Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring barriers of quitting smokeless tobacco among coronary artery disease patients of India: A qualitative study

Background Cessation of all forms of tobacco is necessary for controlling mortality associated with coronary artery diseases (CADs). In India, smokeless tobacco (SLT) is the most used form of tobacco. With around 60% of the world’s smokeless tobacco users living in India, the task of tobacco cessation has become daunting and complicated for Indian researchers and policy makers. Objective We conducted the present study to understand CAD patients’ perspectives towards their SLT use and to identify barriers of SLT cessation. Methods Using a semi-structured interview method, we obtained data from 12 CAD patients who were currently using some form of SLT. Results Thematic analysis suggests that CAD patients were unable to quit SLT addiction due to (a) certain socio-environmental factors that support SLT, (b) prevalence of misconceptions about the link between SLT use and their cardiac condition, (c) perceived lower self-efficacy to quit, (d) fatalistic attitude towards health outcomes and (e) substituting addiction with perceived lesser harmful products. Discussion The findings reveal that factors responsible for the continuation of SLT usage are multipronged. Current SLT users’ perspectives can facilitate the development of effective intervention and rehabilitation programs aimed at de-addiction of cardiac patients.
Growth hormone secretagogue receptor‐1a mediates ghrelin's effects on attenuating tumour‐induced loss of muscle strength but not muscle mass

Ghrelin may ameliorate cancer cachexia (CC) by preventing anorexia, muscle, and fat loss. However, the mechanisms mediating these effects are not fully understood. This study characterizes the pathways involved in muscle mass and strength loss in the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC)‐induced cachexia model, and the effects of ghrelin in mice with or without its only known receptor: the growth hormone secretagogue receptor‐1a ((GHSR‐1a), Ghsr+/+ and Ghsr−/−).
Aryl Coenzyme A Ligases, a Subfamily of the Adenylate-Forming Enzyme Superfamily

Aryl-coenzyme A (CoA) ligases belong to class I of the adenylate-forming enzyme superfamily (ANL superfamily), catalyze the formation of thioester bonds between aromatic compounds and CoA, and occur in nearly all forms of life. These ligases are involved in various metabolic pathways degrading benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). ABSTRACT Aryl coenzyme A (CoA) ligases belong to class I of the adenylate-forming enzyme superfamily (ANL superfamily). They catalyze the formation of thioester bonds between aromatic compounds and CoA and occur in nearly all forms of life. These ligases are involved in various metabolic pathways degrading benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). They are often necessary to produce the central intermediate benzoyl-CoA that occurs in various anaerobic pathways. The substrate specificity is very diverse between enzymes within the same class, while the dependency on Mg2+, ATP, and CoA as well as oxygen insensitivity are characteristics shared by the whole enzyme class. Some organisms employ the same aryl-CoA ligase when growing aerobically and anaerobically, while others induce different enzymes depending on the environmental conditions. Aryl-CoA ligases can be divided into two major groups, benzoate:CoA ligase-like enzymes and phenylacetate:CoA ligase-like enzymes. They are widely distributed between the phylogenetic clades of the ANL superfamily and show closer relationships within the subfamilies than to other aryl-CoA ligases. This, together with residual CoA ligase activity in various other enzymes of the ANL superfamily, leads to the conclusion that CoA ligases might be the ancestral proteins from which all other ANL superfamily enzymes developed.
Acquisition and maintenance of disgust reactions in an OCD analogue sample: Efficiency of extinction strategies through a counter-conditioning procedure

