Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ectopic Expression of AhGLK1b (GOLDEN2-like Transcription Factor) in Arabidopsis Confers Dual Resistance to Fungal and Bacterial Pathogens

GOLDEN2-LIKE (GLK) is a member of the myeloblastosis (MYB) family transcription factor and it plays an important role in the regulation of plastid development and stress tolerance. In this study, a gene named AhGLK1b was identified from a cultivated peanut showing down-regulation in response to low calcium with a complete open reading frame (ORF) of 1212 bp. The AhGLK1b has 99.26% and 96.28% sequence similarities with its orthologs in Arachis ipaensis and A. duranensis, respectively. In the peanut, the AhGLK1b was localized in the nucleus and demonstrated the highest expression in the leaf, followed by the embryo. Furthermore, the expression of AhGLK1b was induced significantly in response to a bacterial pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum infection. Ectopic expression of AhGLK1b in Arabidopsis showed stronger resistance against important phytopathogenic fungi S. sclerotiorum. It also exhibited high resistance to infection of the bacterial pathogen Pst DC3000. AhGLK1b-expressing Arabidopsis induced defense-related genes including PR10 and Phox/Bem 1 (PBI), which are involved in multiple disease resistance. Taken together, the results suggest that AhGLK1b might be useful in providing dual resistance to fungal and bacterial pathogens as well as tolerance to abiotic stresses.
Regenerative Potential of Carbon Monoxide in Adult Neural Circuits of the Central Nervous System

Regeneration of adult neural circuits after an injury is limited in the central nervous system (CNS). Heme oxygenase (HO) is an enzyme that produces HO metabolites, such as carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin and iron by heme degradation. CO may act as a biological signal transduction effector in CNS regeneration by stimulating neuronal intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms as well as mitochondrial biogenesis. CO may give directions by which the injured neurovascular system switches into regeneration mode by stimulating endogenous neural stem cells and endothelial cells to produce neurons and vessels capable of replacing injured neurons and vessels in the CNS. The present review discusses the regenerative potential of CO in acute and chronic neuroinflammatory diseases of the CNS, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease and the role of signaling pathways and neurotrophic factors. CO-mediated facilitation of cellular communications may boost regeneration, consequently forming functional adult neural circuits in CNS injury.
Clinical Characteristics, Serum Biochemical Changes, and Expression Profile of Serum Cfa-miRNAs in Dogs Confirmed to Have Congenital Portosystemic Shunts Accompanied by Liver Pathologies

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and biochemical parameters cannot specify liver pathologies in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) that are easily determined by invasive histopathology. This study aims to assess the possibility of using circulating serum canine familiaris (cfa) microRNAs (miRNAs) as novel non-invasive serum-based fingerprints for liver injuries associated with various morphologies of extrahepatic and intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (EHPSS and IHPSS). Data were obtained from 12 healthy dogs and 84 dogs confirmed to have EHPSS (splenocaval, splenophrenic, splenoazygos, right gastrocaval (RGC), right gastrocaval with caudal loop (RGC–CL)) and IHPSS (right divisional and left divisional) using CTA. Hepatic pathologies were determined by histopathology. Serum expression of miRNAs was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Based on the nature of liver injuries in each shunt type, cfa-miR-122 was significantly upregulated in all CPSS groups. Meanwhile, serums cfa-miR-34a and 21 were not significantly expressed in splenophrenic or splenoazygos groups, but they were extensively upregulated in splenocaval, RGC, RGC–CL groups and less frequently in right or left divisional groups. Also, serum cfa-miR126 was significantly upregulated in both IHPSS groups but less significantly expressed in RGC, RGC–CL, and splenocaval groups. Overall, estimated cfa-miRNAs could serve as novel biomarkers to mirror the histopathological and molecular events within the liver in each shunt type.
Relationship between different levels of the Mexican food environment and dietary intake: a qualitative systematic review

