Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Presence of Stress, Burnout Syndrome and the Most Important Causes of Working Stress Among Physicians in Primary Health Care - an Observational Study from Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the level and causes of stress and the risk of onset of burnout syndrome among physicians employed at the Primary Health Care Centre, Banja Luka. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Between March 1, 2018, and May 31, 2018 all physicians from the Primary Health Care Centre, Banja Luka were offered the following questionnaires to fill in: a socio-demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire for self-assessment of the level of stress and the Maslach Burnout Inventory for assessment of the risk of burnout syndrome. RESULTS Out of 211 physicians, 85.8% were female. A high level of stress was found in 77.7% of the subjects. Older doctors had higher levels of emotional exhaustion compared to younger doctors with a shorter length of service (r=0.236, P=0.01). Emotional exhaustion was significantly correlated with a high level of depersonalization, a low level of personal accomplishment and a high level of stress (r=0.380, r=-0.174 and r=0.574, P=0.01, P=0.04 and P<0.01, respectively). Depersonalization correlated with a low level of personal accomplishment and stress (r=-0.347 and r=0.283, P<0.01 and P=0.01, respectively), while the level of personal accomplishment was in a negative correlation with stress (r=-0.281, P=0.01). A high stress level was associated with a high degree of emotional exhaustion (OR 56.543; 95% CI 11.35-213.09; P<0.001) as well as lack of personal accomplishment (OR 0.155; 95% CI 0.04-0.50; P=0.003). CONCLUSION A high level of stress was associated with older age, female gender, as well as with a high degree of emotional exhaustion and a lack of personal accomplishment. Preventive measures are warranted.
Primates got personality, too: Toward an integrative primatology of consistent individual differences in behavior

In recent years, research on animal personality has exploded within the field of behavioral ecology. Consistent individual differences in behavior exist in a wide range of species, and these differences can have fitness consequences and influence several aspects of a species' ecology. In comparison to studies of other animals, however, there has been relatively little research on the behavioral ecology of primate personality. This is surprising given the large body of research within psychology and biomedicine showing that primate personality traits are heritable and linked to health and life history outcomes. In this article, I bring together theoretical perspectives on the ecology and evolution of animal personality with an integrative review of what we know about primate personality from studies conducted on captive, free‐ranging, and wild primates. Incorporating frameworks that emphasize consistency in behavior into primate behavioral ecology research holds promise for improving our understanding of primate behavioral evolution.
Transcriptomic Signatures Predict Regulators of Drug Synergy and Clinical Regimen Efficacy against Tuberculosis

Multidrug combination therapy is an important strategy for treating tuberculosis, the world’s deadliest bacterial infection. Long treatment durations and growing rates of drug resistance have created an urgent need for new approaches to prioritize effective drug regimens. Hence, we developed a computational model called INDIGO-MTB that identifies synergistic drug regimens from an immense set of possible drug combinations using the pathogen response transcriptome elicited by individual drugs. Although the underlying input data for INDIGO-MTB was generated under in vitro broth culture conditions, the predictions from INDIGO-MTB correlated significantly with in vivo drug regimen efficacy from clinical trials. INDIGO-MTB also identified the transcription factor Rv1353c as a regulator of multiple drug interaction outcomes, which could be targeted for rationally enhancing drug synergy. ABSTRACT The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant strains has created a pressing need for new drug regimens to treat tuberculosis (TB), which kills 1.8 million people each year. Identifying new regimens has been challenging due to the slow growth of the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), coupled with the large number of possible drug combinations. Here we present a computational model (INDIGO-MTB) that identified synergistic regimens featuring existing and emerging anti-TB drugs after screening in silico more than 1 million potential drug combinations using MTB drug transcriptomic profiles. INDIGO-MTB further predicted the gene Rv1353c as a key transcriptional regulator of multiple drug interactions, and we confirmed experimentally that Rv1353c upregulation reduces the antagonism of the bedaquiline-streptomycin combination. A retrospective analysis of 57 clinical trials of TB regimens using INDIGO-MTB revealed that synergistic combinations were significantly more efficacious than antagonistic combinations (P value = 1 × 10−4) based on the percentage of patients with negative sputum cultures after 8 weeks of treatment. Our study establishes a framework for rapid assessment of TB drug combinations and is also applicable to other bacterial pathogens. IMPORTANCE Multidrug combination therapy is an important strategy for treating tuberculosis, the world’s deadliest bacterial infection. Long treatment durations and growing rates of drug resistance have created an urgent need for new approaches to prioritize effective drug regimens. Hence, we developed a computational model called INDIGO-MTB that identifies synergistic drug regimens from an immense set of possible drug combinations using the pathogen response transcriptome elicited by individual drugs. Although the underlying input data for INDIGO-MTB was generated under in vitro broth culture conditions, the predictions from INDIGO-MTB correlated significantly with in vivo drug regimen efficacy from clinical trials. INDIGO-MTB also identified the transcription factor Rv1353c as a regulator of multiple drug interaction outcomes, which could be targeted for rationally enhancing drug synergy.
Catalytic Mechanism and Covalent Inhibition of UDP-N-Acetylglucosamine Enolpyruvyl Transferase (MurA): Implications to the Design of Novel Antibacterials

