Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Physical Rehabilitation and Nutritional Intake Management on Improvement in Tongue Strength in Sarcopenic Patients

The study aimed to investigate the impact of physical intervention and the amount of nutritional intake on the increase in tongue strength and swallowing function in older adults with sarcopenia. From November 2018 and May 2019, older patients with sarcopenia who were admitted for rehabilitation were analyzed. The intervention employed in the study was the usual physical and occupational therapy for two months. Tongue strength was measured before and after two months of treatment. Data on tongue strength, the amount of energy and protein intake, intervention time, and swallowing function were examined. A total of 95 sarcopenic older patients were included (mean age 83.4 ± 6.5 years). The mean tongue strength after the intervention was significantly increased from 25.4 ± 8.9 kPa to 30.5 ± 7.6 kPa as a result of the treatment (p < 0.001). After adjusting the confounding factors in the multivariable models, an energy intake of ≥30 kcal/kg/day and a protein intake of ≥1.2 g/kg/day based on the ideal body weight had a significant impact on the increase in tongue strength after the treatment (p = 0.011 and p = 0.020, respectively). Swallowing function assessed using the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability was significantly increased after the treatment (mean difference between pairs: 1.12 [0.53–1.70]; p < 0.001). Physical intervention and strict nutritional management for older inpatients with sarcopenia could be effective to improve tongue strength and swallowing function.
Population Monitoring, Egg Parasitoids, and Genetic Structure of the Invasive Litchi Stink Bug, Tessaratoma papillosa in Taiwan

Simple Summary The litchi stink bug (LSB) was inadvertently introduced to Taiwan recently and has since become a severe pest with substantial economic losses. The aim of this study is therefore to improve our knowledge of this invasive pest through multiple approaches including population monitoring, surveillance of natural enemies, and population genetic analysis. Major findings include: (1) a population fluctuation trend that is largely similar to most native LSB populations, (2) a total of seven egg parasitoid species were discovered, two of which (Anastatus dexingensis and A. fulloi) being most abundant throughout the LSB infestation in Taiwan, and (3) the occurrence of multiple introductions of LSB to Taiwan. All these data represent a preliminary yet necessary step for the design of future integrated pest management strategies and would help mitigate negative impacts of this invasive pest in Taiwan. Abstract Here we assessed population dynamics, natural enemy fauna (with emphasis on egg parasitoid), and population genetic structure (based on mitochondrial DNA) of the invasive litchi stink bug (LSB), Tessaratoma papillosa in Taiwan. Our major findings include: (1) fluctuations of LSB in numbers of adults, mating pairs, and egg masses over a 2-year period in Taiwan generally resemble those in the native populations; (2) Anastatus dexingensis and A. fulloi are among the most dominant LSB egg parasitoids, with the former consistently outnumbering the latter throughout Taiwan; (3) the presence of two genetically distinct clades suggests LSB in Taiwan most likely derived from multiple invasions. All these data practically improve our understanding of this invasive insect pest, particularly its ecological and genetic characteristics in the introduced area, which represents critical baseline information for the design of future integrated pest management strategies.
The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Uveal Melanoma

Simple Summary The development of uveal melanoma is a multifactorial and multi-step process, in which abnormal gene expression plays a key role. Recently, several studies have highlighted the role of non-coding RNAs in the progression of uveal melanoma by affecting different signaling pathways. As important agents in the regulation of genes, non-coding RNAs have enormous potential to open up therapeutic pathways, predict response to treatment, and anticipate patient outcome for uveal melanoma. This review aims to provide a comprehensive view of what we know about ncRNAs in uveal melanoma currently. Abstract Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adulthood. Approximately 50% of patients develop metastatic disease, which typically affects the liver and is usually fatal within one year. This type of cancer is heterogeneous in nature and is divided into two broad groups of tumors according to their susceptibility to develop metastasis. In the last decade, chromosomal abnormalities and the aberrant expression of several signaling pathways and oncogenes in uveal melanomas have been described. Recently, importance has been given to the association of the mentioned deregulation with the expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Here, we review the different classes of ncRNAs—such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs)—and their contribution to the development of UM. Special attention is given to miRNAs and their regulatory role in physiopathology and their potential as biomarkers. As important agents in gene regulation, ncRNAs have a huge potential for opening up therapeutic pathways, predicting response to treatment, and anticipating patient outcome for UM.
Effect of Omega-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (n-3 LCPUFA) Supplementation on Cognition in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review with a Focus on n-3 LCPUFA Blood Values and Dose of DHA and EPA

Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) supplementation in the cardiovascular field is effective if a certain Omega-3 index (O3I) is achieved or the daily n-3 LCPUFA dose is high enough. Whether this applies to studies on cognition in children and adolescents is unclear. The aims of the current review were to investigate whether: (1) a certain O3I level and (2) a minimum daily n-3 LCPUFA dose are required to improve cognition in 4–25 year olds. Web of Science and PubMed were searched. Inclusion criteria: placebo controlled randomized controlled trial; participants 4–25 years; supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and/or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); assessing cognition; in English and ≥10 participants per treatment arm. Thirty-three studies were included, 21 in typically developing participants, 12 in those with a disorder. A positive effect on cognitive measures was more likely in studies with an increase in O3I to >6%. Half of the studies in typically developing children with daily supplementation dose ≥450 mg DHA + EPA showed improved cognition. For children with a disorder no cut-off value was found. In conclusion, daily supplementation of ≥450 mg DHA + EPA per day and an increase in the O3I to >6% makes it more likely to show efficacy on cognition in children and adolescents.
Association between behavioral phenotypes and response to a physical activity intervention using gamification and social incentives: Secondary analysis of the STEP UP randomized clinical trial

Participants often vary in their response to behavioral interventions, but methods to identify groups of participants that are more likely to respond are lacking. In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, we used baseline characteristics to group participants into distinct behavioral phenotypes and evaluated differential responses to a physical activity intervention. Latent class analysis was used to segment participants based on baseline participant data including demographics, validated measures of psychosocial variables, and physical activity behavior. The trial included 602 adults from 40 U.S. states with body mass index ≥25 who were randomized to control or one of three gamification interventions (supportive, collaborative, or competitive) to increase physical activity. Daily step counts were monitored using a wearable device for a 24-week intervention with 12 weeks of follow-up. The model segmented participants into three classes named for key defining traits: Class 1, extroverted and motivated; Class 2, less active and less social; Class 3, less motivated and at-risk. Adjusted regression models were used to test for differences in intervention response relative to control within each behavioral phenotype. In Class 1, only participants in the competitive arm increased their mean daily steps during the intervention (adjusted difference, 945; 95% CI, 352–1537; P = .002), but it was not sustained during follow-up. In Class 2, participants in all three gamification arms significantly increased their mean daily steps compared to control during the intervention (supportive arm adjusted difference 1172; 95% CI, 363–1980; P = .005; collaborative arm adjusted difference 1119; 95% CI, 319–1919; P = .006; competitive arm adjusted difference 1179; 95% CI, 400–1957; P = .003) and all three had sustained impact during follow-up. In Class 3, none of the interventions had a significant effect on physical activity. Three behavioral phenotypes were identified, each with a different response to the interventions. This approach could be used to better target behavioral interventions to participants that are more likely to respond to them.
Talking to Children and Families about Chronic Pain: The Importance of Pain Education—An Introduction for Pediatricians and Other Health Care Providers

Chronic pain in children and adolescents is a common and debilitating health problem. This narrative review will give a brief overview on what pediatric chronic pain is and what treatment options there are for children and adolescents. The specific emphasis will be on pediatric chronic pain education and communication: this narrative review aims to show how important a good patient–health care provider relationship is—it builds the foundation for successful communication—and how this relationship can be established. In addition, we will present five steps that health care providers can perform to explain pediatric chronic pain to patients and their parents and what to keep in mind in their clinical routine. Our review is intended for pediatricians and other health care providers who treat pediatric patients with chronic pain but might feel uncertain on how to best communicate with them.
Bioinformatic Analysis of Gene Families of Heat Shock Proteins in Drosophila melanogaster

