Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alloxan disintegrates the plant cytoskeleton and suppresses mlo-mediated powdery mildew resistance.

Recessively inherited mutant alleles of Mlo genes (mlo) confer broad-spectrum penetration resistance to powdery mildew pathogens in angiosperm plants. Although a few components are known to be required for mlo resistance, the detailed molecular mechanism underlying this type of immunity remains elusive. In the present study, we identified alloxan (5,5-dihydroxyl pyrimidine-2,4,6-trione) and some of its structural analogs as chemical suppressors of mlo-mediated resistance in monocotyledonous barley (Hordeum vulgare) and dicotyledonous Arabidopsis thaliana. Apart from mlo resistance, alloxan impairs non-host resistance in Arabidopsis. Histological analysis unraveled that the chemical reduces callose deposition and hydrogen peroxide accumulation at attempted fungal penetration sites. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that alloxan interferes with the motility of cellular organelles (peroxisomes, endosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum) and the pathogen-triggered redistribution of the PEN1/SYP121 t-SNARE protein. These cellular deficits are likely the consequence of disassembly of actin filaments and microtubules upon alloxan treatment. Similar to the situation in animal cells, alloxan elicited the temporary accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cotyledons and rosette leaves of Arabidopsis plants. Our results suggest that alloxan may destabilize cytoskeletal architecture via induction of an early transient ROS burst, further leading to the failure of molecular and cellular processes that are critical for plant immunity.
Early-onset Sepsis Among Preterm Neonates in China, 2015 to 2018.

