Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epifluorescence and Stereomicroscopy of Trichomes Associated with Resistant and Susceptible Host Plant Genotypes of the Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae), Vector of Citrus Greening Disease Bacterium

Background and Significance: Foliar trichomes (tiny hair-like structures) are part of the plant defense mechanisms that may confer resistance to some herbivore pests. Trifoliate orange, Poncirus trifoliata, is a genotype resistant to infestations by the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), vector of the economically important citrus greening (huanglongbing) disease bacterium. We discovered that dense trichomes are associated with young leaves of trifoliate orange plants and hypothesized that these might be responsible for reduced infestation by this psyllid. Materials and Methods: Epifluorescence and stereomicroscopy were used to study the density and structure of trichomes associated with young flush leaves and stems of trifoliate orange and of five other plant genotypes that are highly susceptible to colonization by the psyllid: lemon, grapefruit, sweet orange, curry leaf, and orange jasmine. Results: Simple unicellular trichomes were observed at moderate-to-large densities on young leaves and stems of each genotype except lemon and sweet orange, which had considerably fewer trichomes. Trichomes were generally abundant on young leaves of curry leaf and orange jasmine, two genotypes that are often heavily colonized by the psyllid. Although we did not quantify oviposition rates on these genotypes, we observed that psyllid females deposited eggs on young leaves, buds, and stems regardless of the density of trichomes present, sometimes directly within or close to a dense bed of trichomes. Conclusions: While trichomes were moderately abundant on young leaves of trifoliate orange, our results strongly suggest that these trichomes may play little or no role in reduced colonization by the psyllid on this genotype.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children with Down syndrome: Comparative analysis versus patients without Down syndrome.

INTRODUCTION Children with Down syndrome (DS) more commonly have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and a lower survival rate than those without Down syndrome (WDS). We analyzed the clinical, demographic, and biological characteristics and treatment response of children with DS-ALL versus those WDS-ALL. Patients and methods: Patients with ALL between January 1990 and November 2016. The demographic and biologic characteristics and treatment response were compared using the χ² and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. The overall survival and event-free interval (EFI) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. RESULTS 1795 patients were included; 54 had DS. Patients with DS-ALL were older (p= 0.0189). All had B-cell precursor immunophenotype and a lower incidence of recurrent abnormalities (p < 0.0001). They showed a better response rate to prednisone (p= 0.09) and a higher mortality in induction and complete remission (p < 0.0001). All deaths of patients with DS-ALL were treatment-related. The event-free survival (EFS) was 47% (± 8%) versus 73% (± 1%) (p= 0.006) and the EFI was 54% (± 9%) versus 75% (± 1%) (p= 0.0297) among patients with DS-ALL versus those WDS-ALL, respectively. The rate of relapse was similar in both groups (p= 0.6894). The EFI of patients with DS-ALL was lower in the group aged 6-9 years: 39% (± 19%) (p= 0.7885). CONCLUSIONS A lower survival was observed among children aged 6-9 years with DS-ALL. Although these children showed a better early response, their EFS and EFI were lower due to treatment-related mortality.
Physical growth in young Chilean football players: Proposal of percentiles based on chronological and biological age.

OBJECTIVES a) To compare physical growth to the 2012 American standard from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); b) to analyze physical growth by chronological and biological age; c) to propose physical growth charts based on chronological and biological age. Methodology. A descriptive (cross-sectional) study was conducted in young Chilean football players based on weight, standing height, and sitting height. These were compared to the CDC- 2012 standard. Percentiles were developed using the LMS method. RESULTS A total of 642 young Chilean football players aged 13.0-18.9 years were studied. Their body weight was lower than that of the CDC standard from 13.0 to 18.9 years old (p < 0.05), whereas their height showed no significant differences in the initial age categories (13.0- 13.9 and 14.0-14.9 years). Differences started to be observed as of 15.0 years old up to 18.9 years old (p < 0.05). In relation to chronological age, weight explained 31%; standing height, 16%; and sitting height, 0.09%, whereas in relation to biological age, weight explained 51%; standing height, 40%; and sitting height, 54%. Percentiles were developed based on chronological and biological age. CONCLUSION These youth showed different physical growth patterns compared to the CDC-2012 standard. Their assessment reflects better explanatory percentages for biological age than for chronological age. The proposed percentiles may be an alternative to keep track of the physical growth patterns of young football players in sports settings in the short, medium, and long term.
Feeding a Fussy Eater: Examining Longitudinal Bidirectional Relationships Between Child Fussy Eating and Maternal Feeding Practices

