Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of the process of apatite formation on bioactive titanium metal.

Bioactive titanium metal, prepared by treatment with NaOH followed by an annealing stage to form a sodium titanate layer with a graded structure on its surface, forms a biologically active bone-like apatite layer on its surface in the body, and bonds to bone through this apatite layer. In this study, process of apatite formation on the bioactive titanium metal in a simulated body fluid was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The bioactive titanium metal formed Ti-OH groups soon after soaking in the simulated body fluid, via the exchange of the Na(+) ions in the sodium titanate on its surface with H(3)O(+) ions in the fluid. The Ti-OH groups on the metal combined with the calcium ions in the fluid immediately to form a calcium titanate. After a long period, the calcium titanate on the metal took the phosphate ions as well as the calcium ions in the fluid to form the apatite nuclei. The apatite nuclei then proceeded to grow by consuming the calcium and phosphate ions in the fluid. These results indicate that the Ti-OH groups formed on the metal induce the apatite nucleation indirectly, by forming a calcium titanate. The initial formation mechanism of the calcium titanate may be attributable to the electrostatic interaction of the negatively charged Ti-OH groups with the positively charged calcium ions.
Erionite bodies and fibres in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of residents from Tuzköy, Cappadocia, Turkey

OBJECTIVES The high incidence of malignant mesothelioma in some villages of Cappadocia (Turkey) is due to environmental exposure to erionite fibres. The aim was to evaluate the fibre burden in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from inhabitants of an erionite village and compare it with Turkish subjects with or without environmental exposure to tremolite asbestos. METHODS Ferruginous bodies (FBs) and fibres were measured and analyzed by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the BALF of 16 subjects originating from Tuzköy. RESULTS FBs were detected in the BALF of 12 subjects, with concentrations above 1 FB/ml in seven of them. Erionite was the central fibre of 95.7% of FBs. Erionite fibres were found in the BALF of all subjects, by TEM, and these fibres were low in Mg, K, and Ca compared with erionite from Tuzköy soil. The mean concentration of erionite fibres in BALF was similar to that of tremolite fibres in Turks with environmental exposure to tremolite. The proportion of fibres longer than 8 μm in BALF represented 35.6% for erionite compared with 14.0% for tremolite. The asbestos fibre concentrations in erionite villagers was not different from that in Turks without environmental exposure to tremolite. CONCLUSION Analysis of BALF gives information about fibre retention in populations environmentally exposed to erionite for whom data on fibre burden from lung tissue samples are scarce. This may apply to exposed Turks having emigrated to other countries.
Intracellular Distribution of Rubella Virus Nonstructural Protein P150

ABSTRACT Antiserum prepared against an amino-terminal fragment of rubella virus (RUB) nonstructural polyprotein was used to study RUB-infected Vero cells. Replicase protein P150 was associated with vesicles and vacuoles of endolysosomal origin and later with large, convoluted, tubular membrane structures. Newly incorporated bromouridine was associated with the same structures and specifically with small membrane invaginations, spherules, indicating that these structures may be the sites of viral RNA synthesis.
Brief report: Web-based management of adolescent chronic pain: development and usability testing of an online family cognitive behavioral therapy program.

