Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cord Blood Adipocytokines and Body Composition in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic. Early identification of high-risk groups will allow for the development of prevention strategies. Cord blood adipocytokines have been previously examined as biomarkers predicting future obesity. We conducted a systematic review looking at the association between cord blood leptin and adiponectin with adiposity up to 5 years of age. A literature review was performed between January 1994 and August 2020 using two bibliographic databases (Medline/Pubmed and EMBASE) and was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017069024). Studies using skinfold thickness and direct methods of assessing body composition in full term neonates were considered. Partial correlation and multiple regression models were used to present the results. Meta-analysis was performed, were possible, using a random effects model. Cochran’s Q test was used to assess heterogeneity and I2 statistics to calculate the percentage of variation across studies. The potential for publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. Data from 22 studies were retrieved and reviewed by two independent reviewers. Cord blood leptin was positively associated with adiposity at birth (r = 0.487; 95% CI: 0.444, 0.531) but was inversely related to adiposity up to 3 years of age. The association was not sustained at 5 years. There was a weak positive association between adiponectin in cord blood and adiposity at birth (r = 0.201; 95% CI: 0.125, 0.277). No correlation was found between cord blood adiponectin in young children, but data were limited. This review supports that cord blood leptin and adiponectin are associated with adiposity at birth. The results of this study provide insight into the role of adipocytokines at birth on future metabolic health and their potential use as risk stratification tools.
New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation and Multiple Systemic Emboli in a COVID-19 Patient

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Initially, infected patients presented with fever, nonproductive cough, dyspnea, myalgia, shortness of breath, and radiographic evidence of pneumonia. However, others presented with atypical cardiac manifestation. As this disease is new, the full picture of the disease presentation is not fully understood. Since December 2019, many morbidities related to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) were documented, including vascular complications like venous thromboembolism (VTE), pulmonary embolism (PE), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in acutely ill COVID-19 patients. Hereby, we are writing a case of a patient with COVID-19 infection suffering from new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). It was complicated by multiple arterial embolisms involving different organs despite the use of an intermediate dose of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), and the patient was eventually discharged home on a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC).
Loss of P2Y12 Has Behavioral Effects in the Adult Mouse

While microglia have been established as critical mediators of synaptic plasticity, the molecular signals underlying this process are still being uncovered. Increasing evidence suggests that microglia utilize these signals in a temporally and regionally heterogeneous manner. Subsequently, it is necessary to understand the conditions under which different molecular signals are employed by microglia to mediate the physiological process of synaptic remodeling in development and adulthood. While the microglial purinergic receptor P2Y12 is required for ocular dominance plasticity, an adolescent form of experience-dependent plasticity, it remains unknown whether P2Y12 functions in other forms of plasticity at different developmental time points or in different brain regions. Using a combination of ex vivo characterization and behavioral testing, we examined how the loss of P2Y12 affects developmental processes and behavioral performance in adulthood in mice. We found P2Y12 was not required for an early form of plasticity in the developing visual thalamus and did not affect microglial migration into barrels in the developing somatosensory cortex. In adult mice, however, the loss of P2Y12 resulted in alterations in recognition and social memory, as well as anxiety-like behaviors, suggesting that while P2Y12 is not a universal regulator of synaptic plasticity, the loss of P2Y12 is sufficient to cause functional defects.
Genomic regions of Solanum tuberosum L. associated with the tuber eye depth

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world. The genome of this potato species is autotetraploid and has a high level of heterozygosity, also this potato species is a cross-pollinated plant. These characteristics complicate the genetic analysis and breeding process. The tuber’s eye depth is an important trait that affects the suitability of potato varieties for processing. Potato breeding for this trait is based on phenotypic assessment. Identification of the loci that control tuber eye depth would allow diagnostic markers for the marker-assisted selection to be created. The aim of this study is to search for loci associated with the eye depth by analyzing Solanum tuberosum varieties from the GenAgro collection of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, genotyped using the Illumina 22K SNP potato array DNA chip. The 24 significant markers associated with the “eye depth” trait were identified using 15,214 SNP markers genotyped with the Illumina 22K SNP potato array chip and the general linear model (GLM) taking into account the population structure. Data obtained showed the presence of SNPs in four genomic regions: on chromosome 4 (1 marker in the 3.92 Mb area), 5 (1 marker in the 4.67 Mb area) and 10 (1 marker in the 4.87 Mb area and 21 markers in the region between 48.1–48.9 Mb). The results of localization in the region 48.1–48.9 Mb of chromosome 10 correspond to previously published studies, the remaining three regions were detected for the first time. DNA sections containing SNPs linked to the tuber’s eye depth were studied in the SolTub_3. 0 potato genome assembly (https://plants.ensembl.org/). KASP markers were developed based on the data obtained. It will be possible to screen the breeding material and to breed the varieties more effectively using current markers associated with a shallow tuber’s eye depth.
A Simple Ball Milling and Thermal Oxidation Method for Synthesis of ZnO Nanowires Decorated with Cubic ZnO2 Nanoparticles

