Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of Hyaluronic Acid Blends Modified by Poly(N-Vinylpyrrolidone)

The viscosity behaviour and physical properties of blends containing hyaluronic acid (HA) and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) were studied by the viscometric technique, steady shear tests, tensile tests and infrared spectroscopy. Viscometric and rheological measurements were carried out using blends of HA/PVP with different HA weight fractions (0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8 and 1). The polymer films and HA/PVP blend films were prepared using the solution casting method. The study of HA blends by viscometry showed that HA/PVP was miscible with the exception of the blend with high HA content. HA and its blends showed a shear-thinning flow behaviour. The non-Newtonian indices (n) of HA/PVP blends were calculated by the Ostwald–de Waele equation, indicating a shear-thinning effect in which pseudoplasticity increased with increasing HA contents. Mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and elongation at the break, were higher for HA/PVP films with wHA = 0.5 compared to those with higher HA contents. The elongation at the break of HA/PVP blend films displayed a pronounced increase compared to HA films. Moreover, infrared analysis confirmed the existence of interactions between HA and PVP. The blending of HA with PVP generated films with elasticity and better properties than homopolymer films.
Localized blood–brain barrier opening in infiltrating gliomas with MRI-guided acoustic emissions–controlled focused ultrasound

Significance The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a critical obstacle to delivering most therapeutics into the brain. In this study, we report combined MRI, histological, and real-time acoustic emissions monitoring findings from a Phase 0 clinical trial examining microbubble-enhanced transcranial focused ultrasound for controlled BBB opening in patients with infiltrating gliomas. The data revealed the capability of this technology to provide safe, controlled, and tightly monitored BBB opening through the intact skull. Our findings demonstrate the capability of this technology to tune BBB opening in real-time, creating opportunities for improved treatment of brain tumors. Pharmacological treatment of gliomas and other brain-infiltrating tumors remains challenging due to limited delivery of most therapeutics across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Transcranial MRI-guided focused ultrasound (FUS), an emerging technology for noninvasive brain treatments, enables transient opening of the BBB through acoustic activation of circulating microbubbles. Here, we evaluate the safety and utility of transcranial microbubble-enhanced FUS (MB-FUS) for spatially targeted BBB opening in patients with infiltrating gliomas. In this Phase 0 clinical trial (NCT03322813), we conducted comparative and quantitative analyses of FUS exposures (sonications) and their effects on gliomas using MRI, histopathology, microbubble acoustic emissions (harmonic dose [HD]), and fluorescence-guided surgery metrics. Contrast-enhanced MRI and histopathology indicated safe and reproducible BBB opening in all patients. These observations occurred using a power cycling closed feedback loop controller, with the power varying by nearly an order of magnitude on average. This range underscores the need for monitoring and titrating the exposure on a patient-by-patient basis. We found a positive correlation between microbubble acoustic emissions (HD) and MR-evident BBB opening (P = 0.07) and associated interstitial changes (P < 0.01), demonstrating the unique capability to titrate the MB-FUS effects in gliomas. Importantly, we identified a 2.2-fold increase of fluorescein accumulation in MB-FUS–treated compared to untreated nonenhancing tumor tissues (P < 0.01) while accounting for vascular density. Collectively, this study demonstrates the capabilities of MB-FUS for safe, localized, controlled BBB opening and highlights the potential of this technology to improve the surgical and pharmacologic treatment of brain tumors.
Association between Dental Scaling and Reduced Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease: A Nationwide Matched Cohort Study

