Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioactive Poly(Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid)-Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Regeneration

Bone is currently the second most transplanted tissue, second only to blood. However, significant hurdles including graft supply and implant failure continue to plague researchers and clinicians. Currently, standard clinical procedures include autologous and allogeneic grafting. Autologous grafts may achieve functional repair; yet, they are available in limited supply and are associated with donor site morbidity. Allogeneic grafts are available in greater supply, but have a higher risk of infection. To overcome the disadvantages of current grafts, tissue engineering has become a major focus for the regeneration of bone. The goal of tissue engineering is to use a multidisciplinary approach to create biomimetic constructs that stimulate osteogenic regeneration to heal bone defects and restore tissue function. Biodegradable scaffolds are used in tissue engineering strategies as an interim template for tissue regeneration. The scaffold architecture provides mechanical support for cell attachment and tissue regeneration. Biocompatible poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has been processed through a number of techniques to create porous 3D architectures. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) and tricalcium phosphate have been used in conjunction with polymer scaffolds due to their osteoconductivity and biocompatibility, but they often lack osteoinductivity and are resistant to biodegradation. Conversely, amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) is a mineral that solubilizes under aqueous conditions, releasing calcium and phosphate ions, which have been postulated to enhance osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Controlled dissolution can be achieved by stabilizing ACP with divalent cations such as zinc or copper. Furthermore, incorporation of such osteogenic ACPs within a biodegradable PLGA scaffold could enhance the osteoconductivity of the scaffold while providing calcium and phosphate ions to differentiating osteoprogenitor cells, thereby stimulating osteogenesis when implanted in vivo.
Transcriptomic analyses of humans and mice provide insights into depression

Accumulating studies have been conducted to identify risk genes and relevant biological mechanisms underlying major depressive disorder (MDD). In particular, transcriptomic analyses in brain regions engaged in cognitive and emotional processes, e.g., the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), have provided essential insights. Based on three independent DLPFC RNA-seq datasets of 79 MDD patients and 75 healthy controls, we performed differential expression analyses using two alternative approaches for cross-validation. We also conducted transcriptomic analyses in mice undergoing chronic variable stress (CVS) and chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). We identified 12 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through both analytical methods in MDD patients, the majority of which were also dysregulated in stressed mice. Notably, the mRNA level of the immediate early gene FOS (Fos proto-oncogene) was significantly decreased in both MDD patients and CVS-exposed mice, and CSDS-susceptible mice exhibited a greater reduction in Fos expression compared to resilient mice. These findings suggest the potential key roles of this gene in the pathogenesis of MDD related to stress exposure. Altered transcriptomes in the DLPFC of MDD patients might be, at least partially, the result of stress exposure, supporting that stress is a primary risk factor for MDD.
Fungicide-Tolerant Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Mitigate Physiological Disruption of White Radish Caused by Fungicides Used in the Field Cultivation

Excessive use of fungicides in agriculture may result in substantial accumulation of active residues in soil, which affect crop health and yield. We investigated the response of Raphanus sativus (white radish) to fungicides in soil and potential beneficial interactions of radish plants with fungicide-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The PGPR were isolated from cabbage and mustard rhizospheres. Morphological and biochemical characteristics measured using standard methods, together with analysis of partial 16S rRNA gene sequences, revealed that fungicide-tolerant PGPR, isolates PS3 and AZ2, were closely related to Pseudomonas spp. These PGPR survived in the presence of high fungicide concentrations i.e., up to 2400 μg mL−1 carbendazim (CBZM) and 3200 μg mL−1 hexaconazole (HEXA). Bacterial isolates produced plant growth stimulants even under fungicide stress, though fungicides induced surface morphological distortion and alteration in membrane permeability of these bacteria, which was proved by a set of microscopic observations. Fungicides considerably affected the germination efficiency, growth, and physiological development of R. sativus, but these effects were relieved when inoculated with PGPR isolates. For instance, CBZM at 1500 mg kg−1 decreased whole dry biomass by 71%, whole plant length by 54%, total chlorophyll by 50%, protein content by 61%, and carotenoid production by 29%. After applying isolate AZ2 for white radish grown in CBZM (10 mg kg−1)-amended soil, it could improve plant growth and development with increased whole plant dry weight (10%), entire plant length (13%) and total chlorophyll content (18%). Similarly, isolate PS3 enhanced plant survival by relieving plant stress with declined biomarkers, i.e., proline (12%), malondialdehyde (3%), ascorbate peroxidase (6.5%), catalase (18%), and glutathione reductase (4%). Application of isolates AZ2 and PS3 could be effective for remediation of fungicide-contaminated soil and for improving the cultivation of radish plants while minimizing inputs of fungicides.
WINTER GROWTH OF CONTRASTING RYEGRASS VARIETIES AT TWO ALTITUDES IN MID-WALES

SUMMARY lowland site. Leaf extension and appearance rates were related to temperature, but were faster (for a given temperature) in spring than in autumn. Many tillers died in the lowland (but not the upland) between December and February, when the weather was dull and initially very mild. There was no evidence of frost damage to leaves. (3) The differences in growth pattern between varieties were related more to date of heading rather than to geographical origin. The late varieties carried more longer green leaves in winter and had faster leaf extension rates than early varieties, although the differences were generally smaller at the upland site; by May, at the lowland site, the early varieties had the greater leaf extension rates. There was no indication of dormancy in any variety. (4) The findings are discussed in relation to the measurement of winter hardiness.
Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training and Deconditioning on Oxidative Capacity and Muscle Mitochondrial Enzyme Machinery in Young and Elderly Individuals

Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to be involved in age-related loss of muscle mass and function (sarcopenia). Since the degree of physical activity is vital for skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and content, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of aerobic exercise training and 8 weeks of deconditioning on functional parameters of aerobic capacity and markers of muscle mitochondrial function in elderly compared to young individuals. In 11 healthy, elderly (80 ± 4 years old) and 10 healthy, young (24 ± 3 years old) volunteers, aerobic training improved maximal oxygen consumption rate by 13%, maximal workload by 34%, endurance capacity by 2.4-fold and exercise economy by 12% in the elderly to the same extent as in young individuals. This evidence was accompanied by a similar training-induced increase in muscle citrate synthase (CS) (31%) and mitochondrial complex I–IV activities (51–163%) in elderly and young individuals. After 8 weeks of deconditioning, endurance capacity (−20%), and enzyme activity of CS (−18%) and complex I (−40%), III (−25%), and IV (−26%) decreased in the elderly to a larger extent than in young individuals. In conclusion, we found that elderly have a physiological normal ability to improve aerobic capacity and mitochondrial function with aerobic training compared to young individuals, but had a faster decline in endurance performance and muscle mitochondrial enzyme activity after deconditioning, suggesting an age-related issue in maintaining oxidative metabolism.
Stress‐induced premature senescence activated by the SENEX gene mediates apoptosis resistance of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma via promoting immunosuppressive cells and cytokines

The underlying cause of relapsed and refractory (r/r) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is usually related to apoptosis resistance to antitumor drugs. The recent years have provided lots of evidence that tumor cells may undergo stress‐induced premature senescence (SIPS) in response to chemotherapy, but how SIPS affects lymphoma cells remains inconclusive.
COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY OF SHOOT FLY, ATHERIGONA SOCCATA RONDANI ON SUSCEPTIBLE AND RESISTANT CULTIVARS OF SORGHUM

Comparative biology of Atherigona soccata Rondani was studied on susceptible, CSH-16 and resistant, IS-2312 sorghum cultivars. Significant differences were observed between resistant and susceptible genotypes with regards to larval, pupal and adult developmental parameters. The larval period was prolonged for 12.50±1.05 days on resistant genotypes than susceptible (9.10±1.30 days). Total life cycle occupied maximum of 25.50±1.86 days on IS-2312 and minimum of 20.39H. 50 days on CSH-16. Larval and total growth indices, reproductive success and antibiotic index were also influenced by the resistant genotype. Thus the resistant genotype, IS-2312 had higher degree of antibiosis factors for shoot fly as compared to susceptible genotype, CSH-16.
Eomes cannot replace its paralog T-bet during expansion and differentiation of CD8 effector T cells

