Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glibenclamide Targets Sulfonylurea Receptor 1 to Inhibit p70S6K Activity and Upregulate KLF4 Expression to Suppress Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) is the regulatory subunit of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP channels) and the receptor of antidiabetic drugs, such as glibenclamide, which induce insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells. However, the expression and role of SUR1 in cancer are unknown. In this study, we found that SUR1 expression was elevated in human non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) tissues and cell lines. SUR1 silencing suppressed the growth of NSCLC cells, while SUR1 overexpression promoted cell growth. Targeting SUR1 with glibenclamide suppressed cell growth, cell-cycle progression, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell migration. Moreover, SUR1 directly interacted with p70S6K and upregulated p70S6K phosphorylation and activity. In addition, glibenclamide inhibited p70S6K, and overexpression of p70S6K partially reversed the growth-inhibiting effect of glibenclamide. Furthermore, glibenclamide upregulated the expression of the tumor suppressor Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), and silencing KLF4 partially reversed the inhibitory effect of glibenclamide on cell growth, EMT, and migration. We found that SUR1 targeted p70S6K to downregulate KLF4 expression by enhancing DNA-methyltransferase 1–mediated methylation of the KLF4 promoter. Finally, in xenograft mouse models, SUR1 expression silencing or glibenclamide treatment inhibited the growth of A549 tumors, downregulated p70S6K activity, and upregulated KLF4 expression. These findings suggested that SUR1 expression was elevated in some NSCLC tissues and functioned as a tumor enhancer. Targeting SUR1 with glibenclamide inhibited NSCLC through downregulation of p70S6K activity and subsequent upregulation of the expression of the tumor suppressor gene KLF4. SUR1 can be developed as a new target for cancer therapy and glibenclamide has potential anticancer effects.
Perception for mobile robot navigation: A survey of the state of the art

In order for mobile robots to navigate safely in unmapped and dynamic environments they must perceive their environment and decide on actions based on those perceptions. There are many different sensing modalities that can be used for mobile robot perception; the two most popular are ultrasonic sonar sensors and vision sensors. This paper examines the state-of-the-art in sensory-based mobile robot navigation. The first issue in mobile robot navigation is safety. This paper summarizes several competing sonar-based obstacle avoidance techniques and compares them. Another issue in mobile robot navigation is determining the robot's position and orientation (sometimes called the robot's pose) in the environment. This paper examines several different classes of vision-based approaches to pose determination. One class of approaches uses detailed, a prior models of the robot's environment. Another class of approaches triangulates using fixed, artificial landmarks. A third class of approaches builds maps using natural landmarks. Example implementations from each of these three classes are described and compared. Finally, the paper presents a completely implemented mobile robot system that integrates sonar-based obstacle avoidance with vision-based pose determination to perform a simple task.
Constructing a Dual-Function Surface by Microcasting and Nanospraying for Efficient Drag Reduction and Potential Antifouling Capabilities

To improve the drag-reducing and antifouling performance of marine equipment, it is indispensable to learn from structures and materials that are found in nature. This is due to their excellent properties, such as intelligence, microminiaturization, hierarchical assembly, and adaptability. Considerable interest has arisen in fabricating surfaces with various types of biomimetic structures, which exhibit promising and synergistic performances similar to living organisms. In this study, a dual bio-inspired shark-skin and lotus-structure (BSLS) surface was developed for fabrication on commercial polyurethane (PU) polymer. Firstly, the shark-skin pattern was transferred on the PU by microcasting. Secondly, hierarchical micro- and nanostructures were introduced by spraying mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs). The dual biomimetic substrates were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle characterization, antifouling, self-cleaning, and water flow impacting experiments. The results revealed that the BSLS surface exhibited dual biomimetic features. The micro- and nano-lotus-like structures were localized on a replicated shark dermal denticle. A contact angle of 147° was observed on the dual-treated surface and the contact angle hysteresis was decreased by 20% compared with that of the nontreated surface. Fluid drag was determined with shear stress measurements and a drag reduction of 36.7% was found for the biomimetic surface. With continuous impacting of high-speed water for up to 10 h, the biomimetic surface stayed superhydrophobic. Material properties such as inhibition of protein adsorption, mechanical robustness, and self-cleaning performances were evaluated, and the data indicated these behaviors were significantly improved. The mechanisms of drag reduction and self-cleaning are discussed. Our results indicate that this method is a potential strategy for efficient drag reduction and antifouling capabilities.
Host Plant Effects on Winter Moth (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) Larval Development and Survival

