Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ADP Ribosylation Factor 6 Relieves Airway Inflammation and Remodeling by Inhibiting Ovalbumin Induced-Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Experimental Asthma, Possibly by Regulating of E2F Transcription Factor 8

ABSTRACT Background Childhood asthma is a major global health concern. ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) is a low-molecular-weight GTPase; however, its role in childhood asthma remains unclear. Methods Ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged neonatal mice and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced BEAS-2B cells were used as in vivo and in vitro models of childhood asthma, respectively. Results Upon OVA stimulation, ARF6 expression was upregulated in the lung tissue. Neonatal mice administered SehinH3 (an ARF6 inhibitor) exhibited improved pulmonary pathological injury, along with reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the lungs and cytokine release in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid and serum (interleukin [IL]−3, IL−5, IL−13, IgE, and OVA-specific IgE). SehinH3 treatment restrained epithelial – mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the lungs of asthmatic mice, as evidenced by increased E-cadherin and decreased N-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin expression. Different TGF-β1 exposures to BEAS-2B cells induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in ARF6 expression in vitro. Upon TGF-β1 stimulation, ARF6 knockdown repressed EMT and SehinH3 treatment caused similar results in BEAS-2B cells. The transcription factor E2F8 is involved in diverse biological functions and its increased expression was confirmed in vivo and in vitro. Dual-luciferase assays confirmed that E2F8 binds to the ARF6 promoter and promotes its transcriptional activity. In vitro results revealed that E2F8 silencing suppressed EMT, whereas rescue experiments showed that ARF6 overexpression partly reversed these phenomena. Conclusion Our study showed that ARF6 is associated with childhood asthma progression and may be positively regulated by E2F8. These results provide insight into the pathogenesis and treatment of childhood asthma.
Association between dairy products consumption and the prevalences of combined prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Brazilian adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Abstract The association between dairy products consumption in adults and the likelihood of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been described, but more information on the adolescent population is needed. This nationally representative, cross-sectional school-based study aimed to describe the consumption of dairy products and their subtypes and to evaluate their association with prediabetes and T2DM in adolescents. The Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) includes adolescents aged 12–17 years. Dairy products consumption was evaluated by 24-h food recall. Associations with fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin resistance, as measured by homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), were evaluated by multivariate linear regression. Poisson regression was also used to assess the association between dairy products consumption and the combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic, nutritional, behavioural and anthropometrics. The final sample analysed consisted of 35 614 adolescents. Total intake of dairy products was inversely associated with fasting blood glucose levels after adjusting for all covariates (β = −0·452, 95 % CI −0·899, −0·005). The associations were stronger for overweight and obese adolescents. Findings were similar for full-fat dairy products and yogurt. Higher consumption of low-fat dairy products and cheese were associated with a 46 % (prevalence ratio, PR 1·46, 95 % CI 1·18, 1·80) and 33 % (PR 1·33, 95 % CI 1·14, 1·57) higher combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM, respectively. The total consumption of dairy products and full-fat dairy products was associated with a lower combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM, while the consumption of cheese and low-fat dairy products was associated with higher combined prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM in Brazilian adolescents.
No increased prevalence of prosopagnosia in aphantasia: Visual recognition deficits are small and not restricted to faces

Aphantasia and prosopagnosia are both rare conditions with impairments in visual cognition. While prosopagnosia refers to a face recognition deficit, aphantasics exhibit a lack of mental imagery. Current object recognition theories propose an interplay of perception and mental representations, making an association between recognition performance and visual imagery plausible. While the literature assumes a link between aphantasia and prosopagnosia, other impairments in aphantasia have been shown to be rather global. Therefore, we assumed that aphantasics do not solely exhibit impairments in face recognition but rather in general visual recognition performance, probably moderated by stimulus complexity. To test this hypothesis, 65 aphantasics were compared to 55 controls in a face recognition task, the Cambridge Face Memory Test, and a corresponding object recognition task, the Cambridge Car Memory Test. In both tasks, aphantasics performed worse than controls, indicating mild recognition deficits without face-specificity. Additional correlations between imagery vividness and performance in both tasks were found, suggesting that visual imagery influences visual recognition not only in imagery extremes. Stimulus complexity produced the expected moderation effect but only for the whole imagery-spectrum and only with face stimuli. Overall, the results imply that aphantasia is linked to a general but mild deficit in visual recognition.
Decreased YB‐1 expression denervates brown adipose tissue and contributes to age‐related metabolic dysfunction

Thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) declines with aging, however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we show that the expression of Y‐box binding protein 1 (YB‐1), a critical DNA/RNA binding protein, decreased in the BAT of aged mice due to the reduction of microbial metabolite butyrate. Genetic ablation of YB‐1 in the BAT accelerated diet‐induced obesity and BAT thermogenic dysfunction. In contrast, overexpression of YB‐1 in the BAT of aged mice was sufficient to promote BAT thermogenesis, thus alleviating diet‐induced obesity and insulin resistance. Interestingly, YB‐1 had no direct effect on adipose UCP1 expression. Instead, YB‐1 promoted axon guidance of BAT via regulating the expression of Slit2, thus potentiating sympathetic innervation and thermogenesis. Moreover, we have identified that a natural compound Sciadopitysin, which promotes YB‐1 protein stability and nuclear translocation, alleviated BAT aging and metabolic disorders. Together, we reveal a novel fat‐sympathetic nerve unit in regulating BAT senescence and provide a promising strategy against age‐related metabolic disorders.
Revised iCLIP-seq Protocol for Profiling RNA–protein Interaction Sites at Individual Nucleotide Resolution in Living Cells

Individual nucleotide resolution UV cross-linking and immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (iCLIP-seq) is a powerful technique that is used to identify RNA-binding proteins’ (RBP) binding sites on target RNAs and to characterize the molecular basis of posttranscriptional regulatory pathways. Several variants of CLIP have been developed to improve its efficiency and simplify the protocol [e.g., iCLIP2 and enhanced CLIP (eCLIP)]. We have recently reported that transcription factor SP1 functions in the regulation of alternative cleavage and polyadenylation through direct RNA binding. We utilized a modified iCLIP method to identify RNA-binding sites for SP1 and several of the cleavage and polyadenylation complex subunits, including CFIm25, CPSF7, CPSF100, CPSF2, and Fip1. Our revised protocol takes advantage of several features of the eCLIP procedure and also improves on certain steps of the original iCLIP method, including optimization of circularization of cDNA. Herein, we describe a step-by-step procedure for our revised iCLIP-seq protocol, that we designate as iCLIP-1.5, and provide alternative approaches for certain difficult-to-CLIP proteins. Key features Identification of RNA-binding sites of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) at nucleotide resolution. iCLIP-seq provides precise positional and quantitative information on the RNA-binding sites of RBPs in living cells. iCLIP facilitates the identification of sequence motifs recognized by RBPs. Allows quantitative analysis of genome-wide changes in protein-RNA interactions. Revised iCLIP-1.5 protocol is more efficient and highly robust; it provides higher coverage even for low-input samples. Graphical overview
Perivascular Macrophages Mediate Microvasospasms After Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is characterized by acute and delayed reductions of cerebral blood flow (CBF) caused, among others, by spasms of cerebral arteries and arterioles. Recently, the inactivation of perivascular macrophages (PVM) has been demonstrated to improve neurological outcomes after experimental SAH, but the underlying mechanisms of protection remain unclear. The aim of our exploratory study was, therefore, to investigate the role of PVM in the formation of acute microvasospasms after experimental SAH. METHODS: PVMs were depleted in 8- to 10-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (n=8/group) by intracerebroventricular application of clodronate-loaded liposomes and compared with mice with vehicle liposome injections. Seven days later, SAH was induced by filament perforation under continuous monitoring of CBF and intracranial pressure. Results were compared with sham-operated animals and animals who underwent SAH induction but no liposome injection (n=4/group each). Six hours after SAH induction or sham surgery, numbers of microvasospasms per volume of interest and % of affected pial and penetrating arterioles were examined in 9 standardized regions of interest per animal by in vivo 2-photon microscopy. Depletion of PVMs was proven by quantification of PVMs/mm3 identified by immunohistochemical staining for CD206 and Collagen IV. Statistical significance was tested with t tests for parametric data and Mann-Whitney U test for nonparametric data. RESULTS: PVMs were located around pial and intraparenchymal arterioles and were effectively depleted by clodronate from 671±28 to 46±14 PVMs/mm3 (P<0.001). After SAH, microvasospasms was observed in pial arteries and penetrating and precapillary arterioles and were accompanied by an increase to 1405±142 PVMs/mm3. PVM depletion significantly reduced the number of microvasospasms from 9 IQR 5 to 3 IQR 3 (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that PVMs contribute to the formation of microvasospasms after experimental SAH.
Uvula infections and traditional uvulectomy: Beliefs and practices in Luwero district, central Uganda

