Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Base Excision Repair in the Immune System: Small DNA Lesions With Big Consequences

The integrity of the genome is under constant threat of environmental and endogenous agents that cause DNA damage. Endogenous damage is particularly pervasive, occurring at an estimated rate of 10,000–30,000 per cell/per day, and mostly involves chemical DNA base lesions caused by oxidation, depurination, alkylation, and deamination. The base excision repair (BER) pathway is primary responsible for removing and repairing these small base lesions that would otherwise lead to mutations or DNA breaks during replication. Next to preventing DNA mutations and damage, the BER pathway is also involved in mutagenic processes in B cells during immunoglobulin (Ig) class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM), which are instigated by uracil (U) lesions derived from activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) activity. BER is required for the processing of AID-induced lesions into DNA double strand breaks (DSB) that are required for CSR, and is of pivotal importance for determining the mutagenic outcome of uracil lesions during SHM. Although uracils are generally efficiently repaired by error-free BER, this process is surprisingly error-prone at the Ig loci in proliferating B cells. Breakdown of this high-fidelity process outside of the Ig loci has been linked to mutations observed in B-cell tumors and DNA breaks and chromosomal translocations in activated B cells. Next to its role in preventing cancer, BER has also been implicated in immune tolerance. Several defects in BER components have been associated with autoimmune diseases, and animal models have shown that BER defects can cause autoimmunity in a B-cell intrinsic and extrinsic fashion. In this review we discuss the contribution of BER to genomic integrity in the context of immune receptor diversification, cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Surface Density of the Spongy and Palisade Parenchyma Layers of Leaves Extracted From Wideband Ultrasonic Resonance Spectra

The wide band and air-coupled ultrasonic resonant spectroscopy together with a modified Simulated Annealing metaheuristic algorithm and a 1D layered acoustic-model are used to resolve the structure of plant leaves. In particular, this paper focuses on the extraction of the surface density of the different layers of tissue in leaves having a relatively simple structure. There are three main reasons to select the surface density as the focus of this study: (i) it is a parameter directly extracted by the proposed technique and it requires no further processing, (ii) it is relevant in order to study the dynamic of the water within the different tissues of the leaves and also to study the differential development of the different tissues, and (iii) unlike other parameters provided by this technique (like resonant frequency, impedance, ultrasonic elastic modulus, or ultrasonic damping), this parameter can be easier to understand as it is a direct measure of mass per unit surface. The selection of leaves with a simple structure is justified by the convenience of avoiding an unnecessary complication of the data extraction step. In this work, the technique was applied to determine the surface density of the palisade and spongy parenchyma layers of tissue of Ligustrum lucidum, Vitis vinifera, and Viburnum tinus leaves. The first species was used to study the variation of the surface density at full turgor with the thickness of the leaf, while the two other species were used to study the variation of the surface densities with the variation in the leaf relative water content. Consistency of the results with other conventional measurements (like overall surface density, and cross-section optical and cryo-SEM images) is discussed. The results obtained reveal the potential of this technique; moreover, the technique presents the additional advantage that can be applied in-vivo as it is completely non-invasive, non-destructive, fast, and equipment required is portable.
Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San Improves Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis by Inhibiting Caspase-1/Caspase-11-Mediated Pyroptosis

The traditional Chinese medicine Shen-ling-bai-zhu-san (SLBZS) is described in “Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang. ” SLBZS has been shown to be effective against many gastrointestinal diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of SLBZS on experimental colitis in mice and to define the potential mechanisms. Our data suggest that compared to the model group, SLBZS treatment increases mouse body weight and colon length, decreases the DAI score, and improves colonic injury. SLBZS reduces the production of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α) in colon tissue and mouse colonic mucosal epithelial (MCME) cells. Mechanistically, SLBZS inhibits inflammation by inhibiting the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Further mechanistic analyses showed that SLBZS attenuates the expression levels of pyroptosis-related genes, including NLRP3, ASC, and GSDMD-N in the colons of mice. In addition, SLBZS restores the levels of the colon tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin, suggesting that it protects colonic barrier integrity and ameliorates the progression of colitis. In this paper, we demonstrate that SLBZS attenuates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis injury in mice via the MAPK/NF-κB and pyroptosis signaling pathway. These results indicate that SLBZS is a potential drug for the treatment of UC.
A THREE-CELL INTERACTION REQUIRED FOR THE INDUCTION OF THE PRIMARY IMMUNE RESPONSE in vitro.

