Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anterior pituitary gland synthesises dopamine from l‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (l‐dopa)

Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone principally secreted by lactotrophs of the anterior pituitary gland. Although the synthesis and exocytosis of this hormone are mainly under the regulation of hypothalamic dopamine (DA), the possibility that the anterior pituitary synthesises this catecholamine remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine if the anterior pituitary produces DA from the precursor l‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (l‐dopa). Accordingly, we investigated the expression of aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) enzyme and the transporter vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) in the anterior pituitary, AtT20 and GH3 cells by immunofluorescence and western blotting. Moreover, we investigated the production of DA from l‐dopa and its release in vitro. Then, we explored the effects of l‐dopa with respect to the secretion of PRL from anterior pituitary fragments. We observed that the anterior pituitary, AtT20 and GH3 cells express both AADC and VMAT2. Next, we detected an increase in DA content after anterior pituitary fragments were incubated with l‐dopa. Also, the presence of l‐dopa increased DA levels in incubation media and reduced PRL secretion. Likewise, the content of cellular DA increased after AtT20 cells were incubated with l‐dopa. In addition, l‐dopa reduced corticotrophin‐releasing hormone‐stimulated adrenocorticotrophic hormone release from these cells after AADC activity was inhibited by NSD‐1015. Moreover, DA formation from l‐dopa increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation. However, in the presence of NSD‐1015, l‐dopa decreased apoptosis and increased proliferation rates. These results suggest that the anterior pituitary synthesises DA from l‐dopa by AADC and this catecholamine can be released from this gland contributing to the control of PRL secretion. In addition, our results suggest that l‐dopa exerts direct actions independently from its metabolisation to DA.
Aggregate Removal Nanofiltration of Human Serum Albumin Solution Using Nanocellulose-Based Filter Paper

This study is dedicated to the rapid removal of protein aggregates and viruses from plasma-derived human serum albumin (HSA) product to reduce the risk of viral contamination and increase biosafety. A two-step filtration approach was implemented to first remove HSA aggregates and then achieve high model virus clearance using a nanocellulose-based filter paper of different thicknesses, i.e., 11 μm (prefilter) and 22 μm (virus filter) at pH 7.4 and room temperature. The pore size distribution of these filters was characterized by nitrogen gas sorption analysis. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) were performed to analyze the presence of HSA aggregates in process intermediates. The virus filter showed high clearance of a small-size model virus, i.e., log10 reduction value (LRV) > 5, when operated at 3 and 5 bar, but a distinct decrease in LRV was detected at 1 bar, i.e., LRV 2.65–3.75. The throughput of HSA was also dependent on applied transmembrane pressure as was seen by Vmax values of 110 ± 2.5 L m−2 and 63.6 ± 5.8 L m−2 at 3 bar and 5 bar, respectively. Protein loss was low, i.e., recovery > 90%. A distribution of pore sizes between 40 nm and 60 nm, which was present in the prefilter and absent in the virus filter, played a crucial part in removing the HSA aggregates and minimizing the risk of virus filter fouling. The presented results enable the application of virus removal nanofiltration of HSA in bioprocessing as an alternative to virus inactivation methods based, e.g., on heat treatment.
Advances in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Gene Therapy.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), characterized by low levels of circulating serine protease inhibitor alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), results in emphysematous destruction of the lung. Inherited serum deficiency disorders, such as hemophilia and AATD, have been considered ideal candidates for gene therapy. While viral vector-meditated transduction of the liver have demonstrated utility in hemophilia, similar success has not been achieved for AATD. The challenge for AAT gene therapy is achieving protective levels of AAT locally in the lung and mitigating potential liver toxicities linked to systemically administered viral vectors. Current strategies with ongoing clinical trials involve different routes of adeno-associated virus (AAV) administrations, such as intramuscular and intrapleural injections, to provide consistent therapeutic levels from non-hepatic organ sites. Nevertheless, exploration of alternative methods of non-hepatic sourcing of AAT has been a great interest of the field. In this regard, pulmonary endothelium targeted adenoviral vector (Ad) could be a key technical mandate to achieve local augmentation of AAT within the lower respiratory tract with the potential benefit of circumventing liver toxicities. In addition, incorporation of CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease system into gene delivery technologies, has provided adjunctive technologies that could fully realize the one-time treatment for sustained, lifelong expression of AAT in patients with AATD. This review will focus on the AAV and Ad-mediated gene therapy strategies for the pulmonary manifestations of AATD, and show that endeavoring the genome-editing techniques will seek to advance the current strategy to one fully compatible with direct human translation.
Short-Term Stressor Effects of Water Deprivation Prior to the Onset of Lay on Subsequent Reproductive Performance of ISA Brown Pullets

