Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioderivatization as a concept for renewable production of chemicals that are toxic or poorly soluble in the liquid phase

Significance Microorganisms can be rationally engineered to convert CO2 and H2O into chemicals, replacing those made from fossil fuels today. Sometimes such chemicals are poorly soluble in water or negatively affect the growth of the microorganism, resulting in cost-inefficient manufacturing. In nature, this problem is often solved by converting incompatible chemicals into those more compatible with the host and/or environment. Inspired by this, we propose a similar strategy for engineered biotechnology, whereby biochemical conversion inside the microorganism is followed by chemical reversal once outside. The principle was demonstrated with 1-octanol by implementing two different conversion methods in two different species, showing enhanced bioproduction in most cases. The approach may stimulate commercialization of sustainable and renewable production of chemicals. Bio-based production technologies may complement or replace petroleum-based production of chemicals, but they face a number of technical challenges, including product toxicity and/or water insolubility. Plants and microorganisms naturally biosynthesize chemicals that often are converted into derivatives with reduced toxicity or enhanced solubility. Inspired by this principle, we propose a bioderivatization strategy for biotechnological chemicals production, defined as purposeful biochemical derivatization of intended target molecules. As proof of principle, the effects of hydrophobic (e.g., esterification) and hydrophilic (e.g., glycosylation) bioderivatization strategies on the biosynthesis of a relatively toxic and poorly soluble chemical, 1-octanol, were evaluated in Escherichia coli and Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The 1-octanol pathway was first optimized to reach product titers at which the host displayed symptoms of toxicity. Solvent overlay used to capture volatile products partially masked product toxicity. Regardless of whether solvent overlay was used, most strains with bioderivatization had a higher molar product titer and product yield, as well as improved cellular growth and glucose consumption, compared with strains without bioderivatization. The positive effect on bioproduction was observed with both the hydrophobic and hydrophilic strategies. Interestingly, in several combinations of genotype/induction strength, bioderivatization had a positive effect on productivity without any apparent effect on growth. We attribute this to enhanced product solubility in the aqueous or solvent fraction of the bioreactor liquid phase (depending on the derivative and medium used), with consequent enhanced product removal. Overall, under most conditions, a benefit of bioproduction was observed, and the bioderivatization strategy could be considered for other similar chemicals as well.
Rethinking Patellar Tendinopathy and Partial Patellar Tendon Tears: A Novel Classification System

Background: Patellar tendinopathy is an overuse injury of the patellar tendon frequently affecting athletes involved in jumping sports. The tendinopathy may progress to partial patellar tendon tears (PPTTs). Current classifications of patellar tendinopathy are based on symptoms and do not provide satisfactory evidence-based treatment guidelines. Purpose: To define the relationship between PPTT characteristics and treatment guidelines, as well as to develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based classification system for partial patellar tendon injuries. Study Design: Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: MRI characteristics and clinical treatment outcomes were retrospectively reviewed for 85 patients with patellar tendinopathy, as well as 86 physically active control participants who underwent MRI of the knee for other conditions. A total of 56 patients had a PPTT and underwent further evaluation for tear size and location. The relationship between tear characteristics and clinical outcome was defined with use of statistical comparisons and univariate and logistic regression models. Results: Of the 85 patients, 56 had partial-thickness patellar tendon tears. Of these tears, 91% involved the posterior and posteromedial regions of the proximal tendon. On axial MRI views, patients with a partial tear had a mean tendon thickness of 10 mm, as compared with 6.2 mm for those without (P < .001). Eleven patients underwent surgery for their partial-thickness tear. All of these patients had a tear >50% of tendon thickness (median thickness of tear, 10.3 mm) on axial views. Logistic regression showed that tendon thickness >8.8 mm correlated with the presence of a partial tear, while tendon thickness >11.45 mm and tear thickness >55.7% predicted surgical management. Conclusion: Partial-thickness tears are located posterior or posteromedially in the proximal patellar tendon. The most sensitive predictor for detecting the presence of a partial tear was patellar tendon thickness, in which thickness >8.8 mm was strongly correlated with a tear of the tendon. Tracking thickness changes on axial MRI may predict the effectiveness of nonoperative therapy: athletes with patellar tendon thickness >11.5 mm and/or >50% tear thickness on axial MRI were less likely to improve with nonoperative treatment. A novel proposed classification system for partial tears, the Popkin-Golman classification, can be used to guide treatment decisions for these patients.
Vitamin D status and current policies to achieve adequate vitamin D intake in the Nordic countries

