Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diet-Associated Inflammation Modulates Inflammation and WNT Signaling in the Rectal Mucosa, and the Response to Supplementation with Dietary Fiber

Our finding that more inflammatory dietary components may impact large bowel health through effects on awell-recognized pathway involved in cancer development will strengthen the evidence base for dietary advice to help prevent bowel cancer. Inflammation drives colorectal cancer development, and colorectal cancer risk is influenced by dietary factors, including dietary fiber. Hyperactive WNT signaling occurs in colorectal cancer and may regulate inflammation. This study investigated (i) relationships between the inflammatory potential of diet, assessed using the Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII), and markers of WNT signaling, and (ii) whether DII status modulated the response to supplementation with two types of dietary fiber. Seventy-five healthy participants were supplemented with resistant starch and/or polydextrose (PD) or placebo for 50 days. Rectal biopsies were collected before and after intervention and used to assess WNT pathway gene expression and crypt cell proliferation. E-DII scores were calculated from food frequency questionnaire data. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and fecal calprotectin concentrations were quantified. hsCRP concentration was significantly greater in participants with higher E-DII scores [least square means (LSM) 4.7 vs. 2.4 mg/L, P = 0.03]. Baseline E-DII score correlated with FOSL1 (β = 0.503, P = 0.003) and WNT11 (β = 0.472, P = 0.006) expression, after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, endoscopy procedure, and smoking status. WNT11 expression was more than 2-fold greater in individuals with higher E-DII scores (LSM 0.131 vs. 0.059, P = 0.002). Baseline E-DII modulated the effects of PD supplementation on FOSL1 expression (P = 0.04). More proinflammatory diets were associated with altered WNT signaling and appeared to modulate the effects of PD supplementation on expression of FOSL1. This is the first study to investigate relationships between the E-DII and molecular markers of WNT signaling in rectal tissue of healthy individuals. Prevention Relevance: Our finding that more inflammatory dietary components may impact large bowel health through effects on a well-recognized pathway involved in cancer development will strengthen the evidence base for dietary advice to help prevent bowel cancer.
A Prospective Pilot Study Evaluating Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of Breathe Easier: A Mindfulness-based Intervention for Survivors of Lung Cancer and Their Family Members (Dyads)

Objective: Symptom burden remains a distressing problem for survivors with non-small-cell lung cancer (stages I-IIIa). This pilot study evaluated feasibility and preliminary effects of a tailored mindfulness-based intervention, Breathe Easier, which encompasses meditation, 2 levels of mindful hatha yoga, breathing exercises, and participant interaction. Methods: Participants were recruited from 2 cancer programs in the US Southeast. A family member was required for participation. Sixty-two participants enrolled (20% recruitment) and 49 completed the intervention (79% retention). Participants chose level 1 yoga (basic) or level 2 (more advanced). Of the completers, survivors were 39% male and 65% Black. A community-based participatory research framework helped identify the specific needs and interests of potential participants and foreseeable barriers to implementation. A 2-month prospective, 1-group, pre-post design evaluated feasibility. Intervention dosage was measured using written protocols. Attendance and completion of daily home assignments measured adherence. Acceptability was assessed using a 10-item questionnaire, completed at three time points. Preliminary outcome data collected pre- and post-intervention tested the hypothesis that participants who received the 8-week intervention Breathe Easier would, post-intervention, demonstrate (a) less dyspnea, (b) less fatigue, (c) less stress, (d) improved sleep, (e) improved anxiety and depression, and (f) improved functional exercise capacity. Exit interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for content using descriptive statistics. Results: Quantitative and qualitative measures indicated strong feasibility. Over time, level 1 participants had statistically less dyspnea, fatigue and improved exercise capacity, as well as improved sleep, and stress scores. Level 2 participants experienced slightly increased dyspnea and fatigue but improved sleep, stress, and exercise capacity. All participants experienced anxiety and depression within normal limits pre- and post-intervention. Five major themes emerged out of exit interviews: Learning to Breathe Easier; Interacting with Others as a Personal Benefit; Stretching, Releasing Tension, and Feeling Energized; Enhancing Closeness with Committed Partners; Refocusing on Living; and Sustaining New Skills as a Decision. Conclusions: The study offers insight into the feasibility of an 8-week in-person mindfulness-based intervention with a unique subset of understudied survivors of lung cancer and family members. Outcome data interpretation is limited by the 1-group design and sample size.
Self-Organized Anodic Oxides on Titanium Alloys Prepared from Glycol- and Glycerol-Based Electrolytes

