Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Device-Based Measures of Sedentary Time and Physical Activity Are Associated With Physical Fitness and Body Fat Content

Introduction/Purpose: Physical activity and sedentary time may associate with physical fitness and body composition. Yet, there exists some observational studies that have investigated the associations of device-based measures of sedentary time and physical activity (PA) with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body composition but associations with muscular fitness (MF) are less studied. Methods: Objective sedentary time and physical activity was measured by a hip worn accelerometer from 415 young adult men (age: mean 26, standard deviation 7 years). Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) (CRF) was determined using a graded cycle ergometer test until exhaustion. Maximal force of lower extremities was measured isometrically and lower body power was assessed using standing long jump (MF). Body composition was determined with bioimpedance method. Single and compositional approach was used in regression analysis. Results: Mean sedentary time was 707 (standard deviation 133) minutes per day (77 ± 8% of the wear time). Volumes of all PA intensities were positively associated with CRF and associations showed linearly increasing magnitudes with higher intensities in single regression models adjusted for age and smoking (p < 0.001). Similarly, PA intensities were positively associated with lower body MF, however, with weaker associations (p < 0.005). After further adjustment for resistance training, the associations remained significant. The associations of the relative distribution of time within sedentary behavior (SB), light intensity PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) behaviors as a whole with using compositional analysis further revealed that within the composition MVPA and SB were positively associated with CRF and MF (p < 0.001), while LPA was not. In addition, within the composition, accumulated PA bouts lasting more than 3 min were consistently associated with CRF and MF, and with all body composition variables (p < 0.001), while sedentary time was associated with body fat percentage (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary time may have positive influence on physical fitness and body fat content, and thereby may offer positive health effects. Physical activity of higher intensities may offer greater benefits.
Comparative Analysis of the Gut Microbial Communities of the Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) at Different Developmental Stages

The gut microflora play a very important role in the life of animals. Although an increasing number of studies have investigated the gut microbiota of birds in recent years, there is a lack of research work on the gut microbiota of wild birds, especially carnivorous raptors, which are thought to be pathogen vectors. There are also a lack of studies focused on the dynamics of the gut microbiota during development in raptors. In this study, 16S rRNA gene amplicon high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota community composition of a medium-sized raptor, the Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), and to reveal stage-specific signatures in the gut microbiota of nestlings during the pre-fledging period. Moreover, differences in the gut microbiota between adults and nestlings in the same habitat were explored. The results indicated that the Eurasian Kestrel hosts a diverse assemblage of gut microbiota. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the primary phyla shared within the guts of adults and chicks. However, adults harbored higher abundances of Proteobacteria while nestlings exhibited higher abundances of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, and consequently the majority of dominant genera observed in chicks differed from those in adults. Although no significant differences in diversity were observed across the age groups during nestling ontogeny, chicks from all growth stages harbored richer and more diverse bacterial communities than adults. In contrast, the differences in gut microbial communities between adults and younger nestlings were more pronounced. The gut microbes of the nestlings in the last growth stage were converged with those of the adults. This study provides basic reference data for investigations of the gut microbiota community structure of wild birds and deepens our understanding of the dynamics of the gut microflora during raptor development.
Empirical Evidence of the Effects of Parkinson's Disease and Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder on Reading and Speech Ability

This study used UPDRS III scale, scale B and scale C to investigate 30 cases of PD patients, 50 cases of RBD patients and 50 cases of normal people, and analyzed the difference of barrier scores between PD patients and RBD patients. The differences in reading ability and monologue ability among the three groups of research subjects were analyzed. The three scales are subjected to exploratory factor analysis to verify whether the structure of the three scales is good or not. The analysis results show that the impairment score of PD patients is higher than that of RBD patients, that is, the severity of impairment in PD patients is higher than that of RBD patients; Statistical differences exist in reading ability among the three groups, suggesting that the reading ability of the three groups is different; Statistical differences in the monologue ability among the three groups of people indicate the monologue ability of the three groups of people is different. In the analysis, 7, 4 and 4 common factors were extracted from UPDRS III scale, scale B and scale C respectively, which explained 68.955% and 68.955% of the total variation of UPDRS III scale, scale B and scale C. 73.589% and 72.298% respectively. It shows that the structure of the three scales is good and reasonable, and the collected data can be used, and the data are representative.
Somaclonal Variation in Chrysanthemum × morifolium Protoplast Regenerants

