Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection Methods of Human and Animal Influenza Virus—Current Trends

The basic affairs connected to the influenza virus were reviewed in the article, highlighting the newest trends in its diagnostic methods. Awareness of the threat of influenza arises from its ability to spread and cause a pandemic. The undiagnosed and untreated viral infection can have a fatal effect on humans. Thus, the early detection seems pivotal for an accurate treatment, when vaccines and other contemporary prevention methods are not faultless. Public health is being attacked with influenza containing new genes from a genetic assortment between animals and humankind. Unfortunately, the population does not have immunity for mutant genes and is attacked in every viral outbreak season. For these reasons, fast and accurate devices are in high demand. As currently used methods like Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests lack specificity, time and cost-savings, new methods are being developed. In the article, various novel detection methods, such as electrical and optical were compared. Different viral elements used as detection targets and analysis parameters, such as sensitivity and specificity, were presented and discussed.
Forensic psychiatric patients’ perceptions of situations associated with mechanical restraint: A qualitative interview study

To reduce the use and duration of mechanical restraint in forensic settings and ensure evidence-based patient care, we need more knowledge about patients' subjective experiences and perceptions. The aim was to investigate forensic psychiatric patients' perceptions of situations associated with the use of mechanical restraint and what they perceive as factors impacting the use and duration of mechanical restraint. Twenty participants were interviewed. Four themes were identified through a thematic analysis: 'overt protest reactions', 'silent protest reactions', 'illness-related behaviour', and 'genuinely calm', which together characterize patients' perceptions of their ways of acting and reacting during mechanical restraint episodes. These themes are linked together in two patterns in the process of mechanical restraint: 'pattern of protest' and 'pattern of illness'. Further research is needed to illuminate the associations between patients' perceptions of being subjected to mechanical restraint and ways of acting and reacting through the process of mechanical restraint.
Polycomb complexes in normal and malignant hematopoiesis

&NA; Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial for sustaining cell type‐specific transcription programs. Among the distinct factors, Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are major negative regulators of gene expression in mammals. These proteins play key roles in regulating the proliferation, self‐renewal, and differentiation of stem cells. During hematopoietic differentiation, many PcG proteins are fundamental for proper lineage commitment, as highlighted by the fact that a lack of distinct PcG proteins results in embryonic lethality accompanied by differentiation biases. Correspondingly, proteins of these complexes are frequently dysregulated in hematological diseases. In this review, we present an overview of the role of PcG proteins in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, focusing on the compositional complexity of PcG complexes, and we briefly discuss the ongoing clinical trials for drugs targeting these factors. &NA; Di Carlo et al. discuss how the regulation/dysregulation of Polycomb group proteins contributes to hematopoiesis and hematological disorders.
Design and Evaluation of a Wearable Powered Foot Orthosis with Metatarsophalangeal Joint

The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints play critical roles in human locomotion. Functional restriction or loss of MTP joints will lead to lower walking speed, poorer walking balance, and more consumed metabolic energy cost compared with normal walking. However, existing foot orthoses are focused on maintaining the movement of the ankle joint, without assisting the MTP joints. In this paper, in order to improve the walking performance of people with lower limb impairments, a wearable powered foot orthosis (WPFO) which has actuated MTP joint is designed and constructed. Preliminary experiments on three nondisabled subjects demonstrated functionality and capabilities of the WPFO to provide correctly timed dorsiflexion and plantar flexion assistance at the MTP joint during walking. These results also suggest that the WPFO could offer promise in certain rehabilitation applications and clinical treatment.
Characterization of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A1) Promoter Polymorphisms and Gene Expression on Ethnicity, Stage of Disease, and Menopausal Status in Breast Cancer