Abstract The winter moth, Operophtera brumata (L.) is an invasive forest and agricultural pest in North America that causes severe defoliation to a wide range of host species. This study examines the differential larval densities, development, and survival on seven host species in midcoast Maine: red oak (Quercus rubra L., Fagales: Fagaceae), apple (Malus domestica L., Rosales: Rosaceae) and crab apple (Malus sp. L., Rosales: Rosaceae), red maple (Acer rubrum L., Sapindales: Sapindaceae), pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica L., Rosales: Rosaceae), white birch (Betula papyrifera L., Fagales: Betulaceae), wild lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustiflolium L., Ericales: Ericaceae), and highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L., Ericales: Ericaceae). We also explore the degree of synchrony between selected host plants and larval hatch and its effect on survival. We found that densities, development, and survival were significantly greater on red oak (Quercus rubra) and apple (Malus sp.) than on all other target species and were lowest on pin cherry (Prunus pennsylvanica). We found low larval densities in open, wild lowbush blueberry fields; however, larvae successfully fed and developed on wild lowbush blueberry in a laboratory setting. This suggests that winter moth is a potential pest to wild lowbush blueberry in Maine if the outbreak expands to include areas with wild lowbush blueberry production.
HTLV 1/2 Prevalence and risk factors in individuals with HIV/AIDS in Pernambuco, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION Apart from masking the diagnosis of AIDS in patients with HIV/AIDS, human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), when present, also increases the risk of myelopathies and neurological disease in these patients. METHODS Disease prevalence was estimated by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot. RESULTS The coinfection rate was 1.5% (11/720); 10 of 11 patients had HTLV-1, and the remaining one had HTLV-2. The majority were male, over 40 years old, and of pardo color (ethnicity). CONCLUSIONS There was no association between the risk factors examined and HTLV/HIV coinfection. This is the first study to report the occurrence of HTLV-2 in Pernambuco.
Quality Control of RNA Extracted from PAXgene Blood RNA Tubes After Different Storage Periods.

Background: The PAXgene Blood RNA tube is used to protect RNA of whole blood, and the stability of RNA in this tube has already been reported. However, there are few reports on the quality of RNA from long-term preservation of these tubes. Materials and Methods: Our biobank conducted quality control of RNA extracted from the tubes after varying storage periods. A total of 300 blood samples of renal disease patients were randomly selected at each time point (from 1 month to 7 years). Results: Median RNA yields were 3.46 (2.65-4.87) μg, 4.34 (3.20-5.87) μg, 4.77 (2.88-6.29) μg, 4.19 (2.65-6.26) μg, 3.85 (2.43-6.13) μg, and 3.21 (1.85-6.61) μg at 1 month, 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 years, respectively. There were no significant differences in RNA yields among all the storage periods. A260/280 ratios were 2.02 ± 0.04, 2.05 ± 0.04, 2.05 ± 0.04, 2.08 ± 0.03, 2.12 ± 0.10, and 2.11 ± 0.05, all of which were ≥1.8. However, A260/280 of the samples stored for 6 and 7 years had a rising trend, compared with the other time points (p < 0.05). Median RNA integrity number (RIN) values were 8.4 (7.6-9.1), 8.3 (7.7-8.9), 8.3 (7.8-8.8), 8.5 (8.3-8.9), 7.6 (7.1-8.1), and 7.9 (7.2-8.3) at each time point. Lower RIN values were found at 6 and 7 years compared with the other storage periods (p < 0.05). The rates of RIN values ≥7.0 were 92%, 84%, 96%, 92%, 86%, and 84%, which exhibited no differences across all the storage periods. In addition, the yields and RIN values of RNA from samples with blood clots were significantly lower than those without (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The quantity and quality of RNA extracted from PAXgene Blood RNA tubes are stable throughout cryopreservation for 7 years.
Optic nerve hypoplasia in miniature poodle dogs: A preliminary genetic and candidate gene association study.

