Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. in Human Health and Nutrition: A Review of Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Perspectives

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (SCE) is a plant with high potential for beneficial health effects, confirmed by molecular studies. Its constituents exert anti-cancer effects through the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as well as inhibition of invasion and metastasis in cancer cell lines and experimental animals. SCE displays antimicrobial effects against several pathogenic strains. It has anti-diabetic potential, supported by hypoglycemic activity. A diet rich in SCE improves pancreatic functions, stimulates insulin secretion, and reduces complications in diabetic animals. SCE prevents lipid accumulation and differentiation of preadipocytes, indicating its anti-obesity potential. SCE exerts a protective effect against skin photoaging, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, senescence, and mitochondrial dysfunction, and improves physical endurance and cognitive/behavioural functions, which can be linked with its general anti-aging potency. In food technology, SCE is applied as a preservative, and as an additive to increase the flavour, taste, and nutritional value of food. In summary, SCE displays a variety of beneficial health effects, with no side effects. Further research is needed to determine the molecular mechanisms of SCE action. First, the constituents responsible for its beneficial effects should be isolated and identified, and recommended as preventative nutritional additives, or considered as therapeutics.
Long-term Changes in Musical Perception in Korean Cochlear Implant Patients.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term changes in music perception among cochlear implant (CI) patients using the Korean version of the Clinical Assessment of Music Perception test and questionnaires for music listening. METHODS Twenty-seven CI patients participated in this study. Their music perception ability was evaluated using the Korean version of the Clinical Assessment of Music Perception test, which consisted of pitch discrimination, melody, and timbre identification. The test was conducted at least twice after CI. A questionnaire was also used to quantify listening habits (LH) and level of musical experience (LE). RESULTS The participants were divided into two groups according to the average of each test result from the first test. In the pitch discrimination test, the just-noticeable-difference limen values increased as the base frequency increased, and significant differences were observed between the results of 262 and 391 Hz (p = 0.006). In the good performance group, pitch discrimination in the second test did not significantly differ from the first test, but the pitch discrimination score significantly improved in the poor performance group. Similarly, timbre test results were significantly improved in the poor performance group. Neither group exhibited changes in the second test for melody identification. The scores for LH and LE significantly decreased postoperatively and did not recover during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Pitch discrimination and timbre identification improved in CI listeners who exhibited poor musical performance shortly after surgery. However, melody identification did not improve over time. LH and LE scores decreased after CI surgery without time-dependent improvement.
A new epicatechin glucopyranoside derivative from Styrax suberifolius

Abstract A new derivative of epicatechin glucopyranoside, (2R,3R)-3,7,4'-trihydroxy-5,3'-dimethoxyflavan 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), together with three mononuclear phenolic acid esters, methyl orsellinate (2), ethyl orsellinate (3) and methyl β-orcinolcarboxylate (4) were isolated from the bark of Styrax suberifolius. The structures of 1–4 were determined on the basis of extensive analysis of NMR and MS spectra combined with chemical hydrolysis. The antifungal activities of the isolated compounds against three plant pathogenic fungi, Alternaria solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Phomopsis cytospore were evaluated using radial growth inhibition assay. Compounds 2, 3 and 4 exerted selective inhibitory activities against the tested fungi. Among of them, methyl β-orcinolcarboxylate (4) exhibited obvious inhibitory effect against P. cytospore, with an inhibition rate of 86.72% at 100 μg/ml. Graphical Abstract
Development of a prediction model for 1-year poor prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke

The goals of this study were to develop a new prediction model to predict 1-year poor prognosis (death or modified Rankin scale score of ≥3) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and to compare the performance of the new prediction model with other prediction scales. Baseline data of 772 patients with AIS were collected, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for 1-year poor prognosis in patients with AIS. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) value of the new prediction model and the THRIVE, iScore and ASTRAL scores was compared. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the goodness of fit of the model. We identified 196 (25.4%) patients with poor prognosis at 1-year follow-up, and of these 68 (68/196, 34.7%) had died. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that age ≥70 years, consciousness (lethargy or coma), history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, cancer, abnormal fasting blood glucose levels ≥7.0 mmol/L, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score were independent risk factors for 1-year poor prognosis in patients with AIS. Scores were assigned for each variable by rounding off β coefficient to the integer score, and a new prediction model with a maximum total score of 9 points was developed. The AUC value of the new prediction model was higher than the THRIVE score (p<0.05). The χ2 value for the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was 7.337 (p>0.05), suggesting that the prediction model had a good fit. The new prediction model can accurately predict 1-year poor prognosis in Chinese patients with AIS.
Validity of an eyetracking method for capturing auditory–visual cross-format semantic priming

ABSTRACT Introduction: Semantic priming paradigms are important for understanding lexical–semantic processing and the nature of linguistic deficits accompanying language performance in neurologically impaired individuals such as people with aphasia. Reaction-time-(RT)-based traditional semantic priming tasks entail potential confounds, especially problematic when applied to people with aphasia, who may have concomitant neurocognitive challenges that limit task performance. Some of these confounds include requirements of following complex instructions, making metalinguistic judgments, and using speech or limb-based motor actions to indicate overt responses. Eyetracking methods have great potential for avoiding some of these confounds. We tested the validity of an eyetracking method in capturing semantic priming in an auditory–visual cross-format priming paradigm (auditory word prime–visual image target). Method: A total of 72 neurologically unimpaired adults participated in two phases: a stimulus development phase using traditional priming (n = 32) and an experimental eyetracking phase (n = 40). Each phase included two conditions, representing distinct levels of prime–target semantic relatedness: unrelated and related. Mean RT data from the traditional priming (stimuli development) phase guided image selection for the eyetracking experiment. Eyetracking indices of fixation duration and latency of fixation were recorded to capture semantic priming in the eyetracking experiment. Results: Eye fixation data indicated that images related to auditory primes were attended to earlier and attracted significantly greater visual attention than unrelated images. These results mirrored RT data from the traditional priming method, which showed faster RT latencies and more accurate naming performance for related images than for unrelated images. Conclusions: Results support the validity of eyetracking indices of semantic priming and offer a robust testing protocol for future studies in this line of research. Current clinical relevance for people with aphasia is highlighted. Further empirical testing of the psychometric properties of the eyetracking measures in various semantic priming contexts is recommended.
Hyaluronan: molecular size‐dependent signaling and biological functions in inflammation and cancer

Hyaluronan (HA) is a linear nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix that plays a pivotal role in a variety of biological processes. High‐molecular weight HA exhibits different biological properties than oligomers and low‐molecular weight HA. Depending on their molecular size, HA fragments can influence cellular behavior in a different mode of action. This phenomenon is attributed to the different manner of interaction with the HA receptors, especially CD44 and RHAMM. Both receptors can trigger signaling cascades that regulate cell functional properties, such as proliferation migration, angiogenesis, and wound healing. HA fragments are able to enhance or attenuate the HA receptor‐mediated signaling pathways, as they compete with the endogenous HA for binding to the receptors. The modulation of these pathways could be crucial for the development of pathological conditions, such as inflammation and cancer. The primary goal of this review is to critically present the importance of HA molecular size on cellular signaling, functional cell properties, and morphology in normal and pathological conditions, including inflammation and cancer. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Is Inhibition of Hypertrophy a Good Therapeutic Strategy in Ventricular Pressure Overload?: Inhibition of Hypertrophy, Per Se, May Not Be a Good Therapeutic Strategy in Ventricular Pressure Overload Other Approaches Could Be More Beneficial

