Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Histone deacetylase 11 inhibits interleukin 10 in B cells of subjects with allergic rhinitis

The interleukin (IL)‐10 expression in B cells plays an important role in immune tolerance. The regulation of IL‐10 expression in B cells is not fully understood yet. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is increased in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients. This study tests a hypothesis that TNF enhances histone deacetylase (HDAC)11 expression to inhibit the expression of IL‐10 in B cells of AR patients.
Mutation W222L at the Receptor Binding Site of Hemagglutinin Could Facilitate Viral Adaption from Equine Influenza A(H3N8) Virus to Dogs

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) cause a significant burden on human and animal health, and mechanisms for interspecies transmission of IAVs are far from being understood. Findings from this study suggest that an equine-origin A(H3N8) IAV with mutation W222L at its hemagglutinin increased binding to canine-specific receptors with sialyl Lewis X and Neu5Gc motifs and, thereby, may have facilitated viral adaption from horses to dogs. These findings suggest that in addition to the glycosidic linkage (e.g., α2,3-linked and α2,6-linked), the substructure in the receptor saccharides (e.g., sialyl Lewis X and Neu5Gc) could present an interspecies transmission barrier for IAVs and drive viral mutations to overcome such barriers. ABSTRACT An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by the equine-origin influenza A(H3N8) virus was first detected in dogs in 2004 and since then has been enzootic among dogs. Currently, the molecular mechanisms underlying host adaption of this virus from horses to dogs is unknown. Here, we have applied quantitative binding, growth kinetics, and immunofluorescence analyses to elucidate these mechanisms. Our findings suggest that a substitution of W222L in the hemagglutinin of the equine-origin A(H3N8) virus facilitated its host adaption to dogs. This mutation increased binding avidity of the virus specifically to receptor glycans with N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) and sialyl Lewis X (SLeX) motifs. We have demonstrated these motifs are abundantly located in the submucosal glands of dog trachea. Our findings also suggest that in addition to the type of glycosidic linkage (e.g., α2,3-linkage or α2,6-linkage), the type of sialic acid (Neu5Gc or 5-N-acetyl neuraminic acid) and the glycan substructure (e.g., SLeX) also play an important role in host tropism of influenza A viruses. IMPORTANCE Influenza A viruses (IAVs) cause a significant burden on human and animal health, and mechanisms for interspecies transmission of IAVs are far from being understood. Findings from this study suggest that an equine-origin A(H3N8) IAV with mutation W222L at its hemagglutinin increased binding to canine-specific receptors with sialyl Lewis X and Neu5Gc motifs and, thereby, may have facilitated viral adaption from horses to dogs. These findings suggest that in addition to the glycosidic linkage (e.g., α2,3-linked and α2,6-linked), the substructure in the receptor saccharides (e.g., sialyl Lewis X and Neu5Gc) could present an interspecies transmission barrier for IAVs and drive viral mutations to overcome such barriers.
The PEth Blood Test in the Security Environment: What it is; Why it is Important; and Interpretative Guidelines

Testing for phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a relatively new tool for detecting and grossly quantifying a person's use of alcohol in a variety of security, medical, and legal environments. The basic chemistry of PEth is explained with a particular focus on factors that make it highly suitable as a biomarker for alcohol use in such situations. This article meets the need for a literature review that synthesizes PEth laboratory findings and suggests updated guidelines for interpretation. Several ethanol biomarkers have been used for detection or monitoring alcohol use but have significant limitations. Based on this review, the authors propose three guidelines for evaluating PEth values: Light or no Consumption (<20 ng/mL), Significant Consumption (20–199 ng/mL), and Heavy Consumption (>200 ng/mL). These guidelines are important in employment and security environments, but also have applicability in such diverse activities as alcohol treatment programs, organ transplant decisions, and monitoring impaired medical professionals.
SynthETC: A Statistical Model for Severe Winter Storm Hazard on Eastern North America.

We develop, evaluate, and apply "SynthETC," a statistical-stochastic model of winter extra-tropical cyclones (ETCs) over eastern North America. SynthETC simulates the life cycle of ETCs from formation to termination, and it can be used to estimate the probability of extreme ETC events beyond the historical record. Two modes of climate variability are used as independent covariates: El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Niño3. 4 and the monthly North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). We use SynthETC to estimate the annual occurrence rate over sites in eastern North America of intense ETC passage in different ENSO and NAO states. Positive NAO is associated with increased rates over the North Atlantic, while negative NAO is associated with decreased rates over the North Atlantic and increased rates over northern Quebec. Positive ENSO is associated with decreased rates over the North Atlantic, Ontario, and the Canadian Maritime, while negative ENSO is associated with increased rates over those regions, as well as the Great Lakes region.
Smart home based ambient assisted living: Recognition of anomaly in the activity of daily living for an elderly living alone

