Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Habitual Physical Activity and Sedentariness in Older Adults—Different Outcomes of Two Simultaneously Body-Worn Motion Sensor Approaches and a Self-Estimation

Applicable and accurate assessment methods are required for a clinically relevant quantification of habitual physical activity (PA) levels and sedentariness in older adults. The aim of this study is to compare habitual PA and sedentariness, as assessed with (1) a wrist-worn actigraph, (2) a hybrid motion sensor attached to the lower back, and (3) a self-estimation based on a questionnaire. Over the course of one week, PA of 58 community-dwelling subjectively healthy older adults was recorded. The results indicate that actigraphy overestimates the PA levels in older adults, whereas sedentariness is underestimated when compared to the hybrid motion sensor approach. Significantly longer durations (hh:mm/day) for all PA intensities were assessed with the actigraph (light: 04:19; moderate to vigorous: 05:08) when compared to the durations (hh:mm/day) that were assessed with the hybrid motion sensor (light: 01:24; moderate to vigorous: 02:21) and the self-estimated durations (hh:mm/day) (light: 02:33; moderate to vigorous: 03:04). Actigraphy-assessed durations of sedentariness (14:32 hh:mm/day) were significantly shorter when compared to the durations assessed with the hybrid motion sensor (20:15 hh:mm/day). Self-estimated duration of light intensity was significantly shorter when compared to the results of the hybrid motion sensor. The results of the present study highlight the importance of an accurate quantification of habitual PA levels and sedentariness in older adults. The use of hybrid motion sensors can offer important insights into the PA levels and PA types (e.g., sitting, lying) and it can increase the knowledge about mobility-related PA and patterns of sedentariness, while actigraphy appears to be not recommendable for this purpose.
Effects of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the SLC27A3 Gene on the Nutritional Value of Sheep Milk

Simple Summary The aim of the present study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SLC27A3 gene in sheep and to analyse correlations between selected genotypes and the nutritional value of milk. Milk and dairy products are basic elements of the human diet, due to their components having functional properties. Genetic potential of animals should be used to obtain food with the best technological and nutritional parameters. Results from the presented study suggest that milk from sheep with TT genotype at SNP4 is characterised by good technological and nutritional value. A high content of unsaturated fatty acids is observed in milk from sheep with GG in SNP1 and with CC in SNP3 of the SLC27A3 gene. Abstract The current research was undertaken to use the genetic potential of animals to obtain high-quality dairy products. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SLC27A3 gene were identified in Zošľachtená valaška sheep using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Correlations between genotypes and milk composition and nutritional value were analysed This study showed that milk from sheep with TT genotype in the SNP4 locus was characterised by higher (p < 0.01) fat and dry matter content and lower lactose concentration, compared to sheep with AA and TA genotypes, respectively. Moreover, it was found that animals with GG genotype in SNP1 produced milk with higher C18:1n9c, C18:1n7t, CLA, and other unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) content than sheep with TT. Additionally, milk from animals with CC at the SNP3 locus had significantly higher (p < 0.01) levels of UFAs than milk from sheep with other genotypes in the SNP3. In summary, it may be concluded that milk from animals with TT genotype of SNP4 is characterised by higher fat and dry matter content. Whereas, milk from sheep with GG in SNP1 and with CC in SNP3 is characterised by higher content of UFAs, which increases milk value as material for functional food production.
University Course Scheduling System (UCSS): a UML application with database and visual programming

Course scheduling of universities is a large, complex, and time-consuming task. Along the time line of each classroom slots must be able to be allocated to instructors and their classes of different departments without violating any predefined rules. This paper describes the use of UML (Unified Modeling Language) in a course scheduling system which is designed to assist users to solve this resource-constrained timetabling problem. The system is written in Visual Basic . NET and SQL Server 2000 and is successfully deployed to support two schools' course scheduling tasks in Arkansas Tech University.
Improved Predictive Tools for Structural Properties of Metal–Organic Frameworks

