Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Congenital Malformations in a Holstein-Fresian Calf with a Unique Mosaic Karyotype: A Case Report

Simple Summary Congenital malformations, defined as defects of morphogenesis present at birth, are an important problem in livestock production, if they are caused by hereditary mutations. They can lead to animal death, reduce their productive ability and influence animal welfare. Thus, the identification of the causes of congenital abnormalities are greatly needed. In the present report, we described a Holstein-Fresian calf with multiple congenital malformations including head asymmetry, the relocation of the frontal sinus and eye orbits, hypoplastic thymus, ductus Botalli, unfinished obliteration in umbilical arteries, and a bilateral series of tooth germs in the temporal region. Cytogenetic examination revealed a unique mosaic karyotype with a small marker chromosome, which could not be identified by standard banding techniques. It can be assumed that the presence the marker chromosome may be associated with observed congenital malformations in the studied calf. Abstract A Holstein-Fresian calf with multiple congenital malformations was subjected postmortem to anatomical and genetic investigation. The calf was small (20 kg), had shortened limbs and was unable to stand up. It lived only 44 days. Detailed anatomical investigation revealed the following features: head asymmetry, the relocation of the frontal sinus and eye orbits, hypoplastic thymus without neck part, ductus Botalli, unfinished obliteration in umbilical arteries, and a bilateral series of tooth germs in the temporal region. Cytogenetic examination, performed on in vitro cultured fibroblasts, showed a unique mosaic karyotype with a marker chromosome—60,XX[9 2%]/60,XX,+mar[8%], which was for the first time described in cattle. No other chromosome abnormalities indicating chromosome instabilities, like chromatid breaks or gaps were identified, thus teratogenic agent exposure during pregnancy was excluded. The marker chromosome (mar) was small and it was not possible to identify its origin, however, sequential DAPI/C (4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) band staining revealed a large block of constitutive heterochromatin, which is characteristic for centromeric regions of bovine autosomes. We suppose that the identified marker chromosome was a result of somatic deletion in an autosome and its presence could be responsible for the observed developmental malformations. In spite of the topographic distance among the affected organs, we expected a relationship between anatomical abnormalities. To the of our best knowledge, this is the first case of a mosaic karyotype with a cell line carrying a small marker chromosome described in a malformed calf.
ω-3 and ω-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Obesity and Cancer

Recently, nutraceutical bioactive compounds in foods have been discovered for their potential health benefits regarding the prevention of chronic disorders, such as cancer, and inflammatory, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3PUFAs), including alpha-linolenic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid, are mostly attractive. They are available for the customers worldwide from commonly used foods and/or as components of commercial food supplements. The anti-inflammatory and hypotriglyceridemic effects of these fatty acids are well known, whereas pro-inflammatory properties have been recognized in their dietary counterparts, the ω-6PUFAs. Both ω-3 and ω-6PUFAs contribute to the production of lipid mediators such as endocannabinoids that are notably involved in control of food intake, energy sensing, and food–related disorders. In this review, we present ω-3 and ω-6PUFAs and their derivatives, endocannabinoids; discuss the anti-obesity effects of ω-3PUFAs; their roles in inflammation and colorectal cancer development; and how their action can be co-preventative and co-therapeutic.
Unusual Clinical Course for Untreated Malformative Biliary Atresia Infant: Is Portal Hypertension an Important Driver of Liver Fibrosis?

