Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cigarette smoke modifies neutrophil chemotaxis, neutrophil extracellular trap formation and inflammatory response‐related gene expression

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for periodontitis, and smoking perturbs neutrophil reactive oxygen species production. This study tested the hypothesis that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and its components/metabolites nicotine, cotinine and thiocyanate (SCN-), may influence neutrophil functions. MATERIAL AND METHODS Chemotaxis was assessed in neutrophils pre-treated with CSE using real-time video microscopy. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) release in response to CSE, nicotine, cotinine, SCN- as well as to phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate and hypochlorous acid following pre-treatment with CSE, nicotine, cotinine or SCN- was assessed using fluorescence-based assays. The impact of CSE and SCN- treatment on neutrophil respiratory burst- and inflammation-related gene expression (NFKBIE, DNAJB1, CXCL8, NCF1, NCF2, CYBB) was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Both CSE and SCN- pre-treatment inhibited phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate-stimulated NET release. Additionally, SCN- inhibited hypochlorous acid-stimulated NET formation, while SCN- alone stimulated NET release. Overall, neutrophils pre-treated with CSE exhibited reduced speed, velocity and directionality relative to untreated neutrophils. Although CSE and SCN- promoted DNAJB1 expression, increased redox-related gene expression was only detected in response to SCN-. CONCLUSION These results suggest that CSE can alter ex vivo neutrophil activation by mechanisms independent of SCN- and nicotine, and SCN- may contribute to the perturbed innate immune responses observed in smokers.
The Impact of the Parental Support on Risk Factors in the Process of Gender Affirmation of Transgender and Gender Diverse People

Research involving transgender and gender diverse people (TGD) increased in the last years, mostly concerning healthcare associated to this population. Few studies dedicated their analysis to the impact of parental support on transgender people, even though this is an important aspect in creating a safe environment on which these individuals can build their identity. In addition, the link between family support, TGD identity and homelessness is not completely established. Thus, due to the specificities of the family context of TGD individuals, the aim of this study is to investigate the association between family support and TGD in different moments of the process of gender affirmation. In addition, this study also aims to explore the relationship between a lack of social support and low self-esteem, home abandonment, and dwelling in the street. The survey was designed based on the TransPULSE project and was made available in electronic format. The sample was constituted of 423 TGD residents in two Brazilian states. A Structural Equation Model analysis suggested that the impact of gender affirmation status on homelessness was mediated by parental support, through self-esteem, and the need to move from home. The association between the status of the gender affirmation procedures, family support and self-esteem was significant and indicated that the further TGD individuals advanced in gender affirmation, the more self-esteem and family support they would have. The association between family support and self-esteem indicated that family support was associated with higher self-esteem. Low family support was associated with the willingness to move from home due to one’s TGD status and there was also a significant correlation between low self-esteem and the willingness to move from home due to one’s TGD status. Finally, homelessness was associated with the willingness to move with a large effect size. Limitations include the sample that was constituted by individuals with Internet access and who had more contact with TGD communities. The findings indicate directions for interventions involving TGD people and their families, considering the parental relationship as a critical variable to improve TGD quality of life in the process of gender affirmation.
Refinement of detecting atrial fibrillation in stroke patients: results from the TRACK‐AF Study

Detection of occult atrial fibrillation (AF) is crucial for optimal secondary prevention in stroke patients. The AF detection rate was determined by implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) and compared to the prediction rate of the probability of incident AF by software based analysis of a continuously monitored electrocardiogram at follow‐up (stroke risk analysis, SRA); an optimized AF detection algorithm is proposed by combining both tools.
Dynamic epistemic logics: promises, problems, shortcomings, and perspectives

