Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
T cell recognition of hepatitis B and C viral antigens

The outcome of hepatitis B and C heavily depends on the appropriate virus specific T cell response. Both CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes do not recognize native viral proteins but processed peptides bound to MHC class I and class II, respectively. For therapeutical intervention aimed at T lymphocytes in chronic carriers as well as for the development of new vaccines, a precise identification of immunodominant epitopes, which can be recognized by a majority of patients, is necessary. Biological features of certain viral antigens have been partly characterized in animal models, but with the availability of modern molecular technology it is possible to extend these findings to the human system. The identification of anchor residues and motifs in peptides, which are essential for binding to certain MHC class I and class II molecules, allows the prediction of MHC allele-specific epitopes within viral proteins. By the use of synthetic peptides and vaccinia expression vectors, several epitopes for cytotoxic and helper T lymphocytes have been identified in HBV and HCV antigens. In HBV infection cytotoxic T lymphocytes recognize epitopes within the polymerase protein, the envelope protein and the nucleocapsid. In HCV cytotoxic epitopes have so far been identified within the nucleocapsid, E1, E2 and NS2. Since virus specific CD8+ T lymphocytes lyse virus infected cells in vitro and seem to play an important role for viral elimination in vivo, activation of virus specific effector cells may be achieved by immunizing chronically infected patients with the MHC-allele-specific peptides. Epitopes for CD4+ T lymphocytes have been demonstrated in the majority of HBV- and HCV-proteins. Different subsets of CD4+ T lymphocytes influence the course of infection by the production of lymphokines which either support antibody production by B cells or cellular antiviral effector mechanisms. In acute and chronic HBV infection the HBcAg/HBeAg-specific T cell response is closely correlated to viral elimination and the occurrence of anti-HBe- and anti-HBs antibodies. In HCV infection the CD4+ T cell response appears to be more heterogenous, and better functional characterization of the CD4+ response to immunodominant peptide epitopes in association with certain disease stages is required. Since T cell activation, the resulting effector functions and binding of the peptide to the HLA-molecule mainly depend on the peptide structure, viral mutations leading to amino acid changes may contribute to T cell non-responsiveness or an inappropriate T cell response. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Thrombocytopenia in childhood malaria with special reference to P. vivax monoinfection: A study from Bikaner (Northwestern India)

Thrombocytopenia is commonly seen in Plasmodium vivax malaria, but its prognostic value has not been addressed in children. This prospective study included 676 admitted children of malaria [Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) monoinfection 262, Plasmodium vivax (Pv) monoinfection 380, and mixed (Pf + Pv) infection 34], in which thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150 × 103/mm3 on admission) was found in 442 (65.38%) children [Pf monoinfection 55.3% (145/262), Pv monoinfection 73.16% (278/380), and mixed infection 55.88% (19/34)]. The association of thrombocytopenia was statistically significant with Pv monoinfection [73.16% (278/380)] in comparison to either Pf monoinfection [55.34% (145/262); odds ratio (OR) = 2.199 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.577–3.068), p < 0.0001] or mixed infection [55.88% (19/34); OR = 2.152 (95%CI 1.054–4.394), p = 0.032]. In Pv monoinfection, thrombocytopenia was highest in 0–5 years age group and subsequently decreased with advancing age, whereas in Pf monoinfection it was reverse. Severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <20 × 103/mm3) was present in 16.52% (73/442) children [Pv monoinfection 21.58% (60/278) and Pf monoinfection 8.97% (13/145)]. The risk of developing severe thrombocytopenia was also highest in Pv monoinfection [15.79% (60/380)] in comparison to Pf monoinfection [10.59% (13/262); OR = 3.591 (95%CI 1.928–6.690), p < 0.0001]. Bleeding manifestations were associated in 21.27% (94/442) children [Pf monoinfection 9.92% (26/262), Pv monoinfection 16.58% (63/380), and mixed malaria 14.71% (5/34)]. All the children having bleeding manifestations had thrombocytopenia but low platelet counts were not always associated with abnormal bleeding. The association of severe malaria was significantly more among children having Pv monoinfection with platelet counts <20 × 103/mm3 [OR = 2.569 (95%CI 1.196–5.517), p < 0.014] with specificity of 88.3% and positive predictive value of 85%. Till today, thrombocytopenia is not included in severe malaria criterion described by WHO, but when platelet counts <20 × 103/mm3, we advocate it to include as one of the severe malaria criteria.
Macrofocal multiple myeloma in young patients: A distinct entity with favorable prognosis

