Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of the Korean Global Physical Activity Questionnaire: reliability and validity study

The goal of this study was to develop a Korean version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (K-GPAQ) and to examine its reliability and validity. The English version of the GPAQ was translated to the Korean language (K-GPAQ) via forward–backward translation. Reliability of the K-GPAQ was evaluated using a one-week interval test–retest method with 115 individuals. Criterion-related validity of the K-GPAQ was examined with 199 participants using accelerometers. Cohen’s kappa and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were used to measure test–retest reliability and validity, respectively. A Bland–Altman analysis was used to assess agreement between physical activity (PA) levels measured via K-GPAQ and the accelerometer. Coefficients for the reliability of the K-GPAQ showed moderate agreement for recreational PA and slight agreement for work-related PA (Cohen’s kappa: 0.60–0.67 for recreational PA and 0.30–0.38 for work-related PA and Spearman’s rho: 0.27–0.47 for work-related PA and 0.53–0.70 for recreational PA). Criterion validity of the total amount of PA, as measured by the K-GPAQ and the accelerometer, showed a weak but significant correlation (r = 0.34, p < 0.01). The K-GPAQ is a reliable and valid questionnaire to measure PA although K-GPAQ overestimated PA levels.
Corrosion Detection by Infrared Attenuated Total Reflection Spectroscopy via Diamond-Like Carbon-Coated Silicon Wafers and Iron-Sensitive Dyes

The durability of metal-based constructions, especially those containing reinforced concrete, is mainly limited by corrosion processes. Diamond-like carbon (DLC)-coated silicon (Si) wafers provide a chemically inert and mechanically robust sensing interface for application in aggressive environments. In this study, iron-sensitive dyes, i.e., 2,3-dihydroxypyridine (DHP) and 1,2-dihydroxybenzol (DHB), were coated onto DLC-modified Si wafers for evaluating the potential of detecting corrosion processes via evanescent field absorption spectroscopy using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The obtained IR spectra reveal discernible changes of the dye layer after exposure to iron solutions, which indicates that indeed corrosion processes may be studied at molecular level detail.
Alpha Neurofeedback Has a Positive Effect for Participants Who Are Unable to Sustain Their Alpha Activity

Abstract Alpha rhythm (8–13 Hz) is linked to relaxed mental state in humans. Earlier reports have shown that individuals can increase their alpha power if provided with a valid feedback, compared to controls who are provided invalid feedback. However, these results remain controversial, partly because controls may be in a different behavioral state, making it difficult to directly compare their alpha power with the valid group. We here address this issue by using an experimental paradigm in which an invalid feedback is given on a fraction of trials, such that both valid and invalid conditions can be obtained from the same participant. Using electroencephalography (EEG), we recorded alpha power from the occipital area from 24 humans (nine females) and played a feedback tone which could be valid (tone frequency proportional to alpha power), invalid (tone sequence from a previous valid trial; participants were unaware of this condition), or neutral (constant tone frequency). We found that during eyes closed-state, neurofeedback did not enhance alpha activity beyond pre-trained state within the experimental duration, probably because of saturation of alpha rhythmicity. However, for participants whose alpha power decreased over time within a trial, valid feedback helped them to sustain alpha more than invalid feedback. Further, alpha increase showed a weak negative correlation with their self-reported attentional load but was uncorrelated with relaxation levels. Our results reconcile many conflicting reports in the neurofeedback literature, and show that even under most stringent control, valid neurofeedback can help participants who are otherwise unable to sustain their alpha activity.
Genetic Characterization and Prognostic Relevance of Acquired Uniparental Disomies in Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Purpose: Uniparental disomy (UPD) is a way cancer cells duplicate a mutated gene, causing loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Patients with cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) do not have microscopically detectable chromosome abnormalities, but can harbor UPDs. We examined the prognostic significance of UPDs and frequency of LOH in patients with CN-AML. Experimental Design: We examined the frequency and prognostic significance of UPDs in a set of 425 adult patients with de novo CN-AML who were previously sequenced for 81 genes typically mutated in cancer. Associations of UPDs with outcome were analyzed in the 315 patients with CN-AML younger than 60 years. Results: We detected 127 UPDs in 109 patients. Most UPDs were large and typically encompassed all or most of the affected chromosome arm. The most common UPDs occurred on chromosome arms 13q (7.5% of patients), 6p (2.8%), and 11p (2.8%). Many UPDs significantly cooccurred with mutations in genes they encompassed, including 13q UPD with FLT3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD; P < 0.001), and 11p UPD with WT1 mutations (P = 0.02). Among patients younger than 60 years, UPD of 11p was associated with longer overall survival (OS) and 13q UPD with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and OS. In multivariable models that accounted for known prognostic markers, including FLT3-ITD and WT1 mutations, UPD of 13q maintained association with shorter DFS, and UPD of 11p maintained association with longer OS. Conclusions: LOH mediated by UPD is a recurrent feature of CN-AML. Detection of UPDs of 13q and 11p might be useful for genetic risk stratification of patients with CN-AML.
Milk and Dairy Products and Their Nutritional Contribution to the Average Polish Diet

