Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exposure to 1800 MHz LTE electromagnetic fields under proinflammatory conditions decreases the response strength and increases the acoustic threshold of auditory cortical neurons

Increased needs for mobile phone communications have raised successive generations (G) of wireless technologies, which could differentially affect biological systems. To test this, we exposed rats to single head-only exposure of a 4G long-term evolution (LTE)-1800 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) for 2 h. We then assessed the impact on microglial space coverage and electrophysiological neuronal activity in the primary auditory cortex (ACx), under acute neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide. The mean specific absorption rate in the ACx was 0.5 W/kg. Multiunit recording revealed that LTE-EMF triggered reduction in the response strength to pure tones and to natural vocalizations, together with an increase in acoustic threshold in the low and medium frequencies. Iba1 immunohistochemistry showed no change in the area covered by microglia cell bodies and processes. In healthy rats, the same LTE-exposure induced no change in response strength and acoustic threshold. Our data indicate that acute neuroinflammation sensitizes neuronal responses to LTE-EMF, which leads to an altered processing of acoustic stimuli in the ACx.
A genome-wide screen identifies SCAI as a modulator of the UV-induced replicative stress response in human cells

Helix-destabilizing DNA lesions induced by environmental mutagens such as UV light cause genomic instability by strongly blocking the progression of DNA replication forks (RF). At blocked RF, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) accumulates and is rapidly bound by Replication Protein A (RPA) complexes. Such stretches of RPA-ssDNA constitute platforms for recruitment/activation of critical factors that promote DNA synthesis restart. However, during periods of severe replicative stress, RPA availability may become limiting due to inordinate sequestration of this multifunctional complex on ssDNA, thereby negatively impacting multiple vital RPA-dependent processes. Here, we performed a genome-wide screen to identify factors which restrict the accumulation of RPA-ssDNA during UV-induced replicative stress. While this approach revealed some expected “hits” acting in pathways such as nucleotide excision repair, translesion DNA synthesis, and the intra-S phase checkpoint, it also identifed SCAI, whose role in the replicative stress response was previously unappreciated. Upon UV exposure, SCAI knock-down caused elevated accumulation of RPA-ssDNA during S phase, accompanied by reduced cell survival and compromised RF progression. These effects were independent of the previously reported role of SCAI in 53BP1-dependent DNA double-strand break repair. We also found that SCAI colocalized with stalled RF, and that its depletion promoted nascent DNA degradation. Finally, we (i) provide evidence that EXO1 is the major nuclease underlying ssDNA formation and consequent DNA replication defects in SCAI knockout cells and, consistent with this, (ii) demonstrate that SCAI inhibits EXO1 activity on a ssDNA gap in vitro. Taken together, our data establish SCAI as a novel regulator of the replicative stress response in human cells.
Examining Variation in Emotional Distress among Individuals with a Cancer Diagnosis

This study examined whether emotional distress among U.S. adults diagnosed with cancer was influenced by death rates, survival rates, and new cases based on cancer type and individual-level variables (health efficacy, perceived health, and use of information and communication technologies and social media for health-related reasons). Health Information National Trends Survey 5 data from cycle 1 and cycle 2 were used to examine emotional distress among individuals who had experienced 1 of 17 different types of cancer diagnoses. A multilevel model and follow-up one-way ANOVA indicated a small statistically significant difference in emotional distress across cancer types. To investigate the influence of individual-level variables on emotional distress, a hierarchical regression analysis indicated that, after controlling for perceived health and health efficacy, using social media in a greater number of health-related ways significantly predicted greater emotional distress, while using information and communication technologies in a greater number of health-related ways did not.
Capturing Biomarkers and Molecular Targets in Cellular Landscapes From Dynamic Reaction Network Models and Machine Learning

Computational dynamic ODE models of cell function describing biochemical reactions have been created for decades, but on a small scale. Still, they have been highly effective in describing and predicting behaviors. For example, oscillatory phospho-ERK levels were predicted and confirmed in MAPK signaling encompassing both positive and negative feedback loops. These models typically were limited and not adapted to large datasets so commonly found today. But importantly, ODE models describe reaction networks in well-mixed systems representing the cell and can be simulated with ordinary differential equations that are solved deterministically. Stochastic solutions, which can account for noisy reaction networks, in some cases, also improve predictions. Today, dynamic ODE models rarely encompass an entire cell even though it might be expected that an upload of the large genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets may allow whole cell models. It is proposed here to combine output from simulated dynamic ODE models, completed with omics data, to discover both biomarkers in cancer a priori and molecular targets in the Machine Learning setting.
Dynamics of a two-layer flow with an interfacial heat source/sink: viscosity stratification

