Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diabetes Learning in Virtual Environments: Testing the Efficacy of Self-Management Training and Support in Virtual Environments (Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol).

BACKGROUND Ongoing self-management improves outcomes for those with Type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, there are many barriers to patients receiving assistance in this from the healthcare system and peers. Findings from our pilot study showed that a virtual diabetes community on the Internet with real-time interaction among peers with T2D-and with healthcare professionals-is feasible and has the potential to influence clinical and psychosocial outcomes. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to present the protocol for the Diabetes Learning in Virtual Environments (LIVE) trial. PROTOCOL Diabetes LIVE is a two-group, randomized controlled trial to compare effects of a virtual environment and traditional Web site on diet and physical activity. Our secondary aims will determine the effects on metabolic outcomes; effects of level of engagement and social network formation in LIVE on behavioral outcomes; potential mediating effects of changes in self-efficacy; and diabetes knowledge, diabetes-related distress, and social support on behavior change and metabolic outcomes. We will enroll 300 subjects at two sites (Duke University/Raleigh-Durham, NC and New York University/New York, NY) who have T2D and do not have serious complications or comorbidities. Those randomly assigned to the intervention group have access to the LIVE site where they can find information, synchronous classes with diabetes educators, and peer support to enhance self-management. Those in the control group have access to the same informational and educational content in a traditional asynchronous Web format. Measures of self-management, clinical outcomes, and psychosocial outcomes are assessed at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. DISCUSSION Should LIVE prove effective in improved self-management of diabetes, similar interventions could be applied to other prevalent chronic diseases. Innovative programs such as LIVE have potential for improving healthcare access in an easily disseminated alternative model of care that potentially improves the reach of self-management training and support.
TAp73α binds the kinetochore proteins Bub1 and Bub3 resulting in polyploidy

Aneuploidy is a characteristic of most solid tumors, often associated with negative prognosis. It can arise from two principal mechanisms: from a tetraploid intermediate state, or directly from errors at cell division. The control of cell division, crucial to maintain genomic stability, is still poorly understood in its relationship to aneuploidy. Here we show that the TAp73α isoform induces polyploidy when over-expressed. This is possibly due to the interaction of TAp73α with kinetochore-related proteins leading to the alteration of mitotic checkpoint abilities. TAp73α but not p53 or any of the other p73 isoforms binds Bub1 and Bub3. Since TAp73α is frequently over-expressed in cancer, this interaction may contribute to the aneuploidy observed in cancer progression. Our results suggest a novel molecular mechanism leading to aneuploidy involving interference of TAp73α with Bub1 and Bub3 resulting in an altered mitotic checkpoint.
Intraoperative Confocal Microscopy for Brain Tumors: A Feasibility Analysis in Humans

BACKGROUND: The ability to diagnose brain tumors intraoperatively and identify tumor margins during resection could maximize resection and minimize morbidity. Advances in optical imaging enabled production of a handheld intraoperative confocal microscope. OBJECTIVE: To present a feasibility analysis of the intraoperative confocal microscope for brain tumor resection. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with brain tumor treated at Barrow Neurological Institute were examined. All patients received an intravenous bolus of sodium fluorescein before confocal imaging with the Optiscan FIVE 1 system probe. Optical biopsies were obtained within each tumor and along the tumor-brain interfaces. Corresponding pathologic specimens were then excised and processed. These data was compared by a neuropathologist to identify the concordance for tumor histology, grade, and margins. RESULTS: Thirty-one of 33 lesions were tumors (93.9%) and 2 cases were identified as radiation necrosis (6.1%). Of the former, 25 (80.6%) were intra-axial and 6 (19.4%) were extra-axial. Intra-axial tumors were most commonly gliomas and metastases, while all extra-axial tumors were meningiomas. Among high-grade gliomas, vascular neoproliferation, as well as tumor margins, were identifiable using confocal imaging. Meningothelial and fibrous meningiomas were distinct on confocal microcopy-the latter featured spindle-shaped cells distinguishable from adjacent parenchyma. Other tumor histologies correlated well with standard neuropathology tissue preparations. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative confocal microscopy is a practicable technology for the resection of human brain tumors. Preliminary analysis demonstrates reliability for a variety of lesions in identifying tumor cells and the tumor-brain interface. Further refinement of this technology depends upon the approval of tumor-specific fluorescent contrast agents for human use.
Caspase‐3 is activated following axotomy of neonatal facial motoneurons and caspase‐3 gene deletion delays axotomy‐induced cell death in rodents

