Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MiR‐144 protects the heart from hyperglycemia‐induced injury by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and cardiomyocyte apoptosis

Several lines of evidence have revealed the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) as biomarkers for detecting diabetic cardiomyopathy, although their functions in hyperglycemic cardiac dysfunction are still lacking. In this study, mitochondrial biogenesis was markedly impaired induced by high glucose (HG), as evidenced by dysregulated mitochondrial structure, reduced mitochondrial DNA contents, and biogenesis‐related mRNA levels, accompanied by increased cell apoptosis. MiR‐144 was identified to be decreased in HG‐induced cardiomyocytes and in streptozotocin (STZ)‐challenged heart samples. Forced miR‐144 expression enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and suppressed cell apoptosis, while miR‐144 inhibition exhibited the opposite results. Rac‐1 was identified as a target gene of miR‐144. Decreased Rac‐1 levels activated AMPK phosphorylation and PGC‐1α deacetylation, leading to increased mitochondrial biogenesis and reduced cell apoptosis. Importantly, the systemic neutralization of miR‐144 attenuated mitochondrial disorder and ventricular dysfunction following STZ treatment. Additionally, plasma miR‐144 decreased markedly in diabetic patients with cardiac dysfunction. The receiver‐operator characteristic curve showed that plasma miR‐144 could specifically predict diabetic patients developing cardiac dysfunction. In conclusion, this study provides strong evidence suggesting that miR‐144 protects heart from hyperglycemia‐induced injury by improving mitochondrial biogenesis and decreasing cell apoptosis via targeting Rac‐1. Forced miR‐144 expression might, thus, be a protective strategy for treating hyperglycemia‐induced cardiac dysfunction.
Psychological Profile, Competitive Anxiety, Moods and Self-Efficacy in Beach Handball Players

The first objective of this research was to analyze the relationships between the sports psychological profile, competitive anxiety, mood and self-efficacy in beach handball players. The second objective was to determine the predictive capacity of the psychological profile on competitive anxiety, moods and self-efficacy, which was assessed by linear regression analysis. One hundred and eighty-one beach handball players participated in this research (age: M = 25.68; SD = 5.95), of which 52.49% were male (n = 95) and 47.51% were female (n = 86). The Psychological Sports Execution Inventory (SPPI), the Competition Anxiety State Inventory 2 (CSAI-2), the Mood Profile (POMS) questionnaire and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were used to obtain the data. Correlation and linear regression analyses reveal statistically significant associations between the constructs studied, both for the total sample and by gender. Specifically, they highlight the relationships between the different measures of the sports psychological profile with self-confidence (p < 0.001), as well as those established between negative coping control with competitive anxiety (p < 0.001), moods (p < 0.05) and general self-efficacy (p < 0.001).
Enhancing the 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate Metabolic Rate of Pseudomonas sp. UW4 Intensifies Chemotactic Rhizocompetence

1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) is a strong metabolism-dependent chemoattractant for the plant beneficial rhizobacterium Pseudomonas sp. UW4. It is unknown whether enhancing the metabolic rate of ACC can intensify the chemotaxis activity towards ACC and rhizocompetence. In this study, we selected four promoters to transcribe the UW4 ACC deaminase (AcdS) gene in the UW4 ΔAcdS mutant. PA is the UW4 AcdS gene promoter, PB20, PB10 and PB1 are synthetic promoters. The order of the AcdS gene expression level and AcdS activity of the four strains harboring the promoters were PB20 > PA > PB10 > PB1. Interestingly, the AcdS activity of the four strains and their parent strain UW4 was significantly positively correlated with their chemotactic activity towards ACC, rhizosphere colonization, roots elongation and dry weight promotion. The results released that enhancing the AcdS activity of PGPRenable them to achieve strong chemotactic responses to ACC, rhizocompetence and plant growth promotion.
Prospect of Polysaccharide-Based Materials as Advanced Food Packaging

The use of polysaccharide-based materials presents an eco-friendly technological solution, by reducing dependence on fossil resources while reducing a product’s carbon footprint, when compared to conventional plastic packaging materials. This review discusses the potential of polysaccharides as a raw material to produce multifunctional materials for food packaging applications. The covered areas include the recent innovations and properties of the polysaccharide-based materials. Emphasis is given to hemicelluloses, marine polysaccharides, and bacterial exopolysaccharides and their potential application in the latest trends of food packaging materials, including edible coatings, intelligent films, and thermo-insulated aerogel packaging.
Plasma Oxidative Status in Preterm Infants Receiving LCPUFA Supplementation: A Pilot Study

