Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hydroxybutyl chitosan centered biocomposites for potential curative applications: a critical review.

Chitosan (CS), a natural biopolymer, has been extensively explored for multiple applications including tissue engineering, gene therapy, bio-imaging and sewage treatment due to its abundant availability, intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability and tunable biological properties. Nevertheless, the actual use of CS is limited on account of its water-insolubility in physiological circumstances, which could be optimized by chemical modifications via active side groups. Etherification is one of the most widespread-used reactions to obtain water-soluble CS derivatives, such as hydroxybutyl CS (HBC). Hydroxybutyl CS (HBC), synthesized by grafting hydroxybutyl groups to the functional hydroxyl and amino groups of CS skeleton, has been demonstrated to possess superior biological properties over CS, especially satisfactory water solubility in neutral condition and reversible stimulus-responsive against the external thermo. Meanwhile, the unique characteristics of thermal sensitive "sol-gel" and "sol-micelle" transition have gained tremendous attention, which differ in heterogeneously and homogeneously synthesized HBC. Herein, we discuss the synthesis (heterogeneously and homogeneously) of HBC, favorable physiochemical properties of HBC and HBC-centered biocomposites in a range of formulations or dosage forms such as sponges, gels, nanoparticles, nanofibers and films. Meanwhile, we summarize the potential bio-applications and trends of HBC and HBC centered biocomposites and offer our perspectives on the plausible advances in this field in near future.
Digital game-based education for Syrian refugee children: Project Hope

ABSTRACT Turkey is the top refugee-hosting country in the world, with more than three million registered Syrian refugees. An international research team was the first to document the educational and mental health needs of Syrian refugee children, finding that an overwhelming majority are not enrolled in school in Turkey, partly as a result of language barriers, and that about half suffer from Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or depression. The present study was designed as an innovative intervention using an online, game-based learning intervention for refugee children, named Project Hope. Data gathered from a controlled field experiment show significant improvements in Turkish language acquisition, coding, executive functioning and overall sense of hopefulness. Implications for policy, practice and research are discussed.
IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECTS OF VITAMIN D IN EXPERIMENTAL INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES

This work explored the role of vitamin D in the pathology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) using murine models. In an acute or chronic model of experimental IBD, vitamin D or vitamin D deficiency led to a lethal form of intestinal inflammation. Each model used provided insight into the intricate mechanism of interplay between vitamin D and mucosal inflammation. At the level of the innate immune response in IBD, characterized broadly by the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model, vitamin D protected the epithelial barrier by increasing epithelial’ cells resistance to pathogenic aggressors and by decreasing the cytokine and chemokine production by innate immune cells in response to normally harmless antigens. At the level of adaptive the immune response, which is represented by the T cell transfer model in immunocompromised recipients and IL-10 KO mice, vitamin D decreased the pathogenic potential of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in a manner that seemed to be independent of bacterial microflora. Lastly at the regulatory level, T cell transfer experiments revealed that vitamin D, rather than modulating regulatory T cell development, influenced their function during intestinal inflammation. While defects in one of the above mentioned compartments can disturb the fine immune balance and can lead to loss of tolerance for mucosal antigens and thus intestinal inflammation, vitamin D has modulatory capacities in more than one compartment. This thesis advocates for a protective role of vitamin D in establishing and maintaining immunological self tolerance in the intestinal tract.
Examining the factor structure of the Rey auditory verbal learning test in individuals across the life span

