Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proteomics Analyses Reveal Functional Differences between Exosomes of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from The Umbilical Cord and Those Derived from The Adipose Tissue

Objective We aimed to identify the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and functional differences between exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from umbilical cord (UC) or adipose tissue (AD). Materials and Methods In this experimental study, the UC and AD were isolated from healthy volunteers. Then, exosomes from UC-MSCs and AD-MSCs were isolated and characterized. Next, the protein compositions of the exosomes were examined via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), followed by evaluation of the DEPs between UC-MSC and AD-MSC–derived exosomes. Finally, functional enrichment analysis was performed. Results One hundred and ninety-eight key DEPs were identified, among which, albumin (ALB), alpha-II-spectrin (SPTAN1), and Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (RAC2) were the three hub proteins present at the highest levels in the protein-protein interaction network that was generated based on the shared DEPs. The DEPs were mainly enriched in gene ontology (GO) items associated with immunity, complement activation, and protein activation cascade regulation corresponding to 24 pathways, of which complement and coagulation cascades as well as platelet activation pathways were the most significant. Conclusion The different functions of AD- and UC-MSC exosomes in clinical applications may be related to the differences in their immunomodulatory activities.
Comprehensive analysis of cancer breakpoints reveals signatures of genetic and epigenetic contribution to cancer genome rearrangements

Understanding mechanisms of cancer breakpoint mutagenesis is a difficult task and predictive models of cancer breakpoint formation have to this time failed to achieve even moderate predictive power. Here we take advantage of a machine learning approach that can gather important features from big data and quantify contribution of different factors. We performed comprehensive analysis of almost 630,000 cancer breakpoints and quantified the contribution of genomic and epigenomic features–non-B DNA structures, chromatin organization, transcription factor binding sites and epigenetic markers. The results showed that transcription and formation of non-B DNA structures are two major processes responsible for cancer genome fragility. Epigenetic factors, such as chromatin organization in TADs, open/closed regions, DNA methylation, histone marks are less informative but do make their contribution. As a general trend, individual features inside the groups show a relatively high contribution of G-quadruplexes and repeats and CTCF, GABPA, RXRA, SP1, MAX and NR2F2 transcription factors. Overall, the cancer breakpoint landscape can be represented by well-predicted hotspots and poorly predicted individual breakpoints scattered across genomes. We demonstrated that hotspot mutagenesis has genomic and epigenomic factors, and not all individual cancer breakpoints are just random noise but have a definite mutation signature. Besides we found a long-range action of some features on breakpoint mutagenesis. Combining omics data, cancer-specific individual feature importance and adding the distant to local features, predictive models for cancer breakpoint formation achieved 70–90% ROC AUC for different cancer types; however precision remained low at 2% and the recall did not exceed 50%. On the one hand, the power of models strongly correlates with the size of available cancer breakpoint and epigenomic data, and on the other hand finding strong determinants of cancer breakpoint formation still remains a challenge. The strength of predictive signals of each group and of each feature inside a group can be converted into cancer-specific breakpoint mutation signatures. Overall our results add to the understanding of cancer genome rearrangement processes.
Unique molecular characteristics and microglial origin of Kv1.3 channel–positive brain myeloid cells in Alzheimer’s disease

