Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biochemical and Molecular Investigation of In Vitro Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity Spectrum of Crude Extracts of Willow Leaves Salix safsaf

Organic fractions and extracts of willow (Salix safsaf) leaves, produced by sequential solvent extraction as well as infusion and decoction, exhibited anticancer potencies in four cancerous cell lines, including breast (MCF-7), colorectal (HCT-116), cervical (HeLa) and liver (HepG2). Results of the MTT assay revealed that chloroform (CHCl3) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc)-soluble fractions exhibited specific anticancer activities as marginal toxicities were observed against two non-cancerous control cell lines (BJ-1 and MCF-12). Ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry Q-Exactive™ HF Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap™ coupled with liquid chromatography (UHPLC) indicated that both extracts are enriched in features belonging to major phenolic and purine derivatives. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis (FACS), employing annexin V-FITC/PI double staining indicated that the observed cytotoxic potency was mediated via apoptosis. FACS analysis, monitoring the increase in fluorescence signal, associated with oxidation of DCFH to DCF, indicated that the mechanism of apoptosis is independent of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results of immunoblotting and RT-qPCR assays showed that treatment with organic fractions under investigation resulted in significant up-regulation of pro-apoptotic protein and mRNA markers for Caspase-3, p53 and Bax, whereas it resulted in a significant reduction in amounts of both protein and mRNA of the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. FACS analysis also indicated that pre-treatment and co-treatment of human amniotic epithelial (WISH) cells exposed to the ROS H2O2 with EtOAc fraction provide a cytoprotective and antioxidant capacity against generated oxidative stress. In conclusion, our findings highlight the importance of natural phenolic and flavonoid compounds with unparalleled and unique antioxidant and anticancer properties.
Mental Health Outcomes Associated with Risk and Resilience among Military-Connected Youth.

The present study aimed to describe patterns of risk and protective factors affecting U.S. Army families and their association with mental health diagnoses among military-connected children. Wartime military service is associated with increased adverse outcomes for military-connected youth, but few studies have explored the impact of concurrent risk and access to protective factors. Using big data methods to link existing datasets, protective factors (e.g., marital and family functioning) were drawn from a voluntary survey completed by 1,630 US Army spouses. Risk factors (e.g., parent mental health, family moves, deployment) were drawn from Department of Defense (DoD) archival data. Rates of mental health diagnoses among youth were derived from DoD healthcare records. Using the three-step method of latent profile analysis, five profiles emerged with variability across risk and protective factors. The largest group (40% of the sample) had considerable protective factors and limited risk exposure. Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of mental health diagnoses among military-connected youth were observed across profiles (χ2 = 30.067, df = 4, p < .001), with the highest rates (31.1% and 30.5%) observed in the two profiles with the lowest protective factors. Findings suggest most military families are faring well and highlight the importance of a thorough assessment that evaluates both the stressors military families face and the strengths they possess.
Aligned human cardiac syncytium for in vitro analysis of electrical, structural, and mechanical readouts

Human pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC‐CMs) have emerged as an exciting new tool for cardiac research and can serve as a preclinical platform for drug development and disease modeling studies. However, these aspirations are limited by current culture methods in which hPSC‐CMs resemble fetal human cardiomyocytes in terms of structure and function. Herein we provide a novel in vitro platform that includes patterned extracellular matrix with physiological substrate stiffness and is amenable to both mechanical and electrical analysis. Micropatterned lanes promote the cellular and myofibril alignment of hPSC‐CMs while the addition of micropatterned bridges enable formation of a functional cardiac syncytium that beats synchronously over a large two‐dimensional area. We investigated the electrophysiological properties of the patterned cardiac constructs and showed they have anisotropic electrical impulse propagation, as occurs in the native myocardium, with speeds 2x faster in the primary direction of the pattern as compared to the transverse direction. Lastly, we interrogated the mechanical function of the pattern constructs and demonstrated the utility of this platform in recording the strength of cardiomyocyte contractions. This biomimetic platform with electrical and mechanical readout capabilities will enable the study of cardiac disease and the influence of pharmaceuticals and toxins on cardiomyocyte function. The platform also holds potential for high throughput evaluation of drug safety and efficacy, thus furthering our understanding of cardiovascular disease and increasing the translational use of hPSC‐CMs.
Establishing a National Molecular Surveillance Program for the Detection of Plasmodium falciparum Markers of Resistance to Antimalarial Drugs in Haiti

