Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Nuclear Envelope in Lipid Metabolism and Pathogenesis of NAFLD

Simple Summary The liver is a major organ regulating lipid metabolism and a proper liver function is essential to health. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition with abnormal fat accumulation in the liver without heavy alcohol use. NAFLD is becoming one of the most common liver diseases with the increase in obesity in many parts of the world. There is no approved cure for the disease and a better understanding of disease mechanism is needed for effective prevention and treatment. The nuclear envelope, a membranous structure that surrounds the cell nucleus, is connected to the endoplasmic reticulum where the vast majority of cellular lipids are synthesized. Growing evidence indicates that components in the nuclear envelope are involved in cellular lipid metabolism. We review published studies with various cell and animal models, indicating the essential roles of nuclear envelope proteins in lipid metabolism. We also discuss how defects in these proteins affect cellular lipid metabolism and possibly contribute to the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Abstract Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a burgeoning public health problem worldwide. Despite its tremendous significance for public health, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of NAFLD and its more advanced stage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Identification of novel pathways or cellular mechanisms that regulate liver lipid metabolism has profound implications for the understanding of the pathology of NAFLD and NASH. The nuclear envelope is topologically connected to the ER, where protein synthesis and lipid synthesis occurs. Emerging evidence points toward that the nuclear lamins and nuclear membrane-associated proteins are involved in lipid metabolism and homeostasis. We review published reports that link these nuclear envelope proteins to lipid metabolism. In particular, we focus on the recent work demonstrating the essential roles for the nuclear envelope-localized torsinA/lamina-associated polypeptide (LAP1) complex in hepatic steatosis, lipid secretion, and NASH development. We also discuss plausible pathogenic mechanisms by which the loss of either protein in hepatocytes leads to hepatic dyslipidemia and NASH development.
CHARACTERIZATION AND BIOCHEMICAL BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENT OF VACCINAL STRAIN OF PASTEURELLA MULTOCIDA TYPE 1 B6

This study was carried out to record the morphological and biochemical properties of Pasteurella vaccinal strain. Pasteurella multocida Type 1 B-6 was observed as gram-negative, short rods, arranged singly, bipolar. Coccobacillary in shape and recorded as non-motile and non-spore forming. In old culture, the organism showed pleomorphic and long rod characteristics. During the investigation, various types of the colonies of the organism were also observed on blood agar. The organism appeared as non-haemolytic and exhibited moist, mucoid and shiny growth. It failed to grow on MacConkey’s agar. It was observed that vaccinal strain of Pasteurella multocida fermented glucose, Sucrose ,Maltose, Galactose , Mannose and Fructose but did not ferment lactose and salacin. It did not liquefy gelatin.
Tunable Electronic Properties of Type-II SiS2/WSe2 Hetero-Bilayers

First-principle calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) are implemented to study the structural and electronic properties of the SiS2/WSe2 hetero-bilayers. It is found that the AB-2 stacking model is most stable among all the six SiS2/WSe2 heterostructures considered in this work. The AB-2 stacking SiS2/WSe2 hetero-bilayer possesses a type-II band alignment with a narrow indirect band gap (0.154 eV and 0.738 eV obtained by GGA-PBE and HSE06, respectively), which can effectively separate the photogenerated electron–hole pairs and prevent the recombination of the electron–hole pairs. Our results revealed that the band gap can be tuned effectively within the range of elastic deformation (biaxial strain range from −7% to 7%) while maintaining the type-II band alignment. Furthermore, due to the effective regulation of interlayer charge transfer, the band gap along with the band offset of the SiS2/WSe2 heterostructure can also be modulated effectively by applying a vertical external electric field. Our results offer interesting alternatives for the engineering of two-dimensional material-based optoelectronic nanodevices.
Ideas and Innovations to Improve the Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Residency Application and Selection Process

Objective To (1) summarize strategies proposed in the recent otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OTO-HNS) literature for improving the residency application and selection process, (2) evaluate the effects of recently implemented changes to the OTO-HNS match, and (3) discuss recommendations for future changes to the OTO-HNS residency application and selection process. Data Sources PubMed, Medline Ovid database, and article reference lists. Review Methods A structured literature search was performed to identify current English language articles relating to the objectives of this study using the aforementioned data sources, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was limited to submissions published between January 1, 2015, and January 1, 2020. Conclusions Numerous proposals have been made for improving the otolaryngology residency application and selection process and addressing the competitive nature of the Match. These proposals include but are not limited to mandating a secondary essay, implementing consortia and early match processes, using a signaling system, conducting regional and web-based interviews, offering early engagement with interest groups, instituting a hard cap on applications, increasing costs of applying, counseling self-restraint to prospective applicants, and creating application filters. Implications for Practice As the volume of literature surrounding the OTO-HNS Match continues to increase, this review aims to provide a summary of past proposals and serve as a guide for possible future innovations. We propose 3 initiatives that may improve the residency application and selection process for both program and resident, with minimal impact to the current National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match structure.
Conditional deletion of SMN in cell culture identifies functional SMN alleles.

