Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of decellularization methods using human small intestinal submucosa for scaffold generation in regenerative medicine

Porcine small intestinal submucosa, despite its successful use as a scaffold in regenerative medicine, has innate biomechanical heterogeneity. In this study, we hypothesized that human small intestinal submucosa could be a viable alternative bio‐scaffold. For the first time, we characterize submucosal extraction from human small intestine and examine appropriate decellularization methods. In total, 16 human small intestinal submucosal samples were obtained and decellularized using three reported methods of porcine decellularization: Abraham, Badylak, and Luo. For each method, four specimens were decellularized. The remaining four specimens were designated as non‐decellularized. We measured the amount of residual DNA and growth factors in decellularized human intestinal samples. Additionally, decellularized human small intestinal submucosa was co‐cultured with mouse bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells to examine mesenchymal stem cell survival and proliferation. The reference value for the amount of residual DNA deemed appropriate in decellularized tissue was established as 50 ng/mg of extracellular matrix dry weight or less. Abraham's method most successfully met this criterion. Measurement of residual growth factors revealed low levels observed in samples decellularized using the Abraham and Badylak methods. Co‐culture of each small intestinal submucosal sample with mouse bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells confirmed viable cell survival and proliferation in samples derived using protocols by Abraham and Badylak. Abraham's method most successfully met the criteria for efficient tissue decellularization and cell viability and proliferation. Thus, we consider this method most suitable for decellularization of human small intestinal submucosa.
Posterolateral Rotatory Instability Develops Following the Modified Kocher Approach and Does Not Resolve Following Interval Repair

Background: The modified Kocher and extensor digitorum communis (EDC)-splitting intervals are commonly utilized to approach the lateral elbow. Iatrogenic injury to the lateral ulnar collateral ligament may result in posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI). in the present cadaveric study, we (1) evaluated lateral elbow stability following the use of these approaches and (2) assessed the accuracy of static lateral elbow radiographs as a diagnostic tool for PLRI. Methods: Ten matched-pair cadaveric upper-extremity specimens (n = 20) were randomly assigned to Kocher or EDC-splitting approaches. Specimens underwent evaluation pre-dissection, post-dissection, and following repair of the surgical interval. Clinical evaluation of lateral elbow stability was performed with the lateral pivot-shift maneuver. Radiographic radiocapitellar displacement was evaluated with the fully extended hanging arm test and on lateral elbow 30° flexion radiographs. Paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with Bonferroni correction were utilized to compare groups. Results: All Kocher group specimens (10 of 10) developed PLRI on the pivot-shift maneuver following dissection. No EDC-splitting group specimens (0 of 10) developed instability with pivot-shift testing. The fully extended hanging arm test showed no difference in radiocapitellar displacement between groups (p > 0.008). Lateral elbow 30° flexion radiographs in the Kocher group showed an increased radiocapitellar displacement difference (mean, 8.46 mm) following dissection compared with the pre-dissection baseline (p < 0.008). Following repair of the Kocher interval, the radiocapitellar displacement (mean, 6.43 mm) remained greater than pre-dissection (mean, 2.26 mm; p < 0.008). In the EDC-splitting group, no differences were detected in radiocapitellar displacement on lateral elbow radiographs with either the fully extended hanging arm or lateral elbow 30° flexion positions. Conclusions: The Kocher approach produced PLRI that did not return to baseline conditions following repair of the surgical interval. The EDC-splitting approach did not cause elbow instability clinically or radiographically. The hanging arm test was not reliable for the detection of PLRI. Clinical Relevance: The Kocher interval for lateral elbow exposure results in iatrogenic PLRI that is not detectable on the hanging arm test and that does not return to baseline stability following repair of the surgical interval.
A two‐step log‐linear procedure for graphical representation and inference of associations in cross‐classified data for disease diagnosis

Biometrical sciences and disease diagnosis in particular, are often concerned with the analysis of associations for cross‐classified data, for which distance association models give us a graphical interpretation for non‐sparse matrices with a low number of categories. In this framework, usually binary exploratory and response variables are present, with analysis based on individual profiles being of great interest. For saturated models, we show the usual linear relationship for log‐linear models is preserved in full dimension for the distance association parameterization. This enables a two‐step procedure to facilitate the analysis and the interpretation of associations in terms of unfolding after the overall and main effects are removed. The proposed procedure can deal with cross‐classified data for profiles by binary variables, and it is easy to implement using traditional statistical software. For disease diagnosis, the problems of a degenerate solution in the unfolding representation, and that of determining significant differences between the profile locations are addressed. A hypothesis test of independence based on odds ratio is considered. Furthermore, a procedure is proposed to determine the causes of the significance of the test, avoiding the problem of error propagation. The equivalence between a test for equality of odds ratio pairs and the test for equality of location for two profiles in the unfolding representation in the disease diagnosis is shown. The results have been applied to a real example on the diagnosis of coronary disease, relating the odds ratios with performance parameters of the diagnostic test.
Efficiency evaluation of Falcaria vulgaris biomass in Co(II) uptake from aquatic environments: characteristics, kinetics and optimization of operational variables.