Chrysanthemum × morifolium protoplasts were isolated and regenerated to assess possible protoclonal variation in the regenerants. After a preliminary screening of the potential of different regeneration systems for protoplast regeneration, we produced a series of cut chrysanthemum ‘Arjuna’ leaf protoplast regenerants through liquid culture. Regenerants (54) were vegetatively propagated and grown under a commercial production system in 2 different seasons. All screened regenerants were significantly affected with regard to either flower number, flower size, flower weight, leaf weight, stalk weight, or plant size. A significant plant size reduction in 43/52 and 48/49 regenerants for both seasons was the most recorded effect. Also a reduction in flowering induction time up to 10 days, altered flower types and colors were observed. Differences between growing seasons were notable. Possible molecular backgrounds including genome size variation and commercial applications in breeding of chrysanthemum are discussed.
A Retrospective Study of Superficial Type Atypical Lipomatous Tumor

Atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT) has been defined as a well-differentiated liposarcoma exhibiting a higher frequency of a local recurrence after surgical resection. ALT is mainly classified into deep type and superficial type. Compared with deep type ALT, superficial type ALT is rarely observed. One of the most important issues is that little has been known about superficial type ALT and it is not easy to predict the presence of superficial type ALT before surgical resection. To clarify the clinical manifestations of superficial type ALT, we examined 15 cases with superficial type ALT and 118 cases with benign lipoma, and analyzed their differences in clinical characteristics and the findings of MRI test. In clinical characteristics, the tumor size of superficial type ALT was significantly greater than that of benign lipoma, and superficial type ALT showed a significantly higher frequency of the tumor size of more than 4 cm. Superficial type ALT exhibited poor tumor mobility and hardness with elastic soft. In addition, a significantly higher frequency of tumor location of superficial type ALT was observed in extremities. Among tumor sites at the trunk, buttocks, and shoulder were high frequent location in superficial type ALT. In an MRI examination, superficial type ALT exhibited a significantly higher frequency of the septal structures compared with benign lipoma. The combinations of clinical characteristics, including physical examinations, MRI, and histological examinations, are helpful for the diagnosis of superficial type ALT.
Altered Degranulation and pH of Neutrophil Phagosomes Impacts Antimicrobial Efficiency in Cystic Fibrosis

Studies have endeavored to understand the cause for impaired antimicrobial killing by neutrophils of people with cystic fibrosis (PWCF). The aim of this study was to focus on the bacterial phagosome. Possible alterations in degranulation of cytoplasmic granules and changes in pH were assessed. Circulating neutrophils were purified from PWCF (n = 28), PWCF receiving ivacaftor therapy (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 28). Degranulation was assessed by Western blot analysis and flow cytometry. The pH of phagosomes was determined by use of BCECF-AM-labelled Staphylococcus aureus or SNARF labelled Candida albicans. The antibacterial effect of all treatments tested was determined by colony forming units enumeration. Bacterial killing by CF and healthy control neutrophils were found to differ (p = 0.0006). By use of flow cytometry and subcellular fractionation the kinetics of intraphagosomal degranulation were found to be significantly altered in CF phagosomes, as demonstrated by increased primary granule CD63 (p = 0.0001) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) content (p = 0.03). In contrast, decreased secondary and tertiary granule CD66b (p = 0.002) and decreased hCAP-18 and MMP-9 (p = 0.02), were observed. After 8 min phagocytosis the pH in phagosomes of neutrophils of PWCF was significantly elevated (p = 0.0001), and the percentage of viable bacteria was significantly increased compared to HC (p = 0.002). Results demonstrate that the recorded alterations in phagosomal pH generate suboptimal conditions for MPO related peroxidase, and α-defensin and azurocidine enzymatic killing of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The pattern of dysregulated MPO degranulation (p = 0.02) and prolonged phagosomal alkalinization in CF neutrophils were normalized in vivo following treatment with the ion channel potentiator ivacaftor (p = 0.04). Our results confirm that alterations of circulating neutrophils from PWCF are corrected by CFTR modulator therapy, and raise a question related to possible delayed proton channel activity in CF.
Extracellular RNA as a Versatile DAMP and Alarm Signal That Influences Leukocyte Recruitment in Inflammation and Infection

