Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Decision Aide for the Risk Stratification of GU Cancer Patients at Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection, COVID-19 Related Hospitalization, Intubation, and Mortality

Treatment decisions for both early and advanced genitourinary (GU) malignancies take into account the risk of dying from the malignancy as well as the risk of death due to other causes such as other co-morbidities. COVID-19 is a new additional and immediate risk to a patient’s morbidity and mortality and there is a need for an accurate assessment as to the potential impact on of this syndrome on GU cancer patients. The aim of this work was to develop a risk tool to identify GU cancer patients at risk of diagnosis, hospitalization, intubation, and mortality from COVID-19. A retrospective case showed a series of GU cancer patients screened for COVID-19 across the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS). Four hundred eighty-four had a GU malignancy and 149 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Demographic and clinical variables of >38,000 patients were available in the institutional database and were utilized to develop decision aides to predict a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, as well as COVID-19-related hospitalization, intubation, and death. A risk tool was developed using a combination of machine learning methods and utilized BMI, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. The risk tool for predicting a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 had an AUC of 0.83, predicting hospitalization for management of COVID-19 had an AUC of 0.95, predicting patients requiring intubation had an AUC of 0.97, and for predicting COVID-19-related death, the risk tool had an AUC of 0.79. The models had an acceptable calibration and provided a superior net benefit over other common strategies across the entire range of threshold probabilities.
Low-Cost Additive Manufacturing Techniques Applied to the Design of Planar Microwave Circuits by Fused Deposition Modeling

This work presents a study on the implementation and manufacturing of low-cost microwave electronic circuits, made with additive manufacturing techniques using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. First, the manufacturing process of substrates with different filaments, using various options offered by additive techniques in the manufacture of 3D printing parts, is described. The implemented substrates are structurally analyzed by ultrasound techniques to verify the correct metallization and fabrication of the substrate, and the characterization of the electrical properties in the microwave frequency range of each filament is performed. Finally, standard and novel microwave filters in microstrip and stripline technology are implemented, making use of the possibilities offered by additive techniques in the manufacturing process. The designed devices were manufactured and measured with good results, which demonstrates the possibility of using low-cost 3D printers in the design process of planar microwave circuits.
Repurposing simeprevir, calpain inhibitor IV and a cathepsin F inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 and insights into their interactions with Mpro

Abstract The world has come to a sudden halt due to the incessant spread of a viral pneumonia dubbed COVID-19 caused by the beta-coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 plays a key role in the replication and propagation of the virus in the host cells. Inhibiting the protease blocks the replication of the virus; therefore it is considered as an attractive therapeutic target. Here we describe the screening of the DrugBank database, a public repository for small molecule therapeutics, to identify approved or experimental phase drugs that can be repurposed against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. The initial screening was performed on more than 13,000 drug entries in the target database using an energy optimised pharmacophore hypothesis AARRR. A sub-set of the molecules selected based on the fitness score was further screened using molecular docking by sequentially filtering the molecules through the high throughput virtual screening, extra precision and standard precision docking modalities. The best hits were subjected to binding free energy estimation using the MM-GBSA method. Approved drugs viz, Cobicistat, Larotrectinib and Simeprevir were identified as potential candidates for repurposing. Drugs in the discovery phase identified as inhibitors include the known cysteine protease inhibitors, Calpain inhibitor IV and an experimental cathepsin F inhibitor. In order to analyse the stability of the binding interactions, the known cysteine protease inhibitors viz, Simeprevir, calpain inhibitor IV and the cathepsin F inhibitor in complex Mpro were subjected to molecular dynamics simulations at 100 ns. Based on the results Simeprevir was found to be a strong inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
IMOVE—An Intuitive Concept Mobility Systems for Perioperative Transfer and Induction of Anaesthesia for Special Needs Children

Children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit uncontrollable disruptive behaviour during transfer to the operating room and operating table and at the induction of anaesthesia (sleep). This process often involves the physical restraining of children. These children are then lifted onto the operating table by healthcare staff after being anaesthetized. This predisposes children to fall risk and hospital staff to musculoskeletal injuries. We developed two concept mobility devices, IMOVE-I and -II, based on robotics systems comprising of restraint modules and multi-positional modality (sitting, supine, Trendelenburg). The aim was to intuitively secure children to facilitate the safe induction of sleep and ease of transfer onto operating tables upon sleep. IMOVE-I loads the child in standing position using a dual arm restraint module that is activated by trained healthcare staff. IMOVE-II loads the child in the sitting position by motivating the self-application of restraints. Opinions were obtained from 21 operating theatre healthcare staff with experience in the care of ASD children and parents with ASD children. The mean satisfaction rating of IMOVE-I was 5.62 (95% CI 5.00, 6.27) versus 8.10 (95% CI 7.64, 8.55) in IMOVE-II, p < 0.001. IMOVE-II is favoured over IMOVE-I in system operation and safety, ease of use and module functionality.
Relationship between the morphological, mechanical and permeability properties of porous bone scaffolds and the underlying microstructure

