Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ivabradine Ameliorates Kidney Fibrosis in L-NAME-Induced Hypertension

Hypertension-induced renal injury is characterized by structural kidney alterations and function deterioration. Therapeutics for kidney protection are limited, thus novel renoprotectives in hypertension are being continuously sought out. Ivabradine, an inhibitor of the If current in the sinoatrial node reducing heart rate (HR), was shown to be of benefit in various cardiovascular pathologies. Yet, data regarding potential renoprotection by ivabradine in hypertension are sparse. Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were divided into non-diseased controls and rats with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension to assess ivabradine's site-specific effect on kidney fibrosis. After 4 weeks of treatment, L-NAME increased the average systolic blood pressure (SBP) (by 27%), decreased glomerular density (by 28%) and increased glomerular tuft area (by 44%). Moreover, L-NAME induced glomerular, tubulointerstitial, and vascular/perivascular fibrosis by enhancing type I collagen volume (16-, 19- and 25-fold, respectively). L-NAME also increased the glomerular type IV collagen volume and the tubular injury score (3- and 8-fold, respectively). Ivabradine decreased average SBP and HR (by 8 and 12%, respectively), increased glomerular density (by 57%) and reduced glomerular tuft area (by 30%). Importantly, ivabradine decreased type I collagen volume at all three of the investigated sites (by 33, 38, and 72%, respectively) and enhanced vascular/perivascular type III collagen volume (by 67%). Furthermore, ivabradine decreased the glomerular type IV collagen volume and the tubular injury score (by 63 and 34%, respectively). We conclude that ivabradine attenuated the alterations of glomerular density and tuft area and modified renal fibrosis in a site-specific manner in L-NAME-hypertension. It is suggested that ivabradine may be renoprotective in hypertensive kidney disease.
IN VIVO CYTOKINE PRODUCTION AND RESISTANCE TO INFECTION AFTER ACUTE EXPOSURE TO 3,4-DICHLOROPROPIONANILINE

3,4-Dichloropropionaniline (propanil) is an extensively used postemergent herbicide that has been shown to produce toxic and immunotoxic effects. The present report examined if acute exposure to propanil altered in vitro or in vivo cytokine production in response to antigenic stimulation. Studies to determine resistance to infection by the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes after exposure to propanil were also conducted. Our experiments demonstrate that in vivo exposure to propanil during bacterial infection reduced the subsequent in vitro
Wheelchair Control in a Virtual Environment by Healthy Participants Using a P300-BCI Based on Tactile Stimulation: Training Effects and Usability

Tactile stimulation is less frequently used than visual for brain-computer interface (BCI) control, partly because of limitations in speed and accuracy. Non-visual BCI paradigms, however, may be required for patients who struggle with vision dependent BCIs because of a loss of gaze control. With the present study, we attempted to replicate earlier results by Herweg et al. (2016), with several minor adjustments and a focus on training effects and usability. We invited 16 healthy participants and trained them with a 4-class tactile P300-based BCI in five sessions. Their main task was to navigate a virtual wheelchair through a 3D apartment using the BCI. We found significant training effects on information transfer rate (ITR), which increased from a mean of 3.10–9.50 bits/min. Further, both online and offline accuracies significantly increased with training from 65% to 86% and 70% to 95%, respectively. We found only a descriptive increase of P300 amplitudes at Fz and Cz with training. Furthermore, we report subjective data from questionnaires, which indicated a relatively high workload and moderate to high satisfaction. Although our participants have not achieved the same high performance as in the Herweg et al. (2016) study, we provide evidence for training effects on performance with a tactile BCI and confirm the feasibility of the paradigm.
What Impact Does Accreditation Have on Workplaces? A Qualitative Study to Explore the Perceptions of Healthcare Professionals About the Process of Accreditation

