Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tonsil mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles prevent submandibular gland dysfunction in ovariectomized rats

Dry mouth that occurs after menopause significantly reduces the quality of life of the elderly. The extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells are being studied for application in various pathological conditions in the field of tissue regenerative medicine. This study is to investigate the therapeutic effect on salivary gland dysfunction occurring after ovariectomy using tonsil mesenchymal stem cells (T-MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles. The rats were divided into the following groups: sham-operated rats (SHAM), rats that underwent ovariectomy (OVX), and rats that underwent OVX surgery and were simultaneously injected with T-MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (OVX+EV). The rats were sacrificed 6 weeks after ovariectomy. Estradiol levels decreased in the OVX group compared with those in the SHAM group. Extracellular vesicles had no effect on estradiol levels or estrogen receptor β expression. The evaluation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6, increased in the OVX group and decreased in the OVX+EV group. The expressions of collagen I and TGFβI increased in the OVX group but decreased in the OVX+EV group. Moreover, to examine submandibular gland function, AQP5 and α-amylase expressions were downregulated in the OVX group, but improved upon exosome injection. In conclusion, T-MSC-derived extracellular vesicles are useful for the prevented submandibular gland dysfunction that occurs after menopause.
Effect of nitrous oxide use on external cephalic version success rate; a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Several adjuvant interventions have been evaluated for improving the success rate of the external cephalic version (ECV) and reducing the rate of cesarean delivery (CD). Evidence regarding the effect of Nitrous oxide is limited to a small number of participants with inconsistent results on pain score and success rate. This study aims to examine the effect of inhaled nitrous oxide on the success rate and pain score for women undergoing ECV. Material and methods Survey on ECV reports from inception till June 2020 were made from MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Ovid Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholars. Peer-review studies that examined the success rate of ECV from the application of nitrous oxide during ECV attempts compared with or without the use of other analgesic agents were obtained. The study population comprising women with singleton pregnancies having a non-vertex presentation at least 36 weeks, were categorized into one of two treatment groups: ECV attempt with nitrous oxide (nitrous oxide group) and ECV attempt with or without another analgesia (control group). The primary outcome was the ECV success rate, defined by conversion to vertex-presentation following the procedure. The secondary outcomes were pain scores during ECV attempt and CD rate. The study quality scores were evaluated as a source of heterogeneity by fitting meta-regression models to the individual study effect sizes. Results Of the 26 records identified, two randomized trials and one prospective cohort study (720 women; 434 in the nitrous oxide group and 286 controls) were deemed adequate for meta-analysis. ECV success rate did not differ significantly between the nitrous oxide group and the control group (p = .825; OR 1.036; 95% CI, 0.756, 1.419). In addition, the use of nitrous oxide did not affect pain scores during ECV attempt (p = .457; OR 0.759; 95% CI, −1.240, 2.759) and there was no difference in the incidence of CD as well (p = .943; OR 1.013; 95% CI, 0.703, 1.46). Conclusion The use of nitrous oxide during ECV attempts was not associated with an increase in ECV success rate and does not affect pain scores. PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42020197933
Holistic approach to visualize and quantify collagen organization at macro, micro, and nano‐scale

There is scarcity of imaging and image processing techniques for accurate discrimination and quantitation of the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM), primarily collagen. The aim of this study was to develop and demonstrate a holistic imaging and image processing approach to visualize and quantify collagen remodeling at the macro‐, micro‐ and nano‐scale using histochemical imaging, Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), respectively.
Determining Informative Microbial Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms for Human Identification

