Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selective glycinergic input from vGluT3 amacrine cells confers a suppressed‐by‐contrast trigger feature in a subtype of M1 ipRGCs in the mouse retina

M1 intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) are known to encode absolute light intensity (irradiance) for non‐image‐forming visual functions (subconscious vision), such as circadian photoentrainment and the pupillary light reflex. It remains unclear how M1 cells respond to relative light intensity (contrast) and patterned visual signals. The present study identified a special form of contrast sensitivity (suppressed‐by‐contrast) in M1 cells, suggesting a role of patterned visual signals in regulating non‐image‐forming vision and a potential role of M1 ipRGCs in encoding image‐forming visual cues. The study also uncovered a synaptic mechanism and a retinal circuit mediated by vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (vGluT3) amacrine cells that underlie the suppressed‐by‐contrast response of M1 cells. M1 ipRGC subtypes (M1a and M1b) were revealed that are distinguishable based on synaptic connectivity with vGluT3 amacrine cells, receptive field properties, intrinsic photo sensitivity and membrane excitability, and morphological features, suggesting a division of visual tasks among discrete M1 subpopulations.
Correlation of brachycephaly grade with level of exophthalmos, reduced airway passages and degree of dental malalignment’ in Persian cats

For many years, there has been a trend to breed cats with an increasing degree of brachycephalic head features, which are known to have a severe impact on the animals’ health and welfare. The direct relation between different grades of brachycephaly and their negative implications have not been researched in this species. The aim of this study was therefore to establish correlations between the different grades of brachycephaly and reduced upper respiratory airways, exophthalmos of the eye globes and malalignment of the teeth in Persian cats. Sixty-nine Persian cats of various skull dimensions and ten Domestic shorthair cats were recruited for the study. The cats’ skulls were examined using three-dimensional reconstructions created from Computed Tomography datasets. Brachycephaly was graded using established craniometric measurements (facial index, cranial index, skull index, craniofacial angle). The flow area of the nasal passageways at different locations, the amount of the eye globe not supported by the bony orbit and the axial deviation of the teeth were quantified and evaluated for a correlation with the grade of brachycephaly. The results of this study clearly show that increased grades of brachycephaly in Persian cats resulted in larger extra-orbital parts of the ocular bulbs. The brachycephalic skull dimension also resulted in a lower height of the naso-osseal aperture, while other areas of the nasal airways were not correlated with the severity of brachycephaly. Persian cats showed a significantly increased occurrence of premolar tooth displacement in the upper jaw with increasing brachycephaly grades. It was interesting to note that the measured values had a broad range and values of some individual Persian cats showed an overlap with those of Domestic shorthair cats.
Avoiding misclassification of thrombotic primary antiphospholipid syndrome as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): What are the best-performing SLE classification criteria?

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome (PAPS) overlap clinical and immunological features. Therefore, misclassification of PAPS patients as SLE is a concern. The ACR/EULAR 2019 SLE classification has never been studied in PAPS. Objective To verify if the ACR/EULAR 2019 SLE classification can correctly classify a PAPS patient as not having SLE and compare its performance with the SLICC 2012 SLE classification. Methods: One-hundred thrombotic PAPS patients who fulfilled the Sidney criteria were consecutively screened and those who attended the inclusion criteria were submitted to ACR/EULAR 2019 and SLICC 2012 classifications. Results Sixty-seven PAPS patients were included in this study. The majority was female (89.6%) with median age at study inclusion of 45 years (35–53) and median PAPS disease duration of 13 years (8–19). PAPS correct classification was observed more often with ACR/EULAR 2019 than SLICC 2021 criteria (94.0% vs. 64.2%; p < 0.001). The 4 misclassified patients in ACR/EULAR 2019 were also misclassified in SLICC 2012. The comparison of misclassified patients to those correctly not classified as SLE resulted, for both criteria, in higher frequencies of hematological domain [ACR/EULAR 2019 (100% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.010) and SLICC 2012 (95.8% vs. 11.6%, p < 0.001)]. Further analysis of hematological manifestations revealed that for the ACR/EULAR 2019 leukopenia (100% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.004) and for the SLICC 2012 leukopenia/lymphopenia (91.7% vs. 7%, p < 0.001) were more frequent in misclassified group. Proteinuria (20.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.004) and low complement (45.8% vs. 20.9%, p = 0.033) were also more often observed in the incorrectly SLICC 2012 classified patients. Conclusion ACR/EULAR 2019 had high accuracy for distinguishing PAPS from SLE, whereas the SLICC 2012 incorrectly classified more than one third of the PAPS patients as having SLE.
Chemistry and Crystal Structures of Some Constituents of Zingiber cassumunar