Spinal muscular atrophy is caused by mutation or deletion of SMN1 and retention of SMN2 leading to SMN protein deficiency. We developed an immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblast (iMEF) line in which full-length wild-type Smn (flwt-Smn) can be conditionally deleted using Cre recombinase. iMEFs lacking flwt-Smn are not viable. We tested the SMA patient SMN1 missense mutation alleles A2G, D44V, A111G, E134K, and T274I in these cells to determine which huSMN mutant alleles can function in the absence of flwt-Smn. All missense mutant alleles failed to rescue survival in the conditionally deleted iMEFs. Thus, the function lost by these mutations is essential to cell survival. However, co-expression of two different huSMN missense mutants can rescue iMEF survival and snRNP assembly, demonstrating intragenic complementation of SMN alleles. In addition, we show that a Smn protein lacking exon 2B can rescue iMEF survival and snRNP assembly in the absence of flwt-Smn, indicating exon 2B is not required for the essential function of Smn. For the first time, using this novel cell line, we can assay the function of SMN alleles in the complete absence of flwt-Smn.
Car Accidents Associated with Physical Frailty and Cognitive Impairment

Introduction: Age-related functional decline elevates the risk of car accidents. Whether specific cognitive impairments and physical frailty increase the risk of car accidents is still unclarified. Objective: This study examines the association between car accidents, frailty, and cognitive function, owing to an increase in car accidents related to older adults. Methods: Data were collected from 12,013 older adults (45.4% women, mean age: 71.7 years [min: 60, max: 96]) enrolled in the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology (NCGG) – Study of Geriatric Syndromes. A 2-year self-reported history of car accidents was assessed. The Japanese cardiovascular health study index was used as the criterion and included the following components of frailty: shrinking, weakness, exhaustion, low activity, and slowness. “Frailty” was assigned a value of 1 or more based on these components. Cognitive function was assessed using the NCGG Functional Assessment Tool, and cognitive impairment was assessed using a standardized value. Results: Of the participants, 1,117 (9.3%) had a car accident history. The proportions of the frailty components’ applicability were observed in the car accidents group compared to the non-car accidents group: shrinking (p = 0.006), exhaustion (p = 0.031), low activity (p = 0.034), and slowness (p = 0.030), but not weakness (p = 0.452). The proportion of cognitive impairment in executive function was also higher in the car accidents group (p = 0.011). A logistic regression analysis showed that both frailty (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.11–1.43; p < 0.001) and cognitive impairment (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.11–1.43, p < 0.001) are associated with car accidents. Discussion: This study’s findings contribute to enhancing the utility of risk assessments for older drivers. Further study is required to clarify the risk of car accidents.
A comparison of efficiencies of sweep net, yellow pan trap and malaise trap in sampling Platygastridae (Hymenoptera: Insecta).

Parasitic hymenoptera are economically and ecologically important group of insects. Platygastroidea, the third largest superfamily under parasitic hymenoptera, consists of a single familyPlatygastridae. The efficiency of three main insect sampling gadgets, the sweep net (SN), malaise trap (MT) and yellow pan traps (YPT), was assessed to collect Platygastridae from two similar urban habitats in Kozhikode district. Collections were made once every month for a period of 6 months from December 2013 to May 2014 from both the sites. The traps were standardized as follows-SN-100 sweeps were taken from each site, YPT25 traps were set in each site for a period of 24 hours and one MT was employed at each site for a period of 1 week. Trap-wise efficiency of different genera among three traps (SN,YPT,MT) were assessed with ANOVA. When significant difference was found, t-test was applied to determine which pairs of methods were different. We conclude that to get a diverse collection of Platygastrids, the use of MT is recommended as the most efficient collection gadget over SN and YPT.
Investigating gene regulatory networks underlying zebrafish pigment cell development

