Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Maternal Diet and Medium Chain Fatty Acids Supplementation for Piglets on Their Digestive Tract Development, Structure, and Chyme Acidity as Well as Performance and Health Status

Simple Summary Weaning is the most critical period of piglet rearing. During this time, pigs have not yet fully developed their intestinal tract and immune system; therefore, they are an easy target for pathogenic microorganisms that cause gastrointestinal diseases. In the last decade, several nutritional factors were studied to prevent gastrointestinal disorders in piglets. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of oils for sows during late pregnancy and lactation on offspring performance. In addition, the study determined the effect of caprylic acid or medium-chain triglyceride oil in piglets’ feed on their intestinal structure development, fatty acids content of chyme, productive performance, and health status. Summarizing, the study showed that coconut oil fed to pregnant and lactating sows can markedly reduce the mortality of piglets during the weaning period and that caprylic acid and medium-chain fatty acid oil can be a good feed supplement in weaned piglet feed. The nutritional factors tested in the present study could be used in the diet of sows and piglets to improve the health of piglets and thus the efficiency of pig production. Abstract The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of oils for sows during late pregnancy and lactation on offspring performance. In addition, the effect of caprylic acid (C8) or medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT) in piglets’ feed on their gut development, performance, and health status was determined. The experiment was conducted on 24 sows allocated to two treatments: diet with rapeseed oil or with coconut oil. Newborn piglets were randomly allocated to three treatments: feed with no supplement or supplemented with 0.3% MCT or with 0.3% C8. The results showed that both oils had no effect on sow reproductive rates; however, fatty acid patterns of milk differed significantly and the number of lost piglets was lower in sow fed with coconut oil. Both caprylic and MCT oil significantly improved piglet performance and villus height. These additives did not change triacylglycerol content in blood, but C8 lowered total cholesterol and MCT increased IgG content. It can be concluded that coconut oil fed to pregnant and lactating sows can markedly reduce the mortality of piglets and that caprylic acid and medium-chain fatty acid oil can be a good supplement in weaned piglet feed.
12 Reconstructing the RNA world

A critical event in the origin of life is thought to have been the emergence of an RNA molecule capable of self-replication as well as mutation, and hence evolution towards ever more efficient replication. As this primordial replicase appears to have been lost in time, we use synthetic biology to build modern-day “Doppelgangers” of the ancestral replicase to reconstruct and study their properties in an effort to learn more about life’s first genetic system. I will discuss our progress in the engineering and evolution of RNA polymerase ribozymes as well as the potential role that structured media such as the eutectic phase of water–ice may have played in the emergence of RNA self-replication.
Healthy active older adults have enhanced K+ channel-dependent endothelial vasodilatory mechanisms.

Microvascular endothelial dysfunction, a precursor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, increases with aging. Endothelial derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs), which act through K+ channels, regulate blood flow and are important to vascular health. It is unclear how EDHFs change with healthy aging. PURPOSE To evaluate microvascular endothelial reliance on K+ channel-mediated dilation as a function of age in healthy humans. METHODS Microvascular function was assessed using intradermal microdialysis in healthy younger (n=7, 3M/4W; 26±2yrs) and older adults (n=12, 5M/7W; 64±2yrs) matched for VO2peak (Y: 39.0±3.8, O: 37.6±3.1mL·kg-1·min-1). Participants underwent graded local infusions of: the K+ channel-activator Na2S (10-6 to 10-1M), acetylcholine (Ach, 10-10 to 10-1M), Ach + the K+ channel-inhibitor tetraethylammonium (TEA, 25 or 50mM), and Ach + the nitric oxide synthase-inhibitor L-NAME (15mM). Red blood cell flux was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry and used to calculate cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC: flux/mean arterial pressure) as a percentage of each site-specific maximum (%CVCmax , 43°C+28mM sodium nitroprusside). RESULTS The %CVCmax response to Na2S was higher in older adults (Mean, O: 51.7±3.9% vs. Y: 36.1±5.3%, p=0.03). %CVCmax was lower in the Ach+TEA vs. the Ach site starting at 10-5 M (Ach: 34.0±5.7% vs. Ach+TEA: 19.4±4.5%, p=0.002) in older and at 10-4 M (Ach: 54.5±9.4% vs. Ach+TEA: 31.2±6.7%, p=0.002) in younger adults. %CVCmax was lower in the Ach+L-NAME vs. the Ach site in both groups starting at 10-4 M Ach (Y: p=0.002, O: p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Healthy older adults have enhanced K+ channel-dependent endothelial vasodilatory mechanisms, suggesting increased responsiveness to EDHFs with age.
Why do biting horseflies prefer warmer hosts? tabanids can escape easier from warmer targets

Blood-sucking horseflies (tabanids) prefer warmer (sunlit, darker) host animals and generally attack them in sunshine, the reason for which was unknown until now. Recently, it was hypothesized that blood-seeking female tabanids prefer elevated temperatures, because their wing muscles are quicker and their nervous system functions better at a warmer body temperature brought about by warmer microclimate, and thus they can more successfully avoid the host’s parasite-repelling reactions by prompt takeoffs. To test this hypothesis, we studied in field experiments the success rate of escape reactions of tabanids that landed on black targets as a function of the target temperature, and measured the surface temperature of differently coloured horses with thermography. We found that the escape success of tabanids decreased with decreasing target temperature, that is escape success is driven by temperature. Our results explain the behaviour of biting horseflies that they prefer warmer hosts against colder ones. Since in sunshine the darker the host the warmer its body surface, our results also explain why horseflies prefer sunlit dark (brown, black) hosts against bright (beige, white) ones, and why these parasites attack their hosts usually in sunshine, rather than under shaded conditions.
COVID-19: Intubation kit, intubation team or intubation spots?

wide. The acrylic sheets (top panel measures 28 × 36 cm, vertical panel measures 28 × 30 cm) were fastened to the sheet metal strips with nuts, bolts, and washers. The angle of shield is 30–35°. The height is 53 cm. The shield was created in <2 hours at the author’s (S.K.) home. We report a use of this shield for an asymptomatic, COVID-19 nonconfirmed patient for tracheal intubation who was undergoing an urgent shoulder surgery. Written consent was obtained from the patient for this publication. First, a plastic cover was taped on the acrylic panel, creating a tent. The shield and tent were placed at the head of the surgical table, and the tent was pulled back. Then the patient was placed on the surgical table. When a facemask was placed for preoxygenation, the patient was covered with the tent. A second anesthesia provider was at the bedside to support the laryngoscopist. Rapid sequence induction was performed. A video laryngoscope was used for intubation. Intubation was done smoothly. The visibility through the shield was excellent (Supplemental Digital Content 1, Video, http://links.lww.com/AA/ D109, which demonstrates tracheal intubation using the shield and plastic tent). In addition to following current recommendations for intubation,6 we recommend: 1. Notify the patient of the use of the device, and that a plastic tent will be placed over the patient’s face. The plastic drape is transparent; however, some might feel claustrophobic. 2. Place a suction tube, tape or Tegaderm to cover the eyes, and tape to secure the endotracheal tube under the tent. In addition, it is advisable to have a second provider help the laryngoscopist (eg, airway manipulation, lifting jaw, applying cricoid pressure, turning on the ventilator). 3. Our device can be used for extubation, as well. With the current design, the metal parts do not contact the patient’s body. However, if used during the procedure, make sure that the metal parts of the shield do not come into contact with the patient. 4. Cleaning: The shield itself is reusable and needs to be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade germicidal wipes or hydrogen peroxide after each use. The plastic tent should be discarded once it is used. In summary, in addition to the use of PPE, this shield might mitigate the risk of viral transmission and room contamination. Our device is relatively inexpensive, less bulky, lighter, and easy to assemble.
Dynamic landscape and evolution of m6A methylation in human

Abstract m6A is a prevalent internal modification in mRNAs and has been linked to the diverse effects on mRNA fate. To explore the landscape and evolution of human m6A, we generated 27 m6A methylomes across major adult tissues. These data reveal dynamic m6A methylation across tissue types, uncover both broadly or tissue-specifically methylated sites, and identify an unexpected enrichment of m6A methylation at non-canonical cleavage sites. A comparison of fetal and adult m6A methylomes reveals that m6A preferentially occupies CDS regions in fetal tissues. Moreover, the m6A sub-motifs vary between fetal and adult tissues or across tissue types. From the evolutionary perspective, we uncover that the selection pressure on m6A sites varies and depends on their genic locations. Unexpectedly, we found that ∼40% of the 3′UTR m6A sites are under negative selection, which is higher than the evolutionary constraint on miRNA binding sites, and much higher than that on A-to-I RNA modification. Moreover, the recently gained m6A sites in human populations are clearly under positive selection and associated with traits or diseases. Our work provides a resource of human m6A profile for future studies of m6A functions, and suggests a role of m6A modification in human evolutionary adaptation and disease susceptibility.
Exploring psychosocial factors that influence smartphone dependency among Korean adolescents

This study investigated the relationships among psychosocial factors that contribute to smartphone dependency among South Korean adolescents. This cross-sectional study involved the secondary data analysis of the 2016 Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey, a nationwide multistage cluster survey. Data were collected from 1,840 7th grade students in South Korea and analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and a path analysis using SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 23.0. The path analysis showed that self-esteem and aggressiveness directly influenced smartphone dependency, while affective parenting attitude, peer attachment, resilience, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms indirectly influenced it. The explanatory variables accounted for 18.3% of the total variance. In conclusion, parents’ education on positive parenting and guidance concerning adolescents’ smartphone use is necessary to reduce adolescents’ smartphone dependency. It may also prove effective to promote adolescents’ interpersonal skills and self-esteem to foster positive peer relationships and self-control concerning smartphone use.
Antileishmanial activity of three saponins isolated from ivy, α-hederin, β-hederin and hederacolchiside A1, as compared to their action on mammalian cells cultured in vitro.

The in vitro antileishmanial activity of three saponins isolated from ivy, alpha-hederin, beta-hederin and hederacolchiside A1, was investigated on Leishmania infantum. The assessment of possible targets (membrane integrity, membrane potential, DNA synthesis and protein content) was performed in both Leishmania promastigotes and human monocytes (THP1 cells). Results observed in Leishmania showed that the saponins exhibited a strong antiproliferative activity on all stages of development of the parasite by altering membrane integrity and potential: hederacolchiside A1 appeared to be the most active compound against both promastigotes and amastigotes. Results observed in THP1 cells demonstrated that the saponins exerted also a potent antiproliferative activity against human monocytes, by producing a significant DNA synthesis inhibition. The ratio between antileishmanial activity on amastigotes and toxicity to human cells suggested that the saponins could be considered as possible antileishmanial drugs.
Genomic Insights into Plastid Evolution

Abstract The origin of plastids (chloroplasts) by endosymbiosis stands as one of the most important events in the history of eukaryotic life. The genetic, biochemical, and cell biological integration of a cyanobacterial endosymbiont into a heterotrophic host eukaryote approximately a billion years ago paved the way for the evolution of diverse algal groups in a wide range of aquatic and, eventually, terrestrial environments. Plastids have on multiple occasions also moved horizontally from eukaryote to eukaryote by secondary and tertiary endosymbiotic events. The overall picture of extant photosynthetic diversity can best be described as “patchy”: Plastid-bearing lineages are spread far and wide across the eukaryotic tree of life, nested within heterotrophic groups. The algae do not constitute a monophyletic entity, and understanding how, and how often, plastids have moved from branch to branch on the eukaryotic tree remains one of the most fundamental unsolved problems in the field of cell evolution. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the origin and spread of plastids from the perspective of comparative genomics. Recent years have seen significant improvements in genomic sampling from photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic lineages, both of which have added important pieces to the puzzle of plastid evolution. Comparative genomics has also allowed us to better understand how endosymbionts become organelles.
Foliar habit, tolerance to defoliation and their link to carbon and nitrogen storage

