Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with prolonged viral RNA shedding in patients with COVID-19

Abstract Background An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is becoming a public health emergency. Data are limited on the duration and host factors related to viral shedding. Methods In this retrospective study, risk factors associated with severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA shedding were evaluated in a cohort of 113 symptomatic patients from two hospitals outside Wuhan. Results The median duration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection was 17 days (Interquartile Range [IQR], 13–22 days) as measured from illness onset. When comparing patients with early (<15 days) and late viral RNA clearance (≥15 days after illness onset), prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding was associated with male sex (p=0.009), old age (p=0.033), concomitated with hypertension (p=0.009), delayed admission to hospital after illness onset (p=0.001), severe illness at admission (p=0.049), invasive mechanical ventilation (p=0.006), and corticosteroid treatment (p=0.025). Patients with longer SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding duration had slower recovery of body temperature (p<0.001) and focal absorption on radiograph images (p<0.001) than patients with early SARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance. Male sex (odds ratio [OR], 3.24 [95% CI, 1.31–8.02]), delayed hospital admission (OR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.10–1.54]), and invasive mechanical ventilation (OR, 9.88 [95% CI, 1.11–88.02]) were independent risk factors for prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding. Conclusions Male sex, delayed admission to hospital after illness onset, and invasive mechanical ventilation were associated with prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding. Hospital admission and general treatments should be started as soon as possible in symptomatic COVID-19 patients, especially male patients.
Impact of benralizumab on asthma control, asthma-related quality of life and lung function in patients with poorly controlled eosinophilic asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract BACKGROUND: Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody to the alpha subunit of the IL-5 receptor used in the management of severe, eosinophilic asthma. Although Benralizumab has been shown to significantly reduce asthma exacerbation rates in several Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), its impact on subjective asthma control, asthma-related quality of life and lung function is less clear. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to analyze the combined effect of Benralizumab on Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) scores, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) scores and pre-bronchodilator (pre-BD) FEV1 values in severe asthmatics with eosinophilia. METHODS: A comprehensive search of selected databases was performed to include randomized, phase 3 placebo-controlled clinical trials that compared the impact of Benralizumab on ACQ6 scores, AQLQ scores and pre-BD FEV1 values in severe asthmatics with eosinophilia. Random effect models were produced to compare the combined effect of Benralizumab treatment in comparison to placebo. RESULTS: Overall, Benralizumab treatment in asthmatic patients with eosinophilia resulted in significantly improved ACQ6 scores, AQLQ scores and pre-BD FEV1 values in comparison to placebo (Mean Difference: −0.24,95%CI: −0.32, −0.16, p-value: <0.00001); (Mean Difference: 0.23, 95%CI: 0.14, 0.32, p-value: <0.00001); (Mean Difference: 0.11, 95% CI 0.08, 0.15, p-value: <0.00004), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis demonstrates that treatment with Benralizumab in patients with severe asthma associated with eosinophilia significantly improves asthma control, asthma-related quality of life and lung function. We believe these findings can provide evidenced-based recommendations for the use of Benralizumab in asthmatic patients with eosinophilia.
Gain-of-function genetic alterations of G9a drive oncogenesis.

Epigenetic regulators, when genomically altered, may become driver oncogenes that mediate otherwise unexplained pro-oncogenic changes lacking a clear genetic stimulus, such as activation of the WNT/B-catenin pathway in melanoma. This study identifies previously unrecognized recurrent activating mutations in the G9a histone methyltransferase gene, as well as G9a genomic copy gains in ~26% of human melanomas, which collectively drive tumor growth and an immunologically sterile microenvironment beyond melanoma. Furthermore, the WNT pathway is identified as a key tumorigenic target of G9a gain-of-function, via suppression of the WNT antagonist DKK1. Importantly, genetic or pharmacologic suppression of mutated or amplified G9a using multiple in vitro and in vivo models demonstrate that G9a is a druggable target for therapeutic intervention in melanoma and other cancers harboring G9a genomic aberrations.
Cafeteria-Type Feeding of Chickens Indicates a Preference for Insect (Tenebrio molitor) Larvae Meal

