Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Implications for the Pathogenesis and Potential Therapeutics

Mitochondria are indispensable for energy metabolism and cell signaling. Mitochondrial homeostasis is sustained with stabilization of mitochondrial membrane potential, balance of mitochondrial calcium, integrity of mitochondrial DNA, and timely clearance of damaged mitochondria via mitophagy. Mitochondrial dysfunction is featured by increased generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial calcium imbalance, mitochondrial DNA damage, and abnormal mitophagy. Accumulating evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysregulation causes oxidative stress, inflammasome activation, apoptosis, senescence, and metabolic reprogramming. All these cellular processes participate in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and asthma. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on cellular processes involved in the development of these respiratory diseases. This not only implicates mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction for the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases but also provides potential therapeutic approaches for these diseases by targeting dysfunctional mitochondria.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the strawberry aphid Chaetosiphon fragaefolii Cockerell, 1901 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from California, USA

Abstract The aphid Chaetosiphon fragaefolii Cockerell, 1901 is an agricultural pest and known vector of strawberry viruses. To better understand its biology and systematics, we performed a genomic analysis on C. fragaefolii collected from Quinalt strawberry plants from Pacific Grove, Monterey county, California, USA using Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing. The resulting data were used to assemble the aphids complete mitogenome. The mitogenome of C. fragaefolii is 16,108 bp in length and contains 2 rRNA, 13 protein-coding, and 22 tRNA genes (GenBank accession number LC590896). The mitogenome is similar in content and organization to other Aphididae. Phylogenetic analysis of the C. fragaefolii mitogenome resolved it in a fully supported clade in the tribe Macrosiphini. Analysis of the cox1 barcode sequence of C. fragaefolii from California found exact and nearly identical sequences to C. fragaefolii and Chaetosiphon thomasi Hille Ris Lambers, 1953, suggesting the two species are conspecific.
SNP-based assessment of genetic purity and diversity in maize hybrid breeding

Assessment of genetic purity of inbred lines and their resultant F1 hybrids is an essential quality control check in maize hybrid breeding, variety release and seed production. In this study, genetic purity, parent-offspring relationship and diversity among the inbred lines were assessed using 92 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A total of 188 maize genotypes, comprising of 26 inbred lines, four doubled haploid (DH) lines and 158 single-cross maize hybrids were investigated in this study using Kompetitive Allele Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (KASP) genotyping assays. The bi-allelic data was analyzed for genetic purity and diversity parameters using GenAlex software. The SNP markers were highly polymorphic and 90% had polymorphic information content (PIC) values of > 0.3. Pairwise genetic distances among the lines ranged from 0.05 to 0.56, indicating a high level of dissimilarity among the inbred lines. Maximum genetic distance of (0.56) was observed for CKDHL0089, CML443 and CB323, while the lowest (0.05) was between I-42 and I-40. The majority (67%) of the inbred lines studied were genetically pure with residual heterozygosity of <5%, while only 33% were had heterozygosity levels of >5%. Inbred lines, which were not pure, require purification through further inbreeding. Cluster analysis partitioned the lines into three distinct genetic clusters with the potential to contribute new beneficial alleles to the maize breeding program. Out of the 68 hybrids (43%) that passed the parent-offspring test, seven hybrids namely; SCHP29, SCHP95, SCHP94, SCHP134, SCHP44, SCHP114 and SCHP126, were selected as potential candidates for further evaluation and release due to their outstanding yield performance.
Atypical Presentation of Plasma Cell Neoplasm of the Sternum

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare plasma cell neoplasm characterized by monoclonal cell infiltration in the bone marrow, which can cause anemia, bone pain, and recurrent infections. Extramedullary myeloma (EM) is a rare clinical presentation with a poor prognosis. It involves the accumulation of clonal plasma cells in soft tissues with a tumor-like appearance, either presenting as a primary (initial) or secondary (relapse) malignancy. We present a case of a 65-year-old male who experienced an abrupt onset of chest pain associated with a localized sternal mass while exercising the day prior to arrival. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast revealed an expansile lytic lesion around the sternal area. Due to high suspicion for malignancy, a CT-guided core needle biopsy was done, which showed plasma cells with rare Dutcher bodies consistent with MM. Bone marrow smear showed the presence of 70% plasma cells confirming a diagnosis of MM. Early detection of this devastating disease may help improve survival. Therefore, physicians should have a high index of suspicion for MM in older patients with similar clinical presentations.
Elemental Composition and Source Apportionment of Fine and Coarse Particles at Traffic and Urban Background Locations in Athens, Greece

