Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular Ultrasound Monitoring of Early Artery Injury After Carotid Balloon Angioplasty

Cardiovascular intervention is a common treatment procedure for many cardiovascular diseases. But restenosis often occurs after these procedures, greatly discounting their long-term therapeutic effects. Early detection of endothelial denudation is helpful for the diagnosis and prevention of restenosis. Here, we fabricated targeted microbubbles by conjugating anti-collagen IV antibodies to the surface of biotinylated microbubbles (MBColIV) and applied them for ultrasound molecular imaging of endothelial injury at early stage. Our results showed that the MBColIV, with a typical multi-peak particle distribution, was successfully constructed, which was confirmed by Alexa Fluor® 555-labeled secondary antibody. Ex vivo adhesion of microbubbles revealed that MBColIV can effectively and specially bind to the surface of balloon-injured carotid artery. The in vivo animal experiments showed ultrasound molecular imaging signals from carotid artery-injured rats administrated with MBColIV were significantly higher than those administrated with isotype control microbubbles. Histological staining of the left carotid common artery revealed that collagen IV was obviously exposed after endothelium denudation in balloon-injured artery. In conclusion, our current study provides an effective approach to detect vascular injury at the early stage and a potential platform for image-guided therapy to vascular injury.
Amyloid-β Load Is Related to Worries, but Not to Severity of Cognitive Complaints in Individuals With Subjective Cognitive Decline: The SCIENCe Project

Objective: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Early disease processes, such as amyloid-β aggregation measured with quantitative PET, may help to explain the phenotype of SCD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether quantitative amyloid-β load is associated with both self- and informant-reported cognitive complaints and memory deficit awareness in individuals with SCD. Methods: We included 106 SCD patients (mean ± SD age: 64 ± 8, 45%F) with 90 min dynamic [18F]florbetapir PET scans. We used the following questionnaires to assess SCD severity: cognitive change index (CCI, self and informant reports; 2 × 20 items), subjective cognitive functioning (SCF, four items), and five questions “Do you have complaints? ” (yes/no) for memory, attention, organization and language), and “Does this worry you? (yes/no). ” The Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT)-Stories (immediate and delayed recall) was used to assess objective episodic memory. To investigate the level of self-awareness, we calculated a memory deficit awareness index (Z-transformed (inverted self-reported CCI minus episodic memory); higher index, heightened self-awareness) and a self-proxy index (Z-transformed self- minus informant-reported CCI). Mean cortical [18F]florbetapir binding potential (BPND) was derived from the PET data. Logistic and linear regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, education, and depressive symptoms, were used to investigate associations between BPND and measures of SCD. Results: Higher mean cortical [18F]florbetapir BPND was associated with SCD-related worries (odds ratio = 1.76 [95%CI = 1.07 ± 2.90]), but not with other SCD questionnaires (informant and self-report CCI or SCF, total scores or individual items, all p > 0.05). In addition, higher mean cortical [18F]florbetapir BPND was associated with a higher memory deficit awareness index (Beta = 0.55), with an interaction between BPND and education (p = 0.002). There were no associations between [18F]florbetapir BPND and self-proxy index (Beta = 0.11). Conclusion: Amyloid-β deposition was associated with SCD-related worries and heightened memory deficit awareness (i.e., hypernosognosia), but not with severity of cognitive complaints. Our findings indicate that worries about self-perceived decline may reflect an early symptom of amyloid-β related pathology rather than subjective cognitive functioning.
Acute Mountain Sickness Is Associated With a High Ratio of Endogenous Testosterone to Estradiol After High-Altitude Exposure at 3,700 m in Young Chinese Men

Background: A large proportion of populations suffer from acute mountain sickness (AMS) after exposure at high altitude. AMS is closely related with age and gender implying that the sex hormones may play critical roles in AMS. Our observational study aimed to identify the association between the endogenous testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and AMS. Methods: A total of 113 subjects were recruited in 2012. The participants were evaluated at 500 m and after acute (1 day) and short-term (7 days) high-altitude exposure at 3,700 m. The subjects also completed a case report form questionnaire and underwent blood pressure measurements and an echocardiography examination. The red blood cell (RBC) count, Hb concentration ([Hb]), hematocrit (HCT), E2, T, and erythropoietin (EPO) were measured. Results: Upon acute high-altitude exposure, E2 and EPO were significantly lower in AMS+ group, and T/E2 and stroke volume were higher. On the 1st day, AMS score correlated positively with the T/E2 ratio while it negatively correlated with E2. After 7 days at 3,700 m, the AMS+ subjects had higher erythropoietic parameters: EPO, T, and T/E2 were significantly higher in the AMS+ group. [Hb], RBC count, HCT, EPO, T and T/E2 were also correlated with AMS score. EPO, HCT, and the RBC count were also correlated with T/E2. Regression analyses indicated that T/E2 significantly correlated to AMS score and T/E2 on the 1st day was an independent predictor for AMS on the 7th day. Conclusion: AMS was correlated with T/E2 ratio and EPO. After short-term exposure, higher T/E2 may contribute to AMS together with EPO via erythropoiesis. Furthermore, T/E2 level at high altitude in the early stage was an independent predictor for AMS in the latter stage.
Clinical and Neuropathogenetic Aspects of Human African Trypanosomiasis

