Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of knowledge about aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination in sorghum and postharvest practices among caregivers of children aged 6–59 months in Kerio Valley, Kenya

Abstract Stunting among children under five years old is still a problem in many developing countries including Kenya. However, there is little information linking stunting with mycotoxin contamination of complementary foods. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge about aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination in sorghum alongside postharvest handling and storage practices among caregivers of children under five years old in Kerio Valley, Kenya. A cross‐sectional study was conducted to obtain data from 353 randomly selected caregivers of children aged 6–59 months. Qualitative data were obtained through Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. Overall, majority of the caregivers of young children had poor knowledge (61.8%) about mycotoxin contamination of food, and poor postharvest handling and storage practices (74.5%). The caregiver's knowledge about mycotoxins was significantly associated with age [(AOR=4.629, (95% Cl: 2.530–8.472), p < . 001], education level [(AOR=0.275, (95% Cl: 0.088–0.434), p = . 001], marital status [(AOR=15.187, (95% Cl: 1.830–126.007), p = . 012], and household monthly income [(AOR=2.623, (95% Cl: 1.550–4.439), p < 0,001]. Furthermore, the caregiver's age [(AOR=3.845, (95% Cl: 1.558–9.490), p = . 003], education level [(AOR=0.196, (95% Cl: 0.088–0.434), p < . 001], monthly income [(AOR=3.291, (95% Cl: 1.550–6.986), p = . 002], and knowledge on mycotoxin contamination of sorghum [AOR, 5.428 (95% Cl: 2.855–10.319), p < . 001] were significantly associated with postharvest handling and storage practices except for marital status [AOR, 3.579 (95% Cl: 0.403–31.775), p = . 252]. In conclusion, caregivers of young children had poor knowledge about mycotoxin contamination of complementary foods and suboptimal postharvest handling and storage practices of sorghum. This increases the risk of mycotoxin exposure to young children and necessitates mitigation measures including sensitization campaigns and social behavior change communication.
Ulipristal Acetate Modifies miRNA Expression in Both Superficial and Basal Layers of the Human Endometrium

(1) Background: Ulipristal acetate (UPA) is a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) widely used for emergency contraception and mid- to long-term leiomyoma treatment. The aim of this study was to identify modifications of miRNA expression in superficial and basal layers of the human endometrium at the end of the UPA treatment for at least 3 months. (2) Methods: Microarray miRNA analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded hysterectomy tissue samples was conducted, followed by an Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Samples were divided into three groups: women having had 3 months of UPA treatment (n = 7); and two control groups of UPA-naïve women in the proliferative (n = 8) or secretory (n = 6) phase. (3) Results: The UPA modified the expression of 59 miRNAs involved in the processes of cell cycle, carcinogenesis, and inflammation. Their expression profiles were different in the basal and superficial layers. Most of the processes influenced by the UPA in the basal layer were connected to the cell cycle and immune regulation. (4) Conclusion: Specific changes were observed in both layers of the endometrium in the UPA group. However, the miRNA expression in the basal layer was not consistent with that in the superficial layer. Other large studies analysing the long-term impact of SPRM on endometrial miRNA expression are necessary.
Effects of the Combination of Auricular Acupressure and a Fluid-Restriction Adherence Program on Salivary Flow Rate, Xerostomia, Fluid Control, Interdialytic Weight Gain, and Diet-Related Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Adherence to fluid-restriction is a clinical priority in nephrology care. This study examines the effects of a combination of auricular acupressure (AA) and a fluid-restriction adherence program on the salivary flow rate, xerostomia, fluid control, interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), and diet-related quality of life (DQOL) among hemodialysis patients in South Korea. Using a quasi-experimental design, 84 hemodialysis patients were assigned to the experimental group (AA + fluid-restriction adherence program; n = 29), the comparison group (fluid-restriction adherence program; n = 27), and the control group (usual care; n = 28). The program lasted 6 weeks, and data were collected at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 4 months post-intervention. There was a significant interaction between group and time for salivary flow rate, fluid control, IDWG, and DQOL (all p < 0.005). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a significantly improved salivary flow rate, fluid control, IDWG, and DQOL at weeks 6 and 22, whereas the comparison group had improved fluid control and DQOL at week 6. The combination of AA and a fluid-restriction adherence program could be provided to hemodialysis patients as cost-effective, safe, and complementary interventions to promote sustainable patient adherence to fluid-restriction.
Starch Granule Size and Morphology of Arabidopsis thaliana Starch-Related Mutants Analyzed during Diurnal Rhythm and Development

