Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the influences of the continental shelf bathymetry correction in Prydz Bay, East Antarctica

The bathymetry around Antarctica can govern the shelf sea circulations and play a key role in conditioning water masses. In Prydz Bay, the Prydz Bay Gyre and coastal currents are also determined by the continental shelf topography. However, due to the paucity of beam echo sounding data, the bathymetric datasets in Prydz Bay still have large uncertainties. With the aid of in situ hydrographic observations, this study focuses on the correction of an up-to-date bathymetric dataset and the resultant influences on the shelf circulation and the basal melting of the ice shelves. The corrected bathymetry mainly improves the biased shallow representations in the uncorrected bathymetric data set, with a maximum change of ~500 m deepening in the eastern flank of Prydz Bay. Sensitivity numerical experiments show that the bathymetric corrections in Prydz Bay have a significant impact on the circulation pattern and onshore warm water intrusions. In addition, the corrected bathymetry markedly decreases the heat transport towards the calving front of the Amery Ice Shelf. The onshore heat transport reduces by ~22.18% from ~5.23×1013 J s-1 to ~4.07×1013 J s-1 over the outer shelf. Over the inner shelf, the heat transport towards the Amery Ice Shelf reduces by ~18.15% from ~5.95×1013 J s-1 to ~4.87×1013 J s-1. Consequently, the temporally and spatially averaged basal melting rate of the Amery Ice Shelf reduces by ~13.04% from ~0.69 m yr-1 to ~0.60 m yr-1.
Dark solitons impinging on interfaces in a superfluid Fermi gas

Ultracold quantum gases in the superfluid regime exhibit solitons, localized excitations that require nonlinearity of the underlying field equation in order to preserve their shape as they propagate. Here, we investigate the behavior of solitons at an inhomogeneity: an interface that separates two different interaction regimes of a superfluid Fermi gas. It is known that the soliton properties depend on the interaction regime, but what happens as a soliton impinges on such an interface is not clear. Using an effective field theory to describe the superfluid Fermi gas, we reveal the nontrivial dynamics of such a collision. Whether the original soliton makes it through the interface depends on the amplitude of the soliton. Regardless of whether the original soliton is transmitted or not, there will always be a shock wave with a phonon train created behind the interface and reflected secondary solitons. The details of this dynamics depends strongly on the equation of state corresponding to underlying microscopic theory describing the superfluid Fermi gas, and we argue that these collisions are realistic experimental probes to test microscopic theories of pairing in ultracold Fermi gases.
The collectin SP-A and its trimeric recombinant fragment protect alveolar epithelial cells from the cytotoxic and proinflammatory effects of human cathelicidin in vitro

Human cathelicidin (LL-37) is a defense peptide with antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. However, LL-37 can also trigger tissue injury by binding to host cell membranes. The cytotoxic effects of LL-37 may be especially relevant in chronic respiratory diseases characterized by increased LL-37. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the human collectin SP-A and a trimeric recombinant fragment thereof (rfhSP-A) can regulate the activities of LL-37. To this end, we studied the interaction of LL-37 with SP-A and rfhSP-A by intrinsic fluorescence, dynamic light scattering, and circular dichroism, as well as the effects of these proteins on the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of LL-37. Both SP-A and rfhSP-A bound LL-37 with high affinity at physiological ionic strength (KD = 0.45 ± 0.01 nM for SP-A and 1.22 ± 0.7 nM for rfhSP-A). Such interactions result in the reduction of LL-37-induced cell permeability and IL-8 release in human pneumocytes, mediated by P2X7 channels. Binding of LL-37 to SP-A did not modify the properties of SP-A or the antibacterial activity of LL-37 against respiratory pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae). SP-A/LL-37 complexes showed a greater ability to aggregate LPS vesicles than LL-37, which reduces endotoxin bioactivity. These results reveal the protective role of native SP-A in controlling LL-37 activities and suggest a potential therapeutic effect of rfhSP-A in reducing the cytotoxic and inflammatory actions of LL-37, without affecting its microbicidal activity against Gram-negative pathogens.
#childhoodobesity – A brief literature review of the role of social media in body image shaping and eating patterns among children and adolescents

