Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treating mesenchymal stem cells with hepatocyte growth factor enhances cardiac markers

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) derived from adult bone marrow are multipotent cells shown to have increased differentiation potential when cultured in reduced-oxygen (2% O2) environments. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a mesodermal cytokine critical for organ formation during embryogenesis, including cardiogenesis. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that culturing hMSCs in reduced O2 conditions with media supplemented with HGF increases the expression of cardiac myocyte markers. RT-PCR demonstrated expression of myocyte specific α-Actinin (ACTN2) and myocyte enhancement factor 2C (MEF2C) in reduced-O2/HGF+ treated cells. Real time PCR showed an 11-fold increase in ACTN2 and 2-fold increase in MEF2C in reduced-O2/HGF+ treated cells compared to hMSCs cultured in atmospheric-O2/HGF- conditions. These results suggest that the combination of low oxygen and HGF may increase the cardiac differentiation capabilities of hMSCs.
The relationships between dietary α-linolenic: linoleic acid and rat platelet eicosapentaenoic and arachidonic acids

Increased dietary intake of α-linolenic acid (ALA) may be desirable to enrich tissue eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) but competition between n-3 and n-6 fatty acids for enzymes involved in elongation and subsequent acylation will determine the relative proportions of phospholipid fatty acids. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of altering the dietary ALA: linoleic acid (LA) ratio on rat platelet EPA and arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4n-6) concentrations. Sprague Dawley rats were fed on diets containing 30% total energy as fat with approximately 10% each of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids with one of the following ALA:LA values; 1:7, l:4, l:1 or 1.3:1 (nine rats per group). After 4 weeks, blood was withdrawn from the abdominal aorta and platelet fatty acids analysed. The proportion of EPA was greater at the 1:1 and 1·3:1 ratios compared with the 1:7 and 1:4 (P < 0·05), and a decrease in AA was observed (P < 0·05) at the higher ratios. It was established that the platelet EPA:AA value increased (P < 0·05) as the dietary ALA:LA value increased
Graph theoretic approach for metabolism disruption and developing a drug targeting methodology for the cure of tuberculosis . Veeky Baths

Various networks, such as transcriptional, gene regulatory, metabolic or protein-protein interaction networks of various organisms have been studied, which provide insights into metabolism and regulation. Here, we have attempted to construct the metabolic network of Mycobacterium tuberculosis wherein the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway was chosen for analysis of the potential drug targeting. The metabolic network was constructed based on the KEGG LIGAND database, followed by graph spectral analysis of the network to identify hubs as well as sub-clustering of the reactions. Analysis of the eigen values and spectrum of the normalized laplacian matrix of the reaction pathway indicate the enzyme catalyzing ACP – Acetyl ACP may considered as a potential drug target.
Cantharidin Overcomes Imatinib Resistance by Depleting BCR-ABL in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Cantharidin (CTD) is an active compound isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine blister beetle and displayed anticancer properties against various types of cancer cells. However, little is known about its effect on human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells, including imatinib-resistant CML cells. The objective of this study was to investigate whether CTD could overcome imatinib resistance in imatinib-resistant CML cells and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms associated with the effect. Our results showed that CTD strongly inhibited the growth of both imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant CML cells. CTD induced cell cycle arrest at mitotic phase and triggered DNA damage in CML cells. The ATM/ATR inhibitor CGK733 abrogated CTD-induced mitotic arrest but promoted the cytotoxic effects of CTD. In addition, we demonstrated that CTD downregulated the expression of the BCR-ABL protein and suppressed its downstream signal transduction. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed that CTD inhibited BCR-ABL at transcriptional level. Knockdown of BCR-ABL increased the cell-killing effects of CTD in K562 cells. These findings indicated that CTD overcomes imatinib resistance through depletion of BCR-ABL. Taken together, CTD is an important new candidate agent for CML therapy.
A treatment effect model to fit the fair-price-shop intervention approach of West-African food reserve policies: an application to Benin Republic food reserve policy fair-price-shop program

Since the 2007-2008 world food crisis and accounting for the recurrent food crises which have affected West-Africa region within the last two decades; West-African countries have re-launched procurement programs and rebuilt food stocks. In Benin the procurement program was launched in 2008-2009. It is a state intervention on cereals market through the food reserve system. The food reserve policy operates two programs: a) market access program and b) food subsidy program implementing the fair-price-shop approach. The stratified random sampling technic was used and consumers households were clustered into participants and non-participants in the fair-price-shop program. Data were collected in 2014, 6 years after the start of the food reserve policy. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used and 210 respondents were surveyed. A treatment effect model was developed to accommodate the program operation rules; it accommodates simultaneous effect and variables of different types. The Multivariate Endogenous Treatment Effect model reveals that Fair-price-shop intervention approach as safety net program is effective at stabilizing maize market price, facilitating access to staple in shortage times and at selecting the periods for stocks release. Further it informs also, about the effectiveness of the program design in targeting the appropriate beneficiaries. Keywords: food reserve policy, fair-price-shop approach, Multivariate Endogenous Treatment Effect model. Acknowledgement :
The Usefulness of Surgical Treatment in Slow-Flow Vascular Malformation Patients

