Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polimorfismo -374 T/A nel promotore del gene RAGE e longevità: confronto tra popolazioni con differente età

Il recettore per prodotti finali della glicazione avanzata (RAGE) e una molecola di superficie cellulare, membro della superfamiglia delle immunoglobuline, che interagisce con differenti ligandi. Un crescente numero di evidenze suggerisce che RAGE possa promuovere l’infiammazione vascolare attraverso meccanismi diversi. L’obiettivo di questo studio e identificare la possibile relazione tra il polimorfismo -374 T/A del gene RAGE, l’infarto miocardico (IM) e la sua eta di insorgenza. Sono stati reclutati un totale di 691 pazienti con infarto miocardico e 234 controlli sani. In questo studio, la frequenza dell’allele A e del genotipo AA del polimorfismo -374 T/A del promotore e significativamente piu bassa nei pazienti con infarto miocardico rispetto al gruppo di controllo (p<0.01). I nostri risultati hanno mostrato un ruolo significativo del genotipo AA nel determinare l’eta di insorgenza di infarto miocardico. In particolare, l’eta media del primo infarto miocardico era piu alta nei pazienti con genotipo AA rispetto a quelli portatori del genotipo AT o TT (p=0.002). Il rapporto tra il polimorfismo -374 T/A del promotore del gene RAGE e l’eta della comparsa di infarto miocardico e risultato indipendentemente correlato ai comuni fattori di rischio di malattia (p<0.01). Le curve di Kaplan-Meier hanno confermato che i soggetti con genotipo AA sviluppano infarto miocardico piu tardivamente (p=0.0022). Questo studio e il primo a valutare il ruolo dei polimorfismi di RAGE sulla suscettibilita a sviluppare gli eventi coronarici acuti nella popolazione italiana e ad identificare questo polimorfismo come un fattore legato all’eta dello sviluppo di infarto miocardico. Il genotipo omozigote AA potrebbe dunque esercitare un ruolo protettivo nello sviluppo precoce di infarto miocardico.
Escherichia hermannii Infections in Humans: A Systematic Review

Eshcerichia hermannii is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae, first described in 1982 and reclassified as a distinct species in the Escherichia genus after identifying biochemical and genomic differences from E. coli. It is a rare cause of human infections and is supposed to be a co-infector rather than an autonomous cause of infection. The aim of this systematic review was to record and evaluate all available evidence regarding human infections by E. hermannii. A systematic review of PubMed (through 21 December 2018) for studies providing epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological information, as well as treatment data and outcomes of E. hermannii infections was performed. A total of 16 studies, containing data of 17 patients, were eventually included in the analysis. The most common E. hermannii infections were bacteremias, urinary tract, and central nervous system infections. The complication rate, like the occurrence of sepsis, was high. Cephalosporins and aminoglycosides were the most common agents used for treatment. This systematic review describes bacterial infections by E. hermannii and provides information on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, antibiotic resistance, treatment, and outcomes associated with these infections.
Orthodontic treatment time: can it be shortened?

Abstract Introduction: In the literature, no consensus has been reached about orthodontic treatment time. Similarly, the determining factors of the latter have not yet been completely elucidated. Objective: The aim of the present article was to deepen the discussion on the major factors influencing orthodontic treatment time, as well as to present some strategies that have proven effective in controlling and shortening it. Method: Based on evidences found in the literature, the method focussed in providing the basis for clinical decision-making. Conclusions: Treatment time varies according to the type of malocclusion and treatment options. Orthodontist’s influence, patient’s characteristics and compliance are all decisive in determining treatment time, while the effects provided by orthodontic appliances and methods used to speed tooth movement up seem little effective.
The ALS-FTD-linked gene product, C9orf72, regulates neuronal morphogenesis via autophagy

ABSTRACT Mutations in C9orf72 leading to hexanucleotide expansions are the most common genetic causes for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). A phenotype resembling ALS and FTD is seen in transgenic mice overexpressing the hexanucleotide expansions, but is absent in C9orf72-deficient mice. Thus, the exact function of C9orf72 in neurons and how loss of C9orf72 may contribute to neuronal dysfunction remains to be clearly defined. Here, we showed that primary hippocampal neurons cultured from c9orf72 knockout mice have reduced dendritic arborization and spine density. Quantitative proteomic analysis identified C9orf72 as a component of the macroautophagy/autophagy initiation complex composed of ULK1-RB1CC1-ATG13-ATG101. The association was mediated through the direct interaction with ATG13 via the isoform-specific carboxyl-terminal DENN and dDENN domain of C9orf72. Furthermore, c9orf72 knockout neurons showed reduced LC3-II puncta accompanied by reduced ULK1 levels, suggesting that loss of C9orf72 impairs basal autophagy. Conversely, wild-type neurons treated with a ULK1 kinase inhibitor showed a dose-dependent reduction of dendritic arborization and spine density. Furthermore, expression of the long isoform of human C9orf72 that interacts with the ULK1 complex, but not the short isoform, rescues autophagy and the dendritic arborization phenotypes of c9orf72 knockout neurons. Taken together, our data suggests that C9orf72 has a cell-autonomous role in neuronal and dendritic morphogenesis through promotion of ULK1-mediated autophagy.
Using Persuasive Systems Design Model to Evaluate “Cuida tu Ánimo”: An Internet-Based Pilot Program for Prevention and Early Intervention of Adolescent Depression

