Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conversion of monoculture cropland and open grassland to agroforestry alters the abundance of soil bacteria, fungi and soil-N-cycling genes

Integration of trees in agroforestry systems can increase the system sustainability compared to monocultures. The resulting increase in system complexity is likely to affect soil-N cycling by altering soil microbial community structure and functions. Our study aimed to assess the abundance of genes encoding enzymes involved in soil-N cycling in paired monoculture and agroforestry cropland in a Phaeozem soil, and paired open grassland and agroforestry grassland in Histosol and Anthrosol soils. The soil fungi-to-bacteria ratio was greater in the tree row than in the crop or grass rows of the monoculture cropland and open grassland in all soil types, possibly due to increased input of tree residues and the absence of tillage in the Phaeozem (cropland) soil. In the Phaeozem (cropland) soil, gene abundances of amoA indicated a niche differentiation between archaeal and bacterial ammonia oxidizers that distinctly separated the influence of the tree row from the crop row and monoculture system. Abundances of nitrate (napA and narG), nitrite (nirK and nirS) and nitrous oxide reductase genes (nosZ clade I) were largely influenced by soil type rather than management system. The soil types’ effects were associated with their differences in soil organic C, total N and pH. Our findings show that in temperate regions, conversion of monoculture cropland and open grassland to agroforestry systems can alter the abundance of soil bacteria and fungi and soil-N-cycling genes, particularly genes involved in ammonium oxidation.
NK Response Correlates with HIV Decrease in Pegylated IFN-α2a–Treated Antiretroviral Therapy–Suppressed Subjects

Key Points KIRs and NK cytotoxicity correlate with HIV control upon IFN-α immunotherapy. NK activity–associated genes correlate with HIV DNA decline upon IFN-α immunotherapy. A gene signature identifies subjects with no ISG modulation upon IFN-α immunotherapy. Visual Abstract We previously reported that pegylated IFN-α2a (Peg–IFN-α2a) added to antiretroviral therapy (ART)–suppressed, HIV-infected subjects resulted in plasma HIV control and integrated HIV DNA decrease. We now evaluated whether innate NK cell activity or PBMC transcriptional profiles were associated with decreases in HIV measures. Human peripheral blood was analyzed prior to Peg–IFN-α2a administration (ART, baseline), after 5 wk of ART+Peg–IFN-α2a, and after 12 wk of Peg–IFN-α2a monotherapy (primary endpoint). After 5 wk of ART+Peg–IFN-α2a, immune subset frequencies were preserved, and induction of IFN-stimulated genes was noted in all subjects except for a subset in which the lack of IFN-stimulated gene induction was associated with increased expression of microRNAs. Viral control during Peg–IFN-α2a monotherapy was associated with 1) higher levels of NK cell activity and IFN-γ–induced protein 10 (IP-10) on ART (preimmunotherapy) and 2) downmodulation of NK cell KIR2DL1 and KIR2DL2/DL3 expression, transcriptional enrichment of expression of genes associated with NK cells in HIV controller subjects, and higher ex vivo IFN-α–induced NK cytotoxicity after 5 wk of ART+Peg–IFN-α2a. Integrated HIV DNA decline after immunotherapy was also associated with gene expression patterns indicative of cell-mediated activation and NK cytotoxicity. Overall, an increase in innate activity and NK cell cytotoxicity were identified as correlates of Peg–IFN-α2a–mediated HIV control.
AdipoRon prevents myostatin‐induced upregulation of fatty acid synthesis and downregulation of insulin activity in a mouse hepatocyte line

