Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Highly Comorbid With Adult ADHD in Alcohol Use Disorder Inpatients

Objective: Increasing number of studies show an association between adult ADHD (a-ADHD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We explored this association in alcohol use disorder (AUD) inpatients. Method: In total, 551 inpatients cross-sectionally completed self-administered questionnaires regarding sociodemographics, lifetime trauma exposure, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), and Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS). We considered self-reported a-ADHD when ASRS and WURS had significant scores. Results: Prevalence for a-ADHD was 20%. PTSD prevalence was higher in a-ADHD patients (84% vs. 40%; p < .001). They also were younger (p < .001) and women (p = .015). Adult ADHD was associated with more traumatic events, and symptoms were correlated with PTSD severity. After adjusting for age, gender and marital status, PTSD severity was associated with a-ADHD. Conclusion: Our study confirms that a-ADHD is associated with PTSD in AUD inpatients, and thus, may represent a specific subpopulation. Future studies should explore implication of this dual diagnosis on AUD and treatment outcome.
Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Bilberry and Walnut Leaves Powder on the Digestive Performances and Health of Tetra SL Laying Hens

Simple Summary In poultry, diet composition influences growth performance, egg production, as well as digestion. In this study, the effects of dietary additives obtained from bilberry and walnut leaves powder on the digestive performances of Tetra SL hens were evaluated by histologic and morphometric analyses of the intestinal mucosa as well as by the enzymatic activity measurements of alpha-amylase, invertase, maltase, and trypsin correlated with cecum microbiota. Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dietary inclusion of two additives at the final concentration of 0.5% bilberry (E1) and 1% walnut (E2) leaves powder in the basal diet on digestive health of hens. A total number of 90 Tetra SL hens were divided into two experimental groups (E1 and E2) and one control group (C) consisting of 30 hens each. After four weeks, 10 hens of each group were sacrificed and tissue samples and intestinal content were taken from the duodenum, jejunum, and cecum in order to perform histological, enzymatic, and microbiota analyses. In groups E1 and E2, the histological analysis showed a significant increase of villus height, resulting probably in increased absorption of nutrients in duodenum and jejunum. A decrease in the specific activity of alpha-amylase and trypsin in E1 and E2 for both duodenum and jejunum compared to the control one was also recorded. In addition, the maltase and invertase specific activity in duodenum increased, a tendency that was kept for maltase but not for invertase in jejunum. The cecal microbiota of E1 and E2 individuals was characterized by an increase of Firmicutes and Lactobacilli and a decrease of Enterobacteriaceae. In conclusion, our results indicate that bilberry and walnut leaves additives in feed may improve the health status of the poultry gastrointestinal tract.
Sorting of H,K‐ATPase β‐Subunit in MDCK and LLC‐PK1 Cells is Independent of μ1B Adaptin Expression

The cytoplasmic tail of the H,K‐ATPase β‐subunit contains a putative tyrosine‐based motif that directs the β‐subunit's basolateral sorting when it is expressed in Madin‐Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells. When expressed in LLC‐PK1 cells, however, the β‐subunit is localized to the apical membrane. Several proteins that contain tyrosine‐based motifs, including the low‐density lipoprotein and transferrin receptors, show a similar sorting ‘defect’ when expressed in LLC‐PK1 cells. For low‐density lipoprotein and transferrin receptors, this behavior is due to the differential expression of the μ1B subunit of the AP‐1B clathrin adaptor complex. μ1B is expressed by MDCK cells, but not LLC‐PK1 cells, and transfection of μ1B into LLC‐PK1 cells restores basolateral localization of low‐density lipoprotein and transferrin receptors. For the β‐subunit, however, μ1B expression in LLC‐PK1 cells does not induce its basolateral expression. We found that the β‐subunit interacts with both μ1B and μ1A in vitro and in vivo. The capacity to participate in a μ1B interaction therefore is not sufficient to program the β‐subunit's basolateral localization in MDCK cells. Our data suggest that the H,K‐ATPase β‐subunit's basolateral sorting signal is either masked in certain epithelial cells, or requires an interaction with sorting machinery other than AP‐1B for delivery to the basolateral plasma membrane.
Identification and Rational Design of a Novel Antibacterial Peptide Dermaseptin-AC from the Skin Secretion of the Red-Eyed Tree Frog Agalychnis callidryas