Periodontitis is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is also associated with kidney function decline. It is unclear whether dental scaling treatment prevents the progression of CKD. In a nationwide cohort study, Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database was used to select people with CKD. Propensity score-matching procedures were performed to compare the long-term risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) between CKD patients with and without the receipt of dental scaling. A total of 33,637 matched pairs with CKD were included, with 503,373 person-years of follow-up for analyses. Dental scaling was significantly associated with a lower risk of ESRD (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77–0.90). In addition, there was a dose-dependent relationship between the frequency of dental scaling and a reduced risk of ESRD. Dental scaling was also linked to reduced risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (aHR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87–0.95), sepsis (aHR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.77–0.85), and all-cause mortality (aHR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.76–0.87). Dental scaling was significantly associated with lower risks of progression to ESRD in patients with CKD. Regular dental scaling may serve as a prophylactic measure for kidney function decline.
The Effectiveness of Physical Therapy in Patients with Generalized Joint Hypermobility and Concurrent Temporomandibular Disorders—A Cross-Sectional Study

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) consist of a group of symptoms such as: pain of temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles or surrounding tissues, dysfunctions of TMJs’ mobility, and crepitation. The Hypermobility Joint Syndrome (HJS) manifests in the flaccidity of joint structures, an increase in the range of joint motion, and occurs more often in the young and women. The aim of this study was to present the occurrence of HJS among patients with myogenic TMD and disc displacement with reduction. The secondary goal was to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy directed to TMD with coexisting HJS. The study involved 322 patients with symptoms of TMD. HJS was diagnosed using the Beighton Scale, which confirmed its occurrence in 26 cases. 79 subjects (7 males and 72 females; mean age, 33.9 ± 10.4 years) were selected and divided into two groups: HJS + TMD (n = 26; 2 males and 24 females; mean age, 27.1 ± 9.4 years) and TMD (n = 53; 5 males and 48 females; mean age, 37.4 ± 9.2 years). These patients completed 3-week physiotherapy management. Before and after physiotherapy, the myofascial pain severity on Numeric Pain Rating Scale, linear measurement of maximum mouth opening, and opening pattern, were assessed. To demonstrate differences between the results, the level of significance for statistical analysis was set at α = 0.05. A statistically significant improvement was obtained in decreasing myofascial pain in both groups. Coordination of mandibular movements was achieved in both groups. Generalized joint hypermobility occurred among patients with TMD. Physiotherapy directed to TMD was effective in reducing myofascial pain and restoring TMJ’s coordination also in patients with HJS.
Air-Spun Silk-Based Micro-/Nanofibers and Thin Films for Drug Delivery

Micro-/nanofibers have shown high promise as drug delivery vehicles due to their high porosity and surface-area-to-volume ratio. The current study utilizes air-spraying, a novel fiber fabrication technique, to create silk micro-/nanofibers without the need for a high voltage power source. Air-spraying was used to create silk fibrous mats embedded with several model drugs with high efficiency. In order to compare the effect of biomaterial geometry on the release of the model drugs, silk films were also created and characterized. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and a drug release study were performed on both fiber and film samples to study how the model drugs interact with the protein structure. FTIR analysis showed that while drugs could interact with the protein structure of porous silk fibers, they could not interact with the flat geometry of silk films. As a result, fibers could protect select model drugs from thermal degradation and slow their release from the fiber network with more control than the silk films. A trend was also revealed where hydrophobic drugs were better protected and had a slower release than hydrophilic drugs. The results suggest that the physical and chemical properties of drugs and protein-based biomaterials are important for creating drug delivery vehicles with tailored release profiles and that fibers provide better tunability than films do.
A-FABP in Metabolic Diseases and the Therapeutic Implications: An Update

