Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Inertial Measurement Unit-Based Wireless System for Shoulder Motion Assessment in Patients with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Validation Pilot Study in a Clinical Setting

Residual motion of upper limbs in individuals who experienced cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) is vital to achieve functional independence. Several interventions were developed to restore shoulder range of motion (ROM) in CSCI patients. However, shoulder ROM assessment in clinical practice is commonly limited to use of a simple goniometer. Conventional goniometric measurements are operator-dependent and require significant time and effort. Therefore, innovative technology for supporting medical personnel in objectively and reliably measuring the efficacy of treatments for shoulder ROM in CSCI patients would be extremely desirable. This study evaluated the validity of a customized wireless wearable sensors (Inertial Measurement Units—IMUs) system for shoulder ROM assessment in CSCI patients in clinical setting. Eight CSCI patients and eight healthy controls performed four shoulder movements (forward flexion, abduction, and internal and external rotation) with dominant arm. Every movement was evaluated with a goniometer by different testers and with the IMU system at the same time. Validity was evaluated by comparing IMUs and goniometer measurements using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Limits of Agreement (LOA). inter-tester reliability of IMUs and goniometer measurements was also investigated. Preliminary results provide essential information on the accuracy of the proposed wireless wearable sensors system in acquiring objective measurements of the shoulder movements in CSCI patients.
Comparing oculomotor efficiency and visual attention between drivers and non-drivers through the Adult Developmental Eye Movement (ADEM) test: A visual-verbal test

Objective The objective of this study was to assess and compare drivers’ and non-drivers’ outcomes in the Adult Developmental Eye Movement test (ADEM), a visual-verbal test that measures the time needed to read series of numbers in both a vertical and horizontal reading pattern. A set of driving parameters (i.e., experience, risk exposure, and day and night perceived difficulty) and demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, and academic level) were considered as potential predictors of the test performance. Methods For this cross-sectional study, 302 healthy subjects (age range 20 to 86 years old) completed a self-reported questionnaire aimed at retrieving data on the independent variables, and underwent the ADEM in order to obtain the dependent outcomes. 214 (70.9%) of the participants were drivers. Non-parametric analyses and multilevel linear regression were used to assess differences between the variables and a prediction model. Also, some correlations were evaluated through the Spearman test. Results Drivers showed significantly better test performance than non-drivers. The age, driving experience, and perceived difficulty in driving at night were obtained as potential predictors of the test performance with the applied linear regression model. Conclusion The ADEM may be a practical, non-expensive, easy-to-apply tool in the assessment of drivers, useful for obtaining or renewing the driving license. This test may help in the detection of impairments in the saccadic efficiency that could have a detrimental effect on the driving performance.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor inhibits neutrophil apoptosis by inducing cytokine release from mononuclear cells

The chemokine‐like inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pivotal driver of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity, and cancer. MIF modulates the early inflammatory response through various mechanisms, including regulation of neutrophil recruitment and fate, but the mechanisms and the role of the more recently described MIF homolog MIF‐2 (D‐dopachrome tautomerase; D‐DT) are incompletely understood. Here, we show that both MIF and MIF‐2/D‐DT inhibit neutrophil apoptosis. This is not a direct effect, but involves the activation of mononuclear cells, which secrete CXCL8 and other prosurvival mediators to promote neutrophil survival. Individually, CXCL8 and MIF (or MIF‐2) did not significantly inhibit neutrophil apoptosis, but in combination they elicited a synergistic response, promoting neutrophil survival even in the absence of mononuclear cells. The use of receptor‐specific inhibitors provided evidence for a causal role of the noncognate MIF receptor CXCR2 expressed on both monocytes and neutrophils in MIF‐mediated neutrophil survival. We suggest that the ability to inhibit neutrophil apoptosis contributes to the proinflammatory role ascribed to MIF, and propose that blocking the interaction between MIF and CXCR2 could be an important anti‐inflammatory strategy in the early inflammatory response.
Gene expression profiles of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of psoriasis patients

