Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of laboratory and daily energy expenditure estimates from consumer multi-sensor physical activity monitors

Wearable physical activity monitors are growing in popularity and provide the opportunity for large numbers of the public to self-monitor physical activity behaviours. The latest generation of these devices feature multiple sensors, ostensibly similar or even superior to advanced research instruments. However, little is known about the accuracy of their energy expenditure estimates. Here, we assessed their performance against criterion measurements in both controlled laboratory conditions (simulated activities of daily living and structured exercise) and over a 24 hour period in free-living conditions. Thirty men (n = 15) and women (n = 15) wore three multi-sensor consumer monitors (Microsoft Band, Apple Watch and Fitbit Charge HR), an accelerometry-only device as a comparison (Jawbone UP24) and validated research-grade multi-sensor devices (BodyMedia Core and individually calibrated Actiheart™). During discrete laboratory activities when compared against indirect calorimetry, the Apple Watch performed similarly to criterion measures. The Fitbit Charge HR was less consistent at measurement of discrete activities, but produced similar free-living estimates to the Apple Watch. Both these devices underestimated free-living energy expenditure (-394 kcal/d and -405 kcal/d, respectively; P<0.01). The multi-sensor Microsoft Band and accelerometry-only Jawbone UP24 devices underestimated most laboratory activities and substantially underestimated free-living expenditure (-1128 kcal/d and -998 kcal/d, respectively; P<0.01). None of the consumer devices were deemed equivalent to the reference method for daily energy expenditure. For all devices, there was a tendency for negative bias with greater daily energy expenditure. No consumer monitors performed as well as the research-grade devices although in some (but not all) cases, estimates were close to criterion measurements. Thus, whilst industry-led innovation has improved the accuracy of consumer monitors, these devices are not yet equivalent to the best research-grade devices or indeed equivalent to each other. We propose independent quality standards and/or accuracy ratings for consumer devices are required.
CC motif chemokine ligand 13 is associated with rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis

ObjectivesCC motif chemokines are considered to be implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) via recruitment of monocytes and lymphocytes. CC motif chemokine ligand 13 (CCL13)/monocyte chemoattractant protein-4 (MCP-4) is postulated to be a potent RA inducer. We conducted a study to more precisely clarify the role of CCL13 in RA pathogenesis.MethodsCCL13 expression was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemical staining in serum samples and synovial tissues from RA patients. The effects of CCL13 against apoptosis were monitored on cultured synovial fibroblasts. The chemoattractant activity of CCL13 was evaluated by the Boyden chamber assay in monocytes (THP-1 cells) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). ResultsWe found that CCL13 serum level and synovial tissue expression were increased in RA patients. CCL13 had chemoattractant activity for both THP-1 cells and HUVECs. Interestingly, CCL13 expression was positively regulated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Furthermore, apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and serum deprivation was inhibited by CCL13 on the cultured synovial fibroblasts.ConclusionsCCL13 may be associated with disease progression as a result of its antiapoptotic effects, increased macrophage infiltration, and synovial tissue angiogenesis in RA patients.
Amyloid‐β‐induced toxicity of primary neurons is dependent upon differentiation‐associated increases in tau and cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 expression

