Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parasitic flatworms infecting thorny skate, Amblyraja radiata: infection by the monogeneans Acanthocotyle verrilli and Rajonchocotyle emarginata in Svalbard

Parasite diversity above the Arctic circle remains understudied even for commercially valuable host taxa. Thorny skate, Amblyraja radiata, is a common bycatch species with a growing commercial value. Its natural range covers both sides of the North Atlantic including the Arctic zone. Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago located on the northwest corner of the Barents Shelf which sustains a spectacular species diversity. So far, several monogenean species have been reported infecting thorny skate across the Atlantic Ocean. In the present study, we intend to fill in the knowledge gap on monogenean parasites infecting thorny skate in the northern part of its range and thus indirectly assess the connectivity between the thorny skate populations off the Svalbard coast and from previously studied locations. 46 monogenean individuals were recovered from 11 specimens of thorny skate. Following morphological and molecular assessment, two species of monogeneans, Acanthocotyle verrilli and Rajonchocotyle emarginata, were identified. The results serve as the northernmost record for both parasite genera and the first record of monogenean species off Svalbard. Detailed morphometric evaluation revealed a relatively high level of morphological variation in A. verrilli compared to its congeners. Phylogenetic reconstruction placed A. verrilli in a well-supported clade with A. imo. Our study also suggests high diagnostic significance of sclerotised structures in the identification of Rajonchocotyle. Even though the occurrence of two directly transmitted parasite species supports the previously suggested long-distance migration of A. radiata, future studies employing highly variable genetic markers are needed to assess the ongoing and historical migration patterns. Highlights First record of monogenean species in Svalbard Northernmost record for representatives of Acanthocotylidae and Hexabothriidae Transatlantic occurrence of parasites supports connectivity of thorny skate populations
Underweight as a Risk Factor for Nutritional Anaemia – A Cross-sectional Study among Undergraduate Students of a Medical College of Haryana

Background: Nutritional anaemia is the most common nutritional problem worldwide. Underweight and anaemia are associated and together constitute a serious problem in developing countries like India. Aim & Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anaemia among medical students and determine its association with their body mass index (BMI). Material & Methods: Hemoglobin estimation was done in 140 MBBS students and anaemia status was determined by WHO criteria for anaemia. BMI was calculated and interpreted using cutoffs for Asian Indian population. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-square distribution and Binary logistic regression. Results: Overall prevalence of anaemia in students was 55.7% and 78.6% females compared to only 32.9% males were anaemic (p<0.001). Gender was associated with both the severity of anaemia (p=0.028) and BMI (p=0.036). Prevalence of anaemia was significantly (p=0.007) higher in underweight students (88.9%) compared to normal (54.2%) and overweight/obese (46%) students. However, no association was found between BMI and severity of anaemia (p=0.985). Conclusion: Anaemia is significantly associated with nutritional status. Prevalence of anaemia is higher in underweight students compared to normal and overweight/obese students and management of both undernutrition and anaemia is critical for optimal results.
Addressing the Dilemma of Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy With Behavioral Science.

The use of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) in women with unilateral breast cancer has increased dramatically in recent years, with some centers reporting rates as high as 40%-50% of all mastectomies performed. 1 A patient ’ s decision to undergo CPM, much like any other operation, involves a risk-bene ﬁ t trade-off. Factors weighing against the operation include the low risk of contralateral breast cancer, its lack of survival bene ﬁ t, increased operative morbidity, and potential to delay systemic therapy if complications occur. 2 In favor of the operation are the reduced risk of contralateral breast cancer and promise of peace of mind to patients who will not have to worry about another cancer or the required annual screening. 3 Traditional educational approaches and decision aids inform patients about these risks and bene ﬁ ts effectively but have not impacted utilization rates of CPM. 4,5 However, given the trade-offs involved in CPM, there is a disconnect between how people should approach these decisions and how they actually do , which is well-established in the literature. The ﬁ eld of behavioral science offers valuable lessons for providers to better understand the growing use of CPM as well as some potential strategies to discourage its use.
Inflammatory Proteins and Clinical Response to Psychological Therapy in Patients with Depression: An Exploratory Study