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are involved in the pathological process. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels expressed in immune cells have been shown to be associated with inflammatory diseases. We aimed to evaluate mRNA expression levels of TRP channels in PBMCs of patients with psoriasis. 30 patients with plaque psoriasis and 30 healthy age- and gender-matched control subjects were included in this study. mRNA expression levels of TRP channels in psoriasis patients were determined by Real-time polymerase chain reaction. A decreased TRPM4, TRPM7, TRPV3, TRPV4, and TRPC6 genes expression levels were found in the patient group compared to controls, respectively (p = 0.045, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.045, p = 0.009), whereas, an increased expression level was found in TRPM2 and TRPV1 genes in the patient group compared to controls (p = 0.001 and p = 0.028). This is the first study showing the TRP channel mRNA expressions in PBMCs of psoriasis patients. Different expression patterns of TRP channels may have a role in pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Diffusional Deposition of Charged Latex Particles on Water−Solid Interfaces at Low Ionic Strength

The deposition of positively charged latex particles with radii between 20 and 100 nm on a negatively charged mica surface is investigated with atomic force microscopy at low ionic strengths. The polystyrene latex spheres with amidine headgroups are characterized as to their size distribution, electrophoretic mobility, and aggregation behavior. Surface coverage measurements take into account the polydispersity of the particles on the surface. Deposition kinetics from a quiescent solution are, for low coverage, in good agreement with diffusion-limited adsorption. At long times, the surface coverage tends toward a maximum surface coverage θmax independent of the particle concentration but depending on ionic strength. This work extends the available data for θmax for small particle size and very low ionic strengths. The values for θmax decrease with decreasing ionic strength; this trend is described with a simple model based on random sequential adsorption and the effect of overlapping double layers. Particl.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND RESIDUE ANALYSIS OF HONEY FROM BLACK SEA REGION OF TURKEY

Honey samples obtained from Black Sea Region of Turkey were screened for physicochemical quality as well as the presence of heavy metals and minerals, veterinary drugs (antibiotics), pesticide and naphthalene residues. Mean values obtained for physicochemical parameters were 5.42±0.02 pH; 16.66±0.12% moisture; 67.54±0.49% invert sugar; 3.62±0.13% sucrose; 0.2±0.01% ash; 0.48±0.03 mS/cm electrical conductivity; 24.97±0.27 meq/kg acidity; 8.86±0.38 mg/kg hydroxymethylfurfuraldehyde, and 10.45±0.26 diastase activity. In the analysed samples, potassium was the major element, and manganese the minor one. Mean values obtained were (mg/kg): Ca, 4.83±0.33; K, 195.29±5.28; Mg, 19.97±0.88; Na, 10.75±0.23; Mn, 0.34±0.05; B, 0.71±0.04. The contents of heavy metals (Cu, 0.18±0.01; Zn, 0.16±0.01; Cd, 0.07±0.00; Fe, 1.66±0.04; Ba, 1.02±0.03; Ni, 0.14±0.01; Al, 0.021±0.001 mg/kg; Cr, 6.58±0.28; Pb, 6.99±0.31 µg/kg) were within permitted levels. 32.5 % of the examined samples had drug residues at least one kind. Only the honey samples from Artvin had no residue of veterinary drugs (streptomycin, tetracyclines and sulphonamides). Amitraz and flumethrin were detected in 44 (21%) and 73 (34.9%) samples at concentration ranging from 57.9 to 167.4 ppb and 20.9 to 38.6 ppb, respectively. Although the mean value for naphthalene residue was found to be 4.04±0.48 µg/kg, it was understood that using of naphthalene had been progressing. The results obtained for physicochemical characteristics of Black Sea Region honeys indicate a good quality level, adequate processing, good maturity and freshness. But in terms of residues of antibiotics, pesticides and naphthalene, the beekeepers should be educated on the value and importance of the quality of honey, and further investigations are needed.
Outcomes for studies assessing the efficacy of hemostatic therapies in persons with congenital bleeding disorders

