease. This derangement may be important for maintaining chronic inflammation in MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 149–155. http://msj.sagepub. com
Variability in the central equatorial Indian Ocean. I: Ocean dynamics

Time series of simultaneous wind stress, ocean temperature and velocity from the Island of Gan (00°41'S, 73°10'E) in the equatorial Indian Ocean are examined for the period January 1973-May 1975. Means, trends, and variance at 1 and 2 cycles per year are removed by regression techniques and compared to existing equatorial ocean theories. Zonal mean currents are eastward from the surface down to 200 m indicating that nonlinearity is important in the mean zonal momentum balance of the thermocline. The amplitude and phase of semi-annual variations below the mixed layer suggest that there is a net downward propagation of energy in the form of equatorial Kelvin and non-dispersive Rossby waves. Spectral characteristics of the residual variance about the regression are consistent with the existence of a continuum of free equatorial waves. Superposed on this continuum is a wind forced response at periods between 30 and 60 days.
Prenatal and Adolescent Exposure to Tobacco Smoke Modulates the Development of White Matter Microstructure

Prenatal exposure to maternal smoking has been linked to cognitive and auditory processing deficits in offspring. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that exposure to nicotine disrupts neurodevelopment during gestation and adolescence, possibly by disrupting the trophic effects of acetylcholine. Given recent clinical and preclinical work suggesting that neurocircuits that support auditory processing may be particularly vulnerable to developmental disruption by nicotine, we examined white matter microstructure in 67 adolescent smokers and nonsmokers with and without prenatal exposure to maternal smoking. The groups did not differ in age, educational attainment, IQ, years of parent education, or symptoms of inattention. Diffusion tensor anisotropy and anatomical magnetic resonance images were acquired, and auditory attention was assessed, in all subjects. Both prenatal exposure and adolescent exposure to tobacco smoke was associated with increased fractional anisotropy (FA) in anterior cortical white matter. Adolescent smoking was also associated with increased FA of regions of the internal capsule that contain auditory thalamocortical and corticofugal fibers. FA of the posterior limb of the left internal capsule was positively correlated with reaction time during performance of an auditory attention task in smokers but not in nonsmokers. Development of anterior cortical and internal capsule fibers may be particularly vulnerable to disruption in cholinergic signaling induced by nicotine in tobacco smoke. Nicotine-induced disruption of the development of auditory corticofugal fibers may interfere with the ability of these fibers to modulate ascending auditory signals, leading to greater noise and reduced efficiency of neurocircuitry that supports auditory processing.
Structural Basis of DNA Replication Origin Recognition by an ORC Protein

DNA replication in archaea and in eukaryotes share many similarities. We report the structure of an archaeal origin recognition complex protein, ORC1, bound to an origin recognition box, a DNA sequence that is found in multiple copies at replication origins. DNA binding is mediated principally by a C-terminal winged helix domain that inserts deeply into the major and minor grooves, widening them both. However, additionalDNA contacts are made with the N-terminalAAA+ domain, which inserts into the minor groove at a characteristic G-rich sequence, inducing a 35° bend in the duplex and providing directionality to the binding site. Both contact regions also induce substantial unwinding of the DNA. The structure provides insight into the initial step in assembly of a replication origin and recruitment of minichromosome maintenance (MCM) helicase to that origin.
Light-induced maculopathy following penetrating keratoplasty and lens implantation.

To the Editor. —The bright coaxial light on the operating microscope can damage the macula. Such injuries have been reported following cataract surgery, both with and without lens implantation, and epikeratophakia.1-3The present report is the first case, to our knowledge, of light-induced maculopathy following cataract extraction and implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens in conjunction with a penetrating keratoplasty (triple procedure). Report of a Case. —A 65-year-old man with a postherpetic corneal scar and cataract of the left eye underwent an uncomplicated triple procedure. The early postoperative course was marked by persistent epithelial defects and an episode of graft rejection that was successfully treated. Six weeks postoperatively, the best corrected visual acuity was 20/200 despite a clear graft. The left fundus had two similar oval, pale lesions, approximately 3 disc diameters in size, near the macula (Fig 1). Scattered pigment was present within each of the lesions.
Acute Phase Protein, Serum Amyloid A, Inhibits IL‐1‐ and TNF‐Induced Fever and Hypothalamic PGE2 in Mice

The effect of serum amyloid A(SAA)on fever induced by recombinant interleukin‐1b(ril‐1β) or recombinant tumour necrosis factor α (rTNFα) was studied in mice. Serum amyloid A is an acute phase protein whose rise in pathological events is induced by the cytokines IL‐1. IL‐6 and TNF. Administration of human serum amyloid A to mice inhibited fever induced by rlL‐1β or TNFα in vivo, while the addition of human serum amyloid A lo mice hypothalamic slices inhibited IL‐1β or TNPα‐induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in vitro. Since serum amyloid A did not affect body temperature or hypothalmic PGE2 levels when administered alone, it may represent a specific servo‐mechanism for fever regulation in acute events, and it suggests, for the first time, a possible feedback relationship between serum amyloid A and the immunoregulatory cytokines.
Variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism in parathyroid hormone-related protein as predictor of peak bone mass in young healthy Finnish males.

