Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tumour stroma interactions

Summary The importance of stromal cells and the factors that they express on cancer initiation and progression has been highlighted by recent literature. The cellular components of the stroma of epithelial tissues are well recognized to have a supportive role in carcinogenesis, where the initiating mutations of the tumor originate in the epithelial cells. The use of xenograft and mouse models suggest that mutations in the stromal fibroblasts can also initiate epithelial tumors. Many of these tumors are a result of the alteration of paracrine growth factor pathways that act on the epithelia. However, the tissue specificity of the responses to the growth factors is a mystery not yet solved.
Rapid Abnormally Elevated Frequency of Epstein-Barr Virus-infected B Cells in the Blood of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

As bstract. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are known to have in vitro regulatory T cell abnormalities relating to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In this report, we asked whether patients with RA have more circulating EBV-infected B cells than normals. To address this question, we determined the frequency of spontaneously transforming B cells in the peripheral blood of 18 normals, 15 patients with RA, and 8 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The mean frequency of spontaneously transforming B cells in RA patients was 10. l/ 106 B cells, which was significantly greater than that of the normal controls, 2.8/106 B cells (P < 0.005). The group of patients with SLE did not differ from the normals (P > 0.4). In further studies undertaken to investigate as to whether RA B cells are more easily transformed by EBV than normal B cells, we determined that the frequencies of transforming B cells in the presence of exogenous EBV were similar in RA patients and normals. Lymphocytes obtained from patients with RA demonstrate a profound T cell defect in their EBV-specific suppression, as measured in vitro; there was no direct correlation, however, between this in vitro T cell abnormality and the number of circulating EBV-infected B
Translational Section: Drug Interventions Testing the Geroscience Hypothesis: Early Days

In this issue, Espinoza and colleagues present the design of a 2-year randomized, double-blind, controlled, clinical trial testing whether 2,000 mg/day of metformin retards the advancement of frailty in prediabetic older adults. Demonstrating that any drug can deflect the progression of frailty would be a major milestone in geriatrics, but this study is also important within the larger frame of geroscience which hypothesizes that human health can be improved by directly targeting the biology of aging (1). Support for this hypothesis is found in studies of model organisms, which show that targeting these pathways in a variety of ways—including the administration of metformin—can increase health span and lifespan (2). The study by Espinoza is one of the few rigorously designed trials to test a drug in a context that has direct implications for evaluating the geroscience hypothesis. The geroscience hypothesis is relatively new, and there is uncer-tainty regarding how to optimally design studies to test it. A key uncer-tainty is end-point
Review Epigenetic regulation of development and pathogenesis in fungal plant pathogens

SUMMARY Evidently, epigenetics is at forefront in explaining the mechanisms underlying the success of human pathogens and in the identification of pathogen-induced modifications within host plants. However, there is a lack of studies highlighting the role of epigenetics in the modulation of the growth and pathogenicity of fungal plant pathogens. In this review, we attempt to highlight and discuss the role of epigenetics in the regulation of the growth and pathogenicity of fungal phytopathogens using Magnaporthe oryzae , a devastating fungal plant pathogen, as a model system. With the perspective of wide application in the understanding of the development, pathogenesis and control of other fungal pathogens, we attempt to provide a synthesized view of the epigenetic studies conducted on M. oryzae to date. First, we discuss the mechanisms of epigenetic modifications in M. oryzae and their impact on fungal development and pathogenicity. Second, we highlight the unexplored epigenetic mechanisms and areas of research that should be considered in the near future to construct a holistic view of epigenetic functioning in M. oryzae and other fungal plant pathogens. Importantly, the development of a complete understanding of the modulation of epigenetic regulation in fungal pathogens can help in the identification of target points to combat fungal pathogenesis.
Inhibition of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 mitigates the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT ABSTRACT Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. Among the HIV-related kidney diseases, HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is a rapidly progressive renal disease characterized by collapsing focal glomerulosclerosis (GS), microcystic tubular dilation, interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Although the incidence of end-stage renal disease due to HIVAN has dramatically decreased with the widespread use of antiretroviral therapy, the prevalence of CKD continues to increase in HIV-positive individuals. Recent studies have highlighted the role of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) in driving kidney disease progression through the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase and selective ASK-1 inhibitor GS444217 was recently shown to reduce kidney injury and disease progression in various experimental models. Therefore we examined the efficacy of ASK1 antagonism by GS-444217 in the attenuation of HIVAN in Tg26 mice. the development of GS, podocyte loss, and fibrosis in Tg26 a reduction in and improved renal GS-4442217 of HIVAN in Tg26 Conclusions. ASK1 signaling cascade is central to the development of HIVAN in Tg26 mice. Our results suggest that the select inhibition of ASK1 could be a potential adjunctive therapy for the treatment of HIVAN.
Delivery and tracking of therapeutic cell preparations for clinical cardiovascular applications

