Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A bio-psycho-social approach in elderly population: outcome of adapted physical activity in patients with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND The beneficial effect of physical activity on a large spectrum of diseases is well known, with particular importance for elderly people. Among the different types of activity, adapted physical activity (APA) has been applied in a number of disease-related physical deficit. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to determine the outcome of a six months APA program in elder patients with osteoarthritis concerning physical and functional health and as second endpoint to determine the potential effect of AFA on reducing the risk of institutionalization. METHODS The clinical indexes used to assess the outcome included the Blaylock Risk Assessment Screening Score (BRASS), the Psychological General Well Being Index (PGWBI), the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and the visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS A significant difference (p = 0.047) between the pre-APA and the post-APA value was found for BRASS, and highly significant differences (p <0.0001) were found for SPBB and VAS. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that a six months APA program in elder patients with osteoarthritis improves physical function, reduces pain intensity and decreases the risk of institutionalization. Moreover the positive outcome of APA we found in elder patients with osteoarthritis suggests a more frequent use of such rehabilitation approach, also evaluating its economic impact on this disease.
Chemically Denatured Structures of Porcine Pepsin using Small-Angle X-ray Scattering

Porcine pepsin is a gastric aspartic proteinase that reportedly plays a pivotal role in the digestive process of many vertebrates. We have investigated the three-dimensional (3D) structure and conformational transition of porcine pepsin in solution over a wide range of denaturant urea concentrations (0–10 M) using Raman spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering. Furthermore, 3D GASBOR ab initio structural models, which provide an adequate conformational description of pepsin under varying denatured conditions, were successfully constructed. It was shown that pepsin molecules retain native conformation at 0–5 M urea, undergo partial denaturation at 6 M urea, and display a strongly unfolded conformation at 7–10 M urea. According to the resulting GASBOR solution models, we identified an intermediate pepsin conformation that was dominant during the early stage of denaturation. We believe that the structural evidence presented here provides useful insights into the relationship between enzymatic activity and conformation of porcine pepsin at different states of denaturation.
Preclinical Evaluation of a Cabazitaxel Prodrug Using Nanoparticle Delivery for the Treatment of Taxane-Resistant Malignancies

Taxane-based chemotherapeutics are clinically available as frontline treatment regimens for cervical cancer. However, drug resistance and life-threatening toxicity impair the clinical efficacy of taxanes, so more effective and less toxic therapeutic modalities are urgently needed. Cabazitaxel has attracted increasing interest due to its potential to circumvent the drug resistance by taxanes. We previously showed that tethering docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to cabazitaxel enabled the prodrug to self-assemble into nanoparticles in water. Despite this encouraging finding, the DHA–cabazitaxel conjugate formulation requires further optimization to enhance nanoparticle retention and tumor delivery. We here integrated this conjugate into amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(D,L-lactic acid) copolymers to assemble dCTX NPs. The nanoparticle abrogated P-glycoprotein–mediated resistance in cancer cells. In a docetaxel-resistant cervical tumor xenograft-bearing mouse model, the efficacy was augmented by the nanotherapy when compared with solution-based free drugs (i.e., docetaxel and cabazitaxel). Dose intensification of dCTX NPs markedly suppressed the tumor growth in this model. Detailed studies revealed that systemic toxicity was alleviated, and MTD of dCTX NPs was at least 3 times higher than that of free cabazitaxel in animals, which may enable dose increases for clinical studies. In conclusion, the new formulation addresses essential requirements in terms of the stability, safety, and translational capacity for initiating early-phase clinical trials.
A rapid, point-of-care antibiotic susceptibility test for urinary tract infections.

