Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prior exercise enhances skeletal muscle microvascular blood flow and mitigates microvascular flow impairments induced by a high‐glucose mixed meal in healthy young men

Exercise, insulin‐infusion and low‐glucose mixed‐nutrient meal ingestion increases muscle microvascular blood flow which in part facilitates glucose delivery and disposal. In contrast, high‐glucose ingestion impairs muscle microvascular blood flow which may contribute to impaired postprandial metabolism. We investigated the effects of prior cycling exercise on postprandial muscle microvascular blood flow responses to a high‐glucose mixed‐nutrient meal ingested 3 and 24 h post‐exercise. Prior exercise enhanced muscle microvascular blood flow and mitigated microvascular impairments induced by a high‐glucose mixed meal ingested 3 h post‐exercise, and to a lesser extent 24 h post‐exercise. High‐glucose ingestion 3 h post‐exercise leads to greater postprandial blood glucose, non‐esterified fatty acids, and fat oxidation, and a delay in the insulin response to the meal compared to control. Effects of acute exercise on muscle microvascular blood flow persist well after the cessation of exercise which may be beneficial for conditions characterized by microvascular and glycaemic dysfunction.
Zika virus pathogenesis and current therapeutic advances

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging arthropod-borne flavivirus that, upon infection, results in teratogenic effects and neurological disorders. ZIKV infections pose serious global public health concerns, prompting scientists to increase research on antivirals and vaccines against the virus. These efforts are still ongoing as the pathogenesis and immune evasion mechanisms of ZIKV have not yet been fully elaborated. Currently, no specific vaccines or drugs have been approved for ZIKV; however, some are undergoing clinical trials. Notably, several strategies have been used to develop antivirals, including drugs that target viral and host proteins. Additionally, drug repurposing is preferred since it is less costly and takes less time than other strategies because the drugs used have already been approved for human use. Likewise, different platforms have been evaluated for the design of vaccines, including DNA, mRNA, peptide, protein, viral vectors, virus-like particles (VLPSs), inactivated-virus, and live-attenuated virus vaccines. These vaccines have been shown to induce specific humoral and cellular immune responses and reduce viremia and viral RNA both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, most of these vaccines have entered clinical trials. Understanding the viral disease mechanism will provide better strategies for developing therapeutic agents against ZIKV. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the viral pathogenesis of ZIKV and current advancements in the development of vaccines and drugs against this virus. Graphical abstract
Quantifying selection on standard metabolic rate and body mass in Drosophila melanogaster

Standard metabolic rate (SMR), defined as the minimal energy expenditure required for self‐maintenance, is a key physiological trait. Few studies have estimated its relationship with fitness, most notably in insects. This is presumably due to the difficulty of measuring SMR in a large number of very small individuals. Using high‐throughput flow‐through respirometry and a Drosophila melanogaster laboratory population adapted to a life cycle that facilitates fitness measures, we quantified SMR, body mass, and fitness in 515 female and 522 male adults. We used a novel multivariate approach to estimate linear and nonlinear selection differentials and gradients from the variance‐covariance matrix of fitness, SMR, and body mass, allowing traits specific covariates to be accommodated within a single model. In males, linear selection differentials for mass and SMR were positive and individually significant. Selection gradients were also positive but, despite substantial sample sizes, were nonsignificant due to increased uncertainty given strong SMR‐mass collinearity. In females, only nonlinear selection was detected and it appeared to act primarily on body size, although the individual gradients were again nonsignificant. Selection did not differ significantly between sexes although differences in the fitness surfaces suggest sex‐specific selection as an important topic for further study.
Erythromelalgia Caused by Polycythemia Vera Combined with Primary Aldosteronism.

A 61-year-old woman with a history of primary aldosteronism caused by unilateral hyperplasia of the adrenal gland presented with a 2-week history of redness and severe pain in the right thumb and thenar regions. She had initially visited a dermatologist and was diagnosed with cellulitis and treated with cefditoren pivoxil for 5 days, but there was no improvement. The pain worsened and was accompanied by a burning sensation. The dermatologist prescribed famciclovir for 5 days owing to suspicion of herpes zoster. The patient was then referred to our department because her symptoms persisted. Physical examination showed no abnormalities other than the redness in the right thumb and thenar regions and spontaneous moderate pain present throughout the right thumb. Investigations revealed normal blood chemistry and coagulation factor levels, except for elevated haemoglobin (18.2 g/dl). Further investigations revealed an erythropoietin level of 2.3 IU/ml and Janus kinase 2 mutation. Hence, we diagnosed the patient with erythromelalgia caused by polycythemia vera. In this report, we discuss the treatment of polycythemia causing erythromelalgia, and the aetiology of primary aldosteronism and polycythemia vera. LEARNING POINTS Polycythemia can cause erythromelalgia, which should be treated with aspirin.Primary aldosteronism causes secondary erythropoiesis through activation of the renin-aldosterone system, but the mechanism is not clear.Erythropoiesis may be promoted by concurrent primary aldosteronism and polycythemia vera, resulting in secondary erythromelalgia.
Modernizing Daily Function Assessment in Parkinson's Disease Using Capacity, Perception, and Performance Measures