Abstract Objective: To investigate the possible associations between the food environment and dietary intake in the Mexican population. Design: Four databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, Web of Science and SCIelo) were used to retrieve relevant articles using an open timeframe. Articles were reviewed if they contained a systematic measure (i.e. food checklist) of the food environment (e.g. food availability) and dietary intake. Setting: Urban and rural communities in Mexico. Participants: Population-based studies of Mexican communities. Results: Twenty studies that assessed at least one food environment level, and at least one dietary outcome, were reviewed. Findings from these studies showed that changes in the Mexican food environment seem to be associated with higher availability of energy-dense foods. Energy-dense foods can be linked to a high consumption in household, environment and community food environments. When both nutrient-dense and energy-dense foods were present, individuals were more likely to consume foods with added sugars, fats and salt options than nutrient-dense items. Conclusions: The various levels of the food environment (i.e. household, school, community) exposed participants to energy-dense foods. Although nutrient-dense foods were present in all three levels, individuals were more likely to consume energy-dense food items. Not all three levels of the food environment are well represented in the urban and rural settings. Most studies on the community food environment were done in rural areas, whereas most studies on the school food environment were done in urban settings. Additional rigorously designed studies are needed to document the relationship between the food environment and dietary intake in the Mexican population.
AGS-003 combined with sunitinib for the precision treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Unselective approaches of immunotherapy in metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) have been largely abandoned over the past decade. Despite the established clinical benefit of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for mRCC and the recent successful implementation of immune check-point inhibition, specific immunotherapy may additionally contribute to anti-cancer immune response with good tolerability and long-term clinical benefit. Areas covered: AGS-003 represents an approach of specific immunotherapy using a dendritic cell-based vaccine based on monocyte derived dendritic cells, which are co-electroporated with individual antigen coding amplified tumor RNA and synthetic CD40L RNA. After successful clinical phase I and II trials, current evaluation of AGS-003 in mRCC in combination with sunintib is under way in a phase III clinical trial and results are awaited. Expert commentary: Initial results from clinical evaluation of AGS-003 are promising also based on the underlying mechanistic rationale. Toxicity profiles in combinatory regimens are mainly attributed to the side effects of the respective drugs. Apart from further awaited results of the oncologic efficacy of AGS-003 in mRCC, it will be of interest how the preparation of the compound ex vivo and issues related to cost and logistics will affect a potential clinical application of AGS-003 in the daily routine practice.
3D Printing of ABS Barium Ferrite Composites

In this work, a process for the realization of new polymer matrix composites with nanosized barium ferrite (BaFe12O19) as ferrimagnetic filler, acryl butadiene styrene (ABS) as polymer matrix and an extrusion-based method, namely fused filament fabrication (FFF), as 3D printing method will be described comprehensively. The whole process consists of the individual steps material compounding, rheological testing, filament extrusion, 3D-printing via FFF and finally a widespread specimen characterization regarding to appearance, mechanical properties like tensile and bending behavior as well as the aspired magnetic properties. Increasing ferrite amounts up to 40 vol.% (equal 76 wt.%) cause a reduction of the ultimate stress and an increase of the magnetic polarization as well as of the energy product (BH)max in comparison to the pure polymer matrix. In addition, an extensive discussion of typical printing defects and their consequences on the device properties will be undertaken.
Sufficiency of CD40 activation and immune checkpoint blockade for T cell priming and tumor immunity

Significance We report that CD40 activation can provide an immunological “missing link” by priming T cells and synergizing with immune checkpoint blockade in a highly refractory pancreas cancer genetic mouse model. The underlying mechanism is mediated by CD40 ligation, representing an alternative molecular pathway distinct from pattern recognition receptor stimulation that connects dendritic cell activation to adaptive immunity, enabling T cell priming that is otherwise unachievable in pancreatic cancer. Innate immune receptors such as toll-like receptors (TLRs) provide critical molecular links between innate cells and adaptive immune responses. Here, we studied the CD40 pathway as an alternative bridge between dendritic cells (DCs) and adaptive immunity in cancer. Using an experimental design free of chemo- or radiotherapy, we found CD40 activation with agonistic antibodies (⍺CD40) produced complete tumor regressions in a therapy-resistant pancreas cancer model, but only when combined with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). This effect, unachievable with ICB alone, was independent of TLR, STING, or IFNAR pathways. Mechanistically, αCD40/ICB primed durable T cell responses, and efficacy required DCs and host expression of CD40. Moreover, ICB drove optimal generation of polyfunctional T cells in this “cold” tumor model, instead of rescuing T cell exhaustion. Thus, immunostimulation via αCD40 is sufficient to synergize with ICB for priming. Clinically, combination αCD40/ICB may extend efficacy in patients with “cold” and checkpoint-refractory tumors.
A new oncolytic Vaccinia virus augments antitumor immune responses to prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis after surgery

