Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Associations of Triglycerides/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio With Insulin Resistance, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, and Diabetes in American Adults at Different Vitamin D3 Levels

Background Previous studies have shown that vitamin D3 (VD3) may be a protective factor for diabetes mellitus (DM), while triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) may be a risk factor for diabetes. However, no existing study has elucidated the interaction between TG/HDL and VD3. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the relationships of TG/HDL with insulin resistance (IR), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and DM at different VD3 levels. Methods With the use of the data from five National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles, a total of 2,929 males and 3,031 females were divided into 4 groups according to their VD3 levels. Logistic regression was performed to observe the associations of TG/HDL ratio with IR, IGT, and DM in different groups. Results The relationships of TG/HDL with IR, IGT, and DM showed a threshold effect, with the cutoff values of 1.094, 1.51, and 1.11, respectively. On both sides of the cutoff values, the correlation was first weakened and then enhanced with the increase in VD3 levels. Conclusion TG/HDL is a risk factor for IR, IGT, and DM. Both too low and too high levels of VD3 can strengthen this association, whereas keeping VD3 at a reasonable level helps to reduce the associations of TG/HDL with IR, IGT, and DM.
Estimates of Variance Components and Heritability Using Random Regression Models for Semen Traits in Boars

It has been proven that the random regression model has a great advantage over the repeatability model in longitudinal data analysis. At present, the random regression model has been used as a standard analysis method in longitudinal data analysis. The aim of this study was to estimate the variance components and heritability of semen traits over the reproductive lifetime of boars. The study data, including 124,941 records from 3,366 boars, were collected from seven boar AI centers in South China between 2010 and 2019. To evaluate alternative models, we compared different polynomial orders of fixed, additive, and permanent environment effects in total 216 models using Bayesian Information Criterions. The result indicated that the best model always has higher-order polynomials of permanent environment effect and lower-order polynomials of fixed effect and additive effect regression. In Landrace boars, the heritabilities ranged from 0.18 to 0.28, 0.06 to 0.43, 0.03 to 0.14, and 0.05 to 0.24 for semen volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration, and abnormal sperm percentage, respectively. In Large White boars, the heritabilities ranged from 0.20 to 0.26, 0.07 to 0.15, 0.10 to 0.23, and 0.06 to 0.34 for semen volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration, and abnormal sperm percentage, respectively.
Global Mass Spectrometric Analysis Reveals Chemical Diversity of Secondary Metabolites and 44-Methylgambierone Production in Philippine Gambierdiscus Strains

Surveillance and characterization of emerging marine toxins and toxigenic dinoflagellates are warranted to evaluate their associated health risks. Here, we report the occurrence of the ciguatera poisoning-causative dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus balechii in the Philippines. Toxin production and chemical diversity of secondary metabolites in G. balechii GtoxSAM092414, G. balechii Gtox112513, and the recently reported Gambierdiscus carpenteri Gam1BOL080513 were assessed using targeted and untargeted UPLC-MS/MS analysis and radioligand receptor-binding assay (RBA). 44-methylgambierone was produced by all three strains, albeit with different levels based on RBA and UPLC-HRMS/MS analysis. The fatty acid composition was similar in all strains, while subtle differences in monosaccharide content were observed, related to the collection site rather than the species. Molecular networking using the GNPS database identified 45 clusters belonging to at least ten compound classes, with terpene glycosides, carbohydrate conjugates, polyketides, and macrolides as major convergence points. Species-specific peptides and polyhydroxylated compounds were identified in G. balechii GtoxSAM092414 and G. carpenteri Gam1BOL080513, respectively. These provide a glimpse of the uncharacterized biosynthetic potential of benthic dinoflagellates and highlight the intricate and prolific machinery for secondary metabolites production in these organisms.
Couples Therapy Delivered Through Videoconferencing: Effects on Relationship Outcomes, Mental Health and the Therapeutic Alliance