Many disease symptoms restrict the quality of life of the affected. This usually occurs indirectly, at least in most neurological diseases. Here, impaired daily function is interposed between the symptoms and the reduced quality of life. This is reflected in the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health model published by the World Health Organization in 2001. This correlation between symptom, daily function, and quality of life makes it clear that to evaluate the success of a therapy and develop new therapies, daily function must also be evaluated as accurately as possible. However, daily function is a complex construct and therefore difficult to quantify. To date, daily function has been measured primarily by capacity (clinical assessments) and perception (surveys and patient‐reported outcomes) assessment approaches. Now, daily function can be captured in a new dimension, that is, performance, through new digital technologies that can be used in the home environment of patients. This viewpoint discusses the differences and interdependencies of capacity, perception, and performance assessment types using the example of Parkinson's disease. Options regarding how future study protocols should be designed to get the most comprehensive and validated picture of daily function in patients are presented. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Renin–angiotensin system inhibition and risk of infection and mortality in COVID‐19: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the causative agent of COVID‐19, enters human cells by binding of its viral protein to the aminopeptidase angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This has led to speculation whether treatment with renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors was associated with an increased likelihood of a positive test for COVID‐19 and risk of mortality.
Dielectrophoresis: Developments and applications from 2010 to 2020

The 20th century has seen tremendous innovation of dielectrophoresis (DEP) technologies, with applications being developed in areas ranging from industrial processing to micro‐ and nanoscale biotechnology. From 2010 to present day, there have been 981 publications about DEP. Of over 2600 DEP patents held by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, 106 were filed in 2019 alone. This review focuses on DEP‐based technologies and application developments between 2010 and 2020, with an aim to highlight the progress and to identify potential areas for future research. A major trend over the last 10 years has been the use of DEP techniques for biological and clinical applications. It has been used in various forms on a diverse array of biologically derived molecules and particles to manipulate and study them including proteins, exosomes, bacteria, yeast, stem cells, cancer cells, and blood cells. DEP has also been used to manipulate nano‐ and micron‐sized particles in order to fabricate different structures. The next 10 years are likely to see the increase in DEP‐related patent applications begin to result in a greater level of technology commercialization. Also during this time, innovations in DEP technology will likely be leveraged to continue the existing trend to further biological and medical‐focused applications as well as applications in microfabrication. As a tool leveraged by engineering and imaginative scientific design, DEP offers unique capabilities to manipulate small particles in precise ways that can help solve problems and enable scientific inquiry that cannot be addressed using conventional methods.
An efficient acute stress response in Chinese individuals with high interdependent self-construal

ABSTRACT Background and Objective An efficient stress response comprises both quick reactivity and rapid recovery. Studies have found an enhanced stress response in Chinese people with high interdependent self-construal (ISC). ISC is a personality trait that is well-matched with Chinese collectivistic culture, and whether they exhibit an efficient stress response has not been exclusively examined. Design We conducted a novel experiment to examine the stress response change rate in Chinese participants with varying levels of ISC，then performed a validation analysis against previous data to examine the reliability of current results. Methods In our experiment, 84 healthy (42 high-ISC and 42 low-ISC), young, native Chinese were randomly assigned to either the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), or the control condition. In the published study, 46 native Chinese participants (23 high-ISC and 23 low-ISC) had undergone the TSST. Data were collected throughout the two experiments. Results Compared to low-ISC participants, cortisol and subjective stress levels in high-ISC participants peaked sooner and declined rapidly, suggesting quick stress reactivity and rapid recovery. This finding was supported by the previous study. Conclusions High-ISC individuals display an efficient stress response pattern, manifested by fast reactivity and rapid recovery, which may be adaptive in Chinese collectivistic culture.
A Novel Gain-of-function Variant in CACNA1C Associated with Timothy Syndrome, Multiple Accessory Pathways and Non-compaction Cardiomyopathy.

