Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute Contact Toxicity of Oxalic Acid to Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) and Their Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Hosts in Laboratory Bioassays

Abstract Laboratory bioassays were performed to characterize the acute contact toxicity of oxalic acid (OA) to Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman) and their honey bee hosts (Apis mellifera L.). Specifically, glass-vial residual bioassays were conducted to determine the lethal concentration of OA for V. destructor, and topical applications of OA in acetone were conducted to determine the lethal dose for honey bees. The results indicate that OA has a low acute toxicity to honey bees and a high acute toxicity to mites. The toxicity data will help guide scientists in delivering optimum dosages of OA to the parasite and its host, and will be useful in making treatment recommendations. The data will also facilitate future comparisons of toxicity if mite resistance to OA becomes evident.
The role of personalized services and control: An empirical evaluation of privacy calculus and technology acceptance model in the mobile context

ABSTRACT The past few years have witnessed an explosive growth in the use of smartphones. Such widespread use brings with it concerns over the protection of privacy. Building upon existing privacy concern literature, this study has developed a theoretical framework that combines a privacy calculus model with a technology acceptance model (TAM) in the mobile application context. Also examined is the role of personalized services and users’ perceived information control in this domain. Based on a study of 308 participants, the results reveal that perceived enjoyment has replaced perceived ease-of-use as a main predictor of perceived behavioral intentions in a mobile TAM. The findings also show that personalized services and users’ perceived information control have a strong effect on both privacy calculus and mobile TAM.
Symbiotic microbiota may reflect host adaptation by resident to invasive ant species

Exotic invasive species can influence the behavior and ecology of native and resident species, but these changes are often overlooked. Here we hypothesize that the ghost ant, Tapinoma melanocephalum, living in areas that have been invaded by the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, displays behavioral differences to interspecific competition that are reflected in both its trophic position and symbiotic microbiota. We demonstrate that T. melanocephalum workers from S. invicta invaded areas are less aggressive towards workers of S. invicta than those inhabiting non-invaded areas. Nitrogen isotope analyses reveal that colonies of T. melanocephalum have protein-rich diets in S. invicta invaded areas compared with the carbohydrate-rich diets of colonies living in non-invaded areas. Analysis of microbiota isolated from gut tissue shows that T. melanocephalum workers from S. invicta invaded areas also have different bacterial communities, including a higher abundance of Wolbachia that may play a role in vitamin B provisioning. In contrast, the microbiota of workers of T. melanocephalum from S. invicta-free areas are dominated by bacteria from the orders Bacillales, Lactobacillales and Enterobacteriales that may be involved in sugar metabolism. We further demonstrate experimentally that the composition and structure of the bacterial symbiont communities as well as the prevalence of vitamin B in T. melanocephalum workers from S. invicta invaded and non-invaded areas can be altered if T. melanocephalum workers are supplied with either protein-rich or carbohydrate-rich food. Our results support the hypothesis that bacterial symbiont communities can help hosts by buffering behavioral changes caused by interspecies competition as a consequence of biological invasions.
Oral delivery of pancreatitis‐associated protein by Lactococcus lactis displays protective effects in dinitro‐benzenesulfonic‐acid‐induced colitis model and is able to modulate the composition of the microbiota

Summary Antimicrobial peptides secreted by intestinal immune and epithelial cells are important effectors of innate immunity. They play an essential role in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis by limiting microbial epithelium interactions and preventing unnecessary microbe‐driven inflammation. Pancreatitis‐associated protein (PAP) belongs to Regenerating islet‐derived III proteins family and is a C‐type (Ca+2 dependent) lectin. PAP protein plays a protective effect presenting anti‐inflammatory properties able to reduce the severity of colitis, preserving gut barrier and epithelial inflammation. Here, we sought to determine whether PAP delivered at intestinal lumen by recombinant Lactococcus lactis strain (LL‐PAP) before and after chemically induced colitis is able to reduce the severity in two models of colitis. After construction and characterization of our recombinant strains, we tested their effects in dinitro‐benzenesulfonic‐acid (DNBS) and Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis model. After the DNBS challenge, mice treated with LL‐PAP presented less severe colitis compared with PBS and LL‐empty‐treated mice groups. After the DSS challenge, no protective effects of LL‐PAP could be detected. We determined that after 5 days administration, LL‐PAP increase butyrate producer's bacteria, especially Eubacterium plexicaudatum. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that a treatment with LL‐PAP shifts the microbiota preventing the severity of colon inflammation in DNBS colitis model. These protective roles of LL‐PAP in DNBS colitis model might be through intestinal microbiota modulation.
Should the CDC’s recommendations for promptly removing unnecessary centrally inserted central catheters be enhanced? Ultrasound-guided peripheral venous cannulation to fully comply