The novel aromatic compounds cis-3-(2',4',5'-trimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-2''',4''',5'''-trimethoxy-styryl]cyclohex-1-ene(1), cis-3-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3''',4'''-dimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (2), a substance assigned the tentative structure cis-3-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-2''',4''',5'''- trimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (3),(E)-4-(3',4'-dimethoxypheny1)but-3-en-1-ol (5), (E)-4-(3',4'-dimethoxypheny1)but-3-en-1-yl acetate (6), and 8-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-methoxynaphtho-1,4- quinone (7) have been isolated from the rhizomes of Zingiber cassurnunav Roxb. (Zingiberaceae). The crystal structures of the cyclohexene derivative (1) and the quinone (7) have been determined from X-ray diffractometer data at 295 K and refined by block diagonal least squares to residuals of 0.046 (2099 'observed' reflections) and 0.093 (1246), respectively. Crystals of compound (1) are triclinic, P1, a 18.027(12), b 10.037(9), c 6.530(5) α, 84.22 (7), β 81.87 (6), γ 85.72 (6)o, Z 2. Crystals of the quinone (7) are monoclinic, P21/a, a 22.89 (1), b 8.022 (5), c 8.458 (5) A, β 91.98 (5)o, Z 4. Although the latter crystal structure determination is imprecise, due largely to the very small size of the crystal available, the solution is unambiguous. A simple two-step synthesis of the quinone (7) has been achieved.
Neonatal Fournier’s Gangrene

Fournier’s gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis of the scrotal and inguinal region, associating high mortality and complication rates. It is extremely rare in the neonatal period and may be life threatening. We present an exceptional case of a 24-day-old boy who consulted to the emergency department for fever (39 °C) and an indurated, fluctuating and painful erythema in both groins, left hemiscrotum, left anterior femoral region and perineum for the last 6 hours. Blood analysis showed increased acute phase reactants without leukocytosis. Ultrasound revealed significant soft-tissue involvement. Due to high clinical suspicion and hemodynamic instability (tachycardia and prolonged capillary filling), urgent fasciotomy, placement of Penrose drains and intensive irrigation was performed. Wound care with irrigations was performed 3 times a day. During the 12 days neonatal intensive care unit admission, he required hemodynamic support and orotracheal intubation and sedation for pain control. Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy (with cefotaxime, clindamycin and cloxacillin) was administered for 2 weeks. Ampicillin-sensitive Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A) was isolated in blood culture at 4th day of admission allowing antibiotic de-escalation. He was discharged on postoperative day 24. He has minimal, inconspicuous scars and no functional sequelae. Fever in neonates requires close observation considering the use of empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics and hospitalization. Early diagnosis, prompt surgical management and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy are essential to prevent complication. Early fasciotomy with intensive irrigation and close survey may avoid extensive skin debridement.
Crystal-chemical investigation of Fe3(PO4)2 · 8 H2O vivianite minerals

