Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of KRAS Mutations in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Simple Summary Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS)-mutated colorectal cancer (CRC) seems to have a different biological behavior and therapeutic approach compared with non-KRAS mutated CRC. Except for the proven predictive significance of KRAS mutations in CRC patients, their prognostic significance is still under evaluation. Our study shows that 93.2% of RAS-mutated patients were KRAS mutants, with G12D being the most common subtype. KRAS G12D mutation is correlated with better overall survival (OS). KRAS G12C mutations may indicate worse prognosis regarding progression free (PFS) and OS, as well as exon 4 and exon 3 KRAS mutations for PFS and OS, respectively. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major public health issue. The detection of parameters that affect CRC prognosis is of great significance. KRAS mutations, play a crucial role in tumorigenesis with a strong predictive value. KRAS-mutated stage-IV CRC patients gain no benefit of the anti-EGFR therapy. The KRAS G12C mutation subtype is under investigation for treatment regimens. The present study aimed to detect various RAS mutations in a cohort of 578 RAS-mutated CRC patients; 49% of them had de novo metastatic disease; 60% were male; 71.4% had left-sided tumors; and 94.6% had a good performance status. KRAS mutations were detected in 93.2% of patients, with KRAS G12D being the most common subtype (30.1%). KRAS mutations presented shorter progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS), compared with NRAS mutations, although not significantly (PFS: 13.8 vs. 18.5 months; p = 0.552; OS: 53.1 vs. 60.9 months; p = 0.249). KRAS G12D mutations presented better OS rates (p = 0.04). KRAS G12C mutation, even though not significantly, presented worse PFS and OS rates. KRAS exon 3 and 4 mutations presented different PFS and OS rates, although these were not significant. Concluding, KRAS G12D and G12C mutations lead to better and worst prognosis, respectively. Further studies are warranted to validate such findings and their possible therapeutic implication.
Burnout on Contact Center: A Literature Review

Background: The use of contact centers is considered the most effective way to love relationships with customers. Contact centers are proven to improve service to customers and reduce operational costs. On the other hand, high pressure causes contact center employees to be vulnerable to burnout.Aim: This study aims to find out what factors can cause burnout. The method used is review literature.Method: The researcher implemented a systematic review. The articles used in this study was obtained from the website of scientific database providers google schoolar and ScienceDirect using keyword burnout, contact centers, contact centers, call centers, call centers. Article inclusion criteria are journals or fulltext open access articles published in 2016-2021 and produce 8 articles.Findings: The results of this review obtained factors that can cause burnout in contact center employees in general consist of sociodemographic factors, internal factors and external factors such as age, gender, emotional intelligent, mindfulness, characteristics, responsibilities, and workload, as well as conflicts that employees have.
Stakeholder Perspectives on the Development and Implementation of a Polypharmacy Management Program in Germany: Results of a Qualitative Study

Structured management programs have been developed for single diseases but rarely for patients with multiple medications. We conducted a qualitative study to investigate the views of stakeholders on the development and implementation of a polypharmacy management program in Germany. Overall, we interviewed ten experts in the fields of health policy and clinical practice. Using content analysis, we identified inclusion criteria for the selection of suitable patients, the individual elements that should make up such a program, healthcare providers and stakeholders that should be involved, and factors that may support or hinder the program’s implementation. All stakeholders were well aware of polypharmacy-related risks and challenges, as well as the urgent need for change. Intervention strategies should address all levels of care and include all concerned patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and stakeholders, and involved parties should agree on a joint approach.
High-Birefringence Low-Loss Hollow-Core THz Waveguide Embedded Parallel Slab Cladding

A novel high-birefringence and low-loss hollow-core (HC) antiresonant (AR) THz waveguide is proposed and experimental demonstrated. The waveguide is a circular tube embedded with two pairs of symmetrical parallel slabs. With the support of a circular tube, one pair of slabs near the waveguide center is used to form a rectangular-like core to achieve high birefringence, and another pair of slabs is placed in the cladding to further reduce the waveguide loss. Simulation results indicate that the birefringence reaches the magnitude order of 10−3 within the transmission window from 0.38 to 0.50 THz. The highest birefringence reaches 3.42 × 10−3 at 0.38 THz with a loss of 0.09 cm−1. We manufacture the HC-AR THz waveguide with photosensitive resin by using three-dimensional printing technology. And the waveguide properties are investigated by THz time-domain spectroscopy system. Experimental results demonstrate that the birefringence variation of the HC-AR THz waveguide is within the range of 1.57 × 10−3 to 4.77 × 10−3 in the 0.39 to 0.51 THz transmission window. The highest birefringence is up to 4.77 × 10−3 at 0.39 THz and the corresponding loss is 0.12 cm−1. To the best of authors’ knowledge, the proposed HC-AR THz waveguide achieves the highest birefringence and relatively low loss in current HC-AR THz waveguides.
Retinal Proteomic Alterations and Combined Transcriptomic-Proteomic Analysis in the Early Stages of Progression of a Mouse Model of X-Linked Retinoschisis