cell response of all cultures at a given dose was plotted against the logarithm of the cell dose (= number of cells in the population being examined in that experiment). In all experiments each cell dose was assayed in four replicate cultures. From each culture two replicate slides were prepared for the de-tection of plaque-forming cells. The mean of eight plaque-forming cell counts was used to estimate the response of a given cell dose. Four cell doses were used to obtain a dose-response line. It has been shown9 that the slope (b) of the log cell dose-log response regression line indicated the number of cell interactions taking place when measured at the appropriate dose levels. The response in our experiments was measured over the range of cell doses which gave a linear cell. dose-response line after logarithmic transformation. In the case of two separated cell populations, one cell population can be made overwhelm-ingly large and the slope of the dose-response line determined for the smaller population alone. In an excess of one cell population, all cells of the smaller population are required to interact with the larger population. Under these conditions, when one cell of the smaller population interacts with the larger population, the slope of the dose-response line will be 1.0. When two cells from the smaller population are required to interact with the larger population, the slope will be 2.0, and so on.
Interleukin 35-Producing Exosomes Suppress Neuroinflammation and Autoimmune Uveitis

Corticosteroids are effective therapy for autoimmune diseases but serious adverse effects preclude their prolonged use. However, immune-suppressive biologics that inhibit lymphoid proliferation are now in use as corticosteroid sparing-agents but with variable success; thus, the need to develop alternative immune-suppressive approaches including cell-based therapies. Efficacy of ex-vivo-generated IL-35-producing regulatory B-cells (i35-Bregs) in suppressing/ameliorating encephalomyelitis or uveitis in mouse models of multiple sclerosis or uveitis, respectively, is therefore a promising therapeutic approach for CNS autoimmune diseases. However, i35-Breg therapy in human uveitis would require producing autologous Bregs from each patient to avoid immune-rejection. Because exosomes exhibit minimal toxicity and immunogenicity, we investigated whether i35-Bregs release exosomes that can be exploited therapeutically. Here, we demonstrate that i35-Bregs release exosomes that contain IL-35 (i35-Exosomes). In this proof-of-concept study, we induced experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), monitored EAU progression by fundoscopy, histology, optical coherence tomography and electroretinography, and investigated whether i35-Exosomes treatment would suppress uveitis. Mice treated with i35-Exosomes developed mild EAU with low EAU scores and disease protection correlated with expansion of IL-10 and IL-35 secreting Treg cells with concomitant suppression of Th17 responses. In contrast, significant increase of Th17 cells in vitreous and retina of control mouse eyes was accompanied by severe choroiditis, massive retinal-folds, and photoreceptor cell damage. These hallmark features of severe uveitis were absent in exosome-treated mice and visual impairment detected by ERG was modest compared to control mice. Absence of toxicity or alloreactivity associated with exosomes thus makes i35-Exosomes attractive therapeutic option for delivering IL-35 into CNS tissues.
Agrupamento de microbacias em função do tipo de solo

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar los atributos de relieve a traves de las variables: altura maxima (HM); altitud media (Hmd); altura minima (Hm); amplitud altimetrica (H), longitud media de la pendiente (CVm); longitud minima de la escorrentia (Cd), pendiente media de la muestra circular (I) y integral hipsometrica (IH); el volumen total (IV), la altura media de la integral volumetrica (hVI); la altura media de la integral hipsometrica (hIH) y el desarrollo de la erosion (DE), obtenidos en cuatro cuencas de tercer orden de ramificacion y tres unidades de suelo de la cuenca del rio Capivara - Botucatu (SP). Las bases cartograficas eran: fotografias aereas en colores, mapas topograficos y de suelos de Botucatu-SP. La distincion de los suelos se realizo mediante analisis de conglomerados y componentes principales. Los resultados mostraron que las tecnicas se mostraron interesantes para indicar los grupos similares de cuencas hidrograficas. El primer componente principal permitio discriminar las cuencas debido a los mayores valores de las variables hIV, hIH, H, DE y I, lo que indica que cuanto mayor sea el valor de la variable observada en la cuenca, mayor es el poder discriminatorio, mientras que el valor mas alto de lo segundo componente principal, para las variables de lo relieve, ha resultado en mayores valores de HM, HMD y Hm. Las variables hIV y hIH presentaron el mayor poder de discriminacion en la formacion de loa grupos de cuencas mas similares.
Surgical correction of Peyronie's disease via tunica albuginea plication or partial plaque excision with pericardial graft: long-term follow up.

