Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LRRK2 mediates microglial neurotoxicity via NFATc2 in rodent models of synucleinopathies

LRRK2 modulates nucleus translocation of NFATc2 in microglia. Understanding microglia response to α-synuclein α-Synuclein (α-syn) deposition is a major hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases. α-Syn can induce microglia activation and subsequent neurodegeneration; however, the mechanisms mediating microglia response to α-syn are not completely elucidated. Now, Kim et al. show that neuron-released α-syn promotes activation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) in rodent microglia via TLR2 that in turn triggered a proinflammatory cascade through activation of the immune transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 2 (NFATc2). Inhibiting LRRK2 ameliorated neuropathology in a mouse model of synucleinopathy. Synucleinopathies are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by abnormal α-synuclein deposition that include Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. The pathology of these conditions also includes neuronal loss and neuroinflammation. Neuron-released α-synuclein has been shown to induce neurotoxic, proinflammatory microglial responses through Toll-like receptor 2, but the molecular mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Here, we show that leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) plays a critical role in the activation of microglia by extracellular α-synuclein. Exposure to α-synuclein was found to enhance LRRK2 phosphorylation and activity in mouse primary microglia. Furthermore, genetic and pharmacological inhibition of LRRK2 markedly diminished α-synuclein–mediated microglial neurotoxicity via lowering of tumor necrosis factor–α and interleukin-6 expression in mouse cultures. We determined that LRRK2 promoted a neuroinflammatory cascade by selectively phosphorylating and inducing nuclear translocation of the immune transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 2 (NFATc2). NFATc2 activation was seen in patients with synucleinopathies and in a mouse model of synucleinopathy, where administration of an LRRK2 pharmacological inhibitor restored motor behavioral deficits. Our results suggest that modulation of LRRK2 and its downstream signaling mediator NFATc2 might be therapeutic targets for treating synucleinopathies.
The Effectiveness of Adlerian Therapy for Hwa-Byung in Middle-Aged South Korean Womenψ

Middle-aged South Korean women are at greater risk of developing hwa-byung (South Korean anger syndrome) as compared to men and women of other age groups. In this study, we developed and evaluated the effectiveness of a group counseling program informed by Adlerian individual psychology. Outcome measures included hwa-byung symptoms, depression, and anxiety. We used a cohort-controlled design that compared an intervention condition (n = 22) and a wait-list control group (n = 16), with a 4-week follow-up. Group comparisons showed statistically significant treatment effects for all three outcome measures, which were maintained at follow-up. Mediational analyses revealed that changes in hwa-byung symptoms and depression were mediated by increased social interest. The findings support the effectiveness of a group Adlerian program for middle-aged South Korean women in alleviating hwa-byung symptoms, depression, and anxiety.
Disentangling Promotive and Buffering Protection: Exploring the Interface Between Risk and Protective Factors in Recidivism of Adult Convicted Males

The quality of risk assessment instruments has improved greatly during the last 40 years. While assessing protective factors has become common practice, with some instruments now devoted entirely to such assessments, little is known about the effect of risk and protective factors on recidivism. The present study investigates the effects (promotive or buffering protective) of protective factors captured by the LS/CMI for a sample of 18,031 convicted adult males under the supervision of provincial services in Canada. Effects of protective factors and possible interactions between risk and protective factors were investigated using moderation analyses. Results indicate that protective factors can be both promotive and buffering protective for risk and that the benefits of protective factors are related to the risk to which people are exposed. Patterns of protective effects appear to differ for general and violent recidivism. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
Water Flux and Energetics of Nestling Savannah Sparrows in the Field

