Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carcinoma-Associated Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells: Architects of the Pro-tumorigenic Tumor Microenvironment

Abstract The interaction between tumor cells and non-malignant hosts cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical to the pathophysiology of cancer. These non-malignant host cells, consisting of a variety of stromal, immune, and endothelial cells, engage in a complex bidirectional crosstalk with the malignant tumor cells. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are one of these host cells, and they play a critical role in directing the formation and function of the entire TME. These MSCs are epigenetically reprogrammed by cancer cells to assume a strongly pro-tumorigenic phenotype and are referred to as carcinoma-associated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (CA-MSCs). Studies over the last decade demonstrate that CA-MSCs not only directly interact with cancer cells to promote tumor growth and metastasis but also orchestrate the formation of the TME. Carcinoma-associated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells can differentiate into virtually all stromal sub-lineages present in the TME, including pro-tumorigenic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), myofibroblasts, and adipocytes. carcinoma-associated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and the CAFs they produce, secrete much of the extracellular matrix in the TME. Furthermore, CA-MSC secreted factors promote angiogenesis, and recruit immunosuppressive myeloid cells effectively driving tumor immune exclusion. Thus CA-MSCs impact nearly every aspect of the TME. Despite their influence on cancer biology, as CA-MSCs represent a heterogenous population without a single definitive marker, significant confusion remains regarding the origin and proper identification CA-MSCs. This review will focus on the impact of CA-MSCs on cancer progression and metastasis and the ongoing work on CA-MSC identification, nomenclature and mechanism of action.
Serum IL‐17A concentration and a IL17RA single nucleotide polymorphism contribute to the risk of autoimmune type 1 diabetes

Interleukin (IL)‐17 is associated with autoimmunity. This study aimed to affirm the role of IL‐17A, IL‐17F and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to them and their receptors in autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) for Chinese population.
Inducible and tissue‐specific cell labeling in Cre‐ER T2 transgenic Xenopus lines

Investigating cell lineage requires genetic tools that label cells in a temporal and tissue‐specific manner. The bacteriophage‐derived Cre‐ERT2/loxP system has been developed as a genetic tool for lineage tracing in many organisms. We recently reported a stable transgenic Xenopus line with a Cre‐ERT2/loxP system driven by the mouse Prrx1 (mPrrx1) enhancer to trace limb fibroblasts during the regeneration process (Prrx1:CreER line). Here we describe the detailed technological development and characterization of such line. Transgenic lines carrying a CAG promoter‐driven Cre‐ERT2/loxP system showed conditional labeling of muscle, epidermal, and interstitial cells in both the tadpole tail and the froglet leg upon 4‐hydroxytamoxifen (4OHT) treatment. We further improved the labeling efficiency in the Prrx1:CreER lines from 12.0% to 32.9% using the optimized 4OHT treatment regime. Careful histological examination showed that Prrx1:CreER lines also sparsely labeled cells in the brain, spinal cord, head dermis, and fibroblasts in the tail. This work provides the first demonstration of conditional, tissue‐specific cell labeling with the Cre‐ERT2/loxP system in stable transgenic Xenopus lines.
Pseudorabies virus tegument protein UL13 recruits RNF5 to inhibit STING-mediated antiviral immunity

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) has evolved various immune evasion mechanisms that target host antiviral immune responses. However, it is unclear whether and how PRV encoded proteins modulate the cGAS-STING axis for immune evasion. Here, we show that PRV tegument protein UL13 inhibits STING-mediated antiviral signaling via regulation of STING stability. Mechanistically, UL13 interacts with the CDN domain of STING and recruits the E3 ligase RING-finger protein 5 (RNF5) to promote K27-/K29-linked ubiquitination and degradation of STING. Consequently, deficiency of RNF5 enhances host antiviral immune responses triggered by PRV infection. In addition, mutant PRV lacking UL13 impaired in antagonism of STING-mediated production of type I IFNs and shows attenuated pathogenicity in mice. Our findings suggest that PRV UL13 functions as an antagonist of IFN signaling via a novel mechanism by targeting STING to persistently evade host antiviral responses.
Acoustic Room Modelling using a Spherical Camera for Reverberant Spatial Audio Objects

The ability to predict the acoustics of a room without acoustical measurements is a useful capability. The motivation here stems from spatial audio reproduction, where knowledge of the acoustics of a space could allow for more accurate reproduction of a captured environment, or for reproduction room compensation techniques to be applied. A cuboid-based room geometry estimation method using a spherical camera is proposed, assuming a room and objects inside can be represented as cuboids aligned to the main axes of the coordinate system. The estimated geometry is used to produce frequency-dependent acoustic predictions based on geometrical room modelling techniques. Results are compared to measurements through calculated reverberant spatial audio object parameters used for reverberation reproduction customized to the given loudspeaker set up.
Overcoming Taxane Resistance: Preclinical and Phase 1 Studies of Relacorilant, a Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulator, with Nab-Paclitaxel in Solid Tumors

