Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 worries and mental health: the moderating effect of age

Abstract Background Older age (60+ years) increases the risk of contracting and dying from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which might suggest worse mental health for those in this age range during the pandemic. Indeed, greater worry about COVID-19 is associated with poorer mental health. However, older age is generally associated with better emotional well-being, despite increased likelihood of negative events (e.g. death of a spouse) with age. This study examined whether age moderated the relation between COVID-19 worries and mental health. Methods A national sample of U.S. adults (N = 848; aged 18–85 years) completed an online survey from March 30 to April 5, 2020. The survey assessed anxiety, depression, general concern about COVID-19, perceived likelihood of contracting COVID-19, social distancing, self-quarantining, current mood, health, and demographics. Results Older age was associated with better mental health (i.e. lower levels of anxiety and depression). Greater perceived likelihood of contracting COVID-19 was related to higher anxiety. However, this effect was moderated by age. At younger ages (18–49 years), the positive association between perceived likelihood of contracting COVID-19 and anxiety was significant, but the association was not significant at older ages (50+ years). Conclusion Older age may buffer against the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. More research is necessary to understand the potential protective nature of age during the pandemic, as well as the recovery period.
Glutamate–Serine–Glycine Index: A Novel Potential Biomarker in Pediatric Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Preliminary evidence suggests that the glutamate–serine–glycine (GSG) index, which combines three amino acids involved in glutathione synthesis, may be used as a potential biomarker of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated whether the GSG index is associated with NAFLD in youth, independent of other risk factors. Intrahepatic fat content (HFF%) and abdominal fat distribution were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a multiethnic cohort of obese adolescents, including Caucasians, African Americans, and Hispanics. NAFLD was defined as HFF% ≥ 5.5%. Plasma amino acids were measured by mass spectrometry. The GSG index was calculated as glutamate/(serine + glycine). The GSG index was higher in NAFLD patients (p = 0.03) and positively correlated with HFF% (r = 0.26, p = 0.02), alanine aminotransferase (r = 0.39, p = 0.0006), and aspartate aminotransferase (r = 0.26, p = 0.03). Adolescents with a high GSG index had a twofold higher prevalence of NAFLD than those with a low GSG index, despite similar adiposity, abdominal fat distribution, and liver insulin resistance. NAFLD prevalence remained significantly different between groups after adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and body mass index (OR 3.07, 95% confidence interval 1.09–8.61, p = 0.03). This study demonstrates the ability of the GSG index to detect NAFLD in at-risk pediatric populations with different genetically determined susceptibilities to intrahepatic fat accumulation, independent of traditional risk factors.
Maturation of T and B Lymphocytes in the Assessment of the Immune Status in COVID-19 Patients

Cell response to novel coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is currently a widely researched topic. The assessment of leukocytes population and the maturation of both B and T lymphocytes may be important in characterizing the immunological profile of COVID-19 patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate maturation of B and T cells in COVID-19 patients with interstitial lesions on chest X-ray (COVID-19 X-ray (+)), without changes on X-ray (COVID-19 X-ray (−)) and in healthy control. The study group consisted of 23 patients divided on two groups: COVID-19 X-ray (+) n = 14 and COVID-19 X-ray (−) n = 9 and control n = 20. The flow cytometry method was performed. We observed a significantly higher percentage of plasmablasts and lower CD4+ lymphocytes in COVID-19 X-ray (+) patients than in COVID-19 X-ray (−) and control. In the COVID-19 X-ray (+) patients, there was a lower proportion of effector CD4+ T cells, naïve CD8+ T cells and higher central memory CD4+ cells and effector CD8+ T cells than control. The above results showed that the assessment of selected cells of B and T lymphocytes by flow cytometry can distinguish patients with COVID-19 and differentiate patients with and without changes on chest X-ray.
Organ‐ and Age‐Specific Differences of Dioscorea polystachya Compounds Measured by UPLC‐QTOF/MS

Dioscorea polystachya, named Chinese yam, is widely cultivated as a functional food and natural medicine in China. There is currently little information about the chemical characteristics of Dioscorea polystachya in different organs (tuber cortex and tuber flesh) and at various ages. In this study, an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QTOF/MS) was used to profile chemical compounds in Dioscorea polystachya. As a result, thirty‐eight compounds were detected in yam tuber cortex and tuber flesh. More compounds were detected in yam tuber cortex than in tuber flesh. Compounds such as dehydroepiandrosterone, allantoin and flavonoids were selected as biomarker candidates. Dehydroepiandrosterone was found more abundant in tuber flesh, while allantoin and flavonoids showed higher levels in tuber cortex. Furthermore, the levels of dioscin, malvalic acid and sucrose differed significantly among age groups and were highest in the tubers at 2 years. While the levels of allantoin, adenosine and glutamine increased with the growing years and were highest at 4 years. Thus, 2‐year old Dioscorea polystachya tubers could be harvested to prepare dioscin, malvalic acid and sucrose supplements. The 4‐year‐old Dioscorea polystachya tubers would be the best choice for obtaining a large amount of allantoin and adenosine in industrial production.
Ground Water Sampling Bias Observed in Shallow, Conventional Wells

