Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Profiling of vaginal Lactobacillus jensenii isolated from preterm and full-term pregnancies reveals strain-specific factors relating to host interaction

Each year, 15 million infants are born preterm (<37 weeks gestation), representing the leading cause of mortality for children under the age of five. Whilst there is no single cause, factors such as maternal genetics, environmental interactions, and the vaginal microbiome have been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Previous studies show that a vaginal microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus is, in contrast to communities containing a mixture of genera, associated with full-term birth. However, this binary principle does not fully consider more nuanced interactions between bacterial strains and the host. Here, through a combination of analyses involving genome-sequenced isolates and strain-resolved metagenomics, we identify that L. jensenii strains from preterm pregnancies are phylogenetically distinct from strains from full-term pregnancies. Detailed analysis reveals several genetic signatures that distinguish preterm birth strains, including genes predicted to be involved in cell wall synthesis, and lactate and acetate metabolism. Notably, we identify a distinct gene cluster involved in cell surface protein synthesis in our preterm strains, and profiling the prevalence of this gene cluster in publicly available genomes revealed it to be predominantly present in the preterm-associated clade. This study contributes to the ongoing search for molecular biomarkers linked to preterm birth and opens up new avenues for exploring strain-level variations and mechanisms that may contribute to preterm birth.
Mutational and expressional association of the PIK3CA gene with the risk of breast cancer in the Pakistani population.

PI3K pathway is a very important pathway that is reported to be involved in breast cancer. Mutation of PI3K and p110 alpha-catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PIK3CA) is of high predictive and prognostic values in breast cancer. The purpose of the current study was to screen the hotspot mutations of the PIK3CA gene i.e. rs2677760, rs3806685, rs121913273 & rs121913279 along with expressional analysis of PI3K and PIK3CA genes in breast cancer female patients. For mutational analysis, TaqMan assay & Sanger sequencing were performed while for expressional analysis real-time PCR was carried out. Mutant allele C of rs2677760 was observed to be high in postmenopausal patients. The frequency of mutant allele G of rs3806685 was significantly high in breast cancer patients. All diseased and control samples were of wild type for the hotspot rs121913273 and rs121913279 with allele G for rs121913273 and A for rs121913279. Expression of the PI3K was high in breast cancer tissue samples as compared to the adjacent controls. While the expression of the thePIK3CA gene was significantly high in premenopausal breast cancer patients. It was concluded that the mutant allele C of rs2677760 might have some sort of association with the menopausal status and it could be used as a diagnostic marker in post-menopausal women if studied further. Mutant allele G of rs3806685 was also found to be associated with breast cancer. While multiallelic rs121913273 and rs121913279 showed a different trend for the studied population. For expressional analysis, PI3K showed over-expression in the cases while PIK3CA gene expression was observed to be significantly associated with pre-menopausal status.
Trends in the prevalence of cognitive impairment at old age in China, 2002–2018

Abstract INTRODUCTION China has the world's largest number of older adults with cognitive impairment (CI). We aimed to examine secular trends in the prevalence of CI in China from 2002 to 2018. METHODS Generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to assess changes in CI trend in 44,154 individuals (72,027 observations) aged 65 to 105 years old. RESULTS The prevalence of CI increased from 2002 to 2008 and then decreased until 2018. The age‐standardized prevalence increased from 25.7% in 2002, 26.1% in 2005, to 28.2% in 2008, then decreased to 26.0% in 2011, 25.3% in 2014, and 24.9% in 2018. Females and those ≥ 80 years old had greater CI prevalence. DISCUSSION The prevalence of CI showed an inverted U shape from early 2000s to late 2010s with a peak in 2008. Follow‐up studies are needed to confirm the decreasing trend after 2008 and examine the contributing factors and underlying mechanisms of this trend. Highlights Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to assess trends of changes in cognitive impairment (CI). CI prevalence in China increased from 2002 to 2008 and then decreased until 2018. Females and those ≥ 80 years old had greater CI prevalence. Stroke, diabetes, and cigarette smoking were risk factors for CI.
Investigation of the seroprevalence to equine coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2 in healthy adult horses recently imported to the United States

