Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Two Multilocus Sequence Typing Schemes for Mycoplasma bovis and Revision of the PubMLST Reference Method

Mycoplasma bovis causes pneumonia, pharyngitis, otitis, arthritis, mastitis, and reproductive disorders in cattle and bison. Two multilocus sequence typing (MLST) schemes have been developed for M. bovis, with one serving as the PubMLST reference method, but no comparison of the schemes has been undertaken. Although the PubMLST scheme has proven to be highly discriminatory and informative, the recent discovery of isolates missing one of the typing loci, adh-1, raises concern about its suitability for continued use. ABSTRACT Mycoplasma bovis causes pneumonia, pharyngitis, otitis, arthritis, mastitis, and reproductive disorders in cattle and bison. Two multilocus sequence typing (MLST) schemes have been developed for M. bovis, with one serving as the PubMLST reference method, but no comparison of the schemes has been undertaken. Although the PubMLST scheme has proven to be highly discriminatory and informative, the recent discovery of isolates missing one of the typing loci, adh-1, raises concern about its suitability for continued use. The goal of our study was to compare the performance of the two MLST schemes and identify a new reference scheme capable of fully typing all isolates. We evaluated 448 isolates from diverse geographic and anatomic sites that collectively represent cattle, bison, deer, and a goat. The discrimination indexes (DIs) for the PubMLST and the alternative scheme are 0.909 (91 sequence types [STs]) and 0.842 (77 STs), respectively. Although the PubMLST scheme outperformed the alternative scheme, the adh-1 locus must be retired from the PubMLST scheme if it is to be retained as a reference method. The DI obtained using the six remaining PubMLST loci (0.897, 79 STs) fails to reach the benchmark recommended for a reference method (0.900), mandating the addition of a seventh locus. Comparative analysis of genome sequences from the isolates used here identified the dnaA locus from the alternative scheme as the optimal replacement for adh-1. This revised scheme, which will be implemented as the new PubMLST reference method, has a DI of 0.914 and distinguishes 88 STs from the 448 isolates evaluated.
Participación de los usuarios en las decisiones clínicas en la atención primaria de salud en Chile

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir la experiencia de participación en las decisiones clínicas desde la perspectiva de usuarios de Centros de Salud Familiar (CESFAM) de la Atención Primaria de Salud (APS). Métodos Estudio de diseño cualitativo descriptivo; se realizaron grupos focales con usuarios de CESFAM del área sudeste de Santiago, Chile, y análisis temático de la información utilizando el programa Atlas.ti versión 6®. Resultados Se realizaron cinco grupos focales (n = 41). Los principales temas emergentes fueron el rol pasivo de los usuarios en las decisiones y la toma de decisión delegada, basada en la confianza en el profesional. El rol pasivo de los usuarios limita las oportunidades de participación en las decisiones clínicas y mantiene el poder en los profesionales de la salud. A pesar de ello, el establecimiento de una alianza terapéutica les permita sentirse tratados como personas únicas, escuchados y respetados por los profesionales, lo que asegura que las decisiones tomadas por el equipo de salud son confiables, pues velan por sus reales intereses. Conclusión La participación de los usuarios en los encuentros clínicos es aún escasa en el país. Sin embargo, potenciar esta participación es esencial para aumentar la satisfacción usuaria y promover un cuidado centrado en la persona.
Use of asthma drugs and prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization

Abstract Background Asthma and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) are common diseases among children and have been suspected to be associated with each other. Aim To examine the association between asthma or the use of asthma drugs and the prevalence of MIH. Design In a population‐based cross‐sectional study, we recorded MIH in 9‐year‐old children in Aalborg Municipality, Denmark, born in the year 2000. We used a unique 10‐digit civil personal number to link data on MIH to population‐based medical register data. The exposure was inhaled asthma medication from birth date until date of dental examination. The outcome was the overall prevalence of MIH according to use of asthma medication. Odds ratios (OR) of having MIH were adjusted for gender, use of antibiotics and amoxicillin, maternal smoking, pre‐ and perinatal complication, and hospital admissions. Results We examined 1837 children, of which 542 (29.5%) had one or more molar(s) with MIH. The adjusted odds ratio of having MIH was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.60‐1.51) among children with prescriptions of inhaled asthma medication. Conclusion In this study, where the results have been adjusted for confounding, we found no association between use of inhaled asthma medication and the prevalence of MIH.
Association between cigarette smoking and the risk of dysmenorrhea: A meta-analysis of observational studies

Background Emerging studies have found inconsistent results on the potential relationship between cigarette smoking and dysmenorrhea. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantitatively synthesize the previous findings on the preceding relationship using meta-analysis. Methods Previous studies on the association between cigarette smoking and dysmenorrhea, published not later than November 2019, were systematically searched, using MeSH heading and/or relevant terms, in the electronic databases of PubMed, Medline, Web of Science and EMBASE. The I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity, whose source was explored using subgroup analysis. A pooled effect size was obtained using random effects model, and sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the consistency of the pooled effect size. Results After a rigorous screening process, 24 studies involving 27,091 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that smokers were 1.45 times more likely to develop dysmenorrhea than non-smokers (odds ratio (OR) = 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30–1.61). In addition, individuals classified as currently smoking were 1.50 times more likely to develop dysmenorrhea than those who were classified as never smoking (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.33–1.70), whereas being a former smoker was 1.31 times more likely to develop dysmenorrhea than being a never smoker (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.18–1.46). Sensitivity analysis showed that exclusion of any single study did not materially alter the overall combined effect. Conclusion The evidence from this meta-analysis indicated a significant association between cigarette smoking (both current and former smoking) and dysmenorrhea. The adverse effects of smoking provide further support for prevention of dysmenorrhea and emphasize the need to target women.
Immersion in water in pregnancy, labour and birth

Background Enthusiasts for immersion in water during labour, and birth have advocated its use to increase maternal relaxation, reduce analgesia requirements and promote a midwifery model of supportive care. Sceptics are concerned that there may be greater harm to women and/or babies, for example, a perceived risk associated with neonatal inhalation of water and maternal/neonatal infection. Objectives To assess the evidence from randomised controlled trials about the effects of immersion in water during pregnancy, labour, or birth on maternal, fetal, neonatal and caregiver outcomes. Search strategy We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (September 2003). Selection criteria All randomised controlled trials comparing any kind of bath tub/pool with no immersion during pregnancy, labour or birth. Data collection and analysis We assessed trial eligibility and quality and extracted data independently. One reviewer entered the data and another checked them for accuracy. Main results Eight trials are included (2939 women). No trials were identified that evaluated immersion versus no immersion during pregnancy, considered different types of baths/pools, or considered the management of third stage of labour. There was a statistically significant reduction in the use of epidural/spinal/paracervical analgesia/anaesthesia amongst women allocated to water immersion water during the first stage of labour compared to those not allocated to water immersion (odds ratio (OR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71 to 0.99, four trials). There was no significant difference in vaginal operative deliveries (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.05, six trials), or caesarean sections (OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.91). Women who used water immersion during the first stage of labour reported statistically significantly less pain than those not labouring in water (40/59 versus 55/61) (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.63, one trial). There were no significant differences in incidence of an Apgar score less than 7 at five minutes (OR 1.59, 95% CI 0.63 to 4.01), neonatal unit admissions (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.61), or neonatal infection rates (OR 2.01, 95% CI 0.50 to 8.07). Authors' conclusions There is evidence that water immersion during the first stage of labour reduces the use of analgesia and reported maternal pain, without adverse outcomes on labour duration, operative delivery or neonatal outcomes. The effects of immersion in water during pregnancy or in the third stage are unclear. One trial explores birth in water, but is too small to determine the outcomes for women or neonates.
Biomarkers for Lysosomal Storage Disorders with an Emphasis on Mass Spectrometry

