Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metabolomics of Endophytic Fungi Producing Associated Plant Secondary Metabolites: Progress, Challenges and Opportunities

Microorganisms are indispensable for every aspect of human life, in fact all life on earth, although they cannot be seen by the naked eye. Since time immemorial, every process in the biosphere has been affected by the apparently unending ability of microbes to renovate the world around them. More recently, many discoveries have been made in isolating a special class of microorganisms, mainly fungi but also bacteria, commonly called endophytes, which have been shown to have the natural potential for accumulation of various bioactive metabolites which may directly or indirectly be used as therapeutic agents against a plethora of maladies (Kusari & Spiteller, 2010, 2011). Bioprospecting endophytes have led to exciting possibilities to explore and utilize their potential. Several bioprospecting strategies might be employed in order to discover potent endophytes with desirable traits (Figure 1). These include randomly sampling different plants from any population to isolate the associated endophytes, or first performing a detailed study of an ecosystem in order to determine its features with regard to its natural population of plant species, their relationship with the environment, soil composition, and biogeochemical cycles. Another approach is to evaluate the evolutionary relatedness among groups of plants at a particular sampling site, correlating to species, genus, and populations, through morphological data matrices and molecular sequencing, followed by isolation of endophytes from the desired plants. Traditional medicinal plants are also bioprospected for endophytes, especially for the ones capable of producing one or more of the bioactive secondary metabolites present in the host plants. Finally, the valuable information obtained using the different bioprospecting schemes can be pooled together, comparatively evaluated, and stored for further use applying suitable data mining approaches.
Factors Influencing Continued Use Intentions in Mobile Shopping: the Case of South Korea

With the rapid diffusion of smartphone use, mobile shopping (m-shopping) has become one of the most common ways to buy and sell products and services through the wireless internet based on mobile devices. Given the importance of long-term use intentions, this paper provides an empirical analysis of factors influencing continued use intentions toward m-shopping. Six m-shopping characteristics were derived from a literature review from three perspectives, and a research model was developed based on the expectation-confirmation model by incorporating trust in conjunction with motivators of anticipation into the original framework. In addition, the moderating effect of m-shopping diffusion was examined to shed some light on the research domain. The results indicate that all m-shopping characteristics except for ubiquity had considerable influence on trust and confirmation and verify differences between early and late adopters of m-shopping.
The effect of grit on leisure time physical activity. An Application of Theory of Planned Behaviour

Background: ‪Grit as a personal trait has an important role in achieving different behavioural outcomes. The present study aimed to test the validity of an extended model of the Theory of Planned Behaviour, in which domains of grit, such as perseverance of effort and consistence of interest are mediators between the attitude and intention, and between attitude and self-reported leisure time physical activity behaviour. Material and methods: ‪The participants were school children: 106 boys (M age = 13.00, SD = 0.98) and 240 girls (M age = 13.13, SD = 0.95) Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the effects of perseverance of effort, consistency of interest, attitude, and intention on leisure time physical activity. Results: ‪The model demonstrated acceptable fit with the data. Direct relationships between the perceived attitude and dimensions of grit were statistically significant. Attitude related directly and indirectly via intention to self-reported physical activity. A significant indirect effect from attitude to leisure time physical activity via perseverance of effort followed. Conclusions: ‪Beyond the attitude, perseverance of effort is an important predictor of leisure time physical activity among schoolchildren.
Audit committee versus other governance mechanisms and the effect of investment opportunities: evidence from Palestine

This paper aims to explore how the presence of an audit committee is associated with other corporate governance mechanisms, i.e. board structure, ownership structure and quality of external audit. The present study evaluated whether the presence of the audit committee complements or substitutes other governance mechanisms in Palestinian companies. Moreover, the effect of investment opportunities on the relationship between the formation of the audit committee and the quality of the auditor was addressed. ,The association between the formation of the audit committee and other governance variables was modelled as a binary logistic model. The sample comprising 44 firms listed on Palestine exchange for the period between 2013 and 2017, amounting to 220 firm-year observations. ,Based on the investigation, the results have indicated that board independence, the distinction between the chairman and chief executive officer function, ownership concentration and audit quality enhance the chance of audit committee formation, implying complementary effect. Contrastingly, board size and board ownership serve as a substitute to audit committee formation. It has also been found that investment opportunities act as an effective moderating factor that strengthens the relationship between audit quality and the formation of the audit committee. ,The study provides valuable insight into the interaction between multiple corporate governance mechanisms within the economy of Palestine where the external uncertainty is high and investment opportunities are constrained by the decisions of the occupying authority. The findings may help regulators and policymakers in Palestine alongside those of other countries with similar environmental features to revise and update their corporate governance codes to ensure that the best control can be achieved, subsequently attracting more foreign and domestic investments.
Changes in US Outpatient Antibiotic Prescriptions from 2011-2016.

