Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Actin filaments partition primary cilia membranes into distinct fluid corrals

Physical properties of primary cilia membranes in living cells were examined using two independent, high-spatiotemporal-resolution approaches: fast tracking of single quantum dot–labeled G protein–coupled receptors and a novel two-photon super-resolution fluorescence recovery after photobleaching of protein ensemble. Both approaches demonstrated the cilium membrane to be partitioned into corralled domains spanning 274 ± 20 nm, within which the receptors are transiently confined for 0.71 ± 0.09 s. The mean membrane diffusion coefficient within the corrals, Dm1 = 2.9 ± 0.41 µm2/s, showed that the ciliary membranes were among the most fluid encountered. At longer times, the apparent membrane diffusion coefficient, Dm2 = 0.23 ± 0.05 µm2/s, showed that corral boundaries impeded receptor diffusion 13-fold. Mathematical simulations predict the probability of G protein–coupled receptors crossing corral boundaries to be 1 in 472. Remarkably, latrunculin A, cytochalasin D, and jasplakinolide treatments altered the corral permeability. Ciliary membranes are thus partitioned into highly fluid membrane nanodomains that are delimited by filamentous actin.
Comparing 3 D-Clipmaps and Sparse Voxel Octrees for voxel based conetracing

Voxel based cone tracing is a promising approach to approximate global illumination for real-time applications. This technique utilizes a voxel field approximating the original scene to retrieve the necessary radiance information during sampling. The simplest approach to creating a voxel field is to use a 3D texture. Since this requires too much GPU memory for larger scenes alternative data structures are necessary. This thesis compares two seemingly suitable data structures 3DClipmaps and Sparse voxel octrees. To compare the two structures we implement them using OpenGL and C++. We then use the improved Sponza model with additional dynamic objects to benchmark the differences between the two approaches. Both data structures has its pros and cons. Our conclusion is that Clipmaps seems to be the most practical approach for real-world purposes.
Management of Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer

The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased, mainly due to the incidental finding of low-risk papillary thyroid cancers (PTC). These malignancies grow slowly, and are unlikely to cause morbidity and mortality. New understanding about the prognosis of tumor features has led to reclassification of many tumors within the low-risk thyroid category, and to the development of a new one “very low-risk tumors. ” Alternative less aggressive approaches to therapy are now available including active surveillance and minimally invasive interventions. In this narrative review, we have summarized the available evidence for the management of low-risk PTC.
A Network Equivalent-Based Algorithm for Adaptive Parameter Tuning in 802.15.4 WSNs

Previous studies have shown that in many wireless sensor network applications the IEEE 802.15. 4 carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) mechanism with default parameters cannot guarantee the constraints of reliability, time efficiency, or energy efficiency. Although many adaptive parameter tuning algorithms have been proposed, many of them cannot correctly identify the changes of the network condition and are unable to effectively perform the parameter tuning operation. Considering the randomness that CSMA/CA brings about, for most of the proposed algorithms, it is a challenge to distinguish significant violations that were caused by actual changes of the network from the general fluctuations that were due to CSMA/CA. In this paper, we propose a lightweight algorithm called the network equivalent adaptive parameter tuning (NEAPT) algorithm. It is fully distributed and can work without any predefined information or acknowledgement. NEAPT not only takes reliability as an evaluation of a network condition, but it proposes a synthetic value, called the equivalent node number, and takes it as another reference for a network condition. Simulation results show that by taking both reliability and the equivalent node number into consideration, NEAPT can effectively identify the network changes and provide adequate and steady performances for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in both stationary and dynamic conditions.
Objective versus subjective methods to assess discipline-specific knowledge: a case for Extended Matching Questions (EMQs)

