Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mineral biofortification and metal/metalloid accumulation in food crops: recent research and trends (Part I)

Human health is directly related to the quality of food consumed. Copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) aremicronutrients that are often deficient in diets consumed around the world (Ritchie and Roser 2017). Plants are the direct or indirect sources of these micronutrients for human consumption. The micronutrient concentrations in plant-based foods are, therefore, the indicators of the balanced and healthy diets of humans.With plant-based foods not providing sufficient micronutrients to meet the human needs, the agricultural sector needed to address this challenge. Micronutrient biofortification of food crops, especially of staple cereal grains, is a promising approach to mitigate the widespread micronutrient deficiencies in susceptible human populations in both developing and developed countries. Several agronomic and genetic approaches have been suggested to increase micronutrient density in edible plant parts. In the last two decades, the research on various aspects of micronutrient biofortification is one of the major foci of plant scientists around the world. Contamination of natural resources and the resultant accumulation of toxic metal(loid)s such as arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in food crops has increased dietary intake of these contaminants (Afonne and Ifediba 2020). Exposure to their high concentration may lead to both acute and chronic toxicities in human population, even when living far away from the contamination sources. This is quite an opposite challenge to the micronutrient deficiencies in human populations. In living cells, the potentially toxic metal(loid)s are absorbed via the transporters of essential minerals. This makes it very challenging for plant breeders to develop crop cultivars that can differentiate between the essential and toxic elements. Given the prevailing scenario, it is urgent to develop the strategies for producing micronutrient-dense plant-based foods with the concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s below the maximum permissible levels. The special issue on Mineral Biofortification and Metal/Metalloid Accumulation in Food Crops was aimed at publishing the latest research on agronomic and genetic biofortification, and metal/metalloid accumulation in food crops. Following is a brief description of the articles included in part one of the special issue.
Beyond the N-Limit of the Least Squares Resolution and the Lucky Model

A very simple Gaussian model is used to illustrate an interesting fitting result: a linear growth of the resolution with the number N of detecting layers. This rule is well beyond the well-known rule proportional to N for the resolution of the usual fits. The effect is obtained with the appropriate form of the variance for each hit (observation). The model reconstructs straight tracks with N parallel detecting layers, the track direction is the selected parameter to test the resolution. The results of the Gaussian model are compared with realistic simulations of silicon micro-strip detectors. These realistic simulations suggest an easy method to select the essential weights for the fit: the lucky model. Preliminary results of the lucky model show an excellent reproduction of the linear growth of the resolution, very similar to that given by realistic simulations. The maximum likelihood evaluations complete this exploration of the growth in resolution.
Biopsy and Margins Optimize Outcomes after Thermal Ablation of Colorectal Liver Metastases

Simple Summary Thermal ablation (TA) is a non-surgical treatment of cancer that has been used with success in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CLM). TA consists of burning the cancer and a rim of surrounding tissue (margin) with a special needle placed in the tumor under image guidance. Despite the technological evolution of TA, tumor progression/recurrence rates remain higher than expected. We present a method that combines tissue and imaging tests performed immediately after ablation to determine whether there is complete tumor destruction or remaining live cancer cells that can cause tumor progression/recurrence. This information can provide guidance for additional treatments for patients with evidence of residual cancer, i.e.,: additional TA at the same or subsequent sitting, or additional chemotherapy and short-interval imaging follow-up to detect recurrence. The presented method proposes a clinical practice paradigm change that can improve clinical outcomes in a large population of patients with CLM treated by TA. Abstract Background: Thermal ablation is a definitive local treatment for selected colorectal liver metastases (CLM) that can be ablated with adequate margins. A critical limitation has been local tumor progression (LTP). Methods: This prospective, single-group, phase 2 study enrolled patients with CLM < 5 cm in maximum diameter, at a tertiary cancer center between November 2009 and February 2019. Biopsy of the ablation zone center and margin was performed immediately after ablation. Viable tumor in tissue biopsy and ablation margins < 5 mm were assessed as predictors of 12-month LTP. Results: We enrolled 107 patients with 182 CLMs. Mean tumor size was 2.0 (range, 0.6–4.6) cm. Microwave ablation was used in 51% and radiofrequency ablation in 49% of tumors. The 12- and 24-month cumulative incidence of LTP was 22% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17, 29) and 29% (95% CI: 23, 36), respectively. LTP at 12 months was 7% (95% CI: 3, 14) for the biopsy tumor-negative ablation zone with margins ≥ 5 mm vs. 63% (95% CI: 35, 85) for the biopsy-positive ablation zone with margins < 5 mm (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Biopsy-proven complete tumor ablation with margins of at least 5 mm achieves optimal local tumor control for CLM, regardless of the ablation modality used.
Plant-Based Alternative Products: Are They Healthy Alternatives? Micro- and Macronutrients and Nutritional Scoring

