Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Six-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Promoting Hair Growth in Women With Self-Perceived Thinning Hair.

Hair loss is a complex problem that generates significant concern for those who are affected. Patients seeking medical treatments have limited options, and are increasingly turning to natural therapies. A novel nutraceutical product containing a proprietary Synergen Complex® composed of standardized, active botanicals with potent anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic (anti-stress), antioxidant, and dihydrotestosterone-inhibiting properties has been developed to improve hair growth and hair quality. The objective of this 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to assess the ability of this oral supplement (Nutrafol® Women's Capsules) to strengthen and promote the growth of hair in adult women with self-perceived thinning. Enrolled subjects were randomized to receive active treatment (n=26) or placebo (n=14). The primary endpoint in this study was a statistically significant increase in the number of terminal and vellus hairs based on phototrichograms obtained through macrophotography analysis. Daily intake of the nutraceutical supplement resulted in a significant increase in the number of terminal and vellus hairs in the target area at day 90 and day 180 vs placebo (P less than 0.009). Blinded Investigator Global Hair Assessments revealed significant improvements in hair growth (P equals 0.016) and overall hair quality (P equals 0.005). A significant percentage of subjects receiving active treatment also reported improvement in hair growth, volume, thickness, and hair growth rate, as well as decreased anxiety and other wellness parameters. There were no reported adverse events. CONCLUSION This nutraceutical supplement safely and effectively promoted hair growth in women with self-perceived thinning. It provides a multi-targeted therapeutic approach to hair loss by addressing micro-inflammation, stress, and oxidative damage with clinically tested, standardized, and bio-optimized phytoactive ingredients. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03206567 J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(5):558-565.
Fracture risk and areal bone mineral density in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE To (i) compare fracture prevalence in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa (AN) versus normal-weight controls and (ii) examine whether reductions in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) predict fracture risk in females with AN. METHOD Four-hundred eighteen females (310 with active AN and 108 normal-weight controls) 12- to 22-years-old were studied cross-sectionally. Lifetime fracture history was recorded by a physician during participant interviews. Body composition and aBMD measurements of the whole body, whole body less head, lumbar spine, and hip were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) was calculated for the lumbar spine. RESULTS Participants with AN and normal-weight controls did not differ for chronological age, sexual maturity, or height. The lifetime prevalence of prior fracture was 59.8% higher in those with AN as compared to controls (31.0% vs. 19.4%, p = 0.02), and the fracture incidence rate peaked in our cohort after the diagnosis of AN. Lower aBMD and lumbar BMAD were not associated with a higher prevalence of fracture in the AN or control group on univariate or multivariate analyses. Compared to controls, fracture prevalence was significantly higher in the subgroup of girls with AN who had normal aBMD or only modest reductions of aBMD (Z-scores > -1 or -1.5). DISCUSSION This is the first study to show that the risk of fracture during childhood and adolescence is significantly higher in patients with AN than in normal-weight controls. Fracture prevalence is increased in this cohort of participants with AN even without significant reductions in aBMD.
PTPN12/PTP-PEST Regulates Phosphorylation-Dependent Ubiquitination and Stability of Focal Adhesion Substrates in Invasive Glioblastoma Cells.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an invasive brain cancer with tumor cells that disperse from the primary mass, escaping surgical resection and invariably giving rise to lethal recurrent lesions. Here we report that PTP-PEST, a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphatase, controls GBM cell invasion by physically bridging the focal adhesion protein Crk-associated substrate (Cas) to valosin-containing protein (Vcp), an ATP-dependent protein segregase that selectively extracts ubiquitinated proteins from multiprotein complexes and targets them for degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome system. Both Cas and Vcp are substrates for PTP-PEST, with the phosphorylation status of tyrosine 805 (Y805) in Vcp impacting affinity for Cas in focal adhesions and controlling ubiquitination levels and protein stability. Perturbing PTP-PEST-mediated phosphorylation of Cas and Vcp led to alterations in GBM cell-invasive growth in vitro and in preclinical mouse models. Collectively, these data reveal a novel regulatory mechanism involving PTP-PEST, Vcp, and Cas that dynamically balances phosphorylation-dependent ubiquitination of key focal proteins involved in GBM cell invasion.Significance: PTP-PEST balances GBM cell growth and invasion by interacting with the ATP-dependent ubiquitin segregase Vcp/p97 and regulating phosphorylation and stability of the focal adhesion protein p130Cas.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals. org/content/canres/78/14/3809/F1.large. jpg Cancer Res; 78(14); 3809-22. ©2018 AACR.
The Mediterranean diet and age-related cognitive functioning: A systematic review of study findings and neuropsychological assessment methodology

