Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metabolic and Transcriptomic Changes Induced in Arabidopsis by the Rhizobacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SS1011[W][OA]

Systemic resistance induced in plants by nonpathogenic rhizobacteria is typically effective against multiple pathogens. Here, we show that root-colonizing Pseudomonas fluorescens strain SS101 (Pf.SS101) enhanced resistance in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) against several bacterial pathogens, including Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato (Pst) and the insect pest Spodoptera exigua. Transcriptomic analysis and bioassays with specific Arabidopsis mutants revealed that, unlike many other rhizobacteria, the Pf.SS101-induced resistance response to Pst is dependent on salicylic acid signaling and not on jasmonic acid and ethylene signaling. Genome-wide transcriptomic and untargeted metabolomic analyses showed that in roots and leaves of Arabidopsis plants treated with Pf.SS101, approximately 1,910 genes and 50 metabolites were differentially regulated relative to untreated plants. Integration of both sets of “omics” data pointed to a prominent role of camalexin and glucosinolates in the Pf.SS101-induced resistance response. Subsequent bioassays with seven Arabidopsis mutants (myb51, cyp79B2cyp79B3, cyp81F2, pen2, cyp71A12, cyp71A13, and myb28myb29) disrupted in the biosynthesis pathways for these plant secondary metabolites showed that camalexin and glucosinolates are indeed required for the induction of Pst resistance by Pf.SS101. Also for the insect S. exigua, the indolic glucosinolates appeared to play a role in the Pf.SS101-induced resistance response. This study provides, to our knowledge for the first time, insight into the substantial biochemical and temporal transcriptional changes in Arabidopsis associated with the salicylic acid-dependent resistance response induced by specific rhizobacteria.
Treatment choice of immunotherapy or further chemotherapy for Epstein–Barr virus‐associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Epstein–Barr virus‐associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV‐HLH) leads to an aggressive and often fatal course without appropriate treatment. Etoposide therapy is crucial for the better prognosis, although it remains unknown what patients need cytotoxic agents. Since we have complied with step‐up strategy in a tertiary center, treatment outcomes were studied to search predictors for disease course.
Political Commitment and Multisectoral Coordination of HIV/AIDS Work: A Study of Tanzania

The article examines the multilevel governance system of HIV/AIDS service delivery in Tanzania by studying how the central and local governments' multisectoral coordination bodies work. The article applies a single embedded case study design. The article demonstrates that the attempts to govern HIV/AIDS services through multisectoral coordinating bodies at central and local government levels has failed in meeting good governance principles of transparency, accountability, representation, and popular participation. Multisectoral coordination has rather served to depoliticize HIV/AIDS because the coordinating bodies have no actual political authority to coordinate other government actors or donors. The global HIV/AIDS programs have contributed to depoliticize HIV/AIDS by funding particular types of services and service deliverers, reducing national ownership of HIV/AIDS service delivery. The implications of this article is that the multisectoral approach and coordination attempts need to be revised in the context of the increased focus on health sector work on HIV/AIDS in recent years.
Functional Implication of β-Carotene Hydroxylases in Soybean Nodulation1[C][W][OA]

Carotenoids are essential for nodule development in soybean. Legume-Rhizobium spp. symbiosis requires signaling between the symbiotic partners and differential expression of plant genes during nodule development. Previously, we cloned a gene encoding a putative β-carotene hydroxylase (GmBCH1) from soybean (Glycine max) whose expression increased during nodulation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum. In this work, we extended our study to three GmBCHs to examine their possible role(s) in nodule development, as they were additionally identified as nodule specific, along with the completion of the soybean genome. In situ hybridization revealed the expression of three GmBCHs (GmBCH1, GmBCH2, and GmBCH3) in the infected cells of root nodules, and their enzymatic activities were confirmed by functional assays in Escherichia coli. Localization of GmBCHs by transfecting Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) protoplasts with green fluorescent protein fusions and by electron microscopic immunogold detection in soybean nodules indicated that GmBCH2 and GmBCH3 were present in plastids, while GmBCH1 appeared to be cytosolic. RNA interference of the GmBCHs severely impaired nitrogen fixation as well as nodule development. Surprisingly, we failed to detect zeaxanthin, a product of GmBCH, or any other carotenoids in nodules. Therefore, we examined the possibility that most of the carotenoids in nodules are converted or cleaved to other compounds. We detected the expression of some carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (GmCCDs) in wild-type nodules and also a reduced amount of zeaxanthin in GmCCD8-expressing E. coli, suggesting cleavage of the carotenoid. In view of these findings, we propose that carotenoids such as zeaxanthin synthesized in root nodules are cleaved by GmCCDs, and we discuss the possible roles of the carotenoid cleavage products in nodulation.
Importance of voriconazole therapeutic drug monitoring in pediatric cancer patients with invasive aspergillosis

