Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SNAREs and developmental disorders

Members of the soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) family mediate membrane fusion processes associated with vesicular trafficking and autophagy. SNAREs mediate core membrane fusion processes essential for all cells, but some SNAREs serve cell/tissue type‐specific exocytic/endocytic functions, and are therefore critical for various aspects of embryonic development. Mutations or variants of their encoding genes could give rise to developmental disorders, such as those affecting the nervous system and immune system in humans. Mutations to components in the canonical synaptic vesicle fusion SNARE complex (VAMP2, STX1A/B, and SNAP25) and a key regulator of SNARE complex formation MUNC18‐1, produce variant phenotypes of autism, intellectual disability, movement disorders, and epilepsy. STX11 and MUNC18‐2 mutations underlie 2 subtypes of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. STX3 mutations contribute to variant microvillus inclusion disease. Chromosomal microdeletions involving STX16 play a role in pseudohypoparathyroidism type IB associated with abnormal imprinting of the GNAS complex locus. In this short review, I discuss these and other SNARE gene mutations and variants that are known to be associated with a variety developmental disorders, with a focus on their underlying cellular and molecular pathological basis deciphered through disease modeling. Possible pathogenic potentials of other SNAREs whose variants could be disease predisposing are also speculated upon.
A Church-based Culturally Sensitive Physical Activity Intervention in African American Women

The purpose of this pilot study was to test a church-based, culturally sensitive, six-week intervention called GET FIT DON’T QUIT. The intervention aimed to increase knowledge and change beliefs about physical activity, and to improve social facilitation to increase self-regulation, in order to promote physical activity in African-American women. A two-group pretest/posttest, quasi-experimental design was conducted in a convenience sample (N = 37) of African-American women. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group by church affiliation. The six-week intervention consisted of teaching and roundtable discussions, and email reminders to be physically active. There were significant differences (p < .05) in the level of self-efficacy, self-regulation, and friend social support. There were no significant differences in knowledge of physical activity guidelines, beliefs, and family social support. These pilot study results suggested that multiple factors are associated with physical activity engagement in African-American women.
Ten‐m/Odz3 regulates migration and differentiation of chondrogenic ATDC5 cells via RhoA‐mediated actin reorganization

Tenascin‐like molecule major (Ten‐m)/odd Oz (Odz), a type II transmembrane molecule, is well known to modulate neural development. We have reported that Ten‐m/Odz3 is expressed in cartilaginous tissues and cells. Actin cytoskeleton and its regulator ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) are closely associated with chondrogenesis. The present study aimed to evaluate the function and molecular mechanism of Ten‐m/Odz3 during chondrogenesis, focusing on RhoA and the actin cytoskeleton. Ten‐m/Odz3 was expressed in precartilaginous condensing mesenchyme in mouse limb buds. Ten‐m/Odz3 knockdown in ATDC5 induced actin cytoskeleton reorganization and change of cell shape through modulation of RhoA activity and FGF2 expression. Ten‐m/Odz3 knockdown suppressed ATDC5 migration and expression of genes associated with chondrogenesis, such as Sox9 and type II collagen, via RhoA. On the other hand, Ten‐m/Odz3 knockdown inhibited proliferation of ATDC5 in a RhoA‐independent manner. These findings suggest that Ten‐m/Odz3 plays an important role in early chondrogenesis regulating RhoA‐mediated actin reorganization.
First rib dysfunction in patients with neck and shoulder pain: a Delphi investigation

ABSTRACT Background First rib dysfunction is a possible cause of symptoms in patients with neck and/or shoulder pain. Objectives To explore therapists’ perceptions of useful diagnostic criteria to identify first rib dysfunction. Methods A Delphi survey over four rounds involving international manual therapy experts who were asked to agree on which items were most useful in identifying first rib dysfunction. Results Consensus (>70% agreement) was reached on key aspects of first rib dysfunction being first rib mobility restriction, upper limb symptom distribution, and a subclassification into two subgroups was suggested. The main clinical findings suggested were: painful and restricted neck movements and shoulder girdle loading activities; positive Upper Limb Neural Test 1; direct palpation of first rib, neural structures, and scalene muscles; pain and hypomobility of first rib accessory movements with improvement after mobilization. The cervical rotation lateral-flexion test was considered a useful, although not widely used test among the experts. Its diagnostic accuracy and interpretation in isolation was questioned. Conclusions This Delphi study produced a cluster of clinical tests aimed to identify first rib dysfunction in patients with neck and/or shoulder conditions. However, these need to be tested out in further research to establish reliability and validity.
Age Differences in Return-to-Work Following Injury: Understanding the Role of Age Dimensions Across Longitudinal Follow-up.

