Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Associations between depression, anxiety, stress, hopelessness, subjective well-being, coping styles and suicide in Chinese university students

Suicide is a major public health concern worldwide. This study aimed to predict the suicidal behavior of Chinese university students by studying psychological measures such as hopelessness, orientation to happiness, meaning in life, depression, anxiety, stress, and coping styles. In November 2016, a stratified-clustered-random sampling approach was utilized to select subjects from two large public medical-related universities in Shandong province, China. This sample consisted of 2,074 undergraduate students (706 males, 1,368 females; mean age = 19.79±1.39 years). The students’ major risk factors for suicide were depression, anxiety, stress, and hopelessness, and the students’ minor risk factors included orientation to happiness and coping styles (including self-distraction, self-blame and substance use). Notably, the presence of meaning in life had a positive effect on preventing suicide and acted as a protective factor, which suggests that it is important to identify risk factors as well as protective factors relevant to the target population group in order to increase the effectiveness of counseling and suicide prevention programs.
Screening the Reference Genes for Quantitative Gene Expression by RT-qPCR During SE Initial Dedifferentiation in Four Gossypium hirsutum Cultivars that Have Different SE Capability

RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq)-based gene expression analysis is applicable to a wide range of biological purposes in various species. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is also used to assess target gene expression utilizing stably expressed reference genes as internal control under a given set of conditions. However, investigations of the reference genes for RT-qPCR normalization in the process of somatic embryogenesis (SE) initial dedifferentiation in Gossypium hirsutum are rarely reported. In this study, on the basis of our previous transcriptome data of three different induction stages during SE initial dedifferentiation process in four G. hirsutum cultivars that have different SE capability, 15 candidate genes were selected during SE initial dedifferentiation process, and their expression stability was evaluated by geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper. The results indicated that the two genes of endonuclease 4 (ENDO4) and 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) showed stable expression in the four different G. hirsutum cultivars, endowing them to be appropriate reference genes during three induction stages in the four cotton cultivars. In addition, the stability and reliability of the two reference genes of ENDO4 and 18S rRNA were further verified by comparing the expressions of auxin-responsive protein 22 (AUX22) and ethylene-responsive transcription factor 17 (ERF17) between RT-qPCR results and the RNA-seq data, which showed strong positive correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.8396–0.9984), validating again the steady expression of ENDO4 and 18S rRNA as the reliable reference genes. Our results provide effective reference genes for RT-qPCR normalization during SE process in different G. hirsutum cultivars.
Structure‐Guided Tuning of a Selectivity Switch towards Ribonucleosides in Trypanosoma brucei Purine Nucleoside 2′‐Deoxyribosyltransferase

The use of nucleoside 2′‐deoxyribosyltransferases (NDTs) as biocatalysts for the industrial synthesis of nucleoside analogues is often hindered by their strict preference for 2′‐deoxyribonucleosides. It is shown herein that a highly versatile purine NDT from Trypanosoma brucei (TbPDT) can also accept ribonucleosides as substrates; this is most likely because of the distinct role played by Asn53 at a position that is usually occupied by Asp in other NDTs. Moreover, this unusual activity was improved about threefold by introducing a single amino acid replacement at position 5, following a structure‐guided approach. Biophysical and biochemical characterization revealed that the TbPDTY5F variant is a homodimer that displays maximum activity at 50 °C and pH 6.5 and shows a remarkably high melting temperature of 69 °C. Substrate specificity studies demonstrate that 6‐oxopurine ribonucleosides are the best donors (inosine>guanosine≫adenosine), whereas no significant preferences exist between 6‐aminopurines and 6‐oxopurines as base acceptors. In contrast, no transferase activity could be detected on xanthine and 7‐deazapurines. TbPDTY5F was successfully employed in the synthesis of a wide range of modified ribonucleosides containing different purine analogues.
The efficacy of 2 phytases on inositol phosphate degradation in different segments of the gastrointestinal tract, calcium and phosphorus digestibility, and bone quality of broilers