Objective Child fussy eating has been associated with a range of maternal feeding practices; however, whether effects are parent-driven, child-driven, or bidirectional (i.e., both) remains unclear. This study tested for bidirectional relationships between nonresponsive and structure-related maternal feeding practices and child fussy eating at age 2, 3.7, and 5 years using a cross-lagged model approach. Methods First-time Australian mothers (N = 207) reported four nonresponsive and four structure-related feeding practices and child food fussiness (FF) using validated questionnaires at child age 2, 3.7, and 5 years. Bivariate cross-lagged analyses were conducted for each of the eight feeding practices separately. Results Both child- and parent-driven associations were observed. Higher FF at 3.7 years predicted higher nonresponsive feeding practices and less structure-related practices at 5 years. Higher structure-related practices at 2 and 3.7 years predicted lower FF at 3.7 and 5 years, respectively. Use of food as a reward for behavior at 3.7 years predicted higher FF at 5 years. Conclusions Both parent- and child-driven associations explain the relationship between fussy eating and feeding practices. Given that early fussy eating is associated with more nonresponsive feeding, providing parents with anticipatory guidance to manage fussy eating behavior in infants and toddlers may help to avoid the use of these practices. Furthermore, the use of structure-related feeding practices and avoiding the use of food rewards may help to prevent the development of fussy eating.
Independent effects of dietary fat and sucrose content on chondrocyte metabolism and osteoarthritis pathology in mice

ABSTRACT Obesity is one of the most significant risk factors for knee osteoarthritis. However, therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat obesity-associated osteoarthritis are limited because of uncertainty about the etiology of disease, particularly with regard to metabolic factors. High-fat-diet-induced obese mice have become a widely used model for testing hypotheses about how obesity increases the risk of osteoarthritis, but progress has been limited by variation in disease severity, with some reports concluding that dietary treatment alone is insufficient to induce osteoarthritis in mice. We hypothesized that increased sucrose content of typical low-fat control diets contributes to osteoarthritis pathology and thus alters outcomes when evaluating the effects of a high-fat diet. We tested this hypothesis in male C57BL/6J mice by comparing the effects of purified diets that independently varied sucrose or fat content from 6 to 26 weeks of age. Outcomes included osteoarthritis pathology, serum metabolites, and cartilage gene and protein changes associated with cellular metabolism and stress-response pathways. We found that the relative content of sucrose versus cornstarch in low-fat iso-caloric purified diets caused substantial differences in serum metabolites, joint pathology, and cartilage metabolic and stress-response pathways, despite no differences in body mass or body fat. We also found that higher dietary fat increased fatty acid metabolic enzymes in cartilage. The findings indicate that the choice of control diets should be carefully considered in mouse osteoarthritis studies. Our study also indicates that altered cartilage metabolism might be a contributing factor to how diet and obesity increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Summary: The contribution of metabolic factors to obesity-associated knee osteoarthritis is uncertain. Here, we show how dietary fat and sucrose independently alter cartilage metabolic enzymes and osteoarthritis pathophysiology in mice.
Medical adherence in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in Germany: predictors and reasons for non-adherence – a cross-sectional analysis of the LuLa-cohort

