Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AGE-RAGE interactions: sticky sugar kills.

Cover Picture: CT scan of the pubis shows a slightlydisplaced right parasymphyseal fracture (arrow). There is no destructive lesion or soft tissue mass detected. The adjacent fascial planes are preserved. (Refer to page 183-186) Ageing is a normal process whose mechanisms are being explored in the hope that life span can be further extended and ageing delayed. The telomerase theory explains why cells finally apoptose. But what explains age-related atherogenesis? Is glucose the culprit?
Immunological and Virological Analyses of Persons Infected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 while Participating in Trials of Recombinant gp120 Subunit Vaccines

ABSTRACT We have studied 18 participants in phase I/II clinical trials of recombinant gp120 (rgp120) subunit vaccines (MN and SF-2) who became infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) during the course of the trials. Of the 18 individuals, 2 had received a placebo vaccine, 9 had been immunized with MN rgp120, and seven had been immunized with SF-2 rgp120. Thirteen of the 18 infected vaccinees had received three or four immunizations prior to becoming infected. Of these, two were placebo recipients, six had received MN rgp120, and five had received SF-2 rgp120. Only 1 of the 11 rgp120 recipients who had multiple immunizations failed to develop a strong immunoglobulin G antibody response to the immunogen. However, the antibody response to rgp120 was transient, typically having a half-life of 40 to 60 days. No significant neutralizing activity against the infecting strain was detected in any of the infected individuals at any time prior to infection. Antibody titers in subjects infected despite vaccination and in noninfected subjects were not significantly different. Envelope-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses measured after infection were infrequent and weak in the nine vaccinees who were tested. HIV-1 was isolated successfully from all 18 individuals. Sixteen of these strains had a non-syncytium-inducing (NSI) phenotype, while two had a syncytium-inducing (SI) phenotype. NSI strains used the CCR5 coreceptor to enter CD4+ cells, while an SI strain from one of the vaccinees also used CXCR4. Viruses isolated from the blood of rgp120 vaccinees were indistinguishable from viruses isolated from control individuals in terms of their inherent sensitivity to neutralization by specific monoclonal antibodies and their replication rates in vitro. Furthermore, genetic sequencing of the envgenes of strains infecting the vaccinees did not reveal any features that clearly distinguished these viruses from contemporary clade B viruses circulating in the United States. Thus, despite rigorous genetic analyses, using various breakdowns of the data sets, we could find no evidence that rgp120 vaccination exerted selection pressure on the infecting HIV-1 strains. The viral burdens in the infected rgp120 vaccine recipients were also determined, and they were found to be not significantly different from those in cohorts of placebo-vaccinated and nonvaccinated individuals. In summary, we conclude that vaccination with rgp120 has had, to date, no obvious beneficial or adverse effects on the individuals we have studied.
Purification and Characterization of Plantaricin JLA-9: A Novel Bacteriocin against Bacillus spp. Produced by Lactobacillus plantarum JLA-9 from Suan-Tsai, a Traditional Chinese Fermented Cabbage.

Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized peptides with antimicrobial activity produced by numerous bacteria. A novel bacteriocin-producing strain, Lactobacillus plantarum JLA-9, isolated from Suan-Tsai, a traditional Chinese fermented cabbage, was screened and identified by its physiobiochemical characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. A new bacteriocin, designated plantaricin JLA-9, was purified using butanol extraction, gel filtration, and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The molecular mass of plantaricin JLA-9 was shown to be 1044 Da by MALDI-TOF-MS analyses. The amino acid sequence of plantaricin JLA-9 was predicted to be FWQKMSFA by MALDI-TOF-MS/MS, which was confirmed by Edman degradation. This bacteriocin exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, especially Bacillus spp. , high thermal stability (20 min, 121 °C), and narrow pH stability (pH 2.0-7.0). It was sensitive to α-chymotrypsin, pepsin, alkaline protease, and papain. The mode of action of this bacteriocin responsible for outgrowth inhibition of Bacillus cereus spores was studied. Plantaricin JLA-9 had no detectable effects on germination initiation over 1 h on monitoring the hydration, heat resistance, and 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (DPA) release of spores. Rather, germination initiation is a prerequisite for the action of plantaricin JLA-9. Plantaricin JLA-9 inhibited growth by preventing the establishment of oxidative metabolism and disrupting membrane integrity in germinating spores within 2 h. The results suggest that plantaricin JLA-9 has potential applications in the control of Bacillus spp. in the food industry.
Reconstructing recent divergence: evaluating nonequilibrium population structure in New Zealand chinook salmon