Uvulitis is the inflammation and swelling of the uvula, usually associated with infection of nearby structures. Uvulitis can be treated symptomatically, using medication or in some cases with uvulectomy, the uvula surgical removal or shortening. Traditional uvulectomy by traditional practitioners has been practiced in Africa for ages, associated with adverse outcomes. Although there is no empirical evidence for the association between adverse outcomes and traditional uvulectomy in Uganda, anecdotal findings showed incidents of uvula infections following uvulectomy in central Uganda. While these findings also indicate that traditional uvulectomy is common, the community understanding of uvulitis, the beliefs and practices are not well understood. This qualitative study sought to understand beliefs and practices using interviews with community health workers, traditional uvulectomy clients, and traditional surgeons, and focus group discussions with community members. Transcribed data were analysed in Atlas.ti 9 using thematic analysis steps. The findings show that uvula infection, locally known as “Akamiro” and the associated traditional uvulectomy are common in Luwero and beyond. “Akamiro” was described as larger than the normal, the size of a chicken heart or a big pimple, visible when a child cries, with unknown causes. Symptoms included persistent cough, diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite, inability to swallow and ultimately weight loss, swollen stomach, saliva overflow, fever, breathing and speech difficulty. Diagnosis was confirmed after seeking care from health workers or in consultation with significant others and finally the traditional surgeon; in a hierarchical pattern. Uvulectomy was conducted by traditional surgeons, with surgery lasting a few minutes, in the morning or after sun-set. Tools used were razor blades, reeds, strings, wires, sickle knives and spoons. Payment was flexible; cash or in-kind. Surgeons had immense community trust, including community health workers. Interventions to support persons with uvula infections need to address the health system weaknesses, and health education.
Aerodynamics of a Pitching and Heaving Airfoil in Ground Effect

The aerodynamics of an inverted airfoil close to a moving ground oscillating periodically in pure pitching motion and in combined pitching–heaving motion has been studied numerically. The main effect of the ground in pure pitching is to increase separation on the suction side, leading to larger hysteresis. At low frequencies, the airfoil under pitching motion can stall if the flow remains separated for a large part of the cycle. This type of stall is characteristically different from dynamic stall in freestream. Regarding the combined pitching and heaving motion, the pitch mode controls the flow at low frequencies, whereas the heave mode prevails at high frequencies. The interaction between both modes of motion is determined by the phase shift between them, and the modes can interact positively or negatively. The introduction of heaving can help improve the stall characteristics of an isolated pitching motion when flapping at low ground clearances.
Chromosome Detection in Metaphase Cell Images Using Morphological Priors

Reliable chromosome detection in metaphase cell (MC) images can greatly alleviate the workload of cytogeneticists for karyotype analysis and the diagnosis of chromosomal disorders. However, it is still an extremely challenging task due to the complicated characteristics of chromosomes, e.g., dense distributions, arbitrary orientations, and various morphologies. In this article, we propose a novel rotated-anchor-based detection framework, named DeepCHM, for fast and accurate chromosome detection in MC images. Our framework has three main innovations: 1) A deep saliency map representing chromosomal morphological features is learned end-to-end with semantic features. This not only enhances the feature representations for anchor classification and regression but also guides the anchor setting to significantly reduce redundant anchors. This accelerates the detection and improves the performance; 2) A hardness-aware loss weights the contribution of positive anchors, which effectively reinforces the model to identify hard chromosomes; 3) A model-driven sampling strategy addresses the anchor imbalance issue by adaptively selecting hard negative anchors for model training. In addition, a large-scale benchmark dataset with a total of 624 images and 27,763 chromosome instances was built for chromosome detection and segmentation. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms most state-of-the-art (SOTA) approaches and successfully handles chromosome detection, with an AP score of 93.53%.
Case Fatality Rate and Severity of COVID-19 among Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract The sickle cell disease (SCD) population has been considered particularly vulnerable to viral pandemics since the emergence of H1N1 in 2009. In this sense, the advance of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 has brought this group of patients to the center of concern. However, scientific knowledge about the susceptibility of patients with SCD to a severe COVID-19 pandemic is still insufficient, and efforts to establish a general profile of the disease in these patients, remain inadequate. The present study, therefore, sought to characterize the case fatality rate and severity of COVID-19 in patients with SCD throughout the world. A systematic review of Pubmed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Virtual Health Library databases through December 2021 was then performed. Subsequently, the primary and secondary outcomes were used in the meta-analysis in RStudio® software. Seventy-two studies were included with 6,011 SCD patients confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection between mid-2020 and early 2022. The mean age of patients was 27 years. During this period, 218 deaths caused by COVID-19 were reported in the studied population, corresponding to an overall case fatality rate of 3%. In addition, 10% of patients with SCD were admitted to the ICU after complications caused by COVID-19, and 4% of them required invasive ventilatory support. In conclusion, the high fatality rate, intensive care unit admission and need for mechanical ventilation due to COVID-19 in young patients with SCD indicate that this population is at high risk for severe disease progression.
Polymorphisms in corticotrophin‐releasing hormone–proopiomalanocortin (CRH–POMC) system genes: Neuroimmune contributions to psoriasis disease