A previous field demonstration project on nitrate‐based bioremediation of a fuel‐contaminated aquifer used short‐screened clustered well points in addition to shallow (10 foot), conventional monitoring wells to monitor the progress of remediation during surface application of recharge. These well systems were placed in the center and at one edge of each of two treatment cells. One cell received recharge amended with nitrate (nitrate cell), and the other received unamended recharge (control cell). Data from the clustered well points were averaged to provide a mean estimate for comparison with the associated conventional monitoring well.
The Diagnostic Value of Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for the Detection of Surgical Site Infection after Spine Surgery

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Study Design. Retrospective case series. Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18 FDG PET/CT) for surgical site infection (SSI) after spine surgery. Summary of Background Data. Diagnosis of SSI in the spine based on F-18 FDG PET/CT requires experienced nuclear medical physicians for a detailed analysis of F-18 FDG distribution pattern. It has also been reported that increases in the maximal standardized uptake values of F-18 FDG (SUVmax) closely correlated with SSI, suggesting potential of more objective and quantitative diagnosis. Methods. We assessed the diagnostic yield of F-18 FDG PET/CT (pattern-based diagnosis by nuclear medical physicians and SUVmax-based diagnosis) for SSI in 52 subjects who underwent spine surgery. The 52 subjects included 11 nonimplant and 41 implant cases. F-18 FDG PET/CT was performed in 33 and 19 cases in early (≤12 weeks after the surgery) and late (>12 weeks) phases, respectively. The final diagnosis of SSI was based on the results of pathogen identification, plain radiography, and CT and/or magnetic resonance imaging or response to antibiotics and/or reoperation. Results. SUVmax-based diagnosis was performed with a cut off value of 5.0 as determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Both pattern-based and SUVmax-based diagnoses demonstrated excellent diagnostic yields with high sensitivity (97% and 90%), specificity (100% and 100%), and accuracy (98% and 94%). High diagnostic yields (accuracy of ≥90%) were consistently observed irrespective of presence or absence of implantation or interval between surgery and F-18 FDG PET/CT. Conclusion. F-18 FDG PET/CT can be the procedure of choice for investigation of SSI in the spine when other imaging fails to provide a definitive diagnosis. Level of Evidence: 4
MOG-IgG-associated disorder and systemic lupus erythematosus disease: Systematic review

Introduction Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a nervous system protein expressed by oligodendrocytes to constitute the myelin sheath. Autoantibodies against MOG have been widely described in neurological and autoimmune diseases such as MOG-IgG-associated disorder (MOGAD). Although underlying mechanisms have not yet been understood, an overlap of MOGAD and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has been shown in the literature. Objectives The aim of this systematic review was to assess the possible correlations between MOGAD and SLE based on reported features found in the literature that support the association of the two. Methods A keyword-based literature search was conducted, applying a ten-year filter and using the following key-words: “MOG autoantibody-associated disease and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus”; “MOG and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus” “Anti-MOG and Lupus”; “MOG and SLE”; “MOG and LUPUS” on MEDLINE/PUBMED, ScienceDirect, SciELO, LILACS and Cochrane; and “MOG antibody-associated disease and SLE” on Google Scholar. Results Eleven publications reporting on the MOGAD and SLE correlation were included in qualitative synthesis: animal experiment (1), cross-sectional (3), prospective (2), retrospective (1), non-systematic review (3), and case report (1) studies. Conclusion Not much is known about the connection between MOG-IgG-associated disorder and SLE. Unfortunately, only observational studies have been conducted in humans so far, providing us with limited data. While MOGAD features have been reported to develop in SLE patients, this is not an universal finding. In fact, many different issues impair these results, making it difficult to match the findings of different studies.
Quantitative comparison of the mRNA content of human iPSC‐derived motor neurons and their extracellular vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain various cargo molecules, including RNAs and proteins. EVs, which include exosomes, are predicted to be suitable surrogates of their source cells for liquid biopsy to measure biomarkers. Several studies have performed qualitative comparisons of cargo molecule repertoires between source cells and their EVs. However, quantitative comparisons have not been reported so far. Furthermore, many studies analyzed microRNAs or proteins in EVs, but not mRNAs. In this study, we analyzed mRNAs in motor neurons and their EVs. Normal human‐induced pluripotent stem cells were differentiated into motor neurons, and comprehensive analysis of mRNAs in the cells and their EVs was performed by RNA sequencing. Differential analysis between cellular and EV mRNAs was performed by edgeR after normalization of read count. The results suggest that signatures in the abundance of EV mRNAs were different from those of cellular mRNAs. Comparison of intracellular vesicle and EV mRNA abundance showed negatively and positively biased genes in the EVs. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that the genes showing negatively biased abundance in the EVs were enriched in many functions regarding neuronal development. In contrast, the positively biased genes were enriched in functions regarding cellular metabolism and protein synthesis. These results suggest that mRNAs in motor neurons are loaded into EVs to regulate certain mechanisms, which are yet to be elucidated.
Microstructure of the Surface of the Tongue and Histochemical Study of the Lingual Glands of the Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris Linnaeus, 1758) (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae)

Simple Summary This is a detailed study of the surface morphology of the tongue and the lingual glands of the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), which expands the understanding of the adaptation of this species to habitats. The histological and ultrastructural analysis of the lingual papillae and lingual glands revealed the presence of two types of mechanical papillae, namely the filiform and conical papillae, while papillae with taste buds (including the fungiform papillae, vallate papillae, and foliate papillae) formed the second, less numerous group. The filiform papillae differed from those of Equidae or Rhinocerotidae. The presence of nine vallate papillae, localized in groups of two surrounded by a ring, or individually, was unique for the examined female tapir. In addition, the vallate papillae contained irregular pseudopapillae on their surface. The foliate papillae contained several sulci between each folia. The presence of sparse taste buds in the side wall of the vallate papillae and foliate papillae is unique for the tapir. Compared to other Perissodactyla, the number of taste buds in the tapir is limited, although the features of its tongue surface make it possible to distinguish this species from representatives of Equidae or Rhinocerotidae. Abstract Although the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract has been characterized in the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the exact anatomy of its tongue has not been studied. Samples of the lingual papillae and lingual glands were collected from the tongue of an adult female lowland tapir. The microscopic analysis of the structure of the lingual papillae and the histochemical analysis of the secretion of the lingual glands were analyzed. The tongue of the tapir is divided into the apex, body with a distinct lingual prominence, and the root. Its ventral surface is smooth. The most numerous of the mechanical papillae were the filiform papillae, while numerous conical papillae with a sharp apex or more rounded papillae were present in the root of the tongue. There were also nine vallate papillae and pair of foliate papillae. The foliate papillae contained several folds parted by 12–14 grooves. The mucous secretion produced by the lingual glands was more obvious than the serous secretion. The features of the dorsal surface of the tongue as well as the shape and number of the lingual papillae on the surface of the tongue of the examined female tapir differ compared to Equidae or Rhinocerotidae, the other two representatives of Perissodactyla. However, further study is necessary for the synapomorpy of the tapir’s tongue.
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on calcium supplements and dairy products for changes in body weight and obesity indices

Abstract This meta-analysis was performed to investigate whether calcium supplements and dairy products change obesity indices including fat mass. Original articles published in English between July 2009 and August 2019 were identified. Ten and 14 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with ≥ 12 weeks interventions of calcium supplements and dairy products among overweight or obese adults aged ≥18 were critically reviewed. Mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were obtained using a random effect meta-analysis. Dairy products significantly changed fat mass (SMD, 95% CI; −0.40 [−0.77, −0.02]) and BMI (MD, 95% CI: −0.46 kg/m2 [−0.67, −0.26]), and calcium supplements also showed changes in fat mass (SMD, 95% CI; −0.15[−0.28, −0.02]). However, in the analysis of RCTs with low risk of bias scores, the significant changes remained only in the dairy-products intervention. Our findings suggest that dairy products without distinction of fat percentage may help reduce fat mass and BMI, but calcium supplements may not.
Regenerative peripheral nerve interface free muscle graft mass and function

Regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces (RPNIs) transduce neural signals to provide high‐fidelity control of neuroprosthetic devices. Traditionally, rat RPNIs are constructed with ~150 mg of free skeletal muscle grafts. It is unknown whether larger free muscle grafts allow RPNIs to transduce greater signal.
Modulatory activities of polyphenols on crude acetylene-induced cardiac and hepatic dysfunctions in a rat model

Abstract Exposure to crude acetylene can occur in occupational settings. This study assessed the modulatory activities of selected polyphenols on the hematotoxic, cardiotoxic, and hepatotoxic effects of crude acetylene. Wistar rats were exposed to 58 000 ppm crude acetylene for 10 min at 12 h intervals for 30 days. Some exposed groups were treated with 50 mg/kg rutin, quercetin, gallic acid, or tannic acid. Indices of hematological disorder, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular and hepatocellular injuries were evaluated in animals. The results showed a decrease in the levels of hematological indices in crude acetylene-exposed animals except for white blood cell count which was increased. Decreased activity/level of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and ferric reducing antioxidant power with increased lipid peroxidation was observed in animals exposed to crude acetylene. Activities of transaminases, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and level of bilirubin were increased while the plasma albumin level was decreased. Dyslipidemia, increased activities of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase-MB, and severe histopathological damage to hepatic and cardiac tissues were also observed in animals exposed to the gas. These deleterious hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes were ameliorated in crude acetylene–toxified rats treated with the polyphenols. Tannic acid exhibited better activity than gallic acid while quercetin showed a superior activity to rutin. The results indicate that exposure to crude acetylene can lead to blood, heart, and liver-related diseases and dietary polyphenols could provide protective benefits.
“NETs and EETs, a Whole Web of Mess”

Neutrophils and eosinophils are granulocytes that have very distinct functions. Neutrophils are first responders to external threats, and they use different mechanisms to control pathogens. Phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are some of the mechanisms that neutrophils utilize to fight pathogens. Although there is some controversy as to whether NETs are in fact beneficial or detrimental to the host, it mainly depends on the biological context. NETs can contribute to disease pathogenesis in certain types of diseases, while they are also undeniably critical components of the innate immune response. On the contrary, the role of eosinophils during host immune responses remains to be better elucidated. Eosinophils play an important role during helminthic infections and allergic responses. Eosinophils can function as effector cells in viral respiratory infections, gut bacterial infections, and as modulators of immune responses by driving the balance between Th1 and Th2 responses. In particular, eosinophils have biological activities that appear to be quite similar to those of neutrophils. Both possess bactericidal activity, can activate proinflammatory responses, can modulate adaptive immune responses, can form extracellular traps, and can be beneficial or detrimental to the host according to the underlying pathology. In this review we compare these two cell types with a focus on highlighting their numerous similarities related to extracellular traps.
Mechanisms involved in the formation of professional identity by medical students

Abstract Background Despite in-depth discussions regarding professional identity of doctors, there is still a gap in our understanding of how this professional identity actually evolves. Objective To outline some major mechanisms involved in formation of medical students' professional identity. Methods A qualitative study based on thematic analysis. 296 diary entries, written by eight medical students as part of the three-year course 'Becoming a Physician,' were reviewed. The course, conducted in small groups, gradually exposes students to the clinical field, and emphasizes awareness to marginalized populations, and interpersonal communication skills. Results Following the social constructivist learning theory, where learners individually and socially construct meaning attributed to their experiences, we identified three major mechanisms based on students' written reflections. These include linking current experiences to past; comparing different types or aspects of knowledge, doctors or medicine; and future perspective taking. Conclusions This study sheds light on the possible mechanisms used by medical students in forming their professional identity prior to their clinical training. Knowing these mechanisms can help medical educators better understand and support their students in formation of their professional identities. Conducting reflective writing could serve as an effective tool for learners to comprehend the meanings of their experiences.
Do Domestic Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) Perceive Numerosity Illusions?

Simple Summary Studying visual illusions in animals allows researchers to reveal similarities and differences between how human and non-human species perceive the world around them. Recently, investigations into dogs have found evidence for the differential perception of visual illusions, when compared with human observers. Here, we extended this line of investigation by testing dogs’ susceptibility to numerosity illusions. This type of illusion occurs when an individual under- or overestimates the number of objects presented in a visual scene owing to the spatial arrangement of the objects. In the current study, we observed the spontaneous likelihood for dogs to approach a larger quantity of food items. In Experiment 1, we first established whether dogs would try to maximize their food intake within the experimental context. Following this, Experiments 2 and 3 presented food items arranged so as to generate a well-known numerosity illusion—the Solitaire illusion. Overall, dogs were able to select the larger quantity of food (Experiment 1), but did not exhibit any evidence of a numerosity misperception in Experiments 2 and 3. Our results reinforce the idea that dogs’ representation of the world differs significantly from ours. Abstract Recent studies have showed that domestic dogs are only scantly susceptible to visual illusions, suggesting that the perceptual mechanisms might be different in humans and dogs. However, to date, none of these studies have utilized illusions that are linked to quantity discrimination. In the current study, we tested whether dogs are susceptible to a linear version of the Solitaire illusion, a robust numerosity illusion experienced by most humans. In the first experiment, we tested dogs’ ability to discriminate items in a 0.67 and 0.75 numerical ratio. The results showed that dogs’ quantity discrimination abilities fall in between these two ratios. In Experiment 2, we presented the dogs with the Solitaire illusion pattern using a spontaneous procedure. No evidence supporting any numerosity misperception was found. This conclusion was replicated in Experiment 3, where we manipulated dogs’ initial experience with the stimuli and their contrast with the background. The lack of dogs’ susceptibility to the Solitaire illusion suggests that numerical estimation of dogs is not influenced by the spatial arrangement of the items to be enumerated. In view of the existing evidence, the effect may be extended to dogs’ quantitative abilities at large.