The accurate determination of structural parameters is necessary to understand the electronic and magnetic properties of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and is a first step toward accurate calculations of electronic structure and function for separations and catalysis. Theoretical structural determination of metal-organic frameworks is particularly challenging because they involve ionic, covalent, and noncovalent interactions, which must be treated in a balanced fashion. Here, we apply a diverse group of local exchange-correlation functionals (PBE, PBEsol, PBE-D2, PBE-D3, vdW-DF2, SOGGA, MN15-L, revM06-L, SCAN, and revTPSS) to a broad test set of MOFs to seek the most accurate functionals to study various structural aspects of porous solids, in particular to study lattice constants, unit cell volume, two types of pore size characteristics, bond lengths, bond angles, and torsional angles). The recently developed meta functionals revM06-L and SCAN, without adding any molecular mechanics terms, are able to predict more accurate structures than previously recommended functionals, both those without molecular mechanics terms (PBE, PBEsol, vdW-DF2, and revTPSS) and those with them (PBE-D2 and PBE-D3). To provide a broader test, these two functionals are also tested for lattice constants and band gaps of unary, binary, and ternary semiconductors.
Endocrine and glycolipid metabolism characteristics of diminished ovarian reserve in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective This study was performed to evaluate the endocrine and glycolipid metabolism characteristics of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) in Chinese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods In total, 1179 patients with PCOS and 70 healthy women who presented to the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology in Ren Ji Hospital from June 2015 and June 2019 were enrolled in this study. Parameters of endocrine and glycolipid metabolism were measured. The differences in indices among the control group, simple PCOS group, and PCOS with DOR group were analyzed. Results The prevalence of DOR in Chinese women with PCOS was 20.8%. The body mass index and waist/hip ratio were significantly higher in the simple PCOS group than in the PCOS with DOR group. There were significant differences in the concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, testosterone, and androstenedione among the three groups. The fasting serum insulin concentration and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were significantly higher in the simple PCOS group than in the PCOS with DOR group. Conclusions The endocrine and glycolipid metabolism characteristics were different between the simple PCOS group and PCOS with DOR group.
A novel mouse model of autoimmune thyroiditis induced by immunization with adenovirus containing full-length thyroglobulin cDNA: Implications to genetic studies of thyroid autoimmunity.

BACKGROUND Thyroglobulin (TG) is a key autoantigen in autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TG locus were shown to be strongly associated with disease susceptibility in both humans and mice, and autoimmune response to TG is the earliest event in the development of thyroid autoimmunity in mice. The classical model of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) is induced by immunizing mice with TG protein together with an adjuvant to break down immune tolerance. The classical EAT model has limited utility in genetic studies of TG since it does not allow testing the effects of TG sequence variants on the development of autoimmune thyroiditis. In the present study, we have immunized CBA-J mice, an EAT-susceptible strain, with an adenovirus vector encoding the full-length human TG (hTG) in order to generate a model of EAT in which the TG sequence can be manipulated to test AITD associated-TG SNPs. METHODS We immunized CBA-J mice with hTG-expressing adenovirus following the well recognized Experimental Graves' Disease (EAGD) protocol that also uses an adenovirus vector to deliver the immunogen. RESULTS Following hTG adenovirus immunizations, mice developed higher T-cell proliferative and cytokine responses to hTG and TG2098 (a major T-cell epitope in AITD) and higher titers of TG and thyroperoxidase (TPO) autoantibodies compared to mice immunized with control LacZ-expressing adenovirus. The mice, however, did not develop thyroidal lymphocytic infiltration and hypothyroidism. CONCLUSIONS Our data describe a novel murine model of autoimmune thyroiditis which does not require the use of adjuvants to break down tolerance and that will allow investigators to test the effects of hTG variants in the pathoetiology of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT).
The Role of medicinal herbs in treatment of insulin resistance in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A literature review

Abstract Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine abnormalities in women. Due to the side effects of drugs, the tendency to use natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to regulate metabolism, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperlipidemia in PCOS patients has been increased. This review aimed to investigate the role of herbal substances on the treatment of PCOS. Methods The present review was carried out using keywords such as polycystic ovary syndrome and/or PCOS and/or herb. Databases including Web of Science, PubMed, and Science Direct were used to collect all related articles published from 1990 to 2019. We excluded studies unrelated to the PCOS and medical herbs. Results Overall, 361 records were identified through database searching. After primary screening and the full-texts assessment, 323 records were excluded, and 38 articles were finally included. The results indicate that some medicinal herbs may have a key role in treating PCOS. The compounds in these medical herbs can affect lipid profiles (Aloe vera, chamomile, and cinnamon), insulin resistance (cinnamon, chamomile, Aloe vera, and Camellia sinensis), blood glucose (Aloe vera, cinnamon, and Camellia sinensis), hormones (Aloe vera, silymarin, chamomile, fenugreek, Camellia sinensis, Heracleum persicum, Potentilla, Mentha spicata, Foeniculum vulgar, licorice, and Marrubium), and ovarian tissue (Aloe vera, chamomile, Camellia sinensis, Mentha spicata, and silymarin). Conclusion Natural substances such as Aloe vera, cinnamon, green tea, fenugreek, and silymarin can be used as a new supportive care for PCOS. Further clinical trials are warranted to confirm their benefits and safety.
Negative Energy Balance Influences Nutritional Quality of Milk from Czech Fleckvieh Cows due Changes in Proportion of Fatty Acids

