Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Meteorological impacts on surface ozone: A case study based on Kolmogorov–Zurbenko filtering and multiple linear regression

Ozone variation, excluding meteorological effects, is very important to assess the effects of air pollution control policies. In this study, the Kolmogorov-Zurbenko (KZ) filter method and multiple linear stepwise regression are combined to study the impact of meteorological parameters on ozone concentration over the past 5 years (2016–2020) in a petrochemical industrial city in northern China. Monte Carlo simulations were used to evaluate the reliability for the potential quasi quantitative prediction of the baseline component. The average level of the city and the details of five stations in the city were studied. The results show that the short-term, seasonal, and long-term component variances of maximum daily running average 8 h (MDA8) ozone in Zibo city (City) decomposed by the KZ filter account for 32.06%, 61.67% and 1.15% of the total variance, for a specific station, the values were 32.37%–34.90%, 56.64%–62.00%, and . 35%–3.14%, respectively. The average long-term component increase rate is 3.19 μg m−3 yr−1 on average for the city, while it is 1.52–5.95 μg m−3 yr−1 for a specific station. The overall meteorological impact was not stable and fluctuated between −2.60 μg m−3 and +3.77 μg m−3. This difference in trends between the city and specific stations implied that the O3 precursor’s mitigation strategy should be more precise to improve its practical effects.
The distinct role of orbitofrontal and medial prefrontal cortex in encoding impulsive choices in an animal model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting up to 5% of children worldwide. The lack of understanding of ADHD etiology prevented the development of effective treatment for the disease. Here, using in vivo electrophysiology recordings, we have recorded and analyzed the neuronal encoding of delay discounting behavior in prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). We found that in the presence of rewards, neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) were activated regardless to the value of the rewards and OFC neurons in SHR exhibited significantly higher rates of neuronal discharging towards the presence of rewards. While in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), neurons of SHR responded similarly in the presence of large rewards compared with control rats whereas they displayed higher firing rates towards smaller rewards. In addition, the reward-predicting neurons in the OFC encodes for value of rewards in control animals and they were strongly activated upon receiving a small immediate reinforcer in the SHR whereas the reward-predicting neurons in the mPFC neurons generally did not respond to the value of the rewards. Our study characterized the neuronal discharging patterns of OFC and mPFC neurons in the SHR and the control animals and provided novel insights for further understanding the neuronal basis of ADHD pathology.
Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol following single oral and oral transmucosal administration in dogs

Introduction In the last few years, different formulations containing cannabidiol (CBD) were tested with regard to its efficacy on chronic pain, refractory epilepsy, anxiety, aggressive behavior and atopic dermatitis in dogs. CBD is generally administered orally, but its low bioavailability, probably due to a first-pass metabolism, represents a great limitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate if CBD bioavailability increases after oral transmucosal administration (OTM) compared to oral treatment. Methods Twelve dogs diagnosed with mild chronic pain were enrolled in the study and treated once orally or OTM (6 dogs/group) with a pure CBD in oil formulation at a dosing rate of 1 mg/kg b.w. At prefixed time points, blood samples were collected to define CBD plasma concentrations vs. time profiles, and the main pharmacokinetics parameters were obtained by non-compartmental model. Results CBD Cmax, Tmax, terminal half-life and AUC0 − t were 206.77 ± 167 and 200.33 ± 158.33 ng/mL, 2.17 ± 0.98 and 1.92 ± 1.11 h, 2.67 ± 0.53 and 2.62 ± 0.64 h, 647.51 ± 453.17, and 536.05 ± 370.21 h*ng/mL, following oral and OTM administration, respectively. No significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters were observed between treatments. Discussion The OTM administration did not increase cannabidiol bioavailability compared to oral treatment. The almost perfectly superimposable mean plasma concentrations of cannabidiol following the two treatments suggests that CBD is not able to be adsorbed by the oral mucosa or that its absorption is very scarce, and that CBD is swallowed and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
Evaluating effect modification by HIV testing history to understand the mechanisms behind the impact of announcing HIV self-testing availability in a clinic system in Kenya

