Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glutamine Uptake via SNAT6 and Caveolin Regulates Glutamine–Glutamate Cycle

SLC38A6 (SNAT6) is the only known member of the SLC38 family that is expressed exclusively in the excitatory neurons of the brain. It has been described as an orphan transporter with an unknown substrate profile, therefore very little is known about SNAT6. In this study, we addressed the substrate specificity, mechanisms for internalization of SNAT6, and the regulatory role of SNAT6 with specific insights into the glutamate–glutamine cycle. We used tritium-labeled amino acids in order to demonstrate that SNAT6 is functioning as a glutamine and glutamate transporter. SNAT6 revealed seven predicted transmembrane segments in a homology model and was localized to caveolin rich sites at the plasma membrane. SNAT6 has high degree of specificity for glutamine and glutamate. Presence of these substrates enables formation of SNAT6-caveolin complexes that aids in sodium dependent trafficking of SNAT6 off the plasma membrane. To further understand its mode of action, several potential interacting partners of SNAT6 were identified using bioinformatics. Among them where CTP synthase 2 (CTPs2), phosphate activated glutaminase (Pag), and glutamate metabotropic receptor 2 (Grm2). Co-expression analysis, immunolabeling with co-localization analysis and proximity ligation assays of these three proteins with SNAT6 were performed to investigate possible interactions. SNAT6 can cycle between cytoplasm and plasma membrane depending on availability of substrates and interact with Pag, synaptophysin, CTPs2, and Grm2. Our data suggest a potential role of SNAT6 in glutamine uptake at the pre-synaptic terminal of excitatory neurons. We propose here a mechanistic model of SNAT6 trafficking that once internalized influences the glutamate–glutamine cycle in presence of its potential interacting partners.
COVID-19 Isolation in Healthy Population in Israel: Challenges in Daily Life, Mental Health, Resilience, and Quality of Life

Background: Pandemics produce long-lasting secondary impacts on health, with a significant burden on people and society. Until now, the secondary impact of COVID-19 has been little estimated. Our aim was to investigate factors underlying quality of life (QOL) during COVID-19 lockdown among a healthy population, while QOL reduction expands vulnerability to the pandemic secondary impact. Methods: During the spring lockdown in Israel, 571 healthy adults completed a survey that included standard measurements for psychological distress, participation in daily life activities, a sense of social connectedness, resilience, and QOL. Results: We found a high level of psychological distress, significant reduction in participation dimensions, and in QOL (psychical, psychological, and social). These indices were even lower among women, younger adults, and the unemployed. Path analysis demonstrated that psychological distress, participation dimensions, social connectedness, and self-efficacy explained QOL, while participation dimensions were found to be the mediators. Conclusions: The COVID-19 has had a wide impact on the general population, with the potential for negative secondary impacts. Women, young adults, and the unemployed are at high risk for secondary effects. Public health strategies should address the reported factors and populations in order to improve QOL in a healthy population and limit the impact of the pandemic.
Reducing stigma and discrimination associated with COVID-19: early stage pandemic rapid review and practical recommendations

