Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long non-coding RNA SNHG17 promotes gastric cancer progression by inhibiting P15 and P16

Background The dysregulated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) have been demonstrated to be involved in gastric carcinogenesis and progression; however, the role of SNHG17 in gastric carcinoma remains to be investigated. We aimed to ascertain the expression of SNHG17 in gastric carcinoma tissues and cell lines, and to investigate its mechanistic role in this malignancy. Methods The expression levels of SNHG17, P15, P16, P18, P19 and cyclin dependent kinases-4 (CDK4) were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and/or western blotting in human gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Correlations between SNHG17 levels and clinicopathological features were evaluated. siRNAs were used to silence SNHG17 in cell lines, and then Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, and transwell migration assays were used to assess proliferation, clonogenic potential, and migration, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle distributions and apoptosis. In vivo tumorigenicity was evaluated using xenografts in nude mice. Results Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed that SNHG17 expression was remarkably higher in gastric carcinoma tissues than normal stomach mucosae (P=4.85×10−10). We confirmed that SNHG17 was overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues (P<0.0001) and cell lines (P<0.01) compared with corresponding noncancerous tissues and gastric epithelial cell line, respectively. Furthermore, SNHG17 levels in tumor tissues were associated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.0006), pTNM stage (P=0.0061), and lymphovascular invasion (P=0.0005), but were not associated with overall survival (OS) (P=0.888). Loss-of-function studies indicated that SNHG17 promoted gastric carcinoma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo (P<0.01), and that SNHG17 enhanced gastric cancer cell migration (P<0.01). Mechanistically, we found that SNHG17 inhibited P15 and P16, and enhanced CDK4 expression, resulting in a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and that SNHG17 inhibited cell apoptosis. Conclusions These preliminary findings highlight the role of SNHG17 in gastric cancer, and suggest that it may be a novel indicator and/or a potential therapeutic target for diagnosing and/or treating gastric cancer.
Current perspective and scope of fetal therapy: part 1

Abstract Fetal therapy term has been described for any therapeutic intervention either invasive or noninvasive for the purpose of correcting or treating any fetal malformation or condition. Fetal therapy is a rapidly evolving specialty and has gained pace in last two decades and now fetal intervention is being tried in many malformations with rate of success varying with the type of different fetal conditions. The advances in imaging techniques have allowed fetal medicine persons to make earlier and accurate diagnosis of numerous fetal anomalies. Still many fetal anomalies are managed postnatally because the fetal outcomes have not changed significantly with the use of fetal therapy and this approach avoids unnecessary maternal risk secondary to inutero intervention. The short-term maternal risk associated with fetal surgery includes preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, uterine wall bleeding, chorioamniotic separation, placental abruption, chorioamnionitis, and anesthesia risk. Whereas, maternal long-term complications include risk of infertility, uterine rupture, and need for cesarean section in future pregnancies. The decision for invasive fetal therapy should be taken after discussion with parents about the various aspects like postnatal fetal outcome without fetal intervention, possible outcome if the fetal intervention is done, available postnatal intervention for the fetal condition, and possible short-term and long-term maternal complications. The center where fetal intervention is done should have facility of multi-disciplinary team to manage both maternal and fetal complications. The major issues in the development of fetal surgery include selection of patient for intervention, crafting effective fetal surgical skills, requirement of regular fetal and uterine monitoring, effective tocolysis, and minimizing fetal and maternal fetal risks. This review will cover the surgical or invasive aspect of fetal therapy with available evidence and will highlight the progress made in the management of fetal malformations in last two decades.
Depression, perceived disability and unemployment are associated with reduced life satisfaction in anorexia nervosa

