Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Iodine treatments on Ocimum basilicum L.: Biofortification, phenolics production and essential oil composition

Iodine biofortification has been gaining interest in recent years as a sustainable and innovative approach to eradicate iodine deficiency disorders. Studying the impact of iodine biofortification on plant phenotype, biochemical and physiological parameters is crucial to leverage the expertise and best practices for the agro-food industry and human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate iodine biofortification on the main quantitative and qualitative traits of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants cultivated both in open field and in growth chamber. The impact of KI and KIO3 treatments was evaluated on biomass production, as well as on the synthesis of phenolic compounds, especially rosmarinic acid and other caffeic acid derivatives, and on the essential oil (EO) composition. These compounds are typically accumulated in basil leaves and strongly contribute to the plant nutraceutical value and aroma. In open field, the use of increasing concentrations of both iodine salts gradually enhanced iodine accumulation in leaves, also determining an increase of the antioxidant power, total phenolics, rosmarinic acid and cinnamic acid accumulation. The composition of EO was only slightly affected by the treatments, as all the samples were characterized by a linalool chemotype and a minor alteration in their relative content was observed. A growth chamber experiment was performed to test EO variation in controlled conditions, broadening the range of iodine concentrations. In this case, plant chemotype was significantly affected by the treatments and large EO variability was observed, suggesting that iodine form and concentration can potentially influence the EO composition but that in open field this effect is overcome by environmental factors.
An Effective Multi-Stage Liposomal DNA Origami Nanosystem for In Vivo Cancer Therapy

DNA origami systems could be important candidates for clinical applications. Unfortunately, their intrinsic properties such as the activation of non-specific immune system responses leading to inflammation, instability in physiological solutions, and a short in vivo lifetime are the major challenges for real world applications. A compact short tube DNA origami (STDO) of 30 nm in length and 10 nm in width was designed to fit inside the core of a stealth liposome (LSTDO) of about 150 nm to remote load doxorubicin. Biocompatibility was tested in three-dimensional (3D) organoid cultures and in vivo. Efficacy was evaluated in different cell lines and in a xenograft breast cancer mouse model. As described in a previous work, LSTDO is highly stable and biocompatible, escaping the recognition of the immune system. Here we show that LSTDO have an increased toleration in mouse liver organoids used as an ex vivo model that recapitulate the tissue of origin. This innovative drug delivery system (DDS) improves the antitumoral efficacy and biodistribution of doxorubicin in tumor-bearing mice and decreases bone marrow toxicity. Our application is an attractive system for the remote loading of other drugs able to interact with DNA for the preparation of liposomal formulations.
Mass-Rearing of Drosophila suzukii for Sterile Insect Technique Application: Evaluation of Two Oviposition Systems

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an invasive pest of a wide range of commercial soft-skinned fruits. To date, most management tactics are based on spraying of conventional and/or organic insecticides, baited traps, and netting exclusion. Interest has been expressed in using the sterile insect technique (SIT) as part of area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programs to control D. suzukii infestations. Mass-rearing protocols are one of the prerequisites for successful implementation of the SIT. To establish mass-rearing methods for this species, two different egg-collection systems were developed and compared with respect to the number of eggs produced, egg viability, pupa and adult recovery, adult emergence rate, and flight ability. Female flies kept in cages equipped with a wax panel produced significantly more eggs with higher viability and adult emergence rate, as compared to the netted oviposition system. The wax panel system was also more practical and less laborious regarding the collection of eggs. Furthermore, the wax panel oviposition system can be adapted to any size or design of an adult cage. In conclusion, this system bears great promise as an effective system for the mass production of D. suzukii for SIT.
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Polymerized Oxazoline-Based Thin Films—Antibacterial Properties and Cytocompatibility Performance

Polyoxazolines are a new promising class of polymers for biomedical applications. Antibiofouling polyoxazoline coatings can suppress bacterial colonization of medical devices, which can cause infections to patients. However, the creation of oxazoline-based films using conventional methods is difficult. This study presents a new way to produce plasma polymerized oxazoline-based films with antibiofouling properties and good biocompatibility. The films were created via plasma deposition from 2-methyl-2-oxazoline vapors in nitrogen atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge. Diverse film properties were achieved by increasing the substrate temperature at the deposition. The physical and chemical properties of plasma polymerized polyoxazoline films were studied by SEM, EDX, FTIR, AFM, depth-sensing indentation technique, and surface energy measurement. After tuning of the deposition parameters, films with a capacity to resist bacterial biofilm formation were achieved. Deposited films also promote cell viability.
Tumor Seeding after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Literature Review and Experience from a Single Institution.

