Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Paracoxib Alleviates Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury Through Functional Modulation of Lung-Recruited CD11bloLy6Chi Monocytes.

OBJECTIVE Lung-recruited Ly6C monocytes had been shown to be involved in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Our present study aimed to investigate whether the COX-2 inhibition modulates the function of lung-recruited Ly6C monocytes in a mouse model of VILI. METHODS Mice were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 20 ng) intraperitoneally prior to injurious mechanical ventilation (Vt = 30 ml/kg, PEEP = 0 cmH2O). A subgroup of mice was treated with intravenous parecoxib (30 mg/kg), a COX-2 inhibitor, 1 hour prior to ventilation. Control mice received saline and were not ventilated. At the end of the experiment, blood gas analysis was performed and lung tissue was collected for histological assessment. Flow cytometry was employed to quantify the different populations of lung monocytes/macrophages and their function. Isolated Ly6C cells were used to measure the intracellular concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) by fluorescent probes, and cytokine production by cytometric bead array. RESULTS Exposure to LPS and injurious ventilation was associated with severe lung histological damage, oxygenation impairment, and pulmonary edema; all of which were largely attenuated following the treatment of parecoxib. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis revealed that parecoxib caused a reduction in the number of the lung-recruited CD11bLy6C monocytes while there was no effect on tissue-resident CD64 alveolar macrophages. In addition, the production of oxidative stress products (ROS, NO), MHC-II expression and inflammatory cytokines in response to LPS and VILI in CD11bLy6C monocytes was ameliorated by parecoxib. CONCLUSION Parecoxib-induced alleviation of oxidative stress and inflammation in lung-recruited Ly6C monocytes may partly explain the beneficial action of COX-2 inhibition in VILI.
Architecture of Branch-root Junctions in Maize: Structure of the Connecting Xylem and the Porosity of Pit Membranes

Abstract The architecture of the connecting xylem network in the vascular plexus linking branch and main root vessels has been examined using cryoSEM, and the limiting porosity of the network determined with tracers (dye, and particles of known size: latex, polystyrene and gold sols). Dye and water move freely throughout the xylem network, while particles are constrained to follow tortuous vessel-like conduits of irregularly-shaped elements linked by large-diameter perforations. These conduits end at special pit membranes (boundary pit membranes) at the periphery of main root vessels. Particles accumulate on the outer side of these filters, often filling the terminal elements of these conduits adjacent to the main root vessels. Some vessel elements within the plexus are isolated from the convoluted conduits by normal pit membranes, and often also from each other, by pit membranes and still-intact end walls in otherwise mature elements. These extra-conduit elements may be an auxiliary filtering system. The boundary pit membranes filtered out particles with mean diameters as small as 4.9 ± 0.7 nm, indicating a pore size one or two orders of magnitude smaller than most previous measurements for pit membranes, but close to pore sizes determined for hydrated primary cell walls. It is concluded that boundary pit membranes at branch-root junctions are efficient filters for microbes and particulates entering damaged branch roots. They would also restrict entry of air/water interfaces when main root xylem tension was less than approx. 100 MPa.
Analysis of clinical features and early warning signs in patients with severe COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Although previous studies have described the clinical aspects of COVID-19, few studies have focused on the early detection of severe COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the predictors of severe COVID-19 and to compare clinical features between patients with severe COVID-19 and those with less severe COVID-19. Patients admitted to designated hospital in the Henan Province of China who were either discharged or died prior to February 15, 2020 were enrolled retrospectively. Additionally, patients who underwent at least one of the following treatments were assigned to the severe group: continuous renal replacement therapy, high-flow oxygen absorption, noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The remaining patients were assigned to the non-severe group. Demographic information, initial symptoms, and first visit examination results were collected from the electronic medical records and compared between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of severe COVID-19. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify a threshold for each predictor. Altogether,104 patients were enrolled in our study with 30 and 74 patients in the severe and non-severe groups, respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that patients aged ≥63 years (odds ratio = 41.0; 95% CI: 2.8, 592.4), with an absolute lymphocyte value of ≤1.02×109/L (odds ratio = 6.1; 95% CI = 1.5, 25.2) and a C-reactive protein level of ≥65.08mg/L (odds ratio = 8.9; 95% CI = 1.0, 74.2) were at a higher risk of severe illness. Thus, our results could be helpful in the early detection of patients at risk for severe illness, enabling the implementation of effective interventions and likely lowering the morbidity of COVID-19 patients.
GENETIC CONTROL OF SEED SIZE IN COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)