Introduction. The alarming rise in urinary tract infection (UTI) antimicrobial resistance has resulted from a combination of high prevalence, low specificity and the lack of a rapid, point-of-care (POC) antibiotic susceptibility test (AST), which has led to the overuse/inappropriate use of antibiotics.Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a rapid POC phenotypic AST device in reporting susceptibility information within 2 h.Methodology. Instrument calibration was performed with model bacteria and fluorescent microbeads to determine the dynamic range and limit of detection for quantifying concentrations of bacteria and demonstrate the ability to rapidly differentiate susceptible and resistant model bacteria. We then evaluated 30 presumptive UTI-positive patient urine samples in a clinical pilot study using a panel of 5 common UTI antibiotics plus a growth control and compared our results to the hospital standard of care AST.Results. Our device was able to robustly detect and quantify bacteria concentrations from 50 to 105 colony-forming units (c.f.u.) ml-1. The high sensitivity of this measurement technique enabled the device to differentiate between susceptible and resistant model bacteria with 100 % specificity over a 2 h growth period. In the clinical pilot study, an overall categorical agreement (CA) of 90.7 % was observed (sensitivity=91.4 %, specificity=88.9 %, n=97) with performance for individual drugs ranging from 85 % CA (ceftazidime) to 100 % (nitrofurantoin). Conclusions. By reducing the typical timeframe for susceptibility testing from 2-3 days to 2 h, our POC phenotypic AST can provide critical information to clinicians prior to the administration of antibiotic therapy.
Abscisic acid dynamics, signaling and functions in plants.

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important phytohormone regulating plant growth, development and stress responses. It has an essential role in multiple physiological processes of plants, such as stomatal closure, cuticular wax accumulation, leaf senescence, bud dormancy, seed germination, osmotic regulation and growth inhibition among many others. ABA controls downstream responses to abiotic and biotic environmental changes through both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. During the past twenty years, the ABA biosynthesis and many of its signaling pathways have been well characterized. Here we review the dynamics of ABA metabolic pools and signaling that affects many of its physiological functions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Recent Innovation of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Carbon Dioxide Photocatalytic Reduction

The accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) pollutants in the atmosphere begets global warming, forcing us to face tangible catastrophes worldwide. Environmental affability, affordability, and efficient CO2 metamorphotic capacity are critical factors for photocatalysts; metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are one of the best candidates. MOFs, as hybrid organic ligand and inorganic nodal metal with tailorable morphological texture and adaptable electronic structure, are contemporary artificial photocatalysts. The semiconducting nature and porous topology of MOFs, respectively, assists with photogenerated multi-exciton injection and adsorption of substrate proximate to void cavities, thereby converting CO2. The vitality of the employment of MOFs in CO2 photolytic reaction has emerged from the fact that they are not only an inherently eco-friendly weapon for pollutant extermination, but also a potential tool for alleviating foreseeable fuel crises. The excellent synergistic interaction between the central metal and organic linker allows decisive implementation for the design, integration, and application of the catalytic bundle. In this review, we presented recent MOF headway focusing on reports of the last three years, exhaustively categorized based on central metal-type, and novel discussion, from material preparation to photocatalytic, simulated performance recordings of respective as-synthesized materials. The selective CO2 reduction capacities into syngas or formate of standalone or composite MOFs with definite photocatalytic reaction conditions was considered and compared.
The Peptide Venom Composition of the Fierce Stinging Ant Tetraponera aethiops (Formicidae: Pseudomyrmecinae)

In the mutualisms involving certain pseudomyrmicine ants and different myrmecophytes (i.e., plants sheltering colonies of specialized “plant-ant” species in hollow structures), the ant venom contributes to the host plant biotic defenses by inducing the rapid paralysis of defoliating insects and causing intense pain to browsing mammals. Using integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, we identified the venom peptidome of the plant-ant Tetraponera aethiops (Pseudomyrmecinae). The transcriptomic analysis of its venom glands revealed that 40% of the expressed contigs encoded only seven peptide precursors related to the ant venom peptides from the A-superfamily. Among the 12 peptide masses detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS), nine mature peptide sequences were characterized and confirmed through proteomic analysis. These venom peptides, called pseudomyrmecitoxins (PSDTX), share amino acid sequence identities with myrmeciitoxins known for their dual offensive and defensive functions on both insects and mammals. Furthermore, we demonstrated through reduction/alkylation of the crude venom that four PSDTXs were homo- and heterodimeric. Thus, we provide the first insights into the defensive venom composition of the ant genus Tetraponera indicative of a streamlined peptidome.
Foot Plantar Pressure Measurement System Using Highly Sensitive Crack-Based Sensor

