Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discontinuation of contact precautions for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus: a randomized controlled trial comparing passive and active screening with culture and polymerase chain reaction.

BACKGROUND There have been no randomized controlled trials comparing active and passive screening for documenting clearance of colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We compared the efficacy of active and passive screening using both culture and commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for documentation of MRSA clearance and discontinuation of MRSA contact precautions (CPs). METHODS Inpatients with a history of MRSA infection or colonization enrolled between December 2010 and September 2011 were randomized to either passive (nonintervention arm; n = 202; observation with local standard of care) or active screening (intervention arm; n = 405; study staff screened using culture and commercial PCR). The primary outcome was discontinuation of CPs by trial arm based on 3 negative cultures. In the intervention arm, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the first PCR were compared to cultures. RESULTS CPs were discontinued significantly more often (rate ratio [RR], 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3%-7.1%) in the intervention arm, including in an intent-to-screen analysis (RR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.5%-4.7%). The first PCR, compared to 3 cultures, detected MRSA with a sensitivity of 93.9% (95% CI, 85.4%-97.6%), a specificity of 92.0% (95% CI, 85.9%-95.6%), a positive predictive value of 86.1% (95% CI, 75.9%-93.1%), and a negative predictive value of 96.6% (95% CI, 91.6%-99.1%). CONCLUSIONS Compared to passive screening using culture methods, active screening resulted in discontinuation of MRSA CPs at a significantly higher frequency. Active screening with a single PCR would significantly increase the completion of the screening process. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT01234831.
THE EFFECT OF MATHEMATICS TEACHER CANDIDATES’ LOCUS OF CONTROL ON MATH ANXIETY: STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING

In this study, the effect of mathematics teacher candidates’ locus of control on math anxiety was tested, along with the effects of gender, achievement and class level moderators. The study was carried out according to a causal design in which locus of control was taken as an independent variable, while math anxiety was taken as the dependent variable, and gender, achievement and class levels were considered as moderator variables. The participants were 402 students from three different state universities in Turkey who were selected using a combination of convenience and purposive sampling. Data were collected from the participants using the Locus of Control Scale (LCS) and the Math Anxiety Rating Scale-Short Version (MARS-SV). A path analysis was then used to provide a combination of measurement error in both latent and observed variables. The results of the path analysis revealed that the participants’ locus of control positively affected math anxiety. Furthermore, the moderator analysis showed that this effect was higher in males and in groups with lower achievement scores. Finally, a significant positive correlation was found between the external locus of control and the total and sub-scale scores of math anxiety. Article visualizations:
Optimal management of complications associated with achondroplasia

: Achondroplasia is the most common form of skeletal dysplasia, resulting in disproportionate short stature, and affects over 250,000 people worldwide. Individuals with achondroplasia demonstrate a number of well-recognized anatomical features that impact on growth and development, with a complex array of medical issues that are best managed through a multidisciplinary team approach. The complexity of this presentation, whereby individual impairments may impact upon multiple activity and participation areas, requires consideration and discussion under a broad framework to gain a more thorough understanding of the experience of this condition for individuals with achondroplasia. This paper examines the general literature and research evidence on the medical and health aspects of individuals with achondroplasia and presents a pictorial model of achondroplasia based on The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). An expanded model of the ICF will be used to review and present the current literature pertaining to the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory, and ear, nose, and throat impairments and complications across the lifespan, with discussion on the impact of these impairments upon activity and participation performance. Further research is required to fully identify factors influencing participation and to help develop strategies to address these factors.
Increasing growth rate slows adaptation when genotypes compete for diffusing resources

The rate at which a species responds to natural selection is a central predictor of the species’ ability to adapt to environmental change. It is well-known that spatially-structured environments slow the rate of adaptation due to increased intra-genotype competition. Here, we show that this effect magnifies over time as a species becomes better adapted and grows faster. Using a reaction-diffusion model, we demonstrate that growth rates are inextricably coupled with effective spatial scales, such that higher growth rates cause more localized competition. This has two effects: selection requires more generations for beneficial mutations to fix, and spatially-caused genetic drift increases. Together, these effects diminish the value of additional growth rate mutations in structured environments. Author Summary What determines how quickly a beneficial mutation will spread through a population? The intuitive answer is that mutations that confer faster growth rates will spread at a rate that is relative to the size of the growth-rate benefit. Indeed, this is true in a well-mixed environment where all genotypes compete globally. But most organisms don’t live in a simple well-mixed environment. Many organisms, like bacteria, live in a structured environment, such as on the surface of a solid substrate. Does life on a surface change the expectation about the spread of faster-growing mutants? We developed a mathematical model to answer this question, and found that on a surface, the actual growth rates—not just the relative growth rates—were critical to determining how fast a faster-growing mutant spread through a population. When the simulated organisms grew slowly, competition was basically global and a faster-growing mutant could pre-empt resources from far-away competitors. In contrast, when organisms grew more quickly, competition became much more localized, and the faster-growing mutant could only steal resources from neighboring competitors. This result means that there are diminishing returns to series of mutations which confer growth-rate benefits. This idea will help us predict and understand future and past evolutionary trajectories.
Longitudinal study of hippocampal volumes in heavy cannabis users

