Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Signaling in Mammalian Hearing

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a peptide hormone belonging to the insulin family of proteins. Almost all of the biological effects of IGF-1 are mediated through binding to its high-affinity tyrosine kinase receptor (IGF1R), a transmembrane receptor belonging to the insulin receptor family. Factors, receptors and IGF-binding proteins form the IGF system, which has multiple roles in mammalian development, adult tissue homeostasis, and aging. Consequently, mutations in genes of the IGF system, including downstream intracellular targets, underlie multiple common pathologies and are associated with multiple rare human diseases. Here we review the contribution of the IGF system to our understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of human hearing loss by describing, (i) the expression patterns of the IGF system in the mammalian inner ear; (ii) downstream signaling of IGF-1 in the hearing organ; (iii) mouse mutations in the IGF system, including upstream regulators and downstream targets of IGF-1 that inform cochlear pathophysiology; and (iv) human mutations in these genes causing hearing loss.
Antiviral Properties of Polyphenols from Plants

Polyphenols are active substances against various types of viral infections. Researchers have characterized methods of how to isolate polyphenols without losing their potential to formulate pharmaceutical products. Researchers have also described mechanisms against common viral infections (i.e., influenza, herpes, hepatitis, rotavirus, coronavirus). Particular compounds have been discussed together with the plants in the biomass in which they occur. Quercetin, gallic acid and epigallocatechin are exemplary compounds that inhibit the growth cycle of viruses. Special attention has been paid to identify plants and polyphenols that can be efficient against coronavirus infections. It has been proven that polyphenols present in the diet and in pharmaceuticals protect us from viral infections and, in case of infection, support the healing process by various mechanisms, i.e., they block the entry into the host cells, inhibit the multiplication of the virus, seal blood vessels and protect against superinfection.
Telehealth-Based Family Conferences with Implementation of Shared Decision Making Concepts and Humanistic Communication Approach: A Mixed-Methods Prospective Cohort Study

Smartphone-enabled, telehealth-based family conferences represent an attractive and safe alternative to deliver communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some may fear that the therapeutic relationship might be filtered due to a lack of direct human contact. The study aims to explore whether shared decision-making model combining VALUE (Value family statements, Acknowledge emotions, Listen, Understand the patient as a person, Elicit questions) and PLACE (Prepare with intention, Listen intently and completely, Agree on what matters most, Connect with the patient’s story, Explore emotional cues) framework can help physicians respond empathetically to emotional cues and foster human connectedness in a virtual context. Twenty-five virtual family conferences were conducted in a national medical center in Taiwan. The expression of verbal emotional distress was noted in 20% of patients and 20% of family members, while nonverbal distress was observed in 24% and 28%, respectively. On 10-point Likert scale, the satisfaction score was 8.7 ± 1.5 toward overall communication and 9.0 ± 1.1 on meeting the family’s needs. Adopting SDM concepts with VALUE and PLACE approaches helps physicians foster connectedness in telehealth family conferences. The model has high participant satisfaction scores and may improve healthcare quality among the pandemic.
Kombucha Tea—A Double Power of Bioactive Compounds from Tea and Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeasts (SCOBY)

Kombucha is a low alcoholic beverage with high content of bioactive compounds derived from plant material (tea, juices, herb extracts) and metabolic activity of microorganisms (acetic acid bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts). Currently, it attracts an increasing number of consumers due to its health-promoting properties. This review focuses on aspects significantly affecting the bioactive compound content and biological activities of Kombucha tea. The literature review shows that the drink is characterized by a high content of bioactive compounds, strong antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Factors that substantially affect these activities are the tea type and its brewing parameters, the composition of the SCOBY, as well as the fermentation parameters. On the other hand, Kombucha fermentation is characterized by many unknowns, which result, inter alia, from different methods of tea extraction, diverse, often undefined compositions of microorganisms used in the fermentation, as well as the lack of clearly defined effects of microorganisms on bioactive compounds contained in tea, and therefore the health-promoting properties of the final product. The article indicates the shortcomings in the current research in the field of Kombucha, as well as future perspectives on improving the health-promoting activities of this fermented drink.
PCNA Ubiquitylation: Instructive or Permissive to DNA Damage Tolerance Pathways?

