Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
African green monkeys avoid SIV disease progression by preventing intestinal dysfunction and maintaining mucosal barrier integrity

Unlike HIV infection, SIV infection is generally nonpathogenic in natural hosts, such as African green monkeys (AGMs), despite life-long high viral replication. Lack of disease progression was reportedly based on the ability of SIV-infected AGMs to prevent gut dysfunction, avoiding microbial translocation and the associated systemic immune activation and chronic inflammation. Yet, the maintenance of gut integrity has never been documented, and the mechanism(s) by which gut integrity is preserved are unknown. We sought to investigate the early events of SIV infection in AGMs, specifically examining the impact of SIVsab infection on the gut mucosa. Twenty-nine adult male AGMs were intrarectally infected with SIVsab92018 and serially sacrificed at well-defined stages of SIV infection, preramp-up (1–3 days post-infection (dpi)), ramp-up (4–6 dpi), peak viremia (9–12 dpi), and early chronic SIV infection (46–55 dpi), to assess the levels of immune activation, apoptosis, epithelial damage and microbial translocation in the GI tract and peripheral lymph nodes. Tissue viral loads, plasma cytokines and plasma markers of gut dysfunction were also measured throughout the course of early infection. While a strong, but transient, interferon-based inflammatory response was observed, the levels of plasma markers linked to enteropathy did not increase. Accordingly, no significant increases in apoptosis of either mucosal enterocytes or lymphocytes, and no damage to the mucosal epithelium were documented during early SIVsab infection of AGMs. These findings were supported by RNAseq of the gut tissue, which found no significant alterations in gene expression that would indicate microbial translocation. Thus, for the first time, we confirmed that gut epithelial integrity is preserved, with no evidence of microbial translocation, in AGMs throughout early SIVsab infection. This might protect AGMs from developing intestinal dysfunction and the subsequent chronic inflammation that drives both HIV disease progression and HIV-associated comorbidities.
Development of Tumor Cell-Based Vaccine with IL-12 Gene Electrotransfer as Adjuvant

Tumor cell-based vaccines use tumor cells as a source of tumor-associated antigens. In our study, we aimed to develop and test a tumor vaccine composed of tumor cells killed by irradiation combined with in vivo interleukin-12 gene electrotransfer as an adjuvant. Vaccination was performed in the skin of B16-F10 malignant melanoma or CT26 colorectal carcinoma tumor-bearing mice, distant from the tumor site and combined with concurrent tumor irradiation. Vaccination was also performed before tumor inoculation in both tumor models and tumor outgrowth was followed. The antitumor efficacy of vaccination in combination with tumor irradiation or preventative vaccination varied between the tumor models. A synergistic effect between vaccination and irradiation was observed in the B16-F10, but not in the CT26 tumor model. In contrast, up to 56% of mice were protected from tumor outgrowth in the CT26 tumor model and none were protected in the B16-F10 tumor model. The results suggest a greater contribution of the therapeutic vaccination to tumor irradiation in a less immunogenic B16-F10 tumor model, in contrast to preventative vaccination, which has shown greater efficacy in a more immunogenic CT26 tumor model. Upon further optimization of the vaccination and irradiation regimen, our vaccine could present an alternative tumor cell-based vaccine.
Effects of E-Learning Environment Use on Visual Function of Elementary and Middle School Students: A Two-Year Assessment—Experience from China

This two-year follow-up assessment was performed on 721 elementary (Grades 2–4) and middle (Grade 1) school students who used, and 62 Grade 4 (Control) students who did not use, E-learning environments from schools in Beijing and Shandong Province, China. Statistical analysis included repeated-measures single-factor and two-factor analyses of variance, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). In three assessments over two years, the students’ visual acuity, visual field, depth perception, and horary visual acuity were monitored, along with the related differences and developmental changes and the effect of the E-learning environment on these indexes: (1) For the first time, the average values of four indexes of visual function of the students exposure to the E-learning environment were obtained, among which the ratio of poor visual acuity was still high; (2) visual acuity and depth perception in middle school students was poorer than that of elementary school students, but their visual field and horary visual acuity was higher; (3) for the two years, the four indexes of the visual function of students in different grades showed different change trends; and (4) the comparison for G4 and control demonstrated that the frequency of E-learning environment use (6.75 h/week for G4) had no significant effect on the visual acuity and depth perception of the Grades 4 and 5 students in elementary school but had a significant effect on their visual field and horary visual acuity. However, in all of the included students, the E-learning environment use time significantly affected the left and right eye visual acuity in the students, except in G4.
Safety of Short-Term Supplementation with Methylliberine (Dynamine®) Alone and in Combination with TeaCrine® in Young Adults