Objectives: The primary aims of this review were to identify studies investigating the association between the MedDiet pattern and age-related cognitive function, to determine the current status of knowledge, and to ascertain whether a lack of standardization with the operationalization of age-related cognitive function and differences in the chosen neuropsychological assessment methodology impacted on the results and findings. Methods: The systematic review protocol for this paper was carried out following the statement and general principles of PRISMA and the UK Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD). Results: A systematic search of electronic databases yielded two cross-sectional studies, two cross-sectional/prospective studies, and 11 prospective studies for inclusion. Among this group of studies, conflicting results and conclusions regarding the efficacy of the MedDiet as a therapeutic approach for age-related cognitive function were found. Of importance, clear differences among studies in relation to neuropsychological assessment methodology were identified. Such disparity appeared to be one plausible factor contributing to the lack of consensus among study findings. Discussion: One of the important challenges for future research will be to aim toward some kind of standardized neuropsychological assessment criteria. This type of endeavor will enable the ability to validate with greater confidence, whether or not adherence to a MedDiet does promote benefit for age-related cognitive function.
Binding of Free and Immune Complex‐Associated Hepatitis C Virus to Erythrocytes Is Mediated by the Complement System

Erythrocytes bind circulating immune complexes (ICs) and facilitate IC clearance from the circulation. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with IC‐related disorders. In this study, we investigated the kinetics and mechanism of HCV and HCV‐IC binding to and dissociation from erythrocytes. Cell culture‐produced HCV was mixed with erythrocytes from healthy blood donors, and erythrocyte‐associated virus particles were quantified. Purified complement proteins, complement‐depleted serum, and complement receptor antibodies were used to investigate complement‐mediated HCV‐erythrocyte binding. Purified HCV‐specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) from a chronic HCV‐infected patient was used to study complement‐mediated HCV‐IC/erythrocyte binding. Binding of HCV to erythrocytes increased 200‐ to 1,000‐fold after adding complement active human serum in the absence of antibody. Opsonization of free HCV occurred within 10 minutes, and peak binding to erythrocytes was observed at 20‐30 minutes. Complement protein C1 was required for binding, whereas C2, C3, and C4 significantly enhanced binding. Complement receptor 1 (CR1, CD35) antibodies blocked the binding of HCV to erythrocytes isolated from chronically infected HCV patients and healthy blood donors. HCV‐ICs significantly enhanced complement‐mediated binding to erythrocytes compared to unbound HCV. Dissociation of complement‐opsonized HCV from erythrocytes depended on the presence of Factor I. HCV released by Factor I bound preferentially to CD19+ B cells compared to other leukocytes. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that complement mediates the binding of free and IC‐associated HCV to CR1 on erythrocytes and provide a mechanistic rationale for investigating the differential phenotypic expression of HCV‐IC–related disease.
Design and characterization of neurodurable gellan-xanthan pH-responsive hydrogels for controlled drug delivery

ABSTRACT Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop novel, porous neurodurable interpenetrating networks of gellan-xanthan hydrogel conduits intercalated with pristine polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) particles for the sustained and concurrent release of two model compounds: bovine serum albumin (BSA) and diclofenac sodium. Methods: Hydrogel conduits were synthesized using a thermal-ionic crosslinking mechanism with direct incorporation of PMMA. The 15 formulations, generated using a Box-Behnken experimental design, were analyzed for drug release, swelling, erosion and textural properties. Results: The 15 formulations provided a near zero-order release of BSA (37–75% fractional release) and diclofenac sodium (14–22% fractional release) over 20 and 30 days, respectively, modulated via a combination of pH-responsive (pH 7.4) dissolution of the intercalated pristine polymer particles and the unique gelling and erosion properties imparted by the graded addition of xanthan gum to the hydrogel blend. The concentration-dependent intercalation of PMMA extended drug release rates and enhanced matrix resilience from 31% to 56%. Conclusions: The gellan-xanthan ratio variability and the pore-inducing effects of intercalated PMMA yielded a means for fine tuning the mechanical attributes of the hydrogel matrices, particularly matrix rigidity and flexibility, offering an appealing strategy for the design and development of synthetic bioactive-releasing peripheral nerve repair conduits.
Effects of Anterior Knee Displacement During Squatting on Patellofemoral Joint Stress.

CONTEXT Squatting is a common rehabilitation training exercise for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Patellofemoral joint stress (PFJS) during squatting with more anterior knee displacement has not been systematically investigated. OBJECTIVE To compare PFJS during squatting using 2 techniques: squat while keeping the knees behind the toes (SBT) and squat while allowing the knees to go past the toes (SPT). SETTING University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-five healthy females (age: 22.69 (0.74) y; height: 169.39 (6.44) cm; mass: 61.55 (9.74) kg) participated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were collected at 180 and 1800 Hz, respectively. A musculoskeletal model was used to calculate muscle forces through static optimization. These muscle forces were used in a patellofemoral joint model to estimate PFJS. RESULTS The magnitudes of PFJS, reaction force, and quadriceps force were higher (P < .001) during SPT compared with the SBT technique. Knee flexion, hip flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion angles were reduced when using the SBT technique. CONCLUSIONS Findings provide some general support for minimizing forward knee translation during squats for patients that may have patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Corticogeniculate feedback sharpens the temporal precision and spatial resolution of visual signals in the ferret

Significance The functional role of corticothalamic circuits, connecting the cortex to the thalamus in the feedback direction, has remained a fundamental mystery in neuroscience. In spite of the fact that corticothalamic inputs are numerous, their influence on thalamic activity is modest. We used an innovative combination of virus-mediated gene delivery and optogenetics to probe the function of corticothalamic feedback in vision. We found that corticothalamic feedback does not alter the visual response properties of thalamic neurons, but instead controls the timing and fidelity of their responses to incoming visual inputs. Thus, our results provide an answer to a long-standing question in neuroscience: A key function of corticothalamic feedback is to control the timing and precision of thalamic responses. The corticogeniculate (CG) pathway connects the visual cortex with the visual thalamus (LGN) in the feedback direction and enables the cortex to directly influence its own input. Despite numerous investigations, the role of this feedback circuit in visual perception remained elusive. To probe the function of CG feedback in a causal manner, we selectively and reversibly manipulated the activity of CG neurons in anesthetized ferrets in vivo using a combined viral-infection and optogenetics approach to drive expression of channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2) in CG neurons. We observed significant increases in temporal precision and spatial resolution of LGN neuronal responses to drifting grating and white noise stimuli when CG neurons expressing ChR2 were light activated. Enhancing CG feedback reduced visually evoked response latencies, increased spike-timing precision, and reduced classical receptive field size. Increased precision among LGN neurons led to increased spike-timing precision among granular layer V1 neurons as well. Together, our findings suggest that the function of CG feedback is to control the timing and precision of thalamic responses to incoming visual signals.
Visual impairment following stroke: do stroke patients require vision assessment?

BACKGROUND the types of visual impairment followings stroke are wide ranging and encompass low vision, eye movement and visual field abnormalities, and visual perceptual difficulties. OBJECTIVE the purpose of this paper is to present a 1-year data set and identify the types of visual impairment occurring following stroke and their prevalence. METHODS a multi-centre prospective observation study was undertaken in 14 acute trust hospitals. Stroke survivors with a suspected visual difficulty were recruited. Standardised screening/referral and investigation forms were employed to document data on visual impairment specifically assessment of visual acuity, ocular pathology, eye alignment and movement, visual perception (including inattention) and visual field defects. RESULTS three hundred and twenty-three patients were recruited with a mean age of 69 years [standard deviation (SD) 15]. Sixty-eight per cent had eye alignment/movement impairment, 49% had visual field impairment, 26.5% had low vision and 20.5% had perceptual difficulties. CONCLUSIONS of patients referred with a suspected visual difficulty, only 8% had normal vision status confirmed on examination. Ninety-two per cent had visual impairment of some form confirmed which is considerably higher than previous publications and probably relates to the prospective, standardised investigation offered by specialist orthoptists. However, under-ascertainment of visual problems cannot be ruled out.
Hybrid one-day coronary artery bypass grafting and carotid artery stenting – cardiac surgeons’ perspective on the procedure’s safety

1Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland 2Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland 3Department of Interventional Cardiology, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland 4Cardiosurgical Students’ Scientific Group, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland 5Department of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland
Revealing the microscopic CVD growth mechanism of MoSe2 and the role of hydrogen gas during the growth procedure

Understanding the microscopic mechanisms for the nucleation and growth of two-dimensional molybdenum diselenide (2D MoSe2) via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is crucial towards the precisely controlled growth of the 2D material. In this work, we employed a joint use of transmission electron microscopy and CVD, in which the 2D MoSe2 were directly grown on a graphene membrane based on grids, that enables the microstructural characterization of as-grown MoSe2 flakes. We further explore the role of hydrogen gas and find: in an argon ambient, the primary products are few-layer MoSe2 flakes, along with MoOx nanoparticles; while with the introduction of H2, single-layer MoSe2 became the dominant product during the CVD growth. Quantitative analysis of the effects of H2 flow rate on the flake sizes, and areal coverage was also given. Nevertheless, we further illuminated the evolution of shape morphology and edge structures of single-layer MoSe2, and proposed the associated growth routes during a typical CVD process.
Factors predicting quality of life for people with intellectual disability: Results from the ANFFAS study in Italy†

ABSTRACT Background This study describes the sociodemographic, clinical, and functional characteristics of a representative sample of service users in Italy. The supports provided by formal agencies, natural networks, and actual levels of quality of life (QOL) were assessed. Methods The participants were 1,285 individuals with intellectual and developmental disability served by 23 different services. The influence of availability of support strategies, environmental factors, client characteristics, personal desires and goals, and support needs on current QOL status was investigated using multiple regression. Results QOL outcomes were significantly explained by support needs, client characteristics, personal goals and desires, and marginally by the presence of support strategies and environmental factors. Further, only a minor effect was found from support activities for general QOL outcomes. Conclusions The results confirmed that the personal outcomes could be predicted providing support activities aligned to the specific personal needs and goals, confirming the importance of a person-centred planning process.
The ethics of research with children.

