Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Leader Humility Between Authority and Trustworthiness on Compliance: Tests of Three-Way Interaction

This study aims to examine how leader humility affects the relationship between authority and trustworthiness, and its effect on subordinate compliance. This study further addresses the reliability and validity issue to advance the measurement of humility; 300 participants consisting of leader-subordinate dyads of 50 leaders and 250 subordinates contributed to the data collections. This study found that both trustworthiness and authority have impact on subordinate compliance. Through three-way moderating analysis, this study further revealed that a leader’s high humility, along with high trustworthiness under high authority results in the highest compliance, whereas a leader’s high humility combined with low trustworthiness under low authority leads to the lowest compliance. Moreover, although a leader’s personal background showed no relationship with the degree of leader humility, divergent combinations of leader-subordinate backgrounds were found to affect the degree of humility. Based on our findings, we propose that to effectively increase compliance, leader humility must be viewed as a strength when combined with high trustworthiness in high authority situations. This study may prompt future research in exploring humility in the context of virtue versus power, and the effects of humility in leadership. The implications of these findings for both theory and practice are also discussed.
Staphylococcus epidermidis—Skin friend or foe?

Author summary Our skin is our first line of defense against environmental and pathogenic challenges. It is densely populated by a flora of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that normally interact with each other and with our immune system to promote skin health and homeostasis. Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the most abundant bacterial colonizers of healthy human skin. While the field has historically assumed that all S. epidermidis isolates behave similarly, emerging evidence suggests that colonization by specific strains of S. epidermidis can either help or hurt the skin barrier depending on the context. In this short review, we discuss what is currently understood about S. epidermidis strain-level diversity and evaluate costs and benefits of S. epidermidis skin colonization. We challenge the current dogma that “all S. epidermidis strains behave equally” and posit that behavior is in fact highly context and strain dependent. Finally, in light of current proposals to use skin commensals as nonantibiotic treatments for acute or chronic skin diseases, we conclude that more work is urgently needed to fully understand the pathogenic and protective roles of commensals before we use them therapeutically.
ICI Reduction by Using the Improved Double-jump 1 Pulse in MQAM-OFDM Schemes

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is sensitive to frequency offset since it causes inter-carrier interference (ICI). Frequency offset results from the receiver's crystal oscillator inaccuracy, Doppler spread, or distortion. The pulse shaping function technique has proven its potential to combat ICI. To enhance the OFDM tolerance against the frequency offset, we introduce the improved double-jump 1 filter. The novel filter is then optimized given a representative system configuration. We finally demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed filter in regard to the other novel pulses. This work serves to increase the wireless traffic demand.
Terminal Phase Components of the Clotting Cascade in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodiafiltration or Hemodialysis Treatment

Hemostasis disorder in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is frequently associated with bleeding diathesis but it may also manifest in thrombotic complications. Analysis of individual coagulation and fibrinolytic factors may shed light on the background of this paradox situation. Here we explored components essential for fibrin formation/stabilization in ESRD patients being on maintenance hemodiafiltration (HDF) or hemodialysis (HD). Pre-dialysis fibrinogen, factor XIII (FXIII) antigen concentrations and FXIII activity were elevated, while α2-plasmin inhibitor (α2PI) activity decreased. The inflammatory status, as characterized by C-reactive protein (CRP) was a key determinant of fibrinogen concentration, but not of FXIII and α2PI levels. During a 4-h course of HDF or HD, fibrinogen concentration and FXIII levels gradually elevated. When compensated for the change in plasma water, i.e., normalized for plasma albumin concentration, only FXIII elevation remained significant. There was no difference between HDF and HD treatments. Individual HDF treatment did not influence α2PI activity, however after normalization it decreased significantly. HD treatment had a different effect, α2PI activities became elevated but the elevation disappeared after normalization. Elevated fibrinogen and FXIII levels in ESRD patients might contribute to the increased thrombosis risk, while decreased α2PI activity might be associated with elevated fibrinolytic potential.
Chromenopyridin A, a new N-methoxy-1-pyridone alkaloid from the endophytic fungus Penicillium nothofagi P-6 isolated from the critically endangered conifer Abies beshanzuensis

Abstract A new N-methoxy-1-pyridone alkaloid [chromenopyridin A (1)] and four known compounds (2–5) were isolated and identified from the endophytic fungus Penicillium nothofagi P-6, which was derived from the bark of the critically endangered conifer Abies beshanzuensis. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Among the isolates, compound 1 showed considerable cytotoxicities against the A549 and Hela human cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 14.7 and 11.3 μM. In addition, compounds 1 and 4 exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC values of 62.5 and 15.6 μg/mL, respectively. Graphical Abstract
An overview of cancer health disparities: new approaches and insights and why they matter