Heat shock proteins(HSPs) are a group of highly conserved proteins synthesized in cultured cells or whole organisms,which can generally be induced by stress stimulations and exist throughout all kinds of organisms.HSPs have key roles in cell growth,development,differentiation and gene transcription.In this study,it was performed bioinformatic analysis of gene families of heat shock proteins in Drosophila melanogaster.The results showed that there are 6 HSPs families: HSPC(HSP90),HSPA(HSP70),DNAJ(HSP40),HSPB(small HSP) as well as the chaperonin families HSPD(HSP60) and CCT(TRiC) in Drosophila melanogaster;however,there is no HSPE(HSP10) and HSPH(SHP110) families found,which exist in human and mouse.HSPC,HSPA,DNAJ,HSPB,HSPD and CCT contain 2,8,10,7,5 and 8 genes,respectively.And 7 genes are newly found in this study,which has been classified and named as HSPBA5,HSPBB2,HSPBB3,DNAJA7,DNAJA8,HSPD5 and HSPCB1.All these gene mapped onto chromosomes 2L,3L,2R,3R and X.The gene structures,and the functional motifs and polymorphic variants of their proteins were documented and discussed.Phylogenetic analyses based on protein data demonstrated that:they had the common ancestor and clustered as 6 families.
CHANGES IN THE LIPOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF THE GUINEA PIG MAMMARY GLAND AT PARTURITION.

SUMMARY During pregnancy, the clearing factor lipase activity of the guinea pig mammary gland remains constant until immediately before parturition. It then increases rapidly until, at parturition, the activity per gland is some 100 times greater than during pregnancy. Activity remains at this high level after parturition. If suckling is prevented at one of the two mammary glands of the guinea pig by tying off the teat, the activity of that gland falls within a few days to a level that is only some 5 times greater than that in the gland during prpgnancy. The activity of the suckled gland remains high. The activity of lactating mammary gland tissue is much higher than that of any other tissue studied hitherto.
Plasmid Curing in Multi-Drug Resistant Hospital and Community Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli is the most prevalent organism responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in hospital and community sources. The present study was carried out to detect multi drug resistant (MDR) E coli from urine samples and the role of plasmids in drug resistance. One hundred urine samples were collected from the hospital and community within the University of Port Harcourt. Microscopic and chemical examination was carried out on the urine samples. E coli were isolated and antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out on the isolates, the resistant E. coli were cured by acridine orange and further subjected susceptibility testing. Result obtained from the study showed 35% E. coli recovered from community samples and 65% from hospital samples. Antibiotic sensitivity testing before plasmid curing showed high level of resistance to Augmentin (99%), Cefuroxime (92%), Ceftazidime (78%) and Cefixime (71%). The lowest level of resistance was reported in Gentamicin (15%) and Nitrofurantoin (19%). All the isolates were resistant to Augmentin but upon plasmid curing the resistant rate of isolates to eight antibiotics reduced. Our findings showed that Augmentin and Cefuroxime (62 and 31%) were still resistant after the plasmids of the isolates were cured. For hospital and community sources Nitrofurantoin (1; 0%), Ceftazidime (3; 8%), Ciprofloxacin (1%), Gentamicin (10%) and Ofloxacin (10%). Sixty-two (62) percent of the hospital isolates were resistant to three or more antibiotics while 60% of the community isolates were multidrug resistant. Our study thus concludes that plasmids alone are not responsible for the resistance to antibiotics exhibited by E,coli from urine samples. Antibiotics should be produced to target genes that are responsible for resistance to prevent the spread of drug resistant organisms. Keywords : Antibiotics, Escherichia coli , Multidrug resistant, Plasmid
Effect of co-transfection of angiostatin and Fas gene on growth of transplanted tumor in nude mice

