Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modification of Sensory Expression of 3-Isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine in Wines through Blending Technique

Sensory interactions exist between 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines and various volatiles in wines. In this study, the binary blending of Cabernet Franc wines containing high levels of MPs and three monovarietal red wines with two proportions was conducted after fermentation. Volatiles were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and wines were evaluated by quantitative descriptive analysis at three-month intervals during six-month bottle aging. Results showed blending wines exhibited lower intensity of ‘green pepper’, especially CFC samples blended by Cabernet Sauvignon wines with an even higher concentration of 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP). Based on Pearson correlation analysis, acetates could promote the expression of ‘tropical fruity’ and suppress ‘green pepper’ caused by IBMP. Positive correlation was observed among ‘green pepper’, ‘herbaceous’, and ‘berry’. The concentration balance between IBMP and other volatiles associated with ‘green pepper’ and fruity notes was further investigated through sensory experiments in aroma reconstitution. Higher pleasant fruity perception was obtained with the concentration proportion of 1-hexanol (1000 μg/L), isoamyl acetate (550 μg/L), ethyl hexanoate (400 μg/L), and ethyl octanoate (900 μg/L) as in CFC samples. Blending wines with proper concentration of those volatiles would be efficient to weaken ‘green pepper’ and highlight fruity notes, which provided scientific theory on sensory modification of IBMP through blending technique.
Pigmentation Levels Affect Melanoma Responses to Coriolus versicolor Extract and Play a Crucial Role in Melanoma-Mononuclear Cell Crosstalk

Melanoma, the malignancy originating from pigment-producing melanocytes, is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and has a poor prognosis once the disease starts to metastasize. The process of melanin synthesis generates an immunosuppressive and mutagenic environment, and can increase melanoma cell resistance to different treatment modalities, including chemo-, radio- or photodynamic therapy. Recently, we have shown that the presence of melanin pigment inhibits the melanoma cell response to bioactive components of Coriolus versicolor (CV) Chinese fungus. Herein, using the same human melanoma cell line in which the level of pigmentation can be controlled by the L-tyrosine concentration in culture medium, we tested the effect of suppression of melanogenesis on the melanoma cell response to CV extract and investigated the cell death pathway induced by fungus extract in sensitized melanoma cells. Our data showed that susceptibility to CV-induced melanoma cell death is significantly increased after cell depigmentation. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate that CV extract can induce RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL-mediated necroptosis in depigmented melanoma cells. Moreover, using the co-culture system, we showed that inhibition of the tyrosinase activity in melanoma cells modulates cytokine expression in co-cultured mononuclear cells, indicating that depigmentation of melanoma cells may activate immune cells and thereby influence a host anticancer response.
Human Herpesviruses Increase the Severity of Hepatitis

Simple Summary More than 300 million people worldwide suffer from hepatitis B or hepatitis C and more than 1 million people die each year from cirrhosis and liver cancer. In some cases, the nature of hepatitis remains unclear. The purpose of this research was to assess the prevalence of human herpesviruses (cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, and herpesvirus type 6) in patients with hepatitis, and to examine their effect on the disease severity. In the clinical materials of 377 patients with acute or chronic hepatitis, DNA of these three herpesviruses was detected in the blood in 13.5% of patients with viral hepatitis B or C and in 10.1% of patients with hepatitis of unspecified etiology. The cirrhosis was diagnosed in patients with herpesviruses 3 times more often than in patients without them. In patients with hepatitis C, the incidence of herpesviruses was higher in the tissue samples of liver biopsies (38.7%) than in the blood. Clinical and virological indicators of hepatitis were considerably higher in the patients with coinfection. Since in patients with hepatitis the presence of herpesviruses is associated with a more severe course of the disease, the detection, and herpesvirus DNA monitoring will help to adjust the course of therapy. Abstract Acute and chronic liver diseases are a major global public health problem; nevertheless, the etiology of 12–30% of cases remains obscure. The purpose of this research was to study the incidence of human herpesviruses (HHVs) cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and HHV-6 in patients with hepatitis and to examine the effect of HHV on the disease severity. We studied the clinical materials of 259 patients with hepatitis treated in Infectious Clinic n.1 (Moscow) and the archived materials of 118 patients with hepatitis C. HHV DNA was detected in the whole blood in 13.5% of patients with hepatitis B or C and in 10.1% of patients with hepatitis of unspecified etiology. EBV demonstrated the highest incidence (58.1%). Cirrhosis was diagnosed in 50% of patients with HHV and in 15.6% of patients without HHV. In patients with hepatitis C, the frequency of HHV was higher in liver biopsy (38.7%) compared to blood. The clinical and virological indicators of hepatitis were considerably higher in patients with coinfection. Conclusion: HHV detected in patients with viral hepatitis has been associated with a significant effect on the severity of the disease, and we suggest monitoring HHV DNA in patients with severe hepatitis and/or poor response to antiviral drugs.
Foraging Behavior and Pollen Transport by Flower Visitors of the Madeira Island Endemic Echium candicans

