Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emotional information-processing correlates of positive mental health in adolescence: a network analysis approach

ABSTRACT The combined cognitive bias hypothesis proposes that emotional information-processing biases may conjointly influence mental health. Yet, little is known about the interrelationships amongst cognitive biases, particularly in adolescence. We used data from the CogBIAS longitudinal study (Booth et al., 2017), including 450 adolescents who completed measures of interpretation bias, memory bias, and a validated measure of general mental health in a typically developing population. We used a moderated network modelling approach to examine positive mental health-related moderation of the cognitive bias network. We found that mental health was directly associated with positive and negative memory biases, and positive interpretation biases, but not negative interpretation biases. Further, we observed some mental health-related moderation of the network structure. Network connectivity decreased with higher positive mental health scores. Network approaches allow us to model complex relationships amongst cognitive biases and develop novel hypotheses for future research.
The first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Tuscany (Italy): A SI2R2D compartmental model with uncertainty evaluation

With the aim of studying the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Tuscany region of Italy during the first epidemic wave (February-June 2020), we define a compartmental model that accounts for both detected and undetected infections and assumes that only notified cases can die. We estimate the infection fatality rate, the case fatality rate, and the basic reproduction number, modeled as a time-varying function, by calibrating on the cumulative daily number of observed deaths and notified infected, after fixing to plausible values the other model parameters to assure identifiability. The confidence intervals are estimated by a parametric bootstrap procedure and a Global Sensitivity Analysis is performed to assess the sensitivity of the estimates to changes in the values of the fixed parameters. According to our results, the basic reproduction number drops from an initial value of 6.055 to 0 at the end of the national lockdown, then it grows again, but remaining under 1. At the beginning of the epidemic, the case and the infection fatality rates are estimated to be 13.1% and 2.3%, respectively. Among the parameters considered as fixed, the average time from infection to recovery for the not notified infected appears to be the most impacting one on the model estimates. The probability for an infected to be notified has a relevant impact on the infection fatality rate and on the shape of the epidemic curve. This stresses the need of collecting information on these parameters to better understand the phenomenon and get reliable predictions.
Degradation of Synthetic Dyes by Laccases – A Mini-Review

Abstract Laccases provide a promising future as a tool to be used in the field of biodegradation of synthetic dyes with different chemical structures. These enzymes are able to oxidize a wide range of phenolic substrates without the presence of additional co-factors. Laccases have been confirmed for their potential of synthetic dye degradation from wastewater and degradation products of these enzymatic reactions become less toxic than selected dyes. This study discusses the potential of laccase enzymes as agents for laccase-catalyzed degradation in terms of biodegradation efficiency of synthetic dyes, specifically: azo dyes, triphenylmethane, indigo and anthraquinone dyes. Review also summarizes the laccase-catalyzed degradation mechanisms of the selected synthetic dyes, as well as the degradation products and the toxicity of the dyes and their degradation products.
Are Current Prophylactic Antibiotic Dosing Regimens in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Sufficient to Prevent Surgical-Site Infections?

The reported prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) has continued to increase globally with a recent estimate of 9.41 cases for every 1000 live births. [1] Approximately 25% of the 40,000 children born in the United States annually with CHD will require surgical intervention within the first year of life. [2] However, surgical‐site infections (SSI) still remain a rare but potentially devastating complication with significant impact on patient mortality, morbidity, and health‐care costs. [3,4]
Effects of anti-diabetic treatments in type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease

ABSTRACT Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are significant non-communicable diseases that often affect individuals concurrently. In individuals with both T2DM and NAFLD, there is evidence that anti-diabetic therapies may demonstrate potential combined beneficial metabolic and reduced hepatic inflammatory effects. Areas covered: A PubMed and Google Scholar search was performed to find relevant literature. Included studies focused on individuals with T2DM and NAFLD receiving anti-diabetic treatments including bariatric surgery, insulin sensitizers, incretin mimetics, and SGLT2 inhibitors. Additional articles highlight investigational treatments. Expert opinion: In individuals with T2DM and NAFLD, 5–10% weight loss or bariatric surgery if unable to lose weight or maintain weight loss are appropriate. GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors result in weight loss, appear safe and may provide beneficial hepatic outcomes. Whether their effects are related to favorable weight changes or intrinsic hepatic effects is unclear. Thiazolidinediones have advantageous anti-hyperglycemic and hepatic effects but individuals must be monitored for weight gain and edema. Metformin and DPP-4 inhibitor beneficial hepatic effects remain debated. There are opportunities to standardize markers and imaging of NAFLD. Studies powered to evaluate the possible cardiovascular benefits of anti-diabetic therapies in individuals with T2DM and NAFLD are needed.
GEO data mining and TCGA analysis reveal altered branched chain amino acid metabolism in pancreatic cancer patients

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive tumor of the digestive system which has a less than 1% 5-year survival rate. The pathogenesis of PDAC development is incompletely understood. Genetic predisposition, disease history of chronic pancreatitis and diabetes elevate the risk of PDAC while environmental and dietary factors including smoking, alcohol abuse, high fat/protein intake as well as air pollution exacerbate PDAC progression. BCAAs, consisting of leucine, isoleucine and valine are essential amino acids that are obtained from food and play versatile roles in carcinogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated that BCAA metabolism affects PDAC development but the results are controversial. To explore the possible engagement of BCAA metabolism in PDAC, we took advantage of the GEO and TCGA database and discovered that BCAA uptake is closely related to PDAC development while BCAA catabolism is down-regulated in PDAC tissue. Besides, NOTCH and MYC are differentially involved in BCAA metabolism in tumor and muscle, and enhanced lipid synthesis is independent of BCAA catabolism. Altogether, we highlight BCAA uptake as a promising target for PDAC treatment.
Cell Death Triggered by the YUCCA-like Bs3 Protein Coincides with Accumulation of Salicylic Acid and Pipecolic Acid But Not of Indole-3-Acetic Acid1

Despite its similarity to auxin-producing YUCCA proteins, Bs3 expression triggers an increase in salicylic acid and pipecolic acid, which are involved in systemic acquired resistance, but not in auxin. The pepper (Capsicum annuum) resistance gene bacterial spot3 (Bs3) is transcriptionally activated by the matching Xanthomonas euvesicatoria transcription-activator–like effector (TALE) AvrBs3. AvrBs3-induced Bs3 expression triggers a rapid and local cell death reaction, the hypersensitive response (HR). Bs3 is most closely related to plant flavin monooxygenases of the YUCCA (YUC) family, which catalyze the final step in auxin biosynthesis. Targeted mutagenesis of predicted NADPH- and FAD-cofactor sites resulted in Bs3 derivatives that no longer trigger HR, thereby suggesting that the enzymatic activity of Bs3 is crucial to Bs3-triggered HR. Domain swap experiments between pepper Bs3 and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) YUC8 uncovered functionally exchangeable and functionally distinct regions in both proteins, which is in agreement with a model whereby Bs3 evolved from an ancestral YUC gene. Mass spectrometric measurements revealed that expression of YUCs, but not expression of Bs3, coincides with an increase in auxin levels, suggesting that Bs3 and YUCs, despite their sequence similarity, catalyze distinct enzymatic reactions. Finally, we found that expression of Bs3 coincides with increased levels of the salicylic acid and pipecolic acid, two compounds that are involved in systemic acquired resistance.
Mechanisms of Network Interactions for Flexible Cortico-Basal Ganglia-Mediated Action Control

