Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activity and Crystal Structure of the Adherent-Invasive Escherichia coli Tle3/Tli3 T6SS Effector/Immunity Complex Determined Using an AlphaFold2 Predicted Model

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) delivers enzymatic effectors into target cells to destroy them. Cells of the same strain protect themselves against effectors with immunity proteins that specifically inhibit effectors. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a Tle3 phospholipase effector and its cognate immunity protein Tli3—an outer membrane lipoprotein from adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC). Enzymatic assays demonstrate that purified Tle3AIEC has a phospholipase A1, and not A2, activity and that its toxicity is neutralized by the cognate immunity protein Tli3AIEC. Tli3AIEC binds Tle3 in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. Tle3AIEC, Tli3AIEC and the Tle3AIEC-Tli3AIEC complex were purified and subjected to crystallization. The Tle3AIEC-Tli3AIEC complex structure could not be solved by SeMet phasing, but only by molecular replacement when using an AlphaFold2 prediction model. Tle3AIEC exhibits an α/β-hydrolase fold decorated by two protruding segments, including a N-terminus loop. Tli3AIEC displays a new fold of three stacked β-sheets and a protruding loop that inserts in Tle3AIECcatalytic crevice. We showed, experimentally, that Tle3AIEC interacts with the VgrG AIEC cargo protein and AlphaFold2 prediction of the VgrGAIEC-Tle3AIEC complex reveals a strong interaction between the VgrGAIEC C-terminus adaptor and Tle3AIEC N-terminal loop.
Different Contacted Cell Types Contribute to Acquiring Different Properties in Brain Microglial Cells upon Intercellular Interaction

Microglial cells (MGs), originally derived from progenitor cells in a yolk sac during early development, are glial cells located in a physiological and pathological brain. Since the brain contains various cell types, MGs could frequently interact with different cells, such as astrocytes (ACs), pericytes (PCs), and endothelial cells (ECs). However, how microglial traits are regulated via cell–cell interactions by ACs, PCs, or ECs and how they are different depending on the contacted cell types is unclear. This study aimed to clarify these questions by coculturing MGs with ACs, PCs, or ECs using mouse brain-derived cells, and microglial phenotypic changes were investigated under culture conditions that enabled direct cell–cell contact. Our results showed that ACs or PCs dose-dependently increased the number of MG, while ECs decreased it. Microarray and gene ontology analysis showed that cell fate-related genes (e.g., cell cycle, proliferation, growth, death, and apoptosis) of MGs were altered after a cell–cell contact with ACs, PCs, and ECs. Notably, microarray analysis showed that several genes, such as gap junction protein alpha 1 (Gja1), were prominently upregulated in MGs after coincubation with ACs, PCs, or ECs, regardless of cell types. Similarly, immunohistochemistry showed that an increased Gja1 expression was observed in MGs after coincubation with ACs, PCs, or ECs. Immunofluorescent and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis also showed that calcein-AM was transferred into MGs after coincubation with ACs, PCs, or ECs, confirming that intercellular interactions occurred between these cells. However, while Gja1 inhibition reduced the number of MGs after coincubation with ACs and PCs, this was increased after coincubation with ECs; this indicates that ACs and PCs positively regulate microglial numbers via Gja1, while ECs decrease it. Results show that ACs, PCs, or ECs exert both common and specific cell type-dependent effects on MGs through intercellular interactions. These findings also suggest that brain microglial phenotypes are different depending on their surrounding cell types, such as ACs, PCs, or ECs.
Comparing two measures of schizotypy and their relationship with psychological distress in British university students

Schizotypy reflects the vulnerability to schizophrenia in the general population. Different questionnaires have been developed to measure aspects of schizotypy. Higher schizotypy scores have also been linked with depression, anxiety, and stress sensitivity. Here we examine the associations of schizotypy with symptoms of depression and anxiety in a sample of university students, using two different measures (N = 271).
Treatment of a Recurrent Pyometra by Surgical Uterine Drainage in a Main Coon Cat