Seed size contributes to yield and it is also a consumer trait of cowpea in Ghana and other parts of the world. Ghanaian consumers tend to prefer large seeded cowpea to small sizes although, Ghanaian varieties have smaller seeds compared to the imported types. This might be a contributing factor to high importation of cowpea to Ghana. To breed cowpeas with large grains, it is paramount to understand the inheritance of the trait. Generation mean analysis was performed to estimate gene actions on seed size of cowpea using CB27 and Gh3710 as the large and small seeded parents respectively. It was observed that eight genes control seed size and that small seed is partially domi- nant over large seed. The estimated broad sense heritability was 84% while the narrow sense was 35%. Both additive and non-additive genes with their interactions in the exception of additive - additive had significant effect on seed size inheritance in cowpea. The inheritance of seed size was observed to be complex, it was suggested that combinations of methods such as single seed descent and backcross methods with selection from early generations through advanced level would help improve seed size of cowpea.
Ageing in human parturition: impetus of the gestation clock in the decidua†

Abstract Despite sharing many common features, the relationship between ageing and parturition remains poorly understood. The decidua is a specialized lining of endometrial tissue, which develops in preparation for pregnancy. The structure and location of the decidua support its role as the physical scaffold for the growing embryo and placenta, and thus, it is vital to sustain pregnancy. Approaching term, the physical support properties of the decidua are naturally weakened to permit parturition. In this review, we hypothesize that the natural weakening of decidual tissue at parturition is promoted by the ageing process. Studies of the ageing-related functional and molecular changes in the decidua at parturition are reviewed and classified using hallmarks of ageing as the framework. The potential roles of decidual mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (DMSC) ageing in labor are also discussed because, although stem cell exhaustion is also a hallmark of ageing, its role in labor is not completely understood. In addition, the potential roles of extracellular vesicles secreted by DMSCs in labor, and their parturition-related miRNAs, are reviewed to gain further insight into this research area. In summary, the literature supports the notion that the decidua ages as the pregnancy progresses, and this may facilitate parturition, suggesting that ageing is the probable impetus of the gestational clocks in the decidua. This conceptual framework was developed to provide a better understanding of the natural ageing process of the decidua during parturition as well as to encourage future studies of the importance of healthy ageing for optimal pregnancy outcomes. Summary Sentence The decidua ages as the pregnancy progresses, and this may promote and/or facilitate parturition. Ageing is likely the impetus of the gestational clocks in the decidua. Graphical Abstract
Prevalence of JC and BK viruses in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis

Introduction: Polyomaviruses including BK virus (BKV) and JC virus (JCV) are widespread in human and have been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) in some studies. The aim of present systematic review and meta-analysis article is to calculate the pooled prevalence of BKV and JCV in patients with CRC and assessing their association with this malignancy. Materials and Methods: Domestic databases and Sciences Direct, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Sciences and Scopus were searched for relevant articles up to 2nd June 2019Two independent reviewers extracted the related data from eligible articles. The pooled prevalence and pooled odds ratio (POR) and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using “metaprop” and “metan” commands in Stata 14. Where I2 statistics were >50%, the random effect model was used. Results: From 1461 relevant studies, 24 articles were eligible and included in the qualitative while 19 articles included in quantitative analysis. The pooled prevalence based on diagnostic methods varies from 29% using immunohistochemistry to 52% using nested-PCR method. The likelihood of being infected with JCV was significantly higher in CRC patients compared to healthy (POR: 4.41, 95% CI: 2.13 – 9.13) controls, normal adjacent mucosa (POR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.3-5.9) and colorectal adenoma (POR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.5-6.5) but was not significant when non-CRC patients used as control group. Conclusion: The prevalence of JCV in colorectal patients was substantially variable by different methods and targets. The significant association between JCV and CRC that was observed in the present study is not indicative of causation and should be studied more in large-scale prospective designs.
BCR-ABL Gene Transcript Types of Patients with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Background: The aim of this study was analyzing the BCR-ABL transcript types of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in Dr Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This study is very relevant because the data concerning BCR-ABL gene transcript types is very limited in Indonesia. Furthermore, it is important for patient’s management, particularly in defining the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) therapy and monitoring after therapy. The introduction of TKIs has become a major advance in the management of patients with CML, especially in the chronic phase (CML-CP), in which most patients are diagnosed. Methods: One hundred eighty five (185) of 370 recruited patients were included in this study (2010–2014). RNA samples were isolated from mononuclear cells of peripheral blood of the subjects taken at primary diagnosis. Detection of BCR-ABL gene transcript types was done using multiplex reverse transcriptase PCR (multiplex RT-PCR) and/or nested PCR following the cDNA synthesis. When the first PCR set failed to amplify the BCR-ABL gene, RT-conventional PCR and/or nested PCR would be applied. The proportion of each transcript type was calculated among the BCR-ABL positive CML patients. Results: Approximately 99% (183/185) of CML patients are BCR-ABL positive, with the most common type is major b3a2 (136/183; 74.3%), followed by major b2a2 (41/183; 22.4%). Two samples (1.1%) showed co-expression of b3a2 and b2a2; 1 sample showed co-expression of b3a2 and fragment at 500bp; and 3 samples showed uncommon fragments. Conclusion: Ninety nine percent (99%) of CML patients in Yogyakarta, Indonesia are BCR-ABL positive, with 74.3% have b3a2 transcript, 22.4% have b2a2 trascript, 1.1% have co-expression of b3a2 and b2a2 transcript, and the rest (2.2%) have uncommon bands that still need to be confirmed.
Associated anomalies in cases with congenital clubfoot.