Cardiac hypertrophy was initially defined by a directly observed increase in cardiac mass that was then assumed to be mainly linked to an increase in cardiomyocyte mass. When submitted to a physiological or pathological stress, the heart undergoes a process of remodeling that involves cardiomyocyte growth but also changes in other cell types: changes in intracellular and extracellular structure, protein expression, signaling pathways, energy metabolism, vascularization, and so forth. Although hypertrophy is only one manifestation of the multiparameter remodeling of the myocardium, progressively, this term has, by oversimplification, included all others aspects of the cardiac response to stress. Classically, hypertrophy induced by pressure overload was considered as adaptive via a decreased stress allowed by a thicker myocardium. The currently accepted concept is that of pathological hypertrophy with depressed ventricular function that leads to heart failure, as opposed to physiological hypertrophy induced by exercise, for example. In this view, hypertrophy development should be prevented during pressure overload. This was proposed 10 years ago in an editorial in Circulation . 1 A large number of experimental studies have been published since then, and it appears that an evaluation of the results is necessary. Response by Schiattarella and Hill on p 1457 Many studies showed a beneficial effect of hypertrophy blockade. However, some studies showed the opposite. Before reviewing them in detail, we rapidly present the evolution over time of the concept of adaptive hypertrophy that varied during the last 30 years. This reminds us of some important elements of the previous facts and interpretations that were forgotten as new ones appeared. This also allows understanding of why inhibition of hypertrophy, per se, may not be the best therapeutic strategy in the management of pressure overload–induced hypertrophy. One of the first complete reports of the initiation and evolution of the hypertrophic process toward …
A miR‐29a‐driven negative feedback loop regulates peripheral glucocorticoid receptor signaling

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) represents the crucial molecular mediator of key endocrine, glucocorticoid hormone–dependent regulatory circuits, including control of glucose, protein, and lipid homeostasis. Consequently, aberrant glucocorticoid signaling is linked to severe metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperglycemia, all of which also appear upon chronic glucocorticoid therapy for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Of note, long‐term glucocorticoid exposure under these therapeutic conditions typically induces glucocorticoid resistance, requiring higher doses and consequently triggering more severe metabolic phenotypes. However, the molecular basis of acquired glucocorticoid resistance remains unknown. In a screen of differential microRNA expression during glucocorticoid‐dependent adipogenic differentiation of human multipotent adipose stem cells, we identified microRNA 29a (miR‐29a) as one of the most down‐regulated transcripts. Over‐expression of miR‐29a impaired adipogenesis. We found that miR‐29a represses GR in human adipogenesis by directly targeting its mRNA, and downstream analyses revealed that GR mediates most of miR‐29a's anti‐adipogenic effects. Conversely, miR‐29a expression depends on GR activation, creating a novel miR‐29‐driven feedback loop. miR‐29a and GR expression were inversely correlated both in murine adipose tissue and in adipose tissue samples obtained from human patients. In the latter, miR‐29a levels were additionally strongly negatively correlated with body mass index and adipocyte size. Importantly, inhibition of miR‐29 in mice partially rescued the down‐regulation of GR during dexamethasone treatment. We discovered that, in addition to modulating GR function under physiologic conditions, pharmacologic glucocorticoid application in inflammatory disease also induced miR‐29a expression, correlating with reduced GR levels. This effect was abolished in mice with impaired GR function. In summary, we uncovered a novel GR‐miR‐29a negative feedback loop conserved between mice and humans, in health and disease. For the first time, we elucidate a microRNA‐related mechanism that might contribute to GR dysregulation and resistance in peripheral tissues. —Glantschnig, C, Koenen, M. , Gil‐Lozano, M. , Karbiener, M. , Pickrahn, I. , Williams‐Dautovich, J., Patel, R. , Cummins, C. L. , Giroud, M. , Hartleben, G. , Vogl, E. , Blüher, M. , Tuckermann, J., Uhlenhaut, H. , Herzig, S. , Scheideier, M. A. miR‐29a–driven negative feedback loop regulates peripheral glucocorticoid receptor signaling. FASEB J. 33, 5924–5941 (2019). www.fasebj. org
The Use of Head-Worn Augmented Reality Displays in Health Communications

