Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Nanotechnology in Delivering Drugs to Eyes, Skin and Wounds via Topical Route

The topical route is the most preferred one for administering drugs to eyes, skin and wounds for reaching enhanced efficacy and to improve patient compliance. Topical administration of drugs via conventional dosage forms such as solutions, creams and so forth to the eyes is associated with very low bioavailability (less than 5%) and hence, we cannot rely on these for delivering drugs to eyes more efficiently. An intravitreal injection is another popular drug delivery regime but is associated with complications like intravitreal hemorrhage, retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, and cataracts. The skin has a complex structure that serves as numerous physiological barriers to the entry of exogenous substances. Drug localization is an important aspect of some dermal diseases and requires directed delivery of the active substance to the diseased cells, which is challenging with current approaches. Existing therapies used for wound healing are costly, and they involve long-lasting treatments with 70% chance of recurrence of ulcers. Nanotechnology is a novel and highly potential technology for designing formulations that would improve the efficiency of delivering drugs via the topical route. This review involves a discussion about how nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems have evolved, and their potential in overcoming the natural barriers for delivering drugs to eyes, skin and wounds.
Role of Tumor-Associated Myeloid Cells in Breast Cancer

Stromal immune cells constitute the tumor microenvironment. These immune cell subsets include myeloid cells, the so-called tumor-associated myeloid cells (TAMCs), which are of two types: tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Breast tumors, particularly those in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)-positive breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer, are solid tumors containing immune cell stroma. TAMCs drive breast cancer progression via immune mediated, nonimmune-mediated, and metabolic interactions, thus serving as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer. TAMC-associated breast cancer treatment approaches potentially involve the inhibition of TAM recruitment, modulation of TAM polarization/differentiation, reduction of TAM products, elimination of MDSCs, and reduction of MDSC products. Furthermore, TAMCs can enhance or restore immune responses during cancer immunotherapy. This review describes the role of TAMs and MDSCs in breast cancer and elucidates the clinical implications of TAMs and MDSCs as potential targets for breast cancer treatment.
mSphere of Influence: Organoids and Single-Cell Sequencing, a Powerful Combination To Uncover Epithelial and Immune Cell Interactions in the Human Gut Environment

Jose Lemme-Dumit works in the field of mucosal immunology and vaccines. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how two papers, “Long-term expansion of epithelial organoids from human colon, adenoma, adenocarcinoma, and Barrett’s epithelium” by Sato et al. (T. Sato, D. E. Stange, M. Ferrante, R. G. J. Vries, et al., Gastroenterology 141:1762–1772, 2011, https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2011.07.050) and “T helper cell cytokines modulate intestinal stem cell renewal and differentiation” by Biton et al. ABSTRACT Jose Lemme-Dumit works in the field of mucosal immunology and vaccines. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how two papers, “Long-term expansion of epithelial organoids from human colon, adenoma, adenocarcinoma, and Barrett’s epithelium” by Sato et al. (T. Sato, D. E. Stange, M. Ferrante, R. G. J. Vries, et al., Gastroenterology 141:1762–1772, 2011, https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2011.07.050) and “T helper cell cytokines modulate intestinal stem cell renewal and differentiation” by Biton et al. (M. Biton, A. L. Haber, N. Rogel, G. Burgin, et al., Cell 175:1307–1320.E22, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2018.10.008), have influenced his research by describing the development of intestinal organoid cultures and implementation of high-throughput sequencing analysis. The combination of these forefront technologies has expanded opportunities for mechanistic interrogation of host immunity to enteric pathogens.
Gene Expression Patterns in Functionally Different Cochlear Compartments of the Newborn Rat

In an experimental model of organotypic cultures of the stria vascularis (SV), the organ of Corti (OC) and the modiolus (MOD), we compared the expression levels and injury/hypoxia induced response of 36 genes associated with the cells´ energy-producing and energy-consuming processes, using the microarray technique. A decrease of expression was observed for most of the voltage-dependent K + - and Ca ++ - channels as an effective mechanism to lower energetic demands. We identified two gene networks of transcripts that are differentially expressed across the three regions. One cluster is associated with the transcription factor hypoxia-inducing factor ( Hif-1a ) and the second one with the caspase and calpain cell death genes Casp3, Capn1, Capn2 and Capns1 . The Hif-1a gene subset consists of genes belonging to the glucose metabolism (glucose transporter Slc2a1 , glycolytic enzymes Gapdh , Hk1 and Eno2 ), the Na + /K + homeostasis (ATPase Atp1a1 ) and the glutamate pathway (NMDA receptor associated protein 1 Grina , glutamate transporter Slc1a1 , Slc1a3 ). The Slc2a1 , Gapdh , Hk1 , Slc1a3 , Grina and Atp1a1 transcripts are also members of the cell death subset indicating a role they have to play in the differential regional cell death rates. The newly identified genes Grina and calnexin ( Canx ) may play specific and yet unknown roles in regulating cell death induced by injury and hypoxia in the inner ear. We assume that the differential regional response occurs on the basis of endogenous gene regulatory mechanisms and may be important to maintaining the cochlea’s function following damage from trauma and hypoxia.
Implementation of a Deep Learning-Based Computer-Aided Detection System for the Interpretation of Chest Radiographs in Patients Suspected for COVID-19

