Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fiberless, Multi-Channel fNIRS-EEG System Based on Silicon Photomultipliers: Towards Sensitive and Ecological Mapping of Brain Activity and Neurovascular Coupling

Portable neuroimaging technologies can be employed for long-term monitoring of neurophysiological and neuropathological states. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and Electroencephalography (EEG) are highly suited for such a purpose. Their multimodal integration allows the evaluation of hemodynamic and electrical brain activity together with neurovascular coupling. An innovative fNIRS-EEG system is here presented. The system integrated a novel continuous-wave fNIRS component and a modified commercial EEG device. fNIRS probing relied on fiberless technology based on light emitting diodes and silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). SiPMs are sensitive semiconductor detectors, whose large detection area maximizes photon harvesting from the scalp and overcomes limitations of fiberless technology. To optimize the signal-to-noise ratio and avoid fNIRS-EEG interference, a digital lock-in was implemented for fNIRS signal acquisition. A benchtop characterization of the fNIRS component showed its high performances with a noise equivalent power below 1 pW. Moreover, the fNIRS-EEG device was tested in vivo during tasks stimulating visual, motor and pre-frontal cortices. Finally, the capabilities to perform ecological recordings were assessed in clinical settings on one Alzheimer’s Disease patient during long-lasting cognitive tests. The system can pave the way to portable technologies for accurate evaluation of multimodal brain activity, allowing their extensive employment in ecological environments and clinical practice.
Assessing Women’s Menstruation Concerns and Experiences in Rural India: Development and Validation of a Menstrual Insecurity Measure

Qualitative research has documented menstruator’s challenges, particularly in water and sanitation poor environments, but quantitative assessment is limited. We created and validated a culturally-grounded measure of Menstrual Insecurity to assess women’s menstruation-related concerns and negative experiences. With cross-sectional data from 878 menstruating women in rural Odisha, India, we carried out Exploratory (EFA) and Confirmatory (CFA) Factor Analyses to reduce a 40-item pool and identify and confirm the scale factor structure. A 19-item, five factor model best fit the data (EFA: root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.027; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.994; Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.989; CFA: RMSEA = 0.058; CFI = 0.937; TLI = 0.925). Sub-scales included: Management, Menstrual Cycle Concerns, Symptoms, Restrictions, and Menstruation-Related Bodily Concerns. Those without access to a functional latrine, enclosed bathing space, water source within their compound, or who used reusable cloth had significantly higher overall Menstrual Insecurity scores (greater insecurity) than those with these facilities or using disposable pads. Post-hoc exploratory analysis found that women reporting experiencing tension at menstrual onset or difficulty doing work had significantly higher Menstrual Insecurity scores. This validated tool is useful for measuring Menstrual Insecurity, assessing health inequities and correlates of Menstrual Insecurity, and informing program design.
Broussoflavonol B from Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold Exerts Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Activity through Downregulating FoxM1

Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate due to poor rates of early diagnosis. One tumor suppressor gene in particular, p53, is frequently mutated in pancreatic cancer, and mutations in p53 can inactivate normal wild type p53 activity and increase expression of transcription factor forkhead box M1 (FoxM1). Overexpression of FoxM1 accelerates cellular proliferation and cancer progression. Therefore, inhibition of FoxM1 represents a therapeutic strategy for treating pancreatic cancer. Broussoflavonol B (BF-B), isolated from the stem bark of Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold has previously been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. This study aimed to investigate whether BF-B exhibits anti-pancreatic cancer activity and if so, identify the underlying mechanism. BF-B reduced cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and inhibited cell migration and invasion of human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells (p53 mutated). Interestingly, BF-B down-regulated FoxM1 expression at both the mRNA and protein level. It also suppressed the expression of FoxM1 downstream target genes, such as cyclin D1, cyclin B1, and survivin. Cell cycle analysis showed that BF-B induced the arrest of G0/G1 phase. BF-B reduced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½ (ERK½) and expression of ERK½ downstream effector c-Myc, which regulates cell proliferation. Furthermore, BF-B inhibited cell migration and invasion, which are downstream functional properties of FoxM1. These results suggested that BF-B could repress pancreatic cancer cell proliferation by inactivation of the ERK/c-Myc/FoxM1 signaling pathway. Broussoflavonol B from Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold may represent a novel chemo-therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer.
Glaucomatous Maculopathy: Thickness Differences on Inner and Outer Macular Layers between Ocular Hypertension and Early Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Using 8 × 8 Posterior Pole Algorithm of SD-OCT

The purpose of this study was to compare the thickness of all inner and outer macular layers between ocular hypertension (OHT) and early primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) 8 × 8 posterior pole algorithm (8 × 8 PPA). Fifty-seven eyes of 57 OHT individuals and fifty-seven eyes of 57 early POAG patients were included. The thickness of macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform and nuclear layer, photoreceptor layer (PRL) and retinal pigment epithelium were obtained in 64 cells for each macular layer and mean thickness of superior and inferior hemispheres was also calculated. Thinning of superior and inferior hemisphere mean thickness in mRNFL, GCL and IPL and thickening of superior and inferior hemisphere mean thickness in PRL and inferior hemisphere in INL were found in early GPAA group. Otherwise, heatmaps representing cell-to-cell comparisons showed thinning patterns in inner retinal layers (except for INL) and thickening patterns in outer retinal layers in GPAA group. We found that 8 × 8 PPA not only allows the detection of significant thinning patterns in inner retinal layers, but also thickening patterns in outer retinal layers when comparing early POAG eyes to OHT eyes.
Concentration Variability of Water-Soluble Ions during the Acceptable and Exceeded Pollution in an Industrial Region

This study investigates the chemical composition of water-soluble inorganic ions at eight localities situated in the Moravian–Silesian Region (the Czech Republic) at the border with Poland. Water-soluble inorganic ions were monitored in the winter period of 2018 (January, 11 days and February, 5 days). The set was divided into two periods: the acceptable period (the 24-h concentration of PM10 < 50 µg/m3) and the period with exceeded pollution (PM10 ˃ 50 µg/m3). Air quality in the Moravian–Silesian Region and Upper Silesia is among the most polluted in Europe, especially in the winter season when the concentration of PM10 is repeatedly exceeded. The information on the occurrence and behaviour of water-soluble inorganic ions in the air during the smog episodes in Europe is insufficient. The concentrations of water-soluble ions (chlorides, sulphates, nitrates, ammonium ions, potassium) during the exceeded period are higher by two to three times compared with the acceptable period. The major anions for both acceptable period and exceeded pollution are nitrates. During the period of exceeded pollution, percentages of water-soluble ions in PM10 decrease while percentages of carbonaceous matter and insoluble particles (fly ash) increase.
Type IV collagen α6 chain‐derived noncollagenous domain 1 (α6(IV)NC1) inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth

Type IV collagen is a major component of vascular basement membranes. The noncollagenous (NC1) domains of several α‐chains of type IV collagen reveal a capacity to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth. Here, we demonstrate that the NC1 domain of the α6 chain of type IV collagen (α6NC1) is an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis and tumor growth. Recombinant α6NC1 inhibits human endothelial cell proliferation and neovascularization of Matrigel plugs in mice. The α6NC1 suppresses the growth of subcutaneously transplanted Lewis lung carcinoma and also spontaneous pancreatic insulomas that develop in the Rip1Tag2 mice. Inhibition of tumor growth is associated with significantly diminished microvascular density. Collectively, our results demonstrate that α6NC1 is an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis and tumor growth. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of HDAC8 Expression with Pathological Findings in Triple Negative and Non-Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Implications for Diagnosis

Background: Previous data have shown the tumorigenicity roles of HDAC8 in breast cancer. More recently, the oncogenic effects of this molecule have been revealed in TNBC. The present study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of HDAC8 for the differentiation of TNBC from nTNBC tumors. Methods: A total of 50 cancerous and normal adjacent tumor specimens were obtained, and the clinical and pathological findings of studied subjects were recorded. The expression of HDAC8 gene was determined by qRT-PCR. Also, immunohistochemical staining was performed on tissue samples. Results: Our results showed that the expression of HDAC8 in breast cancer tissues was significantly higher than the normal adjacent tissues (p = 0.0011). HDAC8 expression was also observed to be higher in TNBC patients than nTNBC group (p = 0.0013). In addition, in the TNBC group, there was a significant association between the HDAC8 overexpression and tumor characteristics, including tumor size (p = 0.039), lymphatic invasion (p = 0.01), tumor grade (p = 0.02), and perineural invasion (p < 0.05). The cut-off value was fixed at 0.6279 r.u. , and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were found to be 73.91% and 70.37%, respectively. Conclusion: According to the findings, among the other markers, HDAC8 oncogene may be used as a potential tumor marker in diagnosis of TNBC tumors.
Daily intermittent fasting in mice enhances morphine-induced anti-nociception while mitigating reward, tolerance, and constipation.

