Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
VITAMIN A EFFECTS ON ANTIBODY RESPONSES TO BOVINE CORONAVIRUS AND ROTAVIRUS VACCINES IN FEEDLOT CALVES

Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient for immune function. Vitamin A effects on immunity to infectious agents has been demonstrated in communityand hospitalbased studies, resulting in reduced morbidity and/or mortality in children supplemented with adequate dietary vitamin A. The importance of vitamin A in immune responses to and resistance against infectious agents has been studied mainly for human disease or in mouse models. The zoonotic potential of several animal infectious diseases and their association with host vitamin A status is poorly understood. Feedlot calves are subject to multiple infectious diseases, but especially diarrhea and respiratory disease. Diarrhea can be caused by multiple etiological agents including bovine coronavirus (BCoV) and bovine rotavirus (BRV). Co-infection by BCoV and BRV has been frequently observed in calves with severe gastroenteritis. The BCoV and BRV have common features such as the tissue tropism (intestinal epithelium), histopathological lesions (intestinal villous atrophy), clinical signs (diarrhea) and transmission (oral-fecal route). However, they differ morphologically and phylogenetically since BCoV is an enveloped single-stranded (ss) RNA virus and BRV, a non-enveloped double-stranded (ds) RNA virus. Furthermore, BCoV but not BRV is commonly associated with respiratory infections in feedlot cattle and may predispose feedlot cattle to severe or fatal secondary bacterial infections. Additionally, compared with BCoV infection, BRV is more rapidly resolved in calves. In feedlot cattle, dietary vitamin A restriction has been used to increase intramuscular fat, or marbling, resulting in higher quality beef production in terms of meat palatability. However, it is unclear whether vitamin A restriction which increases beef carcass value, exerts detrimental effects on the immune responses to pathogens or vaccines in cattle.
Household Coverage with Adequately Iodized Salt and Iodine Status of Nonpregnant and Pregnant Women in Uzbekistan

Background: Globally, iodine deficiency has been drastically reduced since the introduction of salt iodization programs; nonetheless, many populations remain at-risk for iodine deficiency. This study aimed to assess the iodine status among women of reproductive age in Uzbekistan and to identify factors associated with iodine deficiency, including the availability of adequately iodized salt at the household level. Methods: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted to produce region-specific estimates of the household coverage with adequately iodized salt and iodine status among women for each of the 14 regions in Uzbekistan. Other information, such as socioeconomic status, lactation and pregnancy, residence, age, and consumption of iodine supplements, was also collected. Results: Overall, 36% of 3413 households had adequately iodized salt (iodine concentration >15 ppm [parts per million (mg I/kg salt)]), 20% had inadequately iodized salt (5–14 ppm), and 44% had salt without detectable iodine (<5 ppm). Adequate iodization was found in 33.2% of the 2626 salt samples taken from retail packages labeled as “iodized,” 36.5% of the 96 samples taken from retail packages without mention of iodization, and 50.5% of the 674 samples without the original packaging (p < 0.001). The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of 140.9 μg/L (95% confidence interval [CI 132.4–150.7]) in nonpregnant nonlactating women indicated adequate iodine status, while for nonpregnant lactating and pregnant women, the median UIC of 112.9 μg/L [CI 99.3–128.4] and 117.3 μg/L [CI 101.8–139.9], respectively, indicated borderline adequacy. Significant differences in UIC (p < 0.001) were found between nonpregnant nonlactating women living in households with adequately iodized salt (UIC 208.9 μg/L), inadequately iodized salt (UIC 139.1 μg/L), and noniodized salt (UIC 89.9 μg/L). Conclusions: Coverage with adequately iodized salt is low in Uzbekistan, and women in households with poorly iodized salt have substantially worse iodine status; claims on packaging about salt iodization do not reflect salt iodine content. This highlights the importance and effectiveness of salt iodization and the need to strengthen this program in Uzbekistan.
Functions of Enyolreductase (ER) Domains of PKS Cluster in Lipid Synthesis and Enhancement of PUFAs Accumulation in Schizochytrium limacinum SR21 Using Triclosan as a Regulator of ER

