Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polysaccharide degradation by the Bacteroidetes - mechanisms and nomenclature.

The Bacteroidetes phylum is renowned for degradation of a wide range of complex carbohydrates, a trait that has enabled its dominance in many diverse environments. The best studied species inhabit the human gut microbiome and use Polysaccharide Utilisation Loci (PULs), discrete genetic structures that encode proteins involved in the sensing, binding, deconstruction, and import of target glycans. In many environmental species, polysaccharide degradation is tightly coupled to the phylum-exclusive Type IX Secretion System (T9SS), which is used for the secretion of certain enzymes and is linked to gliding motility. In addition, within specific species these two adaptive systems (PULs and T9SS) are intertwined, with PUL-encoded enzymes being secreted by the T9SS. Here, we discuss the most noteworthy PUL and non-PUL mechanisms that confer specific and rapid polysaccharide degradation capabilities to the Bacteroidetes in a range of environments. We also acknowledge that literature showcasing examples of PULs is rapidly expanding and developing a set of assumptions can be hard to track back to original findings. Therefore, we present a simple universal description of conserved PUL functions and how they are determined, while proposing a common nomenclature describing PULs and their components, to simplify discussion and understanding of PUL systems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Development and Validation of a Polygenic Risk Score for Stroke in the Chinese Population

Objective To construct a polygenic risk score (PRS) for stroke and evaluate its utility in risk stratification and primary prevention for stroke. Methods Using a meta-analytic approach and large genome-wide association results for stroke and stroke-related traits in East Asians, we generated a combined PRS (metaPRS) by incorporating 534 genetic variants in a training set of 2,872 patients with stroke and 2,494 controls. We then validated its association with incident stroke using Cox regression models in large Chinese population-based prospective cohorts comprising 41,006 individuals. Results During a total of 367,750 person-years (mean follow-up 9.0 years), 1,227 participants developed stroke before age 80 years. Individuals with high polygenic risk had an about 2-fold higher risk of incident stroke compared with those with low polygenic risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66–2.38), with the lifetime risk of stroke being 25.2% (95% CI 22.5%–27.7%) and 13.6% (95% CI 11.6%–15.5%), respectively. Individuals with both high polygenic risk and family history displayed lifetime risk as high as 41.1% (95% CI 31.4%–49.5%). Individuals with high polygenic risk achieved greater benefits in terms of absolute risk reductions from adherence to ideal fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol than those with low polygenic risk. Maintaining favorable cardiovascular health (CVH) profile could substantially mitigate the increased risk conferred by high polygenic risk to the level of low polygenic risk (from 34.6% to 13.2%). Conclusions Our metaPRS has great potential for risk stratification of stroke and identification of individuals who may benefit more from maintaining ideal CVH. Classification of Evidence This study provides Class I evidence that metaPRS is predictive of stroke risk.
Biological and methodological factors affecting V̇O2max response variability to endurance training and the influence of exercise intensity prescription

What is the topic of this review? Biological and methodological factors associated with the variable changes in cardiorespiratory fitness in response to endurance training. What advances does it highlight? Several biological and methodological factors exist that each contribute, to a given extent, to response variability. Notably, prescribing exercise intensity relative to physiological thresholds reportedly increases cardiorespiratory fitness response rates compared to when prescribed relative to maximum physiological values. As threshold‐based approaches elicit more homogeneous acute physiological responses among individuals, when repeated over time, these uniform responses may manifest as more homogeneous chronic adaptations thereby reducing response variability.
Effects of survival processing on list method directed forgetting

ABSTRACT Two experiments examined the effects of directed (intentional) forgetting on information processed for its survival value. Experiment 1 used the list-method directed forgetting procedure in which items processed for their relevance to survival, moving house or pleasantness were followed by the cue to remember or forget. Following the encoding of a second list, free-recall of both lists showed that survival encoding brought about greater remembering (after the remember cue) and forgetting (after the forget cue). Experiment 2 also used the list-method and manipulated mental context reinstatement prior to recall. Although this manipulation was effective in enhancing memory, more directed forgetting was again shown in the survival condition. In both experiments the effects of survival processing were shown also in free-recall “remember” (vs. “know”) responses, indicative of the retrieval of associative or contextual details. The mechanisms that might underpin these were evaluated and considered in relation to future work.
Long Circulation Red‐Blood‐Cell‐Mimetic Nanoparticles with Peptide‐Enhanced Tumor Penetration for Simultaneously Inhibiting Growth and Lung Metastasis of Breast Cancer