Objective Adherence to medication has a major impact on treatment control and success especially in chronic diseases but often remains unrecognized. Besides clinical, socioeconomic, disease-related and treatment-related parameters, general and personal health beliefs, as well as perception of health, can affect adherence. Our aim was to investigate the adherence to lupus-specific medications in German lupus patients and to assess influencing factors including detrimental or beneficial effects of health perceptions and beliefs. Methods The Lupus Erythematosus (LE) Long-Term Study (LuLa-study) is a nationwide longitudinal study among German Caucasian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who have been assessed annually using a self-reported questionnaire since 2001. In 2013, we included questions concerning medical adherence (Morisky Medication Adherence Scale; MMAS-4), beliefs about medication prescribed (BMQ), illness perception and about the patients’ health locus of control (HLC). We present a cross-sectional analysis to assess predictors of adherence using a multivariable stepwise logistic regression. Results Five hundred and seventy-nine patients participated, 81 of whom did not take any lupus-specific medication and 40 of whom did not complete the MMAS-4 and were therefore omitted. Only 62.7% reported high adherence. Unintentional behaviour for low medical adherence exceeded the intentional behaviour by far. The use of azathioprine (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.02–3.34), prednisone <7.5 mg (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 0.97–2.49), a higher age (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03–1.08) and higher external HLC (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01–1.30) proved conducive for high adherence in our multivariable model. On the contrary, the general perception of medication being harmful or addictive (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82–0.97) was detrimental. Conclusion A low belief that one's own health is determined by healthcare providers (external HLC) and the belief of the harmfulness of medication were independent predictors of low adherence besides age and the choice of the medical agent. The recognition of these potential obstacles in physician–patient relationships is essential to ameliorate adherence. Provision of sufficient information and education might help to reach the best possible outcome.
GRK2 mediates TCR-induced transactivation of CXCR4 and TCR–CXCR4 complex formation that drives PI3Kγ/PREX1 signaling and T cell cytokine secretion

The immune system includes abundant examples of biologically-relevant cross-regulation of signaling pathways by the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and the G protein–coupled chemokine receptor, CXCR4. TCR ligation induces transactivation of CXCR4 and TCR–CXCR4 complex formation, permitting the TCR to signal via CXCR4 to activate a phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate–dependent Rac exchanger 1 protein (PREX1)–dependent signaling pathway that drives robust cytokine secretion by T cells. To understand this receptor heterodimer and its regulation, we characterized the molecular mechanisms required for TCR-mediated TCR–CXCR4 complex formation. We found that the cytoplasmic C-terminal domain of CXCR4 and specifically phosphorylation of Ser-339 within this region were required for TCR–CXCR4 complex formation. Interestingly, siRNA-mediated depletion of G protein–coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) or inhibition by the GRK2-specific inhibitor, paroxetine, inhibited TCR-induced phosphorylation of CXCR4–Ser-339 and TCR–CXCR4 complex formation. Either GRK2 siRNA or paroxetine treatment of human T cells significantly reduced T cell cytokine production. Upstream, TCR-activated tyrosine kinases caused inducible tyrosine phosphorylation of GRK2 and were required for the GRK2-dependent events of CXCR4–Ser-339 phosphorylation and TCR–CXCR4 complex formation. Downstream of TCR–CXCR4 complex formation, we found that GRK2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase γ (PI3Kγ) were required for TCR-stimulated membrane recruitment of PREX1 and for stabilization of cytokine mRNAs and robust cytokine secretion. Together, our results identify a novel role for GRK2 as a target of TCR signaling that is responsible for TCR-induced transactivation of CXCR4 and TCR–CXCR4 complex formation that signals via PI3Kγ/PREX1 to mediate cytokine production. Therapeutic regulation of GRK2 or PI3Kγ may therefore be useful for limiting cytokines produced by T cell malignancies or autoimmune diseases.
Supporting self-management for people with hypertension: a meta-review of quantitative and qualitative systematic reviews