Skin is a target organ and source of the corticotropin‐releasing hormone–proopiomelanocortin (CRH‐POMC) system, operating as a coordinator and executor of responses to stress. Environmental stress exacerbates and triggers inflammatory skin diseases through modifying the cellular components of the immune system supporting the importance of CRH‐POMC system in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The aim of this study was to analyse the association of CRH‐POMC polymorphisms with psoriasis and evaluate transcript expression of lesional psoriatic and normal skin in RNA‐seq data.
Natural Expression of Physical Models of Impossible Figures and Motions

Two-dimensional (2D) drawings of impossible figures are typified by the lithographs of the Dutch artist M.C. Escher, such as “Waterfall,” “Belvedere,” and “Ascending and Descending. ” Impossible figures are mental images of solid objects. In other words, a three-dimensional (3D) figure that is visualized intuitively from a 2D drawing of an impossible figure cannot be constructed in 3D space. Thus, in reality, a 3D model of an impossible figure has an unexpectedly disconnected or deformed structure, but the 3D figure corresponds to the 2D figure from a specific viewpoint, although not from other viewpoints. Methods for representing 3D models of impossible figures have been studied in virtual space. The shapes and structures of impossible object have also been studied in real space, but the effects of physical illumination by light and appropriate textures have not been considered. Thus, this paper describes the mimetic surface color and texture adjustment (MSCTA) method for producing naturally shaded and appropriately textured 3D impossible objects under physical light sources. And some creative works applying this method are shown, including a new structure with impossible motion.
The computation of seismic travel times

We have developed a method for estimating travel times as a function of epicentral range and hypocentral depth which is faster than ray tracing or direct evaluation of ray integrals yet more compact and general than the interpolation of traditional travel-time tables. In this method, delay or intercept time (tau) as a function of ray parameter and source depth is tabulated. We show that direct manipulation of delay time yields travel time as an explicit function of range eliminating the iteration required to determine the proper ray parameter in ray tracing or the evaluation of ray integrals. Travel-time versus range tables exhibit the same explicit dependence by virtue of having eliminated the common independent variable, ray parameter. However, delay-time branches are monotonic, single-valued, and have fixed ray parameter limits. In contrast, travel-time branches may be nonmonotonic and multi-valued and generally have range limits which vary with source depth. Thus, delay-time tables are simpler to generate and interpolate than are travel-time tables and so result in travel-time estimates which are both more reliable and more precise for a given table size. Further, by retaining the explicit ray parameter dependence and hence a more direct relationship with the ray integrals, the delay-time method offers more flexibility in organizing suites of related phases and in tailoring the algorithm to meet specific computational requirements than does the travel-time table approach. Additionally, we show how the delay-time method can be extended to laterally inhomogeneous media.
Assessment of Spin in the Abstracts of Randomized Controlled Trials in Dental Caries with Statistically Nonsignificant Results for Primary Outcomes: A Methodological Study

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of spin in the titles and abstracts of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in dental caries with statistically nonsignificant primary outcomes and to assess the risk indicators which may be associated with spin. Any original publication reporting a two-arm RCT in dental caries with clearly identified statistically nonsignificant primary outcomes published from January 1, 2015, until October 28, 2022, were included. PubMed was searched electronically to identify the eligible publications. The prevalence of spin in titles and abstracts were assessed and categorized into spin patterns based on a predetermined classification scheme. The association between spin and the potential risk indicators at study, author, journal, institutional, and national levels was assessed. A total of 234 eligible RCT publications were included. The prevalence of spin in the titles and abstracts was 3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2–6%) and 79% (95% CI: 74–84%), respectively. The most common spin patterns in the results and conclusion sections, respectively, were results focusing on statistically significant within-group comparisons (23%), and conclusions focusing only on statistically significant results without acknowledgment of statistically nonsignificant results for the primary outcomes (26%). The spin was significantly associated with number of study centers (single-center vs. multicenter) (OR = 2.131; 95% CI: 1.092–4.158; p = 0.03), trial designs (nonparallel designs vs. parallel designs) (OR = 0.395; 95% CI: 0.193–0.810; p = 0.01), and overall H index of institutions for last authors (OR = 0.998; 95% CI: 0.996–0.999; p < 0.01), while it was not significantly associated with the other indicators. In the RCT publications with statistically nonsignificant results for primary outcomes in dental caries, the prevalence of spin may be low in the titles but high in the abstracts. Single-center studies with parallel designs and a lower overall H index of institutions for last authors may be more likely to have spin in the abstracts.