Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Polyphenol-Rich Interventions on Cognition and Brain Health in Healthy Young and Middle-Aged Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Context: Affecting older and even some younger adults, neurodegenerative disease represents a global public health concern and has been identified as a research priority. To date, most anti-aging interventions have examined older adults, but little is known about the effects of polyphenol interventions on brain-related aging processes in healthy young and middle-aged adults. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of (poly)phenol-rich diet supplementation on cognitive function and brain health in young and middle-aged adults. In July 2019, two electronic databases (PubMed and Web of Science) were used to search for relevant trials examining the effect of acute or chronic (poly)phenol-rich supplementation on cognitive function and neuroprotective measures in young and middle-aged adults (<60 years old). A total of 4303 records were screened by two researchers using the PICOS criteria. Fifteen high quality (mean PEDro score = 8.8 ± 0.58) trials with 401 total participants were included in the final analyses. Information on treatment, study design, characteristics of participants, outcomes and used tools were extracted following PRISMA guidelines. When items were shown to be sufficiently comparable, a random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool estimates across studies. Effect size (ES) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. The meta-analysis indicated that (poly)phenol supplementation significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (ES = 3.259, p = 0.033), which was accompanied by higher performance in serial (7s) subtraction (ES = 1.467, p = 0.001) and decreases in simple reaction time (ES = −0.926, p = 0.015) and mental fatigue (ES = −3.521, p = 0.010). Data related to cognitive function were skewed towards an effect from acute compared to chronic polyphenol intervention; data related to BDNF were skewed toward an effect from higher bioavailability phenolic components. Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides promising findings regarding the usefulness of polyphenol-rich intervention as an inexpensive approach for enhancing circulation of pro-cognitive neurotrophic factors. These beneficial effects appear to depend on the supplementation protocols. An early acute and/or chronic application of low- to high-dose phenolic components with high bioavailability rates (≥30%) at a younger age appear to provide more promising effects.
Nontargeted Analysis Strategy for the Identification of Phenolic Compounds in Complex Technical Lignin Samples

Abstract Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer in nature and a promising renewable resource for aromatic chemicals. For the understanding of different lignin isolation and conversion processes, the identification of phenolic compounds is of importance. However, given the vast number of possible chemical transformations, the prediction of produced phenolic structures is challenging and a nontargeted analysis method is therefore needed. In this study, a nontargeted analysis method has been developed for the identification of phenolic compounds by using an ultrahigh‐performance supercritical fluid chromatography–high‐resolution multiple stage tandem mass spectrometry method, combined with a Kendrick mass defect‐based classification model. The method is applied to a Lignoboost Kraft lignin (LKL), a sodium lignosulfonate lignin (SLS), and a depolymerized Kraft lignin (DKL) sample. In total, 260 tentative phenolic compounds are identified in the LKL sample, 50 in the SLS sample, and 77 in the DKL sample.
A feasibility study of an unsupervised, pre-operative exercise program for adults with lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility, acceptability and perceived utility of the provision of a wearable fitness device and an exercise prescription from a surgeon, prior to surgery for lung cancer. METHODS A single-arm, pre-post feasibility study was conducted with 30 participants scheduled for surgery to treat stage I, II or III lung cancer. Participants were given a Garmin Vivoactive HR device and a prescription for 150 min of moderately to vigorous exercise per week. Participants completed assessments on four occasions and completed a semi-structured interview on two occasions. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the feasibility and acceptability of study procedures, including synchronising the Garmin device and engaging in study assessments. RESULTS Seventy-nine per cent of enrolled participants completed the pre-operative study activities. Seventy-one per cent of enrolled participants successfully synchronised their device during the pre-operative period. Data were transmitted from the device to the study team for an average of 70% of the pre-operative days. CONCLUSION This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a pre-operative exercise program for patients scheduled to undergo surgery for lung cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study protocol was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov prior to the initiation of participant recruitment (NCT03162718).
Girdin interaction with vimentin induces EMT and promotes the growth and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant cancer of the digestive tract that has a high potential for metastasis and a poor prognosis. Girdin was first reported in 2005 as an actin-binding protein and was designated as Akt-phosphorylation enhancer (APE); thus, Girdin has been revealed to have an important role in regulating cancer development. There is additional evidence indicating that Girdin is associated with cell proliferation, migration, invasion and survival in certain cancers. However, the potential mechanisms involving Girdin and mobility in pancreatic cancer have not been elucidated. In the present study, it was revealed that Girdin was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissue and was associated with tumor grade. The present study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first aimed at investigating the unknown role of Girdin in PDAC metastasis. A short hairpin RNA for Girdin (sh-Girdin) was successfully constructed with recombinant adenoviral vectors to suppress the expression of Girdin in pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1 and BXPC-3). The silencing efficiency of the Girdin shRNA was determined by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, and decreased Girdin expression in the cytoplasm was revealed by immunofluorescence detection. Then, sulforhodamine B (SRB) and colony formation assays were used to confirm that the knockdown of Girdin inhibited proliferation in vitro, and Transwell assays were used to examine the influence of Girdin knockdown on cellular mobility. Animal experiments also confirmed that silencing the expression of Girdin in pancreatic cancer cells inhibited the growth and metastasis of pancreatic cancer in vivo. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a common inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and can effectively induce EMT in PDAC. Notably, TGF-β-treated cells exhibited changes in the classic biological markers of EMT. The expression of E-cadherin, a marker of the epithelial phenotype, increased, and the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin, markers of the interstitial phenotype, decreased in response to sh-Girdin. According to these experiments, Girdin may affect pancreatic cancer progression and development by interacting with vimentin. Therefore, there is evidence indicating that Girdin could be designated as a prognostic biological indicator and a candidate therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
Isotopic studies on the uptake of nitrogen by pasture plants. III. The uptake of small additions of 15N-labelled fertilizer by Rhodes grass and Townsville lucerne

