Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intravital Imaging of Hepatic Blood Biliary Barrier in Live Mice

Understanding the kinetics and spatiotemporal interactions of living cells within the tissue environment requires real‐time imaging. The introduction of two‐photon microscopy has substantially boosted the power of live intravital imaging, making it possible to obtain information of individual cells in near‐physiologic conditions within intact tissues nondestructively. Intravital imaging of the liver has proved useful in understanding its 3D structure, function, and dynamic cellular interactions. Recently we have shown that integrity of the blood‒bile barrier in different physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions can be imaged in real time using intravital microscopy. Here we discuss the real‐time intravital imaging method to visualize blood‒bile barrier integrity in the murine liver. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Hybrid method of quadratic and Total Variation penalizations in the CT image reconstruction

An iterative image reconstruction is expected as a powerful dose reduction method in clinical CT examinations. Although many studies have been made on the iterative reconstruction, its clinical use in CT routine examinations is still challenging. An iterative reconstruction is capable of denoising images in low dose CT scans. However, its long time processing prevents clinical work flows in routine examinations. The one of the solutions is a few iterations with high-performance computing.
Silencing of let-7b-5p inhibits ovarian cancer cell proliferation and stemness characteristics by Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp-box helicase 19A

ABSTRACT The emergence and recurrence of ovarian cancer are associated with ovarian cancer stem cells. For cancer treatment, gene delivery of microbubbles (MB)-mediated microRNA (miRNA) is considered as a promising approach. In this study, our aim is to investigate the effects of MB-mediated let-7b-5p inhibitor on the proliferation and stemness characteristics of ovarian cancer (OVCA) cells. Let-7b-5p inhibitor mediated by MB was prepared (termed MB-let-7b-5p inhibitor), and the effects of MB-let-7b-5p inhibitor and let-7b-5p inhibitor on OVCA cell viability, proliferation and stemness characteristics were investigated. We found that MB-let-7b-5p inhibitor presented a higher transfection efficiency than let-7b-5p inhibitor alone. The inhibitory effect of MB-let-7b-5p inhibitor on OVCA cells was more significant than let-7b-5p inhibitor. Let-7b-5p targeted DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp)-box helicase 19A (DDX19A), which was downregulated in OVCA cells. The downregulation of DDX19A reversed the inhibitory effects of MB-let-7b-5p inhibitor on OVCA cells. To sum up, we found that MB-let-7b-5p suppressed OVCA cell malignant behaviors by targeting DDX19A.
Effectiveness of unconditional cash transfers combined with lipid-based nutrient supplement and/or behavior change communication to prevent stunting among children in Pakistan: a cluster randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background In Pakistan, the prevalence of stunting among children younger than 5 y has remained above WHO critical thresholds (≥30%) over the past 2 decades. Objectives We hypothesized that an unconditional cash transfer (UCT) combined with lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) and/or social and behavior change communication (SBCC) will prevent stunting among children 6–23 mo of age. Methods This was a 4-arm, community-based cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in the district of Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan. A total of 1729 children (UCT, n = 434; UCT + SBCC, n = 433; UCT + LNS, n = 430; and UCT + LNS + SBCC, n = 432) were enrolled at 6 mo of age and measured monthly for 18 mo until the age of 24 mo. Results At 24 mo of age, children who received UCT + LNS [rate ratio (RR): 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.97; P = 0.015) and UCT + LNS + SBCC (RR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.96; P = 0.007) had a significantly lower risk of being stunted compared with the UCT arm. No significant difference was noted among children who received UCT + SBCC (RR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.16; P = 0.675) in the risk of being stunted compared with the UCT arm. The pooled prevalence of stunting among children aged 6–23 mo was 41.7%, 44.8%, 38.5%, and 39.3% in UCT, UCT + SBCC, UCT + LNS, and UCT + LNS + SBCC, respectively. In pairwise comparisons, a significant impact on stunting among children in UCT + LNS (P = 0.029) and UCT + LNS + SBCC (P = <0.001) was noted compared with the UCT arm. Conclusions UCT combined with LNS and UCT + LNS + SBCC were effective in reducing the prevalence of stunting among children aged 6–23 mo in marginalized populations. UCT + SBCC was not effective in reducing the child stunting prevalence. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03299218.
HSP90 inhibition acts synergistically with heat to induce a pro-immunogenic form of cell death in colon cancer cells

