Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Burden of disease and lifestyle habits in adolescents and young adults prone to frequent episodic migraine: A secondary comparative analysis

The objective of this study was to assess the burden of disease and prevalence of lifestyle factors for adolescents and young adults with frequent episodic migraine. We conducted a secondary comparative analysis of data collected during two previous studies. Inclusion criteria for this analysis were age 15–35 years, 15 to 44 migraine episodes within 12 weeks, and completeness of Migraine Disability Assessment and lifestyle questionnaire data. Datasets of 37 adults (median age [interquartile range]: 25 [6]) and 27 adolescents (median age [interquartile range]: 15 [1]) were analyzed. 81% (n = 30) of adults reported severe disability (16% [n = 3] of adolescents; p < 0.001). Headache frequency (24 vs. 17 days; p = 0.005) and prevalence of regular analgesic use (60% [n = 22] vs. 18% [n = 5]; p = 0.002) were significantly higher in adults. In adults, sleep duration on weekdays was significantly lower (8.5 vs. 10 h; p < 0.001). Any consumption of caffeine tended to be higher in adolescents and alcohol consumption tended to be higher in adults (p > 0.05). This study underlines the importance of educating adolescents and young adults with migraine about lifestyle habits that are likely to interfere with the condition.
Genome-wide screening of genes associated with momilactone B sensitivity in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Abstract Momilactone B is a natural product with dual biological activities, including antimicrobial and allelopathic properties, and plays a major role in plant chemical defense against competitive plants and pathogens. The pharmacological effects of momilactone B on mammalian cells have also been reported. However, little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying its broad bioactivity. In this study, the genetic determinants of momilactone B sensitivity in yeast were explored to gain insight into its mode of action. We screened fission yeast mutants resistant to momilactone B from a pooled culture containing genome-wide gene-overexpressing strains in a drug-hypersensitive genetic background. Overexpression of pmd1, bfr1, pap1, arp9, or SPAC9E9.06c conferred resistance to momilactone B. In addition, a drug-hypersensitive, barcoded deletion library was newly constructed and the genes that imparted altered sensitivity to momilactone B upon deletion were identified. Gene Ontology and fission yeast phenotype ontology enrichment analyses predicted the biological pathways related to the mode of action of momilactone B. The validation of predictions revealed that momilactone B induced abnormal phenotypes such as multiseptated cells and disrupted organization of the microtubule structure. This is the first investigation of the mechanism underlying the antifungal activity of momilactone B against yeast. The results and datasets obtained in this study narrow the possible targets of momilactone B and facilitate further studies regarding its mode of action.
Structural exploration of acid sphingomyelinase at different physiological pH through molecular dynamics and docking studies

Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) is an enzyme involved in the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin leading to the production of ceramide. It is responsible for the stimulation of apoptosis and has a pH dependent efficacy for its substrate binding. Deficiency of this enzyme causes an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder called Niemann–Pick disease. To understand the full length structure of ASM at different physiological pH, the protein was modeled based on its structure homologue purple acid phosphatase (PAP) and topological folding matching through ab initio calculations. Results from molecular dynamics simulations at different physiological pH, PCA and FEL analysis clearly depict the folding mechanism of the loop region (D206–L248) towards the catalytic domain. The ASM structure at neutral pH and pH 3.0 adopts a conformational fold that subsequently either closes or partially opens the catalytic domain making it inaccessible for the binding of substrate, whereas the ASM structure at pH 5.0 maintains a completely open conformation of the loop that creates a tunnel in the catalytic domain for the accessibility of substrate. This observation was also confirmed through molecular docking studies, showing that sphingomyelin binds at a different site which is away from the catalytic domain of neutral ASM. Though the substrate binds near the catalytic domain in the pH 3.0 ASM structure, it is unable to form a proper mode of interaction which is essential for its hydrolysis process. Only in the pH 5.0 ASM structure, a proper mode of interaction formulated by the phosphate ion that is posing towards the two catalytic zinc ions confirmed their ability to effectively engage the substrate for its hydrolysis. The structural insights of ASM at different physiological pH and subsequent substrate interactions provide an indispensable understanding of their catalytic mechanism which can lead to the enhancement of apoptosis and control of Niemann–Pick disease.
NEURAL CONTROL OF MATCHED MOTOR UNITS DURING MUSCLE SHORTENING AND LENGTHENING AT INCREASING VELOCITIES.

