Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbial Interventions in Bioremediation of Heavy Metal Contaminants in Agroecosystem

Soil naturally comprises heavy metals but due to the rapid industrialization and anthropogenic events such as uncontrolled use of agrochemicals their concentration is heightened up to a large extent across the world. Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and persistent in nature thereby disrupting the environment and causing huge health threats to humans. Exploiting microorganisms for the removal of heavy metal is a promising approach to combat these adverse consequences. The microbial remediation is very crucial to prevent the leaching of heavy metal or mobilization into the ecosystem, as well as to make heavy metal extraction simpler. In this scenario, technological breakthroughs in microbes-based heavy metals have pushed bioremediation as a promising alternative to standard approaches. So, to counteract the deleterious effects of these toxic metals, some microorganisms have evolved different mechanisms of detoxification. This review aims to scrutinize the routes that are responsible for the heavy metal(loid)s contamination of agricultural land, provides a vital assessment of microorganism bioremediation capability. We have summarized various processes of heavy metal bioremediation, such as biosorption, bioleaching, biomineralization, biotransformation, and intracellular accumulation, as well as the use of genetically modified microbes and immobilized microbial cells for heavy metal removal.
Cardiovascular Involvement in Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren Syndrome (SS) seems to be associated with a greater “overall risk” of cardiovascular (CV) and cerebrovascular events. Although not conventionally considered a feature of the disease, CV events represent a major burden in SS patients. CV risk is the consequence of a complex combination of multiple factors, including traditional risk factors and disease-related mechanisms. A complex relationships between disease-related features, endothelial dysfunction and traditional risk factor has been suggested. Several drugs are available for treating the systemic manifestations of SS, however they have shown positive effects on different outcomes of the disease, but until today the data on the role of these drugs on CV events are scarse. Given these data, the aim of this review was to evaluate the risk of CV risk in primary SS and the effect of the drugs on this manifestation.
A Comparison of Adaptive Functioning Between Children With Duplication 7 Syndrome and Williams-Beuren Syndrome: A Pilot Investigation

Interstitial deletions of 7q11.23 cause the well-known Williams–Beuren Syndrome (WBS), while duplication of the same region leads to duplication 7 syndrome (Dup7). Children with WBS share a distinct neurobehavioral phenotype including mild to severe intellectual disability, severely impaired visual spatial abilities, relatively preserved verbal expressive skills, anxiety problems, enhanced social motivation (i.e., hypersociable behaviors) and socio-communicative problems. Children with Dup7 syndrome exhibit some “inverted” features when compared to those of individuals with WBS, such as reduced social motivation and impairment of expressive language. Direct comparison of WBS and Dup7 represents a unique opportunity for the neurobehavioral characterization of the 7q11.23 section. However, most of the available data come from qualitative analysis between different studies. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies directly comparing features of two matched samples of individuals with WBS and Dup7 syndromes. In this pilot study, we compare the adaptive functioning – measured with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition – of two relatively small samples of children with molecularly confirmed diagnosis of WBS and Dup7 matched for IQ and chronological age, with a particular attention to socialization domain and expressive subdomain. Contrary to our assumption, we have not found any significant difference on socialization domain and expressive subdomains. This pilot investigation suggests that, when matched for chronological age and cognitive level, children with WBS and Dup7 share more similarities than expected. The inverted features that emerge in clinical settings on expressive language and social motivation seem not to differently interfere with the daily abilities to communicate and socialize with meaningful others during daily lives. Differences highlighted by previous undirected comparisons could be due to general and non-specific factors such as cognitive level, which is more severely impaired in individuals with WBS than Dup7. Implications for assessment and treatment are discussed.
Cellular Strategies for Frequency-Dependent Computation of Interaural Time Difference

Binaural coincidence detection is the initial step in encoding interaural time differences (ITDs) for sound-source localization. In birds, neurons in the nucleus laminaris (NL) play a central role in this process. These neurons receive excitatory synaptic inputs on dendrites from both sides of the cochlear nucleus and compare their coincidences at the soma. The NL is tonotopically organized, and individual neurons receive a pattern of synaptic inputs that are specific to their tuning frequency. NL neurons differ in their dendritic morphology along the tonotopic axis; their length increases with lower tuning frequency. In addition, our series of studies have revealed several frequency-dependent refinements in the morphological and biophysical characteristics of NL neurons, such as the amount and subcellular distribution of ion channels and excitatory and inhibitory synapses, which enable the neurons to process the frequency-specific pattern of inputs appropriately and encode ITDs at each frequency band. In this review, we will summarize these refinements of NL neurons and their implications for the ITD coding. We will also discuss the similarities and differences between avian and mammalian coincidence detectors.
TINGKAT KESIAPAN IMPLEMENTASI KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT PADA DIVISI TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI PT. “X”

