Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Overview of Embryogenesis: External Morphology and Transcriptome Profiling in the Hemipteran Insect Nilaparvata lugens

During embryogenesis of insects, the morphological and transcriptional changes are important signatures to obtain a better understanding of insect patterning and evolution. The brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens is a serious insect pest of rice plants, but its embryogenesis has not uncovered. Here, we described embryonic development process of the pest and found it belongs to an intermediate-germ mode. The RNA-seq data from different times (6, 30, 96, and 150 h, after egg laying) of embryogenesis were then analyzed, and a total of 10,895 genes were determined as differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on pairwise comparisons. Afterward, 1,898 genes, differentially expressed in at least two comparisons of adjacent embryonic stages were divided into 10 clusters using K means cluster analysis (KMCA). Eight-gene modules were established using a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Gene expression patterns in the different embryonic stages were identified by combining the functional enrichments of the stage-specific clusters and modules, which displayed the expression level and reprogramming of multiple developmental genes during embryogenesis. The “hub” genes at each embryonic stage with possible crucial roles were identified. Notably, we found a “center” set of genes that were related to overall membrane functions and might play important roles in the embryogenesis process. After parental RNAi of the MSTRG.3372, the hub gene, the embryo was observed as abnormal. Furthermore, some homologous genes in classic embryonic development processes and signaling pathways were also involved in embryogenesis of this insect. An improved comprehensive finding of embryogenesis within the N. lugens reveals better information on genetic and genomic studies of embryonic development and might be a potential target for RNAi-based control of this insect pest.
Effects of Cigarette Smoke on the Nasal Respiratory and Olfactory Mucosa in Allergic Rhinitis Mice

Objective Cigarette smoke (CS) exposure reportedly enhances allergic airway inflammation. However, some studies have shown an association between current cigarette smoke exposure and a low risk for allergic rhinitis. Thus, the impact of CS exposure on allergic rhinitis remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of CS on the respiratory mucosa (RM) and the olfactory epithelium (OE) of mice with allergic rhinitis, as the effects may differ depending on the nasal histological compartments. Methods Eight-week-old male BALB/c mice were used for this study. We developed a mouse model of smoking by intranasally administering 10 doses of a CS solution (CSS), and a mouse model of allergic rhinitis by sensitization with intraperitoneal ovalbumin (OVA) injection and intranasal challenge with OVA. We examined the effects of CS on the nasal RM and OE in mice with or without allergic rhinitis using histological, serum, and genetic analyses. First, we examine whether CSS exposure induces allergic responses and then, examined allergic responses in the OVA-sensitized allergic rhinitis mice with or without CSS exposure. Results Short-term CSS administration intensified allergic responses including increased infiltration of eosinophils and inflammatory cells and upregulation of interleukin-5 expression in the nasal RM of OVA-immunized mice, although only CSS induced neither allergic responses nor impairment of the RM and OE. Notably, repetitive OVA-immunization partially impaired the OE in the upper-lateral area, but CSS administration did not reinforce this impairment in OVA-induced allergic mice. Conclusion Short-term CSS exposure strengthened allergic responses in the nasal RM and did not change the structure of the OE. These results suggest that patients with allergic rhinitis could experience exacerbation of allergic symptoms after CS exposure.
Modifying the Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Immune Microenvironment for Optimal Therapeutic Response

It is now well-recognized that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is not only a key regulator of cancer progression but also plays a crucial role in cancer treatment responses. Recently, several high-profile publications have demonstrated the importance of particular immune parameters and cell types that dictate responsiveness to immunotherapies. With this increased understanding of TME-mediated therapy, approaches that increase therapeutic efficacy by remodeling the TME are actively being pursued. A classic example of this, in practice by urologists for over 40 years, is the manipulation of the bladder microenvironment for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) by instillation of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). The success of BCG treatment is thought to be due to its ability to induce a massive influx of Th1-polarized inflammatory cells, production of Th1 inflammatory cytokines and the generation of tumor-targeted Th1-mediated cytotoxic responses. Whilst BCG immunotherapy is currently the best treatment for NMIBC, ~30% of patients show no response to this treatment. Here we present a review highlighting a variety of promising alternative immunotherapies being developed that remodel the bladder tumor microenvironment. These include (1) the use of oncolytic viruses which selectively replicate within cancer cells whilst also modifying the immunological components of the TME, (2) manipulation of the bladder microbiome to augment the response to BCG or other immunotherapies (3) utilizing Toll-like Receptor agonists as anti-tumor agents due to their potent stimulation of innate and adaptive immunity and (4) the growing recognition that immunotherapeutic strategies that will have the largest impact on patients may require multiple therapeutic approaches combined together. The accumulating knowledge on TME remodeling holds promise for providing an alternative therapy for patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC.
Investigation on the Oral Health Status of Heroin Addicts in the Drug Addiction Treatment Center in Nanning,Guangxi