OBJECTIVE To conduct a genetic and candidate gene association study with samples from phenotype-ascertained dogs to identify putative disease-associated gene/mutation for optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) in the miniature poodle. ANIMALS STUDIED A total of 43 miniature poodles from the United States and Europe, nine affected bilaterally with ONH, were included in the study. Pedigree information was recorded. PROCEDURES A pedigree including all animals studied was assembled. Twenty-one genes typically expressed in ganglion cells or that are associated with ocular malformations and have a critical function in eye and neural retina development were selected. Exons and exon-intron boundaries of eight genes were sequenced in four ONH cases and four controls. Furthermore, cases and controls were genotyped with the Illumina CanineHD BeadChip to obtain genotypes for 13 additional candidate genes for haplotype association. RESULTS The assembled pedigree connected all ONH-affected dogs to a possible common founder. Identified variants and haplotypes of the tested candidate genes did not segregate with the phenotype using Identity by Descent approach assuming autosomal recessive inheritance with variable but yet unknown penetrance. CONCLUSIONS Pedigree analysis did not reveal the inheritance pattern. There is no evidence of association of the evaluated candidate genes with ONH; therefore, the screened candidate genes can provisionally be ruled out as causally associated with the disease.
Antiretroviral Adherence Level Necessary for HIV Viral Suppression using Real-World Data

Background: A benchmark of near-perfect adherence (≥95%) to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is often cited as necessary for HIV viral suppression. However, given newer, more effective ART medications the threshold for viral suppression might be lower. We estimated the minimum ART adherence level necessary to achieve viral suppression. Settings: The Patient-centered HIV Care Model demonstration project. Methods: Adherence to ART was calculated using the Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) measure for the 365-day period prior to each viral load test result, and grouped into five categories (<50%, 50%-<80%, 80%-<85%, 85%-<90%, and ≥90%). Binomial regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with viral suppression (HIV RNA <200 copies/mL); demographics, PDC category and ART regimen type were explanatory variables. Generalized estimating equations with an exchangeable working correlation matrix accounted for correlation within subjects. In addition, probit regression models were used to estimate adherence levels required to achieve viral suppression in 90% of HIV viral load tests. Results: The adjusted odds of viral suppression did not differ between persons with an adherence level of 80%-<85% or 85%-<90% and those with an adherence level of ≥90%. Additionally, the overall estimated adherence level necessary to achieve viral suppression in 90% of viral load tests was 82% and varied by regimen type; integrase inhibitor- and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based regimens achieved 90% viral suppression with adherence levels of 75% and 78%, respectively. Conclusions: The ART adherence level necessary to reach HIV viral suppression may be lower than previously thought and may be regimen dependent.
Influence of Volumetric Damage Parameters on Patch Antenna Sensor-Based Damage Detection of Metallic Structure

Antenna sensors have been employed for crack monitoring of metallic materials. Existing studies have mainly focused on the mathematical relationship between the surface crack length of metallic material and the resonant frequency. The influence of the crack depth on the sensor output and the difference of whether the crack is depth-penetrated remains unexplored. Therefore, in this work, a numerical simulation method was used to investigate the current density distribution characteristics of the ground plane (metallic material) with different crack geometric parameters. The data reveals that, compared with the crack length, the crack depth has a greater influence on the resonant frequency. The relationship between the frequency and the crack geometric parameters was discussed by characterizing the current density and sensor output under different crack lengths and depths. Therefore, the feasibility of monitoring another common damage of metallic materials, i.e., corrosion pit, was explored. Furthermore, the influences of crack and corrosion pit geometric parameters on the output results were validated by experiments.
Predicting potential to benefit from an iron intervention: a randomized controlled trial of double-fortified salt in female Indian tea pluckers

