Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Pomegranate Seed Oil on Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background: In recent years, there has been a growing interest, supported by many experimental and clinical studies, about the benefits of pomegranate in preventing various pathologic conditions, including brain neurodegeneration. The pomegranate seed oil (PSO) contains high levels of fatty acids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: Due to the lack of clinical trials, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of PSO on cognition of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: Eighty people with the diagnosis of MCI were randomized forty to take 5 drops of PSO and follow the Mediterranean Diet (MeDi) and forty just followed MeDi. All were examined with an extensive neuropsychological assessment before and after one year of treatment. Results: The results showed that the participants who took the PSO had statistically significantly better global cognition (p = 0.004), verbal episodic memory (p = 0.009), and processing and executive functions (p < 0.001) in contrast with the participants who did not take it. Conclusions: In conclusion, the PSO can be beneficial for people with MCI as it is helpful for some important cognitive domains. As PSO is a natural product that does not burden the human body, it can be used by people with MCI and be a significant and promising part of holistic approaches for the prevention of dementia.
Effects of breastfeeding on children’s gut colonization with multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales in peri-urban Lima, Peru

ABSTRACT Children living in low-resource settings are frequently gut-colonized with multidrug-resistant bacteria. We explored whether breastfeeding may protect against children’s incident gut colonization with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) and Klebsiella, Enterobacter, or Citrobacter spp. (ESBL-KEC). We screened 937 monthly stool samples collected from 112 children aged 1–16 months during a 2016–19 prospective cohort study of enteric infections in peri-urban Lima. We used 52,816 daily surveys to examine how exposures to breastfeeding in the 30 days prior to a stool sample were associated with children’s risks of incident gut-colonization, controlling for antibiotic use and other covariates. We sequenced 78 ESBL-Ec from 47 children to explore their diversity. Gut-colonization with ESBL-Ec was increasingly prevalent as children aged, approaching 75% by 16 months, while ESBL-KEC prevalence fluctuated between 18% and 36%. Through 6 months of age, exclusively providing human milk in the 30 days prior to a stool sample did not reduce children’s risk of incident gut-colonization with ESBL-Ec or ESBL-KEC. From 6 to 16 months of age, every 3 additional days of breastfeeding in the prior 30 days was associated with 6% lower risk of incident ESBL-Ec gut-colonization (95% CI: 0.90, 0.98, p = .003). No effects were observed on incident ESBL-KEC colonization. We detected highly diverse ESBL-Ec among children and few differences between children who were predominantly breastfed (mean age: 4.1 months) versus older children (10.8 months). Continued breastfeeding after 6 months conferred protection against children’s incident gut colonization with ESBL-Ec in this setting. Policies supporting continued breastfeeding should be considered in efforts to combat antibiotic resistance.
Performance of ginger in tamarind plantation (as intercrop) compared to sole cropping (ginger).

A field trail was conducted on medium black soil during 2003-2004 to study intercropping of ginger in tamarind plantation compared to sole cropping under irrigated condition. The experiment was laid out in six years old tamarind plantation spaced at 6 X 6 m (as intercrop) with three replications. Interception of Photosyntheficall active radiation (PAR) by ginger crop at 150 days after planting (DAP) as intercrop in tamarind plantation was 25,229 lux compared to 31,643 lux in open area. Significantly higher numbers of rhizomes were recorded under intercropping compared to sole cropping. Ginger grown as intercrop in tamarind plantation recorded higher yield (173.89 g/ plant) compared to sole crop in open area (117.17 g/plant).
Proton cyclotron waves occurrence rate upstream from Mars observed by MAVEN: Associated variability of the Martian upper atmosphere

Measurements provided by the Magnetometer and the Extreme Ultraviolet Monitor (EUVM) on board the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft together with atomic H exospheric densities derived from numerical simulations are studied for the time interval from October 2014 up to March 2016. We determine the proton cyclotron waves (PCWs) occurrence rate observed upstream from Mars at different times. We also study the relationship with temporal variabilities of the high‐altitude Martian hydrogen exosphere and the solar EUV flux reaching the Martian environment. We find that the abundance of PCWs is higher when Mars is close to perihelion and decreases to lower and approximately constant values after the Martian Northern Spring Equinox. We also conclude that these variabilities cannot be associated with biases in MAVEN's spatial coverage or changes in the background magnetic field orientation. Higher H exospheric densities on the Martian dayside are also found when Mars is closer to perihelion, as a result of changes in the thermospheric response to variability in the ultraviolet flux reaching Mars at different orbital distances. A consistent behavior is also observed in the analyzed daily irradiances measured by the MAVEN EUVM. The latter trends point toward an increase in the planetary proton densities upstream from the Martian bow shock near perihelion. These results then suggest a method to indirectly monitor the variability of the H exosphere up to very high altitudes during large time intervals (compared to direct measurements of neutral particles), based on the observed abundance of PCWs.
Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae parasitic infection in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) on fish farms in the state of Amazonas

