Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LncRNA XIST enhanced TGF-β2 expression by targeting miR-141-3p to promote pancreatic cancer cells invasion

The level of expression of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) is up-regulated in pancreatic cancer (PC). However, the role of XIST in PC and the underlying mechanism are still unknown. The present study aimed to elucidate how XIST participates in PC and its potential target, miR-141-3p. We detected the XIST expression in PC tissues and cells by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation was measured using a CCK8 kit, and the migration and invasion of cells was measured by Transwell assay. Silencing XIST and miR-141-3p was performed with transfection by Lipofectamine kit. Binding assay was conducted by luciferase reporter assay. Protein expression was examined by Western blot. These results indicate that (i) XIST is highly expressed in tumor tissues while miR-141-3p is down-regulated. (ii) Silencing XIST inhibits the pancreatic cell proliferation, migration and invasion. (iii) MiR-141-3p inhibitor alleviates the inhibitory effect by siXIST in PC cell lines. (iv) MiR-141-3p directly interacts with XIST and also negatively regulates transforming growth factor-β 2 (TGF-β2) expression. (v) Overexpression of XIST attenuates the inhibition of TGF-β2 expression by miR-141-3p. The conclusion, is that XIST could promote proliferation, migration and invasion of PC cells via miR-141-5p/TGF-β2 axis.
Polyphenol-rich diet is associated with decreased level of inflammatory biomarkers in breast cancer patients

Background The study investigated the relationship between dietary intake of polyphenols and inflammatory markers: CRP, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), medium platelet volume/lymphocyte ratio (MPVRL), in newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients. Objectives The aim of this work was to verify whether diet rich in plant polyphenols affects inflammatory markers in breast cancer patients. Materials and methods 78 patients (55.3±14.5 years) treated surgically for breast cancer were studied. A modified FFQ and authorial worksheet based on the Phenol Explorer database was used to measure the amount of plant polyphenols in a diet. Basing on the median of polyphenols intake (1780 mg/day), the group was divided into two subgroups: low- and high- dietary intake of polyphenols (LDIP and HDIP, respectively). Plasma CRP level was measured and NLR, PLR and MPVLR were calculated using results from peripheral blood morphology. Results LDIP was associated with significantly higher CRP (elevated in 34.5% LDIP patients vs. 8.3% HDIP, p<0.003), NLR (elevated in 46.2% LDIP patients vs. 25.6% HDIP, p<0.006) and PLR level (elevated in 25.6% LDIP patients vs. 12.8% HDIP, p<0.03). MPVLR was not significantly different between both the subgroups. Conclusion High dietary intake of polyphenols remarkably reduced process of inflammation in breast cancer patients, which has important clinical implications. The study demonstrated also an usefulness of simple, cheap and commonly available biomarkers for monitoring anti-inflammatory effects of diet.
Trophectoderm stem cells to model the effect of altered periconceptional diet on embryos

The developmental origin of adult disease hypothesis was presented by David Barker in the late 1980s. He and his colleagues found babies with low birth weight are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (Barker and Osmond, 1986) and type II diabetes (Hales et al., 1991) in their adult life. He hypothesized that the gestation environment would affect the offspring in the long term. Animal models also demonstrate the effect of maternal diet on the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular and metabolic disease in the offspring, and on the function of extraembryonic tissue; for example, a maternal low protein diet increased the endocytic capacity of the visceral yolk sac (VYSE) (Watkins et al., 2008). Previous studies show that changing the maternal diet during the pre-implantation period (Day 0 to 3.5) also has long term effects on murine offspring, such as lung and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity changes (Watkins et al., 2010). During pregnancy, the placenta plays the main role of exchanging nutrients and metabolic products between the foetus and mother, and directly affects the development of the foetus. In this study, a number of parameters changing the ability to isolate TS cell lines were first examined, and we produced recombinant protein FGF4 for TS cell culture. In order to establish an in vitro model to understand how the maternal diet altered inheritable characteristics. TS cell lines were established from low protein (LPD) and normal protein diet (NPD) embryos. These lines were analysed for the expression of TE markers and were characterised for sex and chromosomal stability. Comparing their expression of specific markers of TE differentiation showed that the lines showed great variability in their differentiation pathways. However, despite this the proliferation rate and metabolism as measured by MTT conversion is significantly higher in LPD group. This finding correlated with pervious study, that LPD embryos show a greater number TE cells in the late blastocyst (Eckert et al., 2012). The cell endocytosis activity shown by uptake and conversion of the late endosome marker pHrodo was also increased in our LPD models.
Cannabinoid Receptor-Mediated Modulation of Inhibitory Inputs to Mitral Cells in the Main Olfactory Bulb.

The endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling system has been functionally implicated in many brain regions. Our understanding of the role of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) in olfactory processing remains limited. Cannabinoid signaling is involved in regulating glomerular activity in the main olfactory bulb (MOB). However, the cannabinoid-related circuitry of inputs to mitral cells in the MOB has not been fully determined. Using anatomical and functional approaches we have explored this question. CB1 was present in periglomerular processes of a GAD65-positive sub-population of interneurons but not in mitral cells. We detected eCBs in the mouse MOB as well as the expression of CB1 and other genes associated with cannabinoid signaling in the MOB. Patch-clamp electrophysiology demonstrated that CB1 agonists activated mitral cells and evoked an inward current, while CB1 antagonists reduced firing and evoked an outward current. CB1 effects on mitral cells were absent in subglomerular slices in which the olfactory nerve layer and glomerular layer were removed, suggesting the glomerular layer as the site of CB1 action. We previously observed that GABAergic periglomerular cells show the inverse response pattern to CB1 activation compared to mitral cells, suggesting that CB1 indirectly regulates mitral cell activity as a result of cellular activation of glomerular GABAergic processes . This hypothesis was supported by the finding that cannabinoids modulated synaptic transmission to mitral cells. We conclude that CB1 directly regulates GABAergic processes in the glomerular layer to control GABA release and, in turn, regulates mitral cell activity with potential effects on olfactory threshold and behavior.
Consumption of a Specially-Formulated Mixture of Essential Amino Acids Promotes Gain in Whole-Body Protein to a Greater Extent than a Complete Meal Replacement in Older Women with Heart Failure

Heart failure in older individuals is normally associated with a high body mass index and relatively low lean body mass due to, in part, a resistance to the normal anabolic effect of dietary protein. In this study we have investigated the hypothesis that consumption of a specially-formulated composition of essential amino acids (HiEAAs) can overcome anabolic resistance in individuals with heart failure and stimulate the net gain of body protein to a greater extent than a commercially popular protein-based meal replacement beverage with greater caloric but lower essential amino acid (EAA) content (LoEAA). A randomized cross-over design was used. Protein kinetics were determined using primed continuous infusions of L-(2H5)phenylalanine and L-(2H2)tyrosine in the basal state and for four hours following consumption of either beverage. Both beverages induced positive net protein balance (i.e., anabolic response). However, the anabolic response was more than two times greater with the HiEAA than the LoEAA (p < 0.001), largely through a greater suppression of protein breakdown (p < 0.001). Net protein accretion (g) was also greater in the HiEAA when data were normalized for either amino acid or caloric content (p < 0.001). We conclude that a properly formulated EAA mixture can elicit a greater anabolic response in individuals with heart failure than a protein-based meal replacement. Since heart failure is often associated with obesity, the minimal caloric value of the HiEAA formulation is advantageous.
Extracellular α‐synuclein enters dopaminergic cells by modulating flotillin‐1–assisted dopamine transporter endocytosis

The neuropathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) include the appearance of α‐synuclein (α‐SYN)‐positive Lewy bodies (LBs) and the loss of catecholaminergic neurons. Thus, a potential mechanism promoting the uptake of extracellular α‐SYN may exist in susceptible neurons. Of the various differentially expressed proteins, we are interested in flotillin (FLOT)‐1 because this protein is highly expressed in the brainstem catecholaminergic neurons and is strikingly up‐regulated in PD brains. In this study, we found that extracellular monomeric and fibrillar α‐SYN can potentiate FLOT1–dopamine transporter (DAT) binding and pre‐endocytic clustering of DAT on the cell surface, thereby facilitating DAT endocytosis and down‐regulating its transporter activity. Moreover, we demonstrated that α‐SYN itself exploited the DAT endocytic process to enter dopaminergic neuron‐like cells, and both FLOT1 and DAT were found to be the components of LBs. Altogether, these findings revealed a novel role of extracellular α‐SYN on cellular trafficking of DAT and may provide a rationale for the cell type‐specific, functional, and pathologic alterations in PD. —Kobayashi, J., Hasegawa, T. , Sugeno, N. , Yoshida, S. , Akiyama, T. , Fujimori, K. , Hatakeyama, H. , Miki, Y. , Tomiyama, A. , Kawata, Y. , Fukuda, M. , Kawahata, I. , Yamakuni, T. , Ezura, M. , Kikuchi, A. , Baba, T. , Takeda, A. , Kanzaki, M. , Wakabayashi, K. , Okano, H. , Aoki, M. Extracellular α‐synuclein enters dopaminergic cells by modulating flotillin‐1–assisted dopamine transporter endocytosis. FASEB J. 33, 10240–10256 (2019). www.fasebj. org
Omega-3 fatty acids and cognitive decline: a systematic review.

