Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Osmolality and Non-Structural Carbohydrate Composition in the Secondary Phloem of Trees across a Latitudinal Gradient in Europe

Phloem osmolality and its components are involved in basic cell metabolism, cell growth, and in various physiological processes including the ability of living cells to withstand drought and frost. Osmolality and sugar composition responses to environmental stresses have been extensively studied for leaves, but less for the secondary phloem of plant stems and branches. Leaf osmotic concentration and the share of pinitol and raffinose among soluble sugars increase with increasing drought or cold stress, and osmotic concentration is adjusted with osmoregulation. We hypothesize that similar responses occur in the secondary phloem of branches. We collected living bark samples from branches of adult Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Betula pendula and Populus tremula trees across Europe, from boreal Northern Finland to Mediterranean Portugal. In all studied species, the observed variation in phloem osmolality was mainly driven by variation in phloem water content, while tissue solute content was rather constant across regions. Osmoregulation, in which osmolality is controlled by variable tissue solute content, was stronger for Betula and Populus in comparison to the evergreen conifers. Osmolality was lowest in mid-latitude region, and from there increased by 37% toward northern Europe and 38% toward southern Europe due to low phloem water content in these regions. The ratio of raffinose to all soluble sugars was negligible at mid-latitudes and increased toward north and south, reflecting its role in cold and drought tolerance. For pinitol, another sugar known for contributing to stress tolerance, no such latitudinal pattern was observed. The proportion of sucrose was remarkably low and that of hexoses (i.e., glucose and fructose) high at mid-latitudes. The ratio of starch to all non-structural carbohydrates increased toward the northern latitudes in agreement with the build-up of osmotically inactive C reservoir that can be converted into soluble sugars during winter acclimation in these cold regions. Present results for the secondary phloem of trees suggest that adjustment with tissue water content plays an important role in osmolality dynamics. Furthermore, trees acclimated to dry and cold climate showed high phloem osmolality and raffinose proportion.
Role of load in regulating eIF-4F complex formation in adult feline cardiocytes.

This study examined whether cardiocyte load increases eIF-4F complex formation. To increase load in vitro, adult feline cardiocytes were electrically stimulated to contract (1 Hz, 5-ms pulses). eIF-4F complex formation, measured by eIF-4G association with eIF-4E, increased 57 ± 16% after 4 h of contraction compared with controls. eIF-4F complex formation did not increase on electrical stimulation with 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM), an inhibitor of active tension. Both insulin and phorbol ester increased eIF-4F complex formation, but these increases were unaffected by BDM. Insulin caused a shift of eIF-4E binding proteins (4E-BPs) into their hyperphosphorylated γ-isoforms and dissociation of 4E-BPs from eIF-4E. Rapamycin inhibited 4E-BP phosphorylation in response to insulin but had no effect on eIF-4F complex formation. Electrically stimulated contraction caused a partial shift of 4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2 into the γ-isoforms, but it had no effect on 4E-BP association with eIF-4E. Rapamycin blocked the increase in eIF-4F complex formation in electrically stimulated cardiocytes and depressed contractility. These data indicate that cardiocyte load causes a tension-dependent increase in eIF-4F complex formation that does not require dissociation of 4E-BPs from eIF-4E.
Cortical and medullary betaine-GPC modulated by osmolality independently of oxygen in the intact kidney.

Renal osmolyte concentrations are reduced during reflow following ischemia. Osmolyte decreases may follow oxygen depletion or loss of extracellular osmolality in the medulla. Image-guided volume-localized magnetic resonance (MR) microspectroscopy was used to monitor regional osmolytes during hyposmotic shock and hypoxia in the intact rat kidney. Alternate spectra were acquired from 24-μl voxels in cortex and medulla of the isolated perfused kidney. There was a progressive decrease in the combined betaine-glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC) peak intensity of 21% in cortex and 35% in medulla of normoxic kidneys between 60 and 160 min after commencing perfusion. Hypoxia had no significant effect on the betaine-GPC peak intensity in cortex or medulla, despite a dramatic reduction in tubular sodium, potassium, and water reabsorption. The results suggest that cortical and medullary intracellular osmolyte concentrations depend on osmotically regulated channels that are insensitive to oxygen and dissociated from the oxygen-dependent parameters of renal function, the fractional excretion of sodium, the fractional excretion of potassium, and urine-to-plasma inulin concentration ratio.
Predictors of cerebral aneurysm persistence and occlusion after flow diversion: a single-institution series of 445 cases with angiographic follow-up.

