Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CSF α-synuclein correlates with CSF neurogranin in late-life depression

Abstract Purpose/aim of the study: Major depressive disorder (MDD) in late life is linked to increased risk of subsequent dementia, but it is still unclear exactly what pathophysiological mechanisms underpin this link. A potential mechanism related to elevated risk of dementia in MDD is increased levels of α-synuclein (α-Syn), a protein found in presynaptic neuronal terminals. Materials and methods: In this study, we examined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of α-Syn in conjunction with biomarkers of neurodegeneration (amyloid-β 42, total and phospho tau) and synaptic dysfunction (neurogranin), and measures of memory ability, in 27 cognitively intact older individuals with MDD and 19 controls. Results: Our results show that CSF α-Syn levels did not significantly differ across depressed and control participants, but α-Syn was directly associated with neurogranin levels, and indirectly linked to poorer memory ability. Conclusions: All in all, we found that α-Syn may be implicated in the association between late life MDD and synaptic dysfunction, although further research is needed to confirm these results.
Lysine-mediated hydroxyethyl starch-10-hydroxy camptothecin micelles for the treatment of liver cancer

Abstract Liver cancer is a malignant tumor with extremely high morbidity and mortality. At present, traditional chemotherapy is still the most commonly used therapeutic approach. However, serious side effects lead to the treatment of liver cancer is not ideal. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a new drug delivery system based on nanotechnology and liver cancer microenvironment. In this study, a pH/reduction/α-amylase multi-sensitive hydroxyethyl starch-10-hydroxy camptothecin micelles (HES-10-HCPT-SS-Ly) targeting over-expressed amino acid (AA) transporters on the surface of liver cancer cell by applying lysine were successfully synthesized. The prepared micelles showed regular structure, suitable particle size, and intelligent drug release property. Compared with conventional HES-10-HCPT micelles and 10-HCPT injection, HES-10-HCPT-SS-Ly micelles demonstrated better in vitro anti-proliferative capability toward human liver cancer Hep-G2 cells and greater antitumor efficiency against nude mouse with Hep-G2 tumor. These findings suggest that HES-10-HCPT-SS-Ly micelles may be a promising nanomedicine for treatment of liver cancer.
Decentralising atrial fibrillation screening to overcome socio-demographic inequalities in uptake in STROKESTOP II

Objective In the first STROKESTOP atrial fibrillation screening study, participation was influenced by socio-demographic and geographic factors. To improve uptake in the second study, two screening sites were added, closer to low-income neighbourhoods which had very low participation in the first study. This paper aims to analyse the geographic and socio-demographic disparities in uptake in the second trial and compare the results with the first trial. Methods Inhabitants of the Stockholm region born in 1940 and 1941 were randomised 1:1 to be invited to screening or serve as controls. Medical history, blood samples and single-lead-ECG were collected. Invitee’s residential parish was used for geo-mapping analysis of the geographical disparities in participation, using hierarchical Bayes methods. Individual data for participants and non-participants were obtained for the socioeconomic variables: educational level, disposable income, immigrant and marital status. Results Higher participation was observed in those with higher education, high income, among non-immigrants and married individuals. Participation between the first and second studies improved significantly, where additional screening sites were introduced. These improvements were generally significant, in each population group according to socio-demographic characteristics. Conclusion Decentralisation of screening sites in an atrial fibrillation screening program yielded a significantly positive impact on screening uptake. Adding local screening sites in areas with low uptake had beneficial impact on participation across a wide spectrum of socio-demographic groups. Decentralised screening substantially increased the screening uptake in deprived areas.
Decorating the Anammox House: Sialic Acids and Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans in the Extracellular Polymeric Substances of Anammox Granular Sludge

Anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation) bacteria are important for the nitrogen cycle in both natural environments and wastewater treatment plants. These bacteria have a strong tendency to grow in aggregates like biofilms and granular sludge. To understand the formation of anammox aggregates, it is required to unravel the composition of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which are produced by the bacteria to develop into aggregates and granules. Here, we investigated anionic polymers in anammox granular sludge, focussing on sialic acids and sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Quantification assays and fluorescent stains indicated that sialic acids and sulfated glycosaminoglycans were present in the anammox EPS (1.6% equivalents of sialic acids and 2.4% equivalents of sulfated glycosaminoglycans). Additionally, the potential genes for the biosynthesis of sialic acids and sulfated glycosaminoglycans were analyzed in the anammox draft genomes. The finding of these components in anammox granular sludge and previously in other nonpathogenic bacteria pointed out that sialic acids and sulfated glycosaminoglycans are worth investigating in the context of a broader function in microbial communities and biofilm systems in general.
Severity assessment using three common behavioral or locomotor tests after laparotomy in rats: a pilot study

