Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induction of Defense Mechanism in Cluster Bean Using Differential Method of Inoculation

Clusterbean in semi-arid regions suffers severely from blight and root rot diseases caused by Macrophomina phaseolina. Foliar spray and sorghum seed infection of this fungus activates the defense response in cluster bean. Changes in the phenolics and defense enzymes of guar leaves were compared by spray of fungal spore suspension and sorghum seed infection. Induction of infection in guar by either mode of infection showes a significant increase in the activities of polyphenols and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). The investigation was carried in four cultivars of guar at different ages after different time intervals of infection. Result shows increase in activities of all defense related proteins to varying degrees at different stages of infection. Although both the inoculation methods were effective, but foliar application was found to be better mode of infection then sorghum grain infection in terms of rapid and enhanced PAL activity leading to the synthesis of phenolic compounds. Further, extent of defense response in RGC 1031 was more than that of rest three cultivars, which proves this cultivar was more potent in fighting against the invading pathogen. Thus there is a possibility of gene transfer from RGC 1031 to other cultivars. We demonstrate that the elevated levels of biochemicals, phenolic acids, and enzymes may play a major role in plant defense.
First evaluation of Neighbor of Punc E11 (NOPE) as a novel marker in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide and the search for clinically useful biomarkers is ongoing. Neighbor of Punc E11 (NOPE) is an established biomarker of murine HCC that remains undetectable in normal liver and at preneoplastic stages. OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to evaluate the presence of NOPE in human HCC. METHODS Histologically confirmed HCC and corresponding non-tumor liver samples from 20 patients were analyzed for expression of NOPE using qRT-PCR and mRNA-in-situ technology in a conserved tissue context. RESULTS In our cohort, 30% of HCC samples were expressing NOPE which proved particularly useful in non-cirrhotic HCC samples with up to 155-fold higher expression than in adult liver. Using mRNA-in-situ technology, NOPE was clearly identified within epithelial tumor cells of NOPE positive human HCCs. In our analyzed cohort, the combination of AFP with NOPE did not reach more than 40% sensitivity while GPC-3 and NOPE were complementary to each other reaching a combined sensitivity of 85.7%. CONCLUSIONS This is the first characterization of NOPE as a potential biomarker for human HCC. Our results underline the value of NOPE as a complementing biomarker for human HCC.
In Vitro Maturation with Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Prior to the Vitrification of Bovine Oocytes Improves Their Embryo Developmental Potential and Gene Expression in Oocytes and Embryos

Oocyte cryopreservation has a significant impact on subsequent embryonic development. Herein, we investigated whether supplementing in vitro maturation medium with Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) prior to vitrification affects embryo development and gene expression at different embryo developmental stages. A panel of genes including maternal effect, epigenetics, apoptosis and heat stress was relatively quantified. The results show reduced cleavage rates after vitrification, regardless of the LIF treatment. Although not statistically different from control-vitrified oocytes, oocyte apoptosis and the blastocyst yield of LIF-vitrified oocytes were similar to their non-vitrified counterparts. Vitrification increased oocyte ZAR1, NPM2 and DPPA3 gene expression while its expression decreased in LIF-vitrified oocytes to similar or close levels to those of non-vitrified oocytes. With a few gene-specific exceptions, vitrification significantly increased the expression of DNMT3A, HDAC1, KAT2A, BAX and BCL2L1 in oocytes and most stages of embryo development, while comparable expression patterns for these genes were observed between LIF-vitrified and non-vitrified groups. Vitrification increased HSPA1A expression in oocytes and HSP90AA1 in 2-cell embryos. Our data suggest that vitrification triggers stage-specific changes in gene expression throughout embryonic development. However, the inclusion of LIF in the IVM medium prior to vitrification stimulates blastocyst development and several other developmental parameters and induces oocytes and embryos to demonstrate gene expression patterns similar to those derived from non-vitrified oocytes.
Monitoring food digestion with magnetic resonance techniques