The opioid epidemic has plagued the United States with high levels of abuse and poor quality of life for chronic pain patients requiring continuous use of opioids. New drug discovery efforts have been implemented to mitigate this epidemic, however, new medications are still limited by low efficacy and/or high side effect and abuse potential. Intermittent fasting (IF) has recently been shown to improve a variety of pathological states, including stroke and neuroinflammation. Numerous animal and human studies have shown the benefits of IF in these disease states, but not in pain and opioid treatment. We thus subjected male and female CD-1 mice to 18-hour fasting intervals followed by 6-hour feed periods with standard chow for 1 week. Mice which underwent this diet displayed an enhanced anti-nociceptive response to morphine both in efficacy and duration using thermal tail flick and post-operative paw incision pain models. While showing enhanced anti-nociception, IF mice also demonstrated no morphine reward and reduced tolerance and constipation. Seeking a mechanism for these improvements, we found that the mu opioid receptor (MOR) showed enhanced efficacy and reduced tolerance in the spinal cord and periaqueductal grey (PAG) respectively from IF mice using a S-GTPγS coupling assay. These improvements in receptor function were not due to changes in MOR protein expression. These data suggest that a daily IF diet may improve the therapeutic index of acute and chronic opioid therapies for pain patients in the clinic, providing a novel tool to improve patient therapy and reduce potential abuse.
Density Dependence in the Common Lizard: Demographic Consequences of a Density Manipulation

Density dependence plays an important role in the regulation of most pop- ulations. Descriptive studies provide only limited evidence, while density manipulations are thought to be a more powerful tool. Here, we describe such a manipulation. We experimentally analyzed demographic responses to changes in density in common lizard (Lacerta vivipara) populations. Two neighboring sites were studied from 1986 to 1988. At the end of the first year, density was artificially decreased at one site and increased at the other. The evolution of demographic parameters over time (before and after ma- nipulation) was compared between the two sites. We found that: (1) density in each age and sex class quickly converged to pre-experimental values at both sites; (2) survival rates (introduced individuals excluded) were unchanged, except that juvenile mortality was pos- itively related to density; (3) emigration rates remained low and did not seem to be influ- enced by density, while immigration rates were negatively influenced by density; (4) the proportion of young reproductive females was negatively influenced by density; (5) body length and growth rate were negatively influenced by density only in yearlings, and at least in females, no catchup on growth is apparently possible; no difference in reserve storage was found; and (6) female reproduction was modified by the manipulation through clutch size and hatching success, which were negatively influenced by density; however, no dif- ference was detected for hatching date, number of abortive (clear) eggs, prenatal mortality, reproductive investment, and body mass of live neonates. Rapid density readjustments were mostly explained by immigration into the site where density was decreased, and by high mortality of introduced individuals and of native juveniles where density was increased. Other parameters that were influenced by the ma- nipulation could only have induced delayed effects on population density. Different age and sex classes showed different responses to density. These responses indicate that density dependence plays a key role in shaping the demography of this lizard species.
In vivo and in vitro Pathogenesis and Virulence Factors of Candida albicans Strains Isolated from Cutaneous Candidiasis

Background: The Candida albicans is one of the most important global opportunistic pathogens, and the incidence of candidiasis has increased over the past few decades. Despite the established role of skin in defense against fungal invasion, little has been documented about the pathogenesis of Candida species when changing from normal flora to pathogens of vaginal and gastrointestinal epithelia. This study was carried out to determine the in vivo and in vitro pathogenesis of clinical C. albicans strains isolated from skin lesions. Methods: In this study, association of in vivo and in vitro pathogenesis of C. albicans isolates with different evolutionary origins was investigated. Oral and systemic experimental candidiasis was established in BALB/C mice. The expression levels of SAP1-3 genes, morphological transformation, and biofilm-forming ability of C. albicans were evaluated. Results: All the strains showed in vitro and in vivo pathogenicity by various extents. The SAP1, SAP2, and SAP3 genes were expressed in 50%, 100%, and 75% of the strains, respectively. The biofilm formation ability was negative in 12% of the strains, while it was considerable in 38% of the strains. Fifty percent of the strains had no phospholipase activity, and no one demonstrated high level of this pathogenesis factor. Relatively all the strains had very low potency to form pseudohyphae. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that Candida albicans strains isolated from cutaneous candidiasis were able to cause oral and systemic infections in mice, so they could be considered as the potential agents of life-threatening nosocomial candidiasis in susceptible populations.
RNA/DNA ratios in white muscle as estimates of growth in rainbow trout held at different temperatures

The concentrations of RNA, DNA, and protein in white muscle from 240 uniquely tagged rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) held at three temperatures (5, 8 (control), and 11 °C) were measured. Both RNA and RNA/DNA ratios were better predictors of recent length- and weight-specific growth rates than they were of absolute fish size. Furthermore, RNA concentrations were better predictors of growth than RNA/DNA ratios. The strength of the regression between either RNA/DNA ratio or RNA and growth rate did not differ consistently among temperatures. Fish reared at warmer temperatures had lower concentrations of RNA for both a given growth rate and a given DNA concentration compared with cold-reared trout. Warm-reared fish also had lower concentrations of DNA and higher protein/DNA ratios than cold-reared trout when fish size was standardized. The concomitant decrease in both RNA and DNA concentrations resulted in marginally lower RNA/DNA ratios in warm-reared fish.
Nicotine Monitoring with Wearable Sweat Band.