Background In sub-Saharan Africa, truckers and female sex workers (FSWs) have high HIV risk and face challenges accessing HIV testing. Adding HIV self-testing (HIVST) to standard of care (SOC) programs increases testing rates. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. HIVST may decrease barriers (inconvenient clinic hours, confidentiality concerns) and thus we would expect a greater impact among those not accessing SOC testing (barriers prevented previous testing). As a new biomedical technology, HIVST may also be a cue to action (the novelty of a new product motivates people to try it), in which case we might expect the impact to be similar by testing history. Methods We used data from two randomized controlled trials evaluating the announcement of HIVST availability via text-message to male truckers (n = 2,260) and FSWs (n = 2,196) in Kenya. Log binomial regression was used to estimate the risk ratio (RR) for testing ≤ 2 months post-announcement in the intervention vs. SOC overall and by having tested in the previous 12-months (12m-tested); and we assessed interaction between the intervention and 12m-tested. We also estimated risk differences (RD) per 100 and tested additive interaction using linear binomial regression. Results We found no evidence that 12m-tested modified the HIVST impact. Among truckers, those in the intervention were 3.1 times more likely to test than the SOC (p < 0.001). Although testing was slightly higher among those not 12m-tested (RR = 3.5, p = 0.001 vs. RR = 2.7, p = 0.020), the interaction was not significant (p = 0.683). Among FSWs, results were similar (unstratified RR = 2.6, p < 0.001; 12m-tested: RR = 2.7, p < 0.001; not 12m-tested: RR = 2.5, p < 0.001; interaction p = 0.795). We also did not find significant interaction on the additive scale (truckers: unstratified RD = 2.8, p < 0.001; 12m-tested RD = 3.8, p = 0.037; not 12m-tested RD = 2.5, p = 0.003; interaction p = 0.496. FSWs: unstratified RD = 9.7, p < 0.001; 12m-tested RD = 10.7, p < 0.001, not 12m-tested RD = 9.1, p < 0.001; interaction p = 0.615). Conclusion The impact of HIVST was not significantly modified by 12m-tested among truckers and FSWs on the multiplicative or additive scales. Announcing the availability of HIVST likely served primarily as a cue to action and testing clinics might maximize the HIVST benefits by holding periodic HIVST events to maintain the cue to action impact rather than making HIVST continually available.
Whole transcriptomic analysis of mesenchymal stem cells cultured in Nichoid micro-scaffolds

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to be ideal candidates for clinical applications where not only regenerative potential but also immunomodulation ability is fundamental. Over the last years, increasing efforts have been put into the design and fabrication of 3D synthetic niches, conceived to emulate the native tissue microenvironment and aiming at efficiently controlling the MSC phenotype in vitro. In this panorama, our group patented an engineered microstructured scaffold, called Nichoid. It is fabricated through two-photon polymerization, a technique enabling the creation of 3D structures with control of scaffold geometry at the cell level and spatial resolution beyond the diffraction limit, down to 100 nm. The Nichoid’s capacity to maintain higher levels of stemness as compared to 2D substrates, with no need for adding exogenous soluble factors, has already been demonstrated in MSCs, neural precursors, and murine embryonic stem cells. In this work, we evaluated how three-dimensionality can influence the whole gene expression profile in rat MSCs. Our results show that at only 4 days from cell seeding, gene activation is affected in a significant way, since 654 genes appear to be differentially expressed (392 upregulated and 262 downregulated) between cells cultured in 3D Nichoids and in 2D controls. The functional enrichment analysis shows that differentially expressed genes are mainly enriched in pathways related to the actin cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix (ECM), and, in particular, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), thus confirming the important role of cell morphology and adhesions in determining the MSC phenotype. In conclusion, our results suggest that the Nichoid, thanks to its exclusive architecture and 3D cell adhesion properties, is not only a useful tool for governing cell stemness but could also be a means for controlling immune-related MSC features specifically involved in cell migration.
Maternal prebiotic supplementation impacts colitis development in offspring mice

Background and aims Maternal diet plays a key role in preventing or contributing to the development of chronic diseases, such as obesity, allergy, and brain disorders. Supplementation of maternal diet with prebiotics has been shown to reduce the risk of food allergies and affect the intestinal permeability in offspring later in life. However, its role in modulating the development of other intestinal disorders, such as colitis, remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effects of prebiotic supplementation in pregnant mice on the occurrence of colitis in their offspring. Materials and methods Offspring from mothers, who were administered prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides and inulin during gestation or fed a control diet, were subjected to three cycles of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) treatment to induce chronic colitis, and their intestinal function and disease activity were evaluated. Colonic remodelling, gut microbiota composition, and lipidomic and transcriptomic profiles were also assessed. Results DSS-treated offspring from prebiotic-fed mothers presented a higher disease score, increased weight loss, and increased faecal humidity than those from standard diet-fed mothers. DSS-treated offspring from prebiotic-fed mothers also showed increased number of colonic mucosal lymphocytes and macrophages than the control group, associated with the increased colonic concentrations of resolvin D5, protectin DX, and 14-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid, and modulation of colonic gene expression. In addition, maternal prebiotic supplementation induced an overabundance of eight bacterial families and a decrease in the butyrate caecal concentration in DSS-treated offspring. Conclusion Maternal prebiotic exposure modified the microbiota composition and function, lipid content, and transcriptome of the colon of the offspring. These modifications did not protect against colitis, but rather sensitised the mice to colitis development. Graphical Abstract
N2-to-NH3 conversion by excess electrons trapped in point vacancies on 5f-element dioxide surfaces

