Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychological consequences of lockdown on dental professionals during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mainly spreads through respiratory droplets. The dental profession is particularly at risk. Routine dental care was suspended after the announcement of the first lockdown in India. This makes the group vulnerable to psychosocial consequences. The present study aims to evaluate the psychosocial issues among dental professionals during COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 627 dental professionals of India, using online Google Forms from April 23, 2020, through April 30, 2020. Participants were evaluated using self-constructed and self-administered personal and professional hardship and fear checklist specifically developed for this study. The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) Depression Scale and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and PHQ-15 were used to assess the depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. RESULTS: Fear had a remarkable impact on 80.7% of responders. Among the participants, 40.5%, 24.5%, and 30.6% reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms, respectively. Somatic symptoms were significantly associated with gender (P = 0.000). Work setting was significantly associated with depression (P = 0.011) and anxiety symptoms (P = 0.001). Concern, worry, and fear due to COVID-19 were significantly associated with depression (P = 0.000), anxiety (P = 0.033), and somatic symptoms (P = 0.009). There was a positive correlation between depression and anxiety symptoms (P = 0.01) and between age and somatic symptoms (P = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: This group reported a high level of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Female dental professionals and private practitioners had more depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Immediate and special intervention is needed for this group. Further exploration into the nature and its effects of the psychological symptoms may be required.
Depression, fitness, and student willingness to pursue university counseling and alternative antidepressant options

BACKGROUND: Depression prevalence in college students is three to six times higher than US adults. Counseling utilization increased by 30%–40% despite reports of student unwillingness to pursue therapy. Pursuance of alternative options, like exercise or meditation, is rarely reported. This study examined students’ willingness to seek depression treatment through university mental health services (UMHS) and alternative options (AO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Students (n = 780) completed a survey including validated depression and estimated cardiorespiratory fitness instruments. Yes/Maybe/No responses regarding willingness to seek UMHS and AO were analyzed for associations with demographics, depression status, and fitness level. Descriptive and inferential analyses were employed. RESULTS: Students were more likely to select “Yes” for AO than UMHS (χ2 = 104.145, P < 0.001). Low-fit students (χ2 = 8.35, P = 0.02) and those in depression treatment (χ2 = 15.182, P < 0.001) selected “Yes” to UMHS more often than expected. Younger (χ2 = 7.893, P = 0.02), nondepressed (χ2 = 7.355, P = 0.03), and fit students (χ2 = 10.617, P = 0.005) chose “Yes” while males selected “No” (χ2 = 8.99, P = 0.01) more often than expected for AO. Approximately 31% of students reported having moderate-to-severe depression, 7.8% were in treatment, and 55% were classified as having low fitness levels. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study should be considered when developing antidepressant programming on university campuses.
Machine learning predicts cancer subtypes and progression from blood immune signatures

Clinical adoption of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer management has highlighted the interconnection between carcinogenesis and the immune system. Immune cells are integral to the tumour microenvironment and can influence the outcome of therapies. Better understanding of an individual’s immune landscape may play an important role in treatment personalisation. Peripheral blood is a readily accessible source of information to study an individual’s immune landscape compared to more complex and invasive tumour bioipsies, and may hold immense diagnostic and prognostic potential. Identifying the critical components of these immune signatures in peripheral blood presents an attractive alternative to tumour biopsy-based immune phenotyping strategies. We used two syngeneic solid tumour models, a 4T1 breast cancer model and a CT26 colorectal cancer model, in a longitudinal study of the peripheral blood immune landscape. Our strategy combined two highly accessible approaches, blood leukocyte immune phenotyping and plasma soluble immune factor characterisation, to identify distinguishing immune signatures of the CT26 and 4T1 tumour models using machine learning. Myeloid cells, specifically neutrophils and PD-L1-expressing myeloid cells, were found to correlate with tumour size in both the models. Elevated levels of G-CSF, IL-6 and CXCL13, and B cell counts were associated with 4T1 growth, whereas CCL17, CXCL10, total myeloid cells, CCL2, IL-10, CXCL1, and Ly6Cintermediate monocytes were associated with CT26 tumour development. Peripheral blood appears to be an accessible means to interrogate tumour-dependent changes to the host immune landscape, and to identify blood immune phenotypes for future treatment stratification.
D-dimer, CRP, PCT, and IL-6 Levels at Admission to ICU Can Predict In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia

Introduction Health care workers have had a challenging task since the COVID-19 outbreak. Prompt and effective predictors of clinical outcomes are crucial to recognize potentially critically ill patients and improve the management of COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to identify potential predictors of clinical outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods The study was designed as a retrospective cohort study, which included 318 patients treated from June 2020 to January 2021 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Clinical Hospital Center “Bezanijska Kosa” in Belgrade, Serbia. The verified diagnosis of COVID-19 disease, patients over 18 years of age, and the hospitalization in ICU were the criteria for inclusion in the study. The optimal cutoff value of D-dimer, CRP, IL-6, and PCT for predicting hospital mortality was determined using the ROC curve, while the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to assess survival. Results The study included 318 patients: 219 (68.9%) were male and 99 (31.1%) female. The median age of patients was 69 (60-77) years. During the treatment, 195 (61.3%) patients died, thereof 130 male (66.7%) and 65 female (33.3%). 123 (38.7%) patients were discharged from hospital treatment. The cutoff value of IL-6 for in-hospital death prediction was 74.98 pg/mL (Sn 69.7%, Sp 62.7%); cutoff value of CRP was 81 mg/L (Sn 60.7%, Sp 60%); cutoff value of procalcitonin was 0.56 ng/mL (Sn 81.1%, Sp 76%); and cutoff value of D-dimer was 760 ng/mL FEU (Sn 63.4%, Sp 57.1%). IL-6 ≥ 74.98 pg/mL, CRP ≥ 81 mg/L, PCT ≥ 0.56 ng/mL, and D-dimer ≥ 760 ng/mL were statistically significant predictors of in-hospital mortality. Conclusion IL-6 ≥ 74.98 pg/mL, CRP values ≥ 81 mg/L, procalcitonin ≥ 0.56 ng/mL, and D-dimer ≥ 760 ng/mL could effectively predict in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Regional amyloid correlates of cognitive performance in ageing and mild cognitive impairment

Abstract Beta-amyloid deposition is one of the earliest pathological markers associated with Alzheimer's disease. Mild cognitive impairment in the setting of beta-amyloid deposition is considered to represent a preclinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease. In vivo imaging studies are unique in their potential to advance our understanding of the role of beta-amyloid deposition in cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease and in mild cognitive impairment. Previous work has shown an association between global cortical measures of beta-amyloid deposition (‘amyloid positivity’) in mild cognitive impairment with greater cognitive deficits and greater risk of progression to Alzheimer's disease. The focus of the present study was to examine the relationship between the regional distribution of beta-amyloid deposition and specific cognitive deficits in people with mild cognitive impairment and cognitively normal elderly individuals. Forty-seven participants with multi-domain, amnestic mild cognitive impairment (43% female, aged 57–82 years) and 37 healthy, cognitively normal comparison subjects (42% female, aged 55–82 years) underwent clinical and neuropsychological assessments and high-resolution positron emission tomography with the radiotracer 11C-labelled Pittsburgh compound B to measure beta-amyloid deposition. Brain–behaviour partial least-squares analysis was conducted to identify spatial patterns of beta-amyloid deposition that correlated with the performance on neuropsychological assessments. Partial least-squares analysis identified a single significant (P < 0.001) latent variable which accounted for 80% of the covariance between demographic and cognitive measures and beta-amyloid deposition. Performance in immediate verbal recall (R = −0.46 ± 0.07, P < 0.001), delayed verbal recall (R = −0.39 ± 0.09, P < 0.001), immediate visual-spatial recall (R = −0.39 ± 0.08, P < 0.001), delayed visual-spatial recall (R = −0.45 ± 0.08, P < 0.001) and semantic fluency (R = −0.33 ± 0.11, P = 0.002) but not phonemic fluency (R = −0.05 ± 0.12, P < 0.705) negatively covaried with beta-amyloid deposition in the identified regions. Partial least-squares analysis of the same cognitive measures with grey matter volumes showed similar associations in overlapping brain regions. These findings suggest that the regional distribution of beta-amyloid deposition and grey matter volumetric decreases is associated with deficits in executive function and memory in mild cognitive impairment. Longitudinal analysis of these relationships may advance our understanding of the role of beta-amyloid deposition in relation to grey matter volumetric decreases in cognitive decline.
Evolving concept of dyssynchrony and its utility

The role of electromechanical dyssynchrony in heart failure gained prominence in literature with the results of trials of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). CRT has shown to significantly decrease heart failure hospitalization and mortality in heart failure patients with dyssynchrony. Current guidelines recommend the use of electrical dyssynchrony based on a QRS > 150 ms and a left bundle branch block pattern on surface electrocardiogram to identify dyssynchrony in patients who will benefit from CRT implantation. However, predicting response to CRT remains a challenge with nearly one-third of patients gaining no benefit from the device. Multiple echocardiographic measures of mechanical dyssynchrony have been studied over the past two decade. However, trials where mechanical dyssynchrony used as an additional or lone criteria for CRT failed to show any benefit in the response to CRT. This shows that a deeper understanding of cardiac mechanics should be applied in the assessment of dyssynchrony. This review discusses the evolving role of imaging techniques in assessing cardiac dyssynchrony and their application in patients considered for device therapy.
Motivations, barriers and exercise preferences among female undergraduates: A need assessment analysis

