Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of High Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio With Poor Outcomes of Pembrolizumab Therapy in High-PD-L1-expressing Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: This study aimed to determine whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) reflected poor treatment benefits in patients with tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥50% and who under went first-line pembrolizumab monotherapy. Patients and Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed patients with untreated stage III/IV or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with TPS ≥50% and who received pembrolizumab monotherapy at two hospitals between February 2017 and April 2019. The NLR was calculated from pre-treatment complete blood counts. Results: A total of 51 previously untreated patients with NSCLC who had TPS ≥50% and who underwent pembrolizumab monotherapy were evaluated. Multivariate analysis revealed that high NLR, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) ≥2, stage IV or recurrent cancer, and TPS=50–74% were significantly and independently associated with poor progression-free survival. Moreover, high NLR and PS ≥2 were significantly associated with short overall survival. Conclusion: A high pre-treatment NLR was associated with significantly short progression-free and overall survival in previously untreated patients with NSCLC with high expression of programmed cell-death ligand 1 treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy.
Evaluation of Qualitative Dietary Protocol (Diet4Hashi) Application in Dietary Counseling in Hashimoto Thyroiditis: Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial

The current state of knowledge related to diet in Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is far from satisfactory, as many HT subjects experience several disorders and report reduced quality of life. There are three aims of the study: (1) to develop a qualitative dietary protocol (QDP; ‘Diet4Hashi’) as a simple, graphic–text tool dedicated to TH subjects, (2) to evaluate the use of the QDP in dietetic counseling compared to conventional dietetic counseling (CDC) in HT women, and (3) to assess the impact of both the QDP and the CDC on the diet quality, quality of life, adiposity, and metabolic parameters of HT women. The QDP is based on subject self-monitoring supported with a graphic–text tool to help them in food selection and adequate food frequency consumption, while the CDC on oral explanation and printed sample menus were provided by a dietician. The QDP contains two lists: (A) foods recommended for consumption and (B) foods with limited consumption, along with indicated consumption frequency per day/week/month. Both approaches include the same dietary recommendations for HT extracted from the literature but differ in subject–dietician cooperation. To summarize the evidence regarding dietary recommendations in HT, the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases (to March 2019) and the bibliographies of key articles were searched. The study is designed as a dietary intervention lasting six months in two parallel groups: experimental and control. In the experimental group, the QDP will be applied, while in the control group, the CDC will be applied. In total, the study will include a baseline of 100 women with diagnosed HT. The subjects will be randomly allocated into the experimental/control groups (50/50). Data related to diet quality and other lifestyle factors, nutrition knowledge, quality of life, thyroid function, body composition, blood pressure, serum fasting glucose, and lipid profile at baseline and after a six-month follow-up will be collected. This study was conducted to develop a dietary protocol (Diet4Hashi) that is easy to follow for HT subjects, and it will contribute to providing valuable data that are useful to dieticians and physicians. It is anticipated that this graphic–text qualitative dietary protocol, by improving food selection and diet quality, may reduce adiposity and improve metabolic parameters and the quality of life of HT women.
The Correspondence of Parent-Reported Measures of Adolescent Alcohol and Cannabis Use with Adolescent-Reported Measures: A Systematic Review

Background Valid assessment of adolescent substance use is important in both research and clinical applications. However, the optimal approach to assessing adolescent use remains controversial, particularly with regard to the use of parent-reported measures. Methods Using a systematic review of existing literature, we sought to evaluate the utility of parent measures of adolescent alcohol and cannabis use by examining their correspondence with self-report measures. Furthermore, we investigated study-related variables that may be associated with differing levels of parent–child correspondence. Relevant articles were identified using a systematic search across multiple databases. Results The review revealed generally poor agreement between parent and adolescent reports of alcohol and cannabis use. Parents consistently underestimated use and problems associated with use when compared with adolescents. Community-based (versus clinical) samples, reporting regarding alcohol (versus cannabis), and reporting problems associated with use (versus reports of use/nonuse) were each associated with lower levels of parent–child agreement. Conclusions Recommendations for the optimal use of parent measures of adolescent substance use are provided.
Relativistic Effects on NMR Parameters of Halogen-Bonded Complexes

