Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacterial community structure and metabolic potential in microbialite‐forming mats from South Australian saline lakes

Microbialites are sedimentary rocks created in association with benthic microorganisms. While they harbour complex microbial communities, Cyanobacteria perform critical roles in sediment stabilisation and accretion. Microbialites have been described from permanent and ephemeral saline lakes in South Australia; however, the microbial communities that generate and inhabit these biogeological structures have not been studied in detail. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the composition, diversity and metabolic potential of bacterial communities from different microbialite‐forming mats and surrounding sediments in five South Australian saline coastal lakes using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and predictive metagenome analyses. While Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla recovered from the mats and sediments, Cyanobacteria were significantly more abundant in the mat samples. Interestingly, at lower taxonomic levels, the mat communities were vastly different across the five lakes. Comparative analysis of putative mat and sediment metagenomes via PICRUSt2 revealed important metabolic pathways driving the process of carbonate precipitation, including cyanobacterial oxygenic photosynthesis, ureolysis and nitrogen fixation. These pathways were highly conserved across the five examined lakes, although they appeared to be performed by distinct groups of bacterial taxa found in each lake. Stress response, quorum sensing and circadian clock were other important pathways predicted by the in silico metagenome analysis. The enrichment of CRISPR/Cas and phage shock associated genes in these cyanobacteria‐rich communities suggests that they may be under selective pressure from viral infection. Together, these results highlight that a very stable ecosystem function is maintained by distinctly different communities in microbialite‐forming mats in the five South Australian lakes and reinforce the concept that ‘who’ is in the community is not as critical as their net metabolic capacity.
Response of murine neural stem/progenitor cells to gamma-neutron radiation

Abstract Purpose In recent years, a growing number of studies have focused on the mechanisms of action of densely ionizing radiation. This is associated with the development of radiation therapy of tumors using accelerated ions. The use of densely ionizing radiation appears to be the most promising method, optimal for treating patients with severe radioresistant forms, such as widespread head and neck tumors, recurrent and metastatic tumors, and some forms of brain tumors. The goal of our study was to investigate the effects of gamma-neutron radiation on mouse neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs). Methods NSCs/NPCs were isolated from neonatal mouse brains. Cells were irradiated in a collimated beam of neutrons and gamma rays of the IR-8 nuclear reactor. At 5 and 7 days after irradiation, cells and neurospheres were counted to assess survival. The number of DNA double-strand breaks and their repair efficiency were determined by immunocytochemical γH2AX staining followed by counting the number of γH2AX foci using a fluorescent microscope. Results We observed a dose-dependent decrease in the survival of NSCs/NPCs after irradiation at doses above 100 mGy and stimulation of the proliferation of these cells at doses of 25 and 50 mGy. In terms of a decrease in cell survival, the effect of gamma-neutron irradiation significantly exceeded the effect of gamma irradiation: the maximum value of the relative biological efficiency for gamma-neutron irradiation comprised 9.7. Gamma-neutron irradiation led to the formation of double-strand DNA breaks detected by the formation of foci of histone γH2AX in the cell nuclei. The γH2AX foci formed after gamma-neutron irradiation of NSCs/NPCs at doses of 100–500 mGy were characterized by a larger size in comparison with foci induced by gamma irradiation and gamma-neutron irradiation at a dose of 50 mGy. The repair of double-strand DNA breaks induced by γ,n-irradiation was slow; the repair rate depended on the radiation dose. Conclusions The data obtained indicate high sensitivity of proliferating NSCs/NPCs to gamma-neutron radiation. High RBE of gamma-neutron radiation requires special measures to protect the neurogenic regions of the brain when using this type of radiation in radiation therapy.
Correlative Electrochemical Microscopy for the Elucidation of the Local Ionic and Electronic Properties of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Li‐Ion Batteries

Abstract The solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) plays a key role in the stability of lithium‐ion batteries as the SEI prevents the continuous degradation of the electrolyte at the anode. The SEI acts as an insulating layer for electron transfer, still allowing the ionic flux through the layer. We combine the feedback and multi‐frequency alternating‐current modes of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) for the first time to assess quantitatively the local electronic and ionic properties of the SEI varying the SEI formation conditions and the used electrolytes in the field of Li‐ion batteries (LIB). Correlations between the electronic and ionic properties of the resulting SEI on a model Cu electrode demonstrates the unique feasibility of the proposed strategy to provide the two essential properties of an SEI: ionic and electronic conductivity in dependence on the formation conditions, which is anticipated to exhibit a significant impact on the field of LIBs.
Ribitol-Containing Wall Teichoic Acid of Tetragenococcus halophilus Is Targeted by Bacteriophage phiWJ7 as a Binding Receptor

