Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recognition of younger and older faces in Korsakoff’s syndrome

Abstract The own-age bias refers to the observation that face recognition is typically superior for own-age faces compared with other-age faces. We investigated this bias in Korsakoff patients, as well as its relationship with social contact and episodic memory. Korsakoff patients and age-matched controls were exposed to older faces (own-age faces) and younger faces (other-age faces). In the recognition phase, they were invited to decide whether faces had been exposed in the encoding phase or not. Results revealed an own-age bias in control participants (i.e., high recognition of older than for younger faces), but not in Korsakoff patients (i.e., similar recognition of older and younger faces). Furthermore, both Korsakoff’s syndrome and controls reported more social contact with old than with young individuals. Recognition of younger and older faces in Korsakoff patients was significantly correlated with episodic performance but not with social contact with younger and older people. We conclude that the lack of own-age bias in Korsakoff’s syndrome is related rather to compromise of episodic memory than to diminished social contact with younger adults.
Review of major trials of acute blood pressure management in stroke

Over the last two decades, there have been a number of major landmark clinical trials, classified as “major” as they sought to address clear clinical practice driven questions, in a pragmatic yet robust trial design, using a large powered sample size (n > 1000), in order to help improve patient outcome through informing guidelines. A commonality across all stroke sub-types included in these trials is the tendency to acute hypertensive crises within the acute stroke period. This phenomenon is associated with greater stroke complications and worsened overall prognosis. Multiple trials have attempted to address the issue of acute blood pressure management during the acute stroke period, with consideration for timing, magnitude of lowering, agent and relationship to other interventions. This review will consider the major clinical trials performed in ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke that test the hypothesis that acute BP reduction improves clinical outcomes.
Descriptive, Injunctive, and Collective Norms: An Expansion of the Theory of Normative Social Behavior (TNSB)

ABSTRACT We propose and test several hypotheses derived from the expanded theory of normative social behavior (TNSB) that also includes collective norms (with descriptive and injunctive norms). Data come from a quasi-experiment intervention to promote safer driving among adolescents in Serbia. The intervention was administered among high school students, most of whom were on the verge of receiving their driver’s licenses. Longitudinal data were collected from treatment and control schools at baseline (N = 1,449) and four months later at end line (N = 1,072). Descriptive norms at baseline predicted six-month changes in safer-driving intentions among women (β = .010 p < .05) but not among men. Main-effects of injunctive and collective norms were not significant. However, a significant interaction between descriptive norms and collective norms emerged among men (though not among women) and injunctive norms interacted with both collective norms and descriptive norms among women (but not among men). Initial evidence adds credence to the idea of enhancing the TNSB by adding both injunctive and collective (together with descriptive) norms as drivers of behaviors.
Structural basis for substrate recognition and cleavage by the dimerization-dependent CRISPR–Cas12f nuclease

Abstract Cas12f, also known as Cas14, is an exceptionally small type V-F CRISPR–Cas nuclease that is roughly half the size of comparable nucleases of this type. To reveal the mechanisms underlying substrate recognition and cleavage, we determined the cryo-EM structures of the Cas12f-sgRNA-target DNA and Cas12f-sgRNA complexes at 3.1 and 3.9 Å, respectively. An asymmetric Cas12f dimer is bound to one sgRNA for recognition and cleavage of dsDNA substrate with a T-rich PAM sequence. Despite its dimerization, Cas12f adopts a conserved activation mechanism among the type V nucleases which requires coordinated conformational changes induced by the formation of the crRNA-target DNA heteroduplex, including the close-to-open transition in the lid motif of the RuvC domain. Only one RuvC domain in the Cas12f dimer is activated by substrate recognition, and the substrate bound to the activated RuvC domain is captured in the structure. Structure-assisted truncated sgRNA, which is less than half the length of the original sgRNA, is still active for target DNA cleavage. Our results expand our understanding of the diverse type V CRISPR–Cas nucleases and facilitate potential genome editing applications using the miniature Cas12f.
Elevation of propofol sensitivity of cardiac IKs channel by KCNE1 polymorphism D85N

