Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of fasting and glutathione depletors on the GSH-dependent enzyme system in the gastrointestinal mucosa of the rat.

In rats, the glutathione content of the gastrointestinal mucosa amounted to 50-60% of that of the liver. The GSH-S-transferase activity towards an aryl substrate (CDNB) was low in the stomach, colon and rectum, i.e. 5% of hepatic activity. In the small intestine there was a typical decline of activity from proximal to distal segments. GSH-Peroxidase was much lower in the intestinal mucosa as compared to the stomach and liver, whereas the GSSG-reductase was 2-3 times higher in the gastrointestinal tract in comparison to the liver. Fasting for 24 h significantly decreased the GSH content, GSH-aryltransferase and GSSG-reductase activities in the liver but not in the intestine, where even higher GSH concentrations were found in the proximal segments. L-Buthionine-sulfoximine, an inhibitor of the GSH-synthesis, caused a marked decrease of the GSH levels in the liver, stomach, proximal small intestine, colon and rectum and a concomitant decline in GSSG-reductase activity. Among the GSH-depleting agents, paracetamol exerted the strongest effect, whereas 1,1-dichloroethylene and phorone only decreased the GSH content in the liver and stomach.
Clinical and treatment‐related features determining the risk of late relapse in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma

It is still unclear whether there are clinically exploitable differences in the biology and behaviour of early versus late relapses in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The present study aimed to analyse a large population‐based DLBCL cohort in order to identify (i) the frequency of late relapses (LR), (ii) parameters influencing the risk of LR, and (iii) the impact of introducing rituximab on the occurrence of LR. The data of 7247 DLBCL patients was obtained from the Danish Lymphoma Group Registry. Patients with LR had a lower International Prognostic Index and better performance score than early relapse (ER) patients. The use of radiotherapy lowered only the rate of ER while the use of rituximab yielded a lower occurrence of both ER and LR (P < 0·0001 and P < 0·0001, respectively), possibly suggesting a longer‐lasting biological effect. Additionally, we found a female overrepresentation among LR patients that had received a rituximab‐containing first line treatment. It was found that patients with LR had a significantly better 5‐year overall survival compared to ER patients. In conclusion, LR was more frequently associated with low‐risk features than ER. Furthermore, we found that the use of modern immunochemotherapy regimens in DLBCL lowers the risk of both ER and LR.
Dual-band bandpass filter using dielectric resonators with semi opened metallic cavity

In this paper a dual-band dielectric resonator (DR) filter is proposed with suitable tuning arrangement using semi open cavity structure. Microstrip feeding technique is used to excite the dominant TEu8 mode of rectangular DR. The dualband filter is designed using two DRs of same size keeping at distance of 0. 3λο (centre to centre). Dual-band response at 4.00 GHz and 4.05 GHz is obtained from the simulation results. A metallic sheet is placed over the DRs at a suitable distance which acts as a semi open cavity gives partial shielding from any unwanted radiation as well as offers a suitable tuning facility. The performances of filter in terms of resonance frequency, return loss and insertion loss are analyzed using Ansoft HFSS. Performance of the filter varying the distance of semi open cavity from DR is also studied. From the simulation results, we have found that we can use this cavity for frequency tuning purpose.
Encapsulation de dispositifs symbiotiques implantables : évaluation de la biocompatibilité et des performances. (Encapsulation of implantable symbiotic devices : evaluation of biocompatibility and performances)

