Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Vagal Control, Regulatory Processes and Depressive Symptoms: Re-Investigating the Moderating Role of Sleep Quality

Lower cardiac vagal control (CVC), which is often understood as an indicator for impaired regulatory processes, is assumed to predict the development of depressive symptoms. As this link has not been consistently demonstrated, sleep quality has been proposed as a moderating factor. However, previous studies were limited by non-representative samples, cross-sectional data, and focused on CVC as a physiological indicator for impaired regulatory processes, but neglected corresponding subjective measures. Therefore, we investigated whether sleep quality moderates the effects of CVC (quantified by high-frequency heart rate variability) and self-reported regulatory processes (self- and emotion-regulation) on concurrent depressive symptoms and on depressive symptoms after three months in a representative sample (N = 125). Significant interactions between CVC and sleep quality (in women only), as well as self-/emotion-regulation and sleep quality emerged, whereby higher sleep quality attenuated the relation between all risk factors and current depressive symptoms (cross-sectional data). However, there were no significant interactions between those variables in predicting depressive symptoms three months later (longitudinal data). Our cross-sectional findings extend previous findings on sleep quality as a protective factor against depressive symptoms in the presence of lower CVC and subjective indices of impaired regulatory processes. In contrast, our conflicting longitudinal results stress the need for further investigations.
The S2 Subunit of QX-type Infectious Bronchitis Coronavirus Spike Protein Is an Essential Determinant of Neurotropism

Some coronaviruses (CoVs) have an extra furin cleavage site (RRKR/S, furin-S2′ site) upstream of the fusion peptide in the spike protein, which plays roles in virion adsorption and fusion. Mutation of the S2′ site of QX genotype (QX-type) infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) spike protein (S) in a recombinant virus background results in higher pathogenicity, pronounced neural symptoms and neurotropism when compared with conditions in wild-type IBV (WT-IBV) infected chickens. In this study, we present evidence suggesting that recombinant IBV with a mutant S2′ site (furin-S2′ site) leads to higher mortality. Infection with mutant IBV induces severe encephalitis and breaks the blood–brain barrier. The results of a neutralization test and immunoprotection experiment show that an original serum and vaccine can still provide effective protection in vivo and in vitro. This is the first demonstration of IBV-induced neural symptoms in chickens with encephalitis and the furin-S2′ site as a determinant of neurotropism.
Lock-in Amplifier-Based Impedance Detection of Tissue Type Using a Monopolar Injection Needle

For successful intra-articular injection therapy, it is essential to accurately position the tip of the injection needle into the target joint area while administering the drug into the affected tissue. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of a monopolar injection needle and lock-in amplifier (LIA)-based impedance measurement system for detecting the tissue type where the needle tip is located. After positioning the monopolar injection needle tip into the dermis, hypodermis, or muscle layer of pork tissue, the electrical impedance was measured in the frequency range of 10 Hz to 10 kHz. We observed a difference in the results based on the tissue type where the needle was positioned (p-value < 0.01). Therefore, the monopolar injection needle with electrical impedance measurement can be used to improve intra-articular injection therapy through non-destructive and real-time monitoring of the needle position in the tissues.
Lectin-Based Method for Deciphering Human Milk IgG Sialylation

In light of the immunoprotective function of human milk and the incontestable impact of IgG glycosylation on its immune functions, characterization of the sialylation profile of human milk IgG is needed. Lectins as a molecular probe were applied in lectin-IgG-ELISA to analyze the sialylation and galactosylation pattern of skim milk IgG of mothers who delivered at term and prematurely. Well-defined biotinylated lectins were used: Maackia amurensis II (MAA II), Sambucus nigra (SNA), Ricinus communis I (RCA I), and Griffonia simplicifolia II (GSL II) specific to α2,3-Neu5Ac, α2,6-Neu5Ac, Gal(β1,4)GlcNAc, and agalactosylated glycans, respectively. The sialylation pattern of milk IgG differs qualitatively and quantitatively from maternal plasma IgG and is related to lactation stage and perinatal risk factors. Expression of MAA-, SNA-, and GSL-reactive glycotopes on term milk IgG showed a positive correlation with milk maturation from days 1 to 55. Preterm birth was associated with an increase of MAA-reactive and a decrease of RCA-reactive IgG glycotopes. Moreover, higher SNA- and GSL-reactive and lower RCA-reactive glycoform levels of milk IgG were associated with infection of lactating mothers. Application of a specific and simple method, lectin-IgG-ELISA, reveals the sialylation pattern of milk IgG over milk maturation. However, further investigations are needed in this area.
Anti-Proliferative Effects of an Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Extract Enriched in Ligstroside Aglycone and Oleocanthal on Human Liver Cancer Cell Lines

