Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MiR-29b-3p Reverses Cisplatin Resistance by Targeting COL1A1 in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer A549/DDP Cells

Objective To investigate the expression of miR-29b-3p in tissues and cells of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its effect on cisplatin resistance in NSCLC cells and its mechanism. Methods The mRNA expression of miR-29b-3p and COL1A1 in NSCLC tissue, cell line A549 and cisplatin-resistant cell line A549/DDP was detected by RT-qPCR. MiR-29b-3p Mimics was transfected into A549/DDP cells, and the cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis and related protein expression were detected by CCK-8, flow cytometry and Western blot. Also, luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-29b-3p and COL1A1. Moreover, COL1A1 overexpression lentivirus and miR-29b-3p mimics (Mimics+COL1A1) were simultaneously transfected into A549/DDP cells, and then the cell viability and related protein expression were measured. Results In NSCLC tissue and its cell line, miR-29b-3p was downregulated and COL1A1 was upregulated (P<0.05). After A549/DDP cell was transfected by mimics, its cell viability and proliferation rate decreased, apoptosis rate and the expression of tumor suppressor gene PTEN and apoptosis-related protein BAX were increased (P<0.05), which could be reversed by Mimics+COL1A1 co-transfection. Luciferase reporter gene assay indicated that COL1A1 was the target gene of miR-29b-3p. Conclusion All in all, miR-29b-3p can reverse the cisplatin resistance of A549/DDP cells by inhibiting the expression of COL1A1 gene and increasing the expression of PTEN and BAX.
PD-L1 expression level in different thymoma stages and thymic carcinoma: a meta-analysis

Background: The immune checkpoint ligand, programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), is expressed in various tumors and associated with response to drugs that target programmed cell death protein 1. Previous studies have estimated the level of PD-L1 expression among different stages of thymoma and thymic carcinoma to evaluate its potential use as a diagnostic factor; however, its varying expression level has been problematic. We conducted this meta-analysis of published literature to evaluate PD-L1 expression in thymomas and thymic carcinomas. Methods: We analyzed 12 studies that included 320 patients with type A/AB/B1 thymoma, 225 patients with type B2/B3 thymoma, and 180 patients with thymic carcinoma. Results: No difference in PD-L1 expression level was found between the B2/B3 vs C groups (odds ratio [OR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26, 1.76; p = 0.42). However, the heterogeneity was very high (I2 = 78%), and a significant difference was found between groups A/AB/B1 and B2/B3 (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.12, 0.41; p < 0.001), with a relatively low heterogeneity (I2 = 55%). Conclusion: PD-L1 positivity might be a useful factor to differentiate type A/AB/B1 thymoma from type B2/B3 and thymic carcinoma. This result might be valuable for potential anti PD-L1 treatment in thymoma and thymic carcinoma.
Induction of Cytochrome P4501A in the Intertidal FishAnoplarchus purpurescensby Prudhoe Bay Crude Oil and Environmental Induction in Fish from Prince William Sound

Cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) induction is a sensitive and specific adaptive response in fish exposed to xenobiotics including petroleum hydrocarbons. CYP1A expression was examined in the intertidal fish Anoplarchus purpurescens collected from or caged at reference sites and sites oiled by the Exxon Valdez spill in Prince William Sound. Immunoblotting of hepatic microsomes showed that the content of CYP1A in fish at oiled sites was up to 6-fold greater than that in reference site fish. Fish injected with the CYP1A inducer β-naphthoflavone showed a 70-fold induction of CYP1A, to levels six times the highest level seen in the field. To model the field exposure, fish were maintained over oiled sediments and/or fed amphipods collected from an oiled site. Hepatic microsomal CYP1A was induced 49-fold in fish exposed to oiled sediments but rapidly returned to control levels after fish were removed from oil exposure. Immunohistochemistry showed CYP1A induction in multiple organs. CYP1A staining in hepatic and some extrahepatic cells was highly correlated (r 2 ≥ 0.95) with the hepatic CYP1A content detected by immunoblot. Oiled food induced CYP1A most strongly in intestinal mucosal epithelial and endothelial cells. Relatively low levels of CYP1A were observed in liver, gill, and gonad of fish exposed to oil through the diet, consistent with the metabolism of dietary hydrocarbons by intestinal CYP1A. Exposure to oiled sediment alone strongly induced CYP1A in endothelial cells in all organs examined. Thus, oil present in Prince William Sound sediments more than 1 year after the spill was able to induce CYP1A in intertidal fish. The caging and laboratory experiments indicate that the induction of CYP1A observed in field specimens of A. purpurescens from oiled sites was due primarily to persistent spill-derived hydrocarbons.
AGGREGATION OF SPRUCE BEETLES (COLEOPTERA) TO SEUDENOL AND REPRESSION OF ATTRACTION BY METHYLCYCLOHEXENONE IN ALASKA

Abstract In tests conducted on the Kenai National Moose Range, Alaska, seudenol and α-pinene attracted more spruce beetles (Dendroctonus rufipennis (Kirby)) than did frontalin and α-pinene, the best previously reported synthetic attractant. Addition of methylcyclohexenone (MCH) to sticky traps baited with spruce logs (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss. ) infested with 20 female spruce beetles or to traps treated with seudenol and α-pinene reduced the number of spruce beetles caught by 87% and 99%, respectively. MCH appears to have similar repressive effect on the attraction of spruce beetle populations that differ in their geographic locations and hosts. A total of 179 other scolytids, representing 8 genera and 10 species, were caught by traps; greatest numbers were attracted to treatments containing trans-verbenol and uninfested spruce log sections. Scierus pubescens (Swaine) was recorded from Alaska for the first time. No members of Thanasimus species were caught although they have been consistently present in abundance in similar tests elsewhere.
Effects of a Ketogenic Diet Containing Medium-Chain Triglycerides and Endurance Training on Metabolic Enzyme Adaptations in Rat Skeletal Muscle

Long-term intake of a ketogenic diet enhances utilization of ketone bodies, a particularly energy-efficient substrate, during exercise. However, physiological adaptation to an extremely low-carbohydrate diet has been shown to upregulate pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4, a negative regulator of glycolytic flux) content in skeletal muscle, resulting in impaired high-intensity exercise capacity. This study aimed to examine the effects of a long-term ketogenic diet containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) on endurance training-induced adaptations in ketolytic and glycolytic enzymes of rat skeletal muscle. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on either a standard diet (CON), a long-chain triglyceride-containing ketogenic diet (LKD), or an MCT-containing ketogenic diet (MKD). Half the rats in each group performed a 2-h swimming exercise, 5 days a week, for 8 weeks. Endurance training significantly increased 3-oxoacid CoA transferase (OXCT, a ketolytic enzyme) protein content in epitrochlearis muscle tissue, and MKD intake additively enhanced endurance training–induced increases in OXCT protein content. LKD consumption substantially increased muscle PDK4 protein level. However, such PDK4 increases were not observed in the MKD-fed rats. In conclusion, long-term intake of ketogenic diets containing MCTs may additively enhance endurance training–induced increases in ketolytic capacity in skeletal muscle without exerting inhibitory effects on carbohydrate metabolism.
Induction of defence-related biochemicals by rhizosphere bacteria against black spot disease of rose

Black spot disease caused by Diplocarpon rosae is the most severe and ubiquitous disease of roses. Fungicides used to manage the disease are expensive and generally professed as ‘environmentally unsafe’; therefore, the development of alternative disease management strategies is required. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of rhizosphere bacteria isolated from healthy and infected rose plants to manage black spot disease. A detached leaf assay was performed to select the most virulent pathogenic strain. Then, a greenhouse assay was performed to test the ability of the bacterial strains to manage the disease. Rose plants cv. Gruss an Teplitz were inoculated with bacterial strains in pots followed by pathogen treatment. Strains RB11 and RB4 exhibited the greatest disease management potential, reducing the disease index by more than 60% compared with the control treatment. These strains were identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. Consequential quantitative changes in biochemical markers of plant defence, i.e. phenolics, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonialyase and polyphenol oxidase activities, and total soluble protein and ascorbic acid concentrations were evaluated in rose plants inoculated with the bacteria. In general, RB11 and RB4 induced higher levels of all these defence-related biochemicals. It was concluded that disease suppression capability of RB11 and RB4 may be due to the potential of these microbes to enhance the production of defence-related biochemicals in plants.
Cytotoxic or Not? Disclosing the Toxic Nature of Carbonaceous Nanomaterials through Nano–Bio Interactions

