Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved visualisation of hepatic metastases in gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI: Potential of contrast-optimised (phase-sensitive) inversion recovery imaging

Background Detection of metastases can have a significant impact on therapy. Nevertheless, even in gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MR scans, very small hepatic metastases may be difficult to see. Purpose To investigate the potential of a contrast-optimised (phase-sensitive) inversion recovery MR sequence in gadoxetate disodium-enhanced scans for detection of hepatic metastases. Materials and methods With institutional review board approval and after written informed consent, 40 patients (18 male, 22 female) with suspected or known hepatic metastases were examined on a 1.5 T MR system. A T1-weighted gradient-echo volumetric-interpolated-breath-hold (VIBE) sequence was acquired as part of the standard imaging protocol 20 minutes after administration of gadoxetate disodium. Additionally, an IR sequence was acquired with an inversion time to suppress native signal from metastases. Overall image quality and delineation of lesions were assessed on VIBE as well as on magnitude-reconstructed (MAG) and phase-sensitive IR (PSIR) sequences. Lesion-to-liver contrast (LLC) was compared between VIBE and MAG images. Results Overall image quality was high in both VIBE and MAG IR sequences (VIBE 4.275; MAG 4.313), yet significantly lower in PSIR (4.038). Subjective delineation of lesions was higher on MAG and PSIR images compared to VIBE in all size groups with an overall statistically significant difference for VIBE vs. MAG vs. PSIR (p < .001) in the variance analysis. Mean LLC was 0.35±0.01 for VIBE sequences, and 0.73±0.01 for MAG. Conclusion Contrast-optimised PSIR seems to improve imaging characteristics of hepatic metastases in gadoxetate disodium-enhanced scans compared to T1 gradient-echo VIBE sequences.
Photoacoustic Imaging of Nanoparticle Transport in the Kidneys at High Temporal Resolution.

Noninvasive monitoring of kidney elimination of engineered nanoparticles at high temporal and spatial resolution will not only significantly advance our fundamental understandings of nephrology on the nanoscale, but also aid in the early detection of kidney disease, which affects more than 10 % of the worldwide population. Taking advantage of strong NIR absorption of the well-defined Au25 (SG)18 nanocluster, photoacoustic (PA) imaging was used to visualize its transport in situ through the aorta to the renal parenchyma and its subsequent filtration into the renal pelvis at a temporal resolution down to 1 s. High temporal and spatial resolution imaging of Au25 (SG)18 kidney elimination allowed the accurate quantification of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of individual kidneys in normal and pathological conditions, broadening the biomedical applications of engineered nanoparticles in preclinical kidney research.
Novel Brain-Penetrating Oxime Acetylcholinesterase Reactivators Attenuate Organophosphate-Induced Neuropathology in the Rat Hippocampus.

Organophosphate (OP) anticholinesterases cause excess acetylcholine leading to seizures which, if prolonged, result in neuronal damage in the rodent brain. Novel substituted phenoxyalkyl pyridinium oximes have previously shown evidence of penetrating the rat blood-brain barrier (BBB) in in vivo tests with a sarin surrogate (nitrophenyl isopropyl methylphosphonate, NIMP) or the active metabolite of the insecticide parathion, paraoxon (PXN), by reducing the time to cessation of seizure-like behaviors and accumulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein, whereas 2-PAM did not. The neuroprotective ability of our lead oximes (15, 20, and 55) was tested using NeuN, Nissl, and Fluoro-Jade B staining in the rat hippocampus. Following lethal-level subcutaneous challenge with NIMP or PXN, rats were intramuscularly administered a novel oxime or 2-PAM plus atropine and euthanized at 4 days. There were statistically significant increases in the median damage scores of the NeuN-stained NIMP, NIMP/2-PAM, and NIMP/Oxime 15 groups compared with the control whereas the scores of the NIMP/Oxime 20 and NIMP/Oxime 55 were not significantly different from the control. The same pattern of statistical significance was observed with PXN. Nissl staining provided a similar pattern, but without statistical differences. Fluoro-Jade B indicated neuroprotection from PXN with novel oximes but not with 2-PAM. The longer blood residence times of Oximes 20 and 55 compared with Oxime 15 might have contributed to their greater efficacy. These results suggest that novel oximes 20 and 55 were able to penetrate the BBB and attenuate neuronal damage after NIMP and PXN exposure, indicating potential broad-spectrum usefulness.
ARC3 Activation by PARC6 Promotes FtsZ-Ring Remodeling at the Chloroplast Division Site

