Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targeting CSF-1 ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by depleting inflammatory monocytes and microglia in the central nervous system without affecting quiescent microglia

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and its model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), are autoimmune diseases characterized by extensive infiltration of myeloid cells into the central nervous system (CNS). Although myeloid cells are essential to MS/EAE pathology, none of the current MS therapies specifically target them. A promising strategy for bridging this gap may be targeting the biological activity of CSF-1R, a receptor tyrosine kinase important for survival and functioning of certain myeloid cells, such as monocytes and macrophages. It has been shown that CSF-1R inhibitors suppress EAE, but it is not known whether targeting CSF-1R ligands, CSF-1 and IL-34, could be a viable therapeutic strategy. We found that neutralization of CSF-1 with Ab attenuates ongoing EAE, similar to CSF-1R inhibitor BLZ945, whereas neutralization of IL-34 had no effect. Both anti-CSF-1- and BLZ945-treated mice with EAE had greatly diminished numbers of monocyte-derived dendritic cells and microglia in the CNS. However, anti-CSF-1 antibody selectively depleted inflammatory microglia, whereas BLZ945 depleted virtually all microglia, including quiescent microglia. We also found depletion of myeloid cells in the spleen and lymph nodes of anti-CSF-1- and BLZ945-treated mice, but only a modest decrease in encephalitogenic T cell responses, suggesting that the depletion of CNS myeloid cells is more relevant to EAE suppression. Decreased myeloid cell populations in treated mice resulted in reduced production of IL-1β, a key inflammatory mediator in EAE. The treatments also reduced the frequencies of CCL2- and CCR2-expressing cells in the CNS, suggesting that CSF-1/CSF-1R inhibition may hinder recruitment of immune cells to the CNS. Our findings suggest that targeting CSF-1 may be effective in ameliorating myeloid cell-mediated MS pathology, while preserving homeostatic functions of microglia and decreasing risks that might arise from their ablation with small molecule inhibitors of CSF-1R.
Altered food habits? Understanding the feeding preference of free-ranging Grey langur (Semnopithecus entellus) within an urban settlement

Urbanization affects concurrent human-animal movements as a result of altered resource availability and land use pattern, which leads to considerable ecological consequences. While some animals find themselves adrift, homeless with the uncertainty of resources resulting from the urban encroachment, few of them manage to survive by altering their natural behavioural patterns, and co-exist with humans. Folivorous colobines, such as grey langur, whose feeding repertoire largely consists of plant parts, tend to be more attuned to the urban high-calorie food sources to attain maximum fitness benefits within the concrete jungle having an insignificant green cover. However, such a mismatch between their generalized feeding behaviour and specialized gut physiology reminds us of the Liem’s paradox and demands considerable scientific attention which could tell us the story behind colobines’ successful co-existence within human settlements. Besides understanding their population dynamics, the effective management of these urbanized, free-ranging, non-human primate populations also depends on their altered feeding preferences, altogether which could lead us to the development of an ecologically sound urban ecosystem. Here, we have used a field-based experimental set up which allows langurs to choose between natural and urban food options, being independent of any inter-specific conflicts over resources due to food scarcity. The multinomial logit model reveals the choice-based decision making of these free-ranging grey langurs in an urban settlement of West Bengal, India, where they have not only learned to approach the human-provisioned urban food items but also shown a keen interest in it. While urbanization imposes tremendous survival challenges to these animals, it also opens up for various alternative options for human-animal co-existence which is reflected in this study, and could guide us for the establishment of a sustainable urban ecosystem in the future. HIGHLIGHTS The feeding repertoire of free-ranging grey langurs at Dakshineswar largely consists of urban food items in contrast to the langurs of Nangi, and Nalpur who mostly depend on natural food sources. High human-langur interactions together with the scarcity of natural plant-based food sources could be considered as an intriguing driving force behind langurs’ altered feeding habits in Dakhineswar. The field-based experimental set up allows free-ranging langurs to choose between natural and urban food options in an urban settlement like Dakhineswar. Urban food items outperformed natural food items as the most chosen one, indicating langurs’ altered feeding preferences which facilitate their successful co-existence within an urban ecosystem.
Connecting family members across time through asynchronous audio stories