Significance The potassium channel Kv1.3 in brain myeloid cells represents a promising therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The patterns of expression and functional roles of Kv1.3 channels in brain myeloid subpopulations and the microglial-versus-peripheral myeloid origin of Kv1.3-expressing cells in AD remain unclear. Here, we show that in mice, Kv1.3 is selectively up-regulated in an Aβ-dependent manner by a subset of microglia-derived cells, expresses higher levels of proinflammatory genes, and confirms the presence of Kv1.3-expressing microglial subpopulations in human AD. Furthermore, blocking Kv1.3 in an AD model reduces Aβ neuropathology, increases synaptic protein expression, and skews the microglial transcriptome toward pro-phagocytic and protective phenotypes. Our findings strengthen the preclinical rationale for targeting microglial Kv1.3 channels for therapeutic immunomodulation in AD. Kv1.3 potassium channels, expressed by proinflammatory central nervous system mononuclear phagocytes (CNS-MPs), are promising therapeutic targets for modulating neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The molecular characteristics of Kv1.3-high CNS-MPs and their cellular origin from microglia or CNS-infiltrating monocytes are unclear. While Kv1.3 blockade reduces amyloid beta (Aβ) burden in mouse models, the downstream immune effects on molecular profiles of CNS-MPs remain unknown. We show that functional Kv1.3 channels are selectively expressed by a subset of CD11b+CD45+ CNS-MPs acutely isolated from an Aβ mouse model (5xFAD) as well as fresh postmortem human AD brain. Transcriptomic profiling of purified CD11b+Kv1.3+ CNS-MPs, CD11b+CD45int Kv1.3neg microglia, and peripheral monocytes from 5xFAD mice revealed that Kv1.3-high CNS-MPs highly express canonical microglial markers (Tmem119, P2ry12) and are distinct from peripheral Ly6chigh/Ly6clow monocytes. Unlike homeostatic microglia, Kv1.3-high CNS-MPs express relatively lower levels of homeostatic genes, higher levels of CD11c, and increased levels of glutamatergic transcripts, potentially representing phagocytic uptake of neuronal elements. Using irradiation bone marrow CD45.1/CD45.2 chimerism in 5xFAD mice, we show that Kv1.3+ CNS-MPs originate from microglia and not blood-derived monocytes. We show that Kv1.3 channels regulate membrane potential and early signaling events in microglia. Finally, in vivo blockade of Kv1.3 channels in 5xFAD mice by ShK-223 reduced Aβ burden, increased CD11c+ CNS-MPs, and expression of phagocytic genes while suppressing proinflammatory genes (IL1b). Our results confirm the microglial origin and identify unique molecular features of Kv1.3-expressing CNS-MPs. In addition, we provide evidence for CNS immunomodulation by Kv1.3 blockers in AD mouse models resulting in a prophagocytic phenotype.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Technology and Learning Outcomes in Dental Anatomy Education: E‐Learning Approach

E‐learning is an educational method that improves knowledge innovation by sharing relevant images for advanced learning, especially in a pandemic state. Furthermore, cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a method that gathers medical or dental diagnostic images. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of dental anatomy education through a CBCT technology tool, through teachers' and students' perspectives, adjusted according to the disruptions caused by the Covid‐19 pandemic. A cohort study and longitudinal exploratory analysis were performed. Forty undergraduate first‐year dental students, from the University of Coimbra in Portugal, were selected as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two different teaching methods were applied during an identical time‐period: face‐to‐face lectures complemented by physical models (T1 cohort) and webinar lectures complemented by CBCT images (T2 cohort). Learning outcomes were then studied according to theoretical and spatial orientation contexts. A self‐reported survey that focused on students' satisfaction, stress, and support was studied. Both teaching methods were analyzed with paired sample student's t‐test and Pearson Correlation Confidence intervals 95% with P < 0.05. Furthermore, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used for self‐reported satisfaction survey validity and reliability analysis. The learning outcomes between T1 and T2 cohorts were statistically significant, (P < 0.001) corresponding to differences with a large effect degree (r > 0.60). Students' satisfaction, as measured on a six‐point Likert scale, was positively influenced by the webinar lectures supplemented with CBCT images (T2 cohort) in a learning context (4.95 ± 0.5) and future applications (5.92 ± 0.27). In conclusion, the webinar approach with CBCT images was more effective and better learning method for teaching dental anatomy.
Novel insights into di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate activation: Implications for the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an environmental pollutant, is widely used as a plasticizer and causes serious pollution in the ecological environment. As previously reported, exposure to DEHP may cause thyroid dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. However, the underlying role of DEHP remains to be elucidated. The present study performed intragastrical administration of DEHP (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) once a day for 90 consecutive days. DEHP-stimulated oxidative stress increased the thyroid follicular cavity diameter and caused thyrocyte oedema. Furthermore, DEHP exposure altered mRNA and protein levels. Thus, DEHP may perturb TH homeostasis by affecting biosynthesis, biotransformation, bio-transportation, receptor levels and metabolism through disruption of the HPT axis and activation of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)/TSH receptor signaling pathway. These results identified the formerly unappreciated endocrine-disrupting activities of phthalates and the molecular mechanisms of DEHP-induced thyrotoxicity.
Ozonation of VOC's in the Presence of Humic Acid and Soils

