Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous manifestations of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

ABSTRACT There is a rise in number of people diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus. The incidence is rising in modern Indian society because of Industrial development and drastically changing lifestyles. Diabetic neuropathies are microvascular disorders that are usually associated with the duration of Diabetes. Among the various forms, the most common is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. The disease if neglected leads to chronic ulcer formation leading to amputations frequently. Hence the aim of this study is to document the early cutaneous changes and create an early awareness in the importance of controlling Diabetes. The study consisted of 205 patients with Type 2 DM. Participant's neuropathy status was determined based on Neuropathy Disability Score and Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom Score. Among the Skin changes documented, the common changes seen were: Peripheral hair loss in 185 (90.2%), Xerosis in 168 (82%), Anhydrosis in 162 (79%), Plantar Fissures in 136 (66.3%), Plantar Ulcer in 80 (39%), common nail changes documented were Onychomycosis in 165 (80.5%) and Onychauxis in 53 (25.8%) patients in relation to the occupation and duration of Diabetes mellitus. In conclusion, it is important to control glycemic levels in the all stages of Diabetes and institute foot care measures to prevent the complications of neuropathy.
Assessment of Collagen-Induced Arthritis Using Cyanine 5.5 Conjugated with Hydrophobically Modified Glycol Chitosan Nanoparticles: Correlation with 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Data

Objective To evaluate the potential and correlation between near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging using cyanine 5.5 conjugated with hydrophobically modified glycol chitosan nanoparticles (HGC-Cy5.5) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) imaging of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Materials and Methods We used 10 CIA and 3 normal mice. Nine days after the injecting collagen twice, microPET imaging was performed 40 minutes after the intravenous injection of 9.3 MBq 18F-FDG in 200 µL PBS. One day later, NIRF imaging was performed two hours after the intravenous injection of HGC-cy5.5 (5 mg/kg). We assessed the correlation between these two modalities in the knees and ankles of CIA mice. Results The mean standardized uptake values of 18F-FDG for knees and ankles were 1.68 ± 0.76 and 0.79 ± 0.71, respectively, for CIA mice; and 0.57 ± 0.17 and 0.54 ± 0.20 respectively for control mice. From the NIRF images, the total photon counts per 30 mm2 for knees and ankles were 2.32 ± 1.54 × 105 and 2.75 ± 1.51 × 105, respectively, for CIA mice, and 1.22 ± 0.27 × 105 and 0.88 ± 0.24 × 105, respectively, for control mice. These two modalities showed a moderate correlation for knees (r = 0.604, p = 0.005) and ankles (r = 0.464, p = 0.039). Moreover, both HGC-Cy5.5 (p = 0.002) and 18F-FDG-PET (p = 0.005) imaging also showed statistically significant differences between CIA and normal mice. Conclusion NIRF imaging using HGC-Cy5.5 was moderately correlated with 18F-FDG-PET imaging in the CIA model. As such, HGC-Cy5.5 imaging can be used for the early detection of rheumatoid arthritis.
Foveal and Peripapillary Vascular Decrement in Migraine With Aura Demonstrated by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Purpose Migraine, particularly with aura, has been associated with ocular and systemic ischemic complications, but there are limited data on the ocular vasculature in migraine. We used optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to assess perfusion of the macula and optic nerve in migraine patients, with (MA) and without (MO) aura, compared to healthy controls (HC). Methods We recruited 15 MA (mean age 42 years), 12 MO (mean age 46 years), and 22 HC (mean age 39 years) participants from neurology and neuro-ophthalmology clinics. Participants underwent optical coherence tomography and 3 × 3 mm OCTA of the macula and optic nerve. Foveal avascular zone area was automatically measured using AngioVue software, and vessel density was calculated as blood vessel length divided by scan area (mm−1) after skeletonization of OCTA images. Results On macular OCTA, MA participants had an enlarged foveal avascular zone area when compared with HC (0.300 ± 0.019 vs. 0.220 ± 0.066 mm2, P = 0.006). In addition, superficial foveal vessel density was decreased in MA participants when compared with MO participants (7.8 ± 0.31 vs. 9.3 ± 0.44, P = 0.04) and HC (7.8 ± 0.31 vs. 9.4 ± 0.21 mm−1, P = 0.002). On optic nerve OCTA, the MA participants had reduced superior peripapillary vessel density when compared with the MO participants (12.0 ± 0.45 vs. 14.0 ± 0.38 mm−1, P = 0.031) and HC (12.0 ± 0.45 vs. 14.1 ± 0.53 mm−1, P = 0.035). There were no significant differences between the MO and HC groups. Conclusions Migraine with, but not without, aura was associated with foveal and peripapillary vascular decrements, which may possibly mediate increased risk of ocular and systemic vascular complications in these patients. OCTA could potentially be useful as a biomarker for migraine with aura.
Boolean modeling of transcriptome data reveals novel modes of heterotrimeric G-protein action Supporting Information