Experimental observations suggesting adult stem cell plasticity and full realization of cardiovascular regenerative medicine. This brief cross-lineage transdifferentiation have underpinned the investigation review will highlight some of these, with emphasis on the choice of cell of cell therapy for cardiovascular disease. Many challenges still face the preparation, route of cell delivery and tracking of delivered cells.
In ﬂ uence of platelet-rich ﬁ brin on wound healing and bone regeneration after tooth extraction: A clinical and radiographic study

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the in ﬂ uence of autologous platelet-rich ﬁ brin (PRF) on soft tissue healing and bone regeneration following tooth extraction clinically and radio-graphically. Materials and methods: 30 Patients between the age group of 18 – 40 years requiring extraction of bilateral mandibular molars except third molars were selected to conduct a split-mouth study after ethical approval. Teeth extraction was done on both sides in the same appointment. Autologous PRF was placed into the socket on one side randomly, and the socket on the other side was taken as control side. Parameters evaluated were soft tissue healing and bone regeneration. Soft tissue healing was evaluated on post-extraction day-3, day-7 and day-14 using healing index by Landry et al. Bone regeneration was assessed immediately and 4 months post-extraction by observation of change in radiopacity through digital panoramic-radiograph. Data obtained was statistically analysed and comparison of outcome variables was done using Mann-Whitney U-test, p < 0.05 was considered statistically signi ﬁ cant. Results: Case group had better soft tissue healing when compared to the control group with the p-value of 0.025 at 3rd day 0.039 at 7th day and 0.00 at 14th day. The rise in radiopacity at the end of 16th week for PRF group was higher as compared to control group but did not di ﬀ er signi ﬁ cantly. Conclusion: PRF is signi ﬁ cantly better in promoting soft tissue healing and also hastens bone formation in ex- traction socket. PRF may be recommended as a valuable material for encouraging soft tissue healing and bone regeneration.
Rapid Publication Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis (Bullous Congenital Ichthyosiform Erythroderma)

Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (EHK) is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by hyperkeratosis and blistering of the skin. Histopathology demonstrates suprabasilar blister formation with aggregation of tonofilaments. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the EHK phenotype is linked to one of the suprabasilar keratins (KRT10 or KRT1) present in the types I and II keratin gene clusters in chromosomes 17q and 12q, respectively. For this purpose, Southern hybridizations were performed with DNA from a large kindred with EHK, consisting of 11 affected individuals in three generations. Segregation analysis with markers flanking the keratin gene clusters demonstrated linkage (Z = 3.61 at 0 = 0) to a locus on 12q, while markers on 17q were excluded. These data implicate KRT1, the type II keratin expressed in suprabasilar keratinocytes, as a candidate gene in this family with EHK. (J. Clin. Invest. 1993. 91:357-361.)
The “ins” and “outs” of physical activity policy implementation: Inadequate capacity, inappropriate measures, and insufficient fund

BACKGROUND— Despite broad public support and legislative activity, policies intended to promote physical activity in schools have not produced positive outcomes in levels of physical activity or student health. What explains the broad failure of Physical Activity Policies (PAPs)? Thus far, PAP research has used limited quantitative methods to assess PAP outcomes. New paradigms of qualitative policy implementation research can make important contributions to explaining the causes of policy failure and to the future design of more efficacious PAP legislation. METHODS— This analysis is a case study of South Carolina’s 2005 Student Health and Fitness Act (SHFA). Written documents, investigators’ observation and experience, and an interview with a key stakeholder were analyzed to for themes based on theoretical frameworks from education implementation research including: (1) bottom-up and top-down perspectives; (2) conceptualizing policy as practice; and (3) the implementer as learner. RESULTS— “Weak policy signals” in SHFA undermined the implementation of PAP in three problematic areas: inadequate capacity development for implementers; inappropriate measures of implementation; and insufficient funding. CONCLUSIONS— These findings illustrate the contributions of qualitative research and establish the need for further qualitative research into PAP implementation processes. To ensure successful future physical activity policies, policymakers and stakeholders need to consider implementation, evaluation and funding from the beginning phases of policy development.
Transformation of monocytes into amoeboid microglia and into microglia in the corpus callosum of postnatal rats, as shown by labelling monocytes by carbon particles

