Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inherited thrombocytopenias: history, advances and perspectives

Over the last 100 years the role of platelets in hemostatic events and their production by megakaryocytes have gradually been defined. Progressively, thrombocytopenia was recognized as a cause of bleeding, first through an acquired immune disorder; then, since 1948, when Bernard-Soulier syndrome was first described, inherited thrombocytopenia became a fascinating example of Mendelian disease. The platelet count is often severely decreased and platelet size variable; associated platelet function defects frequently aggravate bleeding. Macrothrombocytopenia with variable proportions of enlarged platelets is common. The number of circulating platelets will depend on platelet production, consumption and lifespan. The bulk of macrothrombocytopenias arise from defects in megakaryopoiesis with causal variants in transcription factor genes giving rise to altered stem cell differentiation and changes in early megakaryocyte development and maturation. Genes encoding surface receptors, cytoskeletal and signaling proteins also feature prominently and Sanger sequencing associated with careful phenotyping has allowed their early classification. It quickly became apparent that many inherited thrombocytopenias are syndromic while others are linked to an increased risk of hematologic malignancies. In the last decade, the application of next-generation sequencing, including whole exome sequencing, and the use of gene platforms for rapid testing have greatly accelerated the discovery of causal genes and extended the list of variants in more common disorders. Genes linked to an increased platelet turnover and apoptosis have also been identified. The current challenges are now to use next-generation sequencing in first-step screening and to define bleeding risk and treatment better.
The InlB protein of Listeria monocytogenes is sufficient to promote entry into mammalian cells

InlB is one of the two Listeria monocytogenes invasion proteins required for bacterial entry into mammalian cells. Entry into human epithelial cells such as Caco‐2 requires InlA, whereas InlB is needed for entry into cultured hepatocytes and some epithelial or fibroblast cell lines such as Vero, HEp‐2 and HeLa cells. InlB‐mediated entry requires tyrosine phosphorylation, cytoskeletal rearrangements and activation of the host protein phosphoinositide (PI) 3‐kinase, probably in response to engagement of a receptor. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that InlB is sufficient to promote internalization. Indeed, coating of normally non‐invasive bacteria or inert latex beads with InlB leads to internalization into mammalian cells. In addition, a soluble form of InlB also appears to promote uptake of non‐invasive bacteria, albeit at a very low level. Similar to entry of L. monocytogenes, uptake of InlB‐coated beads required tyrosine phosphorylation in the host cell, PI 3‐kinase activity and cytoskeletal reorganization. Taken together, these data indicate that InlB is sufficient for entry of L. monocytogenes into host cells and suggest that this protein is an effector of host cell signalling pathways.
Prevalence and Recovery From Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunctions in Covid-19 Infection: A Prospective Multicenter Study

Background Covid-19 is defined by an association of multiple symptoms, including frequently reported olfactory and gustatory disorders. Objective The main purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of these neurosensory impairments in patients with Covid-19, and to assess short-term recovery. Methods We performed a multicenter case series study during the Covid-19 epidemic. All patients presenting a RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included, whether hospitalized or treated at home. To analyze the prevalence and features of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, a phone interview was conducted 5 days after the positive PCR result. The questionnaire was submitted again 10 days later to patients having reported olfactory and gustatory disorders, in order to assess their recovery. Results 115 patients were included in our study. 81 patients (70%) reported olfactory and gustatory disorders without nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea. These impairments were more frequently reported in the female population, young people, and house-bound patients with mild symptomatic forms. Short-term recovery assessed at Day 15 was complete for 64% of the patients, and incomplete in 33%. Median recovery time was 15 days (4–27 days) after olfactory or gustatory symptom onset. Conclusion Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to Covid-19 are frequently reported and prevalent in mild symptomatic forms of the disease. Recovery in most cases seems rapid and complete.
Switching Homes: How Cancer Moves to Bone

