Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coinfection of Influenza Virus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2)

C disease 2019 (CoVID-19) is a new infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which originated from Wuhan in China and has now spread globally. However, despite the concern focused on SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus continues to circulate and cause disease. Here we report a mixed infection. Physicians should be alert that a positive test for influenza does not rule out the possibility of COVID-19 disease. The SARS-COV-2 outbreak in late December of 2019 in Wuhan, China, has caused many infections and deaths globally. SRAS-COV-2 is a new respiratory tract transmitted disease mainly through respiratory droplet and close contact, aerosol but fecal-oral route is also suspected. As of March 19, 2020, a total of 23,473 cases, and 9840 deaths were reported. In China, several respiratory viruses are also now active including influenza, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and now SARS-COV-2. Unfortunately, according to the World Health Organization influenza website, the respiratory illness indicators and influenza activity remained elevated overall in the northern hemisphere which are in a “flu” season. The weekly report of the influenza surveillance reported that the United States now has its highest pneumonia and influenza mortality since 2004, except for the 2009 pandemic. During the SARS pandemic in 2003, Yang et al found that the patients with fever, cough or sore throat had a 5% of influenza virus positive rate, and with SARS infection reportedly increasing at the meantime. This raises the concerns that there might be mixed infections of seasonal influenza and the novel coronavirus. Thus, we do think there might be a
Magnetoreception in fishes: the effect of magnetic pulses on orientation of juvenile Pacific salmon

ABSTRACT A variety of animals sense Earth's magnetic field and use it to guide movements over a wide range of spatial scales. Little is known, however, about the mechanisms that underlie magnetic field detection. Among teleost fish, growing evidence suggests that crystals of the mineral magnetite provide the physical basis of the magnetic sense. In this study, juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were exposed to a brief but strong magnetic pulse capable of altering the magnetic dipole moment of biogenic magnetite. Orientation behaviour of pulsed fish and untreated control fish was then compared in a magnetic coil system under two conditions: (1) the local magnetic field and (2) a magnetic field that exists near the southern boundary of the natural oceanic range of Chinook salmon. In the local field, no significant difference existed between the orientation of the control and pulsed groups. By contrast, orientation of the two groups was significantly different in the magnetic field from the distant site. These results demonstrate that a magnetic pulse can alter the magnetic orientation behaviour of a fish and are consistent with the hypothesis that salmon have magnetite-based magnetoreception. Summary: A magnetic pulse alters the orientation of Pacific salmon, suggesting that the magnetic sense of fish might depend on particles of magnetite.
Dexibuprofen Biodegradable Nanoparticles: One Step Closer towards a Better Ocular Interaction Study

Ocular inflammation is one of the most prevalent diseases in ophthalmology, which can affect various parts of the eye or the surrounding tissues. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, are commonly used to treat ocular inflammation in the form of eye-drops. However, their bioavailability in ocular tissues is very low (less than 5%). Therefore, drug delivery systems such as biodegradable polymeric PLGA nanoparticles constitute a suitable alternative to topical eye administration, as they can improve ocular bioavailability and simultaneously reduce drug induced side effects. Moreover, their prolonged drug release can enhance patient treatment adherence as they require fewer administrations. Therefore, several formulations of PLGA based nanoparticles encapsulating dexibuprofen (active enantiomer of Ibuprofen) were prepared using the solvent displacement method employing different surfactants. The formulations have been characterized and their interactions with a customized lipid corneal membrane model were studied. Ex vivo permeation through ocular tissues and in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy have also been studied.
Traditional Dietary Patterns and Risk of Mortality in a Longitudinal Cohort of the Salus in Apulia Study

There is still room for further studies analyzing the long-term health impact of specific dietary patterns observable in regions belonging to the Mediterranean area. The aim of the study is to evaluate how much a diet practiced in southern Italy is associated to a risk of mortality. The study population included 2472 participants first investigated in 1985, inquiring about their frequencies of intake of 29 foods using a self-administered questionnaire covering the previous year. The population was followed up for mortality until 31 December 2017. Cox-based risk modeling referred to single foods, food groups, the results of principal component analysis (PCA), and a priori indexes. Single food analysis revealed eggs, fatty meat, and fatty/baked ham to be inversely associated with mortality. Furthermore, one of the 5 PCA derived dietary patterns, the “Farmhouse” pattern, showed a higher hazard ratio (HR), mostly driven by dairy products. In subsequent analyses, the increased risk of mortality for fresh cheese and decreased risk for fatty ham and eggs were confirmed. The a priori diet indexes (Italian Meddiet, Meddietscore, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and Mediterranean–DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet (MIND) indexes) showed borderline inverse relationships. In a Mediterranean population with an overall healthy diet, foods such as eggs and fatty meat, reflecting dietary energy and wealth, played a role in prolonging the life of individuals. Our study confirms that some dairy products might have a detrimental role in mortality in the Mediterranean setting.
Image Clustering via Deep Embedded Dimensionality Reduction and Probability-Based Triplet Loss

