Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Expression of microRNA-1273g-3p Contributes to Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis by Regulating the Expression of Mitochondrial Genes

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly population, but its underlying cause has not been fully elucidated. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulating the expression levels of genes associated with AD development. In this study, we analyzed miRNAs in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from AD patients and cognitively normal (including amyloid positive) individuals. miR-1273g-3p was identified as an AD-associated miRNA and found to be elevated in the CSF of early-stage AD patients. The overexpression of miR-1273g-3p enhanced amyloid beta (Aβ) production by inducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairments in AD model cell lines. A biotin-streptavidin pull-down assay demonstrated that miR-1273g-3p primarily interacts with mitochondrial genes, and that their expression is downregulated by miR-1273g-3p. In particular, the miR-1273g-3p-target gene TIMM13 showed reduced expression in brain tissues from human AD patients. These results suggest that miR-1273g-3p expression in an early stage of AD notably contributes to Aβ production and mitochondrial impairments. Thus, miR-1273g-3p might be a biomarker for early diagnosis of AD and a potential therapeutic target to prevent AD progression.
Aquatic Physical Literacy: The Effectiveness of Applied Pedagogy on Parents’ and Children’s Perceptions of Aquatic Motor Competence

The goal of swimming school during early school age is to promote physical literacy. According to linear or non-linear pedagogy, a linear or non-linear approach teaching style can be used. The aim of our study was to investigate whether a different teaching methodology, as in using a teacher-centered approach (linear pedagogy), or a student-centered approach (non-linear pedagogy), could differently influence the perceptions of aquatic activity of children and parents. Parents of 100 children (53 females and 47 males, age 5.9 ± 0.3 years old) participating in the study were previously interviewed to ascertain their expectations regarding the swimming course. Participants were in a medium-high social context. Subsequently, considering the data of the incoming aquatic motor competence’s tests, children were divided into a linear (LI) and non-linear (NL) pedagogy group. A total of 4 instructors were enrolled. Upon completing the swimming course, the aquatic motor competence’s test was repeated, a pictorial scale of perceived motor competence was administered, and a questionnaire regarding the course was proposed to children’s parents. Physical development and learn to swim resulted two of the most important reasons leading parents to choose swimming courses. LI achieved greater progress than the NL in actual motor competence (A.M.C.), while NL perceived a higher aquatic motor competence (P.M.C.) in 7 out of 10 items of the pictorial scale. Parents of children in LI, gave greater importance to the teacher’s role, while NL’s parents pointed the acquisition of children’s abilities as pivotal. In conclusion, NL approach was more appreciated by children, while LI method was more rewarding for parents because initial expectations were satisfied.
Effects of Ionophores on Ruminal Function of Beef Cattle

Simple Summary Ionophores are an important nutritional tool used to manipulate ruminal fermentation dynamics and improve the efficiency and performance of beef and dairy animals. Ionophores are carboxylic polyether antibiotics naturally produced by an occurring strain of Streptomyces spp. Ionophores modulate the ruminal environment by targeting and altering the metabolism of Gram-positive bacteria, resulting in an increased concentration of ruminal propionate and a reduced acetate concentration. Another pronounced effect of ionophores is the mitigation of ruminal proteolysis and the consequent reduction in ammonia synthesis. The purpose of this review is to highlight the impacts of ionophores on ruminal fermentation, leading to an improvement in the efficiency and performance of beef cattle. Abstract Ionophores have been widely used in the beef and dairy industry for decades to improve feed efficiency and performance by altering ruminal fermentation dynamics, increasing the level of propionate. Ionophores can also reduce ruminal proteolysis and ammonia synthesis, thus increasing the influx of protein into the small intestine in cattle, leading to improvements in performance and efficiency responses. Ionophores indirectly impact ruminal methanogenesis by decreasing the substrate used to produce methane. Despite the consistent benefits of using ionophores in cattle nutrition, their utilization is under public scrutiny due to concerns related to microbial adaptation. However, there is inconsistent evidence supporting these concerns, whereas ionophores are still an important dietary tool to enhance productivity and profitability in beef production systems.
Lineage-Specific Genes and Family Expansions in Dictyostelid Genomes Display Expression Bias and Evolutionary Diversification during Development

