Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High stability ferric chelates result in decreased iron uptake by the green alga Chlorella kessleri owing to decreased ferric reductase activity and chelation of ferrous iron

Cells of the green alga Chlorella kessleri Fott et Novakovause a reductive mechanism for iron acquisition. Iron-limited cells acquired iron more rapidly from a chelator with a lower stability constant for Fe 3+ (hydroxyethylethyle- nediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA)) than from a chelator with a higher stability constant (N,N'-di(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylene- diamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (HBED)). Furthermore, iron uptake rates decreased with increasing chelator concentrations at constant iron concentration. The negative effects of elevated HBED levels on iron uptake could be partly alleviated by the addition of Ga 3+ , which suggests that iron-free chelator has a negative effect on iron acquisition by competing for Fe 2+ with the ferrous transport system. Furthermore, ferric reductase activity progressively decreased with increasing concentra- tions of both chelators (in the iron-free form). This effect was not alleviated by Ga 3+ addition and was apparently caused by the direct inhibition of the reductase. Overall, we conclude that chelators with high stability constants for Fe 3+ decrease
Satellite derived offshore migratory movements of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) from Australian and New Zealand wintering grounds

Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) migrate between Austral-winter calving and socialising grounds to offshore mid- to high latitude Austral-summer feeding grounds. In Australasia, winter calving grounds used by southern right whales extend from Western Australia across southern Australia to the New Zealand sub-Antarctic Islands. During the Austral-summer these whales are thought to migrate away from coastal waters to feed, but the location of these feeding grounds is only inferred from historical whaling data. We present new information on the satellite derived offshore migratory movements of six southern right whales from Australasian wintering grounds. Two whales were tagged at the Auckland Islands, New Zealand, and the remaining four at Australian wintering grounds, one at Pirates Bay, Tasmania, and three at Head of Bight, South Australia. The six whales were tracked for an average of 78.5 days (range: 29 to 150) with average individual distance of 38 km per day (range: 20 to 61 km). The length of individually derived tracks ranged from 645–6,381 km. Three likely foraging grounds were identified: south-west Western Australia, the Subtropical Front, and Antarctic waters, with the Subtropical Front appearing to be a feeding ground for both New Zealand and Australian southern right whales. In contrast, the individual tagged in Tasmania, from a sub-population that is not showing evidence of post-whaling recovery, displayed a distinct movement pattern to much higher latitude waters, potentially reflecting a different foraging strategy. Variable population growth rates between wintering grounds in Australasia could reflect fidelity to different quality feeding grounds. Unlike some species of baleen whale populations that show movement along migratory corridors, the new satellite tracking data presented here indicate variability in the migratory pathways taken by southern right whales from Australia and New Zealand, as well as differences in potential Austral summer foraging grounds.
Feeding almonds and pecans reduced development of azoxymethane induced precancerous lesions.

Walnuts and peanuts contain phytochemicals that exhibit properties that may prevent colon cancer development. The objective was to determine the potential of walnuts and peanuts on Azoxymethane (AOM) induced Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF) and the activity of detoxification enzymes: Glutathione S-Transferase (GST), Catalase (CAT), and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in Fisher 344 male rats. After 1 week acclimatization period, 20 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. One was fed AIN93G Control (C) diet, 4 groups were fed walnuts (W) and peanuts (P) at 5% and 10%. At 7 - 8 weeks, rats received AOM injections at 16 mg/kg body weight (subcutaneously). Rats were killed by CO2 asphyxiation at 17 weeks. Enzyme activities GST, CAT and SOD were determined. ACF incidence in rats fed W (5% and 10%) was 131 and 95, and in those fed P (5% and 10%) was 110 and 56. Rats fed W and P had a significant (p < 0.05) percent reduction (17.92% - 65.09%) in total ACF compared to C (159). Liver GST activity (μmol/mg) in rats fed W (5% and 10%) was 3.64 and 3.98, and in those fed P (5% and 10%) was 3.84 and 3.30, compared to rats fed C (0.26). CAT activity (μmol/mg) in rats fed W (5% and 10%) was 0.57 and 0.65 and in those fed P (5% and 10%), was 0.76 and 1.26, compared to rats fed C (0.14). SOD activity (U/mg) in rats fed W (5% and 10%) was 529.38 and 576.57 and in those fed P (5% and 10%), was 293.50 and 466.95, compared to rats fed C (82.42). Feeding walnuts and peanuts, especially at 10%, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the incidence of AOM induced ACF, likely due to the phytochemicals present in nuts.
Detection of Cholecystokinin-B/Gastrin Receptor mRNA Expressing Cells in the Stomach of Hypergastrinemic Rats

Enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells, which are numerous in the oxyntic mucosa of the rat stomach, proliferate in the presence of hypergastrinemia. We investigated the distribution of cells expressing gastrin receptor (GR) in Sprague-Dawley rats in which hypergastrinemia was induced by partial gastric corpectomy. The ECL cell density was determined by immunohistochemical staining for histamine. The expression of GR mRNA was investigated using digoxigenin-labeled complementary RNA probes. The labeling index of the generative cell zone was determined by 3H-thymidine autoradiography. The ECL cell density and the labeling index in the generative cell zone increased in association with increased plasma levels of gastrin after 24 weeks (p<0.05). The expression of GR mRNA was seen not only in ECL, generative, parietal and chief cells, but also in stromal cells of hypergastrinemic rats. The expression of GR mRNA became more marked in the oxyntic mucosa as plasma levels of gastrin increased, and it was suggested that GR mRNA expression acts as one indication in the development of ECL cell hyperplasia.
Educational differences in healthy, environmentally sustainable and safe food consumption among adults in the Netherlands

Abstract Objective: To assess the differences in healthy, environmentally sustainable and safe food consumption by education levels among adults aged 19–69 in the Netherlands. Design: This study used data from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2007–10. Food consumption data were obtained via two 24-h recalls. Food consumption data were linked to data on food composition, greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) and concentrations of contaminants. The Dutch dietary guidelines (2015), dietary GHGe and dietary exposure to contaminants were used as indicators for healthy, environmentally sustainable and safe food consumption, respectively. Setting: The Netherlands. Participants: 2106 adults aged 19–69 years. Results: High education groups consumed significantly more fruit (+28 g), vegetables (men +22 g; women +27 g) and fish (men +6 g; women +7 g), and significantly less meat (men –33 g; women –14 g) compared with low education groups. Overall, no educational differences were found in total GHGe, although its food sources differed. Exposure to contaminants showed some differences between education groups. Conclusions: The consumption patterns differed by education groups, resulting in a more healthy diet, but equally environmentally sustainable diet among high compared with low education groups. Exposure to food contaminants differed between education groups, but was not above safe levels, except for acrylamide and aflatoxin B1. For these substances, a health risk could not be excluded for all education groups. These insights may be used in policy measures focusing on the improvement of a healthy diet for all.
When can professional sport recommence safely during the COVID-19 pandemic? Risk assessment and factors to consider

The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and will have, profound effects on every person on earth. Measures advocated by the WHO and put in place by national governments, businesses and individuals will save millions of lives, but current movement restrictions (ie, various degrees of lockdown) cannot continue indefinitely. The activity restrictions imposed by governments are designed to reduce human-to-human transmission; they buy time and allow international collaboration between governments and internally to build and allocate the resources and systems to 1. Test: every suspected case where testing is merited and available while having effective prevention strategies in place. 2. Trace: follow up all confirmed cases of COVID-19 and contact trace every relevant contact to identify and cut off transmission. 3. Treat: manage all cases effectively, with adequate intensive care unit capacity, ventilators and staff. Rightly, professional sport has been placed on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO (#BeActive) and many governments continue to promote certain types of moderate physical activity for the benefits it confers on the immune system and physical and mental health.1–4 Sport has health, social and economic benefits for individuals and society, and when the COVID-19 pandemic is better ‘controlled’, it may be appropriate to reintroduce community sport and professional sport. In this editorial, we opine on what needs to be in place for professional sport to recommence. The relaxation of movement/activity/business restrictions is likely to happen over a gradual period, and time frames will differ across nations and even within nations. The following is expected5:
Inclusion of the fractal dimension of leafless plant structure in the Beer-Lambert law

