Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visualizing Early Warning Signs of Behavioral Crisis in Military Veterans: Empowering Peer Decision Support

Several attempts have been made at creating mobile solutions for patients with mental disorders. A preemptive approach would definitely outdo a reactive one. This project seeks to ensure better crisis detection, by assigning patients (veterans) to caregivers (mentors). This is called the mentor-mentee approach. Enhanced with the use of mobile technology, veterans can stay connected in their daily lives to mentors, who have gone through the same traumatic experiences and have overcome them. A mobile application for communication between veterans and their mentors has been developed, which helps mentors get constant feedback from their mentees about their state of well-being. However, being able to make good deductions from the data given as feedback is of great importance. Under-representing or over-representing the data could be dangerously misleading. This paper
QoS Strategies for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks in the Context of IoT at the MAC Layer, Application Layer, and Cross-Layer Algorithms

Wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) have got capacity to collect both scalar sensor data and multidimensional sensor data. It is the basis for the Internet of things (IoT). Quality of service (QoS) pointers like energy efficiency, reliability, bit error rate, and latency can be helpful in data collection estimation over a network. In this paper, we review a number of QoS strategies for WMSNs and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in the IoT context from the perspective of the MAC and application layers as well as the cross-layer paradigm. Considering the MAC layer, since it is responsible for regulating the admittance to the shared medium and transmission reliability and efficiency through error correction in wireless transmissions, and for performance of framing, addressing, and flow control, the MAC protocol design greatly affects energy efficiency. We thus review a number of protocols here including contention-free and contention-based protocols as well as the hybrid of these. This paper also surveys a number of state-of-the-art machine-to-machine, publish/subscribe, and request/response protocols at the application layer. Cross-layer QoS strategies are very vital when it comes to system optimization. Many cross-layer strategies have been reviewed. For these QoS strategies, the challenges and opportunities are reviewed at each of the layers considered. Lastly, the future research directions for QoS strategies are discussed for research and application before concluding this paper.
Simulation of Crowd Response During Emergency Considering People's Rational and Irrational Thinking

Human beings have been facing numerous emergencies which could threaten their property or even their lives in all ages. In order to learn how people respond to the emergencies like earthquakes and fire disasters, a two-stage simulation considering people’s rational thinking and irrational thinking was conducted. Results show that people’s irrational thinking, like the herd effect, could exaggerate people’s behavior of conformity, and it changes the spatial features that stronger herd effect leads to higher cohesion level. It is also worth mentioning that crowd response of condition of smaller population is harder to predict because of its instability, and the response of the very first part of people who make decisions could make great changes to the whole crowd’s response. These results could give some enlightenment on the evacuation instruction during emergencies and future research works.
A culture-, amplification-independent, and rapid method for identification of pathogens and antibiotic resistance profile in bovine mastitis milk

Introduction Rapid and accurate diagnosis of causative pathogens in mastitis would minimize the imprudent use of antibiotics and, therefore, reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Whole genome sequencing offers a unique opportunity to study the microbial community and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in mastitis. However, the complexity of milk samples and the presence of a high amount of host DNA in milk from infected udders often make this very challenging. Methods Here, we tested 24 bovine milk samples (18 mastitis and six non-mastitis) using four different commercial kits (Qiagens’ DNeasy® PowerFood® Microbial, Norgens’ Milk Bacterial DNA Isolation, and Molzyms’ MolYsis™ Plus and Complete5) in combination with filtration, low-speed centrifugation, nuclease, and 10% bile extract of male bovine (Ox bile). Isolated DNA was quantified, checked for the presence/absence of host and pathogen using PCR and sequenced using MinION nanopore sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was performed for taxonomic classification and antimicrobial resistance gene detection. Results The results showed that kits designed explicitly for bacterial DNA isolation from food and dairy matrices could not deplete/minimize host DNA. Following using MolYsis™ Complete 5 + 10% Ox bile + micrococcal nuclease combination, on average, 17% and 66.5% of reads were classified as bovine and Staphylococcus aureus reads, respectively. This combination also effectively enriched other mastitis pathogens, including Escherichia coli and Streptococcus dysgalactiae. Furthermore, using this approach, we identified important AMR genes such as Tet (A), Tet (38), fosB-Saur, and blaZ. We showed that even 40 min of the MinION run was enough for bacterial identification and detecting the first AMR gene. Conclusion We implemented an effective method (sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 92.3%) for host DNA removal and bacterial DNA enrichment (both gram-negative and positive) directly from bovine mastitis milk. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first culture- and amplification-independent study using nanopore-based metagenomic sequencing for real-time detection of the pathogen (within 5 hours) and the AMR profile (within 5–9 hours), in mastitis milk samples. These results provide a promising and potential future on-farm adaptable approach for better clinical management of mastitis.
A Study of Faster-Z Evolution in the Great Tit (Parus major)

