Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SAMHD1 Enhances Chikungunya and Zika Virus Replication in Human Skin Fibroblasts

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are emerging arboviruses that pose a worldwide threat to human health. Currently, neither vaccine nor antiviral treatment to control their infections is available. As the skin is a major viral entry site for arboviruses in the human host, we determined the global proteomic profile of CHIKV and ZIKV infections in human skin fibroblasts using Stable Isotope Labelling by Amino acids in Cell culture (SILAC)-based mass-spectrometry analysis. We show that the expression of the interferon-stimulated proteins MX1, IFIT1, IFIT3 and ISG15, as well as expression of defense response proteins DDX58, STAT1, OAS3, EIF2AK2 and SAMHD1 was significantly up-regulated in these cells upon infection with either virus. Exogenous expression of IFITs proteins markedly inhibited CHIKV and ZIKV replication which, accordingly, was restored following the abrogation of IFIT1 or IFIT3. Overexpression of SAMHD1 in cutaneous cells, or pretreatment of cells with the virus-like particles containing SAMHD1 restriction factor Vpx, resulted in a strong increase or inhibition, respectively, of both CHIKV and ZIKV replication. Moreover, silencing of SAMHD1 by specific SAMHD1-siRNA resulted in a marked decrease of viral RNA levels. Together, these results suggest that IFITs are involved in the restriction of replication of CHIKV and ZIKV and provide, as yet unreported, evidence for a proviral role of SAMHD1 in arbovirus infection of human skin cells.
Metabolic Modeling of Pectobacterium parmentieri SCC3193 Provides Insights into Metabolic Pathways of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria

Understanding the plant-microbe interactions are crucial for improving plant productivity and plant protection. The latter aspect is particularly relevant for sustainable agriculture and development of new preventive strategies against the spread of plant diseases. Constraint-based metabolic modeling is providing one of the possible ways to investigate the adaptation to different ecological niches and may give insights into the metabolic versatility of plant pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we present a curated metabolic model of the emerging plant pathogenic bacterium Pectobacterium parmentieri SCC3193. Using flux balance analysis (FBA), we predict the metabolic adaptation to two different ecological niches, relevant for the persistence and the plant colonization by this bacterium: soil and rhizosphere. We performed in silico gene deletions to predict the set of core essential genes for this bacterium to grow in such environments. We anticipate that our metabolic model will be a valuable element for defining a set of metabolic targets to control infection and spreading of this plant pathogen and a scaffold to interpret future –omics datasets for this bacterium.
Effect of Ionic Group on the Complex Coacervate Core Micelle Structure

Pairs of ionic group dependence of the structure of a complex coacervate core micelle (C3M) in an aqueous solution was investigated using DLS, cryo-TEM, and SANS with a contrast matching technique and a detailed model analysis. Block copolyelectrolytes were prepared by introducing an ionic group (i.e., ammonium, guanidinium, carboxylate, and sulfonate) to poly(ethylene oxide-b-allyl glycidyl ether) (NPEO = 227 and NPAGE = 52), and C3Ms were formed by simple mixing of two oppositely-charged block copolyelectrolyte solutions with the exactly same degree of polymerization. All four C3Ms are spherical with narrow distribution of micelle dimension, and the cores are significantly swollen by water, resulting in relatively low brush density of PEO chains on the core surface. With the pair of strong polyelectrolytes, core radius and aggregation number increases, which reflects that the formation of complex coacervates are significantly sensitive to the pairs of ionic groups rather than simple charge pairing.
Blockade of myeloid differentiation 2 attenuates diabetic nephropathy by reducing activation of the renin‐angiotensin system in mouse kidneys

Both innate immunity and the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) is a co‐receptor of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) in innate immunity. While TLR4 is involved in the development of DN, the role of MD2 in DN has not been characterized. It also remains unclear whether the MD2/TLR4 signalling pathway is associated with RAS activation in diabetes.
Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Gait Characteristics in Patients with COPD