In biliary atresia infants left untreated, and in those with unsuccessful porto-enterostomy, hepatic condition and function worsen rapidly towards cirrhosis, malnutrition, portal hypertension with ascites and variceal haemorrhage: many die within the first 3 years of life unless they benefit from liver replacement. We describe a girl with biliary atresia splenic malformation syndrome, who had portal vein cavernoma and microsplenia; she did not undergo porto-enterostomy. She survived with her native liver over the age of three years. Remarkably, she remained in satisfactory condition in absence of ascites or severe hepatic dysfunction, when 4 other similar patients -managed during the same period of time- all had the usual clinical deterioration and ascites, with the need for liver replacement. To our knowledge, there is no similar report in literature. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms and the role of portal hypertension as important factor are discussed.
Contactless Capacitive Electrocardiography Using Hybrid Flexible Printed Electrodes

Traditional capacitive electrocardiogram (cECG) electrodes suffer from limited patient comfort, difficulty of disinfection and low signal-to-noise ratio in addition to the challenge of integrating them in wearables. A novel hybrid flexible cECG electrode was developed that offers high versatility in the integration method, is well suited for large-scale manufacturing, is easy to disinfect in clinical settings and exhibits better performance over a comparable rigid contactless electrode. The novel flexible electrode meets the frequency requirement for clinically important QRS complex detection (0.67–5 Hz) and its performance is improved over rigid contactless electrode across all measured metrics as it maintains lower cut-off frequency, higher source capacitance and higher pass-band gain when characterized over a wide spectrum of patient morphologies. The results presented in this article suggest that the novel flexible electrode could be used in a medical device for cECG acquisition and medical diagnosis. The novel design proves also to be less sensitive to motion than a reference rigid electrode. We therefore anticipate it can represent an important step towards improving the repeatability of cECG methods while requiring less post-processing. This would help making cECG a viable method for remote cardiac health monitoring.
Intracardiac echocardiography to enable successful edge-to-edge transcatheter tricuspid valve repair in patients with insufficient TEE quality.

BACKGROUND Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as a guiding tool for edge-to-edge transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (EETVr) using MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, USA) may not offer sufficient image quality in a significant proportion of patients. OBJECTIVES Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) as additional guiding tool in EETVr with the MitraClip device. METHODS Appropriate angulations of the ICE catheter to visualize each commissure of the tricuspid valve were established in 3D printed heart models. In a single tertiary-care center ICE was used to support EETVr as additional guidance when TEE image quality was insufficient. Procedural safety and outcomes up to 30-days were compared between ICE/TEE and TEE only guided patients. RESULTS In 6 of 11 patients (54.5%) undergoing EETVr with MitraClip TEE alone was unsatisfactory, necessitating additional ICE guidance. In 4 of these 6 patients ICE enabled a successful completion of the procedure. The steering maneuvers identified in the 3D models were well applicable in all patients, providing examples for potential future ICE implementation in EETVr. Under both TEE alone (n = 5) and ICE (n = 6) guidance the rate of procedural complications was 0%. According to vena contracta values at discharge significant TR reduction was achievable in the treated cohort (p = 0.011). At 30-days follow-up one patient (ICE guided) died following global heart failure, not associated with the procedure itself. CONCLUSIONS ICE guidance may offer an additional tool to guide EETVr with the MitraClip device in patients with poor TEE quality, as it enables successful results without impairing procedural safety.
Depressive Symptoms among Older Jordanian Patients with Cancer Undergoing Treatment

ABSTRACT Objectives To date, predictive and risk factors for depression among older patients with cancer have not been adequately studied in the Middle Eastern countries including Jordan. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the levels of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and hope among older Jordanian patients with cancer aged 60 years and over who are currently undergoing treatment, and to identify the relationship between selected factors (socio-demographic, treatment, and psychological) and depressive symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional design was conducted on a convenience sample consisting of 150 patients with cancer from one of the biggest governmental hospitals in Jordan. Results The findings revealed that almost 34% and 27% of the patients experienced anxiety and depression and had a moderate level of hope. Correlating factors with depression were age, duration of treatment, hope, anxiety, educational level, and health insurance. However, low duration of treatment, high anxiety, and low hope were the significant predictors of high depression. Conclusion Understanding the risk factors correlated with depression could help develop early interventions to enhance the psychological consequences for patients with cancer at risk for depression. Clinical implications Health-care providers need to develop psychological care for older patients with cancer and interventions directed at minimizing depression. Also, nurses should focus on providing holistic care including physical, social, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. Depression care should be an important part of the comprehensive treatment care plan for older patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Melflufen for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma

ABSTRACT Introduction The overall survival of patients with multiple myeloma has improved with the advent of novel agents; however, multiple myeloma remains incurable. Combinations of standard-of-care agents such as immunomodulators, proteasome inhibitors, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies are increasingly used in earlier lines of therapy. Patients with disease that is refractory to multiple novel agents represent a population with high unmet medical need and for whom therapies with new mechanisms of action could be beneficial. Melphalan flufenamide (melflufen) has demonstrated encouraging activity in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Areas covered This review provides an overview of the mechanism of action of melflufen, a first-in-class peptide-drug conjugate that targets aminopeptidases and rapidly delivers alkylating agents into tumor cells. It reviews key Phase I and II clinical trial data for melflufen in combination with dexamethasone as well as in triplet combinations with daratumumab or bortezomib. The safety profile of melflufen, which is characterized primarily by clinically manageable hematologic adverse events, is described. Expert opinion Melflufen has potential to fill a gap in the myeloma treatment landscape by providing a new mechanism of action with clinically meaningful efficacy and a favorable safety profile in patients refractory to multiple novel agents.
Timing the First Pediatric Tracheostomy Tube Change: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective The first pediatric tracheostomy tube change often occurs within 7 days after placement; however, the optimal timing is not known. The primary objective was to determine the rate of adverse events of an early tube change. Secondary objectives compared rates of significant peristomal wounds, sedation requirements, and expedited intensive care discharges. Study Design Prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting Tertiary children’s hospital between October 2018 and April 2020. Methods A randomized controlled trial enrolled children under 24 months to early (day 4) or late (day 7) first tracheostomy tube changes. Results Sixteen children were enrolled with 10 randomized to an early change. Median age was 5.9 months (interquartile range, 5.4-8.3), and 86.7% required tracheostomy for respiratory failure. All tracheostomy tube changes were performed without adverse events. There were no accidental decannulations. Significant wounds developed in 10% of children with early tracheostomy tube changes and 83.3% of children with late tracheostomy tube changes (odds ratio [OR], 45.0; 95% CI, 2.3-885.6; P = .01). This significant reduction in wound complications justified concluding trial enrollment. Hours of dexmedetomidine sedation (P = .11) and boluses of midazolam during the first 7 days (P = .08) were no different between groups. After the first change, 90% of the early group were discharged from intensive care within 5 weeks compared to 33.3% of patients in the late group (OR, 18.0; 95% CI, 1.2-260.9; P = .03). Conclusion The first tracheostomy tube change in children can occur without adverse events on day 4, resulting in fewer significant peristomal wounds and earlier intensive care discharge.
Effect of surface morphology change of polystyrene microspheres through etching on protein corona and phagocytic uptake

Abstract Surface physicochemistry properties of polymer particles are crucial for protein corona formation and macrophage phagocytosis when they contact with living body. In this work, polystyrene microspheres (PS-MSs) were selected as a model of polymer microparticles and fabricated by chromic acid etching through controlling conditions to obtain different surface morphology structures and to investigate their effect on the protein adsorption and phagocytic uptake of PS-MSs. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibrinogen (FIB) on PS-MSs showed almost the same tendency, i.e. the etched PS-MSs presented lower protein adsorption compared with original microspheres. The adsorption of BSA and FIB was the lowest when the protuberances on the etched surfaces were maximum and the size of the protuberances was minimum. Furthermore, the surface morphologies of PS-MSs were influenced in return not only by the amounts of proteins but also by protein types. Meanwhile, the macrophages phagocytosis of PS-MSs depended on the amounts and kinds of adsorbed proteins, especially the albumin content. In a word, phagocytosis and protein adsorption can be regulated by microsphere morphologies through etching, which provides a promising strategy to avoid invalid uptake for polymer particles such as drug delivery carriers.
Facial mimicry, empathy, and emotion recognition: a meta-analysis of correlations