Abstract Background Sub-ablative heat induces pleiotropic biological effects in cancer cells, activating programmed cell death or survival processes. These processes decide the fate of the heated cell. This study investigates these and assesses whether heat, in combination with HSP90 inhibition, augments cell death and induces a pro-immune phenotype in these cells. Methods HCT116 and HT29 cells were subjected to thermal doses (TID) of 60 and 120CEM43 using a PCR thermal cycler. HSP90 was inhibited with NVP-AUY922. Viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Cellular ATP and HSP70 release were assessed using ATP and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assays, respectively. Flow cytometry and immunoblotting were used to study the regulation of biomarkers associated with the heat shock response, the cell cycle, and immunogenic and programmed cell death. Results Exposure of HCT116 and HT29 cells to TIDs of 60 and 120CEM43 decreased their viability. In addition, treatment with 120CEM43 increased intracellular HSP70 and the percentage of HCT116/HT29 cells in the G2/M cell cycle phase, ATP release and Calreticulin/HSP70/HSP90 exposure in the plasma membrane, while downregulating CD47 compared to sham-exposed cells. When combined with NVP-AUY922, treatment of HCT116/HT29 cells with 120CEM43 resulted in a synergistic decrease of cell viability associated with the induction of apoptosis. Also, the combined treatments increased Calreticulin exposure, CD47 downregulation, and HSP70 release compared to the sham-exposed cells. Conclusion Sub-ablative heating can act synergistically with the clinically relevant HSP90 inhibitor NVP-AUY922 to induce a pro-immunogenic form of cell death in colon cancer cells.
Macro‐ and micro‐scale adaptations allow distinct Stylophora pistillata‐symbiodiniaceae holobionts to optimize performance across a broad light habitat

In sessile organisms, phenotypic plasticity represents an important strategy for dealing with environmental variability. Here we test if phenotypic plasticity enables the common coral Stylophora pistillata to occupy a broad niche. We find clear differences in the photo‐physiology of four putative species of photosynthetic dinoflagellate symbionts associated with the coral S. pistillata, namely, Cladocopium ‘C35a’, ‘C79’, ‘C78a’ and ‘C8a’. Coral phenotypic responses were also tightly linked to symbiont identity. Corals with Cladocopium ‘C8a’ have more “open” macro‐morphology compared to colonies associating with depth‐restricted Cladocopium ‘C35a’ or ‘C78a’ in the same shallow water habitat. Corals with Cladocopium ‘C8a’ had 40 to 60% lower symbiont cell densities compared to other holobionts but were more efficient at acclimating over a range of light levels, with clear mechanisms to dissipate excess light energy. This holobiont contains host‐based green fluorescent pigments, increased concentrations of symbiont‐based mycosporine amino acids, and xanthophyll cycling in high light habitats. Photosynthetic efficiency was also adjusted over the light habitat. In contrast, limited micro‐scale responses were observed between three depth‐restricted symbionts: Cladocopium ‘C79’, ‘C35a’, and ‘C78a’. To optimize light levels reaching the photosynthetic unit, these colonies rely on a more closed macro‐morphology under high light levels, which reduces incident light levels by up to 43%, and higher symbiont densities . Our results show that distinct macro‐ and micro‐scale adaptations lead to functional differences between four distinct S. pistillata holobionts, allowing them to co‐exist by filling specific niches on a small, but environmentally diverse, spatial scale.
Clinical significance of circulating tumour cells and tumour marker detection in the chemotherapeutic evaluation of advanced colorectal cancer

Systemic chemotherapy combining biological targeted therapies is the standard therapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but effective markers are needed to identify clinical responders. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) have been associated with prognosis in patients with mCRC. This study aimed to explore the relationship between CTC number and the clinical response of patients with advanced CRC.
The DNMT1‐associated lncRNA UCA1 was upregulated in TK6 cells transformed by long‐term exposure to hydroquinone and benzene‐exposed workers via DNA hypomethylation