Modulation of movement velocity is necessary during daily life tasks, work, and sports activities. However, assessing motor unit behavior during muscle shortening and lengthening at different velocities is challenging. High-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) is an established method to identify and track motor unit behavior in isometric contractions. Therefore, we used this methodology to unravel the behavior of the same motor units in dynamic contractions at low contraction velocities. Velocity-related changes in tibialis anterior motor unit behavior during concentric and eccentric contractions at 10 and 25% maximum voluntary isometric contraction were assessed by decomposing HD-sEMG signals recorded from the tibialis anterior muscle of eleven healthy participants at 5°/s, 10°/s, and 20°/s. Motor units extracted from the dynamic contractions were tracked across different velocities at the same load levels. On average, 14 motor units/participant were matched across different velocities, showing specific changes in discharge rate modulation. Specifically, increased velocity led to an increased rate of change in discharge rate (e.g., discharge rate slope, p=0.025), recruitment and derecruitment discharge rates (p=0.003 and p=0.001), and decreased recruitment angles (p=0.0001). Surprisingly, the application of the motor unit extraction filters calculated from 20°/s onto the recordings at 5°/s and 10°/s revealed that >92% of motor units recruited at the highest velocity were active on both lower velocities, indicating no additional recruitment of motor units. Our results suggest that motor unit rate coding rather than recruitment is responsible for controlling muscle shortening and lengthening contractions at increasing velocities against a constant load.
High performance NiO nanosheets anchored on three-dimensional nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes as a binder-free anode for lithium ion batteries

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) have attracted extensive research attention as promising anode materials for lithium ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacities. However, their applications have been hindered by their poor electronic conductivity and drastic volume change in the reversible conversion reaction. Here three-dimensional NiO ultrathin nanosheets were grown on the composites of N-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) and Ni foam by chemical vapor deposition and electrochemical deposition methods, and the 3D Ni foam/N-CNT/NiO nanosheet electrode thus obtained exhibits larger capacity, better cycling stability, superior rate capability and higher ionic conductivity. The first-principles calculations suggest that N-doping can improve the interaction between NiO and N-CNTs, which can facilitate fast electron hopping from N-CNTs to NiO to enhance the electronic conductivity. The results indicate that the introduction of N-doped carbon nanotubes can greatly improve the electrochemical performance of NiO. The understanding between N-CNTs and NiO can be extended to the preparation of N-CNTs coated with other high-performance electrode materials for energy-storage devices.
Transient reprogramming of postnatal cardiomyocytes to a dedifferentiated state

In contrast to mammals, lower vertebrates are capable of extraordinary myocardial regeneration thanks to the ability of their cardiomyocytes to undergo transient dedifferentiation and proliferation. Somatic cells can be temporarily reprogrammed to a proliferative, dedifferentiated state through forced expression of Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc (OSKM). Here, we aimed to induce transient reprogramming of mammalian cardiomyocytes in vitro utilising an OSKM-encoding non-integrating vector. Reprogramming factor expression in postnatal rat and mouse cardiomyocytes triggered rapid but limited cell dedifferentiation. Concomitantly, a significant increase in cell viability, cell cycle related gene expression and Ki67 positive cells was observed consistent with an enhanced cell cycle activation. The transient nature of this partial reprogramming was confirmed as cardiomyocyte-specific cell morphology, gene expression and contractile activity were spontaneously recovered by day 15 after viral transduction. This study provides the first evidence that adenoviral OSKM delivery can induce partial reprogramming of postnatal cardiomyocytes. Therefore, adenoviral mediated transient reprogramming could be a novel and feasible strategy to recapitulate the regenerative mechanisms of lower vertebrates.
Structural correlates of sensorimotor dysfunction in heavy cannabis users

