Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NPPA/atrial natriuretic peptide is an extracellular modulator of autophagy in the heart

ABSTRACT NPPA/atrial natriuretic peptide (natriuretic peptide type A) exerts critical pleiotropic effects in the cardiovascular system, limiting cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and death, reducing cardiac fibrosis and promoting vascular integrity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects still need to be clarified. We demonstrated for the first time that macroautophagy/autophagy is involved in the local protective effects of NPPA in cardiomyocytes (CMs), both in vitro and in vivo. Exogenous NPPA rapidly activates autophagy in CMs through NPR1/type A natriuretic peptide receptor and PRKG/protein kinase G signaling and also increases cardiac autophagy in mice. Remarkably, endogenous NPPA is secreted by CMs in response to glucose deprivation or hypoxia, thereby stimulating autophagy through autocrine/paracrine mechanisms. NPPA preserves cell viability and reduces hypertrophy in response to stress through autophagy activation. In vivo, we found that Nppa knockout mice undergoing ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) show increased infarct size and reduced autophagy. Reactivation of autophagy by Tat-Beclin D11 limits I/R injury. We also found that the protective effects of NPPA in reducing infarct size are abrogated in the presence of autophagy inhibition. Mechanistically, we found that NPPA stimulates autophagy through the activation of TFEB (transcription factor EB). Our data suggest that NPPA is a novel extracellular regulator of autophagy in the heart.
Reviving matrix for nerve reconstruction in rat model of acute and chronic complete spinal cord injury

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the innovative antigliotic guiding regenerative gel (AGRG) as reviving matrix for reconnection of spinal cord defect in rat models of complete acute and chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). In acute SCI, a 2 mm segment of the spinal cord (SC) was removed at Th7-Th8. Then AGRG was injected to the gap or left untreated. In chronic SCI, a 1 mm segment of the spinal cord (SC) was removed at Th7-Th8. One month later, the injured area was cleaned from connective and scar tissue, creating a gap of 2–3 mm. Then, AGRG was injected to the gap or left untreated. Functional, electrophysiological, histological and immunohistochemical assessments were performed. In acute SCI, at week 24, 75% of AGRG group showed a somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) signal. Appearance of myelin basic protein (MBP) was observed in the injured area in the AGRG group (p < 0.1), compared to the untreated group. In chronic SCI, 24 weeks after 2nd surgery, appearance of MBP, indicating presence of myelinated axons, was observed in AGRG group, compared to the untreated group (p < 0.01). These preliminary results suggest that AGRG can serve as a vital bridging station inducing regeneration of injured SC in acute and chronic cases of paraplegia.
Milk polar lipids composition and functionality: a systematic review

Abstract Polar lipids including glycerophospholipids and sphingophospholipids are important nutrients and milk is a major source, particularly for infants. This systematic review describes the human and bovine milk polar lipid composition, structural organization, sources for formulation, and physiological functionality. A total of 2840 records were retrieved through Scopus, 378 were included. Bovine milk is a good source of polar lipids, where yield and composition are highly dependent on the choice of dairy streams and processing. In milk, polar lipids are organized in the milk fat globule membrane as a tri-layer encapsulating triglyceride. The overall polar lipid concentration in human milk is dependent on many factors including lactational stage and maternal diet. Here, reasonable ranges were determined where possible. Similar for bovine milk, where differences in milk lipid concentration proved the largest factor determining variation. The role of milk polar lipids in human health has been demonstrated in several areas and critical review indicated that brain, immune and effects on lipid metabolism are best substantiated areas. Moreover, insights related to the milk fat globule membrane structure-function relation as well as superior activity of milk derived polar lipid compared to plant-derived sources are emerging areas of interest regarding future research and food innovations.
Retrieval of olfactory fear memory alters cell proliferation and expression of pCREB and pMAPK in the corticomedial amygdala and piriform cortex

