Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparison of late mortality among survivors of childhood cancer in the United States and United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND It is unclear whether late effect risks among childhood cancer survivors vary internationally. We compared late mortality in the North American Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) and British Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (BCCSS). METHODS Late mortality was assessed among 49,822 5-year survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed before 15 years of age from 1970-1999 (CCSS n = 31,596; BCCSS n = 18,226) using cumulative mortality probabilities and adjusted ratios of the standardized mortality ratio (RSMR). RESULTS The all-cause cumulative mortality probability at 10 years from diagnosis was statistically significantly lower in the CCSS (4.7%; 95%CI= 4.5%-5.0%) compared to the BCCSS (6.9%; 95%CI= 6.5%-7.2%), attributable to a lower probability of death from recurrence/progression of the primary cancer, with statistically significant differences observed in survivors of leukemia, lymphoma, central nervous system tumors, and sarcoma. However, at 40 years from diagnosis the CCSS had a greater cumulative mortality probability (22.3% vs. 19.3%), attributable to a 2-fold higher risk of mortality from subsequent malignant neoplasms, cardiac and respiratory diseases, and other health-related causes. Differences increased when assessed by follow-up interval, with the CCSS faring worse as time since diagnosis increased. Finally, the gap in all-cause mortality widened more recently, with CCSS survivors diagnosed in 1990-1999 experiencing half the excess deaths observed in the BCCSS (RSMR=0.5; 95%CI= 0.5-0.6). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that US survivors may have received more intensive regimens to achieve sustainable remission and cure, but the cost of this approach was a higher risk of death from late effects. While the clinical impact of these differences is unclear, our results provide important evidence to aid the discussion of late effects management.
Identification of novel virulence genes of Salmonella enterica using an Array Based Analysis of Cistrons Under Selection

Identification of Novel Virulence Genes of Salmonella enterica Using an Array Based Analysis of Cistrons Under Selection. (May 2010) Mollie Megan Reynolds, B.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Helene Andrews-Polymenis Pools of mutants of minimal complexity but maximal coverage of genes of interest facilitate screening for genes under selection in a particular environment. Prior to this work, mutants were generated by random transposon insertions, which yielded highly complex pools for in vivo studies. Recent advances in polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based mutagenesis in bacteria using the lambda red recombinase, as well as whole genome sequencing, enable a more directed approach for the generation of mutants. The lambda red approach was used to construct individual mutants in 1,023 Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium genes, including almost all genes found in Salmonella, but not in related genera. All the mutations were confirmed simultaneously using a novel amplification strategy to produce labeled ribonucleic acid (RNA) from a T7 RNA polymerase promoter, introduced during the construction of each mutant, followed by hybridization of this labeled RNA to a Typhimurium genome tiling array. To demonstrate the ability to identify fitness phenotypes using our pool of mutants, the pool was subjected to selection by intraperitoneal injection into BALB/c (Bagg Albino) mice and was recovered from the spleen. Changes in the representation of each mutant
The Predictive Role of Executive Functions and Psychological Factors on Chronic Pain after Orthopaedic Surgery: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Prevention and treatment of chronic post-surgical pain should be based on the early identification of patients at risk. The presence of a deficit in executive functions, along with the presence of psychological risk factors, could impair the use of appropriate pain coping strategies and might facilitate the transition to chronic post-surgical pain. A longitudinal cohort study was implemented. Patients listed for orthopaedic surgery were enrolled. Variables measured before surgery were pain intensity, the sensory, affective, cognitive and mixed components of pain, state and trait variables associated with the psychological status of the patient, fear of movement, pain catastrophizing, visual attention and cognitive flexibility. Pain intensity and the components of pain were re-evaluated after surgery and after three months. A linear mixed model was used to assess the predictors of pain intensity, and a multivariate linear mixed model was used to assess the predictors of the pain components. 167 patients were enrolled. Controlling for sex, age, pain duration and surgical procedure, catastrophizing and visual attention were predictors of pain intensity at follow-up. The sensory component of pain was predicted by state anxiety, healthcare-related fears, pain catastrophizing and visual attention. Anxiety and catastrophizing were predictors of the affective and evaluative components of pain. The mixed component of pain was predicted by state anxiety, healthcare-related fears and pain catastrophizing. Executive functions, along with psychological risk factors, shape the course of post-surgical pain. The efficacy of preventive and rehabilitation treatment could be possibly enhanced if these factors are treated.
Harvesting Multiple Stocks of Ducks

This study was conducted to help assess whether recent harvest rates of ducks banded before the hunting season in the United States varied among stocks (i.e., species, age-sex cohort, location of banding) and whether regulatory actions have been successful at shifting harvest pressure among stocks in the desired manner. Direct recovery rates during 1976-91 were used to index harvest rates and were influenced to some degree by location of banding, age class, sex, species, and hunting regulations. However, differences in recovery probability among species were consistent (P = 0.787) over 3 periods with different hunting regulations (1976-84, 1985-87, 1988-91), despite regulatory changes designed to affect species differentially. Band-recovery models that excluded the interaction between hunting regulations and sex of ducks were inadequate (P ≤ 0.013), suggesting sex-specific changes in recovery probabilites with changes in regulations. There was little evidence (P ≤ 0.151) that regulatory changes affected recovery rates of ducks from 3 banding reference areas differentially. Harvesting duck stocks in an optimal manner requires an ability to harvest selectively, a good understanding of each stock's dynamics, and knowledge of any interdependence in stock sizes.
Spermine: new insights into the intestinal development and serum antioxidant status of suckling piglets

The present work aimed at investigating the effects of spermine supplementation and extended spermine administration on the intestinal morphology, enzyme activity, and serum antioxidant capacity of suckling piglets. Eighty piglets were randomly assigned to two groups, i.e., those with adequate nutrient intake supplemented with spermine (0.4 mmol kg−1 body weight) or those with restricted nutrient intake supplemented with saline. The piglets were fed in pairs for 7 h or 3, 6, or 9 days. The results of analysis are as follows: (1) the villus height, villus width, villus : crypt ratio, and villus surface area in the jejunum of spermine-treated piglets significantly increased by 17.39%, 21.56%, 45.22%, and 45.45%, respectively, compared with those of the control. The specific activities of sucrase, maltase, and diamine oxidase in this organ also significantly increased by 34.55%, 12.77%, and 10.00%, respectively, but lactase activity decreased by 22.56% (spermine group vs. the control group). Extended spermine administration significantly increased jejunal development. (2) Compared with those of the control group, the ileum of the piglets in the spermine group showed significant increases in villus height, villus width, villus : crypt ratio, and villus surface area of 25.64%, 21.61%, 61.05%, and 52.94%, respectively. The specific activities of sucrase, alkaline phosphatase, and diamine oxidase in this organ significantly increased by 24.36%, 5.56%, and 20.23%, respectively, but lactase activity decreased by 39.08%. Extended spermine administration also significantly enhanced ileal development. (3) Compared with the control piglets, spermine promoted increases in catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and anti-superoxide anion (ASA) activities and glutathione (GSH) content (by 23.19%, 30.63%, 5.64%, 10.31%, and 33.70%, respectively, P < 0.05), as well as decreases in malondialdehyde (MDA) activity (by 23.01%; P < 0.05) in piglet serum. Extended spermine administration significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity of serum. Collectively, these results suggest that spermine ingestion and extended spermine supplementation can accelerate gut maturation and enhance the antioxidant status of piglets.
Functional Connectivity During Smooth Pursuit Eye Movements.

Smooth pursuit eye movements (SPEM) hold the image of a slowly moving stimulus on the fovea. The neural system underlying SPEM primarily includes visual, parietal and frontal areas. In the present study, we investigated how these areas are functionally coupled and how these couplings are influenced by target motion frequency. To this end, healthy participants (N=57) were instructed to follow a sinusoidal target stimulus moving horizontally at two different frequencies (0.2 Hz, 0.4 Hz). Eye movements and BOLD activity were recorded simultaneously. Functional connectivity of the key areas of the SPEM network was investigated using a Psychophysiological Interaction (PPI) approach. It was analyzed how activity in five eye movement related seed regions (lateral geniculate nucleus, V1, V5, posterior parietal cortex, frontal eye fields) relates to activity in other parts of the brain during SPEM. The behavioral results showed clear deterioration of SPEM performance at higher target frequency. BOLD activity during SPEM vs. fixation occurred in a geniculo-occipito-parieto-frontal network, replicating previous findings. PPI analysis yielded wide-spread, partially overlapping networks. Especially frontal eye fields and posterior parietal cortex showed task-dependent connectivity to large parts of the entire cortex, while other seed regions demonstrated more regionally focused connectivity. Higher target frequency was associated with stronger activations in visual areas but had no effect on functional connectivity. In summary, the results confirm and extend previous knowledge regarding the neural mechanisms underlying SPEM and provide a valuable basis for further investigations such as in patients with SPEM impairments and known alterations in brain connectivity.
Acute Kidney Injury in COVID-19 Patients: An Inner City Hospital Experience and Policy Implications

Background: Although diffuse alveolar damage and respiratory failure are the key features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the involvement of other organs such as the kidney has also been reported. The reports of the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in COVID-19 patients vary widely. In this study, we report our unique experience with AKI in COVID-19 patients in a low socioeconomic and predominantly ethnic minority group and provide its incidence, risk factors, and prognosis to expand the current understanding of this complication. Methods: In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the data of 469 COVID-19 patients admitted to the Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, from March 18 through April 23, 2020. Information regarding demographics, comorbidities, medications, clinical and laboratory data, and outcomes was collected from the electronic medical records. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association of AKI with in-hospital mortality. Results: The median age was 66 years (interquartile range [IQR] 25–75; range 19–101 years), and 268 (57.14%) patients were male. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as determined by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Equation was low (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2) in 207 (44.1%) patients. During hospitalization, 128 (27.3%) patients developed AKI, and the incidence was significantly higher in those patients presenting with a low eGFR (N = 81, 39.1%; p < 0.001). Male sex, hypertension, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, hemodynamic instability, mechanical ventilation, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and admission elevated ferritin, creatinine kinase, brain natriuretic peptide, and troponin 1 were identified as the risk factors for in-hospital AKI. Ninety-seven (28.45%) patients died in the non-AKI group versus 91 (71.1%) in the AKI group (p < 0.001). The Cox proportional hazard model after adjusting for age, gender, comorbidities, hemodynamic status, and PF ratio (arterial oxygen partial pressure [PaO2]/fractional inspired oxygen [FiO2]) determined that on admission, an elevated blood urea nitrogen (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–2.48), a low eGFR (HR 1.43; CI 1.1–2.03), AKI stage 1 (HR 1.14; CI 0.64–2.03), AKI stage 2 (HR 1.86; CI 1.03–3.56), and AKI stage 3 (HR 2.1; CI 1.3–2.81) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) did not improve survival in stage III AKI. Conclusion: AKI in our hospitalized COVID-19 patients was common and carried a high mortality, especially in patients with AKI stage 3. RRT did not improve survival. Policy changes and planning for this high incidence of AKI in COVID-19 patients and its associated high mortality are necessary at the local and national levels.
Assessing the potential of improving growth and survival to the eyed stage in selectively bred Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus)

Abstract The Arctic charr breeding programme has been a main driving force for developing the aquaculture industry in Sweden. Selection has been performed for almost 40 years using animals from a closed breeding nucleus. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the potential of further improving growth‐related traits taking into account the existence of genotype‐by‐environment interaction. Furthermore, we investigated the magnitude of the genetic component associated with survival to the eyed stage and potential associations with inbreeding coefficients. A preliminary heritability estimate of 0.23 (SE 0.20) was obtained for survival to the eyed stage using records spanning from 2000 to 2017 (n = 230). Moreover, moderate‐to‐high heritability estimates (0.27–0.49) were obtained for growth‐related traits (body weight and length), using animals from the latest generation of selection (year class 2017). Those animals (n = 2,776), originating from 55 full‐sib families, were split into two groups and reared in separate land‐based facilities of commercial fish farms in Sweden. The growth‐related traits were recorded twice in both sites when animals were of >1 and >2 years of age. Existence of sexual growth dimorphism was indicated with the males having on average 6%–8% higher total length and 22%–34% higher body weight. Furthermore, high genetic correlations regarding growth traits were obtained amongst animals reared at the two different sites (0.82–0.95). In addition, we assessed the accuracy of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP)‐derived estimated breeding values (EBVs) when phenotypes from each rearing site were subsequently masked and used as a validation set. A mean prediction accuracy of 0.60 (length) and 0.64 (weight) were derived for both rearing sites. Overall, our results suggest that further growth improvements should be possible in the subsequent generations of selection. Finally, even though indications for the existence of an underlying genetic component(s) involved in survival to the eyed stage were obtained additional data will be required for elucidating its magnitude.
Humans’ pupillary contagion extends to cats and dogs

Abstract When viewing pupil sizes change, our own pupil sizes change, a phenomenon known as pupillary contagion. This involuntary response is reliable between humans but can be affected by familiarity and empathy. We investigated whether the pupillary contagion response occurs for humans viewing familiar species—cats and dogs—and whether it is modulated by preferences for particular species. Pupil sizes were measured while viewing cat, dog and human images with small, medium and large pupils. Trait empathy, cat and dog affiliation and experience were subsequently measured. There was an image pupil size effect, but this did not vary by species. There was greater pupil size change to cats and dogs than to humans, but this might have been due to the varying size and appearance of the cats and dogs. Greater dog affiliation was also associated with smaller overall pupil size change to dogs and larger change to humans, but this did not interact with image pupil size. Dog affiliation might be associated with less arousal to dog images. In sum, pupillary contagion responses indicate a spontaneous transfer of information about internal states and the findings suggest that humans are sensitive to this across species, regardless of individual preference.
Changes in vitamin D status considering hemodilution factors in Japanese pregnant women according to trimester: A longitudinal survey

Objectives There have been no longitudinal surveys on the changes in 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] while considering hemodilution factors among pregnant Japanese women. Therefore, we examined 25(OH)D levels as well as red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and Hematocrit (Hct) at the three trimesters among pregnant Japanese women to determine the distribution of serum 25(OH)D levels and the influence of hemodilution. Design This was a longitudinal study. Setting The study was conducted at Ibaraki Seinan Medical Center Hospital in Japan. Participants The participants comprised 50 women in the first trimester with singleton pregnancies and without any complications. Outcome measures Participants were recruited from June to August 2018, and followed up till their postpartum period. Blood samples were collected at the first, second, and third trimesters, i.e., at 4–15, 16–27, and 28–39 weeks, respectively. 25(OH)D levels, RBC, Hb, and Hct were analyzed across the three trimesters. Results Comparing the first, second, and third trimesters, 25(OH)D, RBC, and Hb were significantly declined in the second and third trimesters (p < 0.001). According to Spearman’s correlation coefficient with 25(OH)D and RCB, Hb, Hct, significant correlations were found between 25(OH)D and Hb (p < 0.001), as well as Hct (p < 0.001) in the third trimester. Conclusions The present study had two major findings. First, it showed that the vitamin D status of most pregnant Japanese women were considered as vitamin D deficient. Second, the maternal serum 25(OH)D levels, RBC, Hb, and Hct of the pregnant women declined in the second and third trimesters. Thus we propose to have routine screening of vitamin D status of pregnant women, especially in the second trimester.
Expression of laminin‐5 gamma 2 chain predicts invasion of extramammary Paget’s disease cell

Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is a rare malignant skin neoplasm characterized by intraepidermal proliferation of tumor cells. The tumor cells of EMPD may sometimes invade into the dermis or metastasize into the regional lymph nodes. Several studies have proposed mechanisms underlying the increased invasiveness of EMPD; however, molecular markers indicating invasiveness have yet to be well characterized. Laminin‐5 (Lam‐5), a heterotrimer composed of three chains (α3, β3, and γ2), is a major component of the basement membrane in many tissues. One of the chains, Lam‐5 γ2, is a marker of invasion, because it often develops as a monomer in malignant neoplasms. We investigated the expression of Lam‐5 γ2 and its role for the invasiveness in EMPD. Paraffin‐embedded specimens of EMPD obtained from 36 patients were examined immunohistochemically for Lam‐5 γ2. The cases adopted into this study comprised 16 cases of intraepidermal lesions and 20 cases with dermal invasion. The basement membrane seen in normal skin disappeared in one‐third of non‐invasive cases and in most invasive cases. The disappearance of Lam‐5 γ2 in the basement membrane and its cytoplasmic expression was more observed in the invasive cases than non‐invasive cases. Expression of Lam‐5 γ2 may be a biological marker to predict invasiveness of EMPD.
The C4 protein encoded by tomato leaf curl Yunnan virus reverses transcriptional gene silencing by interacting with NbDRM2 and impairing its DNA-binding ability

In plants, cytosine DNA methylation is an efficient defense mechanism against geminiviruses, since methylation of the viral genome results in transcriptional gene silencing (TGS). As a counter-defense mechanism, geminiviruses encode viral proteins to suppress viral DNA methylation and TGS. However, the molecular mechanisms by which viral proteins contribute to TGS suppression remain incompletely understood. In this study, we found that the C4 protein encoded by tomato leaf curl Yunnan virus (TLCYnV) suppresses methylation of the viral genome through interacting with and impairing the DNA-binding ability of NbDRM2, a pivotal DNA methyltransferase in the methyl cycle. We show that NbDRM2 catalyzes the addition of methyl groups on specific cytosine sites of the viral genome, hence playing an important role in anti-viral defense. Underscoring the relevance of the C4-mediated suppression of NbDRM2 activity, plants infected by TLCYnV producing C4(S43A), a point mutant version of C4 unable to interact with NbDRM2, display milder symptoms and lower virus accumulation, concomitant with enhanced viral DNA methylation, than plants infected by wild-type TLCYnV. Expression of TLCYnV C4, but not of the NbDRM2-interaction compromised C4(S43A) mutant, in 16c-TGS Nicotiana benthamiana plants results in the recovery of GFP, a proxy for suppression of TGS. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which geminiviruses suppress TGS, and uncovers a new viral strategy based on the inactivation of the methyltransferase NbDRM2.
Improved oral delivery of quercetin with hyaluronic acid containing niosomes as a promising formulation

Abstract Quercetin, a substance from nature has various biological effects; while, some challenges like low solubility in water and absorption, and high first-pass metabolism hindered its clinical efficiencies. So, various strategies using novel nanocarriers have been designed to overcome these obstacles. This study aimed to fabricate the polymeric niosomes by incorporating hyaluronic acid to deliver quercetin. After preparation, quercetin entrapped niosomes were investigated in terms of size, zeta potential, quercetin entrapment, CTAB turbidimetric assay, AFM, TEM, differential scanning Calorimetry, X-Ray diffraction, DPPH antioxidant determination, and in vivo anti-inflammatory analysis. The analysis of the results exhibited that size of niosomes containing quercetin and hyaluronic acid was 231.07 ± 8.39 nm with a zeta potential of −34.00 ± 0.95 mV. Moreover, quercetin entrapment efficiency and loading were 94.67 ± 1.62% and 1.65 ± 0.37%, respectively. TEM and AFM showed that polymeric niosomes were spheres. The release data presented that the Higuchi model was the best-fitted model. DPPH antioxidant determination displayed that 80 µl of polymeric niosomes with 7.46 × 10−8 mol of quercetin had a remarkable antioxidant potency. According to the in vivo oedema evaluation, the potency of polymeric formulations was superior to the simple suspension of quercetin to control inflammation in rats by oral administration.