The polyketide synthase (PKS) cluster genes are supposed to synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in S. limacinum. In this study, two enyolreductase (ER) genes located on PKS cluster were knocked out through homologous recombination to explore their functions. The knock-out of OrfB-ER (located on OrfB subunit) decreased lipid content and had obvious decrease on PUFAs content, indicating OrfB-ER domain played a vital role on PUFAs synthesis; the knock-out of OrfC-ER (located on OrfC subunit) decreased SFAs content and increased total lipid content, indicating OrfC-ER domain was likely to be related with SFAs synthesis, and lipid production could be improved by down-regulating OrfC-ER domain expression. Therefore, the addition of triclosan as a reported regulator of ER domain induced the increase of PUFAs production by 51.74% and lipids yield by 47.63%. Metabolic analysis indicated triclosan played its role through inhibiting the expression of OrfC-ER to reduce the feedback inhibition of SFAs and further to enhance NADPH synthesis for lipid production, and by weakening mevalonate pathway and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to shift precursors for lipid and PUFAs synthesis. This research illuminates functions of two ER domains in S. limacinum and provides a potential targets for improving lipid production.
Amino Anthraquinone: Synthesis, Characterization, and Its Application as an Active Material in Environmental Sensors

This work reports synthesis, thin film characterizations, and study of an organic semiconductor 2-aminoanthraquinone (AAq) for humidity and temperature sensing applications. The morphological and phase studies of AAq thin films are carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. To study the sensing properties of AAq, a surface type Au/AAq/Au sensor is fabricated by thermally depositing a 60 nm layer of AAq at a pressure of ~10−5 mbar on a pre-patterned gold (Au) electrodes with inter-electrode gap of 45 µm. To measure sensing capability of the Au/AAq/Au device, the variations in its capacitance and resistance are studied as a function of humidity and temperature. The Au/AAq/Au device measures and exhibits a linear change in capacitance and resistance when relative humidity (%RH) and temperature are varied. The AAq is a hydrophobic material which makes it one of the best candidates to be used as an active material in humidity sensors; on the other hand, its high melting point (575 K) is another appealing property that enables it for its potential applications in temperature sensors.
Understanding the Relationship between Predictors of Alcohol Consumption in Pregnancy: Towards Effective Prevention of FASD

Background: Prenatal alcohol exposure can produce serious changes in neurodevelopment that last a lifetime, as well as a wide range of congenital abnormalities, and is the main non-hereditary, avoidable cause of intellectual disability in developed countries. It is therefore crucial to understand the determinants of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This study is aimed at determining the factors that predict it, as well as the interactions between them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a random sample of 426 pregnant women being treated at the outpatient clinic of a public university hospital in Seville (Spain), when they were in their twentieth week of pregnancy. A custom-designed questionnaire was used for data collection and applied in the course of an interview administered by trained health professionals. The data collected were analyzed using hierarchical regression, moderation analysis, and a structural equations model. Results: Alcohol consumption prior to pregnancy proved to be the most powerful predictor of alcohol intake during pregnancy. Other particularly significant predictors were the percentage of professionals who gave correct advice to the expectant mother—not to consume any alcohol during pregnancy—and perception of the risk from drinking wine during pregnancy. The number of pregnancies correlates positively with alcohol intake during pregnancy, while the expectant mother’s level of education correlates negatively. Conclusions: Identifying these predictive factors will allow the design of more effective fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) prevention strategies.
MiR-214 Mediates Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Through Targeting Both WWOX and PTEN