It has previously been reported that amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide is neurotrophic to undifferentiated but neurotoxic to differentiated primary neurons. The underlying reasons for this differential effect is not understood. Recently, the toxicity of Aβ to neurons was shown to be dependent upon the activation of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), thought to promote tau phosphorylation that leads to cytoskeletal disruption, morphological degeneration and apoptosis. Here we report that Cdk5, tau, and phosphorylated‐tau (P‐tau) are expressed at very low levels in undifferentiated primary neurons, but that the expression of Cdk5 and tau and the phosphorylation of tau increase markedly between 4 and 8 days of differentiation in vitro. Tau expression decreased after this time, as did the level of P‐tau, to low levels by 17 days. Aβ induced tau phosphorylation of neurons only after ≥ 4 days of differentiation, a time that coincides with the onset of Aβ toxicity. Blocking tau expression (and therefore tau phosphorylation) with an antisense oligonucleotide completely blocked Aβ toxicity of differentiated primary neurons, thereby confirming that tau was essential for mediating Aβ toxicity. Our results demonstrate that differentiation‐associated changes in tau and Cdk‐5 modulate the toxicity of Aβ and explain the opposite responses of differentiated and undifferentiated neurons to Aβ. Our results predict that only cells containing appreciable levels of tau are susceptible to Aβ‐induced toxicity and may explain why Aβ is more toxic to neurons compared with other cell types.
Matrix metalloproteinase-8 expression in periodontal tissues surgically removed from diabetic and non-diabetic patients with periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND Although it is known that periodontal matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) expression is associated with periodontal disease, the information concerning the periodontal MMP-8 expression in diabetic patients with periodontal disease is insufficient. MATERIALS AND METHODS Periodontal tissue specimens were collected from seven patients without periodontal disease and diabetes (Group 1), 15 patients with periodontal disease alone (Group 2) and 10 patients with both periodontal disease and diabetes (Group 3). The frozen sections were prepared and MMP-8 protein expression was detected using immunohistochemistry and quantified. For in vitro study, human U937 mononuclear cells were pre-exposed to normal or high glucose and then treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RESULTS The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the difference in MMP-8 protein levels among the three groups were statistically significant (p = 0.003). Nonparametric analysis using Jonckheere-Terpstra test showed a tendency of increase in periodontal MMP-8 levels across Group 1 to Group 2 to Group 3 (p = 0.0002). In vitro studies showed that high glucose and LPS had a synergistic effect on MMP-8 expression. CONCLUSION Our current study showed an increasing trend in MMP-8 protein expression levels across patients without both periodontal disease and diabetes, patients with periodontal disease alone and patients with both diseases.
Trait conscientiousness and the personality meta-trait stability are associated with regional white matter microstructure

Establishing the neural bases of individual differences in personality has been an enduring topic of interest. However, while a growing literature has sought to characterize grey matter correlates of personality traits, little attention to date has been focused on regional white matter correlates of personality, especially for the personality traits agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness. To rectify this gap in knowledge we used a large sample (n > 550) of older adults who provided data on both personality (International Personality Item Pool) and white matter tract-specific fractional anisotropy (FA) from diffusion tensor MRI. Results indicated that conscientiousness was associated with greater FA in the left uncinate fasciculus (β = 0.17, P < 0.001). We also examined links between FA and the personality meta-trait ‘stability’, which is defined as the common variance underlying agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism/emotional stability. We observed an association between left uncinate fasciculus FA and stability (β = 0.27, P < 0.001), which fully accounted for the link between left uncinate fasciculus FA and conscientiousness. In sum, these results provide novel evidence for links between regional white matter microstructure and key traits of human personality, specifically conscientiousness and the meta-trait, stability. Future research is recommended to replicate and address the causal directions of these associations.
Preserving Ambulatory Potential in Pediatric Patients With Cerebral Palsy Who Undergo Spinal Fusion Using Unit Rod Instrumentation

