Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Screening of antifungal activity of 12 essential oils against eight pathogenic fungi of vegetables and mushroom

The antifungal properties of 12 Eos, that is, Syzygium aromaticum, Pelargonium graveolens, Lavandula angustifolia, Cupresus sempervirens, Mentha piperita, Santolina chamaecyparissus, Citrus sinensis, Pogostemon patchouli, Thymus mastichina, Thymus vulgaris, Eucalyptus globulus and Rosmarinus officinalis, were screened. The influence of five doses of each EOs was tested against Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Phytophthora parasitica, Pythium aphanidermatum, Alternaria brassicae, Cladobotryum mycophilum and Trichoderma aggressivum f.sp. europaeum using disc‐diffusion method. The mycelial growth inhibition and ED50 were calculated. The chemical analysis of the EOs was analysed using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. A total of 58 compounds were identified in the 12 EOs. All essential oils (EOs) analysed showed antifungal activity against the test pathogens in the range of 5·32–100%. The inhibitory effect of oils showed dose‐dependent activity on the tested fungus. Based on the ED50 values, clove, rose geranium, peppermint and patchouli were the most effective. This study warrants further research into the practical use of EOs for the control of important myco‐ and phytopathogens in intensive horticulture.
SOSIP Changes Affect Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Glycoprotein Conformation and CD4 Engagement

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer is triggered by receptor binding to mediate the entry of the virus into cells. Most structural studies of Env trimers have utilized truncated soluble gp140 Envs stabilized with the I559P and SOS changes. Here we present evidence indicating that these stabilizing changes have a profound impact on the conformation of Env, moving Env away from the native pretriggered Env conformation. Our studies underscore the need to acquire structural information on the pretriggered Env conformation, which is recognized by most broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies. ABSTRACT The entry of human immunodeficiency virus into host cells is mediated by the envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimeric spike, which consists of three exterior gp120 subunits and three transmembrane gp41 subunits. The trimeric Env undergoes extensive conformational rearrangement upon interaction with the CD4 receptor, transitioning from the unliganded, “closed” State 1 to more-open downstream State 2 and State 3 conformations. Changes in “restraining” amino acid residues, such as leucine 193 and isoleucine 423, destabilize State 1 Env, which then assumes entry-competent, downstream conformations. The introduction of an artificial disulfide bond linking the gp120 and gp41 subunits (SOS) in combination with the I559P (IP) change has allowed structural characterization of soluble gp140 (sgp140) trimers. The conformation of these SOSIP-stabilized sgp140 trimers has been suggested to represent the closed native State 1 conformation. Here we compare the impact on the membrane Env conformation of the SOSIP changes with that of the well-characterized changes (L193R and I423A) that shift Env to downstream States 2 and 3. The results presented here suggest that the SOSIP changes stabilize Env in a conformation that differs from State 1 but also from the downstream Env conformations stabilized by L193R or I423A. IMPORTANCE The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer is triggered by receptor binding to mediate the entry of the virus into cells. Most structural studies of Env trimers have utilized truncated soluble gp140 Envs stabilized with the I559P and SOS changes. Here we present evidence indicating that these stabilizing changes have a profound impact on the conformation of Env, moving Env away from the native pretriggered Env conformation. Our studies underscore the need to acquire structural information on the pretriggered Env conformation, which is recognized by most broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies.
Trajectories of Child and Caregiver Psychological Adjustment in Families of Children With Cancer

Objective: To describe the trajectory of patient and caregiver mental health from diagnosis through the first year of treatment for pediatric cancer and assess whether rates of clinically relevant symptoms were elevated compared with norms. We examined mean levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in children with cancer, and depression, anxiety, and PTSS in caregivers during the first year of treatment; the proportion of patients and caregivers that scored in the clinical range at each time point; and the typical trajectory of symptoms in patients and caregivers and whether trajectories differed between individuals. Method: Families (N = 159) of children newly diagnosed with cancer (Mage = 5.6 years; range = 2–18 years) participated in a short-term prospective study. Primary caregivers provided monthly reports of their own and their children’s psychological adjustment. Results: On average, children were well-adjusted. However, compared with norms, there was a higher than expected proportion of children with clinically relevant internalizing symptoms around the time of diagnosis. On average children’s symptoms declined over time, though variability was observed. Caregivers were less well-adjusted on average, with a high proportion reporting clinically relevant symptoms over time for depression and anxiety. Caregiver symptoms also declined over time, though considerable variability was observed. Conclusion: Although most children remain well-adjusted during the first year of treatment, many caregivers experience clinically relevant symptoms of psychological distress. Implications for development of interventions targeting at-risk patients and caregivers are discussed. Identifying processes that predict between-family variability in trajectories of psychopathology is an important next step.
Development and Validation of the Facial Expression Recognition Test (FERT)