Background: This study aimed to investigate interactions between miR-214, PTEN, and WWOX and their effect on AKT signaling during the NPC progression. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was highly prevalent with poor prognosis among the patients. MiR-214 reported as an important NPC biomarker was associated with regulation of biological functions. Methods: 5–8F and 6–10B NPC cells were transfected with miR-214 inhibitor. MTT and colony formation assays were performed to assess cell proliferation. PI staining assay was performed to determine distribution of cell cycle. Annexin-V/PI staining assay was used to evaluate cell apoptosis in NPC. The effects of miR-214 inhibitor on the expression levels of PTEN, WWOX, AKT signaling pathway, cell-cycle-, and apoptosis-associated proteins were assessed by Western blotting or qRT-PCR assay. PTEN and WWOX were knocked down using the corresponding shRNA to investigate their effects on miR-214 inhibitor involved in proapoptosis and antiproliferation mechanisms in NPC. Results: Inhibition of miR-214 suppressed cell growth and induced apoptosis of 5–8F and 6–10B cells. MiR-214 regulated the expression of both PTEN and WWOX through targeting the 3′-UTR. Inhibition of miR-214 promoted WWOX and PTEN expression, inactivated AKT signaling pathway, and regulated cell-cycle- and apoptosis-associated proteins. Knockdown of PTEN or WWOX reversed effects of miR-214 inhibitor on AKT signaling, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Conclusion: MiR-214 was suggested to induce cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis of NPC through directly targeting both PTEN and WWOX, which provided a novel therapeutic target for clinical treatment of NPC.
Effects of a high-DHA multi-nutrient supplement and exercise on mobility and cognition in older women (MOBILE): a randomised semi-blinded placebo-controlled study

Abstract There is a complex interplay between mobility and cognition in older adults. We have previously shown that a high-DHA multi-nutrient supplement improves habitual walking speed, verbal memory and psychomotor response latency in older women. Exercise also improves mobility and cognition in older adults, and n-3 fatty acids and exercise share a range of overlapping biological effects. This study examined for the first time the effects of the high-DHA multi-nutrient supplement and aerobic exercise on mobility and cognition in older women. Women (mean age 67 (sd 8) years) were assigned to the following groups: multi-nutrient (1 g DHA, 160 mg EPA, 240 mg Ginkgo biloba, 60 mg phosphatidylserine, 20 mg d-α tocopherol, 1 mg folic acid and 20 µg vitamin B12 per d, n 13), multi-nutrient and exercise (spin class twice per week, n 14), exercise and placebo (n 12) or placebo (n 12). The multi-nutrient was given for 24 weeks and exercise for 12 weeks. No treatment effects were observed for the primary outcome, habitual walking speed. Improvements in verbal memory and executive function were seen for all treatments groups v. placebo (all, P < 0·05). Significant improvements in self-reported emotional well-being were seen with multi-nutrient and exercise groups v. placebo (P = 0·03). The results suggest that the high-DHA multi-nutrient supplement produces similar improvements in cognitive function to aerobic exercise, offering the intriguing prospect that supplementation may be able to mitigate some of the effects of low physical activity on cognitive function in the elderly.
Scalable Hybrid Synthetic/Biocatalytic Route to Psilocybin

Abstract Psilocybin, the principal indole alkaloid of Psilocybe mushrooms, is currently undergoing clinical trials as a medication against treatment‐resistant depression and major depressive disorder. The psilocybin supply for pharmaceutical purposes is met by synthetic chemistry. We replaced the problematic phosphorylation step during synthesis with the mushroom kinase PsiK. This enzyme was biochemically characterized and used to produce one gram of psilocybin from psilocin within 20 minutes. We also describe a pilot‐scale protocol for recombinant PsiK that yielded 150 mg enzyme in active and soluble form. Our work consolidates the simplicity of tryptamine chemistry with the specificity and selectivity of enzymatic catalysis and helps provide access to an important drug at potentially reasonable cost.
Safety Aspects of Genetically Modified Lactic Acid Bacteria

