Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Daily Patterns of Accelerometer Activity Predict Changes in Sleep, Cognition, and Mortality in Older Men

Background There is growing interest in the area of "wearable tech" and its relationship to health. A common element of many of these devices is a triaxial accelerometer that can yield continuous information on gross motor activity levels; how such data might predict changes in health is less clear. Methods We examined accelerometry data from 2,976 older men who were part of the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study. Using a shape-naive technique, functional principal component analysis, we examined the patterns of motor activity over the course of 4-7 days and determined whether these patterns were associated with changes in polysomnographic-determined sleep and cognitive function (Trail Making Test-Part B [Trails B], Modified Mini-Mental State Examination [3MS]), as well as mortality over 6.5-8 years of follow-up. Results In comparing baseline to 6.5 years later, multivariate modeling indicated that low daytime activity at baseline was associated with worsening of sleep efficiency (p < .05), more wake after sleep onset (p < .05), and a decrease in cognition (Trails B; p < .001), as well as a 1.6-fold higher rate of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio = 1.64 [1.34-2.00]). Earlier wake and bed times were associated with a decrease in cognition (3MS; p < .05). Having a late afternoon peak in activity was associated with a 1.4-fold higher rate of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio = 1.46 [1.21-1.77]). Those having a longer duration of their daytime activity with a bimodal activity pattern also had over a 1.4-fold higher rate of cardiovascular-related mortality (hazard ratio = 1.42 [1.02-1.98]). Conclusions Patterns of daily activity may be useful as predictive biomarkers for changes in clinically relevant outcomes, including mortality and changes in sleep and cognition in older men.
Secure Infant-Mother Attachment Buffers the Effect of Early-Life Stress on Age of Menarche

Prior research indicates that being reared in stressful environments is associated with earlier onset of menarche in girls. In this research, we examined (a) whether these effects are driven by exposure to certain dimensions of stress (harshness or unpredictability) during the first 5 years of life and (b) whether the negative effects of stress on the timing of menarche are buffered by secure infant-mother attachment. Results revealed that (a) exposure to greater harshness (but not unpredictability) during the first 5 years of life predicted earlier menarche and (b) secure infant-mother attachment buffered girls from this effect of harsh environments. By connecting attachment research to its evolutionary foundations, these results illuminate how environmental stressors and relationships early in life jointly affect pubertal timing.
An Immunomodulatory Peptide Confers Protection in an Experimental Candidemia Murine Model

ABSTRACT Fungal Candida species are commensals present in the mammalian skin and mucous membranes. Candida spp. are capable of breaching the epithelial barrier of immunocompromised patients with neutrophil and cell-mediated immune dysfunctions and can also disseminate to multiple organs through the bloodstream. Here we examined the action of innate defense regulator 1018 (IDR-1018), a 12-amino-acid-residue peptide derived from bovine bactenecin (Bac2A): IDR-1018 showed weak antifungal and antibiofilm activity against a Candida albicans laboratory strain (ATCC 10231) and a clinical isolate (CI) (MICs of 32 and 64 μg · ml−1, respectively), while 8-fold lower concentrations led to dissolution of the fungal cells from preformed biofilms. IDR-1018 at 128 μg · ml−1 was not hemolytic when tested against murine red blood cells and also has not shown a cytotoxic effect on murine monocyte RAW 264.7 and primary murine macrophage cells at the tested concentrations. IDR-1018 modulated the cytokine profile during challenge of murine bone marrow-derived macrophages with heat-killed C. albicans (HKCA) antigens by increasing monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels, while suppressing tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12 levels. Mice treated with IDR-1018 at 10 mg · kg−1 of body weight had an increased survival rate in the candidemia model compared with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated mice, together with a diminished kidney fungal burden. Thus, IDR-1018 was able to protect against murine experimental candidemia and has the potential as an adjunctive therapy.
Mathematical model of skin autofluorescence induced by 450 nm laser

