Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Neuropeptide PDF Is Crucial for Delaying the Phase of Drosophila’s Evening Neurons Under Long Zeitgeber Periods

Circadian clocks schedule biological functions at a specific time of the day. Full comprehension of the clock function requires precise understanding of their entrainment to the environment. The phase of entrained clock is plastic, which depends on different factors such as the period of endogenous oscillator, the period of the zeitgeber cycle (T), and the proportion of light and darkness (day length). The circadian clock of fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is able to entrain to a wide range of T-cycles and day lengths. Here, we investigated the importance of the neuropeptide Pigment-Dispersing Factor (PDF) for entrainment by systematically studying locomotor activity rhythms of Pdf 0 mutants and wild-type flies under different T-cycles (T22 to T32) and different day lengths (8, 12, and 16 hour [h]). Furthermore, we analysed PERIOD protein oscillations in selected groups of clock neurons in both genotypes under T24 and T32 at a day length of 16 h. As expected, we found that the phase of Drosophila’s evening activity and evening neurons advanced with increasing T in all the day lengths. This advance was much larger in Pdf 0 mutants (~7 h) than in wild-type flies causing (1) pronounced desynchrony between morning and evening neurons and (2) evening activity to move in the morning instead of the evening. Most interestingly, we found that the lights-off transition determines the phase of evening neurons in both genotypes and that PDF appears necessary to delay the evening neurons by ~3 h to their wild-type phase. Thus, in T32, PDF first delays the molecular cycling in the evening neurons, and then, as shown in previous studies, delays their neuronal firing rhythms to produce a total delay of ~7 h necessary for a wild-type evening activity phase. We conclude that PDF is crucial for appropriate phasing of Drosophila activity rhythm.
Mirroring, monitoring, modelling, belonging, and distancing: Psychosocial processes in an online support group of breast cancer patients

Abstract Breast cancer patients are primary users of Internet Health Forums, virtual self‐help communities where they find and share information, preoccupations, and support. Previous literature has mainly focused on analysing the contents and the outcomes of breast cancer forums' participation. In light of the Community of Practice theoretical model, our research investigated the psychosocial processes that build and shape patients' experience and participation in the forum. We conducted 16 semi‐structured email interviews with breast cancer patients recruited within a well‐established online community. Thematic analysis identified five processes—mirroring, monitoring, modelling, belonging, and distancing—that marked three phases of users' experience: initiation, participation, detachment. An interactive dynamic characterised the identified processes: the disease's experience was shaped by and, in turn, it crafted this virtual community. These community processes contributed to participants' empowerment at practical, informative, and emotional levels through the development of a shared repertoire of resources, stories, and ways of dealing with patients' recurring problems.
Group IIA secreted phospholipase A2 is associated with the pathobiology leading to COVID-19 mortality.

There is an urgent need to identify cellular/molecular mechanisms responsible for severe COVID-19 progressing to mortality. We initially performed untargeted/targeted lipidomics and focused biochemistry on 127 plasma samples and found elevated metabolites associated with secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) activity and mitochondrial dysfunction in severe COVID-19 patients. Deceased COVID-19 patients had higher levels of circulating, catalytically active sPLA2 Group IIA (sPLA2-IIA), with a median value 9.6-fold higher than mild patients and 5.0-fold higher than severe COVID-19 survivors. Elevated sPLA2-IIA levels paralleled several indices of COVID-19 disease severity (e.g., kidney dysfunction, hypoxia, multiple organ dysfunction). A decision tree generated by machine learning identified sPLA2-IIA levels as a central node in stratifying patients that succumbed to COVID-19. Random forest analysis and LASSO-based regression analysis additionally identified sPLA2-IIA and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) as the key variables among 80 clinical indices in predicting COVID-19 mortality. The combined PLA-BUN index performed significantly better than either alone. An independent cohort (n=154) confirmed higher plasma sPLA2-IIA levels in deceased patients vs. severe or mild COVID-19, with the PLA-BUN index-based decision tree satisfactorily stratifying mild, severe, and deceased COVID-19 patients. With clinically tested inhibitors available, this study supports sPLA2-IIA as a therapeutic target to reduce COVID-19 mortality.
Entanglements of structure elements revealed in RNA 3D models

