Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of natural finger-press motions for design of trackball buttons

Abstract This study analysed natural press motions of the index, middle and ring fingers for ergonomic design of the positions and surface angles of the left, middle and right trackball buttons. Finger motions of 26 male participants for naturally pressing the trackball buttons were recorded after the participants adjusted the trackball buttons to their preferred locations for comfortable pressing. The natural positions of the finger pulps formed a symmetrically rainbow-shaped reach zone for the fingers. The natural press angles of the fingers’ motion trajectories to the vertical reference line ranged from 14.2° to 20.5°, suggesting an 18-degree surface from the horizontal line for the trackball buttons. Regression formulas (adjusted R2 = 0.90 ± 0.07 and mean squared error = 8.55 ± 7.52 mm) were established to estimate the natural positions of finger pulps from hand segment lengths and joint angles for a population having different hand sizes from this study. Relevance to industry
Particulate Matter Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease: An Update to the Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

In 2004, the first American Heart Association scientific statement on “Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease” concluded that exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In the interim, numerous studies have expanded our understanding of this association and further elucidated the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved. The main objective of this updated American Heart Association scientific statement is to provide a comprehensive review of the new evidence linking PM exposure with cardiovascular disease, with a specific focus on highlighting the clinical implications for researchers and healthcare providers. The writing group also sought to provide expert consensus opinions on many aspects of the current state of science and updated suggestions for areas of future research. On the basis of the findings of this review, several new conclusions were reached, including the following: Exposure to PM <2.5 &mgr;m in diameter (PM2.5) over a few hours to weeks can trigger cardiovascular disease–related mortality and nonfatal events; longer-term exposure (eg, a few years) increases the risk for cardiovascular mortality to an even greater extent than exposures over a few days and reduces life expectancy within more highly exposed segments of the population by several months to a few years; reductions in PM levels are associated with decreases in cardiovascular mortality within a time frame as short as a few years; and many credible pathological mechanisms have been elucidated that lend biological plausibility to these findings. It is the opinion of the writing group that the overall evidence is consistent with a causal relationship between PM2.5 exposure and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This body of evidence has grown and been strengthened substantially since the first American Heart Association scientific statement was published. Finally, PM2.5 exposure is deemed a modifiable factor that contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Why WAIT? Preliminary evaluation of the weight assistance and intervention techniques (WAIT) group

ABSTRACT Individuals who attempt to lose weight may struggle because they lack skills to address problematic eating behaviors. There are multiple programs that have taught patients some of these behavioral strategies; however, it is not clear which strategies patients find to be the most useful. The purpose of this study was to examine preliminary outcomes after completion of a six-week integrative group for weight management. Retrospective chart reviews were conducted of 51 patients who completed an integrative, psychological weight management group. Patients were mailed surveys 1–2 years after completion of the group assessing for current problematic eating behaviors (i.e. emotional eating and food addiction), satisfaction with treatment, and skills they continue to use. The majority of patients lost weight, were satisfied with the group, found the group to be helpful, and felt confident they could maintain behavior changes. The strategies patients most commonly continued to use post-group included mindful eating, keeping a food diary, carrying out an exercise plan, regular weigh-ins, and planning for social eating. The number of food addiction symptoms decreased from pre- to post-group. An integrative psychological weight management group may provide patients with skills and confidence to assist with managing problematic eating behaviors and weight loss.
Psychological factors and premenstrual syndrome: A Spanish case-control study

Objective To assess whether the psychological variables perceived stress, neuroticism and coping strategies, are associated with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Syndrome (PMDD). Design Case-control study with incident cases using the Spanish public healthcare system. Setting 3 major public hospitals and one family counseling and planning center. Population Women consulting for troubles related to menstruation and for other motives such as screening for uterine cancer, contraception counselling or desire for pregnancy. Methods Logistic regression. Main outcome measures Odds of PMS and PMDD. Results 285 PMS and 285 age-matched controls, as well as 88 PMDD cases and 176 controls participated in the study. Medium and high levels of perceived stress were associated with an increase in the odds of PMS (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.49; 95%CI: 1.41–4.39 and OR = 4.90; 95%CI: 2.70–8.89, respectively). For PMDD the results were: OR = 2.61; 95%CI: 1.35–5.05 and OR = 5.79; 95%CI: 2.63–12.76, respectively. Subjects with medium and high levels of neuroticism were also at higher odds of suffering from PMS (OR = 2.53; 95%CI: 1.06–6.06 and OR = 8.05; 95%CI: 3.07–2.12, respectively). For PMDD, the results were OR = 3.70; 95%CI: 1.27–10.77 and 5.73: 95%CI: 1.96–16.77, respectively. High levels in the large majority of coping strategies were also associated with increased odds of PMS and PMDD. Conclusions Psychological factors including perceived stress, neuroticism and coping strategies are strongly related to PMS/PMDD. This association is unlikely to be due to confounding or misclassification bias. A reverse causation process cannot be ruled out although its likelihood is remote.
Biomechanical comparison of implant inclinations and load times with the all-on-4 treatment concept: a three-dimensional finite element analysis

