Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Remember as we empathize. Do brain mechanisms engaged in autobiographical memory retrieval causally affect empathy awareness? A combined TMS and EEG registered report

Social interactions are partly driven by our ability to empathize—the capacity to share and understand others’ inner states. While a growing body of evidence suggests a link between past experiences and empathy, to what degree empathy is dependent on our own previous experiences (autobiographical memories, AMs) is still unclear. Whereas neuroimaging studies have shown wide overlapping brain networks underpinning AM and empathic processes, studies on clinical populations with memory loss have not always shown empathy is impaired. The current transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography study will seek to shed light on this neuropsychological puzzle by testing whether self‐perceived empathy is causally linked to AM retrieval. Cortical activity, together with self‐rating of empathy, will be recorded for scenarios that echo personal experiences while a brain region critical for AM retrieval will be transiently inhibited using TMS before task performance.
Effect of dietary protein on growth performance, and serum biochemical index in late pregnant Hu ewes and their offspring

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different protein levels in late pregnancy on ewe and lamb growth performance, serum biochemical indexes. Thirty-three ewes (46.4 ± 1.38 kg initial weight) were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 11 ewes in each group. The protein levels of three diets formulated to provide components to meet 10.00 MJ/kg ME requirements diets were: 10.12%, 11.26%, 12.4%. Ewes were raised from the 90th day of pregnancy to the end of delivery, and the lambs were weaned at 60 days. Dietary protein levels had significant effects on blood urea nitrogen, glucose, ammonia nitrogen and triglyceride of ewes (p < 0.05). The height, chest depth, chest circumference, straight crown hip length and curved crown hip length of lambs decreased at first and then increased with the increase of protein. The body length, chest circumference, head width and head length of weaned lambs decreased at first and then increased with the increase of protein. The results showed that when the dietary protein level was increased to 12.4%, the amino acid, glucose and fat metabolism of ewes were affected. The body size development of lambs was better than 10.12% and 11.26% proteins.
Why don’t adolescent girls in a rural Uganda district initiate or complete routine 2-dose HPV vaccine series: Perspectives of adolescent girls, their caregivers, healthcare workers, community health workers and teachers

Introduction Vaccination with the 2-dose HPV vaccine series among adolescent girls in Uganda remains low after almost 5 years since the vaccine was included into the routine national immunization program and barriers are not well understood. Objective We explored barriers that prevent eligible girls from initiating or completing the recommended 2-dose HPV vaccine series in Oyam District, Northern Uganda. Methods A qualitative study was conducted in Oyam District, Northern Uganda. Forty interviews were conducted with adolescent girls, their caregivers, Village Health Team Members, health workers and school administrators involved in HPV vaccination. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. NVivo version 11 was used for data management and content thematic approach for analysis guided by the Social Ecological Model. Results At individual level, low levels of knowledge about the vaccine, girls’ frequent mobility between vaccine doses, school absenteeism and drop out, fear of injection pain and discouragement from caregivers or peers were key barriers. At the health facilities level, reported barriers included: few healthcare workers, inadequate knowledge about HPV vaccine, limited social mobilization and community engagement to promote the vaccine, limited availability of the HPV vaccine, unreliable transportation, lack of reminder strategies after the first dose of the vaccine, lack of vaccination strategy for out-of-school girls and un-friendly behaviour of some healthcare workers. Concerns about safety and efficacy of the vaccine, negative religious and cultural beliefs against vaccination, rumors and misconceptions about the vaccine, mistrust in government intentions to introduce the new vaccine targeting girls, busy schedules and the gendered nature of care work were key community level barriers. Conclusion Our study revealed an interplay of barriers at individual, health facility and community levels, which prevent initiation and completion of HPV vaccination among adolescent girls. Strengthening HIV vaccination programs and ensuring high uptake requires providing appropriate information to the girls plus the community, school and health facility stakeholders; addressing cold chain challenges as well as adequate training of vaccinators to enable them respond to rumors about HPV vaccination.
Passive drag in Para swimmers with physical impairments: Implications for evidence‐based classification in Para swimming