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves lower-limb muscle function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it remains unclear whether patients improve gait characteristics, in particular stride-to-stride fluctuations that are associated with fall risks. This study aims to identify whether, and to what extent, PR affects positively gait characteristics in COPD. In this prospective observational study, 44 COPD patients (aged: 62 ± 7 years; Forced expiratory volume in 1 s 56 ± 20% predicted) performed self-paced, treadmill 6-min-walk tests (Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab) before and after PR, while spatiotemporal parameters and center of mass position were recorded (100 Hz, Vicon Nexus). Standard deviation, coefficient of variation, predictability (sample entropy), and consistency in organization (local divergence exponent) were calculated. Sub-analysis was performed to identify gait differences between good and poor responders (<30 m change in a 6-min-walk distance). Patients demonstrated shorter stride times (p = 0.001) and improved lower-limb muscle function (p < 0.001) following PR. The good responders had a greater increase in stride length (p < 0.001) and a greater decrease in stride time (p < 0.001) compared to the poor responders. Current PR improved stride time in patients, while movement patterns within stride-to-stride fluctuations did not change. Training programs specifically targeting balance issues and gait function may be beneficial in improving gait characteristics in COPD.
A Compact Thévenin Model for a Rectenna and Its Application to an RF Harvester with MPPT

This paper proposes a compact Thévenin model for a rectenna. This model is then applied to design a high-efficiency radio frequency harvester with a maximum power point tracker (MPPT). The rectenna under study consists of an L-matching network and a half-wave rectifier. The derived model is simpler and more compact than those suggested so far in the literature and includes explicit expressions of the Thévenin voltage (Voc) and resistance and of the power efficiency related with the parameters of the rectenna. The rectenna was implemented and characterized from −30 to −10 dBm at 808 MHz. Experimental results agree with the proposed model, showing a linear current–voltage relationship as well as a maximum efficiency at Voc/2, in particular 60% at −10 dBm, which is a remarkable value. An MPPT was also used at the rectenna output in order to automatically work at the maximum efficiency point, with an overall efficiency near 50% at −10 dBm. Further tests were performed using a nearby transmitting antenna for powering a sensor node with a power consumption of 4.2 µW.
Morphology Control in a Dual-Cure System for Potential Applications in Additive Manufacturing

The polymerisation, morphology and mechanical properties of a two-component in-situ reacting system consisting of a rubbery dimethacrylate and a rigid epoxy polymer were investigated. The methacrylate component of the mixture was photocured using UV light exposure and, in a second curing process, the mixture was thermally postcured. The polymers formed a partially miscible system with two glass transition temperature (Tg) peaks measured using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The composition and relative rate of reaction of the two orthogonal polymerisations influenced the extent of miscibility of the two polymer-rich phases and the samples were transparent, indicating that the two phases were finely dispersed. The addition of a glycidyl methacrylate compatibiliser further increased the miscibility of the two polymers. The utility of this polymer system for additive manufacturing was investigated and simulated through layer-by-layer processing of the mixture in two steps. Firstly, the methacrylate component was photocured to solidify the material into its final shape, whilst the second step of thermal curing was used to polymerise the epoxy component. With the use of a simulated photomask, a simple shape was formed using the two orthogonal polymerisation stages to produce a solid object. The mechanical properties of this two-phase system were superior to a control sample made only of the methacrylate component, indicating that some reinforcing due to polymerisation of the epoxy across the interfaces had occurred in the postcuring stage.
The Effect of Glycerol, Sugar, and Maleic Anhydride on Pectin-Cellulose Thin Films Prepared from Orange Waste