In this article, the focus of which is research with children, Peter Allmark considers ethical issues in relation to both quantitative and qualitative research. Guidelines on the ethical conduct of research with children focus primarily on issues to do with quantitative research (e.g. RCPCH 2000 ). For this reason, this article tries to draw out points of particular importance to qualitative research. It begins with some assumptions and points of terminology, before briefly describing the history of the development of ethical regulation. It then discusses specific ethical issues that arise when researching with children. These are placed into three main categories: scientific validity, welfare, and rights and dignity.
Oxidative Stress Alters the Profile of Transcription Factors Related to Early Development on In Vitro Produced Embryos

High oxygen levels during in vitro culture (IVC) can induce oxidative stress through accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), negatively affecting embryo development. This study evaluated the effect of different O2 tensions during IVC on bovine blastocyst development and transcriptional status, considering transcription factors that play an essential role during early embryo development. For this purpose, embryos were produced in vitro by conventional protocols and cultured in two different oxygen tensions, physiological (5%) and atmospheric (20%). Expanded blastocysts were subjected to transcript quantitation analysis by RT-qPCR with Biomark™ HD System (Fluidigm, US), using 67 TaqMan assays specific for Bos taurus. Differences were observed in genes related to oxidation-reduction processes, DNA-dependent transcription factors, and factors related to important functional pathways for embryo development. Blastocyst rate was higher in the 5% O2 group and the number of cells was assessed, with the 5% O2 group having a higher number of cells. ROS concentration was evaluated, with a higher ROS presence in the 20% O2 group. Taken together, these results allow us to conclude that IVC of embryos at atmospheric O2 tension affects the expression of important transcription factors involved in multiple cell biology pathways that can affect embryo development, quality, and viability.
THE SPECTRUM AND TERM ANALYSIS OF CO iii MEASURED USING FOURIER TRANSFORM AND GRATING SPECTROSCOPY

The spectrum of Co iii has been recorded in the region 1562–2564 Å (64,000 cm−1–39,000 cm−1) by Fourier transform (FT) spectroscopy, and in the region 1317–2500 Å (164,000 cm−1–40,000 cm−1) using a 10.7 m grating spectrograph with phosphor image plate detectors. The spectrum was excited in a cobalt–neon Penning discharge lamp. We classified 514 Co iii lines measured using FT spectroscopy, the strongest having wavenumber uncertainties approaching 0.004 cm−1 (approximately 0.2 mÅ at 2000 Å, or 1 part in 107), and 240 lines measured with grating spectroscopy with uncertainties between 5 and 10 mÅ. The wavelength calibration of 790 lines of Raassen & Ortí Ortin and 87 lines from Shenstone has been revised and combined with our measurements to optimize the values of all but one of the 288 previously reported energy levels. Order of magnitude reductions in uncertainty for almost two-thirds of the 3d64s and almost half of the 3d64p revised energy levels are obtained. Ritz wavelengths have been calculated for an additional 100 forbidden lines. Eigenvector percentage compositions for the energy levels and predicted oscillator strengths have been calculated using the Cowan code.
Self-tracking of Physical Activity in People With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of an online self-tracking program on physical activity, glycated hemoglobin, and other health measures in patients with type 2 diabetes. Seventy-two patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. All participants received usual care. The intervention group received an activity tracker (Fitbit Zip) connected to an online lifestyle program. Physical activity was analyzed in average steps per day from week 0 until 12. Health outcome measurements occurred in both groups at baseline and after 13 weeks. Results indicated that the intervention group significantly increased physical activity with 1.5 ± 3 days per week of engagement in 30 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity versus no increase in the control group (P = .047). Intervention participants increased activity with 1255 ± 1500 steps per day compared to their baseline (P < .010). No significant differences were found in glycated hemoglobin A1c, with the intervention group decreasing −0.28% ± 1.03% and the control group showing −0.0% ± 0.69% (P = .206). Responders (56%, increasing minimally 1000 steps/d) had significantly decreased glycated hemoglobin compared with nonresponders (−0.69% ± 1.18% vs 0.22% ± 0.47%, respectively; P = .007). To improve effectiveness of eHealth programs, additional strategies are needed.