ABSTRACT Athens is one of the European cities most burdened by particle pollution; thus, characterizing the aerosol composition and sources is imperative for addressing health concerns and undertaking mitigation measures. In this study, PM10 and PM2.5 ambient samples, collected at a roadside traffic and at an urban background site throughout an annual period, were analyzed for their elemental composition and light-absorbing carbon. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis was performed to identify sources and quantify their contributions to the PM2.5 and PM10–2.5 fractions. Above a two-fold roadside enhancement of concentrations was observed for a number of vehicle-emitted and road-dust resuspended species (BC, Cu, Zn, Fe and Ca), with increments for trace elements being more notable in the coarse fraction. Source apportionment indicated that road traffic and sulfate-rich regional aerosols were the key contributors to the fine particles, with the former being dominant at the roadside site (43%) and the latter accounting for the majority (52%) of the particle mass at the background location. Other fine particle sources included biomass burning -mainly during wintertime-, heavy oil combustion, mineral dust and sea salt. For coarse particles, the PMF-extracted factors were associated with vehicular emissions and road dust (prevailing at the roadside site, with a combined contribution of 60%), mineral dust and sea salt (52% cumulatively at the background site). Regional contributions of secondary and natural particles were comparable in level and well correlated among the sites. On the contrary, the net contributions from traffic related sources exhibited large concentration gradients; however, high spatial correlations were observed, especially in cases with favorable wind circulations from the city center towards the background site. It appears that controlling traffic related emissions, in the absence of significant point sources in the area, could have a pronounced effect on a wide spatial scale within Athens, with broad implications for the protection of public health.
Understanding the phytochemical constitution, antioxidant potential and spectral characteristics of aqueous extracts of the chosen leafy vegetables from south India

The phytochemical composition, total phenolic and ascorbic acid contents of the aqueous extracts of six south Indian leafy vegetables viz. Amaranthus viridis L, Hibiscus cannabinus L, Spinacea oleracea L, Mentha spicata L, Murraya koenigii L and Coriandrum sativum L were tested, characterized and the antioxidant potential evaluated. Also, aqueous leaf extracts of A. viridis and H. cannabinus were demonstrated for their ability to form silver nanoparticles. All the aqueous extracts demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins (except M. koenigii) and terpenoids (except S. oleracea) while phlobatannins (only in M. spicata), steroids, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids and proteins were absent in all the leaves tested. Carbohydrates were found only in the aqueous extract of H. cannabinus. The total phenolic content was the order of 0.9, 0.2, 1.8, 0.8 and 2.1 mgGAE/g of the leaves for A. viridis, H. cannabinus, M. spicata, M. koenigii and C. sativum respectively while S. oleracea did not respond to total phenolic content assay by FC method. Ascorbic acid, present in all the leafy vegetables with the lowest value of 0.3 mg/g in M. spicata and highest value of 1.9 mg/g in C. sativum. A highly significant DPPH radical scavenging activity was found in H. cannabinus (82.76%) followed by M. spicata (78.08%) and C. sativum (69.76%) at an extract concentration of 31.25 mg/ml while A. viridis, S. oleracea and M. koenigii showed 72.95%, 58.27% and 75.38% respectively at a concentration of 50 mg/ml. FT-IR spectral characterization of the extracts and the synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) indicated the presence of N-H amines, O-H stretch, C-H out of plane bending vibrations, C=C stretching of alkenes, C=O stretch of amide and C≡C stretch of alkynes. The leafy vegetables can be used for the synthesis of lead compounds which will cure diseases.
Observed birth prevalence of congenital anomalies among live births at a regional facility in KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa

Congenital disorders (CDs), defined as abnormalities in structure or function present at birth, are an important contributor to the disease burden in developing countries. The size and extent of the problem in South Africa (SA) are unknown due to the lack of recent, reliable, observed data on CDs. To address this empirical data gap, this study aimed to measure the birth prevalence of congenital anomalies (a sub-set of CDs) and to describe the pattern of these anomalies at a regional hospital in KwaZulu Natal (KZN), SA. A retrospective, observational, descriptive review of congenital anomalies diagnosed within the neonatal service at Edendale Hospital (EDH), KZN was undertaken between January and December 2018. All EDH in-house live births diagnosed and notified with congenital anomalies by discharge were included. Stillbirths, other pregnancy losses and out-born neonates were excluded. Data were actively collected from the birth register, neonatal admission register, and the individual paper-based surveillance tool developed by the National Department of Health. The in-facility birth prevalence rate for congenital anomalies was 15.57 per 1 000 live births. The most observed system was musculoskeletal (32%) followed by circulatory system anomalies (19%). When the observed birth prevalence rates of key congenital anomalies were compared with previously published, modelled South African data, no significant difference was found. This study responds to the paucity of birth prevalence data on CDs overall and offers evidence that obvious, structural CDs (congenital anomalies) need to be addressed in the SA public health system.
Alternol triggers immunogenic cell death via reactive oxygen species generation