The slowly activating delayed rectifier K+ channel (IKs), composed of pore‐forming KCNQ1 α‐subunits and ancillary KCNE1 β‐subunits, regulates ventricular repolarization in human heart. Propofol, at clinically used concentrations, modestly inhibits the intact (wild‐type) IKs channels and is therefore unlikely to appreciably prolong QT interval in ECG during anaesthesia. However, little information is available concerning the inhibitory effect of propofol on IKs channel associated with its gene variants implicated in QT prolongation. The KCNE1 single nucleotide polymorphism leading to D85N is associated with drug‐induced QT prolongation and therefore regarded as a clinically important genetic variant. This study examined whether KCNE1‐D85N affects the sensitivity of IKs to inhibition by propofol.
Effectiveness of a Postpartum Text Message Program (Essential Coaching for Every Mother) on Maternal Psychosocial Outcomes: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Women experience changes both physically and psychologically during their transition to motherhood. The postnatal period is a critical time for women to develop maternal self-efficacy. Mobile health interventions may offer a way to reach women during this critical period to offer support and information. Essential Coaching for Every Mother is a text message program that seeks to educate and support women during the first 6 weeks postpartum. Objective The primary effectiveness objective is to compare the effectiveness of the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program on maternal psychosocial outcomes (self-efficacy, social support, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety) immediately after the intervention and 6 months postpartum, collectively as well as stratified by parity. The primary implementation objective is to evaluate the implementation extent and quality of the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program. Methods This will be a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial. A total of 140 mothers-to-be or new mothers from Nova Scotia will be recruited and randomized to the intervention or control arm, stratified by parity. The intervention arm will receive the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program, which consists of 53 messages sent twice a day for the first 2 weeks and daily for weeks 3 through 6. The control group will receive usual care. Messages are personalized based on the infant’s age and the woman’s self-selected preference for breastfeeding or formula feeding and tailored with the infant’s name and gender. Women can enroll in the program if they are ≥37 weeks pregnant or within 10 days postpartum, with the first message designed to be sent on the second evening after birth. The actual number of messages received will vary based on the timing of enrollment and the infant’s date of birth. Participants will complete questionnaires assessing self-efficacy, social support, and postpartum depression and anxiety at baseline (enrollment after birth) and 6 weeks (postintervention) and 6 months postpartum. Implementation data will be collected throughout the trial, and evaluation feedback will be collected at 6 weeks from women who received the intervention. Results Recruitment for this study started on January 5, 2021, and is currently ongoing, with an anticipated date of recruitment completion of January 2022. Conclusions This study will assess the effectiveness of a postpartum text message program to improve maternal self-efficacy and social support while decreasing postpartum depression and anxiety. It will also shed light on the implementation effectiveness of the program. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04730570; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04730570 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/27138
LmjF.36.3850, a novel hypothetical Leishmania major protein, contributes to the infection

Leishmania is a protozoan parasite that resides in mammalian macrophages and inflicts the disease known as leishmaniasis. Although prevalent in 88 countries, an anti‐leishmanial vaccine remains elusive. While comparing the virulent and avirulent L. major transcriptomes by microarray, PCR and functional analyses for identifying a novel virulence‐associated gene, we identified LmjF.36. 3850, a hypothetical protein significantly less expressed in the avirulent parasite and without any known function. Motif search revealed that LmjF.36. 3850 protein shared phosphorylation sites and other structural features with sucrose non‐fermenting protein (Snf7) that shuttles virulence factors. LmjF.36. 3850 was predicted to bind diacylglycerol (DAG) with energy value similar to PKCα and PKCβ, to which DAG is a cofactor. Indeed, 1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetyl‐sn‐glycerol (OAG), a DAG analogue, enhanced the phosphorylation of PKCα and PKCβI. We cloned LmjF.36. 3850 gene in a mammalian expression vector and primed susceptible BALB/c mice followed by challenge infection. We observed a higher parasite load, comparable antibody response and higher anti‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐4 and IL‐10, while expression of major anti‐leishmanial cytokine, IFN‐γ, remained unchanged in LmjF.36. 3850‐vaccinated mice. CSA restimulated LN cells from vaccinated mice after challenge infection secreted comparable IL‐4 and IL‐10 but reduced IFN‐γ, as compared to controls. These observations suggest a skewed Th2 response, diminished IFN‐γ secreting Th1‐TEM cells and increased central and effector memory subtype of Th2, Th17 and Treg cells in the vaccinated mice. These data indicate that LmjF.36. 3850 is a plausible virulence factor that enhances disease‐promoting response, possibly by interfering with PKC activation and by eliciting disease‐promoting T cells.
Minimization of detection volume by surface plasmon-coupled emission

Surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE) has been used to reduce the detection volume in fluorescence measurements. The effective fluorescence volume (detection volume) in SPCE experiments depends on two near-field factors: the depth of evanescent wave excitation and a distance-dependent coupling of excited fluorophores to the surface plasmons. With the excitation through the glass prism at SPR angle (Kretschmann configuration), the detection volume is a composition (product) of evanescent wave penetration depth and distance-dependent coupling. In addition, the detection volume is further reduced by a metal quenching of excited fluorophores at a close proximity (below 10 nm). The height of the detected volume size is 40-70 nm, depending on the orientation of the excited dipoles. We show that using Kretchmann configuration in a microscope with high numerical aperture objective (1.45) together with confocal detection, the detection volume can be reduced to 1-2 attoL, which is necessary to observe a single cross-bridge in the muscle. The strong dependence of the coupling to the surface plasmons on the orientation of excited dipoles can be also used to study the small conformational changes of macromolecules.
Cognitive Predictors of Social and Occupational Functioning in Early Psychosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Data