ABSTRACT Life satisfaction is a core aspect of an individual’s wellbeing and describes the subjective assessment of their quality of life. Reduced life satisfaction is frequently reported in anorexia nervosa (AN), but the factors contributing to this are still unclear. This study sought to extend previous work by examining 12 potential correlates of AN life satisfaction. One hundred and five female AN patients were administered questionnaires assessing life satisfaction, depression, anxiety, stress, employment status, marital status, body mass index, eating disorder symptomatology, perceived disability and readiness for change. A stepwise linear regression revealed that only depression, perceived disability and employment status were significantly associated with AN life satisfaction. The findings thus highlight prevailing mood and personal functioning as critical foci for clinical management strategies in people with AN. Addressing depressive symptoms and perceived disability while bettering employment prospects could facilitate improved AN life satisfaction.
Functional Brain Networks: Unique Patterns with Hedonic Appetite and Confidence to Resist Eating in Older Adults with Obesity

The purpose of this study was to determine whether baseline measures of hedonic hunger—the Power of Food Scale—and self‐control for food consumption—the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire—were associated with network topology within two sets of brain regions (regions of interest [ROIs] 1 and 2) in a group of older adults with obesity. These previously identified brain regions were shown in a different cohort of older adults to be critical for discriminating weight loss success and failure.
Delayed potentiation effects on neuromuscular performance after optimal load and high load resistance priming sessions using velocity loss

Abstract Aim: (i) to compare the effects of two different low-volume resistance priming sessions, where the external load is modified on neuromuscular performance after 6 h of rest; and (ii) to identify the effects on psychological readiness in participants with resistance training experience. Methods: Eleven participants (Body mass: 77.0 ± 8.9 kg; Body height: 1.76 ± 0.08 m; Half squat repetition maximum: 139.8 ± 22.4 kg) performed the priming session under three experimental conditions in a randomized and cross-over design during the morning. The control (CON) condition: no resistance training, “optimal load” (OL) condition: two half-squat sets with a velocity loss of around 20% were performed with the “optimal load”, and 80% of repetition maximum (80% RM) condition: 2 half-squat sets with a velocity loss of around 20% were performed with the 80% RM. Countermovement jump (CMJ), mean power with OL (MPOL) and 80% RM (MP80RM), and mean velocity with OL (MVOL) and 80% RM (MV80RM) were assessed six hours after the intervention. Subjective readiness was also recorded prior to resistance training and evaluation. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: CMJ was higher after the 80% RM intervention than CON (p < 0.001; Δ = 6.5% [3.4–9.5]). MPOL and MVOL seemed to be unaffected by both morning sessions. Higher MP80RM (p = 0.044; Δ = 9.7% [4.0–15.6]; d = 0.24[0.10–0.37]) and MV80RM (p = 0.004; Δ = 8.1% [3.2–13.3]; d = 0.32[0.13–0.52]) after 80% RM than after CON were observed. No effect was observed on psychological readiness. Conclusions: 80% RM priming session increased CMJ height and the capacity to generate power and velocity under a high-load condition without any effect on psychological readiness.
Sirtuin 3 governs autophagy‐dependent glycolysis during Angiotensin II‐induced endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition

The impairment of autophagy can cause cellular metabolic perturbations involved in endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). However, the interplay between the cellular autophagy machinery and endothelial metabolism remains elusive. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), an NAD‐dependent deacetylase, is a major cellular sensor of energy metabolism. The aim of this work was to determine the role of SIRT3‐mediated autophagy in cellular metabolism and the process of EndoMT. We demonstrated that Angiotensin II (Ang II) led to defective autophagic flux and high levels of glycolysis in endothelial cells (ECs) accompanied by a loss of mitochondrial SIRT3 during EndoMT. The loss of SIRT3 further induced the hyperacetylation of endogenous autophagy‐regulated gene 5 (ATG5), which in turn inhibited autophagosome maturation and increased pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) dimer expression. The M2 dimer is the less active form of PKM2, which drives glucose through aerobic glycolysis. Additionally, TEPP‐46, a selective PKM2 tetramer activator, produced lower concentrations of lactate and led to the reduction of EndoMT both in vitro and in vivo. In parallel, the blockade of lactate influx from ECs into vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) downregulated synthetic VSMC markers. EC‐specific SIRT3 transgenic mice exhibited reduced endothelial cell transition but partial rescue of vascular fibrosis and collagen accumulation. Taken together, these findings reveal that SIRT3 regulates EndoMT by improving the autophagic degradation of PKM2. Pharmacological targeting of glycolysis metabolism may, therefore, represent an effective therapeutic strategy for hypertensive vascular remodeling.
Altering retinol binding protein 4 levels in hepatitis C: Inflammation and steatosis matter

