Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment Of Changes In Regional Xenon-Ventilation, Perfusion, And Ventilation-Perfusion Mismatch Using Dual-Energy Computed Tomography After Pharmacological Treatment In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Visual And Quantitative Analysis

Purpose To assess changes in regional ventilation (V), perfusion (Q), and V-Q mismatch in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after pharmacologic treatment using combined xenon-enhanced V and iodine-enhanced Q dual-energy CT (DECT). Patients and methods Combined V and Q DECT were performed at baseline and after three-month pharmacologic treatment in 52 COPD patients. Anatomically co-registered virtual non-contrast images, V, Q, and V/Qratio maps were obtained. V/Q pattern was visually determined to be matched, mismatched, or reversed-mismatched and compared with the regional parenchymal disease patterns of each segment. DECT parameters for V, Q, and V-Q imbalance were quantified. Results The parenchymal patterns on CT were not changed at follow-up. The segments with matched V/Q pattern were increased (80.2% to 83.6%) as the segments with reversed-mismatched V/Q pattern were decreased with improving ventilation (17.6% to 13.8%) after treatment. Changes of V/Q patterns were mostly observed in segments with bronchial wall thickening. Compared with patients without bronchial wall thickening, the quantified DECT parameters of V-Q imbalance were significantly improved in patients with bronchial wall thickening (p < 0.05). Changes in forced expiratory volume in one second after treatment were correlated with changes in the quantified DECT parameters (r = 0.327–0.342 or r = −0.406 and −0.303; p < 0.05). Conclusion DECT analysis showed that the V-Q imbalance was improved after the pharmacological treatment in COPD patients, although the parenchymal disease patterns remained unchanged. This improvement of V-Q imbalance may occur mostly in the areas with bronchial wall thickening.
RNA processing machineries in Archaea: the 5’-3’ exoribonuclease aRNase J of the β-CASP family is engaged specifically with the helicase ASH-Ski2 and the 3’-5’ exoribonucleolytic RNA exosome machinery

A network of RNA helicases, endoribonucleases, and exoribonucleases regulates the quantity and quality of cellular RNAs. To date, mechanistic studies focused on bacterial and eukaryal systems due to the challenge of identifying the main drivers of RNA decay and processing in Archaea. Here, our data support that aRNase J, a 5’-3’ exoribonuclease of the β-CASP family conserved in Euryarchaea, engages specifically with a Ski2-like helicase and the RNA exosome to potentially exert control over RNA surveillance, and that this occurs in the vicinity of the ribosome. Proteomic landscapes and direct protein-protein interaction analyses demonstrated that aRNase J interplay with ASH-Ski2 and the Csl4 cap exosome subunit. These in vitro data are strengthened by our phylogenomic studies showing a taxonomic co-distribution of aRNase J and ASH-Ski2 among the archaeal phylogeny. Finally, our T. barophilus whole-cell extract fractionation experiments provide evidences that an aRNase J/ASH-Ski2 complex might exist in vivo and hint at an association of aRNase J with the ribosome or polysomes that is stressed in absence of ASH-Ski2. While aRNase J homologues are found among bacteria, the RNA exosome and the Ski2-like RNA helicase have eukaryotic homologues, underlining the mosaic aspect of archaeal RNA machines. Altogether, these results suggest, for the first time, a fundamental role of β-CASP RNase/helicase complex in archaeal RNA metabolism. Finally, our results position aRNase J at the junction of RNA surveillance and translation processes, thus opening new perspectives and evolutionary scenario on RNA processing players in Archaea.
Defining Inflammatory Cell States in Rheumatoid Arthritis Joint Synovial Tissues by Integrating Single-cell Transcriptomics and Mass Cytometry