ABSTRACT The anti-nutritional effects of dietary inositol phosphates (IP6 through IP3) have been recognized in broiler chickens; however, inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is more potent than the lower IP esters. The efficacies of 2 commercial phytases, a Buttiauxella sp. phytase (BSP) and a Citrobacter braakii phytase (CBP) at 500 and 1,000 FTU/kg, were studied on IP6–3 concentrations in the crop, proventriculus + gizzard, and distal ileum digesta, and ileal IP6 disappearance in broilers at day 22. Apparent ileal P and Ca digestibility, and bone quality at days 22 and 33 were also measured. Female Ross 308 broilers (n = 1,890; 30 birds × 7 diets × 9 replicates) were fed corn-soy-based crumbled diets. The 7 diets included a primary breeder recommendation-based positive control diet (PC); the PC marginally reduced in available P by 0.146% and Ca by 0.134% of the diet, (NC1) or moderately reduced by 0.174 and 0.159% of the diet, respectively (NC2). Other diets were the NC1 + BSP or CBP at 500 FTU/kg (NC1+500BSP and NC1+500CBP) and the NC2 + BSP or CBP at 1,000 FTU/kg (NC2+1,000BSP and NC2+1,000CBP). Each of the NC1 and NC2 had distal ileum IP6 disappearance similar to that of PC, but each had lower P digestibility and the majority of measured bone quality parameters than the PC. The ileal IP6 levels were decreased by 52.0 and 32.7% for NC1+500BSP and NC1+500CBP, respectively, relative to NC1 and by 73.6 and 50.9% for NC2+1,000BSP and NC2+1,000CBP, respectively, relative to NC2 (P < 0.001), with a similar effect for distal ileum IP6 disappearance. Overall, phytase in the NC diets increased P digestibility, and femur breaking strength and cortical bone mineral density at days 22 and 33. Overall, each of the phytases at each dose degraded IP6–3 across the gastrointestinal tract segments to increase P digestibility and the P and Ca utilization in bone. However, dietary BSP at 1,000 FTU/kg was most effective. Supplemental phytase degrades phytate to decrease the anti-nutritional effects in a dose- and phytase-dependent manner.
Hesperidin improves hepatic steatosis, hepatic enzymes, and metabolic and inflammatory parameters in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hesperidin on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) characteristics. In this randomized, double‐blind, controlled clinical trial, 50 NAFLD patients were supplemented with either 1‐g hesperidin capsule or identical placebo capsule for 12 weeks. During the intervention, both groups were advised to follow healthy lifestyle habits including dietary and physical activity recommendations. At the end of the study, hesperidin supplementation, compared with placebo, was associated with a significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase (p = .005), γ‐glutamyltransferase (p = .004), total cholesterol (p = .016), triglyceride (p = .049), hepatic steatosis (p = .041), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (p = .029), tumor necrosis factor‐α, and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). In conclusion, our results indicate that hesperidin supplementation accompanied with lifestyle modification is superior to lifestyle modification alone in management of NAFLD at least partially through inhibiting NF‐κB activation and improving lipid profile. Further studies with higher dose of hesperidin are required to find the optimal dose.
Latest Advances in the Development of Eukaryotic Vaults as Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

The use of smart drug delivery systems (DDSs) is one of the most promising approaches to overcome some of the drawbacks of drug-based therapies, such as improper biodistribution and lack of specific targeting. Some of the most attractive candidates as DDSs are naturally occurring, self-assembling protein nanoparticles, such as viruses, virus-like particles, ferritin cages, bacterial microcompartments, or eukaryotic vaults. Vaults are large ribonucleoprotein nanoparticles present in almost all eukaryotic cells. Expression in different cell factories of recombinant versions of the “major vault protein” (MVP) results in the production of recombinant vaults indistinguishable from native counterparts. Such recombinant vaults can encapsulate virtually any cargo protein, and they can be specifically targeted by engineering the C-terminus of MVP monomer. These properties, together with nanometric size, a lumen large enough to accommodate cargo molecules, biodegradability, biocompatibility and no immunogenicity, has raised the interest in vaults as smart DDSs. In this work we provide an overview of eukaryotic vaults as a new, self-assembling protein-based DDS, focusing in the latest advances in the production and purification of this platform, its application in nanomedicine, and the current preclinical and clinical assays going on based on this nanovehicle.
The first Japanese nationwide multicenter study of BRCA mutation testing in ovarian cancer: CHARacterizing the cross-sectionaL approach to Ovarian cancer geneTic TEsting of BRCA (CHARLOTTE)

