Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elucidating the Small Regulatory RNA Repertoire of the Sea Anemone Anemonia viridis Based on Whole Genome and Small RNA Sequencing

Abstract Cnidarians harbor a variety of small regulatory RNAs that include microRNAs (miRNAs) and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), but detailed information is limited. Here, we report the identification and expression of novel miRNAs and putative piRNAs, as well as their genomic loci, in the symbiotic sea anemone Anemonia viridis. We generated a draft assembly of the A. viridis genome with putative size of 313 Mb that appeared to be composed of about 36% repeats, including known transposable elements. We detected approximately equal fractions of DNA transposons and retrotransposons. Deep sequencing of small RNA libraries constructed from A. viridis adults sampled at a natural CO2 gradient off Vulcano Island, Italy, identified 70 distinct miRNAs. Eight were homologous to previously reported miRNAs in cnidarians, whereas 62 appeared novel. Nine miRNAs were recognized as differentially expressed along the natural seawater pH gradient. We found a highly abundant and diverse population of piRNAs, with a substantial fraction showing ping–pong signatures. We identified nearly 22% putative piRNAs potentially targeting transposable elements within the A. viridis genome. The A. viridis genome appeared similar in size to that of other hexacorals with a very high divergence of transposable elements resembling that of the sea anemone genus Exaiptasia. The genome encodes and expresses a high number of small regulatory RNAs, which include novel miRNAs and piRNAs. Differentially expressed small RNAs along the seawater pH gradient indicated regulatory gene responses to environmental stressors.
Design Methodology for Constructing Multimaterial Origami Robots and Machines

Robotic origami allows rapid prototyping of intelligent robots and machines constructed from thin sheets of functional materials. Multimaterial-based design freedom of origami robots creates functional versatility; however, the design parameters pose challenges in their mechanical layout and fabrication. While the conventional robot design follows a coherent and well-established design process, the construction of origami robots requires close study of their three-dimensional (3-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) geometries, compliant mechanisms, functional material specific components, and 2-D fabrication methods. In this paper, we report a systematic design methodology for building origami-inspired machines and robots based on these four essential design features. We provide their comprehensive formulation, comparing them to conventional robots and highlighting design challenges as well as potentials. We demonstrate the applicability of our procedure to the majority of origami robots in the literature and also validate it by designing a centimeter-scale jumping and crawling origami robot, Tribot, as a showcase. The 6-g Tribot crawls with fixed steps in a closed loop, adjusts its vertical jumping height by power modulation, and overcomes obstacles of 45-mm height by side jumps. This paper advances the design and fabrication methodology of origami robots, with customizable functionality from the ground-up.
Pyloric Drainage (Pyloroplasty) or No Drainage in Gastric Reconstruction after Esophagectomy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background/Aim: A gastric conduit is usually used to reconstruct the foregut after esophagectomy for cancer. The gastric emptying may be impaired after this operation, so some esophageal surgeons routinely add a pyloric drainage procedure (pyloroplasty or pyloromyotomy). We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the effect of pyloric drainage on patient outcomes. Methods: Medline and manual searches were done (completed independently and in duplicate) to identify all published RCTs that addressed the issue of pyloric drainage procedures during gastric conduit reconstruction of the esophagus. The selection process was inclusive; no trials were excluded. Trial validity assessment was done, and a trial quality score was assigned. Early outcomes assessed by meta-analysis included operative mortality, esophagogastric anastomotic leaks, pulmonary morbidity, pyloric drainage complications, fatal pulmonary aspiration, and gastric outlet obstruction. A random-effects model was used, and the relative risk was the principal measure of effect. Systematic semiquantitative review was used for late outcomes such as gastric emptying, bile reflux, nutritional status, and obstructive foregut symptoms. Results: Nine RCTs, that included a total of 553 patients, were selected, with quality scores ranging from 1 to 4 (5-point Jadad scale). Selection and validity agreement was strong. The relative risk (95% CI; p value), expressed as pyloric drainage versus no drainage (treatment vs. control), was 0.92 (0.34, 2.44; p = 0.86) for operative mortality, 0.90 (0.47, 1.76; p = 0.77) for esophagogastric anastomotic leaks, 0.69 (0.42, 1.14; p = 0.15) for pulmonary morbidity, 2.55 (0.34, 18.98; p = 0.36) for pyloric drainage complications, 0.25 (0.04, 1.60; p = 0.14) for fatal pulmonary aspiration, and 0.18 (0.03, 0.97; p = 0.046) for gastric outlet obstruction. Systematic semiquantitative review showed a nonsignificant trend favoring pyloric drainage for the late outcomes of gastric emptying, nutritional status, and obstructive foregut symptoms. For the late outcome of bile reflux, there was a nonsignificant trend favoring the no-drainage group. The scintographic gastric emptying time, expressed as a ratio (pyloric drainage/no drainage), was 0.53. Conclusions: Data synthesized from existing RCTs show that pyloric drainage procedures reduce the occurrence of early postoperative gastric outlet obstruction after esophagectomy with gastric reconstruction, but they have little effect on other early and late patient outcomes.
Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma: diagnosis and treatment

