Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Exposure Reduces Hypoxia and Inflammation Damage in Neuron‐Like and Microglial Cells

In the present study, the effect of low‐frequency, low‐energy pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) has been investigated by using different cell lines derived from neuron‐like cells and microglial cells. In particular, the primary aim was to evaluate the effect of PEMF exposure in inflammation‐ and hypoxia‐induced injury in two different neuronal cell models, the human neuroblastoma‐derived SH‐SY5Y cells and rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and in N9 microglial cells. In neuron‐like cells, live/dead and apoptosis assays were performed in hypoxia conditions from 2 to 48 h. Interestingly, PEMF exposure counteracted hypoxia damage significantly reducing cell death and apoptosis. In the same cell lines, PEMFs inhibited the activation of the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α), the master transcriptional regulator of cellular response to hypoxia. The effect of PEMF exposure on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in both neuron‐like and microglial cells was investigated considering their key role in ischemic injury. PEMFs significantly decreased hypoxia‐induced ROS generation in PC12, SH‐SY5Y, and N9 cells after 24 or 48 h of incubation. Moreover, PEMFs were able to reduce some of the most well‐known pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8 release in N9 microglial cells stimulated with different concentrations of LPS for 24 or 48 h of incubation time. These results show a protective effect of PEMFs on hypoxia damage in neuron‐like cells and an anti‐inflammatory effect in microglial cells suggesting that PEMFs could represent a potential therapeutic approach in cerebral ischemic conditions. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1200–1208, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epigenetics in Reactive and Reparative Cardiac Fibrogenesis: The Promise of Epigenetic Therapy

Epigenetic changes play a pivotal role in the development of a wide spectrum of human diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and intellectual disabilities. Cardiac fibrogenesis is a common pathophysiological process seen during chronic and stress‐induced accelerated cardiac aging. While adequate production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is necessary for post‐injury wound healing, excessive synthesis and accumulation of extracellular matrix protein in the stressed or injured hearts causes decreased or loss of lusitropy that leads to cardiac failure. This self‐perpetuating deposition of collagen and other matrix proteins eventually alter cellular homeostasis; impair tissue elasticity and leads to multi‐organ failure, as seen during pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney diseases, cirrhosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and scleroderma. In the last 25 years, multiple studies have investigated the molecular basis of organ fibrosis and highlighted its multi‐factorial genetic, epigenetic, and environmental regulation. In this minireview, we focus on five major epigenetic regulators and discuss their central role in cardiac fibrogenesis. Additionally, we compare and contrast the epigenetic regulation of hypertension‐induced reactive fibrogenesis and myocardial infarction‐induced reparative or replacement cardiac fibrogenesis. As microRNAs—one of the major epigenetic regulators—circulate in plasma, we also advocate their potential diagnostic role in cardiac fibrosis. Lastly, we discuss the evolution of novel epigenetic‐regulating drugs and predict their clinical role in the suppression of pathological cardiac remodeling, cardiac aging, and heart failure. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1941–1956, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced Size-Dependent Piezoelectricity in Nanostructured TiO2 Films

We have developed a nanogenerator that is driven by mechanical forces to produce continuous direct-current output. The nanogenerator was fabricated with titanium dioxide nanoparticle arrays forming a Schottky barrier with a conducting electrode with a small gap. Under uniaxial mechanical compression, nanogenerators have shown repeatable and consistent electrical outputs with energy-conversion efficiency of order of magnitude at least comparable to similar nanogenerators based on piezoelectric materials. Flexoelectricity due to inhomogeneous strain induced in the nanostructured TiO2 film has been identified as one possible mechanism of the high apparent piezoelectricity in the nanoparticles. The approach presents an adaptable, mobile, and cost-effective technology for harvesting mechanical energy from the environment. At the present stage it offers a potential solution for powering nanodevices.
Acetoacetate induces hepatocytes apoptosis by the ROS‐mediated MAPKs pathway in ketotic cows

