Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of Objectively Measured Physical Activity With Brown Adipose Tissue Volume and Activity in Young Adults

Purpose Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) has gained considerable attention as a potential therapeutic target for obesity and type 2 diabetes; however, whether physical activity (PA) might be an efficient stimulus to activate and recruit BAT remains to be ascertained. We aimed to examine whether objectively measured PA levels were associated with BAT volume and activity in young sedentary adults. We additionally examined the association of PA levels with the skeletal muscles activity. Methods A total of 130 young healthy and sedentary adults (67% women; age, 21.9 ± 2.1 years old; body mass index, 25 ± 4.8 kg/m2) participated in this cross-sectional study. PA was objectively measured with a wrist-worn accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Age-specific cut points were applied to classify wrist accelerations into sedentary time and different PA intensities (i.e., light, moderate, vigorous, moderate-vigorous). The participants underwent 2 hours of a personalized cold exposure to determine the cold-induced BAT volume and activity and the skeletal muscles activity by means of an 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with a CT scan. Results Objectively measured PA intensity levels were neither associated with BAT volume and activity nor with the skeletal muscles activity (all P > 0.05). The results remained after adjusting for sex, waking time, and environmental temperature. Conclusions Although PA plays an important role in the prevention of obesity and related comorbidities, it seems that other physiological mechanisms rather than brown adipocyte activation or recruitment might moderate its beneficial metabolic effects in young sedentary adults.
Trait-dependent tolerance of bats to urbanization: a global meta-analysis

Urbanization is a severe threat to global biodiversity, often leading to taxonomic and functional homogenization. However, current urban ecology research has focused mostly on urban birds and plants, limiting our ability to make generalizations about the drivers of urban biodiversity globally. To address this gap, we conducted a global meta-analysis of 87 studies, including 180 bat species (Chiroptera) from urban areas in Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America. We aimed to (i) understand the importance of functional traits and phylogeny in driving changes in urban bat assemblages, and (ii) assess the capacity of traits for predicting which types of species are most sensitive to urbanization. Our results indicate that species-specific functional traits explain differences in the intensity of urban habitat use. Urban tolerance mainly occurred within the open and edge space foraging and trawling species as well as in bats with flexible roosting strategies. In addition, across bioregions and independent of phylogeny, urban tolerance correlated with higher aspect ratio, a trait enabling fast flight but less agile manoeuvres during aerial food acquisition. Predictive success varied between bioregions, between 43 and 83%. Our analysis demonstrates that the local extinction of bat species in urban areas is non-random, trait-based and predictable, allowing urban landscape managers to tailor local conservation actions to particular types of species.
Structural Features of Sulfated Glucuronomannan Oligosaccharides and Their Antioxidant Activity

Glucuronomannan oligosaccharides (Gs) were derived from fucoidan, which was extracted from the brown alga Sargassum thunbergii. Sulfated glucuronomannan oligosaccharides (SGs) were obtained by the sulfation of Gs. NMR techniques were used to reveal that the order of sulfation was Man-C6 > Man-C4 > Man-C1R > GlcA-C3 > Man-C3 > GlcA-C2. Finally, the antioxidant activities (hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity) of Gs and SGs were determined. The findings showed that the higher the degree of polymerization, the better the activity, except for the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In addition, the higher the sulfate content, the lower the activities for the reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Opposite results were found for the superoxide radical scavenging activity. Finally, compared with fucoidan, most Gs and SGs had higher antioxidant activity, suggesting that they might be good candidates for antioxidants.
Limited Evidence for Parallel Molecular Adaptations Associated with the Subterranean Niche in Mammals: A Comparative Study of Three Superorders

Abstract Among mammals, several lineages have independently adapted to a subterranean niche and possess similar phenotypic traits for burrowing (e.g., cylindrical bodies, short limbs, and absent pinnae). Previous research on mole-rats has revealed molecular adaptations for coping with reduced oxygen, elevated carbon dioxide, and the absence of light. In contrast, almost nothing is known regarding molecular adaptations in other subterranean lineages (e.g., true moles and golden moles). Therefore, the extent to which the recurrent phenotypic adaptations of divergent subterranean taxa have arisen via parallel routes of molecular evolution remains untested. To address these issues, we analyzed ∼8,000 loci in 15 representative subterranean taxa of four independent transitions to an underground niche for signatures of positive selection and convergent amino acid substitutions. Complementary analyses were performed in nonsubterranean “control” taxa to assess the biological significance of results. We found comparable numbers of positively selected genes in each of the four subterranean groups; however, correspondence in terms of gene identity between gene sets was low. Furthermore, we did not detect evidence of more convergent amino acids among subterranean species pairs compared with levels found between nonsubterranean controls. Comparisons with nonsubterranean taxa also revealed loci either under positive selection or with convergent substitutions, with similar functional enrichment (e.g., cell adhesion, immune response, and coagulation). Given the limited indication that positive selection and convergence occurred in the same loci, we conclude that selection may have acted on different loci across subterranean mammal lineages to produce similar phenotypes.
A mathematical model for the effects of amyloid beta on intracellular calcium

