Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adult Height as a Risk Factor for Developing Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Thailand

Background: Previous studies have shown that a taller stature has a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) than a shorter stature. However, most prior studies were conducted in the Western region, with few studies and inconsistent results for Asians. To our best knowledge, no previous research has investigated the population of ASEAN countries, which is generally shorter in stature than the Western population. We aimed to examine the association between adult height and CRC risk in a Thai population. Methods: This population-based cohort study was conducted in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Overall, 118 patients with CRC were histologically confirmed among 14,418 participants, who were recruited during 1990–2001 and followed up until December 31, 2020. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain baseline data, including demographic and environmental variables. The exposure of interest was measured in height and defined on the basis of the last recorded measurement. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Results: Over a median of 21.7 years of follow-up (interquartile range: 19.9–25.6), 14,418 participants provided a total observation time of 303,899 person-years. The risk of CRC at the highest compared to the lowest height quintile was 1.29 (95% CI, 0.76–2.20; p=0.350). A trend similar to a U shape was observed (HR in Q1 vs. Q2=1.05; 95% CI, 0.62–1.75; Q1 vs. Q3=0.78; 95% CI, 0.43–1.39; Q1 vs. Q4=0.55; 95% CI, 0.29–1.05; and Q1 vs. Q5=1.29; 95% CI, 0.76–2.20). Conclusions: Although adult height was not statistically significant, its magnitude still indicated some clues to investigate as evidence, especially for people living in the context of ASEAN countries. Large-scale, comparable studies in such contexts should be considered for confirmation.
The overlooked complexity of avian brood parasite–host relationships

Abstract The relationships between avian brood parasites and their hosts are widely recognised as model systems for studying coevolution. However, while most brood parasites are known to parasitise multiple species of host and hosts are often subject to parasitism by multiple brood parasite species, the examination of multispecies interactions remains rare. Here, we compile data on all known brood parasite–host relationships and find that complex brood parasite–host systems, where multiple species of brood parasites and hosts coexist and interact, are globally commonplace. By examining patterns of past research, we outline the disparity between patterns of network complexity and past research emphases and discuss factors that may be associated with these patterns. Drawing on insights gained from other systems that have embraced a multispecies framework, we highlight the potential benefits of considering brood parasite–host interactions as ecological networks and brood parasitism as a model system for studying multispecies interactions. Overall, our results provide new insights into the diversity of these relationships, highlight the stark mismatch between past research efforts and global patterns of network complexity, and draw attention to the opportunities that more complex arrangements offer for examining how species interactions shape global patterns of biodiversity.
The activity of the RGA5 sensor NLR from rice requires binding of its integrated HMA domain to effectors but not HMA domain self‐interaction

Abstract The rice nucleotide‐binding (NB) and leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) domain immune receptors (NLRs) RGA4 and RGA5 form a helper NLR/sensor NLR (hNLR/sNLR) pair that specifically recognizes the effectors AVR‐Pia and AVR1‐CO39 from the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. While RGA4 contains only canonical NLR domains, RGA5 has an additional unconventional heavy metal‐associated (HMA) domain integrated after its LRR domain. This RGA5HMA domain binds the effectors and is crucial for their recognition. Investigation of the three‐dimensional structure of the AVR1‐CO39/RGA5HMA complex by X‐ray crystallography identified a candidate surface for effector binding in the HMA domain and showed that the HMA domain self‐interacts in the absence of effector through the same surface. Here, we investigated the relevance of this HMA homodimerization for RGA5 function and the role of the RGA5HMA effector‐binding and self‐interaction surface in effector recognition. By analysing structure‐informed point mutations in the RGA5HMA‐binding surface in protein interaction studies and in Nicotiana benthamiana cell death assays, we found that HMA self‐interaction does not contribute to RGA5 function. However, the effector‐binding surface of RGA5HMA identified by X‐ray crystallography is crucial for both in vitro and in vivo effector binding as well as effector recognition. These results support the current hypothesis that noncanonical integrated domains of NLRs act primarily as effector traps and deepen our understanding of the sNLRs' function within NLR pairs.
Prevalence of anti‐parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM and parvovirus B19 viremia in pregnant women in an urban area of Northern Italy