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are characterized by an accumulation of various substances, such as sphingolipids, mucopolysaccharides, and oligosaccharides. The LSD enzymes responsible for the catabolism are active at acidic pH in the lysosomal compartment. In addition to the classically established lysosomal degradation biochemistry, recent data have suggested that lysosome plays a key role in the autophagy where the fusion of autophagosome and lysosome facilitates the degradation of amino acids. A failure in the lysosomal function leads to a variety of manifestations, including neurovisceral disorders. While affected individuals appear to be normal at birth, they gradually become symptomatic in childhood. Biomarkers for each condition have been well-documented and their proper selection helps to perform accurate clinical diagnoses. Based on the natural history of disorders, it is now evident that the existing treatment becomes most effective when initiated during presymptomatic period. Neonatal screening provides such a platform for inborn error of metabolism in general and is now expanding to LSDs as well. These are implemented in some areas and countries, including Taiwan and the U.S. In this short review, we will discuss several issues on some selected biomarkers for LSDs involving Fabry, Niemann–Pick disease type C, mucopolysaccharidosis, and oligosaccharidosis, with a focus on mass spectrometry application to biomarker discovery and detection.
Structure and ligand binding of the ADP-binding domain of the NAD+ riboswitch

The nadA motif is the first known NAD+-dependent riboswitch, comprising two similar tandem bulged stem–loop structures. We have determined the structure of the 5′ domain 1 of the riboswitch. It has three coaxial helical segments, separated by an ACANCCCC bulge and by an internal loop, with a tertiary contact between them that includes two C:G base pairs. We have determined the structure with a number of ligands related to NADH, but in each case only the ADP moiety is observed. The adenosine adopts an anti conformation, forms multiple hydrogen bonds across the width of the sugar edge of the penultimate C:G base pair of the helix preceding the bulge, and the observed contacts have been confirmed by mutagenesis and calorimetry. Two divalent metal ions play a key structural role at the narrow neck of the bulge. One makes direct bonding contacts to the diphosphate moiety, locking it into position. Thus the nucleobase, ribose, and phosphate groups of the ADP moiety are all specifically recognized by the RNA. The NAD+ riboswitch is modular. Domain 1 is an ADP binding domain that may be ancient and could potentially be used in combination with other ligand binding motifs such as CoA.
Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improves Maximum Isometric Force Production during Isometric Barbell Squats

Maximum voluntary contraction force (MVC) is an important predictor of athletic performance as well as physical fitness throughout life. Many everyday life activities involve multi-joint or whole-body movements that are determined in part through optimized muscle strength. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been reported to enhance muscle strength parameters in single-joint movements after its application to motor cortical areas, although tDCS effects on maximum isometric voluntary contraction force (MIVC) in compound movements remain to be investigated. Here, we tested whether anodal tDCS and/or sham stimulation over primary motor cortex (M1) and cerebellum (CB) improves MIVC during isometric barbell squats (iBS). Our results provide novel evidence that CB stimulation enhances MIVC during iBS. Although this indicates that parameters relating to muscle strength can be modulated through anodal tDCS of the cerebellum, our results serve as an initial reference point and need to be extended. Therefore, further studies are necessary to expand knowledge in this area of research through the inclusion of different tDCS paradigms, for example investigating dynamic barbell squats, as well as testing other whole-body movements.
Influence of Surface Structure, Pigmentation and Particulate Matter on Plant Reflectance and Fluorescence

