Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular subtypes of Adenovirus-associated acute respiratory infection outbreak in children in Northern Vietnam and risk factors of more severe cases

Background Under the pressure of Human Adenovirus (HAdV)–associated acute respiratory infection (ARI) outbreak in children in Northern Vietnam in the end of 2022, this study was initiated to identify the HAdV subtype(s) and examine the associated clinical features and risk factors of more severe cases. Methods This study evaluated pediatric patients with ARI which had tested positive for HAdV between October and November 2022 using a multiplex real-time PCR panel. Nasopharyngeal aspirates or nasal swab samples were used for sequencing to identify HAdV subtypes. Clinical data were collected retrospectively. Results Among 97 successfully sequenced samples, the predominant subtypes were HAdV-B3 (83%), HAdV-B7 (16%) and HAdV-C2 (1%). Lower respiratory manifestations were found in 25% of the patients of which 5% were diagnosed with severe pneumonia. There was no significant association between HAdV subtype and clinical features except higher white blood cell and neutrophil counts in those detected with HAdV-B3 (p<0.001). Co-detection of HAdV with ≥1 other respiratory viruses was found in 13/24(54%) of those with lower respiratory manifestations and 4/5(80%) of those with severe pneumonia (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) vs. those without = 10.74 (2.83, 48.17) and 19.44 (2.12, 492.73) respectively after adjusting for age, sex, birth delivery method, day of disease). Conclusion HAdV-B3 and HAdV-B7 were predominant in the outbreak. Co-detection of HAdV together with other respiratory viruses was a strong risk factor for lower respiratory tract illnesses and severe pneumonia. The findings advocate the advantages of multi-factor microbial panels for the diagnosis and prognosis of ARI in children.
Relating field observations and snowpack tests to snow avalanche danger

ii Acknowledgements iii Table of Contents iv List of Tables viii List of Figures xi List of Symbols and Abbreviations xvi 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Avalanche types 1 1.2 Avalanche path 3 1.2.1 Destructive potential 3 1.3 Avalanche forecasting 4 1.3.1 Classes of information and the forecasting process 4 1.3.2 Uncertainty in avalanche forecasting 5 1.3.3 Field observations 7 1.3.4 Snow profiles 11 1.3.5 Snowpack tests 14 1.3. 6 Snow stability 15 1.3. 7 Avalanche danger 17 1.3. 8 Avalanche risk 19 1.4 Avalanche forecasting in Canada 20 1.4. 1 Public bulletins 20 1.4. 2 Conceptual model of avalanche hazard 24 1.4. 2.1 Avalanche character 24 1.4. 2.2 Avalanche problem location and qualification 29 1.5 Research motivation and objectives 32 1.6 My role in data gathering 33 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 35 2.1 Regional avalanche bulletin verification 35 2.2 Field observations 36 2.2.1 Class I information – instability factors 36 2.2.1.1 Avalanches 36 2.2.1.2 Whumpfs and shooting cracks 38 2.2.1.3 Cracking at the skis, pin wheeling and tree bombing 38 2.2.1.4 Hand shear test 38 2.2.2 Class II information snowpack factors 39 2.2.2.1 Snow penetration 39 2.2.2.2 Surface condition 40 2.2. 3 Class III information weather factors 40 2.2. 3.1 Precipitation 41 2.2. 3.2 New snow 41 2.2. 3.3 Sky condition 42 2.2. 3.4 Wind factors 42 2.2. 3.5 Temperature 43
Combining organotypic tissue culture with light‐sheet microscopy (OTCxLSFM) to study glioma invasion

Glioblastoma is a very aggressive tumor and represents the most common primary brain malignancy. Key characteristics include its high resistance against conventional treatments, such as radio‐ and chemotherapy and its diffuse tissue infiltration, preventing complete surgical resection. The analysis of migration and invasion processes in a physiological microenvironment allows for enhanced understanding of these phenomena and can lead to improved therapeutic approaches. Here, we combine two state‐of‐the‐art techniques, adult organotypic brain tissue slice culture (OTC) and light‐sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) of cleared tissues in a combined method termed OTCxLSFM. Using this methodology, we can show that glioblastoma tissue infiltration can be effectively blocked through treatment with arsenic trioxide or WP1066, as well as genetic depletion of the tetraspanin, transmembrane receptor CD9, or signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). With our analysis pipeline, we gain single‐cell level, three‐dimensional information, as well as insights into the morphological appearance of the tumor cells.
Online health information-seeking behaviour and mental well-being among Finnish higher education students during COVID-19

