Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Virulence Factors Produced by Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms Have a Moonlighting Function Contributing to Biofilm Integrity*

We comprehensively profiled intracellular and ECM proteomes of S. aureus flow biofilms and complemented these data by metabolic footprint analysis and phenotypic assays. We show that moonlighting, secreted virulence factors and ribosomal proteins within the ECM contribute to biofilm stabilization. Mechanistically, we propose that these alkaline proteins get protonated in an acidified ECM (because of the release of acids upon fermentation) mediating electrostatic interactions with anionic cell surface components, eDNA, and metabolites, which leads to cell aggregation and ECM stabilization. Graphical Abstract Highlights Establishment of a flow system allowing multi-omics analysis of S. aureus biofilms. Biofilm proteome profiling (intracellular and ECM) plus metabolic footprint analysis. Virulence factors and ribosomal proteins stabilize the ECM as moonlighting proteins. They act as electrostatic bridges between anionic cell surfaces, eDNA and metabolites. Staphylococcus aureus is the causative agent of various biofilm-associated infections in humans causing major healthcare problems worldwide. This type of infection is inherently difficult to treat because of a reduced metabolic activity of biofilm-embedded cells and the protective nature of a surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). However, little is known about S. aureus biofilm physiology and the proteinaceous composition of the ECM. Thus, we cultivated S. aureus biofilms in a flow system and comprehensively profiled intracellular and extracellular (ECM and flow-through (FT)) biofilm proteomes, as well as the extracellular metabolome compared with planktonic cultures. Our analyses revealed the expression of many pathogenicity factors within S. aureus biofilms as indicated by a high abundance of capsule biosynthesis proteins along with various secreted virulence factors, including hemolysins, leukotoxins, and lipases as a part of the ECM. The activity of ECM virulence factors was confirmed in a hemolysis assay and a Galleria mellonella pathogenicity model. In addition, we uncovered a so far unacknowledged moonlighting function of secreted virulence factors and ribosomal proteins trapped in the ECM: namely their contribution to biofilm integrity. Mechanistically, it was revealed that this stabilizing effect is mediated by the strong positive charge of alkaline virulence factors and ribosomal proteins in an acidic ECM environment, which is caused by the release of fermentation products like formate, lactate, and acetate because of oxygen limitation in biofilms. The strong positive charge of these proteins most likely mediates electrostatic interactions with anionic cell surface components, eDNA, and anionic metabolites. In consequence, this leads to strong cell aggregation and biofilm stabilization. Collectively, our study identified a new molecular mechanism during S. aureus biofilm formation and thus significantly widens the understanding of biofilm-associated S. aureus infections - an essential prerequisite for the development of novel antimicrobial therapies.
The Influence of Feedback on Competence, Motivation, Vitality, and Performance in a Throwing Task

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this work is focused on the study of the effect that feedback has on competence valuation, perceived competence, autonomous motivation, vitality, and performance in a throwing task. Method: Thirty-five college students (26 men and 9 women), without previous experience in the task, participated in this study. The students were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions (positive, negative, and lack of feedback). Results: The results of this study point out that only those who received positive feedback before the handball throwing task, in contrast to those who received negative feedback or did not receive any feedback, showed increased levels of competence valuation (p < .05, Cliff’s delta effect size = −.30), perceived competence (p < .001, Cliff’s delta effect size = −.77), and autonomous motivation (p < .05, Cliff’s delta effect size = −.48). This group also presented higher levels of perceived competence (p < .001, Cliff’s delta effect size = −.84) and subjective vitality (p < .001, Cliff’s delta effect size = −.80) than the group who received negative feedback after the throwing task. Those who received positive feedback also showed a higher throwing speed at the end of task than those who received negative feedback (p < 0.001, Cliff’s delta effect size = −.71) or than those who did not receive any feedback (p < .05, Cliff’s delta effect size = −.56). Conclusions: Competence valuation, perceived competence, autonomous motivation, subjective vitality, and throwing speed were favorably influenced by positive feedback. These results have important implications for the training style applied by coaches.
Time course of arsenic species in red blood cells of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients treated with single agent arsenic trioxide