Objective To investigate the oral health status of heroin addicts in the Drug Addiction Treatment Center in Nanning,and to provide reference of the prevention plan.Methods Oral examination was done in 228 heroin addicts and the data were analyzed according to requirement of the Third National Oral Health Epidemiological Survey.Results Of the 228 heroin addicts,the incidences of caries,gums bleeding,dental calculus,periodontal pocket,periodontal attachment loss and oral mucosal disease were 66.67%(152/228),82.46%(188/228),100%(228/228),82.01%(187/228),41.23%(94/228) and 18.86%(43/228),respectively.The incidences of gums bleeding and periodontal attachment loss of the subjects aged from 18 to 34 were lower than those of the subjects aged from 35 to 56(P0.05). Compared with the heroin addicts whose duration of drug addiction 3 years,the incidences of gums bleeding,the periodontal pocket and periodontal attachment loss of the subjects whose duration of drug addiction ≤3 years were significantly lower(P0.05). The incidences of periodontal attachment loss of the subjects with the education level of primary school or lower education were significantly lower than those of the subjects with the education level of junior school or either high school or higher education(P all0.05). Conclusion For the oral health status of heroin addicts is related with age,duration of drug addiction and education level,oral health education should be strengthened to improve their life quality.
The Geographical Distribution of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Causative Agents in Iran and Its Neighboring Countries, A Review

Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major are both the main cause of anthroponotic (ACL) and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), respectively, in the Old World. Leishmania infantum and Leishmania donovani, which are important causes of visceral leishmaniasis, have also occasionally been reported in CL patients. The present study investigates the current distribution of causative species of CL in Iran and neighboring countries in the Middle East. There has been expansion of L. tropica into new urban and rural foci in Iran, with well-documented cases of visceralization, a substantial increase of CL in Syria, and the emergence of new foci and outbreaks in Turkey and Iraq, especially due to L. major. Civil war in Syria and Iraq, population movement, poverty, and climatic change play important roles in the changing CL distribution in this region. Control programs should adopt a multidisciplinary approach based on active surveillance and case finding, especially in vulnerable refugee populations, determination of hazard maps for CL hot points using GIS and other advanced technology, the free distribution of drugs, rodent control, and greater community engagement in poor and marginalized populations. Comprehensive molecular studies that could show the species and strains of Leishmania in different areas of each country can give a better view from the distribution of CL in this region.
Sinking Organic Particles in the Ocean—Flux Estimates From in situ Optical Devices

Optical particle measurements are emerging as an important technique for understanding the ocean carbon cycle, including contributions to estimates of their downward flux, which sequesters carbon dioxide (CO2) in the deep sea. Optical instruments can be used from ships or installed on autonomous platforms, delivering much greater spatial and temporal coverage of particles in the mesopelagic zone of the ocean than traditional techniques, such as sediment traps. Technologies to image particles have advanced greatly over the last two decades, but the quantitative translation of these immense datasets into biogeochemical properties remains a challenge. In particular, advances are needed to enable the optimal translation of imaged objects into carbon content and sinking velocities. In addition, different devices often measure different optical properties, leading to difficulties in comparing results. Here we provide a practical overview of the challenges and potential of using these instruments, as a step toward improvement and expansion of their applications.
Near Real-Time Monitoring of Clinical Events Detected in Swine Herds in Northeastern Spain

