Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methylphenidate boosts choices of mental labor over leisure depending on baseline striatal dopamine

The cognitive enhancing effects of methylphenidate are well established, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We recently demonstrated that methylphenidate boosts cognitive motivation by enhancing the weight on the benefits of a cognitive task in a manner that depended on striatal dopamine. Here we considered the complementary hypothesis that methylphenidate might also act by changing the weight on the opportunity cost of a cognitive task. To this end, fifty healthy participants (25 women) completed a novel cognitive effort discounting task that was sensitive to opportunity cost, and required choices between task and leisure. They were tested on methylphenidate, sulpiride or placebo and also underwent an [18F]DOPA PET scan to quantify baseline dopamine synthesis capacity. Methylphenidate boosted choices of cognitive effort over leisure across the group, and this effect was greatest in participants with more striatal dopamine at baseline. The effects of sulpiride did not reach significance. This study strengthens the motivational account of methylphenidate’s effects on cognition and suggests that methylphenidate reduces the cost of mental labor by increasing striatal dopamine.
Exploring Generational Differences in Physicians' Perspectives on the Proliferation of Technology within the Medical Field: A Narrative Study.

BACKGROUND The development and advancement of information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as electronic libraries, electronic medical records and computerized physician order entry systems, have made learning and acquiring vast medical knowledge feasible. However, there are limited data pertaining to the navigation of such technologies among physicians of varying generational cohorts. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore physician experiences and perspectives influencing the adoption of ICTs, with an emphasis on generational differences. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with focus groups or individual physicians were conducted, recorded and transcribed to elicit key themes. RESULTS Across the generations, participants expressed several benefits to ICTs, such as accessibility, efficiency and use of current, evidence-based practice medicine. Common problems encountered included usability issues, downtimes, alarm fatigue, and administrative tasks. There were differences between generations regarding adaptability, perceived benefits and drawbacks and perceptions of other generations' ability to adapt. CONCLUSION Physicians from various generations recognized the overall benefits of implementing ICTs. Although some drawbacks were reported, all participants understood the necessity of ICTs. Furthermore, implementation should be tailored to physician working style and learning needs.
Conserved CRISPR arrays in Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis can serve as qPCR targets to detect Infantis in mixed serovar populations

Salmonellosis is a leading bacterial cause of foodborne illness, and numerous Salmonella enterica serovars have been responsible for foodborne outbreaks. In the United States outbreaks are often linked to poultry and poultry‐related products. The prevalence of Salmonella serovar Infantis has been increasing in poultry processing facilities over the past few years and in 2018 was identified as the causative agent for a large multistate outbreak linked to raw chicken. CRISPR‐typing is a subtyping approach based on PCR and the sequencing of two Salmonella loci, CRISPR1 and CRISPR2. CRISPR‐typing was used to interrogate 138 recent (2018–2019) isolates and genomes of ser. Infantis. Results show that the CRISPR elements are remarkably conserved in this serovar. The most conserved spacers, and those also unique to ser. Infantis, were used as targets to develop a ser. Infantis‐specific qPCR assay. This assay was able to detect ser. Infantis in mixed serovar cultures of Salmonella, down to 0·1% of the population, highlighting the utility of this molecular approach in improving surveillance sensitivity for this important food safety pathogen.
Comparison of the Outcome of Low Dose and High-Dose Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis

Background: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare chronic inflammatory breast condition with unknown etiology. Different treatments including corticosteroids have been recommended with no universal consensus. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of low dose vs. high dose prednisolone in treatment of IGM. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 30 female patients with IGM were randomly allocated to receive low dose or high dose prednisolone. First group received 5 mg daily prednisolone, while the second group received 50 mg for three days, 25 mg for the next three days and then 12.5 mg for further three days and 5 mg daily afterwards, both for two months. Patients were evaluated 2, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. The success and recurrence rate was compared between groups. Results: High dose group had significantly higher rate of remission compared to low dose group (93.3% vs. 53.3%, p=0.03). One patient in high dose group and 5 patients in low dose group underwent lumpectomy due to persistent symptoms. Two other patients in low dose group received high dose treatment after three months due to no change in symptoms. Among patients with remission, recurrence was also significantly lower in high dose compared to low dose prednisolone (0% vs. 37.5%, p=0.04). Conclusion: High dose prednisolone has high success rate with lower recurrence in the treatment of IGM and could reduce the need for surgery. However, further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
Investigation of 5-aminolevolinic acid (ALA) effects on seed germination and seedling growth of Silybum marianum under salinity stress.

