Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cluster of Ankyrin and Ankyrin-TPR repeat genes is associated with panicle branching diversity in rice

The number of grains per panicle is an important yield-related trait in cereals which depends in part on panicle branching complexity. One component of this complexity is the number of secondary branches per panicle. Previously, a GWAS site associated with secondary branch and spikelet numbers per panicle in rice was identified. Here we combined gene capture, bi-parental genetic population analysis, expression profiling and transgenic approaches in order to investigate the functional significance of a cluster of 6 ANK and ANK-TPR genes within the QTL. Four of the ANK and ANK-TPR genes present a differential expression associated with panicle secondary branch number in contrasted accessions. These differential expression patterns correlate in the different alleles of these genes with specific deletions of potential cis-regulatory sequences in their promoters. Two of these genes were confirmed through functional analysis as playing a role in the control of panicle architecture. Our findings indicate that secondary branching diversity in the rice panicle is governed in part by differentially expressed genes within this cluster encoding ANK and ANK-TPR domain proteins that may act as positive or negative regulators of panicle meristem’s identity transition from indeterminate to determinate state.
Investigating Quality of Life from the Perspectives of Older Adults in Local Communities

ABSTRACT Governments are increasingly interested in measuring quality of life (QoL) among older adults to inform policy. We demonstrate the advantages of situating an investigation of QoL in local contexts through a thematic analysis of focus group data collected in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada. Local and broader factors relating to QoL among older adults were explored. We examine three themes: Natural Environment considers how participants derive aspects of their sense of QoL from the unique natural environment in Chatham-Kent; Amalgamation’s Influence on Identity explores how participants’ sense of belongingness and place-based identity were shaped by the amalgamation of townships and communities that now constitute Chatham-Kent; and Ease of Travel and Independence examines how older adults’ conceptions of QoL are closely connected to their ease of travel, which they connect with a sense of independence. Our findings provide further support for the importance of engaging directly with older adults to understand their perspectives of QoL in a local context, particularly when seeking to inform policy changes.
Neural stem cell transplantation alleviates functional cognitive deficits in a mouse model of tauopathy

The mechanisms of the transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease remain poorly understood. In this study, NSCs were transplanted into the hippocampal CA1 region of the rTg (tau P301L) 4510 mouse model, a tauopathy model that is thought to reflect the tau pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The results revealed that NSC transplantation reduced the abnormal aggregation of tau, resulting in significant improvements in the short-term memory of the tauopathy model mice. Compared with wild-type and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated mice, mice that received NSC transplantations were characterized by changes in the expression of multiple proteins in brain tissue, particularly those related to the regulation of tau aggregation or misfolding. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) function analysis revealed that these proteins were primarily enriched in pathways associated with long-term potentiation, neurogenesis, and other neurobiological processes. Changes in the expression levels of key proteins were verified by western blot assays. These data provided clues to improve the understanding of the functional capacity associated with NSC transplantation in Alzheimer’s disease treatment. This study was approved by the Beijing Animal Ethics Association and Ethics Committee of Beijing Institute of Technology (approval No. SYXK-BIT-school of life science-2017-M03) in 2017.
Genetic variation in neotropical butterflies is associated with sampling scale, species distributions, and historical forest dynamics

Previous studies of butterfly diversification in the Neotropics have focused on Amazonia and the tropical Andes, while southern regions of the continent have received little attention. To address the gap in knowledge about the Lepidoptera of temperate South America, we analysed over 3000 specimens representing nearly 500 species from Argentina for a segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Representing 42% of the country's butterfly fauna, collections targeted species from the Atlantic and Andean forests, and biodiversity hotspots that were previously connected but are now isolated. We assessed COI effectiveness for species discrimination and identification and how its performance was affected by geographic distances and taxon coverage. COI data also allowed to study patterns of genetic variation across Argentina, particularly between populations in the Atlantic and Andean forests. Our results show that COI discriminates species well, but that identification success is reduced on average by ~20% as spatial and taxonomic coverage rises. We also found that levels of genetic variation are associated with species' spatial distribution type, a pattern which might reflect differences in their dispersal and colonization abilities. In particular, intraspecific distance between populations in the Atlantic and Andean forests was significantly higher in species with disjunct distributions than in those with a continuous range. All splits between lineages in these forests dated to the Pleistocene, but divergence dates varied considerably, suggesting that historical connections between the Atlantic and Andean forests have differentially affected their shared butterfly fauna. Our study supports the fact that large‐scale assessments of mitochondrial DNA variation are a powerful tool for evolutionary studies.
Biogeographical patterns and speciation of the genus Pinguicula (Lentibulariaceae) inferred by phylogenetic analyses