Simple Summary The intensity of negative energy balance period could potentially affect milk quality, mainly through its influence on milk composition. Fatty acid composition in milk affects its nutritional value for human consumption, because individual fatty acids have various effects on the human organism. The aim of our study was to describe the influence of negative energy balance on fatty acids proportion in milk of Czech Fleckvieh cows. Our results showed that cows in deep negative energy balance produced milk with a healthier proportion of fatty acids from a human nutrition standpoint. These cows experienced higher physiological stress after calving and are more susceptible to diseases and premature culling. Nowadays, farmers demand healthier and less problematic cows, while consumers ask for improved welfare and nutritionally balanced dairy products. However, using this phenomenon to improve nutritional value of milk might be opposed by consumers, farmers and even current breeding goals. These are currently focused on improving vitality, robustness, and longevity of dairy cows. Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of negative energy balance on fatty acids proportion in the milk of Czech Fleckvieh cows after calving. Milk quality was determined based on fatty acid group proportion. Milk quality was evaluated in relation to selected negative energy balance (NEB) traits: body condition change (DEC) and milk citric acid content (CAC) after calving. Milk samples (n = 992) were collected once per week from 248 Czech Fleckvieh cows during the first month of lactation. Fatty acid content (%) in milk samples was determined and results were grouped as saturated (SFA) (hypercholesterolemic or volatile fatty acids) or unsaturated (UFA) (monounsaturated or polyunsaturated). Our results showed that cows with a deep NEB produce milk that is healthier for human consumption. Cows with a more significant DEC or the highest level of CAC in milk had the lowest proportion of SFA and the highest proportion of UFA (p < 0.01). These cows experienced higher physiological stress after calving; however, they produced milk of higher nutritional quality. Nowadays, we can see preventive efforts to mitigate NEB periods as a result of modern breeding trends regarding vitality, robustness, or longevity.
Epidemiology and screening of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is global problem with 1.36 million new cases each year. Moreover it is the third most common cancer in men worldwide (746,000; 10%) and second most common in women (614,000 cases; 9.2%). The main characteristic of colorectal cancer is slow development and long presympthomatic phase, so it make possible for early diagnose as well as prevention by removing polyps. Faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) for early detection of colorectal cancer is an evidence based, cost-effective screening strategy and is the most commonly chosen approach in organised population-based colorectal cancer screening programmes throughout the world. There are two main kinds of tests-one guaiac based which detects hem in haemoglobin and other, immunochemical directed to detect protein part globuline. All FOBT positive persons are sent to colonoscopy. CRC incidence and mortality data in Croatia still show high values, especially in males so national colorectal cancer screening programme started in Croatia under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (now the Ministry of Health) at the end of 2007. All citizens age 50-74 years are invited to programme. First cycle lasted longer due to legal and financial difficulties related to the harmonization of legislation with EU law and finished in 2012. Response rate was 21%, so the second cycle started in September 2013thin reorganized form which includes educational and promotive campaign and participation of primary care physicians and field nurses.
Utility of LysM-cre and Cdh5-cre Driver Mice in Retinal and Brain Research: An Imaging Study Using tdTomato Reporter Mouse

Purpose The lysozyme 2 (Lyz2 or LysM) cre mouse is extensively used to achieve genetic manipulation in myeloid cells and it has been widely employed in retinal research. However, LysM has been recently described to be expressed in brain neurons and there is a debate on whether it is also expressed by resident microglia in addition to infiltrating macrophages. Methods We examined LysM-cre recombination in retinal tissue using a LysM-cre/tdTomato reporter mouse together with immunolabeling for several retinal cell markers. We further compared LysM-cre tdTomato recombination with that of Cdh5-cre driver, which is expressed in both endothelial and hematopoietic cells. Results LysM-cre was strongly expressed in most microglia/resident macrophages in neonatal retinas (P8) and to a lesser extent in microglia of adult retinas. In addition, there was some neuronal recombination (8 %) of LysM-cre specifically in adult retinal ganglion cells and amacrine cells. After retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury, LysM-cre was strongly expressed in microglia/infiltrating macrophages. Cdh5-cre was expressed in endothelial and myeloid cells of P8 pups retinas. Unexpectedly, Cdh5 showed additional expression in adult mouse retinal ganglion cells and brain neurons. Conclusions LysM-cre is expressed in macrophages and a subset of microglia together with a small but significant recombination of LysM-cre in the retinal neurons of adult mice. Cdh5 also showed some neuronal expression in both retina and brain of adult mice. These findings should be taken into consideration when interpreting results from central nervous system research using LysM-cre and Cdh5-cre mice.
Flexible Foraging Response of Wintering Hooded Cranes (Grus monacha) to Food Availability in the Lakes of the Yangtze River Floodplain, China

