Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ischemic stroke in PAR1 KO mice: Decreased brain plasmin and thrombin activity along with decreased infarct volume

Background Ischemic stroke is a common and debilitating disease with limited treatment options. Protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) is a fundamental cell signaling mediator in the central nervous system (CNS). It can be activated by many proteases including thrombin and plasmin, with various down-stream effects, following brain ischemia. Methods A permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (PMCAo) model was used in PAR1 KO and WT C57BL/6J male mice. Mice were evaluated for neurological deficits (neurological severity score, NSS), infarct volume (Tetrazolium Chloride, TTC), and for plasmin and thrombin activity in brain slices. Results Significantly low levels of plasmin and thrombin activities were found in PAR1 KO compared to WT (1.6±0.4 vs. 3.2±0.6 ng/μl, p<0.05 and 17.2±1.0 vs. 21.2±1.0 mu/ml, p<0.01, respectively) along with a decreased infarct volume (178.9±14.3, 134.4±13.3 mm3, p<0.05). Conclusions PAR1 KO mice have smaller infarcts, with lower thrombin and plasmin activity levels. These findings may suggest that modulation of PAR1 is a potential target for future pharmacological treatment of ischemic stroke.
Identifying Patterns of Alcohol Use and Obesity-Related Factors Among Emerging Adults: A Behavioral Economic Analysis.

BACKGROUND Although heavy alcohol consumption and maladaptive eating behaviors have been shown to co-occur among college students, less is known about the co-occurrence of these behaviors in a more diverse community-dwelling, emerging adult sample. The purpose of this study was to: (i) identify classes of emerging adults by their reported alcohol consumption patterns, food addiction symptoms, and body mass index; and (ii) determine whether these classes differed on indices of behavioral economic reinforcer pathology (e.g., environmental reward deprivation, impulsivity, alcohol demand). METHOD Emerging adult participants were recruited as part of a study on risky alcohol use (n = 602; 47% white, 41.5% Black; mean age = 22.63, SD = 1.03). Participants completed questionnaires on alcohol and food-related risk factors and underwent anthropometric assessment. RESULTS Latent profile analysis suggested a four-profile solution: a moderate alcohol severity, overweight profile (Profile 1; n = 424, 70.4%), a moderate alcohol severity, moderate food addiction + obese profile (Profile 2; n = 93, 15.4%), a high alcohol severity, high food addiction + obese profile (Profile 3; n = 44, 7.3%), and a high alcohol severity, overweight profile (Profile 4; n = 41, 6.8%). Individuals in Profile 1 reported significantly lower levels of environmental reward deprivation than either Profile 2 or 3, and participants in Profile 3 reported significantly higher environmental reward deprivation than those in Profile 4 (p < 0.001). Profile 4 demonstrated significantly higher alcohol demand intensity and Omax and lower demand elasticity than Profile 1, Profile 2, or Profile 3. Profile 4 also demonstrated significantly greater proportionate substance-related reinforcement than Profile 1 (p < 0.001) and Profile 2 (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION Maladaptive eating patterns and alcohol consumption may share common risk factors for reinforcer pathology including environmental reward deprivation, impulsivity, and elevated alcohol demand.
Xylooligosaccharides Increase Bifidobacteria and Lachnospiraceae in Mice on a High-Fat Diet, with a Concomitant Increase in Short-Chain Fatty Acids, Especially Butyric Acid

Effects of xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) as well as a mixture of XOS, inulin, oligofructose, and partially hydrolyzed guar gum (MIX) in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) were studied. Control groups were fed an HFD or a low-fat diet. Special attention was paid to the cecal composition of the gut microbiota and formation of short-chain fatty acids, but metabolic parameters were also documented. The XOS group had significantly higher cecum levels of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids than the HFD group, and the butyric acid content was higher in the XOS than in the MIX group. The cecum microbiota of the XOS group contained more Bifidobacteria, Lachnospiraceae, and S24-7 bacteria than the HFD group. A tendency of lower body weight gain was observed on comparing the XOS and HFD groups. In conclusion, the XOS was shown to be a promising prebiotic candidate. The fiber diversity in the MIX diet did not provide any advantages compared to the XOS diet.
Phylogenetic structure of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 from sub-lineage to SNPs

