Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exacerbations of Idiopathic Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome following BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech)

A Japanese man experienced three episodes of hypovolemic shock and was diagnosed with systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS). He developed SCLS exacerbation 2 days after receiving a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, 1 year after the third episode. After fluid therapy and albumin administration, we initiated terbutaline and theophylline prophylaxis for SCLS. A literature review revealed that SCLS attacks often occur 1-2 days after the second COVID-19 vaccination. Patients with a history of SCLS should avoid COVID-19 vaccination and be carefully monitored for 1-2 days if they receive the vaccine.
Long-term inhaled treprostinil for pulmonary hypertension due to interstitial lung disease: INCREASE open-label extension study

Introduction The 16-week randomised, placebo-controlled INCREASE trial (RCT) met its primary end-point by improving 6-min walk distance (6MWD) in patients receiving inhaled treprostinil for pulmonary hypertension due to interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). The open-label extension (OLE) evaluated long-term effects of inhaled treprostinil in PH-ILD. Methods Of 258 eligible patients, 242 enrolled in the INCREASE OLE and received inhaled treprostinil. Assessments included 6MWD, pulmonary function testing, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), quality of life and adverse events. Hospitalisations, exacerbations of underlying lung disease and death were recorded. Results At INCREASE OLE baseline, patients had a median age of 70 years and a mean 6MWD of 274.2 m; 52.1% were male. For the overall population, the mean 6MWD at week 52 was 279.1 m and the mean change from INCREASE RCT baseline was 3.5 m (22.1 m for the prior inhaled treprostinil arm and −19.5 m for the prior placebo arm); the median NT-proBNP decreased from 389 pg·mL−1 at RCT baseline to 359 pg·mL−1 at week 64; and the absolute (% predicted) mean forced vital capacity change from RCT baseline to week 64 was 51 mL (2.8%). Patients who received inhaled treprostinil versus placebo in the RCT had a 31% lower relative risk of exacerbation of underlying lung disease in the OLE (hazard ratio 0.69 (95% CI 0.49–0.97); p=0.03). Adverse events leading to drug discontinuation occurred in 54 (22.3%) patients. Conclusions These results support the long-term safety and efficacy of inhaled treprostinil in patients with PH-ILD, and are consistent with the results observed in the INCREASE RCT. The INCREASE open-label extension supports the safety and efficacy of long-term treatment with inhaled treprostinil in patients with interstitial lung disease and associated pulmonary hypertension http://bit.ly/3KiEClA
The role of speed-based strategy instruction on learning and transfer of motor sequences in a complex task

Abstract Study aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of speed-based strategy instruction on motor sequence learning and transfer. Material and methods: Male participants (n = 30, 18 to 24 years old) were assigned to one of the groups based on instruction. Motor sequence learning was examined using the complex dynamic arm movement task. Two sets of speed and control instructions completed ten blocks of 100 trials in the acquisition phase followed by the retention and transfer test after 24 hours. Results: Mixed analysis of variance (2×10 and 2×4) and the independent samples t-test were used to examine the data. The results demonstrated that element response time and error of prediction in both groups were significantly improved in the acquisition phase (P < 0.05), but in the 24-hour retention test, the speed group had a significantly better element response time than the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the findings of the independent samples t-test in the transfer test revealed that element duration and error rate were significantly better in the speed group than the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: According to the data, when compared to the conventional technique, in which participants were not given any special instructions, the speed-based instruction resulted in greater acquisition of the acquired motor sequence and better transfer of a new sequence.
Image Segmentation as an Optimization Problem

IT IS ACCEPTED THAT IMAGE SEGMENTATION IS A MAIN PROBLEM IN COMPUTER VISION. ITS GOOD SOLUTION DETERMINES THE WELL PERFORMANCE OF THE AUTOMATIC RECOGNITION SYSTEM IMPLIED. IN THIS PAPER WE PRESENT A NEW WAY TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. FOR THIS WE TREAT THE IMAGE SEGMENTATION PROBLEM AS AN OPTIMIZATION PROBLEM, AND JUSTIFY THE UTILITY OF THE VARIATIONAL APPROACH TO SOLVE IT. WE ALSO INTRODUCE A COMMON FRAMEWORK BASED ON MUMFORD-SHAH 'S APPROACH WHERE MOST IMAGE SEGMENTATION ALGORITHMS CAN BE EXPRESSED. F OR THIS WE USE THE THEORIES OF CALCULUS OF VARIATIONS AND PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS AND SOME OF THE IDEAS OF TIKHONOV FOR THE SOLUTION OF ILL-POSED PROBLEMS. USING THIS NEW FRAMEWORK, WE SHOW HOW TO CREATE NEW REASONABLE, FAST AND STABLE NUMERICAL ALGORITHMS USEFUL TO SEGMENT COMPLICATED REAL IMAGES EVEN IF SOME INITIAL INFORMATION IS LOST. WE FINA[[Y TEST THE PERFORMANCE OF OUR DERIVED SEGMENTATION METHODS AND SOME VERY WE[[ KNOWN ONES. WE CONCLUDE THAT OUR METHODS ARE SUPERIOR IN THE SENSE THAT THEY ARE EVEN ABLE TO DETECT SMA[[ DETAILS THAT ARE NORMA[[Y LOST BY OTHERS AND THEY DO NOT DEPEND ON ANY THRESHOLD.
Applying a nutrition security lens to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to address metabolic health