X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is among the most commonly inherited degenerative retinopathies. XLRS is caused by functional impairment of RS1. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying RS1 malfunction remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we performed a data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis in RS1-null mouse retina with different postal days (Ps), including the onset (P15) and early progression stage (P56). Gene set enrichment analysis showed that type I interferon-mediated signaling was upregulated and photoreceptor proteins responsible for detection of light stimuli were downregulated at P15. Positive regulation of Tor signaling was downregulated and nuclear transcribed mRNA catabolic process nonsense-mediated decay was upregulated at P56. Moreover, the differentially expressed proteins at P15 were enriched in metabolism of RNA and RNA destabilization. A broader subcellular localization distribution and enriched proteins in visual perception and phototransduction were evident at P56. Combined transcriptomic-proteomic analysis revealed that functional impairments, including detection of visible light, visual perception, and visual phototransduction, occurred at P21 and continued until P56. Our work provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of an XLRS mouse model during the early stages, thus enhancing the understanding of the mechanism of XLRS.
Selective CDK9 Inhibition by Natural Compound Toyocamycin in Cancer Cells

Simple Summary By combining drug screens, transcriptomic studies, and in vitro assays, our study identified the natural product toyocamycin as a potent and selective CDK9 inhibitor. Thus, toyocamycin can be used as a new small molecule to modulate CDK9 activity in preclinical research. Through docking simulations, we identified its specific binding sites, which could spark some interest to design novel small molecule CDK9 inhibitors. Abstract Aberrant transcription in cancer cells involves the silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) and activation of oncogenes. Transcriptomic changes are associated with epigenomic alterations such as DNA-hypermethylation, histone deacetylation, and chromatin condensation in promoter regions of silenced TSGs. To discover novel drugs that trigger TSG reactivation in cancer cells, we used a GFP-reporter system whose expression is silenced by promoter DNA hypermethylation and histone deacetylation. After screening a natural product drug library, we identified that toyocamycin, an adenosine-analog, induces potent GFP reactivation and loss of clonogenicity in human colon cancer cells. Connectivity-mapping analysis revealed that toyocamycin produces a pharmacological signature mimicking cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors. RNA-sequencing revealed that the toyocamycin transcriptomic signature resembles that of a specific CDK9 inhibitor (HH1). Specific inhibition of RNA Pol II phosphorylation level and kinase assays confirmed that toyocamycin specifically inhibits CDK9 (IC50 = 79 nM) with a greater efficacy than other CDKs (IC50 values between 0.67 and 15 µM). Molecular docking showed that toyocamycin efficiently binds the CDK9 catalytic site in a conformation that differs from other CDKs, explained by the binding contribution of specific amino acids within the catalytic pocket and protein backbone. Altogether, we demonstrated that toyocamycin exhibits specific CDK9 inhibition in cancer cells, highlighting its potential for cancer chemotherapy.
Age as a Dynamic Moderator of Relations between Exposure to Political Conflict and Mental Health in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Identifying how, when, and under what conditions exposure to political conflict is associated with youth mental health problems is critical to developing programming to help youth exposed to various forms of political violence. The current study uses Time Varying Effects Modeling (TVEM) to examine how relations between exposure to ethno-politically motivated antisocial behavior and mental health problems change as a function of age in a sample of youth from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Young people (N = 583, Mage 16.51 wave 1, 17.23 wave 2) self-reported their exposure to sectarian antisocial behavior, nonsectarian antisocial behavior, and mental health problems as part of a longitudinal study of youth across multiple neighborhoods in Belfast. The results suggest mental health problems and associations with exposure to sectarian antisocial behavior change in nonlinear patterns throughout adolescence, with the strongest links between exposure to political conflict and mental health between ages 16 and 19. Significant relations between nonsectarian antisocial behavior and mental health problems were not indicated for the full sample but the results suggested a relation emerged in later adolescence for Protestant youth, the historical majority group. The value of this exploratory approach to examining relations between key context and psychological variables for youth in contexts of political tension and violence is discussed.
Different-Sized Vessels of Quercus variabilis Blume Respond Diversely to Six-Year Canopy and Understory N Addition in a Warm-Temperate Transitional Zone

