Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Associations between body dissatisfaction and self-reported anxiety and depression in otherwise healthy men: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction It is unknown whether male body dissatisfaction is related to anxiety and depression. This study investigates whether there is an association between body dissatisfaction and self-reported anxiety and/or depression in otherwise healthy adult males. Method A systematic review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses as the reporting guideline. Four databases including CINAHL complete, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched for observational studies with a correlational design. Studies were appraised using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies to measure quality and risk of bias. Data were extracted from studies to analyse and synthesise findings using content analysis and random effects meta-analyses in male body dissatisfaction and anxiety, depression, and both anxiety and depression. Results Twenty-three cross-sectional studies were included in the review. Nineteen studies found positive correlations between male body dissatisfaction and anxiety and/or depression. Meta-analyses of Pearson’s correlation coefficients found statistically significant associations with body satisfaction for anxiety 0.40 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.51) depression 0.34 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.45) and both anxiety and depression outcomes 0.47 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.59). The quality appraisal found study samples were homogeneous being mostly ascertained through academic institutions where participants were predominantly young, Caucasian and with relatively high educational attainment. Measures of body satisfaction focused predominantly on muscularity and thinness. Discussion This study provides the first pooled estimates of the correlation between body dissatisfaction and anxiety and depression in men. Findings need to be interpreted with respect to the samples and outcomes of the included studies. It is recommended that future research should increase the diversity of men in studies. Studies should measure a wider range of body dissatisfaction types found in men. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that an association between male body dissatisfaction and anxiety and depression is likely to exist. Future research should address the temporal relationship between body dissatisfaction and anxiety and depression.
Heart rate recovery responses after acute training load changes in top-class water polo players

Abstract The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of acute training load changes of elite water polo players on heart rate recovery (HRR) responses after a standardized swimming test. Nine water polo players were tested after a two-day light-load and two-day heavy-load training. Preliminarily, critical swimming speed was calculated. Testing comprised of an intermittent 4 × 100-m swimming separated by 10 s of rest with an intensity corresponding to 85% of their maximum speed previously attained during a 100-m swim test followed immediately by assessment of HRR. Internal training load (ITL) was measured using the rating of perceived exertion and the duration of training sessions. The swimming speed corresponded to 1.43 ± 0.06 m·s−1 and 1.45 ± 0.06 m·s−1 after light-load and heavy-load training, respectively (p = 0.06, d = 0.74). ITL was increased in high-load compared to light-load training (p < 0.001, d = 11.54). The difference in HR at end of exercise (HR-end) and after 60 s rest and the difference in mean HR during last min of exercise and HR after 60 s rest were higher in light-load training (p < 0.05, d = 0.85–1.15). The absolute change in ITL was correlated with the respective change in the percentage change of HR-end at 10 s of recovery (%HRR10s) (r = 0.72, p = 0.03). Significant correlation was observed between the percentage change of ITL with the %HRR10s (r = 0.67, p = 0.05). We conclude that HRR tracks acute changes in training load. The lower HRR following high-load training likely indicates a blunted parasympathetic re-activation.
The odyssey of guaiac.

: The history of guaiac is outlined herein. Guaiac owes its existence as a chemical to a rumor that it had antisyphilitic healing powers in the early 16th century. Guaiac was either the drug of choice or second drug of choice for therapy of syphilis for 200 years. Van Deen discovered its property of detecting occult blood in 1864.
Natural variants of α-gliadin peptides within wheat proteins with reduced toxicity in coeliac disease

Abstract The only generally accepted treatment of coeliac disease (CD) is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Wheat gluten proteins include gliadins, low and high molecular weight glutenins. However, we have found significant structural variations within these protein families among different cultivars. To determine which structural motifs might be less toxic than others, we assessed five variants of α-gliadin immunodominant CD-toxic peptides synthesised as 16mers in CD T cell stimulation assays with gluten-sensitive T cell lines generated from duodenal biopsies from CD-affected individuals. The peptides harboured the overlapping T cell epitopes DQ 2.5-glia-α-2 and naturally occurring variants that differed in certain amino acids (AA). The results revealed that introduction of two selected AA substitutions in α-gliadin peptides reduced immunogenicity. A peptide with three AA substitutions involving two glutamic acids (E) and one glutamine residue (G) revealed the peptide was negative in 5:5 samples. We used CD small-intestinal organ culture to assess CD toxicity that revealed two peptides with selected substitution of both glutamic acid (E) and proline (P) residues abrogated evidence of CD toxicity.
Next generation sequencing of BRCA genes in glioblastoma multiform Egyptian patients: a pilot study

