Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wearing a face mask against Covid-19 results in a reduction of social distancing

In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, barrier gestures such as regular hand-washing, social distancing, and wearing a face mask are highly recommended. Critically, interpersonal distance (IPD) depends on the affective dimension of social interaction, which might be affected by the current Covid-19 context. In the present internet-based experimental study, we analyzed the preferred IPD of 457 French participants when facing human-like characters that were either wearing a face mask or displaying a neutral, happy or angry facial expression. Results showed that IPD was significantly reduced when characters were wearing a face mask, as they were perceived as more trustworthy compared to the other conditions. Importantly, IPD was even more reduced in participants infected with Covid-19 or living in low-risk areas, while it was not affected by the predicted health of the characters. These findings shed further light on the psychological factors that motivate IPD adjustments, in particular when facing a collective threat. They are also of crucial importance for policy makers as they reveal that despite the indisputable value of wearing a face mask in the current pandemic context, their use should be accompanied by an emphasis on social distancing to prevent detrimental health consequences.
Inadequate Status and Low Awareness of Folate in Switzerland—A Call to Strengthen Public Health Measures to Ensure Sufficient Intakes

Background: Folate plays an essential role in the prevention of neural tube defects, yet little is known about the folate status of women of reproductive age or to what degree the general population is aware of the importance of folate in early-life development. We aimed to determine folate status in women of reproductive age and pregnant women in Switzerland, and to assess folate awareness in the Swiss population. Methods: In a convenience sample of 171 women of reproductive age and 177 pregnant women throughout Switzerland, we measured red blood cell (RBC) folate concentration. In a second convenience sample (n = 784, men and women) we assessed folate knowledge with an online survey. Results: RBC folate concentration (median interquartile range) was 442 (366, 564) nmol/L in women of reproductive age and 873 (677, 1177) nmol/L in pregnant women. Folate deficiency (RBC folate <340 nmol/L) was found in 19.9% of women of reproductive age and 2.8% of pregnant women, while 91.8% of women of reproductive age and 52.0% of pregnant women showed folate concentrations indicating an elevated risk of neural tube defects (RBC folate <906 nmol/L). The online survey showed that a high proportion (≥88%) of participants were aware of folate’s role in neural tube defect (NTD) prevention and fetal development, yet knowledge about dietary sources and national recommendations of folate supplementation when planning pregnancy were limited. Conclusion: The high prevalence of folate inadequacy in Swiss women suggests an elevated risk of neural tube defects and calls for urgent measures to increase folate intakes.
Dysregulation of the immune response in coronavirus disease 2019

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) can trigger a cytokine storm in the pulmonary tissue by releasing various types of mediators, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Increased neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, as well as CD4+ T lymphopenia, is reported in cases with novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), meanwhile, lymphopenia is a significant finding in the majority of COVID‐19 cases with a severe phenotype. Moreover, excessive activation of monocyte/macrophage and cytokine storms are associated with the severity of the disease and the related complications in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Understanding the immune response dysregulation in COVID‐19 is essential to develop more effective diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic strategies in this pandemic.
Application of Six Detection Methods for Analysis of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Shellfish from Four Regions within Latin America

With the move away from use of mouse bioassay (MBA) to test bivalve mollusc shellfish for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins, countries around the world are having to adopt non-animal-based alternatives that fulfil ethical and legal requirements. Various assays have been developed which have been subjected to single-laboratory and multi-laboratory validation studies, gaining acceptance as official methods of analysis and approval for use in some countries as official control testing methods. The majority of validation studies conducted to date do not, however, incorporate shellfish species sourced from Latin America. Consequently, this study sought to investigate the performance of five alternative PSP testing methods together with the MBA, comparing the PSP toxin data generated both qualitatively and quantitatively. The methods included a receptor binding assay (RBA), two liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (LC-FLD) methods including both pre-column and post-column oxidation, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and a commercial lateral flow assay (LFA) from Scotia. A total of three hundred and forty-nine shellfish samples from Argentina, Mexico, Chile and Uruguay were assessed. For the majority of samples, qualitative results compared well between methods. Good statistical correlations were demonstrated between the majority of quantitative results, with a notably excellent correlation between the current EU reference method using pre-column oxidation LC-FLD and LC-MS/MS. The LFA showed great potential for qualitative determination of PSP toxins, although the findings of high numbers of false-positive results and two false negatives highlighted that some caution is still needed when interpreting results. This study demonstrated that effective replacement methods are available for countries that no longer wish to use the MBA, but highlighted the importance of comparing toxin data from the replacement method using local shellfish species of concern before implementing new methods in official control testing programs.
Comparison of single-port laparoscopy and laparotomy in early ovarian cancer surgical staging