The two T-box transcription factors T-bet and Eomesodermin (Eomes) are important regulators of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs), such as activated CD8 T cells, which are essential in the fight against intracellular pathogens and tumors. Both transcription factors share a great degree of homology based on sequence analysis and as a result exert partial functional redundancy during viral infection. However, the actual degree of redundancy between T-bet and Eomes remains a matter of debate and is further confounded by their distinct spatiotemporal expression pattern in activated CD8 T cells. To directly investigate the functional overlap of these transcription factors, we generated a new mouse model in which Eomes expression is under the transcriptional control of the endogenous Tbx21 (encoding for T-bet) locus. Applying this model, we demonstrate that the induction of Eomes in lieu of T-bet cannot rescue T-bet deficiency in CD8 T cells during acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. We found that the expression of Eomes instead of T-bet was not sufficient for early cell expansion or effector cell differentiation. Finally, we show that imposed expression of Eomes after acute viral infection promotes some features of exhaustion but must act in concert with other factors during chronic viral infection to establish all hallmarks of exhaustion. In summary, our results clearly underline the importance of T-bet in guiding canonical CTL development during acute viral infections.
Evaluating Lymph Node Stiffness to Differentiate Bacterial Cervical Lymphadenitis and Lymph Node–First Presentation of Kawasaki Disease by Shear Wave Elastography

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the potential of cervical lymph node shear wave elastography (SWE) to quantify the lymph node stiffness (kilopascals) noninvasively among patients with lymph node–first presentation of Kawasaki disease (NFKD), patients with bacterial cervical lymphadenitis (BCL), and healthy children (HC). We further aimed to investigate the correlation of laboratory data and lymph node stiffness to provide a reference basis for the early diagnosis of NFKD.
Effect of cropping sequences and ploughing on plant parasitic nematodes and plant growth in field

Significant reduction in the population of nematodes were recorded due to combined effect of cropping sequences and ploughing in different seasons, resulting in improved plant growth of all the test crops viz. wheat, chilli, mustard, mung, lentil, cowpea, chickpea, okra and tomato. The cropping sequence wheat-chilli-fallow caused greatest reduction in nematode populations. It was followed by lentil-cowpea-mung, chickpea-okra-chilli, mustard-mung-tomato and tomato-fallow-okra. Fallowing after tomato and chilli in the 2nd and 3rd season of cropping sequence decreased the population of nematodes. The different crops involved in the cropping sequences when grown in the following season after other test crops showed better improvement than crops grown in the first season. Deep ploughing proved more effective than normal ploughing.
Evaluation of Automated Video Monitoring to Decrease the Risk of Unattended Bed Exits in Small Rural Hospitals

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using 1 to 4 mobile or fixed automated video monitoring systems (AVMSs) to decrease the risk of unattended bed exits (UBEs) as antecedents to unassisted falls among patients at high risk for falls and fall-related injuries in 15 small rural hospitals. Methods We compared UBE rates and fall rates during baseline (5 months in which patient movement was recorded but nurses did not receive alerts) and intervention phases (2 months in which nurses received alerts). We determined lead time (seconds elapsed from the first alert because of patient movement until 3 seconds after an UBE) during baseline and positive predictive value and sensitivity during intervention. Results Age and fall risk were negatively associated with the baseline patient rate of UBEs/day. From baseline to intervention: in 9 hospitals primarily using mobile systems, UBEs/day decreased from 0.84 to 0.09 (89%); in 5 hospitals primarily using fixed systems, UBEs/day increased from 0.43 to 3.18 (649%) as patients at low risk for falls were observed safely exiting the bed; and among 13 hospitals with complete data, total falls/1000 admissions decreased from 8.83 to 5.53 (37%), and injurious falls/1000 admissions decreased from 2.52 to 0.55 (78%). The median lead time of the AVMS was 28.5 seconds, positive predictive value was nearly 60%, and sensitivity was 97.4%. Conclusions Use of relatively few AVMSs may allow nurses to adaptively manage UBEs as antecedents to unassisted falls and fall-related injuries in small rural hospitals. Additional research is needed in larger hospitals to better understand the effectiveness of AVMSs.
Long‐term clinical and patient‐reported outcomes in free flap reconstruction of the weight‐bearing heel pad and non‐weight‐bearing Achilles tendon regions