Background Many difficulties exist in establishing a treatment plan for slow-flow vascular malformation (SFVM). In particular, little research has been conducted on the surgical treatment of SFVMs. Thus, we investigated what proportion of SFVM patients were candidates for surgical treatment in clinical practice and how useful surgical treatment was in those patients. Methods This study included 109 SFVM patients who received care at the authors’ clinic from 2007 to 2015. We classified the patients as operable or non-operable, and analyzed whether the operability and the extent of the excision varied according to the subtype and location of the SFVM. Additionally, we investigated complications and self-assessed satisfaction scores. Results Of the 109 SFVM patients, 59 (54%) were operable, while 50 (46%) were nonoperable. Total excision could be performed in 44% of the operable SFVM patients. Lymphatic malformations were frequently non-operable, while capillary malformations were relatively operable (P=0.042). Total excision of venous malformations could generally be performed, while lymphatic malformations and combined vascular malformations generally could only undergo partial excision (P=0.048). Complications occurred in 11% of the SFVM patients who underwent surgery; these were minor complications, except for 1 case. The average overall satisfaction score was 4.19 out of 5. Conclusions Based on many years of experience, we found that approximately half (54%) of SFVM patients were able to undergo surgery, and around half (44%) of those patients were able to fully recover after a total excision. Among the patients who underwent surgical treatment, high satisfaction was found overall and relatively few complications were reported.
Few-cycle Surface Plasmon Polariton Generation by Rotating Wavefront Pulses

A concept for the efficient generation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) with a duration of very few cycles is presented. The scheme is based on grating coupling and laser pulses with wavefront rotation (WFR), so that the resonance condition for SPP excitation is satisfied only for a time window shorter than the driving pulse. The feasibility and robustness of the technique is investigated by means of simulations with realistic parameters. In optimal conditions, we find that a $29.5$~fs pulse with $800$~nm wavelength can excite a $3.8$~fs SPP ($\sim 1.4$ laser cycles) with a peak field amplitude $2.7$ times the peak value for the laser pulse.
Transparent biocompatible sensor patches for touch sensitive prosthetic limbs

The paper presents the fabrication of transparent, flexible sensor patches developed using a casting technique with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as substrate and a nanocomposite of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and PDMS as interdigital electrodes. The electrodes act as strain sensitive capacitor. The prototypes were used as touch sensitive sensors attached to the limbs. Experiments results show the sensitivity of the patches towards tactile sensing. The results are very promising and can play a key role in the development of a cost efficient sensing system attached to prosthetic limbs.
REPRODUCIBILITY OF AN ANIMAL MODEL SIMULATING COMPLEX COMBAT-RELATED INJURY IN A MULTIPLE-INSTITUTION FORMAT

We developed a complex combat-relevant model of abdominal and extremity trauma, hemorrhagic shock, hypothermia, and acidosis. We then simulated injury, preoperative, and operative phases. We hypothesized that this model is reproducible and useful for randomized multicenter preclinical trials. Yorkshire swine were anesthetized, intubated, and instrumented. They then underwent femur fracture, 60% total blood volume hemorrhage, a 30-min shock period, induced hypothermia to 33°C, and hemorrhage volume replacement with 3:1 isotonic sodium chloride solution (NS) at each of three centers. Hemodynamic parameters were measured continuously. Thromboelastography, arterial blood gas, and laboratory values were collected at baseline, after the shock period, and after NS replacement. Thirty-seven animals were used for model development. Eight (21%) died before completion of the study period. Twenty-nine survivors were included in the analysis. MAP (±SEM) after the shock period was 32 ± 2 mmHg and was similar between centers (P = 0.4). Mean pH, base deficit, and lactate levels were 7.29 ± 0.02, 8.20 ± 0.65 mmol/L, and 5.29 ± 0.44 mmol/L, respectively, after NS replacement. These were similar between centers (P > 0.05). Prothrombin time values increased significantly over time at all centers, reflecting a progressive coagulopathy (P < 0.02). Thromboelastography maximum amplitude values were similar among centers (P > 0.05) and demonstrated progressively weakened platelet interaction over time (P < 0.03). Hematocrit was similar after controlled hemorrhage (P = 0.15) and dilution (P = 0.9). The pH, lactate, base deficit, and coagulation tests reflect a severely injured state. A complex porcine model of polytrauma and shock canbe used for multi-institutional study with excellent reproducibility. A consistent severe injury profile was achieved, afterwhich experimental interventions can be applied. This is the first report of a reproducible multicenter trauma and resuscitation-related animal model.
Influence of Interleukin 10 and Transforming Growth Factor-β on T Cell Stimulation through Allogeneic Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells in vitro