The oxidation of several VOCs in the presence of humic acid and soil is described in this paper. It was found that while ozone does react appreciably with humic acid, as indicated by significant changes in the spectral characteristics of humic acid, the TOC levels in these solutions changed by only 3‰ or less. The oxidation of four olefinic VOCs occurred in solutions containing up to 120 mg/L humic acid, however, the extent to which each of the compounds reacted is very much compound specific. The effect of pH and ozone dosage on these reactions was considered. The effects of pH were weak for all compounds except trichloroethane. Ozone dosage had a significant effect on the extent to which each of the VOCs was oxidized, although no simple relationship between ozone dosage and the amount of VOC which reacted could be obtained. Complete oxidation of dy–dichloroethylene by ozone (22 mg/L) occurred in solutions containing 1.0 g of Eustis soil suspended in 10.0 mL water. However, only 40‰ oxidation of tetrachl.
Smartphone use patterns and problematic smartphone use among preschool children

Background The purpose of the present study was to identify smartphone use patterns associated with problematic smartphone use (PSU) among preschool children. Little is known about PSU patterns in younger children, although the age for first smartphone use is decreasing. Methods We applied a cross-sectional study design to analyze data obtained from a nationwide survey on smartphone overdependence conducted in 2017 by the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency. Data from 1,378 preschool children were analyzed using binomial logistic regression analysis. This study was conducted in compliance with STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). Results Seventeen percent of the sample met the criteria for PSU. The odds of PSU significantly increased with frequent smartphone use and in children who used a smartphone for more than two hours per day. Using smartphones to watch TV shows or videos for entertainment or fun significantly increased the odds of PSU, whereas using smartphones for education, games, and social networking did not. Conclusions The findings indicate that one of five preschool children using smartphones could experience PSU. Compared to other age groups, PSU in young children may be more associated with their caregivers. To prevent PSU in preschool children, caregivers need information about the total screen time recommended for children, smartphone use patterns associated with PSU, suggestions for other activities as possible alternatives to smartphone use, and strategies to strengthen children’s self-regulation with regards to smartphone use.
In vivo reconstitution finds multivalent RNA–RNA interactions as drivers of mesh-like condensates

Liquid-like condensates have been thought to be sphere-like. Recently, various condensates with filamentous morphology have been observed in cells. One such condensate is the TIS granule network that shares a large surface area with the rough endoplasmic reticulum and is important for membrane protein trafficking. It has been unclear how condensates with mesh-like shapes but dynamic protein components are formed. In vitro and in vivo reconstitution experiments revealed that the minimal components are a multivalent RNA-binding protein that concentrates RNAs that are able to form extensive intermolecular mRNA–mRNA interactions. mRNAs with large unstructured regions have a high propensity to form a pervasive intermolecular interaction network that acts as condensate skeleton. The underlying RNA matrix prevents full fusion of spherical liquid-like condensates, thus driving the formation of irregularly shaped membraneless organelles. The resulting large surface area may promote interactions at the condensate surface and at the interface with other organelles.
A new technique for measuring broadband dielectric spectra of undisturbed soil samples

