Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Post-Translational Modification Analysis of VDAC1 in ALS-SOD1 Model Cells Reveals Specific Asparagine and Glutamine Deamidation

Mitochondria from affected tissues of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients show morphological and biochemical abnormalities. Mitochondrial dysfunction causes oxidative damage and the accumulation of ROS, and represents one of the major triggers of selective death of motor neurons in ALS. We aimed to assess whether oxidative stress in ALS induces post-translational modifications (PTMs) in VDAC1, the main protein of the outer mitochondrial membrane and known to interact with SOD1 mutants related to ALS. In this work, specific PTMs of the VDAC1 protein purified by hydroxyapatite from mitochondria of a NSC34 cell line expressing human SOD1G93A, a suitable ALS motor neuron model, were analyzed by tryptic and chymotryptic proteolysis and UHPLC/High-Resolution ESI-MS/MS. We found selective deamidations of asparagine and glutamine of VDAC1 in ALS-related NSC34-SOD1G93A cells but not in NSC34-SOD1WT or NSC34 cells. In addition, we identified differences in the over-oxidation of methionine and cysteines between VDAC1 purified from ALS model or non-ALS NSC34 cells. The specific range of PTMs identified exclusively in VDAC1 from NSC34-SOD1G93A cells but not from NSC34 control lines, suggests the appearance of important changes to the structure of the VDAC1 channel and therefore to the bioenergetics metabolism of ALS motor neurons. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier .
Effects of Repeated Doses of Acetone Extract of Siam Leaves (Chromolena odorata) on Spermiogram, Sperm Morphology, Haemogram of Albino Rat (Wistar Strain)

Effects of Repeated Doses of Acetone Extract of Siam Leaves (Chromolena odorata) on Spermiogram, Sperm Morphology, Haemogram of Albino Rat (Wistar Strain) Oladejo A.O*, Omowon O.O, Ajala O.O, Ajani O.S, Bakre A.A Department of Animal Health Technology, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Nigeria, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Reproduction, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria Department of Veterinary Surgery and Reproduction, University of Ibadan Nigeria
Low frequency deep brain stimulation in the inferior colliculus ameliorates haloperidol-induced catalepsy and reduces anxiety in rats

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the colliculus inferior (IC) improves haloperidol-induced catalepsy and induces paradoxal kinesia in rats. Since the IC is part of the brain aversive system, DBS of this structure has long been related to aversive behavior in rats limiting its clinical use. This study aimed to improve intracollicular DBS parameters in order to avoid anxiogenic side effects while preserving motor improvements in rats. Catalepsy was induced by systemic haloperidol (0.5mg/kg) and after 60 min the bar test was performed during which a given rat received continuous (5 min, with or without pre-stimulation) or intermittent (5 x 1 min) DBS (30Hz, 200–600μA, pulse width 100μs). Only continuous DBS with pre-stimulation reduced catalepsy time. The rats were also submitted to the elevated plus maze (EPM) test and received either continuous stimulation with or without pre-stimulation, or sham treatment. Only rats receiving continuous DBS with pre-stimulation increased the time spent and the number of entries into the open arms of the EPM suggesting an anxiolytic effect. The present intracollicular DBS parameters induced motor improvements without any evidence of aversive behavior, pointing to the IC as an alternative DBS target to induce paradoxical kinesia improving motor deficits in parkinsonian patients.
Predictors of Internet Use Among Older Adults With Diabetes in South Korea: Survey Study

Background Internet access in Korea has grown dramatically over the past two decades. However, disparities in internet use, referred to as the second level of the digital divide, persist. Objective This study aims to examine opportunity, motivation, and health variables that indicate internet use among older adults with diabetes. Methods Data were sourced from a nationally representative sample of people 65 years and older with diabetes (N=1919). Logistic regression was used to explore potential differences in predictor variables between internet users and nonusers. Results Only 306 of the 1919 (15.95%) participants in the sample used the internet. They were more likely to be younger (odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% CI 0.87-0.92), well-educated (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.16-1.26), and able to afford leisure expenditures (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.04). Additionally, they had more information and communications technology (ICT) training experience, were motivated to learn, volunteered, and reported good physical and cognitive function. Participation in ICT education and better health more positively correlated with a higher rate of internet use than did years of education or economic standing in older adults with diabetes. Conclusions To support older adults with diabetes in the internet age, policies and health care providers should focus on digital competency training as well as physical and cognitive function.
Towards Higher Psychometric Properties: Testing the Psychological Strain Scales with Larger Samples

Abstract This study aimed to further test the psychometric properties of the Psychological Strain Scales (PSS) with larger samples. A cluster sampling method was employed to recruit 13,250 college students from seven provinces in China. Descriptive statistics, item statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, factor analysis, and correlation analysis were evaluated. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.958 and Guttman’s split-half coefficient was 0.866. All the item-total correlations were larger than 0.45 except one. Results from Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the four dimensions of psychological strains (value strain, aspiration strain, deprivation strain, and coping strain). The PSS was strongly correlated to the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), which was commonly used to measure risk for suicide and was predictive ofsuicidality as measured by the SBQ-R. The PSS was a self-report instrument with high reliability and validity which could be applied for extensive use in research to measure psychological strains. Highlights This is the first study testing the psychometric properties of the PSS in an unusually large sample. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to provide empirical evidence to the four-factor structure of the PSS. Psychological strains were found to be significantly correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and predictive of suicidality.
The Influence of Social Isolation on the Preventive Behaviors for Non-Communicable Diseases in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan

This study aimed to examine the relationship between one’s physical status related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and social isolation, and to identify lifestyle behaviors for the prevention of NCDs associated with social isolation among community-dwelling older adults in Japan. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate lifestyle behaviors for NCD prevention associated with social isolation in Japanese adults aged 60 years and above in a community setting. Out of 57 participants, 17.5% were not socially participative, 66.7% hardly ever, 29.8% sometimes, and 3.5% often felt loneliness. Non-social participation and loneliness were negatively related to the frequency of vegetable and fruit intake. Additionally, loneliness was positively associated with one’s duration of smoking and current smoking habits, and negatively associated with the frequency of moderate-intensity activities, with marginal significance. Those with non-social participation or loneliness were less likely to eat a healthy diet and live a smoke-free lifestyle. The findings of this study suggest that a mutual health support system in the community and the development of community-based approaches for the prevention of NCDs among Japanese older adults are needed.
Influence of Psychosocial Variables on the Health of People Living in Housing Exclusion

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of some personal characteristics, health variables, and social support on the self-rated health of people in housing exclusion in Spain. For that purpose, we used the FOESSA Survey of Social Integration and Needs database, with a final sample of 1574 households. Being more educated and reporting a good life satisfaction stood out as the main factors preventing worse health status. Furthermore, results showed that being female, experiencing poverty-related food insecurity, not having health insurance, experiencing widowhood or partner bereavement, and having caring responsibilities for others or having a disabled person in the household are associated with increased reporting of regular or poor health. On the other hand, being young, having a diagnosed/long-term illness, and a big household size are preventive factors for good health. These results allowed identifying risk and prevention factors to inform interventions to improve the health of those living in housing exclusion. Promoting better education levels, social support, and overall life satisfaction could be important to improve health in this population. Developing social support policies for caring responsibilities and food insecurity must be a priority to improve the health of people living in housing exclusion.
Changes in Diffuse Tensor Imaging and Therapeutic Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Traumatic Brain Injury with Central Pain

Post-trauma chronic pain characterized by central pain is a symptom following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Studies on the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on central pain and the association between central pain and spinothalamic tract (STT) have been reported, but few studies have examined the effect of rTMS in patients with mild TBI with central pain through changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based metrics of STT before and after rTMS. This case series aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of rTMS in TBI with central pain and the changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based metrics of the spinothalamic tract (STT) before and after rTMS. This study included four patients who complained of severe pain in the left or right side of the body below the neck area after a car accident. We performed numeric rating scale (NRS), bedside sensory examination, electrodiagnostic study, and DTI-based metrics of the STT before and after rTMS. According to the guidelines of the diagnosis and grading for neuropathic pain, all patients had neuropathic pain corresponding to “probable grade. ” In all patients, rTMS was applied to the contralateral M1 cortex on the more painful side. There were no medication changes and other interventions during the rTMS. After rTMS, NRS decreased, bed sensory testing improved, and DTI-based STT metrics increased in all patients compared to before rTMS.
A dynamic analysis of the relationship between investor sentiment and stock market realized volatility: Evidence from China

Investor sentiment is a research focus in behavior finance. This paper chooses five proxy variables according to China’s reality and uses a two-step principal component analysis to construct an investor sentiment index. The five proxy variables are the number of new stock accounts, turnover ratio, margin balance, net active purchasing amount, and investor attention. In the final part of this study, using the price data from the Shanghai and Shenzhen Security Exchange, this paper investigates the dynamic relationship between investor sentiment and stock market realized volatility based on the thermal optimal path. The empirical results show that when the market fluctuates severely, investor sentiment leads stock market realized volatility over one or two steps. The prediction power is also checked. The results indicate that investor sentiment indeed forecasts the realized volatility. This research supports regulators and financial institutions in taking advanced measures.
Environmental sensing and regulation of motility in Toxoplasma

