Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in hand grip strength and body weight after a dynamic exercise program and Mediterranean diet in women with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Background In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exercise improves muscle strength and decreases fat mass, whereas the consumption of a Mediterranean diet (MD) also has been associated with higher grip strength. Therefore, it is important to explore the combined effects of these interventions on hand grip strength and weight in RA. Objective To determine the combined effect of an MD and a dynamic exercise program (DEP) on hand grip strength in women with RA. Method In a randomized clinical trial, 106 women with RA were included and assigned to the DEP-MD, DEP and MD groups. Weight, body circumferences, Disease Activity Score-28, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index [HAQ-DI], and hand grip strength were measured at baseline and 24 weeks after the interventions. Results After 24 weeks, hand grip strength showed a significant increase in the DEP group (median 2 kg) compared with DEP-MD (median 0.5 kg) and MD (median −0.5 kg) groups (p = 0.03). In the MD group weight and waist circumference showed a significant decrease (−2.2 kg and −4.3 cm) compared with DEP-MD (0.85 kg and 1.9 cm) and DEP (0.35 kg and 0.5 cm) groups (p < 0.01). Finally, a significant decrease was observed in the HAQ-DI after treatment in the DEP-MD group of −0.5 and the DEP group of −0.25 compared with the MD group with no change (p = 0.03). Conclusion In women with RA, in addition to pharmacological treatment, DEP increases hand grip strength and an MD decreases weight and waist circumferences, while the combination of DEP and MD improves disability.
Exercise and Protein Effects on Strength and Function with Weight Loss in Older Women

ABSTRACT Obesity negatively affects lower extremity physical function (LEPF) in older adults. Exercise and a higher protein diet are both known to positively and independently affect body composition, muscle strength, and LEPF during weight loss; however, their potential interactive effects have not been well characterized in older women. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the relative efficacy of a higher protein diet with or without exercise to improve body composition, muscle strength, and LEPF in older inactive overweight/obese women after weight loss. Methods Postmenopausal women (body mass index = 31.1 ± 5.1 kg·m−2, 69.2 ± 3.6 yr) completed a 6-month weight loss program after randomization to three groups (n = 72 randomized; 15% dropout): 1) higher protein diet (PRO, ~30% energy from protein; n = 20), 2) PRO plus exercise (PRO + EX; n = 19), or 3) a conventional protein control diet plus EX (CON + EX, ~18% energy from protein; n = 22). EX was supervised, multicomponent (aerobic, muscle strengthening, balance, and flexibility), and three sessions per week. Body composition was measured via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, leg strength by isokinetic dynamometry, and LEPF via 6-min walk, 8-ft up and go, and 30-s chair stand tests. Results Changes in weight (−7.5 ± 4.1 kg; −9.2% ± 4.8%), fat mass, and leg lean mass did not differ among groups (all P > 0.50). Despite weight loss, muscle strength improved in the exercise groups (PRO + EX and CON + EX) but it declined in the PRO group (P = 0.008). For all LEPF measures, the PRO group had attenuated improvements compared with both PRO + EX and CON + EX (all P < 0.01). Conclusion Exercise during weight loss is critical to preserve strength and enhance LEPF; however, a higher protein diet does not appear to influence body composition, muscle strength, or LEPF changes when combined with multicomponent exercise.
Measurement of Interactions between β-Lactoglobulin and Flavor Compounds (Esters, Acids, and Pyrazines) by Affinity and Exclusion Size Chromatography

Interactions between flavor compounds and β-lactoglobulin have been studied by two high-performance liquid chromatography methods. Affinity chromatography using immobilized β-lactoglobulin is a rapid method to calculate the global affinity between different flavor molecules and a protein. The binding constant for each compound was calculated from its retention time on the column with immobilized protein on a silica support. Hydrophobic interactions were found with esters (the binding constant increases by increasing the hydrophobic chain length), and no interaction was found with volatile acids and pyrazines studied. This method gives information only on the global affinity. The number of binding sites and binding constants can be calculated using the exclusion size chromatography for compounds with high water solubility and high UV absorption. Keywords: β-Lactoglobulin; flavor compounds; interactions; affinity chromatography; binding constants
‘It takes two to tango’: Bridging the gap between country need and vaccine product innovation

