Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana Coq9 in the CoQ Biosynthetic Pathway

Coenzyme Q, also known as ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble isoprene quinone that serves as a cofactor for numerous enzymes across all domains of life. However, the biosynthetic pathway for this important molecule in plants has been examined in only a limited number of studies. In yeast and mammals, Coq9, an isoprenoid-lipid-binding protein, is essential for CoQ biosynthesis. Previous studies showed that Arabidopsis thaliana Coq9 failed to complement the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe coq9 null mutant, and its function in plants remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that expression of Arabidopsis Coq9 rescued the growth of a yeast temperature-sensitive coq9 mutant and increased CoQ content. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Coq9 is widely present in green plants. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion experiments showed that Arabidopsis Coq9 is targeted to mitochondria. Disruption of the Coq9 gene in Arabidopsis results in lower amounts of CoQ. Our work suggests that plant Coq9 is required for efficient CoQ biosynthesis. These findings provide new insights into the evolution of CoQ biosynthesis in plants. The identification of Coq9 as a key player in CoQ biosynthesis in plants opens up new avenues for understanding the regulation of this important metabolic pathway.
Productivity, nutritive value, and profitability of high-digestibility alfalfa cultivars harvested at two stages of development in eastern Canada

Abstract Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars developed for improved digestibility by conventional breeding or genetic modification have not been evaluated in eastern Canada. This study compared yield, nutritive value, and profitability of two reduced-lignin genetically modified (GM) cultivars, three conventionally selected for low lignin or high pectin, and one population with improved stem degradability, with two commercially adapted cultivars as controls. Alfalfa was harvested at the early bud (intensive management) or early flower (extensive management) stage of development during the first post-seeding year at three sites and the second post-seeding year at one site. All cultivars/populations had similar annual dry matter (DM) yields, except for the lower DM yield (−20%) of the improved stem degradability population. Conventionally selected cultivars for improved digestibility did not differ from control cultivars for in vitro DM digestibility (IVTD) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFd). Reduced-lignin GM cultivars, however, had a greater IVTD and NDFd (+10%) and less lignin (−10%) than control cultivars at the same stage of development. Reduced-lignin GM cultivars under extensive management had similar NDFd and greater annual DM yield (+1 to 2 Mg DM ha−1), but reduced total digestible nutrients (−41 to 44 g kg−1 DM), in comparison to control cultivars under intensive management. Using partial budget analysis, the comparison of more digestible GM cultivars to the control cultivars resulted in an increase in annual farm net profits ranging from CAD$7.40 to $79.60 cow−1 year−1 depending on stage of development at harvest. Further investigations are needed to quantify the performance of dairy cows fed cultivars with improved digestibility.
Intra- and Interspecies Differences of Two Cecropia Species from Tabasco, Mexico, Determined through the Metabolic Analysis and 1H-NMR-Based Fingerprinting of Hydroalcoholic Extracts

The genus Cecropia is used in the traditional medicine of Tabasco, Mexico, in diabetes and hypertension treatments, mainly without distinction of the species. This contribution aimed to carry out the metabolic analysis and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy-based fingerprinting of the hydroalcoholic leaf extracts of Cecropia peltata (Cp) and Cecropia obtusifolia (Co) collected in five sub-regions of the State of Tabasco (Cp1, “Centro”; Cp2, “Chontalpa”; Cp3, “Pantanos”; Cp4, “Ríos” and Co5, “Sierra”). Firstly, the extracts were evaluated for their Total Phenol Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) by spectrophotometric methods. In addition, metabolic analysis was performed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detection HPLC–DAD, which allowed the quantification of the chemical markers: chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, and orientin, as well as a vitexin analog. Finally, metabolomic analysis was carried out based on the 1H-NMR spectra. The Cp4 extract (C. peltata from the “Ríos” sub-region) presented the highest values of TPC (155 ± 9.1 mg GAE/g E) and TFC (724 ± 22.2 mg RE/g E). The metabolic analysis was similar among the five samples; the highest concentrations of the four chemical markers were found in Cp3 (C. peltata from the “Pantanos” sub-region) for chlorogenic acid (39.8 ± 2.3 mg/g) and isoorientin (51.5 ± 2.9 mg/g), in Cp4 for orientin (49.9 ± 0.6 mg/g), and in Cp2 (C. peltata from the “Chontalpa” sub-region) for the vitexin analog (6.2 ± 0.2 mg/g). The metabolic analysis and the 1H-NMR fingerprint analysis showed intraspecies differences among the C. peltata samples and interspecies between C. peltata and C. obtusifolia, which were attributed to variations in the metabolite groups as well as in the proportion of sugars such as glucose and xylose.
Thermally induced coloration of KBr at high pressures

