Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decreased antiviral immune response within the central nervous system of aged mice is associated with increased lethality of West Nile virus encephalitis

West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging pathogen that causes disease syndromes ranging from a mild flu‐like illness to encephalitis. While the incidence of WNV infection is fairly uniform across age groups, the risk of lethal encephalitis increases with advanced age. Prior studies have demonstrated age‐related, functional immune deficits that limit systemic antiviral immunity and increase mortality; however, the effect of age on antiviral immune responses specifically within the central nervous system (CNS) is unknown. Here, we show that aged mice exhibit increased peripheral organ and CNS tissue viral burden, the latter of which is associated with alterations in activation of both myeloid and lymphoid cells compared with similarly infected younger animals. Aged mice exhibit lower MHCII expression by microglia, and higher levels of PD1 and lower levels of IFNγ expression by WNV‐specific CD8+ T cells in the CNS and CD8+CD45+ cells. These data indicate that the aged CNS exhibits limited local reactivation of T cells during viral encephalitis, which may lead to reduced virologic control at this site.
Association of Fat mass and obesity gene (FTO) polymorphism with COVID-19 severity in Egyptian obese patients

Walaa M Sarhan*, Nahla Zidan **, Abeer El-Hawary***, Nagwan A. Ismail***, Vishruti Makani****, Hanim M. Abdel-nour * *Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt ** Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt. *** Chest Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt. **** Process Development Scientist, KBI Biopharma, Durham, NC, US
Behavior of pregnant women regarding physical activity in gestational diabetes mellitus: secondary analysis of a descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective: The purposeof this study was to compare the physical activity of pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus regarding the physical activity domains and to verify possible associations between socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional status, and lifestyle with gestational diabetes. Design /Methods: Consists in a study including 798 adult pregnant women attended by the Unique Health System in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil from 2011 to 2012. The variables studied were recorded using questionnaires, as well as frequency (weekly), duration (minutes) and the metabolic equivalent. The frequency of the categorical variables and the mean and standard deviation (SD) of the continuous variables were calculated and the Mann Whitney test, Student’s t test and the X 2test calculated the differences of the study variables according to the presence of diabetes. The adopted significance level was α = 5%. Results:Indicate that pregnant women with diabetes have lower average energy expenditure in the physical activity domains. However, we found a significant difference between groups regarding the average energy expenditure related to the occupational domain. Considering the Physical Activity (PA) pattern, we found that the sedentary percentage was higher in both groups. However, there were no relevant differences between them. The variables: previously diabetes, nutritional status, pre-gestational and current body mass index were associated with the development of diabetes. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to explore physical activities in different domains in pregnancy and its relationship with gestational diabetes, especially in the occupational domain.
Quantitative prediction of the extent of pelvic tumour ablation by magnetic resonance-guided high intensity focused ultrasound

Abstract Background Patient suitability for magnetic resonance-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) therapy of pelvic tumors is currently assessed by visual estimation of the proportion of tumor that can be reached by the device’s focus (coverage). Since it is important to assess whether enough energy reaches the tumor to achieve ablation, a methodology for estimating the proportion of the tumor that can be ablated (treatability) was developed. Predicted treatability was compared against clinically achieved thermal ablation. Methods MR Dixon sequence images of five patients with recurrent gynecological tumors were acquired during their treatment. Acousto-thermal simulations were performed using k-Wave for three exposure points (the deepest and shallowest reachable focal points within the tumor, identified from tumor coverage analysis, and a point halfway in-between) per patient. Interpolation between the resulting simulated ablated tissue volumes was used to estimate the maximum treatable depth and hence, tumor treatability. Predicted treatability was compared both to predicted tumor coverage and to the clinically treated tumor volume. The intended and simulated volumes and positions of ablated tissues were compared. Results Predicted treatability was less than coverage by 52% (range: 31–78%) of the tumor volume. Predicted and clinical treatability differed by 9% (range: 1–25%) of tumor volume. Ablated tissue volume and position varied with beam path length through tissue. Conclusion Tumor coverage overestimated patient suitability for MRgHIFU therapy. Employing patient-specific simulations improved treatability assessment. Patient treatability assessment using simulations is feasible.
Cross-cultural adaptation, translation, and validation of a Spanish version of the Westmead Post-traumatic Amnesia Scale for use following a traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Health professionals need linguistically and culturally correct tools with proven validity to effectively assess people in their native language. This study aimed to translate and validate the Westmead Post-traumatic Amnesia Scale (WPTAS) into a Spanish version to measure the progression and duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) in Spanish-speaking populations. Seven native Spanish and English translators, 11 therapists and 15 people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and nine people with non-traumatic acquired brain injury participated in the forward–backward translation method to adapt the WPTAS. Participants with a TBI in PTA (n = 20), out of PTA (n = 21), and controls without cognitive impairment (n = 21) participated in the validation test phase by completing the WPTAS, Selective Reminding Test, Short Portable Metal Status Questionnaire, Digit Span, and Agitated Behaviour Scale. The translated version of the WPTAS produced consistent responses and appropriate errors (2%) among all pre-test participants. Results from the validation phase showed that participants in PTA scored significantly lower in all tests (p < .05) when compared with those out of PTA and controls. The Spanish version of the WPTAS created and tested in this study is culturally and linguistically appropriate as well as valid for use with Spanish speakers.
Comparative morphometry, biochemical and elemental composition of three marine sponges (Petrosiidae) from Gulf of Mannar, India

