Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification and analysis of proline-rich proteins and hybrid proline-rich proteins super family genes from Sorghum bicolor and their expression patterns to abiotic stress and zinc stimuli

Systematic genome-wide analysis of Sorghum bicolor revealed the identification of a total of 48 homologous genes comprising 21 proline-rich proteins (PRPs) and 27 hybrid proline-rich proteins (HyPRPs). Comprehensive scrutiny of these gene homologs was conducted for gene structure, phylogenetic investigations, chromosome mapping, and subcellular localization of proteins. Promoter analysis uncovered the regions rich with phosphorous- (BIHD), ammonium-, sulfur-responsive (SURE), and iron starvation-responsive (IRO2) along with biotic, abiotic, and development-specific cis-elements. Further, PRPs exhibit more methylation and acetylation sites in comparison with HyPRPs. miRNAs have been predicted which might play a role in cleavage and translation inhibition. Several of the SbPRP genes were stimulated in a tissue-specific manner under drought, salt, heat, and cold stresses. Additionally, exposure of plants to abscisic acid (ABA) and zinc (Zn) also triggered PRP genes in a tissue-dependent way. Among them, SbPRP17 has been found upregulated markedly in all tissues irrespective of the stress imposed. The expressions of SbHyPRPs, especially SbHyPRP2, SbHyPRP6, and SbHyPRP17 were activated under all stresses in all three tissues. On the other hand, SbHyPRP8 (root only) and SbHyPRP12 (all three tissues) were highly responsive to cold stress and ABA while SbHyPRP26 was induced by drought and Zn in the stem. Taken together, this study indicates the critical roles that SbPRPs and SbHyPRPs play during diverse abiotic stress conditions and notably the plausible roles that these genes play upon exposure to zinc, the crucial micronutrient in plants.
Excavating the social representations and perceived barriers of organ donation in China over the past decade: A hybrid text analysis approach

Background Organ donation has been claimed as a prosocial behavior to prolong the recipient's life and deliver great love. However, the supply-demand ratio of organs in China is highly unbalanced. Being entangled with multiple factors derived from individual and supra-individual levels, organ donation in China is important but sensitive. Previous scholars usually depended on obtrusive approaches to explore the facilitators and hindrances of organ donation, which is hard to discover genuine perceptions toward organ donation. Besides, relatively limited scholarly attention has been paid to what hampers organ donation in China. Objective We intended to excavate the diversified social representations and perceived barriers to organ donation in China over the past decade. Method Two kinds of text analysis methods—semantic network analysis and conventional content analysis, were applied to 120,172 posts from ordinary users on the Sina Weibo platform to address the research questions. Results Regarding social representations, the “hope, understanding, and acceptance” of organ donation was the most pronounced one (34% of the whole semantic network), followed by “family story” (26%), “the procedure of organ donation in NGOs” (15%), “the practical value of organ donation” (14%), and “organ donation in the medical context” (11%). Regarding perceived barriers, a four-layer framework was constructed, including (1) the individual level, mainly about the fear of death and postmortem autopsy; (2) the familial level, which refers to the opposition from family members; (3) the societal level, which alludes to distrust toward medical institutions and the general society; (4) the cultural level, which covers religious-cultural concerns about fatalism. Conclusion In concordance with prior works on social representations regarding organ donation, the current study also uncovered the coexistence of antithetical representations about organ donation—the longing for survival and the fear of death. This representation pair serves as the foundation of Chinese people's ambivalence. Besides, family-related narratives were dispersed over various representations, demonstrating the critical position of family support in organ donation. Moreover, the four-layer framework concerning donation barriers affords a reference for future empirical studies. The practical implications of this work are further discussed.
Low baseline IFN-γ response could predict hospitalization in COVID-19 patients

The SARS-CoV-2 infection has spread rapidly around the world causing millions of deaths. Several treatments can reduce mortality and hospitalization. However, their efficacy depends on the choice of the molecule and the precise timing of its administration to ensure viral clearance and avoid a deleterious inflammatory response. Here, we investigated IFN-γ, assessed by a functional immunoassay, as a predictive biomarker for the risk of hospitalization at an early stage of infection or within one month prior to infection. Individuals with IFN-γ levels below 15 IU/mL were 6.57-times more likely to be hospitalized than those with higher values (p<0.001). As confirmed by multivariable analysis, low IFN-γ levels, age >65 years, and no vaccination were independently associated with hospitalization. In addition, we found a significant inverse correlation between low IFN-γ response and high level of IL-6 in plasma (Spearman’s rho=-0.38, p=0.003). Early analysis of the IFN-γ response in a contact or recently infected subject with SARS-CoV-2 could predict hospitalization and thus help the clinician to choose the appropriate treatment avoiding severe forms of infection and hospitalization.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex in stroke survivors-more than motor rehabilitation: A mini-review

