Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The plastidial Arabidopsis thaliana NFU1 protein binds and delivers [4Fe-4S] clusters to specific client proteins

Proteins incorporating iron–sulfur (Fe-S) co-factors are required for a plethora of metabolic processes. Their maturation depends on three Fe-S cluster assembly machineries in plants, located in the cytosol, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. After de novo formation on scaffold proteins, transfer proteins load Fe-S clusters onto client proteins. Among the plastidial representatives of these transfer proteins, NFU2 and NFU3 are required for the maturation of the [4Fe-4S] clusters present in photosystem I subunits, acting upstream of the high-chlorophyll fluorescence 101 (HCF101) protein. NFU2 is also required for the maturation of the [2Fe-2S]-containing dihydroxyacid dehydratase, important for branched-chain amino acid synthesis. Here, we report that recombinant Arabidopsis thaliana NFU1 assembles one [4Fe-4S] cluster per homodimer. Performing co-immunoprecipitation experiments and assessing physical interactions of NFU1 with many [4Fe-4S]-containing plastidial proteins in binary yeast two-hybrid assays, we also gained insights into the specificity of NFU1 for the maturation of chloroplastic Fe-S proteins. Using bimolecular fluorescence complementation and in vitro Fe-S cluster transfer experiments, we confirmed interactions with two proteins involved in isoprenoid and thiamine biosynthesis, 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(E)-butenyl-4-diphosphate synthase and 4-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyrimidine phosphate synthase, respectively. An additional interaction detected with the scaffold protein SUFD enabled us to build a model in which NFU1 receives its Fe-S cluster from the SUFBC2D scaffold complex and serves in the maturation of specific [4Fe-4S] client proteins. The identification of the NFU1 partner proteins reported here more clearly defines the role of NFU1 in Fe-S client protein maturation in Arabidopsis chloroplasts among other SUF components.
Genome-wide association study of metabolic syndrome in Korean populations

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) which is caused by obesity and insulin resistance, is well known for its predictive capability for the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. The development of MetS is associated with multiple genetic factors, environmental factors and lifestyle. We performed a genome-wide association study to identify single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) related to MetS in large Korean population based samples of 1,362 subjects with MetS and 6,061 controls using the Axiom® Korean Biobank Array 1.0. We replicated the data in another sample including 502 subjects with MetS and 1,751 controls. After adjusting for age and sex, rs662799 located in the APOA5 gene were significantly associated with MetS. 15 SNPs in GCKR, C2orf16, APOA5, ZPR1, and BUD13 were associated with high triglyceride (TG). 14 SNPs in APOA5, ALDH1A2, LIPC, HERPUD1, and CETP, and 2 SNPs in MTNR1B were associated with low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high fasting blood glucose respectively. Among these SNPs, 6 TG SNPs: rs1260326, rs1260333, rs1919127, rs964184, rs2075295 and rs1558861 and 11 HDL-C SNPs: rs4775041, rs10468017, rs1800588, rs72786786, rs173539, rs247616, rs247617, rs3764261, rs4783961, rs708272, and rs7499892 were first discovered in Koreans. Additional research is needed to confirm these 17 novel SNPs in Korean population.
The effect of climate change on the resilience of ecosystems with adaptive spatial pattern formation

Abstract In a rapidly changing world, quantifying ecosystem resilience is an important challenge. Historically, resilience has been defined via models that do not take spatial effects into account. These systems can only adapt via uniform adjustments. In reality, however, the response is not necessarily uniform, and can lead to the formation of (self‐organised) spatial patterns – typically localised vegetation patches. Classical measures of resilience cannot capture the emerging dynamics in spatially self‐organised systems, including transitions between patterned states that have limited impact on ecosystem structure and productivity. We present a framework of interlinked phase portraits that appropriately quantifies the resilience of patterned states, which depends on the number of patches, the distances between them and environmental conditions. We show how classical resilience concepts fail to distinguish between small and large pattern transitions, and find that the variance in interpatch distances provides a suitable indicator for the type of imminent transition. Subsequently, we describe the dependency of ecosystem degradation based on the rate of climatic change: slow change leads to sporadic, large transitions, whereas fast change causes a rapid sequence of smaller transitions. Finally, we discuss how pre‐emptive removal of patches can minimise productivity losses during pattern transitions, constituting a viable conservation strategy.
Eye Socket Regeneration and Reconstruction

