Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retention of Human iPSC-Derived or Primary Cells Following Xenotransplantation into Rat Immune-Privileged Sites

In regenerative medicine, experimental animal models are commonly used to study potential effects of human cells as therapeutic candidates. Although some studies describe certain cells, such as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) or human primary cells, as hypoimmunogenic and therefore unable to trigger strong inflammatory host responses, other studies report antibody formation and immune rejection following xenotransplantation. Accordingly, the goal of our study was to test the cellular retention and survival of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs)-derived MSCs (iMSCs) and primary nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) following their xenotransplantation into immune-privileged knee joints (14 days) and intervertebral discs (IVD; 7 days) of immunocompromised Nude and immunocompetent Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. At the end of both experiments, we could demonstrate that both rat types revealed comparably low levels of systemic IL-6 and IgM inflammation markers, as assessed via ELISA. Furthermore, the number of recovered cells was with no significant difference between both rat types. Conclusively, our results show that xenogeneic injection of human iMSC and NPC into immunoprivileged knee and IVD sites did not lead to an elevated inflammatory response in immunocompetent rats when compared to immunocompromised rats. Hence, immunocompetent rats represent suitable animals for xenotransplantation studies targeting immunoprivileged sites.
Technical Agriculture Skills Teachers Need to Teach Courses in the Plant Systems Pathway

Agricultural teacher education programs are designed to prepare competent teachers who are ready to teach students in public schools. One aspect of agricultural teacher education is ensuring teachers are ready to lead instruction in various aspects of school-based agricultural education (SBAE), such as teaching students various technical agriculture skills. As part of a larger study, we used a three-round Delphi study to identify the technical agriculture skills SBAE teachers in Illinois and Iowa need to effectively teach courses in the Plant Systems pathway within the broader Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster. A panel of 27 experienced SBAE teachers nominated by their colleagues contributed data for our study. Eighteen teachers participated in all three rounds. At the conclusion of our Delphi study, we identified 82 technical agriculture skills. To help ensure teachers are competent and prepared to teach courses in the Plant Systems pathway, we suggest several approaches agricultural teacher educators should consider: (1) facilitating opportunities to implement technical agriculture skill development opportunities within agricultural teacher education programs, (2) engaging with agricultural faculty who teach technical agriculture courses to pre-service teachers, and (3) using our list of 82 skills as a springboard to facilitate future scholarly inquiry on the topic. While our results are not generalizable beyond the SBAE teachers in Illinois and Iowa, we do believe our findings are valuable to SBAE stakeholders. To enhance generalizability and provide a more thorough exploration of teachers’ technical agriculture skill needs, replication of our study should occur in other states.
The interactive associations between positive and negative affect and alcohol in real-world social drinking environments

Abstract Despite the widely known mood enhancing and anxiolytic properties of alcohol, its link with affective state is not universal and rather nuanced. We examined whether dispositional traits of positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) influence the link between consumed alcohol and affective states (i.e. state PA and state NA), and state arousal. Self-report measures of state affect, state arousal, and objective measures of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), were obtained in naturalistic social drinking settings (i.e. bar and drinking venues) as individuals engaged in real-world social drinking activities. The sample consisted of 60 participants (55.9% females) whose age ranged from 20 to 27 years old (M = 21.85, SD = 1.24). Trait affect and demographic measures were obtained 48 hours later via an online survey. Results revealed a between-subject interaction of trait affect by BAC on state PA and state: at higher BAC levels, individuals with high levels of trait PA, but not low trait PA, experienced significantly higher state PA. Further analyses of state PA subscales showed that this interaction was present in state calmness but not state well-being or vigor. In the context of arousal, those with high trait NA, but not low trait NA, scored higher in state high-arousal levels. Main effects of trait PA/NA on state affect were detected, but not for BAC on state affect or arousal. This highlights the impactful role that dispositional affect can have in permeating or enhancing emotional states experienced in real-world social drinking contexts.
The dual face of microglia (M1/M2) as a potential target in the protective effect of nutraceuticals against neurodegenerative diseases

