Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trying again (and again): Weight cycling and depressive symptoms in U.S. adults

As the prevalence of overweight and obesity have risen over the past few decades, so have weight control attempts. Research has shown, however, that intentional weight loss results are often short-lived, with people regaining the weight over time. This can lead to weight cycling–losing and gaining weight repeatedly. Previous research, mostly done over two decades ago, concluded there was no relationship between weight cycling and psychological health. The goal of the current paper was to re-examine the relationship between weight cycling and depressive symptoms in a national sample of American adults (N = 2702; 50.7% female; mean age = 44.8 years). If, as hypothesized, there is a relationship between more frequent weight cycling and depressive symptoms, then internalized weight stigma will be examined as a potential mediator of the relationship. Results of a cross-sectional survey showed that 74.6% of adults report they have intentionally tried to lose weight. Amongst those who have tried to lose to weight, the average number of weight cycles over the lifetime was 7.82 cycles. Simultaneous regression showed that greater weight cycling was related to greater reported depressive symptoms (β = .15, p < .001), controlling for age, gender, education, income, and body mass index. Internalized weight stigma was a partial mediator of this relationship. Discussion focuses on the potential implications for weight cycling and mental health.
Selective Gene Loss of Visual and Olfactory Guanylyl Cyclase Genes Following the Two Rounds of Vertebrate-Specific Whole-Genome Duplications

Abstract Photoreceptors convey visual information and come in two flavors; dim-light and bright-light dedicated rod and cones. Both cell types feature highly specialized phototransduction cascades that convert photonic energy into intracellular signals. Although a substantial amount of phototransduction gene ohnologs are expressed either in rods or cones, visual guanylyl cyclases (GCs) involved in the calcium (Ca2+) dependent feedback regulation of phototransduction are neither rod nor cone specific. The co-existence of visual GCs in both photoreceptor types suggests that specialization of these ohnologs occurred despite their overlapping expression. Here, we analyze gene retention and inactivation patterns of vertebrate visual and closely related olfactory GCs following two rounds (2R) of vertebrate-specific whole-genome duplication events (2R WGD). Although eutherians generally use two visual and one olfactory GC, independent inactivation occurred in some lineages. Sauropsids (birds, lizards, snakes, turtles, and crocodiles) generally have only one visual GC (GC-E). Additionally, turtles (testodes) also lost the olfactory GC (GC-D). Pseudogenization in mammals occurred in specific species/families likely according to functional needs (i.e., many species with reduced vision only have GC-E). Likewise, some species not relying on scent marks lack GC-D, the olfactory GC enzyme. Interestingly, in the case of fish, no species can be found with fewer than three (two visual and one olfactory) genes and the teleost-specific 3R WGD can increase this number to up to five. This suggests that vision in fish now requires at least two visual GCs.
Relational Mobility Predicts Faster Spread of COVID-19: A 39-Country Study

It has become increasingly clear that COVID-19 is transmitted between individuals. It stands to reason that the spread of the virus depends on sociocultural ecologies that facilitate or inhibit social contact. In particular, the community-level tendency to engage with strangers and freely choose friends, called relational mobility, creates increased opportunities to interact with a larger and more variable range of other people. It may therefore be associated with a faster spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Here, we tested this possibility by analyzing growth curves of confirmed cases of and deaths due to COVID-19 in the first 30 days of the outbreaks in 39 countries. We found that growth was significantly accelerated as a function of a country-wise measure of relational mobility. This relationship was robust either with or without a set of control variables, including demographic variables, reporting bias, testing availability, and cultural dimensions of individualism, tightness, and government efficiency. Policy implications are also discussed.
Evaluating the Relationship Between Olfactory Function and Loneliness in Community-Dwelling Individuals: A Cross-sectional Study