OBJECTIVEFlow diversion requires neointimal stent overgrowth to deliver aneurysm occlusion. The existing literature on aneurysm occlusion is limited by heterogeneous follow-up, variable antiplatelet regimens, noninvasive imaging modalities, and nonstandard occlusion assessment. Using a large, single-center cohort with low attrition and standardized antiplatelet tapering, the authors evaluated outcomes after flow diversion of anterior circulation aneurysms to identify predictors of occlusion and aneurysm persistence.METHODSData from a prospective, IRB-approved database was analyzed for all patients with anterior circulation aneurysms treated by flow diversion with the Pipeline embolization device (PED) at the authors' institution. Follow-up consisted of catheter cerebral angiography at 6 and 12 months postembolization. Clopidogrel was discontinued at 6 months and aspirin was reduced to 81 mg daily at 12 months. Occlusion was graded as complete, trace filling, entry remnant, or aneurysm filling. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of aneurysm persistence.RESULTSFollow-up catheter angiography studies were available for 445 (91%) of 491 PED procedures performed for anterior circulation aneurysms between August 2011 and August 2016. Three hundred eighty-seven patients accounted for these 445 lesions with follow-up angiography. The population was 84% female; mean age was 56 years and mean aneurysm size was 6.6 mm. Aneurysms arose from the internal carotid artery (83%), anterior cerebral artery (13%), and middle cerebral artery (4%). Morphology was saccular in 90% of the lesions, and 18% of the aneurysms has been previously treated. Overall, complete occlusion was achieved in 82% of cases at a mean follow-up of 14 months. Complete occlusion was achieved in 72%, 78%, and 87% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. At 12 months, adjunctive coiling predicted occlusion (OR 0.260, p = 0.036), while male sex (OR 2.923, p = 0.032), aneurysm size (OR 3.584, p = 0.011), and incorporation of a branch vessel (OR 2.206, p = 0.035) predicted persistence. Notable variables that did not predict aneurysm occlusion were prior treatments, vessel of origin, fusiform morphology, and number of devices used.CONCLUSIONSThis is the largest single-institution study showing high rates of anterior circulation aneurysm occlusion after Pipeline embolization. Predictors of persistence after flow diversion included increasing aneurysm size and incorporated branch vessel, whereas adjunctive coiling predicted occlusion.
Rodent Models of Alcoholic Liver Disease: Role of Binge Ethanol Administration

Both chronic and acute (binge) alcohol drinking are important health and economic concerns worldwide and prominent risk factors for the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). There are no FDA-approved medications to prevent or to treat any stage of ALD. Therefore, discovery of novel therapeutic strategies remains a critical need for patients with ALD. Relevant experimental animal models that simulate human drinking patterns and mimic the spectrum and severity of alcohol-induced liver pathology in humans are critical to our ability to identify new mechanisms and therapeutic targets. There are several animal models currently in use, including the most widely utilized chronic ad libitum ethanol (EtOH) feeding (Lieber–DeCarli liquid diet model), chronic intragastric EtOH administration (Tsukamoto–French model), and chronic-plus-binge EtOH challenge (Bin Gao—National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) model). This review provides an overview of recent advances in rodent models of binge EtOH administration which help to recapitulate different features and etiologies of progressive ALD. These models include EtOH binge alone, and EtOH binge coupled with chronic EtOH intake, a high fat diet, or endotoxin challenge. We analyze the strengths, limitations, and translational relevance of these models, as well as summarize the liver injury outcomes and mechanistic insights. We further discuss the application(s) of binge EtOH models in examining alcohol-induced multi-organ pathology, sex- and age-related differences, as well as circadian rhythm disruption.
Acute hypoxia increases alveolar macrophage tumor necrosis factor activity and alters NF-κB expression.

