Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Silicon and titanium affect the percentage of juice and color attributes in tomato fruits of plants exposed to salt stress

Objective: To evaluate the leaf application of silicon (Si) and titanium (Ti) in three doses (0, 75, and 150 mg L-1), independently, on tomato plants cv. Río Supremo, subjected to saline stress (0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl), on the percentage of juice and color attributes of the fruit. Design/methodology/approach: Two independent essays were carried out under a completely randomized experimental design in a 32 factorial arrangement, where the first study factor was the NaCl concentration in the nutrient solution and the second factor was the leaf application of Si or Ti. The percentage of juice and color attributes in fruits were determined. An analysis of variance and the comparison of means by Tukey (p ≤ 0.05) with the SAS software were performed. Results: Salinity was found to reduce the percentage of juice, the color index, and the ratio of “a/b” indexes. Regarding the interactive effects, NaCl with both Ti and Si increases the “b” index. Leaf applications of Si increased the “b” index and reduced the percentage of juice, the color index, and the ratio of “a/b” indexes. Also, Ti improved the color index and the “b” index. Limitations of the study/implications: The results were obtained in the Río Supremo tomato variety under greenhouse conditions. Other varieties should be tested too. Findings/conclusions: Si and Ti applied to the leaves have positive effects on the color of the fruits of tomato plants under saline stress.
Expression of HPV-16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins alters Chlamydia trachomatis developmental cycle and induces increased levels of immune regulatory molecules

Introduction Infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a recognized risk factor for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection and vice versa. Coinfection of HPV and CT in women is a very common and usually asymptomatic finding that has been linked to increased risk of cervical cancer. It has been demonstrated that CT facilitates the entry of multiple high risk HPV genotypes, leading to damage of the mucosal barrier and interfering with immune responses and viral clearance, which ultimately favours viral persistence and malignant transformation. Although the facilitating effects elicited by CT infection on viral persistence have been reported, little is known about the consequences of HPV infection on CT development. Methods Herein, we took advantage of a genetically modified human cervical cell line co-expressing HPV-16 major oncogenic proteins E6 and E7, as an experimental model allowing to investigate the possible effects that HPV infection would have on CT development. Results and discussion Our results show that CT infection of HPV-16 E6E7 expressing cells induced an upregulation of the expression of E6E7 oncoproteins and host cell inhibitory molecules PD-L1, HVEM and CD160. Additionally, smaller chlamydial inclusions and reduced infectious progeny generation was observed in E6E7 cells. Ultrastructural analysis showed that expression of E6 and E7 did not alter total bacterial counts within inclusions but resulted in increased numbers of reticulate bodies (RB) and decreased production of infectious elementary bodies (EB). Our results indicate that during CT and HPV coinfection, E6 and E7 oncoproteins impair RB to EB transition and infectious progeny generation. On the other hand, higher expression of immune inhibitory molecules and HPV-16 E6E7 are cooperatively enhanced in CT-infected cells, which would favour both oncogenesis and immunosuppression. Our findings pose important implications for clinical management of patients with HPV and CT coinfection, suggesting that screening for the mutual infection could represent an opportunity to intervene and prevent severe reproductive health outcomes, such as cervical cancer and infertility.
Methylcobalamin in Combination with Early Intervention of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Potentiates Nerve Regeneration and Functional Recovery in a Rat Brachial Plexus Injury Model

This study evaluated and compared the functional recovery and histopathological outcomes of treatment involving low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and methylcobalamin (B12) on brachial plexus injury (BPI) in an experimental rat model. Three days after BPI, the rats were assigned to receive either LIPUS or methylcobalamin alone or in combination consecutively for 12 days. Serial changes in sensory and motor behavioral responses, as well as morphological and immunohistochemical changes for substance P (SP), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (iba1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and S100 were examined 28 days after BPI as the outcome measurements. Early intervention of LIPUS and methylcobalamin, whether alone or in combination, augmented the sensory and motor behavioral recovery as well as modulated SP and iba1 expression in spinal dorsal horns, BDNF, and S100 in the injured nerve. Moreover, the combined therapy with its synergistic effect gave the most beneficial effect in accelerating functional recovery. In view of the effective initiation of early recovery of sensory and motor functions, treatment with LIPUS and methylcobalamin in combination has a potential role in the clinical management of early-phase BPI.
Computed tomographic abdominal fat volume estimation – a handy tool to predict the risk of metabolic syndrome