In people with depression, immune dysfunctions have been linked with treatment non-response, but examinations of psychological therapy outcomes, particularly longitudinal biomarker studies, are rare. This study investigated relationships between inflammation, depressive subtypes and clinical outcomes to psychological therapy. Adults with depression (n = 96) were assessed before and after a course of naturalistically-delivered psychological therapy. In total, 32 serum inflammatory proteins were examined alongside therapy outcomes and depressive subtypes (somatic/cognitive symptom subtype, and bipolar/unipolar depression). Overall, 49% of participants responded to treatment. High levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM1), and low interferon-γ (IFNγ), preceded a poorer response to therapy. After therapy, non-responders had elevated c-reactive protein (CRP), thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage chemoattractant protein-4 (MCP4), and attenuated IFNy. Non-somatic depressive symptoms were universally not associated with proteins, while somatic-depressive symptom severity was positively correlated with several pro-inflammatory markers. In the somatic subgroup only, IL-6 and serum amyloid alpha (SAA) decreased between pre- and post-therapy timepoints. Regardless of treatment response, IL-7, IL-8, IL-15 and IL-17 increased over time. These results suggest that inflammation is associated with somatic symptoms of depression and non-response to psychological therapy. Future work may enhance the prospective prediction of treatment-response by examining larger samples of individuals undertaking standardised treatment programmes.
Growth by Insertion: The Family of Bacterial DDxP Proteins

We have identified a variety of proteins in species of the Legionella, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Nitrosomonas, Nitrosospira, Variovorax, Halomonas, and Rhizobia genera, which feature repetitive modules of different length and composition, invariably ending at the COOH side with Asp–Asp–x–Pro (DDxP) motifs. DDxP proteins range in size from 900 to 6200 aa (amino acids), and contain 1 to 5 different module types, present in one or multiple copies. We hypothesize that DDxP proteins were modeled by the action of specific endonucleases inserting DNA segments into genes encoding DDxP motifs. Target site duplications (TSDs) formed upon repair of staggered ends generated by endonuclease cleavage would explain the DDxP motifs at repeat ends. TSDs acted eventually as targets for the insertion of more modules of the same or different types. Repeat clusters plausibly resulted from amplification of both repeat and flanking TSDs. The proposed growth shown by the insertion model is supported by the identification of homologous proteins lacking repeats in Pseudomonas and Rhizobium. The 85 DDxP repeats identified in this work vary in length, and can be sorted into short (136–215 aa) and long (243–304 aa) types. Conserved Asp–Gly–Asp–Gly–Asp motifs are located 11–19 aa from the terminal DDxP motifs in all repeats, and far upstream in most long repeats.
Alterations in One-Carbon Metabolism in Celiac Disease

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune enteropathy associated with alterations of metabolism. Metabolomics studies, although limited, showed changes in choline, choline-derived lipids, and methionine concentrations, which could be ascribed to alterations in one-carbon metabolism. To date, no targeted metabolomics analysis investigating differences in the plasma choline/methionine metabolome of CD subjects are reported. This work is a targeted metabolomic study that analyzes 37 metabolites of the one-carbon metabolism in 17 children with CD, treated with a gluten-free diet and 17 healthy control siblings, in order to establish the potential defects in this metabolic network. Our results demonstrate the persistence of defects in the transsulfuration pathway of CD subjects, despite dietary treatment, while choline metabolism, methionine cycle, and folate cycle seem to be reversed and preserved to healthy levels. These findings describe for the first time, a metabolic defect in one-carbon metabolism which could have profound implications in the physiopathology and treatment of CD.
The Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Related Factors among the Community-Dwelling Indigenous Population in Taiwan

The aim of this study was to conduct a community-based study with a view to construct a detailed analysis about metabolic syndrome and the related risk factors of the indigenous population. This was an observational, population-based and cross-sectional study that was conducted in remote villages of an indigenous community in northern Taiwan between 2010 and 2013. A total of 586 participants, 275 men and 311 women, were eligible for analysis. The participants underwent a questionnaire survey that included demographic and health behavior issues. An anthropometric assessment and measurements of blood pressure were carried out including serum biochemical variables. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined by following the criteria provided by the modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). Univariate and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify the risk factors for metabolic syndrome. The standardized prevalence rates of substance use (cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and betel nut chewing) were significantly higher than the general population regardless of whether it was northern, central or southern Taiwan and this was especially the case with betel nut chewing in women. The prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome was 42.9% in the indigenous population with 41.3% in men and 44.4% in women, which was higher than for urban Taiwanese. In the multiple logistic regression models, we found that the significant associated factors for metabolic syndrome were older age, lower education level, high levels of uric acid, alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) and creatinine. A higher prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome and substance use were observed in the indigenous population compared with urban Taiwanese, especially in women.
Étude des propriétés thermiques et de la morphologie des nanobiopolymères à base de poly acide lactique : effet de la composition et de la nature de la nanocharge