Small additions of (15NH4)2SO4 and K15NO3 were used to investigate the nitrogen economy of Townsville lucerne (Stylosanthes humilis H.B.K.) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth.) grown separately and together in pots. Rhodes grass reduced the total yield of nitrogen per plant in associated Townsville lucerne to about half that of Townsville lucerne in pure stand. It appears that the Rhodes grass seedlings competed strongly with Townsville lucerne for available soil nitrogen during the first 5 weeks of the experiment. When the two species were grown together, Rhodes grass took up about 20 times as much 15N as the Townsville lucerne during the first 9 weeks, and about 8 times as much between 9 and 13 weeks after sowing. This ratio was the same for (15NH4)2SO4 as for K15NO3. When the two species were grown separately they took up equal amounts of 15N between 9 and 13 weeks after sowing. Estimates of soil nitrogen uptake at 5 weeks showed that 47% of the nitrogen in the Townsville lucerne growing with Rhodes grass had come from the soil. At 9 weeks the cumulative uptake of soil nitrogen by this Townsville lucerne was only 6%, and at 13 weeks only 3%, of its total nitrogen yield. No significant transfer of unlabelled nitrogen from legume to grass was detected. Attention is drawn to the assumption used in calculating uptake of soil nitrogen by the legume. It is suggested that this tracer technique can be applied to 15N experiments in the field.
Association between Different Modes of Travelling and Adiposity in Chilean Population: Findings from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016–2017

Background: Active travel has been suggested as a feasible way of increasing physical activity levels. Although international studies have demonstrated its effect over different health outcomes and adiposity, there is still limited evidence on this topic in developing countries, such as Chile. Aim: To investigate the associations between different types of travelling and markers of obesity in the Chilean adult population. Methods: 5411 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016–2017 (CNHS) were included in this study. Active travel was assessed using a questionnaire. Car commuters, public transport (PT), walking and cycling were the four forms of travelling assessed. Bodyweight, body mass index and waist circumference were used as markers of adiposity. Results: Compared to car travellers, body weight, WC and BMI levels were lower for PT walking and cycling travellers. The odds for obesity (Odds ratio (OR): 0.41 (95% CI: 0.28; 0.61 p ≤ 0.001) were lower for walking and the odds (OR: 0.56 (95%CI: 0.35; 0.89 p = 0.014) for central obesity were significantly lower for cyclist in comparison to car travellers. Additionally, participation in any form of active travel (walking or cycling) was low, with only 20.9% of the population reporting being active travellers. Conclusion: Active travel, such as walking and cycling, was associated with lower adiposity levels in the Chilean adult population. Promoting active travel could be a feasible strategy to tackle the high prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity in the Chilean population.
Metamorphic responses to changing food levels in two species of hylid frogs

