Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retention of Glutathione-Specific Acidity and Disruption of Intracellular Glutathione-Redox Homeostasis are Associated with Antibacterial Activity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Glutathione, a tri-peptide ( -L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine), is an intracellular antioxidant possessing one sulfhydryl and two free -carboxyl groups. The sulfhydryl group plays a key role in optimizing intracellular redox potential with a variety of cellular functions. Antibacterial activity of exogenous glutathione was reported in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a notorious multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen. However, molecular details of this antibacterial activity are currently unclear. Here, we tried to understand molecular details of the antibacterial activity in P. aeruginosa. Exogenous glutathione, in a dosage-dependent manner, acidified pure water and culture media. Cellular growth was significantly inhibited by pH 5.0 produced by glutathione (11 mM) but unaffected by the same pH produced by HCl. Bacterial cells were killed 100% by pH 4.5 produced by glutathione (14 mM) but grew (>10 cells/mL) at the same pH produced by HCl. The level of pH was retained during the cellular growth with glutathione but the same cellular growth with HCl was neutralized within 5 hours. Intracellular levels of glutathione were 70±16, 234±40, and 382±101 nmol in cells grown with glutathione at 0, 10, and 11 mM, respectively. Multidrug resistant clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were all sensitized by all tested-antibiotics in combination with sub-inhibitory concentrations of glutathione. These results suggest that retention of the glutathione-mediated acidity along with the excess amount of intracellular glutathione is critical for the antibacterial activity. The results also suggest that exogenous glutathione alone or in combination with existing antibiotics may be useful to treat multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa infections. K e y w o r d s
Rational multi-curve models with counterparty-risk valuation adjustments

We develop a multi-curve term structure set-up in which the modelling ingredients are expressed by rational functionals of Markov processes. We calibrate to London Interbank Offer Rate swaptions data and show that a rational two-factor log-normal multi-curve model is sufficient to match market data with accuracy. We elucidate the relationship between the models developed and calibrated under a risk-neutral measure and their consistent equivalence class under the real-world probability measure . The consistent -pricing models are applied to compute the risk exposures which may be required to comply with regulatory obligations. In order to compute counterparty-risk valuation adjustments, such as credit valuation adjustment, we show how default intensity processes with rational form can be derived. We flesh out our study by applying the results to a basis swap contract.
Clinical utility of serum TNF alpha and alpha-1 anti-trypsin

Lung cancer is the commonest cause of cancer death in developed countries and throughout the world. Cigarette smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer, it was responsible for 80–90 % of lung cancer death and exsmokers today comprise 50% of all new lung cancer cases. In addition, occupational exposures increase the incidence of lung cancer. Determination of tumor biomarkers in serum proposed as an alternative and noninvasive way of establishing diagnosis for lung cancer. The study population consisted of 120 patients with lung cancer. They were 90 males and 30 females. Their age ranged from 30-72 years. Besides 40 matched healthy individuals served as control. Serum TNF-α, Alpha–1-antitrypsin (AAT), total lipids, triglycerides and alkaline phosphatase were determined in all subjects using Enzyme Immunoassay. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical importance of some biochemical parameters in diagnosis and prediction of lung cancer stage among Egyptian patients. The results showed that the TNF-α level increased in the patients compared to control, although the difference was not statistically significant. Serum ALP levels significantly increased in metastatic patients compared to control group. AAT levels showed statistically significant elevation in patients compared to controls. Total lipids and the triglycerides showed non-significant decrease in the patients compared to controls. TNF–α and alkaline phosphatase were superior to alpha-1 antitrypsin in the diagnosis of lung cancer patients. In conclusion, TNF–α could be of value in predicting the clinical stage of lung cancer and this value could strengthened by simultaneous estimation of alkaline phosphatase. The significant elevation in AAT levels could attribute to the fact that it is an acute phase reactant. Total lipids could be of clinical importance to estimate the nutritional status of such patients.
The Influence of Training Education and Teacher Competence on VHS Teacher’s Performance

The aims of this research is to identify the influence of training education and teacher’s competence on teacher’s performance of light vehicles engineering. The subject involved from 83 teachers from 10 VHS. The data obtained analyzed with multiple regression technique. The result show that training education and teacher’s competence affecting an improvement of teacher’s performance.
From the Molecular Mechanism to Pre-clinical Results: Anti-epileptic Effects of Fingolimod