Background Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has long been considered as an anxiety disorder, disgust is the dominant emotion in contamination-based OCD. However, disgust seems resistant to exposure with response prevention partly due to the fact that disgust is acquired through evaluative conditioning. Aims The present research investigates a counter-conditioning intervention in treating disgust-related emotional responses in two groups of individuals with high (High contamination concerns, HCC, n = 24) and low (Low contamination concerns LCC, n = 23) contamination concerns. Methods The two groups completed a differential associative learning task in which neutral images were followed by disgusting images (conditioned stimulus; CS+), or not (CS-). Following this acquisition phase, there was a counter-conditioning procedure in which CS+ was followed by a very pleasant unconditional stimulus while CS- remained unreinforced. Results Following counter-conditioning, both groups reported significant reduction in their expectancy of US occurrence and reported less disgust with CS+. For both expectancy and disgust, reduction was lower in the HCC group than in the LCC group. Disgust sensitivity was highly correlated with both acquisition and maintenance of the response acquired, while US expectation was predicted by anxiety. Conclusion Counter-conditioning procedure reduces both expectations and conditioned disgust.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Bison-Type and Two Sheep-Type Strains of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Genome sequences of two type B and two type S strains of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis are presented. These strains were isolated in the United States from sheep, bison, and cattle suffering from Johne’s disease. These genomes will increase our understanding of the minor differences that exist among this genetically stable subspecies. ABSTRACT Genome sequences of two type B and two type S strains of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis are presented. These strains were isolated in the United States from sheep, bison, and cattle suffering from Johne’s disease. These genomes will increase our understanding of the minor differences that exist among strains of this genetically stable subspecies.
Predictors of mortality in patients with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection: a meta-analysis and a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Cases of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection have been increasing. Patients with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection have a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. Identification of potential risk factors associated with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection-related mortality may help improve patient outcomes. METHODS Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify articles describing predictors of mortality in patients with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. The quality of articles was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score (NOS). Review Manager was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS Twenty-seven observational studies were included in the analysis. Factors associated with higher mortality were septic shock [odds ratio (OR): 4.41, 95% CI: 3.17-6.15], congestive heart failure (OR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.71-4.13), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; OR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.87-3.15), chronic kidney disease (CKD; OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.43-2.22), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.16-1.72), mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.25-2.18), and inappropriate empirical antimicrobial treatment (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03-1.52). The average Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score at the time of diagnosis of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection was considerably higher in patients who did not survive than in those who survived (weighted mean difference: 5.86, 95% CI: 2.46-9.26). DISCUSSION Patient condition, timing appropriate antimicrobial treatment, and disease severity according to the APACHE II score are the most important risk factors for death in patients with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. Our finding may help predict patients' outcomes and improve management for them. REGISTRATION NUMBER 20210417EuEGX/INPLASY2020100037.
Mixture of primary and secondary municipal wastewater sludge as a short‐term substrate in 2 MW agricultural biogas plant: site‐specific sustainability of enzymatic and ultrasound pretreatments

BACKGROUND A mixture of primary and secondary municipal wastewater sludge (WWS) was tested in 40 day semi-continuous experiments as substrate for biogas production in a 2 MW agricultural biogas plant. To support industrial decision making during periods of substrate shortage seasonal extremes in sludge characteristics, effectiveness of ultrasonic and enzymatic pretreatments and their dual combinations were explored. RESULTS Reanalysis of published data showed complex nonlinear relationship between specific ultrasound energy and disintegration degree of various WWS. The 5 L bench-top reactor approach demonstrated a short adaptation period (15 days) to WWS and an increase in methane yields of 7.5%, 14.9% and 24.5% for the most effective ultrasound, hydrolytic and dual WWS pretreatments, respectively. The observed methane yields were notably lower from past batch experiments (Methane Yield Database V1.3). From the perspective of a 2 MW agricultural plant only enzymatic pretreatments of WWS were sustainable for full-scale deployment due to significantly lower costs of equipment installation, operation and maintenance. CONCLUSION The approach described in this study allowed for sustainability analyses to be performed on site-specific basis, supported decision making on the most effective WWS pretreatment and provided the first full description of research protocols for effective assessment that can be extended to Standard Operating Procedures. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
RNA‐seq between asexual archeospores and meiosis‐related conchospores in Neopyropia yezoensis using Smart‐seq2

In the life cycle of Neopyropia yezoensis, a potential model system for marine macroalgae, both asexual archeospores and meiosis‐related conchospores develop into thalli (gametophyte). To understand this special life phenomenon in macroalgae, we picked out the two kinds of spores (10–30 cells in each sample) and conducted RNA‐seq using Smart‐seq2. Comparative analysis showed that light capture and carbon fixation associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated in archeospores, thus indicating that archeospores are in a state of rapid vegetative growth. In conchospores, protein synthesis and degradation, especially molecular chaperone, associated DEGs were up‐regulated, indicating that complex life activities might be occurring in conchospores. There were 68 genes related to DNA replication and repair expressed in conchospores, showing that active DNA replication might occur in conchospores. Moreover, we found that one conchospore specifically expressed DEG (py04595: DNA helicase) only in diploid stages (conchocelis, sporangial filament) and three archeospores specifically expressed DEGs only in haploid stages (thalli). These molecular level results indicated that conchospores were closer to diploid, and might be the meiotic mother cells of N. yezoensis. In addition, we found that the knotted‐like homeobox gene (PyKNOX), which might relate to the transition of gametophyte from sporophyte, was only expressed in sporophyte generation but not expressed in conchospores, archeospores and thalli, indicating the morphogenesis of gametophyte sin N. yezoensis might require the inactivation of PyKNOX.
Critical evaluation of the human relevance of the mode of action for rodent liver tumor formation by activators of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)