Aim This study seeks to explore the emerging psychosocial risks of healthcare accreditation in workplaces and understand healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perceptions of work demands and the unexpected consequences such accreditation has created for them. Methods Twenty-seven semi-structured interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted with a variety of HCPs, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals. The study was conducted in three public hospitals and a network of primary healthcare centers in the United Arab Emirates. Interviews and focus group discussions were transcribed and analyzed using a theoretical thematic analysis approach. Results The results showed that a number of psychosocial risks were prevalent during the course of accreditation. HCPs faced increased work demands during such a process, including increased working hours, increased working pace, perceived time pressure, and conflicting information. Such demands were perceived to influence not only their health but also their families as well as patients’ care. In contrast, teamwork and coworker support were vital to mitigate the effect of such demands. Implications This study identified emerging risks during the process of accreditation. The findings show that the process of accreditation increases work-related risks before the inspection visit. These findings have significant implications for understanding how accreditation processes increase psychosocial risks; they also consolidate the idea that appropriate systems and support for HCPs should be a priority when planning for accreditation.
Fuel cells that operate at 300° to 500°C

High-conductivity electrolytes are needed for electrochemical systems Reducing the operating temperature of ceramic fuel cells (CFCs) from 800° to 1000°C to the 300°-to-500°C range would improve efficiency, sealing, durability, and cost while still maintaining favorable electrode reaction kinetics as compared with those of low-temperature fuel cells such as polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Developing stable electrolytes with a low ionic resistance and negligible electronic conductivity, however, is challenging. In principle, reducing the electrolyte thickness can reduce the resistance. Fabricating an ultrathin electrolyte requires advanced techniques that inevitably make mass production difficult and costly. Developing new high-conductivity electrolyte materials is another way to address this problem. On page 184 of this issue, Wu et al. (1) report a fuel cell with a distinct, high proton conductivity electrolyte.
Multiple Salinity Equilibria and Resilience of Persian/Arabian Gulf Basin Salinity to Brine Discharge

The Persian/Arabian Gulf is the most important region for seawater desalination. Surrounding countries produce about 50% of global desalinated seawater. If Gulf salinity significantly rises because of desalination effluent (brine), marine ecosystems and the water supply for many population centers will be threatened. In order to quantify current and future impacts of seawater desalination on Gulf salinity and avoid costly environmental problems, it is vital to first examine the present Gulf salinity state and its response to salinity perturbation (i.e., determine its stability). Here, using a coupled Gulf-Atmosphere numerical climate model, we test the hypothesis that the Gulf has a single stable equilibrium state under the current climate. Simulations with different initializations under identical external forcing show that the natural coupled Gulf-Atmosphere system may exhibit a mixture of unstable and stable equilibrium salinity states. When continuous salinity perturbation is added to the simulations, results show that the present Gulf equilibrium state, characterized by annual mean basin-average salinity of about 40.5 g/kg, is stable. We conclude that Gulf basin salinity is resilient to present brine discharge activities under the current climate.
Effects of different culture media on seed germination and subsequent in vitro development of protocorms of Hygrochilus parishii (Veith & Rchb.f.) Pfitz (Orchidaceae)

Seeds of Hygrochilus parishii (Veith & Rchb.f.) Pfitz were inoculated on eight different culture media (basal) MS, MKC, V&W, I&Y and half strength of respective media. Seeds germinated within 15-20 d almost on all media with varying percentage and developed into greenish protocorm after 80-100 d. Best seed germination was observed in 1⁄2 strength MKC medium. Healthy protocorms were observed within 100 d in V&W media. Sub-cultured protocorms in all the above media supplemented with NAA, BAP, 2,4-D and IAA in a range of 0.5-2.0 mg L, both individually and in combination, and additives like banana pulp (BP, 10%) and coconut milk (CM, 15%) produced well developed callus. Multiplication of protocorms was best on 1⁄2 strength MS + NAA (2.0 mg L). Formation of root and leaf was early in V&W medium having CM (15%) and BP (10%) but without sucrose.
Ankle bracing’s effects during a modified agility task: analysis of sEMG, impulse, and time to complete using a crossover, repeated measures design

