Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Evolutionary History of Glycosyltransferase Genes

In the past few years, rapid advances have been made in sequencing the genomic DNA of human, Caenorhabditis elegans, and so on. As a result, a large number of novel glycosyltransferase genes have been discovered from those genome sequences. How did they increase their family members during the genome evolution? To presume the evolutionary pathway of glycosyltransferases, we have used the molecular evolutionary analysis (1). In that study, we conducted molecular evolutionary analyses on 55 glycosyltransferase genes and mainly discussed about glycosyltransferase genes for N- or O-glycan synthesis. The phylogenetic trees showed the glycosyltransferase genes increased their numbers through gene duplications. We also estimated the divergence time of each branch root and suggested that the glycosyltransferase genes increased their numbers through gene duplications and genome duplications. Comparison of evolutionary rates indicated that the glycosyltransferases tend to evolve more slowly than other genes, and the evolutionary rates changed within each of the glycosyltransferase gene families. These results indicate that the increase in glycosyltransferase genes allows the amino acid change and permits, the creation of the variety of specific activity of the enzyme. Here, we would like to introduce the essence of the evolutionary history of glycosyltransferase genes.
MiR-155-5p promotes renal interstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy via inhibiting SIRT1 signaling pathway

Abstract Protection against renal fibrosis is important for the management of obstructive nephropathy. We researched the roles and possible mechanism of miR-155-5p in renal interstitial fibrosis, which may provide a potential endogenous target for renal interstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy. Herein, NRK-49F cells were transfected with miR-155-5p mimic, miR-155-5p inhibitor, SIRT1 plasmid and/or SIRT1 siRNA. The unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model was built with male C57 black mice and administrated with SRT1720 by tail vein injection. Levels of miR-155-5p, SIRT1 and relative proteins (TGF-β1, α-SMA, Collage I and fibronectin) in NRK-49F cells or mice kidney tissues were measured with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. The target gene of miR-155-5p was analyzed through TargetScan and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Mice kidney tissue was stained with Masson trichrome. It was found that miR-155-5p overexpression promoted the expressions of fibroblast related proteins expression and inhibited the SIRT1 expression in NRK-49F cells, while miR-155-5p silencing had an opposite effect. SIRT1 can bind with miR-155-5p. MiR-155-5p inhibited the level of SIRT1. Fibroblast related proteins were up-regulated by miR-155-5p and down-regulated by SIRT1 in NRK-49F cells, while the up-regulatory effect of miR-155-5p was reversed by SIRT1. MiR-155-5p expression was up-regulated and SIRT1 expression was down-regulated in the kidney tissue of UUO mice. SRT1720 attenuated the fiber deposition, up-regulated SIRT1 level and down-regulated the levels of fibroblast related proteins in UUO model mice. To conclude, miR-155-5p promotes renal interstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy via inhibiting SIRT1 signaling pathway.
Surgical repair for post-tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis

Aim Post-tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis is rare but one of the most dangerous complications of tracheobronchial tuberculosis. Balloon dilatation, stent insertion, laser photoresection, argon plasma coagulation, and cryotherapy are some of the initial treatments recommended for mild to moderate cases. Here, we report a case series of patients who underwent segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis for bronchial stenosis and a sliding technique for severe and long-segment tracheal stenosis. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with post-tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis operated on in our thoracic surgery department. Of the 7 cases that were treated, two had severe tracheal stenosis stretching over 50% of the tracheal length, one was operated on using resection and end-to-end anastomosis, and the other had sliding tracheoplasty. The other 5 cases of bronchial stem stenosis were treated with segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis. Results All five patients with bronchial stenosis had a good outcome; the ipsilateral lung was well ventilated and respiratory function was good. One patient with tracheal stenosis, treated with segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis, died after the surgery, and the other patient, treated with slide tracheoplasty, had a good recovery. Conclusion The treatment plan for patients with post-tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis should be on a patient-by-patient basis. Sliding tracheoplasty can be a treatment option in patients with long-segment tracheal stenosis.
The Significance of Territory Size and Quality in the Mating Strategy of the Splendid Fairy-Wren