Objective To describe the experience of implementing a deep learning-based computer-aided detection (CAD) system for the interpretation of chest X-ray radiographs (CXR) of suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients and investigate the diagnostic performance of CXR interpretation with CAD assistance. Materials and Methods In this single-center retrospective study, initial CXR of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 were investigated. A commercialized deep learning-based CAD system that can identify various abnormalities on CXR was implemented for the interpretation of CXR in daily practice. The diagnostic performance of radiologists with CAD assistance were evaluated based on two different reference standards: 1) real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) results for COVID-19 and 2) pulmonary abnormality suggesting pneumonia on chest CT. The turnaround times (TATs) of radiology reports for CXR and rRT-PCR results were also evaluated. Results Among 332 patients (male:female, 173:159; mean age, 57 years) with available rRT-PCR results, 16 patients (4.8%) were diagnosed with COVID-19. Using CXR, radiologists with CAD assistance identified rRT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients with sensitivity and specificity of 68.8% and 66.7%, respectively. Among 119 patients (male:female, 75:44; mean age, 69 years) with available chest CTs, radiologists assisted by CAD reported pneumonia on CXR with a sensitivity of 81.5% and a specificity of 72.3%. The TATs of CXR reports were significantly shorter than those of rRT-PCR results (median 51 vs. 507 minutes; p < 0.001). Conclusion Radiologists with CAD assistance could identify patients with rRT-PCR-positive COVID-19 or pneumonia on CXR with a reasonably acceptable performance. In patients suspected with COVID-19, CXR had much faster TATs than rRT-PCRs.
Antagonism between bacteria and fungi: substrate competition and a possible tradeoff between fungal growth and tolerance towards bacteria

Bacteria and fungi often share a common substrate, and their spatial proximity in many environments has lead to either synergistic or antagonistic interactions. In this paper, the interaction of bacterial and fungal decomposers from an aquatic environment was studied. We found indications of a tradeoff between fungal growth and tolerance towards bacteria. Fungal strains growing best in absence of bacteria were most severely affected by bacterial presence, while those less suppressed during co-existence with bacteria had lower maximal growth rates in bacterial absence. Additionally, we show that the antagonism between bacteria and fungi is connected to competition for substrate, but that this competition can be drastically altered if fungi are given an opportunity to establish before inoculation of bacteria. Established fungi out-competed bacteria, and gained higher biomass than in simultaneously inoculated treatments with higher substrate concentrations.
Efficacy of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Blood Loss after Elective Cesarean Section

Background: Primary post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) is defined as blood loss greater than or equal to 500 ml within 24 hours after birth, while severe PPH is blood loss greater than or equal to 1000 ml within 24 hours. Objective: was to determine the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in reduction of blood loss after the elective cesarean sections. Patients and Methods: We performed a randomized, controlled study of 200 pregnant females who underwent elective CS. The patients had attended the Labor Ward in Al-Azhar University Maternity Hospital. 100 of them received tranexamic acid 20 minutes before beginning of anesthesia in addition to oxytocin after delivery of the baby; the other 100 patients received oxytocin only. Results: In the 1st two hours post-partum vaginal bleeding was significantly less severe in study group than control group (p<0.019). There was nonsignificant difference between study and control groups as regards preoperative hemoglobin concentration (p=0.195), Postoperative hemoglobin concentration was significantly greater in study group than control group (p<0.001), Reduction in hemoglobin levels ware significantly less in study group than control group (p<0.001). There was nonsignificant difference between study and control groups as regards to preoperative hematocrite (p=0.967), Postoperative hematocrite levels were significantly higher in study group than control group (p0.015), Reduction in hematocrite levels ware significantly less in study group than control group (p<0.001).
Exotesta morphology of the Gardenieae — Gardeniinae (Rubiaceae)

