Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large HDL2 combined with inflammatory factors as superior predictors for coronary artery disease than small HDL3

Background This study investigated whether combinations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions and inflammatory markers would add value to coronary artery disease (CAD) prediction. Methods Non-CAD subjects (n=245) were stratified into low/moderate/high-Framingham risk (L/M/H-FR) groups and 180 CAD patients were enrolled. Levels of HDL-C, HDL2, HDL3, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured. Multivariable logistic models for CAD were estimated with a single parameter or all parameters together after adjustment for conventional risk factors (CRFs), and Z statistics, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to compare discrimination among different models. Results The results show that HDL-C, HDL2, and HDL3 gradually decreased, while MCP-1 and hsCRP gradually increased from L/M/H-FR to the CAD group. When applying a single factor in the CRFs-adjusted models, HDL-C (OR 0.011, 95% CI, 0.002–0.071, P<0.05) and HDL2 (OR 0.000072, 95% CI, 0.000001–0.004, P<0.05), but not HDL3, were significantly related to CAD risk. Only HDL2 (OR 0.000072, 95% CI, 0.000001–0.004, P<0.001) remained significant when applying all HDL parameters. In the model including all HDL and inflammatory parameters, HDL2 (OR 0.001, 95% CI, 0.000027–0.051), MCP-1 (OR 1.066, 95% CI, 1.039–1.094), and hsCRP (OR 1.130, 95% CI, 1.041–1.227) showed significant differences (all P<0.05). This combined model showed improved discrimination over the models with a single factor (P<0.05) or all HDL parameters (Z=3.299, NRI =0.179, IDI =0.081, P<0.001). Conclusions Large HDL2 is superior to small HDL3 in the inverse association with CAD. The combination of HDL2, MCP-1, and hsCRP with CRFs provides an optimal prediction for CAD.
Loss of diacylglycerol kinase ε causes thrombotic microangiopathy by impairing endothelial VEGFA signaling

Loss of function of the lipid kinase diacylglycerol kinase ε (DGKε), encoded by the gene DGKE, causes a form of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome that is not related to abnormalities of the alternative pathway of the complement, by mechanisms that are not understood. By generating a potentially novel endothelial specific Dgke-knockout mouse, we demonstrate that loss of Dgke in the endothelium results in impaired signaling downstream of VEGFR2 due to cellular shortage of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate. Mechanistically, we found that, in the absence of DGKε in the endothelium, Akt fails to be activated upon VEGFR2 stimulation, resulting in defective induction of the enzyme cyclooxygenase 2 and production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Treating the endothelial specific Dgke-knockout mice with a stable PGE2 analog was sufficient to reverse the clinical manifestations of thrombotic microangiopathy and proteinuria, possibly by suppressing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 through PGE2-dependent upregulation of the chemokine receptor CXCR4. Our study reveals a complex array of autocrine signaling events downstream of VEGFR2 that are mediated by PGE2, that control endothelial activation and thrombogenic state, and that result in abnormalities of the glomerular filtration barrier.
Scoping review of mental health in prisons through the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective To examine the extent, nature and quality of literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of imprisoned people and prison staff. Design Scoping review. Data sources PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PsychExtra, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for any paper from 2019 onwards that focused on the mental health impact of COVID-19 on imprisoned people and prison staff. A grey literature search focused on international and government sources and professional bodies representing healthcare, public health and prison staff was also performed. We also performed hand searching of the reference lists of included studies. Eligibility criteria for selection of studies All papers, regardless of study design, were included if they examined the mental health of imprisoned people or prison staff specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Imprisoned people could be of any age and from any countries. All languages were included. Two independent reviewers quality assessed appropriate papers. Results Of 647 articles found, 83 were eligible for inclusion, the majority (58%) of which were opinion pieces. The articles focused on the challenges to prisoner mental health. Fear of COVID-19, the impact of isolation, discontinuation of prison visits and reduced mental health services were all likely to have an adverse effect on the mental well-being of imprisoned people. The limited research and poor quality of articles included mean that the findings are not conclusive. However, they suggest a significant adverse impact on the mental health and well-being of those who live and work in prisons. Conclusions It is key to address the mental health impacts of the pandemic on people who live and work in prisons. These findings are discussed in terms of implications for getting the balance between infection control imperatives and the fundamental human rights of prison populations.
Non-linear optical imaging of atherosclerotic plaques in the context of SIV and HIV infection prominently detects crystalline cholesterol esters

