Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of carcinogenic signaling networks in endometrial cancer identifies RAB17 as a potential target

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignancies in postmenopausal women. Several potential therapeutic targets have been investigated in current research, but few have been used clinically. Therefore, further investigating the potential pathogenesis of endometrial cancer and new effective therapeutic targets for endometrial malignancies is still necessary. Our study used a The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and two Gene Expression Omnibus datasets for weighted gene coexpression network analysis to identify important genes associated with the histological grades of endometrial cancer. In addition, we performed gene set enrichment analysis on the three datasets and found that abnormally activated signaling pathways and metabolic pathways are the main biological behaviors of endometrial cancer. Moreover, we further used different algorithms and identified the RAB17 gene as a potential study object. To further illustrate the potential role of the genes we analyzed in clinical and cellular aspects, we performed a clinical correlation analysis. Finally, we demonstrated the important roles and mechanisms of the RAB17 gene in the cell cycle, proliferation, and metastasis of endometrial cancer. Using repeated database analysis and cell‐level assays, we propose RAB17 as a potential target gene for endometrial cancer for further study.
DNA methylation patterns of LINE-1 and Alu for pre-symptomatic dementia in type 2 diabetes

The identification of early markers of dementia is important for higher-risk populations such as those with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Retrotransposons, including long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) and Alu, comprise ~40% of the human genome. Although dysregulation of these retrotransposons can induce aberrant gene regulation and genomic instability, their role in the development of pre-symptomatic dementia (PSD) among T2D patients is unknown. Here, we examined locus-specific changes in LINE-1 and Alu methylation in PSD and the potential to offset these changes via supplementation with folate and vitamin B12. We interrogated DNA methylation patterns corresponding to 22,352 probes for LINE-1 and Alu elements using publicly-available Illumina Infinium 450K methylation datasets from i) an 18-month prospective study in 28 T2D patients (GSE62003) and ii) an intervention study in which 44 individuals were supplemented with folic acid (400 μg/day) and vitamin B12 (500 μg/day) over two years (GSE74548). We identified 714 differentially methylated positions (DMP) mapping to retrotransposons in T2D patients who developed PSD in comparison to those who did not (PFDR < 0.05), comprised of 2.4% (228 probes) of all LINE-1 probes and 3.8% (486 probes) of all Alu probes. These loci were enriched in genes with functions related to Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline, including GNB5, GNG7 and PKN3 (p < 0.05). In older individuals supplemented with folate/vitamin B12, 85 (11.9%) PSD retrotransposon loci showed significant changes in methylation (p < 0.05): participants with the MTHFR CC genotype predominantly showed hypermethylation at these loci, while hypomethylation was observed more frequently in those with the TT genotype. In T2D patients, LINE-1 and Alu elements are differentially methylated in PSD in a locus-specific manner and may offer clinical utility in monitoring risk of dementia. Further work is required to examine the potential for dietary supplementation in lowering the risk of PSD.
Electrospun Composite Nanofibrous Materials Based on (Poly)-Phenol-Polysaccharide Formulations for Potential Wound Treatment

In this paper, we focus on the preparation of electrospun composite nanofibrous materials based on (poly)-phenol-polysaccharide formulation. The prepared composite nanofibres are ideally suited as a controlled drug delivery system, especially for local treatment of different wounds, owing to their high surface and volume porosity and small fibre diameter. To evaluate the formulations, catechin and resveratrol were used as antioxidants. Both substances were embedded into chitosan particles, and further subjected to electrospinning. Formulations were characterized by determination of the particle size, encapsulation efficiency, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The electrospinning process was optimised through fine-tuning of the electrospinning solution and the electrospinning parameters. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the (nano)fibrous structure, while the successful incorporation of bio substances was assessed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The bioactive properties of the formed nanofibre -mats were evaluated by measuring the antioxidative efficiency and antimicrobial properties, followed by in vitro substance release tests. The prepared materials are bioactive, have antimicrobial and antioxidative properties and at the same time allow the release of the incorporated substances, which assures a promising use in medical applications, especially in wound care.
Ecofriendly Approach for Treatment of Heavy-Metal-Contaminated Water Using Activated Carbon of Kernel Shell of Oil Palm

Heavy metal ion contamination in water poses a significant risk to human health as well as to the environment. Millions of tons of agricultural wastes are produced from oil palm plantations which are challenging to manage. In this study, we converted palm kernel shells (PKS) from a palm oil plantation into activated carbon (AC) having a surface area of 1099 m2/g using phosphoric acid as an activator. The prepared material was characterized using BET, XRD, Raman, FESEM and FTIR analyses. The AC was applied for the treatment of heavy-metal-contaminated water, and different parameters; the pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time and metal ion concentrations were varied to determine the optimal conditions for the metal ion adsorption. Different kinetic models; the zeroth, first-order and second-order, and Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models were used to determine the mechanism of metal ion adsorption by the AC. Under the optimized conditions, Cr6+ and Pb2+ were removed completely, while Zn2+ and Cd2+ were more than 80% removed. This is a greener approach in which an agricultural waste, PKS is converted into a useful product, activated carbon and subsequently applied for the treatment of heavy metal-contaminated water.
MODELING OF CYBER THREATS IN INFORMATION NETWORKS OF DISTANCE EDUCATION SYSTEMS