Earlier phylogenetic studies in the genus Pinguicua (Lentibulariaceae) suggested that the species within a geographical region was rather monophyletic, although the sampling was limited or was restricted to specific regions. Those results conflicted with the floral morphology-based classification, which has been widely accepted to date. In the current study, one nuclear ribosomal DNA (internal transcribed spacer; ITS) and two regions of chloroplast DNA (matK and rpl32-trnL), from up to ca. 80% of the taxa in the genus Pinguicula, covering all three subgenera, were sequenced to demonstrate the inconsistency and explore a possible evolutionary history of the genus. Some incongruence was observed between nuclear and chloroplast topologies and the results from each of the three DNA analyses conflicted with the morphology-based subgeneric divisions. Both the ITS tree and network, however, corresponded with the biogeographical patterns of the genus supported by life-forms (winter rosette or hibernaculum formation) and basic chromosome numbers (haploidy). The dormant strategy evolved in a specific geographical region is a phylogenetic constraint and a synapomorphic characteristic within a lineage. Therefore, the results denied the idea that the Mexican group, morphologically divided into the three subgenera, independently acquired winter rosette formations. Topological incongruence among the trees or reticulations, indicated by parallel edges in phylogenetic networks, implied that some taxa originated by introgressive hybridisation. Although there are exceptions, species within the same geographical region arose from a common ancestor. Therefore, the classification by the floral characteristics is rather unreliable. The results obtained from this study suggest that evolution within the genus Pinguicula has involved; 1) ancient expansions to geographical regions with gene flow and subsequent vicariance with genetic drift, 2) acquirement of a common dormant strategy within a specific lineage to adapt a local climate (i.e., synapomorphic characteristic), 3) recent speciation in a short time span linked to introgressive hybridisation or multiplying the ploidy level (i.e., divergence), and 4) parallel evolution in floral traits among lineages found in different geographical regions (i.e., convergence). As such, the floral morphology masks and obscures the phylogenetic relationships among species in the genus.
LINC01272 Suppressed Cell Multiplication and Induced Apoptosis Via Regulating MiR-7-5p/CRLS1 Axis in Lung Cancer

LINC01272 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that has been considered as a biomarker for many diseases including lung squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we investigated the function and mechanism of LINC01272 on lung cancer (LC). The differential expression of LINC01272 in LC and normal samples was analyzed by GEPIA based on the data from TCGA-LUAD database, as survival prognosis was analyzed through Kaplan-Meier Plotter. LINC01272 overexpression plasmid and miR-7-5p mimic were transfected into A549 and PC-9 cells. LINC01272, miR-7-5p and cardiolipin synthase 1 (CRLS1) mRNA expression was measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability was detected through MTT assay. Cell multiplication was evaluated by cell formation assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed through flow cytometry assay. Through bioinformatics, the target miRNA of LINC01272 and downstream genes of miR-7-5p were predicted. The targeting relationship was tested by dual luciferase reporter analysis. CRLS1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), BCL2-associated X (Bax) and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels were detected through western blot. LINC01272 was downregulated in LC and low LINC01272 expression had poor prognosis. In A549 and PC-9 cells, LINC01272 inhibited cell viability and multiplication and induced apoptosis. LINC01272 negatively regulated miR-7-5p and CRLS1 was a target of miR-7-5p. MiR-7-5p reversed the effect of LINC01272 on viability, multiplication, apoptosis and expression of miR-7-5p and CRLS1 as well as apoptosis-related factors (Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved caspase-3). LINC01272 suppressed cell multiplication and induced apoptosis via regulating the miR-7-5p/CRLS1 axis in LC.
Biochemical and structural basis of the passive mechanical properties of whole skeletal muscle

Passive mechanical properties of whole skeletal muscle are not as well understood as active mechanical properties. Both the structural basis for passive mechanical properties and the properties themselves are challenging to determine because it is not clear which structures within skeletal muscle actually bear passive loads and there are not established standards by which to make mechanical measurements. Evidence suggests that titin bears the majority of the passive load within the single muscle cell. However, at larger scales, such as fascicles and muscles, there is emerging evidence that the extracellular matrix bears the major part of the load. Complicating the ability to quantify and compare across size scales, muscles and species, definitions of muscle passive properties such as stress, strain, modulus and stiffness can be made relative to many reference parameters. These uncertainties make a full understanding of whole muscle passive mechanical properties and modelling these properties very difficult. Future studies defining the specific load bearing structures and their composition and organization are required to fully understand passive mechanics of the whole muscle and develop therapies to treat disorders in which passive muscle properties are altered such as muscular dystrophy, traumatic laceration, and contracture due to upper motor neuron lesion as seen in spinal cord injury, stroke and cerebral palsy.
Evaluation of critical shoulder angle and acromion index in patients with anterior shoulder instability and rotator cuff tear