La these porte sur l’etude de la morphologie et des differentes proprietes thermiques, mecaniques et barrieres a la vapeur d’eau des nanobiocomposites a base de poly acide lactique (pla). La premiere partie est consacree au greffage de l’anhydride maleique (am) sur le poly acide lactique plagma et a la mise en oeuvre de nanobiocomposites pla/cloisites, plagma/cloisites et pla/plagma/cloisites en utilisant deux cloisites® differentes (c20a et c30b), prepares par voie fondue. Au travers des differentes techniques utilisees, les resultats revelent que les nanobiocomposites pla/cloisites elabores se caracterisent par une morphologie mixte intercalee-exfoliee. L’ensemble des echantillons elabores indiquent une meilleure dispersion de la cloisite apolaire c20a en presence de l’anhydride maleique et la reagregation de la cloisite polaire c30b et par consequent, l’amelioration a la fois des proprietes mecaniques et barrieres a la vapeur d’eau des nanobiocomposites a base de la c20a. La seconde partie traite l’influence des groupements fonctionnels d’oxyde de graphene synthetise au laboratoire et de graphene fonctionnalise epoxy commercialise et fournit par nanovia (france) sur la dispersion des nanofeuillets de graphene au sein de la matrice pla, en presence ou en absence du compatibilisant plagma. L’etude revele que la presence du compatibilisant ameliore la dispersion de deux nanocharges etudiees. Le maximum des performances rheologiques indiquant la meilleure dispersion de la nanocharge est enregistre pour une faible quantite d’oxyde de graphene possedant plus de groupements fonctionnels contenant l’atome d’oxygene. Les proprietes thermiques et barrieres ont ete considerablement ameliorees avec l’incorporation des deux nanocharges et en presence de l’agent compatibilisant plagma. L’etude montre aussi que les proprietes mecaniques en traction des nanobiocomposites a base de graphene fonctionnalise epoxy (gfe) ont ete ameliorees en presence du plagma.
Effects of MTX-23, a Novel PROTAC of Androgen Receptor Splice Variant-7 and Androgen Receptor, on CRPC Resistant to Second-Line Antiandrogen Therapy

Although second-line antiandrogen therapy (SAT) is the standard of care in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), resistance inevitably occurs. One major proposed mechanism of resistance to SAT involves the emergence of androgen receptor (AR) splice variant-7, AR-V7. Recently, we developed MTX-23 using the principle of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) to target both AR-V7 and AR-full length (AR-FL). MTX-23 has been designed to simultaneously bind AR's DNA binding domain (DBD) and the Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) E3 ubiquitin ligase. Immunoblots demonstrated that MTX-23's degradation concentration 50% (DC50) for AR-V7 and AR-FL was 0.37 and 2 μmol/L, respectively. Further studies revealed that MTX-23 inhibited prostate cancer cellular proliferation and increased apoptosis only in androgen-responsive prostate cancer cells. The antiproliferative effect of MTX-23 was partially reversed when either AR-V7 or AR-FL was overexpressed and was completely abrogated when both were overexpressed. To assess the potential therapeutic value of MTX-23, we next generated 12 human prostate cancer cell lines that are resistant to the four FDA-approved SAT agents—abiraterone, enzalutamide, apalutamide, and darolutamide. When resistant cells were treated with MTX-23, decreased cellular proliferation and reduced tumor growth were observed both in vitro and in mice. These results collectively suggest that MTX-23 is a novel PROTAC small molecule that may be effective against SAT-resistant CRPC by degrading both AR-V7 and AR-FL.
Relationships among Actual Motor Competence, Perceived Motor Competence, and Health-Related Fitness in College-Aged Males

Actual motor competence (MC), perceived motor competence (PMC), and health-related fitness (HRF) exhibit a dynamic and reciprocal relationship in child populations, but little is known about the nature of these relationships in young adulthood. The purpose of the study was to assess these relationships in a sample of college-aged males. A total of 55 participants enrolled in an undergraduate Kinesiology course completed the study. Perceived motor competence (PMC) was assessed with the Physical Self-Perception Profile questionnaire; MC was assessed using maximum throw and kick speed and maximum jump distance; HRF was assessed with a two-minute push-up test, two-minute sit-up test, and the Multistage 20-m Shuttle Run Test. Pearson’s bivariate correlations were calculated to assess relationships among PMC total score, MC scores, and HRF scores. Two separate indices were calculated to create composite total MC and total HRF scores used for subsequent analyses. Significant correlations were found between PMC total score, MC index, and HRF index. Multiple linear regressions were used for analyzing predictive measures for HRF and PMC scores. From the two regression models, significance varied among total MC scores, PMC scores, and HRF individual measures. These findings may suggest that relationships among MC, HRF, and PMC strengthen over developmental time in young adult males.
Risk of Stroke in Cancer Survivors

