Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and prediction of subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows during the transition period using blood analytes

This study aimed to present the characteristics of and to predict subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows during the transition period using blood analytes. We examined fluctuations in plasma calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), bone metabolic markers carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), fibroblast growth factor (FGF23), 1,25(OH)2D3, parathyroid hormone, and other blood biochemical analytes from prepartum week 2 to postpartum day 14 in 116 multiparous high-producing Holstein cows from a free-stall barn dairy farm. With a plasma concentration of Ca <2.0 mmol/L as a criterion for the diagnosis of subclinical hypocalcemia, 64 cows were classified as normocalcemic, and 52 cows as subclinically hypocalcemic. Among the 52 hypocalcemic cows, 50 were detected on postpartum days 1 or 3, and 2 on postpartum day. The subclinically hypocalcemic cows were in a state of low bone turnover in the prepartum period, with low plasma concentrations of Ca and CTX. The subclinically hypocalcemic cows showed signs of a P regulation disorder in the prepartum period. This was marked by high plasma concentrations of P and low concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3 and FGF23, which is also considered to be the cause of the low bone turnover. The results of a multiple logistic regression model showed that prepartum plasma concentrations of FGF23, CTX, and Ca were ideal predictors of postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows, using the model equation 38.8-0.052*FGF23-0.492*CTX-10.645*Ca, with a score of > 0 considered as an indication of increased risk of subclinical hypocalcemia after calving. The scoring rule had an accuracy of 79.3%, sensitivity of 76.9%, and specificity of 81.3%. The plasma concentrations of FGF23, CTX, and Ca were ideal predictors of postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows.
RNA Vaccines against Infectious Diseases: Vital Progress with Room for Improvement

mRNA vaccines have amassed a strong interest from scientists and nonscientists alike for their potential in treating cancer and curbing the spread of infectious diseases. Their success has been bolstered by the COVID-19 pandemic as mRNA vaccines for the SARS-CoV-2 virus showed unrivaled efficiency and success. The strategy relies on the delivery of an RNA transcript that carries the sequence of an antigenic molecule into the body’s cells where the antigen is manufactured. The lack of use of infectious pathogens and the fact that they are made of nucleic acids render these vaccines a favorable alternative to other vaccination modalities. However, mRNA vaccination still suffers from a great deal of hurdles starting from their safety, cellular delivery, uptake and response to their manufacturing, logistics and storage. In this review, we examine the premise of RNA vaccination starting from their conceptualization to their clinical applications. We also thoroughly discuss the advances in the field of RNA vaccination for infectious diseases. Finally, we discuss the challenges impeding their progress and shed light on potential areas of research in the field.
Reflections of ecological differences? Stress responses of sympatric Alpine chamois and red deer to weather, forage quality, and human disturbance

Abstract Depending on the habitats they live in, temperate ungulates have adapted to different degrees to seasonally changing forage and weather conditions, and to specific escape strategies from predators. Alpine chamois, a mountain ungulate, and red deer, originally adapted to open plains, would therefore be expected to differ in their physiological responses to potential stressors. Based on 742 chamois and 1557 red deer fecal samples collected year‐round every 2 weeks for 4 years at the same locations within a strictly protected area in the Swiss Alps, we analyzed glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations for both species. Results from linear mixed effects models revealed no physiological stress response to changing visitor numbers, but instead to drought conditions for both species during summer. In winter, FGM concentrations increased with increasing snow height in both species, but this response was modulated by temperature in red deer. Chamois showed a stronger stress response to increasing snow height during November and December than between January and March, while FGM concentrations increased with decreasing temperature throughout winter. An increase in FGM concentrations with decreasing forage digestibility during winter was found only for red deer. The results are thus partly in contradiction to expectations based on feeding type and adaptations to different habitats between the two species. The lack of a response to forage digestibility in chamois may reflect either better adaptation to difficult feeding conditions in subalpine forests, or, by contrast, strong constraints imposed by forage quality. The similar responses of both species to weather conditions in winter suggest that climatic factors at the elevations examined here are sufficiently harsh to be limiting to temperate ungulates regardless of their specific adaptations to this environment.
Editing SOX Genes by CRISPR-Cas: Current Insights and Future Perspectives