Abstract Many individuals with early psychosis experience impairments in social and occupational function. Identification of modifiable predictors of function such as cognitive performance has the potential to inform effective treatments. Our aim was to estimate the strength of the relationship between psychosocial function in early psychosis and different domains of cognitive and social cognitive performance. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed, cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies examining cognitive predictors of psychosocial function. Literature searches were conducted in PsycINFO, PubMed, and reference lists of relevant articles to identify studies for inclusion. Of the 2565 identified, 46 studies comprising 3767 participants met inclusion criteria. Separate meta-analyses were conducted for 9 cognitive domains. Pearson correlation values between cognitive variables and function were extracted. All cognitive domains were related to psychosocial function both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Importantly, these associations remained significant even after the effects of symptom severity, duration of untreated psychosis, and length of illness were accounted for. Overall, general cognitive ability and social cognition were most strongly associated with both concurrent and long-term function. Associations demonstrated medium effect sizes. These findings suggest that treatments targeting cognitive deficits, in particular those focusing on social cognition, are likely to be important for improving functional outcomes in early psychosis.
Pbp1 mediates the aberrant expression of genes involved in growth defect of ccr4∆ and pop2∆ mutants in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

CCR4 and POP2 genes encode the catalytic subunit of the Ccr4‐Not complex involved in shortening mRNA poly(A) tail in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The ccr4Δ and pop2∆ mutants exhibit pleiotropic phenotypes such as slow and temperature‐sensitive growth, aberrant expression of glucose repression genes and abnormal cell wall synthesis. We previously found that the growth defect of the ccr4Δ and pop2∆ mutants is suppressed by deletion of the PBP1 gene, which encodes poly(A)‐binding protein (Pab1)‐binding protein 1. In this study, we investigated the functional relationship between Ccr4/Pop2 and Pbp1 by measuring changes in gene expression in ccr4Δ and pop2∆ single mutants and ccr4Δ pbp1∆ and pop2∆ pbp1∆ double mutants. We found that expression of HSP12, HSP26, PIR3, FUS1 and GPH1 was increased in ccr4Δ and pop2∆ single mutants. The pbp1∆ mutation not only restored the growth defect but also reduced the increased expression of those genes found in the ccr4Δ and pop2∆ mutants. Over‐expression of PBP1 in the ccr4Δ mutant further increased the expression of HSP12, HSP26, PIR3 and FUS1 and exacerbated the cell growth. These results suggest that the aberrant expression of a subset of genes, which is facilitated by Pbp1, contributes to the pleiotropic phenotypes of the ccr4Δ and pop2∆ mutants.
Detecting and identifying Schistosoma infections in snails and aquatic habitats: A systematic review

Background We were tasked by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the following question: What techniques should be used to diagnose Schistosoma infections in snails and in the water in potential transmission sites? Our goal was to review and evaluate the available literature and provide recommendations and insights for the development of WHO’s Guidelines Development Group for schistosomiasis control and elimination. Methodology We searched several databases using strings of search terms, searched bibliographies of pertinent papers, and contacted investigators who have made contributions to this field. Our search covered from 1970 to Sept 2020. All papers were considered in a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework, and retained papers were grouped by technique and subjected to our GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) evidence assessment profile determined in consultation with WHO. We also considered issues of sensitivity, specificity, coverage, cost, robustness, support needs, schistosome species discrimination, and relevant detection limits. Principal findings Our PRISMA process began with the perusal of 949 articles, of which 158 were retained for data extraction and evaluation. We identified 25 different techniques and for each applied a GRADE assessment considering limitations, inconsistency, imprecision, indirectness, and publication bias. We also provide advantages and disadvantages for each category of techniques. Conclusions Our GRADE analysis returned an assessment of moderate quality of evidence for environmental DNA (eDNA), qPCR and LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification). No single ideal diagnostic approach has yet been developed, but considerable recent progress has been made. We note a growing trend to use eDNA techniques to permit more efficient and replicable sampling. qPCR-based protocols for follow-up detection offer a versatile, mature, sensitive, and specific platform for diagnosis though centralized facilities will be required to favor standardization. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) can play a complementary role if inhibitors are a concern, or more sensitivity or quantification is needed. Snail collection, followed by shedding, is encouraged to provide specimens for sequence verifications of snails or schistosomes. LAMP or other isothermal detection techniques offer the prospect of less expensive and more distributed network of analysis but may face standardization and verification challenges related to actual sequences amplified. Ability to detect schistosome infections in snails or in the water is needed if control and elimination programs hope to succeed. Any diagnostic techniques used need to be regularly verified by the acquisition of DNA sequences to confirm that the detected targets are of the expected species. Further improvements may be necessary to identify the ideal schistosome or snail sequences to target for amplification. More field testing and standardization will be essential for long-term success.
Hypoglycaemia detection and prediction techniques: A systematic review on the latest developments

