Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
miRNA/Target Gene Profile of Endothelial Cells Treated with Human Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins Obtained after a High-Fat Meal with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Sunflower Oil.

SCOPE The effects of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) on the miRNA expression of endothelial cells, which are very involved in atherosclerosis, according the type of diet is not known. METHODS AND RESULTS We analysed the differences between the effect of TRLs isolated from blood of subjects after a high-fat meal with extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and sunflower oil (SO) on the miRNA-Seq profile related to atherosclerosis in HUVECs. We found 28 upregulated miRNAs with EVOO-derived TRLs which could regulate 22 genes related to atherosclerosis. We found 21 downregulated miRNAs with EVOO-derived TRLs (or upregulated with SO-derived TRLs) which could regulate 20 genes related to atherosclerosis. These miRNAs were mainly involved in angiogenesis, with a predominance of an anti-angiogenic effect with EVOO-derived TRLs. Other miRNAs upregulated with SO-derived TRLs were involved in cardiovascular diseases. Pathways for the target genes obtained from the upregulated miRNA with EVOO-derived TRLs were involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory and defense response, while those with SO-derived TRLs were involved in lipid metabolic process. CONCLUSIONS EVOO-derived TRLs seem to produce a more atheroprotective profile than SO-derived TRLs. This study provides alternative mechanisms on the protective role of EVOO against the atherogenic process through miRNA regulation in endothelial cells. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Insights into Host–Pathogen Interactions in Biofilm-Infected Wounds Reveal Possibilities for New Treatment Strategies

Normal wound healing occurs in three phases—the inflammatory, the proliferative, and the remodeling phase. Chronic wounds are, for unknown reasons, arrested in the inflammatory phase. Bacterial biofilms may cause chronicity by arresting healing in the inflammatory state by mechanisms not fully understood. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common wound pathogen with remarkable abilities in avoiding host defense and developing microbial resistance by biofilm formation, is detrimental to wound healing in clinical studies. The host response towards P. aeruginosa biofilm-infection in chronic wounds and impact on wound healing is discussed and compared to our own results in a chronic murine wound model. The impact of P. aeruginosa biofilms can be described by determining alterations in the inflammatory response, growth factor profile, and count of leukocytes in blood. P. aeruginosa biofilms are capable of reducing the host response to the infection, despite a continuously sustained inflammatory reaction and resulting local tissue damage. A recent observation of in vivo synergism between immunomodulatory and antimicrobial S100A8/A9 and ciprofloxacin suggests its possible future therapeutic potential.
ADVANCES IN BUSINESS-RELATED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

The main purpose of this paper has been to explore the results from two cross-cultural studies of trust; one about generalized trust on country level, and one about subordinatemanager trust on organizational level. The paper attempts to answer two questions: (1) How is the relationship between societal and interpersonal trust, and (2) does levels of subordinate trust in manager vary significantly across countries and cultures, and if so how is it possible to explain these variations. The study somewhat surprisingly revealed a negative relationship between scores on generalized trust and scores on interpersonal trust. In order to explain these results, it has been necessary to employ cross-cultural theories, as well as to critically evaluate the research methods used in the trust studies. The assumed explanation of the findings are believed to be the moderating effect of culture on manager-subordinate relationships. The cultural dimensions “Power Distance” and “Collectivism/Individualism” are believed to have the most profound impact on the trust relationship between subordinates and managers.
Novel Exopolysaccharide Produced from Fermented Bamboo Shoot-Isolated Lactobacillus Fermentum