Abstract Three marine sponges Neopetrosia similis, Xestospongia testudinaria and Petrosia nigricans from the Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India were compared based on their morphometric parameters and their biochemical and elemental composition. These sponges showed differences inspicule : protein (spongin) ratio of 5:1, 11:1 and 13:1, respectively. Xestospongia testudinaria possessed the longest oxeae, 3.05 times than P. nigricans and 1.47 times than N. similis. Spectral analysis revealed that the spicules of these sponges are mostly composed of O (>50%) and Si (29–45%), whereas Al and Ca (4–5%) were additionally detected only in the spicules of P. nigricans. In contrast, the percentage elemental composition in pinacodermal sections was significantly different as O and Si were the maximum (23–50%); followed by Cl and Al as moderate (1–17%); and Na, S, Fe and Ca in minor quantities (0.2–6%). Cluster analysis and traditional taxonomic arrangements show that X. testudinaria and N. similis have a close relationship whereas P. nigricans was hypothesized to be their sister group. The present findings could be the key for identifying sponges in situ as well as determining whether sponges could be used to assess pollution in the sea.
Areal variation in the relationship between natural 15N abundances of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and soil

ABSTRACT This study was performed to clarify whether areal variation exists in the relationship between natural 15N abundances (δ15N values) of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and soil without an applied nitrogen (N) source, and to explore possible reasons for any areal variation. We investigated the relationships between δ15N values of rice and those of unamended soil with no applied N source in two locations; Daisen and Ogata, in Akita Prefecture, Japan. The δ15N values of rice in Daisen were higher than those in Ogata from 2007 to 2009, irrespective of the cropping year. Results demonstrated areal variation in the relationship between δ15N values of rice and those of unamended soil. The variation might be attributed to variation in the δ15N of natural N input and to ammonia nitrification and subsequent denitrification. When the relationship between δ15N values of rice and those of unamended soil is used to discriminate between organic and conventional rice, the areal variation of the relationship in the target area should be taken into account, from the point of the δ15N value of natural N input and N transformation in the soil.
Dielectric properties of highly resistive GaN crystals grown by ammonothermal method at microwave frequencies

Permittivity, the dielectric loss tangent and conductivity of semi-insulating Gallium Nitride crystals have been measured as functions of frequency from 10 GHz to 50 GHz and temperature from 295 to 560 K employing quasi TE0np mode dielectric resonator technique. Crystals were grown using ammonothermal method. Two kinds of doping were used to obtain high resistivity crystals; one with deep acceptors in form of transition metal ions, and the other with shallow Mg acceptors. The sample compensated with transition metal ions exhibited semi-insulating behavior in the whole temperature range. The sample doped with Mg acceptors remained semi-insulating up to 390 K. At temperatures exceeding 390 K the conductivity term in the total dielectric loss tangent of Mg compensated sample becomes dominant and it increases exponentially with activation energy of 1.14 eV. It has been proved that ammonothermal method with appropriate doping allows growth of high quality, temperature stable semi-insulating GaN crystals.
Cognitive Impairments in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 10 and Their Relation to Cortical Thickness

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of an ATTCT pentanucleotide repeat. Its clinical features include ataxia and, in some cases, epileptic seizures. There is, however, a dearth of information about its cognitive deficits and the neural bases underpinning them.
The effect of sorghum consumption on markers of chronic disease: A systematic review

Abstract Sorghum requires fewer inputs for sustainable cultivation in harsh climates and has the potential to be utilized in modern food product innovations. Moreover, consumption of sorghum may elicit favorable health effects similar to other commonly consumed cereals, like wheat. Animal and human research exploring health effects of sorghum consumption indicates potential beneficial effects on blood glucose and lipid regulation, oxidative stress modulation, appetite regulation and weight management. However, a recent appraisal of the strength of evidence has not been conducted. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of sorghum consumption on metabolic indicators of chronic disease, including blood lipid and blood glucose levels, markers of oxidative stress, and factors associated with weight management. Using CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed and MEDLINE databases, a systematic review of intervention studies published up to May 2020 was conducted and 16 interventional studies met the criteria for inclusion. Evidence for favorable effects of sorghum consumption on indicators of chronic disease, including blood glucose responses, markers of oxidative stress, satiety measures and weight management was demonstrated. Evidence from this systematic review may assist to promote sorghum’s potential health benefits globally, including in food markets where it is underutilized, stimulating more sorghum-based food innovations in the future.
Exometabolome profiling reveals activation of the carnitine buffering pathway in fed‐batch cultures of CHO cells co‐fed with glucose and lactic acid