Children’s food preferences are closely related to their parents’ food preferences and knowledge of food is linked to what their parents share with them. Parents, however, are not the only people who model such behavior. Paradoxically, the ubiquitous technological development can also pose a huge threat. In developed countries, 94% of teenagers use social media platforms such as: Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, or TikTok, and this also applies to children. It can therefore be argued that parents’ nutritional preferences and behavior are related to the same behaviors of children and there is an extensive literature on this subject. It is therefore important to check how other factors – new technology (and social media in particular) – can influence changes in this area. A literature search was conducted in the following databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCO in December 2021. After applying all the filters and verification of relevance in terms of the research on the topic of interest to us, 4 articles related to research on body image and social media and 4 articles related to research on food choices and social media among children and adolescents were obtained. The conducted analysis showed that various studies so far indicate that social media can have a very strong influence on the development of eating patterns and body image in children and adolescents, which in turn may be one of the risk factors for developing obesity when promoted behaviors are not associated with a healthy lifestyle. It is also worth pointing out that social media can be used as a resource in the prevention and treatment of obesity. A closer look at this topic seems to be particularly important due to the fact that, among adults, social media is not only a very important source of information about lifestyle, but also a source of social support when people attempting to lose weight. Therefore, by increasing preventive activity in social media and using modern solutions related to social media (including the use of hashtag signs), we can have a greater impact on the health awareness of children and adolescents around the world.
A new selenium source from Se-enriched Cardamine violifolia improves growth performance, anti-oxidative capacity and meat quality in broilers

Background Cardamine violifolia (Cv) is a kind of selenium-enriched plant which contains high levels of organic selenium (Se) such as selenocysteine and methylselenocysteine. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of this new source of Se on the growth performance, anti-oxidative capacity and meat quality in broilers compared with other frequently-used Se sources. Methods A total of 240 broilers were allotted into 4 treatments: (1) Control group (Se free diets, CON); (2) Sodium selenite group (0.3 mg/kg Se sourced from Na2SeO3 diets, SeNa); (3) Selenium yeast group (0.3 mg/kg Se sourced from Se-Yeast diets, SeY); (4) Plant Se group (0.3 mg/kg Se sourced from Cv diets, SeCv). The whole study lasted 42 days and was divided into 2 stages (1–21 d as earlier stage and 22–42 d as later stage). Results The results showed that the broilers fed SeCv diets had improved average daily gain and the ratio of feed to gain compared to the broilers fed SeNa and SeY diets during the earlier stage. However, there was no significant difference in growth performance of broilers fed these 3 sources of Se diets during the whole period. The broilers fed SeCv diets had improved intestinal mucosal morphology on d 21 and 42. Enhanced liver total anti-oxidative capacity was observed from the broilers fed SeCv diets compared with the other 2 Se sources diets on d 21. Furthermore, lower liver malondialdehyde contents were determined from the broilers fed SeCv and SeY diets compared with SeNa diets. At last, the broilers fed SeCv had increased redness in thigh muscle and decreased cooking loss in both breast and thigh muscle compared with the boilers fed SeNa diets. However, the broilers had similar meat quality between SeCv group and SeY group. Conclusion In conclusion, these results demonstrated that SeCv was a well-organic Se source for broilers.
ST6Gal1: Oncogenic signaling pathways and targets

The Golgi-sialyltransferase ST6Gal1 (βgalactosidase α2,6 sialyltransferase 1), adds the negatively charged sugar, sialic acid, to the terminal galactose of N-glycosylated proteins. Upregulation of ST6Gal1 is observed in many malignancies, and a large body of research has determined that ST6Gal1-mediated α2,6 sialylation impacts cancer hallmarks. ST6Gal1 affects oncogenic behaviors including sustained proliferation, enhanced self-renewal, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and chemoresistance. However, there are relatively few ST6GaL1 related signaling pathways that are well-established to mediate these biologies: greater delineation of specific targets and signaling mechanisms that are orchestrated by ST6Gal1 is needed. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of our current understanding of select oncogenic signaling pathways and targets affected by ST6Gal1.
Serotonin modulation in the male Aedes aegypti ear influences hearing