The main objective of diabetes control is to correct hyperglycaemia while avoiding hypoglycaemia, especially in insulin‐treated patients. Fear of hypoglycaemia is a hurdle to effective correction of hyperglycaemia because it promotes under‐dosing of insulin. Strategies to minimise hypoglycaemia include education and training for improved hypoglycaemia awareness and the development of technologies to allow their early detection and thus minimise their occurrence. Patients with impaired hypoglycaemia awareness would benefit the most from these technologies. The purpose of this systematic review is to review currently available or in‐development technologies that support detection of hypoglycaemia or hypoglycaemia risk, and identify gaps in the research. Nanomaterial use in sensors is a promising strategy to increase the accuracy of continuous glucose monitoring devices for low glucose values. Hypoglycaemia is associated with changes on vital signs, so electrocardiogram and encephalogram could also be used to detect hypoglycaemia. Accuracy improvements through multivariable measures can make already marketed galvanic skin response devices a good noninvasive alternative. Breath volatile organic compounds can be detected by dogs and devices and alert patients at hypoglycaemia onset, while near‐infrared spectroscopy can also be used as a hypoglycaemia alarms. Finally, one of the main directions of research are deep learning algorithms to analyse continuous glucose monitoring data and provide earlier and more accurate prediction of hypoglycaemia. Current developments for early identification of hypoglycaemia risk combine improvements of available ‘needle‐type’ enzymatic glucose sensors and noninvasive alternatives. Patient usability will be essential to demonstrate to allow their implementation for daily use in diabetes management.
Association of serum vaspin, apelin, and visfatin levels and stroke risk in a Chinese case-control study

Abstract Adipose tissue acts as an active endocrine organ secreting a number of adipokines and may be involved in biological mechanism of stroke. Vaspin, apelin, and visfatin play important roles in the regulation of vascular disorders. Our aim was to evaluate whether the concentrations of vaspin, apelin, and visfatin were associated with stroke risk. A total of 235 patients with stroke (156 patients with ischemic stroke and 79 patients with hemorrhagic stroke) and 235 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in this study. A sandwich ELISA was developed to measure the serum vaspin, apelin, and visfatin levels. There was a statistically significant difference in the median levels of serum vaspin, apelin, and visfatin levels between stroke cases and controls (vaspin: 1.50 vs 1.07 ng/ml; apelin: 1.56 vs 1.32 pg/ml; visfatin: 23.40 vs 19.65 ng/ml; all P values <.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that, serum vaspin and visfatin levels were significantly inversely associated with increased risk of stroke, and the odds ratios (ORs) in the highest tertile were 2.25 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–3.67; P for trend <. 001] for vaspin and 2.56 (95% CI 1.46–4.47; P for trend <.001) for visfatin, respectively, compared with the lowest tertile. Higher apelin levels were marginally associated with lower stroke risk (P for trend =.060). Our study indicated that higher vaspin, apelin, and visfatin levels might be associated with increased stroke risk. Necessary prospective cohort studies should be conducted to confirm this association in the future.
‘Back to better’: amplifying health equity, and determinants of health perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Equity and social justice have long been key tenets of health promotion practice, policy and research. Health promotion foregrounds the pertinence of social, economic, cultural, political and spiritual life in creating and maintaining health. This necessitates a critical structural determinants of health perspective that actively engages with the experiences of health and wellbeing among diverse peoples. The inequitable impacts of pandemics are well documented, as are calls for improved pandemic responses. Yet, current pandemic and emergency preparedness plans do not adequately account for the social and structural determinants of health and health equity. Methods: Through five one-hour online conversations held in April 2020, we engaged 13 practice, policy, research and community leaders on the intersections of COVID-19 and gender, racism, homelessness, Indigenous health and knowledge, household food insecurity, disability, ethics and equitable futures post-COVID-19. We conducted a thematic analysis of speaker and participant contributions to investigate the impacts and influence of COVID-19 related to the structural and social determinants of health. We analyzed which policies, practices and responses amplified or undermined equity and social justice and identified opportunities for improved action. Findings: Analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed four broad themes: • oppressive, unjust systems and existing health and social inequities; • health and social systems under duress and non-responsive to equity; • disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 driven by underlying structural and socioeconomic inequity; and • enhanced momentum for collective mobilization, policy innovations and social transformation. Discussion: There was a strong desire for a more just and equitable society in a post-COVID-19 world, going ‘back to better’ rather than ‘back to normal. ’ Our analysis demonstrates that equity has not been well integrated into pandemic planning and responses. Social movement and systems theories provide insight on ways to build on existing community mobilization and policy openings for sustained social transformation.