Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of excited nitrogen atoms on inactivation of spore-forming microorganisms in low pressure N2/O2 surface-wave plasma

Using a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) absorption spectroscopy with a compact low pressure plasma light source, the absolute nitrogen atom density was measured to study its role in the spore inactivation with low pressure N2/O2 gas mixture surface-wave plasmas (SWPs). Self-absorption effect of the resonance emission lines of nitrogen atoms near 120 nm was minimized by optimizing its discharge conditions of the plasma light source. Experimental results showed that excited nitrogen atom densities monotonically decreased with the decrease of N2 gas percentage in N2/O2 gas mixture SWPs, concomitantly with similar decrease of VUV/UV emission intensities of nitrogen atoms and molecules. In the pure N2 gas SWPs, it was confirmed that a dominant lethal factor was VUV/UV emission generated by N2 plasma, while spore etching occurred via physical and chemical interactions with nitrogen species. With an addition of O2 gas, significant spore etching by excited oxygen atoms made it much easier for the VUV/UV photons emitted by nitrogen atoms, N2 and NO molecules to penetrate through the etched spore coats to the core and cause the fatal DNA damage of the microorganisms. As a result, more rapid inactivation was achieved in the middle region of N2/O2 gas mixture ratio, such as 30–80% O2 gas addition, in the present N2/O2 gas mixture SWPs.
Integrated bioinformatic analysis reveals the underlying molecular mechanism of and potential drugs for pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating cardiovascular disease without a clear mechanism or drugs for treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to reveal the underlying molecular mechanism and identify potential drugs for PAH. In this study, we first integrated three human lung tissue datasets (GSE113439, GSE53408, GSE117261) from GEO. A total of 151 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened, followed by KEGG and GO enrichment analyses and PPI network construction. Five hub genes (CSF3R, NT5E, ANGPT2, FGF7, and CXCL9) were identified by Cytoscape (Cytohubba). GSEA and GSVA were performed for each hub gene to uncover the potential mechanism. Moreover, to repurpose known and therapeutic drugs, the CMap database was retrieved, and nine candidate compounds (lypressin, ruxolitinib, triclabendazole, L-BSO, tiaprofenic acid, AT-9283, QL-X-138, huperzine-a, and L-741742) with a high level of confidence were obtained. Then ruxolitinib was selected to perform molecular docking simulations with ANGPT2, FGF7, NT5E, CSF3R, JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, TYK2. A certain concentration of ruxolitinib could inhibit the proliferation and migration of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (rPASMCs) in vitro. Together, these analyses principally identified CSF3R, NT5E, ANGPT2, FGF7 and CXCL9 as candidate biomarkers of PAH, and ruxolitinib might exert promising therapeutic action for PAH.
Efficient maternal to neonatal transfer of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