In recent decades, the demand, supply, and consumption of plant-based (pb) alternative products have increased worldwide. The objective of this study was to characterize pb meat and cheese products and compare them with their respective animal-based products. Data were collected in online market analyses (2019/2021). Nutritional data, Nutri-Score, and analysis of micronutrients are presented in this article. The number of products has grown in all categories, with the largest increase of 110% in pb cheese. The main protein sources in pb meat were soy and wheat, followed by an increasing use of peas. Pb meat generally contained less energy and total and saturated fat, but more carbohydrates and sugars than meat. In pb cheese, the protein content was lower than that of cheese. In 3 of 17 food groups, the salt content of pb alternatives was lower than in animal products. The daily requirement for iron could be covered better by pb alternatives than previously anticipated as well as the need for the vitamins E and K. The calculated Nutri-Score was generally lower for pb meat and higher for pb cheese than for the respective animal products. The trend towards consumption of pb alternative products is increasing, but the high level of processing, wide range of nutrients, and high salt content indicate the need for nutritional guidelines for these products.
Molecular Genetic Investigation of Digital Melanoma in Dogs

Canine digital melanoma, in contrast to canine oral melanoma, is still largely unexplored at the molecular genetic level. The aim of this study was to detect mutant genes in digital melanoma. Paraffin-embedded samples from 86 canine digital melanomas were examined for the BRAF V595E variant by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), and for exon 11 mutations in c-kit. Furthermore, exons 2 and 3 of KRAS and NRAS were analysed by Sanger sequencing. Copy number variations (CNV) of KITLG in genomic DNA were analysed from nine dogs. The BRAF V595E variant was absent and in c-kit, a single nucleotide polymorphism was found in 16/70 tumours (23%). The number of copies of KITLG varied between 4 and 6. KRAS exon 2 codons 12 and 13 were mutated in 22/86 (25.6%) of the melanomas examined. Other mutually exclusive RAS mutations were found within the hotspot loci, i.e., KRAS exon 3 codon 61: 2/55 (3.6%); NRAS exon 2 codons 12 and 13: 2/83 (2.4%); and NRAS exon 3 codon 61: 9/86 (10.5%). However, no correlation could be established between histological malignancy criteria, survival times and the presence of RAS mutations. In summary, canine digital melanoma differs from molecular genetic data of canine oral melanoma and human melanoma, especially regarding the proportion of RAS mutations.
Novel Treatment Approaches to Combat Trichomoniasis, a Neglected and Sexually Transmitted Infection Caused by Trichomonas vaginalis: Translational Perspectives

The multistep translational science behind new drugs comprehends the entire process through laboratory, clinical, and community observations turned into health interventions. The development of new drug options from discovering targets and leading compounds in basic research for implementing therapeutic guidelines contributes to the emergence of health policies essential for infection control. This review updates the translational research in the scenario of the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI), trichomoniasis. Paradoxically to its high occurrence, it is considered neglected since notification is not mandatory. It turns into a stable disease with health complications, and receives little emphasis from public health programs to control STI. Although related to curable STIs, the current drugs, metronidazole and tinidazole, present therapeutic failures. The need for new options to treat trichomoniasis is established by basic research studies and patents revealing novel synthetic compounds and natural products presenting anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activities, mainly based on in vitro findings. Clinical trials are still focused on new routes of administration for conventional drugs. In addition, nanotechnology approaches are in their infancy, shedding light on potential possibilities for creating more effective, targeted, and safe delivery systems. Overall, the novel proposed approaches need, in addition to pharmaceutical development and efficacy assessments, to ensure that the quality requirements for their use as medicines are met. It is essential to overcome these issues to cross the “Death Valley” of drug discovery and to advance in the translational science criteria in the trichomoniasis drug development field.
Competencies Revisited