The role of territory in the splendid fairy-wren Malurus splendens was analysed using data from a long-term study of a wild population in which pairs were socially monogamous, even though more often than not mating was promiscuous. Territory sizes varied both between family groups and within groups from 1 year to the next. Variation between groups was related to habitat quality, while variation within groups was related to the number of males in the group. Large territories shared common boundaries with more neighbours than did small territories. The reproductive success of the group was positively related to both territory size and territory quality, although these variables had no effect on the survival of breeding females or adult males. It is suggested that the frequency of extra-pair copulation (promiscuity) is a function of the age and status of the male, where a male can enhance his status by (i) acquiring his own territory and social partner, (ii) producing helpers who assist him by supplementing his parental and territorial duties and by helping to expand his territory, thereby (iii) allowing him the opportunity to gain access to females outside his group. This results in a variable mating strategy where young males, typically with small territories and no helpers, practise sexual monogamy, despite a high likelihood of cuckoldry, while older males, with large territories and many helpers, are promiscuous. It is suggested that females maintain permanent social pairings because (i) this provides the safety of permanent territory with exclusive use of resources for building nests and raising offspring, (ii) it provides at least one permanent assistant in raising offspring, and (iii) it provides a focal point where she can be found by the most competent neighbouring males. This allows the breeding female the choice of better matings than might be provided by her social partner.
Intensified Downstream Processing of Monoclonal Antibodies Using Membrane Technology

The need to intensify downstream processing of monoclonal antibodies to complement the advances in upstream productivity has led to increased attention toward implementing membrane technologies. With the industry moving toward continuous operations and single use processes, membrane technologies show promise in fulfilling the industry needs due to their operational flexibility and ease of implementation. Recently, the applicability of membrane‐based unit operations in integrating the downstream process has been explored. In this article, the major developments in the application of membrane‐based technologies in the bioprocessing of monoclonal antibodies are reviewed. The recent progress toward developing intensified end‐to‐end bioprocesses and the critical role membrane technology will play in achieving this goal are focused upon.
Structures of five salt forms of disulfonated monoazo dyes

The structures of five s-block metal salt forms of three disulfonated monoazo dyes are presented. The coordination behaviour of the azo ligands and the water ligands, the dimensionality of the coordination polymers and the overall packing motifs of these five structures are contrasted to those of monosulfonate monoazo congers. It is found that two of the compounds adopt similar structural types to those of monosulfonate species but that the other three structures do not.
Broad-Spectrum Preclinical Antitumor Activity of Chrysin: Current Trends and Future Perspectives

Pharmacological profile of phytochemicals has attracted much attention to their use in disease therapy. Since cancer is a major problem for public health with high mortality and morbidity worldwide, experiments have focused on revealing the anti-tumor activity of natural products. Flavonoids comprise a large family of natural products with different categories. Chrysin is a hydroxylated flavonoid belonging to the flavone category. Chrysin has demonstrated great potential in treating different disorders, due to possessing biological and therapeutic activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, etc. Over recent years, the anti-tumor activity of chrysin has been investigated, and in the present review, we provide a mechanistic discussion of the inhibitory effect of chrysin on proliferation and invasion of different cancer cells. Molecular pathways, such as Notch1, microRNAs, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), PI3K/Akt, MAPK, etc., as targets of chrysin are discussed. The efficiency of chrysin in promoting anti-tumor activity of chemotherapeutic agents and suppressing drug resistance is described. Moreover, poor bioavailability, as one of the drawbacks of chrysin, is improved using various nanocarriers, such as micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, etc. This updated review will provide a direction for further studies in evaluating the anti-tumor activity of chrysin.
Analytical and clinical validation of pairwise microRNA expression analysis to identify medullary thyroid cancer in thyroid fine‐needle aspiration samples

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an aggressive malignancy originating from the parafollicular C cells. Preoperatively, thyroid nodule fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and pathogenic gene mutations are definitive in approximately one‐half of cases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, noncoding, single‐stranded RNAs that regulate gene expression, a characteristic that confers the potential for identifying malignancy. In the current study, the authors hypothesized that differential pairwise (diff‐pair) analysis of miRNA expression levels would reliably identify MTC in FNA samples.
Microbuckling Instability and the Second Yield during the Deformation of Semicrystalline Polyethylene

Deformation instabilities, such as microbuckling or lamellar fragmentation due to slip localization, play a very important role in the deformation of semicrystalline polymers, although it still not well explored. Such instabilities often appear necessary to modify the deformation path and facilitate strain accommodation in an energy-minimizing manner. In this work, microbuckling instability was investigated using partially oriented, injection-molded (IM) samples of high-density polyethylene, deformed by a plane-strain compression. Deformed samples were probed by SEM, X-ray (small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering: SAXS, WAXS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that microbuckling instability, followed quickly by the formation of lamellar kinks, occurred in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) at a true strain of about e = 0.3–0.4, mainly in those lamellar stacks which were initially oriented parallel to the compression direction. This phenomenon was observed with scanning electron microscopy, especially in the oriented skin layers of IM specimens, where a chevron morphology resulting from lamellae microbuckling/kinking was evidenced. Macroscopically, this instability manifested as the so-called “second macroscopic yield” in the form of a hump in the true stress–true strain curve. Microbuckling instability can have a profound effect on the subsequent stages of the deformation process, as well as the resulting structure. This is particularly important in deforming well-oriented lamellar structures—e.g., in drawing pre-oriented films of a semicrystalline polymer, a process commonly used in many technologies.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease Among Young Adults: Report From a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Working Group

