Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tubular fibrous scaffold functionalized with tropoelastin as a small-diameter vascular graft.

Cardiovascular disorders are a healthcare problem in today´s society. The clinically available synthetic vascular grafts are thrombogenic and could induce intimal hyperplasia. Rapid endothelialization and matched mechanical properties are two major requirements to be considered when designing functional vascular grafts. Herein, an electrospun tubular fibrous (eTF) scaffold was biofunctionalized with tropoelastin at the luminal surface. The luminal surface functionalization was confirmed by an increase of the zeta potential and by the insertion of NH2 groups. Tropoelastin was immobilized via its -NH2 and -COOH groups at the activated or aminolysed eTF scaffolds, respectively, to study the effect of exposed functional groups over human endothelial cells (ECs) behaviour. Tensile properties demonstrated that functionalized eTF scaffolds presented strength and stiffness within the range of those of native blood vessels. Tropoelastin immobilized on activated eTF scaffolds promoted higher metabolic activity and proliferation of ECs, whereas when immobilized on aminolysed eTF scaffolds a significantly higher protein synthesis was observed. These biofunctional eTF scaffolds are a promising small-diameter vascular graft which promote a rapid endothelialization and have compatible mechanical properties.
Aberrant promoter methylation in p53 and ATM genes was not associated with sporadic breast carcinogenesis in Bulgarian patients

Epigenetic silencing of gene expression has become an intensively studied topic regarding breast cancer during the last years. Previous investigations have shown that hypermethylation in gene promoters is an alternative to mutations cancerrelated mechanism for inactivation of tumor suppressor gene function. The present study was designed for evaluation of promoter methylation in p53 and ATM tumor suppressor genes in Bulgarian patients with sporadic breast cancer. Sodium bisulfite conversion and methylation-specific PCR were performed on tumor DNA isolated from 55 patients with sporadic breast cancer. The data showed normal profile of methylation in the promoter region of p53 and ATM genes in all studied patients. Cases with hypermethylation were not observed. Our results did not support the involvement of p53 and ATM promoter hypermethylation in the neoplastic pathways of sporadic breast cancer. The lack of promoter hypermethylation in p53 and ATM is suggestive of a greater share of genetic aberrations in loss of tumor suppressor function of these genes and presumes the involvement of other epigenetic cancer mechanisms. To our knowledge this study provides the first data on promoter hypermethylation status of p53 and ATM genes in Bulgarian patients.
The Stability of Metal Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals—A Key Issue for the Application on Quantum-Dot-Based Micro Light-Emitting Diodes Display

The metal halide perovskite nanocrystal (MHP-NC), an easy-to-fabricate and low cost fluorescent material, is recognized to be among the promising candidates of the color conversion material in the micro light-emitting diode (micro-LED) display, providing that the stability can be further enhanced. It is found that the water steam, oxygen, thermal radiation and light irradiation—four typical external factors in the ambient environment related to micro-LED display—can gradually alter and destroy the crystal lattice. Despite the similar phenomena of photoluminescence quenching, the respective encroaching processes related to these four factors are found to be different from one another. The encroaching mechanisms are collected and introduced in separate categories with respect to each external factor. Thereafter, a combined effect of these four factors in an environment mimicking real working conditions of micro-LED display are also introduced. Finally, recent progress on the full-color application of MHP-NC is also reviewed in brief.
From Birth and Throughout Life: Fungal Microbiota in Nutrition and Metabolic Health.

The human gastrointestinal tract is home to a vibrant, diverse ecosystem of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. The gut fungi (mycobiota) have recently rose to prominence due to their ability to modulate host immunity. Colonization of the gut occurs through a combination of vertical transmission from the maternal mycobiota and environmental and dietary exposure. Data from human and animal studies demonstrate that nutrition strongly affects the mycobiota composition and that changes in the fungal communities can aggravate metabolic diseases. The mechanisms pertaining to the mycobiota's influence on host health, pathology, and resident gastrointestinal communities through intrakingdom, transkingdom, and immune cross talk are beginning to come into focus, setting the stage for a new chapter in microbiota-host interactions. Herein, we examine the inception, maturation, and dietary modulation of gastrointestinal and nutritional fungal communities and inspect their impact on metabolic diseases in humans. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nutrition, Volume 40. 2020.
Review of Myotis (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) from Northern South America, Including Description of a New Species

