Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of glutathione generation in hepatic steatotic rats augments oxidative stress

Abstract Fatty liver disease has been strongly associated with a low glutathione (GSH) level in hepatocytes with increased oxidative stress, which is critically involved in the initiation and progression of the disease. The study investigated whether the GSH deficiency induced by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase, can be restored by the administration of GSH ester. We showed that mice fed a diet with cholesterol plus sodium cholate developed steatosis followed by hepatic GSH reduction. Moreover, the GSH level in the cytosol and mitochondria of steatosis plus BSO decreased than that of steatosis alone. Subsequent studies with the liver tissues and plasma of BSO plus steatosis revealed the accumulation of cholesterol in the hepatocytes, downregulating the concentration of GSH, antioxidant enzymes, and GSH metabolizing enzymes with a significant rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS), blood glucose level and plasma lipid profile. The administration of GSH ester in BSO-administered mice, prevented the depletion of GSH by upregulating the GSH concentration, antioxidant enzymes, and GSH metabolizing enzymes, followed by a reduction in ROS and plasma lipid concentration. The histopathological analysis showed a marked increase in inflammation followed by hepatocytes ballooning in BSO-induced group and steatosis control group, which was ameliorated by GSH ester administration. In conclusion, our data suggest that the restoration of GSH in the cytosol and mitochondria through the injection with GSH ester plays a principal role in maintaining the GSH level in the liver, thereby delaying the progression of fatty liver disease.
Thyroid function analysis after roxadustat or erythropoietin treatment in patients with renal anemia: a cohort study

Abstract Purpose This cohort study was designed to explore whether roxadustat or erythropoietin could affect thyroid function in patients with renal anemia. Methods The study involved 110 patients with renal anemia. Thyroid profile and baseline investigations were carried out for each patient. The patients were divided into two groups: 60 patients taking erythropoietin served as the control group (rHuEPO group) and 50 patients using roxadustat served as the experimental group (roxadustat group). Results The results indicated that there were no significant differences in serum total thyroxine (TT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) or thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) between the two groups at baseline. After treatment, TSH, FT3, and FT4 were significantly lower in the roxadustat group than in the rHuEPO group (p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, sex, dialysis modality, thyroid nodules and causes of kidney disease, Cox regression showed that roxadustat was an independent influencing factor on thyroid dysfunction (HR 3.37; 95% CI 1.94–5.87; p < 0.001). After 12 months of follow-up, the incidence of thyroid dysfunction was higher in the roxadustat group than in the rHuEPO group (log-rank p < 0.001). Conclusion Roxadustat may lead to a higher risk of thyroid dysfunction, including low TSH, FT3 and FT4, than rHuEPO in patients with renal anemia.
Studying molecular interactions via capillary electrophoresis and microscale thermophoresis: A review

The process of choosing the most proper technique for studying the molecular interactions is based on critical factors such as instrumentation complexity, automation, experimental procedures, analysis time, consumables, and cost‐value. This review has tracked the use of affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) and microscale thermophoresis (MST) techniques in the evaluation of molecular binding among different molecules during the 5 years 2016–2021. ACE has proved to be an attractive technique for biomolecular characterization with high resolution efficiency where small variations in several controlling factors can much improve such efficiency compared to other analytical techniques. Meanwhile, MST has proved its higher sensitivity for smaller amounts of complex non‐purified biosamples without affecting its robustness while providing high through output. However, the main motivation to review both techniques in the proposed review was their capability to carry out all experiments without the need for immobilizing one interacting partner, besides a great flexibility in the use of buffering systems. The proposed review demonstrates the importance of both techniques in different areas of life sciences. Moreover, the recent advances in exploiting ACE and MST in other research interests have been discussed.
Dual-Encoder VAE-GAN With Spatiotemporal Features for Emotional EEG Data Augmentation

The current data scarcity problem in EEG-based emotion recognition tasks leads to difficulty in building high-precision models using existing deep learning methods. To tackle this problem, a dual encoder variational autoencoder-generative adversarial network (DEVAE-GAN) incorporating spatiotemporal features is proposed to generate high-quality artificial samples. First, EEG data for different emotions are preprocessed as differential entropy features under five frequency bands and divided into segments with a 5s time window. Secondly, each feature segment is processed in two forms: the temporal morphology data and the spatial morphology data distributed according to the electrode position. Finally, the proposed dual encoder is trained to extract information from these two features, concatenate the two pieces of information as latent variables, and feed them into the decoder to generate artificial samples. To evaluate the effectiveness, a systematic experimental study was conducted in this work on the SEED dataset. First, the original training dataset is augmented with different numbers of generated samples; then, the augmented training datasets are used to train the deep neural network to construct the sentiment model. The results show that the augmented datasets generated by the proposed method have an average accuracy of 97.21% on all subjects, which is a 5% improvement compared to the original dataset, and the similarity between the generated data and the original data distribution is proved. These results demonstrate that our proposed model can effectively learn the distribution of raw data to generate high-quality artificial samples, which can effectively train a high-precision affective model.
Complete Genome Sequence of Desulfomicrobium sp. Strain ZS1 from Zodletone Spring in Oklahoma, USA

