Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Therapeutic siRNA Nanoparticle Designed for Dual-Targeting CD44 and Gli1 of Gastric Cancer Stem Cells

Purpose Gastric cancer stem cells (CSCs) are important for the initiation, growth, recurrence, and metastasis of gastric cancer, due to their chemo-resistance and indefinite proliferation. Herein, to eliminate gastric CSCs, we developed novel CSC-targeting glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) small interfering RNA (siRNA) nanoparticles that are specifically guided by a di-stearoyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine- hyaluronic-acid (DSPE-HA) single-point conjugate, as an intrinsic ligand of the CD44 receptor. We refer to these as targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles. Methods We used the reductive amination reaction method for attaching amine groups of DSPE to aldehydic group of hyaluronic acid (HA) at the reducing end, to synthesize the DSPE-HA single-point conjugate. Next, targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles were prepared using the layer-by-layer assembly method. We characterized the stem cellular features of targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles, including their targeting efficiency, self-renewal capacity, the migration and invasion capacity of gastric CSCs, and the penetration ability of 3D tumor spheroids. Next, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of the targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles by using in vivo relapsed tumor models of gastric CSCs. Results Compared with the multipoint conjugates, DSPE-HA single-point conjugates on the surface of nanoparticles showed significantly higher binding affinities with CD44. The targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles significantly decreased Gli1 protein expression, inhibited CSC tumor spheroid and colony formation, and suppressed cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, in vivo imaging demonstrated that targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles accumulated in tumor tissues, showing significant antitumor recurrence efficacy in vivo. Conclusion In summary, our targeting Gli1 siRNA nanoparticles significantly inhibited CSC malignancy features by specifically blocking Hedgehog (Hh) signaling both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that this novel siRNA delivery system that specifically eliminates gastric CSCs provides a promising targeted therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer treatment.
The Mechanical Impedance of the Human Skull via Direct Bone Conduction Implants

Purpose The mechanical skull impedance is used in the design of direct bone drive hearing systems. This impedance is also important for the design of skull simulators used in manufacturing, service, and fitting procedures of such devices. Patients and Methods The skull impedance was measured in 45 patients (25 female and 20 male) who were using percutaneous bone conduction implants (Ponto system or Baha system). Patients were recruited as a consecutive prospective case series and having an average age of 55.4 years (range 18–80 years). Seven patients were treated in Gothenburg, Sweden, and 38 patients in Edmonton, Canada. An impedance head (B&K 8001), driven by an excitation transducer with emphasized low-frequency response, was used to measure the mechanical point impedance with a swept sine from 100 to 10k Hz. Results and Discussion The skull impedance was found to have an anti-resonance of approximately 150 Hz, with a median maximum magnitude of 4500 mechanical ohms. Below this anti-resonance, the mechanical impedance was mainly mass-controlled corresponding to an effective skull mass of 2.5 kg at 100 Hz with substantial damping from neck and shoulder. Above the anti-resonance and up to 4 kHz, the impedance was stiffness-controlled, with a total compliance of approximately 450n m/N with a small amount of damping. At frequencies above 4 kHz, the skull impedance becomes gradually mass-controlled originating from the mass of the osseointegrated implant and adjacent bone. No significant differences related to gender or skull abnormalities were seen, just a slight dependence on age and major ear surgeries. The variability of the mechanical impedance among patients was not found to have any clinical importance. Conclusion The mechanical skull impedance of percutaneous implants was found to confirm previous studies and can be used for optimizing the design and test procedures of direct bone drive hearing implants.
Effects of Different Feeding Regimes on Leather Quality of Finished Blackhead Ogaden Sheep

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different roughage to ratios on chemical and physico-mechanical quality of leather of Twenty four lambs were initially blocked into 6 blocks of and randomly assigned to 4 dietary groups. During the growth phase, sheep consumed natural grass hay ad libitum and a mixture of dried Acacia albida leaves with pods, and cactus pear cladodes (2:1 ratio, respectively) as a supplement at 0, 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5% of body weight in group A, B, C and D, respectively. During the finishing phase, roughage composed of natural grass hay and haricot bean haulms (50:50 ratio) and concentrate mixtur bran (69%) and 31% of oil seed meal (noug seed 1.1:1) were consumed at roughage to concentrate ratios of 60:40, 50:50,40:60, and 30:70 by the groups, respectively. After completion of 180 days slaughtered for leather quality test studies. Except the was higher (P 0.05) different among the groups. Physico leather such as thickness, tensile strength, percentage of elongation, tear load, tear resistance, distension at burst, were significantly improved ( concentrate, and were higher for group C. However, water absorption (v/m) was lower (P 0.05) due to treatment. It can be conclude of concentrate in the diet improved production of leather that Ethiopian leather industry in most of the test parameters. However, from most of the values of the physico-mechanical quality parameters, group C is recommended as better Copyright@2015 STAR Journal
Knockdown of PVT1 Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Progression by Regulating MiR-106b-5p/FJX1 Axis

Purpose Long non-coding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) has been revealed to involve in the progression of CRC. However, the precise mechanisms of PVT1 in action remain unclear. Methods The expression of PVT1, microRNA-106b-5p (miR-106b-5p) and four jointed box 1 (FJX1) was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or Western blot, respectively. Cell proliferation was investigated by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (−z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide assay. Transwell assay was used to determine cell migration and invasion. The correlation between miR-106b-5p and PVT1 or FJX1 was confirmed using luciferase reporter assay. The effects of PVT1 in vivo were assessed using mice xenograft model. Results PVT1 was up-regulated in CRC tissues and cell lines, especially in CRC tissues with high-grade, and highly expressed PVT1 predicted worse prognosis. Functional experiments demonstrated that PVT1 deletion inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. MiR-106b-5p was confirmed to be a target of PVT1, and inhibition of miR-106b-5p reversed the inhibitory effects of PVT1 knockdown on CRC cell malignant phenotypes. In addition, we found miR-106b-5p directly targeted FJX1, and miR-106b-5p-mediated inhibition on CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion was attenuated by FJX1 up-regulation. Importantly, it was also proved that PVT1 could indirectly regulate FJX1 expression via targeting miR-106b-5p. Conclusion Knockdown of PVT1 impaired cell proliferation, migration and invasion in CRCs via regulating miR-106b-5p/FJX1 axis, which provided a novel insight into the development of therapeutic strategies for CRC patients.
Complete blood count reflecting the disease status of giant cell arteritis

Abstract Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis in elderly, with ischemic and constitutional symptoms caused by vascular involvement and systemic inflammation. Early initiation of therapy results in prompt remission, while patients may still experience flares or severe complications during glucocorticoid tapering. This study was to identify the characteristics of Chinese GCA patients with different prognosis. Ninety-one patients diagnosed with GCA in Peking Union Medical College Hospital in the last 20 years were followed up. Those who were lost to follow up or were followed up for less than 1 year were excluded. According to the prognosis, patients were divided into the group of favourable prognosis (patients who sustained disease remission for over 1 year) and unfavorable prognosis (patients who had relapses or severe complications). Clinical data at disease onset and after treatment were collected and analysed between the 2 groups. Thirty-seven patients with favourable prognosis and 40 patients with unfavourable prognosis were admitted into the study. Fever as an onset symptom was less common in favourable group (P=.016). As for presentations of GCA, fever, tenderness and abnormal pulsation of temporal artery and jaw claudication were less frequently observed in patients with favourable prognosis (P=.029, .049, .043, respectively). At onset, medium-size arteries were affected more in unfavorable prognosis group (P = .048), and involvement of branches below the aortic arch were more common in favorable prognosis group (P = .034). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in group of favourable prognosis were significantly lower after treatment (P = .041). Compared with healthy subjects, GCA patients had increased monocytes and decreased lymphocytes at disease onset (P < .01). Monocyte counts were higher in patients with favourable prognosis at disease onset (P = .043), while no significant differences were seen between the 2 groups after treatment. Lymphocyte counts were lower in patients with unfavourable prognosis (P = .014) after treatment. Complete blood count may reflect the disease status of GCA. Little change in monocyte during treatment and lower lymphocytes after treatment may serve as potential predictors of unfavourable clinical prognosis.
Assessment of dermatological quality of life in patients with childhood atopic dermatitis and their families

Abstract Aim: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin disease that progresses with exacerbations. This study was planned to determine how atopic dermatitis affects the quality of life of patients and their families. Material and Methods: One hundred twenty patients with atopic dermatitis, as diagnosed using the Hanifin Rajka diagnostic criteria, and their families were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups as active and remission. Disease severity was classified as mild, moderate, and severe according to the SCORAD index. Total IgE, peripheral eosinophil counts, and allergy skin tests were performed. Literate patients completed the Childrens’ Dermatology Life Quality Index by themselves. The Infants’ Dermatology Life Quality Index was completed by their families. Also, the Family Dermatological Quality of Life Index was completed by one of the parents for each patient. Results: Among the 120 patients who participated in the study, 76 (63.33%) were male and 44 (36.66%) were female. The mean age was 4.36±3.52 years. The quality of life survey scores were statistically significantly lower in the remission group compared with the active group (p<0.05). The quality of life questionnaire scores were higher in the group with a severe SCORAD index (p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between total IgE, peripheral eosinophil count, skin test results, and questionnaire scores (p>0.05). At least one allergen susceptibility was detected in 65% of the patients who underwent allergy skin tests. Conclusion: Quality of life was affected negatively in patients with atopic dermatitis and their families. In this study, the quality of life survey results were found to be higher in the active group and the group with a high SCORAD index compared with the remission group and the group with a low SCORAD index. Based on this finding, we can conclude that quality of life is negatively affected by high disease activity.
The double effect of walnut septum extract (Juglans regia L.) counteracts A172 glioblastoma cell survival and bacterial growth

