Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EPR Study of KO2 as a Source of Superoxide and •BMPO-OH/OOH Radical That Cleaves Plasmid DNA and Detects Radical Interaction with H2S and Se-Derivatives

Superoxide radical anion (O2•−) and its derivatives regulate numerous physiological and pathological processes, which are extensively studied. The aim of our work was to utilize KO2 as a source of O2•− and the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin trapping 5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (BMPO) technique for the preparation of •BMPO-OOH and/or •BMPO-OH radicals in water solution without DMSO. The method distinguishes the interactions of various compounds with •BMPO-OOH and/or •BMPO-OH radicals over time. Here, we show that the addition of a buffered BMPO-HCl mixture to powdered KO2 formed relatively stable •BMPO-OOH and •BMPO-OH radicals and H2O2, where the •BMPO-OOH/OH ratio depended on the pH. At a final pH of ~6.5–8.0, the concentration of •BMPO-OOH radicals was ≥20 times higher than that of •BMPO-OH, whereas at pH 9.0–10.0, the •BMPO-OH radicals prevailed. The •BMPO-OOH/OH radicals effectively cleaved the plasmid DNA. H2S decreased the concentration of •BMPO-OOH/OH radicals, whereas the selenium derivatives 1-methyl-4-(3-(phenylselanyl) propyl) piperazine and 1-methyl-4-(4-(phenylselanyl) butyl) piperazine increased the proportion of •BMPO-OH over the •BMPO-OOH radicals. In conclusion, the presented approach of using KO2 as a source of O2•−/H2O2 and EPR spin trap BMPO for the preparation of •BMPO-OOH/OH radicals in a physiological solution could be useful to study the biological effects of radicals and their interactions with compounds.
The Role of Heart Rate, Body Temperature, and Respiratory Rate in Predicting Anastomotic Leakage following Surgery for Rectal Cancer

Objective To explore the value of the heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate in the early prediction of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery. Methods Clinical data from patients with rectal cancer who underwent anterior rectal resection in the Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, from January 2017 to December 2019 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Based on the occurrence of anastomotic leakage after surgery, the patients were divided into two groups: those with and without anastomotic leakage. The quantitative values of the heart rate, body temperature, and respiration rate at day 7 postsurgery were compared between the two groups. The ROC curve was used to analyze their role in the early prediction of anastomotic leakage. Results Among 441 patients with rectal cancer, 30 (6.81%) had clinical anastomotic leakage and were diagnosed at 7 ± 3 days postsurgery. Within 7 days postsurgery, the heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate in the anastomotic leakage group were higher than those in the nonanastomotic leakage group. The differences in heart rate (1-5 d), body temperature (2-7 d), and respiratory rate (1-7 d) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The three ROC curves were drawn, respectively. The predictive value of the heart rate is greatest at days 2-3 postsurgery. The predictive value of the body temperature is greatest at days 4-6 postsurgery. The predictive value of the respiratory rate is best at days 1-4 postsurgery. Conclusion The changes of vital signs (heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate) have a certain value in the early prediction of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery. Observation of postoperative vital signs at 7 days postsurgery is helpful for the early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage.
Untangling Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Molecular Peculiarity and Chemo-Resistance: Trailing Towards Marker-Based Targeted Therapies

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, affects nearly 15% of women with breast cancer. To date, the mainstay of treatment remains chemotherapy, with all the associated consequences, such as the significant toxicity and the suboptimal effect on the five-year survival rates. RNA-expression profiling showed that TNBC is biologically a heterogeneous malignancy. Therefore, predictive biomarkers matched with the diverse subtypes of TNBC could classify patients that would most benefit from a certain targeted treatment. Three biomarker-driven therapies are currently available: poly-adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ribose polymerase inhibitors for patients with germline BReast CAncer gene (BRCA) mutations, atezolizumab combined with nab-paclitaxel for patients expressing programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and sacituzumab govitecan, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting human trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP-2). Identifying predictive biomarkers is crucial for the optimum generation and implementation of targeted agents for TNBC, while further relevant treatments are in the pipeline given the promising results in clinical trials. Finally, newly developed immunotherapies and other targeted agents should also be investigated in earlier stages of the disease, especially in the neoadjuvant setting, broadening the therapeutic application of such regimens.
Purple Corn Anthocyanin Affects Lipid Mechanism, Flavor Compound Profiles, and Related Gene Expression of Longissimus Thoracis et Lumborum Muscle in Goats

