Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural and Functional Deviations of the Hippocampus in Schizophrenia and Schizophrenia Animal Models

Schizophrenia is a grave neuropsychiatric disease which frequently onsets between the end of adolescence and the beginning of adulthood. It is characterized by a variety of neuropsychiatric abnormalities which are categorized into positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. Most therapeutical strategies address the positive symptoms by antagonizing D2-dopamine-receptors (DR). However, negative and cognitive symptoms persist and highly impair the life quality of patients due to their disabling effects. Interestingly, hippocampal deviations are a hallmark of schizophrenia and can be observed in early as well as advanced phases of the disease progression. These alterations are commonly accompanied by a rise in neuronal activity. Therefore, hippocampal formation plays an important role in the manifestation of schizophrenia. Furthermore, studies with animal models revealed a link between environmental risk factors and morphological as well as electrophysiological abnormalities in the hippocampus. Here, we review recent findings on structural and functional hippocampal abnormalities in schizophrenic patients and in schizophrenia animal models, and we give an overview on current experimental approaches that especially target the hippocampus. A better understanding of hippocampal aberrations in schizophrenia might clarify their impact on the manifestation and on the outcome of this severe disease.
Outcomes With Levothyroxine Treatment in Early Pregnancy With Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Introduction Adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) are well documented, whereas data regarding the risk and benefit of levothyroxine treatment in such cases are insufficient and inconsistent. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of levothyroxine treatment on pregnancy outcomes in these women. Materials and methods Healthy women with a singleton pregnancy were screened before 12 weeks of gestation for subclinical hypothyroidism using 2017 American Thyroid Association guidelines. They were treated with an initial dose of 50 mcg of levothyroxine and the dose was adjusted at six-week intervals to achieve a normal thyrotropin level. All the participants were followed up with thyroid function tests and ultrasonography till delivery. Pregnancy outcomes were compared with those of healthy pregnant women with normal thyroid function. Results A total of 1058 women were screened and 5.1% (n=54) were found to have subclinical hypothyroidism, out of which 57.4% (n=31) were thyroid peroxidase antibody positive. The median gestational age at the initiation of levothyroxine treatment was nine weeks. The risks for miscarriage (odds ratio (OR): 1.284, p=0.811), gestational hypertension (OR: 1.993, p=0.365), intra-uterine growth restriction (OR: 1.688, p=0.488), low birth weight (OR: 1.591, p=0.392), and preterm birth (OR: 1.606, p=0.529) were not significantly higher in women with subclinical hypothyroidism as compared to euthyroid women. However, the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus was significantly higher in women with SCH (OR: 3.432, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.115-10.562). Conclusion Levothyroxine therapy initiated in the first trimester of pregnancy has possible beneficial effects in subclinical hypothyroidism but with a higher risk for gestational diabetes.
Comparative adaptogenic properties of Withania somnifera and Panax ginseng

Adaptogens are natural (herbs) or synthetic compounds (levamisole) used to maintain stability in human body. The plant based adaptogens were mainly used to enhance the physical endurance and metal health of patients. However, adaptogens are widely studied for their ability to protect and cope up the body against physical, chemical and biological stress and related diseases. Panax ginseng and Withania somnifera are natural adaptogens, used to attenuate stress & related disorders without increasing oxygen consumption. This review deals with a detailed description of adaptogenic potential of Panax ginseng and Withania somnifera in improving human health. It also focuses on the similarity and mechanism of action of Panax ginseng and Withania somnifera as adaptogens on human stress induced disorders.
The influence of genetic architecture on responses to selection under drought in rice

Accurately predicting responses to selection is a major goal in biology and important for successful crop breeding in changing environments. However, evolutionary responses to selection can be constrained by such factors as genetic and cross‐environment correlations, linkage, and pleiotropy, and our understanding of the extent and impact of such constraints is still developing. Here, we conducted a field experiment to investigate potential constraints to selection for drought resistance in rice (Oryza sativa) using phenotypic selection analysis and quantitative genetics. We found that traits related to drought response were heritable, and some were under selection, including selection for earlier flowering, which could allow drought escape. However, patterns of selection generally were not opposite under wet and dry conditions, and we did not find individual or closely linked genes that influenced multiple traits, indicating a lack of evidence that antagonistic pleiotropy, linkage, or cross‐environment correlations would constrain selection for drought resistance. In most cases, genetic correlations had little influence on responses to selection, with direct and indirect selection largely congruent. The exception to this was seed mass under drought, which was predicted to evolve in the opposite direction of direct selection due to correlations. Because of this indirect effect on selection on seed mass, selection for drought resistance was not accompanied by a decrease in seed mass, and yield increased with fecundity. Furthermore, breeding lines with high fitness and yield under drought also had high fitness and yield under wet conditions, indicating that there was no evidence for a yield penalty on drought resistance. We found multiple genes in which expression influenced both water use efficiency (WUE) and days to first flowering, supporting a genetic basis for the trade‐off between drought escape and avoidance strategies. Together, these results can provide helpful guidance for understanding and managing evolutionary constraints and breeding stress‐resistant crops.
Dynamics of reduced genetic diversity in increasingly fragmented populations of Florida scrub jays,Aphelocoma coerulescens