Abstract Computational methods to predict RNA 3D structure have more and more practical applications in molecular biology and medicine. Therefore, it is crucial to intensify efforts to improve the accuracy and quality of predicted three-dimensional structures. A significant role in this is played by the RNA-Puzzles initiative that collects, evaluates, and shares RNAs built computationally within currently nearly 30 challenges. RNA-Puzzles datasets, subjected to multi-criteria analysis, allow revealing the strengths and weaknesses of computer prediction methods. Here, we study the issue of entangled RNA fragments in the predicted RNA 3D structure models. By entanglement, we mean an arrangement of two structural elements such that one of them passes through the other. We propose the classification of entanglements driven by their topology and components. It distinguishes two general classes, interlaces and lassos, and subclasses characterized by element types—loops, dinucleotide steps, open single-stranded fragments—and puncture multiplicity. Our computational pipeline for entanglement detection, applied for 1,017 non-redundant models from RNA-Puzzles, has shown the frequency of different entanglements and allowed identifying 138 structures with intersected assemblies.
The importance of androgen receptors in breast cancer

Background and aim Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women worldwide, and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in females. For the breast malignant tumors there are numerous targeted therapies, depending on the receptors expressed. Regulating the process of epithelial-mesenchyme transcription, the steroid nuclear receptors are important in invasion and progression of BC cells. Till now, it is known that androgen receptor (AR) is present in about 60–80% of BC cells but, unfortunately, there is no targeted therapy available yet. Methods We revised the recent literature that included the AR mechanism of action in patients diagnosed with breast cancer, the preclinical, retrospective and clinical studies and the aspects related to the prognosis of these patients, depending on the molecular subtype. Results A total of 12 articles were eligible for this review. AR positivity was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Herein, neither 1 nor 10% cut-points were robustly prognostic. AR was an independent prognostic marker of BC outcome, especially in triple negative BC group. Conclusion AR is a potential targeted pathway which can improve the prognostic of AR positive patients with BC. Further preclinical and clinical studies are necessary to clarify the mechanism of action and to establish the drugs which can be used, either alone or in combination.
Neuroplasticity Caused by Peripheral Proprioceptive Deficits

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. ABSTRACT Purpose Proprioceptive feedback is crucial for motor control and stabilization of the shoulder joint in everyday life and sports. Shoulder dislocation causes anatomical and proprioceptive feedback damage that contributes to subsequent dislocations. Previous recurrent anterior shoulder instability (RSI) studies did not investigate functional neuroplasticity related to proprioception of the injured shoulder. Thus, we aimed to study the differences in neuroplasticity related to motor control between patients with RSI and healthy individuals, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, and assess the effects of peripheral proprioceptive deficits due to RSI on CNS activity. Methods Using passive shoulder motion and voluntary shoulder muscles contraction tasks, we compared the CNS correlates of proprioceptive activity between patients having RSI (n = 13) and healthy controls (n = 12) to clarify RSI pathophysiology and the effects of RSI-related peripheral proprioceptive deficits on CNS activity. Results Decreased proprioception-related brain activity indicated a deficient passive proprioception in patients with RSI (P < 0.05 family-wise error, cluster level). Proprioceptive afferent-related right cerebellar activity significantly negatively correlated with the extent of shoulder damage (P = 0.001, r = −0.79). Functional magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated abnormal motor control in the CNS during voluntary shoulder muscles contraction. Conclusion Our integrated analysis of peripheral anatomical information and brain activity during motion tasks can be used to investigate other orthopedic diseases.
Nonmulberry silk proteins: multipurpose ingredient in bio-functional assembly