The pathophysiology of different neurodegenerative illnesses is significantly influenced by the polarization regulation of microglia and macrophages. Traditional classifications of macrophage phenotypes include the pro-inflammatory M1 and the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes. Numerous studies demonstrated dynamic non-coding RNA modifications, which are catalyzed by microglia-induced neuroinflammation. Different nutraceuticals focus on the polarization of M1/M2 phenotypes of microglia and macrophages, offering a potent defense against neurodegeneration. Caeminaxin A, curcumin, aromatic-turmerone, myricetin, aurantiamide, 3,6′-disinapoylsucrose, and resveratrol reduced M1 microglial inflammatory markers while increased M2 indicators in Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid beta-induced microglial M1 activation was suppressed by andrographolide, sulforaphane, triptolide, xanthoceraside, piperlongumine, and novel plant extracts which also prevented microglia-mediated necroptosis and apoptosis. Asarone, galangin, baicalein, and a-mangostin reduced oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in M1-activated microglia in Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, myrcene, icariin, and tenuigenin prevented the nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome and microglial neurotoxicity, while a-cyperone, citronellol, nobiletin, and taurine prevented NADPH oxidase 2 and nuclear factor kappa B activation. Furthermore, other nutraceuticals like plantamajoside, swertiamarin, urolithin A, kurarinone, Daphne genkwa flower, and Boswellia serrata extracts showed promising neuroprotection in treating Parkinson’s disease. In Huntington’s disease, elderberry, curcumin, iresine celosia, Schisandra chinensis, gintonin, and pomiferin showed promising results against microglial activation and improved patient symptoms. Meanwhile, linolenic acid, resveratrol, Huperzia serrata, icariin, and baicalein protected against activated macrophages and microglia in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis. Additionally, emodin, esters of gallic and rosmarinic acids, Agathisflavone, and sinomenine offered promising multiple sclerosis treatments. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of using nutraceuticals to treat neurodegenerative diseases involving microglial-related pathways.
Risk factors for lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis in patients with lower rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objective Lateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN) metastasis is one of the prominent reasons for local recurrence (LR) in patients with rectal cancer (RC). The evaluation criteria of lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) for patients in eastern (mainly in Japan) and western countries have been controversial. The aim of this study was to analyse the risk factors for LPLN metastasis in order to guide surgical methods. Methods We searched relevant databases (Embase (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) for articles published between 1 January 2000 and 05 October 2022 to evaluate the risk factors for LPLN metastasis in patients with RC in this meta-analysis. Results A total of 24 articles with 5843 patients were included in this study. The overall results showed that female sex, age <60 years, pretherapeutic CEA level >5 ng/ml, clinical T4 stage (cT4), clinical M1 stage (cM1), distance of the tumour from the anal verge (AV) <50 mm, tumour centre located below the peritoneal reflection (Rb), short axis (SA) of LPLN ≥8 mm before nCRT, short axis (SA) of LPLN ≥5 mm after nCRT, border irregularity of LPLN, tumour size ≥50 mm, pathological T3-4 stage (pT3-4), pathological N2 stage (pN2), mesorectal lymph node metastasis (MLNM), lymphatic invasion (LI), venous invasion (VI), CRM (+) and poor differentiation were significant risk factors for LPLN metastasis (P <0.05). Conclusion This study summarized almost all potential risk factors of LPLN metastasis and expected to provide effective treatment strategies for patients with LRC. According to the risk factors of lateral lymph node metastasis, we can adopt different comprehensive treatment strategies. High-risk patients can perform lateral lymph node dissection to effectively reduce local recurrence; In low-risk patients, we can avoid overtreatment, reduce complications and trauma caused by lateral lymph node dissection, and maximize patient survival and quality of life.
Green Knowledge Management and Innovation for Sustainable Development: A Comprehensive Framework

This paper explores the concept of Green Knowledge Management (GKM) and its relationship with sustainable development and green innovation. A comprehensive review of relevant literature was conducted to gain a better understanding of the components of GKM. Based on this review, a conceptual framework was proposed to outline the intricate interrelationships between GKM, green innovation, sustainable development, organizational green culture, consumer resistance, pro-environmental behaviour, and environmental knowledge. The proposed framework stresses the significance of managing green knowledge effectively to attain sustainable development goals through green innovation. It also highlights the importance of promoting an environmentally friendly culture within the organization to strengthen the link between green knowledge management, green innovation, and sustainable development. Furthermore, the framework acknowledges the potential resistance of consumers towards adopting green innovation products. To overcome this challenge, companies must provide adequate environmental knowledge and encourage pro-environmental behaviour among consumers. This will enable companies to manage their green knowledge effectively and promote sustainable development through green innovation. In conclusion, GKM is a crucial factor in developing green innovation and achieving sustainable development. Organizational green culture plays a significant role in strengthening the bond between GKM and sustainable development. The proposed conceptual framework provides a clear understanding of the complex relationships between green knowledge management, green culture, sustainable development, consumer resistance, pro-environmental behaviour, and environmental knowledge. It underscores the importance of managing green knowledge and fostering an environmentally friendly culture within organizations to achieve sustainable development goals through green innovation. This paper's findings have significant implications for companies that seek to promote sustainable development through green innovation. By effectively managing their green knowledge, companies can develop innovative solutions that address environmental challenges while achieving sustainable growth. Furthermore, by promoting an environmentally friendly culture, companies can ensure that their employees and customers embrace sustainability as a core value, leading to a more sustainable future for all.
Comprehensive profiling of pre-infection antibodies identifies HIV targets associated with viremic control and viral load