Alterations in alveolar macrophage (AM) function during sepsis-induced hypoxia may influence tumor necrosis factor (TNF) secretion and the progression of acute lung injury. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB is thought to regulate the expression of endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]-induced inflammatory cytokines such as TNF, and NF-κB may also be influenced by changes in O2tension. It is thus proposed that acute changes in O2 tension surrounding AMs alter NF-κB activation and TNF secretion in these lung cells. AM-derived TNF secretion and NF-κB expression were determined after acute hypoxic exposure of isolated Sprague-Dawley rat AMs. Adhered AMs (106/ml) were incubated (37°C at 5% CO2) for 2 h with LPS ( Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 1 μg/ml) in normoxia (21% O2-5% CO2) or hypoxia (1.8% O2-5% CO2). AM-derived TNF activity was measured with a TNF-specific cytotoxicity assay. Electrophoretic mobility shift and supershift assays were used to determine NF-κB activation and to identify NF-κB isoforms in AM extracts. In addition, mRNAs for selected AM proteins were determined with RNase protection assays. LPS-exposed AMs in hypoxia had higher levels of TNF ( P < 0.05) and enhanced expression of NF-κB ( P < 0.05); the predominant isoforms were p65 and c-Rel. Increased mRNA bands for TNF-α, interleukin-1α, and interleukin-1β were also observed in the hypoxic AMs. These results suggest that acute hypoxia in the lung may induce enhanced NF-κB activation in AMs, which may result in increased production and release of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF.
Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Kenya- Key Informant Interviews

Introduction Worldwide, plant based medicines are increasing in popularity due to perceptions of safety and efficacy. Herbalists in Kenya are widely consulted for the management of many diseases including Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This study investigated the level of knowledge of the herbalists in management of T2DM. Methods Purposive sampling was used to identify 4 herbalists working in the urban areas who actively manage T2DM. Key informant interviews were used to gather data about the management of T2DM. It was analyzed using a content thematic approach. Results Diverse management methods which included both pharmacological and non- pharmacological were noted. Glycemic control was assessed with the help of a glucometer. In addition, presenting signs and symptoms were key in diagnosing T2DM. The herbalists used various herbs, minerals and animals as medicinal sources. The drugs were dispensed as decoctions with excipients being added appropriately. Adverse effects were recorded. The herbalists acknowledged that patients use both herbal and allopathic medicine together. A level of record keeping was observed but patient follow-up was poor. The cost of the herbal drugs was perceived to be excessive. Conclusion Some similarities exist in the management of T2DM between allopathic and traditional medicine practitioners. Training of herbalists is required to improve the quality of care given to patients.
Human colonic epithelial cells express galanin-1 receptors, which when activated cause Cl- secretion.

Galanin is a peptide hormone widely expressed in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Within the GI tract galanin is present in enteric nerve terminals where it is known to modulate intestinal motility by altering smooth muscle contraction. Recent studies also show that galanin can alter intestinal short-circuit current ( I sc) but with differing results observed in rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and pigs. In contrast, nothing is known about the ability of galanin to alter ion transport in human intestinal epithelial tissues. By RT-PCR, we determined that these tissues express only the galanin-1 receptor (Gal1-R) subtype. To evaluate Gal1-R pharmacology and physiology, we studied T84 cells. Gal1-R expressed by these cells bound galanin rapidly (half time 1-2 min) and with high affinity (inhibitor constant 0.7 ± 0.2 nM). T84 cells were then studied in a modified Ussing chamber and alterations in I sc, a measure of all ion movement across the tissue, were determined. Maximal increases in I sc were observed in a concentration-dependent manner around 2 min after stimulation with peptide, with 1 μM galanin causing I sc to rise more than eightfold and return to baseline occurring within 10 min. The increase in galanin-induced I sc was shown by125I efflux studies to be due to Cl- secretion, which occurred independently of alterations in cAMP and phospholipase C. Rather, Cl- secretion is mediated via a Ca2+-dependent, pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism. These data suggest that galanin released by enteric nerves may act as a secretagogue in the human colon by activating Gal1-R.
Munc18-2, but not Munc18-1 or Munc18-3, controls compound and single-vesicle–regulated exocytosis in mast cells