Objectives: Globally, healthcare policy promotes supported self-management as a strategy for people with long-term conditions. This meta-review aimed to explore how people with hypertension make sense of their condition, to assess the effectiveness of supported self-management in hypertension, and to identify effective components of support. Methods: From a search of eight databases (January 1993–October 2012; update June 2017) we included systematic syntheses of qualitative studies of patients’ experiences, and systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials evaluating the impact of supported self-management on blood pressure and medication adherence. We used meta-ethnography, meta-Forest plots and narrative analysis to synthesise the data. Results: Six qualitative and 29 quantitative reviews provided data from 98 and 446 unique studies, respectively. Self-management support consistently reduced SBP (by between 2 and 6 mmHg), and DBP (by between 1 and 5 mmHg). Information about hypertension and treatment, home BP monitoring (HBPM) and feedback (including telehealth) were widely used in effective interventions. Patients’ perceptions of a disease with multiple symptoms contrasted with the professional view of an asymptomatic condition. HBPM, in the context of a supportive patient–professional relationship, changed perceptions of the significance of symptoms and fostered confidence in ability to self-manage hypertension. Conclusion: Our systematic qualitative and quantitative meta-reviews tell complementary stories. Supported self-management can improve blood pressure control. Interventions are complex and encompass a broad range of support strategies. HBPM (with or without telehealth) within the context of a supportive patient–professional partnership can bridge the gap between medical and lay perspectives of hypertension and enable effective self-management.
Acral melanoma: a retrospective cohort from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA)

Acral melanoma (AM) is a rare subtype of melanoma arising on the palms, soles and subungual areas. In the Brazilian and Latin American populations, the sociodemographic and clinical-pathologic features of AM are unclear. AM tends to be more advanced at presentation because of delayed diagnoses, with poor survival. This study reports on a retrospective AM cohort from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. We reviewed a database of 529 patients presenting with AM from 1997 to 2014 and analysed the sociodemographic and clinical-pathologic features of AM associated with overall survival and relapse-free survival. All patients were Brazilian, ranging in age from 19 to 101 years (mean 65.4; median 67.0). Two hundred and ninety-four (55.8%) patients were women. The Breslow primary lesion thicknesses ranged from 0.0 to 65.0 mm (mean 8.3 mm; median 5.0 mm). Of these patients, 43.3% had the acral lentiginous histologic subtype. Plantar was the most frequently involved site (68.5%), and ulcers and mitosis were present in 79.0 and 86.4% of these cases, respectively. Multivariate analysis results found that Breslow thickness of 1.03 (95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.05; P=0.01) and ulceration of 2.70 (95% confidence interval: 1.00–7.06; P=0.05) were poor prognostic indicators of overall survival. AM tumours were thick on diagnostic tests and were associated with poorer survival outcomes. Unfavourable prognosis likely derives from the delayed diagnosis compared with other melanoma subtypes.
Oviposition and survival of leafhoppers and thrips in groundnut genotypes and their host relationships

Pot culture experiments were conducted during kharif and rabi to study the oviposition and survival of leafhoppers and thrips on groundnut under caged conditions. Of the twenty five genotypes/varieties evaluated, CSMG 84-1 and ICGV 86522 (0.6 eggs) recorded lesser number of eggs as against ICG 7237 (2.8 eggs/terminal bud). The resistant genotypes had a mean of 1.27 ± 0.53 eggs, susceptible entries 2.18 ± 0.45 eggs and highly susceptible ones with 2.33 ± 0.33 eggs. The number of eggs laid by thrips ranged from 0.4 (ICG 5240 and ICGV 86522) to 2.0 eggs (TMV-2)/terminal bud. The resistant entries had mean number of eggs- 0.62 ± 0.24, moderately resistant ones- 1.00 ± 0.18, susceptible ones- 1.21 ± 0.41 and highly susceptible ones- 1.63 ± 0.34 eggs. The leafhopper survival was maximum in ICG 7237 (14.00/plant), and minimum in NCAc 343 (2.00/plant). The resistant genotypes recorded a mean survival of 5.17± 2.71 nymphs/plant, whereas, the moderately resistant ones had 8.33 ± 1.37 nymphs/plant, susceptible ones 9.42 ± 1.27 nymphs/plant, and highly susceptible ones with 10.8 ± 1.94 nymphs/plant. The thrips survival varied from 3.00 (ICGV 86522) to 12.00 (TMV-2)/plant, with the mean number of thrips being 4.50 ± 1.04, 6.66 ± 1.96, 8.85 ± 1.49 and 10.00 ± 1.41 thrips/plant in the resistant, moderately resistant, susceptible and highly susceptible genotypes, respectively. The sugars, phenols,tannins, and amino acids in the plant tissues, and the leaf morphological characters are also analysed and correlations brought out.
Determinants of organ donation registration

