Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis for children with chronic lung disease: have we got the criteria right?

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of palivizumab for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus-related hospitalization is well-established and has been adopted universally in pediatric position statements. Areas covered: The definition of chronic lung disease (CLD, bronchopulmonary dysplasia) has evolved over time and has significantly impacted the reported incidence of the condition, and the description of mild, moderate and severe disease in published studies. We reviewed lung function in infancy, childhood and adulthood of healthy preterm infants and those with CLD and how alterations in airway function, especially following respiratory syncytial virus infection may set the stage for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in adults. We also characterized the real-world experience of the use of palivizumab compared to the single, randomized trial and examined the socioeconomic burden of respiratory syncytial virus hospitalization, an element that is commonly overlooked, when considering the value of prevention in the extremely high-risk, CLD population. Expert opinion: Based on the current evidence, we propose that palivizumab should be offered to all children with CLD in the first two years of life, irrespective of CLD disease severity. This may positively influence pulmonary maturation and normalize the trajectory of compromised lung function in these children into adulthood.
Novel external quality assurance scheme for drug susceptibility testing of non-tuberculous mycobacteria: a multicentre pilot study

Objectives Our aim was to conduct a multicentre study involving laboratories participating in the European TB Reference Laboratory Network aiming to develop a pilot external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for drug susceptibility testing (DST) of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Methods The study comprised a survey using a structured questionnaire followed by a pilot EQA round using identical panels of 10 Mycobacterium avium (MAV) and Mycobacterium abscessus (MAB) isolates. EQA results were received from 16 laboratories utilizing the broth microdilution method. Consensus modal MIC values were determined, and essential and categorical agreement rates were calculated. Results Twenty-four out of 31 laboratories (77.4%) reported DST for NTM routinely. Essential agreement ranged from 78.8% (amikacin) to 96.2% (linezolid) for MAV and from 76.0% (amikacin) to 100% (doxycycline) for MAB. Categorical agreement ranged from 56.8% (moxifloxacin) to 100% (clarithromycin) for MAV and from 53.6% (linezolid) to 100% (doxycycline) for MAB. Conclusions Our results show that interlaboratory reproducibility of DST for NTM is insufficient, highlighting the need for expanding EQA schemes. As EQAs for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex have led to more reliable and reproducible DST, we propose to follow a similar approach for clinically relevant NTM.
Analysis of Motivational Elements of Social Games: A Puzzle Match 3-Games Study Case

The main motivational elements of the social network sites and the social network games will be shown according to studies already existent in the literature, highlighting the elements which motivate the players the most to play social Match 3-type games. Seven games have been analyzed: Diamond Dash, Collapse! Blast, Mystic Ice Blast, Bricks Breaking, Plock, Gem Clix, and Blast! The results showed that asynchronous time, activities publishing, rewarding system, competition, and social status are the elements which motivate and stimulate the most the players to play
Relationship between power density and surface temperature elevation for human skin exposure to electromagnetic waves with oblique incidence angle from 6 GHz to 1 THz

This study presents an investigation of human skin exposure to obliquely incident electromagnetic waves at frequencies from 6 GHz to 1 THz. We aim to clarify the relationship between the power density and the skin surface temperature elevation under various exposure conditions. A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to assess the transmittance and surface temperature elevation considering the variation of skin tissue thickness. For the case of TM wave injection, transmittance increases with increasing incidence angle from the normal incidence because of the Brewster effect. The normal incidence is confirmed as the worst-case exposure condition when the incident power density is defined in an area normal to the propagation direction. In addition, we investigated the power density required to obtain the equivalent temperature elevation over the skin surface. The analysis shows that the incident power density defined in the direction normal to the skin surface may underestimate the temperature elevation when TM waves are incident over the normal incidence up to the maximum transmittance angle. Our results also show that the power density inside the skin surface strongly correlates with the surface temperature elevation but less dependent on the frequency and independent of the oblique incidence angle and polarization. The findings of this study are expected to be valuable for discussing how to use the different definitions of power density based on dosimetric characteristics as measures in safety guidelines to protect humans from excessive temperature elevation by millimeter and submillimeter-wave exposure.
Molecular Dissection of Early Defense Signaling Underlying Volatile-Mediated Defense Regulation and Herbivore Resistance in Rice[OPEN]