Abstract Background Germ line mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 were correlated with a variety of cancer Authors aimed to use next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect BRCA1 and BRCA2 germ line mutations in glioblastoma multiform (GBM) Egyptian patients. Materials and methods Genomic DNA was extracted from six GBM cases, amplified using Ion AmpliSeq BRCA1 and BRCA2 panel. DNA libraries were pooled, barcoded and finally sequenced using Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine sequencer. Results BRCA1 the previously reported rs1799966, rs1799950, rs16941 were found in five cases and they are in a linkage disequilibrium forming two distinct haplotypes, which might support their role in cancer predisposition. Out of the 18 reported variants in BRCA2, three denovo mutations were detected which leads to frame shift. Conclusion Further studies on large number of GBM patients and control cases to determine BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations and haplotypes; diagnostic and prognostic role are encouraged.
A systematic review of the health effects associated with the inhalation of particle-filtered and whole diesel exhaust

Abstract Background: Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture comprised of gases and particulate matter and is a contributor to ambient air pollution. To reduce health risks, recent changes in diesel engine technology have significantly altered the composition of diesel exhaust, primarily by lowering emissions of particulate matter. However, animal toxicological studies continue to report health effects following exposure to diesel exhaust from engines employing particulate filters. The cause of these effects remains unclear. Objective and methods: To gain an understanding of the role of both particle-filtered and whole diesel exhaust on specific health outcomes, we conducted a systematic review in which we examined animal toxicological and controlled human exposure studies that included a comparison between inhalation of particle-filtered and whole diesel exhaust on any health endpoint. Results: We identified 26 studies that met both the inclusion and study evaluation criteria. For most health outcomes, the particle filtration methods employed in the included studies did not appreciably attenuate the health effects associated with exposure to whole diesel exhaust. There were also several health endpoints for which significant effects were associated with exposure to either particle-filtered or whole diesel exhaust, but not to both. Conclusions: Overall, the results from this systematic review demonstrate that exposure to different components in diesel exhaust can have distinct and independent health effects. Thus, to better inform human health risk assessments, future studies aimed at elucidating the health effects from diesel exhaust should include exposure to both particle-filtered and whole diesel exhaust.
Lack of discreet colocalization of epithelial apoptosis to the atretic precursor in the colon of the Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2IIIb mouse and staining consistent with cellular movement suggest a revised model of atresia formation

Colonic atresias in the Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2IIIb (Fgfr2IIIb) mouse model have been attributed to increased epithelial apoptosis and decreased epithelial proliferation at embryonic day (E) 10.5. We therefore hypothesized that these processes would colocalize to the distal colon where atresias occur (atretic precursor) and would be excluded or minimized from the proximal colon and small intestine.
Vitamin D levels in relation to low back pain during adolescence.

This study aimed to investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level and Low back pain (LBP) among adolescents while adjusting for potential confounders pertinent to this age group including the weight of school bags, body mass index and physical activity. A cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 760 adolescents in middle schools. Data on LBP and the risk factors for LBP were collected from the parents by self-administered questionnaire and from adolescents by face-to-face interview. Blood samples were tested in an accredited laboratory; and 25(OH)D was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The life-time prevalence and the 6-month prevalence of LBP were 32.28% (95%CI: 28.97-35.73 %) and 21.26% (95%CI:18.40-24.33%), respectively. There was no difference in the geometric mean of 25(OH)D between those with and without LBP in the past six months, 28.50 nmol/L and 30.82 nmol/L, respectively (p= 0.122). There was no association between 25(OH)D and LBP in the univariable or multivariable analysis whether 25(OH)D fitted as a continuous, or as a categorical variable. We found no association between vitamin D level and LBP in adolescents in an area with high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Although it is important to have sufficient vitamin D levels during adolescence for several other health benefits, we concluded that vitamin D is not a major determinant for LBP among adolescents in our setting.
AMiCUS 2.0—System Presentation and Demonstration of Adaptability to Personal Needs by the Example of an Individual with Progressed Multiple Sclerosis

AMiCUS is a human–robot interface that enables tetraplegics to control an assistive robotic arm in real-time using only head motion, allowing them to perform simple manipulation tasks independently. The interface may be used as a standalone system or to provide direct control as part of a semi-autonomous system. Within this work, we present our new gesture-free prototype AMiCUS 2.0, which has been designed with special attention to accessibility and ergonomics. As such, AMiCUS 2.0 addresses the needs of tetraplegics with additional impairments that may come along with multiple sclerosis. In an experimental setup, both AMiCUS 1.0 and 2.0 are compared with each other, showing higher accessibility and usability for AMiCUS 2.0. Moreover, in an activity of daily living, a proof-of-concept is provided that an individual with progressed multiple sclerosis is able to operate the robotic arm in a temporal and functional scope, as would be necessary to perform direct control tasks for use in a commercial semi-autonomous system. The results indicate that AMiCUS 2.0 makes an important step towards closing the gaps of assistive technology, being accessible to those who rely on such technology the most.
Human RPA activates BLM’s bidirectional DNA unwinding from a nick