Transitory starch plays a central role in the life cycle of plants. Many aspects of this important metabolism remain unknown; however, starch granules provide insight into this persistent metabolic process. Therefore, monitoring alterations in starch granules with high temporal resolution provides one significant avenue to improve understanding. Here, a previously established method that combines LCSM and safranin-O staining for in vivo imaging of transitory starch granules in leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana was employed to demonstrate, for the first time, the alterations in starch granule size and morphology that occur both throughout the day and during leaf aging. Several starch-related mutants were included, which revealed differences among the generated granules. In ptst2 and sex1-8, the starch granules in old leaves were much larger than those in young leaves; however, the typical flattened discoid morphology was maintained. In ss4 and dpe2/phs1/ss4, the morphology of starch granules in young leaves was altered, with a more rounded shape observed. With leaf development, the starch granules became spherical exclusively in dpe2/phs1/ss4. Thus, the presented data provide new insights to contribute to the understanding of starch granule morphogenesis.
Thrombotic microangiopathy triggered by podocytopathy

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare group of diseases characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and target organ damage. It can be divided into primary and secondary TMA. Herein we report a case of TMA associated to a primary glomerular disease. We report the case of a 31-year-old Black male from Cape Verde admitted in March 2018 with nephrotic syndrome and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, the latter due to severe erythematous gastritis. He was discharged after clinical stabilization. The patient came to Portugal 8 months later. On admission, he presented with rapid deterioration of kidney function and hyperkalemia. The etiologic study revealed microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, nephrotic syndrome and microscopic hematuria. Immunologic study and viral serology were negative. ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitor testing were within normal range, genetic complement evaluation showed CFH-H3 in homozygosity, functional complement studies revealed decreased function of alternative pathway. Kidney biopsy was consistent with the diagnosis of TMA, and electron microscopy was compatible with minimal change disease. Patient underwent plasmapheresis with resolution of hemolysis, fluid overload and recovery of renal function. Two months later, he presented with nephrotic syndrome and started prednisolone with remission. Six months later, the nephrotic syndrome relapsed, and it became steroid-, MMF-, and rituximab-resistant. Tacrolimus was initiated, achieving partial remission. Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is an uncommon disease and is rarely reported as secondary to glomerular diseases. This case showcases the challenges regarding treatment options in a resistant glomerulopathy and the implications of therapeutic choices and kidney outcomes with the coexisting TMA.
Effect of saffron supplementation on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized placebo‐controlled trials

Abstract Oxidative stress (OS), the absence of equilibrium between prooxidants and antioxidants in the body, has been shown to play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of many diseases. Saffron has been noted for its antioxidant capacity and can be used to improve OS parameters in unhealthy patients. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of saffron supplementation on OS parameters in unhealthy patients in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science without language restrictions for RCTs up until April 2021. Studies were included if they compared any form of saffron supplementation to placebo or no supplementation on OS parameters in unhealthy patients. Using a random‐effects model with calculated standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), we quantitatively synthesized the data. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane's I 2 values. Ten randomized controlled trials were eligible for this review. Seven were included in the meta‐analysis and indicated an association between saffron intake and a statistically significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (SMD: −0.40; 95% CI: −0.63, −0.17; I 2 = 32.6%) and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC, SMD: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.42; I 2 = 00.0%). Saffron intake was shown to significantly impact MDA and TAC, indicating its beneficial properties in improving OS in unhealthy patients. However, additional RCTs are required to evaluate the effect on other OS parameters.
Grouping successive freezing of gait episodes has neutral to detrimental effect on freeze detection and prediction in Parkinson’s disease

Freezing of gait (FOG) is an intermittent walking disturbance experienced by people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Wearable FOG identification systems can improve gait and reduce the risk of falling due to FOG by detecting FOG in real-time and providing a cue to reduce freeze duration. However, FOG prediction and prevention is desirable. Datasets used to train machine learning models often generate ground truth FOG labels based on visual observation of specific lower limb movements (event-based definition) or an overall inability to walk effectively (period of gait disruption based definition). FOG definition ambiguity may affect model performance, especially with respect to multiple FOG in rapid succession. This research examined whether merging multiple freezes that occurred in rapid succession could improve FOG detection and prediction model performance. Plantar pressure and lower limb acceleration data were used to extract a feature set and train decision tree ensembles. FOG was labeled using an event-based definition. Additional datasets were then produced by merging FOG that occurred in rapid succession. A merging threshold was introduced where FOG that were separated by less than the merging threshold were merged into one episode. FOG detection and prediction models were trained for merging thresholds of 0, 1, 2, and 3 s. Merging slightly improved FOG detection model performance; however, for the prediction model, merging resulted in slightly later FOG identification and lower precision. FOG prediction models may benefit from using event-based FOG definitions and avoiding merging multiple FOG in rapid succession.
Epigenetic Mechanisms in Type 2 Diabetes Retinopathy: A Systematic Review