Abstract. Chloroquine remains the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Haiti, and until recently, sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine was the second-line treatment. A few studies have reported the presence of molecular markers for resistance in Plasmodium falciparum parasites, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy studies (TESs) have been limited. Recognizing the history of antimalarial resistance around the globe and the challenges of implementing TESs in low-endemic areas, the Ministry of Health established a surveillance program to detect molecular markers of antimalarial resistance in Haiti. Sentinel sites were purposefully selected in each of Haiti’s 10 administrative departments; an 11th site was selected in Grand’Anse, the department with the highest number of reported cases. Factors considered for site selection included the number of malaria cases identified, observed skills of laboratory technicians conducting rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), stock and storage conditions of RDTs, accuracy of data reporting to the national surveillance system, and motivation to participate. Epidemiologic data from 2,437 patients who tested positive for malaria from March 2016 to December 2018 and consented to provide samples for molecular sequencing are presented here. Of these, 936 (38.4%) patients reported self-treatment with any medication since the onset of their illness before diagnosis; overall, 69 (2.8%) patients reported taking an antimalarial. Ten patients (0.4%) reported travel away from their home for at least one night in the month before diagnosis. Establishing a molecular surveillance program for antimalarial drug resistance proved practical and feasible in a resource-limited setting and will provide the evidence needed to make informed treatment policy decisions at the national level.
Effect of mixed feeding schedules on growth and production of sutchi catfish, Pangasius hypophthalmus (sauvage) reared in earthen ponds.

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of mixed feeding schedule on the growth and production of sutchi catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus, Pangasiidae) in experimental ponds (30 m) for 70 days. Six feeding regimes employed were: continuous normal feeding (T1), alternate day feeding (T2), alternating 3 days normal feeding (NF) and 4 days restricted feeding (RF) (T3), alternating 7 days NF and 7 days RF (T4), alternating 14 days NF and 14 days RF (T5) and alternating 28 days NF and 28 days RF (T6). The restricted feeding was 1% of fish body weight. Results showed that the mean weight gain of fish was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 and T4. Survival was not affected by the dietary groups. Feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio ranged from 1.27 to 1.82 and 1.41 to 2.58 respectively. The significantly (P < 0.05) higher productions (kg ha) were observed in T1 and T4. The highest profit was obtained in T4 due to compensatory growth and saving of feed cost. The results of the present study demonstrated that a mixed feeding schedule of alternating periods of 7 days normal feeding followed by 7 days of restricted feeding is more profitable for sutchi catfish farming than continuous normal feeding. ________________________________________________________ *Corresponding author. Tel. : +81 99 286 4180; Fax: +81 99 286 4184 E-mail address: abdulkader_fc@yahoo.com ISSN: 0116-6514 E-ISSN: 2073-3720 https://doi.org/10.33997/j.afs. 2010.23. 2.010 255 Asian Fisheries Science 23(2010):254-269
Structures of ISC th4 transpososomes reveal the role of asymmetry in copy‐out/paste‐in DNA transposition

Copy‐out/paste‐in transposition is a major bacterial DNA mobility pathway. It contributes significantly to the emergence of antibiotic resistance, often by upregulating expression of downstream genes upon integration. Unlike other transposition pathways, it requires both asymmetric and symmetric strand transfer steps. Here, we report the first structural study of a copy‐out/paste‐in transposase and demonstrate its ability to catalyze all pathway steps in vitro. X‐ray structures of ISCth4 transposase, a member of the IS256 family of insertion sequences, bound to DNA substrates corresponding to three sequential steps in the reaction reveal an unusual asymmetric dimeric transpososome. During transposition, an array of N‐terminal domains binds a single transposon end while the catalytic domain moves to accommodate the varying substrates. These conformational changes control the path of DNA flanking the transposon end and the generation of DNA‐binding sites. Our results explain the asymmetric outcome of the initial strand transfer and show how DNA binding is modulated by the asymmetric transposase to allow the capture of a second transposon end and to integrate a circular intermediate.
HIV-1 Gag release from yeast reveals ESCRT interaction with the Gag N-terminal protein region

