Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Loss of the MAF Transcription Factor in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

MAF is a transcription factor that may act either as a tumor suppressor or as an oncogene, depending on cell type. We have shown previously that the overexpressed miR-1290 influences MAF protein levels in LSCC (laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma) cell lines. In this study, we shed further light on the interaction between miR-1290 and MAF, as well as on cellular MAF protein localization in LSCC. We confirmed the direct interaction between miR-1290 and MAF 3′UTR by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. In addition, we used immunohistochemistry staining to analyze MAF protein distribution and observed loss of MAF nuclear expression in 58% LSCC samples, of which 10% showed complete absence of MAF, compared to nuclear and cytoplasmatic expression in 100% normal mucosa. Using TCGA data, bisulfite pyrosequencing and CNV analysis, we excluded the possibility that loss-of-function mutations, promoter region DNA methylation or CNV are responsible for MAF loss in LSCC. Finally, we identified genes involved in the regulation of apoptosis harboring the MAF binding motif in their promoter region by applied FIMO and DAVID GO analysis. Our results highlight the role of miR-1290 in suppressing MAF expression in LSCC. Furthermore, MAF loss or mislocalization in FFPE LSCC tumor samples might suggest that MAF acts as a LSCC tumor suppressor by regulating apoptosis.
Band-Gap Solitons in Nonlinear Photonic Crystal Waveguides and Their Application for Functional All-Optical Logic Gating

This review paper summarizes our previous findings regarding propagation characteristics of band-gap temporal solitons in photonic crystal waveguides with Kerr-type nonlinearity and a realization of functional and easily scalable all-optical NOT, AND and NAND logic gates. The proposed structure consists of a planar air-hole type photonic crystal in crystalline silicon as the nonlinear background material. A main advantage of proposing the gap-soliton as a signal carrier is that, by operating in the true time-domain, the temporal soliton maintains a stable pulse envelope during each logical operation. Hence, multiple concatenated all-optical logic gates can be easily realized paving the way to multiple-input ultrafast full-optical digital signal processing. In the suggested setup, due to the gap-soliton features, there is no need to amplify the output signal after each operation which can be directly used as a new input signal for another logical operation. The efficiency of the proposed logic gates as well as their scalability is validated using our original rigorous theoretical formalism confirmed by full-wave computational electromagnetics.
Prolonged reuse of domestic wastewater after membrane bioreactor treatment

AbstractIn this study, experience in a nine-year operation of a full-scale 2000 PE vacuum rotating membrane bioreactor having a submerged flat-type membrane module having pore size of 0.038 μm and a total surface area of 540 m2 is discussed. The plant was designed to treat and reuse raw wastewater collected from dormitories and the academic village at METU campus. Throughout the study, 99.99% BOD5 and above 95% COD removals were achieved most of the time. Moreover, turbidity was consistently measured below 1 NTU and around 6–7 log coliform removals were achieved with less than 1 coliform/100 mL in the effluents most of the time, except for the leakage from the bearings. During the study, energy consumption by the plant was also analyzed by routinely measuring energy consumption in different parts of the plant. Consumption was analyzed in two parts. Energy consumed by the blower supplying aeration to the biological treatment tank was monitored separately from the rest of the plant. Except for the periods w.
Current Knowledge on River Buffalo Meat: A Critical Analysis

Simple Summary Buffaloes are reared for different purposes, primarily for milk and dairy products. Meat is often a secondary product and mainly derives from old animals at the end of their productive or working life. However, in recent years buffalo meat has gained increased popularity due to its nutritional properties. Therefore, a huge economic potential might arise from the development of the meat sector in buffalo breeding. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in the knowledge on river buffalo meat, with a special focus on quality traits, and offers insights for future research aimed at improving the meat sector in this species. Abstract The estimated world population of water buffalo counts around 204 million head, mostly reared for milk production. However, buffaloes also largely contribute to the meat sector, with around 4.3 million tonnes produced in 2019, mainly derived from old animals at the end of their productive or working life and only to a small extent from young animals. Therefore, buffalo meat production has been generally considered unsatisfactory for both quantity and quality. In fact, the dressing percentage is generally lower than 50% and the meat is considered of poor quality mainly due to its dark colour and reduced tenderness. However, in recent years, the healthy properties highlighted by some studies have led to a renewed interest in buffalo meat, with a parallel increase in research. Therefore, this review aims at providing an updated picture on carcass and meat quality traits in river buffalo, with special attention to the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to their variability. The research done so far has demonstrated that river buffaloes can efficiently contribute to the quanti-qualitative production of meat, provided that the meat supply chain is specifically organised for this purpose. The analysis of the available data also showed that further research is needed on the factors affecting meat production in order to gain greater knowledge essential for planning more targeted interventions.
Is Animal Welfare an Internationally Understood Concept in the Zoo World? Thematic Analysis of Two Regional Groups of Zoo Staff

