Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Silk versus venom: alternative capture traits employed by closely related 1 myrmecophagous spiders 2

17 Predators that prey on potentially dangerous species have evolved particularly effective capture 18 traits to restrain prey. In spiders, venom and silk represent alternative traits. However, the 19 utilization of such adaptations comes with a cost, as these substances are metabolically and 20 ecologically costly. Based on a possible trade-off, the utilization of only one effective capture 21 strategy should be optimised if a predator is to specialize on a single prey type. 22 We investigated silk and venom utilization in two Callilepis and one Nomisia species, closely 23 related spiders from the family Gnaphosidae, feeding on ants but employing different hunting 24 strategies. We compared their hunting efficacy and hunting strategies with emphasis on the 25 investment in venom versus silk. 26 Nomisia restrained ants with silk (then bit them), while Callilepis relied solely on its venom. 27 This was also reflected in trophic traits connected with silk and venom utilization: Callilepis had 28 larger venom glands than Nomisia , meanwhile adults of Nomisia had more piriform silk glands 29 than Callilepis . Callilepis was more effective as it subdued prey more quickly, presumably due to 30 ant-specific venom. Callilepis and Nomisia handled ants from two subfamilies with different 31 degrees of success: Callilepis was more successful with Formicinae ants, while Nomisia handled 32 better Myrmicinae ants. 33 We show that investment in venom allows Callilepis to be more efficient in overcoming ants 34 than Nomisia that uses both silk and venom. However, such specific adaptations may restrict 35 specialised predators from utilising alternative prey.
Emergence of cfr-Mediated Linezolid Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Pig Carcasses

Altogether, 2547 Staphylococcus aureus isolated from cattle (n = 382), pig (n = 1077), and chicken carcasses (n = 1088) during 2010–2017 were investigated for linezolid resistance and were further characterized using molecular methods. We identified linezolid resistance in only 2.3% of pig carcass isolates. The linezolid-resistant (LR) isolates presented resistance to multiple antimicrobials, including chloramphenicol, clindamycin, and tiamulin. Molecular investigation exhibited no mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA. Nevertheless, we found mutations in ribosomal proteins rplC (G121A) and rplD (C353T) in one and seven LR strains, respectively. All the LR isolates carried the multi-resistance gene cfr, and six of them co-carried the mecA gene. Additionally, all the LR isolates co-carried the phenicol exporter gene, fexA, and presented a high level of chloramphenicol resistance. LR S. aureus isolates represented 10 genotypes, including major genotypes ST433-t318, ST541-t034, ST5-t002, and ST9-t337. Staphylococcal enterotoxin and leukotoxin-encoding genes, alone or in combination, were detected in 68% of LR isolates. Isolates from different farms presented identical or different pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns. Collectively, toxigenic and LR S. aureus strains pose a crisis for public health. This study is the first to describe the mechanism of linezolid resistance in S. aureus isolated from food animal products in Korea.
Neurodevelopment in early treated HIV-infected infants participating in a developmental stimulation program compared with controls.

BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental stimulation programmes can improve developmental outcomes. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) started soon after birth potentially limits the invasion of HIV into the central nervous system. A combination of developmental stimulation and early ART initiation may reduce developmental delays in children with perinatally-acquired HIV infection. METHODS At a single site in Johannesburg, South Africa, we enrolled 36 HIV-infected neonates on ART into an intervention group (IG) participating in a yearlong home-based, neurodevelopmental stimulation program. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-3rd Edition (BSID-III) assessments were conducted at 12 months. Scores were compared with 24 early-treated HIV-infected infants in an observational group (OG). BSID-III assessments were also conducted for older children in an observational group at 24 or 36 months. Cognitive, language and motor scaled and composite scores were analysed. RESULTS BSID-III scaled and composite scores were all higher in the IG apart from the gross motor scaled score (9.25 vs. 10, p=0.1954). Receptive communication scaled score was significantly higher in the IG (10.96 vs. 9, p=0.0331). IG composite scores were all higher than OG scores. OG children assessed at 24 or 36 months had lower composite scores in all subscales than 12 month OG scores. CONCLUSIONS Early-treated HIV-infected children participating in a neurodevelopmental stimulation programme achieved higher BSID-III scores at 12 months compared with early treated HIV-infected children who did not receive the programme.
The technology behind TB DEPOT: a novel public analytics platform integrating tuberculosis clinical, genomic, and radiological data for visual and statistical exploration

