Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cadmium accumulation, subcellular distribution and chemical fractionation in hydroponically grown Sesuvium portulacastrum [Aizoaceae]

Sesuvium portulacastrum is a well-known halophyte with considerable Cd accumulation and tolerance under high Cd stress. This species is also considered as a good candidate of Cd phytoremediation in the polluted soils. However, the mechanism of Cd accumulation, distribution and fractionation in different body parts still remain unknown. Seedlings of Sesuvium portulacastrum were studied hydroponically under exposure to a range of Cd concentrations (50 μM or μmol/L to 600 μM or μmol/L) for 28 days to investigate the potential accumulation capability and tolerance mechanisms of this species. Cd accumulation in roots showed that the bio-concentration factor was > 10, suggesting a strong ability to absorb and accumulate Cd. Cd fractionation in the aboveground parts showed the following order of distribution: soluble fraction > cell wall > organelle > cell membrane. In roots, soluble fraction was mostly predominant than other fractions. Cd speciation in leaves and stems was mainly contained of sodium chloride and deionised water extracted forms, suggesting a strong binding ability with pectin and protein as well as with organic acids. In the roots, inorganic form of Cd was dominant than other forms of Cd. It could be suggested that sodium chloride, deionised water and inorganic contained form of Cd are mainly responsible for the adaption of this plant in the Cd stress environment and alleviating Cd toxicity.
Steroid‐dependent switch of OvoL/Shavenbaby controls self‐renewal versus differentiation of intestinal stem cells

Adult stem cells must continuously fine‐tune their behavior to regenerate damaged organs and avoid tumors. While several signaling pathways are well known to regulate somatic stem cells, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate a cell‐intrinsic role for the OvoL family transcription factor, Shavenbaby (Svb), in balancing self‐renewal and differentiation of Drosophila intestinal stem cells. We find that svb is a downstream target of Wnt and EGFR pathways, mediating their activity for stem cell survival and proliferation. This requires post‐translational processing of Svb into a transcriptional activator, whose upregulation induces tumor‐like stem cell hyperproliferation. In contrast, the unprocessed form of Svb acts as a repressor that imposes differentiation into enterocytes, and suppresses tumors induced by altered signaling. We show that the switch between Svb repressor and activator is triggered in response to systemic steroid hormone, which is produced by ovaries. Therefore, the Svb axis allows intrinsic integration of local signaling cues and inter‐organ communication to adjust stem cell proliferation versus differentiation, suggesting a broad role of OvoL/Svb in adult and cancer stem cells.
Effect of ZnO Seed Layer and TiO2 Coating Treatments on Aligned TiO2/ZnO Nanostructures for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

A chemical bath deposition (CBD) method was applied to grow zinc oxide nanorod arrays on transparent conductive oxides acting as templates for the synthesis of TiO2/ZnO nanostructures (TiO2/ZNR) followed by HCl etching, and then these nanostructures were assembled as anodes in dye-sensitized solar cells. The ZnO nanorods, predominantly grew with good crystallinity along c-axis, exhibit wurtzite structure with smooth surface. Etching of the TiO2/ZNR by HCl changes the most preferential crystal plane of ZnO from (002) to (100) and significantly increases the atomic ratio of Ti/Zn. Optical absorption measurements indicate a band gap energy of 3.1 eV for ZNR and TiO2/ZNR. Increasing the spin coating time (SCT) of TiO2 on ZNR increases the PL intensity. The seed layer number (SLN) of ZnO exerts moderate influence on the photo-to-electricity conversion and an optimum SLN was observed for this study.
Myogenic regulatory factors are key players in determining muscle mass and meat quality in Jeju native and Berkshire pigs

Abstract Background Meat from Jeju native pigs (JNPs) is highly popular among Korean consumers; however, the production efficiency is limited due to the low adult body weight. In contrast, the Berkshire breed, which has a genetic background closely related to Asian native pigs, gains weight more efficiently. Objectives This study focused on the differential expression of genes related to muscle growth in postnatal myogenesis between Berkshire and JNPs, specifically the myogenic regulatory factor (MRF) genes (MyoD, Pax7, Myf5, Myf6 and MyBPH). The MRF family is primarily involved in the proliferation and development of muscle. Methods Qualitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses revealed that expression of MyoD and Pax7 was significantly higher in Berkshire pigs than in JNPs. In addition, co‐expression of MyoD and Pax7 was observed in myotubes formed in cultured C2C12 cells. ToppCluster was used to elucidate the relationship between biological processes of the MRFs and muscle‐related signalling pathways. Results MyoD and Pax7 are factors essential for the activation of satellite cell during myogenesis. However, the mRNA and protein levels of MyBPH (which is responsible for meat quality, e.g. water content, colour and tenderness) are significantly higher in both 1‐day‐old piglets and adult JNPs than in Berkshire pigs. Conclusions This study provides a genetic understanding of myogenesis in the postnatal and adult stages of Berkshire pigs and JNPs. Moreover, these results will help identify marker genes related to muscle mass, growth performance and meat quality in indigenous Korean pig breeds.
The Influence of HeartMath® on Resilience and Empowerment in Female College Athletes

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the influence of HeartMath® on female college athletes’ abilities to holistically care for self as assessed through resiliency and power. Design: The descriptive design used mixed methods and was approved by the university’s institutional review board. The purposive sample was female college student athletes who were currently enrolled in a university program of study and played in a National Collegiate Athletic Association sanctioned sport. Method: There were eight weekly sessions where the holistic intervention HeartMath® was taught and reinforced. Participants completed two tools to measure resilience and power Weeks 1, 4, and 8: the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale and the Power as Knowing Participation in Change Tool. At Session 8, a focus group interview was conducted to explore perception of how HeartMath® influenced caring for self as a student athlete. Findings: Although no statistical significance, emergent themes support that with HeartMath®, participants experienced an increase in resilience and power influencing their holistic caring for self. Conclusions: Findings support the need for additional research on the influence of HeartMath® on student athlete resilience and power in any team on and off the playing field.
Retrospective analysis of the use of two recombinant follitropin alfa injections in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment with the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist protocol

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of biosimilar (Ovaleap) compared with the referenced follitropin alfa (Gonal‐f), within the context of antagonistic multiple doses protocol of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) techniques.
On boundary layers and upstream influence II. Supersonic flows without separation

When any boundary layer on a straight wall is subjected to an expansive steady disturbance (either an incident wave, or departure of the wall shape from straight), or when a turbulent layer is subjected to a fairly weak compressive one, an interaction between the main stream (if supersonic) and the boundary layer is set up but the layer does not separate. Such an interaction is here treated mathematically by an extension of the author’s method (Lighthill 1950) of perturbing a parallel flow and neglecting the disturbances of the viscous forces. It is shown that these are non-negligible only in an ‘inner viscous sublayer’, in which the Mach number remains small, and which for the turbulent layer is inside the so-called laminar sublayer. Further, if the disturbances are Fourier-analyzed longitudinally, then the effect of the inner viscous sublayer on the behaviour of each harmonic component outside it is exactly as if there were a solid wall at a certain position in the stream, with no flow across it and inviscid flow outside it. This position depends on the wave number k and on the skin friction in the undisturbed layer. This new boundary condition is now inserted into the old theory. Solutions are obtained for large and small k and used to deduce, respectively, (i) the principal local features of both the wall-pressure distribution and the flow outside the boundary layer, and (ii) the extent of upstream influence. An interpolation between them is used in an attempt to predict the complete form of the reflected wave when a shock is incident upon a turbulent layer. Reasonable agreement with experiment is obtained. The paper ends with a discussion of the skin friction distribution and how it influences the onset of non-linearity.
The Questionnaire on Self-Transcendence (QUEST): A Measure of Trait Self-Transcendence Informed by Contextual Cognitive Behavioral Therapies

Self-transcendence is thought to increase well-being and is implicitly promoted in contextual cognitive behavioral therapies (CCBTs). This study conceptualizes, develops, and validates the first comprehensive CCBT-informed self-transcendence questionnaire. Using a CCBT-informed theory, we propose four self-transcendence facets: distancing oneself from mental content, distinguishing an observer of mental experience that is separate from the content of experience, experiencing innate connectedness with other beings, and noticing the constantly changing nature of experience. We measured these facets with items from existing relevant questionnaires and novel, expert-informed items. Exploratory factor analyses and bifactor exploratory structural equation models supported the first three of these facets. Those factors evidenced convergent validity with decentering, defusion, experiential avoidance, and mindfulness, and criterion and incremental validity in predicting psychological well-being. Our findings support a CCBT-informed model of self-transcendence, introduce the first instrument to comprehensively measure the self-transcendence facets we identified, indicate links with well-being, and suggest future intervention targets.
Secular Clinical Ethicists Should Not Be Neutral Toward All Religious Beliefs: An Argument for a Moral-Metaphysical Proceduralism

Abstract Secular clinical ethics has responded to the problem of moral pluralism with a procedural approach. However, defining this term stirs debate: H. Tristram Engelhardt Jr. has championed a contentless proceduralism (P1), while others, conversely, argue for a proceduralism that permits some content in the form of moral claims (P2). This paper argues that the content P2 permits ought to be expanded to include some metaphysical commitments, in an approach referred to as P2+. The need for P2+ is demonstrated by analyzing and rejecting three standards (the best interest or harm principle, internal reasonability, and the child’s right to an open future) used by P2 to justify overriding religiously motivated refusals of treatment for children. These approaches fail because each maintains a neutral stance regarding the truth of religious belief. This paper drives at the broader thesis that the proceduralism of secular clinical ethics requires some moral and metaphysical commitments.
Dissociable changes in spike and wave discharges following exposure to injected cannabinoids and smoked cannabis in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg

There is significant interest in the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of many epilepsies including absence epilepsy (AE). Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) model many aspects of AE including the presence of spike‐and‐wave discharges (SWDs) on electroencephalogram (EEG) and behavioral comorbidities, such as elevated anxiety. However, the effects of cannabis plant‐based phytocannabinoids have not been tested in GAERS. Therefore, we investigated how SWDs in GAERS are altered by the two most common phytocannabinoids, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), and exposure to smoke from two different chemovars of cannabis. Animals were implanted with bipolar electrodes in the somatosensory cortex and EEGs were recorded for 2 hr. Injected THC (1–10 mg/kg, i.p.) dose‐dependently increased SWDs to over 200% of baseline. In contrast, CBD (30–100 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a ~50% reduction in SWDs. Exposure to smoke from a commercially available chemovar of high‐THC cannabis (Mohawk, Aphria Inc.) increased SWDs whereas a low‐THC/high‐CBD chemovar of cannabis (Treasure Island, Aphria Inc.) did not significantly affect SWDs in GAERS. Pre‐treatment with a CB1R antagonist (SR141716A) did not prevent the high‐THC cannabis smoke from increasing SWDs, suggesting that the THC‐mediated increase may not be CB1R‐dependent. Plasma concentrations of THC and CBD were similar to previously reported values following injection and smoke exposure. Compared to injected CBD, it appears Treasure Island did not increase plasma levels sufficiently to observe an anti‐epileptic effect. Together these experiments provide initial evidence that acute phytocannabinoid administration exerts the biphasic modulation of SWDs and may differentially impact patients with AE.
Esophageal motility disorders on high‐resolution manometry: Chicago classification version 4.0©

Chicago Classification v4.0 (CCv4.0) is the updated classification scheme for esophageal motility disorders using metrics from high‐resolution manometry (HRM). Fifty‐two diverse international experts separated into seven working subgroups utilized formal validated methodologies over two‐years to develop CCv4.0. Key updates in CCv.4. 0 consist of a more rigorous and expansive HRM protocol that incorporates supine and upright test positions as well as provocative testing, a refined definition of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow obstruction (EGJOO), more stringent diagnostic criteria for ineffective esophageal motility and description of baseline EGJ metrics. Further, the CCv4.0 sought to define motility disorder diagnoses as conclusive and inconclusive based on associated symptoms, and findings on provocative testing as well as supportive testing with barium esophagram with tablet and/or functional lumen imaging probe. These changes attempt to minimize ambiguity in prior iterations of Chicago Classification and provide more standardized and rigorous criteria for patterns of disorders of peristalsis and obstruction at the EGJ.
Feasibility of non-contact cardiorespiratory monitoring using impulse-radio ultra-wideband radar in the neonatal intensive care unit

Background Current cardiorespiratory monitoring equipment can cause injuries and infections in neonates with fragile skin. Impulse-radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) radar was recently demonstrated to be an effective contactless vital sign monitor in adults. The purpose of this study was to assess heart rates (HRs) and respiratory rates (RRs) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) using IR-UWB radar and to evaluate its accuracy and reliability compared to conventional electrocardiography (ECG)/impedance pneumography (IPG). Methods The HR and RR were recorded in 34 neonates between 3 and 72 days of age during minimal movement (51 measurements in total) using IR-UWB radar (HRRd, RRRd) and ECG/IPG (HRECG, RRIPG) simultaneously. The radar signals were processed in real time using algorithms for neonates. Radar and ECG/IPG measurements were compared using concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs) and Bland-Altman plots. Results From the 34 neonates, 12,530 HR samples and 3,504 RR samples were measured. Both the HR and RR measured using the two methods were highly concordant when the neonates had minimal movements (CCC = 0.95 between the RRRd and RRIPG, CCC = 0.97 between the HRRd and HRECG). In the Bland-Altman plot, the mean biases were 0.17 breaths/min (95% limit of agreement [LOA] -7.0–7.3) between the RRRd and RRIPG and -0.23 bpm (95% LOA -5.3–4.8) between the HRRd and HRECG. Moreover, the agreement for the HR and RR measurements between the two modalities was consistently high regardless of neonate weight. Conclusions A cardiorespiratory monitor using IR-UWB radar may provide accurate non-contact HR and RR estimates without wires and electrodes for neonates in the NICU.
The brain in motion: How ensemble fluidity drives memory-updating and flexibility

While memories are often thought of as flashbacks to a previous experience, they do not simply conserve veridical representations of the past but must continually integrate new information to ensure survival in dynamic environments. Therefore, ‘drift’ in neural firing patterns, typically construed as disruptive ‘instability’ or an undesirable consequence of noise, may actually be useful for updating memories. In our view, continual modifications in memory representations reconcile classical theories of stable memory traces with neural drift. Here we review how memory representations are updated through dynamic recruitment of neuronal ensembles on the basis of excitability and functional connectivity at the time of learning. Overall, we emphasize the importance of considering memories not as static entities, but instead as flexible network states that reactivate and evolve across time and experience.
Variation in breast cancer grading in 1,636 resections assessed using control charts and in silico kappa

Objective Assess interpretative variation in Nottingham grading using control charts (CCs) and in silico kappa (ISK). Methods In house invasive breast cancer cases (2011–2019) at two institutions with a synoptic report were extracted. Pathologist interpretative rates (PIRs) were calculated and normed for Nottingham grade (G) and its components (tubular score (TS), nuclear score (NS), mitotic score (MS)) for pathologists interpreting >35 cases. ISKs were calculated using the ordered mutually exclusive category assumption (OMECA) and maximal categorical overlap assumption (MCOA). Results The study period included 1,994 resections. Ten pathologists each assessed 38–441 cases and together saw 1,636; these were further analyzed. The PIR medians (normed ranges) were: G1:24%(18–27%), G2:53%(43–56%) and G3:26%(19–33%). The MCOA ISK and the number of statistical outliers (p< 0.05/p< 0.001) to the group median interpretive rate (GMIR) for the ten pathologists was G1: 0.82(2/0 of 10), G2: 0.76(1/1), G3: 0.71(3/1), TS1: 0.79(1/0), TS2: 0.63(5/1), TS3: 0.66(5/1), NS1: 0.37(5/4), NS2: 0.60(4/3), NS3: 0.59(4/4), MS1: 0.78(3/1), MS2: 0.78(3/1), MS3: 0.77(2/0). The OMECA ISK was 0.62, 0.49, 0.69 and 0.71 for TS, NS, MS and G. Conclusions The nuclear score has the most outliers. NS1 appears to be inconsistently used. ISK mirrors trends in conventional kappa studies. CCs and ISK allow insight into interpretive variation and may be essential for the next generation in quality.
Corticosterone Attenuates Reward-Seeking Behavior and Increases Anxiety via D2 Receptor Signaling in Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons

Corticosteroids (CORT) have been widely used in anti-inflammatory medication. Chronic CORT treatment can cause mesocorticolimbic system dysfunctions, which are known to play a key role for the development of psychiatric disorders. The VTA is a critical site in the mesocorticolimbic pathway and is responsible for motivation and reward-seeking behaviors. However, the mechanism by which chronic CORT alters VTA dopamine neuronal activity is largely unknown. We treated periadolescent male mice with vehicle, 1 d, or 7 d CORT in the drinking water, examined behavioral impacts with light/dark box, elevated plus maze, operant chamber, and open field tests, measured the effects of CORT on VTA dopamine neuronal activity using patch-clamp electrophysiology and dopamine concentration using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, and tested the effects of dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) blockade by intra-VTA infusion of a D2R antagonist. CORT treatment induced anxiety-like behavior as well as decreased food-seeking behaviors. We show that chronic CORT treatment decreased excitability and excitatory synaptic transmission onto VTA dopamine neurons. Furthermore, chronic CORT increased somatodendritic dopamine concentration. The D2R antagonist sulpiride restored decreased excitatory transmission and excitability of VTA dopamine neurons. Furthermore, sulpiride decreased anxiety-like behavior and rescued food-seeking behavior in mice with chronic CORT exposure. Together, 7 d CORT treatment induces anxiety-like behavior and impairs food-seeking in a mildly aversive environment. D2R signaling in the VTA might be a potential target to ameliorate chronic CORT-induced anxiety and reward-seeking deficits. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT With widespread anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body, corticosteroids (CORT) have been used in a variety of therapeutic conditions. However, long-term CORT treatment causes cognitive impairments and neuropsychiatric disorders. The impact of chronic CORT on the mesolimbic system has not been elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that 7 d CORT treatment increases anxiety-like behavior and attenuates food-seeking behavior in a mildly aversive environment. By elevating local dopamine concentration in the VTA, a region important for driving motivated behavior, CORT treatment suppresses excitability and synaptic transmission onto VTA dopamine neurons. Intriguingly, blockade of D2 receptor signaling in the VTA restores neuronal excitability and food-seeking and alleviates anxiety-like behaviors. Our findings provide a potential therapeutic target for CORT-induced reward deficits.
Altered von Willebrand Factor and ADAMTS13 Levels in Children With Cirrhosis and Extrahepatic Portal Hypertension

Background/Aim: This study was concerned with whether vWF (von Willebrand factor) and a disintegrin and metalloprotease with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) has altered in patients with cirrhosis and extrahepatic portal hypertension (EPH). We aimed to investigate changes to vWF and ADAMTS13 in children with cirrhosis and EPH. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted between January and October 2019 with both cirrhosis and EPH patients and with healthy volunteers. The von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag), von Willebrand Ristocetin cofactor (vWF:RCo), and ADAMTS13 antigen and activity were studied. Results: Twenty-eight children with cirrhosis, 16 children with EPH, and 20 healthy controls were included in the study. vWF:Ag and vWF:RCo levels were higher in patients with cirrhosis than in healthy controls (171.65±101.67 vs. 85.86±30.58, P<0.01 and 121.62±55.83 vs. 61.52±27.03, P<0.01, respectively). vWF:Ag and vWF:RCo levels were higher in patients with EPH than in healthy controls (133.93±80.13 vs. 85.86±30.58, P<0.01 and 103.18±58.55 vs. 61.52±27.03, P=0.02, respectively). The ADAMTS13 antigen and activity levels were lower in patients with cirrhosis than in healthy controls (0.58±0.23 vs. 0.97±0.15, P<0.01 and 49.91±22.43 vs. 86.51±22.07, P=0.02, respectively). The ADAMTS13 antigen and activity levels were lower in patients with EPH than in healthy controls (0.69±0.11 vs. 0.97±0.15, P=0.03; and 68.50±13.29 vs. 86.51±22.07, P=0.02, respectively). The increase in vWF and the decrease in ADAMTS13 were more pronounced in cirrhotic patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) than in non-AIH patients. Conclusions: While levels of vWF:Ag and vWF:RCo increased in children with cirrhosis and EPH, levels of the ADAMTS13 antigen and ADAMTS13 activity decreased. These alterations were more pronounced in patients with AIH–derived cirrhosis.