Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arginine Supply Impacts the Expression of Candidate microRNA Controlling Milk Casein Yield in Bovine Mammary Tissue

Simple Summary It has been reported that arginine plays an important role in lactation, including promoting mammary gland development, increasing yields of milk and casein. Recent studies revealed that microRNA could be involved in regulating expression of functional genes related to mammary development. Thus, exploring the role of arginine on the regulation of miRNA related to bovine mammary development and milk production in dairy cows is of importance. The present work revealed that arginine injection increased casein yield by altering the expression of selected microRNA associated with mammary development. Abstract Arginine, a semi-essential functional amino acid, has been found to promote the synthesis of casein in mammary epithelial cells to some extent. Data from mouse indicated that microRNA (miRNA) are important in regulating the development of mammary gland and milk protein synthesis. Whether there are potential links among arginine, miRNA and casein synthesis in bovine mammary gland is uncertain. The objective of the present work was to detect the effects of arginine supplementation on the expression of miRNA associated with casein synthesis in mammary tissue and mammary epithelial cells (BMEC). The first study with bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) focused on screening for miRNA candidates associated with the regulation of casein production by arginine. The BMEC were cultured with three different media, containing 0, 1.6 and 3.2 mM arginine, for 24 h. The expression of candidate miRNA was evaluated. Subsequently, in an in vivo study, 6 Chinese Holstein dairy cows with similar BW (mean ± SE) (512.0 ± 19.6 kg), parity (3), BCS (4.0) and DIM (190 ± 10.3 d) were randomly assigned to three experimental groups. The experimental cows received an infusion of casein, arginine (casein plus double the concentration of arginine in casein), and alanine (casein plus alanine, i.e., iso-nitrogenous to the arginine group) in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 22 d for each period (7 d for infusion and 15 d for washout). Mammary gland biopsies were obtained from each cow at the end of each infusion period. Results of the in vitro study showed differences between experimental groups and the control group for the expression of nine miRNA: miR-743a, miR-543, miR-101a, miR-760-3p, miR-1954, miR-712, miR-574-5p, miR-468 and miR-875-3p. The in vivo study showed that arginine infusion promoted milk protein content, casein yield and the expression of CSN1S1 and CSN1S2. Furthermore, the expression of miR-743a, miR-543, miR-101a, miR-760-3p, miR-1954, and miR-712 was also greater in response to arginine injection compared with the control or alanine group. Overall, results both in vivo and in vitro revealed that arginine might partly influence casein yield by altering the expression of 6 miRNAs (miR-743a, miR-543, miR-101a, miR-760-3p, miR-1954, and miR-712).
Preparation and Application of Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposite Materials in Stretched Organic Thin Film Transistors

High-transparency soluble polyimide with COOH and fluorine functional groups and TiO2-SiO2 composite inorganic nanoparticles with high dielectric constants were synthesized in this study. The polyimide and inorganic composite nanoparticles were further applied in the preparation of organic-inorganic hybrid high dielectric materials as the gate dielectric for a stretchable transistor. The optimal ratio of organic and inorganic components in the hybrid films was investigated. In addition, Jeffamine D2000 and polyurethane were added to the gate dielectric to improve the tensile properties of the organic thin film transistor (OTFT) device. PffBT4T-2OD was used as the semiconductor layer material and indium gallium liquid alloy as the upper electrode. Electrical property analysis demonstrated that the mobility could reach 0.242 cm2·V−1·s−1 at an inorganic content of 30 wt. %, and the switching current ratio was 9.04 × 103. After Jeffamine D2000 and polyurethane additives were added, the mobility and switching current could be increased to 0.817 cm2·V−1·s−1 and 4.27 × 105 for Jeffamine D2000 and 0.562 cm2·V−1·s−1 and 2.04 × 105 for polyurethane, respectively. Additives also improved the respective mechanical properties. The stretching test indicated that the addition of polyurethane allowed the OTFT device to be stretched to 50%, and the electrical properties could be maintained after stretching 150 cycles.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses of cocaine and its metabolites in behaviorally divergent inbred mouse strains