There are limited reports of young patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who presented with multiple lytic bone lesions but without intervening infiltration of bone marrow, a pattern consisting of macrofocal MM. In order to clearly define the clinical and laboratory features and outcome of such patients, a retrospective analysis was performed of symptomatic patients with MM ≤40 years of age at diagnosis who received primary treatment over a 20-year period. Ten of 51 patients fulfilled the criteria of macrofocal MM. When compared to patients with typical MM, patients with macrofocal pattern were less anemic, none had hypercalcemia, renal impairment, elevated serum LDH or stage 3 according to the International Staging System (ISS). Patients with macrofocal MM usually had preserved the uninvolved immunoglobulins. An objective response to primary treatment was noted in 55% of patients with macrofocal MM and in 50% of patients without this pattern. The median survival of patients with typical MM was 57 months and is projected to exceed 8 years in patients with macrofocal MM (p = 0.087). With macrofocal MM despite multiple lytic bone lesions, patients have features of low tumor burden and improved survival when compared with young patients with typical MM.
ZRT/IRT-like Protein 14 (ZIP14) Promotes the Cellular Assimilation of Iron from Transferrin*

ZIP14 is a transmembrane metal ion transporter that is abundantly expressed in the liver, heart, and pancreas. Previous studies of HEK 293 cells and the hepatocyte cell lines AML12 and HepG2 established that ZIP14 mediates the uptake of non-transferrin-bound iron, a form of iron that appears in the plasma during pathologic iron overload. In this study we investigated the role of ZIP14 in the cellular assimilation of iron from transferrin, the circulating plasma protein that normally delivers iron to cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. We also determined the subcellular localization of ZIP14 in HepG2 cells. We found that overexpression of ZIP14 in HEK 293T cells increased the assimilation of iron from transferrin without increasing levels of transferrin receptor 1 or the uptake of transferrin. To allow for highly specific and sensitive detection of endogenous ZIP14 in HepG2 cells, we used a targeted knock-in approach to generate a cell line expressing a FLAG-tagged ZIP14 allele. Confocal microscopic analysis of these cells detected ZIP14 at the plasma membrane and in endosomes containing internalized transferrin. HepG2 cells in which endogenous ZIP14 was suppressed by siRNA assimilated 50% less iron from transferrin compared with controls. The uptake of transferrin, however, was unaffected. We also found that ZIP14 can mediate the transport of iron at pH 6.5, the pH at which iron dissociates from transferrin within the endosome. These results suggest that endosomal ZIP14 participates in the cellular assimilation of iron from transferrin, thus identifying a potentially new role for ZIP14 in iron metabolism.
TheInternational Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15): psychometric properties of the Portuguese version.

