Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
J un 2 02 1 Standard Model in Weyl conformal geometry

We study the Standard Model (SM) in Weyl conformal geometry. This embedding is truly minimal with no new fields beyond the SM spectrum and Weyl geometry. The action inherits a gauged scale symmetry D(1) (known as Weyl gauge symmetry) from the underlying geometry. The associated Weyl quadratic gravity undergoes spontaneous breaking of D(1) by a geometric Stueckelberg mechanism in which the Weyl gauge field (ωμ) acquires mass by “absorbing” the spin-zero mode of the R̃ 2 term in the action. This mode also generates the Planck scale. The Einstein-Hilbert action emerges in the broken phase. In the presence of the SM, this mechanism receives corrections (from the Higgs) and it can induce electroweak (EW) symmetry breaking. The Higgs field has direct couplings to the Weyl gauge field while the SM fermions only acquire such couplings following the kinetic mixing of the gauge fields of D(1) × U(1)Y . One consequence is that part of the mass of Z boson is not due to the usual Higgs mechanism, but to its mixing with massive ωμ. Precision measurements of Z mass set lower bounds on the mass of ωμ which can be light (few TeV), depending on the mixing angle and Weyl gauge coupling. The Higgs mass and the EW scale are proportional to the vev of the Stueckelberg field. In the early Universe the Higgs field can have a geometric origin, by Weyl vector fusion, and the Higgs potential can drive inflation. The dependence of the tensor-to-scalar ratio r on the spectral index ns is similar to that in Starobinsky inflation but mildly shifted to lower r by the Higgs non-minimal coupling to Weyl geometry. ∗E-mail: dumitru.ghilencea@cern.ch
J un 2 02 1 Can strange stars mimic dark energy stars ?

The possibility of strange stars mixed with dark energy to be one of candidates for dark energy stars is the main issue of the present study. Our investigation shows that quark matter is acting as dark energy after a certain yet unknown critical condition inside the quark stars. Our proposed model reveals that strange stars mixed with dark energy feature not only a physically acceptable stable model but also mimic characteristics of dark energy stars. The plausible connections are shown through the mass-radius relation as well as the entropy and temperature. We particularly note that a two-fluid distribution is the major reason for the anisotropic nature of the spherical stellar system.
Understanding the Discordanc

Objective: To characterize agreement in the ascertainment of surgical site infections (SSIs) between the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), and administrative data. Background: The NSQIP, NHSN, and administrative data are the primary systems used to monitor and report SSIs for the purpose of quality control and benchmarking of hospitals and surgeons. These systems have different methods for identifying SSIs. Methods: We queried the NHSN, NSQIP, and administrative data systems for patients who had an operation at 1 of 4 hospitals within a single health system between January 2013 and September 2015. The detection of an SSI during a postoperative hospitalization was the outcome of analysis. Any SSI detected by one (or more) of these systems was analyzed by 2 reviewers to determine the presence of discrete elements of documentation constituting evidence of SSI. Concordance between the 3 systems (NHSN, NSQIP, and administrative data) was analyzed using Cohen’s kappa. Results: After application of appropriate exclusion criteria, a cohort of 9447 inpatient operations was analyzed. In total, 130 SSIs were detected by 1 or more of the 3 systems, with reported SSI rates of 0.5% (NHSN), 0.7% (administrative data), and 1.0% (NSQIP). Of these 130 SSIs, only 17 SSIs were reported by all 3 systems. The concordance between these 3 systems was moderate (kappa values NSQIP-NHSN 1⁄4 0.50 [0.40–0.60], administrativeNHSN 1⁄4 0.36 [0.24–0.47], and administrative-NSQIP 1⁄4 0.47 [0.38–0.57]). Chart review found that reasons for discordance were related to issues of different criteria as well as inaccuracies. Conclusion: There is significant discordance in the determination of SSIs reported by the NHSN, NSQIP, and administrative data. The differences and limitations of each of these systems have to be recognized, especially when using these data for quality reports and pay for performance.
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Bambusa lapidea (Bambusodae)

Abstract Bambusa lapidea is primarily distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Hong Kong in China, occurring on plains, lower hills, and wetlands on both sides of rivers and adjacent to villages. Therefore, we sequenced and reported the complete chloroplast genome of B. lapidea for the first time. The complete chloroplast genome sequence of B. lapidea was generated by de novo assembly using whole-genome next generation sequencing. The genome was 139,525 bp in total length, including a large next-copy (LSC) region of 83,034 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 12,893 bp, a pair of invert repeats (IR) regions of 21,799 bp. The plastid genome contained 127 genes including 83 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 14 chloroplast genomes indicates that B. lapidea is closely related to B. arnhemica sinospinosa and B. teres in Bambusodae.
Tongue microbiome in children with autism spectrum disorder

