Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
System Accuracy Assessment of a Combined Invasive and Noninvasive Glucometer

Background: The pain associated with pricking the fingertip for blood glucose self-testing is considered to be a major burden in diabetes treatment. This study was performed to evaluate the system accuracy of the invasive TensorTip Combo Glucometer (CoG) device component in accordance with ISO15197:2015 requirements and to explore the accuracy of the noninvasive tissue glucose prediction component. Methods: One hundred samples were obtained from people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and healthy volunteers (43 females, 57 males; age: 53 ± 16 years), with glucose distribution as requested by the ISO standard. Three strip lots were tested twice by healthcare professionals in comparison to YSI 2300 Stat Plus reference method followed by a noninvasive tissue glucose reading (NI-CoG). Mean Absolute (Relative) Difference (MARD) was calculated and a consensus error grid (CEG) analysis was performed. Results: The ISO system accuracy criteria were met with the invasive strip technology by 586/600 of the data points (97.1%) and for each strip lot separately. All invasive results (100%) were within CEG-zone A and total MARD was calculated to be 7.1%. With the noninvasive reading, 99% of raw data points were in A + B (91.1% and 7.8%), and the total MARD was calculated to be 18.1%. Discussion: The invasive component of the CoG device was shown to be in full compliance with the current ISO15197 criteria. Good results were also obtained with the NI-CoG tissue glucose prediction. This noninvasive technology would potentially be suitable for frequent pain-free glucose monitoring in many people with diabetes.
Meta-analysis and systematic review of physical activity on neurodevelopment disorders, depression, and obesity among children and adolescents

Background No consensus on whether physical activity (PA) is related to physical and mental health among pediatric population remains has been reached to date. To further explore their association, our study assessed the effect of PA on physical and mental health of children and adolescents through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies (RCTs). Methods Several databases(Web of science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central register of controlled trials, CINAHL) were searched from inception to 1st, December 2020 without language restrictions. Results 38,236 records were identified primitively and 31 included studies with 1,255 participants eventually met our inclusion criteria, all of which exhibited a relatively low-moderate risk of bias of overall quality. In regard to mental health, the administration of PA, compared with the control group, led to moderate improvements in Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)[Standard mean difference (SMD) = −0.50, Confidence interval(CI): −0.87, −0.14)] and depression(SMD = −0.68, CI: −0.98, −0.38) among children and adolescents. Similarly, significant result was observed in obesity (SMD = −0.58, CI: −0.80, −0.36). No significant differences were observed in Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (SMD = −0.29, CI: −0.59, 0.01). Conclusion Altogether, PA may have a beneficial effect on children and adolescents with ASD, depression and obesity; nevertheless, there is insufficient evidence to confirm its efficacy in ADHD. More large-scale population based randomized controlled trials are needed to explore more reliable evidence between them.
Shielding commissioning factors in nuclear medicine facilities

This article reviews the essential considerations in planning and designing nuclear medicine departments. There are four proposed categories to consider as ‘shielding commissioning factors’ (SCF). The first SCF: ‘Patient flow optimisation and workload’ emphasises the importance of carefully considering patient flow in the departmental design, which would impact the cost of the shielding and the management of radioactive patients. The second SCF: ‘Equipment and space allocation’ discusses the principles of space allocations in the department for cost-effective designs. The third SCF: ‘Shielding calculation methods’ reviews the methodologies of shielding calculations in nuclear medicine to offer a standardised approach. The fourth SCF: ‘Shielding integrity’ reviews the plan to inspect, eyewitness and verify shielding integrity. All discussions were supplemented by practical examples. Overall, this article aims to be a practical manual which health or medical physicists can use when providing counsels to the design committee.
G-Quadruplex-Forming Aptamers—Characteristics, Applications, and Perspectives

G-quadruplexes constitute a unique class of nucleic acid structures formed by G-rich oligonucleotides of DNA- or RNA-type. Depending on their chemical nature, loops length, and localization in the sequence or structure molecularity, G-quadruplexes are highly polymorphic structures showing various folding topologies. They may be formed in the human genome where they are believed to play a pivotal role in the regulation of multiple biological processes such as replication, transcription, and translation. Thus, natural G-quadruplex structures became prospective targets for disease treatment. The fast development of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technologies provided a number of G-rich aptamers revealing the potential of G-quadruplex structures as a promising molecular tool targeted toward various biologically important ligands. Because of their high stability, increased cellular uptake, ease of chemical modification, minor production costs, and convenient storage, G-rich aptamers became interesting therapeutic and diagnostic alternatives to antibodies. In this review, we describe the recent advances in the development of G-quadruplex based aptamers by focusing on the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of this exceptional class of nucleic acid structures.
Optofluidic laser speckle image decorrelation analysis for the assessment of red blood cell storage

