Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Platelet indices significantly correlate with liver fibrosis in HCV-infected patients

Aim A total of 241 patients with chronic HCV infection were recruited to investigate the association between liver fibrosis and PLT counts, as well as with MPV, PDW and P-LCR indices. Methods The determination of PLT indices was carried out using a Sysmex XT-1800i automated hematology analyzer. Serological tests for HA, LN, C-IV and PIIINP were performed in 210 patients. The liver stiffness was measured in 69 patients by transient elastography (FibroScan). Results The analysis showed that the four serum fibrosis markers were negatively correlated with PLT counts, but positively correlated with the MPV, PDW and P-LCR values. Moreover, a similar pattern was found after analyzing the FibroScan measurements, which were negatively correlated with PLT counts, but positively correlated with MPV, PDW and P-LCR values. We subdivided the HCV-infected patients into mild and advanced fibrosis groups. The PLT counts were significantly decreased and the MPV, PDW and P-LCR values were significantly increased in the advanced fibrosis group when compared with the mild fibrosis group. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that not only the PLT counts but also the MPV, PDW and P-LCR indices significantly correlate with liver fibrosis in HCV-infected patients. Therefore, these indices may be useful laboratory measures for evaluating liver fibrosis progression.
Related plants tend to share pollinators and herbivores, but strength of phylogenetic signal varies among plant families.

Related plants are often hypothesised to interact with similar sets of pollinators and herbivores, but this idea has only mixed empirical support. This may be because plant families vary in their tendency to share interaction partners. We quantify overlap of interaction partners for all pairs of plants in 59 pollination and 11 herbivory networks based on the numbers of shared and unshared interaction partners (thereby capturing both proportional and absolute overlap). We test 1) for relationships between phylogenetic distance and partner overlap within each network, 2) whether these relationships varied with the composition of the plant community, and 3) whether wellrepresented plant families showed different relationships. Across all networks, more closely-related plants tended to have greater overlap. The strength of this relationship within a network was unrelated to the composition of the network's plant component, but, when considered separately, different plant families showed different relationships between phylogenetic distance and overlap of interaction partners. The variety of relationships between phylogenetic distance and partner overlap in different plant families likely reflects a comparable variety of ecological and evolutionary processes. Considering factors affecting particular species-rich groups within a community may be the key to understanding the distribution of interactions at the network level.
Biogeography, habitat transitions and hybridization in a radiation of South American silverside fishes revealed by mitochondrial and genomic RAD data

Rivers and lake systems in the southern cone of South America have been widely influenced by historical glaciations, carrying important implications for the evolution of aquatic organisms, including prompting transitions between marine and freshwater habitats and by triggering hybridization among incipient species via waterway connectivity and stream capture events. Silverside fishes (Odontesthes) in the region comprise a radiation of 19 marine and freshwater species that have been hypothesized on the basis of morphological or mitochondrial DNA data to have either transitioned repeatedly into continental waters from the sea or colonized marine habitats following freshwater diversification. New double digest restriction‐site associated DNA data presented here provide a robust framework to investigate the biogeographical history of and habitat transitions in Odontesthes. We show that Odontesthes silversides originally diversified in the Pacific but independently colonized the Atlantic three times, producing three independent marine‐to‐freshwater transitions. Our results also indicate recent introgression of marine mitochondrial haplotypes into two freshwater clades, with more recurring instances of hybridization among Atlantic‐ versus Pacific‐slope species. In Pacific freshwater drainages, hybridization with a marine species appears to be geographically isolated and may be related to glaciation events. Substantial structural differences of estuarine gradients between these two geographical areas may have influenced the frequency, intensity and evolutionary effects of hybridization events.
Adipocyte extracellular vesicles carry enzymes and fatty acids that stimulate mitochondrial metabolism and remodeling in tumor cells

Extracellular vesicles are emerging key actors in adipocyte communication. Notably, small extracellular vesicles shed by adipocytes stimulate fatty acid oxidation and migration in melanoma cells and these effects are enhanced in obesity. However, the vesicular actors and cellular processes involved remain largely unknown. Here, we elucidate the mechanisms linking adipocyte extracellular vesicles to metabolic remodeling and cell migration. We show that adipocyte vesicles stimulate melanoma fatty acid oxidation by providing both enzymes and substrates. In obesity, the heightened effect of extracellular vesicles depends on increased transport of fatty acids, not fatty acid oxidation‐related enzymes. These fatty acids, stored within lipid droplets in cancer cells, drive fatty acid oxidation upon being released by lipophagy. This increase in mitochondrial activity redistributes mitochondria to membrane protrusions of migrating cells, which is necessary to increase cell migration in the presence of adipocyte vesicles. Our results provide key insights into the role of extracellular vesicles in the metabolic cooperation that takes place between adipocytes and tumors with particular relevance to obesity.
Exploring Information and Referral Needs of Individuals with Dementias and Informal Caregivers in Rural and Remote Areas

