Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA expression profile in Lieber-DeCarli diet-induced alcoholic and methionine choline deficient diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis models in mice.

BACKGROUND Alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis are leading causes of liver diseases worldwide. While of different etiology, these share common pathophysiological mechanisms and feature abnormal fat metabolism, inflammation and fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are highly conserved noncoding RNAs that control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level either via the degradation of target mRNAs or the inhibition of translation. Each miRNA controls the expression of multiple targets; miRNAs have been linked to regulation of lipid metabolism and inflammation. METHODS We fed Lieber-DeCarli alcohol or methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diets to C57Bl6 and analyzed livers for histopathology, cytokines by ELISA, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) by biochemical assay, and microRNA profile by microarray. RESULTS Both Lieber-DeCarli and MCD diets lead to development of liver steatosis, liver injury, indicated by increased ALT, and elevated levels of serum TNFalpha, suggesting that animal models portray the pathophysiological features of alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver, respectively. We identified that Lieber-deCarli diet up-regulated 1% and down-regulated 1% of known miRNA; MCD diet up-regulated 3% and down-regulated 1% of known miRNA, compared to controls. Of miRNAs that changed expression levels, 5 miRNAs were common in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty livers: the expression of both miR-705 and miR-1224 was increased after Lieber-DeCarli or MCD diet feeding. In contrast, miR-182, miR-183, and miR-199a-3p were down-regulated in Lieber-deCarli feeding, while MCD diet lead to their up-regulation, compared to corresponding controls. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate etiology-specific changes in miRNA expression profile during steatohepatitis models, which opens new avenues for research in the pathophysiology of alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Obesity, Weight Loss, and Progression of Disability in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cross‐sectional studies have demonstrated that obese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often report greater disability. The longitudinal effects of obesity, however, are not well‐characterized. We evaluated associations between obesity, weight loss, and worsening of disability in patients of 2 large registry studies, which included patients who were followed for longer periods of time.
Transabdominal Fetal Heart Rate Detection Using NIR Photopleythysmography: Instrumentation and Clinical Results

In obstetrics, fetal heart rate (FHR) detection remains the standard for intrapartum assessment of fetal well-being. In this paper, a low-power (<55 mW) optical technique is proposed for transabdominal FHR detection using near-infrared photoplesthysmography (PPG). A beam of IR-LED (890 nm) propagates through to the maternal abdomen and fetal tissues, resulting in a mixed signal detected by a low-noise detector situated at a distance of 4 cm. Low-noise amplification and 24-bit analog-to-digital converter resolution ensure minimum effect of quantization noise. After synchronous detection, the mixed signal is processed by an adaptive filter to extract the fetal signal, whereas the PPG from the mother's index finger is the reference input. A total of 24 datasets were acquired from six subjects at 37 plusmn 2 gestational weeks. Results show a correlation coefficient of 0.96 (p-value < 0.001) between the proposed optical and ultrasound FHR, with a maximum error of 4%. Assessment of the effect of probe position on detection accuracy indicates that the probe should be close to fetal tissues, but not necessarily restricted to head or buttocks.
Sleep duration and health correlates among university students in 26 countries

The aim of this study was to investigate sleep duration and its health correlates in university students from 26 low-, middle- and high-income countries. Using anonymous questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, data were collected from 19417 undergraduate university students (mean age 20.8, SD = 2.8) from 27 universities from 26 countries across Asia, Africa and the Americas. Results indicate that the average number of self-reported hours of sleep was 7.07 (CI = 7.04–7.09), with the prevalence of reporting ≤6, 7–8, and ≥9 h sleep duration of 39.2, 46.9, and 13.9%, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression found that sociodemographic variables, health risk behaviour and health status variables were found to be associated with short and long sleep duration.
Utility of point shear wave elastography in characterisation of focal liver lesions

