Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia in China: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary Hyperhomocysteinemia has been defined as an elevated serum concentration of homocysteine exceeding 15 μmol/L and has been proven to play an important role in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular disease. The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in China has been outlined in a previous meta-analysis. Considering the key role of homocysteine in the process of vascular injury, more studies have been conducted to prevent hyperhomocysteinemia by nutritional supplements such as folic acid or other treatments. Additionally, studies have shown that the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia increases over time; therefore, it was necessary to provide an update from the previous meta-analysis on homocysteine status in China. This was needed to understand the prevalence, the trend in changes over time, and its determinants. The results highlight that the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia is increasing in China, especially among the elderly, men, and residents in the north, inland areas, and rural areas of China. Abstract We conducted a meta-analysis to systematically assess the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in China, its change over time, and its determinants. Literature searches were conducted using English databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) and Chinese databases (CNKI, CBM, VIP, and Wanfang). The time ranges were from Jan 2014 to Mar 2021 in China. We adopted the random effects model to estimate the pooled positive rates of HHcy and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). To find the sources of heterogeneity, we performed subgroup analysis and meta-regression. A total of 29 related articles were identified involving 338,660 participants with 128,147 HHcy cases. The estimated prevalence of HHcy in China was 37.2% (95% CI: 32.6–41.8%, I2 = 99.8%, p for heterogeneity < 0.001). The trend of HHcy prevalence was gradually upward over time, with increases during 2015–2016 (comparison to 2013–2014, p < 0.001), but steady between 2015–2016 and 2017–2018. Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence was higher in the elderly over 55 years old, males, and residents in the north, inland, and rural China (for each comparison, p < 0.001). Meta-regression analysis revealed that age and area of study contributed to 42.3% of the heterogeneity between studies. The current meta-analysis provides strong evidence that the prevalence of HHcy is increasing in China, and varies substantially across different ages, genders, and geographic distribution. Accordingly, high-risk population groups should be focused on, and public health policies and strategies should be carried out to prevent and control HHcy in China.
Modulation of SOD3 Levels Is Detrimental to Retinal Homeostasis

Retinal oxidative stress is a common secondary feature of many retinal diseases. Though it may not be the initial insult, it is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of highly prevalent retinal dystrophic diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. We explored the role of superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) in retinal homeostasis since SOD3 protects the extracellular matrix (ECM) from oxidative injury. We show that SOD3 is mainly extracellularly localized and is upregulated as a result of environmental and pathogenic stress. Ablation of SOD3 resulted in reduced functional electroretinographic responses and number of photoreceptors, which is exacerbated with age. By contrast, overexpression showed increased electroretinographic responses and increased number of photoreceptors at young ages, but appears deleterious as the animal ages, as determined from the associated functional decline. Our exploration shows that SOD3 is vital to retinal homeostasis but its levels are tightly regulated. This suggests that SOD3 augmentation to combat oxidative stress during retinal degenerative changes may only be effective in the short-term.
Effects of 16 Weeks of Taekwondo Training on the Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity, Circulating Neurotransmitters, and Subjective Well-Being of Obese Postmenopausal Women

We investigated the effects of Taekwondo training on the body composition, serum lipid profiles, plasma neurotransmitter levels, cerebral blood flow velocities, and subjective well-being of 24 obese postmenopausal women. The women were randomly assigned into the experimental (n = 12) and control (n = 12) groups. The experimental group underwent Taekwondo training five times per week for 16 weeks, while the control group did not. All participants underwent evaluation for the following parameters before and after the intervention: body composition; serum lipid profiles; plasma serotonin and dopamine levels; cerebral blood flow velocities; positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS) scores; satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) scores. After the intervention, it was observed that the weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and PANAS-NA (negative affect in the PANAS questionnaire) scores were significantly decreased (p < 0.05)—while the plasma serotonin levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05)—in the experimental group. Conversely, there were no significant changes in the cerebral blood flow velocities (p > 0.05). Taekwondo training can be effective in not only reducing obesity, but also in increasing the circulating neurotransmitters and enhancing the subjective well-being of obese postmenopausal women.
Zonula occludens 2 and Cell-Cell Contacts Are Required for Normal Nuclear Shape in Epithelia