Abstract Objective: The present study examines characteristics of those who benefited from a dietary Fe intervention comprised of salt double-fortified with iodine and Fe (DFS). Design: Data from a randomized controlled trial were analysed to identify predictors of improved Fe status and resolution of Fe deficiency (serum ferritin (sFt) < 12 μg/l) and low body Fe (body Fe (BI) < 0·0 mg/kg) using non-parametric estimations and binomial regression models. Setting: A tea estate in West Bengal, India. Participants: Female tea pluckers, aged 18–55 years. Results: Consuming DFS significantly (P = 0·01) predicted resolution of Fe deficiency (relative risk (RR) = 2·31) and of low BI (RR = 2·78) compared with consuming iodized salt. Baseline sFt (β = –0·32 (se 0·03), P < 0·001) and treatment group (β = 0·13 (se 0·03), P < 0·001) significantly predicted change in sFt. The interaction of baseline BI with treatment group (β = –0·11 (se 0·06), P = 0·08) predicted the change in BI. DFS did not significantly predict change in Hb and marginally predicted resolution of anaemia (Hb < 120 g/l). Conclusions: Baseline Fe status, as assessed by sFt and BI, and consumption of DFS predict change in Fe status and resolution of Fe deficiency and low BI. Anaemia prevalence and Hb level, although simple and inexpensive to measure, may not be adequate to predict resolution of Fe deficiency in response to an intervention of DFS in similar populations with high prevalence of Fe deficiency and multiple nutritional causes of anaemia. These findings will guide appropriate targeting of future interventions.
Infant Feeding, Vitamin D and IgE Sensitization to Food Allergens at 6 Years in a Longitudinal Icelandic Cohort

Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) recommend exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months, partial breastfeeding until 1 year or longer and irrespective of breastfeeding, avoiding solid foods before 4 months. Strong evidence was found for benefits of breastfeeding regarding growth and infections but limited/inconclusive evidence regarding atopic disease and asthma. Vitamin D is of special interest in the Nordic diet. The aim of this prospective study was to compare infant feeding and vitamin D between immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitized (n = 14) and non-sensitized (n = 130) children at 6 years. Information on diet and vitamin D supplement use were collected with dietary recall (<5 months), 1-d food records (5 and 6 months) and 3-d weighed food records (12 months and 6 years). Serum-specific IgE-antibodies against milk, egg, cod, wheat, soy and peanut (cut-off specific IgE ≥ 0.35 kUA/L) were measured at 6 years and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D at 12 months and 6 years. At 4 months, 57% of IgE sensitized vs. 23% of non-sensitized children (p < 0.01) had received solid food. At 12 months, IgE sensitized children had a lower intake of vitamin D (median (25th, 75th percentiles): 3.9 μg/d (3.2, 7.2) vs. 8.1 μg/d (4.4, 12.3), p = 0.03) and at 6 years, fewer used vitamin D supplements regularly (23% vs. 56%, p = 0.03). Introduction of solid foods prior to 4 months increased the odds of IgE-sensitization, OR = 4.9 (95%, CI = 1.4–16.6) and vitamin D supplement at 6 years decreased the odds of IgE-sensitization, OR = 0.2 (95%, CI = 0.1–0.98), adjusting for maternal smoking. These observations support the NNR in their recommendation against introducing complementary solid foods before the age of 4 months. Furthermore, they support encouraging vitamin D intake for young children at northern latitudes.
Collaboration, Not Calculation: A Qualitative Study of How Hospital Executives Value Hospital Medicine Groups.

BACKGROUND Hospital medicine groups (HMGs) typically receive financial support from hospitals. Determining a fair amount of financial support requires negotiation between HMG and hospital leaders. As the hospital medicine care model evolves, hospital leaders may regularly challenge HMGs to demonstrate the financial value of activities that do not directly generate revenue. OBJECTIVE To describe current attitudes and beliefs of hospital executives regarding the value of contributions made by HMGs. DESIGN Thematic content analysis of key informant interviews. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-four healthcare institutional leaders, including hospital presidents, chief medical officers, chief executive officers, and chief financial officers. Participants comprised a diverse sample from all regions in the United States, including rural, suburban, and urban locations, and academic and nonacademic institutions. RESULTS Executives highly valued hospitalist groups that demonstrate alignment with hospital priorities, and often used this concept to summarize the HMG's success across several value domains. Most executives evaluated only a few key HMG metrics, but almost no executives reported calculating the HMG return on investment by summing pertinent quantitative contributions. Respondents described an evolving concept of hospitalist value and believed that HMGs generate substantial value that is difficult to measure financially. CONCLUSIONS Hospital executives appear to make financial support decisions based on a small number of basic financial or care quality metrics combined with a subjective assessment of the HMG's broader alignment with hospital priorities. HMG leaders should focus on building relationships that facilitate dialog about alignment with hospital needs.
Web Retrieval and Mining