In this report, we examined the possible functions of the cell death protease, caspase‐3, in the axotomy‐induced apoptosis of facial motoneurons in newborn rodents. Using in situ hybridization and Western blot, we found higher levels of caspase‐3 mRNA and pro‐caspase‐3 protein expression in motoneurons of neonatal and 2‐week‐old rats than adult rats. Following facial motoneuron axotomy, caspase‐3 mRNA and protein expression increased in motoneurons of both neonatal and adult rats. However, using an antibody directed to the activated form of the caspase‐3 protease, we found that catalytically active caspase‐3 was present only in axotomized neonatal motoneurons. As motoneurons in neonatal but not adult rodents are susceptible to axotomy‐induced apoptosis, we hypothesized that caspase‐3 may play a role in their demise. To determine the necessity of caspase‐3 activation in axotomy‐induced apoptosis, we counted the number of surviving motoneurons at 4 and 7 days following axotomy in wild type mice and caspase‐3 gene‐deleted mice. There were nearly three times more surviving motoneurons in caspase‐3 gene‐deleted mice than in wild type mice at both 4 days (mean 1074 vs. 464, P < 0.005) and 7 days (mean 469 vs. 190, P < 0.005) following injury, indicating a slower rate of death. Examination of the dying motoneurons using TUNEL staining (for fragmented DNA) and bisbenzimide staining (for nuclear morphology) revealed incomplete nuclear condensation in caspase‐3‐deficient motoneurons. These results demonstrate that caspase‐3 activation plays important roles in the rapid demise of axotomized neonatal motoneurons.
Xylene: Its toxicity, measurement of exposure levels, absorption, metabolism and clearance

&NA; Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon widely used in industry and medical technology as a solvent. Health and safety authorities in most countries, including Australia, recommend a threshold limit value (TLV) of 100 ppm in the working environment. Recently, the amount of the major metabolite of xylene, methylhippuric acid (MHA), in urine has been recommended as a better indicator of exposure. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has recommended an upper limit for this indicator, called a biological exposure index (BEI), of 2.0 g MHA/L urine (SG 1.016). Xylene vapour is absorbed rapidly from the lungs, and xylene liquid and vapour are absorbed slowly through the skin. Of the xylene absorbed, about 95% is metabolised in the liver to MHA and 70 to 80% of metabolites are excreted in the urine within 24 hours. However, the many variables which affect the absorption, metabolism and clearance of xylene include exercise, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, co-exposure to other solvents, gender, and gastrointestinal, hepatic and renal pathology. Xylene in high concentrations acts as a narcotic, inducing neuropsychological and neurophysiological dysfunction. Respiratory tract symptoms are also frequent. More chronic, occupational exposure has been associated with anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, chest pain with ECG abnormalities, dyspnea and cyanosis, in addition to CNS symptoms. Concomitant exposure to xylene and other solvents, including toluene, affected hematological parameters, liver size, liver enzymes, auditory memory, visual abstraction, and vibration threshold in the toes. Normal metabolic pathways were altered and significant increases in some serum bile acids may reflect early liver damage. Skin contact has caused burning, erythema and dermatitis. In experimental studies, xylene at about 100 ppm had a deleterious effect on equilibrium, reaction time and manual coordination in non-adapted subjects. At higher concentrations some neurophysiological parameters were altered, particularly when xylene concentration fluctuated. Exercise and alcohol consumption increased blood xylene levels, but altered the neurophysiological effects of xylene in an inconsistent manner. Two reports associating exposure to solvents, including xylene, and increased risk of carcinoma were inconclusive, as were studies on reproduction. While animal studies fail to provide convincing evidence that xylene is carcinogenic or has significant genetic or reproductive effects, they do confirm that xylene has effects on many organ systems, including the CNS, liver, kidney, hemopoietic tissues and respiratory tract. However, there are factors which require animal studies to be interpreted cautiously. Differences are suspected between animal species, and between animals and humans, in the metabolism of, and sensitivity to, xylene. Conditions of exposure to xylene in animal experiments and human studies, both occupational and experimental, are also usually very different.
Full coverage for preventive medications after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND Adherence to medications that are prescribed after myocardial infarction is poor. Eliminating out-of-pocket costs may increase adherence and improve outcomes. METHODS We enrolled patients discharged after myocardial infarction and randomly assigned their insurance-plan sponsors to full prescription coverage (1494 plan sponsors with 2845 patients) or usual prescription coverage (1486 plan sponsors with 3010 patients) for all statins, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, or angiotensin-receptor blockers. The primary outcome was the first major vascular event or revascularization. Secondary outcomes were rates of medication adherence, total major vascular events or revascularization, the first major vascular event, and health expenditures. RESULTS Rates of adherence ranged from 35.9 to 49.0% in the usual-coverage group and were 4 to 6 percentage points higher in the full-coverage group (P<0.001 for all comparisons). There was no significant between-group difference in the primary outcome (17.6 per 100 person-years in the full-coverage group vs. 18.8 in the usual-coverage group; hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82 to 1.04; P=0.21). The rates of total major vascular events or revascularization were significantly reduced in the full-coverage group (21.5 vs. 23.3; hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.90 to 0.99; P=0.03), as was the rate of the first major vascular event (11.0 vs. 12.8; hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.99; P=0.03). The elimination of copayments did not increase total spending ($66,008 for the full-coverage group and $71,778 for the usual-coverage group; relative spending, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.50 to 1.56; P=0.68). Patient costs were reduced for drugs and other services (relative spending, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.80; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The elimination of copayments for drugs prescribed after myocardial infarction did not significantly reduce rates of the trial's primary outcome. Enhanced prescription coverage improved medication adherence and rates of first major vascular events and decreased patient spending without increasing overall health costs. (Funded by Aetna and the Commonwealth Fund; MI FREEE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00566774.).
Timing is everything

