Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Henry Ford Health System Scholarly Commons Henry Ford Health System Scholarly Commons

Objective: Train machine learning models that automatically predict emotional valence of patient and physician in primary care visits. Methods: Using transcripts from 353 primary care of ﬁ ce visits with 350 patients and 84 physicians (Cook, 2002 [1], Tai-Seale et al., 2015 [2]), we developed two machine learning models (a recurrent neural network with a hierarchical structure and a logistic regression classi ﬁ er) to recognize theemotionalvalence(positive, negative, neutral) (Posner et al., 2005 [3]) of each utterance. We examined the agreement of human-generated ratings of emotional valence with machine learning model ratings of emotion. Results: The agreement of emotion ratings from the recurrent neural network model with human ratings was comparable to that of human-human inter-rater agreement. The weighted-average of the correlation coef ﬁ cients for the recurrent neural network model with human raters was 0.60, and the human rater agreement was also 0.60. Conclusions: The recurrent neural network model predicted the emotional valence of patients and physicians in primary care visits with similar reliability as human raters. Practice implications: As the ﬁ rst machine learning-based evaluation of emotion recognition in primary care visit conversations, our work provides valuable baselines for future applications that might help monitor patient emotional signals, supporting physicians in empathic communication, or examining the role of emotion in patient-centered care.
Antitussive, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Septum Extract Rich in Bioactive Compounds

The antitussive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of a walnut (Juglans regia L.) septum extract (WSE), rich in bioactive compounds were investigated using the citric acid aerosol-induced cough experimental model in rodents. Wistar male rats were treated orally for three days with distilled water (control), codeine (reference), and WSE in graded doses. On the third day, all rats were exposed to citric acid aerosols, the number of coughs being recorded. Each animal was sacrificed after exposure, and blood and lung tissue samples were collected for histopathological analysis and the assessment of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. The results of the experiment showed a significant antitussive effect of WSE, superior to codeine. This activity could be due to cellular protective effect and anti-inflammatory effect via the stimulation of the antioxidant enzyme system and the decrease of IL-6 and CXC-R1 concentration in the lung tissue of WSE-treated animals. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of WSE were confirmed by biochemical assays and histopathological analysis. This is the first scientific study reporting the antitussive effect of walnut septum, a new potential source of non-opioid antitussive drug candidates, and a valuable bioactive by-product that could be used in the treatment of respiratory diseases.
Corneal epithelial thickness analysis of forme fruste keratoconus with optical coherence tomography.

AIM To explore the significance of corneal epithelial thickness analysis in diagnosing early keratoconus. METHODS There were 26 clinical keratoconus, 21 forme fruste keratoconus, 40 high corneal astigmatism (ΔK) and 40 low ΔK eyes involved in the study. Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography was used to measure the corneal epithelial thickness of four groups. The morphological features of topographic map and the thickness of corneal epithelial thinnest point were analyzed. The distribution curve of corneal epithelial thickness at 45°, 90°, and 135° axial directions that are through the pupil center was also analyzed. One-way ANOVA was performed to compare the data. RESULTS The topographic map of forme fruste keratoconus corneal epithelial thickness was uniformity shape; crater shape existed only in clinical keratoconus group; and central island shape mainly existed in high ΔK group. The thinnest point of corneal epithelial thickness of forme fruste keratoconus group was significantly lower than that of low ΔK group (P=0.022). The thickness of corneal epithelium in the forme fruste keratoconus at 90° was thinner than that in the low astigmatism group at -1, and -2 mm points (P -1 mm=0.015, P -2 mm=0.036). CONCLUSION The analysis of the thinnest point in forme fruste keratoconus corneal epithelium appears earlier than corneal epithelial remodeling. The topographic map of corneal epithelium in high ΔK eyes appears in central island shape, and can be used for the differential diagnosis of early keratoconus.
A Qualitative Investigation of the Acceptability and Feasibility of a Urinary Tract Infection Patient Information Leaflet for Older Adults and Their Carers