Introduction BRCA gene mutations are associated with hereditary ovarian cancer. BRCA plays a key role in genome integrity, and mutations result in an increased risk for ovarian cancer. Although various guidelines recommend BRCA testing in patients with ovarian cancer, data on germline BRCA (gB RCA) mutation frequency in ovarian cancer in Japan are scarce. Objective This study aimed to determine gBRCA1/2 mutations in Japanese patients with ovarian cancer, stratified by clinicopathological characteristics, and to assess patients’ satisfaction with pre-test genetic counseling. Methods The CHARLOTTE study (CHARacterizing the cross-sectionaL approach to Ovarian cancer: geneTic TEsting of BRCA; UMIN000025597) is the first large multicenter epidemiological survey of Japanese women, aged ≥20, with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer (epithelial, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer), with histologically confirmed specimens. Patients were enrolled sequentially and underwent pre-test genetic counseling for BRCA testing. Blood samples were centrally tested for the presence or absence of known gBRCA mutations. A questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction with pre-test genetic counseling. Results A total of 634 patients with a mean age of 56.9 years were included. Most patients (84.2%) had epithelial ovarian cancer, and 51.1% had FIGO stage III–IV cancer. Nearly all patients (99.5%) received genetic counseling before the BRCA testing, either by an obstetrician-gynecologist (42.0%) or a clinical geneticist (42.0%). The overall prevalence of gBRCA1/2 mutations was 14.7% (93/634), with gBRCA1 mutations (9.9%) more common than gBRCA2 mutations (4.7%). High-grade serous carcinoma showed a prevalence of gBRCA mutations of 28.5%. Most patients were satisfied with pre-test counseling, irrespective of the service provider’s professional position. Discussion Patients with high-grade serous carcinoma and family history of ovarian cancer had a slightly higher prevalence of gBRCA mutations, but none of the subgroups had considerably high gBRCA mutation prevalence. These data suggest that gBRCA testing should be carried out in all patients with ovarian cancer.
Controlled-release of fluazinam from biodegradable PLGA-based microspheres

Abstract Pesticides are biological or chemical substances used to manage pests and diseases. Encapsulation of pesticides in biodegradable carriers creates a slow-release system that can improve water dispersibility and prolong residual activity. We prepared two kinds of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactants. These were used to encapsulate the fungicide fluazinam (Flu) against Rhizoctonia solani using the Shirasu Porous Glass (SPG) membrane emulsification method. Both nanoparticles had uniform spherical shapes with average diameters of 314.13 nm (SDS) and 612.80 nm (PVA). The slow-release microspheres had excellent sustained-release properties, resistance to UV degradation, storage stability, leaf surface coverage and antifungal efficacy compared to the commercial formulation.
Data triage and visual analytics for scientific visualization

As the speed of computers continues to increase at a very fast rate, the size of data generated from scientific simulations has now reached petabytes (1012 bytes) and beyond. Under such circumstances, no existing techniques can be used to perform effective data analysis at a full precision. To analyze large scale data sets, visual analytics techniques with effective summarization and flexible interface are crucial in assisting the exploration of data at different levels of detail. To improve data access efficiency, summarization and triage are important components for categorizing data items according to their saliency. This will allow the user to focus only on the relevant portion of data. In this dissertation, several visualization and analysis techniques are presented to facilitate the analysis of multivariate time-varying data and flow fields. For multivariate time-varying data sets, data items are categorized based on the values over time to provide an effective overview of the time-varying phenomena. From the similarity to the user-specified feature, dynamic phenomena across multiple variables in different spatial and temporal domains can be explored. To visualize flow fields, information theory is used to model the local flow complexity quantitatively. Based on the model, an information-aware visualization framework is designed to create images with different levels of visual focus according to the local flow complexity. By extending the measurement from object space to image space, visualization primitives can be further rearranged, leading to more effective visualization of salient flow features with less occlusion.
Hypoxic storage of erythrocytes slows down storage lesions and prolongs shelf‐life

