Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adolescents’ participation in their healthcare: A sociomaterial investigation of a diabetes app

Objective This article explores how a diabetes app called Diapplo affected adolescents’ participation in their healthcare by investigating adolescents’ meaning-making in relation to their use of the app. Methods Using a qualitative single case-study design, we adopted a multimethod responsive approach to data generation that included written data from the app development process, individual and group interviews and observations of the adolescents in the clinical situation. This article presents the results from a qualitative content analysis of group and individual semi-structured interviews conducted with five adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during and after the four-week test phase of a prototype of the app. Results The adolescents appreciated the diabetes app’s design and interface and having an overview of their blood glucose values. However, they stated that the app’s content only partly met their needs and they considered several of its features unnecessary. They would have liked the app to have a social platform and emphasized that the app should be compatible with their blood glucose monitors and pumps for them to continue using it. Conclusions The participants in our study highlighted the value of social platforms integrated in health apps for patient participation, as well as their preference for health app features that reduced the effort of managing their chronic condition and facilitate greater knowledge. Theories of sociomateriality and material participation helped to account for the challenges of integrating users’ perspectives, suggesting the value of early, comprehensive identification and prioritization of users’ values when developing mobile health technologies.
First-line management of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: An Indian perspective

Abstract Lung cancer has been the most common cancer in the world for several decades. The non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes approximately about 80% of the total cases of lung cancer. Therapeutic interventions in NSCLC have shifted to the target-based approach from histology-based approach, and this has completely changed the face of the management of NSCLC. Developing countries, such as India, have very limited data compiled about the prevalence and treatment practices of lung cancer, despite a large burden of the disease. However, in recent times, there has been a lot of data generated in this regard. This article is an attempt to collate and shine light on the available data for the first-line treatment of NSCLC in India keeping in mind the current standards of care in this area.
Reproductive factors and breast cancer risk: A meta-analysis of case–control studies in Indian women

Abstract Background/Objective: India is the world's most biodiverse region and is undergoing a period of dramatic social and economic change. Due to population's explosion, climate change and lax implementation of environmental policies, the incidence of breast cancer is increasing. From population-based cancer registry data, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in urban registries where it constitutes more than 30% of all cancers in females. We conducted a meta-analysis of all breast cancer case–control studies conducted in India during 1991–2018 to find pooled estimates of odds ratio (OR). Materials and Methods: Eligible studies were identified through a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and HINARI databases from 1991 to January 2018. This analysis included 24 observational studies out of 34 that reported the case–control distribution of reproductive factors, body mass index (BMI) and type of residence. The analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 (Review Manager, 2017) applying the random-effects model. Results: A total of 21,511 patients (9889 cases and 11,622 controls) were analyzed, resulting in statistically significant association between breast cancer and the following reproductive factors: never breastfeed (OR: 3.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.70, 8.01), menopausal age >50 years (OR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.85, 3.85), menarche age <13 years (OR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.51), null parity (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.21, 2.06), postmenopause (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.62), and age at the 1st pregnancy >25 years (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.37, 1.80). Family history (FH) of breast cancer (OR: 5.33; 95% CI: 2.89, 9.82), obesity (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.42), and urban residence (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.44) were also found to be significant risk factors. Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis are indicative of significant associations between reproductive factors and breast cancer risk, profoundly so among women experiencing menopause after the age of 50, women who never breastfeed and FH of breast cancer.
Trajectories of stress biomarkers and anxious-depressive symptoms from pregnancy to postpartum period in women with a trauma history

ABSTRACT Background: Cross-sectional studies have found that a trauma history can be associated with anxious-depressive symptomatology and physiological stress dysregulation in pregnant women. Methods: This prospective study examines the trajectories of both anxiety and depressive symptoms and salivary cortisol and α-amylase biomarkers from women with (n = 42) and without (n = 59) a trauma history at (i) 38th week of gestation (T1), (ii) 48 hours after birth (T2), and (iii) three months after birth (T3). Results: The quantile regression model showed that trauma history was associated with higher cortisol levels at T1 and this difference was sustained along T2 and T3. Conversely, there were no significant differences in α-amylase levels between groups across the three time points and both groups showed an increase in α-amylase levels from T2 to T3. The ordinal mixed model showed that trauma history was associated with higher anxiety symptoms at T1 and this remained constant from T1 to T2 but was reversed from T2 to T3. In contrast, both groups showed similar depressive symptoms across the three time points. Conclusions: Whereas physiological stress dysregulation (in terms of higher cortisol levels) was maintained from pregnancy to postpartum period, pregnancy and childbirth were the most vulnerable stages for developing anxious symptoms in mothers with trauma history. HIGHLIGHTS • Follow-up study on pregnant women with a trauma history. •Data analysed by quantile and ordinal regression models. •Trauma history and high cortisol levels from pregnancy to postpartum. • High α-amylase levels during postpartum period, regardless of a trauma history. • Trauma history and high anxious symptoms from late pregnancy to childbirth.
Psychosocial Effects of a Holistic Ayurvedic Approach to Well-being in Health and Wellness Courses