Antibiotic resistance represents a tremendous contemporary clinical challenge. Given this challenge, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are regarded as one of the most promising new options for next-generation lead antibiotics. Here, we describe the antibacterial activities of a cationic peptide named DRP-AC4, obtained from frog skin secretion using shotgun cloning. Two modified peptides were derived by substituting the sequence of amino acids to complete the hydrophobic face (DRP-AC4b) and increase net charge (DRP-AC4a), respectively. The activity and cytotoxicity of these two peptides were compared. DRP-AC4a displayed significantly increased potency against bacteria compared to the natural peptide. It should be noted, however, that both analogue peptides demonstrated higher lytic ability than the natural peptide against the membranes of mammalian erythrocytes. At the same time, all three peptides displayed lower hemolytic activity compared to their antibacterial activity. Here, we demonstrate that AMPs have more complex activity mechanisms and faster bactericidal rates than traditional antibiotics, which may be one of the reasons why bacteria do not develop resistance to them. These discoveries provide interesting insights into the discovery and development of novel drugs from natural sources.
Perception of prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Europe: an EuroELSO survey

The substantial increase in the number of patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation over the last decade has led to an evolution of indications and an expansion into wider patient groups. One of the unanticipated benefits of the increase in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been a change in the understanding of the natural history of many respiratory diseases. Development in technology and materials, reduced extracorporeal membrane oxygenation–specific complications, and improvement of critical care, in general, have facilitated longer extracorporeal membrane oxygenation runs, and the definition of prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was recently expanded to continuous support for more than 28 days. This survey aimed to describe European ECMO centers’ perception and arbitrary definition of prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, patient management, and futility. Of 94 center responses, 37% regarded 14-21 days, 30% 21-28 days, and 28% >28 days as prolonged treatment. Bridge to recovery (64%) or to transplantation (20%) was the most common causes. Awake, and ambulation while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was reported from 34% of the centers. In case of perceived futility, decision to withdraw was taken in 65% of the centers in agreement between profession and family and in 30% by profession only. One-fourth of the centers did not discontinue support. Large differences prevail among European ECMO centers concerning local perception and patient management in prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Changes in Gait Performance in Stroke Patients after Taping with Scapular Setting Exercise

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined taping with scapular setting exercise on the gait performance of stroke patients. Twenty stroke patients were randomly allocated to two groups: the taping with scapular setting exercise (TSSE) group (n = 10) and scapular setting exercise (SSE) group (n = 10). Intervention was performed for one week, and pre- and postintervention results for TSSE and SSE were compared. Outcomes were determined using the inertia measurement unit, which can measure spatiotemporal gait parameters, and using the timed up-and-go test. Two-way repeated analysis was used to compare pre- and postintervention results. In the TSSE group, intervention significantly improved cadence, gait speed, stride length, step length, gait cycle, swing phase duration, double support duration, and timed up-and-go test results more than in the SSE group. TSSE was found to improve all spatiotemporal gait parameters examined; thus, we recommend TSSE be considered as an intervention to improve gait parameters in stroke patients.
Discovery of Eicosapentaenoic Acid Esters of Hydroxy Fatty Acids as Potent Nrf2 Activators

