Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a socially significant immune-mediated disease, characterized by demyelination, axonal transection and oligodendropathy in the central nervous system. Inflammatory demyelination and neurodegeneration lead to brain atrophy and cognitive deficit in up to 75% of the patients. Cognitive dysfunctions impact significantly patients’ quality of life, independently from the course and phase of the disease. The relationship between pathological brain findings and cognitive impairment is a subject of intensive research. Summarizing recent data about prevalence, clinical specificity and treatment of cognitive disorders in MS, this review aims to motivate the necessity of early diagnosis and complex therapeutic approach to these disturbances in order to reduce the social burden of the disease.
Close association of verotoxin (Shiga-like toxin) production with enterohemolysin production in strains of Escherichia coli

Sixty-four verotoxin-producing (VT+) Escherichia coli strains were analyzed for VT1- and VT2-specific DNA sequences and for production of hemolysin. Strains of human origin were of the following serotypes: O157:H7 or H-, O111:H8 or H-, O26:H11, O114:H4, and rough:H7. Strains of serotypes O157:H7, O113:H21, O116:H21, and rough:H- were from cattle, while those of serotype O139:K12:H1 were from pigs. All 64 isolates carried either VT1 or VT2 or both genes. Sixty of the strains (93.8%) were hemolytic (Hly+). The three O139:K12:H1 strains examined produced alpha-hemolysin, as shown by their reaction with the alpha-hemolysin-specific monoclonal antibody h2A and by DNA hybridization with an alpha-hly gene probe. The remaining 57 Hly+ strains (95%) produced a different type of hemolysin (enterohemolysin), which is genetically and serologically unrelated to alpha-hemolysin. The two types of hemolysin are further distinguished by the appearance of the lysis zone on blood agar and by the time interval for the detection of hemolysis. In contrast to alpha-hemolysin, enterohemolysin can be detected only on blood plates containing washed erythrocytes. The frequent association of enterohemolysin with verotoxin production (89%) makes it useful as an epidemiological marker for rapid and simple detection of potential VT+ E. coli.
Automatic modelling of Power Electronic Converter; Average model construction and Modelica model generation

Development in semi-conductor production and the control of static converters leads to an increase u se of these devices in classical electrical motor cont rol application. But, the simulation of these elements in a complete system involves longer computation time in order to take into account the impact of switchi ng on the global system. Using average models to simulate them brings a drastic decrease of computation time. Such models do not take into account switching. They are a good compromise between complexity, computing time and acceptable accuracy at a sys tem level. Even if the method to build these models is well identified, it still requires a lot of mani pulation to get from the very structure description to the simulation code. This paper deals with a method tha t automates the average modeling of power electronic converter. The associated tool prototype (AMG) that has been implemented is also presented and some simulation results are shown using the Imagine.Lab AMESim[1] and its Modelica Platform.
Secure Relay Beamforming With Imperfect Channel Side Information

In this paper, we study the robust relay beamformer design problem in the relay-eavesdropper network with imperfect knowledge of the eavesdropper's channel. In this network, the half-duplexing relay is equipped with multiple antennas and employs the amplify-and-forward (AF) relaying protocol. Assuming static legitimate links, we consider the relay beamforming problem under two models for the eavesdropper's channel: 1) the Rician fading channel model, where only statistical information of the eavesdropper's channel is known by the legitimate nodes; and 2) the deterministic uncertainty model, where the uncertainty region of the eavesdropper's channel vector is modeled as a sphere. As for the optimization criteria, we use an approximation of the ergodic secrecy rate under the Rician fading model and the worst-case secrecy rate under the deterministic uncertainty model. Under both models, the optimal rank-1, match-and-forward (MF), and zero-forcing (ZF) beamformers are developed, and the equivalence of the optimal rank-1 beamformer and the optimal MF beamformer is also established. Under the Rician fading model, it is shown that the optimal ZF beamformer may have a rank greater than 1 and, therefore, could outperform the optimal MF beamformer, whereas under the deterministic uncertainty model, the optimal ZF beamformer must be rank-1. Numerical results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed relay beamformers.
Specialized Function of Yeast Isa1 and Isa2 Proteins in the Maturation of Mitochondrial [4Fe-4S] Proteins*