The herbivore-induced plant volatile indole increases jasmonate-dependent plant resistance to herbivores by priming early defense signaling components, including a mitogen-activated protein kinase. Herbivore-induced plant volatiles prime plant defenses and resistance, but how they are integrated into early defense signaling and whether a causal relationship exists between volatile defense priming and herbivore resistance is unclear. Here, we investigated the impact of indole, a common herbivore-induced plant volatile and modulator of many physiological processes in plants, bacteria, and animals, on early defense signaling and herbivore resistance in rice (Oryza sativa). Rice plants infested by fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) caterpillars release indole at a rate of up to 25 ng*h−1. Exposure to equal doses of exogenous indole enhances rice resistance to S. frugiperda. Screening of early signaling components revealed that indole pre-exposure directly enhances the expression of the leucine-rich repeat-receptor-like kinase OsLRR-RLK1. Pre-exposure to indole followed by simulated herbivory increases (i.e. primes) the transcription, accumulation, and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase OsMPK3 and the expression of the downstream WRKY transcription factor gene OsWRKY70 as well as several jasmonate biosynthesis genes, resulting in higher jasmonic acid (JA) accumulation. Analysis of transgenic plants defective in early signaling showed that OsMPK3 is required and that OsMPK6 and OsWRKY70 contribute to indole-mediated defense priming of JA-dependent herbivore resistance. Therefore, herbivore-induced plant volatiles increase plant resistance to herbivores by positively regulating early defense signaling components.
DNA Methylation Patterns in the Social Spider, Stegodyphus dumicola

Variation in DNA methylation patterns among genes, individuals, and populations appears to be highly variable among taxa, but our understanding of the functional significance of this variation is still incomplete. We here present the first whole genome bisulfite sequencing of a chelicerate species, the social spider Stegodyphus dumicola. We show that DNA methylation occurs mainly in CpG context and is concentrated in genes. This is a pattern also documented in other invertebrates. We present RNA sequence data to investigate the role of DNA methylation in gene regulation and show that, within individuals, methylated genes are more expressed than genes that are not methylated and that methylated genes are more stably expressed across individuals than unmethylated genes. Although no causal association is shown, this lends support for the implication of DNA CpG methylation in regulating gene expression in invertebrates. Differential DNA methylation between populations showed a small but significant correlation with differential gene expression. This is consistent with a possible role of DNA methylation in local adaptation. Based on indirect inference of the presence and pattern of DNA methylation in chelicerate species whose genomes have been sequenced, we performed a comparative phylogenetic analysis. We found strong evidence for exon DNA methylation in the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus and in all spider and scorpion species, while most Parasitiformes and Acariformes species seem to have lost DNA methylation.
Exploring the response of Actinobacteria to the presence of phosphorus salts sources: Metabolic and co‐metabolic processes

This study tested the solubilization of phosphorus by five actinobacterial strains in liquid media containing Ca3PO4; AlPO4 or FePO4 as the sole phosphate source, and discusses the possible mechanisms involved in this process. P solubilization by different strains was accompanied by a significant drop in pH from 7.0 to 2.15–5.0 after 14 days. The efficiency of different strains depended on the P‐source. Streptomyces spp. MM140 and MM141 were the most efficient in solubilizing Ca3PO4, MM136, and MM141 were the most efficient in solubilizing AlPO4, while all strains were equally efficient in solubilizing FePO4. Gluconic, oxalic, citric, malic, succinic, formic, and acetic acid were detected in the medium with Ca3PO4, while all except acetic acid were detected in the media with FePO4 or AlPO4. Although we did not use an organic source of phosphorus in the media, all strains produced acid and alkaline phosphatase. It is concluded from this study that actinobacteria produced multiple organic acids followed by a decrease in the pH to solubilize phosphate salts. As well as producing phosphatase, these microorganisms were found to have different ways of making P available, suggesting an ecological advantage as they form part of soil microbiomes important for plants.
Biological Contamination Prevention for Outer Solar System Moons of Astrobiological Interest: What Do We Need to Know?