The anodization of commercially pure Ti alloy (99.5 wt %) and two biomedical titanium alloys, Ti6Al7Nb and Ti6Al4V, was performed, and the resulting anodic oxides were studied. The biomedical alloys were made by Laser Engineered Net Shaping. The glycol-based and glycerol-based electrolytes with 0.3 M ammonium fluoride and 2 wt % of deionized water content were tested. It was found that electrolyte type as well as the chemical composition of the base substrate affected the final morphology and chemical composition of the anodic oxide formed. A higher current density, ionic mobility, and oxide growth rate were obtained in glycol-based electrolyte as compared to those obtained in glycerol-based electrolyte for all tested alloys. A self-organized nanotubular and nanoporous morphology of the anodic oxide in both types of electrolyte was obtained. In each electrolyte, the alloy susceptibility to oxidation increased in the following order: Ti6Al4V < Ti 99.5% < Ti6Al7Nb, which can be correlated to the oxidation susceptibility of the base titanium alloy. It was observed that the more impurities/alloying elements in the substrate, the lower the pore diameters of anodic oxide. There was a higher observed incorporation of electrolyte species into the anodic oxide matrix in the glycerol-based electrolyte compared with that in glycol-based electrolyte.
Challenges of drug development during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Key considerations for clinical trial designs

There is an urgent need for targeted and effective COVID‐19 treatments. Several medications, including hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, lopinavir–ritonavir, favipiravir, tocilizumab and others have been identified as potential treatments for COVID‐19. Bringing these repurposed medications to the public for COVID‐19 requires robust and high‐quality clinical trials that must be conducted under extremely challenging pandemic conditions. This article reviews translational science principles and strategies for conducting clinical trials in a pandemic and evaluates recent trials for different drug candidates. We hope that this knowledge will help focus efforts during this crisis and lead to the expedited development and approval of COVID‐19 therapies.
Food-niche pattern of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) in intensively cultivated agricultural landscape

Abstract This study investigated the dietary niche of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) in an intensively farmed landscape, based on pellet samples from 12 nesting pairs containing 25 animal taxa and 1,994 prey items after the breeding season in 2016. Based on land use categories of the buffer area around each nest, three landscape types (agricultural, mosaic, urban) were considered, to analyse the diet composition and food-niche parameters. Niche breadth was calculated at the local and landscape level. Small mammals were the most frequent in the diet than other prey in each of the landscape types. The Common Vole (Microtus arvalis), considered to be an important agricultural pest was the most numerous prey in all landscape groups. The trophic niche of Barn Owl varied between 0.69 – 0.86 at the local level, and the overall value of niche breadth was significantly higher in the urban than in the other two landscape types. Our results showed that the increase of Common Vole frequency lead to a decrease in niche breadth; significantly negative relationship was detected between these parameters. Despite differences in niche breadth, similarly high niche overlaps were detected by the randomisation test in the three landscapes. Our results suggest that the diet composition of Barn Owls, mainly their food-niche pattern, reflected prey availability in the comparison of the studied landscapes, which pointed out that it is necessary to examine the dietary difference of Barn Owls at the finer scale of land use.
Activity levels of 210Po in the Coastal Area of Kapar, Malaysia, close to a coal-fired power plant