Red blood cells (RBCs) undergo irreversible biochemical and morphological changes during storage, contributing to the hemorheological changes of stored RBCs, which causes deterioration of microvascular perfusion in vivo. In this study, a home-built optofluidic system for laser speckle imaging of flowing stored RBCs through a transparent microfluidic channel was employed. The speckle decorrelation time (SDT) provides a quantitative measure of RBC changes, including aggregation in the microchannel. The SDT and relative light transmission intensity of the stored RBCs were monitored for 42 days. In addition, correlations between the decorrelation time, RBC flow speed through the channel, and relative light transmission intensity were obtained. The SDT of stored RBCs increased as the storage duration increased. The SDTs of the RBCs stored for 21 days did not significantly change. However, for the RBCs stored for over 35 days, the SDT increased significantly from 1.26 ± 0.27 ms to 6.12 ± 1.98 ms. In addition, we measured the relative light transmission intensity and RBC flow speed. As the RBC storage time increased, the relative light transmission intensity increased, whereas the RBC flow speed decreased in the microchannel. The optofluidic laser speckle image decorrelation time provides a quantitative measure of assessing the RBC condition during storage. Laser speckle image decorrelation analysis may serve as a convenient assay to monitor the property changes of stored RBCs.
A multichannel magnetic stimulation system using submillimeter-sized coils: system development and experimental application to rodent brain in vivo

Objective. Single coil-based systems for magnetic stimulation are widely used for neurostimulation in neuroscience research and clinical treatment of neurological diseases. However, parallelization of magnetic stimulation with multiple coils may generate far greater potential than a single coil, and could thus expand the scope of brain area stimulation. Therefore, we examined whether a multiple coil-based system could improve the effectiveness and focality of conventional single coil-based magnetic stimulation. Approach. We designed and tested a micromagnetic stimulation (µMS) device with multiple submillimeter-sized coils as a possible substitute for one large coil. Our design concept is spatially-distributed stimulation strategy involving the small number of coils to be able to mimic desired electric field profiles. To this end, the cost function of the error between the desired and coil-induced electric fields was firstly calculated, and coil currents were repetitively estimated to achieve the smaller number of coils under a certain criterion: a minimum error with spatial sparsity. Using these approaches, we evaluated the capability of our multi-channel µMS via numerical simulations and demonstrated responsive results in animal experiments. Main results. Our approach can enhance control of neural excitation and improve the concentration of the excitation field induced by magnetic stimulation with reduced power consumption. Furthermore, in vivo electrophysiological recordings of mouse brain performed to evaluate our proposed approach for brain stimulation demonstrated experimentally that our multi-channel µMS device can yield more effective stimulation than the single-channel device. In addition, our device permitted electronic spatial adjustment of the stimulus shape and location without moving the coils. Significance. The development of new multichannel µMS-based therapeutic approaches may be useful because the µMS affects only a restricted brain area. Indeed, the small size of micro-coils and their finer focality with multichannel contribution might be suitable for chronic use, which is difficult using conventional large transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with simple round or figure-eight coils. Thus, our findings support new opportunities to explore magnetic stimulation as a therapeutic approach for neurological disorders.
An evaluation of current prostate cancer diagnostic approaches with emphasis on liquid biopsies and prostate cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction: Knowledge of the complex biology of prostate cancer is constantly growing, opening the field up to new therapeutic advances. The selection of patients on the basis of prognostic and predictive biomarkers is a challenging and emerging clinical need, not yet completely fulfilled. In this scenario, liquid biopsy offers a noninvasive and attractive approach to give important information about tumor biology and eventual resistance to treatments. Areas covered: The aim of this review of the literature is to evaluate the current knowledge and the promising value of liquid biopsy in prostate cancer. Circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA identified by liquid biopsies are currently under evaluation to guide therapeutic decisions in prostate cancer management, even though practical applications of these approaches are still very limited. We examined the current areas of interest in which circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA are being investigated, such as their prognostic and predictive role in response to chemotherapy or androgen receptor signaling inhibition, especially in the castration-resistant setting. Expert opinion: As the body of knowledge on liquid biopsy rapidly grows, we need to identify which can be the real applications of this technique in clinical practice and to overcome the problems that are limiting its routinely use.
Genotyping and antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus uberis isolated from bovine clinical mastitis

A genotypic characterization of Streptococcus uberis isolated from clinical mastitis (CM) in dairy cows, and the association of Strep. uberis genotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility (AMS) was performed. A total of 89 isolates identified as Strep. uberis from 86 dairy cows with CM in 17 dairy herds of Southeastern Brazil were genotyped using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. After genotyping, two clusters (I and II) were created according to RAPD types. A commercial broth microdilution test was used to determine the susceptibility of Strep. uberis isolates to 8 antimicrobials (ampicillin, ceftiofur, cephalothin, erythromycin, penicillin, penicillin+novobiocin, pirlimycin and tetracycline). For each antimicrobial, we determined the minimal inhibitory concentrations that inhibit 50% (MIC50) and 90% (MIC90) of Strep. uberis strains. Differences in AMS among genotypic clusters were evaluated using mixed regression models. Overall, a great polymorphism (56 RAPD-types) was found among Strep. uberis isolates, although a higher genetic similarity (based on the PCR bands features) was observed within herds after genotypic clustering. No differences in AMS were observed among clusters. Strep. uberis isolated from bovine CM were resistant to most antimicrobials, with the exception of cephalothin and penicillin+novobiocin.
HISTONE DEACETYLASE 9 Functions with Polycomb Silencing to Repress FLOWERING LOCUS C Expression1

Histone deacetylase, Polycomb repressive complex, and epigenome readers through a cis-element mediate histone deacetylation and methylation to repress FLOWERING LOCUS C in rapid-cycling accessions. Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) catalyzes repressive histone 3 Lys-27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) to mediate genome-wide transcriptional repression in plants and animals. PRC2 controls various developmental processes in plants and plays a critical role in the developmental transition to flowering. FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), first identified in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), is a potent floral repressor in crucifers and some other plants that is subjected to complex regulation. Here, we show that HISTONE DEACETYLASE 9 (HDA9)-mediated H3K27 deacetylation is required for PRC2-mediated H3K27me3 in Arabidopsis. We further demonstrate that through physical association with the epigenome readers VP1/ABI3-LIKE 1 (VAL1) and VAL2, which recognize a cis-regulatory element at the FLC locus, HDA9 and PRC2 function in concert to mediate H3K27 deacetylation and subsequent trimethylation at this residue. This leads to FLC repression in the rapid-cycling Arabidopsis accessions. Our study uncovers roles for HDA9 in PRC2-mediated H3K27me3, FLC repression, and flowering-time regulation.
Some Aspects of the Biology of Trichopria anastrephae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae), a Resident Parasitoid Attacking Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Brazil

Abstract Spotted-wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931), is an economic pest of thin-skinned fruit crops. Its control has commonly been carried out through chemical methods. However, given the need to develop safer and environmentally friendly management alternatives, the pupal endoparasitoid Trichopria anastrephae Lima stands out as a potential biological control agent. However, the lack of information on the mass rearing of this parasitoid limits its use. Thus, the objective of our study was to provide information that is useful for rearing T. anastrephae using D. suzukii as a host. The effects of pupal age, exposure time, and pupal density on the parasitism rate were examined, as was the effect of honey provision for extending adult parasitoid longevity. Exposing 15 12-h-old pupae per female for 24 h resulted in higher parasitism rates and a greater number of emerged parasitoids. Males and females of T. anastrephae fed with pure honey (100%) or honey diluted to 50% in water lived longer compared to those fed 10% honey, no food, or only water.
Transition to bereavement: A prospective longitudinal study of health-related quality of life in informal caregivers of oldest-old individuals

