Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel Anti-Obesity Properties of Palmaria mollis in Zebrafish and Mouse Models

(1) Background: The red seaweed Palmaria mollis (PM), which has a bacon-like taste, is increasingly being included in Western diets. In this study, we evaluate anti-obesity effects of PM using diet-induced obese (DIO) zebrafish and mice models. (2) Methods: We fed PM-containing feed to DIO-zebrafish and mice, and evaluated the anti-obesity effects We also analyzed gene expression changes in their liver and visceral adipose tissues (VAT). (3) Results: PM ameliorated several anti-obesity traits in both animals, including dyslipidaemia, hepatic steatosis, and visceral adiposity. In liver tissues of DIO-zebrafish and mice, PM upregulated gene expressions involved in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA) pathways, and downregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) pathways, suggesting that the lipid-lowering effect of PM might be caused by activation of beta-oxidation and inhibition of lipogenesis. In VAT, PM downregulated genes involved in early and late adipocyte differentiation in zebrafish, but not in mice. (4) Conclusions: We have demonstrated that PM can prevent hepatic steatosis and visceral adiposity for the first time. Dietary supplementation of PM as a functional food may be suitable for obesity prevention and reduction in the prevalence of obesity-related diseases.
A new genus and species of clingfish from the Rangitāhua Kermadec Islands of New Zealand (Teleostei, Gobiesocidae)

Abstract Flexorincus, new genus and species, is described from 15 specimens (14.0–27.2 mm SL) collected from shallow (0–9 meters) intertidal and sub-tidal waters of the Rangitāhua Kermadec Islands, New Zealand. The new taxon is distinguished from all other members of the Gobiesocidae by a combination of characters, including a heterodont dentition comprising both conical and distinct incisiviform teeth that are laterally compressed with a strongly recurved cusp, an oval-shaped opening between premaxillae, a double adhesive disc with a well-developed articulation between basipterygia and ventral postcleithra, and many reductions in the cephalic lateral line canal system. The new taxon is tentatively placed within the subfamily Diplocrepinae but shares a number of characteristics of the oral jaws and the adhesive disc skeleton with certain members of the Aspasminae and Diademichthyinae.
Exogenous C8-Ceramide Induces Apoptosis by Overproduction of ROS and the Switch of Superoxide Dismutases SOD1 to SOD2 in Human Lung Cancer Cells

Ceramides, abundant sphingolipids on the cell membrane, can act as signaling molecules to regulate cellular functions including cell viability. Exogenous ceramide has been shown to exert potent anti-proliferative effects against cancer cells, but little is known about how it affects reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of N-octanoyl-D-erythro-sphingosine (C8-ceramide) on human non-small-cell lung cancer H1299 cells. Flow cytometry-based assays indicated that C8-ceramide increased the level of endogenous ROS in H1299 cells. Interestingly, the ratio of superoxide dismutases (SODs) SOD1 and SOD2 seem to be regulated by C8-ceramide treatment. Furthermore, the accumulation of cell cycle G1 phase and apoptotic populations in C8-ceramide-treated H1299 cells was observed. The results of the Western blot showed that C8-ceramide causes a dramatically increased protein level of cyclin D1, a critical regulator of cell cycle G1/S transition. These results suggest that C8-ceramide acts as a potent chemotherapeutic agent and may increase the endogenous ROS level by regulating the switch of SOD1 and SOD2, causing the anti-proliferation, and consequently triggering the apoptosis of NSCLC H1299 cells. Accordingly, our works may give a promising strategy for lung cancer treatment in the future.
Properties of viable lyopreserved amnion are equivalent to viable cryopreserved amnion with the convenience of ambient storage