ABSTRACT Both hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) might contribute to insulin resistance (IR), how RBP4 links to IR in HCV infection remain elusive. A joint study of a prospective cohort of 842 chronically HCV-infected (CHC) patients (with 842 controls) and a line of HCV core transgenic mice was conducted. Of 842 patients, 771 had completed anti-HCV therapy and 667 had sustained virological responses (SVRs). Compared with controls, CHC patients had lower RBP4 levels. At baseline, age (95% CI β: −0.87~−0.317), BMI (0.516~2.036), triglycerides (0.03~0.127), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (1.561~7.327), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (−0.342~−0.149) levels were associated with RBP4 levels in CHC patients. At 24-week post-therapy, male sex (0.652~8.129), BMI (0.199~1.254), triglycerides (0.039~0.088), uric acid (0.599~3.067), eGFR (−0.247 ~−0.14) levels, and fibrosis-4 (−3.602~−0.039) scores were associated with RBP4 levels in SVR patients; compared with baseline, except genotype 3 HCV-infected patients, SVR patients had increased RBP4 levels, which were comparable with controls, while no HOMA-IR index alteration was noted after SVR. The HCV core transgenic mice exhibited nonobese hepatic steatosis, had higher hepatic RBP4 expression, higher serum levels of RBP4 and triglycerides, but comparable HOMA-IR levels than non-transgenic littermates. In conclusion, steatosis, sex, age, uric acid, NLR, and FIB-4 levels were associated with HCV-related RBP4 levels; BMI, triglycerides, and eGFR levels were associated with non-HCV-related RBP4 levels. Reversal of low RBP4 levels after SVR was evident in non-genotype 3 HCV-infected patients. Steatosis and inflammation linked with metabolic alteration other than IR, determined RBP4 levels in HCV-infected patients.
Influence of low modulus Co-Zr alloys surface modification on protein adsorption and MC3T3-E1, NIH3T3 and RAW264.7 cell behaviour

Three types of Co-xZr (x = 5, 7.5, and 10 wt.%) were treated with hydroxyapatite (HA) and used as an object to investigate the effect of HA coating on the surface and biocompatibility of Co-xZr alloys. And the protein adsorption and the subsequent biological behaviour of osteoblast, fibroblast and macrophages were also investigated. The surface microstructure and wettability were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and static angle profilometer. To evaluate the biocompatibility of Co-xZr and Co-xZr-HA, we quantified plasma proteins adsorption by bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA), cytotoxicity and cell proliferation by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that Co-xZr-HA alloy surfaces were more hydrophilic and had higher affinity to plasma proteins. Higher protein concentrations were found adsorbed onto Co-7.5Zr-HA and Co-10Zr-HA alloys. Cytotoxicity analysis indicated that HA coating improved the biocompatibility of Co-xZr alloys. Furthermore, the comparable results of co-incubation of Co-xZr-HA alloys with cells reveal cellular attachments to HA surfaces. HA was successfully formed on Co-xZr alloys and modified the surface structure and biocompatibility of the alloys. Co-10Zr-HA and Co-7.5Zr-HA had the most favourable properties and cytocompatibility, and therefore can be potentially used for dental implants.
Feed intake and dietary composition of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), vitamin E, and tannic acid of five captive black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in a UK collection