MAGUK protein ZO-2 is present at tight junctions (TJs) and nuclei. In MDCK ZO-2 knockdown (KD) cells, nuclei exhibit an irregular shape with lobules and indentations. This condition correlates with an increase in DNA double strand breaks, however cells are not senescent and instead become resistant to UV-induced senescence. The irregular nuclear shape is also observed in isolated cells and in those without TJs, due to the lack of extracellular calcium. The aberrant nuclear shape of ZO-2 KD cells is not accompanied by a reduced expression of lamins A/C and B and lamin B receptors. Instead, it involves a decrease in constitutive and facultative heterochromatin, and microtubule instability that is restored with docetaxel. ZO-2 KD cells over-express SUN-1 that crosses the inner nuclear membrane and connects the nucleoskeleton of lamin A to nesprins, which traverse the outer nuclear membrane. Nesprins-3 and -4 that indirectly bind on their cytoplasmic face to vimentin and microtubules, respectively, are also over-expressed in ZO-2 KD cells, whereas vimentin is depleted. SUN-1 and lamin B1 co-immunoprecipitate with ZO-2, and SUN-1 associates to ZO-2 in a pull-down assay. Our results suggest that ZO-2 forms a complex with SUN-1 and lamin B1 at the inner nuclear membrane, and that ZO-2 and cell–cell contacts are required for a normal nuclear shape.
Assessment of the Response Profile to Hyaluronic Acid Plus Sorbitol Injection in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Post-Hoc Analysis of a 6-Month Randomized Controlled Trial

In a previous randomized trial, the non-inferiority of two hyaluronic acid injections (Synolis VA versus Synvisc-One) was assessed in patients with knee OA, with a response rate of 79% for Synolis VA. To assess whether a responder profile could be established for this treatment modality, we used the Synolis VA arm of a published 6-month prospective, multicenter, comparative, randomized, double-blinded trial. At baseline and during the study, pain and function were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire. Ninety-six subjects from the intention-to-treat trial were included in the analysis. The 6-month change of WOMAC Pain with Synolis VA was not associated with any baseline clinical data. However, the change in WOMAC Function was significantly associated with its baseline level, even after adjustment for potential confounding variables (p = 0.028), i.e., a poorer physical function at baseline was associated with a better response. In conclusion, in addition to the high absolute response rate to Synolis VA, the probability of success is even increased if administered in patients with more limited physical function at baseline. Further research with other potential confounding clinical variables is warranted in order to better applicate the concept of personalized medicine.
Pulmonary Nodule and Mass: Superiority of MRI of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and T2-Weighted Imaging to FDG-PET/CT

Simple Summary Although diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be valuable for differential diagnosis of lung cancer from benign pulmonary nodules and masses (PNMs), the diagnostic capability may not be perfect. This study’s purpose was to compare the diagnostic efficacy of 18-fluoro-2-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of DWI and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) in PNMs. There were 278 lung cancers and 50 benign PNMs that were examined by FDG-PET/CT and MRI. The sensitivity of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was significantly lower than that of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the T2 contrast ratio (T2 CR). The accuracy of SUVmax was significantly lower than that of ADC and that of T2 CR. The sensitivity and accuracy of MRI were significantly higher than those of FDG-PET/CT. MRI can replace FDG-PET/CT for differential diagnosis of PNMs. Abstract The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the diagnostic efficacy of FDG-PET/CT and MRI in discriminating malignant from benign pulmonary nodules and masses (PNMs). There were 278 lung cancers and 50 benign PNMs that were examined by FDG-PET/CT and MRI. The T2 contrast ratio (T2 CR) was designated as the ratio of T2 signal intensity of PNM divided by T2 signal intensity of the rhomboid muscle. The optimal cut-off values (OCVs) for differential diagnosis were 3.605 for maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), 1.459 × 10−3 mm2/s for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and 2.46 for T2 CR. Areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves were 67.5% for SUVmax, 74.3% for ADC, and 72.4% for T2 CR, respectively. The sensitivity (0.658) of SUVmax was significantly lower than that (0.838) of ADC (p < 0.001) and that (0.871) of T2 CR (p < 0.001). The specificity (0.620) of SUVmax was that the same as (0.640) ADC and (0.640) of T2 CR. The accuracy (0.652) of SUVmax was significantly lower than that (0.808) of ADC (p < 0.001) and that (0.835) of T2 CR (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and accuracy of DWI and T2WI in MRI were significantly higher than those of FDG-PET/CT. Ultimately, MRI can replace FDG PET/CT for differential diagnosis of PNMs saving healthcare systems money while not sacrificing the quality of care.
Atopic Manifestations in Children Born Preterm: A Long-Term Observational Study