ABSTRACT Background: A few recent studies have characterized the salivary microbiome in association with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Here, we sought to assess if there is an association between the tongue microbiome and ASD. Methods: Tongue scrapping samples were obtained from 25 children with ASD and 38 neurotypical controls. The samples were sequenced for the 16S rRNA gene (V1-V3) and the resultant high-quality reads were assigned to the species-level using our previously described BLASTn-based algorithm. Downstream analyses of microbial profiles were conducted using QIIME, LEfSe, and R. Results: Independent of grouping, Prevotella, Streptococcus, Leptotrichia, Veillonella, Haemophilus and Rothia accounted for > 60% of the average microbiome. Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Rothia mucilaginosa, Prevotella melaninogenica and Neisseria flavescens/subflava were the most abundant species. Species richness and diversity did not significantly differ between the study groups. Thirteen species and three genera were differentially abundant between the two groups, e.g. enrichment of Actinomyces odontolyticus and Actinomyces lingnae and depletion of Campylobacter concisus and Streptococcus vestibularis in the ASD group. However, none of them withstood adjustment for multiple comparisons. Conclusion: The tongue microbiome of children with ASD was not significantly different from that of healthy control children, which is largely consistent with results from the literature.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Taxoblenus sinicus Wei & Nie, 1999 (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) and phylogenetic analysis

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of Taxoblenus sinicus Wei & Nie, 1999 was described. The circular genome is 15,878 bp with an A + T content of 80.4%. It contains 37 genes, and an 859 bp control region. The trnI (+)-trnQ (−)-trnM (+) cluster rearranges to trnM (+)-trnQ (−)-CR-trnI (+). Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that Allantinae is a sister group of Tenthredininae and T. sinicus is one of the basal lineages of Allantinae.
Impact of comorbid personality disorders on psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Although personality disorders are common in PTSD patients, it remains unclear to what extent this comorbidity affects PTSD treatment outcome. Objective: This constitutes the first meta-analysis investigating whether patients with and without comorbid personality disorders can equally benefit from psychotherapy for PTSD. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Cochrane databases from inception through 31 January 2020, to identify clinical trials examining psychotherapies for PTSD in PTSD patients with and without comorbid personality disorders (PROSPERO reference CRD42020156472). Results: Of the 1830 studies identified, 12 studies reporting on 918 patients were included. Effect sizes were synthesized using a random-effects model. Patients with comorbid personality disorders did not have significantly higher baseline PTSD severity (Hedges’ g = 0.23, 95%CI −0.09–0.55, p = .140), nor were at higher risk for dropout from PTSD treatment (RR = 1.19, 95%CI 0.83–1.72, p = .297). Whilst pre- to post-treatment PTSD symptom improvements were large in patients with comorbid PDs (Hedges’ g = 1.31, 95%CI 0.89–1.74, p < .001) as well as in patients without comorbid PDs (Hedges’ g = 1.57, 95%CI 1.08–2.07, p < .001), personality disorders were associated with a significantly smaller symptom improvement at post-treatment (Hedges’ g = 0.22, 95%CI 0.05–0.38, p = .010). Conclusion: Although the presence of personality disorders does not preclude a good treatment response, patients with comorbid personality disorders might benefit less from PTSD treatment than patients without comorbid personality disorders. HIGHLIGHTS This meta-analysis suggests that although patients with comorbid PDs do not have more severe PTSD symptoms at baseline, nor are at higher risk for dropout from PTSD treatment, they might benefit less from PTSD treatment compared to patients without comorbid PDs.
Neural Correlates of Motor Recovery after Robot-Assisted Training in Chronic Stroke: A Multimodal Neuroimaging Study

Stroke is a leading cause of motor disability worldwide, and robot-assisted therapies have been increasingly applied to facilitate the recovery process. However, the underlying mechanism and induced neuroplasticity change remain partially understood, and few studies have investigated this from a multimodality neuroimaging perspective. The current study adopted BCI-guided robot hand therapy as the training intervention and combined multiple neuroimaging modalities to comprehensively understand the potential association between motor function alteration and various neural correlates. We adopted EEG-informed fMRI technique to understand the functional regions sensitive to training intervention. Additionally, correlation analysis among training effects, nonlinear property change quantified by fractal dimension (FD), and integrity of M1-M1 (M1: primary motor cortex) anatomical connection were performed. EEG-informed fMRI analysis indicated that for iM1 (iM1: ipsilesional M1) regressors, regions with significantly increased partial correlation were mainly located in contralesional parietal, prefrontal, and sensorimotor areas and regions with significantly decreased partial correlation were mainly observed in the ipsilesional supramarginal gyrus and superior temporal gyrus. Pearson's correlations revealed that the interhemispheric asymmetry change significantly correlated with the training effect as well as the integrity of M1-M1 anatomical connection. In summary, our study suggested that multiple functional brain regions not limited to motor areas were involved during the recovery process from multimodality perspective. The correlation analyses suggested the essential role of interhemispheric interaction in motor rehabilitation. Besides, the underlying structural substrate of the bilateral M1-M1 connection might relate to the interhemispheric change. This study might give some insights in understanding the neuroplasticity induced by the integrated BCI-guided robot hand training intervention and further facilitate the design of therapies for chronic stroke patients.
Ethnic-racial inequity in health insurance in Colombia: a cross-sectional study*