Persson, C. 1995. Exotesta morphology of the Gardenieae-Gardeniinae (Rubiaceae). -Nord. J. Bot. 15: 285–300. CGpenhagen. ISSN 0107–055X. Exotesta morphology of 68 species in 59 genera of the Gardeniinae were examined with the aid of scanning and light microscopy. The shape of the exotesta cells in surface is either isodiametrical or elongate and both shapes occur among New World and Old World genera. All genera, except for Monosalpinx, Posoqueria and Macrosphyra, are provided with secondary thickenings in the cell walls of the exotesta. The majority of the genera has a thickened radial wall. In the Asian genera Catunaregam, Deccania, Tamilnadia and the mainly Pacific genera, Atractocarpus and Trukia thickenings of the radial wall are very low or absent. In nearly half the genera the inner tangential wall is provided with thickenings, usually in the shape of a continuous plate. However, in four African genera, Atractogyne, Didymosalpinx, Mitriostigma and Sherbournia, the wall is provided with elongate anastomosing ribs. Atractocarpus differs markedly from the rest of the Gardeniinae by its ring-like thickenings in the inner tangential wall. Thickenings, in the shape of a continuous plate, in the outer tangential wall is restricted to three neotropical genera, Alibertia, Amaioua and Borojoa. Presence of distinct knobs is common in palaeotropical genera, whereas in neotropical genera this feature is only present in Casasia and Kotchubaea. It is concluded that data on exotesta morphology alone does not support any of the previously proposed informal groups, but may still be an important character to deduce phylogenetic relationships, primarily on a level just above the genus.
Relief of biliary obstruction: choosing between endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was originally devised as a novel diagnostic technique to enable endoscopists to stage malignancies and acquire tissue. However, it rapidly advanced toward therapeutic applications and has provided gastroenterologists with the ability to effectively treat and manage advanced diseases in a minimally invasive manner. EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has gained considerable attention as an approach to provide relief in malignant and benign biliary obstruction for patients when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) fails or is not feasible. Such instances occur in those with surgically altered anatomy, gastroduodenal obstruction, periampullary diverticulum or prior transampullary duodenal stenting. While ERCP remains the gold standard, a multitude of studies are showing that EUS-BD can be used as an alternative modality even in patients who could successfully undergo ERCP. This review will shed light on recent EUS-guided advancements and techniques in malignant and benign biliary obstruction.
Mapping Behavioral Health Serious Game Interventions for Adults With Chronic Illness: Scoping Review

Background Serious games for health are increasingly being used to address health outcomes in patients with chronic illnesses. These studies vary in their study designs, patient populations, frameworks, outcome variables, and degree of specificity of the serious game intervention. Objective This scoping review aims to clarify the conceptual features of the existing research related to serious games designed to improve cognitive and behavioral outcomes in adults with chronic illness. Methods We applied the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) methodology, including an a priori research question. We searched 4 electronic databases to identify articles published through November 2019. Inclusion criteria encompassed (1) adults 18 years or older; (2) patients with a diagnosis of chronic illness; (3) a serious game intervention; and (4) defined patient outcomes that assess patients’ behavioral, cognitive, or health outcomes. Results Of the 3305 articles identified, 38 were included in the review. We charted and analyzed the theoretical frameworks, key concepts, and outcome variables of these studies with summaries of features across articles. The majority of studies used a randomized controlled trial design (23/38, 61%), included a custom serious game intervention (22/38, 58%), and lacked a theoretical framework (25/38, 66%). Common outcome variables included quality of life (16/38, 42%), mood (15/38, 39%), cognitive function (13/38, 34%), symptoms (12/38, 32%), and physical activity (9/38, 24%). Key differences between studies included whether or not serious games aimed to train versus teach patients, be widely accessible versus tailored interventions, or replace versus complement current treatments. Conclusions This scoping review defines the current landscape of research in serious games for health research targeting behavioral and cognitive outcomes in adults with chronic disease. Studies have addressed a variety of patient populations and diverse patient outcomes. Researchers wanting to build on the current research should integrate theoretical frameworks into the design of the intervention and trial to more clearly articulate the active ingredients and mechanisms of serious games.
Phylogeny and Systematic Position of Feddea (Asteraceae: Feddeeae): a Taxonomically Enigmatic and Critically Endangered Genus Endemic to Cuba

Abstract Abstract—The systematic position of Feddea (Asteraceae) has been enigmatic ever since its publication in 1925. The latest taxonomic accounts of the family left it either unplaced within subfamily Asteroideae or unplaced within tribe Inuleae. Macro-morphological and electron microscopy data (scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy) indicated that Feddea is not part of an early branching lineage of the Asteraceae, contrary to what had been suggested in initial taxonomic accounts. Feddea has style branches with a 2-banded (vs. continuous) stigmatic surface, thus differing from early diverging lineages of the family. Among Asteroideae, Feddea is diagnosed by discoid capitula with all florets bisexual, long-caudate anthers, noncarbonized cypselae, and pollen with a narrow cavus region, columellae without internal foramina, but with a complex basal columellate layer. A phylogenetic reconstruction based on nucleotide sequences of the chloroplast gene ndhF showed that Feddea is sister to the Heliantheae s.l. There were, however, no clear morphological synapomorphies shared with that tribe and we therefore propose Feddeeae as a new unispecific tribe to accommodate this critically endangered genus restricted to Eastern Cuba.
Xylanase production by Aspergillus nidulans

