Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Lipidomic Analysis of Leaves of Esca-Affected Grapevine Suggests a Role for Galactolipids in the Defense Response and Appearance of Foliar Symptoms

Both qualitative and quantitative changes occur in the lipid composition of Vitis vinifera L. tissues, which may compromise the defense response against Esca complex disease, a widespread and damaging trunk disease. In this study, a lipidomic analysis of grapevine leaves is conducted to assess how lipid membrane remodeling relates to the emergence and progression of Esca foliar symptoms. In total, 208 molecular species (including lipids, four hormones, and some other compounds of the metabolism of lipids) were detected. Lipid species were readily assigned to the classes fatty acyls, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols, and prenol lipids. Using different clustering analyses, distinct metabolic pathways stimulated at different stages of disease development were characterized. These analyses revealed consistent changes in the abundance of 13 galactolipids and two diacylglycerolipids. Overall, the observations indicated an increment in the levels of these lipid species in leaves of asymptomatic vines and a progressive drop with increasing foliar symptom severity in symptomatic vines. Five fatty acids also appear to exert a central role in the etiopathogenesis of Esca complex disease because of their accumulation in leaves of asymptomatic vines, namely, heptadecanoic, linoleic, γ-linolenic, arachidonic, and stearic acids. Symptomatic leaves were characterized by high levels of all lipid classes, except for galactolipids, lyso-galactolipids, and compounds relevant to the biosynthesis of chlorophylls and carotenoids, that exhibited decreased levels. The data also suggested a jasmonic acid-associated signaling mechanism activation upon the invasion of woods by Esca-associated fungi, compared with abscisic and salicylic acids. Further research is required for validation of these results with additional molecular analyses using more vine cultivars.
The transvenous retrograde pressure cooker technique for the curative embolization of high-grade brain arteriovenous malformations

Background Transvenous embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can be curative. We aimed to evaluate the cure rate and safety of the transvenous retrograde pressure cooker technique (RPCT) using coils and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate as a venous plug. Methods All AVM patients treated via transvenous embolization between December 2004 and February 2017 in a single center were extracted from our database. Inclusion criteria were: inability to achieve transarterial cure alone; AVM < 3 cm; and single main draining vein. Outcome measures were immediate and 90 days' angiographic AVM occlusion rate, and morbidity and mortality at 30 days and 12 months, according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Results Fifty-one patients (20 women; median age 47 years) were included. A majority (71%) were high grade (3 to 5 in the Spetzler–Martin classification). AVMs were deeply seated in 30 (59%) and cortical in 21 patients (41%). Thirty-three patients were previously embolized transarterially (65%). All patients but one were cured within a single session with the RPCT (96%). Cure was confirmed on follow-up digital subtraction angiography at 3 months in 82% of patients. Three patients experienced intracranial hemorrhage (6%), one requiring surgical evacuation. There were no deaths. One treatment-related major permanent deficit was observed (2.0%). Mean mRS before treatment, at 30 days, and 12 months after RPCT was 1.5, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively. Conclusions The retrograde pressure cooker technique can be curative in carefully selected high-grade AVMs. Long-term follow-up and prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.
The association of the amniotic fluid index (AFI) with perinatal fetal and maternal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

OBJECTIVES To investigate association of amniotic fluid index (AFI) with perinatal fetal and maternal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 70 singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM at 23-33 weeks' gestation were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Data on maternal clinical and obstetric characteristics [maternal age, gravidity, parity, PPROM time, and AFI (cm), latency period, treatments, type of delivery, length of hospital stay (LOS, day)], fetal characteristics (gestational age at delivery, birth weight (g), gender) and maternal and fetal complications were recorded and compared in AFI < 5 cm (n = 27) and AFI ≥ 5 cm (n = 21) groups. RESULTS Overall AFI was ≤ 5 cm in 27 (56.3%) patients and > 5 cm in 21 (43.7%) patients. No significant difference was noted in maternal clinical and obstetric characteristics, gestational age at delivery and gender of the newborn as well as in maternal and fetal complications rates with respect to AFI groups. AFI was correlated positively with latency period (r = 0.399, p = 0.018) and negatively with postpartum LOS (r = -0.314, p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our findings seems to indicate increased likelihood of shorter latency to delivery and longer postpartum LOS with decrease in AFI after PPROM between 23-33 weeks' gestation, whereas no impact of AFI on mode of delivery and fetal or maternal complications.
Manipulation of JAK/STAT Signalling by High-Risk HPVs: Potential Therapeutic Targets for HPV-Associated Malignancies

