Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-185 activates PI3K/AKT signalling pathway to alleviate dopaminergic neuron damage via targeting IGF1 in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Objectives Studies have extensively explored the role of microRNAs (miRs) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and miR-185 is related to autophagy and apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons in PD. However, the role of miR-185 mediating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B signalling pathway (PI3K/AKT) in PD still needs in-depth exploration. Methods Rat PD models were established by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine. PD rats were injected with miR-185 or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)-related sequences. Behaviour tests were performed, oxidative stress-related factors, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-, ionised calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1)- and TUNEL-positive cells in the substantia nigra were determined. Levels of miR-185, IGF1 and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signalling pathway-related factors were also detected. Results miR-185 level was reduced in rats with PD. Restoring miR-185 promoted behaviour functions, ameliorated pathological damages and oxidative stress, increased TH-positive dopaminergic neurons, decreased GFAP- and Iba-1-positive cells and restrained neuronal apoptosis in the substantia nigra in PD rats. miR-185 targeted IGF1 to activate PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Up-regulation of IGF1 mitigated restored miR-185-mediated effects on PD rats. Conclusion This study illustrates that miR-185 ameliorates dopaminergic neuron damage via targeting IGF1 and activating PI3K/AKT signalling pathway in PD, which renews the therapy for PD.
Persistent Post-Mastectomy Pain: The Impact of Regional Anesthesia Among Patients with High vs Low Baseline Catastrophizing.

BACKGROUND Persistent Post-Mastectomy Pain (PPMP) varies both in its severity and impact, with psychosocial factors such as catastrophizing conferring greater risk. Preoperative regional anesthesia (RA) is an important non-opioid therapy, but with variable success at preventing PPMP in previous reports. We previously reported that RA was associated with lower acute post-mastectomy pain and opioid use, but more prominently among patients with higher baseline catastrophizing. The current longitudinal investigation at 3, 6, and 12 months postop aimed to detect differential long-term impact of RA on PPMP among patients with high vs low catastrophizing. METHODS In this prospective observational study, patients (n=123) completed preoperative psychosocial assessment and underwent mastectomy either with (n=56) or without (n=67) preoperative RA. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression analysis assessed impact of baseline catastrophizing, RA, and their interaction, on the primary outcome of pain severity index, as well as secondary outcomes including cognitive and emotional impact of pain, and persistent opioid use. RESULTS We observed a significant interaction between the effect of catastrophizing and RA on PPMP. Specifically, RA was associated with reduced pain severity and pain impact 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, but only among those with high baseline catastrophizing scores. In addition, both RA and lower catastrophizing scores were associated with lower incidence of persistent opioid use. CONCLUSIONS The efficacy of therapies to prevent PPMP may be importantly influenced by pain-modulatory psychosocial characteristics. These findings underscore the importance of considering individual patient factors when applying preventive treatments, and of including their assessment in future trials.
Long‐term follow‐up of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy after successful treatment with photodynamic therapy or micropulse laser

To describe the treatment outcomes and recurrence risk of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) in patients who had complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) after either primary half‐dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) or high‐density subthreshold micropulse laser (HSML) in the PLACE trial.
Bioelectrical Impedance Versus Biochemical Analysis of Hydration Status: Predictive Value for Prolonged Hospitalisation and Poor Discharge Destination for Older Patients

Dehydration is prevalent in hospitalised patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly among the elderly (≥65 years). We aimed at comparing the performance of intracellular water to extracellular water ratio (ICW/ECW), calculated through a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) of blood urea nitrogen, with the creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr) to predict poor outcomes in a cohort of prospectively identified patients. Data were combined from a cohort of elderly patients (≥65 years) admitted to hospital with fragility fracture (n = 125) and older adults aged ≥50 years admitted to hospital with stroke (n = 40). The association between hydration status and study outcomes (unfavourable discharge destination (rehabilitation, another ward, or death) and prolonged hospitalisation (>10 days)) was examined using logistic regression. The overall diagnostic accuracy of each hydration status measurement was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. In 165 participants (mean age (SD) of 76.7 (9.2) years), an ICW/ECW ratio below the 25th percentile was associated with increased odds of poor discharge destination (OR (95% CI) = 4.25 (1.59–11.34)). Neither the relationship between the BUN/Cr ratio and prolonged stay nor discharge destination was significant. A BIA could be used utilised in conjunction with biochemical measurements to inform patient prognosis.
Co-Chaperone Bag-1 Plays a Role in the Autophagy-Dependent Cell Survival through Beclin 1 Interaction