INTRODUCTION The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is a brief, reliable, and multidimensional scale for assessing sexual function in men in both research and clinical trials. AIM The objective of the present study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the IIEF. METHODS A total of 1,363 Portuguese men participated in this study (a clinical sample of 37 men and a community sample of 1,326 men). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES All participants completed a questionnaire regarding demographic information and the IIEF. RESULTS Principal component analysis using varimax rotation indicated a two-factor structure explaining approximately 55% of the total variance (one factor encompassing erection and orgasmic function domains of the original IIEF, and a second factor corresponding to sexual desire, intercourse, and overall satisfaction). The differentiated factor structure with five separate domains of sexual function was not replicated in the Portuguese version. The two-factor model and the original five-factor model of male sexual function were assessed with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and overall acceptable fits were demonstrated for both models. However, despite a non-optimal performance, CFA provided a better support for the five-factor solution as the model that best fitted the data. An important lack of discriminant validity evidenced by high intercorrelations among dimensions was detected in both models, suggesting a substantial overlap among factors. Reliability studies showed good internal consistency for the five subscales, and test-retest reliability analysis supported the stability of the measure over time. Discriminant validity confirmed the ability of both subscales to differentiate men with erectile dysfunction from matched controls. CONCLUSIONS Results suggested that the Portuguese version of the IIEF has adequate psychometric properties, and its use is recommended for clinical and research purposes. Further studies are needed in order to elucidate the association among dimensions of male sexual function and, ultimately, to offer a clearer conceptualization of male's sexual response.
Melamine- and Cyanuric Acid—Associated Renal Failure in Pigs in Thailand

A newly observed syndrome characterized by progressive weight loss, pallor, and high mortality was reported in many swine herds across Thailand from February through May 2007. To determine the cause of the new syndrome, 5 pigs, 4–8 weeks of age, were submitted to the diagnostic laboratory for necropsy examination. All 5 pigs were underweight, with pallor and rough coats. The kidneys of all 5 pigs were yellowish and slightly swollen, with precipitation of crystalline material on the cut surface. Histologically, epithelial degeneration and necrosis were evident in proximal and distal tubules and collecting ducts. Round, yellow-brown crystals with radiating striations were diffusely distributed through the lumen of proximal and distal tubules and collecting ducts. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were elevated. Melamine and analogs, including cyanuric acid, were detected by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The evidence reported here suggests that melamine- and cyanuric acid-adulterated feed caused renal failure in these pigs.
Exact results for average cluster numbers in bond percolation on lattice strips.

We present exact calculations of the average number of connected clusters per site, , as a function of bond occupation probability p, for the bond percolation problem on infinite-length strips of finite width Ly, of the square, triangular, honeycomb, and kagomé lattices Lambda with various boundary conditions. These are used to study the approach of , for a given p and Lambda, to its value on the two-dimensional lattice as the strip width increases. We investigate the singularities of in the complex p plane and their influence on the radii of convergence of the Taylor series expansions of about p=0 and p=1 .
The Institutionalised and Non-Institutionalised Exemptions from EU Public Procurement Law: Towards a More Coherent Approach?

From a EU public procurement law perspective, contracting authorities have a discretionary power to decide upon who is allowed and best suited to provide public services to the public. When public authorities deem the in-house performance of a service to be the most suitable, the Court of Justice of the EU has allowed these authorities to rely on the institutionalised and non-institutionalised exemptions, which exempt a possible duty to contract out a public contract. The first part of this contribution discusses the recent codification of these exemptions in Article 12 Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement. It concludes that this codification creates some legal certainty, but it mostly expands the scope of these exemptions from public procurement law. The second part of this contribution proposes a more coherent approach for these exemptions by discussing the challenges of regulating and enforcing the pre-procurement phase (the make-or-buy decision) in which a public authority decides to favour the internal or external performance of a service. It concludes by providing legal perspectives to regulate and enforce this decision-making phase.
A comparative evaluation of arterial blood flow and the healing response after femoral artery closure using angio-seal STS Plus and StarClose in a porcine model.

