Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Renal Mitochondrial Response to Low Temperature in Non-Hibernating and Hibernating Species.

SIGNIFICANCE Therapeutic hypothermia is commonly applied to limit ischemic injury in organ transplantation, during cardiac and brain surgery and after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In these procedures, the kidneys are particularly at risk for ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), likely due to their high rate of metabolism. Although hypothermia mitigates ischemic kidney injury, it is not a panacea. Residual mitochondrial failure is believed to be a key event triggering loss of cellular homeostasis, and potentially cell death. Subsequent rewarming generates large amounts of reactive oxygen species that aggravate organ injury. Recent Advances: Hibernators are able to withstand periods of profoundly reduced metabolism and body temperature ("torpor"), interspersed by brief periods of rewarming ("arousal") without signs of organ injury. Specific adaptations allow maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis, limit oxidative stress, and protect against cell death. These adaptations consist of active suppression of mitochondrial function and upregulation of anti-oxidant enzymes and anti-apoptotic pathways. CRITICAL ISSUES Unraveling the precise molecular mechanisms that allow hibernators to cycle through torpor and arousal without precipitating organ injury may translate into novel pharmacological approaches to limit IRI in patients. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Although the precise signaling routes involved in natural hibernation are not yet fully understood, torpor-like hypothermic states with increased resistance to ischemia/reperfusion can be induced pharmacologically by 5'-adenosine monophosphate (5'-AMP), adenosine, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in non-hibernators. In this review, we compare the molecular effects of hypothermia in non-hibernators with natural and pharmacologically induced torpor, to delineate how safe and reversible metabolic suppression may provide resistance to renal IRI. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 27, 599-617.
Nuclear-Induced Plasmas of Gas Mixtures and Nuclear-Pumped Lasers

We briefly describe the basic processes of formation and relaxation of nuclear-induced plasmas of gas mixtures, especially the processes of inverse population creation in nuclear-pumped lasers (NPL). A review of the work to create and research nuclear-pumped lasers is in progress: on transitions of atoms and atomic ions and on molecu‐ lar transitions. An increased focus is on the gas media, which we also study on WWR-K nuclear reactor and DC-60 ion accelerator. The studies on emission of heteronuclear ionic molecules of inert gases are also reviewed.
A Holistic Concept to Design Optimal Water Supply Infrastructures for Informal Settlements Using Remote Sensing Data

Ensuring access to water and sanitation for all is Goal No. 6 of the 17 UN Sustainability Development Goals to transform our world. As one step towards this goal, we present an approach that leverages remote sensing data to plan optimal water supply networks for informal urban settlements. The concept focuses on slums within large urban areas, which are often characterized by a lack of an appropriate water supply. We apply methods of mathematical optimization aiming to find a network describing the optimal supply infrastructure. Hereby, we choose between different decentral and central approaches combining supply by motorized vehicles with supply by pipe systems. For the purposes of illustration, we apply the approach to two small slum clusters in Dhaka and Dar es Salaam. We show our optimization results, which represent the lowest cost water supply systems possible. Additionally, we compare the optimal solutions of the two clusters (also for varying input parameters, such as population densities and slum size development over time) and describe how the result of the optimization depends on the entered remote sensing data.
APAtrap: identification and quantification of alternative polyadenylation sites from RNA-seq data

Motivation Alternative polyadenylation (APA) has been increasingly recognized as a crucial mechanism that contributes to transcriptome diversity and gene expression regulation. As RNA-seq has become a routine protocol for transcriptome analysis, it is of great interest to leverage such unprecedented collection of RNA-seq data by new computational methods to extract and quantify APA dynamics in these transcriptomes. However, research progress in this area has been relatively limited. Conventional methods rely on either transcript assembly to determine transcript 3' ends or annotated poly(A) sites. Moreover, they can neither identify more than two poly(A) sites in a gene nor detect dynamic APA site usage considering more than two poly(A) sites. Results We developed an approach called APAtrap based on the mean squared error model to identify and quantify APA sites from RNA-seq data. APAtrap is capable of identifying novel 3' UTRs and 3' UTR extensions, which contributes to locating potential poly(A) sites in previously overlooked regions and improving genome annotations. APAtrap also aims to tally all potential poly(A) sites and detect genes with differential APA site usages between conditions. Extensive comparisons of APAtrap with two other latest methods, ChangePoint and DaPars, using various RNA-seq datasets from simulation studies, human and Arabidopsis demonstrate the efficacy and flexibility of APAtrap for any organisms with an annotated genome. Availability and implementation Freely available for download at https://apatrap.sourceforge. io. Contact liqq@xmu.edu. cn or xhuister@xmu.edu. cn. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Effect of isotonic versus hypotonic maintenance fluid therapy on urine output, fluid balance, and electrolyte homeostasis: a crossover study in fasting adult volunteers