To define the cell populations in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) driving joint inflammation, we applied single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), mass cytometry, bulk RNA-seq, and flow cytometry to sorted T cells, B cells, monocytes, and fibroblasts from 51 synovial tissue RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patient samples. Utilizing an integrated computational strategy based on canonical correlation analysis to 5,452 scRNA-seq profiles, we identified 18 unique cell populations. Combining mass cytometry and transcriptomics together revealed cell states expanded in RA synovia: THY1+HLAhigh sublining fibroblasts (OR=33.8), IL1B+ pro-inflammatory monocytes (OR=7.8), CD11c+T-bet+ autoimmune-associated B cells (OR=5.7), and PD-1+Tph/Tfh (OR=3.0). We also defined CD8+ T cell subsets characterized by GZMK+, GZMB+, and GNLY+ expression. Using bulk and single-cell data, we mapped inflammatory mediators to source cell populations, for example attributing IL6 production to THY1+HLAhigh fibroblasts and naïve B cells, and IL1B to pro-inflammatory monocytes. These populations are potentially key mediators of RA pathogenesis.
High prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and histologic gastritis in asymptomatic Hispanics

In this study, we estimated the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and histologic gastritis in 58 asymptomatic Hispanic adult volunteers (mean age, 41 years; 59% male) by endoscopic biopsy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Forty-six subjects (79%) were found to harbor H. pylori in gastric biopsies, and all had histologic gastritis. Four other subjects were found to have gastritis in the absence of H. pylori. Similar prevalences of H. pylori and gastritis were noted in all age groups and also in American-born and immigrant Hispanics. Biopsy data and serologic studies of H. pylori antibodies correlated well. We conclude that H. pylori infection is an almost universal finding in the gastric mucosa of asymptomatic adult Hispanics, regardless of age. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown, but we speculate that H. pylori and its associated gastritis could have a role in the high incidence of gastric carcinoma in Hispanic populations.
MiR-19a Promotes Migration And Invasion By Targeting RHOB In Osteosarcoma

(miR-19a) reported to act as oncogene in multiple cancers. The objective of the study was to explore the molecular mechanisms of miR-19a in osteosarcoma cell and invasion. Materials and methods: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting were employed to measure the levels of miR-19a and RhoB in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. Transwell assay was employed to analyze the tissues and cell lines ’ migratory and invasive abilities. Dual luciferase reporter assay was utilized to analyze the association between miR-19a and RhoB. Results: MiR-19a was overexpressed in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. MiR-19a promoted osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion in vitro. RhoB was thus con ﬁ rmed as a direct and functional target of miR-19a, and it could partially reverse the function of miR-19a. Knockdown miR-19a inhibited osteosarcoma cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and suppressed osteosarcoma xenograft growth. Conclusion: MiR-19a enhanced cell migration, invasion and EMT through RhoB in osteosarcoma. The newly identi ﬁ ed miR-19a/RhoB axis provides novel insight into the progression of osteosarcoma and offers a promising target for osteosarcoma therapy.
Breeding investigations of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes for tolerance to low nitrogen and drought in Zambia.

Low soil nitrogen (N) and drought impede maize production in the small-scale farming sector in Zambia; and adoption of new cultivars with improved tolerance might enhance production. This study: a) assessed farmer preferences for maize cultivars; b) determined genotype x environment interaction effects among popular maize cultivars under contrasting soil fertility levels and; c) investigated landraces for tolerance to low N and drought using S1 selection. The study was carried out in Zambia from 2004-07. Farmer preference influencing the adoption of maize cultivars was investigated using both formal and informal surveys in Luangwa, Chibombo and Lufwanyama rural districts representing the three agro-ecological regions of Zambia. Focus group discussions and personal interviews were used to collect data on issues that affected maize production in these areas. It has been found that although farmers perceived landraces to be low yielding, they believed that they were superior to improved cultivars for: tolerance to drought; tolerance to low soil fertility; grain palatability; grain storability; and poundability. The need for food security, their inability to apply fertiliser, and their need for drought tolerant cultivars significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced farmers in adopting cultivars. The farmers would readily adopt cultivars that address these concerns. The predominant use of certain landraces (76%) reflected their superiority in meeting some of these needs. The performance of nine popular cultivars (three for each of hybrids, OPVs and landraces) under contrasting levels of soil fertility, across six environments (ENVs) in the three agro-eological regions, was evaluated. An ENV was defined as season x location combination. The fertilizer treatments were full fertilization, basal dressing, top dressing and nil fertilization. The cultivars exhibited significant non-crossover type of genotype x fertilisation interaction effects at three ENVs, while the genotype x fertilisation interaction effects, were non-significant at the other three ENVs. The cultivars exhibited dynamic stability by increasing grain yield (GY) when fertilization was increased. Landraces yielded higher than all open pollinated varieties and were generally higher yielding than two hybrids. Based on average rank for GY, the five highest yielding cultivars were MRI724, Gankata, MM603, Kazungula and Pandawe. Superiority of landraces revealed their genetic potential for GY under low soil fertility and they should be used as germplasm in developing cultivars targeting such environments.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Commensal Escherichia Coli Isolates from Rabbits

