Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inflammation Adjustment by Two Methods Decreases the Estimated Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency in Malawi

Serum zinc concentration (SZC) is used widely to assess population-level zinc status. Its concentration decreases during inflammatory responses, which can affect the interpretation of the results. This study aimed to re-estimate the prevalence of zinc deficiency in Malawi based on the 2015–2016 Malawi Micronutrient Survey (MNS) data, by adjusting SZC measures with markers of inflammation. SZC and inflammation data from 2760 participants were analysed. Adjustments were made using: (1) The Internal Correction Factor (ICF) method which used geometric means, and (2) The Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) method, which used linear regression. Mean SZC values increased significantly when adjustments were made by either ICF or BRINDA (p < 0.001). The national prevalence of zinc deficiency decreased from 62% to 59%, after ICF adjustment, and to 52% after BRINDA adjustment. ICF and BRINDA values of SZC were highly correlated (p < 0.001, r = 0.99), but a Bland–Altman plot showed a lack of agreement between the two methods (bias of 2.07 µg/dL). There was no association between the adjusted SZC and stunting, which is a proxy indicator for zinc deficiency. Inflammation adjustment of SZC, using ICF or BRINDA, produces lower estimates of zinc deficiency prevalence, but the lack of agreement between the adjustment methods warrants further research. Furthermore, the lack of association between SZC and stunting highlights the need to explore other biomarkers and proxies of population zinc assessment. This study demonstrates the importance of considering inflammatory confounders when reporting SZC, to ensure accuracy and to support policy decision making.
Bysmatrum gen. nov. (Dinophyceae) and three new combinations for benthic scrippsielloid species

Abstract A new generic name is proposed, Bysmatrum gen. nov., for three Scrippsiella species: B. subsalsum comb. nov., B. arenicola comb. nov., and B. caponii comb. nov. These three benthic marine species share a number of morphological characteristics: apical plate 1′ is wide, asymmetric, and pentagonal and ends at the anterior margin of the cingulum; intercalary plates 2a and 3a are separated by apical plate 3′ and 4″; the apical pore complex is a recessed chamber with a large Po plate, elongated X plate, and a raised dome at the center; six cingular plates and four sulcal plates are present; and the thecal surface is vermiculate to reticulate. In contrast, other scrippsielloid species are planktonic, and their morphology differs from the three Bysmatrum species.
Exploration of Confounding Due to Poor Health in an Accelerometer–Mortality Study

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. ABSTRACT Purpose Confounding due to poor health is a concern in accelerometer-based studies of physical activity and health, but detailed investigations of this source of bias are lacking. Methods US adults (n = 4840) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003 to 2006) wore an accelerometer for 1 to 7 d (mean = 5.7 d) and were followed for mortality through 2015. Logistic regression was used to examine odds ratios between poor health (chronic conditions, self-reported health, mobility limitations, frailty) and low physical activity levels; Cox models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI for mortality associations for a 1 h·d−1 increase in moderate-to-vigorous–intensity physical activity (MVPA) using two commonly used cut-points (MVPA760, MVPA2020). Modeling scenarios with shorter and longer follow-up time, increasing adjustment for poor health, by age group, and after excluding early years of follow-up were used to assess bias. Results Over a mean of 10.1 yr of follow-up, 1165 deaths occurred. Poor health was associated with low MVPA760 levels and increased mortality risk. In fully adjusted MVPA760 models, HR was 26% stronger comparing 0 to 4 yr (HR = 0.46) with 0 to 12 yr of follow-up (HR = 0.62), particularly in older adults (65 yr and older). Increasing statistical adjustment for poor health attenuated MVPA760 associations by 13% to 15%, and exclusion of the first 2 yr of follow-up had limited effects. Comparable results were obtained with the MVPA2020 cut-point. Conclusions We did not find evidence that confounding by health status resulted in entirely spurious MVPA–mortality associations; however, potential bias was appreciable in modeling scenarios involving shorter follow-up (<6 yr), older adults, and more limited statistical adjustment for poor health. The strength of MVPA–mortality associations in studies reflecting these scenarios should be interpreted cautiously.
Multiscale Network Modeling of Fibrin Fibers and Fibrin Clots with Protofibril Binding Mechanics