Nitrogen is a necessary macroelement in plant growth and is usually considered a limiting factor in many forest ecosystems. Increasing N deposition has been reported to affect tree growth. However, the effects still remain controversial due to variable N fertilization methods used. In order to study the realistic responses of tree growth to increasing N deposition, we investigated effects of canopy and understory N addition on tree-ring growth and vessel traits of Quercus variabilis Blume. Since 2013, 50 kg N ha−1 year was applied monthly from April to December to either the canopy (CN) or understory (UN) of trees in a warm-temperate forest in Central China. During 2013–2018, tree-ring growth and vessel-related traits (mean vessel area, theoretical xylem hydraulic conductivity (KH), relative ratio of KH, etc.) were analyzed. Tree rings were negatively impacted by both CN and UN treatments, but only the effect of UN was significant. Neither CN nor UN significantly impacted the detected vessel traits. However, some diverging influencing trends were still showed in some vessel traits. Both CN and UN treatments positively affected the percentage of annual total vessel area and vessel density, with the effect of UN on vessel density being more severe. All the detected vessel traits of the large vessels formed at the beginning of the tree-ring responded positively to CN, whereas the opposite response to UN was showed on mean vessel area and the relative ratio of KH. All these diverging responses in different vessel traits likely reflected the compensation and trade-off between maximizing growth and adapting to CN and UN treatments. Six-year long N addition negatively and positively affected tree-ring growth and vessel traits of Q. variabilis in Central China, respectively. UN treatment could not fully simulate the real effect on tree growth, especially on the hydraulic architecture.
Post-COVID lung disease(s)

Post-COVID lung impairment and diseases are major public health concern in the pandemic of COVID-19. Multiple etiological factors can lead to post-COVID respiratory symptoms, with post COVID fibrosis or diffuse parenchymal lung disease being the major concern. We searched PubMed database for English literature related to post-COVID lung disease and we summarized the existing evidence on radiological, physiological, and histopathological aspects of post-COVID lung diseases. We suggest a guidance on the evaluation of these patients and highlight management considerations including general care, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lung transplantation. We also explain gaps in knowledge and awaited ongoing research results, especially in the field of drug therapies including corticosteroids and antifibrotics.
Efficacy of two reduction methods in conjunction with 3-D-printed patient-specific pin guides for aligning simulated comminuted tibial fractures in cadaveric dogs.

OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility and accuracy of using 2 methods for reduction and alignment of simulated comminuted diaphyseal tibial fractures in conjunction with 3-D-printed patient-specific pin guides. SAMPLE Paired pelvic limbs from 8 skeletally mature dogs weighing 20 to 35 kg. METHODS CT images of both tibiae were obtained, and 3-D reconstructions of the tibiae were used to create proximal and distal patient-specific pin guides. These guides were printed and used to facilitate fracture reduction and alignment in conjunction with either a 3-D-printed reduction guide or a linear type 1A external fixator. Postreduction CT images were used to assess the accuracy of pin guide placement and the accuracy of fracture reduction and alignment. RESULTS The 3-D-printed guides were applied with acceptable ease. Guides for both groups were placed with minor but detectable deviations from the planned location (P = .01), but deviations were not significantly different between groups. Fracture reduction resulted in similar minor but detectable morphological differences from the intact tibiae (P = .01). In both groups, fracture reduction and alignment were within clinically acceptable parameters for fracture stabilization by means of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Virtual surgical planning and fabrication of patient-specific 3-D-printed pin guides have the potential to facilitate fracture reduction and alignment during use of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for fracture stabilization.
Species diversity in the soil seed bank is higher for young forests than for mature forests in the Subtropical Atlantic Forest

Species diversity can contribute to the resilience of the ecosystem and can be assessed through the soil seed bank (SSB). SSB is an indicator of forest development after the occurrence of disturbances. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the relation of the soil fertility with the soil seed bank and the variation of seed bank species diversity at distinct successional stages after abandonment of pasture (25, 35, 45 and > 50 years). Ten samples of soil were collected per site, being distributed in trays and arranged in a greenhouse for a germination analysis. Results indicate that species diversity in SSB is higher in young forests than in mature forests. In addition, soil characteristics are different among successional stages, in which the young forests are associated with higher availability of nutrients. Finally, forests in early stages have higher potential for recovery of degraded areas in relation to the forest seed bank in advanced stages. después de la ocurrencia de disturbios. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la relación de la fertilidad del suelo con el banco de semillas del suelo y la variación de la diversidad de especies en distintas etapas sucesionales después del abandono del pasto (25, 35, 45 y > 50 años). Se recogieron diez muestras de suelo por sitio, se distribuyeron en bandejas y se dispusieron en invernadero para el análisis de germinación. Los resultados indican que la diversidad de especies en el SSB es mayor en los bosques jóvenes que en los bosques maduros. Además, las características del suelo son diferentes entre las etapas sucesionales, los bosques jóvenes están asociados con una mayor disponibilidad de nutrientes. Finalmente, los bosques en etapas tempranas tienen un mayor potencial para la recuperación de áreas degradadas en relación con el banco de semillas forestales en etapas avanzadas.
Nutritional value, for pigs and rats, of sunflower oilcake meal processed to contain different concentrations of protein