Toxoplasma and other apicomplexan parasites undergo a unique form of cellular locomotion referred to as “gliding motility. ” Gliding motility is crucial for parasite survival as it powers tissue dissemination, host cell invasion and egress. Distinct environmental cues lead to activation of gliding motility and have become a prominent focus of recent investigation. Progress has been made toward understanding what environmental cues are sensed and how these signals are transduced in order to regulate the machinery and cellular events powering gliding motility. In this review, we will discuss new findings and integrate these into our current understanding to propose a model of how environmental sensing is achieved to regulate gliding motility in Toxoplasma. Collectively, these findings also have implications for the understanding of gliding motility across Apicomplexa more broadly.
Infection and mortality of healthcare workers worldwide from COVID-19: a systematic review

Objectives To estimate COVID-19 infections and deaths in healthcare workers (HCWs) from a global perspective during the early phases of the pandemic. Design Systematic review. Methods Two parallel searches of academic bibliographic databases and grey literature were undertaken until 8 May 2020. Governments were also contacted for further information where possible. There were no restrictions on language, information sources used, publication status and types of sources of evidence. The AACODS checklist or the National Institutes of Health study quality assessment tools were used to appraise each source of evidence. Outcome measures Publication characteristics, country-specific data points, COVID-19-specific data, demographics of affected HCWs and public health measures employed. Results A total of 152 888 infections and 1413 deaths were reported. Infections were mainly in women (71.6%, n=14 058) and nurses (38.6%, n=10 706), but deaths were mainly in men (70.8%, n=550) and doctors (51.4%, n=525). Limited data suggested that general practitioners and mental health nurses were the highest risk specialities for deaths. There were 37.2 deaths reported per 100 infections for HCWs aged over 70 years. Europe had the highest absolute numbers of reported infections (119 628) and deaths (712), but the Eastern Mediterranean region had the highest number of reported deaths per 100 infections (5.7). Conclusions COVID-19 infections and deaths among HCWs follow that of the general population around the world. The reasons for gender and specialty differences require further exploration, as do the low rates reported in Africa and India. Although physicians working in certain specialities may be considered high risk due to exposure to oronasal secretions, the risk to other specialities must not be underestimated. Elderly HCWs may require assigning to less risky settings such as telemedicine or administrative positions. Our pragmatic approach provides general trends, and highlights the need for universal guidelines for testing and reporting of infections in HCWs.
STUDY ON AQUATIC POPULATION DYNAMICS UNDER POLLUTION AND GLOBAL WARMING: MATHEMATICAL REVIEW

It is a well-known fact the growing water pollution and global warming are the key areas of concern in current times. The carbon content in atmosphere is increasing due to activities carried out by humans, which results in global warming. The rise in carbon also leads to acidification of water. These phenomena combined with the pollutants and toxicants entering the water bodies; prove very harmful for the aquatic ecosystem. The dissolved oxygen in the water bodies is also declining due to global warming and pollution which is causing death of aquatic organisms. Mathematical studies focusing on single effect of pollution, acidification or global warming are available which are studied in this review article. Also, the need for a mathematical model studying two or more effects together is also identified, thus, giving the future scope in the area, which would further help environmentalists to form policies to safeguard the aquatic ecosystem.
Bidirectional astrocytic GLUT1 activation by elevated extracellular K+

The acute rise in interstitial K+ that accompanies neural activity couples the energy demand of neurons to the metabolism of astrocytes. The effects of elevated K+ on astrocytes include activation of aerobic glycolysis, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and the release of lactate. Using a genetically encoded FRET glucose sensor and a novel protocol based on 3‐O‐methylglucose trans‐acceleration and numerical simulation of glucose dynamics, we report that extracellular K+ is also a potent and reversible modulator of the astrocytic glucose transporter GLUT1. In cultured mouse astrocytes, the stimulatory effect developed within seconds, engaged both the influx and efflux modes of the transporter, and was detected even at 1 mM incremental K+. The modulation of GLUT1 explains how astrocytes are able to maintain their glucose pool in the face of strong glycolysis stimulation. We propose that the stimulation of GLUT1 by K+ supports the production of lactate by astrocytes and the timely delivery of glucose to active neurons.
Evaluation of Chemo‐ and Photo‐toxicity of a Live Fluorescent Dye for Cell Analysis