Management strategies and hemostatic treatments to achieve control of bleeding are relevant across many disease areas. Identification of primary outcomes for studies assessing hemostatic intervention was the objective of a National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) sponsored multidisciplinary initiative. The aim of this report is to summarize the evidence reviewed, and the outcomes identified by the subgroup tasked to assess outcomes for inherited bleeding disorders.
Reliability and validity of the Korean version of the University of California–Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract instrument in patients with systemic sclerosis

Background/Aims Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) changes. The University of California–Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract (UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0) instrument is a self-administered GI assessment instrument for patients with SSc. We developed a Korean version of the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 instrument and evaluated its reliability and internal consistency. Methods The participants were 37 Korean patients with SSc. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 were performed according to international standardized guidelines. We evaluated reproducibility by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients and assessed the internal consistency of the Korean version of the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0. We assessed its construct validity by evaluating its correlations with the Short Form Health Survey version 2 and EQ-5D scores by means of Spearman correlation analyses. Results Patients with SSc were mostly women (89.19%) with a mean age of 52.2 years, median disease duration of 24 months, and median modified Rodnan total skin score of 4. The median total GIT score on the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 was 0.3. The UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 Korean version showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α of total GIT score = 0.863). Most domains of the ULCA SCTC GIT 2.0 were correlated with those of the EuroQol (EQ)-5D score. Conclusions The Korean version of the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 has acceptable internal consistency, reliability, and validity. Therefore, it can be used to assess GIT involvement in Korean patients with SSc.
Disruption of the Complex between GAPDH and Hsp70 Sensitizes C6 Glioblastoma Cells to Hypoxic Stress

Hypoxia, which commonly accompanies tumor growth, depending on its strength may cause the enhancement of tumorigenicity of cancer cells or their death. One of the proteins targeted by hypoxia is glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and we demonstrated here that hypoxia mimicked by treating C6 rat glioblastoma cells with cobalt chloride caused an up-regulation of the enzyme expression, while further elevation of hypoxic stress caused the enzyme aggregation concomitantly with cell death. Reduction or elevation of GAPDH performed with the aid of specific shRNAs resulted in the augmentation of the tumorigenicity of C6 cells or their sensitization to hypoxic stress. Another hypoxia-regulated protein, Hsp70 chaperone, was shown to prevent the aggregation of oxidized GAPDH and to reduce hypoxia-mediated cell death. In order to release the enzyme molecules from the chaperone, we employed its inhibitor, derivative of colchicine. The compound was found to substantially increase aggregation of GAPDH and to sensitize C6 cells to hypoxia both in vitro and in animals bearing tumors with distinct levels of the enzyme expression. In conclusion, blocking the chaperonic activity of Hsp70 and its interaction with GAPDH may become a promising strategy to overcome tumor resistance to multiple environmental stresses and enhance existing therapeutic tools.
Recent Achievements in Dyes Removal Focused on Advanced Oxidation Processes Integrated with Biological Methods

In the last 3 years alone, over 10,000 publications have appeared on the topic of dye removal, including over 300 reviews. Thus, the topic is very relevant, although there are few articles on the practical applications on an industrial scale of the results obtained in research laboratories. Therefore, in this review, we focus on advanced oxidation methods integrated with biological methods, widely recognized as highly efficient treatments for recalcitrant wastewater, that have the best chance of industrial application. It is extremely important to know all the phenomena and mechanisms that occur during the process of removing dyestuffs and the products of their degradation from wastewater to prevent their penetration into drinking water sources. Therefore, particular attention is paid to understanding the mechanisms of both chemical and biological degradation of dyes, and the kinetics of these processes, which are important from a design point of view, as well as the performance and implementation of these operations on a larger scale.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MT-1207, a novel multitarget blocker of α1 receptor, 5-HT2A receptor, and calcium channel, in healthy subjects