Understanding the genomic consequences of population decline is important for predicting species' vulnerability to intensifying global change. Empirical information about genomic changes in populations in the early stages of decline, especially for those still experiencing immigration, remains scarce. We used 7834 autosomal SNPs and demographic data for 288 Florida scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens; FSJ) sampled in 2000 and 2008 to compare levels of genetic diversity, inbreeding, relatedness, and lengths of runs of homozygosity (ROH) between two subpopulations within dispersal distance of one another but have experienced contrasting demographic trajectories. At Archbold Biological Station (ABS), the FSJ population has been stable because of consistent habitat protection and management, while at nearby Placid Lakes Estates (PLE), the population declined precipitously due to suburban development. By the onset of our sampling in 2000, birds in PLE were already less heterozygous, more inbred, and on average more related than birds in ABS. No significant changes occurred in heterozygosity or inbreeding across the 8‐year sampling interval, but average relatedness among individuals decreased in PLE, thus by 2008 average relatedness did not differ between sites. PLE harbored a similar proportion of short ROH but a greater proportion of long ROH than ABS, suggesting one continuous population of shared demographic history in the past, which is now experiencing more recent inbreeding. These results broadly uphold the predictions of simple population genetic models based on inferred effective population sizes and rates of immigration. Our study highlights how, in just a few generations, formerly continuous populations can diverge in heterozygosity and levels of inbreeding with severe local population decline despite ongoing gene flow.
Dietary Copper and Selenium Intakes and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Findings from the China Health and Nutrition Survey

The long-term associations between dietary copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) intakes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk are unclear. We aimed to examine the prospective associations between dietary Cu and Se intakes and T2DM risk in Chinese adults. A total of 14,711 adults from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1997–2015) were included. Nutrient intakes were assessed by 3 consecutive 24 h recalls and food-weighing methods. T2DM was identified by a validated questionnaire and laboratory examination. Cox regression models were used for statistical analysis. A total of 1040 T2DM cases were diagnosed during 147,142 person-years of follow-up. In fully adjusted models, dietary Cu or Se intake was not associated with T2DM risk. Dietary Se intake significantly modified the association between dietary Cu intake and T2DM risk, and dietary Cu intake was positively associated with T2DM risk when Se intake was lower than the median (p-interaction = 0.0292). There were no significant effect modifications on the associations by age, sex, BMI, or region. Although dietary Cu or Se intake was not independently associated with T2DM risk in Chinese adults free from cardiometabolic diseases and cancer at the baseline, there was a significant interaction between dietary Cu and Se intakes on T2DM risk.
Serum trace element levels of liver cirrhosis and pancreatic cancer patients

The incidence of liver cirrhosis and pancreatic cancer varies between countries and stands out as an important health problem worldwide. Liver cirrhosis is the most advanced stage of chronic liver disease and is a widespread result of chronic liver damage. The etiology of liver cirrhosis and pancreatic cancer, which are major causes of cancer fatalities in developed countries, is poorly understood. Many metabolic and physiological processes in the human body utilize trace elements. The creation and development of many diseases like cancer, cardiovascular, and diabetes mellitus occur with the disruption of trace element metabolism in the body as a result of improper nutrition, environmental, and occupational exposure, and impaired digestion and absorption. Methods and materials: In this study, copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) concentrations were researched in the serum of liver cirrhosis and Pancreatic Cancer (PC) patients and healthy controls. Analysis of the elements was carried out by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: Fe and Zn serum levels were considerably lower in individuals with liver cirrhosis and pancreatic cancer than in controls (p <0.001). Furthermore, mean serum levels of Cd and Mn in patients with liver cirrhosis and pancreatic Ca were considerably lower than in controls (p <0.01). In addition, when compared to pancreatic cancer, mean serum Cu and Ni levels in liver cirrhosis patients and controls were considerably lower (p <0.05). Mean serum levels of Pb in pancreatic Ca patients were significantly lower compared to liver cirrhosis patients and controls (p <0.05). When comparing all cancer patients to controls, mean serum Co and Mg levels were not substantially different. Conclusion: Deficiency in four trace elements (Cd, Mn, Fe, and Zn) was determined in patients with liver cirrhosis and pancreatic cancer. In addition, we have determined the deficiency of Cu and Ni trace elements (TEs) in pancreatic cancer patients. TE insufficiencies in cancer patients may be due to excessive consumption of foods and undernourishment. Epidemiological and physiological causes of trace element changes should be investigated further.
Role of miRNAs in Human T Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Induced T Cell Leukemia: A Literature Review and Bioinformatics Approach

