Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of fermented spent instant coffee grounds on milk productivity and blood profiles of lactating dairy cows

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the fermentation characteristics under low mesophilic temperature of spent instant coffee ground (SICG) and to estimate the effect of fermented SICG (FSICG) as alternative feed ingredient on milk productivity of dairy cows. Methods In the fermentation trial, fermentation of SICG was performed to investigate changes in characteristics using the microbial mixture (Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Bacillus subtilis = 1:1:1) for 21 days at 20°C under anaerobic conditions. Molasses was added at 5% of dry mass. In the animal trial, eighteen Holstein Friesian cows were used to evaluate the nutritive value of the FSICG which was fermented for 14 days under the same condition as the fermentation trial. Results In the fermentation trial, the dry matter (DM) and organic matter content linearly decreased with fermentation time (p<0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). The acid detergent insoluble nitrogen content linearly decreased with fermentation time (p = 0.037). The microorganism counts linearly increased for Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Bacillus subtilis across fermentation time (p<0.001). In the animal trial, the DM intake of the control and FSICG treatment were not significantly different, as were milk yield, 4% fat corrected milk, fat-protein corrected milk, and feed to milk conversion content. Fat, protein, lactose, non-fat solids, milk urea nitrogen, and somatic cell counts were also not significantly different in milk composition between treatments. Conclusion FSICG should be considered a sufficient substitute for cottonseed as a feed component, and 5% DM of a dietary FSICG level was appropriate for dairy cow diets.
The Influence of Severe Plastic Deformation on Microstructure and In Vitro Biocompatibility of the New Ti-Nb-Zr-Ta-Fe-O Alloy Composition

In this work, severe plastic deformation (SPD) of the newly designed Ti-Nb-Zr-Ta-Fe-O GUM metal was successfully conducted at room temperature using high speed high pressure torsion (HSHPT) followed by cold rolling (CR) to exploit the suitability of the processed alloy for bone staples. The Ti-31.5Nb-3.1Zr-3.1Ta-0.9Fe-0.16O GUM alloy was fabricated in a levitation melting furnace using a cold crucible and argon protective atmosphere. The as-cast specimens were subjected to SPD, specifically HSHPT, and then processed by the CR method to take the advantages of both grain refinement and larger dimensions. This approach creates the opportunity to obtain temporary orthopedic implants nanostructured by SPD. The changes induced by HSHPT technology from the coarse dendrite directly into the ultrafine grained structure were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The structural investigations showed that by increasing the deformation, a high density of grain boundaries is accumulated, leading gradually to fine grain size. In addition, the in vitro biocompatibility studies were conducted in parallel on the GUM alloy specimens in the as-cast state, and after HSHPT- and HSHPT+CR- processing. For comparative purposes, in vitro behavior of the bone-derived MC3T3-E1 cells on the commercially pure titanium has also been investigated regarding the viability and proliferation, morphology and osteogenic differentiation. The results obtained support the appropriateness of the HSHPT technology for developing compression staples able to ensure a better fixation of bone fragments.
Chlamydia-Specific IgA Secretion in the Female Reproductive Tract Induced via Per-Oral Immunization Confers Protection against Primary Chlamydia Challenge