ABSTRACT Objectives: The provision of information and referral (I&R) and connection to support services is crucial for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their informal caregivers, especially in rural and remote regions where care and support resources may be limited. The purpose of this study was to develop a deeper understanding of needs for I&R from community stakeholders across a rural and remote state. Methods: A series of town hall meetings were conducted across ten communities in a frontier state. Results: Participants were 175 adults with a mean age of approximately 60 years (SD = 15 years); a majority were non-Hispanic white, female, and self-identified as informal caregivers. Three themes emerged as primary areas of need: (1) to address stigma related to ADRD; (2) to improve the availability of dementia-related I&R; and (3) to efficiently disseminate dementia-related I&R. Conclusions: Findings suggest the importance of a single point of access for I&R with presence in local communities as well as initial and ongoing assessment and provision of appropriate I&R throughout the course of ADRDs. Clinical Implications: Existing community resources and funding support should be leveraged for multiple points and means of access to reliable I&R.
Displaying Multiphase CT Angiography Using a Time-Variant Color Map: Practical Considerations and Potential Applications in Patients with Acute Stroke

SUMMARY: Various imaging protocols exist for the identification of vessel occlusion and assessment of collateral flow in acute stroke. CT perfusion is particularly popular because the color maps are a striking visual indicator of pathology. Multiphase CTA has similar diagnostic and prognostic ability but requires more expertise to interpret. This article presents a new multiphase CTA display format that incorporates vascular information from all phases of the multiphase CTA series in a single time-variant color map, thereby facilitating multiphase CTA interpretation, particularly for less experienced readers. Exemplary cases of multiphase CTA from this new display format are compared with conventional multiphase CTA, CT perfusion, and follow-up imaging to demonstrate how time-variant multiphase CTA color maps facilitate assessment of collateral flow, detection of distal and multiple intracranial occlusions, differentiation of pseudo-occlusion from real occlusion, and assessment of flow relevance of stenoses, ante- and retrograde flow patterns, and clot permeability.
Polymeric nanofibrous nerve conduits coupled with laminin for peripheral nerve regeneration

Artificial nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) are being investigated as an alternative to autografts, since autografts are limited in supply. A polycaprolactone (PCL)-based spiral NGC with crosslinked laminin on aligned nanofibers was evaluated in vivo post a successful in vitro assessment. PC-12 cell assays confirmed that the aligned nanofibers functionalized with laminin were able to guide and enhance neurite outgrowth. In the rodent model, the data demonstrated that axons were able to regenerate across the critical nerve gap, when laminin was present. Without laminin, the spiral NGC with aligned nanofibers group resulted in a random cluster of extracellular matrix tissue following injuries. The reversed autograft group performed best, showing the most substantial improvement based on nerve histological assessment and gastrocnemius muscle measurement. Nevertheless, the recovery time was too short to obtain meaningful data for the motor functional assessments. A full motor recovery may take up to years. An interesting observation was noted in the crosslinked laminin group. Numerous new blood capillary-like structures were found around the regenerated nerve. Owing to recent studies, we hypothesized that new blood vessel formation could be one of the key factors to increase the successful rate of nerve regeneration in the current study. Overall, these findings indicated that the incorporation of laminin into polymeric nerve conduits is a promising strategy for enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration. However, the best combination of contact-guidance cues, haptotactic cues, and chemotactic cues have yet to be realized. The natural sequence of nerve regeneration should be studied more in-depth before modulating any strategies.
Glycated hemoglobin measurements at three, 12 and 24 months postpartum after gestational diabetes.

PURPOSE To determine the associations between glycated hemoglobin (A1C) values at three, 12 and 24 months postpartum taken during the Families Defeating Diabetes trial. METHODS The Families Defeating Diabetes trial was a randomized 12 month lifestyle intervention delivered in the first year postpartum. Women were reviewed at three, 6 12 and 24 months for body habitus, diet and lifestyle choices. Glycated hemoglobin levels were measured at three, 12 and 24 months. RESULTS There were 170 randomization participants: 89 interventional (INT); and 81 control (CON). Of these 170 participants, 50 INT and 47 CON completed 12-month follow-up and 26 INT and 24 CON completed 24-month follow-up. Study outcomes did not differ between the cohorts. Combined intraclass correlation coefficients for reliability of repeated results showed substantial reliability: 0.74 (95% CI 0.63, 0.83) between three and 12 month A1C; and 0.72 (95% CI 0.51, 0.85) for three and 24 month A1C. Pearson correlations for three month vs 12 month A1C were r=0.745 (p.
Cocaine, polysubstance abuse and oral health outcomes, NHANES 2009-2014.

BACKGROUND Cocaine is the second most abused illicit drug in the United States (U.S.). To date, no study has examined the association between cocaine use and oral health with a nationally representative sample. Our study examined the association between cocaine use-singly and with other substances - and oral health outcomes, including periodontitis and untreated caries, among U.S. adults. METHODS Data for 11,753 individuals, aged ≥ 30 years, who completed a periodontal examination, in the 2009-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Descriptive analyses and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted on weighted data. RESULTS Overall, 17.0% (20.5 million) of U.S. adults aged ≥ 30 years had ever used cocaine, with higher likelihood seen among males, non-Hispanic whites, and those living in poverty. Current cocaine use prevalence was 2.6% (3.2 million). By number of co-used substances, the odds of having any periodontitis were higher among cocaine users who consumed three or more other substances (Adjusted OR = 2.47; 95%CI = 1.15-5.30) when compared to solely cocaine users. By type of substance co-used, odds of having untreated caries were greater among those reporting cigarettes (Adjusted OR = 1.94; 95%CI = 1.21-3.11) or methamphetamine (Adjusted OR = 5.40; 95%CI = 1.92-15.14) usage. Odds of any periodontitis were higher among those reported ancillary cigarette use (Adjusted OR = 2.84; 95%CI = 1.60-5.04) compared with cocaine-only users. CONCLUSION In addition to a positive association between periodontal disease, dental caries and cocaine use, select co-usage elevated the risk of oral disease. Patients should be screened for and counseled regarding substance abuse to facilitate a successful quit. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Incidence and Risk for Developing Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy after Photocoagulation for Diabetic Maculopathy

ABSTRACT Purpose Diabetic maculopathy (DM) treated with photocoagulation may subsequently progress to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). However, there is insufficient knowledge about the incidence and risk factors for the development of PDR in patients previously treated for DM. Materials and methods Survival data was used to analyze prospectively collected epidemiological and clinical data to describe the incidence and risk factors for the occurrence of PDR in all 1,235 patients photocoagulation treated for DM in a defined population from the Aarhus area, Denmark, from January 1. 1993 until December 31. 2016. Results Among 1,204 (97.5%) of the patients in whom the subsequent clinical history was known, 536 (44.5%) had died and 131 (10.9%) had received panretinal photocoagulation for PDR. The cumulative incidence of developing PDR after photocoagulation for diabetic maculopathy increased with time to reach a plateau around 13% after approximately 15 years. Earlier age at diagnosis of diabetes and higher HbA1c at the time of macular treatment were significant risk factors for the development of PDR, whereas gender, diabetes type, body mass index, known diabetes duration at the time of macular photocoagulation and blood pressure were not significant risk factors. Conclusions In patients treated with retinal photocoagulation for DM, a tight metabolic control is accompanied with a reduced risk for subsequent progression to PDR. In the treated patients who do not develop PDR, the control interval can be gradually increased with time.
Gene fragmentation and RNA editing without borders: eccentric mitochondrial genomes of diplonemids

Abstract Diplonemids are highly abundant heterotrophic marine protists. Previous studies showed that their strikingly bloated mitochondrial genome is unique because of systematic gene fragmentation and manifold RNA editing. Here we report a comparative study of mitochondrial genome architecture, gene structure and RNA editing of six recently isolated, phylogenetically diverse diplonemid species. Mitochondrial gene fragmentation and modes of RNA editing, which include cytidine-to-uridine (C-to-U) and adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) substitutions and 3′ uridine additions (U-appendage), are conserved across diplonemids. Yet as we show here, all these features have been pushed to their extremes in the Hemistasiidae lineage. For example, Namystynia karyoxenos has its genes fragmented into more than twice as many modules than other diplonemids, with modules as short as four nucleotides. Furthermore, we detected in this group multiple A-appendage and guanosine-to-adenosine (G-to-A) substitution editing events not observed before in diplonemids and found very rarely elsewhere. With >1,000 sites, C-to-U and A-to-I editing in Namystynia is nearly 10 times more frequent than in other diplonemids. The editing density of 12% in coding regions makes Namystynia’s the most extensively edited transcriptome described so far. Diplonemid mitochondrial genome architecture, gene structure and post-transcriptional processes display such high complexity that they challenge all other currently known systems.
Testing the Effectiveness of Enhanced Alcohol Warning Labels and Modifications Resulting From Alcohol Industry Interference in Yukon, Canada: Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Study

Background Alcohol warning labels are a promising, well-targeted strategy to increase public awareness of alcohol-related health risks and support more informed and safer use. However, evidence of their effectiveness in real-world settings remains limited and inconclusive. Objective This paper presents a protocol for a real-world study examining the population-level impact of enhanced alcohol warning labels with a cancer message; national drinking guidelines; and standard drink information on attention, processing, and alcohol-related behaviors among consumers in Canada. Postimplementation modifications to the original protocol due to interference by national alcohol industry representatives are also described. Methods This quasi-experimental study involved partnering with local governments in two northern Canadian territories already applying alcohol warning labels on alcohol containers for sale in liquor stores. The study tested an 8-month intervention consisting of three new enhanced, rotating alcohol warning labels in an intervention site (Whitehorse, Yukon) relative to a comparison site (Yellowknife, Northwest Territories) where labelling practices would remain unchanged. Pre-post surveys were conducted at both sites to measure changes in awareness and processing of label messages, alcohol-related knowledge, and behaviors. Liquor store transaction data were collected from both sites to assess changes in population-level alcohol consumption. The intervention was successfully implemented for 1 month before it was halted due to complaints from the alcohol industry. The government of the intervention site allowed the study to proceed after a 2-month pause, on the condition that the cancer warning label was removed from rotation. Modifications to the protocol included applying the two remaining enhanced labels for the balance of the intervention and adding a third wave of surveys during the 2-month pause to capture any impact of the cancer label. Results This study protocol describes a real-world quasi-experimental study that aimed to test the effectiveness of new enhanced alcohol warning labels as a tool to support consumers in making more informed and safer alcohol choices. Alcohol industry interference shortly after implementation compromised both the intervention and the original study design; however, the study design was modified to enable completion of three waves of surveys with cohort participants (n=2049) and meet the study aims. Conclusions Findings from this study will directly inform alcohol labelling policies in Canada and internationally and provide further insight into the alcohol industry’s attempts to disrupt research in this area. Additional unimpeded real-world evaluations of enhanced alcohol warning labels are recommended. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/16320
Depressive symptom as a mediator of the influence of self-reported sleep quality on falls: a mediation analysis

Abstract Objectives: It is well known that sleep quality was associated with falls. This study aimed to examine whether the presence of depressive symptoms mediate the association of self-reported sleep quality with falls. Methods: Data of community-based study including 4,579 adults aged 60 years or older were analyzed. Information regarding sleep quality and falls was self-reported by participants using pre-designed questionnaires. The nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) without the sleep item was used to assess the presence of depressive symptoms. A bootstrapping approach was performed to explore whether the relationship between self-reported sleep quality and falls was partially mediated by depressive symptoms. The mediator was considered significant if the 95% confidence interval (CI) did not include 0. Results: Older adults with poor sleep quality had higher odds of falls than their counterparts with normal sleep. In the equation regressed falls on self-reported sleep quality and PHQ-9 score, the association between self-reported sleep quality and falls disappeared. Depressive symptoms partially mediated the association between self-reported sleep quality and falls based on the significance of indirect effect (β = 0.15, 95% bootstrap CI = 0.08, 0.22). Conclusions: The presence of depressive symptoms might partially mediate the association of self-reported sleep quality with falls among older adults.
Complete Genome Sequence of Gordonia sp. 135, a Promising Dibenzothiophene- and Hydrocarbon-Degrading Strain

Gordonia sp. strain 135 is a promising dibenzothiophene-desulfurizing and hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium. It can utilize dibenzothiophene as the sole sulfur source. The genome of strain 135 was completely sequenced; it consists of a 5,039,827-bp circular chromosome and a 164,963-bp circular plasmid. ABSTRACT Gordonia sp. strain 135 is a promising dibenzothiophene-desulfurizing and hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium. It can utilize dibenzothiophene as the sole sulfur source. The genome of strain 135 was completely sequenced; it consists of a 5,039,827-bp circular chromosome and a 164,963-bp circular plasmid.
CRMP2 mediates Sema3F-dependent axon pruning and dendritic spine remodeling

Regulation of axon guidance and pruning of inappropriate synapses by class 3 semaphorins is key to development of neural circuits. Collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) has been shown to regulate axon guidance by mediating Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) signaling and its dysfunction has been linked to schizophrenia, however, nothing is known about its role in the synapse pruning. Here, using newly generated crmp2−/− mice we demonstrate that while CRMP2 has only a moderate effect on Sema3A-dependent axon guidance in vivo, it is essential for Sema3F-dependent axon pruning and dendritic spine remodeling. We first demonstrate that CRMP2 deficiency interferes with Sema3A signaling in compartmentalized neuron cultures and leads to a mild defect in axon guidance in peripheral nerves and corpus callosum. Strikingly, we show that crmp2−/− mice display more prominent defects in dendritic spine pruning and stereotyped axon pruning in hippocampus and visual cortex consistent with impaired Sema3F signaling and with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-rather than schizophrenia-like phenotype. Indeed, we demonstrate that CRMP2 mediates Sema3F-induced axon retraction in primary neurons and that crmp2−/− mice display early postnatal behavioral changes linked to ASD. In conclusion, we demonstrate that CRMP2 is an essential mediator of Sema3F-dependent synapse pruning and its dysfunction in early postnatal stages shares histological and behavioral features of ASD.