Voriconazole is the drug of choice for invasive aspergillosis (IA) and drug levels are influenced by interactions with other drugs and genetic predisposition. We performed a retrospective analysis of voriconazole drug levels and investigated the adequacy of drug levels in pediatric cancer patients and hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients with IA.
Comprehensive Investigation of MicroRNAs Enhanced by Analysis of Sequence Variants, Expression Patterns, ARGONAUTE Loading, and Target Cleavage1[W][OA]

A combinatorial approach of small RNA expression analysis with ARGONAUTE immunoprecipitation data and global cleavage data of RNA ends leads to a global picture of Arabidopsis microRNAs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNAs that typically function by guiding the cleavage of target messenger RNAs. They have been shown to play major roles in a variety of plant processes, including development, and responses to pathogens and environmental stresses. To identify new miRNAs and regulation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), 27 small RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced from various tissues, stresses, and small RNA biogenesis mutants, resulting in 95 million genome-matched sequences. The use of rdr2 to enrich the miRNA population greatly enhanced this analysis and led to the discovery of new miRNAs arising from both known and new precursors, increasing the total number of Arabidopsis miRNAs by about 10%. Parallel Analysis of RNA Ends data provide evidence that the majority guide target cleavage. Many libraries represented novel stress/tissue conditions, such as submergence-stressed flowers, which enabled the identification of new stress regulation of both miRNAs and their targets, all of which were validated in wild-type plants. By combining small RNA expression analysis with ARGONAUTE immunoprecipitation data and global target cleavage data from Parallel Analysis of RNA Ends, a much more complete picture of Arabidopsis miRNAs was obtained. In particular, the discovery of ARGONAUTE loading and target cleavage biases gave important insights into tissue-specific expression patterns, pathogen responses, and the role of sequence variation among closely related miRNA family members that would not be evident without this combinatorial approach.
Blurring the boundaries between public and private health care services as an alternative explanation for the emergence of black medicine: the Israeli case

Abstract Black medicine represents the most problematic configuration of informal payments for health care. According to the accepted economic explanations, we would not expect to find black medicine in a system with a developed private service. Using Israel as a case study, we suggest an alternative yet a complimentary explanation for the emergence of black medicine in public health care systems – even though citizens do have the formal option to use private channels. We claim that when regulation is weak and political culture is based on ‘do it yourself’ strategies, which meant to solve immediate problems, blurring the boundaries between public and private health care services may only reduce public trust and in turn, contribute to the emergence of black medicine. We used a combined quantitative and qualitative methodology to support our claim. Statistical analysis of the results suggested that the only variable significantly associated with the use of black medicine was trust in the health care system. The higher the respondents’ level of trust in the health care system, the lower the rate of the use of black medicine. Qualitatively, interviewee emphasized the relation between the blurred boundaries between public and private health care and the use of black medicine.
There's More to the Picture Than Meets the Eye: Nitric Oxide Cross Talk with Ca2+ Signaling1