Background Olfactory dysfunction (OD) has been reported to impact social interactions. However, the relationship between OD and loneliness has received little attention. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between OD and loneliness, controlling for patient factors. Methods Subjects without otolaryngic complaints were enrolled and olfactory function was assessed using: Sniffin’ Sticks test to measure threshold, discrimination and identification (TDI), Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders Negative Statements (QOD-NS) and 9 – item Olfactory-Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Loneliness was assessed using the De Jong Gierveld (DJG) and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) loneliness scales. Bivariate analysis was performed followed by regression analysis, controlling for confounders. Results In total, 221 subjects were included with a mean age of 50.5 years (range 20 to 93), 133 (60.2%) females and 161 (72.9%) white. Mean TDI score was 29.3 (7.0) and 49.5% of the cohort was dysosmic. Using DJG, 36.4% of the cohort were classified as lonely, whereas 35.0% were lonely using UCLA. Olfactory measures were significantly associated with DJG, including TDI (β = −0.03, p = 0.050), olfactory discrimination (β = −0.111, p = 0.005), QOD-NS (β = 0.058, p < 0.001) and olfactory-VAS (β = 0.032, p < 0.001). UCLA scores were significantly associated with QOD-NS (PR 1.061 [CI 1.018–1.107], p = 0.005) and olfactory-VAS scores (PR 1.027, [CI 1.007–1.049], p = 0.009). After controlling for confounders, the association between DJG and olfactory discrimination, as well as DJG and olfactory-VAS remained significant. Conclusions In this community-based sample of older adults, both OD and loneliness were common. Those subjects with worse olfactory function were more likely to report loneliness. Further research is necessary to establish causality, as well as explore the role of depression.
Pathogenicity assessment of entomopathogenic fungi infecting Leptoglossus occidentalis (Heteroptera: Coreidae)

Leptoglossus occidentalis, an insect species native to North America, is a pest of conifer seed orchards in its natural distribution area. Recently, it was accidentally introduced into Europe where its populations have been expanding throughout the continent. In this study we evaluated the pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea, and Metarhizium anisopliae to this pest under laboratory and outdoor conditions. Pathogenicity varied depending upon isolates, exposure methods and location of bioassay. In the laboratory, LC50 values were highest for I. fumosorosea and lowest for M. anisopliae, and an indirect exposure was less effective than a direct one. In outdoor experiments the overall mortality was in all isolates significantly lower than mortality in the laboratory, and inter-specific variability in pathogenicity was not as prominent outdoors as in the laboratory. The results of this bioassay showed that I. fumosorosea has the potential as a microbial control agent of L. occidentalis.
Sex‐specific peripheral and central responses to stress‐induced depression and treatment in a mouse model