UDP-N-acetylglucosamine enolpyruvyl transferase (MurA) catalyzes the first step in the biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall. This pathway is essential for the growth of bacteria but missing in mammals, that nominates MurA as an attractive antibacterial target. MurA has a flexible loop whose conformational change is known to be part of the activation mechanism of the enzyme. We have shown that the loop closed conformation makes the proton transfer from Cys115 to His394 possible by a low barrier exothermic process. QM/MM MD simulations revealed that the activated thiolate is able to react with phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), the natural substrate of MurA. The binding free energy profile of several covalent inhibitors with various warheads reacting with the activated Cys115 was calculated by QM/MM MD simulations and confirmed that reaction barrier heights tend to separate active from inactive compounds. Our results give new insight into the catalytic mechanism and covalent inhibition of MurA and suggest that QM/MM MD simulations are able to support ligand design by providing sensible relative free energy barriers for covalent inhibitors with various warheads reacting with thiolate nucleophiles.
Copper oxide nanoparticles as an effective anti-biofilm agent against a copper tolerant marine bacterium, Staphylococcus lentus

Abstract Biofilm formation on antifouling coatings is a serious concern in seawater cooling systems and the maritime industry. A prolific biofilm forming strain (Staphylococcus lentus), possessing high tolerance (>1,000 µg ml−1) to dissolved copper ions (Cu++) was isolated from titanium coupons exposed in the coastal waters of Kalpakkam, east coast of India. S. lentus formed increased biofilm (p < 0.05) at 100 µg ml−1 of Cu++ ions, when compared with the untreated control. To combat biofilm formation of this strain, the efficacy of copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized from copper nitrate by varying the concentrations of hexamine and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), was investigated. Complete (100%) inhibition of biofilm formation was observed with plain CuO NP (0.5 M hexamine, uncapped) at 1,000 µg ml−1. Capping with CTAB, influenced the morphology and the purity of the synthesized CuO NPs but did not alter their surface charge. Capping reduced metal ion release from CuO NPs and their antibacterial and anti-biofilm property against S. lentus. Overall, uncapped CuO NPs were effective in controlling biofilm formation of S. lentus. Concurrent release of copper ions and contact mediated physical damage by CuO NPs offer a promising approach to tackle metal tolerant biofilm bacteria.
Euthanasia and the Administration of Neuromuscular Blockers without Ventilation: Should Physicians Fear Prosecution?

A common dilemma among physicians who treat the dying is whether pharmacological paralysis should be reversed prior to removal of mechanical ventilation. But what if a physician were to administer a neuromuscular blocker without ever ventilating the patient in the first place? While there is evidence that euthanasia does occur in the United States, few physicians have been prosecuted. Could these infrequent prosecutions reflect a conscious desire by prosecutors not to pursue such matters? In an effort to explore this question, chief prosecutors in four U.S. states were presented with a vignette based on an actual event involving the administration of Succinylcholine to a dying patient. Response rates in this study were very acceptable (76.36% overall), and results indicated that not only was the likelihood of criminal prosecution low, almost half of the prosecutors believed that a physicianadministered lethal injection may be morally justified in some circumstances even though illegal.
The Association Between Men’s Heath Behaviors and Interest in Workplace Health Promotion

Background: Predictors of men’s health behaviors and interest in workplace health promotion are not well known. The aim of this study was to describe men’s interest in workplace health promotion and associated health behaviors. Method: Male employees (N = 781) at six workplaces in British Columbia, Canada, were invited to complete a survey of their health behaviors, demographics, and interest in health promotion prior to implementation of a workplace health program. Findings: A total of 227 male employees (Mage = 43.6 years; SD = 12.1) completed the survey (response rate = 29%). Regarding health behaviors, 62.1% reported 150 weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), 29.3% consumed 5+ servings of fruit/vegetables per day, 56.8% reported 7+ hours sleep/night, 14.4% smoked, and 81.3% consumed alcohol. Men spent 50% of their workday sitting, and higher body mass index (BMI), higher income, and greater hours worked were related to greater hours sitting. Age was inversely related to MVPA. Alcohol consumption was lower among men who were older, had higher income, and worked fewer hours. Most men were interested in being physically active (85%), managing stress (85%), eating healthy (89%), and cancer screening (91%). Higher stage of change for physical activity (β = .20, p = .003) and fruit/vegetable consumption (β = .18, p = .027) were related to interest in these activities. Conclusions/Application to Practice: Occupational health providers should consider worker demographics and could support interventions that target individuals with varying levels of health behaviors given the importance of meeting the needs of often sedentary workers.
Sleep and HbA1c in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Which Sleep Characteristics Matter Most?

