Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-Coding and Regulatory RNAs as Epigenetic Remodelers of Fatty Acid Homeostasis in Cancer

Simple Summary Reprogramming of energy metabolism is an emerging hallmark of cancer development. Progression in a tumor cell requires new biogenesis of fatty acids (FA) for membrane synthesis, as signaling molecules or as energy input. Here, we provide a review of fatty acid metabolism misbalance from a cancer perspective (lipids’ storage formation, their hydrolysis, extra FAs uptake, FA synthesis, FA oxidation, and finally, FA activation and desaturation) and we summarize the reported non-coding RNAs affecting these processes as new strategies to target fatty acid availability in cancer cells. Abstract Cancer cells commonly display metabolic fluctuations. Together with the Warburg effect and the increased glutaminolysis, alterations in lipid metabolism homeostasis have been recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Highly proliferative cancer cells upregulate de novo synthesis of fatty acids (FAs) which are required to support tumor progression by exerting multiple roles including structural cell membrane composition, regulators of the intracellular redox homeostasis, ATP synthesis, intracellular cell signaling molecules, and extracellular mediators of the tumor microenvironment. Epigenetic modifications have been shown to play a crucial role in human development, but also in the initiation and progression of complex diseases. The study of epigenetic processes could help to design new integral strategies for the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders including cancer. Herein, we first describe the main altered intracellular fatty acid processes to support cancer initiation and progression. Next, we focus on the most important regulatory and non-coding RNAs (small noncoding RNA—sncRNAs—long non-coding RNAs—lncRNAs—and other regulatory RNAs) which may target the altered fatty acids pathway in cancer.
Inhaled cytotoxic chemotherapy: clinical challenges, recent developments, and future prospects

ABSTRACT Introduction Since 1968, inhaled chemotherapy has been evaluated and has shown promising results up to phase II but has not yet reached the market. This is due to technological and clinical challenges that require to be overcome with the aim of optimizing the efficacy and the tolerance of drug to re-open new developments in this field. Moreover, recent changes in the therapeutic standard of care for treating the patient with lung cancer also open new opportunities to combine inhaled chemotherapy with standard treatments. Areas covered Clinical and technological concerns are highlighted from the reported clinical trials made with inhaled cytotoxic chemotherapies. This work then focuses on new pharmaceutical developments using dry powder inhalers as inhalation devices and on formulation strategies based on controlled drug release and with sustained lung retention or based on nanomedicine. Finally, new clinical strategies are described in regard to the impact of the immunotherapy on the patient's standard of care. Expert opinion The choice of the drug, inhalation device, and formulation strategy as well as the position of inhaled chemotherapy in the patient’s clinical care are crucial factors in optimizing local tolerance and efficacy as well as in its scalability and applicability in clinical practice.
Evaluation of Chromosome Microarray Analysis in a Large Cohort of Females with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Single Center Italian Study

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders resulting from the complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Thanks to the chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) in clinical practice, the accurate identification and characterization of submicroscopic deletions/duplications (copy number variants, CNVs) associated with ASD was made possible. However, the widely acknowledged excess of males on the autism spectrum reflects on a paucity of CMA studies specifically focused on females with ASD (f-ASD). In this framework, we aim to evaluate the frequency of causative CNVs in a single-center cohort of idiopathic f-ASD. Among the 90 f-ASD analyzed, we found 20 patients with one or two potentially pathogenic CNVs, including those previously associated with ASD (located at 16p13.2 16p11.2, 15q11.2, and 22q11.21 regions). An exploratory genotype/phenotype analysis revealed that the f-ASD with causative CNVs had statistically significantly lower restrictive and repetitive behaviors than those without CNVs or with non-causative CNVs. Future work should focus on further understanding of f-ASD genetic underpinnings, taking advantage of next-generation sequencing technologies, with the ultimate goal of contributing to precision medicine in ASD.
Validity of a Local Positioning System during Outdoor and Indoor Conditions for Team Sports

This study aimed to compare the validity of a local positioning system (LPS) during outdoor and indoor conditions for team sports. The impact of different filtering techniques was also investigated. Five male team sport athletes (age: 27 ± 2 years; maximum oxygen uptake: 48.4 ± 5.1 mL/min/kg) performed 10 trials on a team sport-specific circuit on an artificial turf and in a sports hall. During the circuit, athletes wore two devices of a recent 20-Hz LPS. From the reported raw and differently filtered velocity data, distances covered during different walking, jogging, and sprinting sections within the circuit were computed for which the circuit was equipped with double-light timing gates as criterion measures. The validity was determined by comparing the known and measured distances via the relative typical error of estimate (TEE). The LPS validity for measuring distances covered was good to moderate during both environments (TEE: 0.9–7.1%), whereby the outdoor validity (TEE: 0.9–6.4%) was superior than indoor validity (TEE: 1.2–7.1%). During both environments, validity outcomes of an unknown manufacturer filter were superior (TEE: 0.9–6.2%) compared to those of a standard Butterworth filter (TEE: 0.9–6.4%) and to unprocessed raw data (TEE: 1.0–7.1%). Our findings show that the evaluated LPS can be considered as a good to moderately valid tracking technology to assess running-based movement patterns in team sports during outdoor and indoor conditions. However, outdoor was superior to indoor validity, and also impacted by the applied filtering technique. Our outcomes should be considered for practical purposes like match and training analyses in team sport environments.
Modulations of saliency signals at two hierarchical levels of priority computation revealed by spatial statistical distractor learning.