Human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was identified as the first pathogenic human retrovirus and is estimated to infect 5 to 10 million individuals worldwide. Unlike other retroviruses, there is no effective therapy to prevent the onset of the most alarming diseases caused by HTLV-1, and the more severe cases manifest as the malignant phenotype of adult T cell leukemia (ATL). MicroRNA (miRNA) dysfunction is a common feature of leukemogenesis, and it is no different in ATL cases. Therefore, we sought to analyze studies that reported deregulated miRNA expression in HTLV-1 infected cells and patients’ samples to understand how this deregulation could induce malignancy. Through in silico analysis, we identified 12 miRNAs that stood out in the prediction of targets, and we performed functional annotation of the genes linked to these 12 miRNAs that appeared to have a major biological interaction. A total of 90 genes were enriched in 14 KEGG pathways with significant values, including TP53, WNT, MAPK, TGF-β, and Ras signaling pathways. These miRNAs and gene interactions are discussed in further detail for elucidation of how they may act as probable drivers for ATL onset, and while our data provide solid starting points for comprehension of miRNAs’ roles in HTLV-1 infection, continuous effort in oncologic research is still needed to improve our understanding of HTLV-1 induced leukemia.
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveal Possible Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Tea Plant Growth Elicited by Chitosan Oligosaccharide

Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) plays an important role in the growth and development of tea plants. However, responses in tea plants trigged by COS have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis to understand the mechanisms of chitosan-induced tea quality improvement and growth promotion. The combined analysis revealed an obvious link between the flourishing development of the tea plant and the presence of COS. It obviously regulated the growth and development of the tea and the metabolomic process. The chlorophyll, soluble sugar, and amino acid content in the tea leaves was increased. The phytohormones, carbohydrates, and amino acid levels were zoomed-in in both transcript and metabolomics analyses compared to the control. The expression of the genes related to phytohormones transduction, carbon fixation, and amino acid metabolism during the growth and development of tea plants were significantly upregulated. Our findings indicated that alerted transcriptomic and metabolic responses occurring with the application of COS could cause efficiency in substrates in pivotal pathways and hence, elicited plant growth.
Exploring the Relationship between Salivary Levels of TNF-α, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Obesity, and Caries in Early Childhood

This research aimed to explore the relationship between tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), Lactobacillus gasseri (L. gasseri), obesity, and early childhood caries. After caries and obesity diagnosis based on the WHO criteria, 94 preschoolers were assessed. Unstimulated saliva was collected for analysis of TNF-α by the Milliplex system and for L. acidophilus and L. gasseri using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In obese children, each unit increase in the body mass index (BMI), and the TNF-α levels was associated with a one-time increase in the number of decayed surfaces (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, in eutrophic preschoolers, the presence of L. gasseri and L. acidophilus was linked, respectively, to an increase of 3.04 and 1.59 times in the number of decayed surfaces (p < 0.05); in obese children, the presence of L. acidophilus was not significant (p > 0.05) and L. gasseri was shown as a possible protective indicator (RR:0.49–p < 0.05). In conclusion, TNF-α and BMI were connected to carious lesions only in obese preschoolers, suggesting that inflammation could be underscored when both pathologies are concomitant. The presence of both species of lactobacilli investigated was connected with early childhood caries in eutrophic children, whereas in obese children only L. gasseri was significant, and in an opposite way, reinforcing that obesity can modulate oral bacteria.
CFD Analysis on Can-Type Combustor and Variation of Air Injection Angle under Typical Engine Condition