Background: “Cuida tu Ánimo” (CTA [Take Care of Your Mood]) is an internet-based program for prevention and early intervention of adolescent depression implemented in Chile and Colombia. In the pilot application of the program, participants interacted with the program through a website that provided psychoeducational information, chat, and telephone appointments as well as monitoring and feedback messages. To date, most similar programs were not developed taking design features into consideration. The persuasive systems design (PSD) model is a comprehensive framework developed to aid in the design and evaluation of systems capable of influencing users' attitudes or behaviors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the persuasiveness of CTA pilot program using the PSD model. Methods: The methodology used was expert evaluation, where specialists evaluate the program against a list of design principles. Results: Although the PSD model was not used to design the program, system features proposed by PSD were present, mainly “Dialogue support” features. Persuasion context analysis was not carried out by the developers. No aspects of the program could be related to “Primary task support” features because the developers did not define a primary task. Discussion: Key aspects of the PSD model could be incorporated in the CTA program to enhance system persuasiveness and improve adherence.
Half a Century of Research on Membrane-Containing Bacteriophages: Bringing New Concepts to Modern Virology

Half a century of research on membrane-containing phages has had a major impact on virology, providing new insights into virus diversity, evolution and ecological importance. The recent revolutionary technical advances in imaging, sequencing and lipid analysis have significantly boosted the depth and volume of knowledge on these viruses. This has resulted in new concepts of virus assembly, understanding of virion stability and dynamics, and the description of novel processes for viral genome packaging and membrane-driven genome delivery to the host. The detailed analyses of such processes have given novel insights into DNA transport across the protein-rich lipid bilayer and the transformation of spherical membrane structures into tubular nanotubes, resulting in the description of unexpectedly dynamic functions of the membrane structures. Membrane-containing phages have provided a framework for understanding virus evolution. The original observation on membrane-containing bacteriophage PRD1 and human pathogenic adenovirus has been fundamental in delineating the concept of “viral lineages”, postulating that the fold of the major capsid protein can be used as an evolutionary fingerprint to trace long-distance evolutionary relationships that are unrecognizable from the primary sequences. This has brought the early evolutionary paths of certain eukaryotic, bacterial, and archaeal viruses together, and potentially enables the reorganization of the nearly immeasurable virus population (~1 × 1031) on Earth into a reasonably low number of groups representing different architectural principles. In addition, the research on membrane-containing phages can support the development of novel tools and strategies for human therapy and crop protection.
Fabrication of Adhesive Resistance Surface with Low Wettability on Ti6Al4V Alloys by Electro-Brush Plating

Anti-adhesive Ni coatings with low wettability were successfully fabricated on Ti6Al4V substrates via an electro-brush plating method, and subsequently modified with a fluoroalkylsilane (FAS) film. The surface morphology, chemical compositions, and wettability of the as-prepared coatings were measured using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), and contact angle measurements. The results showed that the surface of Ti6Al4V substrate was endowed with flower-like structures. Each flower-like cluster was constituted by a large number of Ni ions. After surface modification of FAS, the as-prepared Ti6Al4V surface had a water contact angle as high as 151.5°, a sliding angle close to 2.1°, and a solid surface energy as low as 0.97 mJ/m2. Potentiodynamic polarization tests showed that the Ni coating could provide a stable corrosion protection. In addition, the effects of processing conditions, such as working voltage, relative velocity, electrolyte concentration, and processing time, were investigated. The mechanism of the adhesive resistance was proposed, and the low wettability of Ti6Al4V surfaces was explained by Cassie–Baxter model. As a result, it was necessary to reduce the fraction of the solid–liquid interface in order to achieve anti-adhesive surface.
Practice Capacity to Address Patients’ Social Needs and Physician Satisfaction and Perceived Quality of Care

