Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Roles of microRNAs in Cancer Multidrug Resistance

Simple Summary The resistance of neoplastic cells to multiple drugs is a serious problem in cancer chemotherapy. The molecular causes of multidrug resistance in cancer are largely known, but less is known about the mechanisms by which cells deliver phenotypic changes that resist the attack of anticancer drugs. The findings of RNA interference based on microRNAs represented a breakthrough in biology and pointed to the possibility of sensitive and targeted regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Such regulation is also involved in the development of multidrug resistance in cancer. The aim of the current paper is to summarize the available knowledge on the role of microRNAs in resistance to multiple cancer drugs. Abstract Cancer chemotherapy may induce a multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype. The development of MDR is based on various molecular causes, of which the following are very common: induction of ABC transporter expression; induction/activation of drug-metabolizing enzymes; alteration of the expression/function of apoptosis-related proteins; changes in cell cycle checkpoints; elevated DNA repair mechanisms. Although these mechanisms of MDR are well described, information on their molecular interaction in overall multidrug resistance is still lacking. MicroRNA (miRNA) expression and subsequent RNA interference are candidates that could be important players in the interplay of MDR mechanisms. The regulation of post-transcriptional processes in the proteosynthetic pathway is considered to be a major function of miRNAs. Due to their complementarity, they are able to bind to target mRNAs, which prevents the mRNAs from interacting effectively with the ribosome, and subsequent degradation of the mRNAs can occur. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the possible role of miRNAs in the molecular mechanisms that lead to MDR. The possibility of considering miRNAs as either specific effectors or interesting targets for cancer therapy is also analyzed.
Synthesis, Characterization and Host-Guest Complexation of Asplatin: Improved In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Biocompatibility as Compared to Cisplatin

Para-sulfocalix[n]arenes are promising host molecules that can accommodate various chemotherapeutic drugs. Pt(IV)-based complexes, including satraplatin and asplatin, are promising alternatives that overcome the shortcomings of Pt(II) complexes. In this study, asplatin has been synthesized by fusing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and cisplatin. Furthermore, it has been characterized using 1H NMR, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and UHPLC. A host-guest complex of asplatin and p-sulfocalix[4]arene (PSC4) has been developed and characterized using UV, Job’s plot analysis, HPLC, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The experimental and computational investigations propose that a 1:1 complex between asplatin and PSC4 is formed. The stability constant of the designed complex has been determined using Job’s plot and UHPLC and computed to be 9.1 × 104 M–1 and 8.7 × 104 M−1, which corresponds to a free energy of complexation of −6.8 kcal mol–1, while the calculated value for the inclusion free energy is −13.2 kcal mol−1. Both experimentally and theoretically estimated complexation free energy show that a stable host-guest complex can be formed in solution. The in vitro drug release study displayed the ability of the complex to release its cargo at a cancerous pH (pH of 5.5). Additionally, the asplatin/PSC4 complex is shown to be biocompatible when tested on human skin fibroblast noncancerous cells, demonstrating the highest in vitro cytotoxic activity against (MCF-7), cervical (HeLa), and lung cancer cells (A-549), with IC50 values of 0.75, 2.15, and 3.60 µg/mL, respectively. This is as compared to either cisplatin (IC50 of 5.47, 5.94 and 9.61 µg/mL, respectively) or asplatin (IC50 of 1.54, 5.05 and 3.91 µg/mL, respectively). On the other hand, the free asplatin exhibited higher cytotoxicity on cancerous cells and lower toxicity on noncancerous cells. The outcomes of the present joint theoretical and experimental investigation reinforce the interest in platinum-based anticancer therapeutics when they are protected from undesired interactions and suggest the use of the PSC4 macromolecule as a promising carrier for Pt(IV) anticancer drugs. The formed asplatin/PSC4 inclusion complex may represent an effective chemotherapeutic agent.
Vesicoscopic Cross-Trigonal Ureteral Reimplantation for Vesicoureteral Reflux: Intermediate Results

For the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux, the introduction of vesicoscopic procedures offers new perspectives for improving patient comfort and quality. Our aim was to examine whether minimally invasive vesicoscopic cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation (VCUR) would meet expectations. Between 2012 and 2021, 99 girls and 35 boys with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) underwent VCUR. For two boys, we failed to establish the pneumovesicum, leading to conversion to open surgery. The mean age was 4.5 years, ranging from 10 months to 18 years. VCUR was successfully performed in 132 patients, including 75 patients with bilateral VUR and 12 children with double ureters with unilateral or bilateral VUR, corresponding to a total of 229 operated ureters. The mean time of operation was 151 min for all patients. There were no perioperative complications, with the exception of three cases of pneumoperitoneum without consequences. Postoperatively, we recognized three cases of acute hydronephrosis, two of them required transient drainage. Three patients developed extravasation of urine after the postoperative removal of the transurethral catheter, rapidly resolved by new drainage. In two patients, we combined VCUR with laparoscopic heminephrectomy and opposite laparoscopic nephrectomy, respectively. Overall, mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.2 days. We observed recurrent VUR in seven ureters, resulting in a success rate for VCUR of 96.9%. These results demonstrate the feasibility of VCUR and its potential to displace open surgery with high safety and wide applicability.
Fermentation Technology using Phanerochaete chrysosporium to Improve the Quality of Nutrition of Pod Coffe as Ruminant Feed

