Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Caecal Microbiota of Experimentally Campylobacter jejuni-Infected Chickens at Different Ages

Campylobacter jejuni is the most common bacterial cause of foodborne zoonosis in the European Union. Infections are often linked to the consumption and handling of poultry meat. The aim of the present study was to investigate the caecal microbiota of birds infected with C. jejuni at different ages. Therefore, a total of 180 birds of the laying hybrid Lohmann Brown-Classic were housed in 12 subgroups of 15 animals each in three performed repetitions. Three birds per subgroup were experimentally infected with C. jejuni at an age of about 21 days and about 78 days (4.46 ± 0.35 log10 CFU/bird). Twenty-one days after experimental infection, microbiome studies were performed on 72 caecal samples of dissected birds (three primary infected and three further birds/subgroup). Amplification within the hypervariable region V 4 of the 16S rRNA gene was performed and sequenced with the Illumina MiSeq platform. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS® Enterprise Guide® (version 7.1) and R (version 3.5.2). Both factors, the experimental replication (p < 0.001) and the chickens’ age at infection (p < 0.001) contributed significantly to the differences in microbial composition of the caecal samples. The factor experimental replication explained 24% of the sample’s variability, whereas the factor age at infection explained 14% thereof. Twelve of 32 families showed a significantly different count profile between the two age groups, whereby strongest differences were seen for seven families, among them the family Campylobacteraceae (adjusted p = 0.003). The strongest difference between age groups was seen for a bacterial species that is assigned to the genus Turicibacter which in turn belongs to the family Erysipelotrichaceae (adjusted p < 0.0001). Correlation analyses revealed a common relationship in both chicken ages at infection between the absolute abundance of Campylobacteraceae and Alcaligenaceae, which consists of the genus Parasutterella. In general, concentrations of particular volatile fatty acids (VFA) demonstrated a negative correlation to absolute abundance of Campylobacteraceae, whereby the strongest link was seen for n-butyrate (−0.51141; p < 0.0001). Despite performing consecutive repetitions, the factor experimental replication contributed more to the differences of microbial composition in comparison to the factor age at infection.
A multidimensional model of knowledge sharing behavior in mobile social networks

Purpose A great number of people use mobile social networks (MSNs) to communicate, entertain, learn, search and get advice. Growth and survival of any community depends on the activities of its members in sharing information and knowledge. The purpose of this study is to assess the influential factors on knowledge sharing behavior in MSNs in different perspectives in a comprehensive manner. Design/methodology/approach A model of factors affecting knowledge sharing behavior in MSNs is proposed by applying the structural equation modeling and path analysis to data collected from a sample of users of a well-known MSN through a questionnaire. Findings This study supports the contributive aspects of trust and enjoying participation in sharing knowledge, while there is no significant correlation between perceived ease of use and knowledge sharing behavior in MSNs. Furthermore, intention to share knowledge can lead to actual behavior in MSNs environments. Practical implications The results obtained here provide a grasp of factors that influence knowledge sharing in mobile communities which would promote enhanced contribution towards their online communities by MSNs administrators. Originality/value A four-dimensional comprehensive model consisting of social, psychological, cultural and technological perspectives in one package is proposed here for knowledge sharing behavior in MSNs. Such a comprehensive perspective is overlooked in the existing literature.
Reduced Retinal Microvascular Density Related to Activity Status and Serum Antibodies in Patients with Graves’ Ophthalmopathy

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate changes in retinal capillary density (RCD) that occur in Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) and explore their association with the clinical manifestations for GO. Material and Methods: A total of 125 participants (93 GO patients and 32 normal subjects) were enrolled. All participants underwent ophthalmology and endocrinology examinations. Retinal microvasculature was imaged by spectral domain optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCT-A). The RCDs in the superficial and deep retinal capillary plexuses (SRCP and DRCP) were quantified by the custom software from the OCT-A images, which were divided into total annular zones (TAZ) and four quadrants. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the associations between RCD and the relevant factors. Results: Significant reduction was seen in the TAZ zone in SRCP and DRCP of GO group (P < .05) when compared to the healthy subjects; significant differences remained after adjustment of vascular relevant factors. According to the univariate analysis, the relevant factors of higher IOP, larger proptosis, higher clinical activity scoring (CAS), thyroid stimulating hormone-receptor autoantibodies (TRAb), and 131I therapy were significantly associated with decreased RCDs in GO patients (P < .05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that CAS and TRAb were the most important relevant factors for decreased RCDs. Conclusions: The RCD of GO patients was significantly decreased compared to the healthy controls. The activity status and serum antibodies associated with GO were the relevant factors for reduced RCD.
Working with memory: Computerized, adaptive working memory training for adolescents living with HIV

