Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is plastidic glutamine synthetase essential for C3 plants? A tale of photorespiratory mutants, ammonium tolerance and conifers

Summary Agriculture faces the considerable challenge of having to adapt to a progressively changing climate (including the increase in CO2 levels and temperatures); environmental impact must be reduced while at the same time crop yields need to be maintained or increased to ensure food security. Under this scenario, increasing plants’ nitrogen (N) use efficiency and minimizing the energy losses associated with photorespiration are two goals of crop breeding that are long sought after. The plastidic glutamine synthetase (GS2) enzyme stands at the crossroads of N assimilation and photorespiration, and is therefore a key candidate for the improvement of crop performance. The GS2 enzyme has long been considered essential for angiosperm survival under photorespiratory conditions. Surprisingly, in Arabidopsis GS2 is not essential for plant survival, and its absence confers tolerance towards ammonium stress, which is in conflict with the idea that NH4 + accumulation is one of the main causes of ammonium stress. Altogether, it appears that the ‘textbook’ view of this enzyme must be revisited, especially regarding the degree to which it is essential for plant growth under photorespiratory conditions, and the role of NH4 + assimilation during ammonium stress. In this article we open the debate on whether more or less GS2 is a desirable trait for plant productivity.
Omaveloxolone attenuates squamous cell carcinoma growth and disease severity in an Epidermolysis Bullosa mouse model

Patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) are susceptible to development of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) at sites of chronic inflammation and fibrosis. While triterpenoids such as RTA 408 (Omaveloxolone) have been shown to reduce inflammation and inhibit tumour growth in various cancer models, the utility of this class of drugs in the treatment of SCC has not been investigated. Given the dual anti‐inflammatory and anti‐neoplastic properties of triterpenoids, we hypothesized RTA 408 would be an effective treatment for SCCs that arise in the chronic inflammatory setting in EB. We tested the effects of topical RTA 408 on a mouse model of non‐Herlitz, junctional EB. RTA 408 significantly reduced phenotypic severity in the affected ears of Lamc2jeb mice. In cultures, RTA 408 reduced cell viability in EB‐associated SCC cell lines and normal human epidermal keratinocytes. When administered in vivo, RTA 408 inhibited SCC tumour growth in mice without cutaneous or systemic toxicity. These results suggest that RTA 408 can be a promising new therapy to reduce inflammation and inhibit SCC growth in patients with EB.
Influence of water hardness on zinc toxicity in Daphnia magna

Zinc is an essential trace metal required for the maintenance of multiple physiological functions. Due to this, organisms can experience both zinc deficiency and toxicity. Hardness is recognized as one of the main modifying physiochemical factors regulating zinc bioavailability. Therefore, the present study analyzed the effect of hardness on zinc toxicity using Daphnia magna. Endpoint parameters were acute‐toxicity, development, reproduction, and expression data for genes involved in metal regulation and oxidative stress. In addition, the temporal expression profiles of genes during the initiation of reproduction and molting were investigated. Water hardness influenced the survival in response to exposures to zinc. A zinc concentration of 50 μg/l in soft water (50 mg CaCO3/L) caused 73% mortality after 96 h exposure, whereas the same zinc concentration in the hardest water did not cause any significant mortality. Moreover, increasing water hardness from 100 to 200 mg CaCO3/L resulted in a reduced number of offspring. Fecundity was higher at first brood for groups exposed to higher Zn concentrations. The survival data were used to assess the precision of the bioavailability models (Bio‐met) and the geochemical model (Visual MINTEQ). As the Bio‐met risk predictions overestimated the Zn toxicity, a competition‐based model to describe the effects of hardness on zinc toxicity is proposed. This approach can be used to minimize differences in setting environmental quality standards. Moreover, gene expression data showed that using the toxicogenomic approach was more sensitive than the physiological endpoints. Therefore, data presented in the study can be used to improve risk assessment for zinc toxicity.
Reliability modelling and assessment of electric motor driven systems in hydrocarbon industries

Reliability is a significant performance index for any electrical equipment in the industry, especially for electric motor driven (EMD) systems. Modelling the reliability of an EMD system is a difficult and challenging task. However, based on field data, the dominant failure modes of some motor system parts can be used to develop a simple and credible reliability model. This study proposes a failure rate prediction model for an EMD system that is currently in use in hydrocarbon industries. In addition, a fault tree model was designed to identify the root causes of the failures and the failure mechanism of the most dominates failure modes in EMD systems. To accomplish the study's objectives, an existing failure databank of over 100 failures of EMD systems was collected and surveyed from the field. The historical information and failure rate models that were collected for the electric motors are investigated and used to model the prediction model of the EMD system. Three competing failure modes were found to dominate motor life: bearing failures, winding failures and shaft failures. A mathematical model for each of these failure modes with dominant variables is developed, and a risk failure model is established.
Aloe vera and artemisia vulgaris hydrogels: exploring the toxic effects of structural transformation of the biocompatible materials

