Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Blood Pressure in Older Adults

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. FGF-23 (fibroblast growth factor 23) regulates phosphorus and vitamin D. Elevated FGF-23 is associated with incident hypertension in young- and middle-aged adults, but there is limited data in older adults. Serum FGF-23 was measured using an intact ELISA assay in 2496 participants of the Healthy Aging and Body Composition Study. The association between FGF-23 and prevalent hypertension (self-reported and confirmed by use of antihypertensive medications) and number of antihypertensive medications was determined. The associations between FGF-23 and incident hypertension, and diastolic and systolic blood pressure trajectories were evaluated over 10 years. Models were adjusted for demographics, estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and measures of mineral metabolism. The mean (SD) age was 75 (3) years, with 51% women, and 40% black participants. The prevalence of hypertension at baseline was 75% and the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 134 (21) mm Hg and 70 (12) mm Hg, respectively. The majority of participants without hypertension at baseline developed incident hypertension (576 of 1109 or 52%). In adjusted models, each 2-fold higher FGF-23 was associated with prevalent baseline hypertension (odds ratio=1.46 [1.24–1.73]) and greater number of blood pressure medications (IRR=1.14 [1.08–1.21]) but not with baseline diastolic or systolic blood pressure. In fully adjusted longitudinal analyses, a 2-fold higher FGF-23 was associated with incident hypertension (hazard ratio=1.18 [1.03–1.36]) and worsening systolic blood pressures (β=0.24 [0.08–0.40] mm Hg per year increase), but not with diastolic blood pressures (β=0.04 [−0.04 to 0.12] mm Hg per year increase). Higher FGF-23 concentrations are associated with prevalent and incident hypertension as well as rising systolic blood pressures in community-living older adults.
Network‐Like Organization of the Circadian System Regulates Metabolic Homeostasis

Endogenous circadian clocks facilitate the body’s adaptation to an environment that is rhythmically changing because of the Earth’s rotation around its axis. In mammals, a master pacemaker residing in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) integrates external time cues (or zeitgebers) such as light exposure to synchronize subordinated clocks in extra-SCN brain and peripheral tissues with each other and with external time. Disruption of clock network coordination, for example, by shift work, promotes various chronic metabolic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, or coronary heart disease (1). Recent studies using tissue-specific manipulations of clock function in mice have challenged the dominant role of the SCN as the primary driver of circadian rhythms throughout the body. In this perspective, we discuss the experimental evidence for a more network-like functioning of the mammalian circadian clock system and the implication of such organization for the regulation of energy metabolism as one major clock output.
The mental representation and social aspect of expressives

ABSTRACT Despite increased focus on emotional language, research lacks for the most emotional language: Swearing. We used event-related potentials (ERPs) to investigate whether swear words have content distinct from function words, and if so, whether this content is emotional or social in nature. Stimuli included swear (e.g. shit, damn), negative but non-swear (e.g. kill, sick), open-class neutral (e.g. wood, lend), and closed-class neutral words (e.g. while, whom). Behaviourally, swears were recognised slower than valence- and arousal- matched negative words, meaning that there is more to the expressive dimension than merely a heightened emotional state. In ERPs, both swears and negative words elicited a larger positivity (250–550 ms) than open-class neutral words. Later, swears elicited a larger late positivity (550–750 ms) than negative words. We associate the earlier positivity effect with attention due to negative valence, and the later positivity effect with pragmatics due to social tabooness. Our findings suggest a view in which expressives are not merely function words or emotional words. Rather, expressives are emotionally and socially significant. Swears are more than what is indicated by valence ore arousal alone.
Impact of vaccination on invasive pneumococcal disease in Italy 2007–2017: surveillance challenges and epidemiological changes