Background Despite a growing global commitment to universal health coverage, considerable vaccine coverage and uptake gaps persist in resource-constrained settings. One way of addressing the gaps is by ensuring product innovation is relevant and responsive to the needs of these contexts. Total Systems Effectiveness (TSE) framework has been developed to characterize preferred vaccine attributes from the perspective of country decision-makers to inform research and development (R&D) of products. A proof of concept pilot study took place in Thailand in 2018 to examine the feasibility and usefulness of the TSE approach using a rotavirus hypothetical test-case. Methods The excel-based model used multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to compare and evaluate five hypothetical rotavirus vaccine products. The model was populated with local data and products were ranked against decision criteria identified by Thai stakeholders. A one-way sensitivity analysis was performed to identify criteria that influenced vaccine ranking. Self-assessment forms were distributed to R&D stakeholders on the usability of the approach and were subsequently analysed. Results The model identified significant parameters that impacted on MCDA rankings. Self-assessment forms revealed that TSE was perceived as being able to encourage closer collaboration between country decision makers and vaccine developers. Conclusions The pilot study demonstrates that it is feasible to use an MCDA approach to elicit stakeholder preferences and determine influential parameters to help identify the preferred product characteristics for R&D from the perspective of country decision-makers. It found that TSE can help steer manufacturers to develop products that are better aligned with country need. Findings will guide further development of the TSE concept.
Effectiveness of Family-Based Behavior Change Interventions on Obesity-Related Behavior Change in Children: A Realist Synthesis

Effective treatment interventions for childhood obesity involve parents, are multicomponent and use behavior change strategies, but more information is needed on the mechanisms influencing behavioral outcomes and the type of parental involvement that is efficacious in behavioral treatment interventions with school-age children. This review aimed to understand key characteristics of programs that contribute to dietary and physical activity behavioral outcomes, and through which key mechanisms. This was a systematic review with narrative synthesis following PRISMA guidelines and realist analysis using RAMESES guidelines to explain outcome patterns and influence of parental involvement. Overall, the findings contribute to understanding the complex relationship between family barriers to behavior change, strategies employed in treatment interventions and behavioral outcomes. Implications for enhancing future policy and practice include involving parents in goal setting, motivational counselling, role modeling, and restructuring the physical environment to promote mutual empowerment of both parents and children, shared value and whole-family ownership in which intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy are implicit. These characteristics were associated with positive dietary and physical activity behavior change in children and may be useful considerations for the design and implementation of future theory-based treatment interventions to encourage habitual healthy diet and physical activity to reduce childhood obesity.
MAFB modulates the maturation of lymphatic vascular networks in mice

Lymphatic vessels play key roles in tissue fluid homeostasis, immune cell trafficking and in diverse disease settings. Lymphangiogenesis requires lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) differentiation, proliferation, migration, and co‐ordinated network formation, yet the transcriptional regulators underpinning these processes remain to be fully understood. The transcription factor MAFB was recently identified as essential for lymphangiogenesis in zebrafish and in cultured human LECs. MAFB is activated in response to VEGFC‐VEGFR3 signaling and acts as a downstream effector. However, it remains unclear if the role of MAFB in lymphatic development is conserved in the mammalian embryo.
Haplotype Purging after Relaxation of Selection in Lines of Chickens That Had Undergone Long-Term Selection for High and Low Body Weight

