Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PROTOPLAST FUSION AND GENETIC COMPLEMENTATION OF PIGMENT MUTATIONS IN THE RED MICROALGA PORPHYRZDZUM SP. 1

Protoplasts from two green pigment mutants of Porphyridium sp. (UTEX 637) containing a low phycoerythrin level were fused by exposure to polyethylene glycol (MW 6000) combined with a short heat shock (45° C, 5 min). Following regeneration on agar plates, red colonies arose in which complementation of the phycoerythrin deficiency had occurred. The complementation frequency was estimated to be 0.2%. Eight progeny showing red pigmentation were isolated and purified by consecutive transfers on agar plates. Characterization of the fusion progeny revealed that their phycobiliprotein and chlorophyll contents per cell were higher than those of their parental mutant strains and, in most strains, similar to that of the wild type. The fusion products proved to be stable over many growth cycles. The DNA content of the wild type and of the parental mutant strains was about 0.05 pg‐cell−1. Fusion progeny strains showed a variable DNA content: a few fusants contained the same amount of DNA as the wild type and the parental strains, while others had about 50% more DNA per cell. The DNA content of one of the progeny strains (CF1c) was double that of the wild type (0.1 pg. cell−1). Cells of this fusion progeny contained one nucleus per cell, which suggests that nuclear fusion and the formation of a stable diploid followed cell fusion. Analysis of phycobilisome components of CF1c revealed complementation of linker polypeptides associated with phycoerythrin (γ subunits). CF1c contained, like the wild‐type strain, four linker polypeptides; all of these were absent in one parental strain and one was absent in the second. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of protoplast fusion, formation of somatic hybrids, and the apparent completion of a parasexual cycle in a red microalga.
Some new or poorly-known Zephroniidae (Diplopoda, Sphaerotheriida) from Vietnam

Abstract Three new species of the giant pill-millipede family Zephroniidae are described from southern Vietnam: Sphaerobelum pumatensesp. nov., Sphaeropoeus honbaensissp. nov. and Sphaeropoeus bidoupensissp. nov. Two species, Sphaerobelum bicorne Attems, 1938 and Sphaeropoeus maculatus (Verhoeff, 1924), are redescribed, the former from new material, the latter from type material with lectotype designation. A new transfer is proposed: Zephronia manca Attems, 1936, to the genus Sphaeropoeus Brandt, 1833, giving the new combination, Sphaeropoeus manca (Attems, 1936) comb. nov.
MONTÍCULOS Y CUEVAS FUNERARIAS EN PATAGONIA: UNA VISIÓN DESDE CUEVA BAÑO NUEVO-1, XI REGIÓN

The re-excavation of the Bano Nuevo-1 cave in the eastern Andean foothills at Aisen (Central Chilean Patagonia; 45°S) has yielded the skeletal remains of five human individuals. Two of them were complete and preserved well enough to infer not only basic characteristics (i.e. sex, age), but also some observations related to health and activity patterns. The other three skeletons, correspond to newborns, are fragmented and generally, in poor condition. However, they do share the same stratigraphic position as the adults, as well as some of the same funerary patterns such as the association with canid bones and plant remains, which suggest that all five individuals correspond to the same chronology and "cultural system". The main difference between the adult and newborn skeletons is that the former are covered by stone piles. This observation, complemented by other recorded evidence, suggests that the construction of funerary stone piles took place earlier in Central Patagonia than further south. In Southern Patagonia, funerary stone piles (commonly called "chenques") are never found in caves and are associated with late occupations. Other relatively early funerary traits in Southern Patagonia (i.e. collective inhumation, use of ochre and cremation) are unknown in Central Patagonia.
High Glucose Reduces Specific Binding for D-α-Tocopherol in Cultured Aortic Endothelial Cells