ABSTRACT Objective: Previous studies analyzing the factor structure of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) have been limited in the number of scores included in the analysis. Often, they lacked inclusion of process scores that have been shown to add predictive value in identifying future cognitive decline. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to determine the factor structure of the RAVLT utilizing factor scores including serial position effects, repetitions, and intrusion errors, and to examine if the factor structure for older adults is similar to that found in the entire lifespan sample. Method: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on 718 participants (age 16–85 years) from the Nathan Kline Institute (NKI)-Rockland project. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) of a reduced model of the EFA was conducted on the entire sample and an older (ages 55–85 years; n = 265) and a younger (less than 55 years of age; n = 453) subsample. Results: EFA indicated three factors: Memory, Attention/Learning, and Inaccurate Memory (i.e., repetitions and intrusions). CFA of a reduced model indicated adequate fit in the entire sample and older subsample, and good fit in the younger subsample. Conclusion: The present study examined the factor structure of the RAVLT in a large lifespan sample utilizing a larger set of RAVLT scores than have been examined in prior studies, including total scores and process scores. The same factors were identified in the entire lifespan sample and the younger and older adult subsamples, although similar to previous studies, measures of model fit were less robust in the older adult subsample. These results provide additional support for the error scores (e.g., intrusions and repetitions) as separable from other aspects of learning and memory.
Long non-coding RNA GRASLND enhances chondrogenesis via suppression of the interferon type II signaling pathway

The roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in musculoskeletal development, disease, and regeneration remain poorly understood. Here, we identified the novel lncRNA GRASLND (originally named RNF144A-AS1) as a regulator of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) chondrogenesis. GRASLND, a primate-specific lncRNA, is upregulated during MSC chondrogenesis and appears to act directly downstream of SOX9, but not TGF-β3. We showed that the silencing of GRASLND resulted in lower accumulation of cartilage-like extracellular matrix in a pellet assay, while GRASLND overexpression – either via transgene ectopic expression or by endogenous activation via CRISPR-dCas9-VP64 – significantly enhanced cartilage matrix production. GRASLND acts to inhibit IFN-γ by binding to EIF2AK2, and we further demonstrated that GRASLND exhibits a protective effect in engineered cartilage against interferon type II. Our results indicate an important role of GRASLND in regulating stem cell chondrogenesis, as well as its therapeutic potential in the treatment of cartilage-related diseases, such as osteoarthritis.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder predisposes to metabolic abnormalities in adulthood

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) affects at least 10% of newborns globally and leads to the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Despite its high incidence, there is no consensus on the implications of PAE on metabolic disease risk in adults. Here, we describe a cohort of adults with FASDs that had an increased incidence of metabolic abnormalities, including type 2 diabetes, low HDL, high triglycerides, and female-specific overweight and obesity. Using a zebrafish model for PAE, we performed population studies to elucidate the metabolic disease seen in the clinical cohort. Embryonic alcohol exposure (EAE) in male zebrafish increased the propensity for diet-induced obesity and fasting hyperglycemia in adulthood. We identified several consequences of EAE that may contribute to these phenotypes, including a reduction in adult locomotor activity, alterations in visceral adipose tissue and hepatic development, and persistent diet-responsive transcriptional changes. Taken together, our findings define metabolic vulnerabilities due to EAE and provide evidence that behavioral changes and primary organ dysfunction contribute to resultant metabolic abnormalities.
Strong genetic differentiation among populations of Cheirotonus gestroi (Coleoptera: Euchiridae) in its native area sheds lights on species conservation

Abstract The long-armed scarab (Cheirotonus gestroi) is an endangered large insect in southwestern China and neighboring countries; however, limited information is available regarding its population genetics, hindering conservation efforts. Therefore, we investigated the population genetic structure and evolutionary history of C. gestroi in southwestern China. Twenty-five haplotypes were obtained from 47 specimens across five populations. The Dawei Mountain (DWS) population differed from other populations by a high genetic distance. Population structure analysis generated three distinct clades, corresponding to Hengduan Mountains (HM), Ailao Mountains (AM), and Dawei Mountains (DM), and high-level genetic diversity was found in two HM populations. Collectively, the strong genetic differentiation among populations might be due to limited gene flow, geographical isolation, and habitat fragmentation. Therefore, while developing a conservation strategy, HM, AM, and DM groups should be defined as separate management units. Additionally, the DWS population should be given priority protection due to its uniqueness and low genetic diversity.
Mitochondrial DNA in inflammation and immunity