In this work, we propose the synthesis of ZnO nanostructures through the thermal oxidation of ball-milled powders with the introduction of Mg and Sn doping species at the preliminary step of milling. We investigate the advantages and challenges of this two steps process for the production and fabrication of highly crystalline ZnO nanowires. This simple method allows us to fabricate ZnO nanowires with a higher quality core crystal at a much lower temperature and for a shorter processing time than the state-of-the-art, and decorated with by ZnO2 nanoparticles as determined via TEM analysis. The main findings will show that the crystalline core of the nanowires is of hexagonal ZnO while the nanoparticles on the surface are ZnO2 cubic type. Generally, the method proves to be suitable for applications that require a high surface-to-volume ratio, for example, catalysis phenomena, in which the presence of zinc oxides species can play an important role.
AI and Big Data in Healthcare: Towards a More Comprehensive Research Framework for Multimorbidity

Multimorbidity refers to the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases in one person. Therefore, patients with multimorbidity have multiple and special care needs. However, in practice it is difficult to meet these needs because the organizational processes of current healthcare systems tend to be tailored to a single disease. To improve clinical decision making and patient care in multimorbidity, a radical change in the problem-solving approach to medical research and treatment is needed. In addition to the traditional reductionist approach, we propose interactive research supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced big data analytics. Such research approach, when applied to data routinely collected in healthcare settings, provides an integrated platform for research tasks related to multimorbidity. This may include, for example, prediction, correlation, and classification problems based on multiple interaction factors. However, to realize the idea of this paradigm shift in multimorbidity research, the optimization, standardization, and most importantly, the integration of electronic health data into a common national and international research infrastructure is needed. Ultimately, there is a need for the integration and implementation of efficient AI approaches, particularly deep learning, into clinical routine directly within the workflows of the medical professionals.
Cross-Reactivity and Functionality of Approved Human Immune Checkpoint Blockers in Dogs

Simple Summary Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has been a major advance in the management of cancers. To increase response rates, numerous new cancer immunotherapies are under development, to be used as monotherapies or as combination with existing ICIs. Lately, companion dogs suffering from neoplastic diseases have gained recognition for the development of cancer drugs. Despite evidence for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade eliciting anti-tumor responses, there are currently no commercially available ICIs for use in dogs. Here, we explored the potential use of seven FDA-approved human ICIs in dogs. Atezolizumab is cross-reactive, blocks PD-1/PD-L1 interaction and increases cytokine production of T cells derived from healthy donors and dog cancer patients in vitro. Response to atezolizumab seems to be dependent on the composition of blood lymphocytes and tumor type. Our data provides a rationale for testing promising treatment modalities and combination therapies involving PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in dog trials to advance veterinary and human medicine. Abstract Background: Rodent cancer models have limitations in predicting efficacy, tolerability and accompanying biomarkers of ICIs in humans. Companion dogs suffering from neoplastic diseases have gained attention as a highly relevant translational disease model. Despite successful reports of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in dogs, no compounds are available for veterinary medicine. Methods: Here, we assessed suitability of seven FDA-approved human ICIs to target CTLA-4 or PD-1/PD-L1 in dogs. Cross-reactivity and blocking potential was assessed using ELISA and flow cytometry. Functional responses were assessed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from healthy donors (n = 12) and cancer patient dogs (n = 27) as cytokine production after stimulation. Immune composition and target expression of healthy donors and cancer patients was assessed via flow cytometry. Results: Four candidates showed cross-reactivity and two blocked the interaction of canine PD-1 and PD-L1. Of those, only atezolizumab significantly increased cytokine production of healthy and patient derived PBMCs in vitro. Especially lymphoma patient PBMCs responded with increased cytokine production. In other types of cancer, response to atezolizumab appeared to correlate with a lower frequency of CD8 T cells. Conclusions: Cross-functionality of atezolizumab encourages reverse translational efforts using (combination) immunotherapies in companion dog tumor patients to benefit both veterinary and human medicine.
Biomaterials for Three-Dimensional Cell Culture: From Applications in Oncology to Nanotechnology

