Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the energetics of chemolithotrophy in nonequilibrium systems: case studies of geothermal springs in Yellowstone National Park

Chemolithotrophic micro‐organisms are important primary producers in high‐temperature geothermal environments and may catalyse a number of different energetically favourable redox reactions as a primary energy source. Analysis of geochemical constituents followed by chemical speciation and subsequent calculation of reaction free energies (ΔGrxn) is a useful tool for evaluating the thermodynamic favourability and potential energy available for microbial metabolism. The primary goal of this study was to examine relationships among geochemical gradients and microbial population distribution, and to evaluate the utility of energetic approaches for predicting microbial metabolism from free‐energy calculations, utilizing as examples, several geothermal habitats in Yellowstone National Park where thorough geochemical and phylogenetic analyses have been performed. Acidic (pH ∼ 3) and near‐neutral (pH ∼ 6–7) geothermal springs were chosen for their range in geochemical properties. Aqueous and solid phase samples obtained from the source pools and the outflow channels of each spring were characterized for all major chemical constituents using laboratory and field methods to accurately measure the concentrations of predominant oxidized and reduced species. Reaction free energies (ΔGrxn) for 33 oxidation–reduction reactions potentially important to chemolithotrophic micro‐organisms were calculated at relevant spring temperatures after calculating ion activities using an aqueous equilibrium model. Free‐energy values exhibit significant variation among sites for reactions with pH dependence. For example, free‐energy values for reactions involving Fe3+ are especially variable across sites due in large part to the pH dependence of Fe3+ activity, and exhibit changes of up to 40 kJ mol−1 electron from acidic to near neutral geothermal springs. Many of the detected 16S rRNA gene sequences represent organisms whose metabolisms are consistent with exergonic processes. However, sensitivity analyses demonstrated that reaction free energies do not generally represent the steep gradients in local geochemical conditions resulting from air–water gas exchange and solid phase deposition that are important in defining microbial habitats and 16S rRNA gene sequence distribution within geothermal outflow channels.
Assessing depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in Yangon city, Myanmar: Does being a member of self-help group matter?

Background While self-help groups have been formed among people living with HIV, few studies have been conducted to assess the role of self-help groups in mitigating depressive symptoms. This study investigated the association between self-help group membership and depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in Yangon, Myanmar. Methods In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from people living with HIV at three antiretroviral therapy clinics in 2017. Multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to examine the associations between having self-help group membership and depressive symptoms. Three ART clinics were purposively selected based on the recommendation from the National AIDS Program in Myanmar. At these clinics, people living with HIV were recruited by a convenience sampling method. Results Among people living with HIV recruited in this study (n = 464), 201 (43.3%) were members of a self-help group. The membership was not associated with having depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–2.59). Factors associated with having depressive symptoms were female (AOR 3.70, 95% CI 1.54–8.88) and lack of social support (AOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96–0.98) among self-help group members, and female (AOR 3.47, 95% CI 1.70–7.09), lack of social support (AOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99), and internalized stigma (AOR 1.28, 95% 1.08–1.53) among non-members. Conclusions This study did not find evidence on the association between membership in self-help groups and depressive symptoms among people living with HIV. Social support was a protective factor against depressive symptoms both self-help group members and non-members, although the level of social support was lower among members than non-members. The activities of self-help groups and care provided by the ART clinics should be strengthened to address mental health problems among people living with HIV in the study site.
Protein disulphide isomerase inhibition as a potential cancer therapeutic strategy

The protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) gene family is a large, diverse group of enzymes recognised for their roles in disulphide bond formation within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). PDI therefore plays an important role in ER proteostasis, however, it also shows involvement in ER stress, a characteristic recognised in multiple disease states, including cancer. While the exact mechanisms by which PDI contributes to tumorigenesis are still not fully understood, PDI exhibits clear involvement in the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. The UPR acts to alleviate ER stress through the activation of ER chaperones, such as PDI, which act to refold misfolded proteins, promoting cell survival. PDI also acts as an upstream regulator of the UPR pathway, through redox regulation of UPR stress receptors. This demonstrates the pro‐protective roles of PDI and highlights PDI as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Recent research has explored the use of PDI inhibitors with PACMA 31 in particular, demonstrating promising anti‐cancer effects in ovarian cancer. This review discusses the properties and functions of PDI family members and focuses on their potential as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Increasing passive compliance to wearing a facemask in children with autism spectrum disorder

