Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overview and future research needs for development of effective biocontrol strategies for management of Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Infestation of fruits by native and invasive fruit flies causes significant economic losses. In most cases, incidence of "regulated" dangerous fruit flies in orchards results in restrictions on export of fruits from such places to international markets. Unfortunately, use of insecticides applied on foliage and fruits does not kill fruit-to-soil stages of fruit flies. However, diverse biological control agents (BCAs) do so. Thus, prevalence of native and invasive fruit flies in orchards will require that a combination of BCAs is included in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. In the case of Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel and lesser economically important fruit flies found in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), use of a classical biocontrol approach involves concomitant releases of two exotic parasitoids [Fopius arisanus Sonan and Diachasmimorpha longicaudata Ashmead]. These non-native wasps may have complemented the indigenous parasitoids in combination with application of entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) and conservation of predatory ants (Oecophylla longinoda Latreille, with O. smaragdina) in fruit fly IPM plans. Consequently, some levels of decline in fruit infestation have been observed. Although interspecific interactions between BCAs against several insect pests have produced varying results, including threatening the survival of other BCAs, the prevalence of B. dorsalis in orchards across SSA requires further research to investigate effects of coalescing biocontrol approaches in IPM strategies. Therefore, future research into combining parasitoids, EPFs and entomopathogenic nematodes in addition to conservation of predatory ants (O. longinoda, O. smaragdina and others) in IPM plans may improve effectiveness of currently used strategies for management of fruit-infesting tephritids. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Gasification of Sugarcane Bagasse over Supported Ruthenium Catalysts in Supercritical Water

Gasification of sugarcane bagasse on activated-carbon- and titania-supported ruthenium (Ru/C and Ru/TiO2) catalysts in supercritical water was studied. Sugarcane bagasse was completely gasified to methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen over Ru/C and Ru/TiO2 catalysts at 673 K. The carbon yield of the gas products from sugarcane bagasse, cellulose, and lignin over the Ru/TiO2 catalyst at a water density of 0.33 g cm–3 for 15 min was 50.3, 74.4, and 31.1 C %, respectively. In addition, it was observed that an increase in the water density enhanced the initial carbon yield of the gas products for 15 min. The recyclability of the Ru/C catalyst with complete gasification could make it a sustainable process.
The effect of prescribing antibiotics with opioids on the development of opioid use disorder: a national database study