Abstract The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is a critically endangered species facing multiple anthropogenic pressures in its natural home range across Africa. Black rhinoceros are difficult to maintain ex situ and subject to diseases that are linked with captive dietary factors. Hemochromatosis is of particular concern, as it is a common finding at necropsy of captive adults, and has been linked to excessive dietary iron intake. This intake study investigates the select nutrient composition of the diets offered to and consumed by five captive black rhinoceros in a UK zoo to evaluate, ensure adequacy, and/or make adjustments if necessary. Alfalfa hay, pellets and six browse species offered were analyzed for iron (Fe), copper (Cu), vitamin E, and tannic acid content. Intakes were quantified and evaluated against levels found in wild diets and the currently available feeding guidelines for black rhinoceros. Diets eaten by five individual rhinoceros (1.4%–2.3% of bodyweight dry matter [DM] intake), comprising 68%–82% hay, 6%–13% pellets, and 13%–27% browse, contained 76–98 mg/kg Fe (on a DM basis), fell within the ranges of plants eaten by free‐ranging rhinoceros (45–140 mg/kg DM), as well as values recommended for captive‐fed browsing rhinoceros (50–100 mg/kg DM). Consumed diets were found to be marginal to adequate in Cu (9–11 mg/kg DM) compared with the recommended 10 mg/kg DM; dietary vitamin E ranged from 54 to 79 IU/kg DM, and tannic acid measured 13–14 g/kg DM. Commercial pellets were the primary contributor of dietary Fe, Cu, and vitamin E, containing up to 10 times more of each of those nutrients than the forages. Native browses were important sources of lower Fe ingredients, as well as appropriate levels of dietary Cu and vitamin E (dependent on species). Interestingly, pellets (23 g/kg) and alfalfa hay (14 g/kg) contained higher concentrations of tannic acid compared with any of the browses fed (4–13 g/kg). All nutritional parameters evaluated were close to recommended dietary levels, diets resembled values consumed in the wild, and the animals remained clinically healthy throughout the study. Overall, diets were considered nutritionally adequate for captive feeding of black rhinoceros; evaluating the nutrient composition of all ingredients, including browse plants in diets, provides important information for achieving optimal nutrient balance.
Long‐term Impact of Hearing Aid Provision or Cochlear Implantation on Hearing Handicap

Previous research has shown hearing handicap to be reduced following hearing aid use or cochlear implantation in short‐to‐medium follow‐up periods, yet the impact of interventions for hearing loss on hearing handicap in the long term remains understudied. This article reports hearing handicap at 6 months, 12 months, and 5 years after either hearing aid provision or cochlear implantation.
Methods to Predict Beaver Dam Occurrence in Coastal Oregon

Abstract Pools provided by beaver (Castor canadensis) contribute to critical habitat requirements of salmonids in fluvial systems of the Pacific Northwest, therefore more land managers are interested in managing watersheds that include beavers or engaging in beaver-related restoration projects. We evaluated the utility of applying an existing beaver habitat suitability model to better understand beaver dam site characteristics in coastal Oregon, identify optimum dam site locations, and guide future beaver-related restoration efforts. We used a combination of t-tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and a stepwise discriminant function analysis to examine stream habitat associations with field data collected at known and predicted dam sites at reach and pool/riffle levels. We found bank-full width, valley floor width, and channel gradient performed well in predicting dam locations across the Alsea River Basin. Known dam sites had wider valley floors, shallower shoreline slopes, and fewer larger, deeper pools than predicted sites. Overall, our results suggest the beaver habitat suitability model combined with a digital elevation model can be used to guide where beaver dams may occur within the Alsea River Basin, yet they do not capture fine scale habitat associations that may lead to a settling response in beavers. For example, presence of large deep pools may be necessary for beavers to escape predation before and during dam building. Results from our study may be used to prioritize potential dam sites in other coastal basins that have similar geomorphic characteristics.
Addition of aerobic training to conventional rehabilitation after hip fracture: a randomized, controlled, pilot feasibility study