ABSTRACT Background: The present study aimed at evaluation of the usefulness of point shear wave elastography (pSWE) in characterization of FLL(s) by quantifying their stiffness. Methods: In total, 197 patients (mean age was 56.57 years) with FLL(s) on conventional ultrasound were included. Final diagnoses, confirmed by imaging and/or biopsy whenever possible, included hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n = 143), metastasis (n = 36), hemangioma (n = 16), and focal nodular hyperplasia (n = 2). Stiffness evaluation was performed by pSWE. Stiffness ratio (lesion to background liver) was calculated. ROC analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the stiffness value and stiffness ratio and to extract the optimal cutoff values for characterisation of FLL(s). Results: HCC was significantly softer than its surrounding liver parenchyma [5.43 (3.03) vs. 17.05 (8.53) kPa, p <0.001]. However, the stiffness values for the other examined FLLs were comparable to their surrounding liver parenchyma. No significant difference was detected across different types of metastases or between metastases and surrounding liver (p>0.05). Stiffness ratio was superior to stiffness value in discrimination of HCC from metastasis (AUROC, 0.91 vs. 0.51 respectively). Conclusion: pSWE could provide a complementary information about FLLs especially in differentiation between HCCs from metastases.
Low-power burst-mode clock recovery circuit using analog phase interpolator

This paper proposes a novel low-power burst-mode clock recovery circuit (CRC) based on analog phase interpolator (PI). Accordingly, we employed a new configuration for PI-based CRC in which a novel architecture is utilized for double-edge triggered sample-and-hold (DT-SH). In the proposed DT-SH one buffer is shared between two single-edge triggered SH (ST-SH) resulting in great reduction of total power consumption as well as design complexity and die area. Verifying functionality of proposed PI-based CRC, the circuit is designed and simulated in 0.18-μm CMOS technology. As simulation results show, the proposed CRC recovers clock at 5GHz in the first unit interval of input data where approximately 40% reduction in power dissipation is achieved. The circuit consumes 2.54mW power from a 1.8-V supply.
Contrast material-carrying liposomes: biodistribution, clearance, and imaging characteristics.

PURPOSE To assess the biodistribution, clearance, and computed tomographic (CT) imaging characteristics of interdigitation-fusion (IF) liposomes that carry iotrolan in their aqueous phases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Biodistribution and clearance of liposomes containing iotrolan produced with the IF method (IF vesicles) were assessed in rats. CT scans of rats and dogs were obtained after injection of IF vesicles at 100 and 250 mg of iodine per kilogram of body weight. RESULTS A high initial uptake (63%-96% of the injected dose) was found in the liver and spleen. Liver elimination showed half-lives to be 12.9 days at 250 mg of iodine per kilogram, 10.9 days at 100 mg, and 8.7 days at 25 mg. At 250 mg of iodine per kilogram, the rats had an average of 96 HU of hepatic and 321 HU of splenic enhancement. The dogs had 116 HU of hepatic and 65 HU of splenic enhancement. CONCLUSION IF liposomes have favorable biodistribution, clearance, and imaging characteristics as hepatosplenic contrast agents.
Electricity generation from cellulose by rumen microorganisms in microbial fuel cells

In microbial fuel cells (MFCs) bacteria generate electricity by mediating the oxidation of organic compounds and transferring the resulting electrons to an anode electrode. The objective of this study was to test the possibility of generating electricity with rumen microorganisms as biocatalysts and cellulose as the electron donor in two‐compartment MFCs. The anode and cathode chambers were separated by a proton exchange membrane and graphite plates were used as electrodes. The medium in the anode chamber was inoculated with rumen microorganisms, and the catholyte in the cathode compartment was ferricyanide solution. Maximum power density reached 55 mW/m2 (1.5 mA, 313 mV) with cellulose as the electron donor. Cellulose hydrolysis and electrode reduction were shown to support the production of current. The electrical current was sustained for over 2 months with periodic cellulose addition. Clarified rumen fluid and a soluble carbohydrate mixture, serving as the electron donors, could also sustain power output. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of PCR amplified 16S rRNA genes revealed that the microbial communities differed when different substrates were used in the MFCs. The anode‐attached and the suspended consortia were shown to be different within the same MFC. Cloning and sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA genes indicated that the most predominant bacteria in the anode‐attached consortia were related to Clostridium spp. , while Comamonas spp. abounded in the suspended consortia. The results demonstrated that electricity can be generated from cellulose by exploiting rumen microorganisms as biocatalysts, but both technical and biological optimization is needed to maximize power output. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 1398–1407. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of religious fundamentalism in terrorist violence: A social psychological analysis

