Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health-Related Quality of Life in Kindergarten Children with Developmental Language Disorder: Child–Mother Agreement

Language disorders are associated with difficulties in various aspects of life, such as academic and social functioning, resulting in impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Most studies use a parent proxy method to assess HRQoL. Since HRQoL refers to the subjective experience of an individual, it is necessary to assess children’s perspectives along with their mothers’. The aim of the current study is to explore HRQoL rating agreement between children and their mothers, since the literature on other conditions suggests that discrepancies seem to reflect their different perspectives. Thus, 53 Greek-speaking children diagnosed with DLD attending kindergarten and their mothers completed, respectively, self-report and parent proxy PedsQLTM questionnaires. Mothers reported significantly better HRQoL than their children with developmental language disorder (DLD) in all HRQoL domains (p < 0.001). Poor agreement was revealed after comparing the scores from both responders, both in abstract domains, such as emotional functioning, as well as in more observable ones, such as physical health (ICC ranged from −0.05 to 0.07). Bland–Altman plots also showed poor agreement on HRQoL. Our results expand on the already known, from other conditions, importance of evaluating children’s subjective experience of their HRQoL in kindergarten children with DLD. A multi-informant approach is ideal, and clinicians should prioritize children’s view about their lives even when they are kindergarten-age. This approach could inform interventions focusing not only on language skills but also on other areas where it is necessary, depending on the child’s subjective experience combined with the maternal perspective.
The NR4A Orphan Receptor Modulator C-DIM12 Selectively Alters Inflammatory Mediators in Myeloid Cells

Orphan nuclear receptor subfamily 4A (NR4A) are key regulators of inflammatory responses, largely by their interactions with NF-κB. Over the last decade, several NR4A modulators have been developed, and they are showing potential as therapeutics, although their widespread use in laboratory settings is limited. Here, we have examined, using myeloid cell line THP-1, whether the NR4A modulator 3-[(4-Chlorophenyl)-(1H-indol-3-yl)methyl]-1H-indole (C-DIM12) can alter the inflammatory outcome of six inflammatory ligands: lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), flagellin (FL), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and zymosan (ZY). We demonstrate that C-DIM12 (10 µM) selectively alters the secretion of inflammatory chemokine MCP-1 following exposure to distinct inflammatory ligands in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, data obtained from THP-1 Lucia cell experiments show that 10 µM C-DIM12, and not 1 µM C-DIM12, can significantly attenuate the increased NF-κB transcriptional activity observed following the exposure to several inflammatory ligands (LPS, FL, TNFα, LTA, and ZY). Lastly, experimental analysis confirms that the cellular action(s) of C-DIM12 is independent of changes in metabolic parameters. Thus, these data contribute to the understanding of how the NR4A modulator C-DIM12 alters inflammatory responses in a myeloid cell following exposure to multiple ligands.
Addressing the risk of maladaptation to climate change

This paper reviews the current theoretical scholarship on maladaptation and provides some specific case studies—in the Maldives, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Bangladesh—to advance the field by offering an improved conceptual understanding and more practice‐oriented insights. It notably highlights four main dimensions to assess the risk of maladaptation, that is, process, multiple drivers, temporal scales, and spatial scales. It also describes three examples of frameworks—the Pathways, the Precautionary, and the Assessment frameworks—that can help capture the risk of maladaptation on the ground. Both these conceptual and practical developments support the need for putting the risk of maladaptation at the top of the planning agenda. The paper argues that starting with the intention to avoid mistakes and not lock‐in detrimental effects of adaptation‐labeled initiatives is a first, key step to the wider process of adapting to climate variability and change. It thus advocates for the anticipation of the risk of maladaptation to become a priority for decision makers and stakeholders at large, from the international to the local levels. Such an ex ante approach, however, supposes to get a clearer understanding of what maladaptation is. Ultimately, the paper affirms that a challenge for future research consists in developing context‐specific guidelines that will allow funding bodies to make the best decisions to support adaptation (i.e., by better capturing the risk of maladaptation) and practitioners to design adaptation initiatives with a low risk of maladaptation. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:646–665. doi: 10.1002/wcc.409
Targeting the immune microenvironment for ovarian cancer therapy

