Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Resistance to Nine Herbicide Classes in a Population of Rigid Ryegrass (Lolium rigidum)

Rigid ryegrass population VLR69 has become resistant to nine classes of herbicides after 21 yr of exposure to five herbicides in five different chemical classes. The population was exposed to diuron in 17 seasons and is resistant to diuron (4 fold) and chlorotoluron (8 fold) when compared with a reference susceptible population (VLR1). VLR69 had six seasons of exposure to chlorsulfuron and exhibits a high level of resistance to chlorsulfuron (> 20 fold) and triasulfuron (> 25 fold) and a lesser change in sensitivity to sulfometuron (7 fold); however, 4% of the population has a high level of resistance to sulfometuron. Resistance to atrazine (5 fold), simazine (6 fold), and ametryn (10 fold) was observed after five seasons of exposure to atrazine. There is a high level of resistance to all aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides after only two exposures to diclofop eight generations prior to testing the population. The population was cross-resistant to tralkoxydim (> 9.5 fold) and sethoxydim (1.8 fold). There was a small change in sensitivity to paraquat (1.4 fold) after three generations of exposure. The population displayed cross-resistance to: imazaquin (7 fold), imazapyr (2.5 fold), metribuzin (8.7 fold), and metolachlor (2 fold) but was susceptible to oxyfluorfen and dinitroaniline herbicides. There was also a small shift in sensitivity to tridiphane (1.6 fold).
Automated 3D light-sheet screening with high spatiotemporal resolution reveals mitotic phenotypes

ABSTRACT 3D cell cultures enable the in vitro study of dynamic biological processes such as the cell cycle, but their use in high-throughput screens remains impractical with conventional fluorescent microscopy. Here, we present a screening workflow for the automated evaluation of mitotic phenotypes in 3D cell cultures by light-sheet microscopy. After sample preparation by a liquid handling robot, cell spheroids are imaged for 24 h in toto with a dual-view inverted selective plane illumination microscope (diSPIM) with a much improved signal-to-noise ratio, higher imaging speed, isotropic resolution and reduced light exposure compared to a spinning disc confocal microscope. A dedicated high-content image processing pipeline implements convolutional neural network-based phenotype classification. We illustrate the potential of our approach using siRNA knockdown and epigenetic modification of 28 mitotic target genes for assessing their phenotypic role in mitosis. By rendering light-sheet microscopy operational for high-throughput screening applications, this workflow enables target gene characterization or drug candidate evaluation in tissue-like 3D cell culture models. Highlighted Article: A workflow using light-sheet microscopy to evaluate morphologic phenotypes in 3D cell cultures enables high-throughput studies of dynamic biological processes, target gene characterization and drug target candidate screens in vitro.
Helicobacter Pylori Prevalence in Hemodialysis Patients

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in hemodialysis patients and its relationship with gastric juice urea, ammonia, urea/ammonia ratio, and urea fraction. Materials and Methods: 20 hemodialysis patients on whom gastroscopy, antrum and corpus biopsy, and histopathologic evaluation were performed due to various reasons, and 30 non-uremic patients were included in the study. Helicobacter pylori prevalence, gastric juice urea nitrogen, ammonia, and urea nitrogen/ammonia ratio were determined. Furthermore, gastric juice urea fraction was also calculated in hemodialysis patients. Results: Eight hemodialysis patients (40%), and twenty non-uremic patients (66%) were positive for Helicobacter pylori. The relationship between gastric juice ammonia value, urea nitrogen/ammonia ratio, gastric juice urea fraction and Helicobacter pylori presence was significant in hemodialysis cases. Conclusions: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in hemodialysis patients is significantly lower than in non-uremic patients. Although there is no relationship between gastric juice urea nitrogen and low prevalence of Helicobacter pylori, there is a relationship between gastric juice ammonia value, urea nitrogen/ammonia ratio, and gastric juice urea fraction. In addition, factors other than Helicobacter pylori are thought to have a role in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal mucosal lesions
Quantification of Outcrossing Events in Haploid Fungi Using Microsatellite Markers

Species in genera of the fungal family Ceratocystidaceae are known to have different mating strategies, including heterothallism and homothallism. Of these, species of Ceratocystis, typified by the pathogen Ceratocystis fimbriata all undergo unidirectional mating-type switching. This implies that the pathogens possess the ability to self, but also to undergo sexual outcrossing between isolates of different mating types. In this study, we extended the recently developed microsatellite-based technique to determine the extent to which outcrossing occurs in ascospore masses of haploid fungi to two field collections of Ceratocystis albifundus. In this way, the role of reproductive strategies in shaping population structure and diversity could be better understood. Results showed that a high frequency of outcrossing occurs in isolates of the pathogen from both non-native and native areas. This explains the high level of genetic diversity previously observed in this population despite the fact that this pathogen has the ability to self.
Microbiome in Multiple Sclerosis: Where Are We, What We Know and Do Not Know

