Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Examination of Serum Acylcarnitine and Amino Acid Profiles at Different Time Point of Ketogenic Diet Therapy and Their Association of Ketogenic Diet Effectiveness

Background: This study aimed to identify metabolic parameters at different time points of ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) and investigate their association with response to KDT in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Methods: Prospectively, twenty-nine patients (0.67~20 years old) with DRE received classic ketogenic diet with non-fasting, gradual KD initiation protocol (GRAD-KD) for 1 year were enrolled. A total of 22 patients remaining in study received blood examinations at baseline, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months of KDT. β-hydroxybutyrate, free carnitine, acylcarnitines, and amino acids were compared between responders (seizure reduction rate ≥ 50%) and non-responders (seizure reduction rate < 50%) to identify the effectiveness of KDT. Results: The 12-month retention rate was 76%. The responders after 12 months of KDT were 59% (13/22). The free carnitine level decreased significantly at 9th months (p < 0.001) but increased toward baseline without symptoms. Propionyl carnitine (C3), Isovaleryl carnitine (C5), 3-Hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine (C5:OH) and methylmalonyl carnitine (C4-DC) decreased but 3-hydroxybutyrylcarnitine (C4:OH) increased significantly at 12th months of KDT. The glycine level was persistently higher than baseline after KDT. KDT responders had lower baseline C3 and long-chain acylcarnitines, C14 and C18, as well as lower C5, C18, and leucine/isoleucine. Conclusions: KDT should be avoided in patients with non-ketotic hyperglycemia. Routine carnitine supplementation is not recommended because hypocarnitinemia was transient and asymptomatic during KDT. Better mitochondrial βoxidation function associates with greater KDT response.
Production of β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase of two biocontrol agents and their possible modes of action

Pichia membranefaciens Hansen and Candida guilliermondii (Cast) Langeronet Guerra are two antagonists of R. stolonifer on harvested nectarine and peach fruits. In this study, β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase activities of the antagonists were induced in vitro and in vivo. The highest β-1, 3-glucanase activity was detected in Lilly-Barnett minimal salt medium supplemented with glucose in combination with CWP of R. stolonifer as a carbon source. The β-1,3-glucanase activity of P. membranefaciens reached the maximum level, being 114.0 SU (specific activity unit), and that of C. guilliermondii reached 103.2 SU. The lowest β-1,3-glucanase activity was observed in the medium containing glucose as sole carbon source. P. membranefaciens was able to produce significantly higher levels of chitinase (exochitinase and endochitinase) in vitro than C. guilliermondii grown in Czapeck minimal medium. An increase in β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase activity was also triggered by wounding, adding of carbon sources and yeast cells. The results showed that both β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase from P. membranefaciens and C. guilliermondii exhibited some effects on controlling R. stolonifer, and might have a synergistic activity against R. stolonifer.
Effects of Entomopathogenic Fungi on Individuals as Well as Groups of Workers and Immatures of Atta sexdens rubropilosa Leaf-Cutting Ants

Simple Summary The used active ingredient sulfluramid for toxic baits for the control of leaf-cutting ants has been included in Annex B of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The use of entomopathogenic fungi to control these insects has shown promising results, Trichoderma harzianum showed high pathogenicity against A. sexdens rubropilosa larvae and pupae, leading to a faster mortality and a decrease in survival rates. Beauveria bassiana was responsible for causing faster worker mortality and lower survival rates. An individual contaminated with B. bassiana or T. harzianum in a group decreases its survival rate, supporting the hypothesis that entomopathogenic fungi are efficient in controlling leaf-cutting ants when contaminated workers are allocated to groups of healthy workers. Abstract In 2009, sulfluramid, the main ingredient in toxic baits for leaf-cutting ant control, was included in Annex B of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. This resulted in interest in the use of entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Trichoderma harzianum for leaf-cutting ant control. The efficiency of these fungi in controlling these insects and the way that ants react individually or in group to the biological risks posed by these fungi is poorly understood. For this reason, we assessed the effects of B. bassiana and T. harzianum on Atta sexdens rubropilosa larvae, pupae and workers. Moreover, we investigated whether the number of contaminated individuals within a group has an influence in controlling the spread of fungi among workers. We found that the fungus T. harzianum showed high pathogenicity against A. sexdens rubropilosa larvae and pupae, leading to faster mortality and a survival rates. On the other hand, the fungus B. bassiana was responsible for causing faster worker mortality and lower survival rates. In addition, we observed that an increase in individuals contaminated with B. bassiana or T. harzianum in the group decreases its survival rate. The results support the hypothesis that entomopathogenic fungi are efficient in controlling leaf-cutting ants when contaminated workers are allocated to groups of healthy workers.
Spatial Structure and Activity of Synthetic Fragments of Lynx1 and of Nicotinic Receptor Loop C Models

