Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential Stability of miR-9-5p and miR-9-3p in the Brain Is Determined by Their Unique Cis- and Trans-Acting Elements

Abstract microRNAs (miRs) are fundamental regulators of protein coding genes. In the CNS, miR-9 is highly enriched and critical for neuronal development and function. Mature miRs are derived from a duplex precursor, and the -5p strand (“guide”) is preferentially incorporated into an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to exert its regulatory functions, while the complementary -3p strand (“passenger”) is thought to be rapidly degraded. By contrast, both strands of the miR-9 duplex have unique functions critical for neuronal physiology, yet their respective degradation rates and mechanisms governing degradation are not well understood. Therefore, we determined the degradation kinetics of miR-9-5p and miR-9-3p and investigated the cis and trans elements that affected their stability in the brain. Using a combination of homogeneous neuronal/astrocyte cell models and heterogeneous brain tissue lysate, we demonstrate the novel finding that miR-9-3p was more stable than the miR-9-5p guide strand in all models tested. Moreover, the degradation kinetics of both miR-9-5p and miR-9-3p were brain-region specific, suggesting that each brain region was differentially enriched for specific degradation factors. We also determined that the 3′ nucleotides harbor important cis elements required to not only maintain stability, but also to recruit potential protein degradation factors. We used mass spectrometry to assess the miR-9 interacting proteins and found that the -5p and -3p strands were associated with functionally distinct proteins. Overall, these studies revealed unique miR-9-5p and miR-9-3p degradation kinetics in the brain and proposed critical nucleotide sequences and protein partners that could contribute to this differential stability.
Sensitivity to change and correlation between the autoimmune bullous disease quality‐of‐life questionnaires ABQOL and TABQOL, and objective severity scores

The Autoimmune-Bullous-Disease-Quality-of-Life (ABQOL) score is moderately correlated to pemphigus objective-severity-scores (OSS) (with Pemphigus-Disease-Area-Index (PDAI): R =0.42) but is sensitive to change. The Treatment-of-Autoimmune-Bullous Disease-Quality-of-Life (TABQOL) score is weakly correlated to pemphigus OSS (PDAI: R=0.086) and does not change during the course of treatment.
Performance and immune response of broiler chicks as affected by different levels of total dissolved solids in drinking water under hot arid environments

This study was conducted to assess the effect of different total dissolved solids (TDS) levels (265, 2610, 3154, and 3448 ppm) in drinking water obtained from natural sources on the performance and immune response of broilers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine under hot, arid environmental conditions. Each water treatment was given to a group of 100 Ross 308 broiler chicks. Each group of chicks was divided into five replicates in a cage house system. All chicks were injected with SRBC at 8 days of age when drinking water treatments started. Water intake increased significantly with the increase of TDS level. Feed efficiency and bodyweight gain were affected negatively only under the highest TDS level (3448 ppm). The highest weight gain was observed at the 2610 ppm TDS level. Plasma total protein and albumin concentration showed a significant increase at the two highest levels of TDS (3154 and 3448 ppm) in drinking water. Heterophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly elevated by the increase of the TDS level in drinking water. At 21 days of age the chicks consuming drinking water with TDS of 2610 and 265 ppm recorded a significantly higher (P < 0.05) ND antibody titer than the other two groups. At 28 and 35 days of age chicks consuming drinking water containing 2610 ppm of TDS recorded a significantly higher (P < 0.05) ND antibody titer than the group consuming water containing TDS of 265 ppm. Higher levels of antibody titer against SRBC were recorded in birds consuming drinking water with TDS of 2610 and 265 ppm at 7 and 10 days post injection than the other two groups. However, at 10 days post injection birds consuming drinking water with 2610 ppm TDS recorded higher antibody titer than birds consuming 265 ppm TDS drinking water. In conclusion, 265 and 2610 ppm of TDS in drinking water did not negatively affect broiler productive performance, while levels of 3154 and 3448 ppm may negatively affect broiler growth. The study suggests that a TDS level of 2610 ppm has a better effect on broiler performance, in terms of weight gain and immune response in hot and arid environmental conditions, compared with a TDS level of 265-ppm level.
Quantifying antibiotic impact on within-patient dynamics of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase resistance

