Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Examining the Childhood Food Experiences Help to Better Understand Food Choices in Adulthood?

Impact of parental feeding practices on children’s eating behaviors is well-documented in the literature. Nevertheless, little is known about how many of these behaviors might persist into adulthood. There is a lack of a tool measuring childhood feeding experiences recollected by adults, while the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ) is used to measure parental feeding practices applied towards children. The aim of the study was to adapt the CFPQ to measure adults’ recollections of their childhood (5–10 years old) feeding experiences, to examine its discriminant validity and then to assess if these practices are related to adults’ food choices. In 2020, the modified version of CFPQ (mCFPQ) and questions on current food consumption were administered in a group of 500 adults twice over a two-week interval. The analysis included 443 participants whose questionnaires were correctly completed in both stages of the study. The Q-sorting procedure was used to test for discriminant validity of the questionnaire, i.e., confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Cronbach’s alpha, correlations coefficients, and the analysis of the differences between groups according to the intake of certain food products. Test–retest reliability was examined by calculating interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for each obtained factor. As a result of EFA, five subscales were identified: “Restrictions”, “Healthy Eating Guidance”, “Pressure and Food Reward”, “Monitoring”, and “Child Control”. Items from these subscales created a new tool—Adults’ Memories of Feeding in Childhood (AMoFiC). Test for internal consistency, factor correlations, and discriminant validity proved satisfactory psychometric parameters of AMoFiC. “Pressure and Food Reward” and “Child Control” were associated with higher intake of sweets and salty snacks, whereas “Healthy Eating Guidance”, “Monitoring”, and “Restrictions” were associated with higher consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Despite the fact that the AMoFiC questionnaire requires further research, the findings of the study might be of practical use in counseling addressed to the parents.
Automatic Detection of the Circulating Cell-Free Methylated DNA Pattern of GCM2, ITPRIPL1 and CCDC181 for Detection of Early Breast Cancer and Surgical Treatment Response

Simple Summary Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease that arises from the cumulative accumulation of acquired genetic as well as epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic alteration constitutes a molecular signature that can serve as a promising biomarker for early detection. In this study, we carry out automatic detection of circulating cell-free methylated DNA, including GCM2, ITPRIPL1 and CCDC181, and find a pattern that can detect early breast cancer more accurately compared with currently used biomarkers. The pattern is also useful for the detection of the surgical responses of breast cancer patients. Circulating methylated CCDC181, GCM2 and ITPRIPL1 analysis could be combined with ultrasound to facilitate the early detection of breast cancer. Abstract The early detection of cancer can reduce cancer-related mortality. There is no clinically useful noninvasive biomarker for early detection of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to develop accurate and precise early detection biomarkers and a dynamic monitoring system following treatment. We analyzed a genome-wide methylation array in Taiwanese and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer (BC) patients. Most breast cancer-specific circulating methylated CCDC181, GCM2 and ITPRIPL1 biomarkers were found in the plasma. An automatic analysis process of methylated ccfDNA was established. A combined analysis of CCDC181, GCM2 and ITPRIPL1 (CGIm) was performed in R using Recursive Partitioning and Regression Trees to establish a new prediction model. Combined analysis of CCDC181, GCM2 and ITPRIPL1 (CGIm) was found to have a sensitivity level of 97% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.955 in the training set, and a sensitivity level of 100% and an AUC of 0.961 in the test set. The circulating methylated CCDC181, GCM2 and ITPRIPL1 was also significantly decreased after surgery (all p < 0.001). The aberrant methylation patterns of the CCDC181, GCM2 and ITPRIPL1 genes means that they are potential biomarkers for the detection of early BC and can be combined with breast imaging data to achieve higher accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, facilitating breast cancer detection. They may also be applied to monitor the surgical treatment response.
Pre-Diagnostic Circulating Metabolites and Colorectal Cancer Risk in the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort

Untargeted metabolomic studies have identified potential biomarkers of colorectal cancer risk, but evidence is still limited and broadly inconsistent. Among 39,239 Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition cohort participants who provided a blood sample between 1998–2001, 517 newly diagnosed colorectal cancers were identified through 30 June 2015. In this nested case–control study, controls were matched 1:1 to cases on age, sex, race and date of blood draw. Mass spectroscopy-based metabolomic analyses of pre-diagnostic plasma identified 886 named metabolites, after quality control exclusions. Conditional logistic regression models estimated multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in each metabolite with risk of colorectal cancer. Six metabolites were associated with colorectal cancer risk at a false discovery rate < 0.20. These metabolites were of several classes, including cofactors and vitamins, nucleotides, xenobiotics, lipids and amino acids. Five metabolites (guanidinoacetate, 2’-O-methylcytidine, vanillylmandelate, bilirubin (E,E) and N-palmitoylglycine) were positively associated (OR per 1 SD = 1.29 to 1.32), and one (3-methylxanthine) was inversely associated with CRC risk (OR = 0.79, 95% CI, 0.69–0.89). We did not replicate findings from two earlier prospective studies of 250 cases each after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Large pooled prospective analyses are warranted to confirm or refute these findings and to discover and replicate metabolites associated with colorectal cancer risk.
Peptide-Functionalized Nanoparticles-Encapsulated Cyclin-Dependent Kinases Inhibitor Seliciclib in Transferrin Receptor Overexpressed Cancer Cells

Seliciclib, a broad cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) inhibitor, exerts its potential role in cancer therapy. For taking advantage of overexpressive transferrin receptor (TfR) on most cancer cells, T7 peptide, a TfR targeting ligand, was selected as a targeting ligand to facilitate nanoparticles (NPs) internalization in cancer cells. In this study, poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) was conjugated with maleimide poly(ethylene glycol) amine (Mal-PEG-NH2) to form PLGA-PEG-maleimide copolymer. The synthesized copolymer was used to prepare NPs for encapsulation of seliciclib which was further decorated by T7 peptide. The result shows that the better cellular uptake was achieved by T7 peptide-modified NPs particularly in TfR-high expressed cancer cells in order of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells > SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells > U87-MG glioma cells. Both SKOV-3 and U87-MG cells are more sensitive to encapsulated seliciclib in T7-decorated NPs than to free seliciclib, and that IC50 values were lowered for encapsulated seliciclib.
A New Family of Benzo[h]Chromene Based Azo Dye: Synthesis, In-Silico and DFT Studies with In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Assessment

The high biological activity of the chromene compounds coupled with the intriguing optical features of azo chromophores prompted our desire to construct novel derivatives of chromene incorporating azo moieties 4a-l, which have been prepared via a three-component reaction of 1-naphthalenol-4-[(4-ethoxyphenyl) azo], 1, with the benzaldehyde derivatives and malononitrile. The structural identities of the azo-chromene 4a-l were confirmed on the basis of their spectral data and elemental analysis, and a UV–visible study was performed in a Dimethylformamide (DMF) solution for these molecules. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity was investigated against four human pathogens (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria) and four fungi, employing an agar well diffusion method, with their minimum inhibitory concentrations being reported. Molecules 4a, 4g, and 4h were discovered to be more efficacious against Syncephalastrum racemosum (RCMB 05922) in comparison to the reference drugs, while compounds 4b and 4h demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) in evaluation against the reference drugs. Moreover, their cytotoxicity was assessed against three different human cell lines, including human colon carcinoma (HCT-116), human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2), and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) with a selection of molecules illustrating potency against the HCT-116 and MCF-7 cell lines. Furthermore, the molecular modeling results depicted the binding interactions of the synthesized compounds 3b and 3h in the active site of the E. coli DNA gyrase B enzyme with a clear SAR (structure–activity relationship) analysis. Lastly, the density functional theory’s (DFTs) theoretical calculations were performed to quantify the energy levels of the Frontier Molecular Orbitals (FMOs) and their energy gaps, dipole moments, and molecular electrostatic potentials. These data were utilized in the chemical descriptor estimations to confirm the biological activity.
Transcriptome Signatures in Pseudomonas simiae WCS417 Shed Light on Role of Root-Secreted Coumarins in Arabidopsis-Mutualist Communication