The main aim of this study was to identify the dairy sources of energy and 44 nutrients in the average Polish diet. Our research included: carbohydrates, protein, total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), cholesterol, 18 amino acids, 9 minerals, and 10 vitamins. The analysis was conducted based on the data from the 2016 Household Budget Survey, a representative sample of the Polish population (i.e., 36,886 households). The category of milk and dairy products was divided into three main groups (i.e., milk, cheeses, and yoghurts, milk drinks and other dairy products) and seven sub-groups (i.e., whole milk, reduced fat milk, condensed and powdered milk, ripened and melted cheese, cottage cheese, yoghurts, milk drinks and other dairy products). Milk and dairy products provided 9.1% of the total energy supply. A high share (above 20%) in the supply of nutrients was noted in the case of calcium (54.7%), riboflavin (28.1%), vitamin B12 (26.1%), and phosphorus (24.6%). Supply at the level of 10–20% was observed for protein, SFA, zinc, total fat, cholesterol, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin A. Of the amino acids, the share above 20% from dairy category was recorded in the case of 6 amino acids (proline, tyrosine, serine, lysine, valine, and leucine) and at the level of 10–20% for 10 amino acids (isoleucine, histidine, threonine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, methionine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine, and arginine).
Predictive value of CHA2DS2-VASc scores regarding the risk of stroke and all-cause mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation (CONSORT compliant)

Abstract Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a higher risk of fatal complications (e.g., stroke). This investigation was performed as an observational retrospective cohort study includes 137 patients (age 61 ± 15; 34.3% women) with a primary diagnosis of AF (paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent). Methods: We collected information about the drug therapy, comorbidities and survival of AF patients and determined their congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or TIA or thromboembolism, vascular disease, age, sex category (CHA2DS2-VASc) scores. Statistical analysis identified patients with high CHA2DS2-VASc scores and defined the predictive value of individual parameters, or their combination, with regards to the outcomes of stroke and mortality. Results: CHA2DS2-VASc scores identified 43.8% of the patients as low to intermediate risk (score 0–1) and 56.2% of the patients as high risk (score ≥2). Increasing CHA2DS2-VASc scores were not only accompanied by an increase in the incidence of stroke (Ptrend < .001) but also by an increase in the 3 to 5 years mortality (P = .005). Comparison of anticoagulation and anti-aggregation treatment between the 3 groups of AF did not show any significant statistical difference. Highly significant predictors of death were the CHA2DS2-VASc score (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.10–2.67, P < .017) as well as other risk factors not included in the CHA2DS2-VASc score such as valvular heart disease (OR 5.04, 95% CI 1.10-23.10, P = .037), hyperlipidemia (OR 4.82, 95% CI 1.03–22.63, P = .046) and chronic renal failure (OR 14.21, 95% CI 2.41–83.91, P = .003). The type of AF type did not affect survival (P = .158) nor the incidence of stroke (P = .466). Patients with paroxysmal AF were linked to significantly lower frequencies of ischemic heart disease (P < .0001), vascular disease (P = .002), diabetes mellitus (P = .047), valvular heart disease (P = .03) and heart failure/left ventricular dysfunction (P = .015). Conclusion: The CHA2DS2-VASc score correctly predicted the patients at high-risk for 3 to 5 years mortality and confirmed its significant predictive value in the patients with AF.
Population structuring of the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) on a microgeographic scale