This paper examines the social-psychological factors often implicated in discussions of terrorist violence/martyrdom, with a particular focus on the role of religion. We offer a brief description of the psychological theories underpinning terrorist research before focusing on social-psychological factors. The roles of psychopathology, irrationality and grievance/threat are examined, followed by empirical research on the beliefs which have been associated with the perpetration and support of terrorist violence, and the social factors which foster those beliefs, including social identity, socially carried interpretations, group leadership and individual differences. Although religion is not a single, simple causal factor in terrorist violence, religious elements often feature strongly in the belief systems associated with terrorist violence, and can also feature in other important fostering factors for terrorist violence, such as the use of rhetoric. Finally, the status of lay explanations of terrorist violence, focusing on the role of religious fundamentalism is examined.
Neuro- and social-cognitive clustering highlights distinct profiles in adults with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the neuro- and social-cognitive profile of a consecutive series of adult outpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN) when compared with widely available age and gender matched historical control data. The relationship between performance profiles, clinical characteristics, service utilization, and treatment adherence was also investigated. METHOD Consecutively recruited outpatients with a broad diagnosis of AN (restricting subtype AN-R: n = 44, binge-purge subtype AN-BP: n = 33 or Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified-AN subtype EDNOS-AN: n = 23) completed a comprehensive set of neurocognitive (set-shifting, central coherence) and social-cognitive measures (Emotional Theory of Mind). Data were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis and a discriminant function analysis. RESULTS Three separate, meaningful clusters emerged. Cluster 1 (n = 45) showed overall average to high average neuro- and social- cognitive performance, Cluster 2 (n = 38) showed mixed performance characterized by distinct strengths and weaknesses, and Cluster 3 (n = 17) showed poor overall performance (Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) like cluster). The three clusters did not differ in terms of eating disorder symptoms, comorbid features or service utilization and treatment adherence. A discriminant function analysis confirmed that the clusters were best characterized by performance in perseveration and set-shifting measures. DISCUSSION The findings suggest that considerable neuro- and social-cognitive heterogeneity exists in patients with AN, with a subset showing ASD-like features. The value of this method of profiling in predicting longer term patient outcomes and in guiding development of etiologically targeted treatments remains to be seen.
A compact dual-band cavity-backed slot antenna

A compact design for dual- and wide-band cavity-backed slot antenna is presented in this letter. The slot antenna is fed by two microstrip lines on the top of the substrate for 900- and 1800-MHz bands, respectively. With the use of a U-type slot and a ridged slot backed by one rectangular cavity, a compact design is realized for a dual- and wide-band slot antenna. A prototype is fabricated and tested in an anechoic chamber. The measured 10-dB return loss bandwidth is 28% for 900-MHz band and 31% for 1800-MHz band. The measured gain is 5.0 dBi at 1000 MHz, 5.5 dBi at 1800 MHz.
Identification of symbiosis-regulated genes in Eucalyptus globulus-Pisolithus tinctorius ectomycorrhiza by differential hybridization of arrayed cDNAs.