One of the fundamental goals in forensic genetics is to identify the source of biological evidence. Methods for detecting human DNA have advanced and can be quite sensitive, but not all DNA samples are amenable to current methods. ABSTRACT The skin microbiome is a highly abundant and relatively stable source of DNA that may be utilized for human identification (HID). In this study, a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a high mean estimated Wright’s fixation index (FST) (>0.1) and widespread abundance (found in ≥75% of samples compared) were selected from a diverse set of markers in the hidSkinPlex panel. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used in a novel machine learning framework to generate a SNP panel and predict the human host from skin microbiome samples collected from the hand, manubrium, and foot. The framework was devised to emulate a new unknown person introduced to the algorithm and to match samples from that person against a population database. Unknown samples were classified with 96% accuracy (Matthews correlation coefficient [MCC], 0.954) in the test (n = 225 samples) data set. A final panel of informative SNPs was determined for HID (hidSkinPlex+) using all 51 individuals sampled at three body sites in triplicate. The hidSkinPlex+ panel comprises 365 SNPs and yielded prediction accuracy for the correct host of 95% (MCC = 0.949). The accuracy of the hidSkinPlex+ panel may be somewhat overestimated due to using 26 individuals from the training data set for the selection of the final panel. However, this accuracy still provides an indication of performance when tested on new samples. IMPORTANCE One of the fundamental goals in forensic genetics is to identify the source of biological evidence. Methods for detecting human DNA have advanced and can be quite sensitive, but not all DNA samples are amenable to current methods. However, the human skin microbiome is a source of DNA with high copy numbers, and it has the potential for high discriminatory power. The hidSkinPlex panel has been used for HID; however, some aspects of it could be improved. Missing information is ambiguous, as it is unclear if marker drop-out is a by-product of a low-template sample or if the reasons for not observing a marker are biological. Such ambiguity may confound methods for HID, and as such, an improved marker set (hidSkinPlex+) was designed that is considerably smaller and more robust to drop-out (365 SNPs contained in 135 markers) yet still can be used to accurately predict the human host.
Emerging treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Purpose of review Although the basic treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is well established, there are active clinical research projects to more closely mimic the normal diurnal rhythm of cortisol secretion and to reduce total glucocorticoid doses to minimize adverse metabolic effects. Recent findings We review clinical studies on CAH treatment published in the last 18 months or currently underway according to ClinicalTrials.gov listings. These can be grouped into several broad themes: alternative dosing forms of hydrocortisone with altered pharmacokinetics or easier dose titration; corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonists that reduce corticotropin (ACTH) secretion and thereby reduce adrenal androgen secretion; androgen biosynthesis inhibitors; a first clinical trial of a gene therapy vector. Summary Alternative dosing forms of hydrocortisone are, or will shortly be, marketed, but cost may be a barrier to utilization, at least in the US market. Trials of corticotropin releasing hormone receptor antagonists and androgen biosynthesis inhibitors are currently underway. The author believes that trials of gene therapy for CAH are premature.
Cytokine‐induced transient monocyte IL‐7Ra expression and the serum milieu in tuberculosis

Bacterial components and cytokines induce IL‐7 receptor (IL‐7Rα) expression in monocytes. Aberrant low IL‐7Rα expression of monocytes has been identified as a feature of tuberculosis immunopathology. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying IL‐7Rα regulation of monocytes and tuberculosis serum effects on IL‐7Rα expression.
DETECTION OF GLIOTOXIN BUT NOT BIS(METHYL)GLIOTOXIN IN PLASMA FROM BIRDS WITH CONFIRMED AND PROBABLE ASPERGILLOSIS

Abstract: Aspergillosis remains a difficult disease to diagnose antemortem in many species, especially avian species. In the present study, banked plasma samples from various avian species were examined for gliotoxin (GT), which is a recognized key virulence factor produced during the replication of Aspergillus species hyphae and a secondary metabolite bis(methyl)gliotoxin (bmGT). Initially, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry methods for detecting GT and bmGT were validated in a controlled model using sera obtained from rats experimentally infected with Aspergillus fumigatus. The minimum detection level for both measurements was determined to be 3 ng/ml, and the assay was found to be accurate and reliable. As proof of concept, GT was detected in 85.7% (30/35) of the samples obtained from birds with confirmed aspergillosis and in 60.7% (17/28) of samples from birds with probable infection but only in one of those from clinically normal birds (1/119). None of the birds were positive for bmGT. Repeated measures from birds under treatment suggests results may have prognostic value. Further studies are needed to implement quantitative methods and to determine the utility of this test in surveillance screening in addition to its use as a diagnostic test in birds with suspected aspergillosis.
THE COMPOSITION AND INTERACTIONS OF SCAVENGERS ON A HUMPBACK WHALE CARCASS IN ALASKA