Cocaine (COC) is a psychostimulant with a high potential for abuse and addiction. Risk for COC use disorder is driven, in part, by genetic factors. Animal models of addiction‐relevant behaviors have proven useful for studying both genetic and nongenetic contributions to drug response. In a previous study, we examined initial locomotor sensitivity to COC in genetically diverse inbred mouse strains. That work highlighted the relevance of pharmacokinetics (PK) in initial locomotor response to COC but was limited by a single dose and two sampling points. The objective of the present study was to characterize the PK and pharmacodynamics of COC and its metabolites (norcocaine and benzoylecgonine) in six inbred mouse strains (I/LnJ, C57BL/6J, FVB/NJ, BTBR T+ tf/J, LG/J and LP/J) that exhibit extreme locomotor responses to cocaine. Mice were administered COC at one of four doses and concentrations of cocaine, norcocaine and benzoylecgonine were analyzed in both plasma and brain tissue at 5 different time points. Initial locomotor sensitivity to COC was used as a pharmacodynamic endpoint. We developed an empirical population PK model that simultaneously characterizes cocaine, norcocaine and benzoylecgonine in plasma and brain tissues. We observed interstrain variability occurring in the brain compartment that may contribute to pharmacodynamic differences among select strains. Our current work paves the way for future studies to explore strain‐specific pharmacokinetic differences and identify factors other than PK that are responsible for the diverse behavioral response to COC across these inbred mouse strains.
Relationship of Platelet Counts and Inflammatory Markers to 30-Day Mortality Risk in Patients with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

Markers of prothrombotic state and inflammation are associated with the prognosis of patients with acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD). However, it is unclear that the relationship between these biomarkers and their combined impact on risk stratification. The present study evaluated the prognostic value of platelet counts, lymphocyte to neutrophil ratio (LNR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), alone and in combination. A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 744 AAAD patients was conducted to identify whether these biomarkers were related to the 30-day mortality risk. A Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test were used to compare survival between groups. A Cox hazard regression multivariable analysis was performed for 30-day mortality. Individual biomarker (platelet count, LNR, or LMR) was unable to predict 30-day mortality. However, combinations of all three biomarkers provided additive predictive value over either marker alone, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) model had a prediction probability of 0.739 when platelet counts, LNR, and LMR were included. Cox hazard regression multivariable analysis showed that combinations of all three biomarkers were the strongest predictor of 30-day mortality (p < 0.021). Combined with these three easily measurable biomarkers at admission, they could help identify AAAD patients with a high risk of 30-day mortality.
Perturbations of the Gut Microbiome and Metabolome in Children with Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stone Disease.

BACKGROUND The relationship between the composition and function of gut microbial communities and early-onset calcium oxalate kidney stone disease is unknown. METHODS We conducted a case-control study of 88 individuals aged 4-18 years, which included 44 individuals with kidney stones containing ≥50% calcium oxalate and 44 controls matched for age, sex, and race. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were performed on stool samples. RESULTS Participants who were kidney stone formers had a significantly less diverse gut microbiome compared with controls. Among bacterial taxa with a prevalence >0.1%, 31 taxa were less abundant among individuals with nephrolithiasis. These included seven taxa that produce butyrate and three taxa that degrade oxalate. The lower abundance of these bacteria was reflected in decreased abundance of the gene encoding butyryl-coA dehydrogenase (P=0.02). The relative abundance of these bacteria was correlated with the levels of 18 fecal metabolites, and levels of these metabolites differed in individuals with kidney stones compared with controls. The oxalate-degrading bacterial taxa identified as decreased in those who were kidney stone formers were components of a larger abundance correlation network that included Eggerthella lenta and several Lactobacillus species. The microbial (α) diversity was associated with age of stone onset, first decreasing and then increasing with age. For the individuals who were stone formers, we found the lowest α diversity among individuals who first formed stones at age 9-14 years, whereas controls displayed no age-related differences in diversity. CONCLUSIONS Loss of gut bacteria, particularly loss of those that produce butyrate and degrade oxalate, associates with perturbations of the metabolome that may be upstream determinants of early-onset calcium oxalate kidney stone disease.
The impact of coronavirus (COVID‐19) in the diagnosis and treatment of obsessive‐compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by unwanted and distressing thoughts, images or urges (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts that aim to decrease the resulting distress or according to rigid rules (compulsions) (APA, 2013). Different studies suggest OCD to affect up to 3.1 % of the general population and to be associated with substantial disability and decreased quality of life (Fontenelle, Mendlowicz, & Versiani, 2006; Ruscio, Stein, Chiu, & Kessler, 2010). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Models for Prediction of Basal Area Mean Diameter and Number of Trees for Forest Stands in South-eastern Norway