OBJECTIVES Seeding of tumor cells is a rare complication of minimally-invasive surgery. We aim to review and improve current knowledge of prostate cancer seeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS A review of literature was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library including cases of peritoneal and port-site seeding reported after minimally-invasive prostatectomy. In addition, after institutionally approved chart review, a descriptive summary of a single-institution experience on the topic is provided. RESULTS The data from nine reported cases of port site metastases from prostate cancer in the world literature are summarized together with three additional cases from our experience. Similarly five cases of peritoneal seeding are reviewed from the literature with the addition of three more cases from our institution. Good long term outcomes are achievable with multimodality and individualized regimens, including seeding-directed treatments. CONCLUSION Although no definitive recommendation can be made on treatment strategies for these patients, there is need for consciousness and further discussion on this atypical presentation.
THE INCIDENCE OF MULTIPLE MYELOMA IN THE DNIPROPETROVSK REGION.

OBJECTIVE To conduct a comparative analysis of the incidence of MM in the population of the Dnipropetrovsk region, taking into account the possible impact of various adverse environmental factors (air, water and soil con- tamination). MATERIALS AND METHODS Epidemiological indicators of multiple myeloma (MM) morbidity in the 12-year observation period from 2006 to 2017 are analyzed in polluted and conventionally clean areas of the Dnipropetrovsk region. RESULTS In assessing the dynamics of morbidity in MM for years 2006-2017 there was an increase in the incidence in 2011, 2015 and quite stable indicators for 2006-2010. The analysis of morbidity in the industrial cities of the region showed consistently high rates for the entire period of observation. A marked increase in the incidence rate in the Zhovti Vody (2007, 2012, 2016), Nikopol (2016), Novomoskovsk (2016), Marganets (2008, 2009 and 2017), Pokrov (2016, 2017) from 4.35 to 6.25 was noted. This may indicate a fluctuation in the incidence of MM in sepa- rate large cities of Dnipropetrovsk. The analysis of the dynamics of morbidity in the most polluted cities showed a clear increase in the number of cases in the MM in Zhovti Vody, which is characterized by radiation pollution. According to the average annual morbidity rate among cities of Dnipropetrovsk region, Pokrov takes the first place, the second - Zhovti Vody. CONCLUSIONS The obtained data testify to the fluctuation in the incidence of MM in the Dnipropetrovsk region during the period 2006-2017 and the negative environmental factors clearly affect the growth of morbidity in large industrialized cities contaminated with radioactive and chemical substances.
Determinants of speeding among new generations of car drivers from the Arabian Peninsula. An investigation based among Omani drivers using the theory of planned behaviour

In high-income countries of the Arabian Peninsula, including the Sultanate of Oman, motorization has been extremely rapid. As a result, road traffic crashes are by far the highest cause of premature mortality, and speeding is an acknowledged key risk factor. Theory-based interventions are needed to target prevention of this unsafe practice. This study sheds light on determinants of speeding among new generations of Omani drivers applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). A questionnaire covering all five main constructs of the TPB was first contextualized and administered to two target groups: male drivers of all ages (n = 1107) approached in person when renewing their driving license and university students drivers (men and women) reached through internet contact (n = 655). Multiple, stepwise linear regression analyses were used to explore factors associated with speeding. Results indicate that driving fast and not respecting the posted speed limits was common in both groups of drivers, although rates were higher among students; 41.8% reported driving a bit faster than other drivers and 24.1% faster than the posted speed limit compared with 31.4% and 14.2% in male drivers of all ages. In both groups the TPB model predicted to a limited extent the determinants of speeding behaviour. However, the intention to speed was associated with a negative attitude towards the respect of rules for men of all ages (β = -0.30 (p<0.001)) and for students (β = -0.26 (p<0.001)); a positive view regarding subjective norms (β = 0.25 (p<0.001) and β = 0.28 (p<0.001) respectively), and behavioural control (β = 0.15 (p<0.001) and β = 0.20 (p<0.001) respectively). Intention was the only significant predictor of speeding behaviour (β = 0.48 (p<0.001); and β = 0.64 (p<0.001)). To conclude, speeding is widespread among Omani drivers of all ages and the intention to respect posted speed limits meets a range of barriers that need greater consideration in order to achieve a better safety culture in the country.
Establishing Test–Retest Reliability and Reliable Change for the King–Devick Test in High School Athletes