The emerging field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicines utilising artificial polymers is facing many problems. Despite having mechanical stability, non-toxicity and biodegradability, most of them lack cytocompatibility and biocompatibility. Natural polymers (such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, fibrin, fibroin, and others), including blends, are introduced to the field to solve some of the relevant issues. Another natural biopolymer: silkworm silk gained special attention primarily due to its specific biophysical, biochemical, and material properties, worldwide availability, and cost-effectiveness. Silk proteins, namely fibroin and sericin extracted from domesticated mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori, are studied extensively in the last few decades for tissue engineering. Wild nonmulberry silkworm species, originated from India and other parts of the world, also produce silk proteins with variations in their nature and properties. Among the nonmulberry silkworm species, Antheraea mylitta (Indian Tropical Tasar), A. assamensis/A. assama (Indian Muga), and Samia ricini/Philosamia ricini (Indian Eri), along with A. pernyi (Chinese temperate Oak Tasar/Tussah) and A. yamamai (Japanese Oak Tasar) exhibit inherent tripeptide motifs of arginyl glycyl aspartic acid in their fibroin amino acid sequences, which support their candidacy as the potential biomaterials. Similarly, sericin isolated from such wild species delivers unique properties and is used as anti-apoptotic and growth-inducing factors in regenerative medicines. Other characteristics such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-inflammatory nature make it suitable for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine based applications. A diverse range of matrices, including but not limited to nano-micro scale structures, nanofibres, thin films, hydrogels, and porous scaffolds, are prepared from the silk proteins (fibroins and sericins) for biomedical and tissue engineering research. This review aims to represent the progress made in medical and non-medical applications in the last couple of years and depict the present status of the investigations on Indian nonmulberry silk-based matrices as a particular reference due to its remarkable potentiality of regeneration of different types of tissues. It also discusses the future perspective in tissue engineering and regenerative medicines in the context of developing cutting-edge techniques such as 3D printing/bioprinting, microfluidics, organ-on-a-chip, and other electronics, optical and thermal property-based applications.
Effects of probiotic supplementation on cognitive function in elderly: A systematic review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives Probiotic supplementation has been linked to changes in cognitive function via the gut-brain axis (GBA). However, the current literature lacks a comprehensive review regarding this matter in the elderly population. Method Electronic databases including Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched for identifying studies that assessed the effects of probiotics on the cognitive function of the elderly published until July 2020. Articles were critically reviewed and if met the inclusion criteria, entered the study Results Among a total of 1374 studies, 10 were eligible for meta-analysis. No significant alteration was found in the cognition of the elderly (SMD=-0.04; 95% CI [- 1.07,0.98]; P = 0.93). There was a nonsignificant increase in the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (SMD = 0.58; 95% CI [-1.40,2.56]; P = 0.56) and a nonsignificant reduction in malondialdehyde levels (SMD=-0.44; 95% CI [-1.07,0.19]; P = 0.17). Levels of total antioxidant capacity (SMD = 39.93; 95% CI [2.92,76.95]; P = 0.03) and total glutathione (SMD = 61.51; 95% CI [12.39,110.62]; P = 0.01) significantly increased. A significant reduction was also noted in total cholesterol levels (SMD=-4.23; 95% CI [-8.32, −0.14]; P = 0.04). Conclusion Our study did not support the hypothesis of the positive effect of probiotics on cognitive function in the elderly population; which might be due to the heterogeneity across the studies. Graphical Abstract
Acceptance of female urologists among patients with suspected prostate disease

