Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explaining the willingness of clinicians to work with patients with antisocial personality disorder using the theory of planned behaviour and emotional reactions

Abstract Many clinicians seem to experience negative emotions towards patients with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), resulting in the exclusion of patients in many treatment programmes. The behaviour of individuals with ASPD has a significant impact on society, which affects ASPD patients and their environment, and therefore, the exclusion from programmes is a serious concern. Relatively, little is known about why some clinicians are willing to work with ASPD patients and others are not and what factors contribute to an increase in the motivation to do so. In this study, clinicians (n = 130) working in a regular and forensic mental health service in the Netherlands completed a questionnaire based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the Feeling Word Checklist and questions about the relevant experience gained and education received. The current study confirms the limited willingness to work with ASPD patients, especially in regular mental health care. Experience working with ASPD patients, education on cluster B personality disorders and having experienced verbal and/or physical violence in clinical practice did not fully explain whether or not clinicians were motivated to provide treatment to ASPD patients. TPB appeared to predict the intention to provide psychological therapy to ASPD patients adequately. The impact of positive emotions towards ASPD patients on providing treatment appeared to be stronger than negative emotions. This study provides more insight into why so few clinicians are willing to work with ASPD patients and what may increase motivation to include this group in treatment programmes.
(Un)mask yourself! Effects of face masks on facial mimicry and emotion perception during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Face masks have been said to impact face-to-face interaction negatively. Yet, there is limited evidence on the degree to which partial face occlusion is detrimental to empathic processes such as emotion perception and facial mimicry. To address this question, we conducted an online experiment (N=200, U.K. sample) that assessed subjective ratings and facial expressions (mimicry) in response to masked and unmasked faces. Perceivers were able to recognise happiness and sadness in dynamic emotion expressions independent of (surgical) face masks. However, perceived emotion intensity and interpersonal closeness were reduced for masked faces. Facial mimicry, the perceiver’s imitation of the expresser’s emotional display, was reduced or absent in response to happy but preserved for sad mask-covered expressions. For happy target expressions, the face-mimicry link was partially mediated by perceived emotion intensity, supporting the idea that mimicry is influenced by context effects. Thus, these findings suggest that whether face masks impede emotion communication depends on the emotion expressed and the emotion-communication aspect of interest. With unprecedented changes in nonverbal communication brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this research marks a first contribution to our understanding of facial mimicry as an important social regulator during these times.
A conventional immune regulator mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein blocks hepatic steatosis by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis

Although the prevalence of NAFLD has risen dramatically to 25% of the adult population worldwide, there are as yet no approved pharmacological interventions for the disease because of uncertainty about the underlying molecular mechanisms. It is known that mitochondrial dysfunction is an important factor in the development of NAFLD. Mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) is a critical signaling adaptor for host defenses against viral infection. However, the role of MAVS in mitochondrial metabolism during NAFLD progression remains largely unknown.
Role of Nursing Home Quality on COVID-19 Cases and Deaths: Evidence from Florida Nursing Homes

ABSTRACT The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disproportionately affects nursing home residents, resulting in an elevated risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality for this frail population. It is critical to understand whether nursing home quality is related to COVID-19 cases and deaths. Using publicly available data obtained from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services COVID-19 Nursing Home Dataset, Nursing Home Compare and Long-Term Care Focus, this study compares key nursing home characteristics, infection prevention and control deficiencies, and five-star ratings among Florida nursing homes with and without resident COVID-19 cases and deaths. The study further examines the association between facility and resident characteristics, quality indicators, and COVID-19 cases and deaths. Findings from our study indicate that through late October 2020, over 90% of Florida nursing homes have at least one resident case and 65% have at least one resident death. The likelihood of having COVID-19 cases is more related to ownership status, facility size and average occupancy rate, rather than quality indicators. Associations between infection prevention and control deficiencies, overall quality ratings, and presence of COVID-19 resident deaths varied across different phases of the pandemic (e.g., overall five-star rating was found related to the odds of having resident deaths after, but not during, the surging stage). Training, uptake, and adherence to infection control procedures are needed to better protect the vulnerable nursing home resident population.
A Soft Spot for Chemistry–Current Taxonomic and Evolutionary Implications of Sponge Secondary Metabolite Distribution

Marine sponges are the most prolific marine sources for discovery of novel bioactive compounds. Sponge secondary metabolites are sought-after for their potential in pharmaceutical applications, and in the past, they were also used as taxonomic markers alongside the difficult and homoplasy-prone sponge morphology for species delineation (chemotaxonomy). The understanding of phylogenetic distribution and distinctiveness of metabolites to sponge lineages is pivotal to reveal pathways and evolution of compound production in sponges. This benefits the discovery rate and yield of bioprospecting for novel marine natural products by identifying lineages with high potential of being new sources of valuable sponge compounds. In this review, we summarize the current biochemical data on sponges and compare the metabolite distribution against a sponge phylogeny. We assess compound specificity to lineages, potential convergences, and suitability as diagnostic phylogenetic markers. Our study finds compound distribution corroborating current (molecular) phylogenetic hypotheses, which include yet unaccepted polyphyly of several demosponge orders and families. Likewise, several compounds and compound groups display a high degree of lineage specificity, which suggests homologous biosynthetic pathways among their taxa, which identifies yet unstudied species of this lineage as promising bioprospecting targets.
Insights into the Variation in Bioactivities of Closely Related Streptomyces Strains from Marine Sediments of the Visayan Sea against ESKAPE and Ovarian Cancer

Marine sediments host diverse actinomycetes that serve as a source of new natural products to combat infectious diseases and cancer. Here, we report the biodiversity, bioactivities against ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) and ovarian cancer, and metabolites variation among culturable actinomycetes isolated from the marine sediments of Visayan Sea, Philippines. We identified 15 Streptomyces species based on a 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The crude extracts of 10 Streptomyces species have inhibited the growth of ESKAPE pathogens with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.312 mg/mL to 20 mg/mL depending on the strain and pathogens targeted. Additionally, ten crude extracts have antiproliferative activity against A2780 human ovarian carcinoma at 2 mg/mL. To highlight, we observed that four phylogenetically identical Streptomyces albogriseolus strains demonstrated variation in antibiotic and anticancer activities. These strains harbored type I and II polyketide synthase (PKS) and non-ribosomal synthetase (NRPS) genes in their genomes, implying that their bioactivity is independent of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-detected bio-synthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in this study. Metabolite profiling revealed that the taxonomically identical strains produced core and strain-specific metabolites. Thus, the chemical diversity among these strains influences the variation observed in their biological activities. This study expanded our knowledge on the potential of marine-derived Streptomyces residing from the unexplored regions of the Visayan Sea as a source of small molecules against ESKAPE pathogens and cancer. It also highlights that Streptomyces species strains produce unique strain-specific secondary metabolites; thus, offering new chemical space for natural product discovery.
A Mediation Approach to Discovering Causal Relationships between the Metabolome and DNA Methylation in Type 1 Diabetes

Environmental factors including viruses, diet, and the metabolome have been linked with the appearance of islet autoimmunity (IA) that precedes development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). We measured global DNA methylation (DNAm) and untargeted metabolomics prior to IA and at the time of seroconversion to IA in 92 IA cases and 91 controls from the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY). Causal mediation models were used to identify seven DNAm probe-metabolite pairs in which the metabolite measured at IA mediated the protective effect of the DNAm probe measured prior to IA against IA risk. These pairs included five DNAm probes mediated by histidine (a metabolite known to affect T1D risk), one probe (cg01604946) mediated by phostidyl choline p-32:0 or o-32:1, and one probe (cg00390143) mediated by sphingomyelin d34:2. The top 100 DNAm probes were over-represented in six reactome pathways at the FDR <0.1 level (q = 0.071), including transport of small molecules and inositol phosphate metabolism. While the causal pathways in our mediation models require further investigation to better understand the biological mechanisms, we identified seven methylation sites that may improve our understanding of epigenetic protection against T1D as mediated by the metabolome.
Stereological study of the kidney during prenatal development in sheep

The development of metanephros is a complex and gradual process. The number, size and distribution of nephrons provide important information about the organization of the kidney. Stereology is the current gold‐standard technique for the morphometrical evaluation of kidney structures. This study describes morphometric features of the kidney development in sheep using design‐based stereological techniques aimed to introduce the sheep as a translational model in human nephrogenesis. Left kidneys of 16 sheep fetuses in four groups at 9–11, 12–14, 15–17, and 18–20 weeks of gestation were used in the present study. Systematic uniform random sections were obtained. The kidney volume, volume fraction of nephrogenic zone, cortex and medulla, and glomerular volume were estimated using point counting and Cavalieri's estimator. The total glomerular number was estimated using a physical disector/fractionator technique. The kidney and its compartments presented gradual changes with aging, with differences found in the last fetal ages. The kidney volume increased from 0.94 ± 0.22 cm3 to 8.6 ± 0.88 cm3 during development. The volume of cortex increased from 406 ± 85 mm3 to 5,151 ± 309 mm3 and the volume of medulla showed increase from 301 ± 91 mm3 to 3,426 ± 599 mm3. The total glomerular volume increased from 13.8 ± 1.6 mm3 to 235 ± 44 mm3. The total glomerular number increased from 4,683 ± 757 to 639 × 103 ± 11.6 × 103. Our data might contribute to the knowledge of embryological urology and promote future experimental investigations in this field.
Ratiometric G-Quadruplex Assay for Robust Lead Detection in Food Samples

Lead (Pb2+) pollution is a serious food safety issue, rapid detection of Pb2+ residual in food is vital to guarantee food quality and safety. Here we proposed ratiometric aptamer probes, allowing robust Pb2+ supervision in food samples. Pb2+ specific aptamer can bolster a transition of G-quadruplex structural response to Pb2+; this process can be monitored by N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM), which is highly specific to G-quadruplex. Particularly, the utilization of G-quadruplex specific dye and terminal-labeled fluorophore allowed to endue ratiometric signal outputs towards Pb2+, dramatically increase the robustness for lead detection. The ratiometric G-quadruplex assay allowed a facile and one-pot Pb2+ detection at room temperature using a single-stranded DNA aptamer. We demonstrated its feasibility for detecting lead pollution in fresh eggs and tap water samples. The ratiometric G-quadruplex design is expected to be used for on-site Pb2+ testing associated with food safety.
Immune Response in Pneumocystis Infections According to the Host Immune System Status

The host immune response is critical in Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Immunocompetent hosts can eliminate the fungus without symptoms, while immunodeficient hosts develop PCP with an unsuitable excessive inflammatory response leading to lung damage. From studies based on rodent models or clinical studies, this review aimed to better understand the pathophysiology of Pneumocystis infection by analysing the role of immune cells, mostly lymphocytes, according to the immune status of the infected host. Hence, this review first describes the immune physiological response in infected immunocompetent hosts that are able to eliminate the fungus. The objective of the second part is to identify the immune elements required for the control of the fungus, focusing on specific immune deficiencies. Finally, the third part concentrates on the effect of the different immune elements in immunocompromised subjects during PCP, to better understand which cells are detrimental, and which, on the contrary, are beneficial once the disease has started. This work highlights that the immune response associated with a favourable outcome of the infection may differ according to the immune status of the host. In the case of immunocompetency, a close communication between B cells and TCD4 within tertiary lymphocyte structures appears critical to activate M2 macrophages without much inflammation. Conversely, in the case of immunodeficiency, a pro-inflammatory response including Th1 CD4, cytotoxic CD8, NK cells, and IFNγ release seems beneficial for M1 macrophage activation, despite the impact of inflammation on lung tissue.
Plant susceptible responses: the underestimated side of plant–pathogen interactions

Plant susceptibility to pathogens is usually considered from the perspective of the loss of resistance. However, susceptibility cannot be equated with plant passivity since active host cooperation may be required for the pathogen to propagate and cause disease. This cooperation consists of the induction of reactions called susceptible responses that transform a plant from an autonomous biological unit into a component of a pathosystem. Induced susceptibility is scarcely discussed in the literature (at least compared to induced resistance) although this phenomenon has a fundamental impact on plant–pathogen interactions and disease progression. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on plant susceptible responses and their regulation. We highlight two main categories of susceptible responses according to their consequences and indicate the relevance of susceptible response‐related studies to agricultural practice. We hope that this review will generate interest in this underestimated aspect of plant–pathogen interactions.
An Adjustable Dark-Field Acoustic-Resolution Photoacoustic Imaging System with Fiber Bundle-Based Illumination

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging has become one of the major imaging methods because of its ability to record structural information and its high spatial resolution in biological tissues. Current commercialized PA imaging instruments are limited to varying degrees by their bulky size (i.e., the laser or scanning stage) or their use of complex optical components for light delivery. Here, we present a robust acoustic-resolution PA imaging system that consists of four adjustable optical fibers placed 90° apart around a 50 MHz high-frequency ultrasound (US) transducer. In the compact design concept of the PA probe, the relative illumination parameters (i.e., angles and fiber size) can be adjusted to fit different imaging applications in a single setting. Moreover, this design concept involves a user interface built in MATLAB. We first assessed the performance of our imaging system using in vitro phantom experiments. We further demonstrated the in vivo performance of the developed system in imaging (1) rat ear vasculature, (2) real-time cortical hemodynamic changes in the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) during left-forepaw electrical stimulation, and (3) real-time cerebral indocyanine green (ICG) dynamics in rats. Collectively, this alignment-free design concept of a compact PA probe without bulky optical lens systems is intended to satisfy the diverse needs in preclinical PA imaging studies.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Hollow Fiber Membranes and Technological Parameters of the Gas Separation Process

The porous layer of composite and asymmetric hollow fiber membranes acts as a support and is exposed to strong mechanical stresses. The effect of external pressure on the polymer structure and, as a consequence, the separation characteristics of the membrane remains unsolved. Based on the solution of the Lamé approach to the calculation of the stress state of a hollow cylinder, a method of calculation was proposed for hollow fiber membranes. Calculations were based on the approximation of the isotropic nature of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the selective layer and substrate. Permissible deformation of the membrane’s selective layer was determined from the linear sector of strain-on-stress dependence, where Hooke’s law was performed. For these calculations, commercial polyethersulfone membranes were chosen with an inner and/or outer selective layer and with the following values of Young’s modulus of 2650 and 72 MPa for the selective and porous layers, respectively. The results obtained indicate that the dependence of the maximum allowable operating pressure on the substrate thickness asymptotically trends to a certain maximum value for a given membrane. Presented data showed that membranes with outer selective layer can be operated at higher working pressure. Optimal parameters for hollow fiber gas separation membrane systems should be realized, solving the optimization problem and taking into account the influence of operating, physicochemical and physicomechanical parameters on each other.
Condition or cognition? Mechanism of change in fatigue in a randomized controlled trial of graded exercise therapy or cognitive behavior therapy for severe fatigue in patients with advanced cancer.

OBJECTIVE Fatigue remains one of the most common and distressing symptoms during treatment for advanced cancer. The TIRED trial demonstrated cognitive behavior therapy's (CBT) significant and clinically relevant effects to reduce fatigue among patients with advanced cancer, while graded exercise therapy (GET) did not prove beneficial. The present study aims to determine the mechanisms by which CBT and GET affect fatigue. METHOD The TIRED trial randomized 134 patients with advanced cancer to CBT (n = 46), GET (n = 42), or usual care (n = 46). At 14 weeks, 126 evaluable patients provided fatigue data and of those 117 received ≥1 CBT or GET session or usual care. We tested a prespecified multiple mediation model with four potential mediators (physical activity, exercise capacity, self-efficacy, and fatigue catastrophizing) assessed at baseline and at 14 weeks. Post-hoc analyses also included perceived physical activity and emotional functioning as potential mediators. RESULTS A total of 82 of 117 patients completed all required measures. CBT reduced fatigue indirectly through its effect on self-efficacy, ab = -3.292; 97.5% bootstrap CI [-6.518 to -0.598]. CBT participants experienced an increase in fatigue self-efficacy, with greater self-efficacy associated with decreased fatigue severity. There was no evidence that changes in physical activity, exercise capacity, perceived physical activity, fatigue catastrophizing, or emotional functioning mediated CBT's or GET's effects on fatigue. CONCLUSIONS The effect of CBT was attributable to changes in cognition, that is, increased self-efficacy led to reduced fatigue severity. No significant mediators for GET were found. The findings inform further refinement of interventions for fatigue in this seriously ill population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Microalgae as Contributors to Produce Biopolymers

Biopolymers are very favorable materials produced by living organisms, with interesting properties such as biodegradability, renewability, and biocompatibility. Biopolymers have been recently considered to compete with fossil-based polymeric materials, which rase several environmental concerns. Biobased plastics are receiving growing interest for many applications including electronics, medical devices, food packaging, and energy. Biopolymers can be produced from biological sources such as plants, animals, agricultural wastes, and microbes. Studies suggest that microalgae and cyanobacteria are two of the promising sources of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), cellulose, carbohydrates (particularly starch), and proteins, as the major components of microalgae (and of certain cyanobacteria) for producing bioplastics. This review aims to summarize the potential of microalgal PHAs, polysaccharides, and proteins for bioplastic production. The findings of this review give insight into current knowledge and future direction in microalgal-based bioplastic production considering a circular economy approach. The current review is divided into three main topics, namely (i) the analysis of the main types and properties of bioplastic monomers, blends, and composites; (ii) the cultivation process to optimize the microalgae growth and accumulation of important biobased compounds to produce bioplastics; and (iii) a critical analysis of the future perspectives on the field.
Impact of organic acids and mineral properties on microbial iron oxide reduction

Microbial Fe oxide reduction is essential in soil and groundwater ecosystems and plays an important role in microbial degradation of organic contaminants. This work showed that citrate, abundant in soils, leads to colloid stabilization out of macroaggregate ferrihydrite and enhances microbial Fe reduction. Results indicated that reactivity of ferrihydrite decreases with decreasing aggregation state below a critical size. Therefore, reactivity of Fe oxides and therefore microbial turnover rates are strongly influenced by their aggregate size and presence of organic acids.