The tobacco epidemic is a public health threat that has taken a heavy toll of lives around the globe each year. Smoking affects both the smokers and those who are exposed to secondhand smoke, and careful tracking of exposure can be key to mitigating the potential hazards. For smokers, the variation of chemical compositions between commercial cigarettes has led to ambiguity in estimating the health risks, both for active smokers and others involuntarily exposed to tobacco smoke and byproducts. In this regard, sweat possesses an attractive opportunity to monitor smoke exposure due to sweat's abundance in biomolecules and its great accessibility. Here we present a wearable sweat band to monitor nicotine, a prominent ingredient in cigarettes, as a viable way to quantitatively assess a wearer's exposure to smoking. Both smokers and normal subjects are tested to demonstrate the use of this device for smoke-related health monitoring. Our results exhibit confirmable, elevated nicotine levels in sweat for subjects inhaling cigarette smoke. This continuous, personalized sweat sensing device is a leverage to monitor smoke pollution for a potentially broad population.
Cystatin C as an indicator of renal damage in pre-eclampsia

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the predictive abilities of serum and urinary cystatin C levels for glomerular lesions in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia. Methods In this study, kidney function markers were compared between38 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and 22 healthy pregnant women. Results The serum and urine levels of cystatin C and urea were significantly higher in the pre-eclampsia group than in the control group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the serum cystatin C level (91.7%) had a superior diagnostic accuracy for pre-eclampsia than the other markers. Conclusion Serum cystatin C level maybe a significant marker of pre-eclampsia.
FACSCanto II and LSRFortessa flow cytometer instruments can be synchronized utilizing single‐fluorochrome–conjugated surface‐dyed beads for standardized immunophenotyping

Multiparameter flow cytometry is the preferred method to determine immunophenotypic features of cells present in a wide variety of sample types. Standardization is key to avoid inconsistencies and subjectivity of interpretations between clinical diagnostic laboratories. Among these standardization requirements, synchronization between different flow cytometer instruments is indispensable to obtain comparable results. This study aimed to investigate whether two widely used flow cytometers, the FACSCanto II and LSRFortessa, can be effectively synchronized utilizing calibration bead–based synchronization.
THE SACCULE: OBSERVATIONS ON A DIFFERENTIATED REENFORCED AREA OF THE SACCULAR WALL IN MAN

Ever since Scarpa 1 described the membranous vesicles in the vestibule of the labyrinth their walls have generally been considered as undifferentiated except for the areas of the maculas. Thus it is customary for modern anatomists, in describing the membranous labyrinth, to include the walls of the utricle, the saccule and the membranous semicircular canals in a short general statement. Such a description has been given by the following authors: Kolmer, 2 A. Eckert Mobius, 3 Shambaugh 4 and Maximow and Bloom. 5 A general agreement exists that these membranous walls are made up of two thin layers of cells separated by a basement membrane, an outer connective tissue or mesothelial layer and an inner layer of exceedingly thin (3 to 4 microns) polygonal squamous cells. Occasional branched melanophores are found in the outer layer of connective tissue, especially in lower mammalian forms. While examining a large number of sections of human temporal bones I
Trends in cervical cancer and its precursor forms to evaluate screening policies in a mid-sized Northeastern Brazilian city

Cervical cancer is a health issue that disproportionately affects developing countries, where the Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) remains an important screening tool. Brazilian government recommendations have focused screening on the female population aged from 25 to 64 years old. In this study, we examined the incidence and mortality rates of invasive cervical cancer lesions and the incidence rates of in situ precancerous cervical lesions, aiming to calculate their respective statistics over time in a mid-sized Brazilian city, Aracaju. The 1996–2015 database from the Aracaju Cancer Registry and Mortality Information System was used to calculate age standardized rates for all invasive cervical tumors (International code of diseases, ICD-10: C53) and preinvasive cervical lesions (ICD-10: D06) in the following patient age ranges; ≤ 24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64 and ≥ 65 years old. We identified 1,030 cancer cases, 1,871 in situ lesions and 334 deaths. Using the Joinpoint Regression Program, we calculated the annual percentage incidence changes and our analyses show that cervical cancer incidence decreased up to 2008, increased up to 2012 and decreased again thereafter, a significant trend in all age groups from 25 years. The incidence of precursor lesions increased from 1996 to 2005 and has since decreased, a result significant in all age groups until 64 years. Cervical cancer mortality has decreased by 3.8% annually and trend analysis indicates that Pap smears have been effective in decreasing cancer incidence and mortality. However, recent trends shown here show a decreasing incidence of in situ lesions and may indicate either a real decrease or incomplete catchment. Thus, we suggest health policies should be re-considered and include sufficient screening and HPV vaccination strategies to avoid cervical cancer resurgence in the population.