Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of leftward planum temporale asymmetries in two genetically isolated populations of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Once considered a hallmark of human uniqueness, brain asymmetry has emerged as a feature shared with several other species, including chimpanzees, one of our closest living relatives. Most notable has been the discovery of asymmetries in homologues of cortical language areas in apes, particularly in the planum temporale (PT), considered a central node of the human language network. Several lines of evidence indicate a role for genetic mechanisms in the emergence of PT asymmetry; however, the genetic determinants of cerebral asymmetries have remained elusive. Studies in humans suggest that there is heritability of brain asymmetries of the PT, but this has not been explored to any extent in chimpanzees. Furthermore, the potential influence of non-genetic factors has raised questions about the reproducibility of earlier observations of PT asymmetry reported in chimpanzees. As such, the present study was aimed at examining both the heritability of phenotypic asymmetries in PT morphology, as well as their reproducibility. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we evaluated morphological asymmetries of PT surface area (mm2) and mean depth (mm) in captive chimpanzees (n = 291) derived from two genetically isolated populations. Our results confirm that chimpanzees exhibit a significant population-level leftward asymmetry for PT surface area, as well as significant heritability in the surface area and mean depth of the PT. These results conclusively demonstrate the existence of a leftward bias in PT asymmetry in chimpanzees and suggest that genetic mechanisms play a key role in the emergence of anatomical asymmetry in this region.
Influenza A viruses remain infectious for more than seven months in northern wetlands of North America

In this investigation, we used a combination of field- and laboratory-based approaches to assess if influenza A viruses (IAVs) shed by ducks could remain viable for extended periods in surface water within three wetland complexes of North America. In a field experiment, replicate filtered surface water samples inoculated with duck swabs were tested for IAVs upon collection and again after an overwintering period of approximately 6–7 months. Numerous IAVs were molecularly detected and isolated from these samples, including replicates maintained at wetland field sites in Alaska and Minnesota for 181–229 days. In a parallel laboratory experiment, we attempted to culture IAVs from filtered surface water samples inoculated with duck swabs from Minnesota each month during September 2018–April 2019 and found monthly declines in viral viability. In an experimental challenge study, we found that IAVs maintained in filtered surface water within wetlands of Alaska and Minnesota for 214 and 226 days, respectively, were infectious in a mallard model. Collectively, our results support surface waters of northern wetlands as a biologically important medium in which IAVs may be both transmitted and maintained, potentially serving as an environmental reservoir for infectious IAVs during the overwintering period of migratory birds.
Biosynthesis, characterization and anti-dengue vector activity of silver nanoparticles prepared from Azadirachta indica and Citrullus colocynthis

We report here biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts of (i) Azadirachta indica leaves and (ii) Citrullus colocynthis fruit and their larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti. The UV–Vis spectroscopy absorption peaks occurred in the range of 412–416 nm for A. indica AgNPs and 416–431 nm for C. colocynthis AgNPs indicating the silver nature of prepared colloidal samples. The scanning electron microscopy examination revealed the spherical morphology of both types of NPs with average size of 17 ± 4 nm (A. indica AgNPs) and 26 ± 5 nm (C. colocynthis AgNPs). The X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the face-centred cubic (FCC) structure with crystallite size of 11 ± 1 nm (A. indica AgNPs) and 15 ± 1 nm (C. colocynthis AgNPs) while characteristic peaks appearing in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated the attachment of different biomolecules on AgNPs. The larvicidal activity at different concentrations of synthesized AgNPs (1–20 mg l−1) and extracts (0.5–1.5%) against Aedes aegypti was examined for 24 h. A concentration-dependent larvicidal potential of both types of AgNPs was observed. The LC50 values were found to be 0.3 and 1.25 mg l−1 for C. colocynthis AgNPs and A. indica AgNPs, respectively. However, both extracts did not exhibit any notable larvicidal activity.
Amended Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Nonoxynol-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, and -81

