Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene age shapes the transcriptional landscape of sexual morphogenesis in mushroom-forming fungi (Agaricomycetes)

Multicellularity has been one of the most important innovations in the history of life. The role of gene regulatory changes in driving transitions to multicellularity is being increasingly recognized; however, factors influencing gene expression patterns are poorly known in many clades. Here, we compared the developmental transcriptomes of complex multicellular fruiting bodies of eight Agaricomycetes and Cryptococcus neoformans, a closely related human pathogen with a simple morphology. In-depth analysis in Pleurotus ostreatus revealed that allele-specific expression, natural antisense transcripts, and developmental gene expression, but not RNA editing or a ‘developmental hourglass,’ act in concert to shape its transcriptome during fruiting body development. We found that transcriptional patterns of genes strongly depend on their evolutionary ages. Young genes showed more developmental and allele-specific expression variation, possibly because of weaker evolutionary constraint, suggestive of nonadaptive expression variance in fruiting bodies. These results prompted us to define a set of conserved genes specifically regulated only during complex morphogenesis by excluding young genes and accounting for deeply conserved ones shared with species showing simple sexual development. Analysis of the resulting gene set revealed evolutionary and functional associations with complex multicellularity, which allowed us to speculate they are involved in complex multicellular morphogenesis of mushroom fruiting bodies.
Adherence Enables Neisseria gonorrhoeae to Overcome Zinc Limitation Imposed by Nutritional Immunity Proteins

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gc) must overcome limitations of metals such as zinc to colonize mucosal surfaces in its obligate human host. While the zinc-binding nutritional immunity proteins calprotectin (S100A8/A9) and psoriasin (S100A7) are abundant in human cervicovaginal lavage fluid, Gc possesses TonB-dependent transporters TdfH and TdfJ that bind and extract zinc from the human version of these proteins, respectively. ABSTRACT Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gc) must overcome the limitation of metals such as zinc to colonize mucosal surfaces in its obligate human host. While the zinc-binding nutritional immunity proteins calprotectin (S100A8/A9) and psoriasin (S100A7) are abundant in human cervicovaginal lavage fluid, Gc possesses TonB-dependent transporters TdfH and TdfJ that bind and extract zinc from the human version of these proteins, respectively. Here we investigated the contribution of zinc acquisition to Gc infection of epithelial cells of the female genital tract. We found that TdfH and TdfJ were dispensable for survival of strain FA1090 Gc that was associated with Ect1 human immortalized epithelial cells, when zinc was limited by calprotectin and psoriasin. In contrast, suspension-grown bacteria declined in viability under the same conditions. Exposure to murine calprotectin, which Gc cannot use as a zinc source, similarly reduced survival of suspension-grown Gc, but not Ect1-associated Gc. We ruled out epithelial cells as a contributor to the enhanced growth of cell-associated Gc under zinc limitation. Instead, we found that attachment to glass was sufficient to enhance bacterial growth when zinc was sequestered. We compared the transcriptional profiles of WT Gc adherent to glass coverslips or in suspension, when zinc was sequestered with murine calprotectin or provided in excess, from which we identified open reading frames that were increased by zinc sequestration in adherent Gc. One of these, ZnuA, was necessary but not sufficient for survival of Gc under zinc-limiting conditions. These results show that adherence protects Gc from zinc-dependent growth restriction by host nutritional immunity proteins.
Emotional eating in women with generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract Introduction Individuals diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) seek pleasurable foods to avoid their negative emotional experiences. Ineffective regulation of negative emotions may be a risk factor for emotional eating (EE), leading to suffering, dysfunctional behaviors, and weight gain. Objectives The aim of this study is to understand the relationship between emotional dysregulation and EE, investigating potential mediators such as the intensity of the worry, avoidance of internal experiences, mindfulness, and self-compassion in female patients with anxiety. Methods In this cross-sectional study, participants from a randomized clinical trial diagnosed with GAD answered the following instruments at baseline: the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21), the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), the Action and Acceptance Questionnaire (AAQ), the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). We estimated Pearson correlation coefficients and performed mediation analyses. Results We evaluated 51 female individuals, 34 of whom completed all the questionnaires. Our data showed that EE was positively correlated with emotional dysregulation (r = 0.593; p < 0.001), worry trait (r = 0.402; p = 0.018), and avoidance of internal experiences (r = 0.565; p < 0.001), whereas it was negatively correlated with self-compassion (r = -0.590; p < 0.001) and mindful state (r = -0.383; p = 0.026). Moreover, we demonstrated that self-compassion mediates the relationship between emotional dysregulation and EE (ab product estimate = 0.043, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.003-0.084). Conclusion Our findings contribute to the literature by identifying psychological factors that could mediate the association between emotional dysregulation and EE, enabling identification of more effective eating behavior intervention targets for patients with GAD.
Muscle endoplasmic reticulum stress in exercise

