Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of transgenic Bt rice on the survival rate and predation of Paederus fuscipes Curtis adults

[Objectives] The effect of transgenic Bt rice on the survival rate and predatory function of Paederus fuscipes Curtis was studied under laboratory conditions. [Methods] The survival rate of P. fuscipes was measured 7, 14, 21 and 28 d after feeding on brown planthoppers(BPH) reared on transgenic rice. We experimentally varied predator-prey density to evaluate the effect of transgenic Bt rice on the survival rate and predatory ability of P. fuscipes. [Results] The survival rate of P. fuscipes fed on BPH reared on transgenic Bt rice was not significantly different to that of those fed on BPH raised on non-transgenic rice. The predatory ability of P. fuscipes fed on planthoppers raised on transgenic rice plants was not significantly different to that of those fed on BPH raised on non-transgenic rice. The functional response of adult P. fuscipes to BPH could be described by the HollingⅡ model equation: Na=1.3421N/(1+0.0887N). [Conclusion] Transgenic cry1Ab/Ac gene rice has no obvious negative effects on the survival rate and predatory ability of P. fuscipes.
Association of TLR-2 Gene Polymorphisms with the Risk of Periodontitis: A Meta-Analysis

Background Periodontitis is a kind of chronic infectious disease, affecting the health of billions of people. In recent years, a number of studies have shown that multiple immune gene polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to periodontitis, among which TLR-2 plays a critical role in periodontitis. But most of the studies reported TLR-2 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to periodontitis are not consistent. Therefore, we included all eligible studies in our study for further meta-analysis. Methods We used electronic databases, including CNKI, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases, and relevant research published through June, 2020. Selecting studies involved case-control trials. For all eligibility studies, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) are provided or can be calculated from the study data. The size of the combined effect was calculated using STATA 15.0. Results Our meta-analysis included 14 articles representing 18 case-control studies with a total of 3873 cases and 3438 control subjects. Significant association was found between periodontitis and TLR-2 rs1898830 polymorphism under the allelic model (A allele vs. G allele: p = 0.014, OR = 1.208, 95% CI: 1.039-1.406), recessive model (GG vs. GA+AA: p = 0.028, OR = 0.755, 95% CI: 0.588-0.970), and codominant model (GG VS. AA: p = 0.014, OR = 0.681, 95% CI: 0.501-0.925). In subgroup analysis, TLR-2 rs5743708 polymorphism was associated with periodontitis risk in Asians under an allelic model (G allele vs. A allele: p = 0.017, OR = 12.064, 95% CI: 1.570-92.688), dominant model (GA+AA vs.GG: p = 0.016, OR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.010-0.620), and codominant model (GA VS. GG: p = 0.016, OR = 1.026, 95% CI: 0.821-1.282). Conclusion The TLR-2 rs1898830, rs5743708 polymorphism may be associated with susceptibility to periodontitis. In the future, genome-wide approaches and large-scale, multiethnic case-control trials are still needed.
Prevalence and perception of drug use amongst secondary school students in two local government areas of Lagos State, Nigeria