Abstract In humans, finely tuned γ synchronization (60–90 Hz) rapidly appears at movement onset in a motor control network involving primary motor cortex, the basal ganglia and motor thalamus. Yet the functional consequences of brief movement-related synchronization are still unclear. Distinct synchronization phenomena have also been linked to different forms of motor inhibition, including relaxing antagonist muscles, rapid movement interruption and stabilizing network dynamics for sustained contractions. Here, I will introduce detailed hypotheses about how intrasite and intersite synchronization could interact with firing rate changes in different parts of the network to enable flexible action control. The here proposed cause-and-effect relationships shine a spotlight on potential key mechanisms of cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical (CBGTC) communication. Confirming or revising these hypotheses will be critical in understanding the neuronal basis of flexible movement initiation, invigoration and inhibition. Ultimately, the study of more complex cognitive phenomena will also become more tractable once we understand the neuronal mechanisms underlying behavioral readouts.
Factors Associated with Delirium after Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Delirium is a frequent complication after cardiac surgery and is associated with a higher incidence of morbidity and mortality and a prolonged hospital stay. However, knowledge of the variables involved in its occurrence is still limited; therefore, in this study, we evaluated the perioperative risk factors independently associated with this complication. Methods: This study was conducted in a referral tertiary care university hospital with a cardiovascular focus. A total of 311 consecutive adult patients undergoing any type of cardiac surgery were evaluated. The subjects were examined at regular intervals in the postoperative period using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) tool. Results: The incidence of postoperative delirium (PD) was 10%. Among the 18 pre-, intra- and postoperative variables evaluated, the logistic regression analysis showed that low education level, history of diabetes or stroke, type of surgery, prolonged extracorporeal circulation, or red blood cell transfusion in the intra- or postoperative period were independently associated with delirium after cardiac surgery. An increased body mass index was identified as a protective factor. Conclusions: The aforementioned risk factors are significantly and independently associated with the presentation of PD. Because some of these factors can be treated or avoided, the results of this study are highly relevant to reduce the risk of this complication and improve the care of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Thermal Decomposition of Tin(II) Oxyhydroxide and Subsequent Oxidation in Air: Kinetic Deconvolution of Overlapping Heterogeneous Processes

The reaction pathway and mechanistic features of the synthesis of SnO2 via the oxidative decomposition of tin(II) oxyhydroxide in air were investigated using thermoanalytical techniques and morphological observations. Furthermore, the detailed kinetics of each component process were analyzed by applying an empirical kinetic deconvolution method. The thermal behavior of tin(II) oxyhydroxide in air is characterized by two overall processes: (1) the mass-change process, which involves thermal decomposition (mass loss) and in situ oxidation (mass gain), followed by (2) crystal growth of the product SnO2. The mass-change process comprises largely overlapping consecutive processes such as primary endothermic thermal decomposition and subsequent exothermic oxidation. It was deduced from the kinetic results that the overall mass-change process is regulated by the overlapping structures of the surface product layers of the primary and subsequent reactions and the counter diffusion of the H2O generated in the prima.
Schizophrenia, Depressive Symptoms, and Antipsychotic Drug Treatment

© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of CINP. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons. org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Commentary Schizophrenia, Depressive Symptoms, and Antipsychotic Drug Treatment
Transcriptome integration analysis and specific diagnosis model construction for Hodgkin's lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma

Transcriptome differences between Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), which are all derived from B cell, remained unclear. This study aimed to construct lymphoma-specific diagnostic models by screening lymphoma marker genes. Transcriptome data of HL, DLBCL, and MCL were obtained from public databases. Lymphoma marker genes were screened by comparing cases and controls as well as the intergroup differences among lymphomas. A total of 9 HL marker genes, 7 DLBCL marker genes, and 4 MCL marker genes were screened in this study. Most HL marker genes were upregulated, whereas DLBCL and MCL marker genes were downregulated compared to controls. The optimal HL-specific diagnostic model contains one marker gene (MYH2) with an AUC of 0.901. The optimal DLBCL-specific diagnostic model contains 7 marker genes (LIPF, CCDC144B, PRO2964, PHF1, SFTPA2, NTS, and HP) with an AUC of 0.951. The optimal MCL-specific diagnostic model contains 3 marker genes (IGLV3-19, IGKV4-1, and PRB3) with an AUC of 0.843. The present study reveals the transcriptome data-based differences between HL, DLBCL, and MCL, when combined with other clinical markers, may help the clinical diagnosis and prognosis.
Vaccine Breakthrough Infections with SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Summary Emerging variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are of clinical concern. In a cohort of 417 persons who had received the second dose of BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech) or mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccine at least 2 weeks previously, we identified 2 women with vaccine breakthrough infection. Despite evidence of vaccine efficacy in both women, symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 developed, and they tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase-chain-reaction testing. Viral sequencing revealed variants of likely clinical importance, including E484K in 1 woman and three mutations (T95I, del142–144, and D614G) in both. These observations indicate a potential risk of illness after successful vaccination and subsequent infection with variant virus, and they provide support for continued efforts to prevent and diagnose infection and to characterize variants in vaccinated persons. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and others.)
Are Urogenital Symptoms Caused by Sexually Transmitted Infections and Colonizing Bacteria?

Objective This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and colonizing bacteria in relation to urogenital symptoms. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, patients visiting the STI clinic at Umeå University Hospital were asked for symptoms and condom use. Samples from 759 patients (465 male and 294 female) were analyzed for 4 STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium) and 3 colonizing bacteria (Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum, and Ureaplasma urealyticum). Results Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence was 11% among women and 9.5% among men. Neisseria gonorrhoeae prevalence was 0.7% among women and 0.9% among men. Mycoplasma genitalium was found in 11% and 5.6% of women and men, respectively. Asymptomatic men and women had similar distribution patterns of microorganisms as those with urogenital symptoms, with the exceptions of Neisseria gonorrhoeae– and Mycoplasma genitalium–infected men who declared symptoms more frequently. Of 158 men with urogenital symptoms, 55% were test-negative. Of 129 women with urogenital symptoms, 12% were test-negative. Conclusions This study reveals a complex picture, where a large number of multi-positive tests made it complicated to correlate urogenital symptoms with microorganisms. A high number of test-negative but symptomatic patients indicate a need of searching for additional pathogens.
Assessment of DNA Integrity From Trap-Captured Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) for Use in a New PCR-Based Diagnostic Tool

Abstract The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a major pest of commercial cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) in the southern United States and throughout Central and South America. Efforts are underway to develop a PCR-based diagnostic tool that can be used to rapidly and accurately differentiate boll weevils from other weevil species that are commonly captured in pheromone traps. However, the quantity and integrity of weevil DNA must be sufficient for a successful PCR assay. Currently, active eradication programs service traps weekly, but post-eradication programs service traps at 2- or 3-wk intervals. Consequently, captured weevils may be dead, dismembered, and exposed to environmental conditions for prolonged periods which may adversely affect the quantity and quality of weevil DNA. We documented DNA quantity and integrity in boll weevils and weevil body parts aged in traps over a 3-wk period under field conditions. The quantity of DNA extracted from whole weevils, heads, abdomens, and legs generally remained sufficient (> 1 ng/µl) for successful PCR amplification throughout the 21-d period. The integrity (fragment length) of extracted DNA declined over time but generally was sufficient (> 700 bp) for successful amplification. PCR amplification of three marker genes validated that the quality and integrity of DNA extracted from dead weevils and individual weevil body parts aged in traps up to 21 d remained at sufficient levels for the PCR-based assay. However, our data also suggested that rain events may accelerate degradation of weevil DNA.
Anti-lipopolysaccharide antibody administration mitigates ruminal lipopolysaccharide release and depression of ruminal pH during subacute ruminal acidosis challenge in Holstein bull cattle

