Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are the Effects of Variation in Quantity of Daily Bilingual Exposure and Socioeconomic Status on Language and Cognitive Abilities Independent in Preschool Children?

Bilingual exposure (BE) and socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with children’s development, but their specific and unique effects are still unclear. This study analyzed the influence of these environmental factors on a set of cognitive and linguistic abilities in preschoolers to disentangle their effects. One hundred-eleven Italian-speaking preschool children (mean age = 61 months; SD = 6.8) growing in a monolingual or multilingual context completed an assessment of cognitive (theory of mind, inhibition, attention shifting and working memory) and linguistic abilities (vocabulary, grammar, narrative comprehension, lexical access). The results of hierarchical regressions with predictors variation in BE (both Length and Daily exposure) and SES on each ability, shown a specific contribution of variation in SES, after controlling for BE, in vocabulary, grammar, and working memory (WM), and a specific contribution of variation in BE, over and above effect of SES, in vocabulary, narrative comprehension and WM. In addition, we found an interaction between these factors in predicting the performance of the theory of mind task (ToM). To conclude, variations in BE and SES are related independently to individual differences in linguistic and cognitive skills of children in preschool.
Comparison of the beneficial effects of guar gum on lipid profile in hyperlipidemic and normal rats

In this study, we searched the hypolipidemic effects of a dietary fiber in hyperlipidemic and normal rats. Rats were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) or a normal fed diet (NFD) for 12-weeks and then treated with 5, 10 and 20% guar gum in their regime for 28 days. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly increased in HFD rats, while administration of guar gum significantly lowered them. Serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was reduced in HFD rats. However, feeding the HFD rats with guar gum markedly elevated HDL-C level. Of the different tested percentage of guar gum in their regimes, 20% guar gum showed the strongest hypolipidemic effect, as well as a high anti atherogenic potential with atherogenic index (A.I.)These results suggested that guar gum may be effective hypolipiedemic agent and may prevent hyperlipidemic atherosclerosis in both hyperlipidemic and normal rats. Key word: Dietary fiber, guar gum, hyperlipidemic, lipid profile, rat.
Reusability of brilliant green dye contaminated wastewater using corncob biochar and Brevibacillus parabrevis: hybrid treatment and kinetic studies

ABSTRACT This work highlights the potential of corncob biochar (CCBC) and Brevibacillus parabrevis for the decolorization of brilliant green (BG) dye from synthetically prepared contaminated wastewater. The CCBC was characterized by proximate, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, respectively. Different parameters affecting the adsorption process were evaluated. The experimental results were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Kinetic results were examined by different models; pseudo-second-order model has shown the best fit to the experimental data. Anew positive values of ΔHo (172.58 kJ/mol) and ΔSo (569.97 J/K/mol) in the temperature range of 303–318 K revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The present investigation showed that the bacteria immobilized with CCBC showed better BG dye degradation. The kinetic parameters, μmax, Ks, and μ max, were found to be 0.5 per day, 39.4 mg/day, and 0.012 L/mg/day using Monod model, respectively. The adsorbent with bacteria showed good potential for the removal of cationic BG dye and can be considered for the remediation of industrial effluent. Graphical abstract
Electrolyte Intake and Major Food Sources of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium among a Population in Western Austria

Dietary intake of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium has a strong impact on personal health. In order to understand possible correlations with regional occurrence of diseases and to develop new dietary strategies, it is necessary to evaluate food choices in defined geographic areas. The aim of this study was to analyze daily consumption and major food sources of electrolytes with an emphasis on dietary patterns. In this representative, cross-sectional study, daily foods of 463 adults were assessed with two nonconsecutive 24-h recalls. Our results show high sodium and low potassium consumption in all age groups in both men and women. Furthermore, more than half of investigated persons had low calcium, and 40% indicated low dietary magnesium intake. Only 1% of our study population reached the recommended values for all electrolytes, while 13% consumed adequate levels of three electrolytes. Moreover, 14% did not reach reference levels for any of the four minerals. A further comparison of dietary patterns and food preferences showed significant differences in major food groups including nonalcoholic drinks, fruits, vegetables, legumes, milk products, vegetable oil, bread and sweets. Our results are important for further evaluations of nutrition intake and the development of new dietary strategies.
Effects of the dialysate calcium concentrations and mineral bone disease treatments on mortality in The French Renal Epidemiology and Information Network (REIN) registry