Abstract Purpose: Chemotherapy resistance remains a major problem in many solid tumors, including breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. Glucocorticoids are one potential driver of chemotherapy resistance as they can mediate tumor progression via induction of cell-survival pathways. We investigated whether combining the selective glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulator relacorilant with taxanes can enhance antitumor activity. Patients and Methods: The effect of relacorilant on paclitaxel efficacy was assessed in OVCAR5 cells in vitro and in the MIA PaCa-2 xenograft. A phase 1 study of patients with advanced solid tumors was conducted to determine the recommended phase 2 dose of relacorilant + nab-paclitaxel. Results: In OVCAR5 cells, relacorilant reversed the deleterious effects of glucocorticoids on paclitaxel efficacy (P < 0.001). Compared with paclitaxel alone, relacorilant + paclitaxel reduced tumor growth and slowed time to progression in xenograft models (both P < 0.0001). In the heavily pretreated phase 1 population [median (range) of prior regimens: 3 (1–8), prior taxane in 75.3% (55/73)], 33% (19/57) of response-evaluable patients achieved durable disease control (≥16 weeks) with relacorilant + nab-paclitaxel and 28.6% (12/42) experienced longer duration of benefit than on prior taxane (up to 6.4×). The most common dose-limiting toxicity of the combination was neutropenia, which was manageable with prophylactic G-CSF. Clinical benefit with relacorilant + nab-paclitaxel was also associated with GR-regulated transcript-level changes in a panel of GR-controlled genes. Conclusions: The observed preclinical, clinical, and GR-specific pharmacodynamic responses demonstrate that selective GR modulation with relacorilant combined with nab-paclitaxel may promote chemotherapy response and is tolerable. Further evaluation of this combination in tumor types responsive to taxanes is ongoing.
Psychometric Properties of the Verbal and Social Interaction Questionnaire for Psychiatric Outpatient Care (VSI-OP), Staff and Patient Versions

Abstract The aim of this paper is to investigate the psychometric properties of the Verbal and Social Interaction questionnaire for psychiatric outpatient care (VSI-OP) by using a confirmatory factor analysis. A further aim is to present the patient and staff perceptions of the frequency of these interactions in this context. The factor structure of the VSI-OP could be explained by three factors for both the staff and the patient versions. The three factors are: ‘Inviting the patient to establish a relationship’, ‘Showing interest in the patients’ feelings, experiences and behaviour’ and ‘Helping the patients to establish structure and routines in their everyday life’. The two first factors were the most frequently occurring actions according to the staff and the patients.
When do cover crops reduce nitrate leaching? A global meta‐analysis

The global increases in the surface and groundwater nitrate (NO3−) concentrations due to synthetic fertilizer input have emerged as major sustainability threats to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Cover crops can reportedly reduce nitrate leaching from croplands. However, the underlying mechanisms and the effectiveness of cover crops in reducing nitrate leaching across species, soil types, agronomic management, and climates remain elusive. We conducted a global meta‐analysis to evaluate the effects of cover crops on nitrate leaching and water drainage. A random‐effects analysis was established to investigate seven moderating variables in 41 articles. Results showed that globally, cover crops reduced nitrate leaching by 69% compared with fallow while demonstrating no effect on water drainage. Overall, cover crops from Brassicaceae and Poaceae families showed the greatest effect with 75% and 52% reduction in nitrate leaching, respectively. Cover cropping on Ultisols, Histosols, and Inceptisols resulted in the greatest reduction in nitrate leaching (77%, 78%, and 77%, respectively). Greater efficacy of cover crops at reducing nitrate leaching was evident with increasing soil sand content. In general, cover crops appeared to perform better to reduce nitrate leaching in vegetable systems compared to field crops. Cover cropping on conventional tillage resulted in a 63% reduction in nitrate leaching compared with no‐tillage (50%) and reduced tillage (38%) systems. The impact of cover crops on water drainage was nonsignificant which implies that nitrate leaching control by cover crops is unlikely exerted through reducing water drainage. This study brings further insight into the intrinsic factors affecting cover crop efficacy and management practices that enhance cover crop potential in reducing nitrate leaching from agricultural systems.
Guillain–Barré syndrome from an emergency department view: how to better predict the outcome?

