Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Molecular Characterization of Novel and Known Piscine Toti-Like Viruses

Totiviridae is a virus family well known to infect uni-cellular organisms like fungi and protozoa. In more recent years, viruses characterized as toti-like viruses, have been found in primarily arthropods, but also a couple in planarians and piscine species. These toti-like viruses share phylogenetic similarities to totiviruses; however, their genomes also includes additional coding sequences in either 5′ or 3′ ends expected to relate to more advanced infection mechanisms in more advanced hosts. Here, we applied next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and discovered three new toti-like viruses, one in wild common carp and one in bluegill from the USA and one in farmed lumpsucker from Norway. These are named common carp toti-like virus 1 (CCTLV-1), bluegill toti-like virus 1 (BGTLV-1), and Cyclopterus lumpus toti-like virus (CLuTLV), respectively. The genomes of these viruses have been characterized and compared to the three previously known piscine toti-like viruses, piscine myocarditis virus (PMCV) found in Atlantic salmon and the two from golden shiner, now named golden shiner toti-like virus 1 and 2 (GSTLV-1 and -2), and also to totiviruses and other toti-like viruses. We found that four piscine toti-like viruses had additional gene(s) in the 3′ end of the genome, and also clustered phylogenetically based on both capsid and RdRp-genes. This cluster constituted a distant branch in the Totiviridae, and we suggest this should be defined as a separate genus named Pistolvirus, to reflect this major cluster of piscine toti-like viruses. The remaining two piscine toti-like viruses differentiated from these by lacking any additional 3′ end genes and also by phylogenetical relation, but were both clustering with arthropod viruses in two different clusters.
Molecular Physiology of Anaerobic Phototrophic Purple and Green Sulfur Bacteria

There are two main types of bacterial photosynthesis: oxygenic (cyanobacteria) and anoxygenic (sulfur and non-sulfur phototrophs). Molecular mechanisms of photosynthesis in the phototrophic microorganisms can differ and depend on their location and pigments in the cells. This paper describes bacteria capable of molecular oxidizing hydrogen sulfide, specifically the families Chromatiaceae and Chlorobiaceae, also known as purple and green sulfur bacteria in the process of anoxygenic photosynthesis. Further, it analyzes certain important physiological processes, especially those which are characteristic for these bacterial families. Primarily, the molecular metabolism of sulfur, which oxidizes hydrogen sulfide to elementary molecular sulfur, as well as photosynthetic processes taking place inside of cells are presented. Particular attention is paid to the description of the molecular structure of the photosynthetic apparatus in these two families of phototrophs. Moreover, some of their molecular biotechnological perspectives are discussed.
Leishmania-Induced Dendritic Cell Migration and Its Potential Contribution to Parasite Dissemination

Leishmania, an intracellular parasite species, causes lesions on the skin and in the mucosa and internal organs. The dissemination of infected host cells containing Leishmania is crucial to parasite survival and the establishment of infection. Migratory phenomena and the mechanisms underlying the dissemination of Leishmania-infected human dendritic cells (hDCs) remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate differences among factors involved in hDC migration by comparing infection with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) induced by Leishmania infantum with diverse clinical forms of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) induced by Leishmania braziliensis or Leishmania amazonensis. Following the infection of hDCs by isolates obtained from patients with different clinical forms of Leishmania, the formation of adhesion complexes, actin polymerization, and CCR7 expression were evaluated. We observed increased hDC migration following infection with isolates of L. infantum (VL), as well as disseminated (DL) and diffuse (DCL) forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by L. braziliensis and L. amazonensis, respectively. Increased expression of proteins involved in adhesion complex formation and actin polymerization, as well as higher CCR7 expression, were seen in hDCs infected with L. infantum, DL and DCL isolates. Together, our results suggest that hDCs play an important role in the dissemination of Leishmania parasites in the vertebrate host.
Adropin Slightly Modulates Lipolysis, Lipogenesis and Expression of Adipokines but Not Glucose Uptake in Rodent Adipocytes