Abstract The temporal stability of a two-layer plane Couette flow with an interfacial heat source/sink is studied, in the presence of a viscosity stratification, predicting unstable streamwise and spanwise perturbations. Based on the wavenumber at onset, the perturbations are further classified as long-wave and finite-wave, where the long-wave mode is investigated using asymptotic and numerical analyses. The finite-wave instability is expected to be relevant for highly viscous fluids. Generally, a heat source (sink) at the interface is found to have a stabilising (destabilising) effect on the flow. However, if the rate of heat release exceeds a certain threshold, a new instability emerges, referred to here as an ‘explosive’ instability, characterised by an unbounded growth rate of the perturbations. The interaction between the viscosity stratification, thermocapillarity and inertia leads to the emergence of another new mode of streamwise instability, termed the ‘interaction’ instability. The spanwise perturbations possess higher growth rates than the streamwise perturbations for the heat sink along the interface when inertia has a stabilising influence, and vice versa. The heat sink leads to the emergence of thermocapillary instability by generating a negative temperature gradient across the fluids. In contrast, a heat source increases the temperature of the interface, resulting in a positive temperature gradient across the fluids, leading to the suppression of the instabilities by the thermocapillary effect. If the heat source provides energy at a faster rate than the energy lost due to Marangoni convection and heat diffusion, then it leads to an accumulation of energy, which presumably leads to the explosive instability.
CuS@BSA-NB2 Nanoparticles for HER2-Targeted Photothermal Therapy

Breast cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of breast epithelial cells under the action of a variety of carcinogens. Although HER2-inhibitors were currently applied for HER2-positive breast cancer patients, they didn’t work for patients with resistance to HER2-targeted anti-cancer drugs. In this work, we prepared novel CuS@BSA-NB2 nanoparticles (NPs) for breast cancer photothermal therapy (PTT). The NPs had good biocompatibility due to the Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) encapsulating and excellent targeting to HER2 because of nanobody 2 (NB2). Under 808 nm laser irradiation, CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs had high photothermal conversion efficiency and photothermal stability. Meanwhile, we constructed a stable cell line of MDA-MB-231/HER2 with a high expression of HER2 protein. Immunofluorescence and ICP-MS assays showed that CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs can be specifically enriched and be ingested in MDA-MB-231/HER2 cells. Furthermore, CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs had shown a more significant photothermal treatment effect than CuS@BSA under certain treatment conditions for MDA-MB-231/HER2. In addition, the cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs had a low toxicity for MDA-MB-231/HER2 cells. The above results suggested that CuS@BSA-NB2 NPs were great photothermal therapeutic agents to reduce the malignant proliferation of breast epithelial cells and have potential for breast cancer therapy.
Right Ventricular Flow Vorticity Relationships With Biventricular Shape in Adult Tetralogy of Fallot

Remodeling in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rToF) may occur due to chronic pulmonary regurgitation, but may also be related to altered flow patterns, including vortices. We aimed to correlate and quantify relationships between vorticity and ventricular shape derived from atlas-based analysis of biventricular shape. Adult rToF (n = 12) patients underwent 4D flow and cine MRI imaging. Vorticity in the RV was computed after noise reduction using a neural network. A biventricular shape atlas built from 95 rToF patients was used to derive principal component modes, which were associated with vorticity and pulmonary regurgitant volume (PRV) using univariate and multivariate linear regression. Univariate analysis showed that indexed PRV correlated with 3 modes (r = −0.55,−0.50, and 0.6, all p < 0.05) associated with RV dilatation and an increase in basal bulging, apical bulging and tricuspid annulus tilting with more severe regurgitation, as well as a smaller LV and paradoxical movement of the septum. RV outflow and inflow vorticity were also correlated with these modes. However, total vorticity over the whole RV was correlated with two different modes (r = −0.62,−0.69, both p < 0.05). Higher vorticity was associated with both RV and LV shape changes including longer ventricular length, a larger bulge beside the tricuspid valve, and distinct tricuspid tilting. RV flow vorticity was associated with changes in biventricular geometry, distinct from associations with PRV. Flow vorticity may provide additional mechanistic information in rToF remodeling. Both LV and RV shapes are important in rToF RV flow patterns.
Uncertainty and Fears Around Sustainability: A Qualitative Exploration of the Emotional Reactions of Dental Practitioners and Dental Care Professionals During COVID-19