Liver diseases such as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are characterized by excess hepatic accumulation of lipid droplets and triglycerides which are associated with defective insulin action. Myostatin (Mstn) and adiponectin, secreted by muscle cells and adipocytes, respectively, play important roles in regulating insulin signaling and energy metabolism. The mechanisms underlying the actions of Mstn and adiponectin remain largely unknown. Moreover, the interactions between Mstn and adiponectin in regulating gene expression critical for fatty acid metabolism and insulin action in hepatocytes have not been investigated. The effects of Mstn and AdipoRon, a synthetic adiponectin receptor agonist that is orally active, alone or in combination, on hepatic gene expression and function was investigated. While Mstn increased fatty acid (FA) accumulation and desensitized cellular responses to insulin, AdipoRon protected against Mstn‐induced defects in hepatic gene expression and function. In addition, these effects of Mstn were associated with reduced AMPK and PPARα activities which were reversed by AdipoRon. Finally, AdipoRon was able to prevent Mstn‐induced activation of the Smad2/3 pathway. These data suggest crosstalk between Mstn‐induced Smad2/3 and adiponectin‐induced AMPK/PPARα pathways, which may play important roles in the regulation of hepatic gene expression critical for FA metabolism and insulin signaling. In addition, the data suggest that AdipoRon, as an adiponectin receptor agonist, may serve a therapeutic role to reduce the hepatic contribution to the disorders of fat metabolism and insulin action.
microRNA‐141 is associated with hepatic steatosis by downregulating the sirtuin1/AMP‐activated protein kinase pathway in hepatocytes

Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) is a crucial regulator of metabolism and it is implicated in the metabolic pathophysiology of several disorders inclusive of Type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR‐141 in hepatic steatosis via regulation of SIRT1/AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in hepatocytes. Liver hepatocellular cells (HepG2) were treated with high concentration of glucose to be subsequently used for the assessment of miR‐141 and SIRT1 levels in a model of hepatic steatosis. On the other hand, cells were transfected with miR‐141 to investigate its effect on hepatocyte steatosis and viability as well as SIRT1 expression and activity along with AMPK phosphorylation. Targeting of SIRT1 by miR‐141 was evaluated by bioinformatics tools and confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Following the intracellular accumulation of lipids in HepG2 cells, the level of miR‐141 was increased while SIRT1 mRNA and protein levels, as well as AMPK phosphorylation, was decreased. Transfection with miR‐141 mimic significantly downregulated SIRT1 expression and activity while miR‐141 inhibitor had the opposite effects. Additionally, modulation of miR‐141 levels significantly influenced AMPK phosphorylation status. The results of luciferase reporter assay verified SIRT1 to be directly targeted by miR‐141. miR‐141 could effectively suppress SIRT1 and lead to decreased AMPK phosphorylation in HepG2 cells. Thus, miR‐141/SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway may be considered a potential target for the therapeutic management of NAFLD.
Motivation of Owners to Purchase Pedigree Cats, with Specific Focus on the Acquisition of Brachycephalic Cats

