Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Foxp3-mediated blockage of ryanodine receptor 2 underlies contact-based suppression by regulatory T cells

The suppression mechanism of Tregs remains an intensely investigated topic. As our focus has shifted toward a model centered on indirect inhibition of DCs, a universally applicable effector mechanism controlled by the transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression has not been found. Here, we report that Foxp3 blocked the transcription of ER Ca2+-release channel ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2). Reduced RyR2 shut down basal Ca2+ oscillation in Tregs, which reduced m-calpain activities that are needed for T cells to disengage from DCs, suggesting a persistent blockage of DC antigen presentation. RyR2 deficiency rendered the CD4+ T cell pool immune suppressive and caused it to behave in the same manner as Foxp3+ Tregs in viral infection, asthma, hypersensitivity, colitis, and tumor development. In the absence of Foxp3, Ryr2-deficient CD4+ T cells rescued the systemic autoimmunity associated with scurfy mice. Therefore, Foxp3-mediated Ca2+ signaling inhibition may be a central effector mechanism of Treg immune suppression.
Quantification of Ochratoxin A in 90 spice and herb samples using the ELISA method

This study addressed the challenge of accurately detecting mycotoxins in herbs and spices, which have gained popularity as alternative medicines but pose health risks due to potential contamination. We used a competitive direct ELISA kit (Art No. 8610), Veratox for Ochratoxin, to quantify Ochratoxin A in the herb and spice samples. The samples were first prepared using solid-liquid extraction with 70% methanol. The resulting filtrate was then subjected to ELISA analysis. The results of the analysis were then further analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). In this study, PCA was used to classify the concentration levels of Ochratoxin A based on various factors, such as the packaging type, country of origin, shelf life, and sample weight. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) values indicate the lowest amount of Ochratoxin A that can be detected and quantified, respectively, with high accuracy and precision. The range of the LOD and LOQ values (0.43-0.58 µg/kg and 1.45-1.95 µg/kg, respectively) suggests that the method used was capable of detecting and quantifying Ochratoxin A in the herb and spice samples at different concentrations with a high degree of accuracy and precision. These results suggest that while most of the samples (73.33%) were below the maximum residue limit (MRL) for Ochratoxin A, a significant number of samples (26.67%) had concentrations of Ochratoxin A that were higher than the MRL. This highlights the importance of monitoring Ochratoxin A in herb and spice samples and ensuring the products are safe for consumption.
The accuracy of Fiber-Optic Raman Spectroscopy in the detection and diagnosis of head and neck neoplasm in vivo: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose The aim of this article was to review and collectively assess the published studies of fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy (RS) of the in vivo detection and diagnosis of head and neck carcinomas, and to derive a consensus average of the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. Methods The authors searched four databases, including Ovid-Medline, Ovid-Embase, Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), up to February 2023 for all published studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of fiber-optic RS in the in vivo detection of head and neck carcinomas. Nonqualifying studies were screened out in accordance with the specified exclusion criteria, and relevant information about the diagnostic performance of fiber-optic RS was excluded. Publication bias was estimated by Deeks’ funnel plot asymmetry test. A random effects model was adopted to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Additionally, the authors conducted a summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve analysis and threshold analysis, reporting the area under the curve (AUC) to evaluate the overall performance of fiber-optic RS in vivo. Results Ten studies (including 16 groups of data) were included in this article, and a total of 5365 in vivo Raman spectra (cancer = 1,746; normal = 3,619) were acquired from 877 patients. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of fiber-optic RS of head and neck carcinomas were 0.88 and 0.94, respectively. SROC curves were generated to estimate the overall diagnostic accuracy, and the AUC was 0.96 (95% CI [0.94–0.97]). No significant publication bias was found in this meta-analysis by Deeks’ funnel plot asymmetry test. The heterogeneity of these studies was significant; the Q test values of the sensitivity and specificity were 106.23 (P = 0.00) and 64.21 (P = 0.00), respectively, and the I2 index of the sensitivity and specificity were 85.88 (95% CI [79.99–91.77]) and 76.64 (95% CI [65.45–87.83]), respectively. Conclusion Fiber-optic RS was demonstrated to be a reliable technique for the in vivo detection of head and neck carcinoma with high accuracy. However, considering the high heterogeneity of these studies, more clinical studies are needed to reduce the heterogeneity, and further confirm the utility of fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy in vivo.
Comparison of yeast-derived commercial feed additives on Salmonella Enteritidis survival and microbiota populations in rooster cecal in vitro incubations