ABSTRACT Introduction: Primary mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) of the lung are rare and represent a diagnostic challenge. MEC in the lung is under the umbrella of primary salivary gland type tumors of the lung. Areas covered: In general, salivary gland type tumors are represented by malignant neoplasms that may range from low to intermediate to high-grade type of malignancy sharing similar histopathological features as those in salivary glands. The focus in this review will be on one tumor in particular – mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Clinical, radiological, histopathological, and molecular diagnostic features will be highlighted in order to provide an insight on this unusual tumor in the lung. In addition, the treatment of these tumors will be discussed. Expert commentary: It is important to stress that in the majority of cases, the proper use of histopathological assessment is the most important step in arriving at an accurate diagnosis. It is also important to recognized that there are other unusual primary tumoral conditions of the lung, which may pose a significant challenge in the differential diagnosis. The importance of proper recognition of mucoepidermoid carcinoma and its grading will be highlighted in order to assess clinical outcome.
Azimuthal distributions of charged hadrons, pions, and kaons produced in deep-inelastic scattering off unpolarized protons and deuterons

The azimuthal cos phi and cos2 phi modulations of the distribution of hadrons produced in unpolarized semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering of electrons and positrons off hydrogen and deuterium targets have been measured in the HERMES experiment. For the first time these modulations were determined in a four-dimensional kinematic space for positively and negatively charged pions and kaons separately, as well as for unidentified hadrons. These azimuthal dependences are sensitive to the transverse motion and polarization of the quarks within the nucleon via, e.g., the Cahn, Boer-Mulders and Collins effects.
Enfermedad de Legg-Calvé-Perthes: Correlación entre la edad de presentación y el pronóstico al final de la madurez esquelética

Introducción: La enfermedad de Legg-Calvé-Perthes es una patología caracterizada por la necrosis avascular del núcleo de osificación de la cabeza femoral. De etiología desconocida y carácter autolimitado, esta patología presenta una prevalencia de 0.5 a 10.8 casos por cada 100,000 niños y adolescentes. Algunos autores han observado y descrito una evolución favorable en pacientes en quienes la patología se presenta a una edad menor a 6 años. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, longitudinal, descriptivo y observacional. Se incluyeron pacientes con enfermedad de LCP que contaran con expediente clínico y radiológico completo para las variables a estudiar. Se valoraron variables como: género, edad de inicio de la patología, edad actual, lado afectado, estadio de la patología determinado con la clasificación de Herring al ingreso para atención hospitalaria y secuelas en cadera al momento de la madurez esquelética (pinzamiento femoroacetabular). Resultados: 61 pacientes incluidos en el estudio. Sesenta y ocho caderas valoradas de manera independiente (7 pacientes con afección bilateral). Cincuenta y cinco pacientes del género masculino (90.1%) y 6 del género femenino (9.8%). Cuarenta y seis caderas en menores de 6 años (67.6%) y 22 caderas en mayores de 6 años (32.4%). De acuerdo con el grupo de edad y en relación con la clasificación de Herring al momento de inicio de la patología, se encontraron malos resultados (datos de PFA) en el 63.04% de los pacientes menores de 6 años y 63.63% en mayores de 6 años al momento de la madurez esquelética. Conclusión: Se encontró una estrecha relación entre el estadio inicial de cada paciente, según la clasificación del pilar lateral y la probabilidad de desarrollar datos de PFA al momento de la SUMMARY
A safety review of medications used for labour induction