We investigated the effects of glucose on specific D-α-tocopherol binding to cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. Our results confirmed that cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells have specific binding sites for D-α-tocopherol. These binding sites exhibited time- and temperature-dependent saturation. The specific binding affinity of D-α-tocopherol was significantly lower in endothelial cells cultured in high concentrations of glucose (16.8 or 22.4 mM) for > 7 days compared with cells cultured in a physiological glucose concentration (5.6 mM). No significant reduction occurred in D-α-tocopherol binding when 11.1 mM mannitol was added to cells cultured in 5.6 mM glucose. The addition of an aldose reductase inhibitor (ICI-128436, Statil) did not significantly affect the high-glucose–induced reduction of D-α-tocopherol binding, although it reduced sorbitol levels in the cells compared with those from cells cultured in high concentrations of glucose. Moreover, significantly higher amounts of lipid peroxides were produced in aortic endothelial cells cultured in high concentrations of glucose (16.8 or 22.4 mM) for >3 days compared with cells cultured in a physiological concentration of glucose. These results indicate that high concentrations of glucose reduce D-α-tocopherol binding through mechanisms independent of putative osmotic effects of sorbitol accumulation in the cells. Possible mechanisms include glycation of protein or oxidative damage of cells and/or redox and metabolic imbalances associated with increased flux of glucose via the sorbitol pathway. A glucose-mediated reduction in D-α-tocopherol binding could diminish the beneficial effects of D-α-tocopherol to vascular endothelial cells and thereby may increase the vascular toxicity of hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus.
Cytogenetics of decaploid Agropyron elongatum (Elytrigia elongata) (2n = 70). I. Frequency of decavalent formation.

The multivalents that appeared in the decaploid strain of Agropyron elongatum (2n = 10x = 70), a relative of wheat, ranged from trivalent to decavalent. Few univalents occurred. The metaphase I chromosome association in 12 cells where all configurations could clearly be identified averaged 0.42 ring X + 0.17 chain X + 0.42 ring VIII + 0.17 branched VIII + 0.25 chain VIII + 0.17 chain VII + 1.17 ring VI + 0.33 branched VI + 0.5 chain VI + 1.67 ring IV + 0.42 branched IV + 0.58 chain IV + 0.08 branched III + 0.17 chain III + 12.58 ring II + 3.75 open II + 0.25 I. The occurrence of decavalents, up to two in one cell, and of a cell with five multivalents, each of which involved more than five chromosomes, and many multivalents of ring shape indicated that the strain is autodecaploid.The chromosome associations of each cell can be interpreted as seven groups of 10 homologous chromosomes. The high frequency of bivalents indicated a tendency toward reduced multivalent formation, for which an explanation is sugge.
A National Consensus Survey for Current Practice in Brain Tumor Management III: Brain Metastasis and Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Background The Guideline Working Group of the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO) conducted the nationwide questionnaire survey for diverse queries facing to treat patients with brain tumor. As part III of the survey, the aim of this study is to evaluate the national patterns of clinical practice for patients with brain metastasis and primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Methods A web-based survey was sent to all members of the KSNO by email. The survey included 7 questions of brain metastasis and 5 questions of PCNSL, focused on the management strategies in specific situations. All questions were developed by consensus of the Guideline Working Group. Results In the survey about brain metastasis, respondents preferred surgical resection with adjuvant treatment for patients with a surgically accessible single brain metastatic lesion less than 3 cm in size without extracranial systemic lesions. However, most respondents considered radiosurgery for surgically inaccessible lesions. As the preferred treatment of multiple brain metastases according to the number of brain lesions, respondents tended to choose radiotherapy with increasing number of lesions. Radiosurgery was mostly chosen for the brain metastases of less than or equal to 4. In the survey about PCNSL, a half of respondents choose high-dose methotrexate-based polychemotherapy as the first-line induction therapy for PCNSL. The consolidation and salvage therapy showed a little variation among respondents. For PCNSL patients with cerebrospinal fluid dissemination, intrathecal chemotherapy was most preferred. Conclusion The survey demonstrates the prevailing clinical practice patterns for patients with brain metastasis and PCNSL among members of the KSNO. This information provides a point of reference for establishing a practical guideline in the management of brain metastasis and PCNSL.
Metabolomic Markers of Kidney Function Decline in Patients With Diabetes: Evidence From the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE Biomarkers that provide reliable evidence of future diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are needed to improve disease management. In a cross-sectional study, we previously identified 13 urine metabolites that had levels reduced in DKD compared with healthy controls. We evaluated associations of these 13 metabolites with future DKD progression. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 1,001 Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) participants with diabetes with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) between 20 and 70mL/min/1.73m2 were followed up prospectively for a median of 8 (range, 2-10) years. PREDICTORS 13 urine metabolites, age, race, sex, smoked more than 100 cigarettes in lifetime, body mass index, hemoglobin A1c level, blood pressure, urinary albumin, and eGFR. OUTCOMES Annual eGFR slope and time to incident kidney failure with replacement therapy (KFRT; ie, initiation of dialysis or receipt of transplant). ANALYTICAL APPROACH Several clinical metabolite models were developed for eGFR slope as the outcome using stepwise selection and penalized regression, and further tested on the time-to-KFRT outcome. A best cross-validated (final) prognostic model was selected based on high prediction accuracy for eGFR slope and high concordance statistic for incident KFRT. RESULTS During follow-up, mean eGFR slope was-1.83±1.92 (SD) mL/min/1.73m2 per year; 359 (36%) participants experienced KFRT. Median time to KFRT was 7.45 years from the time of entry to the CRIC Study. In our final model, after adjusting for clinical variables, levels of metabolites 3-hydroxyisobutyrate (3-HIBA) and 3-methylcrotonyglycine had a significant negative association with eGFR slope, whereas citric and aconitic acid were positively associated. Further, 3-HIBA and aconitic acid levels were associated with higher and lower risk for KFRT, respectively (HRs of 2.34 [95% CI, 1.51-3.62] and 0.70 [95% CI, 0.51-0.95]). LIMITATIONS Subgroups for whom metabolite signatures may not be optimal, nontargeted metabolomics by flow-injection analysis, and 2-stage modeling approaches. CONCLUSIONS Urine metabolites may offer insights into DKD progression. If replicated in future studies, aconitic acid and 3-HIBA could identify individuals with diabetes at high risk for GFR decline, potentially leading to improved clinical care and targeted therapies.
The combined effect of constant water deficit and nitrogen supply on WUE, NUE and Δ13C in durum wheat potted plants

Water scarcity and nitrogen shortage are the main constraints on durum wheat productivity. This paper examines the combined effects of a constant water deficit and nitrogen supply (NS) on growth, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration, instantaneous and time-integrated water use efficiency (WUE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and carbon isotope discrimination (Δ 13 C) in durum wheat genotypes grown in pots under greenhouse conditions. Three water levels (40%, 70% and 100% container capacity), two nitrogen doses (high and low N) and four genotypes were assayed in a total of 24 experimental treatments. Water and nitrogen treatments were imposed 2 weeks after plant emergence. The growth, nitrogen content and Δ 13 C of the shoot and the gas exchange in the flag leaf were determined about 2 weeks after anthesis. As expected, both water and NS had a strong positive effect on growth. However, a reduction in water supply had low effect decreasing photosynthesis and transpiration, Δ 13 C and NUE and increasing WUE. On the contrary, increasing the level of nitrogen supplied had a significant negative effect on 3g, which decreased significantly the ratio of intercellular to ambient CO 2 concentrations and Δ 13 C, and increased both instantaneous and time-integrated WUE. In addition, a higher N level also negatively affected the instantaneous and time-integrated NUE. The Δ 13 C of shoots correlated significantly and negatively with either instantaneous or time-integrated measurements of WUE. Moreover, within each NS, Δ 13 C also correlated negatively with the integrated NUE. We concluded that under our experimental conditions, Δ 13 C gives information about the efficiency with which not just water but also nitrogen are used by the plant. In addition, this study illustrates that a steady water limitation may strongly affect biomass without consistent changes in WUE. The lack of effect of the different water regimes on gas exchange, WUE and Δ 13 C illustrate the importance of how stress is imposed during growth.
The relationships of crown dieback with carbohydrate content and growth of sugar maple (Acersaccharum)

Since the early 1980s, some sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.) forests in northeastern North America have shown severe signs of dieback and decline. This study was designed to determine the relationships of crown dieback of sugar maple with carbohydrate content for different tissues during fall and spring and with radial growth patterns. A 100-year-old sugar maple stand located in Tingwick (Quebec, Canada) was sampled in 1987 and 1988. Growth, starch, and water-soluble carbohydrates (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) were measured in relation to crown dieback for 55 sugar maple trees. Root and stem samples were collected in April (1988), during the bud burst period, and in October (1987 and 1988), just after leaf drop. Starch was the predominant carbohydrate. In April, stem samples contained higher concentrations of glucose and fructose than in October. Conversely, roots had higher concentrations of reducing sugars in October, especially in trees, that were heavily affected by dieback. Roots of such trees a.
Photobiomodulation therapy inhibits oral submucous fibrosis in mice

Abstract Objectives Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic inflammatory disease and a potentially malignant oral disorder. However, the best therapeutic treatment for OSMF remains uncertain. Our previous study showed that photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy and forskolin could reduce arecoline‐induced fibrosis reactions via the cAMP pathway. The present study aimed to establish an animal model of areca nut extract (ANE)‐induced OSMF and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of PBM and forskolin for ANE‐induced OSMF. Subjects and methods The mice were divided into five groups. The buccal tissues were harvested for histomorphological analysis and immunoblotting. Results Our results showed that PBM significantly reduced the development of ANE‐induced OSMF, quantified by changes in submucosal layer thickness and collagen deposition. Additionally, PBM could extensively reduce the protein expression of the fibrotic marker genes alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in buccal submucous lesions. However, forskolin treatment significantly decreased the protein expression of fibrotic marker genes but slightly decreased the observed histomorphological changes. Conclusions We established an ANE‐induced OSMF mouse model, which also provided a model for the development of a therapeutic treatment for OSMF. The anti‐fibrotic effects of PBM and forskolin may be useful for clinical interventions.
[Clinical observation of 6 severe COVID-19 patients treated with plasma exchange or tocilizumab].

OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical effect of plasma exchange and tocilizumab in treatment of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS Six patients with severe COVID-19 admitted in First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 25 to February 25, 2020. Three patients were treated with plasma exchange and three patients were treated with tocilizumab. The effect on excessive inflammatory reaction of plasma exchange and tocilizumab was observed. RESULTS The C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased and the lymphocyte and prothrombin time were improved in 3 patients after treatment with plasma exchange; while inflammation level was not significantly decreased, and lymphocyte and prothrombin time did not improve in 3 patients treated with tocilizumab. CONCLUSIONS For severe COVID-19 patients with strong inflammatory reaction, plasma exchange may be preferred.
mRNA expression disturbance of complement system related genes in acute arterial thrombotic and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare the characteristics of mRNA expression of genes in complement system between acute arterial thrombotic patients and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients. METHODS Twenty acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients and 20 PAF patients were assigned into the experiment groups, and 20 stable angina pectoris (SAP) patients were enrolled in the control group. RESULTS When compared with the control group, mRNA expression of C1QA, C1QB, C1QC, C1R, CFP, C5, CR1, ITGAM, ITGAX, ITGB2, C5AR1, CD46, CD55 and CD59 genes was significantly upregulated, and CR2 gene significantly downregulated in the AMI group (P<0.05); while mRNA expression of CFD, MBL2, MASP2, C5, C6, C8B, C9, C5AR1, CR2, CFI, CFHR1, CD46, CD55, VTN and CD59 genes was significantly downregulated in PAF patients (P<0.05). Results of the comparison between the AMI and PAF group showed that mRNA expression of C1QA, C1QB, C1QC, C1R, CFB, CFD, CFP, MBL2, MASP2, C5, C6, C8B, C9, CR1, ITGAM, ITGAX, ITGB2, C5AR1, CFI, CFHR1, CD46, CD55, CLU, VTN and CD59 genes was significantly upregulated in the AMI group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Taken SAP patients as controls, the complement system is in a high-intensive disturbance with simultaneous activation and inhibition in AMI patients, indicating that the cascade response of complement system is disturbed, and then the membrane attack complex (MAC) cannot form finally. The mRNA expression of related genes in the complement system is under a status of downregulation in PAF patients, indicating that the functions of cascade response in the complement system decreased significantly in PAF patients, leading to significantly decreased MAC functions.
Acute stress induces visceral hypersensitivity via glucocorticoid receptor–mediated membrane insertion of TRPM8: Involvement of a non‐receptor tyrosine kinase Pyk2