Nutrition security - access to food that promotes well-being and prevents or treats disease, particularly among racial and ethnic minority populations, lower income populations, and rural and remote populations - is a national priority. Leading causes of death and disability in America, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes that disproportionately affect minorities are linked to preventable diet-related risk factors. Mounting evidence indicates that adherence to a lower-carbohydrate dietary pattern is associated with weight maintenance, improved blood glucose and insulin control, lower blood pressure, reduced markers of inflammation, and a more favorable lipid profile. Additionally, prior concerns regarding the higher fat and cholesterol content of this dietary pattern are less founded in modern research. The inclusion of a lower-carbohydrate option that meets all essential nutrient requirements aligns with the contemporary movement toward more flexibility and precision nutrition. Most important, a lower-carbohydrate option positions the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to more accurately reflect the current scientific evidence and more effectively address the metabolic health of the nation. Further, it has the potential to improve nutrition security by addressing metabolic diseases that disproportionately affect people from historically marginalized racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. Given that most American adults are living with at least one diet-related chronic metabolic disease, updating the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to recognize and reflect the poor health status of the general population is prudent and urgent.
Nutrient enrichment and rainfall affect plant phenology and floral resource availability for pollinators

Wild pollinators are critical to maintaining ecosystem services and facilitating crop production, but habitat degradation and resource loss are leading to worldwide pollinator declines. Nutrient enrichment and changes in rainfall due to global warming are drivers of global environmental change, and likely to impact pollinator foraging behavior and reproductive success through changes to the growth and phenology of flowering plants. Here, we provide a short review of pollinator conservation in the context of nutritional ecology and plant-pollinator interactions. Then, we present novel research into the effects of nutrient and rainfall variation on plant phenology. In this study, we experimentally manipulated the amount of water and supplemental nutrients available to wild sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and goldenrod (Solidago spp.) throughout their growing season. We evaluated how changes in growth and bloom time could impact resource availability for bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) queens preparing to overwinter. We found that fertilizer and rainfall alter plant bloom time by 2–18 days, though flowering response was species-specific. Fertilizer did not significantly affect plant growth or number of flowers produced when plants were grown under drought conditions. When water was not limiting, fertilized sunflowers bloomed in floral pulses. These findings carry important implications for growers and land managers, providing insight into potential drivers of wild pollinator decline and possible conservation strategies.
Stimulus-Responsive Macromolecules in Polymeric Coatings

Abstract Continuous interests in stimuli-responsive macromolecules significantly impacted new developments in polymeric coatings. Responsiveness to bacterial attacks, ice or fog formation, anti-fouling properties, autonomous self-cleaning and self-healing, or drug delivery systems, are just a few examples of modern functions of macromolecules and other components utilized in polymeric coatings. These autonomous responses to various external stimuli combined with the suitable protection and appearance are particularly attractive functions. This review outlines recent advances in the development of novel stimulus-responsive polymeric coatings in the context of current and future trends. A combination of stimuli-responsiveness, protection and durability, appearance, and other “smart” functions make polymeric coatings particularly attractive as integral components of future engineered systems. This review consists of four sections, (1) stimulus-responsive protection, (2) stimulus-responsive appearance, (3) smart functions, and (4) future trends and opportunities. The purpose of this monograph is not to list all stimuli and responsiveness utilized in polymeric coatings, but address favorable and unpropitious, in our view, scientific advances and technological opportunities in the development of a new generations of “smart” coatings that still maintain traditional functions of protection and appearance.
“I stepped into a puddle”: Non-Visual Texting in Nomadic Contexts

Despite growing interest in accessible texting for people who are blind and visually impaired (BVI), little is known about the practice of texting when on the move, and especially while using assistive technologies. To address this gap, we conducted an interview-based study with 20 BVIs who text while travelling. Our findings revealed that participants engage in text outside their home in four recurrent situations: walking to a destination, waiting for public transportation, riding in a vehicle, or approaching a point of interest. Moreover, to safely send a text, participants express the need for receiving a range of information about their surroundings, including the distance to destination, upcoming obstacles, traffic jams, and weather conditions. Based on these findings, we examine three modes of situational feedback cues to integrate with messaging applications: text-based, sound effects, and tactile. Our work discusses design directions to enhance the texting experience in nomadic contexts for people who are blind and visually impaired.
The small RNA component of Arabidopsis phloem sap and its response to iron deficiency