The complex cross talk between Ca2+ and nitric oxide involves components of the Ca2+ signaling machinery regulated through a nitric oxide-dependent process at the posttranslational and/or transcriptional levels. Calcium and nitric oxide (NO) are two important biological messengers. Increasing evidence indicates that Ca2+ and NO work together in mediating responses to pathogenic microorganisms and microbe-associated molecular patterns. Ca2+ fluxes were recognized to account for NO production, whereas evidence gathered from a number of studies highlights that NO is one of the key messengers mediating Ca2+ signaling. Here, we present a concise description of the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the cross talk between Ca2+ and NO in plant cells exposed to biotic stress. Particular attention will be given to the involvement of cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels and Ca2+ sensors. Notably, we provide new evidence that calmodulin might be regulated at the posttranslational level by NO through S-nitrosylation. Furthermore, we report original transcriptomic data showing that NO produced in response to oligogalacturonide regulates the expression of genes related to Ca2+ signaling. Deeper insight into the molecules involved in the interplay between Ca2+ and NO not only permits a better characterization of the Ca2+ signaling system but also allows us to further understand how plants respond to pathogen attack.
Early cisplatin induced ototoxicity profile may predict the need for hearing support in children with medulloblastoma

Cisplatin (CDDP) ototoxicity is a significant side effect of the current treatment of medulloblastoma (MB). Cumulative dose of CDDP and age are recognized risk factors for hearing loss, but inter‐individual susceptibility limits our ability to identify patients at risk for hearing loss. We describe the kinetics of early audiometric changes during therapy and identify profiles associated with a higher risk of needing hearing aids.
A prospective study of single stage surgery for implant supported overdentures.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the clinical and psychological outcomes with ball attachment supported mandibular overdentures on Branemark implants placed in a single stage surgical approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixteen edentulous patients aged 32-74, with atrophic (flat) mandibular residual alveolar ridges, and a history of having difficulty coping with technically adequate mandibular dentures made within the last 2 years were recruited. Mark II Branemark implants were placed using a single stage surgical technique with healing abutments placed at time of surgery. Mandibular complete dentures were modified by relieving the areas over the abutments and a resilient liner was placed. After a period of 3 months, healing abutments were replaced with ball abutments and new complete dentures were made and the patients followed for a period of 2 years. Patients completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and answered further questions relating to the functional and psychological impact of complete denture wearing before treatment and 3 months after the dentures were provided. Patients additionally completed the GHQ 2 years after overdenture insertion. RESULTS Six patients suffered from loss of one of their two implants in the first 2 years after placement. Three of the implants had failed to osseointegrate, which was detected at initial loading 3 months after placement. General Health Questionnaire scores were statistically significantly reduced after treatment and the improvement was maintained over 2 years. Responses to the functional and psychological questions were similarly improved. CONCLUSION Single stage surgery led to a higher rate of implant failure than expected. Patients showed significant psychological health benefits from the treatment provided.
Intertissue Signal Transfer of Abscisic Acid from Vascular Cells to Guard Cells1[W]

ABA biosynthetic enzymes expressed in vascular tissues induce stomatal closure, indicating that long-distance ABA signal transfer from the vascular bundle is likely to be mediated by specific transporters. Abscisic acid (ABA) is a phytohormone that responds to environmental stresses, such as water deficiency. Recent studies have shown that ABA biosynthetic enzymes are expressed in the vascular area under both nonstressed and water-stressed growth conditions. However, specific cells in the vasculature involved in ABA biosynthesis have not been identified. Here, we detected the expression of two genes encoding ABA biosynthetic enzymes, ABSCISIC ACID DEFICIENT2 and ABSCISIC ALDEHYDE OXIDASE3, in phloem companion cells in vascular tissues. Furthermore, we identified an ATP-binding cassette transporter, Arabidopsis thaliana ABCG25 (AtABCG25), expressed in the same cells. Additionally, AtABCG25-expressing Spodoptera frugiperda9 culture cells showed an ABA efflux function. Finally, we observed that enhancement of ABA biosynthesis in phloem companion cells induced guard cell responses, even under normal growth conditions. These results show that ABA is synthesized in specific cells and can be transported to target cells in different tissues.
Predictors of Visual Outcome Following Surgical Resection of Medial Sphenoid Wing Meningiomas