Lynx1, membrane-bound protein co-localized with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and regulates their function, is a three-finger protein (TFP) made of three β-structural loops, similarly to snake venom α-neurotoxin TFPs. Since the central loop II of α-neurotoxins is involved in binding to nAChRs, we have recently synthesized the fragments of Lynx1 central loop, including those with the disulfide between Cys residues introduced at N- and C-termini, some of them inhibiting muscle-type nAChR similarly to the whole-size water-soluble Lynx1 (ws-Lynx1). Literature shows that the main fragment interacting with TFPs is the C-loop of both nAChRs and acetylcholine binding proteins (AChBPs) while some ligand-binding capacity is preserved by analogs of this loop, for example, by high-affinity peptide HAP. Here we analyzed the structural organization of these peptide models of ligands and receptors and its role in binding. Thus, fragments of Lynx1 loop II, loop C from the Lymnaea stagnalis AChBP and HAP were synthesized in linear and Cys-cyclized forms and structurally (CD and NMR) and functionally (radioligand assay on Torpedo nAChR) characterized. Connecting the C- and N-termini by disulfide in the ws-Lynx1 fragment stabilized its conformation which became similar to the loop II within the 1H-NMR structure of ws-Lynx1, the activity being higher than for starting linear fragment but lower than for peptide with free cysteines. Introduced disulfides did not considerably change the structure of HAP and of loop C fragments, the former preserving high affinity for α-bungarotoxin, while, surprisingly, no binding was detected with loop C and its analogs.
Using a Convenient, Quantitative Model for Torsional Entropy To Establish Qualitative Trends for Molecular Processes That Restrict Conformational Freedom

A non-quantum-mechanical, readily applied model is described that estimates torsional entropy (Stor, the entropy associated with torsional motions about a single bond) quantitatively. Using this model, torsional entropies are evaluated for a variety of molecular arrangements. Qualitative trends emerge from these estimates that are consistent with chemical intuition. The entropy associated with torsional motion is not constant: values of Stor range from 0 to 15 J mol-1 K-1 and are sensitive to details of the bond around which the torsion occurs Important characteristics include the bond length, the hybridization, the symmetry, the sizes of these atoms or groups of atoms, and the extent of conjugation to adjacent bonds. These values are relatively independent of one another in a number of important cases, and therefore the total change in conformational entropy for a given process may be estimated by adding changes in entropy due to restricting torsions around individual bonds. A model that permits quantit.
Comparison of the Morphology and Developmental Potential of Oocytes Obtained from Prepubertal and Adult Domestic and Wild Cats

Simple Summary This study was conducted with the aim of determining the morphological similarities and developmental potential of oocytes obtained from adult and prepubertal domestic cats (Felis catus) and wild cats. The results of our research showed that ovaries obtained from prepubertal felids may be a rich source of good quality oocytes that are competent for in vitro maturation and able to reach blastocyst stage after in vitro fertilization. The results are important in the context of the possibility of using oocytes from prepubertal felids threatened with extinction in conservation programs based on assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Abstract The aim of the study was to compare the morphology and developmental potential of oocytes obtained from adult and prepubertal domestic cats (Felis catus) and wild cats (Lynx lynx, Leptailurus serval, Felis manul, Panthera tigris altaica). The average number of oocytes obtained from an adult domestic cat was 23 ± 11, which was significantly lower than from kittens (43 ± 29). A similar number of oocytes was derived from adult Pallas’s cats (28 ± 8), and serval (30). The lowest number of oocytes was collected from the lynx (5 ± 3). No oocytes were obtained from newborn Amur tiger while in the case of older domestic and Pallas’s cat and lynx kittens (1–3 months) 43, 48 and 41 oocytes were collected, respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between the number of oocytes with dark cytoplasm from adult and prepubertal animals of all analyzed species. The diameter of oocytes from adult and prepubertal animals was similar in all species, and was on average 161 ± 4 µm for oocytes with dark cytoplasm and 150 ± 18 µm for oocytes with light cytoplasm. In all species, oocytes with light cytoplasm were significantly smaller (p < 0.05) than dark ones, and their population was more diverse. Results of in vitro maturation of the domestic and wild cat′s oocytes obtained from adult and prepubertal females were similar (47–52%). The cleavage rate after in vitro fertilization (IVF) was lower for prepubertal than adult domestic cats (42 vs. 51%; p < 0.05%). Moreover, we observed differences in the quantity (28 vs. 39%; p < 0.05) and quality of blastocysts and even greater problems with hatching blastocysts from prepubertal kittens (8 vs. 19%; p < 0.001). More blastomeres were detected in blastocysts of adult cats. They also demonstrated significantly higher number of inner cell mass (ICM) (p < 0.001) and higher number of trophoblast cells (TE) (p < 0.05).
Multifunctional Delivery Systems for Peptide Nucleic Acids