Background: Cannabis exposure, particularly heavy cannabis use, has been associated with neuroanatomical alterations in regions rich with cannabinoid receptors such as the hippocampus in some but not in other (mainly cross-sectional) studies. However, it remains unclear whether continued heavy cannabis use alters hippocampal volume, and whether an earlier age of onset and/or a higher dosage exacerbate these changes. Methods: Twenty heavy cannabis users (mean age 21 years, range 18–24 years) and 23 matched non-cannabis using healthy controls were submitted to a comprehensive psychological assessment and magnetic resonance imaging scan at baseline and at follow-up (average of 39 months post-baseline; standard deviation=2.4). Cannabis users started smoking around 16 years and smoked on average five days per week. A novel aspect of the current study is that hippocampal volume estimates were obtained from manual tracing the hippocampus on T1-weighted anatomical magnetic resonance imaging scans, using a previously validated protocol. Results: Compared to controls, cannabis users did not show hippocampal volume alterations at either baseline or follow-up. Hippocampal volumes increased over time in both cannabis users and controls, following similar trajectories of increase. Cannabis dose and age of onset of cannabis use did not affect hippocampal volumes. Conclusions: Continued heavy cannabis use did not affect hippocampal neuroanatomical changes in early adulthood. This contrasts with prior evidence on alterations in this region in samples of older adult cannabis users. In young adults using cannabis at this level, cannabis use may not be heavy enough to affect hippocampal neuroanatomy.
COPD_A_196615 2725..2731

1State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Respiratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Respiratory Medicine, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Henan, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Internal Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 5Jiangsu Province Hospital, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of RespiratoryMedicine,West China Hospital, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 7Department of Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 8Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong, People’s Republic of China; 9Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
Differences in cancer awareness and beliefs between Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the UK (the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership) Differences in cancer awareness and between Do they contribute to differences in cancer survival?

There are wide international differences in 1-year cancer survival. The UK and Denmark perform poorly compared with other high-income countries with similar health care systems: Australia, Canada and Sweden have good cancer survival rates, Norway intermediate survival rates. The objective of this study was to examine the pattern of differences in cancer awareness and beliefs across these countries to identify where these might contribute to the pattern of survival. Methods: We carried out a population-based telephone interview survey of 19 079 men and women aged X 50 years in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the UK using the Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer measure. Results: Awareness that the risk of cancer increased with age was lower in the UK (14%), Canada (13%) and Australia (16%) but was higher in Denmark (25%), Norway (29%) and Sweden (38%). Symptom awareness was no lower in the UK and Denmark than other countries. Perceived barriers to symptomatic presentation were highest in the UK, in particular being worried about wasting the doctor’s time (UK 34%; Canada 21%; Australia 14%; Denmark 12%; Norway 11%; Sweden 9%). Conclusion: The UK had low awareness of age-related risk and the highest perceived barriers to symptomatic presentation, but symptom awareness in the UK did not differ from other countries. Denmark had higher awareness of age-related risk and few perceived barriers to symptomatic presentation. This suggests that other factors must be involved in explaining Denmark’s poor survival rates. In the UK, interventions that address barriers to prompt presentation in primary care should be developed and evaluated.
Oral Administration of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Ameliorates the Progression of Osteoarthritis by Inhibiting Joint Pain and In�ammation

