Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Progressive differentiation of memory CD8 T cells in the cervicovaginal tissue

The memory CD8 T cell compartment in human cervicovaginal tissue (CVT) is phenotypically and functionally distinct compared to other non-lymphoid tissues. To determine if these distinctive features are driven by residence in the tissue itself, rather than a consequence of local antigenic insults, we used a mouse model to assess memory CD8 T cell differentiation in the CVT. Following systemic immunization to elicit a CD8 T cell response to a herpes simplex virus (HSV) epitope, HSV-specific memory CD8 T cells were stably maintained in other tissues but gradually declined in the CVT over 5 months post-immunization, correlating with a delay in viral control upon HSV challenge. While memory cells in the periphery and small intestine maintained a fairly stable phenotype after 30 days, memory CD8 T cells in the CVT gradually acquired a CD103+, TCF-1−, granzyme B+ phenotype over the 5 month time span. Notably, a sizable and phenotypically similar population of CD8 T cells was also found in human CVT. Our data indicate that the CVT environment itself considerably affects memory CD8 T cell maintenance and differentiation, and call for a reassessment of the prevalent model of memory T cell maintenance which does not currently account for tissue-specific divergence.
Partitioning of metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in soils: concepts, methodologies, prediction and applications – a review

Prediction of the fate of metals in soil requires knowledge of their solid–liquid partitioning. This paper reviews analytical methods and models for measuring or predicting the solid–liquid partitioning of metals in aerobic soils, and collates experimental data. The partitioning is often expressed with an empirical distribution coefficient or Kd, which gives the ratio of the concentration in the solid phase to that in the solution phase. The Kd value of a metal reflects the net effect of various reactions in the solid and liquid phases and varies by orders of magnitude among soils. The Kd value can be derived from the solid–liquid distribution of added metal or that of the soil‐borne metal. Only part of the solid‐phase metal is rapidly exchangeable with the solution phase. Various methods have been developed to quantify this ‘labile’ phase, and Kd values based on this phase often correlate better with soil properties than Kd values based on total concentration, and are more appropriate to express metal ion buffering in solute transport models. The in situ soil solution is the preferred solution phase for Kd determinations. Alternatively, water or dilute‐salt extracts can be used, but these may underestimate in situ concentrations of dissolved metals because of dilution of metal‐complexing ligands such as dissolved organic matter. Multi‐surface models and empirical models have been proposed to predict metal partitioning from soil properties. Though soil pH is the most important soil property determining the retention of the free metal ion, Kd values based on total dissolved metal in solution may show little pH dependence for metal ions that have strong affinity for dissolved organic matter. The Kd coefficient is used as an equilibrium constant in risk assessment models. However, slow dissociation of metal complexes in solution and slow exchange of metals between labile and non‐labile pools in the solid phase may invalidate this equilibrium assumption.
Sub-Ciliary Segregation of Two Drosophila Transient Receptor Potential Channels Begins at the Initial Stage of Their Pre-Ciliary Trafficking

Cilia are important eukaryotic cellular compartments required for diverse biological functions. Recent studies have revealed that protein targeting into the proper ciliary subcompartments is essential for ciliary function. In Drosophila chordotonal cilium, where mechano-electric transduction occurs, two transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily ion channels, TRPV and TRPN, are restricted to the proximal and distal subcompartments, respectively. To understand the mechanisms underlying the sub-ciliary segregation of the two TRPs, we analyzed their localization under various conditions. In developing chordotonal cilia, TRPN was directly targeted to the ciliary tip from the beginning of its appearance and was retained in the distal subcompartment throughout development, whereas the ciliary localization of TRPV was considerably delayed. Lack of intraflagella transport-related proteins affected TRPV from the initial stage of its pre-ciliary trafficking, whereas it affected TRPN from the ciliary entry stage. The ectopic expression of the two TRP channels in both ciliated and non-ciliated cells revealed their intrinsic properties related to their localization. Taken together, our results suggest that sub-ciliary segregation of the two TRP channels relies on their distinct intrinsic properties, and begins at the initial stage of their pre-ciliary trafficking.
Multimorbidity as a Risk Factor of Elder Abuse/Mistreatment in India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Globally, elder abuse/mistreatment is a common form of violence against the elderly. This study examines the association between multimorbidity and abuse/mistreatment among the elderly population (60+) in India. Cross-sectional data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)’s “Building Knowledge Base on Population Aging in India” (BKPAI, 2011) was analyzed. We generated a multimorbidity variable by combining 20 self-reported diagnosed chronic diseases. Bivariate analysis was used to understand the sample distribution and prevalence estimation of elder abuse/mistreatment by multimorbidity and state. Furthermore, multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression was used to examine the association between multimorbidity and elder abuse/mistreatment. The overall prevalence of elder abuse/mistreatment in the study population is 11.4%. The prevalence of elder abuse/mistreatment among elderly with no chronic diseases is 6.01% which increases to 22.7% among elderly with four or more chronic diseases. Furthermore, the result from the multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression showed a close association between multimorbidity and elder abuse. Elderly with two, three, and four or more chronic diseases are 3.02 (CI = 2.33, 3.91, p < .000), 4.16 (CI = 3.02, 5.74, p < .000), and 5.06 (CI = 3.50, 7.31, p <.000) times more likely to experience abuse/mistreatment than elderly with no chronic diseases, respectively. In specific, this association is stronger for the elderly population residing in the urban areas. Furthermore, economic status and educational attainment have a protective role in determining elder abuse/mistreatment in India. In conclusion, multimorbidity has emerged as a significant risk factor of elder abuse/mistreatment in India. Measures to prevent elder abuse should consider the role of multimorbidity.
Psychological Well-Being, Depression and Stress During COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey: A Comparative Study of Healthcare Professionals and Non-Healthcare Professionals