The accumulation of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) associated Amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers can trigger aberrant intracellular calcium (Ca2+) levels by disrupting the intrinsic Ca2+ regulatory mechanism within cells. These disruptions can cause changes in homeostasis levels that can have detrimental effects on cell function and survival. Although studies have shown that Aβ can interfere with various Ca2+ fluxes, the complexity of these interactions remains elusive. We have constructed a mathematical model that simulates Ca2+ patterns under the influence of Aβ. Our simulations shows that Aβ can increase regions of mixed-mode oscillations leading to aberrant signals under various conditions. We investigate how Aβ affects individual flux contributions through inositol triphosphate (IP3) receptors, ryanodine receptors, and membrane pores. We demonstrate that controlling for the ryanodine receptor’s maximal kinetic reaction rate may provide a biophysical way of managing aberrant Ca2+ signals. The influence of a dynamic model for IP3 production is also investigated under various conditions as well as the impact of changes in membrane potential. Our model is one of the first to investigate the effects of Aβ on a variety of cellular mechanisms providing a base modeling scheme from which further studies can draw on to better understand Ca2+ regulation in an AD environment.
Effects of the selective chymase inhibitor TEI‐F00806 on the intrarenal renin–angiotensin system in salt‐treated angiotensin I‐infused hypertensive mice

What is the central question of this study? Can chymase inhibition prevent angiotensin I‐induced hypertension through inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II in the kidney? What is the main finding and its importance? Treatment with TEI‐F00806 decreased angiotensin II content of the kidney, renal cortical angiotensinogen protein levels and chymase mRNA expression, and attenuated the development of hypertension.
Renal infarction secondary to polycythaemia vera treated by percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty

to diabetic nephropathy was planning to commence PD with the stepwise initiation of PD using Moncrief and Popovich (SMAP) method. He underwent PD catheter implantation in the peritoneal cavity. The postoperative course was uneventful. Nine months later, when PD was initiated, PD solution was difficult to instil in the peritoneal cavity via the PD catheter. He had mild diarrhoea but no abdominal pain. Then, he underwent computer tomography (CT) scanning with injection of a contrast dissolved in the PD solution via the PD catheter. Three dimensional-CT (3D-CT) showed a fistula between a side hole of the PD catheter and intestine (Fig. 1, arrow 1) with the tip of the catheter free (arrow 2) and a leak of the contrast into ileum (arrow 3). He was diagnosed with a delayed PD catheter-intestinal fistula and the PD catheter was safely removed. His postoperative course was uneventful. One month later, he was commenced on haemodialysis. This is a rare case of delayed intestinal perforation by PD catheter. Although many cases of intestinal perforation by the tip of the PD catheter have been reported, a fistula between a side hole of the PD catheter and intestine has not been reported. A long implantation duration (9 months) of the PD catheter in the peritoneal cavity without PD solution may have contributed to the development of this complication in the present case, similar to previously reported cases. PD solution may have a buffer effect against direct contact between the PD catheter and intestine, with high pressure resulting in the creation of a fistula. Clinicians should note this complication when PD is induced with the SMAP method. 3D-CT may be useful to clinicians to help diagnosis this complication.
Improved l-Leucine Production in Corynebacterium glutamicum by Optimizing the Aminotransferases

The production of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) is still challenging, therefore we rationally engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum FA-1 to increase the l-leucine production by optimizing the aminotransferases. Based on this, we investigated the effects of the native aminotransferases, i.e., branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase (BCAT; encoded by ilvE) and aspartate aminotransferase (AspB; encoded by aspB) on l-leucine production in C. glutamicum. The strain FA-1△ilvE still exhibited significant growth without leucine addition, while FA-1△ilvE△aspB couldn’t, which indicated that AspB also contributes to L-leucine synthesis in vivo and the yield of leucine reached 20.81 ± 0.02 g/L. It is the first time that AspB has been characterized for l-leucine synthesis activity. Subsequently, the aromatic aminotransferase TyrB and the putative aspartate aminotransferases, the aspC, yhdR, ywfG gene products, were cloned, expressed and characterized for leucine synthesis activity in FA-1△ilvE△aspB. Only TyrB was able to synthesize l-leucine and the l-leucine production was 18.55 ± 0.42 g/L. The two putative branched-chain aminotransferase genes, ybgE and CaIlvE, were also cloned and expressed. Both genes products function efficiently in BCAAs biosynthesis. This is the first report of a rational modification of aminotransferase activity that improves the l-leucine production through optimizing the aminotransferases.
Magnetostrictive Bioinspired Whisker Sensor Based on Galfenol Composite Cantilever Beam Realizing Bidirectional Tactile Perception