ABSTRACT We describe a new species of bat in the genus Myotis (Vespertilionidae, Myotinae) from the coastal mountains of Venezuela. The new species (Myotis handleyi, sp. nov.) can be distinguished from other South American congeners by the following set of traits: dorsal fur long, silky, and bicolored with burnished tips; skull long; rostrum long and broad; frontals moderately to steeply sloping; sagittal crest absent or very low; plagiopatagium broadly attached to the foot at the level of the base of the toes; fringe of hairs along the trailing edge of uropatagium absent; and fur on uropatagium not reaching knees. We review Colombian and Venezuelan samples of Myotis, covering all of the currently recognized species known from these countries. Based on our analyses, we provide a sketch of the taxonomic diversity of the genus in Colombia and Venezuela, along with a key to their identification. Among other conclusions, we elevate M. nigricans caucensis to the species level; confirm that populations of M. nigricans from the opposite sides of the Andes represent the same taxon; retain J.A. Allen's names M. esmeraldae, M. bondae, and M. maripensis in the synonymy of M. nigricans; and document clinal variation in size along an altitudinal gradient for M. nigricans, with larger specimens from higher elevations. This research, based on museum and field collections, is one of a series of studies by the senior author re-evaluating species limits among Neotropical Myotis.
Spatial Divergence of PHR-PHT1 Modules Maintains Phosphorus Homeostasis in Soybean Nodules1

Tissue-specific differentiation of phosphorus transporters coordinated with their regulators confers phosphorus homeostasis, regulating nodule development. Maintaining phosphorus (Pi) homeostasis in nodules is the key to nodule development and nitrogen fixation, an important source of nitrogen for agriculture and ecosystems. PHOSPHATE-TRANSPORTER1 (PHT1) and its regulator PHOSPHATE-STARVATION-RESPONSE1 (PHR1), which constitute the PHR1-PHT1 module, play important roles in maintaining Pi homeostasis in different organs. However, the PHR1-PHT1 module and its functions in nodules remain unknown. We identified one PHT1 (GmPHT1;11) and four PHR1 (GmPHR1) homologs in soybean (Glycine max) plants, which displayed specific expression patterns in different tissues in nodules, similar to previously reported GmPHT1;1 and GmPHT1;4. Through the integration of different approaches, GmPHR-GmPHT1 modules were confirmed. Combining our results and previous reports, we established multiple GmPHR-GmPHT1 modules acting in the infected or noninfected tissues in nodules. A single GmPHR had more than one GmPHT1 target, and vice versa. Therefore, overlapping and cross-talking modules monitored the wave of available Pi to maintain Pi homeostasis in nodules, which sequentially regulated nodule initiation and development. High levels of GmPHT1;11 enhanced Pi accumulation in nodules, increased nodule size, but decreased nodule number. Nitrogenase activity was also enhanced by GmPHT1;11. Our findings uncover GmPHR-GmPHT1 modules in nodules, which expands our understanding of the mechanism of maintaining Pi homeostasis in soybean plants.
The Density and Length of Filopodia Associate with the Activity of Hyaluronan Synthesis in Tumor Cells

Filopodia are multifunctional finger-like plasma membrane protrusions with bundles of actin filaments that exist in virtually all cell types. It has been known for some time that hyaluronan synthesis activity induces filopodial growth. However, because of technical challenges in the studies of these slender and fragile structures, no quantitative analyses have been performed so far to indicate their association with hyaluronan synthesis. In this work we comprehensively address the direct quantification of filopodial traits, covering for the first time length and density measurements in a series of human cancer cell lines with variable levels of hyaluronan synthesis. The synthesis and plasma membrane binding of hyaluronan were manipulated with hyaluronan synthase 3 (HAS3) and hyaluronan receptor CD44 overexpression, and treatments with mannose, 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU), and glucosamine. The results of this work show that the growth of filopodia was associated with the levels of hyaluronan synthesis but was not dependent on CD44 expression. The results confirm the hypothesis that abundance and length of filopodia in cancer cells is associated with the activity of hyaluronan synthesis.
Taxonomic Studies of the Genus Phymaturus (Iguania: Liolaemidae): Description of Four New Species

ABSTRACT. After the study of a diverse collection of Phymaturus from three Argentinian institutions and additional samples collected in the last two years we discovered several populations of uncertain taxonomic status. Based on 93 morphological characters of squamation, color pattern, gular and nuchal folds, precloacal pores, and morphometric data, we conclude that at least four of those are independent lineages which require formal description. Characters related to sexual dimorphism and dichromatism as well as the ontogenetic change of several others, from juvenile to adult specimens, are described. According to the most recent revision of the genus (Lobo and Quinteros, 2005a) and considering the descriptions made in the last four years, the taxonomic composition of the genus was raised to 23 species. In this study we provide the formal description of four additional new taxa, including their diagnosis and detailed comparisons with other members of their species groups. Two new species belong to the patagonicus group (provinces of Chubut and Rio Negro, in Patagonia between 46° and 41° of latitude) while the other two belong to the palluma group (Neuquén and Catamarca provinces, western Argentina, 39° and 27–26°30' of latitude respectively). With the exception of one case for which four localities are reported, all new species are restricted to their type localities. This fact confirms a common historical distributional pattern for most species of the genus.
Transgenerational toxicity of tributyltin and its combined effects with polychlorinated biphenyls on reproductive processes in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)

Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) were fed daily on one of four diets containing tributyltin (TBT), PCBs, a combination of TBT and PCBs, or a control diet (with nothing added). Contaminant doses were 1 μg/g body weight per day for 3 weeks. The combination of TBT and PCB showed additive effects on the spawning of medaka, resulting in a significant reduction in spawning frequency, and on the number of spawned eggs and fertilization success when compared with effects in fish fed either a TBT or PCB diet. The adverse effects on the reproductive success of medaka may have been due to endocrine disruption caused by accumulation of both TBT and PCB. The TBT treatment significantly reduced embryo and larval survival from eggs (279 ng TBT/g), which were spawned from females containing 2,390 ng TBT/g body weight from the TBT diet. This result indicates transgenerational toxicity. The PCB diet caused fewer adverse effects than the TBT diet with respect to spawning frequency, egg survival, hatching, and swim‐up success of larvae. When both TBT and PCB were in the diet, there were additive effects on spawning success as noted above but antagonistic effects on embryological success of eggs and swim‐up success of larvae.
A Review of Technologies and Techniques for Indoor Navigation Systems for the Visually Impaired

Technologies and techniques of location and navigation are advancing, allowing greater precision in locating people in complex and challenging conditions. These advances have attracted growing interest from the scientific community in using indoor positioning systems (IPSs) with a higher degree of precision and fast delivery time, for groups of people such as the visually impaired, to some extent improving their quality of life. Much research brings together various works that deal with the physical and logical approaches of IPSs to give the reader a more general view of the models. These surveys, however, need to be continuously revisited to update the literature on the features described. This paper presents an expansion of the range of technologies and methodologies for assisting the visually impaired in previous works, providing readers and researchers with a more recent version of what was done and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach to guide reviews and discussions about these topics. Finally, we discuss a series of considerations and future trends for the construction of indoor navigation and location systems for the visually impaired.
Using machine learning to predict risk of incident opioid use disorder among fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries: A prognostic study

Objective To develop and validate a machine-learning algorithm to improve prediction of incident OUD diagnosis among Medicare beneficiaries with ≥1 opioid prescriptions. Methods This prognostic study included 361,527 fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries, without cancer, filling ≥1 opioid prescriptions from 2011–2016. We randomly divided beneficiaries into training, testing, and validation samples. We measured 269 potential predictors including socio-demographics, health status, patterns of opioid use, and provider-level and regional-level factors in 3-month periods, starting from three months before initiating opioids until development of OUD, loss of follow-up or end of 2016. The primary outcome was a recorded OUD diagnosis or initiating methadone or buprenorphine for OUD as proxy of incident OUD. We applied elastic net, random forests, gradient boosting machine, and deep neural network to predict OUD in the subsequent three months. We assessed prediction performance using C-statistics and other metrics (e.g., number needed to evaluate to identify an individual with OUD [NNE]). Beneficiaries were stratified into subgroups by risk-score decile. Results The training (n = 120,474), testing (n = 120,556), and validation (n = 120,497) samples had similar characteristics (age ≥65 years = 81.1%; female = 61.3%; white = 83.5%; with disability eligibility = 25.5%; 1.5% had incident OUD). In the validation sample, the four approaches had similar prediction performances (C-statistic ranged from 0.874 to 0.882); elastic net required the fewest predictors (n = 48). Using the elastic net algorithm, individuals in the top decile of risk (15.8% [n = 19,047] of validation cohort) had a positive predictive value of 0.96%, negative predictive value of 99.7%, and NNE of 104. Nearly 70% of individuals with incident OUD were in the top two deciles (n = 37,078), having highest incident OUD (36 to 301 per 10,000 beneficiaries). Individuals in the bottom eight deciles (n = 83,419) had minimal incident OUD (3 to 28 per 10,000). Conclusions Machine-learning algorithms improve risk prediction and risk stratification of incident OUD in Medicare beneficiaries.
SARS-CoV-2 Virologic and Immunologic Correlates in Patients with Olfactory and Taste Disorders

The main object of the study was to investigate the SARS-CoV-2 molecular and serological pattern in patients with mild symptoms including anosmia and ageusia. A cohort of 69 patients with olfactory and taste disorders (OTDs) were enrolled and prospectively monitored. Serological and molecular assays for the characterization of SARS-CoV-2 IgG and SARS-CoV-2 RNA, respectively, were performed at the time of enrolment and after 7 and 14 days. Patients were stratified according to the symptoms’ onset. A total of 52 patients (75.4%) were diagnosed as COVID-19 positive being SARS-CoV-2 RNA and/or SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive. The remaining 17 (24.6%) were negative for COVID-19 and excluded from the analysis. We reported that only 34 out of 52 patients (65.4%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Moreover, the median time from onset of symptoms and enrolment was significantly higher in those patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 RNA in nasal swabs, suggesting that symptoms might last longer than SARS-CoV-2 replication. The great majority of patients (80%) developed SARS-CoV-2 IgG at three weeks after symptoms’ onset while the detectability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA dramatically decreased over time, suggesting the crucial role of combination of molecular and serological assays for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in those patients reporting mild symptoms.
Safety perspectives on presently considered drugs for the treatment of COVID‐19

