Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Responsiveness of the Calf-Raise Senior test in community-dwelling older adults undergoing an exercise intervention program

Introduction Mobility significantly depends on the ankle muscles’ strength which is particularly relevant for the performance of daily activities. Few tools are available, to assess ankle strength with all of the measurement properties tested. The purpose of this study is to test the responsiveness of Calf-Raise Senior Test (CRS) in a sample of elderly participants undergoing a 24-week community exercise program. Methods 82 older adults participated in an exercise program and were assessed with CRS Test and 30-second chair stand test (CS) at baseline and at follow-up. Effect size (ES), standardized response mean (SRM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) measures were calculated for the CRS and CS tests scores. ROC curves analysis was used to define a cut-off representing the minimally important difference of Calf-Raise Senior test. Results Results revealed a small (ES = 0.42) to moderate (SRM = 0.51) responsiveness in plantar-flexion strength and power across time, which was lower than that of CS test (ES = 0.64, SRM = 0.67). The responsiveness of CRS test was more evident in groups of subjects with lower initial scores. A minimal important difference (MID) of 3.5 repetitions and a minimal detectable change (MDC) of 4.6 was found for the CRS. Conclusion Calf-Raise Senior Test is a useful field test to assess elderly ankle function, with moderate responsiveness properties. The cutoff scores of MDC and MID presented in this study can be useful in determining the success of interventions aiming at improving mobility in senior participants.
Comparison of Chemical Composition and Safety Issues in Fish Roe Products: Application of Chemometrics to Chemical Data

Processed fish roes are acquiring considerable importance in the modern food market, entering more and more often as an ingredient in food preparation and as caviar substitutes. In this study, we defined quality, traceability and safety issues related to processed fish roe products from different species. The results obtained allowed to distinguish eggs originated from different fish species and to discriminate between fish roes and caviar samples obtained from four different sturgeons species. We observed that roes showed a trend of grouping according to ecological and reproductive habits of fish species. We highlighted the differences between eggs originated by farmed and freshwater fish, enriched in n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and all the others, in which n3 PUFAs were prevalent. In addition, we evaluated processed fish roes under a food safety point of view, combining microbiological analysis with the determination of organic acids, used in some products as authorized preservatives. Microbiological characterization has proved a general good hygienic level for these products. Organic acids determination showed values in compliance with European Union (EU) regulations in almost of samples; in some cases, we found a mismatch between the organic acids detected and what was reported in labels. Processed fish roes could be considered a safe product that can provide to human nutrition a valuable content of essential fatty acids.
The importance of maternal insulin resistance throughout pregnancy on neonatal adiposity

Abstract Background Although previous studies evaluated the association of maternal health parameters with neonatal adiposity, little is known regarding the complexity of the relationships among different maternal health parameters throughout pregnancy and its impact on neonatal adiposity. Objectives To evaluate the direct and indirect associations between maternal insulin resistance during pregnancy, in women with obesity, and neonatal adiposity. In addition, associations between maternal fasting glucose, triglycerides (TG), non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and neonatal adiposity were also assessed. Methods This is a longitudinal, secondary analysis of the DALI study, an international project conducted in nine European countries with pregnant women with obesity. Maternal insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), fasting glucose, TG, and NEFA were measured three times during pregnancy (<20, 24‐28, and 35‐37 weeks of gestation). Offspring neonatal adiposity was estimated by the sum of four skinfolds. Structural equation modelling was conducted to evaluate the direct and indirect relationships among the variables of interest. Results Data on 657 mother‐infant pairs (50.7% boys) were analysed. Neonatal boys exhibited lower mean sum of skinfolds compared to girls (20.3 mm, 95% CI 19.7, 21.0 vs 21.5 mm, 95% CI 20.8, 22.2). In boys, maternal HOMA‐IR at <20 weeks was directly associated with neonatal adiposity (β = 0.35 mm, 95% CI 0.01, 0.70). In girls, maternal HOMA‐IR at 24‐28 weeks was only indirectly associated with neonatal adiposity, which implies that this association was mediated via maternal HOMA‐IR, glucose, triglycerides, and NEFA during pregnancy (β = 0.26 mm, 95% CI 0.08, 0.44). Conclusions The timing of the role of maternal insulin resistance on neonatal adiposity depends on fetal sex. Although the association was time‐dependent, maternal insulin resistance was associated with neonatal adiposity in both sexes.
A Doorway Detection and Direction (3Ds) System for Social Robots via a Monocular Camera