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among elderly populations worldwide. During the early phase of stroke, restoring blood circulation is of utmost importance to protect neurons from further injury. Once the initial condition is stabilized, various rehabilitation techniques can be applied to help stroke survivors gradually regain their affected functions. Among these techniques, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a novel method to assess and modulate cortical excitability non-invasively and aid stroke survivors in the rehabilitation process. Different cortical regions have been targeted using TMS based on the underlying pathology and distorted function. Despite the lack of a standard operational procedure, repetitive TMS (rTMS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) is considered a promising intervention for post-stroke motor rehabilitation. However, apart from the motor response, mounting evidence suggests that M1 stimulation can be employed to treat other symptoms such as dysphagia, speech impairments, central post-stroke pain, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. In this mini-review, we summarize the therapeutic uses of rTMS stimulation over M1 in stroke survivors and discuss the potential mechanistic rationale behind it.
Exploring the impact of media use on wellbeing following a natural disaster

Media use can be beneficial in many ways, but little is known about how it might improve wellbeing outcomes following a traumatic natural disaster. Survivors (n = 491) of deadly Hurricane Michael, which struck the Florida (USA) coastline in 2018, completed an online survey, reporting indicators of post-traumatic growth (PTG) and stress (PTSS). A serial mediation model explored how hurricane-related stressors were related to both outcomes, as mediated by approach, avoidant, and support-seeking coping strategies and post-hurricane hedonic, eudaimonic, and self-transcendent media use as coping tools. Factors contributing to each type of post-hurricane media use were also explored. Results indicate that hurricane-related stressors were associated with PTG, serially mediated through approach coping strategies and self-transcendent media use, thus providing some of the first empirical evidence of the longer-term, beneficial wellbeing effects of media use on survivors of trauma. Additionally, hurricane-related stressors were associated with avoidant coping strategies, which were associated with increased eudaimonic media use. However, hedonic and eudaimonic media use were not associated with PTSS or PTG. Finally, factors known to be associated with media use were not predictive of post-hurricane media use, perhaps suggesting that media play a different role in survivors' lives in the months following a traumatic event.
How the climate shapes stalagmites—A comparative study of model and speleothem at the Sofular Cave, Northern Turkey

Understanding how stalagmites grow under changing climate conditions is of great significance for their application as a paleoclimate archive. In this study, we present a shape modeling approach to stalagmite growth by combining three existing models accounting for climate variables, karst water chemistry, and speleothem deposition. The combined model requires only four input parameters: calcium concentration of the water drop, drip interval, cave temperature, and cave carbon dioxide ( C O 2 ) concentration. Using the output of the coupled atmosphere–ocean–land surface model MPI-ESM1.2 and the CaveCalc model for speleothem chemistry, we simulated stalagmite growth at Sofular Cave, Northern Turkey, (in the last 25 kyr) and compared the results to those of the existing So-1 stalagmite from the same cave. This approach allows simulating, completely independent of measured boundary conditions, a stalagmite geometry that follows the trend of the experimental data for the growth rate, with input parameters within the respective error ranges. When testing the sensitivity of the individual model parameters, the model suggests that the stalagmite radius mainly depends on the drip interval, whereas the growth rate is driven by the calcium concentration of the water drop. The model is also capable of showing some basic phenomena, like a decrease in growth rate (as observed in the real stalagmite), as CO2 concentration in the cave increases. The coupling of input parameters for the model to climate models represents the first attempt to understand an important climate archive in its shape and isotope content and opens the possibility for a new inverse approach to paleoclimate variables and model constraints.
Individual prediction of hemispheric similarity of functional connectivity during normal aging

In the aging process of normal people, the functional activity pattern of brain is in constant change, and the change of brain runs through the whole life cycle, which plays a crucial role in the track of individual development. In recent years, some studies had been carried out on the brain functional activity pattern during individual aging process from different perspectives, which provided an opportunity for the problem we want to study. In this study, we used the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data from Cambridge Center for Aging and Neuroscience (Cam-CAN) database with large sample and long lifespan, and computed the functional connectivity (FC) values for each individual. Based on these values, the hemispheric similarity of functional connectivity (HSFC) obtained by Pearson correlation was used as the starting point of this study. We evaluated the ability of individual recognition of HSFC in the process of aging, as well as the variation trend with aging process. The results showed that HSFC could be used to identify individuals effectively, and it could reflect the change rule in the process of aging. In addition, we observed a series of results at the sub-module level and find that the recognition rate in the sub-module was different from each other, as well as the trend with age. Finally, as a validation, we repeated the main results by human brainnetome atlas (BNA) template and without global signal regression, found that had a good robustness. This also provides a new clue to hemispherical change patterns during normal aging.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of fish assemblage in the Datong and Xiaotong rivers, karst tributaries in the upper Yangtze River drainage: Implications for ecological adaptation and conservation of fish in rivers

