Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
When secretion turns into excretion – the different roles of IgA

IgA deficiency is the commonest immunodeficiency affecting up to 1 in 700 individuals. The effects of IgA deficiency are difficult to see in many individuals, are mild in many fewer and severe in fewer still. While monovalent IgA is found in serum, dimeric IgA is secreted through mucosal surfaces where it helps to maintain epithelial homeostasis. Studies with knockout mice have taught us that there are subtle inflammatory consequences of removing secretory IgA (sIgA), and the best explanation for these changes can be related by the loss of the ‘excretory’ immune system. The excretion of antigens is a logical process in regulating the immune system, given the long half-life of complement fixing antibodies. But the function of IgA as an immune or inflammation regulator may go beyond antigen removal.
Synergistic effects of nitrogen metabolites on auxin regulating plant growth and development

Nitrogen is one of the important nutrients required for plant growth and development. There is increasing evidences that almost all types of nitrogen metabolites affect, at least to some extent, auxin content and/or signaling in plants, which in turn affects seed germination, plant root elongation, gravitropism, leaf expansion and floral transition. This opinion focuses on the roles of nitrogen metabolites, NO 3 − , NH 4 + , tryptophan and NO and their synergistic effects with auxin on plant growth and development. Nitrate reductase (NR) converts nitrate into nitrite, and was roughly positive-correlated with the root auxin level, suggesting a crosstalk between nitrate signaling and auxin signaling. Abscisic Acid Responsive Element Binding Factor 3 (AFB3) and Tryptophan Aminotransferase of Arabidopsis 1 (TAA1) are also the key enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolite-regulated auxin biosynthesis. Recent advances in the crosstalk among NO 3 − , NH 4 + , tryptophan and NO in regulation to NR, AFB3 and TAA1 are also summarized.
The global role of Lrp in Vibrio alginolyticus and its response to diverse physicochemical factors

Leucine-responsive regulatory protein (Lrp) is an essential transcriptional regulator in prokaryotes. However, the regulatory role of lrp in Vibrio alginolyticus has still not been studied in detail. In this study, an lrp mutant strain was constructed to gain insight into the role of lrp in Vibrio alginolyticus. The absence of lrp significantly enhances swarming motility, biofilm formation, extracellular protease secretion activity, and tolerance to copper ions. The cumulative mortality of zebrafish (Danio rerio) challenged by intraperitoneal injection against the lrp mutant strain reached 68.89%, significantly higher than the 40.00% suffered by fish injected with the wild-type strain. The expression levels of lrp decreased gradually with increasing culture time under the influence of various physicochemical factors. The expression level of lrp was significantly increased after two hours of culture at pH 5, 22°C, 5% NaCl, the presence of 1 mM Cu2+, 1/4/7 mM ferric citrate, 0.1 mg/L NaNO3, and 0.1 mg/L KH2PO4. The mRNA level of lrp decreased significantly after six hours of culture at 37°C, 1% and 5% NaCl, and the presence of 1/7 mM ferric citrate, 0.1/5 mg/L NaNO3, and 0.1/0.5/2.0 mg/L KH2PO4. The expression of lrp increased after ten hours of culture at pH 5/9, 22°C, 1% NaCl, and the presence of 1 mM Cu2+, 7 mM ferric citrate, 5 mg/L NaNO3, and 0.1 mg/L KH2PO4. Overall, this study indicates that lrp negatively controls the virulence of V. alginolyticus, probably by reducing its swarming motility, biofilm formation, extracellular protease secretion activity, and tolerance to copper ions, and that the expression of lrp is affected by numerous physicochemical factors, and is especially up-regulated after 2 hours of culture in bacterial growth.
Cinacalcet inhibition of neuronal action potentials preferentially targets the fast inactivated state of voltage-gated sodium channels

Voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) activation is essential for action potential generation in the brain. Allosteric calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) agonist, cinacalcet, strongly and ubiquitously inhibits VGSC currents in neocortical neurons via an unidentified, G-protein-dependent inhibitory molecule. Here, using whole-cell patch VGSC clamp methods, we investigated the voltage-dependence of cinacalcet-mediated inhibition of VGSCs and the channel state preference of cinacalcet. The rate of inhibition of VGSC currents was accelerated at more depolarized holding potentials. Cinacalcet shifted the voltage-dependence of both fast and slow inactivation of VGSC currents in the hyperpolarizing direction. Utilizing a simple model, the voltage-dependence of VGSC current inhibition may be explained if the affinity of the inhibitory molecule to the channel states follows the sequence: fast-inactivated > slow-inactivated > resting. The state dependence of VGSC current inhibition contributes to the non-linearity of action potential block by cinacalcet. This dynamic and abundant signaling pathway by which cinacalcet regulates VGSC currents provides an important voltage-dependent mechanism for modulating central neuronal excitability.
Bibliographic trends in mineral fiber-reinforced concrete: A scientometric analysis