Abstract Cancer health disparities remain stubbornly entrenched in the US health care system. The Affordable Care Act was legislation to target these disparities in health outcomes. Expanded access to health care, reduction in tobacco use, uptake of other preventive measures and cancer screening, and improved cancer therapies greatly reduced cancer mortality among women and men and underserved communities in this country. Yet, disparities in cancer outcomes remain. Underserved populations continue to experience an excessive cancer burden. This burden is largely explained by health care disparities, lifestyle factors, cultural barriers, and disparate exposures to carcinogens and pathogens, as exemplified by the COVID-19 epidemic. However, research also shows that comorbidities, social stress, ancestral and immunobiological factors, and the microbiome, may contribute to health disparities in cancer risk and survival. Recent studies revealed that comorbid conditions can induce an adverse tumor biology, leading to a more aggressive disease and decreased patient survival. In this review, we will discuss unanswered questions and new opportunities in cancer health disparity research related to comorbid chronic diseases, stress signaling, the immune response, and the microbiome, and what contribution these factors may have as causes of cancer health disparities.
The Health Consequences of Neocolonialism for Latin American Immigrant Women Working as Caregivers in Spain: A Multisite Qualitative Analysis

In Spain, most jobs available for Latin American immigrant women are in intimate labour (caregiving and domestic work). This work is usually performed under informal employment conditions. The objective of this study was to explain how the colonial logic mediates the experiences of Latin American women working in intimate labour in Spain, and the effects of such occupation on their health and wellbeing, using a decolonial theoretical framework. A multi-site secondary data analysis of qualitative data from four previous studies was performed utilizing 101 interviews with Latin American immigrant women working as caregivers in Spain. Three interwoven categories show how the dominant colonial logic in Spain creates low social status and precarious jobs, and naturalizes intimate labour as their métier while producing detrimental physical and psychosocial health consequences for these immigrant caregivers. The caregivers displayed several strategies to resist and navigate intimate labour and manage its negative impact on health. Respect and integration into the family for whom they work had a buffering effect, mediating the effects of working conditions on health and wellbeing. Based on our analysis, we suggest that employment, social, and health protection laws and strategies are needed to promote a positive working environment, and to reduce the impact of caregiving work for Latin American caregivers.
The Combination of the M2 Muscarinic Receptor Agonist and Chemotherapy Affects Drug Resistance in Neuroblastoma Cells

One of the major limits of chemotherapy is depending on the ability of the cancer cells to elude and adapt to different drugs. Recently, we demonstrated how the activation of the M2 muscarinic receptor could impair neuroblastoma cell proliferation. In the present paper, we investigate the possible effects mediated by the preferential M2 receptor agonist arecaidine propargyl ester (APE) on drug resistance in two neuroblastoma cell lines, SK-N-BE and SK-N-BE(2C), a sub-clone presenting drug resistance. In both cell lines, we compare the expression of the M2 receptor and the effects mediated by the M2 agonist APE on cell cycle, demonstrating a decreased percentage of cells in S phase and an accumulation of SK-N-BE cells in G1 phase, while the APE treatment of SK-N-BE(2C) cells induced a block in G2/M phase. The withdrawal of the M2 agonist from the medium shows that only the SK-N-BE(2C) cells are able to rescue cell proliferation. Further, we demonstrate that the co-treatment of low doses of APE with doxorubicin or cisplatin significantly counteracts cell proliferation when compared with the single treatment. Analysis of the expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux pumps demonstrates the ability of the M2 agonist to downregulate their expression and that this negative modulation may be dependent on N-MYC decreased expression induced by the M2 agonist. Our data demonstrate that the combined effect of low doses of conventional drugs and the M2 agonist may represent a new promising therapeutic approach in neuroblastoma treatment, in light of its significant impact on drug resistance and the possible reduction in the side effects caused by high doses of chemotherapy drugs.
The Palladium-Hydrogen System

A very substantial amount of additional information has been published concerning hydrides of the platinum group metals over the two decades since the hydrides of palladium and palladium alloys were the subject of an earlier review article in this Journal. In addition to the many articles in the general literature, the subject matter has formed a major part of the programmes of several scientific conferences and of a number of books and monographs appearing over this period. Furthermore, silver-palladium diffusion tubes are incorporated into hydrogen generators built by Johnson Matthey, and utilised for such diverse applications as the hydrogenation of edible oils, manufacture of semiconductors, annealing of stainless steel and the cooling of power station alternators. In view of the considerable interest being shown in both theoretical and technical aspects of these systems this unusually long review is presented, and will be published in parts during the year.
Minocycline in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases: An update