Desulfomicrobium sp. strain ZS1 is an obligate anaerobic, sulfate-reducing member of the Desulfobacterota from Zodletone Spring, an anoxic sulfide-rich spring in southwestern Oklahoma. Its complete genome was sequenced using a combination of Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms and encodes 3,364 proteins and 81 RNAs on a single chromosome. ABSTRACT Desulfomicrobium sp. strain ZS1 is an obligate anaerobic, sulfate-reducing member of the Desulfobacterota from Zodletone Spring, an anoxic sulfide-rich spring in southwestern Oklahoma. Its complete genome was sequenced using a combination of Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms and encodes 3,364 proteins and 81 RNAs on a single chromosome.
Accurate property weighted K-means clustering algorithm based on information entropy

Concerning the initial clustering center generation and the data similarity judgment basis of the traditional K-means algorithm,the paper proposed an accurate property weighted K-means clustering algorithm based on information entropy to further improve the clustering accuracy.First,property weights were determined by using entroy method to correct the Euclidean distance.And then,high-quality initial clustering center was chosen by comparing the empowering target cost function of the initial clusters for more accurate and more stable clustering.Finally,the algorithm was implemented in Matlab.The experimental results show that the algorithm accuracy and stability are significantly higher than the traditional K-means algorithm.
Transcriptional Mechanisms of Thermal Acclimation in Prochlorococcus

Prochlorococcus is a major marine primary producer with a global impact on atmospheric CO2 fixation. This cyanobacterium is widely distributed across the temperate ocean, but virtually absent at latitudes above 40° for yet unknown reasons. ABSTRACT Low temperature limits the growth and the distribution of the key oceanic primary producer Prochlorococcus, which does not proliferate above a latitude of ca. 40°. Yet, the molecular basis of thermal acclimation in this cyanobacterium remains unexplored. We analyzed the transcriptional response of the Prochlorococcus marinus strain MIT9301 in long-term acclimations and in natural Prochlorococcus populations along a temperature range enabling its growth (17 to 30°C). MIT9301 upregulated mechanisms of the global stress response at the temperature minimum (17°C) but maintained the expression levels of genes involved in essential metabolic pathways (e.g., ATP synthesis and carbon fixation) along the whole thermal niche. Notably, the declining growth of MIT9301 from the optimum to the minimum temperature was coincident with a transcriptional suppression of the photosynthetic apparatus and a dampening of its circadian expression patterns, indicating a loss in their regulatory capacity under cold conditions. Under warm conditions, the cellular transcript inventory of MIT9301 was strongly streamlined, which may also induce regulatory imbalances due to stochasticity in gene expression. The daytime transcriptional suppression of photosynthetic genes at low temperature was also observed in metatranscriptomic reads mapping to MIT9301 across the global ocean, implying that this molecular mechanism may be associated with the restricted distribution of Prochlorococcus to temperate zones. IMPORTANCE Prochlorococcus is a major marine primary producer with a global impact on atmospheric CO2 fixation. This cyanobacterium is widely distributed across the temperate ocean, but virtually absent at latitudes above 40° for yet unknown reasons. Temperature has been suggested as a major limiting factor, but the exact mechanisms behind Prochlorococcus thermal growth restriction remain unexplored. This study brings us closer to understanding how Prochlorococcus functions under challenging temperature conditions, by focusing on its transcriptional response after long-term acclimation from its optimum to its thermal thresholds. Our results show that the drop in Prochlorococcus growth rate under cold conditions was paralleled by a transcriptional suppression of the photosynthetic machinery during daytime and a loss in the organism’s regulatory capacity to maintain circadian expression patterns. Notably, warm temperature induced a marked shrinkage of the organism’s cellular transcript inventory, which may also induce regulatory imbalances in the future functioning of this cyanobacterium.
High Prevalence of NASH and Advanced Fibrosis in Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Study of 330 Outpatients Undergoing Liver Biopsies for Elevated ALT, Using a Low Threshold.

