Ligand-Activated Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor- Protects Against Ischemic Cerebral Infarction and Neuronal Apoptosis by 14-3-3 Upregulation

Thiazolidinediones (TZD) were reported to protect against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Their protective actions are considered to be PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ)-dependent. However, it is unclear how PPAR-γ activation confers resistance to I/R

A Linear Regression Thermal Displacement Lathe Spindle Model

Thermal error is one of the main reasons for the loss of accuracy in lathe machining. In this study, a thermal deformation compensation model is presented that can reduce the influence of spindle thermal error on machining accuracy. The method used involves the collection of temperature data from the front and rear spindle bearings by means of embedded sensors in the bearing housings. Room temperature data were also collected as well as the thermal elongation of the main shaft. The data were used in a linear regression model to establish a robust model with strong predictive capability. Three methods were used: (1) Comsol was used for finite element analysis and the results were compared with actual measured temperatures. (2) This method involved the adjustment of the parameters of the linear regression model using the indicators of the coefficient of determination, root mean square error, mean square error, and mean absolute error, to find the best parameters for a spindle thermal displacement model. (3) The third method used system recognition to determine similarity to actual data by dividing the model into rise time and stable time. The rise time was controlled to explore the accuracy of prediction of the model at different intervals. The experimental results show that the actual measured temperatures were very close to those obtained in the Comsol analysis. The traditional model calculates prediction error values within single intervals, and so the model was divided to give rise time and stable time. The experimental results showed two error intervals, 19µm in the rise time and 15µm in the stable time, and these findings allowed the machining accuracy to be enhanced

Rationale and Design of MAGNET (Mitochondria-AGing in NorthErn Taiwan) Study: A Community-based Cohort Investigating Mitochondria-related Aging and Cardiovascular Diseases in Suburban Areas of Northern Taiwan

Background: Aging is known to play a key role in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Although aging is associated with mitochondria dysfunction, the impact of mitochondria-related aging on CVDs has remained unclear in Taiwan. Methods: The Mitochondria-AGing in NorthErn Taiwan (MAGNET) study, a prospective study, was initiated in December 2010 to investigate the prevalence, determinants and the progress of CVDs and related risks in a community-dwelling sample of about 3000 men and women from suburban areas of northern Taiwan. The middle-aged population comprises the majority of the whole cohort in a 3-year collection period. This study also examines a link between baseline characteristics and the development of subclinical atherosclerosis. Data obtained will include information regarding baseline demographics, body surface electrocardiography, blood bio-specimen components, measurement of cardiac and carotid structure and function by ultrasonography, socioeconomic status, life styles, and life quality scoring including short-form SF-36. Additional survey of blood samples, including analysis of endothelial progenitor cells and the mitochondria function, and biomarkers, for a nested case-control study will be performed. All participants will be followed for incidence and characterization of related cardiovascular events. Conclusion: This study is expected to clarify the role of mitochondria-related aging in the development of CVDs and functional changes in sub-urban areas of Taiwan

HBsAg Profiles in Patients Receiving Peginterferon Alfa-2a plus Ribavirin for the Treatment of Dual Chronic Infection with Hepatitis B and C Viruses

Background. With use of peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin combination therapy in patients with dual chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, 11.2% of patients achieved clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at 6 months after treatment; however, reactivation of HBV DNA was observed in 36.3%. We investigated the predictive potential of HBsAg quantification. Methods. HBsAg quantification was performed in 120 e antigen-negative patients dually infected with HBV and hepatitis C virus and treated with peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin for 48 weeks (HCV genotype 1; ) or n p 74 24 weeks (HCV genotype 2/3; ). HBsAg was quantified at baseline, week 4, week 12, end of treatment, and n p 46 24 weeks after treatment. Results. The baseline median serum HBsAg level was 120 IU/mL and decreased gradually during treatment. Low baseline HBsAg was significantly associated with HBsAg clearance (40% for HBsAg level р20 IU/mL vs 2.2% for HBsAg level 120 IU/mL; ). A decrease in HBsAg level from baseline to week 12 of 50% was associated P ! .05 with a reduced likelihood of HBV DNA reactivation in patients with baseline undetectable serum HBV DNA (positive predictive value, 89.5%). Conclusions. HBsAg quantification appears to be a useful indicator of posttreatment outcome in patients dually infected with HBV and hepatitis C virus

Erratum to: Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (3rd edition) (Autophagy, 12, 1, 1-222, 10.1080/15548627.2015.1100356

non present