Aims: Nordic countries share fairly similar food culture and geographical location as well as common nutrition recommendations. The aim of this paper was to review the latest data on vitamin D status and intake and to describe the national supplementation and food fortification policies to achieve adequate vitamin D intake in the Nordic countries. Methods: The data are based on results derived from a literature search presented in a workshop held in Helsinki in November 2018 and completed by recent studies. Results: Vitamin D policies and the implementation of the recommendations differ among the Nordic countries. Vitamin D fortification policies can be mandatory or voluntary and widespread, moderate or non-existent. Vitamin D supplementation recommendations differ, ranging from all age groups being advised to take supplements to only infants. In the general adult population of the Nordic countries, vitamin D status and intake are better than in the risk groups that are not consuming vitamin D supplements or foods containing vitamin D. Non-Western immigrant populations in all Nordic countries share the problem of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. Conclusions: Despite the common nutrition recommendations, there are differences between the Nordic countries in the implementation of the recommendations and policies to achieve adequate vitamin D intake and status. There is a need for wider Nordic collaboration studies as well as strategies to improve vitamin D status, especially in risk groups.
Young children infer feelings of ownership from habitual use.

People sometimes feel as if they own items that do not actually belong to them. These feelings of ownership affect people in diverse contexts and provide a striking example of how feelings can conflict with reality. Across 6 experiments, we investigated young children's (N = 614) and adults' (N = 243) understanding of these feelings. In Experiment 1, children aged 4 to 7 inferred that an agent who habitually used a publicly owned item would have feelings of ownership for it, and children distinguished these feelings from actual ownership. Experiments 2 and 3 replicated these findings and also found that children were less likely to attribute feelings of ownership when the agent used the item nonhabitually. Experiments 4 and 5 further found that children and adults also distinguish feelings of ownership from false beliefs of ownership. Finally, in Experiment 6, even younger children showed signs of understanding feelings of ownership. Children aged 3 and 4 predicted that an agent who habitually used an item would be upset to discover someone else using it. Together, these findings suggest that young children are aware of the psychological component of ownership. The findings are also informative about their understanding of habits and repeated actions and the potential for feelings to conflict with beliefs, knowledge, and reality. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Understanding Buprenorphine for Use in Chronic Pain: Expert Opinion

Abstract Objective An expert panel convened to reach a consensus on common misconceptions surrounding buprenorphine, a Schedule III partial µ-opioid receptor agonist indicated for chronic pain. The panel also provided clinical recommendations on the appropriate use of buprenorphine and conversion strategies for switching to buprenorphine from a full µ-opioid receptor agonist for chronic pain management. Methods The consensus panel met on March 25, 2019, to discuss relevant literature and provide recommendations on interpreting buprenorphine as a partial µ-opioid receptor agonist, prescribing buprenorphine before some Schedule II, III, or IV options, perioperative/trauma management of patients taking buprenorphine, and converting patients from a full µ-opioid receptor agonist to buprenorphine. Results The panel recommended that buprenorphine’s classification as a partial µ-opioid receptor agonist not be clinically translated to mean partial analgesic efficacy. The panel also recommended that buprenorphine be considered before some Schedule II, III, or IV opioids in patients with a favorable risk/benefit profile on the basis of metabolic factors, abuse potential, and tolerability and that buprenorphine be continued during the perioperative/trauma period. In addition, switching patients from a full µ-opioid receptor agonist to buprenorphine should be considered with no weaning period at starting doses that are based on the previous opioid dose. Conclusions These recommendations provide a framework for clinicians to address most clinical scenarios regarding buprenorphine use. The overall consensus of the panel was that buprenorphine is a unique Schedule III opioid with favorable pharmacologic properties and a safety profile that may be desirable for chronic pain management.
Impact of fetal-type posterior cerebral artery on recanalization of posterior communicating artery aneurysms after coil embolization: matched-pair case–control study