DNA lesions escaping from repair often block the DNA replicative polymerases required for DNA replication and are handled during the S/G2 phases by the DNA damage tolerance (DDT) mechanisms, which include the error-prone translesion synthesis (TLS) and the error-free template switching (TS) pathways. Where the mono-ubiquitylation of PCNA K164 is critical for TLS, the poly-ubiquitylation of the same residue is obligatory for TS. However, it is not known how cells divide the labor between TLS and TS. Due to the fact that the type of DNA lesion significantly influences the TLS and TS choice, we propose that, instead of altering the ratio between the mono- and poly-Ub forms of PCNA, the competition between TLS and TS would automatically determine the selection between the two pathways. Future studies, especially the single integrated lesion “i-Damage” system, would elucidate detailed mechanisms governing the choices of specific DDT pathways.
Feeding practices and early weaning in the neonatal period: a cohort study

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe feeding practices and the risk factors for the mixed breastfeeding and early weaning in the neonatal period. METHODS Cohort study, which we collected socioeconomic, demographic, health care and feeding data from 415 mother/child binomials born in four public maternity hospitals in Natal/Brazil. They were followed-up at 48 hours, 7 and 28 days after birth. The association was established using Pearson’s Chi-square test and Poisson’s regression, after adjusting it to other variables. RESULTS The prevalence of mixed breastfeeding in the first 2 days was 47,2% and early weaning in 7 and 28 days was 8,4% and 16,2% in that order. The main reasons for mixed breastfeeding and early weaning were: colostrum deficiency (33.8%), difficulty in latching/sucking (23.5%) and “little milk” (70.0%). The use of formula/milk/porridge remained associated with maternal age ≤ 20 years (RR = 0.64; 95%CI: 0.47–0.86), age 20–29 years (RR = 0,70; 95%CI: 0,57–0,87), primiparity (RR = 1.37; 95%CI: 1.11–1.60) and cesarean delivery (RR = 1.20; 95%CI: 1.00–1.45) at 2 days; absence of paternal support (RR = 4.98; 95%CI: 2.54–9.79) and pacifier use (RR = 3.21; 95%CI: 1.63–6.32) at 7 days; and only pacifier use (RR = 2.48; 95%CI: 1.53–4.02) at 28 days. CONCLUSIONS Early weaning was associated with maternal and health care factors, thus suggesting the need to readjust good practices and educational actions to achieve the exclusive offer to the maternal breast in the neonatal period.
Lipid Profiles of RAS Nanoclusters Regulate RAS Function

The lipid-anchored RAS (Rat sarcoma) small GTPases (guanosine triphosphate hydrolases) are highly prevalent in human cancer. Traditional strategies of targeting the enzymatic activities of RAS have been shown to be difficult. Alternatively, RAS function and pathology are mostly restricted to nanoclusters on the plasma membrane (PM). Lipids are important structural components of these signaling platforms on the PM. However, how RAS nanoclusters selectively enrich distinct lipids in the PM, how different lipids contribute to RAS signaling and oncogenesis and whether the selective lipid sorting of RAS nanoclusters can be targeted have not been well-understood. Latest advances in quantitative super-resolution imaging and molecular dynamic simulations have allowed detailed characterization RAS/lipid interactions. In this review, we discuss the latest findings on the select lipid composition (with headgroup and acyl chain specificities) within RAS nanoclusters, the specific mechanisms for the select lipid sorting of RAS nanoclusters on the PM and how perturbing lipid compositions within RAS nanoclusters impacts RAS function and pathology. We also describe different strategies of manipulating lipid composition within RAS nanoclusters on the PM.
Diets with Higher ω-6/ω-3 Ratios Show Differences in Ceramides and Fatty Acid Levels Accompanied by Increased Amyloid-Beta in the Brains of Male APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice

Senile plaque formation as a consequence of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) aggregation constitutes one of the main hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This pathology is characterized by synaptic alterations and cognitive impairment. In order to either prevent or revert it, different therapeutic approaches have been proposed, and some of them are focused on diet modification. Modification of the ω-6/ω-3 fatty acids (FA) ratio in diets has been proven to affect Aβ production and senile plaque formation in the hippocampus and cortex of female transgenic (TG) mice. In these diets, linoleic acid is the main contribution of ω-6 FA, whereas alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) are the contributors of ω-3 FA. In the present work, we have explored the effect of ω-6/ω-3 ratio modifications in the diets of male double-transgenic APPswe/PS1ΔE9 (AD model) and wild-type mice (WT). Amyloid burden in the hippocampus increased in parallel with the increase in dietary ω-6/ω-3 ratio in TG male mice. In addition, there was a modification in the brain lipid profile proportional to the ω-6/ω-3 ratio of the diet. In particular, the higher the ω-6/ω-3 ratio, the lower the ceramides and higher the FAs, particularly docosatetraenoic acid. Modifications to the cortex lipid profile was mostly similar between TG and WT mice, except for gangliosides (higher levels in TG mice) and some ceramide species (lower levels in TG mice).
Expression of CD38 in Mast Cells: Cytological and Histotopographic Features