BACKGROUND The epidemiology of early-onset sepsis (EOS) in China is poorly understood because of the paucity of high-quality data. We aimed to examine the epidemiology, pathogen distribution and neonatal outcomes of EOS among a large cohort of preterm infants in China. METHODS All infants born at <34 weeks of gestation and admitted to 25 tertiary neonatal intensive care units in China from April 2015 to May 2018 were enrolled. EOS was defined as a culture-confirmed infection that occurred within 72 hours after birth. RESULTS Among 27,532 enrolled infants, 321 (11.7 cases per 1000 admissions) infants developed EOS, and 61 (19.0%) infants died within seven days after EOS onset. The incidence of EOS among inborn infants in 18 perinatal centers was 9.7 cases per 1000 live births <34 weeks' gestation (186/19,084). The case fatality rate was 22.6% (42/186). Gram-negative bacteria were responsible for 61.7% of EOS and 82.0% of EOS-related deaths. Escherichia coli (20.3%) was the leading pathogen, followed by Coagulase-negative staphylococcus (16.5%), Achromobacter xylosoxidans (9.0%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.1%). Group B streptococci infections were relatively rare (2.5%). EOS was an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality and retinopathy of prematurity. CONCLUSIONS There is a high burden of EOS among preterm infants in China with a distinctive pathogen distribution. Longitudinal epidemiologic monitoring, further investigation of causative pathogens and development of targeted strategies for prevention and treatment of EOS are needed.
Resveratrol And Oxyresveratrol Activate Thermogenesis Via Different Transcriptional Co-Activators In High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Obesity is a global public health issue. Thermogenesis is a novel way to promote anti-obesity by consuming energy as heat rather than storing it as triacylglycerols. The browning program allows mitochondrial biosynthesis and thermogenesis-related gene expression to occur in subcutaneous white adipose tissue, which results in formation of beige adipose tissue. Some phytochemicals have exerted the capability to activate fat browning processing. Resveratrol and oxyresveratrol are both natural stilbenoids that have been reported for their anti-obesity efficacy. However, the comparison between the two as they relate to thermogenesis as well as the differences in their underlying mechanisms are still not widely discussed. Our result reveals that both resveratrol and oxyresveratrol could elevate the expression of thermogenesis-related protein expression including UCP1 (Uncoupling protein-1) and PRDM (PR domain containing 16) via Sirt1/PGC-1α (Sirtuin 1/Peroxisome proliferation gamma coactivator-1 α) activation. However, it is suggested that the transcriptional factor PPARα (Peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor α) was activated by resveratrol (1.38 ± 0.07 fold) but not oxyresveratrol. Conversely, C/EBPβ (CCAAT/Enhancer-binding protein β) was upregulated by oxyresveratrol (1.58 ± 0.05 fold) but not by resveratrol. On the other hand, CPT1 (Carnitine palmitoyltransferase) was found to be significantly activated at lower concentrations of oxyresveratrol up to 1.89 ± 0.04 fold as compared to HFD, and it could be a leading reason for UCP1 activation. Lastly, adiponectin expression was promoted in all experimental groups (1.53 ± 0.08 and 1.49 ± 0.11 fold in RES and HOXY, respectively), which could be an activator for mitochondrial biosynthesis and UCP1 expression.
Endobronchial Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Centrally Located Lung Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Obtaining a tissue diagnosis of centrally located lung tumors in patients presenting without endobronchial abnormalities is challenging, and therefore a considerable diagnostic problem. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of linear endobronchial ultrasound guided-transbronchial-needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for the diagnosis of centrally located lung tumors. Methods: We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO, CRD42017080968) and searched MEDLINE, Embase, BIOSIS Previews, and Web of Science till November 18, 2018 for studies that evaluated the yield and/or sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA for diagnosing centrally located lung tumors. We assessed the study quality using QUADAS-2 and performed random-effects meta-analysis. Results: A total of 5,657 manuscripts were identified; of these 14 were considered for the study, including 1,175 patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA for diagnosing an intrapulmonary tumor. All studies had a high risk of bias or applicability concerns, predominately regarding patient selection. The average yield of EBUS-TBNA for diagnosing centrally located lung tumors was 0.89 (95% CI 0.84–0.92) and average sensitivity for diagnosing malignant tumors was 0.91 (95% CI 0.88–0.94). Among studies reporting this information, EBUS-related complications occurred in 5.4% of patients (42/721). Conclusion: EBUS-TBNA has a high yield and sensitivity for diagnosing centrally located lung tumors and is safe in selected patients. Prospective studies are recommended to evaluate the routine use of this procedure for diagnosing intrapulmonary tumors.
Cytomegalovirus Seroprevalence and Birth Prevalence of Congenital CMV Infection in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Background: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) is a leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and neurodevelopmental disabilities in developed countries. Although high cCMV rates have been reported in populations with high seroprevalence, the cCMV prevalence in low/middle-income countries in Europe has not been defined. Objective: To determine cytomegalovirus (CMV) seroprevalence and the cCMV prevalence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: Between March 2010 and February 2019, 5222 sera samples from patients seen at the University Clinical Hospital Mostar were tested for CMV IgG. The cord blood samples collected from 2091 infants between July 2011 and January 2013 were analyzed for CMV IgG and CMV DNA. The cCMV prevalence was determined by testing saliva swabs from 1293 infants between November 2015 and October 2016. Results: The overall CMV IgG prevalence was 81.4% (95% confidence interval: 0.8–0.82). Significantly higher prevalence was observed among females (84.9%) than in males (77.0%), and the rate increased from 50.8% in the 1 to 5 years group to 97.7% in the group > 65 years old. Most cord blood samples (2091/1925, 92.1%) were CMV IgG positive, and 2 (0.1%) were CMV DNA positive. Of the 1293 saliva swabs, 8 (0.62%; 95% confidence interval: 0.3–1.2) were CMV positive. All 8 infected infants had asymptomatic cCMV, and none had SNHL at 18 months of age. Conclusions: In a highly CMV seropositive population, the prevalence of cCMV was lower compared with that reported from other low/middle-income countries populations. None of the infected infants had symptomatic infection or SNHL at 18 months.
Using “Knowing That” and “Knowing How” to Inform Learning of Peripheral Vein Cannulation in Nursing Education

