Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of evoked cutaneous afferents on voluntary reaching movement in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Objective. Resting tremor may compound the effects of bradykinesia to further prolong the initiation of voluntary movement in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the interaction between resting tremor and voluntary movements in these PD patients has not been well understood. Recently, we demonstrated that cutaneous afferents evoked by surface stimulation of superficial radial nerve can inhibit resting tremor effectively. The inhibition appears to take effect via spinal interneuronal pathways. This study evaluates how evoked cutaneous afferents would impact the performance of voluntary movements in PD subjects when tremor is inhibited. Approach. Ten PD patients with tremor and eight age-matched control subjects were recruited to participate in this study. Both groups of subjects performed fast reaching movements, while cutaneous stimulation was delivered during reaching tasks on or off randomly. Kinematic performance, such as reaction time (RT), movement time (MT), and movement variability, as well as muscle synergy of tasks were evaluated and compared to assess the impact of evoked cutaneous afferents on movement performances. Main results. Results indicated that the cutaneous stimulation significantly reduced RT in PD patients by 17.7%; but had an insignificant effect on RT in control subjects. Cutaneous stimulation, however, caused a significantly longer MT both in control subjects (8.6%) and in PD subjects (15.7%). Movement variability was not significantly altered in both groups of subjects by the cutaneous stimulation. Muscle synergy analysis revealed that cutaneous stimulation affected the power spectral densities (PSD) of time profiles of muscle synergies more significantly than the vector patterns of synergies in both control subjects and PD subjects. Significance. These findings provide evidence that tremor increases the RT of voluntary motor control in PD patients, and demonstrate that cutaneous stimulation reduces the RT of voluntary movements significantly, in addition to suppressing tremor, yet without interrupting voluntary control of movements.
Physiological levels of chromogranin A prevent doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity without impairing its anticancer activity

The clinical use of doxorubicin (Doxo), a widely used anticancer chemotherapeutic drug, is limited by dose‐dependent cardiotoxicity. We have investigated whether chromogranin A (CgA), a cardioregulatory protein released in the blood by the neuroendocrine system and by the heart itself, may contribute to regulation of the cardiotoxic and antitumor activities of Doxo. The effects of a physiologic dose of full‐length recombinant CgA on Doxo‐induced cardiotoxicity and antitumor activity were investigated in rats using in vivo and ex vivo models and in murine models of melanoma, fibrosarcoma, lymphoma, and lung cancer, respectively. The effect of Doxo on circulating levels of CgA was also investigated. In vivo and ex vivo mechanistic studies showed that CgA can prevent Doxo‐induced heart inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, fibrosis, and ischemic injury. On the other hand, CgA did not impair the anticancer activity of Doxo in all the murine models investigated. Furthermore, we observed that Doxo can reduce the intracardiac expression and release of CgA in the blood (i.e., an important cardioprotective agent). These findings suggest that administration of low‐dose CgA to patients with low levels of endogenous CgA might represent a novel approach to prevent Doxo‐induced adverse events without impairing antitumor effects. —Rocca, C. , Scavello, F. , Colombo, B. , Gasparri, A. M. , Dallatomasina, A. , Granieri, M. C. , Amelio, D. , Pasqua, T. , Cerra, M. C. , Tota, B. , Corti, A. , Angelone, T. Physiological levels of chromogranin A prevent doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity without impairing its anticancer activity. FASEB J. 33, 7734–7747 (2019). www.fasebj. org
Asynchronous Event-Based Motion Processing: From Visual Events to Probabilistic Sensory Representation

In this work, we propose a two-layered descriptive model for motion processing from retina to the cortex, with an event-based input from the asynchronous time-based image sensor (ATIS) camera. Spatial and spatiotemporal filtering of visual scenes by motion energy detectors has been implemented in two steps in a simple layer of a lateral geniculate nucleus model and a set of three-dimensional Gabor kernels, eventually forming a probabilistic population response. The high temporal resolution of independent and asynchronous local sensory pixels from the ATIS provides a realistic stimulation to study biological motion processing, as well as developing bio-inspired motion processors for computer vision applications. Our study combines two significant theories in neuroscience: event-based stimulation and probabilistic sensory representation. We have modeled how this might be done at the vision level, as well as suggesting this framework as a generic computational principle among different sensory modalities.
Intrinsically cell-penetrating multivalent and multitargeting ligands for myotonic dystrophy type 1