ABSTRACT This study investigated working memory (WM) training for adolescents with perinatal HIV infection, since WM is negatively impacted by the virus, and adolescence is a time of considerable brain reorganization, during which WM functioning reaches maturation. We posed three main questions: 1) whether WM could be trained in adolescents living with HIV, and if so, whether these effects were maintained over a six-month period during which no further training was received; 2) whether there were differential effects of training on the components of WM (verbal and visuospatial storage, verbal and visuospatial processing); 3) whether the WM training transferred to cognate tasks, and if so, whether these transfer effects were maintained over six months. Sixty-three HIV+ adolescents (10–16 years) from two children’s homes were assigned to the training (n = 31) or control (n = 32) group. The training group received 32 hours of supervised training in an adaptive, computerized WM intervention, while the control group received a supervised, placebo computerized program for the same hours. Comprehensive WM and neuropsychological batteries were administered to both groups at pretest, immediately following the intervention, and six months later. Significant improvements were found in verbal WM for the training group, which were maintained six months later. Transfer effects were evident in attention, executive function, memory, language and fluid intelligence. There were no significant posttest improvements in visuospatial storage, and minimal changes in verbal storage and visuospatial WM. These findings represent an important step in exploring ways to improve cognitive functioning in an at-risk population.
Evaluation of serum apelin‐13 and apelin‐36 concentrations in preeclamptic pregnancies

Recent studies suggest that apelin can be a novel potential therapeutic mediator to improve the diagnosis, and treatment of preeclampsia. This study aimed to investigate the association of serum apelin‐13 and apelin‐36 with preeclampsia and to detect their relationship with preeclampsia‐associated perinatal morbidity.
The Role of Peptides Cleaved from Protein Precursors in Eliciting Plant Stress Reactions.

As sessile organisms, plants are exposed to diverse abiotic and biotic stresses, and thus have developed complex signaling mechanisms that orchestrate multiple stress responses. Plant peptides have recently emerged as key signaling molecules of stress responses, not only to mechanical wounding and pathogen infection but also to nutrient imbalance, drought and high salinity. The currently identified stress-related signaling peptides in plants are derived from proteolytic processing of protein precursors. Here, we review these protein-derived peptides and the evidences for their functions in stress signaling. We recommend potential research directions that could clarify their roles in stress biology, and propose possible crosstalk with regard to the physiological outcome. The stress-centric perspective allows us to highlight the crucial roles of peptides in regulating the dynamics of stress physiology. Inspired by historic and recent findings, we review how peptides initiate complex molecular interactions to coordinate biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants.
National trends in hospital admission, case fatality, and sex differences in atrial fibrillation-related strokes

Background and aim Atrial fibrillation is associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke and its global prevalence is increasing. We aimed to describe the contemporary temporal trends in hospital admissions, case fatality rate, as well as sex differences in atrial fibrillation-related stroke in Canada. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Canadian national administrative data to identify admissions to hospital for stroke with comorbid atrial fibrillation between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2016. We determined temporal trends in the crude and the age- and sex-standardized admission and case fatality rates. We also evaluated for any sex differences in these outcomes. Results There were 222,100 admissions to hospital for ischemic (n = 182,990) or hemorrhagic (n = 39,110) stroke. Comorbid atrial fibrillation was present in 20.2% of admissions for ischemic strokes and 10.1% for hemorrhagic strokes. Over the study period, the age–sex adjusted proportion of admissions with atrial fibrillation increased from 16.3% to 20.5% (p = 0.02) for ischemic stroke and was stable for hemorrhagic stroke. In-hospital case fatality rate decreased for ischemic stroke with and without comorbid atrial fibrillation. Women aged 65 years and older with ischemic stroke were more likely to have comorbid atrial fibrillation compared to men, while this association was reversed in younger women. There were no sex differences in the case fatality rate for people with atrial fibrillation-related ischemic stroke. Conclusion Atrial fibrillation is present in an increasing proportion of people hospitalized in Canada with ischemic stroke and disproportionately affects older women. Renewed focus is needed on atrial fibrillation-related stroke prevention with particular attention to sex disparities.
Impaired Cerebral Autoregulation in Alzheimer's Disease: A Transcranial Doppler Study.

