Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphological variants of silent bared-teeth displays have different social interaction outcomes in crested macaques (Macaca nigra).

OBJECTIVES While it has been demonstrated that even subtle variation in human facial expressions can lead to significant changes in the meaning and function of expressions, relatively few studies have examined primate facial expressions using similarly objective and rigorous analysis. Construction of primate facial expression repertoires may, therefore, be oversimplified, with expressions often arbitrarily pooled and/or split into subjective pigeonholes. Our objective is to assess whether subtle variation in primate facial expressions is linked to variation in function, and hence to inform future attempts to quantify complexity of facial communication. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used Macaque Facial Action Coding System, an anatomically based and hence more objective tool, to quantify "silent bared-teeth" (SBT) expressions produced by wild crested macaques engaging in spontaneous behavior, and utilized discriminant analysis and bootstrapping analysis to look for morphological differences between SBT produced in four different contexts, defined by the outcome of interactions: Affiliation, Copulation, Play, and Submission. RESULTS We found that SBT produced in these contexts could be distinguished at significantly above-chance rates, indicating that the expressions produced in these four contexts differ morphologically. We identified the specific facial movements that were typically used in each context, and found that the variability and intensity of facial movements also varied between contexts. DISCUSSION These results indicate that nonhuman primate facial expressions share the human characteristic of exhibiting meaningful subtle differences. Complexity of facial communication may not be accurately represented simply by building repertoires of distinct expressions, so further work should attempt to take this subtle variability into account.
Dual Effect of the Acidic Polysaccharose Ulvan on the Inhibition of Aβ Fibrillation and Disintegration of Mature Fibrils.

The abnormal folding and aggregation of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) is the main reason for the occurrence and development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The discovery of novel inhibitors against Aβ aggregation is still the current research focus. Herein, we report the inhibitory effect of ulvan, an acidic polysaccharide from green algae of the genus Ulva, against Aβ fibrillation using thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence and atomic force microscopy (AFM) assays. It is shown that ulvan effectively inhibits Aβ fibrillogenesis in a concentration-dependent manner and actively inhibits the formation of A11-reactive Aβ oligomers, the most toxic Aβ species. The circular dichroism spectrum reveals that ulvan blocks the conformational transition of Aβ40 from the initial random coil to a β-sheet structure, but it only delays the conformational transition of Aβ42. It is also found that ulvan greatly reduces Aβ-induced cytotoxicity by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In addition, ulvan effectively downregulates intracellular reactive oxygen species production and protects PC12 cells from the damage caused by Aβ fibrillation. Moreover, ulvan disaggregates preformed mature fibrils into off-pathway oligomers and greatly decreases their associated cytotoxicity, as revealed using ThT fluorescence, AFM, MTT and dot blotting assays. The above results not only fully describe the inhibitory effect of ulvan on Aβ fibrillation and its related cytotoxicity but also provide novel ideas for the development of functional food ingredients from seaweed to treat AD.
Maize ANT1 modulates vascular development, chloroplast development, photosynthesis, and plant growth

Significance Arabidopsis ANT controls plant growth and floral organogenesis. We determined the binding motif of maize ANT1 (ZmANT1), showing that ZmANT1 binds promoters of millet SCR1, GNC, and AN3, key regulators of Kranz anatomy, chloroplast development, and plant growth, respectively. We generated mutants of the ANT1 ortholog in the millet Setaria viridis. Two frameshift mutants displayed reduced photosynthesis efficiency and growth rate, smaller leaves, and lower yields than WT plants. Moreover, their leaves sporadically exhibited distorted vein structure. Transcriptomic comparison of WT and mutant leaves identified down-regulated genes enriched in photosynthesis and tetrapyrrole binding in ant1 mutants. Thus, our study identified ANT1 as a master switch functioning upstream of key regulators of signature developmental processes beyond plant growth and floral organogenesis. Arabidopsis AINTEGUMENTA (ANT), an AP2 transcription factor, is known to control plant growth and floral organogenesis. In this study, our transcriptome analysis and in situ hybridization assays of maize embryonic leaves suggested that maize ANT1 (ZmANT1) regulates vascular development. To better understand ANT1 functions, we determined the binding motif of ZmANT1 and then showed that ZmANT1 binds the promoters of millet SCR1, GNC, and AN3, which are key regulators of Kranz anatomy, chloroplast development, and plant growth, respectively. We generated a mutant with a single-codon deletion and two frameshift mutants of the ANT1 ortholog in the C4 millet Setaria viridis by the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. The two frameshift mutants displayed reduced photosynthesis efficiency and growth rate, smaller leaves, and lower grain yields than wild-type (WT) plants. Moreover, their leaves sporadically exhibited distorted Kranz anatomy and vein spacing. Conducting transcriptomic analysis of developing leaves in the WT and the three mutants we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the two frameshift mutant lines and found many down-regulated DEGs enriched in photosynthesis, heme, tetrapyrrole binding, and antioxidant activity. In addition, we predicted many target genes of ZmANT1 and chose 13 of them to confirm binding of ZmANT1 to their promoters. Based on the above observations, we proposed a model for ANT1 regulation of cell proliferation and leaf growth, vascular and vein development, chloroplast development, and photosynthesis through its target genes. Our study revealed biological roles of ANT1 in several developmental processes beyond its known roles in plant growth and floral organogenesis.
Cyclophosphamide Increases Lactobacillus in the Intestinal Microbiota in Chickens