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and its associated proteins (Cas) is an adaptive immune system in archaea and most bacteria. By repurposing these systems for use in eukaryote cells, a substantial revolution has arisen in the genome engineering field. In recent years, CRISPR-Cas technology was rapidly developed and different types of DNA or RNA sequence editors, gene activator or repressor, and epigenome modulators established. The versatility and feasibility of CRISPR-Cas technology has introduced this system as the most suitable tool for discovering and studying the mechanism of specific genes and also for generating appropriate cell and animal models. SOX genes play crucial roles in development processes and stemness. To elucidate the exact roles of SOX factors and their partners in tissue hemostasis and cell regeneration, generating appropriate in vitro and in vivo models is crucial. In line with these premises, CRISPR-Cas technology is a promising tool for studying different family members of SOX transcription factors. In this review, we aim to highlight the importance of CRISPR-Cas and summarize the applications of this novel, promising technology in studying and decoding the function of different members of the SOX gene family.
Network-Based Analysis to Identify Drivers of Metastatic Prostate Cancer Using GoNetic

Simple Summary The identification of cancer driver genes is, for statistical reasons, often biased toward genes that are altered frequently in a cohort. However, genes that are less frequently mutated can also alter cancer hallmarks. To detect such rarely mutated genes involved in driving metastatic prostate cancer, we analyzed the Hartwig Medical Foundation metastatic prostate cancer cohort. Hereto, we developed GoNetic, a novel network-based method that can detect genes with a lower mutational rate as members of recurrently mutated sets of genes connected on a prior interaction network. In contrast to state-of-the-art network-based driver identification methods, GoNetic retains information on sample-specific mutations and uses more properties of the prior interaction network. When applied to the Hartwig Medical Foundation cohort, GoNetic successfully prioritized both known drivers and rarely mutated driver candidates of metastatic prostate cancer. Comprehensive validation with other public data sets further supported the driver potential of these novel candidates. Abstract Most known driver genes of metastatic prostate cancer are frequently mutated. To dig into the long tail of rarely mutated drivers, we performed network-based driver identification on the Hartwig Medical Foundation metastatic prostate cancer data set (HMF cohort). Hereto, we developed GoNetic, a method based on probabilistic pathfinding, to identify recurrently mutated subnetworks. In contrast to most state-of-the-art network-based methods, GoNetic can leverage sample-specific mutational information and the weights of the underlying prior network. When applied to the HMF cohort, GoNetic successfully recovered known primary and metastatic drivers of prostate cancer that are frequently mutated in the HMF cohort (TP53, RB1, and CTNNB1). In addition, the identified subnetworks contain frequently mutated genes, reflect processes related to metastatic prostate cancer, and contain rarely mutated driver candidates. To further validate these rarely mutated genes, we assessed whether the identified genes were more mutated in metastatic than in primary samples using an independent cohort. Then we evaluated their association with tumor evolution and with the lymph node status of the patients. This resulted in forwarding several novel putative driver genes for metastatic prostate cancer, some of which might be prognostic for disease evolution.
Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 is involved in the regulation of exosome secretion and uptake in colorectal cancer cells

Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) is a phospholipid acyltransferase that promotes phospholipid synthesis and plasma membrane reconstruction. Exosomes play an important role in tumor metastasis. The release and uptake of exosomes are key steps of their functions and depend on plasma membrane fusion and plasma membrane receptors, respectively. The purpose of this study was to explore whether LPCAT1-induced plasma membrane remodeling would change the secretion and uptake behavior of exosomes in tumor cells. We first confirmed the abnormally high expression of LPCAT1 in colorectal cancer cells by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot analysis. Then, SW620 cells were used as exosome source cells, and SW480 cells were used as exosome receiver cells. Exosomes from SW620 cells could effectively promote the migration of SW480 cells. When LPCAT1 expression was reduced via siRNA knockdown in the source cells, the secretion of exosomes was downregulated, thus weakening the pro-migratory effects of exosomes on target cells. Conversely, when LPCAT1 was knocked down in target cells, the uptake of exosomes in target cells also decreased sharply. These results undoubtedly revealed that LPCAT1 is functionally associated with the release and internalization of exosomes in colorectal cancer cells and could affect the paracrine effects of exosomes, preliminarily extending the classical metabolic function of LPCAT1 to exosome-related pathways. Abbreviations HSP70: heat shock 70 KDa protein LPCAT1: lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 MVBs: multivesicular bodies NTA: nanoparticle tracking analysis PCR: polymerase chain reaction qRT-PCR: quantitative reverse transcription-PCR RIPA: radio-immunoprecipitation assay TEM: transmission electron microscopy TSG101: tumor susceptibility gene 101 protein
A Comprehensive Review on Supply Modulators and Control Strategies for Envelope Tracking RF Power Amplifiers in Mobile Communication