1. Proposed G-protein and ABA pathways. 1 2. Preparation of guard cell samples for microarray analysis . 3 3. Verification of the Boolean framework . 4 4. Model of gene regulation by the G-protein . 6 5. The suitability of the Boolean function B(ABA, A(GPA1, AGB1)) . 8 6. Model of co-regulation by the G-protein and ABA . 9 7. The distribution of ABA additive regulatory effects (CABA) . 10 8. Association of genes with given regulatory modes of the G-protein and ABA . 12 9. Regulatory modes of the G-protein . 15 10. Regulatory modes of the G-protein and ABA . 16 11. Can ABA be the signal that activates the G-protein? 20 12. ABA hypo-/hypersensitivity of gene regulation in G-protein mutants . 21 13. Functional preference in G-protein regulatory modes . 22 14. Specificity of G-protein regulatory modes in guard cells and leaves . 24 15. Association of genes by orthogonal linear contrasts . 25 16. Clustering results using k-means . 28 17. Quality control for guard cell and leaf microarrays . 29 18. Validation of microarray results with quantitative RT-QPCR . 30
Forest Net Primary Production Resistance Across a Gradient of Moderate Disturbance

FOREST NET PRIMARY PRODUCTION RESISTANCE ACROSS A GRADIENT OF MODERATE DISTURBANCE By Ellen JoAnne Goodrich-Stuart, B.A. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014 Major Advisor: Christopher M. Gough Research Assistant Professor, Department of Biology The global carbon (C) balance is vulnerable to disturbances that alter terrestrial C uptake and loss. Moderate disturbances that kill or defoliate only a subset of canopy trees such as insect defoliation, drought, and age-related senescence are increasing in extent and frequency; yet, little is known about the effect of moderate disturbance on forest production and the mechanisms sustaining or supporting the recovery of the C cycle across a range of moderate disturbance severities. We used a broad plot-scale gradient of upper canopy tree mortality within a large manipulation of forest disturbance to: 1) quantify how aboveground wood net primary production (ANPPw) responds to a range of moderate disturbance severities and; 2) identify the primary mechanisms supporting ANPPw resistance or resilience following moderate disturbance. We found that ANPPw was highly resistant to moderate disturbance, with production levels sustained following the senescence of 9 to > 60 % of the upper canopy tree basal area. As upper canopy gap fraction increased with rising disturbance severity, greater light availability to the subcanopy enhanced leaf-level C uptake and the growth of this formerly light-limited canopy stratum, compensating for upper canopy production losses. As a result, whole-ecosystem production efficiency (ANPPw/LAI) increased at high levels of disturbance severity and leaf area loss. These findings provide a mechanistic explanation for sustained ANPPw across the disturbance gradient, in which the physiological and growth enhancement of undisturbed vegetation was proportional to the level of disturbance severity. Our results have important ecological and management implications, showing that moderate disturbances may minimally alter ecosystem functions such as C storage.
APPLICATION OF DIFFERENT WEATHER PATTERN CLASSIFICATIONS TO SIMULATED FUTURE CLIMATE CONDITIONS FOR CENTRAL EUROPE

