Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immune-related miRNA signature identifies prognosis and immune landscape in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Abstract Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is recognised as an immune active cancer, but little is known about the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in it. In the present study, we aim to determine a prognostic and immune-related miRNAs signature (IRMS) in HNSCC. Methods: Spearman correlation analysis was used to screen out prognostic immune-related miRNAs based on single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model was used to establish IRMS in HNSCC. Then, the influence of the IRMS on HNSCC was comprehensively analysed. Results: We obtained 11 prognostic immune-related miRNAs based on ssGSEA. Then an IRMS integrated with six miRNAs was established through LASSO Cox regression analysis. The stratification survival analysis indicated that IRMS was independent from other characteristics and performed favourably in the overall survival (OS) prediction. The function annotation suggested that IRMS was highly associated with the immune-related response biological processes and pathways which are so important for tumorigenesis of HNSCC. Moreover, the nomogram demonstrated that our model was identified as an independent prognostic factor. In addition, we found that IRMS was significantly correlated with the immune infiltration and expression of critical immune checkpoints, indicating that the poor prognosis might be caused partly by immunosuppressive microenvironment. Conclusion: We established a novel IRMS, which exhibited a potent prognostic value and could be representative of immune status in HNSCC.
Larval Development Varies Across Pond Age and Larval Density in Cope's Gray Treefrogs, Hyla chrysoscelis

Abstract Ovipositing amphibians select breeding sites that determine their offspring's larval habitat. Preference–performance theory predicts that adults will select habitat patches that match the expected performance of their offspring in those patches. Many amphibians breed in temporary ponds immediately after they fill, and one species, Hyla chrysoscelis (Cope's Gray Treefrogs), selects between breeding sites based on patch age differences of as little as 7 d. Prior work established that H. chrysoscelis have better larval performance in more recently filled ponds, but not in ponds less than 15 d after filling or among ponds that differed in age by less than 65 d. Our objective was to determine experimentally whether larval H. chrysoscelis performance varies across short time scales after filling (3- and 23-d-old ponds) and across two larval densities (15 and 30 larvae per mesocosm). Higher larval densities reduced metamorph mass and body condition, but did not otherwise affect larval performance. There were lower survival, shorter larval periods, and slightly lower mass and body condition among larvae from 3-d-old ponds than those in 23-d-old ponds. These mixed performance differences across our two levels of habitat age might not necessarily be representative of what happens in natural systems, however, where older ponds have more established communities of competitors and predators.
Prevalence of Adrenal Insufficiency and Glucocorticoid Use in Pediatric Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome

Background: The pathophysiology underlying pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) is complex and not well understood. There are clear differences between PTCS in adults and pediatrics. Few and isolated case reports have suggested that adrenal function may be involved, yet no large cohort study has examined this relationship. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study of children who presented with a diagnosis of PTCS and had cortisol testing measured between January 2010 and September 2019. We included all subjects meeting the revised PTCS diagnostic criteria after the chart review. Based on morning, random or 1-μg cosyntropin stimulated cortisol levels, adrenal functioning was classified as: (1) insufficient (peak cortisol <16 μg/dL and AM cortisol <5 μg/dL), (2) at risk (peak cortisol 16–20 μg/dL, AM cortisol 5–13 μg/dL, or random <13 μg/dL), or (3) sufficient (peak cortisol >20 μg/dL and AM or random cortisol >13 μg/dL). Results: A total of 398 individuals were reviewed, and 64 were included for analysis. Of these, 40.6% were men, of mixed race and ethnicity with a mean age of 10.5 (SD 4.7) years. Of these, 23% and 52% had insufficient or at-risk cortisol levels. The majority of those in the insufficient (70%) or at-risk (80%) groups were exposed to topical, nasal, or inhaled glucocorticoids but not systemic. Only 60% and 12% of those with PTCS with insufficient or at-risk cortisol testing, respectively, underwent definitive testing with a stimulation test. Conclusions: Glucocorticoid use and hypocortisolism are prevalent in PTCS and need consideration as a potential underlying cause. Most children had insufficient or at-risk cortisol levels, and many did not undergo further testing/workup. Children who present with PTCS, particularly young, males should be evaluated for adrenal insufficiency and its risk factors, including nonsystemic steroids. Prospective studies are necessary to further evaluate the effect of cortisol in relation to pediatric PTCS.
Combining ability and heterosis analysis in forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) for yield and yield components

The aim of this study was to estimate the general combining ability (GCA) of the parents and specific combining ability (SCA) to estimate heterosis in F 1 hybrids of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] with respect to yield and its components using ten hybrids considered for the development of high yielding and better quality cultivars of forage sorghum. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes, parents and hybrids for all the traits on pooled basis. The hybrids and their parents were evaluated to assess the combining ability and gene action governing the quantitative traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for the traits viz., plant height, leaves per plant, leaf area, stem girth, leaf stem ratio and green fodder yield. The SCA variance was found to be more important to gca variance for green and dry fodder yield per plant, plant height, stem diameter, leaf width, leaf: stem ratio, shoot fly dead heart percentage, quality characters and days to flowering, which favored a hybrid breeding programme. The mean degree of dominance (σ2g/σ2s)1/2 was estimated greater than unity for days to 50% flowering, leaf area, stem girth, leaf stem ratio and green fodder yield over dominance for these characters. This cross found to be superior in terms of days to 50 percent flowering, plant height, number of grains per panicle and grain yield per plant. It was followed by UP Chari-1 x HC-308, UP Chari-1 x Rajasthan Chari-1, HC-308 x UP Chari-2, HC-308 x HC-171, HC-308 x CSV-17, HC-171 x CSV-84 and Pant Chari-5 x Rajasthan Chari-1. The manifestation of high degree of heterosis over better and mid parent in certain cross combinations revealed the UP Chari-1 x HC-308, UP Chari-2 x CSV-17, UP Chari-2 x Pant Chari-5, CSV-84 x Rajasthan Chari-1 and Pant Chari-5 x Rajasthan Chari-1, suggested that great possibility to produce higher fodder yield varieties/genotype under study.
High body mass index is associated with increased risk for osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint during more than 30 years of follow-up

Introduction Osteoarthritis (OA) of the first carpometacarpal (CMC-1) joint is a common hand disorder with symptoms including pain and weakness of the thumb. Previous studies have associated high BMI with OA of weight-bearing joints, whereas studies regarding non-weight-bearing joints have shown conflicting results. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of overweight and obesity on incident OA of the CMC-1 joint. Method During 1974 to 1992, 33 346 participants aged 26–61 years were included in the population-based cohort Malmö Preventive Project. Endpoint data were retrieved from Swedish national registers until end of 2018. Sex-stratified Cox regression models adjusted for potential confounders were calculated using BMI as a continuous variable and stratified for normal weight, overweight and obesity. Results Median follow-up was 36 years for men and 32 years for women. A one-unit increment of BMI was independently associated with incident OA of the CMC-1 joint in men (HR 1.12; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.15, p<0.001) and women (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.08, p<0.001). Stratifying for BMI groups, obesity was independently associated with OA of the CMC-1 joint in men (HR 3.57; 95% CI 2.68 to 4.77, p<0.001) and women (HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.44 to 2.73, p<0.001). Conclusion High BMI and obesity are major risk factors for OA of the CMC-1 joint. The association was stronger among men but could be demonstrated also among women. Future studies are warranted to clarify underlying pathophysiological mechanisms for this association, enabling identification of potential therapeutic targets related to obesity in order to prevent the development of OA of the CMC-1 joint.
Influence of dairy co-operative societies/milk producer institutions on socio-psychological status of members and non-members – A comparative study