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have a long history of use in the food industry. Some species are part of the normal human microbiota and have beneficial properties for human health. Their long-standing use and considerable biotechnological potential have led to the development of various systems for their engineering. Together with novel approaches such as CRISPR-Cas, the established systems for engineering now allow significant improvements to LAB strains. Nevertheless, genetically modified LAB (GM-LAB) still encounter disapproval and are under extensive regulatory requirements. This review presents data on the prospects for LAB to obtain ‘generally recognized as safe’ (GRAS) status. Genetic modification of LAB is discussed, together with problems that can arise from their engineering, including their dissemination into the environment and the spread of antibiotic resistance markers. Possible solutions that would allow the use of GM-LAB are described, such as biocontainment, alternative selection markers, and use of homologous DNA. The use of GM-LAB as cell factories in closed systems that prevent their environmental release is the least problematic aspect, and this is also discussed.
High Levels of Class I Major Histocompatibility Complex mRNA Are Present in Epstein–Barr Virus-Associated Gastric Adenocarcinomas

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is responsible for approximately 9% of stomach adenocarcinomas. EBV-encoded microRNAs have been reported as reducing the function of the class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) antigen presentation apparatus, which could allow infected cells to evade adaptive immune responses. Using data from nearly 400 human gastric carcinomas (GCs), we assessed the impact of EBV on MHC-I heavy and light chain mRNA levels, as well as multiple other components essential for antigen processing and presentation. Unexpectedly, mRNA levels of these genes were as high, or higher, in EBV-associated gastric carcinomas (EBVaGCs) compared to normal control tissues or other GC subtypes. This coordinated upregulation could have been a consequence of the higher intratumoral levels of interferon γ in EBVaGCs, which correlated with signatures of increased infiltration by T and natural killer (NK) cells. These results indicate that EBV-encoded products do not effectively reduce mRNA levels of the MHC-I antigen presentation apparatus in human GCs.
Evaluating Preschool Visual Attentional Selective-Set: Preliminary ERP Modeling and Simulation of Target Enhancement Homology

We reanalyzed, modeled and simulated Event-Related Potential (ERP) data from 13 healthy children (Mean age = 5.12, Standard Deviation = 0.75) during a computerized visual sustained target detection task. Extending an ERP-based ACT–R (Adaptive Control of Thought–Rational) neurocognitive modeling approach, we tested whether visual sustained selective-set attention in preschool children involves the enhancement of neural response to targets, and it shows key adult-like features (neurofunctional homology). Blinded automatic peaks analysis was conducted on vincentized binned grand ERP averages. Time-course and distribution of scalp activity were detailed through topographic mapping and paths analysis. Reaction times and accuracy were also measured. Adult Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based mapping using ACT–R dipole source modeling and electric-field spiking simulation provided very good fit with the actual ERP data (R2 > 0.70). In most electrodes, between 50 and 400 ms, ERPs concurrent with target presentation were enhanced relative to distractor, without manual response confounds. Triangulation of peak analysis, ACT–R modeling and simulation for the entire ERP epochs up to the moment of manual response (~700 ms, on average) suggested converging evidence of distinct but interacting processes of enhancement and planning for response release/inhibition, respectively. The latter involved functions and structures consistent with adult ERP activity which might correspond to a large-scale network, implicating Dorsal and Ventral Attentional Networks, corticostriatal loops, and subcortical hubs connected to prefrontal cortex top-down working memory executive control. Although preliminary, the present approach suggests novel directions for further tests and falsifiable hypotheses on the origins and development of visual selective attention and their ERP correlates.
Estimating the Threshold Effects of Climate on Dengue: A Case Study of Taiwan