Measuring the foot plantar pressure has the potential to be an important tool in many areas such as enhancing sports performance, diagnosing diseases, and rehabilitation. In general, the plantar pressure sensor should have robustness, durability, and high repeatability, as it should measure the pressure due to body weight. Here, we present a novel insole foot plantar pressure sensor using a highly sensitive crack-based strain sensor. The sensor is made of elastomer, stainless steel, a crack-based sensor, and a 3D-printed frame. Insoles are made of elastomer with Shore A 40, which is used as part of the sensor, to distribute the load to the sensor. The 3D-printed frame and stainless steel prevent breakage of the crack-based sensor and enable elastic behavior. The sensor response is highly repeatable and shows excellent durability even after 20,000 cycles. We show that the insole pressure sensor can be used as a real-time monitoring system using the pressure visualization program.
Copy Number Variations in Wilms Tumor: A Pilot Study From India

Background: The prognostic role of copy number variation is upcoming in Wilms tumor, and its identification will help in tailored therapy for improved cure. Study Design: This was a retrospective, nested case-control, pilot study. Materials and Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks of nephrectomy specimens were retrieved for the study and control groups (children with relapse and survivors for ≥2 y). Multiplex ligand probe amplification (MRC-Holland probe-mix P 380 A1) was performed, with 3 reference samples of normal kidney DNA run for every 7 cases. Results: At least 1 variation was detected in 41 (97.8%) specimens. Loss of heterozygosity 1p was not observed. Loss of 16q, 1q gain, and MYCN gain were observed in 5 (11.9%), 29 (69%), and 39 (92.9%) specimens, respectively. The occurrence of copy number variations was similar in both groups: 1q gain: 15 versus 14 (P=1.0), 16q loss: 4 versus 1 (P=0.34), MYCN gain: 19 versus 20 (P=1.0). The gain of 1q, 16p loss, and MYCN gain did not differ across stage or age. Conclusions: The gain of 1q, MYCN gain, and 16p loss were identified. A higher occurrence of 1q gain and MYCN gain and a lack of difference in the distribution of variations among survivors and those with a relapse suggest a different molecular profile of Wilms tumor in Indian children.
Evaluation of Milk Colostrum Derived Lactoferrin of Sahiwal (Bos indicus) and Karan Fries (Cross-Bred) Cows for Its Anti-Cancerous Potential

Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein protein known to have immune-modulatory role and recently, its anticancerous effect against different cancer cell types was emphasized. In the present investigation, a comparative evaluation of anticancer potential of colostrum-derived lactoferrin from Indian native zebu cow (Sahiwal, SAC), crossbred (Karan Fries, KFC) and commercially available (C-Lf) lactoferrin from exotic cow using cellular models was made. A protocol was standardized successfully to purify Lf protein from colostrum of both breeds using HPLC and purity was confirmed by LC–MS. A standardized dose of 750 µg/mL Lf was used to treat two cell types MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 with Lf from three different sources; SAC-Lf, KFC-Lf and C-Lf for 48 h and 72 h. Different cellular parameters including cytotoxicity, viability, apoptosis and cell proliferation were determined. Comparatively, Lf from commercial source (C-Lf) had maximum effect in both cell types followed by SAC-Lf and KFC-Lf. Further, transcriptional changes in genes associated with apoptosis (Bax and Bcl-2), tumor progression (p53, p21, CD44 and NF-κβ) and survival (survivin) were evaluated in Lf treatment. The overall results strongly emphasized to the fact that Lf purified from cow colostrum has the capacity to inhibit the in vitro growth of cancerous cell lines albeit to a varied extent.
Self-care deficits in women with leg ulcers and sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVE to identify self-care deficits in women with leg ulcers and sickle cell disease. METHOD a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory approach with 14 women. The collection was performed from December 2015 to January 2016, while the analysis was supported by Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory. RESULTS self-care requirements are not fully met. The following were identified as universal: balance between loneliness and social interaction, rest and proper nutrition; development: inability to perform work, abrupt changes in the environment due to hospitalization, educational deprivation and dropout; health deviations: ulcer recurrences, pain, changes in skin appearance and gait changes. CONCLUSION nursing care for women with leg ulcers and sickle cell disease requires planned actions for comprehensive care.
Antigenic and Pathogenic Characteristics of QX-Type Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus Strains Isolated in Southwestern China

