Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Topological Properties of the Set of Stabilizing Feedback Gains

This article presents a fairly complete account on various topological and metrical aspects of feedback stabilization for single-input single-output (SISO) continuous and discrete time linear time-invariant (LTI) systems. In particular, we prove that the set of stabilizing output feedback gains for a SISO system with <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$n$</tex-math></inline-formula> states have at most <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lceil {\frac{n}{2}}\rceil$</tex-math></inline-formula> connected components. Furthermore, our analysis yields an algorithm for determining intervals of stabilizing gains for general continuous and discrete LTI systems; the proposed algorithm also computes the number of unstable roots in each unstable interval.
Persistent Food Insecurity Is Associated with Adverse Mental Health among Women Living with or at Risk of HIV in the United States.

BACKGROUND Food insecurity and mental health negatively affect the lives of women in the United States. Participants in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) provided the opportunity to understand the association of food insecurity with depression and mental well-being over time. OBJECTIVE We investigated the association between current and persistent food insecurity and depression among women at risk of or living with HIV in the United States. METHODS We used longitudinal data from the WIHS, a prospective cohort study in women at risk of or living with HIV from multiple sites in the United States. Participants completed 6 semiannual assessments from 2013 to 2016 on food security (FS; high, marginal, low, and very low) and mental health (i.e., depressive symptoms and mental well-being). We used multiple regression analysis to estimate the association between these variables. RESULTS Among 2551 participants, 44% were food insecure and 35% reported depressive symptoms indicative of probable depression. Current marginal, low, and very low FS were associated with 2.1-, 3.5-, and 5.5-point (all P < 0.001) higher depression scores, respectively. In models adjusting for both current and previous FS, previous marginal, low, and very low FS were associated with 0.2-, 0.93-, and 1.52-point higher scores, respectively (all P < 0.001). Women with very low FS at both time points (persistent food insecurity) had a 6.86-point higher depression score (P < 0.001). In the mental health models, there was a dose-response relation between current FS and worse mental health even when controlling for previous FS (all P < 0.001). Previous low FS was associated with worse mental health. These associations did not differ by HIV status. CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity placed women at risk of depression and poor mental well-being, but the risk was substantially higher for women experiencing persistent food insecurity. Future interventions to improve women's mental health call for multilevel components that include addressing food insecurity.
Deep Subwavelength-Scale Light Focusing and Confinement in Nanohole-Structured Mesoscale Dielectric Spheres

One of the most captivating properties of dielectric mesoscale particles is their ability to form a sub-diffraction limited-field localization region, near their shadow surfaces. However, the transverse size of the field localization region of a dielectric mesoscale particle is usually larger than λ/3. In this present paper, for the first time, we present numerical simulations to demonstrate that the size of the electromagnetic field that forms in the localized region of the dielectric mesoscale sphere can be significantly reduced by introducing a nanohole structure at its shadow surface, which improves the spatial resolution up to λ/40 and beyond the solid immersion diffraction limit of λ/2n. The proposed nanohole-structured microparticles can be made from common natural optical materials, such as glass, and are important for advancing the particle-lens-based super-resolution technologies, including sub-diffraction imaging, interferometry, surface fabrication, enhanced Raman scattering, nanoparticles synthesis, optical tweezer, etc.
Photodynamic therapy with light-emitting diode arrays producing different light fields induces apoptosis and necrosis in gastrointestinal cancer

Introduction Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have become a new light source for photodynamic therapy (PDT) because of their excellent optical properties, small size, and low cost. LED arrays have so far been designed to meet the need for accurate illumination of irregular lesions. However, LED arrays determine not only the shape of the illuminated spot but also the light field, which has a significant impact on the efficacy of PDT. Methods We designed three types of LED arrays producing different light fields, namely an intensive LED array for a uniform light field, a sparse LED array for a non-uniform light field, and a point LED array for a Gaussian-like light field, and investigated the effect and mechanism of these light fields on PDT for gastrointestinal cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Results We found that intensive LED-PDT induced earlier and more serious cell death, including apoptosis and necrosis, than sparse LED-PDT and point LED-PDT. Among the three LED arrays, the intensive LED array induced cells to produce more differential proteins (DEPs), mainly related to mitochondria, ribosomes, and nucleic acids. DEPs in cells subjected to sparse LED- and point LED-PDT were mainly involved in extracellular activities. For MGC-803 tumor-bearing mice, intensive LED-PDT and point LED-PDT had better tumor ablation effect than sparse LED-PDT. Notably, recurrence was observed on day 7 after sparse LED-PDT. VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were highly expressed in sparse LEDs-PDT treated tumor tissues and were associated tumor angiogenesis, which in turn lead to poor tumor suppression. Conclusions Therefore, the type of LED array significantly affected the performance of PDT for gastrointestinal cancer. Uniform light field with low power densities work better than non-uniform and Gaussian-like light fields.
Nomogram predicts CR-POPF in open central pancreatectomy patients with benign or low-grade malignant pancreatic neoplasms