Exposure to benzene or its metabolite hydroquinone (HQ) is a risk factor for a series of myeloid malignancies, and long noncoding RNAs play an important role in the process of pathogenesis. Urothelial cancer‐associated 1 (UCA1) functions as an oncogene in the development of acute myeloid leukemia. However, the association between DNMT1 and UCA1 with benzene or HQ exposure has not been explored. We characterized UCA1 expression in cells briefly exposed to HQ (HQ‐ST cells) and HQ‐induced malignantly transformed (TK6‐HT cells) treated with 5‐aza‐2ʹ‐deoxycytidine (5‐AzaC) or trichostatin A (TSA). Compared to that in control cells, UCA1 expression was increased, whereas DNMT1 was decreased in HQ‐ST cells and TK6‐HT cells treated with 5‐AzaC or TSA. Moreover, UCA1 expression was also upregulated and positively correlated with benzene exposure time in benzene‐exposed workers. Furthermore, the expression of UCA1 was negatively associated with the DNA methylation level of its promoter in benzene‐exposed workers. DNMT1 rather than DNMT3b knockout in TK6‐HT cells activated the expression of UCA1 by inducing its promoter hypomethylation. These results suggest that benzene or HQ exposure leads to UCA1 upregulation via DNA hypomethylation in the UCA1 promoter, which is mediated by DNMT1.
Zero valence iron nanocube decoration of graphitic nanoplatelets

Graphitic nanoplatelets (GNPs) have been treated using an ultrasonicated ozonolysis procedure to produce stable aqueous dispersions that facilitate deposition of thin films using electrophoretic deposition. The thin GNP films were then coated with zero valence (ZV) iron nanocubes using a pulsed electrodeposition technique. Characterization of the ZV-iron coating with deposition time revealed that the changing magnetic character of the ferromagnetic-graphitic hybrid material was related to the nucleation density and growth of the ZV-iron nanocubes. Density functional theory calculations show a preference for ZV-iron adsorption at the oxygen sites of the GNPs, with ZV-iron displacement of oxygen groups favored in some configurations. Transmission electron microscopy studies confirm ZV-iron growth nucleates preferentially at the graphite nanoplatelet edges and the hybrid material magnetism is affected by the convergent crystalline grain boundaries formed between adjacent ZV-iron nanocubes.
Balloon-Occluded Transarterial Chemoembolization: In Which Size Range Does It Perform Best? A Comparison of Its Efficacy versus Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization, Using Propensity Score Matching

Introduction: The aim of this multicenter comparison of balloon-occluded transarterial chemoembolization (B-TACE) versus conventional TACE (cTACE) in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was to assess in which size range the 2 techniques offered higher complete response (CR) and objective response (OR) rates in a single session, and to evaluate the possibility of using B-TACE to reduce the need for re-treatment. Methods: 325 patients were retrospectively evaluated: 91 patients in the B-TACE group (22 with cTACE [B-cTACE] and 69 with drug-eluting microsphere TACE [B-DEM-TACE]) and 234 in the cTACE group. The results were compared according to tumor size: (A) <30 mm, (B) 30–50 mm, and (C) >50 mm; OR and CR rates after the first session and the number of TACE re-interventions within a 6-month period were also evaluated using propensity score matching (PSM). Results: The best target ORs were very high (93.2%) and similar between the 2 treatments both before (94.4% for cTACE and 90.1% for B-TACE) and after PSM (94.5% for cTACE and 90.1%; p = 0.405), with slightly better results for the cTACE cohort probably due to better cTACE effectiveness in smaller lesions. In lesions <30 mm, cTACE obtained a slightly higher CR rate than B-TACE (61.9 vs. 56.3%, p = 0.680), whereas in intermediate-sized HCCs (30–50 mm), B-TACE showed a significant superiority in achieving a CR (72.3 vs. 54.1%, respectively; p = 0.047). In larger lesions (>50 mm), cTACE and B-TACE performed equally, with a poor CR rate (22.6 vs. 23.1%, respectively; p = 1.000). These results were additionally confirmed using PSM. The patients treated with B-TACE had a significantly lower re-treatment rate than the cTACE cohort (12.1 vs. 26.9%, respectively; p = 0.005). B-cTACE and B-DEM-TACE demonstrated similar ORs, with a slightly better CR rate for B-cTACE (68.2 vs. 56.5%, respectively; p = 0.456). Conclusion: In HCCs of 30–50 mm, B-TACE should be preferred to cTACE, whereas in smaller nodules (<30 mm), cTACE can suffice in achieving a good CR rate. The statistically significant lower re-treatment rate of the B-TACE cohort after a single procedure reduced the risk of complications due to multiple TACE, which could worsen the patient prognosis.
Impedance-based Real-time Monitoring of Neural Stem Cell Differentiation