Abstract The goal of this study was to examine the impact of inpatient- or emergency department- prescribed antibiotic treatment in combination with opioids on the risk of developing opioid use disorder 12 months following discharge from the hospital. The authors conducted a propensity score-matched cohort study with data from the TriNetX Research Network database to identify adult subjects (18–65 years old) with no previous history of an opioid use disorder. Three cohorts were defined for the analyses: subjects who were prescribed an opioid, opioid in combination with an antibiotic, or an antibiotic while in the emergency department or inpatient unit, from the years 2012 to 2018. The diagnosis of an Opioid Related Disorder (F11.10–F11.20) 12 months following discharge from the emergency department or inpatient unit was then observed within the cohorts following the index event as identified by the ICD-10 procedural coding system. Primary analysis (propensity-score matched on age and sex) showed that opioids prescribed in combination with antibiotics had a protective effect against the development of opioid use disorder. This effect was consistent throughout all of the years included in this study with the smallest protective effect observed in 2018 (2012 risk ratio = 1.27 (95% CI: 1.23, 1.32); 2018 risk ratio: 1.03 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.05). These findings suggest that opioids prescribed in combination with antibiotics in the hospital setting are protective against the development of OUD at later time points following hospital discharge.
Binding mode characterization of 13b in the monomeric and dimeric states of SARS-CoV-2 main protease using molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract The main protease, Mpro/3CLpro, plays an essential role in processing polyproteins translated from viral RNA to produce functional viral proteins and therefore serve as an attractive target for discovering COVID-19 therapeutics. The availability of both monomer and dimer crystal bound with a common ligand, ‘13b’ (α-ketoamide inhibitor), opened up opportunities to understand the Mpro mechanism of action. A comparative analysis of both forms of Mpro was carried out to elucidate the binding site architectural differences in the presence and absence of ‘13b’. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the presence of ‘13b’ enhances the stability of Mpro than the unbound APO form. The N- and C- terminals of both the protomers stabilize each other, and making it's interface essential for the active form of Mpro. In comparison to monomer, the relatively high affinity of ‘13b’ is gained in dimer pocket due to the high stability of the pocket by the interaction of S1 residue of chain B with residues F140, E166 and H172 of chain A, which is absent in monomer. The comprehensive essential dynamics, protein structure network analysis and thermodynamic profiling highlight the hot-spots, pivotal in molecular recognition process at protein-ligand and protein-protein interaction levels, cross-validated through computational alanine scanning study. A comparative description of ‘13b’ binding mechanism in both forms illustrates valuable insights into the inhibition mechanism and the selection of critical residues suitable for the structure-based approaches for the identification of more potent Mpro inhibitors. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Soft tissue integration of different abutment surfaces: an experimental study with histological analysis.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether abutment surface and surface bio-activation has an effect on soft tissue morphogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS 36 patients (36 implants) were included. Abutments were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=9): Smooth Surface - MAChined (MAC), Ultrathin Threaded Microsurface (UTM), MAC Plasma of Argon activated (Plasma MAC), UTM Plasma of Argon activated (Plasma UTM). After 2 months of healing, soft tissue samples were collected and prepared for histological analysis. The margin of the peri-implant mucosa (PM), the apical extension of the barrier epithelium (aJE), the apical location of the abutment (AM) were identified. Significances of differences among groups were tested by means of the Kruskal-Wallis test, and between pairs of results by means of the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS The mean (SD) vertical dimension of the mucosa was 2.5mm (1.0), including a connective tissue portion (CTP) of 0.8mm (0.8) in the MAC group; 3.6mm (0.2) with a CTP of 1.6mm (0.4) in the Plasma-MAC group; 3.2mm (1.0), with a CPT of 0.5mm (0.6) in the UTM; 3.3mm (0.8), with a CPT of 0.9mm (0.7) in the Plasma-UTM group. Statistically significant differences were observed in the aJE-AM height and PM-aJE profile among the four experimental groups (P=0.042 and P=0.039, respectively). The Mann-Whitney test indicated differences between the Plasma-abutments and the untreated abutments both for PM-AM (p=0.025) and AjE-AM (p=0.021). The differences appeared more evident when the preoperative soft tissue thickness was ≤2mm. CONCLUSIONS Within its limits, the study demonstrated a favorable effect of the plasma treatment on the connective tissue portion tissues. Plasma MAC group highlighted the best performance. This behavior appeared strictly correlated to the soft tissue thickness.
Ustekinumab in Paediatric Patients with Moderately to Severely Active Crohn’s Disease: Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Efficacy Results from UniStar, a Phase 1 Study

Abstract Background and Aims The objective was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety/tolerability, and efficacy of ustekinumab in children with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease. Methods In this Phase 1, multicentre, 16-week, double-blind, induction dose-ranging study [NCT02968108], patients aged 2‐<18 years [body weight ≥10 kg] were randomised [1:1] to one of two weight range-based intravenous induction doses: 130 mg vs 390 mg in patients ≥40kg and 3 mg/kg vs 9 mg/kg in patients <40kg. At Week 8, all patients received a single subcutaneous ustekinumab maintenance dose of 90 mg in patients ≥40kg or 2 mg/kg in patients <40kg. Results A total of 44 patients were randomised and treated with ustekinumab [n = 23 lower dose; n = 21 higher dose]; median [interquartile range] age was 13.0 [12–16] years. Pharmacokinetics were similar to those in adults with Crohn’s disease. However, serum ustekinumab concentrations were lower among those with body weight <40 kg compared with patients ≥40 kg and the reference Phase 3 adult population. Through Week 16, 73% of patients reported ≥1 adverse event [82.6% lower vs 62% higher dose]; two discontinued due to adverse events [one in each group]. Serious adverse events occurred in 16% [26% lower, 5% higher dose], with Crohn’s disease exacerbation being the most frequent. At Week 16, 22%/29% [lower/higher dose] achieved clinical remission [Paediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index ≤10]. Conclusions The pharmacokinetics/safety profiles were generally consistent with those observed in adults with Crohn’s disease. These results suggest a different dosing regimen may be required for patients <40 kg from that employed in this study; additional pharmacokinetic analyses may be needed in this population.
Management of adult asthma and chronic rhinitis as one airway disease