Abstract Surveillance of new cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in Italy was started in 2007 by the Ministry of Health (MoH). In 2012, pneumococcal childhood vaccination was introduced at the national level and, in 2017, for citizens aged 65 years and over. We describe here IPD epidemiology in Italy over the past 10 years investigating the impact of the vaccine programme on disease burden. Reports of IPD cases, data on serotype and vaccination coverage (VC) data were obtained from MoH annual reports, for the period 2007–2017. IPD notification rate and proportion by year, region, age and serotype were calculated. In 2007, 525 cases were reported (rate 0.88/100 000), rising to 1703 cases (rate 2.82/100 000) in 2017. The distribution of IPD cases by age group over time registered the largest share among individuals aged 65 years and over. A decreasing trend in notification rate was observed among those aged 0–4 years. During the same period, the 24-month VC increased, ranging from 80.9% to 96.7% in 2017. Molecular data indicated re-emergence of PPSV23-specific serotypes and non-vaccine serotypes. We observed an increase in IPD notifications during 2007–2017, likely due to an improved surveillance system, at least in some regions, with the relative quota of IPD notifications decreasing among vaccinated children cohorts. Further strengthening of IPD surveillance system, including molecular and vaccine coverage data, would be needed to assess and inform pneumococcal vaccination strategies in Italy.
Astragaloside IV regulates the HIF/VEGF/Notch signaling pathway through miRNA-210 to promote angiogenesis after ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is one of the main active ingredients of Astragalusmembranaceus. Studies have shown that AS-IV stimulates angiogenesis, including cell proliferation, migration, and neovascularization. However, the relevant mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate whether AS-IV activates the HIF/VEGF/Notch signaling pathway through miRNA-210 to promote angiogenesisafter ischemic stroke. METHODS The present study established a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under hypoxic conditions in vitro to investigate the role of AS-IV in promoting angiogenesis and reveal its underlying mechanism. Through in vivo studies, the area of cerebral infarction was determined by 2,3,5-triPhenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression changes of miRNA-210 and ephrinA3 in the ischemic cortex after ischemia. Through in vitro studies, cell proliferation was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Subsequently, angiogenesis experiments were performed to observe the angiogenic ability. RESULTS Results revealed that AS-IV significantly reduced infarct size, promoted cell proliferation and ductal formation, and inhibited the expression of the target gene ephrinA3 by increasing the expression of miRNA-210 and inducing activation of the HIF-VEGF-Notch signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS AS-IV promotes cerebral protection following angiogenesis and ischemic brain injury. The specific mechanism was activating the HIF/VEGF/Notch signaling pathway via miRNA-210.
Effect of synbiotics on thyroid hormones, intestinal histomorphology, and heat shock protein 70 expression in broiler chickens reared under cyclic heat stress

This study examined effect of a dietary synbiotic supplement on the concentrations of plasma thyroid hormones, expressions of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and intestinal histomorphology in broiler chickens exposed to cyclic heat stress (HS). Three hundred and sixty day old male Ross 708 broiler chicks were randomly distributed among 3 dietary treatments containing a synbiotic (PoultryStar meUS) at 0 (control), 0.5 (0.5×), and 1.0 (1.0×) g/kg. Each treatment contained 8 replicates of 15 birds each housed in floor pens in a temperature and lighting controlled room. Heat stimulation was established from days 15 to 42 at 32°C for 9 h daily. The results indicated that under the HS condition, both synbiotic fed groups had lower liver and hypothalamus HSP70 levels (P < 0.001) compared to control group; however, HSP70 mRNA expression was not different among treatments (P > 0.05). There were no treatment effects on the levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) as well as T3/T4 ratio (P > 0.05). Compared to controls, 1.0× HS broilers had greater villus height in the duodenum (P < 0.01), and greater villus height and villus height:crypt depth ratios in the ileum (P < 0.01). There were no differences among treatments on the measured intestinal parameters in the jejunum (P > 0.05). The results suggest that the synbiotic may ameliorate the negative effects of HS on chicken health as indicated by the changes in the intestinal architecture and the levels of HSP70. Dietary synbiotic supplement could be a feasible nutritive strategy for the poultry industry to improve the health and welfare of chickens when exposed to hot environmental temperature.
Competition between barley and Lolium rigidum for nitrate

The ability of barley to compete with Lolium rigidum Gaud. was evaluated in a replacement series competition experiment under glasshouse conditions. A similar, positive response to nitrogen applications on growth, seed production and nitrogen uptake by barley and L. rigidum was found. The nitrogen level did not alter the competitive relationship between the species. There was reciprocal competition between barley and L. rigidum but, because of earlier tillering and nitrate absorption by barley, the competition from the crop was greater. L. rigidum exhibited a prolonged period of tillering and nitrate absorption and competed less with the barley. The relative yield total in the mixture was greater than 1 as a result of the different time of nitrate absorption by both species. The role of nitrogen fertilizer in the competitive relationship between the species is considered in terms of the period of application and the nitrogen salt used.
Maternal conjugated linoleic acid alters hepatic lipid metabolism via the AMPK signaling pathway in chick embryos