Simple Summary The successful conservation of many endangered island plants depends on the pollination services provided by animals. In this study, we identify the flower visitors of Echium candicans, a charismatic plant exclusive to the island of Madeira, and also evaluate their performance as pollinators by analyzing their behavior on the flowers and the pollen they transport on their body. We found that many different animals visit this plant’s flowers, from insects to reptiles, but bees were the most frequent visitors. Large bees visited more flowers and transported more pollen of Echium candicans compared to other pollinators, like butterflies and hoverflies. However, by visiting many flowers in the same plant large bees might contribute to inbreeding, whilst the other animals visited fewer flowers in each plant favoring outcrossing. We conclude that the different flower visitors of Echium candicans provide complementary services as pollinators and highlight the importance of having diverse communities of pollinators to ensure successful pollination in many island plants. Abstract The study of flower visitor behavior and pollen transport dynamics within and between plants can be of great importance, especially for threatened or rare plant species. In this work, we aim to assess the flower visitor assemblage of the Madeiran endemic Echium candicans and evaluate the performance of the most common visitors through the analysis of their foraging behavior and pollen loads. The flower visitor assemblage of E. candicans is diverse, including several insect groups and the endemic lizard Teira dugesii, but bees are the most common visitors. In general, large bees (Amegilla quadrifasciata, Apis mellifera, and Bombus spp.) had the highest average visitation rates (>18 flowers/min) and their pollen loads had higher percentages of homospecific pollen (>66%) when compared with butterflies and hoverflies. The honeybee (Apis mellifera) and two bumblebees (Bombus terrestris and B. ruderatus) were the most efficient flower visitors of E. candicans, but their foraging behavior seems to favor geitonogamy. Other visitors, such as butterflies and the small bee Lasioglossum wollastoni, may have a complementary role to the honeybee and bumblebee species, as their high mobility is associated with fewer flower visits on each plant and may promote xenogamy. Two non-native bees (A. mellifera and B. ruderatus) are important flower visitors of E. candicans and may contribute mostly to self-pollination rendering the endemic plant more vulnerable to inbreeding effects.
Understanding Emotions: Origins and Roles of the Amygdala

Emotions arise from activations of specialized neuronal populations in several parts of the cerebral cortex, notably the anterior cingulate, insula, ventromedial prefrontal, and subcortical structures, such as the amygdala, ventral striatum, putamen, caudate nucleus, and ventral tegmental area. Feelings are conscious, emotional experiences of these activations that contribute to neuronal networks mediating thoughts, language, and behavior, thus enhancing the ability to predict, learn, and reappraise stimuli and situations in the environment based on previous experiences. Contemporary theories of emotion converge around the key role of the amygdala as the central subcortical emotional brain structure that constantly evaluates and integrates a variety of sensory information from the surroundings and assigns them appropriate values of emotional dimensions, such as valence, intensity, and approachability. The amygdala participates in the regulation of autonomic and endocrine functions, decision-making and adaptations of instinctive and motivational behaviors to changes in the environment through implicit associative learning, changes in short- and long-term synaptic plasticity, and activation of the fight-or-flight response via efferent projections from its central nucleus to cortical and subcortical structures.
Requirement of Fc-Fc Gamma Receptor Interaction for Antibody-Based Protection against Emerging Virus Infections

Identification of therapeutics against emerging and re-emerging viruses remains a continued priority that is only reinforced by the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Advances in monoclonal antibody (mAb) isolation, characterization, and production make it a viable option for rapid treatment development. While mAbs are traditionally screened and selected based on potency of neutralization in vitro, it is clear that additional factors contribute to the in vivo efficacy of a mAb beyond viral neutralization. These factors include interactions with Fc receptors (FcRs) and complement that can enhance neutralization, clearance of infected cells, opsonization of virions, and modulation of the innate and adaptive immune response. In this review, we discuss recent studies, primarily using mouse models, that identified a role for Fc-FcγR interactions for optimal antibody-based protection against emerging and re-emerging virus infections.
MicroRNA expression profile in serum reveals novel diagnostic biomarkers for endometrial cancer

Abstract Purpose: Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) prove to be promising diagnostic biomarkers for various cancers, including endometrial cancer (EC). The present study aims to identify serum microRNAs that can serve as potential biomarkers for EC diagnosis. Patients and methods: A total of 92 EC and 102 normal control (NC) serum samples were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in this four-phase experiment. The logistic regression method was used to construct a diagnostic model based on the differentially expressed miRNAs in serum. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value. To further validate the diagnostic capacity of the identified signature, the 6-miRNA marker was compared with previously reported biomarkers and verified in three public datasets. In addition, the expression characteristics of the identified miRNAs were further explored in tissue and serum exosomes samples. Results: Six miRNAs (miR-143-3p, miR-195-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-204-5p, miR-423-3p, and miR-484) were significantly overexpressed in the serum of EC compared with NCs. Areas under the ROC of the 6-miRNA signatures were 0.748, 0.833, and 0.967 for the training, testing, and the external validation phases, respectively. The identified signature has a very stable diagnostic performance in the large cohorts of three public datasets. Compared with previously identified miRNA biomarkers, the 6-miRNA signature in the present study has superior performance in diagnosing EC. Moreover, the expression of miR-143-3p and miR-195-5p in tissues and the expression of miR-20b-5p in serum exosomes were consistent with those in serum. Conclusions: We established a 6-miRNA signature in serum and they could function as potential non-invasive biomarker for EC diagnosis.
Mental Health and the Symptoms of PTSD in People with Depression and Anxiety Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study was to examine the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms related to the COVID-19 pandemic in people with no diagnosis of mental illness, as well as in people who were diagnosed with depression or anxiety. Moreover, this study aimed to investigate the interplay between PTSD symptoms and self-assessed mental health associated with well-being. The 210 participants were divided into 3 groups: mentally healthy, participants with diagnosed depression, and participants with anxiety disorders. To evaluate the subjective well-being of the participants, the Polish adaptation of the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC–SF) was applied. The Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was used to measure the severity of PTSD symptoms. At least a moderate worsening of PTSD symptoms was observed in participants of all groups. The results were as follows: healthy participants M = 37.35 (SD = 18.46); participants with depression M = 36.05 (SD = 18.02); participants with anxiety M = 44.52 (SD = 18.08). The participants diagnosed with depression showed the lowest level of mental well-being M = 41.58 (SD = 15.02). Conclusion: People diagnosed with depression had both the lowest level of well-being and the lowest severity of symptoms specific to PTSD. In all three groups, lower emotional well-being was linked to greater PTSD symptoms.
Effects of mask-wearing on social anxiety: an exploratory review

ABSTRACT Background A unique feature of the global coronavirus pandemic has been the widespread adoption of mask-wearing as a public health measure to minimize the risk of contagion. Little is known about the effects of increased mask-wearing on social interactions, social anxiety, or overall mental health. Objectives Explore the potential effects of mask-wearing on social anxiety. Design We review existing literatures to highlight three preselected sets of factors that may be important in shaping the effects of mask-wearing on social anxiety. These are: (a) people’s perceptions of the social norms associated with wearing masks; (b) people’s experiences of the degree to which masks prevent accurate interpretation of social and emotional cues; and (c) people’s use of masks as a type of safety behavior that enables self-concealment. Methods APA PsycNet and PubMed were searched principally between September and November 2020 for articles describing the relationship between social anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, ambiguous feedback, and safety behavior use and for research on the relationship between mask-wearing and social norms and social interactions. Information identified as relevant from articles of interest was extracted and included in our review. Results & Conclusions The effects of mask-wearing on social anxiety are likely to be substantial and clinically relevant.
Soluble biomarkers associated with chronic lung disease in older children and adolescents with perinatal HIV infection

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: HIV-associated chronic lung disease (HCLD) is a common comorbidity in children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The pathogenesis of HCLD is unclear and may be driven by underlying dysregulated systemic immune activation and inflammation. We investigated the association between 26 plasma soluble biomarkers and HCLD. Design: Case--control analysis of baseline biomarker data from 336 children and adolescents (6–19 years old) with perinatal HIV infection (PHIV) and HCLD (cases) and 74 age-matched and sex-matched controls with PHIV but no CLD. HCLD was defined as having a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) z score less than −1 with no reversibility. Methods: Cryopreserved plasma collected at recruitment was used in a multiplex bead assay (Luminex) to measure baseline levels of soluble biomarkers. Logistic regression alongside data-reduction and techniques quantifying the interconnectedness of biomarkers were used to identify biomarkers associated with odds of HCLD. Results: Biomarkers of general immune activation and inflammation (β2M, CRP, sCCL5, GCSF, IFN-γ, IP-10), T-cell activation (sCD25, sCD27), platelet activation (sCD40-L), monocyte activation (sCD14), coagulation (D-Dimer), cellular adhesion (E-selectin), and extracellular matrix degradation (MMP-1, MMP-7, MMP-10) were associated with increased odds of HCLD. Exploratory PCA and assessment of biomarker interconnectedness identified T-cell and platelet activation as centrally important to this association. Conclusion: HCLD was associated with a large number of soluble biomarkers representing a range of different pathways. Our findings suggest a prominent role for T-cell and platelet activation in HCLD.
Magnetic Compass Orientation in a Palaearctic–Indian Night Migrant, the Red-Headed Bunting

Simple Summary The earth’s magnetic field, celestial cues, and retention of geographical cues en route provide birds with compass knowledge during migration. The magnetic compass works on the direction of the magnetic field, specifically, the course of the field lines. We tested Red-headed Buntings in orientation cages in the evening during spring migration. Simulated overcast testing resulted in a northerly mean direction, while in clear skies, birds oriented in an NNW (north–northwest) direction. Buntings were exposed to 120° anticlockwise shifted magnetic fields under simulated overcast skies and responded by shifting their orientation accordingly. The results showed that this Palaearctic night migrant possesses a magnetic compass, as well as the fact that magnetic cues act as primary directional messengers. When birds were exposed to different environmental conditions at 22 °C and 38 °C temperatures under simulated overcast conditions, they showed a delay in Zugunruhe (migratory restlessness) at 22 °C, while an advance migratory restlessness was observed under 38 °C conditions. Hot and cold weather clearly influenced the timing of migrations in Red-headed Buntings, but not the direction. Abstract Red-headed Buntings (Emberiza bruniceps) perform long-distance migrations within their southerly overwintering grounds and breeding areas in the northern hemisphere. Long-distance migration demands essential orientation mechanisms. The earth’s magnetic field, celestial cues, and memorization of geographical cues en route provide birds with compass knowledge during migration. Birds were tested during spring migration for orientation under natural clear skies, simulated overcast skies at natural day length and temperature, simulated overcast at 22 °C and 38 °C temperatures, and in the deflected (−120°) magnetic field. Under clear skies, the Red-headed Buntings were oriented NNW (north–northwest); simulated overcast testing resulted in a northerly mean direction at local temperatures as well as at 22 °C and 38 °C. The Buntings reacted strongly in favor of the rotated magnetic field under the simulated overcast sky, demonstrating the use of a magnetic compass for migrating in a specific direction.
Calprotectin: An Ignored Biomarker of Neutrophilia in Pediatric Respiratory Diseases

Calprotectin (CP) is a non-covalent heterodimer formed by the subunits S100A8 (A8) and S100A9 (A9). When neutrophils become activated, undergo disruption, or die, this abundant cytosolic neutrophil protein is released. By fervently chelating trace metal ions that are essential for bacterial development, CP plays an important role in human innate immunity. It also serves as an alarmin by controlling the inflammatory response after it is released. Extracellular concentrations of CP increase in response to infection and inflammation, and are used as a biomarker of neutrophil activation in a variety of inflammatory diseases. Although it has been almost 40 years since CP was discovered, its use in daily pediatric practice is still limited. Current evidence suggests that CP could be used as a biomarker in a variety of pediatric respiratory diseases, and could become a valuable key factor in promoting diagnostic and therapeutic capacity. The aim of this study is to re-introduce CP to the medical community and to emphasize its potential role with the hope of integrating it as a useful adjunct, in the practice of pediatric respiratory medicine.
DeepD2V: A Novel Deep Learning-Based Framework for Predicting Transcription Factor Binding Sites from Combined DNA Sequence

Predicting in vivo protein–DNA binding sites is a challenging but pressing task in a variety of fields like drug design and development. Most promoters contain a number of transcription factor (TF) binding sites, but only a small minority has been identified by biochemical experiments that are time-consuming and laborious. To tackle this challenge, many computational methods have been proposed to predict TF binding sites from DNA sequence. Although previous methods have achieved remarkable performance in the prediction of protein–DNA interactions, there is still considerable room for improvement. In this paper, we present a hybrid deep learning framework, termed DeepD2V, for transcription factor binding sites prediction. First, we construct the input matrix with an original DNA sequence and its three kinds of variant sequences, including its inverse, complementary, and complementary inverse sequence. A sliding window of size k with a specific stride is used to obtain its k-mer representation of input sequences. Next, we use word2vec to obtain a pre-trained k-mer word distributed representation model. Finally, the probability of protein–DNA binding is predicted by using the recurrent and convolutional neural network. The experiment results on 50 public ChIP-seq benchmark datasets demonstrate the superior performance and robustness of DeepD2V. Moreover, we verify that the performance of DeepD2V using word2vec-based k-mer distributed representation is better than one-hot encoding, and the integrated framework of both convolutional neural network (CNN) and bidirectional LSTM (bi-LSTM) outperforms CNN or the bi-LSTM model when used alone. The source code of DeepD2V is available at the github repository.