Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Zearalenone and Metabolites in Livers of Turkey Poults and Broiler Chickens Fed with Diets Containing Fusariotoxins

Zearalenone (ZEN) and metabolites were measured in livers of turkeys and broilers fed a control diet free of mycotoxins, a diet that contained 0.5 mg/kg ZEN (ZEN diet), and a diet that contained 0.5, 5, and 20 mg/kg of ZEN, fumonisins, and deoxynivalenol, respectively (ZENDONFB diet). The feed was individually distributed to male Grade Maker turkeys from the 55th to the 70th day of age and to male Ross chickens from the 1st to the 35th day of age, without any signs of toxicity. Together, the free and conjugated forms of ZEN, α- and β-zearalenols (ZOLs), zearalanone (ZAN), and α- and β-zearalanols (ZALs) were measured by UHPLC-MS/MS with [13C18]-ZEN as an internal standard and immunoaffinity clean-up of samples. ZAN and ZALs were not detected. ZEN and ZOLs were mainly found in their conjugated forms. α-ZOL was the most abundant and was found at a mean concentration of 2.23 and 1.56 ng/g in turkeys and chickens, respectively. Consuming the ZENDONFB diet significantly increased the level of total metabolites in the livers of chickens. Furthermore, this increase was more pronounced for the free forms of α-ZOL than for the conjugated forms. An investigation of the presence of ZEN and metabolites in muscle with the methods validated for the liver failed to reveal any traces of these contaminants in this tissue. These results suggest that concomitant dietary exposure to deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisins (FB) may alter the metabolism and persistence of ZEN and its metabolites in the liver.
Power, Muscle, and Take-Off Asymmetry in Young Soccer Players

(1) Background: The objective of the study was to check the relationship between laterality, amount of muscle mass (MM), and selected strength parameters on lower extremities and assessment of asymmetry like a result of training. (2) Methods: The screened sample consisted of soccer players (n = 65, age = 16.0 ± 1.2 years). The legs were assessed for MM, height of reflection on a force plate, and power over 30 s Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT). The relationships between the individual parameters and age dependence were assessed using a correlation analysis. The differences between the dominant and non-dominant leg were assessed using the t-test. (3) Results: A relationship between the jump height and the mean 30 s power in WAnT (r = 0.375, p < 0.01) and between the amount of MM and the absolute power of the individual legs in WAnT (r = 0.695–0.832, p < 0.01) was proved. A relationship between the take-off force and the MM, or between the MM and the relative power during a velocity force load was not found. (4) Conclusions: The amount of MM in young soccer players does not affect take-off force or strength power in WAnT. The more specific the movement is, the lower the effect on the achieved power output of the concerned MM. Differences in the performance between the dominant and non-dominant leg decrease with duration of the training.
The Potential Role of Fish-Derived Protein Hydrolysates on Metabolic Health, Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function in Ageing

Fish protein represents one of the most widely consumed dietary protein sources by humans. The processing of material from the fishing industry generates substantial unexploited waste products, many of which possess high biological value. Protein hydrolysates, such as fish protein hydrolysates (FPH), containing predominantly di- and tripeptides, are more readily absorbed than free amino acids and intact protein. Furthermore, in animal models, FPH have been shown to possess numerous beneficial properties for cardiovascular, neurological, intestinal, renal, and immune health. Ageing is associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, as well as increased oxidative stress, compromised vascularisation, neurological derangements, and immunosenescence. Thus, there appears to be a potential application for FPH in older persons as a high-quality protein source that may also confer additional health benefits. Despite this, there remains a dearth of information concerning the impact of FPH on health outcomes in humans. The limited evidence from human interventional trials suggests that FPH may hold promise for supporting optimal body composition and maintaining gut integrity. FPH also provide a high-quality source of dietary protein without negatively impacting on subjective appetite perceptions or regulatory hormones. Further studies are needed to assess the impact and utility of FPH on skeletal muscle health in older persons, ideally comparing FPH to ‘established’ protein sources or a non-bioactive, nitrogen-matched control. In particular, the effects of acute and chronic FPH consumption on post-exercise aminoacidaemia, skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and intramyocellular anabolic signalling in older adults are worthy of investigation. FPH may represent beneficial and sustainable alternative sources of high-quality protein to support skeletal muscle health and anabolism in ageing, without compromising appetite and subsequent energy intake.
Septic Stability? Gut Microbiota in Young Adult MICE Maintains Overall Stability After Sepsis Compared to Old Adult MICE.