Branched fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) are a recently discovered class of biologically active lipids with anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. Despite the possible link between endogenous FAHFA levels and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), their possible function as antioxidants and the mechanisms involved in this are unknown. Here, we investigate FAHFAs’ plausible antioxidant potential with reference to their effect on the Nrf2 levels, oxidative stress, and lipid droplet oxidation in human hepatocytes (C3A). Six authentic FAHFAs were chemically synthesized and performed activity-based screening by reporter gene assay. Among them, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) esterified 12-hydroxy stearic acid (12-HSA) and 12-hydroxy oleic acid (12-HOA) FAHFAs showed less cytotoxicity compared to their free fatty acids and potent activators of Nrf2. To define their mode of action, relative levels of nuclear Nrf2 were determined, which found a higher amount of Nrf2 in nucleus of cells treated with 12-EPAHSA compared to the control. Furthermore, 12-EPAHSA increased the expression of Nrf2-dependent antioxidant enzyme genes (NQO1, GCLM, GCLC, SOD-1, and HO-1). Fluorescence imaging analysis of linoleic-acid-induced lipid droplets (LDs) in C3A cells treated with 12-EPAHSA revealed the strong inhibition of small-size LD oxidation. These results suggest that EPA-derived FAHFAs as a new class of lipids with less cytotoxicity, and strong Nrf2 activators with plausible antioxidant effects via the induction of cytoprotective proteins against oxidative stress, induced cellular damage.
Cell wall analysis of Gardnerella vaginalis (Haemophilus vaginalis)

Thin-layer chromatography was used to examine the amino acid and carbohydrate composition of the cell wall of the type strain of Gardnerella vaginalis and 11 clinical isolates. All strains contained alanine, glutamic acid, glycine, lysine, glucose, galactose, and another sugar tentatively identified as 6-deoxytalose. The amino acid composition of G. vaginalis cell walls was found to be like that of a gram-positive bacterium.
Training With Weightlifting Derivatives: The Effects of Force and Velocity Overload Stimuli.

Suchomel, TJ, McKeever, SM, and Comfort, P. Training with weightlifting derivatives: The effects of force and velocity overload stimuli. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-The purposes of this study were to compare the training effects of weightlifting movements performed with (CATCH) or without (PULL) the catch phase of clean derivatives performed at the same relative loads or training without the catch phase using a force- and velocity-specific overload stimulus (OL) on isometric and dynamic performance tasks. Twenty-seven resistance-trained men completed 10 weeks of training as part of the CATCH, PULL, or OL group. The CATCH group trained using weightlifting catching derivatives, while the PULL and OL groups used biomechanically similar pulling derivatives. The CATCH and PULL groups were prescribed the same relative loads, while the OL group was prescribed force- and velocity-specific loading that was exercise and phase specific. Preintervention and postintervention isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), relative one repetition maximum power clean (1RM PC), 10-, 20-, and 30-m sprint, and 505 change of direction on the right (505R) and left (505L) leg were examined. Statistically significant differences in preintervention to postintervention percent change were present for relative IMTP peak force, 10-, 20-, and 30-m sprints, and 505L (all p < 0.03), but not for relative 1RM PC or 505R (p > 0.05). The OL group produced the greatest improvements in each of the examined characteristics compared with the CATCH and PULL groups with generally moderate to large practical effects being present. Using a force- and velocity-specific overload stimulus with weightlifting pulling derivatives may produce superior adaptations in relative strength, sprint speed, and change of direction compared with submaximally loaded weightlifting catching and pulling derivatives.
Effect of pod development stage, temperature, and pod wetness duration on the incidence of purple seed stain of soybeans.

The incidence of soybean seed infected by Cercospora kikuchii was influenced by temperature, length of pod wetness period, and developmental stage of the soybean pods at the time of inoculation. The statistical significance was determined using logistic regression. Infected seeds were observed when small pods (<0.5 cm in length) and large pods (0.5-2.0 cm in length) were inoculated with a conidial suspension. No infection was observed when flowers in full bloom or postbloom (desiccated petals) stages were inoculated (.)
A phylogenetic analysis of dung beetles (Scarabaeinae : Scarabaeidae): unrolling an evolutionary history