The inherent hydrodynamic resistance force, or passive drag, of a swimmer directly influences how they move through the water. For swimmers with physical impairments, the strength of association between passive drag and swimming performance is unknown. Knowledge on this factor could improve the World Para Swimming classification process. This study established the relationship between passive drag and 100 m freestyle race performance in Para swimmers with physical impairments. Using a cross‐sectional study design, an electrical‐mechanical towing device was used to measure passive drag force in 132 international‐level Para swimmers. There was a strong, negative correlation between normalized passive drag force and 100 m freestyle race speed in the combined participant cohort (ρ = −0.77, p < 0.001). Type of physical impairment was found to affect the relationship between passive drag and 100 m freestyle race speed when included in linear regression (R2 = 0.65, χ2 = 11.5, p = 0.025). These findings contribute to the body of evidence that passive drag can provide an objective assessment of activity limitation in Para swimmers with physical impairments. The effect of physical impairment type on the relationship between passive drag and swimming performance should be accounted for in Para swimming classification.
Mining the capacity of human-associated microorganisms to trigger rheumatoid arthritis—A systematic immunoinformatics analysis of T cell epitopes

Autoimmune diseases, often triggered by infection, affect ~5% of the worldwide population. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)–a painful condition characterized by the chronic inflammation of joints—comprises up to 20% of known autoimmune pathologies, with the tendency of increasing prevalence. Molecular mimicry is recognized as the leading mechanism underlying infection-mediated autoimmunity, which assumes sequence similarity between microbial and self-peptides driving the activation of autoreactive lymphocytes. T lymphocytes are leading immune cells in the RA-development. Therefore, deeper understanding of the capacity of microorganisms (both pathogens and commensals) to trigger autoreactive T cells is needed, calling for more systematic approaches. In the present study, we address this problem through a comprehensive immunoinformatics analysis of experimentally determined RA-related T cell epitopes against the proteomes of Bacteria, Fungi, and Viruses, to identify the scope of organisms providing homologous antigenic peptide determinants. By this, initial homology screening was complemented with de novo T cell epitope prediction and another round of homology search, to enable: i) the confirmation of homologous microbial peptides as T cell epitopes based on the predicted binding affinity to RA-related HLA polymorphisms; ii) sequence similarity inference for top de novo T cell epitope predictions to the RA-related autoantigens to reveal the robustness of RA-triggering capacity for identified (micro/myco)organisms. Our study reveals a much larger repertoire of candidate RA-triggering organisms, than previously recognized, providing insights into the underestimated role of Fungi in autoimmunity and the possibility of a more direct involvement of bacterial commensals in RA-pathology. Finally, our study pinpoints Endoplasmic reticulum chaperone BiP as the most potent (most likely mimicked) RA-related autoantigen, opening an avenue for identifying the most potent autoantigens in a variety of different autoimmune pathologies, with possible implications in the design of next-generation therapeutics aiming to induce self-tolerance by affecting highly reactive autoantigens.
Dietary calcium levels regulate calcium transporter gene expression levels in the small intestine of broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. This study investigated the effect of dietary calcium (Ca) levels on growth performance, bone development and Ca transporter gene expression levels in the small intestine of broiler chickens. 2. On the day of hatch, 350, Ross 308 male broilers were randomly allotted to one of five treatments with five replicate pens each and 14 birds per pen. Dietary Ca levels in feed were 5.0, 7.0, 9.0, 11.0 and 13.0 g/kg, in which 9.0 g/kg was in the control diet. All diets contained 4.5 g/kg non-phytate phosphorus (NPP). 3. The increase in dietary Ca levels from 5.0 to 13.0 g/kg did not affect the growth performance of 1- to 18-day-old broilers (P > 0.05). 4. Increasing the Ca levels linearly increased the ash weight and the contents of ash, Ca and phosphorus (P) in the tibia of broilers at 18 days of age (P < 0.05). The contents of ash, Ca and P in broilers fed with 9.0 g/kg Ca were higher than those in birds fed with 5.0 g/kg Ca (P < 0.05). 5. Increasing the Ca levels linearly decreased mRNA expression levels of the Ca-binding protein 28-kDa (CaBP-D28k), plasma membrane Ca-transporting ATPase 1b (PMCAlb), sodium (Na)/Ca exchanger 1 (NCX1), nuclear vitamin D receptor (nVDR) and membrane vitamin D receptor (mVDR) in the duodenum of broilers at 18 d of age (P < 0.05). Similar results were seen in the jejunum and ileum. Broilers fed 9.0–13.0 g/kg Ca in feed had lower mRNA expression levels of CaBP-D28k and PMCAlb in the small intestine than birds fed 5.0 g/kg Ca in feed (P < 0.05). 6. The data indicated that low levels of dietary Ca stimulated its transporter gene transcription and promoted absorption, but high levels of Ca inhibited transporter gene expression and prevented excessive absorption in the small intestine of broiler chickens.
Evaluating the Effects of News-following, Volume and Content of News Coverage on Americans’ Risk Perceptions during the 2014-2016 Ebola Outbreak

