Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time-Series Transcriptome Sheds Light on Anthocyanin Metabolism and Species Diversification Between two Lonicera Japonica Thunb Cultivars

Background：‘Yujin 2’ is new variety of Lonicera japonica Thunb and its flower color can change from red to yellow; hence, it is a good model for investigating flower color development mechanisms. Results：High throughput transcriptome sequencing of seven flower development stages of Yujin No.2 was carried out, and 133,487 unigenes were annotated, among which 73,088 were differentially expressed. Then the real-time PCR analysis was carried out. Further, the number of up-regulated DEGs was higher than those that were down-regulated. Of these annotated DEGs, plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis were active throughout the flowering process during each stage, whereas carotenoid biosynthesis was inactive in the S1-6 stages. Furthermore, phenylalanine synthesis was enhanced in the S1 phase; however, anthocyanin synthesis was weakened in the S5 and S6 phases, which may be consistent with the changes in petal color of ‘Yujin 2’ from red (S1) to white (S5) and gold (S6). The results showed that 114 unigenes were associated with anthocyanin metabolism, and 72 were significantly upregulated or downregulated. According to the analysis of TFs in anthocyanin metabolism, we obtained 47 transcription factors, which belonged to 18 families. The LjDFR, LjABCB1, LjMYC6, LjDDB2, and LjANS genes rapidly increased during the first three stages. However, only LjF3'5'H expression was significantly down-regulated at S5, which was consistent with anthocyanin accumulation. Conclusions：This study developed a transcriptome profile of flower color generation for L. japonica as well as annotated unigene sets of seven anthesis phases, thereby providing possibilities for improving the germplasm of L. japonica with genetic engineering technologies and cultivating new varieties of different colors.
Influence of alpha-adrenergic blockade on platelet-mediated thrombosis in stenosed canine coronary arteries.

The functional significance of platelet alpha-adrenergic receptors in vivo is uncertain. The aim of this study was to elucidate their role in experimental coronary thrombosis. In 46 open-chest dogs with a critical coronary stenosis produced by plicating the coronary artery wall with a suture, blood flow showed cyclical reductions followed by an abrupt return to control levels. The flow reduction were previously shown to be caused by platelet aggregation. In the present study they were unaffected by heparin (1,000 U . kg-1 . h-1) at the start of the experiment but consistently abolished by aspirin (30 mg . kg-1) at the end of the protocol, further supporting platelet aggregation as the primary mechanism. After 1 h of observation, dogs were assigned to one of the following groups: control (no intervention, n = 9), phentolamine (a nonselective alpha-blocker) "low dose" (0.07 mg . kg-1 bolus followed by 0.1 mg . kg-1 . min-1, n = 4), phentolamine "high-dose" (3 mg . kg-1 bolus followed by 0.07 mg . kg-1 . min-1, n = 6), prazosin (an alpha 1-blocker, 2 mg . kg-1, n = 8), yohimbine (an alpha 2-blocker, 3 mg . kg-1, n = 11) or prazosin + yohimbine (same doses, n = 8). In controls, cyclical reductions in flow continued unchanged for another hour. Phentolamine effected a partial dose-related inhibition of flow reductions; however, prazosin and yohimbine, given separately or in combination, failed to produce any significant effect despite an alpha-blocking action equivalent to or greater than that of phentolamine (alpha-agonist dose-response studies). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Intubation is Safe in Respiratory Failure Associated with Septic Shock: An Observational Study