We investigated how changes in food availability during development af- fected the timing of and body size at metamorphosis in two closely related species of tree frogs that use different larval habitats. We raised tadpoles of Hyla gratiosa (a temporary- pond breeder) and Hyla cinerea (a permanent-pond breeder) at two different temperatures on either constant resources or a regime in which we altered food levels at one of three different times during development. For both species, larval period was affected only by early changes in food level; early increases shortened larval period, and decreases lengthened it. The timing of metamorphosis of Hyla gratiosa showed greater plasticity than that of Hyla cinerea, because of its greater overall response to any food-level change and not because of any difference between species in the duration of the sensitive period. The two species showed comparable levels of plasticity in body size at metamorphosis; increases in food level produced larger body sizes, and decreases produced smaller sizes. However, in contrast to the pattern seen in larval period, later changes in food level had the greatest effect on body size. These results force a reexamination of current ideas about the adaptive significance of plasticity in the timing of metamorphosis in response to food availability in larval anurans. We offer a model of dynamic allocation that accommodates the extant data on this issue.
Effects of a Newly Developed Enzyme-Assisted Extraction Method on the Biological Activities of Fucoidans in Ocular Cells

Fucoidans from brown seaweeds are promising substances as potential drugs against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The heterogeneity of fucoidans requires intensive research in order to find suitable species and extraction methods. Ten different fucoidan samples extracted enzymatically from Laminaria digitata (LD), Saccharina latissima (SL) and Fucus distichus subsp. evanescens (FE) were tested for toxicity, oxidative stress protection and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) inhibition. For this study crude fucoidans were extracted from seaweeds using different enzymes and SL fucoidans were further separated into three fractions (SL_F1-F3) by ion-exchange chromatography (IEX). Fucoidan composition was analyzed by high performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC) after acid hydrolysis. The crude extracts contained alginate, while two of the fractionated SL fucoidans SL_F2 and SL_F3 were highly pure. Cell viability was assessed with an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay in OMM-1 and ARPE-19. Protective effects were investigated after 24 h of stress insult in OMM-1 and ARPE-19. Secreted VEGF was analyzed via ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in ARPE-19 cells. Fucoidans showed no toxic effects. In OMM-1 SL_F2 and several FE fucoidans were protective. LD_SiAT2 (Cellic®CTec2 + Sigma-Aldrich alginate lyase), FE_SiAT3 (Cellic® CTec3 + Sigma-Aldrich alginate lyase), SL_F2 and SL_F3 inhibited VEGF with the latter two as the most effective. We could show that enzyme treated fucoidans in general and the fractionated SL fucoidans SL_F2 and SL_F3 are very promising for beneficial AMD relevant biological activities.
A Hierarchical Analysis of Species' Abundance Patterns in Grassland Vegetation

The core-satellite hypothesis was proposed to explain regional patterns of species distribution. At the regional level, grassland data from sites in Oklahoma and Kansas conform to the general predictions of the core-satellite hypothesis. The patterns found on the scale of a local assemblage of species (m2), however, were similar to those of the regional-level distributions (km2). Factors affecting these distributions are competition and dispersal, which operate most commonly on small spatial scales, as well as disturbance, which is often a large-scale phenomenon in grasslands. Thus, grassland community structure exhibits self-similarity, in that the large-scale pattern is composed of numerous small-scale units of similar structure. We therefore conclude that grassland communities essentially exhibit small-scale patterns that are transposable to larger-scale patterns and vice versa. However, the patterns of distribution and abundance are dramatically affected by disturbance, and changes in these patterns are most obvious on an intermediate (community-level) scale of analysis.
Precarious employment and self-reported experiences of unwanted sexual attention and sexual harassment at work. An analysis of the European Working Conditions Survey

Unwanted sexual attention (UWSA) and sexual harassment (SH) are prevalent experiences for women in working life and often accompanied by poor health. Despite increasing numbers especially of young people working in insecure and irregular employment settings, there is little empirical evidence if such precarious arrangements are associated with UWSA or SH. To investigate this, we used a representative sample of the European working population consisting of 63,966 employees in 33 countries who participated in the European Working Conditions Survey in 2010 or 2015. Precarious employment (PE) was assessed on the basis of seven indicators and a formative index derived from them: temporary employment, contractual duration < 1 year, schedule unpredictability, involuntary part-time, low information on occupational health and safety risks (OSH), low pay (wage < 60%), and multiple job-holding. We measured self-reported experiences of workplace UWSA during the last month and SH during the last 12 months each using a single-item questionnaire. Multi-level Poisson regressions were used to estimate prevalence ratios for UWSA and SH according to PE adjusted for survey year, age, education, type of household, migration background, job tenure, weekly working hours, occupational position, working sector, company size, workplace gender ratio, and visiting customers or clients. 0.8% of men reported UWSA in the last month and 2.6% of the women. SH in the last year was reported by 0.4% of the men and 1.3% of the women. For both men and women, PE was significantly associated with elevated prevalence of UWSA and SH, in particular when reporting schedule unpredictability, multiple job-holding and low information on OSH. Our results suggest that precariously employed individuals may be more prone to experience unwanted sexual behaviour at the workplace compared with workers in non-precarious settings.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of Californian species of Metaporcelaimus Lordello, 1965 (Dorylaimida, Aporcelaimidae), with a new concept of the genus