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection in pregnancy is mostly asymptomatic, but can cause complications including abortion and fetal hydrops. Although its infection is ubiquitous, seroprevalence among pregnant women varies according to different geographical areas. Since seroprevalence data in Italy are limited, the prevalence of antibodies and DNA in pregnant women was evaluated retrospectively, correlating the clinical situation of mothers and newborns. One thousand eight hundred and ninety‐three sequential sera were examined from pregnant women (60.8% in the first trimester, 16.6% in the second one, and 22.6% in the third one, respectively) for anti‐B19V IgG and IgM (confirmed by immunoblot); 1402 (74.1%) were of Italian origin and 491 (25.9%) non‐Italian women. Molecular tests were used to search for viral genome. One thousand three hundred and fifteen (69.5%) samples were IgG‐positive, 21 (1.1%) IgM‐positive, and 578 (30.5%) nonimmune. The difference in IgG seroprevalence between Italian (71.1%) and non‐Italian women (64.8%) was statistically significant. Of the 21 IgM‐positive women, 16 were confirmed positive also by immunoblot (prevalence: 0.8%), of which 11 were viraemic (prevalence: 0.6%; mean 1.3 × 104 geq/ml). Mothers were asymptomatic, and the newborns had no clinical signs of congenital infection. IgG seroprevalence in Italy is high, with differences between Italian women and non‐Italian women from geographic areas with lower endemic levels of B19V. The consistent migratory flows in place could lead to an increase in the number of susceptible women. The prevalence of viremia is low, and has not been associated with evident fetal damage at birth.
Predictors burden in mental health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES to analyze burden predictors in mental health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS a quantitative study, collected between October and December 2020 through a sociodemographic questionnaire and Mental Health Service Burden Assessment Scale, in four services in a municipality in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, with 108 workers. Descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression of ordinary least squares were performed, in search of predictors for variation in the scale score. RESULTS it showed median work burden (2.03). Predictors: psychological or psychiatric follow-up; normal performance of activities during the pandemic; direct action with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19; and belonging to the risk group (people over 60 years of age, diabetics, hypertensive, cardiac, respiratory problems) (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS working conditions observed during the pandemic, simultaneously with workers' mental health care needs predict burden at work in health.
Type-Dependent Average Dwell Time Method and Its Application to Delayed Neural Networks With Large Delays

This article investigates the stability of delayed neural networks with large delays. Unlike previous studies, the original large delay is separated into several parts. Then, the delayed neural network is viewed as the switched system with one stable and multiple unstable subsystems. To effectively guarantee the stability of the considered system, the type-dependent average dwell time (ADT) is proposed to handle switches between any two sequences. Besides, multiple Lyapunov functions (MLFs) are employed to establish stability conditions. Adding more delayed state vectors increases the allowable maximum delay bound (AMDB), reducing the conservatism of stability criteria. A general form of the global exponential stability condition is put forward. Finally, a numerical example illustrates the effectiveness, and superiority of our method over the existing one.
Are individual or group interventions more effective for long‐term weight loss in adults with obesity? A systematic review

