Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A unifying hypothesis for control of body weight and reproduction in seasonally breeding mammals

Animals have evolved diverse seasonal variations in physiology and reproduction to accommodate yearly changes in environmental and climatic conditions. These changes in physiology are initiated by changes in photoperiod (daylength) and are mediated through melatonin, which relays photoperiodic information to the pars tuberalis of the pituitary gland. Melatonin drives thyroid‐stimulating hormone transcription and synthesis in the pars tuberalis, which, in turn, regulates thyroid hormone and retinoic acid synthesis in the tanycytes lining the third ventricle of the hypothalamus. Seasonal variation in central thyroid hormone signalling is conserved among photoperiodic animals. Despite this, different species adopt divergent phenotypes to cope with the same seasonal changes. A common response amongst different species is increased hypothalamic cell proliferation/neurogenesis in short photoperiod. That cell proliferation/neurogenesis may be important for seasonal timing is based on (i) the neurogenic potential of tanycytes; (ii) the fact that they are the locus of striking seasonal morphological changes; and (iii) the similarities to mechanisms involved in de novo neurogenesis of energy balance neurones. We propose that a decrease in hypothalamic thyroid hormone and retinoic acid signalling initiates localised neurodegeneration and apoptosis, which leads to a reduction in appetite and body weight. Neurodegeneration induces compensatory cell proliferation from the neurogenic niche in tanycytes and new cells are born under short photoperiod. Because these cells have the potential to differentiate into a number of different neuronal phenotypes, this could provide a mechanistic basis to explain the seasonal regulation of energy balance, as well as reproduction. This cycle can be achieved without changes in thyroid hormone/retinoic acid and explains recent data obtained from seasonal animals held in natural conditions. However, thyroid/retinoic acid signalling is required to synchronise the cycles of apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation. Thus, hypothalamic neurogenesis provides a framework to explain diverse photoperiodic responses.
A Novel Series of Acylhydrazones as Potential Anti-Candida Agents: Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and In Silico Studies

In the context of an increased incidence of invasive fungal diseases, there is an imperative need of new antifungal drugs with improved activity and safety profiles. A novel series of acylhydrazones bearing a 1,4-phenylene-bisthiazole scaffold was designed based on an analysis of structures known to possess anti-Candida activity obtained from a literature review. Nine final compounds were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their inhibitory activity against various strains of Candida spp. The anti-Candida activity assay revealed that some of the new compounds are as active as fluconazole against most of the tested strains. A molecular docking study was conducted in order to evaluate the binding poses towards lanosterol 14α-demethylase. An in silico ADMET analysis showed that the compounds possess drug-like properties and represent a biologically active framework that should be further optimized as potential hits.
The potassium channel KCa3.1 promotes cell proliferation by activating SKP2 and metastasis through the EMT pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