Optical methods are increasingly being used for the early diagnosis of skin cancer. This approach allows for detecting the component composition changes of tissue in a non-invasive manner. Autofluorescence spectroscopy is a sensitive method for tumor diagnosis and the method availability distinguishes it among other approaches. This work is devoted to fluorescence modeling of skin tissues induced by 450 nm radiation. A multilayer skin model was developed using a set of fluorophores (eumelanin, lipofuscin, riboflavin, beta-carotene, bilirubin) matched with excitation radiation. Model autofluorescence spectra of normal skin tissues of the northern phenotype and pathological changes were obtained. The results were compared with the results of previous experimental studies of ex vivo autofluorescence spectra of the skin and neoplasms.
Alpha-linolenic acid protects the developmental capacity of bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes matured under lipotoxic conditions in vitro†

Abstract Elevated concentrations of free fatty acids (FFAs), predominantly palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids (PSO), exert detrimental effects on oocyte developmental competence. This study examined the effects of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) during in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) in the presence of PSO on subsequent embryo development and quality, and the cellular mechanisms that might be involved. Bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were supplemented during IVM with ALA (50 µM), PSO (425 µM), or PSO+ALA. Compared with FFA-free controls (P < 0.05), PSO increased embryo fragmentation and decreased good quality embryos on day 2 postfertilization. Day 7 blastocyst rate was also reduced. Day 8 blastocysts had lower cell counts and higher apoptosis but normal metabolic profile. In the PSO group, cumulus cell (CC) expansion was inhibited with an increased CC apoptosis while COC metabolism was not affected. Mitochondrial inner membrane potential (MMP; JC-1 staining) was reduced in the CCs and oocytes. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) but not glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78, known as BiP; an endoplasmic reticulum stress marker) was upregulated in the CCs. Higher reactive oxygen species levels (DCHFDA staining) were detected in the oocytes. In contrast, adding ALA in the presence of PSO normalized embryo fragmentation, cleavage, blastocyst rates, and blastocyst quality compared to controls (P > 0.05). Combined treatment with ALA also reduced CC apoptosis, partially recovered CC expansion, abrogated the reduction in MMP in the CCs but not in the oocytes, and reduced BiP and HSP70 expression in CCs, compared with PSO only (P < 0.05). In conclusion, ALA supplementation protected oocyte developmental capacity under lipotoxic conditions mainly by protecting cumulus cell viability. Summary Sentence Alpha-linolenic acid protects cumulus cell viability and oocyte quality during in vitro maturation under lipotoxic conditions, which results in an improvement of early embryo quality and blastocyst development.
First Description of IncX3 Plasmids Carrying blaOXA-181 in Escherichia coli Clinical Isolates in Burkina Faso

Abdoul-Salam Ouédraogo, Fabrice Compain, Mahamoudou Sanou, Salim Aberkane, Nicolas Bouzinbi, Mallorie Hide, Lassana Sangaré, Rasmata Ouédraogo-Traoré, Hélène Jean-Pierre, Julie Vendrell, Jérôme Solassol, Dominique Decré, Sylvain Godreuil Département de bactériologie-virologie, Centre hospitalier régional universitaire (CHRU) de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Infection by HIV and by agents with mucocutaneous tropism: from pathogenesis to prevention), Montpellier, France; Sorbonne University, UPMC Université Paris 06 CR7, CIMI, team E13, Paris, France; INSERM U1135, CIMI, team E13, Paris, France; AP-HP, Microbiology, St-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France; UMR 5119 ECOSYM, Equipe Pathogènes et Environnements, Laboratoire de Bactériologie, U.F. R. des Sciences pharmaceutiques et biologiques, Montpellier, France; Microbiology, AP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France; Unité de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Department of Biopathology, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Department of Clinical Oncoproteomic, Montpellier Cancer Institute, Montpellier, France; MIVEGEC UMR IRD 224-CNRS 5290, University of Montpellier, Centre IRD, Montpellier, France
The Actin Regulatory Protein HS1 Is Required for Antigen Uptake and Presentation by Dendritic Cells