The non‐weight‐bearing (NWB) Achilles tendon and weight‐bearing (WB) heel pad regions are technically challenging to reconstruct with distinct functional and aesthetic considerations that have not been previously considered in the literature. This study is the first to characterize the long‐term clinical and patient‐reported outcomes of these components to better inform patients about the postreconstruction period.
Rectal neoplasia extending to the dentate line: clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection

Abstract Background The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) give no specific recommendations on the best treatment for colorectal neoplasia involving the dental line (DLCN). Objective Aim of this study was to analyse efficacy and safety of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in the treatment of colorectal neoplasia involving the dentate line (DLCN) compared to non-DLCN. Design Retrospective study. Patients We retrospectively evaluated all consecutive patients undergoing ESD for rectal neoplasia at two endoscopical tertiary referral centers (Italy and Japan) from January 2008 to December 2019. Main outcome measures Anthropometric, clinical, procedural, and follow-up data was collected, analysed, and compared between patients with DLCN and patients with non-DLCN. Results Overall, 314 patients were enrolled (163 female, 51.9%). Mean age was 68 years (range, 32–92 years). En-bloc resection was achieved in 311/314 (99%) patients. Lesion size was higher in DLCN group than in the non-DLCN group (46.1 vs 38.9 mm; p = .03). Submucosal invasion rate was also higher in the DLCN group (29.6 vs 18.4%, p = .04). Procedure time was significantly longer in the DLCN group, (89.6 vs. 73.1 min; p = .002). Hospitalization length following ESD was similar in both groups. Limitations Retrospective study design. Conclusions ESD seems to be safe and effective in the treatment of colorectal neoplasia involving the dentate line and can be considered the best therapeutic strategy.
Recommended definitions of aggressive prostate cancer for etiologic epidemiologic research.

BACKGROUND In the era of widespread prostate-specific antigen testing, it is important to focus etiologic research on the outcome of aggressive prostate cancer, but studies have defined this outcome differently. We aimed to develop an evidence-based consensus definition of aggressive prostate cancer using clinical features at diagnosis for etiologic epidemiologic research. METHODS Among prostate cancer cases diagnosed in 2007 in the U.S. SEER-18 database with follow-up through 2017, we compared the performance of categorizations of aggressive prostate cancer in discriminating fatal prostate cancer within 10 years of diagnosis, placing the most emphasis on sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV). RESULTS In our case population (n = 55,900), 3,073 men died of prostate cancer within 10 years. Among 12 definitions that included TNM stage and Gleason score, sensitivities ranged from 0.64 to 0.89 and PPVs ranged from 0.09 to 0.23. We propose defining aggressive prostate cancer as diagnosis of stage T4 or N1 or M1 or Gleason score ≥8 prostate cancer, as this definition had one of the higher PPVs (0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-0.24) and reasonable sensitivity (0.66, 95% CI 0.64-0.67) for prostate cancer death within 10 years. Results were similar across sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS We recommend that etiologic epidemiologic studies of prostate cancer report results for this definition of aggressive prostate cancer. We also recommend that studies separately report results for advanced stage (T4 or N1 or M1), high grade (Gleason score ≥8), and fatal prostate cancer. Use of this comprehensive set of endpoints will facilitate comparison of results from different studies and help elucidate prostate cancer etiology.
Gametogenesis and growth of induced triploid scallops Chlamys nobilis

