Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-Generational Differences in Independence and Interdependence: Discrepancies Between Their Actual and Ideal Selves in the Japanese Cultural Context

The current study examined cross-generational differences in both independent and interdependent self-construal. Two studies using samples from across Japan that included a wide age range demonstrated that, with increasing age, Japanese respondents scored higher on independence, which was measured by a self-expression scale, and lower on interdependence, as measured by a rejection avoidance scale. Furthermore, these cross-over effects were not observed with regard to participants' preferences (i.e., the ideal state of the self), but were only observed in their actual selves (i.e., the actual state of the self). These results suggest that the Japanese, especially younger generations, cannot help but behave in an interdependent way despite being eager to be independent.
A Synthetic Riboswitch to Regulate Haloarchaeal Gene Expression

In recent years, synthetic riboswitches have become increasingly important to construct genetic circuits in all three domains of life. In bacteria, synthetic translational riboswitches are often employed that modulate gene expression by masking the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence in the absence or presence of a cognate ligand. For (halo-)archaeal translation, a SD sequence is not strictly required. The application of synthetic riboswitches in haloarchaea is therefore limited so far, also because of the molar intracellular salt concentrations found in these microbes. In this study, we applied synthetic theophylline-dependent translational riboswitches in the archaeon Haloferax volcanii. The riboswitch variants A through E and E∗ were chosen since they not only mask the SD sequence but also the AUG start codon by forming a secondary structure in the absence of the ligand theophylline. Upon addition of the ligand, the ribosomal binding site and start codon become accessible for translation initiation. Riboswitch E mediated a dose-dependent, up to threefold activation of the bgaH reporter gene expression. Raising the salt concentration of the culture media from 3 to 4 M NaCl resulted in a 12-fold increase in the switching capacity of riboswitch E, and switching activity increased up to 26-fold when the cultivating temperature was reduced from 45 to 30°C. To construct a genetic circuit, riboswitch E was applied to regulate the synthesis of the transcriptional activator GvpE allowing a dose-dependent activation of the mgfp6 reporter gene under PpA promoter control.
Adrenocortical Carcinoma Steroid Profiles: In Silico Pan-Cancer Analysis of TCGA Data Uncovers Immunotherapy Targets for Potential Improved Outcomes

Despite progress in understanding the biology of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), treatment options have not dramatically changed in the last three decades, nor have we learned how to avoid some of its long-term side effects. Our goal was to improve the understanding of immune pathways that may include druggable targets to enhance immune responses of patients with ACC, focusing on immune evasion and the activation of immune cells against ACC. Our strategy was aimed at improving insight regarding gene expression without steroid interference. Using approaches based on high and low steroid phenotypes (HSP and LSP, respectively), we characterized immune pathways using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) ACC cohort data. Although previous studies have suggested that patients with ACC receive minimal benefit from immunotherapy, high expression of immune modulators was noted in patients with LSP, suggesting the activation of these biomarkers may be an important adjuvant therapy target after clearance of excess glucocorticoids. In addition, patients with LSP ACC had higher immune cell infiltration than patients with HSP ACC and other cancer subtypes. Our findings can be summarized as follows (1): we confirmed and improved the definition of two immune response pathways to ACC (HSP and LSP) based on in silico transcriptome analysis (2), we demonstrated the steroid profile should be considered, otherwise analyses of ACC immune characteristics can generate confounding results (3), among the overexpressed immunotherapy targets, we demonstrated that LSP was rich in PDCD1LG2 (PD-L2) and both HSP and LSP overexpressed CD276 (B7-H3), which was associated with resistance to anti-PD1 therapy and may have accounted for the modest results of previous clinical trials, and (4) identification of patients with LSP or HSP ACC can be used to help determine whether immunotherapy should be used. In conclusion, we highlighted the differences between LSP and HSP, drawing attention to potential therapeutic targets (CD276, PDCD1, and PDCD1LG2). Treatments to reduce immune evasion, as well as the use of other natural and pharmacological immune activators, should include prior pharmacological inhibition of steroidogenesis. Attempts to combine these with tumor cell proliferation inhibitors, if they do not affect cells of the immune system, may produce interesting results.
Application of Three Deep Learning Schemes Into Oceanic Eddy Detection