This study was conducted to improve the properties of thin films prepared from orange waste by the solution casting method. The main focus was the elimination of holes in the film structure by establishing better cohesion between the major cellulosic and pectin fractions. For this, a previously developed method was improved first by the addition of sugar to promote pectin gelling, then by the addition of maleic anhydride. Principally, maleic anhydride was introduced to the films to induce cross-linking within the film structure. The effects of concentrations of sugar and glycerol as plasticizers and maleic anhydride as a cross-linking agent on the film characteristics were studied. Maleic anhydride improved the structure, resulting in a uniform film, and morphology studies showed better adhesion between components. However, it did not act as a cross-linking agent, but rather as a compatibilizer. The middle level (0.78%) of maleic anhydride content resulted in the highest tensile strength (26.65 ± 3.20 MPa) at low (7%) glycerol and high (14%) sugar levels and the highest elongation (28.48% ± 4.34%) at high sugar and glycerol levels. To achieve a uniform film surface with no holes present, only the lowest (0.39%) level of maleic anhydride was necessary.
One-Dimensional Mercury Halide Coordination Polymers Based on A Semi-Rigid N-Donor Ligand: Reversible Structural Transformation

Four one-dimensional (1D) mercury(II) halide coordination polymers have been synthesized by using a semi-rigid N-donor ligand, 2,2′-(1,4-phenylene)-bis(N-(pyridin-3-yl)acetamide) (1,4-pbpa). While [Hg(1,4-pbpa)Cl2·CH3OH]n, 1, forms a sinusoidal chain, the complexes [Hg(1,4-pbpa)X2]n (X = Cl, 2; Br, 3; I, 4) are helical. The sinusoidal 1 undergoes reversible structural transformation with helical 2 upon removal and uptake of CH3OH, which was accompanied with the conformation adjustment of the 1,4-pbpa ligand from trans anti-anti to trans syn-anti. Pyridyl ring rotation of the 1,4-pbpa ligand that results in the change of the ligand conformation is proposed for the initiation of the structural transformation.
Solvent Front Position Extraction with Semi-Automatic Device as a Powerful Sample Preparation Procedure Prior to Quantitative Instrumental Analysis

The new prototype device is applied to the Solvent Front Position Extraction (SFPE) sample preparation procedure. The mobile phase is deposited onto the chromatographic plate adsorbent layer by the pipette, which is moved, according to programmed movement path, by a 3D printer mechanism. The application of the prototype device to SFPE procedure leads to the increased repeatability of the results and significant reduction of the analysis time in comparison to the classical procedure of chromatogram development. Additionally, the new equipment allows use procedures that are not possible to run using the classic chromatogram development. In this paper, the results of manual and semi-automatic sample preparation with SFPE are compared and the possible application of this prototype device is discussed.
Are Adolescent Body Image Concerns Associated with Health-Compromising Physical Activity Behaviours?

The present study aimed to assess the-prevalence of health-compromising eating and physical activity behaviours, and to test their associations with physical activity, internalisation of sociocultural attitudes towards appearance, and body image in a sample of adolescents of both genders. A total sample of 736 adolescents (437 or 59.4% were girls) participated in the study. The participants ranged in age from 16 to 19 years (x = 17.2, SD = 0.6). The sample completed a questionnaire measuring body mass index, the risk of eating disorders, body image, internalisation of sociocultural ideals of appearance, health-compromising eating behaviours (HCEB), and health-compromising weight control related to physical activity behaviours (HCPAB). Logistic regressions were used to assess the associations between the study variables and predictors of HCEB and HCPAB. The results of the study showed a relatively high prevalence of HCEB with a significantly higher prevalence in girls and participants with a higher BMI. The study also demonstrated that the prevalence of adolescent HCPAB was higher than HCEB. The internalisation of sociocultural attitudes towards appearance and body image concerns were higher in the HCEB and HCPAB groups. Female gender (OR = 1.88; 95% PI = 1.10–3.18), HCPAB (OR = 1.19; 95% PI = 1.10–1.28), a preoccupation with being overweight (OR = 3.43; 95% PI = 2.52–4.66), and body weight evaluation as too high (OR = 2.40; 95% PI = 1.57–3.68) were significant predictors of HCEB. More frequent physical activity (OR = 3.02; 95% PI = 1.76–5.17), HCEB (OR = 1.22; 95% PI = 1.11–1.32), and perceived pressures to conform to popular beauty ideals (OR = 1.51; 95% PI = 1.12–2.03) predicted higher HCPAB. HCPAB is an important variable associated with adolescents’ body image, physical activity, and weight control. The results of the present study are important for health promotion and education programs addressing adolescents’ healthy lifestyle, weight control, and body image concerns.
Bioreactor-Controlled Physoxia Regulates TGF-β Signaling to Alter Extracellular Matrix Synthesis by Human Chondrocytes

