Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrative network analysis revealed the molecular function of folic acid on immunological enhancement in a sheep model

We previously observed the beneficial role of folic acid supplemented from maternal or offspring diet on lamb growth performance and immunity. Twenty-four Hu lambs from four groups (mother received folic acid or not, offspring received folic acid or not) were used in the current study, which was conducted consecutively to elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms of folic acid in lambs by analyzing blood metabolome, liver transcriptome, and muscle transcriptome. Serum metabolomics analysis showed that L-homocitrulline, hyodeoxycholic acid, 9-Hpode, palmitaldehyde, N-oleoyl glycine, hexadecanedioic acid, xylose, 1,7-dimethylxanthine, nicotinamide, acetyl-N-formyl-5-methoxykynurenamine, N6-succinyl adenosine, 11-cis-retinol, 18-hydroxycorticosterone, and 2-acetylfuran were down-regulated and methylisobutyrate was up-regulated by the feeding of folic acid from maternal and/or offspring diets. Meanwhile, folic acid increased the abundances of S100A12 and IRF6 but decreased TMEM25 in the liver. In the muscle, RBBP9, CALCR, PPP1R3D, UCP3, FBXL4, CMBL, and MTFR2 were up-regulated, CYP26B1 and MYH9 were down-regulated by the feeding of folic acid. The pathways of bile secretion, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid metabolism, and herpes simplex virus 1 infection were changed by folic acid in blood, liver, or muscle. Further integrated analysis revealed potential interactions among the liver, blood, and muscle, and the circulating metabolites, hub gene, and pathways, which might be the predominant acting targets of folic acid in animals. These findings provide fundamental information on the beneficial function of folic acid no matter from maternal or offspring, in regulating animal lipid metabolism and immune enhancement, providing a theoretical basis for the use of folic acid from the view of animal health care.
Accurate species identification of food-contaminating beetles with quality-improved elytral images and deep learning

Food samples are routinely screened for food-contaminating beetles (i.e., pantry beetles) due to their adverse impact on the economy, environment, public health and safety. If found, their remains are subsequently analyzed to identify the species responsible for the contamination; each species poses different levels of risk, requiring different regulatory and management steps. At present, this identification is done through manual microscopic examination since each species of beetle has a unique pattern on its elytra (hardened forewing). Our study sought to automate the pattern recognition process through machine learning. Such automation will enable more efficient identification of pantry beetle species and could potentially be scaled up and implemented across various analysis centers in a consistent manner. In our earlier studies, we demonstrated that automated species identification of pantry beetles is feasible through elytral pattern recognition. Due to poor image quality, however, we failed to achieve prediction accuracies of more than 80%. Subsequently, we modified the traditional imaging technique, allowing us to acquire high-quality elytral images. In this study, we explored whether high-quality elytral images can truly achieve near-perfect prediction accuracies for 27 different species of pantry beetles. To test this hypothesis, we developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) model and compared performance between two different image sets for various pantry beetles. Our study indicates improved image quality indeed leads to better prediction accuracy; however, it was not the only requirement for achieving good accuracy. Also required are many high-quality images, especially for species with a high number of variations in their elytral patterns. The current study provided a direction toward achieving our ultimate goal of automated species identification through elytral pattern recognition.
Genome-wide analysis of HSP20 gene family and expression patterns under heat stress in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Cucumber is an important vegetable in China, and its yield and cultivation area are among the largest in the world. Excessive temperatures lead to high-temperature disorder in cucumber. Heat shock protein 20 (HSP20), an essential protein in the process of plant growth and development, is a universal protective protein with stress resistance. HSP20 plays crucial roles in plants under stress. In this study, we characterized the HSP20 gene family in cucumber by studying chromosome location, gene duplication, phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, conserved motifs, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and cis-regulatory elements. A total of 30 CsHSP20 genes were identified, distributed across 6 chromosomes, and classified into 11 distinct subgroups based on conserved motif composition, gene structure analyses, and phylogenetic relationships. According to the synteny analysis, cucumber had a closer relationship with Arabidopsis and soybean than with rice and maize. Collinearity analysis revealed that gene duplication, including tandem and segmental duplication, occurred as a result of positive selection and purifying selection. Promoter analysis showed that the putative promoters of CsHSP20 genes contained growth, stress, and hormone cis-elements, which were combined with protein-protein interaction networks to reveal their potential function mechanism. We further analyzed the gene expression of CsHSP20 genes under high stress and found that the majority of the CsHSP20 genes were upregulated, suggesting that these genes played a positive role in the heat stress-mediated pathway at the seedling stage. These results provide comprehensive information on the CsHSP20 gene family in cucumber and lay a solid foundation for elucidating the biological functions of CsHSP20. This study also provides valuable information on the regulation mechanism of the CsHSP20 gene family in the high-temperature resistance of cucumber.
Microbial community characteristics of the intestine and gills of medium-form populations of Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis in the South China Sea

Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis (purpleback squid) is an excellent biological resource in the South China Sea. However, the microbiological characteristics of this South China Sea squid, especially those of the medium-form of different sexes and gonadal maturities, are poorly understood. In this study, the characteristics of the bacterial community in the intestinal and gill tissues of female and male S. oualaniensis with different gonadal maturities, collected from the Nansha Sea of China in spring 2020, were analyzed. The results showed that Tenericutes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in the intestinal microbial samples of female immature gonad (FN), male immature gonad (MN), and male sexual maturity (MY) samples of the S. oualaniensis populations. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Tenericutes were the dominant phyla in the intestinal microbial sample of the female sexual maturity (FY) group. The microbial community in the gills differed from that of the intestinal flora. The dominant phyla in the gill samples were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, regardless of sex or gonadal maturity. According to the random forest analysis, the gill samples had significantly (p<0.001) more Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways in the top 20 than the intestinal samples. Correlation analysis showed that the mantle length of S. oualaniensis was significantly (p<0.05) negatively correlated with the abundance of Tenericutes, but significantly (p<0.01) positively correlated with Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The mantle length of FY was significantly (p<0.05) longer than that of the other types. The results indicated that the differences in the intestinal bacterial community were related to the growth and feeding characteristics of S. oualaniensis of different sexes and maturities.
No association between perinatal mood disorders and hypertensive pregnancies

Mental health disorders such as anxiety and/or depression are the most common mental health disorders seen among reproductive aged women and can increase during pregnancy. Many sociodemographic risk factors have been associated with anxiety and/or depression in pregnancy, which can lead to adverse maternal and infant outcomes including the risk of a hypertensive pregnancy. The current study prospectively examined self-reported anxiety, depression and stress in pregnant women without a history of fetal loss or mood disorders beginning at 20–26 weeks. At each study visit, circulating immune factors associated with perinatal mood disorders were measured in blood samples that were collected. A total of 65 women were eligible for data analysis, 26 of which had hypertensive pregnancies. There was not a significant difference in self-reported depression, anxiety or stress between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and normotensive women. Black women were more likely to have a hypertensive pregnancy and develop a perinatal mood disorder compared to non-black women. Both the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-17 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were increased in patients with perinatal mood disorders. However, additional research is needed in a larger sample to truly understand the relationship between these factors along with the underlying etiologies and the associated outcomes.
Automatic selection of coordinate systems for learning relative and absolute spatial concepts

Robots employed in homes and offices need to adaptively learn spatial concepts using user utterances. To learn and represent spatial concepts, the robot must estimate the coordinate system used by humans. For example, to represent spatial concept “left,” which is one of the relative spatial concepts (defined as a spatial concept depending on the object’s location), humans use a coordinate system based on the direction of a reference object. As another example, to represent spatial concept “living room,” which is one of the absolute spatial concepts (defined as a spatial concept that does not depend on the object’s location), humans use a coordinate system where a point on a map constitutes the origin. Because humans use these concepts in daily life, it is important for the robot to understand the spatial concepts in different coordinate systems. However, it is difficult for robots to learn these spatial concepts because humans do not clarify the coordinate system. Therefore, we propose a method (RASCAM) that enables a robot to simultaneously estimate the coordinate system and spatial concept. The proposed method is based on ReSCAM+O, which is a learning method for relative spatial concepts based on a probabilistic model. The proposed method introduces a latent variable that represents a coordinate system for simultaneous learning. This method can simultaneously estimate three types of unspecified information: coordinate systems, reference objects, and the relationship between concepts and words. No other method can estimate all these three types. Experiments using three different coordinate systems demonstrate that the proposed method can learn both relative and absolute spatial concepts while accurately selecting the coordinate system. The proposed approach can be beneficial for service robots to flexibly understand a new environment through the interactions with humans.
Edaravone use in acute intracerebral hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Edaravone alleviates neurological deficits among patients with intracerebral hemorrhage; however, its effects on mortality and long-term functional outcomes remain unknown. Objective: To assess clinical outcomes associated with edaravone initiated within 7 days of symptoms onset in intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CiNii, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese VIP information, Wanfang Data, and SinoMed for relevant randomized controlled trials from their inception to 1 May 2021 and conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019147801). All-cause mortality and long-term functional outcomes were taken as the primary outcomes. Results: A total of 38 randomized controlled trials including 3,454 participants with acute intracerebral hemorrhage were included. The selected articles were of poor quality. Meta-analysis revealed that edaravone could not reduce all-cause mortality [relative risk (RR) = 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.11–2.32); p = 0.38]. No studies reported on long-term functional outcomes in those trials. In addition, edaravone alleviated neurological deficits [mean difference (MD) = −5.44; 95% CI (−6.44 to −4.44); p<0.00001], improved the activities of daily living [MD = 8.44; 95% CI (7.65–9.23); p<0.00001], reduced the hematoma volume [MD = −4.71; 95% CI (−5.86 to −3.56); p<0.00001], and increased treatment response [RR = 1.26; 95% CI (1.22–1.31); p<0.00001]. In terms of safety outcome, there was no significant difference between the edaravone group and the control groups [RR = 1.67; 95% CI (0.92 to 3.06); p = 0.09]. Conclusion: Till date, edaravone does not associate with mortality reduction when initiated within 7 days of intracerebral hemorrhage onset. The effect of edaravone on long-term functional outcomes remains unknown due to lack of data. Although edaravone alleviated neurological deficits, improved activities of daily living, and reduced hematoma volume, we cautiously interpreted the results owing to the overall poor quality and high heterogeneity of the included trials. Presently, the results are insufficient to support edaravone as a routine treatment option for acute intracerebral hemorrhage.
A High-Quality Genome Assembly of Sorghum dochna

