Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Manganese Efflux Achieved by MetA and MetB Affects Oxidative Stress Resistance and Iron Homeostasis in Riemerella anatipestifer

Manganese is required for the function of many proteins in bacteria, but in excess, manganese can mediate toxicity. Therefore, the intracellular levels of manganese must be tightly controlled. ABSTRACT In bacteria, manganese homeostasis is controlled by import, regulation, and efflux. Here, we identified 2 Mn exporters, MetA and MetB (manganese efflux transporters A and B), in Riemerella anatipestifer CH-1, encoding a putative cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) protein and putative resistance-nodulation-division (RND) efflux pump, respectively. Compared with the wild type (WT), ΔmetA, ΔmetB, and ΔmetAΔmetB exhibited sensitivity to manganese, since they accumulated more intracellular Mn2+ than the WT under excess manganese conditions, while the amount of iron in the mutants was decreased. Moreover, ΔmetA, ΔmetB, and ΔmetAΔmetB were more sensitive to the oxidant NaOCl than the WT. Further study showed that supplementation with iron sources could alleviate manganese toxicity and that excess manganese inhibited bacterial cell division. RNA-Seq showed that manganese stress resulted in the perturbation of iron metabolism genes, further demonstrating that manganese efflux is critical for iron homeostasis. metA transcription was upregulated under excess manganese but was not activated by MetR, a DtxR family protein, although MetR was also involved in manganese detoxification, while metB transcription was downregulated under iron depletion conditions and in fur mutants. Finally, homologues of MetA and MetB were found to be mainly distributed in members of Flavobacteriaceae. Specifically, MetB represents a novel manganese exporter in Gram-negative bacteria. IMPORTANCE Manganese is required for the function of many proteins in bacteria, but in excess, manganese can mediate toxicity. Therefore, the intracellular levels of manganese must be tightly controlled. Manganese efflux transporters have been characterized in some other bacteria; however, their homologues could not be found in the genome of Riemerella anatipestifer through sequence comparison. This indicated that other types of manganese efflux transporters likely exist. In this study, we characterized 2 transporters, MetA and MetB, that mediate manganese efflux in R. anatipestifer in response to manganese overload. MetA encodes a putative cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) protein, which has been characterized as a manganese transporter in other bacteria, while this is the first observation of a putative resistance-nodulation-division (RND) transporter contributing to manganese export in Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, the mechanism of manganese toxicity was studied by observing morphological changes and by transcriptome sequencing. Taken together, these results are important for expanding our understanding of manganese transporters and revealing the mechanism of manganese toxicity.
Mobile Trions in Electrically Tunable 2D Hybrid Perovskites