The hematopoietic actin regulatory protein hematopoietic lineage cell-specific protein 1 (HS1) is required for cell spreading and signaling in lymphocytes, but the scope of HS1 function in Ag presentation has not been addressed. We show that dendritic cells (DCs) from HS1−/− mice differentiate normally and display normal LPS-induced upregulation of surface markers and cytokines. Consistent with their normal expression of MHC and costimulatory molecules, HS1−/− DCs present OVA peptide efficiently to CD4+ T cells. However, presentation of OVA protein is defective. Similarly, MHC class I-dependent presentation of VSV8 peptide to CD8+ T cells occurs normally, but cross-presentation of GRP94/VSV8 complexes is defective. Analysis of Ag uptake pathways shows that HS1 is required for receptor-mediated endocytosis, but not for phagocytosis or macropinocytosis. HS1 interacts with dynamin 2, a protein involved in scission of endocytic vesicles. However, HS1−/− DCs showed decreased numbers of endocytic invaginations, whereas dynamin-inhibited cells showed accumulation of these endocytic intermediates. Taken together, these studies show that HS1 promotes an early step in the endocytic pathway that is required for efficient Ag presentation of exogenous Ag by DCs.
Dengue in the elderly: a review

ABSTRACT Introduction: Changing dengue epidemiological trends have resulted in a shift in the disease burden to the adult population. Older adults suffer from poorer outcomes as compared to their younger counterparts, making clinical management of this sub-population particularly challenging. Areas covered: We present a review of the current literature on the changing epidemiology of dengue in the elderly, the atypical features of the clinical disease in this population with emphasis on severe disease presentations and challenges in the current management strategies. Expert commentary: Dengue in the elderly is an increasingly important yet greatly understudied area. There is an urgent need to refine the current diagnostic criteria to improve diagnosis, classification of disease severity and identify individuals in this population who are likely to progress to severe disease. Management strategies in this population would have to be adjusted to account for the increased number of co-morbidities. The role of the available dengue vaccines in this group is uncertain, and more studies into their safety and efficacy are critically needed.
MELD as a metric for survival benefit of liver transplantation

Currently, there is debate among the liver transplant community regarding the most appropriate mechanism for organ allocation: urgency‐based (MELD) versus utility‐based (survival benefit). We hypothesize that MELD and survival benefit are closely associated, and therefore, our current MELD‐based allocation already reflects utility‐based allocation. We used generalized gamma parametric models to quantify survival benefit of LT across MELD categories among 74 196 adult liver‐only active candidates between 2006 and 2016 in the United States. We calculated time ratios (TR) of relative life expectancy with transplantation versus without and calculated expected life years gained after LT. LT extended life expectancy (TR > 1) for patients with MELD > 10. The highest MELD was associated with the longest relative life expectancy (TR = 1.051.201.37 for MELD 11‐15, 2.292.492.70 for MELD 16‐20, 5.305.726.16 for MELD 21‐25, 15.1216.3517.67 for MELD 26‐30; 39.2643.2147.55 for MELD 31‐34; 120.04128.25137.02 for MELD 35‐40). As a result, candidates with the highest MELD gained the most life years after LT: 0.2, 1.5, 3.5, 5.8, 6.9, 7.2 years for MELD 11‐15, 16‐20, 21‐25, 26‐30, 31‐34, 35‐40, respectively. Therefore, prioritizing candidates by MELD remains a simple, effective strategy for prioritizing candidates with a higher transplant survival benefit over those with lower survival benefit.
HPV‐16 targeted DNA vaccine expression: The role of purification