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic rhinitis is defined as nasal inflammation with the presence of minimum two symptoms such as nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing and/or itching one hour daily for a minimum of 12 weeks/year. According their etiology, four groups of rhinitis are described: allergic, infectious, non-allergic non-infectious and mixed. Chronic rhinitis is frequently associated with asthma, shares similar mechanisms of the pathogenesis and has a negative impact of its outcomes sustaining the concept of unified airways disease. Areas covered: The present review summarizes the complex relationship between chronic rhinitis and asthma on the basis of recent epidemiological data, clinical characteristics, diagnosis and therapeutic management. All four groups are discussed with the impact of their specific treatment on asthma outcomes. Some medications are common for chronic rhinitis and asthma while others are more specific but able to treat the associated comorbidity. Expert opinion: The systematic assessment of chronic rhinitis in patients with asthma and its specific treatment improves both disease outcomes. Conversely, several therapies of asthma demonstrated beneficial effects on chronic rhinitis. Treating both diseases at the same time by only one medication is an interesting option to explore in the future in order to limit drugs administration, related costs and side effects.
Belief in Altruistic Motives Predicts Prosocial Actions and Inferences

Are humans ever truly altruistic? Or are all actions, however noble, ultimately motivated by self-interest? Psychologists and philosophers have long grappled with this question, but few have considered laypeople’s beliefs about the nature of prosocial motives. Here we examine these beliefs and their social correlates across two experiments (N = 445). We find that people tend to believe humans can be, and frequently are, altruistically motivated—echoing prior work. Moreover, people who more strongly believe in altruistic motives act more prosocially themselves—for instance, sacrificing greater amounts of money and time to help others—a relationship that holds even when controlling for trait empathy. People who believe in altruistic motives also judge other prosocial agents to be more genuinely kind, especially when agents’ motives are ambiguous. Lastly, people independently show a self-serving bias—believing their own motives for prosociality are more often altruistic than others’. Overall, this work suggests that believing in altruistic motives predicts the extent to which people both see altruism and act prosocially, possibly reflecting the self-fulfilling nature of such lay theories.
Pneumococcal Meningitis in Adults: A Prospective Nationwide Cohort Study Over a 20-year Period

Abstract Background The epidemiology and treatment of pneumococcal meningitis has changed with the implementation of conjugate vaccines and the introduction of adjunctive dexamethasone therapy. Methods We analyzed episodes of community-acquired pneumococcal meningitis in adults (≥16 years) in the Netherlands, identified by the National Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis or treating physician between October 1, 1998, and April 1, 2002, and between January 1, 2006, and July 1, 2018. We studied incidence, pneumococcal serotypes, and clinical features. Predictors for unfavorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score 1–4) were identified in a multivariable logistic regression model. Two physicians independently categorized causes of death as neurological or systemic. Results There were 1816 episodes in 1783 patients. The incidence of 7- and 10−7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine serotypes decreased (from 0.42 to 0.06, P = .001; from 0.12 to 0.03 episodes per 100 000 population per year, P = .014). Incidence of nonvaccine serotypes increased (from 0.45 to 0.68, P = .005). The use of adjunctive treatment with dexamethasone increased and was administered in 85% of patients in 2018. In-hospital death occurred in 363 episodes (20%) and unfavorable outcome in 772 episodes (43%). Delayed cerebral thrombosis occurred in 29 patients (2%), of whom 15 patients (52%) died. Adjunctive dexamethasone therapy was associated with favorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio 2.27, P < .001), individual pneumococcal serotypes were not. Conclusion Implementation of conjugate vaccines and adjunctive dexamethasone therapy have changed the incidence and outcome of pneumococcal meningitis in adults over the last two decades. Despite recent advances pneumococcal meningitis remains associated with a residual high rate of mortality and morbidity.
Association between risk of dementia and very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis: a Swedish population-based cohort study

