Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Gut Microbiota-Bile Acids-TGR5 Axis Mediates Eucommia ulmoides Leaf Extract Alleviation of Injury to Colonic Epithelium Integrity

Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EL) are rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids, showing enhancing intestinal health effects. The intestinal microbiota-bile acid axis plays important roles in the occurrence and recovery of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, whether EL extract (ELE) has regulatory effects on the intestinal microbiota, bile acid metabolism, and IBD is still unclear. To fill this gap, 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mild IBD in a C57BL/6J mouse model that was treated with 200 or 400 mg/kg (intake dose/body weight) ELE was used. Oral ELE supplementation alleviated DSS-induced shortening of colon and colonic epithelial injury. Compared with the DSS group, ELE supplementation significantly decreased Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) and increased occludin and claudin-1 mRNA expression level in the colon (p < 0.05). Combined 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomic analyses demonstrated that ELE significantly improved the diversity and richness of the intestinal microbiota, decreased the abundance of Bacteroidaceae, and increased Akkermansiaceae and Ruminococcaceae abundance (p < 0.05) compared with DSS-induced IBD mice. Moreover, ELE significantly increased the serum contents of deoxycholic acid (DCA) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), which were highly positively correlated with Akkermansia and unidentified_Ruminococccaceae relative to the DSS group. We then found that ELE increased Takeda G-protein coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), claudin-1, and occludin mRNA expression levels in the colon. In the Caco-2 cell model, we confirmed that activation of TGR5 improved the reduction in transepithelial electoral resistance (TEER) and decreased the permeability of FITC-dextran on monolayer cells induced by LPS (p < 0.05). siRNA interference assays showed that the decrease in TGR5 expression led to the decrease in TEER, an increase in FITC-dextran permeability, and a decrease in claudin-1 protein expression in Caco-2 cells. In summary, ELE alleviated IBD by influencing the intestinal microbiota structure and composition of bile acids, which in turn activated the colonic TGR5 gene expression in the colon and promoted the expression of tight junction proteins. These findings provide new insight for using ELE as a functional food with adjuvant therapeutic effects in IBD.
Providing Measurement, Evaluation, Accountability, and Leadership Support (MEALS) for Non-communicable Diseases Prevention in Ghana: Project Implementation Protocol

Background: This study describes the rationale, adaptation, and final protocol of a project developed to address the increase in obesity and nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NR-NCDs) in Ghana. Code-named the Measurement, Evaluation, Accountability, and Leadership Support for NCDs (MEALS4NCDs) project, it aims to measure and support public sector actions that create healthy food marketing, retail, and provisioning environments for Ghanaian children using adapted methods from the International Network for Food and Obesity/NCDs Research Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS). Methods: The protocol for this observational study draws substantially from the INFORMAS' Food Promotion and Food Provision Modules. However, to appraise the readiness of local communities to implement interventions with strong potential to improve food environments of Ghanaian children, the MEALS4NCDs protocol has innovatively integrated a local community participatory approach based on the community readiness model (CRM) into the INFORMAS approaches. The setting is Ghana, and the participants include health and nutrition policy-makers, nutrition and food service providers, consumers, school authorities, and pupils of Ghanaian basic schools. Results: The study establishes a standardized approach to providing implementation science evidence for the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana. It demonstrates feasibility and the innovative application of the INFORMAS expanded food promotion and food provision modules, together with the integration of the CRM in a lower-middle income setting. Conclusion: The research will facilitate the understanding of the processes through which the INFORMAS approach is contextualized to a lower-middle income African context. The protocol could be adapted for similar country settings to monitor relevant aspects of food environments of children.
Drug-Induced Liver Disturbance During the Treatment of COVID-19

An outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurred in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019. The World Health Organization named the resulting infectious disease as coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Many studies concluded that patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 have different degrees of liver disturbance. However, the relationship between the drugs used for COVID-19 treatment and liver disturbance remains controversial. It is essential to evaluate the potential liver damage caused by various drugs in order to help guide clinical practice. This review analyzed the effect of drugs on hepatic function during the treatment of COVID-19.
Metagenomic Analysis of Fecal Archaea, Bacteria, Eukaryota, and Virus in Przewalski's Horses Following Anthelmintic Treatment

Intestinal microbiota is involved in immune response and metabolism of the host. The frequent use of anthelmintic compounds for parasite expulsion causes disturbance to the equine intestinal microbiota. However, most studies were on the effects of such treatment on the intestinal bacterial microbes; none is on the entire microbial community including archaea and eukaryotic and viral community in equine animals. This study is the first to explore the differences of the microbial community composition and structure in Przewalski's horses prior to and following anthelmintic treatment, and to determine the corresponding changes of their functional attributes based on metagenomic sequencing. Results showed that in archaea, the methanogen of Euryarchaeota was the dominant phylum. Under this phylum, anthelmintic treatment increased the Methanobrevibacter genus and decreased the Methanocorpusculum genus and two other dominant archaea species, Methanocorpusculum labreanum and Methanocorpusculum bavaricum. In bacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla. Anthelmintic treatment increased the genera of Clostridium and Eubacterium and decreased those of Bacteroides and Prevotella and dominant bacteria species. These altered genera were associated with immunity and digestion. In eukaryota, anthelmintic treatment also changed the genera related to digestion and substantially decreased the relative abundances of identified species. In virus, anthelmintic treatment increased the genus of unclassified_d__Viruses and decreased those of unclassified_f__Siphoviridae and unclassified_f__Myoviridae. Most of the identified viral species were classified into phage, which were more sensitive to anthelmintic treatment than other viruses. Furthermore, anthelmintic treatment was found to increase the number of pathogens related to some clinical diseases in horses. The COG and KEGG function analysis showed that the intestinal microbiota of Przewalski's horse mainly participated in the carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. The anthelmintic treatment did not change their overall function; however, it displaced the population of the functional microbes involved in each function or pathway. These results provide a complete view on the changes caused by anthelmintic treatment in the intestinal microbiota of the Przewalski's horses.
Into the Unknown: Uncertainty and Procrastination in Students From a Life History Perspective

While existing findings have established an increase in procrastination among students in higher education during COVID-19, they do not elucidate how COVID-19 has effected an increase in procrastination. Drawing upon previous findings and employing a life history framework, this paper proposed that the increase in procrastination may be attributed to the heightened levels of uncertainty in the pandemic. Additionally, this paper examined life history strategy as the psychological mechanism underlying the relation between uncertainty and procrastination. By collecting data across two school semesters in a university (N = 253), we found that uncertainty and procrastination did not differ between the semester where changes were abruptly imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19 and the following semester. Our findings also revealed that uncertainty predicted procrastination, and that life history strategy mediated the relation between uncertainty and procrastination. Specifically, uncertainty was associated with a faster life history strategy, which was positively associated with procrastination. By shedding light on the psychology behind the effect of uncertainty on procrastination, the findings of this paper hold important implications for the design of procrastination interventions for the uncertain climate during the pandemic and “the new normal” post COVID-19.
Differences in Physiological and Perceptual Responses to High Intensity Interval Exercise Between Arm and Leg Cycling

This study compared changes in oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa), affective valence, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) between sessions of high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) performed on the arm (ACE) and leg cycle ergometer (LCE). Twenty three active and non-obese men and women (age and BMI=24.7±5.8year and 24.8±3.4kg/m2) initially underwent graded exercise testing to determine VO2max and peak power output (PPO) on both ergometers. Subsequently on two separate days, they performed 10 1min intervals of ACE or LCE at 75 %PPO separated by 1min of active recovery at 10 %PPO. Gas exchange data, HR, and perceptual responses were obtained continuously and blood samples were acquired pre- and post-exercise to assess the change in BLa. VO2max and PPO on the LCE were significantly higher (p<0.001) than ACE (37.2±6.3 vs. 26.3±6.6ml/kg/min and 259.0±48.0 vs. 120.0±48.1W). Mean VO2 (1.7±0.3 vs. 1.1±0.3L/min, d=2.3) and HR (149±14 vs. 131±17 b/min, d=2.1) were higher (p<0.001) in response to LCE vs. ACE as was BLa (7.6±2.6 vs. 5.3±2.5mM, d=2.3), yet there was no difference (p=0.12) in peak VO2 or HR. Leg cycling elicited higher relative HR compared to ACE (81±5 vs. 75±7 %HRmax, p=0.01), although, there was no difference in relative VO2 (63±6 vs. 60±8 %VO2max, p=0.09) between modes. Affective valence was lower during LCE vs. ACE (p=0.003), although no differences in enjoyment (p=0.68) or RPE (p=0.59) were demonstrated. Overall, HIIE performed on the cycle ergometer elicits higher relative heart rate and blood lactate concentration and a more aversive affective valence, making these modes not interchangeable in terms of the acute physiological and perceptual response to interval based exercise.
Economic Considerations for Advancement Through the Progressive Control Pathway: Cost–Benefit Analysis of an FMD Disease-Free Zone in Punjab Province, Pakistan