Gene duplications generate new genes that can contribute to expression changes and the evolution of new functions. Genomes often consist of gene families that undergo expansions, some of which occur in specific lineages that reflect recent adaptive diversification. In this study, lineage-specific genes and gene family expansions were studied across five dictyostelid species to determine when and how they are expressed during multicellular development. Lineage-specific genes were found to be enriched among genes with biased expression (predominant expression in one developmental stage) in each species and at most developmental time points, suggesting independent functional innovations of new genes throughout the phylogeny. Biased duplicate genes had greater expression divergence than their orthologs and paralogs, consistent with subfunctionalization or neofunctionalization. Lineage-specific expansions in particular had biased genes with both molecular signals of positive selection and high expression, suggesting adaptive genetic and transcriptional diversification following duplication. Our results present insights into the potential contributions of lineage-specific genes and families in generating species-specific phenotypes during multicellular development in dictyostelids.
Analysis of Trend and Associated Factors of Neuropsychological Development of Infants and Toddlers Based on Longitudinal Data

Objective: To explore the trend and associated factors of neuropsychological development of infants and toddlers in China. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted among 619 infants and toddlers (2914 person-times) aged 0 to 36 months from different provinces or cities in China from January 2013 to December 2019. Results: The development age of each area increased with the extension of follow-up time, but this upward trend slowed down with physiological age at first measurement increasing. Among a low age group and each area, most of the development qualification rates in different follow-up periods were higher than that in the baseline (p < 0.05); however, many of them were not higher than that in the baseline among the medium or high age group (p > 0.05). For the areas of gross motor and self-care, the growth of qualification rate with the extension of follow-up was not obvious in the medium and high age group (both p trend > 0.05). Some impact factors of development in all areas were identified. Conclusions: The neuropsychological development delay of various areas of infants and toddlers, especially that of gross motor and self-care, should be paid early (within 1 years old) and constant attention. The impact of gender and maternal age on the development of young children has been further confirmed in the present study.
Association between Haematological Parameters and Exposure to a Mixture of Organophosphate and Neonicotinoid Insecticides among Male Farmworkers in Northern Thailand

Exposure to insecticides may result in various health problems. This study investigated the association between haematological parameters and exposure to a mixture of organophosphate (OP) and neonicotinoid (NEO) insecticides among male farmworkers in Fang district, Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand. Concentrations of urinary dialkylphosphates, non-specific metabolites of OPs, and NEOs and their metabolites and haematological parameters were measured in 143 male farmworkers. The Bayesian kernel machine regression model was employed to evaluate the associations. Exposure to a mixture of insecticides was significantly associated with the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) when the concentrations of all the compounds and their metabolites were at the 60th percentile or higher compared with the 50th percentile. Furthermore, exposure to clothianidin (CLO) showed a decreasing association with MCHC when all the other insecticides were at their mean concentrations. CLO was the most likely compound to reduce MCHC, and this was confirmed by sensitivity analysis. These findings suggest that exposure to NEO insecticides, especially CLO, affects the haematological status relating to haemoglobin parameters.
OCT-Angiography Findings in Patients with Amblyopia: Comparison between Healthy Controls, Treatment-Responsive, and Treatment-Unresponsive Amblyopic Patients