Three-dimensional cell culture has revolutionized cellular biology research and opened the door to novel discoveries in terms of cellular behavior and response to microenvironment stimuli. Different types of 3D culture exist today, including hydrogel scaffold-based models, which possess a complex structure mimicking the extracellular matrix. These hydrogels can be made of polymers (natural or synthetic) or low-molecular weight gelators that, via the supramolecular assembly of molecules, allow the production of a reproducible hydrogel with tunable mechanical properties. When cancer cells are grown in this type of hydrogel, they develop into multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS). Three-dimensional (3D) cancer culture combined with a complex microenvironment that consists of a platform to study tumor development and also to assess the toxicity of physico-chemical entities such as ions, molecules or particles. With the emergence of nanoparticles of different origins and natures, implementing a reproducible in vitro model that consists of a bio-indicator for nano-toxicity assays is inevitable. However, the maneuver process of such a bio-indicator requires the implementation of a repeatable system that undergoes an exhaustive follow-up. Hence, the biggest challenge in this matter is the reproducibility of the MCTS and the associated full-scale characterization of this system’s components.
Mortality Resulting from Undesirable Behaviours in Dogs Aged Three Years and under Attending Primary-Care Veterinary Practices in Australia

Simple Summary There is increasing evidence that undesirable behaviours (UBs) in dogs can compromise the welfare of both canine companions and their associated humans. Indeed, in a recent UK study of patient records from primary-care veterinary practices, UBs emerged as the predominant cause for mortality in young dogs. The current companion study of dogs attending veterinary practices in Australia from 2013 to 2018 reports a comparable proportion of mortality (29.7%) due to UBs among dogs aged three years and under. The most commonly reported UB was aggression. Neutered dogs and purebred dogs (and specifically Australian Cattle Dogs and American Staffordshire terriers) had an elevated risk of death ascribed to at least one UB. The risk factors associated with these UBs are also reported, including interventions applied by the attending clinician (if any). The results highlight the influence of UBs on dog welfare in Australia, and infer the benefits of educating dog owners and veterinary professionals in modifying and managing UBs. Abstract There is increasing evidence that undesirable behaviours (UBs) in dogs can compromise the welfare of both canine companions and their carers. Veterinarians are regularly consulted about affected animals and may be asked to euthanase the more severely affected individuals. A recent study of veterinary records showed that UBs were the predominant cause of mortality in young dogs in the UK. This companion study from Australia reports the proportion of mortality due to UBs among dogs aged three years and under that attended veterinary practices from 2013 to 2018. Deidentified patient records were extracted from the VetCompass Australia database and manually assessed to reveal the prevalence and type of UBs reported. The results reveal that 29.7% of the 4341 dogs that died at three years of age or under had deaths ascribed to at least one UB, and that the most commonly reported UB was aggression. Neutered dogs had 2.5× the odds of death due to an UB compared to intact dogs, and crossbred dogs were found to have 1.43× the odds of a UB related death compared to purebred dogs. The breeds at highest risk were Australian cattle dogs (odds ratio (OR) 4.77) and American Staffordshire terriers (OR 4.69). The attending veterinarian referred behaviour cases to a behaviourist or dog trainer in 11.0% of all UB cases, and attempted pharmacological therapy in 5.9% of cases. The results reveal how often UBs affect dogs and their owners in Australia, and infer the beneficial impact that educating dog owners and veterinary professionals in modifying and managing UBs may have.
Molting strategies of Arctic seals drive annual patterns in metabolism

Lay Summary: We used fine-scale measurements of resting metabolism to define seasonal patterns of baseline energy demands for spotted, ringed, and bearded seals. These data reveal energetic consequences of different molting strategies and provide source data for population and bioenergetics models aimed at assessing the sensitivity of Arctic seals to environmental warming.
Feed Restriction Modulates Growth, Gut Morphology and Gene Expression in Zebrafish

A reduction in daily caloric or nutrient intake has been observed to promote health benefits in mammals and other vertebrates. Feed Restriction (FR), whereby the overall food intake of the organism is reduced, has been explored as a method to improve metabolic and immune health, as well as to optimize productivity in farming. However, less is known regarding the molecular and physiological consequences of FR. Using the model organism, Danio rerio, we investigated the impact of a short-term (month-long) FR on growth, gut morphology and gene expression. Our data suggest that FR has minimal effects on the average growth rates, but it may affect weight and size heterogeneity in a sex-dependent manner. In the gut, we observed a significant reduction in gut circumference and generally lower mucosal heights, whereas other parameters remained unchanged. Gene Ontology (GO), EuKaryotic Orthologous Groups (KOG), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis identified numerous metabolic, reproductive, and immune response pathways that were affected by FR. These results broaden our understanding of FR and contribute towards growing knowledge of its effects on vertebrate health.
A Robot Operating System Framework for Secure UAV Communications