An increase of multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence has been reported during the last decade, and this may be connected to environmental factors. This review article aims to encapsulate the current advances targeting the study of the gut–brain axis, which mediates the communication between the central nervous system and the gut microbiome. Clinical data arising from many research studies, which have assessed the effects of administered disease-modifying treatments in MS patients to the gut microbiome, are also recapitulated.
Comparative Study of Postural Garment Versus Exercises for Patients With Nonspecific Cervical Pain: Protocol for a Randomized Crossover Trial

Background There is a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among health care professionals. Posture is an essential point to be addressed for health care professionals with musculoskeletal disorders. Cervical pain can result from several conditions. Treatment should include posture modification and home exercise. Objective This study aims to compare a new postural garment (Posture Plus Force; Medi, Bayreuth, Germany) with exercises for women with nonspecific cervical pain. The investigators focus on nurses and allied health professionals due to the importance of posture in work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Methods This randomized crossover clinical trial has a 3-month treatment sequence and a 3-month washout period. Participants will include nurses and allied health professionals 21 to 55 years of age with cervical pain. Participants are allocated at random to two intervention groups: a postural garment (Posture Plus Force) to be worn for 2 to 4 hours per day for 90 days (P+ group) and five physiotherapy sessions (20 minutes each) to learn stretching and strengthening exercises with instructions to continue at home on a daily basis for 90 days (Ex group). The participants in each group will crossover interventions after a 3-month washout period. The primary outcomes are postural control and pain intensity. A static posturography will be performed with a scan (SpinalMouse; Idiag AG, Fehraltorf, Switzerland). The visual analogue scale is a psychometric measuring instrument designed to document cervical pain severity in individual participants. The secondary outcomes are cervical pain-related disability, catastrophizing, the global perceived effect of treatment, and the evaluation of garment comfort. Physical activity is assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Assessment of primary and secondary outcomes is performed at T0 (pre-intervention), T1 (immediately after garment fitting for P+ group), T30, T60, and T90. The same measurements are recorded after the washout period and during the second intervention following the same sequence. All patients are provided with a logbook for compliance recording, over the counter drug use, pain evaluation, and sick leave. Statistical analysis is conducted following intention-to-treat principles and the treatment effects calculated using linear mixed models. Results The study design has been approved by the Ethics Commission of Hospital N Sra de Meritxell, Andorra in March 2017. A total of 32 participants are already enrolled in the study. An extension of the study is planned in a Spanish university hospital to achieve a larger sample. Study results are expected to be published during 2020. Conclusions The Postural garment is expected to improve cervical pain by enhancing posture. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03560492; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03560492 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/14807
The Affordable Care Act improved health insurance coverage and cardiovascular‐related screening rates for cancer survivors seen in community health centers

This study assessed the impact of Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion on health insurance rates and receipt of cardiovascular‐related preventive screenings (body mass index, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c], low‐density lipoproteins, and blood pressure) for cancer survivors seen in community health centers (CHCs).
Clinical Consequences of Untreated Dental Caries, Individual Characteristics, and Environmental Factors on Self-Reported Oral Health Measures in Adolescents: A Follow-Up Prevalence Study

Background/Aims: This study evaluated the relationships of clinical consequences of untreated dental caries, individual characteristics, and environmental factors on self-reported oral health measures in adolescents. Methods: A follow-up prevalence study was conducted involving 406 twelve-year-old adolescents selected from public schools in the eastern area of the city of Manaus, Brazil. Baseline data included clinical consequences of untreated caries (PUFA/pufa index), DMFT, sociodemographic characteristics (sex, parental schooling, and family income), psychosocial factors (sense of coherence [SOC-13 scale], oral health beliefs and self-esteem [Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale]), and social support (SSA questionnaire). Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL [CPQ11–14]) and self-rated oral health were assessed at the 6-month follow-up. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the relationships between variables according to the Wilson and Cleary model. Results: The prevalence of PUFA/pufa was 17.8% and mean DMFT was 1.5. The number of teeth with clinical consequences of untreated caries predicted poor self-rated oral health at the 6-month follow-up. Low parental schooling predicted low family income and clinical consequences of untreated dental caries. Psychosocial factors predicted OHRQoL directly and self-rated oral health indirectly. OHRQoL was linked to self-rated oral health. Clinical consequences of untreated dental caries mediated the relationship of parental schooling with OHRQoL and self-rated oral health. OHRQoL mediated the relationship of psychosocial factors and sex with self-rated oral health. Clinical consequences of untreated dental caries was associated with adolescents’ self-rated oral health. Furthermore, the former was an important mediator on the link between low parental education and adolescents’ self-reported oral health measures. Conclusions: Socioeconomic status, psychosocial factors, and social support were related to OHRQoL and self-rated oral health via direct and indirect pathways.
Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics of SP-8356, a Novel (1S)-(−)-Verbenone Derivative, in Rats and Dogs and Its Implications in Humans