This study was carried out to assess the effect of solid state fermentation by using P. chrysosporium on nutrient composition of pod coffee and to evaluate its potency as ruminant feed in vitro. The in vitro experiment was conducted to determine fermentability of treated pod coffee. Fermented pod coffee by P. chrysosporium 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 % (R0 to R4). Pod coffee were air dried to moisture content of 10%-15% and then fermented with P. chrysosporium. The solid state fermentation trials were carried out on a laboratory scale. The result of this studi were fermentation of pod coffee by P. chrysosporium increased protein from 10.36% to 12.64%, and cellulose from 18.51% to 23.80%, and decreased lignin, from 64.42% to 44.04%, tannin from 1.02% to 0.18%, and caffeine from 1.39% to 0.20%. There were no differences in ruminal pH and N-ammonia production but volatile fatty acid production and dry matter digestibility decreased as the fermented of pod coffee level increased. The ruminal protozoa population in fermented of pod coffee diets was lower than the control diets (P<0.05). Conclusion in this study that fermented of pod coffee with P. chrysosporium can increase protein and cellulose concentration, but decrease lignin, tannin, and caffeine concentration.
First Report of Epimeletic and Acoustic Behavior in Mediterranean Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Carrying Dead Calves

Simple Summary Death-related behaviors have been often observed in cetaceans, frequently with a female caregiver (presumed mother) supporting a dead calf by carrying, lifting, or sinking it, generally accompanied by other escorting individuals. However, how cetaceans experience death and if their behavior could be compared to human grieving is still largely unknown, as well as their acoustic production in such contexts. This report describes two cases of an adult common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) supporting a dead newborn and associated acoustic behavior in the Tiber River estuary area (Rome, Mediterranean Sea, Italy). In both cases, a main supporter (putative mother) was observed interacting with the carcass of a newborn by lifting (case 1) and sinking it (case 2), always escorted by another adult individual. Several vocalizations were recorded, including a signature whistle (a tonal sound with a repeated, stereotyped, individual-specific frequency modulation pattern) in the first case, likely emitted by the putative mother to seek aid from other individuals. This result appears reasonable since bottlenose dolphins are a highly vocal species, that communicates mainly through acoustic signals. These observations confirm the occurrence of death-related supportive behavior in bottlenose dolphins and report a preliminary description of associated vocalizations, providing additional information on this largely unknown topic. Abstract Epimeletic behavior toward dead calves has been frequently reported in cetaceans, mostly with females (presumed mothers) showing supportive behaviors such as carrying, lifting, or sinking, often assisted by “escort” individuals. However, information on acoustic production in such contexts is scarce. This report describes two observations of epimeletic behavior toward dead newborns in bottlenose dolphins and associated acoustic production. Data were collected at the Tiber River estuary (Rome, Mediterranean Sea, Italy) with one hydrophone for passive acoustic monitoring and two digital cameras. In both cases, an individual (presumed mother) acting as the main supporter and directly interacting with the carcass by lifting it (case 1) or sinking it (case 2) was observed. Another adult individual (escort) was present in both encounters showing standing-by and excitement behaviors (case 1) and supportive behavior (case 2). In both encounters, whistles, pulsed sounds, and bray-call elements were recorded. The consistent vocal activity observed likely conveyed context-specific information. A signature whistle in the first encounter was also recorded, likely emitted by the putative mother as a distress call. This report confirms the occurrence of epimeletic behavior in bottlenose dolphins and reports a preliminary description of the acoustic production when a dead calf is involved, providing additional information on this largely unknown topic.
Factors affecting the length of stay and hospital readmission rates after an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are often readmitted to hospital for treatment due to an acute exacerbation of the disease. However, there are few up-to-date studies investigating the lengths of stay and risk factors for readmission after an acute exacerbation of COPD. This study evaluated the length of stay in patients with an acute exacerbation of COPD and the factors that influenced their readmission. Methods A search of the PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Weipu databases, carried out using the following search terms: airflow limitation, airway disease, airway obstruction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, length of stay and influencing factors, long-term oxygen therapy, lung disease, readmission, and respiratory system disease. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of the retrieved studies, and a network meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.20. Results Collectively, they included information on the length of stay for 630 patients who had been readmitted to hospital after an acute exacerbation of COPD (the readmitted group) and information on 688 patients who had not been readmitted (the non-readmitted group). Meta-analysis results showed that there was no difference in patient anxiety [risk ratio (RR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70–2.14] or long-term oxygen therapy (RR 1.91, 95% CI: 0.98–3.73) between the readmitted group and the non-readmitted group. However, there was a significant difference between the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) predicted value [mean difference (MD) −5.85, 95% CI: −11.14 to −0.57] and the global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) classification (C or D) (RR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.05–2.47). Discussion In summary, no significant relationship was found between patient state of anxiety, long-term oxygen therapy, length of hospital stay, and readmission rate after an acute exacerbation of COPD. However, FEV1 predicted values and GOLD classifications (C or D) had an impact on the length of hospital stay and readmission rate after acute exacerbation of COPD. Larger samples, multiple centers, and further research are needed to confirm the findings of this research.
Comparison of SYNTAX and Gensini Scores in the Decision of Surgery or Percutaneous Revascularization in Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction: Many scoring systems have been developed to determine the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with multi-vessel disease. The most widely used of these are Synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with Taxus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) and Gensini scoring. Gensini scoring system can successfully show coronary plaque burden. In our study, we aimed to test the predictive power of SYNTAX and Gensini scores for surgical or percutaneous intervention decisions made by the cardiac team in patients with three-vessel disease. Methods: A total of 476 patients without ST-elevation myocardial infarction with the three-vessel disease were included in the study. SYNTAX and Gensini scores of the patients were calculated from their coronary angiographies. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-curve) analysis was performed using both scores. Results: Both the SYNTAX score and Gensini score were able to predict heart team decisions (AUC: 0.759, 0.680; p<0.001). Diabetes and smoking were more common in patients who were decided to have surgery (p<0.001). Conclusion: In the light of our study results, the decisions to be made with the SYNTAX score will be closer to the decisions of the heart team than the Gensini score.
A Machine Learning Approach to Minimize Nocturnal Hypoglycemic Events in Type 1 Diabetic Patients under Multiple Doses of Insulin