After birth, preterm infants are deficient in arachidonic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and antioxidants, increasing their risk of oxidative stress-related pathologies. The principal aim was to evaluate if supplementation with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) improves antioxidant defenses. In total, 21 preterm infants were supplemented with ARA and DHA in a 2:1 ratio (ARA:DHA-S) or with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT-S). Plasma n-3 and n-6 LCPUFAs were measured at birth, postnatal day 28, and 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (36 WPA) by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. Plasma antioxidants (glutathione (GSH), catalase, and thiols) and oxidative damage biomarkers (malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyls) were analyzed at the same time points by spectrophotometry, and scores of antioxidant status (Antiox-S) and oxidative damage (Proxy-S) were calculated. At 36 WPA, linoleic acid (LA) and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) were decreased in ARA:DHA-S compared to the MCT-S group (LA: ARA:DHA-S = 18.54 ± 1.68, MCT-S = 22.80 ± 1.41; p = 0.018; DGLA: ARA:DHA-S = 1.68 ± 0.38, MCT-S = 2.32 ± 0.58; p = 0.018). Furthermore, α-linolenic acid (ALA) was increased in ARA:DHA-S (ARA:DHA-S = 0.52 ± 0.33, MCT-S = 0.22 ± 0.10; p = 0.018). Additionally, LA:DHA ratio was decreased in the ARA:DHA-S compared to control group (ARA:DHA-S = 6.26 ± 2.35, MCT-S = 8.21 ± 2.65; p = 0.045). By the end of supplementation (36 WPA), catalase, thiol groups, and Antiox-S were significantly higher in neonates receiving ARA:DHA-S compared to those receiving MCT-S, with no differences in oxidative stress biomarkers. In conclusion, ARA:DHA supplementation in preterm neonates resulted in an overall improvement in antioxidant to oxidant balance and a decrease in early fatty acid precursors of the n-6 relative to the n-3 pathway. These effects may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Rice Senescence-Induced Receptor-Like Kinase (OsSRLK) Is Involved in Phytohormone-Mediated Chlorophyll Degradation

Chlorophyll breakdown is a vital catabolic process of leaf senescence as it allows the recycling of nitrogen and other nutrients. In the present study, we isolated rice senescence-induced receptor-like kinase (OsSRLK), whose transcription was upregulated in senescing rice leaves. The detached leaves of ossrlk mutant (ossrlk) contained more green pigment than those of the wild type (WT) during dark-induced senescence (DIS). HPLC and immunoblot assay revealed that degradation of chlorophyll and photosystem II proteins was repressed in ossrlk during DIS. Furthermore, ultrastructural analysis revealed that ossrlk leaves maintained the chloroplast structure with intact grana stacks during dark incubation; however, the retained green color and preserved chloroplast structures of ossrlk did not enhance the photosynthetic competence during age-dependent senescence in autumn. In ossrlk, the panicles per plant was increased and the spikelets per panicle were reduced, resulting in similar grain productivity between WT and ossrlk. By transcriptome analysis using RNA sequencing, genes related to phytohormone, senescence, and chlorophyll biogenesis were significantly altered in ossrlk compared to those in WT during DIS. Collectively, our findings indicate that OsSRLK may degrade chlorophyll by participating in a phytohormone-mediated pathway.
Brain MRI with Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping: Relationship to CT Attenuation Values.

Background Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is used to differentiate between calcification and iron deposits. Few studies have examined the relationship between CT attenuation values and magnetic susceptibility in such materials. Purpose To assess the relationship among metal concentration, CT attenuation values, and magnetic susceptibility in paramagnetic and diamagnetic phantoms, and the relationship between CT attenuation values and susceptibility in brain structures that have paramagnetic or diamagnetic properties. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, CT and MRI with QSM were performed in gadolinium and calcium phantoms, patients, and healthy volunteers between June 2016 and September 2017. In the phantom study, we evaluated correlations among metal concentration, CT attenuation values, and susceptibility. In the human study, Pearson and Spearman correlations were performed to assess the relationship between CT attenuation values and susceptibility in regions of interest placed in the globus pallidus (GP), putamen, caudate nucleus, substantia nigra, red nucleus, dentate nucleus, choroid plexus, and hemorrhagic and calcified lesions. Results Eighty-four patients (mean age, 64.8 years ± 19.6; 49 women) and 20 healthy volunteers (mean age, 72.0 years ± 7.6; 11 men) were evaluated. In the phantoms, strong linear correlations were identified between gadolinium concentration and CT and MRI QSM values (R 2 = 0.95 and 0.99, respectively; P < .001 for both) and between calcium concentration and CT and MRI QSM values (R 2 = 0.89 [P = .005] and R 2 = 0.98 [P < .001], respectively). In human studies, positive correlations between CT attenuation values and susceptibility were observed in the GP (R 2 = 0.52, P < .001) and in hemorrhagic lesions (R 2 = 0.38, P < .001), and negative correlations were found in the choroid plexus (R 2 = 0.53, P < .001) and in calcified lesions (R 2 = 0.38, P = .009). Conclusion CT attenuation values showed a positive correlation with susceptibility in the globus pallidus and hemorrhagic lesions and negative correlation in the choroid plexus and calcified lesions. © RSNA, 2019 Online supplemental material is available for this article.
Advances in Distinguishing Groundwater Influenced by Oil Sands Process-Affected Water (OSPW) from Natural Bitumen-Influenced Groundwaters