ABSTRACT In this study, we aimed to investigate psychological well-being, depression, and stress among healthcare professionals and non-healthcare professionals in Turkey. An online questionnaire was prepared and shared with participants using social networking sites. Participants were 546 healthcare professionals (females = 313) and 445 non-healthcare professionals (females = 333), aged between 20 and 67 years. All participants completed measures of Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 and Psychological Well-Being Scale. The results showed no significant difference in the scores of psychological well-being, depression and stress of healthcare professionals and non-healthcare professionals. However, the psychological well-being of healthcare professionals and stress varied in terms of age, gender, marital status, job descriptions, and ways of working in clinic. Women, non-physician healthcare professionals, young and single people and those who worked in COVID-19 service and stayed at least one week away from their families during the pandemic were found to have poor mental well-being. Psychological well-being was significantly and negatively correlated with depression and anxiety. Our findings indicate that healthcare professionals who are at the frontline of the fight against the COVID-19, and nurses, women, single person and those who are away from their family for more than a week during the pandemic are at greater risk.
Efficacy and safety of left atrial appendage electrical isolation during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: an updated meta-analysis.

AIMS Left atrial appendage electrical isolation (LAAEI) has been shown to improve freedom from all-atrial arrhythmia recurrence in patients with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety outcomes of LAAEI in patients with non-paroxysmal AF undergoing catheter ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS A systematic review of Medline, Cochrane, and Embase was performed for clinical studies evaluating the benefit of LAAEI in non-paroxysmal AF. Nine studies with a total of 2336 patients were included (mean age: 65 ± 9 years, 63% male). All studies included patients with persistent AF, long-standing persistent AF, or both. At a mean follow-up of 40.5 months, patients who underwent LAAEI had significantly higher freedom from all-atrial arrhythmia recurrence than patients who underwent standard ablation alone [69.3% vs. 46.4%; risk ratio (RR) 0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-0.69; P < 0.0001]. A 46% relative risk reduction and 22.9% absolute risk reduction in atrial-arrhythmia recurrence was noted with LAAEI. Rates of cerebral thromboembolism were not significantly different between the two groups (LAAEI 3% vs. standard ablation 1.6%, respectively; RR 1.76; 95% CI 0.61-5.04; P = 0.29). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the acute procedural complication rates between the two groups (LAAEI 4% vs. standard ablation 3%, respectively; RR 1.29; 95% CI 0.83-2.02; P = 0.26). CONCLUSION At long-term follow-up, LAAEI led to a significantly higher improvement in freedom from all-atrial arrhythmia recurrence in patients with non-paroxysmal AF, when compared to standard ablation alone. Importantly, this benefit was achieved without an increased risk of acute procedural complications or cerebral thromboembolic events.
Development of Porous Polyurethane Implants Manufactured via Hot-Melt Extrusion

Implantable drug delivery systems (IDDSs) offer good patient compliance and allow the controlled delivery of drugs over prolonged times. However, their application is limited due to the scarce material selection and the limited technological possibilities to achieve extended drug release. Porous structures are an alternative strategy that can overcome these shortcomings. The present work focuses on the development of porous IDDS based on hydrophilic (HPL) and hydrophobic (HPB) polyurethanes and chemical pore formers (PFs) manufactured by hot-melt extrusion. Different PF types and concentrations were investigated to gain a sound understanding in terms of extrudate density, porosity, compressive behavior, pore morphology and liquid uptake. Based on the rheological analyses, a stable extrusion process guaranteed porosities of up to 40% using NaHCO3 as PF. The average pore diameter was between 140 and 600 µm and was indirectly proportional to the concentration of PF. The liquid uptake of HPB was determined by the open pores, while for HPL both open and closed pores influenced the uptake. In summary, through the rational selection of the polymer type, the PF type and concentration, porous carrier systems can be produced continuously via extrusion, whose properties can be adapted to the respective application site.
Handedness and Other Variables Associated with Human Brain Asymmetrical Skew

Abstract The average human brain is characterized by a global left-right asymmetry of shape, including a well-known ‘torque’ on the fronto-occipital axis, and less-studied differences on the dorsal-ventral axis. Torque has been claimed to be human-specific. However, the functional significance and developmental mechanisms underlying the global aspects of brain anatomical asymmetry are unknown. Here we used a registration-based approach with respect to a symmetrical template, to carry out the largest-ever analysis of global brain asymmetry in magnetic resonance imaging data. Three population datasets were used, the UK Biobank (N = 21,389), Human Connectome Project (N = 1,113) and BIL&GIN (N = 453). At the population level, there was an anterior and dorsal skew of the right hemisphere, relative to the left. Variances of this skew on the anterior-occipital and dorsal-ventral axes were largely independent, but both measures were associated with handedness, as well as various regional grey and white matter metrics. Both skew measures also showed heritabilities of 5%-10%, and four potential loci were identified in genome-wide association scanning. Several phenotypic variables related to early life experiences, cognitive functions, or mental health showed associations with the skew measures. These results provide replicable associations of global brain structural asymmetry measures with left-handedness, as well as insights into molecular genetic and early life factors which may contribute to brain asymmetry.
Why Don’t Elite Colleges Expand Supply?

While college enrollment has more-than doubled since 1970, elite colleges have barely increased supply, instead reducing admit rates. We show that straightforward reasons cannot explain this behavior. We propose a model where colleges compete on prestige, measured using relative selectivity or relative admit rates. A key comparative static of the model is that higher demand decreases [increases] the admit rate when the weight on prestige is above [below] a critical value, consistent with experience in elite [non-elite] colleges. A calibrated version of the model closely replicates the pattern in the data of declining admit rates at elite colleges while counter-factual simulations without prestige fail. Prestige competition is inefficient. Allowing elite colleges to collude on admissions strategy internalizes the non-pecuniary prestige externality and is Pareto improving.
Papás Activos: Associations between Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and Personal Networks among Fathers Living in Texas Colonias

Despite growing health disparities in Latino populations related to lack of physical activity (PA), little is known regarding the impact of social networks on PA and sedentary behavior among a sample of Latino fathers residing in functionally rural colonias. Fathers wore accelerometers and responded to questions regarding their self-efficacy and characteristics of who they were active with most often. Fathers (n = 47) attained a mean of 73.3 min of moderate-to-vigorous PA (SD = 23.8) per day and were sedentary for a mean of 364.0 min (SD = 74.4) per day. In total, fathers reported 205 alters and significantly more family members (M = 3.60, SD = 1.64) than friends (M = 0.77, SD = 1.37). Sedentary time was positively associated with number of peers and inversely related to the number of children reported. Minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA was significantly associated with greater self-efficacy and number of family members reported. This study contributes to the evidence by further examining PA correlates of Latino fathers from functionally rural colonia communities. Additionally, this study supported both family systems theory and the socio–ecological model as it details the interpersonal and familial influences of PA behavior. Thus, supports for family activity promotion and programs which impact familial norms and activity at the family level may be particularly useful.
POPX2 phosphatase enhances topographical contact guidance for cell morphology and migration

Topography mediated contact guidance affects multiple cell behaviors such as establishment of cellular morphology and migration. The direction of cell migration is associated with the establishment of cell polarity, which also affects the primary cilia in migrating cells. POPX2, a partner of PIX2, is involved in pathways essential to primary cilium formation, while over-expression of POPX2 has been reported to cause a loss of cell polarity during migration. This study aims to examine how topographical cues direct morphological changes, and how topography affects the process of cellular migration and primary cilium architecture, in the context of POPX2 over-expression. Thus, the effect of anisotropic topography, 2 μm grating pattern on tissue-culture polystyrene, was used as a contact guidance cue to investigate the migration and cell polarity of POPX2 overexpressing cells, in comparison to control NIH3T3 fibroblast cells. We report that POPX2 overexpressing NIH3T3 cells were more sensitive to surface topographical cues as the cells became more elongated. In addition, these cues also affected focal adhesion alignment of POPX2 overexpressing cells. Cell migration was further studied using wound closure assays, in which the 2 μm gratings were designed to be either perpendicular or parallel to wound-induced cell migration direction, which would be agonistic or antagonistic to cell migration, respectively. We observed that both POPX2 overexpressing cells’ migration direction and migration rate were more significantly influenced by gratings direction compared to control NIH3T3 cells. The migration paths of POPX2 overexpressing cells become more direct in the presence of anisotropic topographical cues. Further, cilia and centrosome alignment, which is important in cell migration, was also affected by the direction of gratings during this migration process. Collectively, enhancement of NIH3T3 cell sensitivity towards surface topography through POPX2 overexpression might reflect one of the mechanisms that combine biochemical and mechanical cues for directional cell migration.
Applying Convolutional Neural Networks to Predict the ICD-9 Codes of Medical Records

