Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural Foundations of Ayres Sensory Integration®

Sensory integration, now trademarked as Ayres Sensory Integration® or ASI, is based on principles of neuroscience and provides a framework for understanding the contributions of the sensory and motor foundations of human behavior. The theory and practice of ASI continues to evolve as greater understanding of the neurobiology of human behavior emerges. In this paper we examine core constructs of ASI identified in the seminal work of Dr. Jean Ayres, and present current neuroscience research that underlies the main patterns of sensory integration function and dysfunction. We consider how current research verifies and clarifies Ayres’ propositions by describing functions of the vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile sensory systems, and exploring their relationships to ocular, postural, bilateral integration, praxis, and sensory modulation. We close by proposing neuroplasticity as the mechanisms underlying change as a result of ASI intervention.
A Review of Methods for Fibre-Optic Distributed Chemical Sensing

Chemical sensing is of great importance in many application fields, such as medicine, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control. Distributed fibre-optic sensing received significant attention because of its unique feature to make spatially resolved measurements along the entire fibre. Distributed chemical sensing (DCS) is the combination of these two techniques and offers potential solutions to real-world applications that require spatially dense chemical measurements covering large length scales. This paper presents a review of the working principles, current status, and the emerging trends within DCS.
Gas phase formation of c-SiC3 molecules in the circumstellar envelope of carbon stars

Significance Since the detection of methylidyne (CH) in deep space over 80 y ago, about 200 molecules and molecular ions from molecular hydrogen to fullerenes have been observed in interstellar and circumstellar environments, but the synthesis of organosilicon molecules has remained largely elusive. Exploiting silicon tricarbide (c-SiC3) as a benchmark, we provide evidence from laboratory experiments, electronic structure calculations, and astrochemical modeling that organosilicon species can be synthesized via distinct chemistries in the inner and outer envelope of carbon stars like IRC+10216 via bimolecular reactions followed by photochemical dehydrogenation to bare silicon carbon molecules. These mechanisms are of fundamental significance to facilitate an understanding how carbon and silicon chemistries can be coupled to synthesize organosilicon molecules in the universe. Complex organosilicon molecules are ubiquitous in the circumstellar envelope of the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star IRC+10216, but their formation mechanisms have remained largely elusive until now. These processes are of fundamental importance in initiating a chain of chemical reactions leading eventually to the formation of organosilicon molecules—among them key precursors to silicon carbide grains—in the circumstellar shell contributing critically to the galactic carbon and silicon budgets with up to 80% of the ejected materials infused into the interstellar medium. Here we demonstrate via a combined experimental, computational, and modeling study that distinct chemistries in the inner and outer envelope of a carbon star can lead to the synthesis of circumstellar silicon tricarbide (c-SiC3) as observed in the circumstellar envelope of IRC+10216. Bimolecular reactions of electronically excited silicon atoms (Si(1D)) with allene (H2CCCH2) and methylacetylene (CH3CCH) initiate the formation of SiC3H2 molecules in the inner envelope. Driven by the stellar wind to the outer envelope, subsequent photodissociation of the SiC3H2 parent operates the synthesis of the c-SiC3 daughter species via dehydrogenation. The facile route to silicon tricarbide via a single neutral–neutral reaction to a hydrogenated parent molecule followed by photochemical processing of this transient to a bare silicon–carbon molecule presents evidence for a shift in currently accepted views of the circumstellar organosilicon chemistry, and provides an explanation for the previously elusive origin of circumstellar organosilicon molecules that can be synthesized in carbon-rich, circumstellar environments.
Effect of Sterigmatocystin or Aflatoxin Contaminated Feed on Lipid Peroxidation and Glutathione Redox System and Expression of Glutathione Redox System Regulatory Genes in Broiler Chicken

