Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Search for Quorum Sensing in Botrytis cinerea: Regulatory Activity of Its Extracts on Its Development

Botrytis cinerea is a phytopathogenic fungus that causes large crop and post-harvest losses. Therefore, new and effective strategies are needed to control the disease and to reduce resistance to fungicides. Modulating pathogenicity and virulence by manipulating microbial communication is a promising strategy. This communication mechanism, called Quorum Sensing (QS), has already been reported in bacteria and yeasts; however, it has not yet been studied in B. cinerea. To establish the existence of this biochemical process in B. cinerea, we prepared extracts at different growth times (D1-D12), which were applied to fresh cultures of the same fungi. The chemical analysis of the extracts obtained from several fermentations showed different compositions and biological activities. We confirmed the presence of several phytotoxins, as well as compounds 1-phenylethanol and 3-phenylpropanol. Day five extract (0.1%) inhibited conidia germination and elongation of germ tubes, day seven extract (1%) produced the greatest phytotoxic effect in tomato leaves, and day nine extract (0.1%) was a sporulation inhibitor. In contrast, the extracts from days 7, 9, and 12 of fermentation (0.1% and 0.01%) promoted pellet and biofilm formation. Sporulation was slightly induced at 0.01%, while at 0.1% there was a great inhibition. At the highest extract concentrations, a biocidal effect was detected, but at the lowest, we observed a QS-like effect, regulating processes such as filamentation, morphogenesis, and pathogenesis. These results of the biological activity and composition of extracts suggest the existence of a QS-like mechanism in B. cinerea, which could lead to new non-biocidal alternatives for its control through interference in the pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms of the fungi.
Young people's experiences with mental health medication: A narrative review of the qualitative literature

Abstract Background With the growing prevalence of mental illness in young people, healthcare professionals require an understanding of the social and psychological implications of medication use in this population. Aim To characterize the qualitative literature regarding the perceptions and experiences of young people taking medication for mental illness. Methods A narrative review of qualitative studies involving young people (13–24 years) taking any medication as treatment for a mental illness. The Medication Experience Model guided analysis of quotes related to medication use. Results Of the 27 included studies, the majority involved participants with depression and utilized interviews. Young people reported a wide range of mental health medication experiences, both negative and positive, which could influence medication acceptance. Lack of autonomy and the influence of family members were challenges faced by this population. Conclusions Young people reported that medications had affected them in various ways across multiple dimensions. Lack of involvement in decision-making and a loss of autonomy were of particular relevance to young people, issues which should also be of interest to healthcare professionals.
The reliability of immunoassays to detect autoantibodies in patients with myositis is dependent on autoantibody specificity

Abstract Objectives In order to address the reliability of commercial assays to identify myositis-specific and -associated autoantibodies, we aimed to compare the results of two commercial immunoassays with the results obtained by protein immunoprecipitation. Methods Autoantibody status was determined using radio-labelled protein immunoprecipitation for patients referred to our laboratory for myositis autoantibody characterization. For each autoantibody of interest, the sera from 25 different patients were analysed by line blot (Euroline Myositis Antigen Profile 4, EuroImmun, Lübeck, Germany) and dot blot (D-Tek BlueDiver, Diagnostic Technology, Belrose, NSW, Australia). Sera from 134 adult healthy controls were analysed. Results Overall commercial assays performed reasonably well, with high agreement (Cohen’s κ >0.8). Notable exceptions were the detection of rarer anti-synthetases with κ < 0.2 and detection of anti-TIF1γ, where κ was 0.70 for the line blot and 0.31 for dot blot. Further analysis suggested that the proportion of patients with anti-TIF1γ may recognize a conformational epitope, limiting the ability of blotting-based assays that utilize denatured antigen to detect this clinically important autoantibody. A false-positive result occurred in 13.7% of samples analysed by line blot and 12.1% analysed by dot blot. Conclusion The assays analysed do not perform well for all myositis-specific and -associated autoantibodies and overall false positives are relatively common. It is crucial that clinicians are aware of the limitations of the methods used by their local laboratory. Results must be interpreted within the clinical context and immunoprecipitation should still be considered in selected cases, such as apparently autoantibody-negative patients where anti-synthetase syndrome is suspected.
Efficacy and safety of pleurectomy and wedge resection versus simple pleurectomy in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Background The treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) remains controversial. Guidelines do not explicitly define surgical procedures. Different treatment modalities are observed in clinics of same profile. Treatment is controversial. The aim of the work was to compare the effectiveness of two methods-pleurectomy and pleurectomy combined with wedge resection in patients with PSP in terms of safety and efficiency. Methods Non-randomized observational study based on clinical analysis of 73 patients, M:F ratio 3:1, aged 18 to 45 years, the average age was 29 years, operated between January 2008 and December 2014 due to the occurrence of PSP. Pleurectomy was supplemented by wedge resection in patients diagnosed intraoperatively with ELC (emphsema-like changes) ≥ III stage (classification of PSP by Vanderschueren). Efficacy was defined as follows: complete lung expansion, drainage (days), air leak, frequency of PAL (persistent air leak >5 days), recurrences and re-operations. Safety was defined as follows: heamothorax, major bleeding (loss of Hg >2 g/dL), infections, deaths. The research project was approved by the Bioethical Commission of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice (KNW/022/kb1/3/14). Results Mean follow-up was 22 months. Efficacy: recurrences occurred less frequently in group treated with pleurectomy without wedge resection. No results were found in other parameters. Safety: No results were found in all parameters. Conclusions Efficacy and safety of pleurectomy vs. pleurectomy + wedge resection is comparable.
Clinical features of pulmonary mucormycosis in patients with different immune status.