Adropin is a peptide hormone which modulates energy homeostasis and metabolism. In animals with diet-induced obesity, adropin attenuates adiposity and improves lipid and glucose homeostasis. Adropin promotes the proliferation of rodent white preadipocytes and suppresses their differentiation into adipocytes. By contrast, the effects of adropin on mature white adipocytes are unknown. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of adropin on lipolysis, lipogenesis and glucose uptake in white rodent adipocytes. We assessed the effects of adropin on the mRNA expression of adiponectin, resistin and visfatin. White preadipocytes were isolated from male Wistar rats. Differentiated 3T3-L1 cells were used as a surrogate model of white adipocytes. Lipolysis was measured by the evaluation of glycerol and free fatty acid secretion using colorimetric kits. The effects of adropin on lipogenesis and glucose uptake were measured using radioactive-labelled glucose. The expression of adipokine mRNA was studied using real-time PCR. Our results show that adropin slightly promotes lipolysis in rat adipocytes and 3T3-L1 cells. Adropin suppresses lipogenesis in rat adipocytes without influencing glucose uptake. In addition, adropin stimulates adiponectin mRNA expression and suppresses the expression of resistin and visfatin. These results indicate that adropin may be involved in controlling lipid metabolism and adipokine expression in white rodent adipocytes.
Functional Properties of Banana Starch (Musa spp.) and Its Utilization in Cosmetics

Unripe banana fruit of Musa acuminata (Musa AAA; Hom Khieo) and Musa sapientum L. (Musa ABB; Namwa) growing in Chiang Rai (Thailand) were used for extraction. The yield of the starches was 16.88% for Hom Khieo (HK) and 22.73% for Namwa (NW) based on unripe peeled banana fruit. The amylose contents of HK and NW were 24.99% and 26.23%, respectively. The morphology of starch granules was oval shape with elongated forms for large granules and round shape for small granules. The HK and NW showed B-type crystalline structure and the crystallinities were 23.54% and 26.83%, respectively. The peak temperature of gelatinization was around 77 °C and the enthalpy change (ΔH) was 3.05 and 7.76 J/g, respectively. The HK and NW banana starches showed 1.27 ± 0.12 g/g and 1.53 ± 0.12 g/g water absorption capacity, and 1.22 ± 0.11 g/g and 1.16 ± 0.12 g/g oil absorption capacity, respectively. The swelling power of the banana starches was 17.23 ± 0.94 g/g and 15.90 ± 0.15 g/g, respectively, and the percentage of solubility in water showed 26.43 ± 2.50 g/g and 20.54 ± 0.94 g/g, respectively. The banana starches showed very poor flow character. The HK and NW starches have the potential to be used in powder base preparations with no effect on the sensory texture of the product at 15% w/w maximum.
Severe Phenotype in Patients with Large Deletions of NF1