Abstract We present here the first impedance-based characterization of the differentiation process of two human mesencephalic fetal neural stem lines. The two dopaminergic neural stem cell lines used in this study, Lund human mesencephalic (LUHMES) and human ventral mesencephalic (hVM1 Bcl-XL), have been developed for the study of Parkinsonian pathogenesis and its treatment using cell replacement therapy. We show that if only relying on impedance magnitude analysis, which is by far the most usual approach in, e.g., cytotoxicity evaluation and drug screening applications, one may not be able to distinguish whether the neural stem cells in a population are proliferating or differentiating. However, the presented results highlight that equivalent circuit analysis can provide detailed information on cellular behavior, e.g. simultaneous changes in cell morphology, cell-cell contacts, and cell adhesion during formation of neural projections, which are the fundamental behavioral differences between proliferating and differentiating neural stem cells. Moreover, our work also demonstrates the sensitivity of impedance-based monitoring with capability to provide information on changes in cellular behavior in relation to proliferation and differentiation. For both of the studied cell lines, in already two days (one day after induction of differentiation) equivalent circuit analysis was able to show distinction between proliferation and differentiation conditions, which is significantly earlier than by microscopic imaging. This study demonstrates the potential of impedance-based monitoring as a technique of choice in the study of stem cell behavior, laying the foundation for screening assays to characterize stem cell lines and testing the efficacy epigenetic control.
Who does what and why? Intra-household roles and explanatory models for sourcing soybean seed from the formal sector in Malawi

This study asks whether there is utility in knowing who sources soybean seed within the household and why when explaining variation in seed obtained from the formal versus informal sector. Survey data collected in Malawi in 2018 were used to explore the question. Results suggest that the identity of the person who sources seed has little to do with whether the seed was obtained from the formal sector. Instead, why the person sources soybean seed is the better predictor. As formal seed system actors mobilize to persuade more smallholder farmers to adopt improved varieties, understanding why people source seed may be key for targeting and when designing agricultural development interventions.
Consequences of spring arrival dates for the breeding phenology of migratory warblers

ABSTRACT Capsule Early male arrival on the breeding grounds results in early pairing but not early nesting in Chiffchaffs Phylloscopus collybita, and Chiffchaffs can nest, fail, and re-nest before Willow Warblers Phylloscopus trochilus begin nesting. Aims To quantify the consequences of timing of arrival for the subsequent timing of pairing, nesting, and re-nesting of short-distance (Chiffchaff) and long-distance (Willow Warbler) migrants. Methods The arrival dates of 118 Chiffchaffs and 20 Willow Warblers were measured from March to June over 10 weeks in Foxley Wood nature reserve, Norfolk. Colour-ringing of 56 Chiffchaffs (55 males, 1 female) and 11 Willow Warblers (10 males, 1 female) was used to relate individual arrival dates to timing of male pairing, clutch initiation, and re-nesting. Results Male Chiffchaffs started to arrive in early March and increased rapidly in number until early April, while the arrival of male Willow Warblers began in early April. Early-arriving male Chiffchaffs paired earlier than later-arriving individuals, but timing of clutch initiation was unrelated to male arrival dates. Early nesting by Chiffchaffs allowed replacement clutches following nest loss, the earliest of which occurred 12 days after the first Willow Warbler male had paired. Conclusions Although early arrival in male Chiffchaffs does not translate into earlier nesting, timing of nesting in Chiffchaffs was sufficiently early to allow time for replacement clutches following nest loss. The later arrival of Willow Warblers is likely to mean fewer opportunities for replacement clutches following nest loss. This difference in breeding phenology could therefore contribute to differences in productivity between the species, especially if nest failure rates are high.
Gannet Morus Bassanus ring recoveries suggest shorter migrations than geolocator tracking, but indicate no long-term change in migration distances