Poultry production is a very intensive industry. Due to the substantial number of animals being raised by any one producer, even small variations in productivity lead to important economical outcomes. The intestinal microbiota of birds is under intense scrutiny by the immune system. Therefore, it is a factor that can influence the states of health and disease of the host. The body of knowledge on the interactions between these systems is gradually bringing practical guidance for poultry production. ABSTRACT Recent data in humans indicate that immunosuppression is correlated with shifts in the intestinal microbiota. However, the relationship between immunosuppression and intestinal microbiota has not been studied in chickens. Thus, we investigated the correlations between immune cells and intestinal microbiota by massive parallel sequencing of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene in chickens immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide. The results showed correlations between peripheral immune cells and intestinal microbiota. Surprisingly, an increase in the abundance of intestinal Lactobacillus in the immunosuppressed chickens was observed. These birds also had low intestinal IgA antibody levels among other alterations in the microbiota. These shifts indicate a role of the immunity system in controlling the microbiota of birds. IMPORTANCE Poultry production is a very intensive industry. Due to the substantial number of animals being raised by any one producer, even small variations in productivity lead to important economical outcomes. The intestinal microbiota of birds is under intense scrutiny by the immune system. Therefore, it is a factor that can influence the states of health and disease of the host. The body of knowledge on the interactions between these systems is gradually bringing practical guidance for poultry production.
Effect of panretinal photocoagulation on macular vasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography

Background: To evaluate the changes of macular vascular density in the superficial capillary (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP), foveal avascular area (FAZ), choroidal flow, and macular thickness after pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP). Methods: In this prospective interventional non-comparative case series, patients with very severe nonproliferative (NPDR) and early proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and no significant macular edema who were candidates for pan-retinal photocoagulation underwent measurement of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) at the baseline, 1, and 6 months following completion of PRP treatment. Results: Thirty-nine eyes from 21 patients with diabetes were enrolled. Superficial and deep capillary plexus densities in the foveal and parafoveal area didn’t change significantly 1 and 6 months post-PRP (p > 0.1 in all of them). The FAZ area constricted 6 months following PRP (p = 0.075). Based on the calculated circularity index, the FAZ became significantly more circular after 6 months of follow-up (p = 0.047). Although the choroidal flow area increased after PRP this increase wasn’t statically significant neither at 1 month nor at 6 months post-PRP (p = 0.31 and 0.23, respectively). Conclusion: Although OCTA parameters were not significantly affected by PRP at both short-term (1 month) and long-term (6 months) follow-ups, the FAZ area became significantly circular after PRP may be due to redistribution of blood flow in hypoperfused foveal capillary plexus.
Genetic Evidence to Clarify the Systematic Status of the Genera Zacco and Candidia (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)

Genetic relationships among species of the genera Zacco and Candidia were analyzed using allozyme data from sampled specimens collected from 6 rivers in Taiwan. A total of 78 alleles were resolved for 26 loci from 13 enzyme systems. Nei's genetic distance between 2 congeneric species (Zacco pachycephalus and Z. platypus) was 0.285, which is within the range for the same genus. A slightly larger mouth cleft, smaller lateral line scales, and fixed alleles at mMOH*100, ME-1*100, PGI-B*100, PGM-1*100, and PGM-2*100 in Zacco pachycephalus can be used to distinguish it from Z. platypus. Comparison with Aphyocypris klkuchii, Candidia barbatus showed more distant relationships with these 2 Zacco species, suggesting that Zacco and Candidia are 2 distinct genera. In addition, a barbel at mouth corner, and fixed alleles at sAAT-1*120, CK-A*93, FH-1*80, FH-2*82, G6PDH-1*80, IDHP-1*113, IDHP-3*120, ME-1*103, ME-2*50, PGM-1*120, and PGM-2*120 in Candidia can also be used to distinguish it from the genus Zacco. The colonization and speciation event of the genus Zacco in Taiwan was discussed in detail.
Toward biomarker-based clinical subtyping of Parkinson disease

