Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maternal Transmission Ratio Distortion in Two Iberian Pig Varieties

Transmission ratio distortion (TRD) is defined as the allele transmission deviation from the heterozygous parent to the offspring from the expected Mendelian genotypic frequencies. Although TRD can be a confounding factor in genetic mapping studies, this phenomenon remains mostly unknown in pigs, particularly in traditional breeds (i.e., the Iberian pig). We aimed to describe the maternal TRD prevalence and its genomic distribution in two Iberian varieties. Genotypes from a total of 247 families (dam and offspring) of Entrepelado (n = 129) and Retinto (n = 118) Iberian varieties were analyzed. The offspring were sired by both ungenotyped purebred Retinto and Entrepelado Iberian boars, regardless of the dam variety used. After quality control, 16,246 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Entrepelado variety and 9744 SNPs in the Retinto variety were analyzed. Maternal TRD was evaluated by a likelihood ratio test under SNP-by-SNP, adapting a previous model solved by Bayesian inference. Results provided 68 maternal TRD loci (TRDLs) in the Entrepelado variety and 24 in the Retinto variety (q < 0.05), with mostly negative TRD values, increasing the transmission of the minor allele. In addition, both varieties shared ten common TRDLs. No strong evidence of biological effects was found in genes with TRDLs. However, some biological processes could be affected by TRDLs, such as embryogenesis at different levels and lipid metabolism. These findings could provide useful insight into the genetic mechanisms to improve the swine industry, particularly in traditional breeds.
Spatiotemporal dissociation of fMRI activity in the caudate nucleus underlies human de novo motor skill learning

Significance Numerous real-world motor skills require learning arbitrary relationships between actions and their consequences from scratch. However, little is understood about the neural signatures of de novo motor learning and associated individual variability. In a longitudinal fMRI experiment, where participants learned to control a cursor by moving fingers, we found a gradual transition of performance-related activity from the head to tail of the caudate nucleus. This finding reflects the flexible and stable reward representations in the head and tail, respectively. Additionally, intrinsic cortico-caudate connectivity predicted better learners with weaker head–prefrontal and stronger tail–sensorimotor interactions. The present study provides unprecedented insight into de novo motor learning, which may contribute to the understanding of motor-related disorders, and infant learning. Motor skill learning involves a complex process of generating novel movement patterns guided by evaluative feedback, such as a reward. Previous literature has suggested anteroposteriorly separated circuits in the striatum to be implicated in early goal-directed and later automatic stages of motor skill learning, respectively. However, the involvement of these circuits has not been well elucidated in human de novo motor skill learning, which requires learning arbitrary action–outcome associations and value-based action selection. To investigate this issue, we conducted a human functional MRI (fMRI) experiment in which participants learned to control a computer cursor by manipulating their right fingers. We discovered a double dissociation of fMRI activity in the anterior and posterior caudate nucleus, which was associated with performance in the early and late learning stages. Moreover, cognitive and sensorimotor cortico-caudate interactions predicted individual learning performance. Our results suggest parallel cortico-caudate networks operating in different stages of human de novo motor skill learning.
Circulating circRNA Has_Circ_0141633 Serves as a Potential Biomarker for Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND The current study aims to investigate the expression of circRNA has_circ_0141633 in the tissues and serum of patients with gastric cancer (GC). METHODS RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of has_circ_0141633 in the tissues and serum of patients with GC. Pearson's correlation was used to analyze the relationship between the level of serum and tissue has_circ_0141633 in GC patients. Receiver characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the expression of serum has_circ_0141633 in GC patients. The relationship between serum has_circ_0141633 and the clinicopathological characteristic was analyzed in GC patients. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival rate. RESULTS The level of serum and tissue has_circ_0141633 in GC patients was significantly higher than that in controls. Pearson's correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between serum and tissue has_circ_0141633 levels (r = 0.846, p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of serum has_circ_0141633 was 0.835 (95% CI: 0.753 - 0.916), with the sensitivity and specificity of 84.5% and 93.6%. The level of serum has_circ_0141633 was significantly increased according to the malignant characteristics of tumor diameter, differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. The median survival time of GC patients with low expression of has_circ_0141633 was longer than that of GC patients with high expression of has_circ_0141633. CONCLUSIONS In summary, upregulation of serum has_circ_0141633 may be expected to be a specific molecular marker for the diagnosis and evaluation of malignant GC.
Impact of a Moderately Hypocaloric Mediterranean Diet on the Gut Microbiota Composition of Italian Obese Patients

