Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Netizens’ Food Safety Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviors, and Demand for Science Popularization by WeMedia

This study aimed to investigate netizens’ food safety knowledge, attitudes and behavior, status, and their demand for science popularization by WeMedia. Firstly, participants were recruited by WeMedia, including WeChat, Microblog, and QQ. Then, a web-based survey was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire, which comprised 29 items about the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) status of netizens’ food safety and the demand for science popularization by WeMedia. A correct answer on knowledge-related items was assigned a value of 1 point, and the high, medium, and low levels of knowledge had a total of 6–8, 3–5, and 0–2 points, respectively. A correct answer on attitude-related items was given a value of 1 to 5 points, and the high, medium, and low levels of attitude had a total of 16–20, 8–16, and l4–8 points, respectively. A correct answer on practice-related items was given a value of 5 to 1 point, and the high, medium, and low levels of attitude had a total of 22–30, 14–22, and 6–14 points, respectively. Results showed that the distribution of the different levels of the KAP scores were as follows: high (79.0%), medium (20.2%), low (0.8%); high (65.6%), medium (34.1%), low (0.3%); high (70.1%), medium (29.4%), low (0.5%). Approximately 86% of the subjects desired to obtain food safety knowledge from WeMedia. In conclusion, the netizens’ KAP in food safety are relatively optimistic. A large demand for science popularization on food safety knowledge by WeMedia is warranted. The WeMedia has a potentially important role in science popularization and health promotion related to food safety and health behaviors.
Horticultural Therapy Program for People with Mental Illness: A Mixed-Method Evaluation

Background. Horticultural therapy (HT) has long been used in the rehabilitation of people with mental illness, but many HT programs are not standardized, and there have been few evaluation studies. Aims. This study evaluated the process and outcomes of a standardized horticultural program using a mixed methodology, i.e., systematic integration (“mixing”) of quantitative and qualitative data within a study. Methods. Participants who have mental illnesses were assigned to a treatment (HT) and a comparison group (n = 41 for each group). The process and outcomes of the program, including stress and anxiety, engagement and participation, affect changes, mental well-being, and social exchange, were obtained using self-completed questionnaires, observational ratings of participants during the group, as well as through a focus group. Results. The study results supported the proposal HT is effective in increasing mental well-being, engagement, and the sense of meaningfulness and accomplishment of participants. Many participants reported a reduction in stress and anxiety in the focus group, but positive changes in affect were not fully observed during the group process or captured by quantitative measures. The participants also did not report increases in the social exchange over the HT sessions. Conclusion. The evidence supports that HT is effective in increasing mental well-being, engagement in meaningful activities, but did not result in significant affect changes during therapy, or increase social exchanges among people with mental illness.
Carotid artery plaques and unilateral spatial neglect in the elderly

Abstract The causes for falls in the elderly are varied, and visual spatial neglect could be 1 contributing factor. Further, the presence of a carotid artery plaque, especially on the right side, might influence the visual spatial attention of the elderly. Our aim was to identify the intrinsic association between carotid plaques and lateralization of spatial attention in the elderly. Further, we sought to understand and potentially prevent the consequences of unilateral spatial neglect such as injury from falls. Participants aged 64 to 93 years were divided into a group with carotid artery plaque(s) of the right side or both sides (BOTH, n = 38; and 9/ 38 were right side only) and a group without right-side carotid artery plaque(s) (LEFT, n = 53). Participants were asked to perform a line bisection task and undergo doppler ultrasonography examinations. Contrary to expectations, compared to LEFT, the mean index and net scores of the line bisection errors in BOTH were significantly less leftward, but the mean diameter of the right-side common carotid artery in BOTH was significantly larger. Our results indicate that the presence of carotid plaque(s) might be linked to increased risk of falls in the elderly. The attenuated spatial neglect in participants with right-side carotid artery plaque(s) might be due to compensatory carotid artery dilatation.
Macrophage galactose lectin is critical for Kupffer cells to clear aged platelets

Deppermann et al. investigate how aged platelets are removed from circulation. Using intravital microscopy they observe rapid accumulation of desialylated platelets on Kupffer cells through collaboration of macrophage galactose lectin and Ashwell-Morell receptor. Effective clearance is critical, as mice with an aged platelet population bleed.
Computational Intelligence in Remote Sensing: An Editorial

Computational intelligence is a very active and fruitful research of artificial intelligence with a broad spectrum of applications. Remote sensing data has been a salient field of application of computational intelligence algorithms, both for the exploitation of the data and for the research/ development of new data analysis tools. In this editorial paper we provide the setting of the special issue “Computational Intelligence in Remote Sensing” and an overview of the published papers. The 11 accepted and published papers cover a wide spectrum of applications and computational tools that we try to summarize and put in perspective in this editorial paper.
Barrett's Esophagus and Intestinal Metaplasia of the Gastroesophageal Junction in Children: A Clinicopathologic Study.