ABSTRACT Introduction: Induction of labour is a commonly performed procedure around the world. There are various medications used for induction including those commonly used for cervical ripening (prostaglandins) and oxytocin. The ideal agent is one that decreases the time to achieving delivery without compromising maternal or neonatal safety. The ‘optimal safe agent’ remains undetermined. Areas covered: This article reviews the safety of currently used induction agents. Prostaglandins and oxytocin have proven to be effective in labour induction, and their profiles will be reviewed in this article. We discuss the data that supports combining some of the agents. We also cover the safety of medications used for labour induction in setting of a scarred uterus. Expert Opinion: There is continuous debate about the ideal induction agent: one that balances safety with efficacy. We recommend the practice that there is not one perfect agent for all, and that the clinical scenario and previous obstetric history should be considered before choosing an agent. In the future, pharmacogenomics may show that genetics may affect the individual response and adverse reactions to the various agents.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Extremely Premature Neonates With Respiratory Distress Syndrome

In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed whether prescription of iNO during the first week of life improved survival among extremely premature neonates. BACKGROUND: Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is increasingly prescribed to extremely premature neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Most of this off-label use occurs during the first week of life. We studied this practice, hypothesizing that it would not be associated with improved survival. METHODS: We queried the Pediatrix Medical Group Clinical Data Warehouse to identify all neonates born at 22 to 29 weeks’ gestation from 2004 to 2014. In our study sample, we included singletons who required mechanical ventilation for treatment of RDS and excluded those with anomalies. The primary outcome was death before discharge. Through a sequential risk set approach, each patient who received iNO during the first 7 days of life (“case patient”) was matched by using propensity scores to a patient who had not received iNO at a chronological age before the case patient’s iNO initiation age (defined as the index age for the matched pair). The association between iNO status and in-hospital mortality was evaluated in a Cox proportional hazards regression model by using age as the time scale with patients entering the risk set at their respective index age. RESULTS: Among 37 909 neonates in our study sample, we identified 993 (2.6%) who received iNO. The 2 matched cohorts each contained 971 patients. We did not observe a significant association between iNO exposure and mortality (hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.94–1.25; P = .29). CONCLUSIONS: Off-label prescription of iNO is not associated with reduced in-hospital mortality among extremely premature neonates with RDS.
Time trends of the prevalence of allergic diseases in Korea: A systematic literature review

The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased dramatically in recent decades, and are now considered major chronic diseases at the global level. The increasing burden of allergic diseases has led to numerous worldwide and local researchers to investigate the time trends in its prevalence and identify its driving factors. Environmental changes such as urbanization and industrialization have been suggested to explain the increasing prevalence, but recent reports from Western countries suggest that this prevalence has reached a plateau or even possibly, started to decrease. However, such environmental changes are still occurring in many Asia-Pacific countries, including Korea, and it is speculated that the peak in allergy epidemics has yet to come. The present systematic literature review aimed to explore the time trends in the prevalence of allergic diseases in Korea and to identify the unmet needs for facilitating further studies.
The Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, and Safety of Arhalofenate in Combination with Febuxostat When Treating Hyperuricemia Associated with Gout