Purpose: In an effort to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infection’s incidence rates in an intensive care unit, several evidence-based procedures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for centrally inserted central catheters were implemented. A failure to fully comply with the recommendation for prompt removal of the centrally inserted central catheters was attributed, mainly to the difficulties and inadequacies raised from establishing peripheral venous access. Methods: The ultrasound-guided peripheral venous cannulation method as a supplementary intervention to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations was incorporated and examined during the subsequent year. Results: A significant reduction on catheter-related bloodstream infection incidence rates out of the expected range was found. Centrally inserted central catheters utilization ratios were reduced by 10.7% (p < 0.05; 58%–47%) and the catheter-related bloodstream infection incidence rate was reduced by 11.7 per thousand device–days (15.9–4.16/1000 centrally inserted central catheters days (2015–2016 group, respectively)). Conclusion: The reduction of catheter-related bloodstream infection was higher than that described in the published literature. This probably shows that the combination of the five evidence-based procedures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention together with that of ultrasound-guided peripheral venous cannulation method can increase the compliance with the Category IA recommendation for removal or avoidance of unnecessary placement of centrally inserted central catheters and decrease the catheter-related bloodstream infections in a more effective way, by affecting the patients’ centrally inserted central catheter exposure.
Structural insights into the interaction between phytoplasmal effector causing phyllody 1 (PHYL1) and MADS transcription factor.

Phytoplasmas are bacterial plant pathogens which can induce severe symptoms including dwarfism, phyllody and virescence in the infected plant. Because phytoplasmas infect many important crops such as peanut and papaya, they have caused serious agricultural losses. The phytoplasmal effector causing phyllody 1 (PHYL1) is an important pathogenic factor of phytoplasma. PHYL1 affects the biological function of MADS transcription factors by interacting with their K (keratin-like) domain, and thus results in abnormal plant developments such as phyllody. Until now, the lack of PHYL1 structural information has prevented detailed understanding of the binding mechanism between PHYL1 and the MADS transcription factors. Here, we present the crystal structure of PHYL1 from Peanut witches'-broom phytoplasma. PHYL1Pn WB folds into a unique alpha-helical hairpin with exposed hydrophobic residues on its surface that may play an important role in its biological function. Using proteomic approaches, we propose a binding mode of PHYL1Pn WB with the K domain of SEPALLATA3 MADS transcription factor (SEP3_K) and identify the important residues of PHYL1Pn WB for this interaction. Furthermore, by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), we measure the binding strength of PHYL1Pn WB proteins to SEP3_K. Lastly, based on confocal images, we found that the α -Helix 2 of PHYL1Pn WB plays an important role in PHYL1-mediated SEP3 degradation. Taken together, these results provide a structural understanding of the specific binding mechanism between PHYL1Pn WB and SEP3_K. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The association between the prevalence of dental fluorosis and the socio-economic status and area of residence of 12-year-old students in Uruguay

Abstract Objective: This study investigates the association between the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis, the socio-economic status (SES) and area of residence among 12-year-old schoolchildren in Uruguay. Material and methods: The study was descriptive, cross-sectional, explanatory and observational. Subjects considered eligible were born in 1999 and had their parents’ or guardian’s prior consent. A questionnaire was used to identify SES according to Centro de Investigaciones Económicas Institute on four levels. Dental fluorosis was determined using the Thylstrup–Fejerskov (TF) index. Results: Of the 1544 students examined, 45.0% showed dental fluorosis. A TF index 1–2 was recorded in 29.3% of the subjects, TF 3 in 20.9%, TF 4 in 6.7% and TF 5–9 in 2.1%. In area 1 (the capital Montevideo city), 84.8% of the subjects had dental fluorosis, a value that was significantly higher than in the inland region (area 2, 24.4%) and border departments (area 3, 22.5%) (x2 = 27.92, p < .0001). Students from families with a low socio-economic level showed less prevalence of dental fluorosis than those with a high level (x2 = 14.58, p = .002). Conclusion: Significant differences exist in the prevalence of dental fluorosis in relation to place of residence and socio-economic level.
Label-free nanosensing platform for breast cancer exosome profiling.