Live cell imaging is used to track the dynamic adaptation of cell size and motility to various external factors. Bright‐field configuration can be used for these experiments; however, the analysis can be challenging and difficult to automate. In this direction, a superior alternative is represented by the use of live cell dyes, which provide intense fluorescence from subcellular structures of living cells. Yet, the potential chemo‐ and photo‐toxicity of the fluorophores poses the necessity of an accurate protocol optimization to avoid artefacts. Toxicity studies generally focus on cell proliferation and apoptosis, neglecting the cellular activities under investigation. Here, we present the case of SYTO 13 in combination with primary endothelial cells. The optimization of the staining procedure is tested comparing cell proliferation and motility rate. In addition, the combined effect of staining and fluorescent illumination, reporting for photochemical toxicity, is evaluated. We demonstrate that while cell viability and proliferation are mainly unaffected by the staining and imagining protocols, a significant reduction of the motility rate is induced both by the chemical dye alone and in combination with fluorescent illumination. The general implications for this procedure are discussed.
Toward the Super Temporal Resolution Image Sensor with a Germanium Photodiode for Visible Light

The theoretical temporal resolution limit tT of a silicon photodiode (Si PD) is 11.1 ps. We call “super temporal resolution” the temporal resolution that is shorter than that limit. To achieve this resolution, Germanium is selected as a candidate material for the photodiode (Ge PD) for visible light since the absorption coefficient of Ge for the wavelength is several tens of times higher than that of Si, allowing a very thin PD. On the other hand, the saturation drift velocity of electrons in Ge is about 2/3 of that in Si. The ratio suggests an ultra-short propagation time of electrons in the Ge PD. However, the diffusion coefficient of electrons in Ge is four times higher than that of Si. Therefore, Monte Carlo simulations were applied to analyze the temporal resolution of the Ge PD. The estimated theoretical temporal resolution limit is 0.26 ps, while the practical limit is 1.41 ps. To achieve a super temporal resolution better than 11.1 ps, the driver circuit must operate at least 100 GHz. It is thus proposed to develop, at first, a short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) ultra-high-speed image sensor with a thicker and wider Ge PD, and then gradually decrease the size along with the progress of the driver circuits.
Potential of laponite incorporated oxidized alginate-gelatin (ADA-GEL) composite hydrogels for extrusion-based 3D printing.

The concept of adding inorganic fillers into hydrogels to form hydrogel nanocomposites often provides advantageous properties which can be exploited for successful 3D biofabrication. In this study, a new composite hydrogel combining oxidized alginate-gelatin (ADA-GEL) hydrogel and laponite nanoclay as inorganic nanofiller was successfully developed and characterized. The results showed that the addition of 0.5% (wt/vol) laponite nanoplatelets improved the printability of ADA-GEL hydrogels enabling the fabrication of detailed structures since a low effect of material spreading and reduced tendency to pore closure appeared. Furthermore, a comparison of different needle types (cylindrical and conical; same inner diameter of 250 μm) in filament fusion test showed that the pattern dispensed by cylindrical tip has enhanced printing accuracy and pattern fidelity when compared with the pattern from conical tip. A glass flip test determined a processing window of 1-2 h after composite ink preparation. Overall, laponite/ADA-GEL hydrogel composites are confirmed as promising inks for 3D bioprinting.
Beyond the average brain: individual differences in social brain development are associated with friendship quality

Abstract We tested whether adolescents differ from each other in the structural development of the social brain and whether individual differences in social brain development predicted variability in friendship quality development. Adolescents (N = 299, Mage T1 = 13.98 years) were followed across three biannual waves. We analysed self-reported friendship quality with the best friend at T1 and T3, and bilateral measures of surface area and cortical thickness of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), temporoparietal junction (TPJ) and precuneus across all waves. At the group level, growth curve models confirmed non-linear decreases of surface area and cortical thickness in social brain regions. We identified substantial individual differences in levels and change rates of social brain regions, especially for surface area of the mPFC, pSTS and TPJ. Change rates of cortical thickness varied less between persons. Higher levels of mPFC surface area and cortical thickness predicted stronger increases in friendship quality over time. Moreover, faster cortical thinning of mPFC surface area predicted a stronger increase in friendship quality. Higher levels of TPJ cortical thickness predicted lower friendship quality. Together, our results indicate heterogeneity in social brain development and how this variability uniquely predicts friendship quality development.