Although it is known that the gut microbiota (GM) can be modulated by diet, the efficacy of specific dietary interventions in determining its composition and diversity in obese patients remains to be ascertained. The present work aims to evaluate the impact of a moderately hypocaloric Mediterranean diet on the GM of obese and overweight patients (OB). The GM of 23 OB patients (F/M = 20/3) was compared before (T0) and after 3 months (T3) of nutritional intervention (NI). Fecal samples were analyzed by Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. At baseline, GM characterization confirmed typical obesity-associated dysbiosis. After 3 months of NI, patients presented a statistically significant reduction in body weight and fat mass, along with changes in the relative abundance of many microbial patterns. In fact, an increase in the abundance of several Bacteroidetes taxa (i.e., Sphingobacteriaceae, Sphingobacterium, Bacteroides spp., Prevotella stercorea) and a depletion of many Firmicutes taxa (i.e., Lachnospiraceae members, Ruminococcaceae and Ruminococcus, Veillonellaceae, Catenibacterium, Megamonas) were observed. In addition, the phylum Proteobacteria showed an increased abundance, while the genus Sutterella, within the same phylum, decreased after the intervention. Metabolic pathways, predicted by bioinformatic analyses, showed a decrease in membrane transport and cell motility after NI. The present study extends our knowledge of the GM profiles in OB, highlighting the potential benefit of moderate caloric restriction in counteracting the gut dysbiosis.
Structure of Alloys for (Sm,Zr)(Co,Cu,Fe)Z Permanent Magnets: First Level of Heterogeneity

An original vision for the structural formation of (Sm,Zr)(Co,Cu,Fe)Z alloys, the compositions of which show promise for manufacturing high-coercivity permanent magnets, is reported. Foundations arising from the quantitative analysis of alloy microstructures as the first, coarse, level of heterogeneity are considered. The structure of the alloys, in optical resolutions, is shown to be characterized by three structural phase components, which are denoted as A, B, and C and based on the 1:5, 2:17, and 2:7 phases, respectively. As the chemical composition of alloys changes monotonically, the quantitative relationships of the components A, B, and C vary over wide ranges. In this case, the hysteretic properties of the (Sm,Zr)(Co,Cu,Fe)Z alloys in the high-coercivity state are strictly controlled by the volume fractions of the A and B structural components. Based on quantitative relationships of the A, B, and C structural components for the (R,Zr)(Co,Cu,Fe)Z alloys with R = Gd or Sm, sketches of quasi-ternary sections of the (Co,Cu,Fe)-R-Zr phase diagrams at temperatures of 1160–1190 °C and isopleths for the 2:17–2:7 phase composition range of the (Co,Cu,Fe)–Sm–Zr system were constructed.
Molecular Epidemiology of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from War-Injured Patients from the Eastern Ukraine