Abstract Objectives This study was aimed to evaluate the toxicity profile of hydrogels of plant-derived mucilage from Aloe vera and Artemisia vulgaris used for various drug delivery applications, yet no such toxicity study has been reported for the toxicity evaluation of 3 D structures. New Drug carriers should be harmless for drug delivery applications. Methods Acute and sub-acute (repeated dose) oral toxicity studies were conducted following OECD 407 and 425 guidelines. In vitro toxicity through hemolysis and MTT assay were checked against RBC’s and human macrophages respectively. Results The hemolysis and MTT assay showed good compatibility of hydrogels with blood components. Mutagenicity testing showed no genotoxic effects of hydrogels. In vivo toxicity evaluation was done in female albino rats and rabbits. General behavior, adverse effects, clinical signs and symptoms, and mortality were recorded for 14 days post-treatment which showed no significant (p < 005) abnormality. Hematological and biochemical parameters including LFTs and RFTs appeared to be normal with slight variations in the treated groups. The normal architecture of kidney, liver, heart and intestine was evident upon histopathological analyses. Conclusion Hence, the results suggested that the 3 D structure of Aloe vera and Artemisia vulgaris based hydrogels are safe upon ingestion and can be used for drug delivery science being cheap, natural and biocompatible.
Three-dimensional Changes of Maxillary Alveolar Morphology After Using Modified Nasoalveolar Molding in Patients with Complete Unilateral Cleft lip and Palate

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the three-dimensional changes in maxillary alveolar morphology after using modified NAM in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. Design This is a retrospective study. Setting The study was carried out in the dental hospital, Faculty of Dentistry of Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, which serves as a tertiary care center. Patients The population sample consisted of 19 patients with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. Intervention All patients received the modified NAM treatment based on the treatment protocol of the Naresuan University Cleft and Craniofacial Center, Thailand. Main Outcome Measure Dental models obtained at pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1) were scanned to construct the digital models. The maxillary digital models that showed dimensional changes between T0 and T1 were measured using a computer graphic software. Results The modified NAM resulted in a significant decrease in the anterior cleft width, posterior cleft width, and anterior arch width. Conversely, it caused a significant increase in the length of the lesser cleft segment and the greater segment rotation. However, the change in the height of both segments and posterior arch width was not found to be significant. Conclusions The modified NAM was an effective device for reducing the alveolar cleft width while improving the alignment of alveolar cleft segments.
PENGARUH PEMBERIAN PUPUK KANDANG AYAM DAN ZAT PENGATUR TUMBUH GIBERELIN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN BIBIT KOPI ARABIKA (Coffea arabica L.)

This Researh aims to determine the effect of chicken manure and plant growth regulator of giberelin and good dose on the growth coffee arabika seeds. Research was conducted at the experimental farm of Agriculture Faculty, University of Riau from May to August 2014. This research utilized Split Plot Design, consist of 2 factors. The first factor, consentration of plant growth regulator as main plot were: without plant growth regulator, consentration 20 ppm and consentration 60 ppm. The second factor, chicken manure as sub plot were: without chicken manure, chiken manure 15 g/plant (10 ton/ha), chicken manure 22.5 g/plant (15 ton/ha), chicken manure 30 g/plant (20 ton/ha). The treatment with 3 replications and every replication with 3 units seeds so obtained 108 units experiment. Parameters observed were the increase of seeds height, leaves number, total wide of leaves seeds, root volume and root crown ratio. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The data obtained were further tested by Least Significant Diference (LSD) at the level 5 %. Based on the result it can be concluded that is not apparent after a statistical analysis on the parameters except the total wide of leaves seeds. Giving chicken manure at the dose of 30 g/plant (20 ton/ha) and plant growth regulator of giberelin 60 ppm has not followed the maximum result in all parameters tested. Keywords : chicken manure, plant growth regulator, giberelin, coffee arabica
Financial status and literacy among residents and medical students

