Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soybean root growth in relation to ionic composition in magnesium-amended acid subsoils: Implications on root citrate ameliorating aluminum constraints

Abstract Hydroponic studies with soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) have shown that µmol L−1 additions of Mg2+ were as effective in ameliorating Al rhizotoxicity as additions of Ca2+in the mmol L−1 concentration range. The objectives of this study were to assess the ameliorative effects of Mg on soybean root growth in acidic subsoils and to relate the soil solution ionic compositions to soybean root growth. Roots of soybean cultivar Plant Introduction 416937 extending from a limed surface soil compartment grew for 28 days into a subsurface compartment containing acid subsoils from the Cecil (oxidic and kaolinitic), Creedmoor (montmorillonitic) and Norfolk (kaolinitic) series. The three Mg treatments consisted of native equilibrium soil solution concentrations in each soil (50 or 100 µmol L−1) and MgCl2 additions to achieve 150 and 300 µmol L−1 Mg (Mg150 and Mg300, respectively) in the soil solutions. Root elongations into Mg-treated subsoils were compared with a CaCO3 treatment limed to achieve a soil pH value of 6. Subsoil root growth responses to the Mg treatments were less than for the lime treatments. Root length relative to the limed treatments for all subsoils (RRL) was poorly related to the activity of the soil solution Al species (Al3+ and Al-hydroxyl species) and Mg2+. However, the RRL values were more closely related to the parameters associated with soil solution Ca activity, including (Ca2+), (Al3+)/(Ca2+) and (Al3+)/([Ca2+] + [Mg2+]), suggesting that Ca could be a primary factor ameliorating Al and H+ rhizotoxicity in these subsoils. Increased tolerance to Al rhizotoxicity of soybean by micromolar Mg additions to hydroponic solutions, inducing citrate secretion from roots to externally complex toxic Al, may be less important in acid subsoils with low native Ca levels.
Estimation of Flat Object Deformation Using RGB-D Sensor for Robot Reproduction

This paper introduces a system that can estimate the deformation process of a deformed flat object (folded plane) and generate the input data for a robot with human-like dexterous hands and fingers to reproduce the same deformation of another similar object. The system is based on processing RGB data and depth data with three core techniques: a weighted graph clustering method for non-rigid point matching and clustering; a refined region growing method for plane detection on depth data based on an offset error defined by ourselves; and a novel sliding checking model to check the bending line and adjacent relationship between each pair of planes. Through some evaluation experiments, we show the improvement of the core techniques to conventional studies. By applying our approach to different deformed papers, the performance of the entire system is confirmed to have around 1.59 degrees of average angular error, which is similar to the smallest angular discrimination of human eyes. As a result, for the deformation of the flat object caused by folding, if our system can get at least one feature point cluster on each plane, it can get spatial information of each bending line and each plane with acceptable accuracy. The subject of this paper is a folded plane, but we will develop it into a robotic reproduction of general object deformation.
Nitric oxide modulates bone anabolism through regulation of osteoblast glycolysis and differentiation.

Previous studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) supplements may prevent bone loss and fractures in preclinical models of estrogen deficiency. However, the mechanisms by which NO modulates bone anabolism remain largely unclear. Argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) is the only mammalian enzyme capable of synthesizing arginine, the sole precursor for nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent NO synthesis. Moreover, ASL is also required for channeling extracellular arginine to NOS for NO production. ASL deficiency (ASLD) is thus a model to study cell-autonomous, NOS-dependent NO deficiency. Here, we report that loss of ASL led to decreased NO production and impairment of osteoblast differentiation. Mechanistically, the bone phenotype was at least in part driven by the loss of NO-mediated activation of the glycolysis pathway in osteoblasts that led to decreased osteoblast differentiation and function. Heterozygous deletion of Caveolin-1, a negative regulator of NO synthesis, restored NO production, osteoblast differentiation, glycolysis, and bone mass in a hypomorphic mouse model of ASLD. The translational significance of these preclinical studies was further reiterated by studies conducted in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from an individual with ASLD. Taken together, our findings suggest that ASLD is a unique genetic model for studying NO-dependent osteoblast function and that the NO-glycolysis pathway may be a new target to modulate bone anabolism.
Formation of Uni-Lamellar Vesicles in Mixtures of DPPC with PEO-b-PCL Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymers

The ability of mixtures of 1.2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and the amphiphilic diblock copolymers poly (ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEO-b-PCL) to stabilize uni-lamellar nano-vesicles is reported. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) is used to define their size distribution and bilayer structure and resolve the copresence of aggregates and clusters in solution. The vesicles have a broad size distribution which is compatible with bilayer membranes of relatively low bending stiffness. Their mean diameter increases moderately with temperature and their number density and mass is higher in the case of the diblock copolymer with the larger hydrophobic block. Bayesian analysis is performed in order to justify the use of the particular SANS fitting model and confirm the reliability of the extracted parameters. This study shows that amphiphilic block copolymers can be effectively used to prepare mixed lipid-block copolymer vesicles with controlled lamellarity and a significant potential as nanocarriers for drug delivery.
Urban sprawl into Natura 2000 network over Europe