BackgroundAcute respiratory failure associated with sepsis contributes to higher in-hospital mortality. Intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation is a common rescue procedure. However, the 2016 International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock does not provide any recommendation on indication nor timing of intubation. Timely intubation may improve outcome. The decision to intubate those patients is often hampered by the fear of further hemodynamic deterioration following intubation. MethodsThis study aimed at evaluating the impact of timely intubation on outcome in sepsis associated respiratory failure. We conducted an ancillary analysis of a prospective registry od adult ICU patients with septic shock admitted to the medical ICU in a tertiary medical center, between April 30th, 2014 and December 31st, 2017. All cases of sepsis with lactate >4 mmol/L, mean arterial pressure <65 mmHg, or vasopressor use after 30 mL/kg fluid boluses and suspected or confirmed infection. Patients who remained hospitalized at 24 hours following sepsis onset were separated into intubated and non-intubated groups. The primary outcome was hospital mortality. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used, adjusted for admission characteristics and stabilization of shock within 6 hours. In a secondary analysis, time-dependent propensity score matching was used to match intubated and non-intubated patients.ResultsWe identified 345 (33%) patients intubated within 24 hours and 707 (67%) not intubated. Intubated patients were younger, transferred more often from an outside facility, had higher severity of illness scores, more lung infection, achieved blood pressure goals more often but less often lactate normalization within 6 hours. The crude in-hospital mortality was higher, 89 (26%) vs. 82 (12%), p<0.001, as were ICU mortality, and ICU and hospital length of stay. After adjustment, intubation showed no effect on hospital mortality but fewer hospital-free days through day 28. After 1:1 propensity score matching, there was no difference in hospital mortality, but fewer hospital-free days in the intubated group. ConclusionsIntubation within 24 hours of sepsis onset was safe and not associated with hospital mortality, but was associated with less 28-day hospital-free days. Intubation should not be discouraged in appropriate patients with septic shock.
Non-Destructive X-ray Spectrometric and Chromatographic Analysis of Metal Containers and Their Contents, from Ancient Macedonia

This work describes a holistic archaeometric approach to ancient Macedonian specimens. In the region of the ancient city Lete, the deceased members of a rich and important family were interred in a cluster of seven tombs (4th century BC). Among the numerous grave goods, there was also a set of metal containers preserving their original content. The physico-chemical analysis of the containers and their contents was performed in order to understand the purpose of their use. For the containers, Energy Dispersive micro-X-Ray Fluorescence (EDμXRF) spectroscopy was implemented taking advantage of its non-invasive character. The case (B35) and the small pyxis (B37) were made of a binary Cu-Sn alloy accompanied by a slight amount of impurities (Fe, Pb, As) and the two miniature bowls were made of almost pure Cu. For the study of the contents, a combination of EDμXRF, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Gas Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was carried out. Especially for the extraction of the volatile compounds, the Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) technique was used in the headspace mode. Because of the detection of Br, High Pressure Liquid Chromatography coupled to a Diode-Array-Detector (HPLC-DAD) was implemented, confirming the existence of the ancient dye shellfish purple (porphyra in Greek). The analytical results of the combined implementation of spectrometric and chromatographic analytical techniques of the metal containers and their contents expand our knowledge about the pharmaceutical practices in Macedonia during the 4th century BC.
Qi and Blood Deficiency Contributes to Peripheral T-Cell Dysfunction and Reduced Natural Killer Cell Activity in Gastric Cancer

Gastric Cancer (GC), a major cause of cancer-related mortality, is susceptible to invasion and metastasis, which triggers dismal prognosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exerts a pivotal role in various cancers, including GC. Correct syndrome differentiation is the most important principle guiding the treatment strategy. Here in, the present study aims to explore the relationship of different TCM syndrome types of GC patients and the cellular immune function, which was evaluated by observing peripheral T-cell subsets and activity of Natural Killer (NK) cells. GC patients and healthy controls were enrolled in this study, with venous blood during fasting collected. Patients with deficiency syndromes exhibited decreased number of CD4+ T-cells, ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T-cells and the activity of NK cells as compared with those with sufficiency syndromes. Then, the relationship between TCM syndrome types and TNM classification was analyzed, which revealed that TCM syndrome types were associated with TNM classification. Finally, we evaluated the number of T-cell subsets and NK cell activity in peripheral blood by means of flow cytometry and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. GC patients with qi and blood deficiency showed reduced CD4+ T-cells, CD4+/CD8+ T-cells and NK cell activity and increased CD8+ T-cells when compared with other syndrome types, which indicated significantly impaired cellular immune function. Taken together, we concluded that peripheral T-cell subsets and NK cell activity, representing the cellular immune function, were associated with different TCM syndrome types of GC. Notably, qi and blood deficiency led to the most severe cellular immune dysfunction of the GC patients.
Studies of spin-coated polymer films

