Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oxytocin inhibits methamphetamine‐associated learning and memory alterations by regulating DNA methylation at the Synaptophysin promoter

Methamphetamine (METH) causes memory changes, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, can potentially cause synaptic changes in the brain. Oxytocin (OT) plays a central role in learning and memory, but little is known of the impact of OT on METH‐associated memory changes. Here, we explored the role of OT in METH‐induced epigenetic alterations that underlie spatial and cognitive memory changes. METH (2.0 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to male C57BL/6 mice once every other day for 8 days. OT (2.5 μg, i.c.v.) or aCSF was given prior to METH. Spatial and cognitive memory were assessed. In Hip and PFC, synaptic structures and proteins were examined, levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) were determined, and the DNA methylation status at the Synaptophysin (Syn) promoter was assessed. METH enhanced spatial memory, decreased synapse length, downregulated DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and MECP2, and induced DNA hypomethylation at the Syn promoter in Hip. In contrast, METH reduced cognitive memory, increased synapse thickness, upregulated DNMT1, DNMT3A, and MECP2, and induced DNA hypermethylation at the Syn promoter in PFC. OT pretreatment specifically ameliorated METH‐induced learning and memory alterations, normalized synapse structures, and regulated DNMTs and MECP2 to reverse the DNA methylation status changes at the Syn promoter in Hip and PFC. DNA methylation is an important gene regulatory mechanism underlying METH‐induced learning and memory alterations. OT can potentially be used to specifically manipulate METH‐related memory changes.
Language proficiency does not modulate executive control in older bilinguals

ABSTRACT We examined if language proficiency modulates performance in tasks that measure executive control in older Telugu-English bilinguals (n = 50, mean age = 57.15 years). We administered numerical Stroop task, Attention Network Task, Dimensional Change Card Sorting task, and stop-signal task that are known to tap into different aspects of executive functioning on healthy aging Telugu-English bilinguals. Second language (English) proficiency was calculated as a cumulative score that considered both subjective and objective measures of L2 fluency and use. Bilinguals were divided into two groups based on the cumulative score and compared on each task. We did not find any effect of language proficiency on any of the executive control measures. The additional Bayesian analysis also supported these findings. Therefore, the results do not support the claim that bilingual language proficiency modulates executive control, at least in the elderly population. We discuss the results with regard to the issue of bilingual advantage in executive control and the role of age and language use.
What Types of Physical Function Predict Program Adherence in Older Adults?

PURPOSE The aims of this study were to describe participants' demographic characteristics by adherence levels and to examine the association between participants' baseline physical function and their adherence to an evidence-based group exercise program. DESIGN A prospective exploratory study (N = 36,373). METHODS Participants' physical function was assessed using 30-second chair-stand, arm-curl, and 8-foot up-and-go tests. Adherence was calculated as the proportion of attended sessions over offered sessions. FINDINGS Participants' mean adherence was 52%. Older male, Asian/Pacific Islander race, and Washington State residents with fewer chronic conditions showed higher adherence. Multinomial logistic regression showed the baseline 30-second chair-stand, arm-curl, and 8-foot up-and-go tests significantly predict adherence levels after controlling for demographics. CONCLUSIONS Stronger upper- and lower-extremity strength and better walking balance and mobility are associated with higher adherence to exercise programs in older adults. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The results underscored the importance of offering classes at various physical function levels while considering participants' individual needs.
Basic In-Mouth Attribute Evaluation: A Comparison of Two Panels

Astringency is often difficult to evaluate accurately in wine because of its complexity. This accuracy can improve through training sessions, but it can be time-consuming and expensive. A way to reduce these costs can be the use of wine experts, who are known to be reliable evaluators. Therefore, the aim of this work was to compare the sensory results and the panel performance obtained using trained panelists versus wine experts (winemakers). Judges evaluated twelve red wines for in-mouth basic perception (sweet, sour, bitter, astringent, and burning sensation) following the same tasting protocol and with the samples being presented in two different tasting modalities. Panels’ performance and relationship between the chemical composition and the sensory perception were investigated. Both panels showed similar consistency and repeatability, and they were able to accurately measure the astringency of the wines. However, the significant correlations between sensory scores and chemical composition varied with the panel and the tasting modality. From our results, we could see that winemakers tended to discriminate better between the samples when the differences were very small.
An Improved Channel Estimation Technique for IEEE 802.11p Standard in Vehicular Communications

