Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the oncological outcomes of three different bacillus Calmette–Guérin strains in patients with high-grade T1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

ABSTRACT Objective : To determine whether there are significant differences in oncological outcomes between three different bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) strains used for adjuvant intravesical immunotherapy in patients with high-grade T1 (T1HG) non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Patients and methods : Data of 590 patients with a diagnosis of primary T1HG NMIBC were retrospectively reviewed. The study included 138 (23.4%) patients who were treated with the Moreau, 272 (46.1%) with the TICE, and 180 (30.5%) with the RIVM strains. All patients included in the analysis received at least five instillations of an induction course and at least two installations of a maintenance course. Due to existing differences in baseline patient characteristics, the association between oncological outcomes and strain groups was investigated by complementary analysis with the implementation of inverse probability weighting (IPW). Results : The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was 70.5%, 66.7% and 55.2% for the Moreau, TICE and RIVM groups, respectively (P = 0.016). The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 84.4%, 85% and 77.8% in the Moreau, TICE and RIVM groups, respectively (P = 0.215). The IPW-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression analysis did not show any differences in RFS between the Moreau and TICE groups (P = 0.69), whereas the RIVM strain was significantly associated with worse RFS compared to the Moreau (hazard ratio [HR] 1.69 for RIVM; P = 0.034) and TICE (HR 1.87 for RIVM; P = 0.002) strains. The IPW-adjusted analysis did not show any significant differences between study groups in terms of PFS. Conclusions : The results of the present study suggest that the Moreau and TICE strains might be superior to the RIVM strain in terms of RFS in patients with T1HG NMIBC. Abbreviations: CIS: carcinoma in situ; IPW: inverse probability weighting; IQR: interquartile range; HR: hazard ratio; HG: high grade; LVI: lymphovascular invasion; MP: muscularis priopria; NMIBC: non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer; PFS: progression-free survival; RCT: randomised controlled trial; RFS: recurrence-free survival; T1HG, high-grade T1; (re-)TURB: (re-staging) transurethral resection of bladder; VH: variant histology
Anti-social social gaming: community conflict in a Facebook game

ABSTRACT Social Network Games (SNGs) are played via social networking sites such as Facebook. In this article, I examine some of the negative interactions that happen within SNGs that may be obscured by the assumption—driven by benevolent sexism—that these games are entirely collaborative. Drawing on posts made to an online forum devoted to YoWorld—a long-running Facebook game—I detail player frustrations with bullying and other forms of interpersonal conflict. I argue that if casual games are only ever seen as docile spaces of collaborative play, it reaffirms the gendered and stereotypical assumptions underpinning who plays SNGs and for what reasons. Furthermore, I argue that assumptions about collaborative and welcoming environments may also be setting novice players up for disappointment when they inevitably encounter anti-social behaviors within a SNG gaming community. If SNGs are framed as an easier entry point for girls and women into broader gaming cultures, it is imperative that alongside encouraging their play, we also equip them with the necessary tools to respond to the negative interactions that they might experience, thereby reducing the likelihood of their eventual disengagement from gaming.
The acquisition of health and science information in the 21st century

Abstract The ways that humans acquire information is undergoing a fundamental change comparable to the introduction of Gutenberg’s printing press and broadcast systems. Using the literature and a growing body of empirical evidence, we describe a model of information acquisition that specifies the roles of education, salience, subject-matter literacy, and navigation skills in the decision to seek information. We refer to this model as a just-in-time information acquisition system. We focus on the acquisition of health information and science information separately and discuss the similarities and differences. We utilize a national U.S. survey to describe adult information acquisition behaviors empirically.
Goal orientation in job search: Psychometric characteristics and construct validation across job search contexts

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the goal orientation (GO) scale across job search contexts to facilitate its use in large and varied search settings. A sample of 720 job losers and new entrants’ job seekers in Ghana completed the survey. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three-factor theoretical structure (Learning goal, Performance-prove goal, and Performance-avoid goal orientations) for both new entrants’ and job losers’ samples. Results of the invariance test reached measurement equivalence across job search contexts and genders. Furthermore, GO dimensions correlated differently with some cognitive self-regulation criterion variables (employment commitment, self-control, learning from failure, and strategy awareness) thus, providing evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. Overall, the study provides additional support for the job search GO measure for use across different job search contexts.
Not good days for technophobes: older internet users during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Older individuals who face overwhelming threats may develop a Hostile World Scenario (HWS). Internet use may be helpful in regulating HWS, but technophobia – fear of or discomfort with modern technologies, a phenomenon especially common among older adults – may constrain users’ online activity and the benefits derived therefrom. Relying on an online survey of 407 internet users aged 60 and up, this study explored the extent to which technophobia affected their ability to use the internet in a beneficial manner during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results demonstrated significant negative associations between technophobia and internet use scope and intensity. Technophobia also correlated positively with users’ HWS – a correlation that remained significant even after controlling for background variables and online activities. The findings suggest that technophobia plays a role in digital divides among seniors and constrains adjustment. It should thus be considered a risk factor in later life during routine and adverse times alike.
Long Noncoding RNA X-Inactive-Specific Transcript Promotes the Secretion of Inflammatory Cytokines in LPS Stimulated Astrocyte Cell Via Sponging miR-29c-3p and Regulating Nuclear Factor of Activated T cell 5 Expression