Simple Summary Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene. In 5–10% of NF1 patients, a large heterozygous deletion of the whole NF1 gene is identified, leading to the commonly called “NF1 microdeletion syndrome”. NF1-deleted patients were previously reported to develop a particularly severe form of the disease with frequent cognitive impairment and an increased risk of benign and malignant tumors. Here, we performed a comprehensive clinical assessment of the largest NF1-deleted cohort to date, including 126 NF1 patients with a deletion of the NF1 gene. This work provides new insights into the specific phenotype associated with NF1 deletions and may contribute to improve the follow-up care of NF1 patients. Abstract Complete deletion of the NF1 gene is identified in 5–10% of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Several studies have previously described particularly severe forms of the disease in NF1 patients with deletion of the NF1 locus, but comprehensive descriptions of large cohorts are still missing to fully characterize this contiguous gene syndrome. NF1-deleted patients were enrolled and phenotypically characterized with a standardized questionnaire between 2005 and 2020 from a large French NF1 cohort. Statistical analyses for main NF1-associated symptoms were performed versus an NF1 reference population. A deletion of the NF1 gene was detected in 4% (139/3479) of molecularly confirmed NF1 index cases. The median age of the group at clinical investigations was 21 years old. A comprehensive clinical assessment showed that 93% (116/126) of NF1-deleted patients fulfilled the NIH criteria for NF1. More than half had café-au-lait spots, skinfold freckling, Lisch nodules, neurofibromas, neurological abnormalities, and cognitive impairment or learning disabilities. Comparison with previously described “classic” NF1 cohorts showed a significantly higher proportion of symptomatic spinal neurofibromas, dysmorphism, learning disabilities, malignancies, and skeletal and cardiovascular abnormalities in the NF1-deleted group. We described the largest NF1-deleted cohort to date and clarified the more severe phenotype observed in these patients.
Fos Facilitates Gallid Alpha-Herpesvirus 1 Infection by Transcriptional Control of Host Metabolic Genes and Viral Immediate Early Gene

Gallid alpha-herpesvirus 1, also known as avian infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), continues to cause huge economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Similar to that of other herpesvirus-encoded proteins, the expression of viral genes encoded by ILTV is regulated by a cascade, and the underlying regulatory mechanism remains largely unclear. The viral immediate-early (IE) gene ICP4 plays a prominent role in the initiation of the transcription of early and late genes during ILTV replication. In this study, we identified AP-1 as the key regulator of the transcription of ILTV genes by bioinformatics analysis of genome-wide transcriptome data. Subsequent functional studies of the key members of the AP-1 family revealed that Fos, but not Jun, regulates ILTV infection through AP-1 since knockdown of Fos, but not Jun, by gene silencing significantly reduced ICP4 transcription and subsequent viral genome replication and virion production. Using several approaches, we identified ICP4 as a bona fide target gene of Fos that regulated Fos and has Fos response elements within its promoter. Neither the physical binding of Jun to the promoter of ICP4 nor the transcriptional activity of Jun was observed. In addition, knockdown of Fos reduced the transcription of MDH1 and ATP5A1, genes encoding two host rate-limiting enzymes essential for the production of the TCA intermediates OAA and ATP. The biological significance of the transcriptional regulation of MDH1 and ATP5A1 by Fos in ILTV infection was supported by the fact that anaplerosis of OAA and ATP rescued both ICP4 transcription and virion production in infected cells under when Fos was silenced. Our study identified the transcription factor Fos as a key regulator of ILTV infection through its transcription factor function on both the virus and host sides, improving the current understanding of both avian herpesvirus–host interactions and the roles of AP-1 in viral infection.
Clinical Application of Dynamic SPECT/CT in a Patient with Prior Myocardial Infarction Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Twice

We present a case of CAD with anteroseptal MI after stent insertion for revascularization due to symptoms presented. MPI with dynamic SPECT/CT provided useful information in terms of flow parameters and matched territories of stenting results as well as providing coronary artery flow phenomenon underwent PCI. In this case, dynamic SPECT/CT may minimize errors with proper stents treatment, especially for controversial MPI results.
Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C: Are There Still Unsolved Problems and Unique Populations?

Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have revolutionized the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, possibly leading to HCV elimination by 2030 as endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, some patients belonging to the so-called unique or special populations are referred to as difficult-to-treat due to unreached sustained virological response, potential drug side effects or interactions or co-morbidities. Several years after the DAA introduction and on the basis of excellent findings in terms of efficacy and safety, some doubts arise around the exact meaning of the special population designation and whether this group of patients actually exists. The aim of this review is to discuss and analyze current evidence on the management and treatment of the so-called “unique populations”. We placed particular emphasis on patients with decompensated cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), coinfections, rare genotypes, and previous treatment failure, in order to provide physicians with an updated overview of the actual problems and needs in the current scenario.
Mitochondrial Markers for the Detection of Duck Breeds Using Polymerase Chain Reaction