The Beer-Lambert law is commonly used to describe the relationship between the proportion of light penetrating a plant canopy and the leaf area index (LAI). Although the geometric distribution of leaf area has a potential effect on the ability of a plant to intercept light, the equation contains no term to account for it. In this study, the geometric distribution of leaf area was quantified by the fractal dimension of leafless plant structure (FD). The objective was to evaluate the contribution of plant structure complexity to the Beer-Lambert law, by including FD in the equation. The crop was soybean [Glycine max. (L.) Merr. ]. Data were collected according to a block design with four blocks and five weekly repeated measures. The analyzed variables were LAI and light penetration (% per plant), and FD, estimated using leafless plants photographed from the side that allowed the maximum appearance of branches and petioles. Statistical analyses were performed week by week, on weekly means and on block means. When LAI and FD were significantly correlated (i.e., at the end of canopy development and on weekly means), inclusion of either variable as regressor in the equation provided similar goodness-of-fit. In other instances, inclusion of FD as a multiplicative factor of LAI increased the r 2 value up to 0.31. In all instances, the correlation between light penetration and FD was stronger than between light penetration and LAI. In summary, the application of the Beer-Lambert law for light penetration into the canopy is improved by inclusion of FD.
Effects of a selective long‐acting amylin receptor agonist on alcohol consumption, food intake and body weight in male and female rats

Alcohol use disorder is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder affecting both males and females worldwide; however, the efficacy of current pharmacotherapies varies. Recent advances show that gut‐brain peptides, like amylin, regulate alcohol behavioural responses by acting on brain areas involved in alcohol reward processes. Thus, the activation of amylin receptors (AMYRs) by salmon calcitonin (sCT) decreases alcohol behaviours in male rodents. Given that sCT also activates the sole calcitonin receptor (CTR), studies of more selective AMYR agonists in both male and female rodents are needed to explore amylinergic modulation of alcohol behaviours. Therefore, we investigated the effects of repeated administration of a selective long‐acting AMYR agonist, NNC0174‐1213 (AM1213), on alcohol, water and food intake, as well as body weight in male and female rats chronically exposed to alcohol. We confirm our previous studies with sCT in male rats, as repeated AM1213 administration for 2 weeks initially decreased alcohol intake in both male and female rats. However, this reduction ceases in both sexes on later sessions, accompanied by an increase in males. AM1213 reduced food intake and body weight in both male and female rats, with sustained body weight loss in males after discontinuation of the treatment. Moreover, AM1213 administration for 3 or 7 days, differentially altered dopamine, serotonin and their metabolites in the reward‐related areas in males and females, providing tentative, but different, downstream mechanism through which selective activation of AMYR may alter alcohol intake. Our data provide clarified insight into the importance of AMYRs for alcohol intake regulation in both sexes.
Cognitive Health of Nonagenarians in Southern Italy: A Descriptive Analysis from a Cross-Sectional, Home-Based Pilot Study of Exceptional Longevity (Cilento Initiative on Aging Outcomes or CIAO)

