Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pathological Hypertrophy and Cardiac Interstitium: Fibrosis and Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is the major risk factor associated with myocardial failure. An explanation for why a presumptive adaptation such as LVH would prove pathological has been elusive. Insights into the impairment in contractility of the hypertrophied myocardium have been sought in the biochemistry of cardiac myocyte contraction. Equally compelling is a consideration of abnormalities in myocardial structure that impair organ contractile function while preserving myocyte contractility. For example, in the LVH that accompanies hypertension, the extracellular space is frequently the site of an abnormal accumulation of fibrillar collagen. This reactive and progressive interstitial and perivascular fibrosis accounts for abnormal myocardial stiffness and ultimately ventricular dysfunction and is likely a result of cardiac fibroblast growth and enhanced collagen synthesis. The disproportionate involvement of this nonmyocyte cell, however, is not a uniform accompaniment to myocyte hypertrophy and LVH, suggesting that the growth of myocyte and nonmyocyte cells is independent of each other. This has now been demonstrated in in vivo studies of experimental hypertension in which the abnormal fibrous tissue response was found in the hypertensive, hypertrophied left ventricle as well as in the normotensive, nonhypertrophied right ventricle. These findings further suggest that a circulating substance that gained access to the common coronary circulation of the ventricles was involved. This hypothesis has been tested in various animal models in which plasma concentrations of angiotensin II and aldosterone were varied. Based on morphometric and morphological findings, it can be concluded that arterial hypertension (i.e., an elevation in coronary perfusion pressure) together with elevated circulating aldosterone are associated with cardiac fibroblast involvement and the resultant heterogeneity in tissue structure. Nonmyocyte cells of the cardiac interstitium represent an important determinant of pathological LVH. The mechanisms that invoke short- (e.g., collagen metabolism) and long-term (e.g., mitosis) responses of cardiac fibroblasts require further investigation and integration of in vitro with in vivo studies. The stage is set, however, to prevent pathological LVH resulting from myocardial fibrosis as well as to reverse it. (Circulation 1991;83:1849—1865)
Amitriptyline and Imipramine Poisoning in Children

The increasing number of children admitted to this hospital with poisoning by tricyclic antidepressants is causing concern. Of 60 children admitted between January 1966 and July 1973, half were admitted in the last 18 months. In 60% of these patients the tricyclic compounds had been prescribed for nocturnal enuresis. One child aged 2 years and 4 months died of imipramine poisoning. It is imperative that all children with poisoning by tricyclic compounds, irrespective of the dosage, are admitted to hospital for continuous cardiac monitoring. Cardiac arrhythmias induced in children by amitriptyline and imipramine are prominent and dangerous. In the earlier years of this survey the antidepressants taken by children had usually been prescribed for adults, but recently they have been increasingly prescribed as a treatment for enuresis in children themselves. Medicine for a trivial complaint is unlikely to be regarded by parents as potentially dangerous and practitioners should therefore warn them accordingly; if, indeed, the transient effect of these potentially dangerous drugs upon the average case of bed-wetting in childhood can be justified.
Tumor response assessment by MRI following stereotactic body radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background To evaluate the MRI features of a tumor response, local control, and predictive factors of local control after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Thirty-five consecutive patients with 48 HCCs who were treated by SBRT were included in this retrospective study. All patients provided written informed consent to be treated by SBRT, and prior to inclusion they authorized use of the treatment data for further studies. The assessment was made using MRI, with determination of local and hepatic responses according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and modified RECIST (mRECIST) criteria during a two-year follow-up. Results The local response rate according to mRECIST was higher than with RECIST. A tumor diameter less than 20 mm at baseline was an independent predictive factor for RECIST and mRECIST responses, as was diffusion-weighted signal for RECIST. During follow-up, a tumor diameter of <20 mm (p = 0.034) and absence of a high intensity on T2-weighted (p = 0.006) and diffusion-weighted images (p = 0.039) were associated with a better response according to RECIST. Post-treatment changes include peritumoral ring-like enhanced changes with high intensity on T2-weighted images. Conclusions SBRT is a promising technique for the treatment of inoperable HCC. Post-treatment changes on MRI images can resemble tumor progression and as such must be adequately distinguished. The regression of tumorous enhancement is variable over time, although diffusion-weighted and T2-weighted intensities are predictive factors for tumor RECIST responses on subsequent MRIs. They hence provide a way to reliably predict treatment responses.
Host immunoglobulin G titre and antibody activity in haemolymph of the tick, Ornithodoros moubata