Environmental influence on developmental plasticity impacts a wide diversity of animal life from insects to humans. We now understand the epigenetic basis for many of these altered phenotypes. The five environmental factors of nutrition, behavior, stress, toxins, and stochasticity work individually and in concert to affect the developing epigenome. During early embryogenesis, epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation, are reset at specific times. Two waves of global demethylation and reestablishment of methylation frame the sensitive times for early environmental influences and will be the focus of this review. Gene transcription, translation, and post-translational modification of chromatin remodeling complexes are three mechanisms affected by developmental exposure to environmental factors. To illustrate how changes in the early environment profoundly affect these mechanisms, we provide examples throughout the animal kingdom. Herein we review the history, time points, and mechanisms of epigenetic gene-environment interaction.
Design and implementation of intelligent controller based boost converter for Electric Vehicle applications

In recent years the availability of petroleum resources has decreased, which has paved the way for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). In order to achieve a better drive range and improved performance of the motor, control techniques are necessary for the DC to DC power converters which are used in these vehicles. Designing of linear controllers for these converters like Proportional Integral (PI) is pretty straightforward which requires mathematical modeling of the system. Whereas the designing of non-linear controllers like Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) is completely trial and error and does not include the mathematical modeling of the system. Though the FLC is more robust, has a better steady state response, and is able to attain sooner transient response as compared to PI controllers. The above approach is implemented and tested to a conventional DC to DC boost converter and the hardware implementation of the converter is done and discussed in this paper.
Personalization in Serious and Persuasive Games and Gamified Interactions

Serious and persuasive games and gamified interactions have become popular in the last years, especially in the realm of behavior change support systems. They have been used as tools to support and influence human behavior in a variety of fields, such as health, sustainability, education, and security. It has been shown that personalized serious and persuasive games and gamified interactions can increase effectivity of supporting behavior change compared to "one-size-fits all"-systems. However, how serious games and gamified interactions can be personalized, which factors can be used to personalize (e.g. personality, gender, persuadability, player types, gamification user types, states, contextual/situational variables), what effect personalization has (e.g. on player/user experience) and whether there is any return on investment is still largely unexplored. This full-day workshop aims at bringing together the academic and industrial community as well as the gaming and gamification community to jointly explore these topics and define a future roadmap.
Suppression of Botrytis bunch rot in Chardonnay grapevines by induction of host resistance and fungal antagonism

A chemical elicitor, 5-chlorosalicylic acid (5C SA), and a fungal antagonist Ulocladium oudemansii, were evaluated for their ability to suppress Botrytis cinerea in Chardonnay grapes. Potted plants developed resistance to B. cinerea infection after treatment with 1 mM 5CSA. Resistance, as expressed by a reduction in lesion diameter, was greatest in plants that were treated with 5CSA 7 days before inoculation. This delayed response is indicative of induced resistance and this is supported by observations that 1 mM 5CSA did not significantly affect B. cinerea growth on amended media or on treated necrotic leaf disks. Compatibility studies on necrotic leaf disks demonstrated that 5CS A had no significant adverse effects on U. oudemansii conidial germination, germ tube vigour and B. cinerea suppression, indicating that these two components could be mixed for field use. Applications of 5C SA, U. oudemansii and 5CSA + U. oudemansii, every 10–14 days from flowering until one week pre-harvest significantly (P < 0.05) reduced Botrytis bunch rot severity on Chardonnay grapevines. Disease severity at harvest was significantly lower on treated bunches than on untreated controls. There was no significant difference between stand-alone and combination treatments at vintage. Harvested bunches were incubated in high humidity chambers to encourage Botrytis bunch rot development. After 14 days incubation, Botrytis severity increased to 83% on untreated bunches compared with between 37–41% on those treated with 5CSA and U. oudemansii Under these conditions 5CSA+ U. oudemansii provided significantly better control than each component alone and reduced bunch rot severity to less than 15.2%. The potential deployment of elicitors and antagonists to control Botrytis bunch rot in grapes is discussed.
Human Endometrial Epithelial Cells (EEC) Constitutively Express More Intercellular Adhesion Molecule (ICAM)‐1 than Endometrial Stromal Cells (ESC) in Culture