Dairy cows with ketosis are characterized by oxidative stress, hepatic damage, and hyperketonemia. Acetoacetate (AA) is the main component of ketone bodies in ketotic cows, and is associated with the above pathological process. However, the potential mechanism was not illuminated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of AA‐induced hepatic oxidative damage in ketotic cows. Compared with healthy cows, ketotic cows exhibited severe oxidative stress and hepatic damage. Moreover, the extent of hepatic damage and oxidative stress had a positive relationship with the AA levels. In vitro, AA treatment increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and further induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of bovine hepatocytes. In this process, AA treatment increased the phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38MAPK and decreased the phosphorylation level of ERK, which could increase p53 and inhibit nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression, nuclear localization, and DNA‐binding affinity, thereby inducing the overexpression of pro‐apoptotic molecules Bax, Caspase 3, Caspase 9, PARP and inhibition of anti‐apoptotic molecule Bcl‐2. Antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment or interference of MAPKs pathway could attenuate the hepatocytes apoptosis induced by AA. Collectively, these results indicate that AA triggers hepatocytes apoptosis via the ROS‐mediated MAPKs pathway in ketotic cows.
EXPLORING STRATEGIES TO ADVANCE PUBLIC-SECTOR FUNDING IN GERIATRIC SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION

Changing U.S. demographics and family composition are challenging social work education programs to reposition and reconsider how to prepare students for practice in the field of geriatrics. Implications for future social service and health care needs include ongoing training and education of students with competencies in serving geriatric populations; identifying barriers to training, educating and employing geriatric-trained social workers; and advancing public-sector funding for these initiatives. The proposed strategies presented here identify educationally relevant service dollars, a rationale for this funding, as well as strategic initiatives to maximize Medicaid funding for geriatric social work education.
Mimicking exercise in three‐dimensional bioengineered skeletal muscle to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of physiological adaptation

Bioengineering of skeletal muscle in vitro in order to produce highly aligned myofibres in relevant three dimensional (3D) matrices have allowed scientists to model the in vivo skeletal muscle niche. This review discusses essential experimental considerations for developing bioengineered muscle in order to investigate exercise mimicking stimuli. We identify current knowledge for the use of electrical stimulation and co‐culture with motor neurons to enhance skeletal muscle maturation and contractile function in bioengineered systems in vitro. Importantly, we provide a current opinion on the use of acute and chronic exercise mimicking stimuli (electrical stimulation and mechanical overload) and the subsequent mechanisms underlying physiological adaptation in 3D bioengineered muscle. We also identify that future studies using the latest bioreactor technology, providing simultaneous electrical and mechanical loading and flow perfusion in vitro, may provide the basis for advancing knowledge in the future. We also envisage, that more studies using genetic, pharmacological, and hormonal modifications applied in human 3D bioengineered skeletal muscle may allow for an enhanced discovery of the in‐depth mechanisms underlying the response to exercise in relevant human testing systems. Finally, 3D bioengineered skeletal muscle may provide an opportunity to be used as a pre‐clinical in vitro test‐bed to investigate the mechanisms underlying catabolic disease, while modelling disease itself via the use of cells derived from human patients without exposing animals or humans (in phase I trials) to the side effects of potential therapies.
Validation of daily microincrement deposition in otoliths of juvenile and adult Peruvian anchovy Engraulis ringens.