Abstract Background Although the incidence of psychotic disorders among older people is substantial, little is known about the association with subsequent dementia. We aimed to examine the rate of dementia diagnosis in individuals with very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis (VLOSLP) compared to those without VLOSLP. Methods Using Swedish population register data, we established a cohort of 15 409 participants with VLOSLP matched by age and calendar period to 154 090 individuals without VLOSLP. Participants were born between 1920 and 1949 and followed from their date of first International Classification of Diseases [ICD], Revisions 8–10 (ICD-8/9/10) non-affective psychotic disorder diagnosis after age 60 years old (or the same date for matched participants) until the end of follow-up (30th December 2011), emigration, death, or first recorded ICD-8/9/10 dementia diagnosis. Results We found a substantially higher rate of dementia in individuals with VLOSLP [hazard ratio (HR): 4.22, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 4.05–4.41]. Median time-to-dementia-diagnosis was 75% shorter in those with VLOSLP (time ratio: 0.25, 95% CI 0.24–0.26). This association was strongest in the first year following VLOSLP diagnosis, and attenuated over time, although dementia rates remained higher in participants with VLOSLP for up to 20 years of follow-up. This association remained after accounting for potential misdiagnosis (2-year washout HR: 2.22, 95% CI 2.10–2.36), ascertainment bias (HR: 2.89, 95% CI 2.75–3.04), and differing mortality patterns between groups (subdistribution HR: 2.89, 95% CI 2.77–3.03). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that individuals with VLOSLP represent a high-risk group for subsequent dementia. This may be due to early prodromal changes for some individuals, highlighting the importance of ongoing symptom monitoring in people with VLOSLP.
Opening of the Blood–Brain Barrier Using Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Enhances Responses to Immunotherapy in Preclinical Glioma Models

Purpose: The blood–brain barrier (BBB) inhibits adequate dosing/penetration of therapeutic agents to malignancies in the brain. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPU) is a safe therapeutic method of temporary BBB disruption (BBBD) to enhance chemotherapeutic delivery to the tumor and surrounding brain parenchyma for treatment of glioblastoma. Experimental Design: We investigated if LIPU could enhance therapeutic efficacy of anti–PD-1 in C57BL/6 mice bearing intracranial GL261 gliomas, epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in NSG mice with EGFRvIII-U87 gliomas, and a genetically engineered antigen-presenting cell (APC)-based therapy producing the T-cell attracting chemokine CXCL10 in the GL261-bearing mice. Results: Mice treated with anti–PD-1 and LIPU-induced BBBD had a median survival duration of 58 days compared with 39 days for mice treated with anti–PD-1, and long-term survivors all remained alive after contralateral hemisphere rechallenge. CAR T-cell administration with LIPU-induced BBBD resulted in significant increases in CAR T-cell delivery to the CNS after 24 (P < 0.005) and 72 (P < 0.001) hours and increased median survival by greater than 129%, in comparison with CAR T cells alone. Local deposition of CXCL10-secreting APCs in the glioma microenvironment with LIPU enhanced T-cell glioma infiltration during the therapeutic window (P = 0.004) and markedly enhanced survival (P < 0.05). Conclusions: LIPU increases immune therapeutic delivery to the tumor microenvironment with an associated increase in survival and is an emerging technique for enhancing novel therapies in the brain.
Early Humoral Responses of Hemodialysis Patients after COVID-19 Vaccination with BNT162b2