Climate change is regarded as one of the major factors enhancing the transmission intensity of dengue fever. In this study, we estimated the threshold effects of temperature on Aedes mosquito larval index as an early warning tool for dengue prevention. We also investigated the relationship between dengue vector index and dengue epidemics in Taiwan using weekly panel data for 17 counties from January 2012 to May 2019. To achieve our goals, we first applied the panel threshold regression technique to test for threshold effects and determine critical temperature values. Data were then further decomposed into different sets corresponding to different temperature regimes. Finally, negative binomial regression models were applied to assess the non-linear relationship between meteorological factors and Breteau index (BI). At the national level, we found that a 1°C temperature increase caused the expected value of BI to increase by 0.09 units when the temperature is less than 27.21 °C, and by 0.26 units when the temperature is greater than 27.21 °C. At the regional level, the dengue vector index was more sensitive to temperature changes because double threshold effects were found in the southern Taiwan model. For southern Taiwan, as the temperature increased by 1°C, the expected value of BI increased by 0.29, 0.63, and 1.49 units when the average temperature was less than 27.27 °C, between 27.27 and 30.17 °C, and higher than 30.17 °C, respectively. In addition, the effects of precipitation and relative humidity on BI became stronger when the average temperature exceeded the thresholds. Regarding the impacts of climate change on BI, our results showed that the potential effects on BI range from 3.5 to 54.42% under alternative temperature scenarios. By combining threshold regression techniques with count data regression models, this study provides evidence of threshold effects between climate factors and the dengue vector index. The proposed threshold of temperature could be incorporated into the implementation of public health measures and risk prediction to prevent and control dengue fever in the future.
How Far Is Inclusivity of Financial Services Associated With Food Insecurity in Later Life? Implications for Health Policy and Sustainable Development Goals

This study investigates how financial services inclusion (FSI) may affect food insecurity among older Ghanaians and seeks to identify any modifying roles of age and gender in the associations. Data were analyzed for 1,200 adults aged 50+ years. Generalized linear models with a logit link function examined associations and interaction terms. Average FSI score was 1.9 (SD = 1.8), and the prevalence of hunger and breakfast skipping were 35.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: [32.9%, 38.4%]) and 28.8% (95% CI: [26.3%, 31.5%]) respectively. After full adjustment for potential confounders, FSI was associated with 0.459 (95% CI: [0.334, 0.629]) and 0.599 (95% CI: [0.434, 0.827]) times lower odds for hunger and breakfast skipping respectively. However, the corresponding interactions were statistically insignificant. The findings indicate the potentially important role of FSI in reducing food insecurity in later life. Development of policies to empower older people economically through increased financial literacy and easier access to financial services may help actualize the Sustainable Development Goal 2.
Self-Compassionate Responses to an Imagined Sexual Assault

This research assesses the relationship between self-compassion and well-being following an imagined trauma (i.e., sexual assault) and shows positive outcomes from a self-compassion induction. After a pilot study (N = 54) established the believability of a sexual assault scenario, the primary study randomly assigned female participants (N = 141) to a self-compassion or control condition. Participants read educational prompts (self-compassion and verbal learning or verbal learning only), completed comprehension questions, read and wrote about a hypothetical scenario from a compassionate perspective or generally, and completed the trait self-compassion scale. Regression analyses showed trait and induced self-compassion predicted less negative outcomes.
mTORC2 Steals the Spotlight

Therapeutic Inhibition of mTORC2 Rescues the Behavioral and Neurophysiological Abnormalities Associated With PTEN-Deficiency Chen C, Sgritta M, Mays J, et al. Nat Med. 2019;25(11):1684-1690. doi:10.1038/s41591-019-0608-y. Dysregulation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, which is mediated by 2 structurally and functionally distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, has been implicated in several neurological disorders. Individuals carrying loss-of-function mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene, a negative regulator of mTOR signaling, are prone to developing macrocephaly, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), seizures, and intellectual disability. It is generally believed that the neurological symptoms associated with loss of PTEN and other mTORopathies (eg, mutations in the tuberous sclerosis genes TSC1 or TSC2) are due to hyperactivation of mTORC1-mediated protein synthesis. Using molecular genetics, we unexpectedly found that genetic deletion of mTORC2 (but not mTORC1) activity prolonged life span, suppressed seizures, rescued ASD-like behaviors and long-term memory, and normalized metabolic changes in the brain of mice lacking Pten. In a more therapeutically oriented approach, we found that administration of an antisense oligonucleotide targeting mTORC2’s defining component Rictor specifically inhibits mTORC2 activity and reverses the behavioral and neurophysiological abnormalities in adolescent Pten-deficient mice. Collectively, our findings indicate that mTORC2 is the major driver underlying the neuropathophysiology associated with Pten-deficiency, and its therapeutic reduction could represent a promising and broadly effective translational therapy for neurological disorders where mTOR signaling is dysregulated.