Background There is a wide perception of physicians as having minimal financial literacy, and this assumption is perpetuated through the community as the “Dumb Doctor” persona relating to financial management. This study examined medical student and resident financial behaviors and assessed their level of financial literacy using previously validated questions within the survey tool. Methods Two surveys were distributed to medical students and residents, 1 survey each, who are part of a single medical education system. After the initial email request, 2 additional email requests were sent at 2 and 6 weeks. Using the validated questions, “The Big 3” and “The Big 5,” the level of financial literacy was assessed. Results Of the 461 possible respondents, 261 trainees responded with 65 residents and 196 medical students, for a response rate of 57%. Financial literacy was demonstrated to be higher than the average adult with 60% answering all 3 of “Big 3” correctly, compared to national average of 30%. Investment-based questions were the most difficult with 16% correct for bond price activity and 70% for stock risk. There is high level of interest with 93% open to education on financial topics. Conclusion This study showed that this cohort of medical trainees demonstrated better financial habits and a very high level of financial literacy compared to the general population. There are areas surrounding investment principles that provide an opportunity to improve their financial literacy and would likely be well received based on the high level of interest for more education.
Self‐esteem development during the transition to work: A 14‐year longitudinal study from adolescence to young adulthood

Abstract Introduction Previous studies examined the trajectory of self‐esteem during critical developmental periods and over the life‐span. However, little is known about how self‐esteem changes during the school‐to‐work transition. Method We examined the effect of beginning a job for the first time on self‐esteem development, using data from 368 adolescents assessed up to six times across a 14‐year time span. Specifically, we analyzed the pattern of self‐esteem change during the transition to work and whether the self‐esteem trajectory varied as a function of several school‐ and job‐related variables, while controlling for important covariates. Results Results revealed linear increases in self‐esteem across the 14‐year study period, with partial support that the rate of increase slowed slightly after the school‐to‐work transition. We found significantly greater variability in the slopes after the transition, supporting the idea that people differ in the way they cope with the developmental tasks associated with important life transitions. We also found evidence for an interaction between college graduation and educational expectations, such that the positive effect of college graduation on self‐esteem change was stronger for those who graduated with low (vs. high) educational expectations. Conclusion School‐to‐work transition has an effect on self‐esteem development. Developmental processes of findings were discussed.
Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic surgery for synchronous primary rectal and prostate cancer: Initial case series

Few studies have reported the simultaneous resection of synchronous rectal and prostate cancers. Here, we report five patients undergoing simultaneous robotic‐assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) for synchronous rectal and prostate cancer. Rectal cancer operative procedures were high anterior (n =1), intersphincteric (n =2), or abdominoperineal (n =2) resection, followed by radical prostatectomy with vesico‐urethral anastomosis. There were no conversions to open surgery, with R0 resection achieved for all rectal cancer cases. The median operative time was 629 (range, 431–764) minutes, and the median estimated blood loss was 100 (range, 20–345) mL. There was one case of colorectal anastomotic leakage requiring covering ileostomy, and two cases of vesico‐urethral anastomotic leakage requiring Foley catheter reinsertion. Ileostomies were finally closed in all patients. Pad‐free or safety‐pad usage for post‐surgical urinary incontinence at 6 and 12 months was 3/5 and 5/5, respectively. Simultaneous RALS for synchronous rectal and prostate cancer may offer a safe and feasible approach in selected patients.
Synchronous tonsillar tumors with differing histopathology: A case report and review of the literature

Tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has seen a dramatic increase in recent years. Bilateral tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (biTSCC) has a much lower incidence than unilateral TSCC and three main hypotheses of biTSCC pathogenesis prevail: field carcinogenesis, single‐clone, and multiple HPV infections.
Sedation-analgesia techniques for nonoperating room anesthesia: an update

Purpose of review There has been a substantial increase in nonoperating room anesthesia procedures over the years along with an increase in the complexity and severity of cases. These procedures pose unique challenges for anesthesia providers requiring meticulous planning and attention to detail. Advancements in the delivery of sedation and analgesia in this setting will help anesthesia providers navigate these challenges and improve patient safety and outcomes. Recent findings There has been a renewed interest in the development of newer sedative and analgesic drugs and delivery systems that can safely provide anesthesia care in challenging situations and circumstances. Summary Delivery of anesthesia care in nonoperating room locations is associated with significant challenges. The advent of sedative and analgesic drugs that can be safely used in situations where monitoring capabilities are limited in conjunction with delivery systems, that can incorporate unique patient characteristics and ensure the safe delivery of these drugs, has the potential to improve patient safety and outcomes. Further research is needed in these areas to develop newer drugs and delivery systems.
Gamma‐band neural coupling during conceptual alignment