Introduction Experiencing bereavement may be challenging. Despite the oldest-old population increase, a subgroup at greater risk of death, few studies focus on the grieving process of informal caregivers (ICs). This study analyzed the transition to bereavement of ICs of oldest-old individuals (≥80 years) over 1-year and compares the evolution of the health-related quality of life (HrQoL) between those experiencing bereavement and those who continued care through the study period. Materials and methods A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted enrolling 204 ICs of the Metropolitan Area of Porto (North Portugal), of which 36 experienced the death of care receiver (CR). ICs’ health profile and burden were assessed. CRs’ functional and cognitive status were also appraised. Results Bereaving caregivers were mostly female, CRs’ children, and had on average 60.4 years at baseline. Caregivers spent a mean of 10.1 h/day (SD = 7.7) caring, for 80.6 months (SD = 57.5). The time elapsed since CR’s death was 6 months (SD = 3.5) from entering in the study. CRs who died had a mean age of 88.3 (SD = 5.4) years at baseline, and were very dependent. Over a 1-year follow-up, bereaving caregivers showed a significant decrease in mental health following CR’s death; on the other hand, caregivers who continued caring improved mental health [F(1, 159) = 4.249, p = 0.041]. Discussion Ending the caregiver career was marked by a decline in mental health whereas to continue caring was marked by an improvement in this outcome. While it is highly expected that the CR’s death will be perceived as a relief considering both the caregiver’s characteristics (e.g., medicines) and the CR condition (e.g., high dependence levels), the results suggest an opposite direction. CRs’ death seems to arise an emotional burden for IC, at least during the first year, possibly triggering feelings of loneliness and a life without purpose that seems to aggravate mental health issues. Conclusion The transition to bereavement among ICs seems to lead to a caregiver mental health decline while those who continued caring (and thereby, experiencing caregiving stressors) seems to improve in this outcome. Ceasing caregiving stressors does not seem to contribute better experiencing bereavement among ICs, suggesting the need for support throughout this phase.
Insulin Resistance in Healthy U.S. Adults: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Background: Insulin is fundamental in two conditions that are epidemic in the United States and globally: obesity and type II diabetes. Given insulin's established mechanistic involvement in energy balance and glucose tolerance, we examined its relationship to common health-related endpoints in a large population-based sample. Methods: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey is a cross-sectional study that uses a complex multistage probability design to obtain a representative sample of the United States population. Adult participants were included from 8 successive 2-year data waves (1999–2014), including 9,224 normal individuals, 7,699 prediabetic, and 3,413 diabetic subjects. The homeostatic model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was available for 20,336 participants and its relationship with demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data was analyzed. We examined the relationship of HOMA-IR to 8 groups of outcome variables: general health, anthropometric/metabolic [waist size, body mass index (BMI)], cardiovascular (blood pressure), lipid [triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)], hepatic [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)], hematologic [white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (Hgb), platelets], inflammatory (C-reactive protein), and nutritional (vitamins D and C, serum folate, and pyridoxine) variables. Results: HOMA-IR was generally strongly, monotonically, and highly significantly associated with adjusted outcomes in normal subjects, although clinical laboratory values were generally within normal bounds across insulin quartiles. In the normal subset, the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for a quartile change in HOMA-IR for obesity (BMI > 30) was 3.62 (3.30–3.97), and for the highest quintile for the triglyceride/HDL the ratio was 2.00 (1.77–2.26), for GGT it was 1.40 (1.24–1.58), and for WBC it was 1.28 (1.16–1.40). The relationship of HOMA-IR to the various outcomes was broadly similar to that observed in prediabetics and diabetics with a few exceptions. Conclusions: HOMA-IR levels in a large sample of normal individuals are associated with poorer general health and adverse changes across a wide range of markers. A similar pattern of alterations is observed in prediabetic and diabetic samples. Impact: Clinically, checking insulin levels may be helpful to identify patients that merit further observation and are candidates for early interventions.
The role of media specialists with respect to instructional technology in an urban school district in Georgia

THE ROLE OF MEDIA SPECIALISTS WITH RESPECT TO INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN AN URBAN SCHOOL DISTRICT IN GEORGIA by Warren Reid Goetzel Due to the absence of a Georgia Educator Certificate in instructional technology, and the lack of state-wide staffing guidelines or requirements for instructional technology specialists, there is a lack of consistency in the qualifications and staffing of P-12 instructional technology specialists in Georgia public schools. The result is a lack of standardized support for the integration of technology into teaching and learning. Conversely, the state of Georgia provides standardized support for school library media programs through the certification and staffing of media specialists in every public school. In the absence of consistently staffed, certified instructional technology specialists, media specialists may be playing an increasingly larger role in instructional technology support and focusing less on other vital media specialist roles and responsibilities. A deeper understanding of the role of media specialists with respect to instructional technology may provide insight into determining a need for instructional technology certification and support in Georgia public schools. The purpose of this quantitative survey study was to examine the role of media specialists with respect to instructional technology in an urban school district in Georgia. Practicing media specialists’ perceived use, and perceived ideal use, of instructional technology specialist and media specialist job competencies were examined. These data could be used to inform the need for the support of certified instructional technology specialists in public schools. The data revealed an overall difference among the four dependent variables (a) perceived current use of media specialist competencies, (b) perceived ideal use of media specialist competencies, (c) perceived current use of instructional technology specialist competencies, and (d) perceived ideal use of instructional technology specialist competencies. Within-subjects contrasts revealed significant pairwise differences among all the variables except the comparison of the use of media specialist competencies and the use of instructional technology specialist competencies. These findings suggest that in the absence of consistently staffed, certified instructional technology specialists, media specialists are playing an increasingly larger role in instructional technology support and focusing less on other essential media specialist roles and responsibilities.