Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single-cell analysis of cell identity in the Arabidopsis root apical meristem: insights and opportunities.

A fundamental question in developmental biology is how the progeny of stem cells become differentiated tissues. The Arabidopsis root is a tractable model to address this question due to its simple organization and defined cell lineages. In particular, the zone of dividing cells at the root tip, the root apical meristem, presents an opportunity to map the gene regulatory networks underlying stem cell niche maintenance, tissue patterning, and cell identity acquisition. To identify molecular regulators of these processes, studies over the last twenty years employed global profiling of gene expression patterns. However, these technologies are prone to information loss due to averaging gene expression signatures over multiple cell types and/or developmental stages. Recently developed high-throughput methods to profile gene expression at single-cell resolution have been successfully applied to plants. Here, we review insights from the first published single-cell mRNA sequencing and chromatin accessibility datasets generated from Arabidopsis roots. These papers successfully reconstruct developmental trajectories, phenotype cell identity mutants at unprecedented resolution, and reveal cell-type-specific responses to environmental stimuli. The experimental insight gained from Arabidopsis paves the way to profile roots from additional species.
Differential Responses of Resistance Arterioles to Elevated Intraluminal Pressure in Blacks and Whites.

Black Americans have an earlier onset, higher average blood pressure, and higher rates of hypertension-related mortality and morbidity, compared to whites. The racial difference may be related to microvasculature, the major regulatory site of blood pressure. The goal of this study was to compare the response of resistance vessels to high intraluminal pressure between black and white participants. A total of 38 vessels were obtained from human fat samples (21 black, 17 white; mean age 32 ± 12 years and BMI 26.9 ± 4.9; between-group P ≥ 0.05) and included in this study. Internal diameter was measured in response to flow induced by various pressure gradients (Δ10, Δ20, Δ40, Δ60, and Δ100 cmH2O), and flow-induced dilation (FID) was calculated before and after high intraluminal pressure (150 cm H2O). Prior to high intraluminal pressure, FID was not different between blacks and whites (P = 0.112). After exposure to high intraluminal pressure, FID was reduced at every pressure gradient in vessels from blacks (P < 0.001), while FID did not change in white participants except at Δ 100 cmH2O. When incubated with the H2O2 scavenger PEG-catalase, the FID response in vessels from black, but not white, individuals was significantly reduced and the magnitude was higher at normal pressure relative to high pressure. Our findings suggest that vessels from self-identified black individuals are more susceptible to microvascular dysfunction following transient periods of high intraluminal pressure compared to whites and show greater dependence on H2O2 as a main contributor to FID at normal pressures.
Trends in Brachial Plexus Surgery: Characterizing Contemporary Practices for Exploration of Supraclavicular Plexus

Background There is variability in treatment strategies for patients with brachial plexus injury (BPI). We used qualitative research methods to better understand surgeons’ rationale for treatment approaches. We hypothesized that distal nerve transfers would be preferred over exploration and nerve grafting of the brachial plexus. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with BPI surgeons to discuss 3 case vignettes: pan-plexus injury, upper trunk injury, and lower trunk injury. The interview guide included questions regarding overall treatment strategy, indications and utility of brachial plexus exploration, and the role of nerve grafting and/or nerve transfers. Interview transcripts were coded by 2 researchers. We performed inductive thematic analysis to collate these codes into themes, focusing on the role of brachial plexus exploration in the treatment of BPI. Results Most surgeons routinely explore the supraclavicular brachial plexus in situations of pan-plexus and upper trunk injuries. Reasons to explore included the importance of obtaining a definitive root level diagnosis, perceived availability of donor nerve roots, timing of anticipated recovery, plans for distal reconstruction, and the potential for neurolysis. Very few explore lower trunk injuries, citing concern with technical difficulty and unfavorable risk-benefit profile. Conclusions Our analysis suggests that supraclavicular exploration remains a foundational component of surgical management of BPI, despite increasing utilization of distal nerve transfers. Availability of abundant donor axons and establishing an accurate diagnosis were cited as primary reasons in support of exploration. This analysis of surgeon interviews characterizes contemporary practices regarding the role of brachial plexus exploration in the treatment of BPI.
Effect of bevacizumab combined with first-line chemotherapy on metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND To investigate the effect of bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy on the metastasis response rate, survival time of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the incidence of complications, and the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab for mCRC were recorded. METHODS Of 87 patients with mCRC, 42 were treated without bevacizumab (control group, CG) and 45 were treated with bevacizumab (observation group, OG). Baseline characteristics, resectability of metastases, quality of life (QOL), and short- and long-term curative effect were compared to evaluate the safety of the treatment plan in the two groups. RESULTS After 6 months of treatment, the overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) of the CG were 28.57% and 59.52%, respectively, whereas the ORR and DCR of the OG were notably higher at 48.89% and 86.67%, respectively (P < 0.05). The resectability rate of metastases in the OG increased from 8.89% pretreatment to 40.00% posttreatment, whereas that of metastases in the CG increased from 11.90% pretreatment to 23.81% posttreatment. In the OG, the median survival time was 23.0 (range, 19.7-26.3) months, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.0 (range, 9.4-12.6) months. These results were all superior to those of the CG, which were 14.0 (range, 12.6-15.4) months and 6.0 (range, 4.9-7.2) months, respectively. CONCLUSION Bevacizumab combined with first-line chemotherapy can significantly prolong survival and PFS, improve QOL, increase the resectability rate of metastases, and improve survival outcomes of patients with mCRC.
Autorepressor PsrA is required for optimal Legionella pneumophila growth in Acanthamoeba castellanii protozoa