Nocturnal hypoglycemia (NH) is one of the most challenging events for multiple dose insulin therapy (MDI) in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The goal of this study is to design a method to reduce the incidence of NH in people with T1D under MDI therapy, providing a decision-support system and improving confidence toward self-management of the disease considering the dataset used by Bertachi et al. Different machine learning (ML) algorithms, data sources, optimization metrics and mitigation measures to predict and avoid NH events have been studied. In addition, we have designed population and personalized models and studied the generalizability of the models and the influence of physical activity (PA) on them. Obtaining 30 g of rescue carbohydrates (CHO) is the optimal value for preventing NH, so it can be asserted that this is the value with which the time under 70 mg/dL decreases the most, with almost a 35% reduction, while increasing the time in the target range by 1.3%. This study supports the feasibility of using ML techniques to address the prediction of NH in patients with T1D under MDI therapy, using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and a PA tracker. The results obtained prove that BG predictions can not only be critical in achieving safer diabetes management, but also assist physicians and patients to make better and safer decisions regarding insulin therapy and their day-to-day lives.
Tetraphenylethene Derivatives Modulate the RNA Hairpin‐G‐Quadruplex Conformational Equilibria in Proto‐oncogenes **

RNA G‐quadruplex (GQs) sequences in 5′‐UTRs of certain proto‐oncogenes co‐localize with hairpin (Hp) forming sequences resulting in intramolecular Hp‐GQ conformational equilibria, which is suggested to regulate cancer development and progression. Thus, regulation of Hp‐GQ equilibria with small molecules is an attractive but less explored therapeutic approach. Herein, two tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivatives, TPE−Py and TPE‐MePy, were synthesized and their effect on Hp‐GQ equilibrium was explored. FRET, CD and molecular docking experiments suggest that cationic TPE‐MePy shifts the Hp‐GQ equilibrium significantly towards the GQ conformer mainly through π‐π stacking and van der Waals interactions. In the presence of TPE‐MePy, the observed rate constant values for first and second folding steps were increased up to 14.6 and 2.6‐fold, respectively. The FRET melting assay showed a strong stabilizing ability of TPE‐MePy (ΔTm=4.36 °C). Notably, the unmethylated derivative TPE−Py did not alter the Hp‐GQ equilibrium. Subsequently, luciferase assay analysis demonstrated that the TPE‐MePy derivatives suppressed the translation efficiency by ∼5.7‐fold by shifting the Hp‐GQ equilibrium toward GQ conformers in the 5’‐UTR of TRF2. Our data suggests that HpGQ equilibria could be selectively targeted with small molecules to modulate translation for therapy.
Fear and Loathing or Strategic Priming? Unveiling the Audience in Duterte's Crime Rhetoric