Simple Summary Selective breeding of domestic cats (Felis catus) has resulted in a variety of temperaments, body shapes, facial features and, in particular, coat types and colours. There are now over 70 recognised cat breeds, created over 150 years. Many cat owners select their cat for features that appeal to them, so cat breeders primarily focus on these aesthetic traits, changing cat features to their concept of beauty or appeal. Unfortunately, these changes can impact heavily upon cat health and welfare, as inbreeding and breeding for extreme physical conformations has become prevalent. Particular concern focuses on brachycephalic (BC) cats with wide flat faces (e.g., Persians and Exotic Shorthairs). Using a questionnaire for cat owners, we identified marked differences in how owners went about acquiring their cats when we compared owners of BC cats, pedigree (P), (but not BC) cats and non-pedigree (NP) cats; 1367 responses (BC n = 85, P n = 400, NP n = 882). Owners of BC cats were less likely to undertake significant research before buying their cat (e.g., not looking into management requirements or potential health problems associated with the BC face-shape and/or Persian coat) compared to P owners. Once owned, they did not consider their cat as healthy (especially related to eye and skin conditions) compared to P owners. BC owners were also less likely to recommend their breed to others, possibly reflecting poor health experiences and/or management issues. Abstract Background: Cats are globally popular pets and pedigree cats are increasingly prevalent, with brachycephalic breeds being the most registered breeds. How owners decide upon and acquire their cats is poorly understood. Moreover, there are growing concerns about the health and welfare of brachycephalic (BC) dogs and recent studies are raising the awareness of health and welfare problems in BC cats. Methods: An online survey investigated owners’ motivations, perceptions and behaviours prior to, during and following acquisition of non-pedigree (NP), extreme brachycephalic pedigree (BC; i.e., Persian and Exotic Shorthair) and mild to non-BC pedigree (P) cats. Results: The survey received 1367 valid responses (NP n = 882, P n = 400, BC n = 85 (6.2%)). There were marked differences between NP, P and BC owners’ perception of their cats’ health and welfare, reason(s) for acquisition and its process. Owners of NP were less influenced by appearance, behaviour and other features than P or BC owners. In contrast, P and BC owners were highly influenced by appearance, with P owners also placing greater importance on good breed health than BC owners. BC owners were less likely to recommend their breeds to prospective cat owners, apparently concerned by high maintenance requirements. Conclusion: Further research is needed to determine how decision-making is constructed and how it may be improved, especially in respect of welfare outcomes for extreme BC cats given the increased weighting given to appearance over health.
Host‐induced gene silencing of Foc TR4 ERG6/11 genes exhibits superior resistance to Fusarium wilt of banana

Current banana cultivation is facing a serious threat known as Panama disease or Fusarium wilt, which is caused by the Fusarium oxysporum (Dale et al., 2017). To date, development of Fusarium wilt-resistant banana still faces challenges of various sexual reproduction barriers such as high sterility, complex genetic background, polypoid and parthenogenesis (Ghag, et al., 2014), making it extremely difficult to develop new disease-resistant bananas via cross-breeding (Czislowski et al., 2018). In recent years, host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) has increasingly become one of the most practical technologies for generating new disease-resistant crop varieties thanks to its high specificity and efficiency in silencing pathogen-derived genes (Qi et al., 2018; Zhang et al., 2016). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Noncovalent Complexes of the Noble‐Gas Atoms: Analyzing the Transition from Physical to Chemical Interactions

The bonding character of the noncovalent complexes of the noble‐gas (Ng) atoms ranges from nearly purely dispersive contacts to interactions featuring appreciable contributions of induction and charge transfer. In this study, we discuss a new quantitative index that seems peculiarly informative about these diverse bonding situations. This index was termed as the degree of polarization (DoP) of Ng, as it measures, in essence, the Ng polarization promoted by the binding partner. The definition of the DoP(Ng) relies on the analysis of the local electron energy density H(r), and its physical meaning was best appreciated by studying also the charge‐displacement function and the molecular electrostatic potential of the investigated benchmark species, that include nearly 60 Ngs complexes of different bonding character. The DoP(Ng) appears of general applicability, and is also positively correlated with other bonding character indices. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BK Virus Replication in the Glomerular Vascular Unit: Implications for BK Virus Associated Nephropathy

Background: BK polyomavirus (BKV) reactivates from latency after immunosuppression in renal transplant patients, resulting in BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVAN). BKVAN has emerged as an important cause of graft dysfunction and graft loss among transplant patients. BKV infection in kidney transplant patients has increased over recent decades which correlates with the use of more potent immunosuppressive therapies. BKV infection of the Glomerular Vascular Unit (GVU) consisting of podocytes, mesangial cells, and glomerular endothelial cells could lead to glomerular inflammation and contribute to renal fibrosis. The effects of BKV on GVU infectivity have not been reported. methods: We infected GVU cells with the Dunlop strain of BKV. Viral infectivity was analyzed by microscopy, immunofluorescence, Western blot analysis, and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression of specific proinflammatory cytokines induced by BKV was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Results: BKV infection of podocytes, mesangial cells, and glomerular endothelial cells was confirmed by qRT-PCR and positive staining with antibodies to the BKV VP1 major capsid protein, or the SV40 Large T-Antigen. The increased transcriptional expression of interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (CXCL10/IP-10) and interferon beta (IFNβ) was detected in podocytes and mesangial cells at 96 h post-infection. conclusions: All cellular components of the GVU are permissive for BKV replication. Cytopathic effects induced by BKV in podocytes and glomerular endothelial cells and the expression of CXCL10 and IFNβ genes by podocytes and mesangial cells may together contribute to glomerular inflammation and cytopathology in BKVAN.
Drinking Hydrogen Water Enhances Endurance and Relieves Psychometric Fatigue: Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study.