The HIV-1 protein Gag assembles at the plasma membrane and drives virion budding, assisted by the cellular endosomal complex required for transport (ESCRT) proteins. Two ESCRT proteins, TSG101 and ALIX, bind to the Gag C-terminal p6 peptide. TSG101 binding is important for efficient HIV-1 release, but how ESCRTs contribute to the budding process and how their activity is coordinated with Gag assembly is poorly understood. Yeast, allowing genetic manipulation that is not easily available in human cells, has been used to characterize the cellular ESCRT function. Previous work reported Gag budding from yeast spheroplasts, but Gag release was ESCRT-independent. We developed a yeast model for ESCRT-dependent Gag release. We combined yeast genetics and Gag mutational analysis with Gag-ESCRT binding studies and the characterization of Gag-plasma membrane binding and Gag release. With our system, we identified a previously unknown interaction between ESCRT proteins and the Gag N-terminal protein region. Mutations in the Gag-plasma membrane–binding matrix domain that reduced Gag-ESCRT binding increased Gag-plasma membrane binding and Gag release. ESCRT knockout mutants showed that the release enhancement was an ESCRT-dependent effect. Similarly, matrix mutation enhanced Gag release from human HEK293 cells. Release enhancement partly depended on ALIX binding to p6, although binding site mutation did not impair WT Gag release. Accordingly, the relative affinity for matrix compared with p6 in GST-pulldown experiments was higher for ALIX than for TSG101. We suggest that a transient matrix-ESCRT interaction is replaced when Gag binds to the plasma membrane. This step may activate ESCRT proteins and thereby coordinate ESCRT function with virion assembly.
COVID‐19 is an emergent disease of aging

COVID‐19 is an ongoing pandemic caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus that poses one of the greatest challenges to public health in recent years. SARS‐CoV‐2 is known to preferentially target older subjects and those with pre‐existing conditions, but the reason for this age dependence is unclear. Here, we found that the case fatality rate for COVID‐19 grows exponentially with age in all countries tested, with the doubling time approaching that of all‐cause human mortality. In addition, men and those with multiple age‐related diseases are characterized by increased mortality. Moreover, similar mortality patterns were found for all‐cause pneumonia. We further report that the gene expression of ACE2, the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor, grows in the lung with age, except for subjects on a ventilator. Together, our findings establish COVID‐19 as an emergent disease of aging, and age and age‐related diseases as its major risk factors. In turn, this suggests that COVID‐19, and deadly respiratory diseases in general, may be targeted, in addition to antiviral approaches, by approaches that target the aging process.
ASTEROID stereotest v1.0: lower stereo thresholds using smaller, denser and faster dots

In 2019, we described ASTEROID, a new stereotest run on a 3D tablet computer which involves a four‐alternative disparity detection task on a dynamic random‐dot stereogram. Stereo thresholds measured with ASTEROID were well correlated with, but systematically higher than (by a factor of around 1.5), thresholds measured with previous laboratory stereotests or the Randot Preschool clinical stereotest. We speculated that this might be due to the relatively large, sparse dots used in ASTEROID v0.9. Here, we introduce and test the stereo thresholds and test‐repeatability of the new ASTEROID v1.0, which uses precomputed images to allow stereograms made up of much smaller, denser dots.
First report of Phytophthora inundata causing olive tree decline in Turkey

