Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Physical Inactivity Induce Significant Changes in Human Gut Microbiota? New Answers Using the Dry Immersion Hypoactivity Model

Gut microbiota, a major contributor to human health, is influenced by physical activity and diet, and displays a functional cross-talk with skeletal muscle. Conversely, few data are available on the impact of hypoactivity, although sedentary lifestyles are widespread and associated with negative health and socio-economic impacts. The study aim was to determine the effect of Dry Immersion (DI), a severe hypoactivity model, on the human gut microbiota composition. Stool samples were collected from 14 healthy men before and after 5 days of DI to determine the gut microbiota taxonomic profiles by 16S metagenomic sequencing in strictly controlled dietary conditions. The α and β diversities indices were unchanged. However, the operational taxonomic units associated with the Clostridiales order and the Lachnospiraceae family, belonging to the Firmicutes phylum, were significantly increased after DI. Propionate, a short-chain fatty acid metabolized by skeletal muscle, was significantly reduced in post-DI stool samples. The finding that intestine bacteria are sensitive to hypoactivity raises questions about their impact and role in chronic sedentary lifestyles.
Real-time Recommendation System for Stock Investment Decisions

: Recommendation systems have become omnipresent, helping people making decisions in various areas. While most of the systems can give accurate recommendations, their learning procedures can be time-consuming. In some cases, this is not permissible; for example when the information about the items and users changes very fast in time. In this paper, we discuss a new recommendation engine, based on labelled property graph knowledge representation and attributed network embeddings, which calculates real-time recommendations for stock investment decisions. In particular, we demonstrate an application of the DANE (dynamic attributed network embedding) framework proposed by Li et al. and show the promising results of the system.
Deservingness in context: perspectives toward refugees and asylum seekers in Canada

ABSTRACT What drives the evaluations of extending protections and services to refugees and asylum seekers? In dialogue with research on attitudes towards refugees, in particular, work pointing to the importance of deservingness cues for refugee evaluation, this article explores the conditions under which Canadians are willing to provide the right to stay and access to migrant-specific services to refugees and asylum seekers in Canada. Taking into consideration the institutional and policy specificities of Canada’s immigration regime, our analysis suggests that refugees and asylum seekers are evaluated as qualitatively different groups by the Canadian public. Consequently, we propose that economic cues and deservingness cues should have different influences on the evaluation of these two groups. Using a survey experiment, this article finds that economic cues play a role in the evaluation of refugees and that humanitarian needs are central to Canadians’ evaluation of asylum seekers. These results demonstrate the need to take national and institutional contexts into account when considering attitudes towards vulnerable migrant groups and, in particular, deservingness evaluations of these groups.
In-depth immunophenotyping with mass cytometry during TB treatment reveals non-canonical T-cell subsets associated with sputum culture conversion

Tuberculosis (TB) is a difficult-to-treat infection because of multidrug regimen requirements based on drug susceptibility profiles and treatment observance issues. TB cure is defined by mycobacterial sterilization, technically complex to systematically assess. We hypothesized that microbiological outcome was associated with stage-specific immune changes in peripheral whole blood during TB treatment. The T-cell phenotypes of treated TB patients were prospectively characterized in a blinded fashion using mass cytometry after Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigen stimulation, and then correlated to sputum culture status. At two months of treatment, cytotoxic and terminally differentiated CD8+ T-cells were under-represented and naïve CD4+ T-cells were over-represented in positive-versus negative-sputum culture patients, regardless of Mtb drug susceptibility. At treatment completion, an antigen-driven T-cell immune shift towards differentiated subpopulations was associated with TB cure. Overall, we identified specific T-cell profiles associated with slow sputum converters, which brings new insights in TB prognostic biomarker research designed for clinical application. Summary In patients treated for pulmonary TB, high-dimensional immune profiling with mass cytometry revealed that Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture conversion is associated with newly characterized peripheral CD8+ T-cell phenotypes. This paves the way for new immune biomarkers associated with mycobacterial sterilization.
Serial Intralesional Steroid Injection for Subglottic Stenosis: Systemic Side Effects and Impact on Surgery-Free Interval

Objectives In-office serial intralesional steroid injections (SILSIs) have become a commonly used treatment for subglottic stenosis. We characterized the impact of SILSIs on the time between operating room visits and incidence of glucocorticoid systemic side effects. Study Design Retrospective case series. Setting Academic tertiary care center. Methods All patients with subglottic stenosis receiving SILSIs at 1 institution from 2016 to 2020 were included. Surgery-free interval was compared using paired t tests. Side effect incidence was calculated with Kaplan-Meier methodology for visualization. Results Nineteen patients and 207 procedures were included. The majority of patients were White (95%) and female (95%) and had idiopathic subglottic stenosis (53%). Mean surgery-free interval for all patients was 8.7 months (95% CI, 5.6-11.8) before initiating SILSIs. Of 11 patients with calculable surgery-free interval, 10 experienced improvement, with a mean surgery-free interval increase of 4.6 months (95% CI, 2.4-6.7). Seven patients have not required surgery since initiation of SILSIs, with a mean follow-up time of 28 months (95% CI, 25-31). Noncutaneous systemic side effects occurred at a mean 3.2 months (95% CI, 2.4-4.0) from first injection and included Cushing’s syndrome, increased intraocular pressure, central serous chorioretinopathy, and new insulin requirement in the setting of diabetes. Conclusions Ninety-one percent of patients who initiated SILSIs and had a subsequent return to the operating room experienced a mean 4.6-month increase in surgery-free interval. Systemic side effects of glucocorticoids occurred in 32% of patients after initiating SILSIs. This should be considered in preprocedure counseling and side effect monitoring during treatment.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Interim Recommendations for Additional Primary and Booster Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines — United States, 2021

Three COVID-19 vaccines are currently approved under a Biologics License Application (BLA) or authorized under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommended for primary vaccination by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in the United States: the 2-dose mRNA-based Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and the single-dose adenovirus vector-based Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine (1,2) (Box 1). In August 2021, FDA amended the EUAs for the two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to allow for an additional primary dose in certain immunocompromised recipients of an initial mRNA COVID-19 vaccination series (1). During September-October 2021, FDA amended the EUAs to allow for a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose following a primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccination series in certain recipients aged ≥18 years who are at increased risk for serious complications of COVID-19 or exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), as well as in recipients aged ≥18 years of Janssen COVID-19 vaccine (1) (Table). For the purposes of these recommendations, an additional primary (hereafter additional) dose refers to a dose of vaccine administered to persons who likely did not mount a protective immune response after initial vaccination. A booster dose refers to a dose of vaccine administered to enhance or restore protection by the primary vaccination, which might have waned over time. Health care professionals play a critical role in COVID-19 vaccination efforts, including for primary, additional, and booster vaccination, particularly to protect patients who are at increased risk for severe illness and death.
Automatic Detection and Classification of Cognitive Distortions in Journaling Text

: Cognitive distortions are negative thinking patterns that people adopt. Left undetected, it could lead to developing mental health problems. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to correct and change cognitive distortions that in turn help with the recovery from mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, overcoming addictions, and facing common life challenges. The aim of this study is to provide a machine learning solution for the automatic detection and classification of common cognitive distortions from journaling texts. Relatively few works have focused on exploring machine learning solutions and tools in the context of cognitive-behavioral therapy. And, given the rising popularity of online therapy programs, this tool could be used for instant feedback, and would also be a helpful service for therapists and psychiatrists to initiate and ease the detection of cognitive distortions. In this study, we provide a novel dataset that we used to train machine learning and deep learning algorithms. We then employed the best-performing model in an easy-to-use user interface.
Validation of the COVID-19 Transmission Misinformation Scale and Conditional Indirect Negative Effects on Wearing a Mask in Public

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic devastated the world economy. Global infections and deaths altered the behaviors of generations. The Internet acted as an incredible vehicle for communication but was also a source of unfounded rumors. Unfortunately, this freedom of information sharing and fear of COVID-19 fostered unfounded claims about transmission (e.g., 5G networks spread the disease). With negligible enforcement to stop the spread of rumors and government officials spouting unfounded claims, falsities became ubiquitous. Organizations, public health officials, researchers, and businesses spent limited resources addressing rumors instead of implementing policies to overcome challenges (e.g., speaking to defiant mask wearers versus safe reopening actions). The researchers defined COVID-19 transmission misinformation as false beliefs about the spread and prevention of contracting the disease. Design and validation of the 12-item COVID-19 Transmission Misinformation Scale (CTMS) provides a measure to identify transmission misinformation believers. Indirect COVID-19 transmission misinformation beliefs with a fear of COVID-19 decreased wearing a mask in public intentions. Callousness exacerbated COVID-19 transmission misinformation beliefs as a moderator.
Beyond Experience and Capital. Is there a Return to Return Migration?

Abstract This paper explores the effect of return migration on the performance of Egyptian household firms. A growing body of evidence suggests that return migrants are more likely to become and remain entrepreneurs. The length of the migration spell and the experience and capital accumulated overseas may influence the ability of return migrants to establish and successfully manage their firms. We expand this literature by examining the impact of return migrants on the net earnings of the business units they manage. Our findings suggest that migration alone is not sufficient to enhance the performance of entrepreneurial activities. However, industry-specific human capital accumulated abroad has a significant impact on net earnings.
Development of an intervention framework for school improvement that is adaptive to cultural context

The challenge of educational improvement, due mainly to the complexity of educational systems, is well-known. The aim of this study is to provide knowledge regarding the process of change within schools to better understand how it might depend on cultural context and the characteristics of individual schools. Based on interventions in four compulsory schools (6–15 years old students) in Iceland, the study uses both qualitative and quantitative data. The process of change was guided by a framework grounded in professional learning community principles and designed to be adaptive for cultural contexts as well as the interdependence of different factors of educational systems. Theories of drivers of change and indicators of schools as professional learning communities were used to understand cultural conditions within them. The main findings indicate that the change process in team-driven schools with relatively high levels of teacher collaboration and engagement works well in the framework. By contrast, the change process seemed restrained in the profession-driven and problem-driven schools characterised by either a high level of teacher autonomy and lack of collaboration or engagement in solving several generic problems. The study provided valuable insights regarding the complexity of facilitating change, particularly, the importance of identifying main drivers of change affecting an intervention process at the initiation stage.
Metformin promotes anticancer activity of NK cells in a p38 MAPK dependent manner

ABSTRACT Metformin, a drug prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, has been reported to possess antitumor activity via immunity activation. However, the influence of metformin on natural killer (NK) cells is not fully understood. Here, we investigated whether metformin exerts a potent anticancer effect by activating NK cells. The results showed that sustained exposure to metformin enhances the cytolytic activity of NK-92 cells. Moreover, this enhancement of cytotoxicity by metformin was also observed in NK cells from healthy peripheral blood and cancer patient ascites. Mechanistically, metformin induced activation of the JAK1/2/3/STAT5 and AKT/mTOR pathways in a p38 MAPK-dependent manner rather than an AMPK-dependent manner. In vivo experiments, metformin also improved cancer surveillance of NK cells in mouse models of lymphoma clearance and metastatic melanoma. Additionally, combination treatment with metformin and anti-PD-1 antibodies increased the therapy response rates of B16F10 melanoma. Moreover, metformin treatment increased NK cell and T cell infiltration in tumors. Therefore, these results provide a deeper understanding of metformin on the effector function of NK cells and will contribute to the development and applications of metformin in cancer treatment strategies.
Bank maturity, income diversification, and bank stability

The purpose of this research is to examine the influence of bank life cycle or bank maturity on income diversification (ID) and stability. In addition, this research investigates the ID relationship with bank stability. Drawing on the dynamic resource-based view and modern portfolio theory, this research examines the influence of a paramount internal factor i.e. bank life cycle or bank maturity on income diversification (ID) and stability consequence. Data were collected from the Pakistani’s commercial banks’ financial statements over the period 2005 to 2019. This research relied on the fixed effect and generalized method of moments (GMM) model to empirically test the proposed relationships. Core findings of the research reveal that bank maturity leads to enhanced ID and ID strongly influences the bank stability consequence, moreover, research findings are robust to use different measures of bank stability and GMM estimation techniques. To the authors’ best knowledge, this research is the first to report specific evidence about bank maturity as an internal driver of income diversification and stability and advances the literature seeking to understand the determinants of ID. This research also shows managers to recognize the importance of internal drivers to diversify effectively into non-interest income, and how such an effective ID translates into stability consequence.
Spd-2 Gene Duplication Suggests Cell-Type Specific Assembly Mechanisms of Pericentriolar Material

Centrosomes are multi-protein complexes that function as the major microtubule organizing center (MTOC) for the cell. While centrosomes play tissue-specific MTOC functions, little is known about how particular centrosome proteins are regulated across cell types to achieve these different functions. To investigate this cell type-specific diversity, we searched for gene duplications of centrosome genes in the Drosophila lineage with the aim of identifying centrosome gene duplications where each copy evolved for specialized functions. Through in depth functional analysis of a Spd-2 gene duplication in the Willistoni group, we discovered differences in the regulation of PCM in somatic and male germline cells. The parental gene, Spd-2A, is expressed in somatic cells, where it can function to organize pericentriolar material (PCM) and the mitotic spindle in larval brain neuroblasts. Spd-2A is absent during male meiosis, and even when ectopically expressed in spermatocytes it fails to rescue PCM and spindle organization. In contrast, the new gene duplicate, Spd-2B, is expressed specifically in spermatocytes. During male meiosis, Spd-2B localizes to centrosomes, organizes PCM and spindles, and is sufficient for proper male fertility. Experiments using chimeric transgenes reveal that differences in the C-terminal tails of Spd-2A and Spd-2B are responsible for these functional changes. Thus, Spd-2A and Spd-2B have evolved complementary functions by specializing for distinct subsets of cells. Together, our results demonstrate that somatic cells and male germline cells have fundamentally different requirements for PCM, suggesting that PCM proteins such as Spd-2 is differentially regulated across cell types to satisfy distinct requirements. Highlights Spd-2 gene duplication in the Willistoni group is rapidly evolving Parent gene Spd-2A is expressed in somatic cells, whereas the gene duplicate Spd-2B is expressed in spermatocytes Spd-2A organizes pericentriolar material during somatic cell mitosis Spd-2B is specialized for pericentriolar material organization during male meiosis
Integration of Multi-Omics Data to Identify Cancer Biomarkers

A novel method for integrating multi-omics data, including gene expression, copy number variation, DNA methylation, and miRNA data, is proposed to identify biomarkers of cancer prognosis. First, survival analysis was performed for these four types of omics data to obtain survival-related genes. Next, survival-related genes detected in at least two types of omics data were selected as candidate genes. The four types of omics data only composed of candidate genes were subjected to dimension reduction using an autoencoder to obtain a one-dimensional data representation. The mRMR algorithm was used to screen for key genes. This method was applied to lung squamous cell carcinoma and 20 cancer-related genes were identified. Gene function analysis revealed that the genes were related to cancer. Using survival analysis, the genes were verified to distinguish between high- and low-risk groups. These results indicate that the genes can be used as biomarkers for cancer.
Can the water quality influence the chemical composition, sensory properties, and oxidative stability of traditionally extracted argan oil?

Argan oil (AO) is an appreciated vegetable oil thanks to its high nutritional and cosmetic values. AO extraction technology has evolved to meet the market demand. However artisanal production is still widely practiced. The present study aimed at highlighting the influence of water quality on the physicochemical and sensory properties of artisanally extracted AO. To meet this objective, AO was prepared using various water types namely: well water (AOWW), tap water (AOTW), mineral water (AOMW), distilled water (AODW), and ultra-pure water (AOUW). The obtained AOs were evaluated in terms of routinely measured quality indices: iodine, peroxide, acid, and anisidine values, UV specific coefficients extinction, refraction index, and moisture content. Chemical composition (fatty acids, sterols content, and tocopherols content) was investigated together with oxidative stability (OS) and sensory properties. As revealed by the statistical test used, water quality impacted significantly mainly on AO chemical composition, OS, and sensory properties. Obtained results of almost studied quality attributes were consistent with the Official Moroccan Norm. The greatest values of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were recorded in AOMW and OAWW, respectively, while AOUW together with AOTW displayed the best record of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, the highest values of tocopherols were found in AOTW and AOUW. AODW and AOUW presented greatest values of sterols content, OS, and shelf life. Likewise, sensory analysis was satisfactory in almost obtained AOs. Principal component analysis confirmed these results and allowed allowed a good separation among AOs especially with sterols and tocopherols. Based on these outcomes, it could be concluded that water quality is an important parameter to consider by AO producers, ultra-pure and distilled water seemed to exert an ameliorative effect on quality, stability, and shelf life of AOs.
A Combination of EPR, Microscopy, Electrophoresis and Theory to Elucidate the Chemistry of W- and N-Doped TiO2 Nanoparticle/Water Interfaces

The doping of TiO2-based nanomaterials for semiconductor-sensitised photoreactions has been a practice extensively studied and applied for many years. The main goal remains the improvement of light harvesting capabilities under passive solar irradiation, that in the case of undoped TiO2 is limited and restricted to relatively low latitudes. The activity and selectivity of doped TiO2 photocatalysts are generally discussed on the basis of the modified band structure; energetics of intrinsic or extrinsic band gaps including trapping states; redox potentials of band edges, including band bending at solid/fluid interfaces; and charge carriers scavenging/transfer by/to adsorbed species. Electron (and hole) transfer to adsorbates is often invoked to justify the formation of highly reactive species (e.g., HO. from water); however, a complete description of the nanoparticle surface chemistry dictating adsorption/desorption events is often missing or overlooked. Here, we show that by employing a surface electrochemical triple-layer (TLM) approach for the nanoparticles/water interface, in combination with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR), transmission electron microscopy and electrophoretic measurements, we can elucidate the surface chemistry of doped TiO2 nanoparticles and link it to the nature of the dopants. Exemplifying it for the cases of undoped, as well as W- and N-doped and codoped TiO2 nanoparticles, we show how surface charge density; surface, Stern and ζ potentials; surface acidity constants; and speciation of surface sites are influenced by the nature of the dopants and their loading.