Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Pandemic: Advances in Diagnosis, Treatment, Organoid Applications and Impacts on Cancer Patient Management

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally and rapidly developed into a worldwide pandemic. The sudden outburst and rapid dissemination of SARS-CoV-2, with overwhelming public health and economic burdens, highlight an urgent need to develop effective strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of infected patients. In this review, we focus on the current advances in the diagnostics and treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Notably, we also summarize some antineoplastic drugs repurposed for COVID-19 treatment and address the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for oncologists to manage cancer patients in this COVID-19 era. In addition, we emphasize the importance of organoid technology as a valuable experimental virology platform to better understand the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and assist rapid screening of drugs against COVID-19.
Interpreting Cytokinin Action as Anterograde Signaling and Beyond

Among the major phytohormones, the cytokinin exhibits unique features for its ability to positively affect the developmental status of plastids. Even early on in its research, cytokinins were known to promote plastid differentiation and to reduce the loss of chlorophyll in detached leaves. Since the discovery of the components of cytokinin perception and primary signaling, the genes involved in photosynthesis and plastid differentiation have been identified as those directly targeted by type-B response regulators. Furthermore, cytokinins are known to modulate versatile cellular processes such as promoting the division and differentiation of cells and, in concert with auxin, initiating the de novo formation of shoot apical meristem (SAM) in tissue cultures. Yet how cytokinins precisely participate in such diverse cellular phenomena, and how the associated cellular processes are coordinated as a whole, remains unclear. A plausible presumption that would account for the coordinated gene expression is the tight and reciprocal communication between the nucleus and plastid. The fact that cytokinins affect plastid developmental status via gene expression in both the nucleus and plastid is interpreted here to suggest that cytokinin functions as an initiator of anterograde (nucleus-to-plastid) signaling. Based on this viewpoint, we first summarize the physiological relevance of cytokinins to the coordination of plastid differentiation with de novo shoot organogenesis in tissue culture systems. Next, the role of endogenous cytokinins in influencing plastid differentiation within the SAM of intact plants is discussed. Finally, a presumed plastid-derived signal in response to cytokinins for coupled nuclear gene expression is proposed.
Saturation of deuterium retention in self-damaged tungsten exposed to high-flux plasmas

Polycrystalline, annealed tungsten targets were bombarded with 12.3 MeV W4+ ions to various damage levels. Deuterium was implanted by high-flux plasmas in Pilot-PSI (>1024 m−2 s−1) at a surface temperature below 525 K. Deuterium retention has been studied by nuclear reaction analysis and by thermal desorption spectroscopy. We found that deuterium retention is strongly enhanced by the tungsten bombardment and that saturation occurs at a W4+ fluence of about 3 × 1017 m−2. The maximum deuterium concentration in the damaged region was measured to be 1.4 at. %. This is in accordance with other experiments that were carried out at much lower fluxes. We therefore conclude that the saturation behaviour and the maximum retention are not affected by the high fluxes used in our experiments. A simple geometric model is presented that assumes that the saturation solely originates in the tungsten irradiation and that explains it in terms of overlapping saturated volumes. The saturated volume per incident MeV ion amounts to 3 × 104 nm3. From our results, we are able to obtain an approximate value for the average occupation number of the vacancies.
Accretions in the Blast Furnace Stack - Diagnosis, Modeling and Control

Abstract A survey of the literature dealing with the diagnosis, modeling and control of accretions on the inner wall of the blast furnace stack is presented. Blast furnace operation is sensitive to irregularities in accretion build-up on the refractory inside the stack (or shaft as it is sometimes termed). In order to protect the refractory lining and embedded cooling circuit; maintaining a thin, protective accretion layer on the lining is an important objective for the operator. This study includes indicators of accretion formation, types and properties as well as mathematical modeling and control. Chemical composition as well as thermal and mechanical properties of accretions are considered. The impact on blast furnace operation of the degree of accretion deposit is an important issue, together with methods for modeling accretion build-up on the basis of monitored operation variables such as readings of thermocouples embedded in the refractory lining and cooling system. Finally, alternatives for controlling accretion build-up are surveyed.
Magnesium acetyltaurate prevents retinal damage and visual impairment in rats through suppression of NMDA-induced upregulation of NF-κB, p53 and AP-1 (c-Jun/c-Fos)