Nonoxynol-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, and -8 (low molecular weight Nonoxynols) are ethoxylated alkylphenols used in cosmetic formulations as surfactants-emulsifying agents, principally in hair dyes and colors. The safety of Nonoxynols were assessed previously (Elder, R. L., ed. 1983. Final report on the safety assessment of Nonoxynol-2, -4, -8, -9, -10, -12, -14, -15, -30, -40, and -50. J. Am. Coll. Toxicol. 2:35–60). This report amends the conclusion on Nonoxynol-2, -4, and -8 reached in that report. There was no significant skin penetration using cadaver skin in which Nonoxynols-2, -4, and -9 were applied in conditions simulating leave-on or rinse-off applications. Under both conditions, the total skin penetration of Nonoxynol-2, -4, and -9 was less than 1% over a 48-hour period. Results of acute oral toxicity studies indicated that these low molecular weight Nonoxynols were at most slightly toxic. Nonoxynol-5 and -6 produce severe ocular irritation in test animals. They also produce skin irritation in test animals, but are not sensitizers. Due to the severity of ocular irritation reactions in animals, avoiding the use of products containing low molecular weight Nonoxynols in the area surrounding the eyes was discussed. The no-adverse-effect level in reproductive and developmental toxicity tests in which Nonoxynol-9 was delivered orally or intravaginally was higher than any possible exposure from cosmetic products. There was no evidence for genotoxicity or carcinogenicity. Ethylene oxide residues, although present in small amounts in several preparations, were not considered sufficient to present a carcinogenesis risk. The report discusses the need to ensure that the use of cosmetic products containing Nonoxynols should not result in ethylene oxide exposures above 0.1 mg/day. Unreacted nonylphenol may be present in low molecular weight Nonoxynols, but levels appear to be <500 ppm. The report discusses the need for cosmetic product formulators to exercise care so that any Nonylphenol in finished products is not found in toxic amounts. Clinical studies using Nonoxynol-9 showed irritation of the vaginal mucosa, along with increased epithelial disruption. A 2% solution of Nonoxynol-8.3 and -9 was sensitizing in dermatitis patients. A repeat insult patch test in normal volunteers using Nonoxynol-2 at a concentration of 5 % showed no evidence of allergic contact dermatitis, but there were reactions at 10%. Based on the available animal and clinical data, Nonoxynols-1 through -8 are safe as used in rinse-off products and safe for use in leave-on products at concentrations no greater than 5%.
Quantitative kinase and phosphatase profiling reveal that CDK1 phosphorylates PP2Ac to promote mitotic entry

The kinase CDK1 directly and indirectly inhibits PP2A holoenzyme formation to promote mitosis. A kinase-phosphatase relationship in mitosis Mitosis generally involves a wave of phosphorylation at entry and dephosphorylation at exit. More is understood about the role of kinases than that of phosphatases in this dynamic. Nasa et al. developed an integrated approach to study the interaction dynamics of the kinome-phosphatome in mitotic cells. This approach revealed that the formation of the PP2Ac-B55 phosphatase was critical for mitotic exit and maintenance of interphase. It also revealed that the phosphorylation mediated by the kinase CDK1 directly and indirectly dissociated the subunits of the phosphatase, thereby enabling mitotic entry. The findings refine our understanding of regulatory phosphorylation in mitosis and present a method with which to further examine kinase-phosphatase relationships in other contexts. The reciprocal regulation of phosphoprotein phosphatases (PPPs) by protein kinases is essential to cell cycle progression and control, particularly during mitosis for which the role of kinases has been extensively studied. PPPs perform much of the serine/threonine dephosphorylation in eukaryotic cells and achieve substrate selectivity and specificity through the interaction of distinct regulatory subunits with conserved catalytic subunits in holoenzyme complexes. Using a mass spectrometry–based chemical proteomics approach to enrich, identify, and quantify endogenous PPP holoenzyme complexes combined with kinase profiling, we investigated the phosphorylation-dependent regulation of PPP holoenzymes in mitotic cells. We found that cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) phosphorylated a threonine residue on the catalytic subunit of the phosphatase PP2A, which disrupted its holoenzyme formation with the regulatory subunit B55. The consequent decrease in the dephosphorylation of PP2A-B55 substrates promoted mitotic entry. This direct phosphorylation by CDK1 was in addition to a previously reported indirect mechanism, thus adding a layer to the interaction between CDK1 and PP2A in regulating mitotic entry.
Accelerometer-Based Activity Recognition of Workers at Construction Sites