Legionella pneumophila possesses a unique intracellular lifecycle featuring distinct morphological stages that include replicative forms and transmissive cyst forms. Expression of genes associated with virulence traits and cyst morphogenesis is concomitant, and governed by a complex stringent response based‐regulatory network and the stationary phase sigma factor RpoS. In Pseudomonas spp. , rpoS expression is controlled by the autorepressor PsrA, and orthologs of PsrA and RpoS are required for cyst formation in Azotobacter. Here we report that the L. pneumophila psrA ortholog, expressed as a leaderless monocistronic transcript, is also an autorepressor, but is not a regulator of rpoS expression. Further, the binding site sequence recognized by L. pneumophila PsrA is different from that of Pseudomonas PsrA, suggesting a repertoire of target genes unique to L. pneumophila. While PsrA was dispensable for growth in human U937‐derived macrophages, lack of PsrA affected bacterial intracellular growth in Acanthamoeba castellanii protozoa, but also increased the quantity of poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB) inclusions in matured transmissive cysts. Interestingly, overexpression of PsrA increased the size and bacterial load of the replicative vacuole in both host cell types. Taken together, we report that PsrA is a host‐specific requirement for optimal temporal progression of L. pneumophila intracellular lifecycle in A. castellanii.
Navigating the Doctor of Nursing Practice project within an academic practice partnership

ABSTRACT The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) curriculum was initially developed in 2004. The DNP degree is a practice doctorate, which educates nurses to the highest level of clinical nursing practice. DNP students must complete a scholarly project in accordance with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) guidelines. The project is an opportunity for the student to integrate skills into practice and demonstrate principles of advanced nursing practice. The AACN provides recommendations for the DNP project, but much confusion regarding the context and implementation of the project still exists. At one academic health sciences center, DNP project students often complete their projects within academic practice partnerships. Such partnerships are encouraged by the AACN. Several DNP quality improvement (QI) projects were submitted a hospital's interdisciplinary quality week event. Upon review, some of the abstracts were found to contain aspects of research. This finding prompted the review of all DNP project processes to standardize methods for faculty, students, the University, and the academic practice partner.
The predictive power of stock market’s expectations volatility: A financial synchronization phenomenon

We explore the use of implied volatility indices as a tool for estimate changes in the synchronization of stock markets. Specifically, we assess the implied stock market’s volatility indices’ predictive power on synchronizing global equity indices returns. We built the correlation network of 26 stock indices and implemented in-sample and out-of-sample tests to evaluate the predictive power of VIX, VSTOXX, and VXJ implied volatility indices. To measure markets’ synchronization, we use the Minimum Spanning Tree length and the length of the Planar Maximally Filtered Graph. Our results indicate a high predictive power of all the volatility indices, both individually and together, though the VIX predominates over the evaluated options. We find that an increase in the markets’ volatility expectations, captured by the implied volatility indices, is a good Granger predictor of an increase in the synchronization of returns in the following month. Estimating, monitoring, and predicting returns’ synchronization is essential for investment decision-making, especially for diversification strategies and regulating financial systems.
Kv1.1 channels regulate early postnatal neurogenesis in mouse hippocampus via the TrkB signaling pathway