Background Drug abuse, an excessive and persistent self-administration of a drug without regard to the medically or culturally accepted patterns, has been reported amongst teenagers and adolescents in various regions of the world. Aim This study aimed to measure the prevalence of drug use amongst students of junior and senior secondary schools (aged 10–15 years). Setting This study was conducted at two local government areas in Lagos State. Methods The cross-sectional study was carried out in Ikotun or Igando local council development area (LCDA) and Ikoyi LCDA of Lagos State. Students were sampled using stratified random sampling with classes as strata and sampling performed by balloting. The modified WHO Model Drug Use Survey Questionnaire was distributed to the students for self-reporting. Ethical approval was received from district school boards. Results A total of 1048 students participated in the survey. In this study, alcohol had the highest lifetime drug prevalence rate (29.1%), followed by pharmaceutical opioids (9%). Gender, educational level, type of school management, and geographical economic distribution were found to be predictors of prevalence of drug use. This study demonstrated significant differences in the prevalence of tobacco and opioids use among students in private and public schools; and documented statistically significant differences in the prevalence of cocaine use between low income and high-income areas in two LCDAs in Lagos, Nigeria. Conclusion Prevalence of lifetime, recent use, and current use of drugs among secondary school students in two LCDAs located in Lagos State, Nigeria were documented with alcohol as the drug with the highest prevalence.
Effect of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation at Auricular Concha for Insomnia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Insomnia inflicts mental burden and decreases physical productivity and affects life quality. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) may be an effective treatment option for insomnia. This study aims to evaluate the effect and safety of ta-VNS and compare it with transcutaneous nonvagus nerve stimulation (tn-VNS). A multicenter, randomized, clinical trial was conducted at 3 hospitals in China enrolling 72 insomnia participants from May 2016 to June 2017. Participants were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to receive 40 sessions of ta-VNS or tn-VNS treatment. 63 participants completed the trial. ta-VNS treatment significantly decreased the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, Flinders Fatigue Scale score, Hamilton Depression Scale score, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale score over 4 weeks compared with those of the baseline. Moreover, it also significantly increased the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire scores compared with that of the baseline. However, it did not show significant differences compared with tn-VNS in changes of primary and secondary outcomes. The incidence of adverse events was low. ta-VNS significantly relieved insomnia over 4 weeks. Moreover, it also alleviated fatigue and improved participants' quality of life as well as other concomitant symptoms such as depression and anxiety. This trial is registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn) with the registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-13003519.
Therapeutic Sensations: A New Unifying Concept

Physical sensations of tingling, warmth, dull pain, and heaviness are a common phenomenon in mind-body interventions, such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, osteopathy, qigong, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. Even though there are striking parallels between sensations produced by many different interventions, no attempt has yet been made to understand them from a unifying perspective that combines information from different therapies and practices. Therefore, this narrative systematic review introduces the concept of therapeutic sensations and summarizes studies of their sensory quality, bodily topography, and the meaning that patients attach to them. Furthermore, it highlights the essential role of therapeutic sensations in the development of vital energy concepts, such as qi, prana, pneuma, and orgone, in various traditional medicine systems, body-oriented psychotherapy, and so-called energy medicine. Finally, the assessment of therapeutic sensations may help to gain a deeper understanding of such concepts, finding a common language between scientists, patients and practitioners, and bridging the wide gap between materialistic and vitalistic views.
Patient Satisfaction With the Use of Telemedicine in the Management of Hyperthyroidism

Introduction We have been using telemedicine in the management of hyperthyroidism since 2010. Although telemedicine has been used in different areas of healthcare management for several years, its importance was highlighted during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this survey was to assess patient satisfaction with the use of telemedicine in the management of hyperthyroidism. Materials and methods A postal survey was administered to all patients who had received at least one telemedicine session during the months January to May 2020 for the management of hyperthyroidism. Patients were asked to respond to nine statements using the five-point Likert scale. A suggestion box was included for comments and suggestions for improvement. Results There were 106 patients (26 males vs 80 females) with an average age of 53 years who received one to three calls over a five-month study period. A total of 65 respondents returned completed survey forms (61.3% response rate). Approximately 97% of respondents were satisfied with the overall quality of service provided during the use of telemedicine in the management of hyperthyroidism. The telemedicine service was time saving and met their needs. Approximately 14% of respondents were undecided about whether telemedicine was as good as the traditional face-to-face consultation. The respondents also made useful comments and suggestions concerning the provision of adequate time slots, occasional face-to-face appointments, and the introduction of text messaging and emailing to the telemedicine service. Conclusions This survey has demonstrated that the use of telemedicine in the management of hyperthyroidism is desirable to a majority of patients, as long as adequate time slots are dedicated to the telemedicine sessions and patients are reassured of the availability of face-to-face consultation sessions. Regular patient feedback is necessary to perfect the use of telemedicine in a patient-centered healthcare service.
Antiglycation and Antioxidant Properties of Ficus deltoidea Varieties

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of standardized methanolic extracts from seven Ficus deltoidea varieties in inhibiting the formation of AGEs, protein oxidation, and their antioxidant effects. The antiglycation activity was analyzed based on the inhibition of AGEs, fructosamine, and thiol groups level followed by the inhibition of protein carbonyl formation. The antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power assay) and total phenolic contents were evaluated. After 28 days of induction, all varieties of Ficus deltoidea extracts significantly restrained the formation of fluorescence AGEs by 4.55–5.14 fold. The extracts also reduced the fructosamine levels by 47.0–86.5%, increased the thiol group levels by 64.3–83.7%, and inhibited the formation of protein carbonyl by 1.36–1.76 fold. DPPH radical scavenging activity showed an IC50 value of 66.81–288.04 μg/ml and reducing power activity depicted at 0.02–0.24 μg/ml. The extent of phenolic compounds present in the extracts ranged from 70.90 to 299.78 mg·GAE/g. Apart from that, correlation studies between the activities were observed. This study revealed that seven varieties of Ficus deltoidea have the potential to inhibit AGEs formation and possess antioxidant activity that might be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds.
Comparison of Genetic Diversity of Rice Landraces Planted in Two Periods in Hani′s Terraced Fields in Yuanyang County,Yunnan Province,China Using Microsatellite Markers

To compare the genetic diversity of rice landraces in different periods polymorphism,genetic similarity and cluster analyses were conducted with 148 rice landraces by using 48 SSR markers.The materials included 72 landraces collected during the 1970s(past-grown landraces) and 76 grown during the past decade(current-grown landraces) in Hani′s terraced fields in Yuanyang County,Yunnan Province.The results showed that the differences between the two periods in all indices,including average number of alleles,effective number of alleles,locus polymorphism information content and genotype diversity were not significant.Furthermore,52 alleles of 24 SSR markers differed between the past-grown and the current-grown landraces,among which 32 alleles of 18 SSR markers were not detected in the current-grown landraces and 20 alleles of 16 SSR markers were not detected in the past-grown landraces.The average genetic similarity coefficient of the current-grown landraces was 0.3340,and that of the past-grown landraces was 0.3313. The current-grown and past-grown landraces were divided into japonica and indica subspecies at the genetic similarity coefficient of 0.174 and 0.203,respectively.These results indicated that for more than 30 years′ natural and artificial selection,there were variations in some of the allele locus of the rice landraces from Hani′s terraced fields with high genetic diversity.In addition,the indica-japonica subspecies differentiation was obvious in the landraces from Hani′s terraced fields in Yuanyang,and the differentiation seemed to be ongoing,indicating that Hani′s terraced fields and the rice landraces might be ideal tested field and materials for the study of indica-japonica subspecies evolution.
Comparison of the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis between Chinese patients with breast cancer with bone-only and non-bone-only metastasis

Bone is the most common site of metastatic spread in patients with breast cancer. Patients with bone-only metastasis (BOM) are a unique group. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinicopathological characteristics, survival and prognostic factors of patients with BOM and non-BOM. The clinical data of 1,290 patients with metastatic breast cancer treated at the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital (Tianjin, China) between January 2008 and December 2017 were reviewed. The clinical data were divided into a BOM group (n=208 cases) and a non-BOM group (n=1,082 cases). Patients with BOM had longer disease-free survival, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with patients in the non-BOM group. The hormone receptor (HR) status and number of metastases were significant influencing factors of PFS in the BOM group. Furthermore, the HR status, location of bone metastasis and number of bone metastases were significantly associated with OS of patients in the BOM group. Age at diagnosis of metastasis, HR status and tumor stage were significantly associated with OS in the non-BOM group. In the BOM group, patients with HR+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)− tumors had the most favorable prognosis. In the non-BOM group, patients with HR+/HER2− and HER2+ tumors had improved prognosis. In the BOM with HR+/HER2− subgroup, the PFS and OS of patients receiving endocrine therapy or sequential therapy (chemotherapy followed by endocrine therapy) was significantly improved compared with those receiving chemotherapy alone (P<0.05). Skeletal-related events were significantly associated with the number of bone metastases (P<0.001). The most common secondary metastatic site in the BOM group was the liver. The prognosis of the patients in the BOM group was improved compared with that in the non-BOM patients. HR− and multiple bone metastases, as well as combined axial and appendicular bone metastases, were significantly associated with poor prognosis in the patients with BOM. For patients in the HR+/HER2− BOM subgroup, endocrine therapy alone resulted in satisfactory results.
Changing Trends in Firework-Related Eye Injuries in Southern China: A 5-Year Retrospective Study of 468 Cases