The influence of water deprivation prior to the onset of production on sexual maturity and subsequent reproductive performance was investigated in commercial pullets. Three hundred 16-weekold ISA Brown pullets were used in this study. The birds were housed in cages (100 cages of 3 birds/cage) situated in an open sided poultry shed and randomly divided into three treatment groups. The 3 groups were 1) control (received feed with water at all times) 2) dehydrated and 3) dehydrated+NH4Cl. Following an acclimatization period of 4 weeks, the birds in all groups were placed on a commercial layer ration and the treatments began. In the dehydrated and dehydrated+NH4Cl groups, the drinking water was removed completely from the pullets for 48 hours of dehydration but feed available at all times. The water was then returned to the birds following the water withdrawal period, and thereafter until the end of the trial. The pullets in the dehydrated+NH4Cl group were fed on the layer diet supplemented with 1%NH4Cl throughout the experimental period. It was found that feed intake dropped rapidly, by approximately 50%, when the birds were subjected to water deprivation. Neither age at first egg nor at 50-60 % of production was influenced by the interruption of drinking water supply. Little difference in egg weight at first egg was noted between the dehydrated birds and the normally hydrated hens. Pullets deprived of water were slower coming into egg production especially during the first 2 weeks of production period, however, thereafter egg production was similar among all treatment groups with numerical advantages for the normally hydrated hens. There were no carryover effects of water deprivation on subsequent egg weight, albumen weight, Haugh units, yolk weight or yolk color throughout the entire 12 weeks of the test. Body weights were not different either before the treatment or at the end of the study (P>0.05). The results might be interpreted as indicating that an interruption of drinking water supply for 2 days prior to the commencement of egg production induced transient effects of nutrient deficiency resulted in retardation of reproductive development. The acidified layer ration failed to show any positive effects on reproductive performance for the first 12 weeks of lay. The pullets, however, appeared to
The Effects of Irrigation Pumps on the Zooplankton Composition in Lake Eğirdir (Isparta/Turkey)

The aim of this study was to found the effects of irrigation pumps on the distribution zooplankton in the Lake Egirdir. The abundance of zooplankton in the Lake were determined in different zones (pelagic and pump outlet ) between May -September 2010 with 5 monthly periods. Zooplankton samples were taken from pelagic and pump outlet zones by using plankton net a mesh size of 55 µm. A total of 49 taxa were recorded as 31 Rotifera, 16 Cladocera and 2 Copepoda. Sorensen similarity index and indicator species analysis were used. Testudinella patina, Euchlanis dilatata, Lecane luna, Lecane bulla, Disparalona rostrata, Nitocra hibernica, Trichotria pocillum and Mesocyclops leuckarti bodanicola, which were found in the lake, are indicator species of pelagic and pump outlet zones.
Early onset of cannabis use and violent behavior in psychosis

Abstract Background: Although evidence from psychosis patients demonstrates the adverse effects of cannabis use (CU) at a young age and that the rate of CU is high in subgroups of young violent patients with psychotic disorders, little is known about the possible effect of the age of onset of CU on later violent behaviors (VB). So, we aimed to explore the impact of age at onset of CU on the risk of displaying VB in a cohort of early psychosis patients. Method: Data were collected prospectively over a 36-month period in the context of an early psychosis cohort study. A total of 265 patients, aged 18–35 years, were included in the study. Logistic regression was performed to assess the link between age of onset of substance use and VB. Results: Among the 265 patients, 72 had displayed VB and 193 had not. While violent patients began using cannabis on average at age 15.29 (0.45), nonviolent patients had started on average at age 16.97 (0.35) (p = 0.004). Early-onset CU (up to age 15) was a risk factor for VB (odds ratio = 4.47, confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–20.06) when the model was adjusted for age group, other types of substance use, being a user or a nonuser and various violence risk factors and covariates. History of violence and early CU (until 15) were the two main risk factors for VB. Conclusions: Our results suggest that early-onset CU may play a role in the emergence of VB in early psychosis.
Mercury in Macroinvertebrates from Swedish Forest Lakes: Influence of Lake Type, Habitat, Life Cycle, and Food Quality