An innovative hypothesis to explain the higher carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage in woody tissues of winter deciduous species as compared to evergreen species is that these storages reflect an adaptation to tolerate herbivory. Support for this hypothesis has been little when manipulative defoliations were partial and/or applied in a single season. Given that repeated defoliations throughout a single season are common in temperate forests and tend to be more severe in deciduous than in evergreen species, we tested this hypothesis considering complete and recurrent defoliation in two sympatric Nothofagus species with contrasting foliar habit. In the field, we applied three defoliation intensities for 3 years in naturally coexisting juvenile trees of Nothofagus betuloides (evergreen) and Nothofagus pumilio (deciduous). Defoliation intensities included complete defoliation (100%) twice during the growing season, partial defoliation (50%) twice during the whole experiment and no defoliation. We evaluated survival, regrowth and C‐ and N‐storage in the leaves, stems and roots of each tree. Complete defoliation caused 100% mortality in N. betuloides after the first year and no mortality in N. pumilio after 3 years; it induced higher C reductions in N. pumilio roots, supported by greater C‐storage. Partial defoliation caused no interspecific differences in survival, though it produced a stronger decrease in C‐storage in N. betuloides than in N. pumilio. N concentrations in woody tissues were significantly higher in N. pumilio than in N. betuloides, and only in the former did they decrease with the defoliation intensity. Synthesis. We found a potential functional link between leaf habit, defoliation tolerance and C‐ and N‐storage. The deciduous species tolerated complete and recurrent defoliations better than the evergreen species, which was associated with higher C‐ and N‐storage in stems and roots of the former. This link was not detected under partial defoliation. We suggest that the higher C‐ and N‐storage in the woody tissues of deciduous species as compared to evergreen species is an adaptation to tolerate complete and recurrent defoliations under which temperate winter deciduous species may have evolved.
Life‐history traits of non‐native black bullhead Ameiurus melas with comments on its invasive potential

Summary Life-history traits of non-native black bullhead Ameiurus melas from an oxbow of the River Vah (near the city of Komarno), located in the middle Danube reaches (Slovakia) were investigated during 2006 and 2007, including samples from the pre-spawning (March-May), spawning (May-June), post- spawning (late June-August) and resting (September) periods. In total, 600 specimens were examined. The sex ratio oscillated close to 1 : 1. Females were found to mature at 98.6-120 mm SL (118-145.1 mm TL, compared to 171-254 mm TL in the native North American populations). Spawning took place in May and June, although the spawning period in 2007 was more protracted. Based on the analyses of annual gonadal cycle and oocyte size distribution, the black bullhead is considered a multiple spawner with asynchronous oocyte development and indeterminate fecundity. Absolute fecundity ranged from 1238 to 4755 (mean 2610), and relative fecundity from 36.2 to 154.3 (mean 56.1) oocytes g )1 . The high flexibility in the life history of the black bullhead as demonstrated by its non-native populations, as well as its extreme tolerance and capability to live in systems with poor water quality, suggests that this species has a high potential to invade new areas and establish viable populations.
Relationship quality and 5-year mortality risk.