Abstract Sex chromosomes contribute substantially to key evolutionary processes such as speciation and adaptation. Several theories suggest that evolution could occur more rapidly on sex chromosomes, but currently our understanding of whether and how this occurs is limited. Here, we present an analysis of the great tit (Parus major) genome, aiming to detect signals of faster-Z evolution. We find mixed evidence of faster divergence on the Z chromosome than autosomes, with significantly higher divergence being found in ancestral repeats, but not at 4- or 0-fold degenerate sites. Interestingly, some 4-fold sites appear to be selectively constrained, which may mislead analyses that use these sites as the neutral reference (e.g., dN/dS). Consistent with other studies in birds, the mutation rate is significantly higher in males than females, and the long-term Z-to-autosome effective population size ratio is only 0.5, significantly lower than the expected value of 0.75. These are indicative of male-driven evolution and high variance in male reproductive success, respectively. We find no evidence for an increased efficacy of positive selection on the Z chromosome. In contrast, the Z chromosome in great tits appears to be affected by increased genetic drift, which has led to detectable signals of weakened intensity of purifying selection. These results provide further evidence that the Z chromosome often has a low effective population size, and that this has important consequences for its evolution. They also highlight the importance of considering multiple factors that can affect the rate of evolution and effective population sizes of sex chromosomes.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the non-coding region of STIM1 gene are associated with Parkinson disease risk in Chinese Han population

Abstract The stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) gene contributes essentially to Ca2+ transport, thus it is functionally related to neurodegenerative disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the non-coding region of STIM1 gene and the risk for Parkinson disease (PD) in a Chinese Han population. In a cohort composed of 300 PD patients and 300 healthy individuals from a Chinese Han population, we analyzed genotypes for five novel SNPs, rs7934581, rs3794050, rs1561876, rs3750994 and rs3750996 in the non-coding region of STIM1 gene. The levels of STIM1 protein in plasma of these subjects were also assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that the SNPs of STIM1 gene rs7934581, rs3794050, rs1561876, and rs3750996 were associated with increased PD risk, while rs3750994 SNP was not. An increased risk of PD was observed in subjects with the TAAG and TGAG haplotypes of rs7934581, rs3794050, rs1561876, rs3750996. Moreover, PD risk was significantly elevated only in subjects with age ≥60 years or females who carry the STIM1 rs3794050 minor allele. There was a significant difference in plasma STIM1 protein levels between subjects with different genotypes of STIM1 rs7934581, rs3794050, rs1561876, and rs3750996. STIM1 gene rs7934581, rs3794050, rs1561876, rs3750996 SNPs are associated with increased PD risk, and its mechanism may be related to abnormal STIM1 gene expression.
Empathy and journey mapping the healthcare experience: a community-based participatory approach to exploring women’s access to primary health services within Melbourne’s Arabic-speaking refugee communities

ABSTRACT Objectives: This community-based participatory research focused on physical and social barriers to healthcare for refugee women in Melbourne, Australia. Design: Women from non-English speaking backgrounds explored the meaning and impact of their health journeys through group surveys, Photovoice and GIS go-alongs. This empathy-building research also explored acceptability, desirability and feasibility of mHealth solutions to improve access to primary healthcare services. Results: Refugee women reported low utilisation of preventive healthcare services including limited awareness of cervical or breast screening. Conclusions: Phone ownership and health information searches online indicate mHealth solutions are feasible and acceptable to improve healthcare access, literacy and autonomy within this population.
Adiponectin, IGFBP-1 and -2 are independent predictors in forecasting prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

Objective Adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 are biomarkers of insulin sensitivity. IGFBP-1 reflects insulin sensitivity in the liver, adiponectin in adipose tissue and IGFBP-2 in both tissues. Here, we study the power of the biomarkers adiponectin, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, and also included IGF-I and IGF-II, in predicting prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in men and women with normal oral glucose tolerance (NGT). Design Subjects with NGT (35-56 years) recruited during 1992-1998 were re-investigated 8-10 years later. In a nested case control study, subjects progressing to prediabetes (133 women, 164 men) or to T2D (55 women, 98 men) were compared with age and sex matched NGT controls (200 women and 277 men). Methods The evaluation included questionnaires, health status, anthropometry, biochemistry and oral glucose tolerance test. Results After adjustment, the lowest quartile of adiponectin, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 associated independently with future abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in both genders in multivariate analyses. High IGFs predicted weakly AGT in women. In women, low IGFBP-2 was the strongest predictor for prediabetes (OR:7.5), and low adiponectin for T2D (OR:29.4). In men, low IGFBP-1 was the strongest predictor for both prediabetes (OR:13.4) and T2D (OR:14.9). When adiponectin, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 were combined, the ROC-AUC reached 0.87 for women and 0.79 for men, higher than for BMI alone. Conclusion Differences were observed comparing adipocyte- and hepatocyte-derived biomarkers in forecasting AGT in NGT subjects. In women the strongest predictor for T2D was adiponectin and in men IGFBP-1, and for prediabetes IGFBP-2 in women and IGFBP-1 in men.
Insects in chicken nutrition. A review.