The study was conducted in four districts of newly formed Telangana State with 120 dairy farmers in which 60 were members of Dairy Co-operative Societies (DCSs)/Milk Producer Institutions (MPIs) and other 60 were non-members. Majority of the member respondents (53.33%) were in middle age (36-50 years) group, literates (68.33%) and had low dairy farming experience (46.67%). Two thirds of members had high social participation (66.67%), More than half (53.33%) of the member respondents possessed medium to large herd sizes and majority (41.67%) were medium milk producers. Majority (70.00%) of the members were high in rational decision making ability, 45.00 per cent had high information seeking behaviour, 46.67 per cent received high extent of training, 60.00 per cent had high credit orientation and 80.00 per cent had high economic orientation. Whereas, in case of non-members, majority (43.33%) were in old age (>50 years) group, half (50.00%) of them were illiterates and more than one third (36.67%) had low dairy farming experience. Majority of non-members had low social participation (55.00%), small herd sizes (83.33%) and were low milk producers (56.67%). Lower than three fourths (71.67%) of nonmembers were low in rational decision making ability, more than half (53.33%) had low information seeking behaviour, three fourths (75.00%) received low extent of training, 40.00 per cent possessed low credit orientation and three fourths (75.00%) of them had low economic orientation. Thus Members were on higher side when compared to non-members regarding their socio-psychological characteristics. The study brought out that the membership in DCSs/MPIs has got much affect on socio-psychological status of dairy farmers and warrants the farmers to become members of DCSs/MPIs for their own welfare.
Decreased prostate‐specific membrane antigen levels in the seminal plasma of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a transmembrane glycoprotein with glutamate carboxypeptidase activity. However, its precise function in the prostate, prostasomes and seminal plasma with regard to male fertility remains unknown. This study was conducted to investigate the seminal plasma PSMA levels in fertile men and patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) and to analyse its association with sperm parameters. Twenty fertile men and twenty patients admitted at the urology clinic of our institution with the diagnosis of OAT were included in the study. Following semen analysis, seminal plasma was isolated from semen ejaculates. PSMA concentrations in the seminal plasma were determined by ELISA. The correlations between seminal PSMA concentrations and semen parameters were statistically analysed. Seminal plasma PSMA concentration was significantly lower in OAT patients compared to fertile controls (p < .01). In fertile men, PSMA concentration was significantly correlated with the sperm concentration (r = −.481, p < .05), whereas in the patient group no statistically significant correlation was found between the sperm parameters and seminal PSMA level. This is the first study in the literature to investigate PSMA levels in the seminal plasma from infertile men. Decreased levels of seminal plasma PSMA might suggest a role for compromised prostasome function in the pathogenesis of OAT syndrome.
Relationship Between COVID-19 Infection and Risk Perception, Knowledge, Attitude, and Four Nonpharmaceutical Interventions During the Late Period of the COVID-19 Epidemic in China: Online Cross-Sectional Survey of 8158 Adults

Background So far, there have been no published population studies on the relationship between a COVID-19 infection and public risk perception, information source, knowledge, attitude, and behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Objective This study aims to understand the relationships between COVID-19 infection; four personal nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs; handwashing, proper coughing habits, social distancing, and mask wearing); and public risk perception, knowledge, attitude, and other social demographic variables. Methods An online survey of 8158 Chinese adults between February 22 and March 5, 2020, was conducted. Bivariate associations between categorical variables were examined using Fisher exact test. We also explored the determinants of four NPIs as well as their association with COVID-19 infection using logistic regression. Results Of 8158 adults included, 57 (0.73%) were infected with COVID-19. The overwhelming majority of respondents showed a positive attitude (n=8094, 99.2%), positive risk perception (n=8146, 99.9%), and high knowledge levels that were among the strongest predictors of the four adopted NPIs (handwashing: n=7895, 96.8%; proper coughing: 5997/6444, 93.1%; social distancing: n=7104/8158, 87.1%; and mask wearing: 5011/5120, 97.9%). There was an increased risk of COVID-19 infection for those who did not wash their hands (2.28% vs 0.65%; risk ratio [RR] 3.53, 95% CI 1.53-8.15; P=.009), did not practice proper coughing (1.79% vs 0.73%; RR 2.44, 95% CI 1.15-5.15; P=.03), did not practice social distancing (1.52% vs 0.58%; RR 2.63, 95% CI 1.48-4.67; P=.002), and did not wear a mask (7.41% vs 0.6%; RR 12.38, 95% CI 5.81-26.36; P<.001). For those who did practice all other three NPIs, wearing a mask was associated with a significantly reduced risk of infection compared to those who did not wear a mask (0.6% vs 16.7%; P=.04). Similarly, for those who did not practice all or part of the other three NPIs, wearing a mask was also associated with a significantly reduced risk of infection. In a penalized logistic regression model including all four NPIs, wearing a mask was the only significant predictor of COVID-19 infection among the four NPIs (odds ratio 7.20, 95% CI 2.24-23.11; P<.001). Conclusions We found high levels of risk perception, positive attitude, desirable knowledge, as well as a high level of adopting the four NPIs. The relevant knowledge, risk perception, and attitude were strong predictors of adapting the four NPIs. Mask wearing, among the four personal NPIs, was the most effective protective measure against COVID-19 infection, with added preventive effect among those who practiced all or part of the other three NPIs.
Caenorhabditis elegans systemic RNA interference defective protein 1 enhances RNAi efficiency in a lepidopteran insect, the fall armyworm, in a tissue-specific manner

ABSTRACT RNA interference (RNAi) is an important tool for gene function studies in insects, especially in non-model insects. This technology is also being developed for pest control. However, variable RNAi efficiency among insects is limiting its use in insects. Systemic RNAi in Caenorhabditis elegans requires systemic RNA interference defective protein 1 (CeSid1). The expression of CeSid1 in insect cell lines was shown to improve RNAi. However, the mechanisms through which this double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) transporter improves RNAi efficiency in insects is not known. We stably expressed CeSid1 in two Spodoptera frugiperda cell lines, Sf9 and Sf17 cells derived from ovary and midgut, respectively. Expression of CeSid1 enhanced RNAi efficiency in ovarian Sf9 cells, but not in midgut Sf17 cells. Reduced accumulation of dsRNA in late endosomes and successful processing dsRNA to siRNA contribute to enhanced RNAi efficiency in Sf9 cells. Transgenic S. frugiperda expressing CeSid1 were produced and tested for RNAi efficiency. RNAi efficiency enhancement due to CeSid1 expression showed tissue specificity. Compared to RNAi efficiency in wild-type S. frugiperda, CeSid1 expressing transgenic S. frugiperda showed a significant improvement of RNAi in tissues such as Verson’s glands. In contrast, no improvement in RNAi was observed in tissues such as midgut. The in vitro cell-type specific and in vivo tissue-specific enhancement of RNAi efficiency by CeSid1 in S. frugiperda provides valuable information for improving RNAi in insects such as those belonging to order Lepidoptera where RNAi is variable and inefficient.
Preparation of pumpkin powder and pumpkin seed kernel powder for supplementation in weaning mix and cookies

Pumpkin powder and seed kernel powder was utilised for the development of weaning mix and cookies. Six different treatments of weaning mix in which wheat flour was supplemented with pumpkin powder viz. T1 (100 %), T2 (90:10), T3 (80:20), T4 (70:30), T5 (60:40) and T6 (50:50) were subjected to sensory evaluation and based on the results best four combinations viz. T1 (100 %), T2 (90:10), T3 (80:20) and T4 (70:30) were selected for nutritional studies. The treatment T4 (70:30) recorded the highest amount of crude protein (12.51 %), crude fibre (0.89 %) and β-carotene (7.81 mg/100 g) followed by T3 (80:20), T2 (90:10) and T1 (100 %). Among different treatments of weaning mixes prepared by supplementing wheat flour with pumpkin seed kernel powder, treatment T3 (80:20) was awarded with the highest scores followed by T2 (90:10), T4 (70:30) and T1 (100 %) on the basis of sensory evaluation. Cookies of six different treatments in which wheat flour was supplemented with pumpkin powder (i.e. T1 (100 %), T2 (90:10), T3 (80:20), T4 (70:30), T5 (60:40) and T6 (50:50)) were subjected to sensory evaluation and based on the results, the best four combinations viz. T1 (100 %), T2 (90:10), T3 (80:20), T4 (70:30) were selected for storage studies. The treatment T4 (70:30) recorded the highest amount of crude protein (10.08 %), crude fibre (0.863 %) and β-carotene (4.29 mg/100 g) followed by T3 (80:20), T2 (90:10) and T1 (100 %). Among different treatments tried for cookies preparation by supplementing wheat flour with pumpkin seed kernel powder (T1 (100 %), T2 (90:10), T3 (80:20), T4 (70:30), T5 (60:40) and T6 (50:50)), treatment T1 (100 %), T2 (90:10), T3 (80:20), T4 (70:30) were selected on the basis of sensory evaluation for nutritional studies. The maximum amount of crude protein content (12.50 %), crude fibre (0.830 %) and β-carotene (3.50 mg/100 g) was observed in T4 (70:30) followed by T3 (80:20), T2 (90:10) and T1 (100 %). With supplementation of pumpkin powder in weaning mix and cookies, the β-carotene content increased, while with increase in pumpkin seed kernel powder there was increase in crude protein and fat.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Characteristics and Predictors of Visual Outcomes in Patients With Acute and Chronic Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Background: To investigate the correlation between optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) characteristics and visual outcomes in patients with acute and chronic nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data and OCTA images of 26 eyes of 26 patients who had been diagnosed with unilateral NAION. OCTA images were acquired from 17 eyes at the acute stage and from 21 eyes at the chronic stage of NAION. We analyzed the peripapillary vessel density (VD) and macular VD in various layers of the retina and choroid for all images. Possible correlations between the OCTA parameters and visual outcomes were investigated. Results: Among the OCTA parameters for the acute stage of NAION, the temporal peripapillary VD was found to be positively correlated with final visual acuity and visual field with statistical significance (P = 0.039 and 0.009, respectively). In the chronic stage of NAION, both peripapillary and superficial macular VDs were positively correlated with visual outcomes. The nasal perifoveal VD in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) also had a significant correlation with final visual acuity for both acute and chronic stages (the Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.565 and 0.685, respectively). Conclusions: In patients with NAION, significant correlations were found between OCTA parameters and visual outcomes. The temporal peripapillary VD measured during the acute stage was a significant predictor of final visual outcomes. The decreased nasal perifoveal VD in the SCP was strongly associated with poor visual prognosis.
The Usefulness of Brief Family Health Conversations Offered to Families Following the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Currently, there are few studies which examine targeted family-focused support when a family member is diagnosed with breast cancer. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore families’ experiences of participating in a family nursing intervention identified as Brief Family Health Conversations (BFamHC) following the diagnosis of breast cancer. Semi-structured family interviews were conducted with nine families (including 29 family members) 2 weeks following the family-focused intervention of three sessions of BFamHC. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Families reported the BFamHC as positive and as a unique kind of family health conversation, one that afforded them the opportunity to communicate and share their experiences as a family group. A family conversation, even one as time-limited as BFamHC, offered a sense of relational sharing and togetherness, thus preventing feelings of isolation and vulnerability. Therapeutic family-focused conversations, such as BFamHC, hold promise as a useful family nursing intervention following the diagnosis of breast cancer.
TMD diagnosis: Sensitivity and specificity of the Fonseca Anamnestic Index

ABSTRACT Objective To verify whether the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) has adequate sensitivity and specificity to be used in the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Methods Two hundred-sixty-five participants with symptoms of TMDs were assessed through the FAI and through the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) and then classified as sick or non-sick. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the FAI in relation to the RDC/TMD were calculated using the STATA 14.0 software. Results Most of the patients were female, white, without a steady job, and the average age was 37.57 years. The FAI showed high sensitivity (97.21%) but obtained a low specificity (26.00%). The positive and negative predictive values were 84.96% and 68.42%, respectively. Conclusion The FAI is very sensitive in identifying patients who actually have TMD but not very specific in identifying non-TMD patients, being indicated only for initial screening of patients.