Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of VviPGIP1 and NtCAD14 in Tobacco Screened Using Glycan Microarrays Reveals Cell Wall Reorganisation in the Absence of Fungal Infection

The expression of Vitis vinifera polygalacturonase inhibiting protein 1 (VviPGIP1) in Nicotiana tabacum has been linked to modifications at the cell wall level. Previous investigations have shown an upregulation of the lignin biosynthesis pathway and reorganisation of arabinoxyloglucan composition. This suggests cell wall tightening occurs, which may be linked to defence priming responses. The present study used a screening approach to test four VviPGIP1 and four NtCAD14 overexpressing transgenic lines for cell wall alterations. Overexpressing the tobacco-derived cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (NtCAD14) gene is known to increase lignin biosynthesis and deposition. These lines, particularly PGIP1 expressing plants, have been shown to lead to a decrease in susceptibility towards grey rot fungus Botrytis cinerea. In this study the aim was to investigate the cell wall modulations that occurred prior to infection, which should highlight potential priming phenomena and phenotypes. Leaf lignin composition and relative concentration of constituent monolignols were evaluated using pyrolysis gas chromatography. Significant concentrations of lignin were deposited in the stems but not the leaves of NtCAD14 overexpressing plants. Furthermore, no significant changes in monolignol composition were found between transgenic and wild type plants. The polysaccharide modifications were quantified using gas chromatography (GC–MS) of constituent monosaccharides. The major leaf polysaccharide and cell wall protein components were evaluated using comprehensive microarray polymer profiling (CoMPP). The most significant changes appeared at the polysaccharide and protein level. The pectin fraction of the transgenic lines had subtle variations in patterning for methylesterification epitopes for both VviPGIP1 and NtCAD14 transgenic lines versus wild type. Pectin esterification levels have been linked to pathogen defence in the past. The most marked changes occurred in glycoprotein abundance for both the VviPGIP1 and NtCAD14 lines. Epitopes for arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) and extensins were notably altered in transgenic NtCAD14 tobacco.
Supplemental effects of dietary lysophospholipids in lactation diets on sow performance, milk composition, gut health and gut associated microbiome of offspring.

Dietary lysophospholipids would influence milk composition of sows, thus positively affect intestinal health of offspring. The objective of this study was to determine effects of dietary lysophospholipids fed to lactating sows on performance, milk characteristics, gut health, and gut associated microbiome of offspring. Sixty pregnant sows were allotted to 2 treatments in a randomized complete block design with parity and BW as blocks on d 110 of gestation. Treatments were CON (no added lysophospholipids) and LPL (0.05% lysophospholipids; Lipidol-Ultra, Pathway Intermediates, Shrewsbury, UK). Sows were fed 2 kg/d from d 110 of gestation until farrowing and ad libitum after farrowing. Diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirements suggested by NRC (2012). Colostrum and milk samples from 12 sows per treatment were collected to measure nutrients and immunoglobulins on d 1 and d 18 of lactation, respectively. Twelve piglets per treatment (1 piglet per litter) were euthanized on d 18 to collect tissues to measure tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, IgA, histomorphology, crypt cell proliferation rate, and microbiota in the jejunum and colon. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS and the mortality was analyzed using GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. There was no difference in sow BW, parity, and litter size between treatments on d 0 of lactation. Sows fed LPL had increased (P < 0.05) litter BW gain (53.9 vs. 59.4 kg) and decreased piglet mortality (13.9 vs. 10.6%) on d 18 of lactation. Sows fed LPL had increased (P < 0.05) omega-6:omega-3 (22.1 vs. 23.7) and unsaturated:saturated (1.4 vs. 1.6) fatty acids ratios with increased oleic acid (29.1 vs. 31.4%) and tended to have increased (P = 0.092) IgG (1.14 vs. 1.94 g/L) and linoleic acid (17.7 vs. 18.7%) in the milk on d 18 of lactation. Piglets from sows fed LPL had increased (P < 0.05) IL-8 (184 vs. 245 pg/mg) and crypt cell proliferation rate (39.4 vs. 40.9%) and tended to have increased (P = 0.095) Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio (1.0 vs. 3.5) in the jejunum. In conclusion, sows fed with lysophospholipids had milk with increased IgG, oleic acids, and linoleic acids without changes in BW and backfat during lactation. These changes could contribute to improved survivability and intestinal health of piglets by increasing IL-8 concentration, enhancing balance among gut associated microbiome, and increasing enterocyte proliferation in the jejunum.
FTO Inhibition Enhances the Antitumor Effect of Temozolomide by Targeting MYC-miR-155/23a Cluster-MXI1 Feedback Circuit in Glioma