A magnetostrictive bioinspired whisker sensor based on a galfenol/beryllium-bronze/galfenol composite cantilever beam was developed in this work. According to the new design concept, the proposed whisker can output positive and negative voltages under different bending directions. Besides, the proposed whisker sensor can realize the bidirectional distance and microforce perception. Using the classical beam theory, a theoretical model was used to predict the output performance of the whisker. An experimental system was established to test the whisker's output performance. In the experiment, the designed whisker, compared with a traditional unimorph whisker, displayed an output voltage range of −240 to 240 mV. The parameters were as follows: the distance was 0–22 mm, with the microforce sensing range of 9.8–2744 mN, the average distance was 10.90 mm/mV, and the force sensitivity was 11.4 mN/mV. At last, obstacle perception was applied. The experiment showed that the proposed whisker sensor can realize the bidirection tactile perception in one-dimensional space. The work expands the function of the magnetostrictive bioinspired whisker, acquiring the multi-information for single-sensor system.
Anthropometry and Functional Movement Patterns in Elite Male Volleyball Players of Different Competitive Levels

Abstract Toselli, S and Campa, F. Anthropometry and functional movement patterns in elite male volleyball players of different competitive levels. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2601–2611, 2018—The aim of this study was to establish specific profiles for anthropometry and functional movement parameters and identify which characteristics can be modified by training to achieve a better quality of movement in elite male volleyball players competing at the Italian National League (Super Lega = 39, aged 25.6 ± 4.7 years and A2 = 30, aged 26.2 ± 5.3 years). Another aim was to value functional movement patterns in relation to morphological traits, with special focus on differences by division and playing positions. Statistical significance was set at p ⩽ 0.05. According to discriminant analysis, the differences between players of the 2 Divisions were primarily due to nonmodifiable parameters (humerus width, height, and bicrestiliac width) and modifiable parameters (contracted arm circumference and muscle area of upper arm). Our results highlighted differences according to playing positions. Middle hitters and opposites were taller, heavier and generally showed wide dimensions in contracted arm circumference, upper limb length widths, and handgrip strength than the players of the other roles. Percentage of fat mass was low in players of all roles, such as endomorph somatotype component. Ectomorphic component was maximal in middle hitters, whereas mesomorphic component was maximal in liberos. The players of the 2 Divisions did not show differences in the movement patterns, even if approximately 33% of them showed a dysfunctional movement, with a prevalence of asymmetric movements in the shoulder mobility test. Multiple regression showed that, in volleyball players, an optimal flexibility and mobility was closely related to anthropometric characters with particular emphasis on body fat.
Patient experience with patient-reported outcome measures in neurologic practice

Objective To quantify the neurologic patient experience with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and identify factors associated with a positive PROMs experience. Methods This retrospective study included all patients seen in 6 neurologic clinics who completed patient experience questions at least once between October 2015 and September 2016. Questions assessed overall satisfaction with PROMs, as well as 4 facets of the PROM experience: usefulness of questions, ease of understanding, effect on communication with provider, and effect on control of their own care. Clinic and patient characteristics were summarized across questions and predictors of response were identified using multivariable proportional odds models. Results A total of 16,157 patients answered generic and condition-specific PROMs, as well as questions on their experience with completing PROMs. The majority of patients agreed/strongly agreed questions were easy to understand (96%), useful (83%), and improved communication (78%) and control (71%). After adjustment for other factors, being younger, black, or depressed, or having lower household income, were independent predictors of high satisfaction with PROMs. Patients who indicated the system improved communication and control of care were more often male, black, and lower income. Variability in responses was shown by clinic. Conclusion Given the growing importance of patient satisfaction in health care, the patient experience with PROMs is a critical component of their successful implementation and utilization. Findings from this study support the feasibility of collecting PROMs in neurologic practice and the potential as a tool to optimize patient-centered neurologic care.
5-Fluorouracil-induced RNA stress engages a TRAIL-DISC-dependent apoptosis axis facilitated by p53