Limited blood circulation and poor tumor penetration are two main obstacles hampering the clinical translation of conventional nanosized drug delivery systems (NDDS). Here, red‐blood‐cell (RBC)‐mimetic nanoparticles (NPs) with long circulation and peptide‐enhanced tumor penetration for treating metastatic breast cancer are reported. The RBC‐mimetic NPs are composed of a paclitaxel (PTX)‐loaded polymeric core and a hydrophilic RBC vesicle shell. The RBC‐mimetic NPs display dramatically elongated blood circulation with an elimination half time of 32.8 h, 5.8‐fold higher than that of the parental polymeric NPs (i.e., 5.6 h). Moreover, the experimental results demonstrate that the tumor penetration ability of the RBC‐mimetic NPs can be significantly improved by coadministrating with a tumor‐penetrating peptide iRGD. Antitumor studies using a metastatic 4T1 breast tumor model show that RBC‐mimetic NPs in combination with iRGD significantly inhibit over 90% of the tumor growth and suppress 95% of the lung metastasis, much more efficient than PTX‐loaded polymer NP alone or the combination of polymer NPs and iRGD. The results reveal the importance of both long circulation and tumor penetration of nanosized drugs for efficient cancer therapy, which can provide a new insight for NDDS design.
Exploration of Geriatric Care Competencies in Registered Nurses in Hospitals

ABSTRACT Background Older adults occupy one third of acute care hospital beds, and the regular duties of many nurses include caring for older patients. A working knowledge of geriatric care competencies is necessary for nurses to provide high-quality care to older patients and their families. It is unclear how nurses who work in acute care hospitals self-evaluate their geriatric care competencies and how these self-evaluated abilities differ from the objective abilities of these nurses. Purposes This study was designed to explore the geriatric care competencies of nurses in hospitals and to identify the factors associated with these competencies. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Nurses who were employed and directly caring for patients aged 65 years and older in any of the adult wards of a medical center located in southern Taiwan were recruited as participants. A structured questionnaire was developed based on a review of the relevant literature and validated using expert consensus. This questionnaire included a demographic datasheet, knowledge of geriatric care scale, attitude of geriatric care scale, self-evaluation of geriatric care competency, and geriatric care competency test. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the geriatric care competencies of the participants and related factors. Results One hundred seventy nurses were enrolled as participants. The average self-evaluation score for geriatric care competency was 67.74 (SD = 0.84). However, the average percentage of correct answers given on the geriatric care competency test was much lower (17.6%). The self-evaluation score was found to be significantly associated with job satisfaction and having received continuing education in geriatric care. In addition, age was shown to significantly affect the percentage of correct answers given on the geriatric care competency test. Conclusions/Implications for Practice A significant gap was found between the self-perceived and actual competencies of nurses in terms of providing geriatric care. Appropriate policies are necessary to improve the geriatric care competencies of nurses working in hospitals and to oversee the implementation of effective educational methods in Taiwan.
Serum antibody response in COVID-19-recovered patients who retested positive.

Background Research studies comparing antibody response from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases that retested positive (RP) using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and those who did not retest positive (NRP) were used to investigate a possible relationship between antibody response and retesting status. Methods Seven data bases were searched. Research criteria included cohort and case-control studies, carried out worldwide and published before September 9, 2020, that compared the serum antibody levels of hospitalized COVID-19 cases that RP after discharge to those that did NRP. Results There is some evidence that immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody levels in RP cases were lower compared with NRP cases. The hypothesis of incomplete clearance aligns with these findings. The possibility of false negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR test results during viral clearance is also plausible, as concentration of the viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) in nasopharyngeal and fecal swabs fluctuate below the limits of RT-PCR detection during virus clearance. The probability of reinfection was less likely to be the cause of retesting positive because of the low risk of exposure where cases observed a 14 day-quarantine after discharge. Conclusion More studies are needed to better explain the immune response of recovered COVID-19 cases retesting positive after discharge.
Macro‐ and microstructures of the digestive tract in the Eurasian collared dove, Streptopelia decaocto (Frivaldszky 1838): Adaptive interplay between structure and dietary niche

