Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The complete chloroplast genome of Berberis weiningensis (Berberidaceae), an endemic and traditional Chinese medicinal herb

Abstract Berberis weiningensis is a frequently-used traditional Chinese medicinal herb that included various active alkaloids. In this study, we assembled the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of B. weiningensis. The complete cp genome of B. weiningensis is 166,275 bp in length, and has a typical structure with large single-copy (LSC 73,624 bp) and small single-copy (SSC 18,608 bp) regions separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs 37,019 bp) of large size. The B. weiningensis cp genome contains 147 genes, of which 101 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 38 tRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that Berberis species closely clustered with Mahonia species, which obviously support that Mahonia and Berberis are not monophyletic.
Synthesis of Azidothymidine-Bound Sulfated Alkyl Oligosaccharides and Their Inhibitory Effects on AIDS Virus Infection in vitro

In order to sustain an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) drug azidothymidine (AZT) in high level in the blood, novel AZT prodrugs, i.e., AZT-bound sulfated laminaripentaose and AZT-bound sulfated alkyl laminaripentaosides, were synthesized. AZT was introduced into the backbone of laminaripentaose and alkyl laminaripentaoside through biodegradable ester bond to give AZT-bound laminaripentaose and AZT-bound alkyl laminaripentaoside, respectively. Subsequently, they were sulfated with SO3-pyridine complex to produce AZT-bound sulfated laminaripentaose and AZT-bound sulfated alkyl laminaripentaoside. Their anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) activities were assayed in vitro by use of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) method. It was revealed that AZT-bound sulfated laminaripentaose exhibited much higher anti-HIV activity (EC50=0.20 μg ml−1) than AZT-free sulfated laminaripentaose (EC50=160 μg ml−1) even when AZT was not released from sulfated laminaripentaose, and a low cytotoxicity of CC50 above 1000 μg ml−1. Moreover, an alkyl group combined to the reducing end of AZT-bound sulfated alkyl laminaripentaoside increased the anti-HIV activity further (EC50=0.04–0.23 μg ml−1). In addition, AZT-bound sulfated alkyl laminaripentaoside possessed a very low or undetectable anticoagulant activity.
Automatic detection and localization of COVID‐19 pneumonia using axial computed tomography images and deep convolutional neural networks

COVID‐19 was first reported as an unknown group of pneumonia in Wuhan City, Hubei province of China in late December of 2019. The rapid increase in the number of cases diagnosed with COVID‐19 and the lack of experienced radiologists can cause diagnostic errors in the interpretation of the images along with the exceptional workload occurring in this process. Therefore, the urgent development of automated diagnostic systems that can scan radiological images quickly and accurately is important in combating the pandemic. With this motivation, a deep convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based model that can automatically detect patterns related to lesions caused by COVID‐19 from chest computed tomography (CT) images is proposed in this study. In this context, the image ground‐truth regarding the COVID‐19 lesions scanned by the radiologist was evaluated as the main criteria of the segmentation process. A total of 16 040 CT image segments were obtained by applying segmentation to the raw 102 CT images. Then, 10 420 CT image segments related to healthy lung regions were labeled as COVID‐negative, and 5620 CT image segments, in which the findings related to the lesions were detected in various forms, were labeled as COVID‐positive. With the proposed CNN architecture, 93.26% diagnostic accuracy performance was achieved. The sensitivity and specificity performance metrics for the proposed automatic diagnosis model were 93.27% and 93.24%, respectively. Additionally, it has been shown that by scanning the small regions of the lungs, COVID‐19 pneumonia can be localized automatically with high resolution and the lesion densities can be successfully evaluated quantitatively.
A high-content AlphaScreen™ identifies E6-specific small molecule inhibitors as potential therapeutics for HPV+ head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