Different amounts of hull were removed from sunflower oilcake to obtain oilcake with a protein content of 40% (SFOC 40), 42% (SFOC 42), 44% (SFOC 44) and 46% (SFOC 46). respectively. The increase in crude protein content from 40% to 46% resulted in a concomitant increase in the concentration of amino acids. Lysine increased from 1.21% to 1.42% and the S-containing amino acids from 1.53% to 1.89%. The concentrations of these amino acids expressed as g/lOO g protein remained constant. In contrast, crude fibre decreased from 19.1% to 14.0%. The relative nutritive value (RNV), in rats, of SFOC 40 (50%) did not differ significantly (P> 0.05) from that of SFOC 46 (47%). The addition of synthetic lysine significantly (P 0.05) by removing more hull (84% for SFOC 40 and 85% for SFOC 46) or by the addition of synthetic lysine (84% to 86% for SFOC 40 and 85% to 87% for SFOC 46). No significant differences (P> 0.05) could be found in mean growth rate (0.77 kg/day and 0.80 kg/day) and feed conversion ratio (3.1 kg/kg and 3.0 kg/kg) between pigs that received diets formulated on an isonutrient basis using sunflower oilcake meals containing different concentrations of protein (SFOC 40 and 46, respectively). The bioavailable energy for pigs (DE) and poultry (fME and TMEn) did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between SFOC 40 and SFOC 44.
Promoting academic resilience in DEIS schools

ABSTRACT This article reports on baseline data gathered as part of an intervention project which aims to enhance academic performance, encourage retention and broaden the educational and career aspirations of senior cycle students in schools which serve socio-economically disadvantaged communities. The experiences and perceptions of 405 students attending 16 DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) schools who are participating in a voluntary after-school tuition programme are reported. Specifically, the article provides a demographic profile of the students in relation to familial education levels and parental occupations; explores whether the students had previously considered leaving school and what specific factors influenced their retention; and reports on the results of two standardised questionnaires, measuring perceived self-efficacy and sense of school belonging. Findings indicate that students reported an overall low level of self-efficacy but a positive sense of belonging in schools, with no differences reported across gender. Differences were observed, however, between those who had considered early school leaving and those who had not, with the former cohort recording lower self-efficacy and sense of belonging scores. This article presents an important, and possibly the first, profile of senior cycle students from DEIS schools who have demonstrated academic resilience in terms of school retention, career ambition, and availing of additional support in their schools through this intervention project.
Cymbopogon sp. from ethnobotany to antimicrobial: an integrative review

Considering the broad potential of the genus Cymbopogon, here we present a systematic literature survey on it’s antimicrobial potential. This is a review, articles from the Scielo and PubMed platforms. The articles surveyed were published between 2015 and 2020, with the theme of microbiology, including ethnobotanical studies, literature reviews, in vitro, in vivo, reports of clinical trials. Works outside the selected period, duplicate articles, and those only reporting infections of plants by the microorganism were excluded. 98 studies were selected, 74% found in PubMed and 26% in Scielo. Of this total, 21% were ethnobotanical/ethnopharmacology or literature reviews, most of them reporting the use of infusions of the species C. citratus (DC.) Stapf. Moreover, in 57% of the studies, survey respondents did not report antimicrobial use. In relation to 79% of the experimental studies, it was observed that 77% reported total inhibition of microbial growth, 3% indicated moderate growth inhibition, 4% low growth inhibition and 5% reported no inhibition. Among the microbial species analyzed were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Borrelia burgdorferi, Candida albicans, Salmonella enterica and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In addition, 5% of the articles reported antiviral activity, 5% parasitic control, 1% preventive action against contamination by mesophilic microorganisms. Although the population is not aware of the antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon sp. , studies have demonstrated its antimicrobial potential, thus the extracts of this genus can be an alternative for use in folk medicine as well as a source of new drugs with antimicrobial action.
Simulation of the Gas Flow Gyrometer Using the Meshless Techniques

The aim of this work is simulation of hydrodynamic processes in a gas flow gyrometer to identify its parameters and optimize its construction and geometry. For the first time, the meshless technique based on the semi-analytical R-function method is applied to solve computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems in an arbitrarily shaped gyrometer cavity. This method allows all prescribed boundary conditions to be satisfied exactly on the whole boundary. With R-functions, it is possible to construct approximate CFD solutions with prescribed values and derivatives at specified locations. An effective simulation was performed for some geometries of the gas jet flow gyrometer. They were compared and demonstrated satisfactory concordance with results obtained experimentally and by using FEM simulations. The meshless CFD modeling of the gas flow gyrometer gives the possibility to build the new approach for the evaluation of optimum geometrical and thermophysical parameters of the device.