Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Presurgical Comorbidities as Risk Factors For Chronic Postsurgical Pain Following Total Knee Replacement

Objectives: Chronic postsurgical knee pain (CPSP) is a burden for ∼20% of the patients following total knee replacement (TKR). Presurgical pain intensities have consistently been found associated with CPSP, and it is suggested that comorbidities are likewise important for the development of CPSP. This study aimed to identify presurgical risk factors for the development of CPSP 5 years after TKR on the basis of medical records containing information with regard to comorbidities. Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing primary TKR surgery were contacted 5 years after TKR. Presurgical Knee Society Score and comorbidities were evaluated. Postsurgical knee pain at 5 years of follow-up was assessed on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS, 0 to 10). Logistic regression models were utilized to identify patients with moderate-to-severe (NRS≥3) and mild-to-no (NRS<3) CPSP at 5-year follow-up. Odds ratio (OR) for significant factors was calculated. Results: A total of 604 patients were contacted, 493 patients responded, 352 patients provided a completed questionnaire. A total of 107 patients reported NRS≥3 at follow-up. Significant presurgical factors associated with CPSP were fibromyalgia (OR=20.66; P=0.024), chronic pain in body parts other than the knee (OR=6.70; P=0.033), previous diagnosis of cancer (OR=3.06; P=0.001), knee instability (OR=2.16; P=0.021), younger age (OR=2.15; P=0.007), and presurgical knee pain (OR=1.61; P=0.044). Regression analysis identified 36 of 107 (33.6%) patients with CPSP on the basis of presurgical factors, and 231 patients (94.3%) without CPSP were classified correctly. Discussion: The current study found that a variety of presurgical clinical factors can correctly classify 33.6% of patients at risk for developing CPSP 5 years following TKR.
Feeding and swallowing difficulties in children with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND The anatomical and physiological characteristics such as neuromotor coordination impairments and craniofacial and structural abnormalities frequently interfere with the acquisition of effective oral-motor skills which can in turn result in the development of potential feeding problems and swallowing dysfunction. The present study was undertaken with the aim of assessing the feeding and swallowing problems, if any, in children with Down syndrome in the age range of 2-7 years. METHODS A questionnaire was formulated and administered on 17 children with Down syndrome (10 females and 7 males) and 47 typically developing children (20 females and 27 males). RESULTS The present study revealed that feeding difficulties were predominantly present in children with Down syndrome. These difficulties were found in all the three phases of swallow and were greatest for solids followed by liquids. They also had issues with physical, functional and emotional aspects of feeding. Further, the children with Down syndrome exhibited poor orosensorimotor abilities which could have lead to the difficulties in feeding. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the importance of including feeding assessment in the evaluation protocol of infants and children with Down syndrome.
Nucleomorph Small RNAs in Cryptophyte and Chlorarachniophyte Algae

Abstract The regulation of gene expression and RNA maturation underlies fundamental processes such as cell homeostasis, development, and stress acclimation. The biogenesis and modification of RNA is tightly controlled by an array of regulatory RNAs and nucleic acid-binding proteins. While the role of small RNAs (sRNAs) in gene expression has been studied in-depth in select model organisms, little is known about sRNA biology across the eukaryotic tree of life. We used deep sequencing to explore the repertoires of sRNAs encoded by the miniaturized, endosymbiotically derived “nucleomorph” genomes of two single-celled algae, the cryptophyte Guillardia theta and the chlorarachniophyte Bigelowiella natans. A total of 32.3 and 35.3 million reads were generated from G. theta and B. natans, respectively. In G. theta, we identified nucleomorph U1, U2, and U4 spliceosomal small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) as well as 11 C/D box small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), five of which have potential plant and animal homologs. The snoRNAs are predicted to perform 2′-O methylation of rRNA (but not snRNA). In B. natans, we found the previously undetected 5S rRNA as well as six orphan sRNAs. Analysis of chlorarachniophyte snRNAs shed light on the removal of the miniature 18–21 nt introns found in B. natans nucleomorph genes. Neither of the nucleomorph genomes appears to encode RNA pseudouridylation machinery, and U5 snRNA cannot be found in the cryptophyte G. theta. Considering the central roles of U5 snRNA and RNA modifications in other organisms, cytoplasm-to-nucleomorph RNA shuttling in cryptophyte algae is a distinct possibility.
Bacillus cereus biofilm formation on central venous catheters of hospitalised cardiac patients