Changing technology, and the pervasive demand created by a greater need in the population for access to mental health interventions, has led to the development of technologies that are shifting the traditional way in which therapy is provided. This study investigated the efficacy of a behavioral couples therapy program conducted via videoconferencing, as compared to face-to-face. There were 60 participants, in couples, ranging in age from 21 to 69 years old. Couples had been in a relationship for between 1 to 49 years. The 30 couples were randomly allocated to the face-to-face or videoconferencing group. They all took part in Couple CARE—a couples behavioral education program which promotes self-change in order to increase relationship satisfaction. The six session manualized intervention was offered in an identical manner to all clients, in each condition. Data analysis was based on several questionnaires completed by each couple at pre, post and 3-months follow-up. Results showed that therapeutic alliance ratings did not differ between groups, but increased significantly over time for both groups. Additionally, the results indicated improvements in relationship satisfaction, mental health, and all other outcome scores over time, which did not differ based on condition. This study uniquely contributes to the literature exploring the use of technology to provide therapy. Specifically, the study provides evidence for couples therapy via videoconferencing as a viable alternative to face-to-face interventions, especially for those couples who may not have access to the treatment they require. It is anticipated that the results of this study will contribute to the field of online therapy, and add to fostering confidence in agencies to allow expansion of services conducted via videoconferencing.
The Association Between Proton Pump Inhibitors and COVID-19 is Confounded by Hyperglycemia in a Population-Based Study

Background and Aims: There is conflicting evidence regarding the association between proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and the risk of acquisition and severity of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Aim: To evaluate the association between PPI exposure and infection and development of severe disease in patients infected with SARS-CoV2in a large population-based historical cohort. Methods: Data were extracted from a health maintenance organization database in Israel that insures over 1,200,000 individuals from across the country. All patients who underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing between March and November 2020 were included. Logistic regression and matched analyses were used to compare patients prescribed and exposed to PPIs to those not prescribed PPIs regarding SARS-CoV-2 positivity. In addition, among SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (n = 44,397) the likelihood of developing severe disease, defined by a composite endpoint of death, ICU admission and prolonged hospitalization, was compared in those exposed and not exposed to PPIs. Results: Among 255,355 adult patients who underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing by PCR, 44,397 (17.4%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 12,066 (4.7%) patients were prescribed PPIs in the 3 months before testing. In a multivariable logistic regression model controlling for age, gender, smoking status, BMI, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, COPD, history of ischemic heart disease and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, no significant association was found between PPIs and SARS-CoV-2 positivity (p = 0.09 aOR 0.94, 95% CI – 0.88–1.01). Among SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, 910 (2%) had a severe infection. Multivariate logistic regression controlling for the abovementioned confounders, showed no such association between PPIs and severe COVID-19 (p = 0.28). Elevated FBG levels were significantly associated with both PPI exposure (p < 0.001) and severe COVID-19 infection (p < 0.001). These results were reinforced by a matched analysis (n = 655 pairs). Conclusion: PPIs are spuriously associated with severe COVID-19 due to the presence of elevated FBG as a confounder. Our study accounted for the FBG levels of patients and known risk factors for severe COVID-19 infection, which may be the reason for the discrepancy in prior studies. These results may aid in understanding potential confounders when evaluating potential associations of PPIs with other respiratory or viral diseases.
Screening of Salt-Tolerant Thinopyrum ponticum Under Two Coastal Region Salinity Stress Levels

