Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum Homocysteine Level Is Positively Correlated With Serum Uric Acid Level in U.S. Adolescents: A Cross Sectional Study

Background Physiologically, the levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and serum uric acid (SUA) are closely related; however, clinical studies on the relationship between Hcy and SUA have drawn different conclusions and have not analyzed this association among adolescents. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the relationship between Hcy and SUA levels among adolescents. Methods In this study, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the period 1999–2006, which included 5,404 adolescents aged 12–19 years. An elevated SUA level was defined as ≥5.5 mg/dL. Multivariate logistic regression and multivariate linear regression models were also applied in this study. Results The mean concentrations of Hcy and SUA were 6.0 μmol/L and 5.0 mg/dL, respectively, and 33.6% of the participants had SUA levels of ≥5.5 mg/dL. There was a dose–response relationship between Hcy and SUA, and Hcy was linearly positively correlated with SUA. The β value [95% confidence interval (CI)] for SUA in the fully adjusted model was1.43 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.68). The multivariate logistic regression model showed that per 1 increment in log-transformed Hcy, the risk of elevated SUA levels increased by 8.80 times (odds ratio, 8.80, 95% CI: 4.25, 18.20). Subgroup analyses showed that the relationship between Hcy and SUA was significantly different according to sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) stratification (P for interaction <0.05). Conclusion Hcy levels were positively correlated with SUA levels and elevated SUA levels among U.S. teenagers, and this effect was more significant among boys aged ≥17 years and among people with lower BMI and eGFR.
Response of Fungal Sub-Communities in a Maize-Wheat Rotation Field Subjected to Long-Term Conservation Tillage Management

Conservation tillage is an advanced agricultural technology that seeks to minimize soil disturbance by reducing, or even eliminating tillage. Straw or stubble mulching in conservation tillage systems help to increase crop yield, maintain biodiversity and increase levels of exogenous nutrients, all of which may influence the structure of fungal communities in the soil. Currently, however, the assembly processes and co-occurrence patterns of fungal sub-communities remain unknown. In this paper, we investigated the effects of no-tillage and straw mulching on the composition, assembly process, and co-occurrence patterns of soil fungal sub-communities in a long-term experimental plot (15 years). The results revealed that combine straw mulching with no-tillage significantly increased the richness of fungi but not their diversity. Differential abundance analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that tillage management had a greater effect on the fungal communities of abundant and intermediate taxa than on the rare taxa. Available phosphorus (AP) and total nitrogen (TN) were the major determinants of fungal sub-communities in NT treatment. The abundant fungal sub-communities were assembled by deterministic processes under medium strength selection, while strong conservation tillage strength shifts the abundant sub-community assembly process from deterministic to stochastic. Overall, the investigation of the ecological network indicated that no-tillage and straw mulching practices decreased the complexity of the abundant and intermediate fungal networks, while not significantly influencing rare fungal networks. These findings refine our knowledge of the response of fungal sub-communities to conservation tillage management techniques and provide new insights into understanding fungal sub-community assembly.
A Minimal Model Shows that a Positive Feedback Loop Between sNHE and SLO3 can Control Mouse Sperm Capacitation

When mammalian spermatozoa are released in the female reproductive tract, they are incapable of fertilizing the oocyte. They need a prolonged exposure to the alkaline medium of the female genital tract before their flagellum gets hyperactivated and the acrosome reaction can take place, allowing the sperm to interact with the oocyte. Ionic fluxes across the sperm membrane are involved in two essential aspects of capacitation: the increase in intracellular pH and the membrane hyperpolarization. In particular, it has been shown that the SLO3 potassium channel and the sNHE sodium-proton exchanger, two sperm-specific transmembrane proteins, are necessary for the capacitation process to occur. As the SLO3 channel is activated by an increase in intracellular pH and sNHE is activated by hyperpolarization, they act together as a positive feedback system. Mathematical modeling provides a unique tool to capture the essence of a molecular mechanism and can be used to derive insight from the existing data. We have therefore developed a theoretical model formalizing the positive feedback loop between SLO3 and sHNE in mouse epididymal sperm to see if this non-linear interaction can provide the core mechanism explaining the existence of uncapacited and capacitated states. We show that the proposed model can fully explain the switch between the uncapacitated and capacited states and also predicts the existence of a bistable behaviour. Furthermore, our model indicates that SLO3 inhibition, above a certain threshold, can be effective to completely abolish capacitation.
Dietary Supplements as a Major Cause of Anti-doping Rule Violations