Background Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) is a relatively rare but often fatal and rapidly progressive disease. Most studies of PM are case reports or case series with limited numbers of patients, and focus on immunocompromised patients. We investigated the clinical manifestations, imaging features, treatment, and outcomes of patients with PM with a focus on the difference in clinical manifestations between patients with different immune status. Methods Clinical records, laboratory results, and computed tomography scans of 24 patients with proven or probable PM from January 2005 to December 2018 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results Ten female and 14 male patients were included (median age, 43.5 years; range, 13-64 years). Common presenting symptoms were fever (70.8%), cough (70.8%), sputum production (54.2%), and hemoptysis (41.7%). Radiological findings included consolidation (83.3%), ground-glass opacities (58.3%), nodules (50.0%), masses (37.5%), cavities (33.3%), mediastinal lymphadenopathy (29.2%), and halo sign (12.5%); one patient had a reversed halo sign. Seven patients (29.2%) had no obvious predisposing risk factors, and 17 (70.8%) had underlying diseases including diabetes, hematological malignancy, and use of immunosuppressants. Compared with immunocompromised patients, immunocompetent patients with PM were younger {23 [13-46] vs. 48 [17-64] years, P=0.023}, comprised a higher proportion of men (100.0% vs. 41.2%, P=0.019), had a longer disease course {34 [8-47] vs. 9 [2-102] weeks, P=0.033}, had a higher eosinophil count [0.66 (0.07-2.00) ×109/L vs. 0.04 (0.00-0.23) ×109/L, P=0.001], and had a lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate {12 [1-88] vs. 74 [9-140] mm/h, P=0.032}. Conclusions PM can occur in heterogeneous patients with different immune status, and the clinical phenotype differs between immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Because of the lack of specific clinic and imaging manifestations, aggressive performance of invasive procedures to obtain histopathological and microbial evidence is crucial for a definitive diagnosis.
Serine is required for the maintenance of redox balance and proliferation in the intestine under oxidative stress

Serine has critical roles in maintaining cell growth and redox balance in cancer cells. However, the role of exogenous serine played in oxidative response and proliferation in normal mammalian intestine need to be further elucidated. We used a mouse model and intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC‐J2) to reveal that exogenous serine deficiency did not lead to redox imbalance and inhibition of proliferation in the intestine. However, serine deficiency exacerbated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and inhibition of proliferation in IPEC‐J2 cells challenged by hydrogen peroxide, while serine supplementation rescued redox imbalance and those proliferation defects. Importantly, serine supplementation restored the glutathione content and decreased the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, while no such effects were observed when glutathione synthesis was inhibited. Additionally, serine supplementation increased nuclear nrf2 expression in IPEC‐J2 cells. These results suggested that serine alleviates oxidative stress through supporting glutathione synthesis and activating nrf2 signaling. We further found that serine supplementation activated the mTOR pathway, while inhibition of mTOR diminished the effects of serine on promoting proliferation, suggesting critical roles of the mTOR pathway in this context. Taken together, our study underlines the importance of serine in the maintenance of redox status and proliferation in the intestine and reveals a novel potential mechanism that mediates these effects.
An evaluation of glasdegib for the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia

ABSTRACT Introduction Despite recent advances in the treatment of adult acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), the overall outcome remains dismal especially in high-risk AML patients, including the elderly and the relapsed/refractory populations. In this setting, various clinical trials have recently explored novel therapeutic agents either used alone or in combination with intensive chemotherapy or low-intensity treatments. Areas covered The current paper reviews the clinical development of glasdegib, a selective inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway through binding to its target SMO, for the treatment of AML. Expert opinion Glasdegib confirmed its efficacy and showed an acceptable tolerability, especially when used in combination either with ‘3 + 7ʹ chemotherapy or with low-intensity therapies. In 2018, glasdegib was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in combination with low-dose cytarabine for the treatment of newly diagnosed AML in patients older than 75 years or presenting with severe comorbidities.
Association between habitual use of coping strategies and posttraumatic stress symptoms in a non-clinical sample of college students: A Bayesian approach

The present study investigated the influences of coping styles on posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among a sample of non-clinical college students who were exposed to traumatic events. Ninety-nine college students participated in the study. However, the sample used in the analyses consisted of only 37 participants who fulfilled the DSM-IV criterion A for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. The PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version (PCL-C) and the Brief COPE were used to assess the participants’ PTSS and habitual use of coping strategies, respectively. Bayesian and frequentist correlations showed that emotion-focused coping style was negatively associated with PTSS, while dysfunctional coping style was positively related to PTSS. In the subsequent linear regression on both statistical framework, dysfunctional coping was the only consistent variable predicting more PTSD symptoms. The findings presented here show that lower use of adaptive coping (emotion-focused) and higher use of dysfunctional coping styles on a daily basis are associated to PTSS severity in a non-clinical sample of college students. According to the Bayesian approach, which permits more generalization of data, dysfunctional coping style is determinant to higher levels of PTSS. These findings add new data to the body of research that highlight the critical role of distinct coping strategies in the severity of PTSS.
The modulatory effects of irisin on asprosin, leptin, glucose levels and lipid profile in healthy and obese male and female rats

Abstract Objectives The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of irisin on asprosin, leptin, glucose levels and lipid profile in healthy and obese male and female rats. Methods Irisin was subcutaneously administered with osmotic minipumps at the dose of 100 ng/kg/day for 28 days and then, the serum levels of asprosin, leptin, glucose and lipid profile were investigated. Results Irisin infusion increased asprosin levels in male rats (p = .02) but not in female rats. Irisin inhibited obesity-induced high glucose, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG) and leptin levels in all groups; however, it did not lead to any change in asprosin levels in both obese female and male rats. Conclusions It was determined that irisin increased serum asprosin levels and decreased LDL, TG, glucose and leptin levels, and this could indicate a protective role of irisin against obesity development.
Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a retrospective analysis of 198 patients

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided RFA for the treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Materials and methods The data of 204 nodules from 198 PTMC patients who were treated using RFA were retrospectively reviewed in this study. Demographic variables, complication details and CEUS results in different time points were collected. The volumes and volume reduction rate (VRR) of the ablated area under CEUS at different follow-up time points were calculated and compared. Results All the patients were successfully treated without major complication. Mild complications included cervical discomfort in three cases, postoperative cervical pain in one case, and transient hoarse voice in five cases. The volume of the ablated area in the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th month postoperatively were 241.7 ± 298.3mm3, 89.8 ± 147.2 mm3, 37.6 ± 87.2 mm3, 13.6 ± 59.8 mm3, 2.4 ± 14.4 mm3, and 0.2 ± 2.0 mm3 respectively, with a statistically significant decrease (F = 138.1, p = .000), and the VRR in those time points were 73.9 ± 13.7%, 90.5 ± 8.2%, 96.1 ± 5.9%, 98.8 ± 3.2%, 99.6 ± 1.9% and 99.8 ± 1.0% respectively, with a statistically significant decrease (F = 695.3, p = .000). Conclusions US-guided RFA is safe and effective for PTMC, with a good oncological outcome and VRR. Further randomized controlled prospective trials are still needed to compare the value of RFA and surgery.
Comparison of postoperative pain after foraminal enlargement of necrotic teeth using continuous rotary system and reciprocating instrument: A randomized clinical trial

Objectives: This single-blind, randomized clinical trial (RCT) aimed to compare the duration, intensity, and incidence of postoperative pain after foraminal enlargement (FE) with continuous rotary systems and reciprocating instruments. Materials and Methods: Sixty qualified patients were randomly divided into the following two groups: the ProTaper Next group and the WaveOne group. Participants were selected from patients who had both asymptomatic necrosis and asymptomatic apical periodontitis with a single root canal. Endodontic treatment was performed in one visit, and the patients were asked to record their pain severity and analgesic consumption during a 7-day follow-up period using a visual analog scale (VAS). The data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U-test and Chi-square test (P < 0.05). Results: A significant difference was observed between the two groups during the first two days of follow-up (P < 0.05). Pain experience was higher in FEs that had been created by reciprocating instruments than by continuous rotary systems. There were no significant differences in VAS pain scores over the other days (P > 0.05). None of the patients had severe postoperative pain during the follow-up period. No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of analgesic consumption between either group (P > 0.05). Conclusions: This RCT indicates that in the 2-day follow-up period after endodontic treatment, FEs created by reciprocated instruments associated more postoperative pain than continuous rotary systems.
The effect of viewing idealised smile images versus nature images via social media on immediate facial satisfaction in young adults: A randomised controlled trial