This review outlines the current use of magnetic resonance (MR) techniques to study digestion and highlights their potential for providing markers of digestive processes such as texture changes and nutrient breakdown. In vivo digestion research can be challenging due to practical constraints and biological complexity. Therefore, digestion is primarily studied using in vitro models. These would benefit from further in vivo validation. NMR is widely used to characterise food systems. MRI is a related technique that can be used to study both in vitro model systems and in vivo gastro-intestinal processes. MRI allows visualisation and quantification of gastric processes such as gastric emptying and coagulation. Both MRI and NMR scan sequences can be configured to be sensitive to different aspects of gastric or intestinal contents. For example, magnetisation transfer and chemical exchange saturation transfer can detect proton (1H) exchange between water and proteins. MRI techniques have the potential to provide molecular-level and quantitative information on in vivo gastric (protein) digestion. This requires careful validation in order to understand what these MR markers of digestion mean in a specific digestion context. Combined with other measures they can be used to validate and inform in vitro digestion models. This may bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo digestion research and can aid the optimisation of food properties for different applications in health and disease.
Is It Conjugated or Not? The Theoretical and Experimental Electron Density Map of Bonding in p-CH3CH2COC6H4-C≡C-C≡C-p-C6H4COCH3CH2

The electron density of p-CH3CH2COC6H4-C≡CC≡C-p-C6H4COCH3CH2 has been investigated on the basis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data collected to high resolution at 100 K and from theoretical calculations. An analysis of the X-ray data of the diyne showed interesting “liquidity” of electron distribution along the carbon chain compared to 1,2-diphenylacetylene. These findings are compatible with the results of topological analysis of Electron Localization Function (ELF), which has also revealed a larger (than expected) concentration of the electron density at the single bonds. Both methods indicate a clear π-type or “banana” character of a single bond and a significant distortion from the typical conjugated structure of the bonding in the diyne with a small contribution of cumulenic structures.
Bıldırcını Rasyonlarına Kitosan Oligosakkarit İlavesinin Besi Performansi, Karkas Özellikleri, Karaciğer ve Barsak Histolojisi ile Barsak Mikroflorasi Üzerine Etkisi

This research was conducted to determine effects of chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) addition to quail diets on growth, carcass traits, liver and intestinal histology, and intestinal microflora. Two hundred forty Japanese quail chicks were distributed among three treatments groups, with four replicates. A group was fed with a basal starter diet for 1-21th and a grower diet for 22-42th days (Control). The experimental groups were fed the same diets, in addition to 75 mg/kg (Trial I) or 150 mg/kg (Trial II) of COS. The final live weights of the quails in the Control and Trial I groups were higher than in the Trial II group. There were no differences among the groups in gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and carcass traits. Steatosis in the Trial II group was less than in the Control and Trial I groups. Crypt depth and villus length were higher in the Trial II group than in the other groups. The number of bacteria and yeast in the intestine were lower in the Trial I and II groups than in the Control group. In conclusion, the addition of 75 mg/ kg of COS had no adverse effect on the tested parameters, and it increased the crypt depth, villus length, and beneficially on intestinal microflora.
Controllably facile design of electrophoretic-induced film-forming of nano tungsten oxide (VI) and their anti-wetting functionalization

There is keen interest for designing promising tungsten oxide (VI, WO3) films or coatings due to their wide applications in fields of energy, engineering, etc. Thus, this paper firstly introduce a novel convenient method of electrophoretic assembly technique (EAT) in an optimal stable suspension of isopropyl alcohol, PEG-1000 and polyethyleneimine for designing the promising anti-wetting functional WO3 (VI) films with relative rough structures and uniform distribution in mild conditions. The product possess a high crystallinity and pureness by x-ray powder diffraction analysis. The EAT dynamic behaviours of WO3 (VI) nanoparticles are investigated in detail. Moreover, obtained films shows excellent anti-wetting properties after suface modification, and the hydrophobic studies results demonstrate that product have a high static water CA of approximate 169° and keep nearly stable even after ultralong exposure time (360 d), and show outstanding properties of anti-soaking, impacting-proof, and moisture resistance even in high relative humidity (90%). These breakthroughs will substantially push forward the convenient processing of other anti-wetting functional coatings with wide potential applications.
Treatment of Multiple Myeloma Using Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells with Dual Specificity

