Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The first complete mitochondrial genome of Zoodes fulguratus (Gahan 1906) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) and its phylogeny

Abstract Zoodes fulguratus is a common species of Cerambycidae, reported from Vietnam, Nepal, Laos, Burma, and China. To date, no mitochondrial genomes of the genus Zoodes have been reported. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the first mitochondrial genome of Z. fulguratus to discuss its phylogenetic relationship within the subfamily Cerambycinae. This mitochondrial genome showed the typical insect gene arrangement: a circular molecule of 15,885 bp long with 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs). The AT content of the whole mitogenome was 74.2% with a high asymmetric nucleotide presentation revealed by a positive AT-skew (0.067) and a negative GC-skew (–0.178), whereas the AT content of the A + T rich region was 80%. The Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic analyses showed that Z. fulguratus is a sister clade of Gnatholea eburifera.
Rate of USMLE Step 2 CK Scores Included on Orthopedic Surgery Applications and Associations With Step 1 Score

Background At present, orthopedic surgery applicants do not universally include Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (Step 2 CK) scores on their applications and current inclusion rates are not yet reported. As Step 1 transitions to pass/fail scoring, we suspect more applicants will include Step 2 CK scores. We sought to identify what percentage of applications currently include Step 2 CK, if applicants who include Step 2 CK (Step 1+CK) score lower on Step 1 than those not including Step 2 CK (Step 1-CK), and what correlations exist between Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores among those who include the scores on their applications. Methodology Applicants to one residency program over two application cycles (2019-2020) were analyzed. The percentage including Step 1 and Step 2 scores was recorded. Step 1 scores were compared between Step 1+CK and Step 1-CK applicants. Differences between Step 2 CK and Step 1 scores were stratified by Step 1 score. Results A total of 1,688 applicants applied to our institution from 2019 to 2020. Of those reporting United States Medical Licensing Examination scores, 1,316/1,660 (79%) reported a Step 2 CK score. Step 1-CK applicants scored higher on Step 1 (250.7 ± 10.9) versus Step 1+CK applicants (244.3 ± 13.1) (p < 0.0001). More applicants who scored lower on Step 1 improved upon their percentile rank between Step 1 and Step 2 CK than those who scored higher on Step 1 (χ2(8,1316) = 79.1, p < 0.0001). Conclusions From 2019 to 2020, 79% of applicants included Step 2 CK. Lower Step 1 scores were more likely to include Step 2 CK and improve upon their percentile score. It is unclear how Step 1 scoring change will affect current practice.
The Effects of Biological Sex on Sepsis Treatments in Animal Models: A Systematic Review and a Narrative Elaboration on Sex- and Gender-Dependent Differences in Sepsis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. OBJECTIVES: Preclinical studies provide an opportunity to evaluate the relationship between sex and sepsis, and investigate underlying mechanisms in a controlled experimental environment. The objective of our systematic review was to assess the impact of biological sex on treatment response to fluid and antibiotic therapy in animal models of sepsis. Furthermore, we provide a narrative elaboration of sex-dependent differences in preclinical models of sepsis. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and Embase were searched from inception to March 16, 2020. STUDY SELECTION: All studies reporting sex-stratified data comparing antibiotics and/or fluid resuscitation with a placebo or no treatment arm in an in vivo model of sepsis were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Outcomes of interest were mortality (primary) and organ dysfunction (secondary). Risk of bias was assessed. Study selection and data extraction were conducted independently and in duplicate. DATA SYNTHESIS: The systematic search returned 2,649 unique studies, and two met inclusion criteria. Both studies used cecal ligation and puncture models with imipenem/cilastatin antibiotics. No eligible studies investigated fluids. In one study, antibiotic therapy significantly reduced mortality in male, but not female, animals. The other study reported no sex differences in organ dysfunction. Both studies were deemed to be at a high overall risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: There is a remarkable and concerning paucity of data investigating sex-dependent differences in fluid and antibiotic therapy for the treatment of sepsis in animal models. This may reflect poor awareness of the importance of investigating sex-dependent differences. Our discussion therefore expands on general concepts of sex and gender in biomedical research and sex-dependent differences in key areas of sepsis research such as the cardiovascular system, immunometabolism, the microbiome, and epigenetics. Finally, we discuss current clinical knowledge, the potential for reverse translation, and directions for future studies. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020192738.
Changes in astigmatism after horizontal muscle recession strabismus surgery: A retrospective cohort study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in astigmatism after unilateral recession of horizontal rectus muscles in pediatric patients. Methods: The authors retrospectively evaluated the medical history of 52 children with esotropia or exotropia, that underwent a unilateral recession strabismus surgery. The intervention group consisted of the 52 eyes that underwent strabismus surgery, and the control group consisted of the other 52 fellow unoperated eyes of the same participants. The intervention group was divided into medial and lateral rectus muscle subgroups, and four subgroups based on the astigmatism axis preoperatively (A: with-the-rule astigmatism, B: no astigmatism, C: intermediate meridians, D: against-the-rule astigmatism). All patients were examined one day preoperatively, and then, six weeks postoperatively. Paired tests were conducted, and the significant level was set to 0.05 or was adjusted for subgroups. Results: A mean difference 0.43 D of astigmatism (95% CI: 0.27, 0.59) was observed after the surgery between intervention and control group (P < 0.001). Astigmatism change (postoperative - preoperative) in subgroup A was 0.50 D (P < 0.001) and in subgroup B was 0.75 D (P < 0.001). Moreover, astigmatism changes of 0.50 D were found in both lateral (P < 0.001) and medial rectus muscle group (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Strabismus surgery appears to be associated with alterations in astigmatism, and in particular increase in cylindrical power in the eyes that had with-the-rule astigmatism or no astigmatism preoperatively. Those changes should be considered when planning the operation, to avoid transforming clinically non-significant astigmatism into clinically significant.
Age effects on saccadic suppression of luminance and color

Saccadic eye movements modulate visual perception: they initiate and terminate high acuity vision at a certain location in space, but before and during their execution visual contrast sensitivity is strongly attenuated for 100 to 200 ms. Transient perisaccadic perceptual distortions are assumed to be an important mechanism to maintain visual stability. Little is known about age effects on saccadic suppression, even though for healthy adults other major age-related changes are well documented, like a decrease of visual contrast sensitivity for intermediate and high spatial frequencies or an increase of saccade latencies. Here, we tested saccadic suppression of luminance and isoluminant chromatic flashes in 100 participants from eight to 78 years. To estimate the effect of saccadic suppression on contrast sensitivity, we used a two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) design and an adaptive staircase procedure to modulate the luminance or chromatic contrast of a flashed detection target during fixation and 15 ms after saccade onset. The target was a single horizontal luminance or chromatic line flashed 2° above or below the fixation or saccade target. Compared to fixation, average perisaccadic contrast sensitivity decreased significantly by 66% for luminance and by 36% for color. A significant correlation was found for the strength of saccadic suppression of luminance and color. However, a small age effect was found only for the strength of saccadic suppression of luminance, which increased from 64% to 70% from young to old age. We conclude that saccadic suppression for luminance and color is present in most participants independent of their age and that mechanisms of suppression stay relatively stable during healthy aging.
Objective REM sleep characteristics of recurrent isolated sleep paralysis: a case-control study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Recurrent isolated sleep paralysis (RISP) is a rapid eye movement (REM) parasomnia characterized by a dissociative state with characteristics of REM sleep and wakefulness. Pathophysiology has not yet been clarified and very little research has been performed using objective polysomnographic measures with inconsistent results. The main aim of our study was to find whether higher REM sleep fragmentation is consistent with the theory of state dissociation or whether signs of dissociation can be detected by spectral analysis. METHODS Nineteen participants in the RISP group and 19 age- and gender-matched participants in the control group underwent two consecutive full-night video-polysomnography recordings with 19-channel electroencephalography. Apart from sleep macrostructure, other REM sleep characteristics such as REM arousal index, percentage of wakefulness and stage shifts within REM sleep period were analyzed, as well as power spectral analysis during REM sleep. RESULTS No difference was found in the macrostructural parameters of REM sleep (percentage of REM sleep and REM latency). Similarly, no significant difference was detected in REM sleep fragmentation (assessed by REM sleep arousal index, percentage of wakefulness and stage shifts within REM sleep). Power spectral analysis showed higher bifrontal beta activity in the RISP group during REM sleep. CONCLUSIONS The results showed an underlying persistent trait of higher cortical activity that may predispose patients with SP to be more likely to experience recurrent episodes, without any apparent macrostructural features including higher REM sleep fragmentation.
Associations between autonomic nervous system activity and risk‐taking and internalizing behavior in young adolescents

Abstract Dysregulated autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity has been associated with adolescent risk‐taking and internalizing behavior, but previous results in community samples have been mixed. We investigated whether ANS activity was associated with higher risk‐taking and internalizing behavior in young adolescents (age 11/12; n = 875), and whether adolescents' gender, parents' parenting style or a combination of both moderated these associations. Adolescents and their parents were recruited as part of the population‐based, longitudinal Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) study. Risk‐taking behavior was assessed with the Balloon Analogue Risk Task and the personality characteristics sensation seeking and impulsivity, measured with the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS). Internalizing behavior was assessed via the SURPS subscales anxiety sensitivity and hopelessness. Authoritative (AUTH‐SW) and authoritarian (AUTH‐S) parenting styles were measured with the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire. Resting ANS activity was assessed via heart rate and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Hierarchical, multivariable regression analyses showed higher RSA, but not heart rate, being associated with higher risk‐taking behavior and sensation seeking. The associations between ANS activity and risk‐taking variables were not significantly moderated by gender, parenting, or interactions between gender and parenting. Our findings suggest that RSA activity may be a relevant factor in mild to moderate risk‐taking behavior in adolescents from the general population, regardless of their gender or the type of parenting they experience.
Mental Health Problems as a Risk Factor for Workplace Bullying: The Protective Effect of a Well-Functioning Organization

Abstract This study examined a strain–stressor association, when mental health problems may lead to subsequent workplace bullying, and a mechanism of how this can happen. I hypothesized that the association between mental health problems and bullying depends on the perceived role clarity and order in the organization, and that sickness presenteeism (SP) mediates this association. The study is based on a longitudinal probability sample drawn from the total number of employees in Sweden. Workplace bullying, mental health, SP, and role clarity and order in the organization were assessed using a questionnaire. The results showed that mental health problems are associated with an increased risk for subsequent bullying, consistent with previous findings. However, this risk depends on the level of role clarity and order in the organization. The results also show a partial indirect effect via SP. This means that if one has mental health problems and persists in coming to work although one should have stayed at home, the risk of bullying increases. The indirect effect depends also on the level of order in the organization. The findings suggest that individual deficits, such as mental health problems, are associated with subsequent bullying only if organizational deficits are also present.
Osmotic hemolysis is a donor‐specific feature of red blood cells under various storage conditions and genetic backgrounds

Transfusion research has recently focused on the discovery of red blood cell (RBC) storage capacity biomarkers and the elucidation of donor variation effects. This shift of focus can further strengthen personalization of transfusion therapy, by revealing probable links between donor biology, RBC storage lesion profile, and posttransfusion performance.
Antiviral and Virucidal Properties of Essential Oils and Isolated Compounds – A Scientific Approach

Abstract Essential oils and isolated essential oil compounds are known to exert various pharmacological effects, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and wound healing effects. Based on selected articles, this review deals with the potential antiviral and virucidal activities of essential oils and essential oil compounds together with their mechanism of action as well as in silico studies involving viral and host cell-specific target molecules that are indispensable for virus cell adsorption, penetration, and replication. The reported in vitro and in vivo studies highlight the baseline data about the latest findings of essential oils and essential oil compounds antiviral and virucidal effects on enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, taking into account available biochemical and molecular biological tests. The results of many in vitro studies revealed that several essential oils and essential oil compounds from different medicinal and aromatic plants are potent antiviral and virucidal agents that inhibit viral progeny by blocking different steps of the viral infection/replication cycle of DNA and RNA viruses in various host cell lines. Studies in mice infected with viruses causing respiratory diseases showed that different essential oils and essential oil compounds were able to prolong the life of infected animals, reduce virus titers in brain and lung tissues, and significantly inhibit the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In addition, some in vitro studies on hydrophilic nano-delivery systems encapsulating essential oils/essential oil compounds exhibited a promising way to improve the chemical stability and enhance the water solubility, bioavailabilty, and antiviral efficacy of essential oils and essential oil compounds.
Emotion induction in young and old persons on watching movie segments: Facial expressions reflect subjective ratings

Film clips are established to induce or intensify mood states in young persons. Fewer studies address induction of mood states in old persons. Analysis of facial expression provides an opportunity to substantiate subjective mood states with a psychophysiological variable. We investigated healthy young (YA; n = 29; age 24.4 ± 2.3) and old (OA; n = 28; age 69.2 ± 7.4) participants. Subjects were exposed to film segments validated in young adults to induce four basic emotions (anger, disgust, happiness, sadness). We analyzed subjective mood states with a 7-step Likert scale and facial expressions with an automated system for analysis of facial expressions (FaceReader™ 7.0, Noldus Information Technology b.v.) for both the four target emotions as well as concomitant emotions. Mood expressivity was analysed with the Berkeley Expressivity Questionnaire (BEQ) and the Short Suggestibility Scale (SSS). Subjective mood intensified in all target emotions in the whole group and both YA and OA subgroups. Facial expressions of mood intensified in the whole group for all target emotions except sadness. Induction of happiness was associated with a decrease of sadness in both subjective and objective assessment. Induction of sadness was observed with subjective assessment and accompanied by a decrease of happiness in both subjective and objective assessment. Regression analysis demonstrated pre-exposure facial expressions and personality factors (BEQ, SSS) to be associated with the intensity of facial expression on mood induction. We conclude that mood induction is successful regardless of age. Analysis of facial expressions complement self-assessment of mood and may serve as a means of objectification of mood change. The concordance between self-assessment of mood change and facial expression is modulated by personality factors.
Diagnostic and prognostic role of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio in patients with osteosarcoma

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) values in patients with osteosarcoma. Patients and methods A total of 172 patients (111 males, 61 females; mean age: 24.3±15.3 years; range, 7 to 82 years) diagnosed with osteosarcoma in our institution between January 2002 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 165 healthy individuals (115 males, 50 females; mean age: 20.2±9.2 years; range, 10 to 65 years) who did not have infectious, rheumatological or hematological diseases or any pathological finding were assigned as the control group. The clinical, laboratory, and demographic findings of the patients were obtained from hospital records. Pre-treatment NLR, PLR, and LMR values were calculated in all patients. Diagnostic and prognostic values of pre-treatment NLR, PLR and LMR were assessed using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Results For diagnostic approach, the highest significance in area under the curve (AUC) values was obtained for NLR (AUC=0.763). The AUC for PLR and LMR was statistically significant, while the statistical power was weak compared to NLR (AUC=0.681 and 0.603). The NLR, PLR, and LMR were found to be predictors of mortality. The cut-off value was found to be 3.28 for NLR, 128 for PLR, and 4.22 for LMR. The prognostic value of NLR for mortality was higher than (AUC=0.749) PLR (AUC=0.688) and LMR (AUC=0.609). The NLR, PLR, and LMR were associated with overall survival (OS). There was a significant difference in the median OS time among the NLR, PLR, and LMR values (log-rank test order p<0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.004, respectively). Conclusion Based on our study results, pre-treatment NLR, PLR and MLR have diagnostic and prognostic values in osteosarcoma.
Management and results of early-onset scoliosis with dual magnetically controlled growing rods: Additional preliminary results of spinal fusion surgery

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes and complications of dual magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) and to investigate the results of patients with definitive spinal fusion following MCGR. Patients and methods A total of 15 patients (7 males, 8 females; mean age: 8.7±1.7 years; range, 6 to 10 years) with EOS who underwent dual MCGR and were prospectively followed between February 2013 and March 2019 were included in this retrospective study. The Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, and the length of the spine between T1-T12 and T1-S1 were measured on preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up radiographs. The 24-Item Early-Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire (EOSQ-24) was used to assess the functional outcomes before and after the operation. All complications during the treatment were recorded. Results The mean follow-up was 27.8±10.4 (range, 12 to 60) months. The mean curve correction immediately after the index surgery and latest follow-up was 47.6% and 42.4%, respectively (p>0.05). At the last follow-up, there were no significant changes in mean Cobb and kyphosis angles. The mean T1-T12 length increase was 26.2±7.1 (range, 16 to 40) mm, while the mean T1-S1 length increase was 43.3±15.0 (range, 24 to 70) mm. Complications developed in four (26.6%) of 15 patients. Definitive spinal fusion surgery was performed in seven patients. Total mean Cobb angle difference between the final follow-up and fusion surgery was 9.3° (p=0.016) and kyphosis angle difference was -2.1° (p=0.349). After fusion surgery, total lengthening in T1-T12 and T1-S1 distance was 10.5 mm (p=0.036) and 15.0 mm (p=0.022), respectively. A significant increase in all subdomain scores of the EOSQ-24 (p<0.05), except for financial impact, was recorded in all patients. Conclusion Dual MCGR technique is an effective, reliable, and robust treatment alternative for primary EOS. However, surgeons should be aware of the relatively high rate of complications. In addition, residual deformity can be corrected successfully with definitive surgery.
Modeling CSF‐1 receptor deficiency diseases – how close are we?

The role of colony‐stimulating factor‐1 receptor (CSF‐1R) in macrophage and organismal development has been extensively studied in mouse. Within the last decade, mutations in the CSF1R have been shown to cause rare diseases of both pediatric (Brain Abnormalities, Neurodegeneration, and Dysosteosclerosis, OMIM #618476) and adult (CSF1R‐related leukoencephalopathy, OMIM #221820) onset. Here we review the genetics, penetrance, and histopathological features of these diseases and discuss to what extent the animal models of Csf1r deficiency currently available provide systems in which to study the underlying mechanisms involved.