Background: The precise molecular function of Isa1 and Isa2 proteins in Fe/S protein biogenesis is unknown. Results: The Isa1-Isa2 complex binds iron in vivo and acts late in the synthesis of [4Fe-4S] clusters. Conclusion: Mitochondria possess specialized factors for maturation of [4Fe-4S] proteins. Significance: This study defines the role of Isa proteins in mitochondrial Fe/S protein biogenesis. Most eukaryotes contain iron-sulfur cluster (ISC) assembly proteins related to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Isa1 and Isa2. We show here that Isa1 but not Isa2 can be functionally replaced by the bacterial relatives IscA, SufA, and ErpA. The specific function of these “A-type” ISC proteins within the framework of mitochondrial and bacterial Fe/S protein biogenesis is still unresolved. In a comprehensive in vivo analysis, we show that S. cerevisiae Isa1 and Isa2 form a complex that is required for maturation of mitochondrial [4Fe-4S] proteins, including aconitase and homoaconitase. In contrast, Isa1-Isa2 were dispensable for the generation of mitochondrial [2Fe-2S] proteins and cytosolic [4Fe-4S] proteins. Targeting of bacterial [2Fe-2S] and [4Fe-4S] ferredoxins to yeast mitochondria further supported this specificity. Isa1 and Isa2 proteins are shown to bind iron in vivo, yet the Isa1-Isa2-bound iron was not needed as a donor for de novo assembly of the [2Fe-2S] cluster on the general Fe/S scaffold proteins Isu1-Isu2. Upon depletion of the ISC assembly factor Iba57, which specifically interacts with Isa1 and Isa2, or in the absence of the major mitochondrial [4Fe-4S] protein aconitase, iron accumulated on the Isa proteins. These results suggest that the iron bound to the Isa proteins is required for the de novo synthesis of [4Fe-4S] clusters in mitochondria and for their insertion into apoproteins in a reaction mediated by Iba57. Taken together, these findings define Isa1, Isa2, and Iba57 as a specialized, late-acting ISC assembly subsystem that is specifically dedicated to the maturation of mitochondrial [4Fe-4S] proteins.
Automatic segmentation of blood vessels in retinal image using morphological filters

This paper presents the method for automatic segmentation of blood vessels in retinal image. Proposed approach makes use of morphological filter called top hat transform oriented at three directions for extraction of vessel network. Segmentation of vessel structure is done using single global threshold. This approach is tested on standard DRIVE database. Experimental results show better performance of the proposed method for segmentation of vessel structure. Proposed approach is superior over the algorithms available in literature with respect to accuracy and computation time.
Detection of a Helicobacter pylori Antigen in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Meningitis

Abstract Meningitis is a common life threatening disease which may be caused by a bacterium, fungus, or virus. Here, the presence of a Helicobacter pylori antigen was investigated in serum and CSF samples from 173 individuals with meningitis. The influence of H. pylori infection on CSF levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines was also evaluated. H. pylori antigen was detected using ELISA and Western blot based on specific anti‐H. pylori antibody. Th1/Th2 cytokines (IFN‐γ & IL‐10, respectively) were also determined. A target epitope of 58‐kDa was detected in selected CSF and serum samples using Western blot. H. pylori antigen was detected in the CSF samples of 75% of meningitis patients showing H. pylori antigen in their sera. A significant correlation (p<0.001, r=0.21) was shown between serum and CSF levels of 58‐kDa H. pylori antigen. Only the levels of Th1 cytokine (IFN‐γ) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in CSF of meningitis patients positive for H. pylori antigen than negative patients with meningitis. In conclusion, the 58‐kDa H. pylori antigen crossed the blood brain barrier and entered the CSF of patients with meningitis. A significant upregulation of Th1 response may be associated with H. pylori infection in patients with meningitis.
Finger multibiometric cryptosystem based on score-level fusion

As a very promising approach, multibiometrics has been extensively studied to overcome the limitations of unibiometrics for high recognition performance in recent years. However, multibiometric systems always store multiple biometric templates for each user, which causes significant risks to user privacy and system security. In this paper, we address two critical issues in the design of finger multibiometric system, i.e., fusion methodology and template security. First, the score-level fusion framework using Fuzzy Commitment Scheme is proposed to protect multiple finger biometric templates of fingerprint, finger vein, finger knuckle print and finger shape traits. Second, the security of the proposed multibiometric cryptosystem is analysed on the basis of the correcting capacity of Error Correcting Code. The experimental results and security evaluation are conducted on a merged finger multimodal biometrics database. The comparative experiments show that the proposed finger multibiometric cryptosystem outperforms the unibiometric counterparts in terms of verification performance and template security.
Adolescent survivors of burn injuries and their parents’ perceptions of recovery outcomes: Do they agree or disagree?

