Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low Expression of GLIS2 Gene Might Associate with Radiosensitivity of Gastric Cancer

Human gene GLIS family zinc finger 2 (GLIS2) is a member of GLI-similar zinc finger protein family. Previous studies indicated GLIS2 gene involved in tumorigenesis mechanisms. However, the association between GLIS2 expression and radiosensitivity of gastric cancer has not been well understood. In this study, we used the gastric cancer database in TCGA, and significant association was observed between the low expression of GLIS2 and radiosensitivity of patients with gastric cancer. The adjusted HR values for radiotherapy were 0.162(0.035-0.756) and 0.089(0.014-0.564), with p values 0.021 and 0.010, respectively, in training and testing data, for these patients with low expression of GLIS2, while for patients with high expression of GLIS2, there was no significant survival difference between radiotherapy and nonradiotherapy groups. The adjusted HR were 0.676(0.288-1.586) and 0.508(0.178-1.450), with p values 0.368 and 0.206 in training and testing data, respectively. Further study showed that, for low expression patients, radiotherapy did not significantly increase new tumor event rate and disease progression rate, which partially supported our assumption. These results suggested that low expression of GLIS2 might significantly associate with the radiosensitivity of patients with gastric cancer. The GLIS2 gene might be a potential effective molecular marker of gastric cancer for precise radiotherapy.
In vivo responses of neural progenitor cells to extracellular matrix signaling under pathological conditions

The adult brain has an inherently low capacity for tissue regeneration, and neurons lost to disease or injuries are normally not replaced. This becomes especially apparent when stroke or brain trauma occurs. The discovery of neurogenesis and neural stem cells in the adult brain has opened up new avenues for treatment of the injured brain. In the adult brain, neural stem cells are present in two distinct neurogenic areas, the subventricular zone and the hippocampus. These neural stem cells are capable of generating new neurons throughout life. As these cells have been shown to respond to signals from the surrounding extracellular matrix, we were interested in how we can utilize these for the purpose of regenerating lost neurons. In paper I, we use an injectable self-assembling peptide amphiphile coupled to a migration-inducing peptide sequence derived from Tenascin-C, a glycoprotein natural occurring in the extracellular matrix of the neurogenic areas. In this paper, we re-directed cells from their normal path, the rostral migratory stream, to migrate into the cortex using the Ten-C-peptide amphiphile. Furthermore, this was done without causing an exacerbated glial response or glial scar. In paper II we used a similar biomaterial with another naturally occurring sequence, RGDS, derived from fibronectin. In this study, we were interested in the potential of the RGDS-peptide amphiphile as a possible cell scaffold for neural stem cell transplants. The introduction of a foreign material into the CNS can lead to a strong reactive gliosis response from endogenous astrocytes and microglia. Surprisingly, not only did the RGDS-peptide amphiphile not elicit a stronger glial response than the control needle wound injury, but it rather suppressed the reactivity of astrocytes and microglia. These results indicate great potential of the biomaterial for future use an artificial ECM for cell transplants in the CNS. In paper III, we were interested in the role of RHAMM, the receptor for hyaluronan, one of the most abundantly expressed glycosaminoglycans in the brain extracellular matrix, in stroke-induced neurogenesis. We observed RHAMM in both unlesioned and unlesioned animals being important for cell proliferation and neurogenesis in both the SVZ and hippocampus of the adult brain.
Chemical characterization and storage stability of extra virgin olive oil extracted from Derik Halhalı cultivar

Turkish olive cultivar known as “Halhalı” that is locally grown in Mardin (Derik) province, situated in the southeast Anatolia, was used for virgin olive oil (VOO) production. Halhalı olive was processed in the “Mobile Olive Oil Processing Unit” (TEM Oliomio 500-2GV, Italy) designed as the first mobile olive mill in Turkey. Some chemical and physical properties (colour, UV absorbance values, free fatty acid content, peroxide value, phenolic and tocopherol profiles) were determined and monitored during one year of storing in the dark at room temperature once in every three months. Results showed that up to the eighth month of storage, free fatty acid content, peroxide and UV-absorption values (K232 and K232 values) did not exceed the limits reported by International Olive Council (IOC) and olive oils were categorized as Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). Colour changed from green to yellow and UV absorbance values altered during storage. Total phenol and vitamin E (α- tocopherol) contents decreased by 18% and 16.38%, respectively. Luteolin and apigenin were the most abundant phenolics and their contents decreased up to 22% and 28% during storing, respectively.
Short Segment Statewide Screening of Midblock Crashes in South Carolina