Rates of organ donor registration range from 20% to 60% throughout the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine sociogeographic differences in organ donor registration rates throughout Missouri to identify varying patterns The organ donor registration rate from each Department of Motor Vehicle office in Missouri was extracted from the National Organ Registration database, office locations were geocoded, and census tract level sociodemographic characteristics were extracted. Spatial regression analyses were conducted to identify relationships between location of DMV offices and census tract‐level concentrated disadvantage. Census tract‐level concentrated disadvantage (education attainment, poverty, single‐headed households) had a significant negative relationship with organ donor registration rates. Yet, census tract‐level African American/Black resident concentration was not significantly related to organ donor registration rates. These findings suggest that race‐based interventions to recruit organ donors may no longer be necessary. Yet, identifying how characteristics of concentrated disadvantage may be more influential in determining organ donor registration. Gaining a better understanding of how individual decisions are made is integral in the context of increased life expectancy in conjunction with the complex management of chronic conditions.
Nck2 is essential for limb trajectory selection by spinal motor axons

Background: The development of a functioning nervous system requires precise assembly of neuronal connections, which can be achieved by the guidance of axonal growth cones to their proper targets. How axons are guided by signals transmitted to the cytoskeleton through cell surface‐expressed guidance receptors remains unclear. We investigated the function of Nck2 adaptor protein as an essential guidance intermediary in the context of spinal lateral motor column (LMC) motor axon trajectory into the limb. Results: Nck2 mRNA and protein are preferentially expressed in the medial subgroups of chick LMC neurons during axon trajectory into the limb. Nck2 loss‐ and gain‐of‐function in LMC neurons using in ovo electroporation perturb LMC axon trajectory selection demonstrating an essential role of Nck2 in motor axon guidance. We also showed that Nck2 knockdown and overexpression perturb the growth preference of LMC neurites against ephrins in vitro and Eph‐mediated redirection of LMC axons in vivo. Finally, the significant changes of LMC neurite growth preference against ephrins in the context of Nck2 and α2‐chimaerin loss‐ and gain‐of‐function implicated Nck2 function to modulate α2‐chimaerin activity. Conclusions: Here, we showed that Nck2 is required for Eph‐mediated axon trajectory selection from spinal motor neurons through possible interaction with α2‐chimaerin. Developmental Dynamics 247:1043‐1056, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SLE mortality remains disproportionately high, despite improvements over the last decade

Despite a marked improvement in 10-year survival for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients over the past five decades, mortality rates from SLE remain high compared to those in the general population. SLE was also among the leading causes of death in young women in the United States during 2000–2015. However, it is encouraging that SLE mortality rates and the ratios of SLE mortality rates to non-SLE mortality rates have decreased every year since the late 1990s. Despite this improvement, disparities in SLE mortality persist according to sex, race, age, and place of residence. Furthermore, demographic and geographic variables seem to modify the effect of each other in influencing SLE mortality, leading to interactions between sex/race/ethnicity-associated factors and geographic differences. In other words, individuals of the same sex/race/ethnicity had differences in SLE mortality depending on where they lived. These observations highlight SLE as an important public health issue. The recognition of SLE as a leading cause of death in the general population might spur targeted public health programs and research funding to address the high lupus mortality.