Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COVID-19: Retransmission of official communications in an emerging pandemic

As the most visible face of health expertise to the general public, health agencies have played a central role in alerting the public to the emerging COVID-19 threat, providing guidance for protective action, motivating compliance with health directives, and combating misinformation. Social media platforms such as Twitter have been a critical tool in this process, providing a communication channel that allows both rapid dissemination of messages to the public at large and individual-level engagement. Message dissemination and amplification is a necessary precursor to reaching audiences, both online and off, as well as inspiring action. Therefore, it is valuable for organizational risk communication to identify strategies and practices that may lead to increased message passing among online users. In this research, we examine message features shown in prior disasters to increase or decrease message retransmission under imminent threat conditions to develop models of official risk communicators’ messages shared online from February 1, 2020-April 30, 2020. We develop a lexicon of keywords associated with risk communication about the pandemic response, then use automated coding to identify message content and message structural features. We conduct chi-square analyses and negative binomial regression modeling to identify the strategies used by official risk communicators that respectively increase and decrease message retransmission. Findings show systematic changes in message strategies over time and identify key features that affect message passing, both positively and negatively. These results have the potential to aid in message design strategies as the pandemic continues, or in similar future events.
Community-based Skill Building Intervention to Enhance Health Literacy Among Older Rural Adults

The purpose of this article is to report the outcomes of a skill building intervention to improve general health literacy and health literacy about complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) among older rural adults. The intervention was implemented in eight rural communities. Descriptive statistics and general linear modeling were used for analysis. A total of 127 older adults completed the initial session and Time 1 questionnaire, 67 (51%) completed the intervention sessions and Time 2 questionnaire, and 52 (40.9%) completed the Time 3 questionnaire five months later. CAM health literacy scores and scores on one general health literacy measure were significantly higher at Time 2 compared to Time 1 and 3. The decline in scores over time suggests a need for continuing strategies to support older adults’ health literacy. Assisting older adults to make safe health care choices is a critical role for investigators, nurses, and other health care providers.
Rapeseed Lecithin Increases Lymphatic Lipid Output and α-Linolenic Acid Bioavailability in Rats.

BACKGROUND Soybean lecithin, a plant-based emulsifier widely used in food, is capable of modulating postprandial lipid metabolism. With arising concerns of sustainability, alternative sources of vegetal lecithin are urgently needed, and their metabolic effects must be characterized. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the impact of increasing doses of rapeseed lecithin (RL), rich in essential α-linolenic acid (ALA), on postprandial lipid metabolism and ALA bioavailability in lymph-cannulated rats. METHODS Male Wistar rats (8 weeks old) undergoing a mesenteric lymph duct cannulation were intragastrically administered 1 g of an oil mixture containing 4% ALA and 0, 1, 3, 10, or 30% RL (5 groups). Lymph fractions were collected for 6 h. Lymph lipids and chylomicrons (CMs) were characterized. The expression of genes implicated in intestinal lipid metabolism was determined in the duodenum at 6 h. Data was analyzed using either sigmoidal or linear mixed-effects models, or one-way ANOVA, where appropriate. RESULTS RL dose-dependently increased the lymphatic recovery (AUC) of total lipids (1100 μg/mL·h per additional RL%; P = 0.010) and ALA (50 μg/mL·h per additional RL%; P = 0.0076). RL induced a faster appearance of ALA in lymph, as evidenced by the exponential decrease of the rate of appearance of ALA with RL (R2 = 0.26; P = 0.0064). Although the number of CMs was unaffected by RL, CM diameter was increased in the 30%-RL group, compared to the control group (0% RL), by 86% at 3-4 h (P = 0.065) and by 81% at 4-6 h (P = 0.0002) following administration. This increase was positively correlated with the duodenal mRNA expression of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (Mttp; ρ= 0.63; P = 0.0052). The expression of Mttp and secretion-associated, ras-related GTPase 1 gene homolog B (Sar1b, CM secretion), carnitine palmitoyltransferase IA (Cpt1a) and acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 1 (Acox1, beta-oxidation), and fatty acid desaturase 2 (Fads2, bioconversion of ALA into long-chain n-3 PUFAs) were, respectively, 49%, 29%, 74%, 48%, and 55% higher in the 30%-RL group vs. the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In rats, RL enhanced lymphatic lipid output, as well as the rate of appearance of ALA, which may promote its subsequent bioavailability and metabolic fate.
Three‐dimensional neuron–astrocyte construction on matrigel enhances establishment of functional voltage‐gated sodium channels