The incidence of human papillomavirus-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+-HNSCC) has increased dramatically over the past decades due to an increase in infection of the oral mucosa by HPV. The etiology of HPV+-HNSCC is linked to expression of the HPV oncoprotein, E6, which influences tumor formation, growth and survival. E6 effects this oncogenic phenotype in part through inhibitory protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and accelerated degradation of proteins with tumor suppressor properties, such as p53 and caspase 8. Interfering with the binding between E6 and its cellular partners may therefore represent a reasonable pharmacological intervention in HPV+ tumors. In this study, we probed a small-molecule library using AlphaScreen™ technology to discover novel E6 inhibitors. Following a cascade of screens we identified and prioritized one hit compound. Structure activity relationship (SAR) studies of this lead uncovered an analog, 30-hydroxygambogic acid (GA-OH), that displayed improved activity. Further testing of this analog in a panel of HPV+ and HPV– cell lines showed good potency and a large window of selectivity as demonstrated by apoptosis induction and significant inhibition of cell growth, cell survival in HPV+ cells. In summary, GA-OH may serve as a starting point for the development of potent E6-specific inhibitors.
Kidney transplantation and COVID-19 renal and patient prognosis

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVD-19) emerged as a pandemic in December 2019. Infection has spread quickly and renal transplant recipients receiving chronic immunosuppression have been considered a population at high risk of infection, complications and infection-related death. During this year a large amount of information from nationwide registries, multicentre and single-centre studies have been reported. The number of renal transplant patients diagnosed with COVID-19 was higher than in the general population, but the lower threshold for testing may have contributed to its better identification. Major complications such as acute kidney injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome were very frequent in renal transplant patients, with a high comorbidity burden, but further studies are needed to support that organ transplant recipients receiving chronic immunosuppression are more prone to develop these complications than the general population. Kidney transplant recipients experience a high mortality rate compared with the general population, especially during the very early post-transplant period. Despite the fact that some studies report more favourable outcomes in patients with a kidney transplant than in patients on the kidney waiting list, the higher mortality described in the very early post-transplant period would advise against performing a kidney transplant in areas where the spread of infection is high, especially in recipients >60 years of age. Management of transplant recipients has been challenging for clinicians and strategies such as less use of lymphocyte-depleting agents for new transplants or anti-metabolite withdrawal and calcineurin inhibitor reduction for transplant patients with COVID-19 are not based on high-quality evidence.
Bioactive Substances, Heavy Metals, and Antioxidant Activity in Whole Fruit, Peel, and Pulp of Citrus Fruits

The use of whole citrus fruits in the food industry means that the valuable peel is used, but this may raise palatability or health concerns among consumers. The content of sugars, dietary fibre, redox compounds, lead, and cadmium was compared in citrus fruits (orange; pomelo; mandarin; lemon; key lime; and red, yellow, and green grapefruit). The pulp of all fruits contained significantly less fibre, tannins, and phenolic compounds than the peel. Whole citrus fruits had significantly lower content of sugars and higher content of dietary fibre and phenolic compounds, including ferulic acid, than their pulps. Whole grapefruits had higher concentrations of ascorbic acid. Whole lemons, limes, and mandarins had higher antioxidant potential than their pulp, due to their higher content of ascorbic acid, tannins, and phenolic compounds. Lead and cadmium content in whole fruits, while higher than in the pulps, was well below the acceptable daily intake.
The first mitochondrial genome of Tetraclita kuroshioensis (Crustacea: Sessilia) from China: insight into the phylogeny within Cirripedia

Abstract We determined the first mitochondrial genome of Tetraclita kuroshioensis from China. The mitochondrial genome of T. kuroshioensis was found to be 15,175 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs. The longest non-coding region was 425 bp in length. Phylogenetic analysis showed that T. kuroshioensis clustered with T. serrata and then clustered with T. squamosa squamosa with high bootstrap value (BP = 100). In the future, sequencing of additional mitochondrial genomes should provide additional insights into the deep phylogeny of Cirripedia.
Mechanism of the Initial Phenomena of Defluidization Caused by Switching Fluidizing Gases