Sensorimotor dysfunction has been previously reported in persons with cannabis dependence. Such individuals can exhibit increased levels of neurological soft signs (NSS), particularly involving motor coordination and sensorimotor integration. Whether such abnormalities may also apply to non‐dependent individuals with heavy cannabis use (HCU) is unknown, as much as the neural correlates underlying such deficits. In this study, we investigated associations between NSS and gray matter volume (GMV) in males with HCU and male controls. Twenty‐four persons with HCU and 17 controls were examined using standardized assessment of NSS and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3 T. GMV was calculated using voxel‐based morphometry algorithms provided by the Computational Anatomy Toolbox (CAT12). Individuals with HCU showed higher NSS total scores compared to controls. In particular, significant NSS‐subdomain effects were found for “motor coordination” (MoCo), “complex motor tasks” (CoMT), and “hard signs” (HS) expression in HCU (p < 0.05, Bonferroni‐corrected). Compared to controls, persons with HCU showed significant NSS/GMV interactions in putamen and inferior frontal cortex (MoCo), right cerebellum (CoMT) and middle and superior frontal cortices, and bilateral precentral cortex and thalamus (HS). In between‐group analyses, individuals with HCU showed lower GMV in the right anterior orbital and precentral gyrus, as well as higher GMV in the right superior frontal gyrus and left supplementary motor cortex compared to controls. The data support the notion of abnormal sensorimotor performance associated with HCU. The data also provide a neuromechanistic understanding of such deficits, particularly with respect to aberrant cortical–thalamic–cerebellar–cortical circuit.
Attention directed to proprioceptive stimulation alters its cortical processing in the primary sensorimotor cortex

Movement‐evoked fields to passive movements and corticokinematic coherence between limb kinematics and magnetoencephalographic signals can both be used to quantify the degree of cortical processing of proprioceptive afference. We examined in 20 young healthy volunteers whether processing of proprioceptive afference in the primary sensorimotor cortex is modulated by attention directed to the proprioceptive stimulation of the right index finger using a pneumatic‐movement actuator to evoke continuous 3‐Hz movement for 12 min. The participant attended either to a visual (detected change of fixation cross colour) or movement (detected missing movements) events. The attentional task alternated every 3‐min. Coherence was computed between index‐finger acceleration and magnetoencephalographic signals, and sustained‐movement‐evoked fields were averaged with respect to the movement onsets every 333 ms. Attention to the proprioceptive stimulation supressed the sensorimotor beta power (by ~12%), enhanced movement‐evoked field amplitude (by ~16%) and reduced corticokinematic coherence strength (by ~9%) with respect to the visual task. Coherence peaked at the primary sensorimotor cortex contralateral to the proprioceptive stimulation. Our results indicated that early processing of proprioceptive afference in the primary sensorimotor cortex is modulated by inter‐modal directed attention in healthy individuals. Therefore, possible attentional effects on corticokinematic coherence and movement‐evoked fields should be considered when using them to study cortical proprioception in conditions introducing attentional variation.
The persuasive power of robot touch. Behavioral and evaluative consequences of non-functional touch from a robot

The unique physical embodiment of robots enables physical contact between machines and humans. Since interpersonal touch research has demonstrated that touch has several positive behavioral (e.g., reduced stress, better immune functioning) as well as evaluative consequences (e.g., better evaluation of the initiator of touch), the question arises whether touch from a humanoid robot, the body of which is somewhat similar to that of a human, can evoke similar effects. To answer this question, we conducted a between-subjects experiment in the laboratory with n = 48 students who encountered a humanoid robot (Softbank Robotics’ NAO) that either did or did not touch their hand in a non-functional manner during a counseling conversation. The analyses of participants’ behavior revealed that they mostly reacted by smiling and laughing. Furthermore, participants who were touched by the robot complied significantly more frequently with a request posed by the robot during conversation, and reported better feelings compared to those who were not touched. However, there were no effects of robot touch on subjective evaluations of the robot or on the interaction experience.
Identification of potential serum exosomal microRNAs involved in acinar-ductal metaplasia that is a precursor of pancreatic cancer associated with chronic pancreatitis