Information about the mechanisms of host-phage interactions is required for the development of efficient strategies against bacteriophage infections. Here, we identified the ribitol-containing wall teichoic acid as a host receptor indispensable for bacteriophage infection. ABSTRACT Tetragenococcus halophilus, a halophilic lactic acid bacterium, is used in the fermentation process of soy sauce manufacturing. For many years, bacteriophage infections of T. halophilus have been a major industrial problem that causes fermentation failure. However, studies focusing on the mechanisms of tetragenococcal host-phage interactions are not sufficient. In this study, we generated two phage-insensitive derivatives from the parental strain T. halophilus WJ7, which is susceptible to the virulent phage phiWJ7. Whole-genome sequencing of the derivatives revealed that insertion sequences were transposed into a gene encoding poly(ribitol phosphate) polymerase (TarL) in both derivatives. TarL is responsible for the biosynthesis of ribitol-containing wall teichoic acid, and WJ7 was confirmed to contain ribitol in extracted wall teichoic acid, but the derivative was not. Cell walls of WJ7 irreversibly adsorbed phiWJ7, but those of the phage-insensitive derivatives did not. Additionally, 25 phiWJ7-insensitive derivatives were obtained, and they showed mutations not only in tarL but also in tarI and tarJ, which are responsible for the synthesis of CDP-ribitol. These results indicate that phiWJ7 targets the ribitol-containing wall teichoic acid of host cells as a binding receptor. IMPORTANCE Information about the mechanisms of host-phage interactions is required for the development of efficient strategies against bacteriophage infections. Here, we identified the ribitol-containing wall teichoic acid as a host receptor indispensable for bacteriophage infection. The complete genome sequence of tetragenococcal phage phiWJ7 belonging to the family Rountreeviridae is also provided here. This study could become the foundation for a better understanding of host-phage interactions of tetragenococci.
Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms are Associated with Perceived Financial Exploitation in Israeli Older Adults

ABSTRACT Objectives There are no studies that have investigated mental health correlates of financial exploitation (FE) in Israel. Israel has diverse cultural traditions that emphasize strong family ties and social embeddedness, factors which may impact FE correlates. This study aimed to examine mental health correlates of perceived FE in Israel. Methods Israeli older adults (N = 137; mean age = 67.86, SD = 6.86, 51.5% female) were surveyed for history of FE, demographic measures, and depressive (CES-D) and anxiety symptoms (GAD-7). Results Twenty-one participants self-reported a FE history (perceived FE group), and 115 denied a history (non-FE group). After controlling for age, sex, and education, the perceived FE group reported significantly more anxiety (F(1, 108) = 7.16, p = . 009) and depressive symptoms (F(1, 103) = 13.90, p < . 001) than the non-FE group. A greater frequency of perceived FE participants surpassed clinical cutoffs of anxiety and depression. Conclusions Perceived FE was associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms, and in some cases at clinically significant levels. Future studies aimed at understanding mechanisms of these relationships are needed. Clinical Implications Findings support the need for clinical evaluations for those who have experienced FE in order to provide mental health services when appropriate.
Use and Perceptions of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems by Older Drivers With and Without Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have been reported to improve the safety of elderly and normally sighted drivers. The purpose of this study was to assess exposure to, perceived safety of, comfort level with, and interest in using ADAS among drivers with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods Current drivers aged 60+ years were recruited at four US sites to complete a survey about ADAS and driving habits. Frequency of use and/or perceptions of eight ADAS were investigated. An avoidance score was generated using questions about difficult driving situations. Results The survey was completed by 166 participants (80 with AMD vs. 86 without). Participants with AMD had worse self-rated vision than those without (34% vs. 2% poor or fair rating), and drove fewer weekly miles (median [interquartile range [IQR] 30 [15 to 75] vs. 60 [30 to 121] miles, P = 0.002). Participants with AMD reported more avoidance of difficult driving situations (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the number of ADAS used by AMD status (median [IQR for AMD = 2.5 [1 to 5] vs. 3 [2 to 4] without, P = 0.87). Greater reported number of ADAS used was associated with less avoidance of difficult situations (P = 0.02). The majority perceived improved safety with most ADAS. Conclusions Many drivers with AMD utilize common ADAS, which subjectively improve their road safety and may help to reduce self-imposed restrictions for difficult situations and mileage. Translational Relevance Drivers with AMD are adopting readily available ADAS, for which they reported potential benefits, such as safety and less restrictive driving.
Performance of barrier systems and functions in the construction industry

Objectives. Improving knowledge about the mechanism of accident occurrence in the construction industry provides important information to help design and implement appropriate barriers to stop the spread of unexpected events. This study characterizes the sequence of accidents in the construction industry by linking the most commonly identified circumstances, the barriers and barrier functions infringed and the specific way in which each of these functioned. Methods. In order to achieve the proposed objective, an analysis was made of 241 investigations of work accidents that occurred in the construction sector in Spain between 2009 and 2014. The statistical difference between the groups of variables was determined using contingency tables in which the value of the χ 2 statistic was calculated. Results. The results obtained show that behavioural factors are fundamentally identified, such as the worker’s non-observance of ensuring their own safety or the deficient interpretation of rules. Conclusions. This study illustrates that to understand the performance of barrier systems and functions, efforts must be focused not only on the things that go wrong, i.e., accidents, but also on the things that go right within the variability of daily performance in systems as complex as the construction industry.
Impact of mass vaccination on the spatiotemporal dynamics of FMD outbreaks in India, 2008–2016

Abstract Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in India, where circulation of serotypes O, A and Asia1 is frequent. Here, we provide an epidemiological assessment of the ongoing mass vaccination programs in regard to post‐vaccination monitoring and outbreak occurrence. The objective of this study was assessing the contribution of mass vaccination campaigns in reducing the risk of FMD in India from 2008 to 2016 by evaluating sero‐monitoring data and modelling the spatiotemporal dynamics of reported outbreaks. Through analyzing antibody titre data from >1 million animals sampled as part of pre‐ and post‐vaccination monitoring, we show that the percent of animals with inferred immunological protection (based on ELISA) was highly variable across states but generally increased through time. In addition, the number of outbreaks in a state was negatively correlated with the percent of animals with inferred protection. We then analyzed the distribution of reported FMD outbreaks across states using a Bayesian space–time model. This approach provides better acuity to disentangle the effect of mass vaccination programs on outbreak occurrence, while accounting for other factors that contribute to spatiotemporal variability in outbreak counts, notably proximity to international borders and inherent spatiotemporal correlations in incidence. This model demonstrated a ∼50% reduction in the risk of outbreaks in states that were part of the vaccination program. In addition, after controlling for spatial autocorrelation in the data, states that had international borders experienced heightened risk of FMD outbreaks. These findings help inform risk‐based control strategies for India as the country progresses towards reducing reported clinical disease.
Comprehensive bioinformation analysis of differentially expressed genes in recurrent pregnancy loss

Abstract Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) occurs frequently, and its causes are complex. The aetiology of nearly 50% of RPL cases is still unknown. This study aimed to ascertain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. We downloaded the gene expression microarray of GSE165004 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on selected genes by using the R Programming Language. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed with the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING). Our analysis revealed that 1,869 genes were differentially expressed in RPL and control groups. GO analysis revealed that the interferon type 1 and the glycoprotein-related biological processes played irreplaceable roles, meanwhile KEGG enrichment analysis also revealed that the cAMP signalling pathway and the prolactin signalling pathway played important roles. In the following study, we found that there were many DEGs in the RPL group that were closely related to endometrial decidualization, such as IL17RD, IL16, SOX4, CREBBP, and POFUT1 as well as Notch1 and RBPJ in the Notch signalling pathway family were down-regulated in the RPL group. The results provided valuable information on the pathogenesis of RPL.
Unsupervised characterization of Major Depressive Disorder medication treatment pathways

Learning health systems have the ability to systematically evaluate treatments and treatment pathways. Characterization of treatment pathways can enhance a health system's ability to perform systematic evaluation to improve care quality. In this study we use a Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) autoencoder model to systematically characterize treatment pathways in a prevalent phenotype-Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). LSTM autoencoder models generate representations of medication treatment pathways that account for temporality and complex interactions. Patients with similar pathways are grouped with K-means clustering. Clusters are characterized by analysis of medication utilization sequences and trends, as well as clinical features, such as demographics, outcomes and comorbidities. Cluster characterization identifies endotypes of MDD including acute MDD, moderate-chronic MDD and severe-chronic, but managed MDD.
Nurses' perspective on their involvement in decision‐making about life‐prolonging treatments: A quantitative survey study