ABSTRACT Purpose: When an eye has become irreversibly blind or painful it is removed by enucleation or evisceration. The resulting anophthalmic socket usually receives a volume replacing implant and is subsequently fitted with a prosthetic shell for adequate cosmesis. Trauma, tumour or immunological pathomechanisms can induce loss of bone, orbital soft tissue volume, and conjunctival contraction or implant exposure, which result in difficult or impossible prosthesis wear. In this situation as well as in numerous diseases limited to the conjunctiva (e.g. Pterygium, or cicatrizing conjunctivitis) strategies to substitute the lost tissue are required. Methods: A review of the literature search using various electronic databases (PubMed and MEDLINE) was performed on indications, surgical techniques and materials used to restore the ocular socket. Results: Amniotic membrane and oral mucosa are still the most commonly used substitutes for the reconstruction of larger conjunctival defects and ocular socket reconstruction. However, due to limitations of clinical available grafts, synthetic scaffolds, biomaterials or tissue-engineered grafts have been described in preclinical studies but most of them have not been investigated adequately in clinical studies yet. In orbital volume replacement, porous and nonporous spheres are used and both show acceptable results. However, more clinical studies are required that directly compare the outcomes in patients with similar conditions. Dermofat graft remains a good option in case of sockets with significant orbital volume and conjunctival surface loss. Conclusion: Beyond established techniques using autologous or allogeneic tissue, various approaches of engineering tissue based on scaffolds and stem cell expansion techniques are currently under investigation and may become alternatives in socket reconstruction in the not too far future.
A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Oral Baclofen in the Management of Hiccups in Adult Palliative Care Patients

Abstract Hiccup is a recognised symptom amongst the palliative care population. It can be debilitating, with significant impact on quality of life. The pathophysiology is poorly understood and the list of aetiological factors is extensive. The current treatment recommendations are based on a small body of evidence and there remains uncertainty regarding optimal management. The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence for oral baclofen in the management of hiccups in adult palliative care patients. A search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane library and CINAHL, as well as a hand search and review of the grey literature. Relevant articles were identified using pre-defined eligibility criteria. Quality assessment was guided by the SIGN grading system, CASP, Hawker et al's checklist and Cochrane's risk of bias tool. A narrative approach was used for data synthesis. Four relevant articles were identified; one randomised controlled trial and three case series. This gave a combined total of 22 patients, all of whom benefited from the use of oral baclofen in the treatment of hiccups, with few reports of side effects. The dose ranged from 10mg once only to 20mg TDS, and the duration from 1–24 days. However, the overall quality of the evidence was low. While baclofen is an option in the management of hiccups, it is difficult to make recommendations based on the body of evidence presented in this systematic review. There is a lack of RCTs in this field and further research is warranted.
Genome‐wide identification of neuropeptides and their receptor genes in Bemisia tabaci and their transcript accumulation change in response to temperature stresses

Insect neuropeptides play an important role in regulating physiological functions such as growth, development, behavior and reproduction. We identified temperature‐sensitive neuropeptides and receptor genes of the cotton whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. We identified 38 neuropeptide precursor genes and 35 neuropeptide receptors and constructed a phylogenetic tree using additional data from other insects. As temperature adaptability enables B. tabaci to colonize a diversity of habitats, we performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction with two temperature stresses (low = 4 °C and high = 40 °C) to screen for temperature‐sensitive neuropeptides. We found many neuropeptides and receptors that may be involved in the temperature adaptability of B. tabaci. This study is the first to identify B. tabaci neuropeptides and their receptors, and it will help to reveal the roles of neuropeptides in temperature adaptation of B. tabaci.
Evaluation of Learning Effectiveness After a Simulation-Based Training Pediatric Course for Emergency Physicians