Background It is well known that hemodynamic stress may impact the recanalization of coiled aneurysms. One of the most common sites for aneurysms to develop is the posterior communicating artery (PcoA), the variants of which are defined by diameter ratios (PcoA/P1 segment). Objective This study was undertaken to investigate the impact of a fetal-type posterior cerebral artery (PCA) on recanalization of PcoA aneurysms after coil embolization based on matched-pair (fetal vs non-fetal PCA) analysis. Methods A total of 480 consecutive PcoA aneurysms (PCA: fetal, n=156; non-fetal, n=324) subjected to coil embolization between January 2007 and June 2017 were selected for study. All lesions were followed for ≥6 months via radiologic imaging, grouped by adjacent PCAs as fetal (PcoA/P1 >1) or non-fetal (PcoA/P1 ≤1) type. Paired subjects were matched (1:1) for several relevant variables. Results Of the 480 coiled aneurysms, 159 (33.1%) showed recanalization (minor, 76; major, 83) in the course of follow-up (mean 33.8±21.9 months), developing significantly more often in fetal (37.8%) than in non-fetal (26.9%; p=0.020) PCA types. Once matched, however, 6-month and cumulative recanalization rates did not differ significantly by group (p=0.531 and p=0.568, respectively). Complications (hemorrhage, p=0.97; thromboembolism, p=0.94) during endovascular coil embolization also showed similar rates in these groups. Conclusions The chances of recanalization after coil embolization seem to be greater in PcoA aneurysms than in intracranial aneurysms overall, thus calling for careful follow-up monitoring. Surprisingly, PcoA type appeared unrelated in this regard.
Femoral neck fracture occurring after gamma nail removal: case report and review of literature

I ntramedullary osteosynthesis using standard gamma interlocking nails represents a common surgical method of fixation for trochanteric fractures. Some typical complications, such as medial migration of screws, wrong choice of the length of the cervical screws, incorrect placement in the femoral neck, or inaccurate reduction can cause problems. After a healed trochanteric fracture, removal of the implant rarely is indicated. We report a patient with a femoral neck fracture without a history of significant trauma after removal of an irritating cervical blade of a gamma nail in a healed trochanteric fracture. Few comparable cases were published in the literature. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for this case to be published.
Acute phase proteins, cortisol and haematological parameters in ewes during the periparturient period.

Numerous subclinical diseases in sheep occur in the periparturient period and involve inflammatory processes; therefore, determining markers, such as acute phase proteins (APPs), can allow an early diagnosis. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess changes in the plasma concentration of APPs and cortisol in clinically healthy ewes in the periparturient period for use in future studies. At the same time, haematological parameters were monitored. We showed that plasma APPs and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant ewes than before insemination. A gradual increase in the SAA concentration was observed from the 14th day before to the day of parturition; while, Hp was reduced from 2 weeks before up to 2 weeks after delivery. A significant increase in the Fb concentration was detected from the 14th day before to the 1st week after delivery. The cortisol concentration did not undergo significant changes in the periparturient period. We found an increase in the SAA and Fb concentrations and decrease in Hp in the periparturient period. The direction of the change in APPs of healthy ewes in the current study may be related to their distinct regulatory mechanisms during pregnancy. The APPs are usually altered during infection, inflammation, neoplasia, stress, and trauma; therefore, knowing their reference values could help lead to an early diagnosis of subclinical forms of some diseases and pregnancy complications in ewes. The haematological analysis showed that ewes in late pregnancy and postpartum compared to dry period were under metabolic stress related to pregnancy and lactation.
Analysis of HrpG regulons and HrpG‐interacting proteins by ChIP‐seq and affinity proteomics in Xanthomonas campestris

Abstract Gamma‐proteobacteria Xanthomonas spp. cause at least 350 different plant diseases among important agricultural crops, which result in serious yield losses. Xanthomonas spp. rely mainly on the type III secretion system (T3SS) to infect their hosts and induce a hypersensitive response in nonhosts. HrpG, the master regulator of the T3SS, plays the dominant role in bacterial virulence. In this study, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP‐seq) and tandem affinity purification (TAP) to systematically characterize the HrpG regulon and HrpG interacting proteins in vivo. We obtained 186 candidate HrpG downstream genes from the ChIP‐seq analysis, which represented the genomic‐wide regulon spectrum. A consensus HrpG‐binding motif was obtained and three T3SS genes, hpa2, hrcU, and hrpE, were confirmed to be directly transcriptionally activated by HrpG in the inducing medium. A total of 273 putative HrpG interacting proteins were identified from the TAP data and the DNA‐binding histone‐like HU protein of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (HUxcc) was proved to be involved in bacterial virulence by increasing the complexity and intelligence of the bacterial signalling pathways in the T3SS.
Species‐specific consequences of an E40K missense mutation in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)