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP), which is also known as ap2 or FABP4, is a fatty acid chaperone that has been further defined as a fat-derived hormone. It regulates lipid homeostasis and is a key mediator of inflammation. Circulating levels of A-FABP are closely associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic diseases with imminent diagnostic and prognostic significance. Numerous animal studies have elucidated the potential underlying mechanisms involving A-FABP in these diseases. Recent studies demonstrated its physiological role in the regulation of adaptive thermogenesis and its pathological roles in ischemic stroke and liver fibrosis. Due to its implication in various diseases, A-FABP has become a promising target for the development of small molecule inhibitors and neutralizing antibodies for disease treatment. This review summarizes the clinical and animal findings of A-FABP in the pathogenesis of cardio-metabolic diseases in recent years. The underlying mechanism and its therapeutic implications are also highlighted.
Is 0.01% Atropine an Effective and Safe Treatment for Myopic Children? A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Several conflicting results regarding the efficacy of 0.01% atropine in slowing axial elongation remain in doubt. To solve this issue and evaluate the safety of 0.01% atropine, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with the latest evidence. The review included a total of 1178 participants (myopic children). The efficacy outcomes were the mean annual progression in standardized equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length (AL). The safety outcomes included mean annual change in accommodative amplitude, photopic and mesopic pupil diameter. The results demonstrated that 0.01% atropine significantly retarded SER progression compared with the controls (weighted mean difference [WMD], 0.28 diopter (D) per year; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.17, 0.38; p < 0.01), and axial elongation (WMD, −0.06 mm; 95% CI = −0.09, −0.03; p < 0.01) during the 1-year period. Patients receiving 0.01% atropine showed no significant changes in accommodative amplitude (WMD, −0.45 D; 95% CI = −1.80, 0.90; p = 0.51) but showed dilated photopic pupil diameter (WMD, 0.35 mm; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.68; p = 0.04) and mesopic pupil diameter (WMD, 0.20 mm; 95% CI = 0.08, 0.32; p < 0.01). In the subgroup analysis of SER progression, myopic children with lower baseline refraction (>−3 D) and older age (>10-year-old) obtained better responses with 0.01% atropine treatment. Furthermore, the European and multi-ethnicity groups showed greater effect than the Asian groups. In conclusion, 0.01% atropine had favorable efficacy and adequate safety for childhood myopia over a 1-year period.
Epigenetic Alterations in Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea has significant negative effects on health and behavior in childhood including depression, failure to thrive, neurocognitive impairment, and behavioral issues. It is strongly associated with an increased risk for chronic adult disease such as obesity and diabetes, accelerated atherosclerosis, and endothelial dysfunction. Accumulating evidence suggests that adult-onset non-communicable diseases may originate from early life through a process by which an insult applied at a critical developmental window causes long-term effects on the structure or function of an organism. In recent years, there has been increased interest in the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of adult disease susceptibility. Epigenetic mechanisms that influence adaptive variability include histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and DNA methylation. This review will highlight what is currently known about the phenotypic associations of epigenetic modifications in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and will emphasize the importance of epigenetic changes as both modulators of chronic disease and potential therapeutic targets.
Muscle Mass and Gait Characteristics in Older Women Fallers vs. Non-Fallers

Background: Falling is a major public health concern of elderly people. We aimed to determine if lean mass and spatiotemporal gait parameters could predict the risk of falling in elderly women and also study the relationships between lean mass and gait characteristics. Methods: Twenty-four community women were prospectively recruited (mean age, 72.30 ± 5.31 years). Lean mass was measured using dual-energy fan-beam X-ray absorptiometry. Gait characteristics were assessed using spatiotemporal analysis. Fall risks were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Fall histories were recorded. Appropriate statistical analyses were applied to determine lean mass and gait characteristics in predicting the risk of fall and the associations between lean mass and gait characteristics. Results: There were 14 participants (58.33%) with fall histories. Patients with fall histories had a significantly narrower base of support and lower BBS score. However, only the base of support was significantly associated with fall risk (odds ratio, 0.415; p = 0.022). Lean mass was significantly negatively associated with proportion of swing phase and positively associated with proportions of stance and double-support phases. Conclusion: Fall risk among elderly women can be predicted using base of support, where a narrower base predicts a greater fall risk. Although the lean mass was not related to risk of fall, lean mass is still related to some gait characteristics.
Diagnostic Performance of EUS-Guided Sampling in Indeterminate Radiological Diagnosis of Pancreatic Disease and Intra-Abdominal Lymphadenopathy

