Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral hygiene as a variable in dental caries experience in 14-year-olds exposed to fluoride.

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between oral hygiene level and caries experience in 14-year-olds using fluoride dentifrices on a regular basis. Oral hygiene expressed as Gingival Bleeding Points (GBP) was recorded in 267 individuals in the county of Lillehammer in Norway. Total caries experience as DMFS and approximal carious lesions in the outer half of the enamel (D1), in the inner half of the enamel (D2), in dentin (D3), and filled approximal surfaces were registered clinically and on standardized bite-wing radiographs. Using multiple regression analysis, oral hygiene level expressed as GBI was the only factor that could account for variation in caries experience (DMFS). Any significant effect of consumption of sweets on caries experience could not be demonstrated with the multivariate analysis. The average percentage of GBP (+/- SD) was 35.7 +/- 10.0%. The individuals were divided into one group with good oral hygiene (GBP or = 35.7%). Significantly fewer carious lesions and filled approximal surfaces were demonstrated in the group with good oral hygiene compared with the group with poor oral hygiene. About 16% of the study population used fluoride tablets or fluoride mouthrinses in addition to a fluoride toothpaste. Only in the good oral hygiene group, additional fluoride resulted in a lower caries experience compared with those using only a fluoride toothpaste. In the group with poor oral hygiene, additional fluoride did not result in lower caries experience. The study thus supported the view that during regular fluoride exposure oral hygiene level is an important variable to explain caries risk.
Human motor cortical beta bursts relate to movement planning and response errors

Motor cortical beta activity (13–30 Hz) is a hallmark signature of healthy and pathological movement, but its behavioural relevance remains unclear. Using high-precision magnetoencephalography (MEG), we show that during the classical event-related desynchronisation (ERD) and event-related synchronisation (ERS) periods, motor cortical beta activity in individual trials (n > 12,000) is dominated by high amplitude, transient, and infrequent bursts. Beta burst probability closely matched the trial-averaged beta amplitude in both the pre- and post-movement periods, but individual bursts were spatially more focal than the classical ERS peak. Furthermore, prior to movement (ERD period), beta burst timing was related to the degree of motor preparation, with later bursts resulting in delayed response times. Following movement (ERS period), the first beta burst was delayed by approximately 100 milliseconds when an incorrect response was made. Overall, beta burst timing was a stronger predictor of single trial behaviour than beta burst rate or single trial beta amplitude. This transient nature of motor cortical beta provides new constraints for theories of its role in information processing within and across cortical circuits, and its functional relevance for behaviour in both healthy and pathological movement.
A Study into Psychosocial Work Stressors and Health Care Productivity

Background: World Health Organization's Healthy Workplace Framework and Model has emphasized addressing psychosocial work stressors as one of the important avenues toward creating a conducive workplace. Management and interventions of these adverse stressors have been unremarkable; impairing work productivity. Objective: To explore the effect of psychosocial work stressors on health service productivity. Methods: Using Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II and Healthcare Productivity Survey, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 225 health and allied health professionals in the largest referral hospital in Brunei. Multiple linear regression was used to explore the relationship of each domain of work productivity to indicators of psychosocial work stressors. Results: Psychosocial work stressors explained more than 50% of the variance for health care productivity. Influence at work, role clarity, rewards and job satisfaction were among the factors with the highest contributions to this relationship. Conclusion: Crucial factors were identified and discussed, however, due to complexity of this relationship, international collaborations and efforts are required to ameliorate adverse effects of psychosocial stressors and improve health service productivity.
Yoga Improves Balance and Low-Back Pain, but Not Anxiety, in People with Parkinson's Disease.

Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) experience postural instability, low-back pain (LBP), and anxiety. These symptoms increase the risk of falls and decrease quality of life. Research shows yoga improves balance and decreases LBP and anxiety in healthy adults, but its effects in PD are poorly understood. All participants were part of a larger intervention study. Participants received pretest and posttest evaluations, including the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Revised Oswestry Disability Index (ROSW). Total scores for each measure, as well as individual balance system section scores from the BESTest (biomechanical constraints, stability limits/verticality, transitions/anticipatory, reactive, sensory orientation, and stability in gait) were compared within groups pre- to posttest. Participants in the yoga group (n = 13) completed a twice-weekly 12-week yoga intervention, whereas controls (n = 13) continued their usual routines for 12 weeks. Both the yoga (Z = -3.20, p = 0.001) and control (Z = -2.10, p = 0.040) groups improved on the BESTest total score. The control group showed no changes in individual balance systems, whereas the yoga group improved in stability limits/verticality (Z = -2.3, p = 0.020), transitions/anticipatory (Z = -2.50, p = 0.010), reactive (Z = -2.70, p = 0.008), and sensory orientation (Z = -2.30, p = 0.020). ROSW decreased in the yoga group only (Z = -2.10, p = 0.030). BAI did not change in either group. Yoga is a nonpharmacological intervention that can improve balance and LBP in people with PD. This study demonstrated that yoga is feasible for people with PD, and participants reported high levels of enjoyment and intent to practice yoga after the study.
Economic Analysis of Regulation Mode for Pump Unit Operating Condition

The setting of regulation mode for operating condition has great influence on the reliability and economy of pump units. For typical pumping stations, different adjustment modes of pump unit were calculated considering optimization operation and the equipment investment. The rationality of the regulation mode was analyzed from the economic perspective for the existing condition of pumping stations. The results show that the current regulation mode with adjusting rotational speed by variable frequency is reasonable in pumping station A, which can save more than 1.8 million yuan in operating costs every year. However, the current regulation mode with adjusting pump blade angles is not economical in pumping station B. If it is changed to adjusting rotational speed by variable frequency, which will save about 1.9 million yuan in operating costs every year. The results are of guiding significance to the design and selection of pump unit and the regulation mode.
Celecoxib potentiates antibiotic uptake by altering membrane potential and permeability in Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND We have shown previously that celecoxib enhances the antibacterial effect of antibiotics and has sensitized drug-resistant bacteria to antibiotics at low concentrations using in vitro and in vivo model systems and also using clinically isolated ESKAPE pathogens. OBJECTIVES To identify the mechanism of action of celecoxib in potentiating the effect of antibiotics on bacteria. METHODS Toxicogenomic expression analysis of Staphylococcus aureus in the presence or absence of ampicillin, celecoxib or both was carried out by microarray followed by validation of microarray results by flow cytometry and real-time PCR analysis, cocrystal development and analysis. RESULTS The RNA expression map clearly indicated a change in the global transcriptome of S. aureus in the presence of cells treated with ampicillin alone, which was similar to that of celecoxib-treated cells in co-treated cells. Several essential, non-essential and virulence genes such as α-haemolysin (HLA), enterotoxins and β-lactamase were differentially regulated in co-treated cells. Further detailed analysis of the expression data indicated that the ion transporters and enzymes of the lipid biosynthesis pathway were down-regulated in co-treated cells leading to decreased membrane permeability and membrane potential. Cocrystal studies using Powder-X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated interactions between celecoxib and ampicillin, which might help in the entry of antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS Although further studies are warranted, here we report that celecoxib alters membrane potential and permeability, specifically by affecting the Na+/K+ ion transporter, and thereby increases the uptake of ampicillin by S. aureus.
Alteration of Cellular Reduction Potential Will Change 64Cu-ATSM Signal With or Without Hypoxia