OBJECTIVES This study evaluates the usability and feasibility of a Web-based intervention (Web-MAP) to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to adolescents with chronic pain and their parents. METHODS The Web site was evaluated in two stages. In stage one, recovered adolescents and parents (n = 5 dyads), who had completed office-based CBT through a pediatric pain management clinic, completed ratings of Web site content, usability, appearance, and theme. In stage two, treatment-seeking adolescents and their parents (n = 6 dyads) completed the full-length Web program. Program usage data were obtained to assess interaction with the Web site. RESULTS Participants rated moderate to strong acceptability of the program. Usage data indicated that participants interacted with the site and used communication features. CONCLUSIONS Feedback from usability testing provided important information in the process of designing a feasible Web-based treatment for adolescents with chronic pain for use in a randomized controlled trial.
Determinants of neighborhood activity of adults age 70 and over: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND This mixed-methods study investigated personal, interpersonal, and environmental factors salient to decisions about being active in neighborhoods of different levels of deprivation. METHODS Twenty-five participants age 70 years and older (10 women) with diverse physical activity levels provided data on their weekly activity patterns (using accelerometry) and their perceived barriers to exercise (questionnaire). They also participated in semistructured individual interviews exploring the barriers and facilitators influencing neighborhood activity. RESULTS Functional limitations, lack of intrinsic motivation, and not having an activity companion were the highest impact barriers. Walkable access to amenities, positive physical activity perceptions, and existing habit of being active were the highest impact facilitators. CONCLUSIONS The perceived quality and accessibility of the built and natural environments influence neighborhood activity in older adults. However, this relationship might be altered through the influence of personal and interpersonal determinants such as maintenance of good health and functional ability and supportive social networks.
Paramètres cliniques, biochimiques et dimagerie prédictifs de I évolution de la sclérose en plaques

Resume mieux predire l’evolution de la maladie et la reponse aux traitements de fond de la sclerose en plaques (SEP) pourrait ameliorer les resultats de traitement en proposant aux patients une approche therapeutique specifique. Plusieurs facteurs affectant l’evolution de la maladie ont ete identifies, parmi lesquels : l’origine ethnique, l’âge d’apparition de la maladie, l’âge des premiers symptomes, l’evolution au debut de la maladie et les resultats d’imagerie. malgre les resultats mitiges des etudes des facteurs pronostiques a l’iRm (imagerie par Resonance magnetique), les avancees technologiques ameliorent la capacite predictive de l’iRm, et de nouvelles techniques et mesures fournissent d’autres moyens pour predire l’evolution de la maladie et la reponse au traitement. la recherche d’un biomarqueur predictif est un domaine de recherche tres actif, mais les etudes restent peu concluantes. les biomarqueurs potentiels incluent les proteines des neurofilaments, les microaRN, l’expression genique et les anticorps. Etant donne qu’il est peu probable qu’un seul facteur puisse predire le cours de la maladie, plusieurs systemes de notation composite ont ete proposes, mais aucun n’a encore ete largement accepte. cependant, il semble probable qu’a l’avenir, une combinaison d’iRm et de biomarqueurs biochimiques servira de base pour la decision therapeutique dans la SEP et permettra une approche individualisee.
The immunosuppressive agent mycophenolate mofetil markedly potentiates the activity of lobucavir [1R(1alpha,2beta,3alpha)]-9-[2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)cyclobutyl]guanine against different herpes viruses.

BACKGROUND Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been approved as an immunosuppressive agent in kidney transplant recipients and may thus be used concomitantly with antiherpetic agents, the latter for the treatment of intercurrent herpesvirus infections. The parent compound of MMF, mycophenolic acid (MPA), is a potent inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase and causes depletion of the intracellular (deoxy)guanosine triphosphate [(d)GTP] pools. Lobucavir [1R(1alpha,2beta,3alpha)]-9-[2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)cyc lobutyl]guanine (LBV) is a novel antiviral agent with activity against ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus (CMV) strains, that is in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of CMV infections. LBV triphosphate inhibits the viral DNA polymerase competitively with dGTP. We present the results of our studies on the antiviral effects of the combinations LBV + MMF and LBV + MPA. METHODS The antiviral effects of LBV either alone or in combination with MMF or MPA on the replication of CMV, herpes simplex virus type- (HSV) 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, and thymidine kinase-deficient HSV-1 were studied by means of plaque or CPE reduction assays. RESULTS When combined with LBV, MPA (at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 10 microg/ml, which are readily attainable in human plasma) markedly potentiated the antiviral efficacy of LBV against HSV-1 and HSV-2, that is a 10- to 100-fold decrease in EC50. Moreover, the EC50 of LBV against TK- HSV-1 decreased up to 1400-fold upon combination with MPA. MPA by itself had little or no effect on the replication of these viruses. Moreover, MPA and MMF resulted in a marked increase in the anti-CMV activity of LBV minimal FIC (FICmin: 0.24 and 0.26, respectively). Exogenously added guanosine reversed the potentiating effect of MPA on the antiviral activity of LBV, which indicates that this potentiating effect results from a depletion of the endogenous dGTP pools, thus favoring the inhibitory action of the LBV-triphosphate on the viral DNA polymerase. Ribavirin, another inhibitor of inosine monophosphate-dehydrogenase, also caused a marked enhancement of the antiviral activity of LBV against HSV-1 (12-fold), HSV-2 (20-fold), and TK- HSV-1 (25-fold). CONCLUSION MMF markedly potentiates the activity of LBV against HSV-1, HSV-2, TK- HSV-1, and CMV. This drug interaction may have important implications when using LBV in the treatment of intercurrent herpesvirus infections in transplant recipients under MMF therapy.
Osteogenesis imperfecta type IIA and pulmonary hypoplasia with normal alveolar development