Pseudomonas simiae WCS417 is a root-colonizing bacterium with well-established plant-beneficial effects. Upon colonization of Arabidopsis roots, WCS417 evades local root immune responses while triggering an induced systemic resistance (ISR) in the leaves. The early onset of ISR in roots shows similarities with the iron deficiency response, as both responses are associated with the production and secretion of coumarins. Coumarins can mobilize iron from the soil environment and have a selective antimicrobial activity that impacts microbiome assembly in the rhizosphere. Being highly coumarin-tolerant, WCS417 induces the secretion of these phenolic compounds, likely to improve its own niche establishment, while providing growth and immunity benefits for the host in return. To investigate the possible signaling function of coumarins in the mutualistic Arabidopsis-WCS417 interaction, we analyzed the transcriptome of WCS417 growing in root exudates of coumarin-producing Arabidopsis Col-0 and the coumarin-biosynthesis mutant f6′h1. We found that coumarins in F6′H1-dependent root exudates significantly affected the expression of 439 bacterial genes (8% of the bacterial genome). Of those, genes with functions related to transport and metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and nucleotides were induced, whereas genes with functions related to cell motility, the bacterial mobilome, and energy production and conversion were repressed. Strikingly, most genes related to flagellar biosynthesis were down-regulated by F6′H1-dependent root exudates and we found that application of selected coumarins reduces bacterial motility. These findings suggest that coumarins’ function in the rhizosphere as semiochemicals in the communication between the roots and WCS417. Collectively, our results provide important novel leads for future functional analysis of molecular processes in the establishment of plant-mutualist interactions.
Ultra-Narrow Metallic Nano-Trenches Realized by Wet Etching and Critical Point Drying

A metallic nano-trench is a unique optical structure capable of ultrasensitive detection of molecules, active modulation as well as potential electrochemical applications. Recently, wet-etching the dielectrics of metal–insulator–metal structures has emerged as a reliable method of creating optically active metallic nano-trenches with a gap width of 10 nm or less, opening a new venue for studying the dynamics of nanoconfined molecules. Yet, the high surface tension of water in the process of drying leaves the nano-trenches vulnerable to collapsing, limiting the achievable width to no less than 5 nm. In this work, we overcome the technical limit and realize metallic nano-trenches with widths as small as 1.5 nm. The critical point drying technique significantly alleviates the stress applied to the gap in the drying process, keeping the ultra-narrow gap from collapsing. Terahertz spectroscopy of the trenches clearly reveals the signature of successful wet etching of the dielectrics without apparent damage to the gap. We expect that our work will enable various optical and electrochemical studies at a few-molecules-thick level.
Reliability and Repeatability of Pressure Center Analysis with Low-Dye Taping Using Force Platform Podiatry Sensors in Feet with Excessive Pronation

Background: The analysis of the center of pressure (COP) is a method used to assess the foot function, but its reliability and repeatability have not been evaluated. COP can be altered by diverse conditions, like an excessive foot pronation. Low-Dye taping is commonly used for the treatment of symptoms related to an excessive pronation. To date, no study has evaluated the effects of the Low-Dye taping on COP and the duration of its effects. Thus, the main purpose of this manuscript was to assess the reliability and repeatability of the percentage of center of pressure locus area (%CLA) in feet with an excessive pronation, and secondarily, to assess that the Low-Dye taping modifies the %CLA during the immediate 48 h. Methods: An observational study of the reliability and repeatability of the %CLA variable with the Low-Dye taping in feet with excessive pronation was carried out. We used the EPS-Platform to evaluate the results of the variable in 6 conditions in a first session to evaluate the reliability of the results. We compared the results of the first session with the results in a second session to evaluate the repeatability of the results. We also carried out an ANOVA test to evaluate the changes that the taping produced in the variable between without taping with the rest of the 6 conditions. Results: For the %CLA, we observed a reliability greater than 0.80, measured by the interclass ratio index, both in the first session before taping, and in the second session before taping, thus being a repeatability variable. In the following times, with taping, at 10 min with tape, at 20 min with tape, at 24 h with tape and at 48 h with tape; an interclass ratio coefficient (ICC) higher than 0.80 was again obtained, thus being a reliable variable in all measurements made. The Low-Dye taping did not change %CLA from the time the tape was put in until 48 h (p-value = 1.000). Conclusions: The %CLA variable, in feet with excessive pronation, proved to be a reliable variable in all the measurements obtained before putting on the tape and during the following 48 h with the tape, and a repeatable variable. The Low-Dye taping did not change the %CLA from the time the tape was put in until 48 h.
Adjustable Compliance Soft Sensor via an Elastically Inflatable Fluidic Dome

Soft sensors are essential for robotic systems to safely interact with humans and the environment. Although significant research has been carried out in the field of soft tactile sensing, most of these sensors are restricted to a predefined geometry and a fixed measurement range, hence limiting their application. This paper introduces a novel approach to soft sensing by proposing a soft load-sensing unit with an adjustable mechanical compliance achieved using an elastically inflatable fluidic dome. The sensor consists of a three-dimensional Hall-effect sensor, above which is a magnet whose movement is modulated by an intermediate elastomeric dome structure. Sensor configurations were designed and fabricated using three different silicone rubbers to cover ‘00–10’ and ‘20A’ durometer shore hardness scales. We demonstrated that the compliance of the sensor could be dynamically tuned by changing the internal pressure of the inflatable fluidic dome in all configurations. We performed finite element simulations to determine the reaction force of the sensor under load as well as the stresses within the internal structural behavior, which are not possible to capture experimentally. The proposed soft sensor has the potential to be readily adapted for use in various soft robotic applications of differing size, compliance range, and safety requirements.
Prevention of Postprandial Hyperglycemia by Ophthalmic Nanoparticles Based on Protamine Zinc Insulin in the Rabbit

Postprandial hyperglycemia, a so-called blood glucose spike, is associated with enhanced risks of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. In this study, we attempted to design nanoparticles (NPs) of protamine zinc insulin (PZI) by the bead mill method, and prepare ophthalmic formulations based on the PZI-NPs with (nPZI/P) or without polyacrylic acid (nPZI). In addition, we investigated whether the instillation of the newly developed nPZI and nPZI/P can prevent postprandial hyperglycemia in a rabbit model involving the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The particle size of PZI was decreased by the bead mill to a range for both nPZI and nPZI/P of 80–550 nm with no observable aggregation for 6 d. Neither nPZI nor nPZI/P caused any noticeable corneal toxicity. The plasma INS levels in rabbits instilled with nPZI were significantly higher than in rabbits instilled with INS suspensions (commercially available formulations, CA-INS), and the plasma INS levels were further enhanced with the amount of polyacrylic acid in the nPZI/P. In addition, the rapid rise in plasma glucose levels in OGTT-treated rabbits was prevented by a single instillation of nPZI/P, which was significantly more effective at attenuating postprandial hyperglycemia (blood glucose spike) in comparison with nPZI. In conclusion, we designed nPZI/P, and show that a single instillation before OGTT attenuates the rapid enhancement of plasma glucose levels. These findings suggest a better management strategy for the postprandial blood glucose spike, which is an important target of DM therapy.
Linking Psychosocial Stress Events, Psychological Disorders and Childhood Obesity

There is scientific evidence that supports a strong association between early exposure to stressful life events and the presence of health complications throughout adulthood and, to a lesser extent, in adolescence and childhood. The aim of this study was to examine the accumulation of Psychosocial Stress Events (PSE) and the prevalence of mental disorders in children from 8 to 12 years. The association between these factors and child weight measurements was analysed. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 children classified by weight status (obesity, overweight and normal-weight). The assessment was carried out in primary care centres and primary schools. An experienced team carried out a structured medical-psychosocial history and a semi-structured interview aimed at identifying an early diagnosis of psychological disorders. Children filled out a questionnaire to evaluate PSE. The obesity group presented the greatest accumulation of PSE and highest prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis, compared to overweight and normal-weight children. To exceed four or more stressful events was positively associated with psychological problems and child body mass index (BMI z-score). A predictive model confirmed the interaction between a larger number of PSE and the occurrence of a psychiatric diagnosis as variables that predispose children by 26.2 times more to increased weight status. In conclusion, the accumulation of PSE in the family, school and social environments of the children was related to greater psychological distress. If not managed, the likelihood of suffering from other health complications, such as excess weight, may increase. It is important to monitor these variables to ensure positive health outcomes while specifically addressing childhood obesity. This is especially relevant for children from a disadvantaged social background and disharmonious family environments.
Effective Small Molecule Antibacterials from a Novel Anti-Protein Secretion Screen

The increasing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics underscores the urgent need for new antibacterials. Protein export pathways are attractive potential targets. The Sec pathway is essential for bacterial viability and includes components that are absent from eukaryotes. Here, we used a new high-throughput in vivo screen based on the secretion and activity of alkaline phosphatase (PhoA), a Sec-dependent secreted enzyme that becomes active in the periplasm. The assay was optimized for a luminescence-based substrate and was used to screen a ~240K small molecule compound library. After hit confirmation and analoging, 14 HTS secretion inhibitors (HSI), belonging to eight structural classes, were identified with IC50 < 60 µM. The inhibitors were evaluated as antibacterials against 19 Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial species (including those from the WHO’s top pathogens list). Seven of them—HSI#6, 9; HSI#1, 5, 10; and HSI#12, 14—representing three structural families, were bacteriocidal. HSI#6 was the most potent hit against 13 species of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria with IC50 of 0.4 to 8.7 μM. HSI#1, 5, 9 and 10 inhibited the viability of Gram-positive bacteria with IC50 ~6.9–77.8 μM. HSI#9, 12, and 14 inhibited the viability of E. coli strains with IC50 < 65 μM. Moreover, HSI#1, 5 and 10 inhibited the viability of an E. coli strain missing TolC to improve permeability with IC50 4 to 14 μM, indicating their inability to penetrate the outer membrane. The antimicrobial activity was not related to the inhibition of the SecA component of the translocase in vitro, and hence, HSI molecules may target new unknown components that directly or indirectly affect protein secretion. The results provided proof of the principle that the new broad HTS approach can yield attractive nanomolar inhibitors that have potential as new starting compounds for optimization to derive potential antibiotics.
Glycosaminoglycans: Carriers and Targets for Tailored Anti-Cancer Therapy

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of cancerous, non-cancerous, stromal, and immune cells that are surrounded by the components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), natural biomacromolecules, essential ECM, and cell membrane components are extensively altered in cancer tissues. During disease progression, the GAG fine structure changes in a manner associated with disease evolution. Thus, changes in the GAG sulfation pattern are immediately correlated to malignant transformation. Their molecular weight, distribution, composition, and fine modifications, including sulfation, exhibit distinct alterations during cancer development. GAGs and GAG-based molecules, due to their unique properties, are suggested as promising effectors for anticancer therapy. Considering their participation in tumorigenesis, their utilization in drug development has been the focus of both industry and academic research efforts. These efforts have been developing in two main directions; (i) utilizing GAGs as targets of therapeutic strategies and (ii) employing GAGs specificity and excellent physicochemical properties for targeted delivery of cancer therapeutics. This review will comprehensively discuss recent developments and the broad potential of GAG utilization for cancer therapy.