Intense efforts are underway to evaluate potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of COVID‐19. In order to respond quickly to the crisis, the repurposing of existing drugs is the primary pharmacological strategy. Despite the urgent clinical need for these therapies, it is imperative to consider potential safety issues. This is important due to the harm–benefit ratios that may be encountered when treating COVID‐19, which can depend on the stage of the disease, when therapy is administered and underlying clinical factors in individual patients. Treatments are currently being trialled for a range of scenarios from prophylaxis (where benefit must greatly exceed risk) to severe life‐threatening disease (where a degree of potential risk may be tolerated if it is exceeded by the potential benefit). In this perspective, we have reviewed some of the most widely researched repurposed agents in order to identify potential safety considerations using existing information in the context of COVID‐19.
The NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase in Barley Thylakoids Is Photoactivatable and Uses NADPH as well as NADH

An improved light-dependent assay was used to characterize the NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH) in thylakoids of barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.). The enzyme was sensitive to rotenone, confirming the involvement of a complex I-type enzyme. NADPH and NADH were equally good substrates for the dehydrogenase. Maximum rates of activity were 10 to 19 μmol electrons mg −1 chlorophyll h −1 , corresponding to about 3% of linear electron-transport rates, or to about 40% of ferredoxin-dependent cyclic electron-transport rates. The NDH was activated by light treatment. After photoactivation, a subsequent light-independent period of about 1 h was required for maximum activation. The NDH could also be activated by incubation of the thylakoids in low-ionic-strength buffer. The kinetics, substrate specificity, and inhibitor profiles were essentially the same for both induction strategies. The possible involvement of ferredoxin:NADP + oxidoreductase (FNR) in the NDH activity could be excluded based on the lack of preference for NADPH over NADH. Furthermore, thenoyltrifluoroacetone inhibited the diaphorase activity of FNR but not the NDH activity. These results also lead to the conclusion that direct reduction of plastoquinone by FNR is negligible.
Differential utilization of energy during wintering and spawning migration in Norwegian spring-spawning herring

The energy utilization in non-feeding Norwegian spring-spawning herring Clupea harengus was examined during periods of wintering in a fjord system in northern Norway and southward spawning migration (800 km distance) to the main spawning area off western Norway. At the onset of wintering the gonadosomatic index (IG) was higher and the amount of mesenteric fat was lower in male than in female herring, whereas the subsequent increase in IG and decrease in mesenteric fat occurred at a higher rate in females than in males. However, no differences were recorded between sexes in fat content (%) of whole fish at any time of the year. The absolute energy loss increased, whereas the relative energy loss decreased, with fish length. Furthermore, the absolute and relative length specific energy losses were two to three and three to four times higher, respectively, during spawning migration than during wintering. The distinct energy loss was attributed mainly to fat metabolism, whereas the storage protein only was transferred from the soma to the gonads and remained relatively constant in whole herring throughout the wintering and spawning migration. © 1999 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles
IDENTIFICATION OF SSR MARKERS FOR HYBRIDITY AND SEED GENETIC PURITY TESTING IN SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus L.)

SUMMARY The genuineness of a hybrid is one of the most important characteristics of good quality seed. In order to identify pure hybrid and pollen shedders/ offtypes an investigation was performed to identify an ideal SSR marker. 58 primer pairs were screened to identify the specific marker associated with each hybrid and parental lines. Hybrid KBSH-44 could be clearly identified by using ORS 309 and ORS 170, based on the banding pattern resolved on polyacrylamide gel (6%). The complementary banding pattern of both parents made a way to identify the hybrid. ORS 309 amplified allele size at 250 bp was specific to female parent (CMS-17A) and 230 bp was specific to male parent (RHA 95- C-1). These two bands of allele size 230 and 250 bp were found only in hybrid KBSH-44. Another SSR primer ORS 170 was able to distinguish the hybrid KBSH-44 by amplifying allele of size 230 bp a female specific (CMS-17A) allele and 200 bp amplicon a male specific allele (RHA 95-C-1). SSR primer ORS 811 found specific to identify KBSH-53 and it amplified allele of size 270 bp in its female parent (CMS-53A) and allele size of 230 bp in its pollen parent (RHA 95-C-1). The hybrid has both the alleles from its parents at 270 and 230 bp.