Simple Summary With increasing human activity, bird habitats are being degraded and lost. In order to survive, birds have to adapt to the deteriorating environment. In this study, we surveyed the availability of food resources to Hooded Cranes in a degraded wetland. We found that cranes adopted flexible foraging strategies in response to the abundance and availability of different food resources in mosaic wetland landscapes at different periods during winter. The results also showed that the deeper the food was buried, the more time the cranes spent, and foraging frequency and foraging success rate were based on food abundance. It provided an evidence basis for the protection and management of waterbirds, especially Hooded Cranes. Abstract Wetlands are disappearing or degrading at an unprecedented rate due to the increase in human encroachment and disturbance, eventually leading to habitat loss for waterbirds, which is the primary cause of the decline in the Hooded Crane (Grus monacha) population. The Hooded Cranes have to constantly adjust their foraging strategies to survive to cope with this situation. In order to study how cranes respond to food resources in mosaic habitat, we surveyed a total of 420 food quadrats and 736 behavioral samples from three habitats during three wintering periods in Shengjin Lake and Caizi Lake. We measured temporal and between-habitat differences in foraging time budget, foraging frequency, and foraging success rate. Akaike’s information criterion was selected between the models of food abundance and availability. The results indicated that the wintering cranes spent the majority of their time (66.55%) foraging and shifted their foraging behaviors based upon food abundance and availability in different habitats. Our analyses also indicated that cranes were willing to forage more food with poor sediment penetrability in sub-optimal habitats. Foraging time budget was based on the food depth, and the foraging frequency and foraging success rate were based on food abundance. Cranes adopted flexible foraging strategies in response to the alternative food resources in mosaic wetland habitats, as it could mitigate the negative impacts of habitat loss and facilitate survival.
The Assessment of Carbon Dioxide Dissociation Using a Single-Mode Microwave Plasma Generator

This paper focuses on the dissociation of carbon dioxide (CO2) following the absorption processes of microwave radiation by noncontact metal wire (tungsten). Using a microwave plasma generator (MPG) with a single-mode cavity, we conducted an interaction of microwaves with a noncontact electrode in a CO2 atmosphere. High energy levels of electromagnetic radiation are generated in the focal point of the MPG’s cylindrical cavity. The metal wires are vaporized and ionized from this area, subsequently affecting the dissociation of CO2. The CO2 dissociation is highlighted through plasma characterization and carbon monoxide (CO) quantity determination. For plasma characterization, we used an optical emission spectroscopy method (OES), and for CO quantity determination, we used a gas analyzer instrument. Using an MPG in the CO2 atmosphere, we obtained a high electron temperature of the plasma and a strong dissociation of CO2. After 20 s of the interaction between microwaves and noncontact electrodes, the quantity of CO increased from 3 ppm to 1377 ppm (0.13% CO). This method can be used in space applications to dissociate CO2 and refresh the atmosphere of closed spaces.
Icosapent ethyl: drug profile and evidence of reduced residual cardiovascular risk in patients with statin-managed LDL-C cholesterol

ABSTRACT Introduction: Icosapent ethyl (IPE) is a highly purified (>96%) form of eicosapentanoic acid, a marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid known to reduce serum triglyceride (TG) levels. In the Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT), the addition of 4 g IPE daily resulted in a 25% reduction in cardiovascular events beyond statins and other standard of care therapies. IPE is now the only therapy currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat patients with elevated TGs (150–499 mg/dL) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or Type 2 diabetes mellitus and two or more CVD risk factors. Areas covered IPE is a highly purified form of eicosapentanoic acid for patients with elevated TGs as monotherapy or combined with statins and/or other lipid lowering therapies. The REDUCE-IT Study demonstrated a 25% reduction in the primary outcome measure and 30% reduction in total CVD events in high-risk patients with elevated TGs (135–499 mg/dL) assigned to IPE (4 g daily). Side effects included a statistically significant increased risk of atrial fibrillation and bleeding, although the risk of stroke was reduced and there were no cases of fatal bleeding. The FDA recently approved IPE for treatment of patients with TG levels of 150–499 mg/dL and preexisting CVD or Type 2 diabetes mellitus with two or more risk factors. Expert opinion IPE has proven to be superior to other forms of omega 3 fatty acid in reducing CVD risk in patients with elevated TG. This could be attributed to multiple factors including the use of highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl esters without docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), thus preventing the increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol associated with DHA especially at high TG levels, reduction in atherogenic TG-rich particles, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, improvement in endothelial function, and stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque.