Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immune Response After Rabies Vaccination in Owned Free-Roaming Domestic Dogs in Flores Island, Indonesia

Vaccination is the main tool to prevent the circulation of rabies in dog populations. The development of an immune response after vaccination differs between individual dogs and depends on many factors such as dog characteristics, management, or genetics. Here, we first investigated the level of, and associated factors for, the presence of binding antibodies in 130 healthy dogs from Flores Island, Indonesia. Secondly, we identified factors associated with the development of binding antibodies within 30 days after vaccination among a subsample of dogs that had a binding antibody titre <0.5 EU/ml at the day of vaccination (D0, N = 91). Blood samples were collected from the individual dogs immediately before vaccination at D0 and 30 days after vaccination (D30). The rabies antibody titres were determined using ELISAs. Information on potential risk factors such as the dog's age and sex, history of vaccination, type and frequency of feeding, and BCS (body condition score) were gathered during interviews at D0. Regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors associated with the presence of binding antibody titre ≥0.5 EU/ml at D0 for the 130 dogs and the development of binding antibody titre ≥0.5EU/ml at D30 for the 91 dogs. The results showed that the proportion of dogs with antibody titre ≥0.5 EU/ml was 30% (39/130) at D0. The only factors found to be significantly influencing the presence of binding antibodies titres ≥0.5 EU/ml was previous vaccination within 1 year before D0 [46.8 vs. 14.7%, Odds ratio (OR) = 3.6, 95%CI 1.5–9.3; p-value = 0.006], although the same trend was found for dogs of higher age and better BCS. Eighty-six percent (79/91) of dogs whose rabies binding antibody level was <0.5 EU/ml at D0 had developed an adequate immune response (≥0.5 EU/ml) at D30. Almost a significantly higher proportion developed an adequate immune response in dogs of good BCS compared to those of poor BCS (95.3% vs. 79.2%, OR = 4.7, 95%CI 1.1–32.5; p-value = 0.057. Twelve (13.2%) dogs retain binding antibody level <0.5 EU/ml at D30, indicating poor immune response after vaccination. A majority of them did not receive vaccine before D0 according to the owner and had poor BCS (83.3%; 10/12). Our findings show the high effectiveness of rabies vaccine in under field conditions to develop measurable immunity and the importance of a good BCS, often achievable by good dog keeping conditions, for developing efficient immunity after parenteral vaccination in dogs.
Comparison of Reproductive Function Between Normal and Hyperandrogenemia Conditions in Female Mice With Deletion of Hepatic Androgen Receptor

Obesity, altered glucose homeostasis, hyperinsulinism, and reproductive dysfunction develops in female humans and mammals with hyperandrogenism. We previously reported that low dose dihydrotestosterone (DHT) administration results in metabolic and reproductive dysfunction in the absence of obesity in female mice, and conditional knock-out of the androgen receptor (Ar) in the liver (LivARKO) protects female mice from DHT-induced glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia. Since altered metabolic function will regulate reproduction, and liver plays a pivotal role in the reversible regulation of reproductive function, we sought to determine the reproductive phenotype of LivARKO mice under normal and hyperandrogenemic conditions. Using Cre/Lox technology, we deleted the Ar in the liver, and we observed LivARKO female mice have normal puberty timing, cyclicity and reproductive function. After DHT treatment, like control mice, LivARKO experience altered estrous cycling, reduced numbers of corpus lutea, and infertility. Liver Ar is not involved in hyperandrogenemia-induced reproductive dysfunction. The reproductive dysfunction in the DHT-treated LivARKO lean females with normal glucose homeostasis indicates that androgen-induced reproductive dysfunction is independent from metabolic dysfunction.
Editorial: Improving Neuroprosthetics Through Novel Techniques for Processing Electrophysiological Human Brain Signals

1 Rehab Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy, Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy, 3 School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, Neuroscience Center, HiLife, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland, Department of Structure of Matter, Thermal Physics and Electronics, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain, Center for Cognitive and
Re-evaluating the Systematics of Dendrolycopodium Using Restriction-Site Associated DNA-Sequencing

The genus Dendrolycopodium (Lycopodiaceae) includes four to five species across North America and East Asia. Species identification in Dendrolycopodium is difficult due to limited or inconsistent characters. In addition, plants with intermediate morphologies regularly occur, potentially indicative of interspecific hybridization. To determine the species relationships in Dendrolycopodium and investigate the existence of hybrids, we generated a draft genome assembly for D. obscurum and carried out double-digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RADSeq) on 86 Dendrolycopodium specimens. Our sampling includes all the described species and 11 individuals with intermediate morphology. We find that the genus can be divided into four clades that largely correspond to the described taxa, as well as evidence of interspecific hybridization. Within these clades, our STRUCTURE analysis suggests that there are multiple finer subgroups, with evidence of hybridization and introgression between these subgroups. Given the limited availability of specimens collected from Asia, the status of the various Asian species remains uncertain and will require further study. In summary, our study confirms several hybrid relationships in Dendrolycopodium and provides a clear phylogenetic framework for future taxonomic revision.
Unpacking the Development of Chinese Preservice English as a Foreign Language Teachers’ Professional Knowledge