Simple Summary In order to ensure we do not speak at cross-purposes, common understandings and definitions are useful. However, there is no universal definition of animal welfare. Structured interviews with a sample of European and Chinese zoo staff aimed to explore their perceptions and understanding of the term ‘animal welfare’, and the use of animal welfare frameworks in a zoological context. Thematic analysis demonstrated that all interviewees used similar descriptors when discussing animal welfare including describing animal feelings and emotions. Animal welfare frameworks were considered useful across both regions. However, different frameworks were suggested by interviewees in Europe to those in China. Chinese zoo staff expressed the importance of leadership in animal welfare in Chinese zoos. These findings suggest a common understanding of the concept of animal welfare, and the usefulness of animal welfare frameworks across geographically and culturally diverse regions. Abstract Universal frameworks for zoo animal welfare have been suggested. However, there is little evidence of a cross-cultural understanding of zoo animal welfare. This paper reports themes emerging from a qualitative study of international (European and Chinese) zoo professionals on zoo animal welfare issues. Structured telephone interviews were conducted with eight Chinese and eight European zoo staff, covering aspects of zoological animal welfare, conservation and zoological husbandry practices. These qualitative data were thematically analysed, and key themes generated. This paper describes three themes relating to ‘What is animal welfare’ ‘Animal welfare frameworks’ and ‘The human element in animal welfare’. This analysis indicates that the concept of animal welfare has cultural equivalence across Europe and between Europe and China, and that zoo staff are familiar with welfare frameworks. In China, a need for senior leadership and motivating staff to improve animal welfare emerged.
The Interactive Stress Assessment in Basic Animal Science Training

Simple Summary In basic animal science courses, an interactive stress assessment was conducted with prospective scientists with the aim of assessing the extent to which these courses lead to the acquisition of competence and expertise in recognising and assessing stress in animals. Participants significantly increased their performance in all categories. The results were also compared with those of scientists and animal caretakers. The animal caretakers achieved the best results of the three occupational groups. The results of this study illustrate, on the one hand, the high value that must be placed on the training to acquire the professional qualification and, on the other hand, how strongly the assessment of stress is influenced by subjectivity. Abstract In order to assess the extent to which the legally prescribed training for the acquisition of animal experimentation expertise provides scientific personnel with the necessary competence and expertise to carry out a correct harm-benefit analysis in the context of animal experimentation applications, we conducted an interactive stress assessment concerning the basic animal experimentation expertise course. First, before the practical part of the course and then, after the practical part, the participants assessed images and video material of healthy and stressed animals. The results were assessed comparatively and showed a significant increase in performance in all categories (p-value < 0.001). In addition, the results were comparatively assessed against those of scientists already experienced in animal experiments and experienced animal caretakers in research and clinics. In all groups, the vast majority of participants were able to recognise stress in laboratory animals. A significant proportion of the participants were also able to rate the level of stress correctly according to three degrees of severity: mild, moderate and severe. Nevertheless, a small number of participants were unable to distinguish between healthy and stressed animals and thus, the stress in the individual groups was assigned very differently from the different degrees of severity. The results of this study illustrate, on the one hand, the high significance that training must have in order to acquire the expertise, and, on the other hand, how strongly the assessment of stress is influenced by subjectivity.
Subinhibitory Antibiotic Concentrations Enhance Biofilm Formation of Clinical Enterococcus faecalis Isolates