Triploids were induced in the scallop, Chlamys nobilis, by treating the fertilized eggs with cytochalasin B (0.5mg/l) or hydropressure (200kg/cm2). The highest percentage of triploid was 71.4% in 0.5mg/l CB treatment. When diploids were in spawning period, most triploids had spermatocytes or developing oocytes. However, neither matured oocytes nor spermatozoa were observed in triploids. Although at 9 months of age no quantitative characters differed significantly between diploids and triploids, at 14 months the shell width and meat weight of triploids were greater than those of diploids. The relation between gametogenesis and growth in triploid scallops is discussed in this paper.
Introduction of biosimilar pegfilgrastim in France: Economic analysis of switching from originator

Objectives To assess the economic impact of introducing biosimilar pegfilgrastim compared to the current standard granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) practice in France. Methods A budget impact model was developed to investigate the impact of introducing pegfilgrastim biosimilar over 5 years. The model analysed drug acquisition costs, ambulatory costs, as well as costs associated with poor outcomes, and compared the current standard practice of long-acting and short-acting G-CSF to a revised practice including pegfilgrastim biosimilar in addition to standard practice treatments. The cost of switching to pegfilgrastim biosimilar, within a pharmacy setting, was analysed within the model using data from a survey of French pharmacists. Results The budget impact model calculated a cost saving of €51,007,531 over 5 years switching from the current standard practice to pegfilgrastim biosimilar. A sensitivity analysis accounting for variation in pegfilgrastim biosimilar uptake of 1) 15% in year 1 and 1% in years 2–5 and 2) 15% in years 1–5, estimated savings ranging between €29,377,784 and €79,847,194, respectively. A further analysis predicted cost savings of €287,344,835 over 5 years with the extension of pegfilgrastim biosimilar, at an uptake of 15% in year 1 and 7% in years 2–4, to both long-acting and short-acting G-CSF groups compared to unchanged current practice. Conclusions The introduction of pegfilgrastim biosimilar will help to reduce cost and alleviate some of the financial pressure on the French healthcare system.
Fecal Cortisol Metabolites in Dairy Cows: A Cross-Sectional Exploration of Associations with Animal, Stockperson, and Farm Characteristics

Simple Summary Dairy cows are exposed to various potentially stressful situations in the daily farm routine, which might considerably impair their welfare and performance. On 25 German organic dairy farms, we explored associations of cows’ physiological stress levels by means of cortisol metabolite concentrations in feces (1) with different potentially influencing farm factors including human–animal contact, (2) cows’ fear behaviors towards humans, and (3) milk production and udder health. Cortisol metabolite levels were decreased on farms that did not separate diseased cows, possibly reflecting less regrouping stress. Levels were also lower on farms with straw yards compared to raised cubicles, and on farms with generous compared to suboptimal lying space, underlining the importance of resting comfort for cattle. Increased human–animal contact was associated with decreased cortisol metabolite levels. However, against expectations, levels were higher, when the farm provided concentrate feed by hand and habituated young cows to milking, requiring specific experimental investigations to draw conclusions on causal associations. Abstract To date, little is known about influences on cows’ physiological stress levels on farms. The present study explored associations of fecal cortisol metabolite concentrations (FCM) with (1) farm factors including human–animal contact, (2) cows’ fear behaviors towards humans, and (3) milk production and udder health, involving 25 dairy farms and repeated fecal samples (n = 2625) from 674 focal cows. Farm factors via interviews and observations, avoidance distance (AD) and qualitative behavior assessment (QBA) during a human–animal interaction were recorded. Milk yield and somatic cell scores (SCS) were calculated from milk recordings. Levels of FCMs were in general relatively low. No associations with AD and milk yield could be detected. Correlations between FCMs and QBA and SCS were significant, but on a low level. Against expectations, FCMs were higher, when the farm provided concentrates by hand and habituated heifers to milking, in part possibly due to reversed cause–effect relations. Decreased FCM levels were found on farms that did not separate diseased cows, possibly due to the avoidance of social stress following changes in group structure. Additionally, straw yards compared to raised cubicles and generous compared to suboptimal lying space were associated with decreased levels, underlining the importance of comfort around resting. Moreover, FCMs were decreased with increased human contact time per cow. The different associations detected in this study provide a basis for further experimental investigations that moreover might provide insights into causal relationships.