Abstract Adult horses are susceptible to equine coronavirus (ECoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), although, only ECoV has been linked to clinical disease. Little information is available regarding the seroprevalence against ECoV and SARS-CoV-2 in adult healthy horses. The goal of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence against two coronaviruses known to infect horses using convenience samples collected from horses recently imported from Europe to the United States from 2019 to 2023. A total of 385 banked serum samples were tested against ECoV and SARS-CoV-2 using previously validated ELISA assays. Prevalence factors including date of arrival in the United States, signalment and country of origin were available for the majority of the horses. A total of 9/385 (2.3%) and 4/385 (1.0%) horses tested seropositive for ECoV and SARS-CoV-2, respectively. The ECoV seropositive horses were all mares, ages 4 to 26 years (median 9 years) and originated from Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium and Italy. These mares were predominantly imported during the summer and fall months. All SARS-CoV-2 seropositive horses were mares ages 5 to 10 years (median 7.5 years) imported from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The majority of the SARS-CoV-2 seropositive horses were imported during the colder months of the year. The study results support the presence of ECoV in Europe and report on the first SARS-CoV-2 seropositive healthy adult horses outside the United States. Commingling for movements by air and close contact to humans may predispose transmission with ECoV and SARS-CoV-2, respectively.
Holocene forearc block rotation in response to seamount subduction, southeastern Península de Nicoya, Costa Rica

The southeastern tip of the Peninsula de Nicoya, Costa Rica, on the Caribbean plate margin lies inboard of the rough bathy- metric terrain on the subducting Cocos plate and along the land- ward projection of the convergence vector for the Fisher seamount group. The southern tip of the peninsula has nearly orthogonal coastlines and extensive, well-preserved, Holocene marine terraces,
Transformation in Utilization Pattern of Farmland in Fringe of Mymensingh Town

The main objective of the study was to find out the annual rate of transformation in utilization pattern of farmland to non-farm use. Besides, attempt was also made to explore and describe the reasons for transformation of farmland to non-farm use and find out the loss of production due to transformation of crop land to non-farm use. The study was conducted with 60 selected household owners of Mymensingh Sadar upazila under Mymensingh district. A pre-tested interview schedule was used to collect data from the household owners during October, 2011. During the ten-year period of 2001 to 2010 annual transformation of agricultural land was 1.97 percent. The main non-agricultural uses of converted land were identified as housing, brick fields making, business establishments and road construction occupying 46.95, 32.23, 12.44 and 11.41 percent of the converted land, respectively. The major reasons for land transformation were settlements, brick fields, gas station, government land acquisition, improper land cultivation and poorly constructed road networks. In general, 61.67 percent and 38.33 percent respondents responded on extent of reasons as high and medium for land transformation. On the basis of current estimation of rate of transformation of crop land, the annual loss of crop production was Taka 262.98 thousands.
The Maximum Temperatures (T max ) Distribution on the Body Surface of Sport Horses

The objective of the study was to determine the usefulness of measuring maximum temperatures in designated regions of a healthy horses body surface. Thermographic investigations (Thermovision ® 550, FLIR) were carried out on 35 horses from 6 to 16 years old participating in show jumping competitions. The rectal temperatures of the horses were in the range 37.5-38.2 �� . The research was performed in a stable, the ambient temperature (T ab ) of which was 14 �� with a humidity ( M) of 60%. Thermograms of the left and right side of the horses were obtained. Each thermogram consisted of 36 body surface regions (before the competition) and 25 regions (immediately after the competition). The maximum temperature ranges at rest were 21.8 �� -31.0 �� and symmetrical regions did not differ statistically ( P > 0.05). The highest temperatures were on the head, neck and trunk, the lowest-on the limbs. The hind legs were warmer than the front legs in analogous areas, with the exception of the gaskin and forearm. The warmest body areas had the largest surface area, which is indicative of their crucial role in the thermoregulation of the equine organism. The research results may therefore be useful in veterinary diagnosis. The range of maximum temperatures after the competitions was 25.2 �� -34.2 �� . The highest increment was observed at the breast, elbow, forearm and gaskin, the lowest"at the head, pastern and hoof (fore- and hind limbs). Research regarding body surface temperature after exercise does not have diagnostic value for veterinarians because #warming-up$ certain parts of body surface masks inflammation.
Transcriptional signatures of early-life stress and antidepressant treatment efficacy

Significance Early-life stress (ELS) increases the risk for depression and may lower antidepressant treatment efficacy. These translational studies leveraged a combination of genome-wide data from humans and mice treated with different antidepressants, computational analyses, and in vivo pharmacological approaches to understand how molecular changes in the brain following ELS may mediate altered antidepressant response. We found that ELS alters gene expression patterns in the nucleus accumbens—a brain center of reward and mood—which correspond with patterns of antidepressant treatment failure. Transcriptional patterns predicting treatment failure were strongest among female subjects, consistent with a greater risk for depression among women. This work provides neurobiological evidence for sex- and early-life stress-related molecular adaptations in the brain that may contribute to antidepressant treatment response.
Primary versus iatrogenic (post-PCI) coronary microvascular dysfunction: a wire-based multimodal comparison