Abstract Aims To develop recommendations for strategies and interventions to reduce stigma and discrimination related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), through reviewing and synthesising evidence in relation to COVID-19 and other disease outbreaks and infectious/stigmatised conditions from systematic reviews and primary studies and recommendations from additional materials. Methods Rapid review, drawing on the World Health Organization's (WHO) methodology for developing interim guidelines during health emergencies. PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central and Campbell Collaboration searched up to mid-April 2020. Searches were supplemented by reference-searching and expert recommendations. Searches were designed to identify: (1) systematic reviews (<10 years), or (2) primary intervention studies (no date limit) reporting evidence on anti-stigma interventions (in relation to COVID-19 or other infectious/stigmatised conditions) or (3) additional relevant materials. Data were extracted on population, intervention, outcome and results. These data were compiled into evidence summary tables and narrative overviews. Recommendations on strategies for COVID-19 stigma-reduction were developed using the WHO ‘Evidence to Decision’ framework approach. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42020177677). Results The searches identified a total of 4150 potentially relevant records, from which 12 systematic reviews and 29 additional articles were included. Overarching considerations and specific recommendations focus on: (1) language/words used in relation to COVID-19 and affected people; (2) media/journalistic practices; (3) public health interventions; (4) targeted public health interventions for key groups and (5) involving communities and key stakeholders. Conclusions These recommendations represent the first consolidated evidence-based guidance on stigma and discrimination reduction in relation to COVID-19. Mitigating the impact of stigma is critical in reducing distress and negative experiences, and strengthening communities' resolve to work together during exceptional circumstances. Ultimately, reducing stigma helps addressing structural inequalities that drive marginalisation and exacerbate both health risks and the impact of stigma. Administrations and decision makers are urged to consider integrating these recommendations into the ongoing COVID-19 response.
Co-planting of Quercus nuttallii, Quercus pagoda with Solanum nigrum enhanced their phytoremediation potential to multi-metal contaminated soil

Abstract To screen the efficient tree-herb co-planting patterns to remediate the heavy metal polluted soil, a greenhouse experiment was conducted for 150 days to examine the plant growth and metals accumulation across three co-planting patterns, including Solanum nigrum (S) co-planted with Quercus nuttallii (NS) or Quecrus pagoda (PS), and those three species are co-planted together (NPS). Results showed that the NPS pattern slightly decreased the tree biomass, while NS and PS treatments improved the plant growth (1.51–10.68%). It is worth noting that the NS treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased photosynthetic pigment content (82.61–113.93%), net CO2 assimilation (21.44%), and the uptake of Cd (44.58%) in Q. nuttallii; the PS treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased the net CO2 assimilation (8.61%) and the uptake of Cd (42.23%), Zn (31.18%) in Q. pagoda; and the uptake of Cd and Zn in the NPS co-planting treatment were only slightly increased. For S. nigrum, the photosynthetic pigment content was elevated and the metal accumulation in itself also maintained the relative stable in all the co-planting treatments. Thus, co-planting of Quercus with S. nigrum was a promising way to remediate heavily polluted soil by heavy metals. Novelty statement: Co-planting with multiple plant species, as a novel strategy, has great value for the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil. The paper aimed to explore the suitable co-planting pattern of Quercus, arbor trees which showed phytoremediation potential, co-planted with Cd hyperaccumulator, Solanum nigrum. The result suggested the co-planting with S. nigrum enhanced the plant growth, photosynthesis, and metals extraction of Q. nuttallii and Q. pagoda. Co-planting also improved ecological adaptation of S. nigrum via elevating pigment content. Thus, co-planting of Quercus with S. nigrum was a promising way to remediate polluted soil.
Thermal and Current Flow Effects of a Capacitive–Resistive Electric Transfer Application Protocol on Chronic Elbow Tendinopathy. A Cadaveric Study

Lateral elbow tendinopathy, or “tennis elbow,” is a pathology that affects around 1.3% of the general population. Capacitive–resistive electric transfer therapy aims to provoke temperature and current flow changes in superficial and deep tissues. The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze the thermal behavior and transmission of electric current on the superficial and deep tissues of the elbow during the application of different modalities of a capacitive–resistive electric transfer treatment protocol for chronic elbow tendinopathy. A cross-sectional study was designed; five fresh cryopreserved cadavers (10 elbows) were included in this study. A 30 min intervention was performed based on a protocol commonly used in clinics for the treatment of chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy by diathermy using the “T-Plus. ” Common extensor tendon, radiohumeral capsule, and superficial temperatures were registered after each application for the duration of the 30 min treatment protocol. During all applications, we observed a current flow of over 0.03 A. The protocol showed a statistically significant increase in superficial temperature by 24% (5.02°) (p < 0.005), the common extensor tendon by 19.7% (4.36°) (p < 0.007), and the radiohumeral joint capsule by 17.5% (3.41°) (p < 0.005) at the end of the 30 min protocol compared with the baseline temperature. The different applications of the protocol showed specific effects on the temperature and current flow in the common extensor tendon and radiohumeral capsule. All applications of the protocol produced a current flow that is associated with the generation of cell proliferation. These results strengthen the hypothesis of cell proliferation and thermal changes in deep and distal structures. More studies are needed to confirm these results.
Development, optimization and characterization of nanoemulsion loaded with clove oil-naftifine antifungal for the management of tinea