Culturing articular chondrocytes under physiological oxygen tension exerts positive effects on their extracellular matrix synthesis. The underlying molecular mechanisms which enhance the chondrocytic phenotype are, however, still insufficiently elucidated. The TGF-β superfamily of growth factors, and the prototypic TGF-β isoforms in particular, are crucial in maintaining matrix homeostasis of these cells. We employed a feedback-controlled table-top bioreactor to investigate the role of TGF-β in microtissues of human chondrocytes over a wider range of physiological oxygen tensions (i.e., physoxia). We compared 1%, 2.5%, and 5% of partial oxygen pressure (pO2) to the ‘normoxic’ 20%. We confirmed physoxic conditions through the induction of marker genes (PHD3, VEGF) and oxygen tension-dependent chondrocytic markers (SOX9, COL2A1). We identified 2.5% pO2 as an oxygen tension optimally improving chondrocytic marker expression (ACAN, COL2A1), while suppressing de-differentiation markers (COL1A1, COL3A1). Expression of TGF-β isoform 2 (TGFB2) was, relatively, most responsive to 2.5% pO2, while all three isoforms were induced by physoxia. We found TGF-β receptors ALK1 and ALK5 to be regulated by oxygen tension on the mRNA and protein level. In addition, expression of type III co-receptors betaglycan and endoglin appeared to be regulated by oxygen tension as well. R-Smad signaling confirmed that physoxia divergently regulated phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 and Smad2/3. Pharmacological inhibition of canonical ALK5-mediated signaling abrogated physoxia-induced COL2A1 and PAI-1 expression. Physoxia altered expression of hypertrophy markers and that of matrix metalloproteases and their activity, as well as expression ratios of specific proteins (Sp)/Krüppel-like transcription factor family members SP1 and SP3, proving a molecular concept of ECM marker regulation. Keeping oxygen levels tightly balanced within a physiological range is important for optimal chondrocytic marker expression. Our study provides novel insights into transcriptional regulations in chondrocytes under physoxic in vitro conditions and may contribute to improving future cell-based articular cartilage repair strategies.
Polyphenolic Composition of Rosa canina, Rosa sempervivens and Pyrocantha coccinea Extracts and Assessment of Their Antioxidant Activity in Human Endothelial Cells

The aim of the present study was the investigation of the antioxidant activity of plant extracts from Rosa canina, Rosa sempervivens and Pyrocantha coccinea. The results showed that the bioactive compounds found at higher concentrations were in the R. canina extract: hyperoside, astragalin, rutin, (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin; in the R. sempervirens extract: quinic acid, (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, astragalin and hyperoside; and in the P. coccinea extract: hyperoside, rutin, (−)-epicatechin, (+)-catechin, astragalin, vanillin, syringic acid and chlorogenic acid. The total polyphenolic content was 290.00, 267.67 and 226.93 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/g dw, and the total flavonoid content 118.56, 65.78 and 99.16 mg Catechin Equivalent (CE)/g dw for R. caninna, R. sempervirens and P. coccinea extracts, respectively. The extracts exhibited radical scavenging activity in DPPH and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS)•+ assays and protection from ROO•-induced DNA damage in the following potency order: R. canina > R. sempervirens > P. coccinea. Finally, treatment with R. canina and P. coccinea extract significantly increased the levels of the antioxidant molecule glutathione, while R. canina extract significantly decreased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in endothelial cells. The results herein indicated that the R. canina extract in particular may be used for developing food supplements or biofunctional foods for the prevention of oxidative stress-induced pathological conditions of endothelium.
Polyarylene Ether Nitrile and Barium Titanate Nanocomposite Plasticized by Carboxylated Zinc Phthalocyanine Buffer