Authors studied the effect of sterigmatocystin from infected corn (STC), purified sterigmatocystin (PSTC), and aflatoxin B1 from infected corn (AFB1) on lipid peroxidation and glutathione redox parameters, including the expression of their encoding genes in a sub-chronic (14 days) trial. A total of 144 three-week-old cockerels was divided into four experimental groups (n = 36 in each). Control feed was contaminated with STC or PSTC (1590 µg STC/kg or 1570.5 µg STC/kg feed), or with AFB1 (149.1 µg AFB1/kg feed). Six birds from each group were sampled at day 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14 of mycotoxin exposure. As parameters of lipid peroxidation, conjugated dienes (CD) and trienes (CT) were measured in the liver, while malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was determined in blood plasma, red blood cell hemolysate and liver. Reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were determined in the same samples, and expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), glutathione synthetase (GSS) and glutathione reductase (GSR) genes was measured by RT-PCR in the liver. STC, PSTC or AFB1 caused a slight, but not significant, increase in CD and CT levels; however, in the case of MDA, no increase was found in the liver. Glutathione redox system was activated in the liver by AFB1, but less markedly by STC/PSTC. PSTC and AFB1 resulted in a higher expression of GPX4, while GSS expression was down-regulated by AFB1 on day 1, but up-regulated by STC on day 2 and by both mycotoxins on day 7. However, on day 14, GSS expression was down-regulated by PSTC. Expression of GSR was low on day 1 in AFB1 and PSTC groups, but later it was up-regulated by AFB1. The observed changes regarding gene expression strengthen the hypothesis that the mild oxidative stress, caused by the applied STC doses, activates the glutathione redox system of broiler chickens.
Checkpoint inhibitor associated autoimmune diabetes (CIADM) is distinct from type 1 diabetes.

CONTEXT Checkpoint inhibitor associated autoimmune diabetes mellitus (CIADM) is a rare illness, with little known as to incidence, clinical features or pathogenesis. CASE SERIES DESCRIPTION Consecutive patients from a single quaternary melanoma centre who developed new onset insulin-requiring diabetes after commencing anti-PD-1 immunotherapy were studied to describe CIADM characteristics. Ten (1.9%) of 538 patients with metastatic melanoma treated with anti-PD-1 based immunotherapy from March 2015 to March 2018 developed CIADM. Nine patients had no prior history of diabetes, one had pre-existing T2DM. Median time from immunotherapy start to CIADM diagnosis was 25 weeks (IQR 17.5-34.5). All patients had normal serum C-peptide shortly before CIADM onset, and an inappropriately low level when measured soon after. At CIADM diagnosis, median HbA1c was 7.6% (IQR 7.15-9.75), median glucose was 32.5mmol/L (IQR 21.6-36.7), and median C-peptide concentration was 0.35nmol/L (IQR 0.10-0.49). Type 1 diabetes (T1D)-associated autoantibodies (DAA) were present in two patients (both GAD); all were negative for IA-2, insulin and ZnT8. Three patients were heterozygous for a HLA Class II T1D-risk haplotype; two additional patients also carried protective haplotypes for T1DM. All patients continued immunotherapy; eight (80%) had complete or partial oncological response, and all patients required ongoing insulin therapy. CONCLUSION CIADM is characterized by sudden permanent beta-cell failure occurring after immunotherapy. It is distinct from T1D, usually without DAA or T1D-associated HLA risk haplotypes, and difficult glycaemic control from the onset. As such, CIADM represents a new model of auto-inflammatory beta-cell failure.
Genetic signatures of dominance hierarchies reveal conserved cis‐regulatory and brain gene expression underlying aggression in a facultatively social bee

Agonistic interactions among individuals can result in the formation of dominance hierarches that can reinforce individual behavior and social status. Such dominance hierarches precede the establishment of reproductive dominance, division of labor and caste formation in highly social insect taxa. As such, deciphering the molecular basis of aggression is fundamental in understanding the mechanisms of social evolution. Assessing the proximate mechanisms of aggression in incipiently social bees can provide insights into the foundations of genomic mechanisms of social behavior. Here, we measured the effects of aggression on brain gene expression in the incipiently social bee, Ceratina australensis. We examine the brain transcriptomic differences between individuals who have experienced recurrent winning, losing, or a change in rank during repeated encounters. Using comparative analyses across taxa, we identify deeply conserved candidate genes, pathways, and regulatory networks for the formation of social hierarchies.
Ghrelin-producing cells distribution in the stomach and the relation with Helicobacter pylori in obese patients.