BACKGROUNDThe significant risks posed to mothers and fetuses by COVID-19 in pregnancy have sparked a worldwide debate surrounding the pros and cons of antenatal SARS-CoV-2 inoculation, as we lack sufficient evidence regarding vaccine effectiveness in pregnant women and their offspring. We aimed to provide substantial evidence for the effect of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine versus native infection on maternal humoral, as well as transplacentally acquired fetal immune response, potentially providing newborn protection.METHODSA multicenter study where parturients presenting for delivery were recruited at 8 medical centers across Israel and assigned to 3 study groups: vaccinated (n = 86); PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infected during pregnancy (n = 65), and unvaccinated noninfected controls (n = 62). Maternal and fetal blood samples were collected from parturients prior to delivery and from the umbilical cord following delivery, respectively. Sera IgG and IgM titers were measured using the Milliplex MAP SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Panel (for S1, S2, RBD, and N). RESULTSThe BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine elicits strong maternal humoral IgG response (anti-S and RBD) that crosses the placenta barrier and approaches maternal titers in the fetus within 15 days following the first dose. Maternal to neonatal anti-COVID-19 antibodies ratio did not differ when comparing sensitization (vaccine vs. infection). IgG transfer ratio at birth was significantly lower for third-trimester as compared with second trimester infection. Lastly, fetal IgM response was detected in 5 neonates, all in the infected group.CONCLUSIONAntenatal BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination induces a robust maternal humoral response that effectively transfers to the fetus, supporting the role of vaccination during pregnancy.FUNDINGIsrael Science Foundation and the Weizmann Institute Fondazione Henry Krenter.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Screening Arterial Spin-Labeling MRI Using Hadamard Encoding for the Detection of Reduced CBF in Adult Patients with Ischemic Moyamoya Disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Adult patients with ischemic Moyamoya disease are advised to undergo selective revascularization surgery based on cerebral hemodynamics. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of arterial spin-labeling MR imaging using Hadamard-encoded multiple postlabeling delays for the detection of reduced CBF in such patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients underwent brain perfusion SPECT and pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling MR imaging using standard postlabeling delay (1525 ms) and Hadamard-encoded multiple postlabeling delays. For Hadamard-encoded multiple postlabeling delays, based on data obtained from the 7 sub-boluses with combinations of different labeling durations and postlabeling delays, CBF corrected by the arterial transit time was calculated on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Using a 3D stereotaxic template, we automatically placed ROIs in the ipsilateral cerebellar hemisphere and 5 MCA territories in the symptomatic cerebral hemisphere; then, the ratio of the MCA to cerebellar ROI was calculated. RESULTS: The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for detecting reduced SPECT-CBF ratios (<0.686) was significantly greater for the Hadamard-encoded multiple postlabeling delays–CBF ratios (0.885) than for the standard postlabeling delay–CBF ratios (0.786) (P = .001). The sensitivity and negative predictive value for the Hadamard-encoded multiple postlabeling delays–CBF ratios were 100% (95% confidence interval, 100%–100%) and significantly higher than the sensitivity (95% CI, 44%–80%) and negative predictive value (95% CI, 88%–97%) for the standard postlabeling delay–CBF ratio, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ASL MR imaging using Hadamard-encoded multiple postlabeling delays may be applicable as a screening tool because it can detect reduced CBF on brain perfusion SPECT with 100% sensitivity and a 100% negative predictive value in adult patients with ischemic Moyamoya disease.
Genotype–Environment mismatch of kelp forests under climate change

Climate change is increasingly impacting ecosystems globally. Understanding adaptive genetic diversity and whether it will keep pace with projected climatic change is necessary to assess species’ vulnerability and design efficient mitigation strategies such as assisted adaptation. Kelp forests are the foundations of temperate reefs globally but are declining in many regions due to climate stress. A lack of knowledge of kelp's adaptive genetic diversity hinders assessment of vulnerability under extant and future climates. Using 4245 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we characterized patterns of neutral and putative adaptive genetic diversity for the dominant kelp in the southern hemisphere (Ecklonia radiata) from ~1000 km of coastline off Western Australia. Strong population structure and isolation‐by‐distance was underpinned by significant signatures of selection related to temperature and light. Gradient forest analysis of temperature‐linked SNPs under selection revealed a strong association with mean annual temperature range, suggesting adaptation to local thermal environments. Critically, modelling revealed that predicted climate‐mediated temperature changes will probably result in high genomic vulnerability via a mismatch between current and future predicted genotype–environment relationships such that kelp forests off Western Australia will need to significantly adapt to keep pace with projected climate change. Proactive management techniques such as assisted adaptation to boost resilience may be required to secure the future of these kelp forests and the immense ecological and economic values they support.
Unraveling the role of 12- and 20-HETE in cardiac pathophysiology: G-protein coupled receptors, pharmacological inhibitors and transgenic approaches.

ABSTRACT Arachidonic acid-derived lipid mediators play crucial roles in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Eicosanoid metabolites generated by lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450 enzymes produce several classes of molecules, including the epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE) family of bioactive lipids. In general, the cardioprotective effects of EETs have been documented across a number of cardiac diseases. In contrast, members of the HETE family have been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of ischemic cardiac disease, maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The net effect of 12(S)- and 20-HETE depends upon the relative amounts generated, ratio of HETEs/EETs produced, timing of synthesis, as well as cellular and subcellular mechanisms activated by each respective metabolite. HETEs are synthesized by and affect multiple cell types within the myocardium. Moreover, cytochrome P450- (CYP) and lipoxygenase- (LOX) derived metabolites have been shown to directly influence cardiac myocyte growth and the regulation of cardiac fibroblasts. The mechanistic data uncovered thus far has employed the use of enzyme inhibitors, HETE antagonists and the genetic manipulation of lipid-producing enzymes and their respective receptors, all of which influence a complex network of outcomes that complicate data interpretation. This review will summarize and integrate recent findings on the role of 12(S)-/20-HETE in cardiac diseases.
Knockdown of Succinate Dehydrogenase Assembly Factor 2 Induces Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Auxin Hypersensitivity Causing pH-dependent Root Elongation.

Metabolism, auxin signalling and ROS all contribute to plant growth and each is linked to plant mitochondria and the process of respiration. Knockdown of mitochondrial Succinate Dehydrogenase Assembly Factor 2 (SDHAF2) in Arabidopsis thaliana, lowered succinate dehydrogenase activity and led to pH-inducible root inhibition when the growth medium pH was poised at different points between 7.0 and 5.0, but this phenomenon was not observed in WT. Roots of sdhaf2 mutants showed high accumulation of succinate, depletion of citrate and malate and up-regulation of ROS-related and stress-inducible genes at pH 5.5. A change of oxidative status in sdhaf2 roots at low pH was also evidenced by low ROS staining in root tips and altered root sensitivity to H2O2. sdhaf2 had low auxin activity in root tips via DR5-GUS staining, but displayed increased IAA (auxin) abundance and IAA hypersensitivity, which is most likely caused by the change in ROS levels. On this basis we conclude that knockdown of SDHAF2 induces pH-related root elongation and auxin hyperaccumulation and hypersensitivity, mediated by altered ROS homeostasis. This observation extends the existing evidence of associations between mitochondrial function and auxin by establishing a cascade of cellular events that link them through ROS formation, metabolism and root growth at different pH values.
Family Planning Beliefs and Their Association with Contraceptive Use Dynamics: Results from a Longitudinal Study in Uganda

Abstract Norms and beliefs toward contraception, both positive and negative, motivate contraceptive use; however, they have seldom been explored longitudinally in low‐ and middle‐income countries, limiting our understanding of their influence on contraceptive dynamics. We used PMA2020 Uganda national longitudinal data of reproductive aged women in 2018 (baseline) and 2019 (follow‐up) to explore discontinuation and switching among modern contraceptive users at baseline (n = 688) and contraceptive use at follow‐up among nonusers at baseline (n = 1,377). Multivariable simple and multinomial logistic regressions assessed the association of individual and community‐level contraceptive beliefs with contraceptive uptake, discontinuation and switching. One‐quarter of nonusers at baseline were using contraception at follow‐up, while 37 percent of users at baseline had discontinued and 28 percent had switched methods at follow‐up. The odds of contraceptive uptake were lower among women who strongly agreed that contraception impacted future fertility or caused conflict within a couple, relative to those who strongly disagreed (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.7 and aOR: 0.6, respectively), but higher among women who strongly agreed that contraception preserved beauty (aOR: 1.6). Women who strongly agreed that it was acceptable to use contraception before having children were less likely to discontinue their method than those who strongly disagreed (adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR): 0.5), though living in a community where more women agreed with this statement was associated with higher discontinuation (aRRR: 6.0). Family planning programs that promote positive beliefs toward family planning could improve contraceptive uptake and continuation. More research is needed to understand how contraceptive beliefs shape contraceptive decisions across the life course.
Comparison of clinical features and laboratory findings of coronavirus disease 2019 and influenza A and B infections in children: a single-center study

Background As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak continues to evolve, it is crucially important for pediatricians to be aware of the differences in demographic and clinical features between COVID-19 and influenza A and B infections. Purpose This study analyzed and compared the clinical features and laboratory findings of COVID-19 and influenza A and B infections in children. Methods This retrospective study evaluated the medical data of 206 pediatric COVID-19 and 411 pediatric seasonal influenza A or B patients. Results COVID-19 patients were older than seasonal influenza patients (median [interquartile range], 7.75 [2–14] years vs. 4 [2–6] years). The frequency of fever and cough in COVID-19 patients was lower than that of seasonal influenza patients (80.6% vs. 94.4%, P<0.001 and 22.8 % vs. 71.5%, P<0.001, respectively). Ageusia (4.9%) and anosmia (3.4%) were present in only COVID-19 patients. Leukopenia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia were encountered more frequently in influenza patients than in COVID-19 patients (22.1% vs. 8.5%, P=0.029; 17.6% vs. 5.6%, P=0.013; and 13.2% vs. 5.6%, P= 0.048, respectively). Both groups showed significantly elevated monocyte levels in the complete blood count (70.4% vs. 69.9%, P=0.511). Major chest x-ray findings in COVID-19 patients included mild diffuse ground-glass opacity and right lower lobe infiltrates. There were no statistically significant intergroup differences in hospitalization or mortality rates; however, the intensive care unit admission rate was higher among COVID-19 patients (2.4% vs. 0.5%, P=0.045). Conclusion In this study, pediatric COVID-19 patients showed a wide range of clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic/mild to severe illness. We found no intergroup differences in hospitalization rates, oxygen requirements, or hospital length of stay; however, the intensive care unit admission rate was higher among COVID-19 patients.
Changes in Chemical Composition and Spectral Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter From Soils Induced by Biodegradation

Abstract Dissolved organic matter (DOM) provides the main energy and C source for soil microorganisms; however, relatively little is known about the dynamics of individual DOM fractions during microbial decomposition. Our objective was to investigate the changes in chemical composition and spectral characteristics of DOM from soils under four different vegetation types, including evergreen broad-leaved forest, coniferous forest, dwarf forest, and alpine meadow along an elevation gradient in the Wuyi Mountains of southeastern China during a 90-day incubation with UV, fluorescence, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. In synchronous fluorescence spectra, the relative fluorescence intensity (RFI) of fulvic acid–like materials in DOM decreased for evergreen broad-leaved forest and dwarf forest soils after incubation, indicating that fulvic acids, especially when abundant at high initial content, seemed to be an important C source for soil microorganisms. The RFI of humic acid–like materials in DOM increased for all the samples after incubation, indicating that humic acids were resistant to biodegradation. The RFI of protein-like materials in DOM increased for all cases after incubation. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the ratio of absorption intensity of aromatic C=C to that of carbohydrate C-O in DOM increased by twofold to threefold after incubation for all the samples. Increasing values of UV254 absorbance and Humification Index of DOM were found for soils under most vegetation types after incubation. Carbohydrate C concentrations showed a larger fluctuation throughout the incubation, with a change of between 4.5 and 10.4 mg C L−1. Phenol C concentrations increased significantly for all cases. These results indicate that aromatic compounds with an enhanced degree of condensation were accumulated gradually during DOM biodegradation, and that there were considerable amounts of carbohydrates and protein-like materials in the residual DOM.
The effect of Omaha System-based continuous nursing care on the psychological status, self-esteem, and quality of life in epileptic children.

OBJECTIVES This study explored and analyzed the effect of Omaha System-based continual nursing care on the psychological status, self-esteem and quality of life in epileptic children. METHODS 127 epileptic children hospitalized from March 2018 to September 2019 were recruited as the study cohort and stochastically divided into an observation group (n=65) and a control group (n=62). The control group children were given regular out-of-hospital guidance after discharge, and the observation-group were treated with Omaha System-based continuous nursing intervention in addition to the routine out-of-hospital guidance the control group underwent. The two groups' psychological statuses, self-esteem, sense of defect, and quality of life were compared both pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS The SAS and SDS scores in the two groups after the intervention were significantly lower than their pre-intervention scores (P<0.05), and the scores in the observation group after the intervention were evidently lower than the scores in the control group (P<0.05). The two groups' post-intervention SES and FIS scores were significantly higher than their pre-intervention scores (P<0.05), and the scores in the observation group were notably lower than the scores in the control group (P<0.05). The post-intervention quality of life scores in the two groups were dramatically higher than the pre-intervention scores (P<0.05), and the quality of life scores in the observation group were notably higher than the quality of life scores in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The Omaha System-based continual nursing care can efficaciously elevate the psychological status of children with epilepsy, improve their self-esteem, reduce their sense of self-defect, and contribute to the improvement of their quality of life, so it is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
Analysis of dose monitoring for external exposure to radiology in hospital workers from 2010 to 2018.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the individual level of radiation exposure in hospital workers from 2010 to 2018. METHODS Oral radiology workers in our hospital including medical imaging technicians and radiation therapists from 2010 to 2018 were selected as the subjects of investigation. The oral radiological workers were monitored quarterly according to the level of external exposure via individual dose monitoring standards. The monitoring data were aggregated, analyzed and evaluated. RESULTS A total of 531 hospital radiology workers were monitored from 2010 to 2018. The rate of effective monitoring per year for medical imaging technicians and radiation therapists was 97.35% and 97.47%, respectively. The average collective effective dose was 8.511 mSv, and annual effective dose per capita was 0.148 mSv. The highest collective effective dose was in 2017, while the highest annual effective dose per capita was in 2010. The annual effective dose per capita for medical imaging technicians was lower than that for radiation therapists. The abnormal rate of personal doses of radiation therapists was higher than that for medical imaging technicians. The collective effective dose changes in the two types of radiation workers were monitored from 2010 to 2018, showing an increased trend. The fluctuations of annual effective dosing per capita monitored from 2010 to 2018 in radiation therapists was more significant than that in medical imaging technicians. CONCLUSIONS Oral radiation workers monitored were all far below the dose limit of 20 mSv, which indicated that the working environment of oral radiation workers in our hospital was safe with good radiation condition and protection.
Enhanced surgical technique for sutureless intrascleral fixation of intraocular lenses

A simplified intrascleral fixation technique involving implantation of the Carlevale intraocular lens (IOL) in the posterior chamber is described, which lodges the T-shaped IOL haptics in the scleral wall, not requiring scleral flaps. This surgical modification reduces operative time, limits iatrogenic damage to the sclera, and avoids friction between haptics and the conjunctiva, which may cause conjunctival erosion and infection in the long term. 13 patients with crystalline lens or IOL dislocation/subluxation had surgery to implant the Carlevale IOL in the posterior chamber. Mean corrected distance visual acuity preoperatively was 0.75 ± 0.5 logMAR (range, 0.2 to 1.5 logMAR) and improved to 0.28 ± 0.3 logMAR (range, 0 to 1.0 logMAR) postoperatively. Complications rarely occurred and were not sight-threatening. The sutureless scleral fixation of the Carlevale IOL using the modified surgical technique may represent a safe and effective procedure to restore visual function in patients with damaged zonular–capsular support.
Cross-species analysis defines the conservation of anatomically segregated VMH neuron populations

The ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) controls diverse behaviors and physiologic functions, suggesting the existence of multiple VMH neural subtypes with distinct functions. Combing translating ribosome affinity purification with RNA-sequencing (TRAP-seq) data with single-nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) data, we identified 24 mouse VMH neuron clusters. Further analysis, including snRNA-seq data from macaque tissue, defined a more tractable VMH parceling scheme consisting of six major genetically and anatomically differentiated VMH neuron classes with good cross-species conservation. In addition to two major ventrolateral classes, we identified three distinct classes of dorsomedial VMH neurons. Consistent with previously suggested unique roles for leptin receptor (Lepr)-expressing VMH neurons, Lepr expression marked a single dorsomedial class. We also identified a class of glutamatergic VMH neurons that resides in the tuberal region, anterolateral to the neuroanatomical core of the VMH. This atlas of conserved VMH neuron populations provides an unbiased starting point for the analysis of VMH circuitry and function.