Methylliberine (Dynamine®; DYM) and theacrine (Teacrine®; TCR) are purine alkaloids purported to have similar neuro-energetic effects as caffeine. There are no published human safety data on DYM, and research on TCR is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of four weeks of DYM supplementation with and without TCR on cardiovascular function and blood biomarkers. One-hundred twenty-five men and women (mean age 23.0 yrs, height 169.7 cm, body mass 72.1 kg; n = 25/group) were randomly assigned to one of five groups: low-dose DYM (100 mg), high-dose DYM (150 mg), low-dose DYM with TCR (100 mg + 50 mg), high-dose DYM with TCR (150 mg + 25 mg), and placebo. Regardless of group and sex, significant main effects for time were noted for heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and QTc (p < 0.001), high-density lipoproteins (p = 0.002), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p = 0.018), basophils (p = 0.006), absolute eosinophils (p = 0.010), creatinine (p = 0.004), estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.037), chloride (p = 0.030), carbon dioxide (p = 0.023), bilirubin (p = 0.027), and alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.043), among others. While small changes were found in some cardiovascular and blood biomarkers, no clinically significant changes occurred. This suggests that DYM alone or in combination with TCR consumed at the dosages used in this study does not appear to negatively affect markers of health over four weeks of continuous use.
Potential treatment of Parkinson’s disease with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

ABSTRACT Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by dysfunction of the nigrostriatal system, loss of dopamine neurons and intracellular aggregation of α-synuclein. Recently, both clinical and experimental studies have reported that neuroinflammation and oxidative stress markedly contribute to the etiology of PD. Current clinical pharmacotherapies only temporarily relieve the symptoms of PD, accompanied by many side effects. Hence, searching for natural anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and neuroprotective agents has received great attention. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially omega (n)-3, are essential lipid nutrients in the human diet and important components of cell membranes. Together by competing with the production of n-6 PUFAs, the precursors of inflammatory mediators, n-3 PUFAs can inhibit microglial activity and neuroinflammation, protect astrocyte function to produce neurotrophins, thereby normalizing neurotransmission and improving neurodegeneration. Thus, with regard to the hypotheses of PD, our and other’s recent studies have demonstrated that n-3 PUFAs may improve PD by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine release, promoting neurotrophic factor expression, recovering mitochondrial function and membrane fluidity, decreasing the levels of oxidant production, maintaining α-synuclein proteostasis, calcium homeostasis, axonal transport, and reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress. This review mainly introduces and analyzes the effect of n-3 PUFA treatments on PD-related behavioral and neuropathological abnormalities in clinical patients and different cellular and animal models of PD. Finally, the limitations and future work in n-3 PUFAs anti-PD area are discussed.
Suture versus screw fixation technique for tibial eminence fracture: A meta-analysis of laboratory studies

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties between the suture fixation technique and the screw fixation technique for tibial eminence fracture (TEF). Methods: The current study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane were searched from inception to January 2019 comparing the suture and the screw fixation technique for TEF. The results of the eligible studies were analyzed in terms of stiffness, ultimate failure load, and displacement after the cyclic testing. Results: Six laboratory studies were included with a total of 114 knees: 57 knees were in the FiberWire suture group and 57 knees were in the single-screw group. The suture group had higher stiffness than the screw group, but there was no statistical difference between these two groups. Ultimate failure load in the suture group was statistically higher than that in the screw group. No statistically significant difference existed in displacement after the cyclic testing between the suture group and the screw group. Conclusion: The FiberWire suture fixation may be biomechanically superior to a single screw fixation in TEF treatment in mature knees regarding ultimate failure load, while no significant difference was found between the two fixations in terms of stiffness and displacement after the cyclic testing.
Broad Spectrum Antiviral Agent Niclosamide and Its Therapeutic Potential

The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) highlights an urgent need for therapeutics. Through a series of drug repurposing screening campaigns, niclosamide, an FDA-approved anthelminthic drug, was found to be effective against various viral infections with nanomolar to micromolar potency such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, ZIKV, HCV, and human adenovirus, indicating its potential as an antiviral agent. In this brief review, we summarize the broad antiviral activity of niclosamide and highlight its potential clinical use in the treatment of COVID-19.
“This Society Ignores Our Victimization”: Understanding the Experiences of Korean Male Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as physical, psychological, and sexual violence that occurs in an intimate relationship. For the victims, it often leads to devastating consequences such as physical injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research on IPV has been extensively conducted for several decades. However, most studies have focused on male-to-female perpetration, and men’s victimization has been relatively neglected. This study aims to explore men’s IPV experiences within the context of Korean society, which is characterized by strong gender norms that may impede efforts to understand how men are victimized. Eleven Korean male IPV victims participated in semi-structured phone or in-person interviews lasting 1 to 2 hr, all of which were audio-recorded and transcribed. The transcriptions were qualitatively analyzed using a phenomenological method suggested by Giorgi. In total, six themes were revealed in the data: (a) living with violence, (b) enduring the violent relationship, (c) feeling helpless, (d) ending the relationship, (e) suffering from trauma, and (f) perceiving male victimization in society. Our findings are meaningful in terms of demonstrating how masculinity in one society can shape the thoughts, emotions, reactions, and behaviors of male victims. These findings can be used to tailor outreach efforts and interventions to the unique experiences of Korean men.
Characterizing Sleep Spindles in Sheep