Novel techniques of data mining and time series analyses allow the development of new methods to analyze information relating to the health status of the swine population in near real-time. A swine health monitoring system based on the reporting of clinical events detected at farm level has been in operation in Northeastern Spain since 2012. This initiative was supported by swine stakeholders and veterinary practitioners of the Catalonia, Aragon, and Navarra regions. The system aims to evidence the occurrence of endemic diseases in near real-time by gathering data from practitioners that visited swine farms in these regions. Practitioners volunteered to report data on clinical events detected during their visits using a web application. The system allowed collection, transfer and storage of data on different clinical signs, analysis, and modeling of the diverse clinical events detected, and provision of reproducible reports with updated results. The information enables the industry to quantify the occurrence of endemic diseases on swine farms, better recognize their spatiotemporal distribution, determine factors that influence their presence and take more efficient prevention and control measures at region, county, and farm level. This study assesses the functionality of this monitoring tool by evaluating the target population coverage, the spatiotemporal patterns of clinical signs and presumptive diagnoses reported by practitioners over more than 6 years, and describes the information provided by this system in near real-time. Between January 2012 and March 2018, the system achieved a coverage of 33 of the 62 existing counties in the three study regions. Twenty-five percent of the target swine population farms reported one or more clinical events to the system. During the study period 10,654 clinical events comprising 14,971 clinical signs from 1,693 farms were reported. The most frequent clinical signs detected in these farms were respiratory, followed by digestive, neurological, locomotor, reproductive, and dermatological signs. Respiratory disorders were mainly associated with microorganisms of the porcine respiratory disease complex. Digestive signs were mainly related to colibacilosis and clostridiosis, neurological signs to Glässer's disease and streptococcosis, reproductive signs to PRRS, locomotor to streptococcosis and Glässer's disease, and dermatological signs to exudative epidermitis.
Social Networking Sites and Youth Transition: The Use of Facebook and Personal Well-Being of Social Work Young Graduates

Research on youth transitions, and the well-being of young people, has to take into consideration the digital context in which they are immersed. Digital interaction of young people increase year by year, social networking sites play a key role in their personal and professional relationships, and a very high percentage of jobs require digital skills. According to Eurostat (2019), participating on social networking sites (one of the most common online activities in the EU-28), is growing every year [more than half (56%) of individuals aged 16–74 used the internet for social networking sites], and this percentage increases among the younger generations. In this article, we present the results of our research on the digital skills and well-being of young people on Facebook, based on a survey with a sample of 126 young people graduated from the University of Málaga (School of Social Work) (Spain). Based on certain scales, the level of digital skills that students have on Facebook was measured, considering strategic aspects for information search, level of use and presence of Facebook in life, maintenance of relations and tolerance to diversity. Variables of psychosocial well-being were also measured (social capital, self-esteem, life satisfaction, and personal well-being). Variables of digital skills on Facebook were subsequently related to well-being variables. Results show that certain digital skills relate to the well-being of young people. In this sense, we deem it crucial to develop education policies that could provide young graduates with general digital skills to be used on social networking sites.
Physics-Based Simulations to Predict the Differential Effects of Motor Control and Musculoskeletal Deficits on Gait Dysfunction in Cerebral Palsy: A Retrospective Case Study

Physics-based simulations of walking have the theoretical potential to support clinical decision-making by predicting the functional outcome of treatments in terms of walking performance. Yet before using such simulations in clinical practice, their ability to identify the main treatment targets in specific patients needs to be demonstrated. In this study, we generated predictive simulations of walking with a medical imaging based neuro-musculoskeletal model of a child with cerebral palsy presenting crouch gait. We explored the influence of altered muscle-tendon properties, reduced neuromuscular control complexity, and spasticity on gait dysfunction in terms of joint kinematics, kinetics, muscle activity, and metabolic cost of transport. We modeled altered muscle-tendon properties by personalizing Hill-type muscle-tendon parameters based on data collected during functional movements, simpler neuromuscular control by reducing the number of independent muscle synergies, and spasticity through delayed muscle activity feedback from muscle force and force rate. Our simulations revealed that, in the presence of aberrant musculoskeletal geometries, altered muscle-tendon properties rather than reduced neuromuscular control complexity and spasticity were the primary cause of the crouch gait pattern observed for this child, which is in agreement with the clinical examination. These results suggest that muscle-tendon properties should be the primary target of interventions aiming to restore an upright gait pattern for this child. This suggestion is in line with the gait analysis following muscle-tendon property and bone deformity corrections. Future work should extend this single case analysis to more patients in order to validate the ability of our physics-based simulations to capture the gait patterns of individual patients pre- and post-treatment. Such validation would open the door for identifying targeted treatment strategies with the aim of designing optimized interventions for neuro-musculoskeletal disorders.
Peak Abundance of Fatty Acids From Intertidal Biofilm in Relation to the Breeding Migration of Shorebirds