OBJECTIVES This study prospectively evaluated the acute and chronic arterial blood flow and vascular pathology after vessel closure using two commonly used closure devices controlled by deploying both devices in each animal. BACKGROUND Several vessel closure systems are approved for clinical use; however, few direct comparisons have ever been performed and no randomized case controlled study has been published using FDA-approved devices. METHODS Nineteen Sous Scroufulae pigs underwent bilateral percutaneous arteriotomies using ultrasound-guided 6 Fr sheath insertion in both common femoral arteries. The femoral access site was then closed using either an Angio-Seal STS Plus, an absorbable collagen sponge, or StarClose, a self-closing nitinol clip. Angiograms and ultrasound of the site were performed prior to closure and immediately afterwards. At follow-up, ultrasound was performed at the site and the specimens were sent for histopathology. RESULTS Baseline femoral artery diameters (centimeters) were similar in both groups by U/S (5.2 +/- 0.3, 5.3 +/- 0.3) and quantitative angiography (4.6 +/- 0.7, 4.6 +/- 0.8). Postdeployment angiograms showed a vessel diameter stenosis of 65%+/- 24% with Angio-Seal (n = 18) and 50%+/- 22% with StarClose (n = 18), P = 0.04. 2D U/S performed immediately postdeployment showed vessel diameter stenosis of 59%+/- 33.0 with Angio-Seal (n = 19), and 35%+/- 20 with StarClose (n = 19), P = 0.01. At 7-, 30-, and 60-day follow-up, no appreciable differences in the vessel diameter were observed by U/S. At early follow-up (7 and 30 days), Angio-Seal arteriotomy closure sites were associated with higher inflammatory and hemorrhage scores, but no difference was seen at late (60-day) follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The StarClose closure device is associated with less short-term vessel injury compared to Angio-Seal STS Plus; however, this difference was not statistically significant after 60 days.
Ku-Band Traveling Wave Slot Array Scanned Via Positioning a Dielectric Plunger

This paper introduces a feeding concept aimed at eliminating the backend (phase shifters) of traditional phased arrays. A goal is to make phased arrays simpler and less costly for satellite communications. Accordingly, we employ a traveling wave array (TWA) using a single feedline whose propagation constant is controlled via a single, small, and mechanical movement of a dielectric plunger to enable scanning. The dielectric plunger is positioned within a parallel plate waveguide (PPW) transmission line (TL) that feeds the TWA. By adjusting the position of the dielectric plunger within the TL, the feedline achieves a propagation constant range of 1 ≤ keff/k0 ≤ 2.1, corresponding to scan angles of -32.6° ≤ θ ≤ 34.2° with an element spacing of d = 0. 65λ0. That is, beam steering is achieved using a single feed and a simple linear mechanical movement (for any size array) without using phase shifters. A 20-element array was designed for stable realized gain across -25° ≤ θ ≤ 25° beam steering. Additionally, a proof of concept array was fabricated and measured. The simulated copolarized realized gain closely matches the fabricated TWA patterns.
Medicinal Chemistry and the Pharmacy Curriculum

The origins and advancements of pharmacy, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery are interwoven in nature. Medicinal chemistry provides pharmacy students with a thorough understanding of drug mechanisms of action, structure-activity relationships (SAR), acid-base and physicochemical properties, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiles. A comprehensive understanding of the chemical basis of drug action equips pharmacy students with the ability to answer rationally the “why” and “how” questions related to drug action and it sets the pharmacist apart as the chemical expert among health care professionals. By imparting an exclusive knowledge base, medicinal chemistry plays a vital role in providing critical thinking and evidence-based problem-solving skills to pharmacy students, enabling them to make optimal patient-specific therapeutic decisions. This review highlights the parallel nature of the history of pharmacy and medicinal chemistry, as well as the key elements of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery that make it an indispensable component of the pharmacy curriculum.
PRELIMINARY EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF A SILICONE OIL–FILLED FOLDABLE CAPSULAR VITREOUS BODY IN THE TREATMENT OF SEVERE RETINAL DETACHMENT