The main goals of the presented research were (i) to compare weather pattern classification methods for Central Europe (COST733 domain 07 covering 4358°N, 3-26°E) using observed and simulated present climate (1961-1990), and (ii) to analyze the climate change effects on weather patterns for the same region using different classification methods. The observed climate was represented by the ECMWF ERA40 datasets (Uppala et al., 2005). The simulation experiments were accomplished for future climate conditions (2071-2100) using two emission scenarios (A2 and B2) in the frame of the EU-project PRUDENCE (Prediction of Regional scenarios and Uncertainties for Defining EuropeaN Climate change risks and Effects, Christensen and Christensen, 2007). High resolution (50 km × 50 km) simulated daily values of meteorological variables (mean sea level pressure, temperature, precipitation) were obtained from the regional climate model (RCM) outputs of the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI). DMI used the HIRHAM4 RCM (Christensen et al., 1996) with 50 km horizontal resolution (the RCM has been developed jointly by DMI and the Max-Planck Institute in Hamburg), for which the boundary conditions were provided by the HadAM3H/HadCM3 (Rowell, 2005) global climate model of the UK Met Office. The simulations were accomplished for present day conditions using the reference period 1961-1990 (the model performance of HIRHAM4 is analyzed by Jacob et al., 2007) and for the future conditions in 2071-2100 using scenario A2 and B2. According to the A2 global emission scenario, fertility patterns across regions converge very slowly resulting in continuously increasing world population. Economic development is primarily regionally oriented, per capita economic growth and technological changes are fragmented and slow. The projected CO2 concentration may reach 856 ppm by the end of the 21st century (Nakicenovic and Swart, 2007), which is about triple of the pre-industrial concentration level (280 ppm). The global emission scenario B2 describes a world with intermediate population and economic growth, emphasizing local solutions to economic, social, and environmental sustainability. According to the B2 scenario, the projected CO2 concentration is likely to exceed 600 ppm (Nakicenovic and Swart, 2007), which is somewhat larger than a double concentration level relative to the pre-industrial CO2 conditions.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 affects gastric cancer progression by repressing BMP3 promoter methylation

Background: Vitamin D 3 has been known to have an anticancer effect, but the mechanisms underlying this is poorly explored. The present study aimed to investigate the antitumor role of vitamin D 3 on gastric cancer and mechanisms. Methods: The Roche Elecsys platform was applied in retrospective studies to detect the role of 25-hydroxylvitamin D 3 in adenocarcinoma and colony formation assay was conducted to verify the effect of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 on the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. After the identification of hypermethylation of BMP3 CpG islands by bisulfite genomic sequencing (BGS), we further investigated the relationship of BMP3 expression and gastric carcinogenesis by Western blot analysis and gel electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA). Results: Here we show that low concentration of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 links to cancerization and significantly inhibits proliferation of undifferentiated gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901 and BGC-823. BMP3 promoter hypermethylation was highly correlated with gastric tumor. Moreover, BMP3 expression was regulated by its promoter methylation in gastric cells. The further exploration of the relationship between 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 and BMP3 by EMSA results that 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 stimulates BMP3 expression by the inhibition of BMP3 promoter methylation in gastric tumor cells. Conclusion: In combination with the data from clinical research, bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification, we propose that 1, 25-hydroxylvitamin D 3 affects gastric cancer progression by repressing BMP3 promoter methylation.
C 3 aR and C 5 aR 1 act as key regulators of human and mouse β ‐ cell function

C3aR and C5aR1-driven beta-arrestin recruitment. Activation of C3aR and C5aR1 potentiated glucose-induced insulin secretion from human and mouse islets, increased [Ca2+]i and ATP generation, and protected islets against apoptosis induced by a pro-apoptotic cytokine cocktail or palmitate. Conclusions Our observations demonstrate a functional link between activation of components of the innate immune system and improved β-cell function, suggesting that lowlevel chronic inflammation may improve glucose homeostasis through direct effects on β-cells.
glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (glP-1r) signaling ameliorates dysfunctional immunity in COPD patients