Backgrounds The number of practicing female urologists is rising. The aim of this study is to evaluate the acceptance of female urologists by male patients and their partners. Methods Men who underwent a prostate MRI or a prostate biopsy between January and December 2018 and their partners, were sent questionnaires prior to the examination. Two types of questionnaires were used. One questionnaire asked “I want to be seen by: (I) a male urologist or (II) a female urologist or (III) no preference” (Groupnp), the other questionnaire only offered two possible answers: “I want to be seen by: (I) a male urologist or (II) a female urologist” (Groupm,f). All other questions were on prostate MRI and prostate biopsies. Results Overall, 377 questionnaires were sent to patients. One hundred and ninety-six questionnaires (52.0%) were returned. In Groupnp, 34.7% wanted to be seen by a male urologist, 60.8% of patients chose “no preference”. The answers of the patients’ female partners in Groupnp did not differ statistically significant (57.3% chose “no preference”, 0% chose a female urologist). In Groupm,f, 54.5% of patients preferred a male urologist, one patient wanted to be seen by a female urologist, 44.3% did not answer the question. In Groupm,f, there was no statistically significant difference in preference in regard to the doctor’s gender between the patients and their female partners (57% of partners wanted a male urologist, 0% wanted a female urologist). Conclusions A large number of patients with prostate disease and their partners prefer male urologists rather than female urologists.
Shared and distinct brain fMRI response during performance of working memory tasks in adult patients with schizophrenia and major depressive disorder

Working memory (WM) impairments are common features of psychiatric disorders. A systematic meta‐analysis was performed to determine common and disorder‐specific brain fMRI response during performance of WM tasks in patients with SZ and patients with MDD relative to healthy controls (HC). Thirty‐four published fMRI studies of WM in patients with SZ and 18 published fMRI studies of WM in patients with MDD, including relevant HC, were included in the meta‐analysis. In both SZ and MDD there was common stronger fMRI response in right medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which are part of the default mode network (DMN). The effects were of greater magnitude in SZ than MDD, especially in prefrontal‐temporal‐cingulate‐striatal‐cerebellar regions. In addition, a disorder‐specific weaker fMRI response was observed in right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) in MDD, relative to HC. For both SZ and MDD a significant correlation was observed between the severity of clinical symptoms and lateralized fMRI response relative to HC. These findings indicate that there may be common and distinct anomalies in brain function underlying deficits in WM in SZ and MDD, which may serve as a potential functional neuroimaging‐based diagnostic biomarker with value in supporting clinical diagnosis, measuring illness severity and assessing the efficacy of treatments for SZ and MDD at the brain level.
MRI-visible perivascular spaces in basal ganglia but not centrum semiovale or hippocampus were related to deep medullary veins changes

Our purpose is to assess the role of deep medullary veins (DMVs) in pathogenesis of MRI-visible perivascular spaces (PVS) in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). Consecutive patients recruited in the CIRCLE study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03542734) were included. Susceptibility Weighted Imaging-Phase images were used to evaluate DMVs based on a brain region-based visual score. T2 weighted images were used to evaluate PVS based on the five-point score, and PVS in basal ganglia (BG-PVS), centrum semiovale (CSO-PVS) and hippocampus (H-PVS) were evaluated separately. 270 patients were included. The severity of BG-PVS, CSO-PVS and H-PVS was positively related to the increment of age (all p < 0.05). The severity of BG-PVS and H-PVS was positively related to DMVs score (both p < 0.05). Patients with more severe BG-PVS had higher Fazekas scores in both periventricle and deep white matter (both p < 0.001) and higher frequency of hypertension (p = 0.008). Patients with more severe H-PVS had higher frequency of diabetes (p < 0.001). Besides, high DMVs score was an independent risk factor for more severe BG-PVS (β = 0.204, p = 0.001). Our results suggested that DMVs disruption might be involved in the pathogenesis of BG-PVS.
Experiences of Quality Perinatal Care During the US COVID‐19 Pandemic