ABSTRACT A number of prominent theories have linked tendencies to mimick others’ facial movements to empathy and facial emotion recognition, but evidence for such links is uneven. We conducted a meta-analysis of correlations of facial mimicry with empathy and facial emotion recognition skills. Other factors were also examined for moderating influence, e.g. facets of empathy measured, facial muscles recorded, and facial emotions being mimicked. Summary effects were estimated with a random-effects model and a meta-regression analysis was used to identify factors moderating these effects. 162 effects from 28 studies were submitted. The summary effect size indicated a significant weak positive relationship between facial mimicry and empathy, but not facial emotion recognition. The moderator analysis revealed that stronger correlations between facial mimicry and empathy were observed for static vs. dynamic facial stimuli, and for implicit vs. explicit instances of facial emotion processing. No differences were seen between facial emotions, facial muscles, emotional and cognitive facets of empathy, or state and trait measures of empathy. The results support the claim that stronger facial mimicry responses are positively related to higher dispositions for empathy, but the weakness and variability of this effect suggest that this relationship is conditional on not-fully understood factors.
The differential genetic signatures related to climatic landscapes for jaguars and pumas on a continental scale.

Modern and paleoclimate changes may have altered species dynamics by shifting species' niche suitability over space and time. We analyze whether the current genetic structure and isolation of the two large American felids, jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma concolor), are mediated by changes in climatic suitability and connection routes over modern and paleoclimatic landscapes. We estimate species distribution under five climatic landscapes (modern, Holocene, last maximum glaciations - LMG, average suitability, and climatic instability) and correlate them with individuals' genetic isolation through causal modeling on a resemblance matrix. Both species exhibit genetic isolation patterns correlated with LMG climatic suitability, suggesting that these areas may have worked as 'allele refuges'. However, the jaguar showed higher vulnerability to climate changes, responding to modern climatic suitability and connection routes, whereas the puma showed a continuous and gradual transition of genetic variation. Despite differential responsiveness to climate change, both species are subjected to the climatic effects on genetic configuration, which may make than susceptible to future climatic changes since these are progressing faster and with higher intensity than changes in the paleoclimate. Thus, the effects of climatic changes should be considered in the design of conservation strategies to ensure evolutionary and demographic processes mediated by gene flow for both species. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The effect of time of day and chronotype on the relationships between mood state and performance in a Wingate test

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of time-of-day and morning vs. evening chronotype on the relationships between mood state and performance of extreme intensity cycling exercise. A quasi-experimental between-groups design was used to test the hypothesis that there would be an effect of time-of-day on mood state and physical performance, that mood state and physical performance would be interrelated, and that the relationships would be influenced by participants’ morning vs. evening chronotype. From 74 university students who volunteered, 7 were identified as morning types (M-types) and 7 as evening types (E-types). They completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire and performed a 30 s Wingate test on three different days, once at 08h00, once at 14h00, and once at 20h00. The main performance measure, work done in the Wingate test, increased across the day (16.4 ± 4.8 kJ < 17.0 ± 5.0 kJ < 17.6 ± 5.2 kJ; p < .01). For the M-types, individual changes in performance from the morning to the afternoon were correlated with individual changes in the POMS score for vigor (r = 0.81; p = .03) and changes in performance from the afternoon to the evening were correlated with individual changes in fatigue (r = – 0.85, p = .02). For the E-types, the opposite was true, as morning-to-afternoon changes in performance were correlated with individual changes in fatigue (r = – 0.70, p = .08) and afternoon-to-evening changes in performance were correlated with individual changes in vigor (r = 0.78, p = .04). Results demonstrate a time-of-day effect on morning vs. evening chronotype-dependent relationships between mood state and cycling performance.
Pre- and postharvest measures used to control decay and mycotoxigenic fungi in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) during storage

