Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial and Climatic Factors Influence Ambrosia Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Abundance in Intensively Managed Plantations of Eastern Black Walnut

Abstract Invasive ambrosia beetles are among the most economically important pests of forest and plantation trees worldwide.The development of effective management guidelines for these pests in plantations of high-value hardwood species is hindered by a lack of baseline information regarding their seasonal abundance and dispersal behavior. By analyzing long-term monitoring data from intensively-managed plantations of eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) in north-central Indiana, we identified key spatial and climatic variables that could improve the timing and precision of management actions to reduce ambrosia beetle populations. We also used geospatial analyses to compare species-specific spatial patterns of population density and evaluate the sensitivity of the trap density deployed in our long-term monitoring efforts. Xyleborinus saxesenii Ratzeburg and Xylosandrus crassiusculus Matschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) were more abundant during the spring in years preceded by a hot, dry growing season, and cold winter. Both species were positively associated with plantation edges during the fall flight period. However, X. saxesenii was less abundant in plantations close to forest corridors, whereas X. crassiusculus was more abundant in plantations closer to woodlots and other walnut plantations. Geospatial analysis revealed X. crassiusculus is active in larger, more spatially continuous patches than X. saxesenii, and that 200-m trap spacing is likely to be sufficient to detect both species in the spring flight period but may be insufficient to detect X. saxesenii during the fall flight period. Our findings underscore the power and utility of long-term monitoring to improve management strategies.
The Effect of Patient-Centered Communication and Racial Concordant Care on Care Satisfaction Among U.S. Immigrants

Immigrants living in the United States experience disparities in satisfaction with medical care. Practicing patient-centered communication and providing racially (or race-concordant) concordant care are suggested as effective approaches to improve care satisfaction. Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we found that immigrant patients with medical providers who practiced patient-centered communication were more likely to be satisfied with the care they received regardless of patient–provider racial concordance, and that simply having racially concordant medical providers did not significantly affect the satisfaction level for immigrant patients. The findings suggest that providing patient-centered communication may mitigate racial and cultural differences between providers and patients, and is key to reducing disparities and improving immigrant patients’ satisfaction level with medical care.
VENOSA4, a Human dNTPase SAMHD1 Homolog, Contributes to Chloroplast Development and Abiotic Stress Tolerance1[OPEN]

Lack of the nuclear protein VENOSA4 (VEN4) affects chloroplast development and acclimation in Arabidopsis, presumably through altered dNTP levels. Chloroplast biogenesis depends on an extensive interplay between the nucleus, cytosol, and chloroplasts, involving regulatory nucleus-encoded chloroplast proteins, as well as nucleocytosolic photoreceptors such as phytochromes (phys) and other extrachloroplastic factors. However, this whole process is only partially understood. Here, we describe the role of VENOSA4 (VEN4) in chloroplast development and acclimation to adverse growth conditions. A 35S:VEN4-eGFP fusion protein localizes to the nucleus in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) protoplasts, and VEN4 homologs are present in a wide range of eukaryotes including humans, where the corresponding homolog (SAMHD1) cleaves dNTPs. Defective photosynthesis in ven4 seedlings results from reduced accumulation of photosynthetic proteins and appears to be caused by a reduction in the translational capacity of chloroplasts. The negative effect of the ven4 mutation on photosynthesis can be phenotypically suppressed by germinating seeds in the presence of excess dCTP or a pool of dNTPs, implying that VEN4, like human SAMHD1, is involved in dNTP catabolism. Moreover, VEN4 activity is also required for optimal responses to cold and salt stresses. In conclusion, our work emphasizes the importance of the nucleocytosolic compartment and the fine-tuning of dNTP levels for chloroplast translation and development.
Tuberculosis in biologic users for rheumatic diseases: results from the South African Biologics Registry (SABIO)

Objectives To evaluate the rate of tuberculosis (TB) in biologic users for rheumatic diseases in South Africa, the effectiveness of our latent TB infection (LTBI) programme, risk factors and outcome. Methods TB cases were collected from the South African Biologics Registry (SABIO), rheumatologists and pharmaceutical companies. Demographics, LTBI screening and treatment, biological and disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapies, TB diagnosis and outcomes were recorded. Results 96 TB cases were collected from 1999 to June 2017: rheumatoid arthritis 55, ankylosing spondylitis 27, psoriatic arthritis 4, and juvenile inflammatory arthritis 10. The TB rate was 1240/100 000 person years for biologic users (n=96) versus the biologic naive cohort of 0/100 000 years with an incidence rate difference of 0.0124 (p<0.0001). 60/96 had pulmonary and 36/96 had extra-pulmonary TB. Reactivation TB occurred in 45/96 cases. TB occurred in all biologics licenced in South Africa, the majority in monoclonal inhibitors (1683/100 000 person years) compared with etanercept (861/100 000 person years) and non-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors (681/100 000 person years). The incidence rate ratio for monoclonal inhibitors compared with etanercept was 1.96 (p=0.005) and 2.47 (p=0.002) compared with non-TNF inhibitors with no significant difference between non-TNF inhibitors and etanercept (p=0.336). From those (12.9%) who screened LTBI positive, 14 developed TB, while the majority (77) screened LTBI negative. Black race, male sex, younger age and residence in the Western Cape were statistical risk factors. Two drug resistant TB cases and six deaths occurred. Conclusion Reactivation and new onset TB is a significant risk for all biologics users in SA. Screening for LTBI is an imperative preventative strategy.
Melatonin ingestion after exhaustive late-evening exercise attenuate muscle damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation during intense short term effort in the following day in teenage athletes

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to investigate whether nocturnal melatonin (MEL) ingestion has beneficial effects against exercise-induced oxidative stress and muscle damage in young athletes. Fourteen healthy-trained teenagers performed two-test sessions separated by at least, 1 week. During each session, participants completed the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) at 20:00 h. Then, they ingested a single 10-mg tablet of MEL or Placebo (PLA) in a double-blind randomized order at 22:00 h. The following morning (i.e., 07:30 h), participants performed the same test as the previous night. Blood samples were taken before and after exercise. MEL intake increased the peak power (Ppeak) (p < .01), mean power (Pmean) (p < .001) and decreased the total time (TT) (p < .001) and the fatigue index (FI) (p < .05). Furthermore, MEL ingestion attenuated the hematologic parameters before and after exercise (White Blood Cells (WBC: p < .001 and p < .001, respectively); Neutrophiles (NE: p < .001 and p < .001, respectively); Lymphocytes (LY: p < .001 and p < .001, respectively)) and the ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP: p < .001 and p < .001; respectively) compared to PLA. Also, MEL reduced muscle and hepatic damage enzymes before and after exercise (creatine kinase (CK: p < .001 and p < .001; respectively), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH: p < .05 and p < .01; respectively), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT: p < .01 and p < .001; respectively)), Malondialdehyde (MDA: p < .001 and p < .001; respectively) and Homocysteine (Hcy: p < .001 and p < .001; respectively)) from placebo. Plasma lactate [La] and glucose (GL) remained unchangeable during the two conditions. In summary, acute MEL ingestion after strenuous late-evening exercise attenuated transient leucocytosis and protected against lipid peroxidation and muscle damage induced by strenuous exercise the following morning in healthy male teenage athletes.
Grazing offsets the stimulating effects of nitrogen addition on soil CH4 emissions in a meadow steppe in Northeast China

Grazing is the most common land use type for grasslands, and grazing may alter the impacts of the predicted enhancement of nitrogen deposition on soil CH4 flux. To understand the effects of nitrogen addition, grazing, and their interactions on soil CH4 flux, we conducted a field study on CH4 flux in a meadow steppe in Northeast China from 2017 to 2018. We measured the soil CH4 flux and soil physiochemical and vegetation parameters. The studied meadow steppe soil acted as a CH4 source due to the legacy effects of an extreme rainfall event. During the experimental period, the average CH4 fluxes were 7.8 ± 1.0, 5.8 ± 0.5, 9.3 ± 0.9 and 7.6 ± 0.6 μg m-2 h-1 for the CK (control), G (grazing), N (nitrogen addition) and NG (grazing and nitrogen addition) treatments, respectively. The cumulative CH4 fluxes were 24.9 ± 2.6, 11.5 ± 4.9, 28.8 ± 4.2 and 17.8 ± 3.5 μg m-2 yr-1 for the CK, G, N and NG treatments, respectively. The N addition increased the average CH4 flux by 19%, and the grazing treatment reduced it by 25%. The soil CH4 flux was positively correlated with the 0–10 cm soil water filled pore space (P < 0.01), soil NH4+-N (P < 0.01) and soil NO3--N (P < 0.01), but negatively correlated with the 0–10 cm soil temperature (P < 0.01), except for the sampling dates that were strongly influenced by the extreme rainfall event. The average CH4 flux was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the grazing and N addition treatments with the N addition treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased the CH4 flux, whereas grazing significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the CH4 flux. Grazing offset the stimulating effects of N addition on CH4 flux, and there was no difference (P = 0.79) in the CH4 flux between the CK and NG plots. In summary, moderate grazing has the potential to reduce the negative impacts of N addition on CH4 flux and can increase the capacity of the soil CH4 sink in the studied meadow steppe.
Respiratory syncytial virus exhibits differential tropism for distinct human placental cell types with Hofbauer cells acting as a permissive reservoir for infection

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is capable of transient viremia and extrapulmonary dissemination. Recently, this virus has been identified in fetal cord blood, suggesting the possibility of in utero acquisition in humans. Here, we assess permissivity and kinetics of RSV replication in primary human placental cells, examine their potential to transfer this infection to neighboring cells, and measure the inflammatory response evoked by the virus. Methods and findings Human placental villus tissue was collected immediately upon delivery and processed for isolation of placental cytotrophoblast, fibroblast, and macrophage (Hofbauer) cells. Isolated cells were infected with a recombinant RSV-A2 strain (rrRSV) expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP) and analyzed by fluorescence microscopy, Western blot, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Based on RFP expression, rrRSV exhibited differential tropism for the three major placental cell types. Placental fibroblasts and Hofbauer cells were permissive and supported productive rrRSV replication. While infected cytotrophoblast cells expressed viral glycoprotein (G protein), only limited RSV replication was detected. Importantly, qPCR and fluorescence-focused unit assay revealed that the viral progeny remains trapped within infected Hofbauer cells for up to 30 days, with no release into surrounding media. Yet, Hofbauer cells passed the infection onto overlaid naïve 16HBE cells, suggesting contact-dependent trans-infection. Lastly, a significant increase in proinflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma was measured in the supernatant of infected Hofbauer cells by multiplex cytokine assay and conventional ELISA. Conclusions This study demonstrates that RSV can replicate in human placenta, exhibits differential tropism for distinct placental cell types, can be stored and transferred to neighboring cells by Hofbauer cells, and elicits an inflammatory response. It also supports the hypothesis that this respiratory virus can be vertically transferred to the fetus and potentially affect its development and the outcome of pregnancies.
Deconstructing the diagnostic reasoning of human versus artificial intelligence

KEY POINTS Artificial intelligence (AI) is often presented as the future of medical practice. The concept of AI was developed in the 1950s and has been defined as “the use of a computer to model intelligent behaviour with minimal human intervention. ” [1][1] It is an alternative to human
A Model for the Diffusive Filling-In Algorithm Operating in Spike Mode

To run cortical circuit simulations in spike mode, i.e. taking into account the neural representation of information in terms of sequences of electrical pulses (also known as spikes), the use of customized hardware, which is specific for this purpose, is recommended. Simulations using more traditional hardware can be prohibitive. In this context, theoretical predictions are important for customized hardware design. For example, theoretical predictions lead to an adequate neuron model choice. To make such theoretical predictions, the cortical circuit simulations are carried out in amplitude mode. Differently from the spike mode, in amplitude mode information is represented by sequences of scalar values that describe neural input and output spike rates. In this paper, it was proposed amplitude and spike mode simulations of a cortical algorithm, namely the diffusive filling-in algorithm, to investigate whether predictions based on the amplitude-mode results approximate well the behavior of the customized hardware (spike mode results). The diffusive filling-in algorithm was chosen because it is simple enough for spike-mode simulation in a conventional computer, but the proposed amplitude-mode prediction method is the same for more complex algorithms or circuits. We provide a highly realistic comparison between amplitude-mode and spike-mode in the diffusive filling-in case, which suggests that the amplitude mode is reliable for theoretical predictions useful for customized hardware design for cortical circuit simulation. The goal of this paper is not to bring closure to these discussions but to suggest a way of avoiding possible issues that could compromise the success of the customized device design.
A Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2018 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Society for Microbiologya

Abstract The critical nature of the microbiology laboratory in infectious disease diagnosis calls for a close, positive working relationship between the physician/advanced practice provider and the microbiologists who provide enormous value to the healthcare team. This document, developed by experts in laboratory and adult and pediatric clinical medicine, provides information on which tests are valuable and in which contexts, and on tests that add little or no value for diagnostic decisions. This document presents a system-based approach rather than specimen-based approach, and includes bloodstream and cardiovascular system infections, central nervous system infections, ocular infections, soft tissue infections of the head and neck, upper and lower respiratory infections, infections of the gastrointestinal tract, intra-abdominal infections, bone and joint infections, urinary tract infections, genital infections, and other skin and soft tissue infections; or into etiologic agent groups, including arthropod-borne infections, viral syndromes, and blood and tissue parasite infections. Each section contains introductory concepts, a summary of key points, and detailed tables that list suspected agents; the most reliable tests to order; the samples (and volumes) to collect in order of preference; specimen transport devices, procedures, times, and temperatures; and detailed notes on specific issues regarding the test methods, such as when tests are likely to require a specialized laboratory or have prolonged turnaround times. In addition, the pediatric needs of specimen management are also emphasized. There is intentional redundancy among the tables and sections, as many agents and assay choices overlap. The document is intended to serve as a guidance for physicians in choosing tests that will aid them to quickly and accurately diagnose infectious diseases in their patients.
A Bioinspired Flexible Film Fabricated by Surface Tension-assisted Replica Molding for Dynamic Control of Unidirectional Liquid Spreading.

The unidirectional liquid spreading without external energy input has presently aroused widespread concern. Recently, on the peristome of Nepenthes alata, a novel 2D unidirectional liquid spreading has been reported. It has been revealed that its exquisite superhydrophilic multistage microstructure, overlapping microcavities with arc-shaped edges and wedge-shaped corners, is the main reason for this phenomenon. To fabricate a peristome-inspired surface, a replica molding method is highly efficient and provides an ideal structure. However, the curved shape of the finally formed surface cannot be adjusted, and a specific surface shows only one type of liquid spreading state, greatly limiting its potential application. Here, we aimed to develop a novel surface tension-assisted replica molding method to fabricate an artificial peristome film. The artificial peristome film was fabricated by pouring styrenic block copolymers (SBS) dissolved in organic solvents into a negative replica prepared in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), based on the natural peristome. With volatilizing the organic solvent, the SBS agglomerates formed an artificial peristome film via surface tension effects. More importantly, the PDMS-negative replica swelled in the organic solvent, and then returned to the original size, which is conducive for replicating microstructures. The liquid spreading speed could be dynamically controlled by stretching the artificial peristome film. We demonstrated that the microcavity wedge angle decreases with an increasing stretching ratio. A smaller wedge angle can result in a much stronger unidirectional liquid spreading ability. This study provides insight into the dynamic control of unidirectional liquid spreading for novel pump-free medical microfluidic devices.
New lupane-type and ursane-type triterpene saponins from the leaves of Trevesia palmata

Abstract Three new triterpene saponins including two lupane-types and an ursane-type were isolated from the leaves of Trevesia palmata. Their structures were determined as 2α,3β,23-trihydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside (1), 2α,3β,23-trihydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranoside]-28-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (2), and 2α,3β,23-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranoside]-28-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (3) by analysis of their HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. The 2α,3β,23-trioxygenated pentacyclic triterpenes were uncommonly found in the nature. At concentration of 100 µM, compounds 1–3 inhibited NO production in LPS activated BV2 cells with inhibitory rates of 17.4 ± 1.8%, 33.1 ± 1.2%, and 11.7 ± 2.2%, respectively. But, they did not significantly inhibit yeast α-glucosidase activity. Graphical Abstract
Lifetime, 5-year and past-year prevalence of homelessness in Europe: a cross-national survey in eight European nations

Objectives To examine the lifetime, 5-year and past-year prevalence of homelessness among European citizens in eight European nations. Design A nationally representative telephone survey using trained bilingual interviewers and computer-assisted telephone interview software. Setting The study was conducted in France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Participants European adult citizens, selected from opt-in panels from March to December 2017. Total desired sample size was 5600, with 700 per country. Expected response rates of approximately 30% led to initial sample sizes of 2500 per country. Main outcome measures History of homelessness was assessed for lifetime, past 5 years and past year. Sociodemographic data were collected to assess correlates of homelessness prevalence using generalised linear models for clustered and weighted samples. Results Response rates ranged from 30.4% to 33.5% (n=5631). Homelessness prevalence was 4.96% for lifetime (95% CI 4.39% to 5.59%), 1.92% in the past 5 years (95% CI 1.57% to 2.33%) and 0.71% for the past year (95% CI 0.51% to 0.98%) and varied significantly between countries (pairwise comparison difference test, p<0.0001). Time spent homeless ranged between less than a week (21%) and more than a year (18%), with high contrasts between countries (p<0.0001). Male gender, age 45–54, lower secondary education, single status, unemployment and an urban environment were all independently strongly associated with lifetime homelessness (all OR >1.5). Conclusions The prevalence of homelessness among the surveyed nations is significantly higher than might be expected from point-in-time and homeless service use statistics. There was substantial variation in estimated prevalence across the eight nations. Coupled with the well-established health impacts of homelessness, medical professionals need to be aware of the increased health risks of those with experience of homelessness. These findings support policies aiming to improve health services for people exposed to homelessness.
Multimodal Generative Learning Utilizing Jensen-Shannon-Divergence

Learning from different data types is a long-standing goal in machine learning research, as multiple information sources co-occur when describing natural phenomena. However, existing generative models that approximate a multimodal ELBO rely on difficult or inefficient training schemes to learn a joint distribution and the dependencies between modalities. In this work, we propose a novel, efficient objective function that utilizes the Jensen-Shannon divergence for multiple distributions. It simultaneously approximates the unimodal and joint multimodal posteriors directly via a dynamic prior. In addition, we theoretically prove that the new multimodal JS-divergence (mmJSD) objective optimizes an ELBO. In extensive experiments, we demonstrate the advantage of the proposed mmJSD model compared to previous work in unsupervised, generative learning tasks.