ABSTRACT Objective. Characterize the relationship between ethnic-racial inequity and type of health insurance in Colombia. Methods. Cross-sectional study based on data from the 2019 Quality of Life Survey. We analyzed the type of health insurance (contributory, subsidized, or none) and its relationship to ethnic-racial status and predisposing variables (sex, age, marital status), demographic variables (area and region of residence), and socioeconomic variables (education, type of employment, income, and unmet basic needs) through simple and multivariate regression analyses. The association between ethnic-racial status and type of health insurance was estimated using odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals, through a multinomial logistic model. Results. A statistically significant association was found between ethnic-racial status and type of health insurance. In comparison with the contributory system, the probabilities of being a member of the subsidized system were 1.8 and 1.4 times greater in the indigenous population (OR x 1.891; 95%CI: 1.600-2.236) and people of African descent (OR = 1.415; 95%CI: 1.236-1.620), respectively (p <0.01) than in the population group that did not identify as belonging to one of those ethnic-racial groups. Conclusions. There is an association between ethnic-racial status and type of insurance in the contributory and subsidized health systems in Colombia. Ethnic-racial status is a structural component of inequity in access to health services and heightens the disadvantages of people and population groups with low socioeconomic status.
Progress in conducting and reporting behaviour change intervention studies: a prospective retrospection

ABSTRACT Background ehaviour change is a key to addressing many health and healthcare problems and interventions have been designed to improve health outcomes. These behaviour change interventions have been evaluated in many ways, including randomised controlled trials, and over recent decades there has been considerable progress in the conduct and reporting these studies. This paper is a personal retrospection on the changes occurring that have resulted in our current improved methods and their potential for future advancement. Advances There has been steady development of methods for conducting trials, including advances in statistical methods enabled by increase computing power and programmes, greater attention to the recruitment of participants and in the specification of outcomes. Trial reporting has improved, largely due to publication of guidelines for reporting interventions and trials, but until recently the reporting of behaviour change interventions has been quite limited. Developments in the specification of active ingredients of these interventions, the behaviour change techniques, has transformed our ability to report interventions in a manner that facilitates evidence synthesis and enables replication and implementation. However, further work using ontological approaches is needed to adequately represent the evidence contained in the mass of accumulated studies. Meanwhile, attention is gradually being paid to the comparator groups in trials leading to better reporting but with continuing challenges about how control groups are selected. Conclusions These developments are important for the advancements of behavioural science – but also in consolidating the expertise needed to address global social, environmental and health challenges.
A complete chloroplast genome of Keteleeria davidiana (Pinaceae) and its phylogenetic implications

Abstract Keteleeria davidiana (Bertrand) Beissner 1891 (Pinaceae) is a rare tertiary relict plant endemic to China. However, since the main morphological characteristics used for identifying K. davidiana are variable, some taxonomic treatments within the species are still controversial. Here a complete chloroplast genome of K. davidiana representing a special genotype was assembled, which could provide more information for the taxonomic study of this species. The assembled genome was 117,642 bp in length with a large single-copy (LSC) region (74,825 bp), a small single-copy (SSC) region (40,247 bp), and two incomplete inverted repeats (IRs) regions (1285 bp each). In total, 118 genes were predicted, including 4 rRNAs, 34 tRNAs, and 80 protein-coding genes. The overall GC content of the assembled genome was 38.5%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that different accessions of K. davidiana formed a clade with relatively low support (bootstrap value = 71), which indicated a high level of sequences variation within the species.
Complete mitochondrial genome sequence for the Thrips hawaiiensis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Abstract Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a common Thysanoptera insect widely distributed in Asia and the Pacific, it damages various plants. In this study the complete mitochondrial genome of T. hawaiiensis was sequenced and characterized by using next-generation sequencing technique. The total length of the complete genome is 15,357 bp and A + T content of 77.8% (GeneBank accession No. MW582621). The T. hawaiiensis mitochondrial genome consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) and 2 non-coding control regions (Dloop region). According to previous studies, only a few complete mitochondrial genomes from Order Thysanoptera have been reported. Thus, T. hawaiiensis complete mitochondrial genome sequence reported will provide molecular information for mitochondrial genome research on Thysanoptera.
Anticancer Activity of Ipomoea purpurea Leaves Extracts in Monolayer and Three-Dimensional Cell Culture

Cancer is a leading cause of death and a vital health care challenge in the world. Hence, this work was conducted to determine the in vitro anticancer property and also the molecular mechanism of aqueous and organic extracts of Ipomoea purpurea leaves in three human cancer cell lines, including A-549 (human lung cancer), HepG-2 (human liver cancer), MDA-MB-231 (human breast cancer), and MCF-10A (breast normal cell line). In vitro cytotoxic potential of organic extracts, such as hexane, chloroform, ethyl-acetate, methanol, and aqueous extract was examined using a standard (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) MTT method in both monolayer two-dimensional (2D) and spheroids multicellular three-dimensional (3D) cultures. The MTT assay data showed that methanol and chloroform extracts of I. purpurea leaves had the antiproliferative effect on lung and breast cancer cells with IC50 of 53.62 ± 0.07 and 124.5 ± 0.01 µg/mL, respectively. The results of further examinations, such as dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide, Annexin V-FITC/PI, and caspase-3 colorimetric assay, confirmed that methanol and chloroform extracts of I. purpurea as the most potent cytotoxic extracts might contain a variety of phytochemicals, promoting apoptosis in lung and breast cancer cells. The present research findings suggested that methanolic extract of I. purpurea leaves induced S-phase cell cycle arrest and intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in A-549 lung cancer cells. The study further showed that I. purpurea could be a helpful candidate for cancer treatment.
Patient Characteristics and Risk Factors in Invasive Mold Infections: Comparison from a Systematic Review and Database Analysis

Introduction Diagnosis and treatment of invasive mold infections (IMI) can be challenging and IMI is a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Invasive aspergillosis (IA) and invasive mucormycosis (IM) are two of the most common mold infections. A better understanding of patient comorbidities and risk factors that predispose IMI may help clinicians to refine the difficult diagnostic and treatment process. Methods A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted (January 2008–October 2019) for studies reporting comorbidities/risk factors of patients with IA or IM (Phase I), followed by an analysis on the Optum® US EHR database of prominent risk factor cohorts based on SLR findings and expert opinion (Phase II). From the four identified patient cohorts: 1) patients undergoing solid organ transplant (SOT) and patients with 2) hematologic cancers, 3) diabetes, or 4) lung disease, rates of IA, IM, or concurrent IA and IM; patient comorbidities; and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores were reported. Results The SLR included 88 studies, and 46 were used to select comorbidities/risk factors cohorts in IA and IM patients. The most important comorbidities/risk factors in IA and IM patients were diabetes, lung disease, hematological malignances, and SOT. In the Optum database (N=101,340,454 patients), IA rates were highest in lung transplant (10.81%) patients and IM rates were highest in intestine transplant (0.83%) patients, lung transplant (0.43%), and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (0.49%). CCI scores were elevated in all mold infection groups compared to the total Optum cohort. Conclusion The current study describes patient comorbidity and risk factors associated with IA and IM. These data can be used to refine clinical decision-making regarding when to suspect mold infections. Future research should focus on identifying whether patients respond differently to various antifungal treatments to determine if strategic recommendations should be made for certain patient groups.
Complete mitochondrial genome sequencing of Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carnivora: Mustelidae) and its phylogenetic status in Mustelidae

Abstract We report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the endangered Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra. The complete mitochondrial genome is 16,537 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA, two ribosomal RNA, and one control region. The mitogenome is A + T rich, with a composition of 32.2% A, 27.5% C, 14.5% G, and 25.8% T. Phylogenetic analysis based on 13 protein-coding mitochondrial genes of Mustelidae supports the conventional systematic treatment with eight subfamilies. Lutra lutra is closely related to Lutra sumatrana and the subfamily Lutrinae was closely grouped with the Ictonychinae. This study provides genetic and taxonomic information for future studies of Eurasian otters and the Mustelidae.
3D printing of functional nerve guide conduits

Abstract Nerve guide conduits (NGCs), as alternatives to nerve autografts and allografts, have been widely explored as an advanced tool for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. However, the repairing efficiency of NGCs still needs significant improvements. Functional NGCs that provide a more favorable microenvironment for promoting axonal elongation and myelination are of great importance. In recent years, 3D printing technologies have been widely applied in the fabrication of customized and complex constructs, exhibiting great potential for tissue engineering applications, especially for the construction of functional NGCs. In this review, we introduce the 3D printing technologies for manufacturing functional NGCs, including inkjet printing, extrusion printing, stereolithography-based printing and indirect printing. Further, we summarize the current methods and strategies for constructing functional NGCs, such as designing special conduit architectures, using appropriate materials and co-printing with different biological cues. Finally, the challenges and prospects for construction of functional NGCs are also presented.