2D hybrid perovskites are currently in the spotlight of material research for light‐harvesting and ‐emitting applications. It remains extremely challenging, however, to externally control their optical response due to the difficulties of introducing electrical doping. Here, an approach of interfacing ultrathin sheets of perovskites with few‐layer graphene and hexagonal boron nitride into gate‐tunable, hybrid heterostructures, is demonstrated. It allows for bipolar, continuous tuning of light emission and absorption in 2D perovskites by electrically injecting carriers to densities as high as 1012 cm−2. This reveals the emergence of both negatively and positively charged excitons, or trions, with binding energies up to 46 meV, among the highest measured for 2D systems. Trions are shown to dominate light emission and propagate with mobilities reaching 200 cm2 V−1 s−1 at elevated temperatures. The findings introduce the physics of interacting mixtures of optical and electrical excitations to the broad family of 2D inorganic–organic nanostructures. The presented strategy to electrically control the optical response of 2D perovskites highlights it as a promising material platform toward electrically modulated light‐emitters, externally guided charged exciton currents, and exciton transistors based on layered, hybrid semiconductors.
IgE sensitization to Blo t 21 and Blo t 5 is associated with asthma in the tropics: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Blomia tropicalis sensitization is associated with asthma in different tropical and sub-tropical countries; however, information about the specific molecular components associated with this disease is scarce. Using molecular diagnosis, we sought to identify B. tropicalis allergens associated with asthma in Colombia. METHODS Specific IgE (sIgE) to eight B. tropicalis recombinant allergens (Blo t 2/5/7/8/10/12/13 and 21) was determined using an in-house developed ELISA system in asthmatic patients (n=272) and control subjects (n=298) recruited in a national prevalencestudy performed in Colombian cities (Barranquilla, Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and San Andrés). Sample study included children and adults (mean age: 28±SD 17 years old). Cross-reactivity between Blot 5 and Blo t 21 was evaluated by ELISA-inhibition. RESULTS Sensitization to Blo t 21 (aOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2 - 2.9) and Blo t 5 (aOR: 1.6; 95%CI: 1.1 - 2.5), but not Blo t 2, was associated with asthma. sIgE levels to Blo t 21 and to Blo t 5 were significantly higher in the disease group. Cross-reactivity between Blo t 21 and Blo t 5 is on average moderate; however, individual analysis indicates that may be high (>50%) in some cases. CONCLUSIONS Although Blo t 5 and Blo t 21 has been described as common sensitizers, this is the first report of their association with asthma. Both components should be included in molecular panels for allergy diagnosis in the tropics.
Survival Outcomes of Patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage IV Ovarian Cancer: Cytoreduction Still Matters

Purpose There is still no consensus on the therapeutic strategies for patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IV ovarian cancer (OC). We aim to outline the clinical characteristics and optimal therapeutic strategies of patients with FIGO stage IV OC. Methods This single center retrospective study analyzed the clinical features and survival of patients with FIGO stage IV OC that underwent cytoreduction or received at least one course of chemotherapy between January 2014 and December 2020. Results One hundred and twenty patients were included. Surgery, especially optimal cytoreduction without residual mass improved the overall survival of patients in surgery group (P = .047, HR .432, 95% CI .181-.987). Secondly, the completion of chemotherapy improved median overall survival of patients either with (53.0 months vs 25.0 months, P < .001, HR 7.015, 95% CI 1.372-35.881) or without cytoreduction (43.0 months vs 6.0 months, P = .006, HR 5.969, 95% CI 1.115-31.952). In patients with FIGO stage IVB, those with only extra-abdominal lymph node metastases had better survival. Conclusions In patients with FIGO stage IV, complete resection of intra-abdominal tumor foci and completion of chemotherapy provided considerable survival benefits to patients with FIGO stage IV OC. Among patients with FIGO stage IVB, those with only extra-abdominal lymph node metastases had a better prognosis.
Nitrate isotopes (δ 15N, δ 18O) in precipitation: best practices from an international coordinated research project

ABSTRACT Stable isotope ratios of nitrogen and oxygen (15N/14N and 18O/16O) of nitrate (NO3 –) are excellent tracers for developing systematic understanding of sources, conversions, and deposition of reactive atmospheric nitrogen (Nr) in the environment. Despite recent analytical advances, standardized sampling of NO3 –) isotopes in precipitation is still lacking. To advance atmospheric studies on Nr species, we propose best-practice guidelines for accurate and precise sampling and analysis of NO3 – isotopes in precipitation based on the experience obtained from an international research project coordinated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The precipitation sampling and preservation strategies yielded a good agreement between the NO3 – concentrations measured at the laboratories of 16 countries and at the IAEA. Compared to conventional methods (e.g., bacterial denitrification), we confirmed the accurate performance of the lower cost Ti(III) reduction method for isotope analyses (15N and 18O) of NO3 – in precipitation samples. These isotopic data depict different origins and oxidation pathways of inorganic nitrogen. This work emphasized the capability of NO3 – isotopes to assess the origin and atmospheric oxidation of Nr and outlined a pathway to improve laboratory capability and expertise at a global scale. The incorporation of other isotopes like 17O in Nr is recommended in future studies.
Collapsing glomerulopathy: unraveling varied pathogeneses