The work is devoted to the further development of the model for solving the problem of information protection systems description in the context of its interpretation for indicators characterizing threats of attacks on information networks (INN) and distance education systems (DES) of large universities. It is shown that on the basis of the proposed additions to the existing models, it is possible to create specific correct Markov threat models of attacks on INN and DES. The researches have shown that, in conjunction with the development of new models and algorithms for choosing a rational investment strategy in cybersecurity (CS) of DES, you can improve the methodology for the creation of a functionally stable and protected DES. There is improved a method for detecting cyber threats in the INN and DES. The improved method, in contrast to the existing ones, contains recursive algorithms of distributed network self-learning and the choice of countermeasures (strategies, in particular, financial or technical for the protection side of the INN of DES) depending on the type of cyber threats. It is shown that the implementation of the proposed additions to the detection of cyber threats will allow the conclusion of informed decisions about the necessary countermeasures in order to improve the level of security of the INN of DES.
Dissociating electrophysiological correlates of contextual and perceptual learning in a visual search task

Perceptual learning and contextual learning are two types of implicit visual learning that can co-occur in the same tasks. For example, to find an animal in the woods, you need to know where to look in the environment (contextual learning) and you must be able to discriminate its features (perceptual learning). However, contextual and perceptual learning are typically studied using distinct experimental paradigms, and little is known regarding their comparative neural mechanisms. In this study, we investigated contextual and perceptual learning in 12 healthy adult humans as they performed the same visual search task, and we examined psychophysical and electrophysiological (event-related potentials) measures of learning. Participants were trained to look for a visual stimulus, a small line with a specific orientation, presented among distractors. We found better performance for the trained target orientation as compared to an untrained control orientation, reflecting specificity of perceptual learning for the orientation of trained elements. This orientation specificity effect was associated with changes in the C1 component. We also found better performance for repeated spatial configurations as compared to novel ones, reflecting contextual learning. This context-specific effect was associated with the N2pc component. Taken together, these results suggest that contextual and perceptual learning are distinct visual learning phenomena that have different behavioral and electrophysiological characteristics.
Combined PARP Inhibition and Immune Checkpoint Therapy in Solid Tumors

Genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer related to DNA damage response (DDR) deficiencies, offering vulnerabilities for targeted treatment. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi) interfere with the efficient repair of DNA damage, particularly in tumors with existing defects in DNA repair, and induce synthetic lethality. PARPi are active across a range of tumor types harboring BRCA mutations and also BRCA-negative cancers, such as ovarian, breast or prostate cancers with homologous recombination deficiencies (HRD). Depending on immune contexture, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-PD1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4, elicit potent antitumor effects and have been approved in various cancers types. Although major breakthroughs have been performed with either PARPi or ICIs alone in multiple cancers, primary or acquired resistance often leads to tumor escape. PARPi-mediated unrepaired DNA damages modulate the tumor immune microenvironment by a range of molecular and cellular mechanisms, such as increasing genomic instability, immune pathway activation, and PD-L1 expression on cancer cells, which might promote responsiveness to ICIs. In this context, PARPi and ICIs represent a rational combination. In this review, we summarize the basic and translational biology supporting the combined strategy. We also detail preclinical results and early data of ongoing clinical trials indicating the synergistic effect of PARPi and ICIs. Moreover, we discuss the limitations and the future direction of the combination.
Liposomal Formulation of ChimeraT, a Multiple T-Cell Epitope-Containing Recombinant Protein, Is a Candidate Vaccine for Human Visceral Leishmaniasis

Background: Leishmaniases are neglected diseases caused by infection with Leishmania parasites and there are no human vaccines in use routinely. The purpose of this study was to examine the immunogenicity of ChimeraT, a novel synthetic recombinant vaccine against visceral leishmaniasis (VL), incorporated into a human-compatible liposome formulation. Methods: BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with ChimeraT/liposome vaccine, ChimeraT/saponin adjuvant, or ChimeraT/saline and immune responses examined in vitro and in vivo. Results: Immunization with the ChimeraT/liposome formulation induced a polarized Th1-type response and significant protection against L. infantum infection. ChimeraT/liposome vaccine stimulated significantly high levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-12, and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) cytokines by both CD4 and CD8 T-cells, with correspondingly lower levels of IL-4 and IL-10 cytokines. Induced antibodies were predominantly IgG2a isotype, and homologous antigen-stimulated spleen cells produced significant nitrite as a proxy for nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, we examined a small number of treated VL patients and found higher levels of circulating anti-ChimeraT protein IgG2 antibodies, compared to IgG1 levels. Conclusions: Overall, the liposomal formulation of ChimeraT induced a protective Th1-type immune response and thus could be considered in future studies as a vaccine candidate against human VL.
The Pawtucket Heart Health Program a

