Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiota composition and frailty in elderly patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background Frailty is common in older patients affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Since gut microbiota (gMB) may contribute to frailty, we explored possible associations between gMB and frailty in CKD. Methods We studied 64 CKD patients (stage 3b-4), categorized as frail (F, 38) and not frail (NF, 26) according to Fried criteria, and 15 controls (C), all older than 65 years. In CKD we assessed serum C-reactive protein, blood neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, Malnutrition-inflammation Score (MIS); gMB was studied by denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis (DGGE), high-throughput sequencing (16S r-RNA gene), and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Results No differences in alpha diversity between CKD and C and between F and NF patients emerged, but high-throughput sequencing showed significantly higher abundance of potentially noxious bacteria (Citrobacter, Coprobacillus, etc) and lower abundance of saccharolytic and butyrate-producing bacteria (Prevotella spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia spp.), in CKD respect to C. Mogibacteriaceae family and Oscillospira genus abundance was positively related to inflammatory indices in the whole CKD cohort, while that of Akkermansia, Ruminococcus and Eubacterium genera was negatively related. Compared with NF, in F there was a higher abundance of some bacteria (Mogibacteriacee, Coriobacteriacee, Eggerthella, etc), many of which have been described as more abundant in other diseases. Conclusions These results suggest that inflammation and frailty could be associated to gMB modifications in CKD.
The Not so Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Differential Bacterial Adhesion and Invasion Mediated by Salmonella PagN Allelic Variants

While advances in genomic sequencing have highlighted significant strain variability between and within Salmonella serovars, only a few protein variants have been directly related to evolutionary adaptation for survival, such as host specificity or differential virulence. The current study investigated whether allelic variation of the Salmonella adhesin/invasin PagN influences bacterial interaction with their receptors. The Salmonella enterica, subspecies enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) allelic variant of PagN was found to bind significantly better to different enterocytes as well as to the extracellular matrix protein laminin than did the major Salmonella enterica, subspecies enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) allele. The two alleles differed at amino acid residues 49 and 109 in two of the four predicted PagN surface loops, and residue substitution analysis revealed that a glutamic acid at residue 49 increased the adhesive and invasive properties of S. Typhi PagN. PagN sequence comparisons from 542 Salmonella strains for six representative S. enterica serovars and S. diarizonae further supported the role of glutamic acid at residues 49 and 109 in optimizing adhesion to cells and laminin, as well as for cell invasion. In summary, this study characterized unique residues in allelic variants of a virulence factor that participates in the colonization and invasive properties of different Salmonella stains, subspecies and serovars.
Choosing where to give birth: Factors influencing migrant women’s decision making in two regions of Thailand

Background Choosing where to give birth can be a matter of life and death for both mother and child. Migrants, registered or unregistered, may face different choices and challenges than non-migrants. Despite this, previous research on the factors migrant women consider when deciding where to give birth is very limited. This paper addresses this gap by examining women’s decision making in a respective border and urban locale in Thailand. Methods We held focus group discussions [13] with 72 non-Thai pregnant migrant women at non-government clinics in a rural border area and at two hospitals in Chiang Mai, a large city in Northern Thailand in 2018. We asked women where they will go to give birth and to explain the factors that influenced their decision. Results Women identified getting the relevant documentation necessary to register their child’s birth, safe birth and medical advice/quality care, as the top three factors that influenced their care seeking decision making. Language of service, free or low cost care, language of services, proximity to home, and limited alternate options for care were also identified as important considerations. Conclusion Understanding factors that migrant women value when choosing where to deliver can help health care providers to create services that are responsive to migrants’ preferences and encourage provision of relevant information which may influence patient decision making. The desire to obtain birth documentation for their child appears to be important for migrants who understand the importance of personal documentation for the lives of their children. Healthcare institutions may wish to introduce processes to facilitate obtaining documentation for pregnant migrant women and their newborns.
Confusion and Anxiety Following Breast Density Notification: Fact or Fiction?

In the absence of evidence-based screening recommendations for women with dense breasts, it is important to know if breast density notification increases women’s anxiety. This study describes psychological reactions and future screening intentions of women attending a public mammographic screening program in Western Australia. Two-thirds of notified women indicated that knowing their breast density made them feel informed, 21% described feeling anxious, and 23% confused. Of the notified women who reported anxiety, 96% intended to re-screen when due (compared to 91% of all notified women and 93% of controls; p = 0.007 and p < 0.001, respectively). In summary, reported anxiety (following breast density notification) appears to increase women’s intentions for future screening, not the reverse.
Fucoxanthin Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms by Regulating Keratinocytes and Regulatory Innate Lymphoid Cells

Fucoxanthin (FX) is a xanthophyll that is contained abundantly in marine plants. The biological action of FX includes its antioxidant and anti-lipogenic activities, while the precise action of its mechanisms on skin cells has not yet been clarified. The current study examined the effect of FX in comparison with tacrolimus (TAC) on NC/Nga mice, which are an atopic dermatitis (AD) model. FX topical treatment dramatically ameliorated itching behavior over the TAC treatment, which was insufficient for improvement of AD symptoms. In Nc/Nga mice, FX or TAC applied to the skin inhibited eosinophil infiltration with decreased expression of Il-33. FX also stimulated Il-2, Il-5, Il-13, Il-10, and TGF-β expression levels, and Sca1+Il-10+TGF-β+ regulatory innate lymphoid cells (ILCreg) were dominantly observed in FX treated skin epidermal keratinocytes and dermal layers. This combined evidence demonstrated that FX exerts anti-inflammatory effects on keratinocytes and ameliorates AD symptoms by regulating ILCreg to normalize immune responses in an atopic dermatitis model.
A long noncoding RNA acts as a post-transcriptional regulator of heat shock protein (HSP70) synthesis in the cold hardy Diamesa tonsa under heat shock

Cold stenothermal insects living in glacier-fed streams are stressed by temperature variations resulting from glacial retreat during global warming. The molecular aspects of insect response to environmental stresses remain largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to expand our knowledge of how a cold stenothermal organism controls gene expression at the transcriptional, translational, and protein level under warming conditions. Using the chironomid Diamesa tonsa as target species and a combination of RACE, qPCR, polysomal profiling, western blotting, and bioinformatics techniques, we discovered a new molecular pathway leading to previously overlooked adaptive strategies to stress. We obtained and characterized the complete cDNA sequences of three heat shock inducible 70 (hsp70) and two members of heat-shock cognate 70 (hsc70). Strikingly, we showed that a novel pseudo-hsp70 gene encoding a putative long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) which is transcribed during thermal stress, acting as a ribosome sponge to provide post-transcriptional control of HSP70 protein levels. The expression of the pseudo-hsp70 gene and its function suggest the existence of a new and unexpected mechanism to cope with thermal stress: lowering the pace of protein production to save energy and optimize resources for recovery.
To consider or not antimalarials as a prophylactic intervention in the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic

I read with great interest the letter by Spinelli et al published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.1 The authors describe the existing scientific evidence concerning the potential antiviral activity of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection in vitro, and the available clinical studies.
[First case of neonate with COVID-19 in China].

1例以"打喷嚏，伴间断吐奶1周"为主诉的17日龄新生儿于2020年2月5日就诊于武汉儿童医院新生儿内科隔离病房，其父母于入院前3 d出现发热伴咳嗽，确诊新型冠状病毒肺炎患者。 患儿早期临床症状轻，病程中出现一过性发热及腹泻，无严重并发症，反复咽拭子和肛拭子2019新型冠状病毒核酸检测阳性，肺部影像学提示炎性改变，诊断为新生儿新型冠状病毒肺炎，提示感染后新生儿呼吸道及消化道中均可存在病毒。 需要关注新生儿作为感染者和传播者的可能性，同时也提出针对新生儿新型冠状病毒肺炎的医疗及家庭看护问题。
Is Pakistan prepared for the COVID‐19 epidemic? A questionnaire‐based survey

COVID‐19 is a pandemic that began in China in December 2019. World health organization (WHO) has expressed fears that Pakistan might emerge as the next epicenter of this pandemic. We hypothesize that at present the Pakistani masses are not prepared to face any threat of a looming epidemic. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the basic knowledge of educational and health care workers (HCWs) regarding COVID‐19, its control, and prevention. Knowledge about origin, symptoms, and spread of viral infection was assessed. In this cross‐sectional survey, a self‐designed questionnaire was distributed among 302 HCWs including physicians (10.9%), nurses (1.32%), lab staff (1.65%), and academic individuals including faculty and students (86.42%) of different organizations. Results were analyzed using the χ2 test. Obtained results validate our null hypothesis that Pakistani masses are not well aware of the COVID‐19 and strategies for the prevention and control of infection. The study concluded that individuals belonging to the front‐line workers and high literacy groups are not prepared for the alarming situation in the country. Effectual implementation of infection control programs should be practiced, and it depends on awareness, training, and cooperation of individuals.
A multilevel analytical framework for studying cultural evolution in prehistoric hunter–gatherer societies

Over the past decade, a major debate has taken place on the underpinnings of cultural changes in human societies. A growing array of evidence in behavioural and evolutionary biology has revealed that social connectivity among populations and within them affects, and is affected by, culture. Yet the interplay between prehistoric hunter–gatherer social structure and cultural transmission has typically been overlooked. Interestingly, the archaeological record contains large data sets, allowing us to track cultural changes over thousands of years: they thus offer a unique opportunity to shed light on long‐term cultural transmission processes. In this review, we demonstrate how well‐developed methods for social structure analysis can increase our understanding of the selective pressures underlying cumulative culture. We propose a multilevel analytical framework that considers finer aspects of the complex social structure in which regional groups of prehistoric hunter–gatherers were embedded. We put forward predictions of cultural transmission based on local‐ and global‐level network metrics of small‐scale societies and their potential effects on cumulative culture. By bridging the gaps between network science, palaeodemography and cultural evolution, we draw attention to the use of the archaeological record to depict patterns of social interactions and transmission variability. We argue that this new framework will contribute to improving our understanding of social interaction patterns, as well as the contexts in which cultural changes occur. Ultimately, this may provide insights into the evolution of human behaviour.
A review on role of tetra-rings in graphene systems and their possible applications

Inspired by the success of graphene, various two-dimensional (2D) non-hexagonal graphene allotropes having sp2-bonded tetragonal rings in free-standing (hypothetical) form and on different substrates have been proposed recently. These systems have also been fabricated after modifying the topology of graphene by chemical processes. In this review, we would like to indicate the role of tetra-rings and the local symmetry breaking on the structural, electronic and optical properties of the graphene system. First-principles computations have demonstrated that the tetragonal graphene (TG) allotrope exhibits appreciable thermodynamic stability. The band structure of the TG nanoribbons (TGNRs) strongly depends on the size and edge geometry. This fact has been supported by the transport properties of TGNRs. The optical properties and Raman modes of this graphene allotrope have been well explored for characterisation purposes. Recently, a tight-binding model was used to unravel the metal-to-semiconductor transition under the influence of external magnetic fluxes. Even the introduction of transition metal atoms into this non-hexagonal network can control the magnetic response of the TG sheet. Furthermore, the collective effect of B–N doping and confinement effect on the structural and electronic properties of TG systems has been investigated. We also suggest future directions to be explored to make the synthesis of T graphene and its various derivatives/allotropes viable for the verification of theoretical predictions. It is observed that these doped systems act as a potential candidate for carbon monoxide gas sensing and current rectification devices. Therefore, all these experimental, numerical and analytical studies related to non-hexagonal TG systems are extremely important from a basic science point of view as well as for applications in sensing, optoelectronic and photonic devices.
The role of perceived social support and depressive symptoms in the relationship between forgiveness and life satisfaction among older people

Abstract Objective Forgiveness carries a different significance for individuals, especially older people. Few studies have focused on the effect of forgiveness on life satisfaction among older people and the mediating role of perceived social support and depressive symptoms. The current study tested the relationship between forgiveness and life satisfaction, and the mediating effects of perceived social support and depressive symptoms in the relationship. Method The sample of the study consisted of 713 older people (>56 years, M=64.89, SD=1.31)were recruited from Jiangsu province in China. Bootstrap estimation of multiple mediation analysis was used to examine the mediating effects of perceived social support and depressive symptoms in the relationship between forgiveness and life satisfaction. Results Forgiveness of others and oneself have positively associated with life satisfaction, and multiple mediation analyses indicated that perceived social support and depressive symptoms mediate the relationship between forgiveness of others and oneself and life satisfaction. Conclusion Forgiveness of others and self is linked with life satisfaction not only through perceived social support but also depressive symptoms. Forgiveness can enhance life satisfaction of older people. It can also enhance the effects of social support on their social relationships and reduce depressive symptoms, which lead to higher life satisfaction.
Exceptional diversity of opsin expression patterns in Neogonodactylus oerstedii (Stomatopoda) retinas

Significance Our study reveals the most elaborate opsin expression patterns ever described in any animal eye. In mantis shrimp, a pugnacious crustacean renowned for its visual sophistication, we found unexpected retinal expression patterns highlighting the potential for cryptic photoreceptor functional diversity, including single photoreceptors that coexpress opsins from different spectral clades and a single opsin with a putative nonvisual function important in color vision. This study demonstrates the evolutionary potential for increasing visual system functional diversity through opsin gene duplication and diversification, as well as changes in patterns of gene coexpression among photoreceptors and retinula cells. These results have significant implications for the function of other visual systems, particularly in arthropods where large numbers of retinally expressed opsins have been documented. Stomatopod crustaceans possess some of the most complex animal visual systems, including at least 16 spectrally distinct types of photoreceptive units (e.g., assemblages of photoreceptor cells). Here we fully characterize the set of opsin genes expressed in retinal tissues and determine expression patterns of each in the stomatopod Neogonodactylus oerstedii. Using a combination of transcriptome and RACE sequencing, we identified 33 opsin transcripts expressed in each N. oerstedii eye, which are predicted to form 20 long-wavelength–sensitive, 10 middle-wavelength–sensitive, and three UV-sensitive visual pigments. Observed expression patterns of these 33 transcripts were highly unusual in five respects: 1) All long-wavelength and short/middle-wavelength photoreceptive units expressed multiple opsins, while UV photoreceptor cells expressed single opsins; 2) most of the long-wavelength photoreceptive units expressed at least one middle-wavelength–sensitive opsin transcript; 3) the photoreceptors involved in spatial, motion, and polarization vision expressed more transcripts than those involved in color vision; 4) there is a unique opsin transcript that is expressed in all eight of the photoreceptive units devoted to color vision; and 5) expression patterns in the peripheral hemispheres of the eyes suggest visual specializations not previously recognized in stomatopods. Elucidating the expression patterns of all opsin transcripts expressed in the N. oerstedii retina reveals the potential for previously undocumented functional diversity in the already complex stomatopod eye and is a first step toward understanding the functional significance of the unusual abundance of opsins found in many arthropod species’ visual systems.
Evaluating Stem Cell Transplantation in Novel Models of Bilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

The majority of spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur at the cervical level, which results in significant impairment. Severity and neurologic level of injury are primary endpoints in clinical trials; however, showing level-dependence in experimental models has proven difficult. Stem cell transplantation for SCI has been explored in preclinical models; however, the specific mechanisms, such as remyelination, environmental modification or synaptic integration, are incompletely understood. Despite these knowledge gaps, stem cell transplantation for SCI has entered human clinical trials. We sought to establish level-dependent models of cervical SCI that could subsequently be used to examine efficacy and mechanism of neural precursor cell (NPC) transplantation. First, we examined whether ascending level of injury leads to progressive loss of tissue and specific neuron pools, causing worsening forelimb motor performance. We directly compared injury at the C5, C6, C7 and T7 vertebral levels caused by severe bilateral clip compression injury. Animals were assessed for 10 weeks post-injury with numerous (42) outcome measures of neuroanatomy, physiology, and sensorimotor function. The cervical enlargement (C5-T2) showed progressive ventral horn atrophy and loss of motor columns with ascending injury, resulting in progressive and reciprocal changes forelimb function and gait.
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade is associated with higher risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with diabetes

As the incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular comorbidities continues to rise, driven by increased prevalence of obesity and an aging population, so does the demand for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to restore cardiac blood flow. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors are commonly prescribed to hypertensive diabetic patients to prevent diabetic nephropathy. However, evidence suggests that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may increase the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) following coronary angiography (CAG) and PCI. We therefore conducted a retrospective, multicenter study applying the propensity score matching method to evaluate the impact of RAAS inhibition on CIAKI in diabetic patients undergoing CAG/PCI. Among 2240 subjects that met the inclusion criteria, 704 patients in the ACEIs/ARBs group were successfully matched to eligible control patients. The incidence of CIAKI (serum creatinine increase ≥0.5 mg/dl or ≥25% from baseline within 72 h post-CAG/PCI) was significantly higher in the ACEIs/ARBs group than in the control group (26.6% vs. 16.2%, P<0.001). However, control patients showed increased risk of overall adverse cardiovascular events (4.1% vs. 1.8% for ACEIs/ARBs; P=0.016). These data indicate that RAAS inhibition increases the risk of CIAKI in diabetic patients, but confers protection against early cardiovascular events.
Aspirin sensitizes osimertinib‐resistant NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo via Bim‐dependent apoptosis induction

Osimertinib, a third‐generation irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI), provides marked clinical benefit for patients with EGFR‐activating mutations. Unfortunately, limited treatments exist for patients who acquire osimertinib resistance. We observed two ‘special’ patients who regained an antitumor response with osimertinib plus aspirin treatment. As previous data indicate that aspirin induces antiproliferative effects in tumor cells, we designed a preclinical study to explore whether aspirin combined with osimertinib could synergistically sensitize osimertinib‐resistant non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. The effects of combined treatment with osimertinib and aspirin on osimertinib‐resistant NSCLC cell lines were examined in vitro and in vivo. The combination of osimertinib and aspirin induced strong antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in osimertinib‐resistant NSCLC cells through inhibition of Akt/FoxO3a signaling component phosphorylation and increased Bim expression. Furthermore, Bim knockdown by siRNA significantly attenuated osimertinib resensitization by aspirin. In vivo, combination of aspirin and osimertinib significantly decreased tumor growth of PC‐9GROR cell xenografts. Data of patients with NSCLC who received osimertinib treatment at Daping Hospital between January 2015 and January 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. According to clinical data for 45 patients with NSCLC, retrospective analysis showed that the median progression‐free survival was significantly longer in the osimertinib plus aspirin group than in the osimertinib group. In summary, aspirin synergistically enhances the antitumor activity of osimertinib in osimertinib‐resistant lung cancer cells through promoting Bim‐dependent apoptosis. This combination therapy may be effective in overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib and prolonging survival in patients with NSCLC.