BACKGROUND Older adults have worse outcomes after sepsis than young adults. Additionally, alterations of the gut microbiota have been demonstrated to contribute to sepsis-related mortality. We sought to determine if there were alterations in the gut microbiota with a novel sepsis model in old adult mice, which enter a state of persistent inflammation, immunosuppression and catabolism (PICS), as compared to young adult mice, which recover with the sepsis model. METHODS Mixed sex old (∼20 mo) and young (∼4 mo) C57Bl/6J mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture with daily chronic stress (CLP+DCS) and were compared to naive age-matched controls. Mice were sacrificed at CLP+DCS day 7 and feces collected for bacterial DNA isolation. The V3-V4 hypervariable region was amplified, 16S rRNA gene sequencing performed, and cohorts compared. α-Diversity was assessed using Chao1 and Shannon indices using rarefied counts, and β-diversity was assessed using Bray-Curtis dissimilarity. RESULTS Naïve old adult mice had significantly different α and β-diversity compared to naïve adult young adult mice. After CLP+DCS, there was a significant shift in the α and β-diversity (FDR = 0.03 for both) of old adult mice (naïve vs. CLP+DCS). However, no significant shift was displayed in the microbiota of young mice that underwent CLP+DCS in regards to α-diversity (FDR = 0.052) and β-diversity (FDR = 0.12), demonstrating a greater overall stability of their microbiota at 7 days despite the septic insult. The taxonomic changes in old mice undergoing CLP+DCS were dominated by decreased abundance of the order Clostridiales and genera Oscillospira. CONCLUSION Young adult mice maintain an overall microbiome stability 7 days after CLP+DCS after compared to old adult mice. The lack of microbiome stability could contribute to PICS and worse long-term outcomes in older adult sepsis survivors. Further studies are warranted to elucidate mechanistic pathways and potential therapeutics.
REVIEW OF SOUTH AMERICAN BATS OF THE GENUS EPTESICUS

The systematics and nomenclature of South American bats of the genus Eptesicus are reviewed. Based upon the study of 317 specimens, seven distinct species are recognized, as follows: Eptesicus andinus, E. brasiliensis, E. dorianus, E. furinalis, E. fuscus, E. innoxius, and E. montosus. Of these species, E. andinus, E. furinalis, and E. fuscus occur also in Central America and Mexico. One new sub- species, Eptesicus brasiliensis thomasi, is described from the headwaters of the Amazon River. In a review of the genus Eptesicus, Tate (1942) commented that the greatest diversity of forms of this nearly cosmopolitan genus is found in Africa. According to him, Eptesicus is not well represented in South America, and those forms that do occur there "appear on the whole to be unspecialized species derived from early Eptesicus stock. " Even so, South America is much more richly endowed than North America with members of this genus. In addition to Eptesicus fuscus, the common big brown bat of North America, no fewer than six other species of relatively small Eptesicus are found there. Several of them superficially resemble bats of the genus Myotis, and only by examina- tion of the dentition can one readily separate the two genera. In Eptesicus the dental formula is i, 2/3; c, 1/1; pm, 1/2; m 3/3, but one cannot rely on dental formula alone to place specimens in the genus Eptesicus because another South American eptesicoid bat, His- tiotus, has the same formula. Histiotus, however, represents a branch of the eptesicoid stock characterized by greatly enlarged ears and audi- tory bullae; the width of the bullae is considerably more than their distance apart. I was able to assemble 317 specimens of Eptesicus from South Amer- ica for this review. These were mainly conventional study skins with skulls; the remainder were alcoholics from which the skulls were re- moved. These specimens are deposited in a number of institutional col- lections as follows: AMNH-American Museum of Natural History,
Whole-Body Vibration Stimulates Microvascular Blood Flow in Skeletal Muscle