Aedes albopictus is an invasive mosquito species that has spread globally and can transmit several arboviruses, including dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. The species was first reported in Brazil in 1986 and since then has been found in 24 of the 27 Brazilian states, often in peri-urban environments close to highly urbanized areas. To date, population genetics of this important mosquito in areas in the city of São Paulo has not been investigated. In this study, we used 12 microsatellite loci to investigate the microgeographic population genetics of Ae. albopictus, which is present throughout the city of São Paulo. All the analyses revealed structuring of the populations studied, divided into two groups with restricted gene flow between them and without evidence of isolation by distance. We propose two hypotheses to explain the results: (i) low dispersal capability—limited gene flow between populations is due to the low dispersal capability inherent to Ae. albopictus; and (ii) multiple introductions—the structure identified here results from multiple introductions, which led to different dispersal patterns within the city and more genetic heterogeneity. The ability of Ae. albopictus to invade new areas and expand may explain why these mosquito populations appear to be well established and thriving in the city of São Paulo.
Pharmacokinetics of B-Ring Unsubstituted Flavones

B-ring unsubstituted flavones (of which the most widely known are chrysin, baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin A) are 2-phenylchromen-4-one molecules of which the B-ring is devoid of any hydroxy, methoxy, or other substituent. They may be found naturally in a number of herbal products used for therapeutic purposes, and several have been designed by researchers and obtained in the laboratory. They have generated interest in the scientific community for their potential use in a variety of pathologies, and understanding their pharmacokinetics is important for a grasp of their optimal use. Based on a comprehensive survey of the relevant literature, this paper examines their absorption (with deglycosylation as a preliminary step) and their fate in the body, from metabolism to excretion. Differences among species (inter-individual) and within the same species (intra-individual) variability have been examined based on the available data, and finally, knowledge gaps and directions of future research are discussed.
Genetic Aberrations in the CDK4 Pathway Are Associated with Innate Resistance to PD-1 Blockade in Chinese Patients with Non-Cutaneous Melanoma