Human amniotic membrane (AM) has a long history of clinical use for wound treatment. AM serves as a wound protective barrier maintaining proper moisture. AM is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antifibrotic, and supports angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation and wound re-epithelialization. These properties of AM are attributed to its native extracellular matrix, growth factors, and endogenous cells including mesenchymal stem cells. Advances in tissue preservation have helped to overcome the short shelf life of fresh AM and led to the development of AM products for clinical use. Viable cryopreserved amnion (VCAM), which retains all native components of fresh AM, has shown positive outcomes in clinical trials for wound management. However, cryopreservation requires ultra-low temperature storage and shipment that limits widespread use of VCAM. We have developed a lyopreservation technique to allow for ambient storage of living tissues. Here, we compared the structural, molecular, and functional properties of a viable lyopreserved human amniotic membrane (VLAM) with properties of VCAM using in vitro and in vivo wound models. We found that the structure, growth factors, and cell viability of VLAM is similar to that of VCAM and fresh AM. Both, VCAM and VLAM inhibited TNF-α secretion and upregulated VEGF expression in vitro under conditions designed to mimic inflammation and hypoxia in a wound microenvironment, and resulted in wound closure in a diabetic mouse chronic wound model. Taken together, these data demonstrate that VLAM structural and functional properties are equivalent to VCAM but without the constraints of ultra-low temperature storage.
ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in the Broiler Production Chain and the First Description of ST3128

ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) represent an increasing problem both in human and veterinary medicine. As SHV-2 - encoding K. pneumoniae were recently detected in the broiler production we were interested in investigating a possible transmission along the broiler production chain and furthermore, in evaluating their possible impact on human health. Therefore, 41 ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae originating from a parent flock, from the hatcherys' environment during the hatching of that parent flocks' chickens, and from an associated fattening flock were investigated on an Illumina Miseq. Whole genome sequences were analyzed concerning their MLST-type, cgMLST-type, genotypic and phenotypic resistance, plasmid profiles and virulence genes. Irrespective of the origin of isolation all investigated isolates were multi-drug resistant, harbored the same ESBL-gene blaSHV−2, shared the same sequence type (ST3128) and displayed 100% similarity in core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). In addition, in silico plasmid typing found several Inc/Rep types associated with ESBL-plasmids. Summarizing, identical clones of SHV-2—producing K. pneumoniae were detected in different stages of the industrial broiler production in one out of seven investigated broiler chains. This proves the possibility of pseudo-vertical transmission of multi-resistant human pathogens from parent flocks to hatcheries and fattening flocks. Furthermore, the importance of cross-contamination along the production chain was shown. Although the ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae clone detected here in the broiler production has not been associated with clinical settings so far, our findings present a potential public health threat.
A developmental cascade model for early adolescent‐onset substance use: the role of early childhood stress

Abstract Backgrounds and aims Despite the link between stress and addictive behavior in adulthood, little is known about how early life stress in families predicts the early emergence of substance use in adolescence. This study tested a developmental cascade model, proposing that early stressful life events and negative parent–child interaction covary, and both disrupt the refinement of inhibitory control, which evolves into problem behavior in middle/late childhood and subsequent substance use exploration in early adolescence. Methods Data came from the Early Steps Multisite study, a community sample of at‐risk families in the metropolitan US areas of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania), Eugene (Oregon) and Charlottesville (Virginia) with children aged 2 years at the start of the study and 14 years at the last measurement (n = 364). Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model. Results Early stressful life events and negative parent–child interaction assessed at ages 2–5 were negatively related to inhibitory control at ages 7 and 8. Low levels of inhibitory control were prognostic of childhood problem behavior at ages 9 and 10. Finally, late childhood problem behavior was associated with substance use at age 14. Parental drug use was directly related to substance use at age 14. Conclusions Early life stress may disrupt child inhibitory control, which can cascade into behavioral and peer problem behavior in childhood and, in turn, heighten the risk for early adolescent substance use.
Long non-coding RNA C5orf66-AS1 prevents oral squamous cell carcinoma through inhibiting cell growth and metastasis