Newly established or perturbed populations are often the focus of conservation concerns but they pose special challenges for population genetics because drift−migration equilibrium is unlikely. To advance our understanding of the evolution of such populations, we investigated structure and gene flow among populations of chinook salmon that formed via natural straying following introduction to New Zealand in the early 1900s. We examined 11 microsatellite loci from samples collected in several sites and years to address two questions: (i) what population differentiation has arisen in the ≈ 30 generations since salmon were introduced to New Zealand, relative to temporal variation within populations; and (ii) what are the approximate effective population sizes and amounts of gene flow in these populations? These questions are routinely addressed in studies of indigenous populations, but less often in the case of new populations and rarely with consideration of equilibrium assumptions. We show that despite the recent introduction, continued gene flow and high temporal variability among samples, detectable population structure has arisen among the New Zealand populations, consistent with their colonization pattern and isolation by geographical distance. Furthermore, we use simple individual‐based simulations and estimates of effective population sizes to estimate the effective gene flow among drainages under likely nonequilibrium conditions. Similar methodology may be broadly applicable to other studies of population structure and phenotypic evolution under similar nonequilibrium, high gene flow conditions.
Preoperative cervical cytology in endometrial carcinoma and its clinicopathologic relevance.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the significance of malignant or suspicious cervical cytology in preoperative identification of poor prognostic factors in endometrial carcinoma and to determine whether preoperative abnormal cervical cytology is an independent prognostic factor for endometrial carcinoma. METHODS We evaluated the correlation between preoperative cervical cytology and postoperative clinicopathologic findings, sites of metastasis, and receptor status from 99 surgically staged patients with endometrial carcinoma. RESULTS Sixty-eight patients (68.7%) had normal cervical cytology, 1 (1.0%) had atypical cytology suspicious for malignancy, and 30 (30.3%) had malignant cytology on preoperative cervical cytology. Malignant and suspicious cervical smears were statistically correlated with surgical stage (P = 0.001), histopathology (P = 0.010), tumor grade (P = 0.012), depth of myometrial tumor invasion (P = 0.001), cervical involvement (P = 0. 01), lymph node metastases (P = 0.002), adnexal metastases (P = 0. 012), progesterone receptor (P = 0.007), and estrogen receptor (P = 0.031). No association was found between preoperative cervical cytology and patients' age or peritoneal cytology. Univariate analysis showed that cervical cytology was related to survival (P = 0.018). However, multivariate analysis of cervical cytology, stage, grade, and myometrial invasion showed that preoperative cervical cytology was not a significant prognosticator for survival. CONCLUSION Patients with endometrial carcinoma who have malignant or suspicious cytology detected by preoperative cervical cytology are at increased risk of having known poor prognostic factors. However, positive preoperative cervical cytology itself does not appear to be an independent prognostic factor and probably should not influence treatment decisions in endometrial cancer.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety of a New 1200 mg Single-Dose Delayed Release Mesalazine Microgranule Formulation

The treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) requires a relative high therapeutic daily dose of mesalazine and thus, the drug formulation need to be well tolerate and safe. A new pH-dependent controlled release 5-ASA microgranule formulation in 1.2 g sachets has been developed. The plasma levels of both the active principle 5-ASA and the main metabolite N-Acetyl-5-ASA, after oral administration of the new formulation or after an equimolar dose of three separated enteric coated 400 mg tablets administered in the same time (Pentacol® 400, SOFAR, Milan, ITALY), were measured with a validated high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. C max , t max and AUC values were considered as primary variables and the drug safety was the secondary one. The plasma 5-ASA concentration appearance was faster after microgranule administration ( tmax of 8.1 hours) than after the reference tablets assumption (tmax of 10.6 hours). The Cmax and AUC values were similar for both formulations and the kinetic of plasma disappearance of the test formulation was slight faster. The intersubject variability was lower after administration of the microgranules with a %CV of 17.5% vs 40.4% for the tablets (n=23), due to a more controlled homogeneous drug release from the granule format. The N-Acetyl-5ASA metabolite presents a similar plasma profile of the 5-ASA for both formulations. The use of microgranules is safe and will allow to reduce the daily dosages, by improving the patients compliance also in presence of difficulty to swallow large tablets.
An ultra-brief screening scale for anxiety and depression: the PHQ-4.

BACKGROUND The most common mental disorders in both outpatient settings and the general population are depression and anxiety, which frequently coexist. Both of these disorders are associated with considerable disability. OBJECTIVE When the disorders co-occur, the disability is even greater. Authors sought to test an ultra-brief screening tool for both. METHOD Validated two-item ultra-brief screeners for depression and anxiety were combined to constitute the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (the PHQ-4). Data were analyzed from 2,149 patients drawn from 15 primary-care clinics in the United States. RESULTS Factor analysis confirmed two discrete factors (Depression and Anxiety) that explained 84% of the total variance. Increasing PHQ-4 scores were strongly associated with functional impairment, disability days, and healthcare use. Anxiety had a substantial effect on functional status that was independent of depression. CONCLUSION The PHQ-4 is a valid ultra-brief tool for detecting both anxiety and depressive disorders.
Lenz-Barlotti classes of semi-classical ordered projective planes

This paper concerns a generalization of Moulton planes. We consider these semi-classical projective planes over half-ordered fields and completely determine their Lenz-Barlotti classes in the case of finite planes and of ordered planes. We also obtain a characterization of the Desarguesian planes among the semi-classical planes in terms of linear transitivity. These results are applied to (topological) 2-dimensional semi-classical projective planes.
Regenerating and denervated human muscle fibers and satellite cells express neural cell adhesion molecule recognized by monoclonal antibodies to natural killer cells

The monoclonal antibodies anti–Leu‐19 and anti–NKH‐1 recognize the CD56 differentiation antigen expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and on a T‐cell subset. Because CD56 is an isoform of neural cell adhesion molecule (N‐CAM), we examined its expression on human muscle using antibodies to Leu‐19, NKH‐1, and purified N‐CAM in an immunohistochemical, immunoblot, and immunoprecipitation study on 70 muscle biopsy specimens from various muscle diseases and on human muscle in tissue culture. Anti–Leu‐19, anti–NKH‐1, and anti–N‐CAM had identical immunoreactive patterns. In tissue sections, they specifically recognized the satellite cells and the regenerating or newly denervated muscle fibers; in tissue cultures, they immunoreacted with myoblasts and myotubes; and in the homogenates of myopathic muscle and cultured myotubes, they immunoprecipitated the same glycoprotein of 145‐ to 220‐kd. The study concludes that (1) the commercially available monoclonal antibodies to NK cells, Leu‐19 and NKH‐1, are immunocytochemical markers for the satellite cells and the regenerating or newly denervated muscle fibers complementing conventional techniques in the diagnosis of patients with neuromuscular disorders; and (2) the CD56 is a common antigen shared by NK cells and muscle fibers during certain stages of muscle maturation, regeneration, or denervation. When expressed in the muscle, CD56 may facilitate the adhesion of cytotoxic lymphocytes to the muscle and play a role in muscle fiber injury.
Performance investigation of MIMO-OFCDM with imperfect channel estimation