Guidelines recommend individual and group interventions for weight loss, based on preference. Our 2009 systematic review compared long‐term effectiveness of individual or group approaches to the same intervention, but there are new randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of high‐quality data. We updated and expanded our previous systematic review. We searched Medline and Embase from 1966 to May 2021, and a clinical trial register from 1966 to 2017. Review Manager (5.4.1) was used to conduct meta‐analysis. Ten RCTs were included. The primary outcome, mean weight change at final follow‐up, was −1.33 kg (95% confidence interval CI: −2.04, −0.62; 10 trials, 2169 participants), favouring group interventions (p < .001). For the secondary outcomes, attainment of ≥5% body weight loss at final follow‐up, the risk ratio (RR) was 1.36 (95% CI 1.05, 1.77; three trials, 1520 participants), favouring group interventions (p = .02); attrition at final follow‐up was similar between group and individual arms of trials, RR 0.93 (95% CI 0.82, 1.07) (p = .31). Group interventions can be more effective than individual interventions for long‐term weight loss in adults with obesity. However, few studies were included in the clinically relevant, secondary outcome measures. Research on delivering group processes in weight management is needed.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Cervical Cancer According to the Duration of Treatment and Cancer Progression

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Korean patients with cervical cancer according to the duration of treatment and cancer progression of cervical cancer. Methods: This study included 452 outpatients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or invasive cervical cancer from six tertiary hospitals in South Korea. The questionnaire included the EQ-5D-3L instrument, patients’ age, cancer progression (CIN or invasive cervical cancer), treatment duration (<1 year, ≥1 year but <2 years, and ≥2 years), treatment method (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy), and presence of recurrence. HRQoL indices were calculated for these independent factors, and the mean was compared using ANOVA. Multiple regression analysis was performed to analyze factors affecting HRQoL in patients with cervical cancer. Results: The EQ-5D index was 0.93 for patients with CIN, 0.87 for patients with invasive cervical cancer, and 0.78 for patients with recurrent invasive cervical cancer. HRQoL was significantly lower as the CIN progresses to cervical cancer. HRQoL of patients with invasive cervical cancer was lowest within 1 year of treatment in all stages. In addition, the HRQoL of patients with CIN or invasive cervical cancer who received chemotherapy and radiotherapy was lower than that of patients who underwent surgery. Multiple regression analysis showed that the HRQoL decreased significantly as increasing age, the first year of treatment after diagnosis, cancer recurrence, or chemotherapy. Conclusion: The HRQoL of patients with cervical cancer is affected not only by the stage of cancer progression but also by the duration of treatment and the type of treatment. As a result, when trying to apply the quality of life of patients with cervical cancer to cost-utility analysis, it is necessary to consider the duration and the type of treatment they receive.
A multiplexed, three-dimensional pooling and next-generation sequencing strategy for creating barcoded mutant arrays: construction of a Schizosaccharomyces pombe transposon insertion library

Abstract Arrayed libraries of defined mutants have been used to elucidate gene function in the post-genomic era. Yeast haploid gene deletion libraries have pioneered this effort, but are costly to construct, do not reveal phenotypes that may occur with partial gene function and lack essential genes required for growth. We therefore devised an efficient method to construct a library of barcoded insertion mutants with a wider range of phenotypes that can be generalized to other organisms or collections of DNA samples. We developed a novel but simple three-dimensional pooling and multiplexed sequencing approach that leveraged sequence information to reduce the number of required sequencing reactions by orders of magnitude, and were able to identify the barcode sequences and DNA insertion sites of 4391 Schizosaccharomyces pombe insertion mutations with only 40 sequencing preparations. The insertion mutations are in the genes and untranslated regions of nonessential, essential and noncoding RNA genes, and produced a wider range of phenotypes compared to the cognate deletion mutants, including novel phenotypes. This mutant library represents both a proof of principle for an efficient method to produce novel mutant libraries and a valuable resource for the S. pombe research community.
Characterization of TiO2 films obtained by a wet chemical process