The Pawtucket Heart Health Program, a research effort testing a process of community activation for cardiovascular risk factor behavior change, risk factor change, and coronary heart disease event rate change, utilizes risk factor behavior change programs for the entire population of a northeastern city. A diversity of nutrition programs designed to teach new skills and to alter the nutrition environment have been delivered. These include group programs, highlighting restaurant menus, labeling grocery shelf items, screening for blood cholesterol levels accompanied by nutritional counseling, and provision of programs in schools. In addition to standard curricula, the Heart Healthy Cook-Off for both junior high school and high school students has been developed. Students select recipes, make substitutions to lower fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol content, analyze original and substitution recipe nutrient content using a microcomputer and nutrient analysis software, and prepare the food. A panel of judges assesses presentation, taste, and health-promoting characteristics. In one junior high school class, cholesterol measure before and after the cook-off decreased by 10.7% among those with elevated cholesterol. The Heart Healthy Cook-Off is an education program that influences the culinary practices of children in an enjoyable, challenging format.
Optimizing embryo and shoot tip derived callus production and high frequency plant regeneration in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon (L.) P. Beauv

Abstract Brachypodium distachyon has been recently proposed as a new model system for monocot functional genomics because of its unique properties such as small size, short generation time, self-fertile, chromosome base number five and small genome size. In this study, we have standardized a protocol to obtain 100% green plant regeneration from embryo and shoot tip explants. The optimum callus induction in terms of percentage of cultures responding and callus growth was observed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4 mg/l 2, 4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D) and 0.5 mg/l kinetin (Kn). On this medium, 88% and 100% explants responded from embryo and shoot tip explants, respectively. Comparatively, shoot tip explants produced better response than embryo explants. The callus multiplied and maintained on MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D (4 mg/l) and Kn (0.5 mg/l) for about 10 months without decline in growth rate. The callus subcultured on MS medium supplemented with thidiazuron (TDZ; 0.5–7 mg/l) or 6-benzyladenine (BA; 0.5–7 mg/l) alone or in combination with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA; 0.5 mg/l) for regeneration. Maximum shoot regeneration was observed on MS medium supplemented with 5 mg/l TDZ and 0.5 mg/l NAA. On this medium, 87% and 96% cultures responded with mean shoot number 10.2 and 16.6 from embryo and shoot derived callus, respectively. The shoots were rooted on MS medium supplemented with either NAA (2–8 mg/l) or indole-3-butyric acid (IBA; 2–8 mg/l). The optimum response (98%) was observed on MS medium supplemented with 4 mg/l IBA with 4.5 roots per shoot. The rooted plantlets were successfully transplanted with 90% success. The acclimatized plants produced flowers and viable seeds.
Genomic Biomarkers of Survival in Patients with Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Cervix Receiving Chemoradiotherapy

This study investigated the prognostic effects of genomic biomarkers for predicting chemoradiotherapy (CRT)-based treatment outcomes in patients with adenocarcinoma (AC) of the uterine cervix. In all, 21 patients receiving definitive CRT were included. In accordance with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system, 5, 8, and 8 patients were classified as having stage IB3, II, and III disease, respectively. Pretreatment biomarkers were analyzed using tissue microarrays from biopsy specimens. Genomic alterations were examined by next-generation sequencing (NGS). The outcome endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and local relapse-free survival (LRFS). A Cox regression model was used to examine the prognostic effects of the biomarkers and clinical parameters. The presence of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1) gene amplification and a lower immunohistochemical (IHC) marker of tumor necrotic factor alpha (TNF-α) H-score were two prognostic factors for inferior DFS. The four-year DFS was 28% and 68% for patients with or without MCL1 copy number gain, respectively (p = 0.028). In addition, MCL1 amplification predicted poor DMFS. A lower tumor mutation number (TMN) calculated from nonsynonymous mutations was associated with lower LRFS. For patients with adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix receiving definitive CRT, prognostic information can be supplemented by MCL1 amplification, the TMN, and the TNF-α H score.
Analysis of the Selection Impact of 2D Detectors on the Accuracy of Image-Based TLS Data Registration of Objects of Cultural Heritage and Interiors of Public Utilities

