Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Deposition of Elemental Gold from Gold(I)-Thiosulfate Complexes Mediated by Sulfate-Reducing Bacterial Conditions

The role of sulfate-reducing bacteria in the precipitation of elemental gold through a geologic stratum was investigated using column experiments. The mixed culture, dominated by sulfate-reducing bacteria, was isolated from the Driefontein consolidated gold mine, Witwatersrand basin, Republic of South Africa. Bacterially mediated gold precipitation from the gold(I)-thiosulfate complex was more efficient than the corresponding abiotic experiments. In the bacterial systems, sulfate-reducing bacteria (i.e., Desulfovibrio sp.) deposited gold inside the cells as spherical nanoparticles. Over time, these nanoparticles of gold were released from the cells and deposited at cell surfaces and in the bulk solutions. Ultimately, these nanoparticles of gold contributed to the formation of micrometer-scale octahedral gold crystals, occasional framboidlike structures (~1.5-μm diam) and millimeter-scale gold foils, typically surrounding the silicate grains. Spherical gold particles (~1-μm diam) were precipitated in the abiotic experiments, and the formation of octahedral gold, framboidlike structures and gold foils were not observed in these experiments. The reduction and enrichment of elemental gold by sulfate-reducing bacteria occurred without the concomitant death of the bacteria, suggesting that in natural systems, this process could go on over geologic time scales, as long as nutrients and gold(I)-thiosulfate were provided to the system.
APOL1 Gene Variants and Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction: The association of APOL1 risk variants with cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in observational and clinical trials has had inconsistent results. We aim to assess the relationship between the presence of APOL1 risk variants and the CVD risk in Afro-descendant patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: We performed an observational, cross-sectional study of Afro-descendant adult patients with ESRD who were on the waitlist for a kidney transplant. Associations of APOL1 genotypes (high-risk [HR] = 2 alleles; low-risk [LR] = 0 or 1 allele) with cardiovascular risk were the primary clinical endpoint. The relation was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: We enrolled a total of 102 patients with ESRD; 37% (38 patients) had APOL1 HR status with two alleles in homozygous (G1/G1 = 21 and G2/G2 = 3) or compound heterozygote (G1/G2 = 14) form and 63% (64 patients) had APOL1 LR status. No significant association was found between HR APOL1 genotypes and high cardiovascular risk (in adjusted Colombia Framingham Risk Score). APOL1 HR versus LR variants were not independently associated with left ventricular hypertrophy or systolic dysfunction. No cardiovascular deaths occurred during the follow-up. Conclusion: In Afro-descendent patients with ESRD, APOL1 HR status is not associated with the increase in cardiovascular risk profile and metabolic disturbances.
GATA3 Expression in HPV-associated and HPV-independent Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Patterns of Expression and Prognostic Significance

Substantial diminution or loss of GATA3 expression is reportedly frequent in human papillomavirus–independent (HPVI), p53-mediated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. Herein, we study GATA3 expression in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) and assess its clinicopathologic significance. Eighty-six cases of VSCC diagnosed at a single institution were immunohistochemically assessed for their expression of GATA3, as well as any possible relationships with patient outcomes and other clinicopathologic parameters. Given that GATA3 expression pattern in the normal vulvar epidermis is typically strong basal staining with a uniform upward extension until at least the mid epidermal layers, VSCCs were scored using a previously reported tripattern system: pattern 0 (>75% tumor staining), pattern 1 (25% to 75% staining), and pattern 2 (<25% staining). Severe loss of GATA3 expression (pattern 2) was present in both human papillomavirus–associated (HPVA) and HPVI VSCC but was significantly more common in HPVI cases (P<0.001). Among 52 HPVA VSCCs, 16 (30.7%), 15 (28.8%), and 21 (40.3%) cases showed patterns 0, 1, 2 staining whereas among 34 HPVI VSCCs, the respective frequencies were 1 (2.9%), 5 (14.7%), and 28 (82.3%). None of the 30 p53 abnormal VSCCs showed pattern 0 staining (0%). Five (16.6%) and 25 (83.3%) showed patterns 1 and 2 staining, respectively. On univariate analysis, the pattern 2 cohort showed a significantly worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) than the pattern 0 or 1 cohort (P=0.011 and 0.024, respectively), but this finding was not independent of stage on multivariate analysis (P=0.34; hazard ratio: 1.82; 95% CI: 0.55-6.06). Subgroup analysis of the p53 wild-type cases showed significantly worse OS for pattern 2 than the pattern 0 or 1 cohorts, independent of stage (P=0.04; hazard ratio: 6.5; 95% CI: 1.08-39.8). Subgroup analysis of p53 abnormal cases, however, showed no difference in OS and DFS among the 3-tiered GATA3 cohorts. In summary, loss of GATA3 may be seen in both HPVA and HPVI VSCCs but is significantly more common in HPVI SCCs. Loss or substantial diminution of GATA3 expression (pattern 2) is a negative prognostic factor in vulvar SCCs, but only in the p53 wild-type subset, where its negative prognostic significance appears to be independent of stage.
Protease-Activated Receptor 2 Controls Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation in Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinase/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 1/2-Dependent Manner