These findings elucidate a novel feedback loop that regulates proliferation in glioma and can be targeted via inhibition of FTO to enhance the efficacy of temozolomide. Malignant glioma constitutes one of the fatal primary brain tumors in adults. Such poor prognosis calls for a better understanding of cancer-related signaling pathways of this disease. Here we elucidate a MYC-miRNA-MXI1 feedback loop that regulates proliferation and tumorigenesis in glioma. MYC suppressed MXI1 expression via microRNA-155 (miR-155) and the microRNA-23a∼27a∼24-2 cluster (miR-23a cluster), whereas MXI1, in turn, inhibited MYC expression by binding to its promoter. Overexpression of miR-155 and the miR-23a cluster promoted tumorigenesis in U87 glioma cells. Furthermore, fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA demethylase, regulated the loop by targeting MYC. The ethyl ester form of meclofenamic acid (MA2) inhibited FTO and enhanced the effect of the chemotherapy drug temozolomide on suppressing proliferation of glioma cells and negatively regulated the loop. These data collectively highlight a key regulatory circuit in glioma and provide potential targets for clinical treatment. Significance: These findings elucidate a novel feedback loop that regulates proliferation in glioma and can be targeted via inhibition of FTO to enhance the efficacy of temozolomide.
Contamination-free sample collection and handling protocols for trace elements in natural fresh waters.

Techniques that minimize contamination artefacts in the collection, handling and analysis of natural freshwater samples for dissolved trace metals are described. Methods were evolved during a 5-year study of a pristine high-altitude catchment in New Zealand, during which the dominating influence of contamination artefacts arising during the sampling operation was realized. Even with clean-room analysis facilities, order-of-magnitude contamination at the microgram per litre level was easily introduced at this earlier stage. The study calls into question much of the published literature that reports freshwater concentrations of trace elements in the microgram per litre range and below, particularly for Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb in systems whose pollutant sources are not definitively identified. We suggest that a base criterion for the reliability of trace-element measurements in natural fresh waters should be a similarity of spatial and temporal trends with those of conventionally measured properties such as major ions, alkalinity and electrical conductivity.
The renin‐angiotensin system in cutaneous hypertrophic scar and keloid formation

Hypertrophic scar and keloid are two types of fibroproliferative conditions that result from excessive extracellular matrix production. The underlying pathological mechanism is not entirely clear. Activation of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) is associated with fibrosis in various organs. RAS components including angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors, and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) are expressed in the skin and act independently from the plasma RAS. AT1 receptors, which are usually the dominating receptor subtype, promote fibrosis and scar formation, while AT2 receptors inhibit the aforementioned AT1 receptor‐coupled effects. Elevated angiotensin II (Ang II) levels acting on the AT1 receptor contribute to skin scar formation through increased expression of inflammatory factors such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibrinogenic factors such as transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), while at the same time suppressing the anti‐fibrotic tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMPs). First, small clinical trials have provided evidence that inhibition of the ACE/Ang II/ AT1 receptor axis may be effective in the treatment of hypertrophic scars/keloids. This review provides a detailed overview of the current literature on the RAS in skin, wound healing and scar formation and discusses the translational potential of targeting this hormonal system for treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids.
Use of odours by Cycloneda sanguinea to assess patch quality