BACKGROUND This study analyzed the concordance of parent and child in assessing the progress of child and adolescent survivors of burn injuries using health outcomes. METHODS The American Burn Association/Shriners Hospitals for Children Burn Outcomes Questionnaire (BOQ) was completed by 355 pairs of parents and their 11- to 18-year-old adolescents who experienced a burn injury. These patients completed BOQ child/parent questionnaire pairs at four regional pediatric burn care centers nationally during the first 4 years postburn. The BOQ includes 12 scales that range from physical to emotional health. Predicted recovery curves for each scale (dependent variable) were obtained from generalized linear models, with the independent variables the logarithmic transformation of the time since burn and parent/child as the principal indicator. Covariates included sociodemographics and clinical severity. RESULTS Mean differences between the parent and adolescent scale scores were small, with few insignificant exceptions. Most of the recovery curves over time for the parent and the adolescent were undifferentiated, except for the outcome of appearance where the adolescent rating was better than that of the parent (p < 0.01) and itch was judged as worse than that of the parent (p < 0.01). School reentry was rated higher by the adolescent initially (p < 0.001), but after 18 months, it was rated higher by the parent (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION Analysis of the BOQ completed by adolescents and their parents reveal similar estimates of recovery following the burn injury. These results suggest that the adolescent’s reported outcomes can be used interchangeably with the parent’s assessments, with the exception of appearance, itch, and school reentry, where there are some differences. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Epidemiologic/prognostic study, level III.
Image registration using both distance and angle information

Image registration is an important task in matching two or more images with unknown rotation, displacement, and scaling. A class of registration algorithms uses the location of feature points in the images, rather than pixel intensity values to perform the registration. An O(N/sup 3/) algorithm of this type that uses both relative distance and angle information is examined. The algorithm allows for missing and spurious feature points, and can provide scale mismatch information. It requires less computation than a previous method.
Meningioma with extensive noncalcifying collagenous whorls and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression: New variant of meningioma diagnosed by smear preparation

The purpose of this report is to describe the unique cytological findings of a new recently characterized type of meningioma that has extensive noncalcifying collagenous whorls and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) expression. This new entity, described by Haberler and colleagues, was named whorling sclerosing variant of meningioma. The patient was a 34‐yr‐old white man with a large tumor in the brainstem. Intraoperative smear preparations showed a tumor with a large number of solid hyaline masses in a loose background and in focal areas tumor cells formed cohesive nests with a somewhat whorling appearance. The histological sections showed a neoplasia composed of innumerable eosinophilic, collagenous, noncalcified round deposits, cuffed by scattered meningothelial tumor cells. The neoplastic cells showed diffuse cytoplasmic reactivity for EMA and vimentin, as well as positivity to GFAP. This is the first cytological description of this new entity in the literature. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2003;28:274–277. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Review on Structures of Secondary Wall in Reaction Wood Fiber of Hardwood Species

Due to a non-vertical orientation of the stem or branch, which may begin as responses of prevailing winds, snow, slope, or asymmetric crown shape, a specialized wood tissue forms, is called “reaction wood”. In hardwood species, the reaction wood tends to form on the upper side of a leaning stem or branch, is known to as “tension wood”. It is usually related with eccentric growth and changes in structure and chemistry of wood. During the formation of tension wood many changes found in wood cells, especially in wood fibers. The changes of wood properties in tension portion result different shrinkage characteristics during drying, creates a serious problem at adjacent portion of normal wood. However, tension wood is problematic in the hardwood industries and this wood is economically less valued. However, the studies on tension wood are necessary for beneficial applications in the wood industries sectors as well as research sectors. The knowledge on tension wood anatomy is still a matter for tree growers and timber processors, especially who are often involved in the furniture making. Besides, the understanding of tension wood formation provides a unique opportunity to obtain information on the molecular and biochemical mechanisms in the expression patterns of genes/proteins. The studies on reaction wood anatomy are not enough that we concluded any model. This review describes the features of fibers in tension wood todate, including secondary wall layers structure. Until date, six types structure of secondary cell wall layers for tension wood fibers such as, S1 + S2 + S3 + G, S1 + S2 + G, S1 + G, S1 + Ǵ, S1 + S2, and S1 + S2 + S3 have been reported, which considered being involved in plant evolution.
The physiological target for LeuRS translational quality control is norvaline

The fidelity of protein synthesis depends on the capacity of aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (AARSs) to couple only cognate amino acid‐tRNA pairs. If amino acid selectivity is compromised, fidelity can be ensured by an inherent AARS editing activity that hydrolyses mischarged tRNAs. Here, we show that the editing activity of Escherichia coli leucyl‐tRNA synthetase (EcLeuRS) is not required to prevent incorrect isoleucine incorporation. Rather, as shown by kinetic, structural and in vivo approaches, the prime biological function of LeuRS editing is to prevent mis‐incorporation of the non‐standard amino acid norvaline. This conclusion follows from a reassessment of the discriminatory power of LeuRS against isoleucine and the demonstration that a LeuRS editing‐deficient E. coli strain grows normally in high concentrations of isoleucine but not under oxygen deprivation conditions when norvaline accumulates to substantial levels. Thus, AARS‐based translational quality control is a key feature for bacterial adaptive response to oxygen deprivation. The non‐essential role for editing under normal bacterial growth has important implications for the development of resistance to antimicrobial agents targeting the LeuRS editing site.
Dual Assemblies of an Activating Immune Receptor, MAIR-II, with ITAM-Bearing Adapters DAP12 and FcRγ Chain on Peritoneal Macrophages1