Purpose: PD-1 checkpoint blockade immunotherapy induces long and durable response in patients with advanced melanoma. However, only a subset of patients with melanoma benefit from this approach. The mechanism triggering the innate resistance of anti–PD-1 therapy remains unclear. Experimental Design: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analyses were performed in a training cohort (n = 31) using baseline tumor biopsies of patients with advanced melanoma treated with the anti–PD-1 antibody. Copy-number variations (CNVs) for the genes CDK4, CCND1, and CDKN2A were assayed using a TaqMan copy-number assay in a validation cohort (n = 85). The effect of CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with anti–PD-1 antibody monotherapy was evaluated in PD-1–humanized mouse (C57BL/6-hPD-1) and humanized immune system (HIS) patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Results: WES revealed several significant gene copy-number gains in the patients of no clinical benefit cohort, such as 12q14.1 loci, which harbor CDK4. The association between CDK4 gain and innate resistance to anti–PD-1 therapy was validated in 85 patients with melanoma (P < 0.05). RNA-Seq analysis of CDK4-normal cell lines and CDK4-normal tumors showed altered transcriptional output in TNFα signaling via NF-κB, inflammatory response, and IFNγ response gene set. In addition, CDK4/6 inhibitor (palbociclib) treatment increased PD-L1 protein levels and enhanced efficacy (P < 0.05) in the C57BL/6-hPD-1 melanoma cell and the HIS PDX model. Conclusions: In summary, we discovered that genetic aberrations in the CDK4 pathway are associated with innate resistance to anti–PD-1 therapy in patients with advanced melanoma. Moreover, our study provides a strong rationale for combining CDK4/6 inhibitors with anti–PD-1 antibody for the treatment of advanced melanomas.
Effects of standardized total tract digestible phosphorus on growth performance of 11- to 23-kg pigs fed diets with or without phytase.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the standardized total tract digestible phosphorus (STTD P) requirement for 11- to 23-kg nursery pigs fed diets with or without phytase. A total of 1,080 and 2,140 pigs (PIC 359 × Camborough, Hendersonville, TN; initially 11.4 ± 0.29 and 11.1 ± 0.24 kg) were used in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. There were 23 to 27 pigs per pen with 6 and 12 replicate pens per treatment in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively. After weaning, pigs were fed a common pelleted diet with 0.45% STTD P for 7 d, and a common phase 2 meal diet with 0.40% STTD P for 14 d in Exp. 1 and 18 d in Exp. 2. Pens of pigs were then were allotted to dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with body weight (BW) as the blocking factor. In Exp. 1, dietary treatments consisted of 0.26, 0.30, 0.33, 0.38, 0.43, 0.48 and 0.53% STTD P. Treatments were achieved with the inclusion of monocalcium phosphate at the expense of corn. In Exp. 2, diets contained 1,000 phytase units (FYT; Ronozyme Hiphos 2500, DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., Parsippany, NJ) with assumed release value 0.132% STTD P, and treatments consisted of 0.30, 0.33, 0.38, 0.43, 0.48, 0.53 and 0.58% STTD P. These STTD P concentrations included the expected phytase release of 0.132% STTD P. In both experiments, a similar 1.17:1 Ca:P ratio was maintained across treatments. Statistical models included linear model (LM), quadratic polynomial (QP), broken-line linear (BLL), and broken-line quadratic (BLQ). In Exp. 1, increasing STTD P increased (linear, P < 0.001) ADG, ADFI, G:F, final BW, grams of STTD P intake per day and per kilogram of gain. There also was a marginal quadratic response for G:F (P < 0.066). In Exp. 2, ADG and G:F increased quadratically (P < 0.05), while ADFI increased linearly (P = 0.060) with increasing STTD P. The BLL and QP model provided similar fit to G:F in Exp. 1, estimating the requirement for maximum G:F at 0.34 and 0.42%, respectively. The BLL was the best fitting model for ADG and G:F in Exp. 2, estimating the breakpoint at 0.40 and 0.37% STTD P, respectively. The BLL and BLQ models estimated the breakpoint for ADG as a function of STTD P intake in g/d at 2.92 and 3.02 g/d, respectively. These data provide empirical evidence that for 11- to 23-kg pigs, the NRC (2012) accurately estimates the STTD P requirement on a g/d basis. As a percentage of the diet, the STTD P requirement for diets without or with 1,000 FYT added phytase ranged from 0.34 to 0.42%.
A sphingolipid synthesis‐related protein OrmA in Aspergillus fumigatus is responsible for azole susceptibility and virulence

Previous studies identified that the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have two sphingolipid synthesis‐related proteins, Orm1p and Orm2p, that negatively regulate the activities of SPT, which is a key rate‐limiting enzyme in sphingolipid synthesis. However, little is known about whether sphingolipids in the cell membrane, which are closely related to ergosterols, could affect the efficacy of azole drugs, which target to the ergosterol biosynthesis. In this study, through genome‐wide homologue search analysis, we found that the Aspergillus fumigatus genome only contains one Orm homologue, referred to as OrmA for which the protein expression could be induced by azole antifungals in a dose‐dependent manner. Deletion of ormA caused hypersensitivity to azoles, and adding the sphingolipid synthesis inhibitor myriocin rescued the azole susceptibility induced by lack of ormA. In contrast, overexpression of OrmA resulted in azole resistance, indicating that OrmA is a positive azole‐response regulator. Further mechanism analysis verified that OrmA is related to drug susceptibility by affecting endoplasmic reticulum stress responses in an unfolded protein response pathway‐HacA‐dependent manner. Lack of ormA led to an abnormal profile of sphingolipid ceramide components accompanied by hypersensitivity to low temperatures. Furthermore, deletion of OrmA significantly reduced virulence in an immunosuppressed mouse model. The findings in this study collectively suggest that the sphingolipid metabolism pathway in A. fumigatus plays a critical role in azole susceptibility and fungal virulence.
Genomic Ancestry, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 Among Latin Americans