Basal area mean diameter and number of trees ha -1 are important stand variables for projections made with large-scale forestry scenario models in Norway. The aim of this work was to develop models for an initial description of these variables. Multiplicative models, adapted to available variables from different types of inventories (relascope, photo and visual inventories) were developed. R 2 ranged from 0.85-0.87 in models where mean height by basal area was available to 0.62-0.68 without this variable. Validations provided few statistically significant differences between predicted and observed values, while the standard deviations for the differences were relatively large (7-43%). There are numerous sources of uncertainty in large-scale forestry analyses, but the developed models will probably produce a satisfactory standard of accuracy at an aggregated level. However, the large standard deviations, and large consequential losses in terms of net present value applying the models, indicate that one should avoid relying solely on the models with respect to decisions at stand level.
Frequency of Mismatch Repair Protein (MMRP) Deficiency among Young Jordanians Diagnosed with Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC)

Purpose Microsatellite instability (MSI) caused by mismatch repair protein (MMRP) deficiency is detected in 15% of sporadic colorectal cancers (CRCs). Our aim is to investigate the frequency of MMRP deficiency in young CRC patients, using immunohistochemical analysis. Methods This study targeted cases of CRC at King Hussein Cancer Center from 2004 until 2012 in patients 45 years of age or younger at the time of diagnosis. Clinicopathological data was obtained from 155 patients' records. Immunohistochemistry for MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, and MSH6 proteins was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue containing carcinoma. Results The median age of patient at diagnosis was 38 years. A total of 29 (19%) cases showed deficient MMRP(dMMRP)expression. Loss of expression of PMS2 was seen in 17 cases, 12 cases of which showed loss of MLH1 expression. Loss of expression of MSH6 was seen in 10 cases, 9 of which showed loss of MSH2 expression. One case (3.4%) showed loss of all four MMR proteins, and another case (3.4%) showed loss of PMS2/MLH1 and MSH6. There was a significant association between abnormal MMR protein expression and tumor location proximal to splenic flexure (p value 0.000), pathologic features suggestive of microsatellite instability (p value 0.000), P53 negativity (p value 0.000), and stage (p value 0.02). Patients with dMMRP CRC appeared to have a significantly better overall survival compared to patients with proficient MMRP(pMMRP)(p value 0.02). Loss of MSH2/MSH6 was significantly associated with positive family history of cancer (p value = 0.020). Conclusions The prevalence of dMMRP tumors in this age group appears to be similar to international literature. dMMRP tumors tends to be associated with earlier stages and better outcomes compared to pMMRP cases. dMMRP can serve as a biomarker for better prognosis. These results are of value in directing the clinical management of young patients with CRC.
A NULL MODEL FOR DETECTING NONRANDOM PATTERNS OF SPECIES RICHNESS ALONG SPATIAL GRADIENTS

I present a null model that can be used for detecting nonrandom patterns of species richness along spatial gradients, such as latitude and elevation. Because estimates of species richness along a single spatial gradient are nonindependent, tests of statistical inference should not be applied. The null model described here circumvents this problem of nonindependence by randomly placing the actual range width of each species along the gradient. The simulated richness curve generated in this way can be compared to an “average” random curve composed of many such simulations. The comparison involves measuring the mean displacement (D) of the simulated curve from the average random curve. By repeating these steps a specified number of times, one can obtain a distribution of D values. The displacement of the actual species richness curve from the average random curve can also be determined and compared to the distribution of D values of the simulated random curves. This comparison allows one to determine whether.
Prediction of Body Weight from Body Size Measurements in Brown Swiss Feedlot Cattle Fed under Small-scale Farming Conditions

