Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epigenome‐Wide Association Study for All‐Cause Mortality in a Cardiovascular Cohort Identifies Differential Methylation in Castor Zinc Finger 1 (CASZ1)

Background DNA methylation is implicated in many chronic diseases and may contribute to mortality. Therefore, we conducted an epigenome‐wide association study (EWAS) for all‐cause mortality with whole‐transcriptome data in a cardiovascular cohort (CATHGEN [Catheterization Genetics]). Methods and Results Cases were participants with mortality≥7 days postcatheterization whereas controls were alive with≥2 years of follow‐up. The Illumina Human Methylation 450K and EPIC arrays (Illumina, San Diego, CA) were used for the discovery and validation sets, respectively. A linear model approach with empirical Bayes estimators adjusted for confounders was used to assess difference in methylation (Δβ). In the discovery set (55 cases, 49 controls), 25 629 (6.5%) probes were differently methylated (P<0.05). In the validation set (108 cases, 108 controls), 3 probes were differentially methylated with a false discovery rate–adjusted P<0.10: cg08215811 (SLC4A9; log2 fold change=−0.14); cg17845532 (MATK; fold change=−0.26); and cg17944110 (castor zinc finger 1 [CASZ1]; FC=0.26; P<0.0001; false discovery rate–adjusted P=0.046–0.080). Meta‐analysis identified 6 probes (false discovery rate–adjusted P<0.05): the 3 above, cg20428720 (intergenic), cg17647904 (NCOR2), and cg23198793 (CAPN3). Messenger RNA expression of 2 MATK isoforms was lower in cases (fold change=−0.24 [P=0.007] and fold change=−0.61 [P=0.009]). The CASZ1,NCOR2, and CAPN3 transcripts did not show differential expression (P>0.05); the SLC4A9 transcript did not pass quality control. The cg17944110 probe is located within a potential regulatory element; expression of predicted targets (using GeneHancer) of the regulatory element, UBIAD1 (P=0.01) and CLSTN1 (P=0.03), were lower in cases. Conclusions We identified 6 novel methylation sites associated with all‐cause mortality. Methylation in CASZ1 may serve as a regulatory element associated with mortality in cardiovascular patients. Larger studies are necessary to confirm these observations.
Time of ureteral ejection of sodium fluorescein in the cystoscopic assessment of ureteral patency in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy

Objective: To evaluate the time of ureteral ejection of intravenous sodium fluorescein in the assessment of ureteral patency in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). Material and Methods: Fifty-four women undergoing TLH were studied in a public teaching hospital in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. They underwent cystoscopic evaluation of ureteral patency after intravenous administration of 100 mg of sodium fluorescein. The present study analyzed the time elapsed in minutes from the intravenous administration of fluorescein to the outflow of stained urine by one or both ureteral meatus, the degree of urine staining, and the impact of body mass index (BMI) (BMI; normal, overweight, and obesity) on ejection time. Results: The overall average time elapsed to visualize the ejection of fluorescein through at least one ureteral meatus was 7.5 minutes [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.3-8.7]. There were no significant differences in the time of ureteral ejection of fluorescein taking BMI into account (p=0.579), with a mean time for normal BMI of 8.1 minutes (95% CI: 5.1-11.2), for overweight of 7.0 minutes (95% CI: 5.5-8.5), and for obesity of 7.8 minutes (95% CI: 5.3-10.3). Conclusion: Intravenously administered 10% sodium fluorescein dye is rapidly eliminated and strongly stains urine, which makes it useful for identifying ureteral patency during cystoscopy after TLH. Fluorescein excretion is not affected by patient BMI.
The Plays and Arts of Surveillance: Studying Surveillance as Entertainment

This paper suggests a direction in the development of Surveillance Studies that goes beyond current attention for the caring, productive and enabling aspects of surveillance practices. That is, surveillance could be considered not just as positively protective, but even as a comical, playful, amusing, enjoyable practice. A number of recent trends suggest that there is a potential for unmistakable entertainment in the operation of a number of contemporary surveillance practices that merit further empirical and theoretical study. The paper discusses several examples that are illustrative of these trends, such as computer games and artistic presentations. Although this analysis does not downplay the problematic and negative features of current surveillance practices, it aims to accentuate some of the ways in which surveillance-enabling technologies are able to perform entertainment functions.
Activation of Sigma 1 Receptor Extends Survival of Cones and Improves Visual Acuity in a Murine Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa

Purpose Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a retinal photoreceptor degeneration, typically affects rod function and subsequently cones. Activation of sigma 1 receptor (Sig1R) has been shown to preserve cone function through 6 weeks in the rd10 mouse model of RP, when mice were treated systemically with the Sig1R ligand (+)-pentazocine (PTZ). This study determined the extent to which cone function is preserved in rd10 mice when Sig1R is activated. Methods Rd10 mice were administered (+)-PTZ (alternate days beginning at postnatal day [P]14) over a period of 180 days. Mouse visual function and structure were measured in vivo using optokinetic tracking response, scotopic and photopic electroretinography plus photopic assessment using “natural” noise stimuli, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Immunofluorescent methods were used to detect cones in retinal cryosections. Results Visual acuity was maintained in rd10(+)-PTZ-treated mice through P56, whereas rd10 nontreated mice showed marked decline by P28. Cone responses were detected in (+)-PTZ-treated mice through P60, which were more robust when tested with natural noise stimuli; cone responses were minimal in nontreated rd10 mice. OCT revealed significantly thicker retinas in (+)-PTZ-treated rd10 mice through P60 compared to nontreated mice. Cones were detected by immunofluorescence in (+)-PTZ-treated rd10 retinas through P120. Conclusions The extent to which cone rescue could be sustained in (+)-PTZ-treated rd10 mice was evaluated comprehensively, showing that activation of Sig1R is associated with prolonged visual acuity, extended detection of cone function, and detection of cones in retinal histologic sections. The data reflect promising long-term neuroprotection when Sig1R is activated.
Testing mate recognition through reciprocal crosses of two native populations of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in Australia

Abstract Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) represents a relatively large cryptic species complex. Australia has at least two native populations of B. tabaci sensu lato and these were first found on different host plants in different parts of Australia. The species status of these populations has not been resolved, although their mitochondrial sequences differ by 3.82–4.20%. We addressed the question of whether these AUSI and AUSII B. tabaci populations are distinct species. We used reciprocal cross-mating tests to establish whether the insects from these different populations recognize one another as potential mating partners. The results show that the two native Australian populations of B. tabaci have a mating sequence with four phases, each of which is described. Not all pairs in the control crosses mated and the frequency of mating differed across them. Some pairs in the AUSI-M × AUSII-F did mate (15%) and did produce female progeny, but the frequency was extremely low relative to controls. Microsatellite genotyping of the female progeny produced in the crosses showed these matings were successful. None of the AUSII-M × AUSI-F crosses mated although some of the males did search for females. These results demonstrate the critical role of the mate recognition process and the need to assess this directly in cross-mating tests if the species status of different populations is to be tested realistically. In short, AUSI and AUSII B. tabaci populations are distinct species because the individual males and females do not recognize individuals of the alternative population as potential mating partners.
From Global Rights to Local Relationships: Exploring Disconnects in Respectful Maternity Care in Malawi

Widespread reports of “disrespect and abuse” in maternity wards in low- and middle-income countries have triggered the development of rights-based respectful maternity care (RMC) standards and initiatives. To explore how international standards translate into local realities, we conducted a team ethnography, involving observations in labor wards in government facilities in central Malawi, and interviews and focus groups with midwives, women, and guardians. We identified a dual disconnect between, first, universal RMC principles and local notions of good care and, second, between midwives and women and guardians. The latter disconnect pertains to fraught relationships, reproduced by and manifested in mechanistic care, mutual responsibilization for trouble, and misunderstandings and distrust. RMC initiatives should be tailored to local contexts and midwife-client relationships. In a hierarchical, resource-strapped context like Malawi, promoting mutual love, understanding, and collaboration may be a more productive way to stimulate “respectful” care than the current emphasis on formal rights and respect.
‘There You Enjoy Life, Here You Work’: Brazilian and Dominican Immigrants’ Views on Work and Health in the U.S.