OBJECTIVE Ghrelin is believed to influence weight evolution after bariatric surgery. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may influence ghrelin plasma levels by affecting the ghrelin-producing cells (GPC) in the stomach. The purpose of the study was to characterize the GPC distribution in the stomach in overweight patients and the influence of H. pylori infection on them. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group included 21 obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery with ghrelin levels and anti-H. pylori antibodies previously measured, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with histological evaluation of H. pylori infection performed. Immunohistochemical expression of ghrelin was quantified in gastric resection specimens. RESULTS The results showed a higher number of GPC in the obese women than in men (p>0.05). The highest number of GPC was detected in the gastric body, followed by the fundus and antral region (p<0.001). GPC number correlated inversely with anthropometric parameters: weight (p=0.011), body mass index (BMI) (p=0.017), waist circumference (WC) (p=0.066) was lower in patients with H. pylori infection (p>0.05) or gastritis (p>0.05), the number decreasing with the increase in depth of gastritis lesion (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The present study fulfills the characterization of GPC in obese patients, showing a higher number in women than in men, their predominant location in the gastric body, and their relationship with the anthropometric parameters (weight, BMI, WC), H. pylori infection and gastritis lesions. These results open broad perspectives for a deeper understanding of the ghrelin involvement in the obesity pathogenic mechanism, associated or not with other gastric conditions.
Combined Intervention of Physical Activity, Aerobic Exercise, and Cognitive Exercise Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline for Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

This study aimed to investigate the association between a dual-task intervention program and cognitive and physical functions. In a randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 49 individuals with MCI. The MCI diagnosis was based on medical evaluations through a clinical interview conducted by a dementia specialist. Cognitive assessments were performed by neuropsychologists according to standardized methods, including the MMSE and modified Alzheimer’s disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), both at baseline and at 3 months follow-up. The program comprised physical activity and behavior modification, aerobic exercise, and a cognitive and exercise combined intervention program. Analysis of the subjects for group-time interactions revealed that the exercise group exhibited a significantly improved ADAS-Cog, working memory, and executive function. Total physical activity levels were associated with improvements in working memory function and the modified ADAS-Cog score, and the associations were stronger for daily moderate intensity activity than for daily step count. The 24-week combined intervention improved cognitive function and physical function in patients with MCI relative to controls. Encouraging participants to perform an additional 10 min of moderate physical activity under supervision, during ongoing intervention, may be more beneficial to prevent cognitive decline and improve exercise adherence.
Formation and Stability of Pea Proteins Nanoparticles Using Ethanol-Induced Desolvation

Protein nanoparticles have recently found a lot of interests due to their unique physicochemical properties and structure-functionality compared to the conventional proteins. The aim of this research was to synthesize pea protein nanoparticles (PPN) using ethanol-induced desolvation, to determine the changes in secondary structures and the particle stability in an aqueous dispersion. The nanoparticles were prepared by diluting 3.0 wt% pea protein solutions in 1–5 times ethanol at pH 3 and 10 at different temperatures. Higher ratios of ethanol caused greater extent of desolvation and larger sizes of PPN. After homogenization at 5000 psi for 5 min, PPN displayed uniform size distribution with a smaller size and higher zeta potential at pH 10 compared to pH 3. PPN prepared from a preliminary thermal treatment at 95 °C revealed a smaller size than those synthesized at 25 °C. Electron microscopy showed roughly spherical shape and extensively aggregated state of the nanoparticles. Addition of ethanol caused a reduction in β-sheets and an increase in α-helices and random coil structures of the proteins. When PPN were separated from ethanol and re-dispersed in deionized water (pH 7), they were stable over four weeks, although some solubilization of proteins leading to a loss in particle size was observed.
Papaverine use for radial artery sheath entrapment

Transradial approach currently represents the preferred arterial access approach for percutaneous coronary procedures primarily due to the reduced access-site complications compared with femoral access (1). However, because of its thinner caliber and higher sensitivity to mechanical and humoral stresses than other somatic vessels, radial artery is prone to spasm (2). In general, spasm is a benign complication that can be resolved with nitrates or Ca2+-channel blockers, but in some rare cases, the spasm is so severe and prolonged that it may lead to radial sheath entrapment, with documented rare cases of radial avulsion (3).
Dietary Vitamin B6 Intake Associated with a Decreased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study

Although the biological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of vitamin B6 on cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been reported on, epidemiological studies have yielded controversial results, and data on the Korean population are limited. This study examined the association between dietary vitamin B6 intake and CVD incidence in Koreans. A total of 9142 participants of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, aged 40–69 years, who did not have CVD or cancer at the baseline were included in the analysis. Dietary data were assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. CVD incidence was assessed using biennial questionnaires and confirmed through repeated personal interviews. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression models. After multivariate adjustment, a higher vitamin B6 intake was significantly associated with a decreased CVD risk in men (HR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.25–0.78); no such association was observed in women. Dose-response analysis confirmed the presence of inverse linearity between vitamin B6 intake and CVD incidence in men (p for nonlinearity = 0.3). A higher dietary intake level of vitamin B6 was associated with a reduced CVD risk in Korean men. These observations require further verification in other populations.
An unbiased approach elucidates variation in (S)-(+)-linalool, a context-specific mediator of a tri-trophic interaction in wild tobacco

Significance The monoterpene alcohol linalool, occurring as 2 enantiomers, is made by many organisms and mediates diverse ecological interactions, including the attraction of both herbivores and their predators to plants. The specific effect of linalool differs by enantiomer and across interactions. Here, we used a forward genetics approach, which identified linalool as a candidate indirect defense compound produced by the wild tobacco Nicotiana attenuata against the specialist herbivore Manduca sexta. Linalool emission varied by orders-of-magnitude across 26 N. attenuata accessions, due to geographically interspersed allelic variation of a linalool synthase gene. We identified specific effects of the enantiomer, but also plant genotype and ecological context, which determined linalool’s effect on M. sexta behavior within this plant–insect interaction. Plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mediate many interactions, and the function of common VOCs is especially likely to depend on ecological context. We used a genetic mapping population of wild tobacco, Nicotiana attenuata, originating from a cross of 2 natural accessions from Arizona and Utah, separated by the Grand Canyon, to dissect genetic variation controlling VOCs. Herbivory-induced leaf terpenoid emissions varied substantially, while green leaf volatile emissions were similar. In a field experiment, only emissions of linalool, a common VOC, correlated significantly with predation of the herbivore Manduca sexta by native predators. Using quantitative trait locus mapping and genome mining, we identified an (S)-(+)-linalool synthase (NaLIS). Genome resequencing, gene cloning, and activity assays revealed that the presence/absence of a 766-bp sequence in NaLIS underlies the variation of linalool emissions in 26 natural accessions. We manipulated linalool emissions and composition by ectopically expressing linalool synthases for both enantiomers, (S)-(+)- and (R)-(−)-linalool, reported to oppositely affect M. sexta oviposition, in the Arizona and Utah accessions. We used these lines to test ovipositing moths in increasingly complex environments. The enantiomers had opposite effects on oviposition preference, but the magnitude of the effect depended strongly both on plant genetic background, and complexity of the bioassay environment. Our study reveals that the emission of linalool, a common VOC, differs by orders-of-magnitude among geographically interspersed conspecific plants due to allelic variation in a linalool synthase, and that the response of a specialist herbivore to linalool depends on enantiomer, plant genotype, and environmental complexity.
Differences in Signaling Patterns on PI3K Inhibition Reveal Context Specificity in KRAS-Mutant Cancers

