Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Artesunate alleviates psoriasis‐like dermatitis by reducing interleukin‐23 expression in tumor necrosis factor‐alpha‐induced HaCaT cells

Artesunate (ART), an antimalarial drug with a multifunctional immunomodulatory effect, reduces psoriasis disease. ART can alleviate psoriasis‐like dermatitis in mice but has no effect on proinflammatory cytokines in the blood. Thus, we hypothesized that the skin might be the target tissue of ART during the treatment of psoriasis. The interleukin (IL)‐23/IL‐17 axis has a key role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. However, whether and how ART manipulates the IL‐23 signal during psoriasis is unknown. This study found that IL‐23 is highly expressed in the epidermis of psoriasis lesions and positively correlated with histological neutrophil infiltration and clinical psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores. Furthermore, ART inhibits the migration and cell cycle, as well as tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α)‐induced IL‐23 expression in HaCaT cells in a dose‐dependent manner, probably through interference with the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signalling pathway. Animal experiments in imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis‐like mice model also suggested that ART dose‐dependently reduces IL‐23 in the epidermis and ameliorates neutrophil infiltration. These findings thus provide further molecular evidence supporting ART as a promising drug for psoriasis in clinic.
Effects of a Passive Back-Support Exosuit on Erector Spinae and Abdominal Muscle Activity During Short-Duration, Asymmetric Trunk Posture Maintenance Tasks.

OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of asymmetry and lower extremity mobility restrictions on the effectiveness of a passive back-support exosuit in short-duration, static trunk flexion postures. BACKGROUND The effectiveness of trunk exoskeletons/suits for sagittally symmetric trunk posture maintenance has been investigated, but there has been limited study of the effects of asymmetric trunk postures or lower extremity motion restriction. METHOD Sixteen participants held trunk flexion postures involving trunk flexion (20°, 40°, 60°), asymmetry (0°, 30°), and lower extremity mobility (Free, Restricted) for 3 s. Participants held these postures with and without an exosuit while erector spinae and abdominal muscle activities were collected. RESULTS There were no significant interactions between exosuit and asymmetry or exosuit and lower extremity motion restrictions, indicating no significant effects of these factors on the effectiveness of the exosuit at reducing trunk muscle activity. The exosuit was found to be effective at reducing erector spinae muscle activity regardless of asymmetry of posture or lower extremity restrictions (average 21%, from 11.2% MVC to 8.8% MVC). The magnitude of the erector spinae activity at 60° of trunk flexion with the exosuit was similar to that seen at 20° without the exosuit. CONCLUSION The exosuit consistently provided biomechanical benefit through reduced activation of the erector spinae muscles and neither asymmetry of trunk posture nor lower extremity restriction influenced this effectiveness. APPLICATION Trunk exoskeletons/suits can reduce trunk muscle activation and understanding how characteristics of the trunk postures assumed impact these responses may help target tasks wherein these devices may be effective.
Effects of Ulinastatin on Postoperative Renal Function in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Prospective Cohort Study with 10-Year Follow-Up

Introduction: The present study aimed to explore the potential effect of ulinastatin on renal function and long-term survival in patients receiving cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China. Ulinastatin was applied after induction anesthesia. The primary outcome was the rate of new-onset postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). Moreover, a 10-year follow-up was conducted until January 2021. Results: The rate of new-onset AKI was significantly lower in the ulinastatin group than in the control group (20.00 vs. 32.40%, p = 0.009). There was no significant difference in renal replacement therapy between the two groups (0.00 vs. 2.16%, p = 0.09). The postoperative plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (pNGAL) and IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the ulinastatin group compared with the control group (pNGAL: p = 0.007; IL-6: p = 0.001). A significantly lower incidence of respiratory failure in the ulinastatin group compared with the control group (0.76 vs. 5.40%, p = 0.02). The nearly 10-year follow-up (median: 9.37, 95% confidence interval: 9.17–9.57) survival rates did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.076). Conclusions: Ulinastatin significantly reduced postoperative AKI and respiratory failure in patients receiving cardiac surgery with CPB. However, ulinastatin did not reduce intensive care unit and hospital stays, mortality, and long-term survival rate.
Thermomechanical pulp properties of spruce budworm-killed balsam fir

On etudie les caracteristiques physico-mecaniques de pâtes thermomecaniques obtenues a partir de Abies balsamea tue par ce parasite en fonction de la duree entre la mort de l'arbre et l'utilisation du bois. On etudie egalement l'aptitude au blanchiment
Identification of Human Ventricular Tachycardia Demarcated by Fixed Lines of Conduction Block in a 3-Dimensional Hyperboloid Circuit

BACKGROUND: The circuit boundaries for reentrant ventricular tachycardia (VT) have been historically conceptualized within a 2-dimensional (2D) construct, with their fixed or functional nature unresolved. This study aimed to examine the correlation between localized lines of conduction block (LOB) evident during baseline rhythm with lateral isthmus boundaries that 3-dimensionally constrain the VT isthmus as a hyperboloid structure. METHODS: A total of 175 VT activation maps were correlated with isochronal late activation maps during baseline rhythm in 106 patients who underwent catheter ablation for scar-related VT from 3 centers (42% nonischemic cardiomyopathy). An overt LOB was defined by a deceleration zone with split potentials (≥20 ms isoelectric segment) during baseline rhythm. A novel application of pacing within deceleration zone (≥600 ms) was implemented to unmask a concealed LOB not evident during baseline rhythm. LOB identified during baseline rhythm or pacing were correlated with isthmus boundaries during VT. RESULTS: Among 202 deceleration zones analyzed during baseline rhythm, an overt LOB was evident in 47%. When differential pacing was performed in 38 deceleration zones without overt LOB, an underlying concealed LOB was exposed in 84%. In 152 VT activation maps (2D=53, 3-dimensional [3D]=99), 69% of lateral boundaries colocalized with an LOB in 2D activation patterns, and the depth boundary during 3D VT colocalized with an LOB in 79%. In VT circuits with isthmus regions that colocalized with a U-shaped LOB (n=28), the boundary invariably served as both lateral boundaries in 2D and 3D. Overall, 74% of isthmus boundaries were identifiable as fixed LOB during baseline rhythm or differential pacing. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of VT circuit boundaries can be identified as fixed LOB from intrinsic or paced activation during sinus rhythm. Analysis of activation while pacing within the scar substrate is a novel technique that may unmask concealed LOB, previously interpreted to be functional in nature. An LOB from the perspective of a myocardial surface is frequently associated with intramural conduction, supporting the existence of a 3D hyperboloid VT circuit structure. Catheter ablation may be simplified to targeting both sides around an identified LOB during sinus rhythm.
Factor activity levels and bleeding scores in pediatric hemophilia carriers enrolled in the ATHNdataset

Multiple studies have now shown that a significant proportion of hemophilia carriers meet the criteria for having hemophilia and/or report abnormal bleeding. However, to date, investigations of hemophilia carriers have almost exclusively involved women over 18 years of age. Little is known about factor activity levels and bleeding scores in carriers during childhood. We queried a large deidentified database of subjects with bleeding disorders residing in the United States to determine factor activity levels and bleeding scores.
Bioscience of Microbiota, Food and Health

The objective of this study was to identify the relevant fecal microbes from mice with food allergy and investigate the impact of these microbes on intestinal epithelial cells and allergen-specific T-cell responses. A murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy was employed. The profile of fecal microbiota was evaluated by the traditional plating method and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The density of fecal bacteria growth on RCM, TSA and LB plates was elevated in mice with food allergy, whereas the diversity of fecal bacteria was decreased. Additionally, the relative abundances of Prevotellaceae and Prevotella were increased. The isolated fecal strains, mostly belonging to Enterococcus, Streptococcus and Vagococcus, significantly reduced the viability of intestinal Caco-2 cells but increased the production of interleukin (IL)-8, C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)-2, CCL-5, CCL-20 and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)-1. Moreover, cell expansion and secretion of IL-2, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-4 and IL-17 by mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells were augmented, whereas the production of IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β was diminished. Although individual fecal strains had varying degrees of impact on Caco-2 cells and MLN cells, these results precisely indicate a different profile of fecal microbiota between normal mice and allergic mice. Most important, the relevant fecal microbes involved in allergen-induced dysbiosis have the potential to induce intestinal cytokine/ chemokine network and T-cell immune responses.
Effect of Cooking Methods on Dietary Fibre Components of Fresh Vegetables, Legume and Cereal Samples

Neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and hemicellulose contents of 8 fresh vegetables and 6 legumes and cereals were studied by microwave, pressure and conventional cooking methods. The raw vegetables contained 10.8-34.2% NDF, 9.2-28.2% ADF and 1.2-6% hemicellulose, respectively. NDF contents of vegetables for conventional, pressure and microwave cooking were ranged 8.8-29.6, 8.1-26.5, 9.1-28%. ADF and hemicellulose contents of vegetables for conventional, pressure and microwave cooking were ranged 8.6-25, 8.1-23, 8.9-23.7% and 0.9-4.6, 0.6-3.5, 0.6-4.3%, respectively. NDF, ADF and hemicellulose contents for raw legumes and cereals were ranged between 9.2-30.1%, 7.3-21.5 %, and 1.9-20.6%, respectively. The values for conventional, pressure and microwave cooking of NDF, ADF and hemicellulose contents for legumes and cereals were ranged between 7.4-23.1%, 6.1-21.6%, 7.1-23.3%, 6.1-20%, 5.2-20%, 5.9-20.5%, and 1.3-16.2%, 0.9-14%, 1.2-16.2%, respectively. Pressure-cooking showed a more pronounced effect on the reduction of these dietary fibre components than conventional and microwave cooking. Keywords: ADF, NDF, hemicellulose, fresh vegetable, legume, cereal.
Achieving master level play in 9×9 computer go

The UCT algorithm uses Monte-Carlo simulation to estimate the value of states in a search tree from the current state. However, the first time a state is encountered, UCT has no knowledge, and is unable to generalise from previous experience. We describe two extensions that address these weaknesses. Our first algorithm, heuristic UCT, incorporates prior knowledge inthe form of avalue function. The value function can be learned offline, using a linear combination of a million binary features, with weights trained by temporal-difference learning. Our second algorithm, UCT‐RAVE, forms a rapid online generalisation based on the value of moves. We applied our algorithms to the domain of 9 ! 9 Computer Go, using the program MoGo. Using both heuristic UCT and RAVE, MoGo became the first program to achieve human master level in competitive play.
Numerical Modelling of Realistic Ice Floes in Ocean Waves

Results from a numerical model for the computation of ice-floe motions in ocean waves are presented and discussed for floes of various sectional shapes. It is shown that the beam-to-draft ratio is a crucial factor in determining the behaviour of each floe, and that ridges and keels can substantially affect the roll and sway characteristics, particularly for thick floes. Undercuts beneath floes appear to have little effect, but a protruding sill can lead to decreased motion at certain frequencies and a reduced capability for making waves. As the underwater character of an ice floe cannot easily be measured, it is necessary to infer draft from freeboard estimates using the method proposed by Ackley and others (1976). Although most of this paper is concerned with rigid body motions, a brief account is included of a modification to the model which allows each floe to bend on the passing wave. By this means, wave-induced flexure is discussed for floes of non-simple underwater shape.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Heart Failure and Regulates Cardiomyocyte A Translational Pilot Study”