10 Laser-heated diamond-anvil cell (LHDAC) experiments reveal electronic changes 11 in KBr at pressures between ~13-81 GPa when heated to high temperatures that cause 12 runaway heating to temperatures in excess of ~5000 K. The drastic changes in absorption 13 behavior of KBr are interpreted as rapid formation of high-pressure F-center defects. The 14 defects are localized to the heated region and thus do not change the long-range 15 crystalline order of KBr. The results have significant consequences for temperature 16 measurements in LHDAC experiments and extend the persistence of F-centers in alkali 17 halides to at least 81 GPa. 18 19 20 21 22 23
Access to Information and Communication Technology, Digital Skills, and Perceived Well-Being among Older Adults in Hong Kong

Population aging is a major concern worldwide. Active aging should be promoted by increasing the social participation of older adults and enabling them to remain involved in the community. Research has demonstrated the utility of digital resources for addressing the needs of older adults, which include networking, entertaining, and seeking health-related information. However, the digital divide among older adults (i.e., the “gray digital divide”) is increasingly being recognized as a social problem that may be related to poor well-being. To obtain updated local data on the prevalence of Internet access and usage and their relationship with perceived well-being, we conducted telephone interviews with a random sample of 1018 older adults in Hong Kong from January to July 2021 (This research has received funding support from the Interdisciplinary Research Matching Scheme, Hong Kong Baptist University). We found that only 76.5% of the participants had Internet access at home, a mobile phone data plan, or both, whereas 36.3% had never used Internet services and 18.2% had no digital devices. A younger age, male gender, higher education level, living with others, and higher self-perceived social class were associated with material access to digital devices and everyday use of Internet services. Participants who accessed the Internet every day had higher levels of life satisfaction and self-rated physical and mental health than those who rarely or never used the Internet. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that digital skills were significantly associated with self-rated mental health even when controlling for demographic variables (including age, gender, education level, and self-perceived social class). This study contributes to the limited body of literature on the relationship between Internet use, digital skills, and perceived well-being. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing the digital divide even in cities with high penetration of information and communication technology, such as Hong Kong. We also discuss our insights into the use of timely interventions for older adults to address the gray digital divide.
Trends in Telehealth Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic for the Military Health System

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic generated a major shift from in-person to telehealth care in efforts to reduce the spread of infection. This study assesses the effects of COVID-19 on the provision of telehealth in the United States Military Health System (MHS), a universally-insured, nationally representative population of beneficiaries who may receive direct care (DC) at military facilities or in the private-sector care (PSC). Methods: Under a cross-sectional study design, we queried the MHS Data Repository for all telehealth services in the MHS from January 2019 to December 2021, using common procedure terminology code telehealth modifiers GT, GQ, and 95. Analyses were stratified by clinical, provider, and facility characteristics, and comparisons were made between telehealth rates before and during the COVID-19 period using a percent change. Results: Telehealth usage increased by 20-fold in 2020 versus 2019, whereas provider types shifted from predominantly physicians to advanced practice nurses and physician assistants. Patterns of task shifting were different between DC and PSC. Tele-mental health visits showed a 118% change in DC and −20% change in PSC, suggesting recapture of care to military facilities. Decreases in DC telehealth visits for metabolic, endocrine, and musculoskeletal disorders were not compensated by increases in PSC, suggesting care deferred, delivered by another modality, or sought outside the MHS. Conclusion: The increase in telehealth usage and behavioral health is in line with other published studies, whereas the shift in provider types aligns with MHS goals focused on increasing access through telehealth. More research is needed to answer questions of care deferral, which are relevant to national health care discussions.
Exploring the Relationship Between Circular Economy Practices and Growth in Manufacturing SMEs