Spin-coating is widely employed for the highly reproducible fabrication of thin film coatings over large areas with high structural uniformity. Research in recent years has extended the scope of spin-coating by chemically engineering the interface of support and solution to obtain specific structural order in the resulting supported thin films. This review will discuss both the fundamental physical and chemical processes governing the conventional spin-coating process and describe methodologies for the preparation of spin-coated polymer thin films. Furthermore, a range of advanced applications and recent developments within this field will be reviewed with focus on engineering chemical and topological structure during the coating process.
Identification of degradation impurities in aripiprazole oral solution using LC–MS and development of validated stability indicating method for assay and content of two preservatives by RP-HPLC

ABSTRACT A simple and simultaneous reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the quantification of aripiprazole (ARI) and two preservatives, namely, methyl paraben and propyl paraben in ARI oral solution. The method was developed on ACE C18 (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm) column using gradient elution of 0.1% v/v trifluoroacetic acid in water and acetonitrile as mobile phase components. Flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and 30°C column temperature were used for the method at quantification wavelength of 254 nm. The developed method was validated in accordance with International Conference on Harmonization guideline for various parameters. Forced degradation study was conducted in acid, base, peroxide, heat, and light stress conditions. ARI was found to degrade in oxidation, acid hydrolysis, and heat while it was stable under the remaining conditions. Specificity of the method was verified using Photo Diode Array (PDA) detector by evaluating purity of peaks from degradation samples. Major degradation impurities formed during stress study were identified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method. The present method was useful for determining the content of all the three main analytes present in the oral solution without interference from degradation impurities. The method was robust under the deliberately modified conditions. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Effects of novel multifocal soft contact lens on peripheral refraction of myopic eyes when looking at distant and near targets

Background It is generally accepted the association between hyperopic peripheral defocus and myopia progression. To search for a good optical method to slow the myopia progression for the children who need long-time near work, we compared the effects of novel multifocal soft contact lenses (MFSCLs) with single vision soft contact lenses (SVSCLs) on peripheral refraction when looking at both distant and near targets. Methods The refraction of 25 young myopic subjects’ right eye were measured at horizontal retina eccentricities in 10º steps from 30º temporal to 30º nasal, with no correction (baseline), novel MFSCLs and SVSCLs when looking at distant (5 m) and near (0.4 m) targets. Results Subjects wearing MFSCLs presented significantly more myopic relative peripheral refractive error (RPRE) profile than SVSCLs at all horizontal retina eccentricities when looking at distant targets (all p<0.01). Compared with looking at distant targets, subjects wearing SVSCLs or MFSCLs showed a hyperopic shift of peripheral defocus when looking at near targets, owning to the effects of accommodative lag and hyperopic RPRE change during accommodation (except T20º and T30º wearing SVSCLs and N30º wearing MFSCLs, p=0.822, p=0.950, p=0.390, respectively, all other eccentricities p<0.05). But subjects wearing MFSCLs could still maintain a certain magnitude of myopic peripheral defocus at horizontal retina eccentricities when looking at near targets (T20° and T30°, p=0.023 and p<0.001, respectively). Conclusions The novel MFSCLs imposed strong myopic peripheral defocus when looking at distant targets. They also maintain a certain magnitude of myopic peripheral defocus when looking at near targets, regardless of the hyperopic effect of accommodation lag and hyperopic shift in RPRE during accommodation.
Effect of different sources and time of application of organic manures on residual fertility and nutrient balance in aerobicrice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2009 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V. C. Farm, Mandya, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru. The initial status of available N, P2O5 and K2O of the experimental site was 248.5, 26.8 and 202.8 kg/ha, respectively. The variety used was Thanu (KMP-101). The results of the field experiment showed that different organic sources did not significantly influence the organic carbon content, pH and EC of soil after harvest of aerobic rice. Significantly higher amount of nitrogen (272.7 kg/ha), phosphorus (37.2 kg/ha) and potassium (211.6 kg/ha) found in soil after harvest of the crop was observed with FYM 10 t/ha as a basal dose+cattle urine at 100% N equivalent basis. Significantly lower amount of nitrogen (255.2 kg/ha) and phosphorus (29.8 kg/ha) in soil after harvest of the crop was observed with recommended dose of fertilizers (100 : 50 : 50 kg N : P : K/ha) alongwith 10 t of FYM/ha. The study revealed that balance of nitrogen was negative in all the treatments. The least balance of nitrogen was in the treatment (T2 : -44.2 kg/ha) followed by T8 : -42.7 kg/ha and T4 : -42.4 kg/ha. Available phosphorus balance was negative in all the treatments except in the vermicompost alongwith cattle urine applied treatment (2.41 kg/ha). The cattle urine applied treatments resulted in greater negative balance of potassium. The lower nutrient content of organic manures resulted in greater negative balance of phosphorus and potassium as compared to other treatments.
Photoprotection and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Non–Cytotoxic Melanin from Marine Isolate Providencia Rettgeri Strain BTKKS1

Photoprotection and Anti-inflammatory properties of characterized melanin produced by marine proteobacterium Providencia rettgeri strain BTKKS1 was explored in the study. Characterization of melanin was carried out by chemical, FTIR, proton NMR and EPR analysis. The radical scavenging property was estimated using DPPH assay and Fe 2+ chelating potential was also evaluated. Effect of melanin on the activities of Cyclooxygenase, Lipoxygenase, Myeloperoxidase and Cellular Nitrite is used to evaluate anti-inflammatory potential. Enhancement of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is evaluated to study its effectiveness in photoprotection. Cytotoxicity of melanin was estimated using MTT assay.The chemical, FTIR, proton NMR and EPR characterization were typical of eumelanin. The pigment also showed profound radical scavenging activity (63.73%) and metal chelating potential (97.09%). Melanin significantly inhibited the activity of the inflammatory enzymes in a dose dependent manner and enhanced the SPF value of commercial sunscreens at an average of 2.64 factors. This melanin was also less cytotoxic with an IC50 value of 97. 87μg/mL. The immense Anti-inflammatory property of the pigment can be utilized in therapeutic applications. The photoprotection potential of melanin can be utilized in cosmetic formulations, UV protection devices etc.
Lignin Functionalized with Succinic Anhydride as Building Block for Biobased Thermosetting Polyester Coatings

Novel lignin-based thermosetting polyester (PE) coating systems are presented in this work. These new materials are based on the functionalization of a soluble fraction of softwood kraft lignin recovered from solvent extraction with increasing amounts of succinic anhydride (SAn), to obtain SAn/lignin adducts via the formation of ester bonds on the hydroxyl groups in lignin. A thorough chemical, physical, and thermal characterization of the resulting esterified materials was conducted to confirm the successful covalent incorporation of SAn in the lignin macromolecule. Such functionalized SAn/lignin adducts were employed as building blocks for the preparation of cross-linked lignin-based PE coatings under different curing conditions. These PE coatings highlighted improved thermal stability, film forming ability, solvent resistance, dynamic surface hardness, and higher hydrophobic character compared with the unmodified parent lignin precursor. In addition, the adhesion strength of these systems on different .
ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF BORO RICE PRODUCTION IN HAOR ECOSYSTEM OF KISHOREGANJ DISTRICT

The study was carried out to evaluate the economic viability of Boro rice production in haor ecosystem of Kishoreganj district. A total of 175 rice farmers were selected from Mithamoin upazila on the basis of farm size category following random sampling technique. Data were analyzed with a combination of descriptive statistics, mathematical and statistical techniques. It was found from descriptive statistics that average farm size of the farmers was 0.54 ha, where majority of the farmers were small category. Varietal diversity index (VDI) pointed out that most of the farmers had low Boro rice varietal diversity in the study area. The study revealed that Boro rice production was profitable and productivity index was very high. Estimates of transcendental production model indicated that power tiller and insecticides cost had significant impact on profitability of Boro rice production. It was exposed from the Mann-Whitney U test that biotic stress caused lower yield of production. Considering severity ranking model (SRM), the severity of damage was extreme for disease infestation. Following garrett’s ranking technique (GRT), lower price of output, early flash flood inundation and lack of short-duration and high-yielding variety were found the major constraints faced by the farmers. The study recommended that short-duration, high-yielding and pest tolerant Boro rice varieties should be developed for the farmers. Therefore, proper extension services by the government are necessary to encourage farmers for adopting such technological improvements in order to produce Boro rice economically more viable.
Structure‐Sensitive Scaling Relations: Adsorption Energies from Surface Site Stability

The design of heterogeneous catalysts is accelerated by the identification of thermochemical reactivity descriptors, which enable the prediction of promising materials through efficient screening. Motivated by previous discoveries of linear scaling relations between the adsorption energies of related atoms and molecules, we present a new scaling between the adsorption energies of metal atoms and metal–adsorbate complexes, which can be used to directly predict catalytically relevant molecular adsorption energies. In contrast to existing models based on the coordination number of surface atoms alone, our model can predict adsorption energies with site‐by‐site resolution considering local structural effects and also has potential extensions to include contributions of neighboring metal identity in alloy systems. Integration of this scaling with a previously identified model for metal–metal interactions enables the accurate prediction of molecular adsorption energies on nanoparticles by performing only a small set of slab‐based calculations.
Healing of bone lesions with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the young X-linked hypophosphatemic male mouse.

The X-linked hypophosphatemic (Hyp) mouse presents with biochemical and skeletal abnormalities similar to those of human vitamin D-resistant rickets and hence is considered as a model of the human disease. In an attempt to correct osteomalacia, young (21-day-old) mutant male mice were infused continuously for 4 weeks with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3; 0.05--0.25 microgram/kg . day]. Mineral and skeletal changes were assessed by serum, urinary, and bone ash concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium and by histomorphometric analysis of bone formation measured on histological sections of tetracycline dual labeled undecalcified caudal vertebrae. Treatment with 1,25-(OH)2D3 produced a dose-dependent elevation of serum phosphorous that could be assigned to increased intestinal phosphate absorption. Concomitantly, epiphyseal, endosteal, and periosteal bone mineralization were improved in correlation with both the dosage of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and the serum phosphorus level. Normalization of serum calcium and phosphorus but not of urinary phosphate excretion were achieved together with complete healing of bone mineralization when the highest doses of 1,25-(OH)2D3 (0.175--0.35 microgram/kg . day) were given. The data show that rickets and osteomalacia, which characterize the young Hyp mouse, can be healed by 1,25-(OH)2D3 in doses high enough to normalize serum mineral concentrations. Unlike the renal phosphate leak, the phenotypic expression of the Hyp gene pertaining to bone mineralization is then corrected by 1,25-(OH)2D3 supplementation.
Control of Staphylococcus aureus on soya bean products by D‐amino acids/nutmeg essential oil‐co‐loaded nanofilms

Summary In this present work, to minimise the risk of contamination by biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), D-amino acid (D-AA) and nutmeg essential oil (NEO) were used to synergistically eliminate S. aureus biofilm formation. Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were introduced to encapsulate D-Pro, D-Phe and NEO for getting better chemical stability during processing and storage. The optimal D-AA/NEO@CNPs possessed high stability (particle size 155.3 nm, zeta potential 42.2 mV), high uniformity (polydispersity index 0.267) and superior antibiofilm performance. Then, for the application in soya bean products, electrospun nanofibrous membranes were introduced to immobilise the D-AA/NEO@CNPs. And the antibiofilm assay of D-AA/NEO@CNP-loaded nanofibrous membranes exhibited excellent antibiofilm activity on soya bean products in this study.