BACKGROUND While antibiotics are life-saving drugs, their use is not without risk, including adverse events and antibiotic resistance. The majority of US antibiotic prescriptions are prescribed in outpatient settings, making outpatient antibiotic prescribing an important antibiotic stewardship target. The primary objective of this study was to describe trends in US outpatient oral antibiotic prescriptions from 2011-2016. METHODS We estimated annual oral antibiotic prescription rates using national prescription dispensing count data from IQVIA Xponent divided by census estimates for 2011-2016. We calculated the ratio of broad- to narrow-spectrum prescriptions by dividing broad-spectrum prescription rates by narrow-spectrum prescription rates. We used Poisson models to estimate prevalence rate ratios comparing 2011 and 2016 antibiotic prescription rates and linear models to evaluate temporal trends throughout the study period. RESULTS Oral antibiotic prescription rates decreased 5% from 877 prescriptions per 1,000 persons in 2011 to 836 per 1,000 persons in 2016. During this period, rates of prescriptions dispensed to children decreased 13% while adult rates increased 2%. The ratio of broad- to narrow-spectrum antibiotics decreased from 1.62 in 2011 to 1.49 in 2016, driven by decreases in macrolides and fluoroquinolones. The proportion of prescriptions written by nurse practitioners and physician assistants increased during the study period; in 2016, these providers prescribed over one-quarter of all antibiotic prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS Outpatient antibiotic prescription rates, especially of broad-spectrum agents, have decreased in recent years. Clinicians who prescribe to adults, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, are important targets for antibiotic stewardship.
5′‐Methylthioadenosine Nucleosidase

5′-Methylthioadenosine nucleosidase (EC 3.2.2.9), the enzyme which catalyzes hydrolytic cleavage of 5′-methylthioadenosine with the formation of adenine and 5′-methylthioribose, has been purified to homogeneity from Lupinus luteus seeds. The nucleosidase has a native molecular weight of 62000 and consists of two identical subunits, as judged by gel filtration and dodecylsulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The nucleosidase exhibits highest specificity towards the natural substrate with a Km of 4.1 × 10−7 M for 5′-methylthioadenosine. It does not cleave adenine from S-adenosylhomocysteine. Among the synthetic analogs of 5′-methylthioadenosinc tested, eleven compounds appear to be able to substitute as substrates. Furthermore, the enzyme can liberate hypoxanthinine from six inosyl (deaminated) derivatives obtained by enzymatic deamination of 5′-methylthioadenosine and its synthetic analogs. The Km for 5′-methylthioinosine is 55 μM, and the maximal velocity about 50-times lower than for 5′-methylthioadenosine. The reaction catalyzed by the nueleosidase can be inhibited by adenine (Ki= 11 μM), 3-deazaadenine (Ki= 19 μM), and 9-erythro(2-hydroxyl-3-nonyl)adenine (Ki= 37 μM).
Muc4, the Integral Membrane Modulator of ErbB2:The Effects of Muc4 Expression on ErbB2 and ErbB3 Phosphorylation, Receptor Levels and Sub-Cellular Localization In Breast Cancer Cells Treated With Neuregulin

of a dissertation at the University of Miami. Dissertation supervised by Professor Zafar Nawaz. No. of pages in text. (123) Muc4, a heterodimeric transmembrane mucin containing EGF-like domains, has been described as an ErbB2-binding protein which modulates signaling via the ErbB2-ErbB3 pathway. In Muc4-transfected MCF-7 cells, Muc4 expression resulted in alteration of both the time course and phosphorylation levels of NRGβ1 induced phosphorylation and activation of both ErbB2 and ErbB3. Muc4 significantly enhanced the autophosphorylation of ErbB2 over the early (defined 0-30 min) and intermediate (30-120 min) NRGβ1 treatment times at three sites, Y1248, Y1221 and Y1139. The sites displayed differential maximal phosphorylation times. At Y1248 and Y1139, maximal phosphorylation occurred entirely during the early treatment phase. However, Y1221/2 showed maximal phosphorylation during the intermediate phase with a smaller peak during the early phase. The ratio of phosphorylated ErbB3 and total receptor level was significantly enhanced (in cells that expressed Muc4 compared without Muc4) over both the early and intermediate NRGβ1 treatment time at the Y1289 site. This motif is one of several similar ErbB3 motifs whose phosphorylation mediates the binding of PI3-kinase. This phospholipid kinase is a key modulator of numerous cellular pathways leading to proliferation, motility and survival. Aberrancies in the ErbB2-ErbB3 signaling pathway have been implicated in the aggressive behavior of tumor cells, and the identification and characterization of modulators of this pathway are being sought as targets of potential therapeutic interventions. Muc4 significantly enhanced activated ERK in the absence of NRGβ1 treatment while a NRGβ1 mediated activation of AKT was observed. At early NRGβ1 treatment time phases, Muc4 co-localized with phosphorylated ErbB2 (pY1248) independent of NRGβ1 treatment; co-localization of Muc4 and ErbB2 receptor (activated/receptor forms) was observed at the apical surface or around the cell surface membrane. These data provide evidence in the Muc4transfected MCF-7 cells for the biological NRGβ1 mediated ErbB2 and ErbB3 activation. Our data suggests that Muc4 affects steady state phosphorylation levels and duration of the phosphorylation signal of both ErbB receptors, and that NRGβ1 might affect ErbB2 and ErbB3 signaling differently. Additionally, the results of the timing of phosphorylation studies suggest the possibility that temporal aspects of phosphorylation at different sites may determine the pathways activated preferentially in the subsequent signaling cascades.
Effect of Cold on Protein, Proline, Phenolic Compounds and Chlorophyll Content of Two Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Varieties