Abstract The brain forms robust associations between odors and emotionally salient memories, making odors especially effective at triggering fearful or traumatic memories. Using Pavlovian olfactory fear conditioning (OFC), a variant of the traditional tone-shock paradigm, this study explored the changes involved in its processing. We assessed the expression of neuronal plasticity markers phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (pCREB) and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (pMAPK) 24 h and 14 days following OFC, in newborn neurons (EdU+) and in brain regions associated with olfactory memory processing; the olfactory bulb, piriform cortex, amygdale, and hippocampus. Here, we show that all proliferating neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb were colocalized with pCREB at 24 h and 14 days post-conditioning, and the number of proliferating neurons at both time points were statistically similar. This suggests the occurrence of long-term potentiation within the neurons of this pathway. Finally, OFC significantly increased the density of pCREB- and pMAPK-positive immunoreactive neurons in the medial and cortical subnuclei of the amygdala and the posterior piriform cortex, suggesting their key involvement in its processing. Together, our investigation identifies changes in neuroplasticity within critical neural circuits responsible for olfactory fear memory.
Probiotics supplementation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ABSTRACT Background and aims An emerging body of evidence has demonstrated the beneficial effects of probiotics on various mental health conditions. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we sought to examine the effects of probiotics supplementation on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in adults. Methods PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched, from database inception to April 2021, for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We pooled mean differences and standard deviations from RCTs using random-effect models. Results Overall, meta-analysis of 11 trials (n = 648 participants) showed no significant changes in serum level of BDNF following probiotics. However, subgroup analysis revealed that probiotics increased BDNF levels in individuals suffering from neurological disorders (n = 214 participants; WMD = 3.08 ng/mL, 95% CI: 1.83, 4.34; P = 0.001; I 2 = 7.5%; P-heterogeneity 0.34), or depression (n = 268 participants; WMD = 0.77 ng/mL, 95% CI: 0.07, 1.47; P = 0.032; I 2 = 88.4%; P-heterogeneity < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant increase in BDNF levels was found in studies that administered the mixture of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, and were conducted in Asia . Conclusion Our main findings suggest that probiotics may be effective in elevating BDNF levels in patients with depression and neurological disorders, and a mixed of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium appear to show greater efficacy than the single genus supplement. The low quality of evidence reduces clinical advocacy, and indicates that more large-scale, high-quality, RCTs are needed to facilitate reliable conclusions.
SF3B4 Depletion Retards the Growth of A549 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells via UBE4B-Mediated Regulation of p53/p21 and p27 Expression

Splicing factor B subunit 4 (SF3B4), a component of the U2-pre-mRNA spliceosomal complex, contributes to tumorigenesis in several types of tumors. However, the oncogenic potential of SF3B4 in lung cancer has not yet been determined. The in vivo expression profiles of SF3B4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from publicly available data revealed a significant increase in SF3B4 expression in tumor tissues compared to that in normal tissues. The impact of SF3B4 deletion on the growth of NSCLC cells was determined using a siRNA strategy in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. SF3B4 silencing resulted in marked retardation of the A549 cell proliferation, accompanied by the accumulation of cells at the G0/G1 phase and increased expression of p27, p21, and p53. Double knockdown of SF3B4 and p53 resulted in the restoration of p21 expression and partial recovery of cell proliferation, indicating that the p53/p21 axis is involved, at least in part, in the SF3B4-mediated regulation of A549 cell proliferation. We also provided ubiquitination factor E4B (UBE4B) is essential for p53 accumulation after SF3B4 depletion based on followings. First, co-immunoprecipitation showed that SF3B4 interacts with UBE4B. Furthermore, UBE4B levels were decreased by SF3B4 depletion. UBE4B depletion, in turn, reproduced the outcome of SF3B4 depletion, including reduction of polyubiquitinated p53 levels, subsequent induction of p53/p21 and p27, and proliferation retardation. Collectively, our findings indicate the important role of SF3B4 in the regulation of A549 cell proliferation through the UBE4B/p53/p21 axis and p27, implicating the therapeutic strategies for NSCLC targeting SF3B4 and UBE4B.
Barriers to hearing aid adoption among older adults in mainland China