Background As individuals are increasingly attending health and wellness courses outside of the conventional medical system, there is a need to obtain objective data on the effects of those programs on well-being. Methods In total, 154 men and women (mean age 54.7 years; range 25–83) participated in 3 different holistic wellness programs based on Ayurvedic Medicine principles (Seduction of Spirit, Journey into Healing, and Perfect Health) or a vacation control group. Psychosocial outcomes included spirituality (Delaney Spirituality Scale), mindful awareness (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale), psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire), mood (Center for Epidemiology Studies-Depression), and anxiety (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System Anxiety Scale). Results Participants in the Seduction of Spirit (P < .004), Journey into Healing (P < .05), and Perfect Health (P < .004) courses showed significant increases in spirituality as compared to vacation controls. Participants in Seduction of Spirit (P < .007) also showed significant increases in mindfulness as compared to vacation controls. Participants in the Seduction of Spirit (P < .001) and Journey into Healing (P < .05) courses showed significant decreases in depressed mood as compared to those in the Perfect Health and vacation control groups. All study participants showed similar increases in psychological flexibility (P < .01) and decreases in anxiety (P < .01). Conclusion Participation in wellness courses that incorporate a mind–body–spirit approach to health improves multiple domains of psychosocial well-being, which persists even after course participation.
Proteomic characterisation of leech microglia extracellular vesicles (EVs): comparison between differential ultracentrifugation and Optiprep™ density gradient isolation

ABSTRACT In Mammals, microglial cells are considered as the resident immune cells in central nervous system (CNS). Many studies demonstrated that, after injury, these cells are activated and recruited at the lesion site. Leech microglia present a similar pattern of microglial activation and migration upon experimental lesion of CNS. This activation is associated with the release of a large amount of extracellular vesicles (EVs). We collected EVs released by microglia primary culture and compared two different protocols of isolation: one with differential ultracentrifugation (UC) and one using an additional Optiprep™ Density Gradient (ODG) ultracentrifugation. Nanoparticles tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to assess vesicles size and morphology. The protein content of isolated EVs was assessed by mass spectrometry approaches. Results showed the presence of EV-specific proteins in both procedures. The extensive proteomic analysis of each single ODG fractions confirmed the efficiency of this protocol in limiting the presence of co-isolated proteins aggregates and other membranous particles during vesicles isolation. The present study permitted for the first time the characterisation of microglial EV protein content in an annelid model. Interestingly, an important amount of proteins found in leech vesicles was previously described in EV-specific databases. Finally, purified EVs were assessed for neurotrophic activity and promote neurites outgrowth on primary cultured neurons.
A novel multi-degree-of-freedom thick-film ultrasonic motor

This paper describes a new multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) ultrasonic motor that comprises few parts and is based on low-cost thick-film technology. Conventional ultrasonic motors using bulk lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or thin-film PZT layers are relatively expensive at the present time. Thick-film printed PZT technology provides the opportunity to reduce the costs of ultrasonic motors. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, an ultrasonic motor was fabricated from alumina using thick-film printed PZT actuators. The thick-film PZT and electrode layers were printed on a thin alumina plate, and a tiny cylinder was mounted at its center. This cylinder magnifies the lateral displacement of the stator, holds the spherical rotor, and transmits the driving force to the sphere. Three bending vibrations, B/sub 22/, B/sub 30/, B/sub 03/, of the plate were applied to rotate the sphere. Sufficient displacements for rotating the sphere were obtained near the resonance of B/sub 22/ by applying an excitation voltage of 200 V peak-to-peak via a three-phase drive circuit. Rotations in three orthogonal directions have been observed by controlling the phase of the driving signal to the PZT electrodes, and a MDOF ultrasonic motor was successfully realized.
Mid-level Priming by Completion vs. Mosaic Solutions

We report two experiments on the role of mid-level processes in image segmentation and completion. In the primed matching task of Experiment 1, a cue→prime sequence was presented before the imperative stimulus consisting of target shapes with positive versus negative contour curvature polarity and one versus two axes of mirror symmetry. Priming shapes were included in two composite occlusion displays with the same T-junction information and different geometric features supporting a distinct balance between completion and mosaic solutions. A cue, either congruent or incongruent with targets, preceded the presentation of the composite priming display. Matching performance was affected by primes in the expected direction, while cue congruency participated only in a marginally significant three-way interaction, and prime duration had no effect. In Experiment 2, the cue→prime sequence was replaced by a fixation cross to control for the priming effect obtained in Experiment 1. The study confirmed that contour connectability and curvature polarity are effective structural factors capable of competing with symmetry in mid-level image segmentation and completion processes.
Modified Heidelberg technique of pancreatic anastomosis postpancreaticoduodenectomy – 10 years of experience

Abstract Context: Pancreatic fistula has forever been a dreaded complication after pancreatic anastomosis (PA). We present a retrospective analysis of 10 years of experience with the Modified Heidelberg technique (MHT) that has been recently described. Aim: The aim of the study is to establish postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) rates after MHT. Settings and Design: This is a retrospective observational study carried out at a tertiary cancer center in South India in the Department of Surgical Oncology. Subjects and Methods: Two hundred and eight consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and PA with MHT for a variety of proximal pancreatic lesions from January 2008 to February 2018 were included in this study. The incidence of POPF was recorded by the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula 2005 and 2016 definitions. Statistical Analysis Used: Epidemiological and clinical data are expressed in ratios and percentage and presented in table format. Results: Between January 2008 and March 2016, 186 patients underwent PD, and MHT was used for PA. Five (2.7%) patients developed Grade A POPF whereas Grades B and C were seen in three (1.6%) patients each with one death. Between April 2016 and February 2018, 22 patients underwent PD. Two patients (9%) had biochemical leak whereas none of them developed clinically relevant POPF. No deaths were recorded in this period. Overall, Grade B and Grade C POPF rates were 1.4% each, whereas 30-day mortality was 0.4%. Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that MHT is a safe, reliable, easy to learn, and adopt technique of pancreatic reconstruction after PD.
Forced Sex and Early Marriage: Understanding the Linkages and Norms in a Humanitarian Setting

This mixed-methods study uses baseline data from a program evaluation in the Democratic Republic of Congo to examine two outcomes of interest: self-reported exposure to forced sex and belief that a girl’s community would force her to marry her hypothetical rapist, for married and unmarried 13- to 14-year-old girls (n = 377). Married girls are more likely to report both outcomes. Qualitative in-depth interviews with girl participants (n = 30) and their caregivers (n = 31) were analyzed for themes related to forced sex and marriage, revealing the normalcy of girls marrying perpetrators and suggesting that some married girls in this setting may have been forced to marry their rapist.
Polygonal and polyhedral contour reconstruction in computed tomography

This paper is about three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of a binary image from its X-ray tomographic data. We study the special case of a compact uniform polyhedron totally included in a uniform background and directly perform the polyhedral surface estimation. We formulate this problem as a nonlinear inverse problem using the Bayesian framework. Vertice estimation is done without using a voxel approximation of the 3-D image. It is based on the construction and optimization of a regularized criterion that accounts for surface smoothness. We investigate original deterministic local algorithms, based on the exact computation of the line projections, their update, and their derivatives with respect to the vertice coordinates. Results are first derived in the two-dimensional (2-D) case, which consists of reconstructing a 2-D object of deformable polygonal contour from its tomographic data. Then, we investigate the 3-D extension that requires technical adaptations. Simulation results illustrate the performance of polygonal and polyhedral reconstruction algorithms in terms of quality and computation time.
QSAR with Few Compounds and Many Features

Fitting quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) requires different statistical methodologies and, to some degree, philosophies depending on the "shape" of the data matrix. When few features are used and there are many compounds, it is a reasonable expectation that good feature subset selection may be made and that nonlinearities and nonadditivities can be detected and diagnosed. Where there are many features and few compounds, this is unrealistic. Methods such as ridge regression RR, PLS, and principal component regression PCR, which abjure feature selection and rely on linearity may provide good predictions and fair understanding. We report a development of ridge regression for the underdetermined case by using generalized cross-validation to choose the ridge constant and perform F-tests for additional information. Conventional regression diagnostics can be used in followup to identify nonlinearities and other departures from model. We illustrate the approach with QSAR models of four data sets using calculated molecular descriptors.
PREDICTORS OF RESPONSE TO ELECTRO-CONVULSIVE THERAPY IN MAJOR DEPRESSION