Abstract Objective Medial sphenoid wing meningiomas (SWMs) are relatively common tumors that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, primarily from their anatomic proximity to many critical neurological and vascular structures. A major complication is visual deterioration. This study aimed to identify predictors of visual outcome following medial SWM resection. Design Retrospective, stepwise multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis. Setting Johns Hopkins Hospital. Participants All patients who underwent medial SWM resection from 1998 to 2009. Main Outcome Measures Visual function. Results Sixty-five medial SWM resections were performed. After multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis, preoperative visual decline (relative risk [RR] 95% confidence interval [CI]; 13.431 [2.601 to 46.077], p = 0.006), subtotal resection (RR [95% CI]; 3.717 [1.204 to 13.889], p = 0.02), and repeat surgery (RR [95% CI]; 5.681 [1.278 to 19.802], p = 0.03) were found to be independent predictors of visual decline at last follow-up. Tumor recurrence and postoperative radiation therapy trended toward, but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion These findings advocate for early and aggressive surgical intervention for patients with medial SWMs to maximize the likelihood of subsequent visual preservation. This may provide patients and physicians with prognostic information that may guide medical and surgical therapy for patients with medial SWMs.
A review of the literature concerning illicit drugs, prescription drugs of abuse and their link to mental health in Greek communities

In Greece, alcohol is considered to be an important part of their culture and binge‐drinking behaviours are largely avoided. However, using other substances including illicit drugs is traditionally frowned upon. As part of our investigation into advancing our understanding of the meaning of substance use in native and migrant Greeks, we investigate prescription, over the counter and illicit drug use trends, and their link to mental health by synthesizing previous literature on this subject. A search of various research databases returned a total of 184 articles, of which 23 were used. A quality assurance element was also built into the review process. The review reveals that illicit drug use had increased three‐fold since 1984, with cannabis being the most frequently used drug by all age groups and both sexes. However, compared with other western nations, the use of opiates and cocaine is still comparatively rare and largely confined to treatment populations. We postulate that despite strong cultural disapproval, use is likely to continue to increase, especially since adolescents believe that access to such drugs is becoming easier.
Metabolism-Based Herbicide Resistance and Cross-Resistance in Crop Weeds: A Threat to Herbicide Sustainability and Global Crop Production1

An important, but often unrecognized issue is the metabolic capacity of crop weeds to resist herbicides which poses a threat to herbicide sustainability and world crop production. Weedy plant species that have evolved resistance to herbicides due to enhanced metabolic capacity to detoxify herbicides (metabolic resistance) are a major issue. Metabolic herbicide resistance in weedy plant species first became evident in the 1980s in Australia (in Lolium rigidum) and the United Kingdom (in Alopecurus myosuroides) and is now increasingly recognized in several crop-weed species as a looming threat to herbicide sustainability and thus world crop production. Metabolic resistance often confers resistance to herbicides of different chemical groups and sites of action and can extend to new herbicide(s). Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, glycosyl transferase, and glutathione S-transferase are often implicated in herbicide metabolic resistance. However, precise biochemical and molecular genetic elucidation of metabolic resistance had been stalled until recently. Complex cytochrome P450 superfamilies, high genetic diversity in metabolic resistant weedy plant species (especially cross-pollinated species), and the complexity of genetic control of metabolic resistance have all been barriers to advances in understanding metabolic herbicide resistance. However, next-generation sequencing technologies and transcriptome-wide gene expression profiling are now revealing the genes endowing metabolic herbicide resistance in plants. This Update presents an historical review to current understanding of metabolic herbicide resistance evolution in weedy plant species.
Anterior Cervical Approach to the Upper Thoracic Spine A Case Report

A surgical approach to the upper thoracic spine is described in which dissection from the cervical region is extended caudally to develop an interval between the trachea and esophagus medially and the innominate vessels inferolaterally. The upper four thoracic vertebral bodies and their intervening discs can be thus exposed.
Distinct Roles for Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling and CALMODULIN-BINDING TRANSCRIPTIONAL ACTIVATOR3 in Regulating the Peak Time and Amplitude of the Plant General Stress Response1[W][OPEN]