(1S,5R)-4-((E)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxystryryl)-6,6-dimethylbicylco[3.1. 1]hept-3-en-2-one (SP-8356) is a novel (1S)-(−)-verbenone derivative that is currently in preclinical development for the treatment of ischemic stroke and atherosclerosis. This report aimed at characterization of the metabolism and pharmacokinetic properties of SP-8356. Following intravenous dose in rats and dogs, plasma concentrations of SP-8356 declined rapidly with high clearance (CL) and short half-life; after oral administration in both species, its plasma levels were below the quantitation limit. Fourteen circulating metabolites, formed by mono-oxygenation, demethylation, glucuronidation, catechol O-methylation, sulfation and oxidation (bioactivation) followed by glutathione (GSH) conjugation, were tentatively identified in both species. Urinary excretion of SP-8356 appeared to be minimal in rats, compared to its metabolites. GSH conjugate of SP-8356 was also formed during incubation with rat liver S9 fraction consistent with oxidative bioactivation; this bioactivation was almost completely inhibited by the cofactors for glucuronidation, sulfation and methylation, indicating that it may be abolished by competing metabolic reactions in the body. The human pharmacokinetics of SP-8356 was predicted to be similar to that of the animals based on the current in vitro metabolic stability results. In summary, rapid phase II metabolism appears to be mainly responsible for its suboptimal pharmacokinetics, such as high CL and low oral absorption. Because of competing metabolic reactions, potential safety risks related to SP-8356 bioactivation may be low.
On endocrine disruption at the workplace – how to get from suggestive to conclusive evidence?

Print ISSN: 0355-3140 Electronic ISSN: 1795-990X Copyright (c) Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health Editorial Scand J Work Environ Health Online-first -article doi:10.5271/sjweh.3897 On endocrine disruption at the workplace – how to get from suggestive to conclusive evidence? by Bonde JP Affiliation: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Jens.Peter. Ellekilde.Bonde@regionh.dk Refers to the following text of the Journal: [online first; 23 January 2020] Key terms: birth defect; chemical; chemical exposure; editorial; endocrine disrupting chemical; endocrine disruption; evidence; occupational reproductive hazard; reproductive hazard; women
Demographic, Clinical, and Pathologic Features of Patients With Cutaneous Melanoma: Final Analysis of the Brazilian Melanoma Group Database

PURPOSE National epidemiologic data on melanoma are scarce in Brazil. The current work presents final demographic, clinical, and pathologic results from the Brazilian Melanoma Group database to detail how patients with melanoma present at diagnosis. METHODS The online database includes patients diagnosed between 1982 and 2015 and evaluated at their centers of origin between 2001 and 2016. The primary objective was to describe the demographic, clinical, and pathologic characteristics of the patients, and secondary objectives were to investigate the association between clinical and pathologic variables of interest. RESULTS A total of 1,596 patients were included. Median age was 52 years, 57% were women, and the majority were identified as white. Invasive melanoma was diagnosed in 1,297 patients, mostly localized, whereas 299 (19%) had in situ disease (TisN0M0). Only 165 patients had initial lymph node involvement. Fitzpatrick skin types I or II were slightly more frequent with in situ melanoma (73%) than with invasive disease (67%; P = .054). The median Breslow thickness was 0.95 mm, Clark levels 2 and 3 comprised nearly 70% of cases, and ulceration was present in 18% of patients. The mitotic rate was significantly associated with the presence of ulceration and both vascular and perineural invasion but not with margin positivity, whereas histologic regression was associated with both intratumoral and peritumoral inflammatory infiltrates. CONCLUSION Despite the limitations of an observational, registry-based study, the current results provide a general profile of patients with cutaneous melanoma in Brazil at the time of diagnosis.
Preparedness is Essential for Western Pacific Islands During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Objectives: To clarify the pandemic status in Western Pacific countries or territories. Methods: The WHO’s daily situation reports of COVID-19 were reviewed from January 20, 2020, to March 24, 2020. Changes in the infections, deaths, and the case fatality rate (CFR) in Western Pacific countries or territories were counted. Results: As of March 24, a total of 17 countries or territories had reported the presence of COVID-19 in the Western Pacific Region, 96,580 people have been infected and a total of 3502 deaths. Fifty-three percent (9/17) of these countries or territories had their first case within 2 wk since the WHO’s first report, most are China’s neighbors with a large and dense population. No other country or territory in this region reported a new infection from January 30 to February 28. However, 8 (47.0%) countries or territories have reported the first cases in 3 wk since February 28, almost all are islands. Many countries maintained a small number of infections for a long time after the first report, but a rapid increase occurred later. Deaths occurred in 8 countries with a total CFR of 3.63%, and the CFR varies widely, from 0.39% (Singapore) to 7.14% (Philippines). Conclusions: The regional spread of COVID-19 urgently requires an aggressive preparedness for the Western Pacific Islands.
HIV-Related Stress Experienced by Newly Diagnosed People Living with HIV in China: A 1-Year Longitudinal Study

