Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An optimised method for the rapid analysis of condensed phosphates in fishery and processed marine food products using ion chromatography and microwave sample processing

ABSTRACT Condensed phosphates are deliberately added to the fishery and processed marine food products on purpose to increase the weight of products. However, excessive intake overwhelming bodily homoeostasis can result in phosphate toxicity such as mineral and bone disorders, associated with chronic kidney diseases, and cardiovascular events. Rapid analysis for condensed phosphates is required to detect the illegal adulteration of processed marine products. We optimised an analytical method using ion chromatography for the rapid and selective detection of condensed phosphates in various kinds of fishery and processed marine products. We compared the performance of three columns (IonPac AS11, AS11-HC, and AS16) for the detection of condensed phosphates with respect to time of analysis and sensitivity. The IonPac AS11 column exhibited the shortest retention time for the major condensed phosphates (pyro-, tri-, and trimetaphosphate), the highest sensitivity for trimetaphosphate, and good repeatability and precision. Microwave and boiling processing were examined as methods to prevent hydrolysis of condensed phosphates into orthophosphate, which is critical in distinguishing intentionally added condensed phosphates from naturally occurring orthophosphate. Microwave treatment was determined to be the more effective method to suppress hydrolysis of condensed phosphates to orthophosphate. Furthermore, microwave processing could be used for thawing the frozen samples, saving extra effort and time. We confirmed that the method exhibits good recovery (80% or more) and precision (%RSD < 10%) for samples with various matrices. With the method, 14 kinds of fishery and processed marine food products were successfully analysed for condensed phosphates. Especially, we identified that phosphate levels in the processed shrimp and dried shredded squid samples exceeded the maximum allowable levels specified in the CODEX standard. We believe that our method would be useful for the rapid analysis of condensed phosphates in various types of fishery and processed marine food products. Graphical Abstract
Inertial Sensor-Based Lower Limb Joint Kinematics: A Methodological Systematic Review

The use of inertial measurement units (IMUs) has gained popularity for the estimation of lower limb kinematics. However, implementations in clinical practice are still lacking. The aim of this review is twofold—to evaluate the methodological requirements for IMU-based joint kinematic estimation to be applicable in a clinical setting, and to suggest future research directions. Studies within the PubMed, Web Of Science and EMBASE databases were screened for eligibility, based on the following inclusion criteria: (1) studies must include a methodological description of how kinematic variables were obtained for the lower limb, (2) kinematic data must have been acquired by means of IMUs, (3) studies must have validated the implemented method against a golden standard reference system. Information on study characteristics, signal processing characteristics and study results was assessed and discussed. This review shows that methods for lower limb joint kinematics are inherently application dependent. Sensor restrictions are generally compensated with biomechanically inspired assumptions and prior information. Awareness of the possible adaptations in the IMU-based kinematic estimates by incorporating such prior information and assumptions is necessary, before drawing clinical decisions. Future research should focus on alternative validation methods, subject-specific IMU-based biomechanical joint models and disturbed movement patterns in real-world settings.
Human proteinase 3 resistance to inhibition extends to alpha‐2 macroglobulin