Optical properties of plant leaves are relevant to evaluate their physiological state and stress effect. The main objective of this work was to study how variegation, pigment composition or reflective features modifies leaves' photophysical behavior. For this purpose, green leaves (Ficus benjamina), purple leaves (Tradescantia pallida), green leaves covered by white trichomes (Cineraria maritima) and variegated leaves (Codiaeum aucubifolium) were analyzed. Firstly, foliar surface morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. UV‐vis and near‐IR reflectance and transmittance spectra were obtained to calculate absorption (k) and scattering (s) coefficients. The theoretical approaches of Pile of Plates and Kubelka–Munk's theory resulted still valid for nonstandard leaves with differing surface conditions. However, frequently used spectral indices were not reliable for predicting water content, when leaves differed from conventional ones. The proportionality between the absorption factor and chromophore/pigment concentration was also lost for hairy leaves. A simplified model to describe these facts was presented here. Fluorescence spectra were recorded and corrected, due to light re‐absorption. Water‐optical parameter connection and pigment‐optical parameter connection were thoroughly discussed. Leaf surface morphology and pigmentation have not only influenced the optical features of leaves but also played a role in the effect that particulate matter could cause on leaf photosynthesis.
Resveratrol affects in vitro rumen fermentation, methane production and prokaryotic community composition in a time‐ and diet‐specific manner

This study aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol on methane production, rumen fermentation and microbial composition under high‐concentrate (HC) and high‐forage (HF) diets using the in vitro fermentation system. A total of 25 mg of resveratrol was supplemented into 300 mg of either HC or HF diet. Methane production, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, molar proportion of VFA, metabolites of resveratrol and prokaryotic community composition were measured after 12 and 24 h of in vitro fermentation. Resveratrol reduced methane production (ml per mg of dry matter degraded) by 41% and 60% under both HC and HF diets (P < 0.001), respectively, and this result could be associated with the lower abundance of Methanobrevibacter (P < 0.001) in response to resveratrol. The molar proportion of propionate was significantly higher in the resveratrol group only under the HC diet (P = 0.045). The relative abundance of 10 bacterial genera was affected by the three‐way interaction of treatment, diet and time (P < 0.05). Resveratrol was partly converted to dihydroresveratrol after 24 h of fermentation, and its degradation could be associated with microbes belonging to the order Coriobacteriales. Our results suggest that multiple factors (e.g. diet and time) should be considered in animal experiments to test the effect of polyphenol or other plant extracts on rumen fermentation, methane emission and microbial composition.
Synthetic Peptides Containing Three Neutralizing Epitopes of Genotype 4 Swine Hepatitis E Virus ORF2 induced Protection against Swine HEV Infection in Rabbit

Genotype 4 hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen transmitted to humans through food and water. Previously, three genotype 4 swine HEV ORF2 peptides (407EPTV410, 410VKLYTS415, and 458PSRPF462) were identified as epitopes of virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies that partially blocked rabbit infection with swine HEV. Here, individual and tandem fused peptides were synthesized, conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), then evaluated for immunoprotection of rabbits against swine HEV infection. Forty New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned to eight groups; groups 1 thru 5 received three immunizations with EPTV-KLH, VKLYTS-KLH, PSRPF-KLH, EPTVKLYTS-KLH, or EPTVKLYTSPSRPF-KLH, respectively; group 6 received truncated swine HEV ORF2 protein (sp239), and group 7 received phosphate-buffered saline. After an intravenous swine HEV challenge, all group 7 rabbits exhibited viremia and fecal virus shedding by 2–4 weeks post challenge (wpc), seroconversion by 4–9 wpc, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 2 wpc, and severe liver lymphocytic venous periphlebitis. Only 1–2 rabbits/group in groups 1–4 exhibited delayed viremia, fecal shedding, seroconversion, increased ALT levels, and slight liver lymphocytic venous periphlebitis; groups 5–6 showed no pathogenic effects. Collectively, these results demonstrate that immunization with a polypeptide containing three genotype 4 HEV ORF2 neutralizing epitopes completely protected rabbits against swine HEV infection.
Profile of Long-Term Care Recipients Receiving Home and Community-Based Services and the Factors That Influence Utilization in Taiwan