Breast cancer accounts for 11.6% of all cancer cases in both genders. Even though several diagnostic techniques have been developed, the mostly used are invasive, complex, time-consuming and can't guarantee an early diagnosis, something that is key when it comes to the tumour treatment success rate. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that carry biomolecules from tissues to the peripheral circulation, representing an emerging non-invasive source of markers for early cancer diagnosis. Current techniques for exosomes analysis are frequently complex, time consuming and expensive. Raman spectroscopy interest has risen lately due to its non-destructive analysis and little to no sample preparation, while having very low analyte concentration/volume, due to surface enhancement signal possibility (SERS). However, active SERS substrates are needed, and commercially available substrates come with a high cost and low shelf life. In this work, composites of commercial nata de coco to produce bacterial nanocellulose and in situ synthesised silver nanoparticles are tested as SERS substrates, with a low cost and green approach. Enhancement factors (EF) from 104 to 105 were obtained, detecting rhodamine 6G (R6G) concentrations as low as 10-11 M. Exosome samples coming from MCF-10A (non-tumorigenic breast epithelium) and MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) cell cultures lineages were tested on the synthesized substrates and the obtained Raman spectra were subjected to statistical Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Combining PCA with Raman intra and inter variability in exosomal samples, data grouping with 95% confidence was possible, serving as a low cost, green and label free diagnosis method, with promising applicability in clinical settings.
Recurrent Neurological Episodes for 10 Years Preceding Skin Lesions in Neuro-Sweet Disease

An absence of skin lesions at the neurological onset may obscure the diagnosis of neuro-Sweet disease (NSD). We herein report a 32-year-old man with NSD in whom neurological symptoms preceded the development of skin lesions by 10 years. The patient exhibited four distinct neurological episodes: meningoencephalitis, scattered brain lesions, ocular flutter, and isolated seizures. Acute relapses responded to corticosteroid therapy, and the patient was successfully maintained on corticosteroid and dapsone combination therapy. NSD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with recurrent neurological manifestations, especially with both meningeal and brain parenchymal involvement, even if no skin lesions are observed.
Increased gamma and decreased fast ripple connections of epileptic tissue: A high‐frequency directed network approach

New insights into high‐frequency electroencephalographic activity and network analysis provide potential tools to improve delineation of epileptic tissue and increase the chance of postoperative seizure freedom. Based on our observation of high‐frequency oscillations “spreading outward” from the epileptic source, we hypothesize that measures of directed connectivity in the high‐frequency range distinguish epileptic from healthy brain tissue.
Routine radiographic follow-up is not necessary after physeal fractures of the distal tibia in children

Background and purpose — Unnecessary radiographic and clinical follow-ups are common in treatment of pediatric fractures. We hypothesized that follow-up radiographs are unnecessary to monitor union of physeal fractures of the distal tibia. Patients and methods — All 224 (147 boys) children under 16 years old treated for a physeal fracture of the distal tibia during a 5-year period (2010–14) in Helsinki Children’s Hospital were included in this study. Peterson type II fractures comprised 55% and transitional fractures (Tillaux and Triplane) 20% of all injuries. Fracture displacement and alignment was measured. Type and place of treatment was recorded. Number of follow-up radiographs and outpatient visits was calculated and their clinical significance was assessed. Results — 109 children had fractures with < 2 mm displacement and no angulation. The other 115 children’s mean fracture displacement was 6 mm (2–28). 54% of all children were treated by casting in situ in the emergency room, 20% with manipulation under anesthesia and 26% with surgery (internal 57, external fixation 2). Median 3 (1–7) follow-up appointments and median 3 (0–6) radiographs were taken. Follow-up radiographs at or before cast removal did not alter treatment in any of the patients. 223 patients’ fractures healed within 4–9 weeks in good alignment (≤ 5° angulation). Interpretation — Routine radiographic follow-up is unnecessary to monitor alignment and union of physeal fractures of the distal tibia.
Human Virome and Disease: High-Throughput Sequencing for Virus Discovery, Identification of Phage-Bacteria Dysbiosis and Development of Therapeutic Approaches with Emphasis on the Human Gut

The virome is comprised of endogenous retroviruses, eukaryotic viruses, and bacteriophages and is increasingly being recognized as an essential part of the human microbiome. The human virome is associated with Type-1 diabetes (T1D), Type-2 diabetes (T2D), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, and cancer. Increasing evidence also supports trans-kingdom interactions of viruses with bacteria, small eukaryotes and host in disease progression. The present review focuses on virus ecology and biology and how this translates mostly to human gut virome research. Current challenges in the field and how the development of bioinformatic tools and controls are aiding to overcome some of these challenges are also discussed. Finally, the present review also focuses on how human gut virome research could result in translational and clinical studies that may facilitate the development of therapeutic approaches.
Lifetime Psychotic Symptoms, Subthreshold Depression and Cognitive Impairment as Barriers to Functional Recovery in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