Purpose Abdominal obesity plays a significant role in the development of metabolic syndrome, with individual metabolic risk profiles for visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues. This study aimed to calculate and correlate the subcutaneous, visceral, and total fat compartment volume in metabolic and non-metabolic syndrome patients. Material and methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 112 patients categorized into Group A (with metabolic syndrome) and Group B (without metabolic syndrome). They were subjected to computed tomography (CT) study of the abdomen using a 128-slice MDCT scanner. Body mass index (BMI), visceral fat volume (VFV), subcutaneous fat volume (SFV), and total fat volume (TFV) were calculated and correlated with biochemical evidence of metabolic syndrome. Results The mean age of patients in Group A was 60.91 ± 12.23 years as compared to Group B, which was 50.12 ± 16.30 years. Overall, a male predominance was observed, i.e. 69 cases (61.6%). BMI was proven to be an inaccurate risk predictor. However, mean VFV, SFV, and TFV was statistically higher in patients with metabolic syndrome (p = 0.001), with visceral fat volume predicting a higher risk in females (p = 0.026). Conclusions Abdominal CT is a commonly performed yet unexplored tool for the risk assessment of metabolic syndrome. Through the results obtained in this study, we have proven the need for calculating SFV, VFV, and TFV as predictors of metabolic syndrome in comparison to the conventional practice of BMI assessment. The radiologist can thus work with the clinician to effectively detect and treat this health condition.
New Insights in the Basic Psychological Needs of Leaders Not to Fail Organizational Change: Post-Pandemic View on Leader’s Experience—A Qualitative Content Analysis

Purpose: This paper aims to uncover underlying mechanisms and basic psychological needs of leaders that will enable them to cope with organizational change in a multi-crisis context. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study uses the qualitative research approach of qualitative content analysis to explore leader’s positive and negative experiences during change in a multi-crisis context. Findings: This research highlights the critical role of leaders’ basic psychological needs in organizational change within a multi-crisis context, thereby illustrating the necessity of providing need-based experiences and need-supported change designs. This study has recognized the importance of taking into consideration all four identified levels of change: personal, situational, decisional, and transitional—when implementing change initiatives, as a need-supported change design. Data indicate that, despite expressing a leader’s strong need for involvement and community, the need is not adequately satisfied by rituals and communitas. These results indicate the need to integrate both success factors and failure factors in a simultaneous manner to increase leader’s positive experiences and reduce negative experiences during change, with the aim of providing need-based experiences. Originality/Value: This paper provides new findings and theoretical descriptions in the understudied area of a leader’s basic psychological needs and emerged success and failure factors during change in a multi-crisis context.
Estudio comparativo del diagnóstico de leptospirosis mediante PCR y MAT en el noroeste de México

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), compared to the serological reference technique for the detection of Leptospira spp. , was implemented to evaluate its application as a leptospirosis diagnosis method in samples of symptomatic patients of recent infection from the health sector in northwestern Mexico. Samples of 34 patients were analyzed using the PCR and the microagglutination test (MAT). The results obtained by the PCR showed complete concordance with the determinations of positive or indeterminate patients obtained by the MAT. Out of 31 negative samples or not confirmed by the MAT, 7 (20%) were positive by the PCR. The PCR technique implemented in this study showed to be a useful tool in the diagnosis of the leptospirosis combined with the serological test MAT, emphasizing its usefulness for early detection of this disease.
Greenhouse gas and reactive N-gas emissions from a horse paddock – relationship to physicochemical properties of soil