Intertidal biofilm is a thin layer of microbes and meiofauna enmeshed in an extracellular polymeric matrix within and on top of mudflat sediment. This medium provides a dynamic resource for a variety of consumers in estuarine habitats, and is rich in essential fatty acids that birds require for long-distance migration. We measured seasonal changes in biofilm fatty acid content from spring to summer on the Fraser River Estuary, one of the richest and most important ecosystems for migrant and wintering waterbirds in Canada. Fatty acid content in biofilm showed a strong seasonal pattern with a peak in the spring that is associated with the northward migration of Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) to their breeding grounds. This peak is linked to the abundance and physiological state, and hence nutritional condition, of epipelic diatoms, which, in turn, depend on a combination of mudflat topography, salinity, temperature, and nutrients that can fluctuate widely with the freshwater inputs from the Fraser River. Specifically, areas with higher elevation (i.e., ∼1 m) had longer periods of exposure to ambient conditions (i.e., light, warm temperatures, gas exchange into/out of biofilms) that facilitated more biofilm growth and higher fatty acid content. Moreover, springtime changes in water chemistry (i.e., salinity/osmotic stresses and nutrients) and temperature facilitated the production of higher overall total lipid/fatty acid contents in the mudflat biofilms compared to summer. Effective conservation of migrating shorebirds depends on the protection of underlying processes at important stopover sites that promote biofilm communities to escalate their production of lipids, including essential fatty acids, during key times of the year.
“Heart Oddity”: Intrinsically Reduced Excitability in the Right Ventricle Requires Compensation by Regionally Specific Stress Kinase Function

The traditional view of ventricular excitation and conduction is an all-or-nothing response mediated by a regenerative activation of the inward sodium channel, which gives rise to an essentially constant conduction velocity (CV). However, whereas there is no obvious biological need to tune-up ventricular conduction, the principal molecular components determining CV, such as sodium channels, inward-rectifier potassium channels, and gap junctional channels, are known targets of the “stress” protein kinases PKA and calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and are thus regulatable by signal pathways converging on these kinases. In this mini-review we will expose deficiencies and controversies in our current understanding of how ventricular conduction is regulated by stress kinases, with a special focus on the chamber-specific dimension in this regulation. In particular, we will highlight an odd property of cardiac physiology: uniform CV in ventricles requires co-existence of mutually opposing gradients in cardiac excitability and stress kinase function. While the biological advantage of this peculiar feature remains obscure, it is important to recognize the clinical implications of this phenomenon pertinent to inherited or acquired conduction diseases and therapeutic interventions modulating activity of PKA or CaMKII.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Beyond Regenerative Medicine

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are competent suitors of cellular therapy due to their therapeutic impact on tissue degeneration and immune-based pathologies. Additionally, their homing and immunomodulatory properties can be exploited in cancer malignancies to transport pharmacological entities, produce anti-neoplastic agents, or induce anti-tumor immunity. Herein, we create a portfolio for MSC properties, showcasing their distinct multiple therapeutic utilities and successes/challenges thereof in both animal studies and clinical trials. We further highlight the promising potential of MSCs not only in cancer management but also in instigating tumor-specific immunity – i.e., cancer vaccination. Finally, we reflect on the possible reasons impeding the clinical advancement of MSC-based cancer vaccines to assist in contriving novel methodologies from which a therapeutic milestone might emanate.
The Uniform Dataset 3.0 Neuropsychological Battery: Factor Structure, Invariance Testing, and Demographically Adjusted Factor Score Calculation

Abstract Objective: The goals of this study were to (1) specify the factor structure of the Uniform Dataset 3.0 neuropsychological battery (UDS3NB) in cognitively unimpaired older adults, (2) establish measurement invariance for this model, and (3) create a normative calculator for factor scores. Methods: Data from 2520 cognitively intact older adults were submitted to confirmatory factor analyses and invariance testing across sex, age, and education. Additionally, a subsample of this dataset was used to examine invariance over time using 1-year follow-up data (n = 1061). With the establishment of metric invariance of the UDS3NB measures, factor scores could be extracted uniformly for the entire normative sample. Finally, a calculator was created for deriving demographically adjusted factor scores. Results: A higher order model of cognition yielded the best fit to the data χ2(47) = 385.18, p < . 001, comparative fit index = . 962, Tucker-Lewis Index = . 947, root mean square error of approximation = . 054, and standardized root mean residual = . 036. This model included a higher order general cognitive abilities factor, as well as lower order processing speed/executive, visual, attention, language, and memory factors. Age, sex, and education were significantly associated with factor score performance, evidencing a need for demographic correction when interpreting factor scores. A user-friendly Excel calculator was created to accomplish this goal and is available in the online supplementary materials. Conclusions: The UDS3NB is best characterized by a higher order factor structure. Factor scores demonstrate at least metric invariance across time and demographic groups. Methods for calculating these factors scores are provided.