Osteogenesis imperfecta Type IIA (01-11) is a perinatally lethal skeletal dysplasia. ’ Manifestations of 01-11 include short-limbed growth failure, fragile and poorly ossified bones, abnormal development of the rib cage, decreased intrathoracic volume, and a restrictive pulmonary hypoplasia. Fetuses who survive to birth generally die in the early neonatal period from respiratory failure, which is attributed to hypoplastic lung development. Lung hypoplasia is a generic term which may include various alterations in lung g r ~ w t h . ~ A detailed lung morphometric analysis associated with this form of dwarfism has not been described. The purpose of this study is to define and quantitate pulmonary development in an infant with 01-11 and to compare these findings with those seen in a control infant of similar gestational age with no significant respiratory disease. Our data suggest that 01-11 is associated with a marked reduction in lung growth. However, alveolar development remains normal.
Multitrait estimation of genetic parameters of lactation curves in Holstein heifers.

Weekly milk yields of 1022 Holstein heifers from 61 sires were used to derive coefficients of the lactation curves using modified gamma and inverse polynomial functions. The natural logarithm of a modified gamma function was ln(yn) = ln (a) + b ln (n) + cn + u sin (x) + v cos (x), where a, b, c, u, and v are coefficients to be estimated; n is the day of lactation; and x is the day of year. Estimates of a, b, and c were combined to define persistency [-(b + 1) ln c], week of peak yield (b/c), and peak yield [a(b/c)be-b]. The inverse polynomial function was n/yn = A0 + A1n + A2n2, where A0, A1, and A2 are coefficients to be estimated. Variance and covariance components for the coefficients of the lactation curve were estimated by the multitrait restricted maximum likelihood method using canonical transformation. Heritability estimates were ln (a) . 11, b . 07, c . 04 u . 01, v . 04, A0 . 28, A1 . 26, A2 . 21, persistency . 21, week of peak . 18, peak yield . 23, and 308-d milk yield . 41. Genetic correlations indicated that selection for faster rate of increase to peak production would result in higher 308-d milk production, higher peak yield, and greater persistency.
Dynamic changes and mechanism of intestinal endotoxemia in partially hepatectomized rats.