Background In patients on hemodialysis (HD), the various chemical elements in the dialysate may influence survival rates. In particular, calcium modifies mineral and bone metabolism and the vascular calcification rate. We studied the influence of the dialysate calcium concentration and the treatments prescribed for mineral bone disease (MBD) on survival. Methods All patients in REIN having initiated HD from 2010 to 2013 were classified according to their exposure to the different dialysate calcium concentrations in their dialysis unit. Data on the individual patients’ treatments for MBD were extracted from the French national health database. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate mortality hazard ratios (HR) associated with time-dependent exposure to dialysate calcium concentrations and MBD therapies, adjusted for comorbidities, laboratory and technical data. Results Dialysate calcium concentration of 1.5 mmol/L was used by 81% of the dialysis centers in 2010 and in 83% in 2014. Most centers were using several formulas in up to 78% for 3 formulas in 2010 to 86% in 2014. In full adjusted Cox survival analyses, the percentage of calcium >1.5 mmol/L and <1.5 mmol/l by center and the number of formula used per center were not associated with survival. Depending on the daily dose used, the MBD therapies were associated with survival improvement for calcium, native vitamin D, active vitamin D, sevelamer, lanthanum and cinacalcet in the second and third tertiles of dose. Conclusion No influence of the dialysate calcium concentration was evidenced on survival whereas all MBD therapies were associated with a survival improvement depending on the daily dose used.
Understanding the Biology of Human Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Gastrointestinal Motility

Millions of patients worldwide suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders such as gastroparesis. These disorders typically include debilitating symptoms, such as chronic nausea and vomiting. As no cures are currently available, clinical care is limited to symptom management, while the underlying causes of impaired GI motility remain unaddressed. The efficient movement of contents through the GI tract is facilitated by peristalsis. These rhythmic slow waves of GI muscle contraction are mediated by several cell types, including smooth muscle cells, enteric neurons, telocytes, and specialised gut pacemaker cells called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). As ICC dysfunction or loss has been implicated in several GI motility disorders, ICC represent a potentially valuable therapeutic target. Due to their availability, murine ICC have been extensively studied at the molecular level using both normal and diseased GI tissue. In contrast, relatively little is known about the biology of human ICC or their involvement in GI disease pathogenesis. Here, we demonstrate human gastric tissue as a source of primary human cells with ICC phenotype. Further characterisation of these cells will provide new insights into human GI biology, with the potential for developing novel therapies to address the fundamental causes of GI dysmotility.
Ten polymorphic microsatellite markers in the wandering albatross Diomedea exulans

We describe 10 new variable dinucleotide microsatellites in the wandering albatross Diomedea exulans , as well as conditions for multiplexing and simultaneous genotyping sets of loci. Their variability was assessed in two and one populations from the Crozet and Kerguelen archipelagos (southern Indian Ocean), respectively. Two to 13 alleles were detected per population, and the mean gene diversity was around 0.4. The low genetic differentiation suggests that these populations constitute a single panmictic unit. Cross-species amplification provided some variability at three and five loci in two other marine birds ( Bulweria bulwerii and Pagodroma nivea ), but none in Calonectris diomedea .
Effect of Vitamin K3 Inhibiting the Function of NorA Efflux Pump and Its Gene Expression on Staphylococcus aureus

Resistance to antibiotics has made diseases that previously healed easily become more difficult to treat. Staphylococcus aureus is an important cause of hospital-acquired infections and multi-drug resistant. NorA efflux pump, present in bacteria S. aureus, is synthesized by the expression of the norA gene. Menadione, also known as vitamin K3, is one of the synthetic forms of vitamin K. Therefore, the aim of this study is to verify the menadione effect on efflux inhibition through NorA pump gene expression inhibition and assess the effects of menadione in bacterial membrane. The effect of menadione as an efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) was evaluated by the microdilution method, fluorimetry, electron microscopy, and by RT-qPCR to evaluate gene expression. In the molecular docking, association with menadione induces increased fluorescence intensity. Menadione was observed (100% of the clusters) interacting with residues ILE12, ILE15, PHE16, ILE19, PHE47, GLN51, ALA105, and MET109 from NorA. The results showed the norA gene had its expression significantly diminished in the presence of menadione. The simulation showed that several menadione molecules were able to go through the bilayer and allow the entry of water molecules into the hydrophobic regions of the bilayer. When present within membranes, menadione may have caused membrane structural changes resulting in a decline of the signaling pathways involved in norA expression. Menadione demonstrated to be an efflux pump inhibitor with dual mechanism: affecting the efflux pump by direct interaction with protein NorA and indirectly inhibiting the norA gene expression, possibly by affecting regulators present in the membrane altered by menadione.
How Can Intranasal Oxytocin Research Be Trusted? A Systematic Review of the Interactive Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin on Psychosocial Outcomes

Over the past two decades, research about the role of oxytocin (OT) in human behavior has grown exponentially. However, a unified theory of OT effects has yet to be developed. Relatedly, growing concerns about the robustness of conclusions drawn in the field have been raised. The current article contributes to this debate by reporting on and discussing key conclusions from a systematic review of published studies addressing the interactive effects of intranasal OT (IN-OT) administration on psychosocial outcomes in a healthy population. The review indicates that (a) tested interactive IN-OT effects were highly heterogeneous; (b) for most published interactions, no replication was attempted; (c) when attempted, replications were largely unsuccessful; (d) significance was unrelated to sample size; (e) statistical power was critically low and unrelated to the rate of significant results; and (f) research practices were characteristic of an exploratory approach. This concerning state of affairs makes it virtually impossible to tease apart true from false interactive IN-OT effects. We provide constructive directions on the basis of this observation and positive predictive value simulations for future research that should help extract true effects from noise and move the IN-OT field forward.
TWO NEW METHODS FOR THE STUDY OF INSECT POPULATION ECOLOGY

Hsin Chi and Hsi Liu (1985) Two New Methods for the Study of Insect Population Ecology. Bull. Inst. Zool. , Academia Sinica 24(2): 225-240. Based on the stage-frequency distribution, a multiple column matrix was used to express the age stage-structure of animal populations with metamorphosis. Using this new method, the growth process of insect and mite populations (both female and male were included) can be studied with proper stage grouping. Algorithms of population growth and the calculation of intrinsic rate of increase and stable age-stagedistribution were described in detail. For the simulation work of field population ecology, a multidimensional matrix was used to display the spatial distribution of host plants and the age-stage-structure of pest population. Computer programs were designed to simulate the growth and dispersion of field population at the same time. These methods made a way to approach to the agroecosystem simulation.
Interactions among Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Severity, Sex, and Obesity on Circulatory Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients with Suspected Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study