Upon vascular injury, tissue damage, ischemia, or microbial infection, intracellular material such as nucleic acids and histones is liberated and comes into contact with the vessel wall and circulating blood cells. Such “Danger-associated molecular patterns” (DAMPs) may thus have an enduring influence on the inflammatory defense process that involves leukocyte recruitment and wound healing reactions. While different species of extracellular RNA (exRNA), including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, have been implicated to influence inflammatory processes at different levels, recent in vitro and in vivo work has demonstrated a major impact of ribosomal exRNA as a prominent DAMP on various steps of leukocyte recruitment within the innate immune response. This includes the induction of vascular hyper-permeability and vasogenic edema by exRNA via the activation of the “vascular endothelial growth factor” (VEGF) receptor-2 system, as well as the recruitment of leukocytes to the inflamed endothelium, the M1-type polarization of inflammatory macrophages, or the role of exRNA as a pro-thrombotic cofactor to promote thrombosis. Beyond sterile inflammation, exRNA also augments the docking of bacteria to host cells and the subsequent microbial invasion. Moreover, upon vessel occlusion and ischemia, the shear stress-induced release of exRNA initiates arteriogenesis (i.e., formation of natural vessel bypasses) in a multistep process that resembles leukocyte recruitment. Although exRNA can be counteracted for by natural circulating RNase1, under the conditions mentioned, only the administration of exogenous, thermostable, non-toxic RNase1 provides an effective and safe therapeutic regimen for treating the damaging activities of exRNA. It remains to be investigated whether exRNA may also influence viral infections (including COVID-19), e.g., by supporting the interaction of host cells with viral particles and their subsequent invasion. In fact, as a consequence of the viral infection cycle, massive amounts of exRNA are liberated, which can provoke further tissue damage and enhance virus dissemination. Whether the application of RNase1 in this scenario may help to limit the extent of viral infections like COVID-19 and impact on leukocyte recruitment and emigration steps in immune defense in order to limit the extent of associated cardiovascular diseases remains to be studied.
Impacts of Whale Watching on the Behavior of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Coast of Panama

Ecotourism focused on whales and dolphins has become a popular activity and an important source of revenue for many countries. Whale watching is vital to supporting conservation efforts and provides numerous benefits to local communities including educational opportunities and job creation. However, the sustainability of whale-based ecotourism depends on the behavior and health of whale populations and it is crucial that ecotourism industries consider the impact of their activities on whale behavior. To address this statement, we collected behavioral data (e.g., change in swimming direction, frequency of breaching, slap behaviors, diving, and spy hops) from humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the marine protected area of Las Perlas Archipelago off the Pacific coast of Panama. The goal was to determine if tourist vessel presence had an influence on whale behaviors. We conducted this study during the humpback whale breeding season from August through September 2019. Based on 47 behavioral observations, we found that higher boat density corresponded with humpback whales’ frequency of direction changes, which based on previous literature is believed to be a sign of disturbance. Alternatively, no changes in behavior were observed with varying boat density. This result is important given Panamanian regulations first implemented in 2007 by Resolution AMD/ARAP No. 01, 2007 prohibit whale-based tourism from disturbing whales, which is explicitly measured by changes in whale behavior. Because there is no systematic monitoring of whale watching activity to enforce the regulations, there is currently little compliance from tour operators and tourists. The integration of animal behavior research into management planning should result in more effective regulation and compliance of such conservation policies.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence on Psychological Adjustment and Peer Victimization in a Sample of Spanish Adolescents

In the last decades, interest in the study of the negative consequences of bullying for the victims has increased. Victims are often known to show emotional adjustment issues, such as negative self-concept and low life satisfaction. Moreover, some studies have observed important associations between self-concept and life satisfaction, in which a positive self-concept is related to high levels of life satisfaction. Other studies have pointed out the importance of emotional intelligence (EI), as a regulatory and protective factor against the negative impact of victimization on adjustment in adolescents. The main objective of this work was to analyze the mediating effect of self-concept on life satisfaction and the moderated mediation effect of EI on self-concept and life satisfaction in the context of peer victimization. The participants in the study were 1,318 Spanish students of both sexes and aged between 11 and 18 (M = 13.8, SD = 1.32) years, from four compulsory secondary education centers. The results indicated that, on the one hand, self-concept mediated the relationship between victimization and life satisfaction. On the other hand, EI was not only positively associated with self-concept, but it also significantly moderated the negative influence of victimization on self-concept. EI may also indirectly moderate the relationship between victimization and life satisfaction through the self-concept. These data show the importance of EI as a possible protective and moderating factor of the negative effect of bullying on emotional adjustment, which is interesting for the design of future prevention and intervention programs in school contexts.
Bioconjugation of a Collagen-Mimicking Peptide Onto Poly(vinyl alcohol) Encourages Endothelialization While Minimizing Thrombosis

Poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel, PVA, is a suitable material for small-diameter vascular grafting. However, the bioinert properties of the material do not allow for in situ endothelialization, which is needed to combat common graft failure mechanisms, such as intimal hyperplasia and thrombosis. In this work, the surface of planar and tubular PVA was covalently modified with a collagen-mimicking peptide, GFPGER. The surface of modified PVA was characterized by measuring contact angle and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Endothelial cell attachment to GFPGER-modified PVA was quantified and qualitatively examined using immunohistochemical staining. Then, in vitro hemocompatibility testing was performed by quantifying platelet attachment, coagulation factor XII activation, and initiation of fibrin formation. Finally, an established ex vivo, non-human primate model was employed to examine platelet attachment and fibrin formation under non-anticoagulated, whole blood flow conditions. GFPGER-modified PVA supported increased EC attachment. In vitro initiation of fibrin formation on the modified material was significantly delayed. Ex vivo thrombosis assessment showed a reduction in platelet attachment and fibrin formation on GFPGER-modified PVA. Overall, GFPGER-modified PVA encouraged cell attachment while maintaining the material’s hemocompatibility. This work is a significant step toward the development and characterization of a modified-hydrogel surface to improve endothelialization while reducing platelet attachment. Graphical Abstract GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
The effect of dexmedetomidine on the inflammatory response in children undergoing repair of congenital heart disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Background : The inflammatory response due to cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) activates different inflammatory pathways that affect multiple organs. Dexmedetomidine is proved to affect inflammatory marker production. Objectives: Evaluation of the effect of Dexmedetomidine on the inflammatory response associated with pediatric open-heart surgery using interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-gamma (INF-ɤ) levels. Methods: 61children aged between one to 8 years undergoing elective repair of non-cyanotic congenital heart disease with CPB were randomly assigned into two groups. The control group (31 patients) received normal saline, whereas the Dex group (30 patients) received an initial bolus of Dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg followed immediately by infusion of 0.5 µg/kg/hr continued till the end of CPB. The level of IL-6 and INF-ɤ was measured. Hemodynamic, ICU, and hospital data were recorded. Results: IL-6 and INF -ɤ levels were increased significantly with time in control group, with no increase in their levels in the Dex group. They were significantly lower in the Dex group compared to the control group in samples taken during bypass, 6 h and 24 h after the operation (the end of surgical procedure). There was a significant difference between the groups regarding inotropic score and mechanical ventilation. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding complications, duration of ICU or hospital stay. Conclusion: The use of Dexmedetomidine in pediatric cardiac surgery for non-cyanotic heart disease had significantly attenuated the inflammatory response. It was useful in decreasing the level of inflammatory mediators, inotropic support, and duration of mechanical ventilation, but not the ICU or hospital stay. Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov. (Identifier: NCT03163238).
Oxidative Desulfurization Using Polyoxometalates

Oxidative desulfurization of model compounds (benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene, 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene) with hydrogen peroxide/acetic acid using polyoxometalates as catalysts has been studied. The tetrabutylammonium salts of [W6O19]2-, [V(VW11)O40]4-, [PVW11O40]4-, and [PV2Mo10O40]4- were prepared, and their activities were compared with (VO)2P2O7. The experimental results show that the highest active catalyst is [V(VW11)O40]4-. The method was also used for the treatment of gas oil. The combination of solvent extraction and alumina adsorption can efficiently separate sulfone products. The resulting oil contained less than 0.055% sulfur, and this corresponds to 90 % removal.
Single-Cell Technologies to Understand the Mechanisms of Cellular Adaptation in Chemostats

There is a growing interest in continuous manufacturing within the bioprocessing community. In this context, the chemostat process is an important unit operation. The current application of chemostat processes in industry is limited although many high yielding processes are reported in literature. In order to reach the full potential of the chemostat in continuous manufacture, the output should be constant. However, adaptation is often observed resulting in changed productivities over time. The observed adaptation can be coupled to the selective pressure of the nutrient-limited environment in the chemostat. We argue that population heterogeneity should be taken into account when studying adaptation in the chemostat. We propose to investigate adaptation at the single-cell level and discuss the potential of different single-cell technologies, which could be used to increase the understanding of the phenomena. Currently, none of the discussed single-cell technologies fulfill all our criteria but in combination they may reveal important information, which can be used to understand and potentially control the adaptation.