Image clustering is more challenging than image classification. Without supervised information, current deep learning methods are difficult to be directly applied to image clustering problems. Image clustering needs to deal with three main problems: 1) the curse of dimensionality caused by high-dimensional image data; 2) extracting the effective image features; 3) combining feature extraction, dimensionality reduction and clustering. In this paper, we propose a new clustering framework called Deep Embedded Dimensionality Reduction Clustering (DERC) via Probability-Based Triplet Loss, which effectively solves the above issues. To the best of our knowledge, the DERC is the first framework that effectively combines image embedding, dimensionality reduction, and clustering into the image clustering process. We also propose to incorporate a novel probability-based triplet loss measure to retrain the DERC network as a unified framework. By integrating the reconstruction loss and the probability-based triplet loss, we can improve the image clustering accuracy. Extensive experiments show that our proposed methods outperform state-of-the-art methods on many commonly used datasets.
Identifying obstacles preventing the uptake of tunnel handling methods for laboratory mice: An international thematic survey

Handling of laboratory mice is essential for experiments and husbandry, but handling can increase anxiety in mice, compromising their welfare and potentially reducing replicability between studies. The use of non-aversive handling (e.g., tunnel handling or cupping), rather than the standard method of picking mice up by the tail, has been shown to enhance interaction with a handler, reduce anxiety-like behaviours, and increase exploration and performance in standard behavioural tests. Despite this, some labs continue to use tail handling for routine husbandry, and the extent to which non-aversive methods are being used is currently unknown. Here we conducted an international online survey targeting individuals that work with and/or conduct research using laboratory mice. The survey aimed to identify the handling methods currently being used, and to determine common obstacles that may be preventing the wider uptake of non-aversive handling. We also surveyed opinions concerning the current data in support of non-aversive handling for mouse welfare and scientific outcomes. 390 complete responses were received and analysed quantitatively and thematically. We found that 35% report using tail handling only, and 43% use a combination of tail and non-aversive methods. 18% of respondents reported exclusively using non-aversive methods. The vast majority of participants were convinced that non-aversive handling improves animal welfare and scientific outcomes. However, the survey indicated that researchers were significantly less likely to have heard of non-aversive handling and more likely to use tail handling compared with animal care staff. Thematic analysis revealed there were concerns regarding the time required for non-aversive methods compared with tail handling, and that there was a perceived incompatibility of tunnel handling with restraint, health checks and other routine procedures. Respondents also highlighted a need for additional research into the impact of handling method that is representative of experimental protocols and physiological indicators used in the biomedical fields. This survey highlights where targeted research, outreach, training and funding may have the greatest impact on increasing uptake of non-aversive handling methods for laboratory mice.
Coinfection with COVID‐19 and coronavirus HKU1—The critical need for repeat testing if clinically indicated

COVID-19 is the latest global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus -2 (SARS-CoV-2). There have been seven pathogenic Human Coronaviruses (HCoVs) which cause respiratory infections. Common cold coronaviruses HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1 are the four endemic HCoVs. SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 are zoonotic emerging epidemic pathogens with significant morbidity, mortality and economic impact. The endemic HCoVs have been known to cause co-infections or can be co-detected with each other or with other respiratory viruses. In general, respiratory viral co-infections are recognized more commonly today with the use of respiratory multiplex molecular diagnostic panels. Clinicians need to be aware of co-infections among HCoVs. A high degree of suspicion in this rapidly evolving outbreak is required in order to make the diagnosis. This is vital if we are to try and contain and control the spread of the COVID-19. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Detergent‐based decellularized peripheral nerve allografts: An in vivo preclinical study in the rat sciatic nerve injury model

Nerve autograft is the gold standard technique to repair critical nerve defects, but efficient alternatives are needed. The present study evaluated the suitability of our novel Roosens‐based (RSN) decellularized peripheral nerve allografts (DPNAs) in the repair of 10‐mm sciatic nerve defect in rats at the functional and histological levels after 12 weeks. These DPNAs were compared with the autograft technique (AUTO) and Sondell (SD) or Hudson (HD) based DPNAs. Clinical and functional assessments demonstrated a partial regeneration in all operated animals. RSN‐based DPNAs results were comparable with SD and HD groups and closely comparable with the AUTO group without significant differences (p > .05). Overall hematological studies confirmed the biocompatibility of grafted DPNAs. In addition, biochemistry revealed some signs of muscle affection in all operated animals. These results were confirmed by the loss of weight and volume of the muscle and by muscle histology, especially in DPNAs. Histology of repaired nerves confirmed an active nerve tissue regeneration and partial myelination along with the implanted grafts, being the results obtained with HD and RSN‐based DPNAs comparable with the AUTO group. Finally, this in vivo study suggests that our novel RSN‐based DPNAs supported a comparable tissue regeneration, along the 10‐mm nerve gap, after 12‐week follow‐up to HD DPNAs, and both were superior to SD group and closely comparable with autograft technique. However, further improvements are needed to overcome the efficacy of the nerve autograft technique.
Treatment with convalescent plasma for COVID‐19 patients in Wuhan, China