Male Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) mosquitoes rely on hearing to identify conspecific females for mating, with the male attraction to the sound of flying females (“phonotaxis”) an important behavior in the initial courtship stage. Hearing thus represents a promising target for novel methods of mosquito control, and hearing behaviors (such as male phonotaxis) can be targeted via the use of sound traps. These traps unfortunately have proven to be relatively ineffective during field deployment. Shifting the target from hearing behavior to hearing function could therefore offer a novel method of interfering with Ae. aegypti mating. Numerous neurotransmitters, including serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) and octopamine, are expressed in the male ear, with modulation of the latter proven to influence the mechanical responses of the ear to sound. The effect of serotonin modulation however remains underexplored despite its significant role in determining many key behaviors and biological processes of animals. Here we investigated the influence of serotonin on the Ae. aegypti hearing function and behaviors. Using immunohistochemistry, we found significant expression of serotonin in the male and female Ae. aegypti ears. In the male ear, presynaptic sites identified via antibody labelling showed only partial overlap with serotonin. Next, we used RT-qPCR to identify and quantify the expression levels of three different serotonin receptor families (5-HT1, 5-HT2, and 5-HT7) in the mosquito heads and ears. Although all receptors were identified in the ears of both sexes, those from the 5-HT7 family were significantly more expressed in the ears relative to the heads. We then thoracically injected serotonin-related compounds into the mosquitoes and found a significant, reversible effect of serotonin exposure on the male ear mechanical tuning frequency. Finally, oral administration of a serotonin-synthesis inhibitor altered male phonotaxis. The mosquito serotonergic system and its receptors thus represent interesting targets for novel methods of mosquito, and thus disease, control.
Green synthesized silver nanoparticles: Optimization, characterization, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity study by hemolysis assay

Green nanotechnology has emerged as a viable option for the production of nanoparticles. The purpose of the current investigation was to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Terminalia arjuna extracts, as well as their combinations, as green reducing and capping agents. The parameters (concentration of silver nitrate solution and plant extract, time, pH, and temperature) were optimized for maximal yields, regulated size, and stability of silver nanoparticles. The ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis) and the surface plasmon resonance band (SPR) were used to validate the synthesis of AgNPs. The size, shape, and stability of nanoparticles were assessed using a zeta analyzer and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The biomolecules responsible for the reduction of silver ion (Ag+) and the stability of silver nanoparticles generated with the plant extracts were identified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The agar-well diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial activity of biosynthesized nanoparticles against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella multocida, and Escherichia coli. When 1 mM of silver nitrate (AgNO3) was added to plant extracts and incubated for 60 min at 75°C in a neutral medium, maximum nanoparticles were produced. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were stable, spherical, and monodispersed according to zeta potential and scanning electron microscopy. Silver nanoparticles synthesized with combination 2 and T. arjuna showed the highest zone of inhibition (16 mm) against B. subtilis while combination 3 showed the largest zone of inhibition against S. aureus (17 ± 0.8). It was concluded that greenly produced silver nanoparticles showed good antibacterial activity while causing negligible cytotoxicity.
Emotional dysregulation as trans-nosographic psychopathological dimension in adulthood: A systematic review