Species identification of the components of various duck breeds has revealed that the lowest identifiable number of components depends on the breed. The results (shown on the agarose gel) of a species-specific PCR reaction for Rouen ducks were less intense than the results for the same amount of components from other popular duck breeds, suggesting differences in the Rouen duck genome. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify part of the Rouen duck’s gene sequences and to develop two new primer pairs. The first pair enables breed-independent identification of duck DNA, and the second distinguishes Rouen ducks from Chinese and Indian Runner ducks. The sequencing reaction yielded sequences of 1386 bp in length, and the identified sequence differs by around 7% from the sequences of Chinese duck species. The detected sequence contributes to improving species identification methods for duck DNA. On its basis, two primers for the identification of duck DNA were designed. The first allows for DNA amplification with the same sensitivity regardless of duck breed. The second primer’s pair is breed specific, and it distinguishes Rouen ducks from Chinese and Indian Runner ducks. Both methods are very sensitive (0.05%).
Roadmap of Terahertz Imaging 2021

In this roadmap article, we have focused on the most recent advances in terahertz (THz) imaging with particular attention paid to the optimization and miniaturization of the THz imaging systems. Such systems entail enhanced functionality, reduced power consumption, and increased convenience, thus being geared toward the implementation of THz imaging systems in real operational conditions. The article will touch upon the advanced solid-state-based THz imaging systems, including room temperature THz sensors and arrays, as well as their on-chip integration with diffractive THz optical components. We will cover the current-state of compact room temperature THz emission sources, both optolectronic and electrically driven; particular emphasis is attributed to the beam-forming role in THz imaging, THz holography and spatial filtering, THz nano-imaging, and computational imaging. A number of advanced THz techniques, such as light-field THz imaging, homodyne spectroscopy, and phase sensitive spectrometry, THz modulated continuous wave imaging, room temperature THz frequency combs, and passive THz imaging, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in THz data processing and optics development, will be reviewed. This roadmap presents a structured snapshot of current advances in THz imaging as of 2021 and provides an opinion on contemporary scientific and technological challenges in this field, as well as extrapolations of possible further evolution in THz imaging.
Interaction between Lipopolysaccharide and Gut Microbiota in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are bacterial surface glycolipids, produced by Gram-negative bacteria. LPS is known to determine acute inflammatory reactions, particularly in the context of sepsis. However, LPS can also trigger chronic inflammation. In this case, the source of LPS is not an external infection, but rather an increase in endogenous production, which is usually sustained by gut microbiota (GM), and LPS contained in food. The first site in which LPS can exert its inflammatory action is the gut: both GM and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) are influenced by LPS and shift towards an inflammatory pattern. The changes in GM and GALT induced by LPS are quite similar to the ones seen in IBD: GM loses diversity, while GALT T regulatory (Tregs) lymphocytes are reduced in number, with an increase in Th17 and Th1 lymphocytes. Additionally, the innate immune system is triggered, through the activation of toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, while the epithelium is directly damaged, further triggering inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the importance of the crosstalk between LPS, GM, and GALT, and discuss the possible implications.
Modulation of Cathepsin S (CTSS) Regulates the Secretion of Progesterone and Estradiol, Proliferation, and Apoptosis of Ovarian Granulosa Cells in Rabbits