Firework-related eye injury is a horrible medical problem and creates huge health and social burdens. Herein, we explored the changing trends and demographic and clinical features of firework-related eye injury, in an effort to inform strategies to prevent this injury. We reviewed the data of 468 hospitalized patients who underwent surgery for firework-related eye injury at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center between January 2013 and December 2017. During this period, the trend in firework-related eye injuries was stable (mean, 93 ± 14 cases per year), and fireworks were the major cause of explosive eye injury. The average age of the patients was 24 ± 18 years and 87% of the patients were male, with boys under 10 years of age comprising the largest group (27% of patients). There were an average of 24 ± 7 cases per year from urban areas and 70 ± 8 cases from rural areas (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 21 ± 5% of cases occurred during Spring Festival. After treatment, the best corrected visual acuity was increased compared to that before treatment, and the intraocular pressure tended to become normal by the final visit (P < 0.05). The top three diagnoses were cataract (39%), retinal detachment (18%), and choroidal detachment (14%). Additionally, the most common surgery was cataract extraction (25%), followed by pars plana vitrectomy (19%) and pars plana vitrectomy plus pars plana lensectomy (10%). Over the five-year study period, day surgery hospitalization increased from 1% to 32%. This was associated with a corresponding decrease in the length of hospitalization, without adverse events, demonstrating that day surgery is feasible in firework-related eye injury cases. The present study results suggest that greater attention should be paid to firework-related eye injury, and a variety of measures should be taken to prevent this kind of ocular tragedy.
Laboratory Investigation of HMA Performance Using Hamburg Wheel Tracking and DSR Torsional Creep Tests

Lack of existing fundamental mechanistic tests to evaluate performance potential of HMA mixtures has given rise to a number of empirical and mechanical-empirical test procedures. In an effort to understand how one of these tests, the Hamburg rutting test, was impacted by differences in HMA mixture variables, the following experimental work was conducted. Three aggregate types consisting of a crushed granite, a crushed siliceous gravel, and a crushed limestone were evaluated at 4 design ESAL levels. These 4 ESAL levels were 300,000, 1 million, 3 million, and 10 million. For each of these aggregate types and ESAL levels, 5 PG graded binders were investigated. The binders were PG 58-28, PG 64-28C (chemically modified), PG 64-28P, PG 64-34, and PG 70-28; the latter 3 binders were polymer modified. For all mixtures, Hamburg Wheel Tracking tests were performed under water at 50°C. In addition, a DSR Creep Test developed at MTE was performed on each mixture at 58°C and 34 kPa stress to determine the dry strength characteristics. The Hamburg test showed consistently better results as the ESAL level of the mix increased and as the high temperature PG grade of the binder increased for a given base asphalt. In the Hamburg test, mixes produced with PG 64-34 did not perform as well as PG 70-28 or PG 64-28P, while in the DSR Creep Test, mixes produced with PG 64-34 performed significantly better than PG 64-28P. This leads to speculation that the modulus of the base asphalt plays a more significant role in stress applied moisture resistance tests and that dry high temperature permanent deformation tests are influenced by the modified binder properties.
Inadequate preparedness for response to COVID-19 is associated with stress and burnout among healthcare workers in Ghana

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the global crisis of stress and burnout among healthcare workers (HCWs). But few studies have empirically examined the factors driving these outcomes. We examined the association between perceived preparedness to respond to the pandemic and HCW stress and burnout and identified potential mediating factors among HCWs in Ghana. Methods: Data are from HCWs in Ghana who completed a cross-sectional self-administered online survey; 414 and 409 HCWs completed stress and burnout questions, respectively. Perceived preparedness, stress, and burnout were measured using validated psychosocial measures. We assessed associations using linear regressions with robust standard errors. Results: The average score for preparedness was 24 (SD=8.8), 16.3 (SD=5.9) for stress, and 37.4 (SD=15.5) for burnout. In multivariate analysis, HCWs who felt somewhat prepared and prepared had lower stress ({beta}=-1.89, 95%CI:-3.49 to -0.30 and {beta}=-2.66, 95%CI:-4.48 to -0.84) and burnout ({beta}=-7.74, 95%CI:-11.8 to -3.64 and {beta}=-9.25, 95%CI:-14.1 to - 4.41) scores than those who did not feel prepared. Appreciation from management and family support were associated with lower stress and burnout, while fear of infection was associated with higher stress and burnout. Fear of infection partially mediated the relationship between perceived preparedness and stress/burnout, accounting for about 16 to 17% of the effect. Conclusion: Low perceived preparedness to respond to COVID-19 increases stress and burnout, and this is partly through fear of infection. Interventions to increase HCWs' morale and capacity to respond to the pandemic are needed.
Time-use and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a panel analysis of 55,204 adults followed across 11 weeks of lockdown in the UK

There is currently major concern about the impact of the global COVID 19 outbreak on mental health. But it remains unclear how individual behaviors could exacerbate or protect against adverse changes in mental health. This study aimed to examine the associations between specific activities (or time use) and mental health and wellbeing amongst people during the COVID 19 pandemic. Data were from the UCL COVID 19 Social Study; a panel study collecting data weekly during the COVID 19 pandemic. The analytical sample consisted of 55,204 adults living in the UK who were followed up for the strict 11 week lockdown period from 21st March to 31st May 2020. Data were analyzed using fixed effects and Arellano Bond models. We found that changes in time spent on a range of activities were associated with changes in mental health and wellbeing. After controlling for bidirectionality, behaviors involving outdoor activities including gardening and exercising predicted subsequent improvements in mental health and wellbeing, while increased time spent on following news about COVID 19 predicted declines in mental health and wellbeing. These results are relevant to the formulation of guidance for people obliged to spend extended periods in isolation during health emergencies, and may help the public to maintain wellbeing during future pandemics.
Caking Mechanisms of Passion Fruit Powder During Storage

Dry food is generally susceptible to caking during storage. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyse the influence of temperature and relative humidity on mechanisms contributing to the caking of passion fruit powder during storage. The research was conducted by storing passion fruit powder in desiccators at various points of temperature (10, 20, and 30oC) and relative humidity (32.8%, 52.8%, and 75.2%). The variations in storage RH were produced by using saturated salt solutions put under the desiccators. The parameters were the evaluated extent of passion fruit powder caking during storage. The results showed that variation in storage temperature did not significantly influence caking because the storage temperature used in this study was still lower than the glass transition temperature of the samples. Water molecules in this condition become unable to carry out chemical activities that cause caking. However, RH variation has a significant influence on the caking of passion fruit powder. The high moisture content at a storage RH of 52.5 and 75.2% could trigger caking.
An epidemiologic study of irritable bowel syndrome in adolescents

目的 分析青少年儿童肠易激综合征(IBS)的患病率、分布特征(包括区域、学龄段、性别分布等)及其致病的相关危险因素. 方法采用多级整群随机抽样方法,对黑龙江省与上海市共9所学校中5403名中小学生进行流行病学问卷调查,估算符合罗马Ⅱ诊断标准IBS的期间患病率,对其致病的相关危险因素进行单因素与多因素分析. 结果推测被调查的两地中小学生符合罗马Ⅱ诊断标准的IBS患病率为13. 25%,男女患病率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05). 区域性分层研究表明,患病率在黑龙江省(14.02%)和上海市(11.72%)之间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05). 学龄段分层研究表明,高中生患病率(17.80%)明显高于其他学龄段(P＜0.01). 多因素回归分析表明,饮酒、吸烟、辛辣食物、痢疾史、腹部手术史、服用大量抗生素史、受凉、疲劳、心情焦虑、心情压抑及内向性格11个因素为最具可能性的危险因素,其OR值分别为1. 25、1.44、1.13、1.37、1.63、1.93、2.83、1.10、1.07、1.13及1. 05. 结论IBS是青少年儿童人群的常见病和多发病. 青少年儿童IBS患病率存在区域性与学龄段差异. 心理因素、食物、不良外界环境因素及家庭环境因素等可能是诱发青少年儿童IBS致病的相关危险因素。