Many attention theories assume that selection is guided by a preattentive, spatial representation of the scene that combines bottom-up stimulus information with top-down influences (task goals and prior experience) to code for potentially relevant locations (priority map). At which level(s) of priority computation top-down influences modulate bottom-up stimulus signals is an open question. In a visual-search task, here we induced experience-driven spatial suppression (statistical learning) by presenting 1 of 2 salient distractors more frequently in one display region than the other. When a distractor standing out in the same dimension as the target was spatially biased in Experiment 1, processing of both the target and another, spatially unbiased distractor standing out in a different dimension was likewise hampered in the suppressed region. This indicates that constraining spatial suppression to a specific distractor feature is not possible, and participants instead resort to purely space-based (distractor-feature-independent) suppression at a supradimensional, overall-priority map. In line with a common locus of suppression, a novel computational model of distraction in visual search captures all 3 location effects with a single spatial-weighting parameter. In contrast, when the different-dimension distractor was spatially biased in Experiment 2, processing of other objects in the suppressed region was unaffected, indicating suppression constrained to a subordinate, dimension-specific level of priority computation. In sum, we demonstrate experience-driven top-down modulations of saliency signals at the overall-priority and dimension-specific levels that do not reach down to the specific distractor features. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Assessment of Fermented Soybean Meal on Salmonella typhimurium Infection in Neonatal Turkey Poults

Simple Summary Fermented soybean meal (FSBM) improved the performance of neonatal turkey poults, and these changes were associated with morphometric changes in the intestinal mucosa, as well as reduction of leaky gut, within turkeys challenged with Salmonella typhimurium (ST) in two experimental infective models. Although the two strains used for the fermentation process showed in vitro activity against ST, no significant effect was observed in vivo. Nevertheless, FSBM reduced the severity of the ST infection in the therapeutic model. The fermentation with different beneficial bacteria and different inclusion rates of FSBM requires further investigation. Abstract This study’s objective was to evaluate the effect of the fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on Salmonella typhimurium (ST) to turkey poults using two models of infection. In the prophylactic model, one-day-old turkeys were randomly allocated to one of four different groups (n = 30 turkeys/group): (1) Control group, (2) FSBM group, (3) Control group challenged with ST (Control + ST), and (4) FSBM group challenged with ST (FSBM + ST). On day 9 of age, all poults were orally challenged with 106 colony forming units (CFU) ST and 24 h post-inoculation, intestinal samples were collected to determine ST recovery and morphometric analysis. Blood samples were collected to evaluate serum fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-d). In the therapeutic model, a similar experimental design was used, but turkeys were orally gavaged 104 CFU ST on day 1, and samples were collected at day 7. FSBM improved performance and reduced leaky gut in both experimental infective models. In the prophylactic model, FSBB induced morphology changes in the mucosa. Although the strains (Lactobacillus salivarius and Bacillus licheniformis) used for the fermentation process showed in vitro activity against ST, no significant effect was observed in vivo. The fermentation with different beneficial bacteria and different inclusion rates of FSBM requires further investigation.
Development and Validation of Sentences Without Semantic Context to Complement the Basic English Lexicon Sentences

Purpose The goal of this study was to develop and validate a new corpus of sentences without semantic context to facilitate research aimed at isolating the effects of semantic context in speech perception. Method The newly developed corpus contains nonsensical sentences but is matched in vocabulary and syntactic structure to the existing Basic English Lexicon (BEL) corpus. It consists of 20 lists, with each list containing 25 sentences and each sentence having four keywords. Each new list contains the same keywords as the respective list in the original BEL corpus, but the keywords within each list are scrambled across sentences to eliminate semantic context within each sentence, while maintaining the original syntactic structure. All sentences in the original and nonsense BEL corpora were recorded by the same two male and two female talkers. Results Mean intelligibility scores for each list were estimated by calculating the mean proportion of correct keywords achieved by 40 normal-hearing listeners for one male and one female talker. Although small but significant differences were found between some pairs of lists, mean performance for all 20 lists fell within the 95% confidence intervals of the mean. Conclusions Lists in the newly developed nonsense corpus are reasonably well equated for difficulty and can be used interchangeably in a randomized experimental design. Both the original and nonsense BEL sentences, all recorded by the same four talkers, are publicly available. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13022900
Novel Antifungal Agents and Their Activity against Aspergillus Species