AIM To explore the mechanism of intestinal endo-toxemia (IETM) formation and its changes in partially hepatectomized (PH) rats. METHODS One-hundred and two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control (NC) group, partially hepatectomized (PH) group and a sham-operated (SO) group. To study the dynamic changes, rats were sacrificed before and at different time points after partial hepatectomy or the sham-operation ( 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, 72 h, 120 h and 168 h). NC group was used as 0 h time point in observation, namely 0 h group. For each time point indicated, six rats were used in parallel. Endotoxin (ET) and diamine oxidase (DAO) levels were determined in serum using Limulus Lysate test with chromogenic substrate and spectrophotometry. Intestinal mucosa barrier was observed under optical or electron microscope. The number and functional state of Kupffer cells (KCs) in the remnant regenerating liver were measured by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Serum ET levels significantly increased during 6-72 h period after PH compared with NC and SO groups, and there were two peak values at 12 and 48 h while serum DAO level significantly increased at 12 and 24 h. There was positive correlation (r = 0.757, P < 0.05) between the levels of DAO and ET dynamic changes. The optical examination showed neutrophil margination and superficial necrosis of the villi in the intestinal mucosa during 6-24 h period after PH. The penetrated electron microscope examination showed that the gaps between intestinal mucosa cells were increased and the Lanthanum (La) particles were observed among the intestinal mucosa cells during 6-48 h period. The numbers of KCs in the remnant regenerating liver were significantly increased during 24-168 h period after PH. However, the activation of KCs was predominantly observed at 48 h after PH. CONCLUSION The mechanism of IETM in PH rats might be the injury of intestinal mucosa barrier and the decrease of the absolute number of KCs as well as the depression of functional state of KCs. This observation is of potential value in patients undergoing liver resection.
Corticosterone-aggravated ischemic neuronal damage in vitro is relieved by vanadate

Preischemic hyperglycemia-aggravated neuronal damage has been postulated to occur via enhanced lactic acidosis. We have hypothesized that preischemic glucose loading induces a short-lived elevation in glucocorticoid release which, when combined with ischemia, aggravates the postischemic outcome. This study tested this hypothesis in rat hippocampal slices exposed to 4 min in vitro ischemia of which 58% exhibited recovery of neuronal function. However, when corticosterone (CT) was present during ischemia, the recovery of neuronal function decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. At 5 μM, CT reduced the recovery rate to 40% while only 10% of slices recovered when exposed to 20 μM CT. Insulin could not block the effect of CT; however, vanadate improved the postischemic recovery of CT-treated (20 μM) slices to 43%. These results indicate that acute, short exposure to CT can significantly exacerbate postischemic outcome and that vanadate can antagonize CT action.
CATALYTIC TRANSFORMATION OF SEED OIL DERIVATIVES VIA OLEFIN METATHESIS / TRANSFORMACIÓN CATALÍTICA DE LOS DERIVADOS DEL ACEITE A TRAVÉS DE METÁTESIS OLEFÍNICA / TRANSFORMATION CATALYTIQUE DES DÉRIVÉS DE L’HUILE PAR LA MÉTATHÈSE D’OLÉFINES

SUMMARY Unsaturated fatty acid esters derived from seed oils undergo metathesis at the C=C bond to give new internal and terminal olefins of interest in chemical manufacturing. The key to realizing this industrial opportunity is the ability to deploy catalysts that tolerate functional groups and remain reactive towards internal olefins even at high conversions. Recent developments in catalyst and reactor design are bringing these targets closer to commercial reality. RESUMEN Los estros de los ácidos grasos no saturados obtenidos del aceite vegetal, pasan por metátesis del vínculo C=C, con lo cual se forman nuevas olefinas internas y terminales, interesantes para la industria química. El factor clave en la realización de esta posibilidad industrial, es la posibilidad de sintetizarse los catalizadores correspondientes que puedan tolerar la presencia de diferentes grupos funcionales, guardando la reactividad hacia el vínculo olefínico interno, hasta en la ocasión de múltiple conversión. Los recientes perfeccionamientos de catalizadores y reactores, acercan estas metas a la realidad comercial. RÉSUMÉ Les esters d’acides gras non saturés obtenus de l’huile végétale passent par métathèse au lien C=C et de nouvelles oléfines internes et terminales intéressantes pour l’industrie chimique sont formées. Le facteur clef dans la réalisation de cette perspective industrielle est la capacité de synthétiser les catalyseurs qui seraient en mesure de tolérer la présence de différents groupes fonctionnels tout en gardant la réactivité envers le lien d’oléfine interne, et même à haute conversion. De récents progrès dans les catalyseurs et les réacteurs rapprochent ces buts de la réalité commerciale.
Robust motion control with the consideration algorithm of joint torque saturation for a redundant manipulator