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major cancer type in the head and neck region. Recent studies have reported a marked rise in the incidence of OSCC. The present study was performed to better understand the roles that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve in OSCC carcinogenesis. The levels of the lncRNA C5orf66 antisense RNA 1 (C5orf66-AS1) and of cytochrome c1 (CYC1) in OSCC tissues and cells were measured through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the levels of associated proteins were analyzed by western blotting, while MTT assay was used to detect the cell proliferation ability. Wound healing and transwell assays were also used to detect the migration and invasion abilities of OSCC cells in the experimental groups, while flow cytometry was applied to analyze cell apoptosis. The findings revealed that the expression of lncRNA C5orf66-AS1 in OSCC tissues and cells was significantly decreased. Overexpression of lncRNA C5orf66-AS1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration ability of OSCC cells, and promoted cell apop-tosis, while lncRNA C5orf66-AS1 downregulation presented the opposite effects. In addition, it was observed that CYC1 was upregulated in OSCC tissues and cells, and was negatively regulated by lncRNA C5orf66-AS1. Notably, CYC1 silencing markedly eliminated the effects of lncRNA C5orf66-AS1 downregulation on OSCC cells. Taken together, these findings indicated that lncRNA C5orf66-AS1 may prevent OSCC progression by inhibiting OSCC cell growth and metastasis via the regulation of CYC1 expression.
Genetic landscape of pediatric movement disorders and management implications

Objective To identify underlying genetic causes in patients with pediatric movement disorders by genetic investigations. Methods All patients with a movement disorder seen in a single Pediatric Genetic Movement Disorder Clinic were included in this retrospective cohort study. We reviewed electronic patient charts for clinical, neuroimaging, biochemical, and molecular genetic features. DNA samples were used for targeted direct sequencing, targeted next-generation sequencing, or whole exome sequencing. Results There were 51 patients in the Pediatric Genetic Movement Disorder Clinic. Twenty-five patients had dystonia, 27 patients had ataxia, 7 patients had chorea-athetosis, 8 patients had tremor, and 7 patients had hyperkinetic movements. A genetic diagnosis was confirmed in 26 patients, including in 20 patients with ataxia and 6 patients with dystonia. Targeted next-generation sequencing panels confirmed a genetic diagnosis in 9 patients, and whole exome sequencing identified a genetic diagnosis in 14 patients. Conclusions We report a genetic diagnosis in 26 (51%) patients with pediatric movement disorders seen in a single Pediatric Genetic Movement Disorder Clinic. A genetic diagnosis provided either disease-specific treatment or effected management in 10 patients with a genetic diagnosis, highlighting the importance of early and specific diagnosis.
Fear of Childbirth, Postpartum Depression, and Birth‐Related Variables as Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After Childbirth

BACKGROUND Childbirth may be a significant cause of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women. AIMS The objective of this study is to examine the effect of fear of childbirth, postpartum depression, and certain birth-related variables on postpartum PTSD. METHODS This study is a cross-sectional study. The study was carried out in a maternity hospital nonstress unit between December 1, 2015, and February 29, 2016. Three hundred and one pregnant women who met the criteria for inclusion in the study made up the research sample. RESULTS Fear of childbirth and postpartum depression significantly and positively predicted the level of posttraumatic stress after childbirth (β = 0.17, p < .01; β = 0.68, p < .001). Fear of childbirth explains 3% of the total variance in posttraumatic stress (R2 = .03, adjusted R2 = .02, F = 7.141, p < .01), while postpartum depression explains 47% of it (R2 = .47, adjusted R2 = .46, F = 196.35, p < .001). Satisfaction with the attitudes of the medical staff during childbirth, defining the childbirth experience, and the state of experiencing postpartum problems by the mother are significant predictors of postpartum posttraumatic stress (β = -0.21, p < .01; β = -0.14, p < .05; β = 0.17, p < .01). When these three variables are addressed together, they explain 14% of the total variance (R2 = .14, adjusted R2 = .13, F = 9.33, p < .001). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION Postpartum PTSD is a situation that must be carefully emphasized in terms of maternal, baby, and family health. For this reason, it is necessary to evaluate postpartum PTSD more quickly and objectively, and healthcare providers have major duties in this respect.
Multiple Hepatic Abscess from Parvimonas micra: An Emerging Gastrointestinal Microbe