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether behavioral or locomotor tests (Open Field (OF), rotarod (RR), and CatWalk (CW)) can help assess the severity of laparotomy in rats. The new EU Directive (2010/63/EU) mandates severity assessment in experiments involving animals. However, validated and objective methods are needed to relate trial-specific monitoring results to the degree of distress caused to individual animals. Therefore, we focused on non-invasive or minimally invasive, simple, and convenient severity assessment methods in a surgical model. To evaluate surgical severity in this model, we compared moving velocity among three commonly used behavioral test methods (OF, RR, and CW) after midline laparotomy within postoperative 7 days. In this study, 30 adult male Wistar Han rats (n = 10 per test) were trained in their assigned test method and subsequently subjected to surgery. Severity scoring was performed daily using a modified score sheet developed previously. In addition, blood and fecal samples were collected to analyze surgical and postoperative corticosterone metabolite levels. We found significant differences among the experimental groups in terms of the analyzed parameters. In this context, the OF test was found to be the most suitable method for severity assessment after laparotomy in rats.
Protein Supplementation and Resistance Training in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. ABSTRACT Purpose Muscle weakness, low lean body mass, and poor physical performance are prevalent among adult survivors of childhood cancer (survivors). We evaluated the feasibility and effects of resistance training with and without protein supplementation on lean body mass and muscle strength among survivors. Methods This double-blind placebo-controlled trial enrolled survivors ≥18 to <45 yr old. Participants were randomized to resistance training with protein supplement (21 g whey protein per day, 90 kcal) (RT + S) or resistance training with placebo (sucrose, 90 kcal) (RT + P). Participants received educational materials, access to a local fitness center, and a tailored resistance training program with tapered supervision. Participant retention and adherence were used to evaluate feasibility. Lean body mass and muscle strength were assessed at baseline and 24 wk, using dual x-ray absorptiometry, and dynamometer testing or one-repetition maximum testing, respectively. Mean changes were compared with two-way ANOVA. Results Of 70 participants randomized, 57 completed the 24-wk intervention (24 in RT + S, 33 in RT + P). The RT + S group completed 74.8% and the RT + P group completed 67.0% of exercise sessions. Mean ± SD age for those who completed was 33.1 ± 7.0 yr, 67% were White and 47% female. There were no differences in change in lean mass (RT + S, 1.05 ± 2.34 kg; RT + P, 0.13 ± 2.19 kg; P = 0.10) or strength (grip RT + S, 1.65 ± 4.17 kg; RT + P, 1.63 ± 4.47 kg; P = 0.98; mean leg press RT + S, 58.4 ± 78.8 kg; RT + P, 51.0 ± 65.1 kg; P = 0.68) between groups. Both lean mass (P = 0.03) and strength (grip P = 0.003, leg press P < 0.001) increased over time. Conclusions Supervised resistance training among survivors with protein supplementation is feasible but not more effective at increasing total lean body mass than resistance training alone.
NK and NKT Cell-Mediated Immune Surveillance against Hematological Malignancies

Recent cancer treatment modalities have been intensively focused on immunotherapy. The success of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy for treatment of refractory B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia has pushed forward research on hematological malignancies. Among the effector types of innate lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells show great importance in immune surveillance against infectious and tumor diseases. Particularly, the role of NK cells has been argued in either elimination of target tumor cells or escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance. Therefore, an NK cell activation approach has been explored. Recent findings demonstrate that invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells capable of producing IFN-γ when optimally activated can promptly trigger NK cells. Here, we review the role of NKT and/or NK cells and their interaction in anti-tumor responses by highlighting how innate immune cells recognize tumors, exert effector functions, and amplify adaptive immune responses. In addition, we discuss these innate lymphocytes in hematological disorders, particularly multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia. The immune balance at different stages of both diseases is explored in light of disease progression. Various types of innate immunity-mediated therapeutic approaches, recent advances in clinical immunotherapies, and iNKT-mediated cancer immunotherapy as next-generation immunotherapy are then discussed.
Relationship between the Working Methods and Lower Secondary School Students’ Performance and Attitudes towards Biology

The contribution of different working methods and learning environments to grade nine students’ performance in biology as well as their attitudes towards biology as school subject were studied. The research is based on the data collected for the assessment in natural sciences at comprehensive schools by the Finnish Board of Education in 2011. The survey data of the present study consisted of 2989 ninth grade students from 97 comprehensive schools. Students’ performance in biology was clearly correlated with the positive attitude towards biology as a school subject. There were strong correlations between the performance and teaching approaches, which emphasize students’ activity in experimental investigations, making observations, pondering of causes and effects as well as applying knowledge to everyday live. These inquiry-oriented approaches correlated also with the positive attitude towards biology. There were also correlations between positive attitude to biology and teacher-led conversations, pondering of different viewpoints, taking account of students’ opinions and ideas in teaching and the methods emphasizing students’ autonomy and self-evaluation. Positive attitude correlated also with the teaching approach, by which students received information about the development, structures and mechanisms of the world. Directed teaching did not correlate with the performance in biology or the positive attitude towards biology. To enhance students’ performance and positive attitudes in biology, it would be important use experimental work and inquiry-based learning in biology education.
Antiviral Effects of Menthol on Coxsackievirus B