Abstract Improvements in cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates among young adults in the past 2 decades have been offset by increasing racial/ethnic and gender disparities, persistence of unhealthy lifestyle habits, overweight and obesity, and other CVD risk factors. To enhance the promotion of cardiovascular health among young adults 18 to 39 years old, the medical and broader public health community must understand the biological, interpersonal, and behavioral features of this life stage. Therefore, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, with support from the Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research, convened a 2‐day workshop in Bethesda, Maryland, in September 2017 to identify research challenges and opportunities related to the cardiovascular health of young adults. The current generation of young adults live in an environment undergoing substantial economic, social, and technological transformations, differentiating them from prior research cohorts of young adults. Although the accumulation of clinical and behavioral risk factors for CVD begins early in life, and research suggests early risk is an important determinant of future events, few trials have studied prevention and treatment of CVD in participants <40 years old. Building an evidence base for CVD prevention in this population will require the engagement of young adults, who are often disconnected from the healthcare system and may not prioritize long‐term health. These changes demand a repositioning of existing evidence‐based treatments to accommodate new sociotechnical contexts. In this article, the authors review the recent literature and current research opportunities to advance the cardiovascular health of today's young adults.
After-Action Reviews and Long-Term Performance: An Experimental Examination in the Context of an Emergency Simulation

Objective The present study examined the effectiveness of after-action reviews (AARs; also known as debriefing) in mitigating skill decay. Background Research on the long-term effectiveness of AARs is meager. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted an experimental study that also overcomes some research design issues that characterize the limited extant research. Method Eighty-four participants were randomly assigned to an AAR or non-AAR condition and trained to operate a PC-based fire emergency simulator. During the initial acquisition phase, individuals in the AAR condition were allowed to review their performance after each practice session, whereas individuals in the non-AAR condition completed a filler task. About 12 weeks later, participants returned to the lab to complete four additional practice sessions using a similar scenario (i.e., the retention and reacquisition phase). Results The performance of participants in the AAR condition degraded more after nonuse but also recovered faster than the performance of participants in the non-AAR condition, although these effects were fairly small and not statistically significant. Conclusion Consistent with the limited research on the long-term effectiveness of AARs, our findings failed to support their effectiveness as a decay-prevention intervention. Because the present study was conducted in a laboratory setting using a relatively small sample of undergraduate students, additional research is warranted. Application Based on the results of the present study, we suggest some additional strategies that trainers might consider to support long-term skill retention when using AARs.
Nature and Strength of Lewis Acid/Base Interaction in Boron and Nitrogen Trihalides

Abstract We have quantum chemically investigated the bonding between archetypical Lewis acids and bases. Our state‐of‐the‐art computations on the X3B−NY3 Lewis pairs have revealed the origin behind the systematic increase in B−N bond strength as X and Y are varied from F to Cl, Br, I, H. For H3B−NY3, the bonding trend is driven by the commonly accepted mechanism of donor−acceptor [HOMO(base)−LUMO(acid)] interaction. Interestingly, for X3B−NH3, the bonding mechanism is determined by the energy required to deform the BX3 to the pyramidal geometry it adopts in the adduct. Thus, Lewis acids that can more easily pyramidalize form stronger bonds with Lewis bases. The decrease in the strain energy of pyramidalization on going from BF3 to BI3 is directly caused by the weakening of the B−X bond strength, which stems primarily from the bonding in the plane of the molecule (σ‐like) and not in the π system, at variance with the currently accepted mechanism.
Additive Effect of Platelet Rich Fibrin with Coronally Advanced Flap Procedure in Root Coverage of Miller’s Class I and II Recession Defects—A PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the additive effect of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedures in root coverage of Miller’s class I and II gingival recession defects. Review methodology: A comprehensive search in MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus and CENTRAL (the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), along with an additional hand search, provided eight randomized clinical trials to be included in this review. A total of 167 patients with 470 gingival recession defects were analyzed. A meta-analysis was carried out to assess the change in gingival thickness (GT), width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), root coverage percentage (%RC), clinical attachment level (CAL) and recession depth (RD) at all follow-ups between CAF alone and CAF + L-PRF groups for all included studies. A subgroup analysis was carried out based on recession type (single/multiple). Results: Overall, a significant improvement in GT, CAL and RD was found when treated with CAF + L-PRF. There was a trend for a positive effect in terms of an increase in WKG when using L-PRF, especially in the treatment of single recession, though significance was not achieved (p = 0.08 overall). The results of heterogeneity among the subgroups were varied and were found to be greater than 91.3% for GT and 32.8% for WKG. Conclusion: L-PRF when used in addition to CAF showed favorable results for the treatment of class I and II gingival recession defects.
Delivery Systems for RNA Interference Therapy: Current Technologies and Limitations.