Abstract Many avian and mammalian predators are facultative scavengers and will opportunistically forage from carcasses. A food source as large as a whale carcass could be valuable to wildlife because of its size and high lipid content. Large carcasses can elicit unique behaviors and interactions in wildlife, but because whale beachings are relatively uncommon, little research has examined the scavenging dynamics at whale carcasses. Here, we used a remote camera to investigate the composition and interactions of scavengers at a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) carcass that washed ashore in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, in 2016. We split the consumption process into 3 stages based on how much soft tissue remained. Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were the first to feed on the carcass and appeared to dominate the food source, preventing many smaller birds from feeding. Gray Wolves (Canis lupus), corvids (Corvus spp.), and gulls (Larus spp.) were also regularly detected. Scavenger numbers remained high during the first 2 stages of carcass consumption and declined by the 3rd stage. Most interactions observed were between individual Bald Eagles and occurred during the 1st stage. Following the eagles' departure after the 1st stage, interactions between individuals were far less common. These results suggest that a carcass of this size in the intertidal zone is utilized primarily by avian scavengers and that interactions between individuals decrease as the food resource declines. These findings help advance our understanding of scavenger dynamics and the general ecology of coastal Pacific Northwest ecosystems.
RECOMBITEK CANINE DISTEMPER VACCINE AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR PUREVAX DISTEMPER VACCINE IN ENDANGERED BLACK-FOOTED FERRETS (MUSTELA NIGRIPES)

Abstract: Black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) are an endangered species in North America that are highly sensitive to canine distemper virus (CDV) infections and any exposure could be devastating to species recovery. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recovery program has safely used a recombinant DNA (rDNA) canarypox-vectored CDV vaccine, Purevax® Ferret Distemper (PFD), to vaccinate black-footed ferrets. Because of a PFD shortage in 2015, an rDNA vaccine labeled for use in dogs, Recombitek® CDV (rCDV), was chosen to vaccinate black-footed ferrets. Our goal was to compare the serum neutralizing (SN) titers after vaccination of 17 captive and 18 wild black-footed ferrets with rCDV or PFD, respectively, considering ≥1:128 as a protective titer. Both vaccines produced comparable 1 yr postvaccination protective titers in captive and wild black-footed ferrets. In wild black-footed ferrets, one PFD vaccination produced SN titers similar to two PFD vaccinations at 1 yr postvaccination. One year after vaccination with rCDV, SN titers in captive black-footed ferrets were higher than in wild ferrets. These results indicate rCDV may be an effective alternative CDV vaccine in captive black-footed ferrets and PFD should be prioritized for wild ferrets because one dose was effective for animals that can be difficult to recapture.
Exploring microbiome from sediments of River Ganga using a metagenomic approach