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils contain at least four serine endopeptidases, namely neutrophil elastase (NE), proteinase 3 (PR3), cathepsin G (CatG), and NSP4, which contribute to the regulation of infection and of inflammatory processes. In physiological conditions, endogenous inhibitors including α2‐macroglobulin (α2‐M), serpins [α1‐proteinase inhibitor (α1‐PI)], monocyte neutrophil elastase inhibitor (MNEI), α1‐antichymotrypsin, and locally produced chelonianins (elafin, SLPI) control excessive proteolytic activity of neutrophilic serine proteinases. In contrast to human NE (hNE), hPR3 is weakly inhibited by α1‐PI and MNEI but not by SLPI. α2‐M is a large spectrum inhibitor that traps a variety of proteinases in response to cleavage(s) in its bait region. We report here that α2‐M was more rapidly processed by hNE than hPR3 or hCatG. This was confirmed by the observation that the association between α2‐M and hPR3 is governed by a kass in the ≤ 105 m−1·s−1 range. Since α2‐M‐trapped proteinases retain peptidase activity, we first predicted the putative cleavage sites within the α2‐M bait region (residues 690–728) using kinetic and molecular modeling approaches. We then identified by mass spectrum analysis the cleavage sites of hPR3 in a synthetic peptide spanning the 39‐residue bait region of α2‐M (39pep‐α2‐M). Since the 39pep‐α2‐M peptide and the corresponding bait area in the whole protein do not contain sequences with a high probability of specific cleavage by hPR3 and were indeed only slowly cleaved by hPR3, it can be concluded that α2‐M is a poor inhibitor of hPR3. The resistance of hPR3 to inhibition by endogenous inhibitors explains at least in part its role in tissue injury during chronic inflammatory diseases and its well‐recognized function of major target autoantigen in granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Hypomethylation of LINE-1 repeat elements and global loss of DNA hydroxymethylation in vapers and smokers

ABSTRACT The outbreak of vaping-related severe lung injuries and deaths and the epidemic of teen vaping in the U.S. underscore the urgent need for determining the biological consequences of electronic cigarette (e-cig) use. We have investigated the association between vaping and epigenetic changes by quantifying DNA methylation levels in Long Interspersed Nucleotide Element 1 (LINE-1) and global DNA hydroxymethylation (5-hmC) levels and measuring the expression level of enzymes catalysing the respective processes in peripheral blood of exclusive vapers, smokers, and controls, matched for age, gender, and race (n = 45). Both vapers and smokers showed significant loss of methylation in LINE-1 repeat elements in comparison to controls (P = 0.00854 and P = 0.03078, respectively). Similarly, vapers and smokers had significant reductions in 5-hmC levels relative to controls (P = 0.04884 and P = 0.0035, respectively). Neither the LINE-1 methylation levels nor the global 5-hmC levels were different between vapers and smokers. There was a direct correlation between methylation levels in the LINE-1 elements and global 5-hmC levels in the study subjects (r = 0.31696, P = 0.03389). Inverse and statistically significant correlations were found between both the LINE-1 methylation levels and the global 5-hmC levels and various vaping/smoking metrics in the study subjects. There were modest but not statistically significant changes in transcription of DNA methyltransferases and ten-eleven translocation enzymes in both vapers and smokers relative to controls. Our findings support follow-up genome-wide investigations into the epigenetic effects of vaping, which may further clarify the health consequences of e-cig use. Abbreviations 5-mC: 5-methylcytosine; 5-hmC: 5-hydroxymethylcytosine; 8-OHdG: 8-hydroxy-2ʹ-deoxyguanosine; ACTIN: actin beta; ANOVA: Analysis of Variance; BER: base excision repair; BMI: body mass index; CO: carbon monoxide; COHb: carboxyhaemoglobin; COBRA: combined bisulphite restriction analysis; COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; DNMT1: DNA methyltransferase 1; DNMT3A: DNA methyltransferase 3A; DNMT3B: DNA methyltransferase 3B; e-cigs: electronic cigarettes; ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; ENDS: electronic nicotine delivery systems; FDA: Food and Drug Administration; GAPDH; glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; HPLC: high-performance liquid chromatography; LINE-1: Long Interspersed Nucleotide Element 1; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; RFU: relative fluorescence units; RT-qPCR: quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SAM, S-adenosylmethionine; SE: standard error; TET1: ten-eleven translocation 1; TET2: ten-eleven translocation 2; TET3: ten-eleven translocation 3.
Agricultural Fatalities in New York State from 2009-2018: Trends from the past Decade Gathered from Media Reports