Simple Summary A 3-year-old Main Coon female cat was referred for recurrent pyometra, previously treated with aglepristone and cloprostenol. Due to its high reproductive value, ovariohysterectomy was not an option so, being the medical treatment ineffective, a uterine drainage and flushing were performed. Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent a laparotomy; a sterile urinary catheter was inserted in the uterine horns and 150 mL of milky and thick liquid was collected. A lavage with lukewarm sterile saline was also associated. After surgery, aglepristone and antibiotics were administered. The cat showed no recurrence six months after surgery and had an uneventful pregnancy. Abstract Pyometra is a uterine disease typical of the luteal phase of the estrus cycle. For selected patients, such as breeding subjects, ovariohysterectomy is not a valid resolutive option. Medical treatments involving cloprostenol and aglepristone have been developed for the cats, but they can be ineffective in rare cases. Transcervical drainage and flushing have been described for the dogs, as well as for large wild cats. However, to the author’s knowledge, there are no report of uterine drainage in cats. The present case describes an alternative treatment of pyometra in a 3-year-old Main Coon previously treated with aglepristone. The patient underwent a laparotomy: the uterus was exposed, and a sterile urinary catheter was inserted into each horn, through the wall of the uterus, to allow the drainage of pathological collection and a subsequent lavage with lukewarm sterile saline. Medical treatment with aglepristone and marbofloxacin was associated. After treatment, no recurrence was reported, and the cat had an uneventful pregnancy. Although it is a unique case report, the results presented are promising, as the technique appears to have provided healing and preserved fertility. Further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in the long-term prevention of recurrence.
Preparation, Purification and Characterization of Antibacterial and ACE Inhibitory Peptides from Head Protein Hydrolysate of Kuruma Shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus

Kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) heads, as the main by-product of the seafood processing industry, are rich in underutilized high-quality protein. After papain hydrolysis at 50 °C for 4 h, the protein hydrolysate of shrimp heads was found to show notable antibacterial and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities. After purification using two stages of revered-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), the antibacterial peptide VTVP and the ACE inhibitory peptide ARL/I were successfully identified from most active fractions by LC–MS/MS. Peptide VTVP was a desirable hydrophobic peptide, with a MIC value in the range from 1.62 to 8.03 mM against all tested pathogens. Peptide ARL/I exhibited potent ACE inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of 125.58 µM, and was found to be a competitive inhibitor based on the Lineweaver–Burk plot. Moreover, the result of the molecular docking simulation indicated that the interaction binding between ARL/I and ACE was mainly stabilized by hydrogen bonds, as well as forming a coordinate bond with the Zn2+ site. The purified peptides did not show hemolytic activity toward rabbit erythrocytes. To sum up, the bioactive peptides isolated from shrimp heads could be applicable for food or pharmaceutical areas as promising ingredients.
Association of Blood Urea Nitrogen with Cardiovascular Diseases and All-Cause Mortality in USA Adults: Results from NHANES 1999–2006

In the general population, there is little evidence of a link between blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and long-term mortality. The goal of this study was to explore whether higher BUN concentration is a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. From 1999 to 2006, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) included 17,719 adult individuals. Death outcomes were ascertained by linkage to the database records through 31 December 2015. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD and all-cause mortality in individuals. We also performed stratified analyses based on age, gender, drinking, smoking, history of hypertension and diabetes. During a mean follow-up 11.65 years, a total of 3628 deaths were documented, of which 859 were due to CVD. Participants with higher BUN had a higher risk of CVD and all-cause death compared to those with lower BUN. After multifactor adjustment for demographics, major lifestyle factors, and hypertension and diabetes history, higher BUN levels compared with lower levels were significantly associated with higher risk of CVD (HR: 1.48 [1.08, 2.02], P-trend < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.48 [1.28, 1.72], P-trend < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, we found that the trend in the association of BUN with the risk of death remained strong in female subjects. Greater BUN levels were linked to higher CVD and all-cause mortality in the NHANES of American adults. The importance of BUN in predicting death is supported by our research.
Boron Carbide as an Electrode Material: Tailoring Particle Morphology to Control Capacitive Behaviour

