Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrospinning Piezoelectric Fibers for Biocompatible Devices

The field of nanotechnology has been gaining great success due to its potential in developing new generations of nanoscale materials with unprecedented properties and enhanced biological responses. This is particularly exciting using nanofibers, as their mechanical and topographic characteristics can approach those found in naturally occurring biological materials. Electrospinning is a key technique to manufacture ultrafine fibers and fiber meshes with multifunctional features, such as piezoelectricity, to be available on a smaller length scale, thus comparable to subcellular scale, which makes their use increasingly appealing for biomedical applications. These include biocompatible fiber‐based devices as smart scaffolds, biosensors, energy harvesters, and nanogenerators for the human body. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current studies focused on the fabrication of ultrafine polymeric and ceramic piezoelectric fibers specifically designed for, or with the potential to be translated toward, biomedical applications. It provides an applicative and technical overview of the biocompatible piezoelectric fibers, with actual and potential applications, an understanding of the electrospinning process, and the properties of nanostructured fibrous materials, including the available modeling approaches. Ultimately, this review aims at enabling a future vision on the impact of these nanomaterials as stimuli‐responsive devices in the human body.
Classification of Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Variants and a Novel Genetic Risk Score Association with Insulin Clearance.

CONTEXT Genome-wide association studies have identified >450 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for type 2 diabetes (T2D). OBJECTIVE To facilitate use of these SNPs in future genetic risk score (GRS)-based analyses, we aimed to classify the SNPs based on physiology. We also sought to validate GRS associations with insulin-related traits in deeply-phenotyped Mexican Americans. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS 457 T2D SNPs from the literature were assigned physiologic function based on association studies and cluster analyses. All SNPs (All-GRS), beta-cell (BC-GRS), insulin resistance (IR-GRS), lipodystrophy (Lipo-GRS), and body mass index plus lipids (B+L-GRS) were evaluated for association with diabetes and indexes of insulin secretion (from oral glucose tolerance test), insulin sensitivity and insulin clearance (from euglycemic clamp), and adiposity and lipid markers in 1,587 Mexican Americans. RESULTS Of the 457 SNPs, 52 were classified as BC, 30 as IR, 12 as Lipo, 12 as B+L, while physiologic function of 351 was undefined. All-GRS was strongly associated with T2D. Among the non-diabetic Mexican-Americans, BC-GRS was associated with reduced insulinogenic index, IR-GRS was associated with reduced insulin sensitivity, and Lipo-GRS was associated with reduced adiposity. B+L-GRS was associated with increased insulin clearance. The latter did not replicate in an independent cohort wherein insulin clearance was assessed by a different method. CONCLUSIONS Supporting their utility, BC-GRS, IR-GRS, and Lipo-GRS, based on SNPs discovered largely in Europeans, exhibited expected associations in Mexican Americans. The novel association of B+L-GRS with insulin clearance suggests that impaired ability to reduce insulin clearance in compensation for insulin resistance may play a role in the pathogenesis of T2D. Whether this applies to other ethnic groups remains to be determined.
Using metamemory measures and memory tests to estimate eyewitness free recall performance

ABSTRACT Using a mock witness methodology, we investigated the predictive value of metamemory measures and objective memory tests as indicators of eyewitness free recall performance. Participants (n = 208) first completed a metamemory assessment that included assessments of self-rated memory capacity, memory development and use of strategies. In a separate session, participants watched a mock-crime video and provided a free recall account, followed by one out of four independent memory tests (i.e., free recall, cued recall, face recognition and general knowledge). Accuracy, amount of details reported, confidence and over/underconfidence in the eyewitness free recall were the main dependent variables. Results indicated three main findings: (1) subjective assessments of memory capacity were not related to eyewitness free recall performance; (2) although individual confidence and over/underconfidence was somewhat stable across different memory tests, accuracy was less stable; and (3) individuals with higher self-rated memory capacity had a slightly stronger confidence-accuracy relation in free recall. These results are discussed with respect to metamemory assessments and performance stability across memory tests of different domains.
Spontaneous Pain Disrupts Ventral Hippocampal CA1-Infralimbic Cortex Connectivity and Modulates Pain Progression in Rats with Peripheral Inflammation.