Congenital clubfoot CTEV is a common congenital anomaly, its etiology is unclear and its pathogenesis is controversial. Cases with CTEV often have other non-CTEV associated congenital anomalies. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and the types of these associated anomalies in a defined population. The associated anomalies in cases with CTEV were collected in all livebirths, stillbirths, and terminations of pregnancy during 29 years in 387,067 consecutive births in the area covered by our population-based registry of congenital malformations. Of the 504 cases with CTEV, representing a prevalence of 13.02 per 10,000, 107 (21.2%) had associated anomalies. There were 31 (6.1%) cases with chromosomal abnormalities, and 21 (4.2%) non-chromosomal recognized dysmorphic conditions including syndromes: 6 arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, 2 22q11.2 microdeletion, and one fetal alcohol syndrome. Fifty-five (10.9%) of the cases had nonsyndromic multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). Anomalies in the cardiovascular, the central nervous, the urinary, the orofacial, and the musculoskeletal systems were the most common other anomalies in the cases with MCA. The anomalies associated with CTEV could be classified into a recognizable malformation syndrome in 52 of the 107 cases (48.6%) with associated anomalies. This study included special strengths: it is population-based, each affected child was examined by a geneticist, all elective terminations were ascertained, and the surveillance for anomalies was continued until 2 years of age. In conclusion the overall prevalence of associated anomalies, one of five cases, emphasizes the need for a screening for other anomalies in cases with CTEV.
Light adaptation mechanisms in the eye of the fiddler crab Afruca tangeri

A great diversity of adaptations is found among animals with compound eyes and even closely related taxa can show variation in their light‐adaptation strategies. A prime example of a visual system evolved to function in specific light environments is the fiddler crab, used widely as a model to research aspects of crustacean vision and neural pathways. However, questions remain regarding how their eyes respond to the changes in brightness spanning many orders of magnitude, associated with their habitat and ecology. The fiddler crab Afruca tangeri forages at low tide on tropical and semi‐tropical mudflats, under bright sunlight and on moonless nights, suggesting that their eyes undergo effective light adaptation. Using synchrotron X‐ray tomography, light and transmission electron microscopy and in vivo ophthalmoscopy, we describe the ultrastructural changes in the eye between day and night. Dark adaptation at dusk triggered extensive widening of the rhabdoms and crystalline cone tips. This doubled the ommatidial acceptance angles and increased microvillar surface area for light capture in the rhabdom, theoretically boosting optical sensitivity 7.4 times. During daytime, only partial dark‐adaptation was achieved and rhabdoms remained narrow, indicating strong circadian control on the process. Bright light did not evoke changes in screening pigment distributions, suggesting a structural inability to adapt rapidly to the light level fluctuations frequently experienced when entering their burrow to escape predators. This should enable fiddler crabs to shelter for several minutes without undergoing significant dark‐adaptation, their vision remaining effectively adapted for predator detection when surfacing again in bright light.
Single‐locus DNA barcoding and species delimitation of the sandfly subgenus Evandromyia (Aldamyia)