Objective. Arhalofenate (ARH), in development for gout, has uricosuric and anti-flare activities. ARH plus febuxostat (FBX) were evaluated in subjects with gout for serum uric acid (SUA) lowering, drug interaction, and safety. Methods. Open phase II trial in gout volunteers (NCT02252835). Cohort 1 received ARH 600 mg for 2 weeks, followed by sequential 1-week co-administration of FBX 80 mg followed by 40 mg. FBX 40 mg was continued alone for 2 weeks. Cohort 2 received ARH 800 mg for 2 weeks, followed by sequential 1-week co-administration of FBX 40 mg followed by 80 mg. FBX 80 mg was continued alone for 2 weeks. SUA, its fractional excretion (FEUA), and plasma oxypurines were assessed. Pharmacokinetics of FBX and ARH were determined alone and in combination for cohort 2. Results. Baseline mean SUA was 9.4 mg/dl for cohort 1 (n = 16) and 9.2 mg/dl for cohort 2 (n = 16). The largest SUA decrease (63%) was observed with ARH 800 mg + FBX 80 mg, with all subjects reaching SUA < 6 mg/dl and 93% < 5 mg/dl. The area under the curve (AUC)(0-t) of ARH acid + FBX/ARH acid was 108%. The AUC(0-t) of FBX + ARH acid/FBX was 87%. As expected, FBX increased oxypurines and increases were unaffected by ARH co-administration. Baseline FEUA were low (3.5%–4.6%) and ARH increased them toward normal without overexcretion of UA. ARH was well tolerated and appeared safe. Conclusion. ARH and FBX lowered SUA by complementary mechanisms. The combination provided greater decreases than each drug alone. The combination was well tolerated and appeared safe. Trial registration: NCT02252835.
Use of Transverse Microradiography to Quantify Mineral Loss by Erosion in Bovine Enamel

The aim of the present study was to develop transverse microradiography (TMR) in order to quantitatively assess the influence of artificial saliva and orange juice on the erosion of bovine enamel. Bovine incisors were sectioned sagittally into two equal halves. Each half was coated with acid-resistant nail varnish except for a rectangular enamel window on the labial surface of the tooth. While both halves of each tooth were immersed in pure orange juice 6 times daily for a period of 5 min at each occasion making a total of 30 min per day, one half was stored in artificial saliva and the other half in deionized distilled water between exposures to orange juice and for the remaining 12 h overnight, for 24 days making a total of 12 h of exposure to orange juice. Sections bearing intact and eroded enamel surfaces were cut from each specimen and ground to 80 μm thickness, and TMR of the sections was made. Mineral loss was quantified from the microradiographs using two-step image analysis. Mineral loss was significantly greater in those specimens cycled in orange juice and de-ionized distilled water. TMR was used successfully to quantify the mineral loss by erosion in vitro, and it is envisaged that it will be useful for specimens used in intra-oral appliances during in situ trials. Artificial saliva saturated with respect to calcium and phosphate salts can possibly remineralize an erosive lesion and may reduce the degree of erosion.
Ca2+/calmodulin binding to PSD‐95 mediates homeostatic synaptic scaling down

Postsynaptic density protein‐95 (PSD‐95) localizes AMPA‐type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) to postsynaptic sites of glutamatergic synapses. Its postsynaptic displacement is necessary for loss of AMPARs during homeostatic scaling down of synapses. Here, we demonstrate that upon Ca2+ influx, Ca2+/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM) binding to the N‐terminus of PSD‐95 mediates postsynaptic loss of PSD‐95 and AMPARs during homeostatic scaling down. Our NMR structural analysis identified E17 within the PSD‐95 N‐terminus as important for binding to Ca2+/CaM by interacting with R126 on CaM. Mutating E17 to R prevented homeostatic scaling down in primary hippocampal neurons, which is rescued via charge inversion by ectopic expression of CaMR126E, as determined by analysis of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents. Accordingly, increased binding of Ca2+/CaM to PSD‐95 induced by a chronic increase in Ca2+ influx is a critical molecular event in homeostatic downscaling of glutamatergic synaptic transmission.
Treatment and prophylaxis of experimental renal hypertension with renin.