IEEE 802.11p based Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) is considered a potential wireless technology to enable transportation safety and traffic efficiency. A major challenge in the development of IEEE 802.11p technology is ensuring communication reliability in highly dynamic Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) environments. The design of IEEE 802.11p does not have a sufficient number of training symbols in the time domain and pilot carriers in the frequency domain to enable accurate estimation of rapidly varying V2V channels. The channel estimation of IEEE 802.11p is preamble based, which cannot guarantee a suitable equalization in urban and highway scenarios, especially for longer length data packets. This limitation has been investigated by some research works, which suggest that one major challenge is determining an accurate means of updating channel estimate over the course of packet length while adhering to the standard. The motivation behind this article is to overcome this challenge. We have proposed an improved Constructed Data Pilot (iCDP) scheme which adheres to the standard and constructs data pilots by considering the correlation characteristics between adjacent data symbols in time domain and adjacent subcarriers in frequency domain. It is in contrast to previous schemes which considered the correlation in the time domain. The results have shown that the proposed scheme performs better than previous schemes in terms of bit error rate (BER) and root-mean-square error (RMSE).
Association of Bright Liver With the PNPLA3 I148M Gene Variant in 1-Year-Old Toddlers.

CONTEXT Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is being increasingly diagnosed at younger ages, pointing toward an early-life origin. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the frequency and risk factors for bright liver (BL) in 1-year-old toddlers. DESIGN Secondary analysis of the 1-year follow-up of the Feeding Study. Exposures were child PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 gene variants; child anthropometry at birth and at 1 year of follow-up; child subcutaneous, visceral, and epicardial adipose tissue at 1 year of follow-up; maternal anthropometry at the start and at the end of pregnancy; and maternal red blood cell fatty-acid composition at the third trimester of pregnancy. SETTING General population. PARTICIPANTS Among 505 mother-toddler pairs, 391 children (77%) underwent liver and abdominal ultrasonography at the 1-year follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME BL as diagnosed by ultrasonography. RESULTS Seventeen (4%) of 391 toddlers had BL. Compared with the toddlers with the PNPLA 3 CC genotype, the odds (95% CI) of BL were 3.01 (1.05 to 8.64, P < 0.05) times higher in those with the PNAPLA3 CG genotype and 5.37 (1.12 to 25.77, P < 0.05) higher in those with the PNPLA3 CC genotype. We found no association between BL status and TM6SF2. Body weight, body mass index, and maternal weight gain during pregnancy were higher in BL+ than in BL- children. Visceral adipose tissue was higher but subcutaneous adipose tissue and epicardial adipose tissue were similar in BL+ and BL- children. CONCLUSIONS Four percent of the Feeding Study children had BL at 1 year of age. In line with expectations, PNAPLA3 was already a predictor of BL at this early age.
Sirtuin 3 suppresses the formation of renal calcium oxalate crystals through promoting M2 polarization of macrophages

This study aims to verify whether the inhibitory effect of Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) on the formation of renal calcium oxalate crystals was mediated through promoting macrophages (Mϕs) polarization. Identification and quantification of M1 and M2 monocytes were performed using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis. SIRT3 protein level and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) acetylation level were measured using western blot analysis. Cell apoptosis of HK‐2 was detected by flow cytometry. Mouse kidney tissues were subjected to Von Kossa staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and immunohistochemical staining for detection of kidney crystals deposition, apoptosis, and expression of crystal‐related molecules, respectively. The results showed that human peripheral blood monocytes from patients with kidney stone (KS) exhibited decreased M2 monocytes percentage and SIRT3 expression, whereas increased FOXO1 acetylation compared with the normal controls. In vitro assay revealed that SIRT3 overexpression in bone marrow‐derived M0/M1/M2 Mϕs induced M2 polarization and decreased FOXO1 acetylation. Furthermore, FOXO1 knockdown reversed SIRT3‐mediated induction of M2 polarization and inhibition of HK‐2 (human proximal tubular cell line) apoptosis. Further in vivo experiments demonstrated that SIRT3‐overexpressing Mϕs transfusion not only induced M2 polarization, but also alleviated inflammation, apoptosis, and crystals deposition in glyoxylate‐induced KS mice. In conclusion, SIRT3 suppresses formation of renal calcium oxalate crystals through promoting M2 polarization via deacetylating FOXO1.
CircRNA hsa_circRNA_101996 increases cervical cancer proliferation and invasion through activating TPX2 expression by restraining miR‐8075

In recent years, circular RNAs have been shown to serve as essential regulators in several human cancers. Nevertheless, the function and mechanism of CircRNA in cervical cancer remain elusive. In the present study, we showed that hsa_circRNA_101996 was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues compared with matched normal tissues by bioinformatics analysis. We showed that the expression level of hsa_circRNA_101996 in cervical cancer tissues was positively correlated with TNM stage, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis. Moreover, higher levels of hsa_circRNA_101996 were related to poor outcomes of cervical cancer patients. We found that knockdown of hsa_circRNA_101996 significantly inhibited the proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that hsa_circRNA_101996 served as a sponge of miR‐8075, which targeted TPX2 in cervical cancer cells. We showed that miR‐8075 that was downregulated in cervical cancer tissues repressed cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, we validated that upregulation of TPX2 by hsa_circRNA_101996‐mediated inhibition of miR‐8075 contributed to cervical cancer proliferation, migration, and invasion. Taken together, our findings revealed a novel mechanism that hsa_circRNA_101996‐miR‐8075‐TPX2 network promoted cervical cancer progression.
Contrasting heterozygosity‐fitness correlations across life in a long‐lived seabird