In the present research, the seeds of Falcaria vulgaris were extracted from the investigated environment and used for crop cultivation. This study has focused on the efficiency evaluation of Falcaria vulgaris biomass (FVB) in cobalt ions removal from aqueous solutions. The biosorbent was characterized using FTIR, BET, EDAX-EDS, and SEM. The optimal conditions were determined by the response surface methodology (RSM) based on a Box-Behnken design (BBD) model. The BBD model had R2, Radj2 and Rpred2 values of 0.9919, 0.9774, and 0.8929, respectively. The cobalt removal under different conditions of the BBD model varied from 36.14% to 82.11%. Based on the numerical optimization of the quadratic model, the maximum cobalt removal at a biosorbent-to-metal ratio of 10:1, pH = 4.88 and contact time of 70 min was calculated at 80.941%. The high accuracy of the model in predicting the optimal conditions for cobalt adsorption by FVB was confirmed using statistical analysis and validation tests. The adsorption process of FVB also follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which suggests that the rate-controlling step in cobalt removal is the chemical interaction between functional groups in FVB and Co+2 ions. This study shows that FVB, a low-cost biosorbent, can be a suitable candidate for removing heavy metals such as cobalt from aqueous solutions.
Double filtration plasmapheresis combined with rituximab for donor‐specific antibody desensitization in haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Donor‐specific anti‐HLA antibodies (DSA) are a major cause of engraftment failure in patients receiving haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Haplo‐HSCT). Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) avoids the unnecessary loss of plasma proteins and increases the efficiency of purification. To investigate the effectiveness of the desensitization protocol including DFPP and rituximab, we conducted a nested case–control study. Thirty‐three patients who had positive DSA were desensitized by the protocol and 99 patients with negative DSA were randomly matched as control. The median DSA mean fluorescence intensity values before and after DFPP treatment were 7505.88 ± 4424.38 versus 2013.29 ± 4067.22 (p < 0.001). All patients in DSA group achieved haematopoietic reconstitution and the median neutrophils and platelets engraftment times were 13 (10–21) and 13 (10–29) days respectively. Although the cumulative incidence of II–IV aGVHD (41.4% vs. 28.1%) and 3‐year moderate to severe cGVHD (16.8% vs. 7.2%) were higher in DSA cohort than in the control, no statistical significance was observed. The 3‐year non‐relapse mortality and the overall survival were 6.39% and 72.0%, respectively, in the DSA cohort, which were comparable to the negative control. In conclusion, DFPP and rituximab could be effectively used for desensitization and overcome the negative effects of DSA in Haplo‐HSCT.
Gut feelings in the islets: The role of the gut microbiome and the FFA2 and FFA3 receptors for short chain fatty acids on β‐cell function and metabolic regulation

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are biosynthesized via fermentation of polysaccharides by gastrointestinal microbiota and have been shown to have wide‐reaching effects on almost all tissues, including the pancreatic islets. Historically, the effects of SCFAs have been attributed to their intracellular metabolism and function as energy sources, but the discovery of free fatty acid G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the 2000s suggested that many functional outcomes of SCFAs are receptor‐mediated. The SCFA receptors FFA2/GPR43 and FFA3/GPR41 are expressed on β‐cells, where they regulate glucose‐dependent insulin secretion, making them attractive targets for treatment of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Here, we provide an update on the current evidence regarding regulation of FFA2/FFA3 receptors by specific probiotic bacterial species within the gut microbiome that synthesize SCFAs. We also review the body of research regarding the FFA2‐ and FFA3 receptor‐specific function of SCFAs on β‐cells and discuss the somewhat controversial and opposing findings within these studies.
Emergence of a new genotype of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Influenza virological surveillance was conducted in Bangladesh from January to December 2021 in live poultry markets (LPMs) and in Tanguar Haor, a wetland region where domestic ducks have frequent contact with migratory birds. The predominant viruses circulating in LPMs were low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 and clade 2.3. 2.1a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses. Additional LPAIs were found in both LPM (H4N6) and Tanguar Haor wetlands (H7N7). Genetic analyses of these LPAIs strongly suggested long-distance movement of viruses along the Central Asian migratory bird flyway. We also detected a novel clade 2.3. 4.4b H5N1 virus from ducks in free-range farms in Tanguar Haor that was similar to viruses first detected in October 2020 in The Netherlands but with a different PB2. Identification of clade 2.3. 4.4b HPAI H5N1 viruses in Tanguar Haor provides continued support of the role of migratory birds in transboundary movement of influenza A viruses (IAV), including HPAI viruses. Domestic ducks in free range farm in wetland areas, like Tangua Haor, serve as a conduit for the introduction of LPAI and HPAI viruses into Bangladesh. Clade 2.3. 4.4b viruses have dominated in many regions of the world since mid-2021, and it remains to be seen if these viruses will replace the endemic clade 2.3. 2.1a H5N1 viruses in Bangladesh.
Almonds vs. carbohydrate snacks in an energy‐restricted diet: Weight and cardiometabolic outcomes from a randomized trial

