Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of dietary organic or inorganic selenium in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under crowding conditions

In the present study, the effects of different sources of selenium (Se; sodium selenite or selenomethionine) supplementation on the growth and serum concentrations of oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-isoprostane, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity] and muscle Se, MDA and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) levels in rainbow trouts were evaluated. The fish (n = 360; 0 + years old) with initial average weight of 20 ± 0.8 g were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups consisting of 3 replicates of 10 fish each in a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (stocking densities, Se sources, Se levels). The fish were kept at low (25 kg m−3) or high (100 kg m−3) stocking densities and fed a basal (control) diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 0.15 or 0.30 mg of Se kg−1 of diet from two different forms: sodium selenite or selenomethionine. High stocking density decreased weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) when basal diet was fed (P = 0.001). A linear increase in feed intake and weight gain and improvement in FCR were found in sodium selenite (P = 0.01)- or selenomethionine (P = 0.001)-supplemented fish reared under crowding conditions. Serum and muscle Se levels and serum GSH-Px activity increased (P = 0.001) linearly, whereas serum and muscle MDA concentrations and serum 8-isoprostane decreased linearly as dietary sodium selenite (P = 0.01) or selenomethionine (P = 0.001) supplementation increased. Selenomethionine and sodium selenite supplementation decreased Hsp70 in the muscle of fish reared under crowding conditions (P < 0.05). Supplementation with Se improved growth and antioxidant status of fish and the effects of selenomethionine were relatively greater than sodium selenite in the crowded groups. Results suggest that crowding conditions cause significant detrimental effects in rainbow trout indicated by increased oxidative stress, reduced feed intake and body weight gain. It also indicates that dietary Se supplementation offers a feasible way of reducing the losses in performance of rainbow trout reared under crowding conditions. Selenomethionine seems to be more effective than sodium selenite and the higer dose in the present study also seems to be more effective than the lower dose.
Brain Death and Organ Donation in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Objective The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively analyse the brain death (BD) cases that were specified within the last 8 years in the paediatric intensive care unit of our hospital. Methods Archive files and computer records of 23 paediatric cases were analysed. Data on age, gender, conditions that caused BD, paediatric risk of mortality (PRISM III) scores, time between suspicion of BD and issuing of BD report, confirmatory tests used, complications that occurred following the diagnosis of BD and time to cardiac arrest development after diagnosis of BD were recorded. Results The average age of the patients was 6.8±5.5 years. The most frequent cause of BD was intracranial haemorrhage (30.4%). The mean time to diagnosis after BD suspicion was 5.9±6.2 days. Electroencephalography was performed in 61% of the patients in addition to the apnoea test. Radiological imaging methods were used in 39% of the patients (n=9). Of the cases, 34.7% developed hypothermia, and 4.3% developed diabetes insipidus (DI). Among them, 43.4% had both DI and hypothermia. The mean PRISM score was calculated as 22±9.2. The donation rate of the families was 17%. The mean time to cardiac arrest development after diagnosis of BD was 6.9±7.4 days in non-donor cases where medical support had been reduced. Conclusion Any patient with a neurologically poor prognosis in the intensive care unit should be considered to develop BD and diagnosed with BD without delay. The donation rate will increase if family interviews are done by an experienced and educated coordinator.
In vitro characterization of the effects of chronic insulin stimulation in mouse 3T3-L1 and human SGBS adipocytes

ABSTRACT Hyperinsulinemia is the hallmark of the development of insulin resistance and precedes the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Here we evaluated the effects of prolonged exposure (≥4 days) to high insulin doses (150 nM) in vitro in two adipose cell types, mouse 3T3-L1 and human SGBS. Chronic insulin treatment significantly decreased lipid droplet size, insulin signalling and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. 3T3-L1 displayed an increased basal glucose internalization following chronic insulin treatment, which was associated with increased GLUT1 expression. In addition, both cells showed increased basal lipolysis. In conclusion, we report the effects of prolonged hyperinsulinemia in 3T3-L1 and SGBS, highlighting similarities and discrepancies between the cell types, to be considered when using these cells to model insulin-induced insulin resistance.
Insights into the Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Secretome in Parkinson’s Disease