Background Although there are studies examining each one separately, there are no data in the literature comparing the magnitudes of the iatrogenic, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-induced, microvascular dysfunction (Type-4 CMD) and coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in the setting of ischaemia in non-obstructed coronary arteries (INOCA) (Type-1 CMD). Objectives We aimed to compare the characteristics of Type-1 and Type-4 CMD subtypes using coronary haemodynamic (resistance and flow-related parameters), thermodynamic (wave energy-related parameters) and hyperemic ECG changes. Methods Coronary flow reserve (CFR) value of <2.5 was defined as CMD in both groups. Wire-based multimodal perfusion markers were comparatively analysed in 35 patients (21 INOCA/CMD and 14 CCS/PCI) enrolled in NCT05471739 study. Results Both groups had comparably blunted CFR values per definition (2.03±0.22 vs 2.11±0.37; p: 0.518) and similar hyperemic ST shift in intracoronary ECG (0.16±0.09 vs 0.18±0.07 mV; p: 0.537). While the Type-1 CMD was characterised with impaired hyperemic blood flow acceleration (46.52+12.83 vs 68.20+28.63 cm/s; p: 0.017) and attenuated diastolic microvascular decompression wave magnitudes (p=0.042) with higher hyperemic microvascular resistance (p<0.001), Type-4 CMD had blunted CFR mainly due to higher baseline flow velocity due to post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (33.6±13.7 vs 22.24±5.3 cm/s; p=0.003). Conclusions The perturbations in the microvascular milieu seen in CMD in INOCA setting (Type-1 CMD) seem to be more prominent than that of seen following elective PCI (Type-4 CMD), although resulting reversible ischaemia is equally severe in the downstream myocardium.
Revisiting the role of endogenous STAT3 in HPV‐positive cervical cancer cells

Novel treatment options for human papillomavirus (HPV)‐induced cancers are urgently required. The oncogenic transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is considered to be constitutively active in HPV‐positive cervical cancer cells and essential for their proliferation. Moreover, STAT3 was reported to undergo mutually stimulatory interactions with the HPV E6/E7 oncogenes. Thus, inhibiting STAT3 in HPV‐positive cancer cells is under discussion to provide a powerful novel therapeutic strategy. We here show that the antifungal drug ciclopirox destabilizes the STAT3 protein by acting as an iron chelator. However, by exploring the functional consequences of STAT3 inhibition in HPV‐positive cancer cells, we obtained several unexpected results. Chemical STAT3 inhibitors heterogeneously affect cervical cancer cell proliferation and those which act antiproliferative also block the growth of STAT3 knockout cells, indicating induction of off‐target effects. In contrast to several chemical inhibitors, genetic inhibition of STAT3 expression by either RNA interference or the CRISPR/Cas9 method does not appreciably affect cervical cancer cell proliferation. Transcriptome analyses indicate that blocking STAT3 expression in HPV‐positive cancer cells has very limited effects on putative STAT3 target genes. Although the targeted inhibition of specific growth‐promoting signaling pathways leads to a feedback activation of STAT3 in cervical cancer cells via Janus kinase 1/2, this does not lead to treatment resistance. Moreover, we did not obtain experimental evidence for a STAT3‐linked activation of HPV E6/E7 oncogene expression or, vice versa, an E6/E7‐dependent activation of STAT3, at endogenous conditions in cervical cancer cells. Collectively, these findings question the essential role of STAT3 in cervical cancer cell proliferation and the strategy to inhibit STAT3 in these cells for therapeutic purposes.
Distribution, Transportation, and the Persistence of Household Ceramic Production in the Tarascan State

Abstract The transportation of pots to market in the Prehispanic Tarascan State was not merely transference of these goods, but part of the logistics of marketing, an act embedded within a local cultural context and comprised of physical and cultural limits upon the participants. This paper addresses two concerns and draws heavily upon geographic information systems and the ethnohistoric and ethnographic record from the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, in Michoacán, Mexico and the highlands of Western Mexico. First, we model the practicality of household potters controlling the transportation of their products within the Tarascan market system. To construct this model we address issues of transport technology, the topography of the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin, and information regarding the cultural and political rules governing transportation access within the Late Postclassic Lake Pátzcuaro Basin. Second, we consider the relative stability of the household organization of ceramic production during the emergence of the Tarascan state in light of the significant recent changes in the Basin’s transport technology and networks. We conclude that, despite changes associated with state emergence, basic walking and water transportation networks did not significantly change, and household potters within the Tarascan state retained control over both the transportation of their ceramics and their distribution within the marketplace.
Diminished ovarian reserve is associated with metabolic disturbances and hyperhomocysteinemia in women with infertility