Magnesium acetyltaurate (MgAT) has been shown to have a protective effect against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced retinal cell apoptosis. The current study investigated the involvement of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), p53 and AP-1 family members (c-Jun/c-Fos) in neuroprotection by MgAT against NMDA-induced retinal damage. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to undergo intravitreal injection of vehicle, NMDA or MgAT as pre-treatment to NMDA. Seven days after injections, retinal ganglion cells survival was detected using retrograde labelling with fluorogold and BRN3A immunostaining. Functional outcome of retinal damage was assessed using electroretinography, and the mechanisms underlying antiapoptotic effect of MgAT were investigated through assessment of retinal gene expression of NF-κB, p53 and AP-1 family members (c-Jun/c-Fos) using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Retinal phospho-NF-κB, phospho-p53 and AP-1 levels were evaluated using western blot assay. Rat visual functions were evaluated using visual object recognition tests. Both retrograde labelling and BRN3A immunostaining revealed a significant increase in the number of retinal ganglion cells in rats receiving intravitreal injection of MgAT compared with the rats receiving intravitreal injection of NMDA. Electroretinography indicated that pre-treatment with MgAT partially preserved the functional activity of NMDA-exposed retinas. MgAT abolished NMDA-induced increase of retinal phospho-NF-κB, phospho-p53 and AP-1 expression and suppressed NMDA-induced transcriptional activity of NF-κB, p53 and AP-1 family members (c-Jun/c-Fos). Visual object recognition tests showed that MgAT reduced difficulties in recognizing the visual cues (i.e. objects with different shapes) after NMDA exposure, suggesting that visual functions of rats were relatively preserved by pre-treatment with MgAT. In conclusion, pre-treatment with MgAT prevents NMDA induced retinal injury by inhibiting NMDA-induced neuronal apoptosis via downregulation of transcriptional activity of NF-κB, p53 and AP-1-mediated c-Jun/c-Fos. The experiments were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, UiTM CARE No 118/2015 on December 4, 2015 and UiTM CARE No 220/7/2017 on December 8, 2017 and Ethics Committee of Belgorod State National Research University, Russia, No 02/20 on January 10, 2020.
Low-dose metformin treatment in the subacute phase improves the locomotor function of a mouse model of spinal cord injury

Metformin, a first-line drug for type-2 diabetes, has been shown to improve locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. However, there are studies reporting no beneficial effect. Recently, we found that high dose of metformin (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) and acute phase administration (immediately after injury) led to increased mortality and limited locomotor function recovery. Consequently, we used a lower dose (100 mg/kg, i.p.) metformin in mice, and compared the effect of immediate administration after spinal cord injury (acute phase) with that of administration at 3 days post-injury (subacute phase). Our data showed that metformin treatment starting at the subacute phase significantly improved mouse locomotor function evaluated by Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) scoring. Immunohistochemical studies also revealed significant inhibitions of microglia/macrophage activation and astrogliosis at the lesion site. Furthermore, metformin treatment at the subacute phase reduced neutrophil infiltration. These changes were in parallel with the increased survival rate of spinal neurons in animals treated with metformin. These findings suggest that low-dose metformin treatment for subacute spinal cord injury can effectively improve the functional recovery possibly through anti-inflammation and neuroprotection. This study was approved by the Institute Animal Care and Use Committee at the University of Texas Medical Branch (approval No. 1008041C) in 2010.
Optimization of the Thermodynamics Cycles of Generation IV Gas-Cooled Fast Reactors

This paper deals with the thermo-hydraulic properties of Generation IV Gas Cooled Fast Reactors. The paper is focused on the comparison of direct and indirect thermodynamic cycles of helium cooled reactors from a thermodynamic point of view. The calculation includes pressure losses at all major parts of the equipment — reactor, heat exchangers, pipe lines, etc. The compressor and the gas turbine efficiencies are included in calculation as well. The working fluid used in the primary circuit is helium. In the secondary circuit a mixture of helium and nitrogen is used. The cycle characteristic point and efficiency calculation reflects mixture properties of the real gas — especially for N2.Calculations point out the influence of the mixture composition on the basic structural parameters of the turbines, compressors and heat exchangers. Thermodynamic cycle efficiency, specific heat input/output, heat flux and cycle work will be presented as characteristic parameters.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A multi-channel collagen scaffold loaded with neural stem cells for the repair of spinal cord injury

Collagen scaffolds possess a three-dimensional porous structure that provides sufficient space for cell growth and proliferation, the passage of nutrients and oxygen, and the discharge of metabolites. In this study, a porous collagen scaffold with axially-aligned luminal conduits was prepared. In vitro biocompatibility analysis of the collagen scaffold revealed that it enhances the activity of neural stem cells and promotes cell extension, without affecting cell differentiation. The collagen scaffold loaded with neural stem cells improved the hindlimb motor function in the rat model of T8 complete transection and promoted nerve regeneration. The collagen scaffold was completely degraded in vivo within 5 weeks of implantation, exhibiting good biodegradability. Rectal temperature, C-reactive protein expression and CD68 staining demonstrated that rats with spinal cord injury that underwent implantation of the collagen scaffold had no notable inflammatory reaction. These findings suggest that this novel collagen scaffold is a good carrier for neural stem cell transplantation, thereby enhancing spinal cord repair following injury. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital (the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School), China (approval No. 2019AE02005) on June 15, 2019.
Role of the caudate-putamen nucleus in sensory gating in induced tinnitus in rats

Tinnitus can be described as the conscious perception of sound without external stimulation, and it is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Current clinical treatments for tinnitus are ineffective. Although recent studies have indicated that the caudate-putamen nucleus may be a sensory gating area involved in noise elimination in tinnitus, the underlying mechanisms of this disorder are yet to be determined. To investigate the potential role of the caudate-putamen nucleus in experimentally induced tinnitus, we created a rat model of tinnitus induced by intraperitoneal administration of 350 mg/kg sodium salicylate. Our results revealed that the mean spontaneous firing rate of the caudate-putamen nucleus was increased by sodium salicylate treatment, while dopamine levels were decreased. In addition, electrical stimulation of the caudate-putamen nucleus markedly reduced the spontaneous firing rate of neurons in the primary auditory cortex. These findings suggest that the caudate-putamen nucleus plays a sensory gating role in sodium salicylate-induced tinnitus. This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Peking University Health Science Center (approval No. A2010031) on December 6, 2017.
Psychometric Properties of the Farsi Version of Posttraumatic Growth Inventory for Children-Revised in Iranian Children with Cancer

Objective: Coping with childhood cancer, as a stressful incident, can lead to a growth in various aspects of the child's life. Therefore, this study aims to validate Posttraumatic Growth Inventory for Children-Revised (PTGI-C-R) in children with cancer. Methods: This methodological research was carried out in referral children hospitals in Tehran. PTGI-C-R was translated and back-translated. Content and face validity were assessed. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed on 200 children with inclusion criteria, using LISREL V8.5. Due to the rejection of the model, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was done, using SPSS V21. The correlation of posttraumatic growth (PTG) with the variables, i.e., age and gender, was investigated. Results: Some writing changes were made in phrases in the sections concerning face and content validity. CFA rejected the five-factor model due to the undesirable fit indices. Therefore, an EFA was used and the three-factor model was not approved, either despite the statistical appropriateness or due to the lack of similarity between the items loaded on factors. The results also indicated a significant relationship between PTG and age (r = 0.13, P = 0.05). There is no significant relationship between PTG and gender (z = −1.35, P = 0.83). Conclusions: PTGI-C-R does not have desirable psychometric properties in Iranian children with cancer and may not be able to reflect all the aspects of PTG experienced by them. Therefore, it cannot be used as an appropriate scale, and it is necessary to develop and validate a specific tool through a qualitative study.
Characterization of novel hydrophobic surface binding proteins in Mucor circinelloides

Nagy, G; Kiss, S; Szebenyi, C; Verghase, R; Vaz, AG; Jáger, O; Ibragimova, S; Gu, Y; Ibrahim, AD; Vágvölgyi, C; et al. (2020). Construction of a mutant library to examine the pathogenicity of Mucor circinelloides using CRISPR/Cas9 system. Fungal genetics, host pathogen interaction and evolutionary ecology pp. 289-290. Nagy, G; Szebenyi, C; Vaz, AG; Jáger, O; Ibragimova S; Gu, Y; Ibrahim, AD; Vágvölgyi, C; et al. (2019). Development of a plasmid free CRISPR/Cas9 system for the genetic modification of opportunistic pathogenic mucormycotina species. In K. , Márialigeti; O. , Dobay, Eds., Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung Budapest, Hungary: Akadémiai Kiadó, pp. 169-169. Szebenyi, C; Nagy, G; Tóth, EJ; Werner, T; Vaz, AG; Vágvölgyi, C; Papp, T. (2019). Disruption of the cotH genes of the filamentous fungus, Mucor circinelloides by a plasmid-free CRISPR/CAS9 system. HFP2019: Molecular Mechanisms of Host-Pathogen Interactions and Virulence in Human Fungal Pathogens. p. 146. Vaz, AG; Takó, M; Szebenyi, C; Tóth, EJ; Vágvölgyi, C; Papp, T; Nagy, G. (2019). Functional characterization of a novel hydrophobic surface binding protein in Mucorales. HFP2019: Molecular Mechanisms of Host–Pathogen Interactions and Virulence in Human Fungal Pathogens. p. 1596.
Seasonal characteristics of aerosol black carbon in relation to long range transport over Tripura in Northeast India