This study aimed at providing a route towards the production of a novel exopolysaccharide (EPS) from fermented bamboo shoot-isolated Lactobacillus fermentum. A lactic acid bacteria strain, with high EPS production ability, was isolated from fermented bamboo shoots. This strain, R-49757, was identified in the BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection, Ghent University, Belgium by the phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase gene sequencing method, and it was named Lb. fermentum MC3. The molecular mass of the EPS measured via gel permeation chromatography was found to be 9.85 × 104 Da. Moreover, the monosaccharide composition in the EPS was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Consequently, the EPS was discovered to be a heteropolysaccharide with the appearance of two main sugars—D-glucose and D-mannose—in the backbone. The results of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analyses prove the repeating unit of this polysaccharide to be [→6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→3)-β-D-Manp-(1→6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→]n, which appears to be a new EPS. The obtained results open up an avenue for the production of novel EPSs for biomedical applications.
From monomer to fibril: Abeta‐amyloid binding to Aducanumab antibody studied by molecular dynamics simulation

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common causes of dementia. It is believed that the aggregation of short Aβ‐peptides to form oligomeric and protofibrillar amyloid assemblies plays a central role for disease‐relevant neurotoxicity. In recent years, passive immunotherapy has been introduced as a potential treatment strategy with anti‐amyloid antibodies binding to Aβ‐amyloids and inducing their subsequent degradation by the immune system. Although so far mostly unsuccessful in clinical studies, the high‐dosed application of the monoclonal antibody Aducanumab has shown therapeutic potential that might be attributed to its much greater affinity to Aβ‐aggregates vs monomeric Aβ‐peptides. In order to better understand how Aducanumab interacts with aggregated Aβ‐forms compared to monomers, we have generated structural model complexes based on the known structure of Aducanumab in complex with an Aβ2 − 7‐eptitope. Structural models of Aducanumab bound to full‐sequence Aβ1 − 40‐monomers, oligomers, protofilaments and mature fibrils were generated and investigated using extensive molecular dynamics simulations to characterize the flexibility and possible additional interactions. Indeed, an aggregate‐specific N‐terminal binding motif was found in case of Aducanumab binding to oligomers, protofilaments and fibrils that is located next to but not overlapping with the epitope binding site found in the crystal structure with Aβ2 − 7. Analysis of binding energetics indicates that this motif binds weaker than the epitope but likely contributes to Aducanumab's preference for aggregated Aβ‐species. The predicted aggregate‐specific binding motif could potentially serve as a basis to reengineer Aducanumab for further enhanced preference to bind Aβ‐aggregates vs monomers.
Calcareous nannoplankton ecology and community change across the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum

Abstract The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM; ca. 55.8 Ma) is thought to coincide with a profound but entirely transient change among nannoplankton communities throughout the ocean. Here we explore the ecology of nannoplankton during the PETM by using multivariate analyses of a global data set that is based upon the distribution of taxa in time and space. We use these results, coupled with stable isotope data and geochemical modeling, to reinterpret the ecology of key genera. The results of the multivariate analyses suggest that the community was perturbed significantly in coastal and high-latitudes sites compared to the open ocean, and the relative influence of temperature and nutrient availability on the assemblage varies regionally. The open ocean became more stratified and less productive during the PETM and the oligotrophic assemblage responded primarily to changes in nutrient availability. Alternatively, assemblages at the equator and in the Southern Ocean responded to temperature more than to nutrient reduction. In addition, the assemblage change at the PETM was not merely transient—there is evidence of adaptation and a long-term change in the nannoplankton community that persists after the PETM and results in the disappearance of a high-latitude assemblage. The long-term effect on communities caused by transient warming during the PETM has implications for modern-day climate change, suggesting similar permanent changes to nannoplankton community structure as the oceans warm.
Urinary Leukotriene E4 and Prostaglandin D2 Metabolites Increase in Adult and Childhood Severe Asthma Characterized by Type 2 Inflammation. A Clinical Observational Study

Rationale: New approaches are needed to guide personalized treatment of asthma. Objectives: To test if urinary eicosanoid metabolites can direct asthma phenotyping. Methods: Urinary metabolites of prostaglandins (PGs), cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs), and isoprostanes were quantified in the U-BIOPRED (Unbiased Biomarkers for the Prediction of Respiratory Diseases Outcomes) study including 86 adults with mild-to-moderate asthma (MMA), 411 with severe asthma (SA), and 100 healthy control participants. Validation was performed internally in 302 participants with SA followed up after 12–18 months and externally in 95 adolescents with asthma. Measurement and Main Results: Metabolite concentrations in healthy control participants were unrelated to age, body mass index, and sex, except for the PGE2 pathway. Eicosanoid concentrations were generally greater in participants with MMA relative to healthy control participants, with further elevations in participants with SA. However, PGE2 metabolite concentrations were either the same or lower in male nonsmokers with asthma than in healthy control participants. Metabolite concentrations were unchanged in those with asthma who adhered to oral corticosteroid treatment as documented by urinary prednisolone detection, whereas those with SA treated with omalizumab had lower concentrations of LTE4 and the PGD2 metabolite 2,3-dinor-11β-PGF2α. High concentrations of LTE4 and PGD2 metabolites were associated with lower lung function and increased amounts of exhaled nitric oxide and eosinophil markers in blood, sputum, and urine in U-BIOPRED participants and in adolescents with asthma. These type 2 (T2) asthma associations were reproduced in the follow-up visit of the U-BIOPRED study and were found to be as sensitive to detect T2 inflammation as the established biomarkers. Conclusions: Monitoring of urinary eicosanoids can identify T2 asthma and introduces a new noninvasive approach for molecular phenotyping of adult and adolescent asthma. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials. gov (NCT 01976767).
Developmental language disorders and risk of recidivism among young offenders.

BACKGROUND Although factors such as adverse family background have been widely examined, little is known about the prevalence or potential impact of developmental language disorder (DLD) on risk of recidivism in young people with history of criminal justice system contact. METHODS A total of 145 young offenders participated. An adversity score was constructed based on information found in youth justice service records. Data collected included standardised measures of expressive and receptive language, nonverbal IQ and the inventory of callous-unemotional traits. Survival analysis was performed to examine differences in reoffending risk between young offenders with and without DLD. RESULTS The cumulative incidence of reoffending within a year of the young person's court order was markedly raised in the DLD group (62%; 95% CI 52, 72) versus the non-DLD group (25%; 95% CI 16, 39). Furthermore, in the final multivariable survival analysis the independent elevation in risk linked with DLD was not greatly attenuated with adjustment for nonverbal IQ, adversity score, age at first offence, number of previous offences and deprivation score. DLD was the most significant predictor with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.61 (95% CI 1.80, 3.78). CONCLUSIONS Young offenders with DLD are more than twice as likely to reoffend than their unaffected offending peers. DLD is a powerful predictor of recidivism above and beyond other known risk factors.
A Joint Attitude Control Method for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Based on Prediction Incremental Backstepping

A new second-order joint attitude control method for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (SUAVs) is presented in this paper. Based on lyapunov theory, a second-order backstepping control law is developed. An incremental control approach called Incremental Backstepping (IB) is used to increase the robust performance of the second-order control system. A new joint incremental backstepping attitude controller is proposed for SUAVs based on the movement equations. A prediction filter is added to enhance the accuracy of the sensors data and eliminate the time delay. The simulation results show the approach presented is valid.
Ascorbate content of wheat leaves is not determined by maximal l‐galactono‐1,4‐lactone dehydrogenase (GalLDH) activity under drought stress

Although ascorbic acid (AA) is a high-abundance metabolite, relatively little is known about the factors controlling its accumulation in leaves. To address this issue, we examined the role of L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (GalLDH), the enzyme which catalyses the last step of this pathway, in the control of AA content under optimal and stress conditions. In a range of species, no clear relationship between AA content and leaf GalLDH protein and activity was found under optimal growth conditions. To explore the effect of drought stress on GalLDH activity and protein content, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was selected for detailed analysis, using two cultivars that differ in their constitutive AA level. In well-watered plants, the AA content of cv Buck Chambergo (BCH) was over twice that of cv Cooperativa Maipun (CM) but dehydroascorbic acid content was similar in both cv. In agreement with this, dehydroascorbate reductase and glutathione reductase activities were higher in cv BCH than in cv CM, indicating a higher capacity for AA regeneration. Neither leaf DHA content nor activities of AA regenerating enzymes were modified by drought. Although drought caused a substantial increase in GalLDH protein and activity in the low AA cv CM, this treatment had no effect on these parameters in cv BCH. Notably, leaf AA content was unaffected by drought in either cv. These results suggest that GalLDH protein and activity cannot be used as an indicator for changes in the capacity for ascorbate biosynthesis and that AA biosynthesis is constrained by other factors under stress. This can be explained by the importance of regeneration in maintaining AA levels and possibly also by redox regulation of GalLDH.
Optofluidic Formaldehyde Sensing: Towards On-Chip Integration