The circular economy has been acknowledged as key for manufacturing firms, wishing overcome challenges, particularly relates it to business growth. However, the transition to linear economy at circular economy has been slow in literature, particularly there are relatively few studies that have focused on the relationship of circular economy practices and growth of small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, for this reason this study's main objective is to fill this existing gap in the literature. In addition, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 400 companies in the automotive and auto parts industry in Mexico, analyzing the data set using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation models. The results obtained follow that the circular economy has a significant positive impact on the growth level of small manufacturing firms in the automotive and autoparts industries.
Problems of endotracheal intubation in obese patient

Background: Performing intubation in obese patients is a challenging problem both in the intensive care unit (ICU) and patients with a high BMI face various complication. Methods: A prospective multiplex cohort study in Kirkuk governorate was conducted in obese patients (body mass index greater than 30 kg m2). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of difficulty intubation. Secondary endpoints were risk factors for difficult intubation, use of difficult airway management techniques, and serious, life-threatening complications related to intubation (cardiac problems, hypoxaemia, and severe cardiovascular collapse). Results: Out of 100 patients, 48 patients had problems and complications as a result of intubation. These complications varied from simple to serious. 7 patients experienced hypoxia, 22 patients experienced difficulty in intubation, 5 patients experienced cardiac arrhythmias, and 2 patients had a dental injury that was. This complication is related to the body mass index. Conclusions: In severely obese patients, the incidence of difficult intubation in the intensive care unit was related to BMI. Researchers did not encounter deaths resulting from intubation, perhaps due to the development of medicine and new tools.
Testing Non-Linear Dependence in the Hedge Fund Industry

This paper proposes a parsimonious approach to test non-linear dependence on the conditional mean and variance of hedge funds with respect to several market factors. My approach introduces non-linear dependence by means of empirically relevant polynomial functions of the factors. For comparison purposes, I also consider multifactor extensions of tests based on piecewise linear alternatives. I apply these tests to a database of monthly returns on 1,071 hedge funds. I fi nd that non-linear dependence on the mean is highly sensitive to the factors that I consider. However, I obtain a much stronger evidence of non-linear dependence on the conditional variance
Exploring the Characteristics of Circulating Tumor DNA in Pt1a Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Pilot Study

Simple Summary Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a potential biomarker for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, the ctDNA characteristics have not been demonstrated in small ccRCC. The aim of our pilot study is to explore the characteristics of ctDNA in pT1a ccRCC (ccRCC less than 4 cm in diameter). We included 53 patients with pT1a ccRCC, a greater number than in previous studies using next-generation sequencing. We found that the ctDNA detection rate was low in pT1a ccRCC. The relationship between ctDNA and clinicopathological features, such as tumor size, tumor grade, and patient age, was not clear. Increasing the sensitivity and removing background noise in ctDNA analysis may aid in further understanding the characteristics of ctDNA, thereby enhancing its clinical utility in pT1a ccRCC. Abstract Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising biomarker for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); however, its characteristics in small renal masses of ccRCC remain unclear. In this pilot study, we explored the characteristics of ctDNA in pT1a ccRCC. Plasma samples were collected preoperatively from 53 patients with pT1a ccRCC. The ctDNA of pT1a ccRCC was profiled using next-generation sequencing and compared with that of higher-stage ccRCC. The association of ctDNA in pT1a ccRCC with clinicopathological features was investigated. The positive relationship of mutations between ctDNA and matched tissues was evaluated. In pT1a ccRCC, the ctDNA detection rate, cell-free DNA concentration, and median variant allele frequency were 20.8%, 5.8 ng/mL, and 0.38%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in metastatic ccRCC. The ctDNA gene proportions in pT1a samples differed from those in metastatic ccRCC samples. The relationships between ctDNA and tumor size, tumor grade, and patient age were not elucidated. The positive concordance between ctDNA and matched tissues was poor for pT1a ccRCC. Strategies are needed to increase sensitivity while eliminating noise caused by clonal hematopoiesis to increase the clinical utility of ctDNA analysis in small renal masses of ccRCC.
The Relationship between Mindfulness and Social Entrepreneurial Intention with Perceived Behavioural Control as Mediator

There is in an ongoing conflict between economic development and social needs, especially in developing countries. Social enterprises have been seen as a key to solving this problem. Universities however, has not focused much social entrepreneurship as an academic course, unlike corporate social responsibility. The aim of this study therefore, was to examine the relationship between mindfulness and social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) and the intermediary role of perceived controllability and self-efficacy to generate ideas for academics to develop new generations of social entrepreneurs. The study used structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the research hypotheses. A total of 294 students at all academic levels (bachelor, master, and PhD) at selected universities in southern Vietnam participated in this study. The data was collected between August 2019 and October 2019 by using questionnaires. The results showed a positive relationship between mindfulness and SEI. Additionally, the study noted students’ perceived controllability and especially self-efficacy can enhance this relationship.
Analysis, Occurrence and Exposure Evaluation of Antibiotic and Anthelmintic Residues in Whole Cow Milk from China

An optimized QuEChERS method for the simultaneous extraction of 26 antibiotics and 19 anthelmintics in whole cow milk was established, followed by UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. Briefly, 20 mL acetonitrile with 1 g disodium hydrogen citrate, 2 g sodium citrate, 4 g anhydrous MgSO4, and 1 g sodium chloride were added to 10 g milk for target chemical extraction, followed by 50 mg anhydrous MgSO4 for purification. Satisfactory recoveries were obtained using the modified QuEChERS method, with recoveries of the antibiotics ranging from 79.7 to 117.2%, with the exception of norfloxacin, which was at 53.4%, while those for anthelmintics were in the range of 73.1–105.1%. The optimized QuEChERS method presented good precision, with relative standard deviations ranging from 7.2 to 18.6% for both antibiotics and anthelmintics. The method was successfully applied to analyze the antibiotics and anthelmintics in 56 whole cow milk samples from China. Briefly, the detection frequencies and concentrations of most of the antibiotics and anthelmintics were low in the whole cow milk samples, with concentrations ranging from below LOD to 4296.8 ng/kg. Fenbendazole, febantel, enrofloxacin, levofloxacin, sulfadiazine, and sulfamethoxazole were the predominant drug residues in the whole cow milk samples. Spatial distribution was found for those antibiotics and anthelmintics with detection frequency higher than 50%, especially for the antibiotics, indicating regional differences in drug application. Based on the current study, exposure to antibiotics and anthelmintics through whole cow milk consumption are lower than the acceptable daily intake values suggested by the China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control. However, long-term exposure to low doses of antibiotics and anthelmintics still needs attention and merits further study.
Septin 9 Orients the Apico–Basal Polarity Axis and Controls Plasticity Signals