Ammonia (NH3) is one of the basic chemicals in artificial fertilizers and a promising carbon-free energy storage carrier. Its industrial synthesis is typically realized via the Haber−Bosch process using traditional iron-based catalysts. Developing advanced catalysts that can reduce the N2 activation barrier and make NH3 synthesis more efficient is a long-term goal in the field. Most heterogeneous catalysts for N2-to-NH3 conversion are multicomponent systems with singly dispersed metal clusters on supporting materials to activate N2 and H2 molecules. Herein, we report single-component heterogeneous catalysts based on 5f actinide dioxide surfaces (ThO2 and UO2) with oxygen vacancies for N2-to-NH3 conversion. The reaction cycle we propose is enabled by a dual-site mechanism, where N2 and H2 can be activated at different vacancy sites on the same surface; NH3 is subsequently formed by H− migration on the surface via associative pathways. Oxygen vacancies recover to their initial states after the release of two molecules of NH3, making it possible for the catalytic cycle to continue. Our work demonstrates the catalytic activities of oxygen vacancies on 5f actinide dioxide surfaces for N2 activation, which may inspire the search for highly efficient, single-component catalysts that are easy to synthesize and control for NH3 conversion.
3-D electrical structure and tectonic dynamics in the Yangbajing area based on the array magnetotelluric data

The well-known N-S-trending fault in the Yangbajing area plays a crucial role in the tectonic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau. Previous researches on a few E-W geophysical profiles suggested that the eastern shear at the base of the upper crust and/or lithosphere deformation brought on by asthenosphere upwelling are the major causes of the Yadong-Gulu rift’s creation. Here we propose a 3-D electrical resistivity model derived from the magnetotelluric (MT) array data spanning the Yadong-Gulu rift (YGR), and the distribution of temperature and melt fraction is estimated by the experimental calibrated relationships bridging electrical conductivity and temperature/melt fraction. The result reveals that the Indian slab subducted steeply in the east of the Yadong-Gulu rift, while Indian slab may have delaminated with a flat subduction angle in the west. The temperature distribution shows that the upper mantle of the northern Lhasa terrane is hotter than that of the southern Lhasa terrane. This is likely the result of mantle upwelling caused by either the subduction of the Indian slab or thickened Tibetan lithosphere delamination. Moreover, the strength of the mid-lower crust is so low that it may meet the conditions of the local crust flow in the west-east direction. The local crustal flow and the pulling force from the upwelling asthenosphere jointly contributed to the formation of the Yadong-Gulu rift. These main factors exist in different stages of the evolution of the Yadong-Gulu rift.
Exploring the hidden connections between information channel use and pro-environmental behavior among recreational anglers of the shore-based shark fishery in Florida, United States

Introduction Shore-based shark fishing in Florida is a relatively low-cost and easy-access fishery which attracts a wide variety of experienced and inexperienced anglers leading to concerns about proper handling methods of captured fish that are released either voluntarily or to comply with regulations. Proper handling methods can help reduce post-release mortality among sharks, many of which are threatened with extinction. Therefore, we considered proper handling methods as a pro-environmental behavior, which has been linked with the use of different information channels to increase conservation knowledge. Methods We used data from an online questionnaire to understand where anglers of this fishery obtain information about fishing skills with a particular focus on fish handling techniques and best practices for catch-and-release. Then we included their main information channels in a series of hierarchical regression models with perceived conservation knowledge and support for fishery management to explain pro-environmental behavior regarding shark conservation. Results We found that most anglers learned about shore-based shark fishing through interpersonal communications with friends and family, but typically use the internet to learn more about fishing skills. While information channel use was not significantly associated with pro-environmental behavior, it was significantly associated with support for fisheries management, which in turn was associated with pro-environmental behavior among respondents. Discussion These findings can inform public educational outreach efforts to spread awareness of proper handling techniques and reduce instances of post-release mortality in sharks.
Study of quality of life and its correlated factors in patients after lumbar fusion for lumbar degenerative disc disease