Certain activating immune receptors expressed on myeloid cells noncovalently associate with either DAP12 or FcεRIγ (FcRγ chain), the ITAM-bearing transmembrane adapter proteins. An activating receptor, myeloid-associated Ig-like receptor (MAIR) II, is expressed on a subset of B cells and macrophages in the spleen and peritoneal cavity of mice and associates with DAP12 in these cells. However, we demonstrate here that cross-linking MAIR-II with mAb induced secretion of a significant amount of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 from DAP12−/− as well as wild-type (WT) peritoneal macrophages. We show that MAIR-II associates with not only DAP12 but also FcRγ chain homodimers in peritoneal macrophages. LPS enhanced the FcRγ chain expression and FcRγ chain-dependent cell surface expression of MAIR-II and had additive effects on MAIR-II-mediated inflammatory cytokine secretion from peritoneal macrophages. The lysine residue in the transmembrane region of MAIR-II was involved in the association with FcRγ chain as well as DAP12. Our findings present the first case of an activating receptor that uses either DAP12 or FcRγ chain as a signaling adapter. The FcRγ chain may provide cooperation with and/or compensation for DAP12 in MAIR-II-mediated inflammatory responses by peritoneal macrophages.
Collembola cuticles and the three-phase line tension

The cuticles of most springtails (Collembola) are superhydrophobic, but the mechanism has not been described in detail. Previous studies have suggested that overhanging surface structures play an important role, but such structures are not a universal trait among springtails with superhydrophobic cuticles. A novel wetting experiment with a fluorescent dye revealed the extent of wetting on exposed surface structures. Using simple wetting models to describe the composite wetting of the cuticular surface structures results in underestimating the contact angles of water. Including the three-phase line tension allows for a prediction of contact angles in the observed range. The discrepancy between the contact angle predicted by simple models and those observed is especially large in the springtail Cryptopygus clavatus which changes, seasonally, from superhydrophobic to wetting without a large change in surface structure; C. clavatus does not have overhanging surface structures. This large change in observed contact angles can be explained with a modest change of the three-phase line tension.
Intrauterine infection and preterm delivery.

Preterm delivery is the chief problem in obstetrics today, accounting for 70 percent of perinatal mortality and nearly half of long-term neurologic morbidity.1,2 Approximately 10 percent of all births are preterm, but most of the serious illness and death is concentrated in the 1 to 2 percent of infants who are born at less than 32 weeks of gestation and who weigh less than 1500 g. Approximately 20 percent of preterm births are the result of a physician's decision to bring about delivery for maternal or fetal indications, and the remainder follow the spontaneous onset of labor or rupture .
Retinal phototoxicity from the operating microscope: a protective effect by the fovea.

To the Editor. —We read with interest the recent article by Hupp.1In addition to the reported partial recovery of macular function, we believe that his case also illustrates a protective effect by the fovea against phototoxic injury. Both the fundus photograph and fluorescein angiogram show attenuation of the lesion at the margin adjacent to the fovea. We reviewed the literature describing reports of photic retinal lesions caused by the operating microscope. We were able to find numerous instances of photic lesion
Cancer beyond organ and tissue specificity: Next‐generation‐sequencing gene mutation data reveal complex genetic similarities across major cancers

Cancer medicine relies on the paradigm that cancer is an organ‐ and tissue‐specific disease, which is the basis for classifying tumors. With the extensive genomic information now available on tumors it is possible to conduct analyses to reveal common genetic features across cancer types and to explore whether the established anatomy‐based tumor classification is actually reflected on the genetic level, which might provide important guides to new therapeutic directions. Here, we have conducted an extensive analysis of the genetic similarity of tumors from 14 major cancer entities using somatic mutation data from 4,796 cases available through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) based on all available genes as well as different cancer‐related gene sets. Our analysis provides a systematic account of the genetic similarity network for major cancer types and shows that in about 43% of the cases on average, tumors of a particular anatomic site are genetically more similar to tumors from different organs and tissues (trans‐similarity) than to tumors of the same origin (self‐similarity). The observed similarities exist not only for carcinomas from different sites but are also present among neoplasms from different tissue origin, such as melanoma, acute myeloid leukemia, and glioblastoma. The current WHO cancer classification is therefore reflected on the genetic level by only about 57% of the tumors. These results provide a rationale to reconsider organ‐ and tissue‐specificity in cancer and contribute to the discussion about whether personalized therapies targeting specific genetic alterations may be transferred to cancers from other anatomic sites with similar genetic properties.