Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fine Mapping the MAP2K5 Region Identified rs7175517 As a Causal Variant Associated With BMI in China And The UK Populations

Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have consistently identified MAP2K5 as the obesity susceptible gene. To deepen our understanding of the potential causal genetic variants of this region, a fine-mapping study of MAP2K5 was conducted. Results: First, a target single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) sequencing of MAP2K5 was carried out in 2030 Chinese children and followed by a fine mapping with the UK biobank GWAS data in 264,838 adults to identify the leading SNPs within the MAP2K5 gene region. SNP rs7175517 (G>A) and rs4776970(T>A) were identified as the leading SNPs associated with BMI in both Chinese and the UK population. Second, colocalization of GWAS and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analyses and bioinformatic functional annotations indicated that rs7175517 is the leading variants in MAP2K5 gene region functionally. Additionally, dual luciferase assay indicated that the G allele of rs7175517 reduced the mRNA expression of MAP2K5 in HEK293T cells. The possible mechanism was that the G allele of rs7175517 interacted with more RNA repressors from nuclei extracts, which was evidenced by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs). Furthermore, the pathway enrichment analyses of the products from DNA pull-down and protein mass spectrometry demonstrated that the G allele of rs7175517 might interact with RNA catabolic or splicing transcription factors, which consequentially increased the adiposity deposition. Conclusions: SNP rs7175517 of MAP2K5 gene was the putative causal variant associated with BMI. More precisely designed in vitro or animal experiments are warranted to further delineate the function of MAP2K5 in the adipogenesis.
Zinc and nitrogen uptake by wheat plants with zinc fertilization via soil and foliar application

The present investigation was conducted during Rabi season of 2019. The experiment was conducted in pots in net house with 12 treatments; first 6 treatments consisted of soil application alone at 6 levels (0,10, 20, 30, 40, 50 kg Zn ha soil application) and last 6 levels with soil application + foliar sprays (FS) @ 0.5% (0+FS, 10+FS, 20+FS, 30+FS, 40+FS, 50+FS kg Zn ha). Nitrogen and zinc content in grain and straw and its total uptake were estimated. Standard methods of observation, analysis of soil and plant samples, and appropriate statistical methods for the analysis of data were used. Different treatments had a significant effect on nitrogen and zinc content in grain and straw, and total uptake. The nitrogen and zinc content in grain and straw were recorded maximum with zinc application of 30 kg ha + 0.5% FS. Total uptake of N and Zn were recorded maximum with 30 kg Zn ha. Holistically, the application of zinc @ 30 kg ha + 0.5% FS is recommended to improve nitrogen and zinc content in grains, and increase the total uptake of these nutrients by the plant.
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Sodium-Ion Batteries

As a promising alternative to the market-leading lithium-ion batteries, low-cost sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are attractive for applications such as large-scale electrical energy storage systems. The energy density, cycling life, and rate performance of SIBs are fundamentally dependent on dynamic physiochemical reactions, structural change, and morphological evolution. Therefore, it is essential to holistically understand SIBs reaction processes, degradation mechanisms, and thermal/mechanical behaviors in complex working environments. The recent developments of advanced in situ and operando characterization enable the establishment of the structure–processing–property–performance relationship in SIBs under operating conditions. This Review summarizes significant recent progress in SIBs exploiting in situ and operando techniques based on X-ray and electron analyses at different time and length scales. Through the combination of spectroscopy, imaging, and diffraction, local and global changes in SIBs can be elucidated for improving materials design. The fundamental principles and state-of-the-art capabilities of different techniques are presented, followed by elaborative discussions of major challenges and perspectives.
Global Seafood Trade: Insights in Sustainability Messaging and Claims of the Major Producing and Consuming Regions

Seafood supply chains are complex, not least in the diverse origins of capture fisheries and through aquaculture production being increasingly shared across nations. The business-to-business (B2B) seafood trade is supported by seafood shows that facilitate networking and act as fora for signaling of perceptions and values. In the Global North, sustainability related certifications and messaging have emerged as an important driver to channel the demands of consumers, institutions, and lead firms. This study investigates which logos, certifications, and claims were presented at the exhibitor booths within five seafood trade shows in China, Europe, and USA. The results indicate a difference in the way seafood is advertised. Messaging at the Chinese shows had less of an emphasis on sustainability compared to that in Europe and the USA, but placed a greater emphasis on food safety and quality than on environmental concerns. These findings suggest cultural differences in the way seafood production and consumption is communicated through B2B messaging. Traders often act as choice editors for final consumers. Therefore, it is essential to convey production processes and sustainability issues between traders and the market. An understanding of culture, messaging strategies, and interpretation could support better communication of product characteristics such as sustainability between producers, traders, and consumers.
Natural Flt3Lg-Based Chimeric Antigen Receptor (Flt3-CAR) T Cells Successfully Target Flt3 on AML Cell Lines

Relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cannot be cured with chemotherapy alone, as the blasts survive the treatment. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) approaches for AML are being actively developed. CARs promote immune reactions through recognition of the target molecular epitopes at the surface of cancer cells. The recognition involves the extracellular portion of the CAR protein, which corresponds to either the antibody or the physiological binding partner of the targeted antigen. Here, we design a chimeric receptor with a full-length natural Flt3-ligand recognition module that targets Flt3 tyrosine kinase, known as an adverse marker in AML. We demonstrate specific killing of Flt3-positive THP-1 cells by Flt3-CAR T cells and the lack of cytotoxicity towards Flt3-negative U937 cells. We prove that the inherent cytolytic capacity of T cells is essential for the killing. Finally, we confirm the authenticity of targeting by its competitive dose-dependent inhibition with a soluble Flt3-ligand. The developed system can be viewed as a non-immunogenic functional equivalent of scFv-mediated targeting. The robust in vitro antitumor effects of Flt3-CAR T cells, combined with their low off-target cytotoxicity, hold promise for AML treatment.
Implementation and outcomes of complementary therapies in hospice care: an integrative review

Complementary therapies are increasingly integrated into hospice care, emphasizing the need to examine the evidence regarding implementation and effects on end-of-life outcomes. This review synthesizes the evidence regarding the implementation of complementary therapies and effects on end-of-life outcomes in hospice care. Whittemore and Knafl’s five-step integrative review process was applied. Using predefined search terms, research-based articles between 2006 and 2020 were reviewed. Twenty-three quantitative/mixed method studies conducted across eight countries met the final review criteria. Most commonly used complementary therapies were music, biofield therapies (reiki, therapeutic touch), and massage therapy. Most studies reported significant findings on physical symptoms (pain, dyspnea, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, agitation) and/or psychosocial/spiritual symptoms (anxiety, depression, spirituality, well-being, quality of life); 40% of studies had both significant and nonsignificant findings. Methodological limitations included study design (few randomized controlled trials), small sample size, high attrition rate, lack of racial/ethnic diversity, unstandardized intervention implementation, and multiple outcome measurement instruments. Complementary therapies are promising components of hospice care; however, rigorous studies are needed to validate the effect on end-of-life outcomes and determine the most efficacious implementation. Complementary therapy studies face challenges consistent with end-of-life research; however, efforts to design rigorous trials and address methodological issues are required to enhance the state of the science.
Shoulder Pain in Swimmers

Shoulder pain is the most important symptom that affects competitive swimmers, with a prevalence between 40 – 91%, and it constitutes a special syndrome called the “swimmer’s shoulder”. This syndrome, described by Kennedy and Hawkins in 1974 consists in discomfort after swimming activities in a first step. This may progress to pain during and after training. Finally, the pain affects the pro23wsq2wgress of the athlete.
FORENSIC AND BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS OF FREE ANDROID VPNS

Millions of users worldwide use VPN clients to either circumvent censorship or to access geo-blocked content, and specifically for privacy and security purposes. In the pretext of secured communication and privacy, numerous free android-based VPNs are being pushed up in the Google Play store. However, the users aren’t sure or aware of whether the VPN is truly secure or just leaking their data. So, the forensic and behavior analysis of selected free android VPNs was carried out to study the usability of free android-based VPNs in terms of providing security and privacy; specifically, the presence of dangerous permissions, malware presence, traffic encryption, the DNS leaks, and the possibility of leaving forensic artifacts on the device after the VPN use. The study revealed considerable portion of the sample free VPNs were flagged malicious and had dangerous levels of permissions in use. While some failed the DNS leak test and some VPNs even did not encrypt the traffic. Given the availability of a huge number of Free VPNs in the Google Play store, it was found important that the users must be aware of the inherent risks put by the use of these Free VPNs.
Molecular identification of rhizobacterial isolates from Prosopis limensis and their effect on the growth of Raphanus sativus under salt stress