OBJECTIVES Barrett's esophagus (BE) and intestinal metaplasia of gastroesophageal junction (IMGEJ) are rare in the pediatric population. This multi-institutional retrospective study evaluated the clinicopathologic characteristics and natural history of BE and IMGEJ in children. METHODS Data from 20 BE patients (70% male, mean age: 14.9 years) and 17 IMGEJ patients (71% male, mean age: 14.0 years) were retrospectively obtained from chart review. Endoscopic and pathologic findings from index and follow-up endoscopies were analyzed. RESULTS Most patients (70% BE and 59% IMGEJ) had underlying conditions which put them at risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Increased body mass index (BMI) was observed in patients without underlying conditions (BE: 30.1 ± 9.8; IMGEJ: 23.9 ± 6.3) compared to those with underlying conditions (BE: 19.6 ± 7.8; IMGEJ: 16.4 ± 2.1) (BE p = 0.02; IMGEJ p = 0.01). Incomplete intestinal metaplasia (IM) was the predominant histology seen in BE (80%) and IMGEJ patients (75%). Dysplasia and malignancy were not identified in the initial and follow-up biopsies. Concurrent gastric biopsies showed various findings (79% BE and 40% IMGEJ were normal), with 1 IMGEJ patient showing coexisting gastric IM (7%). Follow-up in 12 BE patients (mean follow-up time 51.6 months) showed 100% persistent endoscopic disease and 58% persistent IM histologically. Three of six IMGEJ patients (mean follow-up time 24.0 months) demonstrated endoscopic and histologic features consistent with BE on subsequent procedures. Moreover, a subset of BE (57%) and IMGEJ patients (67%) who underwent endoscopy prior to initial diagnosis showed non-goblet columnar mucosa above the anatomic gastroesophageal junction. CONCLUSIONS Increased BMI may be a risk factor for BE and IMGEJ in pediatric patients without underlying conditions. Non-goblet columnar metaplasia and IMGEJ might represent incomplete forms of BE. Our data suggest that these patients should be closely monitored.
Immunomodulatory and Regenerative Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Renal Diseases

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory and regenerative effects in many organs, including the kidney. Emerging evidence has shown that the trophic effects from MSCs are mainly mediated by the paracrine mechanism rather than the direct differentiation of MSCs into injured tissues. These secretomes from MSCs include cytokines, growth factors, chemokines and extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing microRNAs, mRNAs, and proteins. Many research studies have revealed that secretomes from MSCs have potential to ameliorate renal injury in renal disease models, including acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease through a variety of mechanisms. These trophic mechanisms include immunomodulatory and regenerative effects. In addition, accumulating evidence has uncovered the specific factors and therapeutic mechanisms in MSC-derived EVs. In this article, we summarize the recent advances of immunomodulatory and regenerative effects of EVs from MSCs, especially focusing on the microRNAs.
In silico identification and characterization of antineoplastic asparaginase enzyme from endophytic bacteria

It is generally accepted that L‐asparagine is an important amino acid required for the fast growth of cells. Cancerous cells receive this amino acid from extracellular sources. The depletion of L‐asparagine from its surrounding environments by asparaginase enzyme can be used as a therapeutic strategy in cancer patients. This therapeutic enzyme is produced commercially mainly from bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Erwinia chrysanthemi. The side effects of such drugs have persuaded scientists to find new enzyme sources. In this study, in silico approach was applied to investigate L‐asparaginase producing endophytic bacteria that produce more compatible enzymes within the body. Protein–protein basic local alignment search tool with E. coli and E. chrysanthemi asparaginase enzyme sequences against 262 endophytic bacteria were performed. The results with identity more than 35%, coverage more than 80%, and E‐value less than 10−4 were selected. Then, some of bioinformatics tools were used to characterize them. A total of nine sequences consisting of seven known and two hypothetical proteins were identified in six bacterial species. The results showed that some of the asparaginase enzymes produced by endophytic bacteria possess more suitable immunological indices compared with asparaginase enzymes of E. coli and E. chrysanthemi. Herbaspirillum rubrisubalbicans was predicted to produce a nonallergen and nonantigen asparaginase enzyme. The number of antigenic determinants was predicted to be lower in asparaginase enzymes produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, H. rubrisubalbicans, and H. seropedicae. Moreover, the number of high‐scored B‐cell epitopes was lower in enzyme sequences related to the mentioned bacteria and Paenibacillus polymyxa. The number of discontinuous epitopes and the number of T‐cell epitopes were lower in B. amyloliquefaciens produced enzymes. Therefore, the therapeutic use of these enzymes is possible.
Improvement of Saccharification and Delignification Efficiency of Trichoderma reesei Rut-C30 by Genetic Bioengineering