Relativistic effects are found to be important for the estimation of NMR parameters in halogen-bonded complexes, mainly when they involve the heavier elements, iodine and astatine. A detailed study of 60 binary complexes formed between dihalogen molecules (XY with X, Y = F, Cl, Br, I and At) and four Lewis bases (NH3, H2O, PH3 and SH2) was carried out at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ/aug-cc-pVTZ-PP computational level to show the extent of these effects. The NMR parameters (shielding and nuclear quadrupolar coupling constants) were computed using the relativistic Hamiltonian ZORA and compared to the values obtained with a non-relativistic Hamiltonian. The results show a mixture of the importance of the relativistic corrections as both the size of the halogen atom and the proximity of this atom to the basic site of the Lewis base increase.
Miscalculated Lung Shunt Fraction for Planning of Hepatic Radioembolization

90Y radioembolization is a safe and efficacious treatment option for many patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Potential candidates for radioembolization, based on clinical criteria, undergo 99mTc-labeled macroaggregated albumin imaging to determine the extent of hepatopulmonary shunting. Dose selection is based on results from shunt imaging and can exclude patients from radioembolization therapy. We present a case of miscalculated lung shunt fraction and the circumstances that led to the critical error.
A descriptive report of the variability in 3D hip and knee kinematics during a single limb squat in women who have patellofemoral pain and visually classified dynamic knee valgus

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the variability in: (1) the contributions of 3D hip and knee kinematics to the dynamic knee valgus (DKV) movement pattern during a single limb squat in women with patellofemoral pain; and (2) the 3D strategies used to reduce DKV following an intervention. Methods: Secondary analysis of a feasibility study investigating a movement training intervention. In 23 participants, 2D knee frontal plane projection angles (FPPA) and 3D hip and knee frontal and transverse plane angles at peak knee flexion were calculated during a single limb squat at pre- and post-intervention, and the change in 2D and 3D angles computed. 3D angles at pre-intervention were summed for each participant to create cumulative bar graphs. Similar graphs were created for change in 3D angles. For visual comparison, graphs were ordered by increasing knee FPPA or change in knee FPPA. Results: The knee FPPA decreased from a mean of 7.2 degrees (SD: 7.1) to a mean of −8.9 degrees (SD: 8.9) following the intervention. A large portion of DKV, and change in DKV, was due to hip adduction and knee lateral rotation, yet participants with similar knee FPPA and change in knee FPPA displayed variation in all 3D components and change in 3D components. Conclusion: People who demonstrate similar observed movement patterns during a weight-bearing task may use different 3D strategies for execution.
Correlation of Eccentric Strength, Reactive Strength, and Leg Stiffness With Running Economy in Well-Trained Distance Runners

Abstract Li, F, Newton, RU, Shi, Y, Sutton, D, and Ding, H. Correlation of eccentric strength, reactive strength, and leg stiffness with running economy in well-trained distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1491–1499, 2021—Neuromuscular characteristics play a critical role in distance running performance; however, their relationship with running economy (RE) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlations between 1 repetition maximum (1RM) strength, eccentric strength, reactive strength, leg stiffness, and RE at 12–16 km·h−1 among well-trained male runners. Twenty-eight male collegiate distance runners participated in test sessions on 3 separate days. In the first session, their 1RM squat strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump performances were measured. In the second session, the leg press (LP) eccentric and concentric peak force, and leg stiffness (Kleg) were evaluated. In the final session, 12, 14, and 16 km·h−1 RE, blood lactate concentration, and maximum oxygen uptake were measured. There were significant relationships between the LP eccentric peak force, eccentric:concentric peak force ratios (Efl:Cex), RE at speeds of 12, 14, and 16 km·h−1 (r = −0.527 to −0.630; p < 0.01), reactive strength index (r = −0.419 to −0.572; p < 0.05), and Kleg (r = −0.686 to −0.761; p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with RE at 12, 14, and 16 km·h−1. No significant association was found between LP concentric peak force, 1RM squat strength, CMJ, and RE at any speed (p > 0.05). Superior RE among distance runners may be related to greater eccentric strength, elastic energy utilization, and stiffer lower limbs during running but not to maximal muscle strength per se. Coaches should focus on these neuromuscular characteristics to improve running performance.
Evaluation of the cardiovascular symptom index for midlife women in multiethnic/racial midlife women