Abstract Many nongenotoxic chemicals have been shown to produce liver tumors in mice and/or rats by a mode of action (MOA) involving activation of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). Studies with phenobarbital (PB) and other compounds have identified the key events for this MOA: CAR activation; increased hepatocellular proliferation; altered foci formation; and ultimately the development of adenomas/carcinomas. In terms of human relevance, the pivotal species difference is that CAR activators are mitogenic agents in mouse and rat hepatocytes, but they do not stimulate increased hepatocellular proliferation in humans. This conclusion is supported by substantial in vitro studies with cultured rodent and human hepatocytes and also by in vivo studies with chimeric mice with human hepatocytes. Examination of the literature reveals many similarities in the hepatic effects and species differences between activators of rodent CAR and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), with PPARα activators also not being mitogenic agents in human hepatocytes. Overall, a critical analysis of the available data demonstrates that the established MOA for rodent liver tumor formation by PB and other CAR activators is qualitatively not plausible for humans. This conclusion is supported by data from several human epidemiology studies.
The entertainment value of conspiracy theories

Many citizens around the globe believe conspiracy theories. Why are conspiracy theories so appealing? Here, we propose that conspiracy theories elicit intense emotions independent of emotional valence. People therefore find conspiracy theories entertaining – that is, narratives that people perceive as interesting, exciting, and attention‐grabbing – and such entertainment appraisals are positively associated with belief in them. Five studies supported these ideas. Participants were exposed to either a conspiratorial or a non‐conspiratorial text about the Notre Dame fire (Study 1) or the death of Jeffrey Epstein (preregistered Study 2). The conspiratorial text elicited stronger entertainment appraisals and intense emotions (independent of emotional valence) than the non‐conspiratorial text; moreover, entertainment appraisals mediated the effects of the manipulation on conspiracy beliefs. Study 3 indicated that participants endorsed stronger conspiracy beliefs when an election event was described in an entertaining rather than a boring manner. Subsequent findings revealed that both organisational (Study 4) and societal conspiracy beliefs (Study 5) are positively associated with sensation seeking – a trait characterised by a preference for exciting and intense experiences. We conclude that one reason why people believe conspiracy theories is because they find them entertaining.
Tropical‐based EBPR process: The long‐term stability, microbial community and its response towards temperature stress

Temperature is known to influence the operational efficiency of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) systems. This study investigated the impact of thermal stress above 30°C on the properties of an EBPR community established with tropical inoculum. The results confirmed the stability of the 30°C EBPR system with high P‐removal efficiency over 210 days. Accumulibacter was abundant in the community. When the EBPR sludge was subjected to a sudden temperature increase to 35°C under multiple cycles of anaerobic‐aerobic phases, each lasting 4 h, high P‐removal was maintained over 2 days, before gradually failing when the Competibacter appeared to outcompete Accumulibacter. These data suggested that the EBPR capacity is robust when subjected to occasional thermal stress. However, it could not be maintained even for a short time under temperature stress at 40°C. Thus, the threshold temperature for tropical EBPR failure is between 35°C and 40°C.
Free-standing Graphene/Poly(methylene blue)/AgNPs Composite Paper for Electrochemical Sensing of NADH

Highly flexible graphene/poly(methylene blue)/AgNPs composite paper was successfully prepared for amperometric biosensing of NADH. For this purpose, a dispersion including graphene oxide (GO), methylene blue (MB) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was prepared and GO/MB/AgNPs paper was acquired by vacuum-filtration of this dispersion through a suitable membrane. After peeling it off from membrane, it was transformed to rGO/MB/AgNPs paper by performing reduction with hydriodic acid. In a three-electrode cell, which is containing 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH: 9.0), rGO/MB/AgNPs paper was used as working electrode and rGO/poly(MB)/AgNPs composite paper was generated by surface-confined electropolymerization of MB using successive cyclic voltammetry approach in a suitable potential window. Characterization of this composite paper was carried out by using scanning electron microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, four-point probe conductivity measurement and cyclic voltammetry techniques. Flexible rGO/poly(MB)/AgNPs composite paper has demonstrated high sensitivity, wide linear range and low detection limit for amperometric quantification of NADH.
Sprinting kinematics and inter-limb coordination patterns at varying slope inclinations

ABSTRACT Uphill training is applied to induce specific overload on the musculoskeletal system to improve sprinting mechanics. This study aimed to identify unique kinematic features of uphill sprinting at different slopes and to suggest practical implications based on comparisons we early stance phase. At take-off, steeper slopes induced significantly more extended joint angles and higher ROMs during the late stance phase. Compared with moderate slopes, more anti-phase coordination patterns were detected at steeper slopes. Thus, uphill sprinting at steeper slopes shares essential kinematic features with the early acceleration phase of level sprinting. Moderate inclinations induce biomechanical adaptations similar to those in the late acceleration phase of level sprinting. Hence, the specific transfer of uphill sprinting to acceleration depends on the slope inclinations.
Genome Sequences of 15 SARS-CoV-2 Sublineage B.1.617.2 Strains in Bangladesh