Conceptual alignment is a prerequisite for mutual understanding. However, little is known about the neurophysiological brain‐to‐brain underpinning during conceptual alignment for mutual understanding. Here, we recorded multi‐channel electroencephalogram (EEG) simultaneously from two participants in Experiment 1 and adopted the dual‐tACS techniques in Experiment 2 to investigate the underlying brain‐to‐brain EEG coupling during conceptual alignment and the possible enhancement effect. Our results showed that 1) higher phase‐locking value (PLV), a sensitive measure for quantifying neural coupling strength between EEG signals, at the gamma frequency band (28–40 Hz), was observed in the left temporoparietal site (left TP) area between successful versus unsuccessful conceptual alignment. The left TP gamma coupling strength correlated with the accuracy of conceptual alignment and differentiated whether subjects belonged to the SUCCESS or FAILURE groups in our study. 2) In‐phase gamma‐band transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) over the left TP area increased the accuracy of subjects in the SUCCESS group but not the FAILURE group. 3) The effect of perspective‐taking on the accuracy was mediated by the gamma coupling strength within the left TP area. Our results support the role of gamma‐band coupling between brains for interpersonal conceptual alignment. We provide dynamic interpersonal neurophysiological insights into the formation of successful communication.
A Reusable Multiplayer Game for Promoting Active School Transport: Development Study

Background Most children and adolescents in Sweden do not meet the recommended daily physical activity levels of the World Health Organization. Active school transport (AST) and gamification are potential methods for increasing children’s daily physical activity. We previously developed a game named Tic-Tac-Training for promoting active transport at workplaces; however, the game has not been applied to AST. Objective The objectives of this study are to investigate how Tic-Tac-Training functions to promote AST among schoolchildren in northern Sweden, improve the game to be more suitable for schoolchildren, and construct a road map for future development based on children’s ideas. Methods First, we developed Tic-Tac-Training using the Scrum agile software development method. Second, we conducted a questionnaire-based formative evaluation of the game with schoolchildren (n=16; 9/16, 56% male; 6/16, 38% female; and 1/16, 6% other aged 11-12 years) in Luleå, Sweden. Third, we conducted focus group interviews with 33 children (13/33, 39% male and 20/33, 61% female aged 12-13 years) to gather ideas for gamifying AST. We mapped the interview results to the Octalysis gamification framework and established a road map for future development. Results The formative evaluation revealed several issues, including a lack of interesting game features, lack of support for continuous engagement, disliked competitive features, and lack of incentives for discourse and participation. New features such as rewards, collectibles, and levels were implemented based on the results. The focus group interviews revealed additional ideas for gamifying AST, such as using avatars, in-game currency and trading, and context-sensitive tasks. Conclusions The results have several potential impacts on how reusable, gamified AST interventions can be developed and what kind of gamification elements schoolchildren in northern Sweden wish to see. These results can interest game researchers and teachers who wish to apply gamification in school contexts. Finally, we aim to continue developing the game based on the road map.
Production of Plant Proteases and New Biotechnological Applications: An Updated Review

Abstract An updated review of emerging plant proteases with potential biotechnological application is presented. Plant proteases show comparable or even greater performance than animal or microbial proteases for by‐product valorization through hydrolysis for, for example, cheese whey, bird feathers, collagen, keratinous materials, gelatin, fish protein, and soy protein. Active biopeptides can be obtained as high added value products, which have shown numerous beneficial effects on human health. Plant proteases can also be used for wastewater treatment. The production of new plant proteases is encouraged for the following advantages: low cost of isolation using simple procedures, remarkable stability over a wide range of operating conditions (temperature, pH, salinity, and organic solvents), substantial affinity to a broad variety of substrates, and possibility of immobilization. Vegetable proteases have enormous application potential for the valorization of industrial waste and its conversion into products with high added value through low‐cost processes.
The needs of a synapse—How local organelles serve synaptic proteostasis

Synaptic function crucially relies on the constant supply and removal of neuronal membranes. The morphological complexity of neurons poses a significant challenge for neuronal protein transport since the machineries for protein synthesis and degradation are mainly localized in the cell soma. In response to this unique challenge, local micro‐secretory systems have evolved that are adapted to the requirements of neuronal membrane protein proteostasis. However, our knowledge of how neuronal proteins are synthesized, trafficked to membranes, and eventually replaced and degraded remains scarce. Here, we review recent insights into membrane trafficking at synaptic sites and into the contribution of local organelles and micro‐secretory pathways to synaptic function. We describe the role of endoplasmic reticulum specializations in neurons, Golgi‐related organelles, and protein complexes like retromer in the synthesis and trafficking of synaptic transmembrane proteins. We discuss the contribution of autophagy and of proteasome‐mediated and endo‐lysosomal degradation to presynaptic proteostasis and synaptic function, as well as nondegradative roles of autophagosomes and lysosomes in signaling and synapse remodeling. We conclude that the complexity of neuronal cyto‐architecture necessitates long‐distance protein transport that combines degradation with signaling functions.
Transcriptional responses of Aurantiochytrium limacinum under light conditions

Astaxanthin‐producing protist Aurantiochytrium limacinum can accumulate higher amounts of astaxanthin under light conditions; however, little is known about the impact of light exposure on its metabolism. Here, we investigated the transcriptional profile of A. limacinum under light conditions.