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small, DNA viruses that cause around 5% of all cancers in humans, including almost all cervical cancer cases and a significant proportion of anogenital and oral cancers. The HPV oncoproteins E5, E6 and E7 manipulate cellular signalling pathways to evade the immune response and promote virus persistence. The Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway has emerged as a key mediator in a wide range of important biological signalling pathways, including cell proliferation, cell survival and the immune response. While STAT1 and STAT2 primarily drive immune signalling initiated by interferons, STAT3 and STAT5 have widely been linked to the survival and proliferative potential of a number of cancers. As such, the inhibition of STAT3 and STAT5 may offer a therapeutic benefit in HPV-associated cancers. In this review, we will discuss how HPV manipulates JAK/STAT signalling to evade the immune system and promote cell proliferation, enabling viral persistence and driving cancer development. We also discuss approaches to inhibit the JAK/STAT pathway and how these could potentially be used in the treatment of HPV-associated disease.
Extracellular Matrix-Mediated Breast Cancer Cells Morphological Alterations, Invasiveness, and Microvesicles/Exosomes Release

Breast cancer is a leading disease in women. Several studies are focused to evaluate the critical role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in various biochemical and molecular aspects but also in terms of its effect on cancer cell morphology and therefore on cancer cell invasion and metastatic potential. ECM fibrillar components, such as collagen and fibronectin, affect cell behavior and properties of mammary cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) how the highly invasive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, interplaying with ECM substrates during cell migration/invasion, modify their morphological characteristics and cytoplasmic processes in relation to their invasive potential. In particular we reproduced and analyzed how natural structural barriers to cancer cell invasion, such as the basement membrane (Matrigel) and fibrillar components of dermis (fibronectin as well as the different concentrations/array of type I collagen), could induce morphological changes in 3D cultures. Interestingly, we demonstrate that, even with different effects, all collagen concentrations/arrays lead to morphological alterations of breast cancer cells. Intriguingly, the elongated mesenchymal shaped cells were more prominent in 3D cultures with a dense and thick substrate (thick Matrigel, high concentrated collagen network, and densely packed collagen fibers), even though cells with different shape produced and released microvesicles and exosomes as well. It is therefore evident that the peri-tumoral collagen network may act not only as a barrier but also as a dynamic scaffold which stimulates the morphological changes of cancer cells, and modulates tumor development and metastatic potential in breast cancer.
Zinc Amido-Oxazolinate Catalyzed Ring Opening Copolymerization and Terpolymerization of Maleic Anhydride and Epoxides

Ring opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of epoxides and cyclic anhydrides has become an attractive approach for the synthesis of biodegradable polyesters with various compositions. Encouraged by the efficiency and versatility of a series of amido-oxazolinate zinc complexes, in this study they were shown to be active catalysts for the synthesis of unsaturated polyesters via ROCOP of maleic anhydride and various epoxides. The relative activity of epoxides in these reactions was observed to be styrene oxide > cyclohexene oxide > phenyl glycidyl ether, which could be correlated with the electronic and steric features of the substrate. To provide more structural possibilities for the polyesters, the difference in epoxide reactivity was exploited in an attempt to prepare block terpolymers from one anhydride and two epoxides. Terpolymerization was carried out in one or two steps in a single pot. The thermal characterization by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques suggested that the resulting materials were mostly random terpolymers.
Profile of brazilian dissertations and theses about the cortisol as a stress marker = Perfil das dissertações e teses brasileiras acerca do cortisol como marcador de estresse

To Identify in dissertations and theses available on Brazilian Theses database of Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES) information about the effects of cortisol as marker of stress; characterize the sample of the study. Study of literature review narrative, descriptive, the data were collected in February 2013, in pairs, following the research protocol previously established. There were analyzed 89 dissertations and theses in the light of the pillars: academic level; place of the study development; year; author’s formation; the study population; the generator element of stress; and material analyzed. The majority of the studies denoted a significant change on the cortisol level through exposure to stress generator element (74; 83.1%), revealing that this is a good marker of response to stress. It was noticed that there is a need to promote the development of clinical research with human beings, especially as health professionals.
NF-κBp50,JAB1 and CRM1 expression in diffuse large B cell lymphoma and their clinical significance

Objective:To investigate the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κBp50),JAB1 and CRM1 in diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL) and their clinical significance.Methods:Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of NF-κBp50,JAB1 and CRM1 in 94 cases of DLBCL.Results:The positive rates of NF-κBp50,JAB1 and CRM1 in DLBCL were 70.2%(66/94),77.7%(73/94) and 69.1%(65/94),respectively.NF-κBp50 expression in non-germinal center B-cell like(non-GCB) type of DLBCL was higher than that in GCB type,which was statistically different(P0.01),whereas the expression of JAB1 and CRM1 had no correlation with the typing of DLBCL(P0.05). NF-κBp50,JAB1 and CRM1expression were not associated with sexes,ages and oncogenic location of DLBCL(P0.05),though,there was a positive correlation between NF-κBp50 and JAB1 or CRM1 in DLBCL(rs=0.209,P0.05;rs=0.270,P0.01,respectively). Conclusion:The varied expression may serve as an indicator to the diagnosis of the subtype and estimation of the prognosis of DLBCL.Still,JAB1 and CRM1 positively control over NF-κBp50 expression,suggesting that this protein plays an important role in the growth and development of DLBCL.
Spatial patterns of encroaching shrub species under different grazing regimes in a semi-arid savanna, eastern Karoo, South Africa