OBJECTIVE Poor sleep has been identified as a risk factor for poor glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). As optimal sleep can be characterized in several ways, we evaluated which sleep characteristics are most strongly associated with glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 172 patients with T2D completed 7-day wrist-actigraphy and sleep questionnaires. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations between sleep measures (total sleep duration, variability in sleep duration, midsleep time, variability in midsleep time, sleep efficiency, subjective sleep quality, and subjective insomnia symptoms) and HbA1c, individually and in concert. RESULTS Variability in sleep duration was individually most strongly associated with HbA1c (β = 0.239; P = 0.002; R2 = 4.9%), followed by total sleep duration (U-shaped: β = 1.161/β2 = 1.044; P = 0.017/0.032; R2 = 4.3%), subjective sleep quality (β = 0.191; P = 0.012; R2 = 3.6%), variability in midsleep time (β = 0.184; P = 0.016; R2 = 3.4%), and sleep efficiency (β = −0.150; R2 = 2.3%). Midsleep time and subjective insomnia symptoms were not associated with HbA1c. In combination, variability in sleep duration, total sleep duration, and subjective sleep quality were significantly associated with HbA1c, together explaining 10.3% of the variance in HbA1c. Analyses adjusted for covariates provided similar results, although the strength of associations was generally decreased and showing total sleep duration and subjective sleep quality to be most strongly associated with HbA1c, together explaining 6.0% of the variance in HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS Sleep in general may be a modifiable factor of importance for patients with T2D. The prevention of sleep curtailment may serve as a primary focus in the sleep-centered management of T2D.
Pattern of mammography findings among symptomatic females referred for diagnostic mammography at a Tertiary Center in South-East Nigeria

Background: Breast symptoms are not uncommon among Nigerian adult females. Most worrisome are symptoms associated with the possibility of breast cancer. Mammography is an imaging technique being introduced in third world practice as an aid for screening and diagnosis of patients with breast symptoms. Objective: To document the pattern of mammographic findings in symptomatic females referred for mammography. Methodology: Patients with breast symptoms of palpable lump, pain or nipple discharge referred to the mammography unit of the Radiology department were recruited into the study at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria between June, 2012 and May 2013. Two standard views (cranio-caudal-CC and medio-lateral oblique-MLO) were done on both breasts for each patient. Results: Study population comprised seventy-one patients aged 20 to 79 years with a mean age of 48.3 years ±9.5, and range of 20 - 70 years. Of these, forty (56.3%) presented with breast pain, twenty-five (35.2%) had palpable breast lump, while fourteen (19.7%) presented with nipple discharge. 74.65% percent of participants showed positive mammographic findings. These were a well circumscribed breast opacity (35.2%), asymmetric soft tissue density (39.4%), calcification (39.4%), breast asymmetry (8.5%), nipple retraction (7.0%), tissue retraction (4.2%), skin thickening (1.4%), and axillary nodes (9.9%). Mammography calcifications were noted in 28 cases. Four of these (14.3%) were micro-calcification, while 24 (85.7%) were various forms of macro-calcifications. Conclusion: Asymmetric soft tissue density, calcification and well circumscribed breast opacity were the commonest mammographic findings among symptomatic women in our environment. Follow-up imaging or minimally-invasive image-guided biopsy or cytology may be indicated for further evaluation.
LutzoDex™-A digital key for Brazilian sand flies (Diptera, Phlebotominae) within an Android App.

Here we present an Android mobile application (app) for the identification of Brazilian phlebotomine sand fly species. The app, which is named LutzoDex™, relies on information included in a data source with morphological and morphometrical characters. This tool can present up to seven answer options to a question. Images of morphological structures can be referenced to make identification easier, and users can see a list of possible species based on the features they report. Maps are also used to determine the geographical distribution and whether the species is incriminated or suspected as a vector of Leishmania spp. in Brazil. The app is available free of charge in both English and Portuguese in the Google Play Store at https://play.google. com/store/apps/details? id=max.com. lutzodexhl=pt_BR.
MiR-421 promotes the development of osteosarcoma by regulating MCPIP1 expression