Simple Summary In goat and sheep, CTSS is reported to be important for the development and maturation of oocytes by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of CTSS in regulating cell apoptosis and hormone secretion in rabbit granulosa cells. Our results suggested that the CTSS gene can promote the proliferation of granulosa cells and reduce its apoptosis in vitro, while overexpression of CTSS promoted the secretion of progesterone and estrogen in rabbit granulosa cells. Therefore, manipulation of CTSS may improve development of oocytes, and thus provide an approach for better manipulation of rabbit reproductive performance. Abstract Cathepsin S (CTSS) is a member of cysteine protease family. Although many studies have demonstrated the vital role of CTSS in many physiological and pathological processes including tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis, the function of CTSS in the development of rabbit granulosa cells (GCS) remains unknown. To address this question, we isolated rabbit GCS and explored the regulatory function of the CTSS gene in cell proliferation and apoptosis. CTSS overexpression significantly promoted the secretion of progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2) by increasing the expression of STAR and CYP19A1 (p < 0.05). We also found that overexpression of CTSS increased GCS proliferation by up-regulating the expression of proliferation related gene (PCNA) and anti-apoptotic gene (BCL2). Cell apoptosis was markedly decreased by CTSS activation (p < 0.05). In contrast, CTSS knockdown significantly decreased the secretion of P4 and E2 and the proliferation of rabbit GCS, while increasing the apoptosis of rabbit GCS. Taken together, our results highlight the important role of CTSS in regulating hormone secretion, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in rabbit GCS. These results might provide a basis for better understanding the molecular mechanism of rabbit reproduction.
Pathogenesis of Endometriosis: The Origin of Pain and Subfertility

Endometriosis (EM) and adenomyosis (AM) are common conditions with pain and infertility as the principal symptoms. The pathophysiology of pain in EM and AM comprises sensory and somatoform pain mechanisms. Over time, these may aggravate and lead to individual complex disease patterns if not diagnosed and treated. Despite the known facts, several years often pass between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Chronic pain disorders with changes on a neuronal level frequently arise and are linked to depressive disorders, with the process becoming a vicious cycle. Additionally, women with EM and AM suffer from sub- and infertility. Low fecundity rates are caused by anatomical changes in combination with behavioral changes in the sexual activity of women with chronic pain as well as local proinflammatory factors that not only decrease implantation rates but also promote early abortions.
Chromosomal Instability at Fragile Sites in Blue Foxes, Silver Foxes, and Their Interspecific Hybrids

Simple Summary The paper describes the karyotypes of blue and silver foxes and their hybrids, in terms of the numbers of A and B chromosomes and the frequency of fragile sites on chromosomes. Genome stability in these species is affected by Robertson translocations in the karyotype of the blue fox and by B chromosomes in the silver fox. The fragile sites assay was used as a biomarker to assess genome stability in foxes. This test enables the identification of breaks, chromatid gaps, and deletions. In healthy individuals, the number of these instabilities remains low. The test can be used to select individuals with the most stable genome for breeding of blue and silver foxes. The fewer an individual’s susceptible sites, the more likely it is to have good reproductive performance. This factor is extremely important in the case of blue foxes, which are an endangered species. Abstract A cytogenetic assay based on fragile sites (FS) enables the identification of breaks, chromatid gaps, and deletions. In healthy individuals, the number of these instabilities remains low. Genome stability in these species is affected by Robertsonian translocations in the karyotype of the blue fox and by B chromosomes in the silver fox. The aims of the study were to characterise the karyotype of blue foxes, silver foxes, and their hybrids and to identify chromosomal fragile sites used to evaluate genome stability. The diploid number of A chromosomes in blue foxes ranged from 48 to 50, while the number of B chromosomes in silver foxes varied from one to four, with a constant number of A chromosomes (2n = 34). In interspecific hybrids, both types of karyotypic variation were identified, with the diploid number of A chromosomes ranging from 40 to 44 and the number of B chromosomes varying from 0 to 3. The mean frequency of FS in foxes was 4.06 ± 0.19: 4.61 ± 0.37 in blue foxes, 3.46 ± 0.28 in silver foxes, and 4.12 ± 0.22 in hybrids. A relationship was identified between an increased number of A chromosomes in the karyotype of the hybrids and the frequency of chromosomal breaks. The FS assay was used as a biomarker for the evaluation of genomic stability in the animals in the study.