Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metformin ameliorates olanzapine-induced obesity and glucose intolerance by regulating hypothalamic inflammation and microglial activation in female mice

Olanzapine (OLZ), a widely used second-generation antipsychotic drug, is known to cause metabolic side effects, including diabetes and obesity. Interestingly, OLZ-induced metabolic side effects have been demonstrated to be more profound in females in human studies and animal models. Metformin (MET) is often used as a medication for the metabolic side effects of OLZ. However, the mechanisms underlying OLZ-induced metabolic disturbances and their treatment remain unclear. Recent evidence has suggested that hypothalamic inflammation is a key component of the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders. On this background, we conducted this study with the following three objectives: 1) to investigate whether OLZ can independently induce hypothalamic microgliosis; 2) to examine whether there are sex-dependent differences in OLZ-induced hypothalamic microgliosis; and 3) to examine whether MET affects hypothalamic microgliosis. We found that administration of OLZ for 5 days induced systemic glucose intolerance and hypothalamic microgliosis and inflammation. Of note, both hypothalamic microglial activation and systemic glucose intolerance were far more evident in female mice than in male mice. The administration of MET attenuated hypothalamic microglial activation and prevented OLZ-induced systemic glucose intolerance and hypothalamic leptin resistance. Minocycline, a tetracycline derivative that prevents microgliosis, showed similar results when centrally injected. Our findings reveal that OLZ induces metabolic disorders by causing hypothalamic inflammation and that this inflammation is alleviated by MET administration.
1-methylhistamine as a potential biomarker of food histamine intolerance. A pilot study

Efforts are currently being directed to identify a non-invasive marker that can serve as a solid and clinically irrefutable diagnostic criterion for histamine intolerance associated with diamine oxidase (DAO) deficiency. Accordingly, the identification of biomarkers of histamine (HA) metabolism in urine is proposed as a possible new diagnostic strategy. It is hypothesized that individuals with histamine intolerance could have a different urinary profile of HA and its metabolites in comparison with the healthy population. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the urinary excretion of HA and 1-methylhistamine (MHA) in individuals diagnosed with histamine intolerance and in a control group. Levels of HA and MHA were compared between 24 h and first morning spot urine in a subgroup of 14 control individuals. Then, HA and MHA concentrations in spot urine of 32 histamine intolerant and 55 control individuals were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and fluorometric detection (UHPLC-FL) and normalized by creatinine. No differences were found between HA and MHA levels in 24 h and first morning samples. Overall, histamine intolerant patients presented a distinct urinary excretion profile compared to the control group due to lower levels of MHA. No differences in urinary MHA were observed related to serum DAO activity. Spot urine samples were thus validated as a reliable tool to determine the urinary excretion of HA and MHA. These results constitute a starting point for the study of HA metabolomics as a suitable and non-invasive approach to histamine intolerance diagnosis.
Unpacking the interaction between foreign language learners’ emotion, cognition, and activity in the flipped classroom in higher education: A perezhivanie perspective

Few studies have investigated learners’ emotional experiences and the interactions between emotion, cognition, and activity in the flipped foreign language classroom (i.e., a mixed teaching mode that combines in-class teaching and off-class self-directed learning). This study, from the perspective of perezhivanie (a concept from sociocultural theory), addressed these research gaps by exercising a longitudinal narrative study on a total of 32 Chinese-as-the-first-language university students of English who attended a 15-week English course with this teaching design. Among them, eight focal students were randomly selected for further evidence of the characteristics of the interactions between emotion, cognition, and activity. The results showed that the participants experienced more of positive emotions than negative emotions in the flipped classroom (FC) context, which supports the efficacy of the pedagogy. But most importantly, complex interactions between emotion, cognition, and activity were revealed. Generally, (negative) positive emotion, cognition, and activity were interconnected; however, what is also evident is that learners’ emotions either promoted or inhibited their cognitive functions, and positive and negative emotions did not necessarily correspond to positive and negative activities, respectively. This is due to the presence of dynamic, developmental, and historical sociocultural mediators in learners perezhivanija, be it teacher, peers, technology, teaching materials, teaching activities in an FC, or the learners’ previous English learning anecdotes, etc.
The double-sided of human leukocyte antigen-G molecules in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis

The immunomodulatory effects of HLA-G expression and its role in cancers, human liver infections and liver transplantation are well documented, but so far, there are only a few reports addressing autoimmune liver diseases, particularly autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Method and materials We analyzed the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of HLA-G in 205 type 1 AIH patients (AIH-1) and a population of 210 healthy controls from Sardinia (Italy). Results Analysis of the HLA-G locus showed no substantial differences in allele frequencies between patients and the healthy control population. The HLA-G UTR-1 haplotype was the most prevalent in both AIH-1 patients and controls (40.24% and 34.29%). Strong linkage was found between the HLA-G UTR-1 haplotype and HLA-DRB1*03:01 in AIH-1 patients but not controls (D’ = 0.92 vs D’ = 0.50 respectively; P = 1.3x10-8). Soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels were significantly lower in AIH-1 patients compared to controls [13.9 (11.6 – 17.4) U/mL vs 21.3 (16.5 – 27.8) U/mL; P = 0.011]. Twenty-four patients with mild or moderate inflammatory involvement, as assessed from liver biopsy, showed much higher sHLA-G levels compared to the 28 patients with severe liver inflammation [33.5 (23.6 – 44.8) U/mL vs 8.8 (6.1 – 14.5) U/mL; P = 0.003]. Finally, immunohistochemistry analysis of 52 liver biopsies from AIH-1 patients did not show expression of HLA-G molecules in the liver parenchyma. However, a percentage of 69.2% (36/52) revealed widespread expression of HLA-G both in the cytoplasm and the membrane of plasma cells labeled with anti-HLA-G monoclonal antibodies. Conclusion This study highlights the positive immunomodulatory effect of HLA-G molecules on the clinical course of AIH-1 and how this improvement closely correlates with plasma levels of sHLA-G. However, our results open the debate on the ambiguous role of HLA-G molecules expressed by plasma cells, which are pathognomonic features of AIH-1.
The impact of personal motivation on perceived effort and performance of pro-environmental behaviors

In order to minimize climate change it is important that people take up a sustainable lifestyle. Sustainable lifestyles call for pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) in several domains, such as in-home energy use, mobility, and consumption of food and goods. However, studies show that people often do not consistently behave pro-environmentally in all domains. In this study we investigated how a combination of personal motivation, and the difficulty and the perceived effort of a PEB, predicts the performance of PEBs in various domains, using a survey (n = 1,536). By means of Rasch analysis we identified the difficulty of 17 PEBs and estimated respondents’ pro-environmental motivations. In addition, we investigated if performance of certain PEBs increased the probability of performing other PEBs. This way we could identify for each level of motivation which behaviors respondents were (probably) performing and which behaviors they did not yet perform, but would be least effortful new behaviors. Furthermore, using a non-recursive structural equation model we investigated the relations between perceived effort, PEB performance, motivation, underlying traits, and demographics. Results showed a feedback loop between motivation and perceived effort: when respondents were motivated they perceived behaviors as less effortful and also lower perception of effort was related to higher motivation. Our results imply that people mainly perform PEBs that fit their level of pro-environmental motivation and that they are inclined to do the things of which they can justify the effort they need to invest. This amount of effort seems quite similar for people: no one wants to invest too much effort, but people highly differ in how effortful they assess different behaviors. Our study thus indicates that rationalizations play a key role. Encouraging people to embrace more sustainable lifestyles may involve step-by-step increases in PEB performance. We propose that people should be encouraged to perform behaviors that are closest to their current motivation level in order for them to progress from performing easy to more difficult PEBs.
Mental health, stigma, and neglected tropical diseases: A review and systematic mapping of the evidence

Recent years have seen an increase in recognition of the important impact that mental health, wellbeing, and stigma have on the quality of life of people affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including the publication of global normative guidance and policy frameworks. However, systematic collation of the evidence that can guide greater clarity of thinking for research and practical application of effective interventions is lacking. We used systematic mapping methodology to review the state of the evidence around mental health, stigma, and NTDs in low- and middle-income countries, applying a simple theoretical framework to explore intersections between these areas. We built on existing reviews on the links between each domain, bringing the reviews up to date, across the NTDs identified by the WHO (minus recent additions). After systematic searching of major databases, and exclusions, we identified 190 papers. Data extraction was done to inform key topics of interest, namely, the burden of mental distress and illness/stigma associated with NTDs, the mechanisms by which NTDs add to mental distress and illness/stigma, how mental distress and illness/stigma affect the outcome and treatment of NTDs, and efficacy of interventions to address these domains. We also document the recommendations given by the authors of included studies for research and interventions. We found that there has been a substantial increase in research, which remains very heterogeneous. It was dominated by skin conditions, especially leprosy and, less so, lymphatic filariasis. Few studies had a comparative and even fewer had an intervention design. Our findings were however consistent with existing reviews, pointing to a high prevalence of mental conditions, substantially mediated by stigma and exclusion and a lack of sufficient access to support for mental wellbeing in programmes, despite the existence of effective interventions. These interventions cut across mental health services, stigma reduction, community engagement, and empowerment of people affected. We conclude that the evidence justifies increased investment in practical and integrated interventions to support the wellbeing of people affected by NTDs but that there remains a need for implementation research of consistent quality, and basic science around the impact of mental health interventions on NTD outcomes (including on elimination efforts) needs to be strengthened.
Better under stress: Improving bacterial cellulose production by Komagataeibacter xylinus K2G30 (UMCC 2756) using adaptive laboratory evolution