The activity concentration of 210Po from six different samples consisting of raw charcoal, surface sediment, rainwater (suspended solids (SSrw) and dissolved phase (Drw) and estuarine water (suspended solids (SSew) and dissolved phase (Dew)), were analyzed. The activity concentration of 210Po in solid samples was between 7.63 ± 0.67 and 744.28 ± 21.12 Bqkg-1 and in dissolved samples varied between 0.34 ± 0.03 and 86.33 ± 6.51 mBqL-1. On average, 210Po activity in SSrw sample was the highest, at nearly three times its original form (charcoal). SSew and surface sediment samples were similarly distributed between 15th March and 1st August samplings, but were relatively lower than charcoal and SSrw samples. The natural meteorological variability also enhanced 210Po distribution and dispersion to a few kilometers from the coal-fired power plant.
Certification in reporting multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate: recommendations of a UK consensus meeting

Multiparametric (mp) MRI of the prostate is now recommended as the initial investigation method for men with suspected prostate cancer within both UK and international guidelines. Potential benefits of this pathway include: (a) reductions in the number of men requiring biopsy; (b) reductions in the diagnoses of indolent cancers unlikely to cause harm, minimizing treatment-related complications; (c) improved detection of clinically significant prostate cancers, particularly for patients with prior negative systematic biopsy; and (d) improved risk-stratification of diagnosed cancers owing to greater precision in tumour grade and volume determinations.
Pilot Study on Malnutrition and DNA Damage in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Gastrointestinal Tumors: Is DNA Damage Reversible by Early Individualized Nutritional Support?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Nutritional support (NS) in patients with malignancies and malnutrition improves outcome and treatment tolerance. The underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. We aimed to investigate for the first time the influence of an early individualized NS in newly diagnosed patients with gastrointestinal/hepato-pancreatic malignancies and malnutrition on DNA damage, oxidative stress and subclinical inflammation. METHODS This prospective case-control study included 43 patients with newly diagnosed malignancies and malnutrition. At baseline (F0), we documented patients' data, oncological diagnosis, comorbidities, alcohol/ nicotine consume. Nutritional parameters, DNA damage [histone-variant H2AX phosphorylated on the 139-serine residue (γ-H2AX) foci/cell], oxidative status, subclinical inflammation were measured. During diagnostic workup, patients received an individualized NS, and got a follow-up before the start of treatment (F1), (n=21). Healthy controls (n=21) were included for comparison of DNA damage at baseline. RESULTS γ-H2AX-values at baseline were higher than in controls (p<0.001) and higher than after the NS at F1 (p=0.011). Patients with severe gastrointestinal symptoms (SGS) had higher baseline foci compared to patients with mild gastrointestinal symptoms (MGS) at F0 (p<0.001) and showed a stronger decrease of DNA damage under NS (p=0.002). Laboratory data were stable, with tendential reduction in oxidative stress, without progression of subclinical inflammation. The number of γ-H2AX foci did not differ among patients divided by sex, age, nicotine or alcohol intake or the presence of distant metastases. CONCLUSION Increased baseline DNA damage in patients with newly diagnosed tumors and malnutrition decreased under pretherapeutic NS, independent of other known genotoxic factors. This contributes towards understanding the positive effects of early NS in cancer management.
Recent Trends in Morphology-Controlled Synthesis and Application of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

The outstanding journey towards the investigation of mesoporous materials commences with the discovery of high surface area porous silica materials, named MCM-41 (Mobil Composition of Matter-41) according to the inventors’ name Mobile scientists in the United States. Based on a self-assembled supramolecular templating mechanism, the synthesis of mesoporous silica has extended to wide varieties of silica categories along with versatile applications of all these types in many fields. These silica families have some extraordinary structural features, like highly tunable nanoscale sized pore diameter, good Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface areas, good flexibility to accommodate different organic and inorganic functional groups, metals etc., onto their surface. As a consequence, thousands of scientists and researchers throughout the world have reported numerous silica materials in the form of published articles, communication, reviews, etc. Beside this, attention is also given to the morphology-oriented synthesis of silica nanoparticles and their significant effects on the emerging fields of study like catalysis, energy applications, sensing, environmental, and biomedical research. This review highlights a consolidated overview of those morphology-based mesoporous silica particles, emphasizing their syntheses and potential role in many promising fields of research.
Development and Evaluation of Vero Cell-Derived Master Donor Viruses for Influenza Pandemic Preparedness

