Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Short and Long-Term Mortality Trends for Cancer Patients with Septic Shock Stratified by Cancer Type from 2009 to 2017: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Simple Summary This study aimed to assess short and long-term mortality trends in cancer patients with septic shock from 2009 to 2017. Among 43,466 adult cancer patients with septic shock (90% solid and 10% hematologic cancer cases) who presented at an emergency department (ED) in Korea between 2009 and 2017, the 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were 52.1% and 81.3%, respectively. The overall 30-day mortality decreased by 4.8% annually from 2013 to 2017, whereas the 1-year mortality only showed a 1.9% annual decrease over this same period. Pancreatic cancer cases showed the most significant improvement in the 30-day mortality since 2014, and lung and stomach cancer showed a sustained decrease in this metric during the whole study period. The outcomes of cancer patients with septic shock have improved in recent years across most cancer types. Physicians should have expectations of improved prognoses in cancer patients admitted to the ED with septic shock. Abstract There have been recent advances in both cancer and sepsis management. This study aimed to assess short and long-term mortality trends in cancer patients with septic shock from 2009 to 2017 by cancer type. This nationwide population-based cohort study using data from the National Health Insurance Service of Korea included adult cancer patients who presented to an emergency department (ED) with septic shock from 2009 to 2017. Among 43,466 adult cancer patients with septic shock (90% solid and 10% hematologic cancer cases), the 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were 52.1% and 81.3%, respectively. The overall 30-day mortality showed a marked decrease of 4.8% annually from 2013 to 2017, but the annual decrease in the 1-year mortality over the same period was only 1.9%. Pancreatic cancer cases showed the most significant improvement in 30-day mortality between 2014 and 2019 (11.0% decrease/year). Lung and stomach cancers showed a sustained decrease in 30-day mortality during the whole study period (1.7% and 2.0% decrease/year, respectively). The outcomes of cancer patients with septic shock have improved in recent years across most cancer types. Physicians should have expectations of an improved prognosis in cancer patients admitted to the ED with septic shock.
Large-scale commodity agriculture exacerbates the climatic impacts of Amazonian deforestation

Significance The southern Amazon is one of the fastest changing places on Earth. Deforestation is giving place to a dynamic and diverse landscape, comprising small-scale farmers and large-scale commercial agriculture with differing land uses. Understanding how these different land uses affect ecosystems and local climates is essential for promoting strategies to mitigate environmental changes. Here, we show that large-scale commercial agriculture leads to a higher increase in surface temperature, in comparison with small-scale farms. We also found evidence that changes in land surface attributes over large commercial farms lead to a more prominent reduction in rainfall volumes. Our results provide compelling arguments indicating that changes in farming practices are needed to guaranty a sustainable future in the Amazon region. In the Amazon rainforest, land use following deforestation is diverse and dynamic. Mounting evidence indicates that the climatic impacts of forest loss can also vary considerably, depending on specific features of the affected areas. The size of the deforested patches, for instance, was shown to modulate the characteristics of local climatic impacts. Nonetheless, the influence of different types of land use and management strategies on the magnitude of local climatic changes remains uncertain. Here, we evaluated the impacts of large-scale commodity farming and rural settlements on surface temperature, rainfall patterns, and energy fluxes. Our results reveal that changes in land–atmosphere coupling are induced not only by deforestation size but also, by land use type and management patterns inside the deforested areas. We provide evidence that, in comparison with rural settlements, deforestation caused by large-scale commodity agriculture is more likely to reduce convective rainfall and increase land surface temperature. We demonstrate that these differences are mainly caused by a more intensive management of the land, resulting in significantly lower vegetation cover throughout the year, which reduces latent heat flux. Our findings indicate an urgent need for alternative agricultural practices, as well as forest restoration, for maintaining ecosystem processes and mitigating change in the local climates across the Amazon basin.
Demographic and medical school characteristics associated with urban versus rural dermatology practice: A national cross-sectional study.

There are significant disparities in access to dermatologists in rural areas relative to urban areas. We examined the associations between demographic and medical school characteristics and entry into dermatology practice in urban versus rural counties. All dermatologists who graduated from U.S. allopathic or osteopathic medical schools in the 2020 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Physician Compare Database were assessed. Dermatology practice locations were coded as metropolitan or non-metropolitan according to the Rural-Urban Continuum Codes. Of 10,076 dermatologists, 543 (5.4%) practiced in non-metropolitan counties. Male gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.48, 95% CI 1.23-1.77), public medical school attendance (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.61-2.34), DO degree (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.32-2.51), medical school location in a non-metropolitan county (OR 5.41, 95% CI 3.66-7.84), and medical school rural track program (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.07-2.26) were associated with higher odds of non-metropolitan dermatology practice. Our findings highlight that male gender, graduation from a non-metropolitan or public medical school, DO degree, and rural tracks are associated with higher likelihood of non-metropolitan dermatology practice. These results can inform efforts within the field of dermatology to strengthen the rural dermatologist workforce and suggest that rural educational experiences during medical school may increase recruitment of rural dermatologists.
Simulating the Formation of Secondary Organic Aerosol from the Photooxidation of Toluene