In recent years, RNA interference technology has been extensively studied for its therapeutic potential against a wide variety of diseases. It aims to silence the expression of undesired genes associated with the target disease by administration of RNA interference agents. However, these agents (nucleic acids) are unstable in the circulatory system and lack target specificity. Drug delivery systems are therefore crucial for successful practice of the technique. A wide array of delivery systems has been developed to conquer these challenges, such as viral vectors, inorganic drug carriers, polymeric carriers and lipid-based carriers, with, however, significant limitations. In addition to the existing technologies, novel, innovative drug delivery systems, such as the configurable xenobot, are emerging in a rapid pace and have the potential to take the realm of biomedicine to the next level. This review summarizes technical difficulties in development of drug delivery systems and current technologies developed for delivering RNAi agents with a discussion on their limitations.
Management of the aortic root in type A aortic dissection: A valve sparing approach

Type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) is rapidly fatal without emergency repair. Surgical outcomes have improved over the years with improvements in technique and postoperative care. Classically, supracomissural aortic replacement has been the standard of care. However, reintervention rates, particularly on the aortic root in certain groups of patients, shifted the focus towards improving long‐term results of surgical repair. With regard to the aortic root, root replacement has been the gold standard. However, the surgical community realized that valve replacement in itself is a disease, and valve sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) took center stage in the care of these patients.
Evaluation of hyaluronic acid nanoparticle embedded chitosan–gelatin hydrogels for antibiotic release

The development of chitosan–gelatin (CS‐G) hydrogels embedded with ampicillin‐loaded hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (HA‐NPs) for wound dressing is proposed. It was aimed to provide controlled ampicillin delivery by incorporation of HA‐NPs into biocompatible CS‐G hydrogel structure. According to in vitro ampicillin release studies, 55% of ampicillin was released from CS‐G/HA‐NPs hydrogels after 5 days. Antibacterial performance of CS‐G/HA‐NPs hydrogels was proven with agar disc diffusion test. For cytotoxicity assay, fibroblast cell viability increased in CS‐G/HA‐NPs hydrogels compared with CS‐G group after 24 hr incubation. Consequently, the potential ability of CS‐G/HA‐NPs hydrogels as a controlled drug delivery system has been verified.
Individual differences in causal structures inferred during feature negative learning

Traditional associative learning theories predict that training with feature negative (A+/AB-) contingencies leads to the feature B acquiring negative associative strength and becoming a conditioned inhibitor (i.e., prevention learning). However, feature negative training can sometimes result in negative occasion setting, where B modulates the effect of A. Other studies suggest that participants learn about configurations of cues rather than their individual elements. In this study, we administered simultaneous feature negative training to participants in an allergist causal learning task and tested whether evidence for these three types of learning (prevention, modulation, configural) could be captured via self-report in the absence of any procedural manipulation. Across two experiments, we show that only a small subset of participants endorse the prevention option, suggesting that traditional associative models that predict conditioned inhibition do not completely capture how humans learn about negative contingencies. We also show that the degree of transfer in a summation test corresponds to the implied causal structure underlying conditioned inhibition, occasion-setting, and configural learning, and that participants are only partially sensitive to explicit hints about causal structure. We conclude that feature negative training is an ambiguous causal scenario that reveals individual differences in the representation of inhibitory associations, potentially explaining the modest group-level inhibitory effects often found in humans.
Grapevine Girdling by Morphactin in Oil

Morphactin in spray oil and butanol as emulsifier applied to the bark of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) trunks caused girdling effects. Treatment of ‘Thompson Seedless’ after fruit set increased berry size and treatment of ‘Perlette’ and ‘Muscat of Hamburg’ before harvest advanced maturation. A comparison between chemical and mechanical girdling showed that the former was somewhat less effective than the latter.