Bi-directional selection for increased and decreased 56-day body weights (BW56) has been applied to two lines of White Plymouth Rock chickens—the Virginia high (HWS) and low (LWS) body weight lines. Correlated responses have been observed, including negative effects on traits related to fitness. Here, we use high and low body weight as proxies for fitness. On a genome-wide level, relaxed lines (HWR, LWR) bred from HWS and LWS purged some genetic variants in the selected lines. Whole-genome re-sequencing was here used to identify individual loci where alleles that accumulated during directional selection were purged when selection was relaxed. In total, 11 loci with significant purging signals were identified, five in the low (LW) and six in the high (HW) body weight lineages. Associations between purged haplotypes in these loci and BW56 were tested in an advanced intercross line (AIL). Two loci with purging signals and haplotype associations to BW56 are particularly interesting for further functional characterization, one locus on chromosome 6 in the LW covering the sour-taste receptor gene PKD2L1, a functional candidate gene for the decreased appetite observed in the LWS and a locus on chromosome 20 in the HW containing a skeletal muscle hypertrophy gene, DNTTIP1.
Comparison of the Influence of 45S5 and Cu-Containing 45S5 Bioactive Glass (BG) on the Biological Properties of Novel Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)/BG Composites

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), due to their biodegradable and biocompatible nature and their ability to be formed in complex structures, are excellent candidates for fabricating scaffolds used in tissue engineering. By introducing inorganic compounds, such as bioactive glasses (BGs), the bioactive properties of PHAs can be further improved. In addition to their outstanding bioactivity, BGs can be additionally doped with biological ions, which in turn extend the functionality of the BG-PHA composite. Here, different PHAs were combined with 45S5 BG, which was additionally doped with copper in order to introduce antibacterial and angiogenic properties. The resulting composite was used to produce scaffolds by the salt leaching technique. By performing indirect cell biology tests using stromal cells, a dose-depending effect of the dissolution products released from the BG-PHA scaffolds could be found. In low concentrations, no toxic effect was found. Moreover, in higher concentrations, a minor reduction of cell viability combined with a major increase in VEGF release was measured. This result indicates that the fabricated composite scaffolds are suitable candidates for applications in soft and hard tissue engineering. However, more in-depth studies are necessary to fully understand the release kinetics and the resulting long-term effects of the BG-PHA composites.
Subjective and polysomnographic evaluation of sleep in mitochondrial optic neuropathies

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and Dominant optic atrophy are associated with a selective loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC). A subtype of RGC is responsible for light‐dependent physiological processes. The aim of our study was to evaluate both subjective and objective sleep parameters in 36 (18 males; mean age 33.8 ± 16.7) symptomatic/asymptomatic subjects with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and dominant optic atrophy. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and nocturnal polysomnography were used to assess sleep disturbances and sleep quality. The questionnaires indicated significantly worse sleep quality (PSQI > 5; average 7.7 ± 3.8) in 21 (70%) and excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS > 10; average 6.3 ± 5.8) in six (20%) individuals. Nocturnal polysomnography has not revealed any significant changes of sleep structure. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep without atonia was observed in two patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. Obstructive sleep apnea was noted in eight cases. No correlation between subjective and polysomnographic data and no differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups were observed. None of the subjects fulfilled criteria for a circadian sleep disorder. In both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, a subjective decrease of the quality of sleep and wakefulness was noted without any correlation on polysomnography.
The roles of active predator choice and prey vulnerability in determining the diet of predatory stonefly (Plecoptera) nymphs