Ovarian cancer (OC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by a complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as a breakthrough in cancer therapy by reactivating the antitumor immune response suppressed by tumor cells. However, in the case of OC, these inhibitors have failed to demonstrate significant improvements in patient outcomes, and existing biomarkers have not yet identified promising subgroups. Consequently, there remains a pressing need to understand the interplay between OC tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment to develop effective immunotherapeutic approaches. This review aims to provide an overview of the OC TME and explore its potential as a therapeutic strategy. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are major actors in OC TME. Evidence has been accumulating regarding the spontaneous TILS response against OC antigens. Activated T-helpers secrete a wide range of inflammatory cytokines with a supportive action on cytotoxic T-cells. Simultaneously, mature B-cells are recruited and play a significant antitumor role through opsonization of target antigens and T-cell recruitment. Macrophages also form an important subset of innate immunity (M1-macrophages) while participating in the immune-stimulation context. Finally, OC has shown to engage a significant natural-killer-cells immune response, exerting direct cytotoxicity without prior sensitization. Despite this initial cytotoxicity, OC cells develop various strategies to induce an immune-tolerant state. To this end, multiple immunosuppressive molecules are secreted to impair cytotoxic cells, recruit regulatory cells, alter antigen presentation, and effectively evade immune response. Consequently, OC TME is predominantly infiltrated by immunosuppressive cells such as FOXP3+ regulatory T-cells, M2-polarized macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Despite this strong immunosuppressive state, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have failed to improve outcomes. Beyond PD-1/PD-L1, OC expresses multiple other immune checkpoints that contribute to immune evasion, and each representing potential immune targets. Novel immunotherapies are attempting to overcome the immunosuppressive state and induce specific immune responses using antibodies adoptive cell therapy or vaccines. Overall, the OC TME presents both opportunities and obstacles. Immunotherapeutic approaches continue to show promise, and next-generation inhibitors offer exciting opportunities. However, tailoring therapies to individual immune characteristics will be critical for the success of these treatments.
ER Stress-Perturbed Intracellular Protein O-GlcNAcylation Aggravates Podocyte Injury in Diabetes Nephropathy

Diabetes nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, and podocyte injury is the central contributor to the progression of DN. Despite the emerging evidence that has established the importance of podocyte endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the pathogenesis of DN, abnormal protein O-GlcNAcylation is also augmented. Currently, the mechanism associating these two hyperglycemia-induced disorders remains poorly understood. This study intended to elucidate whether ER stress drives hyper-protein O-GlcNAcylation to cause podocyte injury in DN. We used both type 1 and type 2 DN models to confirm the occurrence of ER stress and excessive protein O-GlcNAcylation, and then podocyte purification was also conducted for further investigation. Nephroseq V5 data were mined and in vitro studies were applied to reveal the involvement of ER stress and hyper-O-GlcNAcylation in podocyte injury. Our results indicated that ER stress was induced in both type 1 and type 2 DN, and the human RNA-seq data from Nephroseq V5 showed that O-GlcNAcylation-related genes were significantly upregulated in the DN patients. We further demonstrated that ER stress occurred prior to hyper-O-GlcNAc modification and that pharmacologically inhibited protein O-GlcNAcylation can help decrease the podocyte apoptosis induced by hyperglycemia. Together, these discoveries will aid in uncovering the activation of the ER stress–O-GlcNAcylation axis in podocyte injury under DN, which will help open up new therapeutic approaches for preventing DN progression.
In Silico and in Vitro Approach for the Understanding of the Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity of Uruguayan Tannat Grape Pomace and Propolis Poliphenols

The use of food additives with xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity offers an alternative approach to hyperuricemic and gout disease treatment, and provides an example of antioxidant nutraceutics. The in vitro and in silico XO inhibitory activity of polyphenols from Uruguayan Tannat grape pomaces and propolis extracts was evaluated as well as the scavenging capacity of said compounds. When comparing propolis and grape pomace samples, the in vitro studies demonstrated that polyphenols extracted from propolis are more active as free radical scavengers than those from Tannat grape pomace. Both natural products effectively inhibited XO but the capacity of phenols present in GP is higher than the one present in P. The high content of anthocyanins in GP, absent in P, could account for this observation. In silico assays allowed us to determine relevant ligand-receptor interactions between polyphenols, from a database built with previously reported polyphenols from both natural products, and the active site of XO. The in silico results showed that compound (E)-isoprenylcaffeate from propolis was the best potential XO inhibitor displaying hydrophobic aromatic interaction between the conjugated ring of the caffeate moiety and polar interactions between hydroxyl groups from caffeate with the active site polar residues. Among grape pomaces, the Cyanidin-3-O-(6-(E)-p-coumaroyl)-glucoside was the best XO inhibitor; its moiety oxychromenyl being relevant to the docking stabilization. All these results lead us to propose Uruguayan propolis and Tannat grape pomace extracts as food additives as well as phytopharmaceuticals to decrease the uric acid levels in gout disease and to act against oxidative stress.
Testing the use of an image‐based technique to measure gully erosion at Sparacia experimental area

The first part of this investigation was aimed at testing the use of a three‐dimensional (3D) digital terrain model and a quasi‐tridimensional (2.5D) digital elevation model obtained by a large series of oblique images of eroded channels taken from consumer un‐calibrated and non‐metric cameras. For two closed earth channels having a different sinuosity, the ground measurement of some cross sections by a profilometer (P) was carried out and their real volume was also measured. The comparison among the three methods (3D, 2.5D, and P) pointed out that a limited underestimation of the total volume always occurs and that the 3D method is characterized by the minimum difference between measured and real volume. For this reason, 3D model can be used as benchmark. In the subsequent part of the investigation, the three ground measurement methods were applied for surveying of an ephemeral gully (EG) channel at the Sparacia area. The morphological and hydraulic variable values of the 24 surveyed cross sections determined by both 2.5D model and profilometer were compared. This comparison showed that the estimate error is generally less than ±10%. The EG measurements carried out by the three methods supported the applicability both of the empirical relationship between EG length and its eroded volume and the theoretical dimensionless relationship among the morphological variables describing the channelized erosion process. Finally, it was demonstrated that the effect of the distance interval on the EG volume measurement by 3D and 2.5D models is negligible for the investigated EG.
Exploring the Influence of Land Use on the Urban Carbonyl Sulfide Budget: A Case Study of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona

Carbonyl sulfide (OCS) is used to quantify the carbon capture potential of the biosphere because of its direct correlation with CO2 uptake during photosynthesis. However, to constrain the urban biosphere signal, it is necessary to evaluate potential anthropogenic sources. We conducted two sampling campaigns in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB), Spain, during May (full COVID lockdown) and October 2020 to measure the spatial distribution and variability of OCS in four urban land uses as follows: built, urban forest, urban park, and peri‐urban agriculture. The OCS background levels determined at Tibidabo (442 m asl) were approximately 484 ± 20 ppt and 407 ± 8 ppt for May and October 2020, respectively, and agreed with other seasonal surveys conducted in Europe during that same period. Averaged emissions were in the range of +Δ12 ± 40 ppt for the city and were +Δ9. 4 ± 40.9 ppt for urban +Δ22. 1 ± 48 ppt for urban green +Δ20. 7 ± 42.9 ppt for agricultural and −Δ4. 8 ± 19.6 ppt for forest. The urban values ranged from neutral to above background, suggesting nearby anthropogenic and marine emissions such as +Δ150 ppt in Montjuic, which is downwind of Barcelona's harbor. During the crop‐growing season in May, the agricultural areas consistently showed values below the background (up to −Δ76 ppt in Gavà, uptake) at 7:00 UTC when the land breezes were dominant, while later in the morning, when the sea breeze are developed, the plant sink is masked by the transport of marine emissions. Urban forests located north of Tibidabo showed OCS values up to −Δ70 ppt, suggesting significant uptake by urban forests. We conclude that determining the urban biosphere signal using OCS as a tracer is more complex than expected because the marine and anthropogenic emissions from the port strongly impact the spatial‐temporal distribution of OCS.
Sox2 and Meis1 in tooth development and murine incisor renewal

Research Program in Developmental Biology Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE University of Helsinki and Orthodontics, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine University of Helsinki and Division of Genetics, Department of Biosciences Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Helsinki and Finnish Doctoral program in Oral Sciences University of Helsinki
Range dynamics of Walterinnesia morgani (Serpentes, Elapidae) during climatic oscillations in Iran

Reptiles have a crucial part in maintaining global biodiversity and the functioning of dynamic ecosystems, owing to their ecological roles and functions. Nevertheless, these organisms are susceptible to human-induced disruptions and the deterioration of their habitats, leading to their categorization as the third most endangered group of vertebrates on a global scale. Understanding the spatial distribution of reptiles is crucial due to their often specific habitat needs and limited vagility. Morgan’s black cobra (Walterinnesia morgani) is a secretive venomous snake species that has thus far received little attention in Iranian scientific literature. The aim of the present study was to determine the existing distribution pattern of the cobra and to speculate on how climatic changes might affect it. Maximum entropy modeling was used to examine a dataset consisting of 16 occurrence records gleaned from field observations and the literature. The niche of the species was predicted using current and future climate change forecasts and bioclimatic and topographical characteristics. The models predicted a future reduction in the wide distribution region of W. morgani in southern and western Iran. It was discovered that climatic factors like temperature range, precipitation dynamics, and river proximity all played a key role in shaping the pattern of distribution. The predicted suitable areas for W. morgani were dependent on water sources; however, future scenarios showed a decline in suitable habitats. This study underscores the importance of conservation efforts in light of the potential implications of climate change on this species. To further understand the range shifts and adaptive strategies of the species, further study of its ecology and dispersal dynamics is required.
Participatory and Conventional Investigation of Tick Infestation in Camels and Cattle of Somali Pastoral Areas, Eastern Ethiopia

Ticks are a common parasite that affect many animals by causing slowed growth, reduced milk output, and financial losses for industries that depend on animal hides and skins. From June to December 2017, participatory and conventional investigations on tick infestation in camels and cattle were conducted in Kebribayah and Afdem districts of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and density of ticks in these animals and establish strategic control measures to enhance livestock productivity and livelihoods in pastoral areas. The current study found that the prevalence of tick infestation in Kebribayah and Afdem districts was 83.3% and 86.8%, respectively. Rhipicephalus pulchellus (48.9%) was identified as the most common tick species in camels and cattle, followed by Amblyomma gemma (26.3%), Hyalomma truncatum (11.6%), Amblyomma lepidum (6.7%), and Amblyomma variegatum (6.5%). Among the variables considered, age and body condition score were significant risk factors (p < 0.001). Tick density varied depending on the recorded months and seasons (p < 0.001), with the highest mean tick density occurring in November (32.69 ± 21.750) and during the wet season (28.56 ± 19.750). Livestock owners in Kebribayah and Afdem ranked topical acaricide application as the most effective tick control method, followed by ivermectin injections, with the traditional hand removal method being the least effective. These rankings were consistent across both districts, and there was moderate agreement among livestock keepers from both regions regarding the best method. Afdem livestock keepers had slightly weak agreement on high tick burden in spring (W = 0.475, p = 0.127), and Kebribayah livestock keepers showed slightly strong agreement in tick burden across seasons (W = 0.700, p = 0.038), with spring having a significantly higher burden than winter. Consequently, participatory appraisal indicated that ticks were important and prevalent ectoparasites in the study area. Finally, strategic tick control appropriate for specific management and production environments should be implemented biannually in wet seasons.
The Role of Intraoperative and Early Postoperative Blood Pressure Variations, Fluid Balance and Inotropics in Fibula Free Flap Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Retrospective Analysis

Background: In head and neck reconstructive surgery, postoperative complications are a well-known concern. Methods: We examined 46 patients who underwent ablative surgery and received fibula free flap reconstruction. The main focus was to assess the influence of intraoperative blood pressure fluctuations and the administration of inotropic drugs on complications, either related to the flap or systemic, serving as the primary endpoint. Results: Utilizing logistic regression models, we identified that intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) drops did not correlate with the occurrence of either flap-related complications (MAP < 70, p = 0.79; MAP < 65, p = 0.865; MAP < 60, p = 0.803; MAP < 55, p = 0.937) or systemic medical complications (MAP < 70, p = 0.559; MAP < 65, p = 0.396; MAP < 60, p = 0.211; MAP < 55, p = 0.936). The occurrence of flap-related complications significantly increased if a higher dosage of dobutamine was administered (median 27.5 (IQR 0–47.5) vs. 62 (38–109) mg, p = 0.019) but not if norepinephrine was administered (p = 0.493). This correlation was especially noticeable given the uptick in complications associated with fluid overload (3692 (3101–4388) vs. 4859 (3555–6216) mL, p = 0.026). Conclusion: Intraoperative and immediate postoperative blood pressure fluctuations are common but are not directly associated with flap-related complications; however, dobutamine application as well as fluid overload may impact flap-specific complications.
Characterization of the Spatial and Temporal Variations of Submarine Groundwater Discharge Using Electrical Resistivity and Seepage Measurements

Characterization of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) in a tidally-dominated, lowenergy environment was performed in Stony Brook Harbor, on the north shore of Long Island, NY. Our integrated approach combined: point electrical conductivity measurements, 2D electrical resistivity surveys, manual and ultrasonic seepage measurements and porewater sampling. Embayment-wide reconnaissance of sediment conductivity at 60 cm depth throughout the harbor reveals significant heterogeneities in porewater salinity distribution and identified two significantly contrasting sites. At the first study site, freshwater discharge is channeled 65 m offshore with seepage rates varying from 3-30 cm/d. At the second site, the intertidal zone comprises a superficial mixing cell overlying a zone of more diffuse mixing with high SGD rates ranging from 30-110 cm/d. Offshore discharge is approximately 3 cm/d. The difference in SGD between the two sites is attributed to the presence of a low-permeability mud layer at the bottom of the harbor. The mud layer locally confines groundwater flow and channels freshwater offshore. SGD percolated through the mud layer is estimated to represent approximately 30% volume of the SGD calculated for the near shore area. Surficial mud deposits control the distribution, magnitude and degree of mixing of fresh SGD with overlying seawater, and their spatial distribution should be taken into account for regional scale SGD calculations.