Abstract Crystal-chemistry of Fe3(PO4)2 · 8 H2O vivianite minerals was investigated by means of a multi-methodological approach based on electron microprobe analysis in wavelenght dispersive mode, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. To this aim, three specimens coming from Commentry (France) (1), Settefrati (Frosinone, Italy) (2) and Ibex Mine (Colorado, USA) (3), have been subject to EMPA analysis, indicating chemical composition (Fe2.94Mg0.06Mn0.01)Σ3. 02(P1.99O8) · 8 H2O (1), (Fe2.96Mg0.01Mn0.04)Σ3. 01((P1.96Si0.03Al0.02)Σ2. 01O8) · 8 H2O (2) and (Fe2.65Zn0.27Mn0.06Na0.03Mg0.02)Σ3. 03(P1.99O8) · 8 H2O (3); successively they have been subject to structural refinement by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction within monoclinic space group C2/m, with the following unit cell constants: a = 10.100(3), b = 13.494(3), c = 4.709(3) Å; β = 104.24(4)° and V = 622.1(7) Å3 (1); a = 10.116(3); b = 13.473(3), c = 4.7064(7) Å; β = 104.33(4)° and V = 621.5(2) Å3 (2); a = 10.083(2), b = 13.468(2), c = 4.718(1) Å, β = 104.47(2)° and V = 620.3(2) Å3 (3). Iron cations occupy two special positions, making up single and dimerical octahedral groups, joined by (PO4) tetrahedra groups, in order to form infinite layers down b, making up, via consistent O—H … O hydrogen bonds, the three-dimensional framework. The present vivianite samples were subject to geochemical and crystal chemical comparisons, the latter also by means of bond valence analysis with literature available phases. Last, IR spectra were performed for the three phases, in order to provide information on bending and stretching modes of the minerals, as well as to investigate H bonds by means of Libowitzki formula application.
Cancer Misinformation and Harmful Information on Facebook and Other Social Media: A Brief Report.

There are little data on the quality of cancer treatment information available on social media. Here, we quantify the accuracy of cancer treatment information on social media and its potential for harm. Two cancer experts reviewed 50 of the most popular social media articles on each of the 4 most common cancers. The proportion of misinformation and potential for harm were reported for all 200 articles, and their association with the number of social media engagements using a 2-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test. All statistical tests were 2-sided. Of 200 total articles, 32.5% (n = 65) contained misinformation and 30.5% (n = 61) contained harmful information. Among articles containing misinformation, 76.9% (50 of 65) contained harmful information. The median number of engagements for articles with misinformation was greater than factual articles (median [IQR] = 2300 [1200-4700] vs 1600 [819-4700], P = .05). The median number of engagements for articles with harmful information was statistically significantly greater than safe articles (median [IQR] = 2300 [1400-4700] vs 1500 [810-4700], P = .007).
SARS-CoV-2 percent positivity and risk factors among people with HIV at an urban academic medical center

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been unclear how vulnerable people with HIV (PwH) are to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We sought to determine if PwH are more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than people without HIV, and to identify risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity among PwH. We conducted a cross-sectional study in which we collected electronic medical record data for all patients who underwent SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing at an academic medical center. Presence of HIV and other chronic diseases were based on the presence of ICD-10 diagnosis codes. We calculated the percent positivity for SARS-CoV-2 among PwH and among people without HIV. Among PwH, we compared demographic factors, comorbidities, HIV viral load, CD4 T-cell count, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens between those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and those who tested negative. Comparisons were made using chi squared tests or Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Multivariate models were created using logistic regression. Among 69,763 people tested for SARS-CoV-2, 0.6% (431) were PwH. PwH were not significantly more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than people without HIV (7.2% (31/431) vs 8.4% (5820/69763), p = 0.35), but were more likely to be younger, Black, and male (p-values < .0001). There were no significant differences in HIV clinical factors, chronic diseases, or ART regimens among PwH testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 versus those testing negative. In our sample, PwH were not more likely to contract SARS-CoV-2, despite being more likely to be members of demographic groups known to be at higher risk for infection. Differences between PwH who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and those who tested negative were only seen in Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (non-Hispanic or Latino vs unknown Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (OR 0.2 95% CI (0.6, 0.9)) and site of testing(inpatient vs outpatient OR 3.1 95% CI (1.3, 7.4)).
Serotype transmission dynamics and reduced incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by different serotypes after implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions during COVID-19 pandemic

To block the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), a number of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are being implemented. Taiwan successfully controlled coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly through NPIs that were centred on facial masking, enhanced hand hygiene, social distancing, international travel controls, effective quarantine and contact-tracing policy [1, 2]. After the first case of COVID-19 was detected on 21 January, 2020, a rise in local demand for surgical masks and N95 respirators was observed and at least 50% of people spontaneously wore a facemask in public places from early February 2020 [3, 4]. Among the total of 799 COVID-19 cases reported in 2020, annual incidence rate of COVID-19 in Taiwan was remarkably low (0.238 per 100 000; n=56) for locally acquired (local) cases and high (3.153 per 100 000; n=743) for internationally acquired (imported) cases (Taiwan CDC, https://data.cdc.gov.tw/en/dataset). It is perceived that NPIs that are currently being implemented to reduce COVID-19 should also prevent both acquisition and transmission of other viral and bacterial respiratory tract infections [5–9]. In this observational study we examined the monthly incidence rates of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and serotype distribution in age groups at high risk and from high pneumococcal transmission settings between January 2020 and February 2021. The differential serotype transmission dynamics revealed by various levels of reduction in IPD caused by different serotypes was discussed.
CBCT image artefacts generated by implants located inside the field of view or in the exomass.

OBJECTIVES To compare artefacts in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) arising from implants of different materials located either inside the field-of-view (FOV) or in the exomass, and to test different image-acquisition parameters to reduce them. METHODS CBCT scans of a human mandible prepared with either a titanium, titanium-zirconium, or zirconia implant were acquired with the Planmeca ProMax utilizing FOV sizes of 8 × 5 cm and 4 × 5 cm, which placed the implant inside the FOV (8 × 5 cm) or in the exomass (4 × 5 cm). The scanning parameters considered three conditions of metal artefact reduction (MAR), disabled, low, and high, and two kVp levels (80 and 90). The standard deviation (SD) of grey values of regions of interest was obtained. The effects of implant material, implant position, MAR condition, kVp level, and their interactions were evaluated by Analysis of Variance (α = 5%). RESULTS The zirconia implant produced the highest SD values (more heterogeneous grey values, corresponding to greater artefact expression), followed by titanium-zirconium, and titanium. In general, implants in the exomass produced images with higher SD values than implants inside the FOV. MAR was effective in decreasing SD values, especially from the zirconia implant, only when the implant was inside the FOV. Images with 80 kVp had higher SD values than those with 90 kVp, regardless of the other factors (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Implants in the exomass lead to greater artefact expression than when they are inside the FOV. Special attention should be paid to scanning parameters that reduce metal-related artefacts, such as MAR activation and increasing kVp. This is especially important with a zirconia implant inside the FOV.
Large-scale ratcheting in a bacterial DEAH/RHA-type RNA helicase that modulates antibiotics susceptibility

Significance Bacteria rely on RNA-binding and RNA-remodeling proteins to regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally. RNA-dependent nucleoside-triphosphatases of the DEAH/RHA family constitute important posttranscriptional gene regulatory proteins in bacteria, but their molecular mechanisms are presently poorly understood. Here, we show that the DEAH/RHA protein, HrpA, from Escherichia coli is an RNA helicase and that its helicase activity is required to modulate bacterial survival under diverse antibiotics treatments. HrpA crystal structures in different functional states, cross-linking/mass spectrometry, and structure-guided functional analyses indicate that alternative interdomain contacts facilitate large-scale domain movements that are required for RNA binding, translocation, and unwinding. Our findings portray HrpA as a molecular ratchet that translocates single-stranded RNA through a central orifice, thereby displacing a complementary strand. Many bacteria harbor RNA-dependent nucleoside-triphosphatases of the DEAH/RHA family, whose molecular mechanisms and cellular functions are poorly understood. Here, we show that the Escherichia coli DEAH/RHA protein, HrpA, is an ATP-dependent 3 to 5′ RNA helicase and that the RNA helicase activity of HrpA influences bacterial survival under antibiotics treatment. Limited proteolysis, crystal structure analysis, and functional assays showed that HrpA contains an N-terminal DEAH/RHA helicase cassette preceded by a unique N-terminal domain and followed by a large C-terminal region that modulates the helicase activity. Structures of an expanded HrpA helicase cassette in the apo and RNA-bound states in combination with cross-linking/mass spectrometry revealed ratchet-like domain movements upon RNA engagement, much more pronounced than hitherto observed in related eukaryotic DEAH/RHA enzymes. Structure-based functional analyses delineated transient interdomain contact sites that support substrate loading and unwinding, suggesting that similar conformational changes support RNA translocation. Consistently, modeling studies showed that analogous dynamic intramolecular contacts are not possible in the related but helicase-inactive RNA-dependent nucleoside-triphosphatase, HrpB. Our results indicate that HrpA may be an interesting target to interfere with bacterial tolerance toward certain antibiotics and suggest possible interfering strategies.
Post-mortem Examination of the Nervous System: Fresh versus Fixed

ABSTRACT: Background: Post-mortem examination of the nervous system is a complex task that culminates in “brain cutting”. It relies on expertise in neuroanatomy, clinical neurosciences, neuroimaging and experience in order to recognise the most subtle abnormalities. Like any specialist examination in medicine, it warrants formal training, a standardised approach and optimal conditions. Revelations of aberrant tissue retention practices of a select few pathologists (e.g. Goudge, Liverpool and Alder Hey inquiries) and a motivated sociopolitical climate led some Canadian jurisdictions to impose broad restrictions on tissue retention. This raised concerns that nervous system examinations for diagnosis, education and research were at risk by limiting examinations to the fresh or incompletely fixed state. Professional experience indicates that cutting an unfixed or partly fixed brain is inferior. Methods: To add objectivity and further insight we sought the expert opinion of a group of qualified specialists. Canadian neuropathologists were surveyed for their opinion on the relative merits of examining brains in the fresh or fully fixed state. Results: A total of 14 out of 46 Canadian neuropathologists responded (30%). In the pervasive opinion of respondents, cutting and sampling a brain prior to full fixation leads to a loss of diagnostic accuracy, biosafety and academic deliverables. Conclusions: Brain cutting in the fresh state is significantly impaired along multiple dimensions of relevance to a pathologist’s professional roles and obligations.
The articulatory in-out effect: Driven by consonant preferences?

The articulatory in-out effect describes the preference for stimuli with an inward-wandering consonant order (e.g., BODIKA) as opposed to an outward-wandering consonant order (e.g., KODIBA). Originally, the in-out effect has been explained in terms of articulation trajectories, with inward trajectories being preferred over outward trajectories. However, recent research by Maschmann et al. (2020) raised doubts on this explanation of articulation trajectory preferences and offered a parsimonious alternative explanation for the in-out effect based on consonant preferences instead. As we show in the present article, stimulus materials in Maschmann et al. (2020) diverged from materials used in previous research and might have prevented the experience of articulation trajectories. Here, we present a conceptual replication of Maschmann et al. (2020), using stimulus materials more likely to elicit articulation trajectory preferences. In a preregistered, high-powered experiment (N = 349), we find strong support for the original idea of trajectory preferences but no evidence for the consonant preference account. Our research shows that preferences for articulation trajectories are robust and cannot be explained by mere consonant preferences. We discuss further implications of these findings for future research on the processes involved in the empirical in-out effect. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).