Afin de repondre a une demande de soins et traitements toujours mieux adaptes et plus performants, des dispositifs medicaux implantables (DMI) ont vu le jour. Il s’agit actuellement de dispositifs isoles et autonomes a l’interieur de l’organisme hote, dont la fonction ne necessite pas d’interaction avec celui-ci, ou uniquement dans un sens (par la liberation de molecules par exemple). Une nouvelle generation de DMI dont le fonctionnement s’appuie sur des echanges continus avec l’organisme vivant est toutefois en cours de developpement, et un des points clefs de leur elaboration est l’enrobage. En effet, l’interface entre le DMI et le corps joue un role primordial puisqu’elle doit assurer une symbiose parfaite entre ces derniers. Les mecanismes inflammatoires et immunitaires etant si complexes et puissants, il est necessaire de proteger ces dispositifs tout en leur permettant de communiquer avec l’organisme hote. En outre, cette barriere protege aussi le corps d’eventuels elements agressifs liberes par l’implant. Ainsi, le travail de recherche decrit dans ce manuscrit concerne la fabrication et la caracterisation d’un materiau qui peut etre utilise pour enrober des dispositifs symbiotiques implantables.Dans ce contexte, les hydrogels d’alcool polyvinylique (Polyvinyl alcohol) : PVA) polymerises physiquement par un procede de congelation/decongelation se sont reveles particulierement interessants. En effet, leur structure semi-cristalline permet de modifier leur porosite et leurs proprietes mecaniques en faisant varier les parametres de fabrication. Nous avons donc caracterise physico-chimiquement les hydrogels de PVA (proprietes mecaniques, porosite, diffusivite), avant d’etudier leur biocompatibilite in vitro et in vivo. Pour finir, nous nous sommes concentres sur un DMI particulier qu’est la biopile a glucose implantable, en analysant les performances du PVA en tant qu’enrobage d’electrodes.Ainsi, nous avons determine un procede de fabrication permettant d’obtenir une membrane enrobante solide et facile a manipuler, poreuse afin de laisser diffuser le glucose et l’oxygene de maniere optimale jusqu’a l’electrode, et protectrice vis-a-vis des proteines de l’organisme de plus grandes tailles.
Wilkinson Power Divider With Fixed Width Substrate-Integrated Waveguide Line and a Distributed Isolation Resistance

This letter proposes a new modified architecture of the Wilkinson power divider (WPD) based on fixed-width substrate-integrated waveguides (SIW) lines with optimal network isolation resistors. To overcome the problem related impedance variation of the SIW line without altering other characteristics, a reference impedance is used in all parts of WPD. The length of branches is designed considering this constraint. The isolation resistance is formed of n surface-mounted parallel resistors to reduce considerably the SIW-resistance discontinuity effect. The optimal number n of resistors depends on the package of the used surface-mounted resistor and thickness of the used substrate. The determined optimal number of resistances gives enhanced isolation performance over a wide frequency band. The results of measured manufactured prototype show 20-dB isolation bandwidth of 18% around 10 GHz. Compared with the previous designs, this new design offers smallest loss and broader bandwidth with simpler structure.
Anti‐CD47 antibody suppresses tumour growth and augments the effect of chemotherapy treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often associated with metastasis and recurrence leading to a poor prognosis. Therefore, development of novel treatment regimens is urgently needed to improve the survival of HCC patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of anti‐CD47 antibody alone and in combination with chemotherapy in HCC.
Histological evidence for the presence of condylomatous epithelial lesions in association with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

The laryngeal specimens obtained from 116 patients with established invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx were histologically assessed with special reference to the detection of morphological manifestations of human papilloma virus (HPV), as newly described in the uterine cervix, i.e. the three different types of condylomas (the papillomatous, the flat and the inverted ones). Epithelial changes fulfilling the criteria of the papillomatous condyloma were found in 15 cases, those of the inverted condyloma in 9 cases, and lesions identical to the flat type condyloma were present in 25 specimens. The role of HPV in the development of these lesions is discussed, and the possibility is raised that HPV might be the agent responsible for or contributing to the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx in man.
Circuit Implementation, Synchronization of Multistability, and Image Encryption of a Four-Wing Memristive Chaotic System