Recruitment of the chloroplast Min-system protein ARC3 to the organelle division site by PARC6 enables ARC3 to interact with and facilitate remodeling of the FtsZ ring during chloroplast division. Chloroplast division is initiated by assembly of the stromal Z ring, composed of cytoskeletal Filamenting temperature-sensitive Z (FtsZ) proteins. Midplastid Z-ring positioning is governed by the chloroplast Min (Minicell) system, which inhibits Z-ring assembly everywhere except the division site. The central Min-system player is the FtsZ-assembly inhibitor ACCUMULATION AND REPLICATION OF CHLOROPLASTS3 (ARC3). Here, we report Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) chloroplasts contain two pools of ARC3: one distributed throughout the stroma, which presumably fully inhibits Z-ring assembly at nondivision sites, and the other localized to a midplastid ring-like structure. We show that ARC3 is recruited to the middle of the plastid by the inner envelope membrane protein PARALOG OF ARC6 (PARC6). ARC3 bears a C-terminal Membrane Occupation and Recognition Nexus (MORN) domain; previous yeast two-hybrid experiments with full-length and MORN-truncated ARC3 showed the MORN domain mediates ARC3-PARC6 interaction but prevents ARC3-FtsZ interaction. Using yeast three-hybrid experiments, we demonstrate that the MORN-dependent ARC3-PARC6 interaction enables full-length ARC3 to bind FtsZ. The resulting PARC6/ARC3/FtsZ complex enhances the dynamics of Z rings reconstituted in a heterologous system. Our findings lead to a model whereby activation of midplastid-localized ARC3 by PARC6 facilitates Z-ring remodeling during chloroplast division by promoting Z-ring dynamics and reveal a novel function for MORN domains in regulating protein–protein interactions.
Daily fatigue-recovery balance monitoring with heart rate variability in well-trained female cyclists on the Tour de France circuit

Objectives This study aimed to analyze the daily heart rate variability (HRV) in well-trained female cyclists during the 2017 Tour de France circuit and to relate it to the load and perceived exertion response. Methods Ten female cyclists volunteered to participate in the study. HRV was recorded with a portable heart rate monitor each morning at rest in supine (7 min.) and upright (7 min.) positions, as well as throughout each day’s stage. Pre-Tour baseline HRV recordings were made, as well as during the four weeks following completion of the Tour. Exercise daily load was assessed using the training impulse score (TRIMPS). Post-exercise rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed daily using the Borg CR-10 scale. Results The results show a HRV imbalance, increase of sympathetic and decrease of vagal activities respectively, along the event that correlated with rate of perceived exertion (r = 0.46), training impulse score (r = 0.60), and kilometers (r = 046). The greatest change in HRV balance was observed the days after the greatest relative physical load. Mean heart rate and heart rate variability values returned to their baseline values one week after completion of the event. Conclusions Despite incomplete recovery from day-to-day, fatigue is not summative or augmented with each successive stage and its physical load. Just one week is sufficient to restore baseline values. Heart rate and HRV can be used as a tool to strategically plan the effort of female cyclists that participate in multi-stage events.
The p53/miRNAs/Ccna2 pathway serves as a novel regulator of cellular senescence: Complement of the canonical p53/p21 pathway