The cytotoxic influence of two different carbonaceous nanomaterials on human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured in vitro was compared in the short (1–3 days) and long term (up to 60 days). Amorphous carbon and single-walled carbon nanotubes were chosen and evaluated due to their contrasting physicochemical properties. Both materials, though supposed similarly low-toxic in basic short-term cytotoxicity assays, demonstrated dramatically different properties in the long-term study. The surface chemistry and biomolecule-adsorption capacity turned out to be crucial factors influencing cytotoxicity. We proved that amorphous carbon is able to weakly bind a low-affinity protein coat (so-called soft corona), while carbon nanotubes behaved oppositely. Obtained results from zeta-potential and adsorption measurements for both nanomaterials confirmed that a hard protein corona was present on the single-walled carbon-nanotube surface that aggravated their cytotoxic influence. The long-term exposure of the mesenchymal stem cells to carbon nanotubes, coated by the strongly bound proteins, showed a significant decrease in cell-growth rate, followed by cell senescence and death. These results are of great importance in the light of increasing nanomaterial applications in biomedicine and cell-based therapies. Our better understanding of the puzzling cytotoxicity of carbonaceous nanomaterials, reflecting their surface chemistry and interactions, is helpful in adjusting their properties when tailored for specific applications.
Combining Lindblad Master Equation and Surface Hopping to Evolve Distributions of Quantum Particles.

Motivated by the need to study non-equilibrium evolutions of many-electron systems at the atomistic ab initio level, as they occur in modern devices and applications, we developed a quantum dynamics approach bridging master equations and surface hopping (SH). The Lindblad master equation (LME) allows us to propagate efficiently ensembles of particles, while SH provides non-perturbative evaluation of transition rates that are evolve in time and depend explicitly on nuclear geometry. We implemented the LME-SH technique within real-time time-dependent density functional theory using global flux SH, and demonstrated its efficiency and utility by modeling charge-phonon dynamics in metallic films studied experimentally and showing an unexpectedly strong dependence on adhesion layers. The LME-SH approach provides a general framework for modeling efficiently quantum dynamics in a broad range of complex many-electron condensed-matter and nanoscale systems.
Quantitative analysis of carnivory in the krill Nyctiphanes australis, with an examination of the effect of non-preferred phytoplankton alternative prey

The functional responses of Nyctiphanes australis feeding on the copepod Acartia spp. (hereafter Acartia) at 0.5 to 15 copepods I-' and on the diatom Chaetoceros gracilis at 1.7 to 14.8 pg chl a I ' were measured to provide the first quantitative informahon on carnivorous feeding rates for this krill. Predation rates on Acartia [0.004 to 0.144 Acartla (mg acetone-extracted dry weight, Edw)-l h-'] were comparable to those of more carnivorous knll and were up to 32 times higher than grazing rates on C. gracihs. Ingestion rates on C. gracilis were very low (0.45 to 3.45 ng pigment mg-' Edw h-'), but because of their small size, algae like C. graciljs may be suboptimal food for N. australis. We used a Holling type 111 model to describe the predation functional response. A Michaelis-Menten model best described the grazing functional response. N. australis ingested Acartia a t significantly lower rates when algae were present. This effect was independent of algal concentration: ingestion rates of Acartia at 3.1. 7.5 and 17.0 1.19 cl11 a I-' were not significantly different. Parameter estimates showed that the presence of C. gracilis reduced the attack rate on, and increased the handling time of, Acartia. Presumably the increased time spent processing (capturing, handling, ingesting) C. gracilis reduced the time available to search for Acartia. Knll ingested pigment faster at high copepod concentrations. Analysis of gut pigment in N. australis feeding on Acartia alone showed that significant quantities of pigment can be derived from either the stomachs of ingested prey or copepod faeces. The implications of this finding are that herbivorous feeding rates measured in situ by the gut fluorescence technique may be biased for omnivorous zooplankton.
BRCA Mutations in Pancreas Cancer: Spectrum, Current Management, Challenges and Future Prospects