Antibiotic-induced perturbation of the human gut flora is expected to play an important role in mediating the relationship between antibiotic use and the population prevalence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, but little is known about how antibiotics affect within-host resistance dynamics. Here we develop a data-driven model of the within-host dynamics of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae. We use blaCTX-M (the most widespread ESBL gene family) and 16S rRNA (a proxy for bacterial load) abundance data from 833 rectal swabs from 133 ESBL-positive patients followed up in a prospective cohort study in three European hospitals. We find that cefuroxime and ceftriaxone are associated with increased blaCTX-M abundance during treatment (21% and 10% daily increase, respectively), while treatment with meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, and oral ciprofloxacin is associated with decreased blaCTX-M (8% daily decrease for all). The model predicts that typical antibiotic exposures can have substantial long-term effects on blaCTX-M carriage duration.
A Predictive Model for Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Generic E. coli in Soil Amended with Untreated Animal Manure

This study aimed at developing a predictive model that captures the influences of a variety of agricultural and environmental variables and is able to predict the concentrations of enteric bacteria in soil amended with untreated Biological Soil Amendments of Animal Origin (BSAAO) under dynamic conditions. We developed and validated a Random Forest model using data from a longitudinal field study conducted in mid‐Atlantic United States investigating the survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and generic E. coli in soils amended with untreated dairy manure, horse manure, or poultry litter. Amendment type, days of rain since the previous sampling day, and soil moisture content were identified as the most influential agricultural and environmental variables impacting concentrations of viable E. coli O157:H7 and generic E. coli recovered from amended soils. Our model results also indicated that E. coli O157:H7 and generic E. coli declined at similar rates in amended soils under dynamic field conditions.The Random Forest model accurately predicted changes in viable E. coli concentrations over time under different agricultural and environmental conditions. Our model also accurately characterized the variability of E. coli concentration in amended soil over time by providing upper and lower prediction bound estimates. Cross‐validation results indicated that our model can be potentially generalized to other geographic regions and incorporated into a risk assessment for evaluating the risks associated with application of untreated BSAAO. Our model can be validated for other regions and predictive performance also can be enhanced when data sets from additional geographic regions become available.
Re-shaping Mallotus [Part 2]: inclusion of Neotrewia, Octospermum and Trewia in Mallotus s.s. (Euphorbiaceae s.s.)

A recent molecular phylogenetic study of Mallotus and related genera showed that three small Asiatic genera are clearly part of a strongly supported main Mallotus clade (Mallotus s.s. clade), rendering the genus paraphyletic. In this paper these genera, Neotrewia, Octospermum and Trewia, are merged with Mallotus. The monotypic Neotrewia and Octospermum were originally described within Mallotus and are now transferred back to it. Trewia was never included in Mallotus; it has two distinct species, for which new combinations within Mallotus are made. A full taxonomic treatment with descriptions, distribution maps and drawings is given for the species transferred, and a new generic description for Mallotus is provided. The morphology of the newly transferred species in comparison to Mallotus in general and to related species in particular is discussed.
Estimating Energy Cost of Body Weight Resistance Exercise Using a Multistage Exercise Test