Detecting the emotional state of others from facial expressions is a key ability in emotional competence and several instruments have been developed to assess it. Typical emotion recognition tests are assumed to be unidimensional, use pictures or videos of emotional portrayals as stimuli, and ask the participant which emotion is depicted in each stimulus. However, using actor portrayals adds a layer of difficulty in developing such a test: the portrayals may fail to be convincing and may convey a different emotion than intended. For this reason, evaluating and selecting stimuli is of crucial importance. Existing tests typically base item evaluation on consensus or expert judgment, but these methods could favor items with high agreement over items that better differentiate ability levels and they could not formally test the item pool for unidimensionality. To address these issues, the authors propose a new test, named Facial Expression Recognition Test (FERT), developed using an item response theory two-parameter logistic model. Data from 1,002 online participants were analyzed using both a unidimensional and a bifactor model, and showed that the item pool could be considered unidimensional. The selection was based on the items’ discrimination parameters, retaining only the most informative items to investigate the latent ability. The resulting 36-item test was reliable and quick to administer. The authors found both a gender difference in the ability to recognize emotions and a decline of such ability with age. The PsychoPy implementation of the test and the scoring script are available on a Github repository.
Air-Liquid Interface System To Understand Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects epithelial cells and is associated with epithelial malignancies. Although EBV reactivation is induced by epithelial differentiation, the available methods for differentiation are not widely used. ABSTRACT Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects epithelial cells and is associated with epithelial malignancies. Although EBV reactivation is induced by epithelial differentiation, the available methods for differentiation are not widely used. In a recent study, Caves et al. (mSphere 3:e00152-18, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1128/mSphere.00152-18) explored the use of a new transwell-based air-liquid interface (ALI) system to differentiate EBV-infected nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. They found that cells cultured in the ALI system expressed markers of differentiation and supported complete EBV reactivation. This system offers an easy method for differentiation that could be widely adopted. This system could be extended to other epithelial cell types.
Out-of-Home Care and Subsequent Preterm Delivery: An Intergenerational Cohort Study

With national population data and information across 3 generations, we assessed the association between maternal early-life adverse experience and preterm delivery. OBJECTIVES: Adverse early-life experience may affect preterm delivery later in life through priming of stress response. We aim to investigate the links between out-of-home care (OHC) experience in childhood, as a proxy of severe adversities, on subsequent risk of preterm delivery. METHODS: A register-based national cohort of all women born in Sweden between 1973 and 1977 (N = 175 821) was crosslinked with information on these women’s subsequent deliveries as recorded in the Swedish medical birth register. During 1986–2012, 343 828 livebirths of these women were identified. The associations between women’s OHC experience and her risk of preterm delivery were analyzed through logistic regression models, adjusting for women’s own preterm birth, intrauterine growth, and childhood socioeconomic situation. RESULTS: Compared with women that never entered OHC, women with OHC experience up to and after age 10 were both associated with increased risks of preterm delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.23 [95% confidence interval 1.08–1.40] and aOR = 1.29 [1.13–1.48], respectively). Women who experienced OHC before or at 10 years of age had increased risk of both spontaneous and medically indicated preterm delivery (aOR = 1.19 [1.03–1.38] and aOR = 1.27 [1.02–1.59], respectively). Women who experienced OHC after age 10 had a more pronounced risk of medically indicated preterm delivery (aOR = 1.76 [1.44–2.16]) than for spontaneous preterm delivery (aOR = 1.08 [0.92–1.27]). CONCLUSIONS: Women who were placed in OHC in childhood had increased risk of preterm delivery independent from their own perinatal history. Stress response, as 1 consequence of early life adversities, may take its toll on women’s reproductive health and their offspring, calling for integrative efforts in preventing early life adversity.
Return to work after specialized rehabilitation—An explorative longitudinal study in a cohort of severely disabled persons with stroke in seven countries

Stroke may impose disabilities with severe consequences for the individual, with physical, psychological, social, and work‐related consequences. The objective with the current study was to investigate to what extent persons with stroke were able to return to work, to maintain their financial situation, and to describe the follow‐up services and participation in social networks and recreational activities.
It really does take a village: The role of neighbors in the etiology of nonaggressive rule-breaking behavior

Abstract Although there is growing recognition that disadvantaged contexts attenuate genetic influences on youth misbehavior, it is not yet clear how this dampening occurs. The current study made use of a “geographic contagion” model to isolate specific contexts contributing to this effect, with a focus on nonaggressive rule-breaking behaviors (RB) in the families’ neighbors. Our sample included 847 families residing in or near modestly-to-severely disadvantaged neighborhoods who participated in the Michigan State University Twin Registry. Neighborhood sampling techniques were used to recruit neighbors residing within 5km of a given family (the mean number of neighbors assessed per family was 13.09; range, 1–47). Analyses revealed clear evidence of genotype–environment interactions by neighbor RB, such that sibling-level shared environmental influences on child RB increased with increasing neighbor self-reports of their own RB, whereas genetic influences decreased. Moreover, this moderation appeared to be driven by geographic proximity to neighbors. Sensitivity analyses further indicated that this effect was specifically accounted for by higher levels of neighbor joblessness, rather than elements of neighbor RB that would contribute to neighborhood blight or crime. Such findings provocatively suggest that future genotype–environment interactions studies should integrate the dynamic networks of social contagion theory.
The comparative efficacy of group- versus home-based exercise programs in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an important factor to not only cause employment obstacle, but also result in serious social economic load. Several randomized controlled trials investigated the efficacy of group- versus home-based exercise programs in patients with AS. This systematic review will collect and summarize the available evidence to realize the effectiveness of group- and home-based programs in patients with AS. Methods: A search in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library will be electronically performed by 2 independent investigators to capture all potential studies comparing group- and home-based in patients with AS. The time limit of search will be from their inception to April 2018. Two independent investigators provide their agreement in presencial meeting for a final selection, and at a later stage, the articles will be reviewed in full-text by the all authors. Quantitative analysis will be performed with Review Manager (RevMan) software (version 5.3.0). Results: This meta-analysis will provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence of group- versus home-based exercise programs in patients with AS. Conclusion: The conclusion of our meta-analysis will provide the evidence which program is an effective intervention for patient with AS.
Aspirin Suppresses PGE2 and Activates AMP Kinase to Inhibit Melanoma Cell Motility, Pigmentation, and Selective Tumor Growth In Vivo

There are conflicting epidemiologic data on whether chronic aspirin (ASA) use may reduce melanoma risk in humans. Potential anticancer effects of ASA may be mediated by its ability to suppress prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and activate 5′-adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK). We investigated the inhibitory effects of ASA in a panel of melanoma and transformed melanocyte cell lines, and on tumor growth in a preclinical model. ASA and the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib did not affect melanoma cell viability, but significantly reduced colony formation, cell motility, and pigmentation (melanin production) in vitro at concentrations of 1 mmol/L and 20 μmol/L, respectively. ASA-mediated inhibition of cell migration and pigmentation was rescued by exogenous PGE2 or Compound C, which inhibits AMPK activation. Levels of tyrosinase, MITF, and p-ERK were unaffected by ASA exposure. Following a single oral dose of 0.4 mg ASA to NOD/SCID mice, salicylate was detected in plasma and skin at 4 hours and PGE2 levels were reduced up to 24 hours. Some human melanoma tumors xenografted into NOD/SCID mice were sensitive to chronic daily ASA administration, exhibiting reduced growth and proliferation. ASA-treated mice bearing sensitive and resistant tumors exhibited both decreased PGE2 in plasma and tumors and increased phosphorylated AMPK in tumors. We conclude that ASA inhibits colony formation, cell motility, and pigmentation through suppression of PGE2 and activation of AMPK and reduces growth of some melanoma tumors in vivo. This preclinical model could be used for further tumor and biomarker studies to support future melanoma chemoprevention trials in humans. Cancer Prev Res; 11(10); 629–42. ©2018 AACR.
Overexpression of the Rybp Gene Inhibits Differentiation of Bovine Myoblasts into Myotubes

RING1 and YY1 binding protein (Rybp) genes inhibit myogenesis in mice, but there are no reports on the effects of these genes in cattle. The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of the Rybp gene on bovine skeletal muscle development and myoblast differentiation. In the present study, the Rybp gene was overexpressed in bovine myoblasts via adenovirus. RNA-seq was performed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The results showed that overexpressing the Rybp gene inhibits the formation of myotubes. The morphological differences in myoblasts began on the second day and were very significant 6 days after adenovirus induction. A total of 1311 (707 upregulated and 604 downregulated) DEGs were screened using RNA-seq between myoblasts with added negative control adenoviruses (AD-NC) and Rybp adenoviruses (AD-Rybp) after 6 days of induction. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG analysis revealed that the downregulated DEGs were mainly involved in biological functions related to muscle, and, of the 32 pathways, those associated with muscle development were significantly enriched for the identified DEGs. This study can not only provide a theoretical basis for the regulation of skeletal muscle development in cattle by exploring the roles of the Rybp gene in myoblast differentiation, but it can also lay a theoretical foundation for molecular breeding of beef cattle.
Stretchable Supercapacitors Based on Carbon Nanotubes-Deposited Rubber Polymer Nanofibers Electrodes with High Tolerance against Strain

We report a new fabrication method for a fully stretchable supercapacitor based on single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-coated electrospun rubber nanofibers as stretchable supercapacitor electrodes. The deposition conditions of SWCNT on hydrophobic rubber nanofibers are experimentally optimized to induce a uniform coating of SWCNT. For surfactant-assisted coating of SWCNT, both water contact angle and sheet resistance were lower compared to the cases with other surface treatment methods, indicating a more effective coating approach. The excellent electromechanical properties of this electrode under stretching conditions are demonstrated by the measurement of Young’s modulus and normalized sheet resistance. The superb tolerance of the electrode with respect to stretching is the result of (i) high aspect ratios of both nanofiber templates and the SWCNT conductors, (ii) the highly elastic nature of rubbery nanofibers, and (iii) the strong adherence of SWCNT-coated nanofibers on the elastic ecoflex substrate. Electrochemical and electromechanical measurements on stretchable supercapacitor devices reveal that the volumetric capacitance (15.2 F cm−3 at 0.021 A cm−3) of the unstretched state is maintained for strains of up to 40%. At this level of strain, the capacitance after 1,000 charge/discharge cycles was not significantly reduced. The high stability of our stretchable device suggests potential future applications in various types of wearable energy storage devices.
Impact of posture and upper-limb muscle activity on grip strength

Purpose. The current research was carried out to determine grip strength (GS) with change in posture and upper-limb muscle activity of manual workers and investigate the impacts of these changes. Methods. For the current research, 120 male and 80 female participants were selected and GS was assessed using a digital hand grip dynamometer in various conditions. Results. The outcomes showed that male participants had higher GS as compared to female participants. Maximum GS was found in a standing posture with the fixed forward shoulder at 45°, elbow at 90° and a neutral position of the wrist and forearm for all participants. Conclusions. Higher values of GS were attained in standing postures which may result in attainment of higher performance levels by the workers. The outcomes justify the importance of correct postures during manual work in industries employing traditional methods.
Effect of Stem Cells and Gene Transfected Stem Cells Therapy on the Pancreas of Experimentally Induced Type 1 Diabetes

Background and Objectives Insulin secretion entirely depends on Ca2+ influx and sequestration into endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of β-cells, performed by Sarco-ER Ca2+-ATPase 2b (SERCA2b). In diabetes, SERCA2b is decreased in the β-cells leading to impaired intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and insulin secretion. Adipose mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) play a potential role in transplantation in animal models. The present study aimed at investigating and comparing the therapeutic effect of non-transfected AMSCs and SERCA2b gene transfected AMSCs on the pancreas of induced diabetes type 1 in rat. Methods and Results 58 adult male albino rats were divided into: Donor group: 22 rats, 2 for isolation, propagation and characterization of AMSCs and SERCA2b transfected AMSCs, in addition 20 for isolated islet calcium level assessment. Group I (Control Group): 6 rats, Group II (Diabetic Group): 10 rats, 50 mg streptozotocin (STZ) were injected intraperitoneal (IP), Group III (AMSCs Group): 10 rats, 1×106 AMSCs were injected intravenous and Group IV (SERCA2b transfected AMSCs Group): 10 rats, 1×106SERCA2b transfected AMSCs were injected as in group III. Groups I, II, III and IV were sacrified 3 weeks following confirmation of diabetes. Serological, histological, morphometric studies and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed. Nuclear, cytoplasmic degenerative and extensive fibrotic changes were detected in the islets of group II that regressed in groups III and IV. Isolated islet calcium, blood glucose, plasma insulin and qPCR were confirmative. Conclusions AMSCs and SERCA2b gene transfected AMSCs therapy proved definite therapeutic effect, more obvious in response to SERCA2b gene transfected AMSCs.
Serum adiponectin in breast cancer

Background: Accumulating data have found that adiponectin is involved in development of breast cancer (BC). However, these results were inconsistent. Method: A systematic search in PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Science, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were conducted up to October 1, 2017. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval was applied to pool the effect size. Results: Finally, 31 eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis. The overall results indicated that serum adiponectin levels in BC cases were significantly lower than the controls (SMD = −0.33, P < 0.0001). As for the subgroup analysis of menstrual status, serum adiponectin levels were significantly lower in pre- and postmenopausal BC cases. Moreover, the subgroup analysis by ethnicity in pre- and postmenopausal group indicated an inverse association between adiponectin levels and BC risk in Asian population, but not in Caucasian population. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggests that low serum adiponectin concentration may be associated with an increased BC risk in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, especially among Asians. Adiponectin may serve as a biomarker of BC risk and help to identify subjects at high risk for BC development.