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided sampling has been widely used for pathologic diagnosis of pancreatic lesions and intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy. However, its effectiveness for diagnostic decision making in indeterminate radiological diagnosis has not been well determined. Materials and Methods: From March 2012 to October 2015, 98 consecutive patients who underwent EUS-guided FNA for solid intra-abdominal lesions were retrospectively analyzed (100 procedures). The purpose of EUS-guided sampling was classified as (1) confirmation of a high-confidence radiological diagnosis (High-confidence group) or (2) decision making in the differential diagnostic dilemma for indeterminate radiological diagnosis (Indeterminate group). The accuracies of EUS-guided sampling according to the purpose were analyzed and then compared. Results: Of the 100 procedures, 22 procedures (22%) came under the Indeterminate group, whereas 78 came under the High-confidence group. The accuracies did not differ between the Indeterminate and the High-confidence groups (86.4% vs. 88.5%, p = 1.000). Clinical conditions that required EUS-guided sampling for indeterminate radiological diagnosis were (1) pancreatic cancer vs. benign disease (n = 8; e.g., pancreatic cancer vs. mass-forming pancreatitis), (2) recurrence of previous/pre-existing cancer vs. benign disease (n = 5; e.g., recurrent gastric cancer vs. reactive lymph node), (3) pathologic differentiation of presumed malignancy (n = 6; e.g., lymphadenopathies in the previous history of esophageal cancer and colon cancer), or (4) miscellaneous (n = 3; e.g., tuberculous lymphadenopathy vs. other condition). Conclusions: EUS-guided sampling demonstrated an accuracy of 86.4% in the clinical setting of indeterminate radiological diagnosis, which was not different from that of the confirmation of high-confidence diagnosis.
Canonical TGFβ Signaling and Its Contribution to Endometrial Cancer Development and Progression—Underestimated Target of Anticancer Strategies

Endometrial cancer is one of the leading gynecological cancers diagnosed among women in their menopausal and postmenopausal age. Despite the progress in molecular biology and medicine, no efficient and powerful diagnostic and prognostic marker is dedicated to endometrial carcinogenesis. The canonical TGFβ pathway is a pleiotropic signaling cascade orchestrating a variety of cellular and molecular processes, whose alterations are responsible for carcinogenesis that originates from different tissue types. This review covers the current knowledge concerning the canonical TGFβ pathway (Smad-dependent) induced by prototypical TGFβ isoforms and the involvement of pathway alterations in the development and progression of endometrial neoplastic lesions. Since Smad-dependent signalization governs opposed cellular processes, such as growth arrest, apoptosis, tumor cells growth and differentiation, as well as angiogenesis and metastasis, TGFβ cascade may act both as a tumor suppressor or tumor promoter. However, the final effect of TGFβ signaling on endometrial cancer cells depends on the cancer disease stage. The multifunctional role of the TGFβ pathway indicates the possible utilization of alterations in the TGFβ cascade as a potential target of novel anticancer strategies.
Two coexisting pseudo-mirror heteromolecular telomeric G-quadruplexes in opposite loop progressions differentially recognized by a low equivalent of Thioflavin T

Abstract The final 3′-terminal residue of the telomeric DNA G-overhang is inherently less precise. Here, we describe how alteration of the last 3′-terminal base affects the mutual recognition between two different G-rich oligomers of human telomeric DNA in the formation of heteromolecular G-quadruplexes (hetero-GQs). Associations between three- and single-repeat fragments of human telomeric DNA, target d(GGGTTAGGGTTAGGG) and probe d(TAGGGT), in Na+ solution yield two coexisting forms of (3 + 1) hybrid hetero-GQs: the kinetically favourable LLP-form (left loop progression) and the thermodynamically controlled RLP-form (right loop progression). However, only the adoption of a single LLP-form has been previously reported between the same probe d(TAGGGT) and a target variant d(GGGTTAGGGTTAGGGT) having one extra 3′-end thymine. Moreover, the flanking base alterations of short G-rich probe variants also significantly affect the loop progressions of hetero-GQs. Although seemingly two pseudo-mirror counter partners, the RLP-form exhibits a preference over the LLP-form to be recognized by a low equivalent of fluorescence dye thioflavin T (ThT). To a greater extent, ThT preferentially binds to RLP hetero-GQ than with the corresponding telomeric DNA duplex context or several other representative unimolecular GQs.
Associations between Fast-Food Restaurants Surrounding Kindergartens and Childhood Obesity: Evidence from China