Bone metastases (BM) are a very common complication of the most prevalent human cancers. BM are extremely painful and may be life-threatening when associated with hypercalcaemia. BM can lead to kidney failure and cardiac arrhythmias and arrest, but why and how do cancer cells decide to “switch homes” and move to bone? In this review, we will present what answers science has provided so far, with focus on the molecular mechanisms and cellular aspects of well-established findings, such as the concept of “vicious cycle” and “osteolytic” vs. “osteosclerotic” bone metastases; as well as on novel concepts, such as cellular dormancy and extracellular vesicles. At the molecular level, we will focus on hypoxia-associated factors and angiogenesis, the Wnt pathway, parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and chemokines. At the supramolecular/cellular level, we will discuss tumour dormancy, id est the mechanisms through which a small contingent of tumour cells coming from the primary site may be kept dormant in the endosteal niche for many years. Finally, we will present a potential role for the multimolecular mediators known as extracellular vesicles in determining bone-tropism and establishing a premetastatic niche by influencing the bone microenvironment.
The role of immune and oxidative pathways in menstrual cycle associated depressive, physio-somatic, breast and anxiety symptoms: Modulation by sex hormones.

OBJECTIVE To examine whether 1) immune and nitro-oxidative stress (IO&NS) biomarkers are associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS); and 2) changes in IO&NS biomarkers during the menstrual cycle (MC) are associated with PMS symptoms and plasma estradiol and progesterone. METHODS This longitudinal study examined 41 women who completed the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) rating scale during 28 consecutive days and assayed plasma levels of complement C3 and C4, highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), haptoglobin (Hp), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), sulfhydryl (-SH) groups and the activity of paraoxonase (PON)1 at days 7 (D7), 14 (D14), 21 (D21) and 28 (D28) of the MC. MC Associated Syndrome (MCAS) was diagnosed when the summed DRSP score during the MC is >0.666 percentile. RESULTS All biomarkers, except hsCRP, showed significant alterations during the MC. Arylesterase (AREase) was lowered at D28, while LOOH increased at D14 and C4 at D21 in MCAS. Total DRSP scores were predicted by the combined effects of C4 (positively) and AREase and malondialdehyde (MDA) (both inversely associated). Progesterone lowered levels of LOOH, AOPP and C3 and estradiol lowered levels of Hp while both sex hormones increased 4-(chloromethyl)phenyl acetate (CMPA)ase and AREase activities and levels of -SH groups. CONCLUSION PMS/MCAS is not accompanied by a peripheral inflammatory response. Lowered MDA and antioxidant defenses and increased C4 may play a role in MC symptoms while sex hormones may have a protective effect against oxidative stress toxicity.
THEORETICAL STUDIES ON SUGAR AND PROTEIN KINASES: STRUCTURAL AND MUTATIONAL VARIABILITY

Homologous sequences of sugar and protein kinases were the subject of a comparative analysis. The analyzed sequences were taken from the SWISSPROT database. A sequence multiple alignment procedure was carried out and verified with the use of a genetic semihomology algorithm [1-3]. Identification of residues which are in close contact was carried out using data from the Weizmann Institute database (Ligand-Protein Contact and Contacts of Structural Units, http://bioinfo.weizmann.ac.il:8500/oca-bin/lpccsu). Analysis and visualization of variability was acquired with the aid of a human hexokinase (NP_277042) 3D model from the Protein Data Bank. Results are the following: • corresponding positions are occupied by 1 to 12 residues, • in particular, residues involved in the formation of the catalytic site are conservative, however, positions surrounding this site reveal some variability, • the leader peptide is very mutable, • residues involved in contacts between kinase domains are conservative, • residues which are in close contact are characterized by identical or very similar levels of variability. This analysis confirms a hypothesis [4] concerning a high mutual correlation of residues which are in close contact. It is probably required by the structural and functional stability of the proteins.
Lutein Supplementation for Eye Diseases