The discovery of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) are causing public health emergencies. A handful pieces of literature have summarized its clinical and radiologic features, whereas therapies for COVID‐19 are rather limited. To evaluate the efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in COVID‐19 patients, we did this timely descriptive study. Six laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 patients were enrolled and received the transfusion of ABO‐compatible convalescent plasma. The efficacy of this intervention was determined by the alleviation of symptoms, changes in radiologic abnormalities and laboratory tests. No obvious adverse effect observed during the treatment. Transfusion of convalescent plasma led to a resolution of ground‐glass opacities and consolidation in patients #1, #2, #3, #4, and #6. In patients #1 and #5 who presented with SARS‐CoV‐2 in throat swab, convalescent plasma therapy elicited an elimination of the virus. Serologic analysis indicated an immediate increase in anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody titers in patients #2 and #3, but not in patient #1. This study indicates that convalescent plasma therapy is effective and specific for COVID‐19. This intervention has a special significance for eliminating SARS‐CoV‐2 and is believed to be a promising state‐of‐the‐art therapy during COVID‐19 pandemic crisis.
RECURRENT TUBERCULOSIS IN A YOUNG CHILD.

A young child, 19 months of age, presented with a second episode of tuberculosis after full recovery from initial tuberculosis disease 6 months earlier. Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from both episodes were genotyped and differed from one another. We present the first case of proven tuberculosis reinfection in a likely immunocompetent child, living in a high-risk environment favorable for exposition to M. tuberculosis but in a low-incidence country.
Improving CRISPR‐Cas‐mediated RNA targeting and gene editing using SPLCV replicon‐based expression vectors in Nicotiana benthamiana

In this study, we developed Sweet Potato Leaf Curl Virus (SPLCV) replicon-based expression vectors and tested the efficiency of these vectors in CRISPR-Cas-mediated RNA targeting and gene editing by using Nicotiana benthamiana as model plant. Our results showed that the SPLCV-based vectors remarkably enhance the LwaCas13a-mediated RNA targeting activity nd SpCas9/LbCas12a-mediated gene editing efficiency in Nicotiana benthamiana. Our work expands the existing list of geminiviral replicon-based vectors in plants. The SPLCV-based vectors offer an opportunity to enhance the efficiency of CRISPR-Cas-mediated gene knockdown, knockout, and knockin in plants, especially for its host sweetpotato.
Aggressive Realism: More Efficient Processing of Anger in Physically Aggressive Individuals

Physically aggressive individuals’ heightened tendency to decide that ambiguous faces are angry is thought to contribute to their destructive interpersonal behavior. Although this tendency is commonly attributed to bias, other cognitive processes could account for the emotion-identification patterns observed in physical aggression. Diffusion modeling is a valuable tool for parsing the contributions of several cognitive processes known to influence decision-making, including bias, drift rate (efficiency of information accumulation), and threshold separation (extent of information accumulation). In a sample of 90 incarcerated men, we applied diffusion modeling to an emotion-identification task. Physical aggression was positively associated with drift rate (i.e., more efficient information accumulation) for anger, and drift rate mediated the association between physical aggression and heightened anger identification. Physical aggression was not, however, associated with bias or threshold separation. These findings implicate processing efficiency for anger-related information as a potential mechanism driving aberrant emotion identification in physical aggression.
Current cigarette smoking among Iranian elders; what are the prevalence, inequality and socioeconomic determinants? An analysis on Iranian Rural and Urban Income-Expenditure Survey 2017

Abstract This study aims to investigate the current prevalence of smoking, socioeconomic inequality, and main determinants of it among Iranian ≥60 years in 2017. The data of Iranian Rural and Urban Income-Expenditure Survey for 2017 have been obtained from Statistical Center of Iran. The prevalence rate of current smoking, inequality of current smoking through calculating the Concentration Index, and the main socioeconomic determinants of it have been investigated. The current prevalence of tobacco use in the elderly in Iran was about 11%; of which, 9% belonged to men and 2% to women. The most prevalent current tobacco uses in the elderly belonged to the age group of 70–79 years. This rate was lower in the two other borderline groups (under 70 and over 80 years of age). Furthermore, its prevalence was higher in the unemployed and married elderly, compared to their counterparts within each subgroup. Current cigarette smoking is among health problems, especially among the elderly, and its prevalence is significant in Iran.
Psychiatric trajectories across adolescence in perinatally HIV-exposed youth: the role of HIV infection and associations with viral load.