To accelerate the exploitation and use of marginal soils and develop salt-tolerant forage germplasm suitable for the coastal regions of China, seven lines of decaploid tall wheatgrass [Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Barkworth and D. R. Dewey, 2n = 10x = 70] were transplanted under low (.3%) and high (.5%) salt conditions for a comprehensive analysis at the adult-plant stage. Differences were observed among these materials, especially in terms of grass yield, agronomic characteristics, and physiological and biochemical indices. Line C2 grew best with the highest shoot total fresh and dry weights under all conditions except for the milk-ripe stage in Dongying in 2019. The total membership value of C2 also reflected its excellent performance after transplanting. As superior germplasm, its relatively high antioxidant enzyme activities and chlorophyll a/b ratio suggested C2 may maintain normal metabolic and physiological functions under saline conditions. Furthermore, decaploid tall wheatgrass as a forage grass species has a high nutritive value beneficial for animal husbandry. Accordingly, line C2 may be used as excellent germplasm to develop salt-tolerant cultivars in the Circum-Bohai sea.
Whole Exome Sequencing Identified Novel ARMC9 Variations in Two Cases With Joubert Syndrome

Background: Biallelic variations in the armadillo repeat-containing 9 (ARMC9) gene were recently defined to cause Joubert syndrome (JS) type thirty. In this study, two unrelated families with probands displaying typical indications of JS were enrolled and underwent a series of clinical and genetic investigations. Methods: Routine evaluation including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was carried out. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the probands to detect causative variants. Next, in silico structural and molecular dynamic (MD) analysis was conducted on the missense variant for analyzing its intramolecular impact. Meanwhile, an in vitro study with the minigene system was performed to explore the specific impact on mRNA splicing of another variant. Results: Two unrelated patients from two different families came to our hospital exhibiting typical JS presentations, such as the “molar tooth sign. ” Using WES, we identified that both probands carried the compound heterogeneous variants in ARMC9 (NM_025139.6), with c.1878+1G > A and c.895C > T (p.Arg299Ter) in family 1 and c.1878+1G > A and c.1027C > T (p.Arg343Cys) in family 2. These variants were inherited from their unaffected parents by Sanger sequencing, respectively, and ARMC9 c.895C > T (p.Arg299Ter) and c.1878+1G > A were novel variants. In silico analysis indicated the c.1027C > T (p.Arg343Cys) would likely affect the secondary structure of the ARMC9 protein. The minigene study demonstrated that the splice site variant c.1878+1G > A abolished the canonical donor site, resulting in an 18bp intronic retention of intron 20. Conclusion: The findings in this study expanded the mutation spectrum of ARMC9-associated JS, and we suggested that the function of ARMC9 in the pathogenesis of JS might involve the development of primary cilia, after discussing the function of the ARMC9 protein.
Genotypic Variation of Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Amino Acid Metabolism in Barley

Owing to the large genetic diversity of barley and its resilience under harsh environments, this crop is of great value for agroecological transition and the need for reduction of nitrogen (N) fertilizers inputs. In the present work, we investigated the diversity of a North African barley genotype collection in terms of growth under limiting N (LN) or ample N (HN) supply and in terms of physiological traits including amino acid content in young seedlings. We identified a Moroccan variety, Laanaceur, accumulating five times more lysine in its leaves than the others under both N nutritional regimes. Physiological characterization of the barley collection showed the genetic diversity of barley adaptation strategies to LN and highlighted a genotype x environment interaction. In all genotypes, N limitation resulted in global biomass reduction, an increase in C concentration, and a higher resource allocation to the roots, indicating that this organ undergoes important adaptive metabolic activity. The most important diversity concerned leaf nitrogen use efficiency (LNUE), root nitrogen use efficiency (RNUE), root nitrogen uptake efficiency (RNUpE), and leaf nitrogen uptake efficiency (LNUpE). Using LNUE as a target trait reflecting barley capacity to deal with N limitation, this trait was positively correlated with plant nitrogen uptake efficiency (PNUpE) and RNUpE. Based on the LNUE trait, we determined three classes showing high, moderate, or low tolerance to N limitation. The transcriptomic approach showed that signaling, ionic transport, immunity, and stress response were the major functions affected by N supply. A candidate gene encoding the HvNRT2.10 transporter was commonly up-regulated under LN in the three barley genotypes investigated. Genes encoding key enzymes required for lysine biosynthesis in plants, dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHPS) and the catabolic enzyme, the bifunctional Lys-ketoglutarate reductase/saccharopine dehydrogenase are up-regulated in Laanaceur and likely account for a hyperaccumulation of lysine in this genotype. Our work provides key physiological markers of North African barley response to low N availability in the early developmental stages.
Down-Regulated miR-130a/b Attenuates Rhabdomyosarcoma Proliferation via PPARG

Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is one of the most common types of soft-tissue sarcomas in children, and it exhibits a low 5-years survival rate. The survival outcome has shown no significant improvements in the past 30 years miRNA profiling of RMS might therefore provide a novel insight into uncovering new molecular targets for therapy. Methods: We analyzed miRNA and RNA sequencing data from patients and the TARGET database to reveal the potential miRNA-mRNA axes and validated them in patients’ samples. After the miRNA antagomirs were used to silence the target miRNAs in the cell model, qRT-PCR, western immunoblotting analysis, and proliferation assays were performed to explore the interaction between miR-130a/b and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) and their effects. Results: In RMS patients, the expression of miR-130a/b was augmented, and its related PPARG gene was suppressed. Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-130a/b targeted the PPARG gene and inhibited the proliferation of human RMS cell lines. In addition, rosiglitazone maleate activated the expression of PPARG in human RMS cell lines to suppress proliferation. Conclusion: miR-130a/b regulates the malignant process in RMS by targeting PPARG. Furthermore, the PPARG agonist rosiglitazone maleate attenuated the proliferation of RD cells and might therefore be of benefit to RMS patients.
Perceptions and Expectations of School-Based Professionals Surrounding School-Based Mindfulness Training in Appalachia During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Background School-based professionals often report high burnout, particularly in geographic areas like Appalachia, where school-aged children are exposed to high levels of adverse childhood experiences, which may be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While school-based mindfulness trainings can reduce burnout, their efficacy is influenced by the expectations of intervention personnel ahead of implementation. The present study assessed expectations and perceptions of a school-based mindfulness training among school personnel in 21 Appalachian schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Upon enrollment in the training, staff (N = 191) responded to open ended survey questions regarding perceived impacts of COVID-19 on students, expected benefits and barriers to school-based mindfulness, and perceived community acceptance of mindfulness. Results School personnel identified social isolation and lack of structure as negative impacts of COVID-19 on students. Expected benefits of classroom mindfulness included improved coping skills, focus, and emotion regulation, whereas barriers included lack of time and student ability level (e.g., age, attention). While most respondents indicated that their community was accepting of mindfulness practices, some noted resistance to and misperceptions of mindfulness, which may illustrate the influence of local cultural norms and values on the acceptability of mental health interventions. Conclusions Overall, these findings suggest positive expectations and relative perceived support for mindfulness practices within these Appalachian communities, including in response to negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students. Adapting practices and language to accommodate barriers such as time, student ability, and cultural misconceptions of mindfulness may increase the feasibility and efficacy of these interventions.
Tacrolimus Loaded Cationic Liposomes for Dry Eye Treatment

Eye drops are ophthalmic formulations routinely used to treat dry eye. However, the low ocular bioavailability is an obvious drawback of eye drops owing to short ocular retention time and weak permeability of the cornea. Herein, to improve the ocular bioavailability of eye drops, a cationic liposome eye drop was constructed and used to treat dry eye. Tacrolimus liposomes exhibit a diameter of around 300 nm and a surface charge of +30 mV. Cationic liposomes could interact with the anionic ocular surface, extending the ocular retention time and improving tacrolimus amount into the cornea. The cationic liposomes notably prolonged the ocular retention time of eye drops, leading to an increased tacrolimus concentration in the ocular surface. The tacrolimus liposomes were also demonstrated to reduce reactive oxygen species and dry eye–related inflammation factors. The use of drug-loaded cationic liposomes is a good formulation in the treatment of ocular disease; the improved ocular retention time and biocompatibility give tremendous scope for application in the treatment of ocular disease, with further work in the area recommended.
Smartphone Addiction and Eysenck's Personality Traits Among Chinese Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis

With the quickly rising popularity of smartphone among adolescents over the past decade, studies have begun to investigate the relationship between smartphone addiction and Eysenck's personality traits. Despite numerous studies on this topic, however, findings have been mixed and there is a lack of consensus regarding this relationship. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to explore the relationship between smartphone addiction and Eysenck's personality traits in Chinese adolescents, as well as its possible moderators. Through literature search and screening, 33 studies were included, comprising 79 independent effect sizes with a total of 17, 737 subjects. A random effects model was selected, and it was found that smartphone addiction was positively associated with psychoticism (r = 0.16, p < 0.001) and neuroticism (r = 0.32, p < 0.001), but not significantly associated with extroversion (r = −0.06, p = 0.079). The moderating effect test showed that sex and year of study publication had significant influences on the relationship between smartphone addiction and psychoticism, and the year of study publication had a significant influence on the relationship between smartphone addiction and neuroticism. This study is the first meta-analysis on the relationship between smartphone addiction and Eysenck's personality traits among adolescents in China, and the results have helped to clarify the controversy of previous studies regarding this relationship.
Are Australian Mental Health Services Ready for Therapeutic Virtual Reality? An Investigation of Knowledge, Attitudes, Implementation Barriers and Enablers

Therapeutic virtual reality (VR) has the potential to address the challenges of equitable delivery of evidence-based psychological treatment. However, little is known about therapeutic VR regarding the perspectives and needs of real-world service providers. This exploratory study aimed to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of therapeutic VR among clinicians, managers, and service staff working in mental healthcare and explore potential implementation barriers and enablers. Eighty-one staff from a network of private psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, Australia (aged M + SD: 41.88 + 12.01 years, 71.6% female; 64% clinical staff) completed an online survey, which included the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), Appropriateness of Intervention Measure (IAM), and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM). While 91% of participants had heard about VR technology, only 40% of participants had heard of therapeutic VR being used in mental healthcare, and none had used therapeutic VR in a clinical setting. Most participants perceived VR to be acceptable (84%), appropriate (69%), and feasible (59%) to implement within their role or service and envisioned a range of possible applications. However, participants expressed concerns regarding safety, efficacy, and logistical challenges across clinical settings. Findings suggest a strong interest for therapeutic VR among Australian mental health providers working in the private system. However, dissemination efforts should focus on addressing identified barriers to ensure mental health providers are adequately informed and empowered to make implementation decisions.
Examining Crisis Communication Using Semantic Network and Sentiment Analysis: A Case Study on NetEase Games

The mobile game “Immortal Conquest,” created by NetEase Games, caused a dramatic user dissatisfaction event after an introduction of a sudden and uninvited “pay-to-win” update. As a result, many players filed grievances against NetEase in a court. The official game website issued three apologies, with mix results, to mitigate the crisis. The goal of the present study is to understand user feedback content from the perspective of Situational Crisis Communication Theory through semantic network analysis and sentiment analysis to explore how an enterprise’s crisis communication strategy affects users’ attitudes. First, our results demonstrate that the diminishing crisis communication strategies (excuse and justification) do not change players’ negative attitudes. It was not a failure because it successfully alleviated the players’ legal complaints and refocused their attention on the game itself. Second, the rebuild (apology & compensation) strategy was effective because it significantly increased the percentage of positive emotions and regenerated expectations for the game. The litigation crisis was identified within gamer communications with respect to Chinese gaming companies for the first time. Nevertheless, this does not indicate an increase in overall legal awareness among the larger Chinese population. It may only reflect greater legal awareness among Chinese online gamers. Fourth, gamers emphasized that they and enterprises should be equally involved when communicating with each other. Finally, in-game paid items should be reasonably priced, otherwise, they will drive users to competitors.