Conventional storage conditions of erythrocytes cause storage lesions. We propose that hypoxic storage conditions, involving removal of oxygen and replacement with helium, the changes in stored erythrocytes under hypoxic condition were observed and assessed. Erythrocytes were divided into two equal parts, then stored in conventional and hypoxic conditions, separately. Blood gas analysis, hemorheology, and hemolysis were performed once a week. Energy metabolism and membrane damage were monitored by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Phosphatidylserine exposure was measured by flow cytometry. P50 was measured and the oxygen dissociation curve (ODC) plotted accordingly. Erythrocyte morphology was observed microscopically. In the 9th week of storage, the hemolysis of the hypoxia group was 0.7%; lower (p < .05) than that of the control group and still below the threshold of quality requirements. The dissolved oxygen and pO2 were only 1/4 of that in the control group (p < .01); the adenosine triphosphate, glucose, and lactic acid levels were decreased (p < .05), while the 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate levels were increased relative to that in the control group (p < .01). There were no statistically significant differences in membrane damage, deformability, and aggregation between the two groups. In addition, the ODC of the two groups was shifted to the left but this difference was not statistically different. Basically similar to the effect of completely anaerobic conditions. Erythrocytes stored under hypoxic conditions could maintain a relatively stable state with a significant decrease in hemolysis, reduction of storage lesions, and an increase in shelf‐life.
Risk Factors for Depression in Long-term Care: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Objectives: Depression among older adults in long-term care remains a problem, despite the uptake of antidepressants and the development of intervention programs. A better understanding of the risk factors for depression is much needed. Guided by a systematic assessment of the evidence, this prospective observational cohort study sought to clarify existing evidence, identify modifiable risk factors and explore novel variables. Methods: Adults aged ≥65 (T1 n=147, T2 n= 81) were recruited from 15 long-term-care facilities in Melbourne, Australia. Cognitive impairment, functional impairment, pain, sleep disturbance, social support, and person-environment fit were investigated as risk factors. Outcomes were depressive symptoms and indicated Major Depressive Episode. Results: Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) identified that changes in pain (b= 0.06, p <.05), sleep disturbance (b= 0.02, p< .001), social support (b= −0.02, p< .001) and person-environment fit (b= −0.02, p= <.01) were significantly associated with changes in depression score. Conclusions: Pain, sleep disturbance, social support, and person-environment fit are modifiable risk factors, making them strongly positioned to strategically inform prevention and intervention strategies. Clinical Implications: Individuals with clinically significant symptoms on these risk factors for depression should be selected for interventions that target these risk factors. For depressed individuals, psychotherapy should prioritize the potential role of these risk factors. Finally, these risk factors should be used as screening and monitoring variables: clinically significant changes in symptoms warrant investigation.
miR‐200a mediates protection of thymosin β‐4 in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells as a novel mechanism under hypoxia‐reoxygenation injury