Introduction The decreasing level of physical activity among female undergraduates is worrying as it is associated with the increased risk of non-communicable diseases. Thus, this study aimed to identify the motivations, barriers and preferences towards exercise among female undergraduates in Malaysia. Methods A non-probability purposive sampling was used for the recruitment process. The inclusion criteria of the participants were registered female undergraduates and aged between 18–30 years old. A semi-structured in-depth interview was used to collect topic-related information from the participants and signed consents were obtained prior to the interview. The interview questions were on respondents’ understanding of exercise, motivation and barriers to exercise, and exercise preferences. The recruitment process was conducted until the data was saturated. All interviews were audio recorded and manually transcribed verbatim. NVivo 11 was used to conduct the inductive analysis of the data to develop themes for motivation and barriers to exercise. For exercise preferences, four predetermined themes were used. Findings A total of 26 respondents participated in this study. Eight themes were found for motivation to exercise, with the most common themes being maintaining or improving appearance, health benefits and togetherness. For barriers of exercising, five themes were found, and the most common ones were disliking exercise and no motivation. For exercise preferences, most respondents preferred a structured exercise program with flexibility in terms of when and where the exercise could be conducted. Light or moderate intensity exercise for 10–30 minutes with a frequency of 1–2 times a week was desired the most among the respondents. Conclusion In conclusion, personal and environmental factors play important roles in motivating or hampering female undergraduates to exercise, and a structured program was the preferred mode of exercise of these respondents. A new exercise module was designed based on this needs assessment with a 70% acceptance rate among the participants. These findings can help the future development of more exercise modules tailored to female university students.
Advancing mitogenomics : a case study in the Araneae

i Table of contents . iii List of figures . vii List of tables . ix List of abbreviations . xi List of publications, posters and communications . xiii 1. General introduction . 1 1.1. Arthropod diversity . 2 1.2. Araneae systematics . 2 1.3. Arachnid mitochondrial genomes . 6 1.4. Phylogenetics . 9 1.5. Mitogenomics . 11 1.6. Second generation sequencing . 14 1.7. Summary . 17 1.8. Thesis organisation . 18 2. Can long-range PCR be used to amplify genetically divergent mitochondrial genomes for comparative phylogenetics? A case study within spiders (Arthropoda: Araneae) . 21 2.1. Abstract . 22 2.2. Introduction . 22 2.3. Materials & methods . 26 2.3. 1. Sample collection and DNA extraction . 26 2.3. 2. Primer anchoring strategy . 28
SIRPγ-expressing cancer stem-like cells promote immune escape of lung cancer via Hippo signaling

Cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) acquire enhanced immune checkpoint responses to evade immune cell killing and promote tumor progression. Here we showed that signal regulatory protein γ (SIRPγ) determined CSLC properties and immune evasiveness in a small population of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cancer cells. A SIRPγhi population displayed CSLC properties and transmitted the immune escape signal through sustaining CD47 expression in both SIRPγhi and SIRPγlo/– tumor cells. SIRPγ bridged MST1 and PP2A to facilitate MST1 dephosphorylation, resulting in Hippo/YAP activation and leading to cytokine release by CSLCs, which stimulated CD47 expression in LUAD cells and consequently inhibited tumor cell phagocytosis. SIRPγ promoted tumor growth and metastasis in vivo through YAP signaling. Notably, SIRPγ targeting with genetic SIRPγ knockdown or a SIRPγ-neutralizing antibody inhibited CSLC phenotypes and elicited phagocytosis that suppressed tumor growth in vivo. SIRPG was upregulated in human LUAD and its overexpression predicted poor survival outcome. Thus, SIRPγhi cells serve as CSLCs and tumor immune checkpoint–initiating cells, propagating the immune escape signal to the entire cancer cell population. Our study identifies Hippo/YAP signaling as the first mechanism by which SIRPγ is engaged and reveals that targeting SIRPγ represents an immune- and CSLC-targeting strategy for lung cancer therapy.
COVID-19 infection in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: From pathophysiology to therapy. Mini-review.