Estrogen metabolism, catalyzed by UGTs, is a major drug-metabolic pathway that results in inactivation of estrogens and their metabolites. Alterations in UGTs involved in estrogen metabolism, has been suggested to play a role in breast cancer risk. The purpose of this study was to: 1) compare the mRNA expression levels of UGTs involved in estrogen metabolism in human breast tissues from women; 2) compare UGT1A1 mRNA expression to tumor stage, ethnicity, and menopausal status in a group of human breast tumors and normal breast tissues, and 3) investigate the association between variations in the number of TA repeats in the promoter region of UGT1A1 to gene expression. Quantification of UGT mRNA in breast tissues revealed that UGT1A4, UGT1A10, and UGT2B7 mRNA levels were decreased in breast cancers as compared to normal breast tissues. UGT1A1 mRNA levels were also significantly decreased in breast cancers as compared to normal breast tissues (Tumor: 0.5 ± 0.2; Normal: 4.1 ± 1.3, p = 0.0006). UGT1A1 mRNA down-regulation was strongly correlated with postmenopausal status in breast cancer versus controls (p = 0.04). In all the UGT1A1 genotypes observed in our study, the mean mRNA levels was significantly decreased among breast cancer cases as compared to controls for UGT1A1*1/*1 (p = 0.004), UGT1A1*28/*28 (p = 0.03) and UGT1A1*28/*37 (p = 0.06). Our findings demonstrate that further investigations are necessary to determine the role of UGT1A1 in breast carcinogenesis.
Assessing Cancer Risk Associated with Aquatic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Pollution Reveals Dietary Routes of Exposure and Vulnerable Populations

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure is widespread, and many PAHs are considered carcinogenic. The PAH-contaminated AWI Superfund site in Virginia provides a model for studying a complex PAH mixture and its extrapolation to cancer risk and PAH exposure in the general population. We examined cancer risk at the Superfund site due to sediment-derived PAHs and then evaluated PAH sources in the general population and potentially vulnerable subpopulations upon PAH mixture exposure. The PAH mixture was assessed for potential carcinogenicity using the US EPA's OncoLogic™ ranking tool and the US EPA list of priority PAHs. Cancer risk due to PAH exposure was calculated for Superfund site users and compared to the US EPA assessment. Human intake and health endpoints of PAHs within the mixture were extracted from USEtox® chemical fate database, while mean intake exposure was calculated for U.S. adults for select PAHs using NHANES database urinary biomarkers. Eleven PAH compounds within the mixture were of carcinogenic concern, and seven PAHs conveyed significant excess cancer risk at the Superfund site and in the general population, wherein PAH-contaminated seafood ingestion was a main contributor. Other dietary sources of PAHs derived from PAH-contaminated soil or water could also play a role in total exposure. Vulnerable populations to PAH exposure and coinciding increased cancer risk may include, in addition to smokers, children and non-Hispanic blacks, which is a public health concern.
Differences in Interleukin-8 Plasma Levels between Diabetic Patients and Healthy Individuals Independently on Their Periodontal Status

Chronic periodontitis (CP) and diabetes mellitus (DM) involve several aspects of immune functions, including neutrophil activity and cytokine biology. Considering the critical function of chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the inflammatory process, the aims of this study were to determine: (i) IL-8 plasma levels; (ii) IL-8 (−251A/T, rs4073) and its receptor 2 (CXCR2, +1208C/T, rs1126579) polymorphisms, and (iii) the presence of the selected periodontal bacteria in types 1 and 2 DM patients (T1DM and T2DM) and systemically healthy controls (HC) with known periodontal status. This case–control study comprises of 153 unrelated individuals: 36/44 patients suffering from T1DM+CP/T2DM+CP and 32/41 from HC+CP/non-periodontitis HC. Both the clinical and biochemical parameters were monitored. The genotypes were determined using qPCR, IL-8 plasma levels were measured using an ELISA kit. Subgingival bacterial colonization was analyzed with a DNA microarray detection kit. The IL-8 plasma levels differed significantly between non-periodontitis HC and T1DM+CP/T2DM+CP patients (P < 0.01). Even in HC+CP, IL-8 concentrations were significantly lower than in T1DM+CP/T2DM+CP patients (P ≤ 0.05). No significant associations between the IL-8 plasma levels and the studied IL-8 and CXCR2 polymorphisms or the occurrence of selected periodontal bacteria (P > 0.05) were found. CP does not influence the circulating IL-8 levels. Patients with T1DM+CP/T2DM+CP had higher circulating IL-8 levels than HC+CP/non-periodontitis HC.
Análisis a Bajo Nivel de Procesadores Superescalares Reales