Wild adult specimens of the Peruvian anchovy Engraulis ringens were captured and reared to validate the daily periodicity of otolith microincrement formation. The postcapture stress generated spontaneous spawning, making it possible to conduct a rearing trial on larvae first in an artificial nutrient-enriched system (ANES) for 52 days followed by an artificial feeding regime in a culture tank until day 115 post-hatch. Microincrements of the sagittal otoliths of sacrificed juveniles [mean ± S.D. total length (LT ) = 5·13 ± 0·37 cm, range 5-6 cm; c.v. = 7·5%] showed very distinct light and dark zones. The slope of the relationship between the total number of increments after the hatch check and days elapsed after hatching was not significantly different from 1. The transfer from ANES to the artificial feeding regime induced a mark in the sagittal otoliths. The number of microincrements after this induced mark coincided with the number of days elapsed after the transfer date. In parallel experiments, adult E. ringens (mean ± S.D. LT = 14·92 ± 0·55 cm, range 13-16 cm) were exposed to one of two fluorescent marking immersion treatments with either alizarin red S (ARS; 25 mg l(-1) per 6 h) or oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC; 200 mg l(-1) per 10 h). The microincrements between fluorescent bands were distinct, ranging from 0·89 to 2·75 µm (mean ± S.D. =1·43 ± 0·28 µm; c.v. = 32%) and from 0·71 to 2·89 µm (1·53 ± 0·27 µm; c.v. = 35%) for ARS and OTC, respectively. The relationship between the number of microincrements between marks and the number of elapsed days for ARS and OCT treatments indicated that there was a significant correspondence between the number of increases observed and the number of days. Hence, daily microincrements of otoliths of E. ringens are likely to be formed in juveniles and adults under natural conditions.
Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Salmonella Isolates from Gondar University Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Salmonellosis is a major health problem, especially in developing countries. Moreover, Salmonella species are becoming resistant to the commonly used antimicrobials in most parts of the world. Nevertheless, studies on Salmonella are limited in Ethiopia. The aim of this paper is, therefore to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern of Salmonella species isolated from clinical specimens in the Gondar University Teaching Hospital from September 2001 to August 2005. Data were obtained from the laboratory records on bacterial culture, isolation and antimicrobial sensitivity testing, which were done following the standard and conventional bacteriological methods. From a total of 3363 miscellaneous specimens cultured, 59 yielded Salmonella species. The isolates were from stool (N = 28, 47.5%), blood (N = 25, 42.3%), pus (N = 4, 6.8 %) and urine (N = 2, 3.4 %). Resistance to one or more antibiotics was observed in 94.9% of the isolates, with multiple drug resistance in 84.7%. 91.5%, 78%, 78%, 64.4%, 44.1% and 10.2% of the Salmonella species, were resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin, respectively. Resistance to all the six antibiotics was observed in 3.4% of the isolates. The results demonstrated widespread emergence of ampicillin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol resistant Salmonella isolates. Multiple patterns of antibiogram and predominance of certain multi-resistant isolates were observed. Comparison with reports from elsewhere in Ethiopia indicated resistance to the commonly available broad spectrum antibiotics is a nation-wide problem. Rational drug use for the currently available potent antibiotics such as the fluoroquinolones should be enforced. Keywords : salmonellosis, multi-drug resistance, pan-resistance, Salmonella , antibiogram Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Journal Vol. 25 (2) 2007: pp. 85-90
Growth and mortality of larval Myctophum affine (Myctophidae, Teleostei).

The growth and mortality rates of Myctophum affine larvae were analysed based on samples collected during the austral summer and winter of 2002 from south-eastern Brazilian waters. The larvae ranged in size from 2·75 to 14·00 mm standard length (L(S)). Daily increment counts from 82 sagittal otoliths showed that the age of M. affine ranged from 2 to 28 days. Three models were applied to estimate the growth rate: linear regression, exponential model and Laird-Gompertz model. The exponential model best fitted the data, and L(0) values from exponential and Laird-Gompertz models were close to the smallest larva reported in the literature (c. 2·5 mm L(S)). The average growth rate (0·33 mm day(-1)) was intermediate among lanternfishes. The mortality rate (12%) during the larval period was below average compared with other marine fish species but similar to some epipelagic fishes that occur in the area.
Growth and morphology control of carbon nanotubes at the apexes of pyramidal silicon tips