Aging is a multifactorial process characterized by the progressive deterioration of physiological functions. Among the multiple molecular mechanisms, microRNAs (miRNAs) have increasingly been implicated in the regulation of Aging process. However, the contribution of miRNAs to physiological Aging and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We herein performed high‐throughput analysis using miRNA and mRNA microarray in the physiological Aging mouse, attempted to deepen into the understanding of the effects of miRNAs on Aging process at the “network” level. The data showed that various p53 responsive miRNAs, including miR‐124, miR‐34a and miR‐29a/b/c, were up‐regulated in Aging mouse compared with that in Young mouse. Further investigation unraveled that similar as miR‐34a and miR‐29, miR‐124 significantly promoted cellular senescence. As expected, mRNA microarray and gene co‐expression network analysis unveiled that the most down‐regulated mRNAs were enriched in the regulatory pathways of cell proliferation. Fascinatingly, among these down‐regulated mRNAs, Ccna2 stood out as a common target of several p53 responsive miRNAs (miR‐124 and miR‐29), which functioned as the antagonist of p21 in cell cycle regulation. Silencing of Ccna2 remarkably triggered the cellular senescence, while Ccna2 overexpression delayed cellular senescence and significantly reversed the senescence‐induction effect of miR‐124 and miR‐29. Moreover, these p53 responsive miRNAs were significantly up‐regulated during the senescence process of p21‐deficient cells; overexpression of p53 responsive miRNAs or knockdown of Ccna2 evidently accelerated the cellular senescence in the absence of p21. Taken together, our data suggested that the p53/miRNAs/Ccna2 pathway might serve as a novel senescence modulator independent of p53/p21 pathway.
Association of body mass and systemic immune-inflammation indices with endocrine therapy resistance in luminal breast cancers

Objective To explore correlations between body mass index (BMI), preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and endocrine therapy resistance, and evaluate BMI and SII as predictors of resistance, in patients with luminal breast cancer. Methods This retrospective study included patients with luminal breast cancer who underwent endocrine therapy at Hebei General Hospital. Relationships between BMI and SII subgroups, and clinicopathological parameters were analysed using χ2-tests. Disease-free survival was assessed using Log-rank statistics. Multivariate analysis of factors related to disease progression were analysed using Cox proportional hazards model. Results Out of 161 patients, those with normal BMI and low SII had significantly lower endocrine resistance rates versus those with high BMI and SII, and BMI was significantly positively correlated with SII. High BMI or SII was associated with significantly lower disease-free survival rates. Hazard ratios for disease progression risk were 6.036, 3.508 and 1.733, for SII, BMI and TNM stage, respectively. Conclusion In patients with luminal breast cancer, high BMI (>23 kg/m2) and SII (>518 × 109/L) levels may predict high endocrine resistance rates. BMI, SII and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors for endocrine therapy resistance.
Consideration of immediate and future consequences, perceived change in the future self, and health behavior

Abstract The present study investigated the link between consideration of immediate and future consequences (CFC-I and CFC-F), and perceived change in the future self (PCFS) to healthy and unhealthy behaviors. Furthermore, we explored the moderation effect of PCFS on the relationship between CFC-I and CFC-F and health behaviors. We observed that CFC-I was linked to unhealthy behaviors, whereas CFC-F was associated with healthy behaviors. PCFS had a direct negative effect on healthy behaviors, and as a moderator, it strengthened the positive effect of CFC-I and dampened the negative effect of CFC-F on unhealthy behaviors. Implications for health communication are discussed.
Beyond self-tracking: Exploring and unpacking four emerging labels of patient data work

Despite the growing attention of researchers, healthcare managers and policy makers, data gathering and information management practices are largely untheorized areas. In this work are presented and discussed some early-stage conceptualizations: patient-generated health data, observations of daily living, quantified self and personal health information management. As I shall try to demonstrate, these labels are not neutral; rather, they underpin quite different perspectives with respect to health, patient–doctor relationship and the status of data.
Association of sunbed use with skin cancer risk factors in Europe: an investigation within the Euromelanoma skin cancer prevention campaign

Sunbed use has been significantly associated with increased risk of melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), but its relationship with melanoma's risk factors such as high nevus count, atypical nevi and lentigines is poorly studied. Euromelanoma is a skin cancer prevention campaign conducted all over Europe. It offers a once‐a‐year screening during which participants’ data, including sunbed use and phenotype, are collected via questionnaires.
Speech therapy students’ perceptions of authentic video cases in a theory module on child language disorders