In a growing elderly population, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Age Related Cognitive Decline (ARCD) are increasing in prevalence worldwide. In the search for food compounds able to ameliorate this condition, it has been postulated that n-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (n-3 LCPUFA), also known as omega-3, consumption could have a positive effect in the prevention or therapy of these cognitive declines. This current systematic review studies the relationship between n-3 LCPUFAs and cognitive status in aged adult and elder populations to determine whether there is or not a positive effect of n-3 LCPUFAs supplementation on cognitive decline. A search of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) related with the relationship between cognitive impairment and n-3 LCPUFA (Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosapentanoic Acid or combined) supplementation was conducted through PubMed database from January, 2010 to December, 2017 following the PRISMA statement. Interventional studies which included aged adults or elder subjects with or without MCI and with no previous intake of Fish Oil Supplements (FOS) were included. Ten out of the fourteen RCTs reviewed showed positive outcome on at least one domain of cognitive function (working memory, executive function, verbal memory, short-term memory, perceptual speed, etc.). This Systematic Review concludes that omega-3 supplementation might have a positive effect on cognitive function. Thus, n-3 LCPUFAs could be used as a preventive or therapeutic tool for cognitive decline in aged or elder adults.
Drinking Warm Water Improves Growth Performance and Optimizes the Gut Microbiota in Early Postweaning Rabbits during Winter

Simple Summary Epidemiological investigations have revealed that cold temperature can increase the risk of diarrhea in children, and similar observations have been made in early postweaning livestock. Recent studies have shown that cold temperature alters the gut microbiota, which may be associated with the pathogenesis of various intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases. However, few studies have focused on how to improve intestinal health from the perspective of the gut microbiota in early postweaning livestock during winter. In the present study, using early postweaning rabbits as a model, we analyzed the effects of drinking warm water (WW) on the growth performance and gut microbiota structure of postweaning rabbits during winter. Our results confirmed that drinking WW improved the growth performance and optimized gut microbiota in early postweaning rabbits during winter. Therefore, our results provide a new perspective for improving early postweaning rabbits welfare during winter. Abstract Accumulating evidence indicates that cold exposure changes the composition of the gut microbiota and reduces intestinal immunity in early postweaning livestock. However, little is known about the effects of drinking warm water (WW) on gut microbiota during winter. In this study, we investigated the effects of drinking WW in winter on the growth performance and gut microbiota structure of rabbits raised in poorly insulated housing from the early postweaning period (day 46) to the subadult period (day 82). The average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in rabbits drinking WW were significantly improved compared to those of the rabbits drinking cold water (CW) during 47–58 days. In addition, rabbits drinking WW had a significantly decreased the risk of diarrhea during 71–82 days. 16S rRNA sequence analysis revealed that the alpha diversity of the cecal microbiota was not significantly different between the WW and CW groups, but significantly increased with age. The relative abundance of cecal microorganisms, such as Coprococcus spp. was considerably increased at day 70 in the group drinking WW. Correlation analysis indicated that Coprococcus spp. was negatively associated with pro-inflammatory factors. In conclusion, our results suggest that drinking WW has a positive effect on growth performance and gut microbiota in rabbits during the early postweaning stage in winter.
Contributions of Stereopsis and Aviation Experience to Simulated Rotary Wing Altitude Estimation

Objective We examined the contribution of binocular vision and experience to performance on a simulated helicopter flight task. Background Although there is a long history of research on the role of binocular vision and stereopsis in aviation, there is no consensus on its operational relevance. This work addresses this using a naturalistic task in a virtual environment. Method Four high-resolution stereoscopic terrain types were viewed monocularly and binocularly. In separate experiments, we evaluated performance of undergraduate students and military aircrew on a simulated low hover altitude judgment task. Observers were asked to judge the distance between a virtual helicopter skid and the ground plane. Results Our results show that for both groups, altitude judgments are more accurate in the binocular viewing condition than in the monocular condition. However, in the monocular condition, aircrew were more accurate than undergraduate observers in estimating height of the skid above the ground. Conclusion At simulated altitudes of 5 ft (1.5 m) or less, binocular vision provides a significant advantage for estimation of the depth separation between the landing skid and the ground, regardless of relevant operational experience. However, when binocular cues are unavailable aircrew outperform undergraduate observers, a result that likely reflects the impact of training on the ability to interpret monocular depth cues.
Opioids and the Risk of Infection: A Critical Appraisal of the Pharmacologic and Clinical Evidence