Introduction Quality perinatal care is recognized as an important birth process and outcome. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, quality of perinatal care was compromised as the health care system grappled with adapting to an ever‐changing, uncertain, and unprecedented public health crisis. Methods The aim of this study was to explore the quality of perinatal care received during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States. Data were collected via an online questionnaire completed by people who gave birth in the United States after March 15, 2020. The questionnaire included the Mothers on Respect Index and the Mothers Autonomy in Decision Making validated measures. Low‐quality perinatal care was defined as decreased respect and/or autonomy in the perinatal care received. Responses were geocoded by zip code to determine COVID‐19 case‐load in the county on the date of birth. Multivariate regression analyses described associations between respect and autonomy in decision‐making for perinatal care and levels of COVID‐19 outbreak across the United States. Results Participants (N = 707) from 46 states and the District of Columbia completed the questionnaire. As COVID‐19 cases increased, participants’ experiences of autonomy in decision‐making for perinatal care decreased significantly (P = .04). Participants who identified as Black, Indigenous, and people of color, those who had an obstetrician provider, and those who gave birth in a hospital were more likely to experience low‐quality perinatal care. Those with a midwife provider or who had a home birth were more likely to experience high‐quality perinatal care in adjusted models. Discussion Variability in experiences of high‐quality perinatal care by sociodemographic characteristics, birth setting, and provider type may relate to implicit bias, structural racism, and inequities in maternal health and COVID‐19 outcomes for birthing people from marginalized communities.
The association between household food insecurity and obesity in Mexico: a cross-sectional study of ENSANUT MC 2016

Abstract Objective: To examine the association between household food insecurity and overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity in Mexican adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: We analysed data from the Mexican Halfway National Health and Nutrition Survey 2016, a nationally representative survey that accounted for rural and urban areas in four regions of Mexico: North, Centre, Mexico City and South. Participants: Adults from 20 to 59 years old (n 5456, which represents 45 804 210 individuals at the national level). Results: 70·8 % of the Mexican adults had some degree of household food insecurity. This situation showed larger proportions (P < 0·05) among indigenous people, those living in a rural area, in the Southern region or the lowest socio-economic quintiles. The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was higher in female adults (P < 0·001), with the highest proportions occurring among those experiencing severe household food insecurity. Among women, mean BMI and waist circumference were higher as household food insecurity levels increased (P < 0·001). According to multivariate logistic regression models, severe household food insecurity showed to be positively associated with obesity (OR: 2·36; P = 0·001) in Mexican adult females. Conclusions: Our findings confirm the association between household food insecurity and obesity among Mexican women. Given the socio-demographic characteristics of the food-insecure population, it is alarming that prevailing socio-economic inequalities in the country might also be contributing to the likelihood of obesity. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain and bolster surveillance systems to track both problems and implement adequate policies and interventions.
Psychometric properties of dexterity questionnaire-24 in Iranian chronic stroke survivors

ABSTRACT Introduction Dexterity is one of the most critical upper extremity functions that may be impaired in chronic stroke survivors. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of DextQ-24 in Iranian chronic stroke survivors. Method A total of 123 people with chronic stroke were included in the study. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed through Cronbach's alpha and Interclass Correlation (ICC), respectively. Dimensionality was performed by Exploratory Factor Analysis. In addition, to assess the convergent validity of DextQ-24, Box and Block Test, Motor Activity Log Questionnaire, ABILHAND Questionnaire, and Purdue Pegboard Test were used. Discriminant validity of DextQ-24 was measured between different stages of recovery (Brunnstrom stage). Acceptability was calculated by ceiling and floor effect. Results Cronbach's alpha and ICC were 0.92 and 0.91, respectively. The 24 items of this questionnaire were classified into six components. Further, a moderate to strong correlation between the total score of DextQ-24 with other tools | r = 0.41-0.84 | was obtained. The results of discriminant validity approved the ability of the total score of DextQ-24 to separate different stages of recovery. The results also reported that this questionnaire did not have a significant ceiling and floor effect. Conclusion The results of our study showed that the Persian DextQ-24 has high reliability and a good convergent and discriminant validity in people with chronic stroke for dexterity measurement as a PROM questionnaire.