Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with obesity, diabetes and hypertension in Canadian adults

To assess the association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease in a nationally representative sample of Canadian adults. This study used cross-sectional data from 13,608 adults (aged 19+ years) from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey–Nutrition. The survey provided data on food consumption (from 24-h recall) and prevalent obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and self-reported diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. All foods and drinks consumed were classified according to the extent and purpose of industrial processing using the NOVA classification. Ultra-processed food consumption was estimated as proportion of total daily energy intake. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the association between ultra-processed food consumption and obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, adjusting for a range of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. In 2015, ultra-processed food contributed, on average, to 24% of total daily energy intake in the lowest tertile of ultra-processed food consumption and 73% in the highest tertile. Compared with those in the lowest tertile, adults in the highest tertile of ultra-processed food consumption had 31% higher odds of obesity (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.06–1.60), 37% higher odds of diabetes (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.01–1.85) and 60% higher odds of hypertension (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.26–2.03), adjusting for a range of covariates. Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes and hypertension among Canadian adults. A comprehensive set of strategies and policies is needed to discourage consumption of ultra-processed foods in Canada and to make unprocessed or minimally processed foods more affordable, available and appealing.
Genome-Wide Identification of the Tify Gene Family and Their Expression Profiles in Response to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Tea Plants (Camellia sinensis)

The TIFY family is a plant-specific gene family that is involved in regulating a variety of plant processes, including developmental and defense responses. The chromosome-level genome of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) has recently been released, but a comprehensive view of the TIFY family in C. sinensis (the CsTIFY genes) is lacking. The current study performed an extensive genome-wide identification of CsTIFY genes. The phylogenetics, chromosome location, exon/intron structure, and conserved domains of these genes were analyzed to characterize the members of the CsTIFY family. The expression profiles of the CsTIFY genes in four organs were analyzed, and they showed different spatial expression patterns. All CsJAZ genes were observed to be induced by jasmonate acid (JA) and exhibited different responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Six of seven CsJAZ genes (CsJAZ1, CsJAZ2, CsJAZ3, CsJAZ4, CsJAZ7, and CsJAZ8) were upregulated by mechanical wounding and infestation with the tea geometrid (Ectropis obliqua), while infection with tea anthracnose (Colletotrichum camelliae) primarily upregulated the expression levels of CsJAZ1 and CsJAZ10. In addition, CsJAZs were observed to interact with CsMYC2 and AtMYC2. Therefore, the results of this study may contribute to the functional characterization of the CsTIFY genes, especially the members of the JAZ subfamily, as regulators of the JA-mediated defense response in tea plant.
Cognitive variability, brain aging, and cognitive decline in late‐life major depression

Older adults with late‐life major depression (LLMD) are at increased risk of dementia. Dispersion, or within‐person performance variability across cognitive tests, is a potential marker of cognitive decline. This study examined group differences in dispersion between LLMD and nondepressed healthy controls (HC) and investigated whether dispersion was a predictor of cognitive performance 1 year later in LLMD. We also explored demographic, clinical, and structural imaging correlates of dispersion in LLMD and HC. We hypothesized that dispersion would be greater in LLMD compared with HC and would be associated with worse cognitive performance 1 year later in LLMD.
A meta-analysis of preclinical studies using antioxidants for the prevention of cisplatin nephrotoxicity: implications for clinical application

Abstract Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic drug whose clinical use and efficacy are limited by its nephrotoxicity, which affects mainly the renal tubules and vasculature. It accumulates in proximal and distal epithelial tubule cells and causes oxidative stress-mediated cell death and malfunction. Consequently, many antioxidants have been tested for their capacity to prevent cisplatin nephrotoxicity. In this study, we made a systematic review of the literature and meta-analyzed 152 articles, which tested the nephroprotective effect of isolated compounds or mixtures of natural origin on cisplatin nephrotoxicity in preclinical models. This meta-analysis identified the most effective candidates and examined the efficacy obtained by antioxidants administered by the oral and intraperitoneal routes. By comparing with a recent, similar meta-analysis performed on clinical studies, this article identifies a disconnection between preclinical and clinical research, and contextualizes, discusses, and integrates the existing preclinical information toward the optimized selection of candidates to be further explored (clinical level). Despite proved efficacy, this article discusses the barriers limiting the clinical development of natural mixtures, such as those in extracts from Calendula officinalis flowers and Heliotropium eichwaldii roots. On the contrary, isolated compounds are more straightforward candidates, among which arjunolic acid and quercetin stand out in this meta-analysis.
Resilience as the predictor of quality of life in the infertile couples as the most neglected and silent minorities

ABSTRACT Background It has been demonstrated that infertility can affect quality of life (QoL) in infertile couples. Resilience is considered a protective factor against the distress caused by infertility and the quality of life status. There is a new definition for Fertility Quality of Life that evaluates particularly the impact of infertility on various aspects of life. Material and methods In this couple-based study, the main objective was investigating the quality of life based on the gender and resilience of infertile couples. Measurement tools were three questionnaires including a demographic one, a quality of life of infertile couples questionnaire and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale. Data analysis was done through paired t-test and linear multiple regressions test. Results Overall the difference of mean score for QoL is statistically significant (P > 0.001) between men and women (69.48% vs 58.87%), which means that QoL status was positive in men and neutral in women. In addition, the mean score of male resilience was more than female resilience (P = 0.009). The results showed there was a significant and positive correlation between the QoL status and resilience score (P = 0.008, r = 0.13) (P < 0.1), and resilience (β = 0.04 and P = 0.04) had a significant protective effect on the quality of life. Conclusion Low resilience status in infertile couples is better to be considered as a risk factor compromising the quality of life and infertility consolers should keep in mind this issue and provide a comprehensive and holistic approach for a better outcome of infertility treatment. Abbreviations QoLICQ: Quality of Life in Infertile Couple Questionnaire; CD-RISC: Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale; IVF: in vitro fertilisation; ART: assisted reproductive technique; PTSD: posttraumatic stress disorder; IUI: intrauterine insemination; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
The potassium channel subunit Kvβ1 serves as a major control point for synaptic facilitation

Significance Nerve terminals generally engage in two opposite and essential forms of synaptic plasticity (facilitation or depression) that play critical roles in learning and memory. While the molecular components of both types of terminals are similar with regards to vesicle fusion, much less is known about their molecular control of electrical signaling. Measurements of the electrical impulses (action potentials) underlying these two forms of plasticity have been difficult in small nerve terminals due to their size. In this study we deployed optical physiology measurements to overcome this size barrier. Here, we identify a unique mechanism (Kvβ1 subunit) that enables broadening of the presynaptic action potentials that selectively supports synaptic facilitation, but does not alter any other aspects of nerve terminal function. Analysis of the presynaptic action potential’s (APsyn) role in synaptic facilitation in hippocampal pyramidal neurons has been difficult due to size limitations of axons. We overcame these size barriers by combining high-resolution optical recordings of membrane potential, exocytosis, and Ca2+ in cultured hippocampal neurons. These recordings revealed a critical and selective role for Kv1 channel inactivation in synaptic facilitation of excitatory hippocampal neurons. Presynaptic Kv1 channel inactivation was mediated by the Kvβ1 subunit and had a surprisingly rapid onset that was readily apparent even in brief physiological stimulation paradigms including paired-pulse stimulation. Genetic depletion of Kvβ1 blocked all broadening of the APsyn during high-frequency stimulation and eliminated synaptic facilitation without altering the initial probability of vesicle release. Thus, using all quantitative optical measurements of presynaptic physiology, we reveal a critical role for presynaptic Kv channels in synaptic facilitation at presynaptic terminals of the hippocampus upstream of the exocytic machinery.
Growth and Phenology of Vulpia Myuros in Comparison with Apera Spica-Venti, Alopecurus Myosuroides and Lolium Multiflorum in Monoculture and in Winter Wheat

Vulpia myuros has become an increasing weed problem in winter cereals in Northern Europe. However, the information about V. myuros and its behavior as an arable weed is limited. Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted in 2017/18 and 2018/19, at the Department of Agroecology in Flakkebjerg, Denmark to investigate the emergence, phenological development and growth characteristics of V. myuros in monoculture and in mixture with winter wheat, in comparison to Apera spica-venti, Alopecurus myosuroides and Lolium multiflorum. V. myuros emerged earlier than A. myosuroides and A. spica-venti but later than L. multiflorum. Significant differences in phenological development were recorded among the species. Overall phenology of V. myuros was more similar to that of L. multiflorum than to A. myosuroides and A. spica-venti. V. myuros started seed shedding earlier than A. spica-venti and L. multiflorum but later than A. myosuroides. V. myuros was more sensitive to winter wheat competition in terms of biomass production and fecundity than the other species. Using a target-neighborhood design, responses of V. myuros and A. spica-venti to the increasing density of winter wheat were quantified. At early growth stages “BBCH 26–29”, V. myuros was suppressed less than A. spica-venti by winter wheat, while opposite responses were seen at later growth stages “BBCH 39–47” and “BBCH 81–90”. No significant differences in fecundity characteristics were observed between the two species in response to increasing winter wheat density. The information on the behavior of V. myuros gathered by the current study can support the development of effective integrated weed management strategies for V. myuros.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Larynx: A SEER Database Review

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) of the larynx is an uncommon malignancy of the head and neck with very little literature discussing treatment paradigms and prognostic factors influencing survival. Methods: This retrospective cohort study uses data obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result database comprising of patients diagnosed with laryngeal AdCC from 1978 to 2016. Results: A total of 89 records were analyzed. High histologic grade was a significant negative prognostic factor compared to low histologic grade disease for overall survival (OS; 5-year OS: 35.7% vs 90.5%, P < .005) and disease-specific survival (DSS; 5-year DSS: 38.7% vs 95.2%, P < .005). No differences in OS (5-year OS: 88.9% vs 76.4%, P = .287) or DSS (5-year DSS: 100% vs 79.1%, P = .159) were noted between patients with early versus late American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage disease. No differences in DSS was noted in cohorts treated with just definitive surgery versus surgery and adjuvant radiation (5-year DSS: 92.9% vs 74.3%, P = .140) even when stratified for late stage disease (5-year DSS: 100% vs 78.6%, P = .290) or high-grade histology (5-year DSS: 100% vs 83.3%, P = .773). Conclusions: Histologic grade may be a more significant prognostic factor than AJCC stage for survival in laryngeal AdCC. Treatment with surgery and radiation may provide no additional survival advantage compared to just definitive surgery in these patients, although further study is warranted.
Incidence of anogenital warts: epidemiological risk factors and real-life impact of human papillomavirus vaccination

Anogenital warts (AGWs) rank among the most frequent sexually transmitted infections in young adults. They are benign lesions, but they pose a significant economic cost to health care systems and a substantial psychological burden on patients, who need evidence-based counselling. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has shown very high protection rates against AGWs in clinical trials and real-world settings but vaccination coverage remains low in many countries. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the risk factors for AGW development and to present the available real-life data on the impact of HPV vaccination on AGW incidence. An increased number of lifetime sexual partners, a new sexual partner in the last 12 months, smoking, and immunosuppression have been associated with increased risk for AGWs. HPV vaccination has led to a dramatic decline in AGW incidence in populations that have achieved high vaccination rates. These conclusions can contribute to primary prevention of AGWs and evidence-based counselling of AGW patients.
Targeting axon guidance cues for neural circuit repair after spinal cord injury

At least two-thirds of spinal cord injury cases are anatomically incomplete, without complete spinal cord transection, although the initial injuries cause complete loss of sensory and motor functions. The malleability of neural circuits and networks allows varied extend of functional restoration in some individuals after successful rehabilitative training. However, in most cases, the efficiency and extent are both limited and uncertain, largely due to the many obstacles of repair. The restoration of function after anatomically incomplete injury is in part made possible by the growth of new axons or new axon branches through the spared spinal cord tissue and the new synaptic connections they make, either along the areas they grow through or in the areas they terminate. This review will discuss new progress on the understanding of the role of axon guidance molecules, particularly the Wnt family proteins, in spinal cord injury and how the knowledge and tools of axon guidance can be applied to increase the potential of recovery. These strategies, combined with others, such as neuroprotection and rehabilitation, may bring new promises. The recovery strategies for anatomically incomplete spinal cord injuries are relevant and may be applicable to traumatic brain injury and stroke.
Human mesenchymal stem cells treatment improved hepatic lesions and reversed gut microbiome disorder in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Effective therapies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are urgently needed. We investigated the effect of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on the intestinal flora in NASH treatment. We isolated the hMSCs from the umbilical cords and divided male C57BL/6 mice into three groups, namely, chow, methionine–choline-deficient (MCD), and MCD+hMSCs. After collecting the feces and liver of the mice, we evaluated the histological changes in the liver and measured the inflammatory and fibrogenesis cytokines. Fecal microbiome and metabolome were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analyses. The hMSCs treatment could alleviate hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis induced by MCD diet. It could also reverse the microbiome and metabolome disorders in the NASH model. Correlation analysis of the interaction among bacteria amplified the effects of the bacteria in host. In conclusion, hMSCs treatment could improve NASH-related lesions and reverse gut microbiome and metabolome disorder in NASH.
Intranasal GSK2245035, a Toll-like receptor 7 agonist, does not attenuate the allergen-induced asthmatic response in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental medicine study

Background Allergic asthma is a heterogenous disorder predominantly driven by a type 2 inflammatory response to aeroallergens. Therapeutic modulation to rebalance these type 2 responses may offer clinical benefit for allergic respiratory inflammatory diseases, with the potential for disease modification. GSK2245035, a selective toll-like receptor-7 agonist, preferentially stimulates the induction of type 1 interferon alpha, reducing type 2 responses. Objective This study investigated whether intranasal GSK2245035 reduced allergen-induced bronchial reactivity in mild allergic asthma. Methods This double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group Phase IIa trial randomized (1:1) participants with mild allergic asthma to intranasal GSK2245035 20 ng or placebo once weekly for 8 weeks; follow-up was conducted 1, 4, and 12 weeks after treatment. Allergen-induced late asthmatic response 1 week after treatment was measured as minimum and weighted mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) 4–10 hours following bronchial allergen challenge (primary endpoint). Pharmacodynamic and allergic biomarkers, and adverse events, were assessed. A Bayesian analysis framework was used; a posterior probability >0.7 denoted primary endpoint success. Results Thirty-six participants were randomized (GSK2245035, n = 22; placebo, n = 14). The percentage attenuation in late asthmatic response was –4.6% (posterior probability: 0.385) and –10.5% (posterior probability: 0.303) for minimum and weighted mean FEV1, respectively. Type 2 responses were confirmed by changes in lung function, eosinophils (blood and sputum), interleukin-5 (sputum) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide biomarkers pre- and post-bronchial allergen challenge. However, no treatment effect was observed. Adverse events were reported by 10/14 (71%) and 21/22 (95%) participants in the placebo and GSK2245035 groups, respectively; headache was the most common. Conclusions and clinical relevance Although target engagement was observed, weekly intranasal GSK2245035 20 ng for 8 weeks did not substantially attenuate the late asthmatic response in participants with mild allergic asthma. Overall, treatment was well tolerated.
Impact of subinhibitory concentrations of metronidazole on proteome of Clostridioides difficile strains with different levels of susceptibility

Clostridioides difficile is responsible for various intestinal symptoms from mild diarrhea to severe pseudomembranous colitis and is the primary cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults. Metronidazole was the first-line treatment for mild to moderate C. difficile infections for 30 years. However, clinical failure and recurrence rates of metronidazole is superior to oral vancomycin and metronidazole is now recommended only as an alternative to vancomycin or fidaxomicin, for an initial non-severe infection. The mechanisms of treatment failure and infection recurrence remain unclear. Given the poor fecal concentrations of metronidazole, the bacteria may be exposed to subinhibitory concentrations of metronidazole and develop adaptation strategy, which is likely to be the origin of an increase in treatment failures. In this study, a proteomic approach was used to analyze changes in the proteome of two strains with different levels of susceptibility to metronidazole in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of this antibiotic. The two strains were grown to stationary phase: CD17-146, a clinical C. difficile isolate with reduced susceptibility to metronidazole, and VPI 10463, a metronidazole susceptible strain. Our study revealed that, whatever the strain, subinhibitory concentrations of metronidazole modified the amount of proteins involved in protein biosynthesis, glycolysis, and protection against stress induced by metronidazole, as well as in DNA repair. Several proteins involved in stress response are known to be synthesized under the control of Sigma factor B, which suggests a close link between Sigma factor B and metronidazole. Interestingly, impact of metronidazole on protein production for VPI 10463 strain differed from CD17-146 strain, for which the amount of two proteins involved in biofilm formation of CD17-146 were modified by metronidazole.
Insight into the Interactome of Intramitochondrial PKA Using Biotinylation-Proximity Labeling

Mitochondria are fully integrated in cell signaling. Reversible phosphorylation is involved in adjusting mitochondrial physiology to the cellular needs. Protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylates several substrates present at the external surface of mitochondria to maintain cellular homeostasis. However, few targets of PKA located inside the organelle are known. The aim of this work was to characterize the impact and the interactome of PKA located inside mitochondria. Our results show that the overexpression of intramitochondrial PKA decreases cellular respiration and increases superoxide levels. Using proximity-dependent biotinylation, followed by LC-MS/MS analysis and in silico phospho-site prediction, we identified 21 mitochondrial proteins potentially targeted by PKA. We confirmed the interaction of PKA with TIM44 using coimmunoprecipitation and observed that TIM44-S80 is a key residue for the interaction between the protein and the kinase. These findings provide insights into the interactome of intramitochondrial PKA and suggest new potential mechanisms in the regulation of mitochondrial functions.
A clinical, dermoscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical study of melasma and facial pigmentary demarcation lines in the skin of color

Melasma and facial pigmentary demarcation lines (FPDL) are common causes of patterned facial pigmentation that may mimic each other. There is a paucity of studies investigating these two conditions. The objective of this study was to make a detailed comparative analysis of these disorders. A clinical, dermoscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of lesional and perilesional skin was conducted in 20 patients each of melasma and FDPL. The most common morphological patterns were centrofacial in melasma and W‐shaped pattern in FPDL. Dermoscopy in melasma revealed similar patterns in lesional and perilesional skin, whereas FPDL did not. Histopathology of melasma revealed increased melanin in the suprabasal and basal layers (100%), melanophages in the upper dermis and solar elastosis (65%) in contrast to FPDL, wherein increased basilar melanin (75%) and dermal melanophages were the key findings. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and stem cell factor was slightly increased in lesional melasma skin, but not in FPDL. The study was limited by its small sample size and immunohistochemistry carried out in a few patients. Melasma and FPDL, although similar in presentation, are distinct entities. Dermoscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry reveal subtle differences.