Abstract Tinea is a common superficial infection caused by keratinophylic fungi called dermatophytes. The objective of the current investigation was to develop and optimize a self-nanoemulsion drug delivery system (SENDDs) using clove oil loaded with naftifine (NF). Clove oil possesses good anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that can support naftifine action. Box–Behnken designs were used to prepare plain and naftifine loaded SENDDs. The plain SENDDs were evaluated for their globule size. The medicated formulations (NF-CO-SENDDs) were characterized by measuring their globular size, ex vivo % NF permeated, level of interleukin-31 in rats, and antifungal activity. The optimum clove oil level was found to be 10–17%, while NF-CO-SENDDs formulations displayed globular sizes ranging from 119 to 310 nm. The statistical design confirmed the synergistic effect of clove oil and NF in the treatment of fungal infections, confirming that the anti-inflammatory effect of clove oil can counteract the side effects of NF. The optimized formulation composed of 14% clove oil, 12.5 mg Naftifine, and prepared with an Smix ratio equaling 3:1, exhibited good antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity, achieving up to 2-, 3-, 5.75-, and 2.74-fold increases in the amount of permeated NF, steady-state flux, permeability, and diffusion coefficients, respectively, compared with a commercial product. Moreover, the optimum formulation revealed an adequate zeta potential value of 28.31 ± 1.37 mV and showed reasonable stability with no or mild signs of skin sensitivity. Therefore, the designed nanoemulsions containing a combination of clove oil and naftifine could be considered promising delivery systems for the treatment of tinea.
Fetal fraction of cell free DNA in screening for hypertensive disorders at 11–13 weeks

Abstract Objective To investigate whether first-trimester maternal plasma fetal fraction is altered in women that subsequently develop preeclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension (GH) and to examine its potential value in improving the performance of screening for PE and GH by maternal factors and maternal serum pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI). Methods The study population of 10,131 pregnancies undergoing cell free fetal DNA testing at 11–13 weeks’ gestation included 91 (0.9%) cases with preterm-PE, 222 (2.2%) cases with term-PE, 360 (3.6%) with GH and 9,458 (93.4%) cases unaffected by hypertensive disorders. Maternal plasma fetal fraction levels were expressed as multiples of the median (MoM) after adjustment for maternal factors and crown-rump length. The performance of screening for preterm-PE, term PE and GH by maternal factors and MoM values of fetal fraction, PAPP-A, UtA-PI and MAP was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results The median fetal fraction MoM was significantly lower in the preterm-PE (0.825; IQR 0.689–1.115 MoM, p < .001), term-PE (0.946; IQR 0.728–1.211 MoM, p = .028) and GH (0.928; IQR 0.711–1.182 MoM, p < .001) groups than in the unaffected group (1.002; IQR 0.785–1.251 MoM). However, the performance of screening for PE or GH by maternal factors alone or by maternal factors and PAPP-A, UtA-PI and MAP was not significantly improved by the addition of fetal fraction. Conclusions First trimester maternal plasma fetal fraction is not useful in screening for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
The effect of perceived interracial competition on psychological outcomes

