Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amendment history : Retraction ( April 2019 ) Molecular isoforms of high-mobility group box 1 are mechanistic biomarkers for epilepsy

Approximately 30% of epilepsy patients do not respond to antiepileptic drugs, representing an unmet medical need. There is evidence that neuroinflammation plays a pathogenic role in drug-resistant epilepsy. The high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)/TLR4 axis is a key initiator of neuroinflammation following epileptogenic injuries, and its activation contributes to seizure generation in animal models. However, further work is required to understand the role of HMGB1 and its isoforms in epileptogenesis and drug resistance. Using a combination of animal models and sera from clinically well-characterized patients, we have demonstrated that there are dynamic changes in HMGB1 isoforms in the brain and blood of animals undergoing epileptogenesis. The pathologic disulfide HMGB1 isoform progressively increased in blood before epilepsy onset and prospectively identified animals that developed the disease. Consistent with animal data, we observed early expression of disulfide HMGB1 in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy, and its persistence was associated with subsequent seizures. In contrast with patients with well-controlled epilepsy, patients with chronic, drug-refractory epilepsy persistently expressed the acetylated, disulfide HMGB1 isoforms. Moreover, treatment of animals with antiinflammatory drugs during epileptogenesis prevented both disease progression and blood increase in HMGB1 Research Article Neuroscience
Transparent Electrothermal Heaters Based on Vertically-Oriented Graphene Glass Hybrid Materials

Transparent heating devices are widely used in daily life-related applications that can be achieved by various heating materials with suitable resistances. Herein, high-performance vertically-oriented graphene (VG) films are directly grown on soda-lime glass by a radio-frequency (rf) plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method, giving reasonable resistances for electrothermal heating. The optical and electrical properties of VG films are found to be tunable by optimizing the growth parameters such as growth time, carrier gas flow, etc. The electrothermal performances of the derived materials with different resistances are thus studied systematically. Specifically, the VG film on glass with a transmittance of ~73% at 550 nm and a sheet resistance of ~3.9 KΩ/□ is fabricated into a heating device, presenting a saturated temperature up to 55 °C by applying 80 V for 3 min. The VG film on the glass at a transmittance of ~43% and a sheet resistance of 0.76 KΩ/□ exhibits a highly steady temperature increase up to ~108 °C with a maximum heating rate of ~2.6 °C/s under a voltage of 60 V. Briefly, the tunable sheet resistance, good adhesion of VG to the growth substrate, relative high heating efficiency, and large heating temperature range make VG films on glass decent candidates for electrothermal related applications in defrosting and defogging devices.
CRISPR/Cas9-Based Antiviral Strategy: Current Status and the Potential Challenge

From its unexpected discovery as a bacterial adaptive immune system to its countless applications as one of the most versatile gene-editing tools, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has revolutionized every field of life science. Virology is no exception to this ever-growing list of CRISPR/Cas9-based applications. Direct manipulation of a virus genome by CRISPR/Cas9 has enabled a systematic study of cis-elements and trans-elements encoded in a virus genome. In addition, this virus genome-specific mutagenesis by CRISPR/Cas9 was further funneled into the development of a novel class of antiviral therapy targeting many incurable chronic viral infections. In this review, a general concept on the CRISPR/Cas9-based antiviral strategy will be described first. To understand the current status of the CRISPR/Cas9-based antiviral approach, a series of recently published antiviral studies involving CRISPR/Cas9-mediated control of several clinically-relevant viruses including human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, herpesviruses, human papillomavirus, and other viruses will be presented. Lastly, the potential challenge and future prospect for successful clinical translation of this CRISPR/Cas9-based antiviral method will be discussed.
Altering the radiation chemistry of electron-beam lithography with a reactive gas: a study of Teflon AF patterning under water vapor

Variable-pressure electron-beam lithography (VP-EBL) employs an ambient gas at subatmospheric pressure to reduce charging of insulating films and substrates during electron exposure. In this work, VP-EBL proves to be an efficient method for patterning a widely used, but challenging to process, fluoropolymer, Teflon AF. However, rather than solely mitigating charging, the ambient gas is found to alter the radiation chemistry of the exposure process. Specifically, irradiating Teflon AF under water vapor increases the dissolution rate of the exposed regions in non-fluorinated solvents and enables complete patterning in a positive tone process. When compared to conventional e-beam resists, the contrast (≈4), clearing dose (<700 μC cm−2), and resolution (≈40 nm half-pitch) of Teflon AF are adequate. However, these figures of merit are quite remarkable when the process is considered as a means for directly patterning a functional material with extremely low surface energy, dielectric constant, and refractive index. Intriguingly, VP-EBL of Teflon AF under water vapor also exhibits non-reciprocity, through dose-rate dependence, and exhibits anomalous proximity effects. Thus, the influence of the ambient gas on radiation chemistry must be considered for VP-EBL, and some of the resulting effects may offer significant benefits for patterning both functional and lithographic materials.
Applications and Advances of Magnetoelastic Sensors in Biomedical Engineering: A Review