Abstract Objective This study aimed to explore barriers to hearing aid adoption amongst older adults in mainland China. Design Semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. Study sample The study included 12 older adults who had seen ENTs and had not adopted hearing aids. Results Three overarching themes and ten subthemes were generated to explain why older adults in mainland China do not adopt hearing aids: (1) Desire a cure for hearing loss, (2) Lack of a perceived need for hearing aids, and (3) Negative impressions of, and misconceptions about, hearing aids. Conclusion Although barriers are similar to those reported in Western societies, the under-developed hearing healthcare infrastructure, Chinese health beliefs, Chinese culture, and low health literacy play important roles in preventing older adults to adopt hearing aids in mainland China. To identify barriers to hearing aid adoption and address them, hearing health practitioners should learn what older adults know about their hearing loss, how they perceive the effects of hearing loss, and how they feel about hearing aids.
Cognitive Depression Detection Cyber-Medical System Based on EEG Analysis and Deep Learning Approaches

Long-term depression and negative emotional cycles affect life quality and work productivity. However, depression is not easy to detect, with current methods mostly relying on scales that make it impossible to quickly and directly measure the severity of depression. This study seeks to empirically identify brainwave stimulation feedback electrode points and brain regions related to potential depression. Using brainwave data collected by mood-induction procedures, the front and occipital lobes have the greatest role in the operation of depressive emotions, especially the Fp1 and Fp2 positions and the O1 and O2 positions. The Fourier brainwave bands are mainly affected in the α and θ band, while the wavelet brainwave bands have a significant impact on the minimum value of approximated signals. This study uses two signal processing methods, combined with deep neural network techniques (Multilayer perceptron, Deep neural network, Deep belief network, and Long Short-Term Memory) to develop 8 potential depression assessment models, with models constructed using deep neural networks providing the best and most stable performance. Therefore, this model can be developed as an auxiliary system for rapid and objective assessment of underlying depression, thereby assisting in the autonomous management of emotions and early detection and treatment of depression. In addition, the individual abnormality is found in the low mood stage and appropriate relief methods are provided, potentially reducing the occurrence of depression.
Maternity Healthscapes: Conceptualization and Index Development

Objectives: This article provides a conceptualization and an index of the multidimensional concept of maternity healthscapes (MHS). Background: Healthscape has emerged as a potential key aspect to improve patient experience. Surprisingly, there has been little effort to delineate the concept of MHS from a design perspective, while maternity wards have unique characteristics and particular challenges. Indeed, patients in maternity wards are usually not acutely ill but can feel highly vulnerable due to the pain, stress, and the many uncertainties surrounding labor and delivery—which can heighten patients’ need for intimacy, supporter comfort, and additional supporting services. Thus, healthscapes need to be designed to account for the specificities of childbearing and needs of those patients and their family. Methods: A multidisciplinary literature review and 39 in-depth interviews were conducted with various stakeholders—mothers, midwives, heads of midwives, and chief executives. Results: The authors develop a conceptualization to establish a comprehensive understanding of the dimensionality of MHSs. Based on that comprehensive conceptualization, the authors develop an index providing a census of the aspects in the MHS that various stakeholders—such as healthcare providers, designers, and architects—should take into account when conceiving MHS. Conclusions: Healthcare providers, designers, and architects can use this conceptualization and index to closely monitor and measure for evaluations and further improvements of the MHS, thereby enhancing patient experience in maternity wards.
The importance of school in the management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): issues identified by adolescents and their families