Abstract. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in tick haemolymph was analysed immunochemically and biochemically for its antigenicity, antibody activity and relative concentration in a soft tick, Ornithodoros moubata (Murray) sensu Walton 1962 (Acari: Argasidae). Ouchterlony immunodiffusion tests showed that haemolymph from a tick engorged on rabbit IgG (or human IgG) through an artificial membrane, reacted with anti‐rabbit IgG (anti‐human IgG) but not with anti‐human IgG (anti‐rabbit IgG). This indicates that haemolymph of the fed tick contains IgG with a similar antigen specificity to host blood IgG. IgG from tick haemolymph was demonstrated by enzyme immunoassay to have the same antibody activity as ingested IgG. The IgG concentration in tick haemolymph was measured by a quantitative single immunodiffusion test. Changes of IgG titre after a bloodmeal were correlated with IgG activity, which was low for 5 days after a bloodmeal and then suddenly increased. The IgG titre reached a maximum 7 days post‐engorgement, and remained high for over 4 months during and after oviposition. 125I‐labelled IgG was injected into the tick haemocoel to determine the persistence of IgG in the haemolymph. Recovery of labelled IgG was low at 1 and 3 days, and high at 5, 8 and 16 days after engorgement. The data suggest that IgG in haemolymph disappears quickly soon after engorgement possibly by degradation and/or absorption (adhesion to tissues).
PERIPHERAL RETINAL VASCULOPATHY IN COCKAYNE SYNDROME

Purpose: To present peripheral retinal vasculopathy and foveal ellipsoid zone abnormalities as novel fundus manifestations of Cockayne syndrome (CS), a rare autosomal recessive condition with well-described ophthalmic associations. Methods: Clinical examination, wide-field fundus photography, wide-field fundus autofluorescence, wide-field fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were used to diagnose and document the patient's clinical presentation. Results: Our patient presented with postnatal growth delay, neurologic dysfunction, premature aging, dental anomalies, sensory neural hearing loss, and pigmentary retinopathy. This constellation of clinical features satisfies the clinical diagnostic criteria of CS Type 1. In addition to these well-known features, we used multimodal retinal imaging to perform an in-depth analysis of the retinal manifestations of CS and report peripheral vasculopathy and ellipsoid zone abnormality as two novel features which have not previously been described in conjunction with CS. Conclusion: This case report is intended to assist physicians in making the correct diagnosis of this rare condition by reviewing the clinical diagnostic criteria and providing the most comprehensive fundus imaging of CS available in the literature to date.
Role of Non-coding RNAs in Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a common autosomal recessive disorder, caused by mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. CFTR gene expression is tightly controlled by transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory factors, resulting in complex spatial and temporal expression patterns. Here, we describe an overview of the findings about the contribution of ncRNAs, especially miRNAs, in physiological CFTR gene expression and in CF. Determination of mechanisms governing its expression is essential for developing new CF therapies. ncRNAs, including lncRNAs and miRNAs, could also contribute to CF progression and severity and their dysregulation in CF opens new perspectives for patient follow-up and treatment.
Impact of behavioral modifications for testability

Behavioral specification of a VLSI design can be used to suggest behavioral modifications that improve testability of the design. Past work has been targeted at identifying the techniques that will enable such modifications. However, the impact of such behavioral modifications on the testability of a design has not been analyzed with regards to fault coverage and area overhead which is the focus of this paper. Results obtained show that the area overhead is low and the fault coverage is higher when the behavior is modified for testability. These results are compared with the results obtained when partial scan is used to improve the testability of a design. <<ETX>>
Detection and Characterization of Rotaviruses in Hospitalized Neonates in Blantyre, Malawi

ABSTRACT In five separate fecal collections spanning three years, group A rotaviruses were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 35 (25%) of 142 specimens obtained from nondiarrheic, hospitalized neonates in Blantyre, Malawi. Molecular characterization of each strain identified, for the first time in neonates, a short electropherotype, genotype P[6], G8 strain type, similar to the dominant, cocirculating community strain detected in symptomatic infants in Blantyre. Partial sequence analysis of the VP4 and NSP4 genes of neonatal and community strains failed to identify changes which could explain the differences in clinical outcome. Neonatal serotype G8 rotaviruses should be considered as potential rotavirus vaccine candidates for use in Malawi.
Auto-Colleague - a Collaborative Learning Environment for UML

A recording apparatus performs image recording on a recording medium such as recording paper by using a recording head. The recording apparatus include apparatus for determining the drive power of a recording head in response to an input from a manual operation device, a device for generating as a time output an input from the operation device, and a control device for measuring an output from the time output device and determining the drive time of the recording head which is suitable for the drive power voltage corresponding to the operation of the operation device.
Urates in exhaled breath condensate of children with obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND Urate levels may be a marker of oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to find out are there any differences in urate concentrations in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) between children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and healthy children. MATERIALS AND METHODS EBC was collected in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and clinically healthy children. Urate measurements in EBC and serum were performed by enzymatic color test. RESULTS The higher concentration of urates in EBC of children with OSA than clinically healthy children indicate the oxidative stress in their airways. Since there was no significant difference in serum concentration of urates between children with OSA and healthy children, it could be considered that urates are sintetized in the airways of children with OSA. CONCLUSIONS The present study indicated that urates in EBC (but not in serum) may be used as a marker of local synthesis of antioxidant compounds, but definitive conclusion must be supported by investigations involving larger number of participants.
Regulated Release and Polarized Localization of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Hippocampal Neurons

