Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Phenotype of the Adipocytes Derived from Subcutaneous and Visceral ADMSCs Is Altered When They Originate from Morbidly Obese Women: Is There a Memory Effect?

Adipose tissue is an abundant source of mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). Evidence has suggested that depot-specific ADMSCs (obtained from subcutaneous or visceral adipose tissue–subADMSCs or visADMSCs, respectively) account for differential responses of each depot to metabolic challenges. However, little is known about the phenotype and changes in metabolism of the adipocytes derived from ADMSCs of obese individuals. Therefore, we investigated the phenotypic and metabolic characteristics, particularly the lipid profile, of fully differentiated adipocytes derived from ADMSCs of lean and obese (with/without metabolic syndrome) postmenopausal women. We observed a depot-specific pattern, with more pronounced changes present in the adipocytes obtained from subADMSCs. Namely, chronic oversupply of fatty acids (present in morbid obesity) triggered an increase in CD36/SR-B2 and FATP4 protein content (total and cell surface), which translated to an increased LCFA influx (3H-palmitate uptake). This was associated with the accumulation of TAG and DAG in these cells. Furthermore, we observed that the adipocytes of visADMSCs origin were larger and showed smaller granularity than their counterparts of subADMSCs descent. Although ADMSCs were cultured in vitro, in a fatty acids-deprived environment, obesity significantly influenced the functionality of the progenitor adipocytes, suggesting the existence of a memory effect.
Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa Protects against a Hyperosmotic, Formula Feeding Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), an inflammatory disease of the intestine, is a common gastrointestinal emergency among preterm infants. Intestinal barrier dysfunction, hyperactivation of the premature immune system, and dysbiosis are thought to play major roles in the disease. Human milk (HM) is protective, but the mechanisms underpinning formula feeding as a risk factor in the development of NEC are incompletely understood. Hyaluronic acid 35 kDa (HA35), a bioactive glycosaminoglycan of HM, accelerates intestinal development in murine pups during homeostasis. In addition, HA35 prevents inflammation-induced tissue damage in pups subjected to murine NEC, incorporating Paneth cell dysfunction and dysbiosis. We hypothesized HA35 treatment would reduce histological injury and mortality in a secondary mouse model of NEC incorporating formula feeding. NEC-like injury was induced in 14-day mice by dithizone-induced disruption of Paneth cells and oral gavage of rodent milk substitute. Mortality and histological injury, serum and tissue cytokine levels, stool bacterial sequencing, and bulk RNA-Seq comparisons were analyzed. HA35 significantly reduced the severity of illness in this model, with a trend toward reduced mortality, while RNA-Seq analysis demonstrated HA35 upregulated genes associated with goblet cell function and innate immunity. Activation of these critical protective and reparative mechanisms of the small intestine likely play a role in the reduced pathology and enhanced survival trends of HA-treated pups subjected to intestinal inflammation in this secondary model of NEC, providing potentially interesting translational targets for the human preterm disease.
The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Fbxo4 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor: Its Biological Importance and Therapeutic Perspectives

Simple Summary Fbxo4 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that requires the formation of a complex with S-phase kinase-associated protein 1 and Cullin1 to catalyze the ubiquitylation of its substrates. Moreover, Fbxo4 depends on the existence of posttranslational modifications and/or co-factor to be activated to perform its biological functions. The well-known Fbxo4 substrates have oncogenic or oncogene-like activities, for example, cyclin D1, Trf1/Pin2, p53, Fxr1, Mcl-1, ICAM-1, and PPARγ; therefore, Fbxo4 is defined as a tumor suppressor. Biologically, Fbxo4 regulates cell cycle progression, DNA damage response, tumor metabolism, cellular senescence, metastasis and tumor cells’ response to chemotherapeutic compounds. Clinicopathologically, the expression of Fbxo4 is associated with patients’ prognosis depending on different tumor types. Regarding to its complicated regulation, more in-depth studies are encouraged to dissect the detailed molecular mechanisms to facilitate developing new treatment through targeting Fbxo4. Abstract Fbxo4, also known as Fbx4, belongs to the F-box protein family with a conserved F-box domain. Fbxo4 can form a complex with S-phase kinase-associated protein 1 and Cullin1 to perform its biological functions. Several proteins are identified as Fbxo4 substrates, including cyclin D1, Trf1/Pin2, p53, Fxr1, Mcl-1, ICAM-1, and PPARγ. Those factors can regulate cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, survival/apoptosis, and migration/invasion, highlighting their oncogenic or oncogene-like activities. Therefore, Fbxo4 is defined as a tumor suppressor. The biological functions of Fbxo4 make it a potential candidate for developing new targeted therapies. This review summarizes the gene and protein structure of Fbxo4, the mechanisms of how its expression and activity are regulated, and its substrates, biological functions, and clinicopathological importance in human cancers.
Hempseed (Cannabis sativa) Peptide H3 (IGFLIIWV) Exerts Cholesterol-Lowering Effects in Human Hepatic Cell Line