Objectives: To determine the feasibility and safety of aerobic training with an arm crank ergometer and its effectiveness in improving functional capacity and gait in patients with recent hip fracture. Design: Randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded pilot study, with intention-to-treat analysis. Setting: Inpatients, rehabilitation department. Subjects: 40 patients with hip fracture surgically treated. Interventions: Training group performed aerobic exercise with an arm crank ergometer (15 sessions, 30 minutes/day) at an intensity of 64% to 76% of maximum heart rate, in addition to conventional inpatient rehabilitation. Main measures: Primary outcome was the feasibility (including eligibility rate, recruitment rate, number of drop-outs and adverse events, adherence). Secondary measures were the Timed Up and Go test, ability to walk independently, muscle torque of knee extensors of fractured and non-fractured leg, Functional Independence Measure. Results: Mostly due to pre-existing disability and fracture type, only 40/301 (13%) patients were eligible (age 84.6 ± 7.6 years, 75% female); all agreed to participate and 90% completed the trial, without adverse events. Adherence to aerobic exercise was good, with high attendance at sessions (93%), a strong compliance to exercise duration (95%) but lower compliance to the prescribed intensity (73%). After the program, more patients were able to walk independently in the training group (n = 18) compared to control (n = 13) (P < 0.05). Also the muscle torque of fractured leg knee extensors was higher in the training group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Aerobic training in addition to conventional rehabilitation after a hip fracture is feasible and safe and it was effective in improving gait performance and strength of fractured leg. Trial registration: NCT04025866.
Broad phenotypic spectrum of germ line 7p12.1 microdeletions encompassing the IKZF1 gene includes predisposition to acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Microdeletions of 7p12.1 encompassing the IKZF1 gene locus are rare, with few cases reported. The common phenotype includes intellectual disability, overgrowth, and facial dysmorphism accompanied, albeit rarely, by congenital anomalies. Haploinsufficiency of IKZF1 predisposes individuals to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the frequency of 7p12.1 deletions among 4581 Polish individuals who underwent chromosomal microarray testing for unexplained developmental delay, intellectual disability, and/or congenital anomalies. Two unrelated individuals (0.04%) with a de novo interstitial 7p12.1 microdeletion encompassing IKZF1 were identified. One developed ALL. Analysis of the incidence and the phenotype of constitutional 7p12.1 microdeletion, which based on the previously annotated patients data in public databases and literature reports, revealed 21 cases including five patients diagnosed with ALL.
A comparative study of death metaphors in Han and Tibetan ethnic groups

Abstract We compared 385 Han participants and 302 Tibetan participants’ death metaphors and investigated the associations between death metaphors and death attitudes. The results show that the death metaphor "Separation from loved ones" was the most common among both groups. Both groups scored highest in the Empty death metaphor subscale. Ethnicity had a significant effect on the Empty subscale and age had a significant effect on the Sorrowful death metaphor subscale. Death metaphor is significantly positively correlated with approaching acceptance and escape acceptance attitudes to death. Our comprehensive exploration of death metaphors enables a better understanding the Chinese concept of death.
Exploitation of pearl millet germplasm for identification of low grain phytate containing parental line

The present study was carried out to identify low grain phytate containing pearl millet parental lines amongst advanced inbred lines and designated B-line (counterpart of CMS lines) . A total number of 92 lines (46 each of inbreds and designated B line) were grown in a randomized block design with two replications during kharif-2013 and 33 selected (14 inbreds and 19 designated B-lines) from kharif-2013 were grown in kharif-2014 as well. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences between the tested genotypes during both the seasons. the phytate content varied from 4.45 to 6.80 mg/g and 1.31 to 6.19 mg/g during kharif-2013 in advanced inbred lines and designated B-lines respectively. Almost similar results were observed during kharif-2014, except the like with 1.31 mg/g phytate content during kharif-2013 was not stable and in kharif -2014, the phytate content for this line was 6.87 mg/g. Since none of the genotype screened showed low phytate content, therefore a large number of breeding lines are needed to be tested to know their genetic potential for low phytate.