A new coaxial line cell for the determination of dielectric spectra of undisturbed soil samples was developed based on a 1.625‐inch ‐ 50 Ω coaxial system. Undisturbed soil samples were collected from a soil profile of the Taunus region (Germany) and capillary saturated followed by a step‐by‐step de‐watering in a pressure plate apparatus as well as oven‐drying at 40°C. The resultant water contents of the soil samples varied from saturation to air‐dry. Permittivity measurements were performed within a frequency range from 1 MHz to 10 GHz with a vector network analyser technique. Complex effective relative permittivity or electrical conductivity was obtained by combining quasi‐analytical and numerical inversion algorithms as well as the parameterizing of measured full set S‐parameters simultaneously under consideration of a generalized fractional dielectric relaxation model (GDR). The measurement of standard materials shows that the technique provides reliable dielectric spectra up to a restricted upper frequency of 5 GHz. For the soil samples investigated, the real part of complex effective relative permittivity ɛ′r,eff and the real part of complex effective electrical conductivity σ′eff decreased with increasing matric potential or decreasing water contents. Soil texture and porosity affect the dielectric behaviour at frequencies below 1 GHz. For frequencies above 1 GHz minor texture effects were found. The presence of organic matter decreases ɛ′r,eff and σ′eff. At 1 GHz, the empirical model of Topp et al. (1980) is in close agreement with the experimentally determined real part of the effective permittivity with RMSEs ranging from 1.21 for the basal periglacial slope deposit and 1.29 for bedrock to 3.93 for the upper periglacial slope deposit (Ah). The comparison of the experimental results with a semi‐empirical dielectric mixing model shows that data, especially for the organic‐free soils, tend to be under‐estimated below 1 GHz. The main advantage of the new method compared with conventional impedance and coaxial methods is the preservation of the natural in‐situ structure and properties such as bulk density of the investigated soil samples.
A vertex dynamics simulation of grain growth in two dimensions

Abstract A vertex model including real and virtual vertices is presented. Equations for the dynamics are derived and applied in their complete form. Details of the implementation in two dimensions are discussed. It is shown that the mobility and the energy of grain boundaries, and consequently the simulation time, are the usual real quantities. The model is then applied to the simulation of normal grain growth and compared with the Potts model and the Kawasaki et al. vertex models. The present model proved to be successful in reproducing classical laws related to static and dynamic features. In particular, it provides a value of the pre-factor constant in the law describing the evolution of the mean grain size against time.
Electrochemical Intercalation of Hexafluorophosphate Anion into Various Carbons for Cathode of Dual-Carbon Rechargeable Battery

Electrochemical intercalation of PF - 6 into various carbons was studied for the cathode of an Li-ion rechargeable battery. It was found that the capacity of the electrochemical intercalation of PF - 6 increases with decreasing (002) plane distance, namely, increasing the crystallinity of graphitic-carbon, and the largest capacity was achieved on the carbon with almost ideal graphitic-carbon structure. By using graphitic carbon with high crystallinity and the stable electrolyte of ethylene carbonate-dimethylene carbonate, a rechargeable battery with high capacity (90 mAh/g) and rate property was successfully demonstrated.
The effect of gender and male distinctiveness threat on prejudice against homosexuals.

Positive distinctiveness threat is central for understanding ingroup bias, but its role in gender differences in the expression of sexual prejudice is not yet satisfactorily elucidated. We analyzed this issue by proposing that sexual prejudice is a defensive reaction to ensure intergroup distinctiveness, so that heterosexual men are more prejudiced against homosexuals than heterosexual women because they strive more for positive distinctiveness. In Study 1 (N = 232), we found that men exhibited more prejudice against gay men than lesbians, while women did not significantly differentiate their prejudice against these target groups. In Study 2, we manipulated the target group of prejudice (gay men vs. lesbians) in a sample of heterosexual men (N = 79) and confirmed that they differentiated more between heterosexual men and gay men than between heterosexual women and lesbians. In Study 3 (N = 177), we manipulated the threat to the distinctiveness between the ingroup (i.e., heterosexual men and heterosexual women) and the outgroup (i.e., gay men and lesbians) and demonstrated that the perceived distinctiveness mediates the relationship between gender and sexual prejudice in men but not in women. Finally, in Study 4 (N = 75), we manipulated the distinctiveness threat for men and women and measured sexual prejudice by using an implicit measure. The results showed more implicit prejudice in men than in women when intergroup distinctiveness was threatened (vs. affirmed). Our results have important implications for understanding sexual prejudice by shedding light on the role played by the distinctiveness threat of gender differences in expressing homophobia. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Hyperoside protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxia-induced injury via upregulation of microRNA-138