Abstract Paediatric Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a disabling condition. Schools play a key role in adolescents' experiences with managing ME/CFS. However, little is known about the experiences of adolescents with ME/CFS (and their families) in schools. This paper is an incidental qualitative study, which combines data from two independent ME/CFS studies: study 1 researched ethnic minority adolescents with ME/CFS; study 2 explored Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for adolescents with ME/CFS who had not recovered after one year. Participants included: adolescents with ME/CFS; their families; and medical professionals (ME/CFS specialists and non‐specialists). Adolescents, their families, and ME/CFS medical professionals were recruited from a UK specialist paediatric ME/CFS service. Non‐ME/CFS medical professionals were recruited from the same region. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews and focus groups were undertaken. Participants' views on schools from each study were combined and thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Fifteen adolescents with ME/CFS (11–17 years old), sixteen family members, and ten medical professionals (GPs, school nurses and ME/CFS specialists) were interviewed. Four key themes were found: (1) adolescents identified school was important for aiding ME/CFS recovery, especially educationally and socially; (2) families described varying levels of support from schools and local authorities with help managing ME/CFS – some described significant practical and emotional difficulties to accessing education, whereas others recounted examples of positive supportive strategies, particularly when teachers had previous experience or knowledge of ME/CFS; (3) parents thought three‐way communication between schools, healthcare and families could improve support; (4) participants felt schools were an appropriate place for knowledge building and raising awareness of ME/CFS amongst teachers and pupils, to aid improved supportive measures. In conclusion, this paper provides rich data that highlights the importance of education and the realistic fears and hurdles for adolescents with ME/CFS remaining engaged in education and the impact on their future. Some families described positive strategies in school, which were viewed as helpful to manage ME/CFS in the classroom. These strategies could be implemented alongside knowledge building initiatives and improved communication between healthcare and education. There is a need to further investigate useful strategies and determine how teachers can be best supported in implementing them.
Rehabilitation for elderly patients with cancer

Abstract If physical functions are impaired in patients with cancer owing to the progression of the disease and the treatment processes, their activities of daily living (ADLs) decline; thus, the quality of life is impacted. Elderly patients with cancer constitute a group with diverse basic physical, mental and social skill levels owing to aging. Given that there are potential risks of frailty and sarcopenia, their physical functions and ADL are prone to decline. Furthermore, there are many cases in which patients live alone, isolated from the society or face social problems. Therefore, in the treatment of elderly patients with cancer, geriatric assessment is used to comprehensively assess comorbidity, physical functions and psychophysiological/social/environmental situations and a system that provides supportive care is required. As part of this process, cancer rehabilitation plays an important role in prevention of complications, functional recovery and maintenance and improvement of physical functions and ADL until the time of palliative care. To provide rehabilitation, utmost attention must be paid to issues unique to elderly people, such as frailty, sarcopenia, dementia, delirium, pain management, depression and undernutrition/dysphagia.
It’s Not You, It’s Me: A Review of Individual Differences in Visuospatial Perspective Taking

Visuospatial perspective taking (VSPT) concerns the ability to understand something about the visual relationship between an agent or observation point on the one hand and a target or scene on the other. Despite its importance to a wide variety of other abilities, from communication to navigation, and decades of research, there is as yet no theory of VSPT. Indeed, the heterogeneity of results from different (and sometimes the same) VSPT tasks point to a complex picture suggestive of multiple VSPT strategies, individual differences in performance, and context-specific factors that together have a bearing on both the efficiency and accuracy of outcomes. In this article, we review the evidence in search of patterns in the data. We found a number of predictors of VSPT performance but also a number of gaps in understanding that suggest useful pathways for future research and, possibly, a theory (or theories) of VSPT. Overall, this review makes the case for understanding VSPT by better understanding the perspective taker rather than the target agents or their perception.
Genome Sequences of Two Soil-Dwelling Bacteria Belonging to the Family Comamonadaceae

