Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RNF213 loss of function reshapes vascular transcriptome and spliceosome leading to disrupted angiogenesis and aggravated vascular inflammatory responses

RNF213 gene mutations are the cause behind Moyamoya disease, a rare cerebrovascular occlusive disease. However, the function of RNF213 in the vascular system and the impact of its loss of function are not yet comprehended. To understand RNF23 function, we performed gene knockdown (KD) in vascular cells and performed various phenotypical analysis as well as extensive transcriptome and epitranscriptome profiling. Our data revealed that RNF213 KD led to disrupted angiogenesis in HUVEC, in part due to downregulation of DNA replication and proliferation pathways. Furthermore, HUVEC cells became sensitive to LPS induced inflammation after RNF213 KD, leading to retarded cell migration and enhanced macrophage transmigration. This was evident at the level of transcriptome as well. Interestingly, RNF213 led to extensive changes in mRNA splicing that were not previously reported. In vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs), RNF213 KD led to alteration in cytoskeletal organization, contractility, and vSMCs function related pathways. Finally, RNF213 KD disrupted endothelial-to-vSMCs communication in co-culture models. Overall, our results indicate that RNF213 KD sensitizes endothelial cells to inflammation, leading to altered angiogenesis. Our results shed the light on the important links between RNF213 mutations and inflammatory/immune inducers of MMD and on the unexplored role of epitranscriptome in MMD.
Teacher Mindsets Help Explain Where a Growth-Mindset Intervention Does and Doesn’t Work

A growth-mindset intervention teaches the belief that intellectual abilities can be developed. Where does the intervention work best? Prior research examined school-level moderators using data from the National Study of Learning Mindsets (NSLM), which delivered a short growth-mindset intervention during the first year of high school. In the present research, we used data from the NSLM to examine moderation by teachers’ mindsets and answer a new question: Can students independently implement their growth mindsets in virtually any classroom culture, or must students’ growth mindsets be supported by their teacher’s own growth mindsets (i.e., the mindset-plus-supportive-context hypothesis)? The present analysis (9,167 student records matched with 223 math teachers) supported the latter hypothesis. This result stood up to potentially confounding teacher factors and to a conservative Bayesian analysis. Thus, sustaining growth-mindset effects may require contextual supports that allow the proffered beliefs to take root and flourish.
Regulating Histone Deacetylase Signaling Pathways of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Enhanced T Cell-Based Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to combat immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) for improved cancer treatment. FDA approval for the clinical use of programmed death receptor 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors revolutionized T cell-based immunotherapy. Although only a few cancer patients respond to this treatment due to several factors including the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells in the TME. Several immunosuppressive cells within the TME such as regulatory T cells, myeloid cells, and cancer-associated fibroblast inhibit the activation and function of T cells to promote tumor progression. The roles of epigenetic modifiers such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) in cancer have long been investigated but little is known about their impact on immune cells. Recent studies showed inhibiting HDAC expression on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) promoted their differentiation to less suppressive cells and reduced their immunosuppressive effect in the TME. HDAC inhibitors upregulated PD-1 or PD-L1 expression level on tumor or immune cells sensitizing tumor-bearing mice to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. Herein we discuss how inhibiting HDAC expression on MDSCs could circumvent drawbacks to immune checkpoint inhibitors and improve cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, we highlighted current challenges and future perspectives of HDAC inhibitors in regulating MDSCs function for effective cancer immunotherapy.
Growth And Haematological Parameters of Japanese Quails (Corturnix Cortunix Japonica) Fed Dried Corn Silk Polyalthia Longifolia Leaf Meal Mixture

The use of antibiotics growth promoter at sub therapeutic level (AGPs) has been practiced in the poultry industry since 1946, but recent research has proven that its continuous use can cause bacteria resistance and possible transmission of the antibiotic residues into the food chain . Because of food safety concerns, there has been a recent ban in the use of antibiotics (synthetic) in livestock diets by European countries, research are now been channeled on the use of medicinal plants as alternative in animal production, because people are now informed on the dangers of the use of synthetic drugs, its toxicity, high cost and adverse effects in the human body . Medicinal plants play a significant role in improving the performance, live weight and feed efficiency in animals without any adverse effect. They are also regarded as phytobiotics which are now the object of increasing interest across livestock production as antibiotic use becomes evermore restricted . According to Windisch and Kroismayr (2007) phytobiotics are plant derived products added to feed in order to improve the performance of livestock, they originate from leaves, roots or fruits herbs, spices and other
A Matter of Age: Negotiation for Meaning in Child and Adult Interactions