Purpose of review Collapsing glomerulopathy presents clinically with nephrotic syndrome and rapid progressive loss of kidney function. Animal models and patient studies have uncovered numerous clinical and genetic conditions associated with collapsing glomerulopathy, as well as putative mechanisms, which will be reviewed here. Recent findings Collapsing glomerulopathy is classified pathologically as a variant of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). As such, most research efforts have focused on the causative role of podocyte injury in driving the disease. However, studies have also shown that injury to the glomerular endothelium or interruption of the podocyte–glomerular endothelial cell signaling axis can also cause collapsing glomerulopathy. Furthermore, emerging technologies are now enabling exploration of diverse molecular pathways that can precipitate collapsing glomerulopathy using biopsies from patients with the disease. Summary Since its original description in the 1980s, collapsing glomerulopathy has been the subject of intense study, and these efforts have uncovered numerous insights into potential disease mechanisms. Newer technologies will enable profiling of the intra-patient and inter-patient variability in collapsing glomerulopathy mechanisms directly in patient biopsies, which will improve the diagnosis and classification of collapsing glomerulopathy.
The Patient Activation Measure (PAM) and the pandemic: Predictors of patient activation among Australian health consumers during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Preventative healthcare is crucial for improving individual patient outcomes and is integral to sustainable health systems. The effectiveness of prevention programs is enhanced by activated populations who are capable of managing their own health and are proactive to keep themselves well. However, little is known about the level of activation among people drawn from general populations. We used the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) to address this knowledge gap.
Evolution and Structure of the 6–7 May 1985 Mesoscale Convective System and Associated Vortex

Abstract Observations collected during the Oklahoma–Kansas PRE-STORM experiment are used to document the evolution and structure of the mesoscale convective system (MCS) that occurred on 6–7 May 1985. The storm began when a short squall line developed in an area of preexisting thunderstorm activity. Thunderstorm updrafts along the squall line lifted warm, moist air with its southerly momentum to the upper troposphere. A broad region of convective outflow and a mesoβ-scale updraft region with a mean vertical velocity in excess of −15 × 10−3 mb s−1 were created. A stratiform rain area with an embedded mesovortex formed behind the squall line. The vortex resided beneath the deepest upper-level outflow. The mesovortex altered the wind field and consequently became the principal organizational feature within the MCS. A descending current from the storm's rear that, depending on location, extended from 1 km to the upper troposphere was intensified and focused by the vortex. The descending rear inflow had a peak.
Metrnl Alleviates Lipid Accumulation by Modulating Mitochondrial Homeostasis in Diabetic Nephropathy

Ectopic lipid accumulation in renal tubules is closely related to the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to play a key role in lipid accumulation. Therefore, maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis holds considerable promise as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of DKD. Here, we report that the Meteorin-like (Metrnl) gene product mediates lipid accumulation in the kidney and has therapeutic potential for DKD. We confirmed the reduced expression of Metrnl in renal tubules, which was inversely correlated with DKD pathological changes in human patients and mouse models. Functionally, pharmacological administration of recombinant Metrnl (rMetrnl) or Metrnl overexpression could alleviate lipid accumulation and inhibit kidney failure. In vitro, rMetrnl or Metrnl overexpression attenuated palmitic acid–induced mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid accumulation in renal tubules accompanied by maintained mitochondrial homeostasis and enhanced lipid consumption. Conversely, shRNA-mediated Metrnl knockdown diminished the protective effect on the kidney. Mechanistically, these beneficial effects of Metrnl were mediated by the Sirt3-AMPK signaling axis to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and through Sirt3-uncoupling protein-1 to promote thermogenesis, consequently alleviating lipid accumulation. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Metrnl regulated lipid metabolism in the kidney by modulating mitochondrial function and is a stress-responsive regulator of kidney pathophysiology, which sheds light on novel strategies for treating DKD and associated kidney diseases. Article Highlights Metrnl is expressed in renal tubules and is reduced under diabetic conditions. The concentration of Metrnl in the kidney is correlated with lipid accumulation and serum creatinine. Metrnl-specific overexpression in the kidney or recombinant Metrnl administration alleviates renal injuries in diabetic mice. Metrnl regulates renal tubules lipid metabolism through Sirt3-AMPK/UCP1 signaling axis–mediated mitochondrial homeostasis.
Microscopic origins of the grain boundary effect on the critical current in superconducting copper oxides