It is increasingly appreciated that drug response to different cancers driven by the same oncogene is different and may relate to differences in rewiring of signal transduction. We aimed to study differences in dynamic signaling changes within mutant KRAS (KRASMT), non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. We used an antibody-based phosphoproteomic platform to study changes in 50 phosphoproteins caused by seven targeted anticancer drugs in a panel of 30 KRASMT cell lines and cancer cells isolated from 10 patients with KRASMT cancers. We report for the first time significant differences in dynamic signaling between colorectal cancer and NSCLC cell lines exposed to clinically relevant equimolar concentrations of the pan-PI3K inhibitor pictilisib including a lack of reduction of p-AKTser473 in colorectal cancer cell lines (P = 0.037) and lack of compensatory increase in p-MEK in NSCLC cell lines (P = 0.036). Differences in rewiring of signal transduction between tumor types driven by KRASMT cancers exist and influence response to combination therapy using targeted agents.
The vascular protective role of oestradiol: a focus on postmenopausal oestradiol deficiency and aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

The steroid hormone, oestradiol, has pleiotropic functions. The protective effects of oestradiol are attributed to its anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anti‐atherogenic, anti‐apoptotic, vasodilatory activities and regulation of micro RNA. Oestradiol upregulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene expression and increases the production of nitric oxide, an important vasodilator. It suppresses the renin–angiotensin system and monitors haemodynamic stress. The hormone maintains the integrity of blood vessels by reducing oxidative stress while upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes and prevents vascular inflammation by regulating pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) occurring as a consequence of the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is a devastating cerebrovascular event, representing 5–7% of all strokes. Postmenopausal women are more susceptible to aSAH compared to men in the same age group. This gender disparity has been attributed to reduced levels of the vascular protective hormone oestradiol following menopause. This review is focused on the protective role of oestradiol on vasculature and how the drop in oestradiol levels after menopause dramatically increases the incidence of aSAH in women. During menopause, oestradiol deficiency may affect vascular integrity causing dysregulation of vascular homeostasis by affecting the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and inflammatory and apoptotic cascades, resulting in the weakening of the cerebral arterial wall and potentially to development of an aneurysm and its rupture. In view of the role of oestradiol in maintaining vascular integrity, treatments involving hormone replacement could be a promising approach in postmenopausal women who are at risk of developing or rupturing an intracranial aneurysm.
Mortality After Breast Cancer Among Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.

PURPOSE Female survivors of childhood cancer have a high risk of subsequent breast cancer. We describe the ensuing risk for mortality and additional breast cancers. PATIENTS AND METHODS Female participants in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, a cohort of 5-year survivors of cancer diagnosed between 1970 and 1986 before age 21 years, and subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer (n = 274; median age at breast cancer diagnosis, 38 years; range, 20 to 58 years) were matched to a control group (n = 1,095) with de novo breast cancer. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were estimated from cause-specific proportional hazards models. RESULTS Ninety-two childhood cancer survivors died, 49 as a result of breast cancer. Overall survival after breast cancer was 73% by 10 years. Subsequent risk of death as a result of any cause was higher among childhood cancer survivors than among controls (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.7 to 3.0) and remained elevated after adjusting for breast cancer treatment (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.7 to 3.2). Although breast cancer-specific mortality was modestly elevated among childhood cancer survivors (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.9 to 2.0), survivors were five times more likely to die as a result of other health-related causes, including other subsequent malignant neoplasms and cardiovascular or pulmonary disease (HR, 5.5; 95% CI, 3.4 to 9.0). The cumulative incidence of a second asynchronous breast cancer also was elevated significantly compared with controls (P < .001). CONCLUSION Mortality after breast cancer was higher in childhood cancer survivors than in women with de novo breast cancer. This increased mortality reflects the burden of comorbidity and highlights the need for risk-reducing interventions.