Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses-Part I.

Background Quality of life (QoL) is commonly assessed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); the relationship of QoL within IBD states and relative to others has not been comprehensively evaluated. This systematic review, published across 2 papers, evaluates 5 key QoL comparisons. Part I, presented here, examines between-disease comparisons: (1) IBD/healthy(general) population and (2) IBD/other medically ill groups. Part II examines within-disease comparisons: (3) active/inactive disease, (4) ulcerative colitis/Crohn's disease, and (5) change over time. Outcomes using generic vs IBD-specific QoL measures were also examined. Methods Adult and pediatric studies were identified through systematic searches of 7 databases from the 1940s (where available) to October 2015. Results Of 6173 abstracts identified, 466 were selected for final review based on controlled design and validated measurement; 30 unique studies (23 adult, 7 pediatric) addressed the between-disease comparisons. The pooled mean QoL scores were (1) lower in adult and pediatric IBD samples compared with healthy controls (n = 19), and for both mental and physical QoL, where measured; and (2) higher but not significant for those with IBD compared with various medically ill controls (n = 15). Findings were consistent across IBD-specific and generic QoL measures. Study quality was generally low to moderate. The most common measures of QoL were the disease-specific Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire and generic SF-36 (adults), and the generic PedsQL (children). Conclusions There was robust confirmation that QoL for individuals with IBD was poorer than for healthy individuals, for both adults and children. QoL in IBD may be better relative to some other gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI medical conditions for children.
Evaluation of sgRNA Target Sites for CRISPR-Mediated Repression of TP53

The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) platform has been developed as a general method to direct proteins of interest to gene targets. While the native CRISPR system delivers a nuclease that cleaves and potentially mutates target genes, researchers have recently employed catalytically inactive CRISPR-associated 9 nuclease (dCas9) in order to target and repress genes without DNA cleavage or mutagenesis. With the intent of improving repression efficiency in mammalian cells, researchers have also fused dCas9 with a KRAB repressor domain. Here, we evaluated different genomic sgRNA targeting sites for repression of TP53. The sites spanned a 200-kb distance, which included the promoter, transcript sequence, and regions flanking the endogenous human TP53 gene. We showed that repression up to 86% can be achieved with dCas9 alone (i.e., without use of the KRAB domain) by targeting the complex to sites near the TP53 transcriptional start site. This work demonstrates that efficient transcriptional repression of endogenous human genes can be achieved by the targeted delivery of dCas9. Yet, the efficiency of repression strongly depends on the choice of the sgRNA target site.
The Interaction of Selectins and PSGL-1 as a Key Component in Thrombus Formation and Cancer Progression

Cellular interaction is inevitable in the pathomechanism of human disease. Formation of heterotypic cellular aggregates, between distinct cells of hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic origin, may be involved in events leading to inflammation and the complex process of cancer progression. Among adhesion receptors, the family of selectins with their ligands have been considered as one of the major contributors to cell-cell interactions. Consequently, the inhibition of the interplay between selectins and their ligands may have potential therapeutic benefits. In this review, we focus on the current evidence on the selectins as crucial modulators of inflammatory, thrombotic, and malignant disorders. Knowing that there is promiscuity in selectin binding, we outline the importance of a key protein that serves as a ligand for all selectins. This dimeric mucin, the P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1), has emerged as a major player in inflammation, thrombus, and cancer development. We discuss the interaction of PSGL-1 with various selectins in physiological and pathological processes with particular emphasis on mechanisms that lead to severe disease.
Dynamic crack nucleation, propagation, and interactions with crystalline secondary phases in aluminum alloys subjected to large deformations

The major objective of this work was to model within a continuum framework the dynamic nucleation and evolution of failure surfaces in aluminum alloys with complex microstructures, using a recently developed compatibility-based fracture criterion for large deformations. Computational analyses were conducted to understand how Mn-bearing dispersoids, Ω and θ′ precipitates affect dynamic fracture processes in an Al–Cu–Mg–Ag alloys (2139-Al). High strain-rate simulations were based on a rate-dependent dislocation-density-based crystalline plasticity formulation and a nonlinear explicit dynamic finite-element approach. Results indicate that the fracture criterion elucidated how dispersoids and precipitates have a dominant role in dynamic crack blunting, branching and arrest. Rationally orientated precipitates result in overall dynamic microstructural strengthening and enhanced uniformity of deformation. These precipitates, however, accelerated unstable crack propagation, and this is amplified in the presence of a pre-crack. In contrast, dispersoids decreased microstructural toughness and ductility, but greatly improved dynamic damage tolerance, especially in the presence of a pre-crack. It can also be predicted that low angle boundaries can change the propagation direction of ductile cracks, and contribute to damage tolerance without crack initiation. Collectively, rationally oriented precipitates and dispersoids can significantly improve the combined dynamic strength, toughness and damage tolerance of crystalline aluminum alloys.
Relaxed Stability and Performance LMI Conditions for Takagi--Sugeno Fuzzy Systems With Polynomial Constraints on Membership Function Shapes