Parvimonas micra is an obligate anaerobic bacterium and a known commensal of the human oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. It is rarely associated with infections outside the oral cavity. Recently it has been isolated as a causative agent in a variety of systemic infections, but it has never been previously identified to cause a hepatic abscess. We report a 90-year-old woman with multiple hepatic abscesses caused by P. micra.
New mud dragons from Svalbard: three new species of Cristaphyes and the first Arctic species of Pycnophyes (Kinorhyncha: Allomalorhagida: Pycnophyidae)

Background Kinorhynchs are marine, microscopic invertebrates inhabiting the seafloors. Their segmented trunk equipped with spines and processes has inspired scientists to give them the common name “mud dragons. ” Even though kinorhynchs have been known since the 19th century, less than 300 species are known to science, and it is still considered a largely understudied animal group—in particular in the Arctic, from which only 23 species are known so far. Methods Samples were collected at eight stations around Svalbard and in the fjords of Spitsbergen. Meiofauna was extracted from the sediment cores with LUDOX centrifugation method, and kinorhynchs were picked up and mounted for light- and scanning electron microscopy. Results Four new species of the kinorhynch family Pycnophyidae are described from Svalbard: Cristaphyes dordaidelosensis sp. nov., C. glaurung sp. nov., C. scatha sp. nov., and Pycnophyes ancalagon sp. nov. The new species are generally recognized by their distribution of setae along the trunk segments. Discussion After the discovery of the new species, Pycnophyidae becomes with 14 species the most diverse kinorhynch genus in the Arctic, closely followed by Echinoderidae with 13 species. So far, these are the only kinorhynch families with an Arctic distribution.
Effect of Oxygen Partial Pressure on the Phase Stability of Copper–Iron Delafossites at Elevated Temperatures

Oxide-based materials are promising candidates for use in high temperature thermoelectric generators. While their thermoelectric performance is inferior to commonly used thermoelectrics, oxides are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. In this study, Cu-based delafossites (CuFeO2), a material class with promising thermoelectric properties at high temperatures, were investigated. This work focuses on the phase stability of CuFeO2 with respect to the temperature and the oxygen partial pressure. For this reason, classical material characterization methods, such as scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, were combined in order to elucidate the phase composition of delafossites at 900 °C at various oxygen partial pressures. The experimentally obtained results are supported by the theoretical calculation of the Ellingham diagram of the copper–oxygen system. In addition, hot-stage X-ray diffraction and long-term annealing tests of CuFeO2 were performed in order to obtain a holistic review of the phase stability of delafossites at high temperatures and varying oxygen partial pressure. The results support the thermoelectric measurements in previous publications and provide a process window for the use of CuFeO2 in thermoelectric generators.
Investigation of high‐frequency hearing loss and outer hair cell function of the cochlea in patients with psoriasis: a case–control study

The inner ear can be the target of autoimmune attacks, and sensorineural hearing loss can occur as a complication in various non‐organ‐specific autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to compare cochlear functions and hearing evaluation in patients with psoriasis and controls. In total, 29 patients with psoriasis and 30 healthy controls (HCs) were included in the study. Pure‐tone audiometry at 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000, 10 000, 12 000, 14 000 and 16 000 Hz was performed for patients as HCs, as were immittance measures including tympanometry, acoustic reflex and otoacoustic emission testing. There were statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences between patients and HCs for pure‐tone thresholds at high frequencies, and for distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) responses and signal : noise ratio at all frequencies. In our study, based on DPOAE and audiological findings, there was damage to the outer hair cells of the cochlea, resulting in high‐frequency hearing loss in patients with psoriasis.
Predicting Wireless MmWave Massive MIMO Channel Characteristics Using Machine Learning Algorithms