Expression levels of the major mammalian autophagy regulator Beclin 1 and its interaction with Bcl-2 regulate the switch between autophagic cell survival and apoptotic cell death pathways. However, some of the regulators and the precise mechanisms of these processes still remain elusive. Bag-1 (Bcl-2 associated athanogene-1), a member of BAG family proteins, is a multifunctional pro-survival molecule that possesses critical functions in vital cellular pathways. Herein, we report the role of Bag-1 on Bcl-2/Beclin 1 crosstalk through indirectly interacting with Beclin 1. Pull-down experiments suggested a molecular interaction between Bag-1 and Beclin 1 in breast cancer cell lines. On the other hand, in vitro binding assays showed that Bag-1/Beclin 1 interaction does not occur directly but occurs through a mediator molecule. Bag-1 interaction with p-Beclin 1 (T119), indicator of early autophagy, is increased during nutrient starvation suggesting involvement of Bag-1 in the autophagic regulation. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Bag-1 knock-out in MCF-7 cells hampered cell survival and proliferation and resulted in decreased levels of total LC3 under starvation. Collectively, we suggest that Bag-1 modulates cell survival/death decision through maintaining macroautophagy as a component of Beclin 1-associated complexes.
Investigating sex differences in the accuracy of dietary assessment methods to measure energy intake in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Background To inform the interpretation of dietary data in the context of sex differences in diet–disease relations, it is important to understand whether there are any sex differences in accuracy of dietary reporting. Objective To quantify sex differences in self-reported total energy intake (TEI) compared with a reference measure of total energy expenditure (TEE). Methods Six electronic databases were systematically searched for published original research articles between 1980 and April 2020. Studies were included if they were conducted in adult populations with measures for both females and males of self-reported TEI and TEE from doubly labeled water (DLW). Studies were screened and quality assessed independently by 2 authors. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to pool the mean differences between TEI and TEE for, and between, females and males, by method of dietary assessment. Results From 1313 identified studies, 31 met the inclusion criteria. The studies collectively included information on 4518 individuals (54% females). Dietary assessment methods included 24-h recalls (n = 12, 2 with supplemental photos of food items consumed), estimated food records (EFRs; n = 11), FFQs (n = 10), weighed food records (WFRs, n = 5), and diet histories (n = 2). Meta-analyses identified underestimation of TEI by females and males, ranging from −1318 kJ/d (95% CI: −1967, −669) for FFQ to −2650 kJ/d (95% CI: −3492, −1807) for 24-h recalls for females, and from −1764 kJ/d (95% CI: −2285, −1242) for FFQ to −3438 kJ/d (95% CI: −5382, −1494) for WFR for males. There was no difference in the level of underestimation by sex, except when using EFR, for which males underestimated energy intake more than females (by 590 kJ/d, 95% CI: 35, 1,146). Conclusion Substantial underestimation of TEI across a range of dietary assessment methods was identified, similar by sex. These underestimations should be considered when assessing TEI and interpreting diet–disease relations.
Simulative and Experimental Characterization of an Adaptive Astigmatic Membrane Mirror

Adaptive optical (AO) components play an important role in numerous optical applications, from astronomical telescopes to microscope imaging systems. For most of these AO components, the induced wavefront correction, respectively added optical power, is based on a rotationally symmetric or segmented design of the AO component. In this work, we report on the design, fabrication, and characterization of a micro-electronic-mechanical system (MEMS) adaptive membrane mirror in the shape of a parabolic cylinder. In order to interpret the experimental characterization results correctly and provide a tool for future application development, this is accompanied by the setup of an optical simulation model. The characterization results showed a parabolically deformable membrane mirror with an aperture of 8 × 2 mm2 and an adaptive range for the optical power from 0.3 to 6.1 m−1 (dpt). The optical simulation model, using the Gaussian beamlet propagation method, was successfully validated by laser beam profile measurements taken in the optical characterization setup. This MEMS-based adaptive astigmatic membrane mirror, together with the accompanying simulation model, could be a key component for the rapid development of new optical systems, e.g., adaptive laser line generators.
Autonomous Water Quality Monitoring and Water Surface Cleaning for Unmanned Surface Vehicle