Formaldehyde (HCHO), a chemical compound used in the fabrication process of a broad range of household products, is present indoors as an airborne pollutant due to its high volatility caused by its low boiling point (T=−19 °C). Miniaturization of analytical systems towards palm-held devices has the potential to provide more efficient and more sensitive tools for real-time monitoring of this hazardous air pollutant. This work presents the initial steps and results of the prototyping process towards on-chip integration of HCHO sensing, based on the Hantzsch reaction coupled to the fluorescence optical sensing methodology. This challenge was divided into two individually addressed problems: (1) efficient airborne HCHO trapping into a microfluidic context and (2) 3,5–diacetyl-1,4-dihydrolutidine (DDL) molecular sensing in low interrogation volumes. Part (2) was addressed in this paper by proposing, fabricating, and testing a fluorescence detection system based on an ultra-low light Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. Two three-layer fluidic cell configurations (quartz–SU-8–quartz and silicon–SU-8–quartz) were tested, with both possessing a 3.5 µL interrogation volume. Finally, the CMOS-based fluorescence system proved the capability to detect an initial 10 µg/L formaldehyde concentration fully derivatized into DDL for both the quartz and silicon fluidic cells, but with a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the silicon fluidic cell (SNRsilicon=6.1) when compared to the quartz fluidic cell (SNRquartz=4.9). The signal intensity enhancement in the silicon fluidic cell was mainly due to the silicon absorption coefficient at the excitation wavelength, a(λabs=420 nm)=5×104 cm−1, which is approximately five times higher than the absorption coefficient at the fluorescence emission wavelength, a(λem=515 nm)=9.25×103 cm−1.
Sex allocation and mate choice of selfed and outcrossed Schistocephalus solidus (Cestoda)

Animals that inbreed regularly under natural conditions may provide valuable information about the evolutionary response of mate choice to an increase in a population's rate of inbreeding. I studied how an individual's inbreeding status affects its criteria of mate choice, as well as its own attractiveness, in a parasite, the hermaphroditic cestode Schistocephalus solidus, which inbreeds under natural conditions. Specifically, I tested whether a cestode's inbreeding status and allocation to reproductive tissue affect its attractiveness to selfed and outcrossed individuals. In a simultaneous choice situation, outcrossed cestodes strongly preferred an outcrossed mating partner over a selfed one, whereas selfed cestodes showed no preference with respect to the partner's inbreeding status. Both selfed and outcrossed cestodes were attracted to partners with a large combined amount of male and female reproductive tissue and with the potential to produce large eggs. I discuss how assortative mating with respect to inbreeding status may have consequences for the maintenance of a genetic load in the population as well as for the maintenance of selfing. Copyright 2009, Oxford University Press.
Effects of mindfulness meditation interventions on depression in older adults: A meta-analysis