The aim of this article is to present the influence of detector selection for the image-based Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) registration method. The presented results are the extended continuation of investigations presented in the article, ‘The Influence of the Cartographic Transformation of TLS Data on the Quality of the Automatic Registration’. In order to obtain the correct results of the TLS registration process, it is necessary to detect and match the correct tie points, which are evenly distributed across the entire area. Commonly, for TLS data registration manually or semi-manually corresponding points are detected. However, when large, complicated cultural heritage objects are investigated, it is sometimes impossible to place marked control points. The only possibility of resolving this problem is the use of image-based TLS data registration. One of the most important factors that influences the quality and ability to use it correctly, is accurate selection. For this purpose, the authors decided to test three blob detectors ASIFT, SURF, CenSurE, and two point detectors FAST and BRISK. The results indicated that selection depends on two factors: if the time required for data processing is not important, the ASIFT algorithm should be used, which allows for full registration, but if not, a combination of other algorithms with results supervision should be considered.
Unilateral Neuroimaging Findings in Pediatric Craniofacial Scleroderma: Parry-Romberg Syndrome and En Coup de Sabre

Objective: Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) and en coup de sabre (ECDS) are subtypes of craniofacial localized scleroderma. Systematic analyses of central nervous system imaging findings and their clinical associations in children are lacking. Here, we aim to characterize neuroimaging findings and associated neurological symptoms in these conditions. Methods: Neuroimaging and neurological symptoms of children evaluated at our institution with a diagnosis of PRS or ECDS were retrospectively reviewed. Laterality, location, stability, and number of lesion(s) were evaluated, as was the presence of susceptibility lesion(s) and contrast enhancement. History of seizures or headaches was noted. Results: From 2003 to 2019, 80 patients with PRS or ECDS were followed at our institution. Neuroimaging was completed in 73 and found to be abnormal in 25. In 12 (48%) of these 25 cases, headaches and/or seizures were present. In the vast majority of these cases (22/25, 88%), lesions were ipsilateral to skin findings. White matter was involved in 19 (76%) patients. MRI abnormalities preceded a rheumatological diagnosis in 7 (28%). Susceptibility lesions were noted in 11 (44%), and 8 (73%) of these patients endorsed a history of headaches. Most lesions were in the supratentorial compartment, did not enhance, and were stable at 1-year follow up imaging. Of those with progression, susceptibility findings were present at baseline. Conclusions: Neuroimaging findings in pediatric PRS and ECDS are often supratentorial, stable, unilateral, and ipsilateral to skin findings, and they can precede cutaneous findings.
Effect of supplementary lighting on selected physiological parameters and yielding of tomato plants

ABSTRACT Light is one of the basic factors needed by plants for their development. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of supplementary lighting of tomato plants with HPS and LED lamps on the chosen physiological parameters and yielding of autumn-winter cultivation crops. Two tomato cultivars (‘Komeett’ F1 and ‘Starbuck’ F1 by De Ruiter Seeds) were used in this experiment. After the plants were planted, LED and HPS lamps of 100 μmol m-2 s-1 light intensity were installed. The results show that the introduction of a supplementary light source to tomato cultivation caused an increase in the intensity of photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll by 57.7%, 17.1%, 39.3% and 24.4% on average, respectively. Higher values of those parameters were obtained with HPS lamps than with LED lamps. The amount of marketable crops, number of fruits and mean fruit weight were higher in both combinations in which supplementary lighting was applied, and the values of these traits were higher when the cultivation was supplementary lighted with HPS lamps than with LED lamps. Due to the overhead light configuration and continued low light output, there was no increase of efficiency when using LED lamps compared to HPS lamps despite better focusing and spectral distribution.
The efficacy of nerve block for pain control after mammaplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

Abstract Background: Nerve block shows some potential in alleviating pain after mammaplasty. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the efficacy of nerve block for pain control after mammaplasty. Methods: The databases including PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases are systematically searched for collecting the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the impact of nerve block on pain intensity after mammaplasty. Results: This meta-analysis has included four RCTs. Compared with the control group after mammaplasty, nerve block results in remarkably reduced pain scores. At 1, 3, and 6 h, the scores are −1.84; −2.49 to −1.20 (mean difference (MD; 95% confidence interval (CI)); p < . 00001, −1.04; −1.47 to −0.62; p < . 00001; and −0.96; −1.48 to −0.43; p = . 0004, respectively. At 24 h, nerve block shows no significant impact on pain scores: 0.31; −1.05 to 0.43; p = . 41. The standard MD of analgesic consumption is significantly reduced after nerve block: −1.27; −1.73 to −0.82; p < . 00001. Conclusions: Nerve block is associated with substantially reduced pain intensity at 1 h, 3 h, and 6 h, as well as decreased analgesic consumption after mammaplasty. Therefore, a nerve block is a valuable tool for postoperative care after mammaplasty and should be recommended for the surgery.