The health industry is always seeking innovative ways to use technology to create or improve the experiences of their professionals. Such improvements are seen in a variety of areas including the analysis of relevant health data and the establishment of new ways of communicating medical education and training. Advancements in head-worn augmented reality displays (HWDs), such as the Microsoft Hololens, present a unique opportunity to leverage technology in the ongoing challenge of creating meaningful and novel educational experiences. This paper will review contemporary HWD technologies, how these technologies are being used to enhance the work-training environment, and how these technologies might enhance the communication of health professionals.
miR-155 influences cell-mediated immunity in Balb/c mice treated with aflatoxin M1

Abstract Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a 4-hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). It induces various toxicological effects including immunotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of AFM1 on immune system and its modulation by MicroRNA (miR)-155. AFM1 was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 25 and 50 µg/kg for 28 days to Balb/c mice and different immune system parameters were analyzed. The levels of miR-155 and targeted proteins were evaluated in isolated T cells from spleens of mice. Spleen weight was reduced in mice exposed to AFM1 compared to negative control. Proliferation of splenocytes in response to phytohemagglutinin-A was reduced in mice exposed to AFM1. IFN-γ was decreased in mice exposed to AFM1, whereas IL-10 was increased. Concentration of IL-4 did not change different in mice exposed to AFM1 compared to negative control. Exposure to AFM1 reduced the expression of miR-155. Significant upregulation of phosphatidylinositol-3, 4, 5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase 1 (Ship1) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (Socs1) was observed in isolated T cells from spleens of mice treated with AFM1, but the transcription factor Maf (c-MAF) was not affected. These results suggest that miR-155 and targeted proteins might be involved in the immunotoxicity observed in mice exposed to AFM1. Graphical Abstract The Immunotoxic effects of AFM1 on T cell functions. Exposure to AFM1 reduced the expression of miR-155. Significant upregulation of Ship1 and Socs1 was observed in isolated T cells from spleens of mice treated with AFM1, but the c-MAF was not affected. Since Ship1 is a functional target of miR-155 that modulates production of IFN-γ, miR-155 may play a role in AFM1-induced Th1 response suppression (DTH) through targeting of this protein (↑ increase; ↓ decrease). Highlights AFM1 inhibited cell-mediated immunity. Exposure of mice to AFM1 resulted in a significant decrease in expression of miR-155. Exposure of mice to AFM1 resulted in up-regulation of Ship1 and Socs1.
Novel role of the clustered miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p in enhanced expression of fibrosis‐associated genes by targeting TGFBR3 in atrial fibroblasts

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia in cardiovascular diseases. Atrial fibrosis is an important pathophysiological contributor to AF. This study aimed to investigate the role of the clustered miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p in atrial fibrosis. Human atrial fibroblasts (HAFs) were isolated from atrial appendage tissue of patients with sinus rhythm. A cell model of atrial fibrosis was achieved in Ang‐II‐induced HAFs. Cell proliferation and migration were detected. We found that miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p were markedly increased in atrial appendage tissues of AF patients and in Ang‐II‐treated HAFs. Overexpression of miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p enhanced the expression of collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1), COL3A1 and ACTA2 in HAFs without significant effects on their proliferation and migration. Luciferase assay showed that miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p targeted two different sites in 3ʹ‐UTR of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 receptor 3 (TGFBR3) respectively. Consistently, TGFBR3 siRNA could increase fibrosis‐related genes expression, along with the Smad1 inactivation and Smad3 activation in HAFs. Additionally, overexpression of TGFBR3 could alleviate the increase of COL1A1, COL3A1 and ACTA2 in HAFs after transfection with miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p respectively. Moreover, Smad3 was activated in HAFs in response to Ang‐II treatment and inactivation of Smad3 attenuated up‐regulation of miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p in Ang‐II‐treated HAFs. Taken together, these results suggest that the clustered miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p consistently promote atrial fibrosis by targeting TGFBR3 to activate Smad3 signalling in HAFs, suggesting that miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p are potential therapeutic targets for atrial fibrosis.
Motor and Visual Imagery as Two Complementary but Neurally Dissociable Mental Processes