In the postnatal brain, neurogenesis occurs only within a few regions, such as the hippocampal sub-granular zone (SGZ). Postnatal neurogenesis is tightly regulated by factors that balance stem cell renewal with differentiation, and it gives rise to neurons that participate in learning and memory formation. The Kv1.1 channel, a voltage-gated potassium channel, was previously shown to suppress postnatal neurogenesis in the SGZ in a cell-autonomous manner. In this study, we have clarified the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying Kv1.1-dependent postnatal neurogenesis. First, we discovered that the membrane potential of neural progenitor cells is highly dynamic during development. We further established a multinomial logistic regression model for cell-type classification based on the biophysical characteristics and corresponding cell markers. We found that the loss of Kv1.1 channel activity causes significant depolarization of type 2b neural progenitor cells. This depolarization is associated with increased tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling and proliferation of neural progenitor cells; suppressing TrkB signaling reduces the extent of postnatal neurogenesis. Thus, our study defines the role of the Kv1.1 potassium channel in regulating the proliferation of postnatal neural progenitor cells in mouse hippocampus.
The prophylactic effect of alprostadil on contrast-induced nephropathy in renal insufficiency patients after percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVES This study explored and analyzed the prophylactic effect of Alprostadil on contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with renal insufficiency. METHODS From June 2014 to June 2017, 156 patients with coronary artery disease and renal insufficiency who electively underwent PCI in our hospital were enrolled and randomly divided into Alprostadil group (n=77) and placebo control group (n=79) by random number table. The control group was given hydration and placebo, while the observation group received hydration and Alprostadil. The alprostadil and placebo were infused intravenously 30-90 minutes before operation until four hours after surgery. The changes of biochemical indicators, serum creatinine (Scr), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the level of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in urinary neutrophils, and the incidence of CIN were compared between the two groups of patients before and after PCI surgery. RESULTS The difference of SCr and GFR between the two groups of patients was statistical insignificant before and after PCI surgery (P>0.05), while the level of NGAL in both groups 12 h and 24 h after operation were critically higher than those prior-operation (P<0.05), and the increase in the control group was more obvious (P<0.05). The serum CysC, Hcy, and hs-CRP levels of the two groups 24 h after surgery were remarkably higher than those before surgery (P<0.05), and the indicators in observation group were superior to those in control group after surgery (P<0.05). The difference between the two groups of patients in incidence of CIN primary endpoint was statistically insignificant (P>0.05), while the incidence of secondary endpoint of CIN ≥ 0.3 mg/dL in Alprostadil group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION For renal insufficiency patients undergoing PCI, the associative usage of Alpromazil with routine treatment can effectively prevent CIN and is worthy of clinical promotion.
Predictive value of vitamin A and E levels in pre-eclampsia and postpartum kidney injury.

OBJECTIVE This research aimed to explore the predictive value of levels of vitamin A and E in pre-eclampsia and postpartum kidney injury. METHODS A total of 106 pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia diagnosed in our hospital from May 2015 to December 2018 were selected as the research subjects. There from, 75 pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia were enrolled into the severe PE group (SPE) and 31 with acute kidney injury were divided into the severe PE and AKI group (SPE and AKI). Serum vitamin A and E content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the correlation between vitamins A and E and disease was analyzed. The expression levels of kidney injury markers in both groups were detected, and the correlation between markers and vitamin A and E levels was analyzed. RESULTS The expression level of vitamins A and E decreased in the pre-eclampsia and postpartum kidney injury, and it was negatively correlated with disease severity. The expression of the two decreased further in the severe pre-eclampsia patients with kidney injury. In addition, the expression of kidney injury markers in the severe pre-eclampsia patients with postpartum kidney injury was higher than that in severe pre-eclampsia patients, and it was negatively correlated with vitamin A and E levels. CONCLUSION Vitamins A and E are expressed in low levels in pre-eclampsia and postpartum kidney injury, and the latter has a higher sensitivity and specificity than the former. It is negatively correlated with kidney injury markers KIM-1, NGAL, UA and Scr, which can be used as a physical and chemical indexes for clinical prediction.
Icarrin prevents cardiomyocyte apoptosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways.

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore whether icarrin (ICA) can protect cardiomyocytes from hypertension-induced damage by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). METHODS Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were orally administered water or ICA at 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg once daily for 12 weeks, and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were used as control. Changes in the growth and blood pressure of rats were assessed. Cardiac function was determined by ultrasound and the left ventricle mass was calculated. Myocardial tissue structure was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining, cardiomyocyte apoptosis was observed by TUNEL staining and the expression of ERS-related proteins was determined by western blotting. RESULTS In the SHR group, blood pressure was significantly high, left ventricular function decreased and left ventricular mass index increased. Additionally, left ventricular cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, disordered myofilament arrangement and increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis were observed by histological staining. ERS-induced proteins associated with apoptosis, including GRP78, PERK, ATF-6, ATF-4, CHOP, DR5, Caspase 12, c-JUN and ASK-1 were found to be highly expressed. ICA treatment reduced blood pressure and regulated the expression of proteins induced by ERS. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis decreased and left ventricular function improved. CONCLUSIONS ICA can inhibit ERS-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and protect ventricular function in SHR.
Novel Synthesis and Gas Sensing Performances of CuO–TiO2 Nanocomposites Functionalized with Au Nanoparticles

