Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
919 Syrup Alleviates Postpartum Depression by Modulating the Structure and Metabolism of Gut Microbes and Affecting the Function of the Hippocampal GABA/Glutamate System

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental disorder that affects pregnant women around the world, with serious consequences for mothers, families, and children. Its pathogenesis remains unclear, and medications for treating PPD that can be used during lactation remain to be identified. 919 syrup (919 TJ) is a Chinese herbal medicine that has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of postpartum depression in both clinical and experimental studies. The mechanism of action of 919 TJ is unclear. 919 syrup is ingested orally, making the potential interaction between the drug and the gut microbiome impossible to ignore. We therefore hypothesized that 919 syrup could improve the symptoms of postpartum depression by affecting the structure and function of the intestinal flora, thereby altering hippocampal metabolism. We compared changes in hippocampal metabolism, fecal metabolism, and intestinal microflora of control BALB/c mice, mice with induced untreated PPD, and mice with induced PPD treated with 919 TJ, and found that 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the hippocampus corresponded with PPD behaviors. Based on changes in GABA levels, multiple key gut bacterial species (Mucispirillum schaedleri, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, Desulfovibrio piger, Alloprevotella tannerae, Bacteroides sp.2.1.33B and Prevotella sp. CAG:755) were associated with PPD. Metabolic markers that may represent the function of the intestinal microbiota in mice with PPD were identified (Met-Arg, urocanic acid, thioetheramide-PC, L-pipecolic acid, and linoleoyl ethanolamide). The relationship between these factors is not a simple one-to-one correspondence, but more likely a network of staggered functions. We therefore believe that the composition and function of the entire intestinal flora should be emphasized in research studying the gut and PPD, rather than changes in the abundance of individual bacterial species. The introduction of this concept of “GutBalance” may help clarify the relationship between gut bacteria and systemic disease.
Role of Restorativeness in Improving the Psychological Well-Being of University Students

Many university students experience high levels of study-related fatigue, hence, necessitating opportunities for restoration. They could potentially benefit from campus-based physical activities that provide them with effective restoration breaks and allow them to return to their studies cognitively refreshed. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association between perceived restorativeness among postgraduates and their psychological well-being by using the four constructs of Kaplan's attention restoration theory (ART): fascination, being away, extent, and compatibility. In this study, nature view windows were also used as a moderator. Malaysian postgraduate students [n = 192; 94 females; age in years (M = 30.64, SD = 2.73)] completed the Ryff's scale of psychological wellbeing (PWB) and perceived restorativeness scale for activity (PRAS). This study used the partial least squares-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to examine these relationships. The results demonstrate that three ART constructs, namely, being away, fascination, and compatibility, are significant predictors of psychological well-being across the sample size. Furthermore, for participants who reside in university dormitories, windows that overlook nature can enhance the relationship of being away, compatibility, and fascination to psychological well-being, compared with those with less natural views. Thus, this study confirmed the moderating effect of nature view windows and provided insight into the ART constructs that facilitate and enhance restorative experiences. By strengthening ART with additional factors, this study has also contributed toward the improvement of the psychological well-being of university students.
Deciphering the Shifts in Microbial Community Diversity From Material Pretreatment to Saccharification Process of Fuyu-Flavor Baijiu

The microbiota of the pretreatment phase is crucial to the assembly of the microbial community in the saccharification of fuyu-flavor baijiu. This study investigates the shifts in microbial community diversity from the pretreatment of raw materials to the end of saccharification. High-throughput sequencing reveals that Lactobacillus, Weissella, and Bacillus in the bacterial community and Rhizopus, Candida, Pichia, and Aspergillus in the fungal community are predominant during raw material pretreatment and saccharification processes. Also, 11 bacterial genera, including Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Weissella, Lactococcus, and Acetobacter, and eight yeast genera, including Candida, Pichia, Saccharomyces, and Wickerhamomyces, were isolated from the initial saccharification stage by culture-dependent approaches. Sourcetracker analysis indicates that the cooling grains and rice husks were the main contributors to the bacterial community composition of the saccharification process, and Qu was the main contributor to the shaping of the fungal community structure during the saccharification process. Abundance variation of the predictive functional profiles of microbial communities encoding for key enzymes involved in pyruvate metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis during the pretreatment and saccharification phases were inferred by PICRUSt2 analysis. The results of this study will be utilized to produce consistently high-quality fuyu-flavor baijiu via better controlling the shaping of microbial community structures during the pretreatment and fermentation processes.
Combined Exposure to Multiple Endocrine Disruptors and Uterine Leiomyomata and Endometriosis in US Women