The current study taught 6 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to increase passive compliance of wearing a facemask across sequentially increasing durations of time. A changing‐criterion design embedded within a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a resetting differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) without escape extinction procedure on passive compliance. Terminal probe sessions determined DRO fading intervals. Results showed that 2 participants acquired mastery level passive compliance (30 min) without fading during the initial baseline sessions. The remaining 4 participants acquired mastery level passive compliance following fading intervals within the DRO intervention. Participants' passive compliance generalized across 2 novel settings. This study replicates previous studies and extends empirical support for the use of DRO without escape extinction interventions for increasing passive compliance with medical devices in children with ASD.
Combination of Hydroxychloroquine Plus Azithromycin As Potential Treatment for COVID-19 Patients: Safety Profile, Drug Interactions, and Management of Toxicity

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has recently emerged worldwide. In this context, there is an urgent need to identify safe and effective therapeutic strategies for treatment of such highly contagious disease. We recently reported promising results of combining hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as an early treatment option. Although ongoing clinical trials are challenging the efficacy of this combination, many clinicians claim the authorization to or have already begun to use it to treat COVID-19 patients worldwide. The aim of this article is to share pharmacology considerations contributing to the rationale of this combination, and to provide safety information to prevent toxicity and drug–drug interactions, based on available evidence.
Longitudinal association of dietary carbohydrate and the risk cardiovascular disease: a dose-response meta-analysis

Abstract Previous findings on the association of dietary carbohydrate with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality are inconsistent. We aimed to assess the relationship between dietary carbohydrate and the incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality. A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and EMBASE, was performed up to June 2019. Prospective cohort studies which examined dietary carbohydrate in relation to fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, fatal and non-fatal stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death were included in our study. Summary HRs and 95% CIs were estimated using a random-effects model. A total of 19 cohort studies including 15,663,111 participants were identified. Combining 27 effect sizes with 1,577,225 CVD cases led to a significant association between dietary carbohydrate and total CVD events (HR= 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.10; I2 = 38.5%), but no association was observed between dietary carbohydrate and CVD mortality (HR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.14; I2=27.1%, derived from 8 effect sizes with 106,412 events), and CHD events (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.09; I2 = 46.6%, derived from 18 effect sizes with 1,549,281 events). Moreover, using 8 effect sizes with 6,829 cases, higher carbohydrate intake was associated with increased risk of stroke (HR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.27; I2= 0.0%). In subgroup analysis by sex, higher carbohydrate intake increased the risk of total CVD events (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.17; I2 = 0.0%), and CHD (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.20; I2= 15.0%), but not stroke and CVD mortality in women. No significant association was found in men. Low- to very-low-certainty evidence suggests that higher carbohydrate intake is directly but slightly associated with CVD and stroke risk, while no association was found for CHD and CVD mortality. We also found sex-specific associations.
A comparison of two pH‐stat carbon dioxide dosing systems for ocean acidification experiments

As the oceans acidify due to increasing atmospheric CO2, there is a growing need to understand the impact of this process on marine organisms. Field observations are difficult because of multiple covarying factors (e.g., temperature, salinity). As such, there is interest in conducting controlled, laboratory experiments to best understand how changes in acidity will affect marine organisms. We tested two intermittent CO2 dosing systems, a “home aquarium hobby” grade pH controller and an industrial process control platform. We assessed stability, accuracy, and precision over 7‐d experimental periods as well as relative cost of the two configurations. We also compared three laboratory‐grade pH electrodes to the hobbyist electrode to further evaluate electrode quality on systemcontrolled pH stability and drift. Whereas the industrial system offered some benefit with regard to autonomy, our results show that the low‐cost hobbyist system can be modified appropriately to provide comparable pH control. We provide a detailed list of procedures and software developed for the implementation of a cost‐effective, precision‐controlled CO2 dosing system to support laboratory‐based ocean acidification experiments.
Association of Vitamin D Levels, Race/Ethnicity, and Clinical Characteristics With COVID-19 Test Results

Key Points Question Are differences in vitamin D levels greater than levels traditionally considered sufficient (30 ng/mL) associated with having test results positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in White and in Black individuals? Findings In this cohort study of 4638 individuals with a measured vitamin D level in the year before undergoing COVID-19 testing, the risk of having positive results in Black individuals was 2.64-fold greater with a vitamin D level of 30 to 39.9 ng/mL than a level of 40 ng/mL or greater and decreased by 5% per 1-ng/mL increase in level among individuals with a level of 30 ng/mL or greater. There were no statistically significant associations of vitamin D levels with COVID-19 positivity rates in White individuals. Meaning These findings suggest that randomized clinical trials to determine whether increasing vitamin D levels to greater than 30 to 40 ng/mL affect COVID-19 risk are warranted, especially in Black individuals.
On the ionization potential of small metal and dielectric particles

