Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Renoprotective Effect of a Chinese Herbal Formula, Qidan Dihuang Decoction, on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rat

Qidan Dihuang decoction (QDD) is the latest development of Chinese medicine compound and mainly provides renal protection. The study presented was designed to evaluate the renoprotective effects of QDD on streptozotocin-induced diabetes and to explore the possible mechanisms of this action. We established a diabetes rat model. The condition of the rats was observed. The biochemistry indexes for diabetic rats were examined. Renal tissues were stained with HE, PAS, and Masson and we performed immunohistochemical staining for α-SMA and TGF-β. The proteins expressions of α-SMA, TGF-β, renin, and AT1 were detected by western blot. After treatment for 8 weeks, serum creatinine and 24 h proteinuria were significantly reduced in the rats which received losartan and Qidan Dihuang decoction while blood glucose, urine volume, blood urea nitrogen, and KW/BW did not improve. The pathology of renal tissue of rats treated with losartan and Qidan Dihuang decoction was inhibited. In addition, western blot showed that the expression of α-SMA, TGF-β, renin, and AT1 proteins was significantly decreased after receiving Qidan Dihuang decoction and losartan. Taken together, the results indicate that Qidan Dihuang decoction can improve the renal function and inhibit renal fibrosis of DN rat via modulating RAS system.
Pictogramming — programming learning environment using human pictograms

In this study, we propose a new programming learning environment called "Pictogramming. " Pictogramming is based on two words: "pictogram" and "programming. " The basis of this application is the use of a human-shaped pictogram (i.e., a "human pictogram"). Pictograms resemble a person or object with an abstract representation. Human pictograms are associated with syntonic learning and visual manifestation. The proposed application can display a human pictogram in the front and side directions defined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization), where both comprise nine body parts. The application moves the parts using a command sequence called the "Pictogram Animation Command. " The application can draw the movement history (similar to turtle graphics) as "Pictogram graphics. " The combination of both functions facilitates learning in small steps over a short period of time using a small command set. We evaluated the effectiveness of this application with approximately 100 junior high school students. The results were generally favorable but it is necessary to improve the content and the method for learning conditional branching.
Applying the Nominal Response Model Within a Longitudinal Framework to Construct the Positive Family Relationships Scale

A psychometric analysis was conducted using the nominal response model under the item response theory framework to construct the Positive Family Relationships scale. Using data from the Fullerton Longitudinal Study, this scale was constructed within a long-term longitudinal framework spanning middle childhood through adolescence. Items tapping this construct were completed annually by mothers when children were aged 9 to 17 years. The scale measures a construct customized for each age with uniquely informative items consisting exclusively of discriminating response categories as evaluated using the nominal response model. By using longitudinal data, the study is innovative in implementing the method of test equating to a psychological construct across nine assessments spanning 8 years. Future research pertaining to validity is discussed.
Studying weak interactions in crystals at high pressures: when hardware matters

The quality of structural models for 1,2,4,5-tetrabromobenzene (TBB), based on data collected from a single crystal in a diamond anvil cell at 0.4 GPa in situ using two different diffractometers belonging to different generations have been compared, alongside the effects of applying different data-processing strategies.
DETC 2008-49538 PRECISION CIRCULAR WALKING OF BIPEDAL ROBOTS

Whenever bipedal robots need to make turns, the ability to walk stably and precisely along a circular curve of an arbitrary radius will be quite beneficial. This motivates us to derive new Zero Moment Point (ZMP) constraint equations with respect to a rotating coordinate frame, seek appropriate dynamic gaits based on them, and address the forward and inverse kinematics. After the relevant body and feet trajectories are fully prescribed, joint motions are determined using the inverse kinematics. A set of dynamic walking patterns including the transient are herein proposed and applied to an exemplificative case of turning locomotion. Conclusively, dynamic simulations prove the patterns to be successful even in the presence of distributed-mass and ground contact effects. INTRODUCTION In order to be a successful and anthropomorphic bipedal robot, it needs to be able to turn. The ability to walk stably and precisely along a circular curve of an arbitrary radius will be quite beneficial for such robots. Most paths, including straight lines, can be regarded as a continuation of circular curves of assorted sizes. Additionally, without accurate inverse kinematics, the robot may not be stable on such routes. This motivates us to derive new ZMP [1, 2] constraint equations with respect to a rotating coordinate frame, seek appropriate dynamic body motions based on them, and address the forward and inverse kinematics. It is generally accepted that robots must satisfy the ZMP con-
Exposure of Human CD8+ T Cells to Type-2 Cytokines Impairs Division and Differentiation and Induces Limited Polarization