Increasing chicken meat production needs an alternative and easily available protein source as a potentional substitute for soybean meal or fishmeal. The insect meals seem to be the most appropriate alternative. Of all insect species, Tenebrio molitor, Hermetia illucens and Musca domestica are the most suitable species for commercial exploitation in poultry feed. On the basis of numerous studies, insect meals contain sufficient nutrients (high quality protein and fat) for broiler production. Potential of insect meals used for feed of chickens is discussed based on published data. Many reviews summarizing the latest insights about the insect meals as an alternative protein source in poultry have been written. However, the present work describes not only the insect production, nutritional value and digestibility of the insect meals, but mainly the effect on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of chickens fed insect meals, which has not been in any review summarized yet. The study describes also the risks and safety of the insect meals. Based on numerous studies, insect meals can have a positive influence on growth without negative impact on carcass and meat quality characteristics.
Neonatal BCG vaccination and child survival in TB-exposed and TB-unexposed children: a prospective cohort study

Objectives To assess the association between neonatal BCG vaccination and mortality between 28 days and 3 years of age among tuberculosis (TB)-exposed and TB-unexposed children. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Bandim Health Project runs an urban Health and Demographic Surveillance site in Guinea-Bissau with registration of mortality, vaccination status and TB cases. Participants Children entered the analysis when their vaccination card was inspected after 28 days of age and remained under surveillance to 3 years of age. Children residing in the same house as a TB case were classified as TB-exposed from 3 months prior to case registration to the end of follow-up. Methods Using Cox-proportional hazards models with age as underlying time scale, we compared mortality of children with and without neonatal BCG between October 2003 and September 2017. Main outcome measure HR for neonatal BCG compared with no neonatal BCG by TB-exposure status. Results Among the 39 421 children who entered the analyses, 3022 (8%) had observation time as TB-exposed. In total, 84% of children received neonatal BCG. Children with neonatal BCG had lower mortality both in TB-exposed (adjusted HR: 0.57 (0.26 to 1.27)) and in TB-unexposed children (HR: 0.57 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.69)) than children without neonatal BCG. Children exposed to TB had higher mortality than TB-unexposed children if they had not received neonatal BCG. Conclusion Neonatal BCG vaccination was associated with lower mortality among both TB-exposed and TB-unexposed children, consistent with neonatal BCG vaccination having beneficial non-specific effects. Interventions to increase timely BCG vaccination are urgently warranted.
Consistent Exposure to Psychosocial Stressors and Progressive Intolerance to Stress in Individuals at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis

A body of evidence suggests that exposure to psychosocial stressors and stress sensitivity are involved in psychosis pathogenesis. However, little is known about the temporal course of these domains in those with psychosis-risk syndromes. Furthermore, to date, there have been no studies examining associations between psychosocial stressors and impaired stress tolerance, or how these factors might be implicated in symptom progression prior to psychosis onset. A total of 73 clinical high-risk (CHR) participants and 78 healthy controls (HCs) completed baseline measures of life event (LE) exposure and impaired stress tolerance. Additionally, 54 CHR and 57 HC participants returned to complete the same procedures at a 12-month follow-up assessment. Results indicated that when compared to HCs, CHR individuals exhibited increased LE exposure and impaired stress tolerance at baseline. Longitudinal analyses compared subgroups of CHR participants who exhibited positive symptoms worsening over the 1-year course (CHR-Prog), improved or steady (CHR-Remiss/Persist), and HCs. CHR-Prog individuals showed consistently elevated independent LEs exposure while CHR-Remiss/Persist reported a decline and HCs a steady low level across time. Furthermore, CHR-Prog exhibited increased stress intolerance, while the CHR-Remiss/Persist improved and HCs displayed consistently low levels over time. Analyses examining interrelationships between these domains showed a trend level interaction effect predicting follow-up symptoms. Taken together, results from the present study indicate an important role for exposure to stressors and increasing stress intolerance during psychosis pathogenesis. Additionally, findings indicating that decreases in stress exposure may lead to more favorable outcomes provide a promising target for novel targeted interventions.
COVID-19 surveillance in wastewater: An epidemiological tool for the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted a lot of questions globally regarding the range of information about the virus’s possible routes of transmission, diagnostics, and therapeutic tools. Worldwide studies have pointed out the importance of monitoring and early surveillance techniques based on the identification of viral RNA in wastewater. These studies indicated the presence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in human feces, which is shed via excreta including mucus, feces, saliva, and sputum. Subsequently, they get dumped into wastewater, and their presence in wastewater provides a possibility of using it as a tool to help prevent and eradicate the virus. Its monitoring is still done in many regions worldwide and serves as an early “warning signal”; however, a lot of limitations of wastewater surveillance have also been identified.
The Urethral Microbiota - A Missing Link in the Female Urinary Microbiota.