Ectomycorrhiza development alters gene expression in the fungal and plant symbionts. The identification of a large number of genes expressed exclusively or predominantly in the symbiosis will contribute greatly to the understanding of the development of the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. We have constructed a cDNA library of 4-day-old Eucalyptus globulus-Pisolithus tinctorius ectomycorrhiza and sequenced 850 cDNAs cloned randomly or obtained through suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). Based on the absence of a database match, 43% of the ectomycorrhiza ESTs are coding for novel genes. At the developmental stage analysed (fungal sheath formation), the majority of the identified sequences represented 'housekeeping' proteins, i.e. proteins involved in gene/protein expression, cell-wall proteins, metabolic enzymes, and components of signalling systems. We screened arrayed cDNAs to identify symbiosis-regulated genes by using differential hybridization. Comparisons of signals from free-living partners and symbiotic tissues revealed significant differences in expression levels (differential expression ratio >2.5) for 17% of the genes analysed. No ectomycorrhiza-specific gene was detected. The results successfully demonstrate the use of the cDNA array and SSH systems as general approaches for dissecting symbiosis development, and provide the first global picture of the cellular functions operating in ectomycorrhiza.
Temperature-sensitive phenotype of the human parainfluenza virus type 3 candidate vaccine strain (cp45) correlates with a defect in the L gene

We have previously demonstrated that the temperature sensitivity of a human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV-3) candidate vaccine strain (cp45), which is currently under evaluation in humans, is associated with poor transcriptional activity of the virus at the nonpermissive temperature (R. Ray, K. Meyer, F. Newman, and R. B. Belshe, J. Virol. 69:1959-1963, 1995). In this study, the temperature sensitivity of cp45 virus was further investigated by the complementation of a specific gene function. CV-1 cells were transfected with cloned genes from wild-type HPIV-3 encoding the large protein (L), phosphoprotein (P), and nucleocapsid protein (NP), alone or together, for the expression of biologically active proteins. Only cells expressing the L gene were able to rescue cp45 replication when incubated at the nonpermissive temperature (39.5 degrees C), whereas cells transiently expressing NP or P were incapable of rescuing the virus. The virus titers obtained following complementation of the L protein were 190 to 2,300 PFU/ml of culture medium, compared with the undetectable growth of the cp45 temperature-sensitive mutant at the nonpermissive temperature. Rescued progeny virus still maintained the temperature-sensitive phenotype. Results from this study suggest that the temperature sensitivity of the cp45 candidate vaccine strain is associated primarily with L-protein function and that the defect can be complemented by transient expression of the wild-type protein. This study underscores the importance of the L protein in RNA polymerase activity and its critical role in virus replication.
Viral and cellular factors governing hamster cell infection by murine and gibbon ape leukemia viruses