Introduction: Cardiovascular disorders are characterized by vascular smooth muscle (VSM) transition from a contractile to proliferative state. Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) involvement in this phenotypic conversion remains unclear. We hypothesized that PAR2 controls VSM cell proliferation in phenotype-dependent manner and through specific protein kinases. Methods: Rat clonal low (PLo; P3–P6) and high passage (PHi; P10–P15) VSM cells were established as respective models of quiescent and proliferative cells, based on reduced PKG-1 and VASP. Western blotting determined expression of cytoskeletal/contractile proteins, PAR2, and select protein kinases. DNA synthesis and cell proliferation were measured 24–72 h following PAR2 agonism (SLIGRL; 100 nM–10 μm) with/without PKA (PKI; 10 μm), MEK1/2 (PD98059; 10 μm), and PI3K (LY294002; 1 μm) blockade. Results: PKG-1, VASP, SM22α, calponin, cofilin, and PAR2 were reduced in PHi versus PLo cells. Following PAR2 agonism, DNA synthesis and cell proliferation increased in PLo cells but decreased in PHi cells. Western analyses showed reduced PKA, MEK1/2, and PI3K in PHi versus PLo cells, and kinase blockade revealed PAR2 controls VSM cell proliferation through PKA/MEK1/2. Discussion: Findings highlight PAR2 and PAR2-driven PKA/MEK1/2 in control of VSM cell growth and provide evidence for continued investigation of PAR2 in VSM pathology.
Angiotensin (1-7) reverses glucose-induced islet β cell dedifferentiation by Wnt/β-catenin/FoxO1 signalling pathway.

INTRODUCTION Recent studies have shown that a decline in isletβ cells quality is due to β-cell dedifferentiation, not only β-cell apoptosis. Angiotensin (1-7) [Ang(1-7)] could attenuate high glucose-induced apoptosis and dedifferentiation of pancreaticβ cells by combining with MAS receptors. However, the mechanism of such action has not been elucidated. Recent studies have revealed that Wnt/β-catenin and forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) are associated with β-cell dedifferentiation. Our study aims to explore whether the effects of Ang(1-7)on islet b cell dedifferentiation are mediated through the Wnt/β-catenin/FoxO1 pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS Isletβ cells were divided into 6 groups: a control group, a high-glucose group, high glucose with Ang(1-7) group, high-glucose with Ang(1-7) and A779 group, high-glucose with angiotensin(1-7) and CHIR99021 group, and high-glucose with CHIR99021 group. A779 is a kind of MAS receptor antagonist that blocks the action of Ang(1-7), and CHIR99021 is a Wnt pathway activator. The morphology of pancreaticβ cells was observed in each group after 48 hours of intervention. β-cell insulin secretory function and expressions of relevant factors were measured. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the cell morphology became degraded in the high-glucose group and the capability of insulin secretion was reduced. Meanwhile, the expressions of matureβ cells markers [pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1) and MAF BZIP transcription factor A (MafA)] were reduced, while the expressions of endocrine progenitor cells makers [octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) and Nanog] were increased. The addition of CHIR99021 resulted in profound deep destruction ofβ cells compared with the high-glucose group. However, such changes were dramatically reversed following the treatment of Ang(1-7). The addition of A779 significantly inhibited the improvement caused by Ang(1-7). CONCLUSION Ang(1-7) can effectively reverseβ cell dedifferentiation through Wnt/β-catenin/FoxO1 pathway. It might be a new strategy for preventing and treating diabetes.
Quantitative lymphoscintigraphy of the lower limbs for the diagnosis of phlebolymphoedema