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. ABSTRACT Purpose Whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy has been reported to potentially act as an exercise mimetic by improving muscle function and exercise capacity in a variety of healthy and clinical populations. Considering the important role that microvascular blood flow plays in muscle metabolism and exercise capacity, we investigated the muscle microvascular responses of acute WBV to knee extension exercise (KEX) in healthy individuals. Methods Eleven healthy adults (age: 33 ± 2 yr; body mass index: 23.6 ± 1.1 kg·m−2) underwent 3 min of WBV, or 3 min of KEX at 25% of one-repetition maximum, in a randomized order separated by a minimum of 72 h. Femoral arterial blood flow was measured via Doppler ultrasound, and thigh muscle microvascular blood flow was measured via contrast-enhanced ultrasound at baseline and throughout the 3-min postintervention recovery period. Results Both WBV and KEX significantly increased peak microvascular blood flow (WBV, 5.6-fold; KEX, 21-fold; both P < 0.05) during the 3-min recovery period. Despite a similar increase in femoral arterial blood flow (~4-fold; both P < 0.05 vs baseline) and whole-body oxygen consumption measured by indirect calorimetry (WBV, 48%; KEX, 60%; both P < 0.05 vs baseline) in both conditions, microvascular blood flow was stimulated to a greater extent after KEX. Conclusion A single 3-min session of WBV in healthy individuals is sufficient to significantly enhance muscle microvascular blood flow. Despite KEX providing a more potent stimulus, WBV may be an effective method for improving microvascular blood flow in populations reported to exhibit microvascular dysfunction such as patients with type 2 diabetes.
Ecto-Nucleotide Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolase-2 (NTPDase2) Deletion Increases Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Ecto-nucleotidase triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-2 (NTPDase2) is an ecto-enzyme that is expressed on portal fibroblasts in the liver that modulates P2 receptor signaling by regulating local concentrations of extracellular ATP and ADP. NTPDase2 has protective properties in liver fibrosis and may impact bile duct epithelial turnover. Here, we study the role of NTPDase2 in acute liver injury using an experimental model of acetaminophen (APAP) intoxication in mice with global deletion of NTPDase2. Acute liver toxicity was caused by administration of acetaminophen in wild type (WT) and NTPDase2-deficient (Entpd2 null) mice. The extent of liver injury was compared by histology and serum alanine transaminase (ALT). Markers of inflammation, regeneration and fibrosis were determined by qPCR). We found that Entpd2 expression is significantly upregulated after acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Entpd2 null mice showed significantly more necrosis and higher serum ALT compared to WT. Hepatic expression of IL-6 and PDGF-B are higher in Entpd2 null mice. Our data suggest inducible and protective roles of portal fibroblast-expressed NTPDase2 in acute necrotizing liver injury. Further studies should investigate the relevance of these purinergic pathways in hepatic periportal and sinusoidal biology as such advances in understanding might provide possible therapeutic targets.
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) Density and Row Spacing Effects on Competition with Green Foxtail (Setaria viridis)

Field experiments were conducted in 1990 and 1991 at Lethbridge, Alberta, to determine if narrower row spacings and increased plant densities than commonly practiced would improve safflower's competitive ability with weeds. A factorial set of treatments of safflower at two row spacings of 11 and 22 cm and six densities ranging from 10 to 192 plants m−2 grown weed free or infested with green foxtail (Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv. ). Decreasing safflower row spacing from 22 to 11 cm slightly improved competition with green foxtail, but increasing safflower density had a much greater effect. Weed-free safflower biomass and seed yield plateaued at 70 and 84 plants m−2 in 1990 and 1991, respectively. However, safflower infested with 500 plants m−2 of green foxtail increased in biomass and seed production up to 100 plants m−2 in 1990 and 156 plants m−2 in 1991. At these high densities, weedy safflower yielded less than weed-free safflower but three to four times more than achieved at lower stand densities. Concurrently, high safflower density reduced green foxtail biomass up to 72% and seed yield up to 85%. Dense safflower stands developed a closed canopy early in the season and shaded green foxtail more than thin stands.
Exploring Eating and Nutritional Challenges for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parents’ and Special Educators’ Perceptions

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that is frequently associated with food refusal, limited food repertoire and high-frequency single food intake mainly among children with ASD. Provision of nutrition can be very challenging due to the fact of these behavioural problems, either for the parents or special educators. Healthy nutrition is associated with providing and consuming nutritious food with results being in a good state of health. Semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among 20 participants at a National Autism Centre to explore their understanding towards healthy nutrition. They were parents and special educators who were actively involved with children with ASD. A series of discussions were transcribed verbatim, and four researchers examined each transcript. Inductive analysis linking codes into main thematic categories was conducted using the constant comparison approach across the full data set. The outcome suggested that participants had limited knowledge relating to the proper dietary and nutritional needs of the children. The key messages from the discussion provide a foundation on the development of a nutrition education module which involves primary caretakers of children with ASD.
Plasma Lithium Levels in the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Metabolic and Dietary Correlates

Initial evidence suggests that lithium might affect life expectancy and the risk for different disease conditions, but most studies were conducted in patients on lithium medication. Little is known about the association of blood lithium levels within the physiological range with cardiometabolic risk factors and diet. We measured plasma lithium in a community-based sample from Northern Germany (samples taken between 2010 and 2012). All participants (aged 25–82 years) underwent standardized examinations and completed a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Of several variables tested, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was statistically significantly (inversely) associated with lithium levels, mainly in individuals with slightly impaired renal function (eGFR < 75 mL/min/1.73 m2). Besides, lithium levels were positively associated with age and alcohol intake. Using reduced rank regression, we identified a dietary pattern explaining 8.63% variation in plasma lithium levels. Higher lithium levels were associated with higher intakes of potatoes, leafy vegetables, root vegetables, fruits, tea, beer, wine and dietetic products and lower intakes of pasta, rice, pork, chocolate, sweets, soft drinks, other alcoholic beverages, sauces and snacks. Our observations suggest that plasma lithium levels are associated inversely with kidney function, particularly in individuals with slightly impaired renal function, and positively with age and alcohol intake. Lithium at physiological levels was moderately related to an exploratory dietary pattern.
Long-Term Assessment of Baseline Blood Biochemistry Parameters in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Maintained under Controlled Conditions

Simple Summary Baseline blood biochemistry parameter values, which are well established for humans and other higher vertebrates, are fundamental for diagnosis. In this study, provided for the first time are baseline biochemical values for rainbow trout maintained under controlled conditions (the density, water temperature and photoperiod were kept constant over time). Fish weight was found to influence the parameters analyzed. These findings permit the advancement of knowledge of blood parameters in fish and provide useful measures for assessing health status. Abstract Twelve biochemical parameters were measured in serum blood samples from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) maintained under controlled conditions. Forty-five samples were taken every 3 months (T1–T4) over the course of one year to define baseline values. The effect of fish total weight (TW) was also evaluated. Principal component analysis showed a clear separation between T4 and T1, and T2 and T3, indicating an increase in certain biochemical parameters with weight. Linear regression analysis showed how TW significantly explained 11–67% of the variability observed for nine parameters out of 12. Pearson’s correlation matrix showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between TW and albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine-aminotransferase, creatinine, gamma-glutamyl transferase, magnesium, phosphorus and total protein. Furthermore, significant correlations (p < 0.05) between the majority of the biochemical parameters were found, indicating that growth can influence several parameters at the same time. The present study provides several useful baseline values for assessing the health of O. mykiss, indicating that fish weight is an important factor for interpreting the blood biochemical profile.
AT101 [(-)-Gossypol] Selectively Inhibits MCL1 and Sensitizes Carcinoma to BH3 Mimetics by Inducing and Stabilizing NOXA

Anti-apoptotic BCL2 proteins are important targets for cancer therapy as cancers depend on their activity for survival. Direct inhibitors of MCL1 have entered clinical trials, although their efficacy may be limited by toxicity. An alternative approach may be to induce the pro-apoptotic protein NOXA which selectively inhibits MCL1 in cells. Many compounds originally proposed as inhibitors of the BCL2 family were subsequently found to induce the pro-apoptotic protein NOXA through the unfolded protein response. In the present study, we compared various putative BH3 mimetics across a panel of carcinoma cell lines and measured expression of NOXA protein and mRNA, as well as the kinetics of NOXA induction. We found that AT101 [(-)-gossypol] induces high levels of NOXA in carcinoma cell lines yet cells survive. When combined with an appropriate BCL2 or BCL-XL inhibitor, NOXA-dependent sensitization occurs. NOXA protein continues to accumulate for many hours after AT101 is removed, providing a window for administering these combinations. As MCL1 promotes drug resistance and overall survival, we propose that NOXA induction is an alternative therapeutic strategy to target MCL1 and either kill cancer cells that are dependent on MCL1 or sensitize cancer cells to other BCL2 inhibitors.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Urinary Incontinence among Chinese Adolescents in Henan Province: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Urinary incontinence is a common but understudied health problem in adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and associated factors for urinary incontinence in high-school-aged Chinese adolescents. A stratified two-stage cluster sampling procedure was adopted, yielding a sampling frame of 15,055 participants from 46 high schools in Henan province, China. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data. The urinary incontinence variable was assessed using the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 6.6%, with a female predominance (7.2% versus 6.0% in males; p < 0.05), and it increased with age, from 5.8% at 14–15 years to 12.3% at 19–20 years old (p < 0.001). The most common subtype of urinary incontinence was urgency urinary incontinence (4.4%), followed by stress urinary incontinence (1.7%) and mixed urinary incontinence (0.5%). Female sex, higher grades, more frequent sexual behavior, physical disease, chronic constipation, mental health problems, and residence in nonurban areas were significantly associated with higher odds of having urinary incontinence (p < 0.05). Public health programs, such as health education and school-based screening, should be established for early detection and appropriate management of urinary incontinence. Furthermore, individualized interventions targeting associated factors should be developed through collective efforts by adolescents, families, schools, and policymakers.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors versus VEGF Targeted Therapy as Second Line Regimen in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): A Retrospective Study

Several targeted agents including multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (mTKIs) and immunotherapy (IO) agents have been approved for use beyond the frontline setting in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Due to lack of prospective head-to-head comparative trials, there is no standardized way for alternating those agents beyond frontline. Therefore, we performed a retrospective review of the Kansas University (KU) cancer registry to determine whether IO may be superior to non-IO therapy. Patients with advanced HCC were divided into two groups based on the second-line systemic regimen received (IO vs. non-IO). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated under the Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. No statistically significant differences in PFS and OS were found, although a non-significant delayed separation in the survival curve favoring IO was identified (median PFS 3.9 months vs. 3 months; median OS 10 months vs. 10 months respectively for IO vs. non-IO). This retrospective analysis is one of the earliest and largest studies comparing second-line IO and non-IO therapies thus far reported. Future studies should aim to define specific biomarkers for response prediction and treatment optimization based on individual patient and tumor characteristics. Furthermore, combinatorial therapeutic strategies is an evolving approach showing early promising signal.