This study explored the HIV-related stressors that people living with HIV (PLWH) commonly experience and express as stressful at the time of diagnosis and 1 year later. The factors associated with stress levels and whether social support would moderate the negative effects of stress on psychological health (depressive and anxiety symptoms) were also investigated. Newly diagnosed PLWH were consecutively recruited in this study. Participants rated their stress with the HIV/AIDS Stress Scale at baseline and 1 year later. Social support, depression, and anxiety were also self-reported at both time points. There were significant decreases in stress levels 1 year after diagnosis. Stressors regarding confidentiality, disclosure, emotional distress, fear of infecting others, and excessive attention to physical functions were the most problematic at baseline and 1-year follow-up. A younger age, married status, not living alone, less income, presence of HIV symptoms, and lack of social support were associated with higher levels of stress. No stress-buffering effect of social support on depressive and anxiety symptoms was found in this study. Interventions to reduce stress among PLWH should take into consideration the following priority stressors: confidentiality, discrimination/stigma, serostatus disclosure, distressing emotions, fear of infecting others, and excessive attention to physical functions. More attention should be paid to PLWH with younger age, not living alone, less income, presence of HIV symptoms, and lack of social support.
The Effect of Different Packaging Systems on the Shelf Life of Refrigerated Ground Beef

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different packaging systems on the shelf life of refrigerated ground beef. The ground beef samples were packaged as follows: AA (100% ambient air), 90O2:10CO2 (90% O2 and 10% CO2), 80O2:20CO2 (80% O2 and 20% CO2), 70O2:30CO2 (70% O2 and 30% CO2), 60O2:40CO2 (60% O2 and 40% CO2), 50O2:50CO2 (50% O2 and 50% CO2), 100O2 (100% O2), and VP (vacuum packaging). All treatments were analyzed daily for O2 and CO2 levels, pH, filtration time, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), aerobic mesophilic heterotrophic bacteria (AMHB), and aerobic psychrotrophic heterotrophic bacteria (APHB) over 20 days at 2 °C. All MAP systems had a decrease of O2 and an increase of CO2 levels during storage period (p < 0.05). Overall, the MAP systems were similarly able to decrease the pH and retard the increase of TVB-N and filtration time over the storage period (p > 0.05). Moreover, the MAP systems increased the lag phase and/or the generation time of both AMHB and APHB, extending the shelf life by 3 (90O2:10CO2), 4 (70O2:30CO2 and 100O2), and 5 days (80O2:20CO2, 60O2:40CO2, 50O2:50CO2, and VP). All MAP systems were equally effective in retarding physicochemical degradation; however, 80O2:20CO2, 60O2:40CO2, 50O2:50CO2, and VP were the most effective in impairing bacterial growth and extending the shelf life of ground beef stored under refrigeration.
Nonlinear electrochemomechanical modelling of electrochemical strain microscopy imaging

Electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM) is a powerful tool to resolve ionic transport and electrochemical processes with a nanoscale resolution. To ascertain the underlying mechanism that governs the signal generation of ESM imaging, a fully coupled nonlinear electrochemomechanical model based on the finite element method is developed and applied to LiMn2O4 particles. The frequency dependence of the ESM response, in particular the response at high frequencies used in the detection regime, is investigated in detail. The performed analysis demonstrates that the error induced by the decoupling approximation increases with decreasing bias frequency due to the relatively large variation in ion concentration. In the high frequency regime, the results reveal that the stress effect is negligible and local electroneutrality holds, providing the simplification of numerical simulation for ESM imaging. By applying an alternative current voltage, we suggest that the detectable signal observed in ESM imaging can be attributed to the Vegard effect, which was controversial in previous linear models. The local distribution of ion concentration shows that the ionic reorganization only takes place near the tip–surface junction, the spatial extent of which can be described by two relevant lengths, the contact radius and ion drift length, which determine the spatial lateral resolution and depth resolution, respectively, in ESM imaging. Through a parametric study, the electromigration is proved to be dominant at high frequencies and the relationship between ESM amplitude and some parameters may offer a strategy to measure local electrochemical reactivity. The impact of contact force is evaluated and the results indicate that the local compression reduces ion concentration and the resultant ESM signal in the detection regime. Thus attention must be paid to the contact force when a comparison between different measurements is conducted. The combination of the numerical model and experiment holds the promise of quantitative probing of local electrochemical parameters in solids.