Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties of Jacelon’s Attributed Dignity Scale with Iranian Older People

Objective: The main purpose of this study was the psychometric assessment of Jacelon’s Attributed Dignity Scale among Iranian older population. Methods: Using a standard “forward-backward” translation procedure, the original English version of Jacelon’s Attributed Dignity Scale was translated into Persian. Internal consistency of the scale was checked by the Cronbach’s α coefficient. Convergent validity of the instrument was appraised by the Social Skills Scale and General Health Questionnaire. Factor structure of the Iranian version of Jacelon’s Attributed Dignity Scale and possible interplay between its subscales were checked through recruiting a convenient sample of 300 Iranian older people and performing the confirmatory factor analysis. Findings: The estimated Cronbach’s α and intraclass correlation coefficients for the Iranian version of Jacelon’s Attributed Dignity Scale were in the vicinity of acceptable range, that is, 0.87 and 0.93, respectively. The output of confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a four-factor model best fitted the study data (χ2 = 323.49; df = 129; p < 0.001; comparative fit index = 0.913; Tucker–Lewis index = 0.901; root mean square error approximation = 0.074; standardized root mean square residual = 0.078). Rasch estimates of item difficulty ranged from –1.28 (less difficult) to 1.33 (more difficult). No significant cross-gender differences were observed regarding the Iranian version of Jacelon’s Attributed Dignity Scale’s items indicating its invariant psychometric properties for use in the Iranian men and women subgroups. Ethical Considertaion: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee at the Tabriz university of medical science. Informed consent, information confidentiality, and voluntary participation were guaranteed. Conclusion: The study findings were indicative of applicability of the Iranian version of Jacelon’s Attributed Dignity Scale as a reliable tool in measurement of the perceived social dignity among Iranian and probably other Persian-speaking older populations.
Long Noncoding RNA HCP5, a Hybrid HLA Class I Endogenous Retroviral Gene: Structure, Expression, and Disease Associations

The HCP5 RNA gene (NCBI ID: 10866) is located centromeric of the HLA-B gene and between the MICA and MICB genes within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I region. It is a human species-specific gene that codes for a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), composed mostly of an ancient ancestral endogenous antisense 3′ long terminal repeat (LTR, and part of the internal pol antisense sequence of endogenous retrovirus (ERV) type 16 linked to a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I promoter and leader sequence at the 5′-end. Since its discovery in 1993, many disease association and gene expression studies have shown that HCP5 is a regulatory lncRNA involved in adaptive and innate immune responses and associated with the promotion of some autoimmune diseases and cancers. The gene sequence acts as a genomic anchor point for binding transcription factors, enhancers, and chromatin remodeling enzymes in the regulation of transcription and chromatin folding. The HCP5 antisense retroviral transcript also interacts with regulatory microRNA and immune and cellular checkpoints in cancers suggesting its potential as a drug target for novel antitumor therapeutics.
Prodrugs for Skin Delivery of Menahydroquinone-4, an Active Form of Vitamin K2(20), Could Overcome the Photoinstability and Phototoxicity of Vitamin K2(20)

The effective delivery of menahydroquinone-4 (MKH), an active form of menaquinone-4 (MK-4, vitamin K2(20)), to the skin is beneficial in the treatment of various skin pathologies. However, its delivery through the application of MK-4 to the skin is hampered due to the photoinstability and phototoxicity of MK-4. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of ester prodrugs of MKH for its delivery into the skin to avoid the abovementioned issues. The ester prodrugs, MKH 1,4-bis-N,N-dimethylglycinate hydrochloride (MKH-DMG) and MKH 1,4-bis-hemisuccinate (MKH-SUC), were prepared using our previously reported methods. Photostability was determined under artificial sunlight and multi-wavelength light irradiation, phototoxicity was determined by intracellular ROS formation and cell viability of UVA-irradiated human epidermal keratinocyte cells (HaCaT), and delivery of MKH into HaCaT cells was assessed by measuring menaquinone-4 epoxide (MKO) levels. MKH prodrugs showed higher photostability than MK-4. Although MK-4 induced cellular ROS and reduced cell viability after UVA irradiation, MKH prodrugs did not affect either ROS generation or cell viability. MKH prodrugs enhanced intracellular MKO, indicating effective delivery of MKH and subsequent carboxylation activity. In conclusion, these MKH prodrugs show potential for the delivery of MKH into the skin without photoinstability and phototoxicity.
Changes in the Phosphoproteome and Metabolome Link Early Signaling Events to Rearrangement of Photosynthesis and Central Metabolism in Salinity and Oxidative Stress Response in Arabidopsis1