This study evaluated weight and cardiometabolic outcomes after a 3‐month energy‐restricted diet (−30%) containing almonds (almond‐enriched diet [AED]) or containing carbohydrate‐rich snacks (nut‐free control diet [NFD]) (Phase 1), followed by 6 months of weight maintenance (Phase 2).
Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR) after Implantation of a Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED)—One-Year Observation of Patients with or without Left Ventricular Dysfunction

The frequency of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) progression after cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) implantation varies from 7.2% to 44.7%. TR is associated with increased mortality and hospitalizations due to heart failure (HF) decompensation. The aim of this study was to assess the rate of early TR progression after CIED implantation and the frequency of HF decompensation and mortality. The 101 patients, who received a CIED between March 2020 and October 2021, before the procedure were divided into two groups–one with left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 40% (n = 60) and one with LVEF < 40% (n = 41). Lead-related tricuspid regurgitation (LRTR) was defined as an increase of TR by at least one grade. The follow-up period was similar between both groups and was on average 13 (12–16) months. In the whole study group, TR progression by one grade was 34.6% and by two or more grades 15.8%. The significant changes in the dynamic of TR degree were as follows before and after implantation: none/trivial TR in group 1 (61.7% vs. 28.3%, p = 0.01) and severe/massive TR in group 2 (0.0% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.03). The groups did not differ from each other in terms of survival from decompensation of HF (18.3% vs. 36.6%, p = 0.70) and survival from death (1.7% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.16). At the one-year follow-up, the baseline LVEF did not affect the survival rate from death or HF decompensation among patients with a progression of TR after CIED implantation. In this study, a progression by one grade was more common in group 1, but the occurrence of severe/massive TR after implantation was more specific for group 2.
Power Electronics , Machines and Drives ( PEMD 2018 ) State-variable and cyclic-averaging analysis of bidirectional CLLC resonant converters

The study proposes the application of state variable and cyclic-averaging modelling techniques for analysis of bidirectional, dual active bridge, CLLC resonant converters. The techniques are applied for converters operating under single phase-shift modulation in forward and reverse modes and the equation description is obtained for both models. The design of the converter is presented and the simulation results obtained are compared to a Spice-based simulation to verify the accuracy of the proposed models. Results show the models are suitable to represent the behaviour of CLLC converters under single phase-shift modulation. In addition, when using the cyclic-averaging technique integration is not required to solve the model, which results in a considerably rapid analysis when compared to the execution times of state variable and Spice-based models.
What's new in shoulder and elbow surgery.

This annual update on shoulder and elbow surgery is a review of the most pertinent and impactful studies published from January 2013 to February 2014. It includes clinical and basic science articles from The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American Volume), the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, The American Journal of Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery. The level of evidence is indicated at the end of each review (when known), and particular attention should be paid to the Level-I and II studies as they represent randomized, controlled investigations.
Detection of the β-lactoglobulin genotype in zebu cattle (Gangatiri) milk using high-resolution accurate mass spectroscopy

Abstract We studied the genetic polymorphism of beta-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) whey protein in Gangatiri zebu cows for this Research Communication. The polymorphic nature of milk protein fractions and their association with milk production traits, composition and quality has attracted several efforts in evaluating the allelic distribution of protein locus as a potential dairy trait marker. Genetic variants of β-Lg have highly significant effects on casein number (B > A) and protein recovery (B > A) and also determine the yield of cheese dry matter (B > A). Molecular techniques of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and high-resolution accurate mass-spectroscopy were applied to characterize the β-Lg protein obtained from the Gangatiri breed milk. Sequence analysis of β-Lg showed the presence of variant B having UniProt database accession number P02754, coded on the PAEP gene. Our study can provide reference and guidance for the selection of superior milk (having β-LgB) from this indigenous breed that could potentially give a good yield of β-Lg for industrial applications.
Twenty-five years of research in cardiac imaging in electrophysiology procedures for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias

Abstract Catheter ablation is nowadays considered the treatment of choice for numerous cardiac arrhythmias in different clinical scenarios. Fluoroscopy has traditionally been the primary imaging modality for catheter ablation, providing real-time visualization of catheter navigation. However, its limitations, such as inadequate soft tissue visualization and exposure to ionizing radiation, have prompted the integration of alternative imaging modalities. Over the years, advancements in imaging techniques have played a pivotal role in enhancing the safety, efficacy, and efficiency of catheter ablation procedures. This manuscript aims to explore the utility of imaging, including electroanatomical mapping, cardiac computed tomography, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and nuclear cardiology exams, in helping electrophysiology procedures. These techniques enable accurate anatomical guidance, identification of critical structures and substrates, and real-time monitoring of complications, ultimately enhancing procedural safety and success rates. Incorporating advanced imaging technologies into routine clinical practice has the potential to further improve clinical outcomes of catheter ablation procedures and pave the way for more personalized and precise ablation therapies in the future.
Design and development of a detector system and software tool installed on a mobile laboratory to provide both radiological characterisation of large areas and a simple tool for localising radioactive sources

In emergency situations where an immediate response is required to make appropriate decisions by the competent authorities, it is essential to have measurement tools that provide results as accurate as possible in real-time. This paper presents the description of the upgrade of the mobile laboratory of the Radiological Alert Network of Extremadura, focusing on the characterisation of radioactive-contaminated land during emergency situations and the detection of radioactive sources. The detector system is based on two scintillation detectors and a car-borne dose rate monitor. Additionally, a software tool has been developed to collect information from the different devices involved (detectors, GPS, etc) and display it in an intuitive manner. This system has been tested in an area of a former phosphate facility where soils remain contaminated to varying degrees with radionuclides of TE-NORM origin.
Permutation multivariate analysis of variance on real data and simulations to evaluate for robustness against dispersion and unbalancedness

The study is inspired in data collected at Cenpat (Conicet) in a coastal area of Puerto Madryn in Patagonia (Argentina) to evaluate the effect of seabird colonies in the cycle of coastal water? s nutrients (chlorophyll, nitrogen, phosphate, silicate). It is divided in two parts, a Simulation study and the real case Analysis.
NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS

Urate oxidase, or uricase (EC 1.7.3.3), is a peroxisomal enzyme that catalyses the oxidation of uric acid to allantoin. The chemical mechanism of the urate oxidase reaction has not been clearly established, but the involvement of radical intermediates was hypothesised. In this study EPR spectroscopy by spin trapping of radical intermediates has been used in order to demonstrate the eventual presence of radical transient urate species. The oxidation reaction of uric acid by several uricases (Porcine Liver, Bacillus Fastidiosus, Candida Utilitis) was performed in the presence of 5-diethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-pyrroline-N-oxide (DEPMPO) as spin trap. DEPMPO was added to reaction mixture and a radical adduct was observed in all cases. Therefore, for the first time, the presence of a radical intermediate in the uricase reaction was experimentally proved.
Radial velocity study of the roAp star HR 1217

We analyse 1160 high-dispersion echelle spectra of the roAp star HR 1217 obtained over two 2-week runs. Radial velocities were obtained by cross-correlating with three different templates: a spectrum of a normal star, a spectrum of HR 1217 itself and a spectrum containing only lines of rare-earth elements. We show that rotational modulation is present in the radial velocities calculated using the normal star template and the rare-earth template, but with opposite phases. The roAp pulsations are not detected in the radial velocities from the normal star template, are weakly present in the radial velocities using a template of the star itself and are of large amplitude in the radial velocities obtained using a template containing only rare-earth lines. The pulsation frequencies are, as far as we can tell, identical to those obtained photometrically, although only the mode of largest amplitude is detected independently. These observations confirm that the pulsations in roAp stars are strongly concentrated at the magnetic poles, which is also the location where the rare-earth elements are overabundant. A strong core-wing anomaly is present in the Ha profile of the star.
NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS

Oligonucleotides carrying an aldehyde moiety at the 3’-end were synthesized by the oxidation of a 1,2-diol precursor. These were coupled to peptides bearing a cysteine residue for thiazolidine formation and an aminooxy group for oxime formation. The conjugation reaction proved very efficient and selective, thereby allowing the preparation of 3’-peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates in good yield. The conjugation was achieved in aqueous solution without using any protection strategy. Moreover, the present approach neither requires the use of peptide in excess nor changes the hybridization properties of the conjugates.
NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS

The intracellular metabolism of 3’-azido-3’-deoxythymidine (AZT)-(L)-tryptophan methyl ester phosphoramidate (L-ATO) and AZT-(L)-phenylalanine methyl ester phosphoramidate (L-APO) by the human T-lymphoblastoid cell line CCRF-CEM (CEM-1.3) and peripheral blood mononuclear cell line (PBMC) was investigated with high field P NMR spectroscopy. The AZT amino acid phosphoramidates were shown to accumulate intracellularly and to be readily converted into AZT-MP by both tissues types. Thus, the efficient delivery of nucleoside monophosphates to cells can be facilitated by nucleoside phosphoramidate pronucleotides.