(1) Background: Preterm birth exposes the infant to the known risk factors for atopic diseases. We aimed to study the neonatal risk factors and to describe the clinical manifestations of atopy, including the march of symptoms, in a cohort of preschool children born preterm. (2) Methods: We enrolled neonates with gestational age < 32 weeks or birth weight < 1500 g. We classified patients in cases and controls according to the presence of at least one atopic manifestation. (3) Results: We observed 72 cases and 93 controls. Multivariate models showed that the administration of more than one cycle of antibiotics (B 0.902, p = 0.026) and gestational diabetes (B 1.207, p = 0.035) influence the risk of atopy in babies born preterm. In addition, risk of atopic dermatitis was influenced by gestational age < 29 weeks (B −1.710, p = 0.025) and gestational diabetes (B 1.275, p = 0.027). The risk of wheeze was associated with familiarity for asthma (B 1.392, p = 0.022) and the administration of more than one cycle of antibiotics (B 0.969, p = 0.025). We observed a significant reduction in the rate of atopic manifestation after 2 years of life (33.9% vs. 23.8%, p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Modifiable (gestational diabetes, antibiotics use) and unmodifiable (familiarity for asthma) conditions influence the risk of atopy in babies born preterm. Extreme prematurity reduces the risk of atopic dermatitis. Preterm babies showed a peculiar atopic march.
Phenolic Profile by HPLC-PDA-MS of Greek Chamomile Populations and Commercial Varieties and Their Antioxidant Activity

The phenolic profile of Greek chamomile populations was investigated by HPLC-PDA-MS. For comparison, three commercial varieties (Banatska, Lutea and Goral) cultivated under the same conditions were included in the study. All samples exhibited similar qualitative patterns but differed in their quantitative characteristics. Overall, 29 constituents were detected, belonging to phenolic acids, flavonol glycosides, flavone glycosides (mainly apigenin derivatives) and acylated polyamines. Quantitative results showed that both Greek populations had a high content in apigenin derivatives (0.39 and 0.31 %w/w) and caffeoylquinic acids (0.96 and 0.81 %w/w), whereas they had the highest amount of flavonol glycosides among the tested samples. Greek populations were comparable to the Banatska variety, while they were superior to the Lutea and Goral varieties cultivated under the same conditions. Results demonstrate that Greek chamomile populations studied here, are an excellent source of a wide range of phenolics which contribute to the medicinal and antioxidant properties of this herbal remedy. Antioxidant tests showed that chamomile extracts from the studied materials, especially from the Greek populations possess antioxidant activity, corresponding to their polyphenol content. This is the first report on the phenolic constituents of Matricaria recutita growing in Greece and well-established chamomile varieties.
Socioeconomic Environment and Survival in Patients with Digestive Cancers: A French Population-Based Study

Simple Summary Studies investigating the social gradient in digestive cancer survival are scarce, and the statistical methods used do not always consider important assumptions in survival analysis for adequate assessment. Using an ecological index (European Deprivation Index), we found a negative impact of social environment in digestive cancers net survival (especially for esophagus, stomach, bile ducts among females; colon and rectum for both sexes) and provided insight into how this social gradient in cancer survival builds up, and at what time of follow-up it appears. These results can guide clinical practice/public health actions to address social inequalities in survival by targeting digestive cancers with the greatest impact and identifying key follow-up periods to implement actions. Abstract Social inequalities are an important prognostic factor in cancer survival, but little is known regarding digestive cancers specifically. We aimed to provide in-depth analysis of the contextual social disparities in net survival of patients with digestive cancer in France, using population-based data and relevant modeling. Digestive cancers (n = 54,507) diagnosed between 2006–2009, collected through the French network of cancer registries, were included (end of follow-up 30 June 2013). Social environment was assessed by the European Deprivation Index. Multidimensional penalized splines were used to model excess mortality hazard. We found that net survival was significantly worse for individuals living in a more deprived environment as compared to those living in a less deprived one for esophageal, liver, pancreatic, colon and rectal cancers, and for stomach and bile duct cancers among females. Excess mortality hazard was up to 57% higher among females living in the most deprived areas (vs. least deprived) at 1 year of follow-up for bile duct cancer, and up to 21% higher among males living in the most deprived areas (vs. least deprived) regarding colon cancer. To conclude, we provide a better understanding of how the (contextual) social gradient in survival is constructed, offering new perspectives for tackling social inequalities in digestive cancer survival.
Shedding Light on the Volatile Composition of Broa, a Traditional Portuguese Maize Bread