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen that causes sexually transmitted disease. In women, chlamydial infections may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. The role of antibodies in protection against a primary Chlamydia infection is unclear and was a focus of this work. Using the C. muridarum mouse infection model, we show that intestinal mucosa is infected via intranasal (i.n.) or per-oral (p. ABSTRACT Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen that causes sexually transmitted disease. In women, chlamydial infections may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. The role of antibodies in protection against a primary Chlamydia infection is unclear and was a focus of this work. Using the C. muridarum mouse infection model, we show that intestinal mucosa is infected via intranasal (i.n.) or per-oral (p.o.) Chlamydia inoculation and that unlike the female reproductive tract (FRT) mucosa, it halts systemic Chlamydia dissemination. Moreover, p.o. immunization or infection with Chlamydia confers protection against per-vaginal (p.v.) challenge, resulting in significantly decreased bacterial burden in the FRT, accelerated Chlamydia clearance, and reduced hydrosalpinx pathology. In contrast, subcutaneous (s.c.) immunization conferred no protection against the p.v. challenge. Both p.o. and s.c. immunizations induced Chlamydia-specific serum IgA. However, IgA was found only in the vaginal washes and fecal extracts of p.o. -immunized animals. Following a p.v. challenge, unimmunized control and s.c. -s.c. -immunized animals developed Chlamydia-specific intestinal IgA yet failed to develop IgA in the FRT, indicating that IgA response in the FRT relies on the FRT to gastrointestinal tract (GIT) antigen transport. Vaginal secretions of p.o. -immunized animals neutralize Chlamydia in vivo, resulting in significantly lower Chlamydia burden in the FRT and Chlamydia transport to the GIT. We also show that infection of the GIT is not necessary for induction of protective immunity in the FRT, a finding that is important for the development of p.o. subunit vaccines to target Chlamydia and possibly other sexually transmitted pathogens.
Twelve tips for being an effective clinical skills peer teacher

Abstract The vast majority of clinical skills teaching at our medical school in London is delivered through a peer teaching programme, with research demonstrating that medical students unequivocally prefer being taught clinical skills by peer teachers (students) over-qualified physicians. Peer teaching holds a plethora of benefits for both the learner and the teacher; encouraging academic and professional growth for teachers while instilling confidence in tutees through an improved learning atmosphere. Teaching is an essential skill for all physicians, and peer teaching is an invaluable method to cultivate these teaching skills throughout medical education. This article outlines 12 tips on how medical students can be effective and successful clinical skills peer teachers when faced with medical teaching opportunities, whether physically or remotely conducted. We reflect upon our roles as Peer Teacher Leads, overseeing a team of 200 medical student clinical skills peer teachers on behalf of the faculty at our university in London. We are responsible for leadership and quality assurance, holding key input into the organisation, development and delivery of clinical skills teaching. Therefore, we are able to impart unique insight and experience. This practical guidance is gathered from feedback, experience and the wider literature on the topic of peer teaching in clinical skills. We hope that these tips will enable medical student teachers to become more confident and competent in providing worthwhile training to their peers.
Concentration Dependence of the Antioxidant and Prooxidant Activity of Trolox in HeLa Cells: Involvement in the Induction of Apoptotic Volume Decrease

Trolox (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid), a hydrophilic analog of vitamin E, is known for its strong antioxidant activity, being a high radical scavenger of peroxyl and alkoxyl radicals. Under particular conditions, Trolox may also exhibit prooxidant properties. The present work aimed at studying the dual antioxidant/prooxidant behavior of Trolox over a wide range of concentrations (from 2.5 to 160 µM) in HeLa cells. In particular, the study addressed the dose-dependent effects of Trolox on the oxidative cell status and vitality of HeLa cells, focusing on the potential role of the vitamin E analog in the induction of one of the first steps of the apoptotic process, Apoptotic Volume Decrease (AVD). In HeLa cells, Trolox showed significant antioxidant activity, expressed as the ability to reduce the endogenous ROS production detected by the ROS-sensitive probe 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (CM-H2DCFDA), at low concentrations (range: 2.5–15 µM), but exerted a dose-dependent prooxidant effect at higher concentrations after 24 h exposure. The prooxidant effect was paralleled by the reduction in cell viability due to the induction of the apoptotic process. The dual behavior, antioxidant at lower concentrations and prooxidant at higher concentrations, was evident also earlier after 2 h incubation, and it was paralleled by the isotonic shrinkage of the cells, ascribed to AVD. The use of SITS, known Cl− channel blocker, was able to completely inhibit the Trolox-induced isotonic cell shrinkage, demonstrating the involvement of the vitamin E analog in the alteration of cell volume homeostasis and, in turn, in the AVD induction. In conclusion, the study shed light on the concentration dependence of the Trolox antioxidant/prooxidant activity in HeLa cells and revealed its role in the induction of one of the first events of apoptosis, AVD, at high concentrations.
Effects of 3-Month Exposure to E-Cigarette Aerosols on Glutamatergic Receptors and Transporters in Mesolimbic Brain Regions of Female C57BL/6 Mice

