Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BVR-A Deficiency Leads to Autophagy Impairment through the Dysregulation of AMPK/mTOR Axis in the Brain—Implications for Neurodegeneration

Biliverdin reductase-A (BVR-A) impairment is associated with increased accumulation of oxidatively-damaged proteins along with the impairment of autophagy in the brain during neurodegenerative disorders. Reduced autophagy inhibits the clearance of misfolded proteins, which then form neurotoxic aggregates promoting neuronal death. The aim of our study was to clarify the role for BVR-A in the regulation of the mTOR/autophagy axis by evaluating age-associated changes (2, 6 and 11 months) in cerebral cortex samples collected from BVR-A knock-out (BVR-A−/−) and wild-type (WT) mice. Our results show that BVR-A deficiency leads to the accumulation of oxidatively-damaged proteins along with mTOR hyper-activation in the cortex. This process starts in juvenile mice and persists with aging. mTOR hyper-activation is associated with the impairment of autophagy as highlighted by reduced levels of Beclin-1, LC3β, LC3II/I ratio, Atg5–Atg12 complex and Atg7 in the cortex of BVR-A−/− mice. Furthermore, we have identified the dysregulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as a critical event driving mTOR hyper-activation in the absence of BVR-A. Overall, our results suggest that BVR-A is a new player in the regulation of autophagy, which may be targeted to arrive at novel therapeutics for diseases involving impaired autophagy.
Elevated Homocysteine Levels Associated with Atrial Fibrillation and Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation.

There is increasing evidence linking plasma homocysteine levels and atrial fibrillation (AF). The association between an elevated level of plasma homocysteine and AF was examined by meta-analysis in this study.The PubMed and ScienceDirect databases until August 2019 were utilized to collect previous literature on homocysteine and the potential relation to AF. The pooled effects were evaluated depending on standardized mean differences (SMDs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and the calculation was performed using Stata 12 software.A total of 11 validated articles were included in the meta-analysis. For pooled effect, the results confirmed that AF patients had higher homocysteine levels than control subjects (SMD: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.09-1.06). Compared with control subjects, homocysteine levels were higher in paroxysmal AF (SMD: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.18-0.72) and persistent AF patients (SMD: 1.21, 95%CI: 0.50-1.92). The pooled analysis suggested that patients with elevated homocysteine levels had markedly higher risk of AF compared with lower homocysteine levels in the categorical variable (OR: 2.21, 95%CI: 1.16-4.21) and continuous variable analyses (OR: 1.13, 95%CI: 1.00-1.27), respectively. In addition, the pooled analysis indicated that recurrent AF patients had significantly higher homocysteine levels than those without recurrence (SMD: 0.65, 95%CI: 0.42-0.88). The pooled analysis of the categorical variables indicated that elevated homocysteine levels were associated with increased risk of AF recurrence (OR: 3.81, 95%CI: 3.11-4.68). However, the association was weak in the pooled analysis of continuous variables (OR: 1.88, 95%CI: 0.74-4.81). Our meta-analysis identified that plasma homocysteine levels were significantly elevated in AF and recurrent AF patients. Elevated homocysteine is associated with increased risk of AF and AF recurrence.
Histological assessment of the human heart valves and its relationship with age

The human heart valves are complex anatomical structures consisting of leaflets with many supporting structures. With advancing age, the microstructure of the components of the valves can change. Knowledge and understanding of the anatomical relationships between the different components of the heart valve structures and their relationship with age is crucial for the development and progression of treatment of valvular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine histological changes of the components of the heart valves and their relationship with age. Fifty hearts taken from cadavers were included to examine the histology of the tricuspid, mitral, pulmonary, and aortic valves. All specimens were stained with Elastic Van Gieson, and picrosirius red to enable the evaluation of elastic and collagen fibers, respectively. There was a gradual increase in elastic and collagen fibers with advancing age, particularly over 40 years, in all valve types. In the case of tricuspid and mitral valves increases in collagen and elastic fibers were observed starting in the fifth decade. Elastic fiber fragmentation was observed in specimens over 50 years. In the case of the pulmonary and the aortic valves, collagen fibers were denser and more irregular in the sixth to seventh decades when compared to younger ages while elastic fibers were significantly increased in the sixth decade. In addition, an increase in fat deposition had an association with aging. These findings provide additional basic knowledge in age-related morphological changes of the heart valves and will increase understanding concerning valvular heart diseases and treatment options.
A hybrid zone between Chorthippus parallelus parallelus and Chorthippus parallelus erythropus (Orthoptera: Acrididae): Chromosomal differentiation