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Introduction For emergency physicians, pediatric emergencies represent rare and challenging situations. Simulation-based training (SBT) is increasingly used in medical education and recommended for implementation in the curriculum and postgraduate training. Objectives The objective of this study was to explore the self-assessment of emergency physicians' and residents' clinical practice in pediatric emergency care after SBT. Methods We surveyed emergency physicians and residents who successfully took a course of Pediatric Emergency Procedures (University of Poitiers, France) between 2010 and 2015. The course included didactics 50% of the time, and simulation the other 50%. According to Kirkpatrick model, 3 levels were approached: satisfaction, learning (knowledge, skills, and attitudes), and changes in clinical practice. The main results are expressed in numbers (percentages). Results One hundred percent of the 46 included emergency physicians and residents were satisfied with the course. Sixty-nine percent agreed with the realism of low-fidelity simulation, whereas 22% disagreed. Ninety-six percent agreed with high-fidelity simulator realism. One hundred percent of responders perceived a gain in knowledge, 98% in practical skill, and 83% in improved self-confidence. Among the clinical practice changes, 91% involved anticipation, 81% procedural skills, 92% algorithms, and 79% communication and teamwork. One hundred percent expressed the wish to repeat simulation sessions at a rate of 2 ± 1 sessions per year. Conclusions Self-assessment of the Pediatric Emergency Procedures university course was very positive. According to the participants, this type of SBT on very specific pediatric emergency cares should be integrated to the emergency resident's curriculum. As regards pediatric emergency care, particularly dealing with low-volume, high-stake procedures, the participants were favorable to further, more regular simulation training.
The regenerative compatibility: A synergy between healthy ecosystems, environmental attitudes, and restorative experiences

Urban nature is and will be the most common provider of nature interactions for humankind. The restorative benefits of nature exposure are renown and creating human habitats that simultaneously support people’s wellbeing and ecological sustainability is an urgent priority. In this study, we investigate how the relationship between environmental attitudes and healthy ecosystems influences restorative experiences combining a place-based online survey with geographical data on ecosystem health in Stockholm (Sweden). Using spatial regression, we predict the 544 restorative experiences (from 325 respondents), with people’s environmental attitudes, natural land covers, ecosystem health, and the statistical interactions among these variables as predictors. Our results show that restorative experiences can happen anywhere in the urban landscape, but when they occur in natural environments, the combined levels of biodiversity and ecological connectivity are better predicting factor than the mere presence of nature. That is, healthy ecosystems seem to be more important than just any nature for restorative experiences. Moreover, the statistical interaction between one’s environmental attitudes and natural environments predict almost all restorative experiences better than when these variables are independent predictors. This suggests that there is synergistic compatibility between environmental attitudes and healthy ecosystems that triggers restorative processes. We call this synergy regenerative compatibility. Regenerative compatibility is an unexploited potential that emerges when people’s attitudes and ecosystems are aligned in sustainability. We consider regenerative compatibility a valuable leverage point to transform towards ecologically sustainable and healthy urban systems. To this end, we encourage multifaceted policy interventions that regenerate human-nature relationships holistically rather than implement atomistic solutions.
In Alzheimer Research, Glucose Metabolism Moves to Center Stage.

Areas or patterns of reduced glucose metabolism are often seen in brain scans of patients with Alzheimer disease and other dementias. Now, a growing body of evidence suggests that glucose hypometabolism may be more than just a biomarker on brain scans: it may be a key player in dementia pathology. At the Society for Neuroscience’s recent annual meeting, several research teams presented data on mechanisms that may hamper brain energy metabolism in Alzheimer disease—and potentially contribute to cognitive decline. At the same time, clinical researchers are exploring ways to slow or prevent dementia using drugs and lifestyle modifications typically prescribed for metabolic disorders like diabetes or obesity. These lines of inquiry have taken on new urgency as several amyloid-targeting therapies for Alzheimer disease have failed in clinical trials, leading to questions about whether the so-called amyloid hypothesis may be flawed. “We’re starting to try to understand how [brain glucose metabolism] could be more of a causal player in the disease, and a modifiable player,” said Shannon Macauley, PhD, an assistant professor at the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Wake Forest School of Medicine in WinstonSalem, North Carolina.
Relationship Between Strength, Athletic Performance, and Movement Skill in Adolescent Girls