INTRODUCTION Limited publications exist regarding long-term outcomes of surgical correction for Peyronie's Disease (PD). AIM To report on long-term postoperative parameters including rigidity, curvature, length, sensation, function, and patient satisfaction in men with PD treated surgically via Tunica Albuginea Plication (TAP) or Partial Plaque Excision with Tutoplast Human Pericardial Grafting (PEG). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Objective and subjective data regarding patients who underwent either TAP or PEG. METHODS We report on 142 patients (61 TAP and 81 PEG) with both objective data and subjective patient reports on their postoperative experience. Patients underwent either TAP or PEG following our previously published algorithm. Data was collected via chart review and an internally generated survey, in which patients were asked about their rigidity, straightness, penile length, sensation, sexual function and satisfaction. RESULTS Average follow up for TAP patients was 72 months (range 8-147) and 58 months (range 6-185) for PEG patients. At survey time, 93% of TAP and 91% of PEG patients reported curvatures of less than 30o. Rigidity was reportedly as good as or better than preoperative in 81% of TAP and 68% of PEG patients, and was adequate for coitus in 90% of TAP and 79% of PEG patients with or without the use of PDE5i. Objective flaccid stretched penile length measurements obtained pre and postoperatively show an average overall length gain of 0.6 cm (range -3.5-3.5) for TAP and 0.2 cm (range -1.5-2.0) for PEG patients. Sensation was reportedly as good as or better than preoperative in 69% of both TAP and PEG patients; 98% of TAP patients and 90% of PEG are able to achieve orgasm. 82% of TAP patients and 75% of PEG patients were either very satisfied or satisfied. CONCLUSION Our long-term results support both TAP and PEG as durable surgical therapy for men with clinically significant PD.
Mutations in the hemagglutinin receptor-binding site can change the biological properties of an influenza virus

Avian influenza virus reassortants containing human influenza virus hemagglutinins do not replicate in ducks. Two mutations in the receptor-binding site of a human hemagglutinin at residues 226 and 228 allowed replication in ducks. The mutations resulted in a receptor-binding-site sequence identical to the known avian influenza virus sequences.
Connective Tissue Growth Factor Expression in the Rat Remnant Kidney Model and Association with Tubular Epithelial Cells Undergoing Transdifferentiation

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been shown to mediate many actions of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in the fibrotic response in several diseases. We compared expression of CTGF, TGF-β, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), TNF-α, and interleukin-1 (IL-1) by in situ hybridization in Sprague-Dawley rats euthanized at 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after 5/6 nephrectomy using the rat remnant kidney model of renal failure. Collagen was evaluated by trichrome stains, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. We compared expression patterns to cells undergoing metaplasia. Tubular epithelial regeneration and transdifferentiation to myofibroblasts were assessed morphologically and by proliferating cell nuclear antigen, smooth muscle actin, desmin, and vimentin immunohistochemistry. CTGF expression was minimal in controls, mild at 2 weeks and marked by 4 to 8 weeks in interstitial fibroblasts, coinciding with damage, regeneration, and fibrosis. TGF-β expression was increased in many cell types at 2 weeks, increased further by 4 weeks, then remained constant. PDGF-B messenger RNA was found in many stromal cells at 2–4 weeks, but expression decreased at 8 weeks. No significant IL-1 or TNF-α staining was detected. We conclude that CTGF and interacting factors are associated with development or progression of chronic interstitial fibrosis. Proximity of CTGF, TGF-β, and PDGF mRNA expression to regenerative epithelial cells and those transdifferentiating to myofibroblasts suggests that growth factors may modulate renal tubular epithelial differentiation.
Herbal medicines for treatment of bacterial infections: a review of controlled clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES Many hundreds of plant extracts have been tested for in vitro antibacterial activity. This review is a critical evaluation of controlled clinical trials of herbal medicines with antibacterial activity. METHODS Four electronic databases were searched for controlled clinical trials of antibacterial herbal medicines. Data were extracted and validated in a standardized fashion, according to predefined criteria, by two independent reviewers. RESULTS Seven clinical trials met our inclusion criteria. Four of these studies were randomized. Three trials of garlic and cinnamon treatments for Helicobacter pylori infections reported no significant effect. Bacterial infections of skin were treated in four trials. Positive results were reported for an ointment containing tea leaf extract in impetigo contagiosa infections. Two trials of tea tree oil preparations used for acne and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and one trial of Ocimum gratissimum oil for acne, reported results equivalent to conventional treatments. CONCLUSIONS Few controlled clinical trials have been published and most are methodologically weak. The clinical efficacy of none of the herbal medicines has so far been demonstrated beyond doubt. This area seems to merit further study through rigorous clinical trials.
Postprandial dysmetabolism: the missing link between diabetes and cardiovascular events?