Hempseed (Cannabis sativa) protein is an important source of bioactive peptides. H3 (IGFLIIWV), a transepithelial transported intestinal peptide obtained from the hydrolysis of hempseed protein with pepsin, carries out antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in HepG2 cells. In this study, the main aim was to assess its hypocholesterolemic effects at a cellular level and the mechanisms behind this health-promoting activity. The results showed that peptide H3 inhibited the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl co-enzyme A reductase (HMGCoAR) activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 59 μM. Furthermore, the activation of the sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBP)-2 transcription factor, followed by the increase of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) protein levels, was observed in human hepatic HepG2 cells treated with peptide H3 at 25 µM. Meanwhile, peptide H3 regulated the intracellular HMGCoAR activity through the increase of its phosphorylation by the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-pathways. Consequently, the augmentation of the LDLR localized on the cellular membranes led to the improved ability of HepG2 cells to uptake extracellular LDL with a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Unlike the complete hempseed hydrolysate (HP), peptide H3 can reduce the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) protein levels and its secretion in the extracellular environment via the decrease of hepatic nuclear factor 1-α (HNF1-α). Considering all these evidences, H3 may represent a new bioactive peptide to be used for the development of dietary supplements and/or peptidomimetics for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention.
Using Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Extract to Improve the Welfare, Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Broiler Chicken

Simple Summary The latest trends in livestock husbandry and breeding are directed towards expanding production, which includes the use of natural products, such as herbs, in animal nutrition. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of an aqueous solution of milk thistle administered at chosen concentrations on the welfare, production results, selected physicochemical properties of the breast muscles, the activity of selected enzymes, and the antioxidant potential of the blood serum and breast muscles of broiler chickens. On the basis of the obtained results, it was found that both concentration levels of the milk thistle extract showed a significant effect on some of the growth performance, antioxidant capacity in the blood serum, and in pectoral muscle and welfare. Abstract Modern poultry production looks for feed and water additives that improve the welfare of chickens. The utilization of herbs as additives in feed or drinking water is becoming increasingly well known. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of milk thistle extract (Silybum marianum), administered in drinking water, on chickens’ welfare, production results, selected physicochemical properties of the breast muscles, the activity of selected enzymes, and the antioxidant potential of blood serum and breast muscles. A total of 102 one-day-old male ROSS 308 chicks were allocated into three treatment groups. The material was an infusion of dried milk thistle seeds in two doses, administered in drinking water for chickens (group: C = 0; E1 = 0.24; E2 = 0.36 g/day/animal) under standard rearing conditions. As a result of adding the milk thistle to the drinking water, there was an improvement in the welfare of the chickens and in the production results, enzymatic capacity of selected enzymes, and antioxidant capacity in the blood serum and in pectoral muscle (p ≤ 0.05). The addition of a milk thistle seed infusion for chickens can be used in poultry production to improve the rearing performance antioxidant capacity and welfare of chickens.
NVCL-Based Hydrogels and Composites for Biomedical Applications: Progress in the Last Ten Years

Hydrogels consist of three-dimensionally crosslinked polymeric chains, are hydrophilic, have the ability to absorb other molecules in their structure and are relatively easy to obtain. However, in order to improve some of their properties, usually mechanical, or to provide them with some physical, chemical or biological characteristics, hydrogels have been synthesized combined with other synthetic or natural polymers, filled with inorganic nanoparticles, metals, and even polymeric nanoparticles, giving rise to composite hydrogels. In general, different types of hydrogels have been synthesized; however, in this review, we refer to those obtained from the thermosensitive polymer poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) and we focus on the definition, properties, synthesis techniques, nanomaterials used as fillers in composites and mainly applications of PNVCL-based hydrogels in the biomedical area. This type of material has great potential in biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, as antimicrobials and in diagnostic and bioimaging.
Feeding Strategies to Mitigate Enteric Methane Emission from Ruminants in Grassland Systems