Background Local recurrence and remote metastasis are major challenges to overcome in order to improve the survival of patients with cancer after surgery. Oncolytic viruses are a particularly attractive option for prevention of postsurgical disease as they offer a non-toxic treatment option that can directly target residual tumor deposits and beneficially modulate the systemic immune environment that is suppressed post surgery and allows residual disease escape from control. Here, we report that a novel Vaccinia virus (VV), VVΔTKΔN1L (with deletion of both thymidine kinase (TK) and N1L genes) armed with interleukin 12 (IL-12), can prolong postoperative survival when used as a neoadjuvant treatment in different murine and hamster surgical models of cancer. Methods A tumor-targeted replicating VV with deletion of TK gene and N1L gene (VVΔTKΔN1L) was created. This virus was armed rationally with IL-12. The effect of VVΔTKΔN1L and VVΔTKΔN1L-IL12 on modulation of the tumor microenvironment and induction of tumor-specific immunity as well the feasibility and safety as a neoadjuvant agent for preventing recurrence and metastasis after surgery were assessed in several clinically relevant models. Results VVΔTKΔN1L can significantly prolong postoperative survival when used as a neoadjuvant treatment in three different surgery-induced metastatic models of cancer. Efficacy was critically dependent on elevation of circulating natural killer cells that was achieved by virus-induced cytokine production from cells infected with N1L-deleted, but not N1L-intact VV. This effect was further enhanced by arming VVΔTKΔN1L with IL-12, a potent antitumor cytokine. Five daily treatments with VVΔTKΔN1L-IL12 before surgery dramatically improved postsurgical survival. VVΔTKΔN1L armed with human IL-12 completely prevented tumor recurrence in surgical models of head and neck cancer in Syrian hamsters. Conclusions These data provide a proof of concept for translation of the regime into clinical trials. VVΔTKΔN1L-IL12 is a promising agent for use as an adjuvant to surgical treatment of solid tumors.
[Ultrasound characteristics of testicular Leydig cell tumors , , , 1.]

Objective To explore the color Doppler ultrasonic characteristics of testicular Leydig cell tumors (LCT) and improve the clinical diagnosis of the disease. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 4 cases of testicular LCT diagnosed and treated in our hospital and summarized the experience in the ultrasonic diagnosis of LCT with a review of the relevant literature. RESULTS All the 4 testicular LCTs were solitary and quasi-round, 1 in the left and 3 in the right. The smallest mass was 1.8 × 1.5 cm and the largest 3.1 × 2.5 cm, and 2 were complicated by hydrocele of tunica vaginalis. The margins of tumors were distinct in 2 cases and indistinct in 1, and changed from distinct to indistinct in another during the follow-up. Hypoechoes were revealed in all the 4 cases in ultrasonography, 2 with abundant internal blood flow, 1 with abundant peripheral blood flow, and the other with abundant internal blood flow changed from circular blood flow surrounding the mass. CONCLUSIONS A typical sporadic LCT was ultrasonically manifested as an isolated hypoechoic infracentimetric mass with a clear demarcation from the adjacent pulp. It exhibited intrinsic hypervascularization associated with a typical peripheral rim pattern. Larger lesions more often presented a lobulated shape and intense hypervascularization. Although these ultrasonic characteristics do not reveal the nature of LCT with certainty, they can help the surgeon with the decision on testis-sparing surgery or perhaps even on the active monitoring for the smallest lesions in a population with impaired fertility.
The Effect of The Daily Mile on Primary School Children’s Aerobic Fitness Levels After 12 Weeks: A Controlled Trial