ABSTRACT Background:Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is widely applied to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). To elucidate metabolism and toxicity of arsenic, we analyzed time course of arsenic species in red blood cells (RBCs) of APL patients. Methods:Nine APL patients received ATO (0.16 mg/kg/day) through 18-h infusion. Blood was collected before daily administration (days 2 to 9), and at different time points on day 8. Inorganic arsenic (iAs), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) were detected by HPLC-ICP-MS. Results:Arsenic species reached Cmax at 18 h on day 8. Arsenicals gradually accumulated during days 2 to 9, whereas their percentages remained almost constant. The general trend in red blood cells (RBCs) was iAs > MMA > DMA. MMA was consistently the predominant methylated arsenic metabolite in RBCs. iAs, MMA, and tAs (tAs = iAs + DMA + MMA) concentrations (P < 0.0001), MMA/DMA ratios (P = 0.0016) and iAs% (P = 0.0013) were higher in RBCs than in plasma. Conclusions:Time course of arsenic species reveal kinetic characteristic of ATO metabolites in RBCs. Arsenic species accumulated with administration frequency. Arsenic species in RBCs were remarkably different from those in plasma. Time course of arsenic species in RBCs is important in ATO clinical application.
Heavy cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are associated with impaired sperm parameters in primary infertile men

We assessed the concomitant impact of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption in men presenting for primary couple's infertility. Data from 189 infertile men were analyzed. Semen analysis, serum hormones, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) were obtained. Smoking status was categorized as follows: current nonsmoker (−S), moderate smoker (+MS), and heavy smoker (+HS). Alcohol consumption was categorized as follows: abstainer (−D), moderate drinker (+MD), and heavy drinker (+HD). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were applied. Among all the participants, 132 (69.8%), 30 (15.9%), and 27 (14.3%) patients were −S, +MS, and +HS, respectively. In addition, 67 (35.4%), 77 (40.7%) and 45 (23.8%) men were -D, +MD and +HD, respectively. Regarding concomitant habits, 52 (27.5%) patients were nonsmokers and abstainers (−S/−D: Group 1), 91 (48.1%) had at least one recreational habit (−S/+D or +S/−D: Group 2), and 46 (24.3%) were both smokers and drinkers (+S/+D: Group 3). Sperm concentration and progressive motility were lower in +HS and +HD, compared with −S and −D (all P < 0.05), respectively. Similarly, both parameters were significantly lower in Group 3 than Groups 1 and 2 (all P < 0.05). SDF values were higher in Group 3 than Groups 1 and 2 (both P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and concomitant +S/+D status were independent predictors of impaired sperm concentration and progressive motility (all P < 0.05). Heavy smoking and heavy drinking were associated with worse seminal parameters than moderate smoking/drinking and nonsmoking/abstaining. When concomitant, +S/+D status has an even greater detrimental effect on semen parameters.
Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Bariatric Surgery for Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Cirrhosis

Key Points Question Is bariatric surgery cost-effective in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and compensated cirrhosis? Findings In this simulation model study, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $66 119 per quality-adjusted life-year in overweight patients, $18 716 per quality-adjusted life-year in patients with mild obesity, $10 274 per quality-adjusted life-year in patients with moderate obesity, and $6563 per quality-adjusted life-year in patients with severe obesity. Meaning Bariatric surgery could be highly cost-effective in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and compensated cirrhosis, even in those with a lower baseline body mass index.
Black and Latinx Adolescents’ Developing Beliefs About Poverty and Associations With Their Awareness of Racism

Interpersonal and structural forms of racism contribute to a system of economic stratification in the United States in which children of color are disproportionately likely to be born into poverty and to remain poor as adults. However, only a small body of research has focused on Black and Latinx adolescents’ developing beliefs about the causes of poverty or the relationship between such beliefs and their awareness of racism. The present study sought to contribute to this scholarship with a longitudinal investigation involving Black and Latinx adolescents (n = 457) attending urban secondary schools in 5 northeastern cities. Specifically, we investigated (a) these adolescents’ change over time in their beliefs about the causes of poverty; (b) the relationship between their developing beliefs about the causes of poverty and changes in their awareness of racism; and (c) the role of a progressive schooling experience in influencing the adolescents’ beliefs about the causes of poverty. Multivariate latent growth modeling revealed that participants demonstrated significant positive change over time in their conception of poverty as caused by structural factors as well as a significant relationship at each time point between adolescents’ beliefs about the causes of poverty and awareness of interpersonal racism. However, we found that attending a secondary school featuring a progressive schooling model did not significantly predict adolescents’ change in beliefs about the structural causes of poverty.
Presence, localization and morphology of TELOCYTES in developmental gonads of fishes