The Datong and Xiaotong rivers are karst tributaries in the upper Yangtze River drainage and represent considerable habitat diversity that contributes to high fish diversity and rich fishery resources in the two rivers. During the few decades, fish resources have abruptly declined due to overfishing, water pollution and habitat degradation. In order to further strengthen conservation and restoration of fish resources and provide scientific support for fishery management in these rivers, the temporal and spatial dynamics of fish assemblage in the Datong and Xiaotong rivers were investigated in the present study. A total of 45 species were captured at 30 sample sites during four surveys conducted from March 2016 to January 2017. Species diversity and richness both increased from upstream to downstream in the two rivers. The fish assemblages significantly differed between river reaches, while did not differ in significantly between 4 months. The spatial variations in the abundance of Rhynchocypris oxycephalus, Zacco platypus, Triplophysa bleekeri, Sinogastromyzon szechuanensis, Platysmacheilus nudiventris, Sinibrama taeniatus, Saurogobio gymnocheilus, Pseudorasbora parva, Pseudobagrus truncates and Opsariichthys bidens were considered to contribute most to the spatial pattern of fish assemblages. The lack of a temporal pattern of the fish assemblage in the rivers might be attributed to ecological habits of short-distance migration and diversified mesohabitats with riffles and pools for fish spawning, feeding or overwintering within a very short river range. Our results suggest the spatio-temporal dynamics of fish assemblages is highly adapted to the habitat characteristics in the two karst rivers. We recommend that fish conservation of these tributaries be focused on the mesohabitats, particularly the many pools and riffles.
Biochemical responses of hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitosa) to hydrological change

Plant growth and development are closely related to water availability. Water deficit and water excess are detrimental to plants, causing a series of damage to plant morphology, physiological and biochemical processes. In the long evolutionary process, plants have evolved an array of complex mechanisms to combat against stressful conditions. In the present study, the duration-dependent changes in ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) contents and activities of enzymes involved in the AsA-GSH cycle in hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitosa) in response to water stress was investigated in a pot trial using a complete random block design. The treatments were as follows: (1) heavily waterlogging, (2) moderate waterlogging, (3) light waterlogging, (4) light drought, (5) moderate drought, (6) heavily drought, and (7) a control (CK) with plant be maintained at optimum water availability. The hairgrass plants were subjected to waterlogging or drought for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days and data were measured following treatment. Results revealed that hairgrass subjected to water stress can stimulate enzymatic activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and L-galactono-1, 4-lactone dehydrogenase (GalLDH), switched on the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle and the L-galactose synthesis, up-regulated the contents of AsA and GSH, and maintained higher ratios of ascorbate to dehydroascorbate (AsA/DHA) and reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) to alleviate potential oxidative damage. However, the light waterlogging did not induce hairgrass under stress to switch on the AsA-GSH pathway. In general, the critic substances and enzyme activities in AsA-GSH metabolic pathway increased as the increase of water stress intensity. As the increase of exposure duration, the critic antioxidant substances content and enzyme activities increased first and then maintained a relatively stable higher level. Our findings provide comprehensive information on biochemical responses of hairgrass to hydrological change, which would be a major step for accelerating ecological restoration of degradation alpine marshes in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
Analysis of two cooperating antibodies unveils immune pressure imposed on HIV Env to elicit a V3-glycan supersite broadly neutralizing antibody lineage

Elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) is a goal of vaccine design as a strategy for targeting highly divergent strains of HIV-1. Current HIV-1 vaccine design efforts seek to elicit bnAbs by first eliciting their precursors through prime-boost regimens. This requires an understanding of the co-evolution between viruses and antibodies. Towards this goal, we have analyzed two cooperating antibodies, DH475 and DH272, which exerted pressure on the HIV population in an infected donor, called CH848, to evolve in such a way that it became sensitive to the V3-glycan supersite DH270 bnAb lineage. We obtained a 2. 90Å crystal structure of DH475 in complex with the Man9 glycan and a negative stain EM model of DH272 in complex with the HIV-1 spike trimer, Env. Coupled with additional modeling studies and biochemical data, our studies reveal that DH475 contacts a V3- and V4-glycan dependent epitope accessible on an open or shed Env and that DH272 makes critical contacts with the V1V2 and V3 loops on HIV-1 Env. Using these data, we suggest a prime-boost regimen that may facilitate the initiation of DH270-like bnAb precursors.
Evaluating the impact of biochar on biomass and nitrogen use efficiency of sugarcane using 15N tracer method

