Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Imaging metabolite dynamics in living cells using a Spinach-based riboswitch

Significance Developing sensors to image cellular metabolites and signaling molecules in living cells is challenging. Here we describe Spinach riboswitches, a novel class of genetically encoded metabolite sensor based on riboswitches, a group of naturally occurring ligand-binding RNAs. Spinach riboswitches use Spinach, an RNA aptamer that binds and activates the fluorescence of an otherwise nonfluorescent small-molecule fluorophore. Drawing upon structural insights into the mechanism of structural switching in riboswitches, we show that Spinach can be swapped into various riboswitches, allowing metabolite binding to induce Spinach fluorescence directly. Expression of Spinach riboswitches in cells allows metabolite levels to be imaged in real time in live bacterial cells. Spinach riboswitches thus provide a novel approach to image cellular metabolites in living cells. Riboswitches are natural ligand-sensing RNAs typically that are found in the 5′ UTRs of mRNA. Numerous classes of riboswitches have been discovered, enabling mRNA to be regulated by diverse and physiologically important cellular metabolites and small molecules. Here we describe Spinach riboswitches, a new class of genetically encoded metabolite sensor derived from naturally occurring riboswitches. Drawing upon the structural switching mechanism of natural riboswitches, we show that Spinach can be swapped for the expression platform of various riboswitches, allowing metabolite binding to induce Spinach fluorescence directly. In the case of the thiamine 5′-pyrophosphate (TPP) riboswitch from the Escherichia coli thiM gene encoding hydroxyethylthiazole kinase, we show that insertion of Spinach results in an RNA sensor that exhibits fluorescence upon binding TPP. This TPP Spinach riboswitch binds TPP with affinity and selectivity similar to that of the endogenous riboswitch and enables the discovery of agonists and antagonists of the TPP riboswitch using simple fluorescence readouts. Furthermore, expression of the TPP Spinach riboswitch in Escherichia coli enables live imaging of dynamic changes in intracellular TPP concentrations in individual cells. Additionally, we show that other riboswitches that use a structural mechanism similar to that of the TPP riboswitch, including the guanine and adenine riboswitches from the Bacillus subtilis xpt gene encoding xanthine phosphoribosyltransferase, and the S-adenosyl-methionine-I riboswitch from the B. subtilis yitJ gene encoding methionine synthase, can be converted into Spinach riboswitches. Thus, Spinach riboswitches constitute a novel class of RNA-based fluorescent metabolite sensors that exploit the diversity of naturally occurring ligand-binding riboswitches.
Neurobehavioural testing in workers occupationally exposed to solvents in the manufacturing of paints , glues and varnishes in Oran . Testing neuropsychologique chez des travailleurs exposés aux solvants dans les manufactures de fabrication de peintures et vernis à Oran

Objectives This study evaluated the risk for neuropsychological deficits among workers with long term occupational exposure to solvents. Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated 137 workers, exposed for on average 10.2 years (SD 7.9) to low level occupational exposure to organic solvents three plants producing paints, varnishes and glues). They were compared with 132 non-exposed workers recruited from a milk producing plant. A cumulative exposure index was calculated to evaluate the exposure of the workers to organic solvents. The prevalence of neurasthenic symptoms was assessed by Subjective Symptom Questionnaire recommended by WHO (Q16). Trained examiners (physicians) administered the WHO–Recommended Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery (OMS-NIOSH) and the data were adjusted for potential confounding factors using multiple logistic regression analysis (backward elimination technique). Results The exposed workers reported (more than once a week) significantly more neurasthenic symptoms (impaired memory, concentration difficulties and being easily irritated without reason) than the referents exposed group. Neurobehavioral performance levels of the exposed workers were lower than in the referents. However, after controlling for potential confounding variables (age, sex, education, tobacco, alcohol and drug consumption), an association between exposure to solvents and the Simple Reaction Time test scores of borderline significance was observed (OR 1.56; 95% CI 0.892.73). No association was found between estimated cumulative exposure and either psychometric performance or neurasthenic symptoms. Conclusion These findings suggest that workers in paint, varnish and glue producing plants in Algeria may be at risk for neurotoxic injury. In Algeria, much of the morbidity and mortality associated with neurotoxic agents remains hidden as a result of lack of skilled personnel and equipment for diagnosis. Résumé Objectif Rechercher une relation entre l’exposition au long cours aux mélanges de solvants et des dysfonctionnements du système nerveux central. Matériel et méthodes 137 employés de l’industrie des peintures exposés aux solvants en moyenne depuis 10.2 ans (DS 7.9) ont été comparés à 132 salariés de l’industrie laitière. Chaque participant a répondu à un questionnaire (caractéristiques socio-démographiques, habitudes de vie, éléments objectifs des conditions de travail, recherche de facteurs de risques de la pathologie neurocomportementale, et Q16: questionnaire sur les symptômes neuropsychiques subjectifs).
Novel Organic Cation Transporter 2-Mediated Carnitine Uptake in Placental Choriocarcinoma (BeWo) Cells

