Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crossing Kingdoms: How the Mycobiota and Fungal-Bacterial Interactions Impact Host Health and Disease

The term “microbiota” invokes images of mucosal surfaces densely populated with bacteria. These surfaces and the luminal compartments they form indeed predominantly harbor bacteria. ABSTRACT The term “microbiota” invokes images of mucosal surfaces densely populated with bacteria. These surfaces and the luminal compartments they form indeed predominantly harbor bacteria. However, research from this past decade has started to complete the picture by focusing on important but largely neglected constituents of the microbiota: fungi, viruses, and archaea. The community of commensal fungi, also called the mycobiota, interacts with commensal bacteria and the host. It is thus not surprising that changes in the mycobiota have significant impact on host health and are associated with pathological conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this review we will give an overview of why the mycobiota is an important research area and different mycobiota research tools. We will specifically focus on distinguishing transient and actively colonizing fungi of the oral and gut mycobiota and their roles in health and disease. In addition to correlative and observational studies, we will discuss mechanistic studies on specific cross-kingdom interactions of fungi, bacteria, and the host.
Distribution of Anionic Groups in TMP Suspensions

Abstract The distribution of anionic groups in fibres, fines, the colloidal fraction, and the dissolved fraction of thermomechanical pulp (TMP) suspensions was determined. The influence of extraction, alkaline treatment, and peroxide bleaching of spruce TMP were also studied. Spruce TMP was extracted with hexane, treated with alkali, or bleached with peroxide. Suspensions were made at pH 5.5 or 8, and fractionated into long fibres, large fines, small fines, a colloidal fraction, and a dissolved fraction. The surface and total charge of the fractions were determined separately by polyelectrolyte titration. To determine the origin of the charges, the contents of fatty acids, resin acids, and acidic units in polysaccharides in the different fractions were determined by gas chromatography. Extraction of TMP with hexane prior to fractionation increased the measured total and surface charge of the fibres. The removal of wood resin probably uncovered some anionic groups on the fibre surface, or improved the penetration of the polymers into the pores of the fibres. The total charge, determined with polybrene titration, of the fines and the colloidal fraction was lower when the resin had been removed, while the surface charge, determined with poly-DADMAC, was not greatly affected. Alkaline treatment of the TMP increased both the total charge and the surface charge of the fibres and fines, mainly because of demethylation of pectins. Alkaline treatment also increased the total and surface charge of the dissolved substances, due to the release of pectic acids into the water phase. Alkaline peroxide bleaching further increased the total and surface charge of fibres and dissolved substances, most likely due to oxidation of lignin. The total charge and the surface charge of the colloidal substances, consisting mainly of wood resin, were only slightly affected by alkaline treatment and peroxide bleaching. The anionic charge in TMP suspensions originated mainly from free uronic acids in the xylans, arabinogalactans, and pectic acids. The contribution from the fatty and resin acids was substantial only for the colloidal fraction.
What makes It Difficult to keep an Intimate Relationship: Evidence From Greece and China

Keeping an intimate relationship is challenging, and there are many factors causing strain. In the current research, we employed a sample of 1,403 participants from China and Greece who were in an intimate relationship, and we classified 78 difficulties in keeping an intimate relationship in 13 factors. Among the most common ones were clinginess, long work hours, and lack of personal time and space. Clinginess was reported as a more common source of relationship strain by women, while bad sex was reported as a more common source of relationship strain by men. Fading away enthusiasm, bad sex, infidelity and children were reported as more important by older participants, while lack of personal time and space, and character issues were reported as more important by younger participants. The factor structure was similar in the Greek and in the Chinese cultural contexts, but there were also differences. In addition, there were significant interactions between the sample and the sex. For instance, for the non-monogamous factor, men gave higher scores than women in both samples, but the difference was much more pronounced in the Greek sample.
Projected HIV and Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection Incidence Following COVID-19–Related Sexual Distancing and Clinical Service Interruption