ABSTRACT Alternol is a naturally occurring compound that exerts antitumor activity in several cancers. However, whether Alternol induces antitumor immune response remains unknown. In this study, we investigated whether Alternol induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) in prostate cancer cells. Alternol triggered ICD in prostate cancer cells, as evidenced by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) (i.e., calreticulin, CALR; high mobility group protein B1, HMGB1; and adenosine triphosphate, ATP) and pro-inflammatory cytokine (i.e., interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) expression. Alternol facilitated tumor-associated antigen uptake and cross-presentation, CD8 + T-cell priming, and T-cell infiltration in tumor-draining lymph nodes (LNs) and tumors. The presence of Alternol fostered antitumor immune response in vivo, resulting in delayed tumor growth and prolonged survival. Moreover, inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation blocked Alternol-induced upregulation of pre-inflammation cytokines, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and consequent antitumor immune response. Overall, our data indicate that Alternol triggers ICD in prostate cancer cells, which is mediated by ROS generation.
Evaluation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma and normal oral mucosa using western blot

Background: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that acts as a binding site for toxic chemicals, particularly the dioxin group of chemicals. Elevated levels of AHR have been observed in various human cancers, including lung carcinomas, hepatic carcinomas and in mammary tumors. However, the expression of AHR in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients who are tobacco users are less explored. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare AHR levels in OSSC patients and in normals using Western blot technique in an attempt to explore the possible role of AHR in oral carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of ten oral squamous cell carcinoma cases which were diagnosed clinically and confirmed histopathologically as OSCC and four samples of the normal oral mucosa. AHR protein expression was evaluated using Western blot technique and chemiluminescence detection kit. The densitometry was performed on a Microtek scan maker MSP flatbed scanner and quantified using Image J software. Mean AHR protein levels were calculated and compared between OSCC and normal oral mucosa using Student's t-test. Results: The mean AHR protein level in OSCC samples (n = 10) was 2878.90 ± 1231.27 and 975.75 ± 227.27 in the normal oral mucosa (n = 4). The OSCC samples showed significantly higher levels of AHR protein compared to the normal oral mucosa (P = 0.008). Conclusion: The study showed a significantly higher expression of AHR in oral squamous cell carcinoma samples when compared to the normal oral mucosa, suggesting a possible role of AHR in the initiation, promotion and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Motivations and Career Decisions in Occupational Therapy Course: A Qualitative Inquiry of Asia-Pacific International Students in Australia

Purpose This study aims to understand the motivations of academic voyage and post-graduation career decisions of occupational therapy international students in Australia. The following two research questions guided this study: why do international students choose to study in Australia instead of ones in their own countries? And why do international students choose to study occupational therapy program(s) in Australia instead of ones in their own countries? Patients and Methods A qualitative design with phenomenology was employed to recruit 20 participants for the data collection procedures, including interview sessions, focus group activity, and member checking interview. The participants were studying one of the accredited occupational therapy programs in Australia as international students. Results Six themes were yielded. All participants expressed that due to the excellent education, reasonable tuition fees and living standard, and the positive career opportunities, almost all expressed their positive experiences of their Australian voyage as international students and tended to stay in Australia after they gained the registration career development. More importantly, the notions of contribution to Australian communities are captured as many considered Australia as an important place in their lives. Conclusion University leaders may wish to take action in upgrading their international students’ services, particularly career development services. Government agencies may take this study as a blueprint for upgrading the current regulations for international students, particularly in establishing a targeted immigration visa for recent graduates who want to establish their own businesses or invest in Australia.
Modulation of electrophoresis, electroosmosis and diffusion for electrical transport of proteins through a solid-state nanopore

Nanopore probing of molecular level transport of proteins is strongly influenced by electrolyte type, concentration, and solution pH. As a result, electrolyte chemistry and applied voltage are critical for protein transport and impact, for example, capture rate (CR), transport mechanism (i.e., electrophoresis, electroosmosis or diffusion), and 3D conformation (e.g., chaotropic vs. kosmotropic effects). In this study, we explored these using 0.5–4 M LiCl and KCl electrolytes with holo-human serum transferrin (hSTf) protein as the model protein in both low (±50 mV) and high (±400 mV) electric field regimes. Unlike in KCl, where events were purely electrophoretic, the transport in LiCl transitioned from electrophoretic to electroosmotic with decreasing salt concentration while intermediate concentrations (i.e., 2 M and 2.5 M) were influenced by diffusion. Segregating diffusion-limited capture rate (Rdiff) into electrophoretic (Rdiff,EP) and electroosmotic (Rdiff,EO) components provided an approach to calculate the zeta-potential of hSTf (ζhSTf) with the aid of CR and zeta potential of the nanopore surface (ζpore) with (ζpore–ζhSTf) governing the transport mechanism. Scrutinization of the conventional excluded volume model revealed its shortcomings in capturing surface contributions and a new model was then developed to fit the translocation characteristics of proteins.
Evaluation of eye tracking for a decision support application