Significance Multivalent ligands have tremendous potential as therapeutic agents; however, their efficacy is limited by delivery issues, poor cell permeability, and toxicity. We report here a strategy wherein multivalent ligands are designed to be intrinsically cell-penetrating, allowing them to target the expanded trinucleotide repeat sequences of DNA and RNA that cause myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). The multivalent ligand studied shows cell permeability and low toxicity both in cells and in mice. Importantly, the ligand reduced or eliminated DM1 defects in DM1 cells and in vivo, validating the multivalent strategy. The approach should be broadly applicable to other repeat expansion diseases and to any multivalent oligomeric therapeutic agent whose activity can accommodate structural elements that mimic cell-penetrating peptides. Developing highly active, multivalent ligands as therapeutic agents is challenging because of delivery issues, limited cell permeability, and toxicity. Here, we report intrinsically cell-penetrating multivalent ligands that target the trinucleotide repeat DNA and RNA in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), interrupting the disease progression in two ways. The oligomeric ligands are designed based on the repetitive structure of the target with recognition moieties alternating with bisamidinium groove binders to provide an amphiphilic and polycationic structure, mimicking cell-penetrating peptides. Multiple biological studies suggested the success of our multivalency strategy. The designed oligomers maintained cell permeability and exhibited no apparent toxicity both in cells and in mice at working concentrations. Furthermore, the oligomers showed important activities in DM1 cells and in a DM1 liver mouse model, reducing or eliminating prominent DM1 features. Phenotypic recovery of the climbing defect in adult DM1 Drosophila was also observed. This design strategy should be applicable to other repeat expansion diseases and more generally to DNA/RNA-targeted therapeutics.
Artificial Intelligence, Heuristic Biases, and the Optimization of Health Outcomes: Cautionary Optimism

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in clinical care offers great promise to improve patient health outcomes and reduce health inequity across patient populations. However, inherent biases in these applications, and the subsequent potential risk of harm can limit current use. Multi-modal workflows designed to minimize these limitations in the development, implementation, and evaluation of ML systems in real-world settings are needed to improve efficacy while reducing bias and the risk of potential harms. Comprehensive consideration of rapidly evolving AI technologies and the inherent risks of bias, the expanding volume and nature of data sources, and the evolving regulatory landscapes, can contribute meaningfully to the development of AI-enhanced clinical decision making and the reduction in health inequity.
PID-based with Odometry for Trajectory Tracking Control on Four-wheel Omnidirectional Covid-19 Aromatherapy Robot

Inhalation therapy is one of the most popular treatments for many pulmonary conditions. The proposed Covid-19 aromatherapy robot is a type of Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) mobile robot that delivers therapeutic vaporized essential oils or drugs needed to prevent or treat Covid-19 infections. It uses four omnidirectional wheels with a controlled speed to possibly move in all directions according to its trajectory. All motors for straight, left, or right directions need to be controlled, or the robot will be off-target. The paper presents omnidirectional four-wheeled robot trajectory tracking control based on PID and odometry. The odometry was used to obtain the robot's position and orientation, creating the global map. PID-based controls are used for three purposes: motor speed control, heading control, and position control. The omnidirectional robot had successfully controlled the movement of its four wheels at low speed on the trajectory tracking with a performance criterion value of 0.1 for the IAEH, 4.0 for MAEH, 0.01 for RMSEH, 0.00 for RMSEXY, and 0.06 for REBS. According to the experiment results, the robot's linear velocity error rate is 2%, with an average test value of 1.3 percent. The robot heading effective error value on all trajectories is 0.6%. The robot's direction can be monitored and be maintained at the planned trajectory. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2021-SPER-13 Full Text: PDF
Cell Biology International

We sought to determine the mechanism by which angiotensin II (ANGII) stimulates NADPH oxidase‐mediated superoxide (O2 ) production in bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (BPASMCs). ANGII‐induced increase in phospholipase D (PLD) and NADPH oxidase activities were inhibited upon pretreatment of the cells with chemical and genetic inhibitors of PLD2, but not PLD1. Immunoblot study revealed that ANGII treatment of the cells markedly increases protein kinase C‐α (PKC‐α), ‐δ, ‐ε, and ‐ζ levels in the cell membrane. Pretreatment of the cells with chemical and genetic inhibitors of PKC‐ζ, but not PKC‐α, ‐δ, and ‐ε, attenuated ANGII‐induced increase in NADPH oxidase activity without a discernible change in PLD activity. Transfection of the cells with p47phox small interfering RNA inhibited ANGII‐induced increase in NADPH oxidase activity without a significant change in PLD activity. Pretreatment of the cells with the chemical and genetic inhibitors of PLD2 and PKC‐ζ inhibited ANGII‐induced p47phox phosphorylation and subsequently translocation from cytosol to the cell membrane, and also inhibited its association with p22phox (a component of membrane‐associated NADPH oxidase). Overall, PLD−PKCζ−p47phox signaling axis plays a crucial role in ANGII‐induced increase in NADPH oxidase‐mediated O2 . − production in the cells.
Noodle consumption is positively associated with incident hypertension in middle-aged and older Korean women