an insulin secretagogue for the treatment of diabetes and has been proven to have therapeutic potential in the treatment of COPD. Evidence suggested that activating GLP-1R signaling might have immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory effects. COPD is characterized by dysregulation of immunity, oxidative stress, and excessive inflammation responses. The aim of this study was to investigate whether GLP-1R signaling had a regulatory role in COPD immunity. Patients and methods: Fifty-seven COPD patients in a stable condition and 51 age-, sex-, and smoking history-matched non-COPD subjects provided blood samples for isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). GLP-1R expression was measured, and its association with clinical parameters and plasma cytokines was analyzed. T cell function was assessed at baseline and after regulating GLP-1R expression. Results: GLP-1R expression decreased in circulating PBMCs of COPD patients, which was associated with decreased interferon (IFN)- γ expression. Reduced IFN- γ production stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and increased programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression on T cells were observed in COPD patients compared with non-COPD subjects. Treatment with LIR could upregulate the GLP-1R expression, and this was observed to restore the antigen-stimulated IFN- γ production and downregulate PD-1 expression in T cells. Conclusion: PBMCs of COPD patients showed defective GLP-1R signaling and functional T-lymphocyte abnormalities that could be rescued by LIR treatment.
The dynamics of self-care in the course of heart failure management: data from the in TOUch study

lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (per 5%, p , 0.05), lower New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (class III vs class II, p , 0.05). The subgroups of patients who had an initial EHFScBs total score . 28, or from 17 to 28 with concomitant HADs depression subscale (HADs_D) score # 8, demonstrated the greatest potential to improve self-care during the study. Conclusion: TM did not have an advantage on self-care improvement. Poor physical aspect of quality of life, lower LVEF, and lower NYHA class were associated with self-care worsening. The greatest self-care improvement may be achieved in those patients who have low or medium initial self-care level in the absence of depression. the factors associated with worsening or improving of self-care. We analyzed the data of the INnovative ICT-guided-DMS combined with Telemonitoring in OUtpatient clinics for Chronic HF patients (IN TOUCH) study and the patient-reported outcomes, using selfcare behavior, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADs), and quality-of-life questionnaires. A very important part of the study is related to the identification of a patient profile that has the highest potential to change self-care behavior. Innovative nonparametric statistical methods, such as the regression tree, helped us to find that the dynamics of self-care depends on its initial level and depression. The physical aspect of quality of life, imaging parameters, and the functional class also were relevant characteristics. This study revealed that depression plays a major role in the change in self-care behavior in chronic HF patients and that it can worsen self-care by . 10 times in a particular group of patients. This makes it possible to assume that in order to improve self-care behavior, dedicated programs should be adopted for patients with depressive symptoms and/or depressive symptoms should be treated first or in parallel with self-care-improving interventions.
Exosomes Mediate LTB4 Release during Neutrophil Chemotaxis

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is secreted by chemotactic neutrophils, forming a secondary gradient that amplifies the reach of primary chemoattractants. This strategy increases the recruitment range for neutrophils and is important during inflammation. Here, we show that LTB4 and its synthesizing enzymes localize to intracellular multivesicular bodies that, upon stimulation, release their content as exosomes. Purified exosomes can activate resting neutrophils and elicit chemotactic activity in a LTB4 receptor-dependent manner. Inhibition of exosome release leads to loss of directional motility with concomitant loss of LTB4 release. Our findings establish that the exosomal pool of LTB4 acts in an autocrine fashion to sensitize neutrophils towards the primary chemoattractant, and in a paracrine fashion to mediate the recruitment of neighboring neutrophils in trans. We envision that this mechanism is used by other signals to foster communication between cells in harsh extracellular environments.
Best strategies to recruit and enroll elderly Blacks into clinical and biomedical research