Urban growth is a major threat to biodiversity conservation at the global scale. Its impacts are expected to be especially detrimental when it sprawls into the landscape and reaches sites of high conservation value due to the species and ecosystems they host, such as protected areas. I analyzed the degree of urbanization (i.e., urban cover and growth rate) from 2006 to 2015 in protected sites in the Natura 2000 network, which, according to the Habitats and Birds Directives, harbor species and habitats of high conservation concern in Europe. I used data on the degree of land imperviousness from COPERNICUS to calculate and compare urban covers and growth rates inside and outside Natura 2000. I also analyzed the relationships of urban cover and growth rates with a set of characteristics of Natura sites. Urban cover inside Natura 2000 was 10 times lower than outside (0.4% vs. 4%) throughout the European Union. However, the rates of urban growth were slightly higher inside than outside Natura 2000 (4.8% vs. 3.9%), which indicates an incipient urban sprawl inside the network. In general, Natura sites affected most by urbanization were those surrounded by densely populated areas (i.e., urban clusters) that had a low number of species or habitats of conservation concern, albeit some member states had high urban cover or growth rate or both in protected sites with a large number of species or habitats of high conservation value. Small Natura sites had more urban cover than large sites, but urban growth rates were highest in large Natura sites. Natura 2000 is protected against urbanization to some extent, but there is room for improvement. Member states must enact stricter legal protection and control law enforcement to halt urban sprawl into protected areas under the greatest pressure from urban sprawl (i.e., close to urban clusters). Such actions are particularly needed in Natura sites with high urban cover and growth rates and areas where urbanization is affecting small Natura sites of high conservation value, which are especially vulnerable and concentrated in the Mediterranean region.
Hypoalbuminemia on Admission as an Independent Risk Factor for Acute Functional Decline after Infection

The risk of acute functional decline increases with age, and concepts including frailty and post-acute care syndrome have been proposed; however, the effects of the nutritional status currently remain unclear. Patients admitted to the emergency department of Hitachi General Hospital for infectious diseases between April 2018 and May 2019 were included. To identify risk factors for functional decline at discharge, defined as Barthel Index <60, we investigated basic characteristics, such as age, sex, disease severity, the pre-morbid care status, and cognitive impairment, as well as laboratory data on admission, including albumin as a nutritional assessment indicator. In total, 460 surviving patients out of 610 hospitalized for infection were analyzed. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, factors independently associated with Barthel Index <60 at discharge were age (adjusted OR 1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.06, p = 0.022), serum albumin (adjusted OR: 0.63, 95%CI: 0.41–0.99, p = 0.043), and the need for care prior to admission (adjusted OR: 5.92, 95%CI: 3.15–11.15, p < 0.001). Hypoalbuminemia on admission in addition to age and the need for care prior to admission were identified as risk factors for functional decline in patients hospitalized for infection. Functional decline did not correlate with the severity of illness.
Budding and fission dynamics of two-component vesicles

We studied the shape deformation induced by the phase separation of two-component vesicles using a dissipative particle dynamics simulation. Two types of amphiphiles, which have the same architecture but segregate from each other, are modeled by connecting particles representing the hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail groups. After vesicle formation using a single component system, some of the amphiphiles are replaced by a second component, and then phase separation on the vesicle is simulated. Under appropriate conditions, typical shape deformations of a vesicle, such as crenated and invaginated shapes, are observed. We demonstrate that the budding and the fission are facilitated by lateral phase separation upon vesicle coupling to an asymmetric transversal distribution of amphiphiles in the bilayer. Moreover, simulations show a possible new pathway for the fission process triggered by cleavage along the domain boundary. Mesoscopic simulation based on a simple coarse-graining model reveals the dynamics of amphiphiles in vesicles that is essentially unpredictable using a conventional continuum model or full atomistic simulation.
Periprandial response of central cannabinoid system to different feeding conditions in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

ABSTRACT Background The mechanisms that regulate food intake are very complex since they comprise several neuroendocrine and metabolic signals responding to energetic or reward requirements. Previous studies in mammals indicate that cannabinoid system is implicated in homeostatic and hedonic regulation of food intake. In fish, several studies describe the components of this system, but only a little information is available regarding their role in food intake and energy balance regulation. Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the main components of cannabinoid system related to feeding conditions in fish. Methods Samples of blood and different brain areas (telencephalon and hypothalamus) were taken from rainbow trout under different nutritional status (fasted, fed and refed) at different periprandial times (−30, 0, +30 and +180 min). Results Changes in AEA and 2-AG levels were observed in plasma related to the nutritional status and the sampling times assessed. At central levels, changes in endocannabinoids levels were observed in hypothalamus and in mRNA abundance of cnr1 and tprv1 in telencephalon and faah, gpr55 and fos in both brain areas. Discussion The results obtained suggest a role of endocannabinoid system in the regulation of food intake in fish at central level but further studies are required to fully elucidate the mechanisms involved.
Current Prevalence of Oral Helicobacter pylori among Japanese Adults Determined Using a Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay

In Japan, gastric Helicobacter pylori infection prevalence has markedly decreased with socioeconomic development. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of oral H. pylori in Japanese adults in 2020 by sex, age, sampling site, and medical history. Unstimulated saliva, supragingival biofilm, and tongue coating were obtained from 88 subjects–with no complaints of upper digestive symptoms–attending a dentist’s office for dental check-up or disorders. Supragingival biofilm was collected from the upper incisors, lower incisors, upper right molars and lower left molars to analyze the characteristic distribution. Oral H. pylori was detected using nested polymerase chain reaction. Oral H. pylori prevalence did not statistically differ by sex or age. Supragingival biofilm (30.7%) was the most common oral H. pylori niche; it was also detected in 4.5% of saliva and 2.3% of tongue samples. The lower incisor was the most common site among the supragingival biofilm samples, followed by the upper incisors, lower left molars, and upper right molars. Oral H. pylori DNA was frequently detected in patients with a history of gastric H. pylori infection. Oral H. pylori has a characteristic distribution independent of sex and age, suggesting that it is part of the normal microflora in the adult oral cavity.
Micronutrients and Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Related to Cardiometabolic Health: Results from the EHES-LUX Study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) characteristics include chronic inflammation and elevated oxidative stress. This study assessed associations between circulating concentrations of micronutrients/phytochemicals and inflammatory/oxidative stress markers with MetS and MetS components. Adults (N = 606) from the European Health Examination Survey in Luxembourg (2013–2015) were randomly selected. We performed a multivariable logistic regression model using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator to identify MetS-associated variables. Participants with MetS had higher concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, leptin, insulin, and vitamins E/A, but lower concentrations of adiponectin, beta-carotene, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein. A one-unit increase in log-CRP was associated with 51% greater odds of MetS (OR = 1.51 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.98)). Adults with a one-unit increase in log-leptin were 3.1 times more likely to have MetS (3.10 (2.10, 4.72)). Women with a one-unit increase in vitamin A were associated with 3% increased odds of MetS (1.03 (1.01, 1.05)), while those with a one-unit increase in log-adiponectin were associated with 82% decreased odds (0.18 (0.07, 0.46)). Chronic inflammation best characterized adults with MetS, as CRP, adiponectin, and leptin were selected as the main MetS determinants. Micronutrients did not seem to affect MetS, except for vitamin A in women.
Identification of Withania somnifera-Silybum marianum-Trigonella foenum-graecum Formulation as a Nutritional Supplement to Contrast Muscle Atrophy and Sarcopenia

Background: Muscle atrophy, i.e., the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is an unresolved problem associated with aging (sarcopenia) and several pathological conditions. The imbalance between myofibrillary protein breakdown (especially the adult isoforms of myosin heavy chain, MyHC) and synthesis, and the reduction of muscle regenerative potential are main causes of muscle atrophy. Methods: Starting from one-hundred dried hydroalcoholic extracts of medical plants, we identified those able to contrast the reduction of C2C12 myotube diameter in well-characterized in vitro models mimicking muscle atrophy associated to inflammatory states, glucocorticoid treatment or nutrient deprivation. Based on their ability to rescue type II MyHC (MyHC-II) expression in atrophying conditions, six extracts with different phytochemical profiles were selected, mixed in groups of three, and tested on atrophic myotubes. The molecular mechanism underpinning the effects of the most efficacious formulation, and its efficacy on myotubes obtained from muscle biopsies of young and sarcopenic subjects were also investigated. Results: We identified WST (Withania somnifera, Silybum marianum, Trigonella foenum-graecum) formulation as extremely efficacious in protecting C2C12 myotubes against MyHC-II degradation by stimulating Akt (protein kinase B)-dependent protein synthesis and p38 MAPK (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase)/myogenin-dependent myoblast differentiation. WST sustains trophism in C2C12 and young myotubes, and rescues the size, developmental MyHC expression and myoblast fusion in sarcopenic myotubes. Conclusion: WST strongly counteracts muscle atrophy associated to different conditions in vitro. The future validation in vivo of our results might lead to the use of WST as a food supplement to sustain muscle mass in diffuse atrophying conditions, and to reverse the age-related functional decline of human muscles, thus improving people quality of life and reducing social and health-care costs.
Resources, Production Scales and Time Required for Producing RNA Vaccines for the Global Pandemic Demand

