Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Regulation of Gut Barrier Integrity in Weaning Piglets

Simple Summary Weaning is a very stressful period in the piglet’s life in intensive farming: it is a sudden process occurring between three to four weeks of age, when the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is still immature. The GIT is formed by the epithelial, immune and enteric nervous system which controls epithelial barrier integrity as well as gut functions including the transport of luminal nutrients, water and electrolytes. Early weaning is characterized by a breakdown of these gut functions, an increase in intestinal permeability and the appearance of gastrointestinal functional disorders, which can have long-lasting consequences in the pig’s life. Weaning, therefore, requires the correct level of nutrients, high quality ingredients, and management, which are directed primarily at encouraging rapid feed intake whilst reducing mortality and morbidity. This review describes the organization of the GIT and highlights the interactions between feed components and the morphology and physiology of the epithelial barrier. Novel dietary strategies focused on improving gut health are also discussed, considering the impacts of selected feed ingredients or additives on the GIT such as functional amino acids, phytochemicals and organic acids. Abstract Weaning is very stressful for piglets and leads to alterations in the intestinal barrier, a reduction in nutrient absorption and a higher susceptibility to intestinal diseases with heavy economic losses. This review describes the structures involved in the intestinal barrier: the epithelial barrier, immune barrier and the enteric nervous system. Here, new insights into the interactions between feed components and the physiology and morphology of the epithelial barrier are highlighted. Dietary strategies focused on improving gut health are also described including amino acids, phytochemicals and organic acids.
Prevalence of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis among Dental Students: A Cross Sectional Study.

AIM This study aims to determine the prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) among dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dental students were asked to complete a questionnaire to investigate different aspects of RAS including prevalence, frequency of recurrence, and management modalities. RESULTS Of the 382 study participants (230 women, 152 men; 21-28 years old), 83 had a history of RAS (45 women, 38 men). A positive family history of RAS was more common in participants with RAS (48.2%) than in those without RAS (9.0%). Stress was reported as the most common trigger for an attack (53%), and the most commonly affected sites were the labial and the buccal mucosa. Reported treatment modalities included topical anesthetic, honey, and/or warm salt water rinsing; however, most participants reported no benefit from treatment apart from a temporary relief. CONCLUSION RAS is common among dental students in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Despite ongoing research, the etiology of RAS is still unknown, and only symptomatic treatment is available. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE RAS is a common painful oral ulcerative condition affecting young adults. RAS interferes with eating and speaking, affecting the quality of life.
Core Concept: The rise of bioelectric medicine sparks interest among researchers, patients, and industry

In the corner of Kevin Tracey’s office, behind a long shelf lined with medical books, rests “Rosie,” a pink cane adorned with roses. It once belonged to Kelly Owens, who spent her teens and 20s crippled by inflammatory arthritis and Crohn’s disease. Today, she no longer needs Rosie’s help. Silicon wafers of thin-film microfabricated electrodes can be implanted into a patient to record from or stimulate the nervous system—the vagus nerve in particular. Image credit: The Feinstein Institutes for Medicine Research. The turning point for Owens came just over two years ago when a research team implanted a small device inside her chest to stimulate her vagus nerve. She celebrated two years of clinical remission last month. “I used to have to think about every movement my body was making, whether washing a dish or putting on a shirt on or bending my arms enough to put on deodorant,” says Owens, who recently gifted the cane as a thank you to Tracey. “My life is so normal now. ” Hundreds of clinical trials are now underway to investigate how harnessing the body’s peripheral wiring might help broadly in the treatment of acute and chronic disease. The results so far appear promising. “I hope many more people will benefit like Owens has,” says Tracey, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in New York and a pioneer in the field of bioelectronic medicine. That field, which also goes by neuromodulation, biostimulation, or electroceuticals, is emerging as an alternative or add-on to costly chemical and biologic drugs. Dysfunctional neural circuits give rise to dysfunctional organs. The goal of bioelectronic medicine is to restore healthy patterns of electrical impulses—adjusting how neurons fire and, thereby, changing the concentrations of neurotransmitters traveling through those circuits. Driving growth in bioelectronic medicine is a convergence …
MicroRNA Signatures as Future Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Diabetes States