Recent studies indicate that covert mental activities, such as simulating a motor action and imagining the shape of an object, involve shared neural representations with actual motor performance and with visual perception, respectively. Here we investigate the performance, by normal individual and subjects with a selective impairment in either motor or visual imagery, of an imagery task involving a mental rotation. The task involved imagining a hand in a particular orientation in space and making a subsequent laterality judgement. A simple change in the phrasing of the imagery instructions (first-person or third-person imagery) and in actual hand posture (holding the hands on the lap or in the back) had a strong impact on response time (RT) in normal subjects, and on response accuracy in brain-damaged subjects. The pattern of results indicates that the activation of covert motor and visual processes during mental imagery depends on both top-down and bottom-up factors, and highlights the distinct but complementary contribution of covert motor and visual processes during mental rotation.
Mechanisms of Plaque Formation and Rupture

Coronary heart disease (CHD) and other manifestations of atherosclerosis were not among the most common causes of death until the beginning of the 20th century, but thereafter a dramatic increase was observed in industrialized countries, including Western Europe and the United States, peaking around 1960 to 1980. Comparable increases in the incidence of CHD have later occurred or are currently occurring in many other parts of the world mainly because of population growth and an increased average life span. Atherosclerosis is today globally the leading cause of Acute Coronary Syndromes Compendium
Nutritional status at diagnosis of cancer in children and adolescents in Guatemala and its relationship to socioeconomic disadvantage: A retrospective cohort study

At least 80% of children with cancer live in low‐ and middle‐income countries where the prevalence of malnutrition and socioeconomic disadvantage is high. We examined the relationship between nutritional status (NS), assessed by arm anthropometry, and socioeconomic status (SES) in children diagnosed with cancer at Unidad Nacional de Oncologia Pediatrica (UNOP) in Guatemala over a three‐year period.
Nuclear receptor hormone receptor 39 is required for locust moulting by regulating the chitinase and carboxypeptidase genes

The nuclear receptor‐mediated 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) signalling pathway plays crucial roles in insects by initiating and regulating moulting and metamorphosis. In the present study, we identified and characterized a cDNA encoding a putative nuclear receptor protein (Locusta migratoria hormone receptor 39, LmHR39) based on L. migratoria transcriptomics data. Reverse‐transcription quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) revealed that LmHR39 shows low‐level expression in the early days of fifth‐instar nymphs, and peak expression occurs on day 5, which is followed by a decrease before ecdysis. LmHR39 transcription could be induced by 20E in vivo and was significantly suppressed by knocking down the expression of the L. migratoria ecdysone receptor gene and early‐late gene LmHR3. After RNA interference of LmHR39 with double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA), 85% of the insects showed abnormal morphology, with curly wings after moulting and delayed eclosion time. Haematoxylin and eosin staining indicated that apolysis of the integument and wing pad cuticle in the dsLmHR39‐treated insects was delayed compared to that in the dsRNA for green fluorescent protein‐injected control. Furthermore, RNA‐sequencing and RT‐qPCR analysis showed the expression level of carboxypeptidase genes (Carboxypeptidase A (CPA) and Carboxypeptidase M (CPM)) and chitin degrading genes (LmChitinase5 (LmCHT5) and LmChitinase10 (LmCHT10)) dramatically declined in the dsLmHR39‐treated insects, implying that the LmHR39‐mediated 20E signalling pathway is involved in the regulation of carboxypeptidase genes (CPA and CPM) and chitinase genes (LmCHT5 and LmCHT10), and participated in apolysis of the integument and wing pads during locust moulting.