Introduction Central pancreatectomy (CP) is a standard surgical procedure for benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic neoplasms in the body and neck of the pancreas. Higher incidence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after CP than after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or distal pancreatectomy (DP) has been reported, but no nomogram for prediction of CR-POPF after open CP has been previously established. Methods Patients undergoing open CP for benign or low-grade malignant pancreatic neoplasms in the department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic (HBP) surgery of Shanghai Changhai Hospital affiliated to Naval Medical University between January 01, 2009 and December 31,2020 were enrolled. Pre-, intra- and post-operative parameters were analyzed retrospectively. Results A total of 194 patients, including 60 men and 134 women, were enrolled with median age of 52 years (21~85 years). 84 patients (43.3%) were overweight (BMI>23.0 Kg/m2) and 14 (7.2%) were obese (BMI>28.0 Kg/m2). Pathological diagnoses ranged from serous cystic neoplasm (32.5%), solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (22.2%), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (20.1%), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (18.0%) to mucinous cystic neoplasm (5.2%). All patients had soft pancreatic texture. Main pancreatic duct diameters were ≤0.3cm for 158 patients (81.4%) and were ≥0.5cm in only 12 patients (6.2%). A stapler (57.7%) or hand-sewn closure (42.3%) were used to close the pancreatic remnant. The pancreatic anastomosis techniques used were duct to mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ)-interrupted suture (47.4%), duct to mucosa PJ-continuous suture (43.3%), duct to mucosa “HO” half-purse binding PJ (5.2%) and invaginating pancreaticogastrostomy (4.1%). Post-surgical incidences of CR-POPF of 45.9%, surgical site infection of 28.9%, postpancreatectomy hemorrhage of 7.7% and delayed gastric emptying of 2.1% were found. Obesity and pancreatic anastomosis technique were independent risk factors of CR-POPF, with a concordance index of 0.675 and an Area Under the Curve of 0.678. Discussion This novel nomogram constructed according to obesity and pancreatic anastomosis technique showed moderate predictive performance of CR-POPF after open CP.
Virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance in uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from cystitis and pyelonephritis

Background/aim The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of virulence genes as well as patterns of antibiotic resistance in cystitis and pyelonephritis uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolates. Materials and methods Two hundred UPEC isolates were collected from hospitalized patients with pyelonephritis (n = 50) and cystitis (n = 150) in Shafa Hospital in Iran. Antimicrobial susceptibility and ESBL production were determined with confirmatory tests. Polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to determine the prevalence of virulence genes in UPEC strains. Results Of a total 200 UPEC isolates, the highest and lowest resistance rates to antibiotics were for cephalexin (74%) and nitrofurantoin (9%), respectively. Of these isolates, 72 (36%) and 128 (64%) strains were ESBL-positive and ESBL-negative, respectively. The frequency of fimH, papC, and hly was 64%, 38%, and 12%, respectively. The most commonly identified virulence gene in ESBL-positive and ESBL-negative strains was fimH 46 (23%) and 86 (43%), respectively. The hlyA gene was more prevalent among patients with pyelonephritis than cystitis. Conclusion The frequency of virulence genes was not significantly different between pyelonephritis and cystitis UPEC strains in the studied patients, but the prevalence rates of hlyA and papC genes were higher among UPEC strains isolated from inpatients compared to outpatients; hence, they could be considered as useful targets for prophylactic interventions.
Developmental Trajectories of Opioid Use Among Juvenile Offenders: An Epidemiological Examination of Group Characteristics and Criminological Risk Factors

Abstract Aims: Investigate patterns of change and continuity in opioid use among juvenile offenders during adolescence and early adulthood. Identify demographic characteristics of trajectory groups of opioid users. Examine the relevance of risk factors for predicting assignment to opioid use trajectory groups. Methods: The Pathways to Desistance sample, consisting of longitudinal data of 1,134 juvenile offenders, was utilized in analyses. Using group-based trajectory modeling, patterns of opioid use were identified. χ2 tests provide information about the significant differences in gender, race, and socioeconomic status composition among the subgroups. Multinomial logistic regression were estimated to identify the relevance of risk factors for predicting assignment to subgroups. Results: A four-group model best fit the opioid use data (Abstaining, Low Accelerating, High Accelerating, Desisting). Race significantly delineated group membership at the bivariate level. Risk factor analysis indicated that lower self-control assessed at baseline predicted elevated risk of assignment to the Low Accelerating and High Accelerating groups. Higher frequency of marijuana use at baseline and a lifetime history of having experienced victimization was associated with assignment to the Desisting group. Conclusions: Chronic opioid use exists at elevated prevalence among juvenile offenders. Adolescents in the criminal justice system with low self-control should be targeted for intervention.
Profiling of WDR36 missense variants in German patients with glaucoma.

PURPOSE Mutations in WDR36 were recently reported in patients with adult-onset primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). In this study, the prevalence of WDR36 variants was investigated in patients with glaucoma who were of German descent with diverse age of onset and intraocular pressure levels. METHODS Recruited were 399 unrelated patients with glaucoma and 376 healthy subjects of comparable age and origin, who had had repeated normal findings in ophthalmic examinations. The frequency of observed variants was obtained by direct sequencing of the entire WDR36 coding region. RESULTS A total of 44 WDR36 allelic variants were detected, including 14 nonsynonymous amino acid alterations, of which 7 are novel (P31T, Y97C, D126N, T403A, H411Y, H411L, and P487R) and 7 have been reported (L25P, D33E, A163V, H212P, A449T, D658G and I264V). Of these 14 variants, 6 were classified as polymorphisms as they were detected in patients and control individuals at similar frequencies. Eight variants present in 15 patients (3.7%) but only 1 control individual (0.2%) were defined as putative disease-causing variants (P = 0.0005). Within this patient group, 12 (80%) presented with high and 3 (20%) with low intraocular pressure. Disease severity and age of onset showed a broad range. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of several rare putative disease-causing variants in patients with glaucoma suggests that WDR36 may be a minor disease-causing gene in glaucoma, at least in the German population. The large variability in WDR36, though, requires functional validation of these variants, once its function is characterized.
A Pilot Study to Assess Clinical Utility and User Experience of Professional Continuous Glucose Monitoring Among People With Type 2 Diabetes

IN BRIEF Glucose variability is a potential independent risk factor of poor clinical outcome among people with diabetes, with adequate measurement technically difficult and cumbersome. For this study, a novel 14-day continuous sensor was used to assess glucose variability among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim was to characterize glucose profiles for up to 2 weeks in T2D and to survey device utilization in a standard clinical setting and its potential to collect clinically meaningful data.
l-Arginine Synthesis from l-Citrulline in Myeloid Cells Drives Host Defense against Mycobacteria In Vivo

Immunonutrition as a therapeutic approach is rapidly gaining interest in the fight against infection. Targeting l-arginine metabolism is intriguing, considering this amino acid is the substrate for antimicrobial NO production by macrophages. The importance of l-arginine during infection is supported by the finding that inhibiting its synthesis from its precursor l-citrulline blunts host defense. During the first few weeks following pulmonary mycobacterial infection, we found a drastic increase in l-citrulline in the lung, even though serum concentrations were unaltered. This correlated with increased gene expression of the l-citrulline–generating (i.e., iNOS) and l-citrulline–using (i.e., Ass1) enzymes in key myeloid populations. Eliminating l-arginine synthesis from l-citrulline in myeloid cells via conditional deletion of either Ass1 or Asl resulted in increased Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv burden in the lungs compared with controls. Our data illustrate the necessity of l-citrulline metabolism for myeloid defense against mycobacterial infection and highlight the potential for host-directed therapy against mycobacterial disease targeting this nutrient and/or its metabolic pathway.
HIV Disclosure: HIV-positive status disclosure to sexual partners among individuals receiving HIV care in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Introduction Disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners can help HIV prevention efforts and enable HIV positive people to receive social support, as well as increasing access and adherence to treatment. This study was conducted to determine the rate, processes, outcomes, and correlates of HIV status disclosure to sexual partners among HIV positive individuals. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2015 at two HIV outpatient clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data were collected using an interviewer- administered semi-structured questionnaire. Logistic analysis was used to determine the independent correlates of serostatus disclosure. Results Of 742 participants, (371 men and 371 women), 727 (98%) were on antiretroviral therapy and 676 (91.1%) had at least one sexual partner since their HIV diagnosis, of whom 558 (82.5%) had disclosed their HIV status to their most recent sexual partner. Of those who reported having disclosed their status to their most recent sexual partner, 82 (14.7%) had at least one unprotected sexual encounter with the partner, after HIV diagnosis but prior to disclosure. The most commonly reported initial outcome of disclosure was gaining emotional and/or financial support. Some (11.3%) also reported that their disclosure immediately initiated their partner for HIV testing. Negative outcomes to disclosure, such as stigma and discrimination, were more common among females (26.2%) compared to males (12.7%). In the multiple regression analysis, disclosure was associated with greater condom use, greater social support, knowing the partner’s HIV status, having a good relationship with the partner, and cohabiting with the partner. Conclusion HIV disclosure was common amongst participants, although sometimes delayed, with possible consequences for onward transmission. Fear of negative outcomes, such as verbal abuse and physical violence, were major barriers to disclosure. Efforts to support disclosure have the potential to contribute to HIV control and prevention by encouraging safer sexual practice, initiating partners for HIV testing, and enhancing support for people living with HIV.
Long-term outcome and psychiatric comorbidity of adolescent-onset anorexia nervosa

Objective: To assess the outcome of adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) about 20 years after first treatment. Methods: Sixty-two women diagnosed with AN during adolescence were invited to participate. Of these 62 patients, 38 agreed to participate and were assessed with a battery of questionnaires and interviews. A control group of 30 women of similar age was also assessed. Results: Of the patients who completed the full assessment, 13 (34%) presented some degree of eating disorder (ED) at follow-up (10 (26%) met full Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) criteria for an ED and 3 (8%) showed partial remission of an ED). The remaining 25 (66%) patients had fully recovered from AN. The duration of untreated illness before admission was significantly associated with an increased risk of a current ED (odds ratio (OR) = 3.334 (1.3–8.7); p = . 014). Of the patients who had recovered totally from their ED, 24% showed another psychiatric disorder. This percentage rose to 70% in patients with a current ED. Conclusion: Sixty-six percent of adolescents who completed the assessment achieved remission of their AN. Comorbidity was more common in the current ED group. The variable that best predicted complete remission was the number of years without treatment, showing the importance of detection and early intervention.
An Electrophysiological Comparison of Contrast Response Functions in Younger and Older Adults, and Those With Glaucoma.

Purpose Aging and glaucoma both result in contrast processing deficits. However, it is unclear the extent to which these functional deficits arise from retinal or post-retinal neuronal changes. This study aims to disentangle the effects of healthy human aging and glaucoma on retinal and post-retinal contrast processing using visual electrophysiology. Methods Steady-state pattern electroretinograms (PERG) and pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEP) were simultaneously recorded across a range of contrasts (0%, 4%, 9%, 18%, 39%, 73%, 97%; 0.8° diameter checks, 31° diameter checkerboard) in 13 glaucoma patients (67 ± 6 years), 15 older (63 ± 8 years) and 14 younger adults (27 ± 3 years). PERG and PVEP contrast response functions were fit with a linear and saturating hyperbolic model, respectively. PERG and PVEP magnitude, timing (phase), and model fit parameters (slope, semi-saturation constant) were compared between groups. Results PERG responses were reduced and delayed in older adults relative to younger adults, and further reduced and delayed in glaucoma patients across all contrasts. PVEP signals were also reduced and delayed in glaucoma patients, relative to age-similar (older) controls. However, despite having reduced PERG magnitudes, older adults did not demonstrate reduced PVEP magnitudes. Conclusions Older adults with healthy vision demonstrate reduced magnitude and delayed timing in the PERG that is not reflected in the PVEP. In contrast, glaucoma produces functional deficits in both PERG and PVEP contrast response functions. Our results suggest that glaucomatous effects on contrast processing are not a simple extension of those that arise as part of the aging process.
Bronchial Thermoplasty for Severe Asthma with Mucus Hypersecretion

Bronchial thermoplasty (BT), which delivers thermal radiofrequency to the bronchial wall, is an effective therapy for patients with severe persistent uncontrolled asthma. We herein report the case of a 47-year-old man who underwent BT for uncontrolled severe asthma. After BT, his asthma control, asthma-related quality of life, and pulmonary function improved. Furthermore, a histologic examination of transbronchial biopsy specimens revealed a decrease in goblet cell hyperplasia and the smooth muscle mass as well as in the subepithelial basement membrane thickness. BT can be effective for patients with severe uncontrolled asthma and mucus hypersecretion.
Control of Acute Arboviral Infection by Natural Killer Cells

The recent explosive pandemic of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) followed by Zika (ZIKV) virus infections occurring throughout many countries represents the most unexpected arrival of arthropod-borne viral diseases in the past 20 years. Transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, the clinical picture associated with these acute arbovirus infections, including Dengue (DENV), CHIKV and ZIKV, ranges from classical febrile illness to life-threatening disease. Whereas ZIKV and CHIKV-mediated infections have previously been recognized as relatively benign diseases, in contrast to Dengue fever, recent epidemic events have brought waves of increased morbidity and mortality leading to a serious public health problem. Although the host immune response plays a crucial role in controlling infections, it may also promote viral spread and immunopathology. Here, we review recent developments in our understanding of the immune response, with an emphasis on the early antiviral immune response mediated by natural killer cells and emphasize their Janus-faced effects in the control of arbovirus infection and pathogenesis. Improving our understanding knowledge on of the mechanisms that control viral infection is crucial in the current race against the globalization of arbovirus epidemics.