Thymosin β‐4 (Tβ4) is a ubiquitous protein, which has been suggested to regulate multiple cell signal pathways and a variety of cellular functions. However, the role Tβ4 plays in the cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) under myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury is currently unknown. Here we investigated the effects of Tβ4 on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) induced CMECs injury and its potential molecular mechanism. Cultured CMECs were positively identified by flow cytometry using antibody against CD31 and VWF/Factor VIII, which are constitutively expressed on the surface of CMECs. Then the reduced level of Tβ4 was detected in H/R‐CMECs by a real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To determine the effects of Tβ4 on H/R‐CMECs, we transfected the overexpression or silence vector of Tβ4 into CMECs under H/R condition. Our results indicated that H/R treatment could reduce proliferation, increased apoptosis, adhesion, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in CMECs, which were attenuated by Tβ4 overexpression or aggravated by Tβ4 silencing, implying Tβ4 is able to promote CMECs against H/R‐induced cell injury. Furthermore, the microRNA‐200a (miR‐200a) level was also increased by Tβ4 in H/R‐CMECs or reduced by Tβ4 small interfering RNA. To investigated the mechanism of protective effects of Tβ4 on CMECs injury, the miR‐200a inhibitor was transfected into H/R‐CMECs. The results indicated that inhibition of miR‐200a inversed the protection of Tβ4 on H/R‐CMECs, specifically including cell proliferation, cell adhesion, cell apoptosis, and ROS production, as well as nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation. In conclusion, our results determined that Tβ4 attenuated H/R‐induced CMECs injury by miR‐200a‐Nrf2 signaling.
Aristolochic Acid and Immunotherapy for Urothelial Carcinoma: Directions for unmet Needs

Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) and upper tracts (UTUC) used to share management with similar principles. However, their genetic and epigenetic differences along with different responses to immunotherapy were recently identified, which are reminiscent of their distinct etiologies. Different from the variety of environmental factors relating to UCB, UTUC is best known for its close relationship with exposure to aristolochic acid (AA). AA is believed to cause its carcinogenicity through forming DNA adducts of deoxyadenosine-aristolactam, as well as A:T → T:A transversions in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene. Since recent findings suggested that cancers with higher somatic mutations are associated with better treatment responses upon immune checkpoint blockade, UTUC and AA-related biomarkers reasonably serve as good candidates, as well as a potential prognostic predictor for the flourishing immunotherapy. This review covers the current state of the literature on the clinical response of UTUC and UCB receiving immunotherapy and points out directions for refinement regarding patient selection.
Acceptability, feasibility, and individual preferences of blood-based HIV self-testing in a population-based sample of adolescents in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background Adolescents living in sub-Saharan Africa constitute a vulnerable population at significant risk of HIV infection. This study aims to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and accuracy of home-based, supervised HIV self-testing (HIVST) as well as their predictors among adolescents living in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods A cross-sectional, door-to-door survey using a blood-based HIV self-test and a peer-based supervised HIVST approach was conducted from July to August 2018 in Kisangani, DRC. The acceptability and feasibility of HIVST were assessed among adolescents’ consenting to use and interpret HIV self-test. The accuracy of HIVST was estimated by the sensibility and specificity of adolescent-interpreted HIV self-test. Factors associated with acceptability and feasibility of HIVST were analyzed with logistic regression. Results A total of 628 adolescents (including 369 [58.8%] females) aged between 15 and 19 years were enrolled. Acceptability of HIVST was high (95.1%); 96.1% of participants correctly used the self-test, and 65.2% asked for verbal instructions. The majority of adolescents (93.5%) correctly interpreted their self-test results. The Cohen’s κ coefficient between the results read by adolescents and by supervisors was 0.62. The correct interpretation decreased significantly when adolescents had no formal education or attended primary school as compared to those currently attending university (37.0% versus 100%; adjusted OR: 0.01 [95% CI: 0.004–0.03]). In the hands of adolescents at home, the sensitivity of the Exacto Test HIV Self-test was estimated at 100%, while its specificity was 96.0%. The majority of participants (68.0%) affirmed that post-test counseling was essential, and that face-to-face counseling (78.9%) was greatly preferred. Conclusions Home-based, supervised HIVST using a blood-based self-test and peer-based approach can be used with a high degree of acceptability and feasibility by adolescents living in Kisangani, DRC. Misinterpretation of test results is challenging to obtaining good feasibility of HIVST among adolescents with poor educational level. Face-to-face post-test counseling seems to be preferred among Kisangani’s adolescents.