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is considered to be a 'superfood' for its multiple protective actions on human health. Walnut extracts have proven antitumor activity in different cancer cell lines. However, the efficacy of septum extract against glioblastoma has still not been investigated. Glioblastoma is the most difficult type of brain cancer to treat. The standard therapy, based on temozolomide, causes several side effects, including neutropenia and lymphocytopenia, which often favor the onset of opportunistic infections. In the present study, the chemical profile of the Sicilian walnut septum ethanolic extract was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detection and HPLC-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The potential cytostatic activity of the extract against the human A172 glioblastoma cell line was investigated and the results showed that the extract could decrease cancer cell proliferation and migration. Using cytofluorimetric analyses and caspase-3 assays, the pro-apoptotic action of walnut extract was demonstrated. Furthermore, the evaluation of the antibacterial activity high-lighted the efficacy of the extract in reducing Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial growth, most of which were resistant to the antibiotic, ciprofloxacin. Finally, Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances analysis showed the predicted antitumor and antibacterial activity of HPLC detected compounds. The promising results could provide novel perspective in the field of chemotherapeutic co-adjuvants.
Orally delivered MK-4482 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in the Syrian hamster model

The COVID-19 pandemic progresses unabated in many regions of the world. An effective antiviral against SARS-CoV-2 that could be administered orally for use following high-risk exposure would be of substantial benefit in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Herein, we show that MK-4482, an orally administered nucleoside analog, inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in the Syrian hamster model. The inhibitory effect of MK-4482 on SARS-CoV-2 replication was observed in animals when the drug was administered either beginning 12 hours before or 12 hours following infection in a high-risk exposure model. These data support the potential utility of MK-4482 to control SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans following high-risk exposure as well as for treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Immunoglobulin G2 Antibody as a Potential Target for COVID-19 Vaccine

Abstract The global threat of COVID-19 is continued with no commercially available vaccine or drug yet. While the application of convalescent therapy is usually beneficial, for critically ill patients, the detrimental effect associated with some antibodies is also reported. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody in response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is described, albeit the lack of defining whether the difference in subclasses has a beneficial or detrimental role. IgG2 has limited ability to activate innate immune cells and complement-mediated inflammation, which have been inversely described in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. The expansion of IgG2 is promoted by interferon γ (IFN-γ); however, there is a low level of IFN-γ in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, this review describes the importance of targeting IgG2, with IFN-γ in minimizing the SARS-CoV-2 associated inflammation, and may provide insight into the design of vaccine or antibody-based therapies to COVID-19 disease.
CEFAZOLIN, A NEW SEMISYNTHETIC CEPHALOSPORIN ANTIBIOTIC. I

Cefazolin, 7-[l-(l H)-tetrazolylacetamido]-3-[2-(5-methyl-l, 3, 4-thiadiazolyl-thiomethyl]-Δ3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid, is a new semisynthetic antibiotic having a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. A synthesis of cefazolin and its chemical properties are described.
Characterological Versus Behavioral Self-Blame: Inquiries Into Depression and Rape

Two types of self-blame—be havioral and characterological—are distinguished. Behavioral self-blame is control related, involves attributions to a modifiable source (one's behavior), and is associated with a belief in the future avoidability of a negative outcome. Characterological self-blame is esteem related, involves attributions to a relatively nonmodifiable source (one's character), and is associated with a belief in personal deservingness for past negative outcomes. Two studies are reported that bear on this self-blame distinction. In the first study, it was found that depressed female college students engaged in more characterological self-blame than nondepressed female college students, whereas behavioral self-blame did not differ between the two groups; the depressed population was also characterized by greater attributions to chance and decreased beliefs in personal control. Characterological self-blame is proposed as a possible solution to the "paradox in depression. " In a second study, rape crisis centers were surveyed. Behavioral self-blame, and not characterological self-blame, emerged as the most common response of rape victims to their victimization, suggesting the victim's desire to maintain a belief in control, particularly the belief in the future avoidability of rape. Implications of this self-blame distinction and potential directions for future research are discussed. In a study by Bulman and Wortman (1977) on the relationship between blame attributions and coping, self-blame emerged as a predictor of good coping among paralyzed victims of freak accidents. A conclusion that is consistent with these results—that self-blame is a positive psychological mechanism—derives primarily from the implications of this attribution for a belief in personal control over one's outcomes. The advantages of perceived control have been repeatedly demonstrated in social psychological experiments (see, e.g., Bowers, 1968; Glass & Singer, 1972; Langer & Rodin, 1976; Schulz, 1976); Walster's (1966) formulation of observers' reactions to victims and Kelley's (1971) view of attributional processes "as a
Introduced Soybean Lines from China: Screening for Insect Resistance