Parkinson disease (PD) was formally described by James Parkinson in the classic “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy” published in 1817.1 More than 200 years later, PD remains largely defined clinically according to a combination of motor and nonmotor symptoms. PD is a complex neurodegenerative disorder involving dysregulations in multiple neurotransmitter systems beyond dopamine, and studies continue to shed light on the molecular, genetic, and pathophysiologic aspects of the disease. Identifying different subtypes of PD has been an active area of research with promising prospects to improve the understanding of disease mechanisms, to predict prognosis, and ultimately to develop personalized disease-modifying therapies. Subtypes of PD have been defined according to clinical symptoms and demographic characteristics. However, data-driven clinical subtyping has failed to predict patterns of aggregation of α-synuclein2,3 and was found not to be stable over time or reproducible.4,5 Therefore, an alternative to subtyping patients with PD on the basis of co-occurring clinical symptoms is to identify biological-based subtypes, or biotypes, based on shared and distinguishable neuroanatomical signatures.
Detection of simple and complex de novo mutations with multiple reference sequences

The characterization of de novo mutations in regions of high sequence and structural diversity from whole-genome sequencing data remains highly challenging. Complex structural variants tend to arise in regions of high repetitiveness and low complexity, challenging both de novo assembly, in which short reads do not capture the long-range context required for resolution, and mapping approaches, in which improper alignment of reads to a reference genome that is highly diverged from that of the sample can lead to false or partial calls. Long-read technologies can potentially solve such problems but are currently unfeasible to use at scale. Here we present Corticall, a graph-based method that combines the advantages of multiple technologies and prior data sources to detect arbitrary classes of genetic variant. We construct multisample, colored de Bruijn graphs from short-read data for all samples, align long-read–derived haplotypes and multiple reference data sources to restore graph connectivity information, and call variants using graph path-finding algorithms and a model for simultaneous alignment and recombination. We validate and evaluate the approach using extensive simulations and use it to characterize the rate and spectrum of de novo mutation events in 119 progeny from four Plasmodium falciparum experimental crosses, using long-read data on the parents to inform reconstructions of the progeny and to detect several known and novel nonallelic homologous recombination events.
Duration of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Carriage in Hospital Patients

To determine the duration of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) carriage, we studied 21 CPE carriers for »1 year. Mean carriage duration was 86 days; probability of decolonization in 1 year was 98.5%, suggesting that CPE-carriers’ status can be reviewed yearly. Prolonged carriage was associated with use of antimicrobial drugs.
Subcutaneous Mepolizumab Injection: An Adjunctive Treatment for Recalcitrant Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis Patients With Asthma

Background Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is a non-invasive fungal disease that results from chronic allergic inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa. Failure to respond to mainstay medical therapies and sinus surgery leaves AFRS patients with limited alternatives and a decreased quality of life. Mepolizumab is a known IL-5 antagonist for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. Objective To identify the efficacy of mepolizumab on improving Modified Lund-Kennedy (MLK) endoscopic scores in recalcitrant AFRS patients with asthma. Methods Retrospective chart review of 27 recalcitrant AFRS patients with asthma receiving a monthly mepolizumab injection between January 2017 and July 2019. Patients were evaluated endoscopically at baseline and at each follow-up visit every 6–8 weeks until their third visit. Secondary outcomes included SNOT-22 scores, serum eosinophil counts and the rate of prednisone rescues required in patients receiving mepolizumab compared to a retrospective control arm. Results Total median MLK scores improved significantly for all patients over three follow-up visits (6[4,7], 4[2,6], 5[2,6], 3.5[2.25,5]; p = 0.04). Amongst patients with a baseline polyposis score of 1 or more, combined MLK edema and polyposis sub-scores significantly improved (6[5.25,6], 3.5[2.25,5,75], 4[2.75,5.25], 4[3,4]; p = 0.02) versus patients with no polyposis (4[3,4], 3[1,4], 4[2,4], 3[0,4]; p = 0.90). Total SNOT-22 scores (56 vs 43; p = 0.04) and eosinophil counts (0.40 × 109/L vs 0.00 × 109/L; p < 0.01) decreased significantly when comparing baseline to last follow up. There was no significant difference in rate of prednisone rescues per 1000 person-days when comparing control to Mepolizumab population (1.19 vs 1.23; p = 1). Conclusion Mepolizumab injections administered once monthly as an adjunctive treatment for recalcitrant AFRS patients with asthma appear to significantly reduce endoscopic signs of inflammation, patient-reported symptomatology and serum eosinophil levels. Patients with evidence of more severe endoscopic inflammation appear to benefit the most. Adjunctive treatment with mepolizumab does not reduce the need for prednisone rescues.
Influence of peripheral lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on feed intake, body temperature and hypothalamic expression of neuropeptides involved in appetite regulation in broilers and layer chicks