Rearrangement of central metabolism and photosynthesis is linked to the dynamic phosphoproteome in abiotic stress signaling in Arabidopsis. Salinity and oxidative stress are major factors affecting and limiting the productivity of agricultural crops. The molecular and biochemical processes governing the plant response to abiotic stress have often been researched in a reductionist manner. Here, we report a systemic approach combining metabolic labeling and phosphoproteomics to capture early signaling events with quantitative metabolome analysis and enzyme activity assays to determine the effects of salt and oxidative stress on plant physiology. K+ and Na+ transporters showed coordinated changes in their phosphorylation pattern, indicating the importance of dynamic ion homeostasis for adaptation to salt stress. Unique phosphorylation sites were found for Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) SNF1 kinase homolog10 and 11, indicating their central roles in the stress-regulated responses. Seven Sucrose Non-fermenting1-Related Protein Kinase2 kinases showed varying levels of phosphorylation at multiple serine/threonine residues in their kinase domain upon stress, showing temporally distinct modulation of the various isoforms. Salinity and oxidative stress also lead to changes in protein phosphorylation of proteins central to photosynthesis, in particular the kinase State Transition Protein7 required for state transition and light-harvesting II complex proteins. Furthermore, stress-induced changes of the phosphorylation of enzymes of central metabolism were observed. The phosphorylation patterns of these proteins were concurrent with changes in enzyme activity. This was reflected by altered levels of metabolites, such as the sugars sucrose and fructose, glycolysis intermediates, and amino acids. Together, our study provides evidence for a link between early signaling in the salt and oxidative stress response that regulates the state transition of photosynthesis and the rearrangement of primary metabolism.
Resource Utilization for Prenatally Diagnosed Single‐Ventricle Cardiac Defects: A Philadelphia Fetus‐to‐Fontan Cohort Study

Background Healthcare resource utilization is substantial for single‐ventricle cardiac defects (SVCD), with effort commencing at time of fetal diagnosis through staged surgical palliation. We sought to characterize and identify variables that influence resource utilization for SVCD from fetal diagnosis through death, completed staged palliation, or cardiac transplant. Methods and Results Patients with a prenatal diagnosis of SVCD at our institution from 2004 to 2011 were screened. Patients delivered with intent to treat who received cardiac care exclusively at our institution were included. Primary end points included the total days hospitalized and the numbers of echocardiograms and cardiac catheterizations. Subanalysis was performed on survivors of completed staged palliation on the basis of Norwood operation, dominant ventricular morphology, and additional risk factors. Of 202 patients born with intent to treat, 136 patients survived to 6 months after completed staged palliation. The median number of days hospitalized per patient‐year was 25.1 days, and the median numbers of echocardiograms and catheterizations per patient‐year were 7.2 and 0.7, respectively. Mortality is associated with increased resource utilization. Survivors had a cumulative length of stay of 57 days and underwent a median of 21 echocardiograms and 2 catheterizations through staged palliation. Right‐ventricle–dominant lesions requiring Norwood operation are associated with increased resource utilization among survivors of staged palliation. Conclusions For fetuses with SVCD, those with dominant right‐ventricular morphology requiring Norwood operation demand increased resource utilization regardless of mortality. Our findings provide insight into care for SVCD, facilitate precise prenatal counseling, and provide information about the resources utilized to successfully manage SVCD.
HIV testing among men in Nigeria: a comparative analysis between young people and adults