There is no consensus on whether amblyopia affects the retinal vascular plexus and morphology. Previous studies focused on the differences between amblyopic patients and normal controls without evaluating amblyopic eyes after patching. To evaluate differences in the superficial vascular density of amblyopic eyes, normal eyes, and amblyopic eyes reaching normal BCVA after patch therapy, OCTA was used. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including visual acuity, refraction, ocular motility tests, and anterior and posterior segment examination. OCTA was performed by an expert physician using the Zeiss Cirrus 5000-HD-OCT Angioplex (Carl Zeiss, Meditec, Inc., Dublin, OH, USA). OCTA scans were performed using a 3 × 3 mm2 and 6 × 6 mm2 fovea-centered image setting. The mean outer macular vessel density in the previously amblyopic group was 19.15 ± 0.51%. This was statistically significantly higher than in both the amblyopic group (18.70 ± 1.14%) and the normal controls (18.18 ± 1.40%) (p = 0.014). The previously amblyopic group also significantly differed from both normal controls and amblyopic eyes with regards to the inner (p = 0.011), outer (p = 0.006), and full (p = 0.003) macular perfusion. Finally, linear regression analysis revealed that BCVA was linearly correlated to outer perfusion in amblyopic (p = 0.003) and ex amblyopic eyes (p < 0.001). Considering the cross-sectional nature of our study, from our results, we can only hypothesize a possible correlation between light stimulation and retinal vasculature development. However, further longitudinal studies are needed to support this hypothesis.
Differences in Hemodynamic Alteration between Atherosclerotic Occlusive Lesions and Moyamoya Disease: A Quantitative 15O-PET Study

To clarify the differences in hemodynamic status between atherosclerotic steno-occlusive lesions (SOL) and moyamoaya disease (MMD), hemodynamic parameters were compared using 15O-PET. Twenty-four patients with unilateral SOL (67 ± 11 y) and eighteen with MMD (33 ± 16 y) were assigned to this study. MMD patients were divided into twelve unilateral and six bilateral lesions. All patients underwent 15O-PET to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF), blood volume (CBV), oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), and metabolic rate (CMRO2). Acetazolamide was administered after the baseline scan and the second 15O-water PET was performed to evaluate cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). For the CBF calculation in 15O-water PET, the three-weighted integral method was applied based on a one-tissue compartment model with pixel-by-pixel delay correction to measure precise CBF and arterial-to-capillary blood volume (V0). Baseline hemodynamic parameters showed significantly lower CBF, V0, and CMRO2, but greater CBV, OEF, and delay (p < 0.01) in the affected hemispheres than in the unaffected hemispheres. After ACZ administration, both hemispheres showed a significant increase in CBF (p < 0.0001), but not in V0. CVR differed significantly between the hemispheres. The arterial perfusion pressure of the functioning arterial part tended to be reduced after acetazolamide administration in patients with past neurologic events caused by hemodynamic impairment. MMD patients showed greater inactive vascular and venous volumes compared with common atherosclerotic SOL patients. The hemodynamic status of cerebral circulation may vary according to the chronic process of steno-occlusive change and the development of collateral circulation. In order to evaluate physiologic differences between the two diseases, 15O-PET with an acetazolamide challenge test is useful.
Assessment of the Sedia HIV Self-Test Device: Usability and Performance in the Hands of Untrained Users in Johannesburg, South Africa

The prevalence of HIV across South Africa places a strain on testing facilities. The use of HIV self-testing (HIVST) devices has been identified as a strategy to ease the burden on these facilities. The usability and performance of the Asante HIV−1/2 Oral Self-Test (Asante) (Sedia Biosciences, Portland OR, USA) device by novice users was assessed and reported on, to inform for the implementation of such devices in South Africa and elsewhere. Convenience sampling was used. Participants used the Asante HIVST device and recorded their interpretation of their results. Participants’ interpretations were compared with those of trained professionals and, thereafter, verified using the rapid diagnostic testing algorithm. Out of the eligible participants, 410 of the 524 (78.2%) were between the ages of 18–35. The usability assessment indicates that 100% of participants used the HIVST device’s information leaflet. However, 19/524 (3.6%) of participants who yielded an invalid result due to critical errors were excluded from the primary efficacy analysis. The average usability score was 98.1%. The sensitivity and specificity results were, 94.7% and 99.8%, respectively. This study shows that the Asante HIV self-test, and similar devices, can be valuable in providing convenient HIV self-testing and immediately available results. To accommodate a greater number of inexperienced users, the instructions may need to be revised.
Spectrum Bias and Individual Strengths of SARS-CoV-2 Serological Tests—A Population-Based Evaluation