To meet the ever increasing demands from the consumer end, modern mobile communication systems resort to complex modulation schemes like OFDM and QPSK. These modulation schemes have increased the Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) of the RF signals to 12 dB and beyond. The transmitter block of the mobile communication system needs to have a linear RF power amplifier to track these signals effectively. Power amplifier block contributes to nearly 50% of the total power dissipation that occurs in a mobile transmitter. The linear RF power amplifier block is operated in back-off to avoid signal distortion, which basically happens at the cost of efficiency reduction. Envelope Tracking (ET) has emerged as a promising technique to improve the efficiency of linear RF power amplifiers working in back-off region. This paper provides an insight into the various efficiency enhancement techniques for RF power amplifiers working in back-off. Various power supply modulator architectures for ET Power Amplifiers are reviewed in detail. A brief overview of the control strategies implemented in a hybrid supply modulator is also presented. The paper also provides the designers with an insightful synopsis of the state-of-the-art work done in hybrid supply modulators.
Grounded Theory Approaches Used in Educational Research Journals

Grounded theory has become one of the most commonly used qualitative research approaches. Since its first introduction, grounded theory methodology has taken on different iterations and evolved a number of variants. This review examined highly-ranked educational journals to determine grounded theory methodologies used most frequently by educational researchers. A total of 210 studies from 15 education journals were analyzed across 18 years of publication. A coding scheme was developed and used to categorize studies by type of methodological approach and inclusion of common grounded theory elements. Increasing variability in the types of grounded theory approaches was found in educational research over the last two decades. While educational researchers appear to prefer Straussian approaches to the design and analysis of grounded theory studies, Charmaz’s constructivist approach has increased in popularity over the last decade. In addition, most educational researchers used grounded theory as a data analysis technique rather than as a complete methodological approach. Only a small proportion of the 210 studies (29.5%) delineated a “grounded theory. ” Finally, despite their publication in highly-ranked educational journals, methodological inconsistencies and descriptive cloudiness were evidenced across many of these grounded theory studies.
Identification of MicroRNA–mRNA Networks in Melanoma and Their Association with PD-1 Checkpoint Blockade Outcomes

Simple Summary We conducted a network analysis of microRNA–mRNA associations in melanoma tissue and cell lines to identify the microRNAs central to melanoma biology and their associated gene expression profiles. Further, we evaluated expression of these microRNAs in melanoma patient biopsies and found that increased expression of miR-100-5p and miR-125b-5p were associated with improved outcomes with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Further investigation of these microRNAs as biomarkers and potential targets to improve immunotherapy response in melanoma is warranted. Abstract Metastatic melanoma is a deadly malignancy with poor outcomes historically. Immuno-oncology (IO) agents, targeting immune checkpoint molecules such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), have revolutionized melanoma treatment and outcomes, achieving significant response rates and remarkable long-term survival. Despite these vast improvements, roughly half of melanoma patients do not achieve long-term clinical benefit from IO therapies and there is an urgent need to understand and mitigate mechanisms of resistance. MicroRNAs are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that regulate many aspects of cancer biology, including immune evasion. We used network analysis to define two core microRNA–mRNA networks in melanoma tissues and cell lines corresponding to ‘MITF-low’ and ‘Keratin’ transcriptomic subsets of melanoma. We then evaluated expression of these core microRNAs in pre-PD-1-inhibitor-treated melanoma patients and observed that higher expression of miR-100-5p and miR-125b-5p were associated with significantly improved overall survival. These findings suggest that miR-100-5p and 125b-5p are potential markers of response to PD-1 inhibitors, and further evaluation of these microRNA–mRNA interactions may yield further insight into melanoma resistance to PD-1 inhibitors.
Possible Evidence for Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless Transition in Ba(Fe0.914Co0.086)2As2 Crystals

In this study, we measure the in-plane transport properties of high-quality Ba(Fe0.914Co0.086)2As2 single crystals. Signatures of vortex unbinding Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) transition are shown from both the conventional approach and the Fisher–Fisher–Huse dynamic scaling analysis, in which a characteristic Nelson–Kosterlitz jump is demonstrated. We also observe a non-Hall transverse signal exactly at the superconducting transition, which is explained in terms of guided motion of unbound vortices.
Wave Attenuation Characteristics of Simulated Heterogeneous Vegetation