reports that baseline plasma microRNA (miR)-30d level is associ- ated with response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients who have heart failure with dyssynchrony, and that miR- 30d increase in cultured cardiomyocytes correlates with areas of increased wall stress in patients who have heart failure with dys- synchrony and is protective against deleterious tumor necrosis factor signaling. We have recently made the same observations, with the exception that we have also highlighted, in humans, the potential pathogenic mechanism of miR profiles, such as miR-30e, implicated in different cardiac adaptive processes in patients who have heart failure treated with a CRT. 2 In our study, CRT responders showed an increase in expression of 19 miRs (all P <0.03) in comparison with baseline expression, and, at follow-up, miRs were differentially expressed between responders and nonresponders. 2 The responders were characterized by higher expression of 5 miRs (miR-26b-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-92a-3p, miR-30e-5p, and miR-29a-3p; P =0.01 for all) in comparison with nonresponders. 2 These miRs are related to different adaptive heart failure processes, regulating cellular func-tions such as proliferation, differentiation, and programmed death. 3 CRT improving cardiac performance and myocardial mechanical efficiency in responder patients may regulate miR-mediated modu- lation of cardiac angiogenesis, apoptosis, fibrosis, and membrane ionic currents. 3 The authors have specifically only on apop- tosis and miR-30d. 1 In this context, the miR-30 a miR family, miR-30a, miR-30b, and and all of them share the same seed in their 5 terminuses.
Antibody Functional Assays as Measures of Fc Receptor-Mediated Immunity to HIV - New Technologies and their Impact on the HIV Vaccine Field

: Background : There is now intense interest in the role of HIV-specific antibodies and the engagement of FcγR functions in the control and prevention of HIV infection. The analyses of the RV144 vaccine trial, natural progression cohorts, and macaque models all point to a role for Fc-dependent effector functions, such as cytotoxicity (ADCC) or phagocytosis (ADCP), in the control of HIV. However, reliable assays that can be reproducibly used across different laboratories to measure Fc-dependent functions, such as antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) are limited. Method : This brief review highlights the importance of Fc properties for immunity to HIV, particularly via FcγR diversity and function. We discuss assays used to study FcR mediated functions of HIV-specific Ab, including our recently developed novel cell-free ELISA using homo-dimeric FcγR ectodomains to detect functionally relevant viral antigen-specific antibodies. Results : The binding of these dimeric FcγR ectodomains, to closely spaced pairs of IgG Fc, mimics the engagement and cross-linking of Fc receptors by IgG opsonized virions or infected cells as the essential prerequisite to the induction of Ab-dependent effector functions. The dimeric FcγR ELISA reliably correlates with ADCC in patient responses to influenza. The assay is amenable to high throughput and could be standardized across laboratories. Conclusion : We propose the assay has broader implications for the evaluation of the quality of antibody responses in viral infections and for the rapid evaluation of responses in vaccine development campaigns for HIV and other viral infections.
An mTERF domain protein functions in group II intron splicing in maize chloroplasts

The mitochondrial transcription termination factor (mTERF) proteins are nucleic acid binding proteins characterized by degenerate helical repeats of ∼30 amino acids. Metazoan genomes encode a small family of mTERF proteins whose members influence mitochondrial gene expression and DNA replication. The mTERF family in higher plants consists of roughly 30 members, which localize to mitochondria or chloroplasts. Effects of several mTERF proteins on plant development and physiology have been described, but molecular functions of mTERF proteins in plants are unknown. We show that a maize mTERF protein, Zm-mTERF4, promotes the splicing of group II introns in chloroplasts. Zm-mTERF4 coimmunoprecipitates with many chloroplast introns and the splicing of some of these introns is disrupted even in hypomorphic Zm-mterf4 mutants. Furthermore, Zm-mTERF4 is found in high molecular weight complexes that include known chloroplast splicing factors. The splicing of two transfer RNAs (trnI-GAU and trnA-UGC) and one ribosomal protein messenger RNA (rpl2) is particularly sensitive to the loss of Zm-mTERF4, accounting for the loss of plastid ribosomes in Zm-mTERF4 mutants. These findings extend the known functional repertoire of the mTERF family to include group II intron splicing and suggest that a conserved role in chloroplast RNA splicing underlies the physiological defects described for mutations in BSM/Rugosa2, the Zm-mTERF4 ortholog in Arabidopsis.
Clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients with BRCA-positive and BRCA-negative breast cancer.