Background Undergraduate speech-language therapy students often find it difficult to see the relevance of theoretical module content, which may negatively influence their motivation to learn. The real world of their future profession can be brought to life in the theory classroom by including authentic case study examples. Video case studies are well suited to illustrating communication disorders and may also be easier to remember and relate to information already in the long-term memory. Objectives This article describes the perceptions of undergraduate students regarding the inclusion of authentic video cases in a theoretical module on developmental communication disorders. Methods A qualitative, interpretivist research design was followed. Focus-group interviews were conducted with 22 second-year students in the programme B Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy. A modified contextualised content analysis approach was used to analyse interview data. Results The use of authentic video cases was perceived positively by participants. Seeing a realistic example of a person with communication difficulties made it easier to understand, remember and engage with the module content. Participants also felt they could more easily imagine themselves in that clinical context, which seemed to (re-) awaken in them a sense of purpose and motivation. Being presented with real-life communication problems made them realise the relevance of their profession. However, participants experienced cognitive overload at times when the processing requirements of a task exceeded their available cognitive capacity. Conclusion Video cases are valuable tools to enhance students’ engagement with theoretical content. To avoid cognitive overload, a scaffolded multimedia learning experience needs to be provided.
A Comparison of Data Reduction Methods for Average Friction Factor Calculation of Adiabatic Gas Flows in Microchannels

In this paper, a combined numerical and experimental approach for the estimation of the average friction factor along adiabatic microchannels with compressible gas flows is presented. Pressure-drop experiments are performed for a rectangular microchannel with a hydraulic diameter of 295 μm by varying Reynolds number up to 17,000. In parallel, the calculation of friction factor has been repeated numerically and results are compared with the experimental work. The validated numerical model was also used to gain an insight of flow physics by varying the aspect ratio and hydraulic diameter of rectangular microchannels with respect to the channel tested experimentally. This was done with an aim of verifying the role of minor loss coefficients for the estimation of the average friction factor. To have laminar, transitional, and turbulent regimes captured, numerical analysis has been performed by varying Reynolds number from 200 to 20,000. Comparison of numerically and experimentally calculated gas flow characteristics has shown that adiabatic wall treatment (Fanno flow) results in better agreement of average friction factor values with conventional theory than the isothermal treatment of gas along the microchannel. The use of a constant value for minor loss coefficients available in the literature is not recommended for microflows as they change from one assembly to the other and their accurate estimation for compressible flows requires a coupling of numerical analysis with experimental data reduction. Results presented in this work demonstrate how an adiabatic wall treatment along the length of the channel coupled with the assumption of an isentropic flow from manifold to microchannel inlet results in a self-sustained experimental data reduction method for the accurate estimation of friction factor values even in presence of significant compressibility effects. Results also demonstrate that both the assumption of perfect expansion and consequently wrong estimation of average temperature between inlet and outlet of a microchannel can be responsible for an apparent increase in experimental average friction factor in choked flow regime.
0 Gy 2 Gy A 3 D-microtissue-based phenotypic screening of radiation resistant tumor cells with synchronized chemotherapeutic treatment

Background: Radiation resistance presents a challenge to the effective treatment of cancer. If therapeutic compounds were capable of resensitizing resistant tumours then a concurrent chemo-radiation treatment could be used to overcome radiation resistance. Methods: We have developed a phenotypic assay to investigate the response of radiation resistant breast cancer cells grown in 3D-microtissue spheroids to combinations of radiation and established chemotherapeutic drugs. The effects were quantified by real time high content imaging of GFP detection area over 14 days. Ten established chemotherapeutic drugs were tested for their ability to enhance the effects of radiation. Results: Of ten analysed chemotherapeutics, vinblastine was the most effective compound, with docetaxel and doxorubicine being less effective in combination with radiation. To investigate the response in a model closer to the in vivo situation we investigated the response of heterotypic 3D microtissues containing both fibroblasts and breast cancer cells. Drug treatment of these heterotypic 3D cultures confirmed treatment with radiation plus vinblastine to be additive in causing breast cancer growth inhibition. We have validated the screen by comparing radiation sensitizing effects of known chemotherapeutic agents. In both monotypic and heterotypic models the concurrent treatment of vinblastine and radiation proved more effective inhibitors of mammary cancer cell growth. The effective concentration range of both vinblastine and radiation are within the range used in treatment, suggesting the 3D model will offer a highly relevant screen for novel compounds. Conclusions: For the first time comfortable 3D cell-based phenotypic assay is available, that allows high throughput screening of compounds with radiation therapy modulating capacity, opening the field to drug discovery.
Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial study of Fernandoa adenophylla against multidrug resistant urinary tract infection pathogens