Environmental Context. Atmospheric particulate material can affect climate by absorbing and scattering solar radiation and by altering the properties of clouds. They are also implicated as a health risk. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) material makes an important contribution to this particulate burden. SOA material results from the transfer of gas-phase species into a particle state after the formation of products from the reaction of atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with oxygen. SOA from the oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons, such as toluene, a gasoline fuel component, is important in the polluted urban environment and yet formation mechanisms are not well understood. Abstract. The formation and composition of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from the gas-phase photooxidation of toluene has been simulated using the Master Chemical Mechanism version 3.1 (MCM v3.1) coupled to a representation of the transfer of organic material from the gas phase to a particle phase. The mechanism was tested against data from a series of toluene photooxidation experiments performed at the European Photoreactor (EUPHORE) outdoor smog chamber in Valencia, Spain. Simulated aerosol mass concentrations compared reasonably well with the measured SOA data after absorptive partitioning coefficients were increased by a factor of between 20 and 80, although the simulated onset of SOA growth was delayed with respect to the experiments. A simplified representation of peroxyhemiacetal adduct formation, from the reaction of organic hydroperoxides with aldehydes in the condensed organic phase, was included in the mechanism and this reduced the required scaling of partitioning coefficients and reduced the time-lag in simulated SOA growth. These observations, and the dependence of SOA formation efficiency upon the initial NO concentration, strongly imply the significant occurrence of association reactions in the condensed organic phase and the important role of organic hydroperoxides in SOA formation. Aerosol data from photooxidation experiments of intermediate degradation products (butenedial, 4-oxo-pentenal, and ortho-cresol) were also simulated using the developed mechanism.
Lifetime alcohol intake, drinking patterns over time and risk of stomach cancer: A pooled analysis of data from two prospective cohort studies

Alcohol consumption is causally linked to several cancers but the evidence for stomach cancer is inconclusive. In our study, the association between long‐term alcohol intake and risk of stomach cancer and its subtypes was evaluated. We performed a pooled analysis of data collected at baseline from 491 714 participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition and the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for incident stomach cancer in relation to lifetime alcohol intake and group‐based life course intake trajectories, adjusted for potential confounders including Helicobacter pylori infection. In all, 1225 incident stomach cancers (78% noncardia) were diagnosed over 7 094 637 person‐years; 984 in 382 957 study participants with lifetime alcohol intake data (5 455 507 person‐years). Although lifetime alcohol intake was not associated with overall stomach cancer risk, we observed a weak positive association with noncardia cancer (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00‐1.06 per 10 g/d increment), with a HR of 1.50 (95% CI: 1.08‐2.09) for ≥60 g/d compared to 0.1 to 4.9 g/d. A weak inverse association with cardia cancer (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87‐1.00) was also observed. HRs of 1.48 (95% CI: 1.10‐1.99) for noncardia and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.26‐1.03) for cardia cancer were observed for a life course trajectory characterized by heavy decreasing intake compared to light stable intake (Phomogeneity = .02). These associations did not differ appreciably by smoking or H pylori infection status. Limiting alcohol use during lifetime, particularly avoiding heavy use during early adulthood, might help prevent noncardia stomach cancer. Heterogeneous associations observed for cardia and noncardia cancers may indicate etiologic differences.
Anyplex II HPV test in detection and follow‐up after surgical treatment of CIN2+ lesions

Human papillomavirus (HPV) tests differ for technology, targets, and information on the genotype and viral load. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the Seegene Anyplex II HPV HR (Anyplex) assay in the detection of cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN) and as a test‐of‐cure in the follow‐up after surgical treatment. One hundred and sixty‐seven women referred to the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, for surgical treatment of CIN2+ were enrolled. A cervical sample was taken before treatment and at the first follow‐up visit: on these samples, Qiagen Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2), Roche Linear Array HPV Test (Linear Array), cytology and histology were performed at baseline, HC2, and cytology at follow‐up. Anyplex genotyping HPV test was performed on a post aliquot from liquid‐based cytology specimens when available. The concordance between Anyplex and HC2 was 93.6% at baseline and 76.7% at follow‐up (3–9 months after treatment), respectively. The concordance between Anyplex and Linear Array was evaluable only at baseline (92.9%). No recurrence occurred in women without the persistence of the same genotype at follow‐up. Seven women relapsed: six had persistence of the same genotypes (five HPV16, one HPV33, and one HPV39), while one tested negative not only with Anyplex but also with HC2 for the persistence of low‐risk genotype infection (HPV73 only detected by Linear Array). Anyplex test represents a valid option for HPV detection and genotyping in order to stratify women at risk of high‐grade lesions at baseline and to monitor patients treated for CIN2+ lesions during follow‐up.
Examining the latent structure of emotional awareness and associations with executive functioning and depression