Abstract Bozkurt, Y. 2006. Prediction of body weight from body size measurements in brown swiss feedlot cattle fed under small-scale farming conditions. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 29: 29–32. To evaluate the use of some body measurements in predicting body weight of Brown Swiss cattle grown under small-scale farming conditions, relationships between body weight (BW) and body measurements such as heart girth (HG), wither height (WH), body length (BL), body depth (BD) and hip width (HW) were studied using data with 925 observations for each trait. HG was observed to be the best possible trait in predicting BW (R2-89.9%). Regressions showed that addition of quadratic and cubic terms contributed little benefit in predicting BW. All linear terms of all body measurements were significant. It is indicated that in management situations, where BW can not be measured, it can be predicted fairly accurately by measuring HG alone or with WH.
Mechanisms of Change in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy: Systematized Review.

OBJECTIVE Despite increasing evidence for the effectiveness of intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP), evidence supporting the purported mechanisms of change in ISTDP is lacking. This systematized review aimed to describe the major theorized mechanisms of change in ISTDP, critically evaluate the emerging literature pertaining to its purported mechanisms, and explore directions for future research. METHODS A systematized search of the literature was conducted by using online databases (PsychInfo, PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL). RESULTS Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria. The included studies explored at least one theorized ISTDP mechanism of change and attempted to operationalize or otherwise empirically examine the mechanism in relation to the therapeutic process. Examined mechanisms included "unlocking the unconscious" and specific therapist interventions. CONCLUSIONS The current body of literature has several limitations, most notably the lack of a consensus definition for unlocking the unconscious. This difficulty in measuring mechanisms of change is common across therapeutic modalities and limits the validity and comparability of findings. Despite these limitations, the literature suggests a possible association between theorized mechanisms of change and positive therapy outcomes. Future research directions are discussed.
Analysis of 408 Total Ankle Arthroplasty Adverse Events Reported to the US Food and Drug Administration From 2015 to 2018

Background. Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) use has increased with newer generation implants. Current reports in the literature regarding complications use data extracted from high-volume centers. The types of complications experienced by lower-volume centers may not be reflected in these reports. The purpose of this study was to determine a comprehensive TAA adverse event profile from a mandatory-reporting regulatory database. Methods. The US Food and Drug Administration’s Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database was reviewed from 2015 to 2018 to determine reported adverse events for approved implants. Results. Among 408 unique TAA device failures, the most common modes of failure were component loosening (17.9%), intraoperative guide or jig error (15.4%), infection (13.7%), and cyst formation (12.7%). In addition, the percentage distribution of adverse event failure types differed among implants. Conclusion. The MAUDE database is a publicly available method that requires mandatory reporting of approved device adverse events. Using this report, we found general agreement in types of complications reported in the literature, although there were some differences, as well as differences between implants. These data may more accurately reflect a comprehensive profile of TAA complications as data were taken from a database of all device users rather than only high-volume centers. Levels of Evidence: NA
Selective Degradation of Wood Components by White‐Rot Fungi