Salinity is a major environmental stress which adversely affects germination and seedling establishment in a wide variety of crops. However, studying of seeds with different plant growth regulators may helpful to alleviate the deleterious effects of salinity and enhance germination and seedling growth in salt stress environment. In present experiment we investigated the effects of 5-Aminolevolinic Acid (ALA) on germination and seedling growth parameters of milk thistle grown at different salinity levels. The experiment was arranged in factorial experiment in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that all parameters were significantly affected by salinity conditions and concentrations of ALA. In general, all parameters decreased with increasing NaCl concentrations, however the amount of these parameters increased with increasing ALA concentration. In addition, different between 0.25 and 0.50mM was not significant for germination percentage, shoot length, seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight and leaf length. Interaction effects showed that highest value of root length and leaf length were produced from the 0.25 and 0.50mM ALA under the control treatment of salinity level. In contrast, the highest amount of seedling fresh weight were obtained from 0.25 and 0.50mM concentrations of ALA under control treatment of salinity. In general, our results suggest that ALA at low concentrations (0.25-1mM) has the potential to improve salt tolerance in milk thistle seedlings through concentrations treatment. We hope ALA may be useful in helping to solve serious problems occurring on a global scale, such as the desertification of green lands and salt damage to farm lands.
Efficacy of Omeprazole, Tetracycline, and 4 Times Daily Dosing of Amoxicillin in Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Limited Resource Area in Bhutan: A Prospective Randomized Trial (BHUTAN Study)

Backgrourd: H. pylori-associated gastric cancer is the first cancer-related death in Bhutan. Effective regimen for H. pylori eradication is essential to reduce risk of developing gastric cancer. Clarithromycin is not widely used in this limited resource country. Aim of this study was to evaluate proper regimen and prevalence of antibiotic resistance pattern for H. pylori eradication in Bhutan. Methods: Five hundred and forty-six patients underwent gastroscopy during GASTROCAMP between October 2014 and April 2015 in Bhutan and 77 patients were enrolled. Four gastric biopsies were obtained for rapid urease test, histopathology, H. pylori culture with Epsilometer test. All H. pylori-positive patients were randomized to receive either 7-day or 14-day of 500 mg amoxicillin four times daily, 500 mg tetracycline four times daily, and 20 mg omeprazole twice daily. Results: Seventy-seven subjects were enrolled (54 females, 23 males, mean age = 45.4 years). Of 77 patients, 52 (67.5%) received 7-day regimen while 25 (32.5%) had 14-day regimen. Prevalence of H. pylori was 38.2%. Antibiotic resistance was 80.0% for metronidazole, 11.1% for levofloxacin and no resistance seen in amoxicillin, tetracycline and clarithromycin. Overall eradication rates of 7-day and 14-day regimens were 51.9% and 80.0%, p = 0.02. Female and age ≥40 years had significantly higher eradication rate when receiving 14-day compared to 7-day regimen (94.1% vs. 45.9%, OR = 18.82; 95% CI 2.26-157.02, p = 0.0007 and 86.7% vs. 50.0%, OR = 6.50; 95% CI 1.25-33.91, p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusions: Fourteen-day regimen might be an acceptable regimen for H. pylori eradication in limited resource area such as Bhutan. Female and age ≥40 years should receive longer duration of treatment. This 14-day regimen could at least reduce the risk of developing H. pylori-associated diseases especially peptic ulcer with complications and gastric cancer which lead to many deaths in Bhutan.
The Relationship between Prostate Biopsy Results and PSA and Free PSA Ratio Changes in Elevated Serum PSA Patients with and without Antibiotherapy

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of antibiotic treatment on total prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and free/total (f/t) PSA ratio and the relevance of these changes to prostate biopsy results. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 1,062 patients with elevated age-adjusted serum PSA levels who underwent prostate biopsy between 2004 and 2016. A total of 303 cases with followup PSA levels and f/t PSA ratio before and after antibiotherapy were included into this study. There were 214 patients with persistent elevated serum PSA levels after antibiotic treatment followed by prostate biopsy (treatment group) and 89 patients who had prostate biopsy after a mean followup of 1 month without antibiotherapy (control group). The groups were compared with regard to both 5% and 10% cut off changes in serum PSA levels and f/t PSA ratios. Results: Antibiotic treatment had no impact on the relation between serum PSA levels and biopsy results at both cut off values. On the other hand, f/t PSA ratio changes at both cut off values with relevance to antibiotic treatment were found to be related with histopathologic results. While increase in f/t PSA ratio was more related with benign biopsies, decrease in f/t PSA ratio was more related with cancer (for 5% cut off value p= 0.014, p= 0.004; for 10% cut off value p= 0.026, p= 0.014). Conclusion: Changes at f/t PSA ratio rather than total PSA only, particularly in antibiotic treated cases appear to be more useful in decision making for biopsy.
Title: Pregestational diabetes in Pregnancy: complications, management, surveillance and mechanisms of disease - a review