Woody plant encroachment is increasing in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. We investigated the structure and fine-scale spatial pattern of encroaching species and how these patterns vary with different grazing regimes in semi-arid regions. In this study, we investigated how four encroaching shrub species (Searsia erosa, S. burchellii, Diospyros lycioides and Eriocephalus ericoides) in Middelburg (Eastern Cape, South Africa) coexist and partition space under different grazing regimes (viz. continuous rest, and continuous, summer and winter grazing). We used point-pattern analysis to assess the spatial ecology of these species. We also used an index of integration (mingling index), where low values indicate that they are surrounded by conspecifics and high values indicate that they are surrounded by heterospecifics. The three shrub species were highly mingled except in the winter-grazing plot, where S. burchellii and D. lycioides clustered. We found that the shrub species were generally aggregated in most of the grazing plots. These findings indicate that (1) at a fine spatial scale, grazing in the wet season promotes shrub encroachment, and (2) there is a tendency to aggregation among encroaching shrub species in the grazing plots.
Participant experiences of a low-energy total diet replacement programme: A descriptive qualitative study

Introduction The participants’ experience of low-energy total diet replacement (TDR) programmes delivered by lay counsellors in the community for the routine treatment of obesity is currently unclear. We interviewed a sample of twelve participants who took part in the Doctor Referral of Overweight People to Low-Energy total diet replacement Treatment (DROPLET) trial and were randomised to the TDR programme. Methods We purposively sampled twelve patients who took part in the DROPLET trial, and conducted in-depth telephone interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interview questions focused on participants’ experiences and perceptions of the TDR programme. We conducted a thematic analysis, actively developing themes from the data, and used the one sheet of paper (OSOP) technique to develop higher-level concepts. Results Nine key themes were identified; Reasons for taking part, Expectations, Support and guidance from the counsellor, Time to build a personal relationship, Following the TDR Programme, Adverse events, Outcomes from the TDR, Weight Loss Maintenance, Recommending TDR to others. The relationship between participants and the counsellor was central to many of the themes. Close relationships with counsellors facilitated TDR adherence through providing one-to-one support (including during difficult times), sharing expert knowledge, and building a close relationship. Adherence was also supported by the rapid weight loss that patients reported experiencing. Overall participants reported positive experiences of the TDR, and emphasised the positive impact on their wellbeing. Discussion Patients reported that a TDR programme delivered by lay counsellors in the community was a positive experience and effective in helping them to lose weight. Future trials should consider the central role of the person providing support and advice as a key component in the programme.
The role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating postoperative ACL reconstruction healing and graft mechanical properties: a new criterion for return to play?

ABSTRACT Background: Disruption of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common injury. In active patients, it is routinely treated with ACL reconstruction surgery. Following reconstruction, one of the critical decisions that must be made is the optimal timing of return to sport. While many biomechanical, biological, and functional criteria have been proposed to determine return to play, these methods are limited at best. Reasoning: As criteria for return to play are multifactorial, there is a growing need for noninvasive technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to objectively track graft healing, to better assess the graft itself. Measuring the changes in the strength of the healing ligament has been shown to be a reliable means of objectively documenting graft healing in preclinical studies. While the initial studies of MR-based modeling of ACL graft healing are promising, this technology is still in its infancy and requires optimization. Purpose: The goals of this review are: 1) to outline the shortcomings of current return to play criteria, 2) to highlight the ability of MRI to determine the status of ACL graft healing, and 3) to discuss the future of imaging technology to determine return to play and its potential role in the clinical evaluation of patients Conclusion: There continues to be a wide variabiltiy regarding adequate return to play criteria, most of which are subjective in nature.
Biology and temperature responses of Chelonus Kellieae and Chelonus phthorimaeae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and their host, the potato tuberworm, Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Comparative studies were conducted on the biologies and population growth potentials of Chelonus phthorimaeae Gahan, an indigenous North American parasite, and C. kellieae Marsh, an imported parasite from Costa Rica. Both species are primary, solitary, egg-larval endoparasites of the potato tuberworm, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller). Eggs of both species are hymenopteriform. In the laboratory, superparasitization was noted within the host egg; however, a single parasite larva develops within the haemocoel of the host larva. The parasite larva emerges before host pupation and constructs a silken-white cocoon within that of the host. There are three larval instars, the first being caudate-mandibulate, later becoming vesiculate-mandibulate. The second and third are mandibulate, with the third possessing spines and setae. The pupae are exarate. Developmental time from egg to adult female emergence is 22 days and 26 days for C. phthorimaeae and C. kellieae, respectively, at 26.7±1°C, 50% RH. Morphology of the immature stages and host relationships are presented. Parasitization of P. operculella by each species resulted in reduction of the size of the fourth instar host larvae. Optimum number and age of host eggs for maximum production of parasite progeny was 150 host eggs, 0-24 hours old, for C. phthorimaeae, and 50 host eggs, 0-24 hours old, for C. kellieae. Neither species host feeds nor are a carbohydrate source and free water prerequisites for progeny production. Females of both species require a carbohydrate source and free water for greatest longevity. Observations of the mating behavior disclosed males are polygamous and females monogamous. The mating ritual, searching, and ovipositional behavior are described. Both species are arrhenotokous with virgin and mated female C. kellieae producing approximately equal numbers of progeny, while mated female C. phthorimaeae produced a greater number of progeny than did virgin female C. phthorimaeae. Chelonus phthorimaeae and C. kellieae exhibited a preovipositional period of 2 hours and 4 hours, respectively, prior to production of female progeny.
POLYMORPHISM OF EXCISION REPAIR GENES XPD, XRCC1, hOGG1 IN THE POPULATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS AND ITS IMPACT ON CARCINOGENESIS