Enterococcus faecalis is a microorganism that can be found in the oral cavity, especially in secondary endodontic infections, with a prevalence ranging from 24–70%. The increase in the ability to form biofilms in the presence of subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations is a phenomenon that is observed for a wide variety of bacterial pathogens and is associated with increased resistance. In this study, therefore, six E. faecalis isolates from an endodontic environment and two control strains were exposed to subinhibitory concentrations of Penicillin G, Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Fosfomycin, Tetracycline and Vancomycin and examined for their biofilm formation abilities. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for all E. faecalis isolates. A culture of the isolate was mixed with a serial dilution series of the respective antibiotic, incubated overnight and the biofilm formation was analyzed using a microtiter plate assay. All isolates were able to form biofilms in the absence of an antibiotic. A significant increase in biofilm formation of up to more than 50% was found in the isolates exposed to subinhibitory concentrations of various antibiotics. Most isolates showed a significant increase in Fosfomycin (7/8), Doxycycline (6/8) and Tetracycline (6/8). Three endodontic isolates showed a significant increase in five of the antibiotics examined at the same time. On exposure to Vancomycin, three endodontic isolates and the two control strains showed an increase. The increase in the ability to form biofilms extended over a concentration range from 1/2 to 1/64 of the MIC concentration. Antibiotics may reach certain niches in the oral cavity at subinhibitory concentrations only. This can increase the biofilm formation by enterococci, and in turn lead to decreased susceptibility of these taxa to antibiotics.
SWATH-MS Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Deer Antler from Two Regenerating and Mineralizing Sections

Simple Summary Deer antler is a unique and astonishing case of annual regeneration in mammalians. Several studies have pointed out the potential for use of velvet antler extract as a nutraceutical supplement, among others, because of its anti-cancer activity. The study of antler regeneration and growth allow us to identify the main proteins and regulatory pathways involved in cell differentiation and regeneration. For this purpose, two sections of antlers (tips and middle sections) using ribs as controls were analyzed from a proteomic point of view. A total of 259 proteins mainly associated with antioxidant mechanisms and Wnt signalling pathways could be responsible for deer antler regeneration and these proteins may be linked to human health benefits. Further studies should be focused on discovering which proteins from velvet antler extracts are associated with these beneficial effects. Abstract Antlers are the only organ in the mammalian body that regenerates each year. They can reach growth rates of 1–3 cm/day in length and create more than 20 cm2/day of skin in the antler tips (their growth centers). Previous proteomic studies regarding antlers have focused on antler growth centers (tips) compared to the standard bone to detect the proteins involved in tissue growth. However, proteins of cell differentiation and regeneration will be more accurately detected considering more growing tissues. Thus, we set out to compare proteins expressed in antler tips (the highest metabolism rate and cell differentiation) vs. middle sections (moderate cell growth involving bone calcification), using ribs as controls. Samples were obtained in mid-June with antlers’ phenology corresponding to the middle of their growth period. Quantitative proteomic analysis identified 259 differentially abundant proteins mainly associated with antioxidant metabolic mechanisms, protein formation and Wnt signalling pathway, meanwhile, the mid antler section was linked to blood proteins. The high metabolic rate and subsequent risk of oxidative stress also seem to have resulted in strong antioxidant mechanisms. These results suggest that redox regulation of proteins is a key factor in the model of deer antler regeneration.
The Association between Palmer Drought Severity Index Data and Tuberculosis-like Lesions Occurrence in Mediterranean Hunted Wild Boars

Simple Summary Climate is one of the most influential factors in the dynamics of tuberculosis in the Mediterranean Iberic wildlife population. In this study, we aim to address how drought as a risk factor influences the occurrence of Tuberculosis-like lesions (TBL) in wild boar inspected in the field. With this focus, our study contributes to pointing out the importance of periods of drought in the increased TBL occurrence in wild boars inspected in the field in the subsequent season. The results of our study allow hunting managers to be advised, in advance, on whether they should adopt extra protective measures when they are aware of the presence of periods of drought. This climate trait can become an alert sign for increased TBL occurrence in the following season, allowing for the implementation of a feasible, timely, and effective measures to control TB in the wild boar population. Abstract In the Iberian Peninsula, the prevalence of tuberculosis differs for each region and for different wild disease hosts and the region affected by a Mediterranean climate will be the most affected. The Mediterranean Iberic regions have a favourable ecosystem for the development of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex agents, where habitat, population dynamics, and climate (especially drought) are important factors affecting the high prevalence of tuberculosis in the wild boar population. Our objective was to study the association between the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and the occurrence of tuberculosis-like lesions (TBL) in wild boar during nine hunting seasons (2008/09 to 2016/17) in Idanha-a-Nova County. To this end, statistical analysis revealed a significant association (p < 0.05) between the occurrence of TBL in wild boar in Idanha-a-Nova County and the analysed risk factor—previous season with periods of drought—which indicated that, when one season experiences some periods of drought, the probability of TBL occurrence in wild boars was 1.2 (OR = 1.2) times higher in the next hunting season than when there were no periods of drought. Therefore, our study contributes to the discovery of a positive effect of periods of drought on the transmission of tuberculosis in Iberian wildlife.
Effect of the stellate ganglion block on symptoms of ulcerative colitis