The effect of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) on the immunological capability of human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells was tested by measuring the proliferation of allogeneic T cells after stimulation through the RPE cells in vitro. For this, human RPE cells were activated with different concentrations of interferon-γ (0, 50, 100 and 250 U/ml) used as stimulator cells. The following T cell proliferation was measured with a tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay over a period of up to 4 days. Our results show that RPE cells are able to stimulate allogeneic T cells in the presence or absence of professional antigen-presenting cells (macrophages). Additionally, the proliferation could be significantly decreased by IL-10 or TGF-β. The maximum of suppression, especially by TGF-β, was found after 48 and 72 h of incubation. This shows that the antigen-presenting properties of human RPE cells can be altered in culture.
Dynamic Power Conditioning Method of Microgrid Via Adaptive Inverse Control

Different microsources have different frequency regulation functions and capabilities. The droop control can allocate power among the microsources according to the operation demand during system dynamics; however, the steady-state frequency often deviates from the rated value because of the droop characteristics. To ensure the precise condition of power and the stability of frequency even in a low-voltage network, this paper puts forward an improved droop control algorithm based on coordinate rotational transformation. With the ability to accurately regulate the unbalance power, this method realizes self-discipline parallel operation of microsources. Furthermore, an adaptive inverse control strategy applied to modified power conditioning is developed. With an online adjustment of modified P-f droop coefficient for the frequency of microgrid to track the rated frequency, the strategy guarantees maintaining the frequency of microgrid at the rated value and meeting the important customers' frequency requirements. The simulation results from a multibus microgrid show the validity and feasibility of the proposed control scheme.
Sensory Properties of Thai Fish Sauces and Their Categorization

Sensory characteristics of Thai fish sauces is one of the most important factors of consumer perception. This study aims to characterize sensory properties of Thai fish sauces, and to categorize Thai fish sauces based on the sensory properties. Twenty samples composing of 12 commercial Thai fish sauces (P) and 8 commercial Thai mixed fish sauces (M) were collected. Generic descriptive quantitative analysis with twelve trained panelists was used to determine and compare the sensory characteristics of samples. The results showed that there were fifteen sensory descriptors which were brown color, five aromatics (sweet, caramelized, fermented, fishy, and musty), four tastes (sweet, salty, bitter, and umami), and five aftertastes (sweet aftertaste, salty aftertaste, bitter aftertaste, caramelized flavor, and fishy flavor). P samples had significant difference in all of sensory characteristics from M samples (p<0.05). In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) could reduce those sensory attributes into two independent principal components, which accounted for 55.14% of the total variance, and could categorize samples into four groups. The first principal component (PC1) separated samples into two groups which high and low degree of fishy aromatic, fishy flavor, sweet aftertaste, caramelized flavor and umami taste. The second PC also separated samples from PC1 in another two groups which high and low degree of caramelized aromatic, sweet taste, sweet aromatic, salty taste, salty aftertaste, musty aromatic and fermented aromatic.
Reelin controls position of autonomic neurons in the spinal cord.