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a priority disease of livestock in Pakistan, which was classified in stage 2 of the Progressive Control Pathway (PCP-FMD) in 2015, aiming to reduce disease impact. Further progression requires efforts to reduce viral circulation that may ultimately result in being awarded official disease-free status by the World Organisation for Animal Health [Office International des Epizooties (OIE)]. Typically, FMD control is reliant on the extensive use of vaccines, requiring careful consideration of the costs and benefits to ensure investment is likely to provide a positive return. This study conducted a cost–benefit analysis (CBA) for a proposed zone within Punjab Province, Pakistan. Benefits were assumed to come from averted production losses and treatment costs and the costs based on typical measures required for establishing a disease-free zone. To estimate the impact of FMD at the farm level, models were created to estimate effects on milk production, offtakes, and changes in herd value over a 5-year period with different parameters used to represent the production systems present. Control strategy costs incorporated aspects of vaccination, surveillance, sanitary measures, program management, stakeholder engagement, preparatory studies, training, and capacity building. The results indicated a median benefit–cost ratio of 1.03 (90% central range 0.37, 1.63) with a median net present value of 1.99 billion Pakistan Rupees (90% central range −37.7, 37.0). The greatest cost was due to vaccination at 56%, followed by sanitary measures (including implementing and maintaining an animal ID system and quarantine stations around the zone) at 41%. Although the median benefit–cost ratio and net present value indicated that investment is likely to generate a positive return, the large variation indicates caution in interpreting the results and it is possible that an increase in animal value through new export markets will be required. Further refinement in our knowledge of disease impact and the details of the control strategy are needed. Moreover, there are implications regarding vaccine security, since the strategy is reliant on the steady provision of quality vaccines in order to achieve the anticipated benefits, raising important issues on vaccine availability for countries to maintain lucrative export markets for FMD.
Effective Organs-at-Risk Dose Sparing in Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Using a Half-Beam Technique in Whole Pelvic Irradiation

Background Although there are some controversies regarding whole pelvic radiation therapy (WPRT) due to its gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicities, it is considered for patients with gynecological, rectal, and prostate cancer. To effectively spare organs-at-risk (OAR) doses using multi-leaf collimator (MLC)’s optimal segments, potential dosimetric benefits in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using a half-beam technique (HF) were investigated for WPRT. Methods While the size of a fully opened field (FF) was decided to entirely include a planning target volume in all beam’s eye view across arc angles, the HF was designed to use half the FF from the isocenter for dose optimization. The left or the right half of the FF was alternatively opened in VMAT-HF using a pair of arcs rotating clockwise and counterclockwise. Dosimetric benefits of VMAT-HF, presented with dose conformity, homogeneity, and dose–volume parameters in terms of modulation complex score, were compared to VMAT optimized using the FF (VMAT-FF). Consequent normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) by reducing the irradiated volumes was evaluated as well as dose–volume parameters with statistical analysis for OAR. Moreover, beam-on time and MLC position precision were analyzed with log files to assess plan deliverability and clinical applicability of VMAT-HF as compared to VMAT-FF. Results While VMAT-HF used 60%–70% less intensity modulation complexity than VMAT-FF, it showed superior dose conformity. The small intestine and colon in VMAT-HF showed a noticeable reduction in the irradiated volumes of up to 35% and 15%, respectively, at an intermediate dose of 20–45 Gy. The small intestine showed statistically significant dose sparing at the volumes that received a dose from 15 to 45 Gy. Such a dose reduction for the small intestine and colon in VMAT-HF presented a significant NTCP reduction from that in VMAT-FF. Without sacrificing the beam delivery efficiency, VMAT-HF achieved effective OAR dose reduction in dose–volume histograms. Conclusions VMAT-HF led to deliver conformal doses with effective gastrointestinal-OAR dose sparing despite using less modulation complexity. The dose of VMAT-HF was delivered with the same beam-on time with VMAT-FF but precise MLC leaf motions. The VMAT-HF potentially can play a valuable role in reducing OAR toxicities associated with WPRT.
Probiotic Properties of Bacillus proteolyticus Isolated From Tibetan Yaks, China

Yaks (Bos grunniens) live primarily in high-altitude hypoxic conditions and have a unique intestinal micro-ecosystem, remarkable adaptability, and strong climatic resistance. Accumulating evidence revealed the importance of probiotics in host metabolism, gut microbiota, growth performance, and health. The goal of this study was to screen out probiotics with excellent probiotic potential for clinical application. In this study, four strains of Bacillus, i.e., Bacillus proteolyticus (named Z1 and Z2), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (named J), and Bacillus subtilis (named K), were isolated and identified. Afterward, their probiotic potential was evaluated. Antioxidant activity tests revealed that Z1 had the highest DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, whereas Z2 had higher reducing power and inhibited lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the antibacterial testing revealed that all strains were antagonistic to three indicator pathogens, Escherichia coli C83902, Staphylococcus aureus BNCC186335, and Salmonella enteritidis NTNC13349. These isolates also had a higher hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, and acid and bile tolerance, all of which helped to survive and keep dangerous bacteria out of the host intestine. Importantly, all strains could be considered safe in terms of antibiotic susceptibility and lack of hemolysis. In conclusion, this is the first study to show that B. proteolyticus and B. amyloliquefaciens isolated from yaks have probiotic potential, providing a better foundation for future clinical use.
Differences in Mechanical Parameters of Keyboard Switches Modulate Motor Preparation: A Wearable EEG Study

The mechanical parameters of keyboard switches affect the psychological sense of pressing. The effects of different mechanical parameters on psychological sense have been quantified using questionnaires, but these subjective evaluations are unable to fully clarify the modulation of information processing in the brain due to these differences. This study aimed to elucidate the ability of electroencephalography (EEG) measurements to detect the modulation of subconscious information processing according to mechanical parameter values. To this end, we prepared five mechanical switches with linearly increasing values of pretravel (PT: the distance from the free position until the operating position). We hypothesized that the differences in PTs would subconsciously affect the motor preparation prior to pressing switches because switches with PTs that deviated from those commonly used were predicted to increase the users' attention level when pressing. Differences in motor preparation were quantified using the mean amplitudes of the late contingent negative variation (CNV). We recorded EEGs of 25 gamers during a reaction task for fast switch pressing after a response cue preceded by a pre-cue for response preparation; we also measured the reaction time feedback on each switch pressing trial. Participants performed five sessions (60 trials per session) in total. For the analysis, trials were divided into first (session 1, 2, and 3) and second half sessions (session 4 and 5). In the latter session, CNV amplitudes were significantly higher for the switch with the highest PT than for that with a medium PT, which is closest to that commonly used in commercial mechanical switches. On the other hand, the questionnaire did not detect any significant differences between PTs in their subjective rankings of the psychological effects of switch pressing. These results suggest that differences in PTs modulate motor preparation to press switches, and that EEG measurements may provide a novel objective evaluation of the mechanical parameters of keyboard switches.
Operative Management of Neonatal Lymphatic Malformations: Lesson Learned From 57 Consecutive Cases

Aim of the study: Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are rare entities, sometimes difficult to treat, that may be life-threatening when intricately connected to airway structures. Invasive treatments are occasionally required, with sclerotherapy considered the treatment of choice and surgery as a second-line approach. The aim of the present study was to evaluate our multidisciplinary team experience in treating newborns affected by LMs requiring operative management, while defining early outcomes. Methods: Retrospective review of all consecutive patients admitted for LMs requiring operative management between January 2000 and January 2019. Patients were mainly characterized based on anatomical district of the LM (and further stratified based on the development of respiratory distress), need for tracheostomy, number of sclerotherapies, indication for surgery, and residual disease beyond the 1st year. Morbidity and mortality were also evaluated. Fisher exact test and Mann–Whitney test were used as appropriate. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Fifty-seven patients were included in the study, 36 with cervicofacial and/or mediastinal LMs and 21 with LMs of other anatomical districts. Due to the risk of developing respiratory distress at birth, patients with cervicofacial and/or mediastinal LMs were divided into two groups (8/36 group A vs. 28/36 group B). Group A patients are at higher risk for tracheostomy (7/8 group A vs. 1/28 group B, p = 0.0001) and more often require surgical reduction of the residual lymphatic abnormality (5/8 group A vs. 4/28 group B, p = 0.013). They also require sclerotherapies more often, but the difference is not statistically significant (8/8 group A vs. 19/28 group B, p = 0.15). Patients with cervicofacial/mediastinal LMs frequently suffer from persistent residual disease beyond the 1st year of life, significantly more often in group A (7/8 group A vs. 12/28 group B, p = 0.043). Conclusion: LMs are rare conditions with potential life-threatening behavior. Their intrinsic clinical complexity requires a multidisciplinary approach to the affected patients. Planning a long-term follow-up is essential because of the late-term problems those patients may experience.