Introduction Recent cross-sectional surveys have shown the detrimental impact of COVID-19 on the health and well-being of dental practitioners and dental care professionals. This qualitative study complements the growing quantitative evidence base with an in-depth exploration of the lived experiences of those working in primary care dental teams in Scotland. Methods Focus groups were carried out with primary care dental team members and trainees between July and October 2020. Olsen's tripartite framework of health service sustainability was operationalised to explore how participants experienced uncertainty and their attempts to sustain dental services. Results Analysis revealed significant concerns surrounding the sustainability of dental services and dental training programmes as a consequence of the emergency level response to the pandemic. Restrictions on dentistry were seen to be severely impeding desirable clinical outcomes, particularly for the most vulnerable groups. Participants experienced being unable to deliver high quality care to their patients as both confusing and distressing. The capability of the dental health care system to meet a growing backlog of dental need and manage this effectively in a pandemic era was called in to serious question. Ongoing uncertainties were affecting how participants were thinking about their professional futures, with stress about income and employment, along with heightened experiences of professional isolation during the pandemic, resulting in some looking at possibilities for retraining or even considering leaving their profession altogether. Discussion The impact of the pandemic has produced considerable uncertainty regarding the sustainability of dental services in the medium to longer term. It has also served to expose the uncertainties practitioners grapple with routinely as they attempt to sustain their NHS dental service delivery. Conclusion This study brings in to sharp focus the diversity of challenges, confusions and uncertainties experienced by dental practitioners and dental care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for suitable and ongoing measures to be put in place to support their mental well-being.
Integrative Approach for Precise Genotyping and Transcriptomics of Salt Tolerant Introgression Rice Lines

Rice is the most salt sensitive cereal crop and its cultivation is particularly threatened by salt stress, which is currently worsened due to climate change. This study reports the development of salt tolerant introgression lines (ILs) derived from crosses between the salt tolerant indica rice variety FL478, which harbors the Saltol quantitative trait loci (QTL), and the salt-sensitive japonica elite cultivar OLESA. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) and Kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASPar) genotyping, in combination with step-wise phenotypic selection in hydroponic culture, were used for the identification of salt-tolerant ILs. Transcriptome-based genotyping allowed the fine mapping of indica genetic introgressions in the best performing IL (IL22). A total of 1,595 genes were identified in indica regions of IL22, which mainly located in large introgressions at Chromosomes 1 and 3. In addition to OsHKT1;5, an important number of genes were identified in the introgressed indica segments of IL22 whose expression was confirmed [e.g., genes involved in ion transport, callose synthesis, transcriptional regulation of gene expression, hormone signaling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation]. These genes might well contribute to salt stress tolerance in IL22 plants. Furthermore, comparative transcript profiling revealed that indica introgressions caused important alterations in the background gene expression of IL22 plants (japonica cultivar) compared with its salt-sensitive parent, both under non-stress and salt-stress conditions. In response to salt treatment, only 8.6% of the salt-responsive genes were found to be commonly up- or down-regulated in IL22 and OLESA plants, supporting massive transcriptional reprogramming of gene expression caused by indica introgressions into the recipient genome. Interactions among indica and japonica genes might provide novel regulatory networks contributing to salt stress tolerance in introgression rice lines. Collectively, this study illustrates the usefulness of transcriptomics in the characterization of new rice lines obtained in breeding programs in rice.
Growth performance of brown-golden marine microalga, Isochrysis sp., cultivated in alternative algal culture media

The present study aimed to evaluate the suitability of introduced algal culture media as an alternative to the general enriched seawater media in the laboratory cultivation of Isochrysis sp. , a marine microalga commonly cultivated for aquaculture purposes. Isochrysis sp. was established into culture in three replications using three experimental algal culture media (Walne’s medium as a control, China-contributed culture medium (CCM) and CCM supplemented with vitamins (CCM + Vit)). The experiment was performed with a continuous illumination for a period of seven days at 25±1°C. The effect of introduced algal culture media (CCM and CCM + Vit) on the growth performance of Isochrysis sp. was highlighted. CCM demonstrated promising results for the cultivation of Isochrysis sp. A maximum cell density of 9.16×106 ± 5.40×105 cells mL-1, which corresponded to an instantaneous growth rate (r) of 0.21 cell day-1 and a doubling time (T2) of 3.29 days, was observed in Isochrysis sp. cultivated in CCM. In view of its potential and reduced preparation labour, CCM may be recommended as an alternative to the general enriched seawater media in the cultivation of Isochrysis sp. in laboratories with basic facility as well as smalland medium-scale aquaculture hatcheries.
Mechanical Properties in the Glioma Microenvironment: Emerging Insights and Theranostic Opportunities