The four-wing memristive chaotic system used in synchronization is applied to secure communication which can increase the difficulty of deciphering effectively and enhance the security of information. In this paper, a novel four-wing memristive chaotic system with an active cubic flux-controlled memristor is proposed based on a Lorenz-like circuit. Dynamical behaviors of the memristive system are illustrated in terms of Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation diagrams, coexistence Poincare maps, coexistence phase diagrams, and attraction basins. Besides, the modular equivalent circuit of four-wing memristive system is designed and the corresponding results are observed to verify its accuracy and rationality. A nonlinear synchronization controller with exponential function is devised to realize synchronization of the coexistence of multiple attractors, and the synchronization control scheme is applied to image encryption to improve secret key space. More interestingly, considering different influence of multistability on encryption, the appropriate key is achieved to enhance the antideciphering ability.
Physical Risk Assessment for Urban Water Supply in a Developing Country: A Case of Mega City Dhaka

Water supply access in many developing countries is yet to fulfill Millennium Development Goals. Many local governments are incapable of managing their water resources either due to funding constrains or lack of adequate work force. This often results into poor services with low quality, insufficient and inconsistent delivery of water, leakage and wastage creating water shortages. The water stress resulting from urbanization is more acute in terms of Dhaka city due to its capital city-centric development strategies attracting rural-urban migration, which have resulted into an unplanned horizontal and vertical expansion of the city without having facilities for relevant infrastructures. Therefore, it is important to carry out a risk assessment on existing water supply distribution systems to address the challenges of frequent leaks contributing to cross contamination and system loss arising from unplanned development and aging of pipes. The objective of this study is to identify the physical risk for various zones under Dhaka City based on existing distribution systems and its susceptibility to leakage. The assessment requires analyses of distribution system, its length, number of leaks in the pipes detected every month, population density, number of consumers, characteristics of areas whether industrial or residential areas, low lying and vulnerable to flooding. The study finds that Zone IV possesses a very high risk due to an average leak of 93 per month with 1,571,960 people are exposed to vulnerability while Zone II, III, V, VI having average monthly leaks of 39, 36, 26, and 34 respectively are high risk zones.
Duodenal bicarbonate secretion induced by human epidermal growth factor in rats is partially mediated by prostaglandins.

In the present study, the effect of graded intravenous infusions of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) 0.005, 0.05 and 0.25 micrograms/ml, with or without 4 mg/kg i.p. indomethacin pretreatment, on rat duodenal bicarbonate secretion was investigated. Perfused duodenal loops were prepared in rats which were given intravenous infusions of hEGF with or without indomethacin. Duodenal pH and pCO2 were measured at 5-min intervals for 45 min, and bicarbonate secretion was calculated. Compared to control, each dose of hEGF caused a significant dose/response rise of duodenal bicarbonate secretion. Prostaglandin release was abolished by indomethacin pretreatment. Indomethacin-pretreated rats had a significant reduction of bicarbonate secretion which was still higher than in controls. These results provide evidence that duodenal bicarbonate secretion induced by hEGF is only partly accounted for by a prostaglandin-dependent mechanism.
RSL class I genes positively regulate root hair development in Oryza sativa.

Root hairs are filamentous protuberances from superficial cells of plant roots that are critical for nutrient uptake. Genes encoding ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE-SIX LIKE (RSL) class I basic helix-loop-helix proteins are expressed in future root hair cells (trichoblasts) of the Arabidopsis thaliana root where they positively regulate root hair cell development. We characterized the function of class I genes in Oryza sativa root development. We show that there are three RSL class I genes in O. sativa and that each is expressed in developing root hair cells. Reduction of RSL class I function results in the development of shorter root hairs than in wild-type. Ectopic overexpression results in the development of ectopic root hair cells. These data suggest that expression of individual RSL class I proteins is sufficient for root hair development in the cereal O. sativa (rice). Therefore RSL class I genes have been conserved since O. sativa and A. thaliana last shared a common ancestor. However, given that RSL class I genes are not sufficient for root hair development in A. thaliana, it suggests that there are differences in the mechanisms repressing RSL class I gene activity between members of the Poaceae and Brassicaceae.
The paradox of choice in the surgical management of congenitally corrected transposition: what should we do with all of these options supported by little evidence?