ABSTRACT Emotional awareness is comprised of dispositions towards and knowledge about one’s emotions. Executive functions (EF) are cognitive processes that organise and guide behaviour towards one’s goals. Both emotional awareness and EF play a role in processes such as emotion regulation and are risk factors for the development and maintenance of depression. Although previous research suggests that aspects of emotional awareness are related to EF, methodological and measurement limitations within the available literature make it difficult to clearly understand how they are associated. In this registered report, we examined the extent to which task-based measures of a specific EF process, shifting, are differentially related to unique facets of emotional awareness (i.e. emotional clarity of type, emotional clarity of source, voluntary attention to emotions, and involuntary attention to emotions), and to what extent EF and emotional awareness are related to depression. Using structural equation modelling, we found evidence that emotional clarity of type was associated with greater shifting cost. Shifting was not associated with any other facet of emotional awareness. Depression was linked to lower emotional clarity of type, higher involuntary attention to emotions, but not poorer EF performance. We discuss how emotional awareness and EF may be uniquely related to depression.
Versatile Lipases from the Candida rugosa-like Family: A Mechanistic Insight Using Computational Approaches

Lipases are enzymes able to catalyze the hydrolysis or synthesis of triglycerides, depending on the reaction conditions, whereas sterol esterases show the same ability on sterol esters. Structurally, both kinds of enzymes display an α/β-hydrolase fold, with a substrate-binding pocket formed by a hydrophobic cavity covered by a mobile lid. However, it has been reported that some lipases from the Candida rugosa-like family display wide substrate specificity on both triglycerides and sterol esters. Among them, enzymes with different biotechnological applications, such as the lipase isoenzymes produced by C. rugosa and the sterol esterase from Ophiostoma piceae, have been exhaustively characterized and their crystal structures are available. Differences in substrate affinity among these proteins have been attributed to changes in their hydrophobicity. In this work, we analyzed the full catalytic mechanisms of these proteins using molecular dynamics tools, gaining insight into their mechanistic properties. In addition, we developed an in silico protocol to predict the substrate specificity using C. rugosa and O. piceae lipases as model enzymes and triglycerides and cholesterol esters with different fatty acid chain lengths as model substrates. The protocol was validated by comparing the in silico results with those described in the literature. These results would be useful to perform virtual screening of substrates for enzymes of the C. rugosa-like family with unknown catalytic properties.
Isolation and Characterization of Feline Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Wharton’s jelly is a well-known mesenchymal stem cell source in many species, including humans. However, there have been no reports confirming the presence of mesenchymal stem cells in Wharton’s jelly in cats. The purpose of this study was to isolate mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the Wharton’s jelly of cats and to characterize stem cells. In this study, feline Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (fWJ-MSCs) were isolated and successfully cultured. fWJ-MSCs were maintained and the proliferative potential was measured by cumulative population doubling level (CPDL) test, scratch test, and colony forming unit (CFU) test. Stem cell marker, karyotyping and immunophenotyping analysis by flow cytometry showed that fWJ-MSCs possessed characteristic mesenchymal stem cell markers. To confirm the differentiation potential, we performed osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic induction under each differentiation condition. fWJ-MSCs has the ability to differentiate into multiple lineages, including osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. This study shows that Wharton’s jelly of cat can be a good source of mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, fWJ-MSCs may be useful for stem cell-based therapeutic applications in feline medicine.
Ouabain-Induced Gene Expression Changes in Human iPSC-Derived Neuron Culture Expressing Dopamine and cAMP-Regulated Phosphoprotein 32 and GABA Receptors