This paper investigates the performance of multiple input multiple output orthogonal frequency and code division multiplexing (MIMO-OFCDM), where practical channel estimation is carried out with time-multiplexed pilot signals. Conditioned on each channel realization and estimation, the BER of MIMO-OFCDM is analytically evaluated, assuming zero-forcing successive interference cancellation (ZF-SIC) in the space domain and minimum mean square error (MMSE) detection in the frequency domain. Then, the conditional BER is averaged over all channel realizations by means of simulations. It is shown that with various channel estimation qualities and channel correlation conditions, the proposed semi-analytical approach provides precise performance estimations.
Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) by resiniferatoxin

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a Ca2+ permeable non‐selective cation channel activated by physical and chemical stimuli. Resiniferatoxin (RTX), an ultrapotent agonist of TRPV1, is under investigation for treatment of urinary bladder hyper‐reflexia and chronic pain conditions. Here, we have determined the characteristics of RTX‐induced responses in cells expressing native and cloned rat TRPV1. Whole‐cell currents increase with repeated application of submaximal concentrations of RTX until a maximal response is attained and do not deactivate even after prolonged washout. Interestingly, the rate of activation and block by capsazepine of RTX‐induced currents are significantly slower than for capsaicin‐induced currents. RTX‐induced whole‐cell currents are outwardly rectifying, but to a lesser extent than capsaicin‐induced currents. RTX‐induced single channel currents exhibit multiple conductance states and outward rectification. The open probability (Po) of RTX‐induced currents is higher at all potentials as compared to capsaicin‐induced currents, which showed a strong voltage‐dependent decrease at negative potentials. Single‐channel kinetic analyses reveal that open‐time distribution of RTX‐induced currents can be fitted with three exponential components at negative and positive potentials. The areas of distribution of the longer open time constants are significantly larger than capsaicin‐induced currents. The closed‐time distribution of RTX‐induced currents can be fitted with three exponential components as compared to capsaicin‐induced currents, which require four exponential components. Current‐clamp experiments reveal that low concentrations of RTX caused a slow and sustained depolarization beyond threshold while generating few action potentials. Concentrations of capsaicin required for the same extent of depolarization generated a significantly greater number of action potentials. These properties of RTX may play a role in its clinical usefulness.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage among patients receiving hemodialysis : comparison between a local hospital and a medical center in Taiwan

Background: Staphylococcus aureus, particularly methicillin resistant (MRSA), is a common pathogen among patients receiving hemodialysis. To understand MRSA carriage rate among these patients in different hospital levels, we conducted this study. Materials and Methods: From January 2011 to June 2011, two nasal samplings with a 3-month interval were obtained from 161 patients (totally 265 samplings, both surveys for 104 patients) who undergoing hemodialysis in a medical center, and 135 patients (totally 264 samplings, both surveys for 129 patients) in a local hospital in Taiwan and sent for the detection of MRSA. Once MRSA carriage was identified, decolonization procedures were administered. All 161 patients in the medical center were observed if MRSA infections occurred during the study period. Results: In the first sampling, the nasal MRSA colonization rate was 2.3% for the local hospital and 5.2% for the medical center. In the second sampling, the colonization rate was 4.4% and 3.4%, respectively. No significant difference was found between both hospitals, as well as both batches in term of nasal MRSA carriage rate. No significant associated risk factor for MRSA carriage was identified, either. 16 (80%) of the 20 MRSA isolates carried either type IV or VT staphylococcal chromosome cassette (SCCmec) and 14 isolates were local community strains, belonging to sequencing type 59 linage. One colonized patient failed decolonization after the first sampling but was successfully decolonized after second sampling; others were successfully decolonized. Within the 6-month study period, two patients (1.24%) in the medical center, one with MRSA colonization (9.1%), developed MRSA infection. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of patients receiving hemodialysis in Taiwan had MRSA colonization, mostly community strains, but no additional risk factors for MRSA acquisition was identified. The carriage rate was no significant difference between those in the medical center and local hospital.
[Research and development of computer aided design and rapid prototyping technology for complete denture].