Antibody testing for determining the SARS-CoV-2 serostatus was rapidly introduced in early 2020 and since then has been gaining special emphasis regarding correlates of protection. With limited access to representative samples with known SARS-CoV-2 infection status during the initial period of test development and validation, spectrum bias has to be considered when moving from a “test establishment setting” to population-based settings, in which antibody testing is currently implemented. To provide insights into the presence and magnitude of spectrum bias and to estimate performance measures of antibody testing in a population-based environment, we compared SARS-CoV-2 neutralization to a battery of serological tests and latent class analyses (LCA) in a subgroup (n = 856) of the larger population based TiKoCo-19 cohort (n = 4185). Regarding spectrum bias, we could proof notable differences in test sensitivities and specificities when moving to a population-based setting, with larger effects visible in earlier registered tests. While in the population-based setting the two Roche ELECSYS anti-SARS-CoV-2 tests outperformed every other test and even LCA regarding sensitivity and specificity in dichotomous testing, they didn’t provide satisfying quantitative correlation with neutralization capacity. In contrast, our in-house anti SARS-CoV-2-Spike receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG-ELISA (enzyme-linked-immunosorbant assay) though inferior in dichotomous testing, provided satisfactory quantitative correlation and may thus represent a better correlate of protection. In summary, all tests, led by the two Roche tests, provided sufficient accuracy for dichotomous identification of neutralizing sera, with increasing spectrum bias visible in earlier registered tests, while the majority of tests, except the RBD-ELISA, didn’t provide satisfactory quantitative correlations.
The Response of Layer Hen Productivity and Egg Quality to an Additional Limestone Source When Offered Diets Differing in Calcium Concentrations and the Inclusion of Phytase

Simple Summary Dietary calcium is essential for optimal egg production and quality in laying hens, but high concentrations can impede the digestibility of other dietary components. The provision of limestone grit in addition to the main diet may help maintain overall calcium intake while allowing a reduction in dietary calcium levels. The impact of phytase, an enzyme that increases calcium availability in the gut, on the voluntary consumption of limestone grit is unknown. Here, the capacity for hens with access to a separate limestone grit source to modify Ca consumption when offered varying dietary Ca levels and phytase was evaluated. Dietary phytase reduced limestone grit consumption. Egg production was unaffected by reducing dietary calcium levels or the phytase addition. Eggshell measurements worsened in line with decreasing dietary calcium levels despite the provision of limestone grit. In summary, the provision of limestone grit resulted in comparable egg production but not eggshell quality in hens offered suboptimal levels of dietary calcium. Abstract Laying hens require substantial quantities of calcium (Ca) to maintain egg production. However, maintaining recommended dietary Ca through inclusion of limestone may impede nutrient digestibility, including that of other minerals. It was hypothesized that providing a separate source of dietary Ca in the form of limestone grit would preserve Ca intake of hens offered diets containing suboptimal Ca concentrations. Furthermore, the impact of dietary phytase at a “superdosing” inclusion rate on the voluntary consumption of limestone grit was evaluated. One hundred and forty-four laying hens (19 weeks of age) were assigned to one of six dietary treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement comprising three dietary Ca concentrations (40, 30, and 20 g/kg) and ±dietary phytase (3500 FYT/kg diet) on an ad libitum basis for six weeks. Limestone grit (3.4 ± 1.0 mm) was provided to all hens ad libitum. Hens offered diets containing phytase consumed significantly less limestone grit p = 0.024). Egg weight, rate of lay, and egg mass were unaffected by dietary treatment (p > 0.05). Egg shell weight % (p < 0.001), shell thickness (p < 0.001), and shell breaking strength (p < 0.01) decreased in line with dietary Ca levels. In summary, dietary superdosing with phytase reduced the consumption of a separate limestone source in individually housed, early lay ISA Brown hens. Egg shell quality variables but not egg production worsened in line with lower dietary Ca levels.
Effect of Freeze-Thaw Cycles on Juice Properties, Volatile Compounds and Hot-Air Drying Kinetics of Blueberry

