Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in hippocampal cytokine networks after systemic immune challenge

Increased production of cytokines in the in the brain during illness or injury modulates physiological processes, behavior, and cognitive function. It is likely that the pattern of cytokines, rather than the activation of any individual cytokine, determines the functional outcome of neuroimmune signaling. Cytokine networks may thus be particularly useful for understanding sex differences in immune and neuroimmune activation and outcomes. In this project, we aimed to determine the activation and resolution of hippocampal cytokine networks in both male and female mice. We measured 32 cytokines in the hippocampus and periphery of male and female mice at rest, 2, 6, 24, 48, and 168 hours after an acute systemic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 250μg/kg). We hypothesized that males and females would exhibit both differences in individual cytokine levels and differences in network dynamics of hippocampal cytokines. Cytokines with sex-specific activation by LPS included male-specific elevations of IFNɣ, CSF1, CSF2, and IL-10; and female-specific activation of the IL-2 family and IL-4. We also observed differences in time course, where females showed more rapid elevations, and faster resolution of cytokine activity compared with males. Network analysis using ARACNE and Cytoscape demonstrated markedly different hippocampal cytokine networks across sex even at baseline, and sex differences in cytokine network activation states in response to LPS. Analysis of global shifts in cytokine concentrations further identified a period of cytokine and chemokine downregulation at 48 hours that was more pronounced in females compared with males. Together, these findings demonstrate that sex differences in neuroimmune responses include both differences in intensity of the cytokine response, and importantly differences in cytokine networks activated. Such sex differences in cytokine networks in the brain are likely critical for short and long-term functional outcomes associated with neuroimmune activation.
Complete mitochondrial genome of Anser albifrons frontails (Anseriformes: Anatidae)

Abstract The mitochondrial genome of Anser albifrons frontails is 16740 bp in size, including 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, 13 PCGs, and a CR. Except for tRNASer (AGY) and tRNALeu (CUN) without the dihydrouridine arm, all tRNAs could be folded into canonical cloverleaf structures. All PCGs start with ATG and the termination codon TAA is commonly observed. The CR is located between tRNAGlu and tRNAPhe. The result of the phylogenetic analysis suggests that Anser albifrons frontails is closely related to A. cygonoides and A. anser.
The Characteristics and Mortality of Osteoporosis, Osteomyelitis, or Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Diabetes Population: A Retrospective Study

Background Patients with diabetes mellitus are prone to develop osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Furthermore, the presence of these complications in those with diabetes may lead to higher mortality. The aim of our study was to assess characteristics and mortality of osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, or rheumatoid arthritis in individuals with diabetes. Methods We analyzed osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, and RA deaths associated with diabetes from 1999–2017 using the CDC WONDER system (CDC WONDER; https://wonder.cdc.gov). We used ICD-10 codes to categorize the underlying and contributing causes of death. Crude mortality rates (CMR) and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 1,000,000 person-years were calculated. Results The AAMR for osteoporosis in the population with diabetes was significantly higher in females (AAMR: 4.17, 95% CI: 4.10–4.24) than in males (AAMR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07–1.16). Deaths due to osteoporosis increased gradually from 1999, peaked in 2003 (AAMR: 3.78, 95% CI: 3.55–4.00), and reached a nadir in 2016 (AAMR: 2.32, 95% CI: 2.15–2.48). The AAMR for RA associated with diabetes was slightly higher in females (AAMR: 4.04, 95% CI: 3.98–4.11) than in males (AAMR: 2.45, 95% CI: 2.39–2.51). The mortality rate due to RA increased slightly from 1999 (AAMR: 3.18, 95% CI: 2.97–3.39) to 2017 (AAMR: 3.20, 95% CI: 3.02–3.38). The AAMR for osteomyelitis associated with diabetes was higher in males (AAMR: 4.36, 95% CI: 4.28–4.44) than in females (AAMR: 2.31, 95% CI: 2.26–2.36). From 1999 to 2017, the AAMR from osteomyelitis in this population was 2.63 (95% CI: 2.44–2.82) per 1,000,000 person-years in 1999 and 4.25 (95% CI: 4.05–4.46) per 1,000,000 person-years in 2017. Conclusions We found an increase in the age-adjusted mortality rates of RA and osteomyelitis and a decrease of osteoporosis associated with diabetes from 1999 to 2017. We suggest that increased attention should therefore be given to these diseases in the population with diabetes, especially in efforts to develop preventative and treatment strategies.
Morphology and taxonomic status of Aedes aegypti populations across Senegal

Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue, Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya viruses to humans. In Africa, two subspecies, Ae. aegypti aegypti (Aaa) and Ae. aegypti formosus (Aaf) have been described. Until very recently, it was considered that the two forms were sympatric in East Africa and that only Aaf was present in Central and West Africa. However, recent data suggests that Aaa was also common in Senegal without any clear evidence of genetic differences with Aaf. This study was carried out in different Ae. aegypti populations from Senegal to better clarify their taxonomic status. The larvae, pupae and eggs were collected between July and September 2018 and reared individually to adult stage. For each population, F1 progeny from eggs laid by a single female F0 were reared as sibling samples. The number of pale scales on the first abdominal tergite (T1) and the basal part of the second tergite (T2) were counted. Individuals with no pale scale on T1 were classified as Aaf while those with at least one pale scale on this tergite were classified as Aaa. The morphological variations within families of Aaf were studied across 4 generations. In total, 2400 individuals constituting 240 families were identified, of which 42.5% were heterogeneous (families with both forms). Multivariate statistical analysis of variance including T1 and T2 data together showed that populations were significantly different from each other. Statistical analysis of T1 alone showed a similarity between populations from the southeast while variations were observed within northwest population. The analysis of family composition across generations showed the presence of Aaa and Aaf forms in each generation. The classification of Ae. aegypti into two subspecies is invalid in Senegal. Populations exhibit morphological polymorphism at the intra-family level that could have biological and epidemiological impacts.
The Alteration in Composition and Function of Gut Microbiome in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become one of the most common chronic metabolic diseases worldwide. Due to the increasing prevalence and various complications, diabetes brings about a huge financial burden to DM patients. Nowadays, more and more studies reveal the relationship between diseases and gut microbial community. We aimed to explore the alteration in composition and function of the gut microbiome in T2DM patients. Methods A total of 137 patients with diabetes and 179 age- and gender-matched healthy controls selected from the healthy people sample center in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were divided into the DM group and the Con group, respectively. We collected their venous blood for laboratory tests and stool samples for 16S rRNA sequencing. The comparison between the two groups including both composition and function of the gut microbiome is presented. Results We found that the α-diversity of bacterial taxa in the DM group had an evident decrease compared to that in the Con group. At the phylum level, the DM group had an obvious decrease of Bacteroidetes and a marked increase of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. At the genus level, Bacteroides and Prevotella decreased the most while Escherichia-Shigella, Lachnospiraceae_incertae_sedis, Subdoligranulum, Enterococcus, and Klebsiella had different degrees of expansion in the DM group. The ROC based on 246 optimum OTUs had very high test efficiency with an AUC of 92.25% in the training set and 90.48% in the test set. As for prediction of metabolic function, the gut microbiome of DM patients was predicted to be more active in environmental information processing and human diseases but less in metabolism. Conclusion We observed alteration of composition and function of the gut microbiome in the DM group. These changes may provide a new treatment strategy for DM patients and new research targets.
Is asthma a risk factor for COVID-19? Are phenotypes important?

Asthma is a major health problem all over the world [1]. Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a respiratory pathogen, it is important to quantify the risk that the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may represent for patients with asthma. These results reaffirm the idea that asthma does not appear to be a risk factor for the development of #COVID19. However, most of the asthma patients in this study had a non-T2 phenotype. https://bit.ly/38hIp18
Comparative analysis of virulence determinants, phylogroups, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of typical versus atypical Enteroaggregative E. coli in India

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is an evolving enteric pathogen that causes acute and chronic diarrhea in developed and industrialized nations in children. EAEC epidemiology and the importance of atypical EAEC (aEAEC) isolation in childhood diarrhea are not well documented in the Indian setting. A comparative analysis was undertaken to evaluate virulence, phylogeny, and antibiotic sensitivity among typical tEAEC versus aEAEC. A total of 171 EAEC isolates were extracted from a broad surveillance sample of diarrheal (N = 1210) and healthy children (N = 550) across North India. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the aggR gene (master regulator gene) was conducted to differentiate tEAEC and aEAEC. For 21 virulence genes, we used multiplex PCR to classify possible virulence factors among these strains. Phylogenetic classes were identified by a multiplex PCR for chuA, yjaA, and a cryptic DNA fragment, TspE4C2. Antibiotic susceptibility was conducted by the disc diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines. EAEC was associated with moderate to severe diarrhea in children. The prevalence of EAEC infection (11.4%) was higher than any other DEC group (p = 0.002). tEAEC occurrence in the diarrheal group was higher than in the control group (p = 0.0001). tEAEC strain harbored more virulence genes than aEAEC. astA, aap, and aggR genes were most frequently found in the EAEC from the diarrheal population. Within tEAEC, this gene combination was present in more than 50% of strains. Also, 75.8% of EAEC strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Phylogroup D (43.9%) and B1 (39.4%) were most prevalent in the diarrheal and control group, respectively. Genetic analysis revealed EAEC variability; the comparison of tEAEC and aEAEC allowed us to better understand the EAEC virulence repertoire. Further microbiological and epidemiological research is required to examine the pathogenicity of not only typical but also atypical EAEC.
In silico analysis identifies a putative cell-of-origin for BRAF fusion-positive cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma

Childhood cancers are increasingly recognized as disorders of cellular development. This study sought to identify the cellular and developmental origins of cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma, the most common brain tumor of childhood. Using publicly available gene expression data from pilocytic astrocytoma tumors and controlling for driver mutation, a set of developmental-related genes which were overexpressed in cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma was identified. These genes were then mapped onto several developmental atlases in order to identify normal cells with similar gene expression patterns and the developmental trajectory of those cells was interrogated. Eight known neuro-developmental genes were identified as being expressed in cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma. Mapping those genes or their orthologs onto mouse neuro-developmental atlases identified overlap in their expression within the ventricular zone of the cerebellar anlage. Further analysis with a single cell RNA-sequencing atlas of the developing mouse cerebellum defined this overlap as occurring in ventricular zone progenitor cells at the division point between GABA-ergic neuronal and glial lineages, a developmental trajectory which closely mirrors that previously described to occur within pilocytic astrocytoma cells. Furthermore, ventricular zone progenitor cells and their progeny exhibited evidence of MAPK pathway activation, the paradigmatic oncogenic cascade known to be active in cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma. Gene expression from developing human brain atlases recapitulated the same anatomic localizations and developmental trajectories as those found in mice. Taken together, these data suggest this population of ventricular zone progenitor cells as the cell-of-origin for BRAF fusion-positive cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma.
Suicidal thoughts, suicidal behaviours and self-harm in daily life: A systematic review of ecological momentary assessment studies

Background Ecological Momentary Assessments (EMA) offer an approach to understand the daily risk factors of suicide and self-harm of individuals through the use of self-monitoring techniques using mobile technologies. Objectives This systematic review aimed to examine the results of studies on suicidality risk factors and self-harm that used Ecological Momentary Assessments. Methods Pubmed and PsycINFO databases were searched up to April 2020. Bibliographies of eligible studies were hand-searched, and 744 abstracts were screened and double-coded for inclusion. Results The 49 studies using EMA included in the review found associations between daily affect, rumination and interpersonal interactions and daily non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Studies also found associations between daily negative affect and positive affect, social support, sleep, and emotions and a person’s history of suicide and self-harm. Associations between daily suicide thoughts and self-harm, and psychopathology factors measured at baseline were also observed. Conclusions Research using EMA has the potential to offer clinicians the ability to understand the daily predictors, or risk factors, of suicide and self-harm. However, there are no clear reporting standards for EMA studies on risk factors for suicide. Further research should utilise longitudinal study designs, harmonise datasets and use machine learning techniques to identify patterns of proximal risk factors for suicide behaviours.
The Effect of Three Different Mulches on Weed Presence, Soil Characteristics, and Zinnia Growth

Organic and inorganic mulching helps to control weeds. Mulching helps cultivated plants to grow by inhibiting the growth of weeds, retaining soil moisture, and regulating the temperature of soil. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different organic mulches on weed presence, soil characteristics, and growth of Zinnia elegans. The mulches used in studying Zinnia elegans were wheat straw, non-shredded Miscanthus (M. × giganteus), and shredded Miscanthus (M. × giganteus) mulch. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used in the study, with different quantitative methods were used to collect data. ANOVA tests were utilized to statistically analyze data. The research found that shredded Miscanthus × giganteus was the most appropriate because it inhibited weed growth by depriving the weeds of sunlight required in seed germination and growth. The results of the study also showed a statistically significant difference between mulch treatments and the control, on Zinnia elegans growth. Non-shredded Miscanthus (M. × giganteus) together with wheat straw produced the highest macronutrient and micronutrient levels in the soil. Also, non-shredded Miscanthus (M. × giganteus) mulch stimulated Zinnia elegans growth by providing microand micronutrients and led to an increase in the stem diameter, length, flower sets, and the formation of flower buds. The conclusion of the study also indicated nonshredded Miscanthus (M. × giganteus) is a preferred alternative to wheat straw for gardeners. The limitations of this study included the possibility of different climatic conditions influencing various outcomes, the controlled setting as not representative of a real-life setting, and a generalization of results despite the study dealing with one type of plant.
The Effect of Lavender (Lavandula stoechas L.) on Reducing Labor Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Labor pain is one of the most severe pains, which most of women experience. By using novel supportive methods, the labor pain can be reduced, which makes this event pleasant and delightful. Several original studies have been conducted in regard to the effect of lavender on reducing labor pain, whose results are controversial. One of the applications of meta-analysis studies is to respond to these hypotheses and remove controversies; therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of lavender on labor pain in Iran by using meta-analysis. Methods In this study, to find published articles electronically from 2006 to 2019, the published articles in national and international databases of SID, MagIran, IranMedex, IranDoc, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science (ISI) were used. Heterogenic index between studies was determined by Cochrane test (Q)c and I2. Due to heterogeneity, the random effects model was used to estimate standardize difference of the mean score of lavender test in order to assess the labor pain between intervention and control group. Results In this meta-analysis and systematic review, finally 13 eligible articles met the inclusion criteria of the study. The sample size from original studies enrolled in the meta-analysis entered in the intervention group was 794 individuals and in the control group was 795 individuals. Mean score for pain in the control group was 7.2 ± 0.42 and in the intervention group was 5.4 ± 0.58 and this difference was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion The results of this study showed that lavender can reduce labor pain, which can be considered by health policy makers and gynecologists.
CONCENTRATION AND SIZE OF AIRBORNE PARTICLES IN MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENTS

ABSTRACT In furniture factories, the cutting of medium density fiberboard (MDF) generates high concentrations of particulates suspended in the air, which, depending on their dimensions, can reach the sensitive areas of the respiratory tract of workers. The aim of this study was to test a method to measure particle sizes derived from the cutting of wood paneling. The experiment was conducted in two small furniture factories located in the municipality of Lavras, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. During the cutting of MDF, airborne particles were collected and measured by means of optical microscopy. The data obtained showed a critical condition in the work environments, with high concentrations of small particles (<10 microns), which could be lodged in the workers’ lungs. The particle measuring process proved to be accurate and easy to perform. In addition, it is worth noting the importance of investment in personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hoods and/ or PFF2 dust masks for the protection of workers.
Global spread of science communication: institutions and practices across continents

Introduction When the first large-scale international conferences of science communication practitioners, educators and researchers took place in the early 1990s, the panorama was very largely restricted to western Europe and north America. But the PCST (Public Communication of Science and Technology) series of conferences now attracts more than 600 participants from over 60 countries in all continents; proposals of contributions to the 2012 conference came from over 50 countries. The World Congress of Science Journalists (700-plus participants from 73 countries in 2013) and the professional conferences of science museums and centres attract similar numbers and distributions of participants. As an inherently international system, modern science has diffused institutional structures and practices across the continents from its earliest days. In an increasingly globalised world, these processes have accelerated and intensified and, with cross-continental collaborations and movement of personnel, ideas and attitudes have also spread. This includes ideas and attitudes on the place of science in society and on scientists’ social roles. Partly based on this shared culture of scientists, but also driven by other globalisation factors in politics and economics, science communication has over a relatively short period become a world-wide phenomenon.
Deletion of Autism Risk Gene Shank3 Disrupts Prefrontal Connectivity

Mutations in the synaptic scaffolding protein SHANK3 are a major cause of autism and are associated with prominent intellectual and language deficits. However, the neural mechanisms whereby SHANK3 deficiency affects higher-order socio-communicative functions remain unclear. Using high-resolution functional and structural MRI in adult male mice, here we show that loss of Shank3 (Shank3B−/−) results in disrupted local and long-range prefrontal and frontostriatal functional connectivity. We document that prefrontal hypoconnectivity is associated with reduced short-range cortical projections density, and reduced gray matter volume. Finally, we show that prefrontal disconnectivity is predictive of social communication deficits, as assessed with ultrasound vocalization recordings. Collectively, our results reveal a critical role of SHANK3 in the development of prefrontal anatomy and function, and suggest that SHANK3 deficiency may predispose to intellectual disability and socio-communicative impairments via dysregulation of higher-order cortical connectivity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Mutations in the synaptic scaffolding protein SHANK3 are commonly associated with autism, intellectual, and language deficits. Previous research has linked SHANK3 deficiency to basal ganglia dysfunction, motor stereotypies, and social deficits. However, the neural mechanism whereby Shank3 gene mutations affects cortical functional connectivity and higher-order socio-communicative functions remain unclear. Here we show that loss of SHANK3 in mice results in largely disrupted functional connectivity and abnormal gray matter anatomy in prefrontal areas. We also show that prefrontal connectivity disruption is tightly linked to socio-communicative deficits. Our findings suggest that SHANK3 is a critical orchestrator of frontocortical function, and that disrupted connectivity of prefrontal areas may underpin socio-communicative impairments observed in SHANK3 mutation carriers.