ABSTRACT Despite improvements in surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy, the prognosis and outcomes of patients with osteosarcoma remains poor due to the occurrence of metastasis or relapse. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1-induced protein-1 (MCPIP1), a zinc-finger RNA-binding protein, is known to regulate inflammatory responses and repress breast cancer growth. However, the regulation of MCPIP1 by microRNAs has not been clearly elucidated in osteosarcoma. In this study, we found that miR-421 expression was upregulated and MCPIP1 expression was downregulated in the osteosarcoma specimens from patients. Moreover, MCPIP1 expression was inversely correlated with miR-421 expression in the clinical samples. Furthermore, the upregulation of miR-421 and downregulation of MCPIP1 resulted in poor overall survival and severe disease progression, respectively, in the patients with osteosarcoma. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed that miR-421 specifically targets and binds to the 3ʹ-UTR of MCPIP1. The overexpression of miR-421 induced cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and the release of pro-inflammatory IL-6 in cultured human osteosarcoma cells. Additionally, the administration of miR-421 to tumor-bearing mice facilitated osteosarcoma growth by downregulating MCPIP1 expression. Taken together, these findings indicate that miR-421 is able to promote the development of osteosarcoma by regulating MCPIP1 expression, and can be a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
Climate‐dependent variation in cold tolerance of weedy rice and rice mediated by OsICE1 promoter methylation

The mechanisms by which weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) has adapted to endure low‐temperature stress in northern latitudes remain unresolved. In this study, we assessed cold tolerance of 100 rice varieties and 100 co‐occurring weedy rice populations, which were sampled across a broad range of climates in China. A parallel pattern of latitude‐dependent variation in cold tolerance was detected in cultivated rice and weedy rice. At the molecular level, differential cold tolerance was strongly correlated with relative expression levels of CBF cold response pathway genes and with methylation levels in the promoter region of OsICE1, a regulator of this pathway. Among all methylated cytosine sites of the OsICE1 promoter, levels of CHG and CHH methylation were found to be significantly correlated with cold tolerance among accessions. Furthermore, within many of the collection locales, weedy rice shared identical or near‐identical OsICE1 methylation patterns with co‐occurring cultivated rice. These findings provide new insights on the possible roles that methylation variation in the OsICE1 promoter may play in cold tolerance, and they suggest that weedy rice can rapidly acquire cold tolerance via methylation patterns that are shared with co‐occurring rice cultivars.
Combining Crowd-Sourcing and Automated Content Methods to Improve Estimates of Overall Media Coverage: Theme Mentions in E-cigarette and Other Tobacco Coverage

Exposure to media content can shape public opinions about tobacco. Accurately describing content is a first step to showing such effects. Historically, content analyses have hand-coded tobacco-focused texts from a few media sources which ignored passing mention coverage and social media sources, and could not reliably capture over-time variation. By using a combination of crowd-sourced and automated coding, we labeled the population of all e-cigarette and other tobacco-related (including cigarettes, hookah, cigars, etc.) ‘long-form texts’ (focused and passing coverage, in mass media and website articles) and social media items (tweets and YouTube videos) collected May 2014-June 2017 for four tobacco control themes. Automated coding of theme coverage met thresholds for item-level precision and recall, event validation, and weekly-level reliability for most sources, except YouTube. Health, Policy, Addiction and Youth themes were frequent in e-cigarette long-form focused coverage (44%-68%), but not in long-form passing coverage (5%-22%). These themes were less frequent in other tobacco coverage (long-form focused (13-32%) and passing coverage (4-11%)). Themes were infrequent in both e-cigarette (1-3%) and other tobacco tweets (2-4%). Findings demonstrate that passing e-cigarette and other tobacco long-form coverage and social media sources paint different pictures of theme coverage than focused long-form coverage. Automated coding also allowed us to code the amount of data required to estimate reliable weekly theme coverage over three years. E-cigarette theme coverage showed much more week-to-week variation than did other tobacco coverage. Automated coding allows accurate descriptions of theme coverage in passing mentions, social media, and trends in weekly theme coverage.
Heat Health Prevention Measures and Adaptation in Older Populations—A Systematic Review

The population of older people is increasing at a rapid rate, with those 80 years and older set to triple by 2050. This systematic review aimed to examine older people’s perceptions and behaviours against existing heatwaves prevention measures and systematically categorize and analyse those measures using the Ottawa charter for health promotion framework. Peer-reviewed published literature between 22nd September 2006 and 24th April 2018 was retrieved, according to the PRISMA guidelines, from five different databases. Eighteen articles were finally included. There is a lack of published studies from developing countries. Results were categorized and analysed using the Ottawa charter five action areas. Mitigation strategies from current heat action plans are discussed and gaps are highlighted. A lack of systematic evaluation of heat action plans efficacy was identified. Older people are not demonstrating all recommended preventative measures during heatwaves. Support personnel and health professionals are not being pro-active enough in facilitating prevention of adverse effects from heatwaves. Governments are beginning to implement policy changes, but other recommended support measures outlined in the Ottawa charter are still lacking, and hence require further action. Linkage between specific components of heat action plans and outcomes cannot be ascertained; therefore, more systematic evaluation is needed.