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a challenging disease to treat. Despite advances in surgical techniques, radiation, and medical therapies, the 5-year survival rate remains below 9%. Over the past decade, the genomic landscape of PDAC has been well studied and BRCA mutations have emerged as a target for the development of more effective therapies. Alterations in germline BRCA and PALB2 are detected in approximately 5–9% of patients with PDAC and can lead to homologous repair deficiency (HRD). PDAC with HRD﻿ is more susceptible to cytotoxic agents, such as platinum salts and topoisomerase inhibitors, that cause DNA damage. Furthermore, PARP inhibitors have emerged as an effective non-cytotoxic approach to treating HRD-PDAC. In addition to BRCA and PALB2, germline mutations in other genes involved in the homologous DNA repair pathway – such as ATM and RAD51 – are potential targets, as are patients with the “BRCAness” phenotype and somatic mutations in the DNA repair pathway. Given the clinical implications of germline mutation related HRD in PDAC, universal germline testing is now recommended. In this review, we will discuss current and emerging biomarkers for HRD in PDAC, treatments, and the challenges associated with them.
Gonad maturation as an indication of seasonal cycles for several species of small copepods in the Barents Sea

In a remote oceanic area like the Barents Sea, it is often difficult to follow the seasonal development of copepod populations in detail. Information on the gonad maturation stage of older juveniles and adults of a species will reveal the immediate state of reproduction and the expected development of juveniles into reproductively active adults. Winter “resting stages” in juveniles can also be recognised. Zooplankton were caught during Pro Mare cruises in early March, May, July/August, mid-September and mid-October. Abundance and composition of developmental stages of small copepods were determined for several stations from each cruise. Samples consisting of Stages CIV to CV1 of Pseudocalanus acuspes (Giesbrecht 1881), P. minutus (Kroyer), Microcalanuspusillus (Sars), and M. pygmaeus Sars were stained with carmine and analysed with respect to gonad maturation stage, length, width, and area of the prosome and the area of the gonad and the oil sac. Image analyses were performed from photographs or drawings of copepods using a digitising pad. With additional information on abundance and stage composition, and by comparing the present data set with information on Pseudocalanus spp. from Balsfjorden, northern Norway, seasonal cycles for the species could be inferred.
Chromosomes and their Meiotic Behavior in Two Families of the Sub-order Heteroptera

Eurydema pulchrum Westw. and Bagrada cruciferarum Kirkadly (Pentatomidae) show 2n 14 12A XY. Autosomes show gradation in size, X is of medium size while Y is the smallest element. Both X and Y are positively heteropycnotic in diffused stage but become isopycnotic in diplotene stage and divide equationally during meiosis-I. At metaphase-II, X and Y get associated, the association being strong forming a pseudobivalent XY in Eurydema pulchrum while weak in Bagrada cruciferarum. A definite pattern of arrangement of the chromosomes is seen at metaphase-II. Cletus bipunctatus Westw. and Serinetha augur Fabr. (Coreidae) show 2n 17 14A 2m XO and 2n 13 10A 2m XO respectively. The complement in both the species is conspicuous by the presence of 2 microchromosomes and absence of Y element in males. Microchromosomes form achiasmatic bivalent at meiosis-I. X undergoes equational division at metaphase-I while at metaphase-II it remains outside the metaphase plate and is added to one of the pole as a precocious element in Cletus bipunctatus and as a laggard in Serinetha augur.
Recommendations for management of diabetes during Ramadan: update 2020, applying the principles of the ADA/EASD consensus