Abstract Objective Clinical research informatics tools are necessary to support comprehensive studies of infectious diseases. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) developed the publicly accessible Tuberculosis Data Exploration Portal (TB DEPOT) to address the complex etiology of tuberculosis (TB). Materials and Methods TB DEPOT displays deidentified patient case data and facilitates analyses across a wide range of clinical, socioeconomic, genomic, and radiological factors. The solution is built using Amazon Web Services cloud-based infrastructure, . NET Core, Angular, Highcharts, R, PLINK, and other custom-developed services. Structured patient data, pathogen genomic variants, and medical images are integrated into the solution to allow seamless filtering across data domains. Results Researchers can use TB DEPOT to query TB patient cases, create and save patient cohorts, and execute comparative statistical analyses on demand. The tool supports user-driven data exploration and fulfills the National Institute of Health’s Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) principles. Discussion TB DEPOT is the first tool of its kind in the field of TB research to integrate multidimensional data from TB patient cases. Its scalable and flexible architectural design has accommodated growth in the data, organizations, types of data, feature requests, and usage. Use of client-side technologies over server-side technologies and prioritizing maintenance have been important lessons learned. Future directions are dynamically prioritized and key functionality is shared through an application programming interface. Conclusion This paper describes the platform development methodology, resulting functionality, benefits, and technical considerations of a clinical research informatics application to support increased understanding of TB.
MAPPinfo, mapping quality of health information: study protocol for a validation study of an assessment instrument

Introduction Health information is a prerequisite of informed decision-making. Criteria for development, content and presentation have recently been published in a corresponding guideline. Within a systematic search, 27 relevant checklists were identified, none of them, however, complying with the guideline or providing reasonably operationalised measurement items. Therefore, a draft of a checklist with 19 criteria was drafted. The current study aims at developing and validating this measure of quality. Methods and analysis The validation design consists of five single studies to be conducted at the University of Halle-Wittenberg/Germany and Graz/Austria. (1) Achieving content validity through expert reviews of the first draft, (2) achieving feasibility using ‘think aloud’ in piloting with untrained users, (3) pretesting the instrument applied to health information materials without use of secondary sources: determining inter-rater reliability and criterion validity, (4) determining construct validity using information on proceedings and methods in the development process provided by the developers and (5) determining divergent validity in comparison with the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQUIP) (expanded) Scale. The substudies will use varying samples of experts, students and developers and will apply the instrument to materials of various domains. Sample sizes will be adjusted to the particular research designs and questions. Analyses will employ qualitative methods, such as content analyses and discourse within the expert panel, and correlation-based methods both for determining inter-rater reliability and validity. Ethics and dissemination The project is approved by the ethics committee of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (approval number: 2019 115). Results will be published, and the instrument made accessible on public health platforms. It is meant to become a certification standard. MAPPinfo can be used as a screening instrument without training or secondary sources. Although developed in the German language, the instrument will be applicable also in other languages. Trial registration number AsPredected22546; date of registration: 24 July 2019. Protocol version July 2020.
Health Care Needs and Services for Elder and Disabled Population: Findings from a Barcelona Study

Health care is a pillar of modern society. This study focuses on the use of descriptive analytics to provide demographic and territorial insights that will be of strategic importance in planning subsequent projects meant to improve health care services. We especially focus on the assessment of the elder and disabled population health care needs in Barcelona, and evaluate to what extent the current health care infrastructure is successful in covering the demand of these fragile population segment. This work is developed around three main assessments in the municipality of Barcelona: the elder and disabled health care demand, the available health care services, and the relationship between demand and services, showing that territorial and demographic aspects are relevant in assessing the health needs of the population.
A systematic review of reporting quality for anaesthetic interventions in randomised controlled trials

Interventions from randomised controlled trials can only be replicated if they are reported in sufficient detail. The results of trials can only be confidently interpreted if the delivery of the intervention was systematic and the protocol adhered to. We systematically reviewed trials of anaesthetic interventions published in 12 journals from January 2016 to September 2019. We assessed the detail with which interventions were reported, using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement for non‐pharmacological treatments. We analysed 162 interventions reported by 78 trials in 18,675 participants. Detail sufficiently precise to replicate the intervention was reported for 111 (69%) interventions. Intervention standardisation was reported for 135 (83%) out of the 162 interventions, and protocol adherence was reported for 20 (12%) interventions. Sixty (77%) out of the 78 trials reported the administrative context in which interventions were delivered and 36 (46%) trials detailed the expertise of the practitioners. We conclude that bespoke reporting tools should be developed for anaesthetic interventions and interventions in other areas such as critical care.
CHARACTERIZING THE NATURAL HISTORY OF FOVEAL-SPARING ATROPHIC LATE-ONSET RETINAL DEGENERATION

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. In this prospective, a natural history study of late-onset retinal degeneration, area of atrophy, and central retinal thickness changed significantly with follow-up. Choroidal thickness and volume were significantly reduced compared with normal controls. All measures were validated and had a high interocular correlation. Purpose: To identify quantifiable markers of disease progression in patients with foveal-sparing atrophic late-onset retinal degeneration using fundus autofluorescence and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging. Methods: Natural history study evaluating patients within a 3-year interval. Disease progression was assessed based on the area of retinal atrophy, macular topographic distribution of lesions, retinal and choroidal thickness and volume, and choroidal vascularity index. Results: Twenty-four eyes (12 individuals) were included for fundus autofluorescence, and 31 eyes (16 individuals) for spectral-domain optical coherence tomography studies. Measurements were symmetrical between eyes of the same patient. The area of atrophy significantly enlarged (P = 0.002), with a growth rate of 2.67 mm2/year (SD: 2.13; square rooted: 0.57 mm/year, SD = 0.34). Baseline area of atrophy and progression both correlated with age. Most atrophic lesions were found in the temporal macula and progressed nasally at follow-up. Central choroidal and retinal thicknesses and volume in late-onset retinal degeneration cases were significantly reduced compared with controls, but only central retinal thickness decreased significantly at follow-up. Conclusion: This study identifies the area of atrophy and central retinal thickness, but not chorioretinal volume or choroidal thickness, as markers of short-term progression in late-onset retinal degeneration. These findings may be useful for disease monitoring and late-onset retinal degeneration interventional studies.
In Situ Imaging of Candida albicans Hyphal Growth via Atomic Force Microscopy