IT Consultants are in the need of knowledge resources from experts who have either tacit, implicit, or explicit. Hence, a system that is able to manage knowledge (Knowledge Management/KM) is required. Along with success stories and failure experienced by many organizations in the implementation of KM system, it indicates that there should be factors that have roles in determining the successes of KM implementation. These factors are highly related to the readiness of the institution or company. Therefore, before implementing KM, it is necessary to analyze the readiness of the institution or organization. Analysis of readiness is expected to give an overview to the management about the state of readiness and aspects related to the successful implementation of KM. This study aims to measure the readiness of KM implementation in IT division in one of the IT consultation firm. The measurement of readiness was based on the extraction results of previous studies from which seven research aspects are obtained to be analyzed. Those aspects are strategy, organization, culture, technology, motivation, process, and human resources. Data was collected by questionnaires while data analysis was performed using descriptive statistical analysis. The analysis showed that the overall implementation of KM in IT division reached a readiness level of 2.26 in implementing KM.
Correlation of the Imbalance in the Circulating Lymphocyte Subsets With C-Reactive Protein and Cardio-Metabolic Conditions in Patients With COVID-19

The immune system is severely compromised in patients with COVID-19. The representative group of 43 patients were selected from the cohort of 342 patients with COVID-19 and pneumonia. This group of 43 patients was examined for the levels of C-reactive protein, biomarker of systemic inflammation, and for the subsets of adaptive immune cells. The immunological parameters were correlated with the metabolic parameters and cardiovascular pathology history. We identified that a decrease in the absolute number of T-lymphocytes, T-cytotoxic, T-activated and B-lymphocytes correlated with the higher levels of CRP. The absolute number of T-helpers and the absolute number of double positive T-lymphocytes positively correlated with the levels of iron in serum (Z= 0,310 and Z=0,394). The absolute numbers of T-activated lymphocytes positively correlated with serum levels of LDH (Z = 0,422), ferritin (Z = 0,407) and iron (Z = 0,418). When studying subpopulations of lymphocytes, depending on the combined pathology, we found that the absolute numbers of B-lymphocytes and double positive T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood were significantly reduced in patients with arterial hypertension (p=0,0074 and p=0,0227, correspondingly). The increased levels of NK cell were found in patients with a history of coronary heart disease (p=0,0108). In addition, we found that deficiencies in the adaptive immune system correlated with the deficiencies in iron metabolism. The cardiovascular pathology upsets the balance in the adaptive and innate immune system in the circulation of patient with severe COVID-19.
Patient and Parent Well-Being and Satisfaction With Diabetes Care During a Comparative Trial of Mobile Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Technology and Family-Centered Goal Setting

Patient engagement in the process of developing a diabetes treatment plan is associated with person-centered care and improved treatment outcomes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the self-reported patient and parent-centered satisfaction and well-being outcomes associated with the three treatment strategies utilized in a comparative effectiveness trial of technology-enhanced blood glucose monitoring and family-centered goal setting. We evaluated data from 97 adolescent-parent pairs at baseline and 6-months during the randomized intervention. Measures included: Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) child and parent scales, pediatric diabetes-related quality of life, sleep quality, and satisfaction with diabetes management. Inclusion criteria were 1) ages 12-18 years, 2) a T1D diagnosis for at least six months and 3) parent/caregiver participation. Longitudinal changes in survey responses were measured at 6 months from baseline. Differences between and within participant groups were evaluated using ANOVA. The average age of youth participants was 14.8 ± 1.6 years with half of the participants being female (49.5%). The predominant ethnicity/race was Non-Hispanic (89.9%) and white (85.9%). We found that youth perceived 1) greater of diabetes-related communication when using a meter capable of transmitting data electronically, 2) increased engagement with diabetes self-management when using family-centered goal setting, and 3) worse sleep quality when using both strategies together (technology-enhanced meter and family-centered goal setting). Throughout the study, scores for self-reported satisfaction with diabetes management were higher in youth than parents. This suggests that patients and parents have different goals and expectations regarding their diabetes care management and care delivery. Our data suggest that youth with diabetes value communication via technology and patient-centered goal setting. Strategies to align youth and parent expectations with the goal of improving satisfaction could be utilized as a strategy to improve partnerships in diabetes care management.
Effect of Physical Activity on Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Cerebrovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Purpose This study investigates the effect of physical activity (PA) on cognition in patients with cerebrovascular disease and explored the maximum benefit of different PA characteristics. Methods Databases, such as Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched from their inception to May 31, 2021. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to generate a forest plot. In addition, subgroup analysis, moderation analysis, and regression analysis were performed to explore the possible adjustment factors. Results In total, 22 studies that met the criteria were included, demonstrating data from 1,601 participants. The results indicated that PA produced a positive effect on the global cognition for patients with cerebrovascular disease (SMD: 0.20 [95% CI: 0.12–0.27]), at the same time, PA training prominently improved executive function (SMD: 0.09 [95% CI: 0.00–0.17]) and working memory (SMD: 0.25 [95% CI: 0.10–0.40]). Furthermore, patients with baseline cognitive impairment received the greater benefit of PA on cognition (SMD: 0.24 [95% CI: 0.14–0.34]) than those without cognitive impairment before intervention (SMD: 0.15 [95% CI: 0.04–0.26]). For patients in the acute stage (≤ 3 months), PA did not rescue impairment dysfunction significantly (SMD: 0.08 [95% CI: −0.04–0.21]) and remarkable cognitive gains were detected in the chronic stage of participants (>3 months) (SMD: 0.25 [95% CI: 0.16–0.35]). Moderate intensity PA showed a larger pooled effect size (SMD: 0.23 [95% CI: 0.11–0.36]) than low intensity (SMD: −0.01 [95% CI: −0.44–0.43]) and high intensity (SMD: 0.16 [95% CI: 0.03–0.29]). However, the different types, duration, and frequency of PA resulted in no differences in the improvement of cognitive function. Further regression analysis demonstrated that the beneficial effects of PA on cognition are negatively correlated with age (p < 0.05). Conclusions This study revealed that PA can prominently improve the cognitive ability in patients with cerebrovascular diseases and strengthened the evidence that PA held promise as a widely accessible and effective non-drug therapy for vascular cognitive impairment (VCI).
A Molecular Landscape of Mouse Hippocampal Neuromodulation