This paper proposes a procedure of predicting channel characteristics based on a well-known machine learning (ML) algorithm and convolutional neural network (CNN), for three-dimensional (3D) millimetre wave (mmWave) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) indoor channels. The channel parameters, such as amplitude, delay, azimuth angle of departure (AAoD), elevation angle of departure (EAoD), azimuth angle of arrival (AAoA), and elevation angle of arrival (EAoA), are generated by a ray tracing software. After the data preprocessing, we can obtain the channel statistical characteristics (including expectations and spreads of the above-mentioned parameters) to train the CNN. The channel statistical characteristics of any subchannels in a specified indoor scenario can be predicted when the location information of the transmitter (Tx) antenna and receiver (Rx) antenna is input into the CNN trained by limited data. The predicted channel statistical characteristics can well fit the real channel statistical characteristics. The probability density functions (PDFs) of error square and root mean square errors (RMSEs) of channel statistical characteristics are also analyzed.
Flavonoid‐rich fraction of Bauhinia forficata Link leaves prevents the intestinal toxic effects of irinotecan chemotherapy in IEC‐6 cells and in mice

This study evaluated the effects of flavonoid‐rich fraction from Bauhinia forficata leaves (FRF‐BF), against intestinal toxicity induced by irinotecan. The leaves of this plant are used like tea in Brazilian folk medicine, and it is rich in flavonoids, mainly kaempferitrin. First, the chemopreventive effects of FRF‐BF and kaempferitrin were evaluated in intestinal cells (IEC‐6 cells) exposed to irinotecan. Next, the effects were evaluated against irinotecan‐induced mucositis in mice. Lastly, melanoma was induced in C57BL/6 mice to evaluate FRF‐BF interference on irinotecan antitumor activity. The results showed that FRF‐BF and kaempferitrin exert no cytotoxic effects in IEC‐6 cells and confirmed that pretreatment with FRF‐BF and kaempferitrin displays chemoprotective effects against cytotoxicity induced by irinotecan. Interestingly, the FRF‐BF (100 mg/kg, p.o) reduced the intestinal motility in mice and attenuated parameters linked to irinotecan‐induced intestinal mucositis, including diarrhea, histological damage, depletion of duodenal GSH, amount of TNF‐α, and MPO activity in the small intestine. Also, FRF‐BF does not interfere in the antitumor activity of irinotecan and exerted antitumoral activity in murine melanoma. In conclusion, FRF‐BF (100 mg/kg, p.o) presents promising pharmacological potential to prevent and attenuate the severity of intestinal mucositis during chemotherapy treatment, related to the presence of kaempferitrin.
Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and influence their mental well-being and CVD prognosis. The primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression and anxiety in patients with CVD. Secondary objectives were to assess the impact of CBT on cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular events, patient satisfaction, and quality of life. Methods MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and alternative sources were searched for randomized controlled trials and observational studies with a control. Studies were required to assess CBT in coronary heart disease, acute coronary syndrome, atrial fibrillation, or postmyocardial infarction patients, with anxiety and/or depression. Studies were independently screened by two reviewers and critically appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The random-effects model was used to pool standardized mean differences (SMD). Results Twelve randomized controlled trials were included. At follow-up, depression (SMD = −0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.52 to −0.17, p < .001, I2 = 59%) and anxiety (SMD = −0.34, 95% CI = −0.65 to −0.03, p = .03, I2 = 71%) scores were significantly lower in CBT patients compared with controls. Change in mental health quality of life (SF-12) was also significantly greater for CBT patients, compared with controls (mean difference = 3.62, 95% CI = 0.22 to 7.02, p = .04, I2 = 0%). No differences in patient satisfaction or cardiovascular events were evident between CBT and control groups. Among the study reports included in this meta-analysis, data specific to cardiovascular mortality were not reported. Conclusions Cognitive behavioral therapy seems to be an effective treatment for reducing depression and anxiety in patients with CVD and should be considered in standard clinical care.