Effector CD8+ T cells generally produce type-1 cytokines and mediators of the perforin/granzyme cytolytic pathway, yet type-2-polarized CD8+ cells (Tc2) are detected in type-2 (T2) cytokine-driven diseases such as asthma. It is unclear whether T2 cytokine exposure during activation is sufficient to polarize human CD8+ T cells. To address this question, a protocol was developed for high-efficiency activation of human CD8+ T cells in which purified single cells or populations were stimulated with plate-bound anti-CD3 and anti-CD11a mAb for up to 8 days in T2 polarizing or neutral conditions, before functional analysis. Activation of CD8+ naïve T cells (TN) in T2 compared with neutral conditions decreased the size of single-cell clones, although early division kinetics were equivalent, indicating an effect on overall division number. Activation of TN in T2 conditions followed by brief anti-CD3 mAb restimulation favored expression of T2 cytokines, GATA3 and Eomes, and lowered expression of type-1 cytokines, Prf1, Gzmb, T-BET, and Prdm1. However, IL-4 was only weakly expressed, and PMA and ionomycin restimulation favored IFN-γ over IL-4 expression. Activation of TN in T2 compared with neutral conditions prevented downregulation of costimulatory (CD27, CD28) and lymph-node homing receptors (CCR7) and CD95 acquisition, which typically occur during differentiation into effector phenotypes. CD3 was rapidly and substantially induced after activation in neutral, but not T2 conditions, potentially contributing to greater division and differentiation in neutral conditions. CD8+ central memory T cells (TCM) were less able to enter division upon reactivation in T2 compared with neutral conditions, and were more refractory to modulating IFN-γ and IL-4 production than CD8+ TN. In summary, while activation of TN in T2 conditions can generate T2 cytokine-biased cells, IL-4 expression is weak, T2 bias is lost upon strong restimulation, differentiation, and division are arrested, and reactivation of TCM is reduced in T2 conditions. Taken together, this suggests that exposure to T2 cytokines during activation may not be sufficient to generate and retain human Tc2 cells.
Treatment Efficacy and Compliance in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Ranibizumab in a Real-Life Setting

Purpose To assess real-life efficacy of ranibizumab and treatment compliance of patients with vision loss secondary to diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods A retrospective study was conducted in DME patients treated with ranibizumab. Patients were monitored every 4 weeks for visual acuity (VA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) by SD-OCT. All patients received a loading dose of 3 monthly injections followed by retreatments on an as-needed basis. The primary endpoint was the change in VA at M12. Patient compliance to the follow-up and the correlation between the injection number and VA were also investigated. Compliance was compared to that of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. Results Seventy-two eyes of 55 consecutive DME patients were included. At baseline, the mean VA was 56.5 letters and CRT was 470 μm. At M12, the mean VA was 63.4 letters (p < 0.0001), 31.1% of patients had a VA > 70 letters, the mean VA change was +6.9 letters, and the mean CRT was 361.9 μm (p = 0.0001) after a mean number of 5.33 intravitreal injections. In patients who received ≥7 injections, the VA gain and final VA were significantly higher than in patients who received <7 injections. At M12, 25.45% of DME patients were lost to follow-up versus 16.8% of nAMD patients (n = 55). Discussion/Conclusion Our study confirms the real-life efficacy of ranibizumab in DME at M12 and the need for a large number of injections to achieve better visual outcomes. We also showed a trend to a lower compliance in diabetic versus nAMD patients.
Elevated Serum Interleukin-8 Level as a Preferable Biomarker for Identifying Uncontrolled Asthma and Glucocorticosteroid Responsiveness