OBJECTIVE Identify factors associated with trajectories of psychiatric disorder among 340 adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with perinatal HIV infection (PHIV) and perinatal HIV-exposure but not infection (PHEU). DESIGN Longitudinal cohort study of AYA in New York City, 9-16 years at enrollment. METHODS We used multivariate longitudinal latent class analysis to identify trajectories of psychiatric disorder, and logistic regression to examine predictors of trajectories (e.g., PHIV status) and associations between trajectories and viremia in young adulthood (AYA with PHIV only). RESULTS Among all AYA, we identified three psychiatric trajectories: relatively "low disorder" (63%), "consistent anxiety" (26%), and "escalating comorbidity" (11%). Compared to AYA with "low disorder", AYA with "escalating comorbidity" were significantly older, reported more neighborhood stress, and lived with a caregiver with alcohol use disorder, while AYA with "consistent anxiety" were more likely female. Although we found no statistically significant HIV status differences, among AYA with PHIV, nearly half (48%) were viremic in young adulthood, with higher odds of viremia among AYA with "escalating comorbidity" (OR: 3.88, 95% CI: 0.93, 16.26) and "consistent anxiety" (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.011, 5.75) compared to "low disorder". CONCLUSIONS Despite significant adversity, AYA with PHIV and PHEU had relatively low prevalence of psychiatric disorder over time, although one-third had consistent or escalating psychiatric disorders. Among AYA with PHIV, psychiatric trajectories were associated with viremia in young adulthood. Given the growing population of AYA living with PHIV and PHEU worldwide, addressing the substantial and evolving mental health needs of both groups as they reach young adulthood is critical.
Evaluation of the profiles of CB1 cannabinoid receptor signalling bias using joint kinetic modelling

Biased agonism describes the ability of ligands to differentially regulate multiple signalling pathways when coupled to a single receptor. Signalling is affected by rapid agonist‐induced receptor internalisation. Hence, the conventional use of equilibrium models may not be optimal, because (i) receptor numbers vary with time and, in addition, (ii) some pathways may show non‐monotonic profiles over time.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations Reveal Canonical Conformations in Different pMHC/TCR Interactions

The major defense system against microbial pathogens in vertebrates is the adaptive immune response and represents an effective mechanism in cancer surveillance. T cells represent an essential component of this complex system. They can recognize myriads of antigens as short peptides (p) originated from the intracellular degradation of foreign proteins presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. The clonotypic T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) is specialized in recognizing pMHC and triggering T cells immune response. It is still unclear how TCR engagement to pMHC is translated into the intracellular signal that initiates T-cell immune response. Some work has suggested the possibility that pMHC binding induces in the TCR conformational changes transmitted to its companion CD3 subunits that govern signaling. The conformational changes would promote phosphorylation of the CD3 complex ζ chain that initiates signal propagation intracellularly. Here, we used all-atom molecular dynamics simulations (MDs) of 500 ns to analyze the conformational behavior of three TCRs (1G4, ILA1 and ILA1α1β1) interacting with the same MHC class I (HLA-A*02:01) bound to different peptides, and modelled in the presence of a lipid bilayer. Our data suggest a correlation between the conformations explored by the β-chain constant regions and the T-cell response experimentally determined. In particular, independently by the TCR type involved in the interaction, the TCR activation seems to be linked to a specific zone of the conformational space explored by the β-chain constant region. Moreover, TCR ligation restricts the conformational space the MHC class I groove.
Feasibility of the AusMed Diet Program: Translating the Mediterranean Diet for Older Australians

The Mediterranean diet pattern (MEDI) is associated with a lower risk of chronic conditions related to ageing. Adherence research mostly comes from Mediterranean countries with high cultural acceptability. This study examines the feasibility of a MEDI intervention designed specifically for older Australians (AusMed). Phase 1 involved a consumer research group (n = 17) presentation of program materials with surveys after each section. In-depth individual semi-structured interviews (n = 6) were then conducted. All participants reported increased knowledge and confidence in adherence to the MEDI, with the majority preferring a booklet format (70%) and group delivery (58%). Three themes emerged from interviews—1. barriers (complexity, perceived cost and food preferences), 2. additional support and 3. individualisation of materials. Program materials were modified accordingly. Phase 2 was a 2-week trial of the modified program (n = 15). Participants received a group counselling session, program manual and food hamper. Adherence to the MEDI was measured by the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). All participants increased their adherence after the 2-week trial, from a mean score of 5.4 ± 2.4 (low adherence) to a mean score of 9.6 ± 2.0 (moderate to high adherence). All found that text message support helped achieve their goals and were confident to continue the dietary change.