Abstract Background Peripheral vein cannulation is one of the most common invasive practical nursing skills performed by registered nurses. However, many registered nurses lack competence in this practical skill. Learning peripheral vein cannulation associated with successful placement and maintenance is not well understood. Framework Ryle’s ways of knowing, “knowing that” and “knowing how”, can be used during peripheral vein cannulation learning to guide development and competence in this practical skill. Aim The aim of the article was to provide an overview of Ryle’s ways of knowing and to make recommendations for best practices for nurse teachers and nurses teaching students peripheral vein cannulation. Conclusion Ryle’s ways of knowing can assist nursing students in their learning and development of peripheral vein cannulation.
The Impact of Ownership Concentration on M&A Stock Market Performance:

This paper estimates the effects of concentrated ownership of Swedish public companies prior, at and after the announcement of an acquisition. Exploiting the available access to detailed information regarding ownership and control structures in Swedish public companies, we are able to separate voting rights from cash flow rights to estimate ownership concentration. Using an event study, we analyse a sample of 249 completed transactions in 2017. We control for concentration of ownership, dual-class shares, size, leverage, relative P/E, payment method and cross border effects. Our findings show that voting rights of the largest shareholder in the range of 20% 50% have significantly positive effects on firm performance. Whereas the use of dualclass shares is found to have a significant negative effect.
Spatiotemporal regulation of PCNA ubiquitination in damage tolerance pathways

Abstract DNA is constantly exposed to a wide variety of exogenous and endogenous agents, and most DNA lesions inhibit DNA synthesis. To cope with such problems during replication, cells have molecular mechanisms to resume DNA synthesis in the presence of DNA lesions, which are known as DNA damage tolerance (DDT) pathways. The concept of ubiquitination-mediated regulation of DDT pathways in eukaryotes was established via genetic studies in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in which two branches of the DDT pathway are regulated via ubiquitination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA): translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) and homology-dependent repair (HDR), which are stimulated by mono- and polyubiquitination of PCNA, respectively. Over the subsequent nearly two decades, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms that regulate DDT pathways in other eukaryotes. Importantly, TLS is intrinsically error-prone because of the miscoding nature of most damaged nucleotides and inaccurate replication of undamaged templates by TLS polymerases (pols), whereas HDR is theoretically error-free because the DNA synthesis is thought to be predominantly performed by pol δ, an accurate replicative DNA pol, using the undamaged sister chromatid as its template. Thus, the regulation of the choice between the TLS and HDR pathways is critical to determine the appropriate biological outcomes caused by DNA damage. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the species-specific regulatory mechanisms of PCNA ubiquitination and how cells choose between TLS and HDR. We then provide a hypothetical model for the spatiotemporal regulation of DDT pathways in human cells.
Implications for Counselling

This paper provides an overview of HIV viral loads in blood and genital fluids and how these relate to HIV transmission during sexual activity. Current knowledge around HIV viral loads and transmission are then discussed in relation to HIV disclosure laws in Canada. HIV counsellors and health care workers should ensure that their clients/patients are aware that blood viral load is not necessarily equivalent to genital tract viral load and that the development of drug resistance within the two compartments may be unrelated. This is an important factor in preventing the spread of HIV as well as for HIV-positive individuals in not unintentionally exposing themselves to potential legal repercussions.
Parietal P3 and midfrontal theta prospectively predict the development of adolescent alcohol use

Abstract Background Subclinical adolescent alcohol use is highly prevalent and may have deleterious effects on important psychosocial and brain outcomes. Prior research has focused on identifying endophenotypes of pathological drinking, and the predictors of normative drinking remain understudied. This study investigated the incremental predictive value of two potential psychophysiological endophenotypes, P3 amplitude (an index of decision making) and midfrontal theta power (a correlate of attentional control), for prospectively predicting the expression and initiation of alcohol use emerging in adolescence. Methods A large (N = 594) epidemiological sample was prospectively assessed at ages 11/14/17. Alcohol/substance use was assessed at all ages via a computerized self-report inventory. EEG was recorded at age-14 during a visual oddball task to elicit P3 and theta. Results Reduced target-related P3 and theta at age-14 prospectively predicted drinking at age-17 independent of one another. Among alcohol-naive individuals at age-14, attenuated P3 and theta increased the odds of new-onset alcohol behaviors 3 years later. Importantly, the endophenotypes provided significant incremental predictive power of future non-clinical alcohol use beyond relevant risk factors (prior alcohol use; tobacco/illicit drug initiation; parental alcohol use disorder). Conclusions The current report is the first of our knowledge to demonstrate that deviations in parietal P3 and midfrontal theta prospectively predict the emergence of normative/non-pathological drinking. P3 and theta provide modest yet significant explanatory variance beyond prominent self-report and familial risk measures. Findings offer strong evidence supporting the predictive utility of P3 and theta as candidate endophenotypes for adolescent drinking.
A Cross-Country Test of Ricardian Equivalence and the Twin Deficits Hypothesis

This paper examines the validity of the Ricardian equivalence proposition by focusing on the long-run differences in government budget and trade deficits in fifty countries. A theoretical model is developed which nests both Ricardian and non-Ricardian behavior, allowing for direct testing of the Ricardian equivalence and twin deficits hypotheses. The implications of the Ricardian equivalence proposition generated by the model are rejected, resulting in support for the twin deficits hypothesis. Countries with persistent government budget deficits have generally experienced persistent trade deficits. The results, which are found to hold for alternate country samples and time periods, have important policy implications concerning the potential consequences of using borrowing as a means to finance government spending.
High levels of aflatoxin (AFB1) in feed predisposed breeding bulls to unusual mortality due to Pasteurella infection despite vaccination

Ingestion of high level of aflatoxin predisposed the breeding bulls to succumb to pasteurella infection. Out of 35 (7 buffalo and 28 cattle) breeding bulls of different breeds, 15 (43%) cattle bull died in a short span of 3 weeks. Animals exhibited staggering gait, anorexia, depression and raised body temperature. No mortality occurred in buffalo bulls despite severe nervous symptoms like frothing, teeth grinding, convulsions, muscular twitching, posterior paresis, fetlock knuckling and frequent fall. Gross lesions included subcutaneous oedema, muscular haemorrhages and excessive straw colored fluid in abdominal and thoracic cavities. Congestion and hemorrhages of varying degree were observed in the abomasum, intestinal mucosa, lungs, spleen, kidneys, heart and lymph nodes. Liver was friable and yellowish in color. Microscopic lesions corroborated with the gross lesions. Wheat bhoosa and feed concentrate were found to contain 1.75 ppm and 1.50 ppm aflatoxin B1, respectively. Blood smears and tissue impressions were found positive for pasteurella organisms in untreated animals.
In for a Bumpy Ride? Cash Flow Risk and Dividend Payouts

This paper investigates the relation between cash flow risk and dividend policy. Consistent with the notion that shareholders expect stable dividends once a payout has been established, firms with high cash flow risk are more reluctant to initiate dividend payouts. For dividend payers, we find changes in cash flow risk to have an asymmetric effect on dividend changes: While decreases in cash flow risk lower the propensity to cut dividends, firms are not more likely to increase dividends if cash flow risk decreases. Analyzing dividend smoothing, we further document a positive effect of cash flow risk on the speed of dividend adjustments, indicating that higher cash flow risk is partly passed on to shareholders via more volatile dividends.
Patient and caregiver characteristics associated with caregiver burden in Parkinson's disease: a palliative care approach.

BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with caregiver burden. Higher rates of burden are associated with adverse outcomes for caregivers and patients. Our aim was to understand patient and caregiver predictors of caregiver burden in PD from a palliative care approach. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from PD patients and caregivers in a randomized trial of outpatient palliative care at three study sites: University of Colorado, University of Alberta, and University of California San Francisco. The primary outcome measure of caregiver burden, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), was compared against the following patient and caregiver variables: site of care, age, disease/caretaking duration, presence of atypical parkinsonism, race, income, education level, deep brain stimulation status, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System Revised: Parkinson Disease (ESAS) for symptom severity and burden, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for cognitive function, Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QOL-AD) scale for patient and caregiver perspectives on patient general quality of life, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39) scale for health-related quality of life, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for patient and caregiver mood, Prolonged Grief Questionnaire, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy- Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-SP) of patient and caregiver, and Palliative Performance Scale for functional status. A stepwise multivariate linear regression model was used to determine associations with ZBI. RESULTS A total of 175 patients (70.9% male; average age 70.7±8.1 years; average disease duration 117.2±82.6 months), and 175 caregivers (73.1% female; average age 66.1±11.1 years) were included. Patient spiritual well-being (FACIT-SP Faith subscale, r2=0.024, P=0.0380), patient health-related quality of life (PDQ-39, r2=0.161, P<0.0001), caregiver depression (HADS Depression, r2=0.062, P=0.0014), caregiver anxiety (HADS Anxiety, r2=0.077, P=0.0002), and caregiver perspective on patient quality of life (QOL-AD Caregiver Perspective, r2=0.088, P<0.0001) were significant contributors to ZBI scores. CONCLUSIONS Patient and caregiver factors contribute to caregiver burden in persons living with PD. These results suggest targets for future interventions to improve caregiver support.
Pathogen‐induced pH changes regulate the growth‐defense balance in plants

Environmental adaptation of organisms relies on fast perception and response to external signals, which lead to developmental changes. Plant cell growth is strongly dependent on cell wall remodeling. However, little is known about cell wall-related sensing of biotic stimuli and the downstream mechanisms that coordinate growth and defense responses. We generated genetically encoded pH sensors to determine absolute pH changes across the plasma membrane in response to biotic stress. A rapid apoplastic acidification by phosphorylation-based proton pump activation was followed by an acidification of the cortical side of the plasma membrane in response to the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. The proton chemical gradient modulation immediately reduced cellulose synthesis and cell growth and, furthermore, had a direct influence on the pathogenicity of the fungus. All these effects were dependent on the COMPANION OF CELLULOSE SYNTHASE proteins that are thus at the nexus of plant growth and defense. Hence, our discoveries show a remarkable connection between plant biomass production, immunity, and pH control, and advance our ability to investigate the plant growth-defense balance.
RELAPSING FEVER IN ARDABIL,A NORTHWESTERN PROVINCE OF IRAN

Background– The main area of Iran affected by relapsing fever (RF) is Ardabil Province, for which Borrelia persica is the most common cause in this country. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiologic characteristics of the disease, and the frequency of infection among ticks in this region. Method– This clinical epidemiology and entomology study was performed on a total of 391 patients diagnosed with tickborne relapsing fever between 1998 to 2001. The presence of Borrelia with any species as well as the clinical characteristics were observed. Borrelia was identified in blood smears of 1,421 ticks collected from 130 indoor and 14 outdoor sites. The ticks were crushed and the suspension obtained was injected into the peritoneum of two mice and two guinea pigs to determine the frequency of infection among the ticks living in this region. Data including the tick species determination were collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using Chi-square and ANOVA tests. Results– The most prevalent clinical manifestations were fever, chills and headache. Other findings included nausea, vomiting, sweating, abdominal pain, arthralgia, cough, photophobia, eosinophilia, hematuria, jaundice, petechiae and scleral congestion. Laboratory tests performed on 60 patients showed leukocytosis, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and anemia. Of the 1,421 ticks collected, 45.9%, 40.3% and 13.8% were of the Ornithodoros lahorensisi, Ornithodoros tholozani and Argas persicus species, respectively. The prevalence of ticks was highest in Khandabil village. The ticks collected from three villages were found to be infected with Borrelia. Conclusion– This study is the first large-sized published report of tick-born RF until that time. The clinical manifestations were similar to those reported in other studies. Petechiae occurred less frequently in our study compared to louse-borne RF. The high frequency of anemia, which was not stated in most other reference articles, requires further investigation.