Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases.

In an effort to better diagnose, treat, and control sexually transmitted diseases (STD), a number of new diagnostic assays using molecular techniques have been developed. By incorporating molecular amplification, the sensitivity for detecting sexually transmitted infections has become markedly enhanced, and organisms that were difficult or impossible to cultivate, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) or Treponema pallidum can now be detected and monitored. By using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or ligase chain reaction (LCR), the sensitivity of detecting some pathogens is comparable to, or in some cases better than, direct in vitro cultivation of the agent. DNA fingerprint analysis of amplified microbial DNA also has been effectively used for detailed study of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of sexually transmitted infections. In addition to direct detection, molecular techniques have been used to enhance serologic techniques by use of cloned proteins and recombinant antigens. These techniques have enabled investigators to differentiate infection caused by closely related pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and HIV-2 and human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and HTLV-2. As a consequence of these molecular tools, the diagnostic repertoire of the clinical laboratory for the diagnosis of STD will expand significantly, allowing investigators to better diagnose and more effectively control the spread of STD. However, with such new technology, new problems and challenges have arisen, such as the risk of sample contamination resulting in false-positive results, and the presence of inhibitors resulting in false-negative results. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-Encoded Protein Kinase, EBV-PK, but Not the Thymidine Kinase (EBV-TK), Is Required for Ganciclovir and Acyclovir Inhibition of Lytic Viral Production

ABSTRACT Ganciclovir (GCV) and acyclovir (ACV) are guanine nucleoside analogues that inhibit lytic herpesvirus replication. GCV and ACV must be monophosphorylated by virally encoded enzymes to be converted into nucleotides and incorporated into viral DNA. However, whether GCV and/or ACV phosphorylation in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected cells is mediated primarily by the EBV-encoded protein kinase (EBV-PK), the EBV-encoded thymidine kinase (EBV-TK), or both is controversial. To examine this question, we constructed EBV mutants containing stop codons in either the EBV-PK or EBV-TK open reading frame and selected for stable 293T clones latently infected with wild-type EBV or each of the mutant viruses. Cells were induced to the lytic form of viral replication with a BZLF1 expression vector in the presence and absence of various doses of GCV and ACV, and infectious viral titers were determined by a green Raji cell assay. As expected, virus production in wild-type EBV-infected 293T cells was inhibited by both GCV (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 1.5 μM) and ACV (IC50 = 4.1 μM). However, the EBV-PK mutant (which replicates as well as the wild-type (WT) virus in 293T cells) was resistant to both GCV (IC50 = 19.6 μM) and ACV (IC50 = 36.4 μM). Expression of the EBV-PK protein in trans restored GCV and ACV sensitivity in cells infected with the PK mutant virus. In contrast, in 293T cells infected with the TK mutant virus, viral replication remained sensitive to both GCV (IC50 = 1.2 μM) and ACV (IC50 = 2.8 μM), although susceptibility to the thymine nucleoside analogue, bromodeoxyuridine, was reduced. Thus, EBV-PK but not EBV-TK mediates ACV and GCV susceptibilities.
Evolution of skull shape in the family Salamandridae (Amphibia: Caudata)

We carried out a comparative morphometric analysis of 56 species of salamandrid salamanders, representing 19 out of 21 extant genera, with the aim of uncovering the major patterns of skull shape diversification, and revealing possible trends and directions of evolutionary change. To do this we used micro‐computed tomography scanning and three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics, along with a well‐resolved molecular phylogeny. We found that allometry explains a relatively small amount of shape variation across taxa. Congeneric species of salamandrid salamanders are more similar to each other and cluster together producing distinct groups in morphospace. We detected a strong phylogenetic signal and little homoplasy. The most pronounced changes in the skull shape are related to the changes of the frontosquamosal arch, a unique feature of the cranial skeleton for the family Salamandridae, which is formed by processes arising from the frontal and squamosal bones that arch over the orbits. By mapping character states over the phylogeny, we found that a reduction of the frontosquamosal arch occurs independently in three lineages of the subfamily Pleurodelinae. This reduction can probably be attributed to changes in the development and ossification rates of the frontosquamosal arch. In general, our results are similar to those obtained for caecilian amphibians, with an early expansion into the available morphospace and a complex history characterizing evolution of skull shape in both groups. To evaluate the specificity of the inferred evolutionary trajectories and Caudata‐wide trends in the diversity of skull morphology, information from additional groups of tailed amphibians is needed.
Neuronal damage biomarkers in the identification of patients at risk of long‐term postoperative cognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery

Biomarkers of neurological injury can potentially predict postoperative cognitive dysfunction. We aimed to identify whether classical neuronal damage‐specific biomarkers, including brain fatty acid‐binding protein, neuron‐specific enolase and S100 calcium‐binding protein β, as well as plasma‐free haemoglobin concentration as a measure of haemolysis, could be used to predict the risk of long‐term cognitive decline after coronary artery bypass grafting with or without cardiopulmonary bypass. We assessed cognitive function using the CogState brief computerised cognitive test battery at 3 months and at 15 months after surgery. Blood samples were obtained pre‐operatively, after sternal closure, and at 6 h and 24 h postoperatively. We found signs of cognitive decline at 3 months in 15 of 57 patients (26%), and in 13 of 48 patients (27%) at 15 months. Brain fatty acid‐binding protein was already significantly higher before surgery in patients with postoperative cognitive dysfunction at 15 months, with pre‐operative plasma levels of 22.8 (8.3–33.0 [0–44.6]) pg.ml−1 compared with 9.7 (3.9–17.3 [0–49.0]) pg.ml−1 in patients without cognitive dysfunction. This biomarker remained significantly higher in patients with cognitive decline throughout the entire postoperative period. At 3 months after surgery, high levels of plasma‐free haemoglobin at sternal closure were associated with a negative influence on cognitive performance, as were high baseline scores on neuropsychological tests, whereas a higher level of education proved to beneficially influence cognitive outcome. We found that postoperative cognitive dysfunction at 3 months was associated with cognitive decline at 15 months after surgery, and served as a valuable prognostic factor for declines in individual cognitive performance one year later. Classical neuronal injury‐related biomarkers were of no clear prognostic value.
Ontogenetic development of locomotion in small mammals - a kinematic study

SUMMARY Comparative studies of locomotion indicate that limb design and performance are very similar in adult mammals of small to medium size. The present study was undertaken to test whether basic therian limb pattern is present during postnatal development. Kinematic data were collected from juveniles of two eutherian species in a cross-sectional study, using cinevideography. The tree shrew Tupaia glis and the cui Galea musteloides were selected because of their different reproductive strategies, which could result in differences in the development of locomotor abilities. The aims of this study were to describe the process by which young animals develop the adult pattern of locomotion and the extent to which this process varies in two species with very different postnatal ontogenies. Despite their different life histories, the development of kinematic parameters in the altricial tree shrew and the precocial cui are surprisingly similar. General limb design, performance, and timing of segment and joint movements in the young animals were similar to adults in both species, even from the first steps. Touch-down of the forelimb occurred at the position below the eye in all individuals and limb position was highly standardized at touch-down; no major changes in segment and joint angles were observed. Significant changes occurred at lift-off. With increasing body mass, limb segments rotated more caudally, which resulted in larger limb excursions and relatively longer steps. Developmental changes in locomotor abilities were similar in both species; only the time necessary to reach the adult performance was different. Despite the widely assumed maturity of locomotor abilities in precocial young, the first steps of the cui juveniles were not similar to the movements of adults. The adult locomotor pattern was reached within the first postnatal week in the cui and by the time they leave the nest in the tree shrew (39 days after birth; individual P39). These results suggest that during the evolution of precocial development only processes independent of exercise or gravity can be shifted into the intrauterine period. However, development of locomotor ability dependents on exercise, and adjustments and training occur during growth. Therefore, only the time necessary to reach maturity was clearly shortened in the precocial juvenile relative to the ancestral altricial condition.
Preparation, Characterization and Drug Release in Vitro of Galactosylated Chitosan-Graft-PEG Nanoparticles

Abstract-Galactose group was coupled with chitosan for liver specificity, and Poly(ethylene glycol) was selected to modify galactosylated chitosan (GC) for stability in water and enhanced cell permeability. The chemical structure of galactosylated chitosan-graft-PEG (GCP) was characterized by FT-IR and 1H-NMR techniques. Norcantharidin was chosen as model drug and encapsulated within GCP nanoparticles through ionic gelification. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were employed to characterize the nanoparticles fabricated for morphology, size with polydispersity index. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) and the release of norcantharidin in nanoparticles in vitro were measured by HPLC. Norcantharidin release from the nanoparticles exhibited a biphasic pattern, initial burst release and consequently sustained release. The experimental results show that the novel GCP nanoparticles may be used as a potential drug delivery system with passive and active hepatic targeting properties.
Comparison of outcomes among patients randomized to warfarin therapy according to anticoagulant control: results from SPORTIF III and V.

BACKGROUND Warfarin sodium reduces stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation, but international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring is required. Target INRs are frequently not achieved, and the risk of death, bleeding, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke or systemic embolism event (SEE) may be related to INR control. METHODS We analyzed the relationship between INR control and the rates of death, bleeding, MI, and stroke or SEE among 3587 patients with atrial fibrillation randomized to receive warfarin treatment in the SPORTIF (Stroke Prevention Using an Oral Thrombin Inhibitor in Atrial Fibrillation) III and V trials. The mean+/-SD follow-up was 16.6 +/- 6.3 months. Patients were divided into 3 equal groups (those with good control [>75%], those with moderate control [60%-75%], or those with poor control [<60%]) according to the percentage time with an INR of 2.0 to 3.0. Outcomes were compared according to INR control. The main outcome measures were death, bleeding, MI, and stroke or SEE. RESULTS The poor control group had higher rates of annual mortality (4.20%) and major bleeding (3.85%) compared with the moderate control group (1.84% and 1.96%, respectively) and the good control group (1.69% and 1.58%, respectively) (P<.01 for all). Compared with the good control group, the poor control group had higher rates of MI (1.38% vs 0.62%, P = .04) and of stroke or SEE (2.10% vs 1.07%, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS In patients with atrial fibrillation taking warfarin, the risks of death, MI, major bleeding, and stroke or SEE are related to INR control. Good INR control is important to improve patient outcomes.
Destruction of Bacillus cereus spores in a thick soy bean paste (doenjang) by continuous ohmic heating with five sequential electrodes

This study selected spores from Bacillus cereus FSP‐2 strain (the isolate from a commercial doenjang processing line) as the test strain which showed significantly higher thermal resistance (P < 0·05) than B. cereus reference strain (ATCC 27348). The spores in doenjang were subjected to ohmic heating (OH) at 95, 105, 115 and 125°C for 30, 60 or 90 s using a five sequential electrode system (electrical field: 26·7 V cm−1; alternating current frequency: 25 kHz). OH at 105°C for 30–90 s reduced the B. cereus spore count in doenjang samples to <4 log CFU g−1. Since OH treatment at 115 and 125°C caused a perceivable colour change in the product (>1·5 National Bureau of Standards units), treatment at 105°C for 60 s was selected and applied on a large scale (500 kg of product). Reliable and reproducible destruction of B. cereus spores occurred; the reductions achieved (to < 4 log CFU g−1) met the Korean national standards. Scanning electron microscopy revealed microstructural alterations in the spores (shrinkage and a distorted outer spore coat). OH is an effective method for destroying B. cereus spores to ensure the microbiological quality and safety of a thick, highly viscous sauce.
Automatic lesion boundary detection in dermoscopy images using gradient vector flow snakes

Background: Malignant melanoma has a good prognosis if treated early. Dermoscopy images of pigmented lesions are most commonly taken at × 10 magnification under lighting at a low angle of incidence while the skin is immersed in oil under a glass plate. Accurate skin lesion segmentation from the background skin is important because some of the features anticipated to be used for diagnosis deal with shape of the lesion and others deal with the color of the lesion compared with the color of the surrounding skin.
Unique dentition of lungfish

Lungfish are a group of ancient fish, represented almost continuously in the fossil record from their first appearance in the Devonian to the present time. They have numerous unique characters in the dentition, found only among lungfish, as well as some that are shared with other groups of fish and with higher vertebrates, such as a thin layer of true enamel, instead of the enameloid found in the dentition of most fish. Unique characters include the diversity of forms of dentine in the tooth plates, as well as the organisation of the dentines and the unusual mode of continuous growth of the dentition. Their enamel is based on amelogenin formed by the ameloblasts of the dental lamina, and is mineralised by long crystals of calcium hydroxyapatite deposited in layers over the developing tooth. The different forms of dentine, which show progressive evolutionary change within the group, are based on an extracellular matrix of collagen, mineralised with calcium hydroxapatite of variable crystalline form. Cells that line the oral cavity produce the ameloblasts that are endodermal in origin, and cells that form the dental papillae are, like the other cells that secrete skeletal tissues, derived from head mesoderm, as in other vertebrates. Unique to all dipnoans is the fusion of the dental tissues to the underlying bone and the way in which bone, included within the tooth plate, remodels to permit growth in the whole dentition. Microsc. Res. Tech. 59:435–448, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Out of the Scientist's Garden: A Story of Water and Food

Out of the Scientist's Garden is written for anyone who wants to understand food and water a little better - for those growing vegetables in a garden, food in a subsistence plot or crops on vast irrigated plains. It is also for anyone who has never grown anything before but has wondered how we will feed a growing population in a world of shrinking resources. Although a practicing scientist in the field of water and agriculture, the author has written, in story form accessible to a wide audience, about the drama of how the world feeds itself. The book starts in his own fruit and vegetable garden, exploring the 'how and why' questions about the way things grow, before moving on to stories about soil, rivers, aquifers and irrigation. The book closes with a brief history of agriculture, how the world feeds itself today and how to think through some of the big conundrums of modern food production.
Evaluation of a software defined GFDM implementation for industry 4.0 applications

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) closed-loop control applications require ultra low-latency and ultra high reliability. Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM) promises to meet these requirements in conjunction with low Out-Of-Band (OOB) emissions. We present latency measurements of an open-source, modular, portable GFDM software implementation using the GNU Radio framework. The used implementation and its components are investigated regarding their theoretical function. We investigate the usability of the GFDM implementation for Software-Defined Radio (SDR). This is facilitated by benchmarking the various functions with respect to different parameter sets. Thus, we focus on latency measurements which provide reliable figures for SDR system design. Furthermore, we show that low latency broadband SDR systems for I4.0 applications are feasible.
20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid-induced Vasoconstriction and Inhibition of Potassium Current in Cerebral Vascular Smooth Muscle Is Dependent on Activation of Protein Kinase C*

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), a cytochrome P450 metabolite of arachidonic acid, is a potent vasoconstrictor, and has been implicated in the myogenic activation of renal and cerebral arteries. We examined the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the signal transduction pathway by which 20-HETE induces vasoconstriction and inhibition of whole-cell K+current in cat cerebral vascular smooth muscle. 20-HETE induced a concentration-dependent constriction in isolated pressurized cat middle cerebral arteries (−29 ± 8% at 1 μm). However, in the presence of anN-myristoylated PKC pseudosubstrate inhibitor peptide (MyrΨPKC-I(19–27)), 20-HETE induced a concentration-dependent vasodilation (26 ± 4% at 1 μm). In whole-cell voltage clamp studies, application of 20-HETE inhibited whole-cell K+ current recorded in cat cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells, an effect that was attenuated by MyrΨPKC-I(19–27). Further evidence for the role of PKC activation in response to 20-HETE is the finding that 20-HETE increased the phosphorylation of myristoylated, alanine-rich PKC substrate in cultured cat cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells in a concentration- and PKC-dependent manner. These data provide evidence that PKC is an integral part of the signal transduction pathway by which 20-HETE elicits vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries and inhibition of whole-cell K+ current in cat cerebral vascular smooth muscle.
A review of cognitive remediation approaches for schizophrenia: from top-down to bottom-up, brain training to psychotherapy

ABSTRACT Introduction: Individuals with psychotic disorders experience profound impairment in neurocognition, which is consistently found to be the best predictor of independent community functioning. Several diverse behavioural treatments designed to enhance neurocognitive abilities have been developed, with subtle to stark differences among them. Various approaches, to varying degrees, have demonstrated success across diffuse outcomes: improved brain structure and function, performance on neuropsychological tests, and community activities associated with daily living. Areas covered: This paper reviews the different approaches to cognitive remediation and the differential effects these approaches have on neurophysiological function, neurocognitive abilities, and real-world community functioning. Cognitive remediation approaches can be broadly classified along two dimensions: 1) treatment target, and 2) treatment modality. Some approaches target more basic perceptual skills, some target higher level executive processes, while some are non-targeted and seek to improve general cognitive ability. With regard to modality, approaches might have little/no therapist involvement and rely exclusively on computerized practice or they may include intensive therapist involvment to generalize neurocognitive change to community functioning. Expert commentary: Compared to other widely implemented treatments for schizophrenia, cognitive remediation produces better effects on outcome measures. It is time for cognitive remediation to be adopted as a best practice in the treatment of schizophrenia.
DNA deamination enables direct PCR amplification of the cystatin B (CSTB) gene‐associated dodecamer repeat expansion in myoclonus epilepsy type Unverricht‐Lundborg

The Unverricht‐Lundborg type of progressive myoclonus epilepsy (EPM1) is an autosomal recessive disorder that is caused by the dysfunction of the cystatin B (CSTB) gene product. In the vast majority of affected cases, mRNA transcription is impaired by a biallelic expansion of a dodecamer repeat within the 5′‐untranslated region of the respective gene. Since this minisatellite contains exclusively G and C nucleotides, direct PCR analysis of allele expansion is extremely difficult and error prone. To circumvent these problems, we have developed a PCR assay that is based on the deamination of the DNA prior to amplification. We have developed a method based on PCR after DNA deamination of the GC‐rich repeat region, which improves the PCR condition to such an extent that we were not only able to reliably amplify expanded alleles of affected individuals (homozygotes and compound heterozygotes), but also the two alleles of full mutation carriers, whose analysis is particularly difficult because of PCR bias and heteroduplex formation between the two alleles. We used promoter‐ and repeat‐specific primer combinations to investigate whether dodecamer repeat expansion concurs with de novo methylation of the CSTB gene promoter in a similar fashion to other repeat expansion syndromes. We confirmed previous evidence obtained by HpaII digestion and Southern blot analysis that both the promoter and the repeat regions are unmethylated, in both healthy and affected individuals. Thus, in contrast to certain trinucleotide repeat expansion‐associated diseases, such as fragile X syndrome (FRAXA) and myotonic dystrophy, methylation analyses can not be utilized for indirect diagnostic testing. Hum Mutat 22:404–408, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.