Abstract To ensure that scientific investments in space exploration are not compromised by terrestrial contamination of celestial bodies, special care needs to be taken to preserve planetary conditions for future astrobiological exploration. Significant effort has been made and is being taken to address planetary protection in the context of inner Solar System exploration. In particular for missions to Mars, detailed internationally accepted guidelines have been established. For missions to the icy moons in the outer Solar System, Europa and Enceladus, the planetary protection requirements are so far based on a probabilistic approach and a conservative estimate of poorly known parameters. One objective of the European Commission-funded project, Planetary Protection of Outer Solar System, was to assess the existing planetary protection approach, to identify inherent knowledge gaps, and to recommend scientific investigations necessary to update the requirements for missions to the icy moons.
A prospective study of the incidence of drug‐induced liver injury by the modern volatile anaesthetics sevoflurane and desflurane

Volatile anaesthetics are known to cause drug‐induced liver injury, a hepatotoxic reaction characterised by antibodies to trifluoroacetylated lipid and protein adducts and cytochrome p450 2E1. The incidence of volatile anaesthetic drug‐induced liver injury from older agents has been described, but modern agents have not been prospectively studied.
Clinical management and outcome of four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) with histiocytic sarcoma

Four-toed hedgehogs presented bloody stool and loss of appetite. Integumental masses were observed in two of the four cases. Intraabdominal masses were observed on radiographs and ultrasonography in the remaining two cases. The masses were surgically removed from all four cases. All samples were histologically and immunohistochemically consistent with histiocytic sarcoma (HS). At the time of surgery, 3 of 4 cases had grossly recognized metastatic/disseminated lesions. Survival time was 48 days, 64 days, and 113 days, respectively, and the remaining case is currently alive (at Day 207). The present report describes the clinical management and outcome of hedgehogs that were diagnosed with HS.
Trisomy 8 is the Most Frequent Cytogenetic Abnormality in de novo Myelodysplastic Syndrome in China

Background: Cytogenetic abnormalities have been detected in 40–60% of patients with de novo myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Some reports suggest that Asian and Western MDS patients have different cytogenetic features. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 168 patients with de novo MDS and compared our results with other Chinese centers to investigate the prevalence and cytogenetic characteristics of MDS in China. Results: In our study, chromosome abnormalities were detected in 40.48% of patients (68/168). Although the median survival time did not differ between younger and older (≧60 years) patients (p = 0.969), survival curves based on International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) cytogenetic groups and WHO Classification-Based Prognostic Scoring System (WPSS) risk groups were significantly different (p < 0.001). Survival differences were observed between patients in the normal karyotype group, sole trisomy 8 group, and poor cytogenetic group according to IPSS (p < 0.001). In agreement with the results from 2 other large Chinese centers, trisomy 8 was the most detected cytogenetic abnormality, with a prevalence of 14.21%. Conclusion: Trisomy 8, categorized as intermediate cytogenetic risk group in our study, is the most frequent cytogenetic abnormality in de novo MDS in China.
A Trial Integrating Different Methods to Assess Psychosocial Problems in Primary Care