Abstract The authors' purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Cardiovascular Symptom Index for Midlife Women in four ethnic/racial groups of midlife women in the U.S. Data from two internet surveys were used for this secondary analysis. In the construct validity test, five factors were extracted among White and Hispanic women, while more than five factors were extracted among Asian and African American women. In the convergent validity test, all ethnic/racial groups showed similar patterns. Adequate internal consistency among was shown. The Cardiovascular Symptom Index for Midlife Women is useful for assessing cardiovascular symptoms in multiethnic/racial women.
Polysaccharide PCP-I isolated from Poria cocos enhances the immunogenicity and protection of an anthrax protective antigen-based vaccine

ABSTRACT Polysaccharides isolated from natural plants may represent a novel source of vaccine adjuvants. In this research, we focused on a natural plant polysaccharide, PCP-I, which is derived from Poria cocos, a Chinese traditional herbal medicine. We chose the anthrax protective antigen (PA) as a model to evaluate the adjuvant ability of PCP-I in enhancing the immunogenicity and protection of a PA-based anthrax vaccine. According to our results, PCP-I could significantly enhance anthrax specific anti-PA antibodies, toxin-neutralizing antibodies, anti-PA antibody affinity, as well as IgG1 and IgG2a levels. Besides, PCP-I increased the frequency of PA-specific memory B cells, increased the proliferation of PA-specific splenocytes, significantly stimulated the secretion of IL-4, and enhanced the activation of Dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. The combination of PCP-I and CpG significantly enhanced the level of anti-PA antibodies and neutralizing antibodies, particularly PA-specific IgG2a, and shifted the Th2-bias to a Th1/Th2 balanced response. In addition, PCP-I with or without CpG could significantly improve the survival rate of immunized mice following challenge with the anthrax lethal toxin. These findings suggest that PCP-I may be a promising vaccine adjuvant that warrants further study.
Poly(Dopamine) Coating on 3D-Printed Poly-Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid/β-Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

Bone defects caused by osteoporosis, bone malignant tumors, and trauma are very common, but there are many limiting factors in the clinical treatment of them. Bone tissue engineering is the most promising treatment and is considered to be the main strategy for bone defect repair. We prepared polydopamine-coated poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/β-tricalcium phosphate composite scaffolds via 3D printing, and a series of characterization and biocompatibility tests were carried out. The results show that the mechanical properties and pore-related parameters of the composite scaffolds are not affected by the coatings, and the hydrophilicities of the surface are obviously improved. Scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography display the nanoscale microporous structure of the bio-materials. Biological tests demonstrate that this modified surface can promote cell adhesion and proliferation and improve osteogenesis through the increase of polydopamine (PDA) concentrations. Mouse cranial defect experiments are conducted to further verify the conclusion that scaffolds with a higher content of PDA coatings have a better effect on the formation of new bones. In the study, the objective of repairing critical-sized defects is achieved by simply adding PDA as coatings to obtain positive results, which can suggest that this modification method with PDA has great potential.
Cross-linked nanoparticles of silk fibroin with proanthocyanidins as a promising vehicle of indocyanine green for photo-thermal therapy of glioma