To overcome pandemics, such as COVID-19, vaccines are urgently needed at very high volumes. Here we assess the techno-economic feasibility of producing RNA vaccines for the demand associated with a global vaccination campaign. Production process performance is assessed for three messenger RNA (mRNA) and one self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines, all currently under clinical development, as well as for a hypothetical next-generation saRNA vaccine. The impact of key process design and operation uncertainties on the performance of the production process was assessed. The RNA vaccine drug substance (DS) production rates, volumes and costs are mostly impacted by the RNA amount per vaccine dose and to a lesser extent by the scale and titre in the production process. The resources, production scale and speed required to meet global demand vary substantially in function of the RNA amount per dose. For lower dose saRNA vaccines, global demand can be met using a production process at a scale of below 10 L bioreactor working volume. Consequently, these small-scale processes require a low amount of resources to set up and operate. RNA DS production can be faster than fill-to-finish into multidose vials; hence the latter may constitute a bottleneck.
Depression Mediates the Relationship between Food Insecurity and Pain Interference in College Students

Food insecurity (FI) typically produces unfavorable health conditions. Research shows the high prevalence of FI among college students, and depression is one of the adverse effects of FIamong them. It is possible that FI may increase the risk of pain via depression; however, it is currently unclear whether FI is linked to pain among college students. Therefore, this study compared pain experiences between students with and without FI, and examined the relationship between FI, depression, and pain. One hundred seventy-six college students at a Hispanic-serving institution in the southwestern region of US completed self-report measures to assess FI, depression, pain severity, and pain interference. Results indicated that approximately 24% of the students were categorized as food insecure, and those students scored higher on pain interference compared to food-secure students. FI was positively associated with depression and pain interference scores, and depression scores were positively associated with pain interference scores. The mediation analyses based on the counterfactual framework demonstrated a significant mediation effect of depression, where 50.59% of the total effect of FI on pain interference was attributable to the depression. These results suggest that FI extends its negative effects into pain interference among college students, but better management of depression may help alleviate the effects of FI on pain interference.
Biomechanical Properties of Blood Plasma Extracellular Vesicles Revealed by Atomic Force Microscopy

Simple Summary Exosomes are nanoscale membrane extracellular vesicles that are involved in intercellular communication and signaling, and are a promising tool in biomedicine for drug delivery. Despite the progress in practical application and morphological characterization, information about their biomechanical properties is still scarce. The presence of non-membrane particles called exomeres with similar functions has recently been reported. We applied the atomic force microscopy technique to study the biomechanical properties of both types of particles in air and in liquid. We found a correlation between the biomechanical properties of the vesicles, their size, structure, and function. Our data provide useful information for a better understanding of the biomechanical characteristics of extracellular vesicles and non-membrane extracellular particles and their AFM detection. Abstract While extracellular vesicles (EVs) are extensively studied by various practical applications in biomedicine, there is still little information on their biomechanical properties due to their nanoscale size. We identified isolated blood plasma vesicles that carried on biomarkers associated with exosomes and exomeres and applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study them at single particle level in air and in liquid. Air measurements of exosomes revealed a mechanically indented internal cavity in which highly adhesive sites were located. In contrast, the highly adhesive sites of exomeres were located at the periphery and the observed diameter of the particles was ~35 nm. In liquid, the reversible deformation of the internal cavity of exosomes was observed and a slightly deformed lipid bi-layer was identified. In contrast, exomeres were not deformed and their observed diameter was ~16 nm. The difference in diameters might be associated with a higher sorption of water film in air. The parameters we revealed correlated with the well-known structure and function for exosomes and were observed for exomeres for the first time. Our data provide a new insight into the biomechanical properties of nanoparticles and positioned AFM as an exclusive source of in situ information about their biophysical characteristics.
Assessing the influence of psyllium as a fat substitute in wheat and gluten-free cookies

Psyllium is a natural fibre with high water absorption capacity and proved nutritional advantages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of psyllium as a fat replacer in sugar-snap cookies. Elaborations were made with wheat flour or maize flour by maintaining the original recipe or replacing the fat by a paste made with different proportion of psyllium and water. Cookies dough rheology and final cookies properties were evaluated. An acceptability test was also carried out. The replacement of fat decreased the values of G′, G″ and G*, but increased tg delta to a greater extent in cookies with gluten. Cookies diameter and spread factor decreased and increased both cookies hardness and moisture content. Fat replacement increase L* value of cookies. Variation of the water content did not influence in the rheology of the dough and in the characteristics of gluten-free cookies, but wheat cookies had smaller spread ratio and decreasing hardness for increasing amount of water. Final cookies had low acceptability and this result was more evident in gluten-free cookies. Considering this result, it is difficult to use psyllium as a total fat substitute in this type of product.