ABSTRACT Objectives: Agriculture remains one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. Fatal injury reports influence outreach and education training topics and assist in prioritizing research efforts and federal funding priorities. News stories of agricultural fatalities are routinely collected and cataloged by the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH). Methods: The database was queried for agricultural fatalities in New York State between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2018. Descriptive statistics were calculated based on a variety of factors including age, gender, geographic location, type of event, and source of injury. The 2017 Census of Agriculture data was used to calculate denominator data for persons at risk. Results: Over the ten-year period from 2009 to 2018, one hundred sixty-nine (169) people were killed in agricultural injury events in New York. The most frequent cause of fatality was tractor related incidents, comprising nearly half of all fatalities (44%). There were 14 deaths of children nine and younger and an additional 11 deaths of adolescents between 10–19 years old. Steuben County had the highest rate of fatal injury at 20.9/100,000 FTE, followed by Jefferson County at 19.4/100,000 FTE. Conclusions: While the rates of workers killed on the job have dramatically dropped in many industries, agricultural fatalities remain stubbornly elevated above the all-worker fatality rate of 3.5/100,000 FTE. These data, along with non-fatal injury data, should be used to guide prevention and intervention activities. Such loss of life should underscore the tremendous stress the agricultural community is under, and serve to funnel resources to strengthen these communities, businesses and workers.
Emerging concepts on the use of ketamine for chronic pain

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of ketamine infusions for chronic pain has surged, with utilization exceeding the proliferation of knowledge. A proposed mechanism for the long-term benefit in chronic pain is that ketamine may alter the affective-motivational component of pain. Areas covered: In this review, we discuss the classification and various dimensions of pain, and explore the effects of ketamine on different pain categories and components. The relationship between ketamine’s action at the NMDA receptor, the development of chronic pain, and the its possible role in preventing the persistence of pain are examined. We also summarize animal models evaluating the antinociceptive effects of ketamine and risk mitigation strategies of ketamine-associated side effects. Expert opinion: Although ketamine exerts most of its analgesic effects via the NMDA receptor, recent evidence suggests that other receptors such as AMPA, and active metabolites such as nor-ketamine, may also play a role in pain relief and alleviation of depression. Data from clinical studies performed in patients with chronic pain and depression, and the observation that ketamine’s analgesic benefits outlast its effects on quantitative sensory testing, suggest that the enduring effects on chronic pain may be predominantly due ketamine’s ability to modulate the affective-motivational dimension of pain.
Identifying subgroups of high-need, high-cost, chronically ill patients in primary care: A latent class analysis

Introduction Segmentation of the high-need, high-cost (HNHC) population is required for reorganizing care to accommodate person-centered, integrated care delivery. Therefore, we aimed to identify and characterize relevant subgroups of the HNHC population in primary care by using demographic, biomedical, and socioeconomic patient characteristics. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study within a Dutch primary care group, with a follow-up period from September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2017. Chronically ill patients were included in the HNHC population if they belonged to the top 10% of care utilizers and/or suffered from multimorbidity and had an above-average care utilization. In a latent class analysis, forty-one patient characteristics were initially used as potential indicators of heterogeneity in HNHC patients’ needs. Results Patient data from 12 602 HNHC patients was used. A 4-class model was considered statistically and clinically superior. The classes were named according to the characteristics that were most dominantly present and distinctive between the classes (i.e. mainly age, household position, and source of income). Class 1 (‘older adults living with partner’) included 39.3% of patients, class 2 (‘older adults living alone’) included 25.5% of patients, class 3 (‘middle-aged, employed adults with family’) included 23.3% of patients, and class 4 (‘middle-aged adults with social welfare dependency’) included 11.9% of patients. Diabetes was the most common condition in all classes; the second most prevalent condition differed between osteoarthritis in class 1 (21.7%) and 2 (23.8%), asthma in class 3 (25.3%), and mood disorders in class 4 (23.1%). Furthermore, while general practitioner (GP) care utilization increased during the follow-up period in the classes of older adults, it remained relatively stable in the middle-aged classes. Conclusions Although the HNHC population is heterogeneous, distinct subgroups with relatively homogeneous patterns of mainly demographic and socioeconomic characteristics can be identified. This calls for tailoring care and increased attention for social determinants of health.
Association of hypoalbuminemia with short-term and long-term mortality in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy

Background Hypoalbuminemia reflects several pathological conditions, including nutritional deficiencies and chronic inflammation. However, its relationship with short-term and long-term mortality in patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) remains unclear. The present study aimed to assess the effect of hypoalbuminemia on mortality in a large cohort of patients undergoing CRRT. Methods The study retrospectively reviewed 1,581 patients who underwent CRRT for the treatment of acute kidney injury from 2010 to 2016. The patients were categorized by tertiles of serum albumin levels at CRRT initiation. The odds ratios and hazard ratios for the risk of all-cause mortality were calculated before and after adjustment for multiple covariates. Results The mean albumin level was 2.7 ± 0.6 g/dL at CRRT initiation. During a median follow-up period of 14 days (maximum, 4 years), 1,040 patients (65.8%) died. The risk of overall mortality was higher in the first tertile group than in the third tertile group (hazard ratio, 1.9 [1.63-2.21]). When the mortality rate was stratified by timeframe, the risk was steadily higher in the first tertile group than in the third tertile group (odds ratios: 3.0 [2.34-3.87] for 2-week mortality, 2.7 [2.12-3.52] for 1-month mortality, 2.7 [2.08-3.53] for 6-month mortality, and 2.8 [2.11-3.62] for 1-year mortality). Additionally, the rates of intensive care unit mortality and in-hospital mortality were higher in the first tertile group than in the third tertile group. Conclusion The initial hypoalbuminemia was independently associated with short-term and long-term mortality in patients undergoing CRRT. Thus, the serum albumin level should be monitored during CRRT.
Both NPY‐Expressing and CART‐Expressing Neurons Increase Energy Expenditure and Trabecular Bone Mass in Response to AP1 Antagonism, But Have Opposite Effects on Bone Resorption

Energy metabolism and bone homeostasis share several neuronal regulatory pathways. Within the ventral hypothalamus (VHT), the orexigenic neurons co‐express Agouti‐related peptide (AgRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) and the anorexigenic neurons co‐express, α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and cocaine and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART). These neurons regulate both processes, yet their relative contribution is unknown. Previously, using genetically targeted activator protein (AP1) alterations as a tool, we showed in adult mice that AgRP or POMC neurons are capable of inducing whole‐body energy catabolism and bone accrual, with different effects on bone resorption. Here, we investigated whether co‐residing neurons exert similar regulatory effects. We show that AP1 antagonists targeted to NPY‐producing or CART‐producing neurons in adult mice stimulate energy expenditure, reduce body weight gain and adiposity and promote trabecular bone formation and mass, yet again via different effects on bone resorption, as measured by serum level of carboxy‐terminal collagen type I crosslinks (CTX). In addition, AP1 antagonists promote neurite expansion, increasing neurite number, length, and surface area in primary hypothalamic neuronal cultures. Overall, our data demonstrate that the orexigenic NPY and anorexigenic CART neurons both have the capacity to stimulate energy burning state and increase bone mass. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Endochondral ossification and the evolution of limb proportions

Mammals have remarkably diverse limb proportions hypothesized to have evolved adaptively in the context of locomotion and other behaviors. Mechanistically, evolutionary diversity in limb proportions is the result of differential limb bone growth. Longitudinal limb bone growth is driven by the process of endochondral ossification, under the control of the growth plates. In growth plates, chondrocytes undergo a tightly orchestrated life cycle of proliferation, matrix production, hypertrophy, and cell death/transdifferentiation. This life cycle is highly conserved, both among the long bones of an individual, and among homologous bones of distantly related taxa, leading to a finite number of complementary cell mechanisms that can generate heritable phenotype variation in limb bone size and shape. The most important of these mechanisms are chondrocyte population size in chondrogenesis and in individual growth plates, proliferation rates, and hypertrophic chondrocyte size. Comparative evidence in mammals and birds suggests the existence of developmental biases that favor evolutionary changes in some of these cellular mechanisms over others in driving limb allometry. Specifically, chondrocyte population size may evolve more readily in response to selection than hypertrophic chondrocyte size, and extreme hypertrophy may be a rarer evolutionary phenomenon associated with highly specialized modes of locomotion in mammals (e.g., powered flight, ricochetal bipedal hopping). Physical and physiological constraints at multiple levels of biological organization may also have influenced the cell developmental mechanisms that have evolved to produce the highly diverse limb proportions in extant mammals.
Obesity as Predictive Factor of Periodontal Therapy Clinical Outcomes.A Cohort Study.

