Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The human organic cation transporter OCT1 and its role as a target for drug responses

Abstract The human organic cation uptake transporter OCT1, encoded by the SLC22A1 gene, is highly expressed in the liver and reported to possess a broad substrate specificity. OCT1 operates by facilitated diffusion and allows the entry of nutrients into cells. Recent findings revealed that OCT1 can mediate the uptake of drugs for treating various diseases such as cancers. The levels of OCT1 expression correlate with the responses towards many drugs and functionally defective OCT1 lead to drug resistance. It has been recently proposed that OCT1 should be amongst the crucial drug targets used for pharmacogenomic analyses. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms exist and are distributed across the entire OCT1 gene. While there are differences in the OCT1 gene polymorphisms between populations, there are at least five variants that warrant consideration in any genetic screen. To date, and despite two decades of research into OCT1 functional role, it still remains uncertain what are the define substrates for this uptake transporter, although studies from mice revealed that one of the substrates is vitamin B1. It is also unclear how OCT1 recognizes a broad array of ligands and whether this involves specific modifications and interactions with other proteins. In this review, we highlight the current findings related to OCT1 with the aim of propelling further studies on this key uptake transporter.
Development and Performance Analysis of Gait Classification Algorithm : Application to Orthotic Bracing

Orthotic bracing are fitted to improve the quality of a deviating gait cycle, nevertheless recent studies show that gait cycle deviations are seen due to bracing [4, 36]. In order to correct the deviation, adjustments should be made in all stages of the process to which it requires evaluating the deviation. So the objective of this paper is to develop and analyze the performance of an algorithm for gait classification, to assess the deviation of gait cycle due to Orthotic bracing. Acceleration data was taken as an input from Inertial Motion Sensor attached at the foot of a healthy subject. The algorithm was developed using Model based approach, by considering four machine learning classifiers. The performance of the algorithm was analyzed using the performance indicators. The performance analysis illustrates that using categorical class type gives a relatively higher accuracy with a maximum accuracy of 86%. The performance related to the classifier on the other hand illustrates that Tree Bagger Classifier and Support Vector Machine classifier provide a higher accuracy with a balanced true rate. The analysis further indicate that the gait cycle of the braced side of an Ankle bracing is relatively expressed using the extracted features, it was expressed on average 58%. While the effect of the bracing on the unbraced side of the leg are shown more with Knee bracing.
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio predicts post‐thrombolysis early neurological deterioration in acute ischemic stroke patients

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) has become the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke within 4.5 hr after symptoms onset. However, a fraction of patients would develop early neurological deterioration (END) after IVT. The aim of our study was to explore the utility of neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting END.
Molecular characteristics of novel mono-reassortant G9P[8] rotavirus A strains possessing the NSP4 gene of the E2 genotype detected in Tokyo, Japan.