Therapies targeting reductive/oxidative (redox) metabolism hold potential in cancers resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. A redox imaging marker would help identify cancers susceptible to redox-directed therapies. Copper(II)-diacetyl-bis(4-methylthiosemicarbazonato) (Cu-ATSM) is a PET tracer developed for hypoxia imaging that could potentially be used for this purpose. We aimed to demonstrate that Cu-ATSM signal is dependent on cellular redox state, irrespective of hypoxia. Methods: We investigated the relationship between 64Cu-ATSM signal and redox state in human cervical and colon cancer cells. We altered redox state using drug strategies and single-gene mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDH1/2). Concentrations of reducing molecules were determined by spectrophotometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and compared with 64Cu-ATSM signal in vitro. Mouse models of cervical cancer were used to evaluate the relationship between 64Cu-ATSM signal and levels of reducing molecules in vivo, as well as to evaluate the change in 64Cu-ATSM signal after redox-active drug treatment. Results: A correlation exists between baseline 64Cu-ATSM signal and cellular concentration of glutathione, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). Altering NADH and NADPH metabolism using drug strategies and IDH1 mutations resulted in significant changes in 64Cu-ATSM signal under normoxic conditions. Hypoxia likewise changed 64Cu-ATSM signal, but treatment of hypoxic cells with redox-active drugs resulted in a more dramatic change than hypoxia alone. A significant difference in NADPH was seen between cervical tumor orthotopic implants in vivo, without a corresponding difference in 64Cu-ATSM signal. After treatment with β-lapachone, there was a change in 64Cu-ATSM signal in xenograft tumors smaller than 50 mg but not in larger tumors. Conclusion: 64Cu-ATSM signal reflects redox state, and altering redox state impacts 64Cu-ATSM metabolism. Our animal data suggest there are other modulating factors in vivo. These findings have implications for the use of 64Cu-ATSM as a predictive marker for redox therapies, though further in vivo work is needed.
Biomarkers of Infection: Are They Useful in the ICU?

Abstract Biomarkers are increasingly used in patients with serious infections in the critical care setting to complement clinical judgment and interpretation of other diagnostic and prognostic tests. The main purposes of such blood markers are (1) to improve infection diagnosis (i.e., differentiation between bacterial vs. viral vs. fungal vs. noninfectious), (2) to help in the early risk stratification and thus provide prognostic information regarding the risk for mortality and other adverse outcomes, and (3) to optimize antibiotic tailoring to individual needs of patients (“antibiotic stewardship”). Especially in critically ill patients, in whom sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, rapid diagnosis is desirable to start timely and specific treatment. Besides some biomarkers, such as procalcitonin, which is well established and has shown positive effects in regard to utilization of antimicrobials and clinical outcomes, there is a growing number of novel markers from different pathophysiological pathways, where the final proof of an added value to clinical judgment and ultimately clinical benefit to patients is still lacking. Without a doubt, the addition of blood biomarkers to clinical medicine has had a strong impact on the way we care for patients today. Recent trials show that as an adjunct to other clinical and laboratory parameters these markers provide important information about risks for bacterial infection and resolution of infection. Moreover, biomarkers can help to optimize management of patients with serious illness in the intensive care unit, thereby offering more individualized treatment courses with overall improvements in clinical outcomes.
Moving towards hepatitis C micro-elimination among people living with HIV in Australia: the CEASE study.

BACKGROUND Micro-elimination of HCV among people living with HIV may be feasible in Australia, given unrestricted access to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy from 2016. Our aim was to evaluate progress towards elimination goals within HIV/HCV co-infected adults in Australia following universal DAA access. METHODS The CEASE prospective cohort study enrolled HIV/HCV positive adults, irrespective of viremic status, from 14 primary and tertiary clinics in Australia. Annual and cumulative HCV treatment uptake, outcome, and HCV RNA prevalence were evaluated, with follow-up through May 2018 (median follow-up: 2.63 years). Factors associated with DAA uptake were analysed. RESULTS Between July 2014 and March 2017, 402 HIV/HCV antibody-positive participants were enrolled (95% male [80% gay and bisexual men,], 13% cirrhosis, 80% history of injecting drug use [39% current injecting]). Following universal DAA access, annual HCV treatment uptake in those eligible increased from 7% and 11% per year in 2014 and 2015, respectively, to 80% in 2016. By 2018, cumulative HCV treatment uptake in those ever eligible for treatment was 91% (336/371). HCV viremic prevalence declined from 82% (95%CI 78%, 86%) in 2014 to 8% (95%CI 6%, 12%) in 2018. Reinfection was reported in only five participants for a reinfection incidence of 0.81 per 100-person years (95% CI 0.34, 1.94). CONCLUSIONS High uptake and effectiveness of unrestricted DAA therapy in Australia has permitted rapid treatment scale-up, with a dramatic reduction in HCV infection burden and low reinfection rate among people living with HIV, suggesting that micro-elimination is feasible.
Frozen by stress: Stress increases scope insensitivity

