Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autophagy and SARS-CoV-2 infection: A possible smart targeting of the autophagy pathway

ABSTRACT The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak resulted in 5,993,317 confirmed cases worldwide with 365,394 confirmed deaths (as of May 29th, 2020, WHO). The molecular mechanism of virus infection and spread in the body is not yet disclosed, but studies on other betacoronaviruses show that, upon cell infection, these viruses inhibit macroautophagy/autophagy flux and cause the accumulation of autophagosomes. No drug has yet been approved for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, preclinical investigations suggested repurposing of several FDA-approved drugs for clinical trials. Half of these drugs are modulators of the autophagy pathway. Unexpectedly, instead of acting by directly antagonizing the effects of viruses, these drugs appear to function by suppressing autophagy flux. Based on the established cross-talk between autophagy and apoptosis, we speculate that over-accumulation of autophagosomes activates an apoptotic pathway that results in apoptotic death of the infected cells and disrupts the virus replication cycle. However, administration of the suggested drugs are associated with severe adverse effects due to their off-target accumulation. Nanoparticle targeting of autophagy at the sites of interest could be a powerful tool to efficiently overcome SARS-CoV-2 infection while avoiding the common adverse effects of these drugs.
Age Moderates the Association Between Microfinance Membership and Physical Abuse, Relationship Power, and Transactional Sex in Haitian Women

Microfinance interventions may have differential effects on relationship dynamics among subpopulations of women. We estimated the association between microfinance participation duration and physical abuse, relationship power, and transactional sex in a sample of Haitian women (n = 304). Furthermore, we tested for moderation by age. In older women, microfinance tended to be associated with reduced risk of violence, low relationship power, and transactional sex. These associations were not observed for younger women. Thus, older Haitian women may benefit from microfinance in ways that younger women do not. Future studies should examine whether additional training and resources could improve outcomes in younger women.
Assessment of Healthcare Workers’ Levels of Preparedness and Awareness Regarding COVID-19 Infection in Low-Resource Settings

Abstract. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is spreading rapidly worldwide, with devastating consequences for patients, healthcare workers, health systems, and economies. As it reaches low- and middle-income countries, the pandemic puts healthcare workers at high risk and challenges the abilities of healthcare systems to respond to the crisis. This study measured levels of knowledge and preparedness regarding COVID-19 among physicians and nurses. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare workers in Libya between February 26 and March 10, 2020. We obtained 1,572 valid responses of a possible 2,000 (78.6%) participants from 21 hospitals, of which 65.1% were from physicians and 34.9% from nurses. The majority of participants (70%) used social media as a source of information. A total of 47.3% of doctors and 54.7% of nurses received adequate training on how to effectively use personal protective equipment. Low confidence in managing suspected COVID-19 patients was reported by 83.8% of participants. Furthermore, 43.2% of healthcare workers were aware of proper hand hygiene techniques. Less than 7% of participants received training on how to manage COVID-19 cases, whereas 20.6% of doctors and 26.3% of nurses felt that they were personally prepared for the outbreak. Awareness and preparedness for the pandemic were low among frontline workers during the study. Therefore, an effective educational training program should be implemented to ensure maintenance of appropriate practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Worldwide prevalence of malocclusion in the different stages of dentition: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM The aim of this review is to quantify the prevalence and type of malocclusion among children and adolescents during the different stages of dentition worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS Recent studies (from 2009 to 2019), published in Medline, Web of Science and Embase and orthodontic text-books have been comprehensively reviewed herein. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using STROBE criteria. RESULTS After screening 450 records and analysing 284 relevant full-text publications, 77 studies were included in this review. A good degree of evidence was obtained due to the medium-high methodological quality level of included studies. The worldwide prevalence of malocclusion was 56% (95% CI: 11-99), without differences in gender. The highest prevalence was in Africa (81%) and Europe (72%), followed by America (53%) and Asia (48%). The malocclusion prevalence score did not change from primary to permanent dentition with a common score of 54%. Malocclusion traits such as Angle's classes, overjet, overbite, and asymmetrical midline shift essentially did not change their prevalence during different dentitions. Conversely, traits such as cross-bite and diastema reduced their prevalence during permanent dentition, while scissor-bite and dental crowding increased their scores. CONCLUSION The worldwide high prevalence of malocclusion and its early onset during childhood should induce policymakers as well as paediatric physicians and dentists to devise policies and adopt clinical strategies for preventing malocclusion since younger children's ages.
Re-examination of Physa mosambiquensis Clessin, 1886 and its relationship with other Aplexinae (Pulmonata: Physidae) reported from Africa