Recent years have witnessed the increase in applications of artificial intelligence (AI) into the detection of oceanic features. Oceanic eddies, ubiquitous in the global ocean, are important in the transport of materials and energy. A series of eddy detection schemes based on oceanic dynamics have been developed while the AI-based eddy identification scheme starts to be reported in literature. In the present study, to find out applicable AI-based schemes in eddy detection, three AI-based algorithms are employed in eddy detection, including the pyramid scene parsing network (PSPNet) algorithm, the DeepLabV3+ algorithm and the bilateral segmentation network (BiSeNet) algorithm. To justify the AI-based eddy detection schemes, the results are compared with one dynamic-based eddy detection method. It is found that more eddies are identified using the three AI-based methods. The three methods’ results are compared in terms of the numbers, sizes and lifetimes of detected eddies. In terms of eddy numbers, the PSPNet algorithm identifies the largest number of ocean eddies among the three AI-based methods. In terms of eddy sizes, the BiSeNet can find more large-scale eddies than the two other methods, because the Spatial Path is introduced into the algorithm to avoid destroying the eddy edge information. Regarding eddy lifetimes, the DeepLabV3+ cannot track longer lifetimes of ocean eddies.
Mycophenolate Mofetil in the Treatment of Steroid-Dependent or Frequently Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome in Children: A Meta-Analysis

Objectives: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the treatment of steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) in children. Methods: We searched for the studies especially the randomized controlled trials in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan Fang database. The data were analyzed by Review Manager 5.3 software. We used the GRADE pro-Guideline Development Tool online software to evaluate the quality of evidence. Results: Finally, we identified 620 studies, of which we included five randomized controlled trials and one prospective cohort study with 447 children. The results showed the following: (1) the relapse-free survival rate within 1 year—the MMF group was superior to the levamisole group [ratio difference (RD) = 0.13, 95% CI (0.02, 0.24), P = 0.02] but not to the calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) group [RD = −0.27, 95%CI (−0.40, −0.14), P < 0.0001]; (2) the number of relapses within 1 year—the MMF group was less than that in the CNIs and levamisole group [mean difference (MD) = −0.26, 95%CI (−0.45, −0.08), P = 0.005]; (3) the cumulative prednisone dosage—the MMF group was lower than that in the control group [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.32, 95%CI (−0.53, −0.11), P = 0.003]; (4) incidence of adverse reactions—there was no significant difference between the MMF group and the control group [RD = 0.02, 95%CI (−0.04, 0.09), P = 0.46]. Conclusion: The therapy of mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of SDNS or FRNS in children has a certain advantage in reducing the number of relapses and cumulative prednisone dosage within 1 year when compared with the CNIs and levamisole. However, due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, the conclusions above need to be confirmed by more high-quality randomized controlled trials.
Role of Neuron and Glia in Alzheimer’s Disease and Associated Vascular Dysfunction

Amyloidogenicity and vascular dysfunction are the key players in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), involving dysregulated cellular interactions. An intricate balance between neurons, astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes and vascular cells sustains the normal neuronal circuits. Conversely, cerebrovascular diseases overlap neuropathologically with AD, and glial dyshomeostasis promotes AD-associated neurodegenerative cascade. While pathological hallmarks of AD primarily include amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, microvascular disorders, altered cerebral blood flow (CBF), and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability induce neuronal loss and synaptic atrophy. Accordingly, microglia-mediated inflammation and astrogliosis disrupt the homeostasis of the neuro-vascular unit and stimulate infiltration of circulating leukocytes into the brain. Large-scale genetic and epidemiological studies demonstrate a critical role of cellular crosstalk for altered immune response, metabolism, and vasculature in AD. The glia associated genetic risk factors include APOE, TREM2, CD33, PGRN, CR1, and NLRP3, which correlate with the deposition and altered phagocytosis of Aβ. Moreover, aging-dependent downregulation of astrocyte and microglial Aβ-degrading enzymes limits the neurotrophic and neurogenic role of glial cells and inhibits lysosomal degradation and clearance of Aβ. Microglial cells secrete IGF-1, and neurons show a reduced responsiveness to the neurotrophic IGF-1R/IRS-2/PI3K signaling pathway, generating amyloidogenic and vascular dyshomeostasis in AD. Glial signals connect to neural stem cells, and a shift in glial phenotype over the AD trajectory even affects adult neurogenesis and the neurovascular niche. Overall, the current review informs about the interaction of neuronal and glial cell types in AD pathogenesis and its critical association with cerebrovascular dysfunction.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Suicidal Ideation Among Children and Adolescents Attending a Pediatric HIV Clinic in Uganda