We measured water fluxes and CO₂ production rates of nestling Belding's savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) in the field, using doubly labeled water. We found no significant difference between rates of water flux or CO₂ production of nestlings in broods of two compared with broods of three young, so we pooled these results. Nestlings were growing rapidly, and water influx nearly always exceeded water efflux. Although water fluxes increased with age, younger nestlings retained a greater proportion of incoming water than did older birds. Nestling sparrows gained a total 51.1 ml H₂O during the 8-day nestling period, and they lost 43.4 ml. Nestlings apparently did not consume free water of any kind. Metabolic rates (ml CO₂/h) increased with age (days after hatching) according to the relationship, ml CO2/h = 1 16.7/[1 + 17.9e−046) age]. Nestling savannah sparrows accumulated 75.2 kJ of energy in growth, and respired energy amounted to 171.5 kJ. For the 8-day nestling period, growth efficiency, i.e., the ratio of energy accumulated in tissues (P) divided by the total metabolizable energy (TME), was 0.30. This efficiency is higher than most of those reported for other altricial nestlings. The parents fed each chick ~64 g of fresh arthropods over the 8-day nestling period. Assuming each parent provides one-half of the food needs for a brood, then each adult had to increase its feeding rate, above that required for its own needs, by ~40% if brood size was two, by 60% if brood size was three, and by 80% for a brood of four.
Considerations for Measurement of Sodium Intake

Current salt consumption is the major risk factor for hypertension and consequently cardiovascular disease (CVD). Accurate measurement of Na intake is an important component of developing dietary interventions to treat hypertension and lower CVD risk. Given that existing methods have a large subject burden, quick and practical ways to assess Na intake in individuals, particularly in hypertensive subjects, are needed. Such tools may be used for motivation to quantify salt intake and to set targets for lifestyle changes for prevention of CVD within a clinic setting. Patients at high risk of development of CVD may be identified and targeted for motivational interviewing. They may also be used as part of cardiac rehabilitation programs and will allow individuals to measure their own intake and to see the results of their individual action.
Chaotic motion of a nonlinear near resonance centrifuge

The equilibrium point and stability of the motion equation of the nonlinear near resonance centrifuge is studied, and the critical conditions for chaotic motions of the system under external excitation are studied by Melnikov method. The expression of Melnikov function and the boundary value between chaotic and non-chaotic regions are given. According to the range of parameters, the numerical simulations are carried out. The results show that the critical parameters of chaotic motion determined using Melnikov method are consistent with that obtained by the numerical simulation. This method effectively judges the occurrence of chaotic motion.
The Utility of SAPROF-YV Ratings for Predicting Recidivism in Male Youth Under Community Supervision in Singapore

There is bourgeoning empirical support for the usage of the Structured Assessment of Protective Factors (SAPROF) across many jurisdictions, but there is a dearth of research on the Structured Assessment of Protective Factors for Violence Risk—Youth Version (SAPROF-YV). This study examined (a) the predictive validity of the SAPROF-YV ratings for general recidivism and (b) the incremental predictive validity of the SAPROF-YV ratings when used in conjunction with the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) 2.0 ratings. Using a sample of 822 male youths who were involved with the justice system and under community supervision in Singapore, the results showed that the SAPROF-YV total score and final protection judgment rating were significantly predictive of general recidivism. Moreover, the SAPROF-YV total score and final judgment rating showed incremental predictive validity over the YLS/CMI 2.0 total score and risk rating. Overall, the results suggest that SAPROF-YV ratings are suited for assessing justice-involved youth within the Singaporean context and can be used in conjunction with YLS/CMI 2.0 ratings for predicting recidivism.
Reentry of Incarcerated Juveniles: Correctional Education as a Turning Point Across Juvenile and Adult Facilities

All incarcerated juveniles have to receive correctional education, but little is known about how these school experiences influence reentry. With longitudinal data of 569 incarcerated juveniles (91% male) from the Pathways to Desistance Project, this study tested how motivational (teacher bonding, school orientation, time spent on homework) and performance (grades) aspects of schooling were related to desistance for youth returning from juvenile versus adult facilities. Results revealed that across facility type, increased attachment to facility schools, but not grades, predicted increased gainful activity (attending school and/or working), less self-reported delinquency, and lower recidivism in the community. Path models showed that gainful activity during Months 1 through 6 was related to stay in community, but not to self-reported behavior in Months 7 through 12. Results indicate that incarceration is an environment that shapes future behavior, but also highlight differences between behavioral and system responses. Facility school experiences might be an important locus of intervention.
Consequences of intergeneric chloroplast transfers on photosynthesis and sensitivity to high light