Mutation of the reeler gene (Reln) disrupts neuronal migration in several brain regions and gives rise to functional deficits such as ataxic gait and trembling in the reeler mutant mouse. Thus, the Reln product, reelin, is thought to control cell-cell interactions critical for cell positioning in the brain. Although an abundance of reelin transcript is found in the embryonic spinal cord [Ikeda, Y. & Terashima, T. (1997) Dev. Dyn. 210, 157-172; Schiffmann, S. N. , Bernier, B. & Goffinet, A. M. (1997) Eur. J. Neurosci. 9, 1055-1071], it is generally thought that neuronal migration in the spinal cord is not affected by reelin. Here, however, we show that migration of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal cord is affected by reelin. This study thus indicates that reelin affects neuronal migration outside of the brain. Moreover, the relationship between reelin and migrating preganglionic neurons suggests that reelin acts as a barrier to neuronal migration.
Red Cell Distribution Width Is Independently Related to Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Background:Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of erythrocyte size variability and has been shown as an independent predictor of mortality. The aim of this article was to evaluate the association of RDW with endothelial dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods:Patients with 1 to 5 stages of CKD were included in the study. Endothelial function was assessed with flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) were determined. Clinicodemographic characteristics, biochemical values, complete blood counts, ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and cholesterol levels were recorded. Spearman's correlation was used to determine correlates of RDW. Multivariate linear regression model was used to assess independent associates of FMD. Results:Overall, 367 patients with CKD 1 to 5 were included in the study. RDW showed a significant increase from stage 1 to stage 5 CKD. Median RDW was 13.5. Patients with RDW values higher than median had significantly lower hemoglobin, eGFR and FMD values and higher CIMT and CRP values compared with patients who had RDW values below median. RDW showed a significant positive correlation with the presence of diabetes mellitus, CIMT and CRP, whereas a significant negative correlation with eGFR, ferritin and FMD. Multivariate analysis showed independent predictors of FMD as RDW, presence of diabetes, hemoglobin, eGFR, CRP, and serum albumin. Conclusions:Multivariate regression model revealed RDW as a significant predictor of FMD independent of major confounding factors, such as diabetes, inflammation, anemia and kidney function in CKD.
Properties of p53 mutations detected in primary and secondary cervical cancers suggest mechanisms of metastasis and involvement of environmental carcinogens.

Primary human papillomavirus (HPV) positive anogenital cancers normally develop without somatic mutation within the p53 gene. In this study, however, we have identified p53 point mutations in metastases arising from HPV positive cervical carcinomas, suggesting that acquisition of p53 mutation may play a role in the progression of some HPV associated primary cancers. p53 mutants identified in anogenital cancers exhibit a dominant transforming phenotype and increased resistance to HPV16 E6 directed degradation. The association of p53 mutation with metastases may explain the poor prognosis reported for HPV negative primary cancers, many of which already contain mutant p53. A high proportion of p53 mutations detected in both primary and metastatic cancers are GC‐‐>TA transversions, strongly suggesting a role for external carcinogens in the development of these cancers.
Expression of double strand DNA breaks repair genes in pterygium

Purpose: The alteration in the expression of some genes and proteins responsible for chosen DNA repair pathways in pterygium pathogenesis were studied. This study was focused on the examination of the expression of genes and RAD50 protein taking part in homologous recombination. Methods: Peripheral blood lymphocytes, samples of pterygium tissue, samples of conjunctiva of patients suffering from pterygium as well as peripheral blood lymphocytes and conjunctiva of patients from the control group were examined. In order to identify genes products from RNA, Ribonuclease Protection Assai method was applied. LIM15, RAD50, RAD54, RAD52, MRE11, XRCC2, XRCC3, RAD51, RAD51B, RAD51C, RAD51D genes transcripts were detected. Expression of RAD50 protein was analyzed immunohistochemically. Results: Peripheral blood lymphocytes analyses revealed lower level of RAD50 gene expression in the pterygium patients compared to the control group and the increased expression of XRCC2, XRCC3 and RAD51 genes in patients with pterygium, who declared the recurrence of the lesion in comparison to the patients with primary pterygium. Lower expression of the RAD54 gene in pterygium tissue comparing to conjunctiva from the eyes with pterygium was found. An expression of RAD50 gene in the conjunctiva originating from eyes with pterygium in comparison to the conjunctiva of control group was shown to be considerably higher. Expression of RAD50 protein in pterygium squamous epithelial cells was significantly higher than in conjunctiva from control group. Conclusion: There may exist a relationship between pterygium pathogenesis and damages of double strand DNA, however, the elucidation of its exact nature needs further study.
Orbital Schwannomatosis in the Absence of Neurofibromatosis

Purpose The aim of this study was to describe 3 cases of primary orbital schwannomatosis without associated systemic neurofibromatosis. Methods This is a retrospective interventional study of 3 patients who presented with multiple, distinct masses in the orbit (n = 3) as well as in the hemiface (n = 1). The clinical presentation, imaging features, surgical procedures, and outcomes were defined. Results Two women and a man presented with of exophthalmos and diplopia. Pain was the most prominent complaint in 2 patients. None of the patients had associated systemic neurofibromatosis by history or examination. Radiologic evaluation with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of orbit revealed multiple well-demarcated intraconal and extraconal masses. Masses were excised, and histopathology confirmed all masses to be schwannomas. Postoperative follow-up was uneventful with alleviation of primary complaints in all patients. Conclusions Multiple orbital schwannomas (primary orbital schwannomatosis) may be observed in patients without systemic association of neurofibromatosis. Management includes surgical excision of the tumors to achieve relief from their mass effects.