Background: To explore the clinical significance of serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) level as a biomarker for uncontrolled asthma in order to improve our understanding of asthma phenotypes and facilitate the development of new therapeutic agents in the future. Materials and Methods: A total of 246 uncontrolled asthma patients and 50 healthy controls were selected from an outpatient clinic during October 2015 and April 2016. The clinical data were collected, and the levels of IL-8, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and immunoglobulin (IgE) were measured in peripheral blood via ELISA assay. The level of serum IL-8 was compared between the glucocorticosteroid groups, receiving inhaled corticosteroids (ICs), oral corticosteroids (OCs), and intravenous corticosteroids (GCs), respectively. Changes in the serum IL-8 level were compared between asthmatics with good and poor glucocorticosteroid responsiveness. Results: The serum IL-8 level in uncontrolled asthmatics (87.45 pg/mL; 5–7500) was significantly higher than that of the healthy controls (10.9 pg/mL; 6.8–39.65; P< 0.001). The increase in the serum IL-8 level above the normal range occurred in 58.13% of uncontrolled asthmatics. The area under curve (AUC) for serum IL-8 level, indicative of uncontrolled asthma, was 0.816 (95% CI, 0.7605 to 0.8721; P< 0.0001), which was greater than the AUC of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (AUC, 0.711; 95% CI, 0.6057 to 0.8153; P= .0188). The serum IL-8 level showed a significant positive relationship with blood neutrophil count (P= 0.0004), neutrophil percentage (P= 0.027), serum TNF-α protein (P< 0.0001), forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio (P< 0.05), and rate of FEV1 change after bronchodilation. The level of IL-8 in patients requiring OCs or GCs treatment was significantly higher than that of ICs patients (186 and 235 pg/mL vs. 61 pg/mL; P< 0.0001). The reduction in the serum IL-8 level was more significant in asthmatic patients with good responsiveness (277 pg/mL (65.3–3124) to 67.8 pg/mL (5–1408); P< 0.0001), compared to those with poor responsiveness (218 pg/mL (64.8–7500) vs. 197 pg/mL (56.9–5238); P= 0.49). Conclusion: The increase in serum IL-8 level can be used as a preferable biomarker to identify asthma status and initial treatment in asthmatics. The change in IL-8 level also reflects the response to glucocorticosteroids in uncontrolled asthma. These exploratory results suggest an association between the pathophysiology, inflammation, and clinical outcomes of asthma. This raises the possibility of developing new agents for IL-8 inhibition and helps provide more precise and personalized asthma care.
Virtual Education with Puzzle Games for Early Childhood - A Study of Indonesia

This paper is concern about using multimedia technology for virtual education with puzzle for early childhood in Indonesia. A game is focuses on the introduction of objects around the neighborhood by showing images that Generate Automatic can adjust the child's condition aggressive or not aggressive. It play with android tab device to knowing respond of early childhood. This is due to early childhood conditions. In some cases children have normal cognitive abilities of children with different special character that has the capability of learning is slower. A game show a question to parent first. The level of games is from 0-1, 1-2, and 2-3 based on years old of early childhood. This study has the challenge to develop educational game conditions. As in the design phase, the visualization of colors, shapes, and the introduction of rules that will be applied to the system. In this paper we present to make early childhood became more relaxed and not aggressive in these educational games.
Outcome of Primary Nonpenetrating Deep Sclerectomy in Patients with Steroid-Induced Glaucoma