ABSTRACT HIV testing among men is critical to ending the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Using the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 2016/2017, we examined the uptake and determinants of HIV testing among sexually active men in Nigeria. A total of 1254 young people (15–24 years) and 7866 adults (25–49 years) were included in the analysis. We conducted binary logistic regression analyses to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR for testing for HIV in the last 12 months preceding the survey. Approximately 18.7% of men had tested for HIV (young people [17%] vs. adult [19%], p=0.125). The overall adjusted model showed that the likelihood of HIV testing was significantly higher among those with at least primary education, currently married, who used condom at last sexual intercourse, who drank alcohol one month preceding the survey, with no discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLHIV), exposed to media, in the rich and richest quintiles, and in the North Central Zone. Education, geopolitical zone, and discriminatory attitudes towards PLHIV were the significant factors common to both age groups. Our results suggest that HIV testing among sexually active men in Nigeria is low, and the determinants vary between young people and adults.
The Likelihood of Developing a Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infection during a Hospital Stay

Of 1,455 unique patients in U.S. intensive care units (ICUs), 4% were rectally colonized with CRE on admission. A total of 297 patients were initially negative for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and remained in the ICU long enough to contribute additional swabs; 22% of these patients had a subsequent CRE-positive swab, with a median time to CRE colonization of 13 days (interquartile range, 7 to 21 days). ABSTRACT Of 1,455 unique patients in U.S. intensive care units (ICUs), 4% were rectally colonized with CRE on admission. A total of 297 patients were initially negative for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and remained in the ICU long enough to contribute additional swabs; 22% of these patients had a subsequent CRE-positive swab, with a median time to CRE colonization of 13 days (interquartile range, 7 to 21 days). Patients colonized with carbapenemase-producing CRE were more likely than those colonized with non-carbapenemase-producing CRE to develop CRE infections during their hospitalizations (36% versus 3%; P < 0.05).
Epidemiological chronorisk of stroke

A retrospective study was undertaken on onset of symptoms in 667 cases of stroke. All strokes occurred out of hospital. There were 382 males and 285 females, observed from 1971‐1988. The 667 cases of stroke consisted of 508 cases of cerebral infarction and 159 cases of cerebral hemorrhage. The data, analyzed by the single cosinor method, demonstrate a significant circadian, circaseptan, and circannual rhythmicity in the occurrence of stroke. The peaks occur in the morning hours, in the weekend, and in winter. Cerebral hemorrhages do not have a circadian rhythmicity in their occurrence, while they do present circaseptan and circannual rhythmicity. Cerebral infarctions present circadian, circaseptan, and circannual rhythms. No difference was found between males and females. The possible factors involved in temporal distribution of stroke are discussed. These observations could be useful for a better understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of stroke.
Solving Large-Scale Constraint-Satisfaction and Scheduling Problems Using a Heuristic Repair Method

This paper describes a simple heuristic method for solving large-scale constraint satisfaction and scheduling problems. Given an initial assignment for the variables in a problem, the method operates by searching though the space of possible repairs. The search is guided by an ordering heuristic, the min-conflicts heuristic, that attempts to minimize the number of constraint violations after each step. We demonstrate empirically that the method performs orders of magnitude better than traditional backtracking techniques on certain standard problems. For example, the one million queens problem can be solved rapidly using our approach. We also describe practical scheduling applications where the method has been successfully applied. A theoretical analysis is presented to explain why the method works so well on certain types of problems and to predict when it is likely to be most effective.
Antibacterial/Antifungal Activity of Extracted Chitosan From American Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattidae) and German Cockroach (Blattodea: Blattellidae)