Trichoderma reesei produces various saccharification enzymes required for biomass degradation. However, the lack of an effective lignin-degrading enzyme system reduces the species’ efficiency in producing fermentable sugars and increases the pre-treatment costs for biofuel production. In this study, we heterologously expressed the Ganoderma lucidum RMK1 versatile peroxidase gene (vp1) in the Rut-C30 strain of T. reesei. The expression of purified 6×His-tag–containing recombinant G. lucidum-derived protein (rVP1) was confirmed through western blot, which exhibited a single band with a relative molecular weight of 39 kDa. In saccharification and delignification studies using rice straw, the transformant (tVP7, T. reesei Rut-C30 expressing G. lucidum-derived rVP1) showed significant improvement in the yield of total reducing sugar and delignification, compared with that of the parent T. reesei Rut-C30 strain. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of tVP7-treated paddy straw showed extensive degradation of several layers of its surface compared with the parent strain due to the presence of G. lucidum-derived rVP1. Our results suggest that the expression of ligninolytic enzymes in cellulase hyperproducing systems helps to integrate the pre-treatment and saccharification steps that may ultimately reduce the costs of bioethanol production.
Review: How Forage Feeding Early in Life Influences the Growth Rate, Ruminal Environment, and the Establishment of Feeding Behavior in Pre-Weaned Calves

Simple Summary Under natural grazing systems, calves are likely to consume forage in early life. However, forage inclusion in the diet of pre-weaned calves has long been a controversial issue due to it possibly being associated with negative calf performance. Recent published literature seems to confound previous research. This review aims to understand the factors that may influence forage inclusion in the ration of pre-weaned calves. We have explored research related to the effect of feeding forage on rumen and behavioral development to better understand whether forage should be fed to the young calf. Based on the findings, it is concluded that a small amount of good quality forage is recommended for calves to improve their behavioral expression and rumen environment, which may further improve calf performance. Abstract The provision of forage to pre-weaned calves has been continuously researched and discussed by scientists, though results associated with calf growth and performance have remained inconsistent. Multiple factors, including forage type, intake level, physical form, and feeding method of both solid and liquid feed, can influence the outcomes of forage inclusion on calf performance. In the current review, we summarized published literature in order to get a comprehensive understanding of how early forage inclusion in diets affects calf growth performance, rumen fermentation, microbiota composition, and the development of feeding behavior. A small amount of good quality forage, such as alfalfa hay, supplemented in the diet, is likely to improve calf feed intake and growth rate. Provision of forage early in life may result in greater chewing (eating and ruminating) activity. Moreover, forage supplementation decreases non-nutritive oral and feed sorting behaviors, which can help to maintain rumen fluid pH and increase the number of cellulolytic bacteria in the rumen. This review argues that forage provision early in life has the potential to affect the rumen environment and the development of feeding behavior in dairy calves. Continued research is required to further understand the long-term effects of forage supplementation in pre-weaned calves, because animal-related factors, such as feed selection and sorting, early in life may persist until later in adult life.
Factors related to adverse events during endovascular coil embolization for ruptured cerebral aneurysms

Background and purpose The risk factors for adverse events for example, intraprocedural rupture (IPR), ischemic complication within 24 hours, and rebleeding after endovascular coil embolization for a ruptured cerebral aneurysm remain unclear. The aim of this study was to identify significant associated risk factors. Methods We retrospectively evaluated data from 5358 patients listed on the Japanese Registry of Neuroendovascular Therapy 3 during 2010–2014. Results IPR, ischemic complications, and rebleeding occurred during or after 221 (4.1%), 226 (4.2%), and 63 (1.2%) treatments, respectively. All of the adverse events were significantly associated with the patients’ poor outcomes at 30 days. Multivariate analysis revealed the factors independently related to these adverse events as follows: (1) for IPR: female sex, bifurcation type, <5 mm aneurysm, emergent surgery, local anesthesia, a balloon-assisted technique; (2) for an ischemic complication: poor World Federation World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS) grade, wide neck, and stent-assisted technique; (3) for rebleeding: poor WFNS grade, bifurcation type, wide neck, and body filling as the initial result. Conclusions Knowledge of the risk factors of endovascular coil embolization and paying attention to them are essential for patients’ safe treatment and good outcomes.
Morphologic Analysis of Peripapillary Retinal Arteriole Using Adaptive Optics in Primary Open-angle Glaucoma