Food animals may serve as a reservoir of bacteria that carry antimicrobial resistance genes that may be transferred to microorganisms found in humans and thereby limit the medical value of antimicrobials. In contrast to Escherichia coli from humans and several other animal species, there is little information on the frequency and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance of that bacteria isolated from rabbits. The objective of the present study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile of 478 E. coli isolates from healthy rabbits. Another objective was to assess the diversity and distribution of the major resistancegenes [ tetA, tetB, tetC , and tetM for doxycycline, bla , bla SHV, and bla for amoxicillin, aac(3)II , aac(3)IV , and ant(2”)I for gentamicin, and qnrA , qnrB , qnrS , aaC(6)Ib , and qepA for enrofloxacin], as well as the mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region of the gyrA and parC genes, inthese isolates. The percentage of isolates resistant to doxycy CTX-M-9 cline was very high (89.3%). However, relatively few isolates were resistant to amoxicillin (16.1%), gentamicin (2.9%), and enrofloxacin (4.2%). Predominant resistance genes were tetA and tetB in the isolates resistant to doxycycline, and bla in the isolates resistant to amoxicillin. Most E. coli isolates with in termediate resistance to enrofloxacin presented a single mutation in gyrA, while most isolates resistant to it presented double mutations in gyrA and single mutations in parC , or double mutations in both gyrA and parC . The present study provides base line data on frequency and molecular basis of antimicrobial re sistance in E.coli isolates from rabbits. In addition, the results of this study suggest that commensal E. coli isolates from rabbits may be a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes.
Performance of front line demonstrations of onion in Dharwad district of Karnataka.

participation of farmers. In this regard, frontline demonstration on onion was conducted at different locations in Dharwad district. These demonstrations focused on increased productivity of onion per unit area and get the feed back from farmers on the performances of onion variety. From the study, it revealed that over the years Arka Kalyan variety performed superior over local check. The gross returns (Rs. 83650/ha), net returns (Rs.67800/ha) and B:C(1:4.33) ratio were also recorded highest in Arka Kalyan variety compared to local check. The technology gap (34.03 t/ha), extension gap (1.90t/ha) and technology index(72.39 %) were also highest in improved variety Arka Kalyan compared to local check.
[Stress urinary incontinence treatment with modified technique tension-free vaginal tape obturator].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the trans and postoperative complications and surgical results of Tension Free Vaginal Tape Obturator System (TVT-O) for stress urinary incontinence treatment in Angeles del Pedregal Hospital in a five year follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective, descriptive case series study with 67 patients was conducted in the Urogynecology Clinic in Hospital Angeles del Pedregal between January 2006 and December 2012. Patients with stress urinary incontinence treated by TVT-O were included. Complications and efficacy of the treatment are described in a 5 year follow-up. RESULTS 29.9% of the patients had the urodynamic diagnosis of stress incontinence. The 55.2% of them had no other procedure done than the TVT-O. No transoperative complications were observed, but in the postoperative period, 2 (3.%) patients had urinary retention secondary to overcorrected urethra and 1 (1.5%) with intense groin pain. Two cases (3%) presented tape erosion to vagina at 18 months follow-up, with less than 5mm exposure areas. Average follow-up time was 2 years. 46.26% of patients completed a 5 years follow-up. Subjective and objective cures were obtained in all 67 patients. CONCLUSIONS Tension free vaginal tape obturator system is a minimally invasive procedure that has excellent results (above 95%) in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence with a low rate of complications. Currently, it can be considered as the gold standard surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence.
Urinary albumin: how low is normal?