Abstract Background The global COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to indirectly impact transmission dynamics and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). It is unknown what combined impact reductions in sexual activity and interruptions in HIV/STI services will have on HIV/STI epidemic trajectories. Methods We adapted a model of HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia for a population of approximately 103 000 men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Atlanta area. Model scenarios varied the timing, overlap, and relative extent of COVID-19–related sexual distancing and service interruption within 4 service categories (HIV screening, preexposure prophylaxis, antiretroviral therapy, and STI treatment). Results A 50% relative decrease in sexual partnerships and interruption of all clinical services, both lasting 18 months, would generally offset each other for HIV (total 5-year population impact for Atlanta MSM, −227 cases), but have net protective effect for STIs (−23 800 cases). If distancing lasted only 3 months but service interruption lasted 18 months, the total 5-year population impact would be an additional 890 HIV cases and 57 500 STI cases. Conclusions Immediate action to limit the impact of service interruptions is needed to address the indirect effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV/STI epidemic.
NF106: A Neurofibromatosis Clinical Trials Consortium Phase II Trial of the MEK Inhibitor Mirdametinib (PD-0325901) in Adolescents and Adults With NF1-Related Plexiform Neurofibromas

PURPOSE Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) frequently develop plexiform neurofibromas (PNs), which can cause significant morbidity. We performed a phase II trial of the MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor, mirdametinib (PD-0325901), in patients with NF1 and inoperable PNs. The primary objective was response rate based on volumetric magnetic resonance imaging analysis. METHODS Inclusion criteria included age ≥ 16 years and a PN that was either progressive or causing significant morbidity. First-dose pharmacokinetics were performed. Patients completed patient-reported outcome measures. Patients received mirdametinib by mouth twice a day at 2 mg/m2/dose (maximum dose = 4 mg twice a day) in a 3-week on/1-week off sequence. Each course was 4 weeks in duration. Evaluations were performed after four courses for the first year and then after every six courses. Patients could receive a maximum of 24 total courses. RESULTS Nineteen patients were enrolled, and all 19 received mirdametinib. The median age was 24 years (range, 16-39 years); the median baseline tumor volume was 363.8 mL (range, 3.9-5,161 mL). Eight of the 19 patients (42%) achieved a partial response of the target PN by course 12, and 10 (53%) had stable disease. One patient (5%) developed progressive disease at course 8. Significant and durable decreases were observed in pain ratings. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this analysis represents the first characterization of the activity and pharmacokinetics of mirdametinib in patients with NF1 and PNs and is the first published response study for MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitors in adults with NF1 and PNs. Mirdametinib given at 2 mg/m2/dose (maximum dose, 4 mg) twice daily in a 3-week on/1-week off sequence resulted in a 42% partial response rate with preliminary evidence of reduction in pain.
Association of PER2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms with genetic susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus

The circadian clock plays a crucial role in the progress of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we performed a case-control study to explore the association between Period 2 (PER2) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the susceptibility of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A total of 492 SLE patients and 493 healthy controls were included. The improved multiple ligase detection reaction (iMLDR) was used for genotyping. The correlations between four SNPs of PER2 (rs10929273, rs11894491, rs36124720, rs934945) and the genetic susceptibility and clinical manifestations of SLE were analyzed. Significant differences were observed in the distributions of allele frequencies and genotype under dominant model in rs11894491 between SLE patients and controls (p = 0.030, p = 022, respectively). We hypothesized that PER2 gene SNPs was related to the genetic susceptibility and clinical manifestations, implying the potential role of PER2 in the pathogenesis of SLE.
Dynamic Perfusion Computed Tomography and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient as Potential Markers for Poorly Differentiated Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Introduction: Tumor grade, one of the most important risk factors for survival, is routinely determined after examining the biopsy material or a surgically removed specimen. The aim of the study was to analyze computed tomography (CT) perfusion parameters and diffusion-weighted imaging apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and to establish the diagnostic value of these modalities determining the tumor grade. Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical study included 56 subjects with PDAC. All the patients had a local perfusion assessment and ADC measurement of the tumor. For the prediction of poor tumor differentiation sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values for each perfusion CT and ADC parameters based on cutoff values from ROC analysis were calculated. Results: Mean transit time (MTT) and ADC values were found to be independent prognosticators for the presence of G3 PDAC. MTT and ADC at the cutoff of 17.37 s and 1.15 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively, appeared to be significant parameters discriminating against the differentiation grade of PDAC. If both values exceeded the defined cutoff point, the estimated probability for the presence of G3 PDAC was 89.29%. Conclusion: The MTT parameter, calculated with the deconvolution method, and the ADC value may serve as effective independent prognosticators identifying poorly differentiated PDAC.
A Multimodal Platform for Simultaneous T-cell Imaging, Defined Activation, and Mechanobiological Characterization