Stress has become a widely experienced state all around the world, and previous literature has found that stress impacts individuals’ cognition, emotion, coping behaviors and psychological well-being in general. Relatively little is known about how stress influences individuals’ perception of stimuli changes, a ubiquitous phenomenon known as scope sensitivity. In the current work, we explore whether individuals with higher levels of chronic stress are sensitive to stimuli changes, such as price and quantity differences. Two empirical studies consistently show that chronically stressed individuals exhibit scope insensitivity, as they rated the expensiveness of two hotel rooms with different prices as being less different and indicated a smaller difference in their willingness-to-buy five CDs versus ten CDs. Possible explanations and theoretical and practical implications in the broader field are discussed.
Multi-scale dynamics of spontaneous brain activity is associated with walking speed in older adults.

BACKGROUND In older adults, compromised white matter tract integrity within the brain has been linked to impairments in mobility. We contend that poorer integrity disrupts mobility by altering the processing of sensorimotor, cognitive and attentional resources in neural networks. The richness of information processing in a given network can be quantified by calculating the complexity of resting-state fMRI time-series. We hypothesized that: 1) older adults with lower brain complexity, specifically within sensorimotor, executive and attention networks, would exhibit slower walking speed and greater dual-task costs (i.e., DTC); and 2) such complexity would mediate the effect of white matter integrity on these metrics of mobility. METHOD Fifty-three older adults completed a walking assessment and a neuroimaging protocol. Brain complexity was quantified by calculating the multiscale entropy of the resting-state fMRI signal within seven previously defined functional networks. The white matter integrity across structures of the corpus callosum was quantified using fractional anisotropy (FA). RESULTS Participants with lower resting-state complexity within the sensorimotor, executive and attention networks walked more slowly under single- and dual-task (i.e., walking while performing a serial-subtraction task) conditions (β>0.28, p≤0.01) and had a greater DTC (β<-0.28, p<0.04). Complexity in these networks mediated the influence of the corpus callosum genu on both single- (indirect effects>0.15, 95% CIs=0.02~0.32) and dual-task walking speeds (indirect effects>0.13, 95% CIs=0.02~0.33). CONCLUSION These results suggest that the multi-scale dynamics of resting-state brain activity correlate with mobility and mediate the effect of the microstructural integrity in the corpus callosum genu on walking speed in older adults.
Validity and Reliability of a Single Question for Leisure-Time Physical Activity Assessment in Middle-Aged Women.

PURPOSE To investigate the validity and test-retest reliability of a single seven-level scale physical activity assessment question (SR-PA L7) and its three-level categorization (SR-PA C3). METHODS The associations of SR-PA L7 and C3 with accelerometer-measured leisure-time physical activity (ACC-LTPA) and with the results of four different physical performance tests (6-min walk [n = 733], knee extension [n = 695], vertical jump [n = 731], and grip force [n = 780]) were investigated among women aged 47-55 years participating in the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis study (n = 795). The reliability was studied using Spearman correlations with 4-month test-retest period (n = 152). RESULTS SR-PA L7 and C3 had low correlations with ACC-LTPA (rs = .105-.337). SR-PA L7, SR-PA C3, and ACC-LTPA explained comparable but small amount of variance of the physical performance test results. The reliability analysis provided moderate agreement (rs = .707 and .622 for SR-PA L7 and C3, respectively). CONCLUSIONS SR-PA L7 and C3 demonstrated limited validity and reasonable repeatability.
MatrisomeDB: the ECM-protein knowledge database

Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex and dynamic meshwork of cross-linked proteins that supports cell polarization and functions and tissue organization and homeostasis. Over the past few decades, mass-spectrometry-based proteomics has emerged as the method of choice to characterize the composition of the ECM of normal and diseased tissues. Here, we present a new release of MatrisomeDB, a searchable collection of curated proteomic data from 17 studies on the ECM of 15 different normal tissue types, six cancer types (different grades of breast cancers, colorectal cancer, melanoma, and insulinoma) and other diseases including vascular defects and lung and liver fibroses. MatrisomeDB (http://www.pepchem.org/matrisomedb) was built by retrieving raw mass spectrometry data files and reprocessing them using the same search parameters and criteria to allow for a more direct comparison between the different studies. The present release of MatrisomeDB includes 847 human and 791 mouse ECM proteoforms and over 350 000 human and 600 000 mouse ECM-derived peptide-to-spectrum matches. For each query, a hierarchically-clustered tissue distribution map, a peptide coverage map, and a list of post-translational modifications identified, are generated. MatrisomeDB is the most complete collection of ECM proteomic data to date and allows the building of a comprehensive ECM atlas.
Theranostics Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein in the Tumor Stroma: 64Cu- and 225Ac-Labeled FAPI-04 in Pancreatic Cancer Xenograft Mouse Models

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which promotes tumor growth and progression, is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts of many human epithelial cancers. Because of its low expression in normal organs, FAP is an excellent target for theranostics. In this study, we used radionuclides with relatively long half-lives, 64Cu (half-life, 12.7 h) and 225Ac (half-life, 10 d), to label FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) in mice with human pancreatic cancer xenografts. Methods: Male nude mice (body weight, 22.5 ± 1.2 g) were subcutaneously injected with human pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1, n = 12; MIA PaCa-2, n = 8). Tumor xenograft mice were investigated after the intravenous injection of 64Cu-FAPI-04 (7.21 ± 0.46 MBq) by dynamic and delayed PET scans (2.5 h after injection). Static scans 1 h after the injection of 68Ga-FAPI-04 (3.6 ± 1.4 MBq) were also acquired for comparisons using the same cohort of mice (n = 8). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to confirm FAP expression in tumor xenografts using an FAP-α-antibody. For radioligand therapy, 225Ac-FAPI-04 (34 kBq) was injected into PANC-1 xenograft mice (n = 6). Tumor size was monitored and compared with that of control mice (n = 6). Results: Dynamic imaging of 64Cu-FAPI-04 showed rapid clearance through the kidneys and slow washout from tumors. Delayed PET imaging of 64Cu-FAPI-04 showed mild uptake in tumors and relatively high uptake in the liver and intestine. Accumulation levels in the tumor or normal organs were significantly higher for 64Cu-FAPI-04 than for 68Ga-FAPI-04, except in the heart, and excretion in the urine was higher for 68Ga-FAPI-04 than for 64Cu-FAPI-04. Immunohistochemical staining revealed abundant FAP expression in the stroma of xenografts. 225Ac-FAPI-04 injection showed significant tumor growth suppression in the PANC-1 xenograft mice, compared with the control mice, without a significant change in body weight. Conclusion: This proof-of-concept study showed that 64Cu-FAPI-04 and 225Ac-FAPI-04 could be used in theranostics for the treatment of FAP-expressing pancreatic cancer. α-therapy targeting FAP in the cancer stroma is effective and will contribute to the development of a new treatment strategy.