Selection is a central force underlying evolutionary change and can vary in strength and direction, for example across time and space. The fitness consequences of individual genetic diversity have often been investigated by testing for multilocus heterozygosity‐fitness correlations (HFCs), but few studies have been able to assess HFCs across life stages and in both sexes. Here, we test for HFCs using a 26‐year longitudinal individual‐based data set from a large population of a long‐lived seabird (the common tern, Sterna hirundo), where 7,974 chicks and breeders of known age were genotyped at 15 microsatellite loci and sampled for life‐history traits over the complete life cycle. Heterozygosity was not correlated with fledging or post‐fledging prospecting probabilities, but was positively correlated with recruitment probability. For breeders, annual survival was not correlated with heterozygosity, but annual fledgling production was negatively correlated with heterozygosity in males and highest in intermediately heterozygous females. The contrasting HFCs among life stages and sexes indicate differential selective processes and emphasize the importance of assessing fitness consequences of traits over complete life histories.
THE PERFORMANCE OF SURFACE TREATMENTS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF HISTORIC BRICK MASONRY

An evaluation was made of the performance and the effectiveness of surface treatments, mainly water repellents, applied in the past on historic brick masonry. In the three European countries involved in the project over 60 case studies were carried out. Besides, laboratory research was carried out, so that the two research lines could be combined. The main aim of the project was the assessment of the performance of surface treatments for the conservation of masonry monuments, and, further, to evaluate the risks of failure and damage and to develop methods for the prediction of the performance.
HSPB7 gene polymorphism associated with anthropometric parameters of obesity and fat intake in a Central European population.

OBJECTIVE Heat shock proteins act as chaperones at the molecular level and therefore they have been investigated in numerous diseases associated with oxidative stress, including obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible associations of genetic variability in the 3´-untranslated region of the HSPB7 gene (rs1048261) with anthropometric and dietary parameters in a cohort of lean and obese Central European subjects. METHODS A total of 708 Central European Caucasian individuals were enrolled in this study, 415 obese subjects and 293 non-obese subjects. The rs1048261 genotypes were established using a conventional PCR-based methodology. RESULTS Significant differences were observed in the total daily fat intake between subjects with AT and TT genotypes (82.6 ± 29.2 g vs. 74.1 ± 31.3 g, p = 0.023) and also borderline significance in daily proportion of fat in the diet between AA and TT genotypes (36.0 ± 4.4% vs. 33.3 ± 5.9%, p = 0.061). Based on the linear regression model we found association between rs1048261 genotype and body fat percentage. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which reports an association of defined genetic variability in the HSPB7 gene, rs1048261, with obesity and its associated anthropometric characteristics and dietary composition.
PKMζ Inhibition Disrupts Reconsolidation and Erases Object Recognition Memory

Object recognition memory (ORM) confers the ability to discriminate the familiarity of previously encountered items. Reconsolidation is the process by which reactivated memories become labile and susceptible to modifications. The hippocampus is specifically engaged in reconsolidation to integrate new information into the original ORM through a mechanism involving activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling and induction of LTP. It is known that BDNF can control LTP maintenance through protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ), an atypical protein kinase C isoform that is thought to sustain memory storage by modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission. However, the potential involvement of PKMζ in ORM reconsolidation has never been studied. Using a novel ORM task combined with pharmacological, biochemical, and electrophysiological tools, we found that hippocampal PKMζ is essential to update ORM through reconsolidation, but not to maintain the inactive recognition memory trace stored over time, in adult male Wistar rats. Our results also indicate that hippocampal PKMζ acts downstream of BDNF and controls AMPAR synaptic insertion to elicit reconsolidation and suggest that blocking PKMζ activity during this process deletes active ORM. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Object recognition memory (ORM) is essential to remember facts and events. Reconsolidation integrates new information into ORM through changes in hippocampal plasticity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. In turn, BDNF enhances synaptic efficacy through protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ), which might preserve memory. Here, we present evidence that hippocampal PKMζ acts downstream of BDNF to regulate AMPAR recycling during ORM reconsolidation and show that this kinase is essential to update the reactivated recognition memory trace, but not to consolidate or maintain an inactive ORM. We also demonstrate that the amnesia provoked by disrupting ORM reconsolidation through PKMζ inhibition is due to memory erasure and not to retrieval failure.
Compliance with time‐based deferrals for men who have sex with men