Diabetes is an increasingly common diagnosis among pregnant women. Pregestational diabetes is associated with an increase in many adverse pregnancy outcomes, which impact both on the woman and her fetus. The models of pregnancy care for women with diabetes are based largely on observational data or consensus opinion. Strategies for aneuploidy screening and monitoring for fetal wellbeing should be modified in women with diabetes. There is an increasing understanding of the mechanisms by which congenital anomalies and disorders of fetal growth occur, involving epigenetic modifications, changes in gene expression in critical developmental pathways, and oxidative stress. This knowledge may lead to pathways for improved care for these high risk pregnancies.
The Clinical Relevance of Circulating Tumor Cells in Early Breast Cancer

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are considered to be evading cancer cells that have been shed or actively invaded from the primary tumor into the blood circulation or lymphatic system and which may finally extravasate to found metastases. CTCs as “liquid biopsy” hold great promise to be a powerful non-invasive real-time measurable biomarker for predicting clinical outcomes and cancer treatment response. Several studies evaluated the role of CTC presence and count in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting of early breast cancer (EBC) and revealed their significant prognostic value. In this chapter, we highlight the clinical relevance of CTCs in early breast cancer (EBC) and state the urgency for further research in this field to definitely translate this marker from bench to bedside.
Impact of Obesity on Outcomes of Operable Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: Obesity is increasing worldwide. Previous studies of the impact of obesity on breast cancer outcomes have reported conflicting results. We investigated the association of obesity and breast cancer survival in Thai patients. Methods: Medical records of operable breast cancer patients diagnosed and treated at Siriraj Hospital between January 2004 and December 2011 were reviewed. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, stage, treatment and adverse event were described. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 using Asian’s cutoff value. Survivals in both obese and non-obese patient groups were analyzed. Results: A total of 400 patients were included, 200 in each group. Obese patients were older and associated with more comorbidity. Obesity was associated with larger tumor size (p = 0.011), greater numbers of lymph node involvement (p = 0.003) and more advanced stage (p = 0.01). Obese patients were more likely to receive less adjuvant chemotherapy and hormonal treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS) (Hazard ratio [HR] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46 to 1.13) and overall survival (OS) (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.39) between obese and non-obese patients. Interestingly, obesity was associated with fewer complications from chemotherapy than non-obese patients (p = 0.047). Conclusion: Obesity had no adverse prognostic impact association on both DFS and OS in Thai patients with operable breast cancer, although obese patients more often presented with larger tumor and higher numbers of lymph node involvement.
Histo-Blood Group Antigens in Oral Cancer and Potentially Malignant Disorders

Background: Early detection of oral cancer is of critical importance because survival rates markedly improve when oral lesions are identified at an early stage. Aim of the present study is to investigate the expression of ABO (H) antigens in tissue specimens of oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders and to determine the role of ABO (H) antigens in tumour staging. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 60 cases of oral cancer and potentially malignant diseases. Specific red cell adherence test (SRCA-test) was used for studying A, B and O (H) antigens in tissue specimens and iso-antigenicity of epithelium was graded according to degree of adherence of indicator red blood cells. Results: Among OSMF group, grade II adherence was seen in 53.3% cases, grade III in 33.3% cases, grade IV in 13.3% cases. In leukoplakia group, grade II adherence was seen in 26.7% cases, grade III adherence in 53.3% cases, grade IV adherence in 20% cases. Within the leukoplakia group, cases with dysplasia showed decreased adherence, compared with cases without dysplasia. Oral cancer group, negative adherence was seen in 13.3% cases, grade I adherence in 46.7% cases, grade II in 40% cases. In oral cancer group, antigen reactivity was less in poorly and moderately differentiated carcinoma, compared to well differentiated carcinoma. Conclusions: Antigen adherence and degree of loss of ABO (H) antigens in tissue specimens can be used for staging of the tumour.
A Review of the Epidemiology of Breast Cancer in Asia: Focus on Risk Factors

Background and Aim: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women. To date, regional differences in breast cancer risk factors have not been identified. The aim of our review was to gain a better understanding of the role of risk factors in women with breast cancer in Asia. Methods: We conducted a PubMed search on 15 March 2016, for journal articles published in English between 2011 and 2016, which reported data for human subjects in Asia with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Search terms included breast neoplasm, epidemiology, Asia, prevalence, incidence, risk and cost of illness. Studies of any design were included, except for review articles and meta-analyses, which were excluded to avoid duplication of data. No exclusions were made based on breast cancer treatment. We reported the results using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: A total of 776 abstracts were retrieved. After screening against the eligibility criteria, 562 abstracts were excluded. The remaining 214 abstracts, which were published between 2013 and 2015, were included in this review. Results were summarized and reported under three categories: incidence, prevalence or outcomes for breast cancer in Asia; modifiable risk factors; and non-modifiable risk factors. We found that the increased risk of breast cancer among participants from Asia was associated with older age, family history of breast cancer, early menarche, late menopause, high body mass index, being obese or overweight, exposure to tobacco smoke, and high dietary intake of fats or fatty foods. In contrast, intake of dietary fruits, vegetables, and plant- and soy-based products was associated with a decreased breast cancer risk. While based on limited data, when compared to women from the United States, women from Asia had a decreased risk of breast cancer. Conclusions: This review of 214 abstracts of studies in Asia, published between 2013 and 2015, confirmed the relevance of known non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors for women with breast cancer.
Environmental stressors affect sex ratios in sexually dimorphic plant sexual systems.

Revealing the environmental pressures determining the frequency of females amongst populations of sexually dimorphic plants is a key research question. Analyses of sex-ratio variation have been mainly done in dioecious plants, which misses key plant sexual systems that might represent intermediate stages in the evolution of dioecy from hermaphroditism. We investigated female frequency across populations of sexually dimorphic plant species in relation to environmental stressors (temperature, precipitation), totaling 342 species, 2011 populations, representing 40 orders and 3 different sexual systems (dioecy, gynodioecy, and subdioecy). We also included the biome where the population was located to test how female frequency may vary more broadly with climatic conditions. After correcting for phylogeny, our results for gynodioecious systems showed a positive relationship between female frequency and increased environmental stress, with the main effects being temperature-related. Subdioecious systems showed also strong positive relationships with temperature and positive and negative relationships related to precipitation, whilst no significant effects on sex ratio in dioecious plants were detected. Combined, we show that female frequencies in intermediate sexual system on the pathway from hermaphroditism to dioecy respond strongly to environmental stressors and have different selective agents driving female frequency.
In vitro Quantification of Collagen and Snail1 Gene Expression in Experimentally Induced Fibrosis by Arecoline and Commercial Smokeless Tobacco Products

Introduction: Extracellular matrix component derangement is the major event in pathogenesis of Oral submucous fibrosis. Many studies have elaborated the alteration of the matrix components at a cellular and genetic level. However elaborate quantification of the components with varying concentrations of Areca nut extract and commercial tobacco products have not been done so far. Materials and Methods: Primary culture of tissues sourced during crown lengthening procedures were used for establishment of fibroblast monoculture and fibroblast / keratinocyte co-culture. Extracts of areca nut, commercial smokeless tobacco products (gutkha and haans) and control CCl4 were tested at concentrations ranging from 20 μL, 40 μL, 80 μL, 160 μL, 320 μL and time intervals of 12, 24, 48, 72 hours. Collagen quantification by spectrophotometry and SNAI1 gene expression study were done. Results: Extract of areca nut was found to show increased collagen production than commercial tobacco products and closely similar values to CCL4. Kruskal Wallis test was used to analyse the difference in collagen obtained. The mean values of collagen obtained in co-culture were lesser than those obtained in the fibroblast monoculture. SNAI1 gene expression was negative in both the culture experiments. Conclusion: Areca nut extract was found to be more potent as an individual agent. Commercial smokeless tobacco products Gutka and Hans exhibited increased collagen production at higher concentration. These findings further steps up the persuasive ill effects of tobacco products. Negative SNAI1 gene expression was corroborated to lack of extracellular environment in the co coculture experiment.
Prostate Cancer-based Interventions’ Efficacy on Knowledge and Adherence Intention to Healthy Lifestyle among Men

Background: Previous Literature has supported educational program efficacy, but no studies have been found to examine Prostate Cancer-based interventions’ Efficacy on knowledge and adherence intention to a healthy lifestyle among Men in Jordan. Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to assess Prostate Cancer-based interventions’ efficacy on knowledge and adherence intention to a healthy lifestyle among Men in Jordan. Methods: A quasi-experimental research with one group pretest-posttest design was used and the study was conducted in Masjids (praying place), Amman, Jordan. The population consists of Jordanian Men aged 40 years and above. The sample size was 76 men, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The tool used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Results: Paired sample t-test showed that the change in the mean knowledge scores (9.5), p < . 001 was statistically significant 1 month after the application of the program. In addition, the change in the mean adherence to healthy lifestyle scores (4.7), p < . 05 was statistically significant 1 month after the application of the structured teaching program. Conclusion: Jordanian men had gained knowledge and Adherence Intention to Healthy Lifestyle regarding prostate cancer after the implementation of a structured teaching program. Implications for Practice: Educational program aimed at motivating men to increase their knowledge of prostate cancer and having adherence intention to a healthy lifestyle.