Abstract Backgrounds: Due to difficulty in early diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (CP), it is urgent to find novel biomarkers to detect CP. Exosomal microRNAs (Exo-miRNAs) located in the serum may be potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for CP. Objective: To identify differentially expressed Exo-miRNAs (DE-Exo-miRNAs) in the serum of CP patients, we performed a bioinformatics analysis. Methods: The dataset GSE128508 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The analysis was carried out using BRB-ArrayTools and significance analysis of microarrays (SAM). The target genes of DE-S-Exo-miRNAs were predicted by miRWalk databases. Further gene ontology (GO) term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed with plug-in ClueGO in Cytoscape software 3.7. 0. Subsequently, the interaction regulatory network between encoded proteins of target genes was performed with the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and analyzed using plug-in Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) and cytoHubba in Cytoscape software 3.7. 0. Results: We identified 227 DE-Exo-miRNAs in the serum. Further analysis using the miRWalk database identified 5164 target genes of these miRNAs. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) regulatory network of 1912 potential target genes for hub 10 up-regulated miRNAs with high degrees and one down-regulated miRNAs were constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. The functional analysis using Cytoscape software tool highlighted that target genes involved in pancreatic cancer. Acinar-ductal metaplasia (ADM) in the inflammatory environment of CP is a precursor of pancreatic cancer. Subsequently, we constructed a network of target genes associated with ADM and their miRNAs. Conclusions: Exo-miRNAs in the serum as well as their target genes may be promising targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of CP. In addition, we identified potential Exo-miRNAs involved in ADM that is a precursor of pancreatic cancer associated with CP.
Priming human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells for corneal surface regeneration

Limbal stem cells (LSC) maintain the transparency of the corneal epithelium. Chemical burns lead the loss of LSC inducing an up‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory and pro‐angiogenic factors, triggering corneal neovascularization and blindness. Adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT‐MSC) have shown promise in animal models to treat LSC deficiency (LSCD), but there are not studies showing their efficacy when primed with different media before transplantation. We cultured AT‐MSC with standard medium and media used to culture LSC for clinical application. We demonstrated that different media changed the AT‐MSC paracrine secretion showing different paracrine effector functions in an in vivo model of chemical burn and in response to a novel in vitro model of corneal inflammation by alkali induction. Treatment of LSCD with AT‐MSC changed the angiogenic and inflammatory cytokine profile of mice corneas. AT‐MSC cultured with the medium that improved their cytokine secretion, enhanced the anti‐angiogenic and anti‐inflammatory profile of the treated corneas. Those corneas also presented better outcome in terms of corneal transparency, neovascularization and histologic reconstruction. Priming human AT‐MSC with LSC specific medium can potentiate their ability to improve corneal wound healing, decrease neovascularization and inflammation modulating paracrine effector functions in an in vivo optimized rat model of LSCD.
Intratympanic Lipopolysaccharide Elevates Systemic Fluorescent Gentamicin Uptake in the Cochlea

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a key component of bacterial endotoxins, activates macrophages and triggers the release of inflammatory cytokines in mammalian tissues. Recent studies have shown that intratympanic injection of LPS simulates acute otitis media (AOM) and results in morphological and functional changes in the inner ear. Here we established an AOM mouse model with LPS to investigate the uptake of ototoxic gentamicin in the inner ear, and elucidated the underlying mechanism by focusing on cochlear inflammation as a result of AOM.
Micro‐computed tomography evaluation of dentinal microcracks following canal preparation with thermomechanically heat‐treated engine‐driven files