Adaptive neuronal circuit function requires a continual adjustment of synaptic network parameters known as “neuromodulation. ” This process is now understood to be based primarily on the binding of myriad secreted “modulatory” ligands such as dopamine, serotonin and the neuropeptides to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that, in turn, regulate the function of the ion channels that establish synaptic weights and membrane excitability. Many of the basic molecular mechanisms of neuromodulation are now known, but the organization of neuromodulation at a network level is still an enigma. New single-cell RNA sequencing data and transcriptomic neurotaxonomies now offer bright new lights to shine on this critical “dark matter” of neuroscience. Here we leverage these advances to explore the cell-type-specific expression of genes encoding GPCRs, modulatory ligands, ion channels and intervening signal transduction molecules in mouse hippocampus area CA1, with the goal of revealing broad outlines of this well-studied brain structure’s neuromodulatory network architecture.
Histomonosis in Poultry: A Comprehensive Review

Histomonas meleagridis, the etiological agent of histomonosis, is a poultry parasite primarily detrimental to turkeys. Characteristic lesions occur in the liver and ceca, with mortalities in turkey flocks often reaching 80–100%. Chickens and other gallinaceous birds can be susceptible but the disease was primarily considered sub-clinical until recent years. Treating and preventing H. meleagridis infection have become more difficult since 2015, when nitarsone was voluntarily removed from the market, leaving the poultry industry with no approved prophylactics, therapeutics, or vaccines to combat histomonosis. Phytogenic compounds evaluated for chemoprophylaxis of histomonosis have varied results with in vitro and in vivo experiments. Some recent research successes are encouraging for the pursuit of antihistomonal compounds derived from plants. Turkeys and chickens exhibit a level of resistance to re-infection when recovered from H. meleagridis infection, but no commercial vaccines are yet available, despite experimental successes. Safety and stability of live-attenuated isolates have been demonstrated; furthermore, highly efficacious protection has been conferred in experimental settings with administration of these isolates without harming performance. Taken together, these research advancements are encouraging for vaccine development, but further investigation is necessary to evaluate proper administration age, dose, and route. A summary of the published research is provided in this review.
Natural Composition and Biosynthetic Pathways of Alkaloids in Medicinal Dendrobium Species

Dendrobium is the second biggest genus in the Orchidaceae family, some of which have both ornamental and therapeutic values. Alkaloids are a group of active chemicals found in Dendrobium plants. Dendrobine has emerged specific pharmacological and therapeutic properties. Although Dendrobium alkaloids have been isolated and identified since the 1930s, the composition of alkaloids and their biosynthesis pathways, including metabolic intermediates, alkaloid transporters, concrete genes involved in downstream pathways, and associated gene clusters, have remained unresolved scientific issues. This paper comprehensively reviews currently identified and tentative alkaloids from the aspect of biogenic pathways or metabolic genes uncovered based on the genome annotations. The biosynthesis pathways of each class of alkaloids are highlighted. Moreover, advances of the high-throughput sequencing technologies in the discovery of Dendrobium alkaloid pathways have been addressed. Applications of synthetic biology in large-scale production of alkaloids are also described. This would serve as the basis for further investigation into Dendrobium alkaloids.
Discovery and Use of Long dsRNA Mediated RNA Interference to Stimulate Antiviral Protection in Interferon Competent Mammalian Cells