1. Prey preference is determined by active predator choice and by the relative vulnerability of prey taxa. In this study, we addressed the mechanisms of prey preference in the perlodid stonefly Diura bicaudata. 2. Components of the predator-prey interaction between the stonefly and its prey were quantified in laboratory observations. These data were compared to prey selection in preference trials and to gut contents of field-collected stoneflies. Experiments were conducted in spring (May) and in autumn (September), using prey taxa commonly available in each season. 3. In the September trials, Diura exhibited positive selection for black fly larvae, whereas Heptagenia, Ephemerella and large Baetis mayflies were avoided. Encounter rates did not affect preference: these were highest for heptageniids and lowest for black flies. Once contacted, black flies were practically always attacked with a high capture probability. Attack propensity and capture success were very low for all other prey types, including Baetis mayflies. 4. In May, female Diura avoided Ephemerella mayflies and Asellus isopods, but showed a positive, albeit non-significant, preference for Nemoura stoneflies. Males did not select any of the prey types. Again, encounter rate was the least important determinant of preference: nemourid stoneflies were encountered less frequently than other prey, especially by female Diura. Females attacked Asellus more frequently than other prey types. Baetis was not a preferred prey for either of the sexes. 5. Our results show that D. bicaudata prefers sedentary or slowly moving prey types. Preference was determined both by active predator choice and differential prey vulnerability. We suggest that although mobile prey such as Baetis are encountered frequently, they are difficult to capture, and are thus relatively safe from stonefly predation when sedentary prey are also available. 6. Microhabitat overlap between predator and prey may determine encounter rates in the field, but this may not translate into prey preferences. Prey with efficient antipredatory behaviours can risk predator encounters, whereas prey with less efficient escape mechanisms may have to select microhabitats avoided by the predator. It is thus essential that laboratory systems incorporate at least some of the structural complexity of natural streams. However, even relatively simple laboratory systems may provide the complexity needed, as long as they contain prey refuges.
Exposure Effects Beyond the Epithelial Barrier: Trans-Epithelial Induction of Oxidative Stress by Diesel Exhaust Particulates in Lung Fibroblasts in an Organotypic Human Airway Model.

In vitro bronchial epithelial monoculture models have been pivotal in defining the adverse effects of inhaled toxicant exposures; however, they are only representative of one cellular compartment and may not accurately reflect the effects of exposures on other cell types. Lung fibroblasts exist immediately beneath the bronchial epithelial barrier and play a central role in lung structure and function, as well as disease development and progression. We tested the hypothesis that in vitro exposure of a human bronchial epithelial cell barrier to the model oxidant diesel exhaust particulates caused trans-epithelial oxidative stress in the underlying lung fibroblasts using a human bronchial epithelial cell and lung fibroblast co-culture model. We observed that diesel exhaust particulates caused trans-epithelial oxidative stress in underlying lung fibroblasts as indicated by intracellular accumulation of the reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide, oxidation of the cellular antioxidant glutathione, activation of NRF2, and induction of oxidative stress responsive genes. Further, targeted antioxidant treatment of lung fibroblasts partially mitigated the oxidative stress response gene expression in adjacent human bronchial epithelial cells during diesel exhaust particulate exposure. This indicates that exposure induced oxidative stress in the airway extends beyond the bronchial epithelial barrier and that lung fibroblasts are both a target and a mediator of the adverse effects of inhaled chemical exposures despite being separated from the inhaled material by an epithelial barrier. These findings illustrate the value of co-culture models and suggest that trans-epithelial exposure effects should be considered in inhalation toxicology research and testing.
Synthesis of a radiotracer for studying dopamine uptake sites in vivo using PET: 2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐[N‐11C‐methyl]tropane ([11C]CFT or [11C]WIN‐35,428)

2β-Carbomethoxy-3β-(4-fluorophenyl)-[N-11C-methyl]tropane, a potent inhibitor of dopamine transport, was prepared by N-methylation of the appropriate nor-methyl precursor in DMF with [11C]iodomethane. After derivatization of unreacted precursor with a long chain acyl halide, the radiotracer was purified using reversed phase semipreparative HPLC. The average specific activity was 3065 mCi/μmole (calculated at the end-of-synthesis; EOS). The average time of synthesis including formulation was approximately 21 minutes.
Molecular Docking and Kinetic Studies of the A226N Mutant of Deinococcus geothermalis Amylosucrase with Enhanced Transglucosylation Activity