The phylogeny of the Scarabaeinae, the largest and most important group of dung feeding beetles, is hypothesised based on 200 morphological characters of 50 taxa, representing nearly one quarter of the known genera. We present a drastically different picture of evolution of this highly successful group of beetles than those previously proposed. It is apparent that gross morphology is correlated with either rolling or tunnelling but does not accurately reflect evolutionary history. Results indicate that there are not two separate clades of dung beetles, the rollers and tunnellers, but that rolling behaviour has evolved several times from ancestral tunnellers. The Dichotomiini, Canthonini, and Coprini are poly- or paraphyletic, whereas each of the remaining nine tribes appear as well supported monophyletic clades (the monophyly of the Gymnopleurini was not tested). The genera traditionally included in the Dichotomiini are the oldest and most basal lineages and all other clades, including those of the Canthonini, evolved from ancestral dichotomiine lineages either directly or indirectly. New interpretations of the evolution of rolling, its possible loss, nesting and feeding behaviours, and future changes in classification are discussed. Evidence supports the origin of the Scarabaeinae before the Tertiary and subsequent vicariance of many clades via the breakup of Gondwanaland.
Exploring the Nutraceutical Potential of Dried Pepper Capsicum annuum L. on Market from Altino in Abruzzo Region

Sweet pepper is a typical type of Capsicum annuum from Abruzzo region, recognized as a traditional and local product, traditionally cultivated in the town of Altino (Abruzzo region, Italy). The aim of this study is to compare the sweet type of peppers from Altino with the hot pepper cultivated in the same area, in order to delineate their different phytochemical and biological profiles in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we elucidated their phytochemical composition, fatty acids composition and phenolic/flavonoid contents in extracts. Then antioxidant and enzyme inhibition assays were performed to evaluate their biological properties, together with in vitro cell assay and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Microwave (1000 mg/mL) extract of hot pepper showed the best inhibition value on in vitro cell growth assay; in fact, the number of survived cells was about 20% and 40% for microwave and Soxhlet extracts, respectively. In vivo anti-inflammatory assay revealed good activity for both species, which, when associated with in vitro cell inhibition results, could explain the protective effect on human prostatic hyperplasia.
The DNA methylation landscape of human cancer organoids available at the American type culture collection

ABSTRACT One caveat in cancer research is the dependence of certain experimental systems that might not really reflect the properties of the primary tumours. The recent irruption of 3D cultured cells termed organoids could render a better representation of the original tumour sample. However, every laboratory has its own protocol and tissue-provider to establish these cancer models, preventing further dissemination and validation of the obtained data. To address this problem, the Human Cancer Models Initiative (HCMI) has selected the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) to make available organoid models to the scientific community. In this regard, no epigenetic information is available for these samples and, overall, the DNA methylation profiles of human cancer organoids are largely unknown. Herein, we provide the DNA methylation landscape of 25 human cancer organoids available at the ATCC using a microarray that interrogates more than 850,000 CpG sites. We observed that the studied organoids retain the epigenetic setting of their original primary cancer type; that exhibit a DNA methylation landscape characteristic of transformed tissues excluding an overgrowth of normal-matched cells; and that are closer to the DNA methylation profiles of the corresponding primary tumours than to established 2D cell lines. Most importantly, the obtained DNA methylation results are freely available to everyone for further data mining. Thus, our findings support from the epigenetic standpoint that the ATCC human cancer organoids recapitulate many of the features of the disorder in the patient and are excellent tools to be shared among investigators for further tumour biology research.
The adipokinetic hormones of Heteroptera: a comparative study

The adipokinetic hormones (AKHs) from 15 species of heteropteran Hemiptera (encompassing eight families, six superfamilies and three infraorders) have been isolated and structurally identified using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. None of the structures are novel and all are octapeptides. These peptide sequence data are used, together with the previously available AKH sequence data on Heteroptera, to create a larger dataset for comparative analyses. This results, in total, in AKH sequences from 30 species (spanning 13 families), which are used in a matrix confronted with the current hypotheses on the phylogeny of Heteroptera. The expanded dataset shows that all heteropterans have octapeptide AKHs; three species have two AKHs, whereas the overwhelming majority have only one AKH. From a total of 11 different AKH peptides known from Heteroptera to date, three AKHs occur frequently: Panbo‐red pigment‐concentrating hormone (RPCH) (×10), Schgr‐AKH‐II (×6) and Anaim‐AKH (×4). The heteropteran database also suggests that particular AKH variants are family‐specific. The AKHs of Heteroptera: Pentatomomorpha (all terrestrial) are not present in Nepomorpha (aquatic) and Gerromorpha: Gerridae (semiaquatic); AKHs with a Val in position 2 are absent in the Pentatomomorpha (only AKHs with Leu2 are present), whereas Val2 predominates in the nonterrestrial species. An unexpected diversity of AKH sequences is found in Nepomorpha, Nepoidea, Nepidae and Nepinae, whereas Panbo‐RPCH (which has been identified in all infraorders of decapod crustaceans) is present in all analysed species of Pentatomidae and also in the only species of Tessaratomidae investigated. The molecular evolution of Heteroptera with respect to other insect groups and to crustaceans is discussed
Experimental Investigation of Optimal Relay Position for Magneto-Inductive Wireless Sensor Networks