The Daily Mile (TDM) is a school-based physical activity intervention encompassing a 15-minute run at least three times per week. This study aimed to determine (1) the effects of performing TDM for 12 weeks on Dutch primary school children’s aerobic fitness levels and (2) if additional personal support for teachers impacted the effectiveness of TDM. Nine Dutch primary schools (n = 659 children, grades 5–8) were allocated to a control (no TDM), intervention (12 weeks TDM) or intervention-plus (12 weeks TDM, additional personal support) group. The Shuttle Run Test (SRT) was used to assess aerobic fitness at baseline and follow-up. Data were analyzed using a multiple-imputed dataset and multilevel linear regression models to account for the clustering of students within classes and classes within schools. The regression analyses were adjusted for sex and age. Compared with the control group, significant intervention effects of TDM on SRT score were observed for the intervention group (β = 1.1; 95% CI: 0.8; 1.5) and the intervention-plus group (β = 0.6; 95% CI 0.3; 0.9). Additional personal support had no impact on the effectiveness of TDM. These results suggest that performing TDM at least three times per week for approximately 12 weeks increases primary school children’s aerobic fitness. Additional personal support did not improve the effectiveness of TDM on aerobic fitness within this period. These results contribute to the body of evidence surrounding TDM, but further research is needed regarding long-term implementation of TDM.
Building blocks are synthesized on demand during the yeast cell cycle

Significance The cell cycle is a biological process requiring the interaction of multiple components to produce a new cell. How these processes synchronize with cell cycle progression, however, is currently unknown. This work performs a quantitative multiomic analysis of the eukaryal cell division cycle, to map which processes change at each level of regulation (transcriptome, proteome, phosphoproteome, and metabolome). This study provides a comprehensive resource for identifying possible targets for therapeutic intervention when cell cycle dysregulation occurs. For cells to replicate, a sufficient supply of biosynthetic precursors is needed, necessitating the concerted action of metabolism and protein synthesis during progressive phases of cell division. A global understanding of which biosynthetic processes are involved and how they are temporally regulated during replication is, however, currently lacking. Here, quantitative multiomics analysis is used to generate a holistic view of the eukaryal cell cycle, using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Protein synthesis and central carbon pathways such as glycolysis and amino acid metabolism are shown to synchronize their respective abundance profiles with division, with pathway-specific changes in metabolite abundance also being reflected by a relative increase in mitochondrial volume, as shown by quantitative fluorescence microscopy. These results show biosynthetic precursor production to be temporally regulated to meet phase-specific demands of eukaryal cell division.
Passion or Perseverance? The Effect of Perceived Autonomy Support and Grit on Academic Performance in College Students