Major depressive disorder affects ~20% of the world population and is characterized by strong sexual dimorphism with females being two to three times more likely to develop this disorder. Previously, we demonstrated that a combination therapy with dihydrocaffeic acid and malvidin‐glucoside to synergistically target peripheral inflammation and stress‐induced synaptic maladaptation in the brain was effective in alleviating chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)‐induced depression‐like phenotype in male mice. Here, we test the combination therapy in a female CSDS model for depression and compared sex‐specific responses to stress in the periphery and the central nervous system. Similar to male mice, the combination treatment is also effective in promoting resilience against the CSDS‐induced depression‐like behavior in female mice. However, there are sex‐specific differences in peripheral immune responses and differential gene regulation in the prefrontal cortex to chronic stress and to the treatment. These data indicate that while therapeutic approaches to combat stress‐related disorders may be effective in both sexes, the mechanisms underlying these effects differ, emphasizing the need for inclusion of both sexes in preclinical studies using animal models.
Characteristics and prosthesis usage of amputees attending Medical Rehabilitation services in Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION Increasing numbers of limb amputation are performed globally and in Malaysia due to the rise of complications because of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Limb amputation influences many aspects of an individual's life, and prosthesis restoration is one of the primary rehabilitation goals to help amputees resume daily activities. As limited information is available in Malaysia, this study aims to determine the socio-demographic, clinical characteristics and prosthesis usage among the amputees. METHODS A cross-sectional study using self-developed survey form was conducted at 13 Medical Rehabilitation Clinics in Malaysia among 541 upper and lower limb amputees of any duration and cause. RESULTS The study population had a mean age of 54 years. Majority were males, Malays, married and had completed secondary school. About 70% of amputations were performed due to DM complications and at transtibial level. Fifty-eight percent of unilateral lower limb amputees were using prosthesis with a mean (standard deviation) of 6.48 (±4.55) hours per day. Time since amputation was the true factor associated with prosthesis usage. Longer hours of prosthesis use per day was positively correlated with longer interval after prosthesis restoration (r=0.467). CONCLUSION Higher aetiology of DM and lower prosthesis usage among amputees may be because of high prevalence of DM in Malaysia. The prosthesis usage and hours of use per day were low compared to the international reports, which may be influenced by sampling location and time since amputation. Nevertheless, this is a novel multicentre study on the characteristics and prosthesis usage of amputees. Hopefully, this research will assist to support, facilitate and promote prosthesis rehabilitation in Malaysia.
Effects of astragalus polysacharin on fibroblast proliferation and adhesion between HUVECs and white cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of Astragalus polysacharin(APS) on human fibroblast and human umbilical vein endothelia cell (HUVEC) proliferation, as well as its acts on adhesion between white cells and HUVECs. METHODS: Human fibroblasts from distal and proximal skin away the ulcer were cultured as normal fibroblasts(NF) and wounded fibroblasts(WF). MTT assay was used for detecting cell proliferation, Rose Bengal staining and fluorescence immunohistology assay were used for examining the adhesion of human polymorpho-nuclear cell(PMN) and TPH-1 to HUVECs. RESULTS: 2 44-156 mg/L APS promoted WF proliferation, and 2 44-39 mg/L APS also promoted NF proliferation, but it did not show any proliferating effect on HUVECs. APS inhibited the adhesion of PMN or TPH-1 to HUVECs induced by tumor necrosis factor(TNF). At 25-100 mg/L, it also inhibited both VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression in HUVECs induced by TNF. Treatment with APS for 12 h also inhibited CD44 expression in HUVECs. CONCLUSION: APS shows mitogenic activity on both human normal and wounded fibroblasts. It also exerts anti-inflammation effects by inhibiting adhesion molecule expression and adhesion of white cells to HUVECs. [
Online activities as risk factors for Problematic internet use among students in Bahir Dar University, North West Ethiopia: A hierarchical regression model

Background Problematic internet use (PIU) among youth has become a public health concern. Previous studies identified socio-demographic background risk factors for PIU. The effects of online activities on youth PIU behavior are not well investigated. Methods This cross-sectional study assessed the roles of online activities for PIU behavior of undergraduate students in Bahir Dar University, North West Ethiopia. Data were collected from 812 randomly selected regular program students recruited from 10 departments. Respondents completed a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used for analyses. Results The results indicated that social networking (75.5%), entertainment (73.6%), academic works (70.9%), and online gaming (21.6%) are the important online activities students are engaging in the internet. About 33% and 1.8% of students showed symptoms of mild and severe PIU, respectively. Taking online activities into account improved the model explaining PIU behavior of students. Online activities explained 46% of the variance in PIU. Using the internet for social networking (AOR = 7.078; 95% CI: 3.913–12.804) and online gaming (AOR = 2.175; 95% CI: 1.419–3.335) were risk factors for PIU. Conclusions The findings revealed that more than a third of the respondents showed symptoms of PIU. Online activities improved the model explaining PIU behavior of students. Thus, university authorities need to be aware of the prevalence of PIU and introduce regulatory mechanisms to limit the usage of potentially addictive online activities and promoting responsible use of the internet.
TNF inhibitors and risk of malignancy in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The association between tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and malignancy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not well understood. Our aim was to systematically evaluate the impact of TNFi use on risk of malignancy in IBD-patients in daily clinical practice. METHODS We searched Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus until March 1 st 2020 for observational cohort studies on adult IBD-patients reporting malignancy occurrence and TNFi use. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies (20 retrospective and 8 prospective) were included, involving 298,717 IBD-patients. Mean age at inclusion ranged from 28 to > 65 years. Mean follow-up varied from 7 to 80 months. Infliximab was the most frequently used TNFi (13/28 studies, 46.4%), followed by adalimumab (3/28, 10.7%), while both infliximab and adalimumab were evaluated in 5 studies (17.8%). In total, 692 malignancies were diagnosed in IBD-patients treated with TNFi accounting for an overall occurrence of 1.0%. The most frequent malignancies were non-melanoma skin cancers (123/692, 17.8%), digestive malignancies (120/692, 17.3%), and hematological malignancies (106/692, 15.3%). The association between TNFi and malignancy was evaluated in 11 studies (39.3%): no significant association was found in 10 studies, while an increased risk of lymphoma in patients exposed to TNFi was reported in one study. CONCLUSION TNFi treatment is not associated with an increased risk of malignancy in IBD-patients in real-life settings. Further large studies are needed to assess prognosis of patients exposed to TNFi and risk of recurrence or new cancers in subjects with personal malignancy history.
Modulatory effects of total glucosides of paeony on B lymphocyte proliferation and interleukin 1 production