Abstract TiO2 has an easily tunable bandgap and a great absorption dye ability being widely used in many fields and in a number of fascinating applications. In this study, a wet chemical route, particularly a sol gel method using spin-coating is adopted to deposit TiO2 thin films onto soda lime glass and silicon substrates. TiO2 films were prepared by using an alcoholic solution of analytical reagent grade TiCl4 as titanium precursor at various experimental conditions. The accent was put on the conditions of preparation (spin time, spin speed, precursor concentration, number of coating layers etc), doping and on the post-deposit treatment namely the drying and the crystallization. The results showed a strong dependence on the drying temperature and on the temperature and duration of the crystallization. We found that the solution preparation and its color are important for getting a reproducible final product. The Raman spectra recorded at room temperature, showed the characteristic peaks of anatase which appear at 143 and around 396 cm−1. These peaks confirm the presence of TiO2. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify the crystalline characteristic of TiO2 while the chemical states and relative amounts of the main elements existing in the samples were investigated by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The morphology of the samples was visualized by AFM. We show by this work the feasibility to obtain different nanostructured TiO2 by changing the concentration of the solution. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films was evaluated. Rhodamine B is a recalcitrant dye and TiO2 was successfully tested for its oxidation. An abatement of 60% was obtained under sunlight for an initial concentration of 10 mg/l.
Depression rates and health-seeking behavior in primary care: Andersen model of health- care utilization

ABSTRACT Depression imposes a tremendous burden on the health-care systems. Many patients prefer informal (family & friends) over formal mental health services (MHS) provided by professionals. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression among primary care patients and to examine the factors predicting seeking MHS using the Andersen Health Care Utilization Model. We interviewed 300 primary care patients in Jordan. The mean age was 39.85 ± 14.45, and 80% were women. 35.7% had depression, and 28.7% had significant depression impairing daily function. The most commonly reported source of help was family members and less than one-third had the intention to seek formal MHS. The predisposing-factors domain was the only predictive of seeking MHS in depression and suicide, whereas the ‘enabling’ and ‘need’ domains were not. Knowledge, stigma and life satisfaction were predictive of seeking formal MHS. Raising awareness and empowering doctors to screen for depression is needed as less than a third would seek formal MHS.
Implementing mixed nursing care teams in intensive care units during COVID‐19: A rapid qualitative descriptive study

Abstract Aims The goal of this study was to gain insight into the views and experiences of an intensive care team working in a new nursing‐care delivery model during the COVID‐19 waves. A new model of care was implemented to augment nursing capacity and provide sufficient intensive care beds. Design A qualitative monocentric study using rapid qualitative descriptive methods was reported in line with the COREQ checklist. Methods Nurse, ward manager and physician participants were purposively recruited between January and March 2021 in a tertiary university‐affiliated hospital in the Flemish‐speaking part of Belgium. Semistructured interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis methods. Results The participants were seventeen expert nurses, twelve supporting nurses, seven ward managers and four physicians. A central theme of ensuring safe, high‐quality care emerged from the findings. There was a sense of losing one's grip on clinical practice when working in the mixed nursing‐care teams. Different underlying experiences played a part in this sense of losing control: dealing with unknown elements, experiencing role ambiguity, struggling with responsibility and the absence of trust. Several coping mechanisms were developed by the nursing‐care team to deal with those experiences, including attempts to create stability, to strike a balance between delegating and educating, to build in control and to communicate openly. Conclusion In this rapid qualitative descriptive study, the implementation of a new nursing‐care delivery model during a pandemic was seen to lead to several challenges for all members of the care team. Coping mechanisms were developed by the team to deal with these experienced challenges. Impact When rethinking nursing‐care delivery models, the findings of this study may help guide the process of implementing mixed nursing‐care teams. Special attention needs to be paid to clarifying roles, sharing responsibility and clinical leadership. Other significant influences (such as moral distress) should also be taken into account.
An innovative fluorometric bioanalysis strategy towards recognition of DNA methylation using opto‐active polymer: A new platform for DNA damage studies by genosensor technology