Findings from task-supported interaction with adult populations have often been transferred to children with little to no modification. When (considerable) differences have been identified, adult and children interactions were analysed while performing different tasks or at different proficiency levels. This article attempts to provide a more reliable comparison by analysing level-matched adults and children performing the exact same task. This study examines the negotiation for meaning (NoM) strategies and their communicative functions in 20 young (age 8-9) children and 14 adults performing an information-gap narrative task with an adult proficient speaker. All participants had Spanish as their L1 and were beginner learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). The results revealed that the adult group produced significantly higher rates in all NoM strategies, with the exception of comprehension checks. However, both populations displayed commonalities in their interactional patterns, with a similar proportional use and functions of the NoM strategies and a clear tendency to imitate elements of their more proficient interlocutor’s output via other-repetitions. These findings provide evidence that the age factor at this level of proficiency may have a greater impact on the amount of NoM generated than on the type and function of the NoM strategies used.
Metformin Ameliorates Inflammation and Airway Remodeling of Experimental Allergic Asthma in Mice by Restoring AMPKα Activity

Metformin has been involved in modulating inflammatory state and inhibiting cell proliferation and angiogenesis. This study aimed to determine whether metformin alleviates airway inflammation and remodeling of experimental allergic asthma and elucidate the underlying mechanism. We sensitized and challenged mice with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce allergic asthma. During the challenge period, metformin was administered by intraperitoneal injection. By histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, metformin-treated mice showed a significant alleviation in airway inflammation, and in the parameters of airway remodeling including goblet cell hyperplasia, collagen deposition and airway smooth muscle hypertrophy compared to those in the OVA-challenged mice. We also observed elevated levels of multiple cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TNF-α, TGF-β1 and MMP-9) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, OVA-specific IgE in the serum and angiogenesis-related factors (VEGF, SDF-1 and CXCR4) in the plasma from asthmatic mice, while metformin reduced all these parameters. Additionally, the activity of 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase a (AMPKα) in the lungs from OVA-challenged mice was remarkably lower than control ones, while after metformin treatment, the ratio of p-AMPKα to AMPKα was upregulated and new blood vessels in the sub-epithelial area as evidenced by CD31 staining were effectively suppressed. These results indicate that metformin ameliorates airway inflammation and remodeling in an OVA-induced chronic asthmatic model and its protective role could be associated with the restoration of AMPKα activity and decreased asthma-related angiogenesis.
Histology-Verified Intracranial Artery Calcification and Its Clinical Relevance With Cerebrovascular Disease

Intracranial artery calcification (IAC) was regarded as a proxy for intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS). IAC could be easily detected on routine computer tomography (CT), which was neglected by clinicians in the previous years. The evolution of advanced imaging technologies, especially vessel wall scanning using high resolution-magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI), has aroused the interest of researchers to further explore the characteristics and clinical impacts of IAC. Recent histological evidence acquired from the human cerebral artery specimens demonstrated that IAC could mainly involve two layers: the intima and the media. Accumulating evidence from histological and clinical imaging studies verified that intimal calcification is more associated with ICAS, while medial calcification, especially the internal elastic lamina, contributes to arterial stiffness rather than ICAS. Considering the highly improved abilities of novel imaging technologies in differentiating intimal and medial calcification within the large intracranial arteries, this review aimed to describe the histological and imaging features of two types of IAC, as well as the risk factors, the hemodynamic influences, and other clinical impacts of IAC occurring in intimal or media layers.
Serum Calcification Propensity and Calcification of the Abdominal Aorta in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism

Patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease and mortality than patients with primary hypertension. This is mostly attributed to excess production of aldosterone and its effects on the development of vascular injury. A novel functional test (T50) measures serum calcification propensity. Lower T50-values predict higher cardiovascular risk. We investigated serum calcification propensity and vascular calcification in PA and resistant hypertension (RH). T50 measurement was performed in patients with PA (n = 66) and RH (n = 28) at baseline and after 403 (279–640) and 389 (277–527) days of treatment. No significant differences in T50-values were observed between the groups (371 ± 65 and 382 ± 44 min, in PA and RH group, respectively, p > 0.05). However, higher aldosterone-to-renin ratios were associated with lower T50-values in PA-patients (r −0.282, p < 0.05). Furthermore, lower T50-values were associated with increased abdominal aortic calcification measured by Agatston score in PA (r −0.534, p < 0.05). In both, PA and RH, higher atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACSVD) scores (r −0.403, p < 0.05) and lower HDL (r 0.469, p < 0.05) was related to lower T50-values in a linear regression model. Adrenalectomy or medical treatment did not increase T50-values. In comparison to patients with stable T50-values, PA patients with a decrease in T50 after intervention had higher serum calcium concentrations at baseline (2.24 ± 0.11 vs. 2.37 ± 0.10 mmol/l, p < 0.05). This decline of T50-values at follow-up was also associated with a decrease in serum magnesium (−0.03 ± 0.03 mmol/l, p < 0.05) and an increase in phosphate concentrations (0.11 ± 0.11 mmol/l, p < 0.05). Resistant hypertension patients with a decrease in T50-values at follow-up had a significantly lower eGFR at baseline. In summary, these data demonstrate an association between a high aldosterone-to-renin ratio and low T50-values in PA. Moreover, lower T50-values are associated with higher ACSVD scores and more pronounced vascular calcification in PA. Thus, serum calcification propensity may be a novel modifiable risk factor in PA.
The Shift to Online Classes during the Covid-19 pandemic: Benefits, Challenges, and Required Improvements from the Students’ Perspective