This study aimed to investigate and compare cell growth manners and functional differences of primary cortical neurons cultured on either poly‐d‐lysine (PDL) and or Matrigel, to delineate the role of extracellular matrix on providing resemblance to in vivo cellular interactions in nervous tissue. Primary cortical neurons, obtained from embryonic day 15 mice pups, seeded either on PDL‐ or Matrigel‐coated culture ware were investigated by DIC/bright field and fluorescence/confocal microscopy for their morphology, 2D and 3D structure, and distribution patterns. Patch clamp, western blot, and RT‐PCR studies were performed to investigate neuronal firing thresholds and sodium channel subtypes Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 expression. Cortical neurons cultured on PDL coating possessed a 2D structure composed of a few numbers of branched and tortuous neurites that contacted with each other in one to one manner, however, neurons on Matrigel coating showed a more complicated dimensional network that depicted tight, linear axonal bundles forming a 3D interacted neuron–astrocyte construction. This difference in growth patterns also showed a significant alteration in neuronal firing threshold which was recorded between 80 < Iinj > 120 pA on PDL and 2 < Iinj > 160 pA on Matrigel. Neurons grown up on Matrigel showed increased levels of sodium channel protein expression of Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 compared to neurons on PDL. These results have demonstrated that a 3D interacted neuron–astrocyte construction on Matrigel enhances the development of Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 in vitro and decreases neuronal firing threshold by 40 times compared to conventional PDL, resembling in vivo neuronal networks and hence would be a better in vitro model of adult neurons.
Autochthonous leprosy in Spain: Has the transmission of Mycobacterium leprae stopped?

Background The aim of this study is to explore whether transmission of M. leprae has ceased in Spain, based upon the patterns and trends of notified cases. Methodology Data on new cases reported to the National Leprosy Registry between the years 2003–2018 were extracted. In absence of detailed travel history, cases were considered “autochthonous” or “imported” based on whether they were born within or outside of Spain. These data were analyzed by age, sex, clinical type, country of origin, and location of residence at time of notification. Principal findings Data were available on 61 autochthonous and 199 imported cases since 2003. There were clear declines in incidence in both groups, and more imported than autochthonous cases every year since 2006. Autochthonous cases were more frequently multibacillary and had older age at diagnosis compared to imported cases. All the autochthonous cases had been born before 1985 and were more than 25 years old at diagnosis. Male-to-female ratio increased with time for autochthonous cases (except for the last time period). The imported cases originated from 25 countries, half of them from Brasil and Paraguay. Autochthonous cases were mainly distributed in the traditionally endemic regions, especially Andalucía and the eastern Mediterranean coast. Conclusions Autochthonous and imported cases have different epidemiologic patterns in Spain. There was a clear decline in incidence rates of autochthonous disease, and patterns consistent with those reported from other regions where transmission has ceased. Autochthonous transmission of M. leprae is likely to have now effectively stopped in Spain.
Enhanced Performance Stabilization Increases Performance Variability in a Virtual Interception Task