Study Design. A retrospective study investigated 24 ambulatory pediatric patients with spastic cerebral palsy and neuromuscular scoliosis. Objective. To evaluate the effect of spinal fusion from T1–T2 to the sacrum with pelvic fixation using unit rod instrumentation on the ambulatory potential of these patients. Summary of Background Data. Spinal deformities in patients with cerebral palsy and good ambulatory capacity are infrequently associated with pelvic obliquity, so instrumented spinal fusions traditionally do not extend to the pelvis. Methods. The medical charts and radiographs were reviewed, and the patients’ ambulatory ability was assessed clinically with videotape or complete gait analysis. A questionnaire assessing patients’ functional improvement was given to the caretakers. Results. The study group included 17 female and 7 male patients, among whom were 19 quadriplegics and 5 diplegics. The mean age at surgery was 15.4 years. Of the 24 patients, 20 underwent posterior spinal fusion and 4 had combined anteroposterior procedures. The patients were evaluated clinically before surgery and after surgery. Follow-up evaluations of ambulatory function occurred at a mean of 2.86 years after surgery. No alteration in the ambulatory status of the patients was found, except in one patient who experienced bilateral hip heterotopic ossification and gradually lost her ability to ambulate. Preoperative and postoperative gait analysis was performed for 12 patients, showing no change in their ambulatory function. The surgical outcome survey demonstrated significant improvement in the patients’ physical appearance, head and trunk balance, sitting ability, and respiration, with no change in ambulatory capacity. Conclusions. Spine surgery with fusion extending to the pelvis in ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy provided excellent deformity correction and preserved their ambulatory function.
Attitudes and Emotions to Internet Safety: Trust and Digital Literacy in Mothers of Reception Aged Children

Although there is a vast amount of literature available on child internet safety, most of this concentrates on older children over the age of eight (Holloway, Green & Livingstone, 2013). Research that has focused on younger (under seven) children often omits to include the parents’ perspectives, which are pivotal to child internet safety management within the home (Livingstone, Haddon, Gorzig & Olfasson, 2011). This study focuses on this gap by exploring the views of parents of children under seven in relation to internet safety management. It provides insight into factors that affect how parents manage access to digital technologies within the home. In particular, the factors considered are, parents’ attitudes and emotions to the internet, their level of digital literacy, and how trust affects parents’ attitudes and emotions towards child internet safety. The research is based on a small scale study of parents’ experiences and perceptions. Data was collected from six parents of younger children using in depth semi structured interviews and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The study argues that the notion of trust is central to understanding younger children’s internet safety. Parental levels of trust in digital systems were found to play an important role in how child internet safety was managed within the home. Bronfenbrenner’s (1977) Ecological Systems Theory was used to interpret the complex relationships that surround family digital activities. The findings suggest that parental levels of digital literacy were significant in forming parents’ opinions and decisions, about how they managed internet safety. In addition, findings revealed trust was subjective and complex and often elicited a need for parents to feel in control. This study proposes a model to understand how trust, digital literacy and child internet safety strategies used by parents might be understood, which has been called the Digital Trust Window.
Effect of Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptors in the Response to Combined Treatment in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

ABSTRACT Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are related to the activation and inhibition of NK cells and may play an important role in the innate response against infection with viruses such as hepatitis C virus (HCV). We examined whether the different combinations of KIRs with their HLA class I ligands influenced the response to combined treatment (pegylated alpha interferon and ribavirin) of patients infected by HCV. A total of 186 consecutive patients diagnosed with chronic HCV infection were analyzed. Seventy-seven patients exhibited HCV RNA levels at 6 months posttreatment and were called nonresponders (NR), while 109 cleared viral RNA and were named sustained viral responders (SVR). Patients were typed for HLA-B, HLA-Cw, KIR genes, and HCV genotype. In our study, the frequency of the KIR2DL2 allele was significantly increased in NR (P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] = 1.95), as was the frequency of the KIR2DL2/KIR2DL2 genotype (P < 0.005; OR = 2.52). In contrast, the frequencies of the KIR2DL3 genotype (P < 0.001) and KIR2DL3/KIR2DL3 genotype (P < 0.05; OR = 0.54) were significantly increased in the SVR. Different combinations of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 alleles with their ligands were analyzed. The frequency of the KIR2DL2/KIR2DL2-HLA-C1C2 genotype was significantly increased in the NR (P < 0.01; OR = 3.15). Additionally, we found a higher frequency of the KIR2DL3/KIR2DL3-HLA-C1C1 genotype in the SVR group (P < 0.05; OR = 0.33). These results were not affected by the HCV genotype. In conclusion, patients who carried the KIR2DL2/KIR2DL2-HLA-C1C2 genotype were less prone to respond to treatment. However, the KIR2DL3/KIR2DL3-HLA-C1C1 genotype clearly correlated with a satisfactory response to treatment, defined by the clearance of HCV RNA.
Cold-inducible ribonucleic acid-binding protein attenuates acute kidney injuries after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in rats.