THROUGH ASYNCHRONOUS AUDIO STORIES by Yasamin Heshmat Dehkordi M.Sc., University of Victoria, 2014 B.Sc., Isfahan University of Technology, 2011 Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Interactive Arts and Technology Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology © Yasamin Heshmat Dehkordi 2020 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Spring 2020
Estudio para la creación de un restaurante de comida tipica denomido vive Nariño en la ciudad de San Juan de Pasto

The main topic of the investigation is framed in knowing the viability of the creation of a restaurant of typical food of the Department of Narino, denominated "Vive Narino", in the city of San Juan de Pasto, directed to the market segment conformed by men and women in ages 40 and 69, of strata 2 and 3, who have a preference for regional food. In Narino lives is intended to provide a personalized service, in addition to offering a variety of typical dishes of high quality, with balanced and nutritious foods, whose differential value will be the possibility of knowing and enjoying the culture of Narino in all its expressions through dance, music, art, humor. To this end, an investigation was conducted aimed at the target market that allowed to know the level of acceptance of the proposed service, define the characterization, preferences, unmet needs of the current typical food consumer, know the direct competition, and the market perception of its strong aspects , weak and its strategic geographical location in the city. All this oriented to determine the probability of the start-up of the idea Vive Narino business.
The main activatory and tension-sensitive transitions occur within Prozac sensitive down-states of the potassium selective TREK-2 channel

The two-pore domain potassium selective (K2P) ion-channels TREK-1, TREK-2, and TRAAK essential mechanical stimulation sensors, and TREK-1/2 also targets for the antidepressant Nor-fluoxetine (Prozac). They respond directly to membrane tension by moving from the “down” to “up” conformation, a transition that is associated with a rise in open-probability. However, the mechanosensitive K2P (mK2P) channels can also open while occupying the down conformation, and although these channels are mostly closed, all structural models represent seemingly open conformations. To understand the dynamics between open/closed and up/down states and determine how membrane tension influences transitions between specific conformations, we use a novel method to analyze tension-driven activation of single purified and reconstituted TREK-2 channels. We screen a panel of prospective schemes to find the mechanism that best accounts for specific TREK-2 characteristics as tension-driven activation, suppression by Nor-fluoxetine, and single-channel kinetics. To adequately describe TREK-2 behavior, mechanistic schemes require two separate tension-sensitive transitions, one that occurs between distinct down conformations and one that moves the channel between down and up states. As membrane tension activates TREK-2, it is a transition within the structural down conformations that account for the major increase in open-probability (> 100 fold); the move from down to up further promotes channel opening, but with much lower potency (~3 fold activation).
Modelli generativi transdisciplinari in pedagogia medica: educazione alla salute e prevenzione dello stress nelle professioni di cura. Aspetti neuroscientifici e clinico-esistenziali

The work, starting from a multidimensional model of health, is placed in thecontext of medical and clinical pedagogy, which investigates the relationshipbetween mind and body both in the caregiver and in the patient, highlightingthe importance of the contribution of multiple disciplines to theory and pedagogicalpractices in this sector. The goal is the construction of generativetransdisciplinary training models that help to tackle the most critical elementsin the care professions (in particular stress), highlighting both thebiopsychosocial correlates and the protective elements. Finally, what can bedefined as a humanistic interpretation of the experience of illness is considered,as a possible horizon of meaning in the context of a broader existentialmeaning of suffering.
Ultrastructural Studies of Cell Membrane-Associated Events in Early and Late Stages of Bovine Coronavirus Replication.

ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES OF CELL MEMBRANE-ASSOCIATED EVENTS IN EARLY AND LATE STAGES OF BOVINE CORONAVIRUS REPLICATION The early events in the in fec tion of human recta l tumor ce l ls by bovine coronavirus were investigated by immunoelectron microscopy and by studies with lysosomotropic weak bases. Virus pa rt ic les labeled with co llo ida l gold were endocytosed by synchronously infected ce lls and accumulated in vacuoles that resembled secondary lysosomes. Sites o f fusion between the v irus envelope and the plasmalemma were observed but fusion events along in t ra c e l lu la r membranes were not found. Exposure o f ce l ls to ammonium chloride or to methylamine during the f i r s t hour o f in fec tion had l i t t l e in h ib ito ry e ffec t on the production o f in fectious v irus . Chloroquine treatments were in h ib ito ry but th is e ffec t was found to resu lt from re la t iv e ly la te events in the in fectious process. These studies indicate tha t an acid ic in t ra c e l lu la r compartment is not required fo r in fectious entry by bovine coronavirus. Bovine coronavirus appears to penetrate the host ce ll ba rr ie r by d irec t fusion with the plasmalemma. Consistent with th is in te rp re ta t ion , analyses o f the cu lture environment conducive to virus-induced ce ll fusion revealed that the coronaviral fusion fac to r was active at a lka line pH leve ls . V ira l components were responsible fo r the induction of
Dexmedetomidine Combined With Butorphanol or Sufentanil for the Prevention of Post-operative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Microvascular Decompression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Patients undergoing microvascular decompression are often accompanied with high risk of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). In this study, we compare the antiemetic efficacy of butorphanol or sufentanil combined with dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing microvascular decompression. Methods: Patients undergoing microvascular decompression were randomized into two groups. The primary outcome was the occurrence and severity of PONV during the 72 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included levels of pain intensity and sedation and consumption of opioids at 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery. We also recorded the intraoperative hemodynamics, consumption of narcotic drugs, operation and anesthesia time, estimated blood loss, infusion volume and urine output, requirements of rescue antiemetics or analgesics, the satisfaction scores of patients and surgeons, complications, and length of stay. Results: The overall incidence rates of nausea and vomiting during the 72 h after surgery were significantly reduced in group DB (76.00 and 44.00% in group DS vs. 54.17% and 22.92% in group DB, P < 0.05). Patients in group DB had a lower incidence of nausea than those in group DS at intervals of 1–6 and 6–24 h (P < 0.05). However, patients in group DB had a lower incidence of vomiting than those in group DS only at intervals of 1–6 h (P < 0.05). Similarly, the number of patients requiring rescue antiemetics was also significantly reduced in group DB compared with that in group DS at intervals of 1–6 h (P < 0.05). The number of patients experiencing moderate to severe PONV was comparable between the two groups during 72 h after surgery (P > 0.05). The consumption of opioid morphine equivalent was significantly reduced in group DB (P < 0.05). Compared with those in group DS, the satisfaction scores of both patients and surgeons were significantly increased in group DB (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Butorphanol combined with dexmedetomidine could reduce early PONV and the number of patients requiring rescue antiemetics, especially at intervals of 1–6 h, while the satisfaction scores of both patients and surgeons were significantly increased.
Clickers in a Community College Classroom: An Initial Foray into Community College Biology Education Research.

One strategy to transform the high attrition rates among community college (CC) students is for CC instructors to utilize the teaching practices shown to most likely lead to student success. CC students and faculty are underrepresented in biology education research (BER), with only 3% of BER articles addressing CC-specific issues (Schinske et al. 2017). This study examines whether the addition of an electronic student response system (SRS), and its proposed ability to facilitate group discussion, would enhance the effects of peer instruction on student performance in a community college anatomy and physiology course. Unit exam scores of students utilizing clickers vs. written responses were compared to determine if the addition of clicker technology to peer instruction increased performance. A MANOVA test revealed no significant differentiation in exam scores between groups. This implies that CC students may respond dissimilarly to previously studied students and that more educational research must be done at community colleges. https://doi.org/10.21692/haps.2019. 030
Structure and elevator mechanism of the mammalian sodium/proton exchanger NHE9

Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are ancient membrane‐bound nanomachines that work to regulate intracellular pH, sodium levels and cell volume. NHE activities contribute to the control of the cell cycle, cell proliferation, cell migration and vesicle trafficking. NHE dysfunction has been linked to many diseases, and they are targets of pharmaceutical drugs. Despite their fundamental importance to cell homeostasis and human physiology, structural information for the mammalian NHE was lacking. Here, we report the cryogenic electron microscopy structure of NHE isoform 9 (SLC9A9) from Equus caballus at 3.2 Å resolution, an endosomal isoform highly expressed in the brain and associated with autism spectrum (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) disorders. Despite low sequence identity, the NHE9 architecture and ion‐binding site are remarkably similar to distantly related bacterial Na+/H+ antiporters with 13 transmembrane segments. Collectively, we reveal the conserved architecture of the NHE ion‐binding site, their elevator‐like structural transitions, the functional implications of autism disease mutations and the role of phosphoinositide lipids to promote homodimerization that, together, have important physiological ramifications.
Streptococcal Serine-Rich Repeat Proteins in Colonization and Disease

Glycosylation of proteins, previously thought to be absent in prokaryotes, is increasingly recognized as important for both bacterial colonization and pathogenesis. For mucosal pathobionts, glycoproteins that function as cell wall-associated adhesins facilitate interactions with mucosal surfaces, permitting persistent adherence, invasion of deeper tissues and transition to disease. This is exemplified by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus agalactiae, which can switch from being relatively harmless members of the mucosal tract microbiota to bona fide pathogens that cause life-threatening diseases. As part of their armamentarium of virulence factors, streptococci encode a family of large, glycosylated serine-rich repeat proteins (SRRPs) that facilitate binding to various tissue types and extracellular matrix proteins. This minireview focuses on the roles of S. pneumoniae and S. agalactiae SRRPs in persistent colonization and the transition to disease. The potential of utilizing SRRPs as vaccine targets will also be discussed.
Effect of Different Grain for Green Approaches on Soil Bacterial Community in a Karst Region

Soil bacteria participate in nutrient cycling above and below ground to promote ecosystem stability and health. However, the relationship of soil bacteria and environmental factors following the Grain for Green (GfG) program remains poorly understood in southwest China. Soil samples were collected from seven Grain for Green sites that had been revegetated for 15 years. Four of these sites were afforested with a different tree species: Zenia insignis (ZI), Toona sinensis (TS), Castanea mollissima (CM), and Citrus reticulate (CR). One site was revegetated with Zenia insignis and Guimu-1 elephant grass (ZG), and one with only Guimu-1 elephant grass (GM). The remaining site, abandoned cropland (AC), was left to regenerate naturally. Here, we used Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes to explore how the Grain for Green project affected soil bacterial community. We found that Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria were the dominant phyla in these soils. The dominant genera at each revegetation site were also different. The CM, ZI, TS, and AC sites were dominated by Micromonospora, ZG was dominated by Streptomyces, and CR and GM were dominated by Subgroup 6. The bacterial structure was most similar in AC and TS. Correlation analysis showed that the ratio of C:P had positive effects on KD4-96, Intrasporangiaceae, and Gaiella. The ratio of soil N:P was significantly positively correlated with Cupriavidus and Kribbella. The combination of planting Zenia insignis and Guimu-1 elephant grass had the best edaphic benefits, and the approach of planting Citrus reticulate and Toona sinensis needs to be improved. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that plant Simpson index, and soil N:P contributed to 16 and 15.7% of the total variations in the soil bacterial community composition, respectively. Our results suggested that plant diversity (Simpson index) and soil stoichiometric ratio (N:P) were the important factors affecting the bacterial community, and phosphorus was the limiting factor of the bacterial community in the Grain for Green karst region. In the future, revegetation should be accompanied with phosphorus fertilizer and polycultures should be considered.
Recent Understanding of Soil Acidobacteria and Their Ecological Significance: A Critical Review

Acidobacteria represents an underrepresented soil bacterial phylum whose members are pervasive and copiously distributed across nearly all ecosystems. Acidobacterial sequences are abundant in soils and represent a significant fraction of soil microbial community. Being recalcitrant and difficult-to-cultivate under laboratory conditions, holistic, polyphasic approaches are required to study these refractive bacteria extensively. Acidobacteria possesses an inventory of genes involved in diverse metabolic pathways, as evidenced by their pan-genomic profiles. Because of their preponderance and ubiquity in the soil, speculations have been made regarding their dynamic roles in vital ecological processes viz., regulation of biogeochemical cycles, decomposition of biopolymers, exopolysaccharide secretion, and plant growth promotion. These bacteria are expected to have genes that might help in survival and competitive colonization in the rhizosphere, leading to the establishment of beneficial relationships with plants. Exploration of these genetic attributes and more in-depth insights into the belowground mechanics and dynamics would lead to a better understanding of the functions and ecological significance of this enigmatic phylum in the soil-plant environment. This review is an effort to provide a recent update into the diversity of genes in Acidobacteria useful for characterization, understanding ecological roles, and future biotechnological perspectives.
The Role of the Private Sector in Supporting Malaria Control in Resource Development Settings

Abstract Industrial operations of the private sector, such as extraction, agriculture, and construction, can bring large numbers of people into new settlement areas and cause environmental change that promotes the transmission of vector-borne diseases. Industry-related workers and communities unduly exposed to infection risk typically lack the knowledge and means to protect themselves. However, there is a strong business rationale for protecting local resident employees through integrated vector control programs, as well as an ethical responsibility to care for these individuals and the affected communities. We discuss the role and challenges of the private sector in developing malaria control programs, which can include extensive collaborations with the public sector that go on to form the basis of national vector control programs or more broadly support local healthcare systems.
Effect of 1 Year of Qigong Exercise on Cognitive Function Among Older Chinese Adults at Risk of Cognitive Decline: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The rapidly aging Chinese population is showing an increase in age-related illnesses, including mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease. The best types of physical activity for the improvement of cognition remain unknown. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a tailored qigong exercise with that of stretching exercise in the maintenance of cognitive abilities in Chinese elders at risk of cognitive decline. Methods: Seventy-four community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years were screened for eligibility. Using a randomized control group design, participants with scores ≥19 on the Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA) were allocated to a 1-year qigong intervention (n = 33) and a stretching control exercise group (n = 33). The primary outcome was the MoCA score, as a measure of global cognitive function, and secondary outcomes were globe cognition and five domain scores on the Chinese version of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). The MoCA and RBANS were administered at baseline and 1 year after intervention to assess the effect of the exercises on cognitive decline. Results: Twenty-five of 33 (75.8%) participants in the qigong group and 26 of 33 (78.8%) participants in the control group completed the 1-year exercise programs. A bivariate test revealed strong correlation between MoCA and RBANS total scores after the intervention (r = 0.517, p < 0.01). Generalized estimating equations revealed a lower risk of progression of cognitive decline at 1 year in the qigong group than in the control group (odds ratio, 0.314; 95% confidence interval, 0.103–0.961; p = 0.04). Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA followed by post hoc t tests with Bonferroni corrections indicated that MoCA and RBANS scores were significantly higher in the qigong group than in the control group (MoCA and RBANS global cognition, memory, visuospatial/constructional ability, and language, all p < 0.01), with the exception of RBANS attention score (p > 0.05). Conclusions: One year of qigong practice was significantly superior to stretching exercise not only for the prevention of cognitive decline progression, but also for the improvement of several cognitive functions, among older Chinese adults at risk of cognitive decline.