Plants with alien chloroplasts (cybrids) were investigated to identify species-specific nucleus-chloroplast interactions which affect the organisation and the functionality of the photosynthetic apparatus. The cybrids had nuclei of Nicotiana tabacum L. and chloroplasts of Atropa belladonna L. (cybrid Nt(Ab)) or Salpiglossis sinuata R. et P. (cybrid Nt(Ss)). Despite the exchange of the chloroplast genome the morphology of the cybrids was similar to their nuclear parent. Also the PSI/PSII ratio was comparable. In Nt(Ab) modified LHCII proteins could be detected which were absent in the parental plants. The trimerisation of LHCII, the chlorophyll contents and the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were not affected by this modification, but the portion of trimeric LHCII was slightly reduced. In Nt(Ss) the formation of the antenna system was disturbed, and impaired PSII centres could be detected in older leaves. These cybrid-specific features suggest that nucleus-chloroplast interactions are involved in the processing of LHCII and in chloroplast development. High light sensitivity was considerably increased in the cybrids and this risk should be considered when cybridisation is used in crop breeding.
Long covid could be four different syndromes, review suggests

Long covid, the name commonly used to explain lasting effects of covid-19, may actually be four different syndromes, according to a review by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). 1 A team of researchers and doctors reviewed current evidence and interviewed post-hospitalised and non-hospitalised patients and reported that long covid did not seem to fit as one syndrome. They suggested that people experiencing long term effects of covid-19 may have different syndromes such as post-intensive care syndrome, post-viral fatigue syndrome, and long term covid syndrome. Elaine Maxwell, review author and content lead for NIHR’s Centre for Engagement and Dissemination, said, “We are not saying that we have identified …
Endothelial extracellular vesicles contain protective proteins and rescue ischemia-reperfusion injury in a human heart-on-chip

Endothelial extracellular vesicles containing cardioprotective proteins rescue engineered human cardiac tissue in an ischemia-reperfusion injury model. Valuable vesicles Extracellular vesicles, small membrane-bound particles released from cells, have been shown to have cardioprotective effects. Here, Yadid et al. analyzed the proteins contained in vesicles released from endothelial cells under normoxia and hypoxia and investigated cardioprotective effects on cardiac tissues in vitro. Using a human heart-on-chip composed of cardiomyocytes, the authors showed that endothelial cell–derived vesicles supported metabolic function, tissue contraction, and viability during ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study helps to elucidate the mechanism by which vesicles are cardioprotective in human tissue. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from various stem cell sources induce cardioprotective effects during ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). These have been attributed mainly to the antiapoptotic, proangiogenic, microRNA (miRNA) cargo within the stem cell–derived EVs. However, the mechanisms of EV-mediated endothelial signaling to cardiomyocytes, as well as their therapeutic potential toward ischemic myocardial injury, are not clear. EV content beyond miRNA that may contribute to cardioprotection has not been fully illuminated. This study characterized the protein cargo of human vascular endothelial EVs (EEVs) to identify lead cardioactive proteins and assessed the effect of EEVs on human laminar cardiac tissues (hlCTs) exposed to IRI. We mapped the protein content of human vascular EEVs and identified proteins that were previously associated with cellular metabolism, redox state, and calcium handling, among other processes. Analysis of the protein landscape of human cardiomyocytes revealed corresponding modifications induced by EEV treatment. To assess their human-specific cardioprotection in vitro, we developed a human heart-on-a-chip IRI assay using human stem cell–derived, engineered cardiac tissues. We found that EEVs alleviated cardiac cell death as well as the loss in contractile capacity during and after simulated IRI in an uptake- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we found that EEVs increased the respiratory capacity of normoxic cardiomyocytes. These results suggest that vascular EEVs rescue hlCTs exposed to IRI possibly by supplementing injured myocytes with cargo that supports multiple metabolic and salvage pathways and therefore may serve as a multitargeted therapy for IRI.
The effect of abdominal functional electrical stimulation on bowel function in multiple sclerosis: a cohort study