Soil salinity negatively affects the development of agricultural crops. The utilization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria is a biotechnological alternative to mitigate this problem. Rhizobacteria were isolated from the roots and rhizosphere of Prosopis limensis Bentham “carob” to identify them and determine their potential as plant growth-promoters under salt stress. First, ACC deaminase activity was determined in Dworkin & Foster (DF) minimum medium with 3.0 mM ACC as a source of nitrogen; besides, tolerance to sodium chloride was determined in Nutrient Broth (NB) supplemented with 10% NaCI. Then, bacteria displaying ACC deaminase activity and a 10% NaCI tolerance were selected, identified through genomic analysis targeting the 16s rRNA gene, and inoculated into Raphanus sativus L. “radish” seeds to determine the effect on germination percentage under salt stress (80 mM NaCI) and, also on indole production and phosphate solubilization. Isolates were also utilized to evaluate their effect on the growth of radish in saline soils. Genomic analysis showed two bacterial isolates from the genus Pseudomonas and one from the genus Bordetella: Isolate MW604823 was identified as Pseudomonas sp. ; isolate MW604824, as Pseudomonas hunanensis; and isolate MW604826 as Bordetella muralis. Thee isolates demonstrated ACC deaminase activity and tolerance to 10% NaCI. Inoculation of the isolates on radish seeds increased germination percentage compared to the control. The isolates displayed in vitro indole production and phosphate solubilization capacity. Moreover, the isolates promoted the growth of radish under salt stress conditions, increasing, leave number, root number, aerial, and root biomass, demonstrating their potential as a biofertilizers.
Evaluation of EGFR-targeted gold/gold sulfide (GGS) nanoparticles as a theranostic agent in photothermal therapy

Introduction; The use of nanoparticles as multifunctional agents has gained growing attention as a way of improving the quality of cancer diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. It is due to their appropriate size, ability to accumulate in tumor cells and high absorption coefficient in near-infrared wavelengths, which allow for in-depth photothermal treatment. Methods; gold/gold sulfide (GGS) nanoparticle was chosen as a bed-carrying antibody and radiotracer. There are many Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFR) on the surface of cancer cells. Therefore, by targeting GGS nanoparticles with a monoclonal antibody of cetuximab (C225) in the absence of a linker and tracing by 99mTc, we investigated the effect of photothermal treatment on the proliferation and survival of MDA-MB-231 and A549 cell lines. Results; The nanoconjugate was synthesized with a mean diameter of 64.54 nm. 99mTc- GGS-Cetuximab-PVP was prepared with high radiochemical purity and in vitro stability of 35.2% for A549 and 51% for MDA-MB-231. The targeted nanoconjugate IC50 for the MDA-MB-231 and A549 cells was estimated at 375 and >375 μg L−1, respectively. Conclusion; Photothermal therapy can reduce cell survival to less than 20%. It is anticipated the photothermal therapy mediated by the targeted GGS can be substituted or at least contribute to some invasive treatments.
Physical Activity Promotion and Support: Meeting Caregivers’ Unique Needs

The benefits of engaging in regular physical activity are extensive and can have a profound positive effect on one’s overall health (1). Numerous recent scientific reviews (2) further underscore the important role physical activity plays in achieving optimal health and preventing noncommunicable disease. For example, physical activity reduces risk of several types of cancer (3), ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, heart failure, and premature mortality (4). Among older adults, physical activity can improve cognitive functioning (5), reduce the risk of fall-related injuries, and delay the loss of physical function and mobility (6). According to Healthy People 2030, the nation’s health agenda, one of the goals is to improve the health, fitness, and quality of life for people of all ages through regular physical activity (7). Among the 23 physical activity objectives are aims to increase the proportion of adults who meet current minimum guidelines for aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening activity (PA-05) from current estimates of 24.0% to 28.4% and to reduce the proportion of adults who engage in no leisure-time physical activity (PA-01) from 25.4% to 21.2% by the year 2030. As the population ages and experiences a higher prevalence of chronic conditions (8,9), diligence must ensue to ensure that all individuals can be physically active, regardless of barriers such as a lack of time and support. Caregivers who assist friends or family members with physical, mental, or social health needs are one such group in need of special attention and support when it comes to engaging in their own self-care behaviors, such as physical activity (10,11). Caregivers are a growing part of the U.S. population with more than one in five adults 18 years and older (53.0 million; 21.3% of population) serving as a caregiver (12). Further, the need for caregivers is projected to increase while availability of caregivers is projected to decrease, thus placing higher demand and expectations on younger caregivers to fill those needed roles (8,9,13). Caregiving is an important role that affects the quality of life for the recipients of care as well as those who provide the care (8, 10,14,15). Results of numerous studies have found both positive and negative effects on health for the caregivers. For example, positive outcomes such as strengthened bonds between the caregiver and the recipient as well as an improved quality of life and a sense of gratitude and recognition for caregiving have been documented (10,16,17). These positive aspects of informal caregiving have been associated with lower mortality for caregivers
Formulation and In Vivo Evaluation of a Solid Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System Using Oily Liquid Tocotrienols as Model Active Substance