We present a comprehensive investigation into magnetoelastic sensors (MES) technology applied to biomedical engineering. This includes the working principles, detection methods, and application fields of MES technology. MES are made of amorphous metallic glass ribbons and are wireless and passive, meaning that it is convenient to monitor or measure the parameters related to biomedical engineering. MES are based on the inverse magnetoelastic (Villari) effect. When MES are subjected to mechanical stress, their magnetic susceptibility will change accordingly. And the susceptibility of MES is directly related to their magnetic permeability. The varying permeability can positively reflect the applied stress. The various detection methods that have been developed for different field applications include measurement of force, stress, and strain, monitoring of various chemical indexes, and consideration of different biomedical parameters such as the degradation rate and force conditions of artificial bone, as well as various physiological indexes including ammonia level, glucose concentration, bacteria growth, and blood coagulation.
CYFRA 21-1 in Lymph Node Fine Needle Aspiration Washout Improves Diagnostic Accuracy for Metastatic Lymph Nodes of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and washout thyroglobulin (Tg) measurements are the standard for evaluating a metastatic lymph node (LN) in thyroid cancer. However, patients rarely benefit from these procedures due to false results. This study aims to identify a reliable biomarker that significantly improves the diagnosis of metastatic LNs, in addition to FNAC and washout Tg. This study analyzed 130 LNs that were suspected to have metastases on thyroid ultrasonography, from June 2016 to December 2017. All subjects underwent FNAC, washout Tg measurements and a new biomarker, washout Cytokeratin fragment 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) measurement. The final LN outcomes were confirmed by surgical histology, repeat FNAC, or follow-up image. The diagnostic values of the presence of washout CYFRA 21-1 for diagnosing metastatic LNs were evaluated according to final LN outcomes. Among the 130 LNs, 42 were metastatic lesions and 88 were benign. The washout CYFRA 21-1 levels were significantly higher in metastatic LNs than in benign LNs. In contrast to the findings of washout Tg, washout CYFRA 21-1 showed little overlap between benign and malignant LNs, and its diagnostic cutoff values were not affected by surgery. The combinations of FNAC and washout CYFRA 21-1 showed higher sensitivity (91.9%), specificity (96.5%), negative predictive value (98.8%), and diagnostic accuracy (94.2%) than FNAC with washout Tg. The combination of FNAC, washout Tg, and washout CYFRA 21-1 showed the best sensitivity (98.8%). When washout CYFRA 21-1 was applied to the discordant results that were observed between FNAC and washout Tg, 20 of 22 LNs were correctly diagnosed. Washout CYFRA 21-1 measurements in thyroid LNs provide a diagnostic modality.
Transcriptome analysis of leg muscles in fast and slow growth Bian chickens

Abstract Chicken is popular among consumers in the market, but the mechanism for regulating its growth is still unclear. In this experiment, two groups of Bian chickens of different body weights at 16 weeks of age were studied. The leg muscles were taken for transcriptome sequencing after slaughter. In the differential gene screening, all the genes obtained by sequencing the fast and slow growth groups were screened by Fold Change ≥2 and False Discovery Rate (FDR) <0.05, and 108 differentially expressed genes were obtained. The slow growth group has 17 up-regulated genes and 91 down-regulated genes compared with the fast growing group. Significance analysis of differentially expressed genes in gene ontology (GO) enrichment indicates that there are 65, 16 and 6 significantly enriched entries in the three main categories of biological processes, cellular components and molecular functions (P-value <0.05), respectively. Pathway enrichment analysis yielded three significantly enriched signal pathways: Adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, Cardiac muscle contraction and Tight junction. The experiment would contribute to reveal the molecular mechanism of chicken growth and provide a theoretical basis for improving the performance of Bian chicken.
Prediction of Acute-Phase Treatment Outcomes by Adding a Single-Item Measure of Activity Impairment to Symptom Measurement: Development and Validation of an Interactive Calculator from the STAR*D and CO-MED Trials