OBJECTIVE To explore a computer aided design (CAD) and rapid prototyping (RP) approach for fabrication of complete denture and to develop relevant programs for implementing it. METHODS Automatic crossing section scanner was used to scan artificial teeth and 3D graphic database of artificial teeth that could be aligned with parameters was established. A 3D laser scanner was used to scan upper and lower edentulous jaw casts and rims made in clinic. The vertical and horizontal relations were recorded before scanning with a patient instrument. Based on Imageware 11, tooth-arrangement curves, coordinate system, and landmark points for positioning were created, and construction cure and shape-controlling curve for base plate were constructed as well. Three-dimensional integrated design of complete denture, including artificial tooth automatic arrangement, aesthetic and individualized design of base plate, and artificial gingival, were finished. The programs were developed following the approach and the CAD platform was established. The virtual molds of complete dentures were constructed according to the above data in design and RP technology was used to make the plaster molds. Finally, the teeth were inserted and the complete denture was finished by dental technician. RESULTS The approach for the complete denture CAD/RP was confirmed and the CAD software platform was developed. A complete denture was manufactured. CONCLUSIONS The rules for complete denture in textbooks were expressed in design process with the CAD program developed by researcher. The 3D data of rims were utilized in design so that the digital, intelligentized and individualized design and manufacture process for complete denture was implemented.
Protection strategy for undersea MTDC grids

Many point to point HVDC lines are already in operation in several countries. However, the development of multi-terminal DC grids is slowed by the lack of efficient control and protection strategies that can be applied on such grids. This article deals with the protection aspect of those networks. Indeed, the resort to Voltage Source Converters (VSC) changes the constraints since the short circuit current can flow through the freewheel diodes in case of the event of a DC fault. Also, since several links are considered, selectivity rules need to be investigated in order to maintain the healthy part of the grid in operation. A protection plan is proposed and its robustness and limitations are investigated.
Psychiatric Disorders in Youth With Perinatally Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Background: Clinical reports from the United States indicate substantive mental health problems in perinatally human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected youth that pose substantial barriers to optimizing their health. This pilot study explores rates and types of psychiatric and substance use disorders, as well as emotional and behavioral functioning in perinatally HIV-infected children and adolescents. Methods: Forty-seven perinatally-infected youths (9–16 years of age) and their primary caregivers recruited from a pediatric HIV clinic were interviewed using standardized assessments of youth psychiatric disorders and emotional and behavioral functioning, as well as measures of health and caregiver mental health. Results: According to either the caregiver or child report, 55% of youths met criteria for a psychiatric disorder. The most prevalent diagnoses were anxiety disorders (40%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (21%), conduct disorders (13%), and oppositional defiant disorders (11%). However, the majority of caregivers and children scored in the normative range on the symptom questionnaires on emotional and behavioral functioning. None of the demographic or child health variables or measures of caregiver mental health was significantly associated with presence of a child psychiatric disorder. There was an association between caregiver mental health and child emotional and behavioral functioning. Conclusions: Standardized assessments of mental health identified very high rates of psychiatric disorders, primarily in the anxiety and behavioral domains, in this sample of youth with perinatal HIV infection. Mental health interventions should be integrated into medical care to help members of this highly vulnerable population optimize their health and well-being.
A recessed gate LDMOSFET for alleviating HCI effects

This paper proposes a partially recessed-gate structure which enables to enlarge HCI lifetime of an STI-based LDMOSFET without degrading important static performances such as breakdown voltage (BV) and specific on-resistance (Rsp). This improvement in HCI characteristic is observed regardless of channel types and voltage ratings. The recessed gate is formed in a field-plate region by dry-etching the STI with an extra mask step. Attentive width enlargement and precise depth control of the trench are found to be the keys to maximize the favorable effect on the HCI performance. Measurement data have confirmed that the proposed structure makes HCI lifetime improve by 1-2 orders of magnitude.