In this study, boron carbide powders consisting mainly of nano/micro fibers or polyhedral-equiaxed particles were synthesized via the sol–gel technique, and the influence of particle morphology on electrochemical performance of boron carbide electrodes was investigated. Thermal decomposition duration of the precursors played a determinant role in the final morphology of the synthesized boron carbide powders. The morphology of boron carbide powders successfully tuned from polyhedral-equiaxed (with ~3 µm average particle size) to nano/micro fibers by adjusting the thermal decomposition duration of precursors. The length and thickness of fibers were in the range of 30 to 200 µm and sub-micron to 5 µm, respectively. The electrochemical performance analysis of boron carbide powders has shown that the particle morphology has a considerable impact on the boron carbide electrodes electrochemical performance. It was found that the synergetic effects of polyhedral-equiaxed and nano/micro fiber morphologies exhibited the best electrochemical performance in supercapacitor devices, resulting in the power and energy density of 34.9 W/kg and 0.016 Wh/kg, respectively.
Trifluoromethylated 4,5-Dihydro-1,2,4-triazin-6(1H)-ones via (3+3)-Annulation of Nitrile Imines with α-Amino Esters

The synthesis of two series of monocyclic and bicyclic trifluoromethylated 4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-triazin-6(1H)-one derivatives based on (3+3)-annulation of methyl esters derived from natural α-amino acids with in situ generated trifluoroacetonitrile imines has been described. The devised protocol is characterized by a wide scope, easily accessible substrates, remarkable functional group tolerance, and high chemical yield. In reactions with chiral starting materials, no racemization at the stereogenic centers was observed and the respective enantiomerically pure products were obtained. Selected functional group interconversions carried out under catalytic hydrogenation and mild PTC oxidation conditions were also demonstrated.
Craniofacial Morphology of Temporomandibular Disorder Patients with Different Disc Positions: Stratifying Features Based on Sex and Sagittal Skeletal Pattern

Disc displacement (DD) appears in the majority of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. The correlation between craniofacial morphology and different disc positions has been underlined, while the craniofacial morphological differences based on sex and sagittal skeletal pattern stratification have been insufficiently studied. In this study, 304 patients with TMD complaints were included and classified into normal position, disc displacement with reduction (DDwR) and disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR) groups according to magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 24 cephalometric measurements, covering the cranial base, vertical relationship, sagittal relationship, mandible position and morphology, and dental relationship, were assessed using lateral cephalograms. A stratified analysis was performed based on the sex and sagittal skeletal pattern. Overall, DD patients had distinctive craniofacial morphological features. The posterior cranial base length and mandibular arc angle were statistically different only in females, while the Y-axis angle, occlusal plane angle and sella nasion point A angle (SNA) might be unique features in males. Skeletal class II had the most statistically different measurements compared to the others. Differences in the Frankfort mandibular incisor angle (FMIA) and saddle angle were especially displayed in skeletal class III patients. The sex and skeletal sagittal pattern could affect the morphological differences in TMD patients with different disc positions.
Upregulation of Peridinin-Chlorophyll A-Binding Protein in a Toxic Strain of Prorocentrum hoffmannianum under Normal and Phosphate-Depleted Conditions

Some strains of the dinoflagellate species Prorocentrum hoffmannianum show contrasting ability to produce diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxins. We previously compared the okadaic acid (OA) production level between a highly toxic strain (CCMP2804) and a non-toxic strain (CCMP683) of P. hoffmannianum and revealed that the cellular concentration of OA in CCMP2804 would increase significantly under the depletion of phosphate. To understand the molecular mechanisms, here, we compared and analyzed the proteome changes of both strains growing under normal condition and at phosphate depletion using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). There were 41 and 33 differential protein spots observed under normal condition and phosphate depletion, respectively, of which most were upregulated in CCMP2804 and 22 were common to both conditions. Due to the lack of matched peptide mass fingerprints in the database, de novo peptide sequencing was applied to identify the differentially expressed proteins. Of those upregulated spots in CCMP2804, nearly 60% were identified as peridinin-chlorophyll a-binding protein (PCP), an important light-harvesting protein for photosynthesis in dinoflagellates. We postulated that the high expression of PCP encourages the production of DSP toxins by enhancing the yields of raw materials such as acetate, glycolate and glycine. Other possible mechanisms of toxicity related to PCP might be through triggering the transcription of non-ribosomal peptide synthetase/polyketide synthase genes and the transportation of dinophysistoxin-4 from chloroplast to vacuoles.
Risk Factors Involved in the High Incidence of Bladder Cancer in an Industrialized Area in North-Eastern Spain: A Case–Control Study

Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common of the malignancies affecting the urinary tract. Smoking and exposure to occupational and environmental carcinogens are responsible for most cases. Vallès Occidental is a highly industrialized area in north-eastern Spain with one of the highest incidences of BC in men. We carried out a case–control study in order to identify the specific risk factors involved in this area. Three hundred and six participants were included (153 cases BC and 153 controls matched for age and sex): in each group, 89.5% (n = 137) were male and the mean age was 71 years (range 30–91; SD = 10.6). There were no differences between groups in family history, body mass index, or dietary habits. Independent risk factors for CV were smoking (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.30–3.32; p = 0.002), the use of analgesics in nonsmokers (OR 10.00; 95% CI 1.28–78.12; p = 0.028), and profession (OR: 8.63; 95% CI 1.04–71.94; p = 0.046). The consumption of black and blond tobacco, the use of analgesics in nonsmokers, and occupational exposures are risk factors for the development of BC in this area, despite the reduction in smoking in the population and the extensive measures taken in the last few decades in major industries to prevent exposure to occupational carcinogens.
Improvement of In-School Physical Activity with Active School-Based Interventions to Interrupt Prolonged Sitting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Sedentary behaviors have increased in recent years and their consequences have led the World Health Organization to make recommendations for promoting a more active lifestyle. The school environment has been defined as a key place for achieving this objective for children and adolescents. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to analyze the effect of active-break interventions for interrupting prolonged sitting times during school-time on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), at school, in childhood and youth. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out, including clinical trials aimed at assessing the effects of interrupting prolonged sitting at school with active breaks on in-school PA and/or SB. Multimodal and static interventions were excluded. Six databases were analyzed: Medline, WOS, Cochrane Library, SPORT Discus, CINAHL and EMBASE. PA, SB; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were the variables considered. Results: Nine studies were included, with a total of 2145 children between 6 and 12 years old. The heterogeneity in the duration (five–sixty min), the frequency (one–three times per-day up to three times per week), and duration (five days to three years) of the interventions was detected. The meta-analyses for in-school PA, MVPA, and SB were performed, showing a significant improvement in both PA and MVPA. Conclusions: Interrupting prolonged sitting with active-based school interventions could improve PA and MVPA levels during school time. (PROSPERO: CRD42022358933).
On the Use of Incomplete Prior Information in Regression Analysis

Abstract This article deals with the use of prior beliefs in the estimation of regression coefficients; in particular, it considers the problems that arise when the residual variance of the regression equation is unknown and it offers a large-sample solution. Additional contributions deal with testing the hypothesis that prior and sample information are compatible with each other; and with a scalar measure for the shares of these two kinds of information in the posterior precision.
h‐Hierarchical adaptive boundary element method using local reanalysis

An adaptive boundary element scheme is developed using the concept of local reanalysis and h-hierarchical functions for the construction of near-optimal computational models. The use of local reanalysis in the error estimation guarantees the reliability of the modelling process while the use of quadratic and quartic h-hieararchical elements guarantees the efficiency of the adaptive algorithm. The technique is developed for the elastic analysis of two-dimensional models. Numerical examples show the rapid convergence of the results with a few refinement steps.
Liberated N = 1 supergravity

: We discuss a new interaction for chiral models in four-dimensional N = 1 supergavity. It contains a new arbitrary function in addition to the K¨ahler potential and superpotential. Its features include linearly realized oﬀ-shell supersymmetry, K¨ahler-Weyl invariance and broken supersymmetry. The corresponding scalar potential is augmented by the arbitrary function which allows freedom in constructing low-energy phenomenological models and inﬂationary models rooted in supergravity.
Ultrasonic transit-time flowmeters modelled with theoretical velocity profiles: methodology

Fully developed flow is well defined for most values of Reynolds number but distorted flow is not. Velocity profile is the definition given to the distribution of velocity in the axial direction over the cross-section of the pipe. This distribution is not usually uniform and can vary dramatically depending on the properties of the fluid and the configuration of the pipe in which it flows. Ultrasonic flowmeters are affected by such distortions in the flow profile, often resulting in erroneous measurements. Transit-time ultrasonic flowmeters are widely used in industry in distorted fluid flows, therefore correction to or prediction of distorted profiles has sparked great interest in the design and application of ultrasonic flowmeters. This document describes a method for modelling and analysing the effect of theoretical asymmetric flow profiles on ultrasonic flowmeters of the transit-time type, thus allowing an understanding of installation effects.
Some properties of the projective tensor product UX derived from those of U and X

Let X be a real or complex Banach space and let U be a Banach space with an unconditional basis. We show that the projective tensor product of U and X, UX, has the complete continuity property (respectively, the analytic complete continuity property) whenever U and X have the complete continuity property (respectively, the analytic complete continuity property). More general versions of these results are also obtained. Moreover, the techniques applied here to the projective tensor product, can also be used to establish some Banach space properties of the Fremlin projective tensor product.
STRAIN-RATE-SENSITIVE CONSTITUTIVE LAW FOR CONCRETE

Concrete strength is highly sensitive to loading procedure, especially in the range of high strain rates. On the basis of experimental results, it is demonstrated that the full loading history must be included in a dynamic constitutive model, not just consideration of the current strain rate. The rate effect is mainly attributed to internal inertia forces during microdamage evolution. A strain-history-dependent constitutive model is proposed based on this retarded activation of microdamage. A simplified version allows identification of material parameters for practical application. It is shown how this dynamic approach fits into the general framework of continuum damage mechanics.
Sex differences in the effects of mild traumatic brain injury and progesterone treatment on anxiety-like behavior and fear conditioning in rats

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mild TBIs) commonly occur in young adults of both sexes, oftentimes in high-stress environments. In humans, sex differences have been observed in the development of post-concussive anxiety and PTSD-like behaviors. Progesterone, a sex steroid that has neuroprotective properties, restores cognitive function in animal models following more severe TBI, but its effectiveness in preventing the psychological symptoms associated with mild TBI has not been evaluated. Using a model of mild TBI that pairs a social stressor (social defeat) with weight drop, male and naturally estrous-cycling female rats were treated with 4 mg/kg progesterone or vehicle once daily for 5 days after injury. Behavioral measures, including elevated plus maze (EPM), contextual fear conditioning, and novel object recognition (NOR) were assessed following progesterone treatment. Anxiety-like behavior was increased by mild TBI in male rats, with a smaller effect seen in female rats in the diestrus phase at the time of EPM testing. In contrast, mild TBI impaired fear learning in female rats in estrus at the time of fear acquisition. Progesterone treatment failed to attenuate post-mild TBI anxiety-like behavior in either sex. Furthermore, progesterone increased fear conditioning and impaired NOR discrimination in male rats, independent of TBI status. Overall, both sex and estrous cycle contributed to psychological outcomes following mild TBI, which were not ameliorated by post-TBI progesterone. This suggests sex steroids play an important role as a moderator of the expression of mild TBI-induced psychological symptoms, rather than as a potential treatment for their underlying etiology.