Most linear matrix inequality (LMI) fuzzy control results in literature are valid for any membership function, i.e., independent of the actual membership shape. Hence, they are conservative (with respect to other nonlinear control approaches) when specific knowledge of the shapes is available. This paper presents relaxed LMI conditions for fuzzy control that incorporate such shape information in the form of polynomial constraints, generalizing previous works by the authors. Interesting particular cases are overlap (product) bounds and ellipsoidal regions. Numerical examples illustrate the achieved improvements, as well as the possibilities of solving some multiobjective problems. The results also apply to polynomial-in-membership Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy systems.
Title: Mattresses for Decubitus Ulcer Prevention in Acute and Critical Care: Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness Date: 14 December 2007 Context and policy issues: In Canadian acute care facilities and in critical care units the pressure ulcer (PU) prevalence

Canada. HTIS responses are based on a limited literature search and are not comprehensive, systematic reviews. The intent is to provide a list of sources and a summary of the best evidence on the topic that CADTH could identify using all reasonable efforts within the time allowed. HTIS responses should be considered along with other types of information and health care considerations. The information included in this response is not intended to replace professional medical advice, nor should it be construed as a recommendation for or against the use of a particular health technology. Readers are also cautioned that a lack of good quality evidence does not necessarily mean a lack of effectiveness particularly in the case of new and emerging health technologies, for which little information can be found, but which may in future prove to be effective. While CADTH has taken care in the preparation of the report to ensure that its contents are accurate, complete and up to date, CADTH does not make any guarantee to that effect. CADTH is not liable for any loss or damages resulting from use of the information in the report.
Transiently Reduced PI3K/Akt Activity Drives the Development of Regulatory Function in Antigen-Stimulated Naïve T-Cells

Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are central for immune homeostasis and divided in thymus-derived natural Tregs and peripherally induced iTreg. However, while phenotype and function of iTregs are well known, a remarkable lack exists in knowledge about signaling mechanisms leading to their generation from naïve precursors in peripheral tissues. Using antigen specific naïve T-cells from mice, we investigated CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3- iTreg induction during antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation with weak antigen presenting cells (APC). We show that early signaling pathways such as ADAM-17-activation appeared similar in developing iTreg and effector cells (Teff) and both initially shedded CD62-L. But iTreg started reexpressing CD62-L after 24 h while Teff permanently downmodulated it. Furthermore, between 24 and 72 hours iTreg presented with significantly lower phosphorylation levels of Akt-S473 suggesting lower activity of the PI3K/Akt-axis. This was associated with a higher expression of the Akt hydrophobic motif-specific phosphatase PHLPP1 in iTreg. Importantly, the lack of costimulatory signals via CD28 from weak APC was central for the development of regulatory function in iTreg but not for the reappearance of CD62-L. Thus, T-cells display a window of sensitivity after onset of TCR triggering within which the intensity of the PI3K/Akt signal controls entry into either effector or regulatory pathways.
Cooperative Spectrum Sharing Relaying Protocols With Energy Harvesting Cognitive User

The theory of wireless information and power transfer in energy constrained wireless networks has caught the interest of researchers due to its potential in increasing the lifetime of sensor nodes and mitigate the environment hazards caused by conventional cell batteries. Similarly, the advancements in areas of cooperative spectrum sharing protocols has enabled efficient use of frequency spectrum between a licensed primary user and a secondary user. In this paper, we consider an energy constrained secondary user which harvests energy from the primary signal and relays the primary signal in exchange for the spectrum access. We consider Nakagami-m fading model and propose two key protocols, namely time-splitting cooperative spectrum sharing (TS-CSS) and power-sharing cooperative spectrum sharing (PS-CSS), and derive expressions for the outage probabilities of the primary and secondary user in decode-forward and amplify-forward relaying modes. From the obtained results, it has been shown that the secondary user can carry its own transmission without adversely affecting the performance of the primary user and that PS-CSS protocol outperforms the TS-PSS protocol in terms of outage probability over a wide range of Signal to noise ratio(SNRs). The effect of various system parameters on the outage performance of these protocols have also been studied.
Watershed hydrology and dissolved organic matter export across time scales: minute to millennium