Abstract Objective We examined the effects of MMIs on depression in older adults and explored the moderating effects of participant, methods, and intervention characteristics. Methods We systematically searched 15 databases through June 2019 without date restrictions using the following search terms: (mindful* OR meditat*) AND depress* AND (older adult* OR elder OR aging OR senior OR geriatric*). Inclusion criteria were primary studies evaluating MMIs with adults ≥65 years old with depression measured as an outcome, a control group, and written in English. Two researchers independently coded each study and compared for discrepancies and consulted a third researcher in cases of disagreement. We used random-effects model to compute effect sizes (ESs) using Hedges’ g, a forest plot, and Q and I2 statistics as measures of heterogeneity; we also examined moderator analyses. Results Nineteen studies included 1,076 participants (71.8 ± 5.2 years old). Overall, MMIs showed significantly improved depression (ES=.65, 95%CI 0.35, 0.94) compared to controls. With regards to moderators, Asians had a greater improvement in depression (1.28) than Europeans (.59) and North Americans (.32). Less than 5 weeks of MMIs showed greater improvement in depression (1.47) than longer periods (.55). MMIs with guided meditation reduced depression (.91) more than MMIs without (.42). Only one quality indicator, a priori power analysis, showed greater effects on depression (g = 1.0) than no power analysis (g=.35). Conclusion MMIs improved depressive symptoms in older adults. MMIs might be used as adjunctive or alternative to conventional treatment for depressed older adults.
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea present with chronic up-regulation of serum HIF-1α protein.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition that is characterized by recurrent pauses in breathing during sleep causing intermittent hypoxia. The main factor responsible for oxygen metabolism homeostasis is hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), comprised of 2 subunits: α (oxygen sensitive) and β. The aim of the study was to investigate the HIF-1 α serum protein level and mRNA HIF-1 α expression in OSA patients and healthy control group, determine their evening-morning variation and association with polysomnography (PSG) parameters. METHODS Eighty-four individuals were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent PSG examination and based on the results were divided into two groups: OSA group (n=60) and control group (n=24). Peripheral blood was collected in the evening before and in the morning after the PSG. HIF-1 α expression was evaluated on protein in blood serum and mRNA level in peripheral blood leucocytes. RESULTS HIF-1 α serum protein concentration was higher in OSA patients compared to control group, in both the evening (1490.1 vs. 727.0 pg/ml; p<0.001), and the morning (1368.9 vs. 702.1 pg/ml; p<0.001) samples. There was no difference between evening and morning HIF-1 α serum protein level in either group. No differences were observed in HIF-1 α mRNA expression between the OSA and control group. Additionally, evening and morning HIF-1 α serum protein level correlated with number of desaturations during sleep (r=0.384, p<0.001 and r=0.433, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Observed differences in HIF-1 α serum protein level between the OSA and the control groups without difference between evening and morning measurements suggest chronic increase in this protein concentration by intermittent nocturnal hypoxia in OSA.
Structural features of bovine colostral immunoglobulin that confer proteolytic stability in a simulated intestinal fluid

Bovine colostral antibodies, purified from cow's milk produced immediately after calving, have enhanced resistance to degradation by intestinal proteases relative to antibodies from human or bovine serum, making them of particular interest as orally administered therapeutic agents. However, the basis of this resistance is not well defined. We evaluated the stability of AVX-470, a bovine colostral anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) polyclonal antibody used in early clinical studies for treatment of ulcerative colitis, using conditions that mimic the human small intestine. AVX-470 was degraded ∼3 times more slowly than human IgG antibodies or infliximab (a monoclonal mouse-human chimeric IgG). Bovine IgG1 antibodies, the primary component of AVX-470, were slowly cleaved to F(ab′)2 fragments. In contrast, bovine IgG2 and human IgG1 antibodies were cleaved rapidly into Fab and smaller fragments, pointing to specific regions where additional stability might be gained. Infliximab was modified to incorporate the sequences from these regions, including the bovine IgG1 hinge region and a predicted disulfide bonding motif linking the upper hinge region, the CH1 domain, and the light chain. This infliximab-bovine IgG1 chimera (bovinized infliximab) retained the antigen binding and neutralization activity of the WT sequence but was degraded 9-fold more slowly than the unmodified infliximab. This remarkable increase in stability with as few as 18 amino acid substitutions suggests that this bovinization process is a means to enable oral delivery of proven therapeutic antibodies as well as novel antibodies to targets that have been previously inaccessible to therapies delivered by injection.