The cytoskeleton is a master organizer of the cellular cortex and membrane trafficking and therefore plays a crucial role in apico–basal polarity. Septins form a family of GTPases that assemble into non-polar filaments, which bind to membranes and recruit cytoskeletal elements such as microtubules and actin using their polybasic (PB) domains, to perform their broad biological functions. Nevertheless, the role of septins and the significance of their membrane-binding ability in apico–basal polarity remains under-investigated. Here, using 3D cultures, we demonstrated that septin 9 localizes to the basolateral membrane (BM). Its depletion induces an inverted polarity phenotype, decreasing β-catenin at BM and increasing transforming growth factor (TGFβ) and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) markers. Similar effects were observed after deleting its two PB domains. The mutant became cytoplasmic and apical. The cysts with an inverted polarity phenotype displayed an invasive phenotype, with src and cortactin accumulating at the peripheral membrane. The inhibition of TGFβ-receptor and RhoA rescued the polarized phenotype, although the cysts from overexpressed septin 9 overgrew and presented a filled lumen. Both phenotypes corresponded to tumor features. This suggests that septin 9 expression, along with its assembly through the two PB domains, is essential for establishing and maintaining apico–basal polarity against tumor development.
Tainui: A Case Study of Direct Negotiations

This article explores the direct Treaty negotiation process in the context of the tribal history, the then-current thinking on Treaty of Waitangi claims, and the path that the author sees for Tainui. The author begins with the historical context to the Tainui, highlighting the injustices that the tribes suffered through raupatu (land confiscation) and warfare. The article then explores the Crown's attempts to provide redress followed by the negotiations. The result was the Ngai Tahu settlement claim in the South Island in March 1946. The author notes two issues in the negotiation process. First, there was the need for the government to admit that its invasion of the Waikato and subsequent confiscations were wrong. Secondly, there was the need for the government to return land or to otherwise provide the Waikato people with a secure economic base. The Coalcorp case, which provided an incentive for the claim to be placed at the negotiation table, is also briefly discussed (Tainui Māori Trust Board v Attorney-General [1989] 2 NZLR 513 (CA)). The result of that case was direct negotiation with the Crown, as well as some internal negotiation. As the negotiations had not been completed at the time of writing, the author concludes that Tainui's survival as a people rests on its desire to commit to a long-lasting and forward-thinking strategy. However, the author also argues that the outcome rests solely on the political will of both parties to settle.
Physicochemical Properties of Hybrid Biodegradable Silica-Hydrogel Composites

Hydrogels based on polyacrylamide, carboxymethylcellulose and silica are composites with good absorption and release properties over time, and this behavior allow their application in several areas. Thus, the aim of study was to analyze the absorption kinetic, spectroscopic, morphological, and structural properties of hydrogels prepared using different silica concentrations (0, 0.5, and 2.5%). The results showed that the swelling degree reduces with increasing silica, i.e., there was increase in crosslinking density, which was confirmed by SEM images. The reductions in the swelling degrees at equilibrium were 26.19% (0.50% silica) and 22.02% (2.5% silica) when compared to PAAm+CMC hydrogel. FTIR spectra showed characteristic spectroscopic bands of silica between 1384 and 1120 cm -1 indicating that its incorporation into the hydrogel matrix has occurred, which was also observed in the XRD diffractograms. Thus, the study of biodegradable hybrid hydrogels is relevant because they can potentially be applied in areas such as agriculture, tissue engineering and even civil construction.
Interspecies transmission of SARS CoV-2 with special emphasis on viral mutations and ACE-2 receptor homology roles

ABSTRACT COVID-19 outbreak was first reported in 2019, Wuhan, China. The spillover of the disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), to a wide range of pet, zoo, wild, and farm animals has emphasized potential zoonotic and reverse zoonotic viral transmission. Furthermore, it has evoked inquiries about susceptibility of different animal species to SARS-CoV-2 infection and role of these animals as viral reservoirs. Therefore, studying susceptible and non-susceptible hosts for SARS-CoV-2 infection could give a better understanding for the virus and will help in preventing further outbreaks. Here, we review structural aspects of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, the effect of the different mutations observed in the spike protein, and the impact of ACE2 receptor variations in different animal hosts on inter-species transmission. Moreover, the SARS-CoV-2 spillover chain was reviewed. Combination of SARS-CoV-2 high mutation rate and homology of cellular ACE2 receptors enable the virus to transcend species barriers and facilitate its transmission between humans and animals.