Background Chronic constipation is prevalent in people with multiple sclerosis, with current treatments usually only partially effective. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of abdominal functional electrical stimulation to reduce whole gut and colonic transit times and improve bowel and bladder-related quality of life. Methods A total of 23 people with multiple sclerosis who fulfilled the Rome III criteria for functional constipation applied abdominal functional electrical stimulation for 1 hour per day, 5 days per week, for 6 weeks. Whole gut and colonic transit times and bowel and bladder-related quality of life were measured before and after the intervention period. Results Whole gut (mean 81.3 (standard deviation 28.7) hours pre vs. 96.1 (standard deviation 53.6) hours post-intervention, P = 0.160) and colonic transit time (65.1 (31.4) vs. 74.8 (51.1) hours, P = 0.304) were unchanged following 6 weeks of abdominal functional electrical stimulation. There was a significant improvement in bowel (mean 1.78 (SD: 0.64) pre vs. 1.28 (SD: 0.54) post, P = 0.001) and bladder (50.6 (26.49) vs. 64.5 (21.92), p = 0.007) related quality of life after the intervention period. Conclusion While abdominal functional electrical stimulation did not reduce whole gut and colonic transit times for people with multiple sclerosis, a significant improvement in bowel and bladder-related quality of life was reported.
Development of Selective Medium and Counting Method for Heat Resistans Spores of Bacillus coagulan

A selective medium for counting spores of Bacillus coagulans, one of the principal causative organisms for flat sour-type spoilage of thermally processed foods packaged in a sealed container, was developed and named m-TAA medium. To prepare the medium, phytone, 10g; yeast extract, 5g; dextrin, 5g; and dipotassium phosphate, 4g were dissolved in 500ml of distilled water followed by adjusting the pH to 4.6, and 20g of agar was dissolved in 500ml of distilled water. The two solutions were autoclaved at 121°C for 15min. A time of use, they were mixed after melting. In a pour plate of the medium incubated at 55°C for 5 days, B. coagulans spores, heated at 100°C for 30min, produced an average equivalent number of visible colonies to dextrose tryptone agar (pH 7.0), while spores heated as above for B. stearothermophilus, B. circulars, B. licheniformis, B. subtilis, B. cereus, B. macerans, B. brevis and B. pumilus produced no colonies. This selective counting method was applied to food ingredients. All of 14 isolates from the colonies formed in the plated medium were identified with B. coagulans. (Received Jan. 5, 1993)
The carbon and nitrogen cycle impacts of reverting perennial bioenergy switchgrass to an annual maize crop rotation

In the age of biofuel innovation, bioenergy crop sustainability assessment has determined how candidate systems alter the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycle. These research efforts revealed how perennial crops, such as switchgrass, increase belowground soil organic carbon (SOC) and lose less N than annual crops, like maize. As demand for bioenergy increases, land managers will need to choose whether to invest in food or fuel cropping systems. However, little research has focused on the C and N cycle impacts of reverting purpose‐grown perennial bioenergy crops back to annual cropping systems. We investigated this knowledge gap by measuring C and N pools and fluxes over 2 years following reversion of a mature switchgrass stand to an annual maize rotation. The most striking treatment difference was in ecosystem respiration (ER), with the maize‐converted treatment showing the highest respiration flux of 2,073.63 (± 367.20) g C m−2 year−1 compared to the switchgrass 1,412.70 (± 28.72) g C m−2 year−1 and maize‐control treatments 1,699.16 (± 234.79) g C m−2 year−1. This difference was likely driven by increased heterotrophic respiration of belowground switchgrass necromass in the maize‐converted treatment. Predictions from the DayCent model showed it would take approximately 5 years for SOC dynamics in the converted treatment to return to conditions of the maize‐control treatment. N losses were highest from the maize‐converted treatment when compared to undisturbed switchgrass and maize‐control, particularly during the first conversion year. These results show substantial C and N losses occur within the first 2 years after reversion of switchgrass to maize. Given farmers are likely to rotate between perennial and annual crops in the future to meet market demands, our results indicate that improvements to the land conversion approach are needed to preserve SOC built up by perennial crops to maintain the long‐term ecological sustainability of bioenergy cropping systems.
Feasibility and acceptability of a remotely‐delivered behavioural health coaching intervention to limit gestational weight gain