The placental transport of carnitine is significant because the fetus cannot supply itself with adequate amounts of this nutrient. Carnitine deficiencies in infants can lead to symptoms ranging from muscle weakness to sudden infant death. Objectives of this study include the characterization of novel organic cation transporter 2 (OCTN2) function in the BeWo cell line and the inhibition of placental carnitine uptake by amphetamine derivatives. BeWo cells were seeded in 12- or 24-well tissue culture plates and incubated at 37°C until monolayers were confluent. Uptake studies with radiolabeled l-carnitine and inhibitors in Hanks' balanced salt solution were carried out in the plates at 37°C for 30 min. Uptake of l-carnitine in BeWo cells was Na+-dependent and saturable (Km = 9.8 ± 2.4 μM, Vmax = 800 ± 70 pmol/mg of protein/30 min) with a nonsaturable constant of 2.8 ± 0.3 μl/mg of protein/30 min. Among the amphetamine analogs studied, IC50 values ranged from 2.3 to 9.2 mM, and the inhibition of carnitine uptake was stronger for compounds having a methyl-substituted nitrogen atom. Lineweaver-Burk plots show that inhibition by tetraethylammonium and valproate was competitive; inhibition by ephedrine was not completely competitive. The observed kinetics, Western blot, and inhibition profiles indicate that high-affinity carnitine uptake in the BeWo cell line is mediated by OCTN2. Inhibition of carnitine transport by amphetamines potentially poses serious consequences for fetal development.
Personality Correlates of Adherence to Type 2 Diabetes Regimens

“Adherence” is a broad concept that is preferably used in diabetes care in place of “compliance,” since patients are more autonomous today in defining and following medical treatments than ever before [1]. Although important to control blood glucose levels, adherence to diabetes management programs appears to be poor [2-4]. Research has shown some links between poor glycaemic control and personality factors in type 2 diabetes patients. High levels of blood glucose were associated with high levels of altruism and low levels of neuroticism, including
EFFECTS OF LIGHT THERAPY ON SLEEP, MOOD, AND TEMPERATURE IN WOMEN WITH NONSEASONAL MAJOR DEPRESSION

Research has supported the applicability and efficacy of light therapy in the treatment of nonseasonal depression. The investigators examined the effects of light therapy on sleep, core temperature, depressed mood, and perception of fatigue and energy in a sample of pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women diagnosed with nonseasonal, nonbipolar depression. Women were randomly assigned to either light therapy (n = 16) or placebo (n = 13) for a 28-day period. Pre and post measures of sleep and core temperature were collected. In addition, measures of depressed mood, fatigue, and energy were collected throughout the study period. Significant changes in depression and energy were found in the treatment group, but not in the placebo group. There was a significant reduction in the temperature mesor and less wake time during the first third of the sleep period in the treatment group but not in the placebo group. Light therapy yielded significant improvement in depression when compared with placebo intervention and core temperature mesor returned to normal. There was no significant phase shift, perhaps due in part to the absence of any baseline circadian phase disturbances. Relationships between temperature, sleep, depressed mood, fatigue, and energy variables offer potential directions for future research and clinical intervention.
Human Lysophosphatidic Acid Acyltransferase