Ecological theory emphasizes headwater streams and wetlands as hotspots for metabolism of terrestrially derived organic matter and biogeochemical transformations. Growing evidence indicates that freshwater ecosystems may be as important as terrestrial and marine environments in the annual flux of CO2 to the atmosphere. The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and the Stream Ecological Observatory Network (STREON) offer the opportunity to collect and analyze data related to these processes at spatial scales ranging from local to continental and at temporal scales from minutes to millennia. These data can be used to understand how global climate change and subsequent shifts in terrestrial plant communities and precipitation regimes will influence the export and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) to headwater streams, downstream freshwater ecosystems, and coastal environments. Moreover, temporal scaling of DOM export among watersheds is an underexploited frontier research area throughout the earth sciences. Long-term, high-frequency fluorometry and discharge data sets collected at NEON and STREON observatories could be linked to evaluate, quantify, and forecast DOM export among watersheds and across time scales ranging from individual hydrologic events to decadal changes in precipitation regimes.
Guidelines for the management of adult lower respiratory tract infections

Guidelines for the management of adult lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) were first published by a Task Force of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) in 1998 [1]. In 2005, a completely revised version was produced, this time by a joint Task Force of the ERS and the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) [2]. They used up-to-date methodology for guideline development, including a transparent and objective systematic literature search strategy, and evidence and recommendation grading [2]. Now, 6 yrs later, a joint Task Force of the two Societies, using the same methodology as in 2005, has produced a further update of these guidelines incorporating publications through to May 2010. The Task Force included an epidemiologist with expertise in guideline methodology and experts in the specialty areas relevant to LRTI management, including general practice, microbiology, infectious diseases, respiratory medicine, intensive care and public health. A short version of the guidelines containing only the recommendations has now been published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection [3], with more detailed versions available on each Society’s website. The guidelines cover the breadth of adult community-acquired respiratory infection, including prevention (both vaccine- and nonvaccine-related), infections in the community and infections in those admitted to hospital, including pneumonia, exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and exacerbations of bronchiectasis. The …
A Novel Design of a Planar SOFC with the Anode Supported on the Base Ceramic Structure

The paper presents the innovative design of a ceramic high temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) in which the anode consists of two parts: the bottom supportive part with microchannels for fuel distribution and the upper operating part which takes part in the electrochemical reaction in the cell. Both parts of the anode are made of co-fired yttrium-stabilized zirconia (Ni/YSZ) foils. Microchannels as well as the manifold for combustion products are engraved mechanically in the isostatic pressed stack of Ni/YSZ foils before their firing. The electrolyte and the cathode are performed on the upper functional part of the anode by successive screen printing and firing of the electrolyte paste and the cathode paste. The paper reveals details of the fuel cell processing, test fixture and measurement set-up for testing the cells as well as the results of open circuit voltage and short-circuit current measurements.
Synthesis, characterization and quantitative analysis of porous metal microstructures: Application to microporous copper produced by solid state foaming

Porous metals can be created through a wide variety of processing techniques, and the pore morphology resulting from these processes is equally diverse. The structural and functional properties of metal foams are directly dependent on the size, shape, interconnectedness and volume fraction of pores, so accurately quantifying the pore characteristics is of great importance. Methods for analyzing porous materials are presented here and applied to a copper-based metallic foam generated through solid state foaming via oxide reduction and expansion. This process results in large voids (10s of microns) between sintered particles and small pores (10 microns to less than 50 nm) within particles. Optical and electron microscopy were used to image the porosity over this wide range, and the pore characteristics were quantified using image segmentation and statistical analysis. Two-dimensional pore analysis was performed using the Chan-Vese method, and two-point correlation and lineal path functions were used to assess three-dimensional reconstructions from FIB tomography. Two-dimensional analysis reveals distinct size and morphological differences in porosity between particles and within them. Three-dimensional analysis adds further information on the high level interconnectedness of the porosity and irregular shape it takes, forming tortuous pathways rather than spherical cells. Mechanical polishing and optical microscopy allow large areas to be created and analyzed quickly, but methods such as focused ion beam (FIB) sectioning can provide additional insight about microstructural features. In particular, after FIB milling is used to create a flat surface, that surface can be analyzed for structural and compositional information.
Chapter 13:Impacts of Biodegradable Polymers: Towards Biomedical Applications

In the third millennium, the emergence of biodegradable and absorbable polymers has markedly advanced drug delivery and tissue engineering fields. Basically, an ideally biopolymer should possess the highest cytocompatibility and genocompatibility, that also should also incorporate methods of fabrication allowing control on its structure and morphology. So far, a number of bioresorbable materials have been investigated as drug delivery systems and scaffolds for tissue engineering/repair. Of these biopolymers, polyesteric polymers(PLA, PGA and their copolymers) appear to provide a biocompatible platform for both in vitro and in vivo applications. In the current chapter, we will review the importance of polyesters as bioscaffolds and drug delivery systems as well as methods for nano/micro particles fabrications. We also provide some information upon genocompatibility and toxicogenomics of cationic polymers in comparison with polyester copolymer PLGA which is now considered as one of the safest synthetic biopolymers, while its surface modification and conjugation with targeting moieties are believed to open new doors towards advanced functionalized bioscaffolds/delivery systems.
Global Transcriptome Profiling of Salicornia europaea L. Shoots under NaCl Treatment