Abstract Sommerfield, LM, Harrison, CB, Whatman, CS, and Maulder, PS. Relationship between strength, athletic performance, and movement skill in adolescent girls. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 674–679, 2022—Muscular strength in youth has been linked to health and physical benefits, enhanced movement skill, and an active lifestyle in adulthood. However, the relationship between maximum strength, athletic performance, and movement skill in youth females remains unclear. The purpose was to examine the relationship between maximum strength, athletic performance, and movement skill and determine whether differences exist between strong girls (SGs), average girls (AGs), and weak girls (WGs). One hundred four girls (age 14.0 ± 0.6 years, height 162.6 ± 5.9 cm, body mass 57.3 ± 9.7 cm) from a girls' secondary school performed an isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), double- and single-leg (right leg = R, left leg = L) countermovement jump, 10- and 20-m sprints, a drop vertical jump ,and the back squat assessment. Significance was set at p < 0.01 for correlations and p < 0.05 for one-way analysis of variance. Correlations revealed IMTP had significant small to large relationships with all performance variables (r = 0.27–0.62) except right-leg countermovement jump and left-leg countermovement jump height (r = 0.17–0.23). Relative IMTP had significant moderate to large relationships with all performance variables (r = 0.32–0.60). There were significant differences between strength groups for all performance measures. Strong girls had significantly faster sprint times than AGs. In addition, SGs and AGs performed significantly better than WGs in all assessments. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of strength for athletic performance and movement skill in adolescent girls.
Effect of cadmium on mRNA mistranslation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Although highly accurate molecular processes and various messenger RNA (mRNA) quality control and ribosome proofreading mechanisms are used by organisms to transcribe their genes and maintain the fidelity of genetic information, errors are inherent in all biological systems. Low‐level translation errors caused by an imbalance of homologous and nonhomologous amino acids caused by stress conditions are particularly common. Paradoxically, advantageous phenotypic diversity can be generated by such errors in eukaryotes through unknown molecular processes. Here, we found that the significant cadmium‐resistant phenotype was correlated with an increased mistranslation rate of the mRNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This phenotypic change was also related to endogenous sulfur amino acid starvation. Compared with the control, the mistranslation rate caused by cadmium was significantly increased (p < .01). With the increase of cysteine contents in medium, the mistranslation rate of WT(BY4742a) decreased significantly (p < .01). This demonstrates that cadmium treatment and sulfur amino acid starvation both can induce translation errors. Although cadmium uptake is independent of the Sul1 transporter, cadmium‐induced mRNA mistranslation is dependent on the sulfate uptake of the Sul1p transporter. Furthermore, cadmium‐induced translation errors depend on methionine biosynthesis. Taken together, cadmium causes endogenous sulfur starvation, leading to an increase in the mRNA mistranslation, which contributes to the resistance of yeast cells to cadmium. We provide a new pathway mediating the toxicity of cadmium, and we propose that altering mRNA mistranslation may portray a different form of environmental adaptation.
Engineering and Functionalization of Gelatin Biomaterials: From Cell Culture to Medical Applications.