Lysophosphatidic acid (1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate (LPA)) is a phospholipid with diverse biological activities. The mediator serves as an intermediate in membrane phospholipid metabolism but is also produced in acute settings by activated platelets. LPA is converted to phosphatidic acid, itself a lipid mediator, by an LPA acyltransferase (LPAAT). A human expressed sequence tag was identified by homology with a coconut LPAAT and used to isolate a full-length human cDNA from a heart muscle library. The predicted amino acid sequence bears 33% identity with a Caenorhabditis elegans LPAAT homologue and 23–28% identity with plant and prokaryotic LPAATs. Recombinant protein produced in COS 7 cells exhibited LPAAT activity with a preference for LPA as the acceptor phosphoglycerol and arachidonyl coenzyme A as the acyl donor. Northern blotting demonstrated that the mRNA is expressed in most human tissues including a panel of brain subregions; expression is highest in liver and pancreas and lowest in placenta. The human LPAAT gene is contained on six exons that map to chromosome 9, region q34.3.
Self-Focused Attention and Mechanisms of Change in Mindfulness-Based Treatment

The empirical literature provides increasing support for the efficacy of mindfulness training in the treatment of numerous problems and disorders. However, fewer studies have examined the mechanisms through which these beneficial outcomes are obtained. This article summarizes recent research examining three primary questions related to the mechanisms underlying mindfulness-based treatments: do people who practice mindfulness learn to be more mindful of the experiences of daily life? Is an increased general tendency to be mindful related to reduced symptoms and increased well-being? If so, then what psychological processes account for the beneficial effects of increased mindfulness? Recent studies suggest that the practice of mindfulness develops the ability to observe and describe present-moment experiences nonjudgmentally and nonreactively and to participate with awareness in ongoing activity. Increased mindfulness, in turn, appears to mediate improvement in psychological functioning, probably by cultivating an adaptive form of self-focused attention that reduces rumination and emotional avoidance and improves behavioral self-regulation.
Endogenous Phosphotyrosine Signaling in Zebrafish Embryos *S

In the developing embryo, cell growth, differentiation, and migration are strictly regulated by complex signaling pathways. One of the most important cell signaling mechanisms is protein phosphorylation on tyrosine residues, which is tightly controlled by protein-tyrosine kinases and protein-tyrosine phosphatases. Here we investigated endogenous phosphotyrosine signaling in developing zebrafish embryos. Tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were immunoaffinity-purified from zebrafish embryos at 3 and 5 days postfertilization and identified by multidimensional LC-MS. Among the identified proteins were tyrosine kinases, including Src family kinases, Eph receptor kinases, and focal adhesion kinases, as well as the adaptor proteins paxillin, p130Cas, and Crk. We identified several known and some unknown in vivo tyrosine phosphorylation sites in these proteins. Whereas most immunoaffinity-purified proteins were detected at both developmental stages, significant differences in abundance and/or phosphorylation state were also observed. In addition, multiplex in vitro kinase assays were performed by incubating a microarray of peptide substrates with the lysates of the two developmental stages. Many of the in vivo observations were confirmed by this on-chip in vitro kinase assay. Our experiments are the first to show that global tyrosine phosphorylation-mediated signaling can be studied at endogenous levels in complex multicellular organisms.
Melatonin delays leaf senescence and enhances salt stress tolerance in rice

Melatonin, an antioxidant in both animals and plants, has been reported to have beneficial effects on the aging process. It was also suggested to play a role in extending longevity and enhancing abiotic stress resistance in plant. In this study, we demonstrate that melatonin acts as a potent agent to delay leaf senescence and cell death in rice. Treatments with melatonin significantly reduced chlorophyll degradation, suppressed the transcripts of senescence‐associated genes, delayed the leaf senescence, and enhanced salt stress tolerance. Genome‐wide expression profiling by RNA sequencing reveals that melatonin is a potent free radical scavenger, and its exogenous application results in enhanced antioxidant protection. Leaf cell death in noe1, a mutant with over‐produced H2O2, can be relieved by exogenous application of melatonin. These data demonstrate that melatonin delays the leaf senescence and cell death and also enhances abiotic stress tolerance via directly or indirectly counteracting the cellular accumulation of H2O2.
Infection of thymus cells in vivo and in vitro with a guinea pig herpes-like virus and the effect of antibody on virus replication in organ culture.