The AASHTO Highway Safety Manual (HSM) presents a variety of methods for quantitatively estimating crash frequency or severity at a variety of locations. The HSM predictive methods require the roadway network to be divided into homogeneous segments and intersections, or sites populated with a series of attributes. It recommends a minimum segment length of 0.1 mi. This research focuses on segment lengths of less than 0.1 mi for statewide screening of midblock crash locations to identify site specific locations with high crash incidence. The paper makes an argument that many midblock crashes can be concentrated along a very short segment because of an undesirable characteristic of a specific site. The use of longer segments may “hide” the severity of a single location if the rest of the segment has few or no additional crashes. In actuality, this research does not divide sections of roads into short segments. Instead, a short-window approach is used. The underlying road network is used to create a layer of segment polygons using GIS buffering. Crash data are then overlaid and aggregated to the segment polygons for further analysis. The paper makes a case for the use of short fixed segments to do statewide screening and how accurately geocoded crash data is key to its use. A comparison is made with a sliding-window approach (Network Kernel Density). The benefit of using fixed segments is that they are much less complex than using the sliding-window approach. Because the segmentation can be the same from year to year, direct comparisons can be made over time while spatial integrity is maintained.
Sirolimus eye drops inhibit acute alkali-burn-induced corneal neovascularization by regulating VEGFR2 and caspase-3 expressions

Background: To investigate the effect of sirolimus (SRL) eye drops on acute alkali-burn-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV) and explore its possible mechanism. Methods: A total of 57 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 160–180 g were randomly divided into four groups including a normal control group (NC group, n=12), an untreated alkali-burned model control group (MC group, n=15), a blank eye drop treatment group (BT group, n=15), and an SRL eye drop treatment group (ST group, n=15). Corneal inflammation and CNV were observed and scored under a slit-lamp microscope 3, 7, and 14 days after alkali exposure. Three rats were randomly sacrificed in each group before modeling and 3, 7, 14 days after modeling, and the corneas of right eyes were harvested for Western blotting to compare the expression levels of VEGFR2 and caspase-3. Results: Corneal inflammation scoring showed that the corneal edema and conjunctival congestion were severe in the MC, BT, and ST groups 1 day after alkali exposure but were alleviated at day 3. The corneal transparency was significantly higher in the ST group than in the MC and BT groups at days 7 (F=9.77, P 0.05; F=0.98, P>0.05). The corneal expression of VEGFR2 became significantly higher in the MC and BT groups than in the ST group 3, 7, and 14 days after alkali exposure, and there were significant differences in relative gray-scale values among these groups (day 3: F=32.16, P Conclusions: SRL eye drops can alleviate acute alkali-burn-induced corneal inflammation and inhibit alkali-burn-induced CNV in rat models. It can reduce VEGFR2 expression and increase caspase-3 expression in the corneal tissue, which may contribute to the inhibition of alkali-burn-induced CNV.
Genetic Diversity of Groundnut Rosette Disease Causal Agents Towards Its Management: A Review

In this review, the genetic diversity of the three causal agents of Groundnut Rosette Disease (GRD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are discussed. Epidemics of GRD viruses in SSA, often reduce groundnut productivity. The etiology of GRD is a complex, involving three agents; Groundnut rosette assistor luteovirus (GRAV), Groundnut rosette umbravirus (GRV) and a Satellite-RNA (Sat-RNA) of GRV. The complex etiology and lack of sensitive and specific diagnostic tools, are major limitations in understanding the epidemiology of GRD viruses, and developing appropriate management strategies for the disease. Nucleotide identity of 97 to 100% among GRAV isolates from different regions in Kenya have been reported. Sat-RNA sequences from Kenya shared nucleotide identity of 95% with Malawian isolate (M24S) and 89% with Nigerian isolate (NG3a). GRAV CP gene was highly conserved (97-99%) regardless of the geographical distance. However, for GRV and Sat-RNA diversity increased with increase in geographical distance. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that isolates of GRV (ORF3 and 4) and Sat-RNA clustered together depending on the country of origin. Recent study has unveiled a chlorotic variant of Sat-RNA in Kenya with 97% sequence identity to the Malawian chlorotic isolate (M24S). Pathogen derived resistance (PDR) suitable for each diverse regions where the disease occurs is a promising management strategy which mainly depends in studies to deeply understand the genetic diversity of the three GRD causal agents. Currently, GRAV-CP is the best candidate for PDR.
Computerized General Management Games as Strategic Management Learning Environments

The strategic management course continues to experience the greatest use of general, top management business games, and a number of games are available to the strategic management instructor Many are classical in their design, whereas others are of more recent vintage. Because the field of strategic management has changed dramatically from its beginnings in the late 1950s, a representative sample of games was examined based on their ability to service both the field's current knowledge domain and its unique analytical tools and devices. Depending on the instructor's desired learning outcomes, some games are more capable than others in accomplishing those results. No game provided perfect coverage of the strategic management field, thereby requiring the use of compensatory activities on the instructor's part.
Chemotherapy Side Effects at Home: A Nursing Impact