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) can improve the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Solid self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (s-SEDDS) offer several advantages including improved drug stability, ease of administration, and production. Most compounds employed in developing s-SEDDS are solid in nature, with a high amount of surfactants added. The aim of this study was to develop an s-SEDDS using a tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) as the model liquid active substance via a simple adsorption method. The solid formulation was developed using magnesium aluminosilicate as the carrier with 70% TRF and 30% surfactants (poloxamer and Labrasol®). The formulation showed good self-emulsification efficiency with stable emulsion formed, excellent powder flowability, and small emulsion droplet size of 210–277 nm. The s-SEDDS with combined surfactants (poloxamer and Labrasol®) showed a faster absorption rate compared to preparations with only a single surfactant and enhanced oral bioavailability (3.4–3.8 times higher) compared to the non-self-emulsifying oily preparation when administered at a fasted state in rats. In conclusion, an s-SEDDS containing a high amount of TRF was successfully developed. It may serve as a useful alternative to a liquid product with enhanced oral bioavailability and the added advantage of being a solid dosage form.
Population structure in the MHC region

In his 1972 “The apportionment of human diversity”, Lewontin showed that, when averaged over loci, genetic diversity is predominantly attributable to differences among individuals within populations. However, selection on specific genes and genomic regions can alter the apportionment of diversity. We examine genetic diversity at the HLA loci, located within the MHC region. HLA genes code for proteins that are critical to adaptive immunity and are well-documented targets of balancing selection. The SNPs within HLA genes show strong signatures of balancing selection on large timescales and are broadly shared among populations, with low FST values. However, when we analyze haplotypes defined by these SNPs (i.e., which define “HLA alleles”), we find marked differences in frequencies between geographic regions. These differences are not reflected in the FST values because of the extreme polymorphism at HLA loci, illustrating challenges in interpreting FST. Differences in the frequency of HLA alleles among geographic regions are relevant to bone-marrow transplantation, which requires genetic identity at HLA loci between patient and donor. We explore the case of Brazil’s bone-marrow registry, where a deficit of enrolled volunteers with African ancestry reduces the chance of finding donors for individuals with an MHC region of African ancestry.
Substrate integrated circular cavity resonator filled with nano-fibrillated cellulose for humidity detection

In this work, a novel microwave sensor fully based on Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) technology filled with nanofibrillated cellulose for humidity detection is presented for the very first time. The proposed structure consists of a circular SIW cavity resonator perturbed by the inclusion of nano-fibrillated cellulose inside the cavity. Due to the presence of humidity, the relative permittivity of the eco-friendly dielectric, which is known as a humidity sensitive material, changes, leading to a shift of the resonance frequency of the Substrate Integrate Cavity Circular Resonator (SICCR). The proposed humidity sensor structure operates between 4.28 to 4.32 GHz and exhibits a frequency shift of around 20 MHz for relative humidity in the range of 11.7% to 91% RH. The proposed sensing device operates with very low-cost sustainable and renewable material, is simple to manufacture, co-integrates with existing microwave planar circuits and has the advantage of demonstrating high sensitivity performance. Copyright © VBRI Press.
Broad-spectrum nanoparticles against bacteriophage infections

Viral infections caused by bacteriophages, i.e., viruses that kill bacteria are one of the most dangerous and common threats for bacteria-based bioreactors. More than 70% of biotechnology companies have admitted to encountering this problem. Despite phage infections being such a dangerous and widespread risk, there are no effective methods to avoid them to date. Herein, we present a novel technology based on nanoparticles that irreversibly deactivates bacteriophages and is safe for bacteria. Our method allows for the unsupervised protection of bacterial processes in the biotechnology industry. Gold nanoparticles coated with a mixture of negatively charged 11-mercapto 1-undecanesulfonic acid (MUS) and hydrophobic 1-octanethiol (OT) ligands are effective at deactivating various types of Escherichia coli-selective phages: T1, T4, and T7. The nanoparticles can lower the titer of phages up to 2 and 5 logs in 6 and 24 h at 50 °C, respectively. A comparative analysis of nanoparticles with different ligand shells illustrates the importance of the combination of negatively charged and hydrophobic ligands that is the key to achieving a good inhibitory concentration (EC50 ≤ 1 μg mL−1) for all tested phages. We show that the nanoparticles are harmless for the commonly used bacteria in industry Escherichia coli and are effective under conditions simulating the environment of bioreactors.
The Automated Management Implementation of the Distributed Information Systems’ Communication Infrastructure

The intensive introduction of virtualization technologies, the transition to software-oriented methods and the active use of universal tools make it possible to provide comprehensive automation of the processes of managing the communication infrastructures of a modern enterprise. The use of modern methods for creating network resources and network management tools makes it possible to find solutions for many problems that arise during the construction or modernization of distributed information systems. This paper presents an example of the implementation of the concept of "Infrastructure as Code", the use of a set of virtualization platforms and network management tools in the construction of a distributed laboratory complex of an educational institution. The paper shows how the use of modern methods and tools provides comprehensive automation of the management of network resources of a distributed laboratory complex, which makes it possible to combine disparate laboratory resources of an educational institution into a single software-controlled complex, intensify the learning process and instill in students practical skills in building modern data transmission systems.