Structural inequalities in the U.S. work environment place most immigrants in low paying, high-risk jobs. Understanding how work experiences and influence the health of different immigrant populations is essential to address disparities. This article explores how Brazilian and Dominican immigrants feel about their experiences working in the U.S. and how the relationship between work and culture might impact their health. In partnership with the Dominican Development Center and the Brazilian Worker Center, we held five cultural conversations (CCs) with Brazilians (n = 48) and five with Dominicans (n = 40). CCs are participatory, unstructured groups facilitated by representatives from or embedded in the community. Brazilian immigrants focused on physical health and the American Dream while Dominicans immigrants emphasized concerns about the influence of work on mental health. Dominicans’ longer tenure in the U.S. and differences in how Brazilians and Dominicans are racialized in the region might account for the variation in perspectives between groups. Future studies should further investigate the relationship between health and how immigrants’ work lives are shaped by culture, race and immigrant status.
Clinico‐mycological study of onychomycosis in a tertiary care hospital—A cross‐sectional study

Onychomycosis (OM), has a worldwide prevalence of 5% and 0.5%‐5% in India. Trichophyton. rubrum (T rubrum) and T mentagrophytes are the most commonly isolated fungi. As the clinical and mycological characteristics change with time and geographical region; it is important to study the temporal and topographic patterns periodically. The study was conducted to identify the epidemiological and clinico‐mycological characteristics of patients with OM attending a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Hundred patients with clinical diagnosis of OM were recruited. Among these, 88 patients who tested positive for OM on direct microscopy with KOH, culture and/or histopathology with periodic acid‐Schiff were included in the study. The clinico‐mycological characteristics and risk factors associated with OM were evaluated. OM was more common in males (M:F = 2.5:1). The mean age of patients with OM was 39 ± 15.3 years (SE 1.52) with mean disease duration of 27.6 ± 46.1 months (SE 4.9). Seventeen (19.3%) patients had concomitant diabetes mellitus. The patients displayed mean body mass index (BMI) of 25.67 ± 1.35 kg/sq m. Concurrent dermatophytosis of skin was present in 35 (39.77%) patients. Two feet‐one hand syndrome was present in 5 patients. Fingernail involvement without toenail involvement was more common than toenail involvement alone. (43.18% vs 38.63%). Distal and lateral subungual OM (DLSO) was the commonest clinical variant (81.8%). Mycological culture showed growth in 47 (53.40%) patients. Dermatophytes were isolated in majority, that is in 30 (63.82%) patients followed by non‐dermatophytic moulds (NDM) in 7 (14.8%) and Candida spp. in the remaining 10 (21.27%) patients.
Internalized stigma and its correlates among family caregivers of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in Changsha, Hunan, China.

INTRODUCTION Internalized stigma is prevalent among patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Their family caregivers (FGs) also suffer from internalized stigma, but limited studies have addressed the issue. AIM The aim of this study was to determine the severity of internalized stigma and its correlates among FGs of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in Changsha, Hunan, China. METHODS A consecutive sample of 299 FGs was recruited at the psychiatric outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Changsha. This study explored the relationships between internalized stigma and potential factors. RESULTS Nearly 50% of the FGs perceived mild internalized stigma, 24% of the FGs reported moderate level and 6% had a severe level. Internalized stigma was associated with patients' characteristics (severity of illness), and FGs' characteristics (hope, social support, passive coping, age, education background, residence with the patient, caring for a male or a young patient, and difficulty in supervising medication). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Informative and psychosocial interventions based on education and contact for FGs such as enhancing mental health literacy programs, cognitive therapies, and group psychoeducation can provide FGs with a better understanding of schizophrenia and to promote hope, active coping, and social support.
Re‐evaluation of Amphidiniopsis (Dinophyceae) Morphogroups Based On Phylogenetic Relationships, and Description of Three New Sand‐dwelling Species From the NW Mediterranean

