Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facing Climate Change: Biotechnology of Iconic Mediterranean Woody Crops

The Mediterranean basin is especially sensitive to the adverse outcomes of climate change and especially to variations in rainfall patterns and the incidence of extremely high temperatures. These two concurring adverse environmental conditions will surely have a detrimental effect on crop performance and productivity that will be particularly severe on woody crops such as citrus, olive and grapevine that define the backbone of traditional Mediterranean agriculture. These woody species have been traditionally selected for traits such as improved fruit yield and quality or alteration in harvesting periods, leaving out traits related to plant field performance. This is currently a crucial aspect due to the progressive and imminent effects of global climate change. Although complete genome sequence exists for sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and clementine (Citrus clementina), olive tree (Olea europaea) and grapevine (Vitis vinifera), the development of biotechnological tools to improve stress tolerance still relies on the study of the available genetic resources including interspecific hybrids, naturally occurring (or induced) polyploids and wild relatives under field conditions. To this respect, post-genomic era studies including transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics provide a wide and unbiased view of plant physiology and biochemistry under adverse environmental conditions that, along with high-throughput phenotyping, could contribute to the characterization of plant genotypes exhibiting physiological and/or genetic traits that are correlated to abiotic stress tolerance. The ultimate goal of precision agriculture is to improve crop productivity, in terms of yield and quality, making a sustainable use of land and water resources under adverse environmental conditions using all available biotechnological tools and high-throughput phenotyping. This review focuses on the current state-of-the-art of biotechnological tools such as high throughput –omics and phenotyping on grapevine, citrus and olive and their contribution to plant breeding programs.
Continuous Circulation of Chikungunya Virus during COVID-19 Pandemic in Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia

Chikungunya fever is a self-limiting viral illness that is caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV). CHIKV is found in multiple provinces of Indonesia, with clustered local outbreaks. This case series investigates a local chikungunya outbreak during the COVID-19 pandemic, involving two virologically confirmed chikungunya cases found in Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia in 2021 and the contact tracing of 65 people from the same neighborhood (one of which was also virologically confirmed with CHIKV). The two original cases were symptomatic with classic signs of chikungunya fever, while the CHIKV-positive neighbor was asymptomatic. Out of the 65 participants, chikungunya IgM was detected in seven (10.8%) people while chikungunya IgG was detected in six (9.2%) using capture ELISA. Dengue IgG was detected by rapid test in three (4.6%) of the participants, showcasing a history of dengue virus (DENV) infection along with the circulation of CHIKV in the area. A phylogenetic analysis demonstrates a close evolutionary relationship between all three 2021 Jambi CHIKV isolates and the 2015–2016 isolates from Jambi. This case series showcases the endemicity and persistent circulation of CHIKV in Jambi, leaving the area vulnerable to eminent outbreaks of chikungunya fever and doubling the burden of disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health staff training for case detection and notification, as well as an integrated vector surveillance should continue to be implemented to provide an early warning indicator of possible chikungunya outbreaks.
The Multifaceted Nature of Weight-Related Self-Stigma: Validation of the Two-Factor Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-2F)

Background Internalized weight stigma (IWS) is generally operationalized as self-devaluation due to weight in higher-weight individuals. The most commonly used measure of IWS, the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS), was developed from an original pool of 19 items. Item selection was guided by statistical techniques based upon an a priori hypothesized unidimensional factor structure. The resulting 11-item scale mostly assesses appearance-related attitudes, fear of stigma, affect, and desire for change, all of which may be a natural response to societal weight stigma, even in the absence of self-devaluation. Items pertaining to self-blame, stigma awareness, perceived legitimacy of weight stigma, and most items pertaining to self-worth, were excluded from the final scale. It is unclear whether an a priori assumption of multi-dimensionality would have produced different results. Methods Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the original 19-item questionnaire was conducted in 931 higher-weight individuals. Results A 13-item two-factor structure was identified. Factor 1 comprised seven items that could be loosely conceived as weight-related distress. Factor 2 comprised six items, all of which pertained to weight-related self-worth. Tested individually, the six items making up the self-devaluation factor were an excellent fit for the data on all fit indices. Conclusion IWS is a multi-dimensional construct. The two-factor WBIS (WBIS-2F) provides options to explore the relationships between different aspects of IWS and upstream and downstream variables. The Self-Devaluation subscale is suitable for standalone use when weight-related self-devaluation per se is the construct of interest.
Partially Calibrated Camera Based Pose Estimation of Mobile Robots with Application to Visual Tracking