To perform advanced operations with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), it is crucial that components other than the existing ones such as flight controller, network devices, and ground control station (GCS) are also used. The inevitable addition of hardware and software to accomplish UAV operations may lead to security vulnerabilities through various vectors. Hence, we propose a security framework in this study to improve the security of an unmanned aerial system (UAS). The proposed framework operates in the robot operating system (ROS) and is designed to focus on several perspectives, such as overhead arising from additional security elements and security issues essential for flight missions. The UAS is operated in a nonnative and native ROS environment. The performance of the proposed framework in both environments is verified through experiments.
Quantitative Assessment of 3D Printed Model Accuracy in Delineating Congenital Heart Disease

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is promising in medical applications, especially presurgical planning and the simulation of congenital heart disease (CHD). Thus, it is clinically important to generate highly accurate 3D-printed models in replicating cardiac anatomy and defects. The present study aimed to investigate the accuracy of the 3D-printed CHD model by comparing them with computed tomography (CT) images and standard tessellation language (STL) files. Methods: Three models were printed, comprising different CHD pathologies, including the tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), ventricular septal defect (VSD) and double-outlet right-ventricle (DORV). The ten anatomical locations were measured in each comparison. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Bland–Altman analysis and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) determined the model accuracy. Results: All measurements with three printed models showed a strong correlation (r = 0.99) and excellent reliability (ICC = 0.97) when compared to original CT images, CT images of the 3D-printed models, STL files and 3D-printed CHD models. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the high accuracy of 3D-printed heart models with excellent correlation and reliability when compared to multiple source data. Further investigation into 3D printing in CHD should focus on the clinical value and the benefits to patients.
Proteomic and Transcriptomic Techniques to Decipher the Molecular Evolution of Venoms

Nature’s library of venoms is a vast and untapped resource that has the potential of becoming the source of a wide variety of new drugs and therapeutics. The discovery of these valuable molecules, hidden in diverse collections of different venoms, requires highly specific genetic and proteomic sequencing techniques. These have been used to sequence a variety of venom glands from species ranging from snakes to scorpions, and some marine species. In addition to identifying toxin sequences, these techniques have paved the way for identifying various novel evolutionary links between species that were previously thought to be unrelated. Furthermore, proteomics-based techniques have allowed researchers to discover how specific toxins have evolved within related species, and in the context of environmental pressures. These techniques allow groups to discover novel proteins, identify mutations of interest, and discover new ways to modify toxins for biomimetic purposes and for the development of new therapeutics.
Improving Familial Hypercholesterolemia Index Case Detection: Sequential Active Screening from Centralized Analytical Data

The majority of familial hypercholesterolemia index cases (FH-IC) remain underdiagnosed and undertreated because there are no well-defined strategies for the universal detection of FH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of an active screening for FH-IC based on centralized analytical data. From 2016 to 2019, a clinical screening of FH was performed on 469 subjects with severe hypercholesterolemia (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥220 mg/dL), applying the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria. All patients with a DLCN ≥ 6 were genetically tested, as were 10 patients with a DLCN of 3–5 points to compare the diagnostic yield between the two groups. FH was genetically confirmed in 57 of the 84 patients with DLCN ≥ 6, with a genetic diagnosis rate of 67.9% and an overall prevalence of 12.2% (95% confidence interval: 9.3% to 15.5%). Before inclusion in the study, only 36.8% (n = 21) of the patients with the FH mutation had been clinically diagnosed with FH; after genetic screening, FH detection increased 2.3-fold (p < 0.001). The sequential, active screening strategy for FH-IC increases the diagnostic yield for FH with a rational use of the available resources, which may facilitate the implementation of FH universal and family-based cascade screening strategies.
Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia: Novel Insights into Pathophysiology and Disease Management

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder defined by a significantly reduced number of platelets in blood circulation. Due to low levels of platelets, ITP is associated with frequent bruising and bleeding. Current evidence suggests that low platelet counts in ITP are the result of multiple factors, including impaired thrombopoiesis and variations in immune response leading to platelet destruction during pathological conditions. Patient outcomes as well as clinic presentation of the disease have largely been shown to be case-specific, hinting towards ITP rather being a group of clinical conditions sharing common symptoms. The most frequent characteristics include dysfunction in primary haemostasis and loss of immune tolerance towards platelet as well as megakaryocyte antigens. This heterogeneity in patient population and characteristics make it challenging for the clinicians to choose appropriate therapeutic regimen. Therefore, it is vital to understand the pathomechanisms behind the disease and to consider various factors including patient age, platelet count levels, co-morbidities and patient preferences before initiating therapy. This review summarizes recent developments in the pathophysiology of ITP and provides a comprehensive overview of current therapeutic strategies as well as potential future drugs for the management of ITP.