Pain involves an intrinsically dynamic connectome characterized by fluctuating spontaneous brain activity and continuous neuroplastic changes of relevant circuits. Activity in the hippocampus-medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) pathway has been suggested to correlate with spontaneous pain and pain chronicity, but causal evidence is lacking. Here we combine longitudinal in vivo electrophysiological recording with behavioral testing and show that persistent spontaneous pain disrupts ventral hippocampal CA1-infralimbic cortex (vCA1-IL) connectivity and hippocampal modulation of IL neuronal activity in rats with peripheral inflammation. Chemo- and optogenetic rescue of vCA1-IL dysfunction relieves spontaneous pain. Circuit-specific overexpression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in vCA1-IL reverses electrophysiological changes, relieves spontaneous pain, and accelerates overall recovery from inflammatory pain. Our work identifies a neural pathway that specifically correlates with spontaneous pain and supports the significance of using a circuit dynamics-based strategy for more comprehensive understanding of circuitry mechanisms underlying chronic pain.
Sleep restriction therapy may be effective for people with insomnia and depressive complaints: evidence from a case series

Abstract Background: Insomnia and depression are clearly interrelated. Several studies showed that treating insomnia with cognitive behavioural therapy positively affects concurrent depressive symptoms. However, it is unclear what treatment component is responsible for the change in depressive symptoms. Aims: To develop the evidence base we employed a case series design in which we administered a single component sleep restriction treatment to individuals with both insomnia and depressive symptoms. Method: Seven patients were included, of whom six completed the intervention. Patients completed weekly assessments during the 4-week wait period and 6-week treatment phase. Results: At the post-assessment, two out of six patients showed clinical improvement in depressive symptoms. All six patients showed clinically meaningful improvement at the 3-month follow-up assessment, and two patients had maintained gains at 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: This case series study shows that, especially at 3-month follow-up, sleep restriction therapy is associated with clinically relevant treatment gains in patients with both insomnia and depressive symptoms.
PROPRIOCEPTIVE TRAINING AS AN ADJUNCT IN OSTEOARTHRITIS OF KNEE

Osteoarthritis (OA) is steadily becoming the most common cause of disability with advancing age. So, this study was aimed to prevent and rehabilitate the patient with such disability. Proprioception along with other deficits have been established with threat to the concerned joint. Hence, objective of the study was set to show the efficacy of proprioceptive training with conventional physiotherapy versus conventional physiotherapy. A Pre test- Post test single blind experimental study was designed with 44 patients having knee OA and randomly divided in two groups. Outcome measures were pain intensity on NRS, functional disability on Reduced WOMAC and joint position sense (JPS) error on Electronic Goniometer. Results between group comparisons showed significant improvement in pain intensity (p < 0.05), WOMAC score (p < 0.05) and JPS error (p < 0.05). However both the groups improved significantly but there was more significant improvement in group with proprioception intervention. Hence, it can be concluded that proprioceptive training should be included along with conventional physiotherapy in knee OA rehabilitation.
Dehydration affects exercise-induced asthma and anaphylaxis

Allergies are generally triggered by food, medication, physical exercise, stress, alcohol consumption, and dehydration. There are reports that indicate dehydration affects various kinds of physical allergies. However, there are few studies that have focused on the effects of dehydration on asthma and allergy anaphylaxis. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of dehydration on several kinds of allergy responses and exercise-induced asthma especially during the endurance exercise. PubMed was searched from April to July of 2019 using predefined search terms “dehydration,” “exercise,” and “allergy responses. ” Based on the reference search, more than one-hundred articles were identified but eighteen papers met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for connections among exercise and dehydration, dehydration and exercise-induced asthma, and allergy responses in the main text. Results suggest that dehydration directly impairs stroke volume, cardiac output, and skin blood flow. This results in larger increases in core temperature, heart rate, and stroke volume. Additionally, exercise-induced dehydration reduces airway surface hydration, which results in an amplified brocnchoconstriction. This response to exercise occurs in those who suffer from exercise-induced asthma. Moreover, damage to the gut and impaired gut function relates to increased intestinal permeability after endurance exercise. Endurance exercise changes the immunological profiles to activate antibody-mediated immunity. Also, numerous mast cells and eosinophils were recruited, therefore isotype switching to IgE antibodies occur, this hypersensitivity activates mast cell degranulation. After degranulation, proteases, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and histamine lead to many kinds of allergy symptoms.
Identification of novel influenza A virus exposures by an improved high‐throughput multiplex MAGPIX platform and serum adsorption

The development of serologic assays that can rapidly assess human exposure to novel influenza viruses remains a public health need. Previously, we developed an 11‐plex magnetic fluorescence microsphere immunoassay (MAGPIX) by using globular head domain recombinant hemagglutinins (rHAs) with serum adsorption using two ectodomain rHAs.
Association between Nutrients and Visceral Fat in Healthy Japanese Adults: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study Brief Title: Micronutrients Associated with Visceral Fat Accumulation

High visceral fat area (VFA) is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality than body mass index or waist circumference. VFA may be decreased by proper dietary habits. Although previous epidemiologic studies demonstrated an association between nutritional components or foodstuffs and VFA, only the associations of a few nutrients, such as dietary fiber and calcium, are reported. We performed a comprehensive 2-year longitudinal study in more than 624 healthy people and analyzed 33 micronutrients to investigate nutrients that contribute to changes in visceral fat. Our analyses revealed that “macronutrients” and “micronutrients” were “mutual confounders”. Therefore, when evaluating the association between VFA and micronutrients, associations were adjusted by macronutrients. The ingestion of 7 nutrients: soluble dietary fiber, manganese, potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, folic acid, and pantothenic acid, which are abundant components in vegetable diets, was significantly inversely correlated with a change in VFA. Additionally, a change in the ingestion of one nutrient, monounsaturated fat, was significantly positively correlated with a change in VFA. These associations were independent of body mass index and waist circumference. Thus, a predominantly vegetable diet may decrease VFA. In addition, adjusting the intake of macronutrients might help to clarify the association of micronutrients with VFA.
The adaptation of lung, chest wall and respiratory muscles during pregnancy: preparing for birth.

AIM A plethora of physiologic and biochemical changes occur during normal pregnancy. The changes in the respiratory system have not been as well elucidated, since radio-imaging studies are usually not feasible. We aimed to use several non-invasive methods to characterize the adaptation of the respiratory system during the full course of pregnancy in preparation for childbirth. METHODS Eighteen otherwise healthy women (32.3±2.8 years) were recruited during early pregnancy. Spirometry, opto-electronic plethysmography and ultrasonography were used to study changes in chest wall geometry, breathing pattern, lung and thoraco-abdominal volume variations and diaphragmatic thickness in the first, second and third trimester. A group of non-pregnant women were used as controls. RESULTS During the course of pregnancy, we observed a reorganization of ribcage geometry, in shape but not in volume. In spite of the growing uterus, there was no lung restriction (forced vital capacity: 101±15 %predicted), but reduced ribcage expansion. Breathing frequency and diaphragmatic contribution to tidal volume and inspiratory capacity increased. In spite of the abdominal expansion, the thickness of the diaphragm was maintained (first trimester: 2.7±0.8 mm; third trimester: 2.5±0.9 mm, p=0.187), possibly indicating a length adaptive mechanism and/or a conditioning effect to compensate for the thinning effects of the growing uterus. CONCLUSIONS Pregnancy preserved lung volumes, abdominal muscles and the diaphragm at the expense of rib cage muscles.
A Morphometric and Morphological Study of mandibular lingula and its Clinical Significance

Aim : Mandibular lingula is a bony projection located o n the medial aspect of its ramus. It is very closel y related to the mandibular foramen and inferior alveolar nerve and vessels. The aim of the present study is to observe the different shapes, position and height of the lingula in relat ion to the mandible. Materials and Methods : The study was conducted on 50 adult dry human mandibles (100 sides) in the Department of Anatomy, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Chennai. The different shapes o f lingula were observed and position and height of lingula in relation to mandible were measured using vernier callipers. Results: The most frequent shape of the lingula observed in our study was triangular (49%) followed by nodular (23%), tru ncated (18%) and assimilated (10%) types. The lingula was located at a mean distance of 17.11 ± 2.32 mm and 14.86 ± 2.54 from the anterior and posterior border of ramus of mandible. The mean distance from the lingula to mandibular notch was 18.71 ± 3.18 mm and to the mandibular notch was 30.30 ± 5.11 mm. The mean height of the lingula was 7.45 ± 1.48 mm. Conclusion: The lingula is a very important landmark where mandibular foramen has to be identified in procedur es such as inferior alveolar nerve block ,bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy and intraoral vertical split ramus osteot omy and for excision of nerve in facial neuralgia.
miR‐802 inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of glioblastoma multiforme cells by directly targeting SIX4

It is well known that the sine oculis homeobox 4 (SIX4) expression is very relevant to the progression of multiple cancers. Moreover, we found that miR‐802 could directly target the SIX4. However, the precise mechanism of miR‐802 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is still unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of miR‐802/SIX4 axis in GBM. Here, our results showed that the SIX4 expression was obviously increased in GBM tissues and cell lines, and the miR‐802 level was distinctly decreased. What is more, the SIX4 expression was negatively related to the miR‐802 level in GBM tissues. Furthermore, increased miR‐802 level evidently restrained the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of GBM cells. Next, we confirmed that miR‐802 could directly target SIX4 by using luciferase reporter assay. Besides, the knockdown of SIX4 had the similar effects with miR‐802 overexpression on GBM cells. The inhibitory effects of miR‐802 mimic were partially blocked by SIX4 overexpression. Altogether, the overexpression of miR‐802 restrained cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT of GBM cells via the regulation of SIX4.
Expression of Transforming Growth Factor β1, β3, and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Full-Thickness Skin Wounds of Equine Limbs and Thorax

OBJECTIVE To map the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1), TGF-beta(3), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in full-thickness skin wounds of the horse. To determine whether their expression differs between limbs and thorax, to understand the pathogenesis of exuberant granulation tissue. STUDY DESIGN Six wounds were created on one lateral metacarpal area and one midthoracic area of each horse. Sequential wound biopsies allowed comparison of the temporal expression of growth factors between limb and thoracic wounds. ANIMALS Four 2- to 4-year-old horses. METHODS Wounds were assessed grossly and histologically at 12 and 24 hours, and 2, 5, 10, and 14 days postoperatively. ELISAs were used to measure the growth factor concentrations of homogenates of wound biopsies taken at the same timepoints. RESULTS TGF-beta(1) peaked at 24 hours in both locations and returned to baseline in thoracic wounds by 14 days but remained elevated in limb wounds for the duration of the study. Expression kinetics of TGF-beta(3) differed from those of TGF-beta(1). TGF-beta(3) concentrations gradually increased over time, showing a trend toward an earlier and higher peak in thoracic compared with limb wounds. bFGF expression kinetics resembled those of TGF-beta(1), but no statistically significant differences existed between limb and thoracic wounds. CONCLUSIONS Growth factor expression is up-regulated during normal equine wound repair. TGF-beta(1) and TGF-beta(3) show a reciprocal temporal regulation. Statistically significant differences exist between limb and thoracic wounds with respect to TGF-beta(1) expression. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The persistence of TGF-beta(1) expression in leg wounds may be related to the development of exuberant granulation tissue in this location, because TGF-beta(1) is profibrotic.
LONGITUDINAL CHANGES IN WELL-BEING OF PARENTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL OR MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

Abstract The negative impact of having a child with special needs on parental well-being is well documented. Previous research has suggested age attenuation of these impacts. However, this has not yet been examined longitudinally in late life. Therefore, it is unclear how the effect of having a child with a developmental disability or mental health problem changes as parents age and children become less likely to live at home. Using responses from the Study of Midlife in the United States (MIDUS), this study investigates: (1) longitudinal changes in the effect of having a child with a developmental or mental health problem on parental well-being, (2) age and gender moderations on these effects, and (3) the unique impact of factors directly related to the child’s condition. Multiple linear regressions revealed that having a child with a developmental disability was predictive of higher negative affect, more somatic symptoms, and lower psychological well-being longitudinally. Additionally, there was a main effect of having a child with a mental health problem in predicting higher negative affect. However, age moderations were revealed such that the effect of having a child with a developmental disability or mental health problem was diminished for older parents. Additionally, within-group analyses revealed that longer duration of developmental disabilities and later parental age of onset of mental health problems were predictive of better outcomes. Overall, results suggest that although having a child with special needs is related to poorer well-being, these effects can attenuate as parents age and adapt.
Development and validation of a novel and robust blood small nuclear RNA signature in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder

Abstract Reliable molecular signatures are needed to improve the early and accurate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and indicate physicians to provide timely intervention. This study aimed to identify a robust blood small nuclear RNA (snRNA) signature in diagnosing ASD. 186 blood samples in the microarray dataset were randomly divided into the training set (n = 112) and validation set (n = 72). Then, the microarray probe expression profiles were re-annotated into the expression profiles of 1253 snRNAs though probe sequence mapping. In the training set, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized generalized linear model was adopted to identify the 9-snRNA signature (RNU1-16P, RNU6-1031P, RNU6-258P, RNU6-335P, RNU6-485P, RNU6-549P, RNU6-98P, RNU6ATAC26P, and RNVU1-15), and a diagnostic score was calculated for each sample according to the snRNA expression levels and the model coefficients. The score demonstrated a good diagnostic ability for ASD in the training set (area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.90), validation set (AUC = 0.87), and the overall (AUC = 0.88). Moreover, the blood samples of 23 ASD patients and 23 age- and gender-matched controls were collected as the external validation set, in which the signature also showed a good diagnostic ability for ASD (AUC = 0.88). In subgroup analysis, the signature was robust when considering the confounders of gender, age, and disease subtypes, and displayed a significantly better performance among the female and younger cases (P = .039; P = .002). In comparison with a 55-gene signature deriving from the same dataset, the snRNA signature showed a better diagnostic ability (AUC: 0.88 vs 0.80, P = .049). In conclusion, this study identified a novel and robust blood snRNA signature in diagnosing ASD, which might help improve the diagnostic accuracy for ASD in clinical practice. Nevertheless, a large-scale prospective study was needed to validate our results.