Following hypoxia, cardiomyocytes are susceptible to damage, against which microRNA (miR)-138 may act protectively. Hyperoside (Hyp) is a Chinese herbal medicine with multiple biological functions that serve an important role in cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of Hyp in hypoxic cardiomyocytes and its effect on miR-138. A hypoxia model was established in both H9C2 cells and C57BL/6 mice, which were stimulated by Hyp. The expression levels of miR-138 were increased in the hypoxic myocardium in the presence of Hyp at concentrations of >50 µmol/l in vivo and >50 mg/kg in vitro. Using Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assays, it was observed that Hyp improved hypoxia-induced impairment of cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry and a TUNEL assay. The number of apoptotic cells in the Hyp group was lower than that in the control group. As markers of myocardial injury, the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-myocardial band isoenzyme and malondialdehyde were decreased in the Hyp group compared with the control group, whereas the levels of superoxide dismutase were increased. A marked decrease in the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved poly(ADP) ribose polymerase and a marked increase in expression levels of Bcl-2 were observed in the presence of Hyp. However, miR-138 inhibition by antagomir attenuated the protective effects of Hyp. Furthermore, Hyp treatment was associated with marked downregulation of mixed lineage kinase 3 and lipocalin-2, but not pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1, in hypoxic H9C2 cells. These findings demonstrated that Hyp may be beneficial for myocardial cell survival and may alleviate hypoxic injury via upregulation of miR-138, thereby representing a promising potential strategy for clinical cardioprotection.
Older Adult Peer Support Specialists’ Age-Related Contributions to an Integrated Medical and Psychiatric Self-Management Intervention: Qualitative Study of Text Message Exchanges

Background Middle-aged and older adults with mental health conditions have a high likelihood of experiencing comorbid physical health conditions, premature nursing home admissions, and early death compared with the general population of adults aged 50 years or above. An emerging workforce of peer support specialists aged 50 years or above or “older adult peer support specialists” is increasingly using technology to deliver peer support services to address both the mental health and physical health needs of middle-aged and older adults with a diagnosis of a serious mental illness. Objective This exploratory qualitative study examined older adult peer support specialists’ text message exchanges with middle-aged and older adults with a diagnosis of a serious mental illness and their nonmanualized age-related contributions to a standardized integrated medical and psychiatric self-management intervention. Methods Older adult peer support specialists exchanged text messages with middle-aged and older adults with a diagnosis of a serious mental illness as part of a 12-week standardized integrated medical and psychiatric self-management smartphone intervention. Text message exchanges between older adult peer support specialists (n=3) and people with serious mental illnesses (n=8) were examined (mean age 68.8 years, SD 4.9 years). A total of 356 text messages were sent between older adult peer support specialists and service users with a diagnosis of a serious mental illness. Older adult peer support specialists sent text messages to older participants’ smartphones between 8 AM and 10 PM on weekdays and weekends. Results Five themes emerged from text message exchanges related to older adult peer support specialists’ age-related contributions to integrated self-management, including (1) using technology to simultaneously manage mental health and physical health issues; (2) realizing new coping skills in late life; (3) sharing roles as parents and grandparents; (4) wisdom; and (5) sharing lived experience of difficulties with normal age-related changes (emerging). Conclusions Older adult peer support specialists’ lived experience of aging successfully with a mental health challenge may offer an age-related form of peer support that may have implications for promoting successful aging in older adults with a serious mental illness.