Vegetated coastal ecosystems often coexist as diverse seascapes, well connected to each other by various biological, chemical and physical processes. It is of interest to study the effect of heterogeneity in vegetation using models of different combinations of submerged, emergent and compound vegetation on wave attenuation and coastal flooding. This article showcases the results of a physical model study conducted with different types of heterogeneous vegetation models in a two-dimensional wave flume, with wave height attenuation expressed in terms of percentage reduction in wave height and the subsequent extent of inundation expressed in terms of wave run-up on the beach. The test runs were carried out with monochromatic waves of height ranging from 0.08 to 0.16 m in water depths of 0.40 and 0.45 m and wave periods of 1.4–2 sec. The experimental results revealed the significant capability of vegetation in attenuating waves to the tune of 72% to 87%, and controlled flooding in terms of run-up of 0.31 to 0.76 times the wave height. However, the compound heterogeneous model proved to be the most efficient in controlling wave height and coastal flooding.
Genicular Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a novel therapy to treat patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) by reducing synovial arterial hypervascularity. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of GAE for the treatment of symptomatic knee OA. Methods: A prospective, single-center, open-label U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved investigational device exemption study was conducted. Patients enrolled in the study were 40 to 80 years old, with moderate or severe knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2, 3, or 4), who previously had failure of conservative therapy. Baseline pain (visual analog scale [VAS]) and symptom scores (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]) were assessed. After femoral arterial access was achieved, GAE of 1, 2, or 3 genicular arteries supplying the location of the subject’s pain, as determined by digital subtraction angiography and cone-beam computed tomography, was performed using 100-μm particles. Adverse events and symptoms scores were assessed at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after GAE. Results: Over a 10-month period, 40 subjects were enrolled. The median age was 69 years (range, 49 to 80 years). The median body mass index was 29 kg/m2 (range, 19 to 44 kg/m2). Knee OA severity was grade 2 in 18% of the patients, grade 3 in 43%, and grade 4 in 40%. Technical success was achieved in 100% of the subjects. Transient skin discoloration and transient mild knee pain after the procedure were common and expected. Treatment-related adverse events included a groin hematoma requiring overnight observation in 1 subject, self-resolving focal skin ulceration in 7 subjects, and an asymptomatic small bone infarct on magnetic resonance imaging at 3 months in 2 subjects. The WOMAC total and VAS pain scores decreased by 61% and 67% at 12 months from a median baseline of 52 (of 96) and 8 (of 10), respectively. Twenty-seven patients (68%) had a reduction of ≥50% in both WOMAC total and VAS pain scores. Conclusions: This prospective trial demonstrates that GAE is effective and durable in reducing pain symptoms from moderate or severe knee OA that is refractory to other conservative therapy, with an acceptable safety profile. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Gold and Carbon-Based Nano-theranostics: An Overview on the Developments and Applications for Cancer Phototherapy

Nano-theranostics (NTs) are versatile nanomaterials, explored in the current scenario of cancer therapy. A nano-theranostic material alone can diagnose and generate a therapeutic effect. Various materials have been explored for their NT action like gold and carbon-based material. The photon-based cancer theranostics has grabbed the attention of researchers due to their localized and trigger activated effect. NTs have shown a promising result in pre-clinical and clinical studies. The current review illustrates the meticulous efforts conducted by researchers across the globe to innovate and explore the photon-based cancer NT platforms of gold and carbon with their application in cancer therapy.
Validation of an alternate method for monitoring the presence of cows at the feed bunk in a Calan Broadbent Feeding System using a 3-axis, data-logging accelerometer

Graphical Abstract Summary: A method was developed using a 3-axis accelerometer to detect cow presence at the bunk in a Calan Broadbent feeding system to characterize feeding behavior. The sensor was at 0° when the door was closed and near 60° when the door was open, allowing clear distinction of the presence of a cow at the feed bunk, in very high agreement with visual observations. In conclusion, accelerometers provided robust monitoring of the presence of cows in the feed gate in the Calan Broadbent feeding system, and this approach allows for economical and reasonable observation of feeding behavior.
Consumers purchase attitudes toward Shanzhai products: An empirical study of Chinese consumers

Shanzhai products have witnessed a huge growth China market. Although the shanzhai problem has been discussed in the literature, most of the studies are mainly literature review, practical report, or theoretical analysis. Empirical research remains scarce, especially the examination of underlying key purchase determinants of shanzhai purchase from consumer behavior perspective. This study embeds the shanzhai phenomenon into the consumer behavior literature by unveiling the underlying mechanism of drivers of its purchase, and identifying the relationship between the purchase determinant and its purchase attitude, besides, understanding the link between the attitude and the purchase behavior intention. Specifically, it conducts a quantitative survey with 200 undergraduate consumers in China market and uses the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique to test the hypothesized relationships. The study unravels those consumers’ intentions to buy shanzhai products are dependent on the attitudes they have toward shanzhai, which in turn are influenced by degree of satisfaction, product attributes and price preference, but not by social influence. The paper reinforces the mediator role of attitude in the relationship between the antecedents and behavioral intentions of shanzhai purchase, and it contributes to inform policy makers and product managers of the main predictors of consumer’s attitudes toward shanzhai. Therefore, shanzhai should continue to offer good price and innovative features, interesting product design and improved product experience, and increase satisfaction of customers.