Abstract Instability of silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNPs) in physiologic condition hinders its application as drug delivery vehicle. Herein, indocyanine green (ICG) loaded silk fibroin nanoparticles (ICG-SFNPs) was firstly prepared and then crosslinked by proanthocyanidins to obtain the stable ICG-CSFNPs for killing the residual tumour niche under near infra-red irradiation (NIR) after surgery. The particle size and zeta potentials of ICG-CSFNPs was 120.1 nm and -40.4 mV, respectively. Moreover, ICG-CSFNPs exhibited good stability of particle size in the physiological medium. Meanwhile, the stable photothermal properties of ICG-CSFNPs were not compromised even after several cycles of NIR. Few of the ICG-CSFNPs were phagocytized by RAW264.7 macrophage in vitro, while they were easily internalized by C6 glioma cells, resulting in their significant toxicity on tumour cells after NIR. The pharmacokinetic study showed that ICG-CSFNPs had a longer blood circulation time than ICG-SFNPs, making them more distribution in glioma after intravenous administration in vivo. Meanwhile, the pharmacological study showed the more effective inhibition of tumour growth was exhibited by ICG-CSFNPs in C6 glioma-bearing mice after NIR. Overall, the cross-linked nanoparticles of silk fibroin may be a promising vehicle of ICG for photothermal therapy of glioma after surgical resection. Graphical Abstract
Discovery of differentially expressed genes in the intestines of Pelteobagrus vachellii within a light/dark cycle

ABSTRACT In aquaculture, it is necessary to determine of the diurnal biological variations in the intestines to determine an appropriate feeding schedule. The present study aimed to examine the transcriptomes of the Pelteobagrus vachellii intestines at four time points (0 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 18 h) within a light/dark cycle. In comparison with the zeitgeber time 0 (ZT0) transcriptomes, we identified 37,842 unigenes with significant differential expression, including 6,638; 9,626; and 7,938 that genes upregulated, and 3,507; 4,703; and 5,412 genes that were down regulated at 4, 12, and 24 h respectively. The differentially expressed unigenes were subjected to enrichment analysis, which indicated the involvement of the major digestive pathways, including digestion of protein, lipid and carbohydrate, catabolic process (protein, carbohydrate and lipid), and circadian rhythm. We selected 73 key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from among these pathways and identified DEGs that showed increased expression at night, including those encoding trypsin-3, chymotrypsinogen 2, amino acid transporter, maltase-glucoamylase, facilitated glucose transporter, lipase, phospholipase, fatty acid-binding protein, fatty acid synthase, long-chain fatty acid transport protein, and apolipoprotein. Moreover, DEGs involved of circadian rhythm were identified, including brain-muscle-Arnt-like 1 (BMAL1), cryptochrome-1, circadian locomoter output cycles protein kaput (CLOCK) and period circadian protein homolog 1–3. Finally, the expression levels of 12 unigenes were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR, which were in accordance with RNA-sequencing analysis. In general, the expression of genes related to the digestion of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates showed upregulated expression at night; however, the peak time of expression of transporters for different nutrition molecules showed more diversification within the light/dark cycle.
Insights into the mechanisms of K+ permeation in K+-channels from computer simulations.

Ion permeation, selectivity, and the behaviour of the K+ channel selectivity filter has been studied intensively in the previous two decades. The agreement among multiple approaches used to study ion flux in K+-channels suggests a consensus mechanism of ion permeation across the selectivity that has been put to test in recent years with the proposal of an alternative way by which ions can cross the selectivity filter of K+-channels via direct Coulomb repulsion between contacting cations. Some past experimental work by Zhou and MacKinnon showed that mutation of site S4 reduces the total occupancy of the selectivity filter to less than two ions on average by lowering the occupancy of the S2-S4 configuration without changing the S1-S3 configuration much, and this reduction of occupancy means that ion configurations others from the ones involved in the canonical mechanism are likely to be involved. At that time, calculations using complicated kinetic networks to relate occupancy to conduction did not provide deeper insight into the conduction mechanism. Here, to help solve this enigma, umbrella sampling simulations have been performed to evaluate the potential of mean force of two KcsA mutant channels, where the S4 site is substituted. Our new results provide insights into the significance of threonine in this position, revealing the effect of substitution on the alternate mechanisms of conduction proposed, involving either water or vacant sites.
Identification of a Type-Specific Epitope in the ORF2 Protein of Duck Astrovirus Type 1