The number of applications of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs)—oligonucleotide analogs with a polyamide backbone—is continuously increasing in both in vitro and cellular systems and, parallel to this, delivery systems able to bring PNAs to their targets have been developed. This review is intended to give to the readers an overview on the available carriers for these oligonucleotide mimics, with a particular emphasis on newly developed multi-component- and multifunctional vehicles which boosted PNA research in recent years. The following approaches will be discussed: (a) conjugation with carrier molecules and peptides; (b) liposome formulations; (c) polymer nanoparticles; (d) inorganic porous nanoparticles; (e) carbon based nanocarriers; and (f) self-assembled and supramolecular systems. New therapeutic strategies enabled by the combination of PNA and proper delivery systems are discussed.
Eating Behavior of Brazilian College Students: Influences of Lifestyle, Negative Affectivity, and Personal Characteristics

In this study we proposed to estimate the impact of lifestyle, negative affectivity, and college students’ personal characteristics on eating behavior. We aimed to verify that negative affectivity moderates the relationship between lifestyle and eating behavior. We assessed eating behaviors of cognitive restraint (CR), uncontrolled eating (UE), and emotional eating (EE)) with the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-18. We assessed lifestyle with the Individual Lifestyle Profile, and we assessed negative affectivity with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21. We constructed and tested (at p < .05) a hypothetical causal structural model that considered global (second-order) and specific (first-order) lifestyle components, negative affectivity and sample characteristics for each eating behavior dimension. Participants were 1,109 college students (M age = 20.9, SD = 2.7 years; 65.7% females). We found significant impacts of lifestyle second-order components on negative affectivity (β = −0.57–0.19; p < 0.001–0.01) in all models. Physical and psychological lifestyle components impacted directly only on CR (β=−0.32–0.81; p < 0.001). Negative affectivity impacted UE and EE (β = 0.23–0.30; p < 0.001). For global models, we found no mediation pathways between lifestyle and CR or UE. For specific models, negative affectivity was a mediator between stress management and UE (β=−0.07; p < 0.001). Negative affectivity also mediated the relationship between thoughts of dropping an undergraduate course and UE and EE (β = 0.06–0.08; p < 0.001). Participant sex and weight impacted all eating behavior dimensions (β = 0.08–0.34; p < 0.001–0.01). Age was significant for UE and EE (β=−0,14– −0.09; p < 0.001–0.01). Economic stratum influenced only CR (β = 0.08; p = 0.01). In sum, participants’ lifestyle, negative emotions and personal characteristics were all relevant for eating behavior assessment.
Predictors of electronic cigarette use among Swedish teenagers: a population-based cohort study

Objectives The aim was to identify predictors of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among teenagers. Design and setting A prospective population-based cohort study of schoolchildren in northern Sweden. Participants In 2006, a cohort study about asthma and allergic diseases among schoolchildren started within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden studies. The study sample (n=2185) was recruited at age 7–8 years, and participated in questionnaire surveys at age 14–15 and 19 years. The questionnaire included questions about respiratory symptoms, living conditions, upper secondary education, physical activity, diet, health-related quality of life, parental smoking and parental occupation. Questions about tobacco use were included at age 14–15 and 19 years. Primary outcome E-cigarette use at age 19 years. Results At age 19 years, 21.4% had ever tried e-cigarettes and 4.2% were current users. Among those who were daily tobacco smokers at age 14–15 years, 60.9% had tried e-cigarettes at age 19 years compared with 19.1% of never-smokers and 34.0% of occasional smokers (p<0.001). Among those who had tried e-cigarettes, 28.1% were never smokers both at age 14–15 and 19 years, and 14.4% were never smokers among the current e-cigarette users. In unadjusted analyses, e-cigarette use was associated with daily smoking, use of snus and having a smoking father at age 14–15 years, as well as with attending vocational education, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. In adjusted analyses, current e-cigarette use was associated with daily tobacco smoking at age 14–15 years (OR 6.27; 95% CI 3.12 to 12.58), attending a vocational art programme (OR 2.22; 95% CI 1.04 to 4.77) and inversely associated with eating a healthy diet (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.92). Conclusions E-cigarette use was associated with personal and parental tobacco use, as well as with physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and attending vocational upper secondary education. Importantly, almost one-third of those who had tried e-cigarettes at age 19 years had never been tobacco smokers.
Global levels of fundamental motor skills in children: A systematic review