In this study, quantitative changes of total soluble protein in leaf and stem, apoplastic protein, total phenolic compounds, proline and chlorophyll content were determined in a the cold-susceptible KM-121 (Kahramanmaras- hot) and cold-resistant hybrid pepper Mert ( Capsicum annuum L. ). The plants were raised in a growth room under a controlled environment of 25 ± 2 o C and 16 h light / 8 h dark photoperiod. Then, plants exposed to 4 o C cold stress for three days and control groups were kept at 25 o C. Our results show that cold treatment increased accumulation of apoplastic and total soluble protein, proline, phenolic compounds in pepper seedlings, while decreased the content of chlorophyll. Key Words: Capsicum annuum, Cold Stres, Protein, Phenolic, Proline.
Embedding E-Learning in Accounting Modules: The Educators’ Perspective

The aim of the paper is to investigate the benefits and drawbacks resulting from the implementation of e-learning in accounting modules among educators. The primary source of data was a questionnaire conducted among 79 accounting lecturers, employed by the leading Polish economic universities. The results of the survey have shown that e-learning is not widely used by accounting academics in Poland. The most important benefits of the e-courses included the enhancement of efficiency and flexibility of the teaching process. The most serious difficulties were an extensive amount of work associated with designing and updating course materials and technical problems. The effectiveness of e-learning techniques in teaching accounting subjects is determined by the easiness of e-learning delivery, more regular learning process, greater development of students’ social competences during e-learning classes and a more effective process of verification of students’ progress, in comparison with traditional classes. Furthermore, the study provides evidence that lecturers, who decided to use e-learning, perceive this way of teaching as more efficient, and at the same time more demanding, in comparison to traditional classes. The paper contributes to the understanding of the use of e-learning in accounting education and offers findings that might be useful for both policymakers and practitioners.
Red blood cell transfusion threshold after pediatric cardiac surgery

Background: Restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategy is implemented to minimize risk following allogeneic blood transfusion in adult cardiac surgery. However, it is still unclear if it can be applied to pediatric cardiac patients. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of postoperative restrictive transfusion thresholds on clinical outcomes based on up-to-date results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies in pediatric cardiac surgery. Method: We searched for RCTs and observational studies in the following databases: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from their inception to October 26, 2017. We also searched reference lists of published guidelines, reviews, and relevant articles, as well as conference proceedings. No language restrictions were applied and no observational study met the inclusion criteria. Results: Four RCTs on cardiac surgery involving 454 patients were included. There were no differences in the pooled fixed effects of intensive care unit (ICU) stay between the liberal and restrictive transfusion thresholds (standardized mean difference SMD, 0.007; 95% confidence interval CI, −0.18–0.19; P = .94). There were also no differences in the length of hospital stay (SMD, −0.062; 95% CI, −0.28−0.15; P = .57), ventilation duration (SMD, −0.015; 95% CI, −0.25–0.22; P = .90), mean arterial lactate level (SMD, 0.071; 95% CI, −0.22–0.36; P = .63), and mortality (risk ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.13–1.94; P = .31). There was no inter-trial heterogeneity for any pooled analysis. Publication bias was tested using Egger, Begg, or the trim-and-fill test, and the results indicated no significant publication bias. Conclusion: Evidence from RCTs in pediatric cardiac surgery, though limited, showed non-inferiority of restrictive thresholds over liberal thresholds in length of ICU stay and other outcomes following red blood cell transfusion. Further high-quality RCTs are necessary to confirm the findings.
Validation of the parent report version of the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS-P) for Spanish children