In order to discover sRNA that might function during iron deficiency stress, RNA was prepared from phloem exudates of Arabidopsis thaliana. Bioanalyzer results indicate that abundant RNA from phloem is small in size—less than 200 nt. Moreover, typical rRNA bands were not observed. Sequencing of eight independent phloem RNA samples indicated that that tRNA-derived fragments, specifically 5’ tRFs and 5’ tRNA halves, are highly abundant in phloem sap, comprising about 46% of all reads. In addition, a set of miRNAs that are present in phloem sap was defined, and several miRNA and sRNAs were identified that are differentially expressed during iron deficiency. Highlight Preparation of RNA from Arabidopsis phloem sap revealed that most of the RNA is small (less than 200 nt) tRNA fragments (tRFs) are highly abundant a set of miRNAs present in phloem sap can be defined
Development and calibration of the FSPM CPlantBox to represent the interactions between water and carbon fluxes in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum

A plant’s development is strongly linked to the water and carbon flows in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. Expected climate shifts will alter the water and carbon cycles and will affect plant phenotypes. Comprehensive models which simulate mechanistically and dynamically the feedback loops between a plant’s three-dimensional development and the water and carbon flows are useful tools to evaluate the sustainability of genotype-environment-management combinations which do not yet exist. In this study, we present the latest version of the open-source three-dimensional Functional-Structural Plant Model CPlantBox with PiafMunch and DuMux coupling. We simulated semi-mechanistically the development of generic C3 monocots from 10 to 25 days after sowing and undergoing an atmospheric dry spell of one week (no precipitation). We compared the results for dry spells starting on different days (day 11 or 18) and with different climates (wetter and colder against drier and warmer atmospheric and initial soil conditions). Compared with the wetter and colder climate, the dry spell with the drier and warmer climate led to a lower instantaneous water use efficiency. Moreover, the lower symplasm turgor for the drier and warmer climate limited the growth, which made the sucrose available for other processes, such as maintenance respiration. Both of these effects were stronger for the later dry spell compared with the early dry spell under the drier and warmer climate. We could thus use CPlantBox to simulate diverging emerging processes (like carbon partitioning) defining the plants’ phenotypic plasticity response to their environment.
ATP-induced crosslinking of a biomolecular condensate

DEAD-box helicases are important regulators of biomolecular condensates. However, the mechanisms through which these enzymes affect the dynamics of biomolecular condensates have not been systematically explored. Here, we demonstrate the mechanism by which mutation of a DEAD-box helicase’s catalytic core alters ribonucleoprotein condensate dynamics in the presence of ATP. Through altering RNA length within the system, we are able to attribute the altered biomolecular dynamics and material properties to physical crosslinking of RNA facilitated by the mutant helicase. These results suggest the mutant condensates approach a gel transition when RNA length is increased to lengths comparable to eukaryotic mRNA. Lastly, we show that this crosslinking effect is tunable with ATP concentration, uncovering a system whose RNA mobility and material properties vary with enzyme activity. More generally, these findings point to a fundamental mechanism for modulating condensate dynamics and emergent material properties through nonequilibrium, molecular-scale interactions. Significance Biomolecular condensates are membraneless organelles which organize cellular biochemistry. These structures have a diversity of material properties and dynamics which are crucial to their function. How condensate properties are determined by biomolecular interactions and enzyme activity remain open questions. DEAD-box helicases have been identified as central regulators of many protein-RNA condensates, though their specific mechanistic roles are ill-defined. In this work, we demonstrate that a DEAD-box helicase mutation crosslinks condensate RNA in an ATP-dependent fashion via protein-RNA clamping. Protein and RNA diffusion can be tuned with ATP concentration, corresponding to an order of magnitude change in condensate viscosity. These findings expand our understanding of control points for cellular biomolecular condensates that have implications for medicine and bioengineering.
Melt electrowritten scaffold architectures to mimic vasculature mechanics and control neo-tissue orientation