BACKGROUND Vasculature changes have been observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD-related vascular pathology might impair cerebral autoregulation (CA). OBJECTIVE This study was designed to evaluate CA of AD patients by using transcranial doppler (TCD). METHODS A total of 61 participants were included in the study, including 31 AD patients and 30 controls. The trend curves of cerebral blood flow velocities (CBFV), pulsatility index, and resistance index were obtained using TCD during supine-to-standing posture changes. CA was measured by the changes of CBFV curves during supine-to-standing test. RESULTS There were two spikes named X spike and W spike that appeared in the CBFV curve when the subjects stood abruptly. The slope of the X spike descending branch, the slope of the W spike ascending branch, and the angle between X and W spikes (α angle), showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups (2.34±0.99 versus 3.15±1.61 cm/s2, p = 0.021; 2.31±0.81 versus 3.38±1.18 cm/s2, p < 0.001; and 52.71±20.26 versus 41.4±12.87 degrees, p = 0.012, respectively). ROC analysis showed that AUCαangle is 0.664 (p = 0.028) and that AUCSAB and AUCadjustedSAB are 0.775 and 0.738, respectively (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that supine-to-standing TCD test is a valuable tool for the evaluation of CA in AD patients. Impaired CA in AD patients manifested as decreased efficiency of changes in the CBFV curve. Neurovascular units were involved in the pathogenesis of AD.
Prevalence and correlates of partner violence among adolescent girls and young women: Evidence from baseline data of a cluster randomised trial in Tanzania

Background Little has been documented about partner violence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) who are out of school, a factor associated with HIV acquisition. To understand areas for prioritising HIV prevention intervention efforts, we explored the prevalence and correlates of partner violence among out of school AGYW in Shinyanga, Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of data from AGYW aged 15–23 years recruited in a cluster randomised trial conducted between October and December 2017 was used to examine correlates of partner violence. Data were collected through an Audio Computer-Assisted Self-interview. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association. Results 2276 (75.5%) AGYW were sexually active. Of these, 816 (35.9%) reported having experienced violence from partners in the last six months. After adjusting for other covariates, being formerly married (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI:1.02, 2.37), having children (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI:1.47, 2.16), anxiety and depression symptoms (AOR = 3.27, 95%CI: 2.15, 4.96), having engaged in sex work in the past six months (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.45, 2.53) and economic deprivation (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.34,1.92) were significantly associated with partner violence. Conclusions Almost one in three sexually active AGYW had experienced partner violence in the 6 months preceding the survey. The findings underscore the need for future research to focus on understanding the reasons and dynamics underlying high level of partner violence among AGYW. Furthermore, there is a need for implementing intervention programs that aim to reduce economic deprivation among AGYWs and address social norms and structures perpetuating violence against AGYW. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov—ID NCT03597243.
The effects of chromium and vitamin D3 co-supplementation on insulin resistance and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in type 2 diabetes: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

The current study was conducted to assess the effects of simultaneous usage with vitamin D3 and chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplementations on insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting blood glucose (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). 92 patients with T2DM were randomly allocated to four groups to intake oral: (I) placebo of vitamin D3 (n=23); (II) vitamin D3 supplement at a dose of 50000 IU/ week (n=23); (III) CrPic supplement at a dose of 500 µg/day (n=23) and (IV) both vitamin D3 at a dose of 50000 IU/ week and CrPic at a dose of 500 µg/day (n=23) for four months, respectively. HOMA-IR levels increased significantly in groups I and II after the intervention. However, this increase in group I was significantly higher than that in group II after the treatment. HOMA-IR levels were controlled in groups III and IV during the intervention. TNF-α decreased significantly in groups II, III, and IV after the intervention. FBS, HbA1c, and lipid profile did not change significantly in total groups after the intervention. It seems that chromium and vitamin D3 co-supplementation are probably effective in controlling HOMA-IR by decreasing TNF-α in T2DM. • Chromium alone and/ or in simultaneous pretreatment with vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D3 in controlling HOMA-IR in T2DM. • Chromium and vitamin D3 alone and/ or in simultaneous pretreatment decrease TNF-α in T2DM.
The Influence of Al on the Structure and In Vitro Behavior of the Hydroxyapatite Nanopowders.

Nanopowders of aluminum substituted (0 - 20 mol.%) hydroxyapatite (HA) with the average size of 40-60 nm were synthesized by the precipitation method from the nitrate solutions. The series of the samples was studied by various analytical tools to elucidate the peculiarities of Al introduction. Electron paramagnetic resonance and pulsed electron-nuclear double resonance data demonstrate that incorporation of Al resulted in a decrease in the concentration of impurity carbonate anions and lead to an increase in the number of protons in the distant environment of the impurity nitrogen species. The density functional theory calculations show that the Al3+ incorporation is accompanied by the local positional rearrangement and the distortion of anion channel geometry. In vitro test conducted on MG-63 cells demonstrate the cytocompatibility and magnification of the surface matrix characteristics with Al doping.
Evidence that hindbrain astrocytes in the rat detect low glucose with a glucose transporter 2-phospholipase C-calcium release mechanism.