Background Astrocyte activation promotes glutamate accumulation and secretion of inflammatory factors, mainly responsible for epilepsy. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) X-inactive-specific transcript (XIST) regulates inflammation; however, the biological role and regulatory mechanism of XIST during astrocyte activation remain unclear. Methods In the present study, rat epilepsy model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated CTX-TNA2 were established. XIST and miR-29c-3p expression were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) was measured using western blot analysis. Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and L-glutamate levels in the culture supernatants were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The binding between XIST and miR-29c-3p and between miR-29c-3p and the 3′-UTR of NFAT5 was analyzed using dual-luciferase reporter, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), and Biotin pull-down assay. The proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using CCK8 and flow cytometry, respectively. Results XIST expression and NFAT5 protein level was increased, whereas miR-29c-3p expression was decreased in the epilepsy rat model and LPS-treated CTX-TNA2 cells. Silenced XIST expression, miR-29c-3p overexpression, or silenced NFAT5 expression inhibited the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and promoted glutamate transport in LPS-treated CTX-TNA2 cells. miR-29c-3p was the potential miRNA sponged by XIST. NFAT5 acted as a direct binding target of miR-29c-3p. Silenced miR-29c-3p expression or NFAT5 overexpression reversed the effect of silenced XIST expression on LPS-treated CTX-TNA2.XIST and miR-29c-3p treatment does not affect NFAT5 mRNA expression, but affects NFAT5 protein level. Furthermore, underexpressed XIST or overexpressed miR-29c-3p in LPS-stimulated CTX-TNA2 can attenuate neuronal apoptosis induced by LPS-stimulated CTX-TNA2. Conclusion LncRNA XIST promotes the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in LPS- treated CTX-TNA2 via sponging miR-29c-3p and regulating NFAT5 expression.
Biodiversity of Potential Vectors of Rickettsiae and Epidemiological Mosaic of Spotted Fever in the State of Paraná, Brazil

Spotted Fever Rickettsioses (SFR) are diseases caused by bacteria of the genus Rickettsia, and are transmitted mainly by ticks. Its eco-epidemiological scenarios vary spatially, and may also vary over time due to environmental changes. It is the main disease transmitted by ticks to humans in Brazil, with the state of Paraná (PR) having the sixth highest number of notified incidences in the country. However, information is lacking regarding the SFR disease cycles at likely infection sites within PR. During case investigations or environmental surveillance in PR for SFR, 28,517 arthropods were collected, including species known or potentially involved in the SFR cycles, such as Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma parkeri, Ctenocephalides felis felis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. From these Rickettsia asembonensis, Rickettsia bellii, Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest and Candidatus Rickettsia paranaensis were detected. Ectoparasite abundance was found to be related with specific hosts and collection environments. Rickettsiae circulation was observed for 48 municipalities, encompassing 16 Health Regions (HR). As for socio-demographic and assistance indicators, circulation occurred largely in the most urbanized HR, with a higher per capita Gross Domestic Product, lower Family Health Strategy coverage, and with a higher ratio of beds in the Unified Health System per thousand inhabitants. For environmental variables, circulation occurred predominantly in HR with a climatic classified as “subtropical with hot summers” (Cfa), and with forest type phytogeographic formations. In terms of land use, circulation was commonest in areas with agriculture, pasture and fields and forest cover. Rickettsiae were circulating in almost all hydrographic basins of PR state. The results of this study provide the first descriptive recognition of SFR in PR, as well as outlining its eco-epidemiological dynamics. These proved to be quite heterogeneous, and analyzed scenarios showed characteristics strongly-associated with the outbreaks, with cases presenting clinical variation in space, so illustrating the complexity of scenarios in PR state. Due to the diversity of the circumstances surrounding SFR infections in PR, public health initiatives are necessary to foster a better understanding of the dynamics and factors effecting vulnerability to SFR in this Brazilian state.
All for One and One for All? – Examining Convergent Validity and Responsiveness of the German Versions of the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), and Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI)

Background Measurement of tinnitus-related distress and treatment responsiveness is key in understanding, conceptualizing and addressing this often-disabling symptom. Whilst several self-report measures exist, the heterogeneity of patient populations, available translations, and treatment contexts requires ongoing psychometric replication and validation efforts. Objective To investigate the convergent validity and responsiveness of the German versions of the Tinnitus Questionnaire [TQ], Tinnitus Handicap Inventory [THI], and Tinnitus Functional Index [TFI] in a large German-speaking sample of patients with chronic tinnitus who completed a psychologically anchored 7-day Intensive Multimodal Treatment Programme. Methods Two-hundred-and-ten patients with chronic tinnitus completed all three questionnaires at baseline and post-treatment. Intraclass correlation coefficients determined the convergent validity of each questionnaire’s total and subscale scores. Treatment responsiveness was investigated by [a] comparing treatment-related change in responders vs. non-responders as classified by each questionnaire’s minimal clinically important difference-threshold, and [b] comparing agreement between the questionnaires’ responder classifications. Results The total scores of all three questionnaires showed high agreement before and after therapy (TQ | THI: 0.80 [Pre], 0.83 [Post], TQ | TFI: 0.72 [Pre], 0.78 [Post], THI | TFI: 0.76 [Pre] 0.80 [Post]). All total scores changed significantly with treatment yielding small effect sizes. The TQ and TFI yielded comparable (19.65 and 18.64%) and the THI higher responder rates (38.15%). The TQ | THI and TQ | TFI showed fair, and the THI | TFI moderate agreement of responder classifications. Independent of classification, responders showed significantly higher change rates than non-responders across most scores. Each questionnaire’s total change score distinguished between responders and non-responders as classified by the remaining two questionnaires. Conclusion The total scores of all three questionnaires show high convergent validity and thus, comparability across clinical and research contexts. By contrast, subscale scores show high inconsistency. Whilst the TFI appears well suited for research purposes, the THI may be better suited to measure psychological aspects of tinnitus-related distress and their changes with accordingly focused treatment approaches.
The Manipulation of the Lipid Mediator Metabolism as Adjunct Host-Directed Therapy in Tuberculosis

Host-directed therapies (HDTs) enhance the host response to tuberculosis (TB) infection to reduce disease severity. For instance, the manipulation of lipid mediator production diminishes the hyperactive immune response which is a known pathological feature of TB that generates lung tissue damage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) are examples of such HDTs. In this mini-review, we recapitulate the literature available on the effects of NSAIDs and n-3 LCPUFA in TB as well as the immunological pathways underpinning these effects. Many NSAIDs have a great deal of data describing their effects and safety and in many jurisdictions are inexpensive, and sold over the counter in neighborhood convenience stores and supermarkets. The potential benefits of NSAIDs in TB are well-documented in pre-clinical studies. The reduction of pro-inflammatory lipid mediator production by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways with NSAIDs has been found to improve lung histopathology, bacterial control, and survival. Additionally, n-3 LCPUFA and its novel bioactive metabolites produced by COX and lipoxygenase (LOX) have been identified as safe and effective pro-resolving and antibacterial pharmaconutrients. Nevertheless, heterogeneous results have been reported in pre-clinical TB studies. Recently, the importance of the correct timing of NSAIDs and n-3 LCPUFA administration in TB has also been highlighted. This mini-review will provide a better understanding of the potential contribution of these therapies toward reducing inflammatory lung damage and improving bactericidal activity, especially during later stages of TB infection. It further highlights that clinical trials are required to confirm benefit and safety in TB patients.
Comprehensive Substrate-Based Exploration of Probiotics From Undistilled Traditional Fermented Alcoholic Beverage ‘Lugri’

Cereal-based traditional fermented beverages (TFBs) are prevalent among India’s ethnic community, and lugri is one such TFB popular among the tribal people of the Lahaul valley in North-Western Himalaya. Previous studies have reported that lugri harbors probiotics and contains amino acids and vitamins but comprehensive substrate-specific exploration of lugri for probiotic attributes is unexplored. The present study selected three substrate-based lugri (wheat, rice, and barley) to study their biochemical properties and explore potential probiotics. This study screened the best probiotic strains for antioxidant studies and the fermentative process. A biochemical analysis determined that rice-based lugri had a higher alcohol content, electric conductivity, crude protein, and lower pH than barley and wheat-based lugri. A total of 134 distinct morphotypes were screened, and 43 strains were selected based on their qualitatively superior acid and bile tolerance. Rice-based undistilled lugri harbored the most probiotics, with 22 out of 43 strains isolated. All 43 bacterial isolates exhibited properties like cell surface hydrophobicity, cell-auto aggregation, β-galactosidase, and exopolysaccharide production, supporting them as possible probiotics. Based on antibiotic susceptibility, hemolytic activity, and biofilm formation, all the bacterial strains were found to be non-pathogenic. Taxonomically, they ranged among eight distinct genera and 10 different species. Statistically, 12 isolates were found to be the most promising probiotic, and eight strains were isolated from rice-based undistilled lugri. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the promising isolates was tested, based on free-radical scavenging ability toward 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (4.39–16.41%) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (15.29–57.74%). The strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LUL:01 showed the best antioxidant activity and probiotic attributes, and hence was used for the production of fermented milk. The strain LUL:01 fermented the sterile milk within 18 h, and the viable count remained above the legal requirement of 6 log10 CFU/ml during 28 days storage at 4°C. The strain represents a suitable candidate for applying probiotic functional food formulation with several health benefits.
Levothyroxine Therapy in Elderly Patients With Hypothyroidism

Levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment of overt hypothyroidism can be more challenging in elderly compared to young patients. The elderly population is growing, and increasing incidence and prevalence of hypothyroidism with age are observed globally. Elderly people have more comorbidities compared to young patients, complicating correct diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism. Most importantly, cardiovascular complications compromise the usual start dosage and upward titration of L-T4 due to higher risk of decompensating cardiac ischemia and -function. It therefore takes more effort and care from the clinician, and the maintenance dose may have to be lower in order to avoid a cardiac incidence. On the other hand, L-T4 has a beneficial effect on cardiac function by increasing performance. The clinical challenge should not prevent treating with L-T4 should the patient develop e.g., cardiac ischemia. The endocrinologist is obliged to collaborate with the cardiologist on prophylactic cardiac measures by invasive cardiac surgery or medical therapy against cardiac ischemic angina. This usually allows subsequent successful treatment. Management of mild (subclinical) hypothyroidism is even more complex. Prevalent comorbidities in the elderly complicate correct diagnosis, since many concomitant morbidities can result in non-thyroidal illness, resembling mild hypothyroidism both clinically and biochemically. The diagnosis is further complicated as methods for measuring thyroid function (thyrotropin and thyroxine) vary immensely according to methodology and background population. It is thus imperative to ensure a correct diagnosis by etiology (e.g., autoimmunity) before deciding to treat. Even then, there is controversy regarding whether or not treatment of such mild forms of hypothyroidism in elderly will improve mortality, morbidity, and quality of life. This should be studied in large cohorts of patients in long-term placebo-controlled trials with clinically relevant outcomes. Other cases of hypothyroidism, e.g., medications, iodine overload or hypothalamus-pituitary-hypothyroidism, each pose specific challenges to management of hypothyroidism; these cases are also more frequent in the elderly. Finally, adherence to treatment is generally challenging. This is also the case in elderly patients, which may necessitate measuring thyroid hormones at individually tailored intervals, which is important to avoid over-treatment with increased risk of cardiac morbidity and mortality, osteoporosis, cognitive dysfunction, and muscle deficiency.
Misfit accommodation mechanisms at moving reaction fronts during topotaxial spinel-forming thin-film solid-state reactions : a high-resolution transmission electron microscopy study of five spinels of different misfits

Abstract Thin films of five different spinels MgAl2O4, MgCr2O4, MgIn2O4, TiMg2O4 and MgFe2O4 were grown by topotaxial solid state reactions on MgO(001) substrates. The spinels widely differed in their lattice parameter resulting in a variation in sign and amount of lattice misfit to the substrate. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy/selected-area electron diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis before the spinel-MgO reaction fronts were investigated in detail by cross-sectional high-resolution electron microscopy. For almost vanishing misfit (TiMg2O4-MgO and MgFe2O4-MgO) the films were exactly cube-to-cube oriented to the substrate, with the spinel-MgO reaction front completely coherent. During the reaction, a network of cation antiphase boundaries formed in these films. For non-vanishing misfit, semicoherent reaction fronts occurred, with different interfacial defects forming, depending on sign and amount of the s.
Resilience, Reorientation, and Reinvention: School Leadership During the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread rapidly across the globe, many schools struggled to react both quickly and adequately. Schools were one of the most important societal institutions to be affected by the pandemic. However, most school leaders have little to no training in crisis leadership, nor have they dealt with a crisis of this scale and this scope for this long. This article presents our findings from interviews of 43 school organizations around the globe about their responses during the early months of the pandemic. Primary themes from the interviews included an emphasis on vision and values; communication and family community engagement; staff care, instructional leadership, and organizational capacity-building; equity-oriented leadership practices; and recognition of potential future opportunities. These findings resonate with the larger research literature on crisis leadership and have important implications for school leaders’ future mindsets, behaviors, and support structures during crisis incidents.