Cardiotonic steroids (CTS) are specific inhibitors and endogenous ligands of a key enzyme in the CNS—the Na+, K+-ATPase, which maintains and creates an ion gradient on the plasma membrane of neurons. CTS cause the activation of various signaling cascades and changes in gene expression in neurons and other cell types. It is known that intracerebroventricular injection of cardiotonic steroid ouabain causes mania-like behavior in rodents, in part due to activation of dopamine-related signaling cascades in the dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein 32 (DARPP-32) expressing medium spiny neurons in the striatum. Dopaminergic projections in the striatum innervate these GABAergic medium spiny neurons. The objective of this study was to assess changes in the expression of all genes in human iPSC-derived expressing DARPP-32 and GABA receptors neurons under the influence of ouabain. We noted a large number of statistically significant upregulated and downregulated genes after a 16-h incubation with non-toxic concentration (30 nM) of ouabain. These changes in the transcriptional activity were accomplished with activation of MAP-kinase ERK1/2 and transcriptional factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Thus, it can be concluded that 30 nM ouabain incubated for 16 h with human iPSC-derived expressing DARPP-32 and GABA receptors neurons activates genes associated with neuronal maturation and synapse formation, by increasing the expression of genes associated with translation, vesicular transport, and increased electron transport chain function. At the same time, the expression of genes associated with proliferation, migration, and early development of neurons decreases. These data indicate that non-toxic concentrations of ouabain may induce neuronal maturation, neurite growth, and increased synaptogenesis in dopamine-receptive GABAergic neurons, suggesting formation of plasticity and the establishment of new neuronal junctions.
Dietary Polyphenol Supplementation in Food Producing Animals: Effects on the Quality of Derived Products

Simple Summary Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites mainly known for their antioxidant properties. Their use as feed additives in the nutrition of farm animals is becoming increasingly popular as they are particularly exposed to oxidative stress which is reflected in a lipoperoxidation of the final product. For this reason, it is essential to preserve the quality and the safety of meat and milk products by attenuating oxidative deterioration. Moreover, polyphenols present the advantage of being more acceptable to the consumers than synthetic counterparts, as they are considered to be “non-toxic”. The present review presents an overview of several studies focused on the dietary supplementation of polyphenols to monogastric and ruminants, as well as their direct addition to meat and dairy products, with particular emphasis on their antioxidant effects on the final product. Abstract The growing interest in producing healthier animal products with a higher ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids, is associated with an increase in lipoperoxidation. For this reason, it is essential to attenuate oxidative deterioration in the derived products. Natural antioxidants such as polyphenols represent a good candidate in this respect. The first part of the review highlights the occurrence, bioavailability, and the role of polyphenols in food-producing animals that, especially in intensive systems, are exposed to stressful situations in which oxidation plays a crucial role. The second part offers an overview of the effects of polyphenols either supplemented to the diet of monogastric and ruminants or added directly to meat and dairy products on the physicochemical and sensorial properties of the product. From this review emerges that polyphenols play an important, though not always clear, role in the quality of meat and meat products, milk and dairy products. It cannot be ruled out that different compounds or amounts of polyphenols may lead to different results. However, the inclusion of agro-industrial by-products rich in polyphenols, in animal feed, represents an innovative and alternative source of antioxidants as well as being useful in reducing environmental and economic impact.
Developing measures to capture the true value of primary care

Primary care (PC) is an essential building block for any high quality healthcare system, and has a particularly positive impact on vulnerable patients. It contributes to the overall performance of health systems, and countries that reorient their health system towards PC are better prepared to achieve universal health coverage. Monitoring the actual performance of PC in health systems is essential health policy to support PC. However, current indicators are often too narrowly defined to account for quality of care in the complex populations with which PC deals. This article reviews a number of conceptual frameworks developed to capture PC values in robust measures and indicators that can inform policy and practice performance. Each have benefits and limitations. Further work is needed to develop meaningful primary health care (PHC) and PC measures to inform strategic action by policymakers and governments for improved overall performance of health systems.
Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss and Microglial Activation in a SOD1G93A Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects the spinal cord, brain stem, and cerebral cortex. In this pathology, both neurons and glial cells are affected. However, few studies have analyzed retinal microglia in ALS models. In this study, we quantified the signs of microglial activation and the number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in an SOD1G93A transgenic mouse model at 120 days (advanced stage of the disease) in retinal whole-mounts. For SOD1G93A animals (compared to the wild-type), we found, in microglial cells, (i) a significant increase in the area occupied by each microglial cell in the total area of the retina; (ii) a significant increase in the arbor area in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) inferior sector; (iii) the presence of cells with retracted processes; (iv) areas of cell groupings in some sectors; (v) no significant increase in the number of microglial cells; (vi) the expression of IFN-γ and IL-1β; and (vii) the non-expression of IL-10 and arginase-I. For the RGCs, we found a decrease in their number. In conclusion, in the SOD1G93A model (at 120 days), retinal microglial activation occurred, taking a pro-inflammatory phenotype M1, which affected the OPL and inner retinal layers and could be related to RGC loss.