Coxsackievirus B (CVB) is a common human enterovirus that causes systemic infection but specifically replicates to high titers in the pancreas. It was reported that certain viruses induce mitochondrial fission to support infection. We documented that CVB triggers mitochondrial fission and blocking mitochondrial fission limits infection. The transient receptor potential channels have been implicated in regulating mitochondrial dynamics; namely, the heat and capsaicin receptor transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) contributes to mitochondrial depolarization and fission. When we transiently warmed HeLa cells to 39 °C prior to CVB exposure, infection was heightened, whereas cooling cells to 25 °C reduced infection. Inducing “cold” by stimulating transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) with menthol led to reduced infection and also resulted in lower levels of mitochondrial fission during infection. Additionally, menthol stabilized levels of mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) which is known to be tied to mitochondrial dynamics. Taken together, this highlights a novel pathway wherein CVB relies on TRPV1 to initiate proviral mitochondrial fission, which may contribute to the disruption of antiviral immunity. TRPM8 has been shown to antagonize TRPV1, and thus we hypothesize that stimulating TRPM8 blocks TRPV1-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation following CVB exposure and attenuates infection.
Response of the Intertidal Microbial Community Structure and Metabolic Profiles to Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Exposure

The toxicity of nanomaterials to microorganisms is related to their dose and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the shifts in the microbial community structure and metabolic profiles and to evaluate the environmental factors in a laboratory scale intertidal wetland system exposed to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Microbial assemblages were determined using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Community-level physiological profiles were determined using Biolog-ECO technology. Results showed Proteobacteria was the predominant (42.6%–55.8%) phylum across all the sediments, followed by Bacteroidetes (18.9%–29.0%). The genera Azoarcus, Maribacter, and Thauera were most frequently detected. At the studied concentrations (40 mg·L−1, 80 mg·L−1, 120 mg·L−1), ZnO NPs had obvious impacts on the activity of Proteobacteria. Adverse effects were particularly evident in sulfur and nitrogen cycling bacteria such as Sulfitobacter, unidentified_Nitrospiraceae, Thauera, and Azoarcus. The alpha diversity index of microbial community did not reflect stronger biological toxicity in the groups with high NP concentrations (80 mg·L−1, 120 mg·L−1) than the group with low NP concentration (40 mg·L−1). The average well color development (AWCD) values of periodically submersed groups were higher than those of long-term submersed groups. The group with NP concentration (40 mg·L−1) had the lowest AWCD value; those of the groups with high NP concentrations (80 mg·L−1, 120 mg·L−1) were slightly lower than that of the control group. The beta diversity showed that tidal activity shaped the similar microbial community among the periodically submerged groups, as well as the long-term submerged groups. The groups with high DO concentrations had higher diversity of the microbial community, better metabolic ability, and stronger resistance to ZnO NPs than the groups with a low DO concentration.
Systematic Review of Peer-Reviewed Literature on Global Condom Promotion Programs

Background: Globally, 1.7 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2018. Condoms are inexpensive, cost-effective, reduce HIV/STI incidence, morbidity, mortality, and unintended pregnancies, and result in health care cost savings. Given the rapid increase in at-risk adolescent and young adult (AYA) populations in countries with high HIV/STI prevalence as well as the reductions in donor support, promoting consistent condom use remains crucial. We synthesized all peer-reviewed literature on condom promotion programs with a focus on promotion in low and lower middle income (LMIC) countries and with AYA users. Methods: We systematically reviewed the published literature. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methods, we identified 99 articles published between 2000–2019. Results: Condom promotion programs were generally effective in changing attitudes, social norms, and beliefs in favor of condom use, and 85% demonstrated positive effects on multiple condom use measures. Programs targeting AYA were at least equally as effective as those targeting others and often showed greater use of best practices, such as mass media (66%) and audience segmentation (31%). We also saw differences between programs in the intervention strategies they used and found greater effects of marketing strategies on AYA compared to the overall sample. Conclusion: Condoms remain essential to prevention, and donor support must be maintained to combat the HIV/STI epidemic.
Chemical Characterization, Gastrointestinal Motility and Sensory Evaluation of Dark Chocolate: A Nutraceutical Boosting Consumers’ Health