Psychological stress is an important factor for the development and recurrence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The mechanisms underlying stress‐induced visceral hypersensitivity (VH), a key pathophysiological component in IBS, are still incompletely understood. We aimed to test whether transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) participates in acute stress–induced VH.
Classification of hyperspectral endocrine tissue images using support vector machines

Thyroidectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. The region of the neck has a very complex structural organization. It would be beneficial to introduce a tool that can assist the surgeon in tissue discrimination during the procedure. One such solution is the noninvasive and contactless technique, called hyperspectral imaging (HSI).
Temporal Variation in the Biomass, Quantity and Quality of Agar from Gelidiella acerosa (Forsskål) Feldmann et Hamel (Rhodophyta: Gelidiales) from Cape Bolinao, NW Philippines

The monthly changes in the biomass, and yield and gel properties of agar from Gelidiella acerosa were investigated in the intertidal populations from Dos Hermanos, Bolinao for 13 months. Acetic acid pretreatment and steam pressure were employed in agar extraction. The agar isolated was of industrial quality. Highest biomass and agar yield were obtained during the wet season. Biomass peaked in October 1993 (45.14 g DWm~) while agar yield was maximum in August 1993 (34%) and May 1994 (31%). However, overall gel quality was highest in the dry season (March and April 1994), when gel strength peaked at 800 g cm~ and sulfate content was lowest at 0.4%. An inverse relationship between agar yield and its physical properties (gel strength, viscosity, gelling and melting temperatures) were observed. Dry season low biomass and agar yield were observed to be affected by dessication stress due to frequent emersion of the intertidal flat and the plant's exposure to strong radiation, while high gel strength was associated with the seasonally high intensity water movement (tide-driven surf).
Predictors of caregiver distress among spouses, adult children living with the person with dementia, and adult children not living with the person with dementia.

AIM The caregiving situation differs according to the type of relationship between the patient caregiver, and among dementia caregivers, living with the person with dementia can contribute to caregiver distress. This study aimed to identify the predictors of caregiver distress based on caregiver profile: spouse, adult child living with the person with dementia, and adult child not living with the person with dementia. METHOD In total, 213 caregivers participated in this study. Their responses to questionnaires helped identify the positive and negative implications of the caregiving situation and the level of caregiver distress. The analyses consisted of univariate and multiple linear regression models using a forward method. RESULTS Based on the standardized beta scores, the variables that are the most significant in predicting spouse caregiver distress are the impact on health and impact on schedule. The variable that is the most significant in predicting the distress of adult child caregivers living with the person with dementia is the impact on health. The variables that are the most significant in predicting the distress of adult child caregivers not living with the person with dementia are the impact on health, impact on schedule, and impact on finances. CONCLUSION The results make it possible to consider different approaches to providing support, including evaluating the health of all caregivers, giving guidance on accepting help and focusing caregivers' actions on their values for spouse caregivers, providing family mediation for adult child caregivers living with the person with dementia, and offering information and assistance on the available aids for adult child caregivers not living with the person with dementia.