Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunopathological effects of experimental T-2 mycotoxicosis in Wistar rats

It is well known that T-2 toxin has cytotoxic radiomimetic like effects on the immune system. Because of scant research data demonstrating the chronic effects of low doses of the T-2 toxin on humoral and cellular responses in rats, the present experiment was undertaken. The animals were divided into four groups, namely, group I (0.5 ppm), group II (0.75 ppm) and group III (1.0 ppm) and group IV (control) were given toxin-free diet for 12 weeks and eight animals each were sacrificed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12-week of the experimental period. The humoral immune response was evaluated based on hemagglutination test (HA), and levels of serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) while the cell-mediated immune response was evaluated by delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to ovalbumin, lymphocyte stimulation index, analyses of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and mRNA expression levels of selected cytokines like IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 by quantitative Real-time PCR in experimental groups. T-2 treatment caused suppression in both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses as evidenced by a decrease in all these parameters in toxin fed animals compared to the control in the dose and duration-dependent manner. This dose-dependent effect on the immune system has been further reflected largely by the depletion of lymphocytes from lymphoid organs as observed histopathologically in the spleen, thymus, and Peyer’s patches in the present study.
RNA transport from transcription to localized translation: a single molecule perspective

ABSTRACT Transport of mRNAs is an important step of gene expression, which brings the genetic message from the DNA in the nucleus to a precise cytoplasmic location in a regulated fashion. Perturbation of this process can lead to pathologies such as developmental and neurological disorders. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the field of mRNA transport made using single molecule fluorescent imaging approaches. We present an overview of these approaches in fixed and live cells and their input in understanding the key steps of mRNA journey: transport across the nucleoplasm, export through the nuclear pores and delivery to its final cytoplasmic location. This review puts a particular emphasis on the coupling of mRNA transport with translation, such as localization-dependent translational regulation and translation-dependent mRNA localization. We also highlight the recently discovered translation factories, and how cellular and viral RNAs can hijack membrane transport systems to travel in the cytoplasm.
Declining antibody levels to Trypanosoma cruzi correlate with polymerase chain reaction positivity and electrocardiographic changes in a retrospective cohort of untreated Brazilian blood donors

Background Although infection with Trypanosoma cruzi is thought to be lifelong, less than half of those infected develop cardiomyopathy, suggesting greater parasite control or even clearance. Antibody levels appear to correlate with T. cruzi (antigen) load. We test the association between a downwards antibody trajectory, PCR positivity and ECG alterations in untreated individuals with Chagas disease. Methodology/Principal findings This is a retrospective cohort of T. cruzi seropositive blood donors. Paired blood samples (index donation and follow-up) were tested using the VITROS Immunodiagnostic Products Anti-T.cruzi (Chagas) assay (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Raritan NJ) and PCR performed on the follow-up sample. A 12-lead resting ECG was performed. Significant antibody decline was defined as a reduction of > 1 signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) unit on the VITROS assay. Follow-up S/CO of < 4 was defined as borderline/low. 276 untreated seropositive blood donors were included. The median (IQR) follow-up was 12.7 years (8.5–16.9). 56 (22.1%) subjects had a significant antibody decline and 35 (12.7%) had a low/borderline follow-up result. PCR positivity was lower in the falling (26.8% vs 52.8%, p = 0.001) and low/borderline (17.1% vs 51.9%, p < 0.001) antibody groups, as was the rate of ECG abnormalities. Falling and low/borderline antibody groups were predominantly composed of individuals with negative PCR and normal ECG findings: 64% and 71%, respectively. Conclusions/Significance Low and falling antibody levels define a phenotype of possible spontaneous parasite clearance.
mTOR-dependent translation amplifies microglia priming in aging mice.

Microglia maintain homeostasis in the brain. However, with age, they become primed and respond more strongly to inflammatory stimuli. We show here that microglia from aged mice upregulated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 signaling regulating translation, as well as protein levels of inflammatory mediators. Genetic ablation of mTOR signaling showed a dual, yet contrasting effect on microglia priming: it caused an NF-kB-dependent upregulation of priming genes at mRNA level; however, mice displayed reduced cytokine protein levels, diminished microglia activation and milder sickness behavior. The effect on translation was dependent on reduced phosphorylation of 4EBP1, resulting in decreased binding of eIF4E to eIF4G. Similar changes were present in aged human microglia and in damage-associated microglia, indicating upregulation of mTOR-dependent translation is an essential step licensing microglia priming in aging and neurodegeneration.
Speechreading Ability Is Related to Phonological Awareness and Single-Word Reading in Both Deaf and Hearing Children

