Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visually Induced Motion Sickness Susceptibility and Recovery Based on Four Mitigation Techniques

Virtual reality (VR) usage continues to grow, but visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) can decrease VR effectiveness for some users. This study seeks to compare methods of VIMS mitigation and explore sickness among gender and video game experience groups. Participant discomfort and early dropout are problems for studies that involve virtual environment (VE) exposure, but previous research has demonstrated that natural decay and physical, real-world hand–eye coordination tasks can serve as effective mitigation strategies. In this study, 57 participants wore a head-mounted display (HMD) and navigated a maze VE designed to induce cybersickness. Participants then experienced one of four mitigation techniques: real natural decay (HMD off), virtual natural decay (HMD on with idyllic VE and no locomotion), real hand–eye coordination task (HMD off), and virtual hand–eye coordination task (HMD on). Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) measures were taken periodically throughout maze and mitigation tasks. Results demonstrated that peak sickness during the maze VE occurred after approximately 10 min. Analyses of mitigation techniques showed that real natural decay resulted in significantly more sickness recovery when compared with the virtual hand–eye coordination task for SSQ total score, nausea, and oculomotor constructs, but not disorientation. The real natural decay technique was the most effective at bringing participants' final sickness measure back to their initial baseline measure; however, other mitigation techniques yielded effectiveness, but at a lower rate. This study extends previous research about hand–eye mitigation approaches by demonstrating that natural decay and hand–eye tasks in a virtual and real-world setting were effective in reducing VIMS. Real-world natural decay was the most effective at mitigating VIMS, and the virtual hand–eye task was not as effective as the other three tasks. Women experienced more VIMS than men did but also recovered than men did during mitigation. Video gamers experienced less VIMS than non-gamers. These findings bolster extant knowledge about VIMS mitigation techniques and can inform future development of virtual mitigation techniques.
Tuning the Cell-Free Protein Synthesis System for Biomanufacturing of Monomeric Human Filaggrin

The modern cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) system is expanding the opportunity of cell-free biomanufacturing as a versatile platform for synthesizing various therapeutic proteins. However, synthesizing human protein in the bacterial CFPS system remains challenging due to the low expression level, protein misfolding, inactivity, and more. These challenges limit the use of a bacterial CFPS system for human therapeutic protein synthesis. In this study, we demonstrated the improved performance of a customized CFPS platform for human therapeutic protein production by investigating the factors that limit cell-free transcription–translation. The improvement of the CFPS platform has been made in three ways. First, the cell extract was prepared from the rare tRNA expressed host strain, and CFPS was performed with a codon-optimized gene for Escherichia coli codon usage bias. The soluble protein yield was 15.2 times greater with the rare tRNA overexpressing host strain as cell extract and codon-optimized gene in the CFPS system. Next, we identify and prioritize the critical biomanufacturing factors for highly active crude cell lysate for human protein synthesis. Lastly, we engineer the CFPS reaction conditions to enhance protein yield. In this model, the therapeutic protein filaggrin expression was significantly improved by up to 23-fold, presenting 28 ± 5 μM of soluble protein yield. The customized CFPS system for filaggrin biomanufacturing described here demonstrates the potential of the CFPS system to be adapted for studying therapeutic proteins.
Occurrence of Fusarium oxysporum causing wilt on pepper in Mexico

Abstract A new disease on greenhouse pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants in Culiacan, Mexico with symptoms of chlorosis, wilting and vascular necrosis was observed in 2014. Sixty diseased pepper plants were collected from three different areas of the Culiacan Valley to determine the causal agent of the disease and analyse the potential risk presented by this disease in this region. Fusarium oxysporum was recovered consistently (88% of samples collected) and identified based on cultural, morphological and pathogenicity tests, as well as by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing of the TEF-1α gene. Two pathogenicity tests with 10 monoconidial isolates of F. oxysporum, which were selected randomly from diseased tissues, produced disease symptoms similar to those observed on pepper plants in the greenhouses. Symptoms were different from the typical root rot, wilting and necrosis caused by F. solani and F. oxysporum f. sp. radicis-capsici and instead matched those reported for F. oxysporum f. sp. capsici causing pepper wilt. The results suggest that the causal agent of pepper wilt in the samples analysed was F. oxysporum. This is the first report of pepper wilt caused by this fungus in Mexico, and this disease is a potential threat for pepper production in this region.
Ablation catheter orientation: In vitro effects on lesion size and in vivo analysis during PVI for atrial fibrillation

Catheter‐delivered radiofrequency (RF) lesion formation is a complex phenomenon, and few studies have explored the effect of catheter orientation on lesion size and catheter orientation behavior during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedures. We evaluated the influence of catheter orientation on lesion dimensions in an in vitro experimental setting and investigated the catheter orientation behavior during PVI.
Influence of p16 status on indication and outcome of salvage neck dissection in oropharyngeal cancer