Background: Historically, Blacks have been disproportionately underrepresented in clinical trials. Outcomes associated with low Blacks’ participation in research include poor understanding of the predictors and treatment of the disease, increasing health disparities, poor health equity, and suboptimal wellness of the nation as a whole. To address this gap in research participation, we analyzed our recruitment data to identify the most effective strategies for enrolling older Blacks in clinical trials. Methods: Data used in these analyses were obtained from 3,266 potential volunteers, ages 50 or older, who completed a Mini-Mental State Exam as part of recruitment and screening for various clinical studies on Alzheimer’s disease. In order to determine the most effective strategies for engaging Blacks in clinical research, we used tests of proportion to assess significant differences in recruitment sources, counts, and percentages for optimal recruitment strategies by gender. Finally, we employed regression analyses to confirm our findings. Results: Of the total 3,266 screened, 2,830 Black volunteers were identified for further analysis. Overall, more women than men (73.8% vs 26.2%) participated in our recruitment activities. However, a significantly higher proportion of men than women were engaged through family (3.86% vs 1.30%, p = 0.0004) and referral sources (5.89% vs 2.59%, p = 0.0005). Compared to other sources for recruitment, we encountered a higher proportion of volunteers at health fairs (42.95%), and through advertisements (14.97%). In our sample, years of education and age did not appear to influence the likelihood of an encounter, screening, and potential participation. Conclusion: Our findings indicate Black men and women in our sample were predominantly recruited from health fairs and through advertisements tailored to their health needs and inter-ests. Conversely, we mostly engaged Black men through family referrals and persons known to them, indicating a need for trust in their decision to engage study personnel and/or participate in clinical trials. commu-nication, and problems interpreting medical terminology.
Protective effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog on the ovarian reserve in rats receiving cyclophosphamide treatment

Objective: The aim of the study reported here was to investigate the protective effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) against cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced gonadotoxicity. Methods: Eighty Fischer 344 rats were divided randomly into four groups (20 per group). One group received normal saline, one GnRHa, one CTX, and one GnRHa + CTX. Several parameters were used to observe the ovarian reserve, including ovary weight, follicle number and diameter, concentrations of estradiol (E 2 ) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and expressions of sex hormone receptors. Results: When treatment was finished, the number of small follicles in the GnRHa + CTX group was significantly higher than in the CTX-alone group. Thirty days after treatment, the ovary weight, percentage of small follicles, mean follicular diameter, and serum concentrations of E 2 and FSH in the GnRHa + CTX group all recovered, approaching normal levels. Sex hormone receptors did not show significant differences between the four groups. Conclusion: Combination treatment with GnRHa could prevent CTX-induced damage to ovarian reserve.
Comparison of corneal biomechanics after myopic small-incision lenticule extraction compared to lasiK: an ex vivo study

Purpose: To investigate ex vivo potentially different corneal biomechanical properties after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) versus LASIK for myopic correction. Methods: Thirty human donor corneas were subjected to either myopic SMILE or femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK. Donor corneas were assigned to six investigative groups: Group A, - 3.00 D (diopters) SMILE; Group B, - 8.00 D SMILE; Group C, - 3.00 D LASIK; and Group D, - 8.00 D LASIK. Additionally, two control groups were formed: Group E, SMILE and Group F, LASIK. All groups consisted of five corneas, randomly allocated. The corneas in the control groups were subjected to the corresponding femtosecond-laser lamellar cuts but not to tissue removal. Evaluation of biomechanical tensile strength was conducted by biaxial force applica-tion. Primary outcome measures were stress at 10% and 15% strain, and Young’s modulus at 10% and 15% strain. Results: In SMILE, the average relative difference ( Δ ) of the four outcome measures was - 34.46% for - 3.00 D correction versus control Group E and - 49.34% for - 8.00 D correction versus control Group E. In LASIK, average Δ was - 24.88% for - 3.00 D correction versus control, and - 52.73% for - 8.00 D correction versus control. All these differences were statistically significant; SMILE compared to LASIK for the same myopic correction appears to result in more biomechanical reduction for - 3.00 D corrections by - 26%, while a nonstatisti-cally significant difference was noted in - 8.00 D corrections. Conclusion: Both SMILE and LASIK procedures do substantially alter corneal biomechanical properties, and the degree of tensile strength reduction is statistically significantly correlated to the extent of myopic correction. Additionally, SMILE procedure seems to result in more tensile strength reduction in lower myopic corrections compared to LASIK, and similar tensile strength reduction to LASIK in higher myopic corrections when compared to LASIK.