This study presents the characteristics of aerosol black carbon (BC) from a rural continental site, Agartala, located in the North-Eastern part of India using two year measurements from September 2010 to September 2012. Diurnal and seasonal variations are examined in relation to the unique geographical location, changeable meteorological conditions and distinct source characteristics. Winter season is characterized by extremely high BC concentration (17.8 ± 9.2 µg/m 3 ) comparable to those seen in urban environments of India, dropping off to much lower values during the monsoon (2.8 ± 1.7 µg/m 3 ). Even this lowest seasonal mean is rather high, given the rural nature of Tripura. Examination of the spectral dependence of aerosol absorption coefficients indicates that the main source of aerosol to total BC burden at Agartala is the fossil fuel combustions. Concentration weighted trajectory (CWT) analysis indicate that the characteristic high BC during winter is mostly associated with the advection from the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), while the air mass pattern is constricted to the oceanic region during monsoon making BC aloft due to local pollution only.
SYMPATHETIC AROUSAL IN PHYSICS CLASS

Low arousal states (especially boredom) have been shown to be more deleterious to learning than high arousal states, though the latter have received much more attention (e.g. test anxiety, confusion and frustration). Aiming at profiling arousal in the classroom (how active students are) and examining how activation levels relate to achievement, we studied sympathetic arousal during two runs of an elective advanced physics course in a real classroom setting, including the course exam. Participants were high school students (N = 24) who were randomly selected from the course population. Arousal was indexed from electrodermal activity, measured unobtrusively via the Empatica E4 wristband. Low arousal was the level with highest incidence (60% of the lesson on average) and longest persistence, lasting on average three times longer than medium arousal and two times longer than high arousal level occurrences. During the course exam, arousal was positively and highly correlated (r = .66) with achievement as measured by the students’ grades. Implications for a need to focus more on addressing low arousal states in learning are discussed, together with potential applications for biofeedback, teacher intervention and instructional design.
Lesson Study in Initial Teacher Education to Stimulate Pedagogical Content Knowledge on the Speed of Sound

Background: Lesson Study is a collaborative model of teacher professional development that has received increasing international attention from many points of view. Objectives: This research aim to contribute to understand the effect of Lesson Study on the pedagogical content knowledge of the pre-service teachers on the speed of sound, at 8th grade. Design: This research is a qualitative and interpretative study. Setting and Participants: The participants were all preservice teachers attending the first year of a master program in teaching education in Physics and Chemistry. The Lesson Study comprises two cycles and took place over twelve sessions, in a total of 36 hours of work. Data collection and analysis: Data were collected from participant observation of all sessions using field notes and video recording, individual interviews and individual and group written reflections made by the pre-service teachers. Results: The results show that this Lesson Study stimulated the PCK in the speed of sound of the pre-service teachers because after diagnosing students’ previous knowledge they used this information to the lesson plan; because after the pre-service teachers established a relationship between the thunderstorm phenomenon and students’ difficulties they acknowledged that the phenomenon was not suitable for teaching the speed of sound at 8th grade; because after the pre-service teachers established a relationship between the nature of the topic and the students’ difficulties they understood the prior knowledge which is required for student learning the topic. Conclusions: Results encourage further research towards the generalised use of Lesson Study in initial teacher education.
DETERMINANTS OF LEVERAGE IN EMERGING MARKETS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between leverage and its main determinants in the Argentine context, using the trade-off theory and the pecking order theory. Studies that have addressed this issue in emerging economies are still quite rare and the results are incomplete and controversial. To identify the companies to be analyzed, we used a stratified sampling methodology, following an economic criterion. The balance sheet data were collected through a questionnaire and were normalized to neutralize the effects of high inflation. The period analyzed is 3 years and concerns 181 companies. The research hypotheses were tested using a static fixed effects (FE) model. The results of this paper contribute to the existing literature, providing further empirical evidence on the financial behaviour of firms in an as yet unexplored economic context. Furthermore, empirical findings can be useful for Argentine entrepreneurs and managers of companies to improve their financial decisions.
Corporate Governance, International Diversification and Organizational Performance: A Study on Malaysian Property Industry

Currently, the housing sector is one of the Malaysian government’s main concerns as it is continuously facing various problems. This sector is endlessly struggling with enormous difficulties that have caused negative implications to the industry’s performance. Since a well governed corporate governance is said to be associated with better company performance, a number of corporate governance mechanisms are being employed in this study so as to test on their impact on the firms’ performance. Independence of board of directors (BOD) and audit committee (AC) members, non-duality and frequency of board meetings held per annum are among the CG mechanisms tested in relation to the firms’ performance, Tobin’s Q. The three-year period (2013-2015) data is taken from the annual reports and Thomson Reuters Data stream for all the companies in the property industry in Bursa Malaysia. Number of board meetings, CEO/Chairman non-duality, Independence of BOD members. These empirical evidences from this study would enhance the importance of incorporating corporate governance mechanisms and international diversification in relation to organizational performance for property industry.