There remains a dearth of research on causal roles of perceived interracial competition on psychological outcomes. Towards this end, this research experimentally manipulated perceptions of group-level competition between Black and White individuals in the U.S. and tested for effects on negative psychological outcomes. In Study 1 (N = 899), participants assigned to the high interracial competition condition (HRC) reported perceiving more discrimination, behavioral avoidance, intergroup anxiety, and interracial mistrust relative to low interracial competition (LRC) participants. Study 2 –a preregistered replication and extension—specifically recruited similar numbers of only Black and White participants (N = 1,823). Consistent with Study 1, Black and White participants in the HRC condition reported more discrimination, avoidance, anxiety, and mistrust. Main effects for race also emerged: Black participants perceived more interracial competition and negative outcomes. Racial income inequality moderated effects; competition effects were stronger in areas with higher levels of inequality. Implications for theory development are discussed.
A Netnography and a Survey on Doping Use among Competitive Doping-untested Strength-sport Athletes

Abstract Doping-untested strength-sport athletes (powerlifters, strongmen, armlifters, etc.,) are infamous for their doping use, but their exact doping regimens are not known. The purpose of this study was to provide a reasonable portrait of doping history in this specific athlete group for medical practitioners. Seventy-five athletes were selected by netnography of the social media community around the Finnish doping-untested strength-sport federations on the basis of their activity in doping-related discussions, and the athletes were invited to answer a detailed doping-related anonymous survey. Fifty respondents completed the survey. 100% of the respondents reported use of anabolic androgenic steroids, 66% reported use of stimulants, and 80% use of non-steroidal anabolic substances. The doses of both testosterone products and human growth hormone were notably larger than reported in previous studies of gym users (mostly non-competitive athletes). The subjects reported simultaneous use of an average 5.66 illegal substances, and lifetime use of 16.78 illegal substances. The doses of illicit drugs, as well as polypharmacy, among competitive doping-untested strength-sport athletes are higher than previously reported among recreational gym users, and side effects are likely in this specific population.
FREE RADICAL COPOLYMERIZATION OF N-PHENYLMALEIMIDE WITH CYCLOHEXENE

Radical copolymerization of cyclohexene (M1) with N-phenylmaleimide (M2) was carried out with 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitrile) as an initiator in various solvents at 50°C. The copolymerization of cyclohexene with N-phenylmaleimide in chloroform and dioxane proceeded in a homogeneous system to give an alternating copolymer over a wide range of the comonomer composition in the feed. The initial rate of the copolymerization (Rp) was dependent on the monomer composition and was a maximum at about 65 mol% of N-phenylmaleimide in the feed. A solvent effect on the Rp and the reactivity ratio was investigated in this copolymerization system, i.e., copolymerization in benzene produced a higher Rp than that in chloroform and in dioxane, while in chloroform produced a higher alternating tendency compared with those in benzene and in dioxane (r1=0, r2=0.012 in chloroform; r1=0, r2=0.081 in benzene and r1=0, r2=0.073 in dioxane). The copolymer was characterized by 1H-NMR spectrum.
Phosphorus nutrition of tobacco seedlings grown in greenhouse float culture 1

Abstract Little work has been done investigating phosphorus (P) nutrition in tobacco seedling production. Three greenhouse experiments were conducted in 1993 and 1994 to determine the influence of P on seedling growth. Treatments consisted of fertilizers containing from 0 to 10% phosphorus. Growth parameters measured in all experiments included seedling dry weight, stem length, and tissue P concentration. Reducing P rate did not affect any growth parameters until the solution nitrogen (N): P ratio became less than 20: 1. The 0 P treatment did not produce any transplantable seedlings in two of three experiments. Final seedling usability was not affected as long as at least a 20: 1: 20 ratio fertilizer was used. Seedling growth in the field, as well as final leaf yield, was not affected by reducing P from 10% to 1%. Data suggest that previous greenhouse fertility recommendations contained excess phosphorus and should be reduced to at least a 20: 5: 20 ratio fertilizer.
Prevalence, Virulence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica and Listeria monocytogenes in European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) Hunted in Tuscany (Central Italy)