The multipotent cells comprising the vertebrate neural crest (NC) generate an astonishing array of derivatives, including neuronal, skeletal and adrenal components and pigment cells. Zebrafish possess three chromatophores lineages, melanophores, iridophores and xanthophores, which lend themselves to investigating the complex gene regulatory networks (GRNs) underlying fate segregation of NC progenitors. Although the core GRN governing melanophore specification has been previously established, those guiding iridophore and xanthophore development remain elusive. This study explores the iridophore specification GRN via a previously employed systems biology approach. Loss and gain of function experiments were used to derive a preliminary GRN (model A), mathematically modelled using a system of differential equations and computationally simulated to predict gene expression dynamics. Predictions were experimentally evaluated and testable hypotheses were derived to render simulations of the resulting model B consistent with experimental observations. Iterations of this process led to a more sophisticated model D, which accurately predicted observed expression dynamics. Firstly, mutant phenotypes identified the transcription factors Sox10, Tfec and Mitfa and the receptor tyrosine kinase, Ltk, as key players for model A. Regulatory interactions were derived by analysing the spatiotemporal gene expression patterns on wild-type and mutant embryos by in situ hybridisation. Data indicated a sox10-dependent tfec/ltk positive feedback loop driving iridophore specification. Cycles of mathematical modelling and experimentation revealed important regulatory features, such as sox10 maintenance throughout iridophore development and its cooperation with tfec to activate the differentiation gene, pnp4a. Candidate repressors of mitfa, a melanocyte-specific target of sox10, were investigated. Surprisingly, data presented challenge the reported role of Foxd3, an established mitfa repressor, in iridophores. This study established the core GRN guiding specification of the NC-derived iridophore lineage using systems biology. Presented results reveal previously unacknowledged molecular mechanisms underlying fate choice and demonstrate the value of integrating experimental and mathematical approaches when investigating GRNs.
Agrobacterium rhizogenes transformed soybeans with AtPAP18 gene show enhanced phosphorus uptake and biomass production

ABSTRACT Low-phosphorus stress is a challenging factor in limiting plant development. Soybean is cultivated in soils often low in phosphorus. However, on average 65% of total P is in the form of organic phosphates, which are unavailable to plants unless hydrolyzed to release inorganic phosphate. One approach for enhancing crop P acquisition from organic P sources is boosting the activity of acid phosphatases (APases). This study seeks to understand the role of an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) purple APase gene (AtPAP18) in soybean. Thus, the gene was isolated and a final vector (AtPAP18/pK7GWG2D) was built. Composite soybean plants were created using Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation. A. rhizogenes K599 carrying the AtPAP18/pK7GWG2D vector with egfp as a reporter gene was used for soybean hairy root transformation. Analysis of Egfp expression detected fluorescence signals in transgenic roots, whereas there was no detectable fluorescence in control hairy roots. The enzyme assay showed that the APase activity increased by 2-fold in transgenic hairy roots. The transformed hairy roots displayed an increase in plant soluble P and total P contents, as compared with the control plants, leading to improved biomass production. RT-PCR analysis revealed high expression levels of AtPAP18 in transformed hairy roots. It is noteworthy that these primers amplified no PAP18 transcript in control hairy roots. Taken together, the findings demonstrated that overexpression of the AtPAP18 gene offers an operative tactic to reduce the utilization of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) fertilizer through increased acquisition of soil Pi, especially improving the crop yield on soils low in available P.
An Epizootiological study on Mothocya epimerica Costa, 1851 (Flabellifera: Cymothoidae) infestations in Sand Smelt, Atherina boyeri Risso, 1810 (Perciformes: Atherinidae) found in the Sinop Coasts of the Black Sea

Abstract In this study, a parasitic isopod, Mothocya epimerica (Flabellifera: Cymothoidae) is reported on the Sand Smelt, Atherina boyeri, from a small stream in the Sinop coast of the Black Sea. A total of 320 fish were investigated throughout the study period. All specimens of M. epimerica were found in the branchial cavities of Atherina boyeri. Infestation prevalence determined was 5% in overall samples, while it was 21.3% in April, the only month in which infestation recorded. Male fish were found to have higher infestation level than female fish. A slight increase in the infestation prevalence was also recorded as the size of fish increased.
A Novel Bioactive Glass Containing Therapeutic Ions with Enhanced Biocompatibility

A novel bioactive glass containing therapeutic ions with enhanced biocompatibility was designed and produced by the classical melt-quenching route. Starting from a very promising composition (Bio_MS), which combined bioactivity and high crystallization temperature, the ratio between some oxides was tailored to obtain a new and more reactive (in terms of dissolution rate) bioactive glass, called BGMSN (composition in mol%: 6.1 Na2O, 31.3 CaO, 5 MgO, 10 SrO, 2.6 P2O5, 45 SiO2). The aim of this work was to produce a bioactive glass with a good biological performance, preserving, at the same time, the high crystallization temperature achieved for Bio_MS; this is strategic in order to avoid undesired crystalline phases during thermal treatments, which can undermine the bioactivity and even the stability of final products. A complete characterization of the novel bioactive glass was performed in terms of thermal, mechanical and biological properties and in vitro bioactivity. The thermal behavior of the bioactive glass was studied by heating microscopy, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and optical dilatometry; BGMSN showed a very high crystallization temperature and a high sinterability parameter, thus being suitable for applications where thermal treatments are required, such as sintered samples, coatings and scaffolds. Mechanical properties were investigated by the micro-indentation technique. The in vitro biological properties were evaluated by means of both direct and indirect cell tests, i.e., neutral red (NR) uptake and MTT assay, using murine long bone osteocyte Y4 (MLO-Y4) cells: the cellular viability of BGMSN was higher compared to cellular viability of 45S5, both in direct and indirect tests. Finally, the in vitro bioactivity test by soaking samples in simulated body fluid (SBF) showed high dissolution rate, with a good rate of formation of hydroxyapatite.
In Vivo Endoscopic Optical Coherence Tomography of the Healthy Human Oral Mucosa: Qualitative and Quantitative Image Analysis