The intermediate conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel (KCa3.1) plays an important role in maintaining intracellular calcium homeostasis and is involved in the tumorigenesis of many human cancers. However, it is unknown whether KCa3.1 plays a role in the genesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide with a very poor prognosis. In our study, we found that the expression of KCa3.1 was significantly elevated in poorly differentiated HCC tissues compared to adjacent noncancerous tissues. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that KCa3.1 could promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC. Mechanistically, KCa3.1 promoted cell cycle progression and migration and invasion of HCC cells by activating S‐phase protein kinase 2 (SKP2) to trigger the degradation of p21 and p27 and targeting Reelin (RELN) to induce epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), respectively. Taken together, our results demonstrate that KCa3.1 plays an important role in the genesis and progression of HCC, implying that it might be a promising therapeutic target in HCC.
Muscle characteristics in chicks challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis and the effect of preventive application of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to assess the effects of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium AL41 (EF) and of the enteric pathogen Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 (SE) on the development of posthatch pectoralis major muscle (PM) of broiler chicks. The four experimental groups were control (CON), EF, SE, and EF+SE (EFSE). EF and SE were given per os from days 1 to 7 and at day 4 posthatch, respectively. Muscle samples from 6 chicks per group were taken at day 8 (D8) and day 11 (D11) to evaluate PM myofiber growth, capillarization, DNA, RNA, and protein content, as well as enzyme activities (isocitrate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase). PM growth rate was 7.45 ± 2.7 g/d in non‐SE groups (CON, EF) and 5.10 ± 1.82 g/d in SE‐infected groups (P < 0.02). Compared with group CON, application of bacteria (groups EF and SE) reduced the fiber cross‐sectional area (246 and 262 vs. 347 ± 19 &mgr;m2) and the number of myonuclei per fiber (0.66 and 0.64 vs. 0.79 ± 0.03). At D11, hypertrophic myofiber growth normalized in the EF group, but negative effects persisted in SE and EFSE birds contributing to lower daily PM gain. In addition, SE infection strongly disturbed PM capillarization. Negative effects on capillary cross‐sectional area and on the area (%) covered by capillaries persisted until D11 in the SE group, whereas pre‐feeding of EF restored capillarization in the EFSE group to control levels. We conclude that supplementation of the probiotic bacteria EF AL41 had positive effects on PM capillarization and, thus, on delivery of O2, supply of nutrients, and removal of metabolites. Supplementation of probiotic bacteria might therefore reduce energetic stress and improve muscle health and meat quality during SE infection.
Effects of Vitamin D Use on Health-Related Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients in Early Survivorship

Background: Vitamin D supplements may prevent recurrence, prolong survival, and improve mood for women with breast cancer, although evidence for these effects is preliminary. Methods: This report describes vitamin D supplement use by 553 breast cancer patient/survivors (193 who used a naturopathic oncology [NO] provider and 360 who did not) participating in a matched cohort study of breast cancer outcomes. Results: We found that more than half of breast cancer patients reported using vitamin D supplements. Women who received care from NO providers in early survivorship may be more likely to use vitamin D supplements (P < .05). Approximately 30% of breast cancer patients with blood levels recorded in their medical chart were potentially vitamin D deficient (<30 ng/mL). Vitamin D supplement use at study enrollment was associated with higher levels of self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at enrollment (P < .05) and predicted better HRQOL at 6-month follow-up (P < .05). Sufficient blood levels of vitamin D recorded between enrollment and follow-up were also associated with better HRQOL at follow-up (P < .05). Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation by breast cancer patients is common both during and after treatment for breast cancer, but deficiency may also be common. NO and conventional providers may be able to promote vitamin D sufficiency through vitamin D supplementation and by encouraging healthy solar exposure. Further studies should be undertaken examining whether vitamin D supplementation and higher blood levels might improve HRQOL among women with breast cancer in early survivorship.
How Infants' Arousal Influences Their Visual Search

The influence of arousal on visual attention was examined in 6.5‐month‐old infants (N = 42) in the context of a visual search task. Phasic increases in arousal were induced with brief sounds and measured with pupil dilation. Evidence was found for an inverted U‐shaped relation between pupil dilation amplitude and visual orienting, with highest likelihood of a target fixation at intermediate levels of arousal. Effects were similar for facial stimuli and simple objects. Together, these results contribute to our understanding of the relation between arousal and attention in infancy. The study also demonstrates that infants have a bias to orient to human eyes, even when presented in isolation.
Moving in school: physical activity promotion in primary school setting

iii Moving in School: Physical Activity Promotion in the Primary School Setting . iii Declaration . v Acknowledgements . vi Chapter 1. General Introduction . 1 1.1 Background of the problem . 1 1.2 Statement of the problem . 4 1.3 Purpose and significance of the study . 6 1.4 Aims, research questions and hypotheses . 7 1.5 Thesis structure . 8 Chapter 2. Literature Review . 10 2.
The effects of neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte ratios on prognosis in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke.

INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of neutrophil lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) on prognosis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. MATERIAL-METHOD A retrospective study was made of the data of 56 patients aged 20-80 years who were diagnosed with AIS and underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia (TIBI) status was evaluated with transcranial Doppler after treatment. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHHS) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) were used to indicate neurological and functional deficits. RESULTS No difference was determined in the NLR and PLR between patients with or without middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, T and basilar occlusion. These ratios were also no different between the groups with different degrees of recanalization. Platelet lymphocyte ratio was lower in patients with a dramatic improvement at the 24th hour (p=0.046). Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio was higher in patients with symptomatic hemorrhage (p=0.046). CONCLUSION Although no relationship with outcome has yet been shown, the association with hemorrhagic change and the recovery parameters at the 24th hour may enable NLR and PLR to be used as significant prognostic factors in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Further studies are needed. KEY WORDS Ischemia, Mechanical thrombectomy, Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, Platelet lymphocyte ratio, Stroke.
Good long‐term adherence to continuous positive airway pressure therapy in patients with resistant hypertension and sleep apnea

Although adequate adherence is paramount in achieving the beneficial effects of continuous positive airway pressure therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, long‐term adherence and the variables involved in continuous positive airway pressure compliance in patients with resistant hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea are yet unknown. We conducted a prospective, multicentre, observational study in 177 patients recruited from hypertensive units with resistant hypertension confirmed by means of 24‐hr blood pressure monitoring (blood pressure ≥ 130 and/or ≥ 80 mmHg, despite taking at least three antihypertensive drugs or < 130/80 mmHg with > 3 drugs) and obstructive sleep apnea (apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 5 in a respiratory polygraph) who were prescribed continuous positive airway pressure treatment. Good adherence was defined as an average cumulative continuous positive airway pressure use of ≥ 4 hr per night at the end of the follow‐up. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of continuous positive airway pressure adherence. Patients were followed for a median of 57.6 (42–72) months after initiating continuous positive airway pressure therapy. At the end of the follow‐up, the median continuous positive airway pressure use was 5.7 (inter‐quartile range 3.9–6.6) hr per night, and 132 patients (74.5%) showed good continuous positive airway pressure adherence. The only baseline variable associated with poor adherence was the presence of previous stroke (hazard ratio 4.00, 95% confidence interval 1.92–8.31). Adequate adherence at 1 month also predicted good adherence at the end of the follow‐up (hazard ratio 14.4, 95% confidence interval 4.94–56). Both variables also predicted adherence at a threshold of 6 hr per night. Our results show that good continuous positive airway pressure adherence is an achievable and feasible goal in patients with resistant hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea. Previous stroke and short‐term adherence predicted long‐term adherence.
Factors Associated with Compliance with the Recommended Frequency of Postnatal Care Services in Four Rural Districts of Tigray Region, North Ethiopia

Background The postpartum period has been advocated as a way to improve the survival of mothers and newborns. However, the status of the recommended number of postnatal care (PNC) services has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of full PNC visits and factors associated with it among mothers. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was performed among 1,109 women from March to April 29, 2017. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews, recorded using EPI INFO ver. 7.0 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA) and analyzed by STATA ver. 12.0 (Stata Corp., College Station, TX, USA). Multivariate logistic regression was applied to assess the predictors of the recommended frequency of PNC services. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) at 95% confidence interval (CIs) were performed. P-values <0.05 were declared statistically significant. Results Status of compliance with the use of full PNC services was found to be 16.1%. Women who had antenatal care follow-up (aOR, 5.60; 95% CI, 2.50 to 12.55) and women who delivered at health institutions (aOR, 3.66; 95% CI, 1.74 to 7.70) were more likely to have full PNC visits. Proximity of women to health facilities was found to lower the odds of complete PNC visits (aOR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.56). Moreover, district of residence remains a predictor of service use. Conclusion The percentage of women with full PNC visits was found to be low. Therefore, to achieve the recommended frequency of PNC in the study area, the results of this study suggest a need to strengthen the uptake of ANC and institutional delivery services.
Higher contribution of globally rare bacterial taxa reflects environmental transitions across the surface ocean