Introduction Emotional dysregulation (ED) is characterized by inappropriate emotional reactions related to environmental or cognitive stimuli. In most recent years, increasing interest has been devoted to its definition and detection across mental disorders for its detrimental role progressively highlighted in both neurodevelopment and adult mental disorders, with implications on the severity of clinical manifestations. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and gather the scientific evidence about ED in adult psychiatric population to elucidate the concept of ED as trans-nosographic entity. Methods The electronics databases PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was reviewed to identify studies in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines; at the end of the selection process a total of 29 studies (N = 709; N = 658; N = 1,425) was included. All studies included assessed the presence of ED symptoms, by means of a validate scale in adult (>18 years of age), in clinically diagnosed patients as well as healthy control participants. Results Our results suggest ED as a trans-diagnostic factor across multiple mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, personality disorders; a better definition of this concept could be helpful to interpret and clarify many clinical cases and improve their diagnostic and therapeutic management.
Exposure to dim light at night alters daily rhythms of glucose and lipid metabolism in rats

Nocturnal light pollution has been rapidly increasing during the last decades and even though dim artificial light at night (ALAN) has been associated with metabolic diseases, its mechanism is still far from clear. Therefore, the aim of our study was to thoroughly analyze the effects of ALAN on energy metabolism, metabolites, metabolic hormones, and gene expression. Male Wistar rats were kept in either the standard light:dark (12:12) cycle or exposed to ALAN (∼2 lx) during the whole 12-h dark phase for 2 weeks. Energy metabolism was measured in metabolic cages. In addition, we measured plasma and hepatic metabolites, clock and metabolic gene expression in the liver and epididymal adipose tissue, and plasma hormone levels. In ALAN rats, we observed an unexpected transitory daytime peak of locomotor activity and a suppression of the peak in locomotor activity at the beginning of the dark period. These changes were mirrored in the respiratory exchange ratio. Plasma metabolites became arrhythmic, and plasma and hepatic cholesterol levels were increased. Lost rhythmicity of metabolites was associated with disrupted behavioral rhythms and expression of metabolic genes. In the liver, the rhythms of metabolic sensors were either phase-advanced (Ppara, Pgc1a, Nampt) or arrhythmic (Sirt1, Lxra) after ALAN. The rhythmic pattern of Ppara and Sirt1 was abolished in the adipose tissue. In the liver, the amplitude of the daily rhythm in glycogen content was attenuated, the Glut2 rhythm was phase-advanced and Foxo1 lost its daily rhythmicity. Moreover, hepatic Foxo1 and Gck were up-regulated after ALAN. Interestingly, several parameters of lipid metabolism gained rhythmicity (adiponectin, Hmgcs2, Lpl, Srebf1c) in the liver, whereas Noct became arrhythmic in the adipose tissue. Peripheral clock genes maintained their robust oscillations with small shifts in their acrophases. Our data show that even a low level of ALAN can induce changes in the daily pattern of behavior and energy metabolism, and disturb daily rhythms of genes encoding key metabolic sensors and components of metabolic pathways in the liver and adipose tissue. Disturbed metabolic rhythms by ALAN could represent a serious risk factor for the development and progression of metabolic diseases.
Atypical acute disseminated encephalomyelitis with systemic inflammation after a first dose of AztraZaneca COVID-19 vaccine. A case report

Background Only a few cases of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) following coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) vaccination have been described since the beginning of the vaccination campaign. Results Here we report the first case of central nervous system (CNS) demyelination with systemic inflammatory findings on whole body 19-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) following the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Conclusions Clinicians should stay aware of potential new adverse events after immunization.
The reconstruction of Holocene northwestern Mongolian fire history based on high-resolution multi-site macro-charcoal analyses

In palaeoecology, multi-site macro-charcoal analyses provide information on climate–fire–vegetation linkages, their spatial and temporal extent, and the impact of prehistoric human practices. Our multi-site study comprises eight macro-charcoal records from two highly continental forest-steppe regions in western and north-central Mongolia, covering the Holocene. In addition to reviewing macro-charcoal influxes and comparing macro-charcoal morphotype results with arboreal/non-arboreal pollen ratios, our dataset provides the first fire frequency synthesis for two regions in Mongolia. During the early and mid-Holocene, the fire history in western and north-central Mongolia was controlled by the regional climate variability, whereas the fire intensities were higher in the Mongolian Altai. In general, fire frequencies are lower in northern Khangai. Increases in the fire frequency correlate with the potential beginning of a rise in the nomadic population of the Mongolian Altai after 1,100 cal yr BP. In both areas, individual macro-charcoal peaks, a marked site-to-site variability, and a generally very low impact on the forest-steppe distribution may mostly be explained by a strictly local nomadic disturbance.
Fractal analysis of pore structures in transitional shale gas reservoirs in the Linxing area, Ordos Basin