Background: Suicidal behavior and HIV/AIDS are vital public health challenges especially in low and middle-income countries. As suicide in adults is perturbing for those closest to them, this sentiment is much more intense and generalized in the case of a child or adolescent. Knowledge of factors associated with suicidal ideation in HIV infected children and adolescents may inform suicide prevention strategies needed to improve their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with suicidal ideation among HIV infected children and adolescents attending a pediatric HIV clinic in Uganda. Methods: Data from a sample of 271 children and adolescents aged 6–18 years living with HIV/AIDS attending a pediatric HIV clinic was analyzed. Child characteristics and clinical variables were assessed using a socio-demographic questionnaire and medical records respectively. Suicidal ideation and depression were assessed using the Child Depression Inventory. The types of behavioral problems and the parent–child relationship were assessed using Child Behavioral Check List (6–18 years) and the Parent Child Relationship Scale respectively. Child exposure to different stressful life events was assessed with a series of standardized questions. Logistic regression models were used to explore factors independently associated with suicidal ideation. Results: The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 17%. In the multivariate analysis; Child exposure to family or friend’s death (prevalence rate ratio (PRR = 2.02; 95% CI, 1.01–4.03), p = 0.046), HIV wasting syndrome (PRR = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.21–0.75, p = 0.04), Depression (PRR = 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03–1.12, p = 0.001), Anxiety symptoms (PRR = 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01–1.20, p = 0.024) and Rule breaking behavior (PRR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.99–1.13, p = 0.051) were independently associated with suicidal ideations. Conclusion: The prevalence of suicidal ideation among children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS is substantial. Children and adolescents with exposure to family or friend’s death, those with higher depression scores, anxiety symptoms and rule breaking behavior are more likely to report suicidal ideation. Those with HIV wasting syndrome were less likely to report suicidal ideation. There is urgent need for HIV care providers to screen for suicide and link to mental health services.
Comparing Blanket vs. Selective Dry Cow Treatment Approaches for Elimination and Prevention of Intramammary Infections During the Dry Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A systematic review and a series of meta-analyses were conducted to investigate the efficacy of selective dry cow antimicrobial treatment (SDCT) (in which only infected quarters/cows were treated with an antimicrobial) compared with blanket dry cow treatment (BDCT) (all quarters/all cows received an antimicrobial, regardless of their infection status). A full detailed protocol was published before initiating this review. Studies reporting on the (1) proportion of untreated quarters or cows when using SDCT, (2) intramammary infection (IMI) incidence risk over the dry period, (3) IMI elimination risk, (4) post-calving IMI prevalence, (5) early lactation clinical mastitis incidence, or (6) subsequent lactation milk yield and somatic cell counts were considered eligible. Thirteen articles representing 12 controlled trials, whether randomized or not, were available for analyses. SDCT reduced the use of antimicrobials at dry off by 66% (95% CI: 49–80). There was no difference in the elimination of existing IMI at dry off, between SDCT and BDCT. Meta-regression showed that the risk of IMI incidence during the dry period, IMI risk at calving, early lactation clinical mastitis risk, and early lactation milk yield and somatic cell counts did not differ between SDCT and BDCT as long as an internal teat sealant (65% bismuth subnitrate) was administered to untreated healthy quarters/cows at dry off. For trials not using internal teat sealants, SDCT resulted in higher risk than BDCT of acquiring a new IMI during the dry period and of harboring an IMI at calving. Lines of evidence strongly support that SDCT would reduce the use of antimicrobials at dry off, without any detrimental effect on udder health or milk production during the 1st months of the subsequent lactation, if, and only if, internal teat sealants are used for healthy, untreated quarters/cows.
Variation of Morphological, Agronomic and Chemical Composition Traits of Local Hazelnuts Collected in Northern Spain