Many people with incapacities can continue lives in their existing home with the application of an assistive informatics and healthcare monitoring. Elderly's ability to perform daily activities presents the elderly's wellness. Investigation of human activities for extracting health and well-being statistics is one of the present challenges given the Smart Aging. The existing research works are mostly focusing on offline monitoring and do not give significance to real-time monitoring and forecasting. This paper aims to apply lifestyle monitoring and forecasting in real time in ambient assisted living (AAL) system with diagnosing the conduct and distinguishing the variation from the norm with the slightest conceivable fake alert. Anomaly forecasting model based on inactivity and activity of period of the different ADL is formulated. The present study demonstrates the novel approach for forecasting of wellness anomaly related to the activity of daily living (ADL). The significant correlation between lifestyle and health status is established. Through the present research forecasting of lifestyle would facilitate remote physician/caregiver to insight symptom of the disease and provide health improvement advises to the resident. Moreover, if it is a life-threatening degradation in wellness index than appropriate service provider would be informed directly.
Metabolic fingerprint of insulin resistance in human polymorphonuclear leucocytes

The present study was aimed at determining the metabolic profile of PMNs in obese subjects, and to explore its potential relationship with insulin resistance (IR). To achieve this goal, a pilot clinical study was performed using PMNs from 17 patients with obesity and IR, and 17 lean controls without IR, which was validated in an additional smaller cohort (consisting of 10 patients and 10 controls). PMNs were isolated from peripheral blood and nuclear magnetic resonance was used to perform the metabolomic analysis. A total of 48 metabolites were quantified. The main metabolic change found in PMNs was a significant increase in 2-aminoisobutyric acid with a direct correlation with HOMA-IR (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.000001) and waist circumference (p<0.000001). By contrast, a decrease of 3-hydroxyisovalerate was observed with an inverse correlation with HOMA-IR (p = 0.001), BMI (p = 0.001) and waist circumference (p = 0.0001). Notably, the metabolic profile in plasma was different than that obtained in PMNs. In summary, our results suggest that the change in 3-hydroxyisovalerate and 2-aminoisobutyric is the key metabolic fingerprint in PMNs of obese subjects with IR. In addition, our methodology could be an easy and reliable tool for monitoring the effect of treatments in the setting of precision medicine.
Influência do modo de fotoativação e da distância da fonte de luz no grau de conversão e microinfiltração de um compósito

The aim of this study was to assess the degree of conversion and microleakage of a restorative composite in relation to the following variations on the photoactivation conditions: light intensity x exposure time and distance from the light source. Degree of conversion was analyzed on cylindrical specimens (5 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height), photoactivated according to one of the following methods: 600mW/cm x 40s; 400 mW/cm x 60 s or 200 mW/cm x 20s, followed by 500 mW/cm x 40s. The distance from the light source was also variable: 0, 3 or 7 mm. Therefore, nine experimental groups (n=3) were obtained. Energy density (power density x exposure time) for all groups was kept constant (24 J/cm). Specimens were then submitted to FT-Raman analyses (RFS 100/S, Burker, 4cm, 64 scans) for remaining double-bonds estimative, both on the top and on the bottom surfaces. The relation between 1610 and 1640 cm peaks (aromathic and aliphatic bonds, respectively) was taken into account. Statistical analyses (ANOVA and Tukey test, a=0,05) found significance for the distance from the light source, the surface considered and the interaction between photoactivation mode and distance from the light source. Degree of conversion (in %) was 58,29 (±2,87), 57,99 (±2,94) and 58,32 (±2,46) for 600, 400 and 200+500 mW/cm, respectively. For source distances of 0, 3 and 7 mm, values were 59,13 (±2,32) , 58,61 (±3,08) and 56,85 (±2,24), respectively. Top surfaces showed degree of conversion of 59,01 (±2,56), while for the bottom surface it was 57,40 (±2,67). For the microleakage test, the same composite was used for the restoration of class V cavities, made in 90 bovine incisors. The substrate was conditioned for 15 s with phosphoric acid (37%), then rinsed and gently dried. Prime & Bond NT (Dentsply/ Caulk) was then applied, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Preparations were restored in bulk and photoactivated according to the procedures described for the degree of conversion analyses. The teeth were then stored for 24 in distilled water (37oC) before being submitted to the silver-nitrate microleakage protocol. The results were analyzed using scores, submitted to the KruskallWallis test. It could be observed that the two-step irradiation mode lead to less microleakage, when compared to the continuous modes. With exception to the specimens irradiated with 400mW/cm, higher microleakage was observed for smaller distances from the light source. Means for the microleakage scores ranged from 0,25 (±0,17) for the two-step groups, 7mm from the light source to 2,0 (±0,96) for 600mW/cm, 0mm. Power density did not influence neither the degree of conversion nor the microleakage. It could be concluded that photoactivation mode has an influence on the degree of conversion and on the microleakage. Key-words: degree of conversion, microleakage, polymerization.
Protective Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Endotoxin-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate whether DEX exerts protective mechanisms in rats with acute lung injury (ALI) induced by the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The mortality rate of ALI is extremely high. DEX, an α2 adrenergic receptor agonist, has potent anti-inflammatory and organ-protective effects in addition to its sedative and analgesic properties. We sought to elucidate whether DEX can attenuate acute lung injury. Material/Methods Forty-eight Wister rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=12, per group): the normal saline control (NS) group, receiving tail-vein injection of 0.9% normal saline (5 mL/kg); the LPS (L) group, receiving tail-vein injection of LPS (8 mg/kg); the LPS+DEX (L+D) group, receiving tail-vein injection of LPS (8 mg/kg), 0.5h before treated with DEX (50 ug/kg); and the DEX+LPS (D+L) group, receiving tail-vein injection of LPS (8 mg/kg) 0.5 h after being treated with DEX (50 ug/kg). Then, we measured the wet-to-dry weight ratio of lung tissue, the ALI pathology score, and HE staining of lung tissue, and assessed the Oxygen Tension index. Results The present study revealed that LPS-induced rats exhibited significant lung injury, characterized by the deterioration of histopathology, ALI Pathology Score, wet-to-dry weight ratio, and Oxygen Tension index (MBP, PaO2, PaCO2, PH, HCO3-, and Lac), which were attenuated by DEX treatment. Conclusions Collectively, the present results demonstrate elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which DEX ameliorates LPS-induced ALI.
Deep(er) Learning