Fasting the Holy month of Ramadan constitutes one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith. Although there is some evidence that intermittent fasting during Ramadan may be of benefit in losing weight and cardiometabolic risk factors, there is no strong evidence these benefits apply to people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes consensus recommendations emphasize the importance of patient factors and comorbidities when choosing diabetes medications including the presence of comorbidities, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, hypoglycemia risk, weight issues and costs. Structured education and pre-Ramadan counseing are key components to successful management of patients with diabetes. These should cover important aspects like glycemic targets, self-monitoring of blood glucose, diet, physical activity including Taraweeh prayers, medication and dose adjustment, side effects and when to break the fast. The decision cycle adapted for the specific situation of Ramadan provides an aid for such an assessment. Children with type 1 diabetes should strongly be advised not to fast due to the high risk of acute complications such as hypoglycemia and probably diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), although there is very little evidence that DKA is increased in Ramadan. Pregnant women with diabetes or gestational diabetes should be advised to avoid fasting because of possible negative maternal and fetal outcomes. Hypoglycemia is a common concern during Ramadan fasting. To prevent hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events, we recommend the adoption of diabetes self-management education and support principles. The use of the emerging technology and continuous glucose monitoring during Ramadan could help to recognize hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic complications related to omission and/or medication adjustment during fasting; however, the cost represents a significant barrier.
Metformin Inhibits Propofol-Induced Apoptosis of Mouse Hippocampal Neurons HT-22 Through Downregulating Cav-1

Objective To elucidate the neuroprotective function of metformin in suppressing propofol-induced apoptosis of HT-22 cells. Methods HT-22 cells were treated with 0, 10 or 100 μmol/L propofol, followed by determination of their proliferative ability. Subsequently, changes in proliferation and apoptosis of propofol-treated HT-22 cells induced with metformin were assessed. Apoptosis-associated genes in HT-22 cells were detected by Western blot. At last, regulatory effects of Cav-1 on propofol and metformin-treated HT-22 cells were examined. Results Propofol treatment dose-dependently decreased proliferative ability and increased apoptosis ability in HT-22 cells, which were partially blocked by metformin administration. Upregulated Bcl-2 and downregulated Bax were observed in propofol-treated HT-22 cells following metformin administration. In addition, Cav-1 level in HT-22 cells was regulated by metformin treatment. Notably, metformin reversed propofol-induced apoptosis stimulation and proliferation decline in HT-22 cells via downregulating Cav-1. Conclusion In our study, we found that propofol could induce apoptosis of HT-22 cells and metformin could rescue the apoptosis effect regulated by propofol. Then, we found that metformin protects propofol-induced neuronal apoptosis via downregulating Cav-1.
Mental Health, Risk Factors, and Social Media Use During the COVID-19 Epidemic and Cordon Sanitaire Among the Community and Health Professionals in Wuhan, China: Cross-Sectional Survey

Background The mental health consequences of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, community-wide interventions, and social media use during a pandemic are unclear. The first and most draconian interventions have been implemented in Wuhan, China, and these countermeasures have been increasingly deployed by countries around the world. Objective The aim of this study was to examine risk factors, including the use of social media, for probable anxiety and depression in the community and among health professionals in the epicenter, Wuhan, China. Methods We conducted an online survey via WeChat, the most widely used social media platform in China, which was administered to 1577 community-based adults and 214 health professionals in Wuhan. Probable anxiety and probable depression were assessed by the validated Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (cutoff ≥3) and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (cutoff ≥3), respectively. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with probable anxiety and probable depression. Results Of the 1577 community-based adults, about one-fifth of respondents reported probable anxiety (n=376, 23.84%, 95% CI 21.8-26.0) and probable depression (n=303, 19.21%, 95% CI 17.3-21.2). Similarly, of the 214 health professionals, about one-fifth of surveyed health professionals reported probable anxiety (n=47, 22.0%, 95% CI 16.6-28.1) or probable depression (n=41, 19.2%, 95% CI 14.1-25.1). Around one-third of community-based adults and health professionals spent ≥2 hours daily on COVID-19 news via social media. Close contact with individuals with COVID-19 and spending ≥2 hours daily on COVID-19 news via social media were associated with probable anxiety and depression in community-based adults. Social support was associated with less probable anxiety and depression in both health professionals and community-based adults. Conclusions The internet could be harnessed for telemedicine and restoring daily routines, yet caution is warranted toward spending excessive time searching for COVID-19 news on social media given the infodemic and emotional contagion through online social networks. Online platforms may be used to monitor the toll of the pandemic on mental health.