Breeders and entomologists have continued to search for new sources of insect resistance in soybeans, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, because of the narrow genetic base currently in use in the development of insect-resistant soybeans. Recently, many new soybean accessions from China have been obtained. We examined lines belonging to maturity groups I through IV in Ohio and Illinois for insect resistance using the Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant (in both states), and the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae Harris (in Illinois alone). Although a few lines-PI 567.751C, PI 567.765D, PI 567.770C, PI 567.452, and PI 567.685-had potentially useable levels of resistance, none had resistance levels similar to the earlier described lines PI 171.451, PI 229.358, and PI 227.687.
INFLUENCE OF THE MEXICAN STRAIN OF STEINERNEMA FELTIAE AND ITS ASSOCIATED BACTERIUM XENORHABDUS NEMA TOPHILUS ON GALLERIA MELLONELLA

Axenic, third stage juveniles of the Mexican strain of Steinernema feltiae did not alter the total hemocyte counts of larval Galleria mellonella, whereas those of monoxenically cultured juveniles did. In the latter case, the hemocytes were vacuolated. The concentration of Xenorhabdus nematophilus subsp. nematophilus var. mexicanus increased 12-fold within 6 hr of injecting the bacteria into G. mellonella. The presence of the axenic Mexican strain of S. feltiae in G. mellonella hemocoel for up to 5 hr did not change the rate of removal of injected Bacillus subtilis or X. nematophilus subsp. nematophilus var. mexicanus from the hemolymph. Xenorhabdus nematophilus subsp. nematophilus var. mexicanus was cultured in synthetic Galleria serum supplemented with larval serum in the presence and absence of S. feltiae. These spent media, once sterilized and injected into G. mellonella, did not influence insect behavior, silk production, insect mass or mortality.
Maternal and perinatal outcome in placenta previa: an observational study at a tertiary care hospital in Mysore, Karnataka, India

Background: 2-5% of the pregnancies are complicated by antepartum haemorrhage. About one third of them are due to placenta previa thus contributing to a significant amount of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. In the present times with liberally increasing caesarean section rates, there is a changing trend in the incidence and complications of placenta previa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the obstetrical characteristics and maternal and perinatal outcome of cases of placenta previa.Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysore during the period January 2017 to June 2018.Results: Out of total 13,150 deliveries during this period, placenta previa was observed in 131 cases with an incidence of 1%. Majority belonged to the age group 25-29 years (48.8%). 66% of the cases presented with painless vaginal bleeding as their chief complaint. The major risk factor was previous caesarean delivery seen in 29.8% cases followed by history of abortion in 18.3%. 67% cases had major degree placenta previa. Remaining 33% cases had minor degree. One case was complicated by placenta accrete. Peripartum hysterectomy was performed in 3.1%. Preterm deliveries amounted to 29.8%. Maternal and perinatal mortality were 0.76% and 3.05% respectively. 10.7% cases had Postpartum haemorrhage and 3.8% required ICU admission. 25% neonates required NICU admissions and 10% had RDS.Conclusions: Placenta previa is a prime contributor to substantial maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Early referral to tertiary care centres, anticipation of clinical complications and appropriate measures can avoid grave consequences. Such cases must always be managed at a higher centre with good NICU services and round the clock operation theatre and blood bank facility.
Zinc fertilization approaches for agronomic biofortification and estimated human bioavailability of zinc in maize grain

ABSTRACT Maize (Zea mays L.) is generally low in bioavailable zinc (Zn); however, agronomic biofortification can cure human Zn deficiency. In the present experiment, Zn was applied in pots as ZnSO4 · 7H2O to maize cultivar DK-6142 as foliar spray (0.5% w/v Zn sprayed 25 days after sowing and 0.25% w/v at tasseling), surface broadcasting (16 kg Zn ha−1), subsurface banding (16 kg Zn ha−1 at the depth of 15 cm), surface broadcasting + foliar and subsurface banding + foliar in comparison to an unfertilized control. As compared to control, all treatments significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased growth, yield and nutritional attributes in maize. Grain Zn and protein concentrations were correlated and ranged from 22.3 to 41.9 mg kg−1 and 9 to 12 %, respectively. Zinc fertilization also significantly reduced grain phytate and increased grain Zn concentration. Zinc fertilization, especially broadcasting and subsurface banding combined with foliar spray decreased grain [phytate]:[Zn] ratio to 28 and 21 and increased Zn bioavailability by trivariate model of Zn absorption to 2.04 to 2.40, respectively. Conclusively, broadcasting and subsurface banding combined with foliar spray is suitable for optimal maize yield and agronomic Zn biofortification of maize grain. This would also be helpful to optimize Zn and protein concentration in maize grain.