In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm to detect a door and its orientation in indoor settings from the view of a social robot equipped with only a monocular camera. The challenge is to achieve this goal with only a 2D image from a monocular camera. The proposed system is designed through the integration of several modules, each of which serves a special purpose. The detection of the door is addressed by training a convolutional neural network (CNN) model on a new dataset for Social Robot Indoor Navigation (SRIN). The direction of the door (from the robot’s observation) is achieved by three other modules: Depth module, Pixel-Selection module, and Pixel2Angle module, respectively. We include simulation results and real-time experiments to demonstrate the performance of the algorithm. The outcome of this study could be beneficial in any robotic navigation system for indoor environments.
Improving social function with real-world social-cognitive remediation in schizophrenia: Results from the RemedRugby quasi-experimental trial

Abstract Background. Functional capacity (FC) has been identified as a key outcome to improve real-world functioning in schizophrenia. FC is influenced by cognitive impairments, negative symptoms, self-stigma and reduced physical activity (PA). Psychosocial interventions targeting FC are still under-developed. Methods. we conducted a quasi-experimental study evaluating the effects of an exercise-enriched integrated social cognitive remediation (SCR) intervention (RemedRugby [RR]) compared with an active control group practicing Touch Rugby (TR). To our knowledge, this is the first trial to date evaluating the effectiveness of such a program provided in a real-life environment. Results. Eighty-seven people with schizophrenia were included and allocated to either the RR group (n = 57) or the TR group (n = 30) according to the routine clinical practice of the recruiting center. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and post-treatment in both groups and after 6 months of follow-up in the RR group using standardized scales for symptom severity, social functioning, self-stigma, and a large cognitive battery. After treatment we observed moderate to large improvements in social function (Personal and Social Performance Scale [PSP], p < 0.001, d = 1.255), symptom severity (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale [PANSS] negative, p < 0.001, d = 0.827; PANSS GP, p < 0.001, d = 0.991; PANSS positive, p = 0.009, d = 0.594), verbal abstraction (p = 0.008, d = 0.554), aggression bias (p = 0.008, d = 0.627), and self-stigma (stereotype endorsement, p = 0.019, d = 0.495; discrimination experiences, p = 0.047; d = 0.389) that were specific to the RR group and were not observed in participants playing only TR. Effects were persistent over time and even larger between post-treatment and follow-up. Conclusions. Exercise-enriched integrated SCR appears promising to improve real-life functioning in schizophrenia. Future research should investigate the potential effects of this intervention on neuroplasticity and physical fitness.
Development of UHPLC-MS/MS Method for Indirubin-3′-Oxime Derivative as a Novel FLT3 Inhibitor and Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats

This study aimed to develop and validate a sensitive liquid chromatography-coupled tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of LDD-2614, an indirubin derivative and novel FLT3 inhibitor, in rat plasma. In addition, the developed analytical method was applied to observe the pharmacokinetic properties of LDD-2614. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Luna omega C18 column using a mixture of water and acetonitrile, both containing 0.1% formic acid. Quantitation was performed using positive electrospray ionization in a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The MRM transitions were optimized as m/z 426.2→113.1 for LDD-2614 and m/z 390.2→113.1 for LDD-2633 (internal standard), and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for LDD-2614 was determined as 0.1 ng/mL. Including the LLOQ, the nine-point calibration curve was linear with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.9991. Inter- and intraday accuracies (RE) ranged from −3.19% to 8.72%, and the precision was within 9.02%. All validation results (accuracy, precision, matrix effect, recovery, stability, and dilution integrity) met the acceptance criteria of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety guidelines. The proposed method was validated and demonstrated to be suitable for the quantification of LDD-2614 for pharmacokinetics studies.
Electronic government: Understanding factors affecting citizen adoption in Papua New Guinea using the UTAUT

The rapid advancement of information and communication technology (ICT) and the Internet technologies is enabling e-government to provide a way for governments to improve their operational activities to serve their clients more efficiently. In developing countries, adoption of egovernment is being affected by various factors. Understanding and addressing these factors is essential for Papua New Guinea (PNG) to successfully implement and use e-government services. This paper discusses the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), which could be used to examine the factors that are influencing adoption of e-government by citizens in PNG and how these factors might be addressed.
Sustained epigenetic programming of POMC by early life stress

Early-life stress (ELS) can lead to enduring changes in the structure and function of neural circuits and endocrine pathways, resulting in altered vulnerability thresholds for stress-related disorders such as depression and anxiety. The question addressed in this work was whether epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the long-term programming of altered hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in ELS (maternal separated on postnatal days 1-10) mice. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), a key pituitary mediator of the adrenocortical response to stress, is encoded by the proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) gene. Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are the main upstream neural regulators of Pomc gene expression and the post-translational processing of its peptidergic products, whereas glucocorticoids, secreted by the adrenals in response to stress, exert negative feedback actions on Pomc synthesis and ACTH secretion. It was shown that Pomc mRNA level is persistently increased in ELS mice and leads to sustained hypersecretion of glucocorticoids. Interestingly, ELS causes a reduction in DNA methylation at a critical regulatory region of the Pomc gene; this occurs with some delay after onset of the stress and persists for up to 1 year. A series of experiments (including reporter-, EMSA-, IHC- and ChIP-assays) supported the concept that the adverse early-life event induces changes in Pomc gene methylation and results in persistently upregulated expression of the Pomc gene. Interestingly, stress-induced changes in DNA-methylation were found to be more pronounced in males than in females, raising the possibility that epigenetic encoding occurs in a sex-specific manner; this may help to explain sex differences in susceptibility to stress-related disorders. Collectively, the results of this study indicate that epigenetic mechanisms can serve to translate environmental cues into stable changes (“cellular memory”) in gene expression in post-mitotic tissues, without the need for alterations in the genetic code.
The routine use of synovial alpha-defensin is not necessary.

AIMS To establish the utility of adding the laboratory-based synovial alpha-defensin immunoassay to the traditional diagnostic work-up of a prosthetic joint infection (PJI). METHODS A group of four physicians evaluated 158 consecutive patients who were worked up for PJI, of which 94 underwent revision arthroplasty. Each physician reviewed the diagnostic data and decided on the presence of PJI according to the 2014 Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria (yes, no, or undetermined). Their initial randomized review of the available data before or after surgery was blinded to each alpha-defensin result and a subsequent randomized review was conducted with each result. Multilevel logistic regression analysis assessed the effect of having the alpha-defensin result on the ability to diagnose PJI. Alpha-defensin was correlated to the number of synovial white blood cells (WBCs) and percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (%PMN). RESULTS Intraobserver reliability and interobserver agreement did not change when the alpha-defensin result was available. Positive alpha-defensin results had greater synovial WBCs (mean 31,854 cells/μL, SD 32,594) and %PMN (mean 93.0%, SD 5.5%) than negative alpha-defensin results (mean 974 cells/μL, SD 3,988; p < 0.001 and mean 39.4% SD 28.6%; p < 0.001). Adding the alpha-defensin result did not alter the diagnosis of a PJI using preoperative (odds ratio (OR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 1.88; p = 0.315) or operative (OR 0.52, CI 0.18 to 1.55; p = 0.242) data when clinicians already decided that PJI was present or absent with traditionally available testing. However, when undetermined with traditional preoperative testing, alpha-defensin helped diagnose (OR 0.44, CI 0.30 to 0.64; p < 0.001) or rule out (OR 0.41, CI 0.17 to 0.98; p = 0.044) PJI. Of the 27 undecided cases with traditional testing, 24 (89%) benefited from the addition of alpha-defensin testing. CONCLUSION The laboratory-based synovial alpha-defensin immunoassay did not help diagnose or rule out a PJI when added to routine serologies and synovial fluid analyses except in cases where the diagnosis of PJI was unclear. We recommend against the routine use of alpha-defensin and suggest using it only when traditional testing is indeterminate. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(5):593-599.
Species Profiles. Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Gulf of Mexico). GRASS SHRIMP.

Abstract : This species profile summarizes much of the literature published about the biology of grass shrimp, Palaemonetes spp. Five species (P. pugio, P. vulgaris, intermedius, P. paludosus, and P. kadiakensis) are common in coastal waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico, although the last two are primarily freshwater forms. The brackish-water species are among the most abundant shallow-water benthic decopods in estuaries and play important roles as food for fishes and as transporters of nutrients among various trophic levels. They spawn from spring to autumn and the growth of planktonic larvae is normally completed n 7 to 12 molts. Postlarvae of 7-10 mm are 1.5 to 2 months old. The life span of grass shrimp is 6 to 13 months (maximum size rarely exceeds 50 mm). Palaemonetes spp. are eurythermal, euryhaline, and are relatively tolerant to hypoxia and a variety of pollutants. Grass shrimp feed on detritus, epiphytes,and meiofauna. They tend to concentrate near underwater structures and plants, especially in dense stands of underwater macrophytes. (Author)
COVID-19–related Genes in Sputum Cells in Asthma. Relationship to Demographic Features and Corticosteroids

Rationale: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2), and TMPRSS2 (transmembrane protease serine 2) mediate viral infection of host cells. We reasoned that differences in ACE2 or TMPRSS2 gene expression in sputum cells among patients with asthma may identify subgroups at risk for COVID-19 morbidity. Objectives: To determine the relationship between demographic features and sputum ACE2 and TMPRSS2 gene expression in asthma. Methods: We analyzed gene expression for ACE2 and TMPRSS2, and for ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) (rhinovirus receptor as a comparator) in sputum cells from 330 participants in SARP-3 (Severe Asthma Research Program-3) and 79 healthy control subjects. Measurements and Main Results: Gene expression of ACE2 was lower than TMPRSS2, and expression levels of both genes were similar in asthma and health. Among patients with asthma, male sex, African American race, and history of diabetes mellitus were associated with higher expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) was associated with lower expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2, but treatment with triamcinolone acetonide did not decrease expression of either gene. These findings differed from those for ICAM-1, where gene expression was increased in asthma and less consistent differences were observed related to sex, race, and use of ICS. Conclusions: Higher expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in males, African Americans, and patients with diabetes mellitus provides rationale for monitoring these asthma subgroups for poor COVID-19 outcomes. The lower expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 with ICS use warrants prospective study of ICS use as a predictor of decreased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and decreased COVID-19 morbidity.
VirusCircBase: a database of virus circular RNAs

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed long noncoding RNAs critical in diverse cellular activities and multiple human diseases. Several cancer-related viral circRNAs have been identified in double-stranded DNA viruses (dsDNA), yet no systematic study about the viral circRNAs has been reported. Herein, we have performed a systematic survey of 11 924 circRNAs from 23 viral species by computational prediction of viral circRNAs from viral-infection-related RNA sequencing data. Besides the dsDNA viruses, our study has also revealed lots of circRNAs in single-stranded RNA viruses and retro-transcribing viruses, such as the Zika virus, the Influenza A virus, the Zaire ebolavirus, and the Human immunodeficiency virus 1. Most viral circRNAs had reverse complementary sequences or repeated sequences at the flanking sequences of the back-splice sites. Most viral circRNAs only expressed in a specific cell line or tissue in a specific species. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the viral circRNAs from dsDNA viruses were involved in KEGG pathways associated with cancer. All viral circRNAs presented in the current study were stored and organized in VirusCircBase, which is freely available at http://www.computationalbiology. cn/ViruscircBase/home.html and is the first virus circRNA database. VirusCircBase forms the fundamental atlas for the further exploration and investigation of viral circRNAs in the context of public health.
Timeline of autumn phenology in temperate deciduous trees.

Cessation of xylem formation or wood growth (CWG) and onset of foliar senescence (OFS) are key autumn phenological events in temperate deciduous trees. Their timing is fundamental for development and survival of trees, ecosystem nutrient cycling, the seasonal exchange of matter and energy between the biosphere and atmosphere and affect the impact and feedback of forests to global change. A large-scale experimental effort and improved observational methods have allowed us to compare the timing of CWG and OFS for different deciduous tree species in Western Europe, in particularly silver birch, a pioneer species, and European beech, a late-succession species, at stands of different latitudes, of different levels of site fertility, and for two years with contrasting meteorological and drought conditions i.e., the low-moderately dry 2017 and the extremely dry 2018. Specifically, we tested whether foliar senescence started before, after or concurrently with CWG. OFS and CWG occurred generally between late September and early November, with larger differences across species and sites for OFS. Foliar senescence started concurrently with CWG in most cases, except for the drier 2018 and, for beech, at the coldest site, where OFS occurred significantly later than CWG. Behavior of beech in Spain, the southern edge of its European distribution, was unclear, with no CWG, but very low wood growth at the time of OFS. Our study suggests that OFS is generally triggered by the same drivers of CWG or when wood growth decreases in late summer, indicating an overarching mechanism of sink limitation as a possible regulator of the timing of foliar senescence.
Associations between Range of Motion and Tissue Stiffness in Young and Older People

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. ABSTRACT Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the associations between passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and stiffness of the triceps surae, sciatic nerve, and deep fascia located in the posterior leg between young and older people. Methods Twenty young and twenty older males were recruited and were placed in a prone position with their hip and knee fully extended. Passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM was determined based on the onset of pain during passive dorsiflexion at 1°·s−1 using an isokinetic dynamometer. Shear wave speeds (as a stiffness index) of the triceps surae, the sciatic nerve, and the deep fascia in the posterior leg were evaluated by ultrasound shear wave elastography. Results The shear wave speeds of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius measured at 15° dorsiflexion correlated negatively with passive ROM in young but not in older participants. The shear wave speed of the sciatic nerve measured at 15° dorsiflexion correlated negatively with passive ROM only in older participants. No association was observed between passive ROM and shear wave speed of the deep fascia in the posterior leg. For data measured at maximal dorsiflexion angle (as an index of stretch tolerance), shear wave speeds of the triceps surae and passive joint torque correlated positively with passive ROM in both groups. Conclusion These results suggest that the tissues limiting passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM are muscle and nerve for young and older people, respectively, whereas stretch tolerance influences passive ROM for both groups. This implies that the relative contribution of nonmuscular tissues to joint flexibility become stronger than that of muscles with age.