Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Function of Retinoic Acid in Development of Male and Female Gametes

Retinoic acid, an active metabolite of vitamin A, is necessary for many developmental processes in mammals. Much of the field of reproduction has looked toward retinoic acid as a key transcriptional regulator and catalyst of differentiation events. This review focuses on the effects of retinoic acid on male and female gamete formation and regulation. Within spermatogenesis, it has been well established that retinoic acid is necessary for the proper formation of the blood–testis barrier, spermatogonial differentiation, spermiation, and assisting in meiotic completion. While many of the roles of retinoic acid in male spermatogenesis are known, investigations into female oogenesis have provided differing results.
Patients Hospitalized for Ischemic Stroke and Intracerebral Hemorrhage in France: Time Trends (2008–2019), In-Hospital Outcomes, Age and Sex Differences

Background: Rates of patients hospitalized for stroke increased among people aged under 65 years in France, as has been found in other countries. Methods: To analyze time trends in the rates of patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke (IS) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in France between 2008 and 2019 and determine related short-term outcomes mainly, we selected all patients hospitalized for stroke using the French national hospital database. Results: The average annual percentage change in the rates of patients hospitalized for IS increased significantly in men and women aged 50–64 years (+2.0%) and in men aged 18–34 years (+1.5%) and 35–44 years (+2.2%). A decrease in the average annual percentage change was observed for IS among people aged over 75 years and among those over 50 years for ICH. After adjustment on confounding factors, women were less likely to die in hospital. Case fatality rates decreased overtime in all age groups for both sexes, with a more pronounced decrease for IS than ICH. Conclusions: The increasing trend of IS among adults under 65 years is ongoing, highlighting the urgent need for stroke prevention programs in that age. For the first time, we recorded a decrease in the rates of patients hospitalized for ICH among the population over 50 years.
Effect of Fractionation and Processing Conditions on the Digestibility of Plant Proteins as Food Ingredients

Plant protein concentrates and isolates are used to produce alternatives to meat, dairy and eggs. Fractionation of ingredients and subsequent processing into food products modify the techno-functional and nutritional properties of proteins. The differences in composition and structure of plant proteins, in addition to the wide range of processing steps and conditions, can have ambivalent effects on protein digestibility. The objective of this review is to assess the current knowledge on the effect of processing of plant protein-rich ingredients on their digestibility. We obtained data on various fractionation conditions and processing after fractionation, including enzymatic hydrolysis, alkaline treatment, heating, high pressure, fermentation, complexation, extrusion, gelation, as well as oxidation and interactions with starch or fibre. We provide an overview of the effect of some processing steps for protein-rich ingredients from different crops, such as soybean, yellow pea, and lentil, among others. Some studies explored the effect of processing on the presence of antinutritional factors. A certain degree, and type, of processing can improve protein digestibility, while more extensive processing can be detrimental. We argue that processing, protein bioavailability and the digestibility of plant-based foods must be addressed in combination to truly improve the sustainability of the current food system.
Conviviality and its others: for a plural politics of living with difference

ABSTRACT Over the past 15 years, a range of scholarship exploring how people live with difference in their everyday lives has come to mark a multi-disciplinary ‘convivial turn’. This article suggests that while such work has been generative, there has been a prevalent tendency to imagine the capacity to live with difference in relatively singular terms. This article begins by unpacking two ‘major’ themes within the convivial turn: the negotiated deconstruction of bounded identities, and the cultivation of public civilities. It suggests that despite important differences, both approaches imagine the capacity to live with difference in terms of general orientations towards a generic other. The article draws out the limits of these approaches by interweaving an ethnographic exploration of relations at a community café in the London neighbourhood of Kilburn with a review of various ‘minor’ themes within the convivial turn: boundedness, care and joint commitment, opacity, and interweaving. The article argues that each of these themes, major and minor, characterises a distinctive mode of relating, each marked by its own possibilities and limits. In doing so it argues for a more plural understanding of difference and forms of togetherness, connected to a more expansive politics.
The EPH/Ephrin System in Gynecological Cancers: Focusing on the Roots of Carcinogenesis for Better Patient Management

Gynecological cancers represent some of the most common types of malignancy worldwide. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptors (EPHs) comprise the largest subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases, binding membrane-bound proteins called ephrins. EPHs/ephrins exhibit widespread expression in different cell types, playing an important role in carcinogenesis. The aim of the current review was to examine the dysregulation of the EPH/ephrin system in gynecological cancer, clarifying its role in ovarian, endometrial, and cervical carcinogenesis. In order to identify relevant studies, a literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE and LIVIVO databases. The search terms ephrin, ephrin receptor, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer were employed and we were able to identify 57 studies focused on gynecological cancer and published between 2001 and 2021. All researched ephrins seemed to be upregulated in gynecological cancer, whereas EPHs showed either significant overexpression or extensive loss of expression in gynecological tumors, depending on the particular receptor. EPHA2, the most extensively studied EPH in ovarian cancer, exhibited overexpression both in ovarian carcinoma cell lines and patient tissue samples, while EPHB4 was found to be upregulated in endometrial cancer in a series of studies. EPHs/ephrins were shown to exert their role in different stages of gynecological cancer and to influence various clinicopathological parameters. The analysis of patients’ gynecological cancer tissue samples, most importantly, revealed the significant role of the EPH/ephrin system in the development and progression of gynecological cancer, as well as overall patient survival. In conclusion, the EPH/ephrin system represents a large family of biomolecules with promising applications in the fields of diagnosis, prognosis, disease monitoring, and treatment of gynecological cancer, with an established important clinical impact.
Possible Catch-Up Developmental Trajectories for Children with Mild Developmental Delay Caused by NAA15 Pathogenic Variants

Variants in NAA15 are closely related to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). In this study, we investigated the spectrum and clinical features of NAA15 variants in a Chinese NDD cohort of 769 children. Four novel NAA15 pathogenic variants were detected by whole-exome sequencing, including three de novo variants and one maternal variant. The in vitro minigene splicing assay confirmed one noncanonical splicing variant (c.1410+5G>C), which resulted in abnormal mRNA splicing. All affected children presented mild developmental delay, and catch-up trajectories were noted in three patients based on their developmental scores at different ages. Meanwhile, the literature review also showed that half of the reported patients with NAA15 variants presented mild/moderate developmental delay or intellectual disability, and possible catch-up sign was indicated for three affected patients. Taken together, our study expanded the spectrum of NAA15 variants in NDD patients. The affected patients presented mild developmental delay, and possible catch-up developmental trajectories were suggested. Studying the natural neurodevelopmental trajectories of NDD patients with pathogenic variants and their benefits from physical rehabilitations are needed in the future for precise genetic counseling and clinical management.
Polymeric Hydrogels for In Vitro 3D Ovarian Cancer Modeling

Ovarian cancer (OC) grows and interacts constantly with a complex microenvironment, in which immune cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, signal molecules and the extracellular matrix (ECM) coexist. This heterogeneous environment provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells and undergoes constant and dynamic remodeling that actively promotes tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Despite the fact that traditional 2D cell culture systems have led to relevant medical advances in cancer research, 3D cell culture models could open new possibilities for the development of an in vitro tumor microenvironment more closely reproducing that observed in vivo. The implementation of materials science and technology into cancer research has enabled significant progress in the study of cancer progression and drug screening, through the development of polymeric scaffold-based 3D models closely recapitulating the physiopathological features of native tumor tissue. This article provides an overview of state-of-the-art in vitro tumor models with a particular focus on 3D OC cell culture in pre-clinical studies. The most representative OC models described in the literature are presented with a focus on hydrogel-based scaffolds, which guarantee soft tissue-like physical properties as well as a suitable 3D microenvironment for cell growth. Hydrogel-forming polymers of either natural or synthetic origin investigated in this context are described by highlighting their source of extraction, physical-chemical properties, and application for 3D ovarian cancer cell culture.
Factors Influencing Level and Persistence of Anti SARS-CoV-2 IgG after BNT162b2 Vaccine: Evidence from a Large Cohort of Healthcare Workers

We aimed at evaluating quantitative IgG response to BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine among health care workers (HCW), and exploring the role of demographic, clinical, and occupational factors as predictors of IgG levels. On May 2021, among 6687 HCW at the largest tertiary care University-Hospital of Northwestern Italy, at a median of 15 weeks (Interquartile range-IQR 13.6–16.0) after second-dose, serological response was present in 99.8%. Seropositivity was >97% in all the subgroups, except those self-reporting immunodeficiency (94.9%). Overall, the median serological IgG value was 990 BAU/mL (IQR 551–1870), with most of subjects with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection or with shorter time lapse (2–8 weeks) between vaccination and serology with values in the highest quintile (>2080). At multivariable analysis, significant predictors of lower values were increasing age, male, current smoking, immunodeficiency, recent occupational contacts, and increasing time lapse from vaccination; conversely, previous infection and recent household contacts were significantly associated with higher IgG levels. Subjects with previous infection kept a very high level (around 2000 BAU/mL) up to 120 days. These results, besides supporting a high serological response up to 4–5 months, suggest predictive factors of faster decay of IgG levels that could be useful in tailoring vaccination strategies.
Efficacy of bone grafts in jaw cystic lesions: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Bone grafts have been applied for many years in orthopedic surgery to assist with bone repair for defects or bone discontinuity caused by trauma and tumors as well as periodontal defects. Jaw cysts are another common benign disease of the maxillofacial region which may lead to pathological bone fracture, loss of teeth, and infection. However, whether bone grafts are beneficial for bone regeneration in jaw cystic lesions and when bone grafts should be used remains unclear. AIM To study the efficacy of bone grafts compared to spontaneous healing in the treatment of jaw cystic lesions. METHODS A literature search was performed in Medline, Cochrane Library and Embase to identify related articles published in English in the last ten years. The following key words and MeSH terms were used: “jaw cyst”, “cystic lesion”, “odontogenic cyst”, “periapical cyst”, “dentigerous cyst”, “follicular cyst”, “keratocyst”, “treatment”, “surgery”, “bone graft”, “enucleation”, “cystectomy”, and “bone regeneration”. Case reports, clinical trials, clinical studies, observational studies and randomized controlled trials were included. Study quality was evaluated. RESULTS Ten studies (n = 10) met the inclusion criteria. Five studies reported spontaneous bone healing after enucleation, three studies investigated the efficacy of various bone grafts, and two randomized comparative studies focused on the comparison between spontaneous healing and bone grafting. Over 90% of bone regeneration occurred within 6 mo after bone grafting. The bone regeneration rate after cystectomy showed great variation, ranging from 50% to 100% after 6 mo, but reaching over 90% after 12 mo. CONCLUSION While the long-term superiority of bone grafting compared with spontaneous healing after cystectomy is unclear, bone grafts accelerate the process of healing and significantly increase bone quality.
Adherence to Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendations in Women with Gestational Diabetes and Associations with Maternal and Infant Health—A Cohort Study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is managed by dietary advice, but limited evidence exists about the impact of adherence on health. We assessed whether adherence to the New Zealand Ministry of Health dietary recommendations is associated with maternal and infant health in women with GDM. Data from 313 women with GDM were used. Adherence to food-related recommendations was scored from 0 (no adherence) to 10 (adhered to all recommendations) and analysed in tertile groups (high, moderate, low adherence). Adherence to visiting a dietitian and appropriate weight gain were assessed as yes or no. Chi-square, ANOVA, and odds ratios were used to compare groups. High dietary adherence compared to low adherence was associated with reduced oral hypoglycaemic and insulin use (OR = 0.55, CI = 0.30–1.00). Visiting a dietitian compared to not was associated with increased oral hypoglycaemic and insulin use (OR = 2.96, CI = 1.12–7.80), decreased odds of a large-for-gestational-age infant (OR = 0.32, CI = 0.14–0.73) and neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia (OR = 0.27, CI = 0.08–0.95). Greater than recommended compared with recommended weight gain was associated with increased oral hypoglycaemic and insulin use (OR = 2.51, CI = 1.26–5.01), while lower than recommended weight gain was associated with decreased postpartum haemorrhage (OR = 0.45, CI = 0.23–0.91) and increased breastfeeding (OR = 1.96, CI = 1.04–3.70). Adherence to dietary recommendations for women with GDM likely improves health outcomes.
GSPE Protects against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice via Ameliorating Epithelial Apoptosis through Inhibition of Oxidative Stress

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown cause which leads to alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis followed by basement membrane disruption and accumulation of extracellular matrix, destroying the lung architecture. Oxidative stress is involved in the development of alveolar injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. Oxidative stress-mediated alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) apoptosis is suggested to be a key process in the pathogenesis of IPF. Therefore, the present study investigated whether grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) could inhibit the development of pulmonary fibrosis via ameliorating epithelial apoptosis through the inhibition of oxidative stress. We found that GSPE significantly ameliorated the histological changes and the level of collagen deposition in bleomycin (BLM)-induced lungs. Moreover, GSPE attenuated lung inflammation by reducing the total number of cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and decreasing the expression of IL-6. We observed that the levels of H2O2 leading to oxidative stress were increased following BLM instillation, which significantly decreased with GSPE treatment both in vivo and in vitro. These findings showed that GSPE attenuated BLM-induced epithelial apoptosis in the mouse lung and A549 alveolar epithelial cell through the inhibition of oxidative stress. Furthermore, GSPE could attenuate mitochondrial-associated cell apoptosis via decreasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The present study demonstrates that GSPE could ameliorate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via inhibition of epithelial apoptosis through the inhibition of oxidative stress.
Non-Linear Frequency Dependence of Neurovascular Coupling in the Cerebellar Cortex Implies Vasodilation–Vasoconstriction Competition

Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is the process associating local cerebral blood flow (CBF) to neuronal activity (NA). Although NVC provides the basis for the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) effect used in functional MRI (fMRI), the relationship between NVC and NA is still unclear. Since recent studies reported cerebellar non-linearities in BOLD signals during motor tasks execution, we investigated the NVC/NA relationship using a range of input frequencies in acute mouse cerebellar slices of vermis and hemisphere. The capillary diameter increased in response to mossy fiber activation in the 6–300 Hz range, with a marked inflection around 50 Hz (vermis) and 100 Hz (hemisphere). The corresponding NA was recorded using high-density multi-electrode arrays and correlated to capillary dynamics through a computational model dissecting the main components of granular layer activity. Here, NVC is known to involve a balance between the NMDAR-NO pathway driving vasodilation and the mGluRs-20HETE pathway driving vasoconstriction. Simulations showed that the NMDAR-mediated component of NA was sufficient to explain the time course of the capillary dilation but not its non-linear frequency dependence, suggesting that the mGluRs-20HETE pathway plays a role at intermediate frequencies. These parallel control pathways imply a vasodilation–vasoconstriction competition hypothesis that could adapt local hemodynamics at the microscale bearing implications for fMRI signals interpretation.
Exploring Learners’ and Teachers’ Preferences Regarding Written Corrective Feedback Types in Improving Learners’ Writing Skill

The current research is significant. It aims to improve learners’ writing and facilitate their academic achievement. This study examines learners’ and teachers’ preferences to written corrective feedback types in enhancing EFL learners writing. The main research question is to investigate the likes of teaches and learners regarding written corrective feedback types in enhancing learners’ writing skills. The learners’ questionnaire and the teachers’ questionnaire were the instruments. The respondents responded to the questionnaires. The submission of the research instruments took place on November 2021 at Zaida Ben Aissa middle school. The findings have shown that learners prefer their writing to be corrected via unfocused, direct feedback while teachers like to use indirect, focused feedback on their learners’ writings.
Implicit effect of abstract/concrete components in the categorization of Chinese words

ABSTRACT This study extends the examination of the difference between abstract concepts to the Chinese language and its peculiar characteristics in word formation, where components with different semantic content might be aggregated within a word. Native Chinese speakers categorised abstract and concrete words by moving the computer mouse towards their choice. Stimuli with a “semantically simple structure” (i.e. abstract-abstract/concrete-concrete) were compared with those with a “mixed structure” (i.e. abstract-concrete/concrete-abstract) to test for an effect of the conceptual content of the stimulus’s components on its overall processing. Response time and kinematic parameters revealed that: a) the semantic content of the components affected the processing of abstract but not concrete concepts, b) concepts differed when they have a semantically mixed structure, not a simple one. We extend the concreteness effect to logographic script and provide evidence that the presence of a concrete component within an abstract concept is elaborated and affects its processing.
Support and Empowerment for Older Adult Spousal Caregiving of People with Mild and Moderate Dementia: A Participatory Action Research

Background: Little attention has been given to the older adult caregivers of spouses with mild and moderate dementia in the caring dynamics process. The aim of this action research was to develop a program for providing support and empowerment to older adult caregivers of spouses with mild and moderate dementia in the community. Methods: The researchers acted as facilitators, with a view to empowering participants. We recruited participants from a day-care center and two community service stations. Data were collected with semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 19 dementia care dyads and from the notes, reflections, and feedback of collaborative researchers. Relevant themes for content analysis were extracted. Results: Three action cycles were completed over 18 months. The results revealed goals of three cycles: to connect the home situation and effective dialogue as a bridge to the researcher, to confirm the daily needs or expectations of the caregiver and the patient, and to enhance the interactions and quality of life of family members with resources and network. This process was cyclical and repetitive, and it also generated partnerships that built relationships among the interdisciplinary team, families, and researchers. At the same time, team workers formed a cooperative and coordinated family service mechanism to reflect the professional values and practice capabilities. Conclusions: The intervention program was based on the promotion of factors for the caregiver, linking to environmental protective factors, and the stabilization of mental and neurological symptoms of dementia patients, thereby enhancing the response capabilities of home caregivers while meeting the patient’s care needs in life. It is a tool that can effectively be used for support and empowerment in this population.