In this paper, a new method is developed for relative pose estimation of a monocular camera mounted on a wheeled mobile robot. Different from most of the previous works, the proposed method requires the camera be partially calibrated instead of fully calibrated, and it works for both coplanar and non-planar scenes. Specifically, two image frames are utilized to extract the geometric relationship by considering the planar motion constraint of the mobile robot. Then the relative pose information of the camera is derived based on the developed geometric relationship. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the comparison between the proposed method and the classical multi-view geometry based approaches is presented via simulation. Furthermore, practical relevance of the proposed method is illustrated by the application example for the visual trajectory tracking of the mobile robot. Both simulation and experimental results indicate that the proposed method can achieve sufficient pose estimation accuracy to accomplish the visual tracking task.
Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme Annual Report, 2017

The Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme (AGSP) has continuously monitored antimicrobial resistance in clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from all states and territories since 1981. In 2017, there were 7,835 clinical isolates of gonococci from public and private sector sources tested for in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility by standardised methods. Current treatment recommendations for gonorrhoea for the majority of Australia, is a dual therapeutic strategy of ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration or MIC value 0.06-0.125 mg/L) was found nationally in 1.06% of isolates, which is lower than that reported in the AGSP Annual Report 2016 (1.7%). The highest proportions were reported from Victoria and Western Australia (urban and rural) (2.1% and 1.4% respectively). Resistance to azithromycin (MIC value ≥1.0 mg/L) was found nationally in 9.3% of isolates, which is approximately double the proportion reported in 2016 (5.0%) and more than three times the proportion reported in 2015 (2.6%). The highest proportions were reported from Victoria (13.5%), South Australia (12.8%) and New South Wales (9.3%). High level resistance to azithromycin (MIC value ≥256 mg/L) was reported in 4 strains nationally in 2017, 2 from Victoria, one from New South Wales, and one from Queensland. The proportion of strains resistant to penicillin in non-remote Australia ranged from 10.3% in non-remote Northern Territory to 44.1% in Tasmania. In remote Northern Territory, penicillin resistance rates remain low (2.5%). In remote Western Australia, penicillin resistance rates continue to increase (6.7%) compared to the previous years, however, there were relatively low numbers of strains available for isolate based testing (n=12). To address this and to monitor resistance and inform treatment guidelines, widespread molecular testing for penicillin resistance in Western Australia is in place, and these data are included in the AGSP. The proportion of strains resistant to ciprofloxacin in non-remote Australia ranged from 17.2% in non-remote Northern Territory to 61% in Tasmania. Ciprofloxacin resistance rates remain comparatively low in remote Northern Territory (1.3%) and remote Western Australia (5.0%).
Mediational role of rumination and reflection on irrational beliefs and distress

Abstract Background: The cognitive restructuring of maladaptive beliefs within many cognitive behavioural psychotherapies typically encourages the client to undertake self-reflection. However, whilst self-consciousness can aid self-regulation, it is also implicated in a broad Grange of psychopathologies. The extent to which self-consciousness is associated with psychological distress is yet to be fully determined, but recent literature suggests that irrational beliefs, as proposed within rational emotive behaviour theory (REBT) may play an important role. Aims: The aim of the study was to test the mediational effects of self-consciousness, specifically reflection and rumination, on the relationship between irrational beliefs and psychological distress. Based on past research, it was hypothesized that reflection and rumination would mediate the positive relationship between irrational beliefs and psychological distress. We expected irrational beliefs to interact with rumination to positively predict psychological distress, and irrational beliefs to interact with reflection to negatively predict psychological distress. Method: The present research tested a structural equation model (SEM) in which rumination and reflection mediated the relationship between irrational beliefs and psychological distress. Results: Results indicated that rumination mediates the positive relationship between irrational beliefs and psychological distress. However, in contrast to our hypotheses, significant mediation did not emerge for reflection. Conclusions: This study is the first to show how irrational beliefs and rumination interact to predict psychopathology using advanced statistical techniques. However, future research is needed to determine whether similar mediational effects are evident with rational beliefs as opposed to irrational beliefs.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome-Associated SRSF2 Mutations Cause Splicing Changes by Altering Binding Motif Sequences

Serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 2 (SRSF2) is a member of the SR protein family that is involved in both constitutive and alternative mRNA splicing. Mutations in SRSF2 gene are frequently reported in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It is imperative to understand how these mutations affect SRSF2-mediated splicing and cause MDS. In this study, we characterized MDS-associated SRSF2 mutants (P95H, P95L, and P95R). We found that those mutants and wild-type SRSF2 proteins showed nuclear localization in HeLa cells. In vitro splicing reaction also revealed that mutant proteins associated with both precursor and spliced mRNAs, suggesting that the mutants directly participate in splicing. We established the human myeloid leukemia K562 cell lines that stably expressed myc-tagged wild-type or mutant SRSF2 proteins, and then performed RNA-sequence to analyze the splicing pattern of each cell line. The results revealed that both wild-type and mutants affected splicing of approximately 3,000 genes. Although splice site sequences adjacent to the affected exons showed no significant difference compared to the total exons, exonic motif analyses with both inclusion- and exclusion-enhanced exons demonstrated that wild-type and mutants have different binding sequences in exons. These results indicate that mutations of SRSF2 in MDS change binding properties of SRSF2 to exonic motifs and this causes aberrant splicing.
Association 'Between Gabapentinoids on the Day of Colorectal Surgery and Adverse Postoperative Respiratory Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the association between gabapentinoids on the day of surgery and adverse postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal surgery in the United States. BACKGROUND Gabapentinoids, gabapentin and pregabalin, are recommended in multimodal analgesia protocols for acute postoperative pain management after colorectal surgery. However, current literature focuses on the efficacy in reducing opioid consumption, but provides limited information about adverse risks. METHODS This was a retrospective study including 175,787 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery using the Premier database between 2009 and 2014. Multilevel regression models measured associations of receipt of gabapentinoids with naloxone use after surgery, non-invasive ventilation (NIV), invasive ventilation (IMV), hospital length of stay (LOS), and parental morphine equivalents (PMEs) on the day of surgery and on the day before discharge. RESULTS Overall, 4677 (2.7%) patients received gabapentinoids on the day of surgery, with use doubling (1.7% in 2009 to 4.3% in 2014). Compared with patients who were unexposed to ganapentinoids, gabapentinoid exposure was associated with lower PMEs on the day of surgery [-2.7 mg; 95% confidence interval (CI), -5.2 to -0.0 mg], and with higher odds of NIV [odds ratio (OR) 1.22, 95% CI, 1.00-1.49] and receipt of naloxone (OR 1.58, 95% CI, 1.11-2.26). There was no difference between the groups with respect to IMV or PMEs on the day before discharge. CONCLUSIONS Although use of gabapentinoids on the day of surgery was associated with slightly lower PMEs on the day of surgery, it was associated with higher odds of NIV and naloxone use after surgery.
Synovial Tissue Biopsy Research

Synovial tissue is a key structure in diarthrodial joints and is the primary target of inflammation in autoimmune arthritis. The study of synovial tissue has developed significantly in the last two decades as arthroscopic and ultrasonographic techniques have allowed visualization and access to synovial biopsy. Further progress in synovial tissue processing and analysis has improved studies of disease pathogenesis, biomarker discovery, and molecular therapeutic targeting with increasingly specialized analytical and technological approaches. In September 2018 the first course on Synovial Tissue Biopsies was convened in Brussels, in this Mini Review these approaches will be described and I will summarize how synovial tissue research advanced.
Piperacillin-Tazobactam (TZP) Resistance in Escherichia coli Due to Hyperproduction of TEM-1 β-Lactamase Mediated by the Promoter Pa/Pb

TEM-1, mediated by plasmid and transposon, is the most commonly encountered β-lactamase in Gram-negative bacteria. Four different promoters upstream of blaTEM-related genes have been identified: the weak P3 promoter, and the strong promoters Pa/Pb, P4, and P5. In this study, we investigated the genetic basis of a clinical strain of Escherichia coli (RJ904), which was found to be resistant to BLBLIs (β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors), including amoxicillin-clavulanate, ticarcillin-clavulanate (TCC), and piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP) but sensitive to third-generation cephalosporins. The conjugation test and S1-nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (S1-PFGE) demonstrated that transfer of this resistance was mediated by a ca. 100 kb plasmid. The transformant with TZP resistance was screened out with the shortgun cloning. Sequence analysis revealed that the recombinant plasmid contained a blaTEM-1b gene with the strong promoter Pa/Pb. Different plasmids were cloned based on the clone vector pACYC184 with the insertion of the blaTEM-1b gene with promoters Pa/Pb or P3. Susceptibility to TZP was determined by the E-test, agar dilution, and broth microdilution. The level of blaTEM-1b-specific transcription was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Substitution of Pa/Pb for P3 resulted in a 128-fold decline of the MIC value of TZP, from >1024 mg/L to 8 mg/L, and a significantly lower blaTEM-1b expression level. Hyperproduction of TEM-1 β-lactamase mediated by the promoter Pa/Pb was responsible for high resistance to TZP in E. coli. Our data show possible risks of resistance development in association with the clinical use of TZP. The blaTEM promoter modifications should be considered for whole genome whole-genome sequencing-inferred bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Mobile Health Interventions: Exploring the Use of Common Relationship Factors