Background: Individuals who possess passion and perseverance to extensively work and study through challenges and adversity to achieve a set of goals are likely to reach higher achievement compared to others who lack similar facets. However, an under-researched question lingers over the effect of teacher-induced behaviors on academic outcomes such as grades and performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between teacher-induced autonomy support and student academic performance considering the mediating effect of basic psychological needs satisfaction, intrinsic motivation, and grit as two-independent factors. Methods: A convenience sample of 474 Sports Science students (Mage = 21.83 years; SD = 3.91) participated in the study. All participants completed a multi-section survey assessing the variables under analysis. Results: The measurement and structural model displayed acceptable fit, hence direct and indirect effects were examined among the variables of interest. Basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation seem to display a mediating role between perceived autonomy support and academic performance, through perseverance. Contrarily, grit-passion did not exhibit a significant indirect effect. Conclusions: Current results shed new insights on how perseverance can shape student motivation and school success considering the autonomy support induced by teachers.
Eccentric Training and Biceps Femoris Architecture and Strength: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of an eccentric hamstrings strength-training program, performed for at least 4 weeks by healthy adults, on muscle architecture and eccentric strength. DATA SOURCES A systematic search was performed through October 2018 in the following electronic databases: PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus. A combination of the following search terms was used: eccentric strength training, eccentric loading, nordic hamstring, hamstring strength, fascicle length, pennation angle, muscle thickness, muscle architecture, biceps femoris long head, biceps femoris, and hamstring muscles. STUDY SELECTION Included articles were randomized controlled trials that allowed comparisons between isolated eccentric strength training for the biceps femoris muscle and other programs. DATA EXTRACTION Data from the included studies were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. These data included the study design, participant characteristics, inclusion and exclusion criteria of clinical studies, exercise and intervention characteristics, outcome measures, and the main results of the study. When meta-analysis was possible, we performed quantitative analysis. Ten randomized controlled trials were included. DATA SYNTHESIS Limited to moderate evidence indicated that eccentric strength training was associated with an increase in fascicle length (mean difference [MD] = 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.48, 2.46), an increase in muscle thickness (MD = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.13), and a decrease in pennation angle (MD = 2.36; 95% CI = 3.11, 1.61). Conflicted to moderate evidence indicated that eccentric hamstrings strength was increased after eccentric strength training compared with concentric strength training (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.06; 95% CI = 0.26, 1.86), usual level of activity (SMD = 2.72; 95% CI = 1.68, 3.77), and static stretching (SMD = 0.39; 95% CI = -0.97, 1.75). CONCLUSIONS In healthy adults, an eccentric strength-training program produced architectural adaptations of the long head of the biceps femoris muscle and increased eccentric hamstrings strength.
Promoting general practice in medical schools. Where are we now?

ABSTRACT In November 2016, the Medical Schools Council and Health Education England published a joint report chaired by Professor Val Wass: ‘By choice – not by chance’ to raise the profile of general practice as a positive career choice for medical students. We sought to evaluate the impact of the report by firstly, asking the views of Heads of GP teaching at UK medical schools whether and how the report has supported them in raising the profile of general practice and secondly, describing the initiatives developed by medical schools in a national survey. There was a perception reported by heads of GP teaching that the report has been highly influential in facilitating the promotion of general practice as a career to medical students. We describe multiple specific initiatives developed in response to the report’s recommendations. The national survey confirmed that whilst there is significant variation across medical schools in their response to the specific recommendations in the report, definite progress is being made. A number of areas that need particular consideration have been highlighted and we would recommend that future surveys are completed at appropriate time intervals to review further progress.
Comparison of Hypoallergenic Diet vs. Ranitidine in Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease of Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Gastroesophagealreﬂuxdisease(GERD)isdeﬁnedas“troublesomesymptomsorcomplicationsof GER”,andisamul-tifactorial disorder. This study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of hypoallergenic diet vs. ranitidine on symptoms of gastroesophageal reﬂux disease (GERD) in infants. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 50 patients aged less than 1 year, who were suspected to have GERD on the basis of I-GERQ-R, were enrolled. They were randomly allocated to two groups of equal number, one group received ranitidine and the other hypoallergenicdietfor2weeks. Thefrequencyof GERDsymptoms,includingirritability,vomiting,anorexia,respiratorysymptoms and arching, were compared between the two groups before and after the trial. Results: After a two-week trial, the frequency of vomiting and respiratory symptoms decreased signiﬁcantly in both groups (P < 0.05). The frequency of vomiting decreased in 19 (76%) and 19 (76%) of infants in ranitidine and hypoallergenic diet groups, respec-tively (P = 0.05 between groups). Moreover, the respiratory symptoms improved signiﬁcantly in both groups (P < 0.05). The frequency of irritability did not decrease signiﬁcantly in any of the groups (P = 0.18). Conclusions: The current ﬁndings suggest that the hypoallergenic diet might have signiﬁcant eﬀect on GERD symptoms; these eﬀects are comparable with those of ranitidine. Considering the possibility of cow’s milk protein allergy in this group of patients, werecommendthatthetreatmentof GERDinpediatricpopulationbeinitiatedwithhypoallergenicdietandincaseof notachieving signiﬁcant eﬀect, pharmacological treatment be added and applied as a combination therapy.