The multiscale mechanical behavior of individual fibrin fibers and fibrin clots was modeled by coupling atomistic simulation data and microscopic experimental data. We propose a new protofibril element composed of a nonlinear spring network, and constructed this based on molecular simulations and atomic force microscopy results to simulate the force extension behavior of fibrin fibers. This new network model also accounts for the complex interaction of protofibrils with one another, the effects of the presence of a solvent, Coulombic attraction, and other binding forces. The network model was formulated to simulate the force–extension mechanical behavior of single fibrin fibers from atomic force microscopy experiments, and shows good agreement. The validated fibrin fiber network model was then combined with a modified version of the Arruda–Boyce eight-chain model to estimate the force extension behavior of the fibrin clot at the continuum level, which shows very good correlation. The results show that our network model is able to predict the behavior of fibrin fibers as well as fibrin clots at small strains, large strains, and close to the break strain. We used the network model to explain why the mechanical response of fibrin clots and fibrin fibers deviates from worm-like chain behavior, and instead behaves like a nonlinear spring.
Effect of nutritional regulation of growth on histochemical characteristics of muscles in pigs

Abstract The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of different strategies of pig nutrition (restriction and realimentation) on histochemical traits in Longissimus lumborum (LL), Biceps femoris (BF) and Semitendinosus (ST) muscles. Reduced energy and protein intake contributed to a significant decrease in the weight of LL muscles during controlled growth and in the weight of LL, BF and ST muscles at 168 days of age. After the restricted feeding period, it was found that reduced intake of protein and energy or of protein alone had a significant effect on the proportion and diameter of fast-twitch glycolytic (FTG) fibres. After realimentation, no differences in muscle structure were found between the investigated groups of animals. Regardless of the feeding system, the growth of pigs was paralleled by hypertrophy of all muscle fibre types and their different transformation in the muscles.
The analysis by HPLC of green, black and Pu'er teas produced in Yunnan

Samples of tea (Quingmao, steamed, black and Pu'er) produced in Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China, from the locally characteristic large-leaved Camellia sinensis, have been brewed and the brews analysed for their contents of flavonol glycosides, flavan-3-ols and their oxidation products. Several samples of Pu'er tea manufactured in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s were also examined. The brews prepared from Quingmao tea and steamed green tea leaf were very similar containing primarily flavan-3-ols accompanied by flavonol glycosides, theogallin and gallic acid. The profile of flavanols was unusual, being dominated by (-)-epicatechingallate (rather than (-)-epigallocatechingallate) and by an unusually large (+)-catechin content. The brew of the equivalent black tea retained significant amounts of residual flavanols (particularly (-)-epicatechingallate and (+)-catechin), and contained significant amounts of thearubigins, theaflavic acids and theaflavins (including the less common analogues probably derived from the oxidation of (+)-catechin). The brews prepared from the Pu'er teas were distinguishable from the black tea brew by the absence of theaflavins and theaflavic acids, and by much smaller residues of flavanols and flavonol glycosides. The contents of thearubigins varied considerably whereas those of gallic acid were similar.
Association between P2X7 Polymorphisms and Post-Transplant Outcomes in Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is a highly effective treatment method for haematologic malignancies. However, infection of acute organ dysfunction and graft versus host disease (GVHD) impact negatively on patient outcomes. Pre-transplant conditioning regimes are associated with high levels of immunogenic cell death and the release of extracellular ATP, which binds to the P2X7 receptor. It has been proposed that signaling through the P2X7 receptor may lead to activation of downstream effectors that influence alloSCT outcome. In this study, we examined the effect of gain-of-function (GOF) or loss-of-function (LOF) P2X7 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) in 453 paired alloSCT donors and recipients and correlated their presence or absence to the major post-transplant outcomes of acute GVHD, relapse free survival and overall survival. The allelic frequency of P2X7 SNP in recipients and donors was not different from those SNP for which there is published population data. The LOF SNP Glu496Ala was overrepresented in recipients who did not develop severe acute GVHD and was associated with improved overall survival in rare homozygous recipients, whereas the LOF SNP Ile568Asn was more common in patients with grade 1–4 GVHD but lost statistical association in patients with grade 2–4 aGVHD, and was associated with reduced overall survival in heterozygotes due to an excess of infection-related deaths. The GOF variant haplotype (homozygous Gln460Arg-Ala348Thr) had no impact on post-alloSCT outcomes. Overall, our data indicate that allelic variations in recipients or donors occurs at the same frequency as the general population and may have a minor, but clinically nominal, impact on post-alloSCT outcomes.
Safety and efficacy of ticagrelor as single antiplatelet therapy in prevention of thromboembolic complications associated with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED): multicenter experience