Water is one of the most precious resources. However, industrial development has made water pollution a critical problem today and thus water quality monitoring and surface cleaning are essential for water resource protection. In this study, we have used the sensor fusion technology as a basis to develop a multi-function unmanned surface vehicle (MF-USV) for obstacle avoidance, water-quality monitoring, and water surface cleaning. The MF-USV comprises a USV control unit, a locomotion module, a positioning module, an obstacle avoidance module, a water quality monitoring system, a water surface cleaning system, a communication module, a power module, and a remote human–machine interface. We equip the MF-USV with the following functions: (1) autonomous obstacle detection, avoidance, and navigation positioning, (2) water quality monitoring, sampling, and positioning, (3) water surface detection and cleaning, and (4) remote navigation control and real-time information display. The experimental results verified that when the floating garbage located in the visual angle ranged from −30° to 30° on the front of the MF-USV and the distances between the floating garbage and the MF-USV were 40 and 70 cm, the success rates of floating garbage detection are all 100%. When the distance between the floating garbage and the MF-USV was 130 cm and the floating garbage was located on the left side (15°~30°), left front side (0°~15°), front side (0°), right front side (0°~15°), and the right side (15°~30°), the success rates of the floating garbage collection were 70%, 92%, 95%, 95%, and 75%, respectively. Finally, the experimental results also verified that the applications of the MF-USV and relevant algorithms to obstacle avoidance, water quality monitoring, and water surface cleaning were effective.
Radical Scavenging Activity and Total Phenolic Content of Medicinal Plants Used in Primary Health Care

The radical scavenging activity of five Thai medicinal plants used in primary heath care namely; Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae), Cymbopogon citratus (Gramineae), Coccinia grandis (Cucurbitaceae), Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae) and Cucurbita pepo (Cucurbitaceae) was determined. By measuring the scavenging effect on 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, methanolic extract of C. longa rhizome exhibits the highest radical scavenging activity with EC50 of 0.34 mg/mL which is 50 times lower than that of dried Japanese green tea leaf. Since plant phenolic compound is one of the phytochemicals possessing radical scavenging activity, the amount of total phenolic compound was also determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and gallic acid as a standard. The result reveals that higher concentration of phenolic content is associated with a the higher radical scavenging activity.
Drying and Testing of Mint (Mentha piperita) by a Hybrid Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT)-Based Greenhouse Dryer

Mint has been used as a medicinal and aromatic plant since ancient times. Its leaves are used for flavoring, spicing, and mint oil, which is used to treat several diseases. In order to preserve this seasonal plant for consumers during the year, it undergoes various technological treatments, such as drying. The economy of medicinal plant production is burdened considerably by the energy costs of drying. To substitute high-cost fossil energy, a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) ultraviolet (UV)-stabilized polyethylene greenhouse dryer was developed to lower the initial costs. The drying process from an initial moisture content of 80% wb to a final moisture content of 11% wb takes 21 h. Testing was done for different samples of dried mint powder and comparison was made to fresh samples. The results show that nutritional and calorific values are retained along with a major degree of its original color, which, coupled with a significant reduction in moisture content, resulted in longer shelf life of the dried product. Further, the results show that the efficiency of the dryer and net CO2 mitigation over the lifetime was 34.2% and 140.97 tons, respectively. The carbon credit earned ranges from a minimum of $704.85 per ton of C to a maximum of $2,819.40 per ton of C.
From bench to bedside: updates in basic science, translational and clinical research on muscle fatigue in cancer cachexia

Purpose of review Cancer cachexia is a syndrome of loss of weight and muscle mass that leads to reduced strength, poor physical performance and functional impairment. Muscular fatigue is a distressing syndrome that patients with cachexia suffer from and can impair quality of life. Here, we review recent updates in muscular fatigue in cancer cachexia research with a focus on mechanisms, biomarkers and potential therapies. Recent findings Both in mice and humans, research has shown that muscle fatigue can be independent of muscular atrophy and can happen early in cancer development or in precachexia. Inflammatory pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction and gut microbiota have recently been studied to play an important role in muscle fatigue in preclinical models. Exercise can target these pathways and has been studied as a therapeutic intervention to improve muscle fatigue. Summary Heightened inflammation within muscle, altered muscle function and muscle fatigue can begin prior to clinical evidence of cachexia, making early recognition and intervention challenging. The emergence of cachexia mouse models and translational and clinical research studying muscle fatigue will hopefully lead to new therapies targeting the underlying mechanisms of cancer cachexia. Exercise will need to be tested in larger randomized studies before entering into daily practice.
Combined identification of ARID1A, CSMD1, and SENP3 as effective prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: The current study aimed to understand the genetic landscape and investigate the diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A cohort of 36 Chinese HCC samples with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was examined by whole-exome sequencing (WES). Prognosis-related alterations were identified and further verified in the TCGA database and GSE65372 profiles in the GEO database. A Chinese replication cohort of 180 HCC samples with HBV infection was collected to evaluate the candidate genes by immunohistochemical analysis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis evaluated the prognostic power of candidate genes. Finally, EdU and transwell invasion assay were performed to detect the function of candidate genes. Results: A total of 11 novel genes showed a significant association with HCC in the discovery cohort. The data were verified using the GEO and TCGA databases, and the expression of ARID1A, CSMD1, and SENP was evaluated in the replication cohort. Furthermore, ARID1A, CSMD1, and SENP3 are effective prognostic biomarkers for HCC patients in the replication population. Conclusions: Molecular heterogeneity was detected in HCC patients, and ARID1A, CSMD1, and SENP3 were identified as effective HCC prognosis biomarkers. CSMD1 prevents HCC by suppressing cell invasion.
Sponge‐Templated Preparation of High Surface Area Graphene with Ultrahigh Capacitive Deionization Performance

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a competent water desalination technique offering an appropriate route to obtain clean water. However, a rational designed structure of the electrode materials is essentially required for achieving high CDI performance. Here, a novel sponge‐templated strategy is developed for the first time to prepare graphene sheets with high specific surface area and suitable pore size distribution. Sponge is used as the support of graphene oxide to prevent the restack of graphene sheets, as well as to suppress the agglomerate during the annealing process. Importantly, the as‐fabricated graphene sheets possess high specific surface area of 305 m2 g−1 and wide pore size distribution. Ultrahigh CDI performance, a remarkable electrosorptive capacity of 4.95 mg g−1, and siginificant desorption rate of 25 min, is achieved with the sponge‐templated prepared graphene electrodes. This work provides an effective solution for the synthesis of rational graphene architectures for general applications in CDI, energy storage and conversion.
A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of High-LET Ionizing Radiations in Human Gene Expression

The use of high linear energy transfer (LET) ionizing radiation (IR) is progressively being incorporated in radiation therapy due to its precise dose localization and high relative biological effectiveness. At the same time, these benefits of particle radiation become a high risk for astronauts in the case of inevitable cosmic radiation exposure. Nonetheless, DNA Damage Response (DDR) activated via complex DNA damage in healthy tissue, occurring from such types of radiation, may be instrumental in the induction of various chronic and late effects. An approach to elucidating the possible underlying mechanisms is studying alterations in gene expression. To this end, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in high Z and high energy (HZE) particle-, γ-ray- and X-ray-exposed healthy human tissues, utilizing microarray data available in public repositories. Differential gene expression analysis (DGEA) was conducted using the R programming language. Consequently, four separate meta-analyses were conducted, after DEG lists were grouped depending on radiation type, radiation dose and time of collection post-irradiation. To highlight the biological background of each meta-analysis group, functional enrichment analysis and biological network construction were conducted. For HZE particle exposure at 8–24 h post-irradiation, the most interesting finding is the variety of DNA repair mechanisms that were downregulated, a fact that is probably correlated with complex DNA damage formation. Simultaneously, after X-ray exposure during the same hours after irradiation, DNA repair mechanisms continue to take place. Finally, in a further comparison of low- and high-LET radiation effects, the most prominent result is that autophagy mechanisms seem to persist and that adaptive immune induction seems to be present. Such bioinformatics approaches may aid in obtaining an overview of the cellular response to high-LET particles. Understanding these response mechanisms can consequently aid in the development of countermeasures for future space missions and ameliorate heavy ion treatments.
Design of a 3D printed, motorized, uniaxial cell stretcher for microscopic and biochemical analysis of mechanotransduction

ABSTRACT Cells respond to mechanical cues from their environment through a process of mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. Cell stretching devices are important tools to study the molecular pathways responsible for cellular responses to mechanobiological processes. We describe the development and testing of a uniaxial cell stretcher that has applications for microscopic as well as biochemical analyses. By combining simple fabrication techniques with adjustable control parameters, the stretcher is designed to fit a variety of experimental needs. The stretcher can be used for static and cyclic stretching. As a proof of principle, we visualize stretch induced deformation of cell nuclei via incremental static stretch, and changes in IEX1 expression via cyclic stretching. This stretcher is easily modified to meet experimental needs, inexpensive to build, and should be readily accessible for most laboratories with access to 3D printing. Summary: Description and testing of a 3D printed uniaxial stretcher designed for the microscopic and biochemical analysis of mammalian cells subjected to mechanical stretch.
THE MECHANISMS OF SHAPE-MEMORY

Historically shape-memory phenomena have been thought to exist only in ordered alloy systems which exhibit thermoelastic transformation to twinned martensitic products. However, it is now known that this is not always the case, and that there are a number of different ways in which a material can fulfil the more general requirements for shape-memory. This paper reviews these requirements and illustrates how a range of transformation types can fulfil these criteria and therefore exhibit shape-memory behaviour.