Abstract Formation of bacterial biofilms is a risk with many in situ medical devices. Biofilm-forming Bacillus species are associated with potentially life-threatening catheter-related blood stream infections in immunocompromised patients. Here, bacteria were isolated from biofilm-like structures within the lumen of central venous catheters (CVCs) from two patients admitted to cardiac hospital wards. Isolates belonged to the Bacillus cereus group, exhibited strong biofilm formation propensity, and mapped phylogenetically close to the B. cereus emetic cluster. Together, whole genome sequencing and quantitative PCR confirmed that the isolates constituted the same strain and possessed a range of genes important for and up-regulated during biofilm formation. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated resistance to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, clindamycin, penicillin and ampicillin. Inspection of the genome revealed several chromosomal β-lactamase genes and a sulphonamide resistant variant of folP. This study clearly shows that B. cereus persisting in hospital ward environments may constitute a risk factor from repeated contamination of CVCs.
SOX‐10 staining in dermal scars

Positive staining for SOX10 and the S100 protein are often used in the evaluation of challenging melanocytic neoplasms including melanoma in patient samples. SOX‐10 positivity of non‐melanocytes in re‐excision specimen could complicate the evaluation of invasive melanoma with an invasive desmoplastic component. Therefore, quantifiable data regarding the positivity of SOX‐10 in scars will help dermatopathologists to better identify false positive staining.
A survey of antimicrobial resistance in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from the Chesapeake Bay and adjacent upper tributaries

In recent years, the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AR) in the healthcare setting as well as the environment has been recognized as a growing public health problem. The Chesapeake Bay (CB) and its upper tributaries (UT) is a large and biologically diverse estuary. This pilot study evaluated the presence of AR of gram‐negative bacteria isolated from water samples collected at various sites of the Chesapeake Bay. Bacterial organisms were identified and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Ninety‐two distinctly different gram‐negative bacteria were identified; Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Serratia marcescens, and Escherichia coli were most often isolated. Serratia marcescens was more frequently isolated in samples from the UT compared to the CB. Antimicrobial resistance was more frequently detected in organisms from the CB by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Antimicrobial resistance to ampicillin, imipenem, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol were the most frequently observed resistance patterns. ACT‐1, CMY, and SHV genes were the most frequently detected resistance genes, with predominance in organism isolated from the CB. The results from this study emphasize the importance for further developing comprehensive surveillance programs of AR in bacterial isolates in the various environments, such as recreational and other water systems.
Hybrid transformerless PV converters with low leakage currents: Analysis and configuration

Funding information Novo Nordisk Fonden through the Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme, Grant/Award Number: NNF18OC0034952 Abstract This paper proposes a hybrid transformerless photovoltaic (PV) converter with simultaneous AC and DC outputs. It is specifically suitable for residential PV systems due to its high efficiency, versatility and flexibility, while maintaining lower leakage currents. The proposed converter is configured by replacing the control switch of the boost converter with a transformerless voltage-source inverter (VSI), enabling multiple outputs. In addition, a symmetrical boost inductor is adopted to clamp the common-mode voltage as a constant, resulting in low leakage currents. To illustrate the configuration principle, a hybrid converter with a highly efficient and reliable inverter concept (HERIC) as the VSI is exemplified. Besides, the dedicated modulation scheme for the proposed converter is detailed to achieve low leakage currents, reactive power injection and high efficiency. Furthermore, as the shootthrough state of inverter legs is allowable for the proposed converter, i.e. no need to add dead time, the reliability and power quality of the proposed converter can be improved. Simulations and experimental tests are performed on an example hybrid converter (with an HERIC as the VSI) to validate the analysis.
DNMT3a in the hippocampal CA1 is crucial in the acquisition of morphine self‐administration in rats

Drug‐reinforced excessive operant responding is one fundamental feature of long‐lasting addiction‐like behaviors and relapse in animals. However, the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms responsible for the persistent drug‐specific (not natural rewards) operant behavior are not entirely clear. In this study, we demonstrate a key role for one of the de novo DNA methyltransferase, DNMT3a, in the acquisition of morphine self‐administration (SA) in rats. The expression of DNMT3a in the hippocampal CA1 region but not in the nucleus accumbens shell was significantly up‐regulated after 1‐ and 7‐day morphine SA (0.3 mg/kg/infusion) but not after the yoked morphine injection. On the other hand, saccharin SA did not affect the expression of DNMT3a or DNMT3b. DNMT inhibitor 5‐aza‐2‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza) microinjected into the hippocampal CA1 significantly attenuated the acquisition of morphine SA. Knockdown of DNMT3a also impaired the ability to acquire the morphine SA. Overall, these findings suggest that DNMT3a in the hippocampus plays an important role in the acquisition of morphine SA and may be a valid target to prevent the development of morphine addiction.
Physical fitness is predictive for 5‐year survival in older adults with intellectual disabilities