Infection of thymus cells with a guinea pig herpes-like virus was studied in monolayer cultures, organ cultures, and experimental animals. 1) In monolayer cultures thymus fibroblast-like cells appeared to be less sensitive to GPHLV infection than kidney epithelial cells. 2) Animals inoculated intrathymically with the virus showed high titers of infectious virus in both thymus and spleen immediately after inoculation. The virus titer in the thymus gradually decreased, but the titer in the spleen increased after a 1-week lag period. 3) One week after i.p. inoculation of virus, a moderate amount of virus was found in the spleen, but only a very small amount was present in the thymus. Four to 5 weeks after infection, the virus titer in the thymus increased but was always slightly lower than that in the spleen. Administration of cortisone had little effect on virus yields and no effect on antibody titers. After cortisone treatment moderate atrophy was seen in the thymus but none was seen in the spleen. 4) A simplified submerged organ culture system was developed for thymus and spleen tissues. Although virus inclusions could not be found in sections of infected tissues, such inclusions were seen in infected tissue pieces maintained as organ cultures for 8 to 15 days. Specific GPHLV antibody in the organ culture medium inhibited the development of inclusions which, however, appeared when the antibody was removed.
Global synchronization of complex networks with interval time-varying delays and stochastic disturbances

The synchronization problem is considered for a class of stochastic complex networks with interval time-varying delays. Based on the Lyapunov functional method and stochastic analysis theory, delay-dependent sufficient conditions are obtained, which ensure that the identical delayed networks are globally synchronized in the mean square sense. Furthermore, the ‘piecewise delay’ approach is improved to deal with the synchronization problem of systems with stochastic disturbances by introducing two new lemmas. The efficiency and applicability of the proposed methodology are demonstrated by two numerical examples.
THE INFLUENCE OF WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION ON THE TEMPORARY THRESHOLD SHIFT OF HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS

Several studies investigate the influence of whole-body vibration (WBV) on human beings. Depending on the objective of the study, a specific application or group is focused. For example, whole-body vibration health effects are mainly directed to drivers, although it may also exist some other groups submitted to dangerous vibration levels as well. So, in 2002, the European Parliament drew the Directive 2002/44/EC establishing two different parameters (the EAV: Exposure Action Value and the ELV: Exposure Limit Value) for an eight-hour journey vibration exposure, assessed in accordance with the ISO Standard 2631-1 (1997). However, maybe for simplicity, neither the Directive nor the Standard mentions the influence that WBV has on different parts of the human body. Moreover, very few studies are found in the literature investigating the influence of vibration on human hearing. Generally, they are associated with some investigation about noise levels as well, since they are usually performed in loco. However, in laboratory is much easier to isolate the effects of one stimulus or the other and not many references are found in that respect. In the present study, a laboratory investigation was devised to evaluate the influence of WBV on the Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) of healthy subjects. For that, the Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE) was used. The finds of the current investigation showed that for the direction, frequency, level and duration of the vibration used, there was no influence of the wholebody vibration on the hearing of the volunteers tested. The parameters used during the tests respected the levels set by the Directive and were used conservatively, although there are some studies showing that real levels may be higher than the ones used here.
Crohn's disease presenting as septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein (pylephlebitis): case report and review of the literature

ABSTRACTSeptic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein, or pylephlebitis, is an extremely rare complication of intraabdominal infection, most commonly caused by diverticulitis (1). The following case report describes a patient without previous significant medical history presenting with painless jaundice and presumed malignancy. Workup revealed pylephlebitis due to an ileal abscess secondary to Crohn's disease. The patient was successfully treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and terminal small bowel and right colon resection. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Crohn's disease diagnosed after presentation with pylephlebitis.
Dynamic Electrostatic Lithography: Multiscale On‐Demand Patterning on Large‐Area Curved Surfaces