We used the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak to examine the relationships between risk perceptions and media coverage (volume and content). We analyzed how public opinion from longitudinal U.S. panel data related to the number of published news articles and the proportion that discussed risks. News following, volume and risk content were positively related to U.S. and global risk perceptions. Perceptions of U.S. risk declined at different rates, depending upon news attention and potential exposure to risk content. Both media volume and content were significant factors, suggesting scholars should focus more on combined effects of news media volu me and content.
Feasibility and acceptability of a group-mediated exercise intervention for gynecological cancer survivors

Abstract Purpose Examine feasibility and acceptability of a group-mediated cognitive-behavioral (GMCB) intervention targeting planned, self-managed physical activity (PA). Design Sequential mixed methods, single arm pre-/post-test design with a 4-week follow-up. Participants Post-treatment gynecologic cancer survivors. Methods Participants attended 8 weekly facilitator-led group sessions and completed assessments at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment rate, retention rate, capture of outcomes, intervention usability and intervention fidelity. Acceptability was examined via qualitative interviews. Preliminary estimates of intervention effectiveness (PA, PA social cognitions and sleep) were collected. Findings 355 participants were approached and 38 consented. Twenty took part in the study and 17 (85%) completed the intervention. Thematic content analysis revealed positive group experiences. Cognitive-behavioral strategies were beneficial. Goal-setting and shared cancer recovery experience facilitated connection among group members. Implications Program acceptability was high among a diverse sample of gynecologic cancer survivors and delivery of the program is feasible to this group of gynecologic cancer survivors. Recruitment challenges were present but study retention was high.
Alteration of L-Dopa decarboxylase expression in SARS-CoV-2 infection and its association with the interferon-inducible ACE2 isoform