Dietary supplements encompass a large heterogenic group of products with a wide range of ingredients and declared effects used by athletes for a multitude of reasons. The high prevalence of use across all sports and level of competition, combined with the well-documented risks of such products containing prohibited substances have led to several doping cases globally. Despite being a considerable concern and persistent focus of sport organizations and anti-doping agencies, the magnitude of anti-doping rule violations associated with supplement use is not well-known. This study examines 18-years of doping controls of a national anti-doping program to determine the relationship between the presence of prohibited substances in athlete's doping samples and the use of dietary supplements. In 26% (n = 49) of all the analytical anti-doping rule violation cases in the period 2003–2020 (n = 192), the athlete claimed that a dietary supplement was the source of the prohibited substance causing an adverse analytical finding. Evidence supporting this claim was found in about half of these cases (n = 27, i.e., 14% of all analytical ADRV's). Stimulants were the most prevalent substance group linked to supplements (n = 24), of which methylhexanamine was associated with 16 cases. High risk products were predominantly multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (n = 20) and fat-burning products (n = 4). Anti-doping organizations should develop strategies on how to assist athletes to assess the need, assess the risk and assess the consequences of using various dietary supplements.
The Obese Brain: Mechanisms of Systemic and Local Inflammation, and Interventions to Reverse the Cognitive Deficit

Overweight and obesity are now considered a worldwide pandemic and a growing public health problem with severe economic and social consequences. Adipose tissue is an organ with neuroimmune-endocrine functions, which participates in homeostasis. So, adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia induce a state of chronic inflammation that causes changes in the brain and induce neuroinflammation. Studies with obese animal models and obese patients have shown a relationship between diet and cognitive decline, especially working memory and learning deficiencies. Here we analyze how obesity-related peripheral inflammation can affect central nervous system physiology, generating neuroinflammation. Given that the blood-brain barrier is an interface between the periphery and the central nervous system, its altered physiology in obesity may mediate the consequences on various cognitive processes. Finally, several interventions, and the use of natural compounds and exercise to prevent the adverse effects of obesity in the brain are also discussed.
Rediscovering Teaching in University: A Scoping Review of Teacher Effectiveness in Higher Education

Although teacher effectiveness plays a critical role in the learning process, little is known about its conceptualization and assessment, particularly in higher education (HE). This review aims to fill this gap by (a) listing the literature on teacher effectiveness, (b) identifying the instruments that have been used to assess teacher effectiveness (HE), and (c) highlighting the most effective teaching approaches based on the relevant literature. The selection process considered studies published since 1990 and conducted in higher education contexts with students. The research articles measured instructional processes and faculty effectiveness in terms of student outcomes, focusing on student achievement and student satisfaction. In reviewing the international research, special attention was paid to Southeastern Europe and Greece in particular. After a thorough review, the analysis revealed 26 studies. The results show that there is no universal definition of effective higher education teaching. Effective teaching may manifest itself in high scores on student performance assessments or in rewarding classroom interactions. Based on this principle, the way teacher effectiveness is defined is closely linked to proposed solutions in educational policy. Furthermore, research has shown that student-centered teaching styles are perceived by students as more effective, engaging, and performance-enhancing. However, several studies have not clarified why different teachers use different teaching styles in similar contexts. This review represents a step forward in our understanding of teacher effectiveness in HE. Nonetheless, effective teaching strategies could be better conceptualized through future research aimed at assessing the contextual nature of teaching along with student perceptions of effectiveness and expectations for an effective classroom climate.
Local Innate Markers and Vaginal Microbiota Composition Are Influenced by Hormonal Cycle Phases

Background The female reproductive tract (FRT) mucosa is the first line of defense against sexually transmitted infection (STI). FRT environmental factors, including immune-cell composition and the vaginal microbiota, interact with each other to modulate susceptibility to STIs. Moreover, the menstrual cycle induces important modifications within the FRT mucosa. Cynomolgus macaques are used as a model for the pathogenesis and prophylaxis of STIs. In addition, their menstrual cycle and FRT morphology are similar to women. The cynomolgus macaque vaginal microbiota is highly diverse and similar to dysbiotic vaginal microbiota observed in women. However, the impact of the menstrual cycle on immune markers and the vaginal microbiota in female cynomolgus macaques is unknown. We conducted a longitudinal study covering three menstrual cycles in cynomolgus macaques. The evolution of the composition of the vaginal microbiota and inflammation (cytokine/chemokine profile and neutrophil phenotype) in the FRT and blood was determined throughout the menstrual cycle. Results Cervicovaginal cytokine/chemokine concentrations were affected by the menstrual cycle, with a peak of production during menstruation. We observed three main cervicovaginal neutrophil subpopulations: CD11bhigh CD101+ CD10+ CD32a+, CD11bhigh CD101+ CD10- CD32a+, and CD11blow CD101low CD10- CD32a-, of which the proportion varied during the menstrual cycle. During menstruation, there was an increase in the CD11bhigh CD101+ CD10+ CD32a+ subset of neutrophils, which expressed higher levels of CD62L. Various bacterial taxa in the vaginal microbiota showed differential abundance depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. Compilation of the factors that vary according to hormonal phase showed the clustering of samples collected during menstruation, characterized by a high concentration of cytokines and an elevated abundance of the CD11bhigh CD101+ CD10+ CD32a+ CD62L+ neutrophil subpopulation. Conclusions We show a significant impact of menstruation on the local environment (cytokine production, neutrophil phenotype, and vaginal microbiota composition) in female cynomolgus macaques. Menstruation triggers increased production of cytokines, shift of the vaginal microbiota composition and the recruitment of mature/activated neutrophils from the blood to the FRT. These results support the need to monitor the menstrual cycle and a longitudinal sampling schedule for further studies in female animals and/or women focusing on the mucosal FRT environment.
Does Renewable Energy Matter to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals? The Impact of Renewable Energy Strategies on Sustainable Economic Growth