The record of occurrence of acanthocephalan parasites on tambaqui farms in Northern Brazil has increased in recent years along with reports of associated economic losses, justifying further epidemiological studies of this parasite. As such, this study evaluated the occurrence of the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae and the parasite-host relationship in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) from three fish farms in the Amazonian town of Rio Preto da Eva, Brazil. Fish from the farms (N = 18 per farm) were collected for parasitological examination, determination of the relative condition factor and correlation tests between the parameters assessed. Of the fish examined, 37 were parasitized with N. buttnerae (68.5% prevalence), with intensity of infection variation ranging from 1 to 1,219 specimens per fish (12,279 specimens counted). In two farms was detected the high mean intensity of infection, 230.8 and 451.3 parasites per fish, with a total count of 4,155 and 8,123 parasites, respectively, whereas the third farm had a single fish infected with only one specimen. The weight-length ratio equation indicated that the fish were growing at the same rate in weight and length. It was observed significant correlation between parasite intensity and fish length, as well as significant negative correlation with parasite intensity and condition factor. The gastrointestinal tract contained ostracod invertebrates, which are intermediate N. buttnerae hosts. The high N. buttnerae intensity affect their physiological condition as suggested by the negative correlation between parasitic intensity and condition factor, emphasizing the need to implement suitable prophylactic measures to prevent infection by the parasite.
GREATER TORONTO AREA URBAN HEAT ISLAND: ANALYSIS OF TEMPERATURE AND EXTREMES

This study analyzes the trends in temperature, and their extremes, in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in the context of urban heat island. The trends in annual and seasonal temperature changes were investigated in the GTA over the past century and a half with special focus on 1970-2000. The Mann-Kendall test is used to assess the significance of the trends and the Theil-Sen slope estimator is used to identify their magnitude. Statistically significant increasing trends for mean and minimum temperatures are observed mainly at the urban and suburban stations. The sequential Mann-Kendall test is used to identify any abrupt change in the time series of temperature (31 -161 years), and the results indicate that increasing trend for annual mean temperature has started after 1920 at Toronto downtown, after the 1960s at the suburban stations, and has increased significantly during the 1980s at all stations, which is consistent with the pace of urbanization during these periods in the GTA. The observed urban heat island (UHI) in Toronto is quantified and characterized by considering three different rural stations. The UHI intensity (∆Tu-r) in Toronto is categorized as winter dominating or summer dominating depending on the choice of a rural station. The results from the trend analysis of annual and seasonal ∆Tu-r suggest that the choice of the rural station is crucial in the estimation of ∆Tu-r, and thus can overestimate or underestimate its prediction depending on the location and topographical characteristics of a rural station
Two birds with one stone: SGI1 can stabilize itself and expel the IncC helper by hijacking the plasmid parABS system

Abstract The SGI1 family integrative mobilizable elements, which are efficient agents in distribution of multidrug resistance in Gammaproteobacteria, have a complex, parasitic relationship with their IncC conjugative helper plasmids. Besides exploiting the transfer apparatus, SGI1 also hijacks IncC plasmid control mechanisms to time its own excision, replication and expression of self-encoded T4SS components, which provides advantages for SGI1 over its helpers in conjugal transfer and stable maintenance. Furthermore, SGI1 destabilizes its helpers in an unknown, replication-dependent way when they are concomitantly present in the same host. Here we report how SGI1 exploits the helper plasmid partitioning system to displace the plasmid and simultaneously increase its own stability. We show that SGI1 carries two copies of sequences mimicking the parS sites of IncC plasmids. These parS-like elements bind the ParB protein encoded by the plasmid and increase SGI1 stability by utilizing the parABS system of the plasmid for its own partitioning, through which SGI1 also destabilizes the helper plasmid. Furthermore, SGI1 expresses a small protein, Sci, which significantly strengthens this plasmid-destabilizing effect, as well as SGI1 maintenance. The plasmid-induced replication of SGI1 results in an increased copy-number of parS-like sequences and Sci expression leading to strong incompatibility with the helper plasmid.
A re-evaluation of the historical ‘dinosaur’ remains from the Middle-Upper Triassic of Poland