Abstract Background The very low physical fitness levels of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) may influence their life expectancy. Therefore, we investigated the predictive value of physical fitness for survival in older adults with intellectual disabilities. Method In the Healthy Ageing and Intellectual Disabilities (HA‐ID) study,the physical fitness levels of 900 older adults (≥50 years; 61.5 ± 8.1 years) were measured at baseline. All‐cause mortality was collected over a 5‐year follow‐up period. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the association between each physical fitness test and survival, adjusted for age, sex, level of ID, and Down syndrome. Results The physical fitness components that were independently predictive for survival were manual dexterity (HR = 0.96 [0.94–0.98]), visual reaction time (HR = 1.57 [1.28–1.94]), balance (HR = 0.97 [0.95–0.99]), comfortable gait speed (HR = 0.65 [0.54–0.78]), fast gait speed (HR = 0.81 [0.72–0.91]), grip strength (HR = 0.97 [0.94–0.99]) and cardiorespiratory fitness (HR = 0.997 [0.995–0.999]), with a better physical fitness showing a lower mortality risk. Conclusion We showed for the first time that physical fitness was independently associated with survival in older adults with intellectual disabilities. Improving and maintaining physical fitness must become an essential part of care and support for this population.
The clinical usefulness of biochemical (free β-hCg, PaPP-a) and ultrasound (nuchal translucency) parameters in prenatal screening of trisomy 21 in the first trimester of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to analyze the correlation of multiples of the normal median of PAPP-A, free β-hCG levels and nuchal translucency values in prenatal, first trimester screening of trisomy 21 in pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS 251 pregnant women underwent antenatal screening at 11-13+6 weeks of pregnancy which was composed of the measurement of free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein (PAPP-A) levels in the maternal serum and an ultrasound assessment of nuchal translucency (NT). The pregnant women with a high risk of trisomy 21 (≥ 1:300) were given amniocentesis to verify fetal defects. There were 217 cases of normal fetal karyotype and 34 cases of trisomy 21. PAPP-A, β-hCGMoM and NT values were analyzed for the predefined ranges. RESULTS 85% cases of trisomy 21 had elevated free β-hCGMoM (> 1.5) and only 53% of these had a PAPP-AMoM result below 0.5 (p < 0.05). Analysis of NT in selected ranges of β-hCG (> 1.5) and PAPP-AMoM (< 0.05), which are typical for Down Syndrome values, showed that not all fetuses with Down Syndrome presented with an increased NT. Respectively 44.15% and 26.5% of fetuses presented with increased NT. Characteristic for trisomy 21, a correlation with all 1st trimester screening tests' parameters occurred in only 23.5% of cases. In 53% of cases the results were atypical. CONCLUSIONS The PAPP-A and β-hCG values in the selected MoM ranges did not shown a correlation to the NT measurement, therefore they are independent factors in the diagnosis of trisomy 21. Simultaneous biochemical and ultrasound testing is an indispensable condition for prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
Comparing demographic and health characteristics of new and existing SNAP recipients: application of a machine learning algorithm.

BACKGROUND The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) expanded significantly after the Great Recession of 2008-2009, but no studies have characterized this new group of recipients. Few data sets provide details on whether an individual is a new or established recipient of SNAP. OBJECTIVE We sought to identify new and existing SNAP recipients, and to examine differences in sociodemographic characteristics, health, nutritional status, and food purchasing behavior between new and existing recipients of SNAP after the recession. METHODS We created a probabilistic algorithm to identify new and existing SNAP recipients using the 1999-2013 waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. We applied this algorithm to the National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS), fielded during 2012-2013, to predict which individuals were likely to be new SNAP recipients. We then compared health and nutrition characteristics between new, existing, and never recipients of SNAP in FoodAPS. RESULTS New adult SNAP recipients had higher socioeconomic status, better self-reported health, and greater food security relative to existing recipients, and were more likely to smoke relative to never recipients. New child SNAP recipients were less likely to eat all meals and had lower BMI relative to existing recipients. New SNAP households exhibited differences in food access and expenditures, although dietary quality was similar to that of existing SNAP households. CONCLUSION We developed a novel algorithm for predicting new and existing SNAP recipiency that can be applied to other data sets, and subsequently demonstrated differences in health characteristics between new and existing recipients. The expansion of SNAP since the Great Recession enrolled a population that differed from the existing SNAP population and that may benefit from different types of nutritional and health services than those traditionally offered.
Combined pro-breastfeeding practices are advantageous in facilities providing maternity and newborn services.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between a set of pro-breastfeeding practices in facilities providing maternity and newborn services and the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 30 days postpartum, considering the contribution of each practice. A cross-sectional study nested within a cohort study was conducted with 287 women who delivered healthy term infants in two hospitals in southern Brazil. They were interviewed at home at 30 days postpartum. The following practices were evaluated: skin-to-skin contact soon after birth, breastfeeding in the first hour, uninterrupted rooming-in, professional support with breastfeeding, breastfeeding guidance, encouragement to breastfeed on demand, no supplementation with infant formula, and no pacifier use. A score of pro-breastfeeding practices was calculated using a logistic model, which allowed each practice to have its discriminatory capacity and difficulty estimated individually. Poisson regression was used to estimate the association between exclusive breastfeeding at 30 days and the pro-breastfeeding practice score. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 30 days was 61.7%. The practices with greatest discriminatory capacity, that is, those that contributed most to the score estimates, were professional support with breastfeeding, breastfeeding guidance, and encouragement to breastfeed on demand. The most difficult ones were breastfeeding in the first hour, encouragement to breastfeed on demand, and non-utilization of infant formula. For each unit (standard deviation) of increase in the score, there was an increase of 20% in the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 30 days. We conclude that the set of pro-breastfeeding practices assessed here increased the effect of these practices on exclusive breastfeeding rates at 30 days.
Altered static and dynamic functional network connectivity in Alzheimer's disease and subcortical ischemic vascular disease: shared and specific brain connectivity abnormalities

Subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD) is a major subtype of vascular dementia with features that overlap clinically with Alzheimer's disease (AD), confounding diagnosis. Neuroimaging is a more specific and biologically based approach for detecting brain changes and thus may help to distinguish these diseases. There is still a lack of knowledge regarding the shared and specific functional brain abnormalities, especially functional connectivity changes in relation to AD and SIVD. In this study, we investigated both static functional network connectivity (sFNC) and dynamic FNC (dFNC) between 54 intrinsic connectivity networks in 19 AD patients, 19 SIVD patients, and 38 age‐matched healthy controls. The results show that both patient groups have increased sFNC between the visual and cerebellar (CB) domains but decreased sFNC between the cognitive‐control and CB domains. SIVD has specifically decreased sFNC within the sensorimotor domain while AD has specifically altered sFNC between the default‐mode and CB domains. In addition, SIVD has more occurrences and a longer dwell time in the weakly connected dFNC states, but with fewer occurrences and a shorter dwell time in the strongly connected dFNC states. AD has both similar and opposite changes in certain dynamic features. More importantly, the dynamic features are found to be associated with cognitive performance. Our findings highlight similar and distinct functional connectivity alterations in AD and SIVD from both static and dynamic perspectives and indicate dFNC to be a more important biomarker for dementia since its progressively altered patterns can better track cognitive impairment in AD and SIVD.
Differential protein expression during growth on linear versus branched alkanes in the obligate marine hydrocarbon‐degrading bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis SK2T

Summary Alcanivorax borkumensis SK2T is an important obligate hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium (OHCB) that can dominate microbial communities following marine oil spills. It possesses the ability to degrade branched alkanes which provides it a competitive advantage over many other marine alkane degraders that can only degrade linear alkanes. We used LC–MS/MS shotgun proteomics to identify proteins involved in aerobic alkane degradation during growth on linear (n‐C14) or branched (pristane) alkanes. During growth on n‐C14, A. borkumensis expressed a complete pathway for the terminal oxidation of n‐alkanes to their corresponding acyl‐CoA derivatives including AlkB and AlmA, two CYP153 cytochrome P450s, an alcohol dehydrogenase and an aldehyde dehydrogenase. In contrast, during growth on pristane, an alternative alkane degradation pathway was expressed including a different cytochrome P450, an alcohol oxidase and an alcohol dehydrogenase. A. borkumensis also expressed a different set of enzymes for β‐oxidation of the resultant fatty acids depending on the growth substrate utilized. This study significantly enhances our understanding of the fundamental physiology of A. borkumensis SK2T by identifying the key enzymes expressed and involved in terminal oxidation of both linear and branched alkanes. It has also highlights the differential expression of sets of β‐oxidation proteins to overcome steric hinderance from branched substrates.
The Relationship between Self Efficacy with Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) among Accounting Students

Higher order thinking skills (HOTS) are one of the skills that is emphasized in the 21st century learning environment. Students with high ability in thinking skills will be able to compete and gain a place in the global market. Self-efficacy is one of the elements that can be a catalyst for the achievement of HOTS among students. Therefore, this study was conducted with the main purpose to examine the relationship between students’ self-efficacy and HOTS. In addition, this study was also conducted to identify the level of HOTS and self-efficacy among Accounting students. This study uses questionnaires and achievement tests as instruments to collect data. A total of 467 Form Four Accounting students were selected as the study sample using proportional stratified random sampling techniques. The Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) instrument is used to measure students' self-efficacy. Meanwhile, the students’ HOTS achievement is measured based on the total score obtained in the administered achievement test. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential using correlation analysis using IBM SPSS version 23. The findings of the study indicated that there is a significant positive relationship between students’ self-efficacy and HOTS. The findings also show that the level of students’ self-efficacy and HOTS is at a moderate level. Hence, when the level of selfefficacy of students increases, then the level of HOTS also will increase. The implication, teachers need to give emphasis to increase students' self-efficacy and thus increase HOTS in the teaching and learning process.