Recently, a total of 32 carbapenem- and fluoroquinolone-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) isolates was isolated from war-injured patients who were treated at German Bundeswehr Hospitals, and preliminarily typed by “DiversiLab” repetitive elements sequence-based (rep-) PCR. Core genome-based sequence typing was also used to provide more detailed epidemiological information. From the clusters observed by rep-PCR, selected Ab strains were subjected to Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in order to compare them with international outbreak-associated Ab strains and to identify MLST (multi-locus sequence type) lineages, as well as to identify known resistance genes. Accordingly, NGS indicated higher diversity than rep-PCR, but also confirmed likely transmission events. The identified acquired carbapenem-resistant genes comprised blaOXA-23, blaOXA-72 and blaGES-12, as well as various other intrinsic and acquired resistance-associated genetic elements. All isolates clustered with the previously identified international clonal lineages IC1, IC2, IC6 and IC7, with corresponding Pasteur sequence types ST1, ST2, ST78 and ST25, respectively. In conclusion, the assessment confirmed a broad spectrum of resistance-associated genes in Ab isolated from war-injured patients from the Eastern Ukraine, and provided the first insights into locally abundant clonal lineages.
The Physical Characteristics of Elite Female Rugby Union Players

This study explored the anthropometric and body composition characteristics of elite female rugby union players, comparing between and within different playing positions. Thirty elite female rugby union players (25.6 ± 4.3 y, 171.3 ± 7.7 cm, 83.5 ± 13.9 kg) from New Zealand participated in this study. Physical characteristics were assessed using anthropometric (height, body mass, skinfolds) and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) measures. Forwards were significantly taller (p < 0.01; d = 1.34), heavier (p < 0.01; d = 2.19), and possessed greater skinfolds (p < 0.01; d = 1.02) than backs. Forwards also possessed significantly greater total (p < 0.01; d = 1.83–2.25) and regional (p < 0.01; d = 1.50–2.50) body composition measures compared to backs. Healthy bone mineral density values were observed in both forwards and backs, with significantly greater values observed at the arm (p < 0.01; d = 0.92) and femoral neck (p = 0.04; d = 0.77) sites for forwards. Tight-five players were significantly heavier (p = 0.02; d = 1.41) and possessed significantly greater skinfolds (p < 0.01; d = 0.97) than loose-forwards. Tight-five also possessed significantly greater total body composition measures (p < 0.05; d = 0.97–1.77) and significantly greater trunk lean mass (p = 0.04; d = 1.14), trunk fat mass (p < 0.01; d = 1.84), and arm fat mass (p = 0.02; d = 1.35) compared to loose-forwards. Specific programming and monitoring for forwards and backs, particularly within forward positional groups, appear important due to such physical characteristic differences.
Visual hallucinations in psychiatric, neurologic, and ophthalmologic disease.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Recent studies have increased our understanding of the biochemical and structural bases of visual hallucinations in patients with a variety of underlying causes. RECENT FINDINGS Visual hallucinations may be related to disruption of functional connectivity networks, with underlying biochemical dysfunction such as decreased in cholinergic activity. Structural abnormalities in primary and higher order visual processing areas also have been found in patients with visual hallucinations. The occurrence of visual hallucinations after vision loss, the Charles Bonnet syndrome, may have more functional similarity to psychiatric and neurodegenerative causes than previously suspected despite retained insight into the unreal nature of the phenomena. SUMMARY Visual hallucinations are common, and patients may not report them if specific inquiries are not made. Presence or absence of hallucinations may be of diagnostic and therapeutic importance, especially in patients with neurodegenerative conditions that have overlapping features. Treatment of visual hallucinations remains challenging and must be tailored to each patient based on the underlying cause and comorbid conditions.
Superdiversity and Disability: Social Changes for the Cohesion of Migrations in Europe

In recent years, international migration has changed considerably, improving our understanding of the diversity of migrants, something that until recently was viewed as a fixed pattern associated with the ethnic group in question. At the same time, in the international context, the importance and the need to recognize the rights of people with disabilities has grown. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide a more detailed analysis of this phenomenon in Europe, from the perspective of superdiversity, which covers the different variables that come into play, as well as the responses to the diverse needs that are provided through the action protocols in host countries. To address the objective of this research, we present a critical review of the migration policies undertaken at the European level, methodologically approached using the causal inference model. Our findings show a lack of structure of social and professional intervention policies, at the international level, towards refugees with disabilities. We conclude by presenting a series of political guidelines that rely on scientific evidence to improve the lives of migrants with disabilities.
Out of Reach and Under Control: Distancing as a Self-Control Strategy

In a world where they are inundated with potential temptations, how are successful dieters able to resist the urge to give in to unhealthy foods? Four studies suggest distance is one tool that may enable people to forego temptation. People with strong goals to eat healthy preferred to be farther away from unhealthy foods (Study 1a), which was associated with feeling less tempted by and less likely to give in to them (Study 1b). In addition, successful self-regulators with goals to restrict unhealthy eating perceptually represented the distance to unhealthy foods as greater than the distance to healthy foods (Study 2). Moreover, in a week-long food diary study, distancing from temptations helped people make healthier food choices (Study 3). The studies suggest that successful self-regulators’ motivations to avoid unhealthy foods are reflected in the way they structure and perceive the world. Distancing may allow people space to make healthier choices.
Characteristics of Injury Patients in the Emergency Department in Shanghai, China: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background This study analyzed the epidemiological characteristics and trends of trauma injuries in Ruijin Hospital North, Shanghai, China, and the feasibility of methods to prevent trauma. Material/Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the electronic databases of Ruijin Hospital North were searched for patients who experienced severe trauma from 2013 to 2016. Characteristics of severe trauma were analyzed, including trauma mechanism, gender, reasons for injury, and injury-associated causes of death. Results Of the 17,093 patients who experienced trauma during the study period, 11,165 (65.3%) were male and 5,928 (34.7%) were female. Analysis by age showed that the highest incidence of traumatic injuries was in subjects aged 25–34 years, whereas analysis by occupation showed the highest incidence of injury in migrant workers without higher education. Classification by Injury Severity Score (ISS) showed that 12,563 (73.5%) subjects had minor injuries, 4,273 (25.0%) had serious injuries, and 256 (1.5%) had severe injuries. In addition, 256 (1.5%) subjects died, with traffic accidents and falling injuries being the main causes of death. The incidence of injury peaked at 9–11 am and 2–4 pm and was significantly higher in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. Conclusions Most trauma patients were young adults. Injuries due to traffic accidents and falling were the main causes of death, with disregard of driving regulations and other health and safety regulations being the main cause of trauma. Trauma injuries may be prevented by strengthening education and by obeying traffic laws and construction site safety regulations.
Family Clusters of Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli Infection

Background: The aim of the present work was to investigate family clusters of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection among the household members of STEC positive patients, identified within a screening program of bloody diarrhea (BD) for STEC in Northern Italy. Methods: Stool samples from patients with BD or BD-associated-hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and related households were investigated by molecular and bacteriologic methods to detect and characterize the virulence profile of STEC and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis analysis were done on isolates. Results: Thirty-nine cases of STEC infection (isolated BD in 16, BD-associated-HUS in 23) were considered, and a total of 130 stool samples from 1 to 8 households of the index patient were analyzed. The prevalence of positivity was higher in siblings (34.8%, 8/23) than in mothers (20%, 7/35), grandparents (9.5%, 2/21), fathers (8.8%, 3/34) or other households. In 14 clusters (36%), one or more household shared a STEC with the same virulence profile (stx, eae, serogroup) as the index case. In 7 clusters, STEC strains isolated from at least 2 subjects also shared identical Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis profile. The frequency of household infection does not appear to be associated to the index case’s illness (HUS or BD), nor with the serotype or with the virulence profile of the involved STEC (stx2 or stx1-stx2). Conclusions: Our study shows that STEC infections, most likely related to human-to-human transmission, are common among households of patients with STEC BD or HUS and underlines the importance of extending the epidemiologic investigations to all family members, as the index case may not always be the primary infection in the family.
Derivo embolization device in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a prospective multicenter study