Candida albicans is one of the most common pathogens of humans. One important virulence factor of C. albicans is its ability to form elongated hyphae that can invade host tissues and cause disseminated infections. Here, we show the effect of different physiologically relevant temperatures and common antifungal drugs on the growth and mechanical properties of C. albicans hyphae using atomic force microscopy. We demonstrate that minor temperature fluctuations within the normal range can have profound effects on hyphal cell growth and that different antifungal drugs impact hyphal cell stiffness and adhesion in different ways. ABSTRACT Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans known for its ability to cause a wide range of infections. One major virulence factor of C. albicans is its ability to form hyphae that can invade host tissues and cause disseminated infections. Here, we introduce a method based on atomic force microscopy to investigate C. albicans hyphae in situ on silicone elastomer substrates, focusing on the effects of temperature and antifungal drugs. Hyphal growth rates differ significantly for measurements performed at different physiologically relevant temperatures. Furthermore, it is found that fluconazole is more effective than caspofungin in suppressing hyphal growth. We also investigate the effects of antifungal drugs on the mechanical properties of hyphal cells. An increase in Young’s modulus and a decrease in adhesion force are observed in hyphal cells subjected to caspofungin treatment. Young’s moduli are not significantly affected following treatment with fluconazole; the adhesion force, however, increases. Overall, our results provide a direct means of observing the effects of environmental factors and antifungal drugs on C. albicans hyphal growth and mechanics with high spatial resolution. IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is one of the most common pathogens of humans. One important virulence factor of C. albicans is its ability to form elongated hyphae that can invade host tissues and cause disseminated infections. Here, we show the effect of different physiologically relevant temperatures and common antifungal drugs on the growth and mechanical properties of C. albicans hyphae using atomic force microscopy. We demonstrate that minor temperature fluctuations within the normal range can have profound effects on hyphal cell growth and that different antifungal drugs impact hyphal cell stiffness and adhesion in different ways.
Dietary Vitamin B6 Deficiency Impairs Gut Microbiota and Host and Microbial Metabolites in Rats

Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role as a cofactor in various enzymatic reactions but bacteria-produced vitamin B6 is not sufficient to meet host requirements. Our objective was to assess the impact of diet-derived vitamin B6 on gut microbiota and host serum metabolomics. Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 47) were fed a control, low B6 (LB6) or high B6 (HB6) diet for six weeks. Serum and cecal samples were collected for biochemical, metabolomics and gut microbiota profiling. There was a significant sex effect for gut microbiota and several metabolic markers. Bodyweight and percent body fat were significantly reduced in LB6 compared to control and HB6 rats. Microbial beta-diversity differed significantly between LB6 and the control and HB6 rats in both sexes. Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Bacteroides were the primary taxa driving the difference between LB6 and control. There was a significant separation of cecal and serum metabolites of LB6 compared to control and HB6 rats. In the cecum, arginine biosynthesis was impaired, while vitamin B6 metabolism, lysine degradation and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism were impaired in serum metabolite profiles. Cecal propionate and butyrate were significantly reduced in LB6 rats irrespective of sex. Host vitamin B6 deficiency but not excess significantly alters gut microbial composition and its metabolites.
May we apply results data from classical hypertension clinical trials to all beta-blockers?

W e read with interest the article of Thomopoulos et al. [1] in which after analyzing 84 blood pressure (BP)-lowering or comparison trials, authors concluded that compared with other antihypertensive drugs, beta-blockers appeared to be substantially less protective against stroke and overall mortality. However, we think these results cannot be extended to all beta-blockers. Notably, they are mainly applicable to atenolol, as the main weight of the meta-analysis in hypertension rested on atenolol clinical trials. On the other hand, importantly beta-blockers are markedly different among them and some last-generation vasodilating beta-blockers, such as nebivolol substantially differ from atenolol. According to the authors, one of the reasons that may explain why beta-blockers were less protective against stroke compared with other antihypertensive drugs could be their smaller lowering effect on central BP despite a similar arm BP reduction [1,2]. However, it has been reported remarkable differences in hemodynamics between atenolol and nebivolol. Thus, BP-lowering effect of atenolol is due to the cardiac output (CO) and heart rate reduction. By contrast, nebivolol reduces BP as it decreases peripheral resistance and increases stroke volume with preservation of CO [3]. These effects are the results of its dual mechanism of action, including a selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonism and the promotion of nitric oxide release by endothelium [4]. With regard to all-cause mortality, authors considered that the difference between beta-blockers and other drugs could be largely related to the worse tolerability profile of the formers and, consequently, to a higher discontinuation rate [1,5]. However, nebivolol has shown tobewell toleratedwith a low side effects rate, significantly better than atenolol and other beta-blockers; what has been associated,with very low withdrawal rates [6]. In fact, a recent survey confirmed than only 0.8% of treated patients with nebivolol reported any adverse drug reaction, after 24 weeks of treatment [7]. Therefore, the last European hypertension guidelines definitely state that beta-blockers are not a homogeneous drug class. And, particularly, in the case of nebivolol, guidelines explain that several studies with this betablocker have shown more favorable effects on central BP, aortic stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction, and a better tolerability than classical beta-blockers [8]. In summary, although the results of the meta-analysis of Thomopoulos et al. are interesting, we think they should be interpreted with caution, because they can be mainly applied to atenolol, and most likely not extended to other ‘new-generation’ beta-blockers, such as nebivolol.
Work Potential and Work Performance during the First Try-Out of the Person-Centred Return to Work Rehabilitation Programme ReWork-Stroke: A Case Study

Background: This case study explores changes in work potential and work performance for ten people who worked before their stroke while participating in the ReWork-Stroke programme. It describes measures performed by the occupational therapists to enhance work potential and work performance and the participants’ level of work re-entry nine months after the start of their work trial. Methods: Ten people who had experienced a mild or moderate stroke participated. Changes were assessed using the Worker Role Interview and the Assessment of Work Performance. Logbooks relating to work potential and work performance were analysed using content analysis. Results: The participants’ work potential was in general supportive to returning to work at baseline and remained so at the three-month follow-up. Most changes occurred in the environmental factors regarding the participants’ belief that adaptations at the workplace would make re-entry possible. Changes concerning work performance were predominately in a positive direction. Seven of the participants returned to paid work. Conclusion: The ReWork-Stroke programme seems promising for promoting changes in work potential, work performance, and return to paid work. However, further studies are needed to evaluate changes in work potential and work performance and the programme’s effectiveness for increasing work re-entry for people who have had stroke.
Loss of Baiap2l2 destabilizes the transducing stereocilia of cochlear hair cells and leads to deafness

Mechanoelectrical transduction at auditory hair cells requires highly specialized stereociliary bundles that project from their apical surface, forming a characteristic graded ‘staircase’ structure. The morphogenesis and maintenance of these stereociliary bundles is a tightly regulated process requiring the involvement of several actin‐binding proteins, many of which are still unidentified. We identify a new stereociliary protein, the I‐BAR protein BAIAP2L2, which localizes to the tips of the shorter transducing stereocilia in both inner and outer hair cells (IHCs and OHCs). We find that Baiap2l2 deficient mice lose their second and third rows of stereocilia, their mechanoelectrical transducer current, and develop progressive hearing loss, becoming deaf by 8 months of age. We demonstrate that BAIAP2L2 localization to stereocilia tips is dependent on the motor protein MYO15A and its cargo EPS8. We propose that BAIAP2L2 is a new key protein required for the maintenance of the transducing stereocilia in mature cochlear hair cells.
Radiographic measurements of the normal distal radius: reliability of computer-aided CT versus physicians’ radiograph interpretation

We examined the reliability of a computer-aided cone-beam CT analysis of radiographic parameters of 50 normal distal radii and compared it with interobserver agreement of measurements made by three groups of physicians on two-dimensional plain radiographs. The intra-rater reliability of the computer-aided analysis was evaluated on 33 wrists imaged twice by cone-beam CT. The longitudinal axis, anterior tilt, radial inclination and ulnar variance were measured. The reliability of computer-aided analysis was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.94–0.96) while the interobserver agreement of two-dimensional radiograph interpretation was good (ulnar variance, ICC 0.80–0.84) to poor (anterior tilt and radial inclination, ICC 0.20–0.42). We conclude that computer-aided cone-beam CT analysis was a reliable tool for radiographic parameter determination, whereas physicians demonstrated substantial variability especially in interpreting the angular parameters.