There is a need for new antifungal agents, mainly due to increased incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI), high frequency of associated morbidity and mortality and limitations of the current antifungal agents (e.g., toxicity, drug–drug interactions, and resistance). The clinically available antifungals for IFI are restricted to four main classes: polyenes, flucytosine, triazoles, and echinocandins. Several antifungals are hampered by multiple resistance mechanisms being present in fungi. Consequently, novel antifungal agents with new targets and modified chemical structures are required to combat fungal infections. This review will describe novel antifungals, with a focus on the Aspergillus species.
Cytoreductive Nephrectomy and Overall Survival of Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Targeted Therapy—Data from the National Renis Registry

Simple Summary The treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma is traditionally initiated with the removal of the diseased kidney with the tumor in many patients. However, there is ongoing controversy about the benefit of kidney removal if targeted therapy is used. The present paper analyses a large cohort of patients, and the results indicate that primary tumor removal should still be strongly considered in patients who are treated with targeted therapies. Abstract The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in treatment of locally advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the era of targeted therapies (TT) is still not clearly defined. The study population consisted of 730 patients with synchronous mRCC. The RenIS (Renal carcinoma Information System) registry was used as the data source. The CN/TT cohort included patients having CN within 3 months from the mRCC diagnosis and subsequently being treated with TT, while the TT cohort included patients receiving TT upfront. Median progression-free survival from the first intervention was 6.7 months in the TT arm and 9.3 months in the CN/TT patients (p < 0.001). Median overall survival was 14.2 and 27.2 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Liver metastasis, high-grade tumor, absence of CN, non-clear cell histology, and MSKCC (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) poor prognosis status were associated with adverse treatment outcomes. According to the results of this retrospective study, patients who underwent CN and subsequently were treated with TT had better outcomes compared to patients treated with upfront TT. The results of the study support the use of CN in the treatment algorithm for mRCC.
Comparison of production performance and egg quality characteristics of five strains of Korean native chickens.

The production performance and egg quality traits among five strains of Korean native chickens (KNC) were evaluated in conventional cages. A total of 240 KNC were housed in a controlled environment. Each strain had 12 replicates with 4 chickens per cage. Feed intake, body weights, egg production and egg quality were measured at 24, 28 and 32 of weeks. Egg quality parameters were analyzed using 150 eggs. Results indicated significant (P 0.05) for feed efficiency. The difference among those KNC strains on egg shell color, egg shell strength and egg shell density were not different (P>0.05) at the age of week 24 while it was significant (P 0.05) on egg length and egg shape index from five strains of KNC. The significant difference (P 0.05) at the age of 32 weeks. Regarding internal quality parameters, albumen height and Haugh unit were significantly (P 0.05). Based on the egg weight and the production performance, GS-10 KNC strain was superior when compared with the other strains.
Bioaccessible Raspberry Extracts Enriched in Ellagitannins and Ellagic Acid Derivatives Have Anti-Neuroinflammatory Properties

Chronic neuroinflammation associated with neurodegenerative disorders has been reported to be prevented by dietary components. Particularly, dietary (poly)phenols have been identified as having anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions, and their ingestion is considered a major preventive factor for such disorders. To assess the relation between (poly)phenol classes and their bioactivity, we used five different raspberry genotypes, which were markedly different in their (poly)phenol profiles within a similar matrix. In addition, gastro-intestinal bio-accessible fractions were produced, which simulate the (poly)phenol metabolites that may be absorbed after digestion, and evaluated for anti-inflammatory potential using LPS-stimulated microglia. Interestingly, the fraction from genotype 2J19 enriched in ellagitannins, their degradation products and ellagic acid, attenuated pro-inflammatory markers and mediators CD40, NO, TNF-α, and intracellular superoxide via NF-κB, MAPK and NFAT pathways. Importantly, it also increased the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These effects contrasted with fractions richer in anthocyanins, suggesting that ellagitannins and its derivatives are major anti-inflammatory (poly)phenols and promising compounds to alleviate neuroinflammation
Citius, Altius, Fortius; Is It Enough to Achieve Success in Basketball?

The NBA Draft Combine includes a series of standardized measurements and drills that provide NBA teams with an opportunity to evaluate players. The purpose of this research was to identify the Combine tests that explain draft position and future performance in the NBA rookie season. Variables were selected from the previous categories of anthropometric measurements and strength and agility tests. A regression analysis was carried out. Combine variables, anthropometric and agility/strength variables were analyzed to explore their effect on draft position. Moreover, correlation analyses were performed to identify relationships among: (i) Combine anthropometric and strength and agility measures and game performance through game related statistics; and (ii) the draft position and game performance using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Results show that the Combine test does not predict draft position, with the exception of hand width and height in frontcourt players, and standard vertical jump and running vertical jump. Future performance indicators were explained by several Combine tests in all players.
Association between faecal occult bleeding and medicines prescribed for chronic disease: a data linkage study

Aims The presence of detectable faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) has been shown to be associated with all-cause mortality and with death from a number of chronic diseases not known to cause gastrointestinal blood loss. This effect is independent of taking medicines that increase the risk of bleeding. To further investigate the association of f-Hb with chronic disease, the relationship between f-Hb and prescription of medicines for a variety of conditions was studied. Methods All subjects (134 192) who participated in guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) screening in Tayside, Scotland, between March 2000 and March 2016, were studied in a cross-sectional manner by linking their gFOBT result (abnormal or normal) with prescribing data at the time of the test. Results The screening participants with an abnormal gFOBT result were more likely to have been being prescribed medicines for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and depression than those with a normal test result. This association persisted after adjustment for sex, age and deprivation (OR 1.35 (95%CI 1.23 to 1.48), 1.39 (1.27 to 1.52), 1.35 (1.15 to 1.58), 1.36 (1.16 to 1.59), all p<0.0001, for the four medicine categories, respectively). Conclusions The results of this study confer further substantial weight to the concept that detectable f-Hb is associated with a range of common chronic conditions that have a systemic inflammatory component; we speculate that f-Hb might have potential in identifying individuals who are high risk of developing chronic conditions or are at an early stage of disease.
A population-based sex-stratified study to understand how health status preceding traumatic brain injury affects direct medical cost

Objective To understand how pre-injury health status present five-years preceding traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects direct medical cost two years post-injury. Methods Patients age ≥19 years in the emergency department (ED) or acute care for a TBI between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2014 in Ontario, Canada (N = 55,669) were identified from population-based health administrative data. Forty-three factors of pre-injury health status (i.e., comorbidities and personal, social, and environmental factors) that were internally validated for the TBI population were assessed in this study. The outcome of interest was direct medical cost within two years of discharge. Sex-specific multivariable linear regressions were conducted to understand the associations between direct medical cost within two years of discharge and pre-injury health status. Results Patients who received care in the ED (81.9% of total sample) incurred a median cost of $2,492/male patient (average $12,342/patient) and $3,508/female patient (average $65,285/patient) within two years of injury; 37 pre-injury factors were significantly associated with increased direct medical costs. Patients who first received care for their TBI in acute care (18.1%) incurred a median cost of $25,081/male patient (average $63,060/patient) and $30,277/female patient (average $65,285/patient) within two years of injury; 21 factors were significantly associated with increased direct medical costs. Among more prevalent factors, those associated with increased medical cost by at least 50% included mental health disorders, substance abuse, disorders or medical conditions frequently observed among the elderly, cardiovascular disorders, stroke and emergencies involving the brain, metabolic disorders and abdominal symptoms, conditions and symptoms of abdomen and pelvis, genitourinary disorders and disorders of prostate, and pulmonary abdominal and other emergencies. Conclusions Direct medical costs two years post-TBI differed significantly between patients with and without adverse pre-existing health status. Interdisciplinary teams to promote early identification of pre-existing health conditions and appropriate management and integration of these conditions in TBI care across the continuum of healthcare may be opportunities to reduce direct medical costs post-injury.
Traditional Neuropsychological Testing Does Not Predict Motor-Cognitive Test Performance

The ecological validity of neuropsychological testing (NT) has been questioned in the sports environment. A frequent criticism is that NT, mostly consisting of pen and paper or digital assessments, lacks relevant bodily movement. This study aimed to identify the determinants of a newly developed testing battery integrating both cognitive and motor demands. Twenty active individuals (25 ± 3 years, 11 males) completed the new motor-cognitive testing battery (MC), traditional NT (Stroop test, Trail Making test, Digit Span test) and isolated assessments of motor function (MF; Y-balance test, 20m-sprint, counter-movement jump). Kendal’s tau and partial Spearman correlations were used to detect associations between MC and NT/MF. Except for two items (Reactive Agility A and counter-movement jump; Run-Decide and sprint time; r = 0.37, p < 0.05), MC was not related to MF. Similarly, MC and NT were mostly unrelated, even when controlling for the two significant motor covariates (p > 0.05). The only MC item with (weak to moderate) associations to NT was the Memory Span test (Digit Span backwards and composite; r = 0.43–0.54, p < 0.05). In sum, motor-cognitive function appears to be largely independent from its two assumed components NT and MF and may represent a new parameter in performance diagnostics.