Simple Summary The use of insects as an alternative ingredient in the feed industry is a promising solution to optimize animal production systems worldwide. These insect-derived products are seen as novel sources of animal origin protein, especially in avian and aquatic species diets, which are sustainable in production and desirable as nutrient-rich feed ingredients. In order to be used in feed formulations for poultry, the nutritional composition of the insect products and the effects on performance of chickens must be known. In the present study, we investigated whether broilers displayed a preference (or not) for Tenebrio molitor larvae meal, evaluating ingredient acceptability and birds’ performance. After a few days of being offered insect meal in a cafeteria-type study, chickens developed a clear preference for this ingredient compared to usual feed ingredients, especially extruded semi-whole soybean meal (high protein content). Additionally, there was an indication that T. molitor meal consumption by the chickens improved feed conversion. We conclude that T. molitor meal is a promising protein ingredient for poultry diets. Overall, although insect-derived products are still under regulation processes all around the world, the increasing knowledge concerning this topic indicates that insects could be a suitable alternative as feed source in the animal industry. Abstract This study aimed to determine whether broiler chickens display a preference for Tenebrio molitor larvae (TM) meal by evaluating ingredient acceptability and birds’ performance. Sixty 14-day-old male chickens were assigned into two treatment groups (5 birds/pen, n = 6) in a cafeteria-type study: the control (C) group, and the TM group. Each pen was equipped with one bell drinker and four through feeders allocated side by side; all feeders of the C group contained a complete standard diet whereas each feeder of the TM group contained one of the following ingredients: ground corn, extruded semi-whole soybean, vitamin-mineral supplement mixture, and TM meal. Feed intake was recorded daily and growth was monitored periodically up to day 32. Chickens which had access to individual feed components showed a delay to display preference for TM, but consumed, overall, up to 50% of the total intake as TM meal. Feed intake and growth performance were lower in all periods for TM group (p < 0.02), whereas feed conversion ratio was improved on days 22–28 and days 29–32 of age (p < 0.01). Data from bivariate and multidimensional analysis indicate that birds started to reach a balance of ingredient intake at 25 days of age, showing a high correlation between consumption of each ingredient and the day of the experiment. Chickens exhibited a preference for T. molitor meal, resulting in improved feed efficiency, which allows us to conclude that it can be a suitable feed alternative for poultry.
Tumor-associated exosomal miRNA biomarkers to differentiate metastatic vs. nonmetastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract Background Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are proposed to be excellent candidate biomarkers for clinical applications. However, little is known about their potential value as diagnostic biomarkers for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods In this study, microarrays were used to determine distinct miRNA profiles of plasma exosomes in a discovery cohort of healthy donors, metastatic NSCLC and nonmetastatic NSCLC patients. Three potential candidate miRNAs were selected based on the differential expression profiles. The discovery set data were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using a validation cohort. Results NSCLC patients (n = 80) and healthy controls (n = 30) had different exosome-related miRNA profiles in plasma. Results demonstrated that the level of let-7f-5p was decreased in plasma exosomes of NSCLC patients (p < 0.0001). Further analysis of three differentially expressed miRNAs revealed that miR-320a, miR-622 and let-7f-5p levels could significantly segregate patients with metastatic NSCLC from patients with nonmetastatic NSCLC (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.023, respectively). In addition, the combination of let-7f-5p, CEA and Cyfra21-1 generated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.981 for the diagnosis of NSCLC patients, and the combination of miR-320a, miR-622, CEA and Cyfra21-1 had an AUC of 0.900 for the diagnosis of patients with metastatic NSCLC. Conclusions This novel study demonstrated that plasma exosomal miRNAs are promising noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for metastatic NSCLC.
What matters: Factors impacting the recovery process among outpatient mental health service users.

OBJECTIVE Understanding factors that promote and hinder the recovery process for people living with serious mental illness remains of critical importance. We examine factors, including limited literacy, associated with mental health recovery among public mental health service users. METHOD This study uses data from a mixed-methods, service-user informed project focused on the impact of limited literacy in the lives of people with serious mental illness. Data from structured interviews evaluate perceptions of recovery as assessed with the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS). Regression models examine factors related to recovery controlling for sociodemographic factors, literacy, neurocognition, mental health status, perceived social support, and stigma. RESULTS Despite bivariate relationships between RAS and limited literacy, the full models suggest that other factors account for this relationship. These include mental health status, higher social support, higher self-reported community status, and higher stigma consciousness, as well as race for some models. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Our findings that social support and perceptions of community status are associated with higher scores on the RAS echo prior work demonstrating the importance of social connection and context in mental health recovery. Though literacy was not a predictor of recovery, further research should examine the relationship between literacy and recovery given the deep literature on literacy on health outcomes. In order to better support people in the recovery process it is important that more research is done to examine the complex relationship between stigma consciousness and recovery as well as understand the racial disparities that exist within the recovery subscales. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
All-Cause Mortality and Serious Non-AIDS Events in Adults With Low-level Human Immunodeficiency Virus Viremia During Combination Antiretroviral Therapy: Results From a Swedish Nationwide Observational Study

Abstract Background The impact of low levels of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA (low-level viremia [LLV]) during combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) on clinical outcomes is unclear. We explored the associations between LLV and all-cause mortality, AIDS, and serious non-AIDS events (SNAEs). Methods We grouped individuals starting cART 1996–2017 (identified from the Swedish InfCare HIV register) as virologic suppression (VS; <50 copies/mL), LLV (repeated viral load, 50–999 copies/mL), and nonsuppressed viremia (NSV; ≥1000 copies/mL). Separately, LLV was subdivided into 50–199 and 200–999 copies/mL (reflecting different definitions of virologic failure). Proportional-hazard models (including sex, age, pre-ART CD4 count and viral load, country of birth, injection drug use, treatment experience and interruptions, and an interaction term between viremia and time) were fitted for the study outcomes. Results A total of 6956 participants were followed for a median of 5.7 years. At the end of follow-up, 60% were categorized as VS, 9% as LLV, and 31% as NSV. Compared with VS, LLV was associated with increased mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–3.6). This association was also observed for LLV 50–199 copies/mL (aHR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3–3.8), but was not statistically significant for LLV 200–999 copies/mL (aHR, 2.1; 95% CI, .96–4.7). LLV 50–999 copies/mL was not linked to increased risk of AIDS or SNAEs, but in subanalysis, LLV 200–999 copies/mL was associated with SNAEs (aHR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2–3.6). Conclusions In this population-based cohort, LLV during cART was associated with adverse clinical outcomes.
Effect of vitamin D3 on calcium homeostasis of beef steers

Supplementation ofhigh levels of vitamin D3 (D3) to cattle has enhanced beef tenderness. However, high levels of D3 possess a food safety concern. Therefore, the objective of this thesis was to evaluate feeding strategies that would reduce the amount of D3 required to increase serum calcium (Ca) to levels where tenderness has been improved. In experiment 1, 15 steers (452 ±30kg) were fed with 75% barley grain-base concentrate and 25% barley silage (as fed) and 1.25,2.5 or 5 Mill D3/hd/d for 7 d. Feed intake was depressed (P<0.05) while total (T) and ionized (1) Ca were increased (P<0.05) in relationship to the amount ofD3 fed. Feeding 5 MID D3increased TCa and ICa by 2 and 1 mgldl, respectively. Peak values were reached 3-5 d post-supplementation. Serum Ca levels were similar to those related with meat tenderization. In experiment 2, 15 steers (607 ± 12 kg) were supplemented with 0, 2.5 or 5 Mill D3/hd/d for 7 d. Feed intake, TCa, and ICa showed similar trends as in experiment 1. Plasma D3and 25(OH)D3 were increased (P<0.05) quadratica~ly and linearly, respectively. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) was depressed (P<0.05). In experiment 3, 19 steers (522 ± 33 kg) were fed with a low Ca diet for 10 d prior to supplementation with 0, 1.25, 2.5 or 5 MID D3/hd/d for 7 d. Blood TCa, ICa, and D3decreased (P<0.05) during the first 2-4 d of the low Ca period. All variables responded as in experiment 2. Plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 was increased (P<0.05). Calcium response was no higher. In experiment 4, 20 steers (448 ± 26 kg) were fed a low Ca for 14 d and then switched to a high Ca diet and anionic salts (NH4CI and MgS04) at -1500 and -3000 mEq/hd/d for 3 and 7 d, respectively, and fed with 0, 0.6, 1.2 or 2.4 Mill D3/hd/d (10 d). All variables responded as in experiment 3. Similar
Impact

Let me begin by stating that I didn't expect to be returning to the Crossfire universe with more than an occasional drabble much less a full-length multi-chapter sequel-of-sorts. I was, in fact, pretty adamant that the assorted alternate and alternate alternate drabbles were as far as the story would go, despite numerous reader comments asking for Luffy and Zoro to give it one more try in hopes of having a girl. I should've known better; never, never ever ever say never.
Treatment Outcomes of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Gomoa West District, Ghana

Background: The study reviewed background characteristics of patients being treated for Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Ghana. The review indicated that the disease was endemic in deprived regions. Gomoa West District in the Central Region of Ghana, one such region, was chosen for the study. Methods: A retrospective cohort study on all files of patients diagnosed of Pulmonary Tuberculosis either by smear or radiography in the district during the period January 2010 to December 2015 were studied. Sociodemographic and clinical variables of cases were extracted from case files as well as their treatment outcomes at the end of six months’ therapy. Patients who were transferred out, re-treated, including resistance Tuberculosis and extra-pulmonary cases were excluded from the study. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to analyze the data. A logistic regression analysis was used to calculate crude and adjusted ratio of successful treatment outcome at a 95% confidence interval. Results: The Pulmonary Tuberculosis treatment success for the district in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 were 94.2%, 87.59%, 94.4% and 92.1% respectively. Prevalent rate of Pulmonary Tuberculosis was highest amongst fisher folks and those in age group 65 years and above. Conclusions: The study concluded that improving Pulmonary Tuberculosis treatment outcomes requires qualitative information on factors associated with treatment outcomes that quantitative data does not reveal; so as to develop specific interventional strategies since general intervention might not be suitable for all cases considering the diverse characteristics of Tuberculosis patients. Interventions among age group 65 years and above will potentially improve treatment outcomes by 22.2% in Gomoa Oguaa.
Comparison of adverse Pregnancy Outcomes between Hookah and Non-smoking Women

Background & aim: Considering the epidemic of hookah smoking in young people, the main purpose of this study was to assess the adverse effects of hookah consumption in pregnant women and their fetus. Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out in a a 13-month period in Isfahan, Iran, 2014. Data were collected using a questionnaire, interviewing, and examination. The study population consisted of 512 pregnant women, who were selected by convenience sampling method and assigned into two groups of smoker and non-smoker. The groups were matched considering the age, early pregnancy weight, parity, and family history of preeclampsia. Data analysis was performed using t-test and Chi-squared test in SPSS software, version 19. Results: According to the results, there was a direct relationship between preeclampsia, preterm labor, placental abruption, birth weight and APGAR score with hookah consumption during pregnancy. However, no significant correlation wa sseen between intrauterine fetal demise and hookah consumption during pregnancy (P<0.05). Conclusion: Hookah smoking during pregnancy can make a significant difference in maternal and neonatal complications. Therefore, controlling hookah usage during pregnancy can reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Alteration of Microflora of the Facultative Parasitic Nematode Pristionchus Entomophagus and its Potential Application as a Biological Control Agent

Pristionchus entomophagus is a microbivorous, facultative, parasitic nematode commonly found in soil and decaying organic matter in North America and Europe. This nematode can form an alternative juvenile life stage capable of infecting an insect host. The microflora of P. entomophagus is highly variable and may contribute to insect host mortality. Pristionchus entomophagus is not associated with specific bacterial species, and its microflora may possibly vary with habitat and/or hosts. The goal of this project was to develop protocols to transfer labeled bacteria to P. entomophagus, and then assess transfer of the labeled bacteria to an insect host via exposure to altered nematodes. Successful inoculation of the nematodes and transfer to the insect would provide a method to enhance virulence of P. entomophagus for use against M. rubra and other pest insects. I successfully developed a protocol to alter the microflora of P. entomophagus nematodes, but was unable to confirm transfer of the target bacteria by nematodes to Galleria mellonella larvae. The internal microflora of most adult nematodes was altered and juveniles exposed to the labeled bacteria were seen to carry it on the external surface of their cuticle. Juveniles are the infective stage, and without internal haborage, they may be poor vectors of the target bacteria. Another challenge in developing P. entomophagus as a biological control agent is potential nematicidal activity of entomopathogenic bacteria. Overall, the results of this study are promising and provide the initial steps towards the development of P. entomophagus with enhanced virulence as a biological control agent.
Effects of the Musical Sound Environment on Communicating Emotion

The acoustic environment is one of the factors influencing emotion, however, existing research has mainly focused on the effects of noise on emotion, and on music therapy, while the acoustic and psychological effects of music on interactive behaviour have been neglected. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of music on communicating emotion including evaluation of music, and d-values of pleasure, arousal, and dominance (PAD), in terms of sound pressure level (SPL), musical emotion, and tempo. Based on acoustic environment measurement and a questionnaire survey with 52 participants in a normal classroom in Harbin city, China, the following results were found. First, SPL was significantly correlated with musical evaluation of communication: average scores of musical evaluation decreased sharply from 1.31 to −2.13 when SPL rose from 50 dBA to 60 dBA, while they floated from 0.88 to 1.31 between 40 dBA and 50 dBA. Arousal increased with increases in musical SPL in the negative evaluation group. Second, musical emotions had significant effects on musical evaluation of communication, among which the effect of joyful-sounding music was the highest; and in general, joyful- and stirring-sounding music could enhance pleasure and arousal efficiently. Third, musical tempo had significant effect on musical evaluation and communicating emotion, faster music could enhance arousal and pleasure efficiently. Finally, in terms of social characteristics, familiarity, gender combination, and number of participants affected communicating emotion. For instance, in the positive evaluation group, dominance was much higher in the single-gender groups. This study shows that some music factors, such as SPL, musical emotion, and tempo, can be used to enhance communicating emotion.
Physical movement demands of elite-level netball match-play as measured by an indoor positioning system

ABSTRACT Physical movement demands in elite netball match-play have been limited to notational analysis or accelerometer-derived measures, due in part to the indoor environment in which they are played. Commercially available local positioning systems (LPS) using ultra-wideband communication have been designed to bring similar capabilities as global positioning systems (GPS) to indoor environments. This study aims to quantify both spatiotemporal and traditional accelerometer-derived measures, to assess the movement demands of all playing positions, during Australian national netball league matches. Total distance, metreage per minute, acceleration density, acceleration density index, acceleration load, jumps, velocity bands, acceleration bands and PlayerLoad variables have been presented for each position. Mean total distance-covered in match-play differed substantially between positions. Centre position accumulated the highest mean distance (5462.1 ± 169.4 m), whilst the Goal Shooter consistently covered the lowest mean distance (2134 ± 102.6 m). Change of direction relative to movement area was highest for the two most restricted positions based on average acceleration per 10 m covered during match-play (Goal Shooter; 7.21 ± 0.88 m · s − 2 and Goal Keeper; 6.75 ± 0.37 m · s − 2, remaining positions; 5.71 ± 0.14 m · s − 2). The positional profiles outlined in this study can assist skill and conditioning coaches to prescribe training sessions that will optimise the athlete’s physical preparation for the demands of competition.