Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micrografting device for testing systemic signaling in Arabidopsis.

Grafting techniques have been applied in studies of systemic, long-distance signaling in several model plants. Seedling grafting in Arabidopsis, known as micrografting, enables investigation of the molecular mechanisms of systemic signaling between shoots and roots. However, conventional micrografting requires a high level of skill, limiting its use. Thus, an easier user-friendly method is needed. Here, we developed a silicone microscaled device, the micrografting chip, to obviate the need for training and to generate less stressed and more uniformly grafted seedlings. The chip has tandemly arrayed units, each of which consists of a seed pocket for seed germination and a micro-path with pairs of pillars for hypocotyl holding. Grafting, including seed germination, micrografting manipulation, and establishment of tissue reunion, is performed on the chip. Using the micrografting chip, we evaluated the effect of temperature and the carbon source on grafting and showed that a temperature of 27°C and a sucrose concentration of 0.5% were optimal. We also used the chip to investigate the mechanism of systemic signaling of iron status using a quadruple nicotianamine synthase (nas) mutant. The constitutive iron-deficiency response in the nas mutant because of iron accumulation in shoots was significantly rescued by grafting of wild-type shoots or roots, suggesting that shoot- and root-ward translocation of nicotianamine-iron complexes and/or nicotianamine is essential for iron mobilization. Thus, our micrografting chip will promote studies of long-distance signaling in plants.
Platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake in affective disorders

There is evidence that blood platelets accumulate, store and release 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) in a manner analagous to the central nervous system serotonergic synaptosome. The biogenic amine hypothsis of affective disorders states that depression is associated with a deficiency of brain 5-HT. Therefore, a study was carried out to compare the platelet 5-HT uptake characteristics of platelets from depressive patients and healthy control subjects. The rate of platelet 5-HT uptake was lower in depressive patients than in age and sex matched control subjects. There was no correlation between severity of illness and rate of 5-HT uptake, and the results for a group of patients tested both when depressed and again after recovery were similar on the two occasions. It is suggested that a low rate of 5-HT uptake is a trait contributing to a predisposition to depressive illness. A seasonal variation in 5-HT transport was observed in both controls and patients. The rate of 5-HT uptake was lowest in late spring and early summer, which is also the time of year of greatest incidence of depression and the peak in the suicide rate. Inhibition of 5-HT uptake was observed in depressed patients treated with either amitriptyline or zimelidine. The extent of inhibition of 5-HT transport was related to plasma drug concentrations, but did not correlate with clinical improvement. Prophylactic treatment with lithium increased the rate of platelet 5-HT uptake towards normal values in both unipolar and bipolar patients. The significance of these findings and their possible relationship to some other biochemical abnormalities observed in depressive patiente are discussed.
A grape seed extract maternal dietary supplementation in reproductive hens reduces oxidative stress associated to modulation of plasma and tissue adipokines expression and improves viability of offsprings

In reproductive hens, a feed restriction is an usual practice to improve metabolic and reproductive disorders. However, it acts a stressor on the animal. In mammals, grape seed extracts (GSE) reduces oxidative stress. However, their effect on endocrine and tissue response need to be deepened in reproductive hens. Here, we evaluated the effects of time and level of GSE dietary supplementation on growth performance, viability, oxidative stress and metabolic parameters in plasma and metabolic tissues in reproductive hens and their offsprings. We designed an in vivo trial using 4 groups of feed restricted hens: A (control), B and C (supplemented with 0.5% and 1% of the total diet composition in GSE since week 4, respectively) and D (supplemented with 1% of GSE since the hatch). In hens from hatch to week 40, GSE supplementation did not affect food intake and fattening whatever the time and dose of supplementation. Body weight was significantly reduced in D group as compared to control. In all hen groups, GSE supplementation decreased plasma oxidative stress index associated to a decrease in the mRNA expression of the NOX4 and 5 oxidant genes in liver and muscle and an increase in SOD mRNA expression. This was also associated to decreased plasma chemerin and increased plasma adiponectin and visfatin levels. Interestingly, maternal GSE supplementation increased the live body weight and viability of chicks at hatching and 10 days of age. This was associated to a decrease in plasma and liver oxidative stress parameters. Taken together, GSE maternal dietary supplementation reduces plasma and tissue oxidative stress associated to modulation of adipokines without affecting fattening in reproductive hens. A 1% GSE maternal dietary supplementation increased offspring viability and reduced oxidative stress suggesting a beneficial transgenerational effect and a potential use to improve the quality of the progeny in reproductive hens.
An Artificial Z-scheme Constructed from Dye-Sensitized Metal Oxide Nanosheets for Visible Light-Driven Overall Water Splitting.