The QX-type avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is still a prevalent genotype in Southwestern China. To analyze the antigenicity and pathogenicity characteristics of the dominant genotype strains (QX-type), S1 gene sequence analysis, virus cross-neutralization tests, and pathogenicity test of eight QX-type IBV isolates were conducted. Sequence analysis showed that the nucleotide homology between the eight strains was high, but distantly related to H120 and 4/91 vaccine strains. Cross-neutralization tests showed that all eight strains isolated from 2015 and 2017 belonged to the same serotype, but exhibited antigenic variations over time. The pathogenicity test of the five QX-type IBV isolates showed that only three strains, CK/CH/SC/DYW/16, CK/CH/SC/MS/17, and CK/CH/SC/GH/15, had a high mortality rate with strong respiratory and renal pathogenicity, whereas CK/CH/SC/PZ/17 and CK/CH/SC/DYYJ/17 caused only mild clinical symptoms and tissue lesions. Our results indicate that the prevalent QX-type IBVs displayed antigenic variations and pathogenicity difference. These findings may provide reference for research on the evolution of IBV and vaccine preparation of infectious bronchitis (IB).
Prevention of Anastomotic Leak Via Local Application of Tranexamic Acid to Target Bacterial-mediated Plasminogen Activation

Objective: To investigate the role of bacterial- mediated plasminogen (PLG) activation in the pathogenesis of anastomotic leak (AL) and its mitigation by tranexamic acid (TXA). Background: AL is the most feared complication of colorectal resections. The pathobiology of AL in the setting of a technically optimal procedure involves excessive submucosal collagen degradation by resident microbes. We hypothesized that activation of the host PLG system by pathogens is a central and targetable pathway in AL. Methods: We employed kinetic analysis of binding and activation of human PLG by microbes known to cause AL, and collagen degradation assays to test the impact of PLG on bacterial collagenolysis. Further, we measured the ability of the antifibrinolytic drug TXA to inhibit this process. Finally, using mouse models of pathogen-induced AL, we locally applied TXA via enema and measured its ability to prevent a clinically relevant AL. Results: PLG is deposited rapidly and specifically at the site of colorectal anastomoses. TXA inhibited PLG activation and downstream collagenolysis by pathogens known to have a causal role in AL. TXA enema reduced collagenolytic bacteria counts and PLG deposition at anastomotic sites. Postoperative PLG inhibition with TXA enema prevented clinically and pathologically apparent pathogen-mediated AL in mice. Conclusions: Bacterial activation of host PLG is central to collagenolysis and pathogen-mediated AL. TXA inhibits this process both in vitro and in vivo. TXA enema represents a promising method to prevent AL in high-risk sites such as the colorectal anastomoses.
Proteomic Analysis Reveals that Topoisomerase 2A is Associated with Defective Sperm Head Morphology*