Mitochondria are cellular organelles that orchestrate a vast range of biological processes, from energy production and metabolism to cell death and inflammation. Despite this seemingly symbiotic relationship, mitochondria harbour within them a potent agonist of innate immunity: their own genome. Release of mitochondrial DNA into the cytoplasm and out into the extracellular milieu activates a plethora of different pattern recognition receptors and innate immune responses, including cGAS‐STING, TLR9 and inflammasome formation leading to, among others, robust type I interferon responses. In this Review, we discuss how mtDNA can be released from the mitochondria, the various inflammatory pathways triggered by mtDNA release and its myriad biological consequences for health and disease.
Photobiomodulation Decreases Hyperalgesia in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: An Experimental Mouse Model Subjected to Nicotine

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is defined as an extreme and chronic pain condition, and photobiomodulation has relevance as a complementary treatment for CRPS. The objective of this study was to verify the effects of photobiomodulation (PBMT) therapy protocols at two wavelengths 660 and 830 nm, associated or not to nicotine in complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS‐I).
Amelioration of elastase‐induced lung emphysema and reversal of pulmonary hypertension by pharmacological iNOS inhibition in mice

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, encompassing chronic airway obstruction and lung emphysema, is a major worldwide health problem and a severe socio‐economic burden. Evidence previously provided by our group has shown that inhibition of inducible NOS (iNOS) prevents development of mild emphysema in a mouse model of chronic tobacco smoke exposure and can even trigger lung regeneration. Moreover, we could demonstrate that pulmonary hypertension is not only abolished in cigarette smoke‐exposed iNOS−/− mice but also precedes emphysema development. Possible regenerative effects of pharmacological iNOS inhibition in more severe models of emphysema not dependent on tobacco smoke, however, are hitherto unknown.
Antitubercular and cytotoxic polyoxygenated cyclohexane derivatives from Uvaria grandiflora

Abstract Chromatographic purification of the DCM sub-extract of Uvaria grandiflora led to the isolation and characterization of a new polyoxygenated cyclohexane derivative, grandifloranol (1), together with five known compounds. Among the compounds isolated, zeylenone (3) showed moderate antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv with MIC90 value of 51.2 μM and antiproliferative or cytotoxic activity against human myeloid leukaemia (K-562) and HeLa cells with IC50 values of 2.3 and 18.3 μM, respectively. Graphical Abstract
Improving RNAi efficiency for pest control in crop species

The application of RNAi promotes the development of novel approaches toward plant protection in a sustainable way. Genetically modified crops expressing dsRNA have been developed as commercial products with great potential in insect pest management. Alternatively, some nontransformative approaches, including foliar spray, irrigation and trunk injection, are favorable in actual utilization. In this review, we summarize the recent progress and successful cases of RNAi-based pest management strategy, explore essential implications and possibilities to improve RNAi efficiency by delivery of dsRNA through transformative and nontransformative approaches, and highlight the remaining challenges and important issues related to the application of this technology.
The proteomic landscape of cysteine oxidation that underpins retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation.

The initial phases of neuronal differentiation are key to neuronal function. A particularly informative model to study these initial phases are retinoic acid stimulated SH-SY5Y cells. Although these progressions are associated with redox-sensitive processes, it is largely undefined how the cellular proteome underpins redox dynamics and the management of reactive oxygen species. Here, we map the global cysteine-based redox landscape of SH-SY5Y cells using quantitative redox proteomics. We find evidence that redox alterations occurred early in differentiation and affect the expression of neuronal marker proteins and the extension of neurites. The spatiotemporal analysis of reactive oxygen species suggests a NOX2-dependent peak in cytoplasmic superoxide anions/hydrogen peroxide generation 2 h after retinoic acid stimulation. At the same timepoint 241 out of 275 proteins with an altered cysteine redox state are reversibly oxidized in response to retinoic acid. Our analyses pinpoint redox alterations of proteins involved in the retinoic acid homeostasis and cytoskeletal dynamics.
Peanut Sprout Extracts Cultivated with Fermented Sawdust Medium Inhibits Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia In Vitro and In Vivo