Adjustments to CHO cell physiology were recently observed during implementation of a Raman spectroscopy‐based glucose and lactate control strategy. To further understand how these cells, under monoclonal antibody (mAb) production conditions, utilized the extra lactic acid fed, we performed a comprehensive semi‐quantitative and time‐dependent analysis of the exometabolome. This study focused on the CHO cell's metabolic shift from the fifth day of culture. We compared relative levels of extracellular metabolites in the absence or presence of a 2 g/L lactic acid setpoint while glucose was kept at 4 g/L. Our hypothesis is that extra lactic acid would supply more pyruvate, favoring oxidative phosphorylation. We subsequentially uncovered several carnitine derivatives as biomarkers of the simultaneous activation of TCA anaplerotic pathways as well as a carbon‐buffering pathway. CHO cells exhibited a balance between intermediates from (i) amino acid catabolism, (ii) fatty acid β‐oxidation, and (iii) pyruvate from glycolysis and lactic acid; and the secretion of their intermediate carnitine derivatives. In addition, 3‐hydroxy‐methyl‐glutaric acid (HMG) and mevalonate syntheses were found as biomarkers of alternative acyl group removal. Together, under a limited capacity to assimilate the surplus of acyl‐CoA groups as well as an ability to maintain the acyl‐CoA: free CoA ratio for proper and continuous functioning of the TCA cycle, CHO cells activate the carnitine‐buffering system, HMG, and mevalonate pathways.
Host defense against fungal pathogens: Adaptable neutrophil responses and the promise of therapeutic opportunities?

1 Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America, 2 Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America, 3 Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America, 4 Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America, 5 Shriners Burns Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America, 6 Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America, 7 Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
A novel likely pathogenic heterozygous HECW2 missense variant in a family with variable expressivity of neurodevelopmental delay, hypotonia, and epileptiform EEG patterns

Pathogenic variants in HECW2 are extremely rare. So far, only 19 cases have been reported. They were associated with epilepsy, intellectual disability, absent language, hypotonia, and autism. As these cases were all de novo mutations, mostly presenting without identical variants, variable expressivity has never been investigated. Here, we describe the first family with the same novel variant in HECW2. A 19‐year old female patient presented with bursts of generalized spike–wave discharges and intellectual disability. We performed next‐generation‐sequencing, to detect the genetic cause. Next‐generation‐sequencing revealed a novel likely pathogenic variant in HECW2 (c.3571C>T; p.Arg1191Trp) in the index patient, her mother and brother. They showed some similar phenotypic patterns with intellectual disability, hypotonia and generalized epileptiform patterns. However, the mother was less severely affected and epileptiform patterns were less frequent. The brother presented with additional autistic features. In contrast to previous cases, the speech of all individuals was only mildly impaired. This is the first case report of a family with the same novel likely pathogenic variant in HECW2 and as such provides insight into the phenotypic variability of this mutation. The expressivity of symptoms may be so mild that genetic and EEG analysis are needed to disclose the correct diagnosis.
Effect of inclusion on 4H-SiC during nano-scratching from an atomistic perspective

Inclusion, a common three-dimension defect, can be introduced during SiC epitaxy. In this study, we constructed nano-scratching molecular dynamics models embedded in two common types of inclusion—C-inclusion and Si-inclusion—to explore the effect of inclusion during scratching. Furthermore, the microstructure and atomistic behavior, surface morphology, scratching force, stress, and temperature were analyzed to bridge the simulation and processing parameters. The results showed that inclusion could affect the microstructure and atomistic behavior, and machinability. To eliminate inclusion completely, high penetration depth was required, but it would promote the process parameter sensitivity of inclusion. In summary, the behavior of C-inclusion embedded in SiC more likes a hard particle, while the behavior of Si-inclusion embedded in SiC more likes a soft particle.
Use of Social Media for Cancer Prevention Through Neighborhood Social Cohesion: Protocol for a Feasibility Study

Background Social cohesion is associated with healthier behaviors and better health outcomes, and therefore may offer a mechanism for promoting better health. Low socioeconomic status (SES) communities face higher rates of chronic disease due to both community- and individual-level factors. Objective The aim of this study is to leverage social cohesion to promote healthier behaviors and prevent chronic disease in a low SES community. This protocol outlines the methodology for a pilot study to assess the feasibility of an intervention (Free Time For Wellness [FT4W]) using a social networking platform (Nextdoor) with mothers living in an urban, low-income community to improve social cohesion and promote healthy behaviors. Methods The study will involve three phases: (I) co-designing the intervention with mothers in the neighborhoods of interest, (II) implementing the intervention with community leaders through the social networking platform, and (III) evaluating the intervention’s feasibility. Phase I of the study will include qualitative data collection and analysis from in-depth, semistructured interviews and a co-design group session with mothers. Phases II and III of the study include a pre- and postintervention survey of participating mothers. Neighborhood-level data on social cohesion will also be collected to enable comparison of outcomes between neighborhoods with higher and lower baseline social cohesion. Results As of March 2021, recruitment and data collection for this study are complete. This protocol outlines our original study plan, although the final enrollment numbers and intervention implementation deviated from our initial planned methodology that is outlined in this protocol. These implementation learnings will be shared in subsequent publications of our study results. Conclusions Ultimately, this study aims to: (1) determine the barriers and facilitators to finding free time for wellness among a population of low-income mothers to inform the co-design process, and (2) implement and study the feasibility of an intervention that leverages social cohesion to promote physical activity in a community of low-income mothers. The results of this study will provide preliminary feasibility evidence to inform a larger effectiveness trial, and will further our understanding of how social cohesion might influence well-being. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/28147
Contamination and Toxicity of Surface Waters Along Rural and Urban Regions of the Capibaribe River in Tropical Northeastern Brazil

The Capibaribe River provides water to a population of 1.7 million people in the Brazilian northeast, while receiving agricultural runoff and industrial and domestic effluents along its 280 km. The present study evaluated the ecotoxicity of surface waters along ten sites in rural and urban areas using zebrafish (Danio rerio) early‐life stages and related it to water quality indices and chemical abiotic variables. Lethality rates, delays in embryo‐larval development quantified by the general morphology score (GMS), and frequencies of developmental abnormalities were analyzed. A correlation was detected between zebrafish GMS and water quality index (WQI), sensitivity to domestic sewage contamination, and trophic state index, focused on eutrophication. These indices agreed in identifying a spatial pattern of smaller impact in terms of ecotoxicity, domestic sewage contamination, and eutrophication risk at three sites in rural areas (mean GMS 16.9), an intermediate impact at four sites with urban and agricultural influence (mean GMS 16.4), and greatest impacts at three more urbanized sites (mean GMS 14.9). Most frequent developmental abnormalities included noninflation of the swim bladder, delayed hatching, nonprotrusion of the mouth, blood stasis, and nondevelopment of pectoral fins. Toxic NH3 concentrations varied spatially, with higher concentrations in urban sites; and blood stasis correlated positively with NH3, suggesting a causal relationship. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were detected in both rural and urbanized sites, contributing to detected toxicity. The present study demonstrates the potential of zebrafish early‐life stages as an ecotoxicological model that may contribute to a better understanding of surface water quality and ecotoxicity in tropical river systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3063–3077. © 2021 SETAC
A Dictyostelium model for BPAN disease reveals a functional relationship between the WDR45/WIPI4 homolog Wdr45l and Vmp1 in the regulation of autophagy-associated PtdIns3P and ER stress

ABSTRACT PROPPINs are conserved PtdIns3P-binding proteins required for autophagosome biogenesis that fold into a characteristic group of seven-bladed beta-propellers. Mutations in WDR45/WIPI4, a human member of this family, lead to BPAN, a rare form of neurodegeneration. We have generated mutants for the two PROPPIN proteins present in the model system Dictyostelium discoideum (Atg18 and Wdr45l) and characterized their function. Lack of Wdr45l greatly impairs autophagy, while Atg18 only causes subtle defects in the maturation of autolysosomes. The strong phenotype of the Wdr45l mutant is strikingly similar to that observed in Dictyostelium cells lacking Vmp1, an ER protein required for omegasome formation. Common phenotypes include impaired growth in axenic medium, lack of aggregation, and local enrichment of PtdIns3P as determined by the use of lipid reporters. In addition, Vmp1 and Wdr45l mutants show a chronically active response to ER stress. For both mutants, this altered PtdIns3P localization can be prevented by the additional mutation of the upstream regulator Atg1, which also leads to recovery of axenic growth and reduction of ER stress. We propose that, in addition to an autophagy defect, local autophagy-associated PtdIns3P accumulation might contribute to the pathogenesis of BPAN by disrupting ER homeostasis. The introduction of BPAN-associated mutations in Dictyostelium Wdr45l reveals the impact of pathogenic residues on the function and localization of the protein.