Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Biophoton Emissions From Human Cells Directly Exposed to Low-Dose Gamma Radiation

Biophoton emission leading to bystander effects (BEs) was shown in beta-irradiated cells; however, technical challenges precluded the analysis of the biophoton role in gamma-induced BEs. The present work was to design an experimental approach to determine if, what type, and how many biophotons could be produced in gamma-irradiated cells. Photon emission was measured in HCT116 p53+/+ cells irradiated with a total dose of 22 mGy from a cesium-137 source at a dose rate of 45 mGy/min. A single-photon detection unit was used and shielded with lead to reduce counts from stray gammas reaching the detector. Higher quantities of photon emissions were observed when the cells in a tissue culture vessel were present and being irradiated compared to a cell-free vessel. Photon emissions were captured at either 340 nm (in the ultraviolet A [UVA] range) or 610 nm. At the same cell density, radiation exposure time, and radiation dose, HCT116 p53+/+ cells emitted 2.5 times more UVA biophotons than 610-nm biophotons. For the first time, gamma radiation was shown to induce biophoton emissions from biological cells. As cellular emissions of UVA biophotons following beta radiation lead to BEs, the involvement of cellular emissions of the same type of UVA biophotons in gamma radiation-induced BEs is highly likely.
Expert endoscopists with high adenoma detection rates frequently detect diminutive adenomas in proximal colon

Abstract Background and study aims Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is an important quality indicator in colonoscopy, and improved ADR decreases the incidence of colorectal cancer. We investigated differences in polyp detection according to the endoscopist’s ADR. Patients and methods We performed a propensity-score matching study using baseline patient characteristics of age, sex, body mass index, family history of colorectal cancer, smoking, drinking, indication for colonoscopy, bowel preparation, and colonoscope type. We compared polyp detection and colonoscopy procedures between patients who underwent colonoscopy by high-ADR endoscopists (high ADR group) and by low-ADR endoscopists (low ADR group). Results We matched 334 patients in the high ADR group with 334 in the low ADR group. The ADR was 44.0 % and 26.9 % for the high-ADR and low-ADR endoscopists, respectively. Proximal, nonprotruding, and diminutive adenomas were more frequently detected by high-ADR endoscopists than by low-ADR endoscopists (all P < 0.001); similarly, more high-risk adenomas were detected by high-ADR endoscopists (P = 0.028). Furthermore, more sessile serrated polyps detected by high-ADR endoscopists (P = 0.041). High-ADR endoscopists more frequently performed pancolonic chromoendoscopy (P < 0.001). Conclusions Expert detectors often found nonprotruding and diminutive adenomas in the proximal colon along with increased detection rate of high-risk adenomas. Low-ADR endoscopists need to recognize the features of missed adenomas to improve their ADRs.
Surgical trauma‐induced immunosuppression in cancer: Recent advances and the potential therapies

Abstract Surgical resection remains the mainstay treatment for solid cancers, especially for localized disease. However, the postoperative immunosuppression provides a window for cancer cell proliferation and awakening dormant cancer cells, leading to rapid recurrences or metastases. This immunosuppressive status after surgery is associated with the severity of surgical trauma since immunosuppression induced by minimally invasive surgery is less than that of an extensive open surgery. The systemic response to tissue damages caused by surgical operations and the subsequent wound healing induced a cascade alteration in cellular immunity. After surgery, patients have a high level of circulating damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), triggering a local and systemic inflammation. The inflammatory metrics in the immediate postoperative period was associated with the prognosis of cancer patients. Neutrophils provide the first response to surgical trauma, and the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) promotes cancer progression. Activated macrophage during wound healing presents a tumor‐associated phenotype that cancers can exploit for their survival advantage. In addition, the amplification and activation of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Tregs) or the elevated programmed death ligand‐1 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression under surgical trauma, exacerbate the immunosuppression and favor of the formation of the premetastatic niche. Therapeutic strategies to reduce the cellular immunity impairment after surgery include anti‐DAMPs, anti‐postoperative inflammation or inflammatory/pyroptosis signal, combined immunotherapy with surgery, antiangiogenesis and targeted therapies for neutrophils, macrophages, MDSCs, and Tregs. Further, the application of enhanced recovery after surgery also has a feasible outcome for postoperative immunity restoration. Overall, current therapies to improve the cellular immunity under the special condition after surgery are relatively lacking. Further understanding the underlying mechanisms of surgical trauma‐related immunity dysfunction, phenotyping the immunosuppressive cells, and developing the related therapeutic intervention should be explored.
Population-size effects on seeds and seedlings from fragmented eucalypt populations: implications for seed sourcing for ecological restoration