Introduction Phlebolymphoedema is caused by the interaction of the venous and lymphatic systems in a state of chronic venous insufficiency in which increased microvascular filtration causes an increased rate of lymph production. Lymphatic drainage rate increases in response, but this is unsustainable and can cause lymphatic failure and oedema. We hypothesise that in phlebolymphoedema we could measure unusually high lymphatic drainage while the lymph system is still fully functional. Method Patients referred for lymphoscintigraphic investigation of swollen legs between April 2021 and December 2022 were reviewed. Quantitative lymphoscintigraphy was performed following the technique of Keramida et al. (2017) and ilio-inguinal nodal uptake (IIQ%) was calculated. The presence of scintigraphic features of increased lymph production was noted for each limb. Results A total of 39 patients were reviewed (78 limbs, 29F, 10M). Seven limbs were identified with supranormal lymphatic function (IIQ > 30%) plus three borderline. Of these 10 limbs, all had at least two scintigraphic features of increased lymph production. Conclusion Quantitative lymphoscintigraphy, although developed for diagnosing abnormally low lymphatic function, may also have utility at the upper end of the spectrum for identifying chronic venous insufficiency. An IIQ% upper normal limit of 30% could be used to diagnose venous insufficiency as the cause for limb swelling. This is of note for patients of large body habitus in whom venous ultrasound is difficult.
Palaeomagnetism and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of mafic dykes from the eastern Bushveld Complex (South Africa)

SUMMARY We report palaeomagnetic and 40Ar/39Ar age data for dykes that intrude the ∼2 Ga eastern Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC). The dykes were previously assumed to be of Karroo age (Jurassic ∼ 180 Ma) based on their NE–SW orientation. Palaeomagnetic data (pole position 8.7°N, 22°E; dp/dm= 18/20.6°), however, clearly demonstrate that these dykes are Precambrian in age, either ∼1.9 Ga and close to the Early Proterozoic Bushveld age, or 1649 ± 10 Ma based on 40Ar/39Ar plagioclase laser fusion ages from one of the dykes. Both normal and reverse polarity dykes are identified, and a positive reversal test together with a semi-conclusive contact test attests to a primary magnetization. If the 40Ar/39Ar age represents a primary cooling age then palaeomagnetic poles from South Africa (Kalahari) at ∼1.9 to ∼2 Ga and ∼1650 Ma are virtually identical, and suggest an apparent polar wander loop; alternatively, the Kalahari Craton drifted from high southerly (>50°) to high northerly latitudes (or vice versa) during this interval. Conversely, if we assign a ∼1.9 Ga age for dyke emplacement as suggested from a comparison with Kalahari palaeomagnetic poles (e.g. Waterberg–Soutpansberg pole), the ∼1650 Ma 40Ar/39Ar age must relate to a thermal disturbance that did not erase the primary magnetic signature.
Diagnosing model error in canopy‐atmosphere exchange using empirical orthogonal function analysis

The application of complex land surface models to long‐term estimation of water, energy, and CO2 exchange suffers from possible static parameterization of inherently time‐varying properties. This paper presents a method by which structural (i.e., spatial) patterns in model output errors can be identified and associated with errors in a single parameter or set of interacting parameters. We focus on CO2 concentration profiles as the observed quantity containing spatial information on model performance. The core of the method relies on the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of an ensemble of model error profiles produced by synthetically inducing parameter biases. EOF analyses of the error profiles associated with photosynthetic capacity, stomatal conductance, radiation interception, soil respiration, and turbulent mixing parameters concentrated greater than 94% of the error pattern variability in the first two EOFs, producing very compact (two member) basis sets. Application of the EOFs to the identification of parameter error sources was performed with three sets of synthetic tests. The method was broadly successful at identifying the primary error source when one or two error sources were present, using single‐parameter basis sets. Two‐parameter basis sets were able to identify strongly interacting parameter errors (i.e., errors of approximately equal magnitude). Environmental classification of photosynthetically active radiation and wind speed regimes was effective at untangling error influences for the tightly coupled photosynthetic, radiation, and stomatal conductance parameters. Data analysis of measured concentration profiles was used to derive the environmental classes.
Significant relationships: nurses caring for adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

: Nurses in this study manage the challenges of meeting the unique needs of adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) by fostering 'significant relationships' with them. These relationships are characterised by friendship, reciprocity, choice, involvement and 'being there'; while shared histories, dealing with a protracted illness trajectory, and nursing within a chronic/terminal dichotomy emerge as the contextual aspects. The relationships are perceived as beneficial and mutually rewarding. However, such implications as the line between professional and personal involvement, the adolescents' vulnerability and the resources and support needs of nurses must be considered.
POTENTIAL MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY AND FRACTIONAL CONVERSION STUDIES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOILS AND SEDIMENTS

Potential magnetic susceptibility (X MAX ) and, hence, fractional conversion (X CONV ) are shown to be critical in interpreting low-frequency mass-specific magnetic susceptibility (X LF ) deta. Results presented from 29 sites in the UK and one in Hungary encompass six types of investigation: Quaternary sedimentary stratigraphies, archaeological contexts, surveys of old ground surfaces, topsoil surveys of lithic scatter sites, topsoil prospection surveys and 'natural' topsoils. The findings highlight the wide range of X MAX values that may be encountered; identify factors affecting X MAX ; demonstrate that X CONV provides a measure of enhancement resulting from burning; and identify environments in which X LF analysis is likely to be problematic.
Characterization of the Soil Hydromorphic Conditions in a Paludified Dunefield during the Mid-Holocene Hemlock Decline near Québec City, Québec

The mid-Holocene eastern hemlock [Tsuga canadensis L. (Carr.)] decline has been recently attributed to the activity of insect defoliators. N. Bihiry and L. Filion, Quaternary Research 45,312–320 (1996). In this study, soil hydromorphic conditions were investigated for the period 6800–3200 yr B.P. using micromorphological data from a peat section from a swale in a paludified dunefield in southern Québec. After a short period of plant colonization in shallow pools between 6800 and 6400 yr B.P., mesic conditions predominated in the interdune before the decline (6400–4900 yr B.P.), as evidenced by strong bioturbation and abundance of excrements from the soil fauna. During the decline, a shift from mesic to wet conditions occurred (4900–4100 yr B.P.), although xeric to mesic conditions persisted on dune ridges until at least 4200 yr B.P. Wetness culminated when beaver occupied the site (4100–3750 yr B.P.). Hemlock needles with chewing damage typical of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria) feeding were identified at levels dated 4900, 4600, and 4200 yr B.P., respectively, implying that the hemlock decline was associated with at least three defoliation events. The ca. 400-yr interval between these events likely represents the time required for this late-sucessional tree species to recover.
Is Frailty Different in Younger Adults Compared to Old? Prevalence, Characteristics, and Risk Factors of Early-Life and Late-Life Frailty in Samples from Sweden and UK

Introduction: Although frailty is commonly considered as a syndrome of old individuals, recent studies show that it can affect younger adults, too. Whether and how frailty differs in younger adults compared to old is however unknown. To this end, we analyzed the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of early-life (aged <65) and late-life (aged ≥65) frailty. Methods: We analyzed individuals in the UK Biobank (N = 405,123) and Swedish Screening Across the Lifespan Twin (SALT; N = 43,641) study. Frailty index (FI) scores ≥0.21 were used to demarcate frailty. Characteristics of early-life versus late-life frailty were analyzed by collating the FI items (deficits) into domains and comparing the domain scores between younger and older frail individuals. Logistic regression was used to assess the risk factors of frailty. Results: The pooled prevalence rates of frailty were 10.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7–32.7), 14.4% (95% CI: 4.5–37.2), 19.2% (95% CI: 2.5–68.5) in individuals aged ≤55, 55–64, 65–74, respectively. Younger frail adults (aged <65) had higher scores in immunological, mental wellbeing, and pain-related domains, whereas older frail adults (aged ≥65) had higher scores in cardiometabolic, cancer, musculoskeletal, and sensory-related domains. Higher age, female sex, smoking, lower alcohol consumption, lower education, obesity, overweight, low income, and maternal smoking were similarly associated with the risk of early-life and late-life frailty. Conclusion: Frailty is prevalent also in younger age groups (aged <65) but differs in some of its characteristics from the old. The risk factors of frailty are nevertheless largely similar for early-life and late-life frailty.
Simulations of the Aqueous “Brown-Ring” Complex Reveal Fluctuations in Electronic Character

Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations of the aqueous [Fe(H2O)5(NO)]2+ “brown-ring” complex in different spin states, in combination with multiconfigurational quantum chemical calculations, show a structural dependence on the electronic character of the complex. Sampling in the quartet and sextet ground states show that the multiplicity is correlated with the Fe–N distance. This provides a motivation for a rigid Fe–N scan in the isolated “brown-ring” complex to investigate how the multiconfigurational wave function and the electron density change around the FeNO moiety. Our results show that subtle changes in the Fe–N distance produce a large response in the electronic configurations underlying the quartet wave function. However, while changes in spin density and potential energy are pronounced, variations in charge are negligible. These trends within the FeNO moiety are preserved in structural sampling of the AIMD simulations, despite distortions present in other degrees of freedom in the bulk solution.
The unique 3D arrangement of macrophage galactose lectin enables Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide recognition through two distinct interfaces

LipoPolySaccharides are a hallmark of Gram-negative bacteria and their presence at the cell surface is key for bacterial integrity. As surface exposed components, they are recognized by immunity C-type lectin receptors present on Antigen Presenting Cells. Human Macrophage Galactose Lectin binds E. coli surface that presents a specific glycan motif. Nevertheless, this high affinity interaction occurs regardless of the integrity of its canonical calcium-dependent glycan binding site. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of MGL carbohydrate recognition domain and complete extracellular domain revealed a new glycan binding site opposite to the canonical site. A model of trimeric Macrophage Galactose Lectin was determined based on a combination of Small Angle X-ray scattering and Alphafold. A disulphide bond positions the Carbohydrate Recognition Domain perpendicular to the coiled-coil domain. This unique configuration for a C-type lectin orients the six glycan sites of MGL in an ideal position to bind LipoPolySaccharides at the bacterial surface with high avidity.
Donor Radii in Rare-Earth Complexes

We present a set of donor radii for the rare-earth cations obtained from the analysis of structural data available in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). Theoretical calculations using density functional theory (DFT) and wave function approaches (NEVPT2) demonstrate that the Ln-donor distances can be broken down into contributions of the cation and the donor atom, with the minimum in electron density (ρ) that defines the position of (3,–1) critical points corresponding well with Shannon’s crystal radii (CR). Subsequent linear fits of the experimental bond distances for all rare earth cations (except Pm3+) afforded donor radii (rD) that allow for the prediction of Ln-donor distances regardless of the nature of the rare-earth cation and its oxidation state. This set of donor radii can be used to rationalize structural data and identify particularly weak or strong interactions, which has important implications in the understanding of the stability and reactivity of complexes of these metal ions. A few cases of incorrect atom assignments in X-ray structures were also identified using the derived rD values.