Efforts to improve preservice teacher education have recently focused on developing teachers’ adequate pedagogical knowledge (PK), content knowledge (CK), and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), which are critical elements of teacher’s professional knowledge, and important indicators of preparedness to teach. However, the development of the three knowledge domains of Chinese preservice English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers is surprisingly under-researched. To fill this gap, this study examined the development of the three knowledge domains of a group of Chinese preservice EFL teachers at different stages of a teacher education program. Specifically, it explored the relationship among the three knowledge domains, and the effects of learning opportunities on their development. Findings revealed that preservice EFL teachers at a later stage outperformed those at an earlier stage with regard to PK and PCK. Our findings also suggested that there were positive correlations among PK, CK, and PCK at different stages of the teacher education program. Furthermore, the findings showed that courses on CK, PK, and PCK, and teaching experience significantly influenced preservice EFL teachers’ professional knowledge. However, the role of classroom observation was not significant. Implications for EFL teacher education and future research were also discussed.
What We Have Learned so far From Single Cell Sequencing in Acute Kidney Injury

Acute Kidney injury is a major clinical problem associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Despite, intensive research the clinical outcome remains poor and apart from supportive therapy no other specific therapy exists. Single cell technologies have enabled us to get deeper insights into the transcriptome of individual cells in complex tissues like the kidney. With respect to kidney injury, this would allow us to better define the unique role of individual cell populations in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury and progression to chronic kidney disease. In this mini review, we would like to give an overview and discuss the current major findings in the field of acute kidney injury through Single-Cell technologies.
Altered IL-6 receptor, IL-6R and gp130, production and expression and decreased SOCS-3 expression in placentas from women with preeclampsia

IL-6 and its receptor complex, IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and gp130, are critical in induction of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3) protein, a negative cytokine regulator and anti-inflammatory mediator, in a biological system. Increased inflammatory response is believed to contribute to the placental dysfunction in preeclampsia (PE). However, it is not known if altered IL-6 receptor signaling and decreased SOCS-3 expression occur in placentas from PE. To study this, we examined IL-6, soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) and soluble gp130 (sgp130) productions by villous tissues from normal and PE placentas. Hypoxia effects on IL-6, sIL-6R and sgp130 productions were determined. IL-6R, gp130 and SOCS-3 expressions were determined by immunohistochemical staining and by Western blot. Our results showed that under normoxic condition (21% O2), villous tissues from PE placentas produced relative more sgp130, but significantly less IL-6 and sIL-6R (p<0.01), than normal placental tissues. The ratio of sgp130/ sIL-6R release was significantly higher by PE placentas than normal placentas, p<0.01. Under hypoxic condition (2%O2), IL-6 production was significantly reduced by both normal (p<0.01) and PE (p<0.05) placental tissues. Hypoxia promoted sgp130 release by normal, but not by PE, placental tissues. Reduced IL-6R and SOCS-3 immunostaining and expressions were found in PE placentas. We concluded that increased ratio of sgp130/sIL-6R production and/or reduced sIL-6R production combined with down-regulation of IL-6R and SOCS-3 expressions in trophoblasts may lead to less cytokine inhibitory activity in PE placentas, which may account for the increased placental inflammatory response in PE.
Identifying personas in prospective electric vehicle users in regard to the user-interface to lessen range anxiety

Electric vehicles (EV) are supposed to be more ecologically friendly and sustainable compared to combustion powered vehicles (CPV) because they do not rely on fossil fuels. To further promote the mass implementation of such vehicles range anxiety needs to be diminished, that is the fear of stranding with the vehicle because of the limited resources. Research has shown that the user-interface in such vehicles has the potential to lessen feelings of range anxiety. Also research suggested that there are possibly distinct user groups with different requirements. So far most research regarding this topic involved early adopters. This study tries to close the gap in research by using a user-centered approach to investigate these user groups within the non-early adopters. To achieve this goal the persona method was used which aims at synthesizing archetypical user profiles which can be used for the further design process. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with prospective electric vehicle users, which were transcribed and coded. Subsequent analysis yielded three different personas with distinct user requirements. Based on these future research could, under consideration of general design guidelines for user-centered design, build prototypes to assess their usability
Behaviour of Photovoltaic Systems During Grid Disturbances

