Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Race/ethnicity-stratified fine-mapping of the MHC locus reveals genetic variants associated with late-onset asthma

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that impairs normal breathing. The etiology of asthma is complex and involves multiple factors, including the environment and genetics, especially the distinct genetic architecture associated with ancestry. Compared to early-onset asthma, little is known about genetic predisposition to late-onset asthma. We investigated the race/ethnicity-specific relationship among genetic variants within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region and late-onset asthma in a North Carolina-based multiracial cohort of adults. Methods: We stratified all analyses by self-reported race (i.e., White and Black) and adjusted all regression models for age, sex, and ancestry. We conducted association tests within the MHC region and performed fine-mapping analyses conditioned on the race/ethnicity-specific lead variant using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. We applied computational methods to infer human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and residues at amino acid positions. We replicated findings in the UK Biobank. Results: The lead signals, rs9265901 on the 5’ end of HLA-B, rs55888430 on HLA-DOB, and rs117953947 on HCG17, were significantly associated with late-onset asthma in all, White, and Black participants, respectively (OR = 1.73, 95%CI: 1.31 to 2.14, p = 3.62 × 10−5; OR = 3.05, 95%CI: 1.86 to 4.98, p = 8.85 × 10−6; OR = 19.5, 95%CI: 4.37 to 87.2, p = 9.97 × 10−5, respectively). For the HLA analysis, HLA-B*40:02 and HLA-DRB1*04:05, HLA-B*40:02, HLA-C*04:01, and HLA-DRB1*04:05, and HLA-DRB1*03:01 and HLA-DQB1 were significantly associated with late-onset asthma in all, White, and Black participants. Conclusion: Multiple genetic variants within the MHC region were significantly associated with late-onset asthma, and the associations were significantly different by race/ethnicity group.
Operative experience on descending aorta with Takayasu Arteritis: a review

Patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA) and descending aorta involvement often experience insidious onset and slow progression, leading to irreversible vascular lesions despite medication therapy. Surgical management plays a crucial role in resolving hemodynamic disturbances and has shown promise in improving the outcomes of this patient population, owing to significant advancements in surgical expertise. However, studies focusing on this rare disease are lacking. This review summarizes the characteristics of patients with stenosis in descending aorta, emphasizing surgical approaches, perioperative management, and disease outcomes. The operative approach depends on lesion location and extent. Existing studies have confirmed that the choice of surgical modality significantly influences postoperative complications and long-term prognosis in patients, highlighting the effectiveness of bypass surgery as a favorable option in clinical practice with a satisfactory long-term patency rate. To mitigate postoperative complications, it is advisable to conduct regular imaging follow-ups to prevent the deterioration of the condition. Notably, the occurrence of restenosis and pseudoaneurysm formation deserves particular attention due to their impact on patient survival. The use of perioperative medication remains a topic of debate, as previous studies have presented divergent perspectives. The primary objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive perspective on surgical treatment and offer customized surgical approaches for patients in this population.
DyVer: Dynamic Version Handling for Array Databases

Array databases are important data management systems for scientific applications. In array databases, version handling is an important problem due to the no-overwrite feature of scientific data. Existing studies for optimizing data versioning in array databases are relatively simple, which either focus on minimizing storage sizes or improving simple version chains. In this paper, we focus on two challenges: (1) how to balance the tradeoff between storage size and query time for numerous version data, which may have derivative relationships with each other; (2) how to dynamically maintain this balance with continuously added new versions. To address the above challenges, this paper presents DyVer, a versioning framework for SciDB which is one of the most well-known array databases. DyVer includes two techniques, including an efficient storage layout optimizer to quickly reduce data query time under storage capacity constraint and a version segment technique to cope with dynamic version additions. We evaluate DyVer using real-world scientific datasets. Results show that DyVer can achieve up to 95% improvement on the average query time compared to state-of-the-art data versioning techniques under the same storage capacity constraint.
Egoistic and altruistic behaviors in tobacco control campaign: the role of social media exposure, interpersonal communication and attitudes

Introduction A growing body of research has examined the relationship between media exposure to health campaign information and health behaviors, yielding inconsistent findings. To address this inconsistency, it is crucial to investigate the underlying mediation and moderation mechanisms. Building upon the social diffusion model, this study explores the mediating role of interpersonal communication and the moderating role of attitudes in the relationships between health behavioral outcomes and exposure to campaign information. Method A tobacco control social media campaign were conducted and assessed via an online survey. Specifically, the survey was conducted from the day after the end of the campaign. Respondents were recruited via Sojump using convenience and snowball sampling. Eligible participants were non-smokers and quitters residing in China and had been exposed to the campaign information. Data were analyzed using the R software. Results A total of 326 eligible participants were included in the final analysis. The results suggest that social media exposure to campaign information is indirectly associated with both egoistic and altruistic behavioral intentions through interpersonal communication. However, attitudes toward tobacco control weaken the association between social media exposure to campaign information and interpersonal communication about tobacco risks. Furthermore, the indirect effect of social media exposure to campaign information on egoistic and altruistic behavioral intentions, mediated by interpersonal communication about tobacco risks, is contingent upon attitudes toward tobacco control. Conclusion This study tests and supports the proposition that interpersonal communication mediates the effects of campaign information exposure on health behaviors in the context of China, which contributes to the existing literature on the health effects of campaign information exposure and provides implications for the design of health campaigns to more effectively promote healthy behaviors.
Assessment of mortality-related risk factors and effective antimicrobial regimens for treatment of bloodstream infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with hematological diseases

Background Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) are related to higher mortality. The objective of this study was to explore clinical outcomes of CRPA bacteremia, identify risk factors and also, compare the efficacy of traditional and novel antibiotic regimens. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at a blood diseases hospital in China. The study included hematological patients who were diagnosed with CRPA bacteremia between January 2014 and August 2022. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at day 30. Secondary endpoints included 7-day and 30-day clinical cure. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was employed to identify mortality-related risk factors. Results 100 patients infected with CRPA bacteremia were included and 29 patients accepted allogenic-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. 24 received ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI)-based therapy and 76 received other traditional antibiotics. 30-day mortality was 21.0%. Multivariable cox regression analysis showed neutropenia >7 days after bloodstream infections (BSI) (P=0.030, HR: 4.068, 95%CI: 1.146~14.434), higher Pitt bacteremia score (P<0.001, HR:1.824, 95%CI: 1.322~2.517), higher Charlson comorbidity index (P=0.01, HR: 1.613, 95%CI: 1.124~2.315) and bacteremia due to multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) (P=0.024, HR:3.086, 95%CI: 1.163~8.197) were identified as independent risk factors of 30-day mortality. After controlling for confounders, an additional multivariable cox regression analysis revealed definitive regimens containing CAZ-AVI were associated with lower mortality in CRPA bacteremia (P=0.016, HR: 0.150, 95%CI: 0.032~0.702), as well as in MDR-PA bacteremia (P=0.019, HR: 0.119, 95%CI: 0.020~0.709). Conclusions For patients with hematological diseases and CRPA bacteremia, 30-day mortality rate was 21.0% (21/100). Neutropenia >7 days after BSI, higher Pitt bacteremia score, higher Charlson comorbidity index and bacteremia due to MDR-PA increased 30-day mortality. CAZ-AVI-based regimens were effective alternatives for bacteremia due to CRPA or MDR-PA.
Structural and functional characterization of the locus coeruleus in young and late middle-aged individuals

Introduction The brainstem locus coeruleus (LC) influences a broad range of brain processes, including cognition. The so-called LC contrast is an accepted marker of the integrity of the LC that consists of a local hyperintensity on specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) structural images. The small size of the LC has, however, rendered its functional characterization difficult in humans, including in aging. A full characterization of the structural and functional characteristics of the LC in healthy young and late middle-aged individuals is needed to determine the potential roles of the LC in different medical conditions. Here, we wanted to determine whether the activation of the LC in a mismatch negativity task changes in aging and whether the LC functional response was associated to the LC contrast. Methods We used Ultra-High Field (UHF) 7-Tesla functional MRI (fMRI) to record brain response during an auditory oddball task in 53 healthy volunteers, including 34 younger (age: 22.15y ± 3.27; 29 women) and 19 late middle-aged (age: 61.05y ± 5.3; 14 women) individuals. Results Whole-brain analyses confirmed brain responses in the typical cortical and subcortical regions previously associated with mismatch negativity. When focusing on the brainstem, we found a significant response in the rostral part of the LC probability mask generated based on individual LC images. Although bilateral, the activation was more extensive in the left LC. Individual LC activity was not significantly different between young and late middle-aged individuals. Importantly, while the LC contrast was higher in older individuals, the functional response of the LC was not significantly associated with its contrast. Discussion These findings may suggest that the age-related alterations of the LC structural integrity may not be related to changes in its functional response. The results further suggest that LC responses may remain stable in healthy individuals aged 20 to 70.
Transoceanic migration network of dragonfly Pantala flavescens: origin, dispersal and timing

The awe-inspiring multi-generational, transoceanic migration circuit of dragonfly species, Pantala flavescens stretches from India to Africa. Understanding the collective role of wind, precipitation, fuel, breeding, and life cycle driving the migration remains elusive. We identify the transoceanic migration route from years 2002 to 2007 by imposing an energetics-based time-constraint on a modified Dijkstra’s path-planning algorithm incorporating active wind compensation. The prevailing winds play a pivotal role; the Somali Jet enables migration across the Indian Ocean from Africa to India, whereas the return requires stopovers at the disappearing islands of the Maldives and Seychelles. The migration timing, identified using monthly-successful trajectories, life cycle, and precipitation data, corroborates sightings. A branched-network hypothesis connects our sighting in Cherrapunji (North-East India), the likely origin, to the known migration circuit.
Fast and accurate assessment of depression based on voice acoustic features: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study

Background Depression is a widespread mental disorder that affects a significant portion of the population. However, the assessment of depression is often subjective, relying on standard questions or interviews. Acoustic features have been suggested as a reliable and objective alternative for depression assessment. Therefore, in this study, we aim to identify and explore voice acoustic features that can effectively and rapidly predict the severity of depression, as well as investigate the potential correlation between specific treatment options and voice acoustic features. Methods We utilized voice acoustic features correlated with depression scores to train a prediction model based on artificial neural network. Leave-one-out cross-validation was performed to evaluate the performance of the model. We also conducted a longitudinal study to analyze the correlation between the improvement of depression and changes in voice acoustic features after an Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT) program consisting of 12 sessions. Results Our study showed that the neural network model trained based on the 30 voice acoustic features significantly correlated with HAMD scores can accurately predict the severity of depression with an absolute mean error of 3.137 and a correlation coefficient of 0.684. Furthermore, four out of the 30 features significantly decreased after ICBT, indicating their potential correlation with specific treatment options and significant improvement in depression (p < 0.05). Conclusion Voice acoustic features can effectively and rapidly predict the severity of depression, providing a low-cost and efficient method for screening patients with depression on a large scale. Our study also identified potential acoustic features that may be significantly related to specific treatment options for depression.
Effect of trehalose on heart functions in rats model after myocardial infarction: assessment of novel intraventricular pressure and heart rate variability

Background Myocardial infarctions remain a leading cause of global deaths. Developing novel drugs to target cardiac remodeling after myocardial injury is challenging. There is an increasing interest in exploring natural cardioprotective agents and non-invasive tools like intraventricular pressure gradients (IVPG) and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in myocardial infarctions. Trehalose (TRE), a natural disaccharide, shows promise in treating atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and neurodegenerative disorders. Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of TRE in improving cardiac functions measured by IVPG and HRV and reducing myocardial remodeling following myocardial infarction in rat model. Methods Rats were divided into three groups: sham, myocardial infarction (MI), and trehalose-treated MI (TRE) groups. The animals in the MI and TRE groups underwent permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery. The TRE group received 2% trehalose in their drinking water for four weeks after the surgery. At the end of the experiment, heart function was assessed using conventional echocardiography, novel color M-mode echocardiography for IVPG evaluation, and HRV analysis. After euthanasia, gross image scoring, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to evaluate inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Results The MI group exhibited significantly lower values in multiple IVPG parameters. In contrast, TRE administration showed an ameliorative effect on IVPG changes, with results comparable to the sham group. Additionally, TRE improved HRV parameters, mitigated morphological changes induced by myocardial infarction, reduced histological alterations in wall mass, and suppressed inflammatory reactions within the infarcted heart tissues. Furthermore, TRE demonstrated antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-fibrotic properties. Conclusion The investigation into the effect of trehalose on a myocardial infarction rat model has yielded promising outcomes, as evidenced by improvements observed through conventional echocardiography, histological analysis, and immunohistochemical analysis. While minor trends were noticed in IVPG and HRV measurements. However, our findings offer valuable insights and demonstrate a correlation between IVPG, HRV, and other traditional markers of echo assessment in the myocardial infarction vs. sham groups. This alignment suggests the potential of IVPG and HRV as additional indicators for future research in this field.
Longan extract suppresses food intake through regulation of POMC/AgRP neuronal activities and endoplasmic reticulum stress in hypothalamus of db/db mice

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the biggest public health issues worldwide and closely related to development of other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Considerable percentage of T2DM patients undergo have suffered from binge eating disorder which exacerbates insulin resistance and metabolic challenges. Longan (Dimocarpus longan L.) and its constituents are reported for their various health benefits. However, it is still unknown whether longan fruit supplementation can ameliorate glucose homeostasis and binge eating disorder found in T2DM. The current study aimed to investigate whether longan fruit extract (LE) supplementation can improve diabetic hyperglycemia through modulation of feeding center located in hypothalamus of db/db T2DM mice. As a result, LE supplementation ameliorated fasting blood glucose levels and reduced excessive epididymal fat accumulation. In addition, LE administration improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in db/db mice. Especially, LE supplemented mice showed less food consumption which was in line with increase of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neuronal activities and decrease of agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neuronal activities. Furthermore, LE supplementation reduced hypothalamic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress which was stimulated in db/db mice. As ER stress is a crucial factor involving in appetite control and glucose homeostasis, the effect of LE supplementation on circulating glucose levels and feeding behavior might be mediated by suppression of hypothalamic ER stress. Collectively, these findings suggest that LE could be a potential nutraceutical for improvement of T2DM as well as patients with satiety issues.
Prevalence of comorbidities post mild traumatic brain injuries: a traumatic brain injury model systems study

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with an increased risk of long-lasting health-related complications. Survivors of brain trauma often experience comorbidities which could further dampen functional recovery and severely interfere with their day-to-day functioning after injury. Of the three TBI severity types, mild TBI constitutes a significant proportion of total TBI cases, yet a comprehensive study on medical and psychiatric complications experienced by mild TBI subjects at a particular time point is missing in the field. In this study, we aim to quantify the prevalence of psychiatric and medical comorbidities post mild TBI and understand how these comorbidities are influenced by demographic factors (age, and sex) through secondary analysis of patient data from the TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) national database. Utilizing self-reported information from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we have performed this analysis on subjects who received inpatient rehabilitation at 5 years post mild TBI. Our analysis revealed that psychiatric comorbidities (anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)), chronic pain, and cardiovascular comorbidities were common among survivors with mild TBI. Furthermore, depression exhibits an increased prevalence in the younger compared to an older cohort of subjects whereas the prevalence of rheumatologic, ophthalmological, and cardiovascular comorbidities was higher in the older cohort. Lastly, female survivors of mild TBI demonstrated increased odds of developing PTSD compared to male subjects. The findings of this study would motivate additional analysis and research in the field and could have broader implications for the management of comorbidities after mild TBI.
Potential neuroprotective effects of fermented foods and beverages in old age: a systematic review

Purpose Numerous articles have recently studied the involvement of the gut microbiota in neurological diseases. Aging is associated with changes in the microbiome, which implies a reduction in microbial biodiversity among other changes. Considering that the consumption of a fermented-food diet improves intestinal permeability and barrier function, it seems of interest to study its participation in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews existing studies to establish whether the consumption of fermented foods and fermented beverages prevents or ameliorates neurodegenerative decline in old age. Methods The protocol used was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Details of the protocol for this systematic review are registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021250921). Results Out of 465 articles identified in the Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases, a total of 29 that examined the relationship of the consumption of fermented products with cognitive impairment in old people were selected (22 cohort, 4 case-control, and 3 cross-sectional studies). The results suggest that low-to-moderate alcohol consumption and daily intake of coffee, soy products, and fermented-food diets in general are associated with a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion Daily consumption of fermented foods and beverages, either alone or as part of a diet, has neuroprotective effects and slows cognitive decline in old people. Systematic review registration https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/prospero/display_record. php? RecordID=250921, identifier: CRD42021250921.
Hidden faces, altered perceptions: the impact of face masks on interpersonal perception

The pandemic has made wearing masks commonplace, prompting researchers to investigate their effects on interpersonal perception. Findings indicate masks obstruct face identification and expression recognition, with lower face cues being most affected. When judging attractiveness, masks can enhance the appeal of less attractive faces, but reduce the appeal of more attractive faces. Trust and speech perception outcomes are inconclusive. Future studies could focus on individual differences in how masks influence our perception of others.