Background Uterine leiomyomata (UL) and endometriosis (EM) are common gynecological diseases damaging the reproductive health of fertile women. Among all the potential factors, environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals are insufficiently addressed considering the multiple pollutants and mixture exposure. Methods Women aged 20 to 54 years old in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2006, having a complete measurement of ten commonly exposed endocrine-disrupting chemicals (including urinary phthalate metabolites, equol, and whole blood heavy metals) and answered questions about UL and EM were included (N=1204). Multivariable logistic regression model, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were implemented to analyze the combined effect of chemicals on the overall association with UL and EM. Results In single chemical analysis, equol (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.27) and mercury (Hg) (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.25) were found positively associated with UL in tertile 3 vs. tertile 1. In WQS regression and BKMR models, the significant positive association between WQS index and UL (OR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.52, 4.29) was identified and the positive relationship between equol and Hg exposure and UL were further verified. Besides, the mixture evaluation models (WQS and BKMR) also found MEHP negatively associated with UL. Although none of the single chemicals in tertile 3 were significantly associated with EM, the WQS index had a marginally positive association with EM (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 0.98, 4.15), and a significant positive association was identified in subanalysis with participants restricted to premenopausal women (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.03, 4.70). MIBP and MBzP weighted high in model of EM and MEHP weighted the lowest. Conclusion Comparing results from these three statistical models, the associations between equol, Hg, and MEHP exposure with UL as well as the associations of MIBP, MBzP, and MEHP exposure with EM warrant further research.
Tether: A Study on Bubble-Networks

Tether is a stablecoin, namely a cryptocurrency associated with an underlying security. Tether provides one of the most relevant ways to buy bitcoins and has been the centre of many controversies. In fact, it has been hypothesized that new tethers are issued without the underlying reserves, and that new massive Tether emissions are the basis of strong speculative movements on the Bitcoin, with consequent bubble effects. In the course of this article, we conduct a Social Network Analysis focused on the Tether transaction graph to identify the main actors that play a leading role on the network and characterize the transaction flow between them. From our analysis, we conclude that 1) the Tether transaction network does not enjoy the Smalltalk property, with the robustness and reliability it carries with it; 2) cryptopcurrency exchanges are the nodes with the greatest centrality; 3) even Assortativity is not found, as the subjects who move Tether on a large scale do not give continuity to their presence and operations, therefore do not get a chance to consolidate stable links between them; and 4) among the exchanges, Bitfinex, which has co-ownership and co-administration relationships with the Tether issuer, can be mostly associated with the Rich-gets-Richer property.
FFAR1/GPR40 Contributes to the Regulation of Striatal Monoamine Releases and Facilitation of Cocaine-Induced Locomotor Activity in Mice

The free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1) is suggested to function as a G protein-coupled receptor (GPR40) for medium-to-long-chain free fatty acids. Previous studies on the expression of FFAR1 revealed that the nigrostriatal region is one of the areas which express abundant FFAR1 mRNA/protein in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the role of FFAR1 in the CNS has been still largely unclarified. Here, we examined a possible functional role of FFAR1 in the control of extracellular concentrations of striatal monoamines and cocaine-induced locomotor activity. Microdialysis analysis revealed that the basal level of extracellular dopamine (DA) was significantly elevated, while the basal serotonin (5-HT) level tended to be reduced in the striatum of FFAR1 knockout (−/−) mice. Interestingly, local application of a FFAR1 agonist, GW9508, markedly augmented the striatal 5-HT release in FFAR1 wild-type (+/+) mice, whereas topical application of a FFAR1 antagonist, GW1100, significantly reduced the 5-HT release. However, the enhanced 5-HT release was completely lost in −/− mice. Although acute administration of cocaine enhanced the locomotor activity in both +/+ and −/− mice, the magnitude of the enhancement was significantly reduced in −/− mice. In addition, intraperitoneal injection of GW1100 significantly decreased the cocaine-induced locomotor enhancement. These results suggest that FFAR1 has a facilitatory role in striatal 5-HT release, and the evoked 5-HT release might contribute to enhance cocaine-induced locomotor activity.
Atypical Integration of Sensory-to-Transmodal Functional Systems Mediates Symptom Severity in Autism