Background. DNA damage and induced mutational events are known to contribute notably to carcinogenesis, so the study of excision repair gene polymorphisms and their association with cancer risk is of great interest and importance. Materials and Methods. Excision repair gene polymorphisms (XRCC1 Arg399Gln, hOGG1 Ser326Cys, XPD Asp312Asn) were analyzed using a PCR-RFLP method in the group of bladder cancer (BC) patients compared to clinically healthy individuals. Results. In the healthy population, the frequencies of the minor alleles of XPD 312, XRCC1 399, hOGG1 326 genes were 42,1 %, 35,4 % and 24,4 %, respectively, i. e. , in the range of values observed in Caucasian populations. The frequencies of genotypes/alleles in the group of BC patients did not differ from those in the control group. However, the frequency of Asn allele of XPD gene was significantly higher in men with BC recurrences as compared to primary tumors. The cancer risk was decreased in carriers of combined Asp/Asp, Arg/Arg, Ser/Ser genotypes of XPD, XRCC1 and hOGG1 genes (OR95 %CI = 0,46 [0,23 - 0,91] p = 0,024 and OR95 %CI = 0,42 [0,18 - 0,98] p = 0,045 for combination of two and three genes, respectively). Conclusion. In Belarus, the frequencies of the XPD, XRCC1 and hOGG1 minor alleles are similar to those in Caucasian populations. Although single nucleotide polymorphisms investigated did not affect the risk of bladder cancer, the risk of cancer recurrence was increased in carriers of the XPD Asn allele. Combined homozygous wild type alleles of indicated excision repair genes appeared to possess a protective effect against carcinogenesis.
Does Market Interaction Erode Moral Values?

Abstract The widespread use of markets leads to unprecedented material well-being in many societies. We study whether market interaction, as a side effect, erodes moral values. In an influential paper, Falk and Szech (2013) provide experimental data that seem to suggest that “market interaction erodes moral values. ” Although we replicate their main treatment effect, we show that additional treatments are necessary to corroborate their conclusion. These treatments reveal that playing repeatedly, and not market interaction, causes the erosion of moral values. Our paper thus shows that neither Falk and Szech's data nor our data support the claim that markets erode morals.
Nontradable Goods and Fiscal Multipliers

We assess the role that nontradable goods play as a determinant of fiscal spending multipliers, making use of a two-sector model. While fiscal multipliers increase with the share of nontradable goods, an inverted U-shaped relationship exists between multiplier size and the import share. Employing an interacted panel VAR model for EU countries, we estimate the effect of the share of nontradable goods on fiscal spending multipliers. Our empirical results provide strong evidence for the predictions of the theoretical model. They imply that the drag of fiscal consolidations is on average smaller in countries with a low share of nontradable goods.
Music Genre Classification with Transformer Classifier

Music Genre Classification is a significant and practical field of Music Information Retrieval. Deep learning is increasingly being applied to Music Genre Classification for two main reasons. Firstly, it avoids the manual selection of audio signal features. Secondly, the hierarchical topology is consistent with the layering structure of music in the time and frequency domains. The existing work used CNNs or RNNs or their combination to classify music genre, which have limitations on learning dependencies between distant positions in a sequence. Inspired by an advance in Natural Language Processing (NLP), we designed a Transformer classifier. The Transformer classifier analyzes the relationship between different audio frames well and achieves better performance in Music Genre Classification.