The International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems (ICD) is an international standard system for categorizing and reporting diseases, injuries, disorders, and health conditions. Most previously-proposed disease predicting systems need clinical information collected by the medical staff from the patients in hospitals. In this paper, we propose a deep learning algorithm to classify disease types and identify diagnostic codes by using only the subjective component of progress notes in medical records. In this study, we have a dataset, consisting of about one hundred and sixty-eight thousand medical records, from a medical center, collected during 2003 and 2017. First, we apply standard text processing procedures to parse the sentences and word embedding techniques for vector representations. Next, we build a convolution neural network model on the medical records to predict the ICD-9 code by using a subjective component of the progress note. The prediction performance is evaluated by ten-fold cross-validation and yields an accuracy of 0.409, recall of 0.409 and precision of 0.436. If we only consider the “chapter match” of ICD-9 code, our model achieves an accuracy of 0.580, recall of 0.580, and precision of 0.582. Since our diagnostic code prediction model is solely based on subjective components (mainly, patients’ self-report descriptions), the proposed approach could serve as a remote and self-diagnosis assistance tool, prior to seeking medical advice or going to the hospital. In addition, our work may be used as a primary evaluation tool for discomfort in the rural area where medical resources are restricted.
HUMAN RESOURCES PRACTICES AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT: CONNECTING THE CONSTRUCTS IN A PUBLIC ORGANIZATION

ABSTRACT Purpose: This article aims to describe and analyze the relationship between human resources practices and organizational commitment in a large public urban sanitation company. Originality/value: It has been found that most human resources practices significantly influence organizational commitment, showing that the affective and normative commitment is the most affected and, on a weaker scale, there is the continuance commitment. Design/methodology/approach: The survey was conducted with 349 employees whose formulated hypotheses were verified by multiple regression. Findings: The results indicated a predominance of affective commitment of employees, greater agreement with the practice of human resources associated with benefits and disagreement with the career planning regarding the policies related to the internal selection process, self-development, compensation policy and the promotion process. The multiple regression analysis allowed to confirm the hypotheses postulated, revealing a more significant positive relationship between human resources practices with the types of affective and normative commitment when compared to the continuance commitment. Organizational commitment of the affective type proved to be positively influenced by the human resources practices associated with career planning and benefits, while the commitment of the normative type was positively more induced by the human resources practice related to training and development. Despite the fact that the article revealed results that contribute to the academy, future research must be carried out to improve the relationship between the constructs treated in this study.
Imbibition of Oil in Film Form over Water Present in Edges of Capillaries with an Angular Cross Section

Abstract In this paper it is shown, for the first time, that a nonspreading oil can form films over water films present in the edges of pores in a water-wet porous medium. Both the water and the oil wet the solid surface preferentially to air, but water wets the solid preferentially to oil. The mechanism of the film formation is capillary imbibition, i.e., spontaneous displacement of air by the oil, and it is similar to the formation of water films in the edges of a clean glass capillary of angular cross section filled with air. The principal difference is that, whereas the water imbibes over a solid surface, the oil imbibes over a surface consisting partly of water and partly of a solid wetted by oil. It is shown, by a combination of applications of Laplace's equation of capillarity with the condition of minimum surface free energy, that if a "critical" oil film thickness is exceeded by the addition of excess oil, then this excess oil will imbibe over the water film in the edge until the equilibrium critical oil film thickness is established. The equations have been solved by iteration for the critical oil film thickness, using representative values of the parameters involved. Further, it is shown that an oil blob placed in a capillary of polygonal (e.g., square or equilateral triangle) cross section, containing water films in the edges of the capillary, will imbibe in the form of films over the water present in the edges, subject to certain limitations, specified in the paper. The theoretical predictions are supported by photomicrographs showing imbibition of benzene equilibrated with water and a paraffin oil over water present in the edges of a 2D glass micromodel. The spreading coefficient is negative for both systems.