Acute physical exercise increases reactive oxygen species in skeletal muscle, leading to tissue damage and fatigue. Molecular hydrogen (H2) acts as a therapeutic antioxidant directly or indirectly by inducing anti-oxidative enzymes. Here, we examined the effects of drinking H2 water (H2-infused water) on psychometric fatigue and endurance capacity in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion. In experiment 1 all participants drank only placebo water in the first cycle ergometer exercise session, and for comparison they drank either H2 water or placebo water 30 min before exercise in the second examination. In these healthy non-trained participants (n=99), psychometric fatigue judged by visual analogue scales (VAS) was significantly decreased in the H2 group after mild exercise. When each group was divided into two subgroups, the subgroup with higher VAS values was more sensitive to the effect of H2. In experiment 2, trained participants (n=60) were subjected to moderate exercise by cycle ergometer in a similar way as in experiment 1, but exercise was performed 10 min after drinking H2 water. Endurance and fatigue were significantly improved in the H2 group as judged by maximal oxygen consumption and Borg's scale, respectively. Taken together, drinking H2 water just before exercise exhibited anti-fatigue and endurance effects.
Waning of influenza vaccine protection: Exploring the trade-offs of changes in vaccination timing among older adults.

BACKGROUND Recent studies of influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) observed lower effectiveness with increasing time since vaccination, raising the question of optimal vaccination timing. We sought to evaluate the estimated number of influenza-associated hospitalizations among older adults due to potential changes in vaccination timing. METHODS Using empirical data and a health state transition model, we estimated change in influenza-associated hospitalizations predicted to occur among the U.S. population aged ≥65 years if vaccination were delayed until October 1. We assumed the vaccination timing, coverage, and effectiveness observed in 2012-13 as a prototypical influenza season, ~7% monthly waning of VE, and that between 0% and 50% of individuals who usually get vaccinated earlier than October failed to get vaccinated. We also assessed change in influenza-associated hospitalizations if vaccination uptake shifted substantially toward August and September. RESULTS In a typical season, delaying vaccination until October increased influenza hospitalizations if more than 14% of older adults usually vaccinated in August and September failed to get vaccinated. The consequences of delayed vaccination depended heavily on influenza season timing, rate of waning, and overall VE. A shift toward vaccination in August and September led to, on average, an increase in influenza-associated hospitalizations, but this result was also sensitive to influenza season timing. CONCLUSIONS Consequences of delayed vaccination varied widely. Uncertainties about vaccine waning and effects of a delay on vaccine coverage suggest it is premature to change current vaccine recommendations, although it may be prudent to prevent a substantial shift toward early vaccination.
Amphidinol 22, a New Cytotoxic and Antifungal Amphidinol from the Dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae

Due to the unique biodiversity and the physical-chemical properties of their environment, marine microorganisms have evolved defense and signaling compounds that often have no equivalent in terrestrial habitats. The aim of this study was to screen extracts of the dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae for possible bioactivities (i.e., anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, antibacterial and antifungal properties) and identify bioactive compounds. Anticancer activity was evaluated on human lung adenocarcinoma (A549), human skin melanoma (A2058), human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) and human pancreas carcinoma (MiaPaca-2) cell lines. Antimicrobial activities were evaluated against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus MRSA and MSSA), Gram-negative bacteria (i.e., Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae), Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. The results indicated moderate biological activities against all the cancer cells lines and microorganisms tested. Bioassay-guided fractionation assisted by HRMS analysis allowed the detection of one new and two known amphidinols that are potentially responsible for the antifungal and cytotoxic activities observed. Further isolation, purification and structural elucidation led to a new amphidinol, named amphidinol 22. The planar structure of the new compound was determined by analysis of its HRMS and 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Its biological activity was evaluated, and it displayed both anticancer and antifungal activities.
To continue or stop oral anti‐coagulation in higher‐risk patients after a “successful” AF ablation; that is the question

Despite the efficacy of catheter ablation in increasing numbers of patients, it is unclear if it impacts the subsequent risk of stroke and whether oral anticoagulation (OAC) can be discontinued. There are a number of issues to consider. Firstly, patients who seem to have be free of AF after ablation may still have late recurrences of AF (2-3%/year). 1,2 Secondly some apparently AF free patients may have intermittent asymptomatic episodes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Novel Human Astroviruses: Prevalence and Association with Common Enteric Viruses in Undiagnosed Gastroenteritis Cases in Spain

A remarkable percentage of acute gastroenteritis cases remain etiologically undiagnosed. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of common and emerging enteric viruses, such as novel human astroviruses, among undiagnosed samples from children with acute gastroenteritis. Epidemiological studies for novel human astroviruses are still scarce. Stool samples collected over two consecutive winter seasons (2016–2017) from children with gastroenteritis in Spain, which were negative for bacteria, rotavirus, and adenovirus by routine diagnostics were screened by real-time RT-PCR assays for the presence of classical and novel astrovirus, rotavirus, norovirus GI and GII, sapovirus, and adenovirus. Overall, 220/384 stool samples (57.3%) were positive for at least one virus. Co-infections were identified in 21% of cases. Among a total of 315 viruses identified, adenovirus was the most prevalent (n = 103), followed by rotavirus (n = 51), sapovirus (n = 50), classical astrovirus (n = 43), novel astroviruses (n = 42), and norovirus (n = 26). Novel astroviruses were present in 13.3% of virus-positive cases. Most novel astroviruses were found in children <2-year-old (30/39 children, 77%, p = 0.01) and were found in co-infection (66%). Only classical astroviruses demonstrated significant differences in the Cq values during mono-infections compared to co-infections. In conclusion, common enteric viruses may be frequently found in children with undiagnosed gastroenteritis, indicating the need to implement more sensitive diagnostic methods. Novel astroviruses circulate in the community and could be the cause of gastroenteritis among young children.
Blue November Campaign as an annual male self-care strategy for healthy aging

Abstract Men ignore self-care, displaying low frequency in health services. Aging increases the prevalence of LUTS and BPE, impacting the quality of life. The objective is to understand how the advancement of age can be determinant for men's health in Natal, Brazil. Then, 503 men aged between 43 and 83 attended the Blue November Campaign of 2015. All subjects were submitted to anamnesis, clinical and laboratorial evaluation including measuring their blood pressure, waist circumference, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides and BMI was calculated. In addition, IPSS, PSA, IIEF-5 and DRE data were collected. The mean IPSS presented an increase with age, 43–59 years (6.28 ± 6.02) and 70–80 years or more (8.65 ± 5.80). PSA dosages increase with aging (adult group 1.63 ± 2.70), being more accentuated in the older group (4.66 ± 5.70), while the mean IIFE-5 showed a decrease with aging in 43–59 years (21.79 ± 4.67) and an important decrease at 70–80 years or more (16.24 ± 6.71). The number of DRE > 30 g showed significant growth in the older group. All presented statistical significance (p < .05) and were associated with aging. The Blue November Campaign creates an annual self-care opportunity for aging men as their health is gradually affected.