Despite the conceptually proper physiology consisting of independent in-series pulmonary and systemic circuits, the prognosis in patients with unoperated congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is reserved, even in the absence of associated defects. This is attributable to several factors. Although reports have described unoperated patients with normal or near-normal systemic right ventricular (RV) function in their 60s and beyond (1,2), it is the exception rather than the rule. Faced with a systemic circulation, the morphologic RV fails in one third of patients with no associated lesions by the fifth decade of life, and in two thirds with prior surgery for concomitant defects by 45 years of age (3). When confronted with chronic pressure overload, the systemic RV invariably undergoes hypertrophic remodelling. Owing to its limited coronary reserve from the concordant predominantly single right coronary circulation, myocardial oxygen/supply mismatch can promote subendocardial ischemia, progressive fibrosis, and ultimately, overt heart failure (4-6). Second, the tricuspid valve, again part of the systemic circulation, frequently displays Ebsteinoid features with propensity for regurgitation. While the direction of the causal relationship between tricuspid insufficiency and RV dysfunction remains debated, RV failure often follows systemic atrioventricular (AV) regurgitation (7,8). Incompetence of the tricuspid valve correlates with excess mortality, with poorer outcomes following AV valve replacement when the pre-operative RV ejection fraction is ≤40% (9). In addition, the AV conduction system is displaced and susceptible to AV block (10,11). Longterm studies report a prevalence of complete AV block of 24–39% (3,12), with an annual incidence estimated to be approximately 2% per year (13). Pacemakers are, therefore, frequently indicated. In the absence of cardiac resynchronization therapy, pacing of the subpulmonary left ventricle can alter the ventricular depolarization pattern thereby precipitating systemic AV valve regurgitation and heart failure (14). This confluence of factors contributes to the risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death (15).
The NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin inhibits UVB‐induced skin carcinogenesis

image analysis showed a increased pigmented area/epidermal area ratio in the PAR-2 AP-treated skin compared with the PAR-2 CP-treated skin (0.354 0.078 vs 0.711 0.028, P < 0.05). Conclusions PAR-2 is involved in a broad spectrum of physiological processes in the expressing tissues, and in skin, PAR-2 plays numerous pathological and physiological roles (9). With respect to skin pigmentation, PAR-2 is well known to regulate melanosome transfer via phagocytosis of KCs (4). However, the effect of direct PAR-2 activation in KCs on melanogenesis via KC-derived factors such as SCF has not yet been studied. Therefore, we tried to focus on the effect of SCF expression by direct PAR-2 activation with PAR-2 AP, because SCF is regarded as the main paracrine mediator among several KC-derived factors involved in skin pigmentation (2). In this study, we found that PAR-2 AP, known PAR-2 activators, increased SCF expression at both the protein and mRNA level in primary KCs. The increased expression of SCF was proven to be mediated via direct PAR-2 activation on KCs by experiments using both a PAR-2 antagonist and PAR-2 siRNA. Moreover, PAR-2 activation in KCs upregulated MMP-9 enzyme activities, which in turn is thought to release soluble form of SCF through proteolytic cleavage of membrane-bound SCF increased by PAR-2 activation. Indeed, increased soluble SCF from KCs by PAR-2 activation subsequently induced melanogenesis of MCs through c-kit/ERK pathway in a paracrine manner in the coculture model of KCs and MCs as well as ex vivo organ culture. Therefore, our results imply that PAR-2 is not only involved in melanosome transfer, but also plays a direct role in melanogenesis by increasing SCF secretion from KCs. Acknowledgements JYK, HS and EJL performed the experiments. DSK, HS and SHO designed the study. JYK, DSK, HS and SHO analysed the data. JYK, DSK, HS and SHO wrote thearticle. This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (2010-0021799). Conflict of interest The authors have declared no conflicting interests. Supporting Information
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in 5’ Upstream Region of Bovine TLR4 Gene Affecting Expression Profile and Transcription Factor Binding Sites