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle responsible for the post‐translational folding and modification of proteins. Under stress conditions, such as physical exercise, there is accumulation of misfolded proteins. The increased load of proteins in the ER results in ER stress, which activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR is comprised of three parallel pathways, responsible for ensuring the quality of secreted proteins. Scientific studies show that resistance or endurance acute physical exercise can induce ER stress and activate the UPR pathways. On the other hand, regular moderate‐intensity exercise can attenuate the responses of genes and proteins related to ER stress. However, these positive adaptations do not occur when exercise intensity and volume increase without adequate rest periods, which is observed in overtraining. The current review discusses the frontier‐of‐knowledge findings on the effects of different acute and chronic physical exercise protocols on skeletal muscle ER stress and its metabolic consequences.
Theoretical foundation of the EFQM model: the resource-based view

This paper analyses in detail the European quality model and proves that it uses, as implicit theoretical basis, a brand-new organizational theory, i.e. the resource-based view. It analyses the usefulness of the EFQM model to identify the most representative resources and capabilities of the enterprise that allow us to identify what part of its structure generates the key resources to create competitive advantages. This work confirms the merits of the EFQM quality model as an effective tool to measure the basis of the competitive advantage of a given organization. Its main contribution lies in the theoretical support of a quality model widely used by European enterprises.
Degree of Myopia and Reduced Physical Activity in 3600 College Students in China

Background This study aimed to evaluate the degree of myopia and reduced physical activity in 3600 college students in China between 2018 and 2020. Material/Methods The study included 3600 participants (1742 men and 1858 women) aged 19 to 23 years from a Chinese college. The distribution of the levels of eyesight associated with physical exercise was assessed using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart measurement method. Results The rates of myopia of students enrolled students in 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 84.31%, 87.22%, and 89.17%, respectively, which showed an increasing trend (P<0.01). For the students starting in 2018, the rate of myopia showed an upward trend in their 3 years of college (P<0.01). The incidence of myopia was significantly different during the academic year between students who participated and did not participate in sports clubs (P<0.01). Conclusions The findings from this study showed that between 2018 and 2020 there was a high prevalence of myopia in college students in China, which increased annually and was associated with reduced physical activity while at college. These findings may have public health implications for improving physical activity in this population. Physical exercise could effectively prevent the occurrence of myopia, improve the visual status of students, and alleviate the decline of vision.
Analysis of Systematic Reviews in Clinical Practice Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancer

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are essential to clinical decision‐making as their recommendations are supported by published literature. Systematic reviews are considered the highest quality of evidence used to underpin these guidelines. However, research to support these recommendations may lack compliance to quality reporting among systematic reviews (SRs). Here, we aim to evaluate the quality of SRs underpinning CPG recommendations for the management of head and neck cancer (HNC).
Valle: A Roadway Design System In A Virtual Reality Environment

Approximately 3 years ago, the Spanish company DRAGADOS undertook the creation of a Highway Design program completely integrated in a Virtual Reality environment. Throughout the first months of the year 2006, the version 1.0 of VALLE (Virtual roAd modeLLEr) is being implanted in the Company. DRAGADOS’ intention was to merge in VALLE the technical and interactive capacities of a Civil Engineering Computer Aided Design application (like InRoads, Civil 3D, etc.) with the graphic and realistic capacities of Virtual Representation software (such as Virtual Map, RDV or similar) so that the user could directly test modifications of horizontal alignments, profiles, sections or other elements in an interactive and realistic way. The ability of editing the road layout in a realistic representation of the environment makes VALLE a valuable aid in the decision making process related to highway design.
MicroRNA‐495‐3p diminishes doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity through activating AKT

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a broad‐spectrum antitumour agent; however, its clinical application is impeded due to the cumulative cardiotoxicity. The present study aims to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of microRNA‐495‐3p (miR‐495‐3p) in Dox‐induced cardiotoxicity. Herein, we found that cardiac miR‐495‐3p expression was significantly decreased in Dox‐treated hearts, and that the miR‐495‐3p agomir could prevent oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, cardiac mass loss, fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction upon Dox stimulation. In contrast, the miR‐495‐3p antagomir dramatically aggravated Dox‐induced cardiotoxicity in mice. Besides, we found that the miR‐495‐3p agomir attenuated, while the miR‐495‐3p antagomir exacerbated Dox‐induced oxidative stress and cellular injury in vitro. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that miR‐495‐3p directly bound to the 3′‐untranslational region of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), downregulated PTEN expression and subsequently activated protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) pathway, and that PTEN overexpression or AKT inhibition completely abolished the cardioprotective effects of the miR‐495‐3p agomir. Our study for the first time identify miR‐495‐3p as an endogenous protectant against Dox‐induced cardiotoxicity through activating AKT pathway in vivo and in vitro.
Improvement of Insomnia Symptoms following a Single 4-Hour CBT-I Workshop