Healthcare and medicine were revolutionized in recent years by the development of biomaterials such as stents, implants, personalized drug delivery systems, engineered grafts, cell sheets, and other transplantable materials. These materials not only support the growth of cells prior to transplantation but also serve as replacements for damaged tissues in vivo. Among the various biomaterials available, those made from natural biological sources such as extracellular proteins (collagen, fibronectin, laminin) have shown significant benefits, and thus are widely used. However, routine biomaterial-based research requires copious quantities of proteins and the use of pure and intact extracellular proteins could be highly cost-ineffective. Gelatin is a molecular derivative of collagen obtained via the irreversible denaturation of collagen proteins. Gelatin shares a very close molecular structure and function with collagen and thus is often used in cell and tissue culture to replace collagen for biomaterial purposes. Recent technological advancements such as additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and 3D printing, in general, have resulted in great strides towards the generation of functional gelatin-based materials for medical purposes. In this review, the structural and molecular similarities of gelatin to other extracellular matrix proteins are compared and analyzed. Current strategies for gelatin crosslinking and production are described and recent applications of gelatin-based biomaterials in cell culture and tissue regeneration are discussed. Finally, recent improvements in gelatin-based biomaterials for medical applications and future directions are elaborated.
Granulosa cells in three-dimensional culture: A follicle-like structure for domestic cat vitrified oocytes.

Follicle-like structures are three-dimensional matrices joint with living cells that allow the in vitro development of female gametes in more physiological conditions. They have been shown to be beneficial to fresh oocytes in different species, and in this study, domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) granulosa cells were used to create a functional follicle-like structure aimed at supporting the in vitro maturation of conspecific vitrified oocytes, key players of fertility preservation programmes that usually struggle to acquire their full developmental competence after warming. Cat granulosa cells were cultured for up to 6 days in three-dimensional barium alginate microcapsules (i.e. follicle-like structures) or in two-dimensional monolayers, and their steroidogenic ability (estradiol and progesterone secretion) was assessed to confirm their functionality. The same systems were used (on day 2 or 6 of granulosa cells culture) for the in vitro maturation (IVM) of Cryotop® vitrified immature cat oocytes and compared with microdrops of IVM medium without cells (control). Granulosa cells were able to maintain their functionality in vitro in both the conditions, even if with a different extent of hormonal secretion along culture (p = .02). Vitrified oocytes resumed meiosis at higher rates when cultured with 2 days old granulosa cells (p = .03), but full maturation rates slightly raised when granulosa cells were cultured longer, albeit without differences with the control group. This study paved the road for the creation of enriched culture systems in the domestic cat, but innovations are strongly needed for vitrified oocytes that deserve better chances to develop in vitro.
A pre-clinical validation plan to evaluate analytical sensitivities of molecular diagnostics such as BD MAX MDR-TB, Xpert MTB/Rif Ultra and FluoroType MTB

Rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and antibiotic resistances are imperative to initiate effective treatment and to stop transmission of the disease. A new generation of more sensitive, automated molecular TB diagnostic tests has been recently launched giving microbiologists more choice between several assays with the potential to detect resistance markers for rifampicin and isoniazid. In this study, we determined analytical sensitivities as 95% limits of detection (LoD95) for Xpert MTB/Rif Ultra (XP-Ultra) and BD-MAX MDR-TB (BD-MAX) as two representatives of the new test generation, in comparison to the conventional FluoroType MTB (FT-MTB). Test matrices used were physiological saline solution, human and a mucin-based artificial sputum (MUCAS) each spiked with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in declining culture- and qPCR-controlled concentrations. With BD-MAX, XP-Ultra, and FT-MTB, we measured LoD95TB values of 2.1 cfu/ml (CI95%: 0.9–23.3), 3.1 cfu/ml (CI95%: 1.2–88.9), and 52.1 cfu/ml (CI95%: 16.7–664.4) in human sputum; of 6.3 cfu/ml (CI95%: 2.9–31.8), 1.5 cfu/ml (CI95%: 0.7–5.0), and 30.4 cfu/ml (CI95%: 17.4–60.7) in MUCAS; and of 2.3 cfu/ml (CI95%: 1.1–12.0), 11.5 cfu/ml (CI95%: 5.6–47.3), and 129.1 cfu/ml (CI95%: 82.8–273.8) in saline solution, respectively. LoD95 of resistance markers were 9 to 48 times higher compared to LoD95TB. BD-MAX and XP-Ultra have an equal and significantly increased analytical sensitivity compared to conventional tests. MUCAS resembled human sputum, while both yielded significantly different results than normal saline. MUCAS proved to be suitable for quality control of PCR assays for TB diagnostics.