In order to find naturally occurring white-rot fungi which preferentially degrade lignin. 25 different species of such fungi were cultivated on pine wood blocks and on kraft lignin agar plates with and without cellulose. Due to differences in phenol oxidase reactions on the kraft lignin agar plates, the 25 fungi could be divided into two groups, 1 and 2, which also differed in other properties. The three Group I fungi Sporotrichum pulverulentum, Phanerochaete sp. L1 and Polyporus dichrous produced high levels of endo-l,4-β-glucanase and cellobiose:quinone oxidoreductase in shaking cellulose flasks and a low level of phenol oxidase in standing wood meal flasks, The four fungi Merulius tremellosus, Phlebia radiata, Pycuoporus cinnabarinus and Pleurotus ostreatus from Group 2, on the other hand, produced low levels of endo-1,4-β-glucanase and cellobiose:. quinone oxidoreductase in the cellulose. flasks and a high level of phenol oxidase in the wood meal flasks. Analyses of pine wood blocks degraded by the above-mentioned fungi in the presence of either malt extract, asparagine or NH4H2PO4 revealed that malt extract gave good lignin degradation. In the presence of this nutrient source. P. cinnabarinus, at 3.4% weight loss, even degraded 12.5% lignin without loss of cellulose or mannan. No common degradation pattern was, however, obtained using mall extract, asparagine or NH4H2PO4, It is suggested that while-rot fungi, which preferentially degrade lignin, may be found among Group 2 fungi producing large amounts of phenol oxidases.
In Vitro Evaluation of Skin Absorption and Metabolism

AbstractIn vitro methods using human and animal skin have frequently been used to measure the absorption/diffusion of chemicals through skin. Since some compounds have recently been shown to be metabolized during the percutaneous absorption process, we are examining the importance and feasibility of determining metabolic activity in skin when making absorption measurements. The viability of skin can be readily maintained for at least 24 hr in flow-through diffusion cells. A Hepes-buffered Hank's balanced salt solution is, in some cases, superior as a receptor fluid to minimum essential medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. The balanced salt solution is sufficient to maintain viability as assessed by glucose metabolism and electron microscopy and it does not interfere with quantitation of metabolites. We have found enzyme activity in skin to be 10-100 times less than that in liver and insufficient for detectable metabolism of caffeine, salicylic acid, or chlorophenothane (DDT) during absorption studies.
Population Studies on Nine Leafhopper Species on Various Host Plants at Giza, Egypt, Using Light Trap and Sweeping Net (Hom., Cicadellidae)

Population studies on nine cicadellid species were carried out throughout 1974 at Giza, Egypt, using a modified light trap and sweeping net. These species, arranged descendingly according to their abundance in light trap catches were: Cicadulina bipunctella zeae CHINA, Exitianus taeniaticeps (KIRSCHB.), Recilia schmidtgeni WAGNER, Cicadulina chinai GHAURI, Nephotettix modulotus MEL. , Neolimnus aegyptiacus (MATS.), Balclutha rufofasciata MERINO, Macrosteles sexnotatus (FALLEN), and Orosius albicinctus DIST. Light trap catches of the majority of these species were relatively abundant only during warm-humid months: August till October. These species were found on a large number of host plants; the average number of each species/100 strokes on each host was determined. Sex ratios in light trap and sweeping net samples of most species are given.
Spontaneous and induced ovulation in the lion (Panthera leo)

The objective of this study was to clarify if ovulation occurs spontaneously, if it is copulation-induced, or if a combination of both mechanisms controls ovulation in African lions. Five female lions were either permitted unrestricted copulatory activity with vasectomized males throughout estrus or were physically isolated from conspecifies for the duration of estrus. Each female was randomly exposed to each treatment in a switchback design during consecutive estrous cycles. Serum concentrations of progesterone were determined in blood samples collected on days 2, 8, 12, and 16 following the onset of estrus (day 0). Ovulation was indirectly confirmed by elevated serum concentrations of progesterone on days 8, 12, and 16. While ovulation occurred spontaneously in one of five isolated lions, five of five of the same lions ovulated following copulation (P ≤ 0.05). Following mating, concentrations of progesterone increased six- to twelve fold (up to > 109 ng/ml) between days 2 and 12, while in the same lions failing to ovulate following isolation, progesterone concentrations did not exceed 11 ng/ml by day 16. Inter-estrous intervals following mating (67 ± 4.4 days) were longer (P ± 0.05) than those following isolation (19 ± 1.0 day). Thus, ovulation in African lions appears to be induced by copulatory stimuli or some other form of physical or social interaction with conspecifies during estrus but can occasionally occur spontaneously. The lion, therefore, does not appear to be a classic spontaneous ovulator but rather a reflex ovulator like the domestic cat. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.