Objective To investigate the effect of co-transfection of angiostatin and Fas gene on the growth of human colon carcinoma transplanted in nude mice. Methods Plasmid pcDNA3-AS and pcDNA3-Fas were constructed and subcutaneously transplanted human colon carcinoma model was established in nude mice. The AS,Fas,AS and Fas gene were transfected to the tumor by direct injection into the tumor. The tumor size was detected regularly and the microvascular density (MVD) of the tumor was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Plasmids pcDNA3-AS and pcDNA3-Fas were constructed successfully. Six days after plasmid transfection,the tumor volume in group Fas and group co-transfection were significantly smaller than that of control (P 0.05). Nine days after plasmid transfection,the tumor volume in group AS were significantly smaller than that of control (P 0.05). Fifteen days after plasmid transfection,the MVD in group co-transfection and AS was significantly lower than that of control (P 0.05). Conclusions Co-transfection of AS and Fas gene have synergism on the inhibition of the growth of transplanted human colon carcinoma in nude mice.
Cross Hedging

The paper provides a theoretical description of hedging in futures markets that account for the behavior of a broad class of agents. Specific optimal decision rules are derived for agents concerned with the mean and variance of profit. These rules are used to evaluate how optimal cash and futures positions are related to price expectations, the production possibilities, and the number of futures markets available.
Successful invaders are better defended: The example of Gracilaria vermiculophylla

To evaluate the importance of anti-herbivore resistance for algal invasion success we compared resistance traits among specimens of the red macroalga Gracilaria vermiculophylla from six native populations in Korea and China and eight invasive populations in Europe and Mexico that were maintained under identical conditions in the laboratory. Herbivorous snails both from the native range (Littorina brevicula) and from the invaded range (Littorina littorea) consumed significantly less of seaweed specimens originating from non-native populations. Metabolome profiling revealed that this preference was correlated with an increased woundactivated production of deterring prostaglandins and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids. Thus, invasive populations of G. vermiculophylla are more strongly defended against challenge by herbivores and other biological enemies that cause local tissue or cell disruption and activate oxylipin production. Anthropogenic distribution of genotypes adapted to resist elevated feeding pressure probably contributed to the invasion success of this species.
mRNA localisation and cell polarity in the Drosophila embryo

Asymmetric localisation of mRNA transcripts to specific sites within the cytoplasm is a widely employed mechanism for targeting of proteins and generating cell polarity. The mechanism and function of mRNA localisation has been extensively studied in Drosophila melanogaster, where, for example, the Egalitarian/Bicaudal- D/dynein complex mediates transport of mRNA transcripts, towards microtubule minus-ends, during oogenesis and in syncytial blastoderm embryos. However, it is not known whether the Egalitarian/Bicaudal-D/dynein mRNA transport machinery is required to localise mRNAs in somatic cell types in the Drosophila embryo. In this thesis, I show that the Egalitarian/Bicaudal-D/dynein complex is active in embryonic epithelial cells and neuroblasts and mediates asymmetric localisation of inscuteable, wingless and crumbs, but not miranda, mRNA transcripts, indicating that this is a general mechanism for mRNA localisation in Drosophila. I provide preliminary evidence that y-Tubulin mediates asymmetric miranda localisation. I have also explored the role of mRNA localisation in protein targeting in epithelial cells and neuroblasts, and find that asymmetric localisation of inscuteable and wingless, but not crumbs, mRNA transcripts is required to enhance the targeting of their protein products. I find that asymmetric localisation of wingless mRNA and protein is not required to support Wingless function in the embryo, although, Inscuteable activity is significantly reduced when inscuteable mRNA localisation is disrupted, and neuroblasts display defects in apico-basal polarity and metaphase spindle length. In conclusion, mRNA localisation acts to enhance protein targeting and activity in somatic cell types in the Drosophila embryo.
Preschool children with persistent asthmatic symptoms