Diabetes results from the inability of pancreatic islets to maintain blood glucose concentrations within a normal physiological range. Clinical features are usually not observed until islets begin to fail and irreversible damage has occurred. Diabetes is generally diagnosed based on elevated glucose, which does not distinguish between type 1 and 2 diabetes. Thus, new diagnostic approaches are needed to detect different modes of diabetes before manifestation of disease. During prediabetes (pre-DM), islets undergo stress and release micro (mi) RNAs. Here, we review studies that have measured and tracked miRNAs in the blood for those with recent-onset or longstanding type 1 diabetes, obesity, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. We summarize the findings on miRNA signatures with the potential to stage progression of different modes of diabetes. Advances in identifying selective biomarker signatures may aid in early detection and classification of diabetic conditions and treatments to prevent and reverse diabetes.
The mediating effect of Internet gaming disorder's symptoms on loneliness and aggression among undergraduate students and working adults in Malaysia.

Insufficient attention has been given to the integration of the mediating effect of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) symptoms on loneliness and four components of aggression-physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility-in the Malaysian context. In the present study, 410 participants with (a) at least 1 year of Internet gaming experience and (b) between ages 20- to 39 years were recruited using the probability proportional to size sampling method. Participants were undergraduate students and working adults. Self-reported questionnaires (the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire) were used. The present study found that loneliness positively predicted four components of aggression (i.e., anger, hostility, physical aggression, and verbal aggression) and symptoms of IGD. Relationships between loneliness and the four components of aggression were partially mediated by IGD symptoms. The present study enriches and consolidates existing empirical evidence, particularly in the Malaysian context. If the mediating effect is not emphasized, it may lead to spurious conclusions that can significantly diminish the effectiveness of interventions that are meant to manage aggression.
Report of Case of Tularaemia contracted from a Coyote (Canis lestes) in New Mexico.

The case of tularaemia here reported, contracted in Lincoln County, N. Mex. , seems to be of sufficient general interest to warrant the publication of a note regarding it. It is certainly of sufficient local importance to be called to the attention of the physicians of New Mexico. It more conculsively establishes the coyote as a definite source of infection for this disease. Only one previous case of tularaemia contracted from the coyote has been reported in the literature. That case, occurring in Montana, resulted from the bite of a coyote pup. From the research instituted at that time it was demonstrated that the coyote readily contracts the disease after the ingestion of infected material. ' That tularaemia is not a new disease in the State of New Mexico is apparexXt from the 21 cases previously reported, as follows: Tularosa, 2; Alamogordo, 2; Carlsbad and vicinity, 10; Hanover, 1; De.xter, 1; Albuquerque, 1; and locations not mentioned, 4. All of these cases, so far as the writer is aware, have been transmitted from infected rabbits. The series of cases reported by Surg. T. B. H. Anderson, of the United States Public Health Service, in 1924, in coincidence with a fatal epizootic among rabbits in Eddy County, near Carlsbad, was certainly the most interesting and extensive outbreak in the State. The case reported herein is the first in New Mexico in which the infection has been definitely proved to have been contracted from a coyote. Since this animal is frequently encountered in this State, being continuously hunted and trapped, it must be considered a real source of danger in the transmission of tularaemia to mankind. The physicians and the health authorities should know the role that it may play in this connection. As tularaemia has now been proved to be transmissible from rabbits, coyotes, and possibly quails, it seems probable that cases of this disease occur without being reported. This is especially true in a
Parallel Bud Mutation Sequencing Reveals that Fruit Sugar and Acid Metabolism Potentially Influence Stress in Malus