In the construction industry, pursuing sustainable development by using sustainable materials necessitates using renewable resources. Among different renewable materials, mineral-derived natural fibers are relatively cheaper and abundantly available in various countries. This study summarizes the research advancements on concrete reinforced with mineral-derived natural fibers. This review on the incorporation of mineral fibers in concrete evaluates, identifies, and synthesizes research outcomes for creating a summary of current evidence which can contribute to evidence-based practice. Mapping knowledge, c/o-occurrence, and co-citation are hard gears for innovative research. Accordingly, the present study is aimed at exploring the literature on key features of mineral fiber-reinforced concrete by performing a scientometric analysis. The current study implemented an advanced approach for mining, processing, and analyzing data, interpretation, and presentation of available bibliographic data on mineral fibers in concrete. Furthermore, the discussion on the applications and limitations of using mineral fiber-reinforced concrete in the construction industry is also made. The current research may aid academics in exchanging new ideas and techniques and developing collective efforts.
Electric field effect on a two-fluid interface instability in channel flow for fast electric times

The application of an electric field to a two-fluid layer in channel flow has been shown to be an effective way to destabilize microscale interfacial flows. Here, we perform a linear stability analysis of a flat interface between two leaky dielectric liquids flowing in a channel while also subjected to an electric field parallel to the interface. It is shown that the analysis simplifies for fast electric charge relaxation times, in which case conditions for the electric field to be either stabilizing or destabilizing are derived analytically. These results are compared to those previously obtained for a normal electric field.
A novel ganglioside-related risk signature can reveal the distinct immune landscape of neuroblastoma and predict the immunotherapeutic response

Introduction Gangliosides play an essential role in cancer development and progression. However, the involvement of gangliosides in the prognosis and tumor microenvironment (TME) of neuroblastoma is not entirely understood. Methods Consensus clustering analysis was performed to identify ganglioside-mediated molecular subtypes. LASSO-Cox analysis was conducted to identify independent prognostic genes, and a novel risk signature was constructed. The risk signature was validated internally and externally. We further explored the independent prognosis value, immune landscape, drug susceptibility, and tumor dedifferentiation of the risk signature. The role of the signature gene B3GALT4 in neuroblastoma was explored in vitro. Results Seventeen ganglioside-related genes were differentially expressed between INSS stage 4 and other stages, and two ganglioside-related clusters with distinct prognoses were identified. A novel risk signature integrating ten ganglioside-related prognostic genes was established. Across the train set and external validation sets, the risk signature presented high predictive accuracy and discrimination. The risk signature was an independent prognostic factor and constructed a nomogram combining multiple clinical characteristics. In the high-score group, the deficiency in antigen processing and presenting machinery, lack of immune cell infiltration, and escaping NK cells contributed substantially to immune escape. The low-score group was more responsive to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, while the high-score group showed substantial sensitivity to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. Besides, the risk score was significantly positively correlated with the stemness index and reduced considerably in all-trans retinoic acid-treated neuroblastoma cell lines, indicating high dedifferentiation in the high-score group. Additionally, neuroblastoma cells with downregulation of B3GALT4 present with increased proliferation, invasion, and metastasis abilities in vitro. Conclusion The novel ganglioside-related risk signature highlights the role of ganglioside in neuroblastoma prognosis and immune landscape and helps optimize chemotherapy and immunotherapy for neuroblastoma.
Editorial: HIV and ART in children

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Functionalization of graphene nanostructures with inorganic nanoparticles and their use for the removal of pharmaceutical pollutants in water

Emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals are of special concern because despite their low environmental concentration, their biological activity can be intense, and they should be prevented to reach uncontrolledly to the environment. A graphene-based hybrid material decorated with Fe3O4 and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) has been prepared to effectively remove emerging pollutants as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Ibuprofen and Diclofenac present in water at low environmental concentrations by a one-step functionalization process following a novel gentle and scalable surfactant depletion approach. Following this methodology, nanoparticles are progressively deprived of their original surfactant in the presence of graphene, leading to the formation of hybrid nanostructures composed of two different types of nanoparticles well dispersed over the graphene nanosheets. Ibuprofen and Diclofenac adsorption kinetics on the composites was investigated via UV-Vis spectroscopy. The as prepared hybrid material possesses high adsorption capacity, superparamagnetic properties, photocatalytic behavior, and good water dispersibility. Thanks to incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles as in situ catalysts, the adsorption performance of composites is restored after use, which could be a promising recycling pathway for the adsorbents in wastewater treatments.
Proteomic analysis revealed the pharmacological mechanism of Xueshuantong injection in preventing early acute myocardial infarction injury