PURPOSE Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes confer greater risk of developing breast cancer. We determined whether tumor pathologic features and clinical features differ in patients with and without BRCA mutations. PATIENTS AND METHODS Tumor pathologic features and clinical characteristics were examined in 491 women with breast cancer who underwent genetic testing for BRCA mutations between 1997 and 2006. A retrospective review of medical records was conducted to determine clinical characteristics including ethnicity, age and clinical stage at diagnosis, age at parity, number of full-term pregnancies, use of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, and BRCA mutation status. Tumor pathology was reviewed to determine histologic type, tumor grade, and estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER-2/neu status. RESULTS Of the 491 patients with identified breast cancers, 391 patients were BRCA negative, and 86 patients were BRCA positive. Triple-negative breast cancer (ie, those with negative estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER-2/neu status) was diagnosed in 57.1% of the BRCA1-positive patients, 23.3% of the BRCA2-positive patients, and 13.8% of the BRCA-negative patients. BRCA1 mutation carriers had higher nuclear grade tumors than the other two groups (P < .001). Of the triple-negative cancer patients, BRCA2 mutation carriers were older when diagnosed than BRCA1 mutation carriers and noncarriers (P < .01). CONCLUSION These results suggest that tumors associated with BRCA1 mutations may be divided into two distinct groups, triple-negative and non-triple-negative groups. Future studies should seek to determine whether patients with BRCA1 mutations and triple-negative breast cancer respond to treatment better than BRCA-negative patients with similar tumor pathology.
Uncovering the role of MAFB in glucagon production and secretion in pancreatic α-cells using a new α-cell-specific Mafb conditional knockout mouse model

Cre/loxP is a site-specific recombination system extensively used to enable the conditional deletion or activation of target genes in a spatial- and/or temporal-specific manner. A number of pancreatic-specific Cre driver mouse lines have been broadly established for studying the development, function and pathology of pancreatic cells. However, only a few models are currently available for glucagon-producing α-cells. Disagreement exists over the role of the MAFB transcription factor in glucagon expression during postnatal life, which might be due to the lack of α-cell-specific Cre driver mice. In the present study, we established a novel Gcg-Cre knock-in mouse line with the Cre transgene expressed under the control of the preproglucagon (Gcg) promoter without disrupting the endogenous Gcg gene expression. Then, we applied this newly developed Gcg-Cre mouse line to generate a new α-cell-specific Mafb conditional knockout mouse model (MafbΔGcg). Not only α-cell number but also glucagon production were significantly decreased in MafbΔGcg mice compared to control littermates, suggesting an indispensable role of MAFB in both α-cell development and function. Taken together, our newly developed Gcg-Cre mouse line, which was successfully utilized to uncover the role of MAFB in α-cells, is a useful tool for genetic manipulation in pancreatic α-cells, providing a new platform for future studies in this field.
Oropharyngeal swallow physiology and swallowing-related quality of life in underweight patients with concomitant advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: Swallowing impairment (dysphagia) has been associated with COPD and may contribute to exacerbations of this chronic and progressive disease. Further, risk of mortality increases with concomitant presence of cachexia in the COPD population. The purpose of this prospective study was to depict oropharyngeal swallowing physiology in underweight patients with stable but advanced-stage COPD. Patients and methods: Ten underweight patients with stable but advanced COPD underwent a modified barium swallow study. Analysis of oropharyngeal swallowing function was completed using the standardized Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile and the Penetration–Aspiration Scale. Scores from the Dysphagia Handicap Index and 10-item Eating Assessment Tool were collected to assess patient perception of swallowing difficulty. Findings were compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Results: Significantly higher MBSImP oral total scores ( P = 0.007) were observed in COPD patients compared to matched controls, but no difference was observed in pharyngeal total scores ( P = 0.105). Patients with COPD had significantly higher maximum PAS scores compared with controls ( P = 0.030). There was no significant difference in EAT-10 or DHI scores between patients with COPD and controls ( P = 0.41 and P = 0.08, respectively). Conclusion: Underweight patients with severe but stable COPD present with dysphagia that may not be recognized by the patient. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the interac-tion between the respiratory–swallowing systems, how muscular weakness may contribute to swallowing impairment, and responsiveness to swallowing treatment.