CuO–TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized on Al2O3 substrates by a novel chemical vapor deposition (CVD) route, based on the sequential growth of CuO matrices (550 °C) and the overdispersion of TiO2 (400 °C), both performed under O2 + H2O atmospheres. The obtained supported materials were subsequently functionalized with gold nanoparticles (NPs) by means of radio frequency (rf) sputtering. The system structure, nano-organization, and chemical composition were characterized by a multitechnique approach, using glancing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). For the first time, both CuO–TiO2 and CuO–TiO2–Au nanosystems were tested as resistive gas sensors for toxic and flammable gases (CH3CH2OH, H2, and O3), revealing attractive performances even at moderate working temperatures. Interestingly, the functional response could be appreciably enhanc.
Psychometrische Evaluation einer deutschen Version der Lang- und Kurzform der Prejudice towards People with Mental Illness Scale (PPMI-D)

Zusammenfassung Ziel der Studie Vorstellung einer deutschen Version der Prejudice towards People with Mental Illness Scale in Lang- (PPMI-DL) und Kurzform (PPMI-DK) und psychometrische Evaluierung an einer deutschen Bevölkerungsstichprobe. Methodik Deutsche Übersetzung und Überprüfung auf Passung zur Originalversion nach Rückübersetzung und Durchführung einer Online-Befragung (N = 1004). Ergebnisse Itemschwierigkeiten und Trennschärfen liegen im wünschenswerten mittleren Bereich. Hohe bis exzellente interne Konsistenzen (PPMI-DL: α = 0,919; PPMI-DK: α = 0,872) in der Gesamtskala. Mittels konfirmatorischer Faktoranalysen konnten die 4 Subskalen der Originalskala bestätigt werden. Mittlere Korrelationen mit autoritären Einstellungen (KSA-3) und gering negative Zusammenhänge mit Sozialer Erwünschtheit (KSE-G). Normwerte für die PPMI-Subskalen werden berichtet. Schlussfolgerung Die PPMI-D kann im deutschsprachigen Raum eingesetzt werden, um Vorurteile gegenüber psychisch kranken Menschen zu erheben.
Ginkgo biloba Damo injection combined with troxerutin regulates the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and promotes the recovery of patients with acute cerebral infarction.

OBJECTIVE Analysis of the effect of Ginkgo biloba Damo injection combined with troxerutin on patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. METHODS 150 patients with ACI were recruited for a prospective study. These patients were randomly divided into Ginkgo biloba Damo treatment group (n=75) and combined treatment group (Ginkgo biloba Damo + troxerutin, n=75) bilobabiloba. The patients in both groups were treated with conventional treatment. In addition, patients in the Ginkgo biloba Damo treatment group were treated with Ginkgo biloba Damo injection, and those in the combined treatment group were treated with Ginkgo biloba Damo injection combined with troxerutin. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Barthel Index (BI) of the two groups were compared. The serum levels of GSH-Px, OX-LDL, CAT, TLR4, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were detected. The therapeutic effects of the two groups were compared. RESULTS After treatment, compared with the Ginkgo biloba Damo group, the combined treatment group had a lower NIHSS score and lower expression levels of OX-LDL, TLR4, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, but higher Barthel score and total effective rate as well as higher serum levels of GSH-Px and CAT (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION Ginkgo biloba Damo injection combined with troxerutin can improve the neurologic function and activities of daily life in patients with ACI, which can also regulate the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and downstream inflammatory factors to reduce brain tissue inflammation and oxidative stress damage.
Patterns of Proton Beam Therapy Use in Clinical Practice between 2007 and 2019 in Korea

Purpose Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a state-of-the-art technology employed in radiotherapy (RT) for cancer patients. This study characterized how PBT has been used in clinical practice in Korea. Materials and Methods Patients who received any type of RT between 2007 and 2019 were identified from the radiation oncology registry of the two PBT facilities operating in Korea (National Cancer Center and Samsung Medical Center). The chi-square test was used to identify patient- and treatment-related characteristics associated with the receipt of PBT. Results A total of 54,035 patients had been treated with some form of RT in the two institutions, of whom 5,398 received PBT (10.0%). The number of patients who receive PBT has gradually increased since PBT first started, from 162 patients in 2007 to 1,304 patients in 2019. Among all types of cancer, PBT use in liver cancer has been steadily increasing from 20% in 2008–2009 to 32% in 2018–2019. In contrast, that in prostate cancer has been continuously decreasing from 20% in 2008–2009 to < 10% in 2018–2019. Male sex, very young or old age, stage I–II disease, residency in non-capital areas, a definitive setting, a curative treatment aim, enrollment in a clinical trial, re-irradiation and insurance coverage were significantly associated with the receipt of PBT (all p < 0.05). Conclusion Since PBT started in Korea, the number of patients receiving PBT has increased to more than 1,000 per year and treatment indications have expanded. Liver cancer is the most common primary tumor among all PBT cases in Korea.