The objective of this study was to advance analytical methods for detecting oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) seepage from mining containments and discriminating any such seepage from the natural bitumen background in groundwaters influenced by the Alberta McMurray formation. Improved sampling methods and quantitative analyses of two groups of monoaromatic acids were employed to analyze OSPW and bitumen-affected natural background groundwaters for source discrimination. Both groups of monoaromatic acids showed significant enrichment in OSPW, while ratios of O2/O4 containing heteroatomic ion classes of acid extractable organics (AEOs) did not exhibit diagnostic differences. Evaluating the monoaromatic acids to track a known plume of OSPW-affected groundwater confirmed their diagnostic abilities. A secondary objective was to assess anthropogenically derived artificial sweeteners and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as potential tracers for OSPW. Despite the discovery of acesulfame and PFAS in most OSPW samples, trace levels in groundwaters influenced by general anthropogenic activities preclude them as individual robust tracers. However, their inclusion with the other metrics employed in this study served to augment the tiered, weight of evidence methodology developed. This methodology was then used to confirm earlier findings of OSPW migrations into groundwater reaching the Athabasca River system adjacent to the reclaimed pond at Tar Island Dyke.
Relationship between elevated plasma trimethylamine N-oxide levels and increased stroke injury

Objective To investigate whether elevated plasma trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels are associated with initial stroke severity and infarct volume. Methods This cross-sectional study included 377 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 50 healthy controls. Plasma TMAO levels were assessed at admission. Stroke infarct size and clinical stroke severity were measured with diffusion-weighted imaging and the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Mild stroke was defined as an NIHSS score <6. Results Plasma TMAO levels were higher in patients with ischemic stroke than in healthy controls (median 5.1 vs 3.0 μmol/L; p < 0.001). Every 1–µmol/L increase in TMAO was associated with a 1.13-point increase in NIHSS score (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.29; p < 0.001) and 1.69-mL increase in infarct volume (95% CI 1.41–2.03; p < 0.001) after adjustment for vascular risk factors. At admission, 159 patients (42.2%) had experienced a mild stroke, and their plasma TMAO levels were lower compared to those with moderate to severe stroke (median 3.6 vs 6.5 µmol/L; p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of plasma TMAO level in predicting moderate to severe stroke was 0.794 (95% CI 0.748–0.839; p < 0.001), and the optimal cutoff value was 4.95 μmol/L. The sensitivity and specificity of TMAO levels ≥4.95 μmol/L for moderate to severe stroke were 70.2% and 79.9%, respectively. Conclusions Patients with ischemic stroke had higher plasma TMAO levels compared to healthy controls. Higher plasma TMAO level at admission is an independent predictor of stroke severity and infarct volume in patients with acute ischemia.
Identification of Novel Pathways Associated with Patterned Cerebellar Purkinje Neuron Degeneration in Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C1

Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) is a lysosomal disease characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia. In NPC1, a defect in cholesterol transport leads to endolysosomal storage of cholesterol and decreased cholesterol bioavailability. Purkinje neurons are sensitive to the loss of NPC1 function. However, degeneration of Purkinje neurons is not uniform. They are typically lost in an anterior-to-posterior gradient with neurons in lobule X being resistant to neurodegeneration. To gain mechanistic insight into factors that protect or potentiate Purkinje neuron loss, we compared RNA expression in cerebellar lobules III, VI, and X from control and mutant mice. An unexpected finding was that the gene expression differences between lobules III/VI and X were more pronounced than those observed between mutant and control mice. Functional analysis of genes with anterior to posterior gene expression differences revealed an enrichment of genes related to neuronal cell survival within the posterior cerebellum. This finding is consistent with the observation, in multiple diseases, that posterior Purkinje neurons are, in general, resistant to neurodegeneration. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate anterior to posterior transcriptome-wide changes in gene expression in the cerebellum. Our data can be used to not only explore potential pathological mechanisms in NPC1, but also to further understand cerebellar biology.
Why We Eat What We Eat: Assessing Dispositional and In-the-Moment Eating Motives by Using Ecological Momentary Assessment