Abstract This paper presents a systemic view on the purpose and impact of planning education. We introduce a system model, which is based on the assumption that the objective of planning education is to equip students with competencies to resolve current and future challenges. Planning education has always been focussed on instruments for this purpose. Among other reasons, established statutory instruments have become less effective in steering urban development due to a shift of power from public towards private stakeholders, e.g. in terms of funding. Thus, we propose a shift from formal qualifications suited for public planning control towards a problem-based and impact-orientated approach. The educational term “competence” serves hereby as a measure of employability. The “wicked” nature of planning problems (Rittel, Webber 1973: 160) characterises knowledge in planning. Knowledge is contextual and constantly transforming. It can, however, be deconstructed in a defined context. Then, we can assign an observable impact to a certain state of a problem or intervention. These constructs of knowledge can help us to make informed decisions. The challenge is to apply and transform these contextual constructs to other settings. This requires proficiency in analysing, evaluating and creating constructs. Public planning control and its instruments consist of normative goals, which dictate the reason and extent of planning. In the case of a problem-based approach, it is the role of a planner to recognise situations in which his knowledge helps to make an impact on intended futures.
Effects of inorganic and organic selenium intervention on resistance of radish to arsenic stress

Arsenic (As) pollution, a potential threat for human health, in vegetables is one of the primary sources of As intake by the human body. In the Pot Experiment, the As content, physiological index and antioxidant enzyme activity of radish were determined. The results demonstrated that the order of As concentration in radish tissues was roots > stems > leaves. Organic selenium (Se) can inhibit the absorption of arsenic in radish more effectively than inorganic Se. The application of organic Se and low concentration of selenite (Se(IV)) significantly enhanced the stress resistance of radish for increasing superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity, increasing soluble protein, chlorophyll and proline content, and reducing malondialdehyde content. In contrast, the high concentration of Se(IV) and selenate (Se(VI)) treatment group demonstrated stress and toxicological effects on radish. This study provides an idea for further research on the remediation mechanism of Se to As toxicity and provides a reference for the adoption of Se fertilizer in agriculture.
Systematic review and meta-analysis: gray-scale ultrasound and shear wave elastography in the diagnosis of primipara pregnancy and delivery

Department of Nursing, Children’s Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China; Science and Education Department, Children’s Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China; Department of Medical Imaging, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China Contributions: (I) Conception and design: Y Qu, Y You; (II) Administrative support: H Sun; (III) Provision of study materials or patients: J Chen, J Bai, Y Liu, Y You; (IV) Collection and assembly of data: All authors; (V) Data analysis and interpretation: Y Qu, J Chen, J Bai, Y Liu, Y You; (VI) Manuscript writing: All authors; (VII) Final approval of manuscript: All authors. Correspondence to: Yang You. Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang, China. Email: youyoung96@163.com.
Bashkirian Rugosa (Anthozoa) from the Donets Basin (Ukraine). Part 11. The Family Pentaphyllidae Schindewolf, 1942 and considerations on the Suborder Tachylasmatina Fedorowski, 1973