Two new and one known species of Metaporcelaimus from Californian natural habitats were studied using morphological and molecular approaches. Metaporcelaimus marinensis sp. n. is characterised by its body 1.99-2.48 mm long, lip region offset by deep constriction and 14-15 μm broad, odontostyle 13-15 μm long, neck 456-529 μm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 47-50% of total neck length, pharyngo-intestinal junction bearing a dorsal lobe, uterus tripartite and 201-262 μm long, pars refringens vaginae well developed, V = 55-58, tail conical (43-55 μm, c = 43-52, c′ = 1.3-1.6) with its inner core somewhat notched and nearly reaching the tip, spicules 54-63 μm long and 6-7 spaced ventromedian supplements located outside the range of the spicules. Metaporcelaimus ovogranulosus sp. n. is distinguished in having body 1.54-1.96 mm long, lip region offset by deep constriction and 17-19 μm broad, odontostyle 17-19 μm long, neck 415-539 μm long, pharyngeal occupying 49-53% of total neck length, uterus simple and 27-41 μm long, uterine eggs granulate, pars refringens vaginae well developed, V = 48-51, tail conical (35-44 μm, c = 39-52, c′ = 1.4-1.6) with its inner core notched and nearly reaching the tip, and male unknown. Measurements and LM illustrations are also provided for M. capitatus. Metaporcelaimus was morphologically compared with Aporcelaimellus. The analysis revealed that these genera are barely distinguishable from each other. Aporcelaimellus species can be separated into two groups, one of them being morphologically similar to Metaporcelaimus. Molecular data and the derived evolutionary tree show that Metaporcelaimus and Aporcelaimellus do not share a recent common ancestor. Consequently, a new concept is proposed for Metaporcelaimus, M. ahmadi sp. n. is proposed for A. coomansi apud Ahmad nec Baqri & Khera, and 16 species of Aporcelaimellus are transferred to Metaporcelaimus. An updated list of Metaporcelaimus species with their synonyms, a key to their identification and a tabular compendium with important taxonomic morphometric characters are given.
Current Evidence for Continuous Vital Signs Monitoring by Wearable Wireless Devices in Hospitalized Adults: Systematic Review

Background Continuous monitoring of vital signs by using wearable wireless devices may allow for timely detection of clinical deterioration in patients in general wards in comparison to detection by standard intermittent vital signs measurements. A large number of studies on many different wearable devices have been reported in recent years, but a systematic review is not yet available to date. Objective The aim of this study was to provide a systematic review for health care professionals regarding the current evidence about the validation, feasibility, clinical outcomes, and costs of wearable wireless devices for continuous monitoring of vital signs. Methods A systematic and comprehensive search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 2009 to September 2019 for studies that evaluated wearable wireless devices for continuous monitoring of vital signs in adults. Outcomes were structured by validation, feasibility, clinical outcomes, and costs. Risk of bias was determined by using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies 2nd edition, or quality of health economic studies tool. Results In this review, 27 studies evaluating 13 different wearable wireless devices were included. These studies predominantly evaluated the validation or the feasibility outcomes of these devices. Only a few studies reported the clinical outcomes with these devices and they did not report a significantly better clinical outcome than the standard tools used for measuring vital signs. Cost outcomes were not reported in any study. The quality of the included studies was predominantly rated as low or moderate. Conclusions Wearable wireless continuous monitoring devices are mostly still in the clinical validation and feasibility testing phases. To date, there are no high quality large well-controlled studies of wearable wireless devices available that show a significant clinical benefit or cost-effectiveness. Such studies are needed to help health care professionals and administrators in their decision making regarding implementation of these devices on a large scale in clinical practice or in-home monitoring.
Update: proposed reference sequences for subtypes of hepatitis E virus (species Orthohepevirus A)

In this recommendation, we update our 2016 table of reference sequences of subtypes of hepatitis E virus (HEV; species Orthohepevirus A, family Hepeviridae) for which complete genome sequences are available (Smith et al., 2016). This takes into account subsequent publications describing novel viruses and additional proposals for subtype names; there are now eight genotypes and 36 subtypes. Although it remains difficult to define strict criteria for distinguishing between virus subtypes, and is not within the remit of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), the use of agreed reference sequences will bring clarity and stability to researchers, epidemiologists and clinicians working with HEV.