Microbial taxa range from being ubiquitous and abundant across space to extremely rare and endemic, depending on their ecophysiology and on different processes acting locally or regionally. However, little is known about how cosmopolitan or rare taxa combine to constitute communities and whether environmental variations promote changes in their relative abundances. Here we identified the Spatial Abundance Distribution (SpAD) of individual prokaryotic taxa (16S rDNA‐defined Operational Taxonomic Units, OTUs) across 108 globally‐distributed surface ocean stations. We grouped taxa based on their SpAD shape (“normal‐like”‐ abundant and ubiquitous; “logistic”‐ globally rare, present in few sites; and “bimodal”‐ abundant only in certain oceanic regions), and investigated how the abundance of these three categories relates to environmental gradients. Most surface assemblages were numerically dominated by a few cosmopolitan “normal‐like” OTUs, yet there was a gradual shift towards assemblages dominated by “logistic” taxa in specific areas with productivity and temperature differing the most from the average conditions in the sampled stations. When we performed the SpAD categorization including additional habitats (deeper layers and particles of varying sizes), the SpAD of many OTUs changed towards fewer “normal‐like” shapes, and OTUs categorized as globally rare in the surface ocean became abundant. This suggests that understanding the mechanisms behind microbial rarity and dominance requires expanding the context of study beyond local communities and single habitats. We show that marine bacterial communities comprise taxa displaying a continuum of SpADs, and that variations in their abundances can be linked to habitat transitions or barriers that delimit the distribution of community members.
The comparison of betalain composition and chosen biological activities for differently pigmented prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) and beetroot (Beta vulgaris) varieties

Abstract Betalains are a group of plant originated pigments with chemopreventive potential. The aim of this study was to relate the composition of betalains and chosen biological activities (antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-genotoxic and influence on enzymatic activities) for extracts from differently pigmented varieties of prickly pear (yellow, orange and red) and beetroot (white and red). The assumption was that phytocomplexes of tested varieties of the same plant species would exhibit generally similar chemical composition differing mostly in betalain content, which will be reflected by their biological activity. Betalain composition analysis and antioxidant profiles confirmed that the content and composition of these pigments is strongly correlated with the antioxidant activity of tested plant extracts measured by spectrophotometric methods and CAA test. However, the results of determinations of other biological activities showed that in the case of actual plant foods, there was no simple relationship between betalain content or composition and chemopreventive potential. Graphical Abstract
Determination of Pigments in Virgin and Extra-Virgin Olive Oils: A Comparison between Two Near UV-Vis Spectroscopic Techniques

The colour of olive oil is due to the presence of natural pigments belonging to the class of carotenoids, chlorophylls, and their derivatives. These substances, other than being responsible for the colour, an important qualitative feature of the oil, have antioxidant and, more generally, nutraceutical properties and their quantification can be related to the product’s quality and authenticity. In this work, we have quantified the total amount of carotenoids and chlorophylls’ derivatives in several virgin and extra-virgin olive oils produced in Italy, by using two different methods that are based on near-ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy. The first method defines two indexes, K670 and K470, related to absorbance values of oil at wavelengths of 670 and 470 nm, respectively. The second method is based on the mathematical deconvolution of the whole absorption spectrum of the oil to obtain the concentrations of four main pigments present in olive oils: β-carotene, lutein, pheophytin A, and pheophytin B. The concentrations of the total carotenoids and total chlorophylls’ derivatives, as obtained by the two spectroscopic methods, are compared and the results are discussed in view of the practical usefulness of spectroscopic techniques for a fast determination of pigments in olive oil.
Visually-Rated Medial Temporal Lobe Atrophy with Lower Educational History as a Quick Indicator of Amnestic Cognitive Impairment after Stroke.