Introduction Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a vulnerable group in terms of the outcome of coronavirus infection in relation to their disease or its treatment, with a higher risk of developing serious complications compared to the healthy population. Aim The aim of our summary study is to review the background and health outcomes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and COVID-19 infection in the presence of both diseases. Methods Review of national and international medical databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, and MOB) with keywords COPD, COVID-19, disease risk, cause, prevention, complications, and prognosis. Results Meta-analyses show that COPD is one of the most common underlying conditions in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Such patients are five times more likely to develop a serious complication due to oxygen supply problems therefore they are more likely to be admitted to intensive care units, where they may require mechanical ventilation. In the case of underlying COPD, the usual care plan for COVID-19 infection should be followed, as well as all public health recommendations to minimize the risk of developing and transmitting COVID-19. Conclusion Coronavirus infection is especially dangerous for COPD patients, who are much more likely to become seriously ill, so increased surveillance, prevention, early detection, adequate treatment and rehabilitation of the disease group are of paramount importance.
The changing landscape of neuroimaging in frontotemporal lobar degeneration: from group-level observations to single-subject data interpretation

ABSTRACT Introduction While the imaging signatures of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) phenotypes and genotypes are well-characterized based on group-level descriptive analyses, the meaningful interpretation of single MRI scans remains challenging. Single-subject MRI classification frameworks rely on complex computational models and large training datasets to categorize individual patients into diagnostic subgroups based on distinguishing imaging features. Reliable individual subject data interpretation is hugely important in the clinical setting to expedite the diagnosis and classify individuals into relevant prognostic categories. Areas covered This article reviews (1) single-subject MRI classification strategies in symptomatic and pre-symptomatic FTLD, (2) practical clinical implications, and (3) the limitations of current single-subject data interpretation models. Expert Opinion Classification studies in FTLD have demonstrated the feasibility of categorizing individual subjects into diagnostic groups based on multiparametric imaging data. Preliminary data indicate that pre-symptomatic FTLD mutation carriers may also be reliably distinguished from controls. Despite momentous advances in the field, significant further improvements are needed before these models can be developed into viable clinical applications.
Barriers to and Facilitators of Using a One Button Tracker and Web-Based Data Analytics Tool for Personal Science: Exploratory Study

Background Individuals’ self-tracking of subjectively experienced phenomena related to health can be challenging, as current options for instrumentation often involve too much effort in the moment or rely on retrospective self-reporting, which is likely to impair accuracy and compliance. Objective This study aims to assess the usability and perceived usefulness of low-effort, in-the-moment self-tracking using simple instrumentation and to establish the amount of support needed when using this approach. Methods In this exploratory study, the One Button Tracker—a press-button device that records time stamps and durations of button presses—was used for self-tracking. A total of 13 employees of an academic medical center chose a personal research question and used the One Button Tracker to actively track specific subjectively experienced phenomena for 2 to 4 weeks. To assess usability and usefulness, we combined qualitative data from semistructured interviews with quantitative results from the System Usability Scale. Results In total, 29 barriers and 15 facilitators for using the One Button Tracker were found. Ease of use was the most frequently mentioned facilitator. The One Button Tracker’s usability received a median System Usability Scale score of 75.0 (IQR 42.50), which is considered as good usability. Participants experienced effects such as an increased awareness of the tracked phenomenon, a confirmation of personal knowledge, a gain of insight, and behavior change. Support and guidance during all stages of the self-tracking process were judged as valuable. Conclusions The low-effort, in-the-moment self-tracking of subjectively experienced phenomena has been shown to support personal knowledge gain and health behavior change for people with an interest in health promotion. After addressing barriers and formally validating the collected data, self-tracking devices may well be helpful for additional user types or health questions.
Permeability of artificial barriers (fences) for wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Mediterranean mixed landscapes

Abstract BACKGROUND Fences are one of the most widespread manmade features in nature, constituting an artificial limitation to the movement of wildlife. To date, their effects on wildlife behavior have been understudied but this knowledge is required to design effective management procedures. Using 21 GPS‐monitored wild boar, we evaluated the permeability of different types of fences and described temporal patterns and spatial hotspots for crossing events. A fence's permeability was inferred by the crossing success, i.e., the number of times that animals crossed a barrier vs the number of times they did not cross. The vulnerability of fences at watercourses was explored by assessing whether the frequency of crossings was higher around watercourse intersections than expected by chance. RESULTS Well‐maintained big game proof fences were the most effective in reducing successful wild boar crossings; they were, on average, 30% more efficient than livestock type fences. Crossing success was higher for males than females and during the food shortage period than in the food abundance period. The frequency of crossings around watercourses was higher than expected by chance, especially in moderately and well‐maintained big game proof type fences. CONCLUSION While no fence type was 100% wild boar proof, well‐maintained big game proof fences substantially constrained the movement of boar. However, they are vulnerable around watercourses. Managing the conflicts in which this species is involved, such as shared infections and agricultural damage, would require fences that are even more effective than the ones analyzed here, ideally in conjunction with other preventive actions. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.