Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pterygoid muscle activity in speech: A preliminary investigation

Abstract Background Speaking depends on refined control of jaw opening and closing movements. The medial pterygoid muscle (MPT), involved in jaw closing, and the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPT), involved in jaw opening, are two key mandibular muscles in mastication and are likely to be recruited for controlled movements in speech. Objectives Three hypotheses were investigated, that during speech the MPT and LPT: (1) were both active, (2) but exhibited different patterns of activity, (3) which fluctuated with the vowels and consonants in speech. Methods Intramuscular EMG recordings were made from the right inferior head of the LPT and/or the right MPT in five participants during production of 40 target nonsense words (NWs) consisting of three syllables in the form /V1 C 1 V 2 C2ə/ (V = vowel; C = consonant; ə = unstressed, reduced vowel), spoken by each participant 10 times per NW; analysis focussed on the target syllable, C 1 V 2 . Results Both MPT and LPT exhibited robust increases in EMG activity during utterance of most NWs, relative to rest. Peak LPT activation was time‐locked to the final part of the target consonant (C1) interval when the jaw begins opening for the target vowel (V2), whereas peak MPT activation occurred around the temporal midpoint of V2, when the jaw begins closing for C2. EMG amplitude peaks differed in magnitude between “high” vowels, i.e., for which the tongue/jaw are high (e.g., in S EE K), and “low” vowels, i.e., for which the tongue/jaw are low (e.g., in S O CK). Conclusions These novel findings suggest a key role for the LPT and MPT in the fine control of speech production. They imply that speech may impose major synergistic demands on the activities of the MPT and the LPT, and thereby provide insights into the possible interactions between speech activities and orofacial activities (e.g. mastication) and conditions (e.g. Temporomandibular Disorders) that involve the masticatory muscles.
Not the same CURE: Student experiences in course-based undergraduate research experiences vary by graduate teaching assistant

To expose all undergraduate science students to the benefits of participating in research, many universities are integrating course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) into their introductory biology laboratory curriculum. At large institutions, the bulk of introductory labs are instructed by graduate teaching assistants (GTAs). Graduate students, who are often teachers and researchers in training, may vary in their capacity to effectively teach undergraduates via the CURE model. To explore variation in GTA teaching and the subsequent outcomes for students, we used a case study research design at one institution where introductory biology students participate in GTA-taught CURE lab sections. We used multiple data sources, including in-class focus groups, worksheets, and surveys to explore student perceptions of the GTA-led CURE. Students perceived variation both in the ability of their GTAs to create a supportive and comfortable learning environment, and in the instructional priorities of their GTAs. We also compared student and GTA perspectives of student engagement with research elements in the CURE. While GTAs were divided in their perceptions of whether the CURE provided students with the opportunity to experience the element of relevant discovery, most students—regardless of their GTA—did not perceive that relevant discovery was emphasized in the CURE. Finally, individual GTAs seemed to influence how students perceived why they were participating in the CURE. These data imply that students in CUREs may have vastly different and potentially inequitable research experiences depending on their instructor.
Lifestyle risk factors and metabolic markers of cardiovascular diseases in Bangladeshi rural-to-urban male migrants compared with their non-migrant siblings: A sibling-pair comparative study

Background The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in developing countries like Bangladesh has been linked to progressive urbanisation. Comparisons of rural and urban populations often find a higher prevalence of CVD risk factors in the urban population, but rural-to-urban migrants might have different CVD risk profiles than either rural or urban residents. This study aimed to describe differences in CVD risk factors between migrants and non-migrants siblings and to determine whether acculturation factors were associated with CVD risk factors among migrants. Methods Using a sibling-pair comparative study, 164 male migrant who migrated from Pirganj rural areas to Dhaka City and their rural siblings (total N = 328) were assessed by interview, anthropometric measurement, blood pressure and blood samples. Comparisons were made using linear or logistic mixed effects models. Findings Physical inactivity, inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables and possible existence of a mental health disorder had 3.3 (1.73; 6.16), 4.3 (2.32; 7.92) and 2.9 (1.37; 6.27) times higher odds among migrants than their rural siblings, respectively. Migrants watched television on average 20 minutes (95% CI 6.17–35.08 min/day) more per day than the rural sibling group whereas PUFA intake, fruit and vegetable and fish intake of the migrants were -5.3 gm/day (-6.91; -3.70), -21.6 serving/week (-28.20; -15.09), -14.1 serving/week (-18.32; -9.87), respectively, lower than that of the rural siblings. No significant difference was observed for other variables. After adjusting, the risk of physical inactivity, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, a mental health disorder and low HDL were significantly higher in migrants than in rural siblings and tended to be higher for each increasing tertile of urban life exposure. Conclusion The findings suggest that migration from rural-to-urban environment increases CVD risk which exacerbate with time spent in urban area due to acculturation. This study gives new insights into the increased CVD risk related with migration and urbanization in Bangladesh.
Toward Realistic Dynamics of Rotating Orbital Debris, and Implications for Lightcurve Interpretation

