Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Issues of under-representation in quantitative DNA metabarcoding weaken the inference about diet of the tundra vole Microtus oeconomus

During the last decade, methods based on high-throughput sequencing such as DNA metabarcoding have opened up for a range of new questions in animal dietary studies. One of the major advantages of dietary metabarcoding resides in the potential to infer a quantitative relationship between sequence read proportions and biomass of ingested food. However, this relationship’s robustness is highly dependent on the system under study, calling for case-specific assessments. Herbivorous small rodents often play important roles in the ecosystem, and the use of DNA metabarcoding for analyses of rodent diets is increasing. However, there has been no direct validation of the quantitative reliability of DNA metabarcoding for small rodents. Therefore, we used an experimental approach to assess the relationship between input plant biomass and sequence reads proportions from DNA metabarcoding in the tundra vole Microtus oeconomus. We found a weakly positive relationship between the number of high-throughput DNA sequences and the expected biomass proportions of food plants. The weak relationship was possibly caused by a systematic under-amplification of one of the three plant taxa fed. Generally, our results add to the growing evidence that case-specific validation studies are required to reliably make use of sequence read abundance as a proxy of relative food proportions in the diet.
Structure-Based Discovery of Proline-Derived Arginase Inhibitors with Improved Oral Bioavailability for Immuno-Oncology

Recent data suggest that the inhibition of arginase (ARG) has therapeutic potential for the treatment of a number of indications ranging from pulmonary and vascular disease to cancer. Thus, high demand exists for selective small molecule ARG inhibitors with favorable druglike properties and good oral bioavailability. In light of the significant challenges associated with the unique physicochemical properties of previously disclosed ARG inhibitors, we use structure-based drug design combined with a focused optimization strategy to discover a class of boronic acids featuring a privileged proline scaffold with superior potency and oral bioavailability. These compounds, exemplified by inhibitors 4a, 18, and 27, demonstrated a favorable overall profile, and 4a was well tolerated following multiple days of dosing at concentrations that exceed those required for serum arginase inhibition and concomitant arginine elevation in a syngeneic mouse carcinoma model.
Problematic internet use profiles and psychosocial risk among adolescents

Objective Although Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is an emerging area of study in psychology, little is known about the unique features of specific subgroups of internet users and their psychosocial vulnerabilities within robust and nationwide populations. Methods The aim of this study was to identify distinct latent groups of internet users based on their PIU risk and to compare their psychosocial outcomes. To achieve this, a nationally representative sample of adolescents of the same grade (N = 1,066, Meanage = 13.46 years, range = 12–16) was recruited from several schools in Slovenia through stratified random sampling. Results A Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) revealed a two-class solution, with Class 1 (n = 853, 80%) featuring ‘low PIU risk’ participants and Class 2 (n = 213, 20%) including ‘high PIU risk’ participants. Behaviorally, the main feature of Class 1 denoted ‘time management difficulties’ while Class 2 was best characterized by ‘mood and time management issues’. Further frequentist and Bayesian analyses indicated that Class 2 presented greater psychosocial risk compared to Class 1 due to significantly higher levels of PIU (generalized and across specific PIU subfactors) coupled with lower levels of subjective well-being and self-control. Conclusions Contrary to what was initially envisaged, the two classes did not differ in terms of perceived quality in parent-child relationship. This study shows that PIU patterns and symptom-severity may be developmentally specific, further highlighting the need for clinically age-adjusted PIU screening practices within epidemiological and healthcare settings.
Risk Factors for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection and Presence of Anti–SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Among University Student Dormitory Residents, September–November 2020

Abstract Background Multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks occurred at universities during Fall 2020, but little is known about risk factors for campus-associated infections or immunity provided by anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in young adults. Methods We conducted surveys and serology tests among students living in dormitories in September and November to examine infection risk factors and antibody presence. Using campus weekly reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results, the relationship between survey responses, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and infections was assessed. Results Of 6136 students, 1197 completed the survey and 572 also completed serologic testing in September compared with 517 and 414 in November, respectively. Participation in fraternity or sorority events (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.9 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.4–2.5]) and frequent alcohol consumption (aRR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.2–2.2]) were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mask wearing during social events (aRR, 0.6 [95% CI, .6–1.0]) was associated with decreased risk. None of the 20 students with antibodies in September tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during the semester, while 27.8% of students who tested RT-PCR positive tested negative for antibodies in November. Conclusions Frequent drinking and attending social events were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Antibody presence in September appeared to be protective from reinfection, but this finding was not statistically significant.
Comparative proteome analysis of form-deprivation myopia in sclera with iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics

Objective Scleral remodeling plays a key role in axial elongation in myopia. The aim of the present study was to identify the proteomics changes and specific signaling networks to gain insight into the molecular basis of scleral remodeling in myopic eyes. Methods Guinea pig form-deprivation myopia was induced with a translucent diffuser on a random eye for 4 weeks, while the other eye served as the contralateral control group. The axial length and refraction were measured at the beginning and end of the treatment. The proteins were extracted from the sclerae of each group and prepared for quantitative isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC−MS/MS) analysis. The coexpression networks and protein functions were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were performed to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the iTRAQ results. Results After 4 weeks, the form-deprivation eyes developed significant degrees of myopia, and the axial length increased statistically significantly (p<0.05). A total of 2,579 unique proteins with <1% false discovery rate (FDR) were identified. Furthermore, 56 proteins were found to be upregulated, and 84 proteins were found to be downregulated, with a threshold of a 1.2-fold change and p<0.05 in the myopia group, when compared to the control group. Further bioinformatics analysis indicated that 44 of 140 differentially expressed proteins were involved in cellular movement and cellular assembly and organization. The qRT-PCR or western blotting results confirmed that myosin IIB, ACTIN3, and cellular cytoskeletons were downregulated, while RhoA and RAP1A were upregulated in the sclera in myopic eyes. These results were consistent with the proteomics results. Conclusions Proteomics and bioinformatics results can be helpful for identifying proteins and providing new insights for better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying scleral remodeling. These results revealed that the proteins associated with cellular movement and cellular assembly and organization are altered during the development of myopia. Furthermore, RhoA plays a key role in the pathways involved in cellular movement and cellular assembly and organization.
A Novel Chaotic Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Latin Square and Random Shift

To realize the safe transmission of images, a chaotic image encryption algorithm based on Latin square and random shift is proposed. The algorithm consists of four parts: key generation, pixel scrambling, pixel replacement, and bit scrambling. Firstly, the key is generated from the plain image to improve the sensitivity of the encryption method. Secondly, each pixel in each row of the image matrix is moved cyclically to the right, in turn, to change the position of the image pixel and realize pixel position scrambling. Then, a 256-order Latin square matrix composed of a chaotic sequence is used as a lookup table, and the replacement coordinates are calculated based on the image pixel value and the chaotic sequence value, replacing the corresponding coordinate elements in the image matrix. Finally, decompose the bitplane of the image matrix and combine it into two-bit matrices, scramble the two bit matrices, respectively, with the Latin square matrix, recombine the scrambled two-bit matrices, and convert them into decimal to obtain the ciphertext image. In the proposed encryption method, all the Latin square matrices used are generated by chaotic sequences, further enhancing the complexity of the generated Latin square matrix and improving the algorithm's security. Experimental results and security analysis show that the proposed algorithm has good security performance and is suitable for image encryption.
Knowledge, attitude and occupational risks to hepatitis B infection among health workers in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study design

Introduction hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the commonest causes of acute and chronic liver diseases worldwide. HBV can be transmitted by exposure to infected blood and human secretions through sharp injuries and splashes. Health workers are among the most high-risk groups because they regularly interact with patients. A seroprevalence survey conducted in Uganda in 2014 found a higher prevalence of HBV in Gulu Municipality compared to the rest of Uganda. Methods a cross-sectional study was conducted among health workers in Gulu Regional Hospital. A stratified random sampling was used. Knowledge ratings and Likert scale were used to score knowledge, attitudes and risks of HBV infections in a qualitative assessment. Ethical approval was obtained and SPSS was used for data analysis. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results one hundred and twenty-six (126) respondents participated; 65 (51.6%) were male, 80 (63.5%) were aged 20-29 years, 74 (58.7%) were not married, 86 (68.3%) had a work experience of 0-9 years, 64 (50.8%) had good knowledge, 90(71.4%) had positive attitude, 114 (90.5%) had high to very high pre-exposure risks, and 75 (59.5%) had moderate to high exposure and post-exposure risks. There was no significant difference in knowledge (X2= 13.895; p = 0.178) and work experience (X2= 21.196; p = 0.097) among the health workers. Conclusion there is a high pre-exposure, exposure and post-exposure risks of HBV infection among health workers in Gulu Hospital. There is need to augment awareness on HBV infection and design strategies to strengthen and implement infection control measures including HBV vaccination among health workers.
Study on the Value of DCE-MRI in Differentiating Glossitis and Tongue Cancer and the Intratumour Heterogeneity

Objective DCE-MRI is an imaging technique that reflects the blood perfusion status of the tissue’s microcirculation. The purpose of this article is to explore the clinical value of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI in distinguishing benign and malignant tongue lesions and the internal heterogeneity of a tumour. Methods The patients were divided into a tongue cancer group (22 patients) and a glossitis group (7 patients) based on the pathology results. All of the patients underwent DCE-MRI examination. Results The results of this study showed that the volume transfer constant (Ktrans), rate constant (Kep), contrast enhancement ratio (CER) and initial area under the gadolinium contrast agent concentration time curve (IAUGG) values of the tongue cancer group were significantly higher than those of the glossitis group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, the extravascular extracellular volume fraction (Ve), fractional plasma volume (fPV), maximum slope (MaxSlope), and bolus arrival time (BAT) values measured by DCE-MRI in the tongue cancer group were not significantly different from those in the glossitis group (P > 0.05). The results of this study showed that the Ktrans, Kep, and IAUGG values measured by DCE-MRI had a good ability to distinguish tongue inflammation from tumours and Ktrans threshold of 0.484 has the best discriminative ability among them. The mean Ktrans values of stage I–II lesions were significantly higher than that of stage III–IV lesion (p = 0.045). Conclusion DCE-MRI is effective in distinguishing between benign and malignant tongue lesions and the internal heterogeneity of the tumour; it is worth following up in a larger study. Clinical Registration Number Research registry 6393.
Factors Associated with Mortality Among Hospitalized Adults with COVID-19 Pneumonia at a Private Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background The emergence of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused millions of deaths worldwide. There has been paucity of data for hospitalized African patients suffering from COVID-19. This study aimed to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients suffering from COVID-19 in Tanzania. Methods This was a single center, retrospective, observational cohort study in adult patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Demographics, clinical pattern, laboratory and radiological investigations associated with increased odds of mortality were analyzed. Results Of the 157 patients, 107 (68.1%) patients survived and 50 (31.8%) died. Mortality was highest in patients suffering with severe (26%) and critical (68%) forms of the disease. The median age of the cohort was 52 years (IQR 42–61), majority of patients were male (86%) and of African origin (46%), who presented with fever (69%), cough (62%) and difficulty in breathing (43%). Factors that were associated with mortality among our cohort were advanced age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.11), being overweight and obese (OR 9.44, 95% CI 2.71–41.0), suffering with severe form of the disease (OR 4.77, 95% CI 1.18–25.0) and being admitted to the HDU and ICU (OR 6.68, 95% CI 2.06–24.6). Conclusion The overall in-hospital mortality was 31.8%. Older age, obesity, the severe form of the disease and admission to the ICU and HDU were major risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality.
Does postoperative quantitative bone scintigraphy reflect outcomes following medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy?

Purpose The present study evaluated changes in bone tracer uptake (BTU) after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) and determined whether postoperative BTU correlates with clinical symptoms, radiologic parameters, or cartilage regeneration following MOWHTO. Methods A total of 210 knees underwent MOWHTO for medial compartmental osteoarthritis (OA) were enrolled in this study. Mean follow-up period was 42.7 months. We assessed BTU for the medial compartment of the knee before MOWHTO and at the time of plate removal. Radiologic parameters included Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade and Hip-Knee-Ankle angle (HKAA). Clinical evaluation included American Knee Society (AKS) score and cartilage status was graded at the time of MOWHTO and second-look arthroscopy according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading system and articular cartilage regeneration stage. Statistical analysis performed to assess the relationships among postoperative BTU of the medial compartment, radiologic parameters, arthroscopic changes and clinical outcomes. Results BTU of medial femoral condyle and tibial plateau were significantly decreased at 2 years after MOWHTO (p<0.001). AKS scores and arthroscopic cartilage status were also significantly improved following MOWHTO. BMI and postoperative HKAA showed significant correlations with postoperative changes of BTU in uni- and multi-variable analysis. Meanwhile, postoperative changes of BTU did not show significant correlation with clinical outcomes or cartilage regeneration following MOWHTO. Conclusion Lower BMI and postoperative valgus alignment were significant predictor for postoperative BTU decrease of the medial compartment following MOWHTO. However, postoperative changes of BTU did not reflect cartilage regeneration or clinical outcomes until the midterm follow-up.
Adaptation of in vitro methodologies to estimate the intestinal digestion of lipids in ruminants

Abstract The objective of this study was to adapt existing in vitro methodologies to determine the extent of intestinal digestion of corn oil (CO), canola oil (CA), and beef tallow (BT) via manipulation of incubation length and concentrations of lipase, bile, and calcium within a buffer solution. Unless otherwise stated, 0.5 g of each lipid source were incubated separately and in triplicate, with triplicate batch culture runs for each treatment in 40 mL of 0.5 M KH2PO4 (pH = 7.6) for 24 h with pancreatin (8 g/L), bovine bile (2.5 g/L), and CaCl2 (10 mM). Individually, concentrations of pancreatin, bile, and CaCl2, as well as incubation length were tested. To examine the use of this assay to estimate in vitro total tract digestion, a KH2PO4 solution with concentrated amounts to reach the same final concentrations of pancreatin, bile, and Ca were used as the third step in a three-step total tract digestibility procedure. Free glycerol and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations were measured using colorimetric assays as indicators of digestion. Data wereanalyzed as a completely randomized block design (block = run), using the Glimmix procedure of SAS. For each lipid source, free glycerol increased with increasing pancreatin; however, FFA was lowest at 0 g/L pancreatin but was similar at 6, 8, and 10 g/L. Both glycerol and FFA were greater for 2.5 and 5 g/L of bile than for 0 g/L for each lipid source. Calcium concentration did not affect glycerol or FFA for either CO or CA; however, glycerol and FFA for BT were greater when calcium was included at 5 and 10 mM than at 0 mM. For all fat sources, free glycerol and FFA increased after 1 h until 12 h, but did not increase from 12 to 24 h. When a concentrated mixture was used following fermentation and acidification steps, digestibility using FFA concentration increased as compared to just adding buffer; however, free glycerol concentration was indeterminable. Thus, free glycerol and FFA can be used as indicators of lipid digestion when a lipid source is incubated for at least 12 h in a buffer solution containing 8 g/L pancreatin, 2.5 g/L bile, and 5 mM Ca when only estimating in vitro intestinal digestion; however, when utilizing this assay in a three-step in vitro total tract digestibility procedure, only FFA can be used.
Prognostic Value of Glucose-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Pancreatitis

Background Glucose metabolism and systemic inflammation have been associated with prognosis in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients. However, the possible value as a prognostic marker of the glucose-to-lymphocyte ratio (GLR) has not been evaluated in critically ill patients with AP. Methods This study included 1,133 critically ill patients with AP from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database, who were randomly divided into the training cohort (n=806) and the validation cohort (n=327) at a ratio of 7:3. X-tile software was used to determine the optimal cut-off values for GLR. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis was performed to compare the performance between GLR and other blood-based inflammatory biomarkers. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to select prognostic factors associated with in-hospital mortality. A nomogram model was developed based on the identified prognostic factors and the validation cohort was used to further validate the nomogram. Results The optimal cut-off value for GLR was 0.9. The ROC analyses showed that the discrimination abilities of GLR were better than other blood-based inflammatory biomarkers. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that age, platelet, albumin, bilirubin, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and GLR are independent predictors of poor overall survival in the training cohort and were incorporated into the nomogram for in-hospital mortality as independent factors. The nomogram exhibited better discrimination with C-indexes in the training cohort and the validation cohort of 0.886 (95% CI=0.849–0.922) and 0.841 (95% CI=0.767–0.915), respectively. The calibration plot revealed an adequate fit of the nomogram for predicting the risk of in-hospital mortality in both sets. Conclusion As an easily available biomarker, GLR can independently predict the in-hospital mortality of critically ill patients with AP. The nomogram combining GLR with other significant features exerted favorable predictive performance for in-hospital mortality.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on productivity dynamics by industry

This paper analyses quarterly estimates of productivity growth at industry level for three advanced economies, France, the UK and the US, for 2020. We use detailed industry-level data to distinguish reallocations of working hours between industries from pure within-industry productivity gains or losses. We find that all three countries showed positive growth rates of aggregate output per hour in 2020 over 2019. However, after removing the effects from the reallocation of hours between low and high productivity industries, only the US still performed positively in terms of within-industry productivity growth. In contrast, the two European economies showed negative within-industry productivity growth rates in 2020. While aboveaverage digital-intensive industries outperformed below-average ones in both France and the UK, the US showed higher productivity growth in both groups compared to the European countries. Industries with medium-intensive levels of shares of employees working from home prior to the pandemic made larger productivity gains in 2020 than industries with the highest pre-pandemic work-from-home shares. Overall, after taking into account the productivity collapse in the hospitality and culture sector during 2020, productivity growth shows no clear deviation from the slowing pre-pandemic productivity trend. Future trends in productivity growth will depend on whether the favourable productivity gains (or smaller losses) in industries with above-average digital intensity will outweigh negative effects from the pandemic, in particular scarring effects on labour markets and business dynamics.