Rotavirus A (RVA) has been detected from patients with gastroenteritis even after vaccine introduction in Japan. To investigate the circulating RVA strains, the RVA-positive stool specimens obtained in Tokyo in 2017 and 2018 were analyzed by next-generation sequencing. A total of 50 and 21 RVA samples were obtained in 2017 and 2018, respectively. In 2017, G2P[4] (40.0%) was the most prevalent strain, followed by G3P[8] (DS-1-like) (28.0%), G8P[8] (10.0%), G3P[8] (Wa-like) (8.0%), G9P[8]-E1 (8.0%), and mixed infection (6.0%). In 2018, G3P[8] (DS-1-like) (28.6%) and G9P[8]-E2 (28.6%) were the prevalent strains, followed by G9P[8]-E1 (19.0%), G2P[4] (9.5%), G8P[8] (9.5%), and mixed infection (4.8%). Six G9P[8]-E2 strains detected in 2018 were atypical genotype constellation (G9-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E2-H1), which has not been reported. On phylogenetic analyses, this virus was considered to be generated by inter-genogroup reassortment between commonly circulating G9P[8] and G2P[4] strains in Japan. The G9P[8] strain seemed to be reassorted with only the NSP4 gene of the E2 genotype of the G2P[4] strain. Since this newly-emerged G9P[8]-E2 virus was detected in different locations in Tokyo, this virus seems to have already spread to a wide area.
Cabazitaxel versus Abiraterone or Enzalutamide in Metastatic Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND The efficacy and safety of cabazitaxel, as compared with an androgen-signaling-targeted inhibitor (abiraterone or enzalutamide), in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who were previously treated with docetaxel and had progression within 12 months while receiving the alternative inhibitor (abiraterone or enzalutamide) are unclear. METHODS We randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, patients who had previously received docetaxel and an androgen-signaling-targeted inhibitor (abiraterone or enzalutamide) to receive cabazitaxel (at a dose of 25 mg per square meter of body-surface area intravenously every 3 weeks, plus prednisone daily and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) or the other androgen-signaling-targeted inhibitor (either 1000 mg of abiraterone plus prednisone daily or 160 mg of enzalutamide daily). The primary end point was imaging-based progression-free survival. Secondary end points of survival, response, and safety were assessed. RESULTS A total of 255 patients underwent randomization. After a median follow-up of 9.2 months, imaging-based progression or death was reported in 95 of 129 patients (73.6%) in the cabazitaxel group, as compared with 101 of 126 patients (80.2%) in the group that received an androgen-signaling-targeted inhibitor (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40 to 0.73; P<0.001). The median imaging-based progression-free survival was 8.0 months with cabazitaxel and 3.7 months with the androgen-signaling-targeted inhibitor. The median overall survival was 13.6 months with cabazitaxel and 11.0 months with the androgen-signaling-targeted inhibitor (hazard ratio for death, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.89; P = 0.008). The median progression-free survival was 4.4 months with cabazitaxel and 2.7 months with an androgen-signaling-targeted inhibitor (hazard ratio for progression or death, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.68; P<0.001), a prostate-specific antigen response occurred in 35.7% and 13.5% of the patients, respectively (P<0.001), and tumor response was noted in 36.5% and 11.5% (P = 0.004). Adverse events of grade 3 or higher occurred in 56.3% of patients receiving cabazitaxel and in 52.4% of those receiving an androgen-signaling-targeted inhibitor. No new safety signals were observed. CONCLUSIONS Cabazitaxel significantly improved a number of clinical outcomes, as compared with the androgen-signaling-targeted inhibitor (abiraterone or enzalutamide), in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who had been previously treated with docetaxel and the alternative androgen-signaling-targeted agent (abiraterone or enzalutamide). (Funded by Sanofi; CARD ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02485691.).
Implementation and Evaluation of a Three‐Dimensional Virtual Reality Biology Lab versus Conventional Didactic Practices in Lab Experimenting with the Photonic Microscope

This study presents the integration of three different teaching scenarios, during biology laboratory lessons, with the overall aim of exploring the potential predominant effectiveness of teaching and improvement of students' learning, by the use of the three‐dimensional virtual reality educational tool Onlabs, versus more traditional didactic practices. A sample of 83, fourth year, undergraduate students of the Primary Education Department of Patras' University in Greece, were equally separated into three cognitively balanced groups to be educated on the light microscopy experiment by three different educational scenarios. Students' conceptual understanding in the domain of microscopy, was evaluated during all learning procedure with Pre and Post tests, whereas their skill to handle properly a real light microscope in the wet biology lab was summatively assessed via a specially designed work sheet. Results of the present study provide evidence in favor of the virtual reality application. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 48(1):21–27, 2020.
Programmed death-ligand 1 and survival in colorectal cancers: A meta-analysis

Background: Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a programmed death 1 (PD-1) ligand that plays a pivotal role in the inhibition of the T-cell-mediated immune response. The expression of PD-L1 is associated with the prognosis and clinical outcomes of multiple tumors. However, the prognostic value of PD-L1 overexpression in colorectal cancer is still controversial. In this study, we sought to clarify this by presenting a meta-analysis of relevant studies. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were systematically searched for studies concerning the expression of PD-L1 and survival in colorectal cancer. The reported hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of overall survival, disease-free survival, and recurrence-free survival in the included studies were analyzed by fixed effects/random effects models. Results: Fifteen studies involving 3078 patients with colorectal cancer were included in our meta-analysis. Overexpression of PD-L1 was found to be associated with poor overall survival (HR 1.83; 95% CI 1.21, 2.79; P = 0.005) and poor recurrence-free survival (HR 2.78; 95% CI 1.43, 5.42; P = 0.003). However, no correlation was found between PD-L1 overexpression and poor disease-free survival (HR 1.23; 95% CI 0.83, 1.82; P = 0.305). Overexpression of PD-L1 indicating poor survival held true across different geographical areas, sample sizes, analysis types, sources of HRs, and cell types. Conclusion: Overexpression of PD-L1 is associated with worse prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer and can guide physicians in the application of PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint-targeted therapy.
Diagnostic accuracy and agreement between visual acuity charts for detecting significant refractive errors in preschoolers

Preschool vision screenings are considered to be cost‐effective methods to identify children with vision disorders. The children of this age group are poor at communicating their symptoms and hence screening is mandated. This study is aimed at estimating the diagnostic accuracy and agreement of Lea, HOTV and E visual acuity charts for detecting significant refractive errors.
The Efficacy of Argon Plasma Coagulation versus Carvedilol for Treatment of Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy

Background/Aim: Several treatment options have been developed for portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG); medications and endoscopic management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of argon plasma coagulation (APC) versus Carvedilol in treatment of a cohort of Egyptian patients with severe PHG. Methods: A total of 130 patients with severe PHG were enrolled; 10 patients were excluded due to death and failure to complete the treatment sessions accordingly, 120 patients were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A (n = 52) treated with APC; Group B (n = 68) treated with oral Carvedilol. Success was defined as stabilization of hemoglobin (Hb) over 100 g/dL or Hb increase >10% from pretreatment level and reduction of blood transfusion requirements over the following 3 months after the start of therapy. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed to assess the degree and site of PHG. APC was conducted to areas with mucosal ectatic vascular lesions. Results: PHG was mostly fundic (36.35%) in APC group and (36.76%) in Carvedilol group (p = 0.56). Throughout follow-up period, there was significant increase in Hb level, serum iron, and serum ferritin with a significant decrease in total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) in APC group as compared to Carvedilol group (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was gradual increase in the mean Hb, serum iron, and serum ferritin and gradual decrease of TIBC in Carvedilol group. Accordingly, there was an overall improvement of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in both groups; however, it was significantly better in APC group than in Carvedilol group. No major adverse events were detected in both the groups. Conclusion: APC significantly improves IDA and decreases transfusion requirements in patients with severe PHG as compared to oral Carvedilol with small risk of adverse events. Furthermore, the combination of APC and Carvedilol unless contraindicated could have a synergistic effect in controlling severe PHG.
The acquisition of positional information across the radial axis of the cochlea

The mammalian cochlea detects sound and transmits this information to the brain. A cross section through the cochlea reveals functionally distinct epithelial domains arrayed around the circumference of a fluid‐filled duct. Six major domains include two on the roof of the duct (Reissner's membrane medially and the stria vascularis laterally) and four across the floor of the duct, including the medial and lateral halves of the sensory domain, the organ of Corti. These radial domains are distinguishable in the embryonic cochlea by differential expression of transcription factors, and we focus here on a subset of the factors that can influence cochlear fates. We then move upstream of these genes to identify which of five signaling pathways (Notch, Fgf, Wnt, Bmp, and Shh) controls their spatial patterns of expression. We link the signaling pathways to their downstream genes, separating them by their radial position, to create putative gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from two time points, before and during the time when six radial compartments arise. These GRNs offer a framework for understanding the acquisition of positional information across the radial axis of the cochlea, and to guide therapeutic approaches to repair or regenerate distinct cochlear components that may contribute to hearing loss.
Postprandial effects on electrolyte homeostasis in the kidney.

Insulin is known to be an important regulator of a number of different channels and transporters in the kidney, but its role in the kidney to prevent sodium and volume loss during the osmotic load following a meal has only recently been validated. With increasing numbers of people suffering from diabetes and hypertension, furthering our understanding of insulin signaling and renal sodium handling in both normal and diseased states is essential for improving patient treatments and outcomes. The current mini-review is focused on postprandial effects on sodium reabsorption in the kidney and the role of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) as an important channel contributing to insulin-mediated sodium reclamation.
Energy spectrum computed tomography improves the differentiation between benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules.

PURPOSE To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of computed tomography (CT) values at the 40~140 keV monochromatic level for the differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). METHODS Energy spectrum CT data of 44 patients with SPNs were analyzed retrospectively; 24 patients with malignant SPNs served as the malignant group and 20 patients with benign SPNs served as the benign group. The basic material concentration and the enhancement degree differences in double-phase enhanced scans were compared between the two groups. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated to determine diagnosis, and were compared with the pathology results. RESULTS The CT values at the 40~90 keV monochromatic level and the iodine concentrations of malignant group were higher than those of benign group in the arterial phase (all P < 0.05). The enhancement degree of the malignant group was higher than that for the benign group in the arterial phase (36.36 ± 33.18 HU vs 16.93 ± 24.17 HU t = 2.243, P = 0.030); however, the enhancement degrees of the two groups were similar in the venous phase (21.99 ± 15.87 HU vs 17.62 ± 24.15 HU t = 0.694, P = 0.493). The area under the curve of the enhancement degree in the arterial phase was 0.792. CONCLUSIONS Monochromatic imaging and base material concentration of energy spectrum CT can help differentiate between benign and malignant SPNs.
Emotions in motion: impact of emotion understanding on children’s peer action coordination