Magneto-inductive (MI) waveguide technology is often proposed to increase the MI communication distance without adding significant cost and power consumption to the wireless sensor network. The idea is to add intermediate relaying nodes between transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) to relay the information from Tx to Rx. Our study of MI wave-guides has realized that adding a relay node improves the communication distance, however, the performance is greatly dependent on the position of the relaying node in the network. We therefore, in this work have investigated the effect of placement of a relay node and have determined the optimal relay position. We have performed various sets of experiments to thoroughly understand the behavior and identified three main regions: (a) for region 1, when the distance between Tx and Rx is equal or less than the diameter of the coils (d≤2r), the optimal relay position is close to Tx, (b) for region 2, when the distance between Tx and Rx is greater than diameter of the coils but less than twice the diameter (2r<d<4r), the optimal relay position lies in the center of Tx and Rx, and (c) for region 3, when the distance between the Tx and Rx is equal or greater than twice the diameter of the coils (d≥4r), the optimal relay position is close to Rx.
Productivity and carbon dioxide exchange of leguminous crops: estimates from flux tower measurements

Net CO₂ exchange data of legume crops at 17 flux tower sites in North America and three sites in Europe representing 29 site-years of measurements were partitioned into gross photosynthesis and ecosystem respiration by using the nonrectangular hyperbolic light-response function method. The analyses produced net CO₂ exchange data and new ecosystem-scale ecophysiological parameter estimates for legume crops determined at diurnal and weekly time steps. Dynamics and annual totals of gross photosynthesis, ecosystem respiration, and net ecosystem production were calculated by gap filling with multivariate nonlinear regression. Comparison with the data from grain crops obtained with the same method demonstrated that CO₂ exchange rates and ecophysiological parameters of legumes were lower than those of maize (Zea mays L.) but higher than for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crops. Year-round annual legume crops demonstrated a broad range of net ecosystem production, from sinks of 760 g CO₂ m–² yr–¹ to sources of –2100 g CO₂ m–² yr–¹, with an average of –330 g CO₂ m–² yr–¹, indicating overall moderate CO₂–source activity related to a shorter period of photosynthetic uptake and metabolic costs of N₂ fixation. Perennial legumes (alfalfa, Medicago sativa L.) were strong sinks for atmospheric CO₂, with an average net ecosystem production of 980 (range 550–1200) g CO₂ m–² yr–¹.
Aquatic adaptations in desmostylians

Osteological characteristics of extant, quadrupedal, aquatic or amphibious mammals are compared and used to determine the presence and state of development, or absence, of aquatic adaptations in the order Desmostylia. The specimens compared include seventeen bones from in each species four higher taxa: Rodentia, Carnivora, Mustelidae and Artiodactyla. The aquatic form is compared with its terrestrial counterpart within each group. Quantitative evidence of convergence is used to sort out characters that are adaptive in relation to aquatic habits. Aquatic conformations or tendencies are identified as those characters, displayed by aquatic forms in different taxonomic groups, that have more in common with each other than with corresponding characters of land animals in the same taxa. About 80% of the 49 aquatic adaptive characters identified are also found in desmostylians. This analysis documents the gradual evolutionary transition of desmostylians to an aquatic mode of life. Furthermore, the results show that the desmostylian swam better using its hind‐limbs at least than the hippopotamus.