This paper studied the effects of freeze-thaw (FT) cycles on the juice properties and aroma profiles, and the hot-air drying kinetics of frozen blueberry. After FT treatment, the juice yield increased while pH and total soluble solids of the juice keep unchanged. The total anthocyanins contents and DPPH antioxidant activities of the juice decreased by FT treatments. The electronic nose shows that FT treatments significantly change the aroma profiles of the juice. The four main volatile substances in the fresh juice are (E)-2-hexenal, α-terpineol, hexanal and linalyl formate, which account for 48.5 ± 0.1%, 17.6 ± 0.2%, 14.0 ± 1.5% and 7.8 ± 2.7% of relative proportions based on total ion chromatogram (TIC) peak areas. In the FT-treated samples, the amount of (E)-2-hexenal and hexanal decreased significantly while α-terpineol and linalyl formate remained almost unchanged. Repeated FT cycles increased the ethanol content and destroyed the original green leafy flavor. Finally, the drying kinetics of FT-treated blueberries was tested. One FT treatment can shorten the drying time by about 30% to achieve the same water content. The Deff values of the FT-treated sample are similar, which are about twice as large as the value of the fresh sample. The results will be beneficial for the processing of frozen blueberry into juice or dried fruits.
Decreased Expression of Cytotoxic Proteins in Decidual CD8+ T Cells in Preeclampsia

Simple Summary CD8+ T cells are prominent decidual cells in the third trimester of healthy human pregnancy. They have a cytotoxic capacity which may control invasion of extravillous trophoblast and therefore affect placentation and play the role in development of preeclampsia. In this study, we examined the expression of CD8+ T cells in decidual tissue and peripheral blood of women with severe and mild preeclampsia in comparison to gestational age-matched healthy pregnancies. Additionally, the expression of cytotoxic proteins in CD8+ T cells was examined in order to specify their subpopulations. Abstract In our study, we aimed to establish expression of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in the decidua basalis and the maternal peripheral blood (mPBL) of severe and mild preeclampsia (PE) and compare to healthy pregnancies. Decidual tissue and mPBL of 10 women with mild PE, 10 women with severe PE, and 20 age-matched healthy pregnancy controls were analyzed by double immunofluorescence and qPCR, respectively. By double immunofluorescence staining, we found a decreased total number of cells/mm2 in decidua basalis of granulysin (GNLY)+ (p ˂ 0.0001), granzyme B (GzB)+(p ˂ 0.0001), GzB+CD8+(p ˂ 0.0001), perforin (PRF1)+ (p ˂ 0.0001), and PRF1+CD8+ (p ˂ 0.01) in the severe PE compared to control group. Additionally, we noticed the trend of lower mRNA expression for GNLY, granzyme A (GZMA), GzB, and PRF1 in CD8+ T cells of mPBL in mild and severe PE, with the latter marker statistically decreased in severe PE (p ˂ 0.001). Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) mRNA in CD8+ T cells mPBL was increased in mild PE (p ˂ 0.001) compared to controls. In conclusion, severe PE is characterized by altered expression of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in decidua and mPBL, suggesting their role in pathophysiology of PE and fetal-maternal immune tolerance.
High-Pressure Processing on Whole and Peeled Potatoes: Influence on Polyphenol Oxidase, Antioxidants, and Glycaemic Indices

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) inactivation in five whole and peeled Irish potato cultivars was investigated using high-pressure processing (HPP) at 400 MPa and 600 MPa for 3 min. PPO activity was significantly lower in most of the HPP-treated samples, while the highest PPO inactivation was observed after HPP at 600 MPa. No significant (p > 0.05) changes were observed on the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of all the HPP-treated potatoes. Regarding individual phenolic acids, chlorogenic acid was decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all studied varieties with a concomitant increase (p < 0.05) in caffeic and quinic acid. Similarly, ferulic acid was also increased (p < 0.05) in all studied varieties after the HPP treatment, while there was a variation in rutin and 4-coumaric acid levels depending on the cultivar and the sample type. Anthocyanins in the coloured whole potato varieties (i.e., Kerr’s Pink and Rooster), tentatively identified as pelargonidin-O-ferulorylrutinoside-O-hexoside and pelargonidin-O-rutinoside-O-hexoside, also exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels in the HPP-treated samples as opposed to those untreated. Glycaemic indices of the potatoes treated with HPP did not differ with the corresponding untreated cultivars.