Simple Summary Natural flavor compounds can stimulate people’s senses of smell and taste; as indicators of food sensory quality, such compounds influence the acceptance by consumers. In addition, natural antioxidants are becoming popular among consumers because they are safe and have no adverse side effects. Purple corn anthocyanins are polyphenolic compounds with natural antioxidant properties that exist widely in nature. Research has shown that anthocyanins can provide extra electrons to the free radicals, preventing lipid oxidation and improving muscle volatile components. However, no information is available concerning the effect of feeding anthocyanin on goat meat volatile compounds. This was the first study to investigate the effects of dietary anthocyanins from purple corn supplementation on lipid mechanism, body composition, volatile compound profiles, and related gene expression in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle of goats. The current study indicates that the consumption of purple corn anthocyanin by growing goats improves mutton flavor by decreasing plasma lipid metabolism parameters and by modulating the abundance of several flavor-related genes in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle. The results will help to understand the mechanism of action of anthocyanins on the flavor compounds, providing the rationale for anthocyanins regulating mutton flavor through related signaling pathways of ruminants in future studies. Abstract The current study aimed to investigate the effect of anthocyanins on muscle flavor compound profiles in goats. Goats in three groups were fed a basic diet or a diet supplemented with 0.5 g/d or 1 g/d anthocyanin-rich purple corn pigment (PCP). Compared to the control group, plasma total cholesterol was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the anthocyanin groups. The feeding of anthocyanin increased (p < 0.05) flavor compound types and total alcohol level, whereas it decreased (p < 0.05) total hydrocarbons, aromatics, esters, and miscellaneous compounds in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (LTL). Adding PCP to the diet enriched (p < 0.05) vegetal, herbaceous, grease, and fruity flavors compared to the control group. The 0.5 g/d PCP group had increased (p < 0.05) abundance of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, but there was a decreased (p < 0.05) level of lipoprotein lipase in LTL. Collectively, this study indicated that anthocyanin can improve mutton flavor by decreasing plasma lipid parameters and by modulating the abundance of several flavor-related genes of goats.
Testing Market Efficiency during COVID-19 Pandemic - A Study of Select Global Indices

Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), one of the profound theories of finance, related to capital markets, has often undergone criticism, yet tested time and again. EMH, states that in an efficient market current prices of securities reflect all publicly available information, and shares are traded at their fair values. Anomalies in information availability are not possible and no individual investor can get superior returns. Hence, prices/stocks move in random, supporting Random Walk Theory. Timing of investment also would not fetch better returns than market returns. Adaptive Market Hypothesis (AMH), contrary to EMH, argues that stock/index returns do not follow a random walk process, rather follow a trend, and predictions can be made concerning stocks ’/index returns. It also asserts that financial markets are neither efficient nor inefficient, but they shift between efficient and inefficient. Thus, markets are adaptive and will have frictions. Further, AMH will also assume that the risk-reward of investors changes over a while, historical prices influence current prices and constant arbitrage opportunities are created.COVID-19 like crisis provided an opportunity to generate excess returns as stocks trading below their fair value. The first corona case was reported in November 2019 and a sharp fall of global markets was witnessed. Though markets recovered from their respective lows, its impact is still being faced across major parts of the globe till early 2021. The present study analyzed the efficiency of 44 world major stock exchanges (Asia-Pacific-17, Europe-16, America-6 & Africa-5) for 15 months (November 2019 to January 2021), and tested whether markets moved randomly or marketed in adaptive nature i.e. whether EMH holds good in conditions like these or does AMH holds good. Results of Hurst exponent & Variance Test ratio to test the proved that markets are adaptive.
Post-Operative Adhesions: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanisms

Post-surgical adhesions are common in almost all surgical areas and are associated with significant rates of morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs, especially when a patient requires repeat operative interventions. Many groups have studied the mechanisms driving post-surgical adhesion formation. Despite continued advancements, we are yet to identify a prevailing mechanism. It is highly likely that post-operative adhesions have a multifactorial etiology. This complex pathophysiology, coupled with our incomplete understanding of the underlying pathways, has resulted in therapeutic options that have failed to demonstrate safety and efficacy on a consistent basis. The translation of findings from basic and preclinical research into robust clinical trials has also remained elusive. Herein, we present and contextualize the latest findings surrounding mechanisms that have been implicated in post-surgical adhesion formation.
Candidate Glaucoma Biomarkers: From Proteins to Metabolites, and the Pitfalls to Clinical Applications

Simple Summary Glaucoma is a devastating eye disease causing progressive vision loss and consequent irreversible blindness. The global prevalence of glaucoma is estimated at 80 million people, with a projected increase in the number of people affected to 112 million by 2040. The clinical diagnosis of glaucoma usually occurs late, by which time up to 40% of neurosensory cells may be lost. There is an overriding need for early diagnosis systems based on the analysis of glaucoma biomarkers. However, plenty of candidate biomarkers have been published to date in humans, without clear clinical translation. In this review, we have summarized the efforts carried out for the discovery of proteomics- and metabolomics-based glaucoma biomarkers in blood, aqueous humor, tears, and ocular tissues from human subjects. The huge amount of data without real clinical application merits a new integrative approach, allowing future diagnostic tests to be based on local and/or systemic biomarkers of glaucoma. Abstract Glaucoma is an insidious group of eye diseases causing degeneration of the optic nerve, progressive loss of vision, and irreversible blindness. The number of people affected by glaucoma is estimated at 80 million in 2021, with 3.5% prevalence in people aged 40–80. The main biomarker and risk factor for the onset and progression of glaucoma is the elevation of intraocular pressure. However, when glaucoma is diagnosed, the level of retinal ganglion cell death usually amounts to 30–40%; hence, the urgent need for its early diagnosis. Molecular biomarkers of glaucoma, from proteins to metabolites, may be helpful as indicators of pathogenic processes observed during the disease’s onset. The discovery of human glaucoma biomarkers is hampered by major limitations, including whether medications are influencing the expression of molecules in bodily fluids, or whether tests to validate glaucoma biomarker candidates should include human subjects with different types and stages of the disease, as well as patients with other ocular and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, the proper selection of the biofluid or tissue, as well as the analytical platform, should be mandatory. In this review, we have summarized current knowledge concerning proteomics- and metabolomics-based glaucoma biomarkers, with specificity to human eye tissue and fluid, as well the analytical approach and the main results obtained. The complex data published to date, which include at least 458 different molecules altered in human glaucoma, merit a new, integrative approach allowing for future diagnostic tests based on the absolute quantification of local and/or systemic biomarkers of glaucoma.
Genome-Wide Analysis and Expression Profile of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Gene Family in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) under Different Hormones and Abiotic Stress Conditions

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an important enzyme that acts as the first line of protection in the plant antioxidant defense system, involved in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) under harsh environmental conditions. Nevertheless, the SOD gene family was yet to be reported in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). Thus, a genome-wide investigation was carried out to identify the rapeseed SOD genes. The present study recognized 31 BnSOD genes in the rapeseed genome, including 14 BnCSDs, 11 BnFSDs, and six BnMSDs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that SOD genes from rapeseed and other closely related plant species were clustered into three groups based on the binding domain with high bootstrap values. The systemic analysis exposed that BnSODs experienced segmental duplications. Gene structure and motif analysis specified that most of the BnSOD genes displayed a relatively well-maintained exon–intron and motif configuration within the same group. Moreover, we identified five hormones and four stress- and several light-responsive cis-elements in the promoters of BnSODs. Thirty putative bna-miRNAs from seven families were also predicted, targeting 13 BnSODs. Gene ontology annotation outcomes confirm the BnSODs role under different stress stimuli, cellular oxidant detoxification processes, metal ion binding activities, SOD activity, and different cellular components. Twelve BnSOD genes exhibited higher expression profiles in numerous developmental tissues, i.e., root, leaf, stem, and silique. The qRT-PCR based expression profiling showed that eight genes (BnCSD1, BnCSD3, BnCSD14, BnFSD4, BnFSD5, BnFSD6, BnMSD2, and BnMSD10) were significantly up-regulated under different hormones (ABA, GA, IAA, and KT) and abiotic stress (salinity, cold, waterlogging, and drought) treatments. The predicted 3D structures discovered comparable conserved BnSOD protein structures. In short, our findings deliver a foundation for additional functional investigations on the BnSOD genes in rapeseed breeding programs.
Effects of Antioxidant in Adjunct with Periodontal Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This review investigated whether the adjunctive use of antioxidants with periodontal therapy improves periodontal parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. A systematic and extensive literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted before April 2021 was performed on the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively evaluate the clinical outcomes following periodontal therapy. After independent screening of 137 initial records, nine records from eight RCTs were included. The risk-of-bias assessment revealed that all RCTs had methodological weaknesses regarding selective bias, although other risk factors for bias were not evident. This meta-analysis of two RCTs showed that periodontal pocket depths were significantly reduced in the groups treated with combined non-surgical periodontal therapy and melatonin than in those treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy alone. The present systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that the adjunctive use of melatonin, resveratrol, omega-3 fatty acids with cranberry juice, propolis, and aloe vera gel with periodontal therapy significantly improves periodontal disease parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes, and melatonin application combined with non-surgical periodontal therapy might significantly reduce periodontal pocket depth. However, there are still limited studies of melatonin in combination with non-surgical periodontal therapy in Type 2 diabetic patients, and more well-designed RCTs are required to be further investigated.
A Systematic Review of Carotenoids in the Management of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of modifiable vision loss in older adults. Chronic oxidative injury and compromised antioxidant defenses represent essential drivers in the development of retinal neurodegeneration. Overwhelming free radical species formation results in mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as cellular and metabolic imbalance, which becomes exacerbated with increasing age. Thus, the depletion of systemic antioxidant capacity further proliferates oxidative stress in AMD-affected eyes, resulting in loss of photoreceptors, neuroinflammation, and ultimately atrophy within the retinal tissue. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the neuroprotective potential of the xanthophyll carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin on retinal neurodegeneration for the purpose of adjunctive nutraceutical strategy in the management of AMD. A comprehensive literature review was performed to retrieve 55 eligible publications, using four database searches from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science. Epidemiology studies indicated an enhanced risk reduction against late AMD with greater dietary consumption of carotenoids, meanwhile greater concentrations in macular pigment demonstrated significant improvements in visual function among AMD patients. Collectively, evidence strongly suggests that carotenoid vitamin therapies offer remarkable synergic protection in the neurosensory retina, with the potential to serve as adjunctive nutraceutical therapy in the management of established AMD, albeit these benefits may vary among different stages of disease.
Molecular Mechanisms of Functional Adrenocortical Adenoma and Carcinoma: Genetic Characterization and Intracellular Signaling Pathway

The adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones as adrenocortical hormones in the body, secreting mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and adrenal androgens, which are all considered essential for life. Adrenocortical tumors harbor divergent hormonal activity, frequently with steroid excess, and disrupt homeostasis of the body. Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) cause primary aldosteronism (PA), and cortisol-producing adenomas (CPAs) are the primary cause of Cushing’s syndrome. In addition, adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a highly malignant cancer harboring poor prognosis. Various genetic abnormalities have been reported, which are associated with possible pathogenesis by the alteration of intracellular signaling and activation of transcription factors. In particular, somatic mutations in APAs have been detected in genes encoding membrane proteins, especially ion channels, resulting in hypersecretion of aldosterone due to activation of intracellular calcium signaling. In addition, somatic mutations have been detected in those encoding cAMP-PKA signaling-related factors, resulting in hypersecretion of cortisol due to its driven status in CPAs. In ACC, mutations in tumor suppressor genes and Wnt-β-catenin signaling-related factors have been implicated in its pathogenesis. In this article, we review recent findings on the genetic characteristics and regulation of intracellular signaling and transcription factors in individual tumors.
Aronia melanocarpa Extract Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum EJ2014 Modulates Immune Response in Mice

The present study aimed to assess the immunomodulatory effects of fermented Aronia melanocarpa extract (FAME) on RAW 264.7 cells and BALB/c mice. Aronia melanocarpa fruit was fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum EJ2014 by adding yeast extract and monosodium glutamate for 9 days at 30 °C to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). After fermentation, significant GABA production was noted, along with minerals, polyphenols, and flavonoids (p < 0.05). The polyphenol content was confirmed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis. RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 μg/mL) in the presence or absence of FAME, and proinflammatory cytokine contents were measured by qPCR. In the in vivo experiment, female BALB/c mice were administered 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of FAME for 21 days. FAME treatment increased neutrophil migration and phagocytosis (p < 0.05). It also increased splenocyte proliferation, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell expression, and lymphocyte proliferation. Furthermore, it increased IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 cytokine levels in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). However, it decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels (p < 0.05). These results indicate that FAME fortified with GABA including bioactive compounds exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells and modulates immune response in mice. Thus, FAME could be a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory disorders.