Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Resolvases, Dissolvases, and Helicases in Homologous Recombination: Clearing the Road for Chromosome Segregation

The execution of recombinational pathways during the repair of certain DNA lesions or in the meiotic program is associated to the formation of joint molecules that physically hold chromosomes together. These structures must be disengaged prior to the onset of chromosome segregation. Failure in the resolution of these linkages can lead to chromosome breakage and nondisjunction events that can alter the normal distribution of the genomic material to the progeny. To avoid this situation, cells have developed an arsenal of molecular complexes involving helicases, resolvases, and dissolvases that recognize and eliminate chromosome links. The correct orchestration of these enzymes promotes the timely removal of chromosomal connections ensuring the efficient segregation of the genome during cell division. In this review, we focus on the role of different DNA processing enzymes that collaborate in removing the linkages generated during the activation of the homologous recombination machinery as a consequence of the appearance of DNA breaks during the mitotic and meiotic programs. We will also discuss about the temporal regulation of these factors along the cell cycle, the consequences of their loss of function, and their specific role in the removal of chromosomal links to ensure the accurate segregation of the genomic material during cell division.
Altered habenula resting state functional connectivity in deprived veteran tobacco smokers: A pilot study.

This study aimed to examine habenular resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) abnormalities in tobacco-smoking veterans. The authors explored RSFC in sated smokers (n = 18), overnight deprived smokers (n = 13), and nonsmoker controls (n = 26). Seed-to-voxel analysis was used to explore RSFC in the habenula. Compared to sated smokers, deprived smokers demonstrated higher RSFC between the right habenula and two clusters of voxels: one in the right fusiform gyrus, and one in the left lingual gyrus. To study nicotine withdrawal, the authors used the Shiffman-Jarvik Withdrawal Questionnaire (SJWQ) score as a regressor and found higher RSFC between the right habenula and the left frontal pole in deprived compared to sated smokers. Right habenula RSFC distinguished between sated and deprived smokers and differentiated between sated and deprived smokers when using SJWQ as a regressor, suggesting a habenular role in tobacco withdrawal.
Evaluating patient turn effectiveness using turn-assist technologies

Abstract Pressure ulcers are commonly developed in bedridden patients due to prolonged pressure on bony prominences. Turn-assist support surfaces have been developed to help reposition patients to redistribute interface pressure. The aim of this study was to determine if turn-assist technologies confer benefits to patients relative to manual turning, and to determine if different turn-assist functionalities influence patient outcomes differently. Interface pressure (contact area, average and peak pressure) and patient turn quality metrics (turn angle and repeatability) were recorded during manual and facilitated turns on two different turn-assist hospital beds at initial patient position, turn-assist (maximal mattress inflation) and final patient position. Manual turns produced the most repeatable turn angles, and closest to the recommended 30° compared to both turn-assist surfaces. Interface pressure differences between surfaces were most prominent in the pelvis region across all three time points. Overall, turn-assist surfaces produced interface pressure outcomes similar to manual turning, but manual turning produced more repeatable and optimal patient turn angles. Different turn-assist surfaces achieved different patient turn angles, so functionalities should be examined before device implementation.
Visible-Light Active Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials with Bactericidal Properties

This article provides an overview of current research into the development, synthesis, photocatalytic bacterial activity, biocompatibility and cytotoxic properties of various visible-light active titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) and their nanocomposites. To achieve antibacterial inactivation under visible light, TiO2 NPs are doped with metal and non-metal elements, modified with carbonaceous nanomaterials, and coupled with other metal oxide semiconductors. Transition metals introduce a localized d-electron state just below the conduction band of TiO2 NPs, thereby narrowing the bandgap and causing a red shift of the optical absorption edge into the visible region. Silver nanoparticles of doped TiO2 NPs experience surface plasmon resonance under visible light excitation, leading to the injection of hot electrons into the conduction band of TiO2 NPs to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for bacterial killing. The modification of TiO2 NPs with carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets also achieve the efficient creation of ROS under visible light irradiation. Furthermore, titanium-based alloy implants in orthopedics with enhanced antibacterial activity and biocompatibility can be achieved by forming a surface layer of Ag-doped titania nanotubes. By incorporating TiO2 NPs and Cu-doped TiO2 NPs into chitosan or the textile matrix, the resulting polymer nanocomposites exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties that can have applications as fruit/food wrapping films, self-cleaning fabrics, medical scaffolds and wound dressings. Considering the possible use of visible-light active TiO2 nanomaterials for various applications, their toxicity impact on the environment and public health is also addressed.
Block-And-Lock Strategies to Cure HIV Infection