The effects of maternal conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on embryonic development and hepatic lipid metabolism were investigated in chick embryos. A total of 180 Arbor Acres female broiler breeders (36 wk old) were randomly divided into the following 3 dietary treatment groups: a basic diet (control), a basic diet containing 0.5% CLA (CLA1), and a basic diet containing 1.0% CLA (CLA2). The females were fed for 8 wk, and the eggs from each group were collected and hatched during the last 2 wk. The results showed that the addition of dietary CLA increased the broken egg rate and reduced the fertilization rate and the egg hatchability (P < 0.05). CLA enrichment decreased the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and increased the saturated fatty acids in the yolk sac (P < 0.05). The yolk sac weight, body weight, and body length had a linear decrease with CLA supplementation (P < 0.05). In the developing chick embryo (at E14) and newly hatched chick (D0), the serum triglyceride concentration decreased with maternal CLA supplementation and was accompanied by a reduction in subcutaneous adipose tissue deposition. In addition, maternal CLA supplementation mediated the hepatic lipid metabolism by decreasing the mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and increasing the mRNA expression of adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α (PPARα), liver fatty acid-binding protein, adipose triglyceride lipase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase in embryonic chick livers (P < 0.05). A drop in SREBP-1c protein expression and an increase in the protein expression of p-AMPKα and PPARα were also observed in the liver of chick embryo (P < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal CLA supplementation regulated the fatty acid composition in the yolk sac, and mediated embryonic chick development and hepatic lipometabolism, and these effects may be related to the AMPK pathway. These findings suggest the potential ability of maternal CLA supplementation to reduce fat deposition in chick embryos.
Calcium and Potassium Cyclotron Resonance Curves and Harmonics in Diatoms (A. Coeffeaformis)

Our previous findings provide strong evidence that transport of a given ionic species through a cell membrane can be precisely controlled by tuning externally applied magnetic fields to the ion cyclotron resonance (CR) gyrofrequency for the ion in question. Experiment and theory have shown that certain odd harmonics of the fundamental resonance frequency are also effective. In the present experiment we again used the model of Ca-dependent motility of benthic diatoms, extending our harmonic studies through N = 17, for both Ca2+ and K+ fundamentals. Eight separate Ca2+ fundamental frequencies: 8, 12, 16, 23, 31, 32, 46, 64 Hz were attempted and each was found to obey the CR condition. We also report two observations: (1) tuning to K+ results in inhibition of motility, directly opposite to the enhancement that occurs when tuning for Ca2+; (2) both the K+ inhibition and Ca2+ enhancement are independently observed at exactly the same harmonics: N = 1, 3, 5, 15. This strongly suggests that despite differences i.
EFFECTS OF STOCKING SIZE AND DENSITY ON GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF Macrobrachium rosenbergii (DE MAN) IN PONDS

Postlarval and juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii were stocked in twelve 0.025 ha earthen ponds to study the effects of stocking size and density on growth and survival. The experiment was comprised of four treatments, three replicates each. One treatment consisted of juveniles (0.760-0.792 g) stocked at 5/m2. The remaining treatments were postlarvae (0.044-0.063 g) stocked at 5, 10, and 20/m2. Following each four week sampling interval, feeding rates were adjusted based on mean body weight and an estimated 5% mortality. All ponds were fed Purina Marine Ration 25* at rates of 30, 15, 8, 4, 2, and 2% body weight for each respective sampling interval during the 24 week study. Juveniles grew to a mean weight of 43.256 g while postlarvae reached 29.749 respectively. Survival ranged from 38 to 92% and final feed conversion ratios ranged from 1.88:1 to 0.96:1. The maximum equivlent production of 2278.61 kg/ha occurred in ponds stocked with 20/m2.
Nia Imani Model of Care’s Impact on Homeless African-American Women

This qualitative study assessed the impact of the Nia Imani model of care on homeless African-American women, many of whom abused drugs, experienced interpersonal violence, and faced other challenges when seeking to improve their lives and health. Nia Imani Family, Inc., is Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s, only long-term transitional living facility. Grounded in Black feminist thought, our study included focus group interviews with 39 women who had lived at Nia Imani, and successfully completed its programs; and one individual interview with the founder, who had also experienced homelessness (N=40). Themes were identified through thematic analysis, and included the following: crucial social support, learning self-worth, stability and structure, appreciation for strict rules, and importance of parenting and financial literacy classes. To ensure effective interventions, there is a need for nurses to understand how community-based and community-led programs, like Nia Imani, impact the health and well-being of African-American women, who have experienced homelessness.
Seasonal Variability in Morphology of Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus, Megalopae and Early Juvenile Stage Crabs, and Distinguishing Characteristics Among Co-Occurring Portunidae

Abstract Declines in abundance of the commercially important blue crab Callinectes sapidus have led fishery managers to search for new management strategies. Assessing year-class strength at megalopal or early juvenile stages may contribute to this effort, but separation from co-occurring species is difficult in many areas because morphological characteristics vary with season and published descriptions do not adequately distinguish C. sapidus from C. similis and other related species. Callinectes sapidus and C. similis megalopae were collected monthly and cultured in the laboratory to a size at which positive identification could be made. Measurements on intact megalopae and early crab exuviae of both species revealed seasonal differences, with spring megalopae having larger carapaces, longer rostral spines and antennae and more setae on some mouth parts than fall megalopae. This seasonal pattern of morphological variability was verified through examination of samples collected from MS (1976–1979) and NC (2005) coastal waters. Rostrum length, total carapace length and rostrum length as a percent of total carapace length of NC megalopae were negatively correlated with water temperature 2–4 weeks prior to collection. Callinectes sapidus and C. similis megalopae can be rapidly separated within locations and seasons by: 1) the shape of the antero-lateral carapace margin, 2) rostral length as a percent of total carapace length, and 3) the combined length of the distal eight segments of the antenna. Such rapid separation is essential for fisheries studies requiring identification of large numbers of individuals. Molecular analyses or more detailed morphological analyses remain necessary for definitive separation regardless of season. Keys to common coastal portunid megalopae and first crab stages were compiled to aid investigators in separating C. sapidus megalopae and early juvenile stages from co-occurring portunids.
The bicuspid aortic valve: Still a toothy problem