Members of the family Comamonadaceae are rod-shaped betaproteobacteria found in various environments. Here, we report the genome sequences of 2 bacteria belonging to this family. They were isolated from agricultural soils located in the Montérégie region (Quebec, Canada) and display biocontrol activity against various lettuce bacterial pathogens. ABSTRACT Members of the family Comamonadaceae are rod-shaped betaproteobacteria found in various environments. Here, we report the genome sequences of 2 bacteria belonging to this family. They were isolated from agricultural soils located in the Montérégie region (Quebec, Canada) and display biocontrol activity against various lettuce bacterial pathogens.
An Improved Imperialist Competitive Algorithm to Solve the Selected Harmonic Elimination Pulse-Width Modulation in Multilevel Converters

The traditional intelligent algorithms for the selected harmonic elimination pulse-width modulation (SHEPWM) of multilevel converters provide low convergent rate and low accuracy of solutions when solving quarter-wave symmetry nonlinear equations. To obviate this problem and obtain a better modulating performance, an improved imperialist competition algorithm is proposed. The proposed algorithm enhances the global search ability by using moving imperialists. Also, a novel type of particles, named independent countries, are proposed to help the algorithm jump out of the local optimum. These independent countries change their positions using swarm intelligence. Compared with the existing particle swarm algorithm and genetic algorithm, the proposed algorithm has significant advantages by improving the accuracy of solutions and the rate of convergence. Finally, the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm are verified and evaluated by simulation and experimental results.
Involvement of Bid in the crosstalk between ferroptotic agent‐induced ER stress and TRAIL‐induced apoptosis

Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces death receptor‐mediated extrinsic apoptosis, specifically in cancer cells, and Bid (BH3‐interacting domain death agonist) plays an important role in TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Ferroptosis is a newly defined form of regulated cell death known to be distinct from other forms of cell death. However, our previous studies have shown that ferroptosis shares common pathways with other types of programmed cell death such as apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the role of Bid in the crosstalk between the ferroptotic agent‐induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. When human colorectal carcinoma HCT116 cells were treated with the ferroptosis‐inducing agents artesunate and erastin in combination with TRAIL, TRAIL‐induced activation of caspase‐8 was enhanced, and subsequently, the truncation of Bid was increased. Similar results were observed when ovarian adenocarcinoma OVCAR‐3 cells were treated with the ferroptotic agents in combination with TRAIL. Results from studies with Bid mutants reveal that the truncation of Bid and the presence of intact BH3 domains are critical for synergistic apoptosis. Nonfunctional Bid mutants were not able to activate the mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis pathway, which is required for the conversion of p19 to p17, the active form of caspase‐3. These results indicate that Bid plays a critical role in the crosstalk between the ferroptotic agent‐induced ER stress response and TRAIL‐induced apoptosis.
TRAX Provides Neuroprotection for Huntington's Disease Via Modulating a Novel Subset of MicroRNAs

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by CAG‐repeat expansions (>36) in exon 1 of HTT, which dysregulates multiple cellular machineries. Translin‐associated protein X (TRAX) is a scaffold protein with diverse functions, including suppressing the microRNA (miRNA)‐mediated silencing by degrading pre‐miRNA. To date, the role of TRAX in neurodegenerative diseases remains unknown.
Ten‐element MIMO antenna for 5G terminals

A MIMO antenna with 10 elements operating on 3.3‐3.6 GHz for 5G applications is proposed. The 10 elements of the proposed MIMO antenna include six monopoles and four slots with coupled feed. The monopoles and slots are alternately placed along the four sides of the mobile terminal with different radiating modes. The antenna is printed on a planar substrate, resulting in low cost and easy fabrication. The antenna is simulated, fabricated, and measured, the isolations are better than 11 dB, the efficiencies are about 50‐76%. The envelop correlation coefficient (ECC) is lower than 0.15 between any two antenna elements, and the calculated channel capacity is reached about 48‐51 bps/Hz, which is 7 bps/Hz lower than the ideal 10 × 10 MIMO channel.