Background and objectives: Nonagenarians and centenarians (NCs) are an extremely fragile population, particularly in regard to their physical and cognitive function. The aim of this study was to define the neurocognitive profiles among 29 NCs and their 49 younger cohabitants aged 50–75 years from The Cilento Initiative on Aging Outcomes (CIAO) Pilot study in the South of Italy that had provided initial hypotheses regarding positive psychological traits related to exceptional longevity. Materials and Methods: During the home visits, lifestyle information with specific questionnaires, functional autonomy and the neuropsychological Mini Mental Scale Examination (MMSE), and the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) scale were obtained by qualified study personnel. The total blood oxidative capacity was also determined by testing the reactive derivative of oxygen metabolites (d-ROM) and by the Biological Antioxidant Potential (BAP). In all individuals, the APOE genotype determination was also performed. Results: All the subjects in both groups showed high adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. None of the NCs had severe cognitive impairment, and a very low incidence of dementia was found. The data obtained on the Activities ed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADL-IADL) scale showed that the majority of NCs (16/29) were autonomous in daily life activities. The comparative assessment of NCs and cohabitants showed no significant differences in the laboratory assessment of oxidative stress and APOE genotype. Conclusions: In the Cilento Region of Southern Italy, NCs seemed to have good cognitive status when compared to younger cohabitants aging 50–65 years without significant differences in oxidative stress markers or APOE genotype. These results might be related to optimal adherence to the Mediterranean diet, although other lifestyle factors and positive personality traits may also contribute to their healthy aging. Further studies on a larger population should be performed to confirm the results of this pilot study.
Exploring women’s experience of healthcare use during pregnancy and childbirth to understand factors contributing to perinatal deaths in Pakistan: A qualitative study

Understanding key healthcare system challenges experienced by women during pregnancy and birth is crucial to scale up available interventions and reduce perinatal mortality. A community perspective about preferences and experience of care during this period can be used to improve community-based programs to reduce perinatal mortality. Using a qualitative exploratory approach, we examined women’s experience of perinatal loss, aiming to understand the main factors, as perceived and experienced by women, leading to perinatal loss. Qualitative in-depth Interviews were conducted with 25 mothers with a recent perinatal loss, three family members, six healthcare officials, and two focus group discussions with 17 lady health workers. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive coding, by thematic analysis. Our findings revealed three distinct but interrelated themes, which include: 1) poor access to care during pregnancy and birth, 2) unavailability of appropriate healthcare services, and 3) poor quality of care during pregnancy and birth. Women frequently delayed seeking formal care around birth because of delays by themselves, their family members, or the local traditional birth attendants who frequently induced births at women’s homes without recognising the dangers to the mothers or their babies. Preference for private care was common, however they often could not bear the cost of care when they needed caesarean section or in-patient care for their sick newborns because these services were absent in public health facilities of the district. Referral to the regional tertiary care hospital was often not officially arranged leading to risky births in small and crowded private clinics. Women’s views about negative staff attitudes and the lack of attention given to them in public health facilities highlighted a lack of quality and respectful antenatal care. Improvement in women’s access to essential care during pregnancy and around birth, availability of emergency obstetric and newborn care, improving the quality of maternal and newborn care in both public and private health facilities at the district level might reduce perinatal mortality in Pakistan.
Targeting Morphine-Responsive Neurons: Generation of a Knock-In Mouse Line Expressing Cre Recombinase from the Mu-Opioid Receptor Gene Locus

Abstract The mu-opioid receptor (MOR) modulates nociceptive pathways and reward processing, and mediates the strong analgesic and addictive properties of both medicinal as well as abused opioid drugs. MOR function has been extensively studied, and tools to manipulate or visualize the receptor protein are available. However, circuit mechanisms underlying MOR-mediated effects are less known, because genetic access to MOR-expressing neurons is lacking. Here we report the generation of a knock-in Oprm1-Cre mouse line, which allows targeting and manipulating MOR opioid-responsive neurons. A cDNA encoding a T2A cleavable peptide and Cre recombinase fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP/Cre) was inserted downstream of the Oprm1 gene sequence. The resulting Oprm1-Cre line shows intact Oprm1 gene transcription. MOR and EGFP/Cre proteins are coexpressed in the same neurons, and localized in cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, respectively. MOR signaling is unaltered, demonstrated by maintained DAMGO-induced G-protein activation, and in vivo MOR function is preserved as indicated by normal morphine-induced analgesia, hyperlocomotion, and sensitization. The Cre recombinase efficiently drives the expression of Cre-dependent reporter genes, shown by local virally mediated expression in the medial habenula and brain-wide fluorescence on breeding with tdTomato reporter mice, the latter showing a distribution patterns typical of MOR expression. Finally, we demonstrate that optogenetic activation of MOR neurons in the ventral tegmental area of Oprm1-Cre mice evokes strong avoidance behavior, as anticipated from the literature. The Oprm1-Cre line is therefore an excellent tool for both mapping and functional studies of MOR-positive neurons, and will be of broad interest for opioid, pain, and addiction research.
Constructing Quality of Service Indicators and Improvement Strategies for Medical Tourism in Taiwan