The site and regulation of neurotrophic factor release from neurons is poorly understood. We used a combination of model cell lines and primary culture systems to study the polarity of BDNF sorting and the regulation of its release from hippocampal neurons. Transfection and expression of a human BDNF cDNA in a mouse pituitary cell line, AtT20, resulted in the colocalization of BDNF with the secretory granule marker, chromogranin A. Furthermore, stimulation of these cells with 56 mM KCl or with 5 mM 8-bromo-cAMP increased the release of BDNF approximately 10-to 15-fold within 30 min. To study BDNF release from primary cultures of hippocampal neurons, cells were infected with a defective Herpes Simplex Viral (HSV) vector expressing human BDNF. Depolarizing conditions increased the release of BDNF 5-fold from these cells, further verifying that secretion is regulated. Immunocytochemical analysis using highly specific antibodies determined that endogenous BDNF was predominantly localized to the somatodentritic domain of hippocampal neurons. These findings support the view that BDNF functions as a target-derived signal for afferents to hippocampal pyramidal cells and that it may serve as a regulator of hippocampal plasticity.
Fluid–structure interaction of a square cylinder at different angles of attack

Abstract This study investigates the free transverse flow-induced vibration (FIV) of an elastically mounted low-mass-ratio square cylinder in a free stream, at three different incidence angles: ${{\alpha }}=0^\circ $ , $20^\circ $ and $45^\circ $ . This geometric setup presents a body with an angle of attack, sharp corners and some afterbody, and therefore is a generic body that can be used to investigate a wide range of FIV phenomena. A recent study by Nemes et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 710, 2012, pp. 102–130) provided a broad overview of the flow regimes present as a function of both the angle of attack ${{\alpha }}$ and reduced flow velocity ${U^{*}}$ . Here, the focus is on the three aforementioned representative angles of attack: ${{\alpha }}=0^\circ $ , where the FIV is dominated by transverse galloping; ${{\alpha }}=45^\circ $ , where the FIV is dominated by vortex-induced vibration (VIV); and an intermediate value of ${{\alpha }}=20^\circ $ , where the underlying FIV phenomenon has previously been difficult to determine. For the ${{\alpha }}=0^\circ $ case, the amplitude of oscillation increases linearly with the flow speed except for a series of regimes that occur when the vortex shedding frequency is in the vicinity of an odd-integer multiple of the galloping oscillation frequency, and the vortex shedding synchronizes to this multiple of the oscillation frequency. It is shown that only odd-integer multiple synchronizations should occur. These synchronizations explain the ‘kinks’ in the galloping amplitude response for light bodies first observed by Bearman et al. (J. Fluids Struct., vol. 1, 1987, pp. 19–34). For the ${{\alpha }}=45^\circ $ case, the VIV response consists of a number of subtle, but distinctly different regimes, with five regimes of high-amplitude oscillations, compared to two found in the classic VIV studies of a circular cylinder. For the intermediate ${{\alpha }}=20^\circ $ case, a typical VIV ‘upper branch’ occurs followed by a ‘higher branch’ of very large-amplitude response. The higher branch is caused by a subharmonic synchronization between the vortex shedding and the body oscillation frequency, where two cycles of vortex shedding occur over one cycle of oscillation. It appears that this subharmonic synchronization is a direct result of the asymmetric body. Overall, the FIV of the square cylinder is shown to be very rich, with a number of distinct regimes, controlled by both ${{\alpha }}$ and ${U^{*}}$ . Importantly, ${{\alpha }}$ controls the underlying FIV phenomenon, as well as controlling the types of possible synchronization between the oscillation and vortex shedding.
Generalized Choquet Integral Operator of Triangular Atanassov's Intuitionistic Fuzzy Numbers and Application to Multi-Attribute Group Decision Making

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach to interactive multi-attribute group decision making with triangular Atanassov's intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (TAIFNs). The contribution of this study is fivefold: (1) Minkowski distance between TAIFNs is firstly defined; (2) We define the possibility attitudinal expected values of TAIFNs and thereby present a novel risk attitudinal ranking method of TAIFNs which can sufficiently consider the risk attitude of decision maker; (3) The weighted average operator (TAIFWA) and generalized ordered weighted average (TAIFGWA) operator of TAIFNs are defined as well as the hybrid ordered weighted average (TAIFHOWA) operator; (4) To study the interaction between attributes, we further develop the generalized Choquet (TAIF-GC) integral operator and generalized hybrid Choquet (TAIF-GHC) integral operator of TAIFNs. Their desirable properties are also discussed; (5) The individual overall value of alternative is obtained by TAIF-GC operator and the collective one is derived through TAIFWA operator. Fuzzy measures of attribute subsets and expert weights are objectively derived through constructing multi-objective optimization model which is transformed into the goal programming model to solve. The system analyst selection example verifies effectiveness of the proposed approach.
3D Printed Anatomical Nerve Regeneration Pathways