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, commonly associated with the development of an arteriosclerotic plaque and impairment of blood flow in arteries. Current adopted grafts to bypass the stenosed vessel fail to recapitulate the unique mechanical behaviour of native vessels, particularly in the case of small diameter vessels (<6 mm), leading to graft failure. Therefore, in this study, melt-electrowriting (MEW) was adopted to produce a range of fibrous grafts to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture of the tunica media of vessels, in an attempt to match the mechanical and biological behaviour of the native tissue. Initially, the range of collagen architectures within the native vessel was determined, and subsequently replicated using MEW (winding angles (WA) 45°, 26.5°, 18.4°, 11.3°). These scaffolds recapitulated the anisotropic, non-linear mechanical behaviour of native carotid blood vessels. Moreover, these grafts facilitated human mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (hMSC) infiltration, differentiation, and ECM deposition that was independent of WA. The bioinspired MEW fibre architecture promoted cell alignment and preferential neo-tissue orientation in a manner similar to that seen in native tissue, particularly for WA 18.4° and 11.3°, which is a mandatory requirement for long-term survival of the regenerated tissue post-scaffold degradation. Lastly, the WA 18.4° was translated to a tubular graft and was shown to mirror the mechanical behaviour of small diameter vessels within physiological strain. Taken together, this study demonstrates the capacity to use MEW to fabricate bioinspired grafts to mimic the tunica media of vessels and recapitulate vascular mechanics which could act as a framework for small diameter graft development and functional long-term tissue regeneration.
Use of a human small airway epithelial cell line to study the interactions of Aspergillus fumigatus with pulmonary epithelial cells

During the initiation of invasive aspergillosis, inhaled Aspergillus fumigatus conidia are deposited on the epithelial cells lining the bronchi, terminal bronchioles, and alveoli. While the interactions of A. fumigatus with bronchial and type II alveolar cell lines have been investigated in vitro, little is known about the interactions of this fungus with terminal bronchiolar epithelial cells. We compared the interactions of A. fumigatus with the A549 type II alveolar epithelial cell line and the HSAEC1-KT human small airway epithelial (HSAE) cell line. We found that A. fumigatus conidia were poorly endocytosed by A549 cells, but avidly endocytosed by HSAE cells. A. fumigatus germlings invaded both cell types by induced endocytosis, but not by active penetration. A549 cell endocytosis of A. fumigatus was independent of fungal viability, more dependent on host microfilaments than microtubules, and induced by A. fumigatus CalA interacting with host cell integrin α5β1. By contrast, HSAE cell endocytosis required fungal viability, was more dependent on microtubules than microfilaments, and did not require CalA or integrin α5β1. HSAE cells were more susceptible than A549 cells to damage caused by direct contact with killed A. fumigatus germlings and by secreted fungal products. In response to A. fumigatus infection, A549 cells secreted a broader profile of cytokines and chemokines than HSAE cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that studies of HSAE cells provide complementary data to A549 cells and thus represent a useful model for probing the interactions of A. fumigatus with bronchiolar epithelial cells in vitro. Importance During the initiation of invasive aspergillosis, Aspergillus fumigatus invades, damages, and stimulates the epithelial cells that line the airways and alveoli. Previous studies of A. fumigatus- epithelial cell interactions in vitro have used either large airway epithelial cell lines or the A549 type II alveolar epithelial cell line. The interactions of fungi with terminal bronchiolar epithelial cells have not been investigated. Here, we compared the interactions of A. fumigatus with A549 cells and the Tert-immortalized human small airway epithelial HSAEC1-KT (HSAE) cell line. We discovered that A. fumigatus invades and damages these two cell lines by distinct mechanisms. Also, the proinflammatory responses of the cell lines to A. fumigatus are different. These results provide insight into how A. fumigatus interacts with different types of epithelial cells during invasive aspergillosis and demonstrate that HSAE cells are useful in vitro model for investigating the interactions of this fungus with bronchiolar epithelial cells.
Optogenetic control of kinesins -1, -2, -3 and dynein reveals their specific roles in vesicular transport

Each cargo in a cell employs a unique set of motor proteins for its transport. Often multiple types of kinesins are bound to the same cargo. It is puzzling why several types of motors are required for robust transport. To dissect the roles of each type of motor, we developed optogenetic inhibitors of kinesin-1, -2, -3 and dynein. This system allows us to control the activity of the endogenous set of motor proteins that are bound to intracellular cargoes. We examined the effect of optogenetic inhibition of kinesins-1, -2, and -3 and dynein on the transport of early endosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes. While kinesin-1, kinesin-3, and dynein transport vesicles at all stages of endocytosis, kinesin-2 primarily drives late endosomes and lysosomes. In agreement with previous studies, sustained inhibition of either kinesins or dynein results in reduced motility in both directions. However, transient, optogenetic inhibition of kinesin-1 or dynein causes both early and late endosomes to move more processively by relieving competition with opposing motors. In contrast, optogenetic inhibition of kinesin-2 reduces the motility of late endosomes and lysosomes, and inhibition of kinesin-3 reduces the motility of endosomes and lysosomes. These results suggest that the directionality of transport is likely controlled through regulating kinesin-1 and dynein activity. On vesicles transported by several kinesin and dynein motors, motility can be directed by modulating the activity of a single type of motor on the cargo.