OBJECTIVE Most people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or advanced fibrosis (AF) remain undiagnosed, resulting in missed opportunities for early intervention. This multicenter, prospective study assessed the yield of using routinely available data to identify these patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 713 outpatients with T2DM, screened in four diabetology clinics for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease according to American Diabetes Association criteria, were referred to hepatologists for further work-up (Fibrosis-4 and vibration-controlled transient elastography [VCTE]). A liver biopsy was proposed when ALT levels were persistently >20 IU/L in female patients or >30 IU/L in male patients, in the absence of other liver disease. RESULTS Liver biopsies were performed in 360 patients and considered adequate for reading after central review for 330 specimens (median patient age, 59 years; male patients, 63%; median BMI and HbA1C values, 32 and 7.5%, respectively). Prevalence of NASH, AF, and cirrhosis were 58%, 38%, and 10%, respectively. Liver lesions were independently associated with the components of metabolic syndrome but not with the micro- and macrovascular complications of T2DM. Models based on routinely available data with or without VCTE had good accuracy to predict AF (respectively: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.84 and 0.77; and correctly classified 59% and 45%) and NASH (respectively: AUROC, 0.82 and 0.81; 44% and 42%). CONCLUSIONS Despite the use of a low ALT threshold, prevalence of NASH (58%) or AF (38%) was high. Routinely available data had a high yield in identifying patients with T2DM with AF and/or NASH requiring further liver assessment.
The Trauma and Mental Health Impacts of Coercive Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Coercive control is an under researched type of intimate partner violence (IPV). The aims of this review were to (a) synthesize all available evidence regarding associations with coercive control and mental health outcomes including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, and depression; and (b) compare these with associations involving broader categories of psychological IPV. Primary studies which measured associations of coercive control with PTSD, complex PTSD, depression, or other mental health symptoms, were identified via a systematic search of electronic databases (PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL, Scopus). Eligible studies involved observational designs and reported associations between coercive control and mental health outcomes, among participants who were at least 18 years old. Studies were published in peer-reviewed journals and English language. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to synthesize correlational data from eligible studies. The search identified 68 studies while data from 45 studies could be included in the meta-analyses. These indicated moderate associations involving coercive control and PTSD (r = .32; 95% confidence interval [.28, .37]) and depression (r = .27; [.22, .31]). These associations were comparable to those involving psychological IPV and PTSD (r = .34; [.25, .42]) and depression (r = .33; [.26, .40]). Only one study reported on the relationship between coercive control and complex PTSD and meta-analyses could not be performed. This review indicated that coercive control exposure is moderately associated with both PTSD and depression. This highlights that mental health care is needed for those exposed to coercive control, including trauma-informed psychological interventions.
Performance improvement of SISO linear control systems by hybrid state resetting and sector confinement of trajectories

Reset control techniques have been proposed to overcome fundamental limitations of linear controllers by means of their transformation into hybrid models that combine continuous flow and discrete jump dynamics. The hybrid nature in the control loop involves some difficulties when analyzing the performance of the controller and some drawbacks on the controller design related to the stability conditions. The technique that we propose is based on sector confined target dynamics of the continuous flow mode by means of the application of the discrete reset jumps. This behavior, in the error plane (e(t),ė(t)) , is correlated with certain preferred sectors that lead to fast and over‐damped responses. The paper studies how to design a hybrid resetting version of a linear controller that achieves the required fast and over‐damped responses to arbitrary references. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of regulatory compliance in health and social care services: A systematic review using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

Background The delivery of high quality care is a fundamental goal for health systems worldwide. One policy tool to ensure quality is the regulation of minimum standards by an independent public authority. This systematic review seeks to identify determinants of compliance with such regulation in health and social care services. Methods Systematic searches were carried out on five electronic databases and grey literature sources. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies were eligible for inclusion. Titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers independently. Determinants were identified from the included studies, extracted and allocated to constructs in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The quality of included studies was appraised by two independent reviewers. The results were synthesised in a narrative review using the constructs of the CFIR as grouping themes. Results The search yielded 7,500 articles for screening, of which 157 were included. Most studies were quantitative designs in nursing home settings and were conducted in the United States. We found the following structural characteristics and compliance to be positively associated: smaller facilities (as measured by bed capacity); higher nurse-staffing levels; and lower staff turnover. A facilitys geographic location and compliance was also associated. We make no findings in respect of process determinants as qualitative studies were sparse, limiting investigation of the processes underlying regulatory compliance. Conclusion The literature in this field has focused to date on the structural attributes of compliant providers, perhaps because these are easier to measure, and has neglected more complex processes around the implementation of regulatory standards. A number of gaps, particularly in terms of qualitative work focused on the mechanisms involved in implementing regulations, are evident in the literature and further research in this area is needed to provide a clearer picture.
Efficacy of coping mechanisms used during COVID-19 as reported by parents of children with autism