ABSTRACT Objective In Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS), respiratory failure is the most serious manifestation and mechanical ventilation (MV) is required in approximately 20% of the patients. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate clinical factors that can be evaluated in the Emergency Department which may influence the short-term prognosis of GBS patients. Methods Data were acquired regarding age, sex, antecedent infections, neurological signs and symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid examination, nerve conduction studies, treatment of GBS, need for MV, length of stay in the hospital, and discharge destination (home or rehabilitation). Charlson Comorbidity Index and modified Erasmus GBS outcome score (mEGOS) were collected on admission. Results Seventy-eight GBS patients were recruited with a mean age of 53.9 (range 19-81). Sixty-nine (88.46%) were diagnosed with GBS and nine (11.54%) had classic Miller-Fisher syndrome. Mean values for the Charlson Comorbidity index were 1.20 ± 1.81, and the values of mEGOS were 2.4 ± 1.6. The rate of home discharge and rehabilitation was similar between elderly and younger patients. Patients who required MV had higher mEGOS (p-value=0.061). Regarding the electrophysiological subtypes, we did not observe a significant difference between AIDP and AMAN/AMSAN concerning the need for MV, the type of discharge, values of mEGOS and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Discussion A significant correlation was found between mEGOS and the need for MV. Age did not influence the short-term prognosis of GBS patients. mEGOS may be a useful tool for predicting outcomes in patients with GBS and higher mEGOS scores on admission significantly correlated with poor outcomes.
Open innovation and quality management: the moderating role of interorganisational IT infrastructure and complementary learning styles

Abstract This study seeks to explain the influence of quality management on the relationship between open innovation and performance. We propose that, to contribute to open innovation performance, an organisation’s commitment to quality improvement must rely on the combination of its own resources and capabilities and its open innovation partners’ resources and capabilities. Specifically, we examine the moderating role of an interorganisational IT infrastructure and the complementarity of learning styles among an organisation committed to quality improvement and its supply network. Using data from 270 managers of European firms, our results show that the negative effects of quality management on open innovation performance can be overcome by complementing the organisation’s learning style with that of its open innovation partner, particularly, its supply network, and, most importantly, obtaining information technologies compatible with those of its supply network members.
A randomised trial evaluating mask ventilation using electrical impedance tomography during anesthetic induction: one-handed technique versus two-handed technique

Objective. Mask positive-pressure ventilation could lead to lung ventilation inhomogeneity, potentially inducing lung function impairments, when compared with spontaneous breathing. Lung ventilation inhomogeneity can be monitored by chest electrical impedance tomography (EIT), which could increase our understanding of mask ventilation-derived respiratory mechanics. We hypothesized that the two-handed mask holding ventilation technique resulted in better lung ventilation, reflected by respiratory mechanics, when compared with the one-handed mask holding technique. Approach. Elective surgical patients with healthy lungs were randomly assigned to receive either one-handed mask holding (one-handed group) or two-handed mask holding (two-handed group) ventilation. Mask ventilation was performed by certified registered anesthesiologists, during which the patients were mechanically ventilated using the pressure-controlled mode. EIT was used to assess respiratory mechanics, including ventilation distribution, global and regional respiratory system compliance (C RS), expiratory tidal volume (TVe) and minute ventilation volume. Hemodynamic parameters and the PaO2-FiO2 ratio were also recorded. Main results. Eighty adult patients were included in this study. Compared with spontaneous ventilation, mask positive-pressure ventilation caused lung ventilation inhomogeneity with both one-handed(global inhomogeneity index: 0.40 ± 0.07 versus 0.50 ± 0.15; P < 0.001) and two-handed mask holding (0.40 ± 0.08 versus 0.50 ± 0.13; P < 0.001). There were no differences in the global inhomogeneity index (P = 0.948) between the one-handed and two-handed mask holding. Compared with the one-handed mask holding, the two-handed mask holding was associated with higher TVe (552.6 ± 184.2 ml versus 672.9 ± 156.6 ml, P = 0.002) and higher global C RS (46.5 ± 16.4 ml/cmH2O versus 53.5 ± 14.5 ml/cmH2O, P = 0.049). No difference in PaO2-FiO2 ratio was found between both holding techniques (P = 0.743). Significance. The two-handed mask holding technique could not improve the inhomogeneity of lung ventilation when monitored by EIT during mask ventilation although it obtained larger expiratory tidal volumes than the one-handed mask holding technique.
Military-civilian partnerships and the clinical readiness mission: A preliminary study from the Military Health System and the American College of Surgeons

Survey results from MCP military surgeons and civilian host champions demonstrate that well-established MCP partnered programs align well with the guidelines set forth in the Blue Book. This preliminary survey can be used in future MCP collaborations. BACKGROUND The Blue Book, published in conjunction with the Military Health System Strategic Partnership with the American College of Surgeons, serves as a reference manual for institutions wishing to establish a military-civilian partnership (MCP). To evaluate the applicability of the criteria contained in the Blue Book, we created a survey to be distributed to MCP military surgeons and their civilian host champions. METHODS E-mail surveys were sent to MCP military surgeons and civilian host champions. Military surgeons were queried about basic demographic information and aspects of the MCP including type, duration of assignment, onboarding, malpractice coverage, and billing for services. We gathered information on the role of military surgeons at the MCP, workload information, and trauma cases. The civilian host champions survey focused on institutional activities including trauma surgical volume, clinical and educational opportunities for the military surgeons, and exposure to research. Military-civilian partnership military surgeons and civilian host champions were questioned on program attributes: administrative support, budget, and profile of the program within the institution. RESULTS Ten MCP military surgeons and 7 host champions completed surveys. The majority of military surgeons were assigned to the MCP for a 3-year instructor role (90%), and most were trauma surgeons (80%). Clinical activities for the military surgeon were where 60% spent ≥13 weeks annually on trauma. Military surgeons identified host program support in academic growth, deployment preparation, and sense of value at the MCP as positive attributes. Civilian host champions unanimously reported that exposure to research, opportunities to lead trauma teams, dedicated intensive care unit time, and patient volume were positive program attributes. CONCLUSION This preliminary survey demonstrates that the criteria put forth in the Blue Book align with experiences of MCP military surgeons and host champions. Continued development of this survey and others like it may be useful in the MCP program selection and evaluation process. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic/care management; Level V.
Facilitation of auxin biosynthesis and metabolism by salt stress in rice plants.

To investigate the effects of salt stress on the auxin in rice plants, we analyzed indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and its metabolites in hydroponically grown rice plant seedlings (Oryza sativa cv. Nipponbare) and in the culture medium using LC-ESI/MS/MS. We found that the IAA level in the culture medium was increased about 20-fold due to salt stress treatment, while those in the shoots and roots were increased by less than twofold. The culture medium also contained high amounts of oxidized metabolites such as OxIAA, DiOxIAA, DiOxIAA-Glu, and DiOxIAA-Asp. The total amount of IAA and its metabolites in the shoots, roots, and culture medium was significantly increased with salt treatment. A salt stress-responsive increase in the IAA metabolites was observed in nine tested cultivars of rice. The results indicate that salt stress facilitates the metabolic turnover of IAA in rice plants and may open new insight into the role of auxin.
Electronic Nose for Detecting Strawberry Fruit Maturity

An electronic nose (e-nose) composed of 18 different metal oxide gas sensors was used to characterize the volatile patterns of ‘Strawberry Festival’ and ‘Florida Radiance’ strawberry fruit at five developmental stages: white, half red, three-quarter red, full ripe, and overripe. Strawberry samples were harvested at three harvest dates from early February to the end of March. Three-gram aliquots of strawberry puree were employed for headspace sampling in 10-mL vials, which were incubated at 40 °C for 2 min prior to analysis. Volatiles from each sample were sampled for 2 min with data acquisition every second. After analysis, there was an 18-min delay for sensor recovery. E-nose sensor data was reproducible with 90% of sensor responses having relative standard deviations of less than 10%. Sensors P30/1, T30/1, and P30/2 were the major differentiating sensors for strawberry maturity as indicated by their loadings on the first principal component (PC1). Immature and less mature fruit were well separated from full ripe and overripe fruit on PC1, regardless of cultivar. Harvest date was separated primarily by the second principal component. E-nose volatile patterns of ‘Strawberry Festival’ and ‘Florida Radiance’ strawberry cultivars were separated at identical stages of development. E-nose technology has the potential to monitor strawberry maturity and fruit quality.
Convergent evolution of toxin resistance in animals

Convergence is the phenomenon whereby similar phenotypes evolve independently in different lineages. One example is resistance to toxins in animals. Toxins have evolved many times throughout the tree of life. They disrupt molecular and physiological pathways in target species, thereby incapacitating prey or deterring a predator. In response, molecular resistance has evolved in many species exposed to toxins to counteract their harmful effects. Here, we review current knowledge on the convergence of toxin resistance using examples from a wide range of toxin families. We explore the evolutionary processes and molecular adaptations driving toxin resistance. However, resistance adaptations may carry a fitness cost if they disrupt the normal physiology of the resistant animal. Therefore, there is a trade‐off between maintaining a functional molecular target and reducing toxin susceptibility. There are relatively few solutions that satisfy this trade‐off. As a result, we see a small set of molecular adaptations appearing repeatedly in diverse animal lineages, a phenomenon that is consistent with models of deterministic evolution. Convergence may also explain what has been called ‘autoresistance’. This is often thought to have evolved for self‐protection, but we argue instead that it may be a consequence of poisonous animals feeding on toxic prey. Toxin resistance provides a unique and compelling model system for studying the interplay between trophic interactions, selection pressures and the molecular mechanisms underlying evolutionary novelties.