In response to the irreversible aging trend, the Taiwan government has promoted the Long-Term Care (LTC) policy 1.0 launched in 2007 and the LTC policy 2.0 reform since 2016. This study aimed to explore the utilization of formal home and community-based care under LTC policy 1.0 to add scientific support for the on-going LTC policy 2.0 reform. Methods: By using Andersen and Aday’s behavioral model of healthcare utilization, the long-term care dataset was analyzed from 2013 to 2016. A total of 101,457 care recipients were identified after data cleaning. Results: The results revealed that about 40.7% of the care recipients stayed in the care system for more than two years. A common factor influencing the length of home and community-based services (HCBS) utilization period included need factors, where more dependent recipients leave the LTC system regardless of their socio-economic status. However, the utilization period of non-low-income households is significantly affected by the level of service resources. Conclusion: For long-term care needs, the phenomenon of a short utilization period was concerning. This study adds information which suggests policy should reconsider care capacity and quality, especially for moderate to severely dependent recipients. This will allow for better understanding to help maintain care recipients in their own communities to achieve the goal of having an aging in place policy.
Analysis of the Connecting Effectiveness of the Interphase Zone on the Tensile Properties of Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) Reinforced Nanocomposite

The establishment of interphase region around nanoparticles accelerates the percolating of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in polymer nanocomposites reinforced with CNT (PCNT), due to the linking productivity of interphase district before the physical connecting of nanoparticles. Therefore, the interphase is an important character in the networks of CNT in PCNT. Here, a simulation study is presented to investigate the interphase connection in the mechanical possessions of PCNT including tensile modulus and strength. A number of models comprising Takayanagi, Ouali, Pukanszky and Callister are developed by the assumption of an interphase district in the CNT excluded volume. The advanced models depict the optimistic influences of reedy and lengthy CNT besides dense interphase on the stiffness and tensile power of nanocomposites. The Pukanszky calculations depict that the interphase strength plays a more noteworthy role in the nanocomposites strength compared to the CNT length.
Tackling adverse health effects of climate change and migration through intersectoral capacity building in Sub-Saharan Africa

The international community increasingly acknowledges that climate change is not only spurring environmental degradation and health deterioration,1 it is also an important direct and indirect driver of migration, conflict, and human rights violations. This is particularly true for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the region where people — in contrast to high-income countries and high energy consuming industries, which emit the most greenhouse gasses on a global scale — are relatively more vulnerable to climate change, because their precarious socioeconomic status, lack of resources, and weak health systems constrain their adaptation capacity.2 Still, debate and research on the explicit interactions between climate change, migration, and health are scarce, and prevailing research and policies disproportionally neglect the voice of the global South, such as that of SSA. During the African conference of the World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA) and the African Primary Care and Family Medicine Education Network (Primafamed) meeting in Kampala, Uganda (4–6, June 2019), we organised focus groups with primary health care experts and family physicians (FPs) from twelve SSA countries, to explore these interactions. Although the climate research community underrepresents FPs, the latter are excellent sources of information. Their position in the centre of the community gives them insight …
Testing the Usability of Digital Educational Games for Encouraging Smoking Cessation

This study, using an observational design, assessed the effect of digital educational games on students’ intention to quit smoking. Specifically, a series of digital games were developed to encourage smoking cessation and enhance students’ engagement with the material. Three determinants of engagement were tested: perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived satisfaction. Usability assessments were performed using a structured questionnaire and usability-testing software (Morae). Most students reported that the games were easy to use (73.3–93.3%), useful (60.0–83.3%) and satisfactory (66.7–70.0%). After using the games, approximately half (46.7–53.3%) reported that they intended to quit smoking. After controlling for gender and age, multiple regression analysis revealed that only perceived usefulness statistically significantly contributed to intention to quit (β = 2.38, p < 0.05). ‘Taiko Drumming’ showed the highest number of mouse clicks (67.23), and the lowest time between inputs (7.88 s). It also received the most positive feedback (17 marks). These findings show that integrating learners’ experiences into the development of learning material can improve learning effectiveness.