We describe the development of catalysed chemical vapour deposition (cCVD) growth schemes suitable for the production of carbon nanotube atomic force microscopy (CNT-AFM) probes. Growth and sample processing conditions are utilized that both incorporate safety in the process, e.g. the use of ethanol (EtOH) vapour as a carbon feedstock and hydrogen at only 4% (flow proportion), and simplicity, e.g. no catalyst patterning is required. Cobalt is employed as the growth catalyst and thin films of aluminium on silicon as the substrate material. Purpose-fabricated silicon substrates containing large numbers of tip structures are used as models of AFM probes. This enables growth to be carried out on many tips at once, facilitating a thorough investigation of the effect of different growth schemes on yields. cCVD growth schemes are chosen which produce stabilizing high density networks of carbon nanotubes on the sidewalls of the pyramidal tips to aid in anchoring the apex protruding carbon nanotube(s) in place. This results in long-lasting AFM imaging tips. We demonstrate that through rational tailoring of cCVD conditions it is possible to tune the growth conditions such that CNTs which protrude straight from tip apexes can be obtained at yields of greater than or equal to 78%. Application of suitable growth schemes to CNT growth on commercially available AFM probes resulted in CNT-AFM probes which were found to be extremely useful for extended lifetime metrological profiling of complex structures.
Corticosteroids in Severe Sepsis

Septic shock remains one of the leading causes of death in intensive care units. Although our understanding of the mechanisms of inflammation has progressed during the last two decades, the drugs developed toward the specific targets of the cytokine cascade have failed to improve patients’ survival. Corticosteroids were the first antiinflammatory drugs tested in randomized controlled trials. Administered during short courses and at high doses, they did not induce any beneficial effect. However, recent findings on the mechanisms of action of steroids and on the mechanisms of host response to septic insult have led to a reappraisal of the use of these drugs in septic shock. Several randomized controlled trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety of prolonged treatments with low doses of hydrocortisone in severe sepsis. These trials strongly suggest that this new strategy of administration of corticosteroids reduces the morbidity of septic shock and may favorably affect survival.
Microwave circulator based on ferromagnetic nanowires in an alumina template

Unbiased planar microwave circulators were fabricated by electrodeposition of NiFe nanowires into porous alumina templates. Microwave properties of the devices are seen to depend drastically on the height of the nanowires and the newly developed devices exhibit improved features, compared to existing nanowire-based designs. Thanks to the high anisotropy of the nanowires, zero-field circulation modes may be observed in a frequency range from 10 to 30 GHz, with isolation as large as 30 dB, as well as low insertion losses − 5 dB, making it compatible with industrial needs for device applications.
Genetic structure, population demography and seasonal occurrence of blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus in Bimini, the Bahamas.

A longline survey was conducted from 2004 to 2014 to investigate the demographic population structure and seasonal abundance of the blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus in the Bimini Islands, the Bahamas. All individuals sampled (n = 242) were sub-adult or adults [70·1-145·1 cm pre-caudal length (LPC) range] with no neonates or YOY recorded in Bimini. Carcharhinus limbatus abundance peaked in September, coincident with the largest ratio of female to male sharks and a peak in fresh mating wounds on females. Mitochondrial control region (mtCR) DNA sequences were obtained from C. limbatus at Bimini to test whether Bimini C. limbatus are most closely related to geographically proximate populations sampled on the south-eastern coast of the U.S.A. , the closest known nursery areas for this species. Nine mtCR haplotypes were observed in 32 individuals sampled at Bimini [haplotype diversity (h) = 0·821, nucleotide diversity (π) = 0·0015]. Four haplotypes observed from Bimini matched those previously found in the northern Yucatan (Mexico)-Belize and two matched a haplotype previously found in the U.S.A. Four haplotypes were novel but were closely related to the northern Yucatan-Belizean haplotypes. Pair-wise ΦST analysis showed that Bimini was significantly differentiated from all of the populations previously sampled (U.S.A. Atlantic, U.S.A. Gulf of Mexico, northern Yucatan, Belize and Brazil). This indicates that C. limbatus sampled from Bimini are unlikely from the described, proximate U.S.A. nurseries.
Multifaceted role of IL‐21 in rheumatoid arthritis: Current understanding and future perspectives