Today HIV infection cannot be cured due to the presence of a reservoir of latently infected cells inducing a viral rebound upon treatment interruption. Hence, the latent reservoir is considered as the major barrier for an HIV cure. So far, efforts to completely eradicate the reservoir via a shock-and-kill approach have proven difficult and unsuccessful. Therefore, more research has been done recently on an alternative block-and-lock functional cure strategy. In contrast to the shock-and-kill strategy that aims to eradicate the entire reservoir, block-and-lock aims to permanently silence all proviruses, even after treatment interruption. HIV silencing can be achieved by targeting different factors of the transcription machinery. In this review, we first describe the underlying mechanisms of HIV transcription and silencing. Next, we give an overview of the different block-and-lock strategies under investigation.
Appropriate Dairy Calf Feeding from Birth to Weaning: “It’s an Investment for the Future”

Simple Summary Research has indicated that dairy farms often do not feed calves according to recommended best practice, despite legislation and industry advisory efforts. This study used interviews with dairy farmers and their advisors to investigate why farmers feed calves the way they do. Various calf feeding practices were used by participating farmers, largely based on perceived convenience and calf performance. Advisors were concerned that calves were commonly underfed, which may be partly due to farmers receiving inadequate instructions for calf feeding. Our results highlight the need for more consistent and effective recommendations for farmers regarding calf feeding and weaning. Standard guidelines for calf milk replacers should be improved to ensure that calves are fed enough to support basic biological functions and growth. Further research is needed to establish best practices for weaning calves whilst supporting rumen development, health and weight gain. All recommendations for calf feeding should facilitate the achievement of standard industry targets including rearing replacement dairy heifers to calve by 24 months of age. Abstract Dairy calves must be fed appropriately to meet their nutritional needs, supporting optimal growth and development to achieve the recommended target age at first calving (AFC) of 24 months. Traditional restricted milk feeding practices suppress growth, contribute to negative welfare states and may result in malnutrition and immunosuppression. Despite more recent recommendations to increase milk allowances for pre-weaned calves, restricted feeding remains a common practice. This study explored the rationales behind the calf feeding protocols used by dairy farmers in England. Forty qualitative interviews (26 farmers, 14 advisors) were conducted between May 2016 and June 2017, transcribed in full, then coded into themes. Results indicate that a variety of calf feeding regimes are used on farms, largely determined by farmers’ attitudes regarding ease of management and the wellbeing of calves. Advisors were concerned about widespread underfeeding of calves, which may be partially due to insufficiently clear recommendations for calf milk replacer (CMR) feeding rates. There was also evidence of uncertainty regarding best practices for weaning calves. Collaboration between academic research and industry is essential to establish a consensus on calf feeding standards which support physiological function, facilitate weaning, support growth targets and ensure calf health and welfare is protected.
Surface Alkylation of Cellulose Nanocrystals to Enhance Their Compatibility with Polylactide

Effective surface alkylation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) was developed using a nucleophilic substitution reaction with an alkyl bromide to convert hydrophilic groups on the CNCs into alkyl groups and the degree of substitution was quantitatively determined. The resultant alkylated CNCs exhibited improved dispersion in a nonpolar environment and increased hydrophobicity, compared with unmodified and acetylated CNCs. Polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites reinforced with unmodified and modified CNCs were prepared by a solution casting method and the effects of reinforcement on the thermal stability, mechanical properties, morphology, and barrier properties were investigated. In addition, modeling of the mechanical properties was evaluated to simulate the modulus of the PLA nanocomposites and results were compared with the experimental values. PLA nanocomposites reinforced with alkylated CNCs exhibited superior properties in terms of thermal stability, tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and barrier properties because of the uniform dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion between filler and matrix. This high performance and fully return-to-nature nanocomposite is expected to expand the utilization of CNCs from sustainable bioresources and the practical application of biodegradable plastics.
RAGE-induced ILC2 expansion in acute lung injury due to haemorrhagic shock

Background Type 2 immune dysfunction contributes to acute lung injury and lethality following haemorrhagic shock (HS) and trauma. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play a significant role in the regulation of type 2 immune responses. However, the role of ILC2 in post-HS acute lung injury and the underlying mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Objective To investigate the regulatory role of ILC2s in HS-induced acute lung injury and the underlying mechanism in patients and animal model. Methods Circulating markers of type 2 immune responses in patients with HS and healthy controls were characterised. Using a murine model of HS, the role of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)-receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signalling in regulation of ILC2 proliferation, survival and function was determined. And the role of ILC2 in inducing type 2 immune dysfunction was assessed as well. Results The number of ILC2s was significantly increased in the circulation of patients with HS that was correlated with the increase in the markers of type 2 immune responses in the patients. Animal studies showed that HMGB1 acted via RAGE to induce ILC2 accumulation in the lungs by promoting ILC2 proliferation and decreasing ILC2 death. The expansion of ILC2s resulted in type 2 cytokines secretion and eosinophil infiltration in the lungs, both of which contributed to lung injury after HS. Conclusions These results indicate that HMGB1-RAGE signalling plays a critical role in regulating ILC2 biological function that aggravates type 2 lung inflammation following HS.
Consensus regarding diagnosis and management of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is defined by specific clinical characteristics, including microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and pathologic evidence of endothelial cell damage, as well as the resulting ischemic end-organ injuries. A variety of clinical scenarios have features of TMA, including infection, pregnancy, malignancy, autoimmune disease, and medications. These overlapping manifestations hamper differential diagnosis of the underlying pathogenesis, despite recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of several types of TMA syndrome. Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is caused by a genetic or acquired defect in regulation of the alternative complement pathway. It is important to consider the possibility of aHUS in all patients who exhibit TMA with triggering conditions because of the incomplete genetic penetrance of aHUS. Therapeutic strategies for aHUS are based on functional restoration of the complement system. Eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody against the terminal complement component 5 inhibitor, yields good outcomes that include prevention of organ damage and premature death. However, there remain unresolved challenges in terms of treatment duration, cost, and infectious complications. A consensus regarding diagnosis and management of TMA syndrome would enhance understanding of the disease and enable treatment decision-making.
The Significance and Utilisation of Biomimetic and Bioinspired Strategies in the Field of Biomedical Material Engineering: The Case of Calcium Phosphat—Protein Template Constructs

This review provides a summary of recent research on biomimetic and bioinspired strategies applied in the field of biomedical material engineering and focusing particularly on calcium phosphate—protein template constructs inspired by biomineralisation. A description of and discussion on the biomineralisation process is followed by a general summary of the application of the biomimetic and bioinspired strategies in the fields of biomedical material engineering and regenerative medicine. Particular attention is devoted to the description of individual peptides and proteins that serve as templates for the biomimetic mineralisation of calcium phosphate. Moreover, the review also presents a description of smart devices including delivery systems and constructs with specific functions. The paper concludes with a summary of and discussion on potential future developments in this field.
Putting the horse before the cart: The use of temporal order in recall of events by one-year-old children.

Previous research has shown that 16- and 20-month-old children recall action sequences depicting familiar, script-based events, and also novel event sequences, in the correct temporal order. In 2 experiments, elicited imitation was used to assess 11.5- and 13.5-month-olds' immediate recall of familiar and novel event sequences. In Experiment 1,13.5-month-olds were tesfed on 2-act and 3-act sequences depicting both familiar and novel events. They reliably recalled the event sequences in the correct temporal order. In Experiment 2, the results were extended to 11.5-month-olds: They accurately recalled 2-act sequences depicting familiar and novel events. The results demonstrate that by late in the 1st year of life, children are able to accurately remember (a) specific sequences depicting familiar events and (b) novel event sequences. In contrast to traditional conceptualizations of preschoolers as unable to represent information in other than a piecemeal fashion (e.g., Fraisse, 1963; Piaget, 1926,1969), more recent research has shown that even young children recall both stories and personally experienced events in an organized manner similar to that of older children and adults (Mandler, 1978; Nelson, 1986). Like adults, in response to questions about what happens in the course of everyday events and routines, children as young as 3 recount events in their usual or canonical order (Nelson & Gruendel, 1981,1986). Although familiarity with events facilitates ordered recall (e.g, Fivush & Mandler, 1985), repeated experience is not necessary for recall to be temporally ordered. Three- to 7-year-olds provide well-ordered accounts of events after only a single experience of them (Hudson, 1986; B. S. Smith, Ratner, & Hobart, 1987). Furthermore, like older children and adults, preschoolers are sensitive to the structure of to-be-remembered material: They recall aspects of events with
Rhein retards the progression of type 2 diabetic nephropathy in rats