Although several methods have been used to capture the motion of workers at construction sites to improve productivity or safety during construction projects, collecting data by image analysis and discriminating between motions are time-consuming processes. Therefore, it is difficult to use such methods to detect the motion of several workers or over a long time period. The authors applied an accelerometer to capture motion; this apparatus has been used in the health and medical fields. A small, light accelerometer and a simple discrimination program allowed the authors to determine whether a worker was active or inactive based on a threshold of the sum of the signal amplitude areas. Experimental surveys were conducted at construction sites: first, for setting plasterboards for two detached house construction projects and, second, for setting rebar at a large office building site. The findings of this experimental study are as follows. First, an accelerometer can be used in congested construction sites, and data can be obtained continuously. Second, this simple identification of active/inactive workers allows for the measurement of performance and the detection of problems at construction sites. Third, from the data, the hypothesis regarding workers’ tendencies can be tested, that is, how workers’ skill levels may affect the fluctuation of activity intensity. Therefore, in future studies, by increasing the data on workers, researchers could develop methods to improve the performance of workers.
Fungal Bioremediation of Selenium-Contaminated Industrial and Municipal Wastewaters

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for most organisms yet can cause severe negative biological consequences at elevated levels. The oxidized forms of Se, selenate [Se(VI)] and selenite [Se(IV)], are more mobile, toxic, and bioavailable than the reduced forms of Se such as volatile or solid phases. Thus, selenate and selenite pose a greater threat to ecosystems and human health. As current Se remediation technologies have varying efficiencies and costs, novel strategies to remove elevated Se levels from environments impacted by anthropogenic activities are desirable. Some common soil fungi quickly remove Se (IV and VI) from solution by aerobic reduction to solid or volatile forms. Here, we perform bench-scale culture experiments of two Se-reducing Ascomycota to determine their Se removal capacity in growth media conditions containing either Se(IV) or Se(VI) as well as in Se-containing municipal (∼25 μg/L Se) and industrial (∼2000 μg/L Se) wastewaters. Dissolved Se was measured throughout the experiments to assess Se concentration and removal rates. Additionally, solid-associated Se was quantified at the end of each experiment to determine the amount of Se removed to solid phases (e.g., Se(0) nanoparticles, biomass-adsorbed Se, or internal organic selenoproteins). Results show that under optimal conditions, fungi more efficiently remove Se(IV) from solution compared to Se(VI). Additionally, both fungi remove a higher percentage of Se from the filtered municipal wastewater compared to the industrial wastewater, though cultures in industrial wastewater retained a greater amount of solid-associated Se. Additional wastewater experiments were conducted with supplemental carbohydrate- or glycerin-based carbon products and additional nitrogen- and phosphorous-containing nutrients in some cases to enhance fungal growth. Relative to unamended wastewater experiments, supplemental carbohydrates promote Se removal from municipal wastewater but minimally impact industrial wastewater removal. This demonstrates that carbon availability and source impacts fungal Se reduction and removal from solution. Calculations to assess the leaching potential of solid-associated Se from fungal biomass show that wastewater Se release will not exceed regulatory limits. This study highlights the considerable potential for the mycoremediation of Se-contaminated wastewaters.
Bactericidal mechanisms of nanoparticles and microbial defence strategies

Predicting the impact of silver nanoparticles in the natural environment is currently a subject of great interest but is constrained by inadequate understanding of the factors that control bioavailability of silver from the nanoparticles. In this work the mechanism of silver nanotoxicity has been investigated by using mutant strains of Escherichia coli lacking specific protective mechanisms. In order to assess the impact of ions like chlorides that are present in natural waters, the effect of medium composition on the silver nanotoxicity has also been investigated. Deletion mutant strains lacking silver ion efflux systems show increased sensitivity to silver nanoparticle toxicity. Furthermore, the speciation of silver from nanoparticles was studied by developing a bioreporter strain responsive to silver ions. The biosensor did not respond to silver nanoparticles even at levels, which lead to a significant reduction in cell viability. Deletion mutant strains lacking major resistance mechanisms against oxidative stress also show increased sensitivity to silver nanoparticles, while enzyme supplementation helps to restore cell viability; this is consistent with oxidative stress being an important mechanism for nanoparticle toxicity. These observations suggest multiple mechanisms for silver nanoparticle toxicity, with the formation of soluble ions being arguably the most important.
Face–Name Associative Memory Performance Among Cognitively Healthy Individuals, Individuals With Subjective Memory Complaints, and Patients With a Diagnosis of aMCI