Telocytes are a new defined type of interstitial cells, considered as a stem cell, with very long and thin cytoplasmic extensions. They are present in the vertebrates, and may participate in tissue remodeling. In fish, during gonadal development, the events that culminate with the germinal epithelium formation are well known. However, the interstitial compartment remains poorly explored, although it may have a great contribution to the morpho‐functional changes that occur in the gonad. As in other organisms, in fish, the interstitium consists especially of connective tissue elements. However, until now, there are no reports of the presence and the action of the telocytes in the connective tissue of gonads of fish. Thus, this study aimed to detect the presence, localization and morphology of telocytes during the gonadal development of several species of fish. The gonads were analyzed by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for localization of CD34, Vimentin, and metalloproteinases. The presence of two proteins characteristics of mesenchymal cell was detected in cells of the gonads of all species. In addition, they presented a typical morphology of telocytes, showing cellular extensions. Gonadal telocytes also presented positive response to metalloproteinases. In mammals, telocytes can undergo de‐differentiation contributing to the reorganization of the extracellular matrix. This role may be performed by the metalloproteinases detected here. The detection of Vimentin and CD34 in the same cellular type, associated with its morphological characteristics, allows us to conclude that some interstitial cells in Teleostei are considered telocytes, identical to the ones already described in mammals and other vertebrates.
Effect of text messaging on depression in patients with coronary heart disease: a substudy analysis from the TEXT ME randomised controlled trial

Objective We aimed to evaluate the effects on depression scores of a lifestyle-focused cardiac support programme delivered via mobile phone text messaging among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Design Substudy and secondary analysis of a parallel-group, single-blind randomised controlled trial of patients with CHD. Setting A tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia. Intervention The Tobacco, Exercise and dieT MEssages programme comprised four text messages per week for 6 months that provided education, motivation and support on diet, physical activity, general cardiac education and smoking, if relevant. The programme did not have any specific mental health component. Outcomes Depression scores at 6 months measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Treatment effect across subgroups was measured using log-binomial regression model for the binary outcome (depressed/not depressed, where depressed is any score of PHQ-9 ≥5) with treatment, subgroup and treatment by subgroup interaction as fixed effects. Results Depression scores at 6 months were lower in the intervention group compared with the control group, mean difference 1.9 (95% CI 1.5 to 2.4, p<0.0001). The frequency of mild or greater depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores≥5) at 6 months was 21/333 (6.3%) in the intervention group and 86/350 (24.6%) in the control group (relative risk (RR) 0.26, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.40, p<0.001). This proportional reduction in depressive symptoms was similar across groups defined by age, sex, education, body mass index, physical activity, current smoking, current drinking and history of depression, diabetes and hypertension. In particular, the rates of PHQ-9 ≥5 among people with a history of depression were 4/44 (9.1%) vs 29/62 (46.8%) in intervention vs control (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.51, p<0.001), and were 17/289 (5.9%) vs 57/288 (19.8%) among others (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.50, p<0.001). Conclusions Among people with CHD, a cardiac support programme delivered via mobile phone text messaging was associated with fewer symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression at 6 months in the treatment group compared with controls. Trial registration number ACTRN12611000161921.
Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy of the airways: physiological and pathological characteristics of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions

1. Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo Octavio Frias de Oliveira – Icesp – São Paulo (SP) Brasil. 2. Divisão de Pneumologia, Instituto do Coração, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo – InCor/HC-FMUSP – São Paulo (SP) Brasil. 3. Departamento de Cirurgia Torácica, Instituto do Coração, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo – InCor/HC-FMUSP – São Paulo (SP) Brasil. a. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8190-8410; b. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9458-8153; c. http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7243-5343; d. http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8577-8708 TO THE EDITOR:
Supporting elder persons in rural Japanese communities through preventive home visits by nursing students: A qualitative descriptive analysis of students' reports

Abstract This article describes the evaluation of an innovative nursing education curriculum project, preventive home visiting practice, which began full implementation in 2015, in terms of students' learning outcomes. For the purpose of learning how elder persons live in community, all the 327 undergraduate nursing students, from freshmen to seniors, provided monthly or bi‐monthly visits to home‐dwelling elderly persons aged 75 or above in their home over 1 year period, in order to provide support for their independent living and to learn from them. The students' reports submitted at the end of the first academic year were qualitatively analyzed to evaluate what they learned. They acquired multiple perspectives for understanding elder persons, including a variety of individual and environmental aspects of wellness, prevention, and community life. They also acknowledged the importance of team practice through working and collaborating with different grade levels and generations. Overall, the observed learning contents were useful for future nursing education with elder persons and facilitating critical changes in nursing education systems to address the problems of aged society.
Free Fatty Acids’ Level and Nutrition in Critically Ill Patients and Association with Outcomes: A Prospective Sub-Study of PermiT Trial