Objective To assess the effect of rhein on diabetic nephropathy in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods Diabetes was induced by high-lipids and high-sucrose diets (20% sucrose, 10% lard, 2.5% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid and 66.5 % regular chow, w/w) for 1 month and then intraperitoneal injection with 25 mg/kg streptozoticin(STZ) in female inbred Wistar rats. Rhein was continuously given 100 mg·kg-1·day-1 for 6 months 1 week after STZ injection in rhein-prevented group, and 1 month after STZ injection in rhein-treated group. Blood and urinary biochemistry and renal morphology were evaluated at divers times. Results Rhein ameliorated hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia, but had few effect on the level of plasma glucose in both rhein-prevented group and rhein-treated group. Excretion of urinary protein reduced markedly and stable-state plasma glucose (SSPG) level decreased in both groups as compared with diabetic group. Examination of kidney sections from both rhein-prevented group and rhein-treated group showed that the structural lesions of glomeruli including mesangial expansion, diffuse glomerulosclersis and thickening of glomerular basement membrane, as well as artery injury such as arteriolar hyalinosis, atherosclerosis were markedly improved as compared with diabetic group. Morphometry of glomeruli from both rhein-prevented group and rhein-treated group showed that glomerular grow and mesangial hypertrophy occurred in diabetic group were ameliorated. The accumulation of fibronectin examined by immunostaining in glomeruli was reduced in both groups. Conclusion Therapeutic intervention with rhein can halt the progression of diabetic nephropathy and prevent the development of glomerulosclerosis and vascular injuries in this animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Predicting parental monitoring behaviours for sugar-sweetened beverages in parents of school-aged children: An application of the Integrative Behavioural Model

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify theory-based psychosocial and environmental determinants of parental monitoring practices related to child sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Design: Cross-sectional design. Method: Data were obtained from a convenience sample of parents (n = 270) with children attending an after-school programme (ages 7–12 years old), in a small, southwestern community in the USA. Parents were approached and asked to complete a valid and reliable survey based upon the Integrative Behavioural Model. Results: Using structural equation modelling, a final model proved to have a good fit (Comparative Fit Index = .986, Tucker–Lewis index = .947), and results indicated 28.5% of the variance of parental monitoring was explained by intentions, skills and the home environment, with 56.3% of the variance of intentions being explained by attitudes, injunctive norms and perceived behavioural control. Conclusion: Results suggest that the Integrative Behavioural Model offers a useful framework for predicting parental monitoring of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and can be useful when planning future health promotion programmes. Future researchers should consider applying the Integrative Behavioural Model to other obesogenic behaviours.
267 Promoting Early-Life Immune Development by Perinatal Administration of Probiotics to Pregnant/Lactating Mice: Optimal time Window for Intervention

Background and Aims Transmission of immune competence from mothers to newborns is crucial for optimal development of neonate immune system. Maternal perinatal probiotics supplementation having been observed to be able to modulate this process, the goal of the present study was to investigate the importance of the time window of probiotics intervention (pregnancy/lactation) on early-life immune maturation and response to immunization. Methods Pregnant C57/BL6 mice were supplemented with Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-3446, 2.5x108 CFU/day, during either end of gestation and lactation, end of gestation only or lactation only. Maltodextrin was given during both periods (placebo) or in replacement of probiotics when not administered. Immune maturation was assessed by measuring natural mucosal IgA production (ELISPOTs) at weaning and 6 weeks later. Pups were mucosally immunized at weaning, and again four weeks later, with live attenuated Salmonella typhimurium ΔaroA. Two weeks after the second immunization, specific antibody responses in serum were analyzed. Results All probiotic regimens significantly enhanced natural IgA production in pups in comparison to placebo, an effect observable up to the end of study, 6 weeks post-weaning. Supplementation during end of pregnancy and lactation, or lactation only provided significantly highest values. Specific antibody titers tended to be potentiated by all three regimens in pups responding to immunization, with highest values being obtained after supplementation during both periods. Conclusions This study further supports the benefit of maternal perinatal intervention with probiotics on neonatal immune maturation, moreover emphasizing that supplementation during both pregnancy and lactation is needed to achieve overall optimal effects.
A Case of Cutaneous Alternariosis

A six-year-old girl, a daughter of a farm house of melon, orage and tabacco, has suffered from a crusted erosion with erythema on her left cheek. The treatment was taken place two months later. The examination findings at the dermatology clinic of Shimabara Hospital, Nagasaki, the lesion consisted of a ∞-shaped, slightly elevated erythema with overlying scales (Fig. 1). Neither erosion nor pustules were recognized. Upon KOH-examination of the scale, frequently septated hyphae with irregular outline were found (Fig. 2) and Alternaria sp. was isolated on Sabouraud's glucose agar (Fig. 4-5). The lesion regressed spontaneously after two weeks, and left no scar. There have been reported occasional cases of cutaneous alternariosis in Japan (as summarized in the Table 1), Sweden, Switzerland and U. S. A. Their clinical feratures are, however, varied from superficial, transient form which is not so different from saprophytism, and intermediate form (cases of Nakama and Nishimoto) to deep-seated form with granulomatous tissue reaction fungal elements within it (cases of Kawasaki et al., Fukushiro et al. and Mikoshiba et al.). Differences in their responses to the treatments and in their prognoses among these three forms are also discussed.