Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of Serum Allergen-Specific IgE in Atopic Dogs Tested in Northern Italy: Preliminary Study

Simple Summary Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a genetically predisposed allergic skin disease associated to IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. Serum Allergen-Specific IgE test (SAT) is used to detect allergen-specific IgE antibodies and to set-up a specific immunotherapy. The present study aims to identify the most relevant environmental allergens in a population of atopic dogs living in Northern Italy by using SAT, due to the absence of data in this area. Out of 117 selected client-owned dogs, 69 were included in the study. A screening test was used to identify indoor and outdoor allergens positivity and a specific serum allergy test was performed to detect an extended panel of allergens. Among the 49 positives to the screening test, 53% were positive for both indoor and outdoor, 38.8% only for indoor, and 8.2% only for outdoor allergens. Mites and pollen of Rumex acetosa, and grasses were the most represented allergens. This is the first study to collect data on the frequency of specific allergens involved in CAD in Italy by using SAT. In accordance with the result of this study, specific panels for geographical areas should be considered and re-evaluated at time intervals since numerous factors affect the prevalence of IgE positivity in atopic dogs. Abstract Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a pruritic allergic skin disease associated with IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. IgE is detected using Serum Allergen-Specific IgE test (SAT) in order to identify allergens. The present study aims to identify the environmental allergens in atopic dogs living in Northern Italy using SAT. The screening SAT (sSAT), using a monoclonal antibody cocktail-based ELISA to identify indoor and outdoor allergens, was performed. In all positive samples, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody ELISA test was performed to extend panel of allergens. Out of 117 selected dogs, 69 were included in the study; 71% were positive and 29% were negative to sSAT. Among the 49 positive sSAT, 53% were positive for both indoor and outdoor, 38.8% only for indoor, and 8.2% only for outdoor allergens. This is the first study on the frequency of allergens involved in CAD in Italy using SAT. IgE hypersensitivity in atopic dogs of Northern Italy is usually associated with indoor allergens, primarily house dust mites. Among the outdoor allergens, an important role was played by Rumex acetosa. Polysensitization also commonly occurs. Therefore, since the numerous factors affect the IgE positivity in CAD, specific panels for geographical areas should be considered and re-evaluated at time intervals.
Recurrent deletions in the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein drive antibody escape

Eluding detection Influenza viruses evade immunity initiated by previous infection, which explains recurrent influenza pandemics. Unlike the error-prone RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and related viruses contain polymerases with proofreading activity. However, proofreading cannot correct deletions, which during a long-term persistent infection could result in the generation of viruses showing alteration of entire stretches of amino acids and the structures they form. McCarthy et al. identified an evolutionary signature defined by prevalent and recurrent deletions in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 at four antigenic sites. Deletion variants show human-to-human transmission of viruses with altered antigenicity. Science, this issue p. 1139 SARS-CoV-2 genome deletions that arise independently in persistently infected individuals show recurrent and convergent evolution. Zoonotic pandemics, such as that caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), can follow the spillover of animal viruses into highly susceptible human populations. The descendants of these viruses have adapted to the human host and evolved to evade immune pressure. Coronaviruses acquire substitutions more slowly than other RNA viruses. In the spike glycoprotein, we found that recurrent deletions overcome this slow substitution rate. Deletion variants arise in diverse genetic and geographic backgrounds, transmit efficiently, and are present in novel lineages, including those of current global concern. They frequently occupy recurrent deletion regions (RDRs), which map to defined antibody epitopes. Deletions in RDRs confer resistance to neutralizing antibodies. By altering stretches of amino acids, deletions appear to accelerate SARS-CoV-2 antigenic evolution and may, more generally, drive adaptive evolution.
Curcumin Efficacy in a Serum/glucose Deprivation-induced Neuronal PC12 Injury Model.

BACKGROUND Glucose/serum deprivation (GSD), has been used for understanding molecular mechanisms of neuronal damage during ischemia. It has been suggested that curcumin may improve neurodegenerative diseases. AIM In this study, the protective effects of curcumin and its underlying mechanisms were investigated in PC12 cells upon GSD-induced stress. METHODS PC12 cells were cultured in DMEM overnight and then incubated in GSD condition for either 6 or 12h. GSD-treated cells were pretreated with various concentrations of curcumin (10, 20, and 40 M) for 5h. The cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, oxidative stress, expression of apoptosis-related genes, and IL-6 were determined. RESULTS Curcumin increased cell viability and caused an anti-apoptotic effect in PC12 cells exposed for 12h to GSD . Curcumin also increased antioxidant enzyme expression, suppressed lipid peroxidation, and decreased interleukin-6 secretion in PC12 cells subjected to GSD. In addition, pretreatment with curcumin down-regulated pro-apoptotic (Bax), and up-regulated antiapoptotic (Bcl2) mediators. CONCLUSION Curcumin mitigates many of the adverse effects of ischemia, and therefore, should be considered as an adjunct therapy in ischemic patients.
The role of sonographic head circumference in the occurrence of subgaleal hemorrhage following vacuum delivery

Abstract Objective Subgaleal hemorrhage (SGH) is a severe neonatal morbidity that is associated with vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD). Large sonographic head circumference (sHC) was previously associated with complicated VAD. Nevertheless, the association of large sHC with SGH formation following VAD is underreported. We aim to evaluate the role of sonographic head circumference (sHC) with SGH formation following attempted VAD. Methods A retrospective case-control study. Cases comprised singleton pregnancies for whom attempted VAD resulted in SGH with an sHC measured within 2 weeks from delivery. Controls were VAD deliveries which not resulted in SGH, with an sHC measured within 2 weeks from delivery. We matched controls in a 1:1 ratio by gestational age, parity and year of delivery. Results Overall, 118 women were included in the SGH study group and were matched to 118 controls. Baseline maternal and fetal characteristics were similar between the groups except for higher neonatal birth weight in the SGH group (median 3422 vs. 3195 grams, p = .001). sHC did not vary between groups (median 336 mm in SGH groups vs. 333, p = .08). Rate of sHC >90th and >95th percentile did not significantly differ between the groups (13.6% vs. 8.5%, 6.8% vs. 3.4%, p = .21, p = .37, for SGH vs. controls, respectively). In multivariate regression analysis, sHC was not found to be independently associated with SGH – aOR (95% CI) 1.004 (0.97–1.03). Receiver operating characteristic curves of sHC for SGH formation underlined an area under the curve of 0.58 (95% CI) (0.51–0.65). Conclusions sHC is not associated with SGH formation following VAD
Training-dependent transfer within a set of nested tasks

Extended practice on a particular cognitive task can boost the performance of other tasks, even though they themselves have not been practised. This transfer of benefits appears to be specific, occurring most when tasks are very similar to those being trained. But what type of similarity is most important for predicting transfer? This question is addressed with a tightly controlled randomised design, with a relatively large sample (N = 175) and an adaptive control group. We created a hierarchical set of nested assessment tasks. Participants then trained on two of the tasks: one was relatively “low” in the hierarchy requiring just simultaneous judgements of shapes’ spikiness, whereas the other was relatively “high” requiring delayed judgements of shapes’ spikiness or number of spikes in a switching paradigm. Using the full complement of nested tasks before and after training, we could then test whether and how these “low” and “high” training effects cascade through the hierarchy. For both training groups, relative to the control, whether or not an assessment task shared a single specific feature was the best predictor of transfer patterns. For the low-level training group, the overall proportion of feature overlap also significantly predicted transfer, but the same was not true for the high-level training group. Finally, pre-training between-task correlations were not predictive of the pattern of transfer for either group. Together these findings provide an experimental exploration of the specificity of transfer and establish the nature of task overlap that is crucial for the transfer of performance improvements.
ARMC12 regulates spatiotemporal mitochondrial dynamics during spermiogenesis and is required for male fertility

Significance Although formation of the mitochondrial sheath is a critical process in the formation of mature spermatozoa, the molecular mechanisms involved in mitochondrial sheath genesis remain unclear. Using gene-manipulated mice, we discovered that ARMC12 regulates spatiotemporal “sperm mitochondrial dynamics” during mitochondrial sheath formation through interactions with mitochondrial proteins MIC60, VDAC2, and VDAC3 as well as testis-specific proteins TBC1D21 and GK2. In addition, we demonstrated that ARMC12-interacting proteins TBC1D21 and GK2 are also essential for mitochondrial sheath formation. Our paper sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial sheath formation and the regulation of sperm mitochondrial dynamics, allowing us to further understand the biology of spermatogenesis and the etiology of infertility in men. The mammalian sperm midpiece has a unique double-helical structure called the mitochondrial sheath that wraps tightly around the axoneme. Despite the remarkable organization of the mitochondrial sheath, the molecular mechanisms involved in mitochondrial sheath formation are unclear. In the process of screening testis-enriched genes for functions in mice, we identified armadillo repeat-containing 12 (ARMC12) as an essential protein for mitochondrial sheath formation. Here, we engineered Armc12-null mice, FLAG-tagged Armc12 knock-in mice, and TBC1 domain family member 21 (Tbc1d21)-null mice to define the functions of ARMC12 in mitochondrial sheath formation in vivo. We discovered that absence of ARMC12 causes abnormal mitochondrial coiling along the flagellum, resulting in reduced sperm motility and male sterility. During spermiogenesis, sperm mitochondria in Armc12-null mice cannot elongate properly at the mitochondrial interlocking step which disrupts abnormal mitochondrial coiling. ARMC12 is a mitochondrial peripheral membrane protein and functions as an adherence factor between mitochondria in cultured cells. ARMC12 in testicular germ cells interacts with mitochondrial proteins MIC60, VDAC2, and VDAC3 as well as TBC1D21 and GK2, which are required for mitochondrial sheath formation. We also observed that TBC1D21 is essential for the interaction between ARMC12 and VDAC proteins in vivo. These results indicate that ARMC12 uses integral mitochondrial membrane proteins VDAC2 and VDAC3 as scaffolds to link mitochondria and works cooperatively with TBC1D21. Thus, our studies have revealed that ARMC12 regulates spatiotemporal mitochondrial dynamics to form the mitochondrial sheath through cooperative interactions with several proteins on the sperm mitochondrial surface.
Endothelin-1 and LOX-1 as Markers of Endothelial Dysfunction in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Introduction: The search of biochemical markers of endothelial dysfunction: lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1)—involved in atherosclerotic plaques formation—and endothelin-1 (ET-1)—potent vasoconstrictor-might help in detecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Material and Methods: In 71 OSA patients (apnoea/hypopnoea index, AHI 28.2 ± 17.9/hour) and in 21 healthy controls the serum levels of LOX-1 and ET-1 were measured. Results: There were increased levels of ET-1 (1.58 ± 0.65 vs. 1.09 ± 0.38 pg/mL; p < 0.001) but not of LOX-1 in OSA patients as compared with healthy controls. In the patients’ group ET-1 levels negatively correlated with serum LDL levels. LOX-1 levels positively correlated with fasting glucose levels and were higher in the patients with than without diabetes. Neither ET-1 nor LOX-1 correlated with OSA severity. In mild OSA patients, there was a negative correlation between LOX-1 and mean arterial oxygen saturation during sleep. In severe OSA patients, there was a positive correlation between LOX-1 levels and uric acid. Conclusion: There is endothelial dysfunction in OSA patients as indicated by increased serum levels of ET-1 and possibly endothelial dysfunction in diabetic OSA patients as indicated by increased serum levels of LOX-1 and its correlation with fasting glucose levels.
The effectiveness of the loci method as a mnemonic device: Meta-analysis

The “loci method” is a popular mnemonic device that involves visualising and recalling items at specific points along a familiar route. The loci method has been used for thousands of years, and by many successful memory athletes; yet there have been relatively few educational and clinical applications, possibly owing to empirical uncertainty. The current meta-analysis of 13 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) mostly based in university settings demonstrated the effectiveness of the loci method as a mnemonic device, with a medium effect size (g = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.45, 0.85]; I2 = 45.5%). The effect size remained at similar levels in further analyses adjusting for publication bias, the impact of removing each study, setting, control conditions, outliers, and number of loci method sessions. High risk of experimental bias was indicated, however, as the vast majority of studies did not report procedures to minimise biases relating to random sequence generation and allocation concealment. Overall, this meta-analysis of predominantly university-based RCTs has provided good initial support for the loci method as a mnemonic device and this may encourage future investigations and applications, particularly in educational settings, where it has the potential to improve recall of information relevant to academic success.
Cancer Related Anemia: An Integrated Multitarget Approach and Lifestyle Interventions

Cancer is often accompanied by worsening of the patient’s iron profile, and the resulting anemia could be a factor that negatively impacts antineoplastic treatment efficacy and patient survival. The first line of therapy is usually based on oral or intravenous iron supplementation; however, many patients remain anemic and do not respond. The key might lie in the pathogenesis of the anemia itself. Cancer-related anemia (CRA) is characterized by a decreased circulating serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation despite ample iron stores, pointing to a more complex problem related to iron homeostatic regulation and additional factors such as chronic inflammatory status. This review explores our current understanding of iron homeostasis in cancer, shedding light on the modulatory role of hepcidin in intestinal iron absorption, iron recycling, mobilization from liver deposits, and inducible regulators by infections and inflammation. The underlying relationship between CRA and systemic low-grade inflammation will be discussed, and an integrated multitarget approach based on nutrition and exercise to improve iron utilization by reducing low-grade inflammation, modulating the immune response, and supporting antioxidant mechanisms will also be proposed. Indeed, a Mediterranean-based diet, nutritional supplements and exercise are suggested as potential individualized strategies and as a complementary approach to conventional CRA therapy.
Temporal and spatial trends in streamwater nitrate concentrations in the San Bernardino mountains, southern California

The authors report streamwater nitrate (NO{sub 3}{sup {minus}}) concentrations for December 1995 to September 1998 from 19 sampling sites across a N deposition gradient in the San Bernardino Mountains. Streamwater NO{sub 3}{sup {minus}} concentrations in Devil Canyon (DC), a high-pollution area, and in previously reported data from the San Gabriel Mountains 40 km northeast of Los Angeles, are the highest values reported in North America for undisturbed forest or shrub land watersheds. Concentrations in the primary stream draining western DC peaked at 350 {micro}mol L{sup {minus}1} in December 1997 and minimum base flow NO{sub 3}{sup {minus}} concentrations were nearly always {ge} 80 {micro}mol L{sup {minus}1}. In the San Gorgonio Wilderness (SGW), average NO{sub 3}{sup {minus}} concentrations in four streams along the southern transect (moderate N deposition), ranged from 10 to 37 {micro}mol L{sup {minus}1}, while average NO{sub 3}{sup {minus}} concentrations were {le} 0.7 {micro}mol L{sup {minus}1} in seven streams along the northern transect (low N deposition). Peak NO{sub 3}{sup {minus}} concentrations in DC and in the SGW occurred after large winter storms, and a large spike in NO{sub 3}{sup {minus}} concentrations in SGW Streams 1 to 5 was observed after thundershower activity in July 1997. Streamwater export of NO{sub 3}-Nmore » from Devil Canyon ranged from 3.6 tl 11.6 kg ha{sup {minus}1} yr{sup {minus}1} during water years 1995 to 1998. This study further indicates that N emissions from fossil fuels and agriculture impact not only air quality, but also water quality from watersheds that are recipients of atmospheric N deposition. « less
Minimum Free Energy Coding for DNA Storage

With the development of information technology, huge amounts of data are produced at the same time. How to store data efficiently and at low cost has become an urgent problem. DNA is a high-density and persistent medium, making DNA storage a viable solution. In a DNA data storage system, the first consideration is how to encode the data effectively into code words. However, DNA strands are prone to non-specific hybridization during the hybridization reaction process and are prone to errors during synthesis and sequencing. In order to reduce the error rate, a thermodynamic minimum free energy (MFE) constraint is proposed and applied to the construction of coding sets for DNA storage. The Brownian multi-verse optimizer (BMVO) algorithm, based on the Multi-verse optimizer (MVO) algorithm, incorporates the idea of Brownian motion and Nelder–Mead method, and it is used to design a better DNA storage coding set. In addition, compared with previous works, the coding set has been increasing by 4%–50% in size and has better thermodynamic properties. With the improvement of the quality of the DNA coding set, the accuracy of reading and writing and the robustness of the DNA storage system are also enhanced.
Factors Associated with Noncarious Cervical Lesions in Different Age Ranges: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Objectives Understanding the possible risk factors of noncarious cervical lesion (NCCL) is important for prevention and clinical management of the condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with the prevalence of NCCL among adolescents, adults, and elderly people. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study involving 501 participants aged 15 years or older was conducted. Participants were examined to assess the number of natural teeth and the prevalence and severity of NCCL by calibrated examiners. Data on age, gender, harmful toothbrushing habits, and acidogenic diet were collected through individual interviews. Multivariate Poisson’s regression models were used to evaluate the association between the independent variables and the prevalence of NCCL according to the three age groups: 15 to 39, 40 to 64, and 65 years or older. Results The prevalence of NCCL among participants was 62.5% (95% confidence interval: 58.2–66.7). Among 15- to 39-year-old participants, the mean of NCCL was higher in males, those with lower number of teeth and acidogenic diet intake. Males aged 40 to 64 years and those with harmful brushing habits were more likely to present higher mean of NCCL. Elderly people with harmful toothbrushing habits had a greater mean of NCCL. Conclusion Demographic (age and gender), clinical (number of teeth), and behavioral characteristics (harmful brushing habits and acidogenic diet) were meaningful factors associated with NCCL severity. The above-mentioned relationships varied between age groups.
Optimal timing of coronary angiograms for patients with chronic kidney disease: association between the duration of kidney dysfunction and SYNTAX scores

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk of the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there are few data on the relationship between CAD severity and the duration of CKD. This study assessed the predictive value of the duration of kidney dysfunction in CKD patients with CAD severity. Methods In 145 patients (63.4% male, n = 92; mean age, 68.8 ± 12.8 years) with CKD, severity of CAD was assessed by coronary angiography and quantified by SYNTAX scores, and duration of kidney dysfunction was either assessed by checking historical biochemical parameters of individuals or was based on enquiries. Results Patients with high SYNTAX scores (≥ 22) had a greater prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors including age, gender, history of heart failure and smoking. In CKD patients, SYNTAX scores were positively correlated to duration of CKD and serum uric acid (UA), and negatively correlated to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and ApoA1 levels. Univariate binary logistic regression and multivariate logistic analyses showed that SYNTAX scores correlated significantly with CKD duration, UA, and HDL-C. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to explore a time point when coronary angiography application was economical and effective and yielded a Youden index of 6.5 years. Conclusions Together, our results demonstrated that the duration of kidney dysfunction was an independent correlate of the severity of CAD in patients with CKD. Our findings suggest that coronary angiography should be considered for CKD patients with renal insufficiency having lasted for more than 6.5 years.