Purpose Speechreading (lipreading) is a correlate of reading ability in both deaf and hearing children. We investigated whether the relationship between speechreading and single-word reading is mediated by phonological awareness in deaf and hearing children. Method In two separate studies, 66 deaf children and 138 hearing children, aged 5–8 years old, were assessed on measures of speechreading, phonological awareness, and single-word reading. We assessed the concurrent relationships between latent variables measuring speechreading, phonological awareness, and single-word reading. Results In both deaf and hearing children, there was a strong relationship between speechreading and single-word reading, which was fully mediated by phonological awareness. Conclusions These results are consistent with ideas from previous studies that visual speech information contributes to the development of phonological representations in both deaf and hearing children, which, in turn, support learning to read. Future longitudinal and training studies are required to establish whether these relationships reflect causal effects.
Pain in long‐term survivors of childhood cancer: A systematic review of the current state of knowledge and a call to action from the Children's Oncology Group

Survivors of childhood cancer may be at risk of experiencing pain, and a systematic review would advance our understanding of pain in this population. The objective of this study was to describe: 1) the prevalence of pain in survivors of childhood cancer, 2) methods of pain measurement, 3) associations between pain and biopsychosocial factors, and 4) recommendations for future research. Data sources for the study were articles published from January 1990 to August 2019 identified in the PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Web of Science data bases. Eligible studies included: 1) original research, 2) quantitative assessments of pain, 3) articles published in English, 4) cancers diagnosed between birth and age 21 years, 5) survivors at 5 years from diagnosis and/or at 2 years after therapy completion, and 6) a sample size >20. Seventy‐three articles were included in the final review. Risk of bias was considered using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The quality of evidence was evaluated according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Common measures of pain were items created by the authors for the purpose of the study (45.2%) or health‐related quality‐of‐life/health status questionnaires (42.5%). Pain was present in from 4.3% to 75% of survivors across studies. Three studies investigated chronic pain according the definition in the International Classification of Diseases. The findings indicated that survivors of childhood cancer are at higher risk of experiencing pain compared with controls. Fatigue was consistently associated with pain, females reported more pain than males, and other factors related to pain will require stronger evidence. Theoretically grounded, multidimensional measurements of pain are absent from the literature.
Cell biophysical stimuli in lobopodium formation: a computer based approach

Abstract Different cell migration modes have been identified in 3D environments, e.g., modes incorporating lamellopodia or blebs. Recently, a new type of cellular migration has been investigated: lobopodia-based migration, which appears only in three-dimensional matrices under certain conditions. The cell creates a protrusion through which the nucleus slips, dividing the cell into two parts (front and rear) with different hydrostatic pressures. In this work, we elucidate the mechanical conditions that favour this type of migration. One of the hypotheses about this type of migration is that it depends on the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix. That is, lobopodia-based migration is dependent on whether the extracellular matrix is linearly elastic or non-linearly elastic. To determine whether the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix are crucial in the choice of cell migration mode and which mechanotransduction mechanism the cell might use, we develop a finite element model. From our simulations, we identify two different possible mechanotransduction mechanisms that could regulate the cell to switch from a lobopodial to a lamellipodial migration mode. The first relies on a differential pressure increase inside the cytoplasm while the cell contracts, and the second relies on a change in the fluid flow direction in non-linearly elastic extracellular matrices but not in linearly elastic matrices. The biphasic nature of the cell has been determined to mediate this mechanism and the different behaviours of cells in linearly elastic and non-linearly elastic matrices.
Strain-driven dynamic stability and anomalous enhancement of thermal conductivity in graphene-like IIA–VI monolayer monoxides

Graphene-like IIA–VI monolayer monoxides have been predicted to be novel two-dimensional materials with intrinsic bandgap, which makes them promising prospect for electronics and optoelectronics applications. In the field of microelectronics, heat dissipation is considered as the bottleneck that limits further development. Thus, the effective regulation in thermal transport is of great interest for designing novel devices. A systematic study in this work is carried out by first-principles method to explore thermal conductivity of these monoxides under strain. Compared with that of minimum strained MgO, CaO, SrO and BaO, the maximum thermal conductivity is increased by 3.25, 3.07, 1.50 and 1.53 times, respectively, under tensile strain. Detailed analysis shows that the weakened phonon–phonon scattering strength is the behind physical mechanism. It is also found that the tensile strain aids to improving the stability. Our work provides an attractive platform by studying the thermal transport of these monoxides under strain, suggesting the possible applications of these monolayers in novel devices.
fiddle: a tool to combat publication bias by getting research out of the file drawer and into the scientific community