Background: A number of studies have documented psychosocial problems, psychiatric morbidity and impaired quality of life in primary care patients. Objective: The aim of this trial was to test the usefulness of the joint use of different diagnostic interviews and self-rated questionnaires. Methods: Two hundred consecutive patients in a primary care practice in Italy underwent the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 and the Semi-Structured Interview for the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) in its recently revised form. As self-rated evaluations, the PsychoSocial Index, the Short-Form Health Survey and the Illness Attitude Scales were administered. Results: There were 46 patients (23%) with at least 1 DSM-5 diagnosis. Eighty-eight patients (44%) had at least 1 DCPR diagnosis, mainly maladaptive illness behavior (26.5%), allostatic overload (15.5%) and demoralization (15%). There were 47 (23.5%) patients who had a DCPR diagnosis only; 5 subjects (2.5%) had a DSM diagnosis only. Patients with DCPR syndromes displayed significantly higher self-rated levels of stress, psychological distress and maladaptive illness behavior and significantly lower levels of quality of life and well-being than patients with no diagnoses. Conclusions: In a busy clinical setting, a simple self-rated questionnaire such as the PsychoSocial Index may afford a useful tool to unveil patient current distress. The DCPR can provide clinical information for a substantial number of patients who do not satisfy DSM-5 classification criteria and yet present with psychosocial problems, as measured by self-rated scales. The DCPR may improve the assessment and treatment plan of primary care psychologists or consulting psychiatrists.
New species and new records of dictyostelids from Ukraine

Three species of dictyostelid cellular slime molds were isolated from forest soil, meadow soil and leaf litter collected from Yalta, Crimea, Ukraine. Dictyostelium globisporum is new to science; D. crassicaule and D. sphaerocephalum are new records from Ukraine. Descriptions and illustrations are given based on the Ukraine specimens.
Jumping in and Out of the Dirty Water… Learning from Stories while Doing Social Science

ABSTRACT The pursuit of knowledge surrounding health-related issues during disasters, emergencies, and crises, can be delicate and challenging. Social scientists use a host of research methods to design and execute studies with the goal of making intellectual contributions. During extended field work following Hurricane Harvey in the Greater Houston area, our team collected data – interviews, observations, and private social media – from citizens, emergency responders, and volunteer rescuers. Yet sometimes the data collected, analyzed, and reported in published findings is only part of the research story. The researchers’ experiences, both in the field as well as their past, can serve as personal-sensemaking devices. Integrating these stories can help scientists build trust and collect meaningful data, well beyond what is anticipated. In this essay, I share such examples, related to dirty water: temporarily health-compromised individuals, and responders doing double duty. Below the surface, there are many more opportunities for health communication to make an impact in times of crisis.
Sarcopenia and Variation in the Human Leukocyte Antigen Complex

Abstract Background Aging is characterized by chronic inflammation plus loss of muscle mass and strength, termed sarcopenia. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types are drivers of autoimmune disease, although with limited penetrance. We tested whether autoimmune diagnoses are associated with sarcopenia, and whether HLA types and related genetic variants are associated with sarcopenia in autoimmune disease-free older people. Methods Data were collected from 181,301 UK Biobank European descent volunteers aged 60–70 with measured hand grip strength and impedance. Logistic regression analysis estimated HLA type and sarcopenia associations, adjusted for confounders and multiple testing. Results Having any autoimmune diagnosis was associated with sarcopenia (odds ratio [OR] 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74–1.92, p = 4.0*10−125). After excluding autoimmune diagnoses, 6 of 100 HLA types (allele frequency >1%) were associated with sarcopenia (low grip strength and muscle mass). Having two HLA-DQA1*03:01 alleles increased odds of sarcopenia by 19.3% (OR 1.19, CI 1.09–1.29, p = 2.84*10–5), compared to no alleles. Having ≥6 of the 12 HLA alleles increased sarcopenia odds by 23% (OR 1.23, CI 1.12–1.35, p = 7.28*10–6). Of 658 HLA region non-coding genetic variants previously implicated in disease, 4 were associated with sarcopenia, including rs41268896 and rs29268645 (OR 1.08, CI 1.05–1.11, p = 1.06*10–8 and 1.07, CI 1.04–1.09, p = 1.5*10–6, respectively). Some HLA associations with sarcopenia were greater in female participants. Conclusion Autoimmune diagnoses are strongly associated with sarcopenia in 60- to 70-year olds. Variation in specific HLA types and non-coding single nucleotide polymorphisms is also associated with sarcopenia in older carriers free of diagnosed autoimmune diseases. Patients with sarcopenia might benefit from targeted treatment of autoimmune processes.
The Acute Inflammatory Response after Trauma is heightened by Frailty: A Prospective Evaluation of Inflammatory and Endocrine System Alterations in Frailty.