Adult ladybirds are likely to encounter various species of prey when foraging for oviposition sites. Optimal oviposition theory predicts that females should lay eggs in those sites that are the most suitable for offspring development. Therefore, factors that directly affect offspring mortality, such as the presence of predators and food, are expected to play an important role in the assessment of patch profitability by ladybird predators. Using a Y‐tube olfactometer, we tested whether the predatory ladybird Cycloneda sanguinea L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) can use volatile cues to assess patch profitability and avoid predator‐rich patches. We assessed the foraging behaviour of C. sanguinea in response to odours associated with tomato plants infested with a superior prey, Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas (Homoptera: Aphididae), and with an inferior prey, Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae), in the presence or absence of the heterospecific predator Eriopis connexa Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Females of C. sanguinea significantly preferred plants infested by M. euphorbiae to plants infested by T. evansi and avoided odours emanating from plants on which E. connexa females were present. Our results show that C. sanguinea use volatile cues to assess patch profitability and to avoid patches with heterospecific competitors or intraguild predators.
Increasing Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Candida haemulonii Species Complex among All Yeast Cultures Collected by a Reference Laboratory over the Past 11 Years

There is worldwide concern with the increasing rates of infections due to multiresistant Candida isolates reported in tertiary medical centers. We checked for historical trends in terms of prevalence rates and antifungal susceptibility of the Candida haemulonii species complex in our yeast stock culture collected during the last 11 years. The isolates were identified by sequencing the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and antifungal susceptibility tests for amphotericin B, voriconazole, fluconazole, anidulafungin, and 5-fluorocytosine were performed by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) microbroth method. A total of 49 isolates were identified as Candida haemulonii sensu stricto (n = 21), followed by C. haemulonii var. vulnera (n = 15) and C. duobushaemulonii (n = 13), including 38 isolates cultured from patients with deep-seated Candida infections. The prevalence of the C. haemulonii species complex increased from 0.9% (18 isolates among 1931) in the first period (December 2008 to June 2013) to 1.7% (31 isolates among 1868) in the second period (July 2014 to December 2019) of analysis (p = 0.047). All isolates tested exhibited high minimum inhibition concentrations for amphotericin B and fluconazole, but they remained susceptible to 5-fluorocytosine and anidulafungin. We were able to demonstrate the increased isolation of the multiresistant Candida haemulonii species complex in our culture collection, where most isolates were cultured from patients with deep-seated infections.
Behavioural cue reactivity to alcohol-related and non-alcohol-related stimuli among individuals with alcohol use disorder: An fMRI study with a visual task

Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have difficulty controlling their alcohol cravings and thus exhibit increased use and early relapse. Although patients tend to respond more strongly to alcohol-related images than to non-alcohol-related images, few researchers have examined the factors that modulate cravings. Here, we examined whole-brain blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) responses to behavioural cues in individuals with AUD and in healthy controls (HCs). The participants included 24 patients with AUD and 15 HCs. We presented visual cues consisting of four beverage-related images (juice, drinking juice, sake, and drinking sake), and the cue reactivity of AUD participants was contrasted with that of HC participants. Multiple comparisons revealed that the AUD group had lower BOLD responses than the HC group in the left precuneus (p = 0.036) and the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) (p = 0.044) to images of drinking juice and higher BOLD responses than the HC group in the left PCC (p = 0.044) to images of drinking sake. Furthermore, compared to the HCs, the AUD patients had decreased BOLD responses associated with cue reactivity to drinking juice in the left precuneus during the periods from 15 to 18 s (p = 0.004, df = 37) and 18 to 21 s (p = 0.002, df = 37). Our findings suggest that HCs and AUD patients differ in their responses not to images of alcoholic beverages but to images related to alcohol-drinking behaviour. Thus, these patients appear to have different patterns of brain activity. This information may aid clinicians in developing treatments for patients with AUD.
Southeastern Myotis (Myotis austroriparius) Roost Selection in Cypress-Gum Swamps