Abstract Young olive trees showing wilting and trunk cankers were observed in an orchard in Antalya province, Turkey. The aerial symptoms associated with reddish brown cankers expanding from the root collar to the stem were leaf discolouration, defoliation, and twig dieback. A Phytophthora sp. was consistently isolated from necrotic root and crown tissues of symptomatic trees. The causal agent of the disease was identified as Phytophthora inundata by morphological characteristics and comparison of sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region. Pathogenicity of the isolates was tested by stem inoculation and soil infestation using olive saplings. At the end of the experiments, lesions developed on both stems and roots, and root weight reduction occurred. This is the first report of P. inundata causing disease of olive trees in Turkey.
Response of Broiler Chicks to Diet Containing Live Yeast as Probiotic Natural Feed Additive

The effect of feeding broiler chicks on diet contai ing different levels of backer's yeast saccharomyc es cerevisiae (Sc) as probiotic natural feed additive on performa nce, carcass quality and economic efficiency was st udied. A total of one-hundred and forty one-day old unsexed (Hubba rd) broiler chicks were randomly divided into four experiment groups. Each group was further subdivided into five replicates at the rate of seven chicks per pen in complete randomized design (CRD). The first group (A), fed o n basal diet without feed additive (control group). The other groups B, C and D were fed on basal diet supplement ed with yeast (Sc) at levels of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% r espectively. The experimental diet were fed for 7-weeks duration . Health of the stock and performance parameters wa s recorded. Dressing percentage and economical evaluation were calculated. The result indicated that, the yeast (S c) supplemented groups had significantly (P<0.05) high er body weight gain and better feed conversion rati o than the control group; while the feed intake and carcass dr essing percentage were not significantly affected b y the dietary treatments. The control group exhibit significantly (P<0.05) higher mortality rate compared to yeast s upplemented groups. Economically, the highest profitability rat io (1.12) was obtained by the highest yeast (Sc) su pplemented experimental groups.
Resistance to peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes

Abstract The spread of bacterial strains resistant to commonly used antibiotics urges the development of novel antibacterial compounds. Ideally, these novel antimicrobials should be less prone to the development of resistance. Peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes are a promising class of compounds with a fundamentally different mode of action compared to traditionally used antibiotics. The difference in the mechanism of action implies differences both in the mechanisms of resistance and the chances of its emergence. To critically assess the potential of resistance development to peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes, we review the available evidence for the development of resistance to these enzymes in vitro, along with the known mechanisms of resistance to lysozyme, bacteriocins, autolysins, and phage endolysins. We conclude that genetic determinants of resistance to peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes are unlikely to readily emerge de novo. However, resistance to these enzymes would probably spread by the horizontal transfer between intrinsically resistant and susceptible species. Finally, we speculate that the higher cost of the therapeutics based on peptidoglycan degrading enzymes compared to classical antibiotics might result in less misuse, which in turn would lead to lower selective pressure, making these antibacterials less prone to resistance development.
A meta-analysis

Objective: Postpartum depression (PPD) is an episode of major depressive disorder that affecting women of childbearing age. 5HTTLPR is 1 of the most extensively investigated polymorphisms in PPD. However, the previous results were inconsistent and inclusive. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to precisely evaluate the association between 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and PPD susceptibility. Methods: The studies were retrieved through databases including PubMed, web of science, EMASE, and CNKI. The odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) were applied for evaluating the genetic association between 5-HTTLPR (L/S) polymorphism and PPD risk. Results:Six studies with 519 cases and 737 controls were enrolled in the present study. The frequencies of allelic (OR=0.72, 95% CI=0.60–0.85, P= .0001) and dominant (OR=0.57, 95%CI=0.44–0.73, P= .004) models of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism significantly decreased in patients with PPD than those in the healthy controls. Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity revealed that the allelic (OR=0.71, 95%CI=0.60–0.85, P= .0001) and dominant (OR=0.51, 95%CI=0.32–0.79, P= .003) models of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism were significantly associated with PPD risk in Asian population (P> .05). No evidence was observed between the recessive model of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and PPD risk (P> .05). Conclusions: The allelic and dominant models of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism might be protective factors for PPD. To confirm these results, larger number of association studies or multicenter case–control studies are necessary in the future. Abbreviations: CI = confidence interval, L = long allele, OR = odd ratio, PPD = postpartum depression, S = short allele.
Expression of YAP1 and pSTAT3-S727 and their prognostic value in glioma