Hazelnut is a traditional crop in northern Spain, where it grows wild as well as being cultivated. A field collection of 41 local and 17 non-local accessions, including 15 well-known cultivars, was established at SERIDA in Villaviciosa, Spain. Here, phenotypic variation was documented for phenological and morphological traits and chemical composition. A large degree of variation for most morphological and phenological traits, except nut maturity date, was revealed. Estimates of broad-sense heritability were high (>0.75) for most of the assessed characters, except for the first male bloom date (0.65), male and female flowering periods (0.40, 0.31), kernel weight (0.69), and kernel percentage (0.33). Local accessions produced smaller nuts and kernels than well-known cultivars but with higher kernel percentage. Limited overlapping between the male and female flowering periods (dychogamy) was observed, except for ‘Forcinas 1’, ‘Forcinas 2’, and ‘Morell’. The local accessions generally exhibited significantly later male and female flowering compared with the reference cultivars. The local materials showed similar nutritional values to those reported previously for hazelnut. Moreover, the local accessions presented average values similar to the non-local accessions for total fat, ash and carbohydrate contents, as well as energy value, but their protein contents were lower. Their oils were rich in functional compounds, such as unsaturated fatty acids (average: 90.1%), tocopherols (514 mg/kg) and squalene (294.3 mg/kg). A hierarchical clustering on principal components analysis grouped the accessions and differentiated eight local accessions from the rest, including the landrace ‘Casina’. This finding provides potential new cultivars, as well as sources of desirable traits, for European hazelnut breeding programs.
Maternal Pre-conception Body Mass Index and Fasting Plasma Glucose With the Risk of Pre-term Birth: A Cohort Study Including 4.9 Million Chinese Women

Background: To evaluate the associations of pre-conception body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) alone and their combination with pre-term birth (PTB) risk. Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study with 4,987,129 reproductive-aged women, who participated in National Free Pre-Pregnancy Checkups Project in 2013–2016 and had a singleton delivery before December 2017 in China. All data analyses were conducted in 2018–2021. Results: A total of 339,662 (6.81%) women had pre-term deliveries. Compared with women with normal weight and normal glucose, underweight and normal weight were associated with PTB among hypoglycemia women, the adjusted odd ratios (aORs) were 1.24 (95% CI: 1.05–1.48) and 1.16 (95% CI: 1.07–1.25), respectively; underweight, overweight and obesity were associated with PTB among women with normal glucose, the aORs were 1.09 (95% CI: 1.08–1.10), 1.06 (95% CI: 1.05–1.07) and 1.08 (95% CI: 1.05–1.12), respectively; all the BMI groups were significantly associated with PTB among women with pre-diabetes or diabetes (P < 0.05). The dose-response relationships of BMI with PTB varied in different FPG level, with U-shaped curve in normal glucose and pre-diabetes women, J-shaped in diabetes women, L-shaped in hypoglycemia women. For FPG with PTB, the dose-response relationships were U-shaped in normal weight, overweight, and obesity women, and L-shaped in underweight women. Conclusion: We found that the associations of PTB with BMI varied with levels of FPG, and associations of PTB with FPG varied with levels of BMI. There was a synergistic effect on PTB risk due to abnormal weight and glycemia besides a conventional main effect derived from either of them. Achieving desirable weight and glucose control before conception should be advised.
Phytogenic Compounds Supplemented to Gestating Hyperprolific Sows Affects the Gut Health-Related Gene Expression and Histological Responses in Neonate Piglets