Abstract Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), a worldwide, staple food crop, is susceptible to postharvest rots caused by a variety of fungal pathogens, including Fusarium spp. , Alternaria spp. , Phytophthora infestans, Helminthosporium solani, Rhizoctonia solani, and Colletotrichum coccodes. Rots resulting from infections by these pathogens cause a significant reduction in potato quality and marketable yield. Importantly, some of these decay fungi also produce mycotoxins that represent a potential risk to human health. In the present review, an overview and discussion are provided on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of decay fungi, especially Fusarium spp. , that include recent data derived from genomic and phylogenetic analyses. The biosynthesis and functional role of fungitoxic metabolites such as trichothecene mycotoxins and fusaric acid, produced in rotted potatoes are also reviewed. Advances in pre- and postharvest measures for rot management, especially eco-friendly methods including physical control, biological control, the use of natural compounds, and other agricultural management practices are also reviewed. Lastly, novel approaches to control potato dry rot such as the use of mycoviruses and CRISPR technology are highlighted.
The Relationship between Autonomic Regulation of Cardiovascular Function and Body Composition

Background We investigated whether the results of autonomic function tests correlate with body composition and shape in healthy young people. Methods We conducted cardiovascular reflex tests (heart rate [HR] and blood pressure [BP] responses to the Valsalva maneuver and HR response to deep breathing) and the tilt table test with 32 subjects (19 males; mean age, 22.1±1.9 years). Participants also completed an anthropometric measurement sequence (weight; height; upper arm, hips, and waist circumference; triceps and subscapular skinfold), bioelectric impedance testing, and hand grip strength measurements. Results Markers of obesity, other anthropometric measures, functional measures, and the basal metabolic rate (BMR) were significantly positively correlated with systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in both the supine and tilted positions. There was a positive correlation between the difference in HR (ΔHR) between the tilt and supine body positions and markers of obesity, the functional marker of dominant handgrip strength, and BMR. Participants with a body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2 had significantly lower median values of ΔHR, DBP in the tilt-test, SBP at rest, and SBP in the tilt-test than participants who had a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (10.55 vs. 21.95 bpm, P=0.003; 77.55 vs. 90.05 mmHg, P=0.045; 113.45 vs. 140.55 mmHg, P=0.013; 117.00 vs. 135.25 mmHg, P=0.006, respectively). Body fat percentage was identified as an independent positive predictor (β=0.993; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.070 to 1.916; P=0.036) and body water percentage was an independent negative predictor of tilted SBP (β=–1.370; 95% CI, –2.634 to 0.106; P=0.035). Conclusion High sympathetic activity, as evaluated by cardiovascular regulation, correlates with a high share of adipose tissue in young healthy persons.
Vitexin prevents Aβ proteotoxicity in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease by modulating unfolded protein response

Alzheimer's disease (AD) accounts for an estimated 60% to 80% of all dementia cases. The present study is aimed at evaluating the neuroprotective efficacy of vitexin, an apigenin flavone glycoside using transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strain (CL2006) of AD. The neuroprotective effect of vitexin was determined using physiological assays, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. The results of survival and paralysis assay indicate that vitexin (200 μM) significantly extended the lifespan of the nematodes. Vitexin‐treated nematodes showed a significant reduction in the expression of Aβ, ace‐1, and ace‐2 genes when compared to control. Further, vitexin significantly upregulated the expression of acr‐8 and dnj‐14, and increased the lifespan of the nematodes. Vitexin was also found to modulate the unfolded protein response genes (hsp‐4, pek‐1, ire‐1, and xbp‐1) and suppress the expression of Aβ. Overall, the results show that vitexin acts as a neuroprotective agent and protects transgenic C. elegans strains from Aβ proteotoxicity.