In a fluidized bed, particle agglomeration and channeling have been observed when the fluidizing gas is switched from lower to higher density. This defluidization is a transient phenomenon, and fluidization is restored after several minutes. In this paper, we assume this behavior can be explained by non-equimolar diffusion, which causes pressure gradients in the bed and subsequently leads to viscous flow. To verify this assumption, pressure changes were measured for several binary diffusion systems in a packed bed. After the packed bed was filled with a gas, another gas was supplied to the bed’s outer surface to replace the first gas. These gases were exchanged by diffusion, and the pressure at the closed end of the column either increased or decreased due to differences in the gases’ molecular weights. The pressure changes were compared with pressure changes calculated from a model based on both an unsteady-state diffusion equation and the Kozeny-Carman equation. The measured pressure changes in the packed beds could be correlated with the calculated values without any adjustable parameters. In a fluidized bed, after the gas switched from lower to higher density, differences in diffusion rates due to the gases’ various molecular weights caused a net molecular flow from the emulsion phase to the bubble phase. This flow caused a decrease in gas velocity in the emulsion phase and a contraction of the emulsion phase; channeling and defluidization were then observed.
Stress response of police officers during COVID‐19: A moderated mediation model

Abstract During the COVID‐19 pandemic, police officers have been at the frontline of danger. Their mental health should arouse the attention of society. To test the relationship between the psychological support they received and their stress response, the present study built a moderated mediation model to examine this and the effects of underlying mechanisms. A total of 553 Chinese police officers participated in this study; four scales were measured by standardised questionnaires (Emotional Identity of Profession Scale; DSM‐5 Self‐Rated Level 1 Cross‐Cutting Symptom Measure‐Adult; Psychological Support Scale; Active Work Adaptation Scale). Stress response was negatively correlated with psychological support, emotional identity of profession and active work adaptation. Psychological support, emotional identity of profession and active work adaptation were all positively correlated. Psychological support had a negative direct effect on stress response, and emotional identity of profession's mediating effect was distinct and was moderated by active work adaptation.
The complete chloroplast genome of Cephalotaxus lanceolata (Taxaceae), a plant species with extremely small populations

Abstract Cephalotaxus lanceolata K. M. Feng ex C. Y. Cheng W. C. Cheng and L. K. Fu (Taxaceae) is a threatened plant species and a typical plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP) with only four individuals found in Gaoligong Mountain. With the aim of providing data for future conservation efforts, we sequenced the whole chloroplast (cp) genome of C. lanceolata. The results showed that the plastid genome is 136,404 bp in size. In total, 116 unique genes were annotated, including 83 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. The total GC content was 35.1%. We performed phylogenetic analyses based on 12 cp genomes of Taxaceae, and we determined that the genus Cephalotaxus forms a sister group to Taxus and Pseudotaxus.
The complete mitogenome of ‘Dongfang No.3’, an important Saccharina cultivar in China

Abstract In this work, the complete mitogenome of Saccharina cultivar ‘Dongfang No.3’ is reported. This mitogenome has a circular mapping organization with the length of 37,657 bp and contains 66 genes, including 35 protein-coding genes, three rRNAs, 25 tRNAs, and three open reading frames (orfs). The overall AT content is 64.73%, showing a higher AT content. The gene content and gene sequence are consistent with those reported varieties and cultivars of Saccharina. Chinese main Saccharina cultivars are analyzed by phylogenetic analysis. It indicates that ‘Dongfang No.3’ has a close relationship with Saccharina japonica, which strongly supports its genetic origin. The complete mitogenome analysis in this work would help in understanding the genetic background of Chinese Saccharina cultivars.
Recent Advances in the Study of Protein Imprinting

Abstract Molecular imprinting is an important tool for generating synthetic receptors with specific recognition sites. The resulting artificial receptor has extensive applications in chromatographic stationary phases, solid phase extraction, catalysis, drug delivery and sensors. The synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) specific for proteins has been proved challenging due to a number of inherent problems in protein imprinting but potentially rewarding work. Hence, this review discusses recent advances in various synthetic protocols developed to overcome the obstacles, focusing on their advantages, disadvantages and potential future direction. In addition, the case of the selection of the functional monomers has also been reviewed here.
Nano-imaging of trace metals by synchrotron X-ray fluorescence into dopaminergic single cells and neurite-like processes