Addition of many distribution resources in the existing network open up new challenges in power system protection. This paper deals with the transient behavior of grid connected PV system under various grid and climatic conditions. A study is carried out with detailed modeling of the system considering both dynamic and steady state responses. Impact of each system element on various conditions is analyzed. PV system along with distribution systems are modeled by using MATLAB/Simulink, such that faster simulation and better response is obtained. Keywords-Insolation/Irradiance, Phase locked Loop (PLL) frame transformation, Maximum power point (MPP), Matlab/Simulink, Photo-voltaic cell (PV), Controllers. Point of common coupling (PCC), Short circuit capacity (SCC), Standard Test Condition (STC).
Inflammatory Cell Phenotypes in AAAsSignificance

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are characterized by chronic inflammatory cell infiltration. AAA is typically an asymptomatic disease and caused ≈15 000 deaths annually in the United States. Previous studies have examined both human and murine aortic tissue for the presence of various inflammatory cell types. Studies show that in both human and experimental AAAs, prominent inflammatory cell infiltration, such as CD4+ T cells and macrophages, occurs in the damaged aortic wall. These cells have the ability to undergo phenotypic modulation based on microenvironmental cues, potentially influencing disease progression. Proinflammatory CD4+ T cells and classically activated macrophages dominate the landscape of aortic infiltrates. The skew to proinflammatory phenotypes alters disease progression and plays a role in causing chronic inflammation. The local cytokine production and presence of inflammatory mediators, such as extracellular matrix breakdown products, influence the uneven balance of the inflammatory infiltrate phenotypes. Understanding and developing new strategies that target the proinflammatory phenotype could provide useful therapeutic targets for a disease with no current pharmacological intervention. # Significance {#article-title-117}
Current concepts in targeting COPD pharmacotherapy: making progress towards personalized management

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, complex and heterogeneous condition which is responsible for considerable and growing morbidity, mortality and healthcare expense worldwide. In order to decipher the complexity of COPD, it is imperative that we identify groups of patients with similar clinical characteristics, prognosis and/or therapeutic needs, so called clinical phenotypes. This strategy is logical for research but it may be of limited clinical value because clinical phenotypes may overlap in the same patient and the same clinical phenotype could result from different biological mechanisms. With the goal of matching assessment to treatment choices, the most recent iteration of GOLD reorganized treatment objectives into two categories (improving symptoms, i.e., dyspnoea and health status, and decreasing future risk, as predicted by FEV 1 level and exacerbations history), thus moving closer to individualized medicine using currently available bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications. Yet, future therapeutic options are likely to include targeting endotypes which reflect subtypes of patients defined by a distinct pathophysiological mechanism. Specific biomarkers of these endotypes would be particularly useful for clinical practice, especially when clinical phenotype alone is insufficient to identify the underlying endotype. Currently, a limited series of potential COPD endotypes and biomarkers have been suggested. We will gain empiric knowledge from proof of concept trials in COPD with emerging drugs that target specific inflammatory pathways. In each instance, specific endotyping and biomarker efforts will likely be required for success of these trials, since the pathways are likely to be operative in only a subset of patients. Network analysis of human diseases offers the possibility of a better understanding of disease patho-biologic complexity while facilitating the development of new therapeutic alternatives and, importantly, a reclassification of complex diseases. All these development should pave the way towards personalized treatment of COPD in the clinic.
Effect of Pioglitazone on Cardio-Metabolic Risk in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Prevalence of insulin resistance is increased in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Since insulin resistance is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), this study was initiated to see if pioglitazone administration would improve insulin sensitivity, and thereby decrease risk of CVD in overweight/obese, nondiabetic, insulin-resistant patients with untreated OSA. Patients (n=30) were administered pioglitazone (45 mg/day) for 8 weeks, and measurements were made before and after intervention of insulin action (insulin-mediated glucose uptake by the insulin suppression test), C-reactive protein, lipid/lipoprotein profile, and gene expression profile of peri-umbilical subcutaneous fat tissue. Insulin sensitivity increased 31% (p<0.001) among pioglitazone-treated individuals, associated with a decrease in C-reactive protein concentration (p≤ 0.001), a decrease in plasma triglyceride and increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (p≤ 0.001), accompanied by significant changes in apolipoprotein A1 and B concentrations and lipoprotein subclasses known to decrease CVD risk. In addition, subcutaneous adipose tissue gene expression profile showed a 1.6-fold (p<0.01) increase in GLUT4 expression, as well as decreased expression in 5 of 9 inflammatory genes (p<0.05). In conclusion, enhanced insulin sensitivity can significantly decrease multiple cardio-metabolic risk factors in patients with untreated OSA, consistent with the view that coexisting insulin resistance plays an important role in the association between OSA and increased risk of CVD.
Biophysics of Parkinson’s Disease: Structure and Aggregation of α -Synuclein