Background High HIV viral load (VL) is associated with increased transmission risk and faster disease progression. HIV controllers achieve viral suppression without antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. We evaluated viremic control in a community-randomized trial with >48,000 participants. Methods A massively multiplexed antibody profiling system, VirScan, was used to quantify pre- and post-infection antibody reactivity to HIV peptides in 664 samples from 429 participants (13 controllers, 135 viremic non-controllers, 64 other non-controllers, 217 uninfected persons). Controllers had VLs <2,000 copies/mL with no ARV drugs detected at the first HIV-positive visit and one year later. Viremic non-controllers had VLs 2,000 copies/mL with no ARV drugs detected at the first HIV-positive visit. Other non-controllers had either ARV drugs detected at the first HIV-positive visit (n=47) or VLs <2,000 copies/mL with no ARV drugs detected at only one HIV-positive visit (n=17). Results We identified pre-infection HIV antibody reactivities that correlated with post-infection VL. Pre-infection reactivity to an epitope in the HR2 domain of gp41 was associated with controller status and lower VL. Pre-infection reactivity to an epitope in the C2 domain of gp120 was associated with non-controller status and higher VL. Different patterns of antibody reactivity were observed over time for these two epitopes. Conclusion These studies suggest that pre-infection HIV antibodies are associated with controller status and modulation of HIV VL. These findings may inform research on antibody-based interventions for HIV treatment.
Extension Education Trends and Research Needs: Views from Professionals and Faculty

This study sought to understand Extension Education's trends and research needs as perceived by members of the American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE) and Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) by comparing and contrasting findings from questionnaires using open-ended questions. Both groups identified changing technology and new audiences as key trends requiring Extension to adapt, and JCEP respondents noted makers and entrepreneurs as prominent new audiences. For Extension Education research needs, both groups prioritized research to heighten professional development among Extension professionals. JCEP respondents desire Agricultural and Extension Education (AEE) Departments to lead research in Extension administrative leadership. On the contrary, AAAE respondents prioritized Extension program evaluation research. Regarding Extension professional development, JCEP respondents identified program planning and evaluation, but AAAE respondents named research methods as prioritized needs. JCEP respondents prioritized practical experiences in Extension Education college courses, and AAAE members reported some internships, practicums, and experiential learning in their AEE curriculum. The results have implications for AEE Departments in planning professional development for Extension professionals and college instruction producing Extension-career-ready graduates. Recommendations emphasize the need to coordinate college curriculum and professional development and to prepare students for Extension careers.
Integrating new trends in farming systems approaches in Malawi

In Malawi, agricultural growth has depended on small farms being in the forefront in pursuant of poverty reduction at the farm level, in the rural economy, and nationally. Increasingly since the last decade, farmers face complex, privatised and competitive markets for inputs and products that condition the choice of technologies and farming activities. This paper argues that there are ready-made paradigms for transforming agriculture. Though some are age old, they fit in the changing mold of farming systems. Crop diversification, conservation farming, dry season cropping systems, integration of livestock with crops, and farmer groups are traditional farming systems concepts that today remain a panacea for the core problem of dwindling agricultural productivity in Malawi.
Change Detection in Forests Using Multi-Temporal High Density Airborne Laser Scanning Data

Remote sensing of forests with airborne laser scanning has been used increasingly in the last decades. Due to its capability to provide very detailed three-dimensional information on the structure of forests and individual trees it is very suitable to detect changes in forests. However, current change detection methods in this field often cannot exploit the full potential of the information. The increasing gap between the ability of these methods and the information available in increasingly denser airborne laser scanning data has led to this research. Therefore a three step approach is developed that aims to use the full three-dimensional information in the data to detect harvested and fallen trees in forests. First, differences in the repeated data are obtained through an adapted cloud-to-cloud comparison, such that the data can be reduced to the changed points only. Secondly, from the changed points the individual changed objects are extracted and finally classified as either removed trees or other objects. The findings show that harvested and fallen trees can be detected with an overall accuracy of up to 94% and an omission error of 0%. The results further indicate that smaller trees and changes below the canopy can be identified, although with lower success rates. All in all, it can be seen that the potential of the three-dimensional nature can be better exploited by considering each individual point of the data.
Dynamic Changes of Regulatory T Cells/CD4+ T Cells in Peripheral Blood of Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Comparison of Pediatric and Adult Kidney Donors