The COVID-19 pandemic’s alterations to daily life have been especially challenging for families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), worsening the core features of ASD and overall mental health. With the increased need for effective coping, the current retrospective study used data from a survey regarding parent reports of how often their child with ASD used certain coping strategies (frequency), as well as the extent to which they felt their child benefitted from their use (efficacy) in mitigating stress during the pandemic. This retrospective study Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate whether there were significant differences in both frequency and efficacy ratings for each coping strategy, for the entire sample as well as for three children’s age groups. Using Spearman’s rank-order correlations, correlation coefficients between the frequency and efficacy of each coping strategy were explored. Results revealed that maladaptive strategies were used more frequently than adaptive strategies, while parent routine as the most frequently used and efficacious for all age groups. Additionally, for adaptive strategies, humor and focusing on the positive had the strongest correlations between frequency and efficacy ratings amongst all age groups. Of the maladaptive strategies, repetitive behaviors, rumination, and isolation had the strongest correlations for the youngest, middle, and oldest age groups, respectively. Further, for each age group, the adaptive coping strategies had stronger correlations between frequency and efficacy than the maladaptive ones. It is our hope that the results of this study will lay the foundation for developing adaptive coping strategies to alleviate stress in children with ASD. Further investigations using a larger cohort are warranted to determine effective coping strategies for individuals with ASD across a range of situations, including acute stressors (such as future public health emergencies and natural disasters), as well as common daily stressors.
Reference interval for the C-ACT activated clotting time test in healthy dogs using a water bath and manual assessment of clot formation

ABSTRACT Aims To establish a reference range for the canine C-ACT activated clotting time (ACT) test using a water bath and visual clot assessment technique. Methods Healthy, privately owned dogs (n = 48) were prospectively recruited to the study. Blood samples were collected via direct jugular venipuncture for complete blood count, serum biochemistry analysis and measurement of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Five animals with major abnormalities or who became agitated during phlebotomy were excluded. For the 43 remaining animals, 2 mL of blood was collected via the cephalic vein and added directly to a C-ACT tube that was shaken vigorously before being placed in a water bath at 37°C. Tubes were visually assessed for clot formation and C-ACT was recorded in seconds when the magnet within the tube lodged in the clot. Results The nonparametric reference interval (capturing the central 95% of the data) was 50–80 seconds, with a 90% CI for the lower limit of 50–55 seconds and a 90% CI for the upper limit of 75–80 seconds. The C-ACT ACT test had a positive correlation with aPTT (0.42; 95% CI = 0.13–0.64). There was no evidence of a correlation between C-ACT ACT and age, weight, PT, haematocrit, white blood cell count, platelet count or total protein. Conclusions and clinical relevance The results of this study suggest that the normal reference interval for ACT in dogs using C-ACT tubes in a 37°C water bath is 50–80 seconds. Care should be taken extrapolating the results of this study to the general population, as the smaller study design had less control for confounders than a larger study. However, when using the described analytical methods, C-ACT tube ACT test results >80 seconds should be considered prolonged in dogs and should prompt further investigation.
Fixed Time-Point Analysis Reveals Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Effects on Resting State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Connectivity and Neuro-Spatial Protein Profiles

Repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (rmTBIs) are serious trauma events responsible for the development of numerous neurodegenerative disorders. A major challenge in developing diagnostics and treatments for the consequences of rmTBI is the fundamental knowledge gaps of the molecular mechanisms responsible for neurodegeneration. It is both critical and urgent to understand the neuropathological and functional consequences of rmTBI to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Using the Closed-Head Impact Model of Engineered Rotational Acceleration, or CHIMERA, we measured neural changes following injury, including brain volume, diffusion tensor imaging, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging coupled with graph theory and functional connectivity analyses. We determined the effect of rmTBI on markers of gliosis and used NanoString-GeoMx to add a digital-spatial protein profiling analysis of neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins in gray and white matter regions. Our analyses revealed aberrant connectivity changes in the thalamus, independent of microstructural damage or neuroinflammation. We also identified distinct changes in the levels of proteins linked to various neurodegenerative processes including total and phospho-tau species and cell proliferation markers. Together, our data show that rmTBI significantly alters brain functional connectivity and causes distinct protein changes in morphologically intact brain areas.