L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) is the most significantly co-expressed gene with ACE2, which encodes for the SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and the interferon-inducible truncated isoform dACE2. Our group previously showed the importance of DDC in viral infections. We hereby aimed to investigate DDC expression in COVID-19 patients and cultured SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, also in association with ACE2 and dACE2. We concurrently evaluated the expression of the viral infection- and interferon-stimulated gene ISG56 and the immune-modulatory, hypoxia-regulated gene EPO. Viral load and mRNA levels of DDC, ACE2, dACE2, ISG56 and EPO were quantified by RT-qPCR in nasopharyngeal swab samples from COVID-19 patients, showing no or mild symptoms, and from non-infected individuals. Samples from influenza-infected patients were analyzed in comparison. SARS-CoV-2-mediated effects in host gene expression were validated in cultured virus-permissive epithelial cells. We found substantially higher gene expression of DDC in COVID-19 patients (7.6-fold; p = 1.2e-13) but not in influenza-infected ones, compared to non-infected subjects. dACE2 was more elevated (2.9-fold; p = 1.02e-16) than ACE2 (1.7-fold; p = 0.0005) in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. ISG56 (2.5-fold; p = 3.01e-6) and EPO (2.6-fold; p = 2.1e-13) were also increased. Detected differences were not attributed to enrichment of specific cell populations in nasopharyngeal tissue. While SARS-CoV-2 virus load was positively associated with ACE2 expression (r≥0.8, p<0.001), it negatively correlated with DDC, dACE2 (r≤−0.7, p<0.001) and EPO (r≤−0.5, p<0.05). Moreover, a statistically significant correlation between DDC and dACE2 expression was observed in nasopharyngeal swab and whole blood samples of both COVID-19 and non-infected individuals (r≥0.7). In VeroE6 cells, SARS-CoV-2 negatively affected DDC, ACE2, dACE2 and EPO mRNA levels, and induced cell death, while ISG56 was enhanced at early hours post-infection. Thus, the regulation of DDC, dACE2 and EPO expression in the SARS-CoV-2-infected nasopharyngeal tissue is possibly related with an orchestrated antiviral response of the infected host as the virus suppresses these genes to favor its propagation.
Prediction of all-cause mortality with malnutrition assessed by controlling nutritional status score in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the association between malnutrition assessed by the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score and all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Settings: A comprehensively literature search of PubMed and Embase databases was performed until 30 November 2020. Studies reporting the utility of CONUT score in prediction of all-cause mortality among patients with heart failure were eligible. Patients with a CONUT score ≥2 are grouped as malnourished. Predictive values of the CONUT score were summarized by pooling the multivariable-adjusted risk ratios (RR) with 95 % CI for the malnourished v. normal nutritional status or per point CONUT score increase. Participants: Ten studies involving 5196 patients with heart failure. Results: Malnourished patients with heart failure conferred a higher risk of all-cause mortality (RR 1·92; 95 % CI 1·58, 2·34) compared with the normal nutritional status. Subgroup analysis showed the malnourished patients with heart failure had an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (RR 1·78; 95 % CI 1·29, 2·46) and follow-up mortality (RR 2·01; 95 % CI 1·58, 2·57). Moreover, per point increase in CONUT score significantly increased 16% risk of all-cause mortality during the follow-up. Conclusions: Malnutrition defined by the CONUT score is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. Assessment of nutritional status using CONUT score would be helpful for improving risk stratification of heart failure.
Professional insertion of registered nurses : a study with alumni

5 Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Enfermagem Psiquiátrica e Ciências Humanas, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the professional insertion of registered nurses, taking into account the current structure of work in the health area and in the training of technical workers, from the perspective of training of professionals who will develop their activities in the Brazilian Unified Health System. Method: Quantitative, cross-sectional, and exploratory study, with descriptive and inferential statistical analysis using Fisher’s exact test, carried out with 105 alumni of a nursing undergraduate course. An electronic questionnaire was applied. Results: The alumni worked as nurses (n = 59, 56.2%) or teachers (n = 18, 17.1%). The areas with the greatest absorption of alumni were hospitals (n = 37, 62.7%), the public sector (n = 35, 59.3%), and high-school level technical professional education (n = 16, 88.9%). Most participants were dissatisfied with their income (n = 56, 72.7%) and pointed out that the received values were incompatible with the work (n = 59, 76.6%). Conclusion: The alumni faced problems in developing their professional activities, especially because of the current policies, which establish limits on the recognition of healthcare workers and education as a public asset. Progress in the recognition of the profession of registered nurse is necessary, given the relevance of these professionals in the health and education systems and the nature of the profession’s practice of providing education and care, which have a transformative potential.
Pressure Injury Prevention Knowledge Among Family Caregivers of Patients Needing Home Care