En esta ponencia-demo se presenta una práctica donde se analiza la influencia en el tiempo de ejecución de algunas optimizaciones sobre el código máquina para procesadores reales (familia Intel Pentium). Se propone el estudio del efecto del emparejamiento de instrucciones y de las dependencias entre registros, la aceleración obtenida con el desenrollado de iteraciones, la comparación entre instrucciones simples (del núcleo RISC) y complejas, etc. Además todo ello se ejecuta desde código ensamblador, midiendo el tiempo y otros eventos directamente sobre los Pentium, gracias a los contadores internos de monitorización del rendimiento (“Performance Monitoring Counters”, PMC) [1] de esta familia de procesadores. El alumno se enfrenta a las dificultades que supone trabajar con el sistema real y a bajo nivel. Se compara con otros métodos existentes y se describen una serie de rutinas para acceder a los contadores dando varios ejemplos de las posibilidades que brindan para el análisis de la estructura superescalar de estos procesadores.
LPS-PCR typing of ovine Pasteurella multocida isolates from Iran based on (L1 to L8) outer core biosynthesis loci.

Pasteurella multocida isa gram-negative bacterial pathogen that is causative agent of a wide range of diseases in many animal species and humans. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are an important virulence factor, minor changes to structure of which can exert dramatic effects on pathogenicity of P. multocida in its host. LPS can be used for the identification and classification of strains with somatic typing systems.The aim of this study was to identify the LPS genotypes of the ovine P. multocida isolates obtained from pneumonia cases in Iran. The LPS genotype of the isolates was determined using eight specific primers for LPS outer core biosynthesis loci. The LPS genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), then they were sequenced and compared to the sequences registered in the GenBank. Of the 32 ovine P. multocida isolates tested, 21 (65.62%) isolates belonged to genotype L6, 9 (28.12%) isolates contained genotype L3, 1 (3.12%) isolate had both L3 and L6 loci, and 1 (3.12%) isolate remained untypeable. The LPS-PCR was able to type 31 of 32 field ovine isolates from Iran. According to the phylogenetic analysis, L3 genotype isolates were grouped into two distinct lineages. LPS gene sequences among L6 genotypes of ovine P. multocida isolates from Iran and the related sequences in the GenBank were highly similar (>99.5%). LPS-PCR is an accurate genotyping method that was able to classify P. multocida strains into one of the eight distinct LPS genotypes.
Shared Genomic Regions Underlie Natural Variation in Diverse Toxin Responses

Phenotypic complexity is caused by the contributions of environmental factors and multiple genetic loci, interacting or acting independently. Studies of yeast and Arabidopsis often find that the majority of natural variation across phenotypes is attributable to independent additive quantitative trait loci (QTL). Detected loci in these organisms explain most of the estimated heritable variation. By contrast, many heritable components underlying phenotypic variation in metazoan models remain undetected. Before the relative impacts of additive and interactive variance components on metazoan phenotypic variation can be dissected, high replication and precise phenotypic measurements are required to obtain sufficient statistical power to detect loci contributing to this missing heritability. Here, we used a panel of 296 recombinant inbred advanced intercross lines of Caenorhabditis elegans and a high-throughput fitness assay to detect loci underlying responses to 16 different toxins, including heavy metals, chemotherapeutic drugs, pesticides, and neuropharmaceuticals. Using linkage mapping, we identified 82 QTL that underlie variation in responses to these toxins, and predicted the relative contributions of additive loci and genetic interactions across various growth parameters. Additionally, we identified three genomic regions that impact responses to multiple classes of toxins. These QTL hotspots could represent common factors impacting toxin responses. We went further to generate near-isogenic lines and chromosome substitution strains, and then experimentally validated these QTL hotspots, implicating additive and interactive loci that underlie toxin-response variation.
Three-dimensional shape and velocity changes affect responses of a locust visual interneuron to approaching objects

ABSTRACT Adaptive collision avoidance behaviours require accurate detection of complex spatiotemporal properties of an object approaching in an animal's natural, three-dimensional environment. Within the locust, the lobula giant movement detector and its postsynaptic partner, the descending contralateral movement detector (DCMD), respond robustly to images that emulate an approaching two-dimensional object and exhibit firing rate modulation correlated with changes in object trajectory. It is not known how this pathway responds to visual expansion of a three-dimensional object or an approaching object that changes velocity, both of which represent natural stimuli. We compared DCMD responses with images that emulate the approach of a sphere with those elicited by a two-dimensional disc. A sphere evoked later peak firing and decreased sensitivity to the ratio of the half size of the object to the approach velocity, resulting in an increased threshold subtense angle required to generate peak firing. We also presented locusts with an approaching sphere that decreased or increased in velocity. A velocity decrease resulted in transition-associated peak firing followed by a firing rate increase that resembled the response to a constant, slower velocity. A velocity increase resulted in an earlier increase in the firing rate that was more pronounced with an earlier transition. These results further demonstrate that this pathway can provide motor circuits for behaviour with salient information about complex stimulus dynamics. Summary: A locust motion-sensitive visual neuron responds later to approaches of a three-dimensional sphere than to a two-dimensional disc and tracks expansion of looming objects that speed up or slow down.
Circular RNA in cardiovascular disease

Circular RNA (circRNA) are endogenous transcripts that display differential expression across species, developmental stages, and pathologies. Their lack of free ends confers increased stability when compared with linear transcripts, making them ideal candidates for future diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic interventions. Increasing evidence has implicated circRNA in the pathogenesis of multiple cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, we summarize current understanding of circRNA biogenesis, properties, expression profiles, detection methods, functions, and their implication in cardiac pathologies including/ischemia reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, cardiac senescence, cardiac fibrosis, cardiomyopathy, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and aneurysm.
Calcific deposit needling in combination with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT): A proposed treatment for supraspinatus calcified tendinopathy

Background: Calcified tendinopathy of the rotator cuff is one of the most common conditions concerning the shoulder pathology. It is characterized by a reactive calcification that affects the tendons being part of the rotator cuff. The reported prevalence varies from 2.7% to 22%. Most of the patients can be treated effectively with non-operative measures such as anti-inflammatory drugs, subacromial injection of steroid, physiotherapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and needle aspiration irrigation. Results of a treatment combining some of these methods have not been reported. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to present the radiological as well as the clinical results of our proposed protocol which combines drilling of the calcium deposits with xylocaine under ultrasound guidance, with a specific program of physiotherapy for 1 month without the use of NSAIDs. Methods: Sixty-six consecutive patients (68 shoulders) were treated for calcified tendinitis of supraspinatus, which was diagnosed clinically and radiologically, with needle drilling using xylocaine under ultrasound guidance. After the drilling the patient followed a physiotherapy protocol with ESWT which included five visits within a month. After the end of the physiotherapy, the patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score were measured before and after the end of the therapy. Results: All the patients showed clinical improvement of the symptoms at the follow-up. The mean VAS score showed improvement from 8.1 to 3.3 whereas the mean DASH score was 27 and after the end of the therapy 5. Radiologically all but one calcific deposits were disappeared. Conclusions: The ultrasound-guided drilling of the calcific deposit using xylocaine, in combination with physiotherapy using ESWT provides a reliable alternative treatment for the calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus
A three-dimensional photonic topological insulator using a two-dimensional ring resonator lattice with a synthetic frequency dimension