Abstract Dynamic epistemic logics provide an account of the evolution of agents’ belief and knowledge when they learn the occurrence of an event. These logics started to become popular about 20 years ago and by now there exists a huge number of publications about them. The present paper briefly summarises the existing body of literature, discusses some problems and shortcomings, and proposes some avenues for future research.
Circulating long noncoding RNA act as potential novel biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of non‐small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the first leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. Increasing evidence shows that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) are capable of modulating tumor initiation, proliferation and metastasis. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate whether circulating lncRNA could be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of NSCLC. Expression profiles of 14 lncRNA selected from other studies were validated in 20 pairs of tissues by quantitative real‐time PCR, and the dysregulated lncRNA thus identified were further validated in serum samples from two independent cohorts along with three tumor makers (CEA, CYFRA21‐1, and SCCA). Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis was utilized to estimate the diagnostic efficiency of the candidate lncRNA and tumor markers. Importantly, we observed an association between lncRNA expression and overall survival (OS) rate of NSCLC. The expressions of SOX2 overlapping transcript (SOX2OT) and ANRIL were obviously upregulated in NSCLC tissues and serum samples compared with normal controls (P < 0.01). Based on the data from the training set, we next used a logistic regression model to construct an NSCLC diagnostic panel consisting of two lncRNA and three tumor markers. The area under the curve of this panel was 0.853 (95% confidence interval = 0.804–0.894, sensitivity = 77.1%, specificity = 79.2%), and this was distinctly superior to any biomarker alone (all at P < 0.05). Similar results were observed in the validation set. Intriguingly, Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that low expressions of SOX2OT and ANRIL were both associated with higher OS rate (P = 0.008 and 0.017, respectively), and SOX2OT could be used as an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.036). Taken together, our study demonstrated that the newly developed diagnostic panel consisting of SOX2OT, ANRIL, CEA, CYFRA21‐1, and SCCA could be valuable in NSCLC diagnosis. LncRNA SOX2OT and ANRIL might be ideal biomarkers for NSCLC prognosis.
Quantum Field Theory Approach to Mechanics of Polycrystals

The solution of boundary-value problem in mechanics of polycrystalline materials is represented as perturbation series upon intergrains interaction like it is made in quantum fields theory. The terms of this series satisfy the infinite set of integral equations that reduced to systems of linear algebraic equations if to neglect the heterogeneities of strains within domain of individual grain. The method allows to take into account a microstructure of materials. Few examples of method application are demonstrated.
Association of Semen Attributes and Seminal Plasma Proteins of Buffalo Bulls

This study was conducted to explicate the association of semen attributes with seminal plasma proteins of buffalo bulls. Total 108 ejaculates were collected from six sexually mature adult Bhadawari buffalo bulls aged 2–4 years in three seasons (rainy, winter and summer) of a year by using artificial vagina. Immediately after collection, semen samples were divided into two aliquots. One aliquots of neat semen were evaluated for ejaculate volume (EV), sperm concentration (SC), mass motility (MM), progressive motility (PM), percent live-dead (LD) count, percent Hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), and percent acrosomal integrity (AI). The other semen aliquots were centrifuged for harvesting the seminal plasma. SDS-PAGE was performed for separation of seminal plasma proteins and gel images were analysed to determine molecular weights, IOD of protein bands and relative protein fractions (protein %) using the Gel doc system. The correlation results revealed positive correlation of SC with 70 and 72 kDa proteins while negative correlation with 86 kDa protein. The PM showed positive correlation with 24.5, 70 and 72 kDa proteins and negative correlation with 84 and 86 kDa proteins and AI showed positive correlation with 18.5, 24.5, 44.5, 70, and 72 kDa and negative correlation with 20 and 84 kDa proteins. The results of correlation among seminal plasma proteins showed positive correlation of 24.5 kDa with 35, 44.5, 70 and 72 kDa and negative correlation with 86 kDa proteins. The 70 and 72 kDa proteins showed positive correlation with 18.5 and 24.5 kDa and negative correlation with 20, 84 and 86 kDa proteins. The 84 kDa proteins showed negative association with 24.5, 70 and 72 kDa proteins while 86 kDa proteins showed negative association with 24.5, 35, 36.5, 70 and 72 kDa proteins. In conclusion, though significant correlations among seminal plasma proteins and semen characteristics were detected, yet it is noteworthy that correlation does not mean cause. Therefore, more refined studies that allow higher-resolution separation of seminal plasma proteins and more detailed characterization of those proteins, as well as investigation of their physiological role, will further advance knowledge in this area.
Soft Artificial Bladder Detrusor

Developing soft devices for invasive procedures bears great importance for human health. The softness and large strain actuation of responsive hydrogels promise the potential to fabricate soft devices, which can attach on and assist to the function of organs. The key challenges lie in the fabrication of soft devices with robust actuating ability and biocompatibility to the attached organ. This paper presents a solution that integrates the thermoresponsive hydrogel membrane with flexible electronics and silk scaffold into a balloon‐like soft device. As an example, the actuation assisting function of this soft device for shrinking an animal bladder is presented. The mechanical behaviors of the balloon‐like soft device are experimentally and theoretically investigated. The concepts are applicable to other applications such as soft implants, soft robotics, and microfluidics.
Pilot study on shape sensing for continuum tubular robot with multi-magnet tracking algorithm