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be life threatening in older adults. The aim of this study was to primarily understand the acceptability and feasibility of using a UTI leaflet for older adults in care homes and the community. Qualitative interviews and focus groups informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework were conducted in 2019 with 93 participants from two English areas where a UTI leaflet for older adults had been introduced to improve self-care advice. Discussions were conducted with care staff (carers and nurses), older adults, general practice staff (GPs, nurses and health care assistants), and other relevant stakeholders and covered experiences of using the leaflet; its implementation; and barriers and facilitators to use. Participants deemed the leaflet an acceptable tool. Clinicians and care staff believed that having information in writing would reinforce their messages to older adults. Care staff reported that some older adults may find the information overwhelming. Where implemented, care staff used the leaflet as an educational guide. Clinicians requested the leaflet in electronic and paper formats to suit preferences. Implementation barriers included lack of awareness of the leaflet, lack of staffing and resource, and weak working relationships between care homes and general practices. It is recommended that regional strategies must include plans for dissemination to care homes, training, promotion and easy access to the leaflet. Improvements to the leaflet consisted of inclusion of antibiotic course length, D-mannose, atrophic vaginitis and replacement of less alarmist terminology such as ‘life threatening’.
Complex Machine-Learning Algorithms and Multivariable Logistic Regression on Par in the Prediction of Insufficient Clinical Response to Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The goals of this study were to examine whether machine-learning algorithms outperform multivariable logistic regression in the prediction of insufficient response to methotrexate (MTX); secondly, to examine which features are essential for correct prediction; and finally, to investigate whether the best performing model specifically identifies insufficient responders to MTX (combination) therapy. The prediction of insufficient response (3-month Disease Activity Score 28-Erythrocyte-sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) > 3.2) was assessed using logistic regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), random forest, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). The baseline features of 355 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients from the “treatment in the Rotterdam Early Arthritis CoHort” (tREACH) and the U-Act-Early trial were combined for analyses. The model performances were compared using area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and sensitivity and specificity. Finally, the best performing model following feature selection was tested on 101 RA patients starting tocilizumab (TCZ)-monotherapy. Logistic regression (AUC = 0.77 95% CI: 0.68–0.86) performed as well as LASSO (AUC = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67–0.85), random forest (AUC = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.61 = 0.81), and XGBoost (AUC = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.61–0.81), yet logistic regression reached the highest sensitivity (81%). The most important features were baseline DAS28 (components). For all algorithms, models with six features performed similarly to those with 16. When applied to the TCZ-monotherapy group, logistic regression’s sensitivity significantly dropped from 83% to 69% (p = 0.03). In the current dataset, logistic regression performed equally well compared to machine-learning algorithms in the prediction of insufficient response to MTX. Models could be reduced to six features, which are more conducive for clinical implementation. Interestingly, the prediction model was specific to MTX (combination) therapy response.
Eficiência da interação biodigestor e lagoas de estabilização na remoção de poluentes em dejetos de suínos

Swine production is considered an activity with a high environmental impact, due to the presence of a high number of contaminants in the effluents that come out from the piggery. In this study the feasibility of a combined process biodigestor and stabilization ponds (anaerobic, facultative and maturation) connected in sequence fed with sludge from a swine manure treatment unit was evaluated. The system showed itsetf as efficient in the removal of organic matter, however it presented some limitations in removing nutrients, especially nitrogen, mainly due to the contribution of volatilization of ammonia.
WWC Proteins: Important Regulators of Hippo Signaling in Cancer

Simple Summary The conserved Hippo pathway regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis via a complex interplay of transcriptional activities, post-translational protein modifications, specific protein–protein interactions and cellular transport processes. Deregulating this highly balanced system can lead to hyperproliferation, organ overgrowth and cancer. Although WWC proteins are known as components of the Hippo signaling pathway, their association with tumorigenesis is often neglected. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on WWC proteins and their contribution to Hippo signaling in the context of cancer. Abstract The Hippo signaling pathway is known to regulate cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Whereas activation of the Hippo signaling pathway leads to phosphorylation and cytoplasmic retention of the transcriptional coactivator YAP, decreased Hippo signaling results in nuclear import of YAP and subsequent transcription of pro-proliferative genes. Hence, a dynamic and precise regulation of the Hippo signaling pathway is crucial for organ size control and the prevention of tumor formation. The transcriptional activity of YAP is controlled by a growing number of upstream regulators including the family of WWC proteins. WWC1, WWC2 and WWC3 represent cytosolic scaffolding proteins involved in intracellular transport processes and different signal transduction pathways. Earlier in vitro experiments demonstrated that WWC proteins positively regulate the Hippo pathway via the activation of large tumor suppressor kinases 1/2 (LATS1/2) kinases and the subsequent cytoplasmic accumulation of phosphorylated YAP. Later, reduced WWC expression and subsequent high YAP activity were shown to correlate with the progression of human cancer in different organs. Although the function of WWC proteins as upstream regulators of Hippo signaling was confirmed in various studies, their important role as tumor modulators is often overlooked. This review has been designed to provide an update on the published data linking WWC1, WWC2 and WWC3 to cancer, with a focus on Hippo pathway-dependent mechanisms.
The Influence of Oily Vehicle Composition and Vehicle-Membrane Interactions on the Diffusion of Model Permeants across Barrier Membranes