This study analyses the predictors of response to electro-convulsive therapy in major depression The significance of the initial response to ECT as a predictor of outcome was also studied. 30 patients who met the diagnostic catena for major depression, single episode, as defined by DSM-IIIR were treated with 6-10 ECT sessions. Patients who had shown overall improvement by 50% or more on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were considered responders. 19 (63.33%) patients were responders while 11 (36.67%) patients were non-responders. These two groups differed significantly with regard to presence/absence of a delusion, diurnal variation of mood, and baseline HDRS score for hypochondriasis. Early improvement in depression was found to have a positive correlation with overall improvement in depression after the full course of ECT. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that approximately 56% of variability m outcome could be explained by the variables hypochondriasis, delusion and diurnal variation of mood taken together. A logistic regression model nosed on these 3 variables classified 83.3% of the patients correctly. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Relationships between Bacterial Community Composition, Functional Trait Composition and Functioning Are Context Dependent – but What Is the Context?

Bacterial communities are immensely diverse and drive many fundamental ecosystem processes. However, the role of bacterial community composition (BCC) for functioning is still unclear. Here we evaluate the relative importance of BCC (from 454-sequencing), functional traits (from Biolog Ecoplates) and environmental conditions for per cell biomass production (BPC; 3H-leucine incorporation) in six data sets of natural freshwater bacterial communities. BCC explained significant variation of BPC in all six data sets and most variation in four. BCC measures based on 16S rRNA (active bacteria) did not consistently explain more variation in BPC than measures based on the 16S rRNA-gene (total community), and adding phylogenetic information did not, in general, increase the explanatory power of BCC. In contrast to our hypothesis, the importance of BCC for BPC was not related to the anticipated dispersal rates in and out of communities. Functional traits, most notably the ability to use cyclic and aromatic compounds, as well as local environmental conditions, i.e. stoichiometric relationships of nutrients, explained some variation in all six data sets. In general there were weak associations between variation in BCC and variation in the functional traits contributing to productivity. This indicates that additional traits may be important for productivity as well. By comparing several data sets obtained in a similar way we conclude that no single measure of BCC was obviously better than another in explaining BPC. We identified some key functional traits for productivity, but although there was a coupling between BCC, functional traits and productivity, the strength of the coupling seems context dependent. However, the exact context is still unresolved.
Transcriptome Analysis and Identification of a Transcriptional Regulatory Network in the Response to H2O21[OPEN]

The combined data from in vivo regulation and in vitro binding analyses of transcription factor proteins and promoters identified a partial transcriptional regulatory network for the H2O2 response. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a common signal molecule initiating transcriptional responses to all the known biotic and abiotic stresses of land plants. However, the degree of involvement of H2O2 in these stress responses has not yet been well studied. Here we identify time-dependent transcriptome profiles stimulated by H2O2 application in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings. Promoter prediction based on transcriptome data suggests strong crosstalk among high light, heat, and wounding stress responses in terms of environmental stresses and between the abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA) responses in terms of phytohormone signaling. Quantitative analysis revealed that ABA accumulation is induced by H2O2 but SA is not, suggesting that the implied crosstalk with ABA is achieved through ABA accumulation while the crosstalk with SA is different. We identified potential direct regulatory pairs between regulator transcription factor (TF) proteins and their regulated TF genes based on the time-course transcriptome analysis for the H2O2 response, in vivo regulation of the regulated TF by the regulator TF identified by expression analysis of mutants and overexpressors, and in vitro binding of the regulator TF protein to the target TF promoter. These analyses enabled the establishment of part of the transcriptional regulatory network for the H2O2 response composed of 15 regulatory pairs of TFs, including five pairs previously reported. This regulatory network is suggested to be involved in a wide range of biotic and abiotic stress responses in Arabidopsis.
THE MECHANISM OF ACTION OF ANDROGENS ON ERYTHROPOIESIS *

INTRODUCTION The beneficial effect of androgens on erythropoiesis in patients with several hematological disorders has been well established.14 Experimentally it has been shown that orchiectomy reduces the erythropoietic activity, whereas androgen administration stimulates the erythropoiesis of castrated or hypophysectomized animals. ”* However, the mechanism of action of these substances was, till recently, unexplained. From the observation that androgens amplify the response to hypoxia as well as to exogenous erythropoietin, it was inferred that androgens act by potentiation of erythr~poietin. ~ Recent investigations suggest that these steroids act mainly by enhancing the production of this hormone.lO. ll This paper presents the results of our studies concerning the effect of androgens on erythropoiesis in rodents.