Aims A growing research demonstrated that YAP1 played important roles in gliomagenesis. We explored the expression of YAP1 and STAT3, the relationship between them and the effect of YAP1, STAT3 on prognosis in glioma. Methods Expression of YAP1, p-YAP1, STAT3, pSTAT3-S727 and pSTAT3-Y705 in 141 cases of low-grade gliomas (LGG) and 74 cases of high-grade gliomas (HGG) of surgical specimens were measured by immunohistochemistry. Pearson’s X2 test was used to determine the correlation between immunohistochemical expressions and clinicopathological parameters. Pearson’s or Spearman correlation test was used to determine the association between these proteins expression. Survival analysis was used to investigate the effect of these proteins on prognosis. Results High expressions of YAP1, STAT3, pSTAT3-S727 and pSTAT3-Y705 were found in HGG compared with LGG (p=0.000). High expressions of YAP1, STAT3, pSTAT3-S727 and pSTAT3-Y705 were found in 63.5%, 59.5%, 66.2% and 31.1% cases of HGG, respectively. YAP1 expression was associated to tumour location, Ki-67 and P53, STAT3 expression was related with Ki-67 and P53, and the expression of pSTAT3-S727 was associated with Ki-67. There was a significantly positive correlation between YAP1 and pSTAT3-S727 (p<0.0001; r=0.5663). Survival analysis revealed that patients with YAP1 and pSTAT3-S727 coexpression had worse overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p<0.0001). Tumour grade, age, Ki-67 and YAP1 expression were independent prognostic factors for OS. In LGG group, both YAP1 and pSTAT3-S727 expressions were negative correlation with IDH1 mutation, YAP1 and pSTAT3-S727 coexpression showed worse OS and PFS of glioma patients. Conclusion Our research showed that YAP1 and STAT3 were significantly activated in HGG compared with LGG. YAP1 significantly correlated with pSTAT3-S727 in glioma, YAP1 and pSTAT3-S727 coexpression may serve as a reliable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for glioma.
Influence of an antagonistic strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens on growth and ability of Trichoderma harzianum to colonize sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soil

Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 2-79RN 10 (nalidixic acid and rifampicin-resistant mutant of wild type strain 2-79) was used to study potential effects of bacterial antagonism in soil on growth and biocontrol efficacy of the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma harzianum isolate ThzID1, which was formulated into alginate pellets (.)
Encapsulated Gamma Source Contact Dose Conversion Factors: Updating NCRP-40 Guidance

Abstract Secondary electron generation on the surface of encapsulated gamma sources can play a large role in the dose measured near the surface of the encapsulation. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report No. 40 contains contact dose rate conversion factors for encapsulated gamma sources, along with recommended secondary electron correction factors. However, secondary electron correction factors were based on experiments performed in the 1930s and 1940s with encapsulated radium sources, and the correction factors for the other sources listed in the report were estimated based on these radium source measurements. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) to calculate the contact dose rate conversion factors for each encapsulated gamma source presented in NCRP-40, taking into account the dose from both gamma rays and secondary electrons. These simulations showed that the contact dose rate conversion factors are much lower than those presented in NCRP-40, and the secondary electron contribution was much greater than the values proposed by NCRP-40. The original research used results from encapsulated 226Ra experiments to determine the secondary electron correction factors for NCRP-40. To support the current Monte Carlo calculations, experiments were conducted using an encapsulated 137Cs source, rare earth magnet, and ion chamber detector to show that the secondary electron correction factors presented in NCRP-40 were not applicable to the geometry of tissue in direct contact with the encapsulation. In this work, contact dose conversion factors for common encapsulated radionuclide sources are presented.