Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of donor and recipient diabetes on renal transplant outcomes

The use of diabetic kidneys is increasing worldwide with better outcome than being on waitlist and possible reversal of diabetic changes in transplanted kidneys. But particular caution is warranted in diabetic donor‐recipient combination. Total 1223 deceased donor kidney transplants were performed at our center between 2008 and 2018. 689 from non‐diabetic donor (NDD) to non‐diabetic recipient, 400 from non‐diabetic donor to diabetic recipient, 97 from diabetic to non‐diabetic recipient, and 32 from diabetic donor (DD) to diabetic recipient. The DD was older than NDDs (median age 48 vs 39 years, P < 0.0001). DD had higher BMI (35.6 vs 26.9, P < 0.0001), higher KDPI (74% vs 37%, P < 0.0001), and higher terminal creatinine (1.10 mg/dl vs 0.95 mg/dl, p 0.0046) than the NDD. Diabetes recipients were comparatively older (57 vs 54, P < 0.001). DD recipients had higher serum creatinine at 6 months (1.70 vs 1.50 mg/dl, p 0.00304) and 2 years post‐transplant (1.70 vs 1.50 mg/dl P < 0.0002). DD recipients had more favorable end CPRA than NDD recipients (77.5% at 0% vs 67.4% at 0, P = 0.0074). Ten‐year patient and graft survival was best in NDD‐recipient pair and worse in DD‐recipient pair. Diabetic donor kidneys to diabetic recipients have lower 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year graft survival.
Large carnivore hunting and the social license to hunt

The social license to operate framework considers how society grants or withholds informal permission for resource extractors to exploit publicly owned resources. We developed a modified model, which we refer to as the social license to hunt (SLH). In it we similarly consider hunters as operators, given that wildlife are legally considered public resources in North America and Europe. We applied the SLH model to examine the controversial hunting of large carnivores, which are frequently killed for trophies. Killing for trophies is widespread, but undertaken by a minority of hunters, and can pose threats to the SLH for trophy‐seeking carnivore hunters and potentially beyond. Societal opposition to large carnivore hunting relates not only to conservation concerns but also to misalignment between killing for trophies and dominant public values and attitudes concerning the treatment of animals. We summarized cases related to the killing of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos), wolves (Canis lupus), and other large carnivores in Canada, the United States, and Europe to illustrate how opposition to large carnivore hunting, now expressed primarily on social media, can exert rapid and significant pressure on policy makers and politicians. Evidence of the potential for transformative change to wildlife management and conservation includes proposed and realized changes to legislation, business practice, and wildlife policy, including the banning of some large carnivore hunts. Given that policy is ultimately shaped by societal values and attitudes, research gaps include developing increased insight into public support of various hunting policies beyond that derived from monitoring of social media and public polling. Informed by increased evidence, the SLH model can provide a conceptual foundation for predicting the likelihood of transient versus enduring changes to wildlife conservation policy and practice for a wide variety of taxa and contexts.
4E-BP1 Protects Neurons from Misfolded Protein Stress and Parkinson's Disease Toxicity by Inducing the Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response

Decline of protein quality control in neurons contributes to age-related neurodegenerative disorders caused by misfolded proteins. 4E-BP1 is a key node in the regulation of protein synthesis, as activated 4E-BP1 represses global protein translation. Overexpression of 4E-BP1 mediates the benefits of dietary restriction and can counter metabolic stress, and 4E-BP1 disinhibition on mTORC1 repression may be neuroprotective; however, whether 4E-BP1 overexpression is neuroprotective in mammalian neurons is yet to be fully explored. To address this question, we generated 4E-BP1-overexpressing transgenic mice and confirmed marked reductions in protein translation in 4E-BP1-overexpressing primary neurons. After documenting that 4E-BP1-overexpressing neurons are resistant to proteotoxic stress elicited by brefeldin A treatment, we exposed primary neurons to three different Parkinson's disease (PD)-linked toxins (rotenone, maneb, or paraquat) and documented significant protection in neurons from newborn male and female 4E-BP1-OE transgenic mice. We observed 4E-BP1-dependent upregulation of genes encoding proteins that comprise the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, and noted 4E-BP1 overexpression required activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response for neuroprotection against rotenone toxicity. We also tested whether 4E-BP1 could prevent α-synuclein neurotoxicity by treating 4E-BP1-overexpressing primary neurons with α-synuclein preformed fibrils, and we observed marked reductions in α-synuclein aggregation and neurotoxicity, thus validating that 4E-BP1 is a powerful suppressor of PD-linked pathogenic insults. Our results indicate that increasing 4E-BP1 expression or enhancing 4E-BP1 activation can robustly induce the mitochondrial unfolded protein response and thus could be an appealing strategy for treating a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including especially PD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In neurodegenerative disease, misfolded proteins accumulate and overwhelm normal systems of homeostasis and quality control. One mechanism for improving protein quality control is to reduce protein translation. Here we investigated whether neuronal overexpression of 4E-BP1, a key repressor of protein translation, can protect against misfolded protein stress and toxicities linked to Parkinson's disease, and found that 4E-BP1 overexpression prevented cell death in neurons treated with brefeldin A, rotenone, maneb, paraquat, or preformed fibrils of α-synuclein. When we sought the basis for 4E-BP1 neuroprotection, we discovered that 4E-BP1 activation promoted the mitochondrial unfolded protein response. Our findings highlight 4E-BP1 as a therapeutic target in neurodegenerative disease and underscore the importance of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response in neuroprotection against various insults.
2.6 EPIDEMIOLOGY, PARASITE BIOLOGY, MODELING

1) Define transmission dynamics for the various vectorparasite complexes, including the estimated reproductive life span of the adult worms, 2) Determine end points at which MDA can be stopped with low probability of recrudescence, under different epidemiologic settings and using different diagnostic tests, 3) Develop mathematical models to support decision-making on the duration of local MDA programs in different epidemiologic situations (e.g., initial endemicity, coverage rates, migration patterns, drug combinations, etc.), 4) Define the comparative effectiveness of available tools and indicators for monitoring the progress of LF elimination programs and incorporate such indicators as model outputs to enable models to help decide when to stop MDAs and when to initiate surveillance to detect recrudescence.
Nitrogen‐fixing bacterial communities in invasive legume nodules and associated soils are similar across introduced and native range populations in Australia

Understanding the interactions between invasive legumes and soil biota in both native and introduced ranges could assist in managing biological invasions. We analysed the diversity of putative nitrogen‐fixing bacteria (NFB, i.e. nifH gene present) associated with five invasive legumes, four Acacia spp. and a sister taxon Paraserianthes lophantha in introduced and native range populations in Australia. We predicted that, because these host species are widely distributed, they are likely to encounter different nitrogen‐fixing bacterial communities in soils and nodules across their introduced and native ranges.
Network knowledge gathering of international new ventures, approaches, and preconditions

Abstract This paper contributes to the growing stream of research on knowledge gathering in the internationalization process of international new ventures (INVs), as well as their networking activities. It identifies two dimensions describing the network knowledge-gathering approaches: 1) relationship approach (well-wishing or opportunistic) and 2) intentionality (intentional or unintentional search for knowledge), which enable the classification of the INV activities. The findings are based on a qualitative study conducted on four Polish INVs from the manufacturing industry. They show that internationalizing companies may behave opportunistically in their knowledge-gathering behavior, while, at the same time, some of their knowledge is also gathered unintentionally. The preconditions of knowledge-gathering behaviors suggested in the study include, among others, the managers’ experience, power division in the networks, and the duration of a relationship with a partner.
Countering Fake News

Since the emergence of so-called fake news on the internet and in social media, platforms such as Facebook have started to take countermeasures, and researchers have begun looking into this phenomenon from a variety of perspectives. A large number of scientific work has investigated ways to detect fake news automatically. Less attention has been paid to the subsequent step, i.e., what to do when you are aware of the inaccuracy of claims in social media. This work takes a user-centered approach on means to counter identified mis- and disinformation in social media. We conduct a three-step study design on how approaches in social media should be presented to respect the users' needs and experiences and how effective they are. As our first step, in an online survey representative for some factors to the German adult population, we enquire regarding their strategies on handling information in social media, and their opinion regarding possible solutions --- focusing on the approach of displaying a warning on inaccurate posts. In a second step, we present five potential approaches for countermeasures identified in related work to interviewees for qualitative input. We discuss (1) warning, (2) related articles, (3) reducing the size, (4) covering, and (5) requiring confirmation. Based on the interview feedback, as the third step of this study, we select, improve, and examine four promising approaches on how to counter misinformation. We conduct an online experiment to test their effectiveness on the perceived accuracy of false headlines and also ask for the users' preferences. In this study, we find that users welcome warning-based approaches to counter fake news and are somewhat critical with less transparent methods. Moreover, users want social media platforms to explain why a post was marked as disputed. The results regarding effectiveness are similar: Warning-based approaches are shown to be effective in reducing the perceived accuracy of false headlines. Moreover, adding an explanation to the warning leads to the most significant results. In contrast, we could not find a significant effect on one of Facebook's current approaches (reduced post size and fact-checks in related articles).
A direct comparison of women’s perceptions and acceptability of micronised progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate in combination with transdermal oestradiol in the management of young postmenopausal women, under 45 years of age