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum dochna) is a high-quality bio-energy crop that also serves as food for humans and animals. However, there is little information on the genomic characteristics of S. dochna. In this study, we presented a high-quality assembly of S. dochna with PacBio long reads, Illumina short reads, high-throughput chromosome capture technology (Hi-C) sequencing data, gene annotation, and a comparative genome analysis. The results showed that the genome of S. dochna was assembled to 777 Mb with a contig N50 of 553.47 kb and a scaffold N50 of 727.11 kb. In addition, the gene annotation predicted 37,971 genes and 39,937 transcripts in the genome of S. dochna. A Venn analysis revealed a set of 7,988 common gene annotations by integrating five databases. A Cafe software analysis showed that 191 gene families were significantly expanded, while 3,794 were significantly contracted in S. dochna. A GO enrichment analysis showed that the expanded gene families were primarily clustered in the metabolic process, DNA reconstruction, and DNA binding among others. The high-quality genome map constructed in this study provides a biological basis for the future analysis of the biological characteristics of S. dochna, which is crucial for its breeding.
Maturational trajectory of fusiform gyrus neural activity when viewing faces: From 4 months to 4 years old

Infant and young child electrophysiology studies have provided information regarding the maturation of face-encoding neural processes. A limitation of previous research is that very few studies have examined face-encoding processes in children 12–48 months of age, a developmental period characterized by rapid changes in the ability to encode facial information. The present study sought to fill this gap in the literature via a longitudinal study examining the maturation of a primary node in the face-encoding network—the left and right fusiform gyrus (FFG). Whole-brain magnetoencephalography (MEG) data were obtained from 25 infants with typical development at 4–12 months, and with follow-up MEG exams every ∼12 months until 3–4 years old. Children were presented with color images of Face stimuli and visual noise images (matched on spatial frequency, color distribution, and outer contour) that served as Non-Face stimuli. Using distributed source modeling, left and right face-sensitive FFG evoked waveforms were obtained from each child at each visit, with face-sensitive activity identified via examining the difference between the Non-Face and Face FFG timecourses. Before 24 months of age (Visits 1 and 2) the face-sensitive FFG M290 response was the dominant response, observed in the left and right FFG ∼250–450 ms post-stimulus. By 3–4 years old (Visit 4), the left and right face-sensitive FFG response occurred at a latency consistent with a face-sensitive M170 response ∼100–250 ms post-stimulus. Face-sensitive left and right FFG peak latencies decreased as a function of age (with age explaining greater than 70% of the variance in face-sensitive FFG latency), and with an adult-like FFG latency observed at 3–4 years old. Study findings thus showed face-sensitive FFG maturational changes across the first 4 years of life. Whereas a face-sensitive M290 response was observed under 2 years of age, by 3–4 years old, an adult-like face-sensitive M170 response was observed bilaterally. Future studies evaluating the maturation of face-sensitive FFG activity in infants at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders are of interest, with the present findings suggesting age-specific face-sensitive neural markers of a priori interest.
Complement lectin pathway components MBL and MASP-1 promote haemostasis upon vessel injury in a microvascular bleeding model