A glutamic acid to lysine (E40K) residue substitution in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is associated with canine degenerative myelopathy: the only naturally occurring large animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The E40 residue is highly conserved across mammals, except the horse, which naturally carries the (dog mutant) K40 residue. Here we hypothesized that in vitro expression of mutant dog SOD1 would recapitulate features of human ALS (ie, SOD1 protein aggregation, reduced cell viability, perturbations in mitochondrial morphology and membrane potential, reduced ATP production, and increased superoxide ion levels); further, we hypothesized that an equivalent equine SOD1 variant would share similar perturbations in vitro, thereby explain horses’ susceptibility to certain neurodegenerative diseases. As in human ALS, expression of mutant dog SOD1 was associated with statistically significant increased aggregate formation, raised superoxide levels (ROS), and altered mitochondrial morphology (increased branching (form factor)), when compared to wild‐type dog SOD1‐expressing cells. Similar deficits were not detected in cells expressing the equivalent horse SOD1 variant. Our data helps explain the ALS‐associated cellular phenotype of dogs expressing the mutant SOD1 protein and reveals that species‐specific sequence conservation does not necessarily predict pathogenicity. The work improves understanding of the etiopathogenesis of canine degenerative myelopathy.
Web-based decision-making tool for smoking cessation (Pare de fumar conosco) among patients with chronic conditions in Brazil : one-arm feasibility study

Objective To assess the feasibility of Pare de fumar conosco, a web-based smoking cessation decision-making tool, among patients with chronic conditions in Brazil. Methods We recruited 85 Brazilian smokers in two clinical centres for chronic conditions to complete Pare de fumar conosco. Outcome measures included interest in using smoking cessation resources and self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence 12 weeks following the intervention. Results The average age of participants was 54.2 years old (SD=10.5) and 77.9% had not completed high school. All participants were daily smokers and the majority smoked ≥11 cigarettes per day (63.5%). Pre–post intervention interest in using pharmacotherapy and group counselling significantly increased (82.4% vs 22.4%, p≤0.0001; and 85.9% vs 21.2%, p≤0.0001, respectively). At 12 weeks, eight participants (9.4%) reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence using intention-to-treat analysis (35.2% follow-up rate). Conclusion The Pare de fumar conosco smoking cessation web-based tool significantly increased interest in pharmacotherapy and behavioural counselling. Additional testing as a formal randomised clinical trial appears warranted.
Kinetic study of the expression of genes related to hepatic steatosis, glucose and lipid metabolism and cellular stress during overfeeding in mule ducks.

Induced by overfeeding, hepatic steatosis is a process exploited for the "foie gras" production in mule ducks. To better understand the mechanisms underlying its development, we analysed the physiological responses of mule ducks overfed with corn for a duration of 11 days. A kinetic analysis of glucose and lipid metabolisms and cell protection mechanisms was performed on 96 males mule ducks during overfeeding with three sampling times (after the 4th, the 12th and the 22th meal). Gene expression and protein analysis realised on the liver, muscle and abdominal fat showed an activation of a cholesterol biosynthetic pathway during the complete overfeeding period mainly in livers with significant correlations between its weight and its cholesterolemia (r=0.88, P<0.0001) and between the liver weight and the hmgcr and soat1 expression (r=0.4, P<0.0001 and r=0.67, P<0.0001 respectively). Results also revealed an activation of insulin and amino acid cells signalling a pathway suggesting that ducks boost insulin sensitivity to raise glucose uptake and use via glycolysis and lipogenesis. Cellular stress analysis revealed an upregulation of key autophagy-related genes expression atg8 and sqstm1(P<0.0001) during the complete overfeeding period mainly in the liver, in contrast with an induction of cyp2e1(P<0.0001) suggesting that autophagy could be suppressed during steatosis development. This study has permitted to highlight different mechanisms enabling mule ducks to efficiently handle the huge starch overload by keeping its liver in a non-pathological state. Moreover, it has revealed potential biomarker candidates of hepatic steatosis as plasma cholesterol for the liver weight.
Inequality in the health services utilization in rural and urban china

Abstract Background: Inequality in health and health care remains a rather challenging issue in China, existing both in rural and urban area, and between rural and urban. This study used nationally representative data to assess inequality in both rural and urban China separately and to identify socioeconomic factors that may contribute to this inequality. Methods: This study used 2008 National Health Services Survey data. Demographic characteristics, income, health status, medical service utilization, and medical expenses were collected. Horizontal inequality analysis was performed using nonlinear regression method. Results: Positive inequity in outpatient services and inpatient service was evident in both rural and urban area of China. Greater inequity of outpatient service use in urban than that in rural areas was evident (horizontal inequity index [HI] = 0.085 vs 0.029). In contrast, rural areas had greater inequity of inpatient service use compared to urban areas (HI = 0.21 vs 0.16). The decomposition analysis found that the household income made the greatest pro-rich contribution in both rural and urban China. However, chronic diseases and aging were also important contributors to the inequality in rural area. Conclusion: The inequality in health service in both rural and urban China was mainly attributed to the household income. In addition, chronic disease and aging were associated with inequality in rural population. Those findings provide evidences for policymaker to develop a sustainable social welfare system in China.