Wild boar is an animal the population of which constantly increases in Europe. This animal plays an important role as a reservoir for several pathogens, including three of the most important zoonoses: salmonellosis, yersiniosis and listeriosis. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant and virulence factor genes of Salmonella spp. , Yersinia enterocolitica and Listeria monocytogenes isolated from wild boar in Tuscany (Central Italy). During two consequent hunting seasons (2018/2019 and 2019/2020), rectal swabs, spleens and livers were collected from 287 hunted wild boar to isolate strains. Each isolate was tested to investigate its antimicrobial resistance and to detect virulence factor genes by PCR. Eighteen Salmonella strains (6.27%) were isolated. Of these, 66.7% were resistant to streptomycin, 13.4% to cephalothin, 6.67% to imipenem and one isolate (6.67%) was resistant simultaneously to five antimicrobials. Moreover, the most detected genes were sopE (73.4%), pipB (66.7%), sodCI (53.3%), spvR and spvC (46.7%). In total, 54 (17.8%) Yersinia enterocolitica were isolated; of them, 26 (48.1%), 9 (16.7%), 17 (31.5%), 1 (1.85%) and 1 (1.85%) belonged to biotypes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. All strains (100%) demonstrated resistance to cephalothin and 70.4% to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 55.6% to ampicillin, and 37.0% to cefoxitin. Additionally, the most detected genes were ystA (25.9%), inv (24.1%), ail (22.2%), ystB (18.5%) and virF (14.8%). Finally, only one Listeria monocytogenes isolate (0.35%) was obtained, belonging to serogroup IVb, serovar 4b, and it was found to be resistant to cefoxitin, cefotaxime and nalidixic acid. The results highlighted the role of wild boar as a carrier for pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella spp. , Yersinia enterocolitica and Listeria monocytogens, representing a possible reservoir for domestic animals and human pathogens.
Comparable COVID‐19 outcomes with current use of GLP‐1 receptor agonists, DPP‐4 inhibitors or SGLT‐2 inhibitors among patients with diabetes who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2

Incretin‐based therapies, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i), have been hypothesized to exert beneficial effects on COVID‐19 outcomes due to anti‐inflammatory properties. In this population‐based cohort study, we retrieved data from nationwide registries on all individuals diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection up to 1 November 2020. For individuals with diabetes, we examined the impact of use of GLP‐1 RAs (n = 370) and DPP‐4i (n = 284) compared with sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2i) (n = 342) on risk of hospital admission and severe outcomes. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated after applying propensity score weighted methods to control for confounding. Current users of GLP‐1 RAs had an adjusted RR of 0.89 (95% confidence interval 0.34‐2.33), while users of DPP‐4i had an adjusted RR of 2.42 (95% confidence interval 0.99‐5.89) for 30‐day mortality compared with SGLT‐2i use. Further, use of GLP‐1 RAs or DPP‐4i compared with SGLT‐2i was not associated with decreased risk of hospital admission. Thus, use of incretin‐based therapies in individuals with diabetes and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) was not associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Exercise Therapy Teamwork in German Rehabilitation Settings: Results of a National Survey Using Mixed Methods Design

A key prerequisite for implementing biopsychosocial exercise therapy concepts as parts of multimodal rehabilitation programs is interprofessional teamwork. Based on a nationwide survey of exercise therapy using a mixed methods design, it is of interest to determine to what extent there are links between team-related processes (e.g., interprofessional exchange) and structural features of the exercise therapy departments (e.g., department size) and the individual rating of interprofessional teamwork. The first part of the study involved a questionnaire-based survey, where exercise therapy heads of 1146 rehabilitation facilities were contacted. In the second part of the study, 58 exercise therapy heads held discussions in six focus groups. The results from both parts showed that interprofessional teamwork was rated positively overall. Team meetings were seen as the central platform for exchange. However, particularly in larger facilities, the hierarchical position of medical management and lacking resources were negatively associated with interprofessional exchange. The results affirm empirically that a more binding provision of adequate structural and organizational conditions, such as sufficient time slots for liaising on content, are essential for effective teamwork. This would facilitate and improve the promotion of physical activity in multimodal rehabilitation programs.