Roost characteristics have been described for most North American bats, but debate continues over the ultimate mechanisms behind roost selection. Hypotheses include the need for a stable microclimate, protection from predators, proximity to foraging habitat, and availability of alternative roosts, among others. Our objective was to weigh evidence for hypotheses regarding selection of diurnal summer roosts using southeastern myotis (Myotis austroriparius) as a model. We used transect searches and radiotelemetry to locate 25 roosts at eight study sites across the Coastal Plain of Georgia, USA. We measured 22 characteristics of trees, at all occupied roosts and at randomly selected unoccupied trees. We evaluated 10 hypotheses using single-season occupancy models. The best supported model predicted bat presence based on the variables tree species, solid wood volume, and canopy cover. Because these characters affect heat retention and insolation, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that bats select roosts that provide a favorable microclimate. However, data on roost temperature and humidity are needed for a conclusive determination. Occupancy was greatest at the study area closest to caves occupied by southeastern myotis. Water tupelo trees appear to be an important resource for this species, although proximity to suitable caves also seems to affect presence and should be considered in conservation planning.
Caffeine increases strength and power performance in resistance‐trained females during early follicular phase

The effects of 4 mg·kg−1caffeine ingestion on strength and power were investigated for the first time, in resistance‐trained females during the early follicular phase utilizing a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover design. Fifteen females (29.8 ± 4.0 years, 63.8 ± 5.5 kg [mean ± SD]) ingested caffeine or placebo 60 minutes before completing a test battery separated by 72 hours. One‐repetition maximum (1RM), repetitions to failure (RTF) at 60% of 1RM, was assessed in the squat and bench press. Maximal voluntary contraction torque (MVC) and rate of force development (RFD) were measured during isometric knee extensions, while utilizing interpolated twitch technique to measure voluntary muscle activation. Maximal power and jump height were assessed during countermovement jumps (CMJ). Caffeine metabolites were measured in plasma. Adverse effects were registered after each trial. Caffeine significantly improved squat (4.5 ± 1.9%, effect size [ES]: 0.25) and bench press 1RM (3.3 ± 1.4%, ES: 0.20), and squat (15.9 ± 17.9%, ES: 0.31) and bench press RTF (9.8 ± 13.6%, ES: 0.31), compared to placebo. MVC torque (4.6 ± 7.3%, ES: 0.26), CMJ height (7.6 ± 4.0%, ES: 0.50), and power (3.8 ± 2.2%, ES: 0.24) were also significantly increased with caffeine. There were no differences in RFD or muscle activation. Plasma [caffeine] was significantly increased throughout the protocol, and mild side effects of caffeine were experienced by only 3 participants. This study demonstrated that 4 mg·kg−1 caffeine ingestion enhanced maximal strength, power, and muscular endurance in resistance‐trained and caffeine‐habituated females during the early follicular phase, with few adverse effects. Female strength and power athletes may consider using this dose pre‐competition and ‐training as an effective ergogenic aid.
Cardiorespiratory coupling in cetaceans; a physiological strategy to improve gas exchange?

ABSTRACT In the current study we used transthoracic echocardiography to measure stroke volume (SV), heart rate (fH) and cardiac output (CO) in adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), a male beluga whale calf [Delphinapterus leucas, body mass (Mb) range: 151–175 kg] and an adult female false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens, estimated Mb: 500–550 kg) housed in managed care. We also recorded continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) in the beluga whale, bottlenose dolphin, false killer whale, killer whale (Orcinus orca) and pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) to evaluate cardiorespiratory coupling while breathing spontaneously under voluntary control. The results show that cetaceans have a strong respiratory sinus arrythmia (RSA), during which both fH and SV vary within the interbreath interval, making average values dependent on the breathing frequency (fR). The RSA-corrected fH was lower for all cetaceans compared with that of similarly sized terrestrial mammals breathing continuously. As compared with terrestrial mammals, the RSA-corrected SV and CO were either lower or the same for the dolphin and false killer whale, while both were elevated in the beluga whale. When plotting fR against fH for an inactive mammal, cetaceans had a greater cardiac response to changes in fR as compared with terrestrial mammals. We propose that these data indicate an important coupling between respiration and cardiac function that enhances gas exchange, and that this RSA is important to maximize gas exchange during surface intervals, similar to that reported in the elephant seal. Summary: Data from five species of cetaceans show a strong respiratory sinus arrythmia and an important cardiorespiratory coupling that enhances gas exchange.
Odorant binding proteins promote flight activity in the migratory insect, Helicoverpa armigera