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate glenohumeral morphologic differences and their correlation between glenohumeral instability and rotator cuff pathology. Methods Two-hundred radiographs and 100 MRI scans of 100 patients in whom the diagnosis of Anterior Shoulder Instability (Anl) or Rotator Cuff Tear (RCT) was arthroscopically verified were retrospectively identified and included in the study. All the patients were categorized into two groups: 50 patients with Anl (23 female, 28 male; mean age = 29 ± 7.4) and 50 patients with RCT (28 female, 22 male). Two separate control groups were then formed, one of which included contralateral shoulders of patients in the AnI group, and the other consisted of contralateral shoulders of patients in the RCT group. The x-ray and MRI scans were examined by an orthopedic surgeon and a radiologist. The Acromial Index (AI) and the Critical Shoulder Angle (CSA) were measured on true anteroposterior shoulder radiographs; Glenoid Inclination (GI), Glenoid Version (GV), and Acromion Angulation (AA) were measured on MRI. Results In the AnI group, the measurements were as followed: AI, 0.66 ± 0.03; CSA, 33 ° ± 2.85; GI, 3.4° ± 6.2; GV, 4.1 ± 4.3; and AA, 12.9 ± 8.3. In the RCT group, AI 0.71 ± 0.04; CSA, 36° ± 2.69; GI, 9.1 ± 5; GV, 6.7 ° ± 5.7; and AA, 14.3° ± 8.7. A moderate correlation was found between CSA and GI (r = 0.41, P = 0.001) and between AI and GI (r = 0.42, P = 0.014). A weak correlation was found between AI and GI in the AnI group (r = 0.22, P = 0.001). The inter- and intra-observer intraclass correlation coefficients were respectively 0.81 and 0.84 for AI, 0.88 and 0.92 for CSA, 0.72 and 0.76 for GI, 0.69 and 0.73 for GV, and 0.72 and 0.77 for AA. Conclusion The results of this study have shown that lower AI, GI, and antevert GV may be associated with AnI. Investigating CSA, AI, and GV could be useful for diagnostic evaluation of patients with AnI. Level of Evidence Level III, Diagnostic Study
Elevated Hb A2 is Not Always Indicative of β-Thalassemia

Abstract Hb A2 levels are usually high in carriers of β-thalassemia (β-thal). These levels also provide a sensitive marker for the identification of hemoglobin (Hb) variants. In this study, we aimed to examine two patients from two Chinese families who showed elevated Hb A2 levels but did not show any signs of β-thal. The HBB variants were analyzed using direct sequencing of HBB and in silico prediction analysis. Moreover, the family’s genetic history was investigated. We examined two probands from different Chinese families with elevated Hb A2 levels who were not afflicted with β-thal, although several nucleotide changes were found at codon 81 (CTC>CTA) (HBB: c.246C>A) in Family 1 and a compound heterozygosity for codon 40 (AGG>AAG) (HBB: c.122G>A) and IVS-II-478 (C>A) (HBB: c.316-373C>A) in Family 2. After investigating the genetic history of both families including the β-thal aspect, we found that these mutations were not responsible for the elevated Hb A2 levels. It is rarely reported that high Hb A2 level is not indicative of β-thal. In contrast, low or normal Hb A2 level is always found with β-thal due to other molecular defects that mask their β-thal genotype. Our results highlight the importance of considering the genetic factors related and unrelated to β-thal to improve the accuracy of future genetic counseling.
Prospective Relationships Between Objectively Assessed Social Media Use, Drinking Norms, and Alcohol Consumption Among First-Year Students.