The biological significance of the CD38 molecule goes beyond metabolic, enzymatic, and proliferative functions. CD38 possesses the functions of an exoenzyme and receptor, and is actively involved in the mechanisms of adhesion, migration, intercellular signaling, formation of immune synapses, and modulation of the activity of a wide range of immune and non-immune cells. The aim of this study was the immunohistochemical assessment of the cytological and histotopographic characteristics of CD38 expression in mast cells. CD38 expression was found in a minority of the mast cell population. It is characterized by wide variability from low to high levels. The intensity of CD38 expression in mast cells has organ-specific features and depends on the development of pathological processes in a specific tissue microenvironment. The mechanisms of intercellular interaction between mast cells and CD38+ cells foster new understanding of the protumorigenic or antitumor potential of tryptase.
Gut Microbiota-Related Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in the Progression of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common and increasing liver diseases worldwide. NAFLD is a term that involves a variety of conditions such as fatty liver, steatohepatitis, or fibrosis. Gut microbiota and its products have been extensively studied because of a close relation between NAFLD and microbiota in pathogenesis. In the progression of NAFLD, various microbiota-related molecular and cellular mechanisms, including dysbiosis, leaky bowel, endotoxin, bile acids enterohepatic circulation, metabolites, or alcohol-producing microbiota, are involved. Currently, diagnosis and treatment techniques using these mechanisms are being developed. In this review, we will introduce the microbiota-related mechanisms in the progression of NAFLD and future directions will be discussed.
A New Strategy for Rapid Diagnosis of the Source of Low Back Pain in Patients Scheduled to Undergo Treatment with Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a new strategy for rapid diagnosis of the source of low back pain (LBP) for treatment with cooled radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Materials: Patients suffering from facet joint (FJ) or sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain for more than 3 months were included. Two methods, Technetium Tc99m methylene diphosphonate single photon emission tomography/computed tomography (99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT) and a modified Fortin finger test were used to identify the source of LBP for treatment with cooled RFA. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to assess the patients’ pain levels and disabilities respectively. These two measures were recorded at baseline and 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up visits. Results: A total of 40 patients with LBP were included in this study. Our results demonstrated that the patients with LBP identified by our new strategy had significant improvements in VAS or ODI score at 1-week to 6-month follow-up visits (p < 0.001) after receiving cooled RFA. Similar results were also found in patients with FJ pain and those with FJ and SIJ pain respectively. Among all the patients, over 70% had greater than or equal to 50% reduction in VAS and ODI scores. No serious adverse events were observed after treatment. Conclusions: This new strategy could be successfully adopted for rapid diagnosis of the source of comprehensive LBP.
Association of BMI, Physical Activity with Academic Performance among Female Students of Health Colleges of King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia

Body mass index (BMI) is an indicator to detect weight category and known to influence the academic achievements of students. The present study assesses the association of BMI, physical activity with academic performance among undergraduate female students of health colleges, King Khalid University (KKU). Responses from 379 participants were analyzed in the study. Data collection was done by administering an online questionnaire using the university website portal. The questionnaire consists of two sections: the first section includes demographic information along with cumulative Grade point average (GPA) and another section rated student’s physical activity. A high frequency of respondents (53.6%) ranged within the normal BMI category. For academic performance, the majority (79.9%) of students reported high GPA scores with a mean of 4.28 ± 0.41. Upon correlation, academic performance was found negatively correlated with BMI at 0.0001 level of significance, and insignificantly correlated with physical activity. The present study observed that more than half of the respondents had normal BMI. An inverse relationship was observed between BMI and academic performance, showing participants within the normal BMI category achieved significantly higher GPA. In contrast, physical activity directly influenced the academic performance of the subjects. Therefore, the study suggests to enact counselling centers, health clubs in universities urging the students to adopt regular exercise and healthy lifestyle which could prepare them in achieving future endeavors.
Designing Acceptable Robots for Assisting Older Adults: A Pilot Study on the Willingness to Interact

The aim of this paper was to explore the psychosocial determinants that lead to acceptability and willingness to interact with a service robot, starting with an analysis of older users’ behaviors toward the Robot-Era platform, in order to provide strategies for the promotion of social assistive robotics. A mixed-method approach was used to collect information on acceptability, usability, and human–robot interaction, by analyzing nonverbal behaviors, emotional expressions, and verbal communication. The study involved 35 older adults. Twenty-two were women and thirteen were men, aged 73.8 (±6) years old. Video interaction analysis was conducted to capture the users’ gestures, statements, and expressions. A coded scheme was designed on the basis of the literature in the field. Percentages of time and frequency of the selected events are reported. The statements of the users were collected and analyzed. The results of the behavioral analysis reveal a largely positive attitude, inferred from nonverbal clues and nonverbal emotional expressions. The results highlight the need to provide robotic solutions that respect the tasks they offer to the users It is necessary to give older consumers dedicated training in technological literacy to guarantee proper, long-lasting, and successful use.
Stimulus-Response Conflict Tasks and Their Use in Clinical Psychology