ABSTRACT Background MT-1207 is a novel multitarget blocker of α1 receptor, 5-HT2A receptor, and calcium channel that is currently under development for the treatment of hypertension. In this study, we evaluated the tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of MT-1207 in healthy Chinese subjects. Research design and methods We examined the effects of a single-ascending dose (SAD) of MT-1207 (5–40 mg) and MT-1207 (40 mg) administered in combination with food in 56 healthy subjects. Results No serious adverse events or discontinuations due to adverse events (related to MT-1207) occurred in either study. MT-1207 was rapidly absorbed (median Tmax: 0.5–1.25 h). The mean t1/2 of MT-1207 was approximately 4–7 hours. Systemic exposure (Cmax and AUC) to MT-1207 increased in proportion to dose. Food had little effect on the pharmacokinetics of MT-1207, such as t1/2 and AUC. For 4h–24 h after administration, the blood pressure reduction in the MT-1207 group was higher than that in the placebo group, showing the antihypertensive effect. Blood pressure reduction after MT-1207 administration showed some dose-dependent trend in the 5–20 mg groups. Conclusions MT-1207 was well tolerated in all subjects. PD measurements demonstrated the antihypertensive effects of MT-1207.
On-chip redox cycling techniques for electrochemical detection

Abstract During the last two decades, redox cycling techniques have evolved as a promising technique for the electrochemical detection of molecules that can undergo subsequent redox reactions. In particular, chip-based techniques received growing attention due to the option of parallel fabrication and easy integration into lab-on-a-chip devices. In here, we provide a review on current implementations of on-chip redox cycling sensors. Advantages and limitations of various approaches are discussed with regard to their fabrication process and performance.
Human Paraoxonase-2 (PON2): Protein Functions and Modulation

PON1, PON2, and PON3 belong to a family of lactone hydrolyzing enzymes endowed with various substrate specificities. Among PONs, PON2 shows the highest hydrolytic activity toward many acyl-homoserine lactones (acyl-HL) involved in bacterial quorum-sensing signaling. Accordingly, defense against pathogens, such as Brevundimonas aeruginosa (B. aeruginosa), was postulated to be the principal function of PON2. However, recent findings have highlighted the importance of PON2 in oxidative stress control, inhibition of apoptosis, and the progression of various types of malignancies. This review focuses on all of these aspects of PON2.
CHARACTERISTICS OF GELATIN BIOFILMS IN RELATION TO DRYING PROCESS CONDITIONS NEAR MELTING

ABSTRACT Biofilms are edible films formed from biopolymers. In the casting process technique, the biofilm is obtained by the drying of a colloidal solution in the final process stage The aim of this work was to analyse the drying process of gelatin based biofilms, in room frontier conditions. The biofilms were prepared initially by dissolving gelatin in water and adding sorbitol as plasticizer. The filmogenic solution was dried in an automatic drier under various drying conditions, for 1mm film: air temperature (T= 35, 40 and 45 °C), relative humidity (ϕ= 60 and 75 %) and air velocity (v= 3m/s). The drying kinetics was measured for 15, 30 and 45 % sorbitol concentrations. Sorption isotherms at 25, 35 and 45 °C were determined for the 15% sorbitol concentration films by the static gravimetric method. The glass transition and the melting temperature for various moisture contents were determined with a Differential Scanning Calorimeter TA 2010. The results showed an unusual behaviour for temperature dependen.
Oxidative Stress and Low-Grade Inflammation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Controversies and New Insights

The pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is quite complex and different mechanisms could contribute to hyperandrogenism and anovulation, which are the main features of the syndrome. Obesity and insulin-resistance are claimed as the principal factors contributing to the clinical presentation; in normal weight PCOS either, increased visceral adipose tissue has been described. However, their role is still debated, as debated are the biochemical markers linked to obesity per se. Oxidative stress (OS) and low-grade inflammation (LGI) have recently been a matter of researcher attention; they can influence each other in a reciprocal vicious cycle. In this review, we summarize the main mechanism of radical generation and the link with LGI. Furthermore, we discuss papers in favor or against the role of obesity as the first pathogenetic factor, and show how OS itself, on the contrary, can induce obesity and insulin resistance; in particular, the role of GH-IGF-1 axis is highlighted. Finally, the possible consequences on vitamin D synthesis and activation on the immune system are briefly discussed. This review intends to underline the key role of oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation in the physiopathology of PCOS, they can cause or worsen obesity, insulin-resistance, vitamin D deficiency, and immune dyscrasia, suggesting an inverse interaction to what is usually considered.
Knockdown of KIF15 promotes cell apoptosis by activating crosstalk of multiple pathways in ovarian cancer: bioinformatic and experimental analysis.

BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal malignancy of women. Unlimited proliferation is a fundamental feature of OC cells. The genes associated with cell proliferation may be histopathologic biomarkers and targets of anti-tumor therapeutic strategies. The present study aimed to identify proliferation-associated biomarkers with prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic value and reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of candidate genes involved in OC by a combination of bioinformatic and experimental methods. RESULTS KIF15 was upregulated in early-stage OC tissues and could predict poor prognosis of patients of Stage I and II. The knockdown of KIF15 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, tumor formation, and growth as well as promoting apoptosis of OC cells. A combination of experimental and bioinformatic analyses revealed KIF15 knockdown promoted cell apoptosis by activating crosstalk of multiple pathways in OC. CONCLUSION KIF15, an early-stage prognostic gene, was identified as a candidate histopathologic biomarker and therapeutic target of OC.
Moderate Mocha Coffee Consumption Is Associated with Higher Cognitive and Mood Status in a Non-Demented Elderly Population with Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Disease

To date, interest in the role of coffee intake in the occurrence and course of age-related neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders has provided an inconclusive effect. Moreover, no study has evaluated mocha coffee consumption in subjects with mild vascular cognitive impairment and late-onset depression. We assessed the association between different quantities of mocha coffee intake over the last year and cognitive and mood performance in a homogeneous sample of 300 non-demented elderly Italian subjects with subcortical ischemic vascular disease. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Stroop Colour-Word Interference Test (Stroop T), 17-items Hamilton Depression Rating Scalfe (HDRS), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Instrumental ADL were the outcome measures. MMSE, HDRS, and Stroop T were independently and significantly associated with coffee consumption, i.e., better scores with increasing intake. At the post-hoc analyses, it was found that the group with a moderate intake (two cups/day) had similar values compared to the heavy drinkers (≥three cups/day), with the exception of MMSE. Daily mocha coffee intake was associated with higher cognitive and mood status, with a significant dose-response association even with moderate consumption. This might have translational implications for the identification of modifiable factors for vascular dementia and geriatric depression.
Global Network Organization of the Fetal Functional Connectome.

Recent advances in brain imaging have enabled non-invasive in vivo assessment of the fetal brain. Characterizing brain development in healthy fetuses provides baseline measures for identifying deviations in brain function in high-risk clinical groups. We examined 110 resting state MRI data sets from fetuses at 19 to 40 weeks' gestation. Using graph-theoretic techniques, we characterized global organizational features of the fetal functional connectome and their prenatal trajectories. Topological features related to network integration (i.e., global efficiency) and segregation (i.e., clustering) were assessed. Fetal networks exhibited small-world topology, showing high clustering and short average path length relative to reference networks. Likewise, fetal networks' quantitative small world indices met criteria for small-worldness (σ > 1, ω = [-0.5 0.5]). Along with this, fetal networks demonstrated global and local efficiency, economy, and modularity. A right-tailed degree distribution, suggesting the presence of central areas that are more highly connected to other regions, was also observed. Metrics, however, were not static during gestation; measures associated with segregation-local efficiency and modularity-decreased with advancing gestational age. Altogether, these suggest that the neural circuitry underpinning the brain's ability to segregate and integrate information exists as early as the late 2nd trimester of pregnancy and reorganizes during the prenatal period. Significance statement. Mounting evidence for the fetal origins of some neurodevelopmental disorders underscores the importance of identifying features of healthy fetal brain functional development. Alterations in prenatal brain connectomics may serve as early markers for identifying fetal-onset neurodevelopmental disorders, which in turn provide improved surveillance of at-risk fetuses and support the initiation of early interventions.