Yeast-derived products have become more of an interest in the poultry industry as of late because of their use in modulating the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiome to both improve production parameters and prevent infection. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various yeast-derived products on Salmonella enterica inoculation in un in vitro rooster cecal incubations and associated effects on the cecal microbiome. Cecal contents were obtained from 53-wk old White Leghorn H & N Nick Chick roosters (n = 3) fed a wheat-based, commercial-type basal diet. Cecal contents were diluted 1:3000 in anaerobic dilution solution (ADS) in an anaerobic chamber, with 20 mL aliquoted to each serum bottle. There were three controls (n = 3): basal diet only, diluted cecal contents only, and basal diet and diluted cecal contents; and five treatments containing the basal diet and diluted cecal contents (n = 3): Citristim® (ADM), ImmunoWall® (ICC), Maxi-Gen Plus® (CBS Bio Platforms), Hilyses® (ICC), and Original XPC® (Diamond V). All treatments were applied at a rate of 2.5 kg/tonne or less. All groups were inoculated with a nalidixic acid-resistant strain of Salmonella Enteritidis at 10^7 CFU/mL and incubated at 37 deg C. Samples were collected at 0, 24, and 48 h for S. Enteritidis enumeration and 16S rDNA microbial sequencing. Salmonella data were log-transformed and analyzed in a two-way ANOVA with means separated using Tukey’s HSD (P≤0.05). Genomic DNA was extracted, and resulting libraries were prepared and sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq. Sequencing data were analyzed in QIIME2 (2021.4) with diversity metrics (alpha and beta), and an analysis of the composition of microbiomes (ANCOM) was performed. Main effects were considered significant at P≤0.05, with pairwise differences considered significant at Q≤0.05. There was an interaction of treatment and time on the enumeration of Salmonella where treatments of Citristim, Immunowall, Hilyses, and XPC reduced Salmonella by 1 log CFU/mL compared to the controls. At 48 h, each yeast product treatment reduced Salmonella by 3 log CFU/mL compared to the controls. There was no main effect of treatment on the alpha diversity metrics, richness, or evenness (P > 0.05). Treatment affected the beta diversity, abundance, and phylogenetic differences, but there were no pairwise differences (P>0.05, Q>0.05). Using ANCOM at the genus level, the taxa Synergistes, Alloprevotella, Sutterella, and Megasphaera abundance were significantly different (W = 154,147,145,140, respectively). These results demonstrate the potential of these yeast-derived products to reduce foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella Enteriditis, in vitro, without negatively disrupting the cecal microbiome.
Active DHEA uptake in the prostate gland correlates with aggressive prostate cancer

Strategies for patient stratification and early intervention are required to improve clinical benefits for patients with prostate cancer. Here, we found that active DHEA utilization in the prostate gland correlated with tumor aggressiveness at early disease stages, and 3βHSD1 inhibitors were promising for early intervention. [3H]-labeled DHEA consumption was traced in fresh prostatic biopsies ex vivo. Active DHEA utilization was more frequently found in patients with metastatic disease or therapy-resistant disease. Genetic and transcriptomic features associated with the potency of prostatic DHEA utilization were analyzed to generate clinically accessible approaches for patient stratification. UBE3D, by regulating 3βHSD1 homeostasis, was discovered to be a regulator of patient metabolic heterogeneity. Equilin suppressed DHEA utilization and inhibited tumor growth as a potent 3βHSD1 antagonist, providing a promising strategy for the early treatment of aggressive prostate cancer. Overall, our findings indicate that patients with active prostatic DHEA utilization might benefit from 3βHSD1 inhibitors as early intervention.
Expanding the UTAUT2 framework to determine the drivers of mobile shopping behaviour among older adults

In the current severe aging of the population, the problem of "digital divide" of the elderly has become increasingly prominent, and the elderly market represents a vast demographic that is increasingly becoming an important customer segment for mobile shopping in the future. However, there is currently insufficient attention given to the research on mobile shopping behavior among older adults. This study tries to answer what are the driving factors of mobile phone shopping behavior among the elderly? The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors that drive the elderly’s mobile phone shopping behavior, and to establish a mobile phone shopping acceptance model for the elderly to predict the factors of the elderly’s behavioral intention of using smart phones. Based on the second edition of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology theory (UTAUT 2), this study proposed a mobile phone shopping acceptance model for the elderly. The study collected valid data from 389 Chinese elderly people through questionnaires and analyzed them using structural equation models. The results showed that utilitarian, anxiety, trust, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and habit directly impact the older adults’ intention to engage in mobile shopping. Additionally, facilitating conditions, habit and the older adults’ intention to engage in mobile shopping act as driving factors for actual use behavior. This study further expands the UTAUT theoretical model, provides a theoretical basis for the research of mobile shopping behavior of the elderly, and enricues the application groups and fields of the UTAUT theoretical model. The results of this study provide inspiration for the development, design and marketing of age-appropriate mobile shopping products, and contribute to the realization and further adoption of age-appropriate mobile shopping, and also contribute to promoting the active aging of the elderly.
Impacts of human activity on long-term water balance in the middle-reaches of the Yellow River basin

To clarify the influences of climate change and human activities on river discharge, the long-term (1960-2000) water balance in the middle reaches of the Yellow River basin was analysed using a hydrological model. To estimate evapotranspiration from various land-use types, a high resolution land surface classification map in 2000 was used. When we applied the same land-use parameter of 2000 during the past 40 years, the results estimated by the model underestimated the river discharge. Then we modified the parameter to decrease evapotranspiration by reducing the vegetation cover. After that, the observed discharge was reasonably captured by the model. Consequently it was found that the massive land-use change and rapid decrease of available water resources in the middle reaches of the Yellow River basin will affect the water shortage in the lower reaches of the Yellow River basin.
BioMOBS: A multi-omics visual analytics workflow for biomolecular insight generation

One of the challenges in multi-omics data analysis for precision medicine is the efficient exploration of undiscovered molecular interactions in disease processes. We present BioMOBS, a workflow consisting of two data visualization tools integrated with an open-source molecular information database to perform clinically relevant analyses (https://github.com/driesheylen123/BioMOBS). We performed exploratory pathway analysis with BioMOBS and demonstrate its ability to generate relevant molecular hypotheses, by reproducing recent findings in type 2 diabetes UK biobank data. The central visualisation tool, where data-driven and literature-based findings can be integrated, is available within the github link as well. BioMOBS is a workflow that leverages information from multiple data-driven interactive analyses and visually integrates it with established pathway knowledge. The demonstrated use cases place trust in the usage of BioMOBS as a procedure to offer clinically relevant insights in disease pathway analyses on various types of omics data.
The role of social capital in shaping livelihood for rural Vietnamese households

This study explores the role of social capital in the livelihoods of rural households in Vietnam, examining both direct and indirect impacts. The author uses a revised sustainable livelihood framework to analyze social capital, focusing on bonding-bridging and linking forms. The study applies quantitative methods to a secondary dataset from a rural household survey, including entropy-weighted indicators, cluster analysis, and SEM models. The findings suggest that social capital has complex and significant impacts on household livelihood strategies. Bridging and linking social capital promotes non-agricultural and wage-based strategies, while bonding social capital drives transfer-based strategies. The study highlights the importance of social capital as a complementary resource to other livelihood capitals, such as financial, human, and physical capital. These results have important implications for policy implementation aimed at supporting rural households and their livelihoods, especially regarding social capital’s interaction with other livelihood capitals. By understanding the complex relationship between social capital, other livelihood capitals and livelihood strategies, policymakers can design more effective policies that harness the potential of social connections to support rural households.
Have there been sustained impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on trends in smoking prevalence, uptake, quitting, use of treatment, and relapse? A monthly population study in England, 2017–2022

Background: This study aimed to examine whether there have been sustained impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on smoking patterns in England. Methods: Data were from 101,960 adults ([≥]18y) participating in a monthly representative household survey between June-2017 and August-2022. Interview were conducted face-to-face until March 2020 and via telephone thereafter. Generalised additive models estimated associations of the pandemic onset (March-2020) with current smoking, uptake, cessation, quit attempts, medium-term abstinence, and use of support. Models adjusted for seasonality, sociodemographic characteristics, and (where relevant) dependence and tobacco control mass-media expenditure. Findings: Before the Covid-19 pandemic, smoking prevalence fell by 5.2% per year; this rate of decline slowed to 0.3% per year during the pandemic (RR{Delta}trend=1.06, 95%CI=1.02-1.09). This slowing was evident in more but not less advantaged social grades (RR{Delta}trend=1.15, 1.08-1.21; RR{Delta}trend=1.00, 0.96-1.05). There were sustained step-level changes in different age groups: a 34.9% (95%CI=17.7-54.7%) increase in smoking prevalence among 18-24-year-olds, indicating a potential rise in uptake, in contrast to a 13.6% (95%CI=4.4-21.9%) decrease among 45-65-year-olds. There were sustained increases in quitting among past-year smokers, with a 120.4% (95%CI=79.4-170.9%) step-level increase in cessation and a 41.7% (95%CI=29.7-54.7%) increase in quit attempts. Interpretation: In England, the rate of decline in adult smoking prevalence stagnated during the Covid-19 pandemic. Potential reductions in smoking prevalence among middle-aged adults and sustained increases in quitting among smokers may have been offset by a sustained rise in uptake among young adults. The slowing in the rate of decline was pronounced in more advantaged social grades.
Mothers’ experiences of reducing family mealtime screen use in Australian households with young children

Abstract Objective: Screen use at mealtimes is associated with poor dietary and psychosocial outcomes in children and is disproportionately prevalent among families of low socio-economic position (SEP). This study aimed to explore experiences of reducing mealtime screen use in mothers of low SEP with young children. Design: Motivational interviews, conducted via Zoom or telephone, addressed barriers and facilitators to reducing mealtime screen use. Following motivational interviews, participants co-designed mealtime screen use reduction strategies and trialled these for 3–4 weeks. Follow-up semi-structured interviews then explored maternal experiences of implementing strategies, including successes and difficulties. Transcripts were analysed thematically. Setting: Australia. Participants: Fourteen mothers who had no university education and a child between six months and six years old. Results: A range of strategies aimed to reduce mealtime screen use were co-designed. The most widely used strategies included changing mealtime location and parental modelling of expected behaviours. Experiences were influenced by mothers’ levels of parenting self-efficacy and mealtime consistency, included changes to mealtime foods and an increased value of mealtimes. Experiences were reportedly easier, more beneficial and offered more opportunities for family communication, than anticipated. Change required considerable effort. However, effort decreased with consistency. Conclusions: The diverse strategies co-designed by mothers highlight the importance of understanding why families engage in mealtime screen use and providing tailored advice for reduction. Although promising themes were identified, in this motivated sample, changing established mealtime screen use habits still required substantial effort. Embedding screen-free mealtime messaging into nutrition promotion from the inception of eating will be important.
Validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire among university staff in Iran

Background Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25) is an established tool for measuring a precision health state between health and illness. The present study aims to assess the validity and reliability of a Persian version of SHSQ-25 (P-SHSQ-25) in a university staff Iranian population. Methods A sample of 316 academic and supporting staff (163 males, age range from 23 to 64 years old) from Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran was recruited in this population-based cross-sectional study with a questionnaire validation from Apri1 to October 2022. Forward-backward translation method was performed for the SHSQ-25 translation from English to Persian. Internal reliability, content, convergence, discriminative and construct validity of the P-SHSQ-25 were examined. The factorial structure of the P-SHSQ-25 across groups was examined using measurement invariant test. Results In the translation process, the conceptual equivalence of the P-SHSQ-25 with the English version was confirmed. The item-content validity index and content validity ratio of all P-SHSQ-25 items were higher than the cut-off values of 0.70 and 0.62, respectively. Cronbach’s α was higher than 0.70 for all P-SHSQ-25 domains. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed the fitness of five factors on the data set (comparative fit index = 0.88, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.07). The CFA model fit did not change substantially across sex, age, occupation, economic status, and body mass index (Δ comparative fit index (CFI)<0.01). Conclusions The P-SHSQ-25 can be used as a reliable and valid tool to measure health status for screening pre-chronic disease conditions in a primary care setting among Iranian population.
Comparison of Anatomical and Diffusion MRI for detecting Parkinson’s Disease using Deep Convolutional Neural Network

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects over 10 million people worldwide. Brain atrophy and microstructural abnormalities tend to be more subtle in PD than in other age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, so there is interest in how well machine learning methods can detect PD in radiological scans. Deep learning models based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can automatically distil diagnostically useful features from raw MRI scans, but most CNN-based deep learning models have only been tested on T1-weighted brain MRI. Here we examine the added value of diffusion-weighted MRI (dMRI) - a variant of MRI, sensitive to microstructural tissue properties - as an additional input in CNN-based models for PD classification. Our evaluations used data from 3 separate cohorts - from Chang Gung University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the PPMI dataset. We trained CNNs on various combinations of these cohorts to find the best predictive model. Although tests on more diverse data are warranted, deep-learned models from dMRI show promise for PD classification. Clinical Relevance This study supports the use of diffusion-weighted images as an alternative to anatomical images for AI-based detection of Parkinson’s disease.
Cognitive decline in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura survivors: The role of white matter health as assessed by MRI.

Immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a rare condition caused by severe ADAMTS13 deficiency, leading to platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Despite treatment, patients are prone to cognitive impairment and depression. We investigated brain changes in iTTP patients during remission using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, correlating these changes with mood and neurocognitive tests. Twenty iTTP patients in remission (30 days post-haematological remission) were compared with six healthy controls. MRI scans, including standard and specialized sequences, were conducted to assess white matter health. Increased T1 relaxation times were found in the cingulate cortex (p < 0.05), and elevated T2 relaxation times were observed in the cingulate cortex, frontal, parietal and temporal lobes (p < 0.05). Pathological changes in these areas are correlated with impaired cognitive and depressive scores in concentration, short-term memory and verbal memory. This study highlights persistent white matter damage in iTTP patients, potentially contributing to depression and cognitive impairment. Key regions affected include the frontal lobe and cingulate cortex. These findings have significant implications for the acute and long-term management of iTTP, suggesting a need for re-evaluation of treatment approaches during both active phases and remission. Further research is warranted to enhance our understanding of these complexities.