The prevalence of obesity among preschool children has risen dramatically due to the influx of Western fast food in China. In this study, we aimed to provide clear evidence on the associations between fast-food restaurants and childhood obesity. We collected and combined three unique cross-sectional datasets: physical fitness data, geographic information, and the financial data of each kindergarten. The two-stage least squares were used for empirical analyses. The final data including 75,730 children were from 785 kindergartens in 82 cities and 23 provinces in China in 2018. The mean age of participants was 4.94 ± 0.87; 34,249 (45.2%) females and 41,481 (54.8%) males. The number of fast-food restaurants within 1, 2, and 3 km radii had a significant and positive correlation with obesity, and this correlation decreased as the radius increased. Furthermore, the distance to the nearest fast-food restaurant had a significant and negative correlation with obesity. Western fast-food restaurants contributed more to obesity than the broader definition of fast-food restaurants. There was marked heterogeneity between urban and rural areas. Our findings documented that fast-food restaurants had a significant and positive association with childhood obesity, thus the restriction of fast-food restaurants surrounding kindergartens might be considered.
Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Osteoarthritic Bioactive Potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (Scrophulariaceae) Leaf Extract Evaluated in Two In Vitro Models of Inflammation and Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex disease, source of pain and disability that affects millions of people worldwide. OA etiology is complex, multifactorial and joint-specific, with genetic, biological and biomechanical components. Recently, several studies have suggested a potential adjuvant role for natural extracts on OA progression, in terms of moderating chondrocyte inflammation and following cartilage injury, thus resulting in an overall improvement of joint pain. In this study, we first analyzed the phenylethanoid glycosides profile and the total amount of polyphenols present in a leaf aqueous extract of Verbascum thapsus L. We then investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoarthritic bioactive potential of the extract in murine monocyte/macrophage-like cells (RAW 264.7) and in human chondrocyte cells (HC), by gene expression analysis of specifics inflammatory cytokines, pro-inflammatory enzymes and metalloproteases. Six phenylethanoid glycosides were identified and the total phenolic content was 124.0 ± 0.7 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of extract. The biological investigation showed that the extract is able to significantly decrease most of the cellular inflammatory markers, compared to both control cells and cells treated with Harpagophytum procumbens (Burch.) DC. ex Meisn, used as a positive control. Verbascum thapsus leaf aqueous extract has the potential to moderate the inflammatory response, representing an innovative possible approach for the inflammatory joint disease treatment.
Physiotherapy Rehabilitation in Subjects Diagnosed with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome Does Not Normalize Periscapular and Rotator Cuff Muscle Onset Time of Activation

Clinicians suggest that rehabilitation of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS) should target improving movement patterns to ensure better clinical outcomes. Understanding changes in onset time of activation patterns and associated changes in clinical outcomes could improve our understanding of rehabilitation strategies. In this prospective longitudinal study, we examined neuromuscular firing patterns and clinical features before and after a standardized physiotherapy program in subjects diagnosed with SIS. Electromyography (EMG) recordings of eleven shoulder muscles were taken at the initial and discharge consultation in 34 male volunteers diagnosed with SIS. EMG recording was performed during flexion, scaption, and abduction at slow, medium, and fast speeds with a loaded (3 kg) and unloaded arm, as well as rotational motion, rotational strength, pain, and shoulder function. Completion of standardized shoulder physiotherapy program for SIS resulted in improvements in clinical outcomes. Resulted showed inconsistent differences of onset time of activation mainly in some of the periscapular muscles for all movements. No differences were seen on the EMG recordings for rotator cuff muscles. Differences in range of motion, strength and function were shown. Despite some changes in onset time of activation, this study was not able to demonstrate consistent changes of onset time of activation of the periscapular and rotator cuff muscles.