Sequence similarity of pathogen genomes can infer the relatedness between isolates as the fewer genetic differences identified between pairs of isolates, the less time since divergence from a common ancestor. Clustering based on hierarchical single linkage clustering of pairwise SNP distances has been employed to detect and investigate outbreaks. Here, we evaluated the evidence-base for the interpretation of phylogenetic clusters of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7. Whole genome sequences of 1193 isolates of STEC O157:H7 submitted to Public Health England between July 2015 and December 2016 were mapped to the Sakai reference strain. Hierarchical single linkage clustering was performed on the pairwise SNP difference between all isolates at descending distance thresholds. Cases with known epidemiological links fell within 5-SNP single linkage clusters. Five-SNP single linkage community clusters where an epidemiological link was not identified were more likely to be temporally and/or geographically related than sporadic cases. Ten-SNP single linkage clusters occurred infrequently and were challenging to investigate as cases were few, and temporally and/or geographically dispersed. A single linkage cluster threshold of 5-SNPs has utility for the detection of outbreaks linked to both persistent and point sources. Deeper phylogenetic analysis revealed that the distinction between domestic UK and imported isolates could be inferred at the sub-lineage level. Cases associated with domestically acquired infection that fall within clusters that are predominantly travel associated are likely to be caused by contaminated imported food.
Using standard X-ray images to create 3D digital bone models and patient-matched guides for aiding implant positioning and sizing in total knee arthroplasty

Abstract X-Atlas™ is a new imaging technology intended to advance the state of the art in patient-specific instrumentation. It uses standard AP and lateral radiographs instead of CT or MRI scans to create 3D bone models, which can be used to perform pre-operative surgical planning and fabricate TKA personalized guides. The aim of this study was to validate X-Atlas™ and evaluate the accuracy of personalized guides created with this imaging technology. Its ability to predict implant size was also determined. The accuracy of the X-Atlas™ imaging technology was evaluated by comparing the landmarks of X-Atlas™ 3D Bone models to MRI-reconstructed bone models. The accuracy of PSI guides created with X-Atlas™ (X-PSI™ guides) was evaluated during a validation study (16 specimen knees) and a clinical study (50 patients; Health Canada #CSU2015-12K). Optical navigation was used to measure positioning accuracy. In addition, the ability of X-Atlas™ to predict implant size was assessed. The accuracy of the X-Atlas™ imaging technology was below 0.87 and 1.28 mm for the femoral and tibial landmarks, respectively. The accuracy of X-PSI™ guides to reproduce the pre-operative planned HKA was within ± 3° in 100% and 86.1% of cases, for the laboratory and clinical study respectively, which was significantly better than historical data for conventional instrumentation. X-Atlas™ was able to predict implant size to ± 1 size in 95.6% and 100%, for the femur and tibia component respectively. The X-Atlas™ imaging technology demonstrated excellent accuracy for reconstructing a 3D bone model. The results show that PSI guides created with X-Atlas™ (X-PSI™ guides) provide greater implant positioning accuracy than conventional instrumentation, without the requirement of advanced imaging. Furthermore, the X-Atlas™ imaging technology could effectively predict implant sizing, potentially reducing the number of instrument trays and improving surgical efficiency.
Traveler’s adoption of travel advisory system: a case of Hong Kong’s outbound travel alert system

ABSTRACT This study attempts to test the applicability of the theory of protection motivation (PMT) model and explores the effect of travel-related and sociodemographic factors on travel advisory compliance intention. The findings revealed that travelers’ behavioral intention to follow travel advice is driven by self-efficacy, response efficacy, perceived severity, and the insignificant benefit of maladaptive behaviors. The results also indicated that female travelers and travelers who are aged 45 or above, have young child/children, have high income, prefer packaged travel, and are inclined to buy travel insurance tend to consult and adhere to travel advice.
Influence of Sequential and Simultaneous Bilingualism on Second Grade Dual Language Students’ Use of Syntax in Reading

Abstract This study integrated reading and bilingual theories to examine the reading behaviors of second grade Latinx students in a Dual Language program. It explored how the students’ differing language backgrounds (simultaneous bilinguals and sequential bilinguals who had developed Spanish as a home language) might influence their early reading behaviors. Data sources include Spanish and English informal reading inventories and student interviews. While all students struggled with the syntax of grade-level text in Spanish and English, simultaneous bilinguals’ superior ability to use syntax to self-correct in both languages evidenced a stronger syntactical base. The findings have significant implications for equity of instruction and assessment, including: the need to find new ways to analyze bilingual students’ informal reading inventories from an assets-oriented lens, prudence regarding how informal reading inventory results are used, the need for intensive language development in schools, and the use of caution when applying translanguaging theory to emergent bilingual readers.
Are spas and wellness still considered luxurious in today’s world?

ABSTRACT The world of spas has been around for thousands of years. Built as a supplementary service or facility for luxury hotels, it has quickly become a must have for most if not all luxury hotels around the world. Difficulties may be arising, however. Are spas still considered a luxury? Based on current readings, it could be suggested that spas and wellness have become a part of life, depicting a necessity for survival rather than anything else. Questions are therefore asked: Are spas and wellness still considered a luxury in the current era? This descriptive analysis article will take a critical look at spa and wellness, asking questions about its so-called luxury status.
A bibliometric analysis of COVID-19 research in Africa

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented global research effort to build a body of knowledge that can inform mitigation strategies. We carried out a bibliometric analysis to describe the COVID-19 research output in Africa in terms of setting, study design, research themes and author affiliation. Methods We searched for articles published between 1 December 2019 and 3 January 2021 from various databases including PubMed, African Journals Online, medRxiv, Collabovid, the WHO global research database and Google. All article types and study design were included. Results A total of 1296 articles were retrieved. 46.6% were primary research articles, 48.6% were editorial-type articles while 4.6% were secondary research articles. 20.3% articles used the entire continent of Africa as their study setting while South Africa (15.4%) was the most common country-focused setting. The most common research topics include ‘country preparedness and response’ (24.9%) and ‘the direct and indirect health impacts of the pandemic’ (21.6%). However, only 1.0% of articles focus on therapeutics and vaccines. 90.3% of the articles had at least one African researcher as author, 78.5% had an African researcher as first author, while 63.5% had an African researcher as last author. The University of Cape Town leads with the greatest number of first and last authors. 13% of the articles were published in medRxiv and of the studies that declared funding, the Wellcome Trust was the top funding body. Conclusions This study highlights Africa’s COVID-19 research and the continent’s existing capacity to carry out research that addresses local problems. However, more studies focused on vaccines and therapeutics are needed to inform local development. In addition, the uneven distribution of research productivity among African countries emphasises the need for increased investment where needed.
Tocilizumab Effect in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials

Abstract: Since the emergence of the first cases of COVID 19 viral pneumonia late 2019 several studies evaluated the benefits of different treatment modalities. Early in the pandemic, the interleukin 6 (IL 6) receptor antibody Tocilizumab was considered in view of the cytokine release syndrome associated with COVID 19 infection. Several early observational studies showed beneficial effect of treatment with Tocilizumab on mortality, however, results from well designed randomized clinical trials (RCT) were contradicting. Objectives: To perform a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of RCTs utilizing Tocilizumab in the treatment of COVID 19 pneumonia, with in hospital mortality as a primary objective, while secondary objectives included composite outcome of mortality, intubation, or ICU admission, another secondary outcome was super added infection. Method: This was a random effects model (DerSimonian and Laird) model of relative risk (RR), along with corresponding 95% confidence intervals, p values, and forest plots of both primary and secondary outcomes. A fixed effect sensitivity test was performed for the primary outcome, in addition to subgroup and meta regression analyses with predefined criteria. Results: The primary outcome of mortality showed statistically insignificant reduction of mortality with Tocilizumab (RR = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.8 to 1.01; p = 0.09) although with an unmistakable apparent clinical benefit. There was a significant reduction in the RR of the secondary composite outcome (RR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.9; p < 0.001), and no difference between groups in super added infection (RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.51 to 1.19; p = 0.24). Treatment protocol allowing a second dose was the only significant predictor of improved mortality in the meta regression analysis. Certainty of evidence was reduced to moderate for the primary outcome and the secondary outcome of clinical deterioration, while it was reduced to low for the secondary outcome of super added infection. Conclusion: Moderate certainty of evidence suggest no statistically significant improvement of 28-30 day all cause mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 patients treated with TCZ, although there may be clinically important value. Moderate certainty of evidence suggest lowered relative risk of a composite outcome of death or clinical deterioration, while, low grade evidence indicate no increase in the risk of super added infection associated with TCZ treatment. A protocol allowing two doses of TCZ shows evidence of improved mortality as compared to a strictly single dose protocol.
Post-viral parenchymal lung disease of COVID-19 and viral pneumonitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Approximately half of patients discharged following COVID-19 related hospitalisation are reported to suffer from persisting respiratory symptoms. We assess the prevalence of long term radiological and functional pulmonary sequelae in survivors from COVID-19 and other viral pneumonia in published literature. Methods: We performed systematic review and meta-analysis of all original studies in adults admitted to hospital with SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, or Influenza pneumonia and followed within 12 months from discharge. Searches were run on MEDLINE and Embase, with the last update on 1st March 2021. Primary outcomes were presence of 1) radiologic sequelae at CT scans; 2) restrictive impairment; 3) reduced diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). This review is registered on PROSPERO, CRD42020183139. Results: Sixty studies were included for qualitative synthesis, of which 41 were suitable for meta-analysis. On follow up CT scans, the overall estimated proportion was 0.56 (95%CI 0.44 to 0.66, I2= 94.44%) for inflammatory changes, and 0.40 (95%CI 0.29 to 0.52, I2=95.19%) for fibrotic findings. In SARS-CoV-2 specifically, proportions were estimated at 0.43 (95%CI 0.32 to 0.56, I2=94.60%) and 0.30 (95%CI 0.19 to 0.43, I2=94.89%) for inflammatory and fibrotic findings, respectively. Overall proportion for restrictive impairment was 0.19 (95%CI 0.12 to 0.27, I2=94.46%), DLCO reduction was estimated at 0.45 (95%CI 0.38 to 0.52, I2=90.10). Elevated radiological and functional estimates persisted across follow-up times. Confidence in the estimates was deemed very low as studies were largely observational without control groups, heterogeneity in estimates was high but was not clearly attributable to between-study differences of severity or design. Conclusion: Although estimates of prevalence are likely limited by differences in case mix and initial severity, a substantial proportion of radiological and functional sequelae are observed following viral pneumonitis, including COVID-19. This highlights the importance of vigilant radiological and functional follow up.
Systematic variation in food web body-size structure linked to external subsidies

The relationship between body mass (M) and size class abundance (N) depicts patterns of community structure and energy flow through food webs. While the general assumption is that M and N scale linearly (on log–log axes), nonlinearity is regularly observed in natural systems, and is theorized to be driven by nonlinear scaling of trophic level (TL) with M resulting in the rapid transfer of energy to consumers in certain size classes. We tested this hypothesis with data from 31 stream food webs. We predicted that allochthonous subsidies higher in the web results in nonlinear M–TL relationships and systematic abundance peaks in macroinvertebrate and fish size classes (latter containing salmonids), that exploit terrestrial plant material and terrestrial invertebrates, respectively. Indeed, both M–N and M–TL significantly deviated from linear relationships and the observed curvature in M–TL scaling was inversely related to that observed in M–N relationships. Systemic peaks in M–N, and troughs in M–TL occurred in size classes dominated by generalist invertebrates, and brown trout. Our study reveals how allochthonous resources entering high in the web systematically shape community size structure and demonstrates the relevance of a generalized metabolic scaling model for understanding patterns of energy transfer in energetically ‘open’ food webs.
Wild insect diversity increases inter-annual stability in global crop pollinator communities

While an increasing number of studies indicate that the range, diversity and abundance of many wild pollinators has declined, the global area of pollinator-dependent crops has significantly increased over the last few decades. Crop pollination studies to date have mainly focused on either identifying different guilds pollinating various crops, or on factors driving spatial changes and turnover observed in these communities. The mechanisms driving temporal stability for ecosystem functioning and services, however, remain poorly understood. Our study quantifies temporal variability observed in crop pollinators in 21 different crops across multiple years at a global scale. Using data from 43 studies from six continents, we show that (i) higher pollinator diversity confers greater inter-annual stability in pollinator communities, (ii) temporal variation observed in pollinator abundance is primarily driven by the three-most dominant species, and (iii) crops in tropical regions demonstrate higher inter-annual variability in pollinator species richness than crops in temperate regions. We highlight the importance of recognizing wild pollinator diversity in agricultural landscapes to stabilize pollinator persistence across years to protect both biodiversity and crop pollination services. Short-term agricultural management practices aimed at dominant species for stabilizing pollination services need to be considered alongside longer term conservation goals focussed on maintaining and facilitating biodiversity to confer ecological stability.
Flash calcines of kaolinite: kinetics of isothermal dehydroxylation of partially dehydroxylated flash calcines and of flash calcination itself

Kaolinite has been flash calcined to produce calcines kinetically frozen at different levels of dehydroxylation. The kinetics of subsequent isothermal dehydroxylation of the calcines were consistent with a three-dimensional diffusion model. Activation energies and rate constants generally decrease as dehydroxylation of the calcine increases. A decrease in reaction rate at high levels of dehydroxylation is consistent with collapse of the interlamellar space, restricting diffusion of water out of the particles. The kinetics of flash calcination were shown to obey the same principles as isothermal dehydroxylation.