Abstract: The Covid-19 pandemic has radically changed and disrupted education; colleges and universities have closed their campuses, and many have shifted to online courses. In the pre-pandemic era, online classes were associated with several benefits and challenges, and the pandemic might have brought additional benefits and obstacles. This research examined students’ perceptions of online classes during the pandemic. The study looked at four aspects: perceived benefits of online classes; perceived challenges; beliefs and an overall evaluation; and potential improvements. An online questionnaire was administrated to some first- and second-year undergraduate students at a College in China. It combined a set of 23 closed-ended and open-ended questions and 342 valid and complete responses were collected. Perceived benefits included creating a digital learning community, improving students’ digital learning skills, and staying connected during tough times. Challenges comprised adaptability issues due to the sudden shift to online classes, time-management issues, being distracted by social media plus technological obstacles. Regarding beliefs, students believed that a blended model that combines both classroom and online modes is necessary for the post-pandemic era. To enhance the sustainability of online classes in the post-pandemic era, a set of improvements are explored and suggested.
Biological Parts for Engineering Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants

It is vital to ramp up crop production dramatically by 2050 due to the increasing global population and demand for food. However, with the climate change projections showing that droughts and heatwaves becoming common in much of the globe, there is a severe threat of a sharp decline in crop yields. Thus, developing crop varieties with inbuilt genetic tolerance to environmental stresses is urgently needed. Selective breeding based on genetic diversity is not keeping up with the growing demand for food and feed. However, the emergence of contemporary plant genetic engineering, genome-editing, and synthetic biology offer precise tools for developing crops that can sustain productivity under stress conditions. Here, we summarize the systems biology-level understanding of regulatory pathways involved in perception, signalling, and protective processes activated in response to unfavourable environmental conditions. The potential role of noncoding RNAs in the regulation of abiotic stress responses has also been highlighted. Further, examples of imparting abiotic stress tolerance by genetic engineering are discussed. Additionally, we provide perspectives on the rational design of abiotic stress tolerance through synthetic biology and list various bioparts that can be used to design synthetic gene circuits whose stress-protective functions can be switched on/off in response to environmental cues.
Can the Failing Western Medical Paradigm Be Shifted Using the Principle of Sustainability

This paper evaluates how existing models of western, evidence-based medicine, have yielded a dominant medical paradigm that is relatively ineffective, untenable and almost certainly unsustainable. It demonstrates how inadequate attention to chronic disease prevention and the overuse of new-to-nature pharmaceuticals, given in particular their high cost and relatively low and unpredictable efficacy, contribute to the unsustainability of the existing allopathic paradigm. It goes on to show how the principle of sustainability might be used to diffuse conflict between protagonists of 'conventional', western medicine and those who favour modalities, often deemed as being 'alternative', 'complementary' or 'integrated', that are intrinsically compatible with the human body and the natural environment. The paper outlines some of the key requisites likely to be required for the development of truly sustainable, ecologically-based healthcare systems.
Modulating Oxidative Stress in B Cells Promotes Immunotherapy in Food Allergy

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the mainstay in the treatment of allergic diseases; its therapeutic efficacy is to be improved. Bacterial flagellin (FGN) has immune regulatory functions. This study investigates the role of FGN in promoting immunotherapy efficacy through modulating oxidative stress in regulatory B cells (Bregs). Blood samples were collected from patients with food allergy (FA) and healthy control (HC) subjects. CD19+ CD5+ Bregs were purified from blood samples by flow cytometry cell sorting. A murine FA model was developed with ovalbumin as the specific antigen. The results showed that peripheral Bregs from FA patients showed lower TLR5-related signals and higher apoptotic activities. The peripheral Breg frequency was negatively correlated with serum FGN levels in FA patients. Exposure to a specific antigen in culture induced antigen-specific Breg apoptosis that was counteracted by the presence of FGN. FGN diminished specific antigen-induced oxidative stress in Bregs. The STAT3/MAPKp38/NF-κB signal pathway was involved in the FGN/TLR5 signal-promoted superoxide dismutase expression in Bregs. Administration of FGN promotes the SIT efficacy in suppressing experimental FA. In summary, administration of FGN promotes SIT efficacy on FA, suggesting that the combination of FGN and SIT can be a novel therapy that has the translational potential to be employed in the treatment of allergic diseases.
Simulating the Value of Concentrating Solar Power with Thermal Energy Storage in a Production Cost Model