Minocycline is a broad‐spectrum antibiotic, effective as a chronic treatment for recurrent bacterial infections. Beyond its antibiotic action, minocycline also has important anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. Its efficacy has therefore been evaluated in many neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases that have an inflammatory basis. Our aim was to review preclinical and clinical studies performed in neurological and psychiatric diseases whose treatment involved the use of minocycline and thereby to discern the possible beneficial effect of minocycline in these disorders.
High genetic diversity of ancient horses from the Ukok Plateau

A growing number of researchers studying horse domestication come to a conclusion that this process happened in multiple locations and involved multiple wild maternal lines. The most promising approach to address this problem involves mitochondrial haplotype comparison of wild and domestic horses from various locations coupled with studies of possible migration routes of the ancient shepherds. Here, we sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes of six horses from burials of the Ukok plateau (Russia, Altai Mountains) dated from 2.7 to 1.4 thousand years before present and a single late Pleistocene wild horse from the neighboring region (Denisova cave). Sequencing data indicates that the wild horse belongs to an extinct pre-domestication lineage. Integration of the domestic horse data with known Eurasian haplotypes of a similar age revealed two distinct groups: the first one widely distributed in Europe and presumably imported to Altai, and the second one specific for Altai Mountains and surrounding area.
Mitochondrial Miro GTPases coordinate mitochondrial and peroxisomal dynamics

ABSTRACT Mitochondria and peroxisomes are highly dynamic, multifunctional organelles. Both perform key roles for cellular physiology and homoeostasis by mediating bioenergetics, biosynthesis, and/or signalling. To support cellular function, they must be properly distributed, of proper size, and be able to interact with other organelles. Accumulating evidence suggests that the small atypical GTPase Miro provides a central signalling node to coordinate mitochondrial as well as peroxisomal dynamics. In this review, I summarize our current understanding of Miro-dependent functions and molecular mechanisms underlying the proper distribution, size and function of mitochondria and peroxisomes.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Assessment of Macular Choriocapillaris and Choroid Following Panretinal Photocoagulation in a Diverse Population With Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate choroidal and retinal microvasculature with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for diabetic retinopathy in a primarily Hispanic and Asian population. DESIGN Retrospective study. METHODS Eyes were examined by OCTA in the macula (3 × 3 mm) just before PRP treatment and 1 to 3 months afterwards. Choroidal thickness (CT) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were measured. Choroidal flow signal voids (CFSV) and choriocapillaris flow signal voids (CCFSV) were acquired. Retinal microvasculature parameters, including superficial and deep vessel density, superficial and deeper perfusion density, foveal avascular zone area, perimeter and circularity, were calculated. Ocular examinations and demographic information were analyzed. RESULTS CT at a location 1000 μm temporal to the fovea increased significantly after PRP (from 278.64 μm to 313.44 μm, P = 0.026). CCFSV increased slightly from (46.72 ± 8.52)% to (47.07 ± 10.77)%, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.782). A similar finding was observed in CFSV (increase from 35.81% to 36.64%, P = 0.165). The change in all retinal microvasculature parameters was also not significant. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) decreased from 0.218 ± 0.153 to 0.262 ± 0.147 (P = 0.034). Increased CRT (from 245.41 ± 33.18 μm to 251.14 ± 38.97 μm, P = 0.007) was observed. The change in CRT positively correlated with pre-PRP CRT (r = 0.434, P = 0.019) and BCVA reduction (r = 0.418, P = 0.024). Neither BCVA reduction nor CRT increase correlated with OCTA metrics. CONCLUSIONS OCTA demonstrates redistribution of choroidal circulation from the periphery to the macula after PRP, with increased macular CT and stable choroidal blood flow density. Eyes with greater macular thickness are more likely to experience an increase in CRT.
Epigenetics of Muscle- and Brain-Specific Expression of KLHL Family Genes

KLHL and the related KBTBD genes encode components of the Cullin-E3 ubiquitin ligase complex and typically target tissue-specific proteins for degradation, thereby affecting differentiation, homeostasis, metabolism, cell signaling, and the oxidative stress response. Despite their importance in cell function and disease (especially, KLHL40, KLHL41, KBTBD13, KEAP1, and ENC1), previous studies of epigenetic factors that affect transcription were predominantly limited to promoter DNA methylation. Using diverse tissue and cell culture whole-genome profiles, we examined 17 KLHL or KBTBD genes preferentially expressed in skeletal muscle or brain to identify tissue-specific enhancer and promoter chromatin, open chromatin (DNaseI hypersensitivity), and DNA hypomethylation. Sixteen of the 17 genes displayed muscle- or brain-specific enhancer chromatin in their gene bodies, and most exhibited specific intergenic enhancer chromatin as well. Seven genes were embedded in super-enhancers (particularly strong, tissue-specific clusters of enhancers). The enhancer chromatin regions typically displayed foci of DNA hypomethylation at peaks of open chromatin. In addition, we found evidence for an intragenic enhancer in one gene upregulating expression of its neighboring gene, specifically for KLHL40/HHATL and KLHL38/FBXO32 gene pairs. Many KLHL/KBTBD genes had tissue-specific promoter chromatin at their 5′ ends, but surprisingly, two (KBTBD11 and KLHL31) had constitutively unmethylated promoter chromatin in their 3′ exons that overlaps a retrotransposed KLHL gene. Our findings demonstrate the importance of expanding epigenetic analyses beyond the 5′ ends of genes in studies of normal and abnormal gene regulation.
Analysis of the Trend of Dust Changes in Ardestan Region, Iran

Dust storms in central Iran are a natural hazard, and Tigris-Euphrates alluvial plain has been recognized as the main dust source in this area. In the present study, changes in dust events during the studied months, seasons and years (2000-2013) for Ardestan synoptic station, and their relationship to drought Standardized Precipitaion Index (SPI) were evaluated. The index is an standard indicator for precipitation. Additionally, non-parametric procedures in statistics, including Mann-Kendall and Sen-Stimator, were utilized to identify the changes trend in frequency of days with dust storms on monthly and annual scales. For this purpose, the statistics of selected station was utilized in a 14-year period. Codes extraction related to dust event (06 and 07) and data analysis were conducted using the MATLAB software, and to study the changes trend in monthly and annual time series, non-parametric test statistics were calculated, and then their significance was evaluated at 5 and 1 percentage error. The results showed that may and spring had the most dust events number compared to other months and seasons. Furthermore, results showed that there was a direct relationship between dust event and drought and years having intensive drought, resulted in more duct events. The results indicated that in Mann-Kendall procedure, of total 13 data series, annual data series and in San-Estimator method, August had positive significant trend at 1% probability level and in San-Estimator method, data series in April and June months had an increasing trend at 5% confidence level. The results of spatial analysis of anemometer data using WR plot showed that direction of dominant winds was toward south. The results showed that the integration of dust model and satellite images of dust could be used as an effective system to assess and alert the dust crisis rapidly.
Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacterial Isolates from Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Colombia from 2016–2019

The susceptibility to antimicrobials of bacterial isolates from dogs (n = 1256) and cats (n = 94) was retrospectively evaluated in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory over a 4-year period (2016–2019). Out of 1316 isolates in dogs, 771 were Staphylococcus spp. distributed as follows: Staph. pseudointermedius (n = 406), Staph. intermedius (n = 160), Staph. aureus (n = 104), and Staph. coagulase-negative (n = 101). In common, all Staphylococcus spp. showed a high prevalence (20–50%) of resistance to ampicillin, cephalosporin, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfonamide, but a low prevalence (1–10%) of resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate. With regards to the other families of bacteria, the number of antimicrobials for which resistance was high (>20%) in dogs was: Enterobacteriaceae (7/12), Enterococcus spp. (10/16), E. coli (11/15), Pseudomonas spp. (10/13), and Streptococcus spp. (4/9). For urinary tract infections caused by E. coli or Enterobacteriaceae (Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp.), amikacin and florfenicol were the only drugs that demonstrated 100% in vitro efficacy. Multi-drug resistance was observed in 18.7% (246/1316) and 22% (21/97) of the isolates from dogs and cats, respectively. Except for Pseudomonas spp. , known for intrinsic resistance, resistance in other bacteria was likely attributed to high selection pressure. In conclusion, empirical antimicrobial use cannot be recommended to treat most common infections, and selection should be based on results from susceptibility testing.
No association between the vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) gene polymorphisms (rs7041 and rs4588) and multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis

Background The association between polymorphisms in vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) gene and the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been investigated in many studies, but the studies showed controversial results. The rationale for this meta-analysis was to determine whether DBP polymorphisms increases the risk of MS and T1DM by pooling data. Methods Potentially relevant studies were searched using GWAS Catalog, PubMed, Embase, CNKI and WANFANG databases up to November 2019. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed to estimate the associations in a fixed-effects or random-effects model. Results A total of 13 studies were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including eight studies for MS and five for T1DM. The overall results showed that there was no significant association of DBP rs7041 and rs4588 polymorphisms with the risk of MS and T1DM under any genetic model. Similarly, subgroup analysis by ethnicity revealed that no significant association of rs7041 and rs4588 polymorphisms with the risk of MS and T1DM was observed in white or non-white racial groups. Conclusions This meta-analysis provides evidence that DBP rs7041 and rs4588 polymorphisms may not be associated with an increased risk in MS and T1DM. However, these findings need further validation by larger-scale epidemiological studies and genome-wide association studies (GWASs) in different populations.