BLM is a multifunctional helicase that plays critical roles in maintaining genome stability. It processes distinct DNA substrates, but not nicked DNA, during many steps in DNA replication and repair. However, how BLM prepares itself for diverse functions remains elusive. Here, using a combined single-molecule approach, we find that a high abundance of BLMs can indeed unidirectionally unwind dsDNA from a nick when an external destabilizing force is applied. Strikingly, human replication protein A (hRPA) not only ensures that limited quantities of BLMs processively unwind nicked dsDNA under a reduced force but also permits the translocation of BLMs on both intact and nicked ssDNAs, resulting in a bidirectional unwinding mode. This activation necessitates BLM targeting on the nick and the presence of free hRPAs in solution whereas direct interactions between them are dispensable. Our findings present novel DNA unwinding activities of BLM that potentially facilitate its function switching in DNA repair.
3D-Printed Modular Microfluidic Device Enabling Preconcentrating Bacteria and Purifying Bacterial DNA in Blood for Improving the Sensitivity of Molecular Diagnostics

Molecular diagnostics for sepsis is still a challenge due to the presence of compounds that interfere with gene amplification and bacteria at concentrations lower than the limit of detection (LOD). Here, we report on the development of a 3D printed modular microfluidic device (3DpmμFD) that preconcentrates bacteria of interest in whole blood and purifies their genomic DNA (gDNA). It is composed of a W-shaped microchannel and a conical microchamber. Bacteria of interest are magnetically captured from blood in the device with antibody conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (Ab-MNPs) at 5 mL/min in the W-shaped microchannel, while purified gDNA of the preconcentrated bacteria is obtained with magnetic silica beads (MSBs) at 2 mL/min in the conical microchamber. The conical microchamber was designed to be connected to the microchannel after the capturing process using a 3D-printed rotary valve to minimize the exposure of the MSBs to interfering compounds in blood. The pretreatment process of spiked blood (2.5 mL) can be effectively completed within about 50 min. With the 3DpmμFD, the LOD for the target microorganism Escherichia coli O157:H7 measured by both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with electrophoresis and quantitative PCR was 10 colony forming unit (CFU) per mL of whole blood. The results suggest that our method lowers the LOD of molecular diagnostics for pathogens in blood by providing bacterial gDNA at high purity and concentration.
Differences in Facial Expressions between Spontaneous and Posed Smiles: Automated Method by Action Units and Three-Dimensional Facial Landmarks

Research on emotion recognition from facial expressions has found evidence of different muscle movements between genuine and posed smiles. To further confirm discrete movement intensities of each facial segment, we explored differences in facial expressions between spontaneous and posed smiles with three-dimensional facial landmarks. Advanced machine analysis was adopted to measure changes in the dynamics of 68 segmented facial regions. A total of 57 normal adults (19 men, 38 women) who displayed adequate posed and spontaneous facial expressions for happiness were included in the analyses. The results indicate that spontaneous smiles have higher intensities for upper face than lower face. On the other hand, posed smiles showed higher intensities in the lower part of the face. Furthermore, the 3D facial landmark technique revealed that the left eyebrow displayed stronger intensity during spontaneous smiles than the right eyebrow. These findings suggest a potential application of landmark based emotion recognition that spontaneous smiles can be distinguished from posed smiles via measuring relative intensities between the upper and lower face with a focus on left-sided asymmetry in the upper region.
Forecasting Flu Activity in the United States: Benchmarking an Endemic-Epidemic Beta Model

Accurate prediction of flu activity enables health officials to plan disease prevention and allocate treatment resources. A promising forecasting approach is to adapt the well-established endemic-epidemic modeling framework to time series of infectious disease proportions. Using U.S. influenza-like illness surveillance data over 18 seasons, we assessed probabilistic forecasts of this new beta autoregressive model with proper scoring rules. Other readily available forecasting tools were used for comparison, including Prophet, (S)ARIMA and kernel conditional density estimation (KCDE). Short-term flu activity was equally well predicted up to four weeks ahead by the beta model with four autoregressive lags and by KCDE; however, the beta model runs much faster. Non-dynamic Prophet scored worst. Relative performance differed for seasonal peak prediction. Prophet produced the best peak intensity forecasts in seasons with standard epidemic curves; otherwise, KCDE outperformed all other methods. Peak timing was best predicted by SARIMA, KCDE or the beta model, depending on the season. The best overall performance when predicting peak timing and intensity was achieved by KCDE. Only KCDE and naive historical forecasts consistently outperformed the equal-bin reference approach for all test seasons. We conclude that the endemic-epidemic beta model is a performant and easy-to-implement tool to forecast flu activity a few weeks ahead. Real-time forecasting of the seasonal peak, however, should consider outputs of multiple models simultaneously, weighing their usefulness as the season progresses.
Glioblastoma Cells Do Not Affect Axitinib-Dependent Senescence of HUVECs in a Transwell Coculture Model