Optical observations of rotating space debris near GEO contain important information on size, shape, composition, and rotational states, but these aspects are difficult to extract due to data limitations and the high number of degrees of freedom in the modeling process. For tri-axial rigid debris objects created by satellite fragmentations, the most likely initial rotation states have large components of angular velocity directed along the intermediate axis of inertia, leading to large reorientations of the body on the timescale of the rotation period. This lends some support to the simplest possible interpretation of light curves -that they represent sets of random orientations of the objects of study, although such rotation states do not typically sample orientation space uniformly even over a large number of rotations. Furthermore, effects of solar radiation can cause significant modification of rotation states within timescales of hours, for cm-sized objects of irregular shape. In order to examine the rotational dynamics under solar influence, a set of seven firstorder coupled equations of motion were assembled in state form: three are Euler equations describing the rates of change of the components of angular velocity in the body frame, and four describe the rates of change of the components of the unit quaternion. Quaternions are four-dimensional extensions of complex numbers that form a seamless, singularity-free representation of body orientation on S3. The Euler equations contain explicit terms describing torque from solar radiation. Numerical integrations reveal widely varying rotation states, such that in general, light curves for small objects of irregular shape can be expected to radically change character between different observation epochs. Because the axis of maximum rotational inertia tends to be roughly coincident with the normal to the largest projected cross-sectional area, internal friction or magnetic damping, if significant, may lead to reduced variation of light curve amplitudes at a given phase angle, but a large dependence of the amplitudes on phase angle. At a given phase angle, databases are generated that show reflected intensities at all orientations simultaneously, within a semi-transparent 3D spherical projection of the quaternion intensity database. Simulated rotational sequences form trajectories through this space which may be conveniently visually examined relative to all possible orientations. Symmetries in the problem suggest that if internal friction or magnetic retarding torques are significant, preferred rotation states will be likely, defined relative to the object-sun direction and/or the magnetic field direction in inertial space and relative to the maximum principal axis of inertia in the body coordinate system. Such rotation states may greatly simplify the problem of light curve interpretation by reducing the number of degrees of freedom in the problem. Acknowledgements: This work was produced under NASA contract NNJ05HI05.
Immunodeficient patient experience of emergency switch from intravenous to rapid push subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy during coronavirus disease 2019 shielding

Purpose of review Welsh immunodeficient patients on immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) who were considered high risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were directed to shield. Consequently, patients receiving hospital-based intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) quickly transitioned to home-based self-administered subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg). This evaluation aimed to assess patients’ perceptions and experiences and laboratory outcomes of emergency IgRT transition during COVID-19. Recent findings A quick transition from in-hospital IVIg to home-based rapid push SCIg is achievable, however, patient IgRT administration preference remains key outside of emergency shielding measures. Summary Subjective self-reported experiences (n = 23) and objective immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration (n = 28) assessments were prospectively collected from patients pre/post-IgRT switch. In total, 41/55 (75%) patients transitioned from IVIg to rapid push SCIg and all completed training to self-administer subcutaneously within 24 days. Twenty-two percent (n = 5) of patients preferred SCIg and 35% (n = 8) wanted to return to hospital-based IVIg at 6 weeks post-transition. Mean IgG levels were similar pre vs. post-SCIg switch (10.3 g/l vs. 10.6 g/l, respectively). Patients reported greater infection anxiety during COVID-19 and adapted behaviours to mitigate risk. Although a third of patients wished to return to IVIg following cessation of shielding, over time the percentage electing to remain on SCIg rose from 22% to 59%.
Bringing the lab bench to the field: Point‐of‐care testing for enhancing health research and stakeholder engagement in rural/remote, indigenous, and resource‐limited contexts