Abstract Aiming to establish the quality of service indicators and performance analysis for medical tourism industry, five dimensions of quality of service and 31 indicators for medical tourism are constructed through literature review and in-depth interviews with business representatives, experts, administrative organizations, and consumers. The consumer expectation and perception of medical tourism industry are collected and analyzed with artificial neural network and Mahalanobis Distance. The key improvement directions in the quality of service for medical tourism industry are sequenced as Service companies or hospitals present relevant certificates and certification, Appropriately keep secret of patients’ medical records, Service providers (travel agents, treatment planners) can understand customer demands, Travel agents should present medical knowledge to provide customers with correct information, and Service providers (travel agents, treatment planners) could design a standard service procedure according to customer demands. The research results could provide the government, industry, and universities with reference of decision-making for medical tourism.
Combination of Withaferin-A and CAPE Provides Superior Anticancer Potency: Bioinformatics and Experimental Evidence to Their Molecular Targets and Mechanism of Action

We have earlier reported anticancer activity in Withaferin A (Wi-A), a withanolide derived from Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active compound from New Zealand honeybee propolis. Whereas Wi-A was cytotoxic to both cancer and normal cells, CAPE has been shown to cause selective death of cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of Wi-A, CAPE, and their combination to ovarian and cervical cancer cells. Both Wi-A and CAPE were seen to activate tumor suppressor protein p53 by downregulation of mortalin and abrogation of its interactions with p53. Downregulation of mortalin translated to compromised mitochondria integrity and function that affected poly ADP-ribose polymerase1 (PARP1); a key regulator of DNA repair and protein-target for Olaparib, drugs clinically used for treatment of breast, ovarian and cervical cancers)-mediated DNA repair yielding growth arrest or apoptosis. Furthermore, we also compared the docking capability of Wi-A and CAPE to PARP1 and found that both of these could bind to the catalytic domain of PARP1, similar to Olaparib. We provide experimental evidences that (i) Wi-A and CAPE cause inactivation of PARP1-mediated DNA repair leading to accumulation of DNA damage and activation of apoptosis signaling by multiple ways, and (ii) a combination of Wi-A and CAPE offers selective toxicity and better potency to cancer cells.
Elimination of Teratogenic Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by Bee Venom via Calcium-Calpain Pathway

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are regarded as a promising option for cell-based regenerative medicine. To obtain safe and efficient iPSC-based cell products, it is necessary to selectively eliminate the residual iPSCs prior to in vivo implantation due to the risk of teratoma formation. Bee venom (BV) has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory diseases and relieve pain, and has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer, anti-mutagenic, anti-nociceptive, and radioprotective activities. However, the potential benefits of BV in iPSC therapy, particularly its anti-teratoma activity, have not been examined. In this study, we found that BV selectively induced cell death in iPSCs, but not in iPSC-derived differentiated cells (iPSCs-Diff). BV rapidly disrupted cell membrane integrity and focal adhesions, followed by induction of apoptosis and necroptosis in iPSCs. We also found that BV remarkably enhanced intracellular calcium levels, calpain activation, and reactive oxygen speciesgeneration in iPSCs. BV treatment before in ovo grafting efficiently prevented iPSC-derived teratoma formation. In contrast, no DNA damage was observed in iPSCs-Diff following BV treatment, further demonstrating the safety of BV for use with iPSCs-Diff. Taken together, these findings show that BV has potent anti-teratoma activity by eliminating residual iPSCs, and can be used for the development of effective and safe iPSC-based cell therapies.