Abstract Background To distinguish the metabolic profile between women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and those with normal ovarian reserve (NOR). Methods In this retrospective study, we enrolled 524 women under the age of 40 who were experiencing infertility: 261 in the DOR group and 263 in the NOR group. Physical characteristics and metabolic parameters were compared between these two groups. Results Women with DOR exhibited a higher propensity for elevated parameters including body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), as well as heightened serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, while concurrently experiencing reduced serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence rates of TG ≥ 1.7 mmol/L, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, SBP/DBP ≥ 130/85 mmHg, and metabolic syndrome (MS) were significantly elevated within the DOR group as compared to the NOR group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of metabolic disturbances and HHcy were notably elevated in women with infertility and DOR compared to those with NOR. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This study focused on the metabolic condition of women who had difficulty getting pregnant and had a decreased ovarian reserve. The findings indicated that these women had a higher likelihood of glucose and lipid metabolic disorders and elevated serum homocysteine levels compared to those with a normal ovarian reserve. These metabolic issues and elevated serum homocysteine levels were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The protective effect of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana against tartrazine toxicity in male Wistar rat

Tartrazine is a yellow colouring agent that is commonly used in foods; however, high dosages of Tartrazine affect fertility and create oxidative stress by generating free radicals. A plant species known as Stevia rebaudiana has natural antioxidants that show promise for protecting testicular tissue. Consequently, this study was intended to examine the ameliorative effect of the aqueous extract of S. rebaudiana (Stevia) on the fertility of male Wistar rats induced by the daily oral intake of Tartrazine. Utilizing gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, phytochemical identification was accomplished for Stevia extract. Study groups were separated into several groups: the first group (the control) got distilled water for up to 56 days; the Stevia group (1000 mg/kg), the Tartrazine group (300 mg/kg) and the Stevia and Tartrazine group (the group was given Tartrazine after 1 h of Stevia extract intake). Also, the oxidative damage in testicular tissues was assessed by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidants (catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione reductase [GSH]). Further, histological alterations were examined. In addition, cyclic AMP‐responsive element modulator (Crem) gene expression levels and their relative proteins were measured in the testicular tissues using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Sperm analysis and testosterone concentration were also performed. SPSS version 25 was used for the analysis of results while (p < .05) was regarded as significant. Compared with the control group, the results demonstrated that Tartrazine caused a significant reduction (p < .05) in the testosterone hormone level (0.70 ± 0.21) and the Crem protein quantity (1.21 ± 0.23) in the treated Tartrazine group. Also, it had a significant decrease (p < .05) in sperm motility, viability, count and antioxidant levels. Moreover, there was a significant increase (p < .05) in sperm abnormalities, MDA level (7.40 ± 1.10), kidney and liver function parameters, and DNA degradation in the treated Tartrazine group compared with the control group. On the contrary, the Stevia extract intake enhanced the testosterone (2.50 ± 0.60), antioxidants and Crem protein levels (2.33 ± 0.10) with an improvement in sperm quality in the Stevia and Tartrazine‐treated group compared with the Tartrazine group. Stevia also caused a significant decrease (p < .05) in the MDA level (3.20 ± 0.20), and sperm abnormalities with an enhancement of the liver and kidney function parameters in the Stevia and Tartrazine‐treated group compared to the Tartrazine group. Stevia administration has a protective effect on the testicular tissues and sperm quality against toxicity induced by Tartrazine exposure, so it will be a good antioxidant drug to be administered daily before daily administration of Tartrazine.
Health-related quality of life is improved after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a 1-year follow-up study

Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this study was to detect changes in QoL after coronary artery bypass grafting surgeries (CABG) in one year, and to identify the possible predictive factors associated with the change. Design: A single-center prospective study of 501 patients was conducted between 2013 and 2018 using the EQ-5D VAS questionnaire for estimating the QoL. The patients filled in a questionnaire preoperatively, at 6 and at 12 months postoperatively. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to find out if certain pre-selected factors or EQ5D dimensions had independent effects on the observed EQ VAS scores. Results: QoL improved in all EQ-5D dimensions and in EQ VAS scores at 6 and at 12 months: the greatest changes in the number of reported problems were in the dimensions “mobility” (–34.2%, p<.001), “self-care” (–36.7%, p=.001) and “pain or discomfort” (–31.0%, p<.001). With the multivariable regression model, we could show that normal left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and improvement in mobility and pain/discomfort dimensions were in association with improvement of EQ VAS score at 6 months. At 12 months this association was no longer detectable. Conclusions: CABG procedure can improve patient’s QoL when judged with EQ5D dimensions and related overall self-rated health (VAS). This improvement was seen both at 6 and at 12 months postoperatively. Except for LVEF, the other patient-specific risk factors we examined did not seem to affect QoL in the long term.
In vivo characterization of glycogen storage disease type III in a mouse model using glycoNOE MRI

Glycogen storage disease type III (GSD III) is a rare inherited metabolic disease characterized by excessive accumulation of glycogen in liver, skeletal muscle, and heart. Currently, there are no widely available noninvasive methods to assess tissue glycogen levels and disease load. Here, we use glycogen nuclear Overhauser effect (glycoNOE) MRI to quantify hepatic glycogen levels in a mouse model of GSD III.