Background Inducing transplantation tolerance and monitoring the recipient’s immune status to improve allograft survival remains the main goal for kidney transplantation (KTx). Material/Methods A total of 53 renal transplantation patients and 20 healthy individuals were assigned to the post-transplantation and healthy groups, respectively; 10 recipients with stable renal function for 2 years after kidney transplantation were assigned to Group C. Eleven kidney transplantation recipients were hospitalized due to lung infection. Flow cytometry was used to measure levels of Tregs/CD4+ T cells. Results The Tregs/CD4+ T cells ratio reached homeostasis 6 months after KTx, with no significant difference between Group D (healthy control group) and pre-surgery or Group C (2 years after KTx group). The pediatric donor group and the adult donor group reached immune homeostasis 3 months after the operation. Immune homeostasis is maintaining a balance between immune tolerance and immunogenicity. There was no significant difference in graft function between the pediatric and adult donor groups before surgery, 1 day after surgery, 1 week after surgery, 2 weeks after surgery, and 1 month after surgery; however, graft function was significantly better in the pediatric donor group compared with the adult donor group at 3 mouths (eGFR: 51.7 (40.4–66.2) vs 73.0 (55.7–90.2), P=0.008<0.05) and 6 months (eGFR: 52.2 (37.5–62.8) vs 80.5 (64.1–90.4), P<0.001) after surgery. Pediatric donor kidneys reached immune homeostasis 3 months after surgery, with better graft function at this time compared with adult donor kidneys. The proportion of Tregs/CD4+ T cells in recipients with a pulmonary infection after KTx was lower than in those with infection recovery. Conclusions Expanding the use of pediatric kidneys should be further explored by the transplantation community. The proportion of Tregs/CD4+ T cells in recipients with a pulmonary infection after KTx was lower than in those with infection recovery.
In Vitro and In Silico Investigation of BCI Anticancer Properties and Its Potential for Chemotherapy-Combined Treatments

Simple Summary BCI is an allosteric inhibitor of DUSP6 phosphatase, which is a negative regulator of MAPK kinases involved in numerous cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and survival. These studies were designed to test the anticancer potential of BCI in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and assess its interaction with chemotherapuetics such as irinotecan and oxaliplatin. In silico investigations were performed to indicate new possible molecular targets, which in the future will help toward understanding the precise mechanism of action. Abstract Background: DUSP6 phosphatase serves as a negative regulator of MAPK kinases involved in numerous cellular processes. BCI has been identified as a potential allosteric inhibitor with anticancer activity. Our study was designed to test the anticancer properties of BCI in colon cancer cells, to characterize the effect of this compound on chemotherapeutics such as irinotecan and oxaliplatin activity, and to identify potential molecular targets for this inhibitor. Methods: BCI cytotoxicity, proapoptotic activity, and cell cycle distribution were investigated in vitro on three colon cancer cell lines (DLD1, HT-29, and Caco-2). In silico investigation was prepared to assess BCI drug-likeness and identify potential molecular targets. Results: The exposure of colorectal cancer cells with BCI resulted in antitumor effects associated with cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. BCI exhibited strong cytotoxicity on DLD1, HT-29, and Caco-2 cells. BCI showed no significant interaction with irinotecan, but strongly attenuated the anticancer activity of oxaliplatin when administered together. Analysis of synergy potential further confirmed the antagonistic interaction between these two compounds. In silico investigation indicated CDK5 as a potential new target of BCI. Conclusions: Our studies point to the anticancer potential of BCI but note the need for a precise mechanism of action.
The Challenges of the Old-age Allowance System in Thailand

One Pager No. 217 ? The Challenges of the Old-age Allowance System in Thailand By Worawet Suwanrada, College of Population Studies, Chulalongkorn University and Dharmapriya Wesumperuma, HelpAge International, East Asia Pacific Regional Development Centre The old-age allowance system in Thailand is a non-contributory social protection scheme which aims to guarantee basic income for the Thai population at the age of 60 or above. Up until 2009 such a scheme targeted the underprivileged elderly people of society, defined as those of at least 60 years of age: ? without enough income to meet necessary expenses; or ? who are unable to work; or ? who have been abandoned; or ? who are without a caregiver of any kind. (? ) http://www.ipc-undp.org/pub/IPCOnePager217.pdf