Hamster cells are resistant to infection by most retroviruses, including Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) and gibbon ape leukemia viruses (GaLVs). We have constructed MoMLV-GaLV hybrid virions to identify viral and cellular determinants responsible for the inability of GaLV and MoMLV to infect hamster cells. The substitution of MoMLV core components for GaLV core components circumvents the resistance of hamster cells to infection by GaLV, demonstrating that hamster cells have receptors for GaLV but are not efficiently infected by this primate retrovirus because of a postpenetration block. In contrast, hamster cells are apparently resistant to MoMLV infection because although they bear a receptor for MoMLV, the receptor is nonfunctional. Treatment of CHO K1 or BHK 21 hamster cells with the glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin allows the cells to be infected by MoMLV. The construction of MoMLV-GaLV hybrid virions that can efficiently infect resistant cells has allowed the identification of viral and cellular factors responsible for restricting infection of hamster cells by MoMLV and GaLV.
Early Alterations of Growth Factor Patterns in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid From Preterm Infants Developing Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Chronic lung disease of prematurity (bronchopulmonary dysplasia; BPD) is characterized by an arrest in lung development. We hypothesized that early alterations in pulmonary expression of growth factors important for normal lung development would precede development of BPD. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained from ventilated preterm infants (n = 62) on postnatal d 0, 1, 3, and 7 and analyzed for total phospholipids (PL), VEGF, PDGF-BB, TGF-α and -β1, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). Levels (Ln transformed) were compared between infants developing BPD and BPD-free survivors, adjusted for potential confounders. BPD was associated with higher overall GM-CSF (β (95% CI) = 0.69 (0.13;1.25); p < 0.05), lower overall latent TGF-β1 (β (95% CI) = −1.19 (−1.87, −0.39); p < 0.01) and total PL (β (95% CI) = −0.64 (−1.23, −0.05); p < 0.05), and lower d 0 and 3 levels of VEGF (mean difference (95% CI) = −1.75 (−2.72, −0.77), p < 0.001; and −1.18 (−2.30, −0.06), p < 0.05, respectively) and TGF-α (mean difference (95% CI) = −0.73 (−1.42, −0.04), p < 0.05; and −1.01 (−1.64, −0.38), p < 0.01, respectively). Day 0 VEGF levels had the highest predictive value for BPD (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.87; p < 0.01). In conclusion, substantial alterations in BALF growth factor levels are present in infants developing BPD. An early imbalance in pulmonary growth factors may contribute to the developmental arrest of the lung seen in BPD.
Current Innovations and Opinions in the Surgical Management of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Over the last decade, surgeons have witnessed dramatic changes in the surgical management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). This is not only a result of the introduction of new technologies in surgery but also a result of better understanding of the disease and its behavior. DTC accounts for over 90% of all follicular-cell derived thyroid malignancies and is the commonest primary endocrine-related malignancy. In our locality, its age-adjusted incidence has doubled over the last 20-25 years with a similar trend being observed elsewhere. (Hong Kong Cancer Registry, 2011) Despite this, the cancer-specific mortality remains low with an overall 10-year survival above 90%. (Lang et al., 2007a) However, recurrent or persistent disease after seemingly curative surgery poses a problem for both clinicians and patients. (Mazzaferri et al.,2001) Since surgery remains to play a pivotal role in the overall management of DTC, the primary aim of any new changes would be to further reduce and if possible, to prevent these recurrences or persistent diseases from occurring. Examples of some of these new changes would include: 1. the adoption of new, innovative surgical approaches (i.e. endoscopic, robot-assisted and trans-oral thyroidectomy) in surgical management of DTC in order to reduce the surgical morbidity, shorten hospital stay and enhance patient satisfaction; 2 the use of several surgical adjuncts such as new alternate energy sources (Harmonic scalpel (Ethicon), Sonosurg® (Olympus) and LigaSureTM (Valleylab), intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) and quick intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay (IOPTH) 3. the routine adoption of prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) in DTC during total thyroidectomy. The aims of this review were to examine and evaluate these 3 broad subjects in an evidence-based matter and see if these changes could lead to better patient outcomes when compared to the conventional open thyroidectomy with or without the help of the surgical adjunct(s).
High School Teachers' Perception Of Science And Technology Themes

Este artigo apresenta um panorama da relação que os professores de ensino médio brasileiros têm com a ciência e a tecnologia, por meio de aspectos como: hábitos informativos relacionados à C&T; imagem da ciência e da tecnologia; percepção sobre os cientistas e sua profissão; percepção acerca do interesse dos jovens sobre a formação profissional/vocações científicas e práticas pedagógicas relacionadas a C&T. Os resultados foram comparados com aqueles obtidos na pesquisa realizada com jovens estudantes brasileiros no âmbitos do projeto Percepção dos Jovens sobre a Ciência e a Profissão Científica, desenvolvido pelo Labjor/Unicamp, em parceria com a rede OEI-RICYT. O questionário semiestruturado foi aplicado de forma virtual e sua base metodológica seguiu a mesma de pesquisas de percepção pública da C&T realizadas há cerca de uma década pelo Labjor/Unicamp, juntamente com outras instituições ibero-americanas. Os resultados apontam uma estreita relação entre o índice de consumo de informação científica dos professores e a prática pelos mesmos de atividades pedagógicas potencialmente capazes de despertar nos estudantes o gosto pela ciência e pelo fazer científico.