Apple sugar and acid are the most important traits of apple fruit. Bud sport cultivars can provide abundant research materials for functional gene studies in apple. In this study, using bud sport materials with a rather different sugar and acid flavor, i.e., “Jonathan” and “Sweet Jonathan”, we profiled the whole genome variations and transcriptional regulatory network during fruit developmental stages using whole genome sequencing and RNA-sequencing. Variation analysis identified 4,198,955 SNPs, 319,494 InDels, and 32,434 SVs between the two cultivars. In total, 4313 differentially expressed genes among all of the d 44,399 genes expressed were identified between the two cultivars during fruit development, and functional analysis revealed stress response and signal transduction related genes were enriched. Using 24,047 genes with a more variable expression value, we constructed 28 co-expression modules by weighted correlation network analysis. Deciphering of 14 co-expression modules associated with sugar or acid accumulation during fruit development revealed the hub genes associated with sugar and acid metabolism, e.g., MdDSP4, MdINVE, and MdSTP7. Furthermore, exploration of the intra network of the co-expression module indicated the close relationship between sugar and acid metabolism or sugar and stress. Motif-based sequence analysis of the 17 differentially expressed ATP-binding cassette transporter genes and Yeast one-hybrid assay identified and confirmed a transcription factor, MdBPC6, regulating the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes and potentially participating in the apple fruit development or stress response. Collectively, all of the results demonstrated the use of parallel bud mutation sequencing and identified hub genes, and inferred regulatory relationships providing new information about apple fruit sugar and acid accumulation or stress response.
Audit of patient retention in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services in an integrated sexual reproductive health service setting

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV in Wales was launched in July 2017. We set up a PrEP service delivered via our integrated sexual reproductive health service in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB), south east Wales. Public Health Wales (PHW) data show a 22% ‘lost to follow-up’ rate amongst Welsh PrEP patients. Over 18 months, 278 patients booked into ABUHB PrEP clinics. Of these, 275 were men who have sex with men (MSM). One hundred and ninety-three patients commenced PrEP, 5 were diagnosed with HIV at baseline, 42 did not attend their first appointment. The remainder declined PrEP. Of those commenced on PrEP, 51.7% had reduced clinic attendances; all were MSM. Patients with reduced attendances were more likely to be younger (mean age 33 vs. 37 years), reside outside ABUHB catchment area (56.4% vs. 49.6%) and have mental health issues (28.6% vs. 18.8%), but were less likely to disclose substance misuse (24.2% vs. 27.1%) than those attending in line with operational guidance. Of the 63 patients who stopped attending the PrEP clinic, 32.3% (21) had documented reasons, the most common being reduced self-perceived risk. This is the first evaluation of reasons why patients stop attending as well as risk factors associated with those lost to follow-up in PrEP services in Wales.
Coxiella burnetii Antibody Prevalence and Risk Factors of Infection in the Human Population of Estonia

Q fever is an emerging health problem in both humans and animals. To estimate the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) antibodies in the Estonian population, we analyzed plasma samples from 1000 individuals representing the general population and 556 individual serum samples from five population groups potentially at a higher risk (veterinary professionals, dairy cattle, beef cattle, and small ruminant stockbreeders and hunters). Additionally, 118 dairy cow bulk tank milk samples were analyzed to establish the infection status of the dairy cattle herds and the participating dairy cattle keepers. Questionnaires were used to find the potential risk factors of exposure. The effects of different variables were evaluated using binary logistic regression analysis and mixed-effects logistic analysis. The prevalence in veterinary professionals (9.62%; p = 0.003) and dairy cattle farmers (7.73%; p = 0.047) was significantly higher than in the general population (3.9%). Contact with production animals in veterinary practice and being a dairy stockbreeder in C. burnetii positive farms were risk factors for testing C. burnetii seropositive (p = 0.038 and p = 0.019, respectively). Results suggest that C. burnetii is present in Estonia and the increased risk of infection in humans is associated with farm animal contact.
Postpartum depression: a reflective review of a practicum completed with St. Joseph’s Hospital