Gliomas represent the most common malignant primary brain tumors, and a high-grade subset of these tumors including glioblastoma are particularly refractory to current standard-of-care therapies including maximal surgical resection and chemoradiation. The prognosis of patients with these tumors continues to be poor with existing treatments and understanding treatment failure is required. The dynamic interplay between the tumor and its microenvironment has been increasingly recognized as a key mechanism by which cellular adaptation, tumor heterogeneity, and treatment resistance develops. Beyond ongoing lines of investigation into the peritumoral cellular milieu and microenvironmental architecture, recent studies have identified the growing role of mechanical properties of the microenvironment. Elucidating the impact of these biophysical factors on disease heterogeneity is crucial for designing durable therapies and may offer novel approaches for intervention and disease monitoring. Specifically, pharmacologic targeting of mechanical signal transduction substrates such as specific ion channels that have been implicated in glioma progression or the development of agents that alter the mechanical properties of the microenvironment to halt disease progression have the potential to be promising treatment strategies based on early studies. Similarly, the development of technology to measure mechanical properties of the microenvironment in vitro and in vivo and simulate these properties in bioengineered models may facilitate the use of mechanical properties as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers that can guide treatment. Here, we review current perspectives on the influence of mechanical properties in glioma with a focus on biophysical features of tumor-adjacent tissue, the role of fluid mechanics, and mechanisms of mechanical signal transduction. We highlight the implications of recent discoveries for novel diagnostics, therapeutic targets, and accurate preclinical modeling of glioma.
Relapsed Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma and Brentuximab Vedotin-Bendamustine Combination Therapy as a Bridge to Transplantation: Real-World Evidence From a Middle-Income Setting and Literature Review

Introduction Despite high cure rates with standard treatment, 30% patients with Hodgkin lymphoma develop relapsed or refractory (R/R) disease. Salvage therapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is considered standard of care. Brentuximab Vedotin (Bv) in combination with Bendamustine (B) has been tested in the salvage setting with promising results. Materials and Methodology We conducted a single centre retrospective chart review of patients who received BBv salvage therapy to determine its activity and safety in patients with R/R classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Between May 2011- December 2019, 179 patients were diagnosed with R/R HL. Results Thirty patients received BBv [median age: 30 (15-59) years, females (n=15)]. Primary refractory disease in 19 patients (63%), and 26 patients (87%) had advanced stage at treatment. Most patients received BBv after 2 prior lines of therapy [n=16 (53%)]. The median number of cycles of BBv were 3 (1-6). The number of BBv cycles delivered as outpatient was 63%. The most common Grade III/IV hematological adverse event was neutropenia [n=21, (70%)], while grade III/IV non-hematological toxicities included infections in 4 (13%), neuropathy in 4(13%), skin rash in 2 (7%), GI toxicities in 3 (10%) and liver dysfunction in 2 (7%) patients. The ORR and CR rates were 79% and 62%, respectively. Seventeen patients (57%) underwent an autologous HCT and 8 (26%) underwent an Allogeneic HCT (all haploidentical). The median follow up time from BBv administration was 12 months. Six patients died: 2 = disease progression, and 4 = non-relapse causes (Infection and sepsis = 2, GVHD=2). In addition to this, one patient progressed soon after HCT and another patient relapsed 22 months post HCT. Three year Overall survival (OS) and Event free survival (EFS) probability post-BBv treatment was 75% and 58%, respectively. OS and EFS analysis based on response (viz., CMR) to BBv demonstrated that patients in CMR had better survival probability [93% (p=0.0022) 3yr-OS and 72% (p=0.038) 3yr-EFS probability]. Conclusions BBv is an active and well-tolerated salvage treatment for patients with R/R HL, even in refractory and advanced settings. In middle-income settings, cost constraints and access determine patient uptake of this regimen.
Clonal Hematopoiesis and Liquid Biopsy in Gastrointestinal Cancers

The use of blood liquid biopsy is increasingly being incorporated into the clinical setting of gastrointestinal cancers care. Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) occurs naturally as a result of the accumulation of somatic mutations and the clonal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells with normal aging. The identification of CH-mutations has been described as a source of biological noise in blood liquid biopsy. Incorrect interpretation of CH events as cancer related can have a direct impact on cancer diagnosis and treatment. This review summarizes the current understanding of CH as a form of biological noise in blood liquid biopsy and the reported clinical significance of CH in patients with GI cancers.
The Elephant in the Room: A Systematic Review of Stimulus Control in Neuro-Measurement Studies on Figurative Language Processing

The processing of metaphors and idioms has been the subject of neuroscientific research for several decades. However, results are often contradictory, which can be traced back to inconsistent terminology and stimulus control. In this systematic review of research methods, we analyse linguistic aspects of 116 research papers which used EEG, fMRI, PET, MEG, or NIRS to investigate the neural processing of the two figurative subtypes metaphor and idiom. We critically examine the theoretical foundations as well as stimulus control by performing a systematic literature synthesis according to the PRISMA guidelines. We explicitly do not analyse the findings of the studies but instead focus on four primary aspects: definitions of figurative language and its subtypes, linguistic theory behind the studies, control for factors influencing figurative language processing, and the relationship between theoretical and operational definitions. We found both a lack and a broad variety in existing definitions and operationalisation, especially in regard to familiarity and conventionality. We identify severe obstacles in the comparability and validation potential of the results of the papers in our review corpus. We propose the development of a consensus in fundamental terminology and more transparency in the reporting of stimulus design in the research on figurative language processing.