BACKGROUND Time and resource limitations prevent cognitive assessment in acute-to-subacute settings, even in comprehensive stroke centers. OBJECTIVE To assess cognitive function in acute stroke patients undergoing routine clinical, laboratory, and radiological investigations, with a view to improving post-stroke care and treatment. METHODS Sixty-nine patients (72.6±11.1 years; 65% male) were prospectively enrolled within 14 days of acute ischemic stroke. Patients with altered consciousness, aphasia, or dysarthria were excluded. Clinical features including modified Rankin and NIH stroke scales, and vascular risk factors were assessed, as well as neuroimaging parameters by semi-quantitative evaluation of medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTLA) using MRA source images, FLAIR images for white matter changes (Fazekas scores), and T2∗ images for cerebral microbleeds. Neuropsychological screening was conducted using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the influence of variables on MoCA total and subscale scores. RESULTS Lower MoCA scores of 22 or less were associated with MTLA [OR (95% CI), 5.3 (1.0-27.5); p = 0.045], education years [OR (95% CI), 0.71 (0.55-0.91); p = 0.007], and modified Rankin scale at discharge [OR (95% CI), 2.4 (1.3-4.5); p = 0.007]. The delayed recall MoCA score was correlated with MTLA (r = - 0.452, p < 0.001), periventricular (r = - 0.273, p = 0.024), and deep (r = - 0.242, p = 0.046), white matter changes. CONCLUSIONS MTLA, together with lower educational history, are quick indicators of amnestic cognitive impairment after stroke. The association between cognitive impairment and physical disability at discharge may signify the importance of earlier cognitive assessment.
The microstructure of buccal cavity and alimentary canal of Siganus rivulatus: Scanning electron microscope study

The microstructure of the oral cavity and alimentary canal of herbivorous fish Siganus rivulatus collected from the Red Sea were investigated by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that S. rivulatus has three types of teeth, tri‐cusped, bi‐cusped, and papilliform. A taste bud (Type I) was recorded in the oropharyngeal cavity. Characteristic styles of microridges on the cell's surface inside the buccal cavity were recorded. Also, the distribution of the mucous cells in the lining of the mouth cavity, alimentary canal was observed. Mucosal folds along the distinct parts of alimentary canal, showed characteristic pattern which was complex in the intestinal mucosa. The results concluded that there are characteristic microstructures according to feeding habitat compared with other bony fishes.
The MBNL/CELF Splicing Factors Regulate Cytosolic Sulfotransferase 4A1 Protein Expression during Cell Differentiation

Sulfotransferase 4A1 (SULT4A1) is a sulfotransferase-like protein that is highly conserved between species. In human tissues, there are two transcripts, one that produces a full-length protein and one that produces an unstable truncated protein. The second transcript, which includes a pseudo-exon between exons 6 and 7 (6p), is widely expressed, whereas the first is more restricted. Differentiation of neuronal cells results in the removal of the pseudo-exon and subsequent SULT4A1 protein expression. Recent studies with SULT4A1 knockout mice showed that the protein is essential for normal development and that its absence leads to a severe neurologic phenotype. Here, the regulation of SULT4A1 6p splicing was investigated during neuronal differentiation using SH-SY5Y cells, human induced pluripotent stem cells, and mouse embryonic tissue. In all three models, pseudo-exon 6p was removed during differentiation, resulting in stable SULT4A1 protein expression. Using a minigene splicing assay, a region upstream of pseudo-exon 6p was identified that is essential for correct splicing of SULT4A1 mRNA. Within this region, there were binding motifs for four RNA processing factors (MBNL-1, MBNL-2, CELF-1, and CELF-2). Time-dependent changes in SULT4A1 protein and MBNL/CELF protein during differentiation supported their role in correctly splicing the SULT4A1 mRNA. Furthermore, ectopic expression of each factor produced efficient splicing in the minigene assay as well as correct splicing of the endogenous SULT4A1 mRNA. These results show that SULT4A1 mRNA is a target for MBNL/CELF-dependent splicing, which may be essential in producing stable, functional SULT4A1.