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an acceptable treatment alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement in selected patients with a bicuspid aortic valve. TAVR appears to have acceptable mid‐term outcomes in patients with bicuspid aortic stenosis. A large‐scale, randomized, clinical trial is necessary to better define the role of TAVR for patients with bicuspid aortic stenosis.
Steroid‐Responsive Encephalitis in Coronavirus Disease 2019

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection has the potential for targeting the central nervous system, and several neurological symptoms have been described in patients with severe respiratory distress. Here, we described the case of a 60‐year‐old patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection but only mild respiratory abnormalities who developed an akinetic mutism attributable to encephalitis. Magnetic resonance imaging was negative, whereas electroencephalography showed generalized theta slowing. Cerebrospinal fluid analyses during the acute stage were negative for SARS‐CoV‐2, positive for pleocytosis and hyperproteinorrachia, and showed increased interleukin‐8 and tumor necrosis factor‐α concentrations. Other infectious or autoimmune disorders were excluded. A progressive clinical improvement along with a reduction of cerebrospinal fluid parameters was observed after high‐dose steroid treatment, thus arguing for an inflammatory‐mediated brain involvement related to COVID‐19. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:423–427.
Effects of a bioactive olive pomace extract from Olea europaea on growth performance, gut function, and intestinal microbiota in broiler chickens

The present study aims to investigate the effects of supplementing broiler diets with a bioactive olive pomace extract (OE) from Olea europaea on growth performance, digestibility, gut microbiota, bile acid composition, and immune response. To this end, three hundred and six 1-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were housed in floor pens (6 pens/treatment, with 17 birds/pen). Animals were fed with a standard non-medicated starter diet for 21 D, and from 22 to 42 D of age with their respective experimental diet: a negative control with no additives (Control), a positive control with 100 ppm of monensin (Monensin) and the basal diet supplemented with 750 ppm of an OE (Lucta S.A., Spain). Feed intake and growth rate were monitored weekly throughout the trial. From 21 to 42 D of age, no significant differences in feed intake were observed among dietary treatments; however, lower average daily gain and higher feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05) was observed in birds fed the Control compared to Monensin and OE groups. Performance of birds fed OE or Monensin was similar throughout the trial. The apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein was higher in birds fed Monensin than Control treatment (P < 0.05). No significant changes on bacterial composition at a family level were observed in the caeca of birds fed the experimental diets. Moreover, no significant differences on plasma and intestinal bile acid composition were observed among treatments. Birds fed the OE showed a significant decrease of IL-8 expression in the ileum (P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of TGF-β4, and Bu-1 was significantly upregulated (P < 0.01) in broilers fed the OE and Monensin diets compared to those fed the Control. In conclusion, the inclusion of 750 ppm of a bioactive olive pomace extract from Olea europaea in broiler chicken diets improved animal growth likely as result of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Socio-demographic and Household-Level Risk Factors for Severe Acute Malnutrition in Pre-school Children in North-Western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and is disproportionately distributed mainly in developing countries. In Nigeria, the prevalence of SAM in the North-Western region of the country is significantly higher than the national average. In this study, we identified risk factors for SAM in North-Western Nigeria. Identifying such risk factors would be helpful in developing local preventive strategies and providing insights for broader SAM control programs in other high-burden country settings. METHODS We performed post hoc data analysis, comparing baseline socio-demographic and household-level risk factors in a cohort of 1011 children aged between 6 and 59 months who either had SAM or were well-nourished children. We defined nutritional status using the World Health Organization (WHO) reference standards and investigated the association between SAM and our identified risk factors using multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS Children aged between 12 and 23 months [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.99-4.38], household who reared domestic animals (AOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.40-2.69) and those from polygamous households (AOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.33-2.74) had significantly increased odds of developing SAM. Parental education and being on the household diet reduced the odds of having SAM. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest the need to develop optimal complementary feeding nutrition programs and promote adult and general education in our community. Cultural and feeding practices in local polygamous households also need further investigation to understand the association between polygamy with SAM.