ABSTRACT Capsule Ring recoveries show no long-term changes in how far south Northern Gannets Morus bassanus migrate or which Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) they were recovered in over nine decades, but underestimate recovery distance compared to geolocation tracking. Aims To test for change in Gannet migration using ring recoveries from 1930 to 2018 and compare recent recoveries with geolocation tracking. Methods We analysed latitude and wintering location of 515 ring recoveries of British and Irish Gannets, split by age class, from 1930 to 2018 and compared recent adult tracking and ringing results to test for methodological differences. Results Adult (age 5+ years) recovery distances were significantly shorter than for immatures (age 2–4) or juveniles (age 1). However, there was no significant temporal trend regardless of age group, either in terms of migration latitude or LME where recoveries were made. By contrast, adult Gannets tracked with geolocators from Grassholm, UK in 2009–2018 had longer migration distances and a higher proportion of birds wintering in the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem, compared with ring recoveries over a similar period. Conclusion Our results highlight discrepancies between ring recoveries and geolocator data, and uncertainty about any potential change in Gannet migration distances.
Emotional Manipulation and Task Distraction as Strategy: The Effects of Insulting Trash Talk on Motivation and Performance in a Competitive Setting

ABSTRACT This exploratory study modeled the effects of verbally aggressive insults, or “trash talk,” on an opponent’s performance in a competitive setting. A hypothesized model predicted that the perception of verbal insults would increase cognitive distraction, manipulate emotions, and affect motivation to perform, such that competitive performance declined. Anger and shame were posited as the primary manifestations of emotional affect. The experiment randomly assigned participants to verbal insult and control conditions and was operationalized through a videogame racing competition. Results indicated that verbal insults negatively affected competitive performance on both psychological and emotional levels, although not exactly as the model predicted.
Diary Study on Japanese University Students’ Suspicions of Being Deceived in Everyday Life

ABSTRACT How do people “suspect” lies? We conducted a study on Japanese university students using the diary method to investigate situations in which people are deceived. We also created a taxonomy of sources of suspicion and examined whether behavioral cues or non-behavioral evidence were more frequently used to develop suspicions about being deceived. Participants were instructed to record their suspicions of being deceived for one week using a voice recorder. Results indicated that the mean number of perceived lies was 1.52 per day. A total of 244 episodes of subjectively perceived lies were classified into ten categories. The results indicated that, rather than behavioral cues, non-behavioral evidence (i.e., “Prior Knowledge about a Specific Person,” “Decisive Evidence,” “Suggestive Evidence”) is more likely to trigger suspicion. Further analysis revealed that behavioral cues were often used with other categories.
Small-scale habitat use of Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus broods in the Black Forest, Germany

ABSTRACT Capsule Open forest stands with high levels of sunlight and Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus cover are important for Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus broods. Aims To study the habitat use by Capercaillie broods in the Black Forest, Germany. Methods Habitat characteristics were mapped at locations where indirect signs and observations of Capercaillie broods were recorded along transects. These were compared to habitat characteristics at random locations along the transects using generalized linear mixed models. Results Capercaillie broods in the Black Forest preferred open forest stands with canopy gaps, long daily sun exposure on the ground and an intermediate cover of Bilberry. Stands with high levels of ground vegetation cover and Mountain Pine Pinus mugo shrubs were preferred by Capercaillie broods, while stands with high levels of regeneration cover were avoided. No effect of the horizontal stand layers, number of basal-branched solitary trees or anthills was found. Conclusions To improve habitats for Capercaillie broods, we advise that there should be active creation of structured open stands and forest gaps in areas with high levels of sun exposure (south-west facing) and where Bilberry or heather dominates the ground vegetation.