Background In the present work, we aimed to explore the correlated factors of quality of life in patients receiving lumbar fusion for lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) in China. Methods A total of 180 patients treated with lumbar fusion were included in the present study. Their general demographic characteristics, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (MOS SF-36) were collected and evaluated preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. Results There were significant improvements in scores of VAS, JOA, and quality of life of patients from preoperation to 1-year postoperation after lumbar fusion. Marital status, with or without children, education level, economic pressure, and social support had significant predictive effects on the physical health of patients undergoing lumbar fusion. Marital status, education level, and economic pressure had significant predictive effects on the mental health of patients undergoing lumbar fusion. Conclusions Factors correlated with the physical health of patients after lumbar fusion included positive coping style, negative coping style, social support, age, education level (high school college), disease duration (5–10), suffering from other diseases (combined with two or more other disease) and the number of surgical segments (double and three or more). Factors correlated with the mental health included negative coping style, social support, age, education level (middle school and high school college) and the number of surgical segments (double and three or more). The results verify that these factors were correlated to the patient’s quality of life after lumbar fusion. Emphasizing and selectively intervening these correlated factors can further improve the quality of life in patients receiving lumbar fusion for lumbar degenerative disc disease.
Polymorphisms in SHISA3 and RFC3 genes and their association with feed conversion ratio in Hu sheep

In animal husbandry, feed efficiency is a crucial economic trait. In this study, the general linear model was used to perform association analysis for various genotypes and feed conversion ratio (FCR)-related traits. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of SHISA3 and RFC3 mRNA levels in 10 tissues from 6 sheep. The results showed that SNPs in the NC_040257. 1:c.625 T > C and NC_040261. 1:g.9905 T > C were analyzed whether they were associated to feed efficiency parameters in Hu sheep (body weight, feed intake, average daily growth, and feed conversion ratio). NC_040257. 1:c.625 T > C was shown to be significantly associated with body weight at 80, 100, and 120 days as well as feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05), whereas NC_040261. 1:g.9905 T > C was found to be significantly associated with average daily weight gain from 80-140 days (ADG80-140) and FCR (P < 0.05). In Hu sheep, the CC genotypes of SHISA3 and RFC3 were the most common genotypes related to feed efficiency traits. Furthermore, the feed conversion ratio of the combined genotypes TTSHISA3-CCRFC3, TTSHISA3-CTRFC3, TTSHISA3-TTRFC3, CTSHISA3-CCRFC3 and CTSHISA3-CTRFC3 was significantly better than the FCR of CCSHISA3-TTRFC3. RT-qPCR results showed that the expression levels of SHISA3 were lower in the lung than in spleen, kidney, muscle and lymph (P < 0.05), and RFC3 was the lung had a highly significant higher expression level than the heart, liver, spleen, and muscle (P < 0.01). In conclusion, SHISA3 and RFC3 polymorphisms can be used as genetic markers for improving feed conversion efficiency in Hu sheep.
Immune infiltration and a necroptosis-related gene signature for predicting the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer

Background: Cervical cancer (CC), the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, has high morbidity and mortality. Necroptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death that plays an important role in cancer development, progression, and metastasis. However, the expression of necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) in CC and their relationship with CC prognosis remain unclear. Therefore, we screened the signature NRGs in CC and constructed a risk prognostic model. Methods: We downloaded gene data and clinical information of patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We performed functional enrichment analysis on the differentially expressed NRGs (DENRGs). We constructed prognostic models and evaluated them by Cox and LASSO regressions for DENRGs, and validated them using the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) dataset. We used the obtained risk score to classify patients into high- and low-risk groups. We employed the ESTIMATE and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithms to explore the relationship between the risk score and the clinical phenotype and the tumor immune microenvironment. Results: With LASSO regression, we established a prognostic model of CC including 16 signature DENRGs (TMP3, CHMP4C, EEF1A1, FASN, TNF, S100A10, IL1A, H1.2, SLC25A5, GLTP, IFNG, H2AC13, TUBB4B, AKNA, TYK2, and H1.5). The risk score was associated with poor prognosis in CC. Survival was lower in the high-risk group than the low-risk group. The nomogram based on the risk score, T stage, and N stage showed good prognostic predictive power. We found significant differences in immune scores, immune infiltration analysis, and immune checkpoints between the high- and low-risk groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We screened for DENRGs based on the TCGA database by using bioinformatics methods, and constructed prognostic models based on the signature DENRGs, which we confirmed as possibly having important biological functions in CC. Our study provides a new perspective on CC prognosis and immunity, and offers a series of new targets for future treatment.