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the main causes of vision loss in middle-aged economically active people. Modifiable (i.e., hyperglycaemia, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, obesity, and cigarette smoke) and non-modifiable factors (i.e., duration of diabetes, puberty, pregnancy and genetic susceptibility) are involved in the development of DR. Epigenetic mechanisms, modulating the oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and aging, could influence the course of DR. Herein, we conducted a systematic review of observational studies investigating how epigenetics affects type 2 diabetes retinopathy (T2DR). A total of 23 epidemiological studies were included: 14 studies focused on miRNA, 4 studies on lnc-RNA, one study on both miRNA and lnc-RNA, and 4 studies on global or gene-specific DNA methylation. A direct relation between the dysregulation of miR-21, miR-93, and miR-221 and FPG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR was identified. A panel of three miRNAs (hsa-let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-novel-chr5_15976, and hsa-miR-28-3p) demonstrated a good sensitivity and specificity for predicting T2DR. Little evidence is available regarding the possible role of the long non-coding MALAT1 dysregulation and MTHFR gene promoter hypermethylation. Despite these initial, encouraging findings potentially suggesting a role of epigenetics in T2DR, the use in clinical practice for the diagnosis and staging of this complication encounters several difficulties and further targeted investigations are still necessary.
When Musical Accompaniment Allows the Preferred Spatio-Temporal Pattern of Movement

Abstract A musical accompaniment is often used in movement coordination and stability exercise modalities, although considered obstructive for their fundament of preferred movement pace. This study examined if the rhythmic strength of musical excerpts used in movement coordination and exercise modalities allows the preferred spatio-temporal pattern of movement. Voluntary and spontaneous body sway (70 s) were tested (N=20 young women) in a non-musical (preferred) and two rhythmic strength (RS) musical conditions (Higher:HrRS, Lower:LrRS). The center of pressure trajectory was used for the body sway spatio-temporal characteristics (Kistler forceplate, 100 Hz). Statistics included paired t-tests between each musical condition and the non-musical one, as well as between musical conditions (p≤0.05). Results indicated no significant difference between the musical and the non-musical conditions (p>0.05). The HrRS differed significantly from LrRS only in the voluntary body sway, with increased sway duration (p=0.03), center of pressure path (p=0.04) and velocity (p=0.01). The findings provide evidence-based support for the rhythmic strength recommendations in movement coordination and stability exercise modalities. The HrRS to LrRS differences in voluntary body sway most possibly indicate that low-frequency musical features rather than just tempo and pulse clarity are also important.
Patients’ with Multimorbidity and Psychosocial Difficulties and Their Views on Important Professional Competence for Rehabilitation Coordinators in the Return-to-Work Process

Coordinators may play a key role during the return-to-work (RTW) process for people on sickness absence. There are still few studies on the newly implemented rehabilitation coordinators (RECO) within Swedish healthcare, and none focus on their competence. The aim of this study was to explore how persons with multimorbidity and psychosocial difficulties describe the professional competence of the RECO they encountered during their RTW process. The study takes a relational and practical approach in defining professional competence, including both what professionals do and what they possess. Interviews with 12 people with multimorbidity and psychosocial difficulties who had encountered a RECO during their RTW process were analysed using thematic analysis. Six different themes were found: communicative and coordinating skills; advisory and guidance skills; engagement and advocacy skills; being persistent and flexible; being empathic and therapeutic; being professional and trustworthy. Most of these are found in research on RTW coordinators, but being persistent, and having advisory, guidance, advocacy and therapeutic skills have not been recognised as important competences previously. This study adds patients’ views on important professional competence that support the RTW process, which should be regarded in further developments of RECOs’ functions and their competence descriptions.
Mood and Changes in Alcohol Consumption in Young Adults during COVID-19 Lockdown: A Model Explaining Associations with Perceived Immune Fitness and Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown on mood states, stress, alcohol consumption and perceived immune fitness in a Dutch sample. Analysis included a subsample from the “Corona Lockdown: how fit are you? ” (CLOFIT) study, comprising N = 761 participants who reported consuming alcohol in 2020. Results show that, compared to pre-lockdown, the first COVID-19 lockdown (March 2020) was associated with experiencing poorer mood (e.g., anxiety, depression, loneliness, fatigue) and increased stress levels. Among younger participants (18 to 35 years old), a significant decrease in weekly alcohol consumption was found during COVID-19 lockdown, which was not significant in older individuals. For the younger age cohort (18 to 35 years old), increased stress significantly correlated to increased weekly alcohol consumption (r = 0.163, p = 0.003), which in turn, correlated significantly to reporting a poorer perceived immune fitness (r = −0.165, p = 0.002). Poorer perceived immune fitness correlated significantly with increases in the presence and severity of COVID-19 symptoms (r = −0.313, p < 0.001, and r = −0.325, p < 0.001, respectively). The data provides evidence for significant relationships between changes in mood, stress and alcohol consumption during COVID-19 lockdown, and supports a model that links these changes to perceived immune fitness and susceptibility to experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Hepatocyte-Specific Deficiency of BAP31 Amplified Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity via Attenuating Nrf2 Signaling Activation in Mice