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived secretome demonstrated therapeutic effects like those reported after MSCs transplantation. MSC-derived secretome may avoid various side effects of MSC-based therapy, comprising undesirable differentiation of engrafted MSCs and potential activation of the allogeneic immune response. MSC-derived secretome comprises soluble factors and encapsulated extravesicles (EVs). MSC-derived EVs comprise microvesicles, apoptotic bodies, and exosomes. In this review, we focus on the recent insights into the effects of MSC-derived secretome in Parkinson’s disease (PD). In particular, MSC-derived secretome and exosomal components counteracted neuroinflammation and enhanced antioxidant capacity and neurotrophic factors expression. In light of the insights reported in this review, MSC-derived secretome or their released exosomes may be used as a potential therapeutic approach or as adjuvant therapy to counteract the disease progression and improve PD symptoms. Also, MSC-derived secretome may be used as a vehicle in cell transplantation approaches to enhance the viability and survival of engrafted cells. Furthermore, since exosomes can cross the blood–brain barrier, they may be used as biomarkers of neural dysfunction. Further studies are necessary to fully characterize the bioactive molecules present in the secretome and to create a new, effective, cell-free therapeutic approach towards a robust clinical outcome for PD patients.
Transcriptome Profiling Provides Molecular Insights into Auxin-Induced Adventitious Root Formation in Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Interspecific Hybrids) Microshoots

Adventitious root (AR) formation was enhanced following the treatment of sugarcane microshoots with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) combined, suggesting that auxin is a positive regulator of sugarcane microshoot AR formation. The transcriptome profile identified 1737 and 1268 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the basal tissues (5 mm) of sugarcane microshoots treated with IBA+NAA compared to nontreated control on the 3rd and 7th days post-auxin or water treatment (days post-treatment—dpt), respectively. To understand the molecular changes, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed. This analysis showed that DEGs associated with the pathways were associated with plant hormone signaling, flavonoid and phenylpropanoid biosyntheses, cell cycle, and cell wall modification, and transcription factors could be involved in sugarcane microshoot AR formation. Furthermore, qRT–PCR analysis was used to validate the expression patterns of nine genes associated with root formation and growth, and the results were consistent with the RNA-seq results. Finally, a hypothetical hormonal regulatory working model of sugarcane microshoot AR formation is proposed. Our results provide valuable insights into the molecular processes associated with auxin-induced AR formation in sugarcane.
Introduction: Molecular diversity of Ion Channels and Cell Function

iversity is an old and recurring theme in the study of the organization and function of the nervous system. The early neuroanatomists recognized that the variety of neuronal morphologies must be associated with functional specialization. A similar diversity of electrophysiological properties of neurons was revealed by the application of intracellular recording techniques to the nervous system several decades later. This theme is reemerging as we study the molecules responsible for the generation and transmission of signals in neurons. The advances in molecular biology and genetics in the last decade allowed the identification and cloning of the protein components of ligandand voltage-gated ion channels as well as metabotropic neurotransmitter and neuropeptide receptors (which modulate the activity of ion channels through intermediary second-messenger cascades), the molecules responsible for signal transmission in excitable systems such as the brain, the heart, and other muscles. This work has revealed the existence of an extraordinary diversity of molecular components, suggesting a degree of functional specificity well beyond that expected from previous functional and pharmacological studies. It is likely that these investigations will influence our conceptual view of the organization and function of the nervous system. Multiple types of many of the channels and receptors that are found in the nervous system are also seen in other tissues, suggesting novel functional specializations in other organs as well, and particularly in the cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems. This volume of the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences contains the proceedings of the conference “Molecular Diversity of Ion Channels and Receptors” sponsored by the New York Academy of Sciences and held at New York University School of Medicine, May 14−17, 1998. The conference, which discussed advances in the integration of the molecular biology and the physiology of ion channels and receptors, was organized by Peter Seeburg from the Max Planck Institute in Heidelberg and myself. The central question addressed at the meeting was how can the large amount of information obtained from the molecular cloning of components of ion channels and receptors be used to advance our understanding of cell and tissue function. The meeting brought together scientists from different disciplines, working with various neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels to share their experiences to gain an understanding of the physiological roles of these molecules. The conference consisted of six plenary sessions: Glutamate Receptors (chaired by Steve Heinemann), Ca and Na Channels (chaired by Terry Snutch), Potassium Channels (chaired by Barry Ganetsky), Nicotinic and Serotonin Receptors (chaired by Lorna Role), GABA and Glycine Receptors (chaired by Heinrich Betz), and Pathophysiology of Ion Channels and Receptors (chaired by Peter Seeburg). The last session dealt with molecules D
Yield and water use efficiency of (Nigella sativa L.) under different irrigation treatments in a semi arid region in the West.