The Ganga is a major riverine system of India providing ecosystem services to millions of households. However, this river is under stress due to various anthropogenic activities. River sediment harbours a variety of microorganisms which has a tremendous influence on river health. In the present study, metagenomic approach for microbial community characterization of three sediment samples collected from River Ganga at Farakka stretch was carried out. The sediment samples were sequenced using a high-throughput Next Generation Sequencing platform. Taxonomical classification study showed that the occurrence of bacteria is higher than other groups of microbes. The bacterial classes, such as Betaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and archaeal phylum, Thaumarchaeota, and Crenarchaeota were relatively higher than other communities. KEGG pathway analysis of three samples revealed that the number of genes associated with environmental information processing is higher in the Lalbag sample in comparison to Farakka barrage and Dhulian samples. The microbial community was categorized by functional classification using SEED analysis. Both COG and SEED analysis revealed that genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism are higher than other functional categories. The genus-level study confirms the higher occurrence of Pseudomonas, which corresponds to anthropogenic activities like mass bathing. The presence of bacterial genus Nitrospira and archaeal phylum Thaumarchaeota confirms a healthy nitrogen cycle in the environment. Moreover, the generated information would help in understanding the importance of microbial communities and their imperative function in maintaining the riverine ecosystem health.
FIRST RECORD OF A SLENDER SALAMANDER (GENUS BATRACHOSEPS) INTRODUCED TO WASHINGTON STATE AND MOLECULAR SOURCE IDENTIFICATION FROM SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Abstract Human activities are increasingly responsible for moving organisms far beyond natural dispersal distances and range boundaries. Here we describe the 1st documented instance of a slender salamander (genus Batrachoseps; B. attenuatus specifically) in Washington State, in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland. We molecularly identified this individual as belonging to a B. attenuatus clade in San Francisco, California. Beyond representing the 1st Batrachoseps in Washington, this is the 1st record of B. attenuatus introduced beyond its range limits in central and northern California, and the 1st record of the entire genus far beyond its geographic range. This specimen is also noteworthy because it was a gravid female that was exceptionally large, suggesting it could found a population on its own if one does not already exist, and that habitat conditions in a suburban region of the Pacific Northwest are suitable for this species. The Pacific Northwest is expected to be particularly suitable for the establishment of a diversity of introduced salamander species, and our work highlights the importance of proactive research and management to address species introductions.
USING CAMERA TRAPS TO SURVEY HUMBOLDT'S FLYING SQUIRRELS IN OLD- AND SECOND-GROWTH REDWOOD FORESTS

Abstract Developing methods to effectively survey small, nocturnal mammals is important for conservation and management, as they are prey for many other species, including those of conservation concern, and may be threatened or endangered themselves. The Humboldt's Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys oregonensis), previously thought to be part of the Northern Flying Squirrel species (Glaucomys sabrinus), was recently discovered to be a separate species. The ability to effectively and efficiently survey for this species will be essential to evaluating its conservation status. Here we test a non-invasive method to survey for Humboldt's Flying Squirrels by using baited camera traps in old-growth and second-growth Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests in northwestern California. We found that the camera trap method was successful at detecting flying squirrels in both stand types; however, the number of detections and activity levels were greater in the old-growth forest. Humboldt's Flying Squirrels may prefer old-growth forest when it is available, but still appear to utilize some second-growth forest stands. Camera traps can be used instead of live trapping when researchers or land managers are interested in determining the presence or absence of Humboldt's Flying Squirrels in forested habitat.
Fujirebio Lumipulse SARS-CoV-2 antigen immunoassay: pooled analysis of diagnostic accuracy

Abstract We provide here a pooled analysis of accuracy of Fujirebio Lumipulse SARS-CoV-2 Antigen chemiluminescent immunoassay for diagnosing acute SARS-CoV-2 infections. An electronic search was conducted in Scopus and Medline with the keywords “Lumipulse” AND “antigen” AND “SARS-CoV-2” or “COVID-19”, up to January 21, 2022, for identifying clinical investigations (minimum sample size ≥100) where diagnostic accuracy of Lumipulse G SARS-CoV-2 Ag was tested against reference molecular techniques. All studies which allowed to construct a 2 × 2 table were included in a pooled analysis. A final number of 21 studies, totalling 17,648 nasopharyngeal and 8538 saliva specimens, were finally included. The pooled diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in nasopharyngeal swabs were 0.80 (95%CI, 0.78–0.81) and 0.98 (95%CI, 0.97–0.98), respectively, whilst the area under the curve and agreement were 0.980 (95%CI, 0.973–0.986) and 94.9%, respectively. In the twelve studies which used the fixed 1.34 pg/mL currently recommended manufacturer’s threshold, the diagnostic accuracy remained unvaried. In saliva samples, the pooled diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 0.75 (95%CI, 0.71–0.75) and 1.00 (95%CI, 0.99–1.00), respectively, whilst the area under the curve and were 0.976 (95%CI, 0.969–0.984) and 98.4%, respectively. In the five studies which used the fixed 0.67 pg/mL currently recommended manufacturer’s threshold, the diagnostic accuracy remained unvaried. In conclusion, Lumipulse G SARS-CoV-2 Ag assay demonstrates good diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, thus representing a valuable complementary and integrative option to molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 in the current pandemic.
Clinical value of SIRT1 as a prognostic biomarker in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, a systematic meta-analysis