Trypanosomiasis has been recognized as a scourge in sub-Saharan Africa for centuries. The disease, caused by protozoan parasites of the Trypanosoma genus, is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in animals and man. Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness, results from infections with T. brucei (b.) gambiense or T. b. rhodesiense with T. b. gambiense accounting for over 95% of infections. Historically there have been major epidemics of the infection, followed by periods of relative disease control. As a result of concerted disease surveillance and treatment programmes, implemented over the last two decades, there has been a significant reduction in the number of cases of human disease reported. However, the recent identification of asymptomatic disease carriers gives cause for some concern. The parasites evade the host immune system by switching their surface coat, comprised of variable surface glycoprotein (VSG). In addition, they have evolved a variety of strategies, including the production of serum resistance associated protein (SRA) and T. b. gambiense-specific glycoprotein (TgsGP) to counter host defense molecules. Infection with either disease variant results in an early haemolymphatic-stage followed by a late encephalitic-stage when the parasites migrate into the CNS. The clinical features of HAT are diverse and non-specific with early-stage symptoms common to several infections endemic within sub-Saharan Africa which may result in a delayed or mistaken diagnosis. Migration of the parasites into the CNS marks the onset of late-stage disease. Diverse neurological manifestations can develop accompanied by a neuroinflammatory response, comprised of astrocyte activation, and inflammatory cell infiltration. However, the transition between the early and late-stage is insidious and accurate disease staging, although crucial to optimize chemotherapy, remains problematic with neurological symptoms and neuroinflammatory changes recorded in early-stage infections. Further research is required to develop better diagnostic and staging techniques as well as safer more efficacious drug regimens. Clearer information is also required concerning disease pathogenesis, specifically regarding asymptomatic carriers and the mechanisms employed by the trypanosomes to facilitate progression to the CNS and precipitate late-stage disease. Without progress in these areas it may prove difficult to maintain current control over this historically episodic disease.
Evaluating ZNF217 mRNA Expression Levels as a Predictor of Response to Endocrine Therapy in ER+ Breast Cancer

ZNF217 is a candidate oncogene with a wide variety of deleterious functions in breast cancer. Here, we aimed at investigating in a pilot prospective study the association between ZNF217 mRNA expression levels and the clinical response to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) in postmenopausal ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer patients. Core surgical biopsy samples before treatment initiation and post-treatment were obtained from 68 patients, and Ki-67 values measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to identify responders (n = 59) and non-responders (n = 9) after 4 months of ET. We report for the first time that high ZNF217 mRNA expression level measured by RT-qPCR in the initial tumor samples (pre-treatment) is associated with poor response to neoadjuvant ET. Indeed, the clinical positive response rate in patients with low ZNF217 expression levels was significantly higher than that in those with high ZNF217 expression levels (P = 0.027). Additionally, a retrospective analysis evaluating ZNF217 expression levels in primary breast tumor of ER+/HER2-/LN0 breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant ET enabled the identification of poorer responders prone to earlier relapse (P = 0.013), while ZNF217 did not retain any prognostic value in the ER+/HER2-/LN0 breast cancer patients who did not receive any treatment. Altogether, these data suggest that ZNF217 expression might be predictive of clinical response to ET.
The response of mesophyll conductance to short- and long-term environmental conditions in chickpea genotypes

Abstract Abstract. Mesophyll conductance (gm) has been shown to vary between genotypes of a number of species and with growth environments, including nitrogen availability, but understanding of gm variability in legumes is limited. We might expect gm in legumes to respond differently to limited nitrogen availability, due to their ability to fix atmospheric N2. Using online stable carbon isotope discrimination method, we quantified genetic variability in gm under ideal conditions, investigated gm response to N source (N2-fixation or inorganic N) and determined the effects of N source and water availability on the rapid response of gm to photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and radiation wavelength in three genotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Genotypes varied 2-fold in gm under non-limiting environments. N-fed plants had higher gm than N2-fixing plants in one genotype, while gm in the other two genotypes was unaffected. gm response to PPFD was altered by N source in one of three genotypes, in which the gm response to PPFD was statistically significant in N-fed plants but not in N2-fixing plants. There was no clear effect of moderate water stress on the gm response to PPFD and radiation wavelength. Genotypes of a single legume species differ in the sensitivity of gm to both long- and short-term environmental conditions, precluding utility in crop breeding programmes.
Land tenure shapes black bear density and abundance on a multi‐use landscape