Lutein is one of the few xanthophyll carotenoids that is found in high concentration in the macula of human retina. As de novo synthesis of lutein within the human body is impossible, lutein can only be obtained from diet. It is a natural substance abundant in egg yolk and dark green leafy vegetables. Many basic and clinical studies have reported lutein’s anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties in the eye, suggesting its beneficial effects on protection and alleviation of ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, myopia, and cataract. Most importantly, lutein is categorized as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS), posing minimal side-effects upon long term consumption. In this review, we will discuss the chemical structure and properties of lutein as well as its application and safety as a nutritional supplement. Finally, the effects of lutein consumption on the aforementioned eye diseases will be reviewed.
Unusual cell wall ultrastructure in Antithamnion (Rhodophyta)

Histochemical and ultrastructural investigations indicate that the cell wall of Antithamnion defectum is layered. A typical red algal “cuticle” is present, and the wall is constituted of PAS positive and sulphated polysaccharides. Unusual osmiophilic bands occur in the inner wall layer. Relationships between wall structure and the plasmalemmatal extensions present in this species are discussed.
Free and bound terpene compounds in papaya (Carica papaya, L.) fruit pulp

Dosage par chromatographie en phase gazeuse et identification des composes volatils par spectrometrie de masse. Mise en evidence d'artefacts, la formation de terpenes intervenant lors de l'homogeneisation des tissus par rupture cellulaire. Ces constituants n'existent pas dans le fruit entier
Reactive oxygen species-sensitive nanophotosensitizers of aminophenyl boronic acid pinacol ester conjugated chitosan-g-methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer for photodynamic treatment of cancer

The aim of this study is to prepare reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive nanophotosensitizers for targeted delivery of chlorin e6 (Ce6) and photodynamic tumor therapy. For this purpose, thiodipropionic acid (TDPA) was conjugated with phenyl boronic acid pinacol ester (PBAP) (TDPA-PBAP conjugates) and then the TDPA-PBAP conjugates were attached to the chitosan backbone of chitosan-g-methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (ChitoPEG) copolymer (ChitoPEG-PBAP). Ce6-incorporated ChitoPEG-PBAP nanophotosensitizers have an ROS-sensitive manner in vitro. The size of ChitoPEG-PBAP nanoparticles increased or disintegrated in a responsive manner against H2O2 concentration. The Ce6 release rate from ChitoPEG-PBAP nanophotosensitizers also increased by adding H2O2. These results indicated that nanophotosensitizers have sensitivity against ROS and showed triggered Ce6 release behavior. ChitoPEG-PBAP nanophotosensitizers can be more efficiently internalized into cancer cells compared to Ce6 alone and then produce ROS in a more efficient manner. Furthermore, ChitoPEG-PBAP nanophotosensitizers suppressed the viability of cancer cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo with higher efficacy compared to Ce6 alone. Furthermore, ChitoPEG-PBAP nanophotosensitizers were efficiently delivered to irradiated tumor tissues, indicating that ChitoPEG-PBAP nanophotosensitizers can be delivered to the tumor with ROS-sensitive manner. We suggest that a ChitoPEG-PBAP nanophotosensitizer is a promising candidate for photodynamic therapy of cancers.
A Person- and Time-Varying Vector Autoregressive Model to Capture Interactive Infant-Mother Head Movement Dynamics

Abstract Head movement is an important but often overlooked component of emotion and social interaction. Examination of regularity and differences in head movements of infant-mother dyads over time and across dyads can shed light on whether and how mothers and infants alter their dynamics over the course of an interaction to adapt to each others. One way to study these emergent differences in dynamics is to allow parameters that govern the patterns of interactions to change over time, and according to person- and dyad-specific characteristics. Using two estimation approaches to implement variations of a vector-autoregressive model with time-varying coefficients, we investigated the dynamics of automatically-tracked head movements in mothers and infants during the Face-Face/Still-Face Procedure (SFP) with 24 infant-mother dyads. The first approach requires specification of a confirmatory model for the time-varying parameters as part of a state-space model, whereas the second approach handles the time-varying parameters in a semi-parametric (“mostly” model-free) fashion within a generalized additive modeling framework. Results suggested that infant-mother head movement dynamics varied in time both within and across episodes of the SFP, and varied based on infants’ subsequently-assessed attachment security. Code for implementing the time-varying vector-autoregressive model using two R packages, dynr and mgcv, is provided.
High-fidelity simulation-based education in pre-registration healthcare programmes: a systematic review of reviews to inform collaborative and interprofessional best practice