When grown on Aspergillus-minimal medium, Aspergillus nidulans secreted a xylanolytic system containing the enzymes necessary for degradation of arabinoxylan. Xylanase (endo-1,4-β-d-xylan-hydrolase; EC 3.2.1.8) production was maximal for cultures at 37°C using oat-spelt xylan and casamino acids as respective carbon and nitrogen sources. SDS-PAGE and overlay techniques revealed the occurrence of two extracellular xylanases (Mr 22 900 and 34 300). Optimum activity was obtained when crude xylanase preparations were incubated for 10 min at pH 5.4 and 55°C. At these conditions the half-life of the xylanase preparation was 3 h.
Easy life of males? Indirect evidence that growth is easier than egg production in mangrove-dwelling monitor lizards ( Varanus indices )

In male-larger species of animals, males typically continue to grow after the age of female sexual maturation has been reached. Consequently, a switch of energy allocation occurs as the female investment from growth is shifted into egg production. We focus on the transitional period when both sexes heavily invest into anabolic processes; males invest in the development of body tissues while females predominantly invest in egg production. In captive mangrove- dwelling monitor lizards, we found that relative food intakes as well as quantitative estimates of anabolic processes (relative growth and egg production rates) are fairly comparable between the sexes. In spite of this biochemical clini- cal values and body condition indices revealed sex differences suggesting costs of reproduction in females. These results clearly illustrate that growth and egg production still substantially differ in associated physiological costs. This may be attributed to qualitative requirements (nutrients, minerals, etc.) of these processes. Our results correspond well with the higher susceptibility and mortality rates of females than males in many lizard species in captivity.
State of the art of the free-living marine Monhysteridae (Nematoda)

The family Monhysteridae is characterized by 17 valid genera, seven of which are known to be free-living, inhabiting marine sediments. In total, 70 valid marine species are ascribed to these seven genera. Overall, the family is characterized by a confused taxonomic history with a large list of synonyms and species inquirendae. The taxonomic problem is not restricted to the old literature, but inconsistencies also appeared in recent studies. The aim of this study is to show the most important diagnostic characters to identify each genus and provide taxonomic tools for species identification. Dichotomous-keys and illustration-guides are attempted for the marine monhysterid species. For the family and each subfamily, tribe and marine genus a brief historical background, diagnosis and a list of valid species is provided. Hereby, we propose to transfer eight species of the genus Thalassomonhystera to the genus Monhystrella.
An optimized method for plasma extracellular vesicles isolation to exclude the copresence of biological drugs and plasma proteins which impairs their biological characterization

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell membrane-derived phospholipid bilayer nanostructures that contain bioactive proteins, enzymes, lipids and polymers of nucleotides. They play a role in intercellular communication and are present in body fluids. EVs can be isolated by methods like ultracentrifugation (UC), polyethylene-glycol-precipitation (PEG) or size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The co-presence of immunoglobulins (Ig) in EV samples isolated from plasma (pEVs) is often reported and this may influence the assessment of the biological function and phenotype of EVs in bio- and immunoassay. Here, we studied the presence of an Ig-based therapeutic (etanercept) in pEV samples isolated from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and improved the isolation method to obtain purer pEVs. From plasma of etanercept (Tumor-necrosis-factor (TNF)-α antibodies)-treated RA patients pEVs were isolated by either UC, PEG or SEC. SEC isolated pEVs showed the highest particle-to-protein ratio. Strong TNF-α inhibition determined in a TNF-α sensitive reporter assay was observed by pEVs isolated by UC and PEG, and to a lesser extent by SEC, suggesting the presence of functional etanercept. SEC isolation of etanercept or labelled immunoglobulin G (IgG) showed co-isolation of these antibodies in the pEV fraction in the presence of plasma or a high protein (albumin) concentration. To minimize the presence of etanercept or immunoglobulins, we extended SEC (eSEC) column length from 56mm to 222mm (total stacking volume unchanged). No effect on the amount of isolated pEVs was observed while protein and IgG content were markedly reduced (90%). Next, from six etanercept- treated RA patients, pEVs were isolated on a eSEC or standard SEC column, in parallel. TNF-α inhibition was again observed in pEVs isolated by conventional SEC but not by eSEC. To confirm the purer pEVs isolated by eSEC the basal IL-8 promoter activation in human monocytes was determined and in 4 out of 5 SEC isolated pEVs activation was observed while eSEC isolated pEVs did not. This study shows that extended SEC columns yielded pEVs without detectable biologicals and with low protein and IgG levels. This isolation method will improve the characterization of pEVs as potential biomarkers and mediators of disease.