Background: Extended matching questions (EMQs) were introduced as an objective assessment tool into third year immunology undergraduate units at Monash University, Australia. Aim: The performance of students examined objectively by multiple choice questions (MCQs) was compared to their performance assessed by EMQs; there was a high correlation coefficient between the two methods. EMQs were then introduced and the correlation of student performance between related units was measured as a function of percentage objective assessment. The correlation of student performance between units increased proportionally with objective assessment. Student performance in tasks assessed objectively and subjectively was then compared. The findings indicate marker bias contributes to the poor correlation between marks awarded objectively and subjectively. Conclusion: EMQs are a valid method to objectively assess students and their increased inclusion in the assessment process increases the consistency of student marks. The subjective assessment of science communication skills introduces marker bias, indicating a need to identify, validate and implement, more objective methods for their assessment.
Readapting to DCV Infection without Wolbachia: Frequency Changes of Drosophila Antiviral Alleles Can Replace Endosymbiont Protection

Abstract There is now ample evidence that endosymbionts can contribute to host adaptation to environmental challenges. However, how endosymbiont presence affects the adaptive trajectory and outcome of the host is yet largely unexplored. In Drosophila, Wolbachia confers protection to RNA virus infection, an effect that differs between Wolbachia strains and can be targeted by selection. Adaptation to RNA virus infections is mediated by both Wolbachia and the host, raising the question of whether adaptive genetic changes in the host vary with the presence/absence of the endosymbiont. Here, we address this question using a polymorphic D. melanogaster population previously adapted to DCV infection for 35 generations in the presence of Wolbachia, from which we removed the endosymbiont and followed survival over the subsequent 20 generations of infection. After an initial severe drop, survival frequencies upon DCV selection increased significantly, as seen before in the presence of Wolbachia. Whole-genome sequencing, revealed that the major genes involved in the first selection experiment, pastrel and Ubc-E2H, continued to be selected in Wolbachia-free D. melanogaster, with the frequencies of protective alleles being closer to fixation in the absence of Wolbachia. Our results suggest that heterogeneity in Wolbachia infection status may be sufficient to maintain polymorphisms even in the absence of costs.
Maternal Serum Cobalamin at 18 Weeks of Pregnancy Predicts Infant Cobalamin Status at 6 Months-A Prospective, Observational Study.

Background An adequate maternal cobalamin status is crucial for fetal and infant neurodevelopment. Pregnancy-induced physiologic changes make evaluation of maternal cobalamin status in pregnancy difficult. Objective We have investigated maternal cobalamin status during pregnancy in order to establish a maternal cobalamin concentration which secures an optimal infant cobalamin status during the first 6 mo of life. Methods In an observational, prospective study, markers of cobalamin status including serum cobalamin, plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), and plasma methylmalonic acid (MMA) were assessed in healthy pregnant women (n = 114) from week 18 of pregnancy through 6 mo postpartum and related to infant cobalamin status at 6 mo. Healthy, never-pregnant women aged 18-40 y (n = 123) were included as controls. Results Compared to controls, all markers of cobalamin status were lower in pregnant women. Median serum cobalamin concentration progressively decreased from week 18 to week 36 of pregnancy (356 to 302 pmol/L, P < 0.001) and increased by >40% by 6 wk postpartum (518 pmol/L). The metabolic markers increased from week 18 of pregnancy to 6 wk postpartum: median plasma tHcy 3.9 to 7.7 μmol/L (P < 0.001), and MMA 0.13 to 0.17 μmol/L (P < 0.001). The serum cobalamin concentration of infants at age 6 mo correlated with maternal serum cobalamin concentration during pregnancy and postpartum (rho = 0.36-0.55, P < 0.001). A maternal serum cobalamin concentration <394 pmol/L during week 18 of pregnancy was associated with an increased risk (OR: 4.2; 95% CI: 1.5, 11.5) of infant biochemical cobalamin deficiency at 6 mo (defined as tHcy ≥6.5 μmol/L). Conclusions The maternal serum cobalamin concentration in early pregnancy is a strong predictor for later maternal and infant cobalamin status. To secure an optimal infant cobalamin status during the first 6 mo of life, we recommend a maternal serum cobalamin concentration >394 pmol/L at week 18 of pregnancy. This should be confirmed in an intervention study. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03272022.
Patients' preferences for treatment after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal cancer

After neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) plus surgery for oesophageal cancer, 29 per cent of patients have a pathologically complete response in the resection specimen. Active surveillance after nCRT (instead of standard oesophagectomy) may improve health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), but patients need to undergo frequent diagnostic tests and it is unknown whether survival is worse than that after standard oesophagectomy. Factors that influence patients' preferences, and trade‐offs that patients are willing to make in their choice between surgery and active surveillance were investigated here.
Prevalence and Correlates of Point-of-sex Human Immunodeficiency Virus Self-testing Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-negative Men Who Have Sex With Men in China

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) self-testing (HIVST) provides a promising tool to screen sex partners for men who have sex with men (MSM) who engage in condomless sex and want to avoid HIV infection. Although previous studies have demonstrated HIVST acceptability and increased testing uptake, limited data exist on its use between sex partners for point-of-sex HIV testing. This study examined prevalence and correlates of point-of-sex HIVST among Chinese MSM. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 HIV-negative Chinese MSM in 2017. Participants were recruited through a multifaceted sampling approach and self-administered an electronic questionnaire. Point-of-sex HIVST was measured by asking participants if they had ever conducted HIVST with a sex partner before sex to ensure that they both knew their HIV statuses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify correlates of point-of-sex HIVST after controlling for age, education and sexual orientation. Results Overall, 19.2% (77/400) men reported point-of-sex HIVST (51.3% among self-testers). Participants who had four or more HIV self-tests before had 7.57-fold greater odds (95% confidence interval, 3.75, 15.28) of reporting point-of-sex HIVST compared to those who had fewer HIVST experiences. Point-of-sex HIVST was otherwise not associated with most other socio-demographic or behavioral practices, suggesting that it may be broadly acceptable. Conclusions A substantial proportion of Chinese MSM had utilized HIVST with their partners before sex, especially among those who were more experienced with HIVST. Scale up and routine implementation of HIVST programs are further warranted to facilitate point-of-sex HIV testing.
Determination of Microalgal Lipid Content and Fatty Acid for Biofuel Production

Biofuels produced from microalgal biomass have received growing worldwide recognition as promising alternatives to conventional petroleum-derived fuels. Among the processes involved, the downstream refinement process for the extraction of lipids from biomass greatly influences the sustainability and efficiency of the entire biofuel system. This review summarizes and compares the current techniques for the extraction and measurement of microalgal lipids, including the gravimetric methods using organic solvents, CO2-based solvents, ionic liquids and switchable solvents, Nile red lipid visualization method, sulfo-phospho-vanillin method, and the thin-layer chromatography method. Each method has its own competitive advantages and disadvantages. For example, the organic solvents-based gravimetric method is mostly used and frequently employed as a reference standard to validate other methods, but it requires large amounts of samples and is time-consuming and expensive to recover solvents also with low selectivity towards desired products. The pretreatment approaches which aimed to disrupt cells and support subsequent lipid extraction through bead beating, microwave, ultrasonication, chemical methods, and enzymatic disruption are also introduced. Moreover, the principles and procedures for the production and quantification of fatty acids are finally described in detail, involving the preparation of fatty acid methyl esters and their quantification and composition analysis by gas chromatography.
The Psychiatric Neuromodulation Unit: Implementation and Management

Abstract The proven effectiveness of neuromodulation and stimulation techniques for the management of psychiatric disorders has brought strongly needed innovation in psychiatry, given the high prevalence and high costs of treatment resistance. Although evidence-based guidelines in neuromodulation have been implemented to improve the clinical efficacy, safety, and research procedures, practical suggestions on how to design a psychiatric neuromodulation unit (PNU) are not available in the scientific literature. In this contribution, we have combined the results of a literature search with the suggestions of clinical psychiatrists, managers, and bioethicists who have had firsthand experience in building a PNU. Eleven key issues concerning the implementation and management of a PNU were identified: general context, team composition, environment, basic technical equipment, clinical versus research activities, target clinical population, education and training, interdisciplinarity, ethical aspects, regulatory and reimbursement issues, fund-raising, and partnership development. Moreover, a business plan comprising pragmatic solutions and recommendations for designing an efficient PNU was laid out.
Fibrosing Mediastinitis: Uncommon Life-threatening Complication of Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis involving mediastinum is very rare which can present as a mediastinal mass or fibrosing mediastinitis. Fibrosing mediastinitis can be life-threatening if left untreated due to the involvement of the surrounding visceral and vascular structures. We present an interesting case of fibrosing mediastinitis due to histoplasmosis presented with palpitations, chest pain and dyspnea. The patient had mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy with calcification on chest imaging. The patient was diagnosed on lymph node biopsy and treated with antifungals.
Knockdown of ferroportin accelerates erastin-induced ferroptosis in neuroblastoma cells.