ABSTRACT Introduction: There are concerns that opioids may be associated with an increased risk of infection. This safety issue is alarming given the widespread use of opioids in pain management. Areas covered: In this review, we summarize the pharmacologic aspects of opioids related to the immune system and to the assumed pathophysiology of opioid-related infections. We also synthesize and critically appraise the available clinical evidence on the potential association between the use of opioids and the risk of infection. PubMed was searched from inception to 1 February 2019 for all articles published in English with terms corresponding to ‘opioids’ and ‘infections’. Expert opinion: Morphine appears to suppress the immune system via affecting cells of the innate and the adaptive immunity as well as via modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, knowledge gaps exist regarding the immune-related pharmacology of non-morphine opioids. Observational studies have suggested an increased risk of infections associated with the use of opioids. However, methodological limitations such as confounding by indication due to the choice of non-use as comparator render the interpretation of most of these studies difficult. Thus, further efforts in preclinical research and well-conducted observational studies are needed to provide more robust evidence in this regard.
Predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation after myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass: A retrospective cohort study

Considering the threat imposed by postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and the potential benefits of off‐pump CABG, the objective of this study was to describe the incidence and identify predictor factors for POAF in patients undergoing CABG without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
A Comparative Study of Black and White Allium sativum L.: Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Properties

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has been used worldwide not only for its being a subject of dietary interest, but also for medicinal purposes, in prophylaxis, and for the treatment of diverse pathologies. New processing techniques have been developed and placed on the market in recent years to improve the organoleptic and nutritional value of food products. The present work aimed to study bulbils (cloves) of white (commercial and traditionally cultivated samples with different proveniences) and black (processed samples) garlic. All samples were compared with regard to their nutritional composition as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Black garlic had the lowest moisture content but the highest total amount of sugars and energetic value. Black garlic also presented the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial (especially against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) activities. Thus, black garlic, obtained by processing techniques, can be considered a promising product with high value that will be able to be exploited by the functional food/nutraceutical industry.
Investigation of Cutting Force in Longitudinal-Torsional Ultrasonic-Assisted Milling of Ti-6Al-4V

In this study, we propose a longitudinal-torsion ultrasonic-assisted milling (LTUM) machining method for difficult-to-cut materials—such as titanium alloy—in order to realize anti-fatigue manufacturing. In addition, a theoretical prediction model of cutting force is established. To achieve this, we used the cutting edge trajectory of LTUM to reveal the difference in trajectory between LTUM and traditional milling (TM). Then, an undeformed chip thickness (UCT) model of LTUM was constructed. From this, the cutting force model was able to be established. A series of experiments were subsequently carried out to verify this LTUM cutting force model. Based on the established model, the influence of several parameters on cutting force was analyzed. The results showed that the established theoretical model of cutting force was in agreement with the experimental results, and that, compared to TM, the cutting force was lower in LTUM. Specifically, the cutting force in the feed direction, Fx, decreased by 24.8%, while the cutting force in the width of cut direction Fy, decreased by 29.9%.
Relation of NT-probnp levels and cardiovascular disease risk factors in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. N-terminal fragment of brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-probnp) is used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for CVD. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Nt-probnp is increased in lean PCOS patients. A total of 110 lean (BMI < 25 kg/m2) PCOS patients and 80 age and BMI matched healthy lean controls were included in this study. Serum Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI), Nt-probnp, C-reactive protein (CRP), androgen and lipid levels were measured. Serum Nt-probnp levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group. Hyperandrogenic PCOS patients had higher Nt-probnp levels. There were significant correlations between serum Nt-probnp and total testosterone, total cholesterol, HOMA and Matsuda levels. Linear regression analysis showed that Matsuda ISI and fasting insulin levels significantly affected the Nt-probnp levels (R2 of the model = 0.763; p<.0001). IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Many risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and hyperandrogenism may be found in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), although evidence for CVD in lean women with PCOS is limited. N-terminal fragment of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-probnp) is a high predictive marker regarding of CVD, especially in patients without overt CVD. There have been contradictory results regarding Nt-probnp levels in PCOS patients and there have not been any effective studies regarding the relation between CVD risk factors and Nt-probnp levels for lean PCOS patients. What the results of this study add? This study found increased Nt-probnp levels in lean PCOS patients, which may indicate a positive correlation with risk for CVD. Strong relations were also found between Nt-probnp levels and increased insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, decreased insulin sensitivity and hyperandrogenism. Lean PCOS patients have increased risk factors for CVD, and these risk factors are correlated with Nt-probnp levels. Nt-probnp is more affected by increased fasting insulin and decreased insulin sensitivity. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Lean PCOS patients should be evaluated for CVD. Further prospective controlled studies are needed in order to predict the long-term risk of developing CVD in lean PCOS patients.