In many instances, one or more components of a pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulation is an oil. The aims of this study were two-fold. First, to examine the potential of preferential uptake of one oily vehicle component over another into a model barrier membrane (silicone) from blended vehicles (comprising two from the common excipients isohexadecane (IHD), hexadecane (HD), isopropyl myristate (IPM), oleic acid (OA) and liquid paraffin). Second, to study the effect of membrane-vehicle interactions on the diffusion of model permeants (caffeine (CF), methyl paraben (MP) and butyl paraben (BP)) from blended vehicles. Selective sorption and partition of some oils (especially IHD and IPM) at the expense of other oils (such as OA) was demonstrated to take place. For example, the membrane composition of IHD was enriched compared to a donor solution of IHD-OA: 41%, 63% and 82% IHD, compared to donor solution composition of 25%, 50% and 75% IHD, respectively. Pre-soaking the membrane in IHD, HD or LP, rather than phosphate buffer, enhanced the flux of MP through the membrane by 2.6, 1.7 and 1.3 times, respectively. The preferential sorption of individual oil components from mixtures altered the barrier properties of silicone membrane, and enhanced the permeation of CF, MP and BP, which are typically co-formulated in topical products.
Operational bias correction for PM2.5 using the AIRPACT air quality forecast system in the Pacific Northwest

ABSTRACT A bias correction scheme based on a Kalman filter (KF) method has been developed and implemented for the AIRPACT air quality forecast system which operates daily for the Pacific Northwest. The KF method was used to correct hourly rolling 24-h average PM2.5 concentrations forecast at each monitoring site within the AIRPACT domain and the corrected forecasts were evaluated using observed daily PM2.5 24-h average concentrations from 2017 to 2018. The evaluation showed that the KF method reduced mean daily bias from approximately −50% to ±6% on a monthly averaged basis, and the corrected results also exhibited much smaller mean absolute errors typically less than 20%. These improvements were also apparent for the top 10 worst PM2.5 days during the 2017–2018 test period, including months with intensive wildfire events. Significant differences in AIRPACT performance among urban, suburban, and rural monitoring sites were greatly reduced in the KF bias correction forecasts. The daily 24-h average bias corrections for each monitoring site were interpolated to model grid points using three different interpolation schemes: cubic spline, Gaussian Kriging, and linear Kriging. The interpolated results were more accurate than the original AIRPACT forecasts, and both Kriging methods were better than the cubic spline method. The Gaussian method yielded smaller mean biases and the linear method yielded smaller absolute errors. The KF bias correction method has been implemented operationally using both Kriging interpolation methods for routine output on the AIRPACT website (http://lar.wsu.edu/airpact). This method is relatively easy to implement, but very effective to improve air quality forecast performance. Implications: Current chemical transport models, including CMAQ, used for air quality forecasting can have large errors and uncertainties in simulated PM2.5 concentrations. In this paper, we describe a relatively simple bias correction scheme applied to the AIRPACT air quality forecast system for the Pacific Northwest. The bias correction yields much more accurate and reliable PM2.5 results compared to the normal forecast system. As such, the operational bias corrected forecasts will provide a much better basis for daily air quality management by agencies within the region. The bias corrected results also highlight issues to guide further improvements to the normal forecast system.
HCMV infection and IFITM3 rs12252 are associated with Rasmussen's encephalitis disease progression

Rasmussen’s encephalitis (RE) is a rare and severe progressive epileptic syndrome with unknown etiology. Infection by viruses such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been hypothesized to be a potential trigger for RE. Interferon‐induced transmembrane protein‐3 (IFITM3) single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs12252 is associated with the severity of viral infection disease. This study aimed to address the possibility that HCMV infection and IFITM3 rs12252 might be associated with RE disease progression.
Image-Based Methods to Score Fungal Pathogen Symptom Progression and Severity in Excised Arabidopsis Leaves

Image-based symptom scoring of plant diseases is a powerful tool for associating disease resistance with plant genotypes. Advancements in technology have enabled new imaging and image processing strategies for statistical analysis of time-course experiments. There are several tools available for analyzing symptoms on leaves and fruits of crop plants, but only a few are available for the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis). Arabidopsis and the model fungus Botrytis cinerea (Botrytis) comprise a potent model pathosystem for the identification of signaling pathways conferring immunity against this broad host-range necrotrophic fungus. Here, we present two strategies to assess severity and symptom progression of Botrytis infection over time in Arabidopsis leaves. Thus, a pixel classification strategy using color hue values from red-green-blue (RGB) images and a random forest algorithm was used to establish necrotic, chlorotic, and healthy leaf areas. Secondly, using chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlFl) imaging, the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was determined to define diseased areas and their proportion per total leaf area. Both RGB and ChlFl imaging strategies were employed to track disease progression over time. This has provided a robust and sensitive method for detecting sensitive or resistant genetic backgrounds. A full methodological workflow, from plant culture to data analysis, is described.
Real‐Time Quantitative Operando Raman Spectroscopy of a CrOx/Al2O3 Propane Dehydrogenation Catalyst in a Pilot‐Scale Reactor