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of implant inclinations and load times on stress distributions in the peri-implant bone based on immediate- and delayed-loading models. Four 3D FEA models with different inclination angle of the posterior implants (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°) were constructed. A static load of 150 N in the multivectoral direction was applied unilaterally to the cantilever region. The stress distributions in the peri-implant bone were evaluated before and after osseointegration. The principal tensile stress (σmax), mean principal tensile stress (σmax), principal compressive stress (σmin) and mean principal compressive stress (σmin) of the bone and micromotion at the contact interface between the bone and implants were calculated. In all the models, peak principal stresses occurred in the bone surrounding the left tilted implant. The highest σmax and σmin were all observed in the 0° model for both immediate- and delayed-loading models. And the 0° and 15° models showed higher σmax and σmin values. The 0°models showed the largest micromotion. The observed stress distribution was better in the 30° and 45° models than in the 0° and 15° models.
Neural dynamics of visual ambiguity resolution by perceptual prior

Past experiences have enormous power in shaping our daily perception. Currently, dynamical neural mechanisms underlying this process remain mysterious. Exploiting a dramatic visual phenomenon, where a single experience of viewing a clear image allows instant recognition of a related degraded image, we investigated this question using MEG and 7 Tesla fMRI in humans. We observed that following the acquisition of perceptual priors, different degraded images are represented much more distinctly in neural dynamics starting from ~500 ms after stimulus onset. Content-specific neural activity related to stimulus-feature processing dominated within 300 ms after stimulus onset, while content-specific neural activity related to recognition processing dominated from 500 ms onward. Model-driven MEG-fMRI data fusion revealed the spatiotemporal evolution of neural activities involved in stimulus, attentional, and recognition processing. Together, these findings shed light on how experience shapes perceptual processing across space and time in the brain.
Rehab-Net: Deep Learning Framework for Arm Movement Classification Using Wearable Sensors for Stroke Rehabilitation

In this paper, we present a deep learning framework “Rehab-Net” for effectively classifying three upper limb movements of the human arm, involving extension, flexion, and rotation of the forearm, which, over the time, could provide a measure of rehabilitation progress. The proposed framework, Rehab-Net is formulated with a personalized, light weight and low-complex, customized convolutional neural network (CNN) model, using two-layers of CNN, interleaved with pooling layers, followed by a fully connected layer that classifies the three movements from tri-axial acceleration input data collected from the wrist. The proposed Rehab-Net framework was validated on sensor data collected in two situations: 1) semi-naturalistic environment involving an archetypal activity of “making-tea” with four stroke survivors and 2) natural environment, where ten stroke survivors were free to perform any desired arm movement for the duration of 120 min. We achieved an overall accuracy of 97.89% on semi-naturalistic data and 88.87% on naturalistic data which exceeded state-of-the-art learning algorithms namely, linear discriminant analysis, support vector machines, and k-means clustering with an average accuracy of 48.89%, 44.14%, and 27.64%. Subsequently, a computational complexity analysis of the proposed model has been discussed with an eye toward hardware implementation. The clinical significance of this study is to accurately monitor the clinical progress of the rehabilitated subjects under the ambulatory settings.
SILAC-based quantitative proteomics identifies size-dependent molecular mechanisms involved in silver nanoparticles-induced toxicity

Abstract Silver nanoparticles are currently one of the most widely used metallic nanoparticles. Due to their antibacterial properties, they are applied in textiles, house-holds items, and medical devices, among many other products. Understanding the potential toxicity associated with silver nanoparticles and the differential effect that nanoparticles of different size might induce is crucial, due to the increasing human and environmental exposure to this type of nanoparticles. In this work, we explored the different biomolecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of silver nanoparticles in a size-dependent manner. Quantitative proteomic analysis of hepatic cells exposed to 10 and 60 nm silver nanoparticles demonstrated the alteration of a different set of proteins depending on the particle size. We demonstrated that while 10 nm silver nanoparticles induce nucleolar stress and ribosome biogenesis halt, both types of nanoparticles induce DNA damage and oxidative stress but through different pathways. In addition, both types of nanoparticles also affected cell proliferation, disrupted the cell cycle and ultimately, induced apoptosis. The alteration of different cellular mechanisms in a size-dependent manner, have relevant implications not only from a toxicity point of view, but also for the potential applications of silver nanoparticles.
Early lineage specification defines alveolar epithelial ontogeny in the murine lung