N is an essential nutrient for sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybribds) growth. Excess chemical nitrogen fertilizer applied still a serious problem of China sugarcane plant. Biochar has shown promise in improving crop yield and N use efficiency (NEU). However its impact on sugarcane is not well-studied. To investigate how biochar impacts on sugarcane growth and nitrogen N use efficiency (NUE), a glasshouse pot experiment was conducted using the 15N tracer method. Two cultivars, GT11 and B8, were chosen as test objects and were planted under low N(120 kg N hm-2) and high N(600 kg N hm-2)condition, respectively. The effects of low and high biochar application rates (10 t hm-2 and 20 t hm-2) on growth, nitrogen uptake, accumulation and distribution as well as NUE in GT11 and B8 were studied. Results showed that sugarcane biomass was not significantly affected by biochar application. N uptake by GT11 was significantly increased 23.91% - 45.42% by C20 and N120 condition at tillering stage and elongation stage. While N uptake by B8 showed a significant response to B10 and B20 with an increase of 27.27% and 30.40% at tillering stage,respectively. Biochar application led to 0.28% - 23.75% and 1.08% - 30.07% increase in NUE of GT11 and B8,respectively. The effect of biochar application of N from fertilizer(FF) was significant,however only C20 treatment shown remarkable response when under low N treatment. Our study suggest that the effects of biochar on sugarcane depend on varieties and the applied rate of biochar and N fertilizer.Biochar application with inorganic N could improve N uptake and N use of sugarcane.
Sex, Rhythm & Death: The effect of sexual activity on cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death

Arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death with sexual activity are rare. However, the demographics are changing regarding the cardiovascular patients at risk for these events. Recent studies have highlighted that the individuals having cardiac events during sexual activity are becoming younger, with a higher proportion of female decedents than previously described. There needs to be an open dialog between the cardiovascular team and the cardiac patient to provide the education and reassurance necessary for cardiovascular patients to participate in sexual intercourse safely. This paper reviews how sexual activity can lead to an increase in cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest in patients that are not medically optimized or are unaware of their underlying cardiac condition. The most common cardiovascular diseases associated with sexually induced arrhythmias and arrest are discussed regarding their potential risk and the psychosocial impact of this risk on these patients. Finally, cardiovascular medications and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are addressed by reviewing the literature on the safety profile of these cardiac interventions in this patient population. Overall, sexual activity is safe for most cardiac patients, and providing proper education to the patient and their partner can improve the safety profile for patients with higher risk cardiovascular conditions. To give the appropriate education and reassurance necessary, cardiovascular team members need an understanding of the pathophysiology of how sexual activity can provoke arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest. Healthcare providers also need to build comfort in speaking to all patients and ensure that sexual partners, female patients, and those in the LGBTQIA + community receive the same access to counseling but tailored to their individual needs.
The genetic overlap between osteoporosis and craniosynostosis

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent bone condition in the ageing population. This systemic disease is characterized by microarchitectural deterioration of bone, leading to increased fracture risk. In the past 15 years, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have pinpointed hundreds of loci associated with bone mineral density (BMD), helping elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and genetic architecture of fracture risk. However, the challenge remains in pinpointing causative genes driving GWAS signals as a pivotal step to drawing the translational therapeutic roadmap. Recently, a skull BMD-GWAS uncovered an intriguing intersection with craniosynostosis, a congenital anomaly due to premature suture fusion in the skull. Here, we recapitulate the genetic contribution to both osteoporosis and craniosynostosis, describing the biological underpinnings of this overlap and using zebrafish models to leverage the functional investigation of genes associated with skull development and systemic skeletal homeostasis.
Experiential Financial Capability Education: A Field Study of My Classroom Economy

This brief summarizes the results of an evaluation of My Classroom Economy (MCE ), an innovative approach to financial education. In contrast to more traditional financial education programs based around lesson plans, MCE is experiential. Teachers establish a classroom-based economy that integrates into the school day as a classroom management system. Research suggests that this type of experiential approach is a promising teaching strategy, with the added benefit of minimizing time away from other classroom activities.