Abstract Global biodiversity is decreasing rapidly. Parks and protected lands, while designed to conserve wildlife, often cannot provide the habitat protection needed for wide‐ranging animals such as the American black bear (Ursus americanus). Conversely, private lands are often working landscapes (e.g., farming) that have high human footprints relative to protected lands. In southwestern Alberta, road densities are highest on private lands and black bears can be hunted year‐round. On protected lands, road densities are lowest, and hunting is prohibited. On public lands under the jurisdiction of the provincial government (Crown lands), seasonal hunting is permitted. Population estimates are needed to calculate sustainable harvest levels and to monitor population trends. In our study area, there has never been a robust estimate of black bear density and spatial drivers of black bear density are poorly understood. We used non‐invasive genetic sampling and indices of habitat productivity and human disturbance to estimate density and abundance for male and female black bears in 2013 and 2014 using two methods: spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) and resource‐selection functions (RSF). Land tenure best explained spatial variation in black bear density. Black bear densities for females and males were highest on parkland and lowest on Crown lands. Sex ratios were female‐biased on private lands, likely a result of lower harvests and movement of females out of areas with high male density. Synthesis and application: Both SECR and RSF methods clearly indicate spatial structuring of black bear density, with a strong influence based on how lands are managed. Land tenure influences the distribution of available foods and risk from humans. We emphasize the need for improved harvest reporting, particularly for non‐licensed hunting on private land, to estimate the extent of black bear harvest mortality.
Incidence of Mutations in the ALPL, GGPS1, and CYP1A1 Genes in Patients With Atypical Femoral Fractures

Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) are uncommon and often related to prolonged bisphosphonate (BP) treatment. Isolated cases have been linked to mutations of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (ALPL). Moreover, mutations in the geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GGPPS) gene, which can be inhibited by BPs, and in the enzyme of the cytochrome P450 superfamily (CYP1A1), related to the metabolism of several drugs, have also been associated with AFF development. Our aim was to analyze the incidence of ALPL, GGPS1, and CYP1A1 gene mutations in patients with AFFs and their clinical characteristics. Seventeen women with AAFs were included. All patients underwent Sanger sequencing of the ALPL, GGPS1, and CYP1A1 genes, analyzing the presence of mutations and polymorphisms in these genes. The clinical characteristics of the patients, previous treatments, ALP substrates (vitamin B6 and phosphoethanolamine), bone turnover markers, and bone mass were also analyzed. Three of 17 patients (17.6%) presented heterozygous mutations in the ALPL (p.Gly288Ala) or CYP1A1 (p.Arg136His, p.Val409Ile) genes. Only the patient with the ALPL mutation presented increased ALP substrates. Patients with CYP1A1 variants had glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis. All patients were previously treated with BPs during 85.5 ± 38 months, and nearly 50% were also treated with glucocorticoids. The AFF was bilateral in 35% of cases. In conclusion, ALPL and CYP1A1 mutations may be related to the development of AFF in patients treated with BPs. The evaluation of ALP substrates in patients with low ALPL levels allows the identification of patients with hypophosphatasia. The role of CYP1A1 mutations in AFF needs further study. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Phenological synchrony between eastern spruce budworm and its host trees increases with warmer temperatures in the boreal forest