Animals successfully thrive in noisy environments with finite resources. The necessity to function with resource constraints has led evolution to design animal brains (and bodies) to be optimal in their use of computational power while being adaptable to their environmental niche. A key process undergirding this ability to adapt is the process of learning. Although a complete characterization of the neural basis of learning remains ongoing, scientists for nearly a century have used the brain as inspiration to design artificial neural networks capable of learning, a case in point being deep learning. In this viewpoint, we advocate that deep learning can be further enhanced by incorporating and tightly integrating five fundamental principles of neural circuit design and function: optimizing the system to environmental need and making it robust to environmental noise, customizing learning to context, modularizing the system, learning without supervision, and learning using reinforcement strategies. We illustrate how animals integrate these learning principles using the fruit fly olfactory learning circuit, one of nature's best-characterized and highly optimized schemes for learning. Incorporating these principles may not just improve deep learning but also expose common computational constraints. With judicious use, deep learning can become yet another effective tool to understand how and why brains are designed the way they are.
Risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Purpose of review Periodic risk stratification is recommended for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The purpose of this article is to review the available risk stratification tools in PAH. Recent findings Validated tools, such as the REVEAL (Registry to Evaluate Early And Long-term PAH Disease Management) score or European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society (ESC/ERS) risk assessment table incorporate clinical, exercise, imaging, and hemodynamic variables to obtain a multidimensional estimate of prognosis. Recent studies from REVEAL and European registries have further validated these tools and improved our understanding of prognostic factors in PAH. Serial risk assessment over time, especially after treatment initiation or modification, provides more useful information than at a single time point, with changes in risk profiles being particularly informative. A brief, simplified approach includes counting the number of ESC/ERS low-risk criteria achieved, with 3 or 4 low-risk criteria associated with an excellent prognosis. When a more precise estimation of risk is desired, the REVEAL score can delineate five risk groups with 1-year survival rates between 97.3% (low risk) and 50.2% (very high risk). Summary The REVEAL and ESC/ERS risk table are useful, validated, multidimensional risk stratification tools that should be periodically applied to patients with PAH in practice.
A Software-Defined Networking Framework to Provide Dynamic QoS Management in IEEE 802.11 Networks

In this paper, the concept of SDN (Software Defined Networking) is extended to be applied to wireless networks. Traditionally, in a wired SDN environment, the OpenFlow protocol is the communication protocol used to configure the flow table of forwarding elements (i.e., switches and Access Points). However, although in IEEE 802.11 networks there is no concept of forwarding, the SDN paradigm could also be applied to set up the wireless network dynamically, in order to improve the performance. In this case, not only the network elements, that is the Access Points, but also the mobile elements should configure their link and physical layers parameters following the guidelines of a centralized SDN controller. In particular, we propose a mechanism called DEDCA (Dynamic Enhanced Distributed Channel Access) to manage the channel access in wireless networks, and a framework that enables its implementation in 802.11-based wireless networks using SDN technology. The key aspect of this alternative solution is the control over the contention window size of the wireless terminals. Thus, an adequate response to dynamic and short-term Quality of Service (QoS) requirements can be offered to services running on these networks. DEDCA mechanism relies upon the use of a scalar parameter called gain. The mathematical model which has allowed us to obtain this parameter is presented and evaluated in this paper. Finally, the usefulness of the proposed solutions have been evaluated by means of their implementation in an example case.
Pedicle Screw Designs in Spinal Surgery: Is There a Difference? A Biomechanical Study on Primary and Revision Pull-Out Strength

