Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential trajectories of tobacco smoking in people at ultra-high risk for psychosis: Associations with clinical outcomes

Objective People at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis have a high prevalence of tobacco smoking, and rates are even higher among the subgroup that later develop a psychotic disorder. However, the longitudinal relationship between the course of tobacco smoking and clinical outcomes in UHR subjects is unknown. Methods We investigated associations between tobacco smoking and clinical outcomes in a prospective study of UHR individuals (n = 324). Latent class mixed model analyses were used to identify trajectories of smoking severity. Mixed effects models were applied to investigate associations between smoking trajectory class and the course of attenuated psychotic symptoms (APS) and affective symptoms, as assessed using the CAARMS. Results We identified four different classes of smoking trajectory: (i) Persistently High (n = 110), (ii) Decreasing (n = 29), (iii) Persistently Low (n = 165) and (iv) Increasing (n = 20). At two-year follow-up, there had been a greater increase in APS in the Persistently High class than for both the Persistently Low (ES = 9.77, SE = 4.87, p = 0.046) and Decreasing (ES = 18.18, SE = 7.61, p = 0.018) classes. There were no differences between smoking classes in the incidence of psychosis. There was a greater reduction in the severity of emotional disturbance and general symptoms in the Decreasing class than in the High (ES = −10.40, SE = 3.41, p = 0.003; ES = −22.36, SE = 10.07, p = 0.027), Increasing (ES = −11.35, SE = 4.55, p = 0.014; ES = −25.58, SE = 13.17, p = 0.050) and Low (ES = −11.38, SE = 3.29, p = 0.001; ES = −27.55, SE = 9.78, p = 0.005) classes, respectively. Conclusions These findings suggests that in UHR subjects persistent tobacco smoking is associated with an unfavorable course of psychotic symptoms, whereas decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked is associated with improvement in affective symptoms. Future research into smoking cessation interventions in the early stages of psychoses is required to shine light on the potential of modifying smoking behavior and its relation to clinical outcomes.
The cost-effectiveness of different types of educational interventions in type II diabetes mellitus: A systematic review

Aims: Educational interventions are effective to improve peoples’ self-efficacy in managing diabetes complications and lifestyle changes. This systematic review aims to assess and compare various aspects of educational interventions and to provide updated pharmacoeconomics data. Methods: Literature searches were conducted using databases such as EBSCOhost, Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Outcomes such as study characteristics, costs, medication adherence, effectiveness and were narratively summarized, and the quality of each article was assessed. Results: A total of 27 studies were retrieved. The types of educational interventions were classified as face-to-face strategy, structured programs, telemedicine health education, a combination approach, and others. All types of educational interventions (N = 24, 89%) were reported to be cost-effective. The cost-effectiveness of the other two studies was considered to be not cost-effective while the outcome of one study could not be determined. The majority of the studies (N = 24, 89%) had moderate-quality evidence whereas thirteen (48%) studies were regarded to provide high-quality economic evaluations. Conclusion: All types of educational interventions are highly likely to be cost-effective. The quality of economic evaluations is moderate but the most cost-effective types of educational interventions could not be determined due to variations in the reporting and methodological conduct of the study. A high-quality approach, preferably utilizing the societal perspective over a long period, should be standardized to conduct economic evaluations for educational interventions in T2DM. Systematic Review Registration: website, identifier registration number.
Age-dependent changes of hindgut microbiota succession and metabolic function of Mongolian cattle in the semi-arid rangelands

Dietary changes have significant effects on gut microbiota and host health. Weaning is an important stage of dietary change in ruminants. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota of calf in the early life undergo some changes, and the plasticity of the calf is beneficial to cope with these changes and challenges. However, the complex development of hindgut microorganisms in post-weaning ruminants is not fully understood. In this study, we used 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomic analysis to determine the cecal and colonic bacterial community and associated metabolome of Mongolian cattle at age of the 5th (at weaning), 18th, and 36th months. Moreover, the maturation patterns of the hindgut bacterial community and the dynamic changes of metabolites were also explored. Sequencing results showed that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in the cecum and colon. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis revealed bacterial features that were stage-specific in the cecum and colon. The relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae, a microbial family related to fiber degradation, gradually increased with age in the cecum, while the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Alistipes, which are related to immunity, gradually increased in the colon. The differential metabolites in the cecum and colon were mainly enriched in steroid hormone biosynthesis, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and arachidonic acid metabolism between different ages of Mongolian cattle after weaning. Consequently, this dual omics analysis provided important information on the changes in microbial and metabolite interactions in Mongolian cattle after weaning. The microorganisms and metabolites in the cecum and colon further enhanced the abiotic stress resistance of Mongolian cattle to the harsh environment. The information obtained in this study is of great significance for future strategies of cecum and colon microbiota regulation of post-weaning Mongolian cattle in the harsh Mongolian Plateau ecosystem.
Telemedicine solutions for clinical care delivery during COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review

Background: The unexpected emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has changed mindsets about the healthcare system and medical practice in many fields, forcing physicians to reconsider their approaches to healthcare provision. It is necessary to add new, unique, and efficient solutions to traditional methods to overcome this critical challenge. In this regard, telemedicine offers a solution to this problem. Remote medical activities could diminish unnecessary visits and provide prompt medical services in a timely manner. Objective This scoping review aimed to provide a map of the existing evidence on the use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on delineation functions and technologies, analyzing settings, and identifying related outcomes. Methods This review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. PubMed and Scopus databases were systematically searched based on specific eligibility criteria. The English publications included in this study focused on telemedicine systems implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide clinical care services. Two independent reviewers screened the articles based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The relevant features of telemedicine systems were summarized and presented into the following four domains and their subcategories, including functionality, technology, context, and outcomes. Results Out of a total of 1,602 retrieved papers, 66 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most common function implemented was counseling, and telemedicine was used for diagnosis in seven studies. In addition, in 12 studies, tele-monitoring of patients was performed by phone, designed platforms, social media, Bluetooth, and video calls. Telemedicine systems were predominantly implemented synchronously (50 studies). Moreover, 10 studies used both synchronous and asynchronous technologies. Although most studies were performed in outpatient clinics or centers, three studies implemented a system for hospitalized patients, and four studies applied telemedicine for emergency care. Telemedicine was effective in improving 87.5% of health resource utilization outcomes, 85% of patient outcomes, and 100% of provider outcomes. Conclusion The benefits of using telemedicine in medical care delivery systems in pandemic conditions have been well–documented, especially for outpatient care. It could potentially improve patient, provider, and healthcare outcomes. This review suggests that telemedicine could support outpatient and emergency care in pandemic situations. However, further studies using interventional methods are required to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Evaluation of the association between haemoglobin levels and preterm birth at Khartoum, Sudan: A hospital-based study

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the association between haemoglobin level and PB. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Khartoum, Sudan. Questionnaires on demographics and medical and obstetric factors were completed. A logistic regression analysis was performed. Results Of the 1,716 pregnant women, approximately two-thirds (65.7%) had anaemia (haemoglobin < 11 g/dl) and six (0.3%) had severe anaemia (haemoglobin < 8 g/dl). Of the 1,716 women, 283 (16.5%) had a PB. In multivariable logistic regression, parity (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.09–1.21, P < 0.001) was positively associated with PB. Compared to those with haemoglobin levels of 10–10.9 g/dl, pregnant women with haemoglobin levels of 8–8.9 (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.22–0.77), 9–9.9 (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.38–0.91), and 11–11.9 g/dl (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.36–0.77) were at a lower risk of PB. Women with haemoglobin levels of 12–13 g/dl were at a higher risk of PB (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.06–2.45). There was no significant association between women with haemoglobin levels < 8 g/dl and > 13 g/dl and PB. Conclusion This study showed different levels of association between haemoglobin levels and PB.
Peripheral Neuroprotective and Immunomodulatory Effects of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors in Parkinson’s Disease Models

Gastrointestinal disorders in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been associated with neuronal alteration in the plexus of the gut. We previously demonstrated the immunomodulatory effect of female hormones to treat enteric neurodegeneration in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. This study made the hypothesis of obtaining similar neuroprotection as with hormone treatments by affecting steroidogenesis with two 5α-reductase inhibitors, finasteride and dutasteride. These drugs are approved to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and alopecia and display mitochondrial effects. In MPTP-treated mice, the dopaminergic and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) neurons alteration was prevented by finasteride and dutasteride, while the increase in proinflammatory macrophages density was inhibited by dutasteride treatment but not finasteride. NF-κB response, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines production in vitro were only prevented by dutasteride. In addition, mitochondrial production of free radicals, membrane depolarization, decreased basal respiration, and ATP production were inhibited by dutasteride, while finasteride had no effect. In conclusion, the present results indicate that dutasteride treatment prevents enteric neuronal damages in the MPTP mouse model, at least in part through anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial effects. This suggests that drug repurposing of dutasteride might be a promising avenue to treat enteric neuroinflammation in early PD.
Early and Long-Term HIV-1 Immunogenicity Induced in Macaques by the Combined Administration of DNA, NYVAC and Env Protein-Based Vaccine Candidates: The AUP512 Study