Purpose In this study, we tested whether the resveratrol-enriched peanut sprout extracts cultivated with fermented sawdust medium (PSEFS) could suppress benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods The mode of action of PSEFS was estimated by employing high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, MTT assay, cell counting, cell cycle analysis, immunoblots, and immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. In vivo efficacy of PSEFS was analyzed in BPH animal model via immunostaining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results We selected the Yesan peanut sprout variety, which contains the highest level of resveratrol. The resveratrol levels in PSEFS were higher than those obtained with hydroponic technology. PSEFS treatment induced cell cycle arrest at the G1-phase by downregulating CDK4 and cyclin D1 via p21WAF1 induction in the RWPE-1 and WPMY prostate cells, thereby decreasing their proliferation. Treatment with PSEFS decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increased JNK phosphorylation. The levels of DNA-bound transcription factors associated with proliferation (nuclear factor-κB, Sp-1, and AP-1) decreased upon PSEFS treatment in both prostate cells. Additionally, the levels of the molecular markers of BPH development (5α-reductase, androgen receptor, fibroblast growth factor, Bcl-2, and Bax) also changed by the addition of PSEFS. Finally, in a testosterone propionate-induced BPH model in rats, PSEFS administration attenuated the size, weight, and thickness of prostate tissues with no signs of death. Conclusions These results showed that PSEFS inhibited BPH both in vitro and in vivo and might be useful in the development of a potential BPH therapy.
Golgi Acidification by NHE7 Regulates Cytosolic pH Homeostasis in Pancreatic Cancer Cells.

Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to meet elevated energy demands and favor glycolysis for energy production. This boost in glycolytic flux supports proliferation, but also generates acid in the form of hydrogen ions that must be eliminated from the cytoplasm to maintain the alkaline intracellular pH (pHi) associated with transformation. To cope with acid production, tumor cells employ ion transport systems, including the family of sodium-hydrogen exchangers (NHEs). Here, we identify NHE7 as a novel regulator of pHi in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We determine that NHE7 suppression causes alkalinization of the Golgi, leading to a build-up of cytosolic acid that diminishes tumor cell fitness mainly through the dysregulation of actin. Importantly, NHE7 knockdown in vivo leads to the abrogation of tumor growth. These results identify Golgi acidification as a mechanism to control pHi and point to the regulation of pHi as a possible therapeutic vulnerability in PDAC.
Technological knowledge on good manufacturing practice (GMP) for development of rural Malay youth herbal entrepreneurship in Kelantan, Malaysia

The youth population in the developing countries are now 84 percent (UNO,2010). The youth are the highest number of population in the world and they build up the country economic growth, job creation and better life through entrepreneurship (Muller and Thomas,2000; McMullen et al.,2008; Owualah,1999). Youth entrepreneurship has been accepted now by the research scholars, civil society organization and government policy maker (Chigunta, Schnurr, James-Wilson & Torres,2005; Youth Business International,2011; International Labour Organization, 2005). Entrepreneurship shows youth comparatively quality of life, in the society, economic independence and positive psychological capital into the mainstream economy (Schoof,2006; Chigunta,2002).
The dual roles of melatonin biosynthesis enzymes in the coordination of melatonin biosynthesis and autophagy in cassava

Both autophagy and melatonin play important roles in plant development and stress response. However, the direct correlation between autophagy and melatonin as well as the underlying mechanism remains elusive in plants. In this study, we discovered that the expression of three autophagy‐associated genes (MeATG8b, 8c, and 8e) and autophagic activity were induced by exogenous melatonin treatment in cassava. In addition, three melatonin biosynthesis enzymes (tryptophan decarboxylase 2 (MeTDC2), N‐aceylserotonin O‐methyltransferase 2 (MeASMT2), and MeASMT3) positively regulate endogenous melatonin level and autophagic activity. Further investigation showed that these melatonin biosynthesis enzymes interacted with MeATG8b/8c/8e in vivo and in vitro. Consistently, MeTDC2, MeASMT2, and MeASMT3 also positively regulate endogenous melatonin level and autophagic activity in cassava. Notably, overexpression of MeATG8b, 8c, and 8e facilitated the protein expression level of MeTDC2, MeASMT2, and MeASMT3 in vivo. Taken together, melatonin synthesis enzymes (MeTDC2, MeASMT2/3) interact with MeATG8b/8c/8e and thus coordinate the dynamics of melatonin biosynthesis and autophagic activity in cassava, highlighting the links between melatonin biosynthesis and autophagic activity in cassava.
Nogo receptor antagonist LOTUS exerts suppression on axonal growth‐inhibiting receptor PIR‐B