Axitinib is an orally available inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, with high specificity for vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) 1, 2, and 3. It is approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma and is in phase II clinical trials for recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). GBM is a brain tumor peculiar in its ability to induce neoangiogenesis. Since both GBM tumor cells and endothelial cells of tumor vasculature express VEGFRs, Axitinib exerts its inhibitory action on both tumor and endothelial cells. We and others previously demonstrated that Axitinib triggers cellular senescence. In particular, Axitinib-dependent senescence of HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) is accompanied by intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS) increase and early ataxia telangiectasia mutated(ATM) activation. Here we wondered if the presence of glioblastoma tumor cells could affect the HUVEC senescence upon Axitinib exposure. To address this issue, we cocultured HUVECs together with GBM tumor cells in transwell plates. HUVEC senescence did not result in being affected by GBM cells, neither in terms of β galactosidase activity nor of proliferation index or ATM phosphorylation. Conversely, Axitinib modulation of HUVEC gene expression was altered by cocultured GBM cells. These data demonstrate that the GBM secretome modifies HUVECs’ transcriptomic profile upon Axitinib exposure, but does not prevent drug-induced senescence.
4D-CT deformable image registration using multiscale unsupervised deep learning

Deformable image registration (DIR) of 4D-CT images is important in multiple radiation therapy applications including motion tracking of soft tissue or fiducial markers, target definition, image fusion, dose accumulation and treatment response evaluations. It is very challenging to accurately and quickly register 4D-CT abdominal images due to its large appearance variances and bulky sizes. In this study, we proposed an accurate and fast multi-scale DIR network (MS-DIRNet) for abdominal 4D-CT registration. MS-DIRNet consists of a global network (GlobalNet) and local network (LocalNet). GlobalNet was trained using down-sampled whole image volumes while LocalNet was trained using sampled image patches. MS-DIRNet consists of a generator and a discriminator. The generator was trained to directly predict a deformation vector field (DVF) based on the moving and target images. The generator was implemented using convolutional neural networks with multiple attention gates. The discriminator was trained to differentiate the deformed images from the target images to provide additional DVF regularization. The loss function of MS-DIRNet includes three parts which are image similarity loss, adversarial loss and DVF regularization loss. The MS-DIRNet was trained in a completely unsupervised manner meaning that ground truth DVFs are not needed. Different from traditional DIRs that calculate DVF iteratively, MS-DIRNet is able to calculate the final DVF in a single forward prediction which could significantly expedite the DIR process. The MS-DIRNet was trained and tested on 25 patients’ 4D-CT datasets using five-fold cross validation. For registration accuracy evaluation, target registration errors (TREs) of MS-DIRNet were compared to clinically used software. Our results showed that the MS-DIRNet with an average TRE of 1.2 ± 0.8 mm outperformed the commercial software with an average TRE of 2.5 ± 0.8 mm in 4D-CT abdominal DIR, demonstrating the superior performance of our method in fiducial marker tracking and overall soft tissue alignment.
Evaluation of the Suitability of Mammalian In Vitro Assays to Assess the Genotoxic Potential of Food Contact Materials

Background: Non-targeted screening of food contact materials (FCM) for non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) reveals a great number of unknown and unidentified substances present at low concentrations. In the absence of toxicological data, the application of the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) or of EU Regulation 10/2011 requires methods able to fulfill safety threshold criteria. In this review, mammalian in vitro genotoxicity assays are analyzed for their ability to detect DNA-damaging substances at limits of biological detection (LOBD) corresponding to the appropriate safety thresholds. Results: The ability of the assays to detect genotoxic effects varies greatly between substance classes. Especially for direct-acting mutagens, the assays lacked the ability to detect most DNA reactive substances below the threshold of 10 ppb, making them unsuitable to pick up potential genotoxicants present in FCM migrates. However, suitability for the detection of chromosomal damage or investigation of other modes of action makes them a complementary tool as part of a standard test battery aimed at giving additional information to ensure safety. Conclusion: improvements are necessary to comply with regulatory thresholds to consider mammalian genotoxicity in vitro assays to assess FCM safety.