Objective: To establish test–retest reliability in nonconcussed high school athletes and compare absolute change, reliable change indices (RCIs), and minimal detectable change (MDC) methods for classifying impairment after sport-related concussion. Design: Prospective, repeated measures. Setting: High schools from the Midwest and Central regions of the United States. Participants: A convenience sample of 772 nonconcussed high school athletes (n = 546 men) completed preseason K–D testing. In addition, 69 athletes completed a second postseason K–D test, and 54 athletes sustained a concussion and completed postconcussion K–D tests. Intervention: K–D test. Main Outcome Measures: Data for age, sex, and concussion history were determined using preseason K–D test outcomes. Test–retest reliability, RCIs, and MDCs were calculated using postseason K–D tests (M = 98.9, SD = 9.1 days). Postinjury K–D assessments within 5 days of injury (M = 1.5, SD = 1.5 days) were used to classify impairment on K–D using absolute change, RCI, and MDC methods. Results: Significant effects for age (P < 0.001) and history of concussion (P = 0.001) were supported on baseline K–D time, with no sex differences (P = 0.21). Preseason to postseason reliability for K–D times was 0.60 (intraclass correlation coefficient, 95% CI, 0.43-0.73), although 38% of athletes exhibited slower postseason K–D times compared with baseline. Impairment on K–D exhibited for 72% of the concussed sample using absolute change, 48% using MDC, and 44% using RCI methods. Conclusions: K–D exhibited moderate test–retest reliability across 1 season. Absolute change yielded the highest sensitivity for preinjury to postinjury impairment on the K–D compared with RCI and MDC methods.
Asthma and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Overlap: What has the Evidence Taught Us?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and asthma are highly prevalent chronic respiratory disorders. Beyond frequent coexistence arising from their high prevalence and shared risk factors, these disorders feature a reciprocal interaction, whereby each disease impacts the severity of the other. Emerging evidence implicates airway and systemic inflammation, neuroimmune interactions, as well as effects of asthma-controlling medications (corticosteroids) as factors predisposing patients with asthma to OSA. Conversely, undiagnosed or inadequately treated OSA adversely affects asthma control, partly via effects of intermittent hypoxia on airway inflammation and tissue remodeling. In this article, we review the recently published evidence supporting this interaction. We provide a set of recommendations for clinicians involved in adult asthma care and finally, identify knowledge gaps critical to advancing our understanding of this overlap.
Oncogenesis of CAEBV revealed: Intragenic deletions in the viral genome and leaky expression of lytic genes

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is a causative agent of infectious mononucleosis and several malignancies involving lymphocytes and epithelial cells. We recently reported genomic analyses of chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV), a proliferative disorder of T and/or NK cells, as well as other lymphoid malignancies. We found that T and/or NK cells undergoing clonal expansion in CAEBV patients gain somatic driver mutations as the disorder progresses. Investigation of the viral genome revealed viral genomes harboring intragenic deletions in the BamHI‐rightward transcripts (BART) region and in essential lytic genes. Interestingly, we observed that these deletions resulted in leaky expression of viral lytic genes. This increased expression of viral lytic genes is reminiscent of the “pre‐latent abortive lytic” state, in which a substantial number of lytic genes are produced for weeks in the absence of progeny production, which contributes to cell survival upon de novo infection. It has been known that EBV can choose either latent or lytic state, but this dualistic concept may need to be reconsidered, as our data suggest the presence of the third, intermediate state; leaky expression of lytic genes that does not lead to completion of the full lytic amplification cycle. Leaky expression of lytic genes likely contributes to the formation and maintenance of several types of EBV‐associated tumors. We also presented significant circumstantial evidence suggesting that EBV infects lymphoid progenitor cells in CAEBV before differentiation into T and NK cells. Taken together, our new data shed light on oncogenesis of CAEBV and other EBV‐associated malignancies.
Comparative Plastome Analysis of Root- and Stem-Feeding Parasites of Santalales Untangle the Footprints of Feeding Mode and Lifestyle Transitions

Abstract In plants, parasitism triggers the reductive evolution of plastid genomes (plastomes). To disentangle the molecular evolutionary associations between feeding on other plants below- or aboveground and general transitions from facultative to obligate parasitism, we analyzed 34 complete plastomes of autotrophic, root- and stem-feeding hemiparasitic, and holoparasitic Santalales. We observed inexplicable losses of housekeeping genes and tRNAs in hemiparasites and dramatic genomic reconfiguration in holoparasitic Balanophoraceae, whose plastomes have exceptionally low GC contents. Genomic changes are related primarily to the evolution of hemi- or holoparasitism, whereas the transition from a root- to a stem-feeding mode plays no major role. In contrast, the rate of molecular evolution accelerates in a stepwise manner from autotrophs to root- and then stem-feeding parasites. Already the ancestral transition to root-parasitism coincides with a relaxation of selection in plastomes. Another significant selectional shift in plastid genes occurs as stem-feeders evolve, suggesting that this derived form coincides with trophic specialization despite the retention of photosynthetic capacity. Parasitic Santalales fill a gap in our understanding of parasitism-associated plastome degeneration. We reveal that lifestyle-genome associations unfold interdependently over trophic specialization and feeding mode transitions, where holoparasitic Balanophoraceae provide a system for exploring the functional realms of plastomes.
Reminders reinstate context-specificity to generalized remote memories in rats: relation to activity in the hippocampus and aCC