OBJECTIVES Cold-inducible ribonucleic acid-binding protein (CIRP) has been identified to play a role in the antiapoptotic effect of hypothermia. We sought to investigate the renoprotection of CIRP in a rat model of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. METHODS Overexpression and knockdown of CIRP were achieved in vivo by directly injecting lentivirus vectors containing packaging lentivirus (pL)/internal ribosome entry site (IRES)/green fluorescent protein (GFP)-CIRP or pL/short hairpin RNA (shRNA)/F-cold inducible RNA binding protein (F-CIRP)-A into the renal parenchyma of rats 7 days before deep hypothermic circulatory arrest under the ultrasound guidance. The vehicles or control lentivirus vectors were given to the control group or the control vector group, respectively. Renal function and apoptosis activity were evaluated by serum cystatin C, serum/tissue neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase 2'-deoxyuridine, 5'-triphosphate nick-end labelling assay at 24 h after surgery. The expression of CIRP messenger RNA (mRNA) was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression of CIRP and caspase 3 was tested by Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the sham group, rats in the control group showed increased expression of CIRP mRNA, CIRP protein, caspase 3 and the apoptotic rate (P < 0.01). However, when compared with the control group, rats in the pL/IRES/GFP-CIRP group showed significantly decreased caspase 3 and apoptosis activities while further increased expression of CIRP mRNA and protein. Rats in the pL/shRNA/F-CIRP-A group showed increased caspase 3 and apoptosis activities and further decreased expression of CIRP mRNA and protein (P < 0.01), when compared with the control group. Renal function was markedly protected in the pL/IRES/GFP-CIRP group and impaired in the pL/shRNA/F-CIRP-A group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the CIRP exerts a robust renoprotective effect by inhibiting apoptosis in the rat model of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.
Earplug Usage in Preservice Music Teachers

In the past 10 years, educating university musicians about hearing protection for long-term career stability and success has become more common, as has the adoption of hearing conservation programs. The purpose of this study was to explore preservice music teachers’ self-reported use of earplugs. Undergraduate preservice teachers (N = 129) were surveyed and results revealed that 21% (n = 27) wore earplugs sometimes while practicing, rehearsing, performing, or teaching. While participants recognized that noise-induced hearing loss was preventable (n = 124, 96%), 88% were seldom or sometimes concerned about their own hearing (M = 2.39, SD = 1.05). Most participants believed that surgery and hearing aids were ways to correct noise-induced hearing loss (n = 100, 78%). However, contrary to the preservice teachers’ beliefs, no viable correction is currently available for noise-induced hearing loss. Implications for further education are discussed.
Radiographic Landmarks for Locating the Femoral Origin and Tibial Insertion of the Knee Anterolateral Ligament

Background: Recent anatomic studies have confirmed the presence of a true ligament structure, the anterolateral ligament (ALL), in the anterolateral region of the knee. This structure is involved in the rotatory instability of the knee and might explain why some isolated reconstructions of the anterior cruciate ligament result in a residual pivot shift. Therefore, when considering the least invasive method for reconstruction of this structure, it is important to identify the corresponding bony landmarks on radiographic images. Purpose: To establish radiographic femoral and tibial landmarks for the ALL in frontal and lateral views. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Ten unpaired cadaver knees were dissected. The attachments of the ALL were isolated and its anatomic parameters were quantified. Its origin and insertion were marked with a 2-mm-diameter metallic sphere, and radiographs were taken from frontal and lateral views. The obtained images were analyzed and the ALL parameters established. Results: The origin of the ALL in the lateral view was found at a point an average ± SD of 47.5% ± 4.3% from the anterior edge of the femoral condyle and about 3.7 ± 1.1 mm below the Blumensaat line. In the frontal view, the origin was about 15.8 ± 1.9 mm from the distal condyle line. The ALL insertion was an average of 53.2% ± 5.8% from the anterior edge of the lateral tibial plateau in the lateral view and 7.0 ± 0.5 mm below the lateral tibial plateau in the frontal view. In anatomic dissections, the origin of the ALL was 1.9 ± 1.4 mm anterior and 4.1 ± 1.1 mm distal to the lateral collateral ligament, and the insertion was 4.4 ± 0.8 mm below the lateral tibial plateau cartilage. Conclusion: The ALL origin on an absolute lateral radiograph of the knee is approximately 47% of the anterior-posterior size of the condyle and 3.7 mm caudal to the Blumensaat line. In a frontal radiograph, the ALL is 15.8 mm from the posterior bicondyle line. The ALL insertion is approximately 53.2% of the anterior-posterior size of the plateau in the lateral view and 7.0 mm below the articular line in the frontal view. Clinical Relevance: Knowledge of the anatomic landmarks of the ALL on radiography will permit minimally invasive surgical reconstruction with lower morbidity.
Nephroprotective effects of Isaria felina in rats with adenine‐induced chronic renal failure

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a progressive, life‐threatening condition with limited treatment options. Cordyceps sinensis is a fungus that has nephroprotective effects, and Isaria felina (IF) is a fungus isolated from C. sinensis fruiting bodies. We evaluated IF efficacy using an adenine‐induced CRF animal model.
Coordinate Notch3-Hairy-related Transcription Factor Pathway Regulation in Response to Arterial Injury

The Notch family of receptors and downstream effectors plays a critical role in cell fate determination during vascular ontogeny. Moreover, the human cerebralautosomal dominant artriopathy withsubcortical infarcts andleukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) syndrome of premature stroke and dementia is a heritable arteriopathy with alterations in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) resulting from mutations within Notch3. However, the expression and regulation of the Notch and hairy-related transcription factor (HRT) pathway in adult VSMCsin vitro and in vivo remain poorly characterized. The present study documents that the well-described modulation of VSMC fate in response to vascular injury and growth factor activation involves a coordinate regulation of the Notch and HRT pathways. Furthermore, platelet-derived growth factor promotes a similar coordinate down-regulation of the Notch receptors andHRT genes in cultured VSMCs via an ERK-dependent signaling pathway. Moreover, we established that HRT1 and HRT2 are direct downstream target genes of Notch3 signaling in VSMCs and determined that the activity of the nuclear protein RBP-Jk is essential for their regulation. These findings provide initial insight into the context- and cell type-dependent coordinate regulation ofNotch3 and downstream HRT transcriptional pathway effector genes in VSMCs in vitro and in vivo that may have important implications for understanding the role of Notch signaling in human health and vascular disease.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hypertension among Occupational Bus Drivers in Nagpur City, Central India- A Cross Sectional Study -

Introduction: This study was done to study the prevalence of hypertension and factors related to it among bus drivers working in four bus depots of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (M.S.R.T.C.), of Nagpur City in Central India. Method: Present cross-sectional study was carried out among bus drivers of MSRTC bus depots of Nagpur city. The data was collected with the help of interview method using structured questionnaire. History taking included personal details, occupational history, socio-demographic details, family history, presenting complaints, past history, duration of driving (hrs.), and daily average driving (km). Results: Prevalence of hypertension was found to be 34.8%. Hypertension was significantly associated with various socio-demographic characteristics like age, socio-economic status, education, family h/o hypertension, BMI and certain occupational characteristics like duration of service, daily average driving, duration of driving per week. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypertension was high among bus drivers. Study emphasize the need for the periodic screening and regular follow up of drivers for diagnosis and maintaining the compliance with the treatment. Also there is need for targeted educational interventions and lifestyle modifications among bus drivers.