ABSTRACT The present study in the 5’ upstream region of TLR4 gene revealed four Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in Vrindavani and Tharparkar cattle. The polymorphic information content (PIC), heterozygosity and allelic diversity values were low to moderate for these SNPs. In Vrindavani cattle, one SNP was found to be in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) and the remaining three were found to be in linkage disequilibrium (LD) as indicated statistically (P > 0.05). In Tharparkar cattle, two SNPs were found to be in HWE and were not in LD as indicated statistically (P > 0.05). These SNPs were used for construction of haplotypes. In-silico analysis of these SNPs predicted abolition of eight transcription factor binding sites and creation of eight new sites. The quantitative real time PCR analysis did not show any significant variation of gene expression among haplotypes. However, gene expression between breed was found to be significant (P < 0.05) which suggested that upstream region of bovine TLR4 gene has a crucial role in its expression. These findings in TLR4 gene offer essential evidence that can be useful in future research exploring its role in immunity. TLR4 can be used as a marker for selection for disease resistance in bovines.
An ex-vivo model of shear-rate-based activation of blood coagulation

&NA; The study presents a model of shear-stress-based platelet activation. Twenty-eight patients (22 free from anticoagulants and major antiplatelet agents, and six under the effects of P2Y12 platelet inhibitors) participated. The main purpose was to verify the hypothesis that a model of shear-dependent blood activation does not require artificial activators to trigger clot formation. Whole blood collected from the patients received platelet function tests [ADPtest and thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP)test] and was tested with a cone-on-plate viscosimeter at a shear rate of 100 s−1. Changes in blood viscosity were characterized by a time-to-gel point (TGP), a maximum clot viscosity and a steady clot viscosity (SCV). In patients free from major antiplatelet effects, the TGP was 180 s (interquartile range 148–290 s), while in patients under double antiplatelet therapy the TGP was significantly (P = 0.039) longer (345 s, interquartile range 250–452 s). The SCV was 16 centipoise (cP) (interquartile range 11–47 cP) in the patients free from major antiplatelet agents, significantly (P = 0.012) higher than in patients under double antiplatelet therapy (10 cP, interquartile range 6–11 cP). There was a significant (P = 0.011) association between platelet function at the TRAPtest and the maximum clot viscosity, and between TRAPtest and the SCV (P = 0.021). A shear rate of 100 s−1 triggers clot formation through a primary role of platelet activation in this model of blood activation.
Culture X: addressing barriers to physical activity in Samoa

There is an urgent need to address the epidemic rates of non-communicable diseases globally, and the Pacific Island region is of particular concern. Increasing physical activity participation plays an important role in reducing some of the key risk factors for non-communicable diseases including obesity and being overweight. In order to address low levels of physical activity, it is essential to understand the key barriers and facilitating factors experienced by specific population groups. The purpose of this study is to investigate key facilitating factors for participation in a dance aerobic initiative, Culture X, developed in the Pacific Island country, Samoa. The study further aims to understand ways in which the programme assists participants in addressing barriers to physical activity. Face-to-face interviews running from 10 to 20 min were conducted with 28 Culture X participants in order to gain a deep understanding of participants' personal perspectives with regard to barriers and facilitating factors to physical activity. Findings suggest the inclusion of key cultural components (including, traditional dance moves and music, prayer, community orientation and family inclusiveness) were integral for supporting ongoing participation in Culture X. These components further assisted participants in addressing important personal and social barriers to physical activity (including lack of motivation and enjoyment, lack of confidence, time management, family and social commitments and lack of support). This study highlights creative ways that health promotion in the Pacific Island region can encourage physical activity and informs health promotion literature regarding the importance of placing local culture at the heart of behaviour change initiatives.