CKD is not only a major cause of ESRD but also cardiovascular disease and premature death. [1][1][⇓][2]–[3][3] Prospective cohort studies document that macroalbuminuria (urinary albumin >300 mg/24 h or >200 μg/min) and microalbuminuria (urinary albumin 30–300 mg/24 h or 20–200 μg/min)
Subsurface countercurrents in the eastern equatorial Paci~ic Ocean

A yieldable two-section connector for vertical sections of motor truck engine exhaust piping includes a pair of matching flanges which are adapted to be joined to separate exhaust pipe sections, a hinge joined to the flanges, and offset springs connecting one such flange of one connector section to clamp means held in desired position on the other section, to hold the connector sections and the pipe firmly in place with the flange surfaces in contact.
Frequency distribution of sward height on pastures grazed by cattle alone or co-grazed with sheep

Pasture height is increasingly employed in feed planning as a measure of pasture availability. The frequency distribution of pa sture height on a ryegrass/white clover pasture grazed by steers has been shown to be a double normal distribution representing “frequently” and “infrequently” grazed areas. It is not known to what extent a similar double normal distribution of pasture height exists under mixed grazing. In a 17 week grazing experiment, sward surface height (SSH) was measured daily on a ryegrass/white clover sward, continuously g razed at a mean pasture height of 4.0 cm by nine yearling heifers (CA) or by nine heifers plus 27 ewe hoggets (C + S) on a ratio 1:1 W 0.75 . A companion rotational grazing treatment was involved. The mean SSH was similar for CA and C+S in both grazing systems (Continuous: 4.27 vs. 4.26 cm; Rotational: 4.87 vs. 4.82 cm). T he effect of species mix on sward height distribution was only significant under continuous grazing, where the proportion of the i nfrequently grazed heights was six times higher in CA than C+S pastures (0.30 vs. 0.05). The mean height of the “frequently” and “infrequen tly” grazed area was 0.5 cm (12 %) and 1.5 cm (24 %) higher in C+S than on CA pastures, respectively. Although the trends were similar in r otationally grazed treatments, neither the difference in the proportion frequently and infrequently grazed height, nor the mean sward heigh t of these areas significantly diffrered between C+S and CA swards. We suggest that this increase in ‘grazing height’ at the same mean SSH in continuously grazed pastures may explain some of the increase in animal performance under mixed grazing. This effect of mixed grazing was less obvious under rotational grazing.
ginkgo biloba extract and its diterpene ginkgolide constituents ameliorate the metabolic disturbances caused by recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in rat prefrontal cortex

Introduction: Although recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is a widely used therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke, rtPA-induced toxicity or its adverse effects have been reported in our previous studies. However, Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) may provide neuroprotective effects against rtPA-induced toxicity. Thus, in the present study, we investigated whether a single administration of rtPA caused neurotoxicity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of rats and determined whether GBE or its diterpene ginkgolide (DG) constituents were neuroprotective against any rtPA-induced toxicity. Materials and methods: We randomly divided adult Sprague-Dawley rats into four groups that were intravenously administered saline, rtPA, rtPA + DG, or rtPA + GBE. The rats were sacrificed 24 hours later and the whole brain removed. A gas chromatography–mass spectrometry metabolomic approach was used to detect molecular changes in the PFC among the groups. Multivariate statistical and pathway analyses were used to determine the relevant metabolites as well as their functions and pathways. Results: We found 32 metabolites differentially altered in the four groups that were primarily involved in neurotransmitter, amino acid, energy, lipid, and nucleotide metabolism. Our results indicated that a single rtPA administration caused metabolic disturbances in the PFC. Both GBE and DG effectively ameliorated these rtPA-induced disturbances, although DG better controlled the rtPA-induced glutamate and aspartate excitotoxicity and the activation of NMDA receptor. Conclusion: Our results provide important novel mechanistic insights into the adverse effects of rtPA and offer directions for future exploration on the thrombolytic effects of rtPA combined with the administration of DG or GBE for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in humans.
Bioactive Phenolic Amides from Celtisafricana