Physa mosambiquensis Clessin, 1886 (Physidae) has long been an anomaly in the freshwater malacology of southern Africa. The type specimens and all available literature records are examined and used to propose an area of origin for the species and a mode of translocation to Africa. It is concluded that P. mosambiquensis is conspecific with P. marmorata from South Africa and P. waterloti from several west African countries (both were previously assigned to Aplexa by some authors), and that all these African Aplexinae conform to the South American P. marmorata (sometimes ascribed to Stenophysa). The spread of P. marmorata in eastern South Africa is updated.
Relationships among Maximum Stomatal Conductance, Ecosystem Surface Conductance, Carbon Assimilation Rate, and Plant Nitrogen Nutrition: A Global Ecology Scaling Exercise

This review provides a theoretical framework and global maps for relations between nitrogen-(N)-nutrition and stomatal conductance, gs' at the leaf scale and flUXe! 1 of water vapor and carbon dioxide at the canopy scale. This theory defines the boundaries for observed rates of maximum surface conductance, Gsmax, and its relation to leaf area index, A, within a range of observed max­ imum stomatal conductances. gsmax. Soil evaporation compensates for the reduced contribution of plants to total ecosystem water loss at A < 4. Thus, Gsmax is fairly independent of changes in A for a broad range of vegetation types. The variation of Gsmax within these boundaries can be explained by effects of plant nutrition on stomatal conductance via effects on assimilation. Relations are established for the main global vegetation types among (i) maximum stomatal conductance and leaf nitrogen concentrations with a slope of 0.3 mm s-I per mg N g-I, (ii) maximum surface conductance and stomatal conductance with a slope of 3 mm s-I in G per mm S-I in g, and (iii) maximum surface CO2 uptake and surface conductance with a slope of 1 /lmol m-2 s-1 in A per mm S-1 in G. Based on the distribution of leaf nitrogen in different vegetation types, predictions are made for maximum surface conductance and assimilation of carbon dioxide at a global scale. The review provides a basis for modeling and predicting feedforward and feedback effects between terres­ trial vegetation and global climate.
Retinal Layers Changes in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Agents: Long-Term Outcomes of a Spectral-Domain OCT Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate retinal layers’ changes in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents and to evaluate if these changes may affect treatment response. Methods: Participants in this prospective study were 110 treatment-naïve patients with center involved DME, who were treated with anti-VEGF agents and followed up for at least 12 months. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of retinal layers that can affect visual acuity was performed. Patients with persistent DME were defined, and factors which could affect this outcome were determined. Results: Visual acuity was significantly improved, while there was also a statistically significant reduction in central retinal thickness and in all separate retinal layers’ thickness at month 12 compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Visual acuity was associated with central retinal thickness and outer retinal layers’ thickness;51.8% of the patients presented with persistent DME at month 12, which was found to be significantly associated with baseline visual acuity and HbA1C levels. Conclusions: Anti-VEGF treatment is effective in reducing retinal thickness as a whole and in all separate retinal layers at 12-month follow-up in patients with DME. Changes in central retinal thickness and in outer retinal layers were found to affect visual acuity. HbA1c was the most significant factor to determine persistence of DME at month 12.
Octopus 900 Automated Kinetic Perimetry versus Standard Automated Static Perimetry in Glaucoma Practice

ABSTRACT Purpose: The presence of central visual field loss does not infer the extent of peripheral visual field loss. In advanced stage glaucoma, we evaluated whether automated kinetic perimetry provided additional visual field information to that of central static perimetry. Materials and Methods: We undertook a prospective cross-sectional study of advanced-stage glaucoma defined as stages 3–4. Visual field assessment for right and left eyes was undertaken within one clinic visit using the Octopus 900 G programme and kinetic strategy. Results: We recruited 126 patients (170 eyes). Mean patient age at assessment was 55.86 years (SD 15.15). Mean kinetic reaction time was 1503.96 ms (SD 801.68). Kinetic I4e was plotted in 71% of eyes with an unadjusted area of 2513.68 degrees2 (SD 2397.91) and mean isopter radius of 23.16 degrees (SD 13.07). Kinetic I2e was plotted in 53.5% of eyes with an unadjusted area of 627.07 degrees2 (SD 1291.94) and mean isopter radius of 7.47 degrees (SD 10.59). Increased reaction time was associated with a poorer visual field (p = .001). Mean sensitivity, mean deviation and standard loss variance values on static perimetry were higher in patients who had a defined kinetic field boundary than in patients with no kinetic response to I4e stimulus (p = .0001). However, this corresponded to only small-to-medium correlation between static fields and existent kinetic fields: the presence of poor static fields did not always infer a poor kinetic visual field as poor static fields could also have good kinetic visual fields. Conclusions: Although we confirmed a lack of agreement and only a small to medium correlation between the extents of central versus peripheral visual field loss, automated kinetic perimetry did provide additional peripheral (outside the static 30-degree central field) visual field information which was clinically useful in the presence of non-informative severely defected central visual fields.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Bladder Cancer 2019 update by the Japanese Urological Association: Summary of the revision

Despite just a 4‐year interval from the last version (2015) of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Bladder Cancer, several dramatic paradigm shifts have occurred in the latest clinical practice regarding both the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. Herein, we updated the 2019 version of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Bladder Cancer under the instruction of the Japanese Urological Association.
Genetic polymorphism of retinol binding protein 4 locus and its association with litter traits in pigs

Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) gene was investigated to find its association with litter traits using PCR-RFLP method in RBP4 locus. The Msp1 polymorphism was observed in the third intron region of RBP4 gene. Genotypes, AA, AB and BB were observed with frequency of 0.48, 0.28 and 0.24 respectively. Homozygotes were predominant in LWY and crossbred whereas, heterozygote was predominant in Duroc. The frequencies of RBP4 allele A were 0.61 in the LWY, 0.48 in Duroc and 0.71 in the LWY × Ankamali pigs. RBP4/Msp1 genotype had no significant association with litter traits. Sows carrying RBP4 - AA genotype had higher litter size and weight at birth, but not significant. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in RBP4 565bp fragment nucleotide sequences, 4 were found in intronic regions and 1 silent substitution in exon region.
Sars-cov-2 host entry and replication inhibitors from Indian ginseng: an in-silico approach

Abstract COVID-19 has ravaged the world and is the greatest of pandemics in modern human history, in the absence of treatment or vaccine, the mortality and morbidity rates are very high. The present investigation identifies potential leads from the plant Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng), a well-known antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and a potent antioxidant plant, using molecular docking and dynamics studies. Two different protein targets of SARS-CoV-2 namely NSP15 endoribonuclease and receptor binding domain of prefusion spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 were targeted. Molecular docking studies suggested Withanoside X and Quercetin glucoside from W. somnifera have favorable interactions at the binding site of selected proteins, that is, 6W01 and 6M0J. The top-ranked phytochemicals from docking studies, subjected to 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) suggested Withanoside X with the highest binding free energy (ΔG bind = −89.42 kcal/mol) as the most promising inhibitor. During MD studies, the molecule optimizes its conformation for better fitting with the receptor active site justifying the high binding affinity. Based on proven therapeutic, that is, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles and plausible potential against n-CoV-2 proteins, Indian ginseng could be one of the alternatives as an antiviral agent in the treatment of COVID 19. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma Graphical Abstract Highlights Withania somnifera has antiviral potential. Phytochemicals of Ashwagandha showed promising in silico docking and molecular dynamics results. Withanoside X and Quercetin glucoside have a good binding with protein targets. Indian Ginseng holds promise as SARS-COV-2 (S) and (N) proteins inhibitor.
Establishing ecologically relevant management boundaries: linking movement ecology with the conservation of Scaphirhynchus sturgeon

We investigated the environmental life history of widely distributed threatened and endangered sturgeons in large rivers of the central United States that experience different regulatory regimes and management priorities. Using microchemistry techniques, our goal was to assess how to improve species conservation by dampening the incongruity that often occurs between management and species’ ecological requirements, particularly at large spatial scales. Pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus), shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus), and their hybrids were analyzed for 88Sr and 44Ca and related to a geographically relevant range of Sr:Ca values for the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to quantify large-scale environmental history. We found natal origin of 81% of all wild sturgeon collected was the lower Missouri River. Pallid and hybrid sturgeon used the middle and upper Mississippi rivers more frequently as they aged, whereas shovelnose sturgeon occupied the lower Missouri River more often througho.
Prevalence of Chlamydia abortus in Belgian ruminants

Chlamydia (C.) abortus enzootic abortion still remains the most common cause of reproductive failure in sheep-breeding countries all over the world. Chlamydia abortus in cattle is predominantly associated with genital tract disease and mastitis. In this study, Belgian sheep (n=958), goats (n=48) and cattle (n=1849) were examined, using the ID Screen (TM) Chlamydia abortus indirect multi-species antibody ELISA. In the sheep, the highest prevalence rate was found in Limburg (4.05%). The animals of Antwerp, Brabant and Liege tested negative. The prevalence in the remaining five regions was low (0.24% to 2.74%). Of the nine goat herds, only one herd in Luxembourg was seropositive. In cattle, the highest prevalence rate was found in Walloon Brabant (4.23%). The animals of Limburg and Namur tested negative. The prevalence rate in the remaining seven regions ranged between 0.39% and 4.02%.
Emerging From the “Ku:” Fluctuating in Adjusting With Breast Cancer—A Post-Traumatic Growth Theory Situated Within Chinese Culture

This purpose of the study was to construct a model (theory) to understand Chinese women’s adjustment process in living with breast cancer. A constructivist grounded theory method was adopted in this study. A total of 24 women were recruited through purposive and theoretical sampling. Semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were undertaken in Chinese and transcribed. Initial coding, focused coding, and theoretical coding approaches were used to identify subcategories and categories, and to construct the emergent theory. The basic social process these women used to deal with the breast cancer diagnosis was identified as: Emerging from the ‘ku’: Fluctuating in adjusting with breast cancer. Four categories were revealed following analysis: confronting challenges, orienting to reality, accommodating the illness, and transforming their lives, which encapsulated the main cognitive and emotional processes in which Chinese women engaged in their adjustment to living with their illness. The core process was influenced by a variety of contextual influences, which were identified as personal factors, social-environmental factors, and some specific cultural factors which emphasized positive changes. Chinese cultural values such as “Wuwei” coping strategies, familial primacy, and Chinese self-disclosure contribute to Chinese women’s adjustment processes and post-traumatic growth experiences. Hence, there is a need to consider Chinese cultural features, in designing culturally tailored supportive programs in multi-cultural clinical settings.
Added pentosans in breadmaking: fermentations of derived pentoses by sourdough lactic acid bacteria

One hundred and seventy strains of sourdough lactobacilli were screened for their capacity to grow optimally by using pentoses. Lb. alimentarius M106 and M137, Lb. hilgardii S32, Lb. brevis AM11, Lb. fermentum I4 and Lb. brevis AM8 had a higher cell yield, growth rate and acetic acid production on a mix of arabinose, xylose or ribose and maltose than on maltose as carbon sources. In the cofermentation process, pentoses were preferentially consumed instead of maltose. Pentosan extract was treated with α-L-arabinofuranosidase from Aspergillus niger or endo-xylanase from Bacillus subtilis to produce hydrolysates respectively each of arabinose and xylose. Depending on the type of pentose and other unidentified compounds, hydrolysates specifically substantiated the growth and acetic acid production of sourdough lactobacilli. Sourdough fermentation by Lb. hilgardii S32 with addition of pentosans and endo-xylanase enzyme increased the acidification rate, titratable acidity, acetic acid content and cell yield number. In addition to the well known role in retarding bread staling, pentosans may also be used as sources of pentoses which favour the performances of selected sourdough lactobacilli.
Non-Boolean characterization of Homer1a intranuclear transcription foci

Activity-induced immediate-early gene (IEG) transcription foci can be labelled with fluorescent probes, permitting high temporal and spatial resolution in mapping neuronal circuits. Previous quantification approaches have assumed a Boolean function of transcription foci, assuming that cells are either active or inactive. Due to multiple amplification steps in the in situ hybridization process, it was thought that information relating to magnitudes of firing rates was lost. However, the current data suggest that transcription foci actually exhibit non-Boolean intensity and size values which vary according to behavioural condition. Systematic characterization of transcription foci intensity and size revealed incremental variations such that: home-cage < oneenvironment exposure < five-environment exposure < maximal electroconvulsive shock. Visual differences in transcription foci may result from a quantifiable relationship between spiking patterns and transcription rates. The exact stoichiometry between neuronal spiking and transcription is not yet clear, but these results suggest that Boolean applications of IEG imaging may neglect accurate neuronal activation properties.
Clinical Manifestations of Trauma Exposure in Fibromyalgia: The Role of Anxiety in the Association Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Fibromyalgia Status.

Little research has investigated how traumatic experiences relate to fibromyalgia (FM). We explored the presence of trauma exposure in a sample of Spanish participants with FM and examined the associations between (a) the number and type of traumatic experiences and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and (b) the severity of clinical manifestations in FM, testing for possible mediation models. Participants were 173 FM patients and 53 healthy controls aged 24 to 66 years. Traumatic event type (physical trauma, physical and sexual abuse, psychological trauma), PTSD symptoms, pain intensity, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, coping style, and daily functioning were evaluated via self-report. Fibromyalgia patients reported a higher percentage of trauma exposure than controls, more traumatic experiences (mainly emotional and physical trauma), and more PTSD symptoms, Hedges' gs/Cohen's ds = 0.42-0.76. Most FM patients reported having experienced their most distressing traumatic experience and PTSD symptoms before FM diagnosis. PTSD symptom severity was associated with more pain, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, coping style, and functional impairment, rs = . 23-. 33, ps = . 025-. 008. A multiple mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect of anxiety in the association between PTSD symptoms and daily functioning. In a subset of FM patients, PTSD symptoms were associated with major clinical symptoms. The results suggest future research should explore the effectiveness of trauma-focused therapy compared to standard cognitive behavioral therapy for these patients.