Sensitization of a wide-gap oxide semiconductor with a visible-light-absorbing dye has been studied for decades as a means of producing H2 from water. However, efficient overall water splitting using a dye-sensitized oxide photocatalyst has re-mained an unmet challenge. Here we demonstrate visible-light-driven overall water splitting into H2 and O2 using HCa2Nb3O10 nanosheets sensitized by a Ru(II) tris-diimine type photosensitizer, in combination with a WO3-based water oxidation photocatalyst and a triiodide/iodide redox couple. With the use of Pt-intercalated HCa2Nb3O10 nanosheets further modified with amorphous Al2O3 clusters as the H2 evolution component, the dye-based turnover number and frequency for H2 evolution reached 4580 and 1960 h-1, respectively. The apparent quantum yield for overall water splitting using 420 nm light was 2.4%, by far the highest among dye-sensitized overall water splitting systems reported to date. The present work clearly shows that a carefully designed dye/oxide hybrid has great potential for photocatalytic H2 production, and represents a significant leap forward in the development of solar-driven water splitting systems.
Effects of heatwaves and light deprivation in giant kelp juveniles (Macrocystis pyrifera, Laminariales, Phaeophyceae).

Due to climate change, the incidence of marine heat waves (MHWs) has increased, yet their effects on seaweeds are still not well understood. Adult sporophytes of Macrocystis pyrifera, the species forming the iconic Giant Kelp forests, can be negatively affected by thermal stress and associated environmental factors (e.g., nutrient depletion, light deprivation); however, little is known about the tolerance/vulnerability of juvenile sporophytes. Simultaneously to MHWs, juveniles can be subjected to light limitation for extended periods of time (days-weeks) due to factors causing turbidity, or even because of shading by understory canopy-forming seaweeds. This study evaluated the effects of a simulated MHW (24°C, 7 d) in combination (or not) with light deprivation, on the photosynthetic capacities, nutrient uptake and tissue composition, as well as oxidative stress descriptors of M. pyrifera juvenile sporophytes (single blade stage, up to 20 cm length). Maximum quantum yield (Fv /Fm ) decreased in juveniles under light at 24°C, likely reflecting some damage on the photosynthetic apparatus or dynamic photoinhibition; however, no other sign of physiological alteration was found in this treatment (i.e., pigments, nutrient reserves and uptake, oxidative stress). Photosynthetic capacities were maintained or even enhanced in plants under light deprivation, likely supported by photo-acclimation (pigments increment); by contrast, nitrate uptake and internal storage of carbohydrates were strongly reduced, regardless of temperature. This study indicated that light limitation can be more detrimental to juvenile survival, and therefore recruitment success of M. pyrifera forests, than episodic thermal stress from MHWs.
Long non-coding RNA PCAT1 drives clear cell renal cell carcinoma by upregulating YAP via sponging miR-656 and miR-539

ABSTRACT Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common RCC subtype with high metastasis, poor prognosis and conventional chemotherapy resistance. Prostate cancer associated transcript 1 (PCAT1) is an important lncRNA that was reported to be involved in cell proliferation, migration and invasion of several types of cancer cells. However, its role in ccRCC is still undetermined. This study found that PCAT1 levels were elevated in ccRCC tumors as well as several ccRCC cells, and knockdown of PCAT1 with siRNA (si-PCAT1) alleviated cell proliferation, migration and invasion of Caki-2 and ACHN cells. With bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reported assay, RNA pull-down assay and Spearman’s correlation analysis, we demonstrated that PCAT1 acted as a sponge for miR-656 and miR-539. Moreover, we found dual competitive interaction of miR-656/539 with PCAT1 and yes-associated protein (YAP), resulting in the identification of PCAT1-miR-656/539-YAP axis in Caki-2 and ACHN cells. With CCK-8 assay and transwell assay, miR-656/539 inhibitor or YAP overexpression could alleviate the effects of si-PCAT1 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of Caki-2 and ACHN cells. Our data indicated that PCAT1 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of ccRCC cells by upregulating YAP via sponging miR-656 and miR-539. Taken together, this study provided a novel therapeutic target for ccRCC treatment.
Negative affect and stress‐related brain metabolism in patients with metastatic breast cancer

Cancer and its treatment represent major stressors requiring that patients make multiple adaptations. Despite evidence that poor adaptation to stressors is associated with more distress and negative affect (NA), neuroimmune dysregulation and poorer health outcomes, current understanding is very limited of how NA covaries with central nervous system changes to account for these associations.
To what extent is the association between race and fetal growth restriction explained by adequacy of prenatal care? A mediation analysis of a retrospective cohort.