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and age-related degenerative joint disorder, which adversely affects quality of life and causes disability. However, the pathogenesis of OA remains unclear. This study was performed to examine the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in OA progression. OA was induced in 6-week-old male Wistar rats by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) injection, and the effects of oral administration of L. rhamnosus were examined in this OA rat model. Pain severity, cartilage destruction, and in�ammation were measured in MIA-induced OA rats. The intestines were isolated from OA rats, and the intestinal structure and in�ammation were measured. Protein expression in the dorsal root ganglion was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The effects of L. rhamnosus on mRNA and protein expression in chondrocytes stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pain severity was decreased in L. rhamnosus-treated MIA-induced OA rats. The levels of expression of MCP-1, a potential in�ammatory cytokine, and its receptor, CCR2, were decreased, and GABA and PPAR-γ expression were increased in L. rhamnosus-treated OA rats. The in�ammation, as determined by IL-1β, and cartilage destruction, as determined by MMP3, were also signi�cantly decreased by L. rhamnosus in OA rats. Intestinal damage and in�ammation were also improved by L. rhamnosus. In human OA chondrocytes, TIMP1, TIMP3, SOX9 and COL2A1 which are tissue inhibitors of MMP, and IL-10, an anti-in�ammatory cytokine, were increased by L. rhamnosus. by L. rhamnosus treatment. Our �ndings suggested the therapeutic potential of L. rhamnosus in OA. and IHC staining in the L. rhamnosus (LR-2) group. was signi�cantly increase than vehicle treated group. These results support the cartilage protective effect of rhamnosus (LR-2) mediated through changes in the intestinal immune system and environment.
MICROBIOTA: THE VITAL ROLE IN SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 2030 FROM A MICROSCOPIC SCALE

The world is focusing on the 2030 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Various efforts have been made to implement the 2030 SDGs. Many countries have moved and are aware that the 2030 SDGs would impact the human species on earth—biodiversity is a biological wealth that must be conserved, including micro-biodiversity. Freshwater is a natural resource inhabited by microphytes. We explain the vital role of microphytes in supporting SDGs 2030 from a microscopic scale. This study shows that micro-biota can contribute to a sustainable environment, with specific cases study from Central Java-Indonesia.
Hyaluronic acid-functionalized bilosomes for targeted delivery of tripterine to inflamed area with enhancive therapy on arthritis

Abstract Arthritis treatment has been challenging because of low drug exposure to the articular cavity. This study was intended to develop hyaluronic acid (HA)-functionalized bilosomes for targeted delivery of tripterine (Tri), an antiphlogistic phytomedicine, to the inflamed joint via ligand-receptor interaction. Tri-loaded bilosomes (Tri-BLs) with cationic lipid (DOTAP) were prepared by a thin film hydration method followed by HA coating to form HA@Tri-BLs. HA@Tri-BLs were then characterized by particle size (PS), entrapment efficiency (EE), and structural morphology. The in vitro drug release, hemocompatibility test and cellular uptake were performed to examine the formulation performances of HA@Tri-BLs. The in vivo pharmacokinetics and antiarthritic efficacy were evaluated in arthritic models, respectively. The obtained HA@Tri-BLs possessed a PS of 118.5 nm around with an EE of 99.56%. HA@Tri-BLs exhibited excellent cellular uptake and targeted delivery efficiency for Tri, which resulted in elongation of circulatory residence time and enhancement of intra-arthritic bioavailability (799.9% relative to Tri solution). The in vivo antiarthritic efficacy of HA@Tri-BLs was also significantly superior to uncoated Tri-BLs that gave rise to obvious inflammation resolution. Our findings suggest that HA-functionalized bilosomes are a promising vehicle for articular delivery of antiphlogistic drugs to potentiate their efficacy.
Massively parallel fitness profiling reveals multiple novel enzymes in Pseudomonas putida 1 lysine metabolism 2

30 Despite intensive study for 50 years, the biochemical and genetic links between lysine 31 metabolism and central metabolism in Pseudomonas putida remain unresolved. To establish 32 these biochemical links, we leveraged Random Barcode Transposon Sequencing (RB-TnSeq), a 33 genome-wide assay measuring the fitness of thousands of genes in parallel, to identify multiple 34 novel enzymes in both Land D-lysine metabolism. We first describe three pathway enzymes 35 that catabolize L-2-aminoadipate (L-2AA) to 2-ketoglutarate (2KG), connecting D-lysine to the 36 TCA cycle. One of these enzymes, PP_5260, contains a DUF1338 domain, a family with no 37 previously described biological function. Our work also identified the recently described CoA 38 independent route of L-lysine degradation that metabolizes to succinate. We expanded on 39 previous findings by demonstrating that glutarate hydroxylase CsiD is promiscuous in its 240 oxoacid selectivity. Proteomics of select pathway enzymes revealed that expression of catabolic 41 genes is highly sensitive to particular pathway metabolites, implying intensive local and global 42 regulation. This work demonstrates the utility of RB-TnSeq for discovering novel metabolic 43 pathways in even well-studied bacteria, as well as a powerful tool for validating previous 44
Cover Crop Mixture Effects on Maize, Soybean, and Wheat Yield in Rotation

Few studies report the effects of cover crop mixtures on crop yields in rotation. Cover crop C/N ratio was negatively correlated with maize yield. Multispecies mixtures did not affect maize, soybean, or wheat yields. Cover crops with high biomass and C/N ratios provide unique ecosystem services. Both mixtures and diverse rotations may enhance cover crop ecosystem services.
MidBit+, Torus Polynomials and Non-classical Polynomials: Equivalences for ACC Lower Bounds