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common and life-threatening cardiovascular disease. However, there is a lack of pathology and drug studies on AMI within 20 min. Xueshuantong injection (XST) is mainly composed of Panax notoginseng saponins, which can dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation, and is clinically used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the protective mechanism of Xueshuantong injection against acute myocardial infarction within 20 min in rats by proteomic methods and molecular docking. Method: The male Sprague–Dawley rat acute myocardial infarction model was established by LAD ligation, and Xueshuantong injection (38 mg/kg) was injected into the caudal vein 15 min before surgery. Cardiac function evaluation, morphological observation, label-free quantitative proteomics, Western blotting analysis, molecular docking, and affinity measurement were applied in this study. Results: In a span of 20 min after acute myocardial infarction, the model group showed significant cardiac function impairment. Xueshuantong injection can significantly improve cardiac function and prevent pathological injury of myocardial tissue. A total of 117 vital differentially expressed proteins were identified by proteomic analysis, including 80 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the sham group compared with model rats (Sham: model) and 43 DEPs in model rats compared with the Xueshuantong injection group (Model: XST). The treatment of Xueshuantong injection mainly involves “poly(A) RNA binding” and “cadherin binding involved in cell–cell adhesion. ” The differentially expressed levels of the pathways related to proteins Echdc2, Gcdh, Dlst, and Nampt, as well as 14-3-3 family proteins Ywhaz and Ywhab, could be quantitatively confirmed by WB. Molecular docking analysis and SPR analysis revealed that Ywhaz has a generally stable binding with five Xueshuantong injection components. Conclusion: Xueshuantong injection (XST) could protect rat myocardial function injury against AMI in 20 min. Echdc2, Ywhaz, Gcdh, Ywhab, Nampt, and Dlst play an essential role in this protective effect. In particular, Ywhaz might be the core target of Xueshuantong injection when treating acute myocardial infarction in the early stage. This study promoted the understanding of the protective mechanism of Xueshuantong injection in 20 min injury of acute myocardial infarction and contributed to the identification of possible targets of Xueshuantong injection.
CARK3-mediated ADF4 regulates hypocotyl elongation and soil drought stress in Arabidopsis

Actin depolymerization factors (ADFs), as actin-binding proteins, act a crucial role in plant development and growth, as well as in response to abiotic and biotic stresses. Here, we found that CARK3 plays a role in regulating hypocotyl development and links a cross-talk between actin filament and drought stress through interaction with ADF4. By using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and GST pull-down, we confirmed that CARK3 interacts with ADF4 in vivo and in vitro. Next, we generated and characterized double mutant adf4cark3-4 and OE-ADF4:cark3-4. The hypocotyl elongation assay indicated that the cark3-4 mutant seedlings were slightly longer hypocotyls when compared with the wild type plants (WT), while CARK3 overexpressing seedlings had no difference with WT. In addition, overexpression of ADF4 significantly inhibited long hypocotyls of cark3-4 mutants. Surprisingly, we found that overexpression of ADF4 markedly enhance drought resistance in soil when compared with WT. On the other hand, drought tolerance analysis showed that overexpression of CARK3 could rescue adf4 drought susceptibility. Taken together, our results suggest that CARK3 acts as a regulator in hypocotyl elongation and drought tolerance likely via regulating ADF4 phosphorylation.
The diversity of vaginal microbiome in women infected with single HPV and multiple genotype HPV infections in China

Introduction The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer globally. However, its microbial composition and association with the types of HPV infection remain elusive. Methods This study was designed to characterize the vaginal microbiota of 53 HPV-infected and 16 normal women (control group) by using high-throughput sequencing with the Illumina platform. Results In this study, the five leading phyla were Firmicutes (73.9%), Actinobacteriota (12.8%), Proteobacteria (6.2%), Fusobacteria (3.5%), and Bacteroidota (3.1%). We found that single HPV genotype–positive women had higher α-microbial diversity compared with HPV-negative and multiple HPV–positive women. In women with a single HPV genotype infection, the HPV-16 infection had significantly higher α-diversity than other genotype infections. In multiple HPV genotype–positive women, the highest α-diversity was found in women positive for HR–HR HPV genotype infection, compared with other infections. Furthermore, in single- and multiple-genotype infections, the abundance of s_unclassified_g_Lactobacillus decreased whereas the abundance of s_Gardnerella_vaginalis increased compared with control. Additionally, s_unclassified_f_Rhizobiaceae and s_sneathia_sanguinegens were only found in HPV-infected women. Conclusion This study showed that the type of HPV infection was associated with the composition of the vaginal microbiota. Further studies on HPV genotypes and vaginal microbiota are necessary to uncover more mysteries of their association and provide a promising therapeutic target as well as low-cost future therapeutic strategies.
On the two dimension applications of high-order vector finite elements to the study of electromagnetic resonance