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) use has been dramatically increased recently, especially among youths. Previous studies from our laboratory showed that chronic exposure to e-cigs, containing 24 mg/mL nicotine, was associated with dysregulation of glutamate transporters and neurotransmitter levels in the brain of a mouse model. In this study, we evaluated the effect of three months’ continuous exposure to e-cig vapor (JUUL pods), containing a high nicotine concentration, on the expression of glutamate receptors and transporters in drug reward brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core (NAc-core), NAc shell (NAc-shell) and hippocampus (HIP) in female C57BL/6 mice. Three months’ exposure to mint- or mango-flavored JUUL (containing 5% nicotine, 59 mg/mL) induced upregulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (phosphorylated and total PSD95) expression, and downregulation of mGluR5 and glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) in the NAc-shell. In addition, three months’ exposure to JUUL was associated with upregulation of mGluR5 and GLT-1 expression in the HIP. These findings demonstrated that three-month exposure to e-cig vapor containing high nicotine concentrations induced differential effects on the glutamatergic system in the NAc and HIP, suggesting dysregulation of glutamatergic system activity in mesolimbic brain regions.
Potentials of AI in medical image analysis in Gastroenterology and Hepatology

With the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, it comes in a big wave carrying possibly huge impact in the field of medicine. Gastroenterology and hepatology, being a specialty relying much on diagnostic imaging, endoscopy, and histopathology, AI technology has promised improving the quality and consistency of care to the patients. In this review, we will elucidate the development of machine learning methods, especially the visual representation mechanism in deep learning on recognition tasks. Various AI‐image analysis applications in endoscopy, radiology, and pathology are covered in gastroenterology and hepatology and reveal the enormous potentials for AI in assisting diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. We also discuss the promises as well as pitfalls for AI in medical image analysis and pointing out future research directions.
Psychometric evaluation of the short form of the Arizona Life History Battery (K-SF-42): A revised Chinese version for emerging adults

Life history (LH) strategies explain how organisms adapt to the environment and make the best use of their resources to fulfill bodily maintenance, growth, reproduction and other functions. The K-SF-42 is a short version of the 199-item Arizona Life History Battery for assessing seven different domains of LH strategies. This article aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the K-SF-42. We recruited 1,016 Chinese university students, who aged 16 to 28 years old (M age = 19.47, SD = 1.17) to participant in an anonymous questionnaire. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the second-order six-factor model (except romantic partner attachment), and the scale and subscales of such measurement displayed good internal consistencies. With the exception of religiosity, all of the subscales showed significant positive correlations with a brief unidimensional measure of LH strategies (i.e., the Mini-K). The criterion-related validity of the scale was further supported by the association between its higher score (suggesting slower LH strategies) and the lower levels of childhood harshness and unpredictability. This study provided evidence for the satisfactory applicability of the Chinese version of the K-SF-42 to a Chinese population and contributed to the further investigation of the LH strategies’ mechanisms underlying human behavior across cultures.
Membrane progesterone receptor induces meiosis in Xenopus oocytes through endocytosis into signaling endosomes and interaction with APPL1 and Akt2

The steroid hormone progesterone (P4) mediates many physiological processes through either nuclear receptors that modulate gene expression or membrane P4 receptors (mPRs) that mediate nongenomic signaling. mPR signaling remains poorly understood. Here we show that the topology of mPRβ is similar to adiponectin receptors and opposite to that of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Using Xenopus oocyte meiosis as a well-established physiological readout of nongenomic P4 signaling, we demonstrate that mPRβ signaling requires the adaptor protein APPL1 and the kinase Akt2. We further show that P4 induces clathrin-dependent endocytosis of mPRβ into signaling endosome, where mPR interacts transiently with APPL1 and Akt2 to induce meiosis. Our findings outline the early steps involved in mPR signaling and expand the spectrum of mPR signaling through the multitude of pathways involving APPL1.
A scoping review of the integration of ethics education in undergraduate nursing high-fidelity human simulation-based learning.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To systematically assemble, examine and map the extant literature pertaining to the integration of ethics education in high-fidelity simulation-based learning experiences in nursing undergraduate programs. BACKGROUND The value of ethics education for undergraduate nursing students is well established in the literature. Whether high-fidelity human simulation (HFHS) supports the development of ethical reasoning, or positively impacts the acquisition of ethical knowledge and reasoning skills in undergraduate nursing students is inconsistently addressed. DESIGN A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. METHOD CINAHL, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I, MEDLINE, Web of Science, ERIC, Scopus, PsycINFO, and the Joanna Briggs Institute EBP databases were searched for English language manuscripts published between 2012-2020. The PRISMA-ScR was used. RESULTS Eight papers that met the inclusion criteria were extracted for this review. Three broad categories were identified: the 'what' in ethics education, the 'how' of ethics education and, the 'when' of ethics education in high-fidelity human simulation. CONCLUSION The integration of ethics education into simulation-based learning has the potential to positively promote nursing students' ability to develop knowledge of and skills in ethical practice. However, the inclusion of ethics education scenarios in HFHS is a relative new teaching innovation in undergraduate nursing education. As such, there continues to be no consensus on the 'what', 'how' or 'when' of ethics education for best practice in ethics education for undergraduate nursing programs. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Quality improvement processes and research studies are needed to determine: the types of ethical dilemmas and debriefing sessions and optimal timing of HFHS ethics simulation in undergraduate nursing education, student support needed for running HFHS, and the learning needs of nurse educators seeking to incorporate ethics within HFHS.
Epigenetic Compound Screening Uncovers Small Molecules for Reactivation of Latent HIV-1

During infection with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), latent reservoirs are established that circumvent full eradication of the virus by antiretroviral therapy (ART) and are the source for viral rebound after cessation of therapy. As these reservoirs are phenotypically indistinguishable from infected cells, current strategies aim to reactivate these reservoirs, followed by pharmaceutical and immunological destruction of the cells. Here, we employed a simple and convenient cell-based reporter system, which enables sample handling under biosafety level (BSL)-1 conditions, to screen for compounds that were able to reactivate latent HIV-1. ABSTRACT During infection with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), latent reservoirs are established that circumvent full eradication of the virus by antiretroviral therapy (ART) and are the source for viral rebound after cessation of therapy. As these reservoirs are phenotypically indistinguishable from infected cells, current strategies aim to reactivate these reservoirs, followed by pharmaceutical and immunological destruction of the cells. Here, we employed a simple and convenient cell-based reporter system, which enables sample handling under biosafety level (BSL)-1 conditions, to screen for compounds that were able to reactivate latent HIV-1. The assay showed a high dynamic signal range and reproducibility with an average Z-factor of 0.77, classifying the system as robust. The assay was used for high-throughput screening (HTS) of an epigenetic compound library in combination with titration and cell-toxicity studies and revealed several potential new latency-reversing agents (LRAs). Further validation in well-known latency model systems verified earlier studies and identified two novel compounds with very high reactivation efficiencies and low toxicity. Both drugs, namely, N-hydroxy-4-(2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(phenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl)benzamide (HPOB) and 2′,3′-difluoro-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-carboxylic acid, 2-butylhydrazide (SR-4370), showed comparable performances to other already known LRAs, did not activate CD4+ T cells, and did not cause changes in the composition of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as shown by flow cytometry analyses. Both compounds may represent effective new treatment possibilities for reversal of latency in HIV-1-infected individuals.
G-quadruplex–R-loop interactions and the mechanism of anticancer G-quadruplex binders

Abstract Genomic DNA and cellular RNAs can form a variety of non-B secondary structures, including G-quadruplex (G4) and R-loops. G4s are constituted by stacked guanine tetrads held together by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds and can form at key regulatory sites of eukaryote genomes and transcripts, including gene promoters, untranslated exon regions and telomeres. R-loops are 3-stranded structures wherein the two strands of a DNA duplex are melted and one of them is annealed to an RNA. Specific G4 binders are intensively investigated to discover new effective anticancer drugs based on a common rationale, i.e.: the selective inhibition of oncogene expression or specific impairment of telomere maintenance. However, despite the high number of known G4 binders, such a selective molecular activity has not been fully established and several published data point to a different mode of action. We will review published data that address the close structural interplay between G4s and R-loops in vitro and in vivo, and how these interactions can have functional consequences in relation to G4 binder activity. We propose that R-loops can play a previously-underestimated role in G4 binder action, in relation to DNA damage induction, telomere maintenance, genome and epigenome instability and alterations of gene expression programs.
Biomarkers for Risk Stratification in Patients With Previously Untreated Follicular Lymphoma Receiving Anti-CD20-based Biological Therapy.

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent B-cell neoplasm of germinal center origin. Standard treatment regimens consist of anti-CD20 therapy with or without chemotherapy. While high response rates to initial therapy are common, patients ultimately relapse or have progressive disease. Clinical risk factors such as the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) have been identified, but there is a need for prognostic and predictive biomarkers. We studied markers of lymphoma cells and tumor microenvironment by immunohistochemistry in tissue samples from patients enrolled in 1 of 4 phase 2 trials of anti-CD20-based biological therapy for previously untreated grades 1 to 2 or 3A FL. Results were correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) and PFS status at 24 months. The 4 trials included 238 patients (51.1% male, median age: 55 y) with stage III, IV, or bulky stage II disease. By FLIPI, 24.6% had low-risk, 56.8% had intermediate-risk, and 18.6% had high-risk disease. The outcome differed significantly for patients treated with lenalidomide and rituximab (CALGB 50803) compared with the other 3 trials (median: PFS not reached vs. 3.0 y, hazard ratio=3.47, 95% confidence interval: 2.11-5.72); therefore, data were stratified by clinical trial (CALGB 50803 vs. all others) and adjusted for FLIPI risk group. Among 154 patients with available tissue, interfollicular BCL6 positivity, interfollicular CD10 positivity, and elevated Ki67 proliferation index ≥30% within neoplastic follicles were each associated with inferior PFS and a high risk of the early event by PFS status at 24 months. We identify promising biomarkers for FL risk stratification that warrant further validation in phase 3 trials.
Retbindin: A riboflavin Binding Protein, Is Critical for Photoreceptor Homeostasis and Survival in Models of Retinal Degeneration

The large number of inherited retinal disease genes (IRD), including the photopigment rhodopsin and the photoreceptor outer segment (OS) structural component peripherin 2 (PRPH2), has prompted interest in identifying common cellular mechanisms involved in degeneration. Although metabolic dysregulation has been shown to play an important role in the progression of the disease etiology, identifying a common regulator that can preserve the metabolic ecosystem is needed for future development of neuroprotective treatments. Here, we investigated whether retbindin (RTBDN), a rod-specific protein with riboflavin binding capability, and a regulator of riboflavin-derived cofactors flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), is protective to the retina in different IRD models; one carrying the P23H mutation in rhodopsin (which causes retinitis pigmentosa) and one carrying the Y141C mutation in Prph2 (which causes a blended cone-rod dystrophy). RTBDN levels are significantly upregulated in both the rhodopsin (Rho)P23H/+ and Prph2Y141C/+ retinas. Rod and cone structural and functional degeneration worsened in models lacking RTBDN. In addition, removing Rtbdn worsened other phenotypes, such as fundus flecking. Retinal flavin levels were reduced in RhoP23H/+/Rtbdn−/− and Prph2Y141C/+/Rtbdn−/− retinas. Overall, these findings suggest that RTBDN may play a protective role during retinal degenerations that occur at varying rates and due to varying disease mechanisms.