Significance Gas exchange requires the coordinated action of alveolar type 1 (AT1) and AT2 cells. AT1 cells promote gas exchange, and AT2 cells secrete surfactant proteins to reduce surface tension. However, the developmental ontology of these cells remains unclear. By using a combination of single-cell gene expression, single-cell RNA FISH, and combinatorial lineage-tracing methods, we show that the majority of AT1 and AT2 cells arise from progenitors expressing lineage-specific makers earlier than anticipated. We also identify cells expressing markers of both fates, and lineage tracing of these cells demonstrates a relatively small contribution to the mature alveolar epithelium. During the stepwise specification and differentiation of tissue-specific multipotent progenitors, lineage-specific transcriptional networks are activated or repressed to orchestrate cell specification. The gas-exchange niche in the lung contains two major epithelial cell types, alveolar type 1 (AT1) and AT2 cells, and the timing of lineage specification of these cells is critical for the correct formation of this niche and postnatal survival. Integrating cell-specific lineage tracing studies, spatially specific mRNA transcript and protein expression, and single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis, we demonstrate that specification of alveolar epithelial cell fate begins concomitantly with the proximal–distal specification of epithelial progenitors and branching morphogenesis earlier than previously appreciated. By using a newly developed dual-lineage tracing system, we show that bipotent alveolar cells that give rise to AT1 and AT2 cells are a minor contributor to the alveolar epithelial population. Furthermore, single-cell assessment of the transcriptome identifies specified AT1 and AT2 progenitors rather than bipotent cells during sacculation. These data reveal a paradigm of organ formation whereby lineage specification occurs during the nascent stages of development coincident with broad tissue-patterning processes, including axial patterning of the endoderm and branching morphogenesis.
Aspergilolide, a steroid lactone produced by an endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. MBL1612 isolated from Paeonia ostii

Abstract A new steroid lactone aspergilolide (1), and nine known compounds helvolic acid (2), verruculogen (3), tryprostatin B (4), 13-oxofumitremorgin B (5), fumitremorgin C (6), demethoxy fumitremorgin C (7), terezine D (8), aszonalenin (9), 12, 13-dihydroxy-fumitremorgin C (10) from cultures of the endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. MBL1612. Their chemical structures were determined by a series of extensive spectroscopic methods. All of the compounds were isolated from this genus for the first time. The cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines of new compound were detected.
Overlapping Cardiac Phenotype Associated with a Familial Mutation in the Voltage Sensor of the KCNQ1 Channel

Background: Cardiac action potential repolarisation is determined by K+ currents including IKs. IKs channels are heteromeric channels composed of KCNQ1 and KCNE E-subunits. Mutations in KCNQ1 are associated with sinus bradycardia, familial atrial fibrillation (fAF) and/or short QT syndrome as a result of gain-of-function, and long QT syndrome (LQTS) due to loss-of-function in the ventricles. Here, we report that the missense mutation R231C located in S4 voltage sensor domain is associated with a combined clinical phenotype of sinus bradycardia, fAF and LQTS. We aim to understand the molecular basis of the complex clinical phenotype. Methods: We expressed and functionally analyzed the respective channels kinetics in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The molecular nature of the residue R231 was studied by homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulation. Results: As a result, the mutation reduced voltage sensitivity of channels, possibly due to neutralization of the positive charge of the arginine side chain substituted by cysteine. Modeling suggested that the charge carrying side chain of R231 is positioned suitably to transfer transmembrane voltages into conformational energy. Further, the mutation altered the functional interactions with KCNE subunits. Conclusion: The mutation acted in a E-subunit dependent manner, suggesting IKs function altered by the presence of different KCNE subunits in sinus node, atria and ventricles as the molecular basis of sinus bradycardia, fAF and LQTS in mutation carriers.
Usefulness of Noninvasive Methods for the Study of Bronchial Inflammation in the Control of Patients with Asthma