Abstract Several studies reported that the expression of SIRT1 was associated with the clinical features of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the function remains inconsistent. We conducted this study to illustrate the clinical value of SIRT1 expression in the early diagnosis and prediction of prognosis of ESCC. In this study, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched by two independent researchers and STATA14.0 software was used to conduct meta-analysis. The odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to estimate the pooled effect. Egger’s test and Begg’s funnel were used to assess publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the reliability and stability of meta-analysis results. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six studies were enrolled, including 811 cases of ESCC. Results of the meta-analysis indicated that SIRT1 was overexpressed in ESCC and the SIRT1 expression was closely related to the clinicopathological features of ESCC, such as tumor infiltration, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and lymph node metastasis. In the survival analysis, high expression of SIRT1 represented a poor prognosis in ESCC patients. Our study demonstrated that SIRT1 was overexpressed in ESCC, and it might be a potential biomarker for progress of ESCC.
Relationship Between Implementation of TQM, JIT, TPM and SCM and Manufacturing Performance: Empirical Evidences From Indian Context

Earlier empirical studies on joint implementation of different combinations of Total Quality Management (TQM), Just-in-Time (JIT), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and Supply Chain Management (SCM) concluded that the high performing manufacturing plants have implemented practices from more than one manufacturing program. All these programs are complementary in nature. However, there is no study that provides empirical examination of TQM, JIT, TPM and SCM within single framework and broader perspective is missing. In this paper ‘Integrated Manufacturing Practices’ framework is presented based on synergistic relationship among TQM, JIT, TPM and SCM. The data of 155 manufacturing plants in India is analyzed using Discriminant Analysis (DA). The result of the analysis shows that the practices from each of the paradigm has significant loading on each of the performance measure. The findings demonstrate the importance of implementing the TQM, JIT, TPM and SCM synergistically to enhance overall performance of the manufacturing plants.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Two-dimensional stability analysis of finite-amplitude interfacial gravity waves in a two-layer fluid

Abstract We explore basic mechanisms for the instability of finite-amplitude interfacial gravity waves through a two-dimensional linear stability analysis of the periodic and irrotational plane motion of the interface between two unbounded homogeneous fluids of different density in the absence of background currents. The flow domains are conformally mapped into two half-planes, where the time-varying interface is always mapped onto the real axis. This unsteady conformal mapping technique with a suitable representation of the interface reduces the linear stability problem to a generalized eigenvalue problem, and allows us to accurately compute the growth rates of unstable disturbances superimposed on steady waves for a wide range of parameters. Numerical results show that the wave-induced Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) instability due to the tangential velocity jump across the interface produced by the steady waves is the major instability mechanism. Any disturbances whose dominant wavenumbers are greater than a critical value grow exponentially. This critical wavenumber that depends on the steady wave steepness and the density ratio can be approximated by a local KH stability analysis, where the spatial variation of the wave-induced currents is neglected. It is shown, however, that the growth rates need to be found numerically with care and the successive collisions of eigenvalues result in the wave-induced KH instability. In addition, the present study extends the previous results for the small-wavenumber instability, such as modulational instability, of relatively small-amplitude steady waves to finite-amplitude ones.