AIM The study aim was to investigate the predictive role of obesity on clinical response following non-surgical periodontal therapy in individuals with severe periodontitis. METHODS 57 BMI obese and 58 BMI normal non-smoker adults with periodontitis (defined as probing pocket depths (PPD) of ≥5 mm and alveolar bone loss of >30% with >50% of the teeth affected) received non-surgical periodontal therapy. Periodontal status was based upon PPD, clinical attachment level(CAL), and full mouth bleeding score(FMBS). Mean PPD, percentage sites PPD>4mm, percentage sites PPD>5mm, and FMBS at 2 and 6 months were outcome variables. Propensity score analysis was used to assess the effect of obesity on outcome variables after adjusting for confounders. RESULTS Statistically significant higher clinical measures (mean PPD, mean percentage of sites with PPD>4mm, mean percentage of sites with PPD>5mm, and FMBS) were observed in the obese group than the normal group at baseline, 2 and 6 months after therapy(p<0.01). At 2 and 6 months, obesity was associated with worse mean PPD(p<0.05), percentage sites with PPD>4mm(p<0.05), percentage sites with PPD>5mm(p<0.05), and FMBS (p<0.01), independent of age, gender, ethnicity or plaque levels. CONCLUSIONS Obesity compared to normal BMI status was an independent predictor of poorer response following non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Medication Adherence Across the Life Span in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. This article reviews the differences and similarities in medication adherence between adolescent and adult cohorts with inflammatory bowel disease. The review covers the rates of medication adherence, as well as predictors, consequences, and related interventions. Rates of adherence were more favorable among adolescents (65%–90%) than among adults (55%–70%). Major risk factors for poor adherence in adolescents include low medication knowledge, not establishing good medication habits initially, and peer victimization with low social support. For adults, nonadherence is more frequently unintentional (e.g., forgetting) and occurs more often in the context of a poor-quality patient–physician relationship, low medication knowledge, infrequent/missed appointments, busy lifestyle, and concurrent mental health concerns. Nonadherence to medication is associated with worsening of symptoms and risk of relapse in adults and adolescents. Nurses can play a significant role in influencing adherence to medication in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In particular, nurses can help to impart knowledge on the importance of medication and identify factors that may help or hinder an individual in terms of adherence. Based on the current review, implications for practice and recommendations for nurses to promote medication adherence across both adolescent and adult cohorts are provided. Limitations of the currently available evidence and suggestions for future research are discussed.
The expression of zinc finger 804a (ZNF804a) and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) genes is related to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Context ZNF804a and CDK1 genes code for proteins involved in inflammatory pathways. Objective This study aimed to investigate the correlation of ZNF804a and CDK1 expression profiles in RA with the activity and the severity of the disease and to assess their association with inflammatory reactions in the Egyptian RA patients. Methods ZNF804a and CDK1 expression profiles were assessed using quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated. Results ZNF804a expression was down-regulated by 0.177-fold while CDK1 expression was up-regulated to 3.29-fold in RA patients compared with healthy controls (p < .001). ZNF804a down-regulation was negatively correlated with CRP, RF, disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS) using CRP (DAS-CRP) and TNF-α. CDK1 overexpression was correlated with IFN-1 and ACPA in RA patients. Conclusion ZNF804a and CDK1 genes are implicated in RA pathogenesis due to their influences on TNF-α and IFN-1 which contribute to inflammation in RA patients.