The interaction among obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) severity, sex, and obesity on cardiovascular risk as determined by serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze individual associations between these three OSAS characteristics and three cardiovascular biomarkers and to determine whether the relationship was affected by other features in patients with suspected OSAS. For all participants (n = 100), OSAS severity and sex had an interaction effect on IL-6 level (p = 0.030). Specifically, the male patients (p = 0.005) with severe OSAS had higher IL-6 levels than those with normal to moderate OSAS, but this relationship was not significant in the female patients (p = 0.438). Moreover, in patients with normal to moderate OSAS (p = 0.004), but not in those with severe OSAS (p = 0.824), the female patients had higher IL-6 levels than the male patients. Both CRP (p = 0.001) and IL-6 (p = 0.000) levels were higher in the obese group than in the non-obese group independently of OSAS severity and sex. The three features had no effects on TNF-α level individually and interactively. Our findings suggest that circulatory inflammatory markers should be comprehensively evaluated in this population and that treatment and preventive therapies should be modified accordingly.
Molecular Cytogenetic Characterization of the Sicilian Endemic Pond Turtle Emys trinacris and the Yellow-Bellied Slider Trachemys scripta scripta (Testudines, Emydidae)

Turtles, a speciose group consisting of more than 300 species, demonstrate karyotypes with diploid chromosome numbers ranging from 2n = 26 to 2n = 68. However, cytogenetic analyses have been conducted only to 1/3rd of the turtle species, often limited to conventional staining methods. In order to expand our knowledge of the karyotype evolution in turtles, we examined the topology of the (TTAGGG)n telomeric repeats and the rDNA loci by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on the karyotypes of two emydids: the Sicilian pond turtle, Emys trinacris, and the yellow-bellied slider, Trachemys scripta scripta (family Emydidae). Furthermore, AT-rich and GC-rich chromosome regions were detected by DAPI and CMA3 stains, respectively. The cytogenetic analysis revealed that telomeric sequences are restricted to the terminal ends of all chromosomes and the rDNA loci are localized in one pair of microchromosomes in both species. The karyotype of the Sicilian endemic E. trinacris with diploid number 2n = 50, consisting of 13 pairs of macrochromosomes and 12 pairs of microchromosomes, is presented here for first time. Our comparative examination revealed similar cytogenetic features in Emys trinacris and the closely related E. orbicularis, as well as to other previously studied emydid species, demonstrating a low rate of karyotype evolution, as chromosomal rearrangements are rather infrequent in this group of turtles.
Effect of Oral Infection of Mayaro Virus on Fitness Correlates and Expression of Immune Related Genes in Aedes aegypti

Mayaro virus is a mosquito-borne Alphavirus endemic to forests of tropical South America with a sylvatic cycle involving non-human primates and Haemagogus mosquitoes. Human infection with Mayaro virus causes a febrile illness and long-lasting arthralgia and cases are often associated with exposure to tropical forest habitats. Human movement between tropical forest habitats and urban settings may allow for imported cases and subsequent local transmission by domestic mosquito Aedes aegypti. The relative importance of Ae. aegypti as a vector of Mayaro virus may depend on the pathogenic effects of the virus on fitness correlates, especially those entomological parameters that relate to vectorial capacity. We performed mosquito infection studies and compared adult survival and fecundity of females from Brazilian and Floridian populations of Ae. aegypti following oral ingestion of uninfectious (control) and Mayaro virus infectious blood. Mayaro virus infected and refractory mosquitoes had similar or 30–50% lower fecundity than control (unexposed) mosquitoes, suggesting a reproductive cost to mounting an immune response or phenotypic expression of refractoriness. Survival of adult female mosquitoes and targeted gene expression in the Toll and IMD pathways were not altered by Mayaro virus infection. Adult lifespan and fecundity estimates were independent of measured viral titer in the bodies of mosquitoes. The lack of adverse effects of infection status on female survival suggests that Mayaro virus will not alter vectorial capacity mediated by changes in this parameter.
Visualization of Single Molecules Building a Viral Capsid Protein Lattice through Stochastic Pathways