A set of hybrid vector–scalar finite elements for curved-triangle meshes is developed. These elements are applied to the study of electromagnetic resonance problems in which the variation in the field components along one coordinate is known in advance. The field component along this coordinate is modelled with polynomials of degree q. The other two field components are modelled with two dimension vector edge elements containing all irrotational functions up to polynomial degree m. Spurious modes are avoided only when q=m+1. The performance of these elements to order 4 is explored by applying them to some waveguides and axisymmetric cavities containing sharp edges, curved boundaries and/or uniaxially anisotropic materials.
Spectroscopy of the Dwarf Nova TW Virginis Caught on the Rise to Outburst

Time-resolved spectroscopic observations of the dwarf nova TW Vir over a five-day period are presented. During this time, the system evolved from a quiescent state to outburst. There was a weakening in the emission lines and a slow rise in the continuum prior to the rapid rise of the outburst. The actual transition between these two phases was observed for the first time in any dwarf nova. These data were compared to Mineshige's model in which the main outburst is preceded by a warm phase. A simple model was constructed which mimics the time-dependent behavior of the more elaborate Mineshige models. The agreement with the observations is quite good. 23 refs.
Negative-U property of oxygen vacancy in cubic HfO2

Oxygen vacancy in cubic HfO2 was investigated using first-principles calculation based on density functional theory and generalized gradient approximation. Five different charge states (V++, V+, V0, V−, and V−−) were investigated. It was found that the oxygen vacancy in HfO2 has negative-U behavior and it is energetically favorable for the vacancy to trap two electrons or two holes when the respective charges are injected into the oxide, due to large electron-lattice interaction. Therefore, oxygen vacancy is a main source of charge traps in both n- and p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors based on HfO2, and reducing such defects will be useful in limiting charge trapping and in improving the quality of the high-k dielectric in modern complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology.
Analysis of dynamic channel power equalization by using nonlinear amplifying Sagnac interferometer for ASK-WDM optical transmission

A power equalization using an asymmetric nonlinear amplifying Sagnac interferometer (NASI) for ASK modulation is studied numerically. A nonreciprocal phase bias was proposed to be introduced into the structure. The nonreciprocal phase bias reduces not only the demanding for amplifier power or fiber non-linearity, but also increase the dynamic input power range. The power equalization is demonstrated for RZ modulation by nonlinear phase analysis and eye diagram simulation.
Topology of microwave background fluctuations - Theory

Topological measures are used to characterize the microwave background temperature fluctuations produced by 'standard' scenarios (Gaussian) and by cosmic strings (non-Gaussian). Three topological quantities: total area of the excursion regions, total length, and total curvature (genus) of the isotemperature contours, are studied for simulated Gaussian microwave background anisotropy maps and then compared with those of the non-Gaussian anisotropy pattern produced by cosmic strings. In general, the temperature gradient field shows the non-Gaussian behavior of the string map more distinctively than the temperature field for all topology measures. The total contour length and the genus are found to be more sensitive to the existence of a stringy pattern than the usual temperature histogram. Situations when instrumental noise is superposed on the map, are considered to find the critical signal-to-noise ratio for which strings can be detected. 59 refs.
X. The geometry of discrete vector maps

Summary The geometry of finite and periodic point sets in S1 and of their corresponding vector sets in S 2is discussed. Methods are given for deriving from any S2 set the complete class of S1 sets corresponding. The application of these ideas to crystal analysis is indicated. It is shown that by means of this technique X-ray data may be used to discover crystal structures, not merely to test structures already devised.
A comparison of 1D and 3D laser vibrometry measurements of Lamb waves

This paper compares and contrasts one-dimensional (1D) and three-dimensional (3D) scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) measurements of Lamb waves generated by lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducers. Due to the large cost and capability differences between the previously mentioned systems, this study is provided to highlight differences between these systems. 1D measurements are defined here as measurements of only out-of-plane velocities which are well-suited for studying anti-symmetric Lamb wave modes. 3D measurements provide both in- and out-of-plane velocities, which are especially important when studying both symmetric and anti-symmetric Lamb wave modes. The primary reason for using scanning LDVs is that these systems can make non-contact, accurate surface velocity measurements over a spatially-dense grid providing relatively high resolution image sequences of wave propagation. These scans can result in a clear understanding of Lamb waves propagating in plate-like structures and interacting with structural variations.