Despite recent advances in targeted therapeutics, administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) remains a common clinical strategy for post-surgical treatment of solid tumors. Although it has been proposed that RNA metabolism is disturbed by 5-FU treatment, the key cytotoxic response is believed to be enzymatic inhibition of thymidylate synthase resulting in nucleotide pool disproportions. An operating p53 tumor suppressor signaling network is in many cases essential for the efficiency of chemotherapy, and malfunctions within this system remain a clinical obstacle. Since the fate of chemotherapy-insensitive tumor cells is rarely described, we performed a comparative analysis of 5-FU toxicity in p53-deficient cells and conclude that p53 acts as a facilitator rather than a gatekeeper of cell death. Although p53 can act as a regulator of several cellular stress responses, no rerouting of cell death mode was observed in absence of the tumor suppressor. Thus, the final death outcome of 5-FU-treated p53−/− cells is demonstrated to be caspase-dependent, but due to a slow pace, accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species contributes to necrotic characteristics. The oligomerization status of the p53 target gene DR5 is determined as a significant limiting factor for the initiation of caspase activity in an intracellular TRAIL-dependent manner. Using several experimental approaches, we further conclude that RNA- rather than DNA-related stress follows by caspase activation irrespectively of p53 status. A distinct 5-FU-induced stress mechanism is thereby functionally connected to a successive and discrete cell death signaling pathway. Finally, we provide evidence that silencing of PARP-1 function may be an approach to specifically target p53-deficient cells in 5-FU combinatorial treatment strategies. Together, our results disclose details of impaired cell death signaling engaged as a consequence of 5-FU chemotherapy. Obtained data will contribute to the comprehension of factors restraining 5-FU efficiency, and by excluding DNA as the main stress target in some cell types they propose alternatives to currently used and suggested synergistic treatment regimens.
Outdoor Temperature Influences Cold Induced Thermogenesis in Humans

Objective: Energy expenditure (EE) increases in response to cold exposure, which is called cold induced thermogenesis (CIT). Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been shown to contribute significantly to CIT in human adults. BAT activity and CIT are acutely influenced by ambient temperature. In the present study, we investigated the long-term effect of seasonal temperature variation on human CIT. Materials and Methods: We measured CIT in 56 healthy volunteers by indirect calorimetry. CIT was determined as difference between EE during warm conditions (EEwarm) and after a defined cold stimulus (EEcold). We recorded skin temperatures at eleven anatomically predefined locations, including the supraclavicular region, which is adjacent to the main human BAT depot. We analyzed the relation of EE, CIT and skin temperatures to the daily minimum, maximum and mean outdoor temperature averaged over 7 or 30 days, respectively, prior to the corresponding study visit by linear regression. Results: We observed a significant inverse correlation between outdoor temperatures and EEcold and CIT, respectively, while EEwarm was not influenced. The daily maximum temperature averaged over 7 days correlated best with EEcold (R2 = 0.123, p = 0.008) and CIT (R2 = 0.200, p = 0.0005). The mean skin temperatures before and after cold exposure were not related to outdoor temperatures. However, the difference between supraclavicular and parasternal skin temperature after cold exposure was inversely related to the average maximum temperature during the preceding 7 days (R2 = 0.07575, p = 0.0221). Conclusion: CIT is significantly related to outdoor temperatures indicating dynamic adaption of thermogenesis and BAT activity to environmental stimuli in adult humans. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials. gov, Identifier NCT02682706.
A comparative study and evaluation of ERP reference models in the context of ERP IT-driven implementation: SAP ERP as a case study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider the question of what is an appropriate enterprise resource planning (ERP) reference model for specifying areas of change in the context of IT-driven ERP implementation and through the model matching. There are other implicit goals to increasing the awareness of the reference models, as this highlights the principles embedded in ERP systems and explains the classification of reference models, which is useful in terms of the reuse of knowledge. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, a comparison between ERP reference models is conducted using a suitable decision-making technique and the final results are discussed. The comparison depends on nine criteria related to conceptual ERP reference models: scope, abstraction, granularity, views, purpose, simplicity, availability, ease of use for model matching, and target audience. Findings This study concludes that the business process reference model is best for specifying areas of change in the context of IT-driven ERP implementations. The final ranking of the alternatives based on all criteria places the system organizational model second, followed by the function and data/object reference models, in that order. Originality/value This paper is one of very few studies on the selection of appropriate ERP reference models according to the ERP implementation approach and model matching factors. This research also provides an in-depth analysis of various ERP reference model types.