Unbiased screening through forward and chemical genetics unveils components distinctly regulating the peak time and amplitude of the plant general stress responses. To survive environmental challenges, plants have evolved tightly regulated response networks, including a rapid and transient general stress response (GSR), followed by well-studied stress-specific responses. The mechanisms underpinning the GSR have remained elusive, but a functional cis-element, the rapid stress response element (RSRE), is known to confer transcription of GSR genes rapidly (5 min) and transiently (peaking 90–120 min after stress) in vivo. To investigate signal transduction events in the GSR, we used a 4xRSRE:LUCIFERASE reporter in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), employing complementary approaches of forward and chemical genetic screens, and identified components regulating peak time versus amplitude of RSRE activity. Specifically, we identified a mutant in CALMODULIN-BINDING TRANSCRIPTIONAL ACTIVATOR3 (CAMTA3) with reduced RSRE activation, verifying this transcription factor’s role in activation of the RSRE-mediated GSR. Furthermore, we isolated a mutant in MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE (MAPK) KINASE KINASE1 (mekk1-5), which displays increased basal and an approximately 60-min earlier peak of wound-induced RSRE activation. The double mekk1/camta3 mutant positioned CAMTA3 downstream of MEKK1 and verified their distinct roles in GSR regulation. mekk1-5 displays programmed cell death and overaccumulates reactive oxygen species and salicylic acid, hallmarks of the hypersensitive response, suggesting that the hypersensitive response may play a role in the RSRE phenotype in this mutant. In addition, chemical inhibition studies suggest that the MAPK network is required for the rapid peak of the RSRE response, distinguishing the impact of chronic (mekk1-5) from transient (chemical inhibition) loss of MAPK signaling. Collectively, these results reveal underlying regulatory components of the plant GSR and further define their distinct roles in the regulation of this key biological process.
Catheterization of Arteria Epigastrica Cranialis, Measurement of Nutrient Arteriovenous Differences and Evaluation of Daily Plasma Flow Across the Mammary Gland of Lactating Sows

The objectives of the present study were: (i) to evaluate a novel procedure for catheterization of the mammary artery; (ii) to measure amino acid, glucose and calcium arteriovenous differences in lactating sows; and (iii) to evaluate the use of different markers in estimating mammary plasma flow by the Fick principle. Five multiparous sows were fitted with two catheters, in the cranial epigastric artery and anterior mammary vein. Catheterization of the cranial epigastric artery was carried out with a new surgical technique. Implanted catheters remained functional until day 15 (in two animals), day 21 (one animal) and day 27 (one animal), whereas in one case this technique failed. Sampling of arterial and venous blood took place on days 9, 15, 21 and 27 of lactation. Mean extraction rates - SEM (percent) were 31.2 - 3.1 arginine (Arg), 16.4 - 2.5 glutamine (Gln), 27.2 - 5.7 threonine (Thr), 8.3 - 2.6 glycine (Gly), 12.4 - 2.7 alanine (Ala), 20.2 - 3.4 tyrosine (Tyr), 18.1 - 2.8 proline (Pro), 28.2 - 6.2 methionine (Met), 18.5 - 2.2 valine (Val), 26.4 - 3.1 phenylalanine (Phe), 30.2 - 3.1 isoleucine (Ile), 41.4 - 3.4 leucine (Leu), 32.2 - 4.0 lysine (Lys) and 20.0 - 2.76 glucose. There was a relatively high abundance of lysine in milk compared with the amount extracted from plasma. This suggests lysine to be limiting in the present experimental situation, which was probably due to a low feed intake only providing 31.4 g Lys day -1 on average. Mean mammary plasma flow (litres plasma day -1 ), evaluated by use of Lys, Met and calcium as markers in the metabolic Fick principle, amounted to 7869 - 989 Lys, 6391 - 2139 Met and 4059 - 747 calcium. The large difference in the results implies that there is a need for other markers to measure the mammary plasma flow or novel methods based on other principles to measure mammary plasma flow, which is an important factor in quantitative studies of daily mammary uptake of nutrients.