Recent studies have explored clinician impacts of health care–based interventions that respond to patients’ social and economic needs. These studies were limited by available clinician data. We used the Commonwealth International Health Policy Survey of 890 primary care physicians to examine associations between clinic capacity to respond to patients’ social needs and physician satisfaction, stress, and perceived medical care quality. Results suggest that perceived capacity to address social needs is strongly associated with both clinician satisfaction and perceived medical care quality. Our findings add to a growing literature on the potential return on investment of clinical interventions to address social needs.
Generation of knockout mouse models of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors by engineered nuclease-mediated genome editing

Cell cycle dysfunction can cause severe diseases, including neurodegenerative disease and cancer. Mutations in cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors controlling the G1 phase of the cell cycle are prevalent in various cancers. Mice lacking the tumor suppressors p16Ink4a (Cdkn2a, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2a), p19Arf (an alternative reading frame product of Cdkn2a,), and p27Kip1 (Cdkn1b, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1b) result in malignant progression of epithelial cancers, sarcomas, and melanomas, respectively. Here, we generated knockout mouse models for each of these three cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors using engineered nucleases. The p16Ink4a and p19Arf knockout mice were generated via transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and p27Kip1 knockout mice via clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9). These gene editing technologies were targeted to the first exon of each gene, to induce frameshifts producing premature termination codons. Unlike preexisting embryonic stem cell-based knockout mice, our mouse models are free from selectable markers or other external gene insertions, permitting more precise study of cell cycle-related diseases without confounding influences of foreign DNA.
Optical Properties of Au-Based and Pt-Based Alloys for Infrared Device Applications: A Combined First Principle and Electromagnetic Simulation Study

Due to the rapid progress in MEMS-based infrared emitters and sensors, strong demand exists for suitable plasmonic materials for such microdevices. We examine the possibility of achieving this goal by alloying other metals with the noble metals Au and Pt, which have some drawbacks, such as low melting point, structural instability, and high costs. The six different metals (Ir, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ta, and W) which possess good properties for heat resistance, stability, and magnetism are mixed with noble metals to improve the properties. The optical properties are calculated by density functional theory and they are used for further investigations of the optical responses of alloy nanorods. The results show that the studied alloy nanorods have wavelength selective properties and can be useful for infrared devices and systems.
Phosphoglycolate has profound metabolic effects but most likely no role in a metabolic DNA response in cancer cell lines

Repair of a certain type of oxidative DNA damage leads to the release of phosphoglycolate, which is an inhibitor of triose phosphate isomerase and is predicted to indirectly inhibit phosphoglycerate mutase activity. Thus, we hypothesized that phosphoglycolate might play a role in a metabolic DNA damage response. Here, we determined how phosphoglycolate is formed in cells, elucidated its effects on cellular metabolism and tested whether DNA damage repair might release sufficient phosphoglycolate to provoke metabolic effects. Phosphoglycolate concentrations were below 5 µM in wild-type U2OS and HCT116 cells and remained unchanged when we inactivated phosphoglycolate phosphatase (PGP), the enzyme that is believed to dephosphorylate phosphoglycolate. Treatment of PGP knockout cell lines with glycolate caused an up to 500-fold increase in phosphoglycolate concentrations, which resulted largely from a side activity of pyruvate kinase. This increase was much higher than in glycolate-treated wild-type cells and was accompanied by metabolite changes consistent with an inhibition of phosphoglycerate mutase, most likely due to the removal of the priming phosphorylation of this enzyme. Surprisingly, we found that phosphoglycolate also inhibits succinate dehydrogenase with a Ki value of <10 µM. Thus, phosphoglycolate can lead to profound metabolic disturbances. In contrast, phosphoglycolate concentrations were not significantly changed when we treated PGP knockout cells with Bleomycin or ionizing radiation, which are known to lead to the release of phosphoglycolate by causing DNA damage. Thus, phosphoglycolate concentrations due to DNA damage are too low to cause major metabolic changes in HCT116 and U2OS cells.
A Novel Sliding Mode Control for a Class of Stochastic Polynomial Fuzzy Systems Based on SOS Method

In this paper, a novel robust controller for continuous stochastic polynomial fuzzy systems is investigated. The aim of the proposed method is to eliminate the restrictive assumptions that the local input matrix <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${B}_{{i}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> must be uniform and the sliding mode surface proposed did not consider the stochastic perturbations, which are required in most existing results. At the same time, the proposed method could handle the system with matched external disturbances. First, a novel vector integral sliding mode surface (VISMS) is constructed according to the basis matrix <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathbb {B}({x})$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The sliding mode surface parameter matrix <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathbb {K}({x})$ </tex-math></inline-formula> can be obtained through the provided sum of squares conditions. Second, by using an improved Lyapunov method and a new proposed lemma, a novel sliding mode control law is designed to keep the state of the closed-loop systems on the VISMS approximately since the initial time. Third, a practical example and a numerical one are provided to illustrate the validity of the proposed approach.
Stroke survivors’ experiences of occupation in hospital-based stroke rehabilitation: a qualitative exploration