Simple Summary Duck astrovirus type 1 (DAstV-1) infection constitutes a cause of viral hepatitis in ducklings and little is known about the B-cell epitope of DAstV-1. In this study, using a monoclonal antibody (mAb) 3D2 against ORF2 protein of DAstV-1, a highly conserved linear B-cell epitope of 454 STTESA459 in DAstV-1 ORF2 was identified. The mAb 3D2 showed no neutralizing activity to DAstV-1 and had no cross-reactivity with other DAstV serotypes. Abstract Duck astrovirus type 1 (DAstV-1) infection constitutes a cause of viral hepatitis in ducklings and little is known about the B-cell epitope of DAstV-1. In this study, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) 3D2 against open reading frame 2 (ORF2) protein of DAstV-1 was used to identify the possible epitope in the four serotypes of DAstV. The mAb 3D2 showed no neutralization activity to DAstV-1, and reacted with the conserved linear B-cell epitopes of 454STTESA459 in DAstV-1 ORF2 protein. Sequence analysis, dot blot assay, and cross-reactivity test indicated that the epitope peptide was highly conserved in DAstV-1 sequence and mAb 3D2 had no cross-reactivity with other DAstV serotypes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about identification of the specific conserved linear B-cell epitope of DAstV-1, which will facilitate the serologic diagnosis of DAstV-1 infection.
Allicin Improves Metabolism in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice by Modulating the Gut Microbiota

Allicin, naturally present in the bulbs of the lily family, has anticancer, blood pressure lowering, blood fat lowering and diabetes improving effects. Recent studies have shown that allicin promotes the browning of white adipocytes and reduces the weight gain of mice induced by high-fat diet. While the gut microbiota has a strong relationship with obesity and energy metabolism, the effect of allicin on weight loss via gut microorganisms is still unclear. In this study, we treated obese mice induced by high-fat diet with allicin to determine its effects on fat deposition, blood metabolic parameters and intestinal morphology. Furthermore, we used high-throughput sequencing on a MiSeq Illumina platform to determine the gut microorganisms’ species. We found that allicin significantly reduced the weight gain of obese mice by promoting lipolysis and thermogenesis, as well as blood metabolism and intestinal morphology, and suppressing hepatic lipid synthesis and transport. In addition, allicin changed the composition of the intestinal microbiota and increased the proportion of beneficial bacteria. In conclusion, our study showed that allicin improves metabolism in high-fat induced obese mice by modulating the gut microbiota. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for further elucidation of the weight loss mechanism of allicin.
MYB57 transcriptionally regulates MAPK11 to interact with PAL2;3 and modulate rice allelopathy

Abstract Rice allelopathy is a natural method of weed control that is regarded as an eco-friendly practice in agroecology. The allelopathic potential of rice is regulated by various genes, including those that encode transcription factors. Our study characterized a MYB transcription factor, OsMYB57, to explore its role in the regulation of rice allelopathy. Increasing the expression of OsMYB57 in rice using the transcription activator VP64 resulted in increased inhibitory ratios against barnyardgrass. The gene expression levels of OsPAL, OsC4H, OsOMT, and OsCAD from the phenylpropanoid pathway were also up-regulated, and the content of l-phenylalanine increased. Chromatin immunoprecipitation incorporated with HiSeq demonstrated that OsMYB57 transcriptionally regulated a mitogen-activated protein kinase (OsMAPK11); in addition, OsMAPK11 interacted with OsPAL2;3. The expression of OsPAL2;3was higher in the allelopathic rice PI312777 than in the non-allelopathic rice Lemont, and OsPAL2;3 was negatively regulated by Whirly transcription factors. Moreover, microbes with weed-suppression potential, including Penicillium spp. and Bacillus spp. , were assembled in the rhizosphere of the rice accession Kitaake with increased expression of OsMYB57, and were responsible for phenolic acid induction. Our findings suggest that OsMYB57 positively regulates rice allelopathy, providing an option for the improvement of rice allelopathic traits through genetic modification.