We present the distribution of CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 variants and predicted phenotypes in 33 native and admixed populations from Ibero‐America (n > 6,000) in the context of genetic ancestry (n = 3,387). Continental ancestries are the major determinants of frequencies of the increased‐activity allele CYP2C19*17 and CYP2C19 gUMs (negatively associated with Native American ancestry), decreased‐activity alleles CYP2D6*41 and CYP2C9*2 (positively associated with European ancestry), and decreased‐activity alleles CYP2D6*17 and CYP2D6*29 (positively associated with African ancestry). For the rare alleles, CYP2C9*2 and CYPC19*17, European admixture accounts for their presence in Native American populations, but rare alleles CYP2D6*5 (null‐activity), CYP2D6‐multiplication alleles (increased activity), and CYP2C9*3 (decreased‐activity) were present in the pre‐Columbian Americas. The study of a broad spectrum of Native American populations from different ethno‐linguistic groups show how autochthonous diversity shaped the distribution of pharmaco‐alleles and give insights on the prevalence of clinically relevant phenotypes associated with drugs, such as paroxetine, tamoxifen, warfarin, and clopidogrel.
Lumbar spine surgery across 15 years: trends, complications and reoperations in a longitudinal observational study from Norway

Background Studies from different Western countries have reported a rapid increase in spinal surgery rates, an increase that exceeds by far the growing incidence rates of spinal disorders in the general population. There are few studies covering all lumbar spine surgery and no previous studies from Norway. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate trends in all lumbar spine surgery in Norway over 15 years, including length of hospital stay, and rates of complications and reoperations. Design A longitudinal observational study over 15 years using hospital patient administrative data and sociodemographic data from the National Registry in Norway. Setting and participants Patients aged ≥18 years discharged from Norwegian public hospitals between 1999 and 2013. Outcome measures Annual rates of simple (microsurgical discectomy, decompression) and complex surgical procedures (fusion, disc prosthesis) in the lumbar spine. Results The rate of lumbar spine surgery increased by 54%, from 78 (95% CI (75 to 80)) to 120 (107 to 113) per 100 000, from 1999 to 2013. More men had simple surgery whereas more women had complex surgery. Among elderly people over 75 years, lumbar surgery increased by a factor of five during the 15-year period. The rates of complications were low, but increased from 0.7% in 1999 to 2.4% in 2013. Conclusions There was a substantial increase in lumbar spine surgery in Norway from 1999 to 2013, similar to trends in other Western world countries. The rise in lumbar surgery among elderly people represents a significant workload and challenge for health services, given our aging population.
Using rational-emotive language education to improve communication and social skills of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders in Nigeria

Abstract Background/Objective: Studies show the need for improved communication and social skills of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the effect of using rational-emotive language education (RELE) to pursue this need for adolescents in Nigeria. Methods: The design of the study was a group randomized trial, with pretest, post-test, and follow-up. Sixty-eight adolescents with ASDs participated in the study. Autism Communication and Social Skills Scale for Adolescent (ACSSSA) was used for data collection. The method of data analysis in the study was repeated measures ANOVA procedure, with Partial eta squared (), adjusted R2, mean, standard deviation, and upper/lower limit. Results: The RELE program significantly improved communication and social skills of adolescents with ASDs exposed to the treatment intervention when compared with waitlist control group. Conclusion: Exposure to RELE significantly improved communication and social skills of adolescents with ASDs in this study. Therefore, we recommend that language educators, speech pathologists, language therapists, special educators and counsellors, and other professionals involved in the treatment and caring for ASDs patients be trained on the application of the RELE technique so as to enable them to employ the program in their professional practices.