Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thermal behaviour of Al-rich tobermorite

The tobermorite supergroup is composed by a number of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) minerals characterized by different hydration states and sub-cell symmetries. Taking into account their basal spacing, closely related to the hydration state, phases having a 14 A (plombierite), 11 A (tobermorite, kenotobermorite, and clinotobermorite), and 9 A (riversideite) basal spacing have been described. Tobermorite and kenotobermorite belong to the so-called tobermorite group and differ for their thermal behaviour which can be “normal” (the phase shrinks to a 9 A phase at 300 °C) or “anomalous” (the phase preserves its 11 A basal spacing at 300 °C). Specimens of Al-rich tobermorite from Montalto di Castro and Vallerano, Latium, Central Italy, showing a “normal” thermal behaviour, were studied in order to describe the transition from the 11 A to the 9 A phase by means of thermo-gravimetric–differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) analyses as well as in situ and ex situ X-ray diffraction experiments. The TG-DSC analyses showed a continuous mass loss from 100 °C up to 700 °C, with different mass loss gradients between 100 °C up to 300 °C and between 300 °C up to 700 °C, corresponding to the dehydration of tobermorite and dehydroxylation of “tobermorite 9 A”, respectively. Above 700 °C, “tobermorite 9 A” is replaced by wollastonite. The X-ray powder diffraction data were collected at the GILDA beamline of the ESRF, Grenoble, France, from room temperature up to ca. 840 °C. Tobermorite is completely replaced by the 9 A phase at ca. 300 °C, whereas the latter is transformed into wollastonite at ca. 700 °C. The transition from the 11 A to the 9 A phase seems to be favoured by the transient appearance of a clinotobermorite-like compound.
Characterizing Extreme Phenotypes for Pain Interference in Persons With Chronic Pain Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A NIDILRR and VA TBI Model Systems Collaborative Project

Objective: To define and characterize extreme phenotypes based on pain interference for persons with chronic pain following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Setting: Eighteen Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS) Centers. Participants: A total of 1762 TBIMS participants 1 to 30 years post-injury reporting chronic pain at their most recent follow-up interview. Primary Measures: The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) interference scale, sociodemographic, injury, functional outcome, pain, and treatment characteristics. Results: Participants were predominantly male (73%), White (75%), middle-aged (mean 46 years), and who were injured in motor vehicle accidents (53%) or falls (20%). Extreme phenotypes were identified based on upper and lower 25th percentiles to create low-interference (n = 441) and high-interference (n = 431) extreme phenotypes. Bivariate comparisons found several sociodemographic, injury, function, pain, and treatment differences between extreme phenotype groups, including significant differences (P < .001) on all measures of concurrent function with those in the low-interference extreme phenotype experiencing better function than those in the high-interference extreme phenotype. Lasso regression combined with logistic regression identified multivariable predictors of low- versus high-interference extreme phenotypes. Reductions in the odds of low- versus high-interference phenotypes were significantly associated with higher pain intensity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.33), having neuropathic pain (OR = 0.40), migraine headache (OR = 0.41), leg/feet pain (OR = 0.34), or hip pain (OR = 0.46), and more pain catastrophizing (OR = 0.81). Conclusion: Results suggest that for those who experience current chronic pain, there is high variability in the experience and impact of pain. Future research is needed to better understand how pain experience impacts individuals with chronic pain and TBI given that pain characteristics were the primary distinguishing factors between phenotypes. The use of extreme phenotypes for pain interference may be useful to better stratify samples to determine efficacy of pain treatment for individuals with TBI.
PENNSYLVANIAN PTERIOMORPHIAN BIVALVES FROM THE PIAUÍ FORMATION, PARNAÍBA BASIN, BRAZIL

Abstract Dolostones of the upper Piauí Formation, Parnaíba Basin, northern Brazil, preserve a rich and diversified invertebrate fauna of Morrowan to Desmoinesian age. Among bivalves, Heteroconchia (15 species) is the most diversified, followed by Pteriomorphia (11 species), and rare endobenthic species of the Palaeotaxodonta (three species). Eleven species of Pteriomorphia are described, including representatives of the genera Parallelodon? , Myalina? , Septimyalina, Caneyella? , Leptodesma (Leptodesma), L. (Leiopteria), Meekopinna? , Aviculopinna? , and Aviculopecten. A new combination, Etheripecten trichotomus, and the oldest member of the Anomiidae recorded, Pindorama nordestina n. gen. and sp. , also are described. Details of muscle scars and hinge characters have been recovered for several taxa, thereby refining the knowledge for species diagnoses. Fossil beds in the Esperança and Mucambo dolostones reveal episodic burial of bivalves in life position. These are internally complex, multistory fossil concentrations recording background and episodic processes. Hence, those fossil concentrations show high degrees of time-averaging and poor paleoecological resolution (except for the bivalves preserved in situ).
Does imaging of the ischemic penumbra have value in acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion?

Purpose of review In this review, we summarize current evidence regarding potential benefits and limitations of using perfusion imaging to estimate presence and extent of irreversibly injured ischemic brain tissue (‘core’) and severely ischemic yet salvageable tissue (‘penumbra’) in acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). Recent findings Core and penumbra volumes are strong prognostic biomarkers in LVO patients. Greater benefits of both intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy (EVT) are observed in patients with small core and large penumbra volumes. However, some current definitions of clinically relevant penumbra may be too restrictive and exclude patients who may benefit from reperfusion therapies. Alongside other clinical and radiological factors, penumbral imaging may enhance the discussion regarding the benefit/risk ratio of EVT in common clinical situations, such as patients with large core – for whom EVT's benefit is established but associated with a high rate of severe disability –, or patients with mild symptoms or medium vessel occlusions – for whom EVT's benefit is currently unknown. Beyond penumbral evaluation, perfusion imaging is clinically relevant for optimizing patient's selection for neuroprotection trials. Summary In an emerging era of precision medicine, perfusion imaging is a valuable tool in LVO-related acute stroke.
Mutational impact of APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B in a human cell line and comparisons to breast cancer

A prominent source of mutation in cancer is single-stranded DNA cytosine deamination by cellular APOBEC3 enzymes, which results in signature C-to-T and C-to-G mutations in TCA and TCT motifs. Although multiple enzymes have been implicated, reports conflict and it is unclear which protein(s) are responsible. Here we report the development of a selectable system to quantify genome mutation and demonstrate its utility by comparing the mutagenic activities of three leading candidates—APOBEC3A, APOBEC3B, and APOBEC3H. The human cell line, HAP1, is engineered to express the thymidine kinase (TK) gene of HSV-1, which confers sensitivity to ganciclovir. Expression of APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B, but not catalytic mutant controls or APOBEC3H, triggers increased frequencies of TK mutation and similar TC-biased cytosine mutation profiles in the selectable TK reporter gene. Whole genome sequences from independent clones enabled an analysis of thousands of single base substitution mutations and extraction of local sequence preferences with APOBEC3A preferring YTCW motifs 70% of the time and APOBEC3B 50% of the time (Y = C/T; W = A/T). Signature comparisons with breast tumor whole genome sequences indicate that most malignancies manifest intermediate percentages of APOBEC3 signature mutations in YTCW motifs, mostly between 50 and 70%, suggesting that both enzymes contribute in a combinatorial manner to the overall mutation landscape. Although the vast majority of APOBEC3A- and APOBEC3B-induced single base substitution mutations occur outside of predicted chromosomal DNA hairpin structures, whole genome sequence analyses and supporting biochemical studies also indicate that both enzymes are capable of deaminating the single-stranded loop regions of DNA hairpins at elevated rates. These studies combine to help resolve a long-standing etiologic debate on the source of APOBEC3 signature mutations in cancer and indicate that future diagnostic and therapeutic efforts should focus on both APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B.
Late Quaternary coastal landscape morphology and evolution of the Maltese Islands (Mediterranean Sea) reconstructed from high-resolution seafloor data

Abstract The current strong motivation to explore those traces of the archaeological and prehistoric human heritage that presently lie submerged on the continental shelf requires large-scale and precise underwater mapping. One Mediterranean sector deserving particular attention is the Sicily Channel, which is critical for a better understanding of the Africa–Europe migratory routes and early civilization patterns due to its large expanses of shallow seabed that were partially or totally exposed at times of lower relative sea levels. We have focused our attention on the submerged continental margin of the Maltese archipelago. A detailed bathymetric map is here presented, and is discussed in terms of features interpretable as former subaerial landforms and inundated by sea-level rise following the Last Glacial Maximum lowstand at approximately –130 m. Our datasets combine multibeam surveys, Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR)-derived digital terrain models (DTMs), Chirp sub-bottom profiler records and bottom samples acquired between 2009 and 2012. The main features identified are former river incisions, alluvial plains, karst landscapes (sinkholes, limestone plateaus), slide deposits and palaeoshorelines. This study provides a detailed topographical reconstruction of the palaeolandscape of this key region that is relevant to any future archaeological exploration of the Maltese offshore area.
Aseroprevalance Survey of Anti-CCHFV Igg by ELISA in Sheep from Some Area in Northwest of Iran

3 Abstract: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic vector-born viral disease with a case fatality rate of 2-50% in human. CCHFV is classified within the Nairovirus genus in the Bunyaviridae family. The virus is endemic in over 30 countries, including Iran. Animals can infect by virus without clinical symptoms. Among animals, sheep as the most important vertebrate hosts for (CCHF) virus is introduced. In present Study, the prevalence of (CCHF) virus in sheep in some regions of the North West of Iran is studied by serological ELISA method. For this aim167 Blood sample (131 female, 36 male samples) collected from four regions Uzan (20), Pesyan (24), Ibrahim Sami(18) and in suburb of Tabriz (105) (Mayan and Spyran). Blood samples were collected via jugular vein, by Venoject without anticoagulant. After separation of serum, the sera samples have been sent to Laboratory of Arboviruses and Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (National ref. Lab) Pasteur Institute of Iran, in -20°C conditions. We classified the samples to four grade Under 1 (30), 1-2 (16), 2-3 (28) and over 3 years (93) to evaluation the effect of age on seropositivity. Out of the 167 serum samples, 26 (15.56%) samples were positive for the presence of IgG (22 (17%) female and 4 (11%) male). These results suggested that the virus is circulated in these regions. The age group over 3 year with 17 (18.3%) positive results was observed the highest positive serology at different ages. Ibrahim Sami (4 positive sera (22%)) the highest percentage of contamination region was reported. No significant relationship were found between regions and age with positive serology results were found (P>0.05). The entire situation recommended determining the disease in other areas sheep of East Azerbaijan, other livestock species in these regions and man will also be at risk.
Fecal calprotectin level is nonlinearly associated with GI pathogen detection in patients with and without inflammatory bowel disease

ABSTRACT Fecal calprotectin (FCP) is used to monitor inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity and can also be elevated in gastrointestinal infections. Our study’s objective was to quantify the relationship between FCP levels and lab-confirmed infections in people with and without IBD. We performed a cross-sectional study at a tertiary-care center of all encounters during which FCP and gastrointestinal pathogen polymerase-chain reaction (GI PCR) panel testings were conducted. Using non-parametric tests and quantile regression, we compared the FCP levels by IBD status and pathogen detection. There were 3,347 encounters with FCP and GI PCR testings from 2,780 unique individuals between 1 August 2016 and 17 February 2022. Overall, 54.4% had IBD (n = 1,819). Pathogens were detected in 744 encounters (22.2%), and the detection rate did not differ by IBD status. Median FCP without IBD was significantly elevated when a pathogen was detected (64 vs 41 mg/kg, P = 0.0003, normal ≤50.0 mg/kg), but FCP with IBD was not significantly elevated when a pathogen was detected (299 vs 255 mg/kg, P = 0.207). In quantile regression adjusted for age and IBD, pathogen detection was only significantly associated with higher FCP in the lower two quartiles, though IBD remained significantly associated with higher FCP at all levels (P > 0.001). Pathogen detection by GI PCR is associated with elevated FCP, though this relationship is nonlinear and varies by IBD status. Our findings indicate that FCP may be an adjunct to, but not a substitute for, stool pathogen testing.
Débâcle à la Caisse: Que faire avec le régime de rentes du Québec?

In the last several years, the financial situation of the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) has been deteriorating, a trend evidenced by the latest actuarial projections. In this e-brief, Senior Policy Analyst Alexandre Laurin points out how last year’s losses at the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec – more than 26 percent – could lead to a complete depletion of the QPP reserves 12 years earlier than expected, by 2037.
Fertility and pregnancy in adrenal insufficiency

Despite the availability of adrenal hormone replacement therapy, patients with adrenal insufficiency can be affected by reduced fertility and parity. Patients with well-managed adrenal insufficiency are expected to have uneventful pregnancies and favourable outcomes, but an increased risk of maternal and neonatal complications has been reported in some cases. Many physiological changes occur to the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis during pregnancy, often making a new diagnosis and management of adrenal insufficiency challenging. The management of adrenal insufficiency also needs to reflect the physiologic changes of pregnancy, often requiring increased doses of glucocorticoid as pregnancy progresses and in some circumstances mineralocorticoid replacement (in primary adrenal insufficiency patients only), especially in the third trimester. To date, there are no prospective data guiding management of adrenal insufficiency in pregnancy. In this review, we focus on the impact of adrenal insufficiency on fertility and parity based on the aetiology of adrenal insufficiency and provide a practical approach to the management of patients with adrenal insufficiency before and during pregnancy.
Selective cargo sorting in stem cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles: impact on therapeutic efficacy for intervertebral disc degeneration

Abstract Background Growing evidence has suggested the role of stem cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The cargo sorting of sEVs, particularly miRNAs, may be influenced when the donor cell is subjected to oxidative stress. Here, we discovered that miRNAs containing specific motifs are selectively sorted into intraluminal vesicles within mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in response to oxidative stress. Methods Analysis of miRNA cargoes in sEVs derived from normal MSCs (C‐sEVs) or stressed MSCs (T‐sEVs) was conducted using miRNA sequencing. Differential expressed miRNAs in sEVs and the identification of motifs were evaluated through bioinformatics analysis. Protein binding was assessed using immunofluorescent staining and immunoprecipitation analysis. Additionally, RNA pull down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) immunoprecipitation were employed to determine the binding between miRNAs and proteins. The effects of C‐sEVs and T‐sEVs on IVDD were compared by detecting the expression levels of phenotypic genes in vitro or histological evaluation in vivo. Results The sorting process of miRNAs is mediated by the nucleocytoplasmic transport of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins, which in turn facilitates the phosphorylation of SNAP25 and promotes the transport and secretion of sEVs. Additionally, CHMP1B plays a role in membrane repair and protects against cell ferroptosis upon oxidative stress, concurrently affecting the release of sEVs. Notably, stem cell‐derived sEVs associated with ferroptosis impair the therapeutic efficacy for IVDD. However, the application of engineered sEVs containing a specific miRNA inhibitor exhibits the potential to reinstate the therapeutic efficacy for IVDD both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions Taken together, our findings shed light on the mechanism of miRNAs sorting into sEVs and offer new insights for the optimization of sEV‐based treatments during intervertebral disc regeneration. regeneration.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of ferroptosis-related genes in patients with Myelodysplastic neoplasms

ABSTRACT This study delves into the emerging role of ferroptosis in Myelodysplastic Neoplasms (MDS) and aims to identify a prognostic ferroptosis-related gene signature for MDS. Utilizing RNA-seq data and clinical information from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, the researchers extracted ferroptosis-related genes from the FerrDb website and conducted differential expression analysis using the 'limma' package in R. Hub ferroptosis-related genes in MDS were screened using the “RandomForest” and “carat” R packages. Kaplan -Meier and Cox regression analyses were employed to assess the prognostic role of three identified hub genes (BNIP3, MDM2, and RRM2). Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis confirmed the diagnostic efficacy of these genes. The study delved further into immune infiltration correlations, ncRNA-transcription factor coregulatory network analysis, and the identification of potential therapeutic drugs targeting hub ferroptosis-related genes in MDS. The researchers constructed a 3-gene signature-based risk score using datasets GSE58831 and GSE19429, demonstrating high accuracy (AUC > 0.75) in both datasets for survival prediction in MDS. A nomogram analysis reinforced the prognostic value of the risk-scoring model. Immunological analysis revealed an association between the risk score and immune infiltration. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) data indicated significant expression differences in MDM2, RRM2, and BNIP3 between MDS and healthy bone marrow samples. Notably, MDM2 and RRM2 showed decreased expression, while BNIP3 exhibited increased expression in MDS samples. This comprehensive study concludes that BNIP3, MDM2, and RRM2 hold diagnostic and prognostic significance in MDS and provide valuable insights into immune cell landscapes and potential therapeutic avenues for this condition.
Trust in science moderates the effects of high/low threat communication on psychological reactance to COVID-19-related public health messages

ABSTRACT Background As illustrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, communicating evidence-based health recommendations represents a tremendous challenge; among some recipients, public health messages can cause anger and negative cognitions, also known as psychological reactance, and consequently lead to negative attitudes and low intentions to perform the promoted behavior. The present study investigated the role of message characteristics (i.e. high vs. low freedom-threat messages), individuals’ trust in science (i.e. high vs. low trust in science), and their interaction in determining responses to public health messages. Methods We conducted an experimental study, in which participants (N = 228) with high or low trust in science were exposed to high or low freedom-threat messages promoting mask-wearing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and regular physical activity. Results We found support for the notion that messages imposing high threat to freedom lead to higher state psychological reactance, and more negative attitudes and behavioral intentions. Moreover, our results showed that trust in science has a main and interaction effect (together with message characteristics) on state reactance, behavioral intentions, and – to a lesser degree – attitudes, in the case of COVID-19, but not physical activity messages. The findings remained the same regardless of controlling for other relevant variables. Conclusions While our study has some limitations, such as a rather homogeneous sample, a limited number of experimental stimuli, and a relatively artificial experimental environment, it offers some insight into the important role of health communication recipients’ trust in science and provides advice on how to communicate health recommendations to skeptics.
Clinical and genetic risk factors for cystic fibrosis‐related liver disease in Egyptian CF children: A single‐center experience

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease. It affects multiple organ systems, including the liver, leading to CF‐related liver disease (CFLD). It was noted that CFLD in Egyptian children with CF is more common than in non‐Egyptian people with CF (pwCF). This study aimed to determine the incidence of CFLD and the potential risk factors for developing CFLD in Egyptian children. The correlation between CFLD and the various genotypes prevalent in Egyptian CF children will be discussed. In addition, comparison of CFLD in Egyptian and non‐Egyptian CF patients will be presented.