Oleocanthal and ligstroside aglycone are olive oil-derived polyphenols. The former interferes with tumor growth with minor or no cytotoxicity on non-tumorigenic primary cell lines. The information about the bioactivity of ligstroside aglycone are scanty, with the exception of a known antioxidant power. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignant tumor with high mortality rates. Systemic chemotherapy is only marginally effective and is frequently complicated by toxicity. Previous observations have shown that hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines become more sensitive to taxol when it is combined with Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα). The present work aimed to assess the effects of a polyphenolic extract containing both oleocanthal and ligstroside aglycone on proliferation and/or death in three liver cancer cell lines (HepG2, Huh7 and Hep3B). The possibility to enhance such effect by the addition of TNFα was also investigated. Both cell proliferation and death were enhanced by the exposure to the polyphenolic extract. Such effect was associated with induction of autophagy and could be potentiated by TNFα. The presence of ligstroside aglycone in the extract lowered the oleocanthal concentration required for cytotoxicity. These results show for the first time that the effects of a polyphenol extract can be potentiated by TNFα and that modulation of autophagy likely account for these effects.
Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings in Uveitic Cystoid Macular Edema

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings in uveitic cystoid macular edema (CME). Methods: Prospective study of 36 eyes. Results: Cystoid black spaces were shown in the deep capillary plexus (DCP) in 36 eyes (100%) and in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) in 6 eyes (16.7%). Grayish areas of capillary non perfusion/hypoperfusion were seen in 69.4% of eyes in the DCP (vs 25% in the SCP, p < .001). The foveal avascular zone was larger than in the control healthy eyes in the DCP (p < .001). Capillary density was lower than in the control group in the SCP (p = .001) and the DCP (p < .001). Of 11 eyes with resolved CME on OCT, 4 eyes showed complete recovery of both plexuses on OCTA. There was a persistence of areas of capillary rarefaction in 4 eyes, and of hypoperfusion/nonperfusion in 3 eyes. Conclusion: OCTA visualizes perifoveal microvascular changes in uveitic CME.
A Radio Channel Model for D2D Communications Blocked by Single Trees in Forest Environments

In this paper we consider the D2D (Device-to-Device) communication taking place between Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) elements operating in vegetation environments in order to achieve the radio channel characterization at 2.4 GHz, focusing on the radio links blocked by oak and pine trees modelled from specimens found in a real recreation area located within forest environments. In order to fit and validate a radio channel model for this type of scenarios, both measurements and simulations by means of an in-house developed 3D Ray Launching algorithm have been performed, offering as outcomes the path loss and multipath information of the scenarios under study for forest immersed isolated trees and non-isolated trees. The specific forests, composed of thick in-leaf trees, are called Orgi Forest and Chandebrito, located respectively in Navarre and Galicia, Spain. A geometrical and dielectric model of the trees were created and introduced in the simulation software. We concluded that the scattering produced by the tree can be divided into two zones with different dominant propagation mechanisms: an obstructed line of sight (OLoS) zone far from the tree fitting a log-distance model, and a diffraction zone around the edge of the tree. 2D planes of delay spread value are also presented which similarly reflects the proposed two-zone model.
Endophytic Bacteria Potentially Promote Plant Growth by Synthesizing Different Metabolites and their Phenotypic/Physiological Profiles in the Biolog GEN III MicroPlateTM Test