OBJECTIVE Mice with osteoblast-specific deletion of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) exhibit impaired recruitment and increased apoptosis of osteogenic cells resulting in decreased bone formation and premature osteoporosis. The PTHrP levels within the bone microenvironment are therefore critical in influencing bone mass acquisition. Whether this is applicable in humans has not been established. Here, we studied the association of a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism in PTHrP with peak bone mass. METHODS Enrolled in the study were 234 young Finnish males, with median age of 19.6 years (range 18.3-20.6 years). Lifestyle factors, serum bone markers, osteodensitometric measurements (lumbar spine and hip) and calcaneal quantitative ultrasound readings were obtained. The PTHrP VNTR length was determined by the PCR amplification of genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood and correlated to bone parameters by the multiple regression models. RESULTS The presence of at least one 252 bp allele was associated with increased lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD; P<0.0034), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA; P<0.0012) and speed-of-sound (SOS; P<0.0023) measurements. The correlation with increased lumbar spine BMD (P=0.0008), BUA (P=0.005) and SOS (P=0.001) was further strengthened by the pairing of the 252 bp allele with a 460 bp allele in comparison with those without any 252 bp allele. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays were used to illustrate the potential transcriptional functionality of the VNTR sequence. CONCLUSION The results indicate that the PTHrP VNTR sequence likely modulates local PTHrP expression within the skeletal microenvironment and could serve as a diagnostic predictor of peak bone mass acquisition.
Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause a number of physical, behavioral, cognitive, and neural impairments, collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This article examines basic research that has been or could be translated into practical applications for the diagnosis or treatment of FASD. Diagnosing FASD continues to be a challenge, but advances are being made at both basic science and clinical levels. These include identification of biomarkers, recognition of subtle facial characteristics of exposure, and examination of the relation between face, brain, and behavior. Basic research also is pointing toward potential new interventions for FASD involving pharmacotherapies, nutritional therapies, and exercise interventions. Although researchers have assessed the majority of these treatments in animal models of FASD, a limited number of recent clinical studies exist. An assessment of this literature suggests that targeted interventions can improve some impairments resulting from developmental alcohol exposure. However, combining interventions may prove more efficacious. Ultimately, advances in basic and clinical sciences may translate to clinical care, improving both diagnosis and treatment.
Expression of adhesion molecules and RANTES in kidney transplant from nonheart‐beating donors

The main difference between cadaveric kidneys from donors with a heartbeat (HBD) and kidneys from nonheart‐beating donors (NHBD) is related to warm ischemia/reperfusion time which constitutes an acute inflammatory process. On the contrary, brain death induces in HBD expression of pro‐inflammatory adhesion molecules, making it important to evaluate this kind of molecules in both types of donors. Human renal biopsies from NHBD, HBD and normal kidneys (ischemia time = 0) were taken and frozen just before transplant. A semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR method was used to determine intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1), lymphocyte function associated antigen (LFA‐1), LFA‐3, CD40, CD40 ligand (CD40L) and RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T‐cell expressed and secreted) gene expression. We have detected an elevated relative gene expression of ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and RANTES in NHBD biopsies compared with normal kidneys. In the case of RANTES, the gene expression from NHBD biopsies was higher than observed in HBD biopsies. The rest of genes were not augmented in any group. Preliminary data about early outcome of transplants indicates a correlation between pretransplant RANTES high gene expression levels and early post‐transplant acute rejection. The gene expression of pro‐inflammatory molecules like adhesion molecules and RANTES is augmented in kidneys from cadaveric NBD just before transplant. The expression is higher probably because of the prolonged warm ischemia period. A larger clinical study is necessary to clarify the effects of these variable expressions on the transplant outcome.
Spatial and Temporal Heterogeneity of Vegetation Properties among Four Tundra Plant Communities at Ivotuk, Alaska, U.S.A

Abstract Intraseasonal patterns of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), leaf area index (LAI), and phytomass were compared for four tundra vegetation types at Ivotuk, Alaska, during summer 1999. The vegetation types included moist acidic tundra (MAT), moist nonacidic tundra (MNT), mossy tussock tundra, and shrub tundra. The seasonal curves of NDVI were similar among the vegetation types but with varying magnitudes of the peak values. Peak NDVI in the shrub tundra (0.83) was significantly greater than in MAT (0.76), which was significantly greater than in MNT (0.71) and mossy tussock tundra (0.70). LAI and phytomass exhibited high temporal variability with distinct seasonality only in shrub tundra. Seasonal LAI and NDVI patterns were therefore correlated only in shrub tundra, which was attributed to the high quantity of deciduous shrub foliage present in this community and absent in the other vegetation types. Shrub tundra peak live above-ground phytomass (1256 ± 123 g m−2) was significantly greater than peak live above-ground phytomass for MAT, MNT, and mossy tussock tundra (722 ± 71, 773 ± 53, 703 ± 39 g m−2 respectively, P < 0.05). Relative abundances of deciduous shrubs, mosses, and graminoids were revealed as key components controlling differences in NDVI, LAI, and phytomass among tundra vegetation types.
Comparing cockroach and Whegs robot body motions

