Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative anatomical and transcriptomic analyses of the color variation of leaves in Aquilaria sinensis

Color variation in plant tissues is a common phenomenon accompanied with a series of biological changes. In this study, a special-phenotype Aquilaria sinensis (GS) with color variation of leaf was firstly reported, and DNA barcode sequences showed GS samples could not be discriminated clearly with the normal A. sinensis sample (NS), which suggested that the variety was not the cause of the GS formation. To reveal the characteristics of GS compared to NS, the anatomical and transcriptome sequencing studies were carried out. In microscopic observation, the leaves of golden-vein-leaf sample (LGS) and normal-vein-leaf sample (LNS) showed significant differences including the area of the included phloem in midrib and the thickness parameters of palisade and spongy tissues; the stems of golden-vein-leaf sample (SGS) and normal-vein-leaf sample (SNS) were also different in many aspects such as the area of vessels and included phloem. In addition, the structure of chloroplast was more complete in the midrib of LNS than that of LGS, and some particles suspected as virus were found through transmission electron microscope as well. Genes upregulated in LGS in contrast with LNS were mainly enriched in photosynthesis. As for stems, most of the genes upregulated in SGS compared to SNS were involved in translation and metabolism processes. The pathways about photosynthesis and chlorophyll metabolism as well as some important transcription factors may explain the molecular mechanism of the unique phenotypes of leaves and the genes related to suberin biosynthesis may result in the difference of stems. In addition, the genes about defense response especially biotic stress associated with numerous pathogenesis-related (PR) genes upregulated in LGS compared to LNS indicated that the pathogen may be the internal factor. Taken together, our results reveal the macro- and micro-phenotype variations as well as gene expression profiles between GS and NS, which could provide valuable clues for elucidating the mechanism of the color variation of Aquilaria.
Effect of Ambulance Stretcher Bed Height Adjustment on CPR Quality and Rescuer Fatigue in a Laboratory Environment

Background: The quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is closely related to the survival rate of a patient, and it is crucial to maintain the quality of CPR during the ambulance journey to the receiving hospital. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different stretcher bed heights on operator CPR quality. Methods: In this randomized crossover trial, 16 male emergency medical technicians-paramedics (EMT-Ps) performed continuous chest compressions on a hemimorphic mannequin for 5 minutes, alternating between the current height of the stretcher bed on the ambulance (38 ± 1 cm) (S-38) and the height of the participant's midpoint of the patella (S-knee), where the stretcher bed surface is. Results: According to the analysis of the quality of CPR exercises with two different stretcher bed heights at 5 minutes of continuous chest compression, the mean chest compression depth (CCD) of the S-38 position (53.81 ± 1.91 cm) was significantly lower than that of the S-knee (55.12 ± 2.03 cm; p < 0.001). The mean chest compression rate (CCR) of the S-38 position (111.44 ± 3.44 beats/min) was significantly higher than that of the S-knee (109.63 ± 4.46 beats/min; p = 0.027). The mean of total chest compressions (TCC) of the S-38 position (557.44 ± 16.81 times) was significantly higher than that of the S-knee (548.24 ± 19.40 times; p = 0.029). The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of the S-38 position was significantly higher than that of the S-knee (12.75 ± 1.91 %; p = 0.015). Only the chest compression rebound rate (CCRR) (S-38: 97.56 ± 4.63 % vs. S-knee: 98.31 ± 1.89 %, p = 0.401) and the chest compression fraction (CCF) (S-38: 98.44 ± 0.81 % vs. S-knee: 98.44 ± 0.96 %, p = 1.000) did not reach a significant difference. Conclusion: When a resuscitator is performing chest compressions in a standing position in an ambulance, the excessive downward leaning of the resuscitator's upper body affects CPR quality and increases fatigue. This study has verified that setting the stretcher bed of the ambulance at the knee height of the EMTs provides better CPR quality and lower fatigue.
Does corporate social responsibility affect shareholder value? Evidence from the COVID‐19 crisis

Abstract The COVID‐19 outbreak and the subsequent lockdown were an unanticipated shock to the global stock market. Managers also had minimal time to counterbalance its effect through corporate policies. Therefore, this health crisis offers a unique opportunity to examine the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on shareholder value. We observe that firms engaged in more CSR activities outperform other firms. This suggests that CSR plays a positive role in determining shareholder value, particularly for an emerging market where minority shareholder rights are weak. Collaborating with our main finding, we further find that governance metrics play a significant role.
Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha as a Competent Biomarker for Evaluation of Disease Activity in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis

Aim The cytokines particularly tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) have a substantial role in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of serum TNF-α as a competent biomarker of disease activity in RA and to assess the correlation of serum TNF-α with DAS28-ESR (disease activity score-erythrocyte sedimentation rate in 28 joints) and other markers expressed in serum of RA patients. Methodology The study was conducted from May 2020 to October 2020 after approval from the Ethical Review Committee of Ziauddin University. This cross-sectional study included 90 diagnosed cases of RA from 30 to 65 years with the complaint of arthralgia. Patients from the rheumatology clinic were enrolled in the study by a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Informed consent was taken from each patient and they were assessed through a set of questions based upon disability in the performance of daily activities due to RA. Evaluation of serum levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP), rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and TNF-α were done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were segregated into groups based upon DAS28-ESR with erythrocyte sedimentation rate as an inflammatory marker. The Kruskal Wallis test was applied for the comparison of different variables in these groups. Spearman correlation was applied for the association between different variables. Multiple variable analysis was performed to assess the predictability of disease activity by serum markers included in the study. Results The results of our study disclosed a significant difference in ACCP, TNF-α, tender joint count of 28 joints (TJ-28), swollen joint count of 28 joints (SJ-28), and health assessment questionnaire-disability index (HAQ-DI) in disease activity groups. A significant correlation of serum TNF-α with DAS28-ESR in RA patients was observed. Conclusion This study illustrated a significant correlation of serum TNF-α with DAS28-ESR in RA patients. We found that expression of serum TNF-α may intensify the inflammatory activity in early RA, therefore, RA patients must be screened for this cytokine to monitor that disease activity could be useful for patients undergoing anti-TNF therapy.
Breast cancer type 1 and neurodegeneration: consequences of deficient DNA repair

Abstract Numerous cellular processes, including toxic protein aggregation and oxidative stress, have been studied extensively as potential mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. However, limited therapeutic efficacy targeting these processes has prompted other mechanisms to be explored. Previous research has emphasized a link between cellular senescence and neurodegeneration, where senescence induced by excess DNA damage and deficient DNA repair results in structural and functional changes that ultimately contribute to brain dysfunction and increased vulnerability for neurodegeneration. Specific DNA repair proteins, such as breast cancer type 1, have been associated with both stress-induced senescence and neurodegenerative diseases, however, specific mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this review explores DNA damage-induced senescence in the brain as a driver of neurodegeneration, with particular focus on breast cancer type 1, and its potential contribution to sex-specific differences associated with neurodegenerative disease.
Influence of hay feeding method, supplement moisture, or access time on intake and waste by beef cows

Abstract Experiments were performed to determine the effects of feeding method and hay processing (Experiment 1), energy supplement moisture content and feeding method (Experiment 2), and access time to hay (Experiment 3) on cow body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI), and hay or energy supplement intake and waste. Experiment 1 was designed as a 4 × 4 Latin Square using 48 multiparous, late-gestating, Angus cows (626 kg initial BW). Cows were stratified by age and BW into four treatment groups (n = 12 cows/group); treatment groups were then initially assigned randomly to treatments in a sequence of preset Latin Square periods. In Experiment 1, round bales were processed and delivered on the pen surface or in a bunk, or left unprocessed and delivered in a hay ring or rolled out on the pen surface. Experiment 2 was designed as a 6 × 6 Latin Square utilizing 54 multiparous, late-gestating, Angus cows (616 kg initial BW). Cows were stratified by age and BW into treatment groups (n = 9 cows/group); treatment groups were then initially assigned randomly to treatments in a sequence of preset Latin Square periods. In Experiment 2, corn screenings (CS) or wet beet pulp (BP) were fed in a structure (inverted tire or bunk) or BP only on the pen surface. Experiment 3 was designed as a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square utilizing 24 multiparous, late-gestating, Angus cows (584 kg initial BW). Cows were stratified by age and BW into treatment groups (n = 8 cows/group); treatment groups were then initially assigned randomly to treatments in a sequence of preset Latin Square periods. In Experiment 3, cows were permitted access to round-bales in a hay ring for 6, 14, or 24 h. In Experiment 1, hay DMI was not affected (P ≥ 0.579). Hay waste was greater (P ≤ 0.007) when hay, processed or not, was fed on the pen surface. In Experiment 2, hay DMI was greatest (P ≤ 0.011) for cows fed no supplement and those fed CS in a bunk. Feeding BP in a bunk led to the greatest (P ≤ 0.003) hay waste. In Experiment 3, cows permitted 6-h access consumed and wasted less (P < 0.001) hay compared with those permitted longer access; BW was unaffected (P ≥ 0.870). In these experiments, cows fed hay on the pen surface, processed or not, achieved similar DMI as those fed in a ring or bunk, but wasted more hay. Delivering BP in a bunk or on the pen surface increased hay and supplement waste, respectively. Controlling access to hay reduced DMI and waste while maintaining cow BW.
Being resilient for society: evidence from companies that leveraged their resources and capabilities to fight the COVID‐19 crisis