Epilepsy is a devastating neurological condition characterized by long-term tendency to generate unprovoked seizures, affecting around 1-2% of the population worldwide. Epilepsy is a serious health concern which often associates with other neurobehavioral comorbidities that further worsen disease conditions. Despite tremendous research, the mainstream anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) exert only symptomatic relief leading to 30% of untreatable patients. This reflects the complexity of the disease pathogenesis and urges the precise understanding of underlying mechanisms in order to explore novel therapeutic strategies that might alter the disease progression as well as minimize the epilepsy-associated comorbidities. Unfortunately, the development of novel AEDs might be a difficult process engaging huge funds, tremendous scientific efforts and stringent regulatory compliance with a possible chance of end-stage drug failure. Hence, an alternate strategy is drug repurposing, where anti-epileptic effects are elicited from drugs that are already used to treat non-epileptic disorders. Herein, we provide evidence of the anti-epileptic effects of Fingolimod (FTY720), a modulator of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor, USFDA approved already for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). Emerging experimental findings suggest that Fingolimod treatment exerts disease-modifying anti-epileptic effects based on its anti-neuroinflammatory properties, potent neuroprotection, anti-gliotic effects, myelin protection, reduction of mTOR signaling pathway and activation of microglia and astrocytes. We further discuss the underlying molecular crosstalk associated with the anti-epileptic effects of Fingolimod and provide evidence for repurposing Fingolimod to overcome the limitations of current AEDs.
The total artificial heart in patients with congenital heart disease.

Background While ventricular assist devices (VADs) remain the cornerstone of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), the total artificial heart (TAH-t) has gained popularity for certain patients in whom VAD support is not ideal. Congenital heart disease (CHD) patients often have barriers to VAD placement due to anatomic and physiological variation and thus can benefit from the TAH-t. The purpose of this study is to analyze the differences in TAH application and outcomes in patients with and without CHD. Methods The SynCardia Department of Clinical Research provided data upon request for all TAH-t implantations worldwide from December 1985 to October 2019. These patients were divided into two groups by pre-implantation diagnosis of CHD and non-CHD. Results A total of 1,876 patients were identified. Eighty (4%) of these patients also carried a diagnosis of CHD. There was a higher proportion of children in the CHD cohort (16.3% vs. 2.1%, P<0.001) and this translated into a lower average age amongst the two groups (34±13 vs. 49±13 years, P<0.001). There were also significantly more females in the CHD group (22.8% vs. 12.8%, P=0.010). CHD patients were more likely to be supported with a 50 cc TAH-t (11.3% vs. 4.5%, P=0.005) while all other support characteristics, including duration of support, were similar between the groups. All measured outcomes were similar between CHD and non-CHD patients including positive outcome (alive on device or transplanted), 1-month conditional survival, and rate of Freedom Driver use. Conclusions TAH-t is an effective means to support patients with CHD. Patients with CHD had similar survival, support characteristics, and frequency of discharge compared to patients without CHD. As MCS continues to grow, its indications broadened, and its contraindications narrowed, more patient populations will see the benefit of the TAH's continuously developing technology.
Dietary fatty acids and CD36-mediated cholesterol homeostasis: potential mechanisms

Abstract Currently, the prevention and treatment of CVD have been a global focus since CVD is the number one cause of mortality and morbidity. In the pathogenesis of CVD, it was generally thought that impaired cholesterol homeostasis might be a risk factor. Cholesterol homeostasis is affected by exogenous factors (i.e. diet) and endogenous factors (i.e. certain receptors, enzymes and transcription factors). In this context, the number of studies investigating the potential mechanisms of dietary fatty acids on cholesterol homeostasis have increased in recent years. As well, the cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) receptor is a multifunctional membrane receptor involved in fatty acid uptake, lipid metabolism, atherothrombosis and inflammation. CD36 is proposed to be a crucial molecule for cholesterol homeostasis in various mechanisms including absorption/reabsorption, synthesis, and transport of cholesterol and bile acids. Moreover, it has been reported that the amount of fatty acids and fatty acid pattern of the diet influence the CD36 level and CD36-mediated cholesterol metabolism principally in the liver, intestine and macrophages. In these processes, CD36-mediated cholesterol and lipoprotein homeostasis might be impaired by dietary SFA and trans-fatty acids, whereas ameliorated by MUFA in the diet. The effects of PUFA on CD36-mediated cholesterol homeostasis are controversial depending on the amount of n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA, and the n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio. Thus, since the CD36 receptor is suggested to be a novel nutrient-sensitive biomarker, the role of CD36 and dietary fatty acids in cholesterol metabolism might be considered in medical nutrition therapy in the near future. Therefore, the novel nutritional target of CD36 and interventions that focus on dietary fatty acids and potential mechanisms underlying cholesterol homeostasis are discussed in this review.
Endoscopic Dilatation of Meatal Stenosis of Ureterocele in Adult Patients: An Easy and Innovative Technique.