Correspondence to: Rafik Tadros, MD, PhD, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Bélanger, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada. Email rafik.tadros@umontreal.ca or Lucie Parent, PhD, Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Bélanger, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada. Email lucie.parent@umontreal.ca
Development of myodural bridge located within the atlanto‐occipital interspace of rats

The myodural bridge (MDB) is a dense connective tissue structure that connects the subocciptal musculature to the spinal dura mater. The purpose of this study was to clarify morphological evolution characteristics and compositional changes in the fibrous structures of MDB during its growth and development in the atlanto‐occipital interspace. For this, histological sections from Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats (age, E17 to adulthood) were stained with Masson's Trichrome and Picrosirius Red. The results demonstrated that at age E18, the posterior arch of the atlas was completely closed and MDB fibers had already begun to form. In rat embryos (E18‐E21), only few fibers and muscles were present in the suboccipital region, and these were lightly stained. In postnatal rats, an obvious increase in the amount of fibers and muscle tissues was noted. At age P1, MDB fibers originated from the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle and merged into the atlanto‐occipital membrane, which was closely attached to the spinal dura mater. As rats matured, MDB fibers gradually became denser and more organized. This study also showed that in postnatal rats, MDB was mainly composed of type I collagen fibers. By observing the development of MDB in SD rats, the function of MDB can be further understood. This study provides a morphological basis for future functional studies involving the MDB.
Differential DNA methylation of the genes for amyloid precursor protein, tau and neurofilaments in human traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an established risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders and dementias. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, may alter the expression of genes without altering the DNA sequence in response to environmental factors. We hypothesized that DNA methylation changes may occur in the injured human brain and be implicated in the neurodegenerative aftermath of TBI. The DNA methylation status of genes related to neurodegeneration, e.g. amyloid beta precursor protein (APP), microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT), neurofilament heavy (NEFH), neurofilament medium (NEFM) and neurofilament light (NEFL), was analyzed in fresh, surgically resected human brain tissue from 17 severe TBI patients and compared with brain biopsy samples from 19 patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). We also performed an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) comparing TBI patients to iNPH controls. Thirty-eight CpG sites in the APP, MAPT, NEFH and NEFL genes were differentially methylated by TBI. Among the top 20 differentially methylated CpG sites, 11 were in the APP gene. In addition, the EWAS evaluating 828 888 CpG sites revealed 308 differentially methylated CpG sites in genes related to cellular/anatomical structure development, cell differentiation and anatomical morphogenesis. These preliminary findings provide the first evidence of an altered DNA methylome in the injured human brain and may have implications for the neurodegenerative disorders associated at long-term with TBI.
Analysis of Inpatient Hospital Falls with Serious Injury

Fall-related serious injuries pose risks to patients and healthcare organizations. This retrospective, single-hospital study used a 38 variable instrument to understand characteristics of those who sustained a fall with serious injury. Analyses included descriptive statistics, frequency, and Chi-square tests of associations between key variables and outcomes of moderate versus major injury. Age range 25–91 years, predominantly 60–69 years (23.3%), and mostly male (50.9%). Highest percentage occurred between 0:00 and 06:59 (39.6%), and on Oncology service (28.3%). Fallers were in the room, (81.1%), sustained major injury (73.6%), fractured a major bone (43.4%), had altered mobility prior to the fall (67.9%), and had received at least one narcotic dose within 24 hours before the fall (43.2%). The associations between injury severity and age, gender, altered mobility, fall risk assessment pre-fall, and unit service line are not statistically significant, however have small-to-moderate clinical significance. This study adds to the literature in identifying characteristics of patients who sustain a fall-related serious injury.
Expression and Clinical Significance of MMP-28 in Bladder Cancer

Aims: The aim of this study to determine the expression of MMP-28 in bladder urothelial carcinoma and to analyze the correlation between MMP-28 and the clinicopathological characteristics of human bladder carcinoma, and its relationship with patient prognosis. Methods: A total of 491 surgically resected bladder cancer samples and 80 normal tissue adjacent to the tumor were stained by immunohistochemistry. The expression of MMP-28 in these samples was quantitated, and the value of MMP-28 as a marker of bladder cancer and prognosis was assessed. Results: The expression of MMP-28 in urinary bladder carcinoma was higher than in normal bladder mucosa. The high level of MMP-28 was significantly correlated with tumor histology grade, lymphatic metastasis, lymph node infiltration, and distant metastasis (P < 0.05). The upregulation of MMP-28 was also closely related to the risk of cancer progression and the survival of patients. Further analysis documented that high expression of MMP-28 was associated with decreased overall survival in bladder cancer patients. Conclusions: The abnormal expression of MMP-28 may be related to the initiation and development of urothelial carcinoma. The upregulation of MMP-28 can be used as one of the effective indicators to diagnose bladder cancer and predict tumor progression.
Associations Between the Child Care Environment and Children’s In-Care Physical Activity and Sedentary Time