Endophytic bacteria, as the most promising components of effective, biofertilizers biostimulating and biocontrol preparations, should be very intensively obtained from various plants and studied in terms of the conditions determining the potential ability to promote plant growth. For this reason, endophytic bacteria have been isolated from both stems and roots of up to six systematically distant species of vascular plants: one species belonging to the seedless vascular plants (Monilophyta), and five seed plants (Spermatophyta). The 23 isolated strains represented nine genera: Delftia, Stenotrophomonas, Rhizobium, Brevundimonas, Variovorax, Achromobacter, Novosphingobium, Comamonas and Collimonas, notably which were closely related—belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria. Stenotrophomonas sp. strains showed the greatest ability to synthesize indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-like compounds, while Achromobacter sp. strains produced the highest levels of siderophores. The presence of the nifH gene and nitrogen binding activity was demonstrated for 95% of the strains tested. Stenotrophomonas maltophila (ES2 strain) showed the highest metabolic activity based on Biolog GEN III test. The ability to solubilize phosphate was determined only for three tested strains from genus: Delftia, Rhizobium and Novosphingobium. The presented work demonstrated that the metabolic and phenotypic properties of plant growth-promoting endophytes are correlated with the genus of bacteria and are not correlated with the host plant species or part of plant (stem, root).
Synergistic effects of flow and interfaces on antibody aggregation

During the manufacturing process, solutions of protein‐based drugs are exposed to hydrodynamic forces, which can potentially affect protein stability and aggregation. Despite being an area of extensive investigation, the effect of hydrodynamic flow on protein aggregation is still controversial. In this study, we designed an experimental setup that allowed us to investigate flow‐ and interface‐induced protein aggregation of two model immunoglobulins in the presence of well‐defined flow stresses and solid–liquid interfaces. Within the range of shear rates typically encountered in bioprocessing ( γ ̇ = 10 – 10 3 s − 1 ), we observed that increasing the shear rate by three orders of magnitude had a negligible effect on protein aggregation. By contrast, changes in the materials of the syringe barrels had a dramatic effect on the monomer loss, demonstrating the key role of solid–liquid interfaces in flow‐induced aggregation. This finding was confirmed by the observed inverse dependence of the aggregation rate on the initial protein concentration, which is inconsistent with mechanisms of protein aggregation in bulk solution. Overall, our results reveal the presence of a synergistic effect of interfaces and hydrodynamic flow in flow‐induced protein aggregation, which arises from the formation of protein particles or films on interfaces followed by displacement by flow or mechanical scraping.
Study of Oxidation and Polarization-Dependent Optical Properties of Environmentally Stable Layered GaTe Using a Novel Passivation Approach

Emerging two-dimensional gallium chalcogenides, such as gallium telluride (GaTe), are considered promising layered semiconductors that can serve as vital building blocks towards the implementation of nanodevices in the fields of nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and quantum photonics. However, oxidation-induced electronic, structural, and optical changes observed in ambient-exposed gallium chalcogenides need to be further investigated and addressed. Herein, we report on the thickness-dependent effect of air exposure on the Raman and photoluminescence (PL) properties of GaTe flakes, with thicknesses spanning in the range of a few layers to 100 nm. We have developed a novel chemical passivation that results in complete encapsulation of the as-exfoliated GaTe flakes in ultrathin hydrogen–silsesquioxane (HSQ) film. A combination of correlation and comparison of Raman and PL studies reveal that the HSQ-capped GaTe flakes are effectively protected from oxidation in air ambient over the studied-period of one year, and thus, preserving their structural and optical characteristics. This contrasts with the behavior of uncapped GaTe, where we observe a significant reduction of the GaTe-related PL (~100×) and Raman (~4×) peak intensities for the few-layered flakes over a period of few days. The time-evolution of the Raman spectra in uncapped GaTe is accompanied by the appearance of two new prominent broad peaks at ~130 cm−1 and ~146 cm−1, which are attributed to the formation of polycrystalline tellurium, due to oxidation of ambient-exposed GaTe. Furthermore, and by leveraging this novel passivation, we were able to explore the optical anisotropy of HSQ-capped GaTe flakes. This is caused by the one-dimensional-like nature of the GaTe layer, as the layer comprises Ga–Ga chains extending along the b-axis direction. In concurrence with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis, polarization-dependent PL spectroscopy was used to identify the b-axis crystal direction in HSQ-capped GaTe flakes with various thicknesses over a range of wavelengths (458 nm–633 nm). Thus, our novel surface-passivation offers a new approach to explore and reveal the physical properties of the layered GaTe, with the potential of fabricating reliable polarization-dependent nanophotonics with structural and optical stability.
Lost in transition: biomarkers of remodeling in patients with asthma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW 'Biomarkers of remodeling' represent a loose collection of features referring to several biological adaptations of the lung to cope with stressing factors. In addition, remodel-'ing' infers a dynamic process that would require a spatiotemporal resolution. This review focuses on different aspects of remodeling in pediatric and adult care. RECENT FINDINGS This review will cover aspects of pediatric remodeling, adult remodeling and techniques and procedures to adequately assess remodeling across different age spectra. In pediatrics, the onset and first features of remodeling are discussed and the continuation into adolescence is addressed. For adults, this review addresses predominant features of remodeling throughout the adult life span and whether there are currently interventions available to treat or reverse remodeling. SUMMARY The term 'remodeling' is often referred to via biomarkers that reflect the endstage of a process, although it rather reflects a continuous process starting in childhood and progressing to all age-levels in patients with asthma. Hence, only few biomarkers or surrogates are able to 'capture' its spatiotemporal component, and hardly any are ready for routine use in clinical practice. Given the clinical impact of the remodeling processes, new biomarkers are needed to adequately treat patients with asthma and objectively monitor treatment response beyond symptom control and lung function.
Lipophilicity Determination of Quaternary (Fluoro)Quinolones by Chromatographic and Theoretical Approaches