A computational prediction of combustion is a challenging task due complexity involved in the flow parameters. The design of can-type combustor has been considered for a special purpose using producer gas as fuel to run the turbine blades of a turbocharger. Producer gas used for power generation has zero effect, even though it emits CO2 into the atmosphere. The application has its background in finding an optimal turbocharger for matching the requirements of an IC engine. Non-premixed combustor is taken into account because producer gas having high temperature around 300 K when entering into combustion chamber, thus it is unsafe to operate in the premixed mode to prevent explosion in the air-fuel inlet and also simplifies the design. By changing the inlet air injection angle will affect the combustion parameters like low pressure drop, NOx level, outlet temperature, and wall temperature not to exceed 700 K. A mild steel material has been selected for computational prediction of flow behaviors under typical engine condition in can-type combustor. Thus for the initial consideration, basic design of a can-type combustor without a liner has been modeled. The specifications were met and checked for different combination of primary and secondary air injection duct and a most feasible configuration is obtained. The main aim is to optimize the characteristics of a combustor for a turbocharger test rig, i.e. the combustor designed has to be meet optimum condition, which is prevailing in the producer gas engine (formerly diesel engine).
Modification in Silver Staining Procedure for Enhanced Protein Staining

Silver staining is an excellent technique for detecting proteins that are separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Protein silver staining technology has higher sensitivity and is suitable for the detection of low-concentration proteins compared to other staining techniques including the Coomassie brilliant blue detection method. The present study was conducted to enhance the detection ability of the protein staining method. Herein, we modified the recipe of silver staining, a very reproducible method, by adding AMP, PVP, Tween-80, and xylene to enhance the detection ability of protein staining. Furthermore, the particle size and potentiometer were used to detect the particle size and potential difference of the silver ions in the prepared dyeing materials, and then, the morphology, transparency, and size of the dyed silver particles in different dyeing solutions were studied using a transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained results revealed that the use of 0.5% of AMP, PVP, Tween-80, and xylene improved the staining ability of protein silver staining, compared with the original method. Furthermore, 0.5% AMP, 0.5% PVP, 0.5% Tween-80 reagents significantly influenced the morphology, size, potential, and dispersion of silver ions. These results suggested a new idea for further improving the detection ability of protein silver staining.
Maximising Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Coffee Pulp Waste Using Microwave-assisted Extraction

Coffee pulp is a major by-product generated from coffee bean production and is generally known as waste. This study employed response surface methodology (RSM) with Box Behnken Design (BBD) to determine the impact of extraction parameters and optimise the conditions for recovery of total phenolics, flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, and caffeine from coffee pulp using a commercial microwave-assisted extraction system (MAE) for further applications. The results showed that sample to solvent ratio and ethanol concentration significantly affected the recovery yields of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. There were significant interactive effects between the radiation time and sample to solvent ratio, but no significant interactive impacts between radiation time and ethanol concentration, radiation time and power, sample to solvent ratio and power, and ethanol concentration and power on recovery of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of the coffee pulp extract. The optimal conditions were found to be radiation time of 85 min, sample to solvent ratio of 1:100 g/100 ml, 42.5 % (v/v) aqueous ethanol solution, and machine power of 1000 W. Under these conditions, extraction yields of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, and caffeine were 38.68, 27.00, 6.95, and 5.47 (mg/g DW), respectively. The extract also had high antioxidant capacities, with values measured by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays as 87.95, 9.3, 65.31 (mg TE/g DW), respectively. These conditions are recommended for the recovery of bioactive compounds from coffee pulp for further applications.
Nature-Based Early Childhood Education and Children’s Social, Emotional and Cognitive Development: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

This systematic review synthesised evidence on associations between nature-based early childhood education (ECE) and children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. A search of nine databases was concluded in August 2020. Studies were eligible if: (a) children (2–7 years) attended ECE, (b) ECE integrated nature, and (c) assessed child-level outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened full-text articles and assessed study quality. Synthesis included effect direction, thematic analysis, and results-based convergent synthesis. One thousand three hundred and seventy full-text articles were screened, and 36 (26 quantitative; 9 qualitative; 1 mixed-methods) studies were eligible. Quantitative outcomes were cognitive (n = 11), social and emotional (n = 13), nature connectedness (n = 9), and play (n = 10). Studies included controlled (n = 6)/uncontrolled (n = 6) before-after, and cross-sectional (n = 15) designs. Based on very low certainty of the evidence, there were positive associations between nature-based ECE and self-regulation, social skills, social and emotional development, nature relatedness, awareness of nature, and play interaction. Inconsistent associations were found for attention, attachment, initiative, environmentally responsible behaviour, and play disruption/disconnection. Qualitative studies (n = 10) noted that nature-based ECE afforded opportunities for play, socialising, and creativity. Nature-based ECE may improve some childhood development outcomes, however, high-quality experimental designs describing the dose and quality of nature are needed to explore the hypothesised pathways connecting nature-based ECE to childhood development (Systematic Review Registration: CRD42019152582).