Bone scaffolds are widely used as one of the main bone substitute materials. However, many bone scaffold microstructure topologies exist and it is still unclear which topology to use when designing scaffold for a specific application. The aim of the present study was to reveal the mechanism of the microstructure-driven performance of bone scaffold and thus to provide guideline on scaffold design. Finite element (FE) models of five TPMS (Diamond, Gyroid, Schwarz P, Fischer-Koch S and F-RD) and three traditional (Cube, FD-Cube and Octa) scaffolds were generated. The effective compressive and shear moduli of scaffolds were calculated from the mechanical analysis using the FE unit cell models with the periodic boundary condition. The scaffold permeability was calculated from the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis using the 4×4×4 FE models. It is revealed that the surface-to-volume ratio of the Fischer-Koch S-based scaffold is the highest among the scaffolds investigated. The mechanical analysis revealed that the bending deformation dominated structures (e.g., the Diamond, the Gyroid, the Schwarz P) have higher effective shear moduli. The stretching deformation dominated structures (e.g., the Schwarz P, the Cube) have higher effective compressive moduli. For all the scaffolds, when the same amount of change in scaffold porosity is made, the corresponding change in the scaffold relative shear modulus is larger than that in the relative compressive modulus. The CFD analysis revealed that the structures with the simple and straight pores (e.g., Cube) have higher permeability than the structures with the complex pores (e.g., Fischer-Koch S). The main contribution of the present study is that the relationship between scaffold properties and the underlying microstructure is systematically investigated and thus some guidelines on the design of bone scaffolds are provided, for example, in the scenario where a high surface-to-volume ratio is required, it is suggested to use the Fischer-Koch S based scaffold.
Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals Virulence Potentials of Helicobacter pylori Strain KE21 Isolated from a Kenyan Patient with Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection is etiologically associated with severe diseases including gastric cancer; but its pathogenicity is deeply shaped by the exceptional genomic diversification and geographic variation of the species. The clinical relevance of strains colonizing Africa is still debated. This study aimed to explore genomic features and virulence potentials of H. pylori KE21, a typical African strain isolated from a native Kenyan patient diagnosed with a gastric cancer. A high-quality circular genome assembly of 1,648,327 bp (1590 genes) obtained as a hybrid of Illumina Miseq short reads and Oxford Nanopore MinION long reads, clustered within hpAfrica1 population. This genome revealed a virulome and a mobilome encoding more than hundred features potentiating a successful colonization, persistent infection, and enhanced disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, through an experimental infection of gastric epithelial cell lines, strain KE21 showed the ability to promote interleukin-8 production and to induce cellular alterations resulting from the injection of a functional CagA oncogene protein into the cells. This study shows that strain KE21 is potentially virulent and can trigger oncogenic pathways in gastric epithelial cells. Expended genomic and clinical explorations are required to evaluate the epidemiological importance of H. pylori infection and its putative complications in the study population.
Molecular Identification of Adenocephalus pacificus (Cestoda) from Three Human Cases in Lima Province, Peru

The Pacific tapeworm Adenocephalus pacifcus (syn. Diphyllobothrium pacificum) is a causative agent of diphyllobothriosis occurred in Pacific coast of South America, mainly in Peru. Source of infections are traditional meal from raw or undercooked marine fish such as “cebiche”. We confirmed 3 new cases, one including scolex and the other two headless. A strobila 46 cm long without scolex was discharged from an 8-year-old boy before treatment. Specimens were confirmed morphologically by presence of tegumental protuberances on proglottids and small sized eggs. Partial sequence of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene was congruent with A. pacificus sequences.
Zooplankton communities and their relationship with water quality in eight reservoirs from the midwestern and southeastern regions of Brazil.

Zooplankton are widely recognised as being regulated primarily by predators and food availability. In reservoirs, the quantity and quality of food resources are generally affected by the characteristics of the water, which in turn are controlled by the flow pulse generated by operation of the dams. In this study, we investigated the relationship between zooplankton, water quality and food availability (phytoplankton) in eight hydroelectric reservoirs located in Brazil. Samples were collected during the rainy and dry periods between 2008 and 2009. In general, the reservoirs exhibited mesotrophic conditions and Cyanobacteria were the predominant phytoplankton. The results showed that the rotifers Kellicottia bostoniensis, Hexarthra mira, Keratella spp. , and Polyarthra vulgaris were present, indicating nutrient-rich environments. In addition, the copepod Thermocyclops decipiens occurred in eutrophic environments. In contrast, the cladoceran Daphnia gessneri and copepod Notodiaptomus henseni were considered indicators of more desirable water quality, owing to their relationship with waters with lower levels of nutrients and suspended solids. The results support the use of these organisms as a useful tool for understanding changes in water quality and in the ecosystem processes involved.
Underlying Subwavelength Aperture Architecture Drives the Optical Properties of Microcavity Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensors

Microcavity surface plasmon resonance sensors (MSPRSs) develop out of the classic surface plasmon resonance technologies and aim at producing novel lab-on-a-chip devices. MSPRSs generate a series of spectral resonances sensitive to minute changes in the refractive index. Related sensitivity studies and biosensing applications are published elsewhere. The goal of this work is to test the hypothesis that MSPRS resonances are standing surface plasmon waves excited at the surface of the sensor that decay back into propagating photons. Their optical properties (mean wavelength, peak width, and peak intensity) appear highly dependent on the internal morphology of the sensor and the underlying subwavelength aperture architecture in particular. Numerous optical experiments were designed to investigate trends that confirm this hypothesis. An extensive study of prior works was supportive of our findings and interpretations. A complete understanding of those mechanisms and parameters driving the formations of the MSPRS resonances would allow further improvement in sensor sensitivity, reliability, and manufacturability.
Sluggish cognitive tempo is associated with autistic traits and anxiety disorder symptoms in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Objective: To investigate the association of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) with autistic traits (ATs) and anxiety disorder symptoms among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: A total of 195 children with a DSM-5 diagnosis of ADHD were included. The Barkley Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Scale (BSCTS) was used to measure SCT symptoms. Other study measures included the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Screen for Child Anxiety and Related Disorders (SCARED), Turgay DSM-IV Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (T-DSM-IV-S), and Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS-R). Results: The frequency of SCT was 30.3% (n=59) in the whole group. Those with SCT had higher total AQ and SCARED scores. Significant associations and correlations were also found between SCT and certain subscores of AQ and SCARED. According to the linear regression model, the total score and social skills, attention switching, and imagination scores of AQ, as well as generalized anxiety and panic/somatic scores of SCARED and the total and inattention scores of parent T-DSM-IV, were predictive of SCT total score (p < 0.05). Conclusions: SCT is associated with ATs and anxiety disorders. Children with ADHD and SCT symptoms should be screened for such conditions.
Carbon dots based ratiometric fluorescent sensing platform for food safety

Abstract Food safety has become a major global concern and the rapid detection of food nutritional ingredients and contaminants has aroused much more attention. Nanomaterials-based fluorescent sensing holds great potential in designing highly sensitive and selective detection strategies for food safety analysis. Carbon dots (CDs) possess tremendous prospects in fluorescent sensing food ingredients and contaminants due to their superior properties of chemical and photostability, highly fluorescence with tunability, and no/low-toxicity. Numerous endeavors are demanded to contribute to overcoming the challenge of lower sensitivity and selectivity of the sensors interfered by various components in intricate food matrices to ensure food safety and human health. Nanohybrid CDs based ratiometric fluorescent sensing with self-calibration is regarded as an efficient strategy for the CDs based sensors for the specific recognition of target analyte in the food matrices. This work is devoted to reviewing the development of nanohybrid CDs based ratiometric fluorescent sensing platform and the perspectives of the platform for food safety. The applications of nanohybrid CDs in sensing are summarized and the sensing mechanisms are briefly discussed. Graphical Abstract
Impact of Neospora caninum Infection on the Bioenergetics and Transcriptome of Cerebrovascular Endothelial Cells

In this work, the effects of the protozoan Neospora caninum on the bioenergetics, chemical composition, and elemental content of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) were investigated. We showed that N. caninum can impair cell mitochondrial (Mt) function and causes an arrest in host cell cycling at S and G2 phases. These adverse effects were also associated with altered expression of genes involved in Mt energy metabolism, suggesting Mt dysfunction caused by N. caninum infection. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis of hBMECs revealed alterations in the FTIR bands as a function of infection, where infected cells showed alterations in the absorption bands of lipid (2924 cm−1), amide I protein (1649 cm−1), amide II protein (1537 cm−1), nucleic acids and carbohydrates (1092 cm−1, 1047 cm−1, and 939 cm−1). By using quantitative synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (μSR-XRF) imaging and quantification of the trace elements Zn, Cu and Fe, we detected an increase in the levels of Zn and Cu from 3 to 24 h post infection (hpi) in infected cells compared to control cells, but there were no changes in the level of Fe. We also used Affymetrix array technology to investigate the global alteration in gene expression of hBMECs and rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMVECs) in response to N. caninum infection at 24 hpi. The result of transcriptome profiling identified differentially expressed genes involved mainly in immune response, lipid metabolism and apoptosis. These data further our understanding of the molecular events that shape the interaction between N. caninum and blood-brain-barrier endothelial cells.
Effects of Media Health Literacy School-Based Interventions on Adolescents’ Body Image Concerns, Eating Concerns, and Thin-Internalization Attitudes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT This systematic and meta-analytic review investigated the effects of media health literacy (MHL) interventions in school settings on adolescents’ body image. Twenty one intervention-control comparisons reported in 16 studies were identified. The following attributes were extracted from each study for a systematic review: Study time-period and country location, sample composition, school atmosphere, unit of random assignment, theoretical perspective, intervention-control comparison, co-interventions, number of overall and MHL sessions, length of MHL sessions, and outcomes measured. The meta-analysis of effect sizes for three outcomes of interest related to body image showed consistent changes in the desired negative direction as expected: body image concerns (g = −0.25, k = 19); eating concerns (g = −0.18, k = 19); thin-internalization attitudes (g = −0.40, k = 12); and combined (g = −0.25, k = 21). Homogeneity analysis for the combined effect size and moderator analyses for gender composition of intervention group, number of overall intervention sessions, number of MHL specific intervention sessions within the overall intervention, and time length of MHL intervention session all showed absence of moderators. However, all study samples except one were of European origin and so caution should be exercised when generalizing to other cultures that may have different standards of female ideal body type.
Mutations in PIGA cause a CD52‐/GPI‐anchor‐deficient phenotype complicating alemtuzumab treatment in T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia

Infusional alemtuzumab followed by consolidating allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in eligible patients is considered a standard of care in T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T‐PLL). Antibody selection against CD52 has been associated with the development of CD52‐negative leukemic T cells at time of relapse. Clinical implications and molecular mechanisms underlying this phenotypic switch are unknown.
Metal Nanozyme with Ester Hydrolysis Activity in the Presence of Ammonia-Borane and Its Use in a Sensitive Immunosensor.

Metal nanoparticle surfaces are used for peroxidase- and oxidase-like nanozymes but not for esterase-like nanozymes. It is challenging to obtain rapid catalytic hydrolysis on a metal surface and even more so without a catalytically labile substrate. Here, we report that metal nanoparticle surfaces rapidly catalyze non-redox ester hydrolysis in the presence of redox H 3 N-BH 3 (AB). Metal hydrides are readily generated on a Pt nanoparticle (PtNP) from AB, and as a result the PtNP becomes electron-rich, which might assist nucleophilic attack of H 2 O on the carbonyl group of an ester. The nanozyme system based on PtNP, AB, and 4-aminonaphthalene-1-yl acetate provides an electrochemical signal-to-background ratio much higher than natural enzymes, due to the rapid ester hydrolysis and redox cycling involving the hydrolysis product. The nanozyme system is applied in a sensitive electrochemical immunosensor for thyroid-stimulating hormone detection. The calculated detection limit is approximately 0.3 pg/mL, which indicates the high sensitivity of the immunosensor using the PtNP nanozyme.
Fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma due to paternal mosaicism of TSC2

Abstract Rationale: Rhabdomyoma is the most common type of fetal heart tumors and 50% to 60% of cardiac rhabdomyomas are associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). TSC is characterized by hamartomas in multiple organ systems including the brain, heart, skin, lungs, and kidneys, resulting in complications such as learning difficulties, epilepsy, behavioral problems, and renal failure. The etiological diagnosis of Rhabdomyoma is very important. Patient concerns: A 22-year-old G2P0 woman chose to terminate the pregnancy at 24 + 4 weeks of gestation because of the presence of a cardiac space-occupying lesion in the fetus. Diagnoses: The pathological diagnosis of cardiac neoplasm tissue was cardiac rhabdomyoma, but the etiology was unknown. Interventions: Targeted exome capture, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and sanger sequencing were performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes and paternal sperm. Outcomes: Targeted exome capture sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous variant (NM_000548, c.2294delC) in the tuberous sclerosis 2 (TSC2) gene. Sanger sequencing of maternal blood samples showed no mutation at this locus, however, suspected low level mosaicism was observed in paternal blood samples. Deep NGS analysis showed that about 7% paternal alleles from peripheral blood leucocytes and 20% paternal alleles from sperm carried the mutation consistent with somatic and germinal mosaicism. Lessons: For fetuses suspected of TSC, when pathogenic mutations are detected in the tuberous sclerosis 1 (TSC1) or TSC2 gene, it is recommended that the parents should be screened by deep NGS and their germ cells are screened as well if necessary, which would help to predict the risk of TSC recurrence in the next pregnancy.