ABSTRACT Simulation-based education (SBE) is recognized as an effective interprofessional teaching and learning method. Whilst there is a large volume of research evidence concerning elements of SBE there is a lack of clarity concerning foundational principles of best practice. This is important for educators wishing to utilize high-quality SBE to deliver interprofessional education. The aim of this review is to synthesize review evidence of SBE best practice in a broad range of pre-registration healthcare programs and contextualize findings in light of relevant educational theory. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Medline/Ovid, British Nursing Index, and the Cochrane Library databases was undertaken in February 2020. Data extraction and quality evaluation were undertaken by two authors. Fifteen reviews were included. In addition to identifying barriers and enablers to implementation, three interdependent themes regarding SBE best practice were found: curriculum level integration and planning (curriculum level integration, the opportunity for deliberate repeated practice, distribution, and sequencing); simulation design and delivery (clearly defined learning outcomes and benchmarks, pre-brief, multiple learning strategies, interactivity and individualized learning, feedback, and debrief); and resources (facilitator competency, controlled environments). These themes broadly align with the social constructivist theory of experiential learning whereby structured opportunities to learn via concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation are provided through effective planning, design, and delivery of SBE. Interdependencies suggest that integration of SBE at curriculum-level enables planning and implementation of best practice principles which are associated with effective learning, which also inform and facilitate the availability of adequate simulation resources.
Influence of Sugar Cane Intake on Digestibility and Ruminal Fermentation in Crossbreed Steers Fed Stargrass

Abstract Aranda, E. , Mendoza, G.D. , Bárcena, G.R. , Ramos, J. and Castrejón, F. 2003. Influence of sugar cane intake on digestibility and ruminál fermentation in crossbreed steers fed stargrass. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 23: 153–160. An experiment was conducted to study effects of feeding different levels of sugar cane on ruminál fermentation and fiber digestion in crossbreed steers fed with stargrass mixtures when sugar cane (SC) and stargrass (SG) are fed together to four crossed (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) steers (455 kg BW) with ruminal canula. A Latin square design experiment was used to test different levels of chopped sugar cane intake (0, 0.9, 1.6 and 1.8% BW) with stargrass fed ad libitum. Intake of SG reduced linearly (P<0.05) as SC feed level increased. Ruminal digestibility of DM, NDF and ADF did not change (P>0.05), although CP was increased linearly. Total ADF digestibility increased with higher intake of SC. In situ NDF digestibilities of SG and SC were not affected (P>0.05) by treatments. Molar proportion of buty rate was increased (P<0.01) but other VFA did not change. Results indicated that sugar cane can be used as a complementory forage with stargrass, showing a substitutive effect without altering ruminal fermentation or digestibility of the diet.
Functional connectivity of the retrosplenial cortex in rats with ischemic stroke is improved by electroacupuncture