Abstract Climate change is predicted to alter relationships between trophic levels by changing the phenology of interacting species. We tested whether synchrony between two critical phenological events, budburst of host species and larval emergence from diapause of eastern spruce budworm, increased at warmer temperatures in the boreal forest in northeastern Canada. Budburst was up to 4.6 ± 0.7 days earlier in balsam fir and up to 2.8 ± 0.8 days earlier in black spruce per degree increase in temperature, in naturally occurring microclimates. Larval emergence from diapause did not exhibit a similar response. Instead, larvae emerged once average ambient temperatures reached 10°C, regardless of differences in microclimate. Phenological synchrony increased with warmer microclimates, tightening the relationship between spruce budworm and its host species. Synchrony increased by up to 4.5 ± 0.7 days for balsam fir and up to 2.8 ± 0.8 days for black spruce per degree increase in temperature. Under a warmer climate, defoliation could potentially begin earlier in the season, in which case, damage on the primary host, balsam fir may increase. Black spruce, which escapes severe herbivory because of a 2‐week delay in budburst, would become more suitable as a resource for the spruce budworm. The northern boreal forest could become more vulnerable to outbreaks in the future.
Determinants of Oral Health Behavior among Preschool Children: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Statement of the Problem: Dental caries is the most common chronic disease among children. Determinants of children’s oral health behavior should be better understood and known. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors of oral health behavior among preschool children based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study included 833 mother-child pairs referring to twenty health centers in Tabriz, North-West Iran, from August 2014 to November 2015. The participants were selected by multi-stage stratified random sampling. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires completed by the participating mothers. The questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics, oral health behavior, and TPB structures (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention). Results: The mean±standard deviation (SD) of children’s age was 4.6±1.1 years (ranging 3-6), and 52% were boys. 20.3% of mothers had university degrees. The mean (SD) score of children’s oral health behavior was 5.8 (±1.9) out of 8. Muliple regression analysis revealed a positive relationship between all TPB structures and children’s oral health behavior F(11,821)=41.8, R=0.6, (p< 0.001). Furthermore, the TPB structures explained 35% and 29% of the variance in children’s oral health behavior and maternal intention towards it, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the current finding, TBP is the important predictor of children’s oral health behavior. Effective promotion interventions could be designed based on this predictor to help improving the children’s oral hygiene behavior.
Optimization of the enzyme‐assisted aqueous extraction of phenolic compounds from pistachio green hull

Abstract Phenolic compounds form an essential part of the human diet because of their functional properties. In this study, the extraction conditions of phenolic compounds from pistachio green hull were optimized by enzymatic method (using pectinase, cellulase, and tannase enzymes). For this purpose, the effective factors including the solid to solvent ratio, enzyme concentration, particles size, and extraction time were optimized. Also, the effect of enzymatic extraction on the antioxidant activity of the extracts were investigated using three different methods (DPPH˙, ABTS˙+, and FRAP). The profile of phenolic compounds was determined using HPLC/DAD. The results showed that all the studied enzymes were significantly effective in increasing the extraction efficiency. The combination of cellulase, pectinase, and tannase enzymes under their optimal conditions increased the extraction yield up to 112% in comparison with the solvent extraction method. The results of three antioxidant tests showed that the antioxidant properties of the enzymatic extracted compounds increased significantly compared to the control sample (compounds extracted by the solvent method). The DPPH˙ test results indicated that the antioxidant property of the enzymatic extracted compounds was 71% more than the control extract. The different enzymes changed the phenolic compounds’ profile so that the pectinase and cellulase enzymes increased the amount of phloroglucinol (more than three times) and decreased the amount of gallic acid (more than 4.5 times) in comparison. In addition, tannase and its combination with other enzymes increased the gallic acid content by 2.6‐fold and 4.6‐fold compared to the control sample, respectively.
Highly flexible infection programs in a specialized wheat pathogen

Abstract Many filamentous plant pathogens exhibit high levels of genomic variability, yet the impact of this variation on host–pathogen interactions is largely unknown. We have addressed host specialization in the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. Our study builds on comparative analyses of infection and gene expression phenotypes of three isolates and reveals the extent to which genomic variation translates into phenotypic variation. The isolates exhibit genetic and genomic variation but are similarly virulent. By combining confocal microscopy, disease monitoring, staining of ROS, and comparative transcriptome analyses, we conducted a detailed comparison of the infection processes of these isolates in a susceptible wheat cultivar. We characterized four core infection stages: establishment, biotrophic growth, lifestyle transition, and necrotrophic growth and asexual reproduction that are shared by the three isolates. However, we demonstrate differentiated temporal and spatial infection development and significant differences in the expression profiles of the three isolates during the infection stages. More than 20% of the genes were differentially expressed and these genes were located significantly closer to transposable elements, suggesting an impact of epigenetic regulation. Further, differentially expressed genes were enriched in effector candidates suggesting that isolate‐specific strategies for manipulating host defenses are present in Z. tritici. We demonstrate that individuals of a host‐specialized pathogen have highly differentiated infection programs characterized by flexible infection development and functional redundancy. This illustrates how high genetic diversity in pathogen populations results in highly differentiated infection phenotypes, which fact needs to be acknowledged to understand host–pathogen interactions and pathogen evolution.
Aspergillosis in a Child with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Complications, and Treatment

Microbial infection is common in patients with leukemia. However, aspergillosis is a rare complication of oral region. Attention to early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment can reduce the wide range of complications of the infection in these patients. This article reports 4-year history of a child with leukemia, who suffered from a rare aspergillosis infection in the palatal region of oral cavity during chemotherapy. Early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial and fungal infections, especially rare types such as aspergillosis, in patients with leukemia is important for reducing widespread complications. However, prosthetic treatment and attention to psychological complications of orofacial defects would also improve their quality of life significantly. These improvements can be seen more clearly in children.