INTRODUCTION Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by decreased physiological reserves, increased inflammation, and decreased anabolic-endocrine response. The biomarkers associated with frailty are poorly understood in trauma. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between frailty and immune: IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2Rα, TNF-α and endocrine biomarkers: Insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), and growth hormone(GH) in trauma patients. METHODS We conducted a one-year(2017-2018) prospective analysis of geriatric(≥ 65y) trauma patients admitted to our level-1 trauma center. Frailty was measured using the trauma specific frailty index (TSFI) and blood samples were collected within 24-hours of admission. Patients were stratified into two groups: frail(TSFI>0.25) and non-frail(TSFI≤0.25). We then measured the levels of immune and endocrine biomarkers by a colorimetric output that was read by a spectrophotometer(Quantikine® ELISA). The outcome measures were the levels of the immune and endocrine markers in the two groups. Multivariable linear regression was performed. RESULTS A total of 100 geriatric trauma patients were consented and enrolled. The mean age was 77.1±9.8 years and 34% were female. 39(39%) patients were frail. Frail patients were more likely to present after falls(p=0.01). There was no difference in age(p=0.78), gender(p=0.77), systolic blood pressure(p=0.16), and heart rate(p=0.24) between the two groups. Frail patients had higher levels of TNF-α(p=0.01), IL-1β(p=0.01), and IL-6(p=0.01) but lower levels of GH(p=0.03) and IGF-1 (p<0.04) compared to non-frail patients. There was no difference in the level of IL-2Rα(p=0.25). On regression analysis, frailty was positively correlated with the levels of proinflammatory biomarkers i.e. TNF- α, IL-1 β, and IL-6 and negatively correlated with endocrine biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the association between frailty and immune & endocrine markers. Frailty acts synergistically with trauma in increasing the acute inflammatory response. Moreover, frail patients have lower levels of anabolic hormones. Understanding the inflammatory and endocrine response in frail trauma patients may result in better therapeutic strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Basic Science Study.
A critical assessment of the methodologies to investigate the role of inhibition of apoptosis in rodent hepatocarcinogenesis

Abstract Non-genotoxic carcinogens act by promoting the clonal expansion of preneoplastic cells by directly or indirectly stimulating cell division or inhibiting cell loss in the target organ. The specific mode-of-action (MoA) by which some non-genotoxic carcinogens ultimately cause cancer is not completely understood. To date, there are several proposed MoAs for non-genotoxic carcinogens, and some of these propose inhibition of apoptosis as one of the key events. In general, inhibition of apoptosis is considered a necessary step for cell survival and in theory can occur in combination or in association with other key promotional events, such as cell proliferation, oxidative stress and inhibition of intercellular communication to promote carcinogenesis. However, the evidence supporting the role of inhibition of apoptosis as a necessary step in promoting specific chemically induced tumors is often debated. To address this evidence, we reviewed studies that utilized prototypical nuclear receptor-mediated hepatocarcinogens. Based on this review, it is proposed that the ability to determine the importance of inhibition of apoptosis as a key event in the MoA for tumor promotion is hampered by the limitations of the methods utilized for its detection. This review provides an assessment of the strengths and limitations of the current methodology used for detection of apoptosis and provides suggestions for improving its detection, thereby strengthening the weight of evidence supporting inhibition of apoptosis as a key event in a MoA for tumor promotion.