This study adopts a resilience perspective to explain how companies managed to contribute innovative solutions to fight the COVID‐19 crisis. We studied how five companies operating in different industries (three in automotive, one in printing, and one in rubber and plastic products manufacturing) managed to reorganize activities and employ their R&D and innovation capabilities to enhance their resilience. Simultaneously, they increased the health system’s capacity to cope with the outbreak. Through a qualitative inductive study, based on interviews with company managers, we found that the firms mobilized their resources and capabilities to expand their ability to adapt and cope with adversity at the organizational level. In addition, moved by the sensitivity to the extreme context and a perceived sense of urgency, the firms deployed the same endowments to strengthen the community’s response to a crisis. Our study shows that an organization can directly and positively foster the broader social system’s resilience. This study contributes to the innovation literature by identifying innovation capabilities as fundamental antecedents of resilience building for organizational response, paving the way for strengthening the link between resilience and innovation.
Characterization of auxin transporter AUX, PIN and PILS gene families in pineapple and evaluation of expression profiles during reproductive development and under abiotic stresses

Polar auxin transport in plant is mediated by influx and efflux transporters, which are encoded by AUX/LAX, PIN and PILS genes, respectively. The auxin transporter gene families have been characterized in several species from monocots and eudicots. However, a genome-wide overview of auxin transporter gene families in pineapple is not yet available. In this study, we identified a total of threeAcAUX genes, 12 AcPIN genes, and seven AcPILS genes in the pineapple genome, which were variably located on 15 chromosomes. The exon-intron structure of these genes and properties of deduced proteins were relatively conserved within the same family. Most protein motifs were widespread in the AUX, PIN or PILS proteins, whereas a few motifs were absent in only one or two proteins. Analysis of the expression profiles of these genes elucidated that several genes exhibited either preferential or tissue-specific expression patterns in vegetative and/or reproductive tissues. AcAUX2 was specifically expressed in the early developmental ovules, while AcPIN1b and AcPILS2 were strongly expressed in stamens and ovules. AcPIN9b, AcPILS1, AcPILS6a, 6b and 6c were abundantly expressed in stamens. Furthermore, qRT-PCR results showed that several genes in these families were responsive to various abiotic stresses. Comparative analysis indicated that the genes with close evolutionary relationships among pineapple, rice and Arabidopsis exhibited similar expression patterns. Overexpression of the AcAUX1 in Arabidopsis rescued the phenotype in aux1-T, and resulted in increased lateral roots in WT. These results will provide new insights into auxin transporter genes of pineapple and facilitate our understanding of their roles in pineapple growth and development.
The initial impact of COVID‐19 on Australasian Sonographers Part 1: Changes in scan numbers and sonographer work hours

COVID‐19 has seen a series of lockdowns and suspension on non‐urgent elective surgeries. Subsequently, there was a drop in the number of diagnostic imaging services billed in April, May, 2020. A survey was undertaken from March to June 2020 to determine the initial impact of COVID‐19 on Australasian Sonographers. This article, the first in a 3‐part series presents and discusses the results of this survey pertaining to changes in the number of scans performed, and changes in the working hours of sonographers. The remaining two articles in this series address other initial COVID‐19 impacts on Australasian Sonographers.
Identification of an m6A-Related Signature as Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis and Correlates with Sorafenib and Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy Treatment Response

Background N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays an essential role in diverse key biological processes and may take part in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we systematically analyzed the expression profiles and prognostic values of 13 widely reported m6A modification-related genes in HCC. Methods The mRNA expression of 13 m6A modification-related genes and clinical parameters of HCC patients were downloaded from TCGA, ICGC, GSE109211, and GSE78220. Univariate and LASSO analyses were used to develop risk signature. Time-dependent ROC was performed to assess the predictive accuracy and sensitivity of risk signature. Results FTO, YTHDC1, YTHDC2, ALKBH5, KIAA1429, HNRNPC, METTL3, RBM15, YTHDF2, YTHDF1, and WTAP were significantly overexpressed in HCC patients. YTHDF1, HNRNPC, RBM15, METTL3, and YTHDF2 were independent prognostic factors for OS and DFS in HCC patients. Next, a risk signature was also developed and validated with five m6A modification-related genes in TCGA and ICGC HCC cohort. It could effectively stratify HCC patients into high-risk patients with shorter OS and DFS and low-risk patients with longer OS and DFS and showed good predictive efficiency in predicting OS and DFS. Moreover, significantly higher proportions of macrophages M0 cells, neutrophils, and Tregs were found to be enriched in HCC patients with high risk scores, while significantly higher proportions of memory CD4 T cells, gamma delta T cells, and naive B cells were found to be enriched in HCC patients with low scores. Finally, significantly lower risk scores were found at sorafenib treatment responders and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy responders compared to that in nonresponders, and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy-treated patients with lower risk scores had better OS than patients with higher risk scores. Conclusion A risk signature developed with the expression of 5 m6A-related genes could improve the prediction of prognosis of HCC and correlated with sorafenib treatment and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy response.
Improving the performance of deep learning models using statistical features: The case study of COVID‐19 forecasting