Objectives The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility of single-port laparoscopic surgical staging (SPLS) in early ovarian cancer and to compare the surgical outcomes of SPLS with those of staging laparotomy. Methods Between January 2014 and December 2018, 40 patients underwent SPLS and 41 patients underwent staging laparotomy at Yonsei Cancer Center. The patients were diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I ovarian cancer. Variables such as patient age, body mass index (BMI), tumor size, FIGO stage, and perioperative surgical outcomes and survival outcomes of SPLS and laparotomy were compared. Results The total operation time was similar between the 2 groups (SPLS: 201.4 vs. laparotomy: 203.0 minutes, P=0.806). The median tumor diameters in the SPLS and laparotomy groups were 11.0 (2.5–28 cm) and 15.4 (6–40 cm), respectively (P=0.001). The SPLS group had lower tumor spillage rate (5.0% vs. 19.5%, P=0.047), less intraoperative blood loss (102.0 vs. 371.5 mL, P<0.001), less postoperative pain, and shorter postoperative hospital stay (5 vs. 9.5 days, P<0.001). The intraoperative major complication rate was similar between groups (2.5% vs. 4.9%, P=0.571). There was no significant difference in progression-free survival between the 2 groups (P=0.945). There were no deaths in either group. Conclusion SPLS is feasible in early ovarian cancer and has better perioperative surgical outcomes, in some aspects, than staging laparotomy without compromising survival outcomes. SPLS could be performed in patients suspected to have early ovarian cancer.
Molecular characterization and drug resistance patterns of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is important to understand the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis (TB). However, there is limited information on molecular characteristics and drug-resistant patterns of MTB in patients with extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to determine the molecular characteristics and drug resistance patterns of MTB in patients with EPTB in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods This study was conducted on frozen stored isolates of EPTB survey conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A drug susceptibility test was performed using BACTEC-MGIT 960. Species and strain identification were performed using the Geno-Type MTBC and spoligotyping technique, respectively. Data were entered into the MIRU-VNTRplus database to assess the spoligotype patterns of MTB. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, and participants’ characteristics were presented by numbers and proportions. Results Of 151 MTB isolates, 29 (19.2%) were resistant to at least one drug. The highest proportion of isolates was resistant to Isoniazid (14.6%) and Pyrazinamide (14.6%). Nine percent of isolates had multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), and 21.4% of them had pre-extensively drug-resistant TB (pre-XDR-TB). Among the 151 MTB isolates characterized by spoligotyping, 142 (94.6%) had known patterns, while 9 (6.0%) isolates were not matched with the MIRU-VNTRplus spoligotype database. Of the isolates which had known patterns, 2% was M.bovis while 98% M. tuberculosis. Forty-one different spoligotype patterns were identified. The most frequently identified SpolDB4 (SIT) wereSIT149 (21.2%), SIT53 (14.6%) and SIT26 (9.6%). The predominant genotypes identified were T (53.6%), Central Asia Strain (19.2%) and Haarlem (9.9%). Conclusion The present study showed a high proportion of MDR-TB and pre-XDR-TB among EPTB patients. The strains were mostly grouped into SIT149, SIT53, and SIT26. The T family lineage was the most prevalent genotype. MDR-TB and pre-XDR-TB prevention is required to combat these strains in EPTB. A large scale study is required to describe the molecular characteristics and drug resistance patterns of MTB isolates in EPTB patients.
Behavioral measures to fight COVID-19: An 8-country study of perceived usefulness, adherence and their predictors

Behavioral measures, such as the wearing of facemasks and maintaining of distance to other people, have been central in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to be important in curbing its spread. We therefore investigated their perceived usefulness, adherence and their predictors in representative online samples in eight countries (France, Germany, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, U.K., U.S.). Of the 7,658 participants, 77.4% rated governmental measures (highest: Germany, lowest: France) as useful and 91.7% reported adherence to them. Adherence was lowest in Russia and Poland, where people felt particularly left alone and not well supported, and in the U.S. and Sweden, where governments showed ambivalent attitudes towards the measures. The highest adherence was reported in countries with very high mortality (U.K., Spain, France) or very positively perceived government communication (Germany). Female gender, higher age, belonging to a risk group, being affected physically and mentally, perception of governmental communication as guided by the interests of people, feeling of being well informed and the level of positive mental health positively predicted both outcomes, while being affected economically negatively predicted both outcomes. Country-specific results are considered in the light of the protection motivation theory and the theory of planned behavior together with potential ways to improve active participation of the population. Overall, we recommend the governments and authorities to stress that each individual can contribute to the control of the COVID-19 situation by adherence to the measures in the public communication. Moreover, they should emphasize the risk of unconscious infection of older individuals by younger people, as well as the importance of physical activity for the protection of mental and physical health especially during the pandemic.
Prolidase Stimulates Proliferation and Migration through Activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Human Keratinocytes

Recent reports have indicated prolidase (PEPD) as a ligand of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Since this receptor is involved in the promotion of cell proliferation, growth, and migration, we aimed to investigate whether prolidase may participate in wound healing in vitro. All experiments were performed in prolidase-treated human keratinocytes assessing cell vitality, proliferation, and migration. The expression of downstream signaling proteins induced by EGFR, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and β1-integrin receptors were evaluated by Western immunoblotting and immunocytochemical staining. To determine collagen biosynthesis and prolidase activity radiometric and colorimetric methods were used, respectively. Proline content was determined by applying the liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. We found that prolidase promoted the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes through stimulation of EGFR-downstream signaling pathways in which the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis was involved. Moreover, PEPD upregulated the expression of β1-integrin and IGF-1 receptors and their downstream proteins. Proline concentration and collagen biosynthesis were increased in HaCaT cells under prolidase treatment. Since extracellular prolidase as a ligand of EGFR induced cell growth, migration, and collagen biosynthesis in keratinocytes, it may represent a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of skin wounds.
Crystal structure of the FERM-folded talin head reveals the determinants for integrin binding

Significance Although efforts have been made to determine the structure of talin and the way it interacts with integrins through the “head” domain, our work shows now that many of the previous mechanistic models based on the talin adapter are likely to be misleading as they are constructed on a crystal structure representing an improperly folded talin head domain. In this work, we identified the problem with the current talin head model and proposed a FERM-folded talin head. By analyzing these structural features of the FERM-folded talin head in a cellular context, involving also the kindlin adapter, we are making a critical and unprecedented contribution to the understanding and regulation of cell-matrix adhesions.
Information Processing in the Brain as Optimal Entropy Transport: A Theoretical Approach

We consider brain activity from an information theoretic perspective. We analyze the information processing in the brain, considering the optimality of Shannon entropy transport using the Monge–Kantorovich framework. It is proposed that some of these processes satisfy an optimal transport of informational entropy condition. This optimality condition allows us to derive an equation of the Monge–Ampère type for the information flow that accounts for the branching structure of neurons via the linearization of this equation. Based on this fact, we discuss a version of Murray’s law in this context.
BIO EFFICACY OF BIO-NEMATON (PAECILOMYCES LILACINUS 1.15%WP) AGAINST ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE (MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA) IN CUCUMBER CROP

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a vegetable crop produced at a huge scale However, its production is seriously threatened by root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne spp. Approximately 50% of grown vegetables are infected by Meloidogyne spp. In intensive cropping systems, root knot nematode has usually been managed with chemical nematicides for decades. Though, the potential harmful impact on the environment and humans has led to a total prohibit or restricted use of most chemical nematicides. With increased pressure on growers to reduce nematicide usage and without effective alternatives, there is great interest in biological control as a management tool for this destructive nematode. This study was done to evaluate the effect of the bionematon (Paecilomyces lilacinus 1.15%wp) against root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita)in Cucumber crop. Experimental findings indicate that soil drenching with Bionematon Paecilomyces lilacinus 1.15% WP bionematicide @ 6.0 kg/ha first application at the time of sowing and second application: 30-60 days after sowing can be adopted to efficiently manage the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and increase the yield in cucumber. The test Bionematon is found very much safe to the in cucumber crop and a well to the environment as the treatments with Paecilomyces lilacinus 1.15% WP. Showed no phytotoxic symptoms and increased the beneficial nematodes population.
Microbial diversity and community structure changes in the rhizosphere soils of Atractylodes lancea from different planting years

ABSTRACT Atractylodes lancea is a type of typical traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) herb that is economically important in China. The traditional planting method of A. lancea is to plant in situ continuously for many years, which often leads to impediments for its growth and development and soil-borne diseases. The root-associated microbiome is believed to play an important role in plant resistance and the quality of products from the plant. This study aims to reveal detailed changes in the populations of rhizosphere microorganisms, and providing theoretical guidance for the prevention and control of soil-borne diseases in A. lancea. A high-throughput sequencing approach was utilized to illustrate changes in the microbial community from different planting years. Results and conclusions: The results show that the diversity and composition of the root-associated microbiome was significantly impacted by the consecutive monoculture of A. lancea. At the level of the comparisons of the phyla, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota declined significantly. In contrast, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Mortierellomycota distinctly increased. Comparisons at the genus level indicated that Sphingomonas, Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, Pedobacter, and Tausonia decreased significantly, whereas Mortierella, Cylindrocarpon, Dactylonectria, and Mucor distinctly increased. In conclusion, this study helps to develop an understanding of the impediments involved in the consecutive monoculture of A. lancea.
Assessing ontogenetic maturity in extinct saurian reptiles

Morphology forms the most fundamental level of data in vertebrate palaeontology because it is through interpretations of morphology that taxa are identified, creating the basis for broad evolutionary and palaeobiological hypotheses. Assessing maturity is one of the most basic aspects of morphological interpretation and provides the means to study the evolution of ontogenetic changes, population structure and palaeoecology, life‐history strategies, and heterochrony along evolutionary lineages that would otherwise be lost to time. Saurian reptiles (the least‐inclusive clade containing Lepidosauria and Archosauria) have remained an incredibly diverse, numerous, and disparate clade through their ~260‐million‐year history. Because of the great disparity in this group, assessing maturity of saurian reptiles is difficult, fraught with methodological and terminological ambiguity. We compiled a novel database of literature, assembling >900 individual instances of saurian maturity assessment, to examine critically how saurian maturity has been diagnosed. We review the often inexact and inconsistent terminology used in saurian maturity assessment (e.g. ‘juvenile’, ‘mature’) and provide routes for better clarity and cross‐study coherence. We describe the various methods that have been used to assess maturity in every major saurian group, integrating data from both extant and extinct taxa to give a full account of the current state of the field and providing method‐specific pitfalls, best practices, and fruitful directions for future research. We recommend that a new standard subsection, ‘Ontogenetic Assessment’, be added to the Systematic Palaeontology portions of descriptive studies to provide explicit ontogenetic diagnoses with clear criteria. Because the utility of different ontogenetic criteria is highly subclade dependent among saurians, even for widely used methods (e.g. neurocentral suture fusion), we recommend that phylogenetic context, preferably in the form of a phylogenetic bracket, be used to justify the use of a maturity assessment method. Different methods should be used in conjunction as independent lines of evidence when assessing maturity, instead of an ontogenetic diagnosis resting entirely on a single criterion, which is common in the literature. Critically, there is a need for data from extant taxa with well‐represented growth series to be integrated with the fossil record to ground maturity assessments of extinct taxa in well‐constrained, empirically tested methods.
Assessment of Pain and Analgesic Use in Children Following Otologic Surgery

Objective To compare postoperative pain and analgesic use in children following transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) vs non–transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (non-TEES). Study Design Prospective case series. Setting Tertiary care center. Methods Surveys using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and recording the frequency and dosage of consumed analgesics were administered prospectively to caregivers of children undergoing otologic surgery between May 2018 to February 2020. Pain intensity and medication use were recorded twice daily for 6 days, starting on postoperative day 0. Mean pain scores and mean number of consumed analgesic doses were compared between groups. Results Survey response rate was 57.9%. Among 53 patients who completed the survey, 35 (66.0%) underwent TEES and 18 (34.0%) underwent non-TEES. Mean pain ratings on postoperative days 0 and 1 were significantly lower among children undergoing TEES (2.2 and 2.1) vs non-TEES (4.0 and 4.1), P = . 045 and P = . 008, respectively (Mann-Whitney U test). The mean pain ratings across the 6 days were similar in TEES (1.7) and non-TEES (2.6) (P = .140, Mann-Whitney U test). The mean number of analgesic doses consumed per half-day over the 6 days was significantly lower among children undergoing TEES (0.3) vs non-TEES (0.6; P = .049, Mann-Whitney U test). Conclusion Postoperative pain following TEES and non-TEES in children was overall low. Children undergoing TEES had a small but statistically significant decrease in pain on postoperative days 0 and 1 and decreased use of pain medications compared to non-TEES.