Abstract Nakagata, T, Yamada, Y, and Naito, H. Estimating energy cost of body weight resistance exercise using a multistage exercise test. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1290–1296, 2022—The purpose of this study was to examine energy cost of body weight resistance exercises with slow movement in young men using a multistage exercise test. Fifteen men aged 21–29 years performed 3 exercises (heel-raise, squat, and push-up) at different frequencies (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 repetitions·min−1). Oxygen consumption was measured using indirect calorimetry; we then computed a simple linear regression between aerobic energy expenditure (EE) and repetition frequency. The slope coefficient in the regression represents the energy cost of those exercises; we compared the extrapolated EE for a frequency of 10 repetitions·min−1. Gross EE increased linearly with repetition frequency in all subjects (y = ax + b). Energy cost was significantly greater in the case of the push-up than in the case of the squat {squat: 0.50 ± 0.14 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42–0.58); push-up: 0.77 ± 0.20 kcal (95% CI, 0.66–0.88); and the heel-raise elicited the lowest energy cost: 0.13 ± 0.04 kcal (95% CI, 0.11–0.15)}. Extrapolated EE at 10 repetitions·min−1 was 2.7 ± 0.5 kcal (2.3 metabolic equivalents [METs]), 6.3 ± 1.4 kcal (5.4 METs), and 9.2 ± 2.1 kcal (7.8 METs), respectively, according to the regression based on aerobic EE. These results will be useful for health professionals in prescribing resistance exercise programs improving muscle fitness and considering for weight management.
Reproductive biology of the coral snake Erythrolamprus aesculapii Linnaeus (Colubridae) in the Southeastern Brazil

Dissection of 286 specimens of the "false" coral snake Erythrolamprus aesculapii Linnaeus, 1766, combined with data on captive individuais, provided information on the reproductive biology of this colubrid snake. Adult females (x snout-vent length = 74.5cm) attain larger body size than males (x SVL = 62.6). Clutch size ranged from one to eight eggs and was correlated with maternal body size. Neonates measured 20.2-22.5cm SVL and weighed 5.1-5.8g. Males attain sexual maturity earlier than females. Reproduction seems to be aseasonal, with vitellogenesis occurring throughout the year. Apparently the growth rate of folheies decreases in the dry season, possibly due to lower tempeiatures during this period. Multiple clutches were recorded in captive snakes. Foraging strategies and availability of prey may explain continuous reproduction in E. aesculapii. However, data for other related snakes suggest that continuous reproduction is conservative in the Xenodontini.
A History of Large for Gestational Age at Birth and Future Risk for Pediatric Neoplasms: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between large for gestational age (LGA) at birth and future risk of childhood neoplasm. Study design: a population-based cohort to compare the long-term risk (up to the age of 18 years) of childhood neoplasms (benign and malignant) in children that were born LGA vs. those that were appropriate for gestational age (AGA), between the years 1991–2014. Childhood neoplasms diagnosis were defined according to international classification of disease 9 (ICD-9) codes recorded medical files. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used in order to compare cumulative incidence of oncological morbidity over the study period. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to control for confounders. Results: 231,344 infants met the inclusion criteria; out of those 10,369 were diagnosed LGA at birth. Children that were LGA at birth had a higher incidence of leukemia (OR 2.25, 95%CI 1.08–4.65, p = 0.025) as well as kidney tumors (OR = 4.7, 95%CI = 1.02–21.9, p = 0.028). In addition, cumulative incidence over time of childhood malignancies, leukemia, and kidney tumors were significantly higher in LGA children (Log Rank = 0.010, 0.021, and 0.028, respectively). In a Cox regression model controlling for other perinatal confounders, LGA at birth remained independently associated with an increased risk for childhood malignancy (adjusted HR 1.51, 95%CI 1.02–2.23, p = 0.039). Conclusion: LGA at birth is associated with increased long-term risk for childhood malignancy and specifically leukemia and kidney tumors. This possible link may help to improve current knowledge regarding potential exposures that are associated with childhood cancer development.
The Occurrence of Three Chemotypes of Thymus longicaulis C. Presl. subsp. longicaulis in the Same Population

ABSTRACT Three chemotypes of Thymus longicaulis C. Presl. subsp. longicaulis were collected from the same population growing in one sq m area. Their essential oils were investigated by means of GC and GC/MS. Thymol (52.92%), α-terpinyl acetate (82.07%) and geraniol (68.79%) were the predominant components in each of the three different chemotypes.
Group II intron as cold sensor for self-preservation and bacterial conjugation