For every woman, having a baby is a challenging time, both physically and emotionally. It is natural for new mothers to have mood swings after delivery. They may experience feelings of joy one minute and desperation the next. These feelings are sometimes known as the "baby blues", and often go away within 10 days of delivery. However, some women may experience a deep and ongoing depression which lasts much longer. This is called postpartum depression (PPD). This Practicum report is a review of the Practicum I completed, in conjunction with St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Estevan, Saskatchewan. The Practicum took place between the months of August 2010 to April 2011. The goals for this Practicum included the following: to ascertain whether there is a need for a PPD Support Group in Estevan, to facilitate a six week PPD Support Group, to gain an in depth understanding of PPD and its effects on women and their families, to improve my clinical skills, to strengthen my skills in program development, to create a hospital newsletter to help educate staff on PPD, to provide education at prenatal classes offered by Public Health, as well as to provide education at the Baby and Me classes offered at the Family Place. This report is divided into nine sections which include ideology, theory, values, ethics, relationships, strategies, skills and visions. I conclude that, with a combination of education and supportive services, postpartum depression can be de-stigmatized which would, in turn, encourage women to access services rather than living a life of hopelessness and despair.
Extragastrointestinal stromal tumour (EGIST) presented as a mesenteric and retroperitoneal mass

Extragastrointestinal stromal tumour (EGIST) occurs outside the gastrointestinal tract and has histopathological and molecular characteristics similar to gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST). This tumour is rare and aggressive. A male patient was admitted with anaemia and lower limb oedema. CT scan showed a tumour in the mesentery and retroperitoneum, suspected to be a small bowel GIST. During laparotomy an unresectable mass was found compressing the retroperitoneal structures. Pathology and immunohistochemistry (CD117) confirmed an EGIST. EGIST arises from Cajal-like cells or from pluripotent stem cells outside the gastrointestinal tract. It is aggressive and has a worse prognosis than GIST. Immunohistochemistry is crucial for diagnosis. Surgery aimed at debulking as much of a tumour mass as possible is the cornerstone of treatment. The role of imatinib is not clear. EGIST is rare and has a bad prognosis, and there is no consensus on grading and management. A low threshold of suspicion is crucial for early diagnosis.
Living Arrangements, Poverty, and Health Amongst the Elderly in the District of Jerantut, Pahang, Malaysia

As a developing country, Malaysia has witnessed an increase in the number of the elderly due to the advancement in medical care and the increase in life expectancy. Nevertheless, the increase in the number of elderly people poses various challenges when a country is not prepared in the aspect of economy, social, healthcare and housing. In 2011, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, there was a hike of 8.4 percent in the number of elderly people compared to the previous years. This paper aims to discuss the issues and problems regarding the elderly by focusing on their wellbeing from the aspect of living arrangements. For that purpose, a study was conducted on the wellbeing and living arrangements, and the poverty and health of the elderly, which involved 327 elderly peoples from two selected villages – a rural village and a village at the suburban area - in Jerantut, Pahang, Malaysia. Random sampling method was used in the selection of the elderly. The findings reveal that, in the aspect of living arrangements, the majority of the elderly live with their spouses, while some live alone after the demise of their spouses. Many of them experience financial problem due to lack of assistance offered by the responsible agencies. Their health is relatively low due to insufficient healthcare facilities and difficulty in obtaining treatment at the nearest clinic or hospital. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the awareness on the challenges faced by the elderly in the aspect of living arrangements in rural and suburban areas, while at the same time, this study can be used as a guide by the responsible agencies to improve on the wellbeing and quality of life of the elderly in rural and suburban areas.
Sounds associated with foraging and prey capture in individual fish-eating killer whales, Orcinus orca.