OBJECTIVES To examine the overall association between chronological age and return-to-work (RTW), and understand if secondary data can be used to better understand the role of age-related dimensions (functional, psychosocial, organizational, life-stage) in explaining these associations. METHODS We used survey data from a prospective cohort of injured workers in Victoria, Australia. Path models examined the relationship between chronological age and RTW, and the proportion mediated via age dimensions. RESULTS Older chronological age was associated with non-RTW, although the pattern was not observed consistently across follow-up surveys. A proportion of the overall relationship between chronological age and non-RTW was explained by functional and life-stage age and RTW status at previous time points. CONCLUSIONS Findings underscore the importance of moving beyond age measured only in chronological years, towards more complex conceptual and analytical models that recognize age as a multidimensional construct.
Moving Accelerometers to the Tip: Monitoring of Wind Turbine Blade Bending Using 3D Accelerometers and Model-Based Bending Shapes

Increasing the length of wind turbine blades for maximum energy capture leads to larger loads and forces acting on the blades. In particular, alternate bending due to gravity or nonuniform wind profiles leads to increased loads and imminent fatigue. Therefore, blade monitoring in operation is needed to optimise turbine settings and, consequently, to reduce alternate bending. In our approach, an acceleration model was used to analyse periodically occurring deviations from uniform bending. By using hierarchical clustering, significant bending patterns could be extracted and patterns were analysed with regard to reference data. In a simulation of alternate bending effects, various effects were successfully represented by different bending patterns. A real data experiment with accelerometers mounted at the blade tip of turbine blades demonstrated a clear relation between the rotation frequency and the resulting bending patterns. Additionally, the markedness of bending shapes could be used to assess the amount of alternate bending of the blade in both simulations and experiment.s The results demonstrate that model-based bending shapes provide a strong indication for alternate bending and, consequently, can be used to optimise turbine settings.
Screening of germline mutations in young Rwandan patients with breast cancers

In Sub‐Saharan Africa breast cancer is commonly detected at younger age and the profile is more aggressive with a high mortality rate compared to the European countries. It is suggested that African‐specific genetic background plays a key role in this matter. The present study aimed at understanding the role of genetic factors in breast cancer development in young Rwandan.
RAI14 silencing suppresses progression of esophageal cancer via the STAT3 pathway

Esophageal cancer (EC) is an aggressive malignancy that has an unclear molecular pathogenesis. Although retinoic acid induced 14 (RAI14) is involved in various cancer processes, the relationship between EC and RAI14 has not been elucidated. Our study reported the oncogenic function of RAI14 and its underlying mechanisms in EC. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed that RAI14 was upregulated in EC, and this upregulation correlated with T stage, histologic grade, and poor clinical prognosis. RAI14 was evaluated in EC cell lines, and the overexpression of RAI14 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Conversely, RAI14 knockdown induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. RAI14 activated STAT3, upregulated Mcl-1 and cyclin D1, and inhibited cleaved caspase-3. Inhibition of STAT3 restored the oncogenic effect of RAI14, and RAI14 silencing restrained tumor growth and the protein level of Ki67 in vivo. Our results suggest that RAI14 regulates the STAT3 pathway and acts as an oncogene during EC progression.
Rapid onsets of warming events trigger mass mortality of coral reef fish

Significance Our study reveals a hitherto overlooked effect of warming on coral reefs. Traditionally, ecological studies of warming events focused on maximum temperatures and duration, rather than the rate of warming at the onset. Here, we show that onsets can trigger widespread mortality of reef fish. Hundreds of thermally stressed fish, belonging to dozens of species, became fatally infected with a common pathogen in the Red Sea. Differential susceptibility led to selective mortality, with disproportional death among predators and benthic feeders. A reassessment of past reports suggests that extreme onset might have been an overlooked trigger of fish kills elsewhere. Warming tropical and subtropical reefs may face an increasing frequency of extreme onsets, eliciting calamities far beyond coral bleaching. Our study reveals a hitherto overlooked ecological threat of climate change. Studies of warming events in the ocean have typically focused on the events’ maximum temperature and duration as the cause of devastating disturbances in coral reefs, kelp forests, and rocky shores. In this study, however, we found that the rate of onset (Ronset), rather than the peak, was the likely trigger of mass mortality of coral reef fishes in the Red Sea. Following a steep rise in water temperature (4.2 °C in 2.5 d), thermally stressed fish belonging to dozens of species became fatally infected by Streptococcus iniae. Piscivores and benthivores were disproportionately impacted whereas zooplanktivores were spared. Mortality rates peaked 2 wk later, coinciding with a second warming event with extreme Ronset. The epizootic lasted ∼2 mo, extending beyond the warming events through the consumption of pathogen-laden carcasses by uninfected fish. The warming was widespread, with an evident decline in wind speed, barometric pressure, and latent heat flux. A reassessment of past reports suggests that steep Ronset was also the probable trigger of mass mortalities of wild fish elsewhere. If the ongoing increase in the frequency and intensity of marine heat waves is associated with a corresponding increase in the frequency of extreme Ronset, calamities inflicted on coral reefs by the warming oceans may extend far beyond coral bleaching.
Association of Body Shape Index (ABSI) with Hand Grip Strength

Hand grip is a leading measure of muscle strength and general health, yet its association with body shape is not well characterized. Here, we examine correlations between grip strength, a body shape index (ABSI), and body mass index (BMI) in the 2011–2014 United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cohorts. Grip strength was found to correlate negatively with ABSI (though positively with BMI), suggesting that those with a more central body profile tend to be weaker than others with the same weight. Individuals with low grip strength, as well as those with high ABSI, were more likely to die during follow up, whereas there was no association of BMI with mortality hazard. Transforming the grip strength, ABSI, and BMI by taking their logarithm prior to standardization did not meaningfully change the associations seen. These findings suggest that combining anthropometrics (ABSI, BMI) with grip strength may better identify individual mortality hazard in research studies and clinical practice.
Comparative transcriptome analysis uncovers different heat stress responses in heat-resistant and heat-sensitive jujube cultivars

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is an economically and agriculturally significant fruit crop and is widely cultivated throughout the world. Heat stress has recently become a primary abiotic stressor limiting the productivity and growth of jujube, as well as other crops. There are few studies, however, that have performed transcriptome profiling of jujube when it is exposed to heat stress. In this study, we observed the physiochemical changes and analyzed gene expression profiles in resistant jujube cultivar ‘HR’ and sensitive cultivar ‘HS’ subjected to heat stress for 0, 1, 3, and 5d. Twenty-four cDNA libraries from ‘HR’ and ‘HS’ leaves were built with a transcriptome assay. A total of 6887 and 5077 differentially expressed genes were identified in ‘HR’ and ‘HS’ after 1d, 3d, and 5d of heat stress compared with the control treatment, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that some of the genes were highly enriched in oxidation-reduction process, response to stress, response to water deprivation, response to heat, carbon metabolism, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, and plant hormone signal transduction and may play vital roles in the heat stress response in jujube plants. Differentially expressed genes were identified in the two cultivars, including heat shock proteins, transcriptional factors, and ubiquitin-protein ligase genes. And the expression pattern of nine genes was also validated by qRT-PCR. These results will provide useful information for elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying heat stress in different jujube cultivars.
Detection of Pvl gene for the presence of leukocidin among clinical isolates of staphylococcus aureus

Aim: Detection of Pvl gene for the presence of leukocidin among clinical isolates of staphylococcus aureus Background: PVL and γ -haemolysin are considered to be members of a toxin family known as synergohymenotropic toxins, as they act on cell membranes by the synergy of two proteins that form a pore. Only 2% of S. aureus isolates produce PVL, while γ haemolysin is produced by more than 99% of S. aureus isolates. PVL is the most leukocytolytic toxin in the family, however it does not exhibits no haemolytic activity on human erythrocytes. A sum of 20 clinical isolates of S. aureus were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity pattern followed by the detection of pvl gene by PCR. We have observed increased resistance to most of the routinely used antibiotics and 10% of our isolates found to have pvl gene. As this gene is directly associated with skin and soft tissue infections by S. aureus, our two isolates may even cause such infections, although none of these strains were not obtained from cutaneous lesions. Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is one of many toxins associated with S. aureus infection. Because it can be found in virtually all CA-MRSA strains that cause soft-tissue infections, it was long described as a key virulence factor, allowing the bacteria to target and kill specific white blood cells known as neutrophils. This view was challenged, however, when it was shown that removal of PVL from the two major epidemic CA-MRSA strains resulted in no loss of infectivity or destruction of neutrophils in a mouse model. Materials and Method: These antibiotics were procured from Himedia, Mumbai. This was performed by Kirby-bauer disc diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines. Conclusion: The pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus depends on various bacterial surface components and extracellular proteins. uggests that the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is 1 such virulence factor that has a major role in pathogenicity.
Validation of the 4‐aminophenol color test for the differentiation of marijuana‐type and hemp‐type cannabis

The analysis of cannabis plant material submitted to seized‐drug laboratories was significantly affected by the signing of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, which defined hemp and removed it from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. As a result, field law enforcement personnel and forensic laboratories now are in need of implementing new protocols that can distinguish between marijuana‐type and hemp‐type cannabis. Colorimetric tests provide a cost‐effective and efficient manner to presumptively identify materials prior to submission to a laboratory for analysis. This work presents the validation of the 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP) color test and demonstrates its utility for discriminating between marijuana‐type and hemp‐type cannabis (i.e., typification). Validation studies included the testing of numerous cannabinoid reference materials, household herbs, previously characterized cannabis plant samples, and real‐case samples. The 4‐AP test reliably produces a pink result when the level of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is approximately three times lower than the level of cannabidiol (CBD). A blue result is generated when the level of THC is approximately three times higher than that of CBD. Inconclusive results are observed when the levels of THC and CBD are within a factor of three from each other, demonstrating the limitations of the test under those scenarios.
Novel temporin L antimicrobial peptides: promoting self-assembling by lipidic tags to tackle superbugs

Abstract The rapid development of antimicrobial resistance is pushing the search in the discovering of novel antimicrobial molecules to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Self-assembling antimicrobial peptides, as the lipidated peptides, are a novel and promising class of molecules capable of meeting this need. Based on previous work on Temporin L analogs, several new molecules lipidated at the N- or and the C-terminus were synthesised. Our goal is to improve membrane interactions through finely tuning self-assembly to reduce oligomerisation in aqueous solution and enhance self-assembly in bacterial membranes while reducing toxicity against human cells. The results here reported show that the length of the aliphatic moiety is a key factor to control target cell specificity and the oligomeric state of peptides either in aqueous solution or in a membrane-mimicking environment. The results of this study pave the way for the design of novel molecules with enhanced activities. Graphical Abstract
An evolutionary concept of some sessile and tubicolous animals

Abstract Feeding mechanisms, and waste elimination likely to cause fouling have possibly been the underlying driving forces in the evolution of sedentary tubicolous Annelida, the Phoronida, the Sipuncula, the Pogonophora, the pterobranchiate Hemichordata, the sessile Ectoprocta, and the Entoprocta. The ancestral form which probably gave origin to these phyla possibly had a tentacular apparatus surrounding the mouth, and a straight gut leading to a posterior and terminal anus. The evolutionary trends suggested resulted in 1) the extant tubicolous Annelida, 2) the tubicolous animals with a U-shaped gut, e.g. Sipuncula, Phoronida, and the pterobranchiate Hemichordata, and 3) the Pogonophora, in which the gut has been eliminated. In these last two groupings tube fouling has been overcome.
Ishophloroglucin A Isolated from Ishige okamurae Suppresses Melanogenesis Induced by α-MSH: In Vitro and In Vivo

Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) isolated from Ishige okamurae (IO) showed potential whitening effects against UV-B radiation. However, the components of IO as well as their molecular mechanism against α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) have not yet been investigated. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Ishophloroglucin A (IPA), a phlorotannin isolated from brown algae IO, and its crude extract (IOE), in melanogenesis in vivo in an α-MSH-induced zebrafish model and in B16F10 melanoma cells in vitro. Molecular docking studies of the phlorotannins were carried out to determine their inhibitory effects and to elucidate their mode of interaction with tyrosinase, a glycoprotein related to melanogenesis. In addition, morphological changes and melanin content decreased in the α-MSH-induced zebrafish model after IPA and IOE treatment. Furthermore, Western blotting results revealed that IPA upregulated the extracellular related protein expression in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells. Hence, these results suggest that IPA isolated from IOE has a potential for use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Meconium microbiome and its relation to neonatal growth and head circumference catch-up in preterm infants

The purpose was identify an association between meconium microbiome, extra-uterine growth restriction, and head circumference catch-up. Materials and methods: Prospective study with preterm infants born <33 weeks gestational age (GA), admitted at Neonatal Unit and attending the Follow-Up Preterm Program of a tertiary hospital. Excluded out born infants; presence of congenital malformations or genetic syndromes; congenital infections; HIV-positive mothers; and newborns whose parents or legal guardians did not authorize participation. Approved by the institution's ethics committee. Conducted 16S rRNA sequencing using PGM Ion Torrent meconium samples for microbiota analysis. Results: Included 63 newborns, GA 30±2.3 weeks, mean weight 1375.80±462.6 grams, 68.3% adequate weight for GA at birth. Polynucleobacter (p = 0.0163), Gp1 (p = 0.018), and Prevotella (p = 0.038) appeared in greater abundance in meconium of preterm infants with adequate birth weight for GA. Thirty (47.6%) children reached head circumference catch-up before 6 months CA and 33 (52.4%) after 6 months CA. Salmonella (p<0.001), Flavobacterium (p = 0.026), and Burkholderia (p = 0.026) were found to be more abundant in meconium in the group of newborns who achieved catch-up prior to 6th month CA. Conclusion: Meconium microbiome abundance was related to adequacy of weight for GA. Meconium microbiome differs between children who achieve head circumference catch-up by the 6th month of corrected age or after this period.