Background Flow diverters (FD) are used regularly for the endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. We aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Derivo embolization device (DED) with respect to long-term clinical and angiographic outcomes. Methods A prospective multicenter trial was conducted at 12 centers. Patients presenting with modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 0–1, treated for unruptured intracranial aneurysms with DED were eligible. Primary endpoint was the mRS assessed at 18 months with major morbidity defined as mRS 3–5. Satisfactory angiographic occlusion was defined as 3+4 on the Kamran scale. Results Between July 2014 and February 2018, 119 patients were enrolled. Twenty-three patients were excluded. Ninety-six patients, 71 (74%) female, mean age 54±12.0 years, were included in the analysis. Mean aneurysm size was 14.2±16.9 mm. The mean number of devices implanted per patient was 1.2 (range 1–3). Clinical follow-up at 18 months was available in 90 (94%) patients, resulting in a mean follow-up period of 14.8±5.2 months. At last available follow-up of 96 enrolled patients, 91 (95%) remained mRS 0–1. The major morbidity rate (mRS 3–5) was 3.1% (3/96), major stroke rate was 4.2% (4/96), and mortality was 0%. Follow-up angiographies were available in 89 (93%) patients at a median of 12.4±5.84 months with a core laboratory adjudicated satisfactory aneurysm occlusion in 89% (79/89). Conclusion Our results suggest that DED is a safe and effective treatment for unruptured aneurysms with high rates of satisfactory occlusion and comparably low rates of permanent neurological morbidity and mortality. Trial registration DRKS00006103
Factors affecting airway compliance and resistance in children receiving general anesthesia during adenotonsillectomy

Abstract Airway compliance is an important index in the surgery of pediatric patients. This study aimed to explore factors affecting dynamic airway compliance (Cdyn) and airway resistance (Raw) after general anesthesia endotracheal intubation for adenotonsillectomy of pediatric patients. A prospective study was undertaken of 107 children who underwent adenotonsillectomy in Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine between January and June 2018. The values of Cdyn and Raw were recorded at 5, 10, and 15 minute during general anesthesia endotracheal intubation. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed for factors that affected Cdyn and Raw. Of the 107 patients aged 56.67 ± 18.28 months, 69 (64%) patients were male, and 26 (24%) and 12 (11%) had an upper respiratory infection in the past week and 1 to 2 weeks, respectively. During anesthesia, Cdyn showed a decreasing trend (P < .001) while Raw showed an increasing trend (P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that height (β=0.177–0.193) had the strongest correlation with Cdyn; rales during pulmonary auscultation (β= –2.727 to –1.363) and sputum suction (β= –1.670 to –0.949) were also associated with Cdyn (all P < .05). Height was the factor with the strongest negative correlation with Raw (β= –0.382 to –0.305). Rales during pulmonary auscultation (β=10.063–11.326) and sputum suction (β=3.863–9.003) were also associated with Raw (All P < .05). Height, rales during preoperative auscultation and sputum suction were all associated with intraoperative Cydn and Raw for pediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy and should be considered before the surgery.
Do Your Kids Get What You Paid for? Evaluation of Commercially Available Probiotic Products Intended for Children in the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea

A wide range of probiotic products is available on the market and can be easily purchased over the counter and unlike pharmaceutical drugs, their commercial distribution is not strictly regulated. In this study, ten probiotic preparations commercially available for children’s consumption in the Republic of the Philippines (PH) and the Republic of Korea (SK) have been investigated. The analyses included determination of viable counts and taxonomic identification of the bacterial species present in each formulation. The status of each product was assessed by comparing the results with information and claims provided on the label. In addition to their molecular identification, safety assessment of the isolated strains was conducted by testing for hemolysis, biogenic amine production and antibiotic resistance. One out of the ten products contained lower viable numbers of recovered microorganisms than claimed on the label. Enterococcus strains, although not mentioned on the label, were isolated from four products. Some of these isolates produced biogenic amines and were resistant to one or several antibiotics. Metagenomic analyses of two products revealed that one product did not contain most of the microorganisms declared in its specification. The study demonstrated that some commercial probiotic products for children did not match their label claims. Infants and young children belong to the most vulnerable members of society, and food supplements including probiotics destined for this consumer group require careful checking and strict regulation before commercial distribution.