Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating the impact of telomere dysfunction on the chronic lymphocytic leukaemia genome

Short dysfunctional telomeres can result in chromosome fusions that drive genomic rearrangements and ultimately malignant progression. In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), telomere length (TL) is a powerful predictor of patient survival. The aim of this project is to understand the role that telomere dysfunction plays in driving the evolution of the CLL genome. Telomere fusions were detected in 71% of 276 CLL patients with short telomeres (TL 4.20x10-5/diploid genome), 914 telomere fusions were characterised using Illumina HiSeq paired-end sequencing. In addition to intra- and inter-chromosomal recombinations, telomere fusions with non-telomeric loci were detected, including the ancestral telomere at Chr2q13, mitochondrial DNA, and loci associated with copy number aberrations in CLL. Telomere fusions also incorporated genes expressed in CLL-B lymphocytes and other oncogenes, suggesting that active chromatin is more prone to damage and aberrant repair. These events were potentially mediated by A-NHEJ that requires microhomology. Translocations involving hTERT, proximal to the 5p telomere, have previously been detected in CLL and associated with telomerase upregulation. In this study, 5p telomere fusions were identified in 22.6% patient samples and 172 fusion events that involved 5p were characterised, which may explain mechanisms of telomerase reactivation in cancer. Surprisingly, 67% of the 9 patients presented bimodal TL distributions compared to the overall cohort (4% of 276), consistent with intra-tumour heterogeneity, which was confirmed for one patient. For this patient with indolent disease, chromosomal rearrangements were detected, in addition to a novel mutation in REV3L implicated in translesion synthesis that may negatively impact cancer cells fitness and be a potential therapeutic target. This study shows that telomere dysfunction in CLL initiates genome-wide instability providing a source for genetic variability that allows intra-tumour heterogeneity and tumour progression. However, therapeutically-exploiting this instability could prove beneficial for patient outcome.
First record of mermithid larva (Nematoda: Mermithidae) in Anopheles maculipennis complex (Diptera: Culicidae) imago in Central-Europe

Abstract Between 2012 and 2014, in the sub-regions of Lake Balaton (Hungary) and the adjacent swamp called Kis-Balaton having stocks of biting mosquito species with large number of specimens, we regularly performed imago collections. In the pooled samples which were collected by aspirator and contained 6,906 adult insects, a nematode infected specimen was detected. The only worm in the abdomen of the female Anopheles maculipennis complex was proved to be a larval mermithid by its morphology but in consequence of the weak morphological characters more detailed identification was not possible. To avoid destroying this evidentiary specimen no DNA extraction has been performed from it so far. This finding proves that it is worth to inspect not only the larvae but also the adult mosquitoes for the presence of mermithids. In Europe, parasites belonging to the Mermithidae family have been found in biting mosquitoes only in Northern Europe. These larvae were detected in Finland, Norway, Sweden and in Denmark. This is the first mosquito-parasitic mermithid recorded from Central Europe.
Compound’s Pre-Screening of Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri and Centella asiatica Extracts

Spectral fluorescence signature, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for identification of chemical and bioactive compounds were applied to study the plant extracts of Withania somnifera, Centella asiatica and Bacopa monnieri which are related to the possible treatment of mental diseases as Alzheimer, Parkinson and Depression. These plants are known for different positive phytotherapeutic effects on the human brain without negative post-, adverse or after effects to the treated individuals, and have been recommended in several medical studies. Therefore, we selected these plants for further analysis, based on the inhibition results of in vitro Amyloid Beta fibrillation tests made by previous measurements. With this study a first screening of the complex plant extract mixtures was performed, to get an initial overview about known and unknown ingredients. In all three plants, similar main compounds were identified, however in different quality and quantity. These may provide substantial information on which compound combinations might be mainly responsible for the positive effects and should be further investigated being responsible for reducing the fibrillation process of Amyloid Beta.
Clinically Important sex differences in GBM biology revealed by analysis of male and female imaging, transcriptome and survival data

Sex differences in the incidence and outcome of human disease are broadly recognized but in most cases not adequately understood to enable sex-specific approaches to treatment. Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common malignant brain tumor, provides a case in point. Despite well-established differences in incidence, and emerging indications of differences in outcome, there are few insights that distinguish male and female GBM at the molecular level, or allow specific targeting of these biological differences. Here, using a quantitative imaging-based measure of response, we found that temozolomide chemotherapy is more effective in female compared to male GBM patients. We then applied a novel computational algorithm to linked GBM transcriptome and outcome data, and identified novel sex-specific molecular subtypes of GBM in which cell cycle and integrin signaling were identified as the critical determinants of survival for male and female patients, respectively. The clinical utility of cell cycle and integrin signaling pathway signatures was further established through correlations between gene expression and in vitro chemotherapy sensitivity in a panel of male and female patient-derived GBM cell lines. Together these results suggest that greater precision in GBM molecular subtyping can be achieved through sex-specific analyses, and that improved outcome for all patients might be accomplished via tailoring treatment to sex differences in molecular mechanisms. One Sentence Summary Male and female glioblastoma are biologically distinct and maximal chances for cure may require sex-specific approaches to treatment.
i Valeriana wallichii i extract inhibits tert-BOOH induced oxidative damage and cytotoxicity

: Oxidative stress is well known to be involved in pathophysiology of several disorders. Valeriana wallichii (VW) root extracts is known for its expedient activities but its antioxidant and cytoprotective efficacy need to be explored further. In present study tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide (tert-BOOH) was used to induce oxidative stress in C6 glioma cells. Antioxidant activity of the VW root extracts were evaluated by chemical assays i.e. DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assay. Further effect of VW on tert-BOOH induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage was studied. Result of present study revealed that exposure of cells to tert-BOOH resulted in increase in cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, super oxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. On the other hand, pretreatment of cells with VW extracts ameliorated these damaging effects. Additionally, HPLC analysis revealed hesperidin as an active ingredient and concentration of heavy metal was found within the maximum permissible limits prescribed by WHO. In conclusion present study revealed the antioxidant and cytoprotective property of VW against oxidative stress.
Structure of the Ecuadorian forearc from the joint inversion of receiver functions and ambient noise surface waves

The Ecuadorian forearc is a complex region of accreted terranes with a history of largemegathrust earthquakes. Most recently, aMw7.8 megathrust earthquake ruptured the plateboundary offshore of Pedernales, Ecuador on 16 April 2016. Following this event, an inter-national collaboration arranged by the Instituto Geofisico at the Escuela Polit ecnica Nacionalmobilized a rapid deployment of 65 seismic instruments along the Ecuadorian forearc. Wecombine this new seismic data set with 14 permanent stations from the Ecuadorian nationalnetwork to better understand how variations in crustal structure relate to regional seismichazards along the margin. Here, we present receiver function adaptive common conversionpoint stacks and a shear velocity model derived from the joint inversion of receiver functionsand surface wave dispersion data obtained through ambient noise cross-correlations for theupper 50 km of the forearc. Beneath the forearc crust, we observe an eastward dipping slowvelocity anomaly we interpret as subducting oceanic crust, which shallows near the projectedcentre of the subducting Carnegie Ridge. We also observe a strong shallow positive conversionin the Ecuadorian forearc near the Borbon Basin indicating a major discontinuity at a depth of∼7 km. This conversion is not ubiquitous and may be the top of the accreted terranes. We alsoobserve significant north–south changes in shear wave velocity. The velocity changes indicatevariations in the accreted terranes and may indicate an increased amount of hydration beneaththe Manab i Basin. This change in structure also correlates geographically with the southernrupture limit of multiple high magnitude megathrust earthquakes. The earthquake record alongthe Ecuadorian trench shows that no event with aMw>7.4 has ruptured south of∼0.5◦Sinsouthern Ecuador or northern Peru. Our observations, along with previous studies, suggestthat variations in the forearc crustal structure and subducting oceanic crust may influance theoccurrence and spatial distribution of high magnitude seismicity in the region.
Anti-proliferation and apoptosis effects of Camellia nitidissima C. W. Chi extract on A549 lung cancer cells

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Camellia nitidissima C. W. Chi extract (CNCE) on apoptosis and proliferation in A549 human lung cancer cells.Methods: Inverted microscope was used to examine morphological changes in A549 cells after exposure to CNCE. Trypan blue staining of living cells was applied to construct the cell growth curve after treatment with varying concentrations of CNCE. The influence of CNCE on cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle were determined by MTT assay. The protein expressions of key apoptosisrelated enzymes were evaluated by immuno-cytochemical method.Results: CNCE inhibited the growth of A549 lung cancer cells at the concentration range of 20 - 160 μg/mL. Flow cytometry showed that CNCE induced apoptosis in the A549 cells. The proportion of cells in G0/G1-phase increased significantly (p < 0.01), while the proportion of cells in S-phase and G2/Mphase decreased correspondingly, indicating that the cells were in G0/G1-phase arrest. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis-inducing effect gradually increased with increase in CNCE concentration. With increasing concentrations of CNCE, there were significant increases in the expressions of caspase-3 (p < 0.05), caspase-8 (p < 0.01) and caspase-9 (p < 0.05), and significant decreases in Ki-67 (p < 0.01) and p21 ras protein (p < 0.01). Conclusion: CNCE exerts significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells, and therefore can potentially be developed for the treatment of lung cancer.Keywords: Camellia nitidissima, Antitumor activity, Lung cancer, Apoptosis, Cell cycle arrest, Caspase
Silicon‐mediated resistance against specialist insects in sap‐sucking and leaf‐chewing guilds in the Si non‐accumulator collard

Soil amendment with Silicon (Si) can increase plant resistance against insect herbivores, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The mechanical resistance hypothesis (MRH) states that Si accumulated in epidermal cells directly and passively protects against herbivores by creating a mechanical barrier. The physiological resistance hypothesis (PRH) states that Si enhances resistance by activating plant biochemical and physiological processes. We tested both hypotheses by manipulating Si fertilization of the Si non‐accumulator collard, Brassica oleracea L. cv. acephala (Brassicaceae). Then, we assessed functional and ultrastructural plant responses and the developmental and reproductive performance of the leaf‐chewing larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), and the sap‐sucking cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae). There was a 20% increase in leaf Si content. Silicon deposition in epidermal cells was identified by confocal microscopy and directly coincided with lower performance of P. xylostella, but did not affect B. brassicae. On the other hand, we found no unequivocal evidence that Si‐mediated changes in primary and secondary metabolism improved plant resistance against the insects. Negative mechanical effects of Si on the insects may have masked beneficial effects of increased water, nitrogen, and mineral contents in Si‐treated collards. Silicon did not change leaf contents of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. Although Si‐mediated increases in leaf glucosinolates (GLS) correlated with lower larval performance and higher oviposition preference of P. xylostella, both P. xylostella and B. brassicae are highly specialized in overcoming such secondary metabolites. Thus, mechanical resistance may have impaired P. xylostella, rather than the Si‐mediated increase in GLS. We suggest that the PRH may depend on the degree of insect feeding specialization, so that toxic Si‐mediated defenses may be more efficient against unadapted polyphagous herbivores. For them, a toxic barrier may be added to the mechanical resistance.
Improved Estimates of Changes in Upper Ocean Salinity and the Hydrological Cycle

Ocean salinity records the hydrological cycle and its changes, but data scarcity and the large changes in sampling make the reconstructions of long-term salinity changes challenging. Here, we present a new observational estimate of changes in ocean salinity since 1960 from the surface to 2000 m. We overcome some of the inconsistencies present in existing salinity reconstructions by using an interpolation technique that uses information on the spatiotemporal covariability of salinity taken from model simulations. The interpolation technique is comprehensively evaluated using recent Argo-dominated observations through subsample tests. The new product strengthens previous findings that ocean surface and subsurface salinity contrasts have increased (i.e., the existing salinity pattern has amplified). We quantify this contrast by assessing the difference between the salinity in regions of high and low salinity averaged over the top 2000 m, a metric we refer to as SC2000. The increase in SC2000 is highly distinguishable from the sampling error and less affected by interannual variability and sampling error than if this metric was computed just for the surface. SC2000 increased by 1.9% ± 0.6% from 1960 to 1990 and by 3.3% ± 0.4% from 1991 to 2017 (5.2% ± 0.4% for 1960–2017), indicating an acceleration of the pattern amplification in recent decades. Combining this estimate with model simulations, we show that the change in SC2000 since 1960 emerges clearly as an anthropogenic signal from the natural variability. Based on the salinity-contrast metrics and model simulations, we find a water cycle amplification of 2.6% ± 4.4% K−1since 1960, with the larger error than salinity metric mainly being due to model uncertainty.
Deceptive transparency and masked discourses in Ponzi schemes: a critical discourse analysis of MMM Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study examines specifically, the mission statement and ideology as discursive practices of the Mavrodi Mondial Moneybox (MMM) Ponzi scheme. As the demand for transparency in governance, public and private practices increase, there is also a rising proliferation of counter forms of transparency in financial sectors. While studies have focused on the practices of transparency in the reports of public and private institutions, very little attention has been paid to the perils of transparency in mission statements of online scam practices such as Ponzi schemes that parade as transparent financial schemes. Using a critical discourse analytic approach, this study investigates Ponzi schemes in Nigeria and their ideology of a ‘transparent economic system’. These schemes claim to operate a mutual benefit fund for the poor and discourage individuals from investing in banks. The critical discourse analysis draws attention to masked discourses of MMM and examines how the transparent discourse of the MMM generally constitutes deceptive discourse. The findings of the study reveal that factual and political arguments and propagandas are strategies of negative other representation that attempt to discredit the government and other legitimate financial institutions and at the same time attempt to control the mind of the participants by presenting the schemes as reliable thereby defrauding their victims.
The Comparative Efficacy of Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Povidone-iodine Antiseptics for the Prevention of Infection in Clean Surgery

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: There is uncertainty around preoperative skin antisepsis in clean surgery. Network meta-analysis provides more precise estimates than standard pairwise meta-analysis and can rank interventions by efficacy, to better inform clinical decisions. Background: Infection is the most common and costly complication of surgery. The relative efficacy of CHG and PVI based skin antiseptics in clean surgery remains unclear. Methods: We searched for randomized or nonrandomized studies comparing the effect of different preparations of CHG and PVI on the dichotomous outcome of surgical site infection. We included studies of adults undergoing clean surgery. We excluded studies concerning indwelling vascular catheters, blood sampling, combination antiseptics or sequential applications of different antiseptics. We performed a network meta-analysis to estimate the relative efficacy of interventions using relative risks (RR). Results: We included 17 studies comparing 5 antiseptics in 14,593 individuals. The overall rate of surgical site infection was 3%. Alcoholic CHG 4%–5% was ranked as the most effective antiseptic as it halved the risk of surgical site infection when compared to aqueous PVI [RR 0.49 (95% confidence interval 0.24, 1.02)] and also to alcoholic PVI, although uncertainty was larger [RR 0.51 (95% confidence interval 0.21, 1.27)]. Adverse events related to antiseptic application were only observed with patients exposed to PVI. Conclusions: Alcoholic formulations of 4%–5% CHG seem to be safe and twice as effective as PVI (alcoholic or aqueous solutions) in preventing infection after clean surgery in adults. Our findings concur with the literature on contaminated and clean-contaminated surgery, and endorse guidelines worldwide which advocate the use of alcoholic CHG for preoperative skin antisepsis. Registration: PROSPERO ID CRD42018113001.
Forecasting the combined effects of climate and land use change on Mexican bats

Climate and land use change are among the most important threatening processes driving biodiversity loss, especially in the tropics. Although the potential impacts of each threat have been widely studied in isolation, few studies have assessed the impacts of climate and land cover change in combination. Here, we evaluate the exposure of a large mammalian clade, bats, to multiple scenarios of environmental change and dispersal to understand potential consequences for biodiversity conservation.
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: A SCALE DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF COVENANT UNIVERSITY, OTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

This research paper presents a reconceptualization operational efficiency construct within an institution context, specifically, in the Nigerian higher educational Institution-University. The research applied a single case study of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. This study used a multi-stage development of scale process where on an online survey. Seven dimensions were identified: teaching, research and publication, recruitment and selection, community service, technology, training and development and effective communication. The study provides evidence of the scale’s reliability and validity. The scale proposes a new approach to measure, evaluate operational efficiency within the higher educational institution, and shows the need to go beyond the traditional approach to efficiency.
Vison-generated photon mass in quantum spin ice: A theoretical framework

Describing experimental signatures of quantum spin ice has been the focus of many theoretical efforts, as definitive experimental verification of this candidate quantum spin liquid is yet to be achieved. Gapped excitations known as visons have largely eluded those efforts. We provide a theoretical framework, which captures their dynamics and predicts new signatures in the magnetic response. We achieve this by studying the ring-exchange Hamiltonian of quantum spin ice in the large-$s$ approximation, taking into account the compact nature of the emergent $U(1)$ gauge theory. We find the stationary solutions of the action -- the instantons -- which correspond to visons tunneling between lattice sites. By integrating out the instantons, we calculate the effective vison Hamiltonian, including their mass. We show that in the ground state virtual vison pairs simply renormalise the speed of light. At low temperatures, however, thermally activated visons form a Debye plasma and introduce a mass gap in the photon spectrum, equal to the plasma frequency, which we calculate as a function of temperature. We demonstrate that this dynamical mass gap should be visible in energy-resolved neutron scattering spectra but not in the energy-integrated ones. We also show that it does not lead to confinement of static spinons.
Augmented Reality Powers a Cognitive Prosthesis for the Blind

To restore vision for the blind several prosthetic approaches have been explored that convey raw images to the brain. So far these schemes all suffer from a lack of bandwidth and the extensive training required to interpret unusual stimuli. Here we present an alternate approach that restores vision at the cognitive level, bypassing the need to convey sensory data. A wearable computer captures video and other data, extracts the important scene knowledge, and conveys that through auditory augmented reality. This system supports many aspects of visual cognition: from obstacle avoidance to formation and recall of spatial memories, to long-range navigation. Neither training nor modification of the physical environment are required: Blind subjects can navigate an unfamiliar multi-story building on their first attempt. The combination of unprecedented computing power in wearable devices with augmented reality technology promises a new era of non-invasive prostheses that are limited only by software. Impact Statement A non-invasive prosthesis for blind people endows objects in the environment with voices, allowing a user to explore the scene, localize objects, and navigate through a building with minimal training.