CAR T cells mostly induce nondurable and nonspecific responses in multiple myeloma (MM). The creation of a dual CAR with split configuration targeting two MM-associated antigens has better specificity and superior antitumor activity than single target CAR T cells. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has shown remarkable successes in fighting B-cell leukemias/lymphomas. Promising response rates are reported in patients treated with B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) CAR T cells for multiple myeloma. However, responses appear to be nondurable, highlighting the need to expand the repertoire of multiple myeloma–specific targets for immunotherapy and to generate new CAR T cells. Here, we developed a “dual-CAR” targeting two multiple myeloma–associated antigens and explored its safety and efficacy. To reduce the “off-target” toxicity, we used the recognition of paired antigens that were coexpressed by the tumor to induce efficient CAR T-cell activation. The dual-CAR construct presented here was carefully designed to target the multiple myeloma–associated antigens, taking into consideration the distribution of both antigens on normal human tissues. Our results showed that the CD138/CD38-targeted dual CAR (dCAR138-38) elicited a potent anti–multiple myeloma response both in vitro and in vivo. NSG mice transplanted with a multiple myeloma cell line and treated with dCAR138-38 showed median survival of 97 days compared with 31 days in the control group treated with mock-lymphocytes. The dCAR138-38 showed increased specificity toward cells expressing both targeted antigens compared with single-antigen–expressing cells and low activity toward primary cells from healthy tissues. Our findings indicated that the dCAR138-38 may provide a potent and safe alternative therapy for patients with multiple myeloma.
Detection of epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in peripheral blood circulating tumor DNA in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract Background: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status related to the treatment approach for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of peripheral blood circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in EGFR mutated advanced NSCLC patients. Method: The related database was systematically searched with keywords until January 19, 2020. Studies contained the histopathological and cytological advanced NSCLC samples were included, and the diagnostic data were recorded for calculating sensitivity and specificity. I2 statistics were used for detecting heterogeneity across studies, and the meta-regression was performed to seek the source of heterogeneity. Result: A total of 32 studies with 4527 advanced NSCLC patients were included in our meta-analysis. Among them, 87% of the patients were diagnosed as stage IV. The pooled sensitivity of peripheral blood ctDNA was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.63–0.75, I2 = 81.76) and the pooled specificity was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96–0.99, I2 = 88.33). The meta-regression showed that the prospective study design and the ARMS detection method were the main source of heterogeneity for sensitivity (P < .05), and the publication country (Asia or non-Asia) was the main source of heterogeneity for specificity (P < .01). Conclusion: ctDNA biopsy has high specificity and diagnostic accuracy in detection of EGFR mutation in advanced NSCLC patients. When the ctDNA gene test result is negative, we should fully consider the risk of missed diagnosis, and further tissue biopsy is still needed to undertake.
Is hospitalization a risk factor for cognitive decline in older age adults?