Abstract Online health information-seeking behaviour has increased since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020. This study examined whether health-related information on COVID-19 searched on the internet was associated with mental well-being among higher education students. A cross-sectional internet survey was conducted among 18- to 34-year-old students in Finland (N = 2976; mean age 24.61 years and median 24) in the spring of 2020. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square tests, Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric H tests, and a two-way ANOVA. The results indicated that most students (86% of females, 82% of males) used the internet to search for information on COVID-19. Students’ self-perceived abilities to determine the relevance of online information on COVID-19 were associated with mental well-being.
Bioinformatics identification of a T‐cell‐related signature for predicting prognosis and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease with poor clinical outcomes. T cells play a vital role in the crosstalk between the tumour microenvironment and HCC. Single‐cell RNA sequencing data were downloaded from the GSE149614 dataset. The T‐cell‐related prognostic signature (TRPS) was developed with the integrative procedure including 10 machine learning algorithms. The TRPS was established using 7 T‐cell‐related markers in the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort with 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year area under curve values of 0.820, 0.725 and 0.678, respectively. TRPS acted as an independent risk factor for HCC patients. HCC patients with a high TRPS‐based risk score had a higher Tumour Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion score, lower PD1 and CTLA4 immunophenoscore and lower level of immunoactivated cells, including CD8+ T cells and NK cells. The response rate was significantly higher in patients with low‐risk scores in immunotherapy cohorts, including IMigor210 and GSE91061. The TRPS‐based nomogram had a relatively good predictive value in evaluating the mortality risk at 1, 3 and 5 years in HCC. Overall, this study develops a TRPS by integrated bioinformatics analysis. This TRPS acted as an independent risk factor for the OS rate of HCC patients. It can screen for HCC patients who might benefit from immunotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
Interactions between BRD4S, LOXL2, and MED1 drive cell cycle transcription in triple‐negative breast cancer

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) often develops resistance to single‐agent treatment, which can be circumvented using targeted combinatorial approaches. Here, we demonstrate that the simultaneous inhibition of LOXL2 and BRD4 synergistically limits TNBC proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LOXL2 interacts in the nucleus with the short isoform of BRD4 (BRD4S), MED1, and the cell cycle transcriptional regulator B‐MyB. These interactions sustain the formation of BRD4 and MED1 nuclear transcriptional foci and control cell cycle progression at the gene expression level. The pharmacological co‐inhibition of LOXL2 and BRD4 reduces BRD4 nuclear foci, BRD4‐MED1 colocalization, and the transcription of cell cycle genes, thus suppressing TNBC cell proliferation. Targeting the interaction between BRD4S and LOXL2 could be a starting point for the development of new anticancer strategies for the treatment of TNBC.
Predicting poor left ventricular function recovery in Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Abstract Introduction Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare type of cardiomyopathy that manifests as acute heart failure associated with pregnancy. Delays in early identification result in poor recovery of left ventricular (LV) function; however, no risk prediction model exists. We sought to yield a scoring system known as the Padjadjaran Peripartum CardioMyopathy Recovery (PPCM recovery) score to predict the probability of poor LV function recovery in PPCM patients. Methods All baseline and clinical parameters were prospectively collected from a cohort of patients with PPCM admitted to Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital in Bandung, Indonesia between January 2014 and December 2021. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between each variable and the risk of poor LV function recovery in PPCM patients. Results This prospective cohort study included 113 patients with PPCM (84 recovered and 29 non-recovered patients). Significant mitral regurgitation (MR), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <30%, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) ≥56 mm, and New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA FC) IV were all strong predictors of poor LV function recovery. These variables were integrated into the PPCM recovery score (AUC of 0.85). Patients with a score of ≥8 were nearly 18 times more likely to have poor LV function recovery (sensitivity 57%, specificity 93%). Conclusion PPCM recovery score is a convenient scoring system based on clinical and echocardiography assessment that may assist in distinguishing which patients are more likely to develop poor LV function recovery; therefore, these patients should be immediately referred to a tertiary referral hospital.
Genomic Divergence and the Evolution of Ecotypes in Bottlenose Dolphins (Genus Tursiops)