We give a conversion from non-classical polynomials to MidBit + circuits and vice-versa. This conversion, along with previously known results, shows that torus polynomials, non-classical polynomials and MidBit + circuits can all be converted to each other. Therefore lower bounds against any of these models lead to lower bounds against all three of them. Each of these three models capture the power of ACC circuits, which are circuits composed of AND , OR , MOD m gates for some constant natural number m . Hence lower bounds against any of these models lead to comparable lower bounds against ACC .
DEPTH AND TIME RELATED VARIATIONS OF MICROBIAL COMMUNIITES IN AN EMERGENT FRESHWATER WETLAND

Soils, and the microbial communities contained within them, are vital for most chemical, physical, and biological processes. This study investigated how microbial community structure responded to environmental changes, such as hydrology, across vertical space (depth) and time in an emergent fresh water wetland. Research was conducted in a non-tidal freshwater wetland along the James River (Charles City County, Virginia) by establishing plots in two areas that experienced different hydrologic regimes and plant communities. Soil cores (30 cm) were collected monthly from January 2008 to February 2009, and then every two to three months thereafter until October 2009, for a total of 17 sampling events. The soil cores were divided by depth (Top: 0 – 10 cm, Bottom: 20 – 30 cm) and analyzed for a variety of soil properties including: pH, organic matter (OM), water content (WC), C:N, redox, and root biomass. Additionally, above-ground plant communities were monitored during the growing seasons. Based on preliminary analysis, one date from each season (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall) from both sampling years were selected for in depth analysis of the microbial community structure via Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) of 16S-rRNA. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) found significant differences were found between the environmental parameters in regards to site, depth, and season. Three physical-chemical variables (WC, OM, and redox) were different between sites, but the majority of environmental parameters were significantly different between depths and seasons. The dominant environmental effect on microbial communities was soil depth and, overall, no seasonal patterns were observed in the microbial communities. Further, archaeal communities were most strongly correlated to changes in water content, while redox was strongly correlated to changes across depth in the bacterial communities. Collectively, these results demonstrate that wetland microbial communities are not a product of one separate variable or spatial scale, but result from various factors interlinked to shape microbial communities. More long-term studies are needed to investigate interactions between microbial community structure and environmental variables in these dynamic ecosystems.
Dynamics of Epicardiac Fat and Heart Function in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Initiated with SGLT-2 Inhibitors Targets and Therapy

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the dynamics of epicardiac adipose tissue (EAT) thickness and total volume as well as that of systolic and diastolic dysfunction in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) after initiation of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT 2) inhibitors therapy. Patients and methods: This prospective, observational study included 53 patients with T2D who received SGLT-2 inhibitors for 24 weeks. In all patients, echocardiographic screening for EAT, systolic and diastolic dysfunction and non-contrast computed tomography scans were performed, both before and after 24 weeks of SGLT-2 inhibition. Imagistic evaluation was followed by the association ’ s analysis between the dynamics of EAT and heart function, as well as the patient ’ s clinical and biological parameters. We considered a decrease or increase of more than 10% in EAT as being clinically signi ﬁ cant. Results: The mean volume of EAT decreased signi ﬁ cantly after SGLT 2 inhibition (37.8±17.2 vs. 20.7±7 cm 3 ; p <0.001). Median values of EAT thickness also decreased signi ﬁ cantly (5.95 vs. 3.01 mm; p<0.001). Most patients, 75.4% (40/53), presented more than 10% decrease in EAT volume, 9.5% (5/53) had stable EAT volume values, while in 15.1% (8/53) the means of EAT volume increased. 73.5% of the patients had diastolic dysfunction type 1 (DD 1) at baseline. No signi ﬁ cant change was observed in the left ventricular ejection fraction or diastolic dysfunction after 24 weeks of treatment. Although not statistically signi ﬁ cant, an improvement in cardiac function has been noticed throughout the duration of 1 year of treatment with SGLT 2 inhibitors. Conclusion: This study showed the bene ﬁ cial effect of SGLT 2 inhibitors on EAT after a short period of treatment, but there were no signi ﬁ cant changes in the systolic function during the 1st year of study. However, reducing epicardial fat has led to remission of diastolic dysfunction.
A zebrafish model for MonoMAC syndrome identifies an earlier role for gata2 in haemogenic endothelium programming and generation of haematopoietic stem cells

1. MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, United Kingdom 2. BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Oxford, United Kingdom 3. Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK 4. Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands