Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performances of the Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier in comparison with the Gene Expression Classifier: A meta‐analysis

The Afirma microarray‐based Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) with its high negative predictive value (NPV) and sensitivity has been used to rule out cancer from thyroid nodules with an indeterminate cytology but not to rule in cancer because of its low positive predictive value (PPV) and specificity. The Gene Sequencing Classifier (GSC) has been reported to improve on the weakness of GEC. In this study, a meta‐analysis was performed to compare the clinical impact and diagnostic performance of GEC and GSC. Relevant data were searched in PubMed and Web of Science. Meta‐analyses for proportion and dichotomous outcomes were performed to compare the benign call rates (BCRs), resection rates (RRs), risks of malignancy (ROMs), sensitivities, specificities, PPVs, and NPVs of GSC and GEC. Seven studies were included for the meta‐analyses. Compared with GEC, GSC had a higher BCR (65.3% vs 43.8%; P < .001), a lower RR (26.8% vs 50.1%; P < .001), and a higher ROM (60.1% vs 37.6%; P < .001). The BCR of Hürthle cell–predominant nodules was significantly elevated (73.7% vs 21.4%; P < .001). In addition, the specificity (43.0% vs 25.1%; P = .003) and PPV (63.1% vs 41.6%; P = .004) of Afirma GSC were significantly improved while it still maintained a high sensitivity (94.3%) and a high NPV (90.0%). In conclusion, this study confirms and highlighted the clinical and diagnostic significance of GSC. With an increased BCR and improved diagnostic performance, GSC could reduce the rate of unnecessary surgical interventions and better tailor the clinical decisions of patients with indeterminate thyroid fine‐needle aspiration results.
Working time dimensions and well-being: a cross-national study of Finnish and German health care employees

ABSTRACT Health care professionals often face irregular working hours and high work pace. We studied associations of the five working time dimensions duration (weekly working hours), timing (shift work and weekend work), on-call work, working time autonomy, and work tempo (deadline and performance pressure) with well-being among health care employees in Finland and Germany. We used data on working time dimensions and indicators of well-being (work-life conflict, poor perceived health, sleep difficulties, and fatigue) from a cohort of 5050 hospital employees (Working Hours in the Finnish Public Sector Study 2015, WHFPS) and 1450 employees in the health care sector in Germany responding to the German BAuA-Working Time Survey in 2015 (BAuA-WTS). Findings from logistic regression analyses showed that high work tempo was associated with increased work-life conflict (WHFPS: odds ratio [OR] = 3.64, 95%CI 3.04–4.36 and BAuA-WTS: OR = 2.29, 95%CI 1.60–3.27), sleep difficulties (OR = 1.75, 95%CI 1.43–2.15 and OR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.03–1.71) and fatigue (OR = 2.13, 95%CI 1.77–2.57 and OR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.29–2.10) in both datasets. Weekend work was associated with increased work-life conflict (OR = 1.48, 95%CI 1.27–1.72 and OR = 1.61, 95%CI 1.12–2.32); and high working time autonomy with decreased work-life conflict (control over the timing of breaks: OR = 0.65, 95%CI 0.55–0.78 and OR = 0.52, 95%CI 0.33–0.81). The associations between other working time dimensions and well-being were less consistent. These results suggest that tight deadlines, performance pressure, weekend work and lack of working time autonomy are linked to impaired well-being among health care employees.
Feeding Ecology of the Giant Otter, Pteronura brasiliensis 1

The food habits of the giant otter, Pteronura brasiliensis, were determined by analyzing fecal samples collected year–round from communal latrines at Xixtiaú Creek (00°48'S, 61°33'W), Jauaperi River (central Brazilian Amazon) between 1993 and 1994. Communal latrines were also sampled during the low water season at Aquidauana River (19°32'S, 56°40'W), Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul (central Brazil). Fragments of vertebrae, mandibles, teeth, scales, and fin spines provided an estimate of the diet composition. Remains of fish were present in all of the samples. The main fish groups found at Xixuaú Creek were Perciformes, represented specifically by Cichlidae (97.3% of all samples), Characiformes (86.5%) and Siluriformes (5.4%). The Characiformes were represented mainly by E, rythrinidae (Hoplias sp. 90.6%), followed by Serrasalmidae (28%). The Anostomidae occurred with a frequency of 18.7 percent, while Characinae, Bryconinae, and Cynodontidae were only observed in 3.1 percent of the Characiformes records. At Aquidauana River, the Characiformes were the most frequent fish group, represented in 100 percent of all samples, followed by Siluriformes (66.6%) and Perciformes (33.3%). The fish from the main groups identified in the diet of the giant otters prefer riverbanks, lakes, and flooded forests. The feeding habits of Pteronura brasiliensis are probably influenced by the vulnerability and abundance of the prey consumed by this carnivore.
Cold sub‐atmospheric and atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of Trichophyton rubrum onychomycosis: An in‐vitro study

Previous studies have suggested the applicability of cold atmospheric pressure plasma for the treatment of onychomycosis. Whether delivering cold plasma in sub‐atmospheric pressure would be beneficial for this purpose is yet to be established. The current study aimed to evaluate efficacy of cold sub‐atmospheric and atmospheric pressure plasma in Trichophyton rubrum growth inhibition. Bovine nails infected with T. rubrum were treated by a cold air plasma device, which enables utilizing plasma in sub‐atmospheric pressures (Low = 100 millibar; High = 300 millibar) or atmospheric pressure. The infected foci were exposed to the plasma source directly or indirectly. Treatment with high sub‐atmospheric pressure setting achieved T. rubrum growth reduction of 94.0% and 73.0%, for direct and indirect exposure to the plasma source, respectively (P < .001). Low sub‐atmospheric pressure setting achieved similar T. rubrum growth reduction of 86.2% for direct exposure to the plasma source (P < .001), but only marginally significant 58.8% reduction rate for indirect exposure to the plasma source (P = .056). None statistically significant fungal growth reduction was attained with the use of atmospheric pressure setting. Cold plasma was shown to effectively inhibit T. rubrum nail growth, with sub‐atmospheric pressure setting achieving better outcome than atmospheric pressure.
Evaluation of the Relationship between Adipose Metabolism Patterns and Secretion of Appetite-Related Endocrines on Chicken

Simple Summary The weight of an animal conforms to a certain growth pattern. Among others, feed, environment, and body composition, in addition to genetics, affect the animal’s feed consumption and body weight. Under normal circumstances, the body weight of an animal is mainly affected by feed intake, and body composition may significantly influence feed intake. Therefore, this report sets out the effects of fat accumulation on lipid metabolism and appetite, and finally introduces the effects of feeding patterns on animal feed intake. Abstract In addition to the influence of genes, the quality of poultry products is mainly controlled by the rearing environment or feed composition during rearing, and has to meet human use and economical needs. As the only source of energy for poultry, feed considerably affects the metabolic pattern of poultry and further affects the regulation of appetite-related endocrine secretion in poultry. Under normal circumstances, the accumulation of lipid in adipose reduces feed intake in poultry and increases the rate of adipose metabolism. When the adipose content in cells decreases, endocrines that promote food intake are secreted and increase nutrient concentrations in serum and cells. By regulating the balance between appetite and adipose metabolism, the poultry’s growth and posture can maintain a balanced state. In addition, increasing fiber composition in feed can effectively increase poultry welfare, body weight, lean composition and antioxidant levels in poultry. According to this, the concept that proper fiber content should be added to feed should be considered for better economic benefits, poultry welfare and meat productivity.
Vitamin-D Receptor-Gene Polymorphisms Affect Quality of Life in Patients with Autoimmune Liver Diseases

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with depressive symptoms and reduced physical functioning. The aim of the study was to characterize the relationship between polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and the quality of life in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Three polymorphisms of the VDR gene (TaqI-rs731236, BsmI-rs1544410, and ApaI-rs7975232) were analyzed in patients with AIH (n = 142) and PBC (n = 230) and in healthy individuals (n = 376). Patient quality of life was assessed by validated questionnaires such as Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Modified Fatigue-Impact Scale (MFIS), Patient-Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), and PBC-40. The TaqI C and ApaI A alleles are risk alleles in both AIH and PBC, and a significant dominance of the A allele in BsmI was observed in AIH patients. In terms of quality of life, the presence of the CC or CT TaqI genotype was associated with emotional reactions, including the fatigue and the cognitive skills of patients with PBC, whereas in the group of AIH patients, homozygotes CC of TaqI, AA of BsmI, and AA of ApaI had worse physical, social, emotional, and mental function. The genetic variations of VDR gene can influence individual susceptibility to develop chronic autoimmune liver diseases such as AIH and PBC and affect quality of life.
Identification of a Protective Leishmania Antigen Dihydrolipoyl Dehydrogenase and Its Responding CD4+ T Cells at Clonal Level

Key Points A naturally processed L. major peptide was identified and used to make a tetramer. DLD-specific CD4+ T cells produce effector cytokines and display memory function. Vaccination with rDLD protein induces strong protection against virulent challenge. There is currently no clinically effective vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis because of poor understanding of the Ags that elicit protective CD4+ T cell immunity. In this study, we identified a naturally processed peptide (DLD63–79) that is derived from Leishmania dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (DLD) protein. DLD is conserved in all pathogenic Leishmania species, is expressed by both the promastigote and amastigote stages of the parasite, and elicits strong CD4+ T cell responses in mice infected with L. major. We generated I-Ab-DLD63–79 tetramer and identified DLD-specific CD4+ T cells at clonal level. Following L. major infection, DLD63–79–specific CD4+ T cells massively expanded and produced effector cytokines (IFN-γ and TNF). This was followed by a gradual contraction, stable maintenance following lesion resolution, and display of memory (recall) response following secondary challenge. Vaccination with rDLD protein induced strong protection in mice against virulent L. major challenge. Identification of Ags that elicit protective immunity and their responding Ag-specific T cells are critical steps necessary for developing effective vaccines and vaccination strategies against infectious agents, including protozoan parasites.
Cefiderocol Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Considerations: the Achilles' Heel of the Trojan Horse?

Cefiderocol (formerly S-649266) is a novel siderophore-conjugated cephalosporin with activity against a broad array of multidrug-resistant (MDR), aerobic Gram-negative bacilli. The siderophore component binds iron and uses active iron transport for drug entry into the bacterial periplasmic space. The cephalosporin moiety is the active antimicrobial component, structurally resembling a hybrid between ceftazidime and cefepime. Like other β-lactam agents, the principal bactericidal activity of cefiderocol occurs via inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis, leading to cell death. ABSTRACT Cefiderocol (formerly S-649266) is a novel siderophore-conjugated cephalosporin with activity against a broad array of multidrug-resistant (MDR), aerobic Gram-negative bacilli. The siderophore component binds iron and uses active iron transport for drug entry into the bacterial periplasmic space. The cephalosporin moiety is the active antimicrobial component, structurally resembling a hybrid between ceftazidime and cefepime. Like other β-lactam agents, the principal bactericidal activity of cefiderocol occurs via inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis, leading to cell death. Iron concentrations need to be taken into consideration when in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility to cefiderocol is determined. Broth microdilution (BMD) and disk diffusion methods have been developed to determine in vitro activity of cefiderocol. For BMD, cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth (CAMHB) requires iron depletion to provide MICs predictive of in vivo activity. A method to prepare iron-depleted CAMHB (ID-CAMHB) has been described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). For disk diffusion, standard Mueller-Hinton agar is recommended, presumably because iron is bound in the medium. Currently, clinical FDA and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) breakpoints and investigational (research-use-only) CLSI breakpoints exist for interpreting cefiderocol susceptibility results for certain Gram-negative bacilli. Cefiderocol does not have clinically relevant activity against Gram-positive or anaerobic organisms. FDA or EUCAST breakpoints should be applied to interpret results for Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii complex for patient care until the investigational status has been removed from CLSI breakpoints. Further clinical outcome data are required to assess the effectiveness of cefiderocol for treatment of other Acinetobacter species (non-baumannii complex) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia at this time, and, as such, antimicrobial susceptibility testing of these organisms should be limited to research use in the scenario of limited treatment options.
Acute Psychosocial Stress Modulates the Detection Sensitivity for Facial Emotions

Abstract. Psychosocial stress has been shown to alter social perception and behavior. In the present study, we investigated whether a standardized psychosocial stressor modulates the perceptual sensitivity for positive and negative facial emotions and the tendency to allocate attention to facial expressions. Fifty-four male participants underwent the Trier Social Stress Test for Groups (TSST-G) or a nonstressful control condition before they performed a facial emotions detection task and a facial dot-probe task to assess attention for positive and negative facial expressions. Saliva samples were collected over the course of the experiment to measure free cortisol and alpha amylase. In response to the TSST-G, participants showed marked increases in subjective stress, salivary cortisol, and alpha amylase compared to the control condition. In the control condition, detection performance was higher for angry compared to happy facial expressions, while in the stressful condition this difference was reversed. Here, participants were more sensitive to happy compared to angry facial expressions. Attention was unaffected by psychosocial stress. The results suggest that psychosocial stress shifts social perception in terms of detection sensitivity for facial expressions toward positive social cues, a pattern that is consistent with the tendency to seek social support for coping with stress.
Phytophilous cladocerans (Crustacea, Anomopoda and Ctenopoda) from Paranã River Valley, Goiás, Brazil

Atraves de amostragens rapidas, levantou-se as especies de cladoceros fitofilos presentes em zonas litorâneas de rios, lagoas e brejos permanentes e temporarios do vale do Rio Parana, Goias, Brasil. Foram encontradas 39 especies, das quais 22 sao registradas pela primeira vez na regiao central do Brasil. Sao discutidos aspectos da taxonomia de algumas dessas especies. A analise de agrupamento (UPGMA) dos pontos de amostragem mostrou dois tipos de associacoes de especies de cladoceros fitofilos, caracterizadas pela maior ou menor riqueza e abundância relativa das especies das familias Daphniidae e Moinidae (filtradoras), em contraste com as familias dominantes Chydoridae e Macrothricidae, tipicamente raspadoras do substrato.
LEAF ABSCISSION IN COLEUS

Summary The anatomical and histological development of the abscission zone is described in relation to the development of the whole leaf. The initiation of the abscission zone coincides with the change-over from exponential to restricted growth in the blade. The response of explants from leaves at all stages of abscission zone development to a wide range of concentrations of indolyl acetic acid (IAA) applied at the distal end shows that concentrations of 10−9 M and lower accelerate, and higher concentrations retard abscission. Intact plants and excised abscission zones respond similarly. Delayed application of IAA to debladed petioles shows that it can reverse the abscission process for about 4 days after deblading. There is no evidence for an IAA-accelerated phase in abscission. The effect of IAA is directly on the abscission zone.
The early weaning of lambs

1. The literature on the early weaning of lambs has been reviewed. 2. Four experiments were carried out at the Grassland Research Institute, Hurley, during 1959, 1960 and 1961 on the early weaning of Suffolk x Half-Bred lambs. The technique used involved weaning one of a pair of twin lambs at ages varying from 15 to 28 days. 3. In 1959 oneof each of apair of six twin lambs was weaned on to grass alone at 15–20 days. No losses occurred, but the weaned lambs grew very slowly. The unweaned twin lambs remaining with the ewes (i.e. reared as singles) grew at rates comparable to those of single lambs.
State-Level Income Inequality and County-Level Social Capital in Relation to Individual-Level Depression in Middle-Aged Adults: A Lagged Multilevel Study

In the US, the incidence of depression and suicide have followed escalating trends over the past several years. These trends call for greater efforts towards identifying their underlying drivers and finding effective prevention strategies and treatments. One social determinant of health that plausibly influences the risk of depression is income inequality, the gap between the rich and poor. However, research on this association is still sparse. We used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 and the US Census to investigate the multilevel lagged associations of state-level income inequality with the individual-level odds of depression in middle-aged adults, controlling for state- and individual-level factors. We also examined the independent associations of county-level social capital with depression and explored whether it mediated the income inequality relationship. Higher income inequality at the state level predicted higher odds of individual-level depression nearly 2 decades later [OR for middle vs. lowest tertile of income inequality = 1.35 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.76), OR for highest vs. lowest tertile = 1.34 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.78)]. This association was stronger among men than women. Furthermore, there was evidence that county-level social capital independently predicted depression and that it mediated the income inequality association. Overall, our findings suggest that policies attenuating levels of income inequality at the US state level and that leverage social capital may protect against one’s likelihood of developing depression.
Two BAHD Acyltransferases Catalyze the Last Step in the Shikonin/Alkannin Biosynthetic Pathway1[OPEN]

One BAHD acyltransferase specifically mediates the acylation of shikonin, whereas a second BAHD acyltransferase acylates only alkannin, an enantiomer of shikonin, in Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Several Boraginaceae plants produce biologically active red naphthoquinone pigments, derivatives of the enantiomers shikonin and alkannin, which vary in acyl groups on their side chains. Compositions of shikonin/alkannin derivatives vary in plant species, but the mechanisms generating the diversity of shikonin/alkannin derivatives are largely unknown. This study describes the identification and characterization of two BAHD acyltransferases, shikonin O-acyltransferase (LeSAT1) and alkannin O-acyltransferase (LeAAT1), from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, a medicinal plant in the family Boraginaceae that primarily produces the shikonin/alkannin derivatives acetylshikonin and β-hydroxyisovalerylshikonin. Enzyme assays using Escherichia coli showed that the acylation activity of LeSAT1 was specific to shikonin, whereas the acylation activity of LeAAT1 was specific to alkannin. Both enzymes recognized acetyl-CoA, isobutyryl-CoA, and isovaleryl-CoA as acyl donors to produce their corresponding shikonin/alkannin derivatives, with both enzymes showing the highest activity for acetyl-CoA. These findings were consistent with the composition of shikonin/alkannin derivatives in intact L. erythrorhizon plants and cell cultures. Genes encoding both enzymes were preferentially expressed in the roots and cell cultures in the dark in pigment production medium M9, conditions associated with shikonin/alkannin production. These results indicated that LeSAT1 and LeAAT1 are enantiomer-specific acyltransferases that generate various shikonin/alkannin derivatives.
Swelling on the Arm: An Unusual Presentation of Microfilaria

Background : Bancroftian filariasis is a tropical and sub-tropical disease caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and transmitted by the culex mosquitoes. The diagnosis of it is conventionally made by demonstrating microfilariae in the peripheral blood smear. Case Report : We hereby report an unusual case of bancroftian filariasis in an adult male presenting with a painless sub-cutaneous nodule on the antero-medial aspect of the right arm. Conclusion : Our aim is to highlight the chances of finding microfilariae in an unsuspected case at an unusual site.
Use of early word-reading fluency measures to predict outcomes on the Phonics Screening Check

Teachers in England and South Australia annually administer the Phonics Screening Check (PSC) to Year 1 students, with the purpose of identifying struggling readers. Students who do not meet the score threshold have not met the expected standard of word-decoding ability, meaning further support may be warranted. We sought to quantify the extent to which other early reading measures, such as the Wheldall Assessment of Reading Nonwords (WARN) and Wheldall Assessment of Reading Lists (WARL), predicted students’ likelihood of not meeting PSC expected standards. Predicting PSC outcomes, and thereby identifying struggling readers at the start of Year 1, has important implications for possible intervention strategies. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to examine the longitudinal relationships between real-word and pseudoword predictors as measured by the WARL and WARN and PSC pass/fail outcomes. Students who scored lower on predictors were less likely to meet the PSC expected standards. Results indicate that the WARL and WARN could be used to identify students who will not meet PSC expected standards, facilitating earlier intervention where it is most critically required.