PURPOSE To examine the urethral microbiota, determine if it differs from the bladder urinary microbiome, and assess if its composition differs based on patient demographic factors and presence of lower urinary tract symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients presenting to our Urogynecology clinic were enrolled. Demographic information and responses to the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory questionnaire were collected. All participants provided mid-stream voided urine, peri-urethral swab, transurethral swab, and catheterized urine samples, which were analyzed by Expanded Quantitative Urine Culture and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Bray-Curtis dissimilarity analysis assessed diversity between sample types for each participant. Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, McNemar, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Fisher's exact tests tested for significance. RESULTS Forty-nine patients participated. Bladder microbiota were dissimilar to urethral, peri-urethral, and voided urine microbiota (p<0.0001). Urethral and peri-urethral microbiota were similar (p>0.05), but the urethral microbiota were dissimilar to voided urine microbiota (p=0.001), while the peri-urethral microbiota were not (p>0.05). Women under age 55 were more likely to be sexually active, premenopausal, and Hispanic, compared to women 55 years and older. Women in the younger cohort had Lactobacillus and Gardnerella cultured from urethral samples more frequently and more abundantly than women in the older cohort. There was no significant association between lower urinary tract symptoms and the frequency or abundance of urethral bacteria species. CONCLUSIONS Niches of microbiota along the female lower urinary tract may be influenced by age, menopausal status, and sexual activity. More research is needed to determine the function and clinical significance of the urethral microbiome.
Effects of 27 natural products on drug metabolism genes in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) cell line

Abstract Pregnane X receptor (PXR) as a ligand dependent transcription factor, is capable of regulating gene expression of cytochromes P450 and transporters involved in xenobiotic/drug metabolism and elimination. Due to the species differences in the regulatory specificity of PXR, gene regulation should not be extrapolated from mammal to fish without research data. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of 27 natural products on PXR, CYP3A30 and MDR1 genes in channel catfish (Ietalurus punetaus) kidney cells (CC-K). The results showed that bisdemethoxycurcumin, glycyrrhetnic acid, rotenone, artemisinin, dihydroartemisinin, ligustilide and matrine strongly induced the mRNA levels of PXR. Additionally, the up-regulation of CYP3A30 gene ran parallel with PXR gene after the treatment of demethoxycurcumin, glycyrrhetnic acid, artemisinin, matrine, baicalein, schisantherin A, ligustilide, and dihydroartemisinin. Moreover, we found that natural products schisandrin A, schisandrin B, schisandrol A, and schisandrol B significantly up-regulated the mRNA level of MDR1 gene. Our work with a view to provide experimental data support for further research, which will make for the rational application of natural products in channel catfish, such as to avoid adverse herb-drug interactions or accelerating the residue elimination of chemical medicine.
No obligation? How gender influences the relationship between perceived organizational support and organizational citizenship behavior.

Previous research indicates that perceived organizational support (POS) elicits felt obligation on the part of employees who, in turn, reciprocate by helping the organization through the performance of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). However, because gender roles dictate that women should be more helpful than men, women may feel more obligated to engage in OCB even when they experience relatively low levels of POS, whereas men may perform OCB only when they experience relatively high levels of POS. In this article, we use social role theory to predict that the relationship between POS and 3 types of OCB will be stronger for men than for women. Our results, using 4 samples of employee-supervisor dyads, support this prediction. Further, in 2 of those samples, we also investigate the possibility that gender moderates the positive POS-felt obligation relationship and the indirect effect of POS on OCB via felt obligation. Taken together, we find evidence of first-stage moderated-mediation. Specifically, the relationship between POS and felt obligation is moderated by gender, such that this relationship is stronger for men than for women (who feel more obligation, even at relatively low levels of POS). Felt obligation mediated the POS-OCB relationship, but only for men. Our findings suggest that men are more likely than women to need POS to feel obligated to make reciprocal organizational exchanges. Implications and future research directions are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).