In an earlier communication (Ling, 1978) circulating monocytes labelled with colloidal carbon particles were shown to enter the brain tissue, in particular the corpus callosum, of 5 days old rats. Sporadic carbon-labelled cells derived from blood elements were observed interstitially between axons in the corpus callosum 1 or 2 days after intravenous carbon injection. This study, however, failed to demonstrate carbon labelling in the so-called amoeboid microglial cells, a prominent group of active macrophages which are constantly present in the loosely structured corpus callosum of neonatal rats (Ling, 1976, 1977). It was inferred from this experiment that some of the brain macrophages were derived from blood elements while others, the amoeboid microglia, arose from subependymal cells in common with astrocytes and oligodendrocytes (Ling, 1976). The preliminary observations did not allow a clear clarification of the relation between infiltrated carbon-labelled monocytes, amoeboid microglia and typical microglia. Recent findings by Imamoto & Leblond (1978) have cast doubt on this view (Ling, 1976) of the origin of amoeboid microglia in early postnatal rats. They have presented electron microscopic evidence for the presence in the corpus callosum of postnatal rats of cells with monocytic features which could have been attracted by degenerating elements in the corpus callosum, phagocytosing debris and transforming into amoeboid microglia. Radioautographic observations have indicated that such cells involute into microglia as the animal ages. Thus, in the brain of the postnatal rat, as in brain wounds in adult rats (Imamoto & Leblond, 1977), monocytes and macrophages are considered to transform into microglia. In an attempt to resolve this dilemma as to the origin of microglia, the author's earlier study ofpostnatal rats has been repeated, but using larger doses of carbon and and longer survival periods. Pilot studies along these lines (Ling, unpublished) have shown that carbon particles ingested by monocytes do remain within the cells and can be identified up to 10 days after injection. The technique, therefore, can be used with confidence to trace the fate of monocytes containing carbon which infiltrate the corpus callosum in recently born rats (Ling, 1978).
Adaptive Machine Learning for Modeling and Control of Non-Stationary, Near Chaotic Combustion in Real-Time.

Fuel ecient Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine combustion phasing predictions must contend with non-linear chemistry, non-linear physics, near chaotic period doubling bifurcation(s), turbulent mixing, model parameters that can dri day-to-day, and air-fuel mixture state information that cannot typically be resolved on a cycle-to-cycle basis, especially during transients. Unlike many contemporary modeling approaches, this work does not attempt to solve for the myriad of combustion processes that are in practice unobservable in a metal engine. Instead, this work treads closely to physically measurable quantities within the framework of an abstract discrete dynamical system that is explicitly designed to capture many known combustion relationships, without ever explicitly solving for them. is abstract dynamical system is realized with an Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) that is extended to adapt to the combustion process from cycle-to-cycle with a new Weighted Ring-ELM algorithm. Combined, the above techniques are shown to provide unprecedented cycle-to-cycle predictive capability during transients, near chaotic combustion, and at steadystate, right up to complete misre. ese predictions only require adding an in-cylinder pressure sensor to production engines, which could cost as little as ∼$13 per cylinder. By design, the framework is computationally ecient, and the approach is shown to predict combustion in sub-millisecond real-time using only an iPhone® generation 1 processor (the $35 Raspberry Pi®). is is in stark contrast to supercomputer approaches that model down to the minutiae of individual reactions but have yet to demonstrate such delity against cycle-to-cycle experiments. Finally, the feasibility of cycle-to-cycle model predictive control with this real-time framework is demonstrated. xii Chapter
Astrophysical Black Holes in the Physical Universe

In this chapter I focus on asking and answering the following questions: (1) What is a black hole? Answer: There are three types of black holes, namely mathematical black holes, physical black holes and astrophysical black holes. An astrophysical black hole, with mass distributed within its event horizon but not concentrated at the singularity point, is not a mathematical black hole. (2) Can astrophysical black holes be formed in the physical universe? Answer: Yes, at least this can be done with gravitational collapse. (3) How can we prove that what we call astrophysical black holes are really black holes? Answer: Finding direct evidence of event horizon is not the way to go. Instead I propose five criteria which meet the highest standard for recognizing new discoveries in experimental physics and observational astronomy. (4) Do we have sufficient evidence to claim the existence of astrophysical black holes in the physical universe? Answer: Yes, astrophysical black holes have been found at least in some galactic binary systems, at the center of almost every galaxy, and as the central engines of at least some long gamma-ray bursts. (5) Will all matter in the universe eventually fall into black holes? Answer: Probably "no", because "naked" compact objects, if they do exist with radii smaller than the radii of event horizons for their masses but are not enclosed by event horizons, can rescue the universe from an eternal death by re-cycling out the matter previously accreted into astrophysical black holes. Finally I also discuss briefly if we need a quantum theory of gravity in order to further understand astrophysical black holes, and what further astronomical observations and telescopes are needed to make further progress on our understanding of astrophysical black holes.
Cumulative Inﬂuence of Inﬂammatory Response Genetic Variation on Long-Term Neurobehavioral Outcomes after Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Relative to Orthopedic Injury: An Exploratory Polygenic Risk Score

The addition of genetic factors to prognostic models of neurobehavioral recovery following pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) may account for unexplained heterogeneity in outcomes. The present study examined the cumulative inﬂuence of candidate genes involved in the inﬂammatory response on long-term neurobehavioral recovery in children with early childhood TBI relative to children with orthopedic injuries (OI). Participants were drawn from a prospective, longitudinal study evaluating outcomes of children who sustained TBI ( n = 67) or OI ( n = 68) between the ages of 3 and 7 years. Parents completed ratings of child executive function and behavior at an average of 6.8 years after injury. Exploratory unweighted and weighted polygenic risk scores (PRS) were constructed from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across candidate inﬂammatory response genes (i.e., angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE], brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], interleukin-1 receptor antagonist [IL1RN], and 5’-ectonucleotidase [NT5E]) that showed nominal ( p £ 0.20) associations with outcomes in the TBI group. Linear regression models tested the PRS · injury group (TBI vs. OI) interaction term and post-hoc analyses examined the effect of PRS within each injury group. Higher inﬂammatory response PRS were associated with more executive dysfunction and behavior problems in children with TBI but not in children with OI. The cumulative inﬂuence of inﬂammatory response genes as measured by PRS explained additional variance in long-term neurobehavioral outcomes, over and above well-established predictors and single candidate SNPs tested individually. The results suggest that some of the unexplained heterogeneity in long-term neurobehavioral outcomes following pediatric TBI may be attributable to a child’s genetic predisposition to a greater or lesser inﬂammatory response to TBI. using the PRS explained variance in SNPs
A Modified Firefly Algorithm with Rapid Response Maximum Power Point Tracking for Photovoltaic Systems under Partial Shading Conditions

A rapid response optimization technique for photovoltaic maximum power point tracking (MPPT) under partial shading conditions (PSCs) is proposed in this study. To improve the solar MPPT tracking speed for rapidly-changing environmental conditions and to prevent the conventional firefly algorithm (FA) from becoming trapped at the local peaks and oscillations during the search process, a novel fusion algorithm, named the modified firefly algorithm (MFA), is proposed. The MFA integrates and modifies the processes of two algorithms, namely the firefly algorithm with neighborhood attraction (NaFA) and simplified firefly algorithm (SFA). A modified attraction process for the NaFA is used in the first iteration to avoid trapping at local maximum power points (LMPPs). In addition, in order to improve the convergence speed, the attractiveness factor of the attraction process is designed to be related to the power and position difference of the fireflies. Furthermore, the number of fireflies is designed to decrease in proportion with the iterations in the modified SFA process. Results from both the simulations and evaluations verify that the proposed algorithm offers rapid response with high accuracy and efficiency when encountering PSCs. In addition, the MFA can avoid becoming trapped at LMPPs and ease the oscillations during the search process. Consequently, the proposed method could be considered to be one of the most promising substitutes for existing approaches. In addition, the proposed method is adaptable to different types of solar panels and different system formats with specifically designed parameters.
Feasibility of text message sleep assessment in African American and Latino patients with type 2 diabetes

Study Objectives: Text messaging (TM) may provide an inexpensive and convenient method for self-reported sleep assessment. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of a TM sleep diary among a racial/ethnic minority population with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Methods: A convenience sample of 40 participants with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes was recruited. Participants wore an Actiwatch (Philips Spectrum Plus, Philips Respironics, Murrysville, Pennsylvania) for 7 consecutive days during both wake and sleep intervals and completed a daily TM sleep diary including 10 questions adapted from the Consensus Sleep Diary. The relationships between sleep measures from TMs and actigraphy were explored through Bland-Altman plots and correlations. Results: Of the 40 participants enrolled, 34 were African American and 6 were Latino. The mean age was 52.2 years (standard deviation = 8.2), and the mean hemoglobin A1c was 9.0% (standard deviation =1.5). All but 1 participant attempted to complete the TM sleep diary. With a maximum of 70 TM replies possible, the mediannumberofresponsesperparticipantwas66(interquartilerange=59.5 – 69). ActigraphyandTMmeasureswererelatedfortotalsleeptime(median=382vs 393min,respectively[ r =.71; P <.01]),sleeponsetlatency(median=31.4vs27.5min[ r =.61; P <.01]),timeinbed(433.3vs489.3min[ r =.74; P <.01]),andsleep ef ﬁ ciency (77% vs 86% [ r = .45; P =.005]). The measure of wake after sleep onset was higher from actigraphy than from TM, with a weak relationship between the 2 measures (median 47.9 vs 6.0 min [ r = .31; P = .05]). Conclusions: TM is a novel and feasible method for sleep assessment in racial/ethnic minority adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.