ABSTRACT Competence in fundamental motor skills (FMS) facilitates physical activity participation and is important for children’s holistic development. This study aimed to systematically review the FMS levels of children worldwide, using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2). In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, studies were identified from searches across 7 databases. Studies were required to: (i) include typically developing children (3–10 years), (ii) be published in English, (iii) have been published between 2004 and 2019 and, (iv) report ≥1 TGMD-2 outcome scores. Extracted data were evaluated based on importance of determinants, strength of evidence, and methodological quality. Data from 64 articles were included. Weighted mean (and standard deviation) scores were calculated for each FMS outcome score. Analyses revealed FMS competence increases across age during childhood, with greater proficiency in locomotor skills than object control skills. Additionally, boys exhibit higher object control skill proficiency than girls. Compared to TGMD-2 normative data, children demonstrate “below average” to “average” FMS levels. This review highlights the scope for FMS development among children worldwide. These findings reinforce the necessity for FMS interventions in early educational settings, as FMS competence is positively associated with physical activity and other health outcomes.
Volatile Organic Compounds in Exhaled Breath as Fingerprints of Lung Cancer, Asthma and COPD

Lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are inflammatory diseases that have risen worldwide, posing a major public health issue, encompassing not only physical and psychological morbidity and mortality, but also incurring significant societal costs. The leading cause of death worldwide by cancer is that of the lung, which, in large part, is a result of the disease often not being detected until a late stage. Although COPD and asthma are conditions with considerably lower mortality, they are extremely distressful to people and involve high healthcare overheads. Moreover, for these diseases, diagnostic methods are not only costly but are also invasive, thereby adding to people’s stress. It has been appreciated for many decades that the analysis of trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath could potentially provide cheaper, rapid, and non-invasive screening procedures to diagnose and monitor the above diseases of the lung. However, after decades of research associated with breath biomarker discovery, no breath VOC tests are clinically available. Reasons for this include the little consensus as to which breath volatiles (or pattern of volatiles) can be used to discriminate people with lung diseases, and our limited understanding of the biological origin of the identified VOCs. Lung disease diagnosis using breath VOCs is challenging. Nevertheless, the numerous studies of breath volatiles and lung disease provide guidance as to what volatiles need further investigation for use in differential diagnosis, highlight the urgent need for non-invasive clinical breath tests, illustrate the way forward for future studies, and provide significant guidance to achieve the goal of developing non-invasive diagnostic tests for lung disease. This review provides an overview of these issues from evaluating key studies that have been undertaken in the years 2010–2019, in order to present objective and comprehensive updated information that presents the progress that has been made in this field. The potential of this approach is highlighted, while strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats are discussed. This review will be of interest to chemists, biologists, medical doctors and researchers involved in the development of analytical instruments for breath diagnosis.
Parallel Lipid Peroxide Accumulation Strategy Based on Bimetal-Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Ferrotherapy.

Ferroptosis, a nonapoptotic cell death pathway, is commonly regulated by ether lipid peroxide generation or glutathione consumption. In this work, a parallel lipid peroxide accumulation strategy was designed based on catalytic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for enhanced ferrotherapy. The bimetallic MOF was synthesized with iron porphyrin as a linker and cupric ion as a metal node, and erastin, a ferroptosis inducer, was sandwiched between MOF layers with 4,4'-dipyridyl disulphide as spacers. Under tumor microenvironment, erastin was released from the layered MOFs via a glutathione-responsive cleavage. The exfoliated MOFs served as a dual Fenton reaction inducer to generate numerous hydroxyl radicals for the accumulation of lipid peroxide while erastin aggravated glutathione depletion to down-regulate glutathione peroxidase 4, which then inhibited the consumption of lipid peroxide. Therefore, a parallel lipid peroxide accumulation strategy was established for enhanced ferrotherapy which effectively inhibited tumor growth in living mice, opening up new opportunities to treat apoptosis-insensitive tumors.
Using the Brief Health Literacy Screen in Chronic Care in French Hospital Settings: Content Validity of Patient and Healthcare Professional Reports

Person-centered care has led healthcare professionals (HCPs) to be more attentive to patients’ ability to understand and apply health-related information, especially those with chronic conditions. The concept of health literacy (HL) is essential in understanding patients’ needs in routine care, but its measurement is still controversial, and few tools are validated in French. We therefore considered the brief health literacy screen (BHLS) for assessing patient-reported HL in chronic care settings, and also developed an HCP-reported version of the BHLS with the aim of using it as a research instrument to assess HCPs’ evaluation of patients’ HL levels. We assessed the content validity of the French translation of both the patient-reported and HCP-reported BHLS in chronic care within hospital settings, through cognitive interviews with patients and HCPs. We performed qualitative analysis on interview data using the survey response Tourangeau model. Our results show that the BHLS is easy and quick to administer, but some terms need to be adapted to the French chronic care settings. Health-related information was observed to be mainly communicated orally, hence a useful direction for future literacy measures would be to also address verbal HL.