Background Complement lectin pathway components, in particular mannan-binding lectin (MBL) and MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs) have been shown to interact with coagulation factors and contribute to clot formation. Here we investigated the role of MBL and MASP-1 in the haemostatic response following mechanical vessel injury in a human microfluidic bleeding model. Methods We studied haemostasis in a microvascular bleeding model in the presence of human endothelial cells and human whole blood under flow conditions. We monitored incorporation of proteins into the clot with fluorescently labelled antibodies and studied their effects on clot formation, platelet activation, and bleeding time with specific inhibitors. Platelet activation was also studied by flow cytometry. Results Upon vessel injury, MBL accumulated at the injury site in a well-defined wall-like structure. MBL showed partial colocalisation with fibrin, and strong colocalisation with von Willebrand factor and (activated) platelets. Flow cytometry ruled out direct binding of MBL to platelets, but confirmed a PAR4- and thrombin-dependent platelet-activating function of MASP-1. Inhibiting MBL during haemostasis reduced platelet activation, while inhibiting MASP-1 reduced platelet activation, fibrin deposition and prolonged bleeding time. Conclusion We show in a microvascular human bleeding model that MBL and MASP-1 have important roles in the haemostatic response triggered by mechanical vessel injury: MBL recognises the injury site, while MASP-1 increases fibrin formation, platelet activation and shortens bleeding time. While the complement lectin pathway may be harmful in the context of pathological thrombosis, it appears to be beneficial during the physiological coagulation response by supporting the crucial haemostatic system.
Efficacy of Smartphone Apps in Patients With Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review

Background Digital interventions have become an accessible format in clinical practice to provide better support for patients with mental disorders. However, the clinical efficacy in patients with depressive disorders is not well known. We aimed to determine the efficacy of smartphone applications (apps) in patients diagnosed with a depressive disorder. Method An electronic database search was performed of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, to identify relevant articles up to June 12, 2021. Peer-reviewed articles were screened and selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results Seven articles met the inclusion criteria and therefore were selected for the systematic review, which included a total of 651 patients. The results were heterogeneous, essentially due to the different methodologies used in the selected studies. Conclusions Digital smartphone-delivered interventions do not appear to reduce depressive symptomatology nor improve the quality of life in patients diagnosed with depressive disorders when compared to an active control group. Taking into account the inherent methodological difficulties and the variability among such studies, it is apparent that further research—with more methodologically refined clinical trials, including larger sample sizes—is needed.
Use of concentric linear velocity to monitor flywheel exercise load

Purpose: To propose the concentric linear velocity measurement as a valid method to quantify load and individualise the prescription of flywheel training, we investigated the relationship between inertial load and mean concentric linear velocity (MCLV) during the flywheel squat exercise in a wide spectrum of intensities. In addition, we compared MCLV and subjective rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after each load. Methods: Twenty-five physically active men volunteered for this study (26.5 ± 2.9 years, 179.5 ± 4.2 cm, 81.6 ± 8.6 kg). After familiarization, all participants performed two inertial progressive load tests on separated days to determine the flywheel load-velocity profile and its reliability. Each participant performed 5 set of 6 repetitions of the flywheel squat exercise with different inertial loads (0.047, 0.104, 0.161, 0.245, 0.321 kg m2) selected in a counterbalanced and randomized order for each testing day. Average MCLV and RPE for each load were compared. Results: The inter-session intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed values above 0.9 in all the included outcomes (MCLV: ICC = 0.91; RPE: ICC = 0.93). A significant correlation (p < 0.01, R 2 = 0.80) between inertial load and MCLV was found. Similarly, significant correlation models (p < 0.01) were observed between RPE and load (R 2 = 0.87) and (R 2 = 0.71) between RPE and MCLV. Conclusion: The control of MCLV during flywheel exercise can be proposed as a valid method to quantify load and to individualize the prescription of flywheel training. In addition, RPE responses have demonstrated significant correlations with load and velocity. Therefore, RPE has been proposed as a valid and reliable alternative to control flywheel training.
Natural products from traditional medicine as promising agents targeting at different stages of oral biofilm development

Oral cavity is an ideal habitat for more than 1,000 species of microorganisms. The diverse oral microbes form biofilms over the hard and soft tissues in the oral cavity, affecting the oral ecological balance and the development of oral diseases, such as caries, apical periodontitis, and periodontitis. Currently, antibiotics are the primary agents against infectious diseases; however, the emergence of drug resistance and the disruption of oral microecology have challenged their applications. The discovery of new antibiotic-independent agents is a promising strategy against biofilm-induced infections. Natural products from traditional medicine have shown potential antibiofilm activities in the oral cavity with high safety, cost-effectiveness, and minimal adverse drug reactions. Aiming to highlight the importance and functions of natural products from traditional medicine against oral biofilms, here we summarized and discussed the antibiofilm effects of natural products targeting at different stages of the biofilm formation process, including adhesion, proliferation, maturation, and dispersion, and their effects on multi-species biofilms. The perspective of antibiofilm agents for oral infectious diseases to restore the balance of oral microecology is also discussed.