Lipophilicity is a vital physicochemical parameter of a molecule, which affects several biological processes such as absorption, tissue distribution, and pharmacokinetic properties. In this study, evaluation of lipophilicities of a series of novel fluoroquinolone-Safirinium dye hybrids using chromatographic and computational methods is presented. Fluoroquinolone-Safirinium dye hybrids have been synthesized as new dual-acting hydrophilic antibacterial agents. Reversed phase thin-layer chromatography and micellar electrokinetic chromatography experiments were carried out. Furthermore, logP values of the target structures were predicted by means of different software platforms and algorithms. In order to assess similarities and dissimilarities of the obtained lipophilicity indexes, cluster analysis and sum of ranking differences were performed. The significant differences of calculated logP values (α = 0.05, p < 0.001) indicated that an experimental approach is necessary for lipophilicity prediction of this class of antibiotics. Chromatographic data indicated that the newly synthesized hybrid (fluoro)quinolone-based quaternary ammonium derivatives show less lipophilic character than the parent (fluoro)quinolones. Additionally, the chromatographically obtained lipophilicity indexes were evaluated for possible application in quantitative retention–activity relationships. The established lipophilicity models have the potential to predict antimicrobial activities of a series of quaternary (fluoro)quinolones against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris.
β-Amino- and Alkoxy-Substituted Disilanides

Our recent study on formal halide adducts of disilenes led to the investigation of the synthesis and properties of β-fluoro- and chlorodisilanides. The reaction of the functionalized neopentasilanes (Me3Si)3SiSiPh2NEt2 and (Me3Si)3SiSiMe2OMe with KOtBu in the presence of 18-crown-6 provided access to structurally related β-alkoxy- and amino-substituted disilanides. The obtained Et2NPh2Si(Me3Si)2SiK·18-crown-6 was converted to a magnesium silanide and further on to Et2NPh2Si(Me3Si)2Si-substituted ziroconocene and hafnocene chlorides. In addition, an example of a silanide containing both Et2NPh2Si and FPh2Si groups was prepared with moderate selectivity. Also, the analogous germanide Et2NPh2Si(Me3Si)2GeK·18-crown-6 could be obtained.
HSD10 mitochondrial disease: p.Leu122Val variant, mild clinical phenotype, and founder effect in French‐Canadian patients from Quebec