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES This study examined the association between refined grain consumption by subtype and the incidence of hypertension from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study data. SUBJECTS/METHODS In total, 5,018 participants (2,439 men and 2,579 women) from 40 to 69 years without hypertension were recruited at the beginning (2001–2002). Blood pressure and antihypertensive medication use were assessed biennially for the incidence of hypertension during the 8-year follow-up period (2009–2010). Hypertension was diagnosed as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg or antihypertensive medication use. Dietary intake including refined grains was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire at baseline and the follow-up (2005–2006). A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident hypertension according to refined-grain consumption. RESULTS A total of 1,377 cases of hypertension (710 men and 667 women) were newly ascertained. Frequent noodle consumers (≥ 5 servings/week) among the women had a 2.3-fold higher risk of hypertension than infrequent noodle consumers after adjustment for potential confounders (HR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.33–4.01, P for trend = 0.0001). However, no significant association was found among the men. The intake of other refined grain products such as white rice and breads was not associated with the incidence of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Frequent noodle consumption was positively associated with a risk of incident hypertension in South Korean women.
Potential Protective Mechanisms of Ketone Bodies in Migraine Prevention

An increasing amount of evidence suggests that migraines are a response to a cerebral energy deficiency or oxidative stress levels that exceed antioxidant capacity. The ketogenic diet (KD), a diet mimicking fasting that leads to the elevation of ketone bodies (KBs), is a therapeutic intervention targeting cerebral metabolism that has recently shown great promise in the prevention of migraines. KBs are an alternative fuel source for the brain, and are thus likely able to circumvent some of the abnormalities in glucose metabolism and transport found in migraines. Recent research has shown that KBs—D-β-hydroxybutyrate in particular—are more than metabolites. As signalling molecules, they have the potential to positively influence other pathways commonly believed to be part of migraine pathophysiology, namely: mitochondrial functioning, oxidative stress, cerebral excitability, inflammation and the gut microbiome. This review will describe the mechanisms by which the presence of KBs, D-BHB in particular, could influence those migraine pathophysiological mechanisms. To this end, common abnormalities in migraines are summarised with a particular focus on clinical data, including phenotypic, biochemical, genetic and therapeutic studies. Experimental animal data will be discussed to elaborate on the potential therapeutic mechanisms of elevated KBs in migraine pathophysiology, with a particular focus on the actions of D-BHB. In complex diseases such as migraines, a therapy that can target multiple possible pathogenic pathways seems advantageous. Further research is needed to establish whether the absence/restriction of dietary carbohydrates, the presence of KBs, or both, are of primary importance for the migraine protective effects of the KD.
Genome Sequences of Bacteriophages KaiHaiDragon and OneinaGillian, Isolated from Microbacterium foliorum in Riverside, California

KaiHaiDragon and OneinaGillian are two bacteriophages which have been recovered from soil samples using the bacterial host Microbacterium foliorum. Their genome lengths are 52,992 bp and 61,703 bp, with 91 and 104 predicted open reading frames, respectively. ABSTRACT KaiHaiDragon and OneinaGillian are two bacteriophages which have been recovered from soil samples using the bacterial host Microbacterium foliorum. Their genome lengths are 52,992 bp and 61,703 bp, with 91 and 104 predicted open reading frames, respectively. KaiHaiDragon belongs to cluster EC, and OneinaGillian is a member of cluster EG.
Association of High Serum Uric Acid and Increased Arterial Stiffness is Dependent on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Female Population

Abstract An elevated serum uric acid (SUA) level is closely associated with increased arterial stiffness. However, whether this association is independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors is controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether SUA is independently associated with arterial stiffness as assessed by Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and to what extent this association is dependent on cardiovascular risk factors. Increased arterial stiffness was defined as baPWV>1 400 cm/s. Cardiovascular risk factors were defined as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and a BMI≥24.0 kg/m2. A total of 3 342 subjects (1 334 men and 2008 women, mean age 53.79±13.18 years) were included. SUA levels exhibited a graded elevation with an increasing number of cardiovascular risk factors. In female subjects with more than two cardiovascular risk factors, compared with the first quartile of SUA, higher SUA quartiles were associated with a higher probability of increased baPWV (OR=1.500, 1.478, 1.774 for SUA Q2–Q4). In further stratified association analysis, compared with Q1, SUA quartiles showed a graded association with increased baPWV in subjects with TC≥5.2 mmol/l (OR=1.758, 1.942, 2.354 for Q2, Q3, and Q4 respectively), LDL-C≥3.3 mmol/l (OR=1.510, 2.255 for Q3 and Q4) and FBG≥7.0 mmol/l (OR=1.516, 1.748 for Q3 and Q4). In the Chinese coastal female population, the association of high SUA and increased arterial stiffness is dependent on the coexistence of at least one cardiovascular risk factor, especially hypercholesterolemia.
Genetic Algorithm Ensemble Filter Methods on Kidney Disease Classification