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the central mechanism underlying the putative beneficial effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on learning and memory ability of rats with ischemic stroke-induced cognitive deficits by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced cognitive deficit (MICD) was established. Rats were randomly assigned into a sham-operated control group (SC group, n = 12), untreated MICD model group (MICD group, n = 12), and MICD group receiving EA treatment at GV20 and GV24 (MICD + EA group, n = 12). Results Compared to the MICD group, rats in the MICD + EA group receiving EA at GV20 and GV24 exhibited significantly shortened escape latency times and crossed the position of the platform a significantly increased number of times during the Morris water maze test on the 14th day after EA, which suggested EA could significantly improve spatial learning and memory ability. Furthermore, compared to the MICD group, functional connectivity of the left retrosplenial cortex (RSC) with the left hippocampus, left RSC, right RSC, left cingulate gyrus, right cingulate gyrus, right tegmentum of midbrain, and right visual cortex was increased in the MICD + EA group; the MICD group showed decreased functional connectivity of the left RSC with the left hippocampus, right hippocampus, left RSC, right RSC, right amygdaloid body, left visual cortex, and right visual cortex. Conclusion These findings suggest that EA at GV20 and GV24 might improve the learning and memory ability of MICD rats by increasing the functional connectivity between the RSC and hippocampus, cingulate gyrus and midbrain, which is encouraging for the potential treatment for cognitive impairment secondary to ischemia stroke.
Body mass estimation in hominins from humeral articular dimensions.

OBJECTIVES While many attempts have been made to estimate body mass in hominins from lower limb bone dimensions, the upper limb has received far less attention in this regard. Here we develop new body mass estimation equations based on humeral articular breadths in a large modern human sample and apply them to 95 Plio-Pleistocene specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS Humeral head superoinferior and total distal articular mediolateral breadths were measured in a morphologically diverse sample of 611 modern human skeletons whose body masses were estimated from bi-iliac breadth and reconstructed stature. Reduced major axis regressions were used to compute body mass estimation equations. Consistency of the resulting estimates with those derived previously using lower limb bone equations was assessed in matched Plio-Pleistocene individuals or samples. RESULTS In the modern reference sample, the new humeral body mass estimation equations exhibit only slightly lower precision compared to the previously derived lower limb bone equations. They give generally similar estimates for Pleistocene Homo, after accounting for the different shape of the humeral head articular surface in archaic Middle and Late Pleistocene Homo, except for distal humeral estimates for Late Pleistocene specimens, which average somewhat below lower limb estimates. Humeral equations give body mass estimates for australopiths that appear much too high, except for Australopithecus sediba. A chimpanzee-based distal humeral articular formula appears to work well for larger australopith specimens. DISCUSSION The new formulae provide a more secure foundation for estimating hominin body mass from humeri than previously available equations.
Concentration effects on capture rate and translocation configuration of nanopore‐based DNA detection

Nanopore is a kind of powerful tool to detect single molecules and investigate fundamental biological processes. In biological cells or real detection systems, concentration of DNA molecules is various. Here, we report an experimental study of the effects of DNA concentration on capture rate and translocation configuration with different sized nanopores and applied voltages. Three classes of DNA translocation configurations have been observed including linear translocation, folded translocation, and cotranslocation. In the case of relatively large sized nanopore or high applied voltage, considerable cotranslocation events have been detected. The percentage of cotranslocation events also increases with DNA concentration, which leads to the relationship between capture rate and DNA concentration deviates from linearity. Therefore, in order to reflect the number of translocation molecules accurately, the capture rate should be corrected by double‐counting cotranslocation events. These results will provide a valuable reference for the design of nanopore sensors.
Mortality Estimates of Juvenile Spring–Summer Chinook Salmon in the Lower Columbia River and Estuary, 1992–1998: Evidence for Delayed Mortality?

Abstract Recovery of Endangered Species Act—listed salmonids in the Columbia River basin has relied upon the efficacy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's juvenile salmon transportation program to move fish past Snake and Columbia River hydropower dams. The effectiveness of this program has been assessed by the indirect method of comparing smolt-to-adult returns. We present some of the first data and mortality estimates of barged and run-of-river (ROR) radio-tagged juvenile spring–summer Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha after release in the lower Columbia River, representing years of study. Our data suggest that smolt mortality (1) is very low for ROR and barged fish between Bonneville Dam and the estuary proper, a migratory distance of 180 river kilometers (rkm); (2) occurs in the lower estuary (rkm 0–46); (3) varies more across dates within a year than between years or between passage types (barged or ROR); (4) increases with time within a season and increasing numbers of avian predators, includi.