General relations between the local atomic structure and properties of grain boundaries (GBs) in superconducting copper oxides are described. The results are based on the complex experimental and theoretical study, which includes: (1) the transmission electron microscopy characterization of GBs in the bulk materials, (2) GB atomic structure simulation, (3) first-principles calculations and modelling of the electron structure modification, crystal lattice relaxation and intergrain bond formation near the GBs simulated. The number of broken Cu-O bonds, the degree of electron state perturbation at the GB and the role of crystal lattice relaxation are found to be strongly dependent on the GB topology.
Color quantization with a hybrid genetic algorithm

The quantization of true color images to a limited subset of colors is a NP-hard optimization problem. A heuristic approach to color image quantization is presented. It is based on an adaptive version of a previously proposed hybrid genetic algorithm. The results obtained demonstrate that the new algorithm is superior to other post-clustering approaches with respect to both image quality and runtime behaviour.
Preimplantation embryo gene expression: 56 years of discovery, and counting

The biology of preimplantation embryo gene expression began 56 years ago with studies of the effects of protein synthesis inhibition and discovery of changes in embryo metabolism and related enzyme activities. The field accelerated rapidly with the emergence of embryo culture systems and progressively evolving methodologies that have allowed early questions to be re‐addressed in new ways and in greater detail, leading to deeper understanding and progressively more targeted studies to discover ever more fine details. The advent of technologies for assisted reproduction, preimplantation genetic testing, stem cell manipulations, artificial gametes, and genetic manipulation, particularly in experimental animal models and livestock species, has further elevated the desire to understand preimplantation development in greater detail. The questions that drove enquiry from the earliest years of the field remain drivers of enquiry today. Our understanding of the crucial roles of oocyte‐expressed RNA and proteins in early embryos, temporal patterns of embryonic gene expression, and mechanisms controlling embryonic gene expression has increased exponentially over the past five and a half decades as new analytical methods emerged. This review combines early and recent discoveries on gene regulation and expression in mature oocytes and preimplantation stage embryos to provide a comprehensive understanding of preimplantation embryo biology and to anticipate exciting future advances that will build upon and extend what has been discovered so far.
Acute and long‐term sleep measurements produce opposing results on sleep quality in 8 and 12 hour shift patterns in law enforcement officers

The occupational demands of law enforcement increase the risk of poor‐quality sleep, putting officers at risk of adverse physical and mental health. This cross‐sectional study aimed to characterise sleep quality in day workers, 8 and 12 h rotating shift pattern workers. One hundred eighty‐six officers volunteered for the study (37 female, age: 41 ± 7). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, actigraphy and the Leeds sleep evaluation questionnaire. The maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) was measured on a treadmill via breath‐by‐breath analysis. There was a 70% overall prevalence of poor sleepers based on Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores, where 8 h shifts exhibited the worst prevalence (92%, p = 0.029), however, there was no difference between age, gender, or role. In contrast, 12 h shifts exhibited the poorest short‐term measures, including awakening from sleep (p = 0.039) and behaviour following wakefulness (p = 0.033) from subjective measures, and poorer total sleep time (p = 0.024) and sleep efficiency (p = 0.024) from the actigraphy. High VO2max predicted poorer wake after sleep onset (Rsq = 0.07, p = 0.05) and poorer sleep latency (p = 0.028). There was no relationship between the Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores and any of the short‐term measures. The prevalence of poor sleepers in this cohort was substantially higher than in the general population, regardless of shift pattern. The results obtained from the long‐ and short‐term measures of sleep quality yielded opposing results, where long‐term perceptions favoured the 12 h pattern, but short‐term subjective and objective measures both favoured the 8 h pattern.
Estimation of Sensitization Status in Renal Transplant Recipients by Assessing Indirect Pathway CD4+ T Cell Response to Donor Cell-pulsed Dendritic Cell

Background. Generation of donor-specific human leukocyte antigen antibody (DSA) via indirect allorecognition is detrimental to long-term survival of transplant organs. The detection of such immune responses would make it possible to define patients with high risk of sensitization. In this study, we established a novel method for evaluating indirect allorecognition to assess sensitization in kidney transplant recipients. Methods. Recipient CD14+ monocytes were mixed with donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells; cultured in the presence of IL-4, GM-CSF, IL-1β, and TNFα; and used as pulsed dendritic cells (DCs). Cell proliferation and cytokine production were evaluated by carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester–based T cell proliferation assay and Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSpot assay, respectively. Results. CD4+ T cell proliferation was strongly observed in following coculture with allogeneic antigen-pulsed DC leading to interferon-γ and IL-21 production. About 1% of CD4+ T cells exhibited Tfh-like phenotype (PD-1highCXCR5+ICOS+CD40L+). Recipient DC pulsed with donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells was cocultured with recipient CD45RA+CD4+ and CD45RA-CD4+ (generally defined as naive and memory in humans, respectively) T cells. Irrespective of preformed or de novo DSA status, CD45RA+CD4+ T cells constantly produced IL-21. In contrast, IL-21–produced CD45RA−CD4+ T cells were significantly higher in preformed DSA-positive patients than those in negative patients (80.8 ± 51.2 versus 14.8 ± 20.4, P < 0.001). In de novo DSA-positive patients, IL-21–produced CD45RA−CD4+ T cells were significantly increased after transplantation compared with before transplantation (9.23 ± 9.08 versus 43.9 ± 29.1, P < 0.001). Conclusions. Assessment of indirect pathway CD4+ T cell response could provide new insights into the underlying mechanism of de novo DSA production, leading to the development of effective strategies against antibody-mediated rejection.
The optimal reconstruction from blurred and nonuniformly sampled data based on the optimum discrete approximation minimizing various worst-case measures of error

Extended interpolatory approximation is discussed for some classes of n-dimensional vector signals. Firstly, we present two sufficient conditions of the optimum approximation and prove that the proposed optimum approximation using fixed finite number of sample values satisfies these two conditions. Secondly, we discuss the optimum running approximation of n-dimensional time-limited vector signals based on a certain one-to-one correspondence between a vector signal and the corresponding vector error signal of approximation. The proposed optimum approximation has the minimum measure of error among almost all the linear and the nonlinear approximations using the same measure of error and generalized sample values. Note that the proposed optimum approximation can be realized by flexible FIR filter bank. The term "flexible" means that we can widely choose the number of paths and frequency response of time-invariant FIR analysis filters. Moreover, we can use sample points that are distributed on an arbitrary periodical pattern.
Controlling for Student Background in Value-Added Assessment of Teachers

The Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System measures teacher effectiveness on the basis of student gains, implicitly controlling for socioeconomic status and other background factors that influence initial levels of achievement. The absence of explicit controls for student background has been criticized on the grounds that these factors influence gains as well. In this research we modify the TVAAS by introducing commonly used controls for student SES and demographics. The introduction of controls at the student level has a negligible impact on estimated teacher effects in the TVAAS, though not in a simple fixed effects estimator with which the TVAAS is compared. The explanation lies in the TVAAS’s exploitation of the covariance of tests in different subjects and grades, whereby a student’s history of test performance substitutes for omitted background variables.