Abstract Background. Daily and globally, millions of adult hospitalized patients are exposed to maintenance i.v. fluid solutions supported by limited scientific evidence. In particular, it remains unclear whether fluid tonicity contributes to the recently established detrimental effects of fluid, sodium, and chloride overload. Methods. This crossover study consisted of two 48 h study periods, during which 12 fasting healthy adults were treated with a frequently prescribed solution (NaCl 0.9% in glucose 5% supplemented by 40 mmol litre−1 of potassium chloride) and a premixed hypotonic fluid (NaCl 0.32% in glucose 5% containing 26 mmol litre−1 of potassium) at a daily rate of 25 ml kg−1 of body weight. The primary end point was cumulative urine volume; fluid balance was thus calculated. We also explored the physiological mechanisms behind our findings and assessed electrolyte concentrations. Results. After 48 h, 595 ml (95% CI: 454–735) less urine was voided with isotonic fluids than hypotonic fluids (P<0.001), or 803 ml (95% CI: 692–915) after excluding an outlier with ‘exaggerated natriuresis of hypertension’. The isotonic treatment was characterized by a significant decrease in aldosterone (P<0.001). Sodium concentrations were higher in the isotonic arm (P<0.001), but all measurements remained within the normal range. Potassium concentrations did not differ between the two solutions (P=0.45). Chloride concentrations were higher with the isotonic treatment (P<0.001), even causing hyperchloraemia. Conclusions. Even at maintenance rate, isotonic solutions caused lower urine output, characterized by decreased aldosterone concentrations indicating (unintentional) volume expansion, than hypotonic solutions and were associated with hyperchloraemia. Despite their lower sodium and potassium content, hypotonic fluids were not associated with hyponatraemia or hypokalaemia. Clinical trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02822898) and EudraCT (2016-001846-24).
Surface Treatment of PEOT/PBT (55/45) with a Dielectric Barrier Discharge in Air, Helium, Argon and Nitrogen at Medium Pressure

This work describes the surface modification of 300PEO-PEOT/PBT 55/45 thin films using a medium pressure dielectric barrier discharge system operated in argon, helium, nitrogen or dry air to improve cell-surface interactions of this established biomaterial. The first part of the paper describes the optimization of the plasma processing parameters using water contact angle goniometry. The optimized samples are then characterized for changes in surface topography and surface chemical composition using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XPS) respectively. For all plasma treatments, a pronounced increase in surface wettability was observed, of which the extent is dependent on the used plasma discharge gas. Except for dry air, only minor changes in surface topography were noted, while XPS confirmed that the changes in wettability were mainly chemical in nature with the incorporation of 5–10% of extra oxygen as a variety of polar groups. Similarly, for the nitrogen plasma, 3.8% of nitrogen polar groups were additionally incorporated. Human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) in vitro analysis showed that within the first 24 h after cell seeding, the effects on cell-surface interactivity were highly dependent on the used discharge gas, nitrogen plasma treatment being the most efficient. Differences between untreated and plasma-treated samples were less pronounced compared to other biodegradable materials, but a positive influence on cell adhesion and proliferation was still observed.
Prognostic value of presepsin in adult patients with sepsis: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective Presepsin is a novel biomarker to diagnose sepsis but its prognostic value has not been comprehensively reviewed. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the mortality prediction value of presepsin in sepsis. Methods We searched comprehensive electronic databases from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library through September 2017 using the key words of (‘presepsin’ or ‘sCD14-ST’ or ‘soluble CD14 subtype’) and (‘sepsis’ or ‘septic shock’) and (‘prognosis’ or ‘prognostic value’ or ‘prognostic biomarker’ or ‘mortality’). We extracted the presepsin levels in survivors and non-survivors from each individual study and evaluated the standardized mean difference (SMD) using a web-based meta-analysis with the R statistical analysis program. Results A total of 10 studies and 1617 patients were included. Presepsin levels in the first sampling (within 24 hours) were significantly lower among survivors as compared with non-survivors: the pooled SMD between survivors and non-survivors was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.62–1.22) in the random effects model (I2 = 79%, P< 0.01). In subgroups, divided by the sepsis severity or study site, pooled SMD was consistently noting higher presepsin levels in non-survivals (P< 0.05). Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrates some mortality prediction value in presepsin in patients with sepsis. Further studies are needed to define the optimal cut-off point to predict mortality in sepsis.
A cross-sectional study on prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in Indian and crossbred cattle in Gangetic delta region of West Bengal, India