Migratory insects are capable of actively sustaining powered flight for several hours. This extraordinary phenomenon requires a highly efficient transport system to cope with the energetic demands placed on the flight muscles. Here, we provide evidence that the role of the hydrophobic ligand binding of odorant binding proteins (OBPs) extends beyond their typical function in the olfactory system to support insect flight activity via lipid interactions. Transcriptomic and candidate gene analyses show that two phylogenetically clustered OBPs (OBP3/OBP6) are consistently over‐expressed in adult moths of the migrant Old‐World bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, displaying sustained flight performance in flight activity bioassays. Tissue‐specific over‐expression of OBP6 was observed in the antennae, wings and thorax in long‐fliers of H. armigera. Transgenic Drosophila flies over‐expressing an H. armigera transcript of OBP6 (HarmOBP6) in the flight muscle attained higher flight speeds on a modified tethered flight system. Quantification of lipid molecules using mass spectrometry showed a depletion of triacylglyerol and phospholipids in flown moths. Protein homology models built from the crystal structure of a fatty acid carrier protein identified the binding site of OBP3 and OBP6 for hydrophobic ligand binding with both proteins exhibiting a stronger average binding affinity with triacylglycerols and phospholipids compared with other groups of ligands. We propose that HarmOBP3 and HarmOBP6 contribute to the flight capacity of a globally invasive and highly migratory noctuid moth, and in doing so, extend the function of this group of proteins beyond their typical role as chemosensory proteins in insects.
Investigation of the key factors that influence the girls to enter into child marriage: A meta-synthesis of qualitative evidence

In this study, we synthesized findings from qualitative studies to identify the key factors that influence child marriage. We used a meta-ethnographic approach coupled with thematic synthesis. We searched literature from nine databases, which were in English language, covering areas in public health, psychology, and social science between 2008 and 2018. Twelve studies were included in the synthesis. We identified six main themes: human insecurity and conflict; legal issues; family values and circumstances; religious beliefs; individual circumstances, beliefs, and knowledge; and social norms. Our findings highlight the impact of human insecurity and conflict, as well as legal issues. In spite of global progress scaling up legislation against child marriage, the legal framework is insufficiently enforced in many settings. Most of the included studies were from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Studies from other parts of the world such as Latin America and Southeast Asia, which have the highest rates of child marriage, are needed.
A Vaccine Displaying a Trimeric Influenza-A HA Stem Protein on Capsid-Like Particles Elicits Potent and Long-Lasting Protection in Mice

Due to constant antigenic drift and shift, current influenza-A vaccines need to be redesigned and administered annually. A universal flu vaccine (UFV) that provides long-lasting protection against both seasonal and emerging pandemic influenza strains is thus urgently needed. The hemagglutinin (HA) stem antigen is a promising target for such a vaccine as it contains neutralizing epitopes, known to induce cross-protective IgG responses against a wide variety of influenza subtypes. In this study, we describe the development of a UFV candidate consisting of a HAstem trimer displayed on the surface of rigid capsid-like particles (CLP). Compared to soluble unconjugated HAstem trimer, the CLP-HAstem particles induced a more potent, long-lasting immune response and were able to protect mice against both homologous and heterologous H1N1 influenza challenge, even after a single dose.