Problem: Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) is thought to play an important role in pathophysiological processes in endometrial tissue. The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the expression of ICAM‐1 mRNA and protein in cultured endometrial epithelial cells (EEC) versus endometrial stromal cells (ESC).
In vitro and in vivo studies of a VEGF121/rGelonin chimeric fusion toxin targeting the neovasculature of solid tumors

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in the growth and metastasis of solid tumors. We generated a fusion protein containing VEGF121 linked by a flexible G4S tether to the toxin gelonin (rGel) and expressed this as a soluble protein in bacteria. Purified VEGF121/rGel migrated as an 84-kDa homodimer under nonreducing conditions. VEGF121/rGel bound to purified, immobilized Flk-1, and the binding was competed by VEGF121. Both VEGF121/rGel and VEGF121 stimulated cellular kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) phosphorylation. The VEGF121/rGel fusion construct was highly cytotoxic to endothelial cells overexpressing the KDR/Flk-1 receptor. The IC50 of the construct on dividing endothelial cells expressing 105 or more KDR/Flk-1 receptors per cell was 0.5–1 nM, as compared with 300 nM for rGel itself. Dividing endothelial cells overexpressing KDR were approximately 60-fold more sensitive to VEGF121/rGel than were nondividing cells. Endothelial cells overexpressing FLT-1 were not sensitive to the fusion protein. Human melanoma (A-375) or human prostate (PC-3) xenografts treated with the fusion construct demonstrated a reduction in tumor volume to 16% of untreated controls. The fusion construct localized selectively to PC-3 tumor vessels and caused thrombotic damage to tumor vessels with extravasation of red blood cells into the tumor bed. These studies demonstrate the successful use of VEGF121/rGel fusion construct for the targeted destruction of tumor vasculature in vivo.
OC6.02: Growth rate of corpus callosum in very premature infants

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE It is desirable to develop a bedside method for assessing cerebral development in the very premature infant to monitor the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving cerebral development. Our aim was to describe the growth trajectory of the corpus callosum (CC) on cranial sonography in very premature infants. METHODS We recruited 100 very-low-birth-weight infants admitted to a single regional level III neonatal intensive care unit from November 1998 to November 2000. Cranial sonography images of the CC were obtained for 64 (32 boys) infants (mean gestational age, 28 weeks; range, 23-33 weeks) in the first week of life and at term equivalency. The growth rate of the CC was compared in the 64 study infants to the expected growth rate of 0.20-0.27 mm/day from antenatal data and correlated with clinical outcome at 2 years of age by using Mental Development Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Development Index (PDI). RESULTS The average growth rate of the CC was half of that expected from antenatal data. Mean growth rates were similar for all gestational ages (mean, 0.11 mm/day; range, 0.05-0.29; P = .4). The CC at term equivalency was longer for those in MDI class 2 (mean, 44.3 mm) compared with MDI class 3 (mean 40.2 mm; P = .003) as well as for PDI class 2 versus 3 (P = .017). CONCLUSION Measurement of the length of the CC at cranial sonography is reproducible. Those with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes have a shorter CC at term equivalency. The CC grows at a much lower rate postnatally than in utero among very premature infants.
Transcriptome Profiling Reveals the Importance of Plasmid pSymB for Osmoadaptation of Sinorhizobium meliloti

ABSTRACT In this work, DNA microarrays were used to investigate genome-wide transcriptional responses of Sinorhizobium meliloti to a sudden increase in external osmolarity elicited by addition of either NaCl or sucrose to exponentially growing cultures. A time course of the response within the first 4 h after the osmotic shock was established. We found that there was a general redundancy in the differentially expressed genes after NaCl or sucrose addition. Both kinds of stress resulted in induction of a large number of genes having unknown functions and in repression of many genes coding for proteins with known functions. There was a strong replicon bias in the pattern of the osmotic stress response; whereas 64% of the upregulated genes had a plasmid localization, 85% of the downregulated genes were chromosomal. Among the pSymB osmoresponsive genes, 83% were upregulated, suggesting the importance of this plasmid for S. meliloti osmoadaptation. Indeed, we identified a 200-kb region in pSymB needed for adaptation to saline shock which has a high density of osmoregulated genes.