OBJECTIVE Previous research has linked social media involvement and alcohol use among college students. However, this literature has been limited by self-report measures of social media use, cross-sectional data, inadequate attention to potential moderators and mediators, and unclear implications for interventions. To improve and extend this work, students' (N = 297) daily time on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat during the transition into college were assessed objectively and examined as predictors of later drinking. METHOD Time spent on social media overall and on each individual platform between August and September were examined as predictors of alcohol consumption in March. Perceptions of peer drinking norms in October were examined as a potential mediator of these relationships, and sex as a potential moderator. RESULTS Students spent the most daily time on Snapchat, followed by Instagram. The results indicated that among men, but not women, daily social media time during the transition into college predicted second semester drinking. This relationship was mediated by perceptions of same-sex student drinking norms. Analysis of individual platforms revealed that daily time on Snapchat drove the relationships among men. CONCLUSIONS Greater time on social media during the transition to college, and on Snapchat in particular, predicted increases in perceptions of peer drinking norms and, in turn, greater alcohol consumption among men only. These findings carry precise implications for interventions seeking to reduce alcohol-related risks among first-year men and underscore the need for additional research examining developmental factors and social media user experiences that may explain the sex-specific patterns of relationships observed.
Intranasal insulin ameliorates neurological impairment after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice

In Alzheimer’s disease and ischemic stroke, intranasal insulin can act as a neuroprotective agent. However, whether intranasal insulin has a neuroprotective effect in intracerebral hemorrhage and its potential mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, a mouse model of autologous blood-induced intracerebral hemorrhage was treated with 0.5, 1, or 2 IU insulin via intranasal delivery, twice per day, until 24 or 72 hours after surgery. Compared with saline treatment, 1 IU intranasal insulin treatment significantly reduced hematoma volume and brain edema after cerebral hemorrhage, decreased blood-brain barrier permeability and neuronal degeneration damage, reduced neurobehavioral deficits, and improved the survival rate of mice. Expression levels of p-AKT and p-GSK3β were significantly increased in the perihematoma tissues after intranasal insulin therapy. Our findings suggest that intranasal insulin therapy can protect the neurological function of mice after intracerebral hemorrhage through the AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the North Sichuan Medical College of China (approval No. NSMC(A)2019(01)) on January 7, 2019.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Neuromuscular Dysfunction in Long-term Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

Background: Children treated for cancer are at risk for neuromuscular dysfunction, but data are limited regarding prevalence, longitudinal patterns, and long-term impact. Methods: Longitudinal surveys from 25,583 childhood cancer survivors ≥5 years from diagnosis and 5,044 siblings from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study were used to estimate the prevalence and cumulative incidence of neuromuscular dysfunction. Multivariable models adjusted for age, sex, race, and ethnicity estimated prevalence ratios (PR) of neuromuscular dysfunction in survivors compared with siblings, and associations with treatments and late health/socioeconomic outcomes. Results: Prevalence of neuromuscular dysfunction was 14.7% in survivors 5 years postdiagnosis versus 1.5% in siblings [PR, 9.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), 7.9–12.4], and highest in survivors of central nervous system (CNS) tumors (PR, 27.6; 95% CI, 22.1–34.6) and sarcomas (PR, 11.5; 95% CI, 9.1–14.5). Cumulative incidence rose to 24.3% in survivors 20 years postdiagnosis (95% CI, 23.8–24.8). Spinal radiotherapy and increasing cranial radiotherapy dose were associated with increased prevalence of neuromuscular dysfunction. Platinum exposure (vs. none) was associated with neuromuscular dysfunction (PR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5–2.1), even after excluding survivors with CNS tumors, cranial/spinal radiotherapy, or amputation. Neuromuscular dysfunction was associated with concurrent or later obesity (PR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.1–1.2), anxiety (PR, 2.5; 95% CI, 2.2–2.9), depression (PR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.9–2.3), and lower likelihood of graduating college (PR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.90–0.94) and employment (PR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.8–0.9). Conclusions: Neuromuscular dysfunction is prevalent in childhood cancer survivors, continues to increase posttherapy, and is associated with adverse health and socioeconomic outcomes. Impact: Interventions are needed to prevent and treat neuromuscular dysfunction, especially in survivors with platinum and radiation exposure.
A Dual-Process Approach to Moral Panic and Public Support for Sex Offender Management Policies

The current study explores if and how dual-process thinking styles (System I/experiential and System II/rational processing) predict and explain the degree to which members of the public express moral panic toward and support for existing sex offender management policies (registration, notification, residence restrictions), regardless of their efficacy or effects on recidivism rates, for different types of individuals who commit sex offenses (sex offender, juvenile sex offender, cybersex offender, female sex offender, rapist, child molester). Online experimental methods were used with a lay sample (N = 324). Results show that the extent to which participants exhibited a reliance on System I processing significantly predicted their feelings of moral panic (concern, hostility, and volatility) toward individuals classified as child molesters. Further, feelings of concern, hostility, and volatility, as significant predictors of support for existing sex offender management policies for individuals classified as child molesters, were found to increase as a function of participants’ reliance on the System I, experiential thinking style. Implications of this work, specifically related to addressing public support for existing sex offender management policies for individuals classified as child molesters, are discussed.