Abstracting cockroach locomotion principles with reduced actuation can lead to a simple yet effective cockroach-like vehicle able to traverse irregular terrain. One such hexapod robot is Whegs VP, which achieves a cockroach-like nominal tripod gait using only a single DC motor. Whegs VP uses compliant mechanisms in its axles to passively adapt its gait to the terrain such that it can climb obstacles 175% of its leg height. High speed video analysis of walking cockroaches and Whegs VP illustrates that Whegs VP walks with cockroach-like body motions. The experiments indicate that stepping patterns play a major role in an animal's or robot's overall body motions.
No place like home: Using local surroundings and history to implement environmental education

The San Bernardino Mountains was used as an integrating teaching tool for teaching interdisciplinarylessons to grade four. Background history of the San Bernardino Mountains is provided and includes how the mountains were formed, the native peoples, and the early European and American uses of the mountains. The interdisciplinary lessons utilize history of the San Bernardino Mountains and the current mountain ecology, while incorporating environmental education strategies. A resource list for teachers is provided. ■
Strategies of multi-objective optimization in drug discovery and development

Introduction: Drug discovery and development is a typical multi-objective problem and its successes or failures depend on the simultaneous control of numerous, often conflicting, molecular and pharmacological properties. Multi-objective optimization strategies represent a new approach to capture the occurrence of varying optimal solutions based on trade-offs among the objectives taken into account. In view of this, multi-objective optimization aims to discover a set of satisfactory compromises that may in turn be used to find the global optimal solution by optimizing numerous dependent properties simultaneously. Areas covered: The authors review the potential of multi-objective strategies in a number of fields including: drug library design; substructure mining; the derivation of quantitative structure–activity relationship models; ranking of docking poses. The authors also discuss the potential of multi-objective strategies in controlling competing properties for absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination/toxicity optimization. Expert opinion: It is very clear to those who work in drug discovery and development that the success of rational drug design is largely dependent on the control of a number of, often conflicting, objectives. Therefore, multi-objective optimization methods, which have recently been introduced to the field of molecular discovery, represent the ultimate frontier in chemoinformatics. The widespread use of these multi-objective techniques has provided new opportunities in medicinal chemistry as seen through its use in a number of applications for chemoinformatics both within academia and the pharmaceutical industry.
Privacy and security constraints for code contributions

In collaborative software development, developers submit their contributions to repositories that are used to integrate code from various collaborators. To avoid privacy and security issues, code contributions are often reviewed before integration. Although careful manual code review can detect such issues, it might be time‐consuming, expensive, and error‐prone. Automatic analysis tools can also detect privacy and security issues, but they often demand significant developer effort, or are domain specific, considering fixed framework specific vulnerability sources and sinks. To reduce these problems, in this paper we propose the Salvum policy language to support the specification of constraints that help to protect sensitive information from being inadvertently accessed by specific code contributions. We implement a tool that automatically checks Salvum policies for systems of different technical domains. We also investigate whether Salvum can find policy violations for a number of open‐source projects. We find evidence that Salvum helps to detect violations even for well‐supported and highly active projects. Moreover, our tool helps to find 80 violations in benchmark projects.
Twelve-Hour PCR-Based Method for Detection of Salmonella spp. in Food

ABSTRACT A PCR-based method for the detection of Salmonella spp. in food was developed. The method, set up on typical salami from the Italian region of Marche, is sensitive and specific and shows excellent correlation with the conventional method of reference when naturally contaminated foods are analyzed. Moreover, it can be easily performed within a maximum of 12 h from food sampling, thus allowing prompt detection of Salmonella spp. in the food stocks analyzed.
MCG10, a Novel p53 Target Gene That Encodes a KH Domain RNA-Binding Protein, Is Capable of Inducing Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in G2-M

ABSTRACT p53, a tumor suppressor, inhibits cell proliferation by inducing cellular genes involved in the regulation of the cell cycle.MCG10, a novel cellular p53 target gene, was identified in a cDNA subtraction assay with mRNA isolated from a p53-producing cell line. MCG10 can be induced by wild-type but not mutant p53 and by DNA damage via two potential p53-responsive elements in the promoter of the MCG10 gene. The MCG10 gene contains 10 exons and is located at chromosome 3p21, a region highly susceptible to aberrant chromosomal rearrangements and deletions in human neoplasia. The MCG10 gene locus encodes at least two alternatively spliced transcripts, MCG10 and MCG10as. The MCG10 and MCG10as proteins contain two domains homologous to the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K homology (KH) domain. By generating cell lines that inducibly express either wild-type or mutated forms of MCG10 and MCG10as, we found that MCG10 and MCG10as can suppress cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in G2-M. In addition, we found that MCG10 and MCG10as, through their KH domains, can bind poly(C) and that their RNA-binding activity is necessary for inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, we found that the level of the poly(C) binding MCG10 protein is increased in cells treated with the DNA-damaging agent camptothecin in a p53-dependent manner. These results suggest that the MCG10 RNA-binding protein is a potential mediator of p53 tumor suppression.