Abstract Background Day-to-day functioning is impaired in major depressive disorder. Yet there are no guidelines to systematically assess these functional changes. This report evaluates prognostic utility of changes in activity impairment to inform clinical decision-making at an individual level. Methods Mixed model analyses tested changes in activity impairment (sixth item of Work and Activity Impairment scale, rated 0–10) at mid-point (week 6) and end of step 1 (weeks 12–14) in the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) trial (n = 2697) after controlling for depression severity [Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report (QIDS-SR)]. Interactive calculators for end of step 1 remission (QIDS-SR ≤5) and no meaningful benefit (<30% QIDS-SR reduction from baseline) were developed for participants with complete data (n = 1476) and independently replicated in the Combining Medications to Enhance Depression Outcomes trial (n = 399). Results Activity impairment improved independently with acute-phase treatment in STAR*D (F = 7.27; df = 2,2625; P < .001). Baseline to mid-point activity impairment change significantly predicted remission (P < .001, model area under the curve = 0.823) and no meaningful benefit (P < .001, area under the curve = 0.821) in the STAR*D trial. Adding activity impairment variables to depression severity measures correctly reclassified 28.4% and 15.8% remitters and nonremitters (net reclassification improvement analysis, P < .001), and 11.4% and 16.8% of those with no meaningful benefit and meaningful benefit (net reclassification improvement analysis, P < .001). The STAR*D trial model estimates accurately predicted remission (area under the curve = 0.80) and no meaningful benefit (area under the curve = 0.82) in the Combining Medications to Enhance Depression Outcomes trial and was used to develop an interactive calculator. Conclusion A single-item self-report measure of activity impairment changes independently with antidepressant treatment. Baseline to week 6 changes in activity impairment and depression severity can be combined to predict acute-phase remission and no meaningful benefit at an individual level.
LED-Cured Reflection Gratings Stored in an Acrylate-Based Photopolymer

The storage of volume holographic reflection gratings in low-toxicity photopolymers represents a challenge at present since they can be used in many important applications such as biosensors and holographic optical elements. In this context, an acrylate-based photopolymer developed in our research group was employed to study the recording of unslanted holographic reflection gratings at high spatial frequencies. The optimal preparation conditions of the photopolymer layers were determinated. The diffraction efficiencies are measured in both recording and curing stage and a comparative study of these values was realized. In addition, a theoretical study using Kogelnik’s coupled wave theory was carried out with the aim of understanding the diffraction efficiency behaviour of both processes. In this work, a maximum diffraction efficiency of 14.1% was reached after a curing process in 150 µm layers at a recording wavelength of 488 nm. This value represents a good result compared to that reported in the literature and opens the way to reflection mode holography research using low-toxicity material.
Restoration of HCV-Specific Immune Responses with Antiviral Therapy: A Case for DAA Treatment in Acute HCV Infection

Worldwide, 71 million individuals are chronically infected with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Chronic HCV infection can lead to potentially fatal outcomes including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV-specific immune responses play a major role in viral control and may explain why approximately 20% of infections are spontaneously cleared before the establishment of chronicity. Chronic infection, associated with prolonged antigen exposure, leads to immune exhaustion of HCV-specific T cells. These exhausted T cells are unable to control the viral infection. Before the introduction of direct acting antivirals (DAAs), interferon (IFN)-based therapies demonstrated successful clearance of viral infection in approximately 50% of treated patients. New effective and well-tolerated DAAs lead to a sustained virological response (SVR) in more than 95% of patients regardless of viral genotype. Researchers have investigated whether treatment, and the subsequent elimination of HCV antigen, can reverse this HCV-induced exhausted phenotype. Here we review literature exploring the restoration of HCV-specific immune responses following antiviral therapy, both IFN and DAA-based regimens. IFN treatment during acute HCV infection results in greater immune restoration than IFN treatment of chronically infected patients. Immune restoration data following DAA treatment in chronically HCV infected patients shows varied results but suggests that DAA treatment may lead to partial restoration that could be improved with earlier administration. Future research should investigate immune restoration following DAA therapies administered during acute HCV infection.
Avian host composition, local speciation and dispersal drive the regional assembly of avian malaria parasites in South American birds

Identifying the ecological factors that shape parasite distributions remains a central goal in disease ecology. These factors include dispersal capability, environmental filters and geographic distance. Using 520 haemosporidian parasite genetic lineages recovered from 7,534 birds sampled across tropical and temperate South America, we tested (a) the latitudinal diversity gradient hypothesis and (b) the distance–decay relationship (decreasing proportion of shared species between communities with increasing geographic distance) for this host–parasite system. We then inferred the biogeographic processes influencing the diversity and distributions of this cosmopolitan group of parasites across South America. We found support for a latitudinal gradient in diversity for avian haemosporidian parasites, potentially mediated through higher avian host diversity towards the equator. Parasite similarity was correlated with climate similarity, geographic distance and host composition. Local diversification in Amazonian lineages followed by dispersal was the most frequent biogeographic events reconstructed for haemosporidian parasites. Combining macroecological patterns and biogeographic processes, our study reveals that haemosporidian parasites are capable of circumventing geographic barriers and dispersing across biomes, although constrained by environmental filtering. The contemporary diversity and distributions of haemosporidian parasites are mainly driven by historical (speciation) and ecological (dispersal) processes, whereas the parasite community assembly is largely governed by host composition and to a lesser extent by environmental conditions.
Juglone in Oxidative Stress and Cell Signaling