Purpose: We previously invented a novel foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) in the treatment of severe retinal detachment. The purpose of this study was to determine its hydrolytic stability in vitro and further evaluate its efficacy and safety in human eyes. Methods: The hydrolytic stability test proceeded according to State Food and Drug Administration guidelines about intraocular lenses of the ophthalmic implants. A standard three-port pars plana vitrectomy was performed, and FCVB was triple folded and sent into the vitreous cavity of three eyes; then silicone oil was injected into the capsule to support the retina. The treated eyes were examined using Goldmann applanation tonometry, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, noncontact specular microscopy, and ultrasound biomicroscopy during a 12-month follow-up appointment. Results: The mass of FCVB with silicone oil after 60-day accelerating aging temperature was equal to that at baseline. The FCVB can easily be implanted into the vitreous cavity through a 3-mm incision. The visual acuity and intraocular pressure after FCVB implantation show a slight elevation compared with those of preoperative eyes. The fundus and optical coherence tomography showed that the FCVB was well distributed in the vitreous cavity and evenly supported the retina. Retinal reattachment was found in 3 eyes at the 12-month examination. There was no statistically significant decrease in the density of corneal endothelial cells from baseline to 12 months after FCVB implantation. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed that the FCVB smoothly contacted but not crushed the ciliary body. Conclusion: Silicone oil–filled FCVB was shown to be effective and safe in 3 eyes as a vitreous substitute over a 12-month observation time.
Permanent magnet structure design of outer rotor radial flux permanent magnet generator for reduction cogging torque with design of experiment

Radial flux permanent magnet generator have higher output voltage and torque capability than axial flux permanent magnet generator. The efficiency is also higher than axial flux permanent magnet due to the lack of rotor windings have high power density and torque per current ratio, but the large cogging torque can be generated. Cogging torque would be the source of acoustic noise and vibration. It reduce very important for initial activation of wind turbine. In this paper, we are designed of outer rotor radial flux permanent magnet generator which is integrated within blade and then the pole arc ratio and magnet structure was designed in order to reduce the cogging toque.
Lipid metabolites in the pathogenesis and treatment of neovascular eye disease

Lipids and lipid metabolites have long been known to play biological roles that go beyond energy storage and membrane structure. In age-related macular degeneration and diabetes, for example, dysregulation of lipid metabolism is closely associated with disease onset and progression. At the same time, some lipids and their metabolites can exert beneficial effects in the same disorders. This review summarises our current knowledge of the contributions of lipids to both the pathogenesis and treatment of neovascular eye disease. The clinical entities covered are exudative age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity, with a special emphasis on the potential therapeutic effects of ω3- (also known as n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Evaluation of the detectability of breast cancer lesions using a modified anthropomorphic phantom.

UNLABELLED During the development and characterization of imaging technology or new imaging protocols, it is usually instructive to perform phantom experiments. Often, very simplified forms of the realistic patient anatomy are used that may be acceptable under certain conditions; however, the implications for patient studies can be misleading. This is particularly true in breast and axillary node imaging. The complexities presented by the anatomy, variable object scatter, attenuation and inhomogeneous distribution of activity in this upper thoracic region provide a significant challenge to the imaging task. METHODS A tissue-equivalent anthropomorphic phantom of the thorax (Radiology Support Devices, Inc., Long Beach, CA) containing fillable cavities and organs was modified for the studies. The phantom was filled with realistic levels of FDG activity and scanned on a Siemens ECAT HR+ whole-body PET scanner. Breast attachments containing 2.0- and 2.55-cc lesions with lesion-to-background ratios of 5:1 and 7:1, respectively, were imaged. Scatter and attenuation effects were analyzed with various experimental setups. A lymph node experiment and a multibed position whole-phantom scan also were performed to illustrate the extent to which the phantom represents the human thorax. RESULTS Regions of interest were drawn on the lesions as well as the background breast tissue in all studies. It was found that the signal-to-noise ratio decreased 65% when a more realistic phantom (lesions plus breasts plus thorax, all containing activity) was used, as compared to a simple phantom (lesions plus breasts containing activity; no thorax), due to the effects of increased scatter and attenuation. A 23% decrease in the contrast also was seen from the scan of the more realistic phantom due to surrounding activity from nearby organs such as the heart, as well as an increase in the volume of attenuating media. CONCLUSION This new phantom allows us to more realistically model the conditions for breast and lymph node imaging, leading to preclinical testing that will produce results that better approximate those that will be found in vivo. The phantom will be a valuable tool in comparing different imaging technologies, data collection strategies and image reconstruction algorithms for applications in breast cancer using PET, SPECT or scintimammography systems.