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.
Factores asociados con dispepsia funcional en trabajadores de establecimientos de comida rápida en un centro comercial de Huancayo, Perú

Introducción: La dispepsia funcional (DF) comprende trastornos crónicos y recurrentes del tracto digestivo superior y no tiene origen orgánico. Objetivos: Determinar los factores asociados con DF en trabajadores de establecimientos de comida rápida en un centro comercial de Huancayo, Perú. Metodología: Estudio transversal analítico, se encuestó a 128 trabajadores de establecimientos de comida rápida en una ciudad de la serranía peruana. Se usó la prueba “A new questionnaire for the diagnosis of dyspepsia” para el diagnóstico de DF, esto se cruzó con variables sociales, de consumo y de hábitos alimenticios; se obtuvieron estadísticas de asociación. Resultados: El 40 % tuvo DF. Estuvo asociado con una menor frecuencia de DF el sexo femenino (razones de prevalencias ajustadas [RPa]: 0,64; intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 %: 0,41-0,99; valor p = 0,044); en cambio, los que tenían dificultad para conciliar el sueño o padecían de despertares nocturnos (RPa: 1,89; IC 95 %: 1,37-2,61; valor p <0,001) y los que tomaban alcohol regularmente tenían mayor frecuencia de DF (RPa: 3,28; IC 95 %: 1,02-10,6; valor p = 0,047); ajustadas por 5 variables. Según los hábitos de alimentación, se encontró que estuvo asociado con una mayor frecuencia de dispepsia quien omitiera comer el almuerzo (RPa: 1,88; IC 95 %: 1,22-2,90; valor p = 0,004), quien omitiera la cena (RPa: 3,44; IC 95 %: 2,72-4,35; valor p <0,001) y quien se alimentase regularmente en otros restaurantes (RPa: 1,87; IC 95 %: 1,22-2,88; valor p = 0,004); ajustadas por 3 variables.Conclusiones: se encontraron algunas características asociadas con la DF en esta población que comparte características con otras similares, lo que puede ser útil para generar estrategias de detección y diagnóstico oportunos.
Role of Cytokinins in Clubroot Disease Development

Clubroot, caused by the obligate biotrophic protist Plasmodiophora brassicae is a devastating disease of crucifers that causes substantial economic loss worldwide. The disease is characterized by the formation of galls in the root and hypocotyl of infected plants which restricts host vascular cambium development inhibiting efficient water and nutrient uptake by the plant. The pathogen- driven interference of hormonal homeostasis, particularly of cytokinin, in the root tissue is intricately linked with induction of hypertrophy and cell divisions leading to formation of galls. Levels of cytokinins and cell division generally increase at the onset of the disease which declines at the later stages of gall formation. The genes involved cytokinin biosynthesis such as cytokinin oxidase/ dehydrogenases and isopentenyl transferases shows differential expressions during clubroot infection and gall expansion in root tissues. Wider understanding of the roles of cytokinins and associated genes along the development of the disease will be helpful in unravelling plants defense mechanism against clubroot disease.
Evaluation of DPPH Free Radical Scavenging, α-Glucosidase Inhibitory, and Antimicrobial Activities of Aquilaria malaccensis Leaf Extracts

Herbs and medicinal plants are major ingredients in traditional or folk medicine for many countries of the world, including Malaysia. This study evaluated the potential of the leaf extract in different solvent polarities and drying methods of Aquilaria malaccensis , in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting the enzyme α-glucosidase as well as antimicrobial activities. Both methanol and ethanol extracts in oven dry method were efficient solvents to extract the antioxidant constituents of A. malaccensis . To analyze α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, the methanol extracts of A. malaccensis in air dry method exhibited the highest activity with an IC 50 value of 196.31 μg/mL. In addition, for the antimicrobial activity, each extract was tested by a serial two-fold dilution method against selected Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria, and this suggested that hexane in oven dry method possessed the maximum antimicrobial activity against the gram-positive bacteria tested. It is suggested that the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties were exhibited most in a polar solvent (MEOH) whether in air dry or oven dry method with no significant difference. In contrary with antimicrobial which was efficient in a non-polar solvent (HEX) in oven dry method. These results indicate that A. malaccensis is a promising source as herbal medicine.
The efficacy of peer education in sexual behavioral change among school-going adolescents in Northern Malawi: A quasi experiment