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to better understand the role of vascular risk factors in the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a detailed analysis of retinal arterial wall thickness is needed. The purpose of the present study was to make a morphologic analysis of peripapillary arteriole in POAG using adaptive optics (AO) technology. Patients and Methods: We included otherwise healthy subjects with an isolated confirmed diagnosis of bilateral POAG. Patients’ clinical characteristics were noted. AO imaging followed by a complete ophthalmic examination was performed. A single operator masked to clinical data performed 5 measurements at different locations of each analyzed vessel. For each location, lumen diameter and wall thickness were measured. Total diameter, wall-to-lumen ratio (WLR), and whole cross-sectional area were calculated. Results: Lumen diameter and total diameter were significantly lower in the glaucoma group (n=31) than in the control group (n=29): [median (interquartile ranges)] 88.3 (82.6-99.2) versus 102.3 (87-113.1) (P=0.03) and 121.1 (109.3-130.5) versus 134.4 (112.7-144.4), respectively (P=0.015). Wall thickness, WLR, and whole cross-sectional area were not significantly different. Apart from a significantly higher WLR in subjects with reported high cholesterol levels, we did not observe any correlation between patients’ clinical characteristics and any of the parameters. Conclusions: We observed in POAG a narrowing of the arteriolar lumen without modification of the vessel wall thickness. To date, it is the first time that these data are obtained using AO. This suggests that the vascular risk factor in POAG only reduces the vascular caliber without inducing any patent atherosclerosis of the retinal arterial wall.
Soybean adaption to high‐latitude regions is associated with natural variations of GmFT2b, an ortholog of FLOWERING LOCUS T

ABSTRACT Day length has an important influence on flowering and growth habit in many plant species. In crops such as soybean, photoperiod sensitivity determines the geographical range over which a given cultivar can grow and flower. The soybean genome contains ~10 genes homologous to FT, a central regulator of flowering from Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the precise roles of these soybean FTs are not clearly. Here we show that one such gene, GmFT2b, promotes flowering under long‐days (LDs). Overexpression of GmFT2b upregulates expression of flowering‐related genes which are important in regulating flowering time. We propose a ‘weight’ model for soybean flowering under short‐day (SD) and LD conditions. Furthermore, we examine GmFT2b sequences in 195 soybean cultivars, as well as flowering phenotypes, geographical distributions and maturity groups. We found that Hap3, a major GmFT2b haplotype, is associated with significantly earlier flowering at higher latitudes. We anticipate our assay to provide important resources for the genetic improvement of soybean, including new germplasm for soybean breeding, and also increase our understanding of functional diversity in the soybean FT gene family.
Models of spatiotemporal variation in rabbit abundance reveal management hotspots for an invasive species.

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a notorious economic and environmental pest species in its invasive range. To better understand the population and range dynamics of this species, 41 years of abundance data have been collected from 116 unique sites across a broad range of climatic and environmental conditions in Australia. We analyzed this time series of abundance data to determine whether inter-annual variation in climatic conditions can be used to map historic, contemporary, and potential future fluctuations in rabbit abundance from regional to continental scales. We constructed a hierarchical Bayesian regression model of relative abundance that corrected for observation error and seasonal biases. The corrected abundances were regressed against environmental and disease variables in order to project high spatiotemporal resolution, continent-wide rabbit abundances. We show that rabbit abundance in Australia is highly variable in space and time, being driven primarily by inter-annual variation in temperature and precipitation in concert with the prevalence of a non-pathogenic virus. Moreover, we show that inter-annual variation in local spatial abundances can be mapped effectively at a continental scale using highly resolved spatiotemporal predictors, allowing "hotspots" of persistently high rabbit abundance to be identified. Importantly, cross-validated model performance was fair to excellent within and across distinct climate zones. Long-term monitoring data for invasive species can be used to map fine-scale spatiotemporal fluctuations in abundance patterns when accurately accounting for inherent sampling biases. Our analysis provides ecologists and pest managers with a clearer understanding of the determinants of rabbit abundance in Australia, offering an important new approach for predicting spatial abundance patterns of invasive species at the near-term temporal scales that are directly relevant to resource management.
Morphometric study of the diaphragmatic surface of the liver in the human fetus

This study aimed to examine age-specific reference intervals and growth dynamics of the best fit for liver dimensions on the diaphragmatic surface of the fetal liver. The research material consisted of 69 human fetuses of both sexes (32♂, 37♀) aged 18–30 weeks. Using methods of anatomical dissection, digital image analysis and statistics, a total of 10 measurements and 2 calculations were performed. No statistical significant differences between sexes were found (p>0.05). The parameters studied displayed growth models that followed natural logarithmic functions. The mean value of the transverse–to–vertical diameter ratio of the liver throughout the analyzed period was 0.71±0.11. The isthmic ratio decreased significantly from 0.81±0.12 in the 18–19th week to 0.62±0.06 in the 26–27th week, and then increased to 0.68±0.11 in the 28–30th week of fetal life (p<0.01). The morphometric parameters of the diaphragmatic surface of the liver present age-specific reference data. No sex differences are found. The transverse–to–vertical diameter ratio supports a proportionate growth of the fetal liver. Quantitative anatomy of the growing liver may be of relevance in both the ultrasound monitoring of the fetal development and the early detection of liver anomalies.