The influences of renewable and conventional energy consumption on ecological sustainability remain unclear because of the dynamic economic and innovative framework. This investigation gives a new perception by exploring the association between the production of various sources of renewable energies (e.g., hydroelectric, wind, solar PV, geothermal, and biomass power) and economic growth encapsulating capital, government spending, and trade openness. This research used a heterogeneous approach for panel data and second generational tools for econometrics, which allow for cross-sectional reliance and slope heterogeneity. This study has revealed the substantial reason to back up the feedback assumptions between renewable energy sources and economic growth, using the Dumitrescu and Hurlin analysis. In terms of policy, this empirical analysis suggests enacting impactful policies that encourage green power and economic reform in an attempt to lessen CO2 concentrations in the biosphere.
Predictive Value of Heart Rate and Blood Pressure on the Prognosis of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome in Children

Background To investigate the predictive value of heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) on the prognosis of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in children. Materials and Methods 53 cases of children aged 5 to 15 years who visited in the Pediatric Syncope Specialist Clinic of The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University for unexplained syncope or syncope precursor were diagnosed with POTS by head-up tilt test (HUTT) as the POTS group. 38 healthy children aged 5 to 16 years who underwent physical examination at the Child Health Care Clinic of the hospital in the same period were matched as controls (control group). The children with POTS were followed up after 3 months of treatment and were divided into good prognosis group (40 cases) and poor prognosis group (13 cases) according to the results of HUTT re-examination and whether the symptoms improved or not. HR and BP indicators were collected from each group at baseline and during HUTT. Results There were 91 research subjects, of which 45 are males, with a mean age of 11.52 ± 2.13 years. (1) HR at 5 and 10 min (HR 5 and HR 10, respectively), HR difference at 5 and 10 min (HRD 5 and HRD 10, respectively), and HR and BP product at 5 and 10 min (RPP 5 and RPP 10, respectively) were greater in the POTS group than in the control group (P < 0.01). (2) HR 5, HR 10, HRD 5, HRD 10, and RPP 10 in children with POTS were smaller in the good prognosis group than the poor prognosis group (P < 0.01). (3) The area under curve was 0.925 on the four combined indicators (HR 5, HR 10, HRD 5, and HRD 10), predicting a good prognosis of POTS, sensitivity of 99.99%, and specificity of 75.00%. Conclusions HR 5, HR 10, HRD 5, HRD 10, and RPP 10 and the four combined indicators (HR 5, HR 10, HRD 5, and HRD 10) had predictive value for the POTS prognosis in children. The predictive value of the four combined indicators for the POTS prognosis was better than that of the single HR 5, HRD 5, and RPP 10.
Combining EGFR-TKI With SAHA Overcomes EGFR-TKI-Acquired Resistance by Reducing the Protective Autophagy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Nowadays, lung cancer has the highest mortality worldwide. The emergence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has greatly improved the survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) having EGFR-TKI-sensitive mutations. Unfortunately, acquired resistance happens for most patients. In the present research, we found that EGFR-TKIs (such as gefitinib and osimertinib) can induce autophagy in NSCLC cell lines. Compared with parental sensitive cells, drug-resistant cells have higher autophagy activity. The use of an autophagy inhibitor could enhance the toxicity of gefitinib and osimertinib, which indicates that the enhancement of protective autophagy might be one of the mechanisms of EGFR-TKI resistance in NSCLC. In addition, increased autophagy activity is associated with decreased enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) expression. Knockdown of EZH2 or EZH2 inhibitor treatment could lead to increased autophagy in NSCLC cells, indicating that EZH2 is a negative regulator of autophagy. We revealed that the increase in autophagy caused by the reduction of EZH2 was reversed in vitro and in vivo when combining gefitinib or osimertinib with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a broad-spectrum histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi). In conclusion, our results indicated that the combination of EGFR-TKIs and SAHA may be a new strategy to overcome EGFR-TKIs acquired resistance.
Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mini Review