Mast cells (MCs) play pivotal roles in many inflammatory conditions including infections, anaphylaxis, and asthma. MCs store immunoregulatory compounds in their large cytoplasmic granules and, upon stimulation, secrete them via regulated exocytosis. Exocytosis in many cells requires the participation of Munc18 proteins (also known as syntaxin-binding proteins), and we found that mature MCs express all three mammalian isoforms: Munc18-1, -2, and -3. To study their functions in MC effector responses and test the role of MC degranulation in anaphylaxis, we used conditional knockout (cKO) mice in which each Munc18 protein was deleted exclusively in MCs. Using recordings of plasma membrane capacitance for high-resolution analysis of exocytosis in individual MCs, we observed an almost complete absence of exocytosis in Munc18-2–deficient MCs but intact exocytosis in MCs lacking Munc18-1 or Munc18-3. Stereological analysis of EM images of stimulated MCs revealed that the deletion of Munc18-2 also abolishes the homotypic membrane fusion required for compound exocytosis. We confirmed the severe defect in regulated exocytosis in the absence of Munc18-2 by measuring the secretion of mediators stored in MC granules. Munc18-2 cKO mice had normal morphology, development, and distribution of their MCs, indicating that Munc18-2 is not essential for the migration, retention, and maturation of MC-committed progenitors. Despite that, we found that Munc18-2 cKO mice were significantly protected from anaphylaxis. In conclusion, MC-regulated exocytosis is required for the anaphylactic response, and Munc18-2 is the sole Munc18 isoform that mediates membrane fusion during MC degranulation.
A Study of Personal Health Record User’s Behavioral Model Based on the PMT and UTAUT Integrative Perspective

The personal health record (PHR) is a system that enables borderless medical care services by combining technological innovation and human consideration. This study explored factors affecting the adoption of PHR from technical, medical, and social perspectives according to the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. A survey using a structured questionnaire was subsequently conducted, which produced the following results: (1) The PMT and UTAUT were effective at predicting PHR usage behaviors; (2) Perceived ease-of-use was the most decisive factor influencing the use of PHR, followed by self-efficacy and perceived usefulness; and (3) Behavioral intention for PHR was significantly and positively correlated with usage behavior. From the obtained results, this study recommends that health authorities and medical institutions promote self-efficacy in the use of PHR to improve the levels of behavioral intention and usage behavior among the people. Additionally, medical care institutions are recommended to promote health management and preventive healthcare concepts to help improve public acceptance of the PHR system as a means to self-manage their health. Finally, community centers, medical institutions, and health authorities are urged to work together to enhance public medical knowledge and pool resources for the PHR system, both of which are essential for improving the popularity of the PHR, public quality of life, and the effectiveness of health management.
MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF CHEMICAL GELATION USING A PERCOLATION KINETIC GELATION MODEL

kinetics of non-linear free radical copolymerization of vinyl-divinyl monomer mixtures or chemical gelation, and to characterize kinetic effects on polymerization statistics and microstructures. New algorithm for random selection of the next neighbour site in a self-avoiding random walk and efficient mechanisms of mobility of components are introduced to improve the universality of the predictions by removing commonly occurring simulation deficiencies due to early trapping of radicals. The model has the capability of predicting the onset of the sol-gel transition and the effect of chemical composition on the transition point. It is shown that there is attained a better understanding of microstructure evolution and appearance of gel phase during polymerization and chemical gelation. Finally, one important benefit of the simulation method is the ability of characterizing system in which, the dominant combination reaction leads to highly branched structure. Majid Ghiass1*, Bahram Dabir2, Manouchehr Nikazar2 and Alejandro D. Rey1
Breaking the dose ceiling: proton therapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Chang et al . recently reported on the final outcomes of a phase II trial evaluating the use of concurrent chemotherapy and passively scattered proton therapy (PSPT) in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (1). Of note, the dose of proton radiotherapy used in this trial, 74 Gy relative biological effectiveness (RBE), is one of the highest proton radiation doses delivered with concurrent chemotherapy that has been prospectively evaluated in this group of patients to date.
Critical in vivo roles of WNT10A in wound healing by regulating collagen expression/synthesis in WNT10A-deficient mice