Abstract Group II introns are self-splicing ribozymes and mobile genetic elements. Splicing is required for both expression of the interrupted host gene and intron retromobility. For the pRS01 plasmid-encoded Lactococcus lactis group II intron, Ll.LtrB, splicing enables expression of the intron's host relaxase protein. Relaxase, in turn, initiates horizontal transfer of the conjugative pRS01 plasmid and stimulates retrotransposition of the intron. Little is known about how splicing of bacterial group II introns is influenced by environmental conditions. Here, we show that low temperatures can inhibit Ll.LtrB intron splicing. Whereas autocatalysis is abolished in the cold, splicing is partially restored by the intron-encoded protein (IEP). Structure profiling reveals cold-induced disruptions of key tertiary interactions, suggesting that a kinetic trap prevents the intron RNA from assuming its native state. Interestingly, while reduced levels of transcription and splicing lead to a paucity of excised intron in the cold, levels of relaxase mRNA are maintained, partially due to diminished intron-mediated mRNA targeting, allowing intron spread by conjugal transfer. Taken together, this study demonstrates not only the intrinsic cold sensitivity of group II intron splicing and the role of the IEP for cold-stress adaptation, but also maintenance of horizontal plasmid and intron transfer under cold-shock.
Synthesis of cocoa butter triacylglycerols using a model acidolysis system

The effects of reaction parameters such as substrate mole ratio, reaction temperature, enzyme load, water content and reaction time were studied in a model enzymatic acidolysis system. Palmitic and stearic acids were incorporated into triolein (OOO) under the catalysis of sn-1,3 specific lipase to produce the three major triacylglycerols (TAGs) in cocoa butter (CB), namely, 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoyl--glycerol (POP), 1(3)-palmitoyl-3(1)-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-glycerol (POS) and 1,3distearoyl-2-oleoyl-glycerol (SOS). TAG contents of the reaction products were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC). The best results (15.2% POP, 30.4% POS, 15.2 % SOS) were obtained at 1:3:3 (OOO:palmitic acid:stearic acid) substrate mole ratio and reaction parameters: time 10 h, temperature 45 oC, enzyme load 20 %, water content 5 %. The results obtained in this model system might be used for the optimization and application of lipase catalyzed acidolysis reactions in natural systems to produce cocoa butter equivalents (CBEs).
Chronic Postoperative Pain After Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer: A Metabolic Profiling Study

Introduction One out of seven women will develop a state of chronic postoperative pain following robot-assisted hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. Recently, metabolic studies have indicated that circulating lipids and lipoproteins could act as nociceptive modulators and thereby influence the induction and perpetuation of pain. The objectives of this explorative study were (1) to examine the preoperative serologic variations in concentrations of lipids, lipoproteins, and various low‐molecular metabolites in patients with and without chronic postoperative pain after robot-assisted hysterectomy and (2) to explore if any of these serological biomarkers were predictive for development of chronic postoperative pain. Materials and Methods The study was designed as a nested case–control study within a cohort of women treated for endometrial cancer with robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy. Twenty-six women with chronic postoperative pain were matched on age and body mass index with fifty-two controls without chronic postoperative pain, and metabolic profiling of preoperatively drawn blood samples from a biobank was performed by means of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results Nineteen metabolites, including cholesterol, cholesteryl ester, linoleic acid, phospholipids, lipids, and triglycerides had statistically significant higher concentrations in a subgroup of patients who would develop chronic postoperative pain on a later stage compared to the group of patients who would not develop chronic postoperative pain (p < 0.05). A sparse Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis model explained 38.1% of the variance and had a predictive accuracy of 73.1%. Conclusions This explorative study substantiates the hypothesis that certain lipids, lipoproteins, and fatty acids are associated with chronic postoperative pain.
To Stock or Not to Stock? Assessing the Restoration Potential of a Remnant American Shad Spawning Run with Hatchery Supplementation

Abstract Hatchery supplementation has been widely used as a restoration technique for American Shad Alosa sapidissima on the East Coast of the USA, but results have been equivocal. In the Penobscot River, Maine, dam removals and other improvements to fish passage will likely reestablish access to the majority of this species’ historic spawning habitat. Additional efforts being considered include the stocking of larval American Shad. The decision about whether to stock a river system undergoing restoration should be made after evaluating the probability of natural recolonization and examining the costs and benefits of potentially accelerating recovery using a stocking program. However, appropriate evaluation can be confounded by a dearth of information about the starting population size and age structure of the remnant American Shad spawning run in the river. We used the Penobscot River as a case study to assess the theoretical sensitivity of recovery time to either scenario (stocking or not) by building a.
The oldest sarcopterygian fish