Abstract Climatic changes have caused major environmental restructuring throughout the world's oceans. Marine organisms have responded to novel conditions through various biological systems, including genomic adaptation. Growing accessibility of next-generation DNA sequencing methods to study nonmodel species has recently allowed genomic changes underlying environmental adaptations to be investigated. This study used double-digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequence data to investigate the genomic basis of ecotype formation across currently recognized species and subspecies of bottlenose dolphins (genus Tursiops) in the Southern Hemisphere. Subspecies-level genomic divergence was confirmed between the offshore common bottlenose dolphin (T. truncatus truncatus) and the inshore Lahille's bottlenose dolphin (T. t. gephyreus) from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean (SWAO). Similarly, subspecies-level divergence is suggested between inshore (eastern Australia) Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (T. aduncus) and the proposed Burrunan dolphin (T. australis) from southern Australia. Inshore bottlenose dolphin lineages generally had lower genomic diversity than offshore lineages, a pattern particularly evident for T. t. gephyreus, which showed exceptionally low diversity. Genomic regions associated with cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and energy production systems appear to have undergone repeated adaptive evolution in inshore lineages across the Southern Hemisphere. We hypothesize that comparable selective pressures in the inshore environment drove similar adaptive responses in each lineage, supporting parallel evolution of inshore bottlenose dolphins. With climate change altering marine ecosystems worldwide, it is crucial to gain an understanding of the adaptive capacity of local species and populations. Our study provides insights into key adaptive pathways that may be important for the long-term survival of cetaceans and other organisms in a changing marine environment.
COMPARING THE EFFICACY OF TWO IMMOBILIZATION DRUG COMBINATIONS FOR THE CHEMICAL RESTRAINT OF BOBCATS (LYNX RUFUS)

Abstract: Chemical immobilization agents that provide rapid induction time, short duration of action, wide margin of safety, and postreversal recovery are important attributes to the handling process of immobilized animals. We evaluated differences in induction, recovery, and physiologic parameters in 23 (13 female, nine adults and four yearlings; 10 male, nine adults and one yearling) free-ranging bobcats (Lynx rufus) chemically immobilized with an intramuscular combination of ketamine (10 mg/kg) and xylazine (KX; 1.5 mg/kg; n=11) or a combination of butorphanol (0.8 mg/ kg), azaperone (0.27 mg/kg), and medetomidine (BAM; 0.32 mg/kg; n=12). Induction parameters, time to first effect, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, and anesthesia between bobcats administered KX and BAM were similar. Pulse rate was significantly higher for KX than for BAM. Time to standing and full recovery after reversal were faster for bobcats administered BAM than KX. Six of 11 (55%) bobcats given KX were effectively immobilized with a single injection, and five required additional drugs to allow adequate time for processing. Of 12 bobcats given BAM, six (50%) were effectively immobilized with a single injection, three (25%) individuals were not completely immobilized and required additional doses to allow adequate time for processing, and three (25%) required additional doses after complete arousal during processing. We found that BAM provided reduced sedation and processing times (<30 min), whereas KX provided extended sedation and processing times beyond 30 min. We suggest that researchers increase initial BAM drug volumes for yearling and adult bobcats at time of processing and consider taking appropriate safety precautions when handling free-ranging bobcats.
Salvianolic Acid B Inhibits Oxidative Stress in Glomerular Mesangial Cells Alleviating Diabetic Nephropathy by Regulating SIRT3/FOXO1 Signaling

Introduction: Oxidative stress is pivotal in advancing diabetic nephropathy (DN). Salvianolic acid B (SAB), derived from Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae, exhibits renoprotective effects. However, the mechanisms underlying its action in DN are not fully elucidated. This study explores SAB’s protective effect on DN, focusing on its antioxidative properties in glomerular mesangial cells. Methods: The renoprotective effects of various SAB dosages on DN rats were assessed by evaluating kidney tissue pathological alterations through hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, Masson, TUNEL staining, and kidney function through biochemical detection. Cell counting kit-8 and lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity assays were utilized to evaluate the viability of high glucose (HG)-induced HBZY-1 cells treated with various SAB dosages. Oxidative stress and inflammation levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3)/Forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FOXO1) pathway was examined through Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results: SAB mitigated kidney histopathological alterations and function and cell apoptosis in DN rats at various dosages. It enhanced the activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase while decreasing reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels both in vivo and in vitro. SAB also suppressed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α) and the expression of collagen IV and fibronectin in HG-induced HBZY-1 cells. Furthermore, SAB activated the SIRT3/FOXO1 signaling pathway. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SAB may alleviate oxidative stress in DN both in vivo and in vitro, potentially through the activation of the SIRT3/FOXO1-mediated signaling pathway. This study provides initial insights into the possible antioxidative and renoprotective effects of SAB, indicating its potential utility as a therapeutic agent for DN.
Multi-epitope vaccine candidates based on mycobacterial membrane protein large (MmpL) proteins against Mycobacterium ulcerans

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a neglected tropical disease. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans and is characterized by skin lesions. Several studies were performed testing the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine in human and animal models and M. ulcerans-specific vaccines in animal models. However, there are currently no clinically accepted vaccines to prevent M. ulcerans infection. The aim of this study was to identify T-cell and B-cell epitopes from the mycobacterial membrane protein large (MmpL) proteins of M. ulcerans. These epitopes were analysed for properties including antigenicity, immunogenicity, non-allergenicity, non-toxicity, population coverage and the potential to induce cytokines. The final 8 CD8+, 12 CD4+ T-cell and 5 B-cell epitopes were antigenic, non-allergenic and non-toxic. The estimated global population coverage of the CD8+ and CD4+ epitopes was 97.71%. These epitopes were used to construct five multi-epitope vaccine constructs with different adjuvants and linker combinations. The constructs underwent further structural analyses and refinement. The constructs were then docked with Toll-like receptors. Three of the successfully docked complexes were structurally analysed. Two of the docked complexes successfully underwent molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) and post-MDS analysis. The complexes generated were found to be stable. However, experimental validation of the complexes is required.
Concomitant Use of Spasmolytics and Opioids for Postoperative Pain After Foot and Ankle Surgery: Fair or Foul?

Skeletal muscle relaxants are medications that affect skeletal muscle function and decrease muscle tone; they may be used to alleviate symptoms such as muscle spasms, pain, and hyperreflexia. 1 The term muscle relaxant primarily refers to two major therapeutic groups: neuromuscular blockers and spasmolytics. Carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone
Determination of the original firing temperature of ceramics from Non Nok Tha and Phimai, Thailand

Twenty samples of ceramics from two Thai sites excavated by Solheim, Parker and Bayard (1966) were subjected to thermal expansion measurements to determine their original firing temperature. The project was undertaken by Meacham with the same procedures applied in an earlier analysis of pottery from Hong Kong sites (Meacham, 1978: 174181 ). The measurements were again conducted by Dr L. K. Leung of the Department of Applied Science, Hong Kong Polytechnic.
Barker’s Hypothesis Among the Global Poor: Positive Long-Term Cardiovascular Effects of in Utero Famine Exposure

An influential literature on the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) has documented that poor conditions in utero lead to higher risk of cardiovascular disease at older ages. Evidence from low-income countries (LICs) has hitherto been missing, despite the fact that adverse in utero conditions are far more common in LICs. We find that Malawians exposed in utero to the 1949 Nyasaland famine have better cardiovascular health 70 years later. These findings highlight the potential context specificity of the DOHaD hypothesis, with in utero adversity having different health implications among aging LIC individuals who were exposed to persistent poverty.
RESEARCH ON QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE PERFORMANCE OF GERMAN ORIGIN VARIETIES IN ECOPEDOCLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF THE EXPERIMENTAL FIELD U.S.A.M.V. BUCHAREST

It is well known that the area of culture defines fundamentally the phenotypic, agrobiological and technological manifestations, also the quantity and quality of varieties of grape-vines. They practically, by the values of the main elements that define their degree of adaptation, can achieve better results compared with the area in which they formed or were naturalized. In this study we analyzed six varieties of German white wine: ‘Rhine Riesling’, ‘Muller Thurgau’, ‘Silvaner’, ‘Bacchus’, ‘Ortega’ and ‘Phoenix’, which are found in the experimental, teaching and research field within U.S.A.M.V. Bucharest. The research was conducted in wine-year 2012-2013 and target tracking these sorts in terms of quantitative and qualitative performance in the production and also the veg-productive balance. The results obtained highlight the fact that the varieties had a good rapport between production and the wood removed at pruning, as evidenced by values 4,04-8.82 (Index of Ravaz) and 11,58 – 24,38% (Vegetative and productive balance index - VPBI).
What do brain endocasts tell us? A comparative analysis of the accuracy of sulcal identification by experts and perspectives in palaeoanthropology

Palaeoneurology is a complex field as the object of study, the brain, does not fossilize. Studies rely therefore on the (brain) endocranial cast (often named endocast), the only available and reliable proxy for brain shape, size and details of surface. However, researchers debate whether or not specific marks found on endocasts correspond reliably to particular sulci and/or gyri of the brain that were imprinted in the braincase. The aim of this study is to measure the accuracy of sulcal identification through an experiment that reproduces the conditions that palaeoneurologists face when working with hominin endocasts. We asked 14 experts to manually identify well‐known foldings in a proxy endocast that was obtained from an MRI of an actual in vivo Homo sapiens head. We observe clear differences in the results when comparing the non‐corrected labels (the original labels proposed by each expert) with the corrected labels. This result illustrates that trying to reconstruct a sulcus following the very general known shape/position in the literature or from a mean specimen may induce a bias when looking at an endocast and trying to follow the marks observed there. We also observe that the identification of sulci appears to be better in the lower part of the endocast compared to the upper part. The results concerning specific anatomical traits have implications for highly debated topics in palaeoanthropology. Endocranial description of fossil specimens should in the future consider the variation in position and shape of sulci in addition to using models of mean brain shape. Moreover, it is clear from this study that researchers can perceive sulcal imprints with reasonably high accuracy, but their correct identification and labelling remains a challenge, particularly when dealing with extinct species for which we lack direct knowledge of the brain.
Clinical utility of the standardized observation tool Autism Behavior Coding System for early intervention research in autism spectrum disorder

The Autism Behavior Coding System (ABCS) was developed to help evaluating the effectiveness of early intensive interventions in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The video‐based ABCS assesses eight core autistic behavioral variables during therapist‐child interaction using standardized quantitative criteria, four behaviors according to their frequency of occurrence, four according to their duration. The present study focuses (1) on the correspondence of ABCS scores with scores on two standard clinical instruments (the ADOS‐2 and an ASD‐adaptation of the Children's Global Assessment Scale, DD‐CGAS), (2) on the sensitivity to change of ABCS scores by the end of an intensive 18 days intervention period (EIP) and (c) on the predictability of short‐ and longer‐term changes in social and repetitive behaviors from ABCS scores at baseline and EIP. Data from 51 children (42 M, 9 F; median age 45 months) followed over 1 year were available. There were significant correlations at baseline between several ABCS scores and ADOS‐2 as well as DD‐CGAS scores. Correlations at EIP between some ABCS and DD‐CGAS scores were highly significant. Four ABCS scores reflected significant changes from baseline to EIP. Several baseline ABCS scores were predictive of DD‐CGAS and ADOS‐2 scores at EIP and Year 1. However, associations between ABCS score changes from baseline to EIP and the clinical scale changes by Year 1 were not significant. It is concluded that several ABCS scores have adequate clinical validity and sensitivity to change. The short‐term changes in ABCS scores and their relationship to longer‐term clinical changes need further study.