Gestational weight gain (GWG) and postpartum weight retention (PPWR) are significant, potentially modifiable, contributors to women's future weight and health trajectories. There is a need for feasible and patient‐centered (i.e., convenient, remotely‐delivered, technology‐enhanced, and accessible through the prenatal care setting) behavioural interventions that limit GWG and PPWR. This study tests the feasibility and acceptability of a remotely‐delivered behavioural health coaching intervention to limit gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention.
Corn stover harvest reduces soil CO2 fluxes but increases overall C losses

Harvesting corn (Zea mays L.) stover for use as bioenergy feedstock may provide short‐term economic benefits and perhaps improve grain yield in continuous corn systems, but excessive stover removal may lead to long‐term depletion of soil C stocks. To better quantify the impacts of stover harvest on the soil C balance, we investigated CO2 fluxes under three harvest treatments (none, moderate, and high) in three continuous corn systems: (a) no tillage and no biochar applications, (b) chisel plowing with biochar amendments, and (c) chisel plowing without biochar amendments were quantified. We sampled static chambers 14, 13, and 15 times in 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively, and the measurements were used to calibrate the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator model. Although CO2‐C emissions did not differ among the three systems, both moderate (approximately 30%) and high (approximately 60%) stover removal rates reduced simulated CO2‐C emissions by nearly 10% and more than 22%, respectively. Despite these reductions in CO2 flux, the sum of CO2‐C and stover C exceeded CO2‐C losses in those plots without stover removal. This finding suggested soil C depletion was occurring for the soil and crop management practices used, even though depletion was not evident after 3 years. Application of biochar increased soil C levels, suggesting it may be able to offset some C losses. We conclude that for sustainable, highly productive agroecosystems that include stover harvest, all agronomic practices must be optimized to minimize C losses and maintain soil quality.
Full Transcriptome Analysis of Callus Suspension Culture System of Bletilla striata

Background Bletilla striata has been widely used in the pharmacology industry. To effectively produce the secondary metabolites through suspension cultured cells of B. striata, it is important to exploring the full-length transcriptome data and the genes related to cell growth and chemical producing of all culture stages. We applied a combination of Real-Time Sequencing of Single Molecule (SMRT) and second-generation sequencing (SGS) to generate the complete and full-length transcriptome of B. striata suspension cultured cells. Methods The B. striata transcriptome was formed in de novo way by using PacBio isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) on a pooled RNA sample derived from 23 samples of 10 culture stages, to explore the potential for capturing full-length transcript isoforms. All unigenes were obtained after splicing, assembling, and clustering, and corrected by the SGS results. The obtained unigenes were compared with the databases, and the functions were annotated and classified. Results and conclusions A total of 100,276 high-quality full-length transcripts were obtained, with an average length of 2530 bp and an N50 of 3302 bp. About 52% of total sequences were annotated against the Gene Ontology, 53,316 unigenes were hit by KOG annotations and divided into 26 functional categories, 80,020 unigenes were mapped by KEGG annotations and clustered into 363 pathways. Furthermore, 15,133 long-chain non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were detected. And 68,996 coding sequences were identified based on SSR analysis, among which 31 pairs of primers selected at random were amplified and obtained stable bands. In conclusion, our results provide new full-length transcriptome data and genetic resources for identifying growth and metabolism-related genes, which provide a solid foundation for further research on its growth regulation mechanisms and genetic engineering breeding mechanisms of B. striata.