The effects of anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antibody on rumen fermentation and LPS activity were investigated during subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) challenge. Eleven Holstein cattle (164 ± 14 kg) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Cattle were fed a roughage diet on days −11 to −1 (pre-challenge) and day 2 (post-challenge), and a high-grain diet on days 0 and 1 (SARA challenge). For 14 days, 0-, 2-, or 4-g of anti-LPS antibody was administered once daily through a rumen fistula. Ruminal pH was measured continuously, and rumen fluid and blood samples were collected on days −1, 0, 1, and 2. Significantly lower ruminal LPS activity on day 1 was observed in the 2- and 4-g groups than those in the 0-g group. In addition, significantly higher 1-hr mean ruminal pH on SARA challenge period (days 0 and 1) was identified in the 4-g group than in the 0-g group. However, rumen fermentation measurements (total volatile fatty acid [VFA], VFA components, NH3-N and lactic acid) and peripheral blood metabolites (glucose, free fatty acid, beta-hydroxybutyrate, total cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase) were not different among the groups during the experimental periods. Therefore, anti-LPS antibody administration mitigates LPS release and pH depression without the depression of rumen fermentation and peripheral blood metabolites during SARA challenge in Holstein cattle.
The Soybean Sugar Transporter GmSWEET15 Mediates Sucrose Export from Endosperm to Early Embryo1[OPEN]

The sugar transporter GmSWEET15 is essential for soybean embryo development and endosperm breakdown as it mediates sucrose transport from the endosperm to the embryo. Soybean (Glycine max) seed is primarily composed of a mature embryo that provides a major source of protein and oil for humans and other animals. Early in development, the tiny embryos grow rapidly and acquire large quantities of sugars from the liquid endosperm of developing seeds. An insufficient supply of nutrients from the endosperm to the embryo results in severe seed abortion and yield reduction. Hence, an understanding of the molecular basis and regulation of assimilate partitioning involved in early embryo development is important for improving soybean seed yield and quality. Here, we used expression profiling analysis to show that two paralogous sugar transporter genes from the SWEET (Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporter) family, GmSWEET15a and GmSWEET15b, were highly expressed in developing soybean seeds. In situ hybridization and quantitative real-time PCR showed that both genes were mainly expressed in the endosperm at the cotyledon stage. GmSWEET15b showed both efflux and influx activities for sucrose in Xenopus oocytes. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), knockout of three AtSWEET alleles is required to see a defective, but not lethal, embryo phenotype, whereas knockout of both GmSWEET15 genes in soybean caused retarded embryo development and endosperm persistence, resulting in severe seed abortion. In addition, the embryo sugar content of the soybean knockout mutants was greatly reduced. These results demonstrate that the plasma membrane sugar transporter, GmSWEET15, is essential for embryo development in soybean by mediating Suc export from the endosperm to the embryo early in seed development.
Obesity in pregnancy

The increasing prevalence of obesity is well documented and pregnant women are no exception to this population trend. In the United States, it is estimated that 37% of women in the peak child-bearing age range of 20 to 39 years are obese, and vital statistics data demonstrate a shift toward higher prepregnancy bodymass index (BMI) in womenwith live births, withmore than 50% of women falling into the overweight or obese categories as of 2015. The incidence of obesity varies regionally and by race and ethnicity within the United States, with the highest rates in non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaskan Native women. Obesity is classified using BMI, which is defined as weight in kilograms divided by height in meter squared (kg/m). TheWorld Health Organization (WHO) classifies BMI ranges into 6 categories (Table 1), ranging from underweight (BMI <18.5) to class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40), with a BMI of 30 specifying the cutoff for obesity. Although not part of theWHOdefinitions, a BMI ≥40 is often referred to as morbid obesity, and an additional category for patients with a BMI of ≥50, termed super-obesity, has come into widespread use and describes an increasing number of pregnant women. Pregnancy involves rapid changes in weight, much of which accumulates in tissues, such as the fetus and the amniotic fluid, that will be shed after delivery; therefore prepregnancy BMI is typically used to classify pregnant women as normal weight, overweight, or obese.