Simple Summary Ruminants under grazing conditions play an important role, especially in developing countries. Enteric methane emissions from ruminants are greater with pasture-based diets; however, it is not clear which abatement practices are effective to reduce methane emissions under grazing conditions. The objective of this review was to identify and describe enteric methane abatement practices for ruminants that are applicable under grazing conditions. Decreasing the pre-grazing herbage mass reduced methane emissions per unit of product. Other grazing management practices such as increased stocking rate, decreased forage maturity, rotational stocking, and incorporating tannin-containing or non-tannin-containing legumes showed inconsistent results. Nitrogen fertilization or silvopastoral systems did not modify methane emissions, although they may alter carbon sequestration in a system. Supplementation in grazing conditions shows inconsistent responses on methane emissions. However, lipid supplementation showed promising results. Identifying and implementing grazing strategies and supplementation practices under grazing conditions is required to increase efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of these systems. Abstract Ruminants produce approximately 30% of total anthropogenic methane emissions globally. The objective of this manuscript was to review nutritional enteric methane abatement practices for ruminants that are applicable under grazing conditions. A total of 1548 peer-reviewed research articles related to the abatement of enteric methane emissions were retrieved and classified into four categories: non-experimental, in vitro, in vivo confined, and in vivo grazing. The methane abatement strategies for grazing systems were arranged into grazing management and supplementation practices. Only 9% of the retrieved papers have been conducted under grazing conditions. Eight grazing management practices have been evaluated to reduce methane emissions. Decreasing the pre-grazing herbage mass reduced the methane emission per unit of product. Other grazing management practices such as increased stocking rate, decreased forage maturity, rotational stocking, and incorporating tannin-containing or non-tannin-containing feeds showed contradictory results. Nitrogen fertilization or silvopastoral systems did not modify methane emissions. Conversely, supplementation practices in grazing conditions showed contradictory responses on methane emissions. Lipid supplementation showed promising results and suggests applicability under grazing conditions. Identifying and implementing grazing strategies and supplementation practices under grazing conditions is required to increase efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of these systems.
Detection the eDNA of Batrachuperus taibaiensis from the Zhouzhi Heihe River Using a Nested PCR Method and DNA Barcoding

Simple Summary The Taibai stream salamander (Batrachuperus taibaiensis) is a protected species endemic to the Zhouzhi Heihe River. Few traditional studies have been conducted on the distribution of B. taibaiensis, leading to irregular discoveries. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an ideal species detection technique that can increase accuracy and decrease the cost of population surveys. Here, we have established an optimal method for obtaining the eDNA of B. taibaiensis from water samples, which provides a theoretical basis and reference for resource investigation and protection of B. taibaiensis. Moreover, this study highlights the detection of a rare species in a river for use in further research. Abstract The Taibai stream salamander (Batrachuperus taibaiensis) is a recently described species of the genus Batrachuperus that occurs in the Zhouzhi Heihe River and is endangered in its native range. Here, we have established a method for water environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis of Batrachuperus using a series of optimizations. We have designed a specific set of primers for the genus Batrachuperus to amplify a 160 bp fragment of Cytb. The sequences were obtained from nested PCR on eDNA extracted from water samples, after which DNA barcoding was performed according to sequence analysis to determine the presence of the target species in the water. The method was validated using water from the Zhouzhi Heihe River with known B. taibaiensis populations and found that B. taibaiensis eDNA can move at least 150 m downstream from its point of origin. This study is the first to establish an optimal method for obtaining the eDNA of Batrachuperus from water samples, which provides a theoretical basis for resource investigation and the protection of B. taibaiensis in future research. It is also an example of the eDNA extraction of other species that live in similar waters and are less genetically diverse between species.
Modelling of the Deformation Diffusion Areas on a Para-Aramid Fabric with B-Spline Curves

The geometrical modelling of the planar energy diffusion behaviors of the deformations on a para-aramid fabric has been performed. In the application process of the study, in the experimental period, drop test with bullets of different weights has been applied. The B-spline curve-generating technique has been used in the study. This is an efficient method for geometrical modelling of the deformation diffusion areas formed after the drop test. Proper control points have been chosen to be able to draw the borders of the diffusion areas on the fabric which is deformed, and then the De Casteljau and De Boor algorithms have been used. The Holditch area calculation according to the beams taken at certain fixed lengths has been performed for the B-spline border curve obtained as a closed form. After the calculations, it has been determined that the diffusion area where the bullet with pointed end was dropped on a para-aramid fabric is bigger and the diffusion area where the bullet with rounded end was dropped is smaller when compared with the areas where other bullets with different ends were dropped.
The study on measurement methods of phase modulation characteristics for universal liquid crystal spatial light modulator

The universal liquid crystal spatial light modulator (LC-SLM) was widely used in many aspects of optical study. The working principles and application of LC-SLM were introduced briefly. The traditional Twyman-Green interference method which was used to measure the phase modulation characteristics of universal liquid spatial light modulator had some obvious disadvantages in the practical use, such as high environmental requirement and difficult interference fringes acquisition. The disadvantages of traditional Twyman-Green interference method gained the difficulty of carrying out corresponding optical measurement experiments. To avoid this, the traditional Twyman-Green interference method was improved in the paper. The experimental light path was designed anew. Distinct and stable interference fringes could be acquired by controlling the optical path difference (OPD) dynamically. To verify the validity of the newly proposed measurement method, the phase modulation characteristics of P512-1064 LC-SLM produced by Meadowlark Company were measured by utilizing the improved Twyman-Green interference method at the wavelength of 632.8 nm which was beyond the working wavelengths of the LC-SLM. A series of gray images covering the gray degree from 1 to 256 which were generated by computer were used in the experiment. An extra lens was added in front of a reflector in the optical path to control the OPD dynamically. 256 interference images were acquired after loading the gray image into the LC-SLM in order. After that, the acquired interference images should be pre-processed by several digital image processing methods for easier measurement later. Specifically, the method of gray filtering and morphological processing were adopted to make the interference fringes clearer and thinner in the corresponding processing. Then, the phase modulation curve of the LC-SLM was acquired through numerical computation of the cycles of the interference fringes. In general, the phase modulation curve we acquired was not so accurate in the practical use, as the LC-SLM was required to work from zero to 2pi in the linear interval. So, the nonlinear interval among the phase modulation curve should be compensated and corrected. Here, the method of inverse interpolation which was regarded as one of the most common phase correcting methods was utilized. The corrected phase modulation curve was acquired after numerical computation. The results shows that the improved Twyman-Green interference method could realize the dynamic control of the interference fringes. As a result, the method's requirement for external experiment environment was reduced and its feasibility was improved. Also, the Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) between the calibrated phase modulation curve and the ideal phase modulation curve was reduced.
Dynamic Changes in Volatile Compounds of Shaken Black Tea during Its Manufacture by GC × GC–TOFMS and Multivariate Data Analysis

Changes in key odorants of shaken black tea (SBT) during its manufacture were determined using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC–TOFMS) and multivariate data analysis. A total of 241 volatiles was identified, comprising 49 aldehydes, 40 esters, 29 alcohols, 34 ketones, 30 aromatics, 24 alkenes, 17 alkanes, 13 furans, and 5 other compounds. A total of 27 volatiles had average relative odor activity values (rOAVs) greater than 1, among which (E)-β-ionone, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, and 1-octen-3-one exhibited the highest values. According to the criteria of variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1, p < 0.05, and |log2FC| > 1, 61 discriminatory volatile compounds were screened out, of which 26 substances were shared in the shaking stage (FL vs. S1, S1 vs. S2, S2 vs. S3). The results of the orthogonal partial least squares discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA) differentiated the influence of shaking, fermentation, and drying processes on the formation of volatile compounds in SBT. In particular, (Z)-3-hexenol, (Z)-hexanoic acid, 3-hexenyl ester, (E)-β-farnesene, and indole mainly formed in the shaking stage, which promoted the formation of the floral and fruity flavor of black tea. This study enriches the basic theory of black tea flavor quality and provide the theoretical basis for the further development of aroma quality control.
Shaping Pathways to Child Health: A Systematic Review of Street-Scale Interventions in City Streets

Street-level built environment factors, for example, walking infrastructure, building density, availability of public transport, and proliferation of fast-food outlets can impact on health by influencing our ability to engage in healthy behaviour. Unhealthy environments are often clustered in deprived areas, thus interventions to improve the built environments may improve health and reduce inequalities. The aim of this review was to identify whether street-level built environment interventions can improve children’s health in high income countries. A secondary aim was to describe key built environment elements targeted in interventions and research gaps. A systematic review of published literature was conducted by a multi-disciplinary team. Ten intervention papers were included. Physical activity or play was the only health outcome assessed. Most interventions described temporary changes including closure of streets to traffic (N = 6), which were mainly located in deprived neighbourhoods, or the addition of technology to ‘gamify’ active travel to school (N = 2). Two studies reported permanent changes to street design. There was limited evidence that closing streets to traffic was associated with increases in activity or play and inconclusive evidence with changes to street design and using technology to gamify active travel. Our ability to draw conclusions was hampered by inadequate study designs. Description of interventions was poor. Rigorous evaluation of built environment interventions remains challenging. We recommend a multi-disciplinary approach to evaluation, explicit reporting of built environment indicators targeted in interventions and offer solutions to others working in this area.