Conditioned fear memories that are context-specific shortly after conditioning generalize over time. We exposed rats to a context reminder 30 d after conditioning, which served to reinstate context-specificity, and investigated how this reminder alters retrieval-induced activity in the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex (aCC) relative to a no reminder condition. c-Fos expression in dorsal CA1 was observed following retrieval in the original context, but not in a novel context, whether or not the memory was reactivated, suggesting that dCA1 retains the context-specific representation. c-Fos was highly expressed in aCC following remote memory testing in both contexts, regardless of reminder condition, indicating that aCC develops generalized representations that are insensitive to memory reactivation.
AntiHyperglycemic effect of Spirulina, Insulin and Morinda citrifolia against Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a clinical disorder in which blood sugar levels are abnormally high known as Hyperglycemia. It occurs due to absence or insufficient production of insulin. The term diabetes (Greek: diabetes) was coined by Aretaeus of Cappadocia. The ancient Indians tested for diabetes by observing whether ants were attracted to a person's urine, and called the ailment "sweet urine disease" (Madhumeha). In 1936 Houssay demonstrated for the first time that, besides insulin, other hormones participate in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus namely, the hormone of thyroid gland, ovaries, the anterior pituitary. The ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 2 Number 10 (2013) pp. 537-559 http://www.ijcmas. com
The effects of aversive-to-appetitive counterconditioning on implicit and explicit fear memory

Counterconditioning (CC) is a form of retroactive interference that inhibits expression of learned behavior. But similar to extinction, CC can be a fairly weak and impermanent form of interference, and the original behavior is prone to relapse. Research on CC is limited, especially in humans, but prior studies suggest it is more effective than extinction at modifying some behaviors (e.g., preference or valence ratings) than others (e.g., physiological arousal). Here, we used a within-subjects design to compare the effects of aversive-to-appetitive CC versus standard extinction on two separate tests of long-term memory in human adults: implicit physiological arousal and explicit episodic memory. Participants underwent Pavlovian fear conditioning to two semantic categories (animals, tools) paired with an electric shock. Conditioned stimuli (i.e., category exemplars) from one category were then extinguished, while stimuli from the other category were paired with a positive outcome. Participants returned 24-h later for a test of skin conductance responses (SCR) to the conditioned exemplars, as well as a surprise recognition memory test for stimuli encoded the previous day. Results showed reduced SCRs at a test for unique stimuli from a category that had undergone CC, relative to stimuli from a category that had undergone standard extinction. Additionally, participants selectively remembered more stimuli encoded during CC than extinction. These results provide new evidence that aversive-to-appetitive CC, as compared to extinction, strengthens memory for items directly associated with a positive outcome, which may provide stronger retrieval competition against a fear memory at test to help diminish fear relapse.
Competing stripe and magnetic phases in the cuprates from first principles

Significance High-temperature superconductivity, first discovered in materials with copper-oxide planes, is still not well understood. Cuprates exhibit complex phase diagrams under temperature and doping and have not been amenable to first-principles description using previous density functionals, but the recent SCAN functional correctly predicts many properties of the undoped and doped YBCO compounds. In the oxygen-doped YBa2Cu3O7, SCAN finds many competing states with charge and spin stripes. Thermal energies will mix these states, creating fluctuations of the spin moments on the copper atoms in the pseudogap phase from which superconductivity emerges. Our study suggests a paradigm in which the physics of the mysterious pseudogap phase in the cuprates is encoded through a landscape of underlying competing phases in the material. Realistic description of competing phases in complex quantum materials has proven extremely challenging. For example, much of the existing density-functional-theory-based first-principles framework fails in the cuprate superconductors. Various many-body approaches involve generic model Hamiltonians and do not account for the interplay between the spin, charge, and lattice degrees of freedom. Here, by deploying the recently constructed strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) density functional, we show how the landscape of competing stripe and magnetic phases can be addressed on a first-principles basis both in the parent insulator YBa2Cu3O6 and the near-optimally doped YBa2Cu3O7 as archetype cuprate compounds. In YBa2Cu3O7, we find many stripe phases that are nearly degenerate with the ground state and may give rise to the pseudogap state from which the high-temperature superconducting state emerges. We invoke no free parameters such as the Hubbard U, which has been the basis of much of the existing cuprate literature. Lattice degrees of freedom are found to be crucially important in stabilizing the various phases.