This research aims to determine whether a specific blend of phytogenic compounds (BPC) supplemented in gestating hyperprolific sow diets can promote prenatal maternal effects in terms of piglet gut function and morphology. Twenty-eight (Landrace × Yorkshire) gilts and sows (parity 0 to 7) were randomly distributed by parity number and body weight into two dietary treatments: unsupplemented Control (CON) (n = 14) or CON diet supplemented with 1 g/kg feed of BPC during gestation (n = 14). The BPC supplementation during gestation of sows downregulated the neonate piglets' jejunal genes involved in oxidation (SOD2) and nutrient transport (SLC16A1/MCT1, SLC11A2/DMT1, and SLC39A/ZIP4), while IFNG and CLDN4 related to immune response and barrier function, respectively, were upregulated (q < 0.10). In addition, the jejunal villus height and the ratio of the villus height to crypt depth tended to increase (p < 0.10), while goblet cell volume density was higher (p < 0.05) in BPC compared to CON. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of BPC in gestating diets for hyperprolific sows influences neonatal histomorphology and expression of genes related to the intestinal function and health.
Respiratory Heme A-Containing Oxidases Originated in the Ancestors of Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria

Respiration is a major trait shaping the biology of many environments. Cytochrome oxidase containing heme A (COX) is a common terminal oxidase in aerobic bacteria and is the only one in mammalian mitochondria. The synthesis of heme A is catalyzed by heme A synthase (CtaA/Cox15), an enzyme that most likely coevolved with COX. The evolutionary origin of COX in bacteria has remained unknown. Using extensive sequence and phylogenetic analysis, we show that the ancestral type of heme A synthases is present in iron-oxidizing Proteobacteria such as Acidithiobacillus spp. These bacteria also contain a deep branching form of the major COX subunit (COX1) and an ancestral variant of CtaG, a protein that is specifically required for COX biogenesis. Our work thus suggests that the ancestors of extant iron-oxidizers were the first to evolve COX. Consistent with this conclusion, acidophilic iron-oxidizing prokaryotes lived on emerged land around the time for which there is the earliest geochemical evidence of aerobic respiration on earth. Hence, ecological niches of iron oxidation have apparently promoted the evolution of aerobic respiration.
Internal Variability Role on Estimating Sea Level Acceleration in Fremantle Tide Gauge Station

Low frequency internal signals bring challenges to signify the role of anthropogenic factors in sea level rise and to attain a certain accuracy in trend and acceleration estimations. Due to both spatially and temporally poor coverage of the relevant data sets, identification of internal variability patterns is not straightforward. In this study, the identification and the role of low frequency internal variability (decadal and multidecadal) in sea level change of Fremantle tide gauge station is analyzed using two climate indices, Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and Tripole Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (TPI). It is shown that the multidecadal sea level variability is anticorrelated with corresponding components of climate indices in the Pacific Ocean, with correlation coefficients of −0.9 and −0.76 for TPI and PDO, respectively. The correlations are comparatively low on decadal time scale, −0.5 for both indices. This shows that internal variability on decadal and multidecadal scales affects the sea level variation in Fremantle unequally and thus, separate terms are required in trajectory models. To estimate trend and acceleration in Fremantle, three trajectory models are tested. The first model is a simple second-degree polynomial comprising trend and acceleration terms. Low passed PDO, representing decadal and interdecadal variabilities in Pacific Ocean, added to the first model to form the second model. For the third model, decomposed signals of decadal and multidecadal variability of TPI are added to the first model. In overall, TPI represents the low frequency internal variability slightly better than PDO for sea level variation in Fremantle. Although the estimated trends do not change significantly, the estimated accelerations varies for the three models. The accelerations estimated from the first and second models are statistically insignificant, 0.006 ± 0.012 mm yr−2 and 0.01 ± 0.01 mm yr−2, respectively, while this figure for the third model is 0.018 ± 0.011 mm yr−2. The outcome exemplifies the importance of modelling low frequency internal variability in acceleration estimations for sea level rise in regional scale.