This article reviews the historical usage of the concept of ‘conflict’ in psychology and delineates the design and development of three basic conflict tasks (Stroop, Flanker, Stop Signal). Afterwards, important theoretical concepts to account for conflict processing are introduced. In the second part, the usage of these tasks in clinical psychology is considered. The article closes with some reflections regarding factors that may have been hitherto largely neglected in this respect.
RICTOR Affects Melanoma Tumorigenesis and Its Resistance to Targeted Therapy

The network defined by phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), AKT, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a major role in melanoma oncogenesis and has been implicated in BRAF inhibitor resistance. The central role of RICTOR (rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR) in this pathway has only recently begun to be unraveled. In the present study, we assessed the role of mTORC2/RICTOR in BRAF-mutated melanomas and their resistance to BRAF inhibition. We showed that RICTOR was significantly overexpressed in melanoma and associated with bad prognoses. RICTOR overexpression stimulated melanoma-initiating cells (MICs) with ‘stemness’ properties. We also showed that RICTOR contributed to melanoma resistance to BRAF inhibitors and rendered the cells very sensitive to mTORC2 inhibition. We highlighted a connection between mTORC2/RICTOR and STAT3 in resistant cells and revealed an interaction between RAS and RICTOR in resistant melanoma, which, when disrupted, impeded the proliferation of resistant cells. Therefore, as a key signaling node, RICTOR contributes to BRAF-dependent melanoma development and resistance to therapy and, as such, is a valuable therapeutic target in melanoma.
Live Birth Rates after Active Immunization with Partner Lymphocytes

Although many potential causes have been established for recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent miscarriage (RM), about 50% of these remain idiopathic. Scientific research is focused on immunological risk factors. In the present study, we aim to evaluate live birth rates after immunization with paternal lymphocytes (lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT)). This retrospective study consisted of 148 couples with a history of RM and/or RIF. The women underwent immunization with lymphocytes of their respective partners from November 2017 to August 2019. Fifty-five patients (43%) had live births. Stratified by indication (RM, RIF, combined), live birth rates in the RM and the combined group were significantly higher than that in the RIF group (53%, 59% and 33%, respectively, p = 0.02). The difference was especially noticeable during the first 90 days after immunization (conception rate leading to live births: 31%, 23% and 8% for RM, the combined group and RIF, respectively; p = 0.005), while there was no difference between groups during the later follow-up. LIT was associated with high live birth rates, especially in women with recurrent miscarriage. In view of the limited data from randomized studies, LIT cannot be recommended as routine therapy. However, it may be considered in individual cases.
Genomic Consideration in Chemotherapy-Induced Ovarian Damage and Fertility Preservation

Chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage and fertility preservation in young patients with cancer are emerging disciplines. The mechanism of treatment-related gonadal damage provides important information for targeting prevention methods. The genomic aspects of ovarian damage after chemotherapy are not fully understood. Several studies have demonstrated that gene alterations related to follicular apoptosis or accelerated follicle activation are related to ovarian insufficiency and susceptibility to ovarian damage following chemotherapy. This may accelerate follicular apoptosis and follicle reservoir utilization and damage the ovarian stroma via multiple molecular reactions after chemotherapy. This review highlights the importance of genomic considerations in chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage and multidisciplinary oncofertility strategies for providing high-quality care to young female cancer patients.
Equity Market Description under High and Low Volatility Regimes Using Maximum Entropy Pairwise Distribution

The financial market is a complex system in which the assets influence each other, causing, among other factors, price interactions and co-movement of returns. Using the Maximum Entropy Principle approach, we analyze the interactions between a selected set of stock assets and equity indices under different high and low return volatility episodes at the 2008 Subprime Crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak. We carry out an inference process to identify the interactions, in which we implement the a pairwise Ising distribution model describing the first and second moments of the distribution of the discretized returns of each asset. Our results indicate that second-order interactions explain more than 80% of the entropy in the system during the Subprime Crisis and slightly higher than 50% during the COVID-19 outbreak independently of the period of high or low volatility analyzed. The evidence shows that during these periods, slight changes in the second-order interactions are enough to induce large changes in assets correlations but the proportion of positive and negative interactions remains virtually unchanged. Although some interactions change signs, the proportion of these changes are the same period to period, which keeps the system in a ferromagnetic state. These results are similar even when analyzing triadic structures in the signed network of couplings.