Abstract Eye tracking is used widely to investigate attention and cognitive processes while performing tasks in electronic medical record (EMR) systems. We explored a novel application of eye tracking to collect training data for a machine learning-based clinical decision support tool that predicts which patient data are likely to be relevant for a clinical task. Specifically, we investigated in a laboratory setting the accuracy of eye tracking compared to manual annotation for inferring which patient data in the EMR are judged to be relevant by physicians. We evaluated several methods for processing gaze points that were recorded using a low-cost eye-tracking device. Our results show that eye tracking achieves accuracy and precision of 69% and 53%, respectively compared to manual annotation and are promising for machine learning. The methods for processing gaze points and scripts that we developed offer a first step in developing novel uses for eye tracking for clinical decision support.
Which are the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who respond to subcutaneous esketamine?

The paper by Lucchese et al. (2021), published in Journal of Psychopharmacology, January 9th 2021, provides important information about the use of subcutaneous esketamine in real-world patients. However, some points need to be clarified: First, the majority of patients received the doses of 1 mg/kg, but the paper does not make clear whether those patients were the same who presented a better response. Second, the best response was observed in patients with comorbidity anxiety disorder. The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders – fourth edition (DSM-IV) was used as the diagnostic criteria to include and exclude patients, anxiety disorders in this version of the DSM included post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), we do not comprehend why the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders – fifth edition (DSM-5) was not used since it was published in 2013 and data were collected between 2017 and 2018 (American Psychiatric Association, 1994, 2013). Moreover, these patients with anxiety disorders were in use of benzodiazepines (BZD)? How many of them had PTSD or OCD? Third, Table 2 is misleading, mostly because it suppresses two of the duration parameter classes used in the Maudsley Staging Method (MSM), which are acute and subacute (Fekadu et al., 2009). For complete data analysis, all the classes should have been shown in Table 2 including the number of treatment failures. Fourth, why were chosen, out of all categories in the DSM-IV, only anxiety disorders to be reported, was because it was the only one to be statistically significant? Fifth, why most of the chosen patients have such a high body mass index (BMI) (mean = 29 and SD = 7.5)? The relation between treatment response and BMI was not made clear, as it was not shown if patients with a lower BMI responded equally to the ones with high BMI. It is important to make this clear, since there are pharmacokinetic differences in the bioavailability between patients with high rates of fat and ones with lower rates. In addition, there may be different drug effects, considering the different metabolic rates between these two groups. Lastly, six patients dropped out of the trial, but the reasons were not revealed, was it side effects, lack of efficacy?
Oxylipin Responses to Fasting and Insulin Infusion in a Large Mammalian Model of Fasting-Induced Insulin Resistance, the Northern Elephant Seal.

The prolonged, post-weaning fast of northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) pups is characterized by a reliance on lipid metabolism and reversible, fasting-induced insulin resistance providing a unique model to examine the effects of insulin on lipid metabolism. We have previously shown that acute insulin infusion induced a shift in fatty acid metabolism dependent on fasting duration. This study complements the previous study by examining the effects of fasting duration and insulin infusion on circulating levels of oxylipins, bioactive metabolites derived from the oxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Northern elephant seal pups were studied at two post-weaning periods (n = 5/period): early fasting (1-2 weeks post-weaning; 127 ± 1 kg) and late fasting (6-7 weeks post-weaning; 93 ± 4 kg). Different cohorts of pups were weighed, sedated, and infused with 65 mU/kg of insulin. Plasma was collected prior to infusion (T0), and at 10, 30, 60, and 120 min post-infusion. A profile of ~80 oxylipins were analyzed by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Nine oxylipins changed between early and late fasting and eight were altered in response to insulin infusion. Fasting decreased PGF2a and increased 14,15-DiHETrE, 20-HETE, and 4-HDoHE (p<0.03) in T0 samples, while insulin infusion resulted in an inverse change in area under the curve (AUC) levels in these same metabolites (p<0.05). In addition, 12-HpETE and 12-HETE decreased with fasting and insulin infusion, respectively (p<0.04). The oxylipins altered during fasting and in response to insulin infusion may contribute to the manifestation of insulin resistance and participate in the metabolic regulation of associated cellular processes.