Abstract Aims In hospital settings, decisions about potentially life‐prolonging treatments are often made in a dialogue between a patient and their physician, with a focus on active treatment. Nurses can have a valuable contribution in this process, but it seems they are not always involved. Our aim was to explore how hospital nurses perceive their current role and preferred role in shared decision‐making about potentially life‐prolonging treatment in patients in the last phase of life. Design Cross‐sectional quantitative study conducted in the Netherlands in April and May 2019. Methods An online survey, using a questionnaire consisting of 12 statements on nurses' opinion about supporting patients in decisions about potentially life‐prolonging treatments, and 13 statements on nurses' actual involvement in these decisions. Results In total 179 hospital nurses from multiple institutions who care for adult patients in the last phase of life responded. Nurses agreed that they should have a role in shared decision‐making about potentially life‐prolonging treatments, indicating greatest agreement with ‘It is my task to speak up for my patient’ and ‘It is important that my role in supporting patients is clear’. However, nurses also said that in practice they were often not involved in shared decision‐making, with least involvement in ‘active participation in communication about treatment decisions’ and ‘supporting a patient with the decision’. Conclusion There is a discrepancy between nurses' preferred role in decision‐making about potentially life‐prolonging treatment and their actual role. More effort is needed to increase nurses' involvement. Impact Nurses' contribution to decision‐making is increasingly considered to be valuable by the nurses themselves, physicians and patients, though involvement is still not common. Future research should focus on strategies, such as training programs, that empower nurses to take an active role in decision‐making.
Ethnicity-related stereotypes and their impacts on medical students: A critical narrative review of health professions education literature

Abstract Background Stereotypes are oversimplified beliefs about groups of people. Social psychology concepts and theories describing ethnicity-related stereotypes are well reported in non-medical educational settings. In contrast, the full impact of stereotyping on medical students, and the extent to which they were represented in health professions education (HPE) is less well-described. Using the lens of social psychological theory, this review aimed to describe ethnicity-related stereotypes about medical students portrayed in HPE literature and the impacts of those stereotypes. Methods A critical narrative approach was undertaken. Social psychology concepts and theories were used as a framework through which to review the impacts of ethnicity-related stereotypes on medical students as described in HPE literature. A database search of Ovid MEDLINE, JSTOR, Project Muse, and PsychINFO was conducted to identify both theoretical and empirical articles relating to this topic in the HPE literature. Data was synthesised using thematic analysis, giving particular care to appraise the evidence from perspectives in social psychology. Findings In HPE, the experiences and impact of stereotyping on learners from minority ethnic groups was explained by social psychology concepts such as stereotype threat, stereotype reactance, attributional ambiguity, self-fulfilling prophecy, stereotype boost, stereotype lift, and stereotype masking. Stereotype boost and stereotype lift were particularly described among students who identified as White, whereas stereotype threat was described more commonly among students from minority ethnics groups. The impact of stereotyping is not just on assessment, but may be across all teaching and learning activities at medical school. Interpretation Social psychology concepts and theories can be used to describe the experience and impact of ethnicity-related stereotypes in HPE. Educators can better support learners from minority ethnic groups by self-reflecting over assumptions about individuals from minority ethnic groups, as well as minimise the impact of stereotyping and bias to create more inclusive learning environments.
Geraniol ameliorates the progression of high fat-diet/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats via regulation of caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax expression.

The study was designed to evaluate the geraniol's effect on the kidney and liver damage triggered by a high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats. Firstly, in vitro inhibitory geraniol's effect against α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities was confirmed by in-silico molecular docking, which revealed higher binding affinity toward α-amylase than for α-glucosidase. The protective effect of geraniol with two separate doses (100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt) against diabetes' kidney and liver dysfunctions in Wistar rats was then evaluated. Results indicate that geraniol treatment for 6 weeks instigated a remarkable retrieval of the lipid profile, liver, and kidney function. Geraniol noticeably reinforced the antioxidant enzymes, parameters of oxidative stress of the kidney and liver in this type of diabetes. Also, geraniol treatment prompted a significant reduction in the expression levels of caspase-3 (Casp3) and Bax mRNA. In conclusion, geraniol ameliorates the progress of HFD/STZ-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats via dependently upregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and downregulating Casp3 and Bax expression. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Geraniol is a naturally occurring substantial acyclic monoterpenoid compound that has numerous pharmacological activities. The positive effect of geraniol in inhibiting in vitro diabetic markers by a silico molecular docking study was evidenced by illustrating the binding sites of geraniol with both α-amylase and α-glucosidase. This study also focused on the therapeutic impact of geraniol against the damage caused by high fat-diet/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic complications in Wistar rats. Geraniol limits the oxidative stress of liver and kidney tissue, and it might be used as an antiapoptotic agent in type 2 diabetes.
The Operating Over Voltage Surge and Its Suppression of the Electric Furnace Transformer

detailed analysis of origin and hazard of operating over voltage surge,presenting suppressive methods of electrical furnace equip-ment,explanation with domestic and abroad engineering cases.Also introduction of characters of main electrical device applied in operating over voltage surge suppression.Emphasized point in this essay: electrical furnace transformer can not withstand unsuppressed operating over voltage surge,operation of electrical furnace transformer will be very unstable if there is not effective suppression of operating over voltage surge in electrical furnace equipment.