Study Design. An experimental laboratory-based biomechanical study. Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate, in a synthetic bone model, the difference in primary and revision pull-out strength using pedicle screws of different thread designs. Summary of Background Data. Over the past few decades, there has been a growing interest in optimizing the screw pull-out strength using various screw designs (single-thread, mixed-thread, dual-thread). Although primary pull-out strength has been studied previously, little is known about revision pull-out strength of different pedicle screws. Methods. The pull-out strengths of three different pedicle screw designs (single-thread, mixed-thread, dual-thread) were tested in standardized polyurethane foam in three sequences. Sequence 1: A 6.5 mm screw was inserted into the foam block and the primary pull-out strength measured. Sequence 2: A 6.5 mm screw was inserted, removed, and then reinserted into the same foam block. The revision pull-out strength was then measured. Sequence 3: A 6.5 mm screw was inserted, removed and a 7.5-mm screw of the same thread design was reinserted. The revision pull-out strength was then measured. Results. The primary pull-out strength was similar across screw designs, although dual-thread screws showed higher primary pull-out strength (2628.8 N) compared to single-thread screws (2184.4 N, P < 0.05). For revision pull-out strength, the mixed-thread screws had significant reduction in revision pull-out strength of 18.6% (1890.2 N, P = 0.0173). Revision with a larger diameter screw improved the pull-out strength back to baseline. Single and dual-thread screws showed no significant reduction in revision pull-out strength. Conclusion. The dual-threaded screws provided the strongest primary pull-out strength for spinal fixation. The mixed-thread screws, however, had the poorest revision pull-out strength, decreasing by 18.6% compared to other screw designs. In cases in which mixed-threaded screws have to be revised (at the index or revision surgery), surgeons should consider the use of larger diameter screws to improve the pull-out strength. Level of Evidence: 5
Blockchain orchestration and experimentation framework: A case study of KYC

Conducting experiments to evaluate blockchain applications is a challenging task for developers, because there is a range of configuration parameters that control blockchain environment. Many public testnets (e.g. Rinkeby Ethereum) can be used for testing, however, we cannot adjust their parameters (e.g. Gas limit, Mining difficulty) to further the understanding of the application in question and of the employed blockchain. This paper proposes an easy to use orchestration framework over the Grid'5000 platform. Grid'5000 is a highly reconfigurable and controllable large-scale testbed. We developed a tool that facilitates nodes reservation, deployment and blockchain configuration over the Grid'5000 platform. In addition, our tool can fine-tune blockchain and network parameters before and between experiments. The proposed framework offers insights for private and consortium blockchain developers to identify performance bottlenecks and to assess the behavior of their applications in different circumstances.
Opportunistic diseases diminish the clinical benefit of immediate antiretroviral therapy in HIV–tuberculosis co-infected adults with low CD4+ cell counts

Introduction: HIV–tuberculosis (TB) co-infection remains an important cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Clinical trials have reported early (within 2 weeks of TB therapy) antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces mortality among HIV–TB co-infected research participants with low CD4+ cell counts, but this has not been consistently observed. We aimed to evaluate the current WHO recommendations for ART in HIV–TB co-infected patients on mortality in routine clinical settings. Methods: We compared two cohorts before (2008–2010) and after (2012–2013) policy change on ART timing after TB and examined the effectiveness of early versus delayed ART on mortality in HIV–TB co-infected participants with CD4+ cell count 100 cells/&mgr;l or less. We used inverse probability censoring-weighted Cox models on baseline characteristics to balance the study arms and generated hazard ratios for mortality. Results: Of 356 participants with CD4+ cell counts 100 cells/&mgr;l or less, 180 were in the delayed ART cohorts whereas 176 were in the early ART cohorts. Their median age (32.5 versus 32 years) and baseline CD4+ cell counts (26.5 versus 26 cells/&mgr;l) respectively were similar. There was no difference in mortality rates of both cohorts. The risk of death increased in participants with a positive Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) test in both the early ART cohort (aHR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.0–6.8; P = 0.045) and the delayed ART cohort (aHR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.9–9.0; P < 0.001 Conclusion: Early ART in patients with HIV–TB co-infection was not associated with reduced risk of mortality in routine care. Asymptomatic Cryptococcal antigenaemia increased the risk of mortality in both cohorts.