The ionization potential of small metal and dielectric spheres is considered in different frameworks: classical, semiclassical, and quantum mechanical density functional approach. Classical calculations give conflicting results, and the generally accepted result for the ionization potential of a metal sphere of radius R: WI(R)=bulk work function+(3/8)q2/R is shown to be wrong, resulting from the classical image potential too close to the metal surface. Using appropriate cutoff to the image potential, the result WI(R)=bulk work function+(1/2)q2/R (previously obtained from solvation energy considerations) is recovered. Experimental results on relatively large particles are in agreement with the latter result. For very small clusters, deviations of experimental results from this classical behavior are shown by a density functional calculation to arise from quantum mechanical effects. These are first the spilloff of the electronic wave functions beyond the cluster edge and secondly from exchange and correlati.
Structural and biological investigation of chitosan/hyaluronic acid with silanized-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as an injectable reinforced interpenetrating network hydrogel for cartilage tissue engineering

Abstract Cartilage damage continues to pose a threat to humans, but no treatment is currently available to fully restore cartilage function. In this study, a new class of composite hydrogels derived from water-soluble chitosan (CS)/hyaluronic acid (HA) and silanized-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Si-HPMC) (CS/HA/Si-HPMC) has been synthesized and tested as injectable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering when combined without the addition of a chemical crosslinking agent. Mechanical studies of CS/HA and CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogels showed that as Si-HPMC content increased, swelling rate and rheological properties were higher, compressive strength decreased and degradation was faster. Our results demonstrate that the CS and HA-based hydrogel scaffolds, especially the ones with 3.0% (w/v) Si-HPMC and 2.5/4.0% (w/v) CS/HA, have suitable physical performance and bioactive properties, thus provide a potential opportunity to be used for cartilage tissue engineering. In vitro studies of CS/HA and CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogels encapsulated in chondrocytes have shown that the proper amount of Si-HPMC increases the proliferation and deposition of the cartilage extracellular matrix. The regeneration rate of the CS/HA/Si-HPMC (3%) hydrogel reached about 79.5% at 21 days for long retention periods, indicating relatively good in vivo bone regeneration. These CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogels are promising candidates for tissue compatibility injectable scaffolds. The data provide proof of the principle that the resulting hydrogel has an excellent ability to repair joint cartilage using a tissue-engineered approach. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS An injectable hydrogel based on CS/HA/Si-HPMC composites was developed. The CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogel displays the tunable rheological with mechanical properties. The CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogel is highly porous with high swelling and degradation ratio. Increasing concentration of Si-HPMC promote an organized network in CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogels. Injectable CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogels have a high potential for cartilage tissue engineering. Graphical Abstract
A case of malignant glaucoma following insertion of Preserflo™ MicroShunt

Purpose: To describe a case of malignant glaucoma following insertion of a Preserflo™ MicroShunt in a patient with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Design: Case report. Case: A 46-year-old Caucasian man with medically uncontrolled POAG developed malignant glaucoma 1 day after an uncomplicated insertion of a mitomycin C (MMC) augmented Preserflo MicroShunt (PMS). Results: Initial medical treatment with aqueous suppressants and atropine 1% resulted in temporary resolution of the episode, although partial occlusion of the PMS with iris required a Nd:YAG laser iridotomy to open the inlet of the device. However, the malignant glaucoma recurred 6 days later. Temporary resolution was subsequently achieved with an Nd:YAG laser peripheral irido-zonulo-hyaloidotomy in combination with topical atropine, though a subsequent PMS revision was required due to bleb encapsulation. Unfortunately, the revision procedure was followed 2 days later, by a further recurrence of malignant glaucoma which was eventually resolved by left pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in combination with clear lens extraction (CLE) and surgical irido-zonulo-hyaloidectomy. Subsequently, the eye remained stable, with a deep anterior chamber (AC), a partially functioning bleb, and an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 14 mmHg on one topical IOP-lowering agent, 8 months after the last procedure. Conclusions: The management of malignant glaucoma after PMS insertion and its subsequent clinical course is described. Apart from the propensity for a small tube such as the PMS to obstruct with iris when the AC is shallow, management is similar to other scenarios in which malignant glaucoma may develop.
Moderators of the association between regular smoking exposure and motivation and attempts to quit: a repeat cross‐sectional study