Race is associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and small-for-gestational age (SGA). We evaluated the extent to which this association is mediated by adequacy of prenatal care (PNC). A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the United States' National Center for Health Statistics Natality Files for the years 2011-2017. We performed mediation analyses using a statistical approach that allows for exposure-mediator interaction, and estimated natural direct effects, natural indirect effects, and proportions mediated. All effects were estimated as risk ratios. Among 23,118,656 singleton live births, the excess risk of IUGR among Black, Hispanic and Other women compared with White women was partly mediated by PNC adequacy: 13% of the association between Black race and IUGR was attributable to PNC inadequacy, 12% in Hispanic women, and 10% in Other women. The percentage of excess risk of SGA that was mediated was 7% in Black women, 6% in Hispanic women, and 5% in Other women. Our findings suggest that PNC adequacy may partly mediate the association between race and fetal growth restriction. Future research should employ causal mediation frameworks to consider additional factors and mediators that could help us better understand this association.
The role Of sirtuin3 in regulating mitochondrial superoxide metabolism in response to ionizing radiation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts.

Exposure of mammalian cells to ionizing radiation is believed to affect mitochondrial metabolism, which can lead to increased levels of superoxide (O2 •). Sirtuin3 (Sirt3) is a key mitochondrial protein deacetylase thought to play a significant role in the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity and oxidative metabolism in response to radiation. Here I show evidence that Sirtuin3 regulates mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in unirradiated mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) as well as regulates survival and steady-state levels of O2 •following exposure to radiation. This work also identifies novel, small molecule, superoxide dismutase mimetics as being capable of ameliorating the alterations in mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and cell toxicity following exposure to radiation. When compared to WT MEFs, unirradiated Sirt3 -/MEFs demonstrate increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hyperpolarized mitochondrial membranes, increased oxygen consumption, higher glycolytic flux and lower ATP levels demonstrating that the loss of Sirt3 profoundly regulates mitochondrial metabolism. Furthermore, increased levels of mitochondrial fragmentation were also observed in irradiated Sirt3 -/MEFs, relative to un-irradiated controls. When exposed to 2 Gy of X-rays, Sirt3 -/MEFs also demonstrated increased steady-state levels of O2 •as indicated by DHE oxidation using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Sirt3 -/MEFs irradiated with 1-2 Gy also showed significantly increased clonogenic cell killing as well as a compromised ability to induce an adaptive response following exposure to a 0.1 Gy priming dose, as compared to Sirt3 WT MEFs. Increased levels of O2 •seen following irradiation of Sirt3 -/MEFs were ameliorated by the use of two superoxide dismutase mimetics (GC4401 and GC4403) but not the catalytically inactive form of the
Determining the correct stoichiometry of Kv2.1/Kv6.4 heterotetramers, functional in multiple stoichiometrical configurations

Significance Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels play a key role in cellular electrical excitability. While various Kv subunits assemble to homotetrameric functional channels, the silent subfamilies KvS exclusively form heterotetramers with Kv2 subunits and thus regulate their biophysical properties in a tissue-specific way. Despite the vast functional research, key aspects of the heterotetrameric architecture remain controversial, including the stoichiometry with which KvS and Kv2 can assemble. We used concatemers and single subunit counting in combination to show that Kv2/Kv6 assemble in a 2:2 stoichiometry following the general dimer-of-dimer mechanism for channel formation. We demonstrate how to objectively choose the most likely model for single subunit counting data, which is applicable for any multimeric complex and will help choosing models confidently. The electrically silent (KvS) members of the voltage-gated potassium (Kv) subfamilies Kv5, Kv6, Kv8, and Kv9 selectively modulate Kv2 subunits by forming heterotetrameric Kv2/KvS channels. Based on the reported 3:1 stoichiometry of Kv2.1/Kv9.3 channels, we tested the hypothesis that Kv2.1/Kv6.4 channels express, in contrast to the assumed 3:1, in a 2:2 stoichiometry. We investigate the Kv2.1/Kv6.4 stoichiometry using single subunit counting and functional characterization of tetrameric concatemers. For selecting the most probable stoichiometry, we introduce a model-selection method that is applicable for any multimeric complex by investigating the stoichiometry of Kv2.1/Kv6.4 channels. Weighted likelihood calculations bring rigor to a powerful technique. Using the weighted-likelihood model-selection method and analysis of electrophysiological data, we show that Kv2.1/Kv6.4 channels express, in contrast to the assumed 3:1, in a 2:2 stoichiometry. Within this stoichiometry, the Kv6.4 subunits have to be positioned alternating with Kv2.1 to express functional channels. The variability in Kv2/KvS assembly increases the diversity of heterotetrameric configurations and extends the regulatory possibilities of KvS by allowing the presence of more than one silent subunit.
The Phylum Bryozoa: From Biology to Biomedical Potential