Composed of multiple precurved tubes, continuous concentric-tube robot (CTR) has the potential of reaching surgical target during minimally invasive surgeries. Since concentric tubes are made of super-elastic nickel-titanium alloy, they can present different shapes when they extend and rotate with respect to each other. Compared to traditional surgical robots, CTR is superior in small size and flexible bending so that it can work in tiny space and adapt well to non-structural environment with multiple obstacles. However, real-time shape information of the robot cannot be well estimated especially when it bears unknown external forces in confined environment Therefore, shape sensing and position tracking are important in clinical surgery. In this paper, we present a multi-magnet tracking based robot joint tracing and shape sensing method. Small magnets are mounted at the end of each joint whose position and orientation information can be estimated by a magnetic positioning system. A shape reconstruction algorithm is then carried out based on three order Bézier curves to fit the shape of CTR. Experimental results with a mean error of 1.38mm verified that the proposed shape reconstruction has a better accuracy than the kinematic model when undertaking payload.
The genetic basis of seborrhoeic dermatitis: a review

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis (SD) is a common inflammatory skin disease that presents as itchy, flaking skin in the seborrhoeic areas. Various environmental and intrinsic factors have been identified as predisposing factors for SD, but its aetiology remains poorly understood. Although it was recognized that genetic factors play a role in SD aetiology, there have not been studies that systematically review the literature specifically for causal mutations or protein deficiencies in SD. In this review, we searched various databases for gene mutations and protein deficiencies that cause SD or SD‐like phenotype in humans and experimental animals, and summarize 11 gene mutations or protein deficiencies that were described in the literature. Most of the encoded proteins play a role either in the immune response (ACT1, C5, IKBKG/NEMO, STK4, 2C TCR) or epidermal differentiation (ZNF750, MPZL3). Understanding the genetic basis of SD can impart knowledge of the pathobiology of the disease and help identify novel therapeutic targets.
Nonneuronal roles for the reelin signaling pathway

The reelin signaling pathway has been established as an important regulator of cell migration during development of the central nervous system, and disruptions in reelin signaling alter the positioning of many types of neurons. Reelin is a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein and governs cell migration through activation of multiple intracellular signaling events by means of the receptors ApoE receptor 2 (ApoER2) and very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), and the intracellular adaptor protein Disabled‐1 (Dab1). Earlier studies reported expression of reelin in nonneuronal tissues, but the functions of this signaling pathway outside of the nervous system have not been studied until recently. A large body of evidence now suggests that reelin functions during development and disease of multiple nonneuronal tissues. This review addresses recent advances in the field of nonneuronal reelin signaling. Developmental Dynamics 246:217–226, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute health effects of desktop 3D printing (fused deposition modeling) using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polylactic acid materials: An experimental exposure study in human volunteers

3D printers are increasingly run at home. Nanoparticle emissions from those printers have been reported, which raises the question whether adverse health effects from ultrafine particles (UFP) can be elicited by 3D printers. We exposed 26 healthy adults in a single-blinded, randomized, cross-over design to emissions of a desktop 3D printer using fused deposition modeling (FDM) for 1 hour (high UFP-emitting acrylonitrile butadiene styrene [ABS] vs low-emitting polylactic acid [PLA]). Before and after exposures, cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, INF-γ) and ECP in nasal secretions, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), urinary 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-iso PGF2α ), and self-reported symptoms were assessed. The exposures had no significant differential effect on 8-iso PGF2α and nasal biomarkers. However, there was a difference (P < .05) in the time course of FeNO, with higher levels after ABS exposure. Moreover, indisposition and odor nuisance were increased for ABS exposure. These data suggest that 1 hour of exposure to 3D printer emissions had no acute effect on inflammatory markers in nasal secretions and urine. The slight relative increase in FeNO after ABS printing compared to PLA might be due to eosinophilic inflammation from inhaled UFP particles. This possibility should be investigated in further studies using additional biomarkers and longer observation periods.
Atypical brain responses to auditory spatial cues in adults with autism spectrum disorder

The auditory processing atypicalities experienced by many individuals on the autism spectrum disorder might be understood in terms of difficulties parsing the sound energy arriving at the ears into discrete auditory ‘objects’. Here, we asked whether autistic adults are able to make use of two important spatial cues to auditory object formation – the relative timing and amplitude of sound energy at the left and right ears. Using electroencephalography, we measured the brain responses of 15 autistic adults and 15 age‐ and verbal‐IQ‐matched control participants as they listened to dichotic pitch stimuli – white noise stimuli in which interaural timing or amplitude differences applied to a narrow frequency band of noise typically lead to the perception of a pitch sound that is spatially segregated from the noise. Responses were contrasted with those to stimuli in which timing and amplitude cues were removed. Consistent with our previous studies, autistic adults failed to show a significant object‐related negativity (ORN) for timing‐based pitch, although their ORN was not significantly smaller than that of the control group. Autistic participants did show an ORN to amplitude cues, indicating that they do not experience a general impairment in auditory object formation. However, their P400 response – thought to indicate the later attention‐dependent aspects of auditory object formation – was missing. These findings provide further evidence of atypical auditory object processing in autism with potential implications for understanding the perceptual and communication difficulties associated with the condition.
Validated Assessment of Gait Sub-Phase Durations in Older Adults using an Accelerometer-based Ambulatory System