Background Flow diversion (FD) is a common treatment modality for complex intracranial aneurysms. A major concern regarding the use of FD is thromboembolic events (TEE). There is debate surrounding the optimal antiplatelet regimen to prevent TEE. We aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ticagrelor as a single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) for the prevention of TEE following FD for complex aneurysm treatment. Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained neuroendovascular database at three endovascular centers was performed. Patients were included if they had an intracranial aneurysm that was treated with FD between January 2018 and September 2019 and were treated with ticagrelor as SAPT. Primary outcomes included early (within 72 hours post-procedure) and late (within 6 months) ischemic events. Results A total of 24 patients (mean age 47.7 years) with 36 aneurysms were eligible for analysis, including 15 (62.5%) females. 14 (58.3%) patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. 35 aneurysms arose from the anterior circulation and 1 from the posterior circulation. 23 aneurysms had a saccular morphology, whereas 7 were fusiform and 6 were blister. For the treatment of all 36 aneurysms, 30 procedures were performed with 32 FD devices. Procedural in-stent thrombosis occurred in 2 cases and was treated with intra-arterial tirofiban without complications. Aneurysm re-bleeding was reported in 1 (4.2%) patient. There were no reported early or late TEE. Three patients discontinued ticagrelor due to systemic side effects. Conclusion Ticagrelor is a safe and effective SAPT for the prevention of TEE after FD. Large multicenter prospective studies are warranted to validate our findings.
SOLUBILIDADE DE ALGUNS TIPOS DE CALCÁRIOS (

No presente trabalho e apresentado um estudo comparativo da solubilidade de alguns tipos de calcarios. Verifica-se o comportamento desses materiais em solucao de acido acetico a 1% e assinala-se a vantagem do metodo na caracterizacao do tipo de calcario. Neste estudo foram utilizados tres calcarios sedimentares e cinco metamorficos, entre os quais um dolomito tipico e um altamente calcico, todos do Estado de Sao Paulo. Como referencia, devido sua elevada solubilidade, foi incluida uma amostra de calcita, procedente de Goias. Foram determinados os teores totais de CaO e MgO nas duas fracoes usadas : 65-150 e 150-270 malhas e cs ieores soluveis em acido acetico a 1% nas.relacoes de uma parte em peso do material para 100, 200, 300, 500, 750 e 1.000 partes en volume da soluca-o. Os dados obtidos foram computados em termos de CaCO3 equivalente e a solubilidade dos materiais foi medida : 1) em relacao ao peso de material; 2) em funcao do total de neutralizante das fracoes. Os resultados mostraram a solubilidade mais elevada dos calcarios altos em calcio em relacao acs calcarios dolomiticos de igual finura. Entre estes, os sedimentares revelaram-se mais soluveis que os metamorficos de semelhante composicao quimica. O estado de divisao do material teve importância relativa, maior sobre a solubilidade nos calcarios dolomiticos que nos de elevado teor em calcio.
Analgesic efficacy of cannabinoids for acute pain management after surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Evidence regarding the role of cannabinoids in managing acute postoperative pain is conflicting. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the analgesic efficacy of perioperative cannabinoid compounds for acute pain management after surgery. Methods Original research articles evaluating the addition of cannabinoids to standard opioid-based systemic analgesia (Control) in the postoperative period were sought. Our primary outcomes were cumulative oral morphine equivalent consumption and rest pain severity at 24 hours postoperatively. We also assessed analgesic consumption in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), pain scores in PACU, 6 and 12 hours postoperatively, and opioid-related and cannabinoid-related side effects, patient satisfaction, and quality of recovery as secondary outcomes. Results Eight randomized controlled trials (924 patients) and four observational studies (4259 patients) were analyzed and included. There were insufficient data to pool for quantification of differences in cumulative oral morphine equivalent consumption and rest pain severity at 24 hours postoperatively with the addition of cannabinoids in comparison to Control. Qualitative synthesis revealed no differences in cumulative oral opioid consumption or pain at rest 24 hours postoperatively with the addition of cannabinoids in comparison to Control. Patients receiving cannabinoids appeared to have an increased weighted mean difference 95% CI of pain at 12 hours by 0.83 cm (0.04 to 1.63) (p=0.04). Patients receiving cannabinoids also appeared to have 3.24 times increased odds of developing hypotension postoperatively (95% CI 1.12 to 9.36) (p=0.03). Qualitative and quantitative synthesis revealed no differences in any other secondary outcomes. Conclusions Our quantitative and qualitative review of the literature suggests that the analgesic role of perioperative cannabinoid compounds is limited, with no clinically important benefits detected when cannabinoids are added to traditional systemic analgesics compared with traditional systemic analgesics alone. Notably, there appears to be a signal towards increased postoperative pain and hypotension associated with the addition of perioperative cannabinoids to traditional systemic analgesics. These results do not support the routine use of cannabinoids to manage acute postoperative pain at the present time.
Differential effects of Fe2+ and Fe3+ on osteoblasts and the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3, deferiprone and extracellular calcium on osteoblast viability under iron-overloaded conditions

One of the potential contributing factors for iron overload-induced osteoporosis is the iron toxicity on bone forming cells, osteoblasts. In this study, the comparative effects of Fe3+ and Fe2+ on osteoblast differentiation and mineralization were studied in UMR-106 osteoblast cells by using ferric ammonium citrate and ferrous ammonium sulfate as Fe3+ and Fe2+ donors, respectively. Effects of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] and iron chelator deferiprone on iron uptake ability of osteoblasts were examined, and the potential protective ability of 1,25(OH)2D3, deferiprone and extracellular calcium treatment in osteoblast cell survival under iron overload was also elucidated. The differential effects of Fe3+ and Fe2+ on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in osteoblasts were also compared. Our results showed that both iron species suppressed alkaline phosphatase gene expression and mineralization with the stronger effects from Fe3+ than Fe2+. 1,25(OH)2D3 significantly increased the intracellular iron but minimally affected osteoblast cell survival under iron overload. Deferiprone markedly decreased intracellular iron in osteoblasts, but it could not recover iron-induced osteoblast cell death. Interestingly, extracellular calcium was able to rescue osteoblasts from iron-induced osteoblast cell death. Additionally, both iron species could induce ROS production and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in osteoblasts with the stronger effects from Fe3+. In conclusions, Fe3+ and Fe2+ differentially compromised the osteoblast functions and viability, which can be alleviated by an increase in extracellular ionized calcium, but not 1,25(OH)2D3 or iron chelator deferiprone. This study has provided the invaluable information for therapeutic design targeting specific iron specie(s) in iron overload-induced osteoporosis. Moreover, an increase in extracellular calcium could be beneficial for this group of patients.
Gut Development and Health in the Absence of Antibiotic Growth Promoters

Acceptance of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in agricultural animal production is rapidly disappearing. Both government regulations and consumer preference are driving this change. Producers in any country that seek export markets will be forced to give up AGP if they are to sell to the EU and many other markets. This report will first review the history of AGP use in the animal industry and the concerns about development of antimicrobial resistance. A description of the development and structure of the gut and how it is affected by AGP administration will conclude with results of studies to replace AGP with antimicrobial organic acids.
Pathogenicity of Diaporthe spp. isolates recovered from soybean (Glycine max) seeds in Paraguay

Abstract Phomopsis seed decay (PSD) caused by Diaporthe longicolla has been documented as part of a soybean (Glycine max) fungal disease complex that affects the quality of soybean seed. Soybean-producing countries that have not yet documented the presence of PSD impose soybean seed import restrictions to protect their soybean production. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of occurrence of Diaporthe spp. in Paraguay. In 2006, 16 isolates of Diaporthe were recovered for the first time from soybean seed in San Alberto, Paraguay in the south-eastern section of the country. The 16 isolates were used to inoculate mature pods harvested from greenhouse grown PSD-susceptible soybean cultivar ‘Maverick’. Among the16 isolates, six isolates (TN 214, TN 218, TN 224, TN 226, TN 227 and TN 229) caused infection on both pods and seeds within pods. Two groups of isolates were identified based on conidial types: isolates that produced only α conidia and isolates that produced both α and β conidia. The percentage of β conidia ranged from 0 to 95% for all the isolates except for TN 218, TN-222 and TN 223, which only produced α conidia. These results indicate that considerable variability exists in pathogenicity and composition of α and β spores among the 16 Diaporthe spp. isolates recovered from soybean seeds in Paraguay. In addition, these isolates may cause seed quality losses and may spread undetected to soybean production fields in Paraguay and around the world. Although the Diaporthe spp. isolates had three distinct ITS sequence types, none of the three probable species could be identified using currently available information. It is possible that these isolates represent previously unrecognized species, in addition to D. longicolla or D. phaseolorum, but additional data will be required to determine if this is the case.
Investigation and Serologic Follow-Up of Contacts of an Early Confirmed Case-Patient with COVID-19, Washington, USA

We describe the contact investigation for an early confirmed case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in the United States. Contacts of the case-patient were identified, actively monitored for symptoms, interviewed for a detailed exposure history, and tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection by real-time reverse transcription PCR (rRT-PCR) and ELISA. Fifty contacts were identified and 38 (76%) were interviewed, of whom 11 (29%) reported unprotected face-to-face interaction with the case-patient. Thirty-seven (74%) had respiratory specimens tested by rRT-PCR, and all tested negative. Twenty-three (46%) had ELISA performed on serum samples collected ≈6 weeks after exposure, and none had detectable antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Among contacts who were tested, no secondary transmission was identified in this investigation, despite unprotected close interactions with the infectious case-patient.
Attenuating oneself

In this paper, we address reports of “selfless” experiences from the perspective of active inference and predictive processing. Our argument builds upon grounding self-modelling in active inference as action planning and precision control within deep generative models – thus establishing a link between computational mechanisms and phenomenal selfhood. We propose that “selfless” experiences can be interpreted as (rare) cases in which normally congruent processes of computational and phenomenal self-modelling diverge in an otherwise conscious system. We discuss two potential mechanisms – within the Bayesian mechanics of active inference – that could lead to such a divergence by attenuating the experience of selfhood: “self-flattening” via reduction in the depth of active inference and “self-attenuation” via reduction of the expected precision of self-evidence.
Cytokines and Chemokines in Chikungunya Virus Infection: Protection or Induction of Pathology

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection has been commonly detected in tropical countries. The clinical manifestations of CHIKV infection are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis. Outbreaks of CHIKV infection in Thailand have been reported, and the inductions of various cytokines and chemokines in CHIKV patients during those outbreaks have been shown. Although immune responses in CHIKV infection have been increasingly reported, the mechanisms associated with pathology induction are still not clearly understood. This review focuses on cytokine and chemokine production in CHIKV infection, in association with the severity of joint inflammation. Several cytokines and chemokines involved in the induction or regulation of inflammatory responses were shown to associate with the severe and persistent symptoms in CHIKV infection. Further studies on the difference in immune responses observed in an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, infectious disease, and CHIKV infection, would provide additional insights useful for proper CHIKV therapy, especially in patients with severe joint pains.