Objective To assess the acceptability and perception of postmenopausal women, to two different hormone replacement therapy regimens, in relation to the control of their symptoms and development of adverse effects. Study design Prospectively recruited postmenopausal women, <45 years, were randomised to one of two treatment arms for 12-months: cyclical micronised progesterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate in combination with transdermal oestradiol. A self-reported questionnaire with matrix rating scales was completed and repeated after 3, 6 and 12-months. Main outcome measures Symptom control and development of adverse effects. Results Seventy-one individuals were screened, with baseline data available for 67 subjects. A total of 190 questionnaires were returned. The most commonly reported symptoms were low energy levels, vasomotor symptoms and sexual dysfunction. The prevalence of adverse effects ranged between 57.89 and 87.50%, with a reduction seen in the transdermal oestradiol + micronised progesterone arm (73.91% at 3-months, decreasing to 57.89% at 12-months; p = 0.33), compared to the transdermal oestradiol + medroxyprogesterone acetate arm (76.92% at 3-months, increasing to 87.50% at 12-months; p = 0.69). The main reported adverse effects were bloating, weight change and psychological symptoms. A significant difference was documented between the groups after set intervals, with a greater proportion reporting breast tenderness after 3-months (p = 0.01), lower numbers reporting mood swings at 6-months (p = 0.01) and irritability at 12-months (p = 0.03) in the transdermal oestradiol + micronised progesterone arm compared to the transdermal oestradiol + medroxyprogesterone acetate arm. Conclusions The acceptability of both regimens was high despite adverse effects, but tolerability of transdermal oestradiol combined with micronised progesterone appeared to be better with fewer women reporting psychological concerns.
Hyaluronic acid with antioxidants improve wound healing in rats

ABSTRACT Hyaluronic acid (HA) is found in connective tissue and participates in wound healing. We investigated the efficacy of a HA gel (2% hyaluronic acid; 1% antioxidants, coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E; and 5% benzocaine) on healing of palatal wounds in rats. We established two groups of rats: a control group treated with vehicle and an HA group treated with HA gel. The control group was divided into five subgroups and the HA group was divided into four subgroups according to the day on which animals were sacrificed. Wounds were created by elevating 5 mm diameter full thickness flaps. Healed and unhealed wound areas were measured using photographs. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and collagen I and III expressions were determined using immunohistochemistry. The number of fibroblasts increased and inflammatory cells decreased from day 0 to 21 in both groups. The HA group exhibited more fibroblasts by day 7 compared to controls; (TGF)-β and IGF levels were similar between HA and control groups. HA groups exhibited fewer inflammatory cells than controls on days 3 and 7. We found significant differences in TGF-β and IGF levels among HA groups between days 3 and 21, and among control groups between days 0 and 21. Collagen I and III levels were greater for the day 3 HA group compared to controls. We observed improved wound healing in HA treated rats within 7 days.
Multicenter analysis of sputum microbiota in tuberculosis patients

The impact of tuberculosis and of anti-tuberculosis therapy on composition and modification of human lung microbiota has been the object of several investigations. However, no clear outcome has been presented so far and the relationship between M. tuberculosis pulmonary infection and the resident lung microbiota remains vague. In this work we describe the results obtained from a multicenter study of the microbiota of sputum samples from patients with tuberculosis or unrelated lung diseases and healthy donors recruited in Switzerland, Italy and Bangladesh, with the ultimate goal of discovering a microbiota-based biomarker associated with tuberculosis. Bacterial 16S rDNA amplification, high-throughput sequencing and extensive bioinformatic analyses revealed patient-specific flora and high variability in taxon abundance. No common signature could be identified among the individuals enrolled except for minor differences which were not consistent among the different geographical settings. Moreover, anti-tuberculosis therapy did not cause any important variation in microbiota diversity, thus precluding its exploitation as a biomarker for the follow up of tuberculosis patients undergoing treatment.
Liposomal FRET Assay Identifies Potent Drug‐Like Inhibitors of the Ceramide Transport Protein (CERT)

Abstract Ceramide transfer protein (CERT) mediates non‐vesicular transfer of ceramide from endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi apparatus and thus catalyzes the rate‐limiting step of sphingomyelin biosynthesis. Usually, CERT ligands are evaluated in tedious binding assays or non‐homogenous transfer assays using radiolabeled ceramides. Herein, a facile and sensitive assay for CERT, based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), is presented. To this end, we mixed donor and acceptor vesicles, each containing a different fluorescent ceramide species. By CERT‐mediated transfer of fluorescent ceramide, a FRET system was established, which allows readout in 96‐well plate format, despite the high hydrophobicity of the components. Screening of a 2 000 compound library resulted in two new potent CERT inhibitors. One is approved for use in humans and one is approved for use in animals. Evaluation of cellular activity by quantitative mass spectrometry and confocal microscopy showed inhibition of ceramide trafficking and sphingomyelin biosynthesis.
EFFECTS OF AGE ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE AND MEAT QUALITY OF XIANGXI CATTLE