A 3D printing methodology for the design, optimization, and fabrication of a custom nerve repair technology for the regeneration of complex peripheral nerve injuries containing bifurcating sensory and motor nerve pathways is introduced. The custom scaffolds are deterministically fabricated via a microextrusion printing principle using 3D models, which are reverse engineered from patient anatomies by 3D scanning. The bifurcating pathways are augmented with 3D printed biomimetic physical cues (microgrooves) and path‐specific biochemical cues (spatially controlled multicomponent gradients). In vitro studies reveal that 3D printed physical and biochemical cues provide axonal guidance and chemotractant/chemokinetic functionality. In vivo studies examining the regeneration of bifurcated injuries across a 10 mm complex nerve gap in rats showed that the 3D printed scaffolds achieved successful regeneration of complex nerve injuries, resulting in enhanced functional return of the regenerated nerve. This approach suggests the potential of 3D printing toward advancing tissue regeneration in terms of: (1) the customization of scaffold geometries to match inherent tissue anatomies; (2) the integration of biomanufacturing approaches with computational modeling for design, analysis, and optimization; and (3) the enhancement of device properties with spatially controlled physical and biochemical functionalities, all enabled by the same 3D printing process.
Ventral tegmental nucleus of Gudden: A pontine hippocampal theta generator?

It is well‐established that rhythmically bursting (RB) activity in the medial septum is crucial for the generation of the hippocampal theta rhythm, but the contribution of other diencephalic‐pontine structures is less documented. The ventral tegmental nucleus (VTn) of Gudden is related to the Papez's circuit via its interconnections with the medial mammillary nucleus, and therefore it may play a role in the generation of hippocampal theta. In the present study, extracellular activity from VTn neurons were recorded in unanesthetized restrained rats (n = 9). Hippocampal activity (EEG) and electromyograms were recorded simultaneously to identify sleep‐waking states. RB activity was observed in VTn during wakefulness, with periods of hippocampal theta and during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Rhythmicity in VTn preceded theta activity in hippocampus. The frequency of RB neurons in VTn was 5.6 Hz during wakefulness and 6.8 Hz during REM sleep. It was similar to that of hippocampal theta. The rhythmicity was particularly stable and the firing rates were strikingly high during REM sleep. RB activity in VTn was also recorded from urethane‐anesthetized rates (n = 3). Rhythmic firing (4.0 Hz) was slower than in unanesthetized rats and matched the urethane‐related theta frequency. Our results show that neurons in VTn exhibit a marked RB activity during states of vigilance accompanied by hippocampal theta rhythm. They suggest that VTn may be a pontine hippocampal theta generator. Hippocampus 2001;11:809–813. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Progesterone creams: do they work?

In recent years, transdermal progesterone creams have become a popular hormone regimen for postmenopausal women, with a very large number of women being advised, or electing, to use this form of therapy as the only treatment for management of their menopause. The reason for this trend is interesting to review from a historical aspect, but is particularly disturbing when the criteria for its use, and the scientific evidence on which the regimen is based, are carefully analyzed. The principal criterion for the success of any therapeutic intervention such as the use of transdermal progesterone cream must always be: does it work in clinical practice? To assess this, we must carefully scrutinize the clinical evidence for and against the need and effectiveness of progesterone in management of the menopause, and particularly the use of progesterone when delivered through a transdermal cream base. The questions to be asked are:
The edible part of Chemical composition and functional properties of snake gourd ( Trichosanthes c ucumerina ) seed flour

T cucumerina var.anguina (L) Haines is a cucurbitaceous vegetable that is cultivated in gardens in Nigeria. The plant is well adapted to growth in high rainfall areas. It does not withstand dry soil conditions and requires a plentiful reserve of moisture in the soil; hence it grows in limited areas of the tropics and is often classified as minor cucurbitaceous vegetable (Martin, 1987). It is a plant with creeping stems and tendrils. The fruits are cylindrical, very long and narrow at both ends, green to white as much as 1.2m long and about 5 – 7 cm in diameter. (Dupriez and De-Leener, 1989). The flesh is red and fibrous when matured. The pulp of the ripe fruits is used in sauces and is good substitute for tomato paste. The seeds are flat, grew-brown, sculptured, and narrow at one end and about 1.7cm long (Tindall, 1983). The edible part of Chemical composition and functional properties of snake