Abstract The so-called historical Polish discoveries of Triassic ‘dinosaurs’ have been repeatedly cited in papers and popular science books. Here, we re-evaluate each historical and purported Triassic dinosaur find from Poland. Additionaly, we describe several supposed ‘dinosaur’ bones collected by Polish geologists but only briefly mentioned: in regional geological journals, on collection labels, or in field notes. We attempt to assign all investigated specimens to the least inclusive taxon possible. Our revision indicates that part of this material represents non-dinosaur archosauromorph taxa. Most of the analysed specimens are fragmentary bones or isolated teeth and are indistinguishable from skeletal elements described from other well-known Triassic archosauromorph taxa. We conclude that fossils of dinosauriforms are present in the Upper Triassic of Silesia and Holy Cross Mountains. New analysis of Velocipes guerichi von Huene, 1932 holotype specimen from Kocury shows that it is the proximal part of fibula of a medium-sized theropod (or even neotheropod). Formally undescribed part of dinosauriform limb bone from the Holy Cross Mountains and V. guerichi from Silesia are the only identifiable dinosauromorph skeletal remains recognised in the Polish Triassic discovered prior to the description of Silesaurus opolensis Dzik, 2003 from the Upper Carnian of Krasiejów.
Spatial‐temporal variation of near‐surface temperature lapse rates over the Tianshan Mountains, central Asia

Adequate estimates of near‐surface temperature lapse rate (γlocal) are needed to represent air temperature in remote mountain regions with sparse instrumental records such as the mountains of central Asia. To identify the spatial and temporal variations of γlocal in the Tianshan Mountains, long‐term (1961–2011) daily maximum, mean, and minimum temperature (Tmax, Tmean, and Tmin) data from 17 weather stations and 1 year of temperature logger data were analyzed considering three subregions: northern slopes, Kaidu Basin, and southern slopes. Simple linear regression was performed to identify relationships between elevation and temperature, revealing spatial and seasonal variations in γlocal. The γlocal are higher on the southern slopes than the northern slopes due to topography and regional climate conditions. Seasonally, γlocal are more pronounced higher in the summer than in the winter months. The γlocal are generally higher for Tmax than Tmean and Tmin. The Kaidu Basin shows similar seasonal variability but with the highest γlocal for Tmean and Tmin occurring in the spring. Formation of γlocal patterns is associated with the interactions of climate factors in different subregions. Overall, annual mean γlocal for Tmax, Tmean, and Tmin in the study's subregions are lower than the standard atmospheric lapse rate (6.5°C km−1), which would therefore be an inadequate choice for representing the near‐surface temperature conditions in this area. Our findings highlight the importance of spatial and temporal variations of γlocal in hydrometeorological research in the data‐sparse Tianshan Mountains.
A nasal cell atlas reveals heterogeneity of tuft cells and their role in directing olfactory stem cell proliferation

The olfactory neuroepithelium serves as a sensory organ for odors and forms part of the nasal mucosal barrier. Olfactory sensory neurons are surrounded and supported by epithelial cells. Among them, microvillous cells (MVCs) are strategically positioned at the apical surface, but their specific functions are enigmatic, and their relationship to the other specialized epithelial cells is unclear. Here, we establish that the family of MVCs comprises tuft cells and ionocytes in both mice and humans. Integrating analysis of the respiratory and olfactory epithelia, we define the distinct receptor expression of TRPM5+ tuft-MVCs compared with Gɑ-gustducinhigh respiratory tuft cells and characterize a previously undescribed population of glandular DCLK1+ tuft cells. To establish how allergen sensing by tuft-MVCs might direct olfactory mucosal responses, we used an integrated single-cell transcriptional and protein analysis. Inhalation of Alternaria induced mucosal epithelial effector molecules including Chil4 and a distinct pathway leading to proliferation of the quiescent olfactory horizontal basal stem cell (HBC) pool, both triggered in the absence of olfactory apoptosis. Alternaria- and ATP-elicited HBC proliferation was dependent on TRPM5+ tuft-MVCs, identifying these specialized epithelial cells as regulators of olfactory stem cell responses. Together, our data provide high-resolution characterization of nasal tuft cell heterogeneity and identify a function of TRPM5+ tuft-MVCs in directing the olfactory mucosal response to allergens. TRPM5+ microvillous cells in the olfactory neuroepithelium are tuft cells that regulate olfactory stem cell proliferation. Editor’s summary The nose is responsible for protecting against inhaled agents and relaying smell sensations to the brain, functions supported by specialized respiratory and olfactory epithelia, respectively. Using single-cell transcriptomics, Ualiyeva et al. mapped the identity of distinct nasal epithelial and immune cell subsets in the murine nasal respiratory and olfactory epithelia both at homeostasis and in response to aeroallergen. On the basis of shared gene expression and histological features, they found that olfactory TRPM5+ microvillous cells, respiratory solitary chemosensory cells, and a third glandular DCLK1+ population all belong to the tuft cell family. TRPM5+ tuft microvillous cells were required for olfactory stem cell proliferation that occurred after inhalation of the mold aeroallergen Alternaria. These findings highlight additional phenotypic and functional diversity within the tuft cell lineage and map the response to allergen in the olfactory neuroepithelium. —Claire Olingy
Population-based analysis of knee joint loading in a knee osteoarthritis cohort: the impact of PCA-derived gait kinematic variations on estimated medial knee contact forces