HSD10 mitochondrial disease (HSD10MD), originally described as a deficiency of 2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxybutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase (MHBD), is a rare X‐linked disorder of a moonlighting protein encoded by the HSD17B10. The diagnosis is usually first suspected on finding elevated isoleucine degradation metabolites in urine, reflecting decreased MHBD activity. However, it is now known that clinical disease pathogenesis reflects other independent functions of the HSD10 protein; particularly its essential role in mitochondrial transcript processing and tRNA maturation. The classical phenotype of HSD10MD in affected males is an infantile‐onset progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with severe mitochondrial dysfunction.
Identification of a Novel Betacoronavirus (Merbecovirus) in Amur Hedgehogs from China

While dromedaries are the immediate animal source of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) epidemic, viruses related to MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have also been found in bats as well as hedgehogs. To elucidate the evolution of MERS-CoV-related viruses and their interspecies transmission pathway, samples were collected from different mammals in China. A novel coronavirus related to MERS-CoV, Erinaceus amurensis hedgehog coronavirus HKU31 (Ea-HedCoV HKU31), was identified from two Amur hedgehogs. Genome analysis supported that Ea-HedCoV HKU31 represents a novel species under Merbecovirus, being most closely related to Erinaceus CoV from European hedgehogs in Germany, with 79.6% genome sequence identity. Compared to other members of Merbecovirus, Ea-HedCoV HKU31 possessed unique non-structural proteins and putative cleavage sites at ORF1ab. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Ea-HedCoV HKU31 and BetaCoV Erinaceus/VMC/DEU/2012 were closely related to NeoCoV and BatCoV PREDICT from African bats in the spike region, suggesting that the latter bat viruses have arisen from recombination between CoVs from hedgehogs and bats. The predicted HKU31 receptor-binding domain (RBD) possessed only one out of 12 critical amino acid residues for binding to human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (hDPP4), the MERS-CoV receptor. The structural modeling of the HKU31-RBD-hDPP4 binding interphase compared to that of MERS-CoV and Tylonycteris bat CoV HKU4 (Ty-BatCoV HKU4) suggested that HKU31-RBD is unlikely to bind to hDPP4. Our findings support that hedgehogs are an important reservoir of Merbecovirus, with evidence of recombination with viruses from bats. Further investigations in bats, hedgehogs and related animals are warranted to understand the evolution of MERS-CoV-related viruses.
Synthesis of Trichodermin Derivatives and Their Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities

Trichothecene mycotoxins are recognized as highly bioactive compounds that can be used in the design of new useful bioactive molecules. In Trichoderma brevicompactum, the first specific step in trichothecene biosynthesis is carried out by a terpene cyclase, trichodiene synthase, that catalyzes the conversion of farnesyl diphosphate to trichodiene and is encoded by the tri5 gene. Overexpression of tri5 resulted in increased levels of trichodermin, a trichothecene-type toxin, which is a valuable tool in preparing new molecules with a trichothecene skeleton. In this work, we developed the hemisynthesis of trichodermin and trichodermol derivatives in order to evaluate their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities and to study the chemo-modulation of their bioactivity. Some derivatives with a short chain at the C-4 position displayed selective antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and they showed MIC values similar to those displayed by trichodermin. It is important to highlight the cytotoxic selectivity observed for compounds 9, 13, and 15, which presented average IC50 values of 2 μg/mL and were cytotoxic against tumorigenic cell line MCF-7 (breast carcinoma) and not against Fa2N4 (non-tumoral immortalized human hepatocytes).
USP14 Inhibition Regulates Tumorigenesis by Inducing Autophagy in Lung Cancer In Vitro

The ubiquitin–proteasome system is an essential regulator of several cellular pathways involving oncogenes. Deubiquitination negatively regulates target proteins or substrates linked to both hereditary and sporadic forms of cancer. The deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14) is associated with proteasomes where it trims the ubiquitin chain on the substrate. Here, we found that USP14 is highly expressed in patients with lung cancer. We also demonstrated that USP14 inhibitors (IU1-47 and siRNA-USP14) significantly decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in lung cancer. Remarkably, we found that USP14 negatively regulates lung tumorigenesis not only through apoptosis but also through the autophagy pathway. Our findings suggest that USP14 plays a crucial role in lung tumorigenesis and that USP14 inhibitors are potent drugs in lung cancer treatment.