Abstract Purpose: Studies highlighting the time spent in self-isolating and inactive activities during stroke rehabilitation have led to the introduction of group programs and environmental enrichment to improve activity levels. A less explored perspective is to understand how the introduced changes align with the occupational needs of the stroke survivors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore stroke survivors experiences of engagement in occupations during stroke rehabilitation. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach with semi-structured interviews explored stroke survivors experiences. Results: Eight participants (five male and three female, mean age 72 years) described their experiences with two themes emerging: (1) “I’m here for that reason:” which highlighted therapy as an occupation which participants wanted to perform and (2) “Celebration of quiet moments:” exploring the value of rest and recreation. Conclusion: This study provides a preliminary understanding of how stroke survivors experience occupational engagement during rehabilitation. There was an apparent shift in priorities with therapy considered the most important occupation and a strong need expressed for rest and relaxation to be factored into people’s days. It appears the increasing activity levels may not always align with people’s occupations and that due consideration of this malalignment may further enhance engagement and outcomes. Implications for rehabilitation During hospital-based stroke rehabilitation, stroke survivors prioritized the occupations of therapy, rest, and recreation. People with stroke are motivated to participate when the activities within and outside of, therapy align with their pre-stroke life and occupations. A daily stroke rehabilitation program should be balanced with opportunities for rest to support recovery time from therapy and possible consolidation of learning
Deer Keds (Diptera: Hippoboscidae: Lipoptena and Neolipoptena) in the United States and Canada: New State and County Records, Pathogen Records, and an Illustrated Key to Species

Abstract Deer keds (Diptera: Hippoboscidae: Lipoptena Nitzsch, 1818 and Neolipoptena Bequaert, 1942) are parasitic flies that primarily attack cervids and occasionally bite humans. Recent reports have documented nearly half a dozen pathogens in deer keds, but it is unknown whether keds are competent vectors. Although geographic ranges of the four North American deer ked species are known generally, precise limits are not well understood. If keds are competent vectors, knowing where they occur will inform the risk of pathogen transmission to people and animals. Herein, we report deer ked occurrence by county in the United States and Canada, including 10 new state and 122 new county/parish/administrative district records. We also include a key to North American deer ked species to facilitate specimen identification.
The Relationship between Theatre and Ritual in the Sogo bò of the Bamana from Mali

The Sogo bò, primarily an animal masquerade, can be distinguished from Western theatre through its use of a fluid space with shifting boundaries between spectator and performer. An oral tradition dictates the characterization, scenario, and content. The resemblance to ritual can be found in structural elements such as its repetitive nature and the use of non-realistic performance objects and motions. As in ritual, there is a clear sense of order, an evocative presentational style, and a strong collective dimension. The functional resemblance lies in the complex metaphorical expression through which relationships and values are symbolized, objectified, and embodied in a highly artistic way. Marie Kruger is an associate professor and the Chair of the Department of Drama at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, where puppetry is offered as a performance and research option. Her research is focused on masquerades in Africa and the various contemporary applications of puppetry in sub-Saharan Africa.
Cisplatin, Fluorouracil in Bolus Injection, and Leucovorin in First-Line Therapy for Advanced Gastric Cancer as an Alternative to Protocols With Infusional Fluorouracil

PURPOSE Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Platinum agents and fluoropyrimidines are the main compounds used in the first-line setting for advanced GC. Given the activity of fluorouracil (FU) bolus, the PFL protocol, a chemotherapy regimen combining cisplatin, FU bolus, and leucovorin, was incorporated at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, because this schedule does not require hospitalization or infusion pumps. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of PFL in the first-line setting for patients with advanced GC. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study evaluating patients with advanced GC treated in the first-line setting with cisplatin 80 mg/m2 on day 1 and FU bolus 400 mg/m2 plus leucovorin 20 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 every 4 weeks, from January 2008 to December 2014. RESULTS A total of 109 patients were enrolled. The median number of cycles received per patient was four (one to 11). Complete responses were achieved in 6.4% and partial responses in 14.7%. Median progression-free survival was 6.3 months (95% CI, 5.08 to 7.58 months) and median overall survival was 8.3 months (95% CI, 6.79 to 9.87 months). Thirty-four (31.2%) patients were alive in 1 year. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events were experienced by 26.6% and 3.7% of patients, respectively, with dose reduction necessary in 9.1%. CONCLUSION PFL is active in advanced GC and could be an alternative for FU continuous infusion protocols in institutions with limited resources and/or low budget, which is the reality in many nations all over the world.