We describe the functional morphology of the digestive tract of the Eurasian collared dove, Streptopelia decaocto using anatomical, morphometric, histological, histochemical, and ultrastructure techniques, and relate our findings to the species' dietary niche. Our results revealed that the esophagus is displaced on both sides of the neck and has highly folded tunica mucosa, which confer greater elasticity for efficient swallowing and passage of food to the crop. The proventriculus is delicate and its mucosal layer contains polymorphic glands with dense profound and superficial secretory units that open to the luminal surface by gastric pores. The ventriculus is biconvex and lined with a keratinized koilin membrane. The tubular glands within the mucosal lining include the isthmus, the neck, and the basal segment that comprise chief and basal cells with prominent nuclei. At the cuticle‐mucosal interface, pyramidal vertical rodlets of the cuticle are secreted and superficially covered by a thin film of a horizontal matrix. The mucosa of the ileum form pyramidal villi that are oriented perpendicularly to the central lumen. Enterocytes infiltrated with goblet cells make up the epithelial lining of the villi. There are subtle differences in the thicknesses of corresponding tunics together with histochemical reactions of alcian blue (AB) and Masson–Goldner trichrome (MT) for their microstructures. Overall, our findings reveal remarkable convergence of both macro‐and microstructures in S. decaocto to other granivorous species, and offer further evidence of the close association between functional morphology and feeding style relative to food swallowing, digestion, and absorption.
Psychosocial Intervention Model of Kerala, India During Pandemic COVID-19: “Ottakkalla Oppamundu (You’re not alone, we’re with you)”

Globally, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in several psychosocial manifestations across all socioeconomic strata. This study attempted to explore the details of a psychosocial support system implemented in Kerala, India, to address psychosocial issues during this pandemic. It employed a descriptive approach using qualitative and quantitative methods. The results can be summarized into 4 overarching themes: (1) process of implementation, (2) issues addressed, (3) experiences, and (4) success stories. This intervention targeted the whole population, with a specific focus on quarantined/isolated individuals and selected vulnerable groups. COVID pandemic has sowed several negative emotions, such as anxiety; and stigma and fearful thoughts, including suicidal ideations; trepidation regarding family members; and misinfodemics in general. Social and religious corollaries of the pandemic have intensified the psychological agony. The study provides an overview of the psychosocial intervention adopted by the state during the pandemic, which has helped both the beneficiaries and the providers. It has also helped to promote positive thinking and change the attitude toward the disease among the beneficiaries. It is highly commendable that timely intervention could obviate quite a few psychiatric emergencies, including suicides and aggressive behaviors. Considering its efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability, this model can be replicated in any setting.
Chlorophyll content and fluorescence as physiological parameters for monitoring Orobanche foetida Poir. infection in faba bean

Orobanche spp. are root parasitic plants that cause yield losses in faba bean (Vicia faba L.). In Tunisia, O. crenata and O. foetida are among the major problems limiting faba bean production and productivity. Breeding for resistance and development of resistant varieties remain the most efficient control strategy to combat these parasites. In our study, field trials were conducted over two consecutive cropping seasons. A set of 42 genotypes were used in this study; 39 advanced lines and three checks; Najeh and Baraca (resistant) and Badi (susceptible). The trials were conducted in highly infested O. foetida plot at Oued-Beja Research Station in Tunisia. Results showed that advanced lines XAR-VF00.13-1-2-1-2-1 and XBJ90.04-2-3-1-1-1-2A expressed high resistance level exceeding those recorded for resistance checks Najeh and Baraca. O. foetida significantly affected the biomass, grain yield, chlorophyll content index (CCI) and the maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm ratio). No significant effect was observed on host plant water content (WC). CCI decreases varied from 46.4% for the susceptible check Badi and 4.2% and 9.3%, respectively, for Baraca and XBJ90.04-2-3-1-1-1-2A. Orobanche parasitism resulted in a slight decreases of Fv/Fm ratio for the advanced lines XBJ90.04-2-3-1-1-1-2A and XAR-VF00.13-1-2-1-2-1 against important decreases observed for Badi and Baraca. Correlation between resistance to O. foetida and CCI and Fv/Fm makes this, easy-to-measure, parameter very useful as a practical screening tool for early parasitism detection, diagnosis and identification and selection of high resistant plants against this parasite.
The role of pioglitazone in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and insulin sensitivity in a high fat-carbohydrate diet-induced rat model of insulin resistance