Juglone (5-hydroxyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) is a phenolic compound found in walnuts. Because of the antioxidant capacities of phenolic compounds, juglone may serve to combat oxidative stress, thereby protecting against the development of various diseases and aging processes. However, being a quinone molecule, juglone could also act as a redox cycling agent and produce reactive oxygen species. Such prooxidant properties of juglone may confer health effects, such as by killing cancer cells. Further, recent studies revealed that juglone influences cell signaling. Notably, juglone is an inhibitor of Pin1 (peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase) that could regulate phosphorylation of Tau, implicating potential effects of juglone in Alzheimer’s disease. Juglone also activates mitogen-activated protein kinases that could promote cell survival, thereby protecting against conditions such as cardiac injury. This review describes recent advances in the understanding of the effects and roles of juglone in oxidative stress and cell signaling.
Comprehensive nuclear proteome of Arabidopsis obtained by sequential extraction

ABSTRACT In eukaryotes, the nucleus plays key roles in fundamental cellular processes, including DNA replication, chromatin maintenance, transcription, and translation. To better understand the functional diversity of nuclei, we developed a method for the comprehensive extraction of the nuclear proteome from Arabidopsis. We used a buffer with a high sucrose concentration to purify nuclei and then conducted solubility-based fractionation to increase proteome coverage. We identified 1539 proteins and two novel nuclear envelope (NE) proteins in the nuclear fraction of Arabidopsis cultured cells. The localization of 25 proteins was determined by GFP fusion analyses; 23 of these proteins were localized either in the nucleus or the NE-associated endoplasmic reticulum. This result was indicative of the high quality of the proteome. These findings will be useful for clarifying novel nuclear functions in plants.
Cannabinoid Actions on Neural Stem Cells: Implications for Pathophysiology

With the increase of life expectancy, neurodegenerative disorders are becoming not only a health but also a social burden worldwide. However, due to the multitude of pathophysiological disease states, current treatments fail to meet the desired outcomes. Therefore, there is a need for new therapeutic strategies focusing on more integrated, personalized and effective approaches. The prospect of using neural stem cells (NSC) as regenerative therapies is very promising, however several issues still need to be addressed. In particular, the potential actions of pharmacological agents used to modulate NSC activity are highly relevant. With the ongoing discussion of cannabinoid usage for medical purposes and reports drawing attention to the effects of cannabinoids on NSC regulation, there is an enormous, and yet, uncovered potential for cannabinoids as treatment options for several neurological disorders, specifically when combined with stem cell therapy. In this manuscript, we review in detail how cannabinoids act as potent regulators of NSC biology and their potential to modulate several neurogenic features in the context of pathophysiology.
Laying Performance, Physical, and Internal Egg Quality Criteria of Hens Fed Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles and Exogenous Enzyme Mixture

Simple Summary The present study was designed to investigate the simultaneous use of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and exogenous enzyme mixture (EEM) on layer performance and egg characteristics. Results confirmed that DDGS is an acceptable feed ingredient in layer diets and that the maximum inclusion level of DDGS in the diet should be around 12% for the best performance and egg characteristics. Abstract The effects of dietary inclusion of distillers dried grains with solubles in laying hen diets with and without exogenous enzyme mixture (EEM) on performance and egg characteristics were evaluated. One of the main objectives of this study was to examine the effects of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and enzyme cocktail on egg yolk fatty acids. The study used total of 144 Hisex Brown laying hens in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, including four levels of DDGS (0, 6, 12, and 18% of diet) and two levels of enzyme cocktail (0 or 250 mg EEM/kg of diet) through 32–42 weeks of the age. The inclusion of 18% DDGS was associated with the worst (p ≤ 0.001) egg production and the lowest daily feed intake. Numerically, hens fed 6% DDGS diet consumed more feed and had the greatest egg production. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded in the control, while the worst was recorded in the 18% DDGS group. Compared with EEM-free diets, EEM supplementation improved FCR by about 2.79%, but the difference was not significant. Shell thickness and shell percentage were significantly increased in hens fed 6% DDGS diet compared to other groups. Egg weights in the 6% and 12% DDGS groups were significantly higher than those in the control and 18% DDGS groups. Non-significant increases in shell and albumin percentages were recorded in groups fed EEM-supplemented diets. The interaction effect of DDGS and EEM was significant (p ≤ 0.01) for the majority of egg characteristics. As dietary DDGS level increased, yolk color density increased. Elevating DDGS level up to 18% increased yolk cholesterol, total fat, and total unsaturated fatty acids. The effects of EEM supplementation on egg yolk fatty acid composition and the interaction effects between DDGS and EEM were not significant. Considering these results, it could be concluded that DDGS is an acceptable feed ingredient in layer diets and that the maximum inclusion level of DDGS should not exceed 12% of the whole diet.