Ecological restoration of degraded habitats is a major conservation activity requiring the collection of large amounts of native seed. Seed production and the genetic quality of seed may be influenced by properties of the source population, such as population size and fragmentation, potentially having an impact on restoration goals. We assessed the population-size effects on seed production and seedling performance in two Western Australian wheatbelt eucalypts, Eucalyptus salmonophloia F.Muell. and E. salubris F.Muell. Both species were historically widespread and dominant, but, as a consequence of land-clearing for agriculture, now exist as small, highly fragmented populations throughout the western half of their range. Given their former importance in the landscape, these species will be critical in ecological restoration of the region. We assessed small (n = 6-12) and large (n > 200) remnant populations in a highly fragmented landscape and compared these to large unfragmented populations. Seed number per capsule was dependent on population size and fragmentation for E. salubris, but not for E. salmonophloia. Large, unfragmented populations of E. salubris produced more than twice the number of seeds per capsule (mean = 2.95) than small and/or fragmented populations. However, seed germination, seed weight, seedling survival and seedling vigour to 1 year were independent of population size or fragmentation in both species. Our results suggest that reduced population size and increased fragmentation can negatively affect pollen quantity and/or quality, thereby limiting seed production, although no fitness effects were observed post-seed maturation. We suggest that the relative absence of post-seed maturation fitness effects in these small fragmented populations are a consequence of (1) wide outcrossing resulting from long-distance dispersal of pollen by highly mobile birds among fragmented populations and/or (2) efficient pre- or post-zygotic selection against more homozygous zygotes within fruits so that only relatively outbred seeds mature. The consequences on seed collection for ecological restoration of reduced population size and increased fragmentation for these eucalypts may be fewer seeds for the same collecting effort, but no apparent fitness effects of mature seeds. However, caution should be exercised when harvesting seed from these smaller populations, as over-harvesting may have an impact on recruitment and hence long-term persistence.
cDNA sequence analysis, recombinant expression of the inhibin α-subunit of the yak (Bos grunniens)

Inhibin plays an important role in the regulation of reproduction in mammalian species. The objectives of this study were to analyse cDNA sequence and produce recombinant yak inhibin α-subunit protein in Escherichia coli by optimising the expression conditions. By reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) strategy, we obtained full-length yak inhibin α-subunit cDNA sequence comprised of an open reading frame of 1080 bp encoding a 360-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 38.8 kDa. The predicted protein sequence includes 4 possible proteolytic cleavage sites, 12 evolutionarily conserved cysteine residues and 2 potential N-linked glycosylation sites. The mature subunit is the carboxyl terminal fragment (C-fragment) consisting of 134 amino acids. The full-length precursor protein shared 79.6–98.6% protein sequence identity with mammalian homologues. It exhibited the highest identity with that of cattle (98.6%); there were five amino acid substitutions between these two species. The homology is not evenly distributed with the highest level for the putative C-fragment (77.1–99.3%). The recombinant yak inhibin α-subunit protein was successfully expressed in E. coli for the first time.
Crayfish in lakes and streams: individual and population responses to predation, productivity and substratum availability

1. In a correlative study, we investigated the relative importance of fish predation, refuge availability and resource supply in determining the abundance and size distributions of the introduced and omnivorous signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) in lakes and streams. Moreover, the biomass and food selection of predatory fish was estimated in each habitat type and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen were measured in perch (Perca fluviatilis), the dominant predator in the lakes, and in its potential food sources (crayfish, juvenile roach and isopods). 2. In lakes, crayfish were the most frequent prey in large perch (46%), followed by other macroinvertebrates (26%, including the isopod Asellus aquaticus) and small fish (25%). Crayfish and fish dominated the gut contents of large perch with respect to biomass. Nitrogen signatures showed that perch were one trophic level above crayfish (approx. 3.4 parts per thousand) and a two-source mixing model using nitrogen isotope values indicated that crayfish (81%) contributed significantly more to perch isotope values than did juvenile roach (19%). A positive correlation was found between the abundance of crayfish and the biomass of large perch. Crayfish abundance in lakes was also positively correlated with the proportion of cobbles in the littoral zone. Lake productivity (chlorophyll a) was positively correlated with crayfish size, but not with crayfish abundance. 3. In streams, brown trout (Salmo trutta) were the most abundant predatory fish. Gut contents of large trout in a forested stream showed that terrestrial insects were the most frequently found prey (60%), followed by small crayfish (27%) and isopods (27%). In contrast to lakes, the relative abundance of crayfish was negatively correlated with the total biomass of predatory fish and with total biomass of trout. However, abundance of crayfish at sites with a low biomass of predatory fish varied considerably and was related to substratum grain size, with fewer crayfish being caught when the substratum was sandy or dominated by large boulders. The mean size of crayfish was greater at stream sites with a high standing stock of periphyton, but neither predator biomass nor substratum grain size was correlated with crayfish size. 4. Our results suggest that bottom-up processes influence crayfish size in lakes and streams independent of predator biomass and substratum availability. However, bottom-up processes do not influence crayfish abundance. Instead, substratum availability (lakes) and interactions between predation and substratum grain size (streams) need to be considered in order to predict crayfish abundance. (Less)
Concomitant genetic alterations having greater impact on the clinical benefit of EGFR‐TKIs in EGFR‐mutant advanced NSCLC than BIM deletion polymorphism