Bronchial asthma is one of the most prevalent respiratory conditions. Although it is defined as an inflammatory disease, the current guidelines for both diagnosis and follow-up of patients are based only on clinical and lung function parameters. Current research is focused on finding markers that can accurately predict future risk, and on assessing the ability of these markers to guide medical treatment and thus improve prognosis. The use of noninvasive methods to study airway inflammation is gaining increasing support. The study of eosinophils in induced sputum has proved useful for the diagnosis of asthma; however, its clinical implementation is complex. Some studies have shown that the measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) may also be useful to establish disease phenotypes and improve control. Others have found that the measurement of pH and certain markers of oxidative stress, cytokines and prostanoids in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) may also be useful as well as the measurement of the temperature of exhaled breath and the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In conclusion, since asthma is an inflammatory disease, it seems appropriate to try to control it through the study of airway inflammation using noninvasive methods. In this regard, the analysis of induced sputum cells has proved very useful, although the clinical implementation of this technique seems difficult. Other techniques such as temperature measurement, the analysis of FeNO, the analysis of the VOCs in exhaled breath, or the study of certain biomarkers in EBC require further study in order to determine their clinical applicability.
Discovery of Novel Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors as Potential Candidates for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) catalyzes the hydrolysis of neurotransmitter acetylcholine to acetate and choline in a synaptic cleft. Deficits in cholinergic neurotransmitters are linked closely with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory impairment, and a disordered cognitive function. Since the previously approved AChE inhibitors, donepezil (Aricept), galantamine (Reminyl), and rivastigmine (Exelon), have side effects and several studies are being carried out out to develop novel AD drugs, we have applied a three-dimensional quantitative structure−activity relationship (3D QSAR) and structure-based pharmacophore modeling methodologies to identify potential candidate inhibitors against AChE. Herein, 3D QSAR and structure-based pharmacophore models were built from known inhibitors and crystal structures of human AChE in complex with donepezil, galantamine, huperzine A, and huprine W, respectively. The generated models were used as 3D queries to screen new scaffolds from various chemical databases. The hit compounds obtained from the virtual screening were subjected to an assessment of drug-like properties, followed by molecular docking. The final hit compounds were selected based on binding modes and molecular interactions in the active site of the enzyme. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations for AChE in complex with the final hits were performed to evaluate that they maintained stable interactions with the active site residues. The binding free energies of the final hits were also calculated using molecular mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann surface area method. Taken together, we proposed that these hits can be promising candidates for anti-AD drugs.
Determinants of the survival benefit of lung transplantation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RATIONALE Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the first indication for lung transplantation, the benefit of the procedure in terms of survival remains debated. OBJECTIVES To estimate the determinants of the survival benefit of lung transplantation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS Using information from the United Network for Organ Sharing database on 8,182 patients, we developed an approach based on numerical simulations to estimate the survival effect of lung transplantation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The main outcome measure was the difference between median survival with transplantation and that without transplantation measured from time of transplant list registration. Survival benefit was greater with double than with single lung transplantation (mean difference, 307 d [95% confidence interval, 217-523]). With double lung transplantation, 44.6% of patients would gain 1 year or more, 29.4% would gain or lose less than 1 year, and 26% would lose 1 year or more. Major determinants of the survival effect of transplantation were systolic pulmonary artery pressure, FEV(1), body mass index, exercise capacity, functional status, and the need for continuous mechanical ventilation or oxygen. For instance, 79% of patients with an FEV(1) less than 16% of the predicted value would gain 1 year or more with double lung transplantation as compared with only 11% of patients with an FEV(1) of more than 25%. CONCLUSIONS We identified several factors associated with the survival benefit of lung transplantation. External validation of our models is required before translating these results into clinical practice.
Expression of phospholipase PLC Zeta in human spermatozoa: impact of cryopreservation

Cryopreservation is used for infertility treatment and for fertility preservation. The results of the use of frozen spermatozoa for ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) are lower than those of fresh spermatozoa. The phospholipase C Zeta (PLCζ) protein is involved in oocyte activation.
Design of split superantigen fusion proteins for cancer immunotherapy

Several antibody-targeting cancer immunotherapies have been developed based on T cell activation at the target cells. One of the most potent activators of T cells are bacterial superantigens, which bind to major histocompatibility complex class II on antigen-presenting cells and activate T cells through T cell receptor. Strong T cell activation is also one of the main weaknesses of this strategy as it may lead to systemic T cell activation. To overcome the limitation of conventional antibody–superantigen fusion proteins, we have split a superantigen into two fragments, individually inactive, until both fragments came into close proximity and reassembled into a biologically active form capable of activating T cell response. A screening method based on fusion between SEA and coiled-coil heterodimers was developed that enabled detection of functional split SEA designs. The split SEA design that demonstrated efficacy in fusion with coiled-coil dimer forming polypeptides was fused to a single chain antibody specific for tumor antigen CD20. This design selectively activated T cells by split SEA–scFv fusion binding to target cells.