Dynamic electrostatic lithography is invented to dynamically generate various patterns on large-area and curved polymer surfaces under the control of electrical voltages. The shape of the pattern can be tuned from random creases and craters to aligned creases, craters and lines, and the size of the pattern from millimeters to sub-micrometers.
The Hinge and Chromo Shadow Domain Impart Distinct Targeting of HP1-Like Proteins

ABSTRACT Drosophila heterochromatin-associated protein 1 (HP1) is an abundant component of heterochromatin, a highly condensed compartment of the nucleus that comprises a major fraction of complex genomes. Some organisms have been shown to harbor multiple HP1-like proteins, each exhibiting spatially distinct localization patterns within interphase nuclei. We have characterized the subnuclear localization patterns of two newly discovered DrosophilaHP1-like proteins (HP1b and HP1c), comparing them with that of the originally described fly HP1 protein (here designated HP1a). While HP1a targets heterochromatin, HP1b localizes to both heterochromatin and euchromatin and HP1c is restricted exclusively to euchromatin. All HP1-like proteins contain an amino-terminal chromo domain, a connecting hinge, and a carboxyl-terminal chromo shadow domain. We expressed truncated and chimeric HP1 proteins in vivo to determine which of these segments might be responsible for heterochromatin-specific and euchromatin-specific localization. Both the HP1a hinge and chromo shadow domain independently target heterochromatin, while the HP1c chromo shadow domain is implicated solely in euchromatin localization. Comparative sequence analyses of HP1 homologs reveal a conserved sequence block within the hinge that contains an invariant sequence (KRK) and a nuclear localization motif. This block is not conserved in the HP1c hinge, possibly accounting for its failure to function as an independent targeting segment. We conclude that sequence variations within the hinge and shadow account for HP1 targeting distinctions. We propose that these targeting features allow different HP1 complexes to be distinctly sequestered in organisms that harbor multiple HP1-like proteins.
Oral trofosfamide and etoposide in pediatric patients with glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme in childhood is rare, and the prognosis for patients with the disease is poor. The Pediatric Oncology Society of the Germanic language group (GPOH) enrolls patients in a series of pilot trials, the first of which is reported here (HIT‐GBM‐A).
Brief report: Taiwanese infants' mental and motor development--6-24 months.

OBJECTIVES To establish the normative data of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Second Edition (BSID-II) on Taiwanese infants from age 6 to 24 months and to explore the factors that relate to their mental and motor development. METHODS Five hundred and seven Taiwanese full-term infants were prospectively examined with the BSID-II at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. RESULTS Taiwanese infants' Bayley mental and motor raw scores were lower than the United States norms from age 6 to 24 months, however, the discrepancy gradually declined with increasing age. Gender, intrauterine growth status, birth order, region of residence, maternal education, and paternal occupation were shown to have longitudinal associations with their mental and/or motor scores. CONCLUSIONS Differences existed in the mental and motor development among Taiwanese and American infants. Our preliminary norms of the BSID-II may be more appropriate than the United States norms for Taiwanese children.
The Impact of an Innovative Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on the Health and Well-Being of Nurses Employed in a Corporate Setting

This study implemented an innovative new model of delivering a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program that replaces six of the eight traditional in-person sessions with group telephonic sessions (tMBSR) and measured the program's impact on the health and well-being of nurses employed within a large health care organization. As part of a nonrandomized pre–post intervention study, 36 nurses completed measures of health, stress, burnout, self-compassion, serenity, and empathy at three points in time. Between baseline (Time 1) and the end of the 8-week tMBSR intervention (Time 2), participants showed improvement in general health, t(37) = 2.8, p < . 01, decreased stress, t(37) = 6.8, p < . 001, decreased work burnout, t(37) = 4.0, p < . 001, and improvement in several other areas. Improvements were sustained 4 months later (Time 3), and individuals who continued their MBSR practice after the program demonstrated better outcomes than those that did not. Findings suggest that the tMBSR program can be a low cost, feasible, and scalable intervention that shows positive impact on health and well-being, and could allow MBSR to be delivered to employees who are otherwise unable to access traditional, on-site programs.