ABSTRACT This study explored the effects of no braces, softshell (AE), and semi-rigid (T1) ankle braces on time to complete a modified agility task, as well as lower extremity muscle activity and impulse during the change of direction component of the task. Thirty-nine healthy, active individuals completed a modified agility task under the three brace conditions. Time to complete the modified agility task, along with mean surface electromyographic activity (sEMG) and impulse during the deceleration and propulsive phases of the task were measured. There were no significant differences across conditions with respect to sEMG or impulse measures during the deceleration or propulsive phases. There was a significant change in time to complete the modified agility task, F(2,76) = 17.242, p< 0.001, ηp2 = 0.312. Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant increase in time to complete the modified agility task when wearing the AE (0.16 (95% CI, 0.062 to 0.265) seconds, p< 0.001) and T1 (0.20 (95% CI, 0.113 to 0.286) seconds, p< 0.001) ankle braces compared to no braces. It appears that performance on a modified agility task may be diminished when wearing ankle braces, although sEMG activity and impulse are unaffected.
Designing the ASPIRE-SSI study: a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study to assess the incidence and risk factors of surgical site and bloodstream infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus in Europe

Background: There is a continuing need for in-depth and updated knowledge about the epidemiology of surgical site infections (SSIs) caused by Staphylococcus aureus to support the development of effective preventive interventions. The ASPIRE-SSI study aims primarily to determine the incidence of S. aureus SSIs and postoperative bloodstream infections (BSIs) in Europe and to assess their association with patient-related, pathogen-related, and contextual risk factors. Methods: ASPIRE-SSI is a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study primarily assessing the incidence of and risk factors for S. aureus SSI and postoperative BSI in Europe. Five thousand adult surgical patients (of which two-thirds will be S. aureus carriers and one-third non-carriers) undergoing several types of surgical procedures in sites located across Europe were enrolled in the study. Data and specimens were collected from these subjects who were followed for up to 90 days following surgery to assess study outcomes. Using advanced survival analyses and regression techniques (including competing risks models), we will determine event-specific and sub-distribution hazards to assess the independent associations of these study outcomes with risk factors. Additionally, a risk prediction model will be derived to quantify the risk of developing SSI or BSI due to S. aureus. Discussion: Despite the challenges, this study will provide important and contemporary information about the epidemiology of SSI and BSI (and other infections) caused by S. aureus in the current surgical population in Europe, thereby supporting the development of effective preventive interventions.
INHERITANCE OF ADH, 6-PGDH, PGM, AND SKDH IN ALLIUM FISTULOSUM L.

Horizontal starch gel electrophoresis was used to study the inheritance of isozyme phenotypes of four enzyme systems (alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGDH), phosphoglucomutase (PGM), and shikimate dehydrogenase (SKDH)) in Allium fistulosum L. by monitoring segregations in backcross and F 2 progeny. Segregation for most of the polymorphisms fit the expected Mendelian ratios as tested by the chi-square statistic. Three new isozyme loci were defined for onion. Two loci were found for 6-PGDH. Locus one was dimeric with two alleles, and locus two was monomorphic. SKDH was monomeric with two alleles.
Assessing technological change in agri-food systems of the Global South: A review of adoption-impact studies in wheat

Agricultural research-and-development (R&D) systems generate and disseminate new technologies, aiming to enhance crop and livestock production sustainably. Adoption-impact studies analyze farmer acceptance of these innovations and their impacts to identify what was taken up, how it works in farmers’ fields, and the implications thereof. In this paper, we focus on adoption-impact studies in wheat agri-food systems in the Global South and review 47 empirical studies published during 2008–2017. The review focuses on the assessment of technological changes rather than the nature of these changes per se. We document the breadth and adequacy of empirical approaches and methodologies, as well as the diversity and coverage of thematic areas for adoption-impact analyses. The coverage and scope do not fully capture the complex and dynamic technological changes taking place in wheat systems. The reviewed studies typically conceive the adoption process as a dichotomous choice representing the replacement of old inferior practices with new superior ones. Most reviewed impact studies address only the short-term changes associated with innovation adoption on yield and profitability, often assuming that improvements in the living standards of farm households follow de facto. Labor productivity and the ecological and social impacts of technological innovations were largely ignored. We propose several directions to enhance both data availability and analytical rigor, and to reorient future research toward the less-explored but socially, economically, and ecologically relevant topics.
Mutant FOXL2C134W Hijacks SMAD4 and SMAD2/3 to Drive Adult Granulosa Cell Tumors