The horse industry today in Europe is an increasing leisure or sporting activity. Due to considerable input of nutrientsvia dung and urine, horse paddocks can be significant sources of greenhouse gases (GHG) and reactive nitrogen (N)-gases. However, horse paddocks have not been studied intensively in contrast to e.g., dairy cow pastures. Here we report GHG emissions from one selected horse paddock in Eastern Finland. During the first year, GHG emissions from the site and surrounding grassland area were measured with closed static chamber method. In the following year soil samples were taken from the sites to study GHG emission and reactive N-gas (nitrous acid and nitric oxide) emissions in the laboratory. The paddock area emitted significant amounts of N-gases and methane compared with surrounding areas during wet season. N-gas emissions also increased with increasing soil mineral N concentration. We conclude that horse paddocks can be significant but local sources of greenhouse gases and wet soil conditions should be avoided to mitigate the emissions.
Advances of Osteosarcoma Models for Drug Discovery and Precision Medicine

The management of osteosarcoma (OS) patients presents a significant clinical challenge. Despite progress in conventional and targeted therapies, the survival rate of OS patients remains limited largely due to therapy resistance and the high metastatic potential of the disease. OS models that accurately reflect the fundamental characteristics are vital to the innovation and validation of effective therapies. This review provides an insight into the advances and challenges in OS drug development, focusing on various preclinical models, including cell lines, 3D culture models, murine models, and canine models. The relevance, strengths, and limitations of each model in OS research are explored. In particular, we highlight a range of potential therapeutics identified through these models. These instances of successful drug development represent promising pathways for personalized OS treatment.
Poorly differentiated sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma with skull base invasion: A case report

Background: Sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare head and neck tumor that represents only 5% of sinonasal neoplasms. This lesion has a high risk of invasion to adjacent structures such as the orbit, skull base, and soft tissues, with symptoms usually being nonspecific. Most cases are diagnosed in late stages, decreasing overall survival without treatment. To date, there is no consensus on management given its low prevalence; however, it has been shown that multimodal therapy, with the correct surgical approach as the mainstay, offers a better disease-free prognosis. Case Description: A 46-year-old woman presented with a 1 year history of nasal symptoms, characterized by obstruction and epistaxis. Imaging studies showed an extra-axial mass causing skull base erosion and displacement of the right fronto-orbital region, without invasion of brain parenchyma or meninges. A biopsy was performed and an unresectable poorly differentiated sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma was diagnosed. Treatment with radio and chemotherapy was initiated and, as the tumoral volume decreased, she was referred for neurosurgical intervention; an endonasal endoscopic approach was performed. Gross total resection was achieved and the patient was discharged without postoperative complications and no residual lesion on imaging. Conclusion: We describe the evolution of a rare advanced-stage neoplasm. It highlights that despite receiving an initial diagnosis of an unresectable mass, multimodal therapy, and an adequate surgical approach deemed the entire lesion to be resected. Despite the favorable clinical evolution, the follow-up of neuroendocrine carcinoma is prioritized as a neoplasm with a high rate of recurrence and metastasis.
Adaptive incremental stippling for sample distribution in spatially adaptive PIV image analysis

Adaptive sampling strategies in PIV have been shown to efficiently combine the need for limited user-dependence with increased performances in terms of spatial resolution and computational effort, thus rendering such approaches of great interest. The allocation of correlation windows across the spatial image domain is dependent on the interpretation of an underlying objective function, and the distribution of windows accordingly. It is important that such allocation is computationally efficient, robust to changing objective functions and conditions, and conducive to high quality sampling. In this paper, an alternative sample distribution method, based on adaptive incremental stippling, is presented and shown to combine the speed of PDF-based methods with the quality of ‘ideal’ spring-force methods. Case-dependent parameter tuning is no longer necessary, thus improving robustness. In addition, an algorithm to adaptively size initial correlation windows is proposed to further minimise user dependence.
Temporal pattern of Fos and Jun families expression after mitogenic stimulation with FGF-2 in rat neural stem cells and fibroblasts

Intense stimulation of most living cells triggers the activation of immediate early genes, such as Fos and Jun families. These genes are important in cellular and biochemical processes, such as mitosis and cell death. The present study focused on determining the temporal expression pattern of Fos and Jun families in fibroblasts and neural stem cells of cerebellum, hippocampus, and subventricular zone (SVZ) of rats of different ages at 0, 0.5, 1, 3, and 6 h after stimulation with fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2. In neonates, a similar expression pattern was observed in all cells analyzed, with lower expression in basal condition, peak expression at 0.5 h after stimulation, returning to baseline values between 1 and 3 h after stimulation. On the other hand, cells from adult animals only showed Fra1 and JunD expression after stimulation. In fibroblasts and hippocampus, Fra1 reached peak expression at 0.5 h after stimulation, while in the SVZ, peak level was observed at 6 h after stimulation. JunD in fibroblasts presented two peak expressions, at 0.5 and 6 h after stimulation. Between these periods, the expression observed was at a basal level. Nevertheless, JunD expression in SVZ and hippocampus was low and without significant changes after stimulation. Differences in mRNA expression in neonate and adult animals characterize the significant differences in neurogenesis and cell response to stimulation at different stages of development. Characterizing these differences might be important for the development of cell cultures, replacement therapy, and the understanding of the physiological response profile of different cell types.
Drought-Induced Changes in C and N Stoichiometry in a Quercus ilex Mediterranean Forest

A 6-year field experiment of drought manipulation was performed in a Mediterranean forest with the aim of determining the effects of the drought predicted by most climate and ecophysiological models on the C and N concentration, accumulation, and stoichiometry in plants and soil. Drought had different effects among dominant species. In Quercus ilex, it increased the C/P ratio in wood and roots, N concentrations in roots and litter, and N/P ratio in wood and roots and decreased the C concentration in roots, C/N ratio in roots and litter, and C/P ratio in litter. In Arbutus unedo, drought increased the N concentration in litter and decreased the N concentration in leaves, thus decreasing N leaf reabsorption. No significant changes in C and N concentrations were found in Phillyrea latifolia. Drought affected the P plant absorption capacity more than that of N (more mobile). There was a general decreasing trend of C and N accumulation in aboveground biomass, with this effect being significant in A. unedo, which accumulated 80% less C and lost 2 kg ha 1 of N in aboveground biomass in drought plots in the period 1999 -2005, whereas in this same period it accumulated 9 kg ha 1 of N in total aboveground biomass in control plots. Total soil N and soil organic C increased in droughted soils. The effects of drought on C/N/P stoichiometry and N uptake capacity were different among the three dominant plant species. Q. ilex and A. unedo were more sensitive to drought than P. latifolia. The increase in C/P and N/P ratios in Q. ilex and the decrease in N uptake in A. unedo might decrease their competitive capacity under drought by decreasing water use efficiency. These results altogether indicated slower C and N mineralization and lower N plant capture, N leaf reabsorption, and N accumulation in some dominant plant species in response to drought, thus reducing C and N soil turnover, increasing C and N accumulation in soil, and reducing C and N at the stand level. FOR . S CI. 54(5):513-522.
Soil Moisture Dominates the Forest Productivity Decline During the 2022 China Compound Drought‐Heatwave Event

Compound drought‐heatwave (CDHW) events threaten ecosystem productivity and are often characterized by low soil moisture (SM) and high vapor pressure deficit (VPD). However, the relative roles of SM and VPD in constraining forest productivity during CDHWs remain controversial. In the summer of 2022, China experienced a record‐breaking CDHW event (DH2022). Here, we applied satellite remote‐sensing data and meteorological data, and machine‐learning techniques to quantify the individual contributions of SM and VPD to forest productivity variations and investigate their interactions during the development of DH2022. The results reveal that SM, rather than VPD, dominates the forest productivity decline during DH2022. We identified a possible critical tipping point of SM below which forest productivity would quickly decline with the decreasing SM. Furthermore, we illuminated the evolution of SM, VPD, evapotranspiration, forest productivity, and their interactions throughout DH2022. Our findings broaden the understanding of forest response to extreme CDHWs at the ecosystem scale.
The Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on the RMB Exchange Rate: Evidence from TVP-SV-VAR Model

ABSTRACT Using the Time-Varying Parameter-Stochastic Volatility-Vector Auto Regression model, this study examines the dynamic relationship between Non-deliverable Forwards, Stock Index Gap, Interest Rate Gap, and short-term fluctuations of the RMB exchange rate during the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. Our findings indicate that these variables exhibit time-varying characteristics and a relatively significant stable trend. Additionally, in the initial phase of the pandemic, there were substantial capital outflows from the Chinese stock market. However, as the Chinese economic situation improved and the government intervened in a timely manner, exchange rate and Non-deliverable Forwards volatility decreased, leading to a slowdown in outflows.
Biogenesis and function of exosome lncRNAs and their role in female pathological pregnancy

Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and recurrent spontaneous abortion are common maternal pregnancy complications that seriously endanger women’s lives and health, and their occurrence is increasing year after year with a rejuvenation trend. In contrast to biomarkers found freely in tissues or body fluids, exosomes exist in a relatively independent environment and provide a higher level of stability. As backbone molecules, guidance molecules, and signaling molecules in the nucleus, lncRNAs can regulate gene expression. In the cytoplasm, lncRNAs can influence gene expression levels by modifying mRNA stability, acting as competitive endogenous RNAs to bind miRNAs, and so on. Exosomal lncRNAs can exist indefinitely and are important in intercellular communication and signal transduction. Changes in maternal serum exosome lncRNA expression can accurately and timely reflect the progression and regression of pregnancy-related diseases. The purpose of this paper is to provide a reference for clinical research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment methods of pregnancy-related diseases by reviewing the role of exosome lncRNAs in female pathological pregnancy and related molecular mechanisms.
Isoliensinine Attenuates Renal Fibrosis and Inhibits TGF-β1/Smad2/3 Signaling Pathway in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of isoliensinine, a kind of bibenzyl isoquinoline alkaloid which isolated from a TCM named Lotus Plumule (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn), in treating renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) by using RNA sequencing, KEGG analysis and in vivo experimental approaches. Methods Spontaneous hypertension rats (SHRs) were randomly assigned into five groups, consisting of SHR, SHR+Isoliensinine-L (2.5 mg/kg/day), SHR+Isoliensinine-M (5 mg/kg/day), SHR+Isoliensinine-H (10 mg/kg/day), and SHR+Valsartan (10 mg/kg/day) groups (n = 6 for each group). A control group of Wistar Kyoto rats (n = 6) was also included. Rats were treated intragastrically with isoliensinine, valsartan, or double-distilled water of equal volume for 10 weeks. To examine the therapeutic impact on hypertensive renal injury, fibrosis, and its underlying mechanisms, multiple techniques were employed, including hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, RNA sequencing, gene ontology (GO) function and pathway enrichment analysis and immunohistochemistry. Results Resultantly, the use of isoliensinine at different concentrations or valsartan showed significant improvement in renal pathological injury in SHRs. RNA sequencing and KEGG analysis uncovered 583 differentially expressed transcripts and pathways enriched in collagen formation and ECM–receptor interaction after treatment with isoliensinine. There was also a reduction in the increase of collagen and upregulation of collagen I & III, TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 in the renal tissue of SHRs. Thus, isoliensinine ameliorated renal injury and collagen deposition in hypertensive rats, and inhibiting the activation of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway might be one of the underlying mechanisms. Conclusion This study showed that treatment with isoliensinine effectively reduced the renal injury and fibrosis in SHRs. In addition, isoliensinine inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling in-vivo. These findings provided strong evidence for the therapeutic benefits of isoliensinine in combating renal injury and fibrosis.