Abstract Chronic experimental renal hypertension in dogs has been successfully treated with crude and semipurified hog renins and chronic experimental renal hypertension in dogs has been prevented by prophylaxis with crude and semipurified hog renins. These therapeutic and prophylactic effects are well-correlated with the antirenin titer. This evidence for antirenin (or an antibody to a protein closely related to renin) as the mechanism of the antihypertensive effects of hog renins constitutes support for the affirmative of the long-standing controversy regarding the primary role of renin (or some closely related protein) in the pathogenesis of experimental renal hypertension. Hog renal medulla contains a factor which interferes with the antihypertensive effects of hog renin in experimental renal hypertension in the dog by a mechanism presently unknown. Renotoxic and renal protective factors have been found to occur in fractions of renal extracts. Toxicity consists in increased and protection in decreased incidence of uremia after constriction of the renal arteries. After further preliminary experiments in animals, the possible pathogenetic role of the kidney in essential hypertension will be studied by passive immunization of patients with purified antirenin to human renin.
Investigating the effect of aqueous extracts of basil and savory on antioxidant activity, microbial and sensory properties of probiotic yogurt.

BACKGROUND The low viability of probiotics causes the short shelf life of fermented products. Therefore compounds which prolong the viability of probiotic bacteria can increase or at least maintain the health- benefiting properties of these products. On the other hand, the addition of antioxidants is one of the methods to increase the shelf life of food products which has recently become more prevalent. In this respect, herbal extracts which are a good source of antioxidants can be appropriate alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding basil and savory extracts on antioxidant activity, and on the microbial and organoleptic characteristics of probiotic yogurt. METHODS The effect of adding basil extract (8% and 10%) and savory extract (6% and 8%) separately to low fat yogurt (1.5% fat) containing Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei was investigated. The samples were stored at 4°C. The viability of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, antioxidant activ- ity and sensory properties of probiotic yogurt were evaluated on the 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st days. RESULTS Basil and savory extracts significantly increased the viability of probiotic bacteria (p < 0.05). Dur- ing storage, probiotic counts markedly decreased (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control sample. The addi- tion of herbal extracts significantly increased antioxidant activity, but this activity decreased during storage (p < 0.05). The scores for taste, odor, color and overall acceptance decreased as herbal extracts increased, but there was no significant difference between the test samples and control sample in terms of the texture score (p > 0.05). During storage, there was no significant difference between the organoleptic scores of the samples (p > 0.05), but the taste score did increase significantly (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that adding herbal extracts had a positive effect on the viability of probiotics and antioxidant activity of probiotic yogurt.
A hierarchical inferential method for indoor scene classification

Abstract Indoor scene classification forms a basis for scene interaction for service robots. The task is challenging because the layout and decoration of a scene vary considerably. Previous studies on knowledge-based methods commonly ignore the importance of visual attributes when constructing the knowledge base. These shortcomings restrict the performance of classification. The structure of a semantic hierarchy was proposed to describe similarities of different parts of scenes in a fine-grained way. Besides the commonly used semantic features, visual attributes were also introduced to construct the knowledge base. Inspired by the processes of human cognition and the characteristics of indoor scenes, we proposed an inferential framework based on the Markov logic network. The framework is evaluated on a popular indoor scene dataset, and the experimental results demonstrate its effectiveness.
Therapeutic modulation of tissue kallikrein expression

Abstract The kallikrein kinin system has cardioprotective actions and mediates in part the cardioprotection produced by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin type 1 receptor blockers. Additional approaches to exploit the cardioprotective effects of the kallikrein kinin system include the administration of tissue kallikrein and kinin receptor agonists. The renin inhibitor aliskiren was recently shown to increase cardiac tissue kallikrein expression and bradykinin levels, and to reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by bradykinin B2 receptor- and angiotensin AT2 receptor-mediated mechanisms. Thus, aliskiren represents a prototype drug for the modulation of tissue kallikrein expression for therapeutic benefit.