Background Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that limits agriculture productivity worldwide. Salicornia europaea is well adapted to extreme saline environments with more than 1,000 mM NaCl in the soil, so it could serve as an important model species for studying halophilic mechanisms in euhalophytes. To obtain insights into the molecular basis of salt tolerance, we present here the first extensive transcriptome analysis of this species using the Illumina HiSeq™ 2000. Principal Findings A total of 41 and 39 million clean reads from the salt-treated (Se200S) and salt-free (SeCKS) tissues of S. europaea shoots were obtained, and de novo assembly produced 97,865 and 101,751 unigenes, respectively. Upon further assembly with EST data from both Se200S and SeCKS, 109,712 high-quality non-redundant unigenes were generated with a mean unigene size of 639 bp. Additionally, a total of 3,979 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected between the Se200S and SeCKS libraries, with 348 unigenes solely expressed in Se200S and 460 unigenes solely expressed in SeCKS. Furthermore, we identified a large number of genes that are involved in ion homeostasis and osmotic adjustment, including cation transporters and proteins for the synthesis of low-molecular compounds. All unigenes were functionally annotated within the COG, GO and KEGG pathways, and 10 genes were validated by qRT-PCR. Conclusion Our data contains the extensive sequencing and gene-annotation analysis of S. europaea. This genetic knowledge will be very useful for future studies on the molecular adaptation to abiotic stress in euhalophytes and will facilitate the genetic manipulation of other economically important crops.
A Chinese Mind-Body Exercise Improves Self-Control of Children with Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Self-control problems commonly manifest as temper outbursts and repetitive/rigid/impulsive behaviors, in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which often contributes to learning difficulties and caregiver burden. The present study aims to compare the effect of a traditional Chinese Chan-based mind-body exercise, Nei Yang Gong, with that of the conventional Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) technique in enhancing the self-control of children with ASD. Forty-six age- and IQ-matched ASD children were randomly assigned to receive group training in Nei Yang Gong (experimental group) or PMR (control group) twice per week for four weeks. The participants’ self-control was measured by three neuropsychological tests and parental rating on standardized questionnaires, and the underlying neural mechanism was assessed by the participants’ brain EEG activity during an inhibitory-control task before and after intervention. The results show that the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in self-control than the control group, which concurs with the parental reports of reduced autistic symptoms and increased control of temper and behaviors. In addition, the experimental group showed enhanced EEG activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region that mediates self-control, whereas the PMR group did not. The present findings support the potential application of Chinese Chan-based mind-body exercises as a form of neuropsychological rehabilitation for patients with self-control problems. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; Registration No.: ChiCTR-TRC-12002561; URL: www.chictr. org.
Marine Sponges and Bacteria as Challenging Sources of Enzyme Inhibitors for Pharmacological Applications

Enzymes play key roles in different cellular processes, for example, in signal transduction, cell differentiation and proliferation, metabolic processes, DNA damage repair, apoptosis, and response to stress. A deregulation of enzymes has been considered one of the first causes of several diseases, including cancers. In the last several years, enzyme inhibitors, being good candidates as drugs in the pathogenic processes, have received an increasing amount of attention for their potential application in pharmacology. The marine environment is considered a challenging source of enzyme inhibitors for pharmacological applications. In this review, we report on secondary metabolites with enzyme inhibitory activity, focusing our attention on marine sponges and bacteria as promising sources. In the case of sponges, we only reported the kinase inhibitors, because this class was the most representative isolated so far from these marine organisms.
Seasonal, Diurnal and Vertical Variation of Chlorophyll Fluorescence on Phyllostachys humilis in Ireland

In recent years, temperate bamboo species have been introduced in Europe not only as an ornamental plant, but also as a new biomass crop. To measure adaptation stress of bamboo to the climate of Western Europe, chlorophyll fluorescence was measured on a diurnal and seasonal basis in Ballyboughal, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Measurements were attained on the leaves of each node of Phyllostachys humilis. The most frequently used parameter in chlorophyll fluorescence is the photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm). A seasonal dip - as well as a larger variation - of Fv/Fm in spring compared to the rest of the year was observed. Over the year, the upper leaves of the plant perform better than the bottom leaves. These findings were linked to environmental factors such as light intensity, air temperature and precipitation, as increased light intensities, decreasing air temperatures and their interactions, also with precipitation levels have an effect on the photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) in these plants.