Abstract Aims To estimate the associations between regular exposure to smoking by other people and motivation and attempts to quit among current smokers. To examine whether socio‐demographic and other factors moderate these associations. Design A repeat nationally representative cross‐sectional survey. Data were collected monthly between November 2014 and February 2019. Setting England. Participants Current smokers ≥16 years of age from the Smoking Toolkit Study (n = 15 136). Measurements Participants were asked whether other people regularly smoke in their presence, how motivated they were to quit and whether they had made a quit attempt in the past year. Moderators assessed were occupation‐based social grade, housing tenure, urges to smoke, high‐risk alcohol consumption, and disability. Adjusted analyses included moderators, socio‐demographic (age/sex/ethnicity/sexual orientation/marital status/children in household) and seasonal (quarter/year) confounders. Findings Current smokers who were regularly exposed to other people smoking in their presence were less likely to be highly motivated to quit (OR = 0.88 [95% CI 0.80–0.97]), but were no less likely to have made a quit attempt in the past year (OR 1.04 [0.97–1.13], Bayes Factor (BF) = 0.05). The inverse relationship between regular smoking exposure and motivation to quit was moderated by urges to smoke, such that exposure was only associated with a reduction in motivation among those without strong urges to smoke (OR 0.83 [0.75–0.93] versus OR 1.04 [0.86–1.26]; P = 0.048). None of the other factors significantly moderated the association with motivation to quit, and none moderated the relationship between regular smoking exposure and quit attempts. All non‐significant interactions, except social grade (BF = 1.44) with quit attempts, had Bayes Factors that supported the hypothesis of no moderation (BF range: 0.12–0.21). Conclusions Among current smokers in England, regular exposure to other smokers appears to be associated with lower motivation to quit in people without strong urges to smoke, yet there appears to be no association with quit attempts in the previous year. Social grade, housing tenure, high‐risk alcohol consumption and disability do not moderate these associations.
Influence of acute pain on valence rating of words

Numerous studies showed the effect of negative affective and pain-related semantic primes enhancing the perceived intensity of successive painful stimuli. It remains unclear whether and how painful primes are able to influence semantic stimuli in a similar way. Therefore, we investigated the effects of noxious primes on the perception of the valence of subsequent semantic stimuli. In two experiments, 48 healthy subjects were asked to give their valence ratings regarding different semantic stimuli (pain-related, negative, positive, and neutral adjectives) after they were primed with noxious electrical stimuli of moderate intensity. Experiment 1 focused on the existence of the effect, experiment 2 focused on the length of the effect. Valence ratings of pain-related, negative, and positive words (not neutral words) became more negative after a painful electrical prime was applied in contrast to no prime. This effect was more pronounced for pain-related words compared to negative, pain-unrelated words. Furthermore, the priming effect continued to affect the valence ratings even some minutes after the painful priming had stopped. So, painful primes are influencing the perception of semantic stimuli as well as semantic primes are influencing the perception of painful stimuli.
CO oxidation over defective and nonmetal doped MoS2 monolayers

Defective (missing S atoms) and nonmetal (C- and N-) doped MoS2 monolayers in the 2H and 1T′ phases have been evaluated for catalyzing CO oxidation based on first-principles calculations. For the reaction 2CO + O2 → 2CO2, the oxidization of the first CO molecule is fairly easy and sometimes is even spontaneous, as the O2 molecule is highly activated or dissociates upon adsorption. However, for the defective (2H-), C-doped (1T′-), and N-doped (2H- and 1T′-) MoS2 monolayers, the remaining O* adatom often refuses to react with other CO molecules and is hard to be removed (barrier > 1.20 eV). Only when over the C-doped 2H- and defective 1T′-MoS2 monolayers, the removal of the second O* adatom requires to overcome moderate barriers (0.74 and 0.88 eV, respectively) by reacting with another CO molecule via the Eley–Rideal mechanism and the catalysts are recovered. The barriers can be further reduced by applying either tensile or compressive strain to the MoS2 nanosheet. In contrast, the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism is followed over the metal-containing MoS2 nanosheets, as the bigger size of metal dopants allow the co-adsorption of CO and O2. Therefore, the C-doped 2H- and defective 1T′-MoS2 monolayers are promising nonmetal-doped catalysts for CO oxidation.