As each joint actuator of a robot manipulator has a limit value of torque, the motion control system should consider the torque saturation. In order to consider the torque saturation in a transient state, this paper proposes a new redundant motion control system using the autonomous consideration algorithm on torque saturation. A Jacobian matrix of a redundant robot manipulator can select the optimal one considering its motion energy in the steady state. When the motion control system carries out fast motion and quick disturbance suppression, a high joint torque is required in a transient state. In the experimental results, under the condition of having a large payload torque and a fast motion reference, the proposed redundant manipulator control realizes the quick robot motion robustly and smoothly.
Assessing the economic impact of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women

The ageing of the US population and the recognised importance of preventative care has led to a growing body of research regarding the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic diseases in postmenopausal women. According to the National Institute of Health, postmenopausal women have a significant increase in risk for a number of debilitating diseases, including osteoporosis, breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. In addition, recently published studies prompted patients, clinicians and payers to re-examine the risks and benefits of a well-accepted therapy to treat postmenopausal symptoms. The objective of this paper is to provide a framework for assessing the economic impact of disorders affecting postmenopausal women, with a particular focus on osteoporosis, breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. This framework considers the prevalence of these conditions, the profiles of women suffering from each of them and prevailing patterns of treatment for these disorders. Taken together, these factors are used to analyse the overall economic impact of postmenopausal disorders and to provide an expert opinion in this context.
Structural Basis for Potent Slow Binding Inhibition of Human Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2)*

The zinc-dependent gelatinases belong to the family of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that have been shown to play a key role in angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. These enzymes are capable of hydrolyzing extracellular matrix (ECM) components under physiological conditions. Specific and selective inhibitors aimed at blocking their activity are highly sought for use as potential therapeutic agents. We report herein on a novel mode of inhibition of gelatinase A (MMP-2) by the recently characterized inhibitors 4-(4-phenoxphenylsulfonyl)butane-1,2-dithiol (inhibitor 1) and 5-(4-phenoxphenylsulfonyl) pentane-1,2-dithiol (inhibitor 2). These synthetic inhibitors are selective for MMP-2 and MMP-9. We show that the dithiolate moiety of these inhibitors chelates the catalytic zinc ion of MMP-2 via two sulfur atoms. This mode of binding results in alternation of the coordination number of the metal ion and the induction of conformational changes at the microenvironment of the catalytic zinc ion; a set of events that is likely to be at the root of the potent slow binding inhibition behavior exhibited by these inhibitors. This study demonstrates a distinct approach for the understanding of the structural mechanism governing the molecular interactions between potent inhibitors and catalytic sites of MMPs, which may aid in the design of effective inhibitors.
The clinical challenges of the equine periorbital sarcoid

The equine sarcoid affects horses of all ages, types, and colours without obvious sex predilection and is commonly encountered worldwide. It is by far the commonest equine skin neoplasm (Jackson, 1936; Thomsett, 1979; Pascoe and Summers, 1981; Genetzky, Biwer and Myers, 1983; Marti, Lazary and Gerber, 1993; Broström, 1995). Although the sarcoid has been recognised for centuries (Erk, 1976), it was first characterised by Jackson in 1936. He defined the sarcoid as “a unique locally invasive, benign neoplastic like tumour of the skin with a variable epidermal component which has a high propensity for recurrence. ” The name sarcoid (meaning flesh-like) was used to emphasise the clinical and pathological differences from papilloma, fibroma, and fibrosarcoma and to suggest the malignant sarcomatous appearance of the lesions. Pathologically the equine sarcoid has been categorised as a benign tumour of fibrous tissue (Hendrick and others, 1998). The periocular skin is a recognised predilection site (Knottenbelt, 2009) (Figure 1).