Direct visualization of pathways followed by single molecules while they spontaneously self-assemble into supramolecular biological machines may provide fundamental knowledge to guide molecular therapeutics and the bottom-up design of nanomaterials and nanodevices. Here, high-speed atomic force microscopy is used to visualize self-assembly of the bidimensional lattice of protein molecules that constitutes the framework of the mature human immunodeficiency virus capsid. By real-time imaging of the assembly reaction, individual transient intermediates and reaction pathways followed by single molecules could be revealed. As when assembling a jigsaw puzzle, the capsid protein lattice is randomly built. Lattice patches grow independently from separate nucleation events whereby individual molecules follow different paths. Protein subunits can be added individually, while others form oligomers before joining a lattice or are occasionally removed from the latter. Direct real-time imaging of supramolecular self-assembly has revealed a complex, chaotic process involving multiple routes followed by individual molecules that are inaccessible to bulk (averaging) techniques.
Curcumin Containing PEGylated Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Systemic Administration: A Preliminary Study

Curcumin (CUR) has a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and it can be considered a good candidate for the potential treatment of central nervous system (CNS) pathologies, although its use in clinical practice is compromised due to its high lipophilicity. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are well-known nanocarriers representing a consolidated approach for the delivery of lipophilic compounds, but their systemic use is limited due their short half-life. The formulation of stealth SLNs (pSLNs) could be a valid strategy to overcome this limit. Curcumin-loaded-pSLNs were prepared by the solvent evaporation method. Formulation was characterized for their mean size, zeta potential, size distribution, and morphology. Drug antioxidant activity was evaluated by Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay. Finally, the obtained formulations were analyzed in terms of long-term stability. Curcumin-loaded-pSLNs showed good technological parameters with a mean particle size below 200 nm, as confirmed by TEM images, and a zeta potential value around −30 mV, predicting good long-term stability. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed that PEG micelles interacted with the SLN surface; this suggests the location of the PEG on the pSLN surface. Therefore, these preliminary studies suggest that the produced formulation could be regarded as a promising carrier for the systemic administration.
Dielectrophoretic Microfluidic Device for Separating Microparticles Based on Size with Sub-Micron Resolution

This article details the mathematical model of a microfluidic device aimed at separating any binary heterogeneous sample of microparticles into two homogeneous samples based on size with sub-micron resolution. The device consists of two sections, where the upstream section is dedicated to focusing of microparticles, while the downstream section is dedicated to separation of the focused stream of microparticles into two samples based on size. Each section has multiple planar electrodes of finite size protruding into the microchannel from the top and bottom of each sidewall; each top electrode aligns with a bottom electrode and they form a pair leading to multiple pairs of electrodes on each side. The focusing section subjects all microparticles to repulsive dielectrophoretic force, from each set of the electrodes, to focus them next to one of the sidewalls. This separation section pushes the big microparticles toward the interior, away from the wall, of the microchannel using repulsive dielectrophoretic force, while the small microparticles move unaffected to achieve the desired degree of separation. The operating frequency of the set of electrodes in the separation section is maintained equal to the cross-over frequency of the small microparticles. The working of the device is demonstrated by separating a heterogeneous mixture consisting of polystyrene microparticles of different size (radii of 2 and 2.25 μm) into two homogeneous samples. The mathematical model is used for parametric study, and the performance is quantified in terms of separation efficiency and separation purity; the parameters considered include applied electric voltages, electrode dimensions, outlet widths, number of electrodes, and volumetric flowrate. The separation efficiencies and separation purities for both microparticles are 100% for low volumetric flow rates, a large number of electrode pairs, large electrode dimensions, and high differences between voltages in both sections.
Research on Seismic Site Emergency Rescue Traffic Path Analysis System Based on Public Image Information

The last kilometer problem that occurs when emergency vehicles respond to a highly destructive earthquake is a continuing problem that needs an immediate solution. To solve the problem of optimizing the traffic path for emergency vehicles, this study integrated an existing public image information system, active floating car technology, and an improved bidirectional Dijkstra algorithm. The proposed traffic path analysis system uses public image information for real time traffic path optimization so that emergency vehicles and personnel can expedite their response to an earthquake site.