Abstract Statistically significant findings are more likely to be published than non-significant or null findings, leaving scientists and healthcare personnel to make decisions based on distorted scientific evidence. Continuously expanding ´file drawers’ of unpublished data from well-designed experiments waste resources creates problems for researchers, the scientific community and the public. There is limited awareness of the negative impact that publication bias and selective reporting have on the scientific literature. Alternative publication formats have recently been introduced that make it easier to publish research that is difficult to publish in traditional peer reviewed journals. These include micropublications, data repositories, data journals, preprints, publishing platforms, and journals focusing on null or neutral results. While these alternative formats have the potential to reduce publication bias, many scientists are unaware that these formats exist and don’t know how to use them. Our open source file drawer data liberation effort (fiddle) tool (RRID:SCR_017327 available at: http://s-quest.bihealth.org/fiddle/) is a match-making Shiny app designed to help biomedical researchers to identify the most appropriate publication format for their data. Users can search for a publication format that meets their needs, compare and contrast different publication formats, and find links to publishing platforms. This tool will assist scientists in getting otherwise inaccessible, hidden data out of the file drawer into the scientific community and literature. We briefly highlight essential details that should be included to ensure reporting quality, which will allow others to use and benefit from research published in these new formats.
Evidences on the effectiveness of text messages in the adherence to antiretroviral therapy in adults.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the evidence available in the literature on the effectiveness of text messages in the adherence to antiretroviral therapy in adults. METHOD Integrative review. The search for primary studies was carried out in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, LILACS, and SCOPUS and the sample consisted of 18 studies, in April 2019, with no time delimitation. RESULTS The synthesis of the evidences indicated that, of the 18 analyzed articles, 11 showed an increase in the adherence rates to antiretroviral therapy and an increase in CD4, after using text messages. CONCLUSION Text messages are an important tool for health education and the synthesis of knowledge can help nurses to obtain increasingly substantive adherence rates in relation to antiretroviral therapy.
Intense femtosecond laser filamentation: physics and applications

S. L. Chin, W. Liu, S. A. Hosseini, Q. Luo, F. Théberge, N. Aközbek, A. Becker, V. P. Kandidov and O. G. Kosareva Centre d’Optique, Photonique et Laser (COPL) & Département de Physique, de Génie Physique et d’Optique Université Laval, Québec, Qc. G1K 7P4, Canada. Timedomain Corp., Huntsville, Alabama, USA Max-Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex System, Dresden, Germany International Laser Center, Department of Physics, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
CdO nanoparticles, c-MWCNT nanoparticles and CdO nanoparticles/c-MWCNT nanocomposite fibres: in vitro assessment of anti-proliferative and apoptotic studies in HeLa cancer cell line.

A simple ultrasonic assisted chemical technique was used to synthesise cadmium oxide (CdO) nanoparticles (NPs) and CdO NPs/c-Multiwalled carbon nanotube (c-MWCNT) nanocomposite fibres.To confirm the physio-chemico properties and to analyse surface morphology of the obtained nanomaterials X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were performed. To evaluate the anti-cancer property of CdO NPs, c-MWCNT NPs and CdO NPs/c-MWCNT nanocomposite fibres, an anti-proliferative assay test (Methylthiazolyl diphenyl- tetrazolium bromide - MTT assay) were performed on HeLa cells which further estimated IC50 value (Least concentration of sample in which nearly 50% of cells remain alive) under in-vitro conditions. On comparison, CdONPs/c-MWCNT based system was found to be superior by achieving 52.3% cell viability with its minimal IC50 value of 31.2 μg/ml. Lastly, the CdO NPs based system was taken up for an apoptotic study using DNA fragmentation assay for estimating its ability to cleave the DNA of the HeLa cells into internucleosomal fragments using the agarose gel electrophoresis method. In conclusion, based on our observations, CdO NPs/c-MWCNT hybrid based system can be further used for the development of efficient drug delivery and therapeutic systems.
Health promotion capacity and institutional systems: an assessment of the South African Department of Health

Summary Health promotion (HP) capacity of staff and institutions is critical for health-promoting programmes to address social determinants of health and effectively contribute to disease prevention. HP capacity mapping initiatives are the first step to identify gaps to guide capacity strengthening and inform resource allocation. In low-and-middle-income countries, there is limited evidence on HP capacity. We assessed collective and institutional capacity to prioritize, plan, deliver, monitor and evaluate HP within the South African Department of Health (DoH). A concurrent mixed methods study that drew on data collected using a participatory HP capacity assessment tool. We held five 1-day workshops (one national, two provincial and two districts) with DoH staff (n = 28). Participants completed self-assessments of collective capacity across three areas: technical, coordinating and systems capacity using a four-point Likert scale. HP capacity scores were analysed and presented as means with standard deviations (SDs). Thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts of audio-recorded group discussions that provided rationale and evidence for scores were conducted using deductive and inductive codes. At all levels, groups revealed that capacity to develop long-term, sustainable HP interventions was limited. We found limited collaboration between national and provincial HP levels. There was limited monitoring of HP indicators in the health information system. Coordination of HP efforts across different sectors was largely absent. Lack of capacity in budgeting emerged as a major challenge, with few resources available to conduct HP activities at any level. Overall, the capacity mean score was 2.08/4.00 (SD = 0.83). There is need to overcome institutional barriers, and strengthen capacity for HP implementation, support and evaluation within the South African DoH.
Prevalence and antibiotics resistance pattern of extended spectrum β–lactamases Escherichia coli strains isolated from chickens

