Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methodological considerations of evaluating the rate of presynaptic dopaminergic denervation in Parkinson disease with radiotracers

Abstract Many previous studies have estimated the rate of dopaminergic denervation in Parkinson disease (PD) via imaging studies. However, they lack the considerations of onset age, disease duration at onset, gender, and dopaminergic denervation due to normal aging. Herein, using a large prospective cohort, we estimated the rate of dopaminergic denervation in PD patients, compared with an age- and gender-matched normal control group. One hundred forty-one normal controls and 301 PD patients were enrolled. Striatal specific binding ratios (SBRs) of I-123 FP-CIT single positron emission tomography images were analyzed according to the age of onset, gender, and the duration of motor symptoms. In the PD group, symptom duration was significantly correlated with caudate SBRs, but with putamen SBRs (P < .05, R2 = 0.02). Moreover, was significantly inversely related to caudate SBRs, but not with putamen SBRs (P < .05, R2 = 0.02). Patients of different age onsets did not show any significant correlation between symptom durations and striatal SBRs. In the age-matched group, no significant relationship was observed between symptom duration and percent decrease of caudate SBRs, but there was a significant relationship between symptom duration and percent decrease of the putamen SBRs (P < .01, R2 = 0.06). There was no significant relationship between the symptom duration and the percent decrease of striatal SBRs in the age- and gender-matched group. The significance and R2 values from the regression analysis between symptom duration, age, and dopaminergic denervation are low. This suggests that, contrary to previous knowledge, there is a relatively weak association between dopaminergic denervation and age or symptom duration.
Infant and Toddler Responses to Bitter-Tasting Novel Vegetables: Findings from the Good Tastes Study

ABSTRACT Background Infants are born with the biological predisposition to reject bitterness. Dark green vegetables contain essential nutrients but also bitter compounds, making them more difficult to like. Objective The Good Tastes Study was designed to determine whether reducing bitterness by adding small amounts of sugar or salt would alter infant acceptance of kale purées. Methods Caregivers (n = 106, 94% mothers, 82% Non-Hispanic White) and children (53% male, aged 6–24 mo) participated in a videorecorded laboratory visit during which infants were offered 4 versions of puréed kale: plain, 1.2% or 1.8% added sugar, or 0.2% added salt. Caregivers rated their children's liking for each kale version. Videos were coded for the number of tastes accepted and for children's behaviors and acceptance of each kale version. A multilevel ordered logistic model was fit for the number of accepted tastes and caregiver ratings of child liking of kale versions with age, breastfeeding history, order effects, and kale version as predictors. Results Infants 6 to <12 mo accepted more tastes (b = 2.911, P < 0.001) and were rated by caregivers as liking the kale more than older toddlers (≥18 mo; b = 1.874, P = 0.014). The plain kale was more likely to be accepted (P < 0.001); also, the first version offered was more likely to be rejected (b = −0.586, P < 0.007). Older infants (≥18 mo) exhibited more avoidant behaviors (b = 1.279, P < 0.001), more playing (b = 2.918, P < 0.001), and more self-feeding (b = 1.786, P = 0.005) than younger infants (6 to <12 mo). Children who were reported to have been breastfed more in the last 7 d were more likely to self-feed (b = 0.246, P < 0.001) and play with food (b = 0.207, P < 0.005). Conclusions Our findings support that there may be a sensitive period, during the early phase of complementary feeding, to improve success of introducing a novel, bitter, more difficult-to-like food. When low levels of sugar or salt were added, no advantage of bitterness reduction was observed. This study has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT04549233.
Understanding healthcare worker’s intention to donate blood: an application of the theory of planned behaviour

ABSTRACT This study aims to identify the influencing factor towards the intention to donate blood using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model among healthcare workers (HCWs). A random sample of 400 HCWs from the population received the survey via a web-based link. The hypothesised model was tested using structural equation modelling. The median (interquartile range) age of respondents was 31.0 (11.0) years with female accounting for 75.5% (n = 302). Overall, 60.3% (n = 241) have donated blood. The final structural model showed a good fit of the data: CFI = 0.972; TLI = 0.976; RMSEA = 0.052; SRMR = 0.064. Perceived behavioural control and age significantly influenced the HCW’s intention to donate blood. The final model explained 43% of the total variance in intention to donate blood. The findings provide a vital message to focus on some barriers and motivational factors of blood donation behaviour among HCWs.
Plasma ACE2 species are differentially altered in COVID‐19 patients

Studies are needed to identify useful biomarkers to assess the severity and prognosis of COVID‐19 disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus. Here, we examine the levels of various plasma species of the SARS‐CoV‐2 host receptor, the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), in patients at different phases of the infection. Human plasma ACE2 species were characterized by immunoprecipitation and western blotting employing antibodies against the ectodomain and the C‐terminal domain, using a recombinant human ACE2 protein as control. In addition, changes in the cleaved and full‐length ACE2 species were also examined in serum samples derived from humanized K18‐hACE2 mice challenged with a lethal dose of SARS‐CoV‐2. ACE2 immunoreactivity was present in human plasma as several molecular mass species that probably comprise truncated (70 and 75 kDa) and full‐length forms (95, 100, 130, and 170 kDa). COVID‐19 patients in the acute phase of infection (n = 46) had significantly decreased levels of ACE2 full‐length species, while a truncated 70‐kDa form was marginally higher compared with non‐disease controls (n = 26). Levels of ACE2 full‐length species were in the normal range in patients after a recovery period with an interval of 58‐70 days (n = 29), while the 70‐kDa species decreased. Levels of the truncated ACE2 species served to discriminate between individuals infected by SARS‐CoV‐2 and those infected with influenza A virus (n = 17). In conclusion, specific plasma ACE2 species are altered in patients with COVID‐19 and these changes normalize during the recovery phase. Alterations in ACE2 species following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection warrant further investigation regarding their potential usefulness as biomarkers for the disease process and to asses efficacy during vaccination.
Identifying alternative antibiotics that elute from calcium sulfate beads for treatment of orthopedic infections

There has been increasing interest in the use of a synthetic absorbable calcium sulfate (CaSO4) for local antibiotic delivery in orthopaedic infections. The purpose of this study was to quantify elution kinetics of six antibiotics (amikacin, meropenem, fosfomycin, minocycline, cefazolin, and dalbavancin) from a clinically relevant CaSO4 bead model and compare elution and antimicrobial activity to the current clinical gold standards: vancomycin and tobramycin. Antibiotic‐loaded synthetic CaSO4 beads were immersed in phosphate buffered saline and incubated at 37°C. Eluent was harvested at eight time points over 28 days. Antibiotic concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography to quantify elution rates. CaSO4 beads demonstrated burst release kinetics. Dalbavancin, cefazolin, and minocycline all demonstrated similar elution profiles to vancomycin. Amikacin and meropenem demonstrated favorable elution profiles and durations of above‐minimum inhibitory concentration when compared to tobramycin.
Asian Conference on Tumor Ablation guidelines for renal cell carcinoma

Thermal ablation has been established as an alternative treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients who are poor candidates for surgery. However, while American and European guidelines have been established for American and European patients, respectively, no ablation guidelines for Asian patients with RCCs have been established many years after the Asian Conference on Tumor Ablation (ACTA) had been held. Given that Western guidelines are difficult to apply to Asian patients due to differences in body habitus, economic status, and insurance systems, the current review sought to establish the first version of the ACTA guidelines for treating a RCC with thermal ablation.
How to modulate the formation of negative volatile sulfur compounds during wine fermentation?

ABSTRACT Beyond the production of positive aromas during alcoholic fermentation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolism also results in the formation of volatile compounds detrimental to wine quality, including a wide range of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). The formation of these VSCs during wine fermentation is strongly variable and depends on biological and environmental factors. First, the comparison of the VSCs profile of 22 S. cerevisiae strains provided a comprehensive overview of the intra-species diversity in VSCs production: according to their genetic background, strains synthetized from 1 to 6 different sulfur molecules, in a 1- to 30-fold concentration range. The impact of fermentation parameters on VSCs production was then investigated. We identified yeast assimilable nitrogen, cysteine, methionine and pantothenic acid contents – but not SO2 content – as the main factors modulating VSCs production. In particular, ethylthioacetate and all the VSCs deriving from methionine catabolism displayed a maximal production at yeast assimilable nitrogen concentrations around 250 mg/L; pantothenic acid had a positive impact on compounds deriving from methionine catabolism through the Ehrlich pathway but a negative one on the production of thioesters. Overall, these results highlight those factors to be taken into account to modulate the formation of negative VSCs and limit their content in wines.
Semaphorin 3E deficiency dysregulates dendritic cell functions: In vitro and in vivo evidence

Regulation of dendritic cell functions is a complex process in which several mediators play diverse roles as a network in a context-dependent manner. The precise mechanisms underlying dendritic cell functions have remained to be addressed. Semaphorins play crucial roles in regulation of various cell functions. We previously revealed that Semaphorin 3E (Sema3E) contributes to regulation of allergen-induced airway pathology partly mediated by controlling recruitment of conventional dendritic cell subsets in vivo, though the underlying mechanism remained elusive. In this study, we investigate the potential regulatory role of Sema3E in dendritic cells. We demonstrated that bone marrow-derived dendritic cells differentiated from Sema3e-/- progenitors have an enhanced migration capacity both at the baseline and in response to CCL21. The enhanced migration ability of Sema3E dendritic cells was associated with an overexpression of the chemokine receptor (CCR7), elevated Rac1 GTPase activity and F-actin polymerization. Using a mouse model of allergic airway sensitization, we observed that genetic deletion of Sema3E leads to a time dependent upregulation of CCR7 on CD11b+ conventional dendritic cells in the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes. Furthermore, aeroallergen sensitization of Sema3e-/- mice lead to an enhanced expression of PD-L2 and IRF-4 as well as enhanced allergen uptake in pulmonary CD11b+ DC, compared to wild type littermates. Collectively, these data suggest that Sema3E implicates in regulation of dendritic cell functions which could be considered a basis for novel immunotherapeutic strategies for the diseases associated with defective dendritic cells in the future.
Structure and Long-Term Stability of the Microbiome in Diverse Diatom Cultures

Natural microbial communities are extremely complex, with many more species coexisting in the same place than there are different resources to support them. Understanding the forces that allow this high level of diversity has been a central focus of ecological and evolutionary theory for many decades. ABSTRACT Microalgal cultures are often maintained in xenic conditions, i.e., with associated bacteria, and many studies indicate that these communities both are complex and have significant impacts on the physiology of the target photoautotroph. Here, we investigated the structure and stability of microbiomes associated with a diverse sampling of diatoms during long-term maintenance in serial batch culture. We found that, counter to our initial expectation, evenness diversity increased with time since cultivation, driven by a decrease in dominance by the most abundant taxa in each culture. We also found that the site from which and time at which a culture was initially collected had a stronger impact on microbiome structure than the diatom species; however, some bacterial taxa were commonly present in most cultures despite having widely geographically separated collection sites. Our results support the conclusion that stochastic initial conditions (i.e., the local microbial community at the collection site) are important for the long-term structure of these microbiomes, but deterministic forces such as negative frequency dependence and natural selection exerted by the diatom are also at work. IMPORTANCE Natural microbial communities are extremely complex, with many more species coexisting in the same place than there are different resources to support them. Understanding the forces that allow this high level of diversity has been a central focus of ecological and evolutionary theory for many decades. Here, we used stock cultures of diatoms, which were maintained for years in continuous growth alongside populations of bacteria, as proxies for natural communities. We show that the bacterial communities remained relatively stable for years, and there is evidence that ecological forces worked to stabilize coexistence instead of favoring competition and exclusion. We also show evidence that, despite some important regional differences in bacterial communities, there was a globally present core microbiome potentially selected for in these diatom cultures. Understanding interactions between bacteria and diatoms is important both for basic ecological science and for practical science, such as industrial biofuel production.
Assessing the Quality of Serological Testing in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a European External Quality Assessment (EQA) Scheme for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Detection

External quality assessment (EQA) is a key instrument for achieving harmonization, and thus a high quality, of diagnostic procedures. As reliable test results are crucial for accurate assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence, vaccine response, and immunity, and thus for successful management of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Reference Institute for Bioanalytics (RfB) was the first EQA provider to offer an open scheme for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection. ABSTRACT External quality assessment (EQA) is a key instrument for achieving harmonization, and thus a high quality, of diagnostic procedures. As reliable test results are crucial for accurate assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence, vaccine response, and immunity, and thus for successful management of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Reference Institute for Bioanalytics (RfB) was the first EQA provider to offer an open scheme for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection. The main objectives of this EQA were (i) to gain insights into the current diagnostic landscape and the performance of serological tests in Europe and (ii) to provide recommendations for diagnostic improvements. Within the EQA, a blinded panel of precharacterized human serum samples with variable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers was provided for detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies. Across the three distribution rounds in 2020, 284 laboratories from 22 countries reported a total of 3,744 results for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection using more than 24 different assays for IgG. Overall, 97/3,004 results were false for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, 88/248 for IgA, and 34/124 for IgM. Regarding diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, substantial differences were found between the different assays used, as well as between certified and noncertified tests. For cutoff samples, a drop in the diagnostic sensitivity to 46.3% and high interlaboratory variability were observed. In general, this EQA highlights the current variability of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection, technical limitations with respect to cutoff samples, and the lack of harmonization of testing procedures. Recommendations are provided to help laboratories and manufacturers further improve the quality of anti-SARS-CoV-2 serological diagnostics.
Isolation of and risk factors for airway infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify microorganisms in sputum samples of patients with stable non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and to determine risk factors related to the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in those patients. Methods: Consecutive patients were recruited from a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. The patients were submitted to spirometry, six-minute walk test, HRCT, and sputum collection. Data on serum fibrinogen levels, disease severity, sputum color, and history of azithromycin treatment were collected. Results: The study included 112 patients, and females predominated (68%). The mean age was 51.6 ± 17.4 years. Most patients presented with mild-to-moderate disease (83%). The mean six-minute walk distance was 468.8 ± 87.9 m. Mean FEV1 and FVC, in % of predicted values, were 60.4 ± 21.8% and 69.9 ± 18.5%, respectively. The mean serum fibrinogen level was 396.1 ± 76.3 mg/dL. PA was isolated in 47 patients, other potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) were isolated in 31 patients, and non-PPMs were isolated in 34 patients. Purulent sputum was identified in 77 patients (68%). The patients with PA, when compared with those without it, presented with more severe disease, higher serum fibrinogen levels, and lower FVC%. In addition, purulent sputum and long-term azithromycin treatment were more common in those with PA. The multivariate regression analysis showed that the independent factors associated with PA were serum fibrinogen level > 400 mg/dL (OR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.1-7.7) and purulent sputum (OR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.6-11.3). Conclusions: In our sample, the prevalence of PA in sputum was 42%. Sputum color and inflammatory markers were able to predict the isolation of PA, emphasizing the importance of routine sputum monitoring.
Screening by single-molecule Molecular Inversion Probes targeted sequencing panel of candidate genes of infertility in azoospermic infertile Jordanian males

Abstract Infertility is a common health problem that affects around 1 in 6 couples in the United States, where half of these cases are attributed to male factors. Genetics play an important role in infertility and it is estimated that up to 50% of cases are due to genetic factors. Despite this, many male infertility cases are still idiopathic. This study aimed to identify the presence of possibly pathogenic rare variants in a set of candidate genes related to azoospermia in 69 Jordanian men using a next-generation sequencing-based panel covering more than a hundred male infertility related genes. A total of 9 variants were found and validated. Among them, two variants included reported pathogenic variants in CFTR and one novel pathogenic variant in the USP9Y gene. We also report the detection of 6 other variants with uncertain significance in other genes. Interestingly, male cases with CFTR variants did not show the expected cystic fibrosis phenotypes except for infertility. This work helps to uncover the contribution of additional genetic factors to the aetiology of male infertility and highlights the importance to obtain more reliable information about the presence of genetic variation in the Jordanian population.
Intracellular potassium depletion enhances apoptosis induced by staurosporine in cultured trigeminal satellite glial cells

Abstract Purpose Satellite glial cells (SGC) surrounding neurons in sensory ganglia can buffer extracellular potassium, regulating the excitability of injured neurons and possibly influencing a shift from acute to neuropathic pain. SGC apoptosis may be a key component in this process. This work evaluated induction or enhancement of apoptosis in cultured trigeminal SGC following changes in intracellular potassium [K]ic. Materials and methods We developed SGC primary cultures from rat trigeminal ganglia (TG). Purity of our cultures was confirmed using immunofluorescence and western blot analysis for the presence of the specific marker of SGC, glutamine synthetase (GS). SGC [K]ic was depleted using hypo-osmotic shock and 4 mM bumetanide plus 10 mM ouabain. [K]ic was measured using the K+ fluorescent indicator potassium benzofuran isophthalate (PBFI-AM). Results SGC tested positive for GS and hypo-osmotic shock induced a significant decrease in [K]ic at every evaluated time. Cells were then incubated for 5 h with either 2 mM staurosporine (STS) or 20 ng/ml of TNF-α and evaluated for early apoptosis and late apoptosis/necrosis by flow cytometry using annexin V and propidium iodide. A significant increase in early apoptosis, from 16 to 38%, was detected in SGC with depleted [K]ic after incubation with STS. In contrast, TNF-α did not increase early apoptosis in normal or [K]ic depleted SGC. Conclusion Hypo-osmotic shock induced a decrease in intracellular potassium in cultured trigeminal SGC and this enhanced apoptosis induced by STS that is associated with the mitochondrial pathway. These results suggest that K+ dysregulation may underlie apoptosis in trigeminal SGC.