Abstract Sleep spindles are distinctive transient patterns of brain activity that typically occur during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in humans and other mammals. Thought to be important for the consolidation of learning, they may also be useful for indicating the progression of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize sleep spindles in sheep (Ovis aries). We recorded electroencephalographs wirelessly from six sheep over a continuous period containing 2 nights and a day. We detected and characterized spindles using an automated algorithm. We found that sheep sleep spindles fell within the classical range seen in humans (10–16 Hz), but we did not see a further separation into fast and slow bands. Spindles were detected predominantly during NREM sleep. Spindle characteristics (frequency, duration, density, topography) varied between individuals, but were similar within individuals between nights. Spindles that occurred during NREM sleep in daytime were indistinguishable from those found during NREM sleep at night. Surprisingly, we also detected numerous spindle-like events during unequivocal periods of wake during the day. These events were mainly local (detected at single sites), and their characteristics differed from spindles detected during sleep. These “wake spindles” are likely to be events that are commonly categorized as “spontaneous alpha activity” during wake. We speculate that wake and sleep spindles are generated via different mechanisms, and that wake spindles play a role in cognitive processes that occur during the daytime.
Study on Lubrication Characteristics of Metal Liquid Film Based on Electromagnetic-Elastic Mechanics-Hydrodynamics Multiphysics Coupling Model

In an electromagnetic rail launcher, a metal liquid film is created at the armature/rail (A/R) contact interface. It has a significant impact on electromagnetic launch performance. In this paper, an electromagnetic-elastic mechanics-hydrodynamics multi physics coupling model is established in consideration of the metal liquid film’s own acceleration, magnetic pressure and dynamic changes in film thickness. Based on this model, the lubricating characteristics of magnetic pressure and fluid pressure distribution, film thickness distribution and velocity distribution of the metal liquid film were studied. When the velocity of the metal liquid film is very fast, and the magnetic pressure is reduced, it may fail to maintain stability and rupture, which may be an important reason for the transition. Finally, this paper analyzes the lubrication effect of the metal liquid film, and points out that when we want strictly to control the muzzle velocity, the lubrication effect of the metal liquid film must be considered.
Up‐regulation of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) expression and catalytic activity is associated with immunosuppression and poor prognosis in penile squamous cell carcinoma patients

Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan (Trp) catabolism have been demonstrated to play an important role in tumor immunosuppression. This study examined the expression and catalytic activity of IDO1 in penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) and explored their clinical significance.
Efficacy of topical silicone gel in scar management: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials

To assess the efficacy of topical silicone gel in the management of scars, we conducted this meta‐analysis. The systematic search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science and Embase, and six randomised controlled trials with a total of 375 patients were involved. The outcome data of Vancouver Scar Scale were extracted from the studies and their effect sizes were calculated using Review Manager 5.3. As a result, topical silicone gel significantly reduced pigmentation, height, and pliability scores postoperatively compared with placebos or no treatment (Pigmentation: standard mean difference [SMD] = −0.55 [−0.83 to –0.26], P = .0002; Height: SMD = −0.73 [−1.02 to –0.44], P < .00001; Pliability: SMD = −0.49 [−0.95 to –0.03], P = .04). Topical silicone gel and silicone gel sheet were comparably effective (P > .05). The performance of topical silicone gel and other non‐silicone topical treatment was also similar (P > .05). In summary, topical silicone gel was effective in post‐operative scar prevention.
Improvements on Live Feed Enrichments for Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) Larval Culture

Simple Summary Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is considered a species of high interest for the development of new species in the European Union. Currently, survival rates during the larval stages are below 20%. Inadequate larval rearing protocols, such as poor nutrition, are responsible for such low survival, which is stopping the commercial development of pikeperch. In order to improve and customize nutritional needs during the larval stages, the use of Chlorella vulgaris was introduced in the enrichment feeding protocol. The introduction of such algae to their diet through rotifers has improved survival and overall fitness by providing adequate fatty acids to their nutrition. Abstract This study focused on supplementing pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larvae with rotifers fed with Chlorella vulgaris during the first 15 days post hatching (dph). Larvae were fed a combination of rotifers and artemia under three different enrichments: A) Nannochloropsis occulata, B) Chlorella vulgaris, and C) a commercial enrichment—Selco, Spresso from INVE. After 17 days from the trial initiation differences were found between treatments on survival rate, myomere height (MH), fatty acid composition, and stress tolerance. In terms of survival, larvae from treatment b (74.5%) and c (66%) excelled over the control (a) treatment (59%). Furthermore, larvae from both the Chlorella (b) and the Selco (c) treatments showed more resilience to stress conditions (10% and 37% reduction in mortality) when exposed to high salinity conditions (18ppt) for 3 h (stress response). Overall, larvae from treatments b and c performed better than those receiving a non-enriched diet (a), likely due to the higher levels of Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) and the ability of pikeperch to desaturate and elongate fatty acids (FA) with 18 carbons to LC PUFAs (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids). The present study provides valuable input for designing improved feeding protocols, which will increase the efficiency of pikeperch larval culture.
Sensory cilia as the Achilles heel of nematodes when attacked by carnivorous mushrooms