Background Why do we eat? Our motives for eating are diverse, ranging from hunger and liking to social norms and affect regulation. Although eating motives can vary from eating event to eating event, which implies substantial moment-to-moment differences, current ways of measuring eating motives rely on single timepoint questionnaires that assess eating motives as situation-stable dispositions (traits). However, mobile technologies including smartphones allow eating events and motives to be captured in real time and real life, thus capturing experienced eating motives in-the-moment (states). Objective This study aimed to examine differences between why people think they eat (trait motives) and why they eat in the moment of consumption (state motives) by comparing a dispositional (trait) and an in-the-moment (state) assessment of eating motives. Methods A total of 15 basic eating motives included in The Eating Motivation Survey (ie, liking, habit, need and hunger, health, convenience, pleasure, traditional eating, natural concerns, sociability, price, visual appeal, weight control, affect regulation, social norms, and social image) were assessed in 35 participants using 2 methodological approaches: (1) a single timepoint dispositional assessment and (2) a smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) across 8 days (N=888 meals) capturing eating motives in the moment of eating. Similarities between dispositional and in-the-moment eating motive profiles were assessed according to 4 different indices of profile similarity, that is, overall fit, shape, scatter, and elevation. Moreover, a visualized person × motive data matrix was created to visualize and analyze between- and within-person differences in trait and state eating motives. Results Similarity analyses yielded a good overall fit between the trait and state eating motive profiles across participants, indicated by a double-entry intraclass correlation of 0.52 (P<.001). However, although trait and state motives revealed a comparable rank order (r=0.65; P<.001), trait motives overestimated 12 of 15 state motives (P<.001; d=1.97). Specifically, the participants assumed that 6 motives (need and hunger, price, habit, sociability, traditional eating, and natural concerns) are more essential for eating than they actually were in the moment (d>0.8). Furthermore, the visualized person × motive data matrix revealed substantial interindividual differences in intraindividual motive profiles. Conclusions For a comprehensive understanding of why we eat what we eat, dispositional assessments need to be extended by in-the-moment assessments of eating motives. Smartphone-based EMAs reveal considerable intra- and interindividual differences in eating motives, which are not captured by single timepoint dispositional assessments. Targeting these differences between why people think they eat what they eat and why they actually eat in the moment may hold great promise for tailored mobile health interventions facilitating behavior changes.
Pterostilbene Enhances Endurance Capacity via Promoting Skeletal Muscle Adaptations to Exercise Training in Rats

It has been demonstrated that skeletal muscle adaptions, including muscle fibers transition, angiogenesis, and mitochondrial biogenesis are involved in the regular exercise-induced improvement of endurance capacity and metabolic status. Herein, we investigated the effects of pterostilbene (PST) supplementation on skeletal muscle adaptations to exercise training in rats. Six-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sedentary control group (Sed), an exercise training group (Ex), and exercise training combined with 50 mg/kg PST (Ex + PST) treatment group. After 4 weeks of intervention, an exhaustive running test was performed, and muscle fiber type transformation, angiogenesis, and mitochondrial content in the soleus muscle were measured. Additionally, the effects of PST on muscle fiber transformation, paracrine regulation of angiogenesis, and mitochondrial function were tested in vitro using C2C12 myotubes. In vivo study showed that exercise training resulted in significant increases in time-to-exhaustion, the proportion of slow-twitch fibers, muscular angiogenesis, and mitochondrial biogenesis in rats, and these effects induced by exercise training could be augmented by PST supplementation. Moreover, the in vitro study showed that PST treatment remarkably promoted slow-twitch fibers formation, angiogenic factor expression, and mitochondrial function in C2C12 myotubes. Collectively, our results suggest that PST promotes skeletal muscle adaptations to exercise training thereby enhancing the endurance capacity.
Asbestos, Smoking and Lung Cancer: An Update

This review updates the scientific literature concerning asbestos and lung cancer, emphasizing cumulative exposure and synergism between asbestos exposure and tobacco smoke, and proposes an evidence-based and equitable approach to compensation for asbestos-related lung cancer cases. This update is based on several earlier reviews written by the second and third authors on asbestos and lung cancer since 1995. We reevaluated the peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies. In addition, selected in vivo and in vitro animal studies and molecular and cellular studies in humans were included. We conclude that the mechanism of lung cancer causation induced by the interdependent coaction of asbestos fibers and tobacco smoke at a biological level is a multistage stochastic process with both agents acting conjointly at all times. The new knowledge gained through this review provides the evidence for synergism between asbestos exposure and tobacco smoke in lung cancer causation at a biological level. The evaluated statistical data conform best to a multiplicative model for the interaction effects of asbestos and smoking on the lung cancer risk, with no requirement for asbestosis. Any asbestos exposure, even in a heavy smoker, contributes to causation. Based on this information, we propose criteria for the attribution of lung cancer to asbestos in smokers and non-smokers.