To control HIV infection there is a need for vaccines to induce broad, potent and long-term B and T cell immune responses. With the objective to accelerate and maintain the induction of substantial levels of HIV-1 Env-specific antibodies and, at the same time, to enhance balanced CD4 and CD8 T cell responses, we evaluated the effect of concurrent administration of MF59-adjuvanted Env protein together with DNA or NYVAC vectors at priming to establish if early administration of Env leads to early induction of antibody responses. The primary goal was to assess the immunogenicity endpoint at week 26. Secondary endpoints were (i) to determine the quality of responses with regard to RV144 correlates of protection and (ii) to explore a potential impact of two late boosts. In this study, five different prime/boost vaccination regimens were tested in rhesus macaques. Animals received priming immunizations with either NYVAC or DNA alone or in combination with Env protein, followed by NYVAC + protein or DNA + protein boosts. All regimens induced broad, polyfunctional and well-balanced CD4 and CD8 T cell responses, with DNA-primed regimens eliciting higher response rates and magnitudes than NYVAC-primed regimens. Very high plasma binding IgG titers including V1/V2 specific antibodies, modest antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and moderate neutralization activity were observed. Of note, early administration of the MF59-adjuvanted Env protein in parallel with DNA priming leads to more rapid elicitation of humoral responses, without negatively affecting the cellular responses, while responses were rapidly boosted after repeated immunizations, indicating the induction of a robust memory response. In conclusion, our findings support the use of the Env protein component during priming in the context of an heterologous immunization regimen with a DNA and/or NYVAC vector as an optimized immunization protocol against HIV infection.
Antiaging function of Chinese pond turtle (Chinemys reevesii) peptide through activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and its structure-activity relationship

Chinese pond turtle is a traditional nourishing food with high nutritional value and bioactivity and has been considered a dietary remedy for prolonging the lifespan since ancient times. However, only limited information about their effects on longevity is available. This study was performed to assess the antioxidant activities and antiaging potential of Chinese pond turtle peptide (CPTP) using Drosophila melanogaster model and uncover the possible mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects. CPTP exhibited excellent antioxidant capability in vitro with IC50 values of 3.31, 1.93, and 9.52 mg/ml for 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazo-line-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), and hydroxyl radical scavenging, respectively. In vivo, 0.8% of CPTP significantly extended the mean and median lifespan of female flies by 7.66 and 7.85%, followed by enhanced resistance to oxidative and heat stress. Besides, CPTP remarkably increased the antioxidant enzyme activities and diminished the peroxide product accumulation. Furthermore, CPTP upregulated the relative mRNA expression of antioxidant-related genes, including nuclear factor-erythroid-2-like 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream target genes, while downregulated the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Taken together, CPTP displayed promising potential in both antioxidant and antiaging effects on flies by targeting the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway. Further peptide sequence determination revealed that 89.23% of peptides from the identified sequences in CPTP could exert potential inhibitory effects on Keap1. Among these peptides, ten representative peptide sequences could actively interact with the binding sites of Keap1-Nrf2 interaction through hydrogen bonds, van der Walls, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic interactions. Conclusively, CPTP could be utilized as health-promoting bioactive peptide with antioxidant and antiaging capacities.
Unpaid leave on COVID-19: The impact of psychological breach contract on emotional exhaustion: The mediating role of job distrust and insecurity

This research intends to increase awareness of the existence of psychological breach contracts on emotional exhaustion in the context of a prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, with the function of organizational distrust (OD) and job insecurity (JI) serving as mediating factors. We used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to look at the 437 questionnaires that private sector workers in Pakistan filled out during the COVID-19 outbreak. The findings of direct and indirect effects show that (PBC) psychological breach contract directly leads to emotional exhaustion (EH) and has a significant indirect relationship through job insecurity (JI). Moreover, psychological contract breach (PBC) directly leads to emotional exhaustion (EH) and has a significant indirect relationship through organization distrust (OD). The study shows both theoretical and practical implications, as well as areas where more research needs to be done.
Prophage Diversity Across Salmonella and Verotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Agricultural Niches of British Columbia, Canada