Efficient pharmacotherapy of cancer is related to accurate recognition of genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations in the early‐stage diagnosis. In the present study, a novel optical genosensor based on toluidine blue as photonic probe was developed to detection of DNA methylation using hybridization of pDNA with cDNA. Biomedical analysis was performed using UV‐vis and fluorometric methods. For the first time, this strategy was applied for the distinction of methylated DNA from unmethylated‐DNA‐based on the interaction of optical probe with methylated‐DNA and unmethylated DNA. Fluorescence spectroscopic data showed that poly‐toluidine blue could be bind to DNA sequences and lead to different fluorescence patterns and could be used as an efficient geno‐platform for the sensitive bioassay of mutation. The excitation and emission wavelengths were 580 and 630 nm, respectively. Non‐binding of mismatch sequences with the optical probe was used as negative control. Under optimal conditions, linear range was 1 zM to 0.2 pm and the lower limit of quantitation was obtained as target concentrations ranging 1 zM. The designed genosensor showed high capability to distinct methylation from un‐methylated. Therefore, the designed DNA‐based bioassay could detect DNA methylation significantly. Finally, bioanalysis of real samples showed that the designed genosensor could use to detect DNA methylation which is a new platform for point of care analysis.
Predictors of treatment interruption among patients on antiretroviral therapy in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria: outcomes after 12 months

ABSTRACT Understanding the characteristics of people living with HIV who interrupt antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for designing client-centered services to ensure optimal outcomes. We assessed predictors of treatment interruption in 22 HIV clinics in Nigeria. We reviewed records of HIV-positive patients aged ≥15 years who started ART 1 January and 31 March 2019. We determined treatment status over 12 months as either active, or interrupted treatment (defined as interruption in treatment up to 28 days or longer). Potential predictors were assessed using Cox hazard regression models. Overall, 1185 patients were enrolled on ART, 829 (70%) were female, and median age was 32 years. Retention at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months was 85%, 80%, 76%, 72%, and 68%, respectively. Predictors of treatment interruption were post-secondary education (p = 0.04), diagnosis through voluntary counseling and testing (p < 0.001), receiving care at low-volume facilities (p < 0.001), lack of access to a peer counselor (p < 0.001), and residing outside the clinic catchment area (p = 0.03). Treatment interruption was common but can be improved by focusing on lower volume health facilities, providing peer support especially to those with higher education, and client-centered HIV services for those who live further from clinics.
Targeted Proteins Reveal Cathepsin D as a Novel Biomarker in Differentiating Hepatocellular Carcinoma from Cirrhosis and Other Liver Cancers

Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a global health concern, particularly in Southeast Asia where hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is common. In this study, we applied tissue-based proteomics to identify novel serological proteins for HCC and validated their performance in serum specimens. Methods: In a discovery set, liver tissue specimens of HBV-related HCC, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and colorectal cancer with liver metastasis (CRLM) were analyzed using mass spectrometry (LTQ-Orbitrap-XL). A subset of proteins that showed highly expressed in HCC were then confirmed by Western blotting. Additionally, clinical significance of selected candidate proteins was tested in serum samples of 80 patients with HBV-related HCC, 50 patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis and 30 healthy controls. Results: Based on LTQ-Orbitrap-XL mass spectrometer, various differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues were identified. These included 77 DEPs for HCC, 77 DEPs for iCCA and 55 DEPs for CRLM. Among selected candidate proteins, annexin A2 and cathepsin D were confirmed to be overexpressed in HCC tissue by Western blot analysis. In a validate cohort, serum cathepsin D level, but not annexin A2, was significantly higher in HCC compared with the non-HCC groups. Serum cathepsin D level was also positively correlated with tumor size and tumor stage. Additionally, the combined assay of serum cathepsin D and alpha-fetoprotein had a high sensitivity in detecting early HCC (83%) and intermediate/advanced HCC (96%). Moreover, patients with low serum cathepsin D (<305 ng/mL) displayed significantly better overall survival than those whose serum levels were high (≥305 ng/mL). Conclusions: Proteomics and subsequent validation revealed cathepsin D as a novel biomarker for HCC. Apart from its diagnostic role, serum cathepsin D might also serve as a prognostic biomarker of HCC. Additional large-scale studies are needed to verify our findings.