The negatively regulatory mecha-nisms of total glucosides of paeony(TGP) on lipo-polysaccharide(LPS)-induced lymphocyte proliferation in mouse spleen and interleukin 1(IL-1) pro-duction of rat peritoneal macrophages(M)were stu-died. The descending limb of concentration-effectcurve of splenocyte proliferation disappeared whenindometacin(Ind,10 umol·L1) was added orM was depleted from the cuIture and reappearedWhen 5% of M or prostaglandin E2(PGE2,0.02-20umol·L1) was added again. The results suggestedthat the negatively regulatory effects of TGP onLpS induced proliferation of splenocytes in mice weremediated by the PGE2 production of M.The effects of TGP on LPS-induccd IL-1andPCE2 prduction from rat M were studiedsimultaneously. The production curve of IL-1 seemsto be bell-shaped,but that of PGE2 was enhanced bvTGP(0.5-312.5 mg·L1)The results suggested thatthe negatively regulatory effect of TGP on LPS-in-duced IL-1 production was also mediated by thePGE2 production of M.
Species of Duckweeds in Summer in Jiangsu Province and Water Environments They Grow in

Surveys were conducted of duckweeds-grown water bodies scattered in industrial,residential,and farming areas in a number of cities or counties to investigate species of the duckweeds and water samples collected for analysis of extent of eutrophication of the water bodies,and further clarify relationships of the distribution of duckweeds with pH and contents of ammonium,nitrate,total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the water.Results show that duckweeds tend to flourish in calm water rather than flowing water,and in water bodies in the farming and residential areas rather than in industrial areas.In summers of Jiangsu Spirodela polyrrhiza,Lemma minor,Wolffia arrhiza and Spirodela oligorrhiza are the most common duckweeds found in water bodies,and no trace of Lemma perpusilla and Lemma trisulca was found during the survey.Spirodela polyrrhiza and Lemma minor were found in all the water bodies surveyed,with water pH varying in the range of 4.5-7.5. The results also show that duckweeds grow well in water bodies,high or low in N and P concentrations,ranging from 0 to 42,0.2 to 2.0,0.2 to 45 and 0.02 to 13 mg·L-1 for ammonium,nitrate,total nitrogen and total phosphorus,respectively.No evidence was found showing that any close relationship existed between duckweeds distribution and concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water.In industrial areas,there are a variety of factories,including chemical plants,clothing factories,pharmaceutical plants,mechinary accessories factories,etc.,discharging a high volume of waste containing heavy metals and organic matters.In water bodies in or near the industrial areas,symbiosis of Spirodela polyrrhiza and Lemma minor and occasionally Wolffia arrhiza,too,is commonly observed.Therefore,in exploiting the effect of duckweeds removing nutrient substances,like N and P from water,priority should be given to native species of duckweeds dominant in the season and the complex symbiotic system of different species of duckweeds so as to maximize the production of duckweeds and the N and P removing rate.
A Review on 3D-Printed Templates for Precontouring Fixation Plates in Orthopedic Surgery