ABSTRACT Peer action coordination has been often studied in terms of its underlying cognitive mechanisms, and little is known about its emotional processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the extent to which children’s emotion understanding explains their coordination of actions with a peer in a cooperative sensorimotor problem-solving task. Sixty-eight 5- to 9-year-old children were assessed for their emotion understanding with the Test of Emotion Comprehension (TEC) and for their problem-solving capacities with a sensorimotor task in an individual setting (individual sensorimotor skills) and in a cooperative setting (peer action coordination). The results showed that higher levels of emotion understanding significantly explained greater peer action coordination, even when controlling for age, gender and the child’s individual sensorimotor skills. The findings point to the existence of emotional mechanisms – more specifically the role of emotion understanding – underlying successful coordination of actions in peer interaction. Theoretical and educational implications of having emotion understanding abilities for coordinating actions with others are discussed.
The effect of arm-crank exercise training on power output, spirometric and cardiac function and level of autonomy in persons with tetraplegia

Abstract Studies on the effects of exercise training in persons with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an 8-week stationary arm-crank exercise (ACE) training programme on the level of autonomy, exercise performance, pulmonary functional parameters and resting heart rate variability (HRV) in persons with CSCI. Quadriplegia Index of Function (QIF), arm-crank peak power output (Ppeak), spirometric variables, and HRV indices were measured before and after the training programme in a group of 11 persons with CSCI. ACE training increased Ppeak in both groups (p < 0.05), whereas maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) and low frequency HRV (LF) improved only in the lower CSCI group (p < 0.05). Moreover, QIF and Ppeak were significantly correlated before (r = 0.88; p < 0.01) and after (r = 0.86; p < 0.01) the training period. However, no significant changes were found in the level of autonomy (QIF) as a result of the intervention. Therefore, stationary ACE training appears to be a feasible and effective method for aerobic exercise in persons with tetraplegia and a short-term intervention is able to significantly improve exercise capacity, cardiac autonomic regulation and respiratory muscle endurance, regardless of the absence of significant immediate changes in the level of autonomy.
Proteomic Analysis Reveals Allergen Variability among Breeds of the Dust Mite Blomia tropicalis

Background: The dawn of the “omics” technologies has changed allergy research, increasing the knowledge and identification of new allergens. However, these studies have been almost restricted to Dermatophagoides spp. Although Blomia tropicalis has long been established as a clinically important source of allergens, a thorough proteomic characterization is still lacking for this dust mite. Objective: To increase knowledge of B. tropicalis allergens through proteomic analysis. Methods: Eleven in-bred lineages of B. tropicalis were obtained from 11 unique different pregnant females. Their somatic extracts were analyzed and compared with a commercially available extract by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: Considerable differences in the protein expression profiles were found among the breeds, and most of them displayed higher expression levels of major allergens than the commercially available extract. Blo t 2 was the most prominent allergenic protein in the analyzed extracts. Six identified allergens and 14 isoforms have not yet been recognized by IUIS. Conversely, 3 previously recognized B. tropicalis allergens were not found. Conclusions: The clear impact of inbreeding on allergen content shown by our study leads us to conclude that the quantification and/or identification of allergens from in-bred lines should be routinely considered for mite cultivation in order to select breeds with higher amounts of major allergens. In this sense, LC-MS/MS may be a useful method to achieve this quality control for research and commercial purposes.
Plants are intelligent, here's how.

HYPOTHESES The drive to survive is a biological universal. Intelligent behaviour is usually recognised when individual organisms including plants, in the face of fiercely competitive or adverse, real world circumstances, change their behaviour to improve their probability of survival. SCOPE This article explains the potential relationship of intelligence to adaptability and emphasises the need for recognising individual variation in intelligence showing it to be goal directed and thus being purposeful. Intelligent behaviour in single cells and microbes is frequently reported. Individual variation might be underpinned by a novel learning mechanism described in detail. The requirements for real world circumstances are outlined, the relationship to organic selection indicated together with niche construction as a good example of intentional behaviour that should improve survival. Adaptability is important in crop development but the term may be complex incorporating numerous behavioural traits some of which are indicated. CONCLUSION There is real biological benefit to regarding plants as intelligent both from a fundamental issue of understanding plant life but also from providing a direction for fundamental future research and in crop breeding.
Koreans Do Not Have Higher Percent Body Fat than Australians: Implication for the Diagnosis of Obesity in Asians

It has been assumed that, for a given BMI, Asians have higher percent body fat (PBF) than Caucasians. As a result, it has been suggested that the BMI threshold for diagnosing obesity in Asians be lowered to less than 30 kg/m2. This study sought to compare PBF between Koreans and Australians.