BACKGROUND This study presents initial experience in endoscopic meatal dilatation of obstructive ureterocele in adult patients. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE During cystourethroscopy, we tried to find the orifice of ureterocele, passed a guide wire and introduce an 8 Fr ureteroscope in to the ureterocele orifice, going up to the renal pelvis as under vision dilatation of ureterocele meatus. Two Double-J stent were inserted and remained for six weeks to keep the meatus dilated. Adverse effect of endoscopic management was decreased due to minimal anatomic changes. RESULTS Patients' symptoms were relieved and no evidence of new onset vesico-ureteral reflux and obstruction were seen after up to one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION Endoscopic meatal dilatation of stenotic ureterocele in adult patients is safe and effective thus, try to find the orifice of ureterocele is suggested.
Friend or enemy? Review of 17β‐HSD10 and its role in human health or disease

17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD10) is a multifunctional human enzyme with important roles both as a structural component and also as a catalyst of many metabolic pathways. This mitochondrial enzyme has important functions in the metabolism, development and aging of the neural system, where it is involved in the homeostasis of neurosteroids, especially in regard to estradiol, changes in which make it an essential part of neurodegenerative pathology. These roles therefore, indicate that 17β‐HSD10 may be a possible druggable target for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and in hormone‐dependent cancer. The objective of this review was to provide a summary about physiological functions and pathological roles of 17β‐HSD10 and the modulators of its activity.
The Lipomyces starkeyi gene Ls120451 encodes a cellobiose transporter that enables cellobiose fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT Processed lignocellulosic biomass is a source of mixed sugars that can be used for microbial fermentation into fuels or higher value products, like chemicals. Previously, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was engineered to utilize its cellodextrins through the heterologous expression of sugar transporters together with an intracellular expressed β-glucosidase. In this study, we screened a selection of eight (putative) cellodextrin transporters from different yeast and fungal hosts in order to extend the catalogue of available cellobiose transporters for cellobiose fermentation in S. cerevisiae. We confirmed that several in silico predicted cellodextrin transporters from Aspergillus niger were capable of transporting cellobiose with low affinity. In addition, we found a novel cellobiose transporter from the yeast Lipomyces starkeyi, encoded by the gene Ls120451. This transporter allowed efficient growth on cellobiose, while it also grew on glucose and lactose, but not cellotriose nor cellotetraose. We characterized the transporter more in-depth together with the transporter CdtG from Penicillium oxalicum. CdtG showed to be slightly more efficient in cellobiose consumption than Ls120451 at concentrations below 1.0 g/L. Ls120451 was more efficient in cellobiose consumption at higher concentrations and strains expressing this transporter grew slightly slower, but produced up to 30% more ethanol than CdtG.
MiR-770-5p facilitates podocyte apoptosis and inflammation in diabetic nephropathy by targeting TIMP3

Abstract Objective: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most severe and frequent diabetic complications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play a vital role in DN pathogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of miR-770-5p in DN. Methods: Podocyte injury model was established by treating mouse podocytes with high glucose (HG, 33 mM) for 24 h. The levels of miR-770-5p and TIMP3 were examined in kidney tissues and podocytes using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Flow cytometry analysis was applied to detect apoptosis in podocytes. Western blot assay was used to measure the protein levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X (Bax) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to measure the levels of inflammatory factors. The interaction between miR-770-5p and TIMP3 was determined by MicroT-CDS and luciferase reporter assay. Results: MiR-770-5p was up-regulated and TIMP3 was down-regulated in DN kidney tissues and HG-stimulated podocytes. Depletion of miR-770-5p suppressed cell apoptosis and the release of pro-inflammatory factors in HG-treated podocytes. Additionally, TIMP3 was a target of miR-770-5p in HG-treated podocytes. TIMP3 inhibited cell apoptosis and inflammation in HG-treated podocytes. Moreover, TIMP3 knockdown alleviated the inhibitory effect of miR-770-5p silencing on podocyte apoptosis and inflammatory response. Conclusion: Knockdown of miR-770-5p suppressed podocyte apoptosis and inflammatory response by targeting TIMP3 in HG-treated podocytes, indicating that miR-770-5p may be a potential therapeutic target for DN therapy.
Different community assembly mechanisms underlie similar biogeography of bacteria and microeukaryotes in Tibetan lakes.

Geographic patterns of bacteria and microeukaryotes have attracted increasing attention. However, mechanisms underlying geographic patterns in the community composition of both microbial groups are still poorly resolved. In particular, knowledge of whether bacterial communities and microeukaryotic communities are subject to the same or different assembly mechanisms is still limited. In this study, we investigated the biogeographic patterns of bacterial and microeukaryotic communities of 23 lakes on the Tibetan Plateau and quantified the relative influence of assembly mechanisms in shaping both microbial communities. Results showed that water salinity was the major driving force in controlling the community structures of bacteria and microeukaryotes. Although bacterial and microeukaryotic communities exhibited similar distance-decay patterns, the bacterial communities were mainly governed by environmental filtering (niche-related process), whereas microeukaryotic communities were strongly driven by dispersal limitation (neutral-related process). Furthermore, we found that bacteria exhibited wider niche breadths and higher dispersal ability, but lower community stabilities than microeukaryotes. The similar distribution patterns but contrasting assembly mechanisms effecting bacteria and microeukaryotes resulted from the differences in dispersal ability and community stability. Our results highlight the importance of considering organism types in studies of the assembly mechanisms that shape microbial communities in microbial ecology.
EMG Signal Filtering Based on Variational Mode Decomposition and Sub-Band Thresholding

Surface electromyography (EMG) signals are inevitably contaminated by various noise components, including powerline interference (PLI), baseline wandering (BW), and white Gaussian noise (WGN). These noises directly degrade the efficiency of EMG processing and affect the accuracy and robustness of further applications. Currently, most of the EMG filters only target one category of noise. Here, we propose a novel filter to remove all three types of noise. The noisy EMG signal is first decomposed into an ensemble of band-limited modes using variational mode decomposition (VMD). Each category of noise is located within specific modes and is separately removed in sub-bands. In particular, WGN is suppressed by soft thresholding with a noise level-dependent threshold. The denoising performance was assessed from simulated and experimental signals using three performance metrics: the root mean square error (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\operatorname{RMSE}$</tex-math></inline-formula>), the improvement in signal-to-noise ratio (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\operatorname{SNR}_{\text{imp}}$</tex-math></inline-formula>), and the percentage reduction in the correlation coefficient (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\eta$</tex-math></inline-formula>). Other methods, including traditional infinite impulse response (IIR) filters, empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method, and ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method, were examined for comparison. The proposed method achieved the best performance to remove BW or WGN. It also effectively reduced PLI noise when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was low. The SNR was improved by 18.6, 19.2, and 8.0 dB for EMG signals corrupted with PLI, BW, and WGN at <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$-$</tex-math></inline-formula>6 dB SNR, respectively. The experimental results illustrated that noise was completely removed from resting states, and obvious spikes were distinguished from action states. For two of the ten subjects, the improved SNR reached 20 dB. This study explores the special characteristics of VMD and demonstrates the feasibility of using the VMD-based filter to denoise EMG signals. The proposed filter is efficient at removing three categories of noise and can be used for any application that requires EMG signal filtering at the preprocessing stage, such as gesture recognition and EMG decomposition.
SweepCam — Depth-Aware Lensless Imaging Using Programmable Masks

Lensless cameras, while extremely useful for imaging in constrained scenarios, struggle with resolving scenes with large depth variations. To resolve this, we propose imaging with a set of mask patterns displayed on a programmable mask, and introduce a computational focusing operator that helps to resolve the depth of scene points. As a result, the proposed imager can resolve dense scenes with large depth variations, allowing for more practical applications of lensless cameras. We also present a fast reconstruction algorithm for scene at multiple depths that reduces reconstruction time by two orders of magnitude. Finally, we build a prototype to show the proposed method improves both image quality and depth resolution of lensless cameras.
Public Attitudes Toward Direct to Consumer Genetic Testing

Direct to consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT) is an emerging service that allows individuals to have their DNA tested without having to consult a healthcare provider. DTC-GT can provide insight into various aspects about an individual, including their health and ancestry. However, testing may pose privacy risks and yield distressing results. Despite the growing popularity of DTC-GT, public attitudes toward such services remain largely ill-defined. Using Amazon Mechanical Turk, we administered a web-based survey to over 1,000 individuals to obtain intuition into public attitudes about DTC-GT. S urvey questions were grounded in a literature review of people's views about DTC-GT. The results of the survey indicated that respondents were interested in DTC-GT as a possible way to gain insight about health, ancestry, and family relationships, as well as advance research. Despite this, respondents were concerned that DTC-GT companies and other users of their DTC-GT data would infringe upon their privacy.
An investigation into person recognition across different modalities

This thesis is about the neuropsychology of person recognition disorders. Part 1 presents a systematic review of the literature investigating person recognition. More specifically, it reviews performance on recognition tests involving famous people compared with people who were personally known (i.e. friends and family). Part 2 describes a systematic investigation of person recognition difficulties experienced by one person, VO. Specifically, we investigated her ability to recognise people across different modalities (face, name and voice), using tests of celebrities and people whom she knows personally. Findings are discussed with reference to the theoretical and anatomical models of person recognition, and we also consider possible avenues for rehabilitative work. Part 3 presents reflections about the process of conducting the work. We discuss dilemmas and methodological choices that arose, strengths and limitations of the study, and possible directions for future research.