Although Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS) is a widely used anxiety measure in many countries around the world, until now, research has barely focused on the usefulness of the parent version (SCAS-P) in young children. This study examines the psychometric properties and the factor structure of the SCAS-P in a Spanish community sample of 181 children aged 6–8 years (M = 6.87, SD = 0.78). Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit of the original six-factor model to the Spanish sample. The internal consistency and the test–retest reliability of the scale were high. Regarding the validity of this measure, higher and significant correlations between the SCAS-P and internalizing problems and lower correlations with externalizing problems were obtained, as found in the original version. Girls seemed to show more anxiety problems than boys, but no significant differences were found. The results suggest that the SCAS-P is an adequate measure to assess anxious symptomatology in young children. The availability of measures with good psychometric properties allows psychologists to assess and carry out a correct and early diagnosis of anxiety disorders in children, making possible an early clinical intervention.
Two functionally different muscle fibre types in some salps

This paper describes the structure and operation of the fibres in the locomotor muscle bands of several salp species. In many species, for example Thalia democratica or Pegea confoederata , all the muscle fibres of the locomotor muscle bands are similar in width and structure. In others, for example Salpa fusiformis and S. maxima, although fibre structure is similar, the marginal fibres edging the bands may be some 3-4 times the width of those in the centre of the band. In Ihlea punctata , not only is there a more striking difference in width between the marginal and central fibres of the bands, but also the two differ in structure. The marginal fibres are up to 10 times the width of the central fibres and the two differ in myofibrillar and mitochondrial content. Intracellular recordings from the fibres show that the normally compound spike potentials do not overshoot resting potentials (up to -70 mV), and are decremental. The two types of fibre may be separately activated. It is suggested that in Ihlea punctata , the wide marginal fibres may be involved in slow swimming, the central narrow fibres in `escape´ swimming.
Inverted takotsubo syndrome complicated with cardiogenic shock requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with bilateral pheochromocytoma: a case report

Abstract Background Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is characterized by a transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and rarely presents with cardiogenic shock (CS). Inverted TS (ITS) is a rare entity associated with the presence of a pheochromocytoma. Case summary We present a case of a young woman was admitted to the emergency department due to intense headache, chest discomfort, palpitations, and breathlessness. An ITS secondary to a pheochromocytoma crisis presenting with CS was diagnosed. The patient was managed with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, until recovery of LV function. On the 35th day of hospitalization, open bilateral adrenalectomy was performed. Discussion Takotsubo syndrome patients presenting with CS are challenging and clinicians should be aware of underlying causes. Specific triggers such as pheochromocytoma should systematically be considered particularly if ITS was presented. Extracorporeal life support devices could provide temporary mechanical circulatory support in patients with TS on refractory CS and help to manage complex cases with TS due to pheochromocytoma.
Clinically Relevant Biomarker Discovery in High-Risk Recurrent Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer of the developing sympathetic nervous system. High-risk neuroblastoma patients typically undergo an initial remission in response to treatment, followed by recurrence of aggressive tumors that have become refractory to further treatment. The need for biomarkers that can select patients not responding well to therapy in an early phase is therefore needed. In this study, we used next generation sequencing technology to determine the expression profiles in high-risk neuroblastoma cell lines established before and after therapy. Using partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and leave-one-out cross-validation, we identified a panel of 55 messenger RNAs and 17 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) which were significantly altered in the expression between cell lines isolated from primary and recurrent tumors. From a neuroblastoma patient cohort, we found 20 of the 55 protein-coding genes to be differentially expressed in patients with unfavorable compared with favorable outcome. We further found a twofold increase or decrease in hazard ratios in these genes when comparing patients with unfavorable and favorable outcome. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that these genes were involved in proliferation, differentiation and regulated by Polycomb group (PcG) proteins. Of the 17 lncRNAs, 3 upregulated (NEAT1, SH3BP5-AS1, NORAD) and 3 downregulated lncRNAs (DUBR, MEG3, DHRS4-AS1) were also found to be differentially expressed in favorable compared with unfavorable outcome. Moreover, using expression profiles on both miRNAs and mRNAs in the same cohort of cell lines, we found 13 downregulated and 18 upregulated experimentally observed miRNA target genes targeted by miR-21, -424 and -30e, -29b, -138, -494, -181a, -34a, -29b, respectively. The advantage of analyzing biomarkers in a clinically relevant neuroblastoma model system enables further studies on the effect of individual genes upon gene perturbation. In summary, this study identified several genes, which may aid in the prediction of response to therapy and tumor recurrence.