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of postprandial dysmetabolism, ie, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia with myocardial disease in diabetic, glucose-intolerant, and glucose-tolerant patients. METHODS We performed a MEDLINE search of the English-language literature published between January 1979 and April 2007 for studies regarding postprandial dysmetabolism and heart disease. RESULTS Postprandial dysmetabolism is associated with increased inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, decreased fibrinolysis, plaque instability, and cardiac events. CONCLUSION There is a direct and proportional association between postprandial dysmetabolism and both coronary artery disease and cardiac events.
Quenching of spontaneous emission through interference of incoherent pump processes

We investigate the steady-state spontaneous emission of a V-type three-level atom, with the coherence between the two upper levels modified and controlled via incoherent pumping to a fourth auxiliary level. The external pumping gives us an easily controllable handle in manipulating the spontaneous emission to such an extent that, under certain conditions, complete quenching of spontaneous emission is possible. We also show that even the interference between the decay channels, which is considered a key requirement in spontaneous emission quenching through quantum interference, is not essential to achieve near 100% trapping and almost complete suppression of spontaneous emission. Thus we provide a scheme for spontaneous emission quenching which can be easily realized experimentally.
Evidence for long‐term functional plasticity in the visual cortex of adult cats

1. Vision was investigated with behavioural and electrophysiological techniques in three groups of cats: (a) two normally raised kittens in which one eye was rotated at an age of 3 months, (b) three adult cats in which one eye had been rotated and the other closed 6 months prior to recording, (c) two adult cats in which first one eye had been rotated and the other closed and subsequently, after one year, the rotated eye had been closed and the normal eye re‐opened. The latter two cats were investigated 6 and 12 months after reverse suture, respectively. All adult cats were at least 2 years old when operated on for the first time.
Utilizing Technology to Improve Older Adult Health

ABSTRACT Health care costs in the USA have been increasing, with the largest percentage of revenues accruing to hospitals, health care professionals, and the pharmaceutical industry. Increases are likely associated with increases in care costs for chronic conditions, attributable in part to the aging of the population. Technology in the form of telehealth is one important tool to improve the efficiency of health care delivery. However, complex telehealth systems, particularly those relying on remote detection of health status, can also introduce challenges for management, due to system unreliability and particularly the cost of false alarms. A case study is used to illustrate these phenomena.
Mehr Arbeitsplätze durch Subventionsabbau