COVID‐19 pandemic has affected all aspects of people's lives and disrupted the economy. Forecasting the number of cases infected with this virus can help authorities make accurate decisions on the interventions that must be implemented to control the pandemic. Investigation of the studies on COVID‐19 forecasting indicates that various techniques such as statistical, mathematical, and machine and deep learning have been utilized. Although deep learning models have shown promising results in this context, their performance can be improved using auxiliary features. Therefore, in this study, we propose two hybrid deep learning methods that utilize the statistical features as auxiliary inputs and associate them with their main input. Specifically, we design a hybrid method of the multihead attention mechanism and the statistical features (ATT_FE) and a combined method of convolutional neural network and the statistical features (CNN_FE) and apply them to COVID‐19 data of 10 countries with the highest number of confirmed cases. The results of experiments indicate that the hybrid models outperform their conventional counterparts in terms of performance measures. The experiments also demonstrate the superiority of the hybrid ATT_FE method over the long short‐term memory model.
Effect of advancing age on the reproductive performance of Japanese Thoroughbred broodmares

ABSTRACT Many studies have reported that advancing age in broodmares has a negative impact on the reproductive performance of horses. However, although the ages at first and last mating vary among broodmares, it is unknown how this variation affects the correlation between age and reproductive performance in mares. Here, in order to examine the effects of the ages at first and last mating, we analyzed all recorded mating events for Thoroughbreds in Japan from 1997 to 2017. We found that the live foal birth rate of mares with a younger age at first mating indeed declined at an earlier age than those with an older age at first mating and that the number of years since the first mating also contributes to the decline in the birth rate. We also found that the live foal birth rate and mean earnings of the produced foals are much higher for mares with an older age at last mating compared with mares with a younger age at last mating. Our results should aid breeders in assessing the value of broodmares and designing breeding strategies.
Synthesis and Toxicity of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles: A Literature Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Nanomaterials have been widely used in many fields in the last decades, including electronics, biomedicine, cosmetics, food processing, buildings, and aeronautics. The application of these nanomaterials in the medical field could improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention techniques. Graphene oxide (GO), an oxidized derivative of graphene, is currently used in biotechnology and medicine for cancer treatment, drug delivery, and cellular imaging. Also, GO is characterized by various physicochemical properties, including nanoscale size, high surface area, and electrical charge. However, the toxic effect of GO on living cells and organs is a limiting factor that limits its use in the medical field. Recently, numerous studies have evaluated the biocompatibility and toxicity of GO in vivo and in vitro. In general, the severity of this nanomaterial's toxic effects varies according to the administration route, the dose to be administered, the method of GO synthesis, and its physicochemical properties. This review brings together studies on the method of synthesis and structure of GO, characterization techniques, and physicochemical properties. Also, we rely on the toxicity of GO in cellular models and biological systems. Moreover, we mention the general mechanism of its toxicity.
Evaluation of the developmental outcome in children with congenital hypothyroidism

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most common endocrine diseases and one of the major causes of mental retardation in children. So we aimed to evaluate the developmental outcome of children with CH. Methods: This case-control study was performed on two 3-6-year-old groups of 100 patients. The case group was children with CH, referred to Endocrine Clinic of Amirkola Children's Hospital (2011-2017) and the control group was healthy children and normal from other states. The Denver developmental screening test-II (DDST_II) was used to assess the developmental factors and disorders in four areas of gross motor, fine motor, personal-social and language. Data were analyzed by SPSS 21 using descriptive statistics, t-test and chi-square, and a p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of 200 children in the case and control groups was 54.62±15.72 and 59.68±15.64 months, respectively. In the case group, 45% and 55% of them had transient and permanent CH, respectively. All four criteria of DDST_II in the control group as well as gross motor in the case group were normal, but fine motor, personal-social and language were reported normal in 94, 95 and 93% of the case group, respectively. All subjects with abnormal DDST_II, had a negative neonatal screening tests. Conclusion: The results obtained from DDST_II indicated that 6% of children with CH had an abnormal development, all who had an onset of medical treatment over 30 days, which makes it important to screen the neonatal thyroid disease and diagnose this disease timely.