Asthma is the most common chronic airway disease in children, with more than half the reported cases of persistent asthma starting in children below the age of 3 years. Asthma diagnosis in preschool children has proven to be challenging due to the heterogeneity of the disease, the continuing development of the immune system in such a young population, and lack of diagnostic options such as lung function measurement. Early diagnosis and treatment of asthmatic symptoms will improve patients’ quality of life and help reduce disease morbidity. However, validated treatment options are scarce due to paucity of data and lack of conclusive studies in such a young patient population. Adjusting study design and endpoints to capture more reliable data with minimal risk of harm to patients is necessary. This thematic series review outlines the current position on preschool asthma, consolidates the current understanding of risk factors and diagnostic hurdles, and emphasizes the importance of early detection and management to help improve patients’ quality of life, both present and future. Particular focus was given to anticholinergics and their emerging role in the treatment and control of asthma in pediatric patients.
Changes in expression level of heat shock protein 70 gene in Bemisia tabaci B-biotype (Homoptera:Aleyrodidae) under high temperature stress

The plasmid with hsp70 cDNA of Bemisia tabaci B-biotype was used as a template. Based on the GenBank sequence data, one TaqMan-MGB probe and the corresponding primers were designed to construct a standard for real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR to detect the expression of hsp70 in B. tabaci B-biotype, with which the changes in expression level of hsp70 from adults of B. tabaci B-biotype under different high temperature stress from 37℃ to 45℃ were detected. The results showed that mild high temperature could induce hsp70 expression in B. tabaci B-biotype adults. Within the range of 37℃ to 41℃, the hsp70 expression level of B. tabaci B-biotype adults increased from 8.78×10~5±6.41×10~4 copies to 1.99×10~7±1.45×10~5copies; However, when the temperature increased to 43℃ and 45℃, the hsp70 expression level decreased very quickly. The hsp70 expression level of B. tabaci B-biotype adults changed in response to the diurnal temperature change. When air temperature increased from 34℃ to 41℃ in the morning, the hsp70 expression level increased dramatically from 1.16×10~5±1.48×10~4 copies to 6.29×10~6±1.80×10~5 copies; however, the hsp70 expression level decreased to 2.32×10~5±7.69×10~3 copies when air temperature decreased to 33℃ at nightfall. It was so inferred that hsp70 in B. tabaci B-biotype may play an important role in high temperature tolerance.
The COVID-19: Current understanding

In December 2019, China reported several cases of a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The COVID-19 outbreak, which was initially limited to Wuhan, China, has rapidly spread worldwide. Infection of the disease occurs through exposure to the virus through inhalation of respiratory droplets or if a person touches a mucosal surface after touching an object with the virus on it. The common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing), fatigue, chest pain, and myalgia (muscle pain), etc. Real-time polymerase chain reaction is used to detect the virus in sputum, throat, nasal swabs, and secretion of lower respiratory samples. Early diagnosis, isolation, and supportive care are necessary for the treatment of the patients. The present review aims to provide recent information on COVID-19 related to its epidemiology, clinical symptoms, and management. This article also summarizes the current understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and its history of origin.
Expression of survivin in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with psoriasis vulgaris

Objective To investigate the expression of survivin in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with psoriasis vulgaris and to explore the correlation between level of survivin expression and the clinical staging.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated and RNA in blood samples(3 ml) extracted from 30 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 10 normal controls.All patients were divided into groups with progressive stage, static stage and regression stage, respectively, with 10 cases in each group.RT-PCR technique was applied to semi-quantitatively analyze the mRNA expressions.Results survivin mRNA were expressed in all the samples, but the lev-el of surviving mRNA expression was highest in patients with progressive stage(0.936±0.010), followed by those with static stage(0.559±0.007), regression stage(0.079±0.004) and normal controls(0.017±0.003)(P0.05). Conclusion Survivin may be playing an important role in the immune pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris.The expression of survivin appeared significantly related to the clinical staging of psoriasis vulgaris.