The use of mobile health (mHealth) interventions has risen dramatically over the past two decades. It is important to consider mHealth intervention research within the broader therapy outcome literature. Among other key findings, this broader literature suggests that common relationship factors such as empathy, positive regard, and genuineness may play a critical role in therapy effectiveness. These findings raise intriguing questions for mobile interventions. For example, can mobile interventions incorporate aspects of common factors to augment their efficacy? Will the absence of relationship-based common factors make mobile interventions less effective? This viewpoint paper addresses these questions as well as related issues such as how to operationalize relationship qualities in the context of a mobile intervention and whether common relationship factors apply to computers or computerized narrators. The paper concludes by outlining a future research agenda guided by theory and empirical studies.
The Clinical Spectrum of New-Onset Status Epilepticus.

OBJECTIVES There is a paucity of data on patients with new-onset status epilepticus in patients without a prior history of epilepsy; we aimed to describe clinical characteristics and assess variables predictive of outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Quaternary academic medical center. PATIENTS Adult patients with new-onset status epilepticus. METHODS Retrospective review of adults with new-onset status epilepticus admitted to Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2015, was performed. Patient demographics, status epilepticus etiology, Status Epilepticus Severity Score, and status epilepticus classification per the Status Epilepticus Severity Score were recorded. Six-month mortality and functional outcomes defined as modified Rankin scale (≥3 at last follow-up was considered poor) were primary outcomes. Refractory status epilepticus was a secondary outcome. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS One-hundred seventy-seven patients were included. Status epilepticus was convulsive in 124 (70.1%) and nonconvulsive in 53 (29.9%); 96 cases (54.2%) were refractory status epilepticus. Mean age at onset was 63 ± 18 years; 52.5% were greater than or equal to 65 years. Etiologies were acute in 50.8%, progressive in 18.1%, remote in 19.2%, and unknown in 11.9% patients. Six-month mortality was 32.2%, and 70.1% had poor modified Rankin scale at mean follow-up 3.1 ± 3.5 years. Age greater than or equal to 65 was a significant predictor of poor functional outcome and 6-month mortality. Loss of consciousness, status epilepticus classification, or age greater than or equal to 65 did not predict progression to refractory status epilepticus. Progression to refractory status epilepticus did not impact functional outcome or mortality at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Poor outcomes in new-onset status epilepticus were associated with older age as well as predominantly progressive or remote symptomatic disease. Further prospective investigations assessing the course and outcomes of these patients would be useful in management and prognostication.
Effects of an outbound transcultural teacher education programme to prepare teachers for relationships with students

ABSTRACT This study examined the knowledge development of teacher–student relationships (TSRs) for Chinese pre-service teachers in an outbound teacher education programme in Canada. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to assess the TSR development of 22 Chinese pre-service teachers who participated in the programme. The findings indicated that pre-service teachers’ TSR knowledge had developed across three dimensions of ‘nature’, ‘outcomes’ and ‘how-to’ owing to the design of the programme, supportive and professional network, transcultural reciprocal learning context and practical experiences participants had acquired from China and Canada. The pre-service teachers could thus develop their TSR knowledge in a co-constructed, reflective and practice-oriented manner.
Redox Status of Pregnant Ewes after Vaccination against Clostridial Diseases

The redox status shortly after the vaccination of pregnant ewes is rather unexploited. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the fluctuation of redox status after the administration of the annual booster dose of a polyvalent clostridial vaccine in pregnant ewes, 3 to 4 weeks before lambing, with or without a simultaneous injection of Vit E/Se. In total, 24 pregnant Lacaune ewes 3–4 weeks before lambing were randomly allocated into four equal groups: the V (vaccinated with a polyvalent clostridial vaccine), VE (vaccinated and injected IM with Vit E/Se), E (injected IM with Vit E and Se), and C (neither vaccinated nor injected with Vit E/Se). The study period lasted for 21 days, starting on the day of administration. Four redox biomarkers, the antioxidant capacity (TAC), the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), the reduced glutathione (GSH), and the catalase (CAT) were evaluated in blood samples collected from all ewes before the injections (0 h) and then at 12 (12 h), 24 (D1), and 48 h (D2), and thereafter on days 4 (D4), 6 (D6), 10 (D10), 14 (D14), and 21 (D21). The results reveal that the TAC was the only biomarker evaluated that was significantly affected by group and significantly lower in vaccinated animals (V and VE groups) compared to non-vaccinated (E and C groups). The absence of an increase in the TBARS values after vaccination in groups V and VE indicates the absence of significant oxidative stress. Overall, it can be assumed that annual booster immunizations against clostridial diseases do not impose acute oxidative stress on pregnant ewes in the last month of pregnancy.