Amphidiniopsis is a diverse genus of thecate heterotrophic dinoflagellates within the benthic, sand‐dwelling species, with more than 20 currently described. Although molecular information about members of this genus is still scarce, morphological heterogeneity suggests the genus is paraphyletic. We investigated the diversity of Amphidiniopsis species in the NW Mediterranean Sea by morphological and molecular approaches, which led to the description of three new species, A. bulla sp. nov., A. erinacea sp. nov., and A. selene sp. nov. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on SSU and LSU rDNA sequences obtained from individual cells and the observed morphological characters confirm, as previously suggested, the paraphyly of the genus and the existence of at least four phylogenetic subgroups, instead of the three main subgroups defined to date. We also morphologically characterized Herdmania litoralis, suggesting the existence of more than one species belonging to this monotypic genus. Herdmania is a sister taxon to Amphidiniopsis, both morphologically and phylogenetically, and given the paraphyly of the latter, it should be considered a member of the newly termed Amphidiniopsis genus complex. The finding of the three new species highlights that the Mediterranean harbors distinctive, sand‐dwelling dinoflagellates and needs further investigations of its unexplored diversity.
Disclosing the Impact of Carcinogenic SF3b Mutations on Pre-mRNA Recognition Via All-Atom Simulations

The spliceosome accurately promotes precursor messenger-RNA splicing by recognizing specific noncoding intronic tracts including the branch point sequence (BPS) and the 3’-splice-site (3’SS). Mutations of Hsh155 (yeast)/SF3B1 (human), which is a protein of the SF3b factor involved in BPS recognition and induces altered BPS binding and 3’SS selection, lead to mis-spliced mRNA transcripts. Although these mutations recur in hematologic malignancies, the mechanism by which they change gene expression remains unclear. In this study, multi-microsecond-long molecular-dynamics simulations of eighth distinct ∼700,000 atom models of the spliceosome Bact complex, and gene sequencing of SF3B1, disclose that these carcinogenic isoforms destabilize intron binding and/or affect the functional dynamics of Hsh155/SF3B1 only when binding non-consensus BPSs, as opposed to the non-pathogenic variants newly annotated here. This pinpoints a cross-talk between the distal Hsh155 mutation and BPS recognition sites. Our outcomes unprecedentedly contribute to elucidating the principles of pre-mRNA recognition, which provides critical insights on the mechanism underlying constitutive/alternative/aberrant splicing.
Clinical Features and Diagnosis of Anterior Segment Inflammation Related to Cytomegalovirus in Immunocompetent African, Asian, and Caucasian Patients

ABSTRACT Objective: To report the clinical features and treatment outcomes in immunocompetent patients with anterior segment inflammation (ASI) related to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) depending on their ethnic origin. Material and Methods: Multicenter retrospective study of 38 patients with at least one test, either HCMV-positive PCR or GWc. Results: Features of Posner-Schlossman syndrome were observed in 50% of the eyes, Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis in 13% of the eyes, chronic nonspecific anterior uveitis in 21% of the eyes, and corneal endotheliitis in 18% of the eyes. PCR and GWc were positive for HCMV in 50% and 96.2% of the eyes, respectively. Glaucoma was diagnosed in 50% of eyes. Treatment was oral valganciclovir in about half of the patients. Other treatments were intravenous ganciclovir and/or ganciclovir topical ointment and/or intravitreal ganciclovir. Conclusions: No obvious association of specific clinical features with individual ethnicity could be identified. We found a high rate of glaucoma in all ethnic groups. There was a delay in diagnosis and specific treatment of HCMV in most patients.
Acoustic microstreaming produced by nonspherical oscillations of a gas bubble. II. Case of modes 1 and m.

This paper continues a study that was started in our previous paper [A. A. Doinikov et al., Phys. Rev. E 100, 033104 (2019)10.1103/PhysRevE.100. 033104]. The overall aim of the study is to develop a theory for modeling the velocity field of acoustic microstreaming produced by nonspherical oscillations of an acoustically driven gas bubble. In the previous paper, general equations were derived that describe the velocity field of acoustic microstreaming produced by modes n and m of bubble oscillations. In the present paper, the above equations are solved analytically in the case that acoustic microstreaming is the result of the interaction of the translational mode (mode 1) with a mode of arbitrary order m≥1. Solutions are expressed in terms of complex mode amplitudes, which means that the mode amplitudes are assumed to be known and serve as input data for the calculation of the velocity field of acoustic microstreaming. No restrictions are imposed on the ratio of the bubble radius to the viscous penetration depth. Analytical results are illustrated by numerical examples.
Purine versus non-purine xanthine oxidase inhibitors against cyclophosphamide-induced cardiac and bone marrow toxicity in rats

Background and aim: Cancer is a fatal and serious disease. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is a commonly used anticancer drug. Cardiotoxicity and myelotoxicity are life-threatening side effects of CYC treatment. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors, allopurinol (ALL) and febuxostat (FEB), on CYC-induced cardio- and hematopoietic toxicity in rats. Methods: ALL (100 mg/kg/day) or FEB (10 mg/kg/day) were administered orally to rats in the presence and absence of CYC (200 mg/kg kg i.p. single dose) treatment. Serum creatine kinase-MB creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were estimated. Complete blood counting (CBC), cardiac and bone marrow XO activity, malondialdehyde level, and superoxide dismutase activity were determined. Cardiac and bone marrow histopathological changes were also evaluated. Results: ALL and FEB significantly decreased CK-MB and LDH induced by CYC. Disturbed levels of XO, oxidative stress parameters, and CBC were also corrected by both XO inhibitors tested, with amelioration of cardiac histopathological changes caused by CYC. Treatment with FEB, but not ALL, prior to CYC challenges normalized bone marrow histopathological changes. Conclusion: These results suggest that both XO inhibitors tested; ALL and FEB can ameliorate CYC-induced cardiotoxicity. However, only FEB can protect against CYC-induced myelotoxicity, whereas ALL, to the contrary, might aggravate it.
[Effects of glycosylated hemoglobin and disease course on islet β-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes].

OBJECTIVE To compare islet β-cell function in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients with different glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and diabetes durations. METHODS We examined body parameters, biochemical profiles and islet autoantibodies in a total of 803 T2DM patients admitted in the Department of Endocrinology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between December, 2014 and April, 2016. The patients were stratified by HbA1c level and disease course and underwent steamed bun test to evaluate islet β-cell function and insulin resistance. RESULTS Linear correlation analysis showed that in T2DM patients, HbA1c level was negatively correlated with HOMA2-IR, HOMA2-%β, DI30 and DI180 (P=0.000), and disease course was negatively correlated with HOMA2-IR, HOMA2-% β, and DI180 (P < 0.05). The patients with different HbA1c levels showed significantly different HOMA2-IR, HOMA2-%β, DI30 and DI180 (P=0.000); HOMA2-%β, DI30 and DI180 were significantly higher in patients with HbA1c levels < 7.8%, and HOMA2-% β was significantly decreased in patients with HbA1c levels above 9.8%. The patients with different disease courses also had significant differences in HOMA2-IR, HOMA2-%β, DI30, and DI180 (P=0.000), and as the disease course extended, DI30 and DI180 tended to decrease progressively. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that HbA1c, diabetes duration, and body mass index (BMI) were all independent factors affecting islet β- cell function in T2DM patients. CONCLUSIONS The secretion function of islet β cells decreases progressively with the increase of HbA1c level or disease course in T2DM patients, but the disease course does not appear to have an effect as strong as that of HbA1c level on islet β cell function.
Circular RNA circC3P1 restrains kidney cancer cell activity by regulating miR‐21/PTEN axis and inactivating PI3K/AKT and NF‐
kB pathways

Kidney cancer (KC) seriously impacts public health. We detected the function and mechanism of circular RNA C3P1 (circC3P1) in KC cells. CCK‐8, flow cytometry, migration, and invasion assay were respectively used to investigate the efficacies of circC3P1 and microRNA (miR)‐21 on cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), circC3P1, and miR‐21 expression were changed by cell transfection and detected by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, the apoptosis/pathways‐related proteins and proteins were detected by western blot analysis. Besides, the relation between PTEN and miR‐21 was detected by luciferase assay. circC3P1 and PTEN were downregulated while miR‐21 was upregulated in KC tissues. circC3P1 declined cell viability, migration, and invasion and caused apoptosis. Furthermore, circC3P1 negatively regulated miR‐21; miR‐21 mimic could reverse the efficacies of circC3P1. Besides, circC3P1 restrained the PI3K/AKT and NF‐κB pathways by downregulating miR‐21. Finally, PTEN was authenticated as a target of miR‐21. circC3P1 restrained KC cell growth, migration, and invasion by regulating miR‐21/PTEN axis and inactivating PI3K/AKT and NF‐κB signaling pathways.