: Fedorowski, J. 2021. Bashkirian Rugosa (Anthozoa) from the Donets Basin (Ukraine). Part 11. The Family Pentaphyllidae Schindewolf, 1942 and considerations on the Suborder Tachylasmatina Fedorowski, 1973. Acta Geologica Polonica , 71 (4), 415–431. Warszawa. Inconsistency in the approach to the corals included by different authors in the families Tachylasmatidae Grabau, 1928 and Pentaphyllidae Schindewolf, 1942 are discussed in the context of their relationship vs homeomorphy to the Family Plerophyllidae Koker, 1924. Following Schindewolf (1942), the pentaphylloid or cryptophylloid early ontogeny, typical of the former two families, is contrasted with the zaphrentoid ontogeny typical of the latter family. Comprehensive analysis proves the independent taxonomic position of the Suborder Tachylasmatina Fedorowski, 1973. The taxa described herein support this idea. The relationship of the two families: Tachylasmatidae and Pentaphyllidae within the framework of this suborder are suggested. A new genus left in open nomenclature (represented by a single specimen) and three new species, Pentaphyllum sp. nov. 1, ? Pentaphyllum sp. nov. 2 and Gen. et sp. nov. 1 are described from lower Bashkirian deposits.
Marine fishes (Elasmobranchii, Teleostei) from the Glendon Limestone Member of the Byram Formation (Oligocene, Rupelian) at site AWa-9, Washington County, Alabama, USA, including a new species of gobiid (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae)

: Ebersole, J.A. , Cicimurri, D.J. and Stringer, G.L. 2021. Marine fishes (Elasmobranchii, Teleostei) from the Glendon Limestone Member of the Byram Formation (Oligocene, Rupelian) at site AWa-9, Washington County, Alabama, USA, including a new species of gobiid (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae). Acta Geologica Polonica , 71 (4), 481–518. The Oligocene (Rupelian) Byram Formation (Vicksburg Group) in Alabama, USA, is divided into three members, including (in ascending order) the Glendon Limestone, unnamed marl, and the Bucatunna Clay. The Oligocene marine units in Alabama have been historically under-investigated, but bulk samples recently obtained from Glendon Limestone Member exposures at site AWa-9 in Washington County yielded 20 unequivocal elasmobranch and teleost taxa. This surprisingly diverse paleofauna, based on isolated teeth, bones and otoliths, includes the new taxon, Gobiosoma ? axsmithi sp. nov., as well as “ Aetomylaeus ” sp. , Albula sp. , Aplodinotus gemma Koken, 1888, Ariosoma nonsector Nolf and Stringer, 2003, Balistidae indet. , Citharichthys sp. , Myliobatoidei indet. , Diretmus ? sp. , Hemipristis sp. , Negaprion aff. N . gilmorei (Leriche, 1942), Pachyscyllium sp. , Paralbula sp. , Physogaleus sp. , Preophidion meyeri (Koken, 1888), Sciaena pseu-doradians (Dante and Frizzell in Frizzell and Dante, 1965), Sciaenops ? sp. , Sparus ? elegantulus Koken, 1888, Sphyraena sp. , and Syacium sp. Additional remains were recovered but could not be identified beyond undetermined Elasmobranchii or Teleostei. All these taxa represent first occurrences within the Glendon Limestone Member in Alabama, and the “ Aetomylaeus ” sp. , Pachyscyllium sp. , Paralbula sp. , and Sciaenops ? sp. specimens represent the first occurrences of each in the Oligocene of the Gulf Coastal Plain of the USA. We also report the first record of Oligocene Paralbula Blake, 1940 teeth, and the first occurrence of an Oligocene member of the Balistidae in the Western Hemisphere. This marine vertebrate assemblage indicates that the Glendon Limestone Member at site AWa-9 represented a subtropical to temperate, middle shelf paleoenviron-ment with a paleowater depth interpreted as 30–100 m.
Alessandro Giardino2 · Roberto Girelli2 · Luca Landoni1 · Giuseppe Malleo1 · Giovanni Marchegiani1 · Salvatore Paiella1 · Antonio Pea1 · Paolo Regi2 · Filippo Scopelliti2 · Massimiliano Tuveri1 · Claudio Bassi1,3 · Roberto Salvia1 · Giovanni Butturini2