Mercury concentrations in lacustrine macroinvertebrates were concurrently studied in eight remote Swedish forest lakes of differing dystrophy, acidity, and eutrophy. The aim was to assess the influence of ecological factors (taxon, habitat, and feeding habits), chemical factors (characterizing different types of lakes), and regional and climatic factors (Hg deposition and mean temperature) on the accumulation of Hg. Concentrations varied from 5000 ng Hg∙g dry weight−1. A large part of this high variability could be ascribed to differences in water and sediment chemistry, ecological niches, and species-specific seasonalities. Both taxonomic composition and Hg concentrations were highly dependent on the type of lake. Concentrations were highest in acidic dystrophic lakes and lowest in oligotrophic lakes. Mean Hg concentrations in the examined taxa within a lake differed 100-fold. Contrary to widely held views on biomagnification, the lowest concentrations among profundal chironomids were found in pr.
Validation of Chronic Restraint Stress Model in Young Adult Rats for the Study of Depression Using Longitudinal Multimodal MR Imaging

Abstract Prior research suggests that the neurobiological underpinnings of depression include aberrant brain functional connectivity, neurometabolite levels, and hippocampal volume. Chronic restraint stress (CRS) depression model in rats has been shown to elicit behavioral, gene expression, protein, functional connectivity, and hippocampal volume changes similar to those in human depression. However, no study to date has examined the association between behavioral changes and brain changes within the same animals. This study specifically addressed the correlation between the outcomes of behavioral tests and multiple 9.4 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities in the CRS model using data collected longitudinally in the same animals. CRS involved placing young adult male Sprague Dawley rats in individual transparent tubes for 2.5 h daily over 13 d. Elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swim tests (FSTs) confirmed the presence of anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors, respectively, postrestraint. Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data revealed hypoconnectivity within the salience and interoceptive networks and hyperconnectivity of several brain regions to the cingulate cortex. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed decreased sensorimotor cortical glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), and combined Glu-Gln (Glx) levels. Volumetric analysis of T2-weighted images revealed decreased hippocampal volume. Importantly, these changes parallel those found in human depression, suggesting that the CRS rodent model has utility for translational studies and novel intervention development for depression.
Finite-Horizon H∞ State Estimation for Stochastic Coupled Networks With Random Inner Couplings Using Round-Robin Protocol

This article is concerned with the problem of finite-horizon <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> state estimation for time-varying coupled stochastic networks through the round-robin scheduling protocol. The inner coupling strengths of the considered coupled networks are governed by a random sequence with known expectations and variances. For the sake of mitigating the occurrence probability of the network-induced phenomena, the communication network is equipped with the round-robin protocol that schedules the signal transmissions of the sensors’ measurement outputs. By using some dedicated approximation techniques, an uncertain auxiliary system with stochastic parameters is established where the multiplicative noises enter the coefficient matrix of the augmented disturbances. With the established auxiliary system, the desired finite-horizon <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> state estimator is acquired by solving coupled backward Riccati equations, and the corresponding recursive estimator design algorithm is presented that is suitable for online application. The effectiveness of the proposed estimator design method is validated via a numerical example.
Resistance-related metabolites in wheat against Fusarium graminearum and the virulence factor deoxynivalenol (DON)

Inoculation with the virulence factor deoxynivalenol (DON) can induce disease symptoms in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) spikelets, even though it is not needed for the initial invasion by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, thus the mechanism of plant defense against both the pathogen and DON, was investigated. Wheat cultivars that are resistant (‘Sumai3’) or susceptible (‘Roblin’) to fusarium head blight (FHB) were inoculated with F. graminearum, DON, or water. Inoculated spikelets were harvested 48 h after inoculation, the metabolites were extracted in methanol–water and chloroform, then derivatized and analyzed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. The metabolite peaks were deconvoluted and identified by manually matching the mass spectra with those in the NIST and GMD libraries. The peaks were aligned, and abundances were measured. A total of 117 metabolites were tentatively identified, including several antimicrobial metabolites and signal molecules or their precursors. Out of these 117 metabolites, 15.
Efficiency of water use in sugar beet and processing tomato cropped in Southern Italy