The deferral for men who have sex with men (MSM) was reduced from a permanent deferral for MSM if even one time since 1977 to progressively shorter time deferrals of 5 years and 1 year in Canada. We assessed compliance with these deferrals and the impact on safety at Canadian Blood Services.
Analisis Beban Kerja Tenaga Pendidik dan Kependidikan di Fakultas Y Universitas X

Peneliti melakukan penelitian tentang analisis beban kerja tenaga kependidikan di Fakultas Y Universitas X. Fokus penelitiannya adalah beban kerja berdasarkan analisis pekerjaan dan beban kerja berdasarkan kinerja pegawai. Penelitian yang menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif (generic quantitative inquiry) yang memberikan gambaran atas beban kerja yang diemban oleh tenaga kependidikan di Fakultas Y Universitas X. Sampel penelitian mengambil keseluruhan jumlah tenaga kependidikan dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui penyebaran kuesioner tertutup. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tenaga kependidikan di Fakultas Y Universitas X telah melakukan tugas dan tanggung jawab yang sesuai dengan beban kerjanya.
Clinical Effectiveness of an At-Home Auditory Training Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the effectiveness of an at-home frequent-word auditory training procedure for use with older adults with impaired hearing wearing their own hearing aids. DESIGN Prospective, double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial with three parallel branches: an intervention group who received the at-home auditory training; an active control group who listened to audiobooks using a similar platform at home (placebo intervention); and a passive control group who wore hearing aids and returned for outcomes, but received no intervention. Outcome measures were obtained after a 5-week period. A mixed research design was used with a between-subjects factor of group and a repeated-measures factor of time (pre- and post-treatment) to evaluate the effects of the at-home auditory training program. The intervention was completed in participants' own homes. Baseline and outcomes measures were assessed at a university research laboratory. The participants were adults, aged 54 to 80 years, with the mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Of the 51 identified eligible participants, 45 enrolled as a volunteer sample and 43 of these completed the study. Frequent-word auditory training regimen completed intervention at home over a period of 5 weeks. The active control group listened to audiobooks (placebo intervention) and the passive control group completed no intervention. The primary outcome measure is a Connected Speech test benefit. The secondary outcome measure is a 66-item self-report profile of hearing aid performance. RESULTS Participants who received the at-home training intervention demonstrated significant improvements on aided recognition for trained materials, but no generalization of these benefits to nontrained materials was seen. This was despite reasonably good compliance with the at-home training regimen and careful verification of hearing aid function throughout the trial. Based on follow-up post-trial evaluation, the benefits observed for trained materials in the intervention group were sustained for a period of at least 8.5 months. No improvement was seen for supplemental outcome measures of hearing aid satisfaction, hearing handicap, or tolerance of background noise while listening to speech. CONCLUSIONS The at-home auditory training procedure utilizing frequently occurring words was effective for the trained materials used in the procedure. No generalization was seen to nontrained materials or to perceived benefit from hearing aids.
The role of ultrasound lung artifacts in the diagnosis of respiratory diseases

ABSTRACT Introduction: Thoracic ultrasound is employed for the diagnosis of many thoracic diseases and is an accepted detection tool of pleural effusions, atelectasis, pneumothorax, and pneumonia. However, the use of ultrasound for the evaluation of parenchymal lung disease, when the organ is still aerated, is a relatively new application. Areas covered: The diagnosis of a normal lung and the differentiation between a normally aerated lung and a lung with interstitial pathology is based on the interpretation of ultrasound artifacts universally known as A and B-Lines. Even though the practical role of lung ultrasound artifacts is accepted by many clinicians, their physical basis and the correlations between these signs and the causal pathology is not known in depth. Expert commentary: In this review, we discuss the meaning of A- and B-Lines in the diagnostic ultrasound imaging of the lung and the acoustic properties of the pleural plane which are at the basis of their generation.
Depressive Symptoms Among Adult Children Aged 55 Years or Older: The Effects of Support Provided to Their Older Parents

Objectives This study examines the effects of frequency of visits, monetary, and in-kind support provided to older parents on the depressive symptoms of adult children. Method This study drew secondary data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Follow-up Questionnaire. A total of 629 older children aged 55 years and older (M = 59.80, standard deviation = 3.90) met the inclusion criteria. The dependent variable—depressive symptoms—was measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Results Approximately 22% of participants reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms. Hierarchical regression analyses found that more frequent visits and monetary support to older parents were related to lower levels of depressive symptoms in older children. Conclusion Providing monetary support to parents may help mitigate a major concern of parents: health-care costs. Older children’s altruistic behaviors meet legal and cultural expectations in Chinese society, contributing to family intimacy and thereby their own mental health outcomes.