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV)+ and HPV– oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) are separate tumor entities. Aims/Objectives The aim of this study was to examine if the p16 status influences the need and outcome of a salvage neck dissection (SND) after primary radiochemotherapy (pRCT). Material and methods Retrospective study of 164 patients (n = 108 p16–, n = 56 p16+) who underwent pRCT for OPSCC between 2009 and 2016. HPV status was defined via p16 immunohistochemical staining. Clinical nodal status was assessed using ultrasound and computed tomography of the neck with contrast. Results Of the 56 p16+ patients, 17 (30.4%) patients were given an indication for a SND after pRCT with 4 (23.5%) patients showing persistent malignant nodes. Of the 108 p16– patients, 24 (22.2%) patients underwent a SND with 8 (33.3%) patients showing persistent malignant nodes. There was no significant association of the p16 status and neither the indication for SND (p(Chi2(two-sided)-Test) = 0.25, ϕ = 0.34) nor the occurrence of positive nodes (p(Chi2(two-sided)-Test) = 0.74, ϕ = 0.50). The probability for persistence of the ypN + nodal status independent of HPV-status was 29.2%(12/41). Conclusions and significance There was neither a significant association between the p16 status and the indication for a SND nor for persistent malignant nodal disease after pRCT.
PDE-5i Management of Erectile Dysfunction After Rectal Surgery: A Systematic Review Focusing on Treatment Efficacy

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the main functional complications of surgical resections of the rectum due to rectal cancers or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The present systematic review aimed at revising ED management strategies applied after rectal resections and their efficacy in terms of improvement of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score. A literature search was conducted on Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases by two independent reviewers following the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials (RCTs, NRCTs), case-control studies, and case series evaluating medical or surgical therapies for ED diagnosed after rectal surgery for both benign and malignant pathologies were eligible for inclusion. Out of 1028 articles initially identified, only five met the inclusion criteria: two RCTs comparing oral phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (PDE-5i) versus placebo; one NRCT comparing PDE-5i versus PDE-5i + vacuum erection devices (VEDs) versus control; and two before-after studies on PDE-5i. A total of 253 (82.7%) rectal cancer patients and 53 (17.3%) IBD patients were included. Based on two RCTs, PDE-5i significantly improved IIEF compared to placebo at 3 months (SMD = 1.07; 95% CI [0.65, 1.48]; p < .00001; I2 = 39%). Improved IIEF was also reported with PDE-5i + VED at 12 months. There is a paucity of articles in the literature that specifically assess efficacy of ED treatments after rectal surgery. Many alternative treatment strategies to PDE-5is remain to be investigated. Future studies should implement standardized preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up sexual function assessment in patients undergoing rectal resections.
Model Based Error Correction for Optical Aberrations in Laser Scanning Microscopes

In this article the use of an error correction strategy for optical aberrations based on ray-tracing is proposed and theoretically and experimentally validated using a laser scanning microscope of our own design. The system, its modelling and its calibration are briefly introduced together with experimental results. A comparison between the proposed error correction and one based on an artifact pre-measuring are also shown.
Auxin apical dominance governed by the OsAsp1-OsTIF1 complex determines distinctive rice caryopses development on different branches

In rice (Oryza sativa), caryopses located on proximal secondary branches (CSBs) have smaller grain size and poorer grain filling than those located on apical primary branches (CPBs), greatly limiting grain yield. However, the molecular mechanism responsible for developmental differences between CPBs and CSBs remains elusive. In this transcriptome-wide expression study, we identified the gene Aspartic Protease 1 (OsAsp1), which reaches an earlier and higher transcriptional peak in CPBs than in CSBs after pollination. Disruption of OsAsp1 expression in the heterozygous T-DNA line asp1-1+/–eliminated developmental differences between CPBs and CSBs. OsAsp1 negatively regulated the transcriptional inhibitor of auxin biosynthesis, OsTAA1 transcriptional inhibition factor 1 (OsTIF1), to preserve indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) apical dominance in CPBs and CSBs. IAA also facilitated OsTIF1 translocation from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the nucleus by releasing the interaction of OsTIF1 with OsAsp1 to regulate caryopses IAA levels via a feedback loop. IAA promoted transcription of OsAsp1 through MADS29 to maintain an OsAsp1 differential between CPBs and CSBs during pollination. Together, these findings provide a mechanistic explanation for the distributed auxin differential between CPBs and CSBs to regulate distinct caryopses development in different rice branches and potential targets for engineering yield improvement in crops.
Checkpoint therapeutic target database (CKTTD): the first comprehensive database for checkpoint targets and their modulators in cancer immunotherapy

Background Checkpoint targets play a key role in tumor-mediated immune escape and therefore are critical for cancer immunotherapy. Unfortunately, there is a lack of bioinformatics resource that compile all the checkpoint targets for translational research and drug discovery in immuno-oncology. Methods To this end, we developed checkpoint therapeutic target database (CKTTD), the first comprehensive database for immune checkpoint targets (proteins, miRNAs and LncRNAs) and their modulators. A scoring system was adopted to filter more relevant targets with high confidence. In addition, a few biological databases such as Oncomine, Drugbank, miRBase and Lnc2Cancer database were integrated into CKTTD to provide an in-depth information. Moreover, we computed and provided ligand-binding site information for all the targets which may support bench scientists for drug discovery efforts. Results In total, CKTTD compiles 105 checkpoint protein targets, 53 modulators (small-molecules and antibody), 30 miRNAs and 18 LncRNAs in cancer immunotherapy with validated experimental evidences curated from 10 649 literatures via an enhanced text-mining system. Conclusions In conclusion, the CKTTD may serve as a useful platform for the research of cancer immunotherapy and drug discovery. The CKTTD database is freely available to public at http://www.ckttdb. org/.
Framing the Clinical Encounter: Shared Decision-Making, Mammography Screening, and Decision Satisfaction

The study examines whether physicians’ framing of clinical interactions is related to patient shared decision-making (SDM) satisfaction when using a clinical decision support tool (CDST) concerning mammographic screening. To answer this question, we combined (a) system log data from a CDST, (b) content coding of the physicians’ message framing while using the CDST, and (c) a post-visit patient survey to assess SDM satisfaction concerning screening mammography. Results suggest that two types of message frames — consequence frames and numerical frames — moderated the relationship of the CDST on SDM satisfaction. When the CDST displayed low risk of breast cancer for a patient, physicians were able to improve the cognitive aspects of SDM satisfaction by framing the consequences of mammography screening in positive terms. However, when the physician delivered the numerical information in relative, rather than absolute terms, the patient’s SDM satisfaction was reduced. Our study advances previous message framing effect research in health communication from experimental settings to clinical encounters. It also discusses the importance of delivering risk-congruent frames in clinical settings.
Botulinum Toxin Injection for Chronic Parotitis: A Multi‐Center and Prospective Trial

When conservative therapy fails for chronic parotitis, sialendoscopic treatment or surgical excision can be considered. However, these are financially costly or invasive. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin (BTX) injection and to further analyze its effect on parotid gland function and volume using salivary single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)‐computed tomography (CT).
A longitudinal and transancestral analysis of DNA methylation patterns and disease activity in lupus patients

Epigenetic dysregulation is implicated in the pathogenesis of lupus. We performed a longitudinal analysis to assess changes in DNA methylation in lupus neutrophils over 4 years of follow-up and across disease activity levels using 229 patient samples. We demonstrate that DNA methylation profiles in lupus are partly determined by ancestry-associated genetic variations and are highly stable over time. DNA methylation levels in 2 CpG sites correlated significantly with changes in lupus disease activity. Progressive demethylation in SNX18 was observed with increasing disease activity in African American patients. Importantly, demethylation of a CpG site located within GALNT18 was associated with the development of active lupus nephritis. Differentially methylated genes between African American and European American lupus patients include type I IFN–response genes such as IRF7 and IFI44, and genes related to the NF-κB pathway. TREML4, which plays a vital role in TLR signaling, was hypomethylated in African American patients and demonstrated a strong cis–methylation quantitative trait loci (cis-meQTL) effect among 8855 cis-meQTL associations identified in our study.
Studies on the Antimicrobial Activity of Heliotropium indicum Linn.

Objective: To investigate the antimicrobial activity of alcoholic extract of Heliotropium indicum . Materials and method: Antimicrobial activity was studied at concentrations of 1 μg/ml, 100μg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml of the extract dissolved in propylene glycol against four strains each of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, three strains of fungi and two yeast by agar cup plate diffusion method. Results: The alcoholic extract of Heliotropium indicum was found to possess dose dependent antimicrobial activity in all the test organisms. Conclusion: The study lends support for the use of the plant as folklore medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases.
A process for the acylation of cellulose

Die vorliegende Erfindung beschreibt ein Verfahren zur Acylierung von Poly-, Oligo- oder Disacchariden oder Derivaten hiervon, indem man diese in einer ionischen Flussigkeit lost und mit einem Keten umsetzt, sowie neue acylierte Poly-, Oligo- oder Disaccharide oder Derivate hiervon.
Ecological and phenotypic effects on survival and habitat transitions of white-footed mice

Animals often confine their movements to familiar areas and preferred habitats, resulting in increased fitness through enhanced survival and reproduction. However, the link between preferential habitat use and fitness is rarely tested, especially when individual phenotype is considered. Through multi-state modeling of markrecapture data, we assessed the influence of habitat type, sex, and body size on the daily survival and habitattransition probabilities of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). Habitat states tested were forest edge versus forest interior, and grassy versus shrubby habitat. Females were more likely to survive than males, and mass had a positive effect, whereas foot length a negative effect on survival. Females were more likely to exhibit habitat-type fidelity between edge and interior states than males. Body mass negatively affected daily transition between edge and interior, whereas foot length had a positive effect. Individuals were most likely to remain within the shrubby habitat and leave the grassy habitat. Mass had a negative effect on daily transition probability between grassy and shrubby habitats, foot length had a positive effect, and sex had no effect. Individuals with the greatest probability of moving between habitat types had the lowest probability of survival, likely a result of occupying unfamiliar space. Our results show that white-footed mice in general seem to select habitat types where fitness expectations are likely to be greatest, but that transitions between habitats often depend on phenotypic characteristics of individuals.
Cost Benefit Analysis of Green Building: A Case Study of Public Office Building in Nepal

Buildings are the largest consumer of energy and a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. This incurs a large sum of money to society. It is evident that incorporating green features in buildings can substantially save energy and water consumption, and reduces GHG emissions; however, it is perceived to be costly both by public and private sectors. Often, the investment decisions are made considering the initial cost of the project. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to identify the costs and potential benefits of green buildings over the life cycle of the project using Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), which performs an economic assessment in project appraisal that helps investors and policymakers in better decision making. The study involves a case study of a public office building from Nepal, which is located at DumreBhansar New Town. The existing building is retrofitted with green components such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting for energy efficiency and water efficiency. The results show that investing in green buildings reduce the life cycle cost of the project, and therefore generates value for money in public investment in the long run. A policy recommendation on subsidy helps in scaling the project to private sectors especially residential buildings. The most important contribution of this study lies in identifying the costs and benefits of green building and introducing the concept of life cycle cost using CBA, which increases awareness and removes barriers in implementing green technologies. This paper also acts as an introductory guideline for project appraisal and formulating policies for the Government of Nepal.
Loneliness, Mental Health, and Substance Use among US Young Adults during COVID-19

ABSTRACT As COVID-19 converges with loneliness and addiction epidemics in the US, both public health and mental health experts forecast dramatic increases in substance use and mental health conditions. This cross-sectional study evaluated relationships of loneliness with depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and drug use during COVID-19, and assessed perceived increases in these symptoms in young adults. Between April 22 and May 11, 2020, 1,008 participants ages 18–35 were recruited through social media to a one-time, online anonymous survey. Symptomatology was assessed using six scales. Perceived changes since COVID-19 were evaluated using 5-point Likert scales. Forty-nine percent of respondents reported loneliness scores above 50; 80% reported significant depressive symptoms; 61% reported moderate to severe anxiety; 30% disclosed harmful levels of drinking. While only 22% of the population reported using drugs, 38% reported severe drug use. Loneliness was associated with higher levels of mental health symptomatology. Participants reported significant increases across mental health and substance use symptoms since COVID-19. While direct impacts of COVID-19 could only be calculated with pre-pandemic assessments of these symptoms, estimates indicate elevated psychosocial symptomatology and suggest that symptoms could have worsened since the pandemic. Findings underscore the importance of prevention and intervention to address these public health problems.
Potential mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2 action on male gonadal function and fertility: Current status and future prospects

The novel coronavirus was recognised in December 2019 and caught humanity off guard. The virus employs the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for entry into human cells. ACE2 is expressed on different organs, which is raising concern as to whether these organs can be infected by the virus or not. The testis appears to be an organ enriched with levels of ACE2, while the possible mechanisms of involvement of the male reproductive system by SARS‐CoV‐2 are not fully elucidated. The major focus of the present studies is on the short‐term complications of the coronavirus and gains importance on studying the long‐term effects, including the possible effects of the virus on the male reproductive system. The aim of this review was to provide new insights into different possible mechanisms of involvement of male gonads with SARS‐CoV‐2 including investigating the ACE2 axis in testis, hormonal alterations in patients with COVID‐19, possible formation of anti‐sperm antibodies (ASA) and subsequently immunological infertility as a complication of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Finally, we suggest measuring the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) as a determiner of male fertility impairment in patients with COVID‐19 along with other options such as sex‐related hormones and semen analysis. Invasion of SARS‐CoV‐2 to the spermatogonia, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells can lead to sex hormonal alteration and impaired gonadal function. Once infected, changes in ACE2 signalling pathways followed by oxidative stress and inflammation could cause spermatogenesis failure, abnormal sperm motility, DNA fragmentation and male infertility.