Abstract Background In previous studies, the predictive role of BIM deletion polymorphism with respect to responses to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) has been controversial. The potential reasons for these inconsistent findings were unknown. Methods Data from CTONG0901 clinical trial and medical records of Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute (GLCI) were retrospectively pooled. A total of 194 and 141 EGFR‐mutant non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with first‐ and second‐generation EGFR‐TKIs were examined in the CTONG0901 and GLCI cohorts, respectively. Sixty‐eight patients were treated with third‐generation EGFR‐TKIs in the GLCI cohort. The BIM gene status was examined by next‐generation sequencing. Results The frequency of BIM deletion polymorphism was 11.3% and 17.0% in CTONG0901 and GLCI cohorts, respectively. For first‐ and second‐generation EGFR‐TKIs in CTONG0901 cohort, objective response (ORR) was 54.5% in BIM deletion group versus 56.4% in wild‐type BIM group (P = .87); disease control rate (DCR) was 90.9% versus 88.4% (P = 1.00); progression‐free survival (PFS) was 10.5 versus 11.2 months (P = .59); and overall survival (OS) was 20.5 versus 20.5 months (P = .73). In GLCI cohort, ORR was 54.2% versus 60.7% (P = .55); DCR was 91.7% versus 96.6% (P = .27); PFS was 10.1 versus 11.6 months (P = .63); and OS was 58.5 versus 45.0 months (P = .93). For third‐generation EGFR‐TKIs, ORR was 18.2% versus 63.2% (P = .02); DCR was 81.8% versus 96.5%, (P = .12); PFS was 5.8 versus 9.0 months (P = .13); and OS was 30.0 versus 24.8 months (P = .85). Cox regression analysis showed that concomitant genetic alterations could adversely affect the response to EGFR‐TKIs, but not BIM deletion. Conclusions The presence of BIM deletion showed no relation to an impaired response to first‐, second‐, and third‐generation EGFR‐TKIs in NSCLC patients. The factors influencing the response of EGFR‐TKIs were concomitant genetic alterations, but not BIM deletion.
Diversity and ecology of saxicolous vegetation mats on inselbergs in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest

Inselbergs occur as mostly dome‐shaped rock outcrops in all climatic and vegetational zones of the tropics. Consisting of Precambrian granites and gneisses, they form ancient and stable landscape elements. Due to harsh edaphic and microclimatic conditions, the vegetation of inselbergs differs markedly from those of the surroundings. Monocotyledonous mats form one of the most characteristic communities of this ecosystem. The floristic composition of this community was studied on six inselbergs located in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. Dominating are Bromeliaceae (Alcantarea, Encholirium), Velloziaceae (Vellozia), Cactaceae (Coleocephalocereus) and the Cyperaceae Trilepis. The alpha diversity of the mats was relatively uniform among the six outcrops. However, beta diversity varied considerably between the different sites. Beta diversity was highest at the most speciose locality indicating a high degree of stochasticity in colonization. In contrast to the low diversity mats on West African inselbergs, the Brazilian rock outcrops bear a floristically more diverse mat community rich in endemics. Thus the edaphically controlled inselberg vegetation reflects the outstanding diversity of the Mata Atlaântica. Possibly the high species richness of mats on East Brazilian inselbergs is a consequence of a large species‐pool. The processes that regulate regional and local diversity in the Mata Atlaântica are not fully clear. It is assumed that historical (i.e. long‐term stability) and biotic (i.e. evolutionary interchange of taxa between canopies and rock outcrops followed by differentiation of local populations) conditions have promoted high rates of speciation and their coexistence in isolated habitats. A danger to the unique vegetation of East Brazilian inselbergs is the establishment of invasive weeds.
Species delimitation in the Chinese bamboo partridge Bambusicola thoracica (Phasianidae; Aves)