ABSTRACT Objectives: Many studies document cognitive decline following specific types of acute illness hospitalizations (AIH) such as surgery, critical care, or those complicated by delirium. However, cognitive decline may be a complication following all types of AIH. This systematic review will summarize longitudinal observational studies documenting cognitive changes following AIH in the majority admitted population and conduct meta-analysis (MA) to assess the quantitative effect of AIH on post-hospitalization cognitive decline (PHCD). Methods: We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Selection criteria were defined to identify studies of older age adults exposed to AIH with cognitive measures. 6566 titles were screened. 46 reports were reviewed qualitatively, of which seven contributed data to the MA. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: The qualitative review suggested increased cognitive decline following AIH, but several reports were particularly vulnerable to bias. Domain-specific outcomes following AIH included declines in memory and processing speed. Increasing age and the severity of illness were the most consistent risk factors for PHCD. PHCD was supported by MA of seven eligible studies with 41,453 participants (Cohen’s d = −0.25, 95% CI [−0.02, −0.49] I 2 35%). Conclusions: There is preliminary evidence that AIH exposure accelerates or triggers cognitive decline in the elderly patient. PHCD reported in specific contexts could be subsets of a larger phenomenon and caused by overlapping mechanisms. Future research must clarify the trajectory, clinical significance, and etiology of PHCD: a priority in the face of an aging population with increasing rates of both cognitive impairment and hospitalization.
The interplay of phenotype and genotype in Cryptococcus neoformans disease

Abstract Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening meningitis primarily in immunocompromised individuals. In order to survive and proliferate during infection, C. neoformans must adapt to a variety of stresses it encounters within the host. Patient outcome depends on the interaction between the pathogen and the host. Understanding the mechanisms that C. neoformans uses to facilitate adaptation to the host and promote pathogenesis is necessary to better predict disease severity and establish proper treatment. Several virulence phenotypes have been characterized in C. neoformans, but the field still lacks a complete understanding of how genotype and phenotype contribute to clinical outcome. Furthermore, while it is known that C. neoformans genotype impacts patient outcome, the mechanisms remain unknown. This lack of understanding may be due to the genetic heterogeneity of C. neoformans and the extensive phenotypic variation observed between and within isolates during infection. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how the various genotypes and phenotypes observed in C. neoformans correlate with human disease progression in the context of patient outcome and recurrence. We also postulate the mechanisms underlying the genetic and phenotypic changes that occur in vivo to promote rapid adaptation in the host.
Axonal mRNA translation in neurological disorders

ABSTRACT It is increasingly recognized that local protein synthesis (LPS) contributes to fundamental aspects of axon biology, in both developing and mature neurons. Mutations in RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), as central players in LPS, and other proteins affecting RNA localization and translation are associated with a range of neurological disorders, suggesting disruption of LPS may be of pathological significance. In this review, we substantiate this hypothesis by examining the link between LPS and key axonal processes, and the implicated pathophysiological consequences of dysregulated LPS. First, we describe how the length and autonomy of axons result in an exceptional reliance on LPS. We next discuss the roles of LPS in maintaining axonal structural and functional polarity and axonal trafficking. We then consider how LPS facilitates the establishment of neuronal connectivity through regulation of axonal branching and pruning, how it mediates axonal survival into adulthood and its involvement in neuronal stress responses.
Z-Ligustilide Ameliorates Diabetic Rat Retinal Dysfunction Through Anti-Apoptosis and an Antioxidation Pathway

Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the major causes of vision impairment. Z-ligustilide (3-butylidene-4,5-dihydrophthalide; Z-LIG) is an important volatile oil from the Chinese herb Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels. It has been extensively studied and reportedly has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, analgesic, vasodilatory, and neuroprotective effects. Its effects on DR, however, remain obscure. In this study, we attempted to explore the protective effects of Z-LIG on retinal dysfunction and the potential underlying mechanisms. Material/Methods A diabetic rat model was constructed with streptozotocin injection. Three study groups were constituted: control (CON), diabetic model (DM), and DM+Z-LIG. The DM+Z-LIG group was injected intraperitoneally with 10 mg/kg of Z-LIG. The other groups received the same volume of 3% solution of polysorbate 80. After a 12-week intervention, a series of assessments were performed, including tests for retinal function, morphology, and molecular biology. Results Z-LIG treatment significantly elevated b-wave and OPs2-wave amplitude and thickened the inner layer of the nucleus of the retina, and the outer plexiform and nuclear layers (INL+OPL+ONL). Moreover, the rate of apoptosis and expression of bcl-2- associated X protein (BAX) and cleaved-Caspase-3 were clearly reduced, and the expression of bcl-2 was raised by Z-LIG in retinas of diabetic mice. In addition, the levels of retinal proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α were downregulated by Z-LIG. Furthermore, Z-LIG inhibited expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-α (VEGF-α) at the mRNA and protein levels. Conclusions Z-LIG can inhibit inflammatory response and cell apoptosis in retinas of diabetic rats by repressing the VEGF-α pathway. Therefore, it may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for DR.
Construction and evaluation of high-capacity adenoviral vectors for gene therapy applications