Validated extraction of gait sub-phase durations using an ambulatory accelerometer-based system is a current unmet need to quantify subtle changes during the walking of older adults. In this paper, we describe (1) a signal processing algorithm to automatically extract not only durations of stride, stance, swing, and double support phases, but also durations of sub-phases that refine the stance and swing phases from foot-worn accelerometer signals in comfortable walking of older adults, and (2) the validation of this extraction using reference data provided by a gold standard system. The results show that we achieve a high agreement between our method and the reference method in the extraction of (1) the temporal gait events involved in the estimation of the phase/sub-phase durations, namely heel strike (HS), toe strike (TS), toe-off (TO), maximum of heel clearance (MHC), and maximum of toe clearance (MTC), with an accuracy and precision that range from ‒3.6 ms to 4.0 ms, and 6.5 ms to 12.0 ms, respectively, and (2) the gait phase/sub-phase durations, namely stride, stance, swing, double support phases, and HS to TS, TO to MHC, MHC to MTC, and MTC to HS sub-phases, with an accuracy and precision that range from ‒4 ms to 5 ms, and 9 ms to 15 ms, respectively, in comfortable walking of a thirty-eight older adults ( (mean ± standard deviation) 71.0 ± 4.1 years old). This demonstrates that the developed accelerometer-based algorithm can extract validated temporal gait events and phase/sub-phase durations, in comfortable walking of older adults, with a promising degree of accuracy/precision compared to reference data, warranting further studies.
Invitro Effect of Zinc Treatment on the Antioxidant Status of Heat Stressed Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Periparturient Sahiwal and Karan Fries Cows - A Comparative Study

The current study was undertaken to evaluate the invitro effect of zinc treatment on the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase status in the heat stressed Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) of periparturient indigenous and crossbred cows. Twelve pregnant cows, six each from Sahiwal and Karan Fries in their second parity were selected for the experiment. Blood samples were collected at −21, 0 and +21 days with respect to calving from each animal. The 48 hour long cultured PBMC were exposed to three levels of treatment viz., 37°C, 42°C to induce thermal stress and 42°C+Zinc to minimize the effect of high temperature. SOD and Catalase showed a significant (P<0.05) difference between the two breeds, more concentration being found in Karan Fries. While comparing the days, the concentration of both SOD and Catalase was found to be more on the day of calving though non-significantly in case of SOD but the difference was significant (P<0.05) vis-a-vis Catalase. Zinc treatment caused a decreased production of both SOD and Catalase which were otherwise increased due to thermal stress. The antioxidant concentration was highest due to thermal stress in Karan Fries on the day of calving. The oxidative stress supervenes during peripartum and heat stress which could be alleviated by zinc treatment.
Induction and recovery of copy number variation in banana through gamma irradiation and low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing

Summary Traditional breeding methods are hindered in bananas due to the fact that major cultivars are sterile, parthenocarpic, triploid and thus clonally propagated. This has resulted in a narrow genetic base and limited resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. Mutagenesis of in vitro propagated bananas is one method to introduce novel alleles and broaden genetic diversity. We previously established a method for the induction and recovery of single nucleotide mutations generated with the chemical mutagen EMS. However, officially released mutant banana varieties have been created using gamma rays, a mutagen that can produce large genomic insertions and deletions (indels). Such dosage mutations may be important for generating observable phenotypes in polyploids. In this study, we establish a low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing approach in triploid bananas to recover large genomic indels caused by treatment with gamma irradiation. We first evaluated the commercially released mutant cultivar ‘Novaria’ and found that it harbours multiple predicted deletions, ranging from 0.3 to 3.8 million base pairs (Mbp). In total, predicted deletions span 189 coding regions. To evaluate the feasibility of generating and maintaining new mutations, we developed a pipeline for mutagenesis and screening for copy number variation in Cavendish bananas using the cultivar ‘Williams’. Putative mutations were recovered in 70% of lines treated with 20 Gy and 60% of the lines treated with 40 Gy. While deletion events predominate, insertions were identified in 20 Gy‐treated material. Based on these results, we believe this approach can be scaled up to support large breeding projects.