Damaged axons in the adult mammalian central nervous system have a restricted regenerative capacity mainly because of Nogo protein, which is a major myelin‐associated axonal growth inhibitor with binding to both receptors of Nogo receptor‐1 (NgR1) and paired immunoglobulin‐like receptor (PIR)‐B. Lateral olfactory tract usher substance (LOTUS) exerts complete suppression of NgR1‐mediated axonal growth inhibition by antagonizing NgR1. However, the regulation of PIR‐B functions in neurons remains unknown. In this study, protein–protein interactions analyses found that LOTUS binds to PIR‐B and abolishes Nogo‐binding to PIR‐B completely. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry revealed that PIR‐B is expressed in dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) from wild‐type and Ngr1‐deficient mice (male and female). In these DRG neurons, Nogo induced growth cone collapse and neurite outgrowth inhibition, but treatment with the soluble form of LOTUS completely suppressed them. Moreover, Nogo‐induced growth cone collapse and neurite outgrowth inhibition in Ngr1‐deficient DRG neurons were neutralized by PIR‐B function‐blocking antibodies, indicating that these Nogo‐induced phenomena were mediated by PIR‐B. Our data show that LOTUS negatively regulates a PIR‐B function. LOTUS thus exerts an antagonistic action on both receptors of NgR1 and PIR‐B. This may lead to an improvement in the defective regeneration of axons following injury.
Recent Biofilm Studies Open a New Door in Microbial Ecology

Biofilms comprise unique and complex microbial com‐ munities that exhibit heterologous functions in space and time (Flemming and Wingender, 2010). These microorgan‐ isms live in a self-produced matrix (biofilm) of hydrated extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which are com‐ posed of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, or lipids. EPS account for more than 90% of biofilms, and they pro‐ vide physicochemical stability by forming a threedimensional network that functionally interconnects cells (Flemming and Wingender, 2010). Over the past two deca‐ des, the number of studies being conducted on various aspects of biofilms, including antibiotic resistance, waste‐ water treatment processes, quorum sensing, and the micro‐ biota in the gastrointestinal tract, has been rapidly increasing (Fig. 1). Microbes and Environments recently published studies on biofilms. Plastic pollution is ubiquitous and is catastrophic in marine environments. Eriksen et al. reported an estimate of the total number of plastic particles and their weight floating in the world’s oceans from 24 expeditions between 2007 and 2013. The estimate was a minimum of 5.25 trillion particles weighing 268,940 tons, which was markedly larger than ever expected (Eriksen et al., 2014). Therefore, there is a strong and urgent need to replace extant plastics with biode‐ gradable ones. Biodegradable plastics are classified as fossil materialand bio-based plastics (Tokiwa et al., 2009). Regarding polymers, poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH), which is a polyhydroxyalka‐ noate (PHA), possesses plasticity for practical use; however, the mechanisms underlying biodegradation have not yet been elucidated. Morohoshi et al. investigated biofilm for‐ mation on the surface of a number of biodegradable plastics in seawater environments. They found significant amounts of biofilms on the surfaces of PHBH films (Morohoshi et al., 2018a) after a 1-month incubation with seawater sam‐ ples. Biofilms were comprised of diverse microbes, mainly those within Proteobacteria. While bacteria affiliated with the genus Glaciecola within the family Alteromonadacea dominated the surface of unbroken PHBH films, bacteria affiliated with the families Rhodobacteraceae, Rhodospiril‐ lacea, and Oceanospirillacea were dominant on the surface of partially broken PHBH films. They concluded that the biodegradation of PHBH in seawater environments may proceed through two stages: 1) biofilm formation by PHBdegrading bacteria, and 2) transition to the bacterial com‐ munity that intercepts PHBH degradation products. This