Less than one percent of marine natural products characterized since 1963 have been obtained from the phylum Bryozoa which, therefore, still represents a huge reservoir for the discovery of bioactive metabolites with its ~6000 described species. The current review is designed to highlight how bryozoans use sophisticated chemical defenses against their numerous predators and competitors, and which can be harbored for medicinal uses. This review collates all currently available chemoecological data about bryozoans and lists potential applications/benefits for human health. The core of the current review relates to the potential of bryozoan metabolites in human diseases with particular attention to viral, brain, and parasitic diseases. It additionally weighs the pros and cons of total syntheses of some bryozoan metabolites versus the synthesis of non-natural analogues, and explores the hopes put into the development of biotechnological approaches to provide sustainable amounts of bryozoan metabolites without harming the natural environment.
Early prevention of diabetes microvascular complications in people with hyperglycaemia in Europe. ePREDICE randomized trial. Study protocol, recruitment and selected baseline data

Objectives To assess the effects of early management of hyperglycaemia with antidiabetic drugs plus lifestyle intervention compared with lifestyle alone, on microvascular function in adults with pre-diabetes. Methods Trial design: International, multicenter, randomised, partially double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Participants Males and females aged 45–74 years with IFG, IGT or IFG+IGT, recruited from primary care centres in Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Kuwait, Poland, Serbia, Spain and Turkey. Intervention Participants were randomized to placebo; metformin 1.700 mg/day; linagliptin 5 mg/day or fixed-dose combination of linagliptin/metformin. All patients were enrolled in a lifestyle intervention program (diet and physical activity). Drug intervention will last 2 years. Primary Outcome: composite end-point of diabetic retinopathy estimated by the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Score, urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, and skin conductance in feet estimated by the sudomotor index. Secondary outcomes in a subsample include insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function, biomarkers of inflammation and fatty liver disease, quality of life, cognitive function, depressive symptoms and endothelial function. Results One thousand three hundred ninety one individuals with hyperglycaemia were assessed for eligibility, 424 excluded after screening, 967 allocated to placebo, metformin, linagliptin or to fixed-dose combination of metformin + linagliptin. A total of 809 people (91.1%) accepted and initiated the assigned treatment. Study sample after randomization was well balanced among the four groups. No statistical differences for the main risk factors analysed were observed between those accepting or rejecting treatment initiation. At baseline prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 4.2%, severe neuropathy 5.3% and nephropathy 5.7%. Conclusions ePREDICE is the first -randomized clinical trial with the aim to assess effects of different interventions (lifestyle and pharmacological) on microvascular function in people with pre-diabetes. The trial will provide novel data on lifestyle modification combined with glucose lowering drugs for the prevention of early microvascular complications and diabetes. Registration - ClinicalTrials.Gov Identifier: NCT03222765 - EUDRACT Registry Number: 2013-000418-39
Position and Attitude Estimation Method Integrating Visual Odometer and GPS

The monocular visual odometer is widely used in the navigation of robots and vehicles, but it has defects of the unknown scale of the estimated trajectory. In this paper, we presented a position and attitude estimation method, integrating the visual odometer and Global Position System (GPS), where the GPS positioning results were taken as a reference to minimize the trajectory estimation error of visual odometer and derive the attitude of the vehicle. Hardware-in-the-loop simulations were carried out; the experimental results showed that the positioning error of the proposed method was less than 1 m, and the accuracy and robustness of the attitude estimation results were better than those of the state-of-art vision-based attitude estimation methods.
A social robot intervention on depression, loneliness, and quality of life for Taiwanese older adults in long-term care

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the effect of a social robot intervention on depression, loneliness, and quality of life of older adults in long-term care (LTC) and to explore participants’ experiences and perceptions after the intervention. Design: A mixed-methods approach consisting of a single group, before and after quasi-experimental design, and individual interview. Participants: Twenty older adults with depression from four LTC facilities in Taiwan were recruited. Intervention: Each participant participated in 8 weeks of observation and 8 weeks of intervention. In the observation stage, participants received usual care or activities without any research intervention. In the intervention stage, each participant was given a Paro (Personal Assistive RobOt) to keep for 24 hours, 7 days a week. Measurements: The Geriatric Depression Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire for older adults were administered at four time points. Individual qualitative interviews with thematic analysis followed. Results: A repeated multivariate analysis of variance and Friedmanʼs test showed no significant changes during the observation stage between T1 and T2 for depression and quality of life (p >.5). For the intervention stage, statistically significant changes in decreasing depression and loneliness and improving quality of life over time were identified. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (i) humanizing Paro through referring to personal experiences and engagement; (ii) increased social interaction with other people; and (iii) companionship resulting in improved mental well-being. Conclusions: There were significant improvements in mental well-being in using Paro. Further research may help us to understand the advantages of using a Paro intervention as depression therapy.
Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide is elevated in the acute phase after ischaemic stroke and decreases within the first days

Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO) is a biomarker of the gut microbiome and correlates with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, conflicting data exist on the specific role of TMAO in ischaemic stroke patients. We aimed to analyze the time course of TMAO levels in stroke patients compared with controls.