Although tropical and subtropical Asia harbour a high level of species diversity, their species richness can be underestimated because species which are in fact distinct have not been separately identified. In this study, we delimit Bambusicola thoracica into two full species, the Chinese bamboo partridge (B. thoracica) in continental Asia and the Taiwanese bamboo partridge (B. sonorivox) on the island of Taiwan, using coalescent‐based multilocus division and diagnosable vocalization patterns. Isolation‐with‐migration analysis indicated that the two bamboo partridges diverged approximately 1.8 million years ago, with gene flow present most probably during the early stages of their divergence. This conclusion supports the hypothesis that diverging lowland lineages spread across the Asian mainland, and continental islands have more opportunities for secondary contact than highland ones when the sea level was low. Our results imply that conservation of biodiversity in tropical and subtropical Asia could be hindered by overlooking numerous ‘hidden’ species and highlight the importance of re‐examining the taxonomic statuses of species in this region traditionally defined as polytypic.
Impact of propofol sedation versus opioid/benzodiazepine sedation on colonoscopy outcomes: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract Background and study aims Choice of sedation (propofol vs opioid/benzodiazepine) has been studied in the literature and has shown variable outcomes. The majority of recent studies have evaluated propofol sedation (PS) versus opioids, benzodiazepines, or a combination of both. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing PS to other sedation methods to assess the impact on colonoscopy outcomes. Methods Multiple databases were searched and studies of interest were extracted. Primary outcome of the study was adenoma detection rate (ADR) and secondary outcomes included polyp detection rate (PDR), advanced adenoma detection rate (AADR), and cecal intubation rate (CIR). Results A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 177,016 patients (148,753 and 28,263 in the opioids/benzodiazepine group and PS group, respectively). Overall, ADR (RR: 1.07, 95 % CI 0.99–1.15), PDR (RR: 1.01, 95 % CI 0.93–1.10), and AADR (RR: 1.17, 95 % CI 0.92–1.48) did not improve with the use of PS. The CIR was slightly higher for propofol sedation group (RR 1.02, 95 % CI 1.00–1.03). Conclusion Based on our analysis, PS and opioid/benzodiazepine sedation seem to have comparable ADR. Our results do not favor use of a particular sedation method and the choice of sedation should be individualized based on patient preference, risk factors and resource availability.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Composition of Persian Gulf Fishes

The aim of this study was to investigate the content of omega-3 fatty acids in Persian Gulf fishes. The fishes were collected from Persian Gulf and the content of fatty acids in the head, muscle, and liver of fishes were determined. Quantitative analysis of fatty acids was performed by gas chromatography (GC) and methylmyristate was used as the reference material. GC and mass spectrometer (GC- mass) was applied for qualitative analysis and cod liver oil with all of omega-3 fatty acids was used as standard. Ghezel ala, Zamin kan-e-dom navari and Sorkhu mahi had maximum levels of omega-3 in total body. Halva Sefid, Gish-e-deraz baleh and Shamshiri were poor sources of omega-3. The liver of fish had the most content of omega-3 fatty acids followed by muscle and head, respectively.
Predictors of the usage of contraceptive implants among women of reproductive age in Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria

Summary Background A major characteristic of all developing countries is rapid population growth which is due to high fertility, birth rates and poor utilization of contraceptive methods. This study therefore assessed the predictors of contraceptive implants utilization among women of reproductive age in Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used and a total of 230 women were selected by multi-stage sampling technique. Questionnaire administration was interviewer-based majority of the women could not read. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23. Research questions and hypotheses were answered and tested with descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages), chi-square test of significance and binary logistic regression. Levels of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results The prevalence of contraceptive utilization (any method) and contraceptive implant utilization were 92.2% and 31.1% respectively. Variables such as education (χ2 = 6.91, p = 0.03) and lack of counseling from providers (χ2 = 5.05, p = 0.03) were significantly associated with the utilization of contraceptive implant. These two variables were also the predictors of contraceptive implant utilization. Women with secondary and tertiary education have higher odds of utilizing contraceptive implants (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01-7.82, p = 0.04) and (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.49-11.47, p = 0.03) compared to women who had primary or no education while those who claimed to be adequately counseled by providers are about two times more likely to use contraceptive implants (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.08-5.51) Conclusion This study showed the important role of education and health workers in providing information about contraceptive implants. Therefore, health workers’ knowledge of family planning counseling and services should be constantly upgraded so as to improve their roles in educating, mobilizing, counseling the women regarding contraceptive implant insertion.