Foraging behavior in odontocetes is fundamentally tied to the use of sound. Resident-type killer whales use echolocation to locate and capture elusive salmonid prey. In this investigation, acoustic recording tags were suction cup-attached to endangered Southern Resident killer whales to describe their acoustic behavior during different phases of foraging that, along with detections of prey handling sounds (e.g., crunches) and observed predation events, allow confirmation of prey capture. Echolocation click trains were categorized based on the inter-click interval (ICI) according to hypothesized foraging function. Whales produced slow click trains (ICI >100 ms) at shallowest depths but over the largest change of depth, fast click trains (10 ms < ICI ≤100 ms) at intermediate depths, and buzz trains (ICI ≤10 ms) at deepest depths over the smallest depth change. These results align with hypotheses regarding biosonar use to search, pursue and capture prey. Males exhibited a higher probability of producing slow click trains, buzzes and prey handling sounds, indicating higher levels of prey searching and capture to support the energy requirement of their larger body size. These findings identify relevant acoustic indicators of subsurface foraging behaviors of killer whales, enabling investigations of human impacts on sound use and foraging.
Effects of Increasing Levels of Defatted Rice Bran on Intestinal Physical Barrier and Bacteria in Finishing Pigs

Simple Summary In China, the largest pig-raising country in the world, feed resources are gradually scarce, and the imports of grain crops including corn are increasing. Therefore, it is an urgent problem to find alternatives to grain feed materials. Defatted rice bran (DFRB), an abundant and underutilized agricultural coproduct of brown rice refining process, is rich in energy and dietary fiber (DF). The aims of this study were to assess the effects of increasing levels of DFRB (0%, 7%, 14%, 21%, and 28% DFRB) as a replacement for corns on intestinal physical barrier function and numbers of specific bacteria, and determine the optimal substitution level of DFRB in finishing pigs. We found that 7% DFRB as a replacement for corns had a beneficial effect on intestinal wall thickness, Bifidobacterium and Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), and had no adverse effect on intestinal permeability and Escherichia coli. Abstract The aims of this study were to assess the effects of increasing levels of DFRB as a replacement for corns on intestinal physical barrier function and bacteria of finishing pigs. A total of 35 castrated finishing pigs (age: 158.5 ± 2.0 d, initial body weight: 62.9 ± 0.8 kg) were randomly divided into five dietary treatments (seven replicates/treatment) for a 28-day experimental period, i.e., a control diet with basal diet, and four experimental diets in which maize was replaced by 7%, 14%, 21%, and 28% DFRB, respectively. The results showed that serum endotoxins concentration and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity were both increased (linear, p = 0.0004, 0.001, respectively) with DFRB level. However, compared with control group, serum endotoxins concentration and DAO activity were not different in pigs fed with 7% DFRB in the diet. There was a quadratic response in serum D-lactate concentration to the increased DFRB (quadratic, p = 0.021). In the cecum, thickness of the intestinal wall significantly increased with increasing levels of DFRB in the diets (linear, p = 0.033), while crypt depth/thickness of the intestinal wall ratio significantly decreased with increasing level of DFRB in the diets (linear, p = 0.043). In the jejunum, total bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Bifidobacterium all responded quadratically to increasing levels of DFRB in the diets (quadratic, p = 0.003, 0.001, 0.006, respectively). Additionally, there was no difference in Escherichia coli in pigs fed 0%, 7%, and 14% DFRB diets. In the colon, there were quadratic responses in C. perfringens to the increased DFRB (quadratic, p = 0.023). C. perfringens reduced as the DFRB concentration increased from 0% to 14% and then increased. When D-lactate, total bacteria, Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium, and C. perfringens were considered, the optimal substitution level of DFRB were 12.00%, 11.84%, 7.50%, 8.92%, and 15.92%, respectively. In conclusion, 7% DFRB had a beneficial effect on intestinal wall thickness, Bifidobacterium and C. perfringens, and had no adverse effect on intestinal permeability and Escherichia coli.