Background Child care centers are important for children’s behaviors. Aims To examine the cross-sectional associations between child care environmental characteristics and physical activity and sedentary time in children. Methods Participants were 124 toddlers and 118 preschoolers from 19 centers in Alberta and Ontario, Canada, in the supporting Healthy physical AcTive CHildcare setting (HATCH) study. In-care physical activity and sedentary time were assessed using Actigraph accelerometers. Child care environments, including structure (e.g., resources) and process (e.g., activities) quality, were measured using three instruments: (1) the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation and (2) the Children’s Physical Environments Rating Scale, and (iii) the Movement Environment Rating Scale. Mixed models were performed to examine the associations between environmental characteristics and children’s sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Results A few structure quality characteristics related to child care policy and indoor environment were associated with higher physical activity and lower sedentary time in toddlers. The overall structure quality (B = 0.04; 95% CI [0.003, 0.08]) and process quality (B = 0.08; 95% CI [0.02, 0.15]) of the child care environment were associated with log moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in preschoolers. Specifically, structure quality characteristics of the outdoor environment and physical activity time, and process quality characteristics relevant to curriculum and pedagogy, were associated with higher physical activity and lower sedentary time in preschoolers. Discussion and Conclusion The child care structure quality characteristics that are important for children’ physical activity and sedentary behavior may vary by age group. Improving the overall process quality, in particular curriculum and pedagogy, of the child care environment, may promote more physical activity in preschoolers.
Interactions eaux-argiles etude experimentale

Les mineraux argileux contribuent par des reactions de surface et de dissolution/precipitation a la composition chimique des eaux des sols et sediments. Or, la comprehension de ces processus est, jusqu'a present, restee fragmentaire. Notre objectif experimental est d'identifier les contributions de chacune de ces reactions a la chimie de la solution d'un systeme modele eaux/argiles. Une kaolinite, une illite et une montmorillonite ont servi d'argiles de reference. Apres une etude mineralogique fine, nous avons caracterise les equilibres d'echange k#+/h#+ a leurs surfaces. Differents sites reactionnels ont ete identifies, dont nous avons quantifie les cec et les coefficients de selectivite. Puis, des melanges de ces trois argiles ont ete equilibres en milieu kcl 10##2 m, acide ou basique, a 25c, 60c et 80c, pendant 320 jours. L'evolution du systeme a ete suivie par analyse chimique des solutions et analyse mineralogique au met. On montre ainsi que la montmorillonite se destabilise au profit de l'assemblage kaolinite/silice amorphe pour des solutions de ph<7. La silice aqueuse est probablement controlee par la cinetique de dissolution de la montmorillonite dans les milieux de ph moderes. Dans les milieux les plus acides, la silice amorphe precipite. L'aluminium est controle, quant a lui, par des kaolinites neoformees. L'utilisation des coefficients de selectivite dans une simulation numerique montre que k#+ est soumis aux reactions d'echanges d'ions. Le ph a une evolution complexe, insuffisamment comprise, dependante des equilibres d'echange et de la presence d'acides organiques. Dans ce type d'experiences, nous avons pu demontrer que la notion d'equilibre entre smectite et kaolinite est inexacte. Le probleme de la nature thermodynamique des argiles demeure et n'est pas resolu par ces experiences de solubilite.
Bioaccumulation and Trophic Transfer of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Their Hydroxylated and Methoxylated Analogues in Polar Marine Food Webs.

Arctic and Antarctic marine ecosystems, which are important components of global biodiversity, have been severely threatened by environmental pollutants in recent decades. In this study, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and their hydroxylated and methoxylated analogues (OH-PBDEs and MeO-PBDEs) were analyzed in seawater, sediment, and marine organisms (algae, invertebrates, and fishes) collected surrounding the Arctic Yellow River Station (n = 83) and the Antarctic Great Wall Station (n = 72). PBDEs and the analogues were detectable in all polar marine matrices, except MeO-PBDEs in seawater. The concentrations of ∑PBDEs, ∑MeO-PBDEs, and ∑OH-PBDEs in the marine organisms were in the range of 0.33-16 ng/g lipid weight (lw), n.d. -2.6 ng/g lw, and 0.12-2.3 ng/g lw in the Arctic and 0.06-31 ng/g lw, n.d. -5.8 ng/g lw, and 0.17-35 ng/g lw in Antarctica, respectively. Biota-sediment bioaccumulation factor (BSAF, g TOC/g lipid) values of MeO-PBDEs (0.002-0.14) and OH-PBDEs (0.004-0.18) were lower than the BSAF values of PBDEs (0.85-12). Trophic magnification was found for ∑MeO-PBDEs, whereas trophic dilution was observed for ∑OH-PBDEs in both regions. This is one of very few investigations on trophic transfer of PBDE metabolites in the Antarctic and Arctic regions and will further strengthen concerns about the ecological risk of PBDE metabolites in remote areas.