Abstract Rationale: Chronic ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease in which epithelial injury continuously occurs in the colonic mucosa. While mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) is used to treat ulcerative colitis, it can also cause liver failure, headaches, and abdominal pain; therefore, an alternative treatment is required. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 80 stellate ganglion blocks in reducing pain and other symptoms in a patient with chronic ulcerative colitis. Patient concerns: A 54-year-old female patient with a history of ulcerative colitis was concerned with worsening symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort and bloody-mucous stools, over the past 3 years. Diagnoses: Oozing mucosal bleeding and a small amount of exudate were observed on colonoscopy; a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was made upon histologic examination. Interventions and outcomes: A total of 80 stellate ganglion blocks were administered, after which the patient's symptom and pain level was decreased from 6 to 4 points on the numeric rating scale (11-point, 0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable). Improved clinical signs were observed on colonoscopy at a follow-up assessment. Lessons: The stellate ganglion block may be effective for the reduction of pain and other symptoms in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis.
Biosynthesis, Quantification and Genetic Diseases of the Smallest Signaling Thiol Metabolite: Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter and the smallest signaling thiol metabolite with important roles in human health. The turnover of H2S in humans is mainly governed by enzymes of sulfur amino acid metabolism and also by the microbiome. As is the case with other small signaling molecules, disease-promoting effects of H2S largely depend on its concentration and compartmentalization. Genetic defects that impair the biogenesis and catabolism of H2S have been described; however, a gap in knowledge remains concerning physiological steady-state concentrations of H2S and their direct clinical implications. The small size and considerable reactivity of H2S renders its quantification in biological samples an experimental challenge. A compilation of methods currently employed to quantify H2S in biological specimens is provided in this review. Substantial discrepancy exists in the concentrations of H2S determined by different techniques. Available methodologies permit end-point measurement of H2S concentration, yet no definitive protocol exists for the continuous, real-time measurement of H2S produced by its enzymatic sources. We present a summary of available animal models, monogenic diseases that impair H2S metabolism in humans including structure-function relationships of pathogenic mutations, and discuss possible approaches to overcome current limitations of study.
In Vitro Anticancer Activity and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Status Determined by Usnea barbata (L.) F.H. Wigg. Dry Extracts

Lichens represent an important resource for common traditional medicines due to their numerous metabolites that can exert diverse pharmacological activities including anticancer effects. To find new anticancer compounds with fewer side effects and low tumor resistance, a bioprospective study of Usnea barbata (L.) F.H. Wigg. (U. barbata), a lichen from the Călimani Mountains (Suceava county, Romania) was performed. The aim of this research was to investigate the anticancer potential, morphologic changes, wound healing property, clonogenesis, and oxidative stress biomarker status of four extracts of U. barbata in different solvents (methanol, ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate), and also of usnic acid (UA) as a positive control on the CAL-27 (ATCC® CRL-2095™) oral squamous carcinoma (OSCC) cell line and V79 (ATCC® CCL-93™) lung fibroblasts as normal cells. Using the MTT assay and according to IC50 values, it was found that the most potent anticancer property was displayed by acetone and ethyl acetate extracts. All U. barbata extracts determined morphological modifications (losing adhesion capacity, membrane shrinkage, formation of abnormal cellular wrinkles, and vacuolization) with higher intensity in tumor cells than in normal ones. The most intense anti-migration effect was established in the acetone extract treatment. The clonogenic assay showed that some U. barbata extracts decreased the ability of cancer cells to form colonies compared to untreated cells, suggesting a potential anti-tumorigenic property of the tested extracts. Therefore, all the U. barbata extracts manifest anticancer activity of different intensity, based, at least partially, on an imbalance in antioxidant defense mechanisms, causing oxidative stress.