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition leading to functional limitations, especially among the elderly. Current treatments focus on pain relief and functional improvement, however there is a lack of approaches which slow disease progression. A promising approach focusses on reducing knee joint loading, as excessive loading contributes to knee OA progression. This study explores kinematic variations in the knee OA population, utilizing principal component analysis (PCA) to examine gait variations (primitives) in both healthy individuals and those with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and their implications for knee joint loading. The KOA population exhibited 14 modes of variation representing 95% of the cumulative variance, compared to 20 in the healthy population, indicating lower variability with KOA. The relation between identified gait primitives and knee loading parameters, revealed complex relationships. Surprisingly, modes with the largest kinematic variations did not consistently correspond to the highest variations in knee loading parameters revealing degrees of freedom which may have a larger role in determining joint loading. Moreover, potential gait-retraining strategies for KOA, associating specific kinematic combinations with altered knee loading were identified. The results showed a good agreement with previously applied strategies. However, this study highlights the importance of analyzing whole-body kinematics for effective gait retraining, as opposed to focusing on one single joint variation. The study's insights contribute to understanding the intricate interplay between gait pattern variations and knee joint loading changes in healthy and KOA populations, offering practical applications for guiding interventions and estimating loading parameters.
Resting-state Functional Connectivity Predicts Cochlear-Implant Speech Outcomes

Background: Cochlear implants (CIs) have significantly improved hearing restoration for individuals with severe or profound hearing loss. Nonetheless, a substantial variability in CI outcomes remains unexplained, even when considering subject-specific factors such as age and duration of deafness. This study investigates the use of resting-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) recordings to predict speech understanding outcomes after cochlear implantation. Our hypothesis posits that resting-state functional connectivity reflects brain plasticity following hearing loss and implantation, and that the average clustering coefficient in brain functional connectivity networks can capture this variation among CI users. Methods: Twenty-two cochlear implant candidates participated in this study. Resting-state fNIRS data were collected pre- implantation and at one month, three months, and one year post-implantation. Speech understanding performance was assessed using CNC words in quiet and BKB sentences in noise one year post-implantation. Resting-state functional connectivity networks were constructed using regularized partial correlation, and the average clustering coefficient was measured in the signed weighted networks as a predictive measure for implantation outcomes. Results: Our findings demonstrate a significant correlation between the average clustering coefficient in resting-state functional networks and speech understanding outcomes. Importantly, our analysis reveals that this measure provides unique information not accounted for by subject-specific factors such as age and duration of deafness. Conclusion: This approach utilizes an easily deployable resting-state functional brain imaging metric to predict speech under-standing outcomes in implant recipients. The results indicate that the average clustering coefficient, both pre and post implantation, correlates with speech understanding outcomes.
Evolutionary innovation in conserved regulatory elements across the mammalian tree of life

Transcriptional enhancers orchestrate cell type- and time point-specific gene expression programs. Evolution of enhancer sequences can alter target gene expression without causing detrimental misexpression in other contexts. It has long been thought that this modularity allows evolutionary changes in enhancers to escape pleiotropic constraints, which is especially important for evolutionary constrained developmental patterning genes. However, there is still little data supporting this hypothesis. Here we identified signatures of accelerated evolution in conserved enhancer elements across the mammalian phylogeny. We found that pleiotropic genes involved in gene regulatory and developmental processes were enriched for accelerated sequence evolution within their enhancer elements. These genes were associated with an excess number of enhancers compared to other genes, and due to this they exhibit a substantial degree of sequence acceleration over all their enhancers combined. We provide evidence that sequence acceleration is associated with turnover of regulatory function. We studied one acceleration event in depth and found that its sequence evolution led to the emergence of a new enhancer activity domain that may be involved in the evolution of digit reduction in hoofed mammals. Our results provide tangible evidence that enhancer evolution has been a frequent contributor to modifications involving constrained developmental signaling genes in mammals.