Topology traps photons in a one-way channel in the frequency space with the help of ring resonators. In the development of topological photonics, achieving three-dimensional topological insulators is of notable interest since it enables the exploration of new topological physics with photons and promises novel photonic devices that are robust against disorders in three dimensions. Previous theoretical proposals toward three-dimensional topological insulators use complex geometries that are challenging to implement. On the basis of the concept of synthetic dimension, we show that a two-dimensional array of ring resonators, which was previously demonstrated to exhibit a two-dimensional topological insulator phase, automatically becomes a three-dimensional topological insulator when the frequency dimension is taken into account. Moreover, by modulating a few of the resonators, a screw dislocation along the frequency axis can be created, which provides robust one-way transport of photons along the frequency axis. Demonstrating the physics of screw dislocation in a topological system has been a substantial challenge in solid-state systems. Our work indicates that the physics of three-dimensional topological insulators can be explored in standard integrated photonic platforms, leading to opportunities for novel devices that control the frequency of light.
Aptamer-iRNAs as Therapeutics for Cancer Treatment

Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssDNA or ssRNA) that bind and recognize their targets with high affinity and specificity due to their complex tertiary structure. Aptamers are selected by a method called SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment). This method has allowed the selection of aptamers to different types of molecules. Since then, many aptamers have been described for the potential treatment of several diseases including cancer. It has been described over the last few years that aptamers represent a very useful tool as therapeutics, especially for cancer therapy. Aptamers, thanks to their intrinsic oligonucleotide nature, present inherent advantages over other molecules, such as cell-based products. Owing to their higher tissue penetrability, safer profile, and targeting capacity, aptamers are likely to become a novel platform for the delivery of many different types of therapeutic cargos. Here we focus the review on interfering RNAs (iRNAs) as aptamer-based targeting delivered agents. We have gathered the most reliable information on aptamers as targeting and carrier agents for the specific delivery of siRNAs, shRNA, microRNAs, and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) published in the last few years in the context of cancer therapy.
Recapitulation of Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity on Normal Nasal Structure: A Finite Element Model Analysis

Abstract Cleft lip nasal deformity has been challenging to plastic surgeons. A better understanding of the biomechanical aspect of the cleft nose would contribute to a better correction. In this study, finite element model of a normal nose was constructed and loaded with forces to recapitulate the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. Tether at the alar base was simulated by a laterally directed force at the lateral crus, and tether at the columella base by a posteriorly directed force at the medial crus. The equivalent von-Mises stress and the total deformation consequent to different patterns of loading were captured. In accordance with clinical observations, unilaterally loaded forces caused deformation on both sides of the nose. A correlation between the patterns of loading and different cleft lip nasal deformities was documented in detail. When set at the same force magnitude, tether at the columella base led to more extensive changes in the nasal morphology and higher level of stress than at the alar base. Clear identification of major pathological tethers in the nasolabial region might lead to more accurate and stable correction of cleft lip nasal deformities.
Review of Year 2004 Sumatra-Andaman Earthquake Tsunami Fault Parameters

This paper reviews the fault parameters used in the literatures of tsunami source simulations for the 26 December, 2004 Sumatra–Andaman tsunami, as well as understanding of the geology and geography of the Sunda Trench. Although the source of tsunami generation is exclusive, the parameters used in the simulations differ according to source of data, method of parameter derivation and modeling experiences. Hence, identification of possible future source generations and results for best fit parameters obtained from literature review are integrated to be used for future simulations. Based on the literature review conducted, it is clear that the parameters of tsunami source generation play a vital component and indication in amplifying effects in the coastal areas. Hence, earlier identification of possible fault rupture parameters in the Andaman Sea provides an information about the effects of the future risks of tsunami towards the west-coast of Malaysia.