ABSTRACT Study Objectives : Cognitive behavioral treatment for insomnia (CBT-I) is the first line of treatment for insomnia. However, the expanded use of CBT-I is limited by the number of specialty-trained clinicians in addition to the duration and cost of individual treatment sessions. One viable option is a single-session educational group format delivered by a trained health educator. Methods : In a preliminary, single group pretest-posttest design, the effectiveness of group CBT-I delivered to community dwelling individuals with self-reported insomnia symptoms was evaluated. Participants completed the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and provided information on sleep aid use, prior to and 1-month post attendance of a single 4-hour CBT-I workshop. Results : Participants (N = 45) were 54 ± 16 years and 71% female. ISI scores significantly improved from baseline (20.09 ± 4.1) to 1-month follow-up (11.89 ±5.7; t = 10.1, p < .001) with an average change of 8.2 ± 5.4 points. Frequency of sleep aid use significantly dropped (χ2 = 105.7, p = .017). Eighty percent of participants reported sleeping better or much better at follow-up. Twenty percent of participants met criteria for remission of insomnia and 35.6% of participants had ISI change scores meeting criteria for a Minimally Important Difference associated with improvements in fatigue, work productivity, and health related quality of life. Conclusions : These preliminary data suggest that a single 4-hour CBT-I workshop delivered by a health educator can significantly improve insomnia symptoms, improve subjective sleep quality, and reduce sleep aid use among community dwelling adults with and without co-morbidities within 1-month. Brief Summary Current knowledge/study rationale: In order to disseminate CBT-I to a broader section of the population with insomnia complaints, novel approaches need to be incorporated and assessed. The utilization of a single 4-hour group CBT-I session may be a suitable choice for many people experiencing insomnia. Study Impact: In comparison to the 4-8 individual sessions commonly available, this format shows promise as another option for treatment of insomnia, and preliminarily shows comparable effectiveness for various sleep outcomes. Moreover, by utilizing a non-clinician health educator to provide these workshops, the number of people that may be helped with CBT-I is increased. Abbreviations: CBT-I: Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for InsomniaCGI: clinical global improvementISI: Insomnia Severity IndexISR: Intensive sleep retrainingMID: Minimally important differenceOTC: Over the counterROC: Receiver operator curveSCID-DSM-V: Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-V
QSAR modelling of organic dyes for their acute toxicity in Daphnia magna using 2D-descriptors

ABSTRACT The present study reports quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for 22 organic dyes spanning a broad chemical domain to predict their toxicity in Daphnia magna [log (1/EC50)]. Only two-dimensional descriptors with clear physicochemical meaning were used to construct the QSAR models. The process of development, validation, and interpretation of models adheres to the stringent recommendations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines. In this study, the multi-layered stepwise regression method and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) method were employed for the deployment of regression – and classification-based models respectively; however, the final regression-based QSAR models were obtained through the partial least squares (PLS) regression. Additionally, the applicability domain of the developed models was verified. The constructed models should be applicable in the absence of toxicity data of new or untested dye structures, particularly when the compounds fall within the developed models’ scope, and also implementable to develop more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Radiotherapy-induced enrichment of EGF-modified doxorubicin nanoparticles enhances the therapeutic outcome of lung cancer

Abstract Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, related dose-dependent toxicity limits its clinical use. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new strategies for improving the clinical outcomes while reducing the side effects of chemotherapy in the treatment of NSCLC. In this study, we designed and synthesized epidermal growth factor (EGF)-modified doxorubicin nanoparticles (EGF@DOX-NPs) that selectively targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpressed in lung tumor cells. When administered in combination with low-dose X-ray radiotherapy (RT), the NPs preferentially accumulated at the tumor site due to radiation-induced outburst of the local intra-tumoral blood vessels. Compared with DOX alone, EGF@DOX-NPs significantly decreased the viability and migration and enhanced the apoptosis rates of tumor cells in vitro. Also, the EGF@DOX-NPs significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo, increasing the survival of the tumor-bearing mice without apparent systemic toxic effects through RT-induced aggregation. The tumor cell proliferation was greatly inhibited in the RT + EGF@DOX-NPs group. Contrarily, the apoptosis of tumor cells was significantly higher in this group. These results confirm the promising clinical application of radiotherapy in combination with EGF@DOX-NPs for lung cancer treatment.
The severity of behavioural symptoms in FTD is linked to the loss of GABRQ‐expressing VENs and pyramidal neurons

