Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiota changes in inflammatory bowel diseases and ankylosing spondilytis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Both inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be considered chronic immune disorders sharing common etiopathogenetic mechanisms. Changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota, which can lead to an abnormal mucosal response, could be the missing link between these two diseases. Our study evaluate the composition of intestinal microbiota and to characterize gut dysbiosis in patients with IBD and AS. METHODS We conducted a prospective case-control study that enrolled 124 patients [20 Crohn's disease (CD), 27 ulcerative colitis (UC), 28 AS, 17 IBD + AS and 32 controls). Intestinal microbiota analysis was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction in stool samples. RESULTS The total quantity of bacteria was decreased in all investigated groups compared to the control group. In studied groups, we noticed an increased percentage of Bacteroides and Escherichia coli (E.coli) and a decreased percentage of Clostridium coccoides, Clostridium leptum, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii compared to the control group. The percentages of Bifidobacterium (p=0.010) as well as Lactobacillus group (p=0.023) were higher in the L3 form of CD patients. In the E2 form of UC, the quantity of Bacteroides was much higher compared to the E3 form (p=0.004). In AS patients, significant correlations were observed only for the Bifidobacterium species, significantly increased in the axial form compared to peripheral disease (p=0.035). Statistically significant correlations were demonstrated between the Crohn Disease Activity Index score and the total bacterial group (p=0.023, r=-0.507), respectively Bacteroides (p=0.021, r=-0.511) and between the Mayo score and Lactobacillus (p=0.001), respectively E. coli (p=0.001). In IBD + AS group, the Crohn Disease Activity Index score was inversely correlated with the total bacterial group (p=0.010) and directly correlated with Lactobacillus (p=0.047). CONCLUSIONS Intestinal dysbiosis is associated with both IBD and AS. In the association of IBD with AS, dysbiosis is intermediate, but it is associated with the more severe articular disease. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus (commonly used as probiotics! ) were found to be increased in the association between active IBD and active AS. Further studies are needed to understand how dysbiosis regulates the gut immune system and contributes to intestinal and articular inflammation.
Racial Disparities in Readmissions Following Initial Hospitalization for Sepsis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether Black race is associated with a higher rate of all-cause readmission compared with White race following community-onset sepsis. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: One-thousand three-hundred bed urban academic medical centers. PATIENTS: Three-thousand three-hundred ninety patients hospitalized with community-onset sepsis between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2017. INTERVENTIONS: Community-onset sepsis was defined as patients admitted through the emergency department with an International Classification of Disease, ninth revision, Clinical Modification code for either severe sepsis (995.92) or septic shock (785.52). Beginning in 2015, we used International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes R65.20 (severe sepsis) and R65.21 (septic shock). We excluded those individuals hospitalized at another acute care facility that were transferred to our facility. Race was abstracted electronically, and patients who expired or self-identified as a race other than Black or White race were excluded. Patients who experienced a subsequent hospitalization at our facility were considered to be readmitted. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Compared with White race, Black race demonstrated a significantly higher rate of all-cause readmission (60.8% vs 71.1%; p < 0.001), including a higher rate of readmission for sepsis (14.0% vs 19.8%; p < 0.001). Black patients also resided in zip codes with a lower median household income and were more likely to use public insurance compared with White race. Similar rates of comorbid diseases and disease burden were observed between the two groups, but vasopressors were less likely to be administered to Black patients. Multivariable analysis showed that Black race was associated with a 50% increased odds (odds ratio, 1.52, 99% CI, 1.25–1.84) in all-cause readmission risk compared with White race. CONCLUSIONS: Black race was associated with a higher rate of all-cause and sepsis readmission, possibly as a result of unaddressed health disparities, compared with White race. Programs addressing healthcare disparities should use readmission as another marker of equity.
Mandatory First Impressions: Happy Expressions Increase Trustworthiness Ratings of Subsequent Neutral Images

First impressions of traits are formed rapidly and nonconsciously, suggesting an automatic process. We examined whether first impressions of trustworthiness are mandatory, another component of automaticity in face processing. In Experiment 1a, participants rated faces displaying subtle happy, subtle angry, and neutral expressions on trustworthiness. Happy faces were rated as more trustworthy than neutral faces; angry faces were rated as less trustworthy. In Experiment 1b, participants learned eight identities, half showing subtle happy and half showing subtle angry expressions. They then rated neutral images of these same identities (plus four novel neutral faces) on trustworthiness. Multilevel modeling analyses showed that identities previously shown with subtle expressions of happiness were rated as more trustworthy than novel identities. There was no effect of previously seen subtle angry expressions on ratings of trustworthiness. Mandatory first impressions based on subtle facial expressions were also reflected in two ratings designed to assess real-world outcomes. Participants indicated that they were more likely to vote for identities that had posed happy expressions and more likely to loan them money. These findings demonstrate that first impressions of trustworthiness based on previously seen subtle happy, but not angry, expressions are mandatory and are likely to have behavioral consequences.
Long-Term Benzodiazepine Prescription During Maintenance Therapy of Individuals With Psychosis Spectrum Disorders—Associations With Cognition and Global Functioning

Background Cognitive difficulties have a significant impact on life functioning and overall well-being in patients with psychosis spectrum disorders (PSDs). There are indications that continuous use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) in various patient groups has a detrimental effect on cognition. Our aim was to explore the association between long-term BZD prescription, global functioning, and cognitive functioning in persons with PSD. Methods This exploratory study included 55 PSD patients, recruited from 2 outpatient services in Serbia. Patients were grouped into BZD long-term prescription group and BZD-other group. Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale was used for symptom assessment, functioning was measured by Global Assessment and Functioning Scale, and cognition was assessed by the Global Assessment of Functioning–Cognition in Schizophrenia Scale. Results The sample comprised 52.7% patients who were prescribed with BZD for 6 months or more continually (29/55), with a mean daily dose of 3.16 ± 0.66 mg lorazepam equivalents. There were no differences between study groups in any of the sociodemographic characteristics, duration of illness, or antipsychotic daily dosages. The BZD long-term prescription group had lower global (P < 0.01) and cognitive functioning (P < 0.01), higher Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores (1.86 vs 1.58, respectively, P < 0.01), and more psychotropic drugs prescribed on a daily basis than the other group (median: 4 vs 2, respectively, P < 0.01). Conclusions The study explored a topic that continues to be underresearched, especially in the Balkans. Prospective studies and comprehensive cognitive batteries are needed to further elucidate the associations between polypharmacy, long-term BZD use, cognitive functioning, and global functioning during maintenance therapy of individuals with PSD.
Impact of load expectations on neuromuscular and postural strategies during a freestyle lifting task in individuals with and without chronic low back pain

Objective This study aimed to investigate how load expectations modulate neuromuscular and postural strategies in the anticipation of a freestyle lifting task with varying expected loads in individuals with and without chronic low back pain (cLBP). Methods Forty-seven participants, 28 with cLBP pain and 19 without, were recruited and completed a series of freestyle lifting trials (3 sets of box lifted for a total of 36 lifts). Verbal cues were used to modulate their expectations about the boxes’ weight: no expectation, lighter or heavier load expectations. Following each set, participants rated their perceived exertion on a visual analog scale. During the lifting protocol, kinematics (time to maximal flexion, angular velocity and joint angles), electromyography muscle activity (erector spinae and quadriceps) and center of pressure displacement were simultaneously recorded. Results Results showed that time to maximal knee flexion was modulated by load expectations in both groups (mean lighter load expectations = 1.15 ± 0.32 sec.; mean heavier load expectations = 1.06 ± 0.31 sec.). Results also showed a load expectations X group interaction for that time to maximal hip and lumbar flexion. Time to maximal hip flexion decreased with heavier load expectations (mean lighter load expectations = 1.20 ± 0.36; mean heavier load expectations = 1.16 ± 0.33) for cLBP only. Time to maximal lumbar flexion increased with heavier load expectation (mean lighter load expectations = 1.41 ± 0.27 sec.; mean lighter load expectations = 1.46 ± 0.29 sec.) for participants without LBP. However, no difference in lumbar, hip nor knee angles were observed between groups or conditions. Results highlighted significant load expectation effects for erector spinae electromyography activity, as lower muscle activations was observed for both groups with heavier load expectations (mean = 0.32 ± 0.15), compared to lighter load expectations (mean = 0.52 ± 0.27). Force plates analyses did not reveal any significant load expectation effects. Conclusion Present findings showed that load expectations modulate movement strategies and muscle activation similarly but not identically in individuals with chronic low back pain and healthy adults during freestyle lifting. Results of the present study partially differ from previous studies and suggest only minor differences in lifting strategies between healthy individuals and individuals with cLBP experiencing low level of pain and disability. More studies are needed to investigate the potential role of load expectations in the development and persistence of chronic low back pain.
Mass Transfer, Adsorption and Kinetics of the Photo-catalytic Degradation Reaction of the Dye Reactive Orange 16 on TiO2 Aqueous Suspension

Abstract Laboratory research in the photo-catalytic degradation of dyes in aqueous slurry of TiO2 under UV light radiation has been shown to be potentially applicable in the treatment of wastewater effluents from textile plants. Therefore, reliable kinetic data that are free from mass transfer limitations are required for the design and scale-up of the photo reactor. In this study, batch experiments were designed to measure the mass transfer coefficient, adsorption equilibrium constant and chemical reaction rate constant for the dye reactive orange 16. The mass transfer coefficient was determined for mixing speeds of 240 - 660 rpm with corresponding values of 3.0x10-5 to 2.8 x10-4 1/s, respectively. The mass transfer coefficient became constant for mixing speeds at or greater than 600 rpm. The adsorption equilibrium constant was determined using the Langmuir Isotherm model, and a value of 1.09x10-4 l/mg was determined. The integrated form of the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model was used to describe the photo-oxidation kinetics. The rate constant was determined at different UV light intensities of 8.8 - 26.4 mW/cm2 and the corresponding values were 146.38 - 381.20 mg/l.min, respectively. The relation between the rate constant and UV light intensity can be described by the formula: 1/kr=a/I^0.5 +b .
Axon–glia interactions in the ascending auditory system

The auditory system detects and encodes sound information with high precision to provide a high‐fidelity representation of the environment and communication. In mammals, detection occurs in the peripheral sensory organ (the cochlea) containing specialized mechanosensory cells (hair cells) that initiate the conversion of sound‐generated vibrations into action potentials in the auditory nerve. Neural activity in the auditory nerve encodes information regarding the intensity and frequency of sound stimuli, which is transmitted to the auditory cortex through the ascending neural pathways. Glial cells are critical for precise control of neural conduction and synaptic transmission throughout the pathway, allowing for the precise detection of the timing, frequency, and intensity of sound signals, including the sub‐millisecond temporal fidelity is necessary for tasks such as sound localization, and in humans, for processing complex sounds including speech and music. In this review, we focus on glia and glia‐like cells that interact with hair cells and neurons in the ascending auditory pathway and contribute to the development, maintenance, and modulation of neural circuits and transmission in the auditory system. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms of these interactions, their impact on hearing and on auditory dysfunction associated with pathologies of each cell type.
Human movement and gully erosion: Investigating feedback mechanisms using Frequency Ratio and Least Cost Path analysis in Tigray, Ethiopia

The cost of human movement, whether expressed in time, effort, or distance, is a function of natural and human related variables. At the same time, human movement itself, whether on land, air or sea, causes environmental cost. We are looking into the long-term environmental relationship of this interplay. Gullies—linear landforms, which dissect the landscape—are considered to be a cost for human movement, as they can form unpassable barriers destroying present path networks. On the other hand, human movement creates pathways, which flatten the surface and decrease the water permeability potential. This process results in runoff generation and possibly gully erosion. Accordingly, the spatial relationship between pathways and gullies is investigated. In the Tigray region of the Northern Ethiopian Highlands, gullies and pathways were mapped using remote sensing data. Frequency Ratio was used for assessing pathways as a variable affecting the location of gullies while Least Cost Paths were tested to evaluate the possible constraining impact gullies have on mobility. Based on these results, it is concluded that a positive feedback exists between the cost of human movement and gully erosion. We further discuss possible effects gullies may have had on trade, territory, and political affairs in Tigray. Consequently, we suggest that movement cost and gullying may not only hold strictly environmental or movement-related implications, but also socio-cultural ones.
Researchers Investigate What COVID-19 Does to the Heart.

The first sign of heart damage was in their blood. In early case reports from Wuhan, China, where the novel coronavirus emerged, an unexpected number of patients hospitalized with the respiratory infection had elevated levels of cardiac troponin, a marker of myocardial— heart muscle—injury. Next came the echocardiograms suggesting functional abnormalities in many patients’ hearts. Soon it was obvious that myocardial injury heralded poor prognosis for patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). “It was quite clear that people that came into the hospital sick that had heart injury were the ones that were at greatest risk of requiring mechanical ventilation and, ultimately, at the greatest risk of dying,” said Aaron Baggish, MD, director of the cardiovascular performance program at Massachusetts General Hospital. It wasn’t surprising that patients with preexisting cardiovascular issues—prior heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension—were more likely to fare poorly, based on other respiratory illnesses. But so were those without a history of heart problems who had elevated troponin levels. Physicians and scientists wondered then, as now: How common is heart injury across the spectrum of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) infection, from asymptomatic cases to critical disease? Researchers are also working to explain the cardiac damage, with recent attention shifting from viral myocarditis to systemic inflammation. But experts said that the most important question is the clinical one: What will COVID-19–associated heart injury mean, over the short-term and longterm, for the tens of millions of people around the world infected with the virus?
Flow Properties of Low‐Pulp Concentrated Orange Juice: Effect of Temperature and Concentration

Three 65° Brix low-pulp concentrated orange juice (COJ) samples, between −19 and 30°C were shear-thinning (pseudoplastic) fluids with negligible magnitudes of yield stress. The simple power law model fit welt the shear rate-shear stress data. For one sample, the Powell-Eyring model also described the data well. The Arrhenius model described the effect of temperature on the apparent viscosity and the consistency index of the power law model. The activation energy of flow (Ea) was 10.7 ± 0.2 kcal/g mole. The models of Harper and El Sahrigi and Christiansen and Craig were suitable for describing the combined effect of temperature and shear rate. The magnitude of Ea decreased with decrease in concentration. Apparent viscosity and K increased exponeitially with concentration.
Circulating Non-Esterified Fatty Acids as Biomarkers for Fat Content and Composition in Pigs

Simple Summary Circulating non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) may be valuable as biomarkers for intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition, as well as for other meat quality traits, in finishing heavy Duroc pigs. However, circulating NEFA composition may be affected by other factors such as age, fasting duration, and genetic variants related with adipogenesis and fatty acid metabolism pathways (e.g., SCD and LEPR). This study revealed that the circulating NEFA composition, especially the oleic acid content, reflects the metabolic status of an animal at a given time but has limited value as biomarker of intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition. Abstract Circulating non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) can reflect the composition of dietary fat or adipose tissues depending on the fasting conditions. Therefore, circulating NEFA may be valuable as biomarkers for meat quality traits, such as intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition in finishing pigs. Genetic variants that regulate lipid metabolism can also modulate the circulating NEFA. We conducted an experiment with 150 heavy Duroc pigs to evaluate fluctuations in the circulating NEFA composition due to age, fasting duration and two genetic polymorphisms, one in the leptin receptor (LEPR; rs709596309) and one in the stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD; rs80912566) gene. Circulating NEFA were more saturated and less monounsaturated than the subcutaneous and intramuscular adipose tissues. Absolute circulating NEFA content was more influenced by fasting duration than age. The SCD polymorphism did not impact NEFA content or composition. The LEPR polymorphism affected the content but not the fatty acid composition. Circulating oleic acid NEFA content after a short fasting was positively correlated with intramuscular fat content and, after a long fasting, with intramuscular oleic acid content. We conclude that circulating NEFA reflect environmental and genetic metabolic changes but are of limited value as biomarkers for intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition.
Sertoli Cells Only Syndrome - Case Report

Exclusive Sertoli Cell Syndrome (ESCS) is a rare condition that has male infertility as its main consequence. It is one of the most serious forms of non-obstructive azoospermia, with a poor reproductive prognosis. In some cases, however, such as the type II of the syndrome, sperm can be recovered through testicular puncture and subsequent ICSI, with a 13% success rate. This article aims to report the case of an azoospermic 35-year-old patient, with no other significant changes in complementary exams. After percutaneous puncture of the epididymis and biopsy with no sperm, we diagnosed ESCS, and indicated IVF with donor semen.
The mop1 mutation affects the recombination landscape in maize

Significance Meiotic recombination is regulated by both genetic and epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation. In maize, we found that the mop1 mutation removes CHH (where H = A, T, or C) methylation that is immediately adjacent to sites of frequent recombination in both chromosomal arms and pericentromeric regions. We further found that the mop1 mutation increased meiotic recombination frequencies in chromosomal arms but decreased them in pericentromeric regions. Our data demonstrate that although CHH methylation is present at a much lower level than CG and CHG methylation, it has a substantial effect on recombination frequencies, suggesting an important role for RNA-directed DNA methylation in meiotic recombination in maize. Meiotic recombination is a fundamental process that generates genetic diversity and ensures the accurate segregation of homologous chromosomes. While a great deal is known about genetic factors that regulate recombination, relatively little is known about epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation. In maize, we examined the effects on meiotic recombination of a mutation in a component of the RNA-directed DNA methylation pathway, Mop1 (Mediator of paramutation1), as well as a mutation in a component of the trans-acting small interference RNA biogenesis pathway, Lbl1 (Leafbladeless1). MOP1 is of particular interest with respect to recombination because it is responsible for methylation of transposable elements that are immediately adjacent to transcriptionally active genes. In the mop1 mutant, we found that meiotic recombination is uniformly decreased in pericentromeric regions but is generally increased in gene rich chromosomal arms. This observation was further confirmed by cytogenetic analysis showing that although overall crossover numbers are unchanged, they occur more frequently in chromosomal arms in mop1 mutants. Using whole genome bisulfite sequencing, our data show that crossover redistribution is driven by loss of CHH (where H = A, T, or C) methylation within regions near genes. In contrast to what we observed in mop1 mutants, no significant changes were observed in the frequency of meiotic recombination in lbl1 mutants. Our data demonstrate that CHH methylation has a significant impact on the overall recombination landscape in maize despite its low frequency relative to CG and CHG methylation.
Cardio‐microcurrent device for chronic heart failure: first‐in‐human clinical study

Most devices for treating ambulatory Class II and III heart failure are linked to electrical pulses. However, a steady electric potential gradient is also necessary for appropriate myocardial performance and may be disturbed by structural heart diseases. We investigated whether chronic application of electrical microcurrent to the heart is feasible and safe and improves cardiac performance. The results of this study should provide guidance for the design of a two‐arm, randomized, controlled Phase II trial.