T-cell antigen recognition is accompanied by extensive morphological rearrangements of the contact zone between the T-cell and the antigen-presenting cell (APC). This process involves binding of the T-cell receptor (TCR) complex to antigenic peptides presented via MHC on the APC surface, the interaction of costimulatory and adhesion proteins, remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, and the initiation of downstream signaling processes such as the release of intracellular calcium. However, multiparametric time-resolved analysis of these processes is hampered by the difficulty in recording the different readout modalities at high quality in parallel. In this study, we present a platform for simultaneous quantification of TCR distribution via total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, of intracellular calcium levels, and of T-cell-exerted forces via atomic force microscopy (AFM). In our method, AFM cantilevers were used to bring single T-cells into contact with the activating surface. We designed the platform specifically to enable the study of T-cell triggering via functionalized fluid-supported lipid bilayers, which represent a widely accepted model system to stimulate T-cells in an antigen-specific manner. In this paper, we showcase the possibilities of this platform using primary transgenic T-cells triggered specifically via their cognate antigen presented by MHCII.
Molecular Epidemiology and Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Urine at a Teaching Hospital in Taiwan

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in clinics and hospitals and are associated with a high economic burden. Enterobacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae is a prevalent agent causing UTIs. A high prevalence of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) has emerged recently and is continuing to increase. Seventeen urinary CRKP isolates collected at a teaching hospital in Taiwan from December 2016 to September 2017 were analyzed to elucidate their drug resistance mechanisms. Two-thirds of the isolates were obtained from outpatients. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests demonstrated multidrug resistance in all the isolates. Multilocus sequence typing analysis showed high diversity among the isolates. PCR analysis demonstrated the presence of carbapenemases in three isolates. All isolates carried at least one other extended-spectrum β-lactamase, including TEM, DHA, and CTX-M. Fifteen isolates contained mutations in one of the outer membrane porins that were assessed. The expression levels of the acrB and/or oqxB efflux pump genes, as determined by qRT-PCR, were upregulated in 11 isolates. Six isolates might have utilized other efflux pumps or antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. These analyses demonstrated a highly diverse population and the presence of complex resistance mechanisms in urinary isolates of K. pneumoniae.
A Systematic Review of Executive Function and Information Processing Speed in Major Depression Disorder

Background: Major depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized neuropsychologically by poor performance in tasks of memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the evidence regarding the neuropsychological profile of people with major depression and to determine which of two explanatory models—the processing speed hypothesis or the cognitive effort hypothesis—has most empirical support. Methods: We searched three relevant databases and reviewed the reference lists of the articles retrieved. The results obtained with the Trail Making Test and the Stroop Color-Word Test were reviewed for 37 studies published between 1993 and 2020. Results: The empirical evidence supports both hypotheses: cognitive effort and processing speed, suggesting that depression is not only characterized by psychomotor slowing but also involves a specific deficit in executive function. Discussion: We discuss potentially relevant variables that should be considered in future research in order to improve knowledge about the neurocognitive profile of depression. The main limitation of this study derives from the considerable heterogeneity of participants with MD, which makes it difficult to compare and integrate the data.
Treatment Patterns With Antipsychotics in Long-Term Care Patients With Parkinson’s Disease Psychosis

This study assessed treatment change patterns in Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP) residents receiving antipsychotic (AP) therapies in U.S. long-term care (LTC) facilities. Residents with PDP in LTC between 01/01/13 and 06/30/16 were identified with ≥1 claim of psychosis, hallucinations, or delusions after PD diagnosis. Treatment patterns were evaluated during the 12 months post index. We identified 864 PDP residents: 408 (47.2%) on AP therapy and 456 (52.8%) on no AP therapy. A total of 335 residents (82.1%) continued, 13 (3.2%) discontinued, 11 (2.7%) switched, and 49 (12.0%) augmented (used ≥2 APs) their index AP therapy. Based on the multivariate regression analysis, younger age, male gender, anemia, anxiolytic use or anxiety, sedatives/hypnotic use, bladder disorders including urinary tract infections, coronary conditions, diabetes, hypertension, and dementia were associated with a higher likelihood of treatment change. Understanding the factors associated with treatment change may inform ways to improve management of PDP in the U.S. LTC setting.
Organoid cultures derived from patients with papillary thyroid cancer.