To date, there is still a lack of reliable imaging modalities to improve the quality of consultation, diagnostic and medical examinations of the oral mucosa in dentistry. Even though, optical technologies have become an important element for the detection and treatment of different diseases of soft tissue, for the case of oral screenings the evidence of the benefit in comparison to conventional histopathology is mostly still pending. One promising optical technology for oral diagnostics is optical coherence tomography (OCT). To prove the potential of OCT, even the amount of freely accessible OCT data is not sufficient to describe the variance of healthy human oral soft tissue in vivo. In order to remedy this deficiency, the present study provides in vivo OCT cross sections of the human oral mucosa of the anterior and posterior oral cavity as well as the oropharynx of 47 adult volunteers. A collection of representative OCT cross sections forms the basis for a randomized blinded image analysis by means of seven criteria to assess the main features of the superficial layers of the human oral mucosa and to determine its correlation to regional features known from hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stained histology.
Effects of dexmedetomidine as a perineural adjuvant for femoral nerve block: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Femoral nerve block (FNB) is one of the first-line analgesic methods for patients following lower extremity surgery. However, FNB with local anesthetics alone exert limited potency and supplemental opioids are often required. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been used to improve the analgesic effects of FNB. The present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of DEX as an adjuvant to local anesthetics for FNB. Methods Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of DEX versus sham control in combination with local anesthetics for FNB were included in this meta-analysis. Postoperative pain scores, duration of analgesic effects, and postoperative narcotic consumption were outcomes of interest. This research was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements. Results A total of 9 studies encompassing 580 participants were included for data synthesis after critical evaluation. DEX as an adjuvant with local anesthetics for FNB significantly relieved pain intensity at 12, 24 and 48 hours after surgery, both at rest (standardized mean difference -1.34 [95% CI -1.87 to -0.82], P<0.00001 at 12 h; -1.26 [-1.90 to -0.0.63], P<0.0001 at 24 h; and -1.34; [-2.18 to -0.50], P = 0.002 at 48 h) and with movement (-1.30 [-2.17 to -0.43], P = 0.004 at 12 h; -1.02 [-1.31 to -0.72], P<0.00001 at 24h; and -1.33 [-2.03 to -0.63], P = 0.0002); it also significantly prolonged analgesic duration (mean difference 7.23 h [95% CI 4.07 to 10.39], P<0.00001) and decreased opioid consumption (mean difference of morphine equivalent -12.13 mg [95% CI -23.36 to -0.89], P<0.00001). Regarding safety, DEX use increased the rate of hypotension (odds ratio 4.10, 95% CI 1.40 to 12.01, P = 0.01). Conclusion DEX as an adjuvant to local anesthetics for FNB improves analgesia, prolongs analgesic duration and reduces supplemental opioid consumption; but increases hypotension.
Phenotypic alterations in insulin-deficient mutant mice

Twomouseinsulingenes,Ins1andIns2,were disrupted and lacZ was inserted at the Ins2 locus by gene targeting. Double nullizygous insulin-deficient pups were growth-retarded. They did not show any glycosuria at birth but soon after suckling developed diabetes mellitus with ketoacidosis and liver steatosis and died within 48 h. Inter- estingly, insulin deficiency did not preclude pancreas orga- nogenesis and the appearance of the various cell types of the endocrine pancreas. The presence of lacZ expressing b cells and glucagon-positive acells was demonstrated by cytochem- istry and immunocytochemistry. Reverse transcription- coupled PCR analysis showed that somatostatin and pancre- atic polypeptide mRNAs were present, although at reduced levels, accounting for the presence also of d and pancreatic polypeptide cells, respectively. Morphometric analysis re- vealed enlarged islets of Langherans in the pancreas from insulin-deficient pups, suggesting that insulin might function as a negative regulator of islet cell growth. Whether insulin controls the growth of specific islet cell types and the molec- ular basis for this action remain to be elucidated.