Performing a motor task depends on the level of performance stabilization and movement control, and both aspects of motor behavior are related to motor learning (retention and transfer) and adaptation (predictable and unpredictable perturbations). Yet few studies have further investigated the underlying dynamics that may elicit these benefits. In this study, we investigated the effects of two levels of performance stabilization on motor performance and control while learning to intercept a virtual moving target. We randomly divided 40 participants of both sexes (Mage = 26.02 years, SD = 2.02) into a Stabilization Group (SG) and a Superstabilization Group (SSG). We considered the performance stabilized when a moving target was intercepted three times in a row and superstabilized when the same criterion was repeated six times. We analyzed outcome variables related to performance accuracy (absolute spatial error) and variability(coefficient of variation) and motor control (relative time to peak velocity-tPV% and its coefficient of variation) on both the first and last blocks of practice trials. Both groups showed comparable increases in performance accuracy from the first to the last block (p = .001, ηp2 = 1.00), but SSG presented higher variability than SG (p = .05, ηp2 = .70). Concerning motor control, both groups started the experiment with low tPV% and finished with comparably high tPV% and variability. Thus, although practicing two levels of performance stabilization led to similar performance accuracy and movement control, superstabilization resulted in higher performance variability with no loss of accuracy. Enhanced stabilization may increase the ability to adapt to environmental changes, but more research is needed to demonstrate this. These findings add to an understanding of the relationship between levels of performance stabilization and performance variability and may have implications for professional interventions (e.g. sports, rehabilitation) in considering the benefits of practice beyond performance stabilization.
Most frequent South Asian haplotypes of ACE2 share identity by descent with East Eurasian populations

It was shown that the human Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor of recent coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, and variation in this gene may affect the susceptibility of a population. Therefore, we have analysed the sequence data of ACE2 among 393 samples worldwide, focusing on South Asia. Genetically, South Asians are more related to West Eurasian populations rather than to East Eurasians. In the present analyses of ACE2, we observed that the majority of South Asian haplotypes are closer to East Eurasians rather than to West Eurasians. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that the South Asian haplotypes shared with East Eurasians involved two unique event polymorphisms (rs4646120 and rs2285666). In contrast with the European/American populations, both of the SNPs have largely similar frequencies for East Eurasians and South Asians, Therefore, it is likely that among the South Asians, host susceptibility to the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 will be more similar to that of East Eurasians rather than to that of Europeans.
Improving Radar Rainfall Estimations with Scaled Raindrop Size Spectra in Mei-Yu Frontal Rainstorms

Hydrological calibration of raw weather radar rainfall estimation relies on in situ rainfall measurements. Raindrop size distribution (DSD) was collected during three typical Mei-Yu rainstorms in July 2014 using three particle size velocity (Parsivel) DSD sensors along the Mei-Yu front in Nanjing, Chuzhou, and the western Pacific, respectively. To improve the radar precipitation estimation in different parts of the Mei-Yu front, a scaling method was adopted to formulate the DSD model and further derive the Z–R relations. The results suggest a distinct variation of DSDs in different parts of the Mei-Yu front. Compared with statistical radar Z–ARb relations obtained by mathematical fitting techniques, the use of a DSD model fitting based on a scaling law formulation theoretically shows a significant improvement in both stratiform (33.9%) and convective (2.8%) rainfall estimations of the Mei-Yu frontal system, which indicates that using a scaling law can better reflect the DSD variations in different parts of the Mei-Yu front. Polarimetric radar has indisputable advantages with multiparameter detection ability. Several dual-polarization radar estimators are also established by DSD sensor data, and the R(ZH, ZDR) estimator is proven to be more accurate than traditional Z–R relations in Mei-Yu frontal rainfall, with potential applications for operational C-band polarimetric radar.
Effect of dietary mannan oligosaccharide on growth, body composition, haematology and biochemical parameters of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)

A feeding trial was conducted to study the effect of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) supplementation on growth, body composition, haematology, biochemical parameters and histology of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) fingerlings (8.13 ± 0.06 g average weight). Mannan oligosaccharide was supplemented at five different concentrations viz., 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% levels in the diet (40% protein and 9% lipid) of L. calcarifer. The results of the 60 days feeding trial showed that there was a significant (P 0.05) among the various treatment groups. The analysis of haematological parameters showed that there was no significant (P > 0.05) differences among different treatments but for the haemoglobin content which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the fish fed 1% MOS. Biochemical parameters revealed that glucose, urea, cholesterol and triglyceride content showed significant (P < 0.05) difference between control and MOS-supplemented group. Histological observations of post-fed animals revealed that MOS supplementation resulted in increased absorptive surface area of the intestine and increased glycogen deposition in liver. The result of this experiment infers that MOS supplementation has got a beneficial effect in the diet of seabass and supplementation at 1% level is optimal for improving the growth.
Direct Oral Anticoagulant for the Treatment of VTE in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Recent clinical guidelines suggest direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as treatment for cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), but the strength of such recommendations was not clear. Newly released trials add uncertainties to the benefit and risk assessment between DOACs and conventional therapy (low-molecular-weight heparin [LMWH] or vitamin K antagonists [VKAs]). Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of DOACs in patients with CAT, as compared with LMWH and VKAs. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported outcomes of DOACs for treating CAT were included. Relative risk (RR), risk difference, and 95% CIs were pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Results: A total of 8 RCTs were included. DOACs significantly reduced VTE recurrence (RR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.48-0.73) compared with conventional therapy. Results were similar in the LMWH and VKA subgroups. DOACs had a higher, though nonsignificant, risk of major bleeding compared with LMWH (RR = 1.33; 95% CI = 0.94-1.89) but lower risk of major bleeding compared with VKAs (RR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.39-0.93). Findings were consistent across patients with active cancer and history of cancer. Conclusion and Relevance: DOACs have better efficacy to prevent recurrent VTE compared with conventional therapy. Regarding the safety profile, DOACs may carry higher risk of bleeding compared with LMWH but lower risk of bleeding compared with VKAs. Further studies are needed to inform the optimal anticoagulation approach for different types of cancers.
Affording autism an early brain development re-definition

Abstract The national priority to advance early detection and intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has not reduced the late age of ASD diagnosis in the US over several consecutive Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance cohorts, with traditionally under-served populations accessing diagnosis later still. In this review, we explore a potential perceptual barrier to this enterprise which views ASD in terms that are contradicted by current science, and which may have its origins in the current definition of the condition and in its historical associations. To address this perceptual barrier, we propose a re-definition of ASD in early brain development terms, with a view to revisit the world of opportunities afforded by current science to optimize children's outcomes despite the risks that they are born with. This view is presented here to counter outdated notions that potentially devastating disability is determined the moment a child is born, and that these burdens are inevitable, with opportunities for improvement being constrained to only alleviation of symptoms or limited improvements in adaptive skills. The impetus for this piece is the concern that such views of complex neurodevelopmental conditions, such as ASD, can become self-fulfilling science and policy, in ways that are diametrically opposed to what we currently know, and are learning every day, of how genetic risk becomes, or not, instantiated as lifetime disabilities.
Characteristics of the intestinal flora in patients with peripheral neuropathy associated with type 2 diabetes

Objective To study the characteristics of the intestinal flora in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and analyze the association between the intestinal flora and clinical indicators. Methods We classified 80 subjects into three groups: patients with DPN (n = 45), patients type 2 diabetes without DPN (n = 21), and healthy controls (n = 14). The intestinal flora composition was compared among the three groups, and the correlation between the intestinal flora and clinical indicators was analyzed. Results At the phylum level, the richness of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria was elevated in the DN group, and that of Bacteroidetes was decreased. At the genus level, the richness of Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium was significantly decreased in the DPN group, whereas that of Escherichia-Shigella, Lachnoclostridium, Blautia, Megasphaera, and Ruminococcus torques group was increased. The homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index was positively correlated with Megasphaera richness. Glycine ursodeoxycholic acid was positively correlated with Ruminococcus gnavus group and Phascolarctobacterium richness. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid was positively correlated with Ruminococcus gnavus group and Parabacteroides richness. Conclusion There was obvious intestinal microbiota disorder in patients with DPN, which may be related to insulin resistance. These changes may have important roles in the development of DPN.
Tibiofemoral forces during FES rowing in individuals with spinal cord injury

Abstract The purpose of this study is to determine the tibiofemoral forces during functional electrical stimulation (FES) rowing in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). We analysed the motion of five participants with SCI during FES rowing, with simultaneous measurements of (i) three-dimensional marker trajectories, (ii) foot reaction forces (FRFs), (iii) ergometer handle forces, and (iv) timestamps for electrical stimulation of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles. We created full-body musculoskeletal models in OpenSim to determine subject-specific tibiofemoral forces during FES rowing. The peak magnitudes of tibiofemoral forces averaged over five participants with SCI were 2.43 ± 0.39 BW and 2.25 ± 0.71 BW for the left and right legs, respectively. The peak magnitudes of FRFs were 0.19 ± 0.04 BW in each leg. The peak magnitude of handle forces was 0.47 ± 0.19 BW. Peak tibiofemoral force was associated with peak FRF (magnitudes, R2 = 0.56, p = 0.013) and peak handle force (magnitudes, R2 = 0.54, p = 0.016). The ratios of peak magnitude of tibiofemoral force to peak magnitude of FRF were 12.9 ± 1.9 (left) and 11.6 ± 2.4 (right), and to peak magnitude of handle force were 5.7 ± 2.3 (left) and 4.9 ± 0.9 (right). This work lays the foundation for developing a direct exercise intensity metric for bone mechanical stimulus at the knee during rehabilitation exercises. Clinical Significance: Knowledge of tibiofemoral forces from exercises such as FES rowing may provide clinicians the ability to personalize rehabilitation protocols to ensure that an SCI patient is receiving the minimum dose of mechanical stimulus necessary to maintain bone health.
E3 ubiquitin ligase PARK2, an inhibitor of melanoma cell growth, is repressed by the oncogenic ERK1/2-ELK1 transcriptional axis

Malignant melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, is characterized by high prevalence of BRAF/NRAS mutations and hyperactivation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), leading to uncontrolled melanoma growth. Efficacy of current targeted therapies against mutant BRAF or MEK1/2 have been hindered by existence of innate or development of acquired resistance. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms controlled by MAPK pathway driving melanogenesis will help develop new treatment approaches targeting this oncogenic cascade. Here, we identify E3 ubiquitin ligase PARK2 as a direct target of ELK1, a known transcriptional effector of MAPK signaling in melanoma cells. We show that pharmacological inhibition of BRAF-V600E or ERK1/2 in melanoma cells increases PARK2 expression. PARK2 overexpression reduces melanoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo and induces apoptosis. Conversely, its genetic silencing increases melanoma cell proliferation and reduces cell death. Further, we demonstrate that ELK1 is required by the BRAF-ERK1/2 pathway to repress PARK2 expression and promoter activity in melanoma cells. Clinically, PARK2 is highly expressed in WT BRAF and NRAS melanomas, but it is expressed at low levels in melanomas carrying BRAF/NRAS mutations. Overall, our data provide new insights into the tumor suppressive role of PARK2 in malignant melanoma and uncover a novel mechanism for the negative regulation of PARK2 via the ERK1/2-ELK1 axis. These findings suggest that reactivation of PARK2 may be a promising therapeutic approach to counteract melanoma growth.
An antibody toolbox to track complex I assembly defines AIF’s mitochondrial function

During mitochondrial complex I (CI) assembly, independently formed assembly intermediates (AIs) merge with each other to form the mature complex. Murari et al. generate a toolbox of 21 antibodies to various mitochondrial proteins and use classical Drosophila genetics and immunoblotting of AIs to define AIF’s role in CI biogenesis.
The characteristics of intestinal flora of IBS‐D with different syndromes

To study the distribution of fecal microbiota in diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐D) patients of spleen–kidney‐yang deficiency and liver depression and spleen deficiency, to make an objective foundation for dialectics of different type of IBS‐D. And to provide the clinical doctors an experimental basis for medication by regulating dysbacteriosis.