Prophages have long been regarded as an important contributor to the evolution of Salmonella and Verotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC), members of the Enterobacteriaceae that cause millions of cases of foodborne illness in North America. In S. Typhimurium, prophages provide many of the genes required for invasion; similarly, in VTEC, the Verotoxin-encoding genes are located in cryptic prophages. The ability of prophages to quickly acquire and lose genes have driven their rapid evolution, leading to highly diversified populations of phages that can infect distantly-related bacterial hosts. To defend against foreign genetic materials (i.e., phages), bacteria have evolved Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) immunity, consisting of variable spacer regions that match short nucleic acid sequences of invaders previously encountered. The number of spacer regions varies widely amongst Enterobacteriaceae, and there is currently no clear consensus if the accumulation of spacers is linked to genomic prophage abundance. Given the immense prophage diversity and contribution to bacterial host phenotypes, we analyzed the prophage sequences within 118 strains of Salmonella and VTEC, 117 of which are of agricultural origin. Overall, 130 unique prophage sequences were identified and they were found to be remarkably diverse with <50% nucleotide similarity, particularly with the Gifsy-1 group which was identified in several Salmonella serovars and interestingly, a strain of VTEC. Additionally, we identified a novel plasmid-like phage that carried antibiotic resistance and bacteriocin resistance genes. The strains analyzed carried at least six distinct spacers which did not possess homology to prophages identified in the same genome. In fact, only a fraction of all identified spacers (14%) possessed significant homology to known prophages. Regression models did not discern a correlation between spacer and prophage abundance in our strains, although the relatively high number of spacers in our strains (an average of 27 in Salmonella and 19 in VTEC) suggest that high rates of infection may occur in agricultural niches and be a contributing driver in bacterial evolution. Cumulatively, these results shed insight into prophage diversity of Salmonella and VTEC, which will have further implications when informing development of phage therapies against these foodborne pathogens.
Relative viability proxy of airborne prokaryotic microorganisms at the Southeastern Mediterranean coastal Sea

The atmosphere plays a fundamental role in transporting airborne prokaryotes across the oceans and land. Despite the harsh atmospheric conditions, a considerable fraction of the airborne prokaryotic microorganisms survive the journey and remain viable upon deposition, and can affect the receiving environment. Here, we provide the first estimate of potential viability proxy for airborne prokaryotic cells at the Southeastern Mediterranean coast in 22 events during 2015, representing marine and terrestrial air-mass trajectories and a significant dust storm event. This was assessed using sequence amplicons of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA) jointly with other complementary measurements. To estimate the relative viability in our dataset we used the ratio between the abundance of the bacterial SSU rRNA transcripts in a given sampling date and the lowest measured value (23.7.2015) as a measure of a relative viability proxy. The abundance of prokaryotes SSU rRNA transcripts ranged from ∼500 to 11,000 copies m3, with ∼2-fold higher relative viability proxy in marine-origin aerosols than predominantly terrestrial atmospheric trajectories. The relative viability proxy of prokaryotes was low during the peak of an intense and prolonged dust storm, and increased by ∼1.5-fold in the subsequent days representing background conditions (<1700 ng Al m−3). Furthermore, we show that anthropogenic/toxic trace-metals (Cu/Al, Pb/Al) negatively correlates with potentially viable airborne prokaryotes in marine trajectory aerosols, whereas mineral dust load (Al, Fe proxy) positively affect their potential viability proxy. This may suggest that airborne prokaryotes associated to marine trajectories benefit from a particle-associate lifestyle, enabling relatively higher humidity and supply of nutrients attributed to mineral dust particles.
Online learning performance and engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic: Application of the dual-continua model of mental health

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an abrupt transition from face-to-face learning to online learning, which has also affected the mental health of college students. In this study, we examined the relationship between students’ adjustment to online learning and their mental health by using the Dual-Continua Model. The model assumes that mental disorder and mental well-being are related yet distinct factors of mental health. For this purpose, 2,933 college students completed an online survey around the beginning of the Fall semester of 2020 (N = 1,724) and the Spring semester of 2021 (N = 1,209). We assessed participants’ mental well-being, mental disorders, and academic distress by means of the online survey. In addition, we incorporated grades and log data accumulated in the Learning Management System (LMS) as objective learning indicators of academic achievement and engagement in online learning. Results revealed that two dimensions of mental health (i.e., mental well-being and mental disorder) were independently associated with all objective and subjective online learning indicators. Specifically, languishing (i.e., low levels of mental well-being) was negatively associated with student engagement derived from LMS log data and academic achievement and was positively associated with self-reported academic distress even after we controlled for the effects of mental disorder. In addition, mental disorder was negatively related to student engagement and academic achievement and was positively related to academic distress even after we controlled for the effects of mental well-being. These results remained notable even when we controlled for the effects of sociodemographic variables. Our findings imply that applying the Dual-Continua Model contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between college students’ mental health and their adaptation to online learning. We suggest that it is imperative to implement university-wide interventions that promote mental well-being and alleviate psychological symptoms for students’ successful adjustment to online learning.