Gene therapy present a great therapeutic potential for a diversity of liver disorders including inherited metabolic conditions (phenylketonuria, tyrosinemia) and acquired diseases (chronic infections, primary and metastatic tumors). For many of these applications, vectors allowing prolonged, regulable and tissue-specific expression of the transgene would be required. Adenovirus is the most widely used vector in human clinical assay. To avoid the cellular immune response induced by first and second generation Ad, the third-generation vectors was generated, also called gutless or helper-dependent. To produce these vectors requires three basic elements: a gutless adenovirus with a therapeutic or marker gene of interest, a helper adenovirus which provide viral proteins in trans and, a cell line permissive for Ad production. Gutless adenovirus does not contain any viral region, not cellular immune response generated and can accommodate up to 36 Kbp and was demonstrated that the expression of genes that can incorporate lifelong body. In this study, two distinct gutless adenoviruses were produced, with hepatospecific and regulated expression by the RU inducible system, containing a combination of OSM and IFN genes (HCA-RUIO) and the other the hIL-12 gene (HCA-RUhIL12). After in vitro testing the correct functionality of the vectors were carried out in vivo tests in mice and hamsters. It showed that in vivo expression of gene of interest changes with the species of animal used and the transgene present in the vector. In contrast to previous data that showed in mice infected with HCA-RUmIL12 that mIL-12 can be expressed even after more than a year, in Hamsters, the same vector expressed the transgene only after the first induction with RU and then it could not be detected. The vector HCA-RUIO gave a similar pattern of expression of the transgene in both hamsters, but also in mice. This may be due to the fact that if the protein products by the vector are exogenous to the organism is activated immunostimolatory activity in animals that leads to the elimination of the transfected cells and thus an inability to reinduce the expression of the transgene.
Hoping to Pass: Randomized Trial of a One-Time Hope Intervention on Standardized Exam Passing Rates in BSN Students

BACKGROUND: National standardized nursing exams serve as critical measures of student readiness for practice and carry significant consequences for students and academic institutions. Educational interventions that can enhance a student’s performance increase the probability of academic success. Previous studies link hope to grade point average in college students and on standardized exam (SE) scores in nursing students, yet it is not clear if hope can be increased utilizing a one-time intervention in ways that produce lasting benefits for passing SEs. AIMS: Aim 1 tested the efficacy of a one-time hope intervention on increasing SE passing rates among BSN nursing students. Aim 2 examined the role of the interventions, selected state-mechanism variables, and trait characteristics in predicting SE passing. METHOD: This comparative-effectiveness trial utilized a randomized, controlled, multiple-cohort experimental design to compare a one-time 90-minute hope intervention to an attention-matched progressive muscle relaxation intervention on SE passing scores among BSN nursing students. RESULTS: Levels of hope briefly increased following the hope intervention. Both interventions demonstrated short-term improvement in state-level psychosocial indicators but did not affect SE scores. Among trait and mechanism factors, only academic self-efficacy was linked with passing SEs. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that a single-session hope intervention can increase short-term hope. In this sample of 292 BSN students, there was no statistically significant long-term effect on passing SEs; however, this study may lay the groundwork for future interventions investigating booster sessions, or how to modify the intervention for struggling students.