Citation: Kormas C, Zalonis I, Evdokimidis I, Kapaki E and Potagas C (2020) Face–Name Associative Memory Performance Among Cognitively Healthy Individuals, Individuals With Subjective Memory Complaints, and Patients With a Diagnosis of aMCI. Front. Psychol. 11:2173. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020. 02173 Face–Name Associative Memory Performance Among Cognitively Healthy Individuals, Individuals With Subjective Memory Complaints, and Patients With a Diagnosis of aMCI
Influence of Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Task-Switching in Older Adults: An fMRI Study

Not only are the effects of cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and low fitness on executive functions and brain activations in older adults scarcely investigated, no fMRI study has investigated the combined effects of multiple risk factors on brain activations in older adults. This fMRI study examined the independent and combined effects of two cardiovascular risk factors, arterial plasticity, and physical fitness, on brain activations during task-switching in older adults. The effects of these two risk factors on age-related differences in activation between older and younger adults were also examined. Independently, low physical fitness and low arterial plasticity were related to reduced suppressions of occipital brain regions. The combined effects of these two risks on occipital regions were greater than the independent effects of either risk factor. Age-related overactivations in frontal cortex were observed in low fitness older adults. Brain-behavior correlation indicates that these frontal overactivations are maladaptive to older adults’ task performance. It is possible that the resulting effects of cardiovascular risks on the aging brain, especially the maladaptive overactivations of frontal brain regions by high risk older adults, contribute to often found posterior-anterior shift in aging (PASA) brain activations. Furthermore, observed age-related differences in brain activations during task-switching can be partially attributed to individual differences in cardiovascular risks among older adults.
The Influence of the Stimulus Design on the Harmonic Components of the Steady-State Visual Evoked Potential

Steady-state visual evoked potentials (ssVEPs) are commonly used for functional objective diagnostics. In general, the main response at the stimulation frequency is used. However, some studies reported the main response at the second harmonic of the stimulation frequency. The aim of our study was to analyze the influence of the stimulus design on the harmonic components of ssVEPs. We studied 22 subjects (8 males, mean age ± SD = 27 ± 4.8 years) using a circular layout (r1 = 0–1.6°, r2 = 1.6–3.5°, r3 = 3.5–6.4°, r4 = 6.4–10.9°, and r5 = 10.9–18°). At a given eccentricity, the stimulus was presented according to a 7.5 Hz square wave with 50% duty cycle. To analyze the influence of the stimulus eccentricity, a background luminance of 30 cd/m2 was added to suppress foveal stray light effects; to analyze the influence of simultaneous foveal and peripheral stimulations, stimulations are performed without stray light suppression. For statistical analysis, medians M of the amplitude ratios for amplitudes at the second harmonic to the first harmonic and the probability of the occurrence of the main response at the second harmonic P(MCSH) are calculated. For stimulations with foveal stray light suppression, the medians were M0 –1.6^ ∘ = 0.45, M1.6 –3.5^ ∘ = 0.45, M3.5 –6.4^ ∘ = 0.76, M6.4 –10.9^ ∘ = 0.72, and M10.9 –18^ ∘ = 0.48, and the probabilities were P0–1.6^ ∘(MCSH) = 0.05, P1.6 –3.5^ ∘(MCSH) = 0.05, P3.5 –6.4^ ∘(MCSH) = 0.32, P6.4 –10.9^ ∘(MCSH) = 0.29, and P10.9 –18^ ∘(MCSH) = 0.30. For stimulations without foveal stray light suppression, the medians M were M0 –1.6^ ∘ = 0.29, M1.6 –3.5^ ∘ = 0.37, M3.5 –6.4^ ∘ = 0.98, M6.4 –10.9 ^^ ∘ = 1.08, and M10.9 –18^ ∘ = 1.24, and the probabilities were P0–1.6^ ∘(MCSH) = 0.09, P1.6 –3.5^ ∘(MCSH) = 0.05, P3.5 –6.4^ ∘(MCSH) = 0.50, P6.4 –10.9^ ∘(MCSH) = 0.55, and P10.9 –18^ ∘(MCSH) = 0.55. In conclusion, the stimulus design has an influence on the harmonic components of ssVEPs. An increase in stimulation eccentricity during extrafoveal stimulation leads to a transition of the main response to the second harmonic. The effect is enhanced by a simultaneous foveal stimulation.
A Mutation in VWA1, Encoding von Willebrand Factor A Domain-Containing Protein 1, Is Associated With Hemifacial Microsomia

Background Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a type of rare congenital syndrome caused by developmental disorders of the first and second pharyngeal arches that occurs in one out of 5,600 live births. There are significant gaps in our knowledge of the pathogenic genes underlying this syndrome. Methods Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on five patients, one asymptomatic carrier, and two marry-in members of a five-generation pedigree. Structure of WARP (product of VWA1) was predicted using the Phyre2 web portal. In situ hybridization and vwa1-knockdown/knockout studies in zebrafish using morpholino and CRISPR/Cas9 techniques were performed. Cartilage staining and immunofluorescence were carried out. Results Through WES and a set of filtration, we identified a c.G905A:p.R302Q point mutation in a novel candidate pathogenic gene, VWA1. The Phyre2 web portal predicted alterations in secondary and tertiary structures of WARP, indicating changes in its function as well. Predictions of protein-to-protein interactions in five pathways related to craniofacial development revealed possible interactions with four proteins in the FGF pathway. Knockdown/knockout studies of the zebrafish revealed deformities of pharyngeal cartilage. A decrease of the proliferation of cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) and alteration of the structure of pharyngeal chondrocytes were observed in the morphants as well. Conclusion Our data suggest that a mutation in VWA1 is functionally linked to HFM through suppression of CNCC proliferation and disruption of the organization of pharyngeal chondrocytes.
Effectiveness and Safety of Oral Anticoagulants in Older Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Objective Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, typically increases with age. Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are the cornerstone of treatment to reduce the associated risk for systemic thromboembolism. Four large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are non-inferior to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in preventing stroke and systemic embolism, as well as regarding their risk for major bleeding. However, as vulnerable geriatric patients with AF were largely underrepresented in these trials, physicians are faced with the challenge of choosing the right anticoagulant for geriatric patients in real-life clinical practice. In this vulnerable patient group, NOACs tend to be underused or underdosed due to concerns of excessive fall-related intracranial bleeding, cognitive impairment, multiple drug-drug interactions, low body weight or impaired renal function. As life expectancy continues to rise worldwide, the number of geriatric patients substantially increases. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a critical appraisal of the added value of NOACs in geriatric patients with AF at high thromboembolic and bleeding risk. Methods and Results This systematic review provides an overview of the literature on the impact of increased age (≥75 years), multimorbidity, polypharmacy, increased falling risk, frailty and dementia on the effectiveness and safety of NOACs as compared to VKAs, after searching the Medline database. Moreover, a meta-analysis on the impact of increased age ≥75 years old was performed after pooling results from 6 post hoc analyses of RCTs and 6 longitudinal observational cohort studies, highlighting the superior effectiveness (hazard ratio (HR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.74–0.94] for stroke/SE; HR 0.77, 95%CI [0.65–0.92] for mortality) and non-inferior safety (HR 0.93, 95%CI [0.86–1.01] for major bleeding; HR 0.58, 95%CI [0.50–0.67] for intracranial bleeding; HR 1.17, 95%CI [0.99–1.38] for gastrointestinal bleeding) of NOACs versus VKAs in older AF patients. Conclusion Across geriatric subgroups, apixaban was consistently associated with the most favourable benefit-risk profile and should therefore be preferred in geriatric patients with AF. However, research gaps on the impact of increased falling risk, frailty and baseline dementia were identified, requiring careful consideration while awaiting more results.