The advent of the Web in the mid-1990s followed by its fast adoption in a relatively short time, posed significant challenges to classical information retrieval methods developed in the 1970s and the 1980s. The major challenges include that the Web is massive, dynamic, and distributed. The two main types of tasks that are carried on the Web are searching and mining. Searching is locating information given an information need, and mining is extracting information and/or knowledge from a corpus. The metrics for success when carrying these tasks on the Web include precision, recall (completeness), freshness, and efficiency
Mineral Nutritional Status of Yaks (Bos Grunniens) Grazing on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Simple Summary The investigation was carried out to study the mineral status of yaks (Bos grunniens) grazing on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau (QTP) in four counties. Samples of soils, forages, and serum of yaks were collected and analyzed for both macro and micro mineral concentrations. The results revealed the deficiency of both macro and micro minerals in both seasons. The data are useful for further research, as well as the possible supplementation of both macro and micro minerals, to improve the health and productivity of the yaks in the QTP region. Abstract Minerals are essentially important for supporting livestock’s health, as well as productivity. This study aimed to investigate the mineral status of yaks (Bos grunniens) grazing on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and the relationship between macro and micro mineral nutrients among soil, forages, and blood in four counties of the QTP. The soil samples (n = 320), forages (n = 320), and blood serum (n = 320) were collected from four randomly selected yak farms in each location during July (warm season) and December (cold season), and were analyzed for macro minerals (P, Ca, K, Mg, Na) and micro minerals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Se). Based on this study, both of the macro and micro minerals were very variable between seasons and many of the macro and micro minerals, such as P, Mg, K, S, Na, Se, and Cu, were found to be below the requirement level for yaks in all four counties. It was significantly shown that the concentrations of both macro and micro minerals in soil and forages influenced the serum concentration of minerals, showing the deficient status of yaks.
Knee and Hip Isometric Force Steadiness Are Impaired in Women With Patellofemoral Pain

Abstract Ferreira, AS, de Oliveira Silva, D, Ferrari, D, Magalhães, FH, Pappas, E, Briani, RV, Pazzinatto, MF, and de Azevedo, FM. Knee and hip isometric force steadiness are impaired in women with patellofemoral pain. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2878–2885, 2021—The purposes were as follows: to compare knee extension and hip abduction force steadiness and maximal strength between women with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and pain-free women; and to investigate whether maximal strength, self-reported pain during force-matching tasks, self-reported knee function, symptoms duration, and physical activity level are associated with knee extension and hip abduction force steadiness. Thirty women with PFP and 30 pain-free women were recruited. Knee extension and hip abduction maximal voluntary isometric contractions and submaximal isometric force-matching tasks were evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer. Subjects were asked to match a target force corresponding to 10% of their maximal isometric voluntary contraction while force steadiness was computed as the coefficient of variation (CV) of the exerted force. Women with PFP had significant 36% lower knee extension and 33% lower hip abduction peak strength. They also had significant 70% lower knee extension force steadiness and 60% lower hip abduction force steadiness (i.e., higher CV) than pain-free women. Self-reported pain and self-reported knee function were significantly associated (r = 0.61, p < 0.001; r = −0.35, p = 0.05) and able to predict 41% of the variance of knee extensor force steadiness. Hip abductor maximum strength was significantly associated (r = −0.57; p = 0.001) and able to predict 32% of the variance of hip abductor force steadiness. These findings indicate that muscle impairments in PFP go beyond only low knee and hip muscle strength because women with PFP also present deficits in knee extension and hip abduction force steadiness. Evidence-based treatments aiming at improving force steadiness may be a promising addition to PFP rehabilitation programs.