The metallome has been defined as the distribution of metals and metalloids among the different species and cell compartments. The detection of trace elements at the subcellular level is a challenging task that requires sophisticated analytical developments. In this study, we report how chemical element imaging was performed in subcellular compartments of dopaminergic cells at high spatial resolution using the X-ray fluorescence nanoprobe recently developed at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. High spatial resolution is obtained using the concept of a secondary source focused to a 90 nm probe by multilayer mirrors bent in Kirkpatrick–Baez geometry. This original setup was applied for trace metal mapping of single dopaminergic cells, chosen as an in vitro model of degenerative cells involved in Parkinson's disease. This cellular model is able to differentiate upon exposure to nerve growth factor and to extend neurite-like processes. Two important results were obtained. First, iron is distributed in a granular form into dopamine vesicles, found mainly in primary neurite outgrowths and distal ends. Second, thin neurite-like processes produced by differentiated cells accumulate copper, zinc, and to a minor extent lead. Overall, the high resolution imaging of single neuronal cells offers unique information to understand the role of trace metals in neurochemistry.
Formulation of Irbesartan by Microcrystal Technology for Enhancing the Solubility and Dissolution Properties

The aim of this study was to develop the formulation of irbesartan by microcrystal technology to enhance the solubility and dissolution property of the drug. The area of interest in the study carried out is Class II drugs cited in the Biopharmaceutical Classification System. Microcrystal technology is a new carrier-free colloidal drug delivery system with reduced drug particle size and is considered a viable strategy in drug delivery to develop formulations of poorly soluble drugs. In the present study, an attempt was made to enhance the solubility of the drug irbesartan compared to its pure form by microcrystal technology. Drug microcrystals were prepared by the anti-solvent precipitation process. The specified amount of drug was dissolved in methanol and PVP K30 was dissolved in water. The two phases were mixed instantaneously, wherein the drug solution was kept on continuous stirring and the aqueous phase was added to this continuous phase. The particle size of the drug was not reduced, but enhancement in solubility and dissolution properties of the drug were still observed. This could be due to the wettability property of PVP K30. The FT-IR spectra and DSC thermograms confirmed no interference of drug and the stabilizer. XRD studies confirmed the formation of crystals of the drug irbesartan. Thus, it could be concluded that microcrystal technology is a promising approach for solubility enhancement of irbesartan.
Personality traits and bricolage as drivers of sustainable social responsibility in family SMEs: A COVID‐19 perspective

Abstract Motivated by the social and environmental challenges resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic, this research examines the influence of the “big five” personality traits; extroversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism on sustainable social responsibility with a mediating role of bricolage. We collected empirical evidence from 245 family‐owned SMEs. The results indicate that the personality traits do not directly influence sustainable social responsibility, although the traits (except extroversion) influence bricolage. Moreover, we found that open, conscious, and agreeable personalities indirectly contribute to sustainable social responsibility, with bricolage as a mediator. Our findings encourage enterprises to focus on those personality traits during crises (especially COVID‐19) that empower people to effectively manage existing resources (e.g., bricolage) and protect their stakeholders. Family‐owned SMEs need to assign resource utilization tasks to family members having personalities of openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism because these kinds of people have high capacities for bricolage.
An unusual cause of a complete heart block in a young healthy man! (a case report)

Acute myocarditis represents a challenging diagnosis as there is no pathognomonic clinical presentation. It is rare to see heart block as the first-and-only presentation of infectious myocarditis. We report the case of a young healthy patient who presented with syncope secondary to a complete heart block. It was caused by acute presumed viral myocarditis. The diagnosis was confirmed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. With close monitoring, the EKG abnormalities resolved over the following 5 days. In this case report, we present the importance of several imaging tools to diagnose a rare and reversible cause of conduction disturbances. In at-risk individuals, clinicians should rule out a treatable cause of heart block before proceeding with permanent pacemaker implantation due to enormous clinical and cost implications involved.
The pedogenic effects of different species and vegetation types and the implications of succession