Barium titanate (BT) and polyarylene ether nitrile (PEN) nanocomposites with enhanced dielectric properties were obtained by using carboxylatedzinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc-COOH) buffer as the plasticizer. Carboxylated zinc phthalocyanine, prepared through hydrolyzing ZnPc in NaOH solution, reacted with the hydroxyl groups on the peripheral of hydrogen peroxide treated BT (BT-OH) yielding core-shell structured BT@ZnPc. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TEM energy dispersive spectrometer mapping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) demonstrated successful preparation of BT@ZnPc. The fabricated BT@ZnPc was incorporated into the PEN matrix through the solution casting method. Rheological measurements demonstrated that the ZnPc-COOH buffer can improve the compatibility between BT and PEN effectively. With the existence of the ZnPc-COOH buffer, the prepared BT@ZnPc/PEN nanocomposites exhibit a high dielectric constant of 5.94 and low dielectric loss (0.016 at 1000 Hz). BT@ZnPc/PEN dielectric composite films can be easily prepared, presenting great application prospects in the field of organic film capacitors.
In Vitro Activity of New Tetracycline Analogs Omadacycline and Eravacycline against Drug-Resistant Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium abscessus

Tigecycline is used in multidrug regimens for salvage therapy of Mycobacterium abscessus infections but is often poorly tolerated and has no oral formulation. Here, we report similar in vitro activity of two newly approved tetracycline analogs, omadacycline and eravacycline, against 28 drug-resistant clinical isolates of M. abscessus complex. ABSTRACT Tigecycline is used in multidrug regimens for salvage therapy of Mycobacterium abscessus infections but is often poorly tolerated and has no oral formulation. Here, we report similar in vitro activity of two newly approved tetracycline analogs, omadacycline and eravacycline, against 28 drug-resistant clinical isolates of M. abscessus complex. Since omadacycline and eravacycline appear to be better tolerated than tigecycline and since omadacycline is also formulated for oral dosing, these tetracycline analogs may represent new treatment options for M. abscessus infections.
Respective influence of current alcohol consumption and duration of heavy drinking on brain morphological alterations in alcohol use disorder

Numerous studies have explored the morphological differences of the brain between subjects with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and control subjects, but very few have investigated the impact of the duration of alcohol use disorder (DAD) and current level of alcohol consumption (CAC) within AUD subjects using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We compared the morphological MRI of 44 controls and 66 AUD subjects, recruited at the end of a detoxification program. Additional analyses within the AUD group determined which specific alterations were respectively associated with DAD and CAC using: (1) Bonferroni‐corrected multivariable linear regressions to explore the DAD/CAC impact on brain volumes and (2) a general linear model (GLM module of FreeSurfer's Qdec) and Monte Carlo simulation to correct for multiple comparisons (P < 0.05) to explore the DAD/CAC impact on cortical thickness and volumes. Analyses were adjusted for age and tobacco use. CAC and DAD were significantly correlated (ρ = 0.25, P < 0.0001), and sensitivity analyses were conducted with and without both CAC and DAD included in the same model. While the AUD‐control comparisons globally reproduced preexisting findings, within‐AUD analyses found that CAC was inversely correlated with cortical thickness and gray matter volume in a bilateral dorsal band of the temporal lobe, including the fusiform and parahippocampal gyri. For DAD, only a left and more ventral temporal band that partially overlapped the CAC‐associated area was found in cortical thickness analyses. No significant volumetric result was reached after a Bonferroni correction. CAC and, to a lesser extent, DAD were thus associated with specific, though partially overlapping, temporal surface‐based signatures.