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clinical and nutritional correlates of high free fatty acids (FFAs) level in critically ill patients and the association with outcomes, and to study the effect of short-term caloric restriction (permissive underfeeding) on FFAs level during critical illness. Patients/Method: In this pre-planned sub-study of the PermiT (Permissive Underfeeding vs. Target Enteral Feeding in Adult Critically Ill Patients) trial, we included critically ill patients who were expected to stay for ≥14 days in the intensive care unit. We measured FFAs level on day 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 of enrollment. Of 70 enrolled patients, 23 (32.8%) patients had high FFAs level (baseline FFAs level >0.45 mmol/L in females and >0.6 mmol/L in males). Results: Patients with high FFAs level were significantly older and more likely to be females and diabetics and they had lower ratio of partial pressure of oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen, higher creatinine, and higher total cholesterol levels than those with normal FFAs level. During the study period, patients with high FFAs level had higher blood glucose and required more insulin. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the predictors of high baseline FFAs level were diabetes (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 5.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.56, 18.43, p = 0.008) and baseline cholesterol level (aOR, 4.29; 95% CI: 11.64, 11.19, p = 0.003). Serial levels of FFAs did not differ with time between permissive underfeeding and standard feeding groups. FFAs level was not associated with 90-day mortality (aOR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.09, 2.60, p = 0.40). Conclusion: We conclude that high FFAs level in critically ill patients is associated with features of metabolic syndrome and is not affected by short-term permissive underfeeding.
Nephroprotective and antioxidant effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) against nicotine-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and characterization of its bioactive compounds by HPLC-DAD.

Nicotine (NT) is a potential inducer of oxidative stress, through which it can damage numerous biological molecules. Natural antioxidants that prevent or slow the progression and severity of nicotine toxicity may have a significant health impact. The purpose of this study, conducted on Wistar rats, was to evaluate the beneficial effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract on nicotine treatment induced damage on kidney. Our results showed that nicotine significantly (p<0.01) increased serum and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA), the serum contents of urea, creatinine and uric acid. In addition, nicotine intoxication significantly (p< 0.01) decreased the vitamin E and C levels in serum and kidney tissue as well as the activities of SOD, CAT and GPx. Interestingly, animals that were pretreated with green tea, prior to nicotine-administration, showed a significant nephroprotection, revealed by a significant reduction-induced oxidative damage for all tested markers. The nephroprotective activity of green tea is mediated, at least in part, by the antioxidant effect of its constituents.
Cotransplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neural Progenitors and Schwann Cells in a Rat Spinal Cord Contusion Injury Model Elicits a Distinct Neurogenesis and Functional Recovery

Cotransplantation of neural progenitors (NPs) with Schwann cells (SCs) might be a way to overcome low rate of neuronal differentiation of NPs following transplantation in spinal cord injury (SCI) and the improvement of locomotor recovery. In this study, we initially generated NPs from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and investigated their potential for neuronal differentiation and functional recovery when cocultured with SCs in vitro and cotransplanted in a rat acute model of contused SCI. Cocultivation results revealed that the presence of SCs provided a consistent status for hESC-NPs and recharged their neural differentiation toward a predominantly neuronal fate. Following transplantation, a significant functional recovery was observed in all engrafted groups (NPs, SCs, NPs + SCs) relative to the vehicle and control groups. We also observed that animals receiving cotransplants established a better state as assessed with the BBB functional test. Immunohistofluorescence evaluation 5 weeks after transplantation showed invigorated neuronal differentiation and limited proliferation in the cotransplanted group when compared to the individual hESC-NP-grafted group. These findings have demonstrated that the cotransplantation of SCs with hESC-NPs could offer a synergistic effect, promoting neuronal differentiation and functional recovery.
Community exercise is feasible for neuromuscular diseases and can improve aerobic capacity

Objective The aim of this phase 2 trial was to ascertain the feasibility and effect of community-based aerobic exercise training for people with 2 of the more common neuromuscular diseases: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT) and inclusion body myositis (IBM). Methods A randomized single-blinded crossover trial design was used to compare a 12-week aerobic training program using recombinant exercise bicycles compared to a control period. The training occurred 3 times per week in community gyms local to the participants. Support was available from trained gym staff and a research physiotherapist. The 2 disease groups were analyzed separately. The primary outcome measure was peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) during a maximal exercise test, with secondary measures of muscle strength, function, and patient-reported measures. Results Data from 23 people with CMT and 17 people with IBM were included in the analysis. Both disease groups had high levels of participation and demonstrated improvements in VO2 peak, with a moderate effect size in the CMT participants (Cohen d = 0.53) and a strong effect size in the IBM group (Cohen d = 1.72). No major changes were observed in the secondary outcome measures. Qualitative interviews revealed that participants valued the support of gym instructors and the research physiotherapists in overcoming challenges to participation. Conclusion Twelve weeks of aerobic training in community gyms was feasible, safe, and improved aerobic capacity in people with CMT and IBM. Classification of evidence This study provides Class II evidence that for patients with CMT type 1A and IBM, an aerobic training program increases aerobic capacity.