SUMMARY The paper surveys the changes in pH, organic matter type and degree of podzolization of poorly buffered, freely drained, siliceous soils in Britain caused by the predominant plant species and semi-natural vegetation types. Changes in vegetation with succession, especially with varying grazing and burning regimes, and also with stand regeneration, are outlined, and their implications for soil change noted. Many cyclic changes in species a bundance seem to occur naturally which cause an alternation of contrasting trends in soil acidity and podzolization, thus tending to maintain a long term equilibrium.
The complete chloroplast genome of Schizostachyum dumetorum var. xinwuense (Bambusoideae: Poaceae)

Abstract Schizostachyum dumetorum var. xinwuense (T.H.Wen & J.Y.Chin) N.H. Xia is an arborescent bamboo that is native to Jiangxi, China. The bamboo culm wall of this species is extremely thin, which has high economic value and ecological benefits. Here, we assembled the complete chloroplast genome of S. dumetorum var. xinwuense using Illumina pair-end sequencing data in this work. The total genome size of S. dumetorum var. xinwuense was 139,230 bp in length, containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 82,876 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 12,877 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 21,777 bp. The overall GC content of the genome was 38.87%, and the corresponding GC values of the LSC, SSC, and IR regions were 36.98%, 32.83%, and 44.17%, respectively. The genome contained a total of 112 genes, including 75 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and seven rRNA. Phylogenetic analysis of S. dumetorum var. xinwuense positioned it in a strongly supported clade with Arundinaria appalachiana. These data show the phylogenetic location of Schizostachyum dumetorum var. xinwuense within the family of the Bambusoideae and contribute to the biodiversity and systematics of the Bambusoideae.
Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma-transformed plasma-cell leukemia successfully treated with daratumumab followed by autologous stem cell transplantation

Daratumumab is a humanized anti-CD38 IgG1 monoclonal antibody which could be used for multiple myeloma (MM). MM with plasma-cell leukemia (PCL) transformation is highly aggressive and is resistant to conventional therapy. Novel therapeutics are needed for PCL, and daratumumab may play role. We report a case of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM)-transformed PCL successfully treated with daratumumab. The case was a 42-year-old man who was diagnosed with MM 2 years ago and relapsed after six cycles of bortezomib-based chemotherapy. The patient rapidly developed hyperleukocytosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation, and was diagnosed with PCL. Daratumumab-based therapy was tried and the case miraculously obtained complete remission (CR) after four doses of a weekly infusion of daratumumab. Finally the patient received autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) and maintained CR. Moreover, we monitored the immune cell dynamics by flow cytometry (FCM) during daratumumab-based treatment. The immune cell subset analysis revealed significant down-regulation of CD38+ natural killer (NK) cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and regulatory B cells (Bregs). Meanwhile cytotoxic T-lymphocyte expansion was observed. In conclusion, daratumumab could rapidly decrease tumor burden, improve the condition of the PCL patient, and serve as a bridging salvage chemotherapy for further chimeric antigen recptor T cell therapy (Car-T) or HSCT, which could potentially improve patient survival. The immune cell dynamic findings in this case suggest that the immunomodulatory mechanism may contribute to the antimyeloma effect of daratumumab.
Dielectric and conductivity relaxations in poly(hema) and of water in its hydrogel

Pure poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) shows a sub-T g relaxation which is attributable to segmental or group motions which require breaking and reforming of H bonds. Water in the poly(HEMA) hydrogel supercools to its glassy state, and its molecular motions above T g seem to follow an Arrhenius equation in our study but imply a non-Arrhenius behavior over a wider range of temperature. Heating of the hydrogel causes it to crystallize partially, with changes in the dielectric features