ABSTRACT 1. This study examined the expression of genes related to appetite-regulating neuropeptides in the hypothalamus of broiler and layer chicks (Gallus gallus) after intraperitoneal (IP) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 2. Both broiler and layer chicks received (n = 10 per group) LPS at doses of 0 and 200 µg and feed intake was measured up to 6 h after injection. In a further experiment, (n = 8 per group) mRNA abundance of some hypothalamic neuropeptides was measured 2 h after injection. The rectal temperature of each chick was measured before and 2 h post-injection. 3. Feed intake was significantly decreased by LPS from 2 h after injection and thereafter, while the rectal temperature did not change. 4. LPS decreased the expression of appetite-enhancing neuropeptides: neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) in broilers and, NPY in layer chicks. The expression of appetite-suppressing neuropeptides (corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and, cocaine and amphetamine regulated-transcript (CART) was not changed in broilers, while CRF tended to decrease and POMC was significantly decreased in layers. The abundance of the cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) did not change in broilers but was decreased in layers. 5. The findings indicated that the reduction in gene expression of hypothalamic appetite-enhancing neuropeptides NPY and AgRP is responsible for anorexia caused by LPS at a dose that did not influence body temperature.
The Versatile Roles of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 in Human Diseases

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a member of cyclindependent kinase family without the ability of cell cycle control. In the initial stage of research history, Cdk5 was believed to respond for the development of nervous system. However, more and more evidence identifies the expressions and physiological functions of Cdk5 in extra-neuronal tissues. This article introduces readers some recent findings which demonstrate what roles that Cdk5 plays in different tissues and how Cdk5 changes to involve the formation of diseases. In addition to the physiological and pathological roles of Cdk5, the possibility of Cdk5 which becomes a drug target for treating diseases is also discussed in this article.
Metabolic profile according to the parity and stage of lactation of high-performance Holstein-Friesian cows

Objective The aim of the study was to determine the effect of parity and the stage of lactation on the metabolic profile of cows based on the basic chemical milk components and the blood parameters. Methods The study material consisted of high-yielding Holstein-Friesian cows. In total, 473 cows were examined. According to the parity, cows were divided into four groups: primiparous (P), and multiparous in the second (M2), in the third (M3), and in subsequent lactations (M4). The feeding of cows was based on total mixed ration (TMR) ad libitum. Milk and blood samples were collected individually from each cow three times per standard lactation period. Results Greater exacerbation of changes in the dynamics of the blood plasma parameters examined was proved for multiparous cows. The highest value of β-hydroxybutyrate acid (0.946 mmol/L) was found for multiparous cows from group M3 at the beginning of lactation. However, it was still in the normal range. The results showed aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities in dairy cows during lactation had significant variations taking in to account stage of lactation. The highest activity of GGT was found in the group of the oldest cows and measured from 26.36 U/L at the beginning of lactation to 48.75 U/L at the end of the lactation period. Conclusion The time-related changes in the concentrations of the biochemical parameters described differ markedly among lactating cows, though the housing conditions on the research dairy farm are highly standardised. This indicates that the ability to cope with metabolic stress is mainly affected by the individual predispositions of cows and feed nutrient supply in different stage of lactation. Especially, the feed nutrient supply (in net energy for lactation), which was the best in TMR 1 in comparison TMR 3.
Nutritional condition in the dry period is related to the incidence of postpartum subclinical endometritis in dairy cattle

Objective Endometritis is a major disease, that causes infertility in cattle, and is usually categorized as clinical or subclinical endometritis (SCE). The nutritional condition during the dry period is important for recovery after the last stage of the lactation period, and for postpartum production and reproduction. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between nutritional and metabolic characteristics in the dry period, and the risk of postpartum SCE. Methods Multiparous Holstein dairy cows (n = 25, raised in a tied stall) were used. Endometrial cytological analysis was performed around 30 days post-partum, with 5% to 14% polymorphonuclear (PMN) as a cut-off point to define SCE. Serum levels of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), blood urea nitrogen, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium were measured in the cows at the dry period to evaluate energy status, protein metabolism, and mineral metabolism. Results The incidence of SCE in the cows was 60.0% (n = 15/25) and the mean PMN% in postpartum cows diagnosed as SCE was 8.05%±2.6%. Overall, 17 and 8 samples were collected from the cows in the far-off and close-up periods, respectively. The serum concentration of BHBA in the far-off period and serum glucose concentration in the close-up period were correlated with postpartum PMN% (r = 0.62, p<0.01; r = −0.74, p<0.05, respectively). Serum levels of calcium and magnesium in the dry period were associated with the incidence of postpartum SCE (healthy vs SCE cows, p<0.05). Conclusion Blood levels of glucose, BHBA, calcium, and magnesium in dry periods could be useful parameters for predicting the risk of postpartum SCE. The present study also suggests that management in the close-up period is essential for promoting recovery from calving fatigue.