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is a medicinal plant with economic influences, especially in medicine production. The present study investigates the effects of different drip tape and furrow irrigation treatments with normal and deficit irrigations on water use efficiency, various plant parameters and oil content of N. sativa. For this purpose, an experiment with three replications was conducted on a completely randomized block designed. The irrigation treatments consist of three modes of surface drip tape (SDT) irrigation with 50, 75 and 100% evapotranspiration (Et) as well as one mode of surface furrow (SF) irrigation with 100% (Et) requirement of the plant. The highest water use efficiency (1.39 kg/ha/mm) was obtained for drip tape 50% (Et) treatment while the lowest water use efficiency (0.492 kg/ha/mm) was obtained for furrow irrigation treatment 100%(Et). The results showed that seed yield and harvest index was significantly affected by different irrigation treatments (P < 0.01). Additionally, the number of follicles per plant and total yield were also affected by different water treatments (P < 0.05). The results showed, there were no significant effects on plant height, the number of seed per follicle, 1000 seed weight, the number of plants per m2 and oil content, based on obtained results, this paper suggests that in different area with prevailing deficit water resources drip tape irrigation 50% (Et) has proven suitable to produce black cumin with high water use efficiency and significant oil content. The results showed that black cumin tolerates water deficiency. Key words: Nigella sativa, drip tape irrigation, deficit irrigation, water use efficiency.
Polylactide pins can effectively fix severely comminuted and unsalvageable radial head fracture: A retrospective study of 40 patients.

BACKGROUND The treatment of comminuted unsalvageable radial head fracture remains controversial. Open reduction and internal fixation with metallic plates and screws are hard to achieve. Conventional techniques include radial head resection and arthroplasty. Both methods have inevitable complications. The purpose of this retrospective study is to prove the feasibility of treating unsalvageable radial head fractures with absorbable polylactide pins. METHODS A total of 17 patients with severely comminuted Mason type III radial head fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using polylactide pins and 23 with metallic plates and screws. Patients receiving both modalities were followed-up for a mean of 24 months (standard deviation SD: 2.6). Radiographic analysis was conducted 2, 30, 60, and 120 days after surgery. Measurements of range of motion (ROM), disability of arm shoulder and hands, Mayo elbow performance score, and Broberg and Morrey elbow score were recorded, with treatments compared using a Mann-Whitney U test. RESULT By the time of last follow up, All fractures in both groups healed successfully. The duration (134 min SD:21 min to 131 min SD:19 min) and blood loss (121 ml SD: 25 ml to 124 ml SD: 27 ml) during surgery of polylactide pin and metallic implant group have no statistical differences. The MEPI score (91 SD:7 to 94 SD:9), the Broberg and Morrey score (93 SD:3 to 93 SD:5), the DASH outcome measures (4.5 SD: 3.0 to 3.7 SD: 3.5), the range of motion also shows no statistical differences. Complications were infrequent and did not cause disability in both groups. All patients were satisfied with the surgical outcomes. CONCLUSION Polylactide pins can feasibly treat severely comminuted radial head fractures, which usually are considered unreducible. This technique provides an optional treatment plan in addition to resection or arthroplasty, especially for young patients that refuse that form of treatment.
Impact of pregnancy and other factors including smoking on the urinary levels of triclosan

Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to evaluate the impact of pregnancy on the levels of triclosan (TCS) in urine. Regression models were fitted to evaluate this association with adjustment for other factors that may affect the levels of TCS. Pregnant females had higher levels of TCS than non-pregnant females but the differences were not statistically significant. Levels of TCS were statistically significantly lower during the second trimester than during the third trimester. Smoking was associated with statistically significantly lower levels of TCS. The reasons for the association between smoking and the levels of TCS are not known. Further research is needed in this area.
Automated EHR score to predict COVID-19 outcomes at US Department of Veterans Affairs

The sudden emergence of COVID-19 has brought significant challenges to the care of Veterans. An improved ability to predict a patient’s clinical course would facilitate optimal care decisions, resource allocation, family counseling, and strategies for safely easing distancing restrictions. The Care Assessment Need (CAN) score is an existing risk assessment tool within the Veterans Health Administration (VA), and produces a score from 0 to 99, with a higher score correlating to a greater risk. The model was originally designed for the nonacute outpatient setting and is automatically calculated from structured data variables in the electronic health record. This multisite retrospective study of 6591 Veterans diagnosed with COVID-19 from March 2, 2020 to May 26, 2020 was designed to assess the utility of repurposing the CAN score as objective and automated risk assessment tool to promptly enhance clinical decision making for Veterans diagnosed with COVID-19. We performed bivariate analyses on the dichotomized CAN 1-year mortality score (high vs. low risk) and each patient outcome using Chi-square tests of independence. Logistic regression models using the continuous CAN score were fit to assess its predictive power for outcomes of interest. Results demonstrated that a CAN score greater than 50 was significantly associated with the following outcomes after positive COVID-19 test: hospital admission (OR 4.6), prolonged hospital stay (OR 4.5), ICU admission (3.1), prolonged ICU stay (OR 2.9), mechanical ventilation (OR 2.6), and mortality (OR 7.2). Repurposing the CAN score offers an efficient way to risk-stratify COVID-19 Veterans. As a result of the compelling statistical results, and automation, this tool is well positioned for broad use across the VA to enhance clinical decision-making.
Cultivation of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) under temperate climatic conditions in Denmark