The embryonated egg-based platform currently produces the majority of seasonal influenza vaccines by employing a well-developed master donor virus (MDV, A/PR/8/34 (PR8)) to generate high-growth reassortants (HGRs) for A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 subtypes. Although the egg-based platform can supply enough seasonal influenza vaccines, it cannot meet surging demands during influenza pandemics. Therefore, multi-purpose platforms are desirable for pandemic preparedness. The Vero cell-based production platform is widely used for human vaccines and could be a potential multi-purpose platform for pandemic influenza vaccines. However, many wild-type and egg-derived influenza viruses cannot grow efficiently in Vero cells. Therefore, it is critical to develop Vero cell-derived high-growth MDVs for pandemic preparedness. In this study, we evaluated two in-house MDVs (Vero-15 and VB5) and two external MDVs (PR8 and PR8-HY) to generate Vero cell-derived HGRs for five avian influenza viruses (AIVs) with pandemic potentials (H5N1 clade 2.3.4, H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1, American-lineage H5N2, H7N9 first wave and H7N9 fifth wave). Overall, no single MDV could generate HGRs for all five AIVs, but this goal could be achieved by employing two in-house MDVs (vB5 and Vero-15). In immunization studies, mice received two doses of Vero cell-derived inactivated H5N1 and H7N9 whole virus antigens adjuvanted with alum and developed robust antibody responses.
The Emphasis of Tumor Suppressor Genes and Oncogenes in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Anaplastic Brain Tumors

The Emphasis of Tumor Suppressor Genes and Oncogenes in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Anaplastic Brain Tumors Çığır Biray AVCI, Sunde Yılmaz SUSLUER, Yavuz DODURGA, Taner AKALIN, Ozgur COGULU, Tayfun DALBASTI, Nezih OKTAR, Cumhur GUNDUZ Ege University Medical Faculty, Medical Biology, İzmir, Türkiye Ege University Medical Faculty, Department of Pathology, İzmir, Türkiye Ege University Medical Faculty, Department of Genetics, İzmir, Türkiye Ege University Medical Faculty, Department of Neurosurgery, İzmir, Türkiye
Preparation and Evaluation of Sodium Alginate Microparticles using Pepsin

Aim: The main aim of this article is to prepare and evaluate sodium alginate microparticles and evaluate on the basis of their characterization. The drug is dissolved, encapsulated or attached to a microparticles matrix. Depending upon method of preparation microparticles were obtained. Microparticles were developed as a carrier for vaccines and other disease like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer etc. Microparticles were developed to increase the efficacy of active pharmaceutical ingredient to a specific targeted site. Material and Method: Microparticles of Sodium Alginate, Pepsin and Calcium Chloride were prepared in six batches (A-F) with different ratio of sodium alginate and calcium chloride respectively i.e. (0.25:2.5), (0.25:5), (0.25:7.5), (0.5:2.5), (0.5:5), (0.5:7.5) by using a homogenizing method. Microparticles were evaluated for particle size distribution, zeta potential and morphology. Result and Discussion: The normal particle size of each of the six batches were analyzed by Zeta Sizer (Delsa C Particle Analyzer) and it was found that the Batch B (0.25:5) delivered the best microparticles with size distribution of 1.2731 (μm). All batches were see n under Motic magnifying microscope by using the Sulforhodamine B (M.W. 479.02) color as staining dye. Microparticles was found to be semi spherical in shape. Conclusion: Results of all the six batches was contrasted based on particle size investigation, zeta potential and morphology. Batch B (0.25:5) was considered as the best formulation.
Effect of vitamin E supplementation on α-tocopherol status and tissue antioxidants in American minks ( Neovison vison )

The α-tocopherol (TCP) state as well as enzymatic (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT]) and nonenzymatic (reduced glutathione [GSH] and retinol) antioxidants in tissues of American minks (Neovison vison) given various levels of dietary vitamin E were examined. Three groups of farm-bred minks received different amounts of DL-α-tocopheryl acetate (10 mg/kg diet, control; 30 and 110 mg/kg diet, treatments denoted as E30 and E110, respectively) for 14 days in November. The TCP content was raised substantially in the kidneys and reduced in the livers of minks in the E110 group. The action of the 2 vitamin E doses on antioxidants was similar. The treatments resulted in lower hepatic and kidney retinol levels and hepatic and skeletal muscle SOD, as well as hepatic CAT activities, higher heart SOD activity, and higher kidney GSH content in comparison to the control group. The present results show that dietary vitamin E intake over 2 weeks considerably changed the TCP status of the liver and kidneys and had tissue-specific action on measured antioxidants in minks. With the exception of the heart SOD activity, the additional intake of vitamin E reduced antioxidant enzyme activity and augmented the GSH level, indicating an enhancement in the nonenzymatic part of the antioxidant network.
A Mechanistic Review of β-Carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin in Eye Health and Disease

Carotenoids are natural lipid-soluble antioxidants abundantly found as colorful pigments in fruits and vegetables. At least 600 carotenoids occur naturally, although about 20 of them, including β-carotene, α-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin, are detectable in the human blood. They have distinct physiological and pathophysiological functions ranging from fetal development to adult homeostasis. β-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A that essentially functions in many biological processes including vision. The human macula lutea and eye lens are rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, collectively known as macular xanthophylls, which help maintain eye health and prevent ophthalmic diseases. Ocular carotenoids absorb light from the visible region (400–500 nm wavelength), enabling them to protect the retina and lens from potential photochemical damage induced by light exposure. These natural antioxidants also aid in quenching free radicals produced by complex physiological reactions and, consequently, protect the eye from oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. This review discusses the protective mechanisms of macular xanthophylls in preventing eye diseases such as cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Moreover, some preclinical animal studies and some clinical trials are discussed briefly to understand carotenoid safety and efficacy.
Population coding in the cerebellum: a machine learning perspective.

The cerebellum resembles a feedforward, three-layer network of neurons in which the "hidden layer" consists of Purkinje cells (P-cells), and the output layer consists of deep cerebellar nucleus (DCN) neurons. In this analogy, the output of each DCN neuron is a prediction that is compared to the actual observation, resulting in an error signal that originates in the inferior olive. Efficient learning requires that the error signal reach the DCN neurons, as well as the P-cells that project onto them. However, this basic rule of learning is violated in the cerebellum: the olivary projections to the DCN are weak, particularly in adulthood. Instead, an extraordinarily strong signal is sent from the olive to the P-cells, producing complex spikes. Curiously, P-cells are grouped into small populations that converge onto single DCN neurons. Why are the P-cells organized in this way, and what is the membership criterion of each population? Here, I apply elementary mathematics from machine learning and consider the fact that P-cells that form a population exhibit a special property: they can synchronize their complex spikes, which in turn suppress activity of DCN neuron they project to. Thus, complex spikes can not only act as a teaching signal for a P-cell, but through complex spike synchrony a P-cell population may act as a surrogate teacher for the DCN neuron that produced the erroneous output. It appears that grouping of P-cells into small populations that share a preference for error satisfies a critical requirement of efficient learning: providing error information to the output layer neuron (DCN) that was responsible for the error, as well as the hidden layer neurons (P-cells) that contributed to it. This population coding may account for several remarkable features of behavior during learning, including multiple timescales, protection from erasure, and spontaneous recovery of memory.