Purpose To evaluate the outcome of primary nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) in patients with steroid-induced glaucoma. Methods This was a retrospective interventional clinical study that included 60 eyes of 60 steroid-induced glaucoma patients that had undergone NPDS. Patients were followed up for 4 years. Data from the records was retrieved as regards corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), visual field mean defect (dB), and number of antiglaucoma medications needed if any. Complete success of the surgical outcome was considered an IOP ≤ 21 mmHg with no antiglaucoma medications. Qualified success was considered an IOP ≤ 21 mmHg using antiglaucoma medications. Results The mean age was 21.2 ± 8.5 years (ranged from 12 to 35 years). At 48 months, mean IOP was 13.6 ± 2.8 mmHg (range 11–23 mmHg). This represented 60% reduction of mean IOP from preoperative levels. One case had YAG laser goniopuncture. Three cases required needling followed by ab interno revision. Using ANOVA test, there was a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative mean IOP values (P = 0.032). Twelve, 16, and 20 patients required topical antiglaucoma medications at 24, 26, and 48 months postoperative, respectively. Conclusion Primary nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy is a safe and an effective method of treating eyes with steroid-induced glaucoma. No major complications were encountered. After 4 years of follow-up, complete success rate was 56.7% and qualified success rate was 70%.
Association between multidrug resistance-1 C3435T gene polymorphism and right ventricular dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction may develop over the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality. Polymorphism of the multidrug resistance-1 (MDR-1) gene has been correlated with worse clinical findings among patients with COPD. Our aim here was to investigate the relationship between MDR-1 C3435T gene polymorphism and RV dysfunction in COPD patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study investigating the relationship between RV dysfunction and genetic defects in COPD patients. METHODS: Forty-one consecutive patients diagnosed with COPD and hospitalized due to acute exacerbation were enrolled. Polymorphism was analyzed using the strip assay technique. RV parameters were evaluated, and RV dysfunction was identified via transthoracic echocardiography. Patients were categorized into three groups according to gene polymorphism: MDR-1 CC (wild type, n = 9), MDR-1 CT (heterozygote mutant, n = 21) or MDR-1 TT (homozygote mutant, n = 11). RESULTS: The study included 14 males and 27 females (mean age 65 ± 11 years). The mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 31.4 ± 8 mmHg in the wild-type group, 42.2 ± 12 mmHg in the heterozygote mutant group and 46.5±14 mmHg in the homozygote mutant group (P = 0.027). Presence of RV dilatation was significantly different among the three groups (33%, 71%, and 100%, respectively; P = 0.005). In multiple logistic regression analysis, MDR-1 C3435T gene polymorphism (OR = 9.000, P = 0.019) was an independent predictor of RV dysfunction after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: MDR-1 C3435T gene polymorphism was associated with RV dysfunction in patients with COPD.
Markedness, Frequency: Can We Predict the Order of Acquisition of Consonants?

Several recent studies have discussed the role of frequency in the acquisition of phonemic contrasts. The aim of this paper is to test two competing hypotheses on data composed of productions from 26 French-speaking children, aged from 3;07 to 4;05. The first hypothesis is that phoneme frequency determines the order of acquisition of consonants. The second one is that feature frequency determines the order of acquisition of consonants. Then, we will show that feature frequency is a better predictor than phoneme frequency in our data. Finally, we will propose that feature frequency can define the traditional notion of markedness.
Long noncoding RNA PVT-1 predicts poor patient prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer

Background: Overexpression of PVT1 is a powerful predictor of tumor progression and patient survival in colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, its clinical significance and prognostic value in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been investigated until now. Methods: 145 paired NSCLC tissues and matched adjacent non-tumor tissues were obtained between May 2007 and February 2014. Expression of lncRNA PVT1 was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Overall survival curves were plotted according to the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was applied for comparison. The variables were used in multivariate analysis on the basis of the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: lncRNA PVT1 level was significantly up-regulated in NSCLC tissues compared with corresponding adjacent non-tumor tissues (P < 0.001). PVT1 upregulation was correlated with TNM stage (P = 0.012), histological grade (P = 0.031), and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.028). Patients with PVT1 higher expression have shown significantly poorer overall survival (P = 0.011) than those with lower PVT1 expression. Using a multivariate Cox regression analysis, PVT1 expression (HR = 2.155, 95% CI = 1.618-6.994, P = 0.036) was an independent predictor of OS in NSCLC. Conclusions: lncRNA PVT1 expression is increased in NSCLC and associated with tumor progression. Therefore, lncRNA PVT1 expression is an independent prognostic factor of patients with NSCLC.
The impact of slice-reduced computed tomography on histogram-based densitometry assessment of lung fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Background To evaluate usability of slice-reduced sequential computed tomography (CT) compared to standard high-resolution CT (HRCT) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) for qualitative and quantitative assessment of interstitial lung disease (ILD) with respect to (I) detection of lung parenchymal abnormalities, (II) qualitative and semiquantitative visual assessment, (III) quantification of ILD by histograms and (IV) accuracy for the 20%-cut off discrimination. Methods From standard chest HRCT of 60 SSc patients sequential 9-slice-computed tomography (reduced HRCT) was retrospectively reconstructed. ILD was assessed by visual scoring and quantitative histogram parameters. Results from standard and reduced HRCT were compared using non-parametric tests and analysed by univariate linear regression analyses. Results With respect to the detection of parenchymal abnormalities, only the detection of intrapulmonary bronchiectasis was significantly lower in reduced HRCT compared to standard HRCT (P=0.039). No differences were found comparing visual scores for fibrosis severity and extension from standard and reduced HRCT (P=0.051-0.073). All scores correlated significantly (P<0.001) to histogram parameters derived from both, standard and reduced HRCT. Significant higher values of kurtosis and skewness for reduced HRCT were found (both P<0.001). In contrast to standard HRCT histogram parameters from reduced HRCT showed significant discrimination at cut-off 20% fibrosis (sensitivity 88% kurtosis and skewness; specificity 81% kurtosis and 86% skewness; cut-off kurtosis ≤26, cut-off skewness ≤4; both P<0.001). Conclusions Reduced HRCT is a robust method to assess lung fibrosis in SSc with minimal radiation dose with no difference in scoring assessment of lung fibrosis severity and extension in comparison to standard HRCT. In contrast to standard HRCT histogram parameters derived from the approach of reduced HRCT could discriminate at a threshold of 20% lung fibrosis with high sensitivity and specificity. Hence it might be used to detect early disease progression of lung fibrosis in context of monitoring and treatment of SSc patients.
Clinical characteristics and diagnosis of a rare case of systemic AL amyloidosis: a descriptive study

Systemic amyloidosis is a rare disease involving multiple organs. It is difficult to establish diagnosis as the symptoms is diverse and non-specific. And without specific therapy the prognosis is very poor. We analyzed detailed clinical and laboratorial data of a 53-year-old male patient. The characteristic features included refractory pleural effusion, extraordinary hepatomegaly and cardiac failure. The illness lasted 9 months and therapy period spanned 4 months. Fine needle biopsy of liver, lung, heart, pancreas and kidney was performed. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Congo staining and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed. All specimens were stained pink with haematoxylin and eosin staining. Amorphous deposits of eosinophilic material were visible within the Congo red dye stained liver tissue whereas under cross-polarized light pathognomonic apple-green birefringence of amyloid deposits was visible. At last systemic AL amyloidosis diagnosis was confirmed. The report showed an unusual AL amyloidosis case in detail which would be helpful for physician in clinical work.
Resting State fMRI: A Valuable Tool for Studying Cognitive Dysfunction in PD

Cognitive impairment is a common disabling symptom in PD. Unlike motor symptoms, the mechanism underlying cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unclear and may involve multiple pathophysiological processes. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) is a fast-developing research field, and its application in cognitive impairments in PD is rapidly growing. In this review, we summarize rs-fMRI studies on cognitive function in PD and discuss the strong potential of rs-fMRI in this area. rs-fMRI can help reveal the pathophysiology of cognitive symptoms in PD, facilitate early identification of PD patients with cognitive impairment, distinguish PD dementia from dementia with Lewy bodies, and monitor and guide treatment for cognitive impairment in PD. In particular, ongoing and future longitudinal studies would enhance the ability of rs-fMRI in predicting PD dementia. In combination with other modalities such as positron emission tomography, rs-fMRI could give us more information on the underlying mechanism of cognitive deficits in PD.