Point‐of‐care testing (POCT) allows researchers and health‐care providers to bring the lab bench to the field, providing essential health information that can be leveraged to improve health care, accessibility, and understanding across clinical and research settings. Gaps in health service access are most pronounced in what we term RIR settings—rural/remote regions, involving Indigenous peoples, and/or within resource‐limited settings. In these contexts, morbidity and mortality from infectious and non‐communicable diseases are disproportionately higher due to numerous geographic, economic, political, and sociohistorical factors. Human biologists and global health scholars are well‐positioned to contribute on‐the‐ground‐level insights that can serve to minimize global health inequities and POCT has the potential to augment such approaches. While the clinical benefits of POCT include increasing health service access by bringing testing, rapid diagnosis, and treatment to underserved communities with limited pathways to centralized laboratory testing, POCT also provides added benefits to both health‐focused researchers and their participants. Through portable, minimally invasive devices, researchers can provide actionable health data to participants by coupling POCT with population‐specific health education, discussing results and their implications, creating space for participants to voice concerns, and facilitating linkages to treatment. POCT can also strengthen human biology research by shedding light on questions of evolutionary and biocultural importance. Here, we expand on the epidemiological and research value, as well as practical and ethical challenges of POCT across stakeholders (i.e., participant, community, health researcher, and trainee). Finally, we emphasize the immense opportunities of POCT for fostering collaborative research and enhancing access to health delivery and information and, by extension, helping to mitigate persistent global health inequities.
Delayed effects of neonatal immune activation on brain neurochemistry and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis functioning

During the postnatal period, the brain is highly sensitive to stress and inflammation, which are hazardous to normal growth and development. There is increasing evidence that inflammatory processes in the early postnatal period increase the risk of psychopathologies and cognitive impairment later in life. On the other hand, there are few studies on the ability of infectious agents to cause long‐term neuroinflammation, leading to changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis functioning and an imbalance in the neurotransmitter system. In this review, we examine short‐ and long‐term effects of neonatal‐induced inflammation in rodents on glutamatergic, GABAergic and monoaminergic systems and on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity.
Effects of a nurse-led Tai Chi programme on improving quality of life, mental wellbeing, and physical function of women with breast cancer: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Objectives: Quality of life, mental wellbeing, and physical function deteriorate among women with breast cancer. Tai Chi is a moderate form of exercise that may be effective in improving the mental and physical wellbeing, therefore, the quality of life of women with breast cancer. This protocol paper outlines a trial to determine the therapeutic effects of a Tai Chi programme on breast cancer management. Methods: The study will be an interventional, single-blind, double-armed, randomized, and controlled trial involving a 12-week Tai Chi programme for women with breast cancer. Forty participants aged 18 years and above who are diagnosed with breast cancer from the general community will be recruited. All participants will be randomized to either a Tai Chi programme or a waiting list control group. The Tai Chi programme will involve 12 weeks of group Tai Chi sessions, with 45 min per session, twice a week. The primary outcome will be potential improvements to the quality of life, and secondary outcomes will be potential improvements in mental wellbeing (anxiety and depression), and physical function (pain, flexibility, obesity, and vital signs). These outcomes will be assessed via self-administered online assessments and physical examinations pre-and post-intervention. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess changes in outcomes. Discussion and dissemination: Tai Chi is a safe, easy to learn, inexpensive, and low-intensity exercise with increasing popularity worldwide. If the intervention improves the quality of life in women with breast cancer, this study will build research capacity and increase awareness of the potential for Tai Chi to empower patients and engage them in self-management of breast cancer symptoms. Research findings will be disseminated to the public, health professionals, researchers, and healthcare providers through conference presentations, lay summaries, and peer-reviewed publications.
A Novel Tumor Mutation Burden Related lncRNA Signature Identified Prognosis and Tumor Immune Microenvironment Features in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background Emerging evidence indicates that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important biological role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); however, the clinical value of tumor mutation burden-related lncRNA in ccRCC patients is unknown yet. Methods Somatic mutation profiles and lncRNA expression data of ccRCC were downloaded from the TCGA database. We retrospectively analyzed lncRNA expression data and survival information from 116 patients with ccRCC fromJanuary 2013 to January 2014. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to construct lncRNA signature, and the prognosis value was determined by Kaplan-Mayer and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Results Based on 160 differentially expressed TMB-related lncRNAs, two TMB-related molecular clusters with distinct immune checkpoints expression and immune cells infiltration were established for ccRCC patients. Moreover, a novel TMB-related lncRNA signature was constructed based on five lncRNAs for individualized prognosis assessment. High-risk group represents significantly worse overall survival in all cohorts. The area under the ROC curve was 0.716, 0.775 and 0.744 in the training cohort, testing cohort and TCGA cohort, respectively. Results of qRT-PCR successfully validated the expression levels of AP002360.3, LINC00460, AL590094.1, LINC00944 and LINC01843 in HK-2, 786-O, 769-P and ACHN cells. More importantly, the predictive performance of TMB-related lncRNA signature was successfully validated in an independent cohort of 116 ccRCC patients at our institution. Conclusion This study successfully developed and validated a novel TMB-related lncRNA signature for individualized prognosis assessment of ccRCC patients.
Feasibility of rescue stenting technique in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to middle cerebral artery occlusion after failed thrombectomy: A single-center retrospective experience