Astrocytes generate robust cytoplasmic calcium signals in response to reductions in extracellular glucose. This calcium signal, in turn, drives purinergic gliotransmission which controls the activity of catecholamine (CA) neurons in the hindbrain. These CA neurons are critical to triggering glucose counter-regulatory reflexes (CRR) that, ultimately, restore glucose homeostasis via endocrine and behavioral means. While the astrocyte low glucose sensor involvement in CRR has been accepted, it is not clear how astrocytes produce an increase in intracellular calcium in response to a decrease in glucose. Our ex vivo calcium imaging studies of hindbrain astrocytes show that the glucose type 2 transporter (GLUT2) is an essential feature of the astrocyte glucosensor mechanism. Co-immunoprecipitation assays reveal that the recombinant GLUT2 binds directly with the recombinant Gq protein subunit that activates phospholipase C (PLC). Additional calcium imaging studies suggest that GLUT2 may be connected to a phospholipase C-endoplasmic reticular - calcium release mechanism which is amplified by calcium-induced calcium release (CICR). Collectively, these data help outline a potential mechanism used by astrocytes to convert information regarding low glucose levels into intracellular changes that ultimately regulate the CRR.
Pharmacological Enhancement of Stroke Rehabilitation.

Pharmacological intervention to enhance rehabilitation from stroke has been investigated in animal models and clinical trials with focuses on the adrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic pathways. However, large-scale randomized controlled clinical trials of compounds to modulate these systems such as dextroamphetamine (d-amphetamine), L-3,4dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), and selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have failed to reveal promoting effects on recovery. Thus, the concept of pharmacological enhancement for stroke rehabilitation needs to be reconsidered. Our candidate rehabilitation-accelerating strategy is to facilitate the synaptic trafficking of glutamate receptors to stimulate plasticity after brain damage caused by pathologies such as stroke. Based on this concept, we showed that edonerpic maleate—a small molecule—has a remarkable effect on enhancing motor function recovery in rodents and in nonhuman primates. The next step is to evaluate the efficacy of edonerpic maleate in human stroke patients with clinical trials.
Gastrointestinal Immunity and Alpha-Synuclein

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is equipped with robust immune defenses which protect the organism from infection. Enteric nerves are front and center in this defensive network, even in the most primitive organisms. Neuropeptides exhibit potent antimicrobial activity in the vicinity of the nerve and attract the innate and adaptive immune systems to help confine the invading agent. Alpha-synuclein (αS) has many biophysical characteristics of antimicrobial peptides and binds small vesicles such as those carrying endocytosed viruses. It is induced in nerve cells in response to viral and bacterial infections. It renders the nerve cell resistant to viral infection and propagation. It signals the immune system by attracting neutrophils and macrophages, and by activating dendritic cells. Most remarkably αS is trafficked to the central nervous system (CNS) conferring immunity in advance of an infection. Chronic GI infection or breakdown of the epithelial barrier can cause αS to accumulate and form neurotoxic aggregates. Overproduction of αS in the enteric nervous system (ENS) and its chronic trafficking to the CNS may damage nerves and lead to Parkinson’s disease. Targeting the formation of αS aggregates in the ENS may therefore slow the progression of the disease.
Socioeconomic differences in mortality among 27 million economically active Germans: a cross-sectional analysis of the German Pension Fund data

Objectives To assess disparities in mortality by socioeconomic status in Germany. Design and participants We analyse a large administrative dataset of the German Pension Fund (DRV), including 27 million person-years of exposure and 42 000 deaths in 2013. The data cover the economically active population, stratified by sex and by East and West. Outcome measures Age-standardised mortality rates and Poisson regression mortality rate ratios (MRRs). Results The risk of dying increases with decreasing income: the MRRs of the lowest to the highest income quintile are 4.66 (95% CI 4.48 to 4.85) among men and 3.06 (95% CI 2.90 to 3.23) among women. The impact of income attenuates after controlling for education and other explanatory variables, especially for females. In the fully controlled model for females, individual income is a weaker predictor of mortality, but there is a clear educational mortality gradient. In the fully controlled model, the MRRs of the unemployed to the employed are 2.09 (95% CI 2.03 to 2.15) among men and 2.01 (95% CI 1.92 to 2.10) among women. The risk of dying is around half as high among foreigners as among German citizens. The socioeconomic disparities are greater among East than West German men. Conclusions Low socioeconomic status is a major determinant of excess adult mortality in Germany. The persisting East-West differences in male adult mortality can be explained by the higher socioeconomic status of men living in the West, rather than by contextual differences between East and West. These differences can be further monitored using DRV data.