Aim : The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB), an old chronic disease having zoonotic potential, covering four districts in Gangetic delta region of West Bengal, India, and to find the prevalence in organized as well as backyard herds and variation in relation to their age, sex, and breeds. Methods : The incidence of BTB in exotic and indigenous breeds of cattle (n=173) of various age groups was investigated employing tuberculin (single intradermal tuberculin and comparative cervical tuberculin) tests and gamma interferon assay. Further, milk samples (n=96) from milching animals and antemortem (n=519) samples (nasal swab, buccal swab, and aspirates from pre-scapular lymph nodes) were also screened employing bacteriological and molecular techniques. Results : In total, 36 (25.4%) animals from organized and one (3.2%) from backyard farming sector were found positive to BTB. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of milk samples based on 16S rRNA amplified the 1030 bp band in four samples indicating them belonging to genus Mycobacterium. Species-specific primers used to differentiate between Mycobacterium bovis and M. tuberculosis confirmed the presence of M. bovis. Prevalence of BTB in exotic crossbred animals (34.6%) was significantly higher (p<0.001) compared to indigenous cattle (10.5%). Further, gender-wise analysis of data with respect to BTB revealed higher positivity (p<0.05) among cows/heifers (25.8%) compared to bulls/bullocks (7.3%). Although BTBpositive cattle were detected in all the age groups, no statistical difference (p=0.779) was found among them. Conclusion : The findings indicate a higher prevalence of BTB in exotic crossbred animals in Gangetic delta and variation in breed susceptibility, thereby suggesting an urgent review of the present policy on adopting national crossbreeding program and implementation of “One Health” approach.
Results of a Targeted Screening Program for Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in Infants Who Fail Newborn Hearing Screening

BACKGROUND Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major cause of sensorineural hearing loss. By law, newborns in Connecticut who fail newborn hearing screening are tested for infection with CMV. This targeted screening is controversial, because most children with congenital CMV infection are asymptomatic, and CMV-related hearing loss can have a delayed onset. Our hospital uses a saliva polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay (confirmed by a urine PCR assay) to detect CMV. Here, we report the results of the first year of our screening program. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of newborns in the Yale New Haven Health System who failed the newborn hearing screening test between January 1 and December 31, 2016. RESULTS Of 10964 newborns, 171 failed newborn hearing screening, and 3 of these newborns had positive saliva CMV PCR test results. Of these 3 newborns, 2 had positive results on the confirmatory test (for 1 of them the confirmatory test was not performed until the infant was 10 weeks old), and 1 had a negative result on the confirmatory test. Three additional newborns with congenital CMV infection were tested because of clinical indications (1 for ventriculomegaly on prenatal ultrasound and 2 for CMV infection of the mother). Results of audiology follow-up were available for 149 (87.1%) of the 171 newborns who failed newborn hearing screening; 127 (85.2%) had normal results. CONCLUSION Our targeted screening program for congenital CMV infection had a low yield. Consideration should be given to other strategies for identifying children at risk of hearing loss as a result of congenital CMV infection.
Style before substance? Building loyalty through marketing communication congruity

Purpose Because communication channels are inherently unique, they may differentially affect customers depending on their preferred communication style. Therefore, the information that firms provide might not have the intended effect, which is to increase program loyalty. The purpose of the current study is to present a marketing communication model that focuses on promoting program loyalty via self-congruity with the communication style of information channels. Design/methodology/approach The study introduces a self-congruity theory-based structural equation model, which is validated through an online sample of 575 respondents. The model begins with communication style and investigates its impact on satisfaction and loyalty in relation to hotel loyalty program members. Findings The model confirms that different forms of communication have varying levels of relevance to program loyalty. Communication style, information quality, self-congruity and satisfaction are all significant predictors of program loyalty. Practical implications Management can cultivate a community of loyal program members through the recognition of self-image congruence and its relationship with communication style, along with a solid understanding of target markets. Originality/value Despite the apparent influence that communication has on loyalty, very little research evaluates the typologies (firm-created and customer-created), dimensions (electronic and in-person) and attributes of information in terms of their effects on program loyalty.
GOCE GRAVITY FIELD MODEL DERIVED FROM ORBIT AND GRADIOMETRY DATA APPLYING THE TIME-WISE METHOD

A first GOCE gravity field model based on two months of GOCE orbit and gradiometry data has been computed applying the time-wise method. The paper gives an overview of the software system, and discusses the key features of the solution strategy. The resulting global gravity field model, resolved complete to degree/order 224, is GOCE-only in a strict sense, i.e., no a priori gravity field information entered the solution. Realistic stochastic models for both the orbit and gradiometer observations have been included. Thus, the coefficient error information, provided as full variance-covariance matrix, reflects the true error behaviour of the solution. The resulting GOCE model is assessed and validated against state-of-the art gravity field models. Since the model is independent of any gravity prior information, it can be used to assess the additional information content of GOCE, and can be combined with complementary satellite and terrestrial gravity field information.
Increased Brain Glucose Uptake After 12 Weeks of Aerobic High-Intensity Interval Training in Young and Older Adults