Amylosucrase (ASase, E.C. 2.4.1.4) is capable of efficient glucose transfer from sucrose, acting as the sole donor molecule, to various functional acceptor compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. An ASase variant from Deinococcus geothermalis, in which the 226th alanine is replaced with asparagine (DgAS-A226N), shows increased polymerization activity due to changes in the flexibility of the loop near the active site. In this study, we further investigated how the mutation modulates the enzymatic activity of DgAS using molecular dynamics and docking simulations to evaluate interactions between the enzyme and phenolic compounds. The computational analysis revealed that the A226N mutation could induce and stabilize structural changes near the substrate- binding site to increase glucose transfer efficiency to phenolic compounds. Kinetic parameters of DgAS-A226N and WT DgAS were determined with sucrose and 4-methylumbelliferone (MU) as donor and acceptor molecules, respectively. The kcat/Km value of DgAS-A226N with MU (6.352 mM-1min-1) was significantly higher than that of DgAS (5.296 mM-1min-1). The enzymatic activity was tested with a small phenolic compound, hydroquinone, and there was a 1.4-fold increase in α-arbutin production. From the results of the study, it was concluded that DgAS-A226N has improved acceptor specificity toward small phenolic compounds by way of stabilizing the active conformation of these compounds.
A novel sensitive detection method for DNA methylation in circulating free DNA of pancreatic cancer

Despite recent advances in clinical treatment, pancreatic cancer remains a highly lethal malignancy. In order to improve the survival rate of patients with pancreatic cancer, the development of non-invasive diagnostic methods using effective biomarkers is urgently needed. Here, we developed a highly sensitive method to detect DNA methylation in cell-free (cf)DNA samples based on the enrichment of methyl-CpG binding (MBD) protein coupled with a digital PCR method (MBD–ddPCR). Five DNA methylation markers for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer were identified through DNA methylation microarray analysis in 37 pancreatic cancers. The sensitivity and specificity of the five markers were validated in another independent cohort of pancreatic cancers (100% and 100%, respectively; n = 46) as well as in The Cancer Genome Atlas data set (96% and 90%, respectively; n = 137). MBD–ddPCR analysis revealed that DNA methylation in at least one of the five markers was detected in 23 (49%) samples of cfDNA from 47 patients with pancreatic cancer. Further, a combination of DNA methylation markers and the KRAS mutation status improved the diagnostic capability of this method (sensitivity and specificity, 68% and 86%, respectively). Genome-wide MBD-sequencing analysis in cancer tissues and corresponding cfDNA revealed that more than 80% of methylated regions were overlapping; DNA methylation profiles of cancerous tissues and cfDNA significantly correlated with each other (R = 0.97). Our data indicate that newly developed MBD–ddPCR is a sensitive method to detect cfDNA methylation and that using five marker genes plus KRAS mutations may be useful for the detection of pancreatic cancers.
Preliminary Analysis of the Ductility and Crack-Control Ability of Engineered Cementitious Composite with Superfine Sand and Polypropylene Fiber (SSPP-ECC)

Engineered cementitious composite (ECC) is a potential cement-based material with the abilities of large deformation and crack width control. However, ECC is difficult to popularize in many developing countries because the costs of silica sand and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber with a surface coating are too high for practical engineering. Therefore, we proposed an economical ECC with superfine river sand and polypropylene (PP) fiber (SSPP-ECC) to replace PVA fiber and silica sand. The SSPP-ECC proposed in this paper is a sustainable material using local material ingredients, which has considerable adaptability for large-scale engineering applications. The 16 groups of specimens were prepared through a factorial design method, curing for four-point bending tests. The bending strength, deflection, flexural modulus of elasticity, and crack width were measured and calculated during the test. The factor analysis of the test results shows that the contents of fiber and fly ash had significant effects on the ductility of SSPP-ECC with an extra combined effect at the same time, and a response surface model with high accuracy was fitted to predict the yield length of SSPP-ECC. The ductility of SSPP-ECC was positively related to its crack-control ability and it was shown that the crack width of SSPP-ECC increased significantly with a high content of superfine sand. This paper proposed a reasonable way to utilize superfine sand and provided the mix proportion of SSPP-ECC with characteristics of deformation hardening and multi-cracking, which may cater to the demands of many concrete components on ductility and crack resistance.