In invertebrate cells, RNA interference (RNAi) acts as a powerful immune defense that stimulates viral gene knockdown thereby preventing infection. With this pathway, virally produced long dsRNA (dsRNA) is cleaved into short interfering RNA (siRNA) by Dicer and loaded into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) which can then destroy/disrupt complementary viral mRNA sequences. Comparatively, in mammalian cells it is believed that the type I interferon (IFN) pathway is the cornerstone of the innate antiviral response. In these cells, dsRNA acts as a potent inducer of the IFN system, which is dependent on dsRNA length, but not sequence, to stimulate an antiviral state. Although the cellular machinery for RNAi is intact and functioning in mammalian cells, its role to trigger an antiviral response using long dsRNA (dsRNAi) remains controversial. Here we show that dsRNAi is not only functional but has a significant antiviral effect in IFN competent mammalian cells. We found that pre-soaking mammalian cells with concentrations of sequence specific dsRNA too low to induce IFN production could significantly inhibit vesicular stomatitis virus expressing green fluorescent protein (VSV-GFP), and the human coronaviruses (CoV) HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2 replication. This phenomenon was shown to be dependent on dsRNA length, was comparable in effect to transfected siRNAs, and could knockdown multiple sequences at once. Additionally, knockout cell lines revealed that functional Dicer was required for viral inhibition, revealing that the RNAi pathway was indeed responsible. These results provide the first evidence that soaking with gene-specific long dsRNA can generate viral knockdown in mammalian cells. We believe that this novel discovery provides an explanation as to why the mammalian lineage retained its RNAi machinery and why vertebrate viruses have evolved methods to suppress RNAi. Furthermore, demonstrating RNAi below the threshold of IFN induction has uses as a novel therapeutic platform, both antiviral and gene targeting in nature.
Integration of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals the Formation Mechanism of Red Stem in Prunus mume

Prunus mume var. purpurea, commonly known as “Red Bone”, is a special variety with pink or purple-red xylem. It is famous due to gorgeous petals and delightful aromas, playing important roles in urban landscaping. The regulation mechanism of color formation in P. mume var. purpurea stem development is unclear. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of transcriptome and metabolome in WYY (‘Wuyuyu' accession, red stem) and FLE (‘Fei Lve' accession, green stem), and found a total of 256 differential metabolites. At least 14 anthocyanins were detected in WYY, wherein cyanidin 3,5-O-diglucoside and peonidin3-O-glucoside were significantly accumulated through LC-MS/MS analysis. Transcriptome data showed that the genes related to flavonoid-anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways were significantly enriched in WYY. The ratio of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and flavonol synthase (FLS) expression levels may affect metabolic balance in WYY, suggesting a vital role in xylem color formation. In addition, several transcription factors were up-regulated, which may be the key factors contributing to transcriptional changes in anthocyanin synthesis. Overall, the results provide a reference for further research on the molecular mechanism of xylem color regulation in P. mume and lay a theoretical foundation for cultivating new varieties.
Dynamic Relationship Between Interhemispheric Functional Connectivity and Corticospinal Tract Changing Pattern After Subcortical Stroke

Background and Purpose Increased interhemispheric resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) between the bilateral primary motor cortex (M1) compensates for corticospinal tract (CST) impairment, which facilitates motor recovery in chronic subcortical stroke. However, there is a lack of data on the evolution patterns and correlations between M1–M1 rsFC and diffusion indices of CSTs with different origins after subcortical stroke and their relations with long-term motor outcomes. Methods A total of 44 patients with subcortical stroke underwent longitudinal structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations and clinical assessments at four time points. Diffusion tensor imaging was used to extract fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the affected CSTs with different origins. Resting-state functional MRI was used to calculate the M1–M1 rsFC. Longitudinal patterns of functional and anatomic changes in connections were explored using a linear mixed-effects model. Dynamic relationships between M1–M1 rsFC and FA values of the affected specific CSTs and the impact of these variations on the long-term motor outcomes were analyzed in patients with subcortical stroke. Results Stroke patients showed a significantly decreased FA in the affected specific CSTs and a gradually increasing M1–M1 rsFC from the acute to the chronic stage. The FA of the affected M1 fiber was negatively correlated with the M1–M1 rsFC from the subacute to the chronic stage, FA of the affected supplementary motor area fiber was negatively correlated with the M1–M1 rsFC in the subacute stage, and FA of the affected M1 fiber in the acute stage was correlated with the long-term motor recovery after subcortical stroke. Conclusion Our findings show that the FA of the affected M1 fiber in the acute stage had the most significant correlation with long-term motor recovery and may be used as an imaging biomarker for predicting motor outcomes after stroke. The compensatory role of the M1–M1 rsFC enhancement may start from the subacute stage in stroke patients with CST impairment.