Abstract We investigated bactericidal and fungicidal properties of chitosan extracted from adults and nymphs from both German cockroach, Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Blattellidae) and American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (Dictyoptera: Blattidae). The cuticle of adults and nymphs extracted from both cockroaches were dried and ground. The powders were demineralized and deproteinized followed by deacetylation using NaOH. Finally, the chitosan yields were examined for antibacterial and antifungal activities. The degree of deacetylation (DD) was different between adults and nymph stages. The antimicrobial effect of American cockroach chitosan (ACC) and German cockroach chitosan (GCC) was tested against four bacteria and four fungi. The extracted chitosans from American cockroach, Periplaneta americana and German Cockroach, Blattella germanica suppressed the growth of Gram-negative/positive bacteria except Micrococcus luteus. The growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger were notability inhibited by the extracted chitosans. The antimicrobial effect of the chitosan depended on the cockroach species, with chitosan of the American cockroach showing more inhibitory effect. This difference may be due to differences in the structure of chitin between the two cockroach species.
Schistosoma mansoni Worm Infection Regulates the Intestinal Microbiota and Susceptibility to Colitis

Infection with parasite helminths induces potent modulation of the immune system of the host. Epidemiological and animal studies have shown that helminth infections can suppress or exacerbate unrelated autoimmune, allergic, and other inflammatory disorders. There is growing evidence that helminth infection-mediated suppression of bystander inflammatory responses is influenced by alterations in the intestinal microbiome modulating metabolic and immune functions of the infected host. ABSTRACT Infection with parasite helminths induces potent modulation of the immune system of the host. Epidemiological and animal studies have shown that helminth infections can suppress or exacerbate unrelated autoimmune, allergic, and other inflammatory disorders. There is growing evidence that helminth infection-mediated suppression of bystander inflammatory responses is influenced by alterations in the intestinal microbiome modulating metabolic and immune functions of the infected host. We analyzed the fecal microbiota of mice infected with adult male Schistosoma mansoni worms, which are less susceptible to experimental colitis, and male- and female-worm-infected mice, which are highly sensitive to colitis. While both groups of infected mice developed a disrupted microbiota, there were marked alterations in mice with male and female worm infections. Antibiotic-treated recipients that were cohoused with both types of S. mansoni worm-infected mice acquired a colitogenic microbiome, leading to increased susceptibility to experimental colitis. Following anthelmintic treatment to remove worms from worm-only-infected mice, the mice developed exacerbated colitis. This study provides evidence that adult male S. mansoni worm infection modulates the host’s immune system and suppresses bystander colitis while limiting dysbiosis of the host’s intestinal microbiome during infection.
Selective effects of ligands on vitamin D3 receptor- and retinoid X receptor-mediated gene activation in vivo

Steroid/nuclear hormone receptors are ligand-regulated transcription f factors that play key roles in cell regulation, differentiation, and oncogenesis. Many nuclear receptors, including the human 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor (VDR), bind cooperatively to DNA either as homodimers or as heterodimers with the 9-cis retinoic acid (RA) receptor (retinoid X-receptor [RXR]). We have previously reported that the ligands for VDR and RXR can differentially modulate the affinity of the receptors' interaction with DNA in vitro, primarily by modulating the dimerization status of these receptors. These experiments suggested a complex interaction between VDR and RXR and their respective ligands on inducible target genes in vivo. To examine these effects in cells, we used a transient-transfection strategy whereby we simultaneously introduced two different reporter plasmids that are selectively inducible by each ligand. Although VDR can bind as a homodimer to the osteopontin gene vitamin D response element, we find that a RXR-VDR heterodimer must be the transactivating species from the element in vivo, since RXR enhances and 9-cis RA and other RXR-specific ligands attenuate this induction. Conversely, when VDR is overexpressed, vitamin D3 attenuates 9-cis RA induction from an RXR-responsive element. These effects, however, appear to be very sensitive to both the relative ratios of the two receptors and their respective target elements. Functional RXR-VDR complexes are strictly dependent on the DNA-binding polarity. Chimeric versions of VDR and RXR were also constructed to examine the putative activities of homodimeric receptors; a VDR chimera can transactivate in the absence of RXR, demonstrating that VDR has intrinsic transactivation properties. Taken together, these results establish a complex, sensitive cross talk in vivo between two ligands and their receptors that signal through two distinct endocrine pathways.
Implementation of Compact UWB Bandpass Filter With a Notch-Band