We explored the cascade effects of a high fat-carbohydrate diet (HFCD) and pioglitazone (an anti-diabetic therapy used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)) on lipid profiles, oxidative stress/antioxidant, insulin, and inflammatory biomarkers in a rat model of insulin resistance. Sixty albino rats (80-90 g) were randomly divided into three dietary groups; 1) standard diet; 2) HFCD diet for 12 weeks to induce an in vivo model of insulin resistance; and 3) HFCD diet plus pioglitazone. Blood and tissue samples were taken to assess hepatic function, lipid profiles, oxidative biomarkers, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, antioxidant defense biomarkers, including reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α). HFCD-fed rats had significantly (P≤0.05) increased serum triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), alanine transaminase (ALT), and bilirubin levels, but decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels compared with the normal group. Moreover, serum leptin, resistin, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were increased significantly in HFCD animals compared with controls. Similarly, HFCD-induced insulin resistance caused antioxidant and cytokine disturbances, which are important therapy targets for pioglitazone. Importantly, administration of this drug ameliorated these changes, normalized leptin and resistin and inflammatory markers by reducing TNF-α levels. Metabolic cascades of elevated lipid profiles, oxidative stress, insulin, and inflammatory biomarkers are implicated in insulin resistance progression. HFCD induced metabolic cascades comprising hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, obesity-associated hormones, and inflammatory biomarkers may be alleviated using pioglitazone.
Medial Prefrontal Cortex Has a Causal Role in Selectively Enhanced Consolidation of Emotional Memories after a 24-Hour Delay: A TBS Study

Previous research points to an association between retrieval-related activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and preservation of emotional information compared with co-occurring neutral information following sleep. Although the role of the mPFC in emotional memory likely begins at encoding, little research has examined how mPFC activity during encoding interacts with consolidation processes to enhance emotional memory. This issue was addressed in the present study using transcranial magnetic stimulation in conjunction with an emotional memory paradigm. Healthy young adults encoded negative and neutral scenes while undergoing concurrent TMS with a modified short intermittent theta burst stimulation (sTBS) protocol. Participants received stimulation to either the mPFC or an active control site (motor cortex) during the encoding phase. Recognition memory for scene components (objects and backgrounds) was assessed after a short delay (30 min) and a long delay [24 h (including a night of sleep)] to obtain measures of specific and gist-based memory processes. The results demonstrated that, relative to control stimulation, sTBS to the mPFC enhanced memory for negative objects on the long delay test (collapsed across specific and gist-based memory measures). mPFC stimulation had no discernable effect on memory for objects on the short delay test nor on the background images at either test. These results suggest that mPFC activity occurring during encoding interacts with consolidation processes to preferentially preserve negatively salient information. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Understanding how emotional information is remembered over time is critical to understanding memory in the real world. The present study used noninvasive brain stimulation [repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)] to investigate the interplay between mPFC activity that occurs during memory encoding and its subsequent interactions with consolidation processes. rTMS delivered to the mPFC during encoding enhanced memory for negatively valenced pictures on a test following a 24 h delay, with no such effect on a test occurring shortly after the encoding phase. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that emotional aspects of memories are differentially subjected to consolidation processes, and that the mPFC might contribute to this “tag-and-capture” mechanism during the initial formation of such memories.
Characteristics and outcomes among pregnant women with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis

Abstract Purpose Pregnancy among women with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has risen in frequency, which may be attributed to improvements in hemodialysis care. Our objective was to describe baseline characteristics and pregnancy outcomes among women with ESRD on hemodialysis. Methods Using the United States’ Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we created a cohort of women with ESRD on hemodialysis who gave birth between 2005 and 2015. We determined the proportion of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes among this cohort. Then, we created a composite measure of vascular-mediated adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women who experienced at least one of either preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, or intrauterine fetal death were categorized as having the composite measure. Then, multivariate regression models were used to estimate the associations between maternal baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and the composite measure. Results Among 8,765,973 deliveries between 2005 and 2015, 307 were to women with ESRD on hemodialysis. Over the study period, the incidence of pregnancies to women with ESRD increased from 0.47 to 5.76/100,000 births. An estimated 28% of pregnancies were complicated by preeclampsia, 8% by placental abruption, 58% delivered by cesarean, and in the postpartum, 28% required blood transfusions and 6% experienced sepsis. About 45% of babies were born preterm and 14% had IUGR. The composite measure of adverse events was not found to be associated with any baseline maternal characteristics. Conclusions The frequency of pregnant women with ESRD on hemodialysis has risen, with adverse pregnancy complications for both mother and fetus. Transfer to high-risk centers is suggested for women with ESRD.
Nursing career anchors and professional exercise: is there alignment?

OBJECTIVE to identify the types of career anchors of university hospital nurses and alignment with current work, from the perspective of workers' health. METHOD a descriptive and quantitative study, developed in a university hospital with 135 nurses, from December 2018 to February 2019. The Career Orientations Inventory was used as an instrument and an instrument to assess the alignment of career anchors to the current job. RESULTS it was identified that the most frequent anchors were: Security/Stability, Service/Dedication to a Cause, and Lifestyle. Among nurses, 63.7% were not aligned with their career anchor. CONCLUSION the alignment factor is not prevalent among nurses, demonstrating that most seek to meet their professional motivations, but do not find it in their current work, which can lead to physical exhaustion and psychological distress.