We report the coding-complete genome sequences of 15 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sublineage B.1. 617.2 strains that were obtained from Bangladeshi individuals with a history of recent travel to India and from the Bangladeshi community. Genomic data were generated by Nanopore sequencing using the amplicon sequencing approach developed by the ARTIC Network. ABSTRACT We report the coding-complete genome sequences of 15 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sublineage B.1. 617.2 strains that were obtained from Bangladeshi individuals with a history of recent travel to India and from the Bangladeshi community. Genomic data were generated by Nanopore sequencing using the amplicon sequencing approach developed by the ARTIC Network.
Impact of Fibromyalgia Syndrome on Female Sexual Function

Background Women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) experience generalized and chronic musculoskeletal pain and other disabling symptoms such as female sexual difficulties that reduce the quality and the frequency of their sexual relationships. Objective The aim of this study was to examine sexual dysfuntion in women diagnosed with FMS compared with healthy controls. Methods A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. The literature search was conducted using PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, SciELO, and PsycINFO PROQUEST until February 2021. Observational studies with 2 groups (women with FMS and healthy controls) that assessed sexual function were included. Pooled effect was calculated using Cohen standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects model. Results Twelve studies were included comprising 1367 women (766 diagnosed with FMS and 601 healthy controls). The methodological quality of the included studies was moderate, according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Our findings showed a significant sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with FMS (SMD = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.18–2.26; p < 0.001). In addition, the secondary outcomes more affected in women with FMS were sexual satisfaction (SMD = −2.09; 95% CI, −2.83 to −1.36; p < 0.001) and the pain during sexual relations (SMD = −1.97; 95% CI, −2.81 to −1.12; p < 0.001). Conclusions Women with FMS showed a significant sexual dysfunction and other related sexual difficulties, such as increase in sexual pain and a decreased sexual desire or sexual satisfaction, compared with healthy women.
Is self-expandable metallic stents superior to transanal decompression tubes for the treatment of malignant large-bowel obstruction: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Preoperative intestinal decompression, such as self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) and transanal decompression tubes (TDT), has been widely used for patients with malignant large-bowel obstruction (MLBO). The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of SEMS for MLBO as a bridge to surgery compared to TDT. METHODS We searched three databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception until June 12, 2019. Risk ratio (RR) or weight mean difference (WMD) with 95% CIs was used to calculate the data extracted from included studies. RESULTS Five studies with 226 participants were included in this review. SEMS insertion showed significantly higher clinical success rate (RR =1.30, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.60; P=0.012) and technical success rate (RR =1.33, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.65; P=0.011), as well as higher rates of solid food intake (RR =27.15, 95% CI: 8.73, 84.45; P<0.001) and temporal discharge (RR =64.47, 95% CI: 9.10, 456.57; P<0.001), as compared with TDT insertion. Moreover, SEMS insertion significantly reduced the blood loss (WMD =-69.73 mL, 95% CI: -81.61, -57.85; P<0.001), and prolonged the operative time (WMD =93.49 minutes, 95% CI: 14.24, 172.75; P=0.021) in the treatment of MLBO. Duration of hospital stay, complication rate and mortality rate were comparable between the two treatments. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative SEMS insertion offered better effects for MLBO, including higher success rate, and higher rates of solid food intake and temporary discharge, compared with TDT.
Impact of menopausal status on risk of metastatic recurrence of breast cancer

Abstract Objective: Menopausal status at diagnosis is an important factor for the management of breast cancer in younger women, and may affect the prognosis for these women. We aim to examine the association of menopausal status and risk of metastatic relapse for stage I-III breast cancer. Methods: We included women diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer at 45 to 55 years in the Auckland and Waikato Breast Cancer Registers. Cumulative incidence of metastatic relapse was examined by age group and by menopausal status after stratifying by estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio of metastatic relapse by menopausal status after adjustment for age, ethnicity, year of diagnosis, socioeconomic status, public/private hospital treatment, mode of detection, cancer stage, grade and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status. Results: We have identified 5,309 eligible women: 2,799 premenopausal, 929 perimenopausal, and 1,581 post-menopausal. There was significant difference in risk of metastatic recurrence between menopausal statuses for ER+ and/or PR+ cases, with a 10-year cumulative incidence of 11.2% for premenopausal, 12.4% for perimenopausal, and 15.6% for postmenopausal women. The adjusted hazard ratio of metastatic recurrence for postmenopausal compared to premenopausal women was 1.38 for ER+ and/or PR+ cases. Age did not affect the risk of metastatic relapse for ER+ and/or PR+ cases but affected the risk for ER- and PR- cases with a hazard ratio of 0.94 per year. Conclusions: Women with earlier age at menopause, and ER+ and/or PR+ stage I-III breast cancer were more likely to develop metastatic breast cancer. Age increased the risk of metastatic relapse for women with ER− and PR− disease, but not for ER+ and/or PR+ cancers.