OBJECTIVE Ferroptosis is a new-found iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic regulated cell death (RCD), which is activated on therapy with several antitumor agents, but the potential mechanism remains unclear. Erastin, exhibiting selectivity for RAS-mutated cancer cells, induces ferroptosis by increasing iron and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cell. Ferroportin (Fpn), the sole iron export protein, participates in the regulation of intracellular iron concentration. In this study, we investigated the role of Fpn on ferroptosis induced by erastin in SH-SY5Y cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cell viability was determined by CellTiter 96® AQueous Non-Radioactive Cell Proliferation Assay kit. The activity of caspase-3 was measured by ELISA kit. qRT-PCR was performed to examine the mRNA expression of Fpn. Western blot assay was conducted to examine the expression level of marker proteins. Specific commercial kits were used to examine the levels of MDA, ROS and iron in cells, respectively. RESULTS Ferroptosis was evaluated by intracellular lipid ROS level and iron concentration. Hepcidin could prevent erastin-induced ferroptosis by degrading Fpn. Erastin (5 μg/mL) was observed to induce ferroptosis in neuroblastoma cells at 6 hours, which was promoted by knockdown of Fpn. The expression of Fpn gene and protein was decreased in SH-SY5Y cells treated with erastin. After treatment with erastin, Fpn siRNA transfection in SH-SY5Y cells was able to accelerate ferroptosis-associated phenotypic changes. Fpn acted as a negative regulator of ferroptosis by reducing intracellular iron concentration. Knockdown of Fpn enhanced anticancer activity of erastin. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that knockdown of Fpn accelerated erastin-induced ferroptosis by increasing iron-dependent lipid ROS accumulation, highlighting Fpn as a potential therapeutic target site for neuroblastoma. Thus, Fpn inhibitors may provide new access for chemosensitization of neuroblastoma.
Who Is Most Likely to Wear Rose-Colored Glasses? How Regulatory Mode Moderates Self-Flattery