In Chinese traditional livestock production system, indigenous livestock breeds of China, like Chinese yellow cattle, were being used as draft animals (Zhang et al., 2015). However, with the passage of time Chinese traditional livestock production system has been shifted to modern livestock system and indigenous livestock breeds are not only being used for beef production but also dairy production (Li et al., 2014; Muhammad et al., 2016; Aziz ur Rahman et al., 2017; Aziz ur Rahman et al., 2019). It has been reported that beef production in China has been increased dramatically in recent years (Aziz ur Rahman et al., 2017; Aziz ur Rahman et al., 2019). Due to rapid economic development of China, it is expected that the demand for high-quality beef and dairy products will increase in the near future. High demand quality meat will also be more demanding in near future, Therefore, meat obtained from various species free from antibiotics residues and other toxic material as described in literature (Rahman et al., 2019; Younas et al., 2019; Baran et al., 2020; Irshad et al., 2020). Chinese indigenous cattle breeds are classified into South China Type, North China Type, and Central China Type based on body conformation and distribution (Qiu et al., 1986). Xiangxi cattle is a breed that belongs to the Chinese indigenous yellow cattle and is bred in the northwest region of the Hunan Province. This breed was included in the National Protection List of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources of China in 2006 (MOA, 2006). The meat of Xiangxi cattle is the optimal meat for consumption with better quality, better taste, lower fat content, and higher nutritional value than other ordinary beef breeds of China (Li et al.,2014; Picard et al., 2019). Many studies have been performed on meat quality parameters of Xiangxi cattle (Li et al., 2014; Picard et al., 2019), which indicate the significance of the meat quality of Xiangxi cattle. It has been reported that several factors like age, breed, sex and feed quality etc. influence milk and beef quality (Yu et al., 2007; Ufuk, 2020). However, age is considered the most important factor that influence the meat quality (Tuma et al., 1962; Blumer,1963). It has been reported that with the growth and development of the animals, the water contents of meat and decreased while the content of protein, crude fat and minerals increased. Previous studies also demonstrated that the tenderness of beef began to decline from 18 to 20 months old (Dunsing,1959; Simane et al., 1959). Previous studies confirm that age is one of the most important factors that influence meat quality and composition. Hence, it could be imperative to conduct age-related studies on the meat quality of indigenous breeds. Pak. J. Agri. Sci., Vol. 57(5), 1437-1445;2020 ISSN (Print) 0552-9034, ISSN (Online) 2076-0906 DOI: 10.21162/PAKJAS/20.800 http://www.pakjas. com.pk
Structural Behavior of RC Columns Improved by Different Strengthening Techniques

Abstract Deficient or deteriorating reinforced-concrete columns in many existing structures have to be strengthened using economical, efficient, and fast methods. In the present study, different strengthening techniques to improve the load-carrying capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) columns have been compared. Five groups of fifteen square reinforced concrete columns (150 mm × 150 mm × 600 mm) and one group of three circular columns ( φ 170 mm) that have cross-sectional areas equivalent to those of the square columns were cast from normal-strength concrete. The test program was designed to examine the behavior of columns strengthened by carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), steel jacketing, ferro cement, steel fibers, and silica fumes under cyclic axial compression. The efficiency of each strengthening method in increasing the column’s axial capacity, energy absorption, and ductility was studied using the experimental data. The test results showed that strengthening the columns could significantly enhance their load-carrying capacity and failure strains.
Redox and Essential Metal Status in The Brain of Wistar Rats Acutely Exposed To a Cadmium and Lead Mixture

Abstract Most Pb and Cd neurotoxicity studies investigate exposure to either of the toxic metals alone, while data on co-exposure are scarce. The aim of our study was to fill that gap by investigating acute combined effects of Pb and Cd on redox and essential metal status in the brain of Wistar rats. Animals were randomised in four groups of six to eight rats, which received 15 or 30 mg/kg of Cd, 150 mg/kg of Pb, or 150 mg/kg of Pb + 15 mg/kg of Cd by gavage. The fifth, control, group received distilled water only. Co-treatment with Pb and Cd induced significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) compared to control and groups receiving either metal alone. This is of special importance, as MDA presence in the brain has been implicated in many neurodegenerative disorders. The groups did not significantly differ in Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe brain levels. Our findings highlight the importance of metal mixture studies. Neurotoxicity assessments of single chemicals do not provide a real insight into exposure to mixtures in real life. Further research should look into interactions between these metals to reveal complex molecular mechanisms of their neurotoxicity.
Pembrolizumab‐induced sarcoid granulomatous panniculitis and bullous pemphigoid in a single patient

Pembrolizumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor with antitumor activity in other organ malignancies. We present this case —demonstrating multiple inflammatory adverse events associated with Pembrolizumab (in a single patient), in order to increase awareness and facilitate earlier identification of the wide‐ranging cutaneous side effects associated with immunotherapy.