Among naturally produced polymers, bacterial cellulose is receiving enormous attention due to remarkable properties, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. However, the low yield, the instability of microbial strains and the limited knowledge of the mechanisms regulating the metabolism of producer strains, limit the large-scale production of bacterial cellulose. In this study, Komagataeibacter xylinus K2G30 was adapted in mannitol based medium, a carbon source that is also available in agri-food wastes. K. xylinus K2G30 was continuously cultured by replacing glucose with mannitol (2% w/v) for 210 days. After a starting lag-phase, in which no changes were observed in the utilization of mannitol and in bacterial cellulose production (cycles 1–25), a constant improvement of the phenotypic performances was observed from cycle 26 to cycle 30, accompanied by an increase in mannitol consumption. At cycle 30, the end-point of the experiment, bacterial cellulose yield increased by 38% in comparision compared to cycle 1. Furthermore, considering the mannitol metabolic pathway, D-fructose is an intermediate in the bioconversion of mannitol to glucose. Based on this consideration, K. xylinus K2G30 was tested in fructose-based medium, obtaining the same trend of bacterial cellulose production observed in mannitol medium. The adaptive laboratory evolution approach used in this study was suitable for the phenotypic improvement of K. xylinus K2G30 in bacterial cellulose production. Metabolic versatility of the strain was confirmed by the increase in bacterial cellulose production from D-fructose-based medium. Moreover, the adaptation on mannitol did not occur at the expense of glucose, confirming the versatility of K2G30 in producing bacterial cellulose from different carbon sources. Results of this study contribute to the knowledge for designing new strategies, as an alternative to the genetic engineering approach, for bacterial cellulose production.
THE SPLASHBACK RADIUS AS A PHYSICAL HALO BOUNDARY AND THE GROWTH OF HALO MASS

The boundaries of cold dark matter halos are commonly defined to enclose a density contrast Δ relative to a reference (mean or critical) density. We argue that a more physical halo boundary choice is the radius at which accreted matter reaches its first orbital apocenter after turnaround. This splashback radius, R sp ? > , manifests itself as a sharp density drop in the halo outskirts, at a location that depends upon the mass accretion rate. We present calibrations of R sp ? > and the enclosed mass, M sp ? > , as a function of mass accretion rate and peak height. We find that R sp ? > is in the range ≈ 0.8 – 1 R 200 m ? > for rapidly accreting halos and is ≈ 1.5 R 200 m ? > for slowly accreting halos. Thus, halos and their environmental effects can extend well beyond the conventionally defined “virial” radius. We show that M sp ? > and R sp ? > evolve relatively strongly compared to other commonly used definitions. In particular, M sp ? > evolves significantly even for the smallest dwarf-sized halos at z = 0. We also contrast M sp ? > with the mass enclosed within four scale radii of the halo density profile, M < 4 r s ? > , which characterizes the inner halo. During the early stages of halo assembly, M sp ? > and M < 4 r s ? > evolve similarly, but in the late stages M < 4 r s ? > stops increasing while M sp ? > continues to grow significantly. This illustrates that halos at low z can have “quiet” interiors while continuing to accrete mass in their outskirts. We discuss potential observational estimates of the splashback radius and show that it may already have been detected in galaxy clusters.
Analysis of the surgical strategy and postoperative clinical effect of thoracic ossification of ligament flavum with dural ossification

Purpose Our research was designed to analyse the postoperative clinical results of patients suffering from single-segment thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) combined with dural ossification (DO) who underwent posterior laminar decompression and internal fixation. Methods This retrospective research included thirty-two patients who underwent surgery for ossifying the ligamentum flavum in the thoracic spine between January 2016 and January 2020. Patients were fallen into one group included patients with evidence of DO during surgery, and the other group included patients without evidence of DO. We assessed and compared general clinical characteristics and health-related outcomes before surgery and during follow-up. Results The DO group had a longer operation duration, more blood loss, and longer hospital stay (operation time: 94.75 ± 6.78 min vs. 80.00 ± 10.13 min, p < 0.001; blood loss: 331.67 ± 50.06 ml vs. 253.00 ± 48.24 ml, p < 0.001; length of hospital stay: 13.83 ± 2.76 days vs. 10.05 ± 2.33 days, p < 0.001). Complications There were 12 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and 1 case of superficial wound infection in the DO group. However, the neurological recovery and health-associated quality of life (HRQOL) scores showed no statistically significant changes between the DO and non-DO groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions Posterior laminectomy and internal fixation combined with intraoperative resection of the ossified ligamentum flavum and dura is an efficient and relatively safe method for treating TOLF with DO, which can provide satisfactory results. Moreover, DO had no significant effect on postoperative neurological recovery and health-related quality of life scores.
Second-language phoneme learning positively relates to voice recognition abilities in the native language: Evidence from behavior and brain potentials