This mini review explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent sexual and reproductive health. We conducted a rapid review of the literature across three databases, with a particular focus on the African continent. Few studies have specifically focused on adolescents in Africa and this paper contributes to this paucity of research. Findings revealed the unintended consequences of the pandemic. Studies across several countries showed that the respective lockdown measures restricted adolescents' access to sexual and reproductive health services. The literature also showed increases in adolescent pregnancies during the lockdown, along with increases in reports of sexual violence against adolescents. We conclude this paper by offering recommendations to address these unintended consequences and potentially improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health in African communities.
Development and Co-design of NeuroOrb: A Novel “Serious Gaming” System Targeting Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease

Whilst Parkinson’s disease (PD) is typically thought of as a motor disease, a significant number of individuals also experience cognitive impairment (CI), ranging from mild-CI to dementia. One technique that may prove effective in delaying the onset of CI in PD is cognitive training (CT); however, evidence to date is variable. This may be due to the implementation of CT in this population, with the motor impairments of PD potentially hampering the ability to use standard equipment, such as pen-and-paper or a computer mouse. This may, in turn, promote negative attitudes toward the CT paradigm, which may correlate with poorer outcomes. Consequently, optimizing a system for the delivery of CT in the PD population may improve the accessibility of and engagement with the CT paradigm, subsequently leading to better outcomes. To achieve this, the NeuroOrb Gaming System was designed, coupling a novel accessible controller, specifically developed for use with people with motor impairments, with a “Serious Games” software suite, custom-designed to target the cognitive domains typically affected in PD. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the usability of the NeuroOrb through a reiterative co-design process, in order to optimize the system for future use in clinical trials of CT in individuals with PD. Individuals with PD (n = 13; mean age = 68.15 years; mean disease duration = 8 years) were recruited from the community and participated in three co-design loops. After implementation of key stakeholder feedback to make significant modifications to the system, system usability was improved and participant attitudes toward the NeuroOrb were very positive. Taken together, this provides rationale for moving forward with a future clinical trial investigating the utility of the NeuroOrb as a tool to deliver CT in PD.
Electrical Energy Storage From First Principles

Dielectric capacitors are particularly suitable to store the electrical energy of a fast-changing nature. Here, we present a review of recent applications of first principles and first-principles-based effective Hamiltonian approaches to the study of energy storage in ferroelectrics, lead-free antiferroelectrics, relaxor ferroelectrics, and nitride semiconductors. Specifically, these approaches are used to investigate the energy density and efficiency in perovskite BaTiO3, PbTiO3, and KNbO3 ferroelectrics; Bi1−x R x FeO3 antiferroelectric solid solutions (where R is a rare-earth ion); Ba(Zr,Ti)O3 relaxor ferroelectrics; and epitaxial AlN/ScN superlattices. Ultrahigh energy densities and efficiencies are predicted in some of these compounds. In addition, phenomenological models are used to analyze and understand these energy storage results. Consequently, the numerical methods and simple models detailed here can be easily employed to design novel nonlinear dielectrics with further enhanced energy storage performance.
Emergence of Extreme Paw Accelerations During Cat Paw Shaking: Interactions of Spinal Central Pattern Generator, Hindlimb Mechanics and Muscle Length-Depended Feedback

Cat paw shaking is a spinal reflex for removing an irritating stimulus from paw by developing extremely high paw accelerations. Previous studies of paw shaking revealed a proximal-to-distal gradient of hindlimb segmental velocities/accelerations, as well as complex inter-joint coordination: passive motion-dependent interaction moments acting on distal segments are opposed by distal muscle moments. However, mechanisms of developing extreme paw accelerations during paw shaking remain unknown. We hypothesized that paw-shaking mechanics and muscle activity might correspond to a whip-like mechanism of energy generation and transfer along the hindlimb. We first demonstrated in experiments with five intact, adult, female cats that during paw shaking, energy generated by proximal muscle moments was transmitted to distal segments by joint forces. This energy transfer was mostly responsible for the segmental velocity/acceleration proximal-to-distal gradient. Distal muscle moments mostly absorbed energy of the distal segments. We then developed a neuromechanical model of hindlimb paw shaking comprised a half-center CPG, activating hip flexors and extensors, and passive viscoelastic distal muscles that produced length/velocity-depended force. Simulations reproduced whip-like mechanisms found experimentally: the proximal-to-distal velocity/acceleration gradient, energy transfer by joint forces and energy absorption by distal muscle moments, as well as atypical co-activation of ankle and hip flexors with knee extensors. Manipulating model parameters, including reversal of segmental inertia distal-to-proximal gradient, demonstrated important inertia contribution to developing the segmental velocity/acceleration proximal-to-distal gradient. We concluded that extreme paw accelerations during paw shaking result from interactions between a spinal CPG, hindlimb segmental inertia, and muscle length/velocity-depended feedback that tunes limb viscoelastic properties.