OBJECTIVE The present study examined positive and negative aspects of relationship quality with one's spouse or partner as predictors of mortality and the role of gender in moderating this link. METHOD Data were drawn from 2 waves, 5 years apart, of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N = 1,734). Positive aspects of relationship quality (frequency of opening up to the partner to talk about worries and relying on the partner) and negative aspects (frequency of the partner making too many demands and criticism by the partner) were assessed. Survival/mortality status was recorded at the time of Wave 2 data collection 5 years later (1,567 alive; 167 deceased). Covariates included sociodemographic variables, relationship type, health status, and the network size of close family relationships and friendships. RESULTS Logistic regression analyses showed that negative relationship quality with one's spouse or partner was associated with significantly higher odds for mortality after 5 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, 95% CI [1.03, 1.38], p < .001), after including the statistical covariates. Also, age, gender, education, self-rated health, and medication use were significantly related to mortality. Propensity score matching replicated these findings. Follow-up analyses revealed that criticism from one's spouse or partner, in particular, was linked to a higher mortality risk (OR = 1.44, 95% CI [1.10, 1.88]). Gender did not moderate the relationship-quality-mortality link. CONCLUSIONS Negative relationship quality, notably, criticism received from one's spouse or partner, heightens older adults' risk of mortality. These results suggest the value of developing interventions that target reducing expressed criticism in couple relationships. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Cortisol Stress Reactivity in Response to the Trier Social Stress Test in Inpatients with Major Depressive Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical activity is associated with a favourable (blunted) cortisol stress reactivity in healthy people. However, evidence from experimental study and with psychiatric patients is missing. This study examines whether exercise training impacts on cortisol stress reactivity in inpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD). These new insights are important because the stress reactivity of healthy people and patients with severe symptoms of depression might differ. Methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial (trial registration number: NCT02679053). In total, 25 patients (13 women, 12 men, mean age: 38.1 ± 12.0 years) completed a laboratory stressor task before and after a six-week intervention period. Nine samples of salivary free cortisol were taken before and after the Trier social stress test (TSST). Fourteen participants took part in six weeks of aerobic exercise training, while 11 patients were allocated to the control condition. While the primary outcome of the study was depressive symptom severity, the focus of this paper is on one of the secondary outcomes (cortisol reactivity during the TSST). The impact of aerobic exercise training was examined with a repeated-measures analysis of variance. We also examined the association between change in depression and cortisol response via correlational analysis. Cortisol reactivity did not change from baseline to post-intervention, either in the intervention or the control group. Participation in six weeks of aerobic exercise training was not associated with participants’ cortisol reactivity. Moreover, depressive symptom change was not associated with change in cortisol response. Aerobic exercise training was not associated with patients’ stress reactivity in this study. Because many patients initially showed a relatively flat/blunted cortisol response curve, efforts might be needed to find out which treatments are most efficient to promote a normalization of HPA axis reactivity.
Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution and Mortality among Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Patients

Background: Air pollution is a carcinogen and causes pulmonary and cardiac complications. We examined the association of fine particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) and mortality from cancer and all causes among pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer in Utah, a state with considerable variation in PM2.5. Methods: We followed 2,444 pediatric (diagnosed ages 0–14) and 13,459 AYA (diagnosed ages 15–39) patients diagnosed in 1986–2015 from diagnosis to 5 and 10 years postdiagnosis, death, or emigration. We measured average monthly PM2.5 by ZIP code during follow-up. Separate pediatric and AYA multivariable Cox models estimated the association of PM2.5 and mortality. Among AYAs, we examined effect modification of PM2.5 and mortality by stage while controlling for cancer type. Results: Increases in PM2.5 per 5 μg/m3 were associated with cancer mortality in pediatric lymphomas and central nervous system (CNS) tumors at both time points, and all cause mortality in lymphoid leukemias [HR5-year = 1.32 (1.02–1.71)]. Among AYAs, PM2.5 per 5 μg/m3 was associated with cancer mortality in CNS tumors and carcinomas at both time points, and all cause mortality for all AYA cancer types [HR5-year = 1.06 (1.01–1.13)]. PM2.5 ≥12 μg/m3 was associated with cancer mortality among breast [HR5-year = 1.50 (1.29–1.74); HR10-year = 1.30 (1.13–1.50)] and colorectal cancers [HR5-year = 1.74 (1.29–2.35); HR10-year = 1.67 (1.20–2.31)] at both time points. Effect modification by stage was significant, with local tumors at highest risk. Conclusions: PM2.5 was associated with mortality in pediatric and AYA patients with specific cancers. Impact: Limiting PM2.5 exposure may be important for young cancer patients with certain cancers. See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Environmental Carcinogenesis: Pathways to Prevention. ”