Context Aerobic exercise training can increase brain volume and blood flow, but the impact on brain metabolism is less known. Objective We determined whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) increases brain metabolism by measuring brain glucose uptake in younger and older adults. Design Brain glucose uptake was measured before and after HIIT or a sedentary (SED) control period within a larger exercise study. Setting Study procedures were performed at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Participants Participants were younger (18 to 30 years) or older (65 to 80 years) SED adults who were free of major medical conditions. Group sizes were 15 for HIIT (nine younger and six older) and 12 for SED (six younger and six older). Intervention Participants completed 12 weeks of HIIT or SED. HIIT was 3 days per week of 4 × 4 minute intervals at over 90% of peak aerobic capacity (VO2peak) with 2 days per week of treadmill walking at 70% VO2peak. Main Outcome Measures Resting brain glucose uptake was measured using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scans at baseline and at week 12. Scans were performed at 96 hours after exercise. VO2peak was measured by indirect calorimetry. Results Glucose uptake increased significantly in the parietal-temporal and caudate regions after HIIT compared with SED. The gains with HIIT were not observed in all brain regions. VO2peak was increased for all participants after HIIT and did not change with SED. Conclusion We demonstrate that brain glucose metabolism increased after 12 weeks of HIIT in adults in regions where it is reduced in Alzheimer's disease.
The influence of age, anthropometric and metabolic variables on LDIFLARE and corneal confocal microscopy in healthy individuals

Introduction The laser Doppler imaging (LDI) FLARE and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) are reliable markers of small fibre function (SFF) and structure (SFS), respectively, but the impact of potential confounding variables needs to be defined. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of age, anthropometric and biochemical variables on LDI and CCM. Methods 80 healthy volunteers (43 males) (age: 39.7±15.2 yrs.) underwent LDIFLARE and CCM assessment and the effect of age, anthropometric and biochemical variables was determined using multivariate analysis. Results There was an age-related decline in LDIFLARE (0.07cm2/yr; R2 = 0.669; p = <0.0001) and CCM parameters (CNFD: 0.05 fibres/mm2 /yr; R2 = 0.590; p = <0.0001, CNBD: 0.06 branches/mm2/yr; R2 = 0.549; p = 0.001and CNFL 0.07 mm/mm2/yr; R2 = 0.369; p = 0.009). BMI did not influence SFF (p = 0.08) but had a significant independent association with CNFD (p = 0.01). Fasting triglycerides (TG) independently influenced the LDIFLARE (βc:-0.204; p = 0.008) and all CCM indices (βc:-0.191 to -0.243; p = <0.05). HbA1c was significantly associated with CNFD only (p = 0.001) but not with LDIFLARE, CNBD or CNFL (p = ≥0.05). Blood pressure and total cholesterol were not associated with LDIFLARE or any CCM parameters. There was a significant correlation between LDIFLARE and all CCM parameters (p = ≤0.01). Conclusions This study shows that in healthy controls, both SFF measured by LDIFLARE and SFS assessed by CCM showed a significant inverse correlation with age and triglycerides, perhaps suggesting the use of age-specific normative values when interpreting these outcomes. Furthermore, this study shows that in healthy controls, despite measuring different neural parameters, both methods correlated significantly with each other.
Muscular endurance and progression rates of early‐stage invasive ductal carcinoma: A pilot study

With hundreds of studies to date, it is widely believed that regular physical exercise reduces risk of cancer incidence. In breast cancer, cohort studies and case-control studies estimated a 20%-30% risk reduction, respectively. Similar results arise from studies on other types of cancer. A recent meta-analysis found a significant risk reduction in 13 types of cancer, including breast, with self-reported leisure time moderate physical activity, equivalent to 150 weekly minutes of intensive walk. One factor contributing to reduced-incidence is slower progression rate from precancerous lesions to invasive cancers. Since the 1940s, support for the hypothesis that aerobic exercise slows solid tumor progression has come from animal studies, with evidence across different types of solid tumor and various rodent models. More than two-thirds of these studies demonstrated growth inhibition resulting from aerobic training. Progression of early-stage solid tumor crucially depends on glucose uptake, and on lactate production and clearance capacities. Here the skeletal muscles act as a unique organ, with systemic effects on the metabolic state of other tissues and on the host’s immune competence.
Child Health and Conflict in Côte d'Ivoire.

We examine the impact of the 2002-07 civil conflict in Cote d'Ivoire on children's health status measured by height-for-age. We use pre- and post-war survey data coupled with information on the location of violent incidents to capture exposure to the conflict of children born during 1997-2007. Our results indicate that children from regions more affected by the conflict suffered significant health setbacks compared with children from less affected regions. Further, household-level victimization -- such as war-related economic stress, health stress, and displacement -- has a large and negative effect on child health in conflict-affected regions.