DNA vaccines have come to light in the last decades as an alternative method to prevent many infectious diseases, but they can also be used for the treatment of specific diseases, such as cervical cancer caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This virus produces E6 and E7 oncoproteins, which alter the cell cycle regulation and can interfere with the DNA repairing system. These features can ultimately lead to the progression of cervical cancer, after cell infection by HPV. Thus, the development of a DNA vaccine targeting both proteins arises as an interesting option in the treatment of this pathology. Nonetheless, before evaluating its therapeutic potential, the purity levels of a biopharmaceutical must meet the regulatory agency specifications. Previously, our research group successfully purified the supercoiled isoform of the recombinant HPV‐16 E6/E7 DNA vaccine with virtual 100% purity by affinity chromatography. The present work was designed to evaluate the effect that pDNA sample purity levels may exert in the expression of a target protein. Thus, in vitro studies were performed to assess the vaccine ability to produce the target proteins and to compare the expression efficiency between the pDNA sample obtained by affinity chromatography, which only presents the sc isoform and fulfils the regulatory agency recommendations, and the same DNA vaccine retrieved by a commercial purification kit, which contains different pDNA isoforms. Our achievements suggest that the E6/E7 DNA vaccine purified by affinity chromatography promotes higher E6 and E7 mRNA and protein expression levels than the DNA vaccine purified with the commercial kit. Overall, these results underline the importance that a purification strategy may present in the therapeutic outcome of recombinant DNA vaccines, envisaging their further application as biopharmaceuticals. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 34:546–551, 2018
Non-linear transceiver design for secure communications with artificial noise-assisted MIMO relay

This study investigates the problem of physical layer security for amplify-and-forward (AF) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) relay systems operating in the presence of a passive eavesdropper. Specifically, the authors consider the robust design of an artificial noise (AN)-assisted non-linear transceiver employing Tomlinson–Harashima precoding (THP), with imperfect knowledge of the legitimate channel states. The design problem can be reformulated as a two-level optimisation, where the outer problem aims to optimise the source precoder as a function of the relay precoder, while the inner problem at the relay aims to jointly optimise the relay precoder as well as the power allocation between the AN and the information-bearing signals. To solve the inner problem, the authors adopt a bisection method which attempts to maximise the AN power level, to confuse the eavesdropper, while satisfying the mean-squared-error requirement for the intended user. Some relaxation for the objective function is applied to transform the problem into a standard convex optimisation one. Regarding the outer problem, closed-form solutions for the precoders can be derived by an iterative method based on the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions. Simulation results illustrate the superior secrecy performance provided by the proposed non-linear transceiver design with AN and THP.
Influence of solid oxide fuel cell on power system transient stability

Due to its modular, efficient and non-polluting characteristics, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is promising to be widely utilised in the area of distributed generation. Previous studies mainly focused on dynamic modelling of SOFC to analyse its load following behaviour, however, the influence of SOFC on power system transient stability is not yet clear and needs further discussion. In this study, a system-level electromechanical transient mathematical model for SOFC is proposed, based on the circuit structure of SOFC, DC/DC step-up converter and DC/AC converter. Then, a double closed-loop control scheme is designed for the control of SOFC. Finally, the effect of SOFC on the power system's transient stability is discussed through simulations based on IEEE 3-machine 9-bus standard system. Results show that, under real and reactive power coordinated control strategy, cell current can be adjusted. Therefore, the output power of SOFC can be modulated to help with voltage recovery and power angle stability. The authors’ work reveals the feasibility of using SOFC to enhance power system transient stability.
Persistence in Temporary Lung Niches: A Survival Strategy of Lung-Resident Memory CD8+ T Cells

Abstract Respiratory virus infections, such as those mediated by influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), rhinovirus, and adenovirus, are responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality, especially in children and older adults. Furthermore, the potential emergence of highly pathogenic strains of influenza virus poses a significant public health threat. Thus, the development of vaccines capable of eliciting long-lasting protective immunity to those pathogens is a major public health priority. CD8+ Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells are a newly defined population that resides permanently in the nonlymphoid tissues including the lung. These cells are capable of providing local protection immediately after infection, thereby promoting rapid host recovery. Recent studies have offered new insights into the anatomical niches that harbor lung CD8+ TRM cells, and also identified the requirement and limitations of TRM maintenance. However, it remains controversial whether lung CD8+ TRM cells are continuously replenished by new cells from the circulation or permanently lodged in this site. A better understanding of how lung CD8+ TRM cells are generated and maintained and the tissue-specific factors that drive local TRM formation is required for optimal vaccine development. This review focuses on recent advance in our understanding of CD8+ TRM cell establishment and maintenance in the lung, and describes how those processes are uniquely regulated in this tissue.
Calibration Method for Microwave Digestion System

The article describes the importance of microwave digestion system in many different scientific fields, and proposes a calibration method for lack of calibration specification in China. The method focuses on temperature, pressure and output power. It defines their measuring points, technical requirements. An experiment is carried out to calibrate the output power with its expanded measurement uncertainty. The calibration method can be referenced in daily calibration service of such apparatus.
Perovskite-type solar cell based on ZnO Nanorods Array: Current-Voltage (I-V) Characteristics

Development of lead halide perovskite, or methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite, has advanced rapidly in terms of photovoltaic output in shorter time compared to more mature and developed solar cells, such as dye sensitized solar cell or Si based solar cells. From 2009 when PSCs was first adopted by Miyasaka et al. [1] until development in 2012, its efficiency (η) has extended to higher than 10 %. Further development in 2013 and 2014 has further increased η of more than 15 % and 20 %, respectively. ZnO based PSCs is developed based on high electron mobility of ZnO material. In this report, ZnO based PSCs is reported and have improved coverage of perovskite over ZnO nanorods array (NRA) surface. Such improvement also leads to improvement of η although the value of η is still very low (less than 1 %).
A novel bicistronic gene design couples stable cell line selection with a fucose switch in a designer CHO host to produce native and afucosylated glycoform antibodies

ABSTRACT The conserved glycosylation site Asn297 of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) can be decorated with a variety of sugars that can alter mAb pharmacokinetics and recruitment of effector proteins. Antibodies lacking the core fucose at Asn297 (afucosylated mAbs) show enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and increased efficacy. Here, we describe the development of a robust platform for the manufacture of afucosylated therapeutic mAbs by engineering a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) host cell line to co-express a mAb with GDP-6-deoxy-D-lyxo-4-hexulose reductase (RMD), a prokaryotic enzyme that deflects an intermediate in the de novo synthesis of fucose to a dead-end product, resulting in the production of afucosylated mAb (GlymaxX™ Technology, ProBioGen). Expression of the mAb and RMD genes was coordinated by co-transfection of separate mAb and RMD vectors or use of an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) element to link the translation of RMD with either the glutamine synthase selection marker or the mAb light chain. The GS-IRES-RMD vector format was more suitable for the rapid generation of high yielding cell lines, secreting afucosylated mAb with titers exceeding 6.0 g/L. These cell lines maintained production of afucosylated mAb over 60 generations, ensuring their suitability for use in large-scale manufacturing. The afucosylated mAbs purified from these RMD-engineered cell lines showed increased binding in a CD16 cellular assay, demonstrating enhancement of ADCC compared to fucosylated control mAb. Furthermore, the afucosylation in these mAbs could be controlled by simple addition of L-fucose in the culture medium, thereby allowing the use of a single cell line for production of the same mAb in fucosylated and afucosylated formats for multiple therapeutic indications.
Parents’ and children's knowledge of oral health: a qualitative study of children with cleft palate

BACKGROUND Children with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) are prone to poorer oral health outcomes than their peers, with serious implications for treatment. Little is known of the knowledge and practice of children with CLP in caring for teeth and how these contribute to oral health. AIM To investigate (i) parents' and children's knowledge of oral health, (ii) how knowledge is acquired, and (iii) how knowledge is implemented. DESIGN A qualitative design was used to investigate knowledge, beliefs, and practices reported by parents and children, age 5-11 years with CLP. Data were collected from 22 parents and 16 children and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Four themes were derived as follows: (i) implicit knowledge: children express simple knowledge underpinned by basic rationales, (ii) situated knowledge: children gain skills as part of everyday childhood routines, (iii) maintaining good practice in oral health: parents take a lead role in motivating, monitoring, and maintaining children's toothbrushing, and (iv) learning opportunities: pivotal moments provide opportunities for children to extend their knowledge. CONCLUSION Developers of oral health education interventions should take account of children's implicit knowledge and the transmission of beliefs between generations that influence toothbrushing behaviours. This could enhance interventions to support parents and children's practice.