Human spermatogenesis is a far from perfect process and even fertile men produce high numbers of defective spermatozoa. These cells are often characterized by chromatin defects. Following the isolation of normal and abnormal sperm cells, a label free comparison (SWATH) of nuclei from these populations demonstrates a retention of nuclear proteins in abnormal cells. Validation of mass spectrometry results by immuno-analysis reveals Topoisomerase 2A as a promising biomarker of sperm nuclear quality. Graphical Abstract Highlights Human spermatozoa possess cells of poor morphology that lack nuclear integrity. These cells can be isolated by density separation. Mass spectrometry reveals their nuclei contain excess protein. TOP2A is a promising marker of this poor nuclear development. Male infertility is widespread and estimated to affect 1 in 20 men. Although in some cases the etiology of the condition is well understood, for at least 50% of men, the underlying cause is yet to be classified. Male infertility, or subfertility, is often diagnosed by looking at total sperm produced, motility of the cells and overall morphology. Although counting spermatozoa and their associated motility is routine, morphology assessment is highly subjective, mainly because of the procedure being based on microscopic examination. A failure to diagnose male-infertility or sub-fertility has led to a situation where assisted conception is often used unnecessarily. As such, biomarkers of male infertility are needed to help establish a more consistent diagnosis. In the present study, we compared nuclear extracts from both high- and low-quality spermatozoa by LC-MS/MS based proteomic analysis. Our data shows that nuclear retention of specific proteins is a common facet among low-quality sperm cells. We demonstrate that the presence of Topoisomerase 2A in the sperm head is highly correlated to poor head morphology. Topoisomerase 2A is therefore a potential new biomarker for confirming male infertility in clinical practice.
Identification of QTLs for resistance to maize rough dwarf disease using two connected RIL populations in maize

Maize rough dwarf disease (MRDD) is a significant viral disease caused by rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) in China, which results in 30% yield losses in affected summer maize-growing areas. In this study, two connected recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations were constructed to elucidate the genetic basis of resistance during two crop seasons. Ten quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to MRDD were detected in the two RILs. Individual QTLs accounted for 4.97–23.37% of the phenotypic variance explained (PVE). The resistance QTL (qZD-MRDD8-1) with the largest effect was located in chromosome bin 8.03, representing 16.27–23.37% of the PVE across two environments. Interestingly, one pair of common significant QTLs was located in the similar region on chromosome 4 in both populations, accounting for 7.11–9.01% of the PVE in Zheng58×D863F (RIL-ZD) and 9.43–13.06% in Zheng58×ZS301 (RIL-ZZ). A total of five QTLs for MRDD resistance trait showed significant QTL-by-Environment interactions (QEI). Two candidate genes associated with resistance (GDSL-lipase and RPP13-like gene) which were higher expressed in resistant inbred line D863F than in susceptible inbred line Zheng58, were located in the physical intervals of the major QTLs on chromosomes 4 and 8, respectively. The identified QTLs will be studied further for application in marker-assisted breeding in maize genetic improvement of MRDD resistance.
Associated factors for acute kidney injury in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with acute kidney injury in preterm newborns. METHOD a cross-sectional study based on records data of preterm newborns hospitalized in two neonatal units in northwest Paraná State in 2015. For data analysis, the logistic regression model was used by the stepwise forward method and Fisher's Exact Test. RESULTS 132 preterm newborns, with a prevalence of 7.5% of acute kidney injury, were hospitalized. Majority of males, extremely preterm and very low birth weight. Associated factors were the use of non-nephrotoxic antibiotics and the presence of mechanical pulmonary ventilation, increasing the chance of developing acute kidney damage by 2.98 and 1.33/day, respectively. Hospitalization days constituted a protection factor. CONCLUSION this study was able to identify the prevalence, and outline the variables associated with acute kidney injury in preterm newborns in a particular care situation.
Painful and stressful procedures and analgesia in newborns from the viewpoint of professionals.

OBJECTIVE To identify the procedures considered painful and stressful by health professionals from a neonatal intensive care unit and check the measures of analgesia. METHOD Descriptive exploratory quantitative study with 65 health professionals, from November 2016 to February 2017. RESULTS The procedures considered painful were removal of adhesives, vein, arterial and lumbar puncture, phlebotomy, and thoracic drainage. Oral suctioning, intravenous catheter removal and tracheal extubation were considered stressful. Fentanyl was the most cited pharmacological measure, and restraint and nonnutritive suction were the most used nonpharmacological measures. CONCLUSION Professionals were able to classify the painful and stressful procedures; however, low use of measures for analgesia was evidenced.