Kidney failure will give effect to the human body, and it can lead to a series of seriously illness and even causing death. Machine learning plays important role in disease classification with high accuracy and shorter processing time as compared to clinical lab test. There are 24 attributes in the Chronic K idney Disease (CKD) clinical dataset, which is considered as too much of attributes. To improve the performance of the classification, filter feature selection methods used to reduce the dimensions of the feature and then the ensemble algorithm is used to identify the union features that selected from each filter feature selection. The filter feature selection that implemented in this research are Information Gain (IG), Chi-Squares, ReliefF and Fisher Score. Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to select the best subset from the ensemble result of the filter feature selection. In this research, Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Naïve Bayes classification techniques were used to diagnose the CKD. The features subset that selected are different and specialised for each classifier. By implementing the proposed method irrelevant features through filter feature selection able to reduce the burden and computational cost for the genetic algorithm. Then, the genetic algorithm able to perform better and select the best subset that able to improve the performance of the classifier with less attributes. The proposed genetic algorithm union filter feature selections improve the performance of the classification algorithm. The accuracy of RF, XGBoost, KNN and SVM can achieve to 100% and NB can achieve to 99.17%. The proposed method successfully improves the performance of the classifier by using less features as compared to other previous work.
Preliminary Sensitivity Analysis of Combinatorial Optimization (CO) for NILM Applications: Effect of the Meter Accuracy

Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) techniques are today of great interest for several applications contexts. Indeed, the possibility of exploiting these techniques for having energy consumption data in a unique aggregated metric is very attractive not only for the cost-saving (due to the installation of a reduced number of meters) but also for catching important information coming from the field and addressed to implement predictive maintenance paradigms on the devices of interest. As matter of fact, the continued analysis (by means of the NILM techniques) of each load behavior could enable in detecting of dangerous situations or also identify incoming slow faults occurring on the loads themselves. Although the NILM techniques have been deeply analyzed in the scientific literature, some lacks are related to the analysis of the impact of the measurement uncertainty on their performance as well as to the capability of correctly identifying the loads operating against the number of loads present. In this framework, this paper proposes a preliminary sensitivity analysis aimed at verifying the impact of the meters measurement uncertainty and the number of loads involved on the performance of a well-known NILM technique, i.e. the Combinatorial Optimization (CO). To this aim, several measurement accuracies, power metrics, and the number of loads have been taken into account. The achieved results prove how the considered quantities of influence generally affect the performance of CO and can also provide useful information to the designers of the measurement system as an example in defining the best feature to be used, the maximum measurement uncertainty for a given number of loads, able to warrant the target accuracy required by the specific application.
Tests on Material Compatibility of Phase Change Materials and Selected Plastics

Practical applications of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) often require their encapsulation in other materials, such as metals or plastics. This raises the issue of compatibility between PCMs and encapsulating materials, which has still not been sufficiently addressed. The study presented here follows existing research and provides experimental evaluation of the suitability of selected PCMs for proposed integration in building structures. Two organic PCMs, two inorganic PCMs and three representative plastics (polypropylene (PP-H), high density polyethylene (PE-HD) and polyvinylchloride (PVC-U)) were selected for compatibility tests. Evaluation of the results is based on the mass variations of the plastic samples during the test period. Plastic samples were immersed in PCMs and subjected to periodic heating and cooling (for 16 weeks) in a small environmental chamber simulating real operational conditions. The results show that the organic PCMs have a greater ability to penetrate the PE-HD and PP-H compared with the inorganic PCMs. The penetration of all PCMs was most notable during the first four weeks of the experiment. Later it slowed down significantly. Overall, the mass changes in PE-HD and PP-H samples did not exceed 6.9% when immersed in organic PCMs and 1.8% in inorganic PCMs. PVC-U samples exhibited almost negligible (less than 0.1%) mass variation in all cases.
A Microfluidic Chip Embracing a Nanofiber Scaffold for 3D Cell Culture and Real-Time Monitoring

Recently, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture and tissue-on-a-chip application have attracted attention because of increasing demand from the industries and their potential to replace conventional two-dimensional culture and animal tests. As a result, numerous studies on 3D in-vitro cell culture and microfluidic chip have been conducted. In this study, a microfluidic chip embracing a nanofiber scaffold is presented. A electrospun nanofiber scaffold can provide 3D cell culture conditions to a microfluidic chip environment, and its perfusion method in the chip can allow real-time monitoring of cell status based on the conditioned culture medium. To justify the applicability of the developed chip to 3D cell culture and real-time monitoring, HepG2 cells were cultured in the chip for 14 days. Results demonstrated that the cells were successfully cultured with 3D culture-specific-morphology in the chip, and their albumin and alpha-fetoprotein production was monitored in real-time for 14 days.