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate and compare the frequency of microcracks and its severity at different root canal dentin locations, after preparation with thermomechanically heat‐treated engine‐driven nickel‐titanium instruments. Forty mandibular premolars were assigned to four experimental groups (n = 10): ProTaper Next, ProTaper Gold, WaveOne Gold and Reciproc Blue. After pre‐instrumentation micro‐computed tomography scans, the root canals were prepared to size 25. Following post‐instrumentation scans, pre‐ and post‐instrumentation scanned images were analysed for the presence and extent of dentinal defects. A total of 56 500 cross‐sectional images were obtained, showing that less than 2.3% with pre‐existing dentinal microcracks. No new microcracks were identified during the post‐instrumentation analyses. No significant association was found between the types of dentinal defects, file motions and sequences. Thermomechanically heat‐treated rotary files did not induce the formation of new microcracks. There was also no association between the kinematic motions and sequences of the rotary instruments to the types of dentinal defects.
Serum markers for predicting advanced fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract To compare the diagnostic utility of serum markers in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study enrolled 118 consecutive biopsy-proven NAFLD patients with or without CHB. Fibrosis scores of each marker were compared against histological fibrosis staging. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis helped assess the accuracy of each marker. In patients with both diseases, 12.96% (7/54) had advanced fibrosis on biopsy and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index was the best performing marker for predicting advanced fibrosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the ROC (95% confidence interval) for AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) were 0%, 93.62%, 0%, 86.27%, and 0.676 (0.524–0.828), respectively. The markers ranked as follows from highest to lowest with respect to their accuracy: APRI; BARD; fibrosis-4; and AST to ALT ratio. In patients without CHB, fibrosis-4 was the best performing marker for predicting advanced fibrosis. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and area under the ROC (95% confidence interval) for fibrosis-4 were 77.78%, 85.45%, 46.67%, 95.92%, and 0.862 (0.745–0.978), respectively. Serum markers are less reliable in predicting advanced fibrosis in NAFLD patients with CHB; APRI is the most accurate predictor of the absence of advanced fibrosis.
Evaluating the impact of housing market liberalization on the timing of marriage: Evidence from Egypt

The transition to adulthood around the world is increasingly characterized by young people’s desire to form independent households. Forming such households in Egypt requires buying or building a dwelling or obtaining a rental unit. Policies governing housing markets, such as rent control, and limited financing options have historically made access to housing for young couples challenging. In this paper, we use a difference-in-difference approach to evaluate how the liberalization of rental markets in Egypt affected the timing of marriage. We find that Egypt’s 1996 rental reforms accelerated marriages and led to a reversal in the trend of rising age at marriage.
A 20‐kb lineage‐specific genomic region tames virulence in pathogenic amphidiploid Verticillium longisporum

Abstract Amphidiploid fungal Verticillium longisporum strains Vl43 and Vl32 colonize the plant host Brassica napus but differ in their ability to cause disease symptoms. These strains represent two V. longisporum lineages derived from different hybridization events of haploid parental Verticillium strains. Vl32 and Vl43 carry same‐sex mating‐type genes derived from both parental lineages. Vl32 and Vl43 similarly colonize and penetrate plant roots, but asymptomatic Vl32 proliferation in planta is lower than virulent Vl43. The highly conserved Vl43 and Vl32 genomes include less than 1% unique genes, and the karyotypes of 15 or 16 chromosomes display changed genetic synteny due to substantial genomic reshuffling. A 20 kb Vl43 lineage‐specific (LS) region apparently originating from the Verticillium dahliae‐related ancestor is specific for symptomatic Vl43 and encodes seven genes, including two putative transcription factors. Either partial or complete deletion of this LS region in Vl43 did not reduce virulence but led to induction of even more severe disease symptoms in rapeseed. This suggests that the LS insertion in the genome of symptomatic V. longisporum Vl43 mediates virulence‐reducing functions, limits damage on the host plant, and therefore tames Vl43 from being even more virulent.