(1) Background: bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic disease that often leads to functional impairment. The objective of this study is to elucidate which variables are associated with better functional outcomes in a sample of euthymic patients with BD. (2) Methods: patients were recruited at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona and they underwent a clinical interview, a functional assessment, and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. After that, patients were divided into two groups according to the Functioning Assessment Short Test total score: functionally remitted vs. functionally impaired. Following this, a multivariate logistic regression was run in order to identify clinical, demographic and cognitive factors associated with functional remission. (3) Results: a total of 420 euthymic patients with BD were assessed for this study, distributed as follows: functionally remitted (n = 221) and functionally impaired (n = 199). Finally, the multivariate logistic regression revealed that only five variables significantly contributed to the model, including: lifetime history of psychotic symptoms (the variable that contributed the most to the model), followed by the Hamilton Depression total score, and cognitive performance (executive functions and verbal memory). (4) Conclusions: treatments to ensure a good functional outcome in BD should specially prevent psychosis, target subthreshold depressive symptoms and enhance cognition, more specifically executive functions and verbal memory.
What Is the Evidence for Early Mobilisation in Elective Spine Surgery? A Narrative Review

Early mobilisation is a cornerstone of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) and is encouraged following spinal procedures. However, evidence of its implementation is limited and there are no formal guidelines on optimal prescription. This narrative review aimed to evaluate the evidence for the effect of early mobilisation following elective spinal surgery on length of stay, postoperative complications, performance-based function and patient-reported outcomes. Four trials (five articles) that compared a specific protocol of early in-hospital mobilisation to no structured mobilisation or bed rest were selected for inclusion. Nine studies that investigated the implementation of a multimodal intervention that was inclusive of an early mobilisation protocol were also included. Results suggest that goal-directed early mobilisation, delivered using an evidence-based algorithm with a clear, procedure-specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, may reduce length of stay and complication rate. In addition, there is evidence to suggest improved performance-based and patient-reported outcomes when compared to bed rest following elective spinal surgery. Whilst this review reveals a lack of evidence to determine the exact details of which early mobilisation protocols are most effective, mobilisation on the day of surgery and ambulation from the first postoperative day is possible and should be the goal. Future work should aim to establish consensus-based, best practice guidelines on the optimal type and timing of mobilisation, and how this should be modified for different spinal procedures.
Fecal metabolite of a gnotobiotic mouse transplanted with gut microbiota from a patient with Alzheimer’s disease

ABSTRACT Studies of Alzheimer’s disease are based on model mice that have been altered by transgenesis and other techniques to elicit pathogenesis. However, changes in the gut microbiota were recently suggested to diminish cognitive function in patients, as well as in model mice. Accordingly, we have created model mice of the human gut microbiota by transplanting germ-free C57BL/6N mice with fecal samples from a healthy volunteer and from an affected patient. These humanized mice were stably colonized and reproduced the bacterial diversity in donors. Remarkably, performance on Object Location Test and Object Recognition Test was significantly reduced in the latter than in the former at 55 weeks of age, suggesting that gut microbiota transplanted from an affected patient affects mouse behavior. In addition, metabolites related to the nervous system, including γ-aminobutyrate, taurine, and valine, were significantly less abundant in the feces of mice transplanted with microbiota from the affected patient. Graphical Abstract Transplantation of fecal microbiota from patients with Alzheimer’s disease alters fecal metabolome and behavior in recipient mice.
Facilitating Calibration in High-Speed BCI Spellers via Leveraging Cross-Device Shared Latent Responses

Objective: This paper proposes a novel device-to-device transfer-learning algorithm for reducing the calibration cost in a steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) speller by leveraging electroencephalographic (EEG) data previously acquired by different EEG systems. Methods: The transferring is done by projecting the scalp-channel EEG signals onto a shared latent domain across devices. Three spatial filtering techniques, including channel averaging, canonical correlation analysis (CCA), and task-related component analysis (TRCA), were employed to extract the shared responses from different devices. The transferred data were integrated into a template-matching-based algorithm to detect SSVEPs. To evaluate its transferability, this paper conducted two sessions of simulated online BCI experiments with ten subjects using 40 visual stimuli modulated by joint frequency-phase coding method. In each session, two different EEG devices were used: first, the Quick-30 system (Cognionics, Inc.) with dry electrodes, and second, the ActiveTwo system (BioSemi, Inc.) with wet electrodes. Results: The proposed method with CCA- and TRCA-based spatial filters achieved significantly higher classification accuracy compared with the calibration-free standard CCA-based method. Conclusion: This paper validated the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method in implementing calibration-free SSVEP-based BCIs. Significance: The proposed method has great potentials to enhance practicability and usability of real-world SSVEP-based BCI applications by leveraging user-specific data recorded in previous sessions even with different EEG systems and montages.