Abstract We conducted a quasi-experiment to investigate whether a peer education intervention could result in positive sexual behavioral change outcomes in selected schools in Northern Malawi. The experimental participants (n = 158) were exposed to an HIV risk reduction intervention. The control participants (n = 147) were exposed to a Health Promotion Package. At 8 months, there were significant improvements in the intervention arm on several outcomes. The experimental group was 96% less likely to have sex than the control (OR = 0.04, CI = 0.01–0.20). Intervention participants were also 3.49 times likely to report condom use when they had sex (OR = 3.49, 95% CI = 0.96 to 12.65) and had lower odds of having multiple sexual partners. There were no significant differences on abstinence and the desire to have medical male circumcision (MMC). We suggest the intervention has potential efficacy to improve HIV risk reduction among adolescents in Malawi and perhaps in other similar settings. Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry identifier: PACTR201612001889209.
Isolation and characterization of Pisum sativum apyrases, PsNTP9 and PsNTP9-DM, cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli

Western blots were performed to verify presence of the apyrases using a commercial anti-histidine antibody to detect PsNTP9 and PsNTP9-DM. Once suitable amounts of our proteins harvested, we performed Bradford assays to determine the protein concentration of the samples and carried out an apyrase activity assay to determine the specific activity of the purified enzymes and compare it to apyrases.
ESTABLISHING A BASE POPULATION OF INDIVIDUAL SELECTION FOR LOW MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS IN TERM OF DIETARY PROTEIN LEVEL IN THE AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus)

The farming industry of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Indonesia is affected by a high feed cost during the grow-out phase resulting in low economic return. Selective breeding to produce new strains with low maintenance requirements is one of the potential solutions to overcome the problem. The present study aimed to identify and study the performance of the base population of African catfish treated with feed low in dietary protein during the grow-out phase. Out of 100 broodstock pairs, 96 pairs had produced successful hatching. Approximately 1,000 larvae from each pair were reared separately to reach seven-week-old juveniles. Then, 50 individuals from each pair were selected to form the base population. The base population was reared for four months and fed with commercial feed containing 12% crude protein resulting in final mean body weight of 82.04 ± 34.66 g, a specific growth rate of 2.02%/day, a feed conversion ratio of 4.23, and survival rate of 25.15%. At the end of the grow-out phase, the size variation among treated fish was relatively high (variation coefficient of 42.31%). The subsequent individual selection stage had identified that 325 individuals (equal to 26.93% of the total population) had the best performances with a mean body weight of 128.80 ± 22.80 g, selection differential of 46.80 g, and selection intensity of 1.35. These results suggested the potency of the selected base population be used in the forming of the next generation.
Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and their interaction on vegetative growth and flower yield of snapdragon.

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and their interaction on snapdragon at the Main Experiment Station, Department of Floriculture & Landscape, Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj), Faizabad (U.P.) during winter season in the year 2016-2017. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with 12 treatment combinations and three replications to assess the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and their interaction on snapdragon. Results reveal that the application of nitrogen 60 kg per hectare (N2) proved maximum plant height (33.51cm), plant spread (21.72cm), number of branches/plant (17.70) and yield of spike per hectare (343.39 q) however number of leaves (193.97) was obtained by application of nitrogen 90 kg/ha. Spike initiation and opening of first floret were earliest (107.36 & 121.31 days) in control in both the cases of fertilizers. Application of phosphorus had also responses well on vegetative growth and yield of snapdragon. Phosphorus at 60 kg per hectare resulted maximum plant height (32.14 cm), plant spread (21.3. cm), number of branches per plant (16.88), number of leaves (185.28) and yield of spike per hectare (308.07 q). The interaction effect of nitrogen and phosphorus left significant response only on vegetative growth. Key Word: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Snapdragon, Spike, Yield.
Accuracy of fine needle aspiration compared to core needle biopsy in breast masses

Background and aims: Breast cancer is one of the main causes of death in women, the early diagnosis of which is made by physical examination, mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy of breast masses. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration (FNA) compared to core needle biopsy (CNB) in breast masses. Methods: The current descriptive study was conducted in Kashani and Hajar hospitals in 2015. And a total of 200 patients diagnosed with breast masses participated in this study. First, patients referred to the clinic, received local anesthesia in the area, and then underwent FNA using 10 cc syringes and 23G needles, and simultaneously CNB specimens were taken by a special needle for diagnosis. FNA and CNB specimens were transferred to the Pathology Department with a few day interval for cytological interpretation. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of FNA compared to CNB in the diagnosis of malignant breast masses were 83.9% and 89.9%, respectively. Moreover, the positive and negative predictive values of FNA for breast masses were 78.8% and 92.5%, respectively. The accuracy of FNA test for breast masses was also 0.88%. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, FNA test had a high sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value in the diagnosis of breast masses. Therefore, it could be used as an appropriate diagnostic tool, and could obviously save many costs as well.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-chloro-3-[(E)-(2-phenylhydrazinylidene)methyl]quinoline

A new quinoline-based hydrazone compound, has been synthesized by a condensation reaction of 2-chloro-3-formylquinoline with phenylhydrazine. The quinoline ring system is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.012 Å), and forms a dihedral angle of 8.46 (10)° with the phenyl ring substituent.