Two subspecies of the meadow grasshopper Chorthippus parallelus form narrow hybrid zones in the Pyrenees. We studied the patterns of chromosome divergence to evaluate their possible role in the maintenance of such hybrid zones under natural conditions. The two subspecies share some common features such as identical chromosome number, similar basic chromosome form, and the GC-rich nature of all the heterochromatic DNA. Similar positions for the nucleolar organizer region (NOR) in two pairs of autosomes were also observed. The main difference was the presence of an active NOR in the X chromosome in Cp. parallelus that was absent from Cp. erythropus. The pattern of banding by C-banding, acridine orange, and chromomycin A3 also showed the subspecific characteristics on this chromosome. The presence or absence of an active NOR on the X chromosome was used to analyse the hybrid zones in two different transects of the Pyrenees, and clear clines of X NOR frequencies were observed passing from Cp. parallelus to Cp.
Response to "Correlation of intracranial and aortic aneurysms"

We appreciate the interest and comments on our article which highlights the best available evidence at the time of publication on the correlation between intracranial and aortic aneurysms. The co-prevalence of intracranial aneurysms with thoracic aortic aneurysms has been reported as 4.9%–9.0%, and whilst we agree that the prospective study by Malhotra and colleagues had a larger sample size, the co-prevalence is still significant for descending thoracic aortic aneurysms notwithstanding the general limitations subject to a single-center cohort study design. A worthwhile argument is raised on the indications for screening for unruptured intracranial aneurysms in additional populations, and the criteria for the contemporary high-risk group may need to be reconsidered. The Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Study showed that small (<7mm) aneurysms in the anterior circulation without prior systemic arterial hypertension did not rupture during the follow-up period. However, there was an annual risk of rupture of up to 10% in giant aneurysms in the posterior circulation. One analysis reported that fusiform intracranial aneurysms are associated with aortic aneurysms and may be more prevalent in the vertebrobasilar arterial system, hence could be at greater risk of rupture. One of the limitations of the Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Study was selection bias because the majority of patients received treatment, and those who were followed up tended to be older and sicker. Additionally, cavernous intracranial aneurysms were also included in the analysis, and it is well-known that small cavernous aneurysms do not bleed into the subarachnoid space. Although several retrospective studies, as cited in our review, reported small aneurysms, in a prospective study of a Finnish cohort, 25% of small aneurysms (<7mm) ruptured during the follow-up period. We agree that there is a paucity of literature on aneurysm characteristics and the relationship between intracranial aneurysms and aortic aneurysms, because most studies have focused on prevalence. Indeed, several factors may increase the risk of aneurysm rupture and these include aneurysm morphology, neck size, size of aneurysm, and location, and these characteristics could necessarily influence the degree and invasiveness of screening protocols.
Consensus on Criteria for Good Practices in Video Consultation: A Delphi Study

The use of telemedicine has greatly increased, largely derived from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created the need for a guide aimed towards the adequate management of a modality of health care: the video consultation. A Delphi study composed of three rounds was conducted with 16 experts in holding video consultations and managing non-technical skills from different specialties and nationalities to conceive a consensus on the criteria needed for properly managing video consultations by healthcare professionals. The consensus criteria were defined by three dimensions (preparation of video consultation, video consultation process, and post-video consultation) and their corresponding items. Excellent consensus data was obtained; therefore, use is recommended by any healthcare professional who is going to utilize a video consultation, in order to manage it effectively.
Frontal eye circuitry, rostral sensory pathways and brain organization in amphioxus larvae: evidence from 3D reconstructions

The cells comprising the frontal eye of a 12.5 day amphioxus larva are described based on 3D reconstructions from serial electron micrographs, along with the fibre tracts and more caudal groupings of cells in the nerve cord to which the frontal eye appears to be linked. The frontal eye consists of a pigment cup, two transverse rows of receptor cells, and clusters of neurons whose close association with the medial receptor cells suggests they may function as an integral part of the eye complex. Neurites from both the receptor cells and neurons supply the ventrolateral nerve tracts, which consist mainly of axons arising from sensory cells located at the rostral tip of the larva. A core group of 3—4 rostral fibres on each side innervate two ventral giant cells located just behind the cerebral vesicle in the primary motor centre (PMC). The circuitry suggests these cells may be responsible for triggering the larval startle response. The ventrolateral tracts also include two types of axial dendrite-like fibres: (i) a single unpaired fibre, a forward continuation of the principal dendrite of the left giant cell, which is the main target for synapses from neurons in the frontal eye; and (ii) sets of paired fibres from cells in the tectum, a dorsal cortex-like structure located at the back of the cerebral vesicle through which the dorsal sensory nerves pass in transit to the PMC. Recent behavioural studies show that larvae feed in a hovering posture that maximally shades the frontal eye. They also orient to light in this position. The shape and orientation of the frontal eye suggests it could be responsible for this response. The existence of separate pathways from lateral and medial receptor cells, both directly and indirectly to the PMC, suggests the frontal eye may also be involved in modulating locomotory behaviour during hovering. The visual ‘system’ described here for amphioxus larvae is more like that of vertebrates than has previously been recognized. Specifically: ( i )the medial nerve cells of the frontal eye appear to form local circuits with relay and integrative functions similar to those of the retina, involving cell types that resemble specific retinal interneurons; and (ii) output is directed to a region at the back of the posterior c.v. that resembles the vertebrate midbrain, and which may be its homologue. This region has a dorsal tectum and, like the midbrain, includes the anterior part of a ventral zone of motoneurons and reticulospinal interneurons. The morphological evidence supports the idea that the ‘brain’ of amphioxus is sufficiently like that of vertebrates to provide important clues concerning the basic organization and subdivision of the vertebrate brain.
Browning and quality management of pear fruit by salicylic acid treatment during low temperature storage.

BACKGROUND "Patharnakh" pear, a dominant cultivar in the Punjab province of India, has a shorter storage life as it matures during the hot and humid weather. Studies have reported that postharvest chemical treatments have a major role in improving the storage life of the fruit. In this study, the efficacy of different concentrations (1, 2, and 3 mM) of salicylic acid (SA), a well-known signaling molecule, was explored to overcome browning and maintain the postharvest quality of the Patharnakh pear during cold storage. RESULTS SA treated pears were better than the untreated fruits in all of the studied parameters. SA application alleviated the rate of weight loss and respiration, and lowered the decay percentage. The efficacy of SA in the reduction of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, which correlates negatively with the total phenolic content, was quite noticeable. The SA treated fruits exhibited a slower oxidation of the total phenol content by inhibiting the action of polyphenol oxidase and retaining the total phenolic content, leading to lower incidence of browning. SA effectively maintained the ascorbic acid content and superoxide dismutase activity. Total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, and pH of the pears were highest with the SA treatment. CONCLUSION The 2 mM SA treatment exhibited the best result of reducing fruit decay and tissue browning, and maintaining the postharvest quality parameters of pear up to 60 days of cold storage. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Post-traumatic embitterment symptoms among woman victims of February 28th post-modern coup of Turkey after two decades: A comparative cross-sectional study

Background: Post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED) is characterized by embitterment reaction to stressful life events, which are seen as unjust and as a violation of basic beliefs. On 28 February 1997, a so-called post-modern coup took place in Turkey, declaring a ban on hijab which had a significant impact on women’s lives by eliminating them from public sphere if they were to wear hijab. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of PTED symptoms among woman victims of the coup after two decades, and to investigate its correlations. Embitterment reaction was also examined in woman victims of 1999 earthquakes of Turkey, and the findings were compared. Method: We used PTED, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and Brief Resilience Scale, and a purpose-designed socio-demographic form. Results: Out of eligible 101 hijab ban victims responded, substantial proportion of them (48%) were suffering from chronic embitterment as well as experiencing symptoms of anxiety (37.6%) and depression (26.8%) of moderate-to-severe intensity. There was no difference in the levels of anxiety, depression and resilience between the victims of the coup and earthquake (N = 20), but hijab ban victims were significantly more likely to present with PTED symptoms (p < .05). Women who had family support were more resilient with less likelihood of PTED (p < .05). Conclusion: This study provides some important insights into psychopathology of PTED as well as suggesting that it is more likely to manifest in people whose suffering is brought upon by fellow human beings.
The effects of trophic structure and soil fertility on the assembly of plant communities: a microcosm experiment

Using closed, ventilated outdoor microcosms, plant communities were allowed to assemble from a pool of 48 herbaceous species comprising a wide range of plant functional types. The experiment involved factorial manipulation of soil fertility, invertebrate herbivores (slugs, grass aphids) and their predators (ground beetles, ladybirds). In the absence of herbivores the vegetation on soils of high, moderate and low fertility was dominated by plant species which under natural field conditions are restricted to fertile soils. At high fertility, the rate of competitive exclusion was rapid compared with communities persisting at lower fertility which remained species-rich with high densities of individuals. The effects of herbivory were profound and attributable mainly to the slug Deroceras reticulatum. At moderate and low soil fertility the main effect of herbivores was to change the ranking of plant species; palatable grasses (e.g. Poa annua, Poa trivialis and Lolium perenne) were suppressed and plant species of slower growth rate (e.g. Festuca rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca ovina) were promoted. More subtle impacts of herbivory altered the size structure of plant populations suggesting the preference, by slugs, for seedlings and small (suppressed) plants. Although ladybirds and their larvae persisted in low numbers in some microcosms, carnivory was more strongly in evidence (lower densities of D. reticulatum and reduced consumption of lettuce discs) in relation to the activities of the ground beetle Pterostichus melanarius. Only in the low fertility treatment, however, was this potential translated into effects on vegetation; for several plant species the frequency of large individuals increased in the presence of P. melanarius. We conclude that outdoor microcosms provide a valuable ecological tool and, in particular, allow investigation of (a) the role of herbivores in promoting slow-growing plant species in the vegetation of infertile habitats and (b) the protection of palatable plants against herbivores by carnivores.
Phenotypic Plasticity of Body Size in an Insular Population of a Snake

Abstract: Difference in growth pattern is one of the proximate causes of geographic variation in body size. Such a difference in growth pattern could be explained by two extremes such as genetically determined outcome and phenotypic plasticity or by a combination of these. The Japanese four-lined snake (Elaphe quadrivirgata) on Yakushima Island, Japan, has small body size compared with snakes on the main islands. To examine whether the dwarfism of Yakushima snakes is a consequence of genetic modification or a direct phenotypic response to immediate environmental conditions, E. quadrivirgata from Yakushima and a main island (Shiga Prefecture in Honshu Island), were reared from hatching in a laboratory environment. Data of field surveys were used to examine feeding habits and growth in the wild. Free-ranging snakes on Yakushima had significantly smaller body size and lower growth rate than those in Shiga. Yakushima snakes consumed almost exclusively lizards, whereas frogs were the main prey for Shiga snakes. The proportion of snakes that contained food in their stomach was lower in Yakushima than in Shiga. Available information suggests that the dwarfism of Yakushima snakes cannot be explained by lower survivorship. At hatching, Yakushima snakes of both sexes were larger than Shiga snakes. However, Yakushima and Shiga snakes reached similar body size after approximately 1 year. Captive-reared snakes from the insular dwarf population can reach comparable size to those from the main island, indicating that the growth rate, and hence body size, of E. quadrivirgata is obviously highly plastic. Based on these results, I consider that the dwarfism of Yakushima snakes is attributable to a direct phenotypic response, presumably to food limitation, rather than to microevolutionary changes.
Dietary Antioxidants and Storage Affect Chemical Characteristics of ω‐3 Fatty Acid Enriched Broiler Chicken Meats