Liver-specific deficiency of B-cell receptor-associated protein 31 knockout mice (BAP31-LKO) and the littermates were injected with acetaminophen (APAP), markers of liver injury, and the potential molecular mechanisms were determined. In response to APAP overdose, serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were increased in BAP31-LKO mice than in wild-type controls, accompanied by enhanced liver necrosis. APAP-induced apoptosis and mortality were increased. Hepatic glutathione was decreased (1.60 ± 0.31 μmol/g tissue in WT mice vs. 0.85 ± 0.14 μmol/g tissue in BAP31-LKO mice at 6 h, p < 0.05), along with reduced glutathione reductase activity and superoxide dismutase; while malondialdehyde was significantly induced (0.41 ± 0.03 nmol/mg tissue in WT mice vs. 0.50 ± 0.05 nmol/mg tissue in BAP31-LKO mice for 6 h, p < 0.05). JNK signaling activation and APAP-induced hepatic inflammation were increased in BAP31-LKO mice. The mechanism research revealed that BAP31-deficiency decreased Nrf2 mRNA stability (half-life of Nrf2 mRNA decreased from ~1.3 h to ~40 min) and miR-223 expression, led to reduced nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling activation and antioxidant genes induction. BAP31-deficiency decreased mitochondrial membrane potentials, reduced mitochondria-related genes expression, and resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction in the liver. Conclusions: BAP31-deficiency reduced the antioxidant response and Nrf2 signaling activation via reducing Nrf2 mRNA stabilization, enhanced JNK signaling activation, hepatic inflammation, and apoptosis, amplified APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the Month Following the Start of the Vaccination Process

The occurrence of the novel coronavirus has changed a series of aspects related to people’s everyday life, the negative effects being felt all around the world. In this context, the production of a vaccine in a short period of time has been of great importance. On the other hand, obtaining a vaccine in such a short time has increased vaccine hesitancy and has activated anti-vaccination speeches. In this context, the aim of the paper is to analyze the dynamics of public opinion on Twitter in the first month after the start of the vaccination process in the UK, with a focus on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy messages. For this purpose, a dataset containing 5,030,866 tweets in English was collected from Twitter between 8 December 2020–7 January 2021. A stance analysis was conducted after comparing several classical machine learning and deep learning algorithms. The tweets associated to COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy were examined in connection with the major events in the analyzed period, while the main discussion topics were determined using hashtags, n-grams and latent Dirichlet allocation. The results of the study can help the interested parties better address the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy concerns.
Associations between the School Environment and Physical Activity Pattern during School Time in Swedish Adolescents

Knowledge about associations between school-based initiatives and physical activity patterns is limited. The purpose of this paper was to examine associations between factors in the school environment, physical activity and sedentary time during school time. The cross-sectional study included 1139 adolescents aged 13–14 from 34 schools. Physical activity and sedentary time were measured using hip-worn accelerometers. Factors in the school environment included health policy, a mobile phone ban during breaks, organized physical activities during breaks and activity breaks during lessons reported by teachers. The frequency and duration of breaks and physical education (PE) lessons were collected from school schedules. The results showed significant associations between health policy (β = 3.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.37, 5.23), the mobile phone ban (β = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.94) and PE; total duration (β = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.11), average duration (β = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.13) and frequency (β = 1.73, 95% CI: 0.50, 3.04) and moderate-vigorous physical activity. There were negative associations between health policy (β = −6.41, 95% CI: −10.24, −2.67), the mobile phone ban (β = −3.75, 95% CI: −7.25, −0.77) and PE; total duration (β = −0.15, 95% CI: −0.23, −0.08) and average duration (β = −0.14, 95% CI: −0.27, −0.03) and time spent sedentary. Adolescents attending schools with health policies, mobile phone bans and more time for PE showed higher levels of physical activity and lower sedentary time.