We performed a comprehensive study encompassing chemical characterization and sensory evaluation of two types of dark chocolate, i.e., artisanal (Choco-A) and industrial (Choco-I), as well as an evaluation of onset of gastrointestinal symptoms and gastrointestinal motility in healthy subjects fed with dark chocolate. Proteomic, lipid and metabolite analysis were performed by LC-MS/MS analysis and the total phenol content and antioxidant activity were estimated in both types of chocolate. Fifty healthy volunteers joined the study of the sensory characteristics of both types of chocolate; another 16 subjects underwent the study of gallbladder and gastric emptying by functional ultrasonography and orocecal transit time by lactulose H2-breath test after ingestion of dark chocolate. Identification of polyphenols, amino acids and fatty acids was carried out in both types of chocolate analysed, and results confirmed their richness in polyphenols, amino acid derivatives and fatty acids (FAs) either saturated (stearic, myristic, palmitic, ecosanoic) or unsaturated (oleic and linolenic). For agreeability, Choco-A scored higher than Choco-I for smell, texture, and taste and they did not show significant differences in the gastrointestinal motility. In conclusion as for gastrointestinal motility studies, we report that the ingestion of a small amount of chocolate induced a mild gallbladder, gastric contraction and a fast transit time compared to the test meal in healthy subjects.
Measurement of intrinsic foot stiffness in minimally and traditionally shod runners using ultrasound elastography: A pilot study

ABSTRACT Running is an activity with a consistently high injury rate. Running footwear design that mimics barefoot running has been proposed to reduce injury rate by increasing the strength of foot structures. However, there is little evidence to support this. The purpose of the current study is to use shear wave ultrasound elastography to examine material properties (shear modulus) of intrinsic foot structures in experienced minimally and traditionally shod runners. It is hypothesized that minimalist runners will exhibit increased stiffness compared to controls demonstrating the strengthening of these structures. Eighteen healthy runners (8 minimalist and 10 traditionalist), running a minimum of 10 mi · wk−1, participated. Elastography scans were performed on the left foot of each participant. There is no apparent stiffening of foot structures associated with wearing minimalist shoes. Only the FHB tendon is different between shoe types and, contrary to the hypothesis, was stiffer in traditionalist compared to minimalist runners (257.26 ± 51.64 kPa vs 160.88 ± 27.79 kPa, respectively). A moderate positive (r = 0.7) relationship between training load and tendon stiffness suggests strengthening of tendon when running in traditional shoes. If running in minimalist shoes increases loading on these structures without resulting in stronger tissues, it is possible that minimalist footwear may increase injury risk.
Margin-Based Deep Learning Networks for Human Activity Recognition

Human activity recognition (HAR) is a popular and challenging research topic, driven by a variety of applications. More recently, with significant progress in the development of deep learning networks for classification tasks, many researchers have made use of such models to recognise human activities in a sensor-based manner, which have achieved good performance. However, sensor-based HAR still faces challenges; in particular, recognising similar activities that only have a different sequentiality and similarly classifying activities with large inter-personal variability. This means that some human activities have large intra-class scatter and small inter-class separation. To deal with this problem, we introduce a margin mechanism to enhance the discriminative power of deep learning networks. We modified four kinds of common neural networks with our margin mechanism to test the effectiveness of our proposed method. The experimental results demonstrate that the margin-based models outperform the unmodified models on the OPPORTUNITY, UniMiB-SHAR, and PAMAP2 datasets. We also extend our research to the problem of open-set human activity recognition and evaluate the proposed method’s performance in recognising new human activities.
Effectiveness of Mobile Applications Running on Smartphones to Promote Physical Activity: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Mobile applications reach a high number of individuals at low costs. This systematic review investigated the effectiveness of mobile application-based interventions to increase physical activity (PA) and self-efficacy and to decrease sedentarism. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs investigating the effect of PA interventions using an app compared to no intervention or traditional interventions were included. Pooled effects using the standardized mean difference (SMD) or the weighted mean difference (WMD) were calculated and the overall quality of the evidence was rated using the GRADE. Eleven studies were included. In the short term, pooled estimates showed a small and positive effect in the number of steps favoring interventions using a mobile app when compared with no interventions (WMD = 1579.04, 95%CI 454.04 to 2703.38) and with traditional interventions (WMD = 665.96, 95%CI 167.92 to 1164.00). For self-efficacy and at follow-up, results favoured traditional interventions (WMD = −8.20, 95%CI −14.25 to −2.15). Non-significant results were found for the remaining comparisons. The quality of the evidence ranged from very low to low. There is very low to low quality evidence that interventions using mobile apps running on smartphones, when combined with traditional interventions, are superior to traditional interventions in the short term. Further high-quality studies are required.