Chronic HIV infection may exacerbate atherosclerotic vascular disease, which at advanced stages presents as necrotic plaques rich in crystalline cholesterol. Such lesions can catastrophically rupture precipitating myocardial infarct and stroke, now important causes of mortality in those living with HIV. However, in this population little is known about plaque structure relative to crystalline content and its chemical composition. Here, we first interrogated plaque crystal structure and composition in atherosclerotic SIV-infected macaques using non-linear optical microscopy. By stimulated Raman scattering and second harmonic generation approaches both amorphous and crystalline plaque lipid was detected and the crystal spectral profile indicated a cholesterol ester (CE) dominated composition. Versus controls, SIV+ samples had a greater number of cholesterol crystals (CCs), with the difference, in part, accounted for by crystals of a smaller length. Given the ester finding, we profiled HIV+ plaques and also observed a CE crystalline spectral signature. We further profiled plaques from Ldlr-/- mice fed a high fat diet, and likewise, found CE-dominate crystals. Finally, macrophage exposure to CCs or AcLDL induced auto-fluorescent puncta that co-stained with the LC3B autophagy sensor. In aggregate, we show that atheromatous plaques from mice, macaques and humans, display necrotic cores dominated by esterified CCs, and that plaque macrophages may induce autophagic vesicle formation upon encountering CCs. These findings help inform our knowledge of plaque core lipid evolution and how the process may incite systemic inflammation.
Posteromedial quadratus lumborum block versus wound infiltration after caesarean section

BACKGROUND Reducing pain and minimising the use of opioids after caesarean section are crucial to enhancing maternal recovery and promoting mother-newborn interaction. Various techniques have been implemented to improve analgesia. We compared the analgesic efficacy of posteromedial quadratus lumborum block with that of wound infiltration following elective caesarean section. OBJECTIVE We hypothesised that within a multimodal analgesia approach, posteromedial quadratus lumborum block would, due to its potential to relieve visceral pain, result in a 15% reduction in 24-h postoperative opioid consumption compared with wound infiltration. DESIGN A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical study. SETTING A single-centre study between August 2019 and May 2020. PATIENTS One hundred and sixteen women were randomly allocated into two groups. In the quadratus lumborum group, 20 ml 0.9% saline was injected into the surgical wound followed by bilateral posteromedial quadratus lumborum block using 20 ml 0.25% levobupivacaine per side. In the wound infiltration group, 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine was injected into the surgical wound followed by a bilateral posteromedial quadratus lumborum injection with 20 ml 0.9% saline per side. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was opioid (piritramide) consumption at 24 h. Secondary outcomes were piritramide consumption at 48 h, time-to-first analgesic request, pain scores at rest and with movement, surgery-to-first-ambulation time, surgery-to-breastfeeding time, sedation, pruritus and complications. RESULTS Piritramide consumption in 24 h was significantly lower with posteromedial quadratus lumborum block (1.5 ± 1.8 mg) than with wound infiltration (2.2 ± 1.7 mg) (P = 0.04), mean difference of -0.7 mg, (95% CI -1.3 to -0.03). In those who required piritramide, time-to-first analgesic request was significantly longer with posteromedial quadratus lumborum block 11 [7 to 14] h, than with wound infiltration 7 [5 to 11] h (P = 0.02). Pain scores were low, with no differences recorded at rest and with movement. There were no differences in time-to-ambulation and time-to-breastfeed between the groups. CONCLUSION As a component of multimodal post-caesarean section analgesia, posteromedial quadratus lumborum block was associated with lower 24-h opioid consumption compared with wound infiltration. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04000308
Demography of Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) at outdoor fluctuating temperatures

Abstract The oriental armyworm Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major migratory pest of cereal crops in East Asia, South Asia and Australia. To comprehensively understand the ecological tolerance of M. separata, we collected life table data of individuals from four consecutive generations reared under outdoor natural fluctuating temperatures from 15 April to 17 October 2018 in Yangling, Shaanxi, China. The results showed that the immature stage in early summer and summer were shorter than in spring and autumn. High mortality in late larval instar and pupal stages was observed in the summer generation. The adult pre-oviposition period in autumn was longer than the other seasons. The population in the earlier two seasons had heavier pupae and higher fecundity than the population in the latter two seasons. The intrinsic rate of increase and the finite rate of increase was the highest in early summer (r = 0.1292 day−1, λ = 1.1391 day−1), followed by spring (r = 0.1102 day−1, λ = 1.1165 day−1), and was the lowest in summer (r = 0.0281 day−1, λ = 1.0293 day−1). The results of this study would be useful to predict the population dynamics of M. separata and deepen our standing of the adaptiveness of this migratory pest in natural fluctuating ambient environments.
Striking developmental convergence in angiosperm endoparasites.

PREMISE A subset of parasitic plants bear extremely reduced features and grow nearly entirely within their hosts. Until recently, most of these endoparasites were thought to represent a single clade united by their reduced morphology. Current phylogenetic understanding contradicts this assumption and indicates these plants represent distantly related clades, thus offering an opportunity to examine convergence among plants with this life history. METHODS We sampled species from Apodanthaceae, Cytinaceae, Mitrastemonaceae, and Rafflesiaceae spanning a range of developmental stages. To provide a broader comparative framework, Santalaceae mistletoes with a similar lifestyle were also analyzed. Microtomography and microscopy were used to analyze growth patterns and the ontogeny of host-parasite vascular connections. RESULTS Apodanthaceae, Cytinaceae, Mitrastemonaceae, and Rafflesiaceae species demonstrated a common development characterized by late cell differentiation. These species were also observed to form direct connections to host vessels and to cause severe alterations of host xylem development. Apodanthaceae and Rafflesiaceae species were additionally observed to form sieve elements, which connect with the host phloem. Endophytic Santalaceae species demonstrated a dramatically different developmental pattern, featuring early cell differentiation and tissue organization, and little effect on host anatomy and cambial activity. CONCLUSIONS Our results illuminate two distinct developmental trajectories in endoparasites. One involves the retention of embryonic characteristics and late connection with host vessels, as demonstrated in species of Apodanthaceae, Cytinaceae, Mitrastemonaceae, and Rafflesiaceae. The second involves tissue specialization and early connection with host xylem, as exemplified by Santalaceae species. These differences are hypothesized to be related to the absence/presence of photosynthesis in these plants.
Single-Stage Combined Anterior Corpectomy and Posterior Instrumented Fusion in Tuberculous Spondylitis With Varying Degrees of Neurological Deficit

ABSTRACT Background: A combined anterior decompression and stabilization followed by posterior instrumented fusion promotes fusion of the affected segment of spine and prevents further progression of deformity. The objective of this study is to report on outcome of patients with tuberculous spondylitis, progressive neurologic deficit, and kyphotic deformity who underwent single-stage anterior corpectomy and fusion and posterior decompression with instrumented fusion. Methods: A total of 49 patients (29 males, 20 females) with varying grades of neurological deficit due to tuberculosis of the spine (thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar) were included in this prospective study. The diagnosis of tubercular infection was established after clinical, hematological, radiological, and histological specimens taken at surgery. All were treated with combined anterior and posterior decompression, debridement, and stabilization with direct autologous bone grafting or wrapped bone graft in mesh or expandable cages. Neurological status and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were recorded at each visit. X-rays, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and liver function were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and then once a year thereafter. Results were analyzed in terms of neurological recovery (Frankel grade), bony union time, and correction of kyphotic deformity. Results: The mean age was 37.8 years (range, 2–65 years). Mean preoperative VAS scores improved from 5.6 to 1.5. The average ESR and CRP returned to normal within 6 months in all patients. The mean time to fusion was 8.4 months for the whole group. The neurological deficit in 42 of 49 patients had excellent or good clinical outcome (P < .0001). A total of 10 of 17 patients improved from Frankel A and B to Frankel E (normal activity). Three patients each in the thoracic and thoracolumbar groups improved to Frankel D. Radiological measurements showed the mean kyphotic correction was 61%, 66%, and 67% in the thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar/lumbosacral spine, respectively. Conclusions: Combined single-stage anterior decompression and stabilization followed by posterior instrumented fusion is safe and effective in the treatment of tuberculous spondylitis with neurological deficit in the thoracic and lumbar spine. This procedure helps to correct and maintain the deformity, abscess clearance, spinal-cord decompression, and pain relief as well as return to normal motor function. Bony fusion prevents further progression of deformity. Level of Evidence: 2.
Influence of Na on grain boundary and properties of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells

Whether added from external sources or supplied via substrate, incorporation of Na has always improved the conversion efficiency of polycrystalline thin‐film Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells. Segregation of Na along grain boundary (GB) is thought to be one of the main reasons for better efficiency, and changing its concentration levels may tune the device properties accordingly. Our previous works have shown that changes in GB chemistry over various Ga/In concentrations are the main reason for poor performance of Ga‐rich (18%) CIGS, besides its optimum band gap (1.4 eV) for energy conversion. It was suspected that changes in GB chemistry or device performance or both could be driven by variation in Na concentration at GB. In this research, atomic level fluctuations of Na atoms at GB for various CuIn1−xGaxSe2 thin films were measured accurately with atom probe tomography technique. Fluctuations observed in Na concentration at GB are restricted to the range 0.5–6.5 atoms per nm2 and is irrespective of x value (GGI) and GB surface density. Results also show that changes in GB chemistry for similar CIGS compositions are not necessary due to changes in Na concentration levels at GB. However, an increased density of GBs per unit volume with GGI may indicate an overall rise in Na in thin films and could explain the drop in CIGS performance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D facial phenotyping by biometric sibling matching used in contemporary genomic methodologies

The analysis of contemporary genomic data typically operates on one-dimensional phenotypic measurements (e.g. standing height). Here we report on a data-driven, family-informed strategy to facial phenotyping that searches for biologically relevant traits and reduces multivariate 3D facial shape variability into amendable univariate measurements, while preserving its structurally complex nature. We performed a biometric identification of siblings in a sample of 424 children, defining 1,048 sib-shared facial traits. Subsequent quantification and analyses in an independent European cohort (n = 8,246) demonstrated significant heritability for a subset of traits (0.17–0.53) and highlighted 218 genome-wide significant loci (38 also study-wide) associated with facial variation shared by siblings. These loci showed preferential enrichment for active chromatin marks in cranial neural crest cells and embryonic craniofacial tissues and several regions harbor putative craniofacial genes, thereby enhancing our knowledge on the genetic architecture of normal-range facial variation.
Proteomic and metabolomic investigation of serum lactate dehydrogenase elevation in COVID‐19 patients

Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has been established as a prognostic indicator given its differential expression in COVID‐19 patients. However, the molecular mechanisms underneath remain poorly understood. In this study, 144 COVID‐19 patients were enrolled to monitor the clinical and laboratory parameters over 3 weeks. Serum LDH was shown elevated in the COVID‐19 patients on admission and declined throughout disease course, and its ability to classify patient severity outperformed other biochemical indicators. A threshold of 247 U/L serum LDH on admission was determined for severity prognosis. Next, we classified a subset of 14 patients into high‐ and low‐risk groups based on serum LDH expression and compared their quantitative serum proteomic and metabolomic differences. The results showed that COVID‐19 patients with high serum LDH exhibited differentially expressed blood coagulation and immune responses including acute inflammatory responses, platelet degranulation, complement cascade, as well as multiple different metabolic responses including lipid metabolism, protein ubiquitination and pyruvate fermentation. Specifically, activation of hypoxia responses was highlighted in patients with high LDH expressions. Taken together, our data showed that serum LDH levels are associated with COVID‐19 severity, and that elevated serum LDH might be consequences of hypoxia and tissue injuries induced by inflammation.
Brexucabtagene autoleucel therapy induces complete remission in a primary refractory blastoid mantle cell lymphoma with neurolymphomatosis

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The impact of trauma on South African women with HIV: The role of anxiety and physical symptomology

Rates of trauma and HIV are high in South Africa, and those who experience more trauma have higher levels of psychological distress. This cross-sectional study examined trauma, physical, and mental health among black South African women living with HIV (WLH). We hypothesised that WLH would have higher rates of trauma than women not living with HIV (WNLH). We also hypothesised that there would be a relationship between trauma, anxiety, and physical symptoms, such that anxiety would mediate the relationship between trauma and physical symptoms for WLH. This study enrolled 242 women, 99 WLH. Women were individually interviewed, completing the Life Stressor Checklist (trauma history), the Physical Symptom Inventory, and the IPAT Anxiety Scale. WLH reported significantly more traumatic life events (M = 3.69, SD = 2.32) than WNLH (M = 3.06, SD = 2.42), t = −2.07, p = 0.04. Additionally, traumatic life events were positively associated with physical symptoms. Further, there was an indirect effect of trauma history on physical symptoms through anxiety, b = 0.97, 95% BC CI [0.29, 1.89], such that the direct effect of trauma on physical symptoms was no longer significant, b = 0.87, 95% BC CI [−0.83, 2.56] when anxiety was added to the model. This pattern of findings suggests that anxiety is a key mechanism through which trauma history is associated with more physical symptoms in WLH. Future research should focus on the effect of interventions alleviating the impact that trauma may have on the mental and physical health of WLH.