CONTEXT Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has been one of the most frequent endocrine malignancies around the world. Although most PTC patients have a favorable prognosis, a subgroup of patients die, especially when disease recurrence occurs. There is a pressing need for clinically relevant preclinical thyroid cancer models for personalized therapy due to the lack of in vitro models that faithfully represent the biology of the parental tumors. OBJECTIVE To understand thyroid cancer and translate this knowledge to clinical applications, the patient-derived PTC organoids as a promising new preclinical model were established. DESIGN Surgically resected PTC primary tissues were dissociated and processed for organoid derivation. Tumor organoids were subsequently subjected to histological characterization, DNA-sequencing, drug screen, and cell proliferation assay, respectively. RESULTS We describe a three-dimensional culture system for the long-term expansion of patient-derived PTC organoid lines. Notably, PTC organoids preserve the histopathological profiles and genomic heterogeneity of the originating tumors. Drug sensitivity assays of PTC organoids demonstrate patient-specific drug responses, and large correlations with the respective mutational profiles. Estradiol was shown to promote cell proliferation of PTC organoids in the presence of estrogen receptor α (ERα), regardless of the expression of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that this newly developed PTC-derived organoids may be an excellent preclinical model for studying clinical response to anticancer drugs in a personalized way, as well as provide a potential strategy to develop the prevention and treatment options for thyroid cancer with ERα-specific antagonists.
Sorry, Not Sorry: The independent role of multiple phonetic cues in signaling the difference between two word meanings

We examine the use of multiple subphonemic differences distinguishing homophones in production and perception, through a case study focusing on the distinction between two polysemous senses of the English word “sorry” (apology vs. attention-seeking). An analysis of production data from voice actors revealed significant and substantial durational differences between the two meanings. Tokens expressing an apology were longer than attention-seeking tokens, and the situational intensity of the context also independently affected duration. When asked to identify the meaning in a two-way forced-choice task after hearing each token spliced out of its context, listeners were above chance (64.7% accuracy) in identifying the intended meaning, and their responses were significantly correlated with the duration, intensity, and intonation contour (but not mean F0) of the productions. In a second perception task, listeners heard tokens of “sorry” that had been systematically manipulated to vary in duration, intensity, and intonation contour, with responses indicating that each of these dimensions played an independent role in listeners’ judgments. The results highlight the importance of broadening the scope of research on the use of subphonemic detail during lexical access and considering a wider range of lexical and non-lexical factors that condition variability on multiple acoustic dimensions, in order to work toward a more accurate picture of the systematic variability available in the input and tracked by listeners.
Enzymatic technology for Sea buckthorn oil extraction and its biochemical analysis

A research was conducted mix five Sea buckthorn berries harvested Mongolian Central Zone, and an integrated processing composed of an enzymatic unit operation and pulp oil and raw juice have been produced by centrifugal technology. For the extraction of Sea buckthorn oil, pectinase were used simultaneously hydrolyze Sea buckthorn berry pulp. In this study, the following commercial enzymes were evaluated in the enzymatic extraction of oil and raw juice from Sea buckthorn berry: Pectinase. Pectinase dose of 0.5 %, extraction time 120 minutes, hydrolysis temperature 55°C were found optimum, and maximum oilyieldof 5.0 - 5.1 % was achieved under these conditions, and the recovery of the optimized extraction process was calculated to 95.7 – 98.0 % based on 5.2 %theoreticaloil content of sea buckthorn fruit. In addition, physical and biochemical compositions of Sea buckthorn pulp oil was analyzed modern methods as HPLC, Spectrophotometer, Gravimeter, Pycnometer and Refractometers. Fatty acids by HPLC were identified in Pulp oil, mainly including 42,5% palmitoleic acid, 11.2 % linoleic acid, 1.2 % linolenic acid, 12.3% oleic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids occupied 70.9% of the total fatty acids. In conclusion, the enzymatic extraction process has thebenefitsof mild conditions, safe, fast for oil extraction, high yield, and pure juice after oil extraction. DOI: http://doi.dx. org/10.5564/mjc.v15i0. 325 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 15 (41), 2014, p62-65