Current work was planned to demonstrate the antimicrobial resistance pattern and prevalence of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and its subtypes from chicken. Antimicrobial resistance of E. coli strains was conducted by Disc Diffusion while ESBL strains were detected by Double Disc Synergy methods. The lower prevalence of the ESBLs strains from the blood samples of healthy chickens (12%) as compared to intestinal contents (13%). The most prevalent ESBLs strains was determined the inducible cephalosporinases bush functional gene 2e (5-20%) followed by carbapenamases (4-10%). The least resistance of E.coli isolates was observed against quinolone group (30-56%) from blood samples of healthy broilers as compared to cephalosporin group (78-86 %)while intermediate resistance was noted against metallo β-lactam (imipenem and carbapenems; 48%). Higher resistance was recorded against amoxiclave (68%). Minimum resistance of the E.coli isolates showed against ciprofloxacin (30%) while against cepharadine (100%). Higher resistance was observed against cephalosporin from 78-100%. Furthermore, the E. coli isolates from birds resisted to metallo β-lactam antimicrobials (imipenem, 45% and carbapenems, 47%). In general, the lowest resistance (40%) was recorded against ciprofloxacin and ofloxacine but 89 and 100% resistance was observed against cephtrioxone and cepharadine, respectively. Furthermore, the quinolone group of the antimicrobial agents was noted as least active against the isolates. Higher prevalence of ESBLs isolates was determined from the feces (51%) on the ground followed by the intestinal contents of diseased chickens (49%). It was concluded that ESBLs strains of E. coli in bird found highly resistant to majority of antibiotics against them.
Real-world Drivers Behind Communication, Medication Adherence, and Shared Decision Making In Minority Adults with Asthma

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the foundation of asthma management. However, ICS non-adherence is common. Black adults have lower ICS adherence than white adults, which likely contributes, in part, to the asthma disparities that Black adults experience. Objective: To explore how Black adults with uncontrolled asthma and their primary care providers communicated about ICS non-adherence and used shared decision-making to identify strategies to increase ICS use. Design: Eighty routine clinical visits for uncontrolled asthma were audio recorded and inductively analyzed using methods adapted from grounded theory methodology. Participants: Study participants included 80 Black adults (83% female) largely low-income (83% Medicaid) and their 10 primary care providers. The study settings were 2 Federally Qualified Health Centers. Key Results: Three overarching themes were identified: (1) ICS misuse and lack of knowledge; (2) external influences informed personal misconceptions about ICS; and (3) patient-provider communication to individualize plan of care. Conclusions: Reasons for ICS non-adherence in Black adults with uncontrolled asthma offer potential targets for interventions that facilitate enhanced adherence. Future research should include PCP training on strategies that support patient-centered care, such as communication, shared decision-making and patient engagement.
Management of Pear Psylla (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) Using Reflective Plastic Mulch

Abstract Pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster), has remained the most challenging pest of commercial pears in Washington and Oregon, the top producers of pears in the United States. The lack of effective integrated pest management tactics for this pest has been a major barrier to effective management. In this study, we examined the potential for reflective plastic mulch affixed beneath pear trees to suppress pear psylla. In 2017 and 2018, single pear tree (cv. Bartlett) plots of reflective plastic mulch, black plastic mulch, and no mulch (check) were established in a research orchard to compare their effects on pear psylla. Arthropods were sampled every 7–14 d from March through late summer. In both years, reflective mulch plots had significantly fewer pear psylla adults, eggs, and nymphs of the first generation compared with black plastic and check plots. However, later generations of psylla were not suppressed by reflective mulch. Semi-field tests were conducted in 2019 and 2020 using uniformly pruned potted pear trees on either reflective plastic mulch or grass to determine whether summerform adults were tolerant to reflected light from mulch, or if shading from vegetative growth negated the effect of the mulch. In both years, significantly fewer summerform adults and eggs were found in reflective mulch plots, suggesting that shading, rather than summerform tolerance, reduced effects from reflective mulch in the summer.This study demonstrates the potential for reflective mulch to suppress pear psylla and justifies future examination as part of a season-long management program.