In Portugal, maize has been used for centuries to produce an ethnic bread called broa, employing traditional maize varieties, which are preferred by the consumers in detriment of commercial hybrids. In order to evaluate the maize volatiles that can influence consumers’ acceptance of broas, twelve broas were prepared from twelve maize varieties (eleven traditional and one commercial hybrid), following a traditional recipe. All maize flours and broas were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS (headspace solid-phase microextraction) and broas were appraised by a consumer sensory panel. In addition, the major soluble phenolics and total carotenoids contents were quantitated in order to evaluate their influence as precursors or inhibitors of volatile compounds. Results showed that the major volatiles detected in maize flours and broas were aldehydes and alcohols, derived from lipid oxidation, and some ketones derived from carotenoids’ oxidation. Both lipid and carotenoids’ oxidation reactions appeared to be inhibited by soluble phenolics. In contrast, phenolic compounds appeared to increase browning reactions during bread making and, consequently, the production of pyranones. Traditional samples, especially those with higher contents in pyranones and lower contents in aldehydes, were preferred by the consumer sensory panel. These findings suggest that, without awareness, consumers prefer broas prepared from traditional maize flours with higher contents in health-promoting phenolic compounds, reinforcing the importance of preserving these valuable genetic resources.
Dietary Fiber and Lysolecithin Supplementation in Growing Ducks: Effect on Performance, Immune Response, Intestinal Morphology and Lipid Metabolism-Regulating Genes

Simple Summary Searching for and introducing unconventional feeds in ducks’ diets has become a major concern. However, low-priced feed ingredients such as rice bran and seed hulls are generally low in energy with high dietary fiber content. Thus, this study focused on the effects of different dietary fiber levels (with or without lysolecithin) on the performance, immune response, expression of some lipid regulating genes, and intestinal morphology of ducks. From our results, increasing fiber level in the diet (with or without the addition of lysolecithin) altered duck performance and intestinal morphology, improved immunity, and lowered serum lipid profile with a modulatory effect on the expression of lipid metabolism-regulating genes. Abstract The impact of different dietary fiber (DF) levels (with or without lysolecithin supplementation) on growth performance, immune response, expression of some lipid regulating genes and intestinal morphology was assessed in 408 Pekin ducks for 2 months. Soybean hulls were added to the diet to provide four different levels of DF: 2.4 (control diet), 3.8, 5.3, and 6.7% for the first four groups, respectively, while groups 5 to 8 fed the same four levels of DF with lysolecithin addition. Increasing dietary DF non-significantly reduced (p > 0.05) the ducks’ body weight (BW). However, ducks fed on 3.8% DF showed higher BW and improved feed conversion ratio. Lysolecithin supplementation with different DF did not support growth performance. Increasing DF with or without lysolecithin had no effect on serum lipid profile (p > 0.05). However, serum high-density lipoproteins (HDL) concentration was significantly increased with increasing fiber level in diet (p ˂ 0.05). Increasing DF with or without lysolecithin addition increased serum antioxidant activities and improved the immune response in terms of phagocytic and lysozyme activities. The DF level reduced the duodenal villi length and mucosal layer thickness while increased the villi width (p ˂ 0.05). Lysolecithin supplementation to diets ameliorated adverse effects on intestinal morphology. Moreover, DF level in ducks’ diet with or without lysolecithin significantly upregulated the expression of fatty acid synthase and lipoprotein lipase (p ˂ 0.05). Thus, it could be concluded that ducks fed on soybean hulls containing a diet at the level of 4.5% and providing 3.8% fiber level with or without lysolecithin showed the best performance.
Feasibility and Diagnostic Accuracy of Saliva-Based SARS-CoV-2 Screening in Educational Settings and Children Aged <12 Years

Children have been disproportionately affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess a saliva-based algorithm for SARS-CoV-2 testing to be used in schools and childcare institutions under pandemic conditions. A weekly SARS-CoV-2 sentinel study in primary schools, kindergartens, and childcare facilities was conducted over a 12-week-period. In a sub-study covering 7 weeks, 1895 paired oropharyngeal and saliva samples were processed for SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR testing in both asymptomatic children (n = 1243) and staff (n = 652). Forty-nine additional concurrent swab and saliva samples were collected from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients (patient cohort). The Salivette® system was used for saliva collection and assessed for feasibility and diagnostic performance. For children, a mean of 1.18 mL saliva could be obtained. Based on results from both cohorts, the Salivette® testing algorithm demonstrated the specificity of 100% (95% CI 99.7–100) and sensitivity of 94.9% (95% CI 81.4–99.1) with oropharyngeal swabs as reference. Agreement between sampling systems was 100% for moderate to high viral load situations (defined as Ct-values <33 from oropharyngeal swabs). Comparative analysis of Ct-values derived from saliva vs. oropharyngeal swabs demonstrated a significant difference (mean 4.23; 95% CI 2.48–6.00). In conclusion, the Salivette® system proved to be an easy-to-use, safe and feasible saliva collection method and a more pleasant alternative to oropharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing in children aged 3 years and above.