Significance Multiple fungal lineages have independently evolved carnivorous behaviors, preying on a diversity of nematodes as an adaptation for survival in low-nutrient environments. The edible oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus is known to paralyze nematode prey, but the mechanism was unclear. We show that P. ostreatus triggers a massive calcium influx and rapid cell necrosis in the neuromuscular system of C. elegans via that nematode’s sensory cilia—a mode of action that is conserved across nematodes. Our study reveals a rapid killing mechanism that has not been described previously and is distinct from that employed by common anthelmintic drugs, representing a potential route for targeting parasitic nematodes. It also establishes a paradigm for studying cell death in C. elegans. Fungal predatory behavior on nematodes has evolved independently in all major fungal lineages. The basidiomycete oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus is a carnivorous fungus that preys on nematodes to supplement its nitrogen intake under nutrient-limiting conditions. Its hyphae can paralyze nematodes within a few minutes of contact, but the mechanism had remained unclear. We demonstrate that the predator–prey relationship is highly conserved between multiple Pleurotus species and a diversity of nematodes. To further investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying rapid nematode paralysis, we conducted genetic screens in Caenorhabditis elegans and isolated mutants that became resistant to P. ostreatus. We found that paralysis-resistant mutants all harbored loss-of-function mutations in genes required for ciliogenesis, demonstrating that the fungus induced paralysis via the cilia of nematode sensory neurons. Furthermore, we observed that P. ostreatus caused excess calcium influx and hypercontraction of the head and pharyngeal muscle cells, ultimately resulting in rapid necrosis of the entire nervous system and muscle cells throughout the entire organism. This cilia-dependent predatory mechanism is evolutionarily conserved in Pristionchus pacificus, a nematode species estimated to have diverged from C. elegans 280 to 430 million y ago. Thus, P. ostreatus exploits a nematode-killing mechanism that is distinct from widely used anthelmintic drugs such as ivermectin, levamisole, and aldicarb, representing a potential route for targeting parasitic nematodes in plants, animals, and humans.
Body Dissatisfaction, Restrictive, and Bulimic Behaviours among Young Women: A Polish–Japanese Comparison

The growing number of women, who are characterized by restrictive and bulimic behaviours towards their own body is observed especially in countries influenced by Westernalization. However, there is a lack of cross-cultural studies in this area. The main aim of the present study was to examine the psychological and socio-cultural risk factors for eating disorders in Polish and Japanese women. A cross-sectional research study was conducted among 18- to 29-year old Polish (n = 89) and Japanese (n = 97) women. The variables were measured using the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Scale SATAQ-3, and the Eating Disorders Inventory EDI-3. The descriptive and comparative statistics, Spearman’s rho, and the stepwise regression analysis were used. The global internalization of socio-cultural standards of body image proved to be a significant predictor of Body Dissatisfaction among Polish and Japanese women. The main analysis showed a significant relation between the Drive for Thinness and Interoceptive Deficits in the group of Japanese women, as well as a correlation between Drive for Thinness and Asceticism in the group of Polish women. The obtained results could improve the prevention aimed the dysfunctional eating behaviours. However, the cultural nuances need to be considered in understanding the risk factors for eating disorders.
Risk factors modification for primary and secondary prevention of atrial fibrillation - Part I.

Modifiable risk factors, such as cardiometabolic and lifestyle risk factors, considerably contribute to (bi)atrial remodeling, finally resulting in clinical occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Early identification and prompt intervening on these risk factors may delay further progression of atrial arrhythmia substrate and prevent the occurrence of new-onset AF. Moreover, in patients with previous history of recurrent AF, aggressive risk factors management may improve efficacy of other rhythm control strategies, including antiarrhythmic drugs and catheter-ablation in sinus rhythm maintenance. Finally, modification of risk factors improves overall health and reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. The Part 1 of this review evaluates the association between AF and following risk factors: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, physical activity and cigarette smoking. We systematically discuss on the impact of risk factors modification on primary and secondary prevention of AF.