A more efficient crop water use in biomass and yield accumulation can represent great water saving in the waterlimited environments. Crop management – irrigation, sowing time, fertilization – could affect water (and irrigation water) transformation efficiency in dry matter and commercial yield of beet and tomato in Southern Italy. This field research, carried out in two locations of Southern Italy (Foggia and Vasto) in 1998-2002 period, compared for sugar beet irrigation regimes (optimal, 100% of ETc and reduced, 60% of ETc) and sowing times (autumnal and spring); for tomato three irrigation regimes were compared, re-establishing 100% (ET100), 66 (ET66) and 33% (ET33) of crop evapotranspiration. Water and irrigation water transformation efficiency in harvestable yield (WUEhdm and IRRWUE hdm), in total dry matter (WUEdm and IRRWUEdm) and sucrose (WUEsuc) were calculated both at harvest and during crop cycle. The results showed a significant effect of sowing date on WUEhdm and WUEsuc of sugar beet (respectively 2.44 and 2.12 for autumnal sowing and 1.08 and 0.84 kg m-3 for spring sowing). Irrigation regimes did not show significant differences. “Irrigation x sowing times” interaction was significant for WUEdm, with a superiority of reduced vs. optimal only in spring sowing time. In tomato, WUEdm was not affected by the irrigation regime, while WUEhdm in ET66 treatment was more efficient treatment than ET100 (1.19 vs. 1.00 kg m-3). “Year” effect was significant for WUEdm and WUEhdm with lowest values in the driest year. IRRWUE was higher in tomato than in sugar beet, considering dry matter, fresh harvestable product and also from an economic point of view. The temporal analysis of water use efficiency showed WUEdm and WUEhdm greater in the middle of crop cycle in autumnal than in spring sugar beet, but not between the irrigation regimes. In tomato, the ET66 treatment resulted the most efficient in water using, especially at the end of crop cycle. This information can be useful in the crop management of sugar beet and tomato in Southern Italy and to better address the scarce irrigation water resources.
Quadrotor-Based Lighthouse Localization with Time-Synchronized Wireless Sensor Nodes and Bearing-Only Measurements

Some robotic localization methods, such as ultra wideband localization and lighthouse localization, require external localization infrastructure in order to operate. However, there are situations where this localization infrastructure does not exist in the field, such as robotic exploration tasks. Deploying low power wireless sensor networks (WSNs) as localization infrastructure can potentially solve this problem. In this work, we demonstrate the use of an OpenWSN network of miniaturized low power sensor nodes as localization infrastructure. We demonstrate a quadrotor performing laser-based relative bearing measurements of stationary wireless sensor nodes with known locations and using these measurements to localize itself. These laser-based measurements require little computation on the WSN nodes, and are compatible with state-of-the-art 2 mm × 3 mm monolithic wireless system-on-chips (SoCs). These capabilities were demonstrated on a Crazyflie quadcopter using an Extended Kalman Filter and a network of motes running the OpenWSN wireless sensor network stack. The RMS error for X positioning was 0.57 m and the error for Y positioning was 0.39 m. This is the first use of an OpenWSN sensor network to support robotic localization. Furthermore, simulations show that these same measurements could be used for localizing sensor motes with unknown locations in the future.
Calponin 3 is associated with poor prognosis and regulates proliferation and metastasis in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a malignant, life-threatening tumor that affects children and adolescents. In this study, we identified high levels of calponin 3 (CNN3) protein in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that CNN3 has diagnostic value for patients with osteosarcoma. We also found that high CNN3 expression was associated with tumor size, tumor stage, and lymph node and distant metastases. Moreover, high levels of CNN3 mRNA were associated with a poor overall survival rate and a shorter disease-free survival period. CNN3 silencing inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G1 stage, and inhibited cell migration and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, CNN3 silencing also inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Western blotting revealed that silencing of CNN3 resulted in downregulated expression of MMP9, VEGF, and vimentin, and upregulation of E-cadherin. CNN3 silencing also resulted in downregulation of the ERK1/2 and p38 signaling pathways. In conclusion, high CNN3 expression was found to help in the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, and was found to be associated with poor prognosis in patients. Therefore, CNN3 may play an oncogenic role during the progression of osteosarcoma by activating the ERK1/2 and p38 pathways.
Fabrication of Hollow Structures in Photodegradable Hydrogels Using a Multi-Photon Excitation Process for Blood Vessel Tissue Engineering

Engineered blood vessels generally recapitulate vascular function in vitro and can be utilized in drug discovery as a novel microphysiological system. Recently, various methods to fabricate vascular models in hydrogels have been reported to study the blood vessel functions in vitro; however, in general, it is difficult to fabricate hollow structures with a designed size and structure with a tens of micrometers scale for blood vessel tissue engineering. This study reports a method to fabricate the hollow structures in photodegradable hydrogels prepared in a microfluidic device. An infrared femtosecond pulsed laser, employed to induce photodegradation via multi-photon excitation, was scanned in the hydrogel in a program-controlled manner for fabricating the designed hollow structures. The photodegradable hydrogel was prepared by a crosslinking reaction between an azide-modified gelatin solution and a dibenzocyclooctyl-terminated photocleavable tetra-arm polyethylene glycol crosslinker solution. After assessing the composition of the photodegradable hydrogel in terms of swelling and cell adhesion, the hydrogel prepared in the microfluidic device was processed by laser scanning to fabricate linear and branched hollow structures present in it. We introduced a microsphere suspension into the fabricated structure in photodegradable hydrogels, and confirmed the fabrication of perfusable hollow structures of designed patterns via the multi-photon excitation process.