Background We have reported that WNT10A plays a critical role in the growth of fibroblasts/myofibroblasts and microvascular endothelial cells, i.e.; wound healing/scarring. To ascertain the in vivo regulatory, central functions of WNT10A, we examined the net effects of WNT10A depletion using WNT10A-deficient mice (WNT10A–/–). Methods and results We generated WNT10A–/–mice, displaying a range of unique phenotypes of morpho/organogenetic failure, such as growth retardation, alopecia, kyphosis and infertility, and then focused on the functions of WNT10A in wound healing. We subjected C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) or WNT10A–/–mice to skin ulcer formation. The WNT10A–/–mice had significantly larger injured areas and delayed wound healing, which were associated with (a) a smaller number of fibroblasts/myofibroblasts and microvessels; and (b) more reduced expression and synthesis of collagen, compared with WT mice with intact WNT10A expression, especially in those with activated myofibroblasts. Conclusions These observations indicate that WNT10A signaling can play a pivotal in vivo role in wound healing by regulating the expression and synthesis of collagen, as one of fibrogenic factors, at least in part, and critical in vivo roles of WNT10A-mediated effective wound healing are extremely closely associated with collagen expression.
Flow, nutrients, and light availability influence Neotropical epilithon biomass and stoichiometry

Abstract. Light, nutrient availability, and flow are strong factors controlling the elemental composition and biomass of epilithon in temperate stream ecosystems. However, comparatively little is known about these relationships in tropical streams. We investigated how gradients of light and nutrient availability, seasonality, and habitat influenced epilithon biomass, chlorophyll a, and nutrient ratios in montane streams of Trinidad, West Indies. We sampled 4 focal tributaries of a single river, 2 of which had canopies experimentally thinned, every other month over a 2-y period to observe temporal dynamics and light effects on epilithon. We also sampled 18 sites across Trinidad's Northern Range Mountains once each in a wet and dry season to examine the effects of naturally occurring differences in light and dissolved nutrient availability on epilithic characteristics. We found greater chlorophyll a concentrations in habitats with greater light availability, but the effect of light on epilithon stoichiometry differed between the site-survey and focal-tributary data. In general, epilithic C∶nutrient ratios decreased with increasing dissolved nutrient concentrations, but relationships between nutrient availability and biomass probably were obscured by naturally high dissolved N and P concentrations in many of the streams. Season and habitat type had profound effects on epilithon variables. Biomass and % C generally decreased in riffles and under wet-season conditions. These results suggest multiple controls for the quantity and quality of stream epilithon and have important implications for in-stream consumers.
Combining Eye Movements and EEG to Enhance Emotion Recognition

In this paper, we adopt a multimodal emotion recognition framework by combining eye movements and electroencephalography (EEG) to enhance emotion recognition. The main contributions of this paper are twofold. a) We investigate sixteen eye movements related to emotions and identify the intrinsic patterns of these eye movements for three emotional states: positive, neutral and negative. b) We examine various modality fusion strategies for integrating users external subconscious behaviors and internal cognitive states and reveal that the characteristics of eye movements and EEG are complementary to emotion recognition. Experiment results demonstrate that modality fusion could significantly improve emotion recognition accuracy in comparison with single modality. The best accuracy achieved by fuzzy integral fusion strategy is 87.59%, whereas the accuracies of solely using eye movements and EEG data are 77.80% and 78.51%, respectively