The loss of von Economo neurons (VENs) and GABA receptor subunit theta (GABRQ) containing neurons is linked to early changes in social–emotional cognition and is seen in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) due to C9orf72 repeat expansion. We investigate the vulnerability of VENs and GABRQ‐expressing neurons in sporadic and genetic forms of FTD with different underlying molecular pathology and their association with the presence and severity of behavioural symptoms.
Dissecting the Structural and Conductive Functions of Nanowires in Geobacter sulfurreducens Electroactive Biofilms

The low power generation of microbial fuel cells limits their utility. Many factors can affect power generation, including inefficient electron transfer in the anode biofilm. ABSTRACT Conductive nanowires are thought to contribute to long-range electron transfer (LET) in Geobacter sulfurreducens anode biofilms. Three types of nanowires have been identified: pili, OmcS, and OmcZ. Previous studies highlighted their conductive function in anode biofilms, yet a structural function also has to be considered. We present here a comprehensive analysis of the function of nanowires in LET by inhibiting the expression of each nanowire. Meanwhile, flagella with poor conductivity were expressed to recover the structural function but not the conductive function of nanowires in the corresponding nanowire mutant strain. The results demonstrated that pili played a structural but not a conductive function in supporting biofilm formation. In contrast, the OmcS nanowire played a conductive but not a structural function in facilitating electron transfer in the biofilm. The OmcZ nanowire played both a structural and a conductive function to contribute to current generation. Expression of the poorly conductive flagellum was shown to enhance biofilm formation, subsequently increasing current generation. These data support a model in which multiheme cytochromes facilitate long-distance electron transfer in G. sulfurreducens biofilms. Our findings also suggest that the formation of a thicker biofilm, which contributed to a higher current generation by G. sulfurreducens, was confined by the biofilm formation deficiency, and this has applications in microbial electrochemical systems. IMPORTANCE The low power generation of microbial fuel cells limits their utility. Many factors can affect power generation, including inefficient electron transfer in the anode biofilm. Thus, understanding the mechanism(s) of electron transfer provides a pathway for increasing the power density of microbial fuel cells. Geobacter sulfurreducens was shown to form a thick biofilm on the anode. Cells far away from the anode reduce the anode through long-range electron transfer. Based on their conductive properties, three types of nanowires have been hypothesized to directly facilitate long-range electron transfer: pili, OmcS, and OmcZ nanowires. However, their structural contributions to electron transfer in anode biofilm have not been elucidated. Based on studies of mutants lacking one or more of these facilitators, our results support a cytochrome-mediated electron transfer process in Geobacter biofilms and highlight the structural contribution of nanowires in anode biofilm formation, which contributes to biofilm formation and current generation, thereby providing a strategy to increase current generation.
Extended Feedback Linearisation Control of Non-ideal DCDC Buck Converter in Continuous-conduction Mode

Abstract This paper presents an extended form of Feedback Linearisation Control (FBLC), which is tested in a non-ideal buck converter in Continuous-conduction Mode (CCM). The FBLC is often used in power electronics to control a non-linear system, due to its advantageous properties. The application of the error integrator shows better steady-state and transient properties, such as a decrease of inrush current. The linearised system has been controlled by the pole placement and the technique is illustrated through an example and simulated via Matlab. The results have been compared by using a classical PID controller, allowing the benefits of FBLC to be highlighted.
An approach to enhance security awareness on the use of mobile devices

The rapid development of mobile devices technology has turned them into real contenders and serious replacements for personal computers. On the other hand, this development has raised the number of attacks and security risks associated with the use of mobile devices. Mobile devices lack adequate protection in addition to the misuse of end-users. This study proposes a mobile devices security users’ security awareness framework. The framework was built based on an intensive review to security issues related to mobile devices, as well as the security awareness level among users. The framework consists of four variables namely; security knowledge, internet and services, privacy and updates and users’ attitudes. The data was collected through a quantitative method. The study has involved textual data and a survey questionnaire. The survey questionnaire was conducted in (UTM International Campus) including both students and staff as respondents in a try to reach a various number of mobile users. The results of this questionnaire came in contact with what was found in previous studies and indicated a significant weakness in users’ security awareness regarding mobile devices. Furthermore, the current security countermeasure, if found are not widely deployed due to the inconvenience they cause. The study has concluded that developing countermeasures alone without training users might not produce the secure environment required. This highlight security awareness and training as important factors to increase mobile devices’ security. Further work is necessary to develop practical guidelines in contact with NIST SP800-124 user oriented measures.