In der Bundesrepublik Deutschland werden weit mehr Subventionen vergeben, als die offizielle Berichterstattung erkennen last. Sie haben im Jahr 1985 eine Hohe von rund 120 Mrd. DM erreicht und sich damit in den vergangenen zehn Jahren verdoppelt. Trotz aller Bekenntnisse zum Abbau haben die Subventionen auch in jungster Zeit weiter kraftig zugenommen. Vor allem die Steuervergunstigungen sind rasch angestiegen. Die Ziele der Subventionspolitik sind zumeist unklar und, sofern sie erkennbar sind, oft widerspruchlich. Mit gesamtwirtschaftlichen Erfordernissen lassen sich Subventionen nicht begrunden. Sie verzerren das Wettbewerbsgefuge zwischen Branchen und Unternehmen und begunstigen insbesondere strukturschwache Bereiche. Daruber hinaus fordern sie einen ubermasigen Kapitaleinsatz. Modellrechnungen zeigen: Wurden die Subventionen um die Halfte gekurzt, dann nahme die Zahl der Arbeitsplatze mittelfristig um rund eine Million zu. Auserdem konnte die Bruttowertschopfung um (real) fast 3 vH hoher ausfallen. Dies sind die Untergrenzen fur die vorteilhaften Wirkungen eines Subventionsabbaus. Voraussetzung ware, das im gleichen Ausmas wie die Subventionen auch die Steuern gekurzt wurden. Zudem musten die Tarifvertragsparteien zulassen, das die Steuersenkungen bei den Unternehmen zu entsprechenden Kostenentlastungen fuhren. Vorgeschlagen wird ein stufenweises Programm zur gleichmasigen Kurzung aller Subventionen um insgesamt 50 vH uber funf Jahre, kombiniert mit einer Senkung der Lohn- und Einkommensteuer sowie der Korperschaftsteuer. Bei einer linearen Verringerung der Steuersatze wurde der Eingangssteuersatz bei der Lohn- und Einkommensteuer von jetzt 22 vH auf 15 vH, der Spitzensteuersatz von 56 vH auf 39 vH und die durchschnittliche steuerliche Belastung von 25 vH auf 18 vH sinken. Neue Subventionen sollten nur gewahrt werden, wenn im Gegenzug alte gestrichen werden. Eine Kommission aus unabhangigen Experten konnte sowohl den Subventionsabbau als auch die Neuvergabe uberwachen. Diese Aufgabe konnte auch den Rechnungshofen ubertragen werden. Auserdem sollte die Konkurrentenklage bei Subventionsentscheidungen zugelassen werden.
A Fast and Accurate SSVEP Brain Machine Interface Using Dry Electrodes and High Frequency Stimuli by Employing Ensemble Learning

This paper presents an original approach to the processing and classification of visual evoked potentials signals (SSVEP). It introduces an ensemble learning model that combines canonical correlation analysis with methods based on power spectral density. The stimuli used was built using LEDs and ranged from 7.04 Hz up to 38.46 Hz. The data was collect using ADS1299 and three dry electrodes. The tests were performed for different light intensities and different distances between the LEDs. In total, 22 participants were recruited and the mean accuracy was 99.1 ± 2.27 % with a decision time of 1 second. To the best of our knowledge, these results surpass what was previously published in others works that used high frequency stimuli in SSVEP-BCI, i.e., a mean accuracy of approximately 90%, with decision time of 5 seconds.
AC-DC Converter Using Bridgeless SEPIC

: This paper presents a new bridgeless single phase AC-DC converter based on Single Ended Primary Inductance Converter (SEPIC). The proposed rectifier utilizes a bidirectional switch (MOSFET) and two fast diodes. The absence of an input diode bridge and the presence of only one diode in the flowing current path during each switching cycle result in less conduction loss compared to existing PFC rectifiers. In the proposed scheme, DSPIC30F2010 controller is used to produce signals. Experimental circuit of this converter is developed with universal input voltage capability for 20-30V DC output voltage connected to resistive load (incandescent lamp with different watts). Textronics TDS2024B storage oscilloscope is used to store the gate pulses and waveforms.
New Type of Linear Switched Reluctance Generator for Wave Energy Applications

Wave energy conversion is a promising alternative to produce clean energy from the huge available resource at sea, but it is also a challenging mission because extraction conditions are difficult due to the harsh environment and also to the low frequency of the energy conversion process. In this regard, powerful Power Take-Offs are required, able to produce high forces at low frequencies, which also must be highly controllable to optimize the conversion process. This paper presents a new type of Linear Electric Generator based on a novel Switched Reluctance Machine, which is being developed in the framework of a H2020 Project called Sea Titan. The paper describes the calculation and the design processes of a 70 kN prototype which will also be manufactured and tested in the framework of Sea Titan, which also includes a feasibility study for a superconducting solution.