Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COVID-19–related perceptions, context and attitudes of adults with chronic conditions: Results from a cross-sectional survey nested in the ComPaRe e-cohort

Background To avoid a surge of demand on the healthcare system due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we must reduce transmission to individuals with chronic conditions who are at risk of severe illness with COVID-19. We aimed at understanding the perceptions, context and attitudes of individuals with chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic to clarify their potential risk of infection. Methods A cross-sectional survey was nested in ComPaRe, an e-cohort of adults with chronic conditions, in France. It assessed participants’ perception of their risk of severe illness with COVID-19; their context (i.e., work, household, contacts with external people); and their attitudes in situations involving frequent or occasional contacts with symptomatic or asymptomatic people. Data were collected from March 23 to April 2, 2020, during the lockdown in France. Analyses were weighted to represent the demographic characteristics of French patients with chronic conditions. The subgroup of participants at high risk according to the recommendations of the French High Council for Public Health was examined. Results Among the 7169 recruited participants, 63% patients felt at risk because of severe illness. About one quarter (23.7%) were at risk of infection because they worked outside home, had a household member working outside home or had regular visits from external contacts. Less than 20% participants refused contact with symptomatic people and <20% used masks when in contact with asymptomatic people. Among patients considered at high risk according to the recommendations of the French High Council for Public Health, 20% did not feel at risk, which led to incautious attitudes. Conclusion Individuals with chronic conditions have distorted perceptions of their risk of severe illness with COVID-19. In addition, they are exposed to COVID-19 due to their context or attitudes.
miR-26a mediates LC-PUFA biosynthesis by targeting the Lxrα–Srebp1 pathway in the marine teleost Siganus canaliculatus

MicroRNAs have been recently shown to be important regulators of lipid metabolism. However, the mechanisms of microRNA-mediated regulation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) biosynthesis in vertebrates remain largely unknown. Herein, we for the first time addressed the role of miR-26a in LC-PUFA biosynthesis in the marine rabbitfish Siganus canaliculatus. The results showed that miR-26a was significantly down-regulated in liver of rabbitfish reared in brackish water and in S. canaliculatus hepatocyte line (SCHL) incubated with the LC-PUFA precursor α-linolenic acid, suggesting that miR-26a may be involved in LC-PUFA biosynthesis because of its abundance being regulated by factors affecting LC-PUFA biosynthesis. Opposite patterns were observed in the expression of liver X receptor α (lxrα) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (srebp1), as well as the LC-PUFA biosynthesis–related genes (Δ4 fads2, Δ6Δ5 fads2, and elovl5) in SCHL cells incubated with α-linolenic acid. Luciferase reporter assays revealed rabbitfish lxrα as a target of miR-26a, and overexpression of miR-26a in SCHL cells markedly reduced protein levels of Lxrα, Srebp1, and Δ6Δ5 Fads2 induced by the agonist T0901317. Moreover, increasing endogenous Lxrα by knockdown of miR-26a facilitated Srebp1 activation and concomitant increased expression of genes involved in LC-PUFA biosynthesis and consequently promoted LC-PUFA biosynthesis both in vitro and in vivo. These results indicate a critical role of miR-26a in regulating LC-PUFA biosynthesis through targeting the Lxrα–Srebp1 pathway and provide new insights into the regulatory network controlling LC-PUFA biosynthesis and accumulation in vertebrates.
Relationship of Micrococcus sp. ATCC 407 to the Status of Micrococcus freudenreichii Guillebeau1

Micrococcus sp. ATCC 407 (Micrococcus freudenreichii ATCC 407), a metabolically active organism, uses maltose, maltotriose, and maltotetraose but not glucose or other carbohydrates as carbon sources. Organic acids (e.g., succinate, lactate, acetate) and amino acids (e.g., dicarboxylic, alanine, histidine, and lysine) are used more readily than maltose and maltodextrins. The organism uses ammonia as a nitrogen source provided that the medium contains thiamine, biotin, methionine, and a suitable carbon source (e.g., succinate). In a medium containing biotin, thiamine, and methionine, glutamine or glutamic acid served as single sources of carbon and nitrogen for growth. Some characteristics of M. freudenreichii ATCC 407 are presented for consideration by the Subcommittee on Taxonomy of Staphylococci and Micrococci of the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology before any decisions are reached concerning the status of Micrococcus freudenreichii. However, on the basis of the available evidence, it is suggested that ATCC 407 should not be designated as the neotype strain of the species and that the name Micrococcus freudenreichii should be placed on the list of nomina rejicienda as a nomen dubium.
Correlation between Lingual CD36 Gene Polymorphism (AA), Eating Disorder and Obesity in Algerian Adolescents

Background: Altered lipid perception might influence obesity risk by affecting feeding behavior. The goal of the present study was to compare eating habits between adolescents with AA polymorphism of CD36 gene with their obese and lean counterparts. Methods and Findings: The study population (n=165, age=13.9 ± 1.1 years) was divided into two groups. One was composed of 65 adolescents with AA genotype of CD36 lingual gene (35 obese, 30 control), 76 adolescents with AG genotype (43 obese, 33 control) and 24 adolescents with GG genotype (5 obese, 19 control). The other was composed of 83 adolescents with obesity (z-score 2.67 ± 0.29, 14.01 ± 0.19 years) and 82 without obesity (z-score 0.03 ± 0.0, 13.92 ± 0.23 years). The BMI z-score, oleic acid sensitivity test and eating habits were assessed in all subjects. Adolescents with AA genotype of CD36 lingual gene had the same eating habits than adolescents with obesity without AA genotype in terms of eat-containing products consumption (meat in general, sausages and offal), French fries, milk and soda (p<0.05). We also demonstrated an opposite trend in fruits and candies intake. Eating habits of adolescents with AA-allele of CD36 gene polymorphism are similar to those of adolescents with obesity in foods containing fat, which may explain the increase in detection threshold for emulsions containing fatty acids in subjects with obesity. Conclusion: The AA genotype of the CD36 gene and the higher detection threshold for fatty acids may play a significant role in eating disorder and the development of obesity in our population of Algerian adolescents.
Schisandra chinensis ameliorates depressive‐like behaviors by regulating microbiota‐gut‐brain axis via its anti‐inflammation activity

The present study aimed to examine the antidepressant actions of the composition fractions of Schisandra chinensis using LPS‐induced mice. Animals were treated with total extracts (SCE), lignans (SCL), polysaccharides (SCPS), and essential oil (SCVO), and then subjected to behavioral tests. The forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were used as predictive animal models of antidepressant activity. Total extracts and lignans significantly decreased the duration of immobility in FST and TST. We found that treatment with SCE and SCL could significantly decrease the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines both in the periphery and central nervous system (CNS). This was confirmed by the histopathological examination of the colon. The RT‐PCR results demonstrated that SCE and SCL could greatly inhibit the TLR4/NF‐κB/IKKα signaling pathway. In addition, the concentrations of Butyric acid and Propionic acid were upregulated by the administration, and the decreased diversity of intestinal microbiota and alterations of the relative proportions of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phylum members, Barnesiella and Lactobacillus genus members in LPS‐induced mice were restored as well. All results suggested that lignans is the effective fraction of S.chinensis to ameliorating depressive disorders, which its anti‐inflammation activity possibly involved in the bidirectional connection between gut microbiota and brain.
Novel Instruments for Percutaneous Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery for Full Decompression and Dural Management: A Comparative Analysis

Background: Post-laminectomy syndrome is a common cause of dissatisfaction after endoscopic interlaminar approach. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of our two newly designed instruments for laminotomy, a dural protector attached to the scope and a knot pusher for water-tight suturing of the incidental dural tears. Material and Methods: This was a multicenter evaluation. Efficacy was quantified as the pre-to-postoperative improvement in pain (visual analog scale), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), patient satisfaction (modified MacNab score), and length of hospital stay. Safety was quantified by the incidence and location of dural tears, rate of revision, and radiological outcomes. Outcomes were evaluated between the control (before instrument development) and experimental (after instrument development) groups. Results: There was a significant improvement in leg pain in the experimental group (p = 0.03), with greater patient satisfaction in the control group (p < 0.01). There was no incidence of dural tears in the area of the traversing and exiting nerve roots in the experimental group. Water-tightness of sutures was confirmed radiologically. Conclusion: The novel dural protector and the knot pusher for water-tight sutures improved the efficacy and safety of decompression and discectomy; however, a prolonged operative time was a drawback.
Gender‐dependent association between exhaled nitric oxide and the CC16 38AA genotype in young school children

Studies that investigated the association between the CC16 A38G polymorphism and the risk of asthma yielded conflicting results. The aim of this study among schoolchildren was to assess the relationships of CC16 A38G polymorphism with aeroallergen sensitization and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), two outcomes predicting asthma later in life.
Salinity Tolerance of Seashore Paspalum Ecotypes: Shoot Growth Responses and Criteria

Evaluation of turfgrass salt tolerance is a basic strategy for selecting grasses that can be grown in areas with salt-affected water or soils. Our objectives were to deter- mine the relative salinity tolerances of 32 grasses and to evaluate potential shoot-based criteria for assessing salinity tolerance. Shoot growth responses to salinity of 28 seashore paspalums (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) and four bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) x C. transvalensis Burtt-Davy) cultivars were investigated under solution/sand culture in a greenhouse. Turfgrasses were grown in a sea-salt amended nutrient solution. Salinity ranges were 1.1 to 41.1 dS·m -1 based on electrical conductivity of the solution (ECw). Se- lection criteria to assess salt tolerance were absolute growth at 1.1 (ECw0), 24.8 (ECw24), 33.1 (ECw32), and 41.1 dS·m -1 (ECw40); threshold ECw; ECw for 25% and 50% growth reduction based on ECw0 growth; and leaf fi ring (LF) at ECw0 and ECw40 (LF0 and LF40, respectively). Signifi cant variations among 32 entries were observed for all shoot responses except threshold ECw. Ranges of values for shoot parameters were: inherent growth at ECw0 = 0.10 to 0.98 g dry weight (10-fold difference); growth at 24.8 dS·m -1 = 0.11 to 0.64 g; growth at 33.1 dS·m -1 = 0.09 to 0.54 g; growth at 41.4 dS·m -1 = 0.06 to 0.35 g; threshold ECw = 3.9 to 12.3 dS·m -1 ; ECw25 % = 14 to 38 dS·m -1 ; ECw50% = 22 to 43 dS·m -1 ; and LF40 = 7% to 41%. Results in this study indicated substantial genetic-based variation in salt tolerance within seashore paspalums. When evaluation of salt tolerance based on shoot responses is attempted at wide salinity levels up to 40 dS·m -1 , all seven criteria exhibiting a signifi cant F test can be used. Five entries (SI 92, SI 93-1, SI 91, SI 93-2, SI 89) were ranked in the top statistical grouping for all seven-growth parameters, followed by SI 90 ranked in six out of seven, and three paspalums (SI 94-1, 'Sea Isle 1', and 'Taliaferro') were ranked in fi ve out of seven categories.
Prevalence of Cryptococcal meningitis among HIV patients in a tertiary care hospital.

Among various species, cryptococcus neoformans is the most common pathogen, well known etiological agent for meningitis and meningo-encephalitis among HIV patients, also infect organ transplant recipients & malignancy patients [2]. Whereas other species such as Cryptococcus laurentii and Cryptococcus albidus were also recognized as occasional cause of meningitis among immunosuppressed patients [3].
Bittersweet: The Neuroscience of Ambivalent Affect

Ambivalent affective states, such as bittersweetness, nostalgia, and longing, which are felt as having both positive and negative aspects, are an important component of human experience but have received little attention. The most influential theoretical frameworks in affective neuroscience focus largely on univalenced states. As a result, it is not known whether ambivalent affect corresponds to a simultaneously positive and negative valenced state or whether it results from a rapid vacillation between positive and negative states. Here we hypothesize that ambivalent affect involves both mechanisms, that is, rapid vacillation and simultaneity of positive and negative affect, albeit at different neurobiological levels. Rapidly vacillating univalent emotions could give rise to an ambivalent feeling, a mechanism that depends on brainstem nuclei that facilitate rapid action programs of emotional behavior while inhibiting opposing behaviors. This reciprocal inhibition prevents organisms from simultaneously implementing responses to conflicting emotions but also allows for rapid switching between emotions triggered by counterfactual thinking and rapid reappraisal of situations. We propose that as these transitions occur and respective interoceptive information reaches the insular cortex, further processing of this “emotional moment” would allow separate emotional events to be experienced as one “mixed” and integrated feeling.
The cumulated ambulation score is superior to the new mobility score and the de Morton Mobility Index in predicting discharge destination of patients admitted to an acute geriatric ward; a 1-year cohort study of 491 patients

Abstract Purpose To investigate the predictive value of New Mobility Score, de Morton Mobility Index, and Cumulated Ambulation Score regarding discharge destination, and to determine the feasibility of the tests in an acute geriatric ward. Materials and methods Observational 1-year cohort study of 491 geriatric patients admitted consecutively from own home. New Mobility Score (pre-hospital functional level), de Morton Mobility Index, and Cumulated Ambulation Score were recorded at the first physiotherapy contact. Results Univariable logistic regression showed that the odds for not being discharged home were 7 times higher (odds ratio = 7.6, 95%CI; 4.5–12.7) for patients with a non-independent mobility level (Cumulated Ambulation Score ≤ 5) compared to independent (Cumulated Ambulation Score = 6). Corresponding ratios were 6.2 (3.8–10.0) for de Morton Mobility Index ≤ 41 points and 2.8 (1.8–4.5) for New Mobility Score ≤5 points. Adjustment for gender, age, cause of admission, and marital status improved the predictive value of the Cumulated Ambulation Score. Upon admission, 99% of the patients were assessed with New Mobility Score, 100% with Cumulated Ambulation Score, and 81% with de Morton Mobility Index. Conclusion Cumulated Ambulation Score is more feasible and superior in predicting discharge destination than de Morton Mobility Index and New Mobility Score in an acute geriatric ward. Implications for rehabilitation Easy, quick, and accurate measurement of mobility is essential for discharge planning and effective targeting of physiotherapy in an acute geriatric ward. The objectively assessed Cumulated Ambulation Score is superior to the de Morton Mobility Index and the pre-hospital New Mobility Score in predicting discharge destination in geriatric patients admitted from their own home. The Cumulated Ambulation Score and the New Mobility Score are more feasible and less time consuming to complete in an acute geriatric ward compared to the de Morton Mobility Index.
Developments in the isolation, composition, and physicochemical properties of legume starches

Abstract The purpose of this write-up is to discuss the recent developments in the study of the physicochemical and functional properties of legume starches. Legumes are abundantly rich in proteins, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals. Starch is the most important polysaccharide in the human diet. The amylose, lipid, ash, and nitrogen content of legume starches vary in the range of 18-52%, 0.1-0.9, 0.0-0.7%, and 0.0-0.3%, respectively. The legume starches are characteristically rich in amylose, display limited swelling power, poor dispersibility in water, and vulnerable to retrogradation. The properties of legume starches reveal that they possess strong bonding chains between its molecules. Due to these strong bonds, legume starches have high gelatinization transition temperatures and enthalpies. Furthermore, the pasting properties are in accordance with this concept. Legume starches differ in granule morphology, gelatinization transition temperatures, and amylose content. There is need for modification of legume starches due to poor functionality such as easy vulnerability to retrogradation and poor processing properties when subjected to extreme of conditions. These shortcomings of legume starches are usually mitigated by annealing, heat-moisture treatment, cross-linking, acid-thinning, oxidation, and acetylation. This review highlighted developments in the isolation, composition, morphology, physicochemical properties, and some aspect of physical and chemical modification of legume starches.
The RNA transport factor PHAX is required for proper histone H2AX expression and DNA damage response

PHAX (phosphorylated adaptor for RNA export) promotes nuclear export of short transcripts of RNA polymerase II such as spliceosomal U snRNA precursors, as well as intranuclear transport of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). However, it remains unknown whether PHAX has other critical functions. Here we show that PHAX is required for efficient DNA damage response (DDR) via regulation of phosphorylated histone variant H2AX (γH2AX), a key factor for DDR. Knockdown of PHAX led to a significant reduction of H2AX mRNA levels, through inhibition of both transcription of the H2AX gene and nuclear export of H2AX mRNA, one of the shortest mRNAs in the cell. As a result, PHAX-knockdown cells become more sensitive to DNA damage due to a shortage of γH2AX. These results reveal a novel function of PHAX, which secures efficient DDR and hence genome stability.
A PHYLOGENETIC HYPOTHESIS FOR THE TRACHYMYRMEX SPECIES GROUPS, AND THE TRANSITION FROM FUNGUS-GROWING TO LEAF-CUTTING IN THE ATTINI

As part of a series of papers dealing with an ongoing revision of Trachymyrmex (Myrmicinae: Attini) ant species, we study here the relationships of its species. The main objective of the series is to reevaluate the taxonomic status of the described taxa and to describe new species. A revision of the Opulentus group is the first published paper in the series, followed by a revision of the Iheringi group. At the beginning of our work, we accepted the species groups as proposed by authors, but now decided to test this proposal, to avoid major rearrangements in the future. Our parsimony analysis using 50 characters from external worker morphology and 32 taxa (Mycetarotes parallelus as outgroup) indicates congruence with unpublished notions of relationships within Trachymyrmex, but some important differences as well, and may help to understand the transition from fungus-growing to leaf-cutting in Attini ants.
Local Extinctions of Plants in Remnants of Extensively Used Calcareous Grasslands 1950 –1985

Over the last few decades changes in land use have caused a drastic decline in the area of extensively used calcareous grasslands in central Europe. The persistence of many vulnerable plant species now depends on relict populations. We use phytosociological records from nutrient‐poor calcareous grasslands in the Swiss Jura mountains to study local extinctions of plants from 1950–1985. We tested whether the risk of local extinction is higher in small populations, higher for plants with a short life cycle than for those with a longer life cycle, higher for specialist plant species, and higher for species with a high sensitivity to nutrient availability. We considered the possibility that species could have been missing in the new records without actually having gone extinct, if new and old phytosociological records were not taken at the same position (pseudo‐turnover). We found pseudo‐turnover between records taken at defined misplacement distances at two sites independent of life form and habitat specificity of a species and mainly confined to species of lowest abundance. We studied records from 26 remnants in which land use was constant from 1950–1985 and for which new and old records existed from similar positions. In 1950, 1181 local populations of 185 species were recorded in these sites, yet in the new records 462 (39%) populations were no longer present. Whereas the frequency of habitat specialists per site decreased ( p < 0.05), the frequency of generalists increased ( p < 0.01), leaving the total number of species per site unchanged. Local extinction was more likely for small populations ( p < 0.01), for species with a short life cycle ( p < 0.05), and for species with high habitat specificity ( p < 0.05). Local extinctions did not depend on species sensitivity to nutrient availability. When recordings of species with an abundance of 0.1% were omitted because of potential pseudo‐turnover, the results remained unchanged. Fragmentation and isolation of nutrient‐poor calcareous grassland in the Swiss Jura mountains has progressed to such a degree that many plants of these habitats are going locally extinct, even in intact remnants.
Neuropathologic features of four autopsied COVID‐19 patients

Published descriptions of the neuropathological features of COVID-19 patients have been controversial, ranging from only modest or no pathology to severe hypoxic and hemorrhagic phenotypes, thrombotic complications, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis-like changes, and encephalitis and meningitis. Here we describe the neuropathological findings of four COVID-19-positive patients autopsied at the Helsinki University Hospital during the spring of 2020. While three of the patients (age range 63-90) exhibited merely mild to moderate hypoxia-associated changes, one 38-year-old subject with obesity, diabetes (type 2), Parkinson's disease, and a very severe clinical course was found to have severe ischemic injury, abundant microhemorrhages and enlarged perivascular spaces most pronounced in the white matter and deep gray matter. The pattern of ischemic changes suggested a defect in microcirculation. In addition, a few small perivascular white matter lesions, with macrophages engulfing myelin, were found. No signs of encephalitis or meningitis were detected in any of the patients. When conducting RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses of brain tissue we could not demonstrate in any of the patients marked injury or presence of SARS-CoV2 in the olfactory epithelium, olfactory bulbs, or brain areas responsible for respiratory control. In conclusion, our small autopsy series demonstrates various hypoxia-associated neuropathological features in COVID-19 patients, but no evidence of neurotropism or meningitis/encephalitis.