SUMMARY Field experiments with the South American grain crop, quinoa, were carried out at two sites in Denmark in 1988–90 in order to study the effects of varying the nitrogen fertilization rate, seed rate, row spacing, harvesting method and harvest date. Although there was a significant yield increase when the amount of nitrogen fertilizer was increased from 40 to 160 kg N/ha, quinoa seems to be well adapted to poor soils. Yield decreased by 24–1% when the nitrogen supply was reduced from 160 to 40 kg N/ha, while the yield decrease was 120 and 2–7% when the nitrogen supply was reduced to 80 and 120 kg/ha, respectively. A model expressing yield as a function of plant density, for three experiments analysed as one, showed an optimal plant density with respect to yield of 327 ± 220 plants/m2. This plant density was the top point of the curve relating yield to plant density. However, the large standard deviation indicates that apparently a rather wide range of plant densities would provide similar yields. When the row spacing was varied, it was shown that plots with a row spacing of 50 cm, which were hoed, gave a higher yield than plots with 25 or 12·5 cm row spacing, which were unhoed. There was an overall increase in yield when changing from combined harvesting to swathing; however, when comparing the yields from the optimal harvest dates for the two methods, no yield differences could be detected. The optimal harvest date for swathing was found to be the stage when the inflorescences start to turn brown, whereas for combining, the optimal harvest date was the stage when most of the inflorescences are already brown.
Lysosomal cytotoxicity of carbon nanoparticles in cells of the molluscan immune system: An in vitro study

The toxicity and ecotoxicity of nanomaterials is poorly understood and the risks of environmental exposure are largely unknown. In vitro cellular toxicity of C60-fullerene and carbon nanotubes was investigated by measuring the retention of a cationic probe (neutral red) within the lysosomal compartment of phagocytic blood cells (hemocytes) from marine mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). Intra-lysosomal retention of neutral red, over time, is a measure of the stability of the lysosomal membrane and the health of the cell. Aqueous suspensions of carbon nanoparticles (C60-fullerene – 1.0 and 10 µg.ml−1) induced cytotoxicity in circulating phagocytic hemocytes, which are a key component of the molluscan innate immune system. Hemocytes exposed to the same concentration range of carbon nanotubes were unaffected. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that C60-fullerene is cytotoxic on uptake into the endocytic-lysosomal system and that cell injury may be mediated by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Evaluating the effectiveness of an autism-specific public transport app for individuals on the autism spectrum: a pilot study

Abstract Purpose Autism is characterised by differences in social skills, limited communication abilities and repetitive behaviour, which often result in increased reliance on other people. Transportation is but one task that is commonly burdened on family members. Public transport is an inexpensive and widely available form of travel which facilitates independence. However, it presents unique challenges for individuals on the spectrum, as it requires complex skills including, but not limited to, understanding abstract information (e.g., maps, service schedules, etc.), problem-solving unexpected situations and timely management of transfers. As such, most individuals on the autism spectrum do not use public transport and have never considered using it. Here we evaluate the effectiveness of an autism-specific public transport app, OrienTrip, with autistic individuals and allied health professionals. Methods A total of 16 individuals on the autism spectrum (eight male and eight female participants) and 22 allied health professionals (19 females and three male participants) were recruited for the pilot study. Results We found that OrienTrip is effective in facilitating public transport use for autistic individuals. Individuals on the autism spectrum expressed their satisfaction with the app and agreed that it makes public transport easy to use. Similarly, allied health professionals also indicated that OrienTrip is helpful in assisting autistic individuals use public transport safely. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that OrienTrip can be used to facilitate independent travel for individuals on the autism spectrum using public transport. This can improve community participation opportunities for autistic individuals, including enhanced education, employment and social outcomes. Implications for rehabilitation Individuals on the autism spectrum heavily rely on other people, namely family members, for their transportation needs. Public transport is an inexpensive and widely available form of travel which facilitates independence; however, it presents unique challenges for autistic individuals, as such, most individuals do not use it or consider using it. In this research, we have developed and evaluated one of the first autism-specific public transport mobile apps that facilitates independent public transport use. This tool can improve community participation opportunities for autistic individuals, including enhanced education, employment and social outcomes.