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a slowly progressive movement disorder that results from the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, a small area of cells in the mid-brain. PD is a multifactorial disorder with unknown etiology, in which both genetic and environmental factors play important roles. Substantial evidence links α -synuclein, a small highly conserved presynaptic protein with unknown function, to both familial and sporadic PD. Rare familial cases of PD are associated with missense point mutations in α -synuclein, or with the hyper-expression of the wild type protein due to its gene duplication/triplication. Furthermore, α -synuclein was identified as the major component of amyloid fibrils found in Lewy body and Lewy neurites, the characteristic proteinaceous deposits that are the diagnostic hallmarks of PD. α -Synuclein is abundant in various regions of the brain and has two closely related homologs, β -synuclein and γ -synuclein. When isolated in solution, the protein is intrinsically disordered, but in the presence of lipid surfaces α synuclein adopts a highly helical structure that is believed to mediate its normal function(s). A number of different conformational states of α -synuclein have been observed. Besides the membrane-bound form, other critical conformations include a partially-folded state that is a key intermediate in aggregation and fibrillation, various oligomeric species, and fibrillar and amorphous aggregates. A number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that either accelerate or inhibit the rate of α -synuclein aggregation and fibrillation in vitro are known. There is a strong correlation between the conformation of α -synuclein (induced by various factors) and its rate of fibrillation. The aggregation process appears to be branched, with one pathway leading to fibrils and another to oligomeric intermediates that may ultimately form amorphous deposits. The molecular basis of Parkinson’s disease appears to be tightly coupled to the aggregation of α synuclein and the factors that affect its conformation. This review focuses on the contributions of Prof. Anthony L. Fink to the field and presents some recent developments in this exciting area.
Cellular and Engineered Organoids for Cardiovascular Models

An ensemble of in vitro cardiac tissue models has been developed over the past several decades to aid our understanding of complex cardiovascular disorders using a reductionist approach. These approaches often rely on recapitulating single or multiple clinically relevant end points in a dish indicative of the cardiac pathophysiology. The possibility to generate disease-relevant and patient-specific human induced pluripotent stem cells has further leveraged the utility of the cardiac models as screening tools at a large scale. To elucidate biological mechanisms in the cardiac models, it is critical to integrate physiological cues in form of biochemical, biophysical, and electromechanical stimuli to achieve desired tissue-like maturity for a robust phenotyping. Here, we review the latest advances in the directed stem cell differentiation approaches to derive a wide gamut of cardiovascular cell types, to allow customization in cardiac model systems, and to study diseased states in multiple cell types. We also highlight the recent progress in the development of several cardiovascular models, such as cardiac organoids, microtissues, engineered heart tissues, and microphysiological systems. We further expand our discussion on defining the context of use for the selection of currently available cardiac tissue models. Last, we discuss the limitations and challenges with the current state-of-the-art cardiac models and highlight future directions.
EXPERIMENTAL HYPHEMA AND ITS EFFECT ON THE STRUCTURES BORDERING THE ANTERIOR CHAMBER*

HYPHEMA IS A COMMON COMPLICATION of surgical and non-surgical ocular trauma. The blood may undergo complete absorption, it may hemolyze with or without the stimulus of glaucoma, and it may also give rise to dense, laminated, connective tissue. When associated with glaucoma it often invades and stains the cornea. In some instances, blood apparently provokes inflammation. Whether the presence of free blood in the anterior chamber will cause degeneration of the corneal endothelium is debatable. This loss of endothelial integrity is so frequently complicated by glaucoma, surgical trauma, and inflammation, that the effect of the blood, per se, is difficult to evaluate. Routine examination of pathologic specimens, correlated with clinical findings, suggests that blood, inflammatory exudates, and possibly hypotony, are deleterious to the endothelium. The consequences of these factors result in the low and rectangular-shaped cells of this layer becoming flattened and attenuated. Later, as in glaucoma, the endothelial cell concentration decreases to the point where corneal edema and bullous keratopathy ensue. Unpublished observations of trabecular sclerosis in human eyes studied in cross-section and in serial tangential preparations indicate a decrease in endothelial cells, thickening of the trabecular collagen core, swelling and fragmentation of elastic tissue strands, and obliteration of the trabecular spaces (Figures 1 and 2). Althought trabecular sclerosis occurs in primary glaucoma, and is also seen beneath peripheral anterior synechias, it has not been possible to determine whether this represented the cause or effect of glaucoma.