This paper is a systematic review of the literature on 3D-printed anatomical replicas used as templates for precontouring the fixation plates in orthopedic surgery. Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus and Springer databases were consulted for information on design study, fracture anatomical location, number of patients, surgical technique, virtual modeling approach and 3D printing process. The initial search provided a total of 496 records. After removing the duplicates, the title and abstract screening, and applying exclusion criteria and citations searching, 30 papers were declared eligible and included in the final synthesis. Seven studies were identified as focusing on retrospective non-randomized series of clinical cases, while two papers presented randomized case control studies. Two main approaches were highlighted in developing 3D-printed anatomical models for precontouring fixation plates: (a.) medical reconstruction, virtual planning and fracture reduction followed by 3D printing the model; (b.) medical reconstruction followed by 3D printing the model of the mirrored uninjured side. Revised studies reported advantages such as surgical time and blood loss reduction, while the reduction quality is similar with that of the conventional surgery. During the last couple of years there was an increase in the number of studies focused on precontouring orthopedic plates using 3D printing technology. Three-dimensionally-printed templates for plate precontouring were mostly used for acetabular fractures. Knowledge on medical virtual modeling and reconstruction is mandatory.
Proline-rich domain of human ALIX contains multiple TSG101-UEV interaction sites and forms phosphorylation-mediated reversible amyloids

Significance Human ALIX is involved in many essential cellular processes. The carboxy (C)-terminal proline-rich domain (PRD) of ALIX, which interacts with multiple partners, has eluded analysis owing to the presence of polyproline stretches that hinder recombinant protein production. By dividing it into two fragments, the amino (N)- and the C-terminal portions, we carry out a detailed biophysical investigation of ALIX-PRD. The disordered N-terminal fragment comprises three proline-rich motifs that compete for binding to its partner, TSG101-UEV. In contrast, the C-terminal fragment forms reversible amyloids modulated by tyrosine phosphorylation, the first known example where posttranslational modifications dictate the dissolution of amyloid fibrils. This study illustrates the mechanistic interdependence of multivalency brought out by polymerization of ALIX-PRD and its effect on ALIX function. Proline-rich domains (PRDs) are among the most prevalent signaling modules of eukaryotes but often unexplored by biophysical techniques as their heterologous recombinant expression poses significant difficulties. Using a “divide-and-conquer” approach, we present a detailed investigation of a PRD (166 residues; ∼30% prolines) belonging to a human protein ALIX, a versatile adaptor protein involved in essential cellular processes including ESCRT-mediated membrane remodeling, cell adhesion, and apoptosis. In solution, the N-terminal fragment of ALIX-PRD is dynamically disordered. It contains three tandem sequentially similar proline-rich motifs that compete for a single binding site on its signaling partner, TSG101-UEV, as evidenced by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. Global fitting of relaxation dispersion data, measured as a function of TSG101-UEV concentration, allowed precise quantitation of these interactions. In contrast to the soluble N-terminal portion, the C-terminal tyrosine-rich fragment of ALIX-PRD forms amyloid fibrils and viscous gels validated using dye-binding assays with amyloid-specific probes, congo red and thioflavin T (ThT), and visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Remarkably, fibrils dissolve at low temperatures (2 to 6 °C) or upon hyperphosphorylation with Src kinase. Aggregation kinetics monitored by ThT fluorescence shows that charge repulsion dictates phosphorylation-mediated fibril dissolution and that the hydrophobic effect drives fibril formation. These data illuminate the mechanistic interplay between interactions of ALIX-PRD with TSG101-UEV and polymerization of ALIX-PRD and its central role in regulating ALIX function. This study also demonstrates the broad functional repertoires of PRDs and uncovers the impact of posttranslational modifications in the modulation of reversible amyloids.