Sandfly specimens from the subgenus Evandromyia (Aldamyia) Galati, 2003 (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) were collected between 2012 and 2019 from nine localities in seven Brazilian states, morphologically‐identified, and then DNA barcoded by sequencing the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (coi) gene. Forty‐four new barcode sequences generated from 10 morphospecies were combined with 49 previously published sequences from the same subgenus and analysed using sequence‐similarity methods (best‐match criteria) to assess their ability at specimen identification, while four different species delimitation methods (ABGD, GMYC, PTP and TCS) were used to infer molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). Overall, seven of the 11 morphospecies analysed were congruent with both the well‐supported clades identified by phylogenetic analysis and the MOTUs inferred by species delimitation, while the remaining four morphospecies – E. carmelinoi, E. evandroi, E. lenti and E. piperiformis – were merged into a single well‐supported clade/MOTU. Although E. carmelinoi, E. evandroi and E. lenti were indistinguishable using coi DNA barcodes, E. piperiformis did form a distinct phylogenetic cluster and could be correctly identified using best‐match criteria. Despite their apparent morphological differences, we propose on the basis of the molecular similarity of their DNA barcodes that these latter four morphospecies should be considered members of a recently‐diverged species complex.
Conflict of Interest: Are Iranian Breast Cancer Specialists Prone to it?

Introduction: Giving gifts is a common way to promote and encourage the use of products of trading companies and increase the patient referrals to diagnostic centers. The present study aimed to assess the practice of physicians of different (sub) specialties/educational levels engaged in breast cancer management in some conflict of interest (COI) situations in their relation with pharmaceutical companies and paraclinical centers. Methods: A self-administered online questionnaire including questions on demographic and professional information as well as the attitude of physicians toward COI by answering the questions in three different practical scenarios was developed. Respondents were asked to answer each question by selecting one of the five options: strongly agree, agree, undecided/neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree in their own practices as well as the same questions asking the same subject for what they think of the other physicians. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to report qualitative and quantitative variables. Result: The response rate was 66.24%. In general, physicians considered their performance better than that of other physicians in the situations asked. More than 90% stated that they would participate in the sponsorship congress for introducing new drugs. One fifth of the physicians stated that they would accept the 30% financial proposition for the referral of every single patient to other clinics. More than half of the physicians stated that they had considered the risks resulted from the COI for referring patients to private radiobiological centers. Conclusion: This study indicated that physicians in the field of breast cancer were at the risk of COI. Even within the medical field, there is not sufficient trust in the proper functioning of doctors in dealing with COI situations.
Cultural orientation, power, belief in conspiracy theories, and intentions to reduce the spread of COVID‐19

The current study investigated cultural and psychological factors associated with intentions to reduce the spread of COVID‐19. Participants (n = 704) completed measures of individualism–collectivism, belief in conspiracy theories about COVID‐19, feelings of powerlessness, and intentions to engage in behaviours that reduce the spread of COVID‐19. Results revealed that vertical individualism negatively predicted intentions to engage in social distancing, directly and indirectly through both belief in COVID‐19 conspiracy theories and feelings of powerlessness. Vertical collectivism positively predicted social distancing intentions directly. Horizontal collectivism positively predicted social distancing intentions indirectly through feelings of powerlessness. Finally, horizontal collectivism positively predicted hygiene‐related intentions both directly and indirectly through lower feelings of powerlessness. These findings suggest that promoting collectivism may be a way to increase engagement with efforts to reduce the spread of COVID‐19. They also highlight the importance of examining the interplay between culture and both personal feelings (powerlessness) and information consumption (conspiracy theories) during times of crisis.
Infectability of human BrainSphere neurons suggests neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2.

Reports from Wuhan suggest that 36% of COVID-19 patients show neurological symptoms, and cases of viral encephalitis have been reported, suggesting that the virus is neurotropic under unknown circumstances. This is well established for other coronaviruses. In order to understand why some patients develop such symptoms and others do not, we address herein the infectability of the central nervous system (CNS). Reports that the ACE2 receptor - critical for virus entry into lung cells - is found in different neurons supports this expectation. We employ a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived BrainSphere model, which we used earlier for Zika, Dengue, HIV and John Cunningham virus infection studies. We detected the expression of the ACE2 receptor but not TMPRSS2 in the model. Incubating the BrainSpheres for 6 hours with SARS-CoV-2 at multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.1 led to the infection of a fraction of neural cells with replication of the virus evident 72 hours later. Virus particles were found in the neuronal cell body extending into apparent neurite structures. PCR measurements corroborated the replication of the virus, suggesting at least a tenfold increase in virus copies per total RNA. Leveraging state-of-the-art 3D organotypic cell culture, which has been shown to allow both virus infection and (developmental) neurotoxicity but is at the same time simple enough to be transferred and used in a BSL-3 environment, we demonstrate, for the first time, the potential critically important neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2.