In general, people prefer to view themselves positively. But some individuals are more prone to self-flattery than others, that is, holding an unjustifiably high opinion of oneself. Applying regulatory mode theory, we identify motivational factors that predict which individuals are and are not prone to self-flattery. In four studies, using both chronic (Studies 1-3) and experimental (Study 4) conditions, we found that those with high locomotion concerns about effecting change (control) are more inclined to flatter themselves, whereas those with high assessment concerns about making the right choices (truth) are less inclined to flatter themselves. The relation between stronger locomotion and greater self-flattery, and stronger assessment and lesser self-flattery, was mediated by locomotors’ low self-criticism and assessors’ high self-criticism. These results shed light on how locomotion and assessment differ in the motivation to flatter oneself.
Translation and Validation of the Sinhalese Version of the Brief Medication Questionnaire in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Background Adherence to long-term therapy for diabetes remains low. Accurately measuring adherence is the primary step in improving adherence. We translated and validated the Sinhalese version of the Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) in patients with diabetes. Methods The study was conducted at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka between April and December 2017, including 165 patients with diabetes. BMQ was translated into Sinhalese using the translation-back translation method. The translated questionnaire validation included evaluation of internal consistency, temporal stability, and performance in regard to a gold standard (HbA1c). Results Mean age (±SD) was 60.6 ± 11.1 years, and 46.1% were males. Mean duration of diabetes in the participants was 13.4 ± 7.8 years. Mean HbA1c was 8.3 ± 1.7%, with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8.5%) identified in 41.8%. Medication adherence measured by the BMQ regimen, belief, and recall screens were 39.4%, 75.8%, and 18.8%, respectively. In the analysis of temporal stability, the overall BMQ and the regimen, belief, and recall screens demonstrated good concordance between test and retest with significant gamma correlation coefficients of r = 0.85 (p < 0.001), r = 0.81 (p < 0.001), r = 0.84 (p < 0.001), and r = 0.91 (p < 0.001), respectively. The overall BMQ had a Cronbach α coefficient of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.61–0.70). The questionnaire performance with regards to the gold standards for the overall BMQ AUC was 0.73 (95% CI 0.65–0.80), while the BMQ regimen screen AUC was 0.61 (95% CI 0.53–0.70). The overall BMQ score with a cutoff value of 2 presented better equilibrium between sensitivity and specificity for the gold standard. Those with low adherence had a significantly higher percentage of poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8.5%). Conclusion The translated questionnaire demonstrated good reliability (internal consistency), temporal stability (test-retest reliability), and validity when assessed using a gold standard for disease control. Using culturally validated tools to evaluate adherence may help clinicians to identify low adherence and institute corrective measures.
Essential physiological differences characterise short- and long-lived strains of Drosophila melanogaster.

Aging is a multifactorial process which affects all animals. Aging as a result of damage accumulation is the most accepted explanation but the proximal causes remain to be elucidated. There is also evidence indicating that aging has an important genetic component. Animal species age at different rates and specific signalling pathways, such as insulin/insulin-like growth factor, can regulate lifespan of individuals within a species by reprogramming cells in response to environmental changes. Here, we use an unbiased approach to identify novel factors that regulate lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster. We compare the transcriptome and metabolome of two wild-type strains used widely in aging research: short-lived Dahomey and long-lived Oregon R flies. We found that Dahomey flies carry several traits associated with short-lived individuals and species such as increased lipoxidative stress, decreased mitochondrial gene expression and increased Target of Rapamycin signalling. Dahomey flies also have upregulated octopamine signalling known to stimulate foraging behaviour. Accordingly, we present evidence that increased foraging behaviour, under laboratory conditions where nutrients are in excess increases damage generation and accelerates aging. In summary, we have identified several new pathways, which influence longevity highlighting the contribution and importance of the genetic component of aging.
The Role of Galectins as Modulators of Metabolism and Inflammation

Galectins are β-galcotosid-binding lectins. The function of galectins varies with their tissue-specific and subcellular location, and their binding to carbohydrates makes them key players in several intra- and extracellular processes where they bind to glycosylated proteins and lipids. In humans, there are 12 identified galectins, some with tissue-specific distribution. Galectins are found inside cells and in the nucleus, cytosol, and organelles, as well as extracellularly. Galectin-1, -2, -3, -4, -7, -8, -9, and -12 can all induce T-cell apoptosis and modulate inflammation. In the context of metabolic control and loss of the same in, for example, diabetes, galectin-1, -2, -3, -9, and -12 are especially interesting. This review presents information on galectins relevant to the control of inflammation and metabolism and the potential to target galectins for therapeutic purposes.
Anaphylaxis in the 21st century: phenotypes, endotypes, and biomarkers

Anaphylaxis is the most serious of all allergic reactions and can be fatal. The diagnosis is frequently delayed, and misdiagnosis often occurs with asthma or urticaria. Biomarkers such as tryptase are not routinely checked, and appropriate treatment with epinephrine is not administered in a majority of cases, increasing the risk of poor outcomes. The objective of this review is to provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis with a description of phenotypes, endotypes, and biomarkers available in both the clinical and research settings. Expanding knowledge with regard to the presentation, causes, and triggers for anaphylaxis among health care providers will improve its diagnosis and management, increase patient safety, and decrease morbidity and mortality.