In the present study various solvent extracts from the leaves of Fernandoa adenophylla were screened for their phytochemical and antimicrobial potentials. Preliminary phytochemical screening of leaves extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, steroids, reducing sugars and anthracenes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies showed the presence of different functional groups for compounds like alcohol, aldehydes and ketones, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, amides, amines, carboxylic acids, esters, and ethers. All the extracts showed significant antibacterial activities when tested against eight multidrug resistant bacterial strains isolated from urinary tract infection patients. It was concluded that the leaves extracts of F. adenophylla have several vital phytochemical constituents and significant antibacterial activities against multidrug resistant bacterial strains causing urinary tract infections.
From Latin America to Oceania: the historic dispersal of sweetpotato re-examined using AFLP.

Although originally domesticated in tropical America, the sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. ) has a long cultivation history in Oceania. While the post-Columbus dispersal of sweetpotato to Asia and Oceania is well documented, the hypothesis that there was prehistoric transfer by Peruvian or Polynesian voyagers from Peru to Oceania has long been a controversial issue. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and interrelationship of sweetpotato cultivars from Oceania and Latin America and to test the hypothesis of human transfer of this crop to the Pacific Islands in prehistoric time. Seventy-six sweetpotato cultivars from Peru-Ecuador, Mexico, the Philippines and eight Oceania countries were analyzed using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Multidimensional scaling (MDS) and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed wide genetic variation in the Oceania gene pool, greater than that of Peru-Ecuador. There was a significant sweetpotato “gene flow” from Mexico to Oceania. In contrast, there is little association between the Peru-Ecuador germplasm and that of Oceania. These results suggest that Peru-Ecuador may not be the source of the Oceania germplasm. Natural dispersal from Mesoamerica is an alternative explanation to the ‘Kumara hypothesis’ for the origin of the Oceania sweetpotato.
On a nonlinear and chaotic non-ideal vibrating system with shape memory alloy (SMA)

In this paper, we present nonlinear dynamic behaviour of a system which consists of a mass connected to a rigid support by a shape memory alloy (SMA) element and a damper. In order to disturb the system, a DC motor with limited power supply is connected to the mass, causing an interaction between the vibrating structure and the energy source. The SMA element is characterised using a one-dimensional phenomenological constitutive model, based on the classical Devonshire theory. We analyse the non-ideal system in form of two coupled nonlinear differential equations. Some interesting nonlinear phenomena as the Sommerfeld effect and nonlinear resonance including periodic, chaotic and hyperchaotic regime are presented.
FORMULATION AND IN VITROEVALUATION OF FLOATING TABLETS OF CEFPODOXIME PROXETIL

Objective: The objective of research work was to formulate and evaluate the floating drug delivery system containing Cefpodoxime Proxetil using polymer HPMC K4M, Guar Gum. Methods: Effervescent floating tablets containing Cefpodoxime proxetil were prepared by direct compression technique using varying concentrations of different grades of polymer. Results: Physical parameters like hardness, weight variation, thickness and friability were within pharmacopoeial limit. Percentage drug content in all floating tablet formulations was found to be 90% to 110%. The floating time was found to be more than 12 H. floating lag time was found to be 10±2.99 second. Formulation batch F8 was selected as an optimum formulation, as possessing less disintegration time, higher water absorption ratio and good content uniformity i.e. within acceptable limit. % drug release of formulation batch F8 was found to be 96.66% in 0.1 N HCL. Conclusion: The FT-IR studies of batch F8 was carried out which showed the peak values within the spectrum corresponding to the peak values of pure drug.