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disorder designated with hyperplastic synovium, bone destruction and cartilage degradation. Current therapies involve targeting major cytokines and inflammatory mediators involved in RA to alleviate the pain and provide a temporary relief. Interleukin 21 (IL‐21), a recently identified cytokine is known to possess a versatile role in modulating the cells of the RA synovium. Over the past decade, the pleiotropic role of IL‐21 in RA pathogenesis has been implicated in several aspects. T helper 17 (Th17) and follicular T helper cells (Tfh), being the key immunomodulators of the RA synovium secrete high amounts of IL‐21 during disease progression. Several studies have provided experimental evidences elucidating the multifaceted role of IL‐21 in RA disease progression. IL‐21 has the potential to activate T cells, B cells, monocytes/macrophages and synovial fibroblasts in RA pathogenesis through activation of JAK‐STAT, MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Till date, therapies targeting Th17 cells and its inflammatory cytokines have been under investigation and are subjected to various clinical trials. This review showcases the role of IL‐21 in RA pathogenesis and recent reports implicating its function in various immune cells, major signaling pathways, and in promoting osteoclastogenesis.
Pressures at the Residual Limb-Socket Interface in Transtibial Amputees with Thigh Lacer-Side Joints

The residual limb-socket interface pressures were measured in 13 transtibial amputees who use prostheses with side joints and thigh lacers. The hypothesis of this study was that the interface pressures with a thigh lacer are lower than the pressures without a thigh lacer. Comparison of the interface pressures with and without thigh lacer-side joints revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05). The reduction in the interface pressures indicates that a thigh lacer redistributes the pressures from the residual limb onto the thigh, and a thigh lacer-side joint suspension may be indicated in some transtibial amputees.
TISSUE DAMAGE CAUSED BY Bothrops sp ENVENOMING EVALUATED BY MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)

The objective of this clinical study was to evaluate local tissue damage caused by Bothrops sp envenoming in relation to lesion type and damaged tissues using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fifteen patients bitten by Bothrops snakes were treated at the Emergency Unit of the Tropical Diseases Unit at the University Hospital, Botucatu School of Medicine, UNESP, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. After receiving specific serotherapy, the patients were submitted to MR of the bite site. T1 spin-echo MRI were obtained revealing the following lesions: edema (n=9), edema associated with hemorrhage (n=5), and hemorrhage (n=1). Perimuscular areas (n=6) and subcutaneous tissues (n=5) were the most affected, followed by muscular tissues (n=4). It is important to mention that MRI did not show myonecrosis of the bite site, a widely reported finding in anatomical and histopathological experimental studies.
Is there a need to modify the mouth gag for palatoplasty?

To the Editor: The endotracheal tube compression, during palatoplasty, is an infrequent phenomenon. Airway narrowing can be confirmed by checking the airway pressures displayed on the monitor. Recently, Chan et al in 2012 used an 18-gauge (G) needle cap to reduce the airway compromise in more than 5000 cases. The technique of placing a needle cap between the teeth and tongue blade was previously published by Parashar et al in 2008. The method is simple and inexpensive. However, we feel that the cylindrical contour of the needle cap is less stable compared to rectangular bars. Furthermore, we encountered that the suture gets entangled around it. Chan et al have used 18G needle cap whereas Parashar et al advocated 21G. Although the diameter of the needle sheath is the same at the hub, the design of the body varies with the manufacturer and gauge of the needle. Both authors suggested the same size of needle cap irrespective of size of the tongue blade. We feel putting the needle sheath in all cases is unnecessary if the tube is not kinked. The modification of mouth gag by Agrawal et al is more consistent as they adapted the tongue blade with metallic rectangular bars according to the tongue blade size. At our institute, we used rectangular silicone blocks placed between the lower alveolar arch and tongue blade only if the airway pressures were compromised (Fig. 1). The advantages are as follows: