Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 transmission in educational institutions August to December 2020, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany: a study of index cases and close contact cohorts

Background The lack of precise estimates on transmission risk hampers rational decisions on closure of educational institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Secondary attack rates (SARs) for schools and day-care centres were calculated using data from state-wide mandatory notification of SARS-CoV-2 index cases in educational institutions and additional information on routine contact tracing and PCR-testing. Findings From August to December 2020, every sixth of overall 784 independent index cases caused a transmission in educational institutions (risk 0.17, 95% CI 0.14-0.19). In a subgroup, monitoring of 14,594 institutional high-risk contacts (89% PCR-tested) of 441 index cases revealed 196 secondary cases (SAR 1.34%, 1.16-1.54). Transmission was more likely from teachers than from students/children (incidence risk ratio [IRR] 3.17, 1.79-5.59), and from index cases in day-care centres (IRR 3.23, 1.76-5.91) than from those in secondary schools. In 748 index cases, teachers caused four times more secondary cases than children (1.08 vs. 0.25 secondary cases per index, IRR 4.39, 2.67-7.21). This difference was mainly due to common transmission from teacher index cases to teacher contacts (mean secondary cases 0.56 teacher to teacher vs. 0.04 child to teacher, IRR 13.3, 6.6-26.7). Interpretation In educational institutions, the risk of contacts to a confirmed COVID-19 case for infection is one percent, but varies depending on type of institution and index case. Hygiene measures targeting the day-care setting and teacher-to-teacher transmission are priorities in reducing the burden of infection and may promote on-site education during the pandemic.
Using Machine Learning to Predict Mortality for COVID-19 Patients on Day Zero in the ICU

Rationale Given the expanding number of COVID-19 cases and the potential for upcoming waves of infection, there is an urgent need for early prediction of the severity of the disease in intensive care unit (ICU) patients to optimize treatment strategies. Objectives Early prediction of mortality using machine learning based on typical laboratory results and clinical data registered on the day of ICU admission. Methods We studied retrospectively 263 COVID-19 ICU patients. To find parameters with the highest predictive values, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Pearson chi-squared tests were used. Logistic regression and random forest (RF) algorithms were utilized to build classification models. The impact of each marker on the RF model predictions was studied by implementing the local interpretable model-agnostic explanation technique (LIME-SP). Results Among 66 documented parameters, 15 factors with the highest predictive values were identified as follows: gender, age, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, international normalized ratio (INR), albumin, mean corpuscular volume, white blood cell count, segmented neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, red cell distribution width (RDW), and mean cell hemoglobin along with a history of neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders. Our RF model can predict patients outcomes with a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 75%. Conclusions The most decisive variables in our model were increased levels of BUN, lowered albumin levels, increased creatinine, INR, and RDW along with gender and age. Complete blood count parameters were also crucial for some patients. Considering the importance of early triage decisions, this model can be a useful tool in COVID-19 ICU decision-making.
Staff-Pupil SARS-CoV-2 Infection Pathways in Schools: A Population Level Linked Data Approach

Abstract Background: Better understanding of the role that children and school staff play in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is essential to guide policy development on controlling infection whilst minimising disruption to children's education and wellbeing. Methods: Our national e-cohort (n=500,779) study used anonymised linked data for pupils, staff and associated households linked via educational settings. We estimated the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection for staff and pupils over the period August-December 2020, dependent on measures of recent exposure to known cases linked to their educational settings. Results: The total number of cases in a school was not associated with a subsequent increase in the risk of testing positive (Staff OR per case 0.92, 95%CI 0.85, 1.00; Pupils OR per case 0.98, 95%CI 0.93, 1.02). Amongst pupils, the number of recent cases within the same year group was significantly associated with subsequent increased risk of testing positive (OR per case 1.12, 95%CI 1.08 - 1.15). These effects were adjusted for a range of demographic covariates, and in particular any known cases within the same household, which had the strongest association with testing positive (Staff OR 39.86, 95%CI 35.01, 45.38, pupil OR 9.39, 95%CI 8.94 - 9.88). Conclusions: In a national school cohort, the odds of staff testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection were not significantly increased in the 14-day period after case detection in the school. However, pupils were found to be at increased risk, following cases appearing within their own year group, where most of their contacts occur. Strong mitigation measures over the whole of the study period may have reduced wider spread within the school environment.
Accelerated aging of WPCs Based on Polypropylene and Birch plywood Sanding Dust

Abstract A lot of researchers are closely related with natural, lignocellulose fibre containing bio-composites production and studies. Various of polymer matrices, mainly polyolefins, combinations with natural fibres as a reinforcement are used. Our studies are focused on polypropylene based bio-composites containing birch plywood production by-product sanding dust (PSD) accelerated weathering processes. The obtained results showed the following sight. After the aging the surface of all samples had faded, the changes of the gloss (decreasing) and of the whiteness degree (increasing) also had taken place, but microhardness of the surface of specimens significantly has decreased. The tensile strength and modulus of the samples after UV aging diminished about 30–35%. That indicates to the changes not only in the surface layers of polymer but also inside of the polymer structure. The FTIR measurements showed that during UV aging process occurs significant changes of chemical structure of the weathered surface of all samples. DSC measurements showed an increase of degree of crystallinity of the weathered polypropylene composites after the first heating due to the recrystallization process in the polypropylene matrix and a small decreasing after second heating. The melting temperatures of all composites after UV aging considerably diminish up to 30°C.
Breast Cancer and Body Image: Feminist Therapy Principles and Interventions

ABSTRACT A breast cancer diagnosis can lead to life-altering biopsychosocial changes and challenges for breast cancer survivors (BCS). Particularly salient is body image perception and its associated biopsychosocial ramifications. This manuscript examined the impact of breast cancer on women’s body image, including women of color and lesbians. The information was contextualized through the application of feminist theory principles. Interventions and implications for breast cancer survivors (BCS) were discussed utilizing feminist theory.
The Paradoxical Behavior of microRNA-211 in Melanomas and Other Human Cancers

Cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis leverage many regulatory agents, such as signaling molecules, transcription factors, and regulatory RNA molecules. Among these, regulatory non-coding RNAs have emerged as molecules that control multiple cancer types and their pathologic properties. The human microRNA-211 (MIR211) is one such molecule, which affects several cancer types, including melanoma, glioblastoma, lung adenocarcinomas, breast, ovarian, prostate, and colorectal carcinoma. Previous studies suggested that in certain tumors MIR211 acts as a tumor suppressor while in others it behaves as an oncogenic regulator. Here we summarize the known molecular genetic mechanisms that regulate MIR211 gene expression and molecular pathways that are in turn controlled by MIR211 itself. We discuss how cellular and epigenetic contexts modulate the biological effects of MIR211, which exhibit pleiotropic effects. For example, up-regulation of MIR211 expression down-regulates Warburg effect in melanoma tumor cells associated with an inhibition of the growth of human melanoma cells in vitro, and yet these conditions robustly increase tumor growth in xenografted mice. Signaling through the DUSP6-ERK5 pathway is modulated by MIR211 in BRAFV600E driven melanoma tumors, and this function is involved in the resistance of tumor cells to the BRAF inhibitor, Vemurafenib. We discuss several alternate but testable models, involving stochastic cell-to-cell expression heterogeneity due to multiple equilibria involving feedback circuits, intracellular communication, and genetic variation at miRNA target sties, to reconcile the paradoxical effects of MIR211 on tumorigenesis. Understanding the precise role of this miRNA is crucial to understanding the genetic basis of melanoma as well as the other cancer types where this regulatory molecule has important influences. We hope this review will inspire novel directions in this field.
Analysis of the Positive Arctic Oscillation Index Event and Its Influence in the Winter and Spring of 2019/2020

There were continuous positive Arctic Oscillation index (AOI) and large-scale weather and climate anomalies in the Northern Hemisphere in the winter and spring of 2019/2020, and the relationship between these anomalies is an important issue for subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) predictability. This study shows that an AOI event with splitting characteristics occurred in the Northern Hemisphere and that there was a gap between the periods in event, which has not been observed in any of the 12 previous positive AOI events. The 3 stages of upward propagating planetary wave (UPPW) variation caused the gap between the periods. First, in early November, the westerly flow from the troposphere to the stratosphere weakened, resulting in persistent weak UPPWs that allowed a strong polar vortex to form. Then, the two strong UPPWs in January and early February caused the original westerlies to decelerate and induced warming in the lower stratosphere. However, the UPPWs caused only moderate changes in the geopotential height and temperature due to the strong polar vortex that had formed in the previous stage. This moderate AOI decline resulted in the conditions that divided the positive event into two periods. Finally, the low-level westerlies became stronger and strengthened the UPPWs into the stable stratosphere, which ended the second positive AOI period in late March. The role of zonal circulation anomalies (ZCA) in the upper stratosphere as metrics of and intermediates in UPPW-AO interactions is revealed in this study. The typical ZCA development mode was identified by statistical analysis and a composite treatment based on eight historical positive AOI events. In this mode, when strong UPPWs occur and lead to the consequent propagation of the ZCA from the stratosphere to the troposphere, the geopotential height field in the lower troposphere changes away from a typical AO mode; eventually, the AOI becomes abnormal. The temperature anomaly and ZCA produced in the two positive AOI periods during the winter and spring of 2019/2020 led to increasing precipitation in the eastern polar region, northern Asia, and areas along 60°N latitude.
Identification of Neuronal Pentraxins as Synaptic Binding Partners of C1q and the Involvement of NP1 in Synaptic Pruning in Adult Mice

Elements of the immune system particularly that of innate immunity, play important roles beyond their traditional tasks in host defense, including manifold roles in the nervous system. Complement-mediated synaptic pruning is essential in the developing and healthy functioning brain and becomes aberrant in neurodegenerative disorders. C1q, component of the classical complement pathway, plays a central role in tagging synapses for elimination; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms and interaction partners are mostly unknown. Neuronal pentraxins (NPs) are involved in synapse formation and plasticity, moreover, NP1 contributes to cell death and neurodegeneration under adverse conditions. Here, we investigated the potential interaction between C1q and NPs, and its role in microglial phagocytosis of synapses in adult mice. We verified in vitro that NPs interact with C1q, as well as activate the complement system. Flow cytometry, immunostaining and co-immunoprecipitation showed that synapse-bound C1q colocalizes and interacts with NPs. High-resolution confocal microscopy revealed that microglia-surrounded C1q-tagged synapses are NP1 positive. We have also observed the synaptic occurrence of C4 suggesting that activation of the classical pathway cannot be ruled out in synaptic plasticity in healthy adult animals. In summary, our results indicate that NPs play a regulatory role in the synaptic function of C1q. Whether this role can be intensified upon pathological conditions, such as in Alzheimer’s disease, is to be disclosed.
Phytoremediation of High-Phosphorus Soil by Annual Ryegrass and Common Bermudagrass Harvest

Removal of soil phosphorus (P) in crop harvest is a remediation option for soils high in P. This 4-year field-plot study determined P uptake by annual ryegrass (ARG, Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and common bermudagrass (CB, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. ) from Ruston soil (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Paleudult) enriched in P by five previous annual applications of poultry litter, and related P removed to Bray 2 P in surface (0–15 cm) soil. Decreases in surface soil Bray 2 P were largely attributable to uptake. Phosphorus uptake was positively related to Bray 2 P but approached a limit. Mass of P removed in harvest closely approximated the decrease in mass of surface soil Bray 2 P. Maximum Bray 2 P drawdown per harvest (ARG and CB, average) was ˜3 mg kg−1 at Bray 2 P ˜ 300 mg kg−1, generally consistent with measured decreases in Bray 2 P.
The Systemic and Cellular Metabolic Phenotype of Infection and Immune Response to Listeria monocytogenes

It is widely accepted that infection and immune response incur significant metabolic demands, yet the respective demands of specific immune responses to live pathogens have not been well delineated. It is also established that upon activation, metabolic pathways undergo shifts at the cellular level. However, most studies exploring these issues at the systemic or cellular level have utilized pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that model sepsis, or model antigens at isolated time points. Thus, the dynamics of pathogenesis and immune response to a live infection remain largely undocumented. To better quantitate the metabolic demands induced by infection, we utilized a live pathogenic infection model. Mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes were monitored longitudinally over the course of infection through clearance. We measured systemic metabolic phenotype, bacterial load, innate and adaptive immune responses, and cellular metabolic pathways. To further delineate the role of adaptive immunity in the metabolic phenotype, we utilized two doses of bacteria, one that induced both sickness behavior and protective (T cell mediated) immunity, and the other protective immunity alone. We determined that the greatest impact to systemic metabolism occurred during the early immune response, which coincided with the greatest shift in innate cellular metabolism. In contrast, during the time of maximal T cell expansion, systemic metabolism returned to resting state. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the timing of maximal metabolic demand overlaps with the innate immune response and that when the adaptive response is maximal, the host has returned to relative metabolic homeostasis.
Organizational Compliance During COVID-19: Investigating the Effects of Anxiety, Productivity, and Individual Risk Factors Among Iranian Healthcare Employees

This study investigates the impact of anxiety, productivity, and individual characteristics on employee compliance in an Iranian medical science university during the COVID-19 outbreak. The data of 160 healthcare employees of various professions were collected with reliability and validity on the measurements performed. Two regression tests revealed that higher anxiety reduces and higher productivity increased compliance. Participants with higher education and non-medical professions were found to have higher compliance. Productivity was also found to be positively associated with tenure and having a medical position. Implication and limitation are discussed.
Neonatal Suckling, Oxytocin, and Early Infant Attachment to the Mother

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) promotes maternal care and social affiliation in adults but its importance in infant attachment still remains unknown. True animal models of infant attachment are extremely rare, and the sheep (in complement to non-human primates) is one of the few that provides the opportunity to investigate its neuroendocrinological basis. In the lamb, access to the udder has strong rewarding properties for the establishment of a preferential relationship with the mother. Therefore, the present study explored the possible involvement of OT through its release during close social contacts with the mother. The first experiment revealed that lambs having free access to the udder from birth onward developed, by 12 h of age, a clear preference for their mothers over another maternal ewe. Delaying access to the udder for six, four or even only 2 h starting at birth, by covering the ewe’s udder, resulted in the lack of such a preference without affecting general activity. These effects persisted in most cases at 24 h but by 72 h of age a bond with the mother was clearly expressed. Experiment two showed that social interactions with the mother were followed by a release of OT in the plasma when lambs had the possibility to suckle. Non-nutritive interactions were without effects. Preliminary data on two subjects suggested that OT might also increase in the cerebrospinal fluid after suckling. Finally, in the third experiment, oral administration of a non-peptide OT receptor antagonist (L-368-899, Merck) over the first 4 h after birth led to decreased exploration of the mother’s body compared to lambs receiving saline, and impaired the expression of a preference for the mother at 24 h. The effects were no longer observed at 48 h. Our findings demonstrate that both delayed access to the mother’s udder and OT receptor antagonist alter the onset of mother preference in newborn lambs. This suggests that central OT facilitates the development of filial attachment through its release during suckling.
Analytical Characterization of 3-MeO-PCP and 3-MMC in Seized Products and Biosamples: The Role of LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS and Solid Deposition GC-FTIR

Among the phencyclidine (PCP) and synthetic cathinone analogs present on the street market, 3-methoxyphencyclidine (3-MeO-PCP) is one of the most popular dissociative hallucinogen drugs, while 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) is a commonly encountered psychostimulant. Numerous 3-MeO-PCP- and 3-MMC-related intoxication cases have been reported worldwide. Identification of the positional isomers of MeO-PCP and MMC families are particularly challenging for clinical and forensic laboratories; this is mostly due to their difficult chromatographic separation (particularly when using liquid chromatography–LC) and similar mass spectrometric behaviors. 3-MeO-PCP and 3-MMC were identified in two powders, detained by two subjects and seized by the police, by different analytical techniques, including liquid chromatography-high-resolution accurate-mass Orbitrap mass spectrometry (LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS), and solid deposition gas chromatography-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (sd-GC-FTIR). LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS allowed us to assign the elemental formulae C18H27NO (MeO-PCP) and C11H15NO (MMC) through accurate mass measurement of the two MH+ ions, and the comparison of experimental and calculated MH+ isotopic patterns. However, MH+ collision-induced product ions spectra were not conclusive in discriminating between the positional isomers [(3-MeO-PCP vs. 4-MeO-PCP) and (3-MMC vs. 4-MMC and 2-MMC)]. Likewise, sd-GC-FTIR easily allowed us to differentiate between the MeO-PCP and MMC positional isomers unambiguously, confirming the presence of 3-MeO-PCP and 3-MMC, due to the high-quality match factor of the experimental FTIR spectra against the target FTIR spectra of MeO-PCP and MMC isomers in a dedicated library. 3-MeO-PCP (in contrast to 3-MMC) was also detected in blood and urine samples of both subjects and analyzed in the context of routine forensic casework by LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS following a simple deproteinization step. In addition, this untargeted approach allowed us to detect dozens of phase I and phase II 3-MeO-PCP metabolites in all biological specimens. Analysis of the extracted samples by sd-GC-FTIR revealed the presence of 3-MeO-PCP, thus confirming the intake of such specific methoxy-PCP isomer in both cases. These results highlight the effectiveness of LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS and sd-GC-FTIR data in attaining full structural characterization of the psychoactive drugs, even in absence of reference standards, in both non-biological and biological specimens.
Long Non-Coding RNAs as Key Modulators of Pancreatic β-Cell Mass and Function

Numerous studies have sought to decipher the genetic and other mechanisms contributing to β-cell loss and dysfunction in diabetes mellitus. However, we have yet to fully understand the etiology of the disease or to develop satisfactory treatments. Since the majority of diabetes susceptibility loci are mapped to non-coding regions within the genome, understanding the functions of non-coding RNAs in β-cell biology might provide crucial insights into the pathogenesis of type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes. During the past decade, numerous studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs play important roles in the maintenance of β-cell mass and function. Indeed, lncRNAs have been shown to be involved in controlling β-cell proliferation during development and/or β-cell compensation in response to hyperglycaemia. LncRNAs such as TUG-1 and MEG3 play a role in both β-cell apoptosis and function, while others sensitize β-cells to apoptosis in response to stress signals. In addition, several long non-coding RNAs have been shown to regulate the expression of β-cell-enriched transcription factors in cis or in trans. In this review, we provide an overview of the roles of lncRNAs in maintaining β-function and mass, and discuss their relevance in the development of diabetes.