Previous studies suggest a relationship between second-language learning and voice recognition processes, but the nature of such relation remains poorly understood. The present study investigates whether phoneme learning relates to voice recognition. A group of bilinguals that varied in their discrimination of a second-language phoneme contrast participated in this study. We assessed participants’ voice recognition skills in their native language at the behavioral and brain electrophysiological levels during a voice-avatar learning paradigm. Second-language phoneme discrimination positively correlated with behavioral and brain measures of voice recognition. At the electrophysiological level, correlations were present at two time windows and are interpreted within the dual-process model of recognition memory. The results are relevant to understanding the processes involved in language learning as they show a common variability for second-language phoneme and voice recognition processes.
Validation of KASP-SNP markers in cassava germplasm for marker-assisted selection of increased carotenoid content and dry matter content

Provitamin A biofortification and increased dry matter content are important breeding targets in cassava improvement programs worldwide. Biofortified varieties contribute to the alleviation of provitamin A deficiency, a leading cause of preventable blindness common among pre-school children and pregnant women in developing countries particularly Africa. Dry matter content is a major component of dry yield and thus underlies overall variety performance and acceptability by growers, processors, and consumers. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers linked to these traits have recently been discovered through several genome-wide association studies but have not been deployed for routine marker-assisted selection (MAS). This is due to the lack of useful information on markers’ performances in diverse genetic backgrounds. To overcome this bottleneck, technical and biological validation of the loci associated with increased carotenoid content and dry matter content were carried out using populations independent of the marker discovery population. In the present study, seven previously identified markers for these traits were converted to a robust set of uniplex allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and validated in two independent pre-breeding and breeding populations. These assays were efficient in discriminating marker genotypic classes and had an average call rate greater than 98%. A high correlation was observed between the predicted and observed carotenoid content as inferred by root yellowness intensity in the breeding (r = 0.92) and pre-breeding (r = 0.95) populations. On the other hand, dry matter content-markers had moderately low predictive accuracy in both populations (r< 0.40) due to the more quantitative nature of the trait. This work confirmed the markers’ effectiveness in multiple backgrounds, therefore, further strengthening their value in cassava biofortification to ensure nutritional security as well as dry matter content productivity. Our study provides a framework to guide future marker validation, thus leading to the more routine use of markers in MAS in cassava improvement programs.
Transient nonlinear vibration characterization of building materials in sequential impact scale experiments

Characterizing standard building materials such as concrete is challenging primarily because of the broad range of constituent component sizes within the material itself. Concrete, the most ubiquitous building material, contains critical components that span at least three orders of magnitude of physical size. This work introduces a nondestructive sequential impact test to extract transient nonlinear vibration behaviors that provide statistically significant holistic characterization of a heterogeneous building material, neat cement paste, on a centimeter scale sample. The sensitivity of the single impact vibration combined with the repeatability of the new sequential apparatus enables the extraction of statistically distinct transient nonlinear (slow dynamic) material memory behaviors. Experimental results on neat cement paste prisms and borosilicate glass blocks across several environmental states and damage conditions reveal an underlying phenomenon of transient nonlinear behaviors. Material damage and moisture state significantly affect the proper interpretation of the transient nonlinear material behaviors. The presented testing procedure and observations, supported by historical experiments, confirm that sequential impact reports a consistent transient nonlinear vibration behavior, and the measured behavior can identify damaged heterogeneous building materials.
Remnants of black holes from rainbow gravity in terms of a new VSL theory

In this paper the gravity's rainbow function is derived in terms of a varying speed of light (VSL) theory. We calculate the modified temperature, entropy and heat capacity of the Schwarzschild, Kerr, AdS black holes, as well as spinning black rings. Our results demonstrate that in rainbow gravity the behaviors of various black holes have remarkably essential difference from those of standard black holes near the Planck scale.
Resequencing of 558 Chinese mungbean landraces identifies genetic loci associated with key agronomic traits

Mungbean is a warm-season annual food legume and plays important role in supplying food and nutritional security in many tropical countries. However, the genetic basis of its agronomic traits remains poorly understood. Therefore, we resequenced 558 Chinese mungbean landraces and produced a comprehensive map of mungbean genomic variation. We phenotyped all landraces in six different environments. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) produced 110 signals significantly associated with nine agronomic traits, for which several candidate genes were identified. Overall, this study provides new insight into the genetic architecture of mungbean agronomic traits. Moreover, the genome-wide variations identified here should be valuable resources for future breeding studies of this important food legume.