Concentrating solar power (CSP) deployed with thermal energy storage (TES) provides a dispatchable source of renewable energy. The value of CSP with TES, as with other potential generation resources, needs to be established using traditional utility planning tools. Production cost models, which simulate the operation of grid, are often used to estimate the operational value of different generation mixes. CSP with TES has historically had limited analysis in commercial production simulations. This document describes the implementation of CSP with TES in a commercial production cost model. It also describes the simulation of grid operations with CSP in a test system consisting of two balancing areas located primarily in Colorado.
Multiple Audiometric Analysis in the Screening of Vestibular Schwannoma

Introduction Asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss is the main early symptom of retrocochlear lesions, hence its importance in screening for vestibular schwannomas. Currently, there is no consensus regarding its definition. The objective was to identify the audiometric pattern that would serve as a predictor for vestibular schwannoma in patients with asymmetric hearing loss. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted that included patients with asymmetric hearing loss attending a secondary care center and a tertiary care center. Clinical, audiometric and imaging (MRI with gadolinium) variables were collected. Asymmetric hearing loss was defined as a difference of 15 dB in one or more frequencies between both ears. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of different audiometric patterns were analyzed. Results A total of 107 patients were studied and divided into two groups: group 1 without vestibular schwannoma (n=98); and group 2 with vestibular schwannoma (n=9). No significant difference in demographic characteristics or audiometric patterns was found in patients with and without vestibular schwannoma. The audiometric pattern with the best sensitivity as a screening test was a difference >20 dB in the 4,000 Hz frequency, with a sensitivity of 77.78%, specificity of 30.61%, PPV of 8.33%, NPV of 93.75% and accuracy of 34.50%. Conclusion The audiometric pattern with the best results was a difference >20 dB in the 4,000 Hz frequency range; however, patients with asymmetric hearing loss could not be differentiated from patients with retrocochlear lesions based only on audiometry. Asymmetrical hearing loss must be studied with MRI.
Full scale model tests on vertical bearing characteristics of cast-in-place X-section piles

The X-section pile is a kind of cast-in-place concrete pile casted by X-section steel mould.The main steps contain sinking of mould,injection of concrete and conservation.It has the advantages of high capacity,economy and convenience for construction,etc.It is therefore suitable for the soft clay ground treatment for highways and railways.Based on the large-scale model test system developed by Hohai University,the vertical load static tests are carried out.The shaft resistance and the ratio of shaft resistance to point resistance are studied.The results show that the X-section piles can improve the utilization rate of section and the resistance capacity with the same amount of concrete.This study will provide important information for further studies on various engineering characteristics of X-section piles.
Effects of family disintegration on children later depression

Studies examining the effects of marital dissolution on children's welfare have repeatedly found that children of separated parents perform worse on several well-being parameters than those from intact households. Depression is highly represented in the health care system among children and older offspring of divorced parents. This study utilizes the double ABCX model to examine the relationship between divorce and depression. The goal of the study was to see if divorce is a sound predictor of depression. Divorce was shown to only explain a modest portion of the variation in depression (r^2= .04). This level of variation suggests that other than divorce, various additional variables have a role in depression. The study closes with the indication that if additional moderating variables such as the child's maturity and availability of household resources before and after dissolution were encompassed in the analysis, divorce would become a stronger risk factor for depression. Family disharmony may be linked to a higher incidence of severe depressive illness in children of divorced parents.
Fractional Fourier transform-based unassisted tracking method for Global Navigation Satellite System signal carrier with high dynamics

This study proposes a novel tracking method for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal carrier, based on fractional Fourier transform. This method not only overcomes the limitations caused by the tripartite trade-off between tracking accuracy, loop bandwidth and dynamic stress, but also needs no auxiliary devices such as inertial measurement units (IMUs). Through a time–frequency analysis of high dynamic carrier signal, the authors show that an acceleration estimator can replace the function of IMU, and a high dynamic frequency discriminator can track the carrier Doppler frequency. Since the tracking accuracy (frequency resolution) and loop bandwidth (time resolution) are not affected by dynamics in the authors’ method, the upper bound of dynamic stress is improved significantly. Furthermore, due to the cancellation of IMU calibration and initial alignment, their method improves the rapid reaction capability of vehicles, reduces the possibility of external interference, and simplifies the tracking loop design. Simulation results show that their method has the ability to track GNSS signal under at least 200 g dynamic stress.