FOXL2C134W hijacks SMAD4 and leads to the expression of genes involved in EMT, stemness, and oncogenesis in AGCT, making FOXL2C134W and the TGFβ pathway therapeutic targets in this condition. The mutant protein FOXL2C134W is expressed in at least 95% of adult-type ovarian granulosa cell tumors (AGCT) and is considered to be a driver of oncogenesis in this disease. However, the molecular mechanism by which FOXL2C134W contributes to tumorigenesis is not known. Here, we show that mutant FOXL2C134W acquires the ability to bind SMAD4, forming a FOXL2C134W/SMAD4/SMAD2/3 complex that binds a novel hybrid DNA motif AGHCAHAA, unique to the FOXL2C134W mutant. This binding induced an enhancer-like chromatin state, leading to transcription of nearby genes, many of which are characteristic of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. FOXL2C134W also bound hybrid loci in primary AGCT. Ablation of SMAD4 or SMAD2/3 resulted in strong reduction of FOXL2C134W binding at hybrid sites and decreased expression of associated genes. Accordingly, inhibition of TGFβ mitigated the transcriptional effect of FOXL2C134W. Our results provide mechanistic insight into AGCT pathogenesis, identifying FOXL2C134W and its interaction with SMAD4 as potential therapeutic targets to this condition. Significance: FOXL2C134W hijacks SMAD4 and leads to the expression of genes involved in EMT, stemness, and oncogenesis in AGCT, making FOXL2C134W and the TGFβ pathway therapeutic targets in this condition. Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals. org/content/canres/80/17/3466/F1.large. jpg. Graphical Abstract
IMPROVED ACTIVE POWER FILTER PERFORMANCEWITH FOUR LEG VOLTAGE SOURCE INVERTER FORRENEWABLE POWER GENERATION SYSTEMS

Renewable generation effects power quality due to its nonlinearity, since solar generation plants and wind power generators are connected to the grid through high power static converters. The nonlinear loads alsogenerate harmonics that deteriorate power quality of the system.The active power filter has been proved to be an effective method to mitigate harmonic currents. In this paperan active power filter with four leg voltage source inverter using predictive control scheme is implemented, which will compensate current harmonic components as well as unbalanced current generated by single phase non-linear loads.A simple mathematical model of the active power filter is designed with the help of predictive control algorithm.The compensation performance of the proposed active power filter and the associated control scheme under steady state and transient operating conditions is demonstrated through simulation results using MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Real-time Differentiation of Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons Leaves by Using Haar-like Features

This paper proposes a method to differentiate accurately and rapidly Ipomoea spp, a weed, from sugar cane plantation. Weeds compete for water and nutrients with sugar cane thus Ipomoea spp causes losses to production. Ipomoea spp is dicotyledon and sugar cane is a monocotyledon. Because of this, there are differences between them, such as, the venation patterns of leaves. Ipomoea spp has vesiculate venation and sugar cane has parallel venation. Leaves have usually been used for plant identification. This research proposed the Haar-like features to differentiate monocotyledons and dicotyledons. In this method, some templates have been used to identify the venation pattern of plants. Experiments were realized to find the size of the template that correlate a high value between accuracy and a low time of processing. Besides, an Integral image was applied to reduce the processing time of those templates. Other experiments were conducted to analyze the accuracy with leaves in the different rotations because in a real environment the leaves are in many positions. The proposed method has shown a low processing time and satisfactory accuracy comparing to others.
Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 15 (SNHG15) Alleviates Osteoarthritis Progression by Regulation of Extracellular Matrix Homeostasis