Nine compounds have been isolated for the first time from Celtis africana, namely trans-N-coumaroyltyramine (1), trans-N-feruloyltyramine (2), trans-N-caffeoyltyramine (3), lauric acid (4), oleic acid (5), palmitic acid (6), lupeol (7), β-sitosterol (8) and oleanolic acid (9), respectively. Their structures have been elucidated by different spectroscopic techniques. The isolated compounds were screened for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and acetylcholinestrease enzyme inhibitory activities. Compounds 1–3 showed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and weak to moderate acetylcholinestrease enzyme inhibition activity.
A drone-based survey for large, basking freshwater turtle species

Conservation concerns are increasing for numerous freshwater turtle species, including Pseudemys gorzugi, which has led to a call for more research. However, traditional sampling methodologies are often time consuming, labor intensive, and invasive, restricting the amount of data that can be collected. Biases of traditional sampling methods can further impair the quality of the data collected, and these shortfalls may discourage their use. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, drones) for conducting wildlife surveys has recently demonstrated the potential to bridge gaps in data collection by offering a less labor intensive, minimally invasive, and more efficient process. Photographs and video can be obtained by camera attachments during a drone flight and analyzed to determine population counts, abundance, and other types of data. In this study we developed a detailed protocol to survey for large, freshwater turtle species in an arid, riverine landscape. This protocol was implemented with a DJI Matrice 600 Pro drone and a SONY ILCE α6000 digital camera to determine P. gorzugi and sympatric turtle species occurrence across 42 sites in southwestern Texas, USA. The use of a large drone and high-resolution camera resulted in high identification percentages, demonstrating the potential of drones to survey for large, freshwater turtle species. Numerous advantages to drone-based surveys were identified as well as some challenges, which were addressed with additional refinement of the protocol. Our data highlight the utility of drones for conducting freshwater turtle surveys and provide a guideline to those considering implementing drone-mounted high-resolution cameras as a survey tool.
Pleura and Peritoneum

Objectives: To study the expression of growth factors in the regulation of tissue repair after peritoneal damage tissue response to peritoneal damage. Methods: Experimental study in 35 male Wistar rats determining the evolution over timeof the tissue response to aseptic peritoneal damage. A standardized bowel and peritoneal lesions were created in the right lower quadrant by laparotomy. Then, tissular expression of growth factors was evaluated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction at seven timepoints between 6 h and 30 days, postoperatively. Results: Tissular responses of granulocyte-stimulating factors (Csf2, Csf3), connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf), epidermal growth factors and receptor (Egf, Egfr), fibroblast growth factors (Fgf2, 7 and 10), heparin binding EGF-like growth factor (Hbegf), hepatocyte growth factor (Hgf), insulin-like growth factor-1 (Igf1), mitogenic transforming growth factors (Tgfa, Tgfb1, Tgfbr3), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) were biphasic with a first expression peak at day 3, followed by a more pronounced peak at day 14. Conclusions: We observed a long-lasting, widespread response of tissular growth factors for at least two weeks after peritoneal damage. To be clinically effective, the prophylaxis of postoperative adhesions might be needed for an extended period of time.
Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Strengthening of Concrete Bridges that Remain Open to Traffic

This paper describes a study of traffic loads applied to a reinforced concrete bridge during and after its strengthening with externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement. In a laboratory, eight beams were tested. Seven of them were strengthened with a precured, unidirectional, carbon-fiber laminate strip that represented the materials used on the actual bridge. The variables tested included the intensity and frequency of load cycles applied during the epoxy-curing period, the thickness of the epoxy layer, and the thickness of the FRP strip. All these beams failed initially with the FRP debonding in the maximum moment region. For all of the traffic loads applied during and after installation no reduction in strengthening was seen. The experiment concluded that concrete bridges can be strengthened effectively even if they remain open to traffic during the procedure.