Combined operando UV/vis–Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the deactivation of CrOx/Al2O3 catalyst extrudates in a pilot scale propane dehydrogenation reactor. For this purpose, UV/vis and Raman optical fiber probes have been designed, constructed and tested. The light absorption measured by operando UV/vis spectroscopy was used to correct for the effect of catalyst darkening. This makes operando Raman spectroscopy a quantitative technique to follow the formation of coke deposits on‐line during the first hour of catalytic propane dehydrogenation process. The probe was used to study the coke deposition at the top and bottom of the reactor. Differences in the rate of coke deposition were observed, which were related to the local temperature of the catalyst bed. The chemical nature of the coke deposits formed on a catalyst extrudate, as expressed by the D1/G ratio, was independent of reaction time as well as of the position of the catalyst extrudate within the reactor bed.
Rational Design of CYP3A4 Inhibitors: A One-Atom Linker Elongation in Ritonavir-Like Compounds Leads to a Marked Improvement in the Binding Strength

Inhibition of the major human drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by pharmaceuticals and other xenobiotics could lead to toxicity, drug–drug interactions and other adverse effects, as well as pharmacoenhancement. Despite serious clinical implications, the structural basis and attributes required for the potent inhibition of CYP3A4 remain to be established. We utilized a rational inhibitor design to investigate the structure–activity relationships in the analogues of ritonavir, the most potent CYP3A4 inhibitor in clinical use. This study elucidated the optimal length of the head-group spacer using eleven (series V) analogues with the R1/R2 side-groups as phenyls or R1–phenyl/R2–indole/naphthalene in various stereo configurations. Spectral, functional and structural characterization of the inhibitory complexes showed that a one-atom head-group linker elongation, from pyridyl–ethyl to pyridyl–propyl, was beneficial and markedly improved Ks, IC50 and thermostability of CYP3A4. In contrast, a two-atom linker extension led to a multi-fold decrease in the binding and inhibitory strength, possibly due to spatial and/or conformational constraints. The lead compound, 3h, was among the best inhibitors designed so far and overall, the strongest binder (Ks and IC50 of 0.007 and 0.090 µM, respectively). 3h was the fourth structurally simpler inhibitor superior to ritonavir, which further demonstrates the power of our approach.
A Molecule of the Viridomycin Family Originating from a Streptomyces griseus-Related Strain Has the Ability to Solubilize Rock Phosphate and to Inhibit Microbial Growth

Some soil-borne microorganisms are known to have the ability to solubilize insoluble rock phosphate and this process often involves the excretion of organic acids. In this issue, we describe the characterization of a novel solubilizing mechanism used by a Streptomyces strain related to Streptomyces griseus isolated from Moroccan phosphate mines. This process involves the excretion of a compound belonging to the viridomycin family that was shown to play a major role in the rock phosphate bio weathering process. We propose that the chelation of the positively charged counter ions of phosphate constitutive of rock phosphate by this molecule leads to the destabilization of the structure of rock phosphate. This would result in the solubilization of the negatively charged phosphates, making them available for plant nutrition. Furthermore, this compound was shown to inhibit growth of fungi and Gram positive bacteria, and this antibiotic activity might be due to its strong ability to chelate iron, a metallic ion indispensable for microbial growth. Considering its interesting properties, this metabolite or strains producing it could contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture acting as a novel type of slow release bio-phosphate fertilizer that has also the interesting ability to limit the growth of some common plant pathogens.
Main Concept, Sequencing, and Story Grammar Analyses of Cinderella Narratives in a Large Sample of Persons with Aphasia

Recently, a multilevel analytic approach called Main Concept, Sequencing, and Story Grammar (MSSG) was presented along with preliminary normative information. MSSG analyses leverage the strong psychometrics and rich procedural knowledge of both main concept analysis and story grammar component coding, complementing it with easy-to-obtain sequencing information for a rich understanding of discourse informativeness and macrostructure. This study is the next critical step for demonstrating the clinical usefulness of MSSG’s six variables (main concept composite, sequencing, main concept+sequencing, essential story grammar components, total episodic components, and episodic complexity) for persons with aphasia (PWAs). We present descriptive statistical information for MSSG variables for a large sample of PWAs and compare their performance to a large sample of persons not brain injured (PNBIs). We observed significant differences between PWAs and PNBIs for all MSSG variables. These differences occurred at the omnibus group level and for each aphasia subtype, even for PWAs with very mild impairment that is not detected with standardized aphasia assessment. Differences between PWAs and PNBIs were also practically significant, with medium to large effect sizes observed for nearly all aphasia subtypes and MSSG variables. This work deepens our understanding of discourse informativeness and macrostructure in PWAs and further develops an efficient tool for research and clinical use. Future research should investigate ways to expand MSSG analyses and to improve sensitivity and specificity.