The study of basal sarcopterygians is crucial to an understanding of the relationships and interrelationships of sarcopterygians, including their relationship to tetrapods. The new material from Qujing, Yunnan, southwestern China, represents the oldest known sarcopterygian fish and extends the record of sarcopterygians to the Late Silurian, or about 410 Ma. The new form is close to Youngolepis and Powichthys at the base of the Crossopterygii. Similarities among the lower jaws of onychodonts, porolepiforms, Youngolepis, Powichthys and the new form support a position of onychodonts within the Crossopterygii. Four characters in the character matrix of Cloutier & Ahlberg (1996, in Stiassny et al.: Interrelationships of Fishes, Academic Press) are reviewed, and sarcopterygian interrelationships are studied on the basis of their data with minor modifications. The new scheme of sarcopterygian interrelationships differs markedly from Cloutier & Ahlberg's scheme. Neither actinistians nor onychodonts are situated at the base of Sarcopterygii, but within the Crossopterygii. Youngolepis and Powichthys are at the base of the Crossopterygii, instead of being the sister group of dipnoans plus Diabolepis.
Spatial and Temporal Interactions of Sympatric Jaguars (Panthera onca) and Pumas (Puma concolor) in a Neotropical Forest

Abstract We used extensive camera-trap surveys to study interindividual interactions among individually recognizable jaguars (Panthera onca) and plain-colored pumas (Puma concolor). Timed location data from a network of 119 trap stations in the Cockscomb Basin of Belize provide the 1st evidence of interspecific avoidance calibrated against intraspecific interactions among jaguars. Camera trapping has advantages over radiotelemetry in its potential to provide data on the complete array of individuals within the study area. The 23 individually identified male jaguars showed high levels of overlap in ranges, with up to 5 different males captured at the same location in the same month. Low levels of avoidance between individuals and a high flux of individuals contributed to low consistency in home-range ownership over the long term (3 months to 2 years). Jaguars and pumas had similar nocturnal activity schedules. Both species used similar habitats within the Cockscomb Basin, indicated by a high correlation in capture rates per location between species. Apart from their overall spatial similarities, jaguars and pumas avoided using the same location at the same time. This interspecific segregation was detectable over and above the spatial and temporal segregation of individual jaguars.
Enhanced Gray Matter Volume Compensates for Decreased Brain Activity in the Ocular Motor Area in Children with Anisometropic Amblyopia

Purpose Anisometropic amblyopia usually occurs during early childhood and results in monocular visual deficit. Recent neuroimaging studies have demonstrated structural and functional alterations in pediatric anisometropic amblyopia (PAA) patients. However, the relationship between structural and functional alterations remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between structural and functional alterations in PAA patients. Materials and Methods Eighteen PAA patients and 14 healthy children underwent a multimodal MRI scanning including T1WI and functional MRI (fMRI). Voxel-based morphometry was used to assess structural alterations between PAA patients and healthy children. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) was used to investigate changes in local spontaneous brain activity in the enrolled subjects. Correlations between structural, functional alterations, and clinical information were analyzed in the PAA group. Results Compared with healthy children, PAA patients exhibited significantly reduced ReHo of spontaneous brain activity in the right superior temporal gyrus (STG) and right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and increased gray matter volume in the right lobules 4 and 5 of the cerebellum. The gray matter volume of the right lobules 4 and 5 of the cerebellum was negatively correlated with the ReHo values of the right MFG. Conclusions Our findings may suggest that PAA patients experience structural and functional abnormalities in brain regions related to oculomotor and visual-spatial information. In addition, the increased gray matter volume may compensate the decreased brain activity in the oculomotor regions, which reflects compensatory or neural plasticity in PAA patients.