Background Despite remarkable advancements in intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy (IAT), recanalization failure rates up to 24% have been reported. Recently, permanent stent placement (rescue stent, RS) during IAT has been suggested as an optional modality for better reperfusion and outcomes in these patients. However, previous studies were limited owing to non-standardized procedure protocols and small sample sizes. Here, we aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of RS in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Methods Of the 243 patients in our IAT database (2015–2021), 183 were identified as having MCA occlusion alone. Among them, we extracted 53 patients in whom the IAT failed to show thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia (TICI) scores of 2A or worse. Intraoperatively, RS was deployed in 22 patients (RS group), whereas 31 patients (no-stent group) received IAT without stenting. The baseline characteristics and radiologic and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Comparisons between the groups and multivariate logistic analyses for recanalization and good functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) were performed. Results No baseline differences were noted (RS vs. no-stent); however, the recanalization outcomes (59.1% vs. 25.8%, p = 0.15) and proportion of good modified Rankin Scale scores (45.5% vs. 19.4%, p = 0.041) were better in the RS group. The parameters of symptomatic ICH (9.7% vs. 9.4%) and mortality (6.5% vs. 5.7%) showed no significant difference. In the multivariate analyses, ‘hypertension’ and ‘RS deployment’ were identified as significantly associated factors with recanalization and good prognosis. Conclusion In select patients with MCA occlusion AIS after failed IAT, the RS technique can be an optional rescue treatment modality for acquiring better functional outcomes and delayed recanalization.
Synbiotic Intervention with Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and Inulin in Healthy Volunteers Increases the Abundance of Bifidobacteria but Does Not Alter Microbial Diversity

The effects of probiotics/synbiotics are seldom investigated in healthy volunteers; therefore, this study is important, especially considering the safety aspects of multiple probiotics together with prebiotic fiber in consumption by humans. The study explores at the potential of a synbiotic intervention with lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and inulin in healthy volunteers and tracks the ingested probiotic strain B. animalis subsp. lactis. ABSTRACT Synbiotics combine probiotics and prebiotics and are being investigated for potential health benefits. In this single-group-design trial, we analyzed changes in the gut microbiome, stool quality, and gastrointestinal well-being in 15 healthy volunteers after a synbiotic intervention comprising Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (LGG), Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-5), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei (L. CASEI 431), and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and 20 g of chicory-derived inulin powder consumed daily for 4 weeks. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and at completion of the intervention, and all participants completed a fecal diary based on the Bristol Stool Scale and recorded their gastrointestinal well-being. No adverse effects were observed after consumption of the synbiotic product, and stool consistency and frequency remained almost unchanged during the trial. Microbiome analysis of the fecal samples was achieved using shotgun sequencing followed by taxonomic profiling. No changes in alpha and beta diversity were seen after the intervention. Greater relative abundances of Bifidobacteriaceae were observed in 12 subjects, with indigenous bifidobacteria species constituting the main increase. All four probiotic organisms increased in abundance, and L. rhamnosus, B. animalis, and L. acidophilus were differentially abundant, compared to baseline. Comparison of the fecal strains to the B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 reference genome and the sequenced symbiotic product revealed only a few single-nucleotide polymorphisms differentiating the probiotic B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 from the fecal strains identified, indicating that this probiotic strain was detectable after the intervention. IMPORTANCE The effects of probiotics/synbiotics are seldom investigated in healthy volunteers; therefore, this study is important, especially considering the safety aspects of multiple probiotics together with prebiotic fiber in consumption by humans. The study explores at the potential of a synbiotic intervention with lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and inulin in healthy volunteers and tracks the ingested probiotic strain B. animalis subsp. lactis.
Analysis of the Antennal Transcriptome and Identification of Tissue-specific Expression of Olfactory-related Genes in Micromelalopha troglodyta (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae)

Abstract Micromelalopha troglodyta (Graeser) has been one of the most serious pests on poplars in China. We used Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencing to construct an antennal transcriptome and identify olfactory-related genes. In total, 142 transcripts were identified, including 74 odorant receptors (ORs), 32 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 13 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 20 ionotropic receptors (IRs), and 3 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). The genetic relationships were obtained by the phylogenetic tree, and the tissue-specific expression of important olfactory-related genes was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT–PCR). The results showed that most of these genes are abundantly expressed in the antennae and head. In most insects, olfaction plays a key role in foraging, host localization, and searching for mates. Our research lays the foundation for future research on the molecular mechanism of the olfactory system in M. troglodyta. In addition, this study provides a theoretical basis for exploring the relationship between M. troglodyta and their host plants, and for the biological control of M. troglodyta using olfactory receptor as targets.