One of the complications that patients in need of home healthcare might experience is pressure injury. Given that a significant part of the care of these patients is performed by their family caregivers, they must have sufficient knowledge about prevention and treatment of pressure injuries. We investigated the knowledge related to pressure injuries among family caregivers of patients needing home care who were at risk of pressure injury. Family caregivers of patients in Iran who needed home care services and were at risk of developing pressure injuries based on the Braden scale were invited to participate. A special questionnaire designed by Arboledas and Pancorbo-Hidalgo was used to assess the caregivers' level of knowledge. This questionnaire consists of 23 items, and with total scores between 23 and 46. A higher score indicates a higher level of knowledge about pressure injuries. A total of 323 family caregivers participated, most of whom were female. The mean total score of caregivers' knowledge about pressure injuries was 34.5 ± 3.4 (ranging 23 to 42). Most of the participants (n = 290) stated they did not receive adequate education related to pressure injuries. Among the demographic variables, a significant relationship was observed between the level of caregivers' knowledge with the level of education, younger age, offspring, admission in intensive care units, and male sex (p < 0.005). Family caregivers did not have sufficient knowledge about pressure injuries. Most of them did not receive the necessary education during the time of their patient's hospitalization. This issue should be considered by healthcare providers, and the necessary interventions should be considered to improve the situation.
The interpersonal effects of distinct emotions in online reviews

ABSTRACT Emotional expressions in online reviews affect reviews’ informative value. By comparing high and low arousal emotions with a negative and positive valence, the current research demonstrates that the effects of emotional expressions in online reviews are determined not by the level of arousal, but by the perceived rationality of the reviewer and the perceived appropriateness of the emotional expression. In a lab experiment (N = 242) among university students, and an online experiment (N = 252) on Prolific Academic involving native English speakers, participants read an online restaurant review with the negative emotions anger, disappointment, or disgust, or with the positive emotions happiness, excitement, or contentment. Results showed that readers of online reviews considered expressions of anger more inappropriate than expressions of disappointment or disgust; this led them to judge the reviewer as more irrational, which decreased the informative value of the review. As a consequence, angry reviews led to less negative restaurant evaluations and stronger intentions to visit the restaurant than reviews expressing disappointment or disgust. We found no differences between contentment and happiness (Study 1), or between contentment and excitement (Study 2). Our findings underscore the importance of studying the effects of discrete emotions in online reviews.
Understanding the Complex Phage-Host Interactions in Biofilm Communities.

Bacteriophages and bacterial biofilms are widely present in natural environments, a fact that has accelerated the evolution of phages and their bacterial hosts in these particular niches. Phage-host interactions in biofilm communities are rather complex, where phages are not always merely predators but also can establish symbiotic relationships that induce and strengthen biofilms. In this review we provide an overview of the main features affecting phage-biofilm interactions as well as the currently available methods of studying these interactions. In addition, we address the applications of phages for biofilm control in different contexts. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Virology, Volume 8 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Model test study on the effect of dynamic compaction under low water content

Dynamic compaction is a cost-effective foundation treatment technology, that is widely used in various types and conditions of foundations. However, due to the limitation of natural conditions (water content between 3% and 8%) in north-western China, it is difficult to meet the requirements of the optimal water content during dynamic compaction. To better treat a foundation with a low water content, a series of model tests were carried out by using homemade test equipment to study the influence of the ramming energy and η value on the efficiency of dynamic compaction under a low water content. The results showed that the improvement of the energy level could compensate for the poor effect of dynamic compaction caused by a low water content in arid regions. Compared with that at the optimal water content, the efficiency of dynamic compaction was 58.1% to 66.2% at a low water content and excited the optimal energy level. Increasing the η value was also beneficial to improving the effect of dynamic compaction. Hence, the optimal energy level combined with the appropriate η value is of great merit in treating the foundation of arid regions by using the dynamic compaction method, which provides new parameter suggestions and engineering guidance for dynamic compaction construction in arid areas.