Objective Accumulating evidence suggests that cancer survivors may have a relatively higher risk of stroke. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine whether cancer survivors have a relatively higher risk of stroke than cancer-free populations on the basis of published data from population-based cohort studies. Methods PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to February 8, 2020, for population-based cohort studies. Effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using the random-effects model. We conducted subgroup analyses and meta-regression to explore sources of heterogeneity and the stability of the results. Results Twenty population-based cohort studies involving 10,479,530 participants were identified. Overall, the relative risk (RR) for stroke in cancer survivors was 1.66 (95% CI 1.35–2.04; p < 0.001) compared with that in cancer-free controls; survivors of head and neck, hematologic, lung, pancreas, and stomach cancer (all p < 0.05) showed consistently significant results, whereas no significant increased risk was observed for patients with other cancer types. The effects were more prominent in cancer survivors with female sex (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.18–1.61; p < 0.001), younger age at cancer diagnosis (<45 years) (RR 2.57, 95% CI 1.27–5.19; p = 0.009), and shorter cancer survival duration (≥1–2 years) (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.18–2.42; p = 0.004). Moreover, cancer survivors had a significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.28–1.84; p < 0.001) compared with hemorrhagic stroke. Conclusions Cancer plays a critical role in the etiologic of stroke. Due to the existence of substantial heterogeneity among the included studies, the results should be interpreted with caution. However, early prevention and effective intervention of stroke in cancer survivors require attention from health policy makers.
FAPI PET/CT: Will It End the Hegemony of 18F-FDG in Oncology?

For over 40 years, 18F-FDG has been the dominant PET tracer in neurology, cardiology, inflammatory diseases, and, most particularly, oncology. Combined with the ability to perform whole-body scanning, 18F-FDG has revolutionized the evaluation of cancer and has stifled the adoption of other tracers, except in situations where low avidity or high background activity limits diagnostic performance. The strength of 18F-FDG has generally been its ability to detect disease in the absence of structural abnormality, thereby enhancing diagnostic sensitivity, but its simultaneous weakness has been a lack of specificity due to diverse pathologies with enhanced glycolysis. Radiotracers that leverage other hallmarks of cancer or specific cell-surface targets are gradually finding a niche in the diagnostic armamentarium. However, none have had sufficient sensitivity to realistically compete with 18F-FDG for evaluation of the broad spectrum of malignancies. Perhaps, this situation is about to change with development of a class of tracers targeting fibroblast activation protein that have low uptake in almost all normal tissues but high uptake in most cancer types. In this review, the development and exciting preliminary clinical data relating to various fibroblast activation protein–specific small-molecule inhibitor tracers in oncology will be discussed along with potential nononcologic applications.
Reactive, Agentic, Apathetic, or Challenged? Aging, Emotion, and Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Background and Objectives Advanced age is generally associated with improved emotional well-being, but the coronavirus 2019 pandemic unleashed a global stressor that gravely threatened the physical well-being and ostensibly challenged the emotional well-being of older adults disproportionately. The current study investigated differences in emotional experiences and coping strategies between younger and older adults during the pandemic, and whether these differences were accounted for by age differences in appraisal of the pandemic. Research Design and Methods We asked younger (n = 181) and older (n = 176) adult participants to report their stress, appraisals of the pandemic, emotions, and the ways in which they were coping with the pandemic. Results Results indicated that older adults experienced less stress and less negative affect and used greater problem-focused coping and less avoidant coping in response to the pandemic than younger adults. Furthermore, age differences in affect and coping were partially accounted for by age differences in appraisals of the pandemic. Discussion and Implications Despite their objectively higher risk of illness and death due to the pandemic, older adults experienced less negative affect and used more agentic coping strategies than younger adults.
L‐carnitine improves metabolic disorders and regulates apelin and apelin receptor genes expression in adipose tissue in diabetic rats

Apelin is a new adipocytokine that acts as an endogenous hormone in various tissues through its receptor (APJ). This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of L‐carnitine (LC) on the expression of Apelin and APJ in adipose tissue of experimentally induced insulin‐resistant and type 2 diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 60 male rats fed with high fat/high carbohydrate (HF/HC) diet. After 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally injection of streptozotocin (STZ) and confirmation of diabetes (FBS higher than 126 mg/dl), the animals were daily treated with 300 mg/kg LC for 28 days. At days 7, 14, and 28 of posttreatment, the expression of apelin and APJ in adipose tissue were determined using qPCR in diabetic, diabetic + LC treated, control, and control + LC treated groups. Apelin, insulin, TNF‐α, and IL1‐β were measured by the ELISA method. Results demonstrated that the rats fed with the HF/HC diet for 5 weeks were hyperinsulinemic and normoglycemic, while after STZ injection, they showed hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia with higher levels of HOMA‐IR. Apelin serum level, APJ and apelin gene expression in adipose tissue increased significantly with the development of diabetes compared to the control group. Treatment with LC for 14 days caused a reduction in apelin and APJ expressions in adipose tissue of diabetic rats. TNF‐α and IL1‐β levels were reduced in diabetic rats 14 days after their treatment with LC. The study results show that L‐carnitine could act as a new regulator in apelin gene expression in adipose tissue, improving the metabolic disorders in diabetic patients.