Visual Abstract Background and objectives Patients receiving hemodialysis are at high risk for both severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and severe coronavirus disease 2019. A lifesaving vaccine is available, but sensitivity to vaccines is generally lower in patients on dialysis. Little is yet known about antibody responses after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in this vulnerable group. Design, setting, participants, and measurements In this prospective single-center study, we included 22 patients on dialysis and 46 healthy controls from Heidelberg University Hospital between December 2020 and February 2021. We measured anti-S1 IgG with a threshold index for detection greater than one, neutralizing antibodies with a threshold for viral neutralization of ≥30%, and antibodies against different SARS-CoV2 fragments 17–22 days after the first dose and 18–22 days after the second dose of the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2. Results After the first vaccine dose, four of 22 (18%) patients on dialysis compared with 43 of 46 (93%) healthy controls developed positive anti-S1 IgG, with a median anti-S1 IgG index of 0.2 (interquartile range, 0.1–0.7) compared with nine (interquartile range, 4–16), respectively. SARS-CoV2 neutralizing antibodies exceeded the threshold for neutralization in four of 22 (18%) patients on dialysis compared with 43 of 46 (93%) healthy controls, with a median percent inhibition of 11 (interquartile range, 3–24) compared with 65 (interquartile range, 49–75), respectively. After the second dose, 14 of 17 (82%) patients on dialysis developed neutralizing antibodies exceeding the threshold for viral neutralization and antibodies against the receptor binding S1 domain of the spike protein, compared with 46 of 46 (100%) healthy controls, respectively. The median percent inhibition was 51 (interquartile range, 32–86) compared with 98 (interquartile range, 97–98) in healthy controls. Conclusions Patients receiving long-term hemodialysis show a reduced antibody response to the first and second doses of the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2. The majority (82%) develop neutralizing antibodies after the second dose but at lower levels than healthy controls.
The breakthrough in protein structure prediction

Proteins are the essential agents of all living systems. Even though they are synthesized as linear chains of amino acids, they must assume specific three-dimensional structures in order to manifest their biological activity. These structures are fully specified in their amino acid sequences — and therefore in the nucleotide sequences of their genes. However, the relationship between sequence and structure, known as the protein folding problem, has remained elusive for half a century, despite sustained efforts. To measure progress on this problem, a series of doubly blind, biennial experiments called CASP (critical assessment of structure prediction) were established in 1994. We were part of the assessment team for the most recent CASP experiment, CASP14, where we witnessed an astonishing breakthrough by DeepMind, the leading artificial intelligence laboratory of Alphabet Inc. The models filed by DeepMind's structure prediction team using the program AlphaFold2 were often essentially indistinguishable from experimental structures, leading to a consensus in the community that the structure prediction problem for single protein chains has been solved. Here, we will review the path to CASP14, outline the method employed by AlphaFold2 to the extent revealed, and discuss the implications of this breakthrough for the life sciences.
Use of extruded eggshell as a calcium source substituting limestone or oyster shell in the diet of laying hens

Abstract The nutritional values of limestone, oyster shell and extruded eggshells were evaluated using different methods. In total, 120 ready‐to‐lay pullets, 18‐week‐old ISA Brown were distributed into six dietary groups, namely D1 (4% limestone), D2 (8% limestone), D3 (4% oyster shell), D4 (8% oyster shell), D5 (4% eggshell) and D6 (8% eggshell), to assess the effect of calcium sources on egg production, egg quality, dry matter and cholesterol content of the egg. Kitchen‐extruded eggshell contained 98.52, 4.24, 29.75 and 14.82% DM, CP, Ca and P, whereas hatchery‐extruded eggshell contained 99.20, 13.80, 25.53 and 13.87% DM, CP, Ca and P, respectively. Limestone and Oyster shells contained 99.60 and 99.51% DM, and 37.12 and 35.20% Ca, respectively. Body weight, egg, hen day and egg mass production, and FCR did not differ among diets (p > .05). Egg production tended to increase with the increase of hen‐housed egg production (p < .001) in D6, followed by D2, D5, D3, D4 and D1, respectively. The lowest production cost and the highest net profit were observed in D6, followed by D2, D4, D5, D1 and D3, respectively. Diet with 8% Ca sources performed better than the diets with 4% Ca sources in terms of egg quality and dry matter content, where D6 was comparable to D2 or D4. The weight of egg, albumen, yolk, eggshell, dry yolk and yolk–albumen ratio increased, while dry albumen and eggshell weight, eggshell strength and thickness, Haugh unit, yolk index and egg‐specific gravity decreased with the increase in bird's age. The cholesterol content of yolk was statistically similar among diets. Therefore, no adverse effect of calcium sources on the production of laying hen was observed. Of these, extruded eggshell especially the 8% extruded eggshell may be beneficial to use in the diet of laying hen for producing a quality, safe and profitable egg.