A notable characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is co-occurring deficits in low-level sensory processing and high-order social interaction. While there is evidence indicating detrimental cascading effects of sensory anomalies on the high-order cognitive functions in ASD, the exact pathological mechanism underlying their atypical functional interaction across the cortical hierarchy has not been systematically investigated. To address this gap, here we assessed the functional organisation of sensory and motor areas in ASD, and their relationship with subcortical and high-order trandmodal systems. In a resting-state fMRI data of 107 ASD and 113 neurotypical individuals, we applied advanced connectopic mapping to probe functional organization of primary sensory/motor areas, together with targeted seed-based intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) analyses. In ASD, the connectopic mapping revealed topological anomalies (i.e., excessively more segregated iFC) in the motor and visual areas, the former of which patterns showed association with the symptom severity of restricted and repetitive behaviors. Moreover, the seed-based analysis found diverging patterns of ASD-related connectopathies: decreased iFCs within the sensory/motor areas but increased iFCs between sensory and subcortical structures. While decreased iFCs were also found within the higher-order functional systems, the overall proportion of this anomaly tends to increase along the level of cortical hierarchy, suggesting more dysconnectivity in the higher-order functional networks. Finally, we demonstrated that the association between low-level sensory/motor iFCs and clinical symptoms in ASD was mediated by the high-order transmodal systems, suggesting pathogenic functional interactions along the cortical hierarchy. Findings were largely replicated in the independent dataset. These results highlight that atypical integration of sensory-to-high-order systems contributes to the complex ASD symptomatology.
Multidecadal Sea Level Variability in the Baltic Sea and Its Impact on Acceleration Estimations

Multidecadal sea level variation in the Baltic Sea is investigated from 1900 to 2020 deploying satellite and in situ datasets. As a part of this investigation, nearly 30 years of satellite altimetry data are used to compare with tide gauge data in terms of linear trend. This, in turn, leads to validation of the regional uplift model developed for the Fennoscandia. The role of North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in multidecadal variations of the Baltic Sea is also analyzed. Although NAO impacts the Baltic Sea level on seasonal to decadal time scales according to previous studies, it is not a pronounced factor in the multidecadal variations. The acceleration in the sea level rise of the basin is reported as statistically insignificant in recent studies or even decelerating in an investigation of the early 1990s. It is shown that the reason for these results relates to the global warming hiatus in the 1950s−1970s, which can be seen in all eight tide gauges used for this study. To account for the slowdown period, the acceleration in the basin is investigated by fitting linear trends to time spans of six to seven decades, which include the hiatus. These results imply that the sea level rise is accelerated in the Baltic Sea during the period 1900–2020.
Anti-Thymocyte Globulin Prophylaxis in Patients With Hematological Malignancies Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Background Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) prophylaxis reduces graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) incidence. This meta-analysis aimed to explore the long-term efficacy of ATG and the influencing factors in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for the relevant studies published up to August 2020. Data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on ATG prophylaxis for GVHD prevention in allo-HSCT patients were extracted. Results A total of eight relevant RCTs (1,348 patients) were included. ATG significantly reduced the incidence of grade III–IV aGVHD (P = 0.001) and cGVHD (P < 0.001). ATG significantly improved the GVHD relapse-free survival (GRFS) (P < 0.001). The immunosuppressive regimen (number and dose of immunosuppressants) was significantly reduced when using ATG (P = 0.005). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation was high in patients receiving ATG (P = 0.003). No significant differences were detected in relapses, overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and non-relapse mortality (NRM) between the ATG and no ATG groups. Subgroup analyses revealed that the donor type and ATG formulation might be the possible sources of heterogeneity among the included studies. Meta-regression analysis showed that the cumulative dose of ATG did not affect GVHD, OS, relapse, RFS, and NRM. Conclusion Although ATG had no significant effect on relapse, RFS, and NRM, it significantly reduced the occurrence and severity of GVHD, improved the GRFS, and reduced the number and dose of immunosuppressants in patients undergoing allo-HSCT.
Crash Landing of Thyroid Storm: A Case Report and Review of the Role of Extra-Corporeal Systems

Thyroid storm is a rare but life-threatening endocrinological emergency with significant mortality ranging from 10-30% with multi-organ involvement and failure. In view of the rarity of this condition and efficacy of established first line medical treatment, use of extra-corporeal treatments are uncommon, not well-studied, and its available evidence exists only from case reports and case series. We describe a 28-year-old man who presented with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest secondary to thyroid storm. Despite conventional first-line pharmacotherapy, he developed cardiogenic shock and circulatory collapse with intravenous esmolol infusion, as well as multi-organ failure. He required therapeutic plasma exchange, concurrent renal replacement therapy, and veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation, one of the few reported cases in the literature. While there was clinical stabilization and improvement in tri-iodothyronine levels on three extra-corporeal systems, he suffered irreversible hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. We reviewed the use of early therapeutic plasma exchange and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation, as well as the development of other novel extra-corporeal modalities when conventional pharmacotherapy is unsuccessful or contraindicated. This case also highlights the complexities in the management of thyroid storm, calling for caution with beta-blockade use in thyrocardiac disease, with close monitoring and prompt organ support.
Esophageal Wound Vacuum Placement for Anastomotic Leak: Lessons Learned From First Time Use at a Tertiary Care Center

Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) are rare birth anomalies typically requiring corrective surgery over the first few months of life. Esophageal surgery can lead to a life-threatening anastomotic leak. Esophageal wound vacuums have seen increased use in adults and one cohort of children as a therapeutic modality. This case study explores a tertiary care pediatric hospital’s introductory experience in utilizing this technique. A 19-month-old male underwent staged repair for esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula requiring an esophageal stricture resection with primary anastomosis. An anastomotic leak was successfully managed with wound vacuums. Our experiences highlighted the need for individualized treatment plans with this therapy based on feeding capabilities, side effects of the vacuum, placement method, and replacement strategies.
Binding of HCV to its receptor leads to fusion between the virion envelope and the cell membrane, and release of the viral RNA into the cytoplasm of the host cell (Fig- ure 2). The genome serves as a messenger

Many challenges exist for the study of HCV in the laboratory. Therapy using interferon (IFN) is expensive, not well tolerated and ineffective for many patients. HCV research has been hampered by the lack of a robust tissue culture system, but recent advances have made virus growth in culture possible. Cell culture systems using genetically engineered viruses have been reviewed extensively, but here we review recent advances made in the use of natural isolates and the molecular challenges that have been used to overcome the limitations in their growth. Six major genotypes have been identified for HCV that are further divided into numerous subtypes. Combination therapy utilizing IFN-a and ribavirin is the standard of care, but is successful in only one-half of patients. The reasons for IFN resistance may be viralor host-related and may be due to multiple factors. Recently, telaprevir and boceprevir, together with IFN-a and ribavirin, have been added to the standard of care in patients infected with IFN-resistant genotypes. A major obstacle in the development of effective vaccines and improved therapeutics has been the lack of a reproducible and efficient tissue culture system for propagation of HCV. Many cell culture systems have used genetically-engineered viruses to gain growth in culture through the use of replicons, but recent advances using natural isolates may improve the outlook for progress in HCV research.
Poly(arylene piperidinium) Hydroxide Ion Exchange Membranes: Synthesis, Alkaline Stability, and Conductivity

A series of poly(arylene piperidinium)s (PAPipQs) devoid of any alkali‐sensitive aryl ether bonds or benzylic sites are prepared and studied as anion exchange membranes (AEMs) for alkaline fuel cells. First, the excellent alkaline stability of the model compound 4,4‐diarylpiperidinium is confirmed. Medium molecular weight poly(arylene piperidine)s are then synthesized in polycondensations of N‐methyl‐4‐piperidone and either bi‐ or terphenyl via superelectrophilic activation in triflic acid. Film‐forming PAPipQs are subsequently prepared in Menshutkin reactions with methyl, butyl, hexyl, and octyl halides, respectively. AEMs based on poly(terphenyl dimethylpiperidinium) show the best performance with no structural degradation detectable by 1H NMR spectroscopy after storage in 2 m aq. NaOH at 60 °C after 15 d, and a mere 5% ionic loss at 90 °C. In the fully hydrated state these AEMs reach an OH− conductivity of 89 mS cm−1 at 80 °C. The presence of longer pendant N‐alkyl chains (butyl to octyl) is found to significantly promote Hofmann ring‐opening elimination reactions and the degradation rate increases with increasing alkyl chain length. The results of the present study demonstrate that PAPipQs are efficiently prepared from readily available monomers and show excellent alkaline stability and OH− conductivity when devoid of pendant N‐alkyl chains.
Integration of a vector containing a repetitive LINE-1 element in the human genome

Mammalian cells contain numerous nonallelic repeated sequences, such as multicopy genes, gene families, and repeated elements. One common feature of nonallelic repeated sequences is that they are homeologous (not perfectly identical). Our laboratory has been studying recombination between homeologous sequences by using LINE-1 (L1) elements as substrates. We showed previously that an exogenous L1 element could readily acquire endogenous L1 sequences by nonreciprocal homologous recombination. In the study presented here, we have investigated the propensity of exogenous L1 elements to be involved in a reciprocal process, namely, crossing-overs. This would result in the integration of the exogenous L1 element into an endogenous L1 element. Of over 400 distinct integration events analyzed, only 2% involved homologous recombination between exogenous and endogenous L1 elements. These homologous recombination events were imprecise, with the integrated vector being flanked by one homologous and one illegitimate junction. This type of structure is not consistent with classical crossing-overs that would result in two homologous junctions but rather is consistent with one-sided homologous recombination followed by illegitimate integration. Contrary to what has been found for reciprocal homologous integration, the degree of homology between the exogenous and endogenous L1 elements did not seem to play an important role in the choice of recombination partners. These results suggest that although exogenous and endogenous L1 elements are capable of homologous recombination, this seldom leads to crossing-overs. This observation could have implications for the stability of mammalian genomes.