An ultra-wideband (UWB) bandpass filter on microstrip line with notch-band, compact-size and improved upper-stopband performances is presented and implemented. A modified non-uniform resonator is at first formed by transversely attaching three pairs of impedance-stepped stubs. Its resonance behavior is thoroughly characterized so as to allocate the first three resonant frequencies within 3.1-10.6 GHz band while suppressing spurious harmonics in the upper-band. As this resonator is linked at two sides with two feed lines via interdigital coupled lines with enhanced coupling degree, a preferred UWB passband is realized. Then, one of two arms in the coupled-line sections is largely extended and folded, aiming to create a notch band at the frequency of 5.6 GHz by virtue of out-of-phase transmission cancellation. Two filter prototypes are optimized and fabricated to demonstrate the notch-band-included and upper-stopband-improved UWB bandpass performances.
The Repurposed Drug Disulfiram Inhibits Urease and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase and Prevents In Vitro Growth of the Oomycete Pythium insidiosum

Pythium insidiosum is an oomycete microorganism that causes a life-threatening infectious disease, called pythiosis, in humans and animals. The disease has been increasingly reported worldwide. ABSTRACT Pythium insidiosum is an oomycete microorganism that causes a life-threatening infectious disease, called pythiosis, in humans and animals. The disease has been increasingly reported worldwide. Conventional antifungal drugs are ineffective against P. insidiosum. Treatment of pythiosis requires the extensive removal of infected tissue (i.e., eye and leg), but inadequate surgery and recurrent infection often occur. A more effective treatment is needed for pythiosis patients. Drug repurposing is a promising strategy for the identification of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for the control of P. insidiosum. Disulfiram has been approved to treat alcoholism, but it exhibits antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. In this study, we explored whether disulfiram possesses an anti-P. insidiosum activity. A total of 27 P. insidiosum strains, isolated from various hosts and geographic areas, were susceptible to disulfiram in a dose-dependent manner. The MIC range of disulfiram against P. insidiosum (8 to 32 mg/liter) was in line with that of other pathogens. Proteogenomic analysis indicated that several potential targets of disulfiram (i.e., aldehyde dehydrogenase and urease) were present in P. insidiosum. By homology modeling and molecular docking, disulfiram can bind the putative aldehyde dehydrogenase and urease of P. insidiosum at low energies (i.e., –6.1 and –4.0 Kcal/mol, respectively). Disulfiram diminished the biochemical activities of these enzymes. In conclusion, disulfiram can inhibit the growth of many pathogenic microorganisms, including P. insidiosum. The drug can bind and inactivate multiple proteins of P. insidiosum, which may contribute to its broad antimicrobial property. Drug repurposing of disulfiram could be a new treatment option for pythiosis.
Comparison of hand and rotary instrumentation for removing gutta-percha from previously treated curved root canals: a microcomputed tomography study.

AIM To compare the efficacy of hand and rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments in removing filling material from curved root canals of root filled teeth with unknown preparation parameters. METHODOLOGY Ninety mandibular molars with root fillings in curved root canals and homogenous root canal filling extending to 0-2 mm short of the radiographic apex were selected. Root canal curvatures and radii were measured in two directions and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) scans were used to determine preoperative volumes of the filling material. Subsequently, the teeth were assigned to two identical groups (n = 14). The root fillings were removed with Hedström files or FlexMaster NiTi rotary instruments. Postoperative micro-CT imaging was used to assess the percentage of residual filling material as well as the amount of dentine removal. Working time and procedural errors were recorded. Data were compared using analysis of covariance and analysis of variance procedures. RESULTS Root canals retreated with Hedström files were associated with less remaining filling material compared with FlexMaster instruments (P < 0.05). Both retreatment techniques removed similar amounts of dentine with no significant differences (P > 0.05). FlexMaster instruments were significantly faster than Hedström files (P < 0.05). No procedural errors were detected in the Hedström group, whilst three instruments fractured in the FlexMaster group. CONCLUSIONS Hand instrumentation resulted in significantly less residual filling material than retreatment with rotary NiTi instruments. Dentine removal was not significantly different for both techniques. FlexMaster NiTi rotary files were significantly faster than Hedström files, but were associated with a higher risk of instrument fracture.