Studying complex pore structures and fractal characteristics of gas shale provides significant guidance for clarifying the mechanism of shale gas accumulation and realizing its efficient development. In this paper, 12 samples of Taiyuan Formation shale are used as the research object, and the fractal theory is combined with mercury intrusion porosimetry and N2 adsorption technology to innovatively solve the problem of splicing point selection, which can reveal the full-scale pore size distribution of shale. The results demonstrate that the most common types of pores in the chosen samples are pores between or within clay minerals, micropores and mesopores inside organic matter, and microfractures, based on scanning electron microscopy imagery analyses. The pores of shale samples have fractal geometries. The fractal dimension D M1 values in the mercury intrusion porosimetry experiments range from 2.3060 to 2.6528. Two fractal dimensions, D N1 and D N2 , may be obtained using the Frenkel-Halsey-Hill fractal method. D N1 values vary from 2.4780 to 2.6387, whereas D N2 values range from 2.5239 to 2.7388. Most macropores in shale samples have a size range of about 0.2 mm, with a wide pore size distribution, and the largest peak of the micro-mesopore volume is generally about 50 nm. The fractal dimension correlates positively with the corresponding pore volume, although the correlation between volume and composition is weak. The relatively strong correlation between fractals and the basic compositions of shale proves the fractal theory’s relevance in defining pore inhomogeneity. This study would contribute to the development of a fractal perspective-based method for pore splicing while also expanding our understanding of pore morphology and structure in transitional shale.
Filtration Rate of the Solitary, Pleated Tunicate Styela plicata on the Brown Tide-Forming Pelagophytes Aureoumbra lagunensis and Aureococcus anophagefferens

Recurring brown tide algal blooms of the pelagophyte Aureoumbra lagunensis in the northern Indian River, Mosquito, and Banana River lagoons on the Atlantic coast of central Florida, USA, have resulted in marked ecological impacts. Recent studies have investigated whether suspension feeding invertebrates could contribute to top-down control of these and other bloom-forming phytoplankton. While most studies focused on the effects A. lagunensis has on on bivalve filter feeding in the Indian River Lagoon, this study focused on feeding by the solitary pleated tunicate Styela plicata. Hourly filtration rates (FR) of individual S. plicata were measured after exposure to 5.0 x 105 cells mL–1 of either A. lagunensis or another pelagophyte Aureococcus anophagefferens. The latter species has not been observed in Florida estuaries but can also inhibit feeding. Tisochrysis lutea, an alga commonly used as feed in aquaculture was used as a control. Differences in hourly FR of either brown tide species compared to the control alga were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Mean hourly FR of tunicates exposed to Aureoumbra lagunensis ranged from -282 mL hr−1 to 542 mL hr−1, whereas tunicates exposed to the control species Tisochrysis lutea had FR from 285 mL hr−1 to 2648 mL hr−1. Mean hourly FR of tunicates exposed to Aureococcus anophagefferens ranged from 343 mL hr−1 to 593 mL hr−1 compared to tunicates exposed to T. lutea which ranged from 600 mL hr−1 to 2482 mL hr−1. Further, to test whether cell density and a longer exposure time affected FR, individual S. plicata were initially exposed to cell densities of 103, 104, or 105 cells mL–1 of either A. lagunensis or T. lutea (control) for 24 hours. Subsequent measurement of hourly FR and showed cell density removal was not significantly different (p = 0.28 and 0.77, respectively). These results add to the body of literature on how organisms in the Indian River Lagoon filter-feeder community respond to brown tide exposure. The pleated tunicate may be an additional species contributing to top-down control of these bloom-forming microalgae.