Background This study aimed to discuss and report the trend, outcomes, and learning curve effect after minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) at two high-volume centres. Methods Patients undergoing MIDP between January 1999 and December 2018 were retrospectively identified from prospectively maintained electronic databases. The entire cohort was divided into two groups constituting the “early” and “recent” phases. The learning curve effect was analyzed for laparoscopic (LDP) and robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP). The follow-up was at least 2 years. Results The study population included 401 consecutive patients (LDP n = 300, RDP n = 101). Twelve surgeons performed MIDP during the study period. Although patients were more carefully selected in the early phase, in terms of median age (49 vs. 55 years, p = 0.026), ASA class higher than 2 (3% vs. 9%, p = 0.018), previous abdominal surgery (10% vs. 34%, p < 0.001), and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) (7% vs. 15%, p = 0.017), the recent phase had similar perioperative outcomes. The increase of experience in LDP was inversely associated with the operative time (240 vs 210 min, p < 0.001), morbidity rate (56.5% vs. 40.1%, p = 0.005), intra-abdominal collection (28.3% vs. 17.3%, p = 0.023), and length of stay (8 vs. 7 days, p = 0.009). Median survival in the PDAC subgroup was 53 months. Conclusion In the setting of high-volume centres, the surgical training of MIDP is associated with acceptable rates of morbidity. The learning curve can be largely achieved by several team members, improving outcomes over time. Whenever possible resection of PDAC guarantees adequate oncological results and survival.
12 Apri Heri Iswanto JKWST-17-10 (787-796).hwp

A low dimensional stability and poor bending strength properties were main problems in particleboard manufacturing. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of mixed wood species and urea-formaldehyde (UF) or urea-melamine-formaldehyde (UMF) resins on the physical and mechanical properties of three-layer particleboards. The ratio of face/core/back layer was 1 : 2 : 1. The resin content of 12% for both UF resins and UMF resins (UF/MF = 70/30% w/w) was used. The results of this study showed that the utilization of S.mahagony shaving using both UF and UMF resins caused a decrease in the thickness swelling and water absorption of the boards. Thickness swellings of particleboard made of Sengon/Sengon/Sengon (SSS), Mahogany/Mahogany/Mahogany (MMM), Sengon/Mahogany/Sengon (SMS), and Mahogany/Sengon/Mahogany (MSM) were in the range of 23%, 12∼16%, 14∼16%, and 13∼21%, respectively. The board bonded with UMF resin demonstrated better dimensional stability than that bonded with UF resin alone. Modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) of particleboards made of S. mahagony shaving in the surface layer in both MMM and MSM boards were better than those of the SSS and SMS. MOE of MMM and MSM board was in the ranges of 24,000 to 26,000 kg.cm-2 and 18,000 to 21,000 kg.cm-2 respectively. Meanwhile, the MOR of board was in the ranges of 200 to 240 kg.cm-2 and 190 to 228 kg.cm-2, respectively.
Association of polymorphisms in the sex hormone genes with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an important public health problem worldwide. Therefore, it is important to identify the molecular mechanisms and the candidate gene polymorphisms involved in the development of CAD. In this study, we focused on 2 polymorphisms of the atherosclerosis-related genes, ESR1 and CYP19A1. METHODS Unselected 339 individuals who underwent coronary angiography were divided into 2 groups: those with normal coronary arteries (≤30% stenosis) and those with critical disease (≥50% stenosis). Individuals were genotyped for CYP19A1 rs10046 C/T and ESR1 rs2175898 A/G polymorphisms using hybridization probes in real-time PCR. In addition, Gensini and SYNTAX scores were assessed. RESULTS ESR1 polymorphism was significantly associated with CAD in men (p=0.036) via G allele carriage. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that ESR1 rare allele carriage was associated with CAD presence (Odds ratio=2.12, 95% confidence interval 1.01-4.1, p=0.025), adjusted for age, HDL-C, LDL-C and smoking status in the male group. CYP19A1 rs10046 T allele carriers had a 2.84-fold increased risk for complex CAD in multiple logistic regression analysis (p=0.016). Furthermore, the univariate analysis of variance indicated that T allele carriage of rs10046 polymorphism was associated with increased SYNTAX and Gensini scores (p<0.05). Female patients who were ESR1 G allele carriers with CAD had higher adiponectin levels (p=0.005), whereas HbA1c levels were associated with T allele of CYP19A1 in the CAD group (p=0.004) and male CAD group (p=0.018). CONCLUSION The CYP19A1 and ESR1 polymorphisms were associated with the presence and severity of CAD. These gene polymorphisms warrant further studies for the elucidation of their contribution to CAD development.