Introduction: The objective of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to investigate the effect of a social networking site (SNS) on body dissatisfaction, facial and smile dissatisfaction, and face-related discrepancy, and whether these effects differ from the use of appearance-neutral Instagram images. We also aimed to investigate whether there are trends in increased self-reported use of social media and increased body dissatisfaction, facial and smile dissatisfaction, and face-related discrepancy. Methods: Undergraduate students were randomly allocated to an experimental group with idealised smile images or to a control group with neutral nature images. They completed pre-exposure questionnaires, then perused for 5 min their allocated images on individual Apple iPads via the Instagram application. Participants then completed the post-exposure surveys. The main outcome was facial dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction and total facial and body dissatisfaction were secondary outcomes. Simple randomisation was achieved with a computerised random number generator. Data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA and multivariate regression analyses. Results: A total of 132 participants (mean age = 20.50 ± 2.21 years) were randomised to either the experimental group with idealised smile images (n=71) or the control group with neutral nature images (n=61). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups and no participants were lost. Exposure to ‘ideal’ facial images on social media decreases facial satisfaction (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85–1.05; P < 0.0001). Individuals with high baseline self-discrepancy scores are less satisfied with their facial features and body appearance (95% CI = 0.04–1.16; P = 0.036). Conclusion: This study shows that viewing SNSs with high visual media reduces satisfaction with facial appearance in the short term in men and women. This effect is greater in those with high self-discrepancy scores. Increased media usage was not correlated with increased dissatisfaction. Wearing braces or having had braces was shown not to influence post-exposure dissatisfaction.
EHMT2 Inhibition Induces Cell Death in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Altering the Cholesterol Biosynthesis Pathway

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major subtype of lung cancer. Besides genetic and environmental factors, epigenetic alterations contribute to the tumorigenesis of NSCLC. Epigenetic changes are considered key drivers of cancer initiation and progression, and altered expression and activity of epigenetic modifiers reshape the epigenetic landscape in cancer cells. Euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) is a histone methyltransferase and catalyzes mono- and di-methylation at histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me1 and H3K9me2, respectively), leading to gene silencing. EHMT2 overexpression has been reported in various types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and neuroblastoma, in relation to cell proliferation and metastasis. However, its role in NSCLC is not fully understood. In this study, we showed that EHMT2 gene expression was higher in NSCLC than normal lung tissue based on publicly available data. Inhibition of EHMT2 by BIX01294 (BIX) reduced cell viability of NSCLC cell lines via induction of autophagy. Through RNA sequencing analysis, we found that EHMT2 inhibition significantly affected the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. BIX treatment directly induced the expression of SREBF2, which is a master regulator of cholesterol biosynthesis, by lowering H3K9me1 and H3K9me2 at the promoter. Treatment of a cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor, 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC), partially recovered BIX-induced cell death by attenuating autophagy. Our data demonstrated that EHMT2 inhibition effectively induced cell death in NSCLC cells through altering cholesterol metabolism-dependent autophagy.
Serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii infection in slaughtered sheep and goats at Kumasi Abattoir, Ghana

ABSTRACT Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is an important zoonosis worldwide. Q fever is documented in many parts of the world; however, information on the disease in Ghana is scanty. This study was therefore conducted to provide evidence of exposure of sheep and goats slaughtered at the Kumasi Abattoir to Coxiella burnetii. A total of 350 serum samples collected from 175 sheep and 175 goats were analyzed for the presence of C. burnetii antibodies using a commercial ELISA kit (ID Vet). Results of the study established a seroprevalence of 28.57% in goats, 16.57% in sheep and an overall seroprevalence of 22.29% in sheep and goats; 20.57% for male sheep, 23.86% for female sheep, 26.44% for male goats and 30.68% for female goats. Results showed that goats are more at risk to the infection than sheep however sex is not a risk factor. This study confirms the existence of Q fever in sheep and goats in Ghana hence, the disease should be considered as a public health risk to workers at the abattoir and other stakeholders in the sheep and goat production chain.