Background Growing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), as decoys of microRNAs (miRNAs), are involved in osteoarthritis (OA) progression, but the potential mechanism of lncRNA SNHG15 in OA remains unknown. Thus, the present study explored the molecular mechanism of SNHG15 in OA progression. Material/Methods OA chondrocytes were created by 20 ng/ml IL-1β stimulation, and the experimental OA model was created by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. Cartilage histomorphology was observed by safranin and fast green double dyeing. The relationships between SNHG15 and miR-7, KLF4, and miR-7 were determined by dual-luciferase assay or RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expressions of Ki67, collagen II, and Aggrecan. Moreover, SNHG15, miR-7, KLF4, MMP3, ADAMTS5, COL2A1, Aggrecan, and β-catenin expressions were assessed by qRT-PCR or Western blot. The methylation status of SNHG15 promoter was evaluated by MS-PCR. Results Underexpression of KLF4 and SHNG15 and overexpression of miR-7 were found in human OA knee cartilage tissues and IL-1β-stimulated OA chondrocytes. SHNG15 overexpression significantly inhibited ECM degradation and promoted chondrocyte formation of OA chondrocytes. Furthermore, SNHG15 regulated KLF4 expression by sponging miR-7. Further analysis found that SNHG15 significantly inhibited β-catenin in OA chondrocytes. SNHG15 had a higher level of methylation in human OA tissues than in normal cartilage tissues. Conclusions Our results revealed that SNHG15 alleviated OA progression by regulating ECM homeostasis, which provides a promising target for OA therapy.
Comorbid pain experiences in young women with dysmenorrhea

ABSTRACT The association among dysmenorrhea, chronic pain, and conditions classified as central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) is largely unknown. We investigated the co-occurrence of dysmenorrhea with chronic pain and other CSS (e.g., fibromyalgia, migraines); and, whether severity of menstrual symptoms was associated with severity of chronic pain and of somatic symptoms. Women from a mid-sized Canadian university women (N = 248, Mage = 21.52) completed measures of menstrual pain severity, chronic pain severity, somatic symptoms severity, and the presence of comorbid CSS. Pearson’s correlations assessed the relationship between severity of dysmenorrhea, chronic pain, and somatic symptoms. MANOVA procedures assessed the interaction between dysmenorrhea and chronic pain and χ2 analyses were used to test the frequency of CSS among women with dysmenorrhea. Higher ratings of menstrual symptom severity were associated with increased chronic pain severity (r =.66, p <.001), and somatic symptom severity (r =.66, p <.001). Women with dysmenorrhea were not more likely to experience chronic pain, but were more likely to report a CSS, χ2 (1) = 5.12, p <. 05. Dysmenorrhea symptoms may extend beyond the menstrual phase and be associated with more severe symptoms among women with comorbid pain and somatic concerns.
Immunohistochemical Study of Caspase 3 and Cyclin D1 In Bilharzial Bladder Cancer and Their Significance

12 Abstract: Tumor growth is the result of cell excessive proliferation and lack of apoptosis. Apoptosis has been considered to be closely associated with Caspase-3. Cell cycle proteins are important markers in predicting tumor behavior in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder over expression of the D1 cyclins allow uncontrolled tumour cell proliferation. This study was designed to investigate the expression of Caspase-3 and cyclin D1 to evaluate their role on the tumorgenesis and progression in bladder cancer (associated with bilharziasis or not associated). The immunohistochemistry (SP method) was used to determine the expression of caspase-3 and cyclin D1 in 45 cases of Bladder cancer (30 TCC and 15 SCC), 10 control and 10 bilharzial cystitis. Caspase 3 was present as faint intracytoplasmic brownish staining of the urothelial cells in 90% of control cases, 80% in benign conditions and 48% of bladder cancer cases. The protein expression level of Caspase-3 was 48% of Bladder cancer cases (24/45) which was significantly lower than that in normal bladder samples (P< 0.001). Caspase-3 expression level was decreases in SCC compared to TCC cases P< 0.05, also caspase 3 showed decrease expression in bilharzial compared to non bilharzial cancer cases P< 0.01. Caspase-3 expression level was correlated with the grades of TCC (P< 0.01), and with clinical stages (P< 0.05). The overall expression of cyclin-D in malignant conditions was 50.6%. Cyclin-D was not expressed in control cases and was expressed in only 10% in bilharzial cystitis. Expression of cyclin-D was more significant in low-grade and superficial tumors than in high-grade and invasive tumors. In conclusion, Caspase 3 and cyclin-D expression in bladder tissue may be of help in detection of bladder cancer and can be used more effectively in combination with other tumor markers.