The influence of feeding full-fat flax seed with and without dietary antioxidants to 6-wk old male Hubbard chickens, on chemical characteristics of cooked white and dark meats was assessed. Level of dietary ω-3 fatty acid and dietary antioxidant significantly influenced the ω-3 PUFA compositions of meat lipids. Addition of antioxidants, especially mixed tocopherol plus canthaxanthin, to the diet significantly reduced concentrations of malonaldehyde and total volatiles in the enriched meat, particularly dark meat. Broiler meats enriched with omega-3 fatty acids could be stabilized by incorporation of natural antioxidants.
In-utero determinants of adult depression: evidence from the 1918 flu pandemic

ABSTRACT Social scientists have dealt only glancing with potential in-utero determinants of mental health. This study looks at the enduring consequences of gestational exposure to the 1918 flu pandemic for adult depression. It does so using data collected in the first wave of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1971–1975), corresponding to when those exposed in-utero were in their early to mid-50s. The results indicate very strong effects of in-utero exposure on depression. These effects are only found, however, among men. The effects are sufficiently large to eliminate sex differences in major depression within a cohort: among those born in 1919, the prevalence of major depression is about 1 in 5 for both men and women. Additional analyses further clarify the relationship, showing effects of in-utero exposure across the full spectrum and syndrome of depressive symptoms. In addition, the effects are stronger for symptoms related to depression than for symptoms related to schizophrenia. Additional analyses show that the effect of exposure is reduced somewhat when adjusting for later socioeconomic disadvantages. In addition, the effect is reduced when controlling for broader dimensions of physical health. Yet neither of these relationships explains the effects of exposure altogether.
Infusion of casein hydrolizates into the mammary gland simulates the omission of one daily milking in goats

Riassunto Infusione degli idrolisati caseinici nella ghiandola mammaria simulano l’omissione di una mungitura giornaliera nella capra. Quattro capre Saanen a metà lattazione sono state sottoposte per 2 giorni ad infusione in una emimammella con idrolisati caseinici (CHN) ottenuti per mezzo della plasmina (PL), mentre la controlaterale è stata infusa con un placebo (TRIS). Dopo la sospensione di 5 giorni gli stessi animali sono stati sottoposti per due giorni ad una (ODM) e due (TDM) mungiture giornaliere nelle stesse emimammelle trattate con CHN e TRIS rispettivamente. La produzione di latte dei trattamenti CHN e ODM non sono risultate diverse. CHN hanno influenzato i contenuti in proteina e CCS. CHN e ODM hanno mostrato più alti contenuti di plasmina. I risultati sembrano confermare che la riduzione della produzione nel breve periodo dovuta alla soppressione di una mungitura giornaliera sia da attribuire in parte all’azione dei CHN.
Comparison of the platelet activation status of single‐donor platelets obtained with two different cell separator technologies

The microparticle content (MP%) of apheresis platelets—a marker of platelet activation—is influenced by donor factors and by external stressors during collection and storage. This study assessed the impact of apheresis technology and other factors on the activation status (MP%) of single‐donor apheresis platelets.