Abstract This paper examines speechmaking on a contentious policy by arguably one of the most controversial figures to have assumed the Philippine presidency. Drawing on quantitative textual approaches on a corpus of 845 presidential speeches delivered between June 2016 and July 2020, we provide evidence that Rodrigo Duterte's evocative utterances against drug lords and criminals are not just deliberate illocutionary acts intended to court public support, but also priming tactics aimed towards a politically and economically significant audience whose acquiescence gives symbolic legitimacy to a controversial anti-crime policy. Using quantitative textual approaches and econometric analysis, we find that violent-crime rhetoric is more likely to accompany public pronouncements made before a political audience consisting of law enforcement authorities and government officials, as well as an economic audience made up of business chambers, overseas Filipino workers, and labor groups. Overall, the findings nuance an image of Duterte beyond that of a penal populist.
Thermal Conductivity and Thermal Diffusivity of Talc at High Temperature and Pressure With Implications for the Thermal Structure of Subduction Zones

The thermal conductivity ( κ $\kappa $ ) and thermal diffusivity ( D $D$ ) of talc have been measured over a range of temperature (298–1,373 K) and pressure (0.5–3.0 GPa) conditions using the transient plane‐source method. The results show that both the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity are dependent upon the prevailing temperature and pressure conditions to a certain extent. As the temperature and pressure increase, the thermal diffusivity monotonically decreases, while the thermal conductivity initially decreases between 298 and 973 K and then increases from 973 to 1,173 K. At low temperatures, phonon scattering is the dominant mechanism for heat transfer; at higher temperatures, photon radiation and dehydration become more prevalent. At temperatures greater than 1,173 K, the thermal conductivity decreases significantly due to aqueous liquid accumulation. Talc may be the cause of the high geothermal gradient in the hot subduction zone.
Review of fundamental properties and topics of model predictive control for nonlinear systems

With the successful applications of model predictive control for linear systems,predictive control for nonlinear models(NMPC) has received wide attention and achieved rich results in the last two decades.Based on the fundamental principle and characteristics of NMPC,the state of the art of NMPC is reviewed from the topics of feasibility,stability,robustness,optimization solution to regions of attraction,respectively.Open problems concerning NMPC are also discussed.
Disability and fieldwork: A personal reflection

This short Note offers a personal reflection about disability and fieldwork. It is not about how my disability, a long-term neurological condition, has affected my fieldwork. Rather, it is a series of thoughts about how my mobility issues might impact on my future fieldwork, but not only in a negative sense. The Note primarily discusses some of the ways that, potentially, my disability – which has changed how I interact with the world around me – might actually enhance my research and help to take it in new directions. I wrote the Note primarily for myself and for other researchers with disabilities, whether visible or hidden.
Infiltration of Portuguese cobblestone pavements – An exploratory assessment using a double-ring infiltrometer

Abstract The present study aims to evaluate small-scale infiltration losses of Portuguese cobblestone pavements. This type of pavement consists of rectangular hand-cut natural stones, mainly limestone, with different sizes and it is the most usual type of pavement for sidewalks and squares in Portuguese villages and cities. Portuguese cobblestone pavement can also be seen in several urban environments worldwide. A double-ring infiltrometer under constant and falling head was used for the field research work. Portuguese cobblestone pavements with small and coarse blocks were studied. The latter yield lower infiltration rates when compared to the former. The results show that, despite the block size, Portuguese cobblestone pavement contribute to reduce runoff, when compared with other impervious urban pavements.
Materialism, conspicuous consumption, and brand engagement in self-concept: a study of teenagers

BACKGROUND Contemporary adolescents, also known as Generation Z, are an important group of consumers due to the role they play in today’s economy. The present study investigates the relationship between materialism and brand engagement in self-concept (BESC) and whether conspicuous consumption is a mediator of this relationship in early, middle, and late adolescence. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE The participants were 581 students from Poland, aged 13 to 17 (M = 15 years, SD = 1.42); 51.6% of them were girls. Data were gathered using a demographic information form, the Youth Materialism Scale, the Conspicuous Consumption Scale, and a BESC Scale, completed during personal interviews. RESULTS The study indicated an association of higher materialism and higher conspicuous consumption with a higher level of BESC, where conspicuous consumption acts as a mediator of the correlation between materialism and BESC. Age also moderates this mediation, i.e., the older the teenagers are, the weaker is the analyzed mediation effect. CONCLUSIONS The research is part of an essential step in understanding the mechanism of BESC by testing a moderated mediation model in teenagers.