Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Liver transplant outcomes using late allocation grafts

Post–cross clamp late allocation (LA) liver allografts are at increased risk for discard for many reasons including logistical complexity. Nearest neighbor propensity score matching was used to match 2 standard allocation (SA) offers to every 1 LA liver offer performed at our center between 2015 and 2021. Propensity scores were based on a logistic regression model including recipient age, recipient sex, graft type (donation after circulatory death vs. donation after brain death), Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD), and DRI score. During this time, 101 liver transplants (LT) were performed at our center using LA offers. In comparing LA and SA offers, there were no differences in recipient characteristics including indication for transplant (p = 0.29), presence of PVT (p = 0.19), TIPS (p = 0.83), and HCC status (p = 0.24). LA grafts came from younger donors (mean age 43.6 vs. 48.9 y, p = 0.009) and were more likely to come from regional or national Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) (p < 0.001). Cold ischemia time was longer for LA grafts (median 8.5 vs 6.3 h, p < 0.001). Following LT, there were no differences between the 2 groups in intensive care unit (p = 0.22) and hospital (p = 0.49) lengths of stay, need for endoscopic interventions (p = 0.55), or biliary strictures (p = 0.21). Patient (HR 1.0, 95% CI, 0.47–2.15, p = 0.99) and graft (HR 1.23, 95% CI, 0.43–3.50, p = 0.70) survival did not vary between the LA and SA cohorts. One-year LA and SA patient survival was 95.1% and 95.0%; 1-year graft survival was 93.1% and 92.1%, respectively. Despite the additional logistical complexity and longer cold ischemia time, LT outcomes utilizing LA grafts are similar to those allocated by means of SA. Improving allocation policies specific to LA offers, as well as the sharing of best practices between transplant centers and OPOs, are opportunities to further help minimize unnecessary discards.
Probing the binding nature and stability of highly transmissible mutated variant alpha to omicron of SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD with ACE2 via molecular dynamics simulation

Currently, no approved drug is available as a causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) except for some repurposed drugs. The first structure of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) was reported in late 2019, based on that some vaccines and repurposed drugs were approved to prevent people from COVID‐19 during the pandemic situation. Since then, new types of variants emerged and notably, the receptor binding domain (RBD) adopted different binding modes with angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2); this made significant changes in the progression of COVID‐19. Some of the new variants are highly infectious spreading fast and dangerous. The present study is focused on understanding the binding mode of the RBD of different mutated SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern (alpha to omicron) with the human ACE2 using molecular dynamics simulation. Notably, some variants adopted a new binding mode of RBD with ACE2 and formed different interactions, which is unlike the wild type; this was confirmed from the comparison of interaction between RBD‐ACE2 of all variants with its wild‐type structure. Binding energy values confirm that some mutated variants exhibit high binding affinity. These findings demonstrate that the variations in the sequence of SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐protein altered the binding mode of RBD; this may be the reason that the virus has high transmissibility and causes new infections. This in‐silico study on mutated variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD with ACE2 insights into their binding mode, binding affinity, and stability. This information may help to understand the RBD‐ACE2 binding domains, which allows for designing newer drugs and vaccines.
Sustainability practices and organizational performance during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis: A case of apparel and textile industry in Sri Lanka

The apparel and textile industry is the backbone of the Sri Lankan economy, contributing significantly to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which also triggered the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, has a profound effect on the organizational performance of apparel sector firms in Sri Lanka. In this context, the study examines the impact of multi-dimensional corporate sustainability practices on organizational performance in the said sector. The study employed the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique for analysing and testing the hypothesis of the study while using Smart PLS 4.0 software as the analysis tool. Relevant data were collected through a questionnaire from 300 apparel firms registered with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI). The study results indicated that "economic vigour,” “ethical practices," and "social equity" have a significant impact on organizational performance, while "corporate governance" and "environmental performance" have an insignificant impact. Unique discoveries from this study would be useful to prosper organizational performance and formulate novel sustainable future strategies not limited to the garment industry even during harsh economic conditions.
Are quiescent galaxies truly devoid of star formation? The mid-, far-infrared and radio properties of quiescent galaxies at z = 0.1 - 3

Abstract Quiescent galaxy candidates are typically identified by their low unobscured star formation rates from deep field photometric surveys. However, their selection technique relies on the assumption of a universal dust attenuation curve. It is important to verify the selection through independent SFR indicators at longer wavelengths. Current mid-, far-infrared and radio surveys are limited to detecting only galaxies with very strong star formation or AGN activity. Here, I present the first comprehensive stacking results across mid-, far-infrared and radio wavelengths using Spitzer, Herschel and VLA data in the COSMOS field (Man et al. 2014). We find that the rest-frame NUV-r and r-J color criteria, combined with low 24 μm emission, provides a robust selection of truly quiescent galaxies out to z = 3. Additionally, we find evidence of radio emission in excess of the expected total star formation in quiescent galaxies at z ~ 0-1.5, indicative of a ubiquitous presence of low-luminosity radio AGN among them.
Sociodemographic and Behavioral Predictors of Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis Among Sexual Health Clinic Patients in New York City From 2014 to 2018

Among sexual health clinic patients, hormonal or copper intrauterine device use were associated with an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis recurrence, whereas non–intrauterine device contraceptive use was associated with reduced risk. Objective Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes, and recurrence is common. We examined factors associated with BV recurrence using electronic medical record data for patients attending New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene sexual health clinics from 2014 to 2018. Methods Clinician-diagnosed BV was defined using a clinical BV diagnosis code based on Amsel criteria. Recurrent BV was defined as any BV diagnosis occurring more than 30 days after the previous diagnosis. Adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) for the relationship between potential risk factors and recurrent BV were estimated using conditional gap-time models. Results The data set contained 14,858 patients with at least one BV diagnosis. Of these, 46.3% (n = 6882) had at least 1 follow-up visit to a sexual health clinic between January 2014 and December 2018. Of those with a follow-up visit, 53.9% (n = 3707) had ≥1 recurrent BV episode, with 33.7% (n = 2317) experiencing recurrence within 3 months. In the multivariable model, using a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD; AHR, 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–1.49) or copper IUD (AHR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01–1.37), having a history of trichomonas (AHR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.12–1.36), and being non-Hispanic Black (AHR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04–1.18) were associated with a higher risk of BV recurrence, whereas using non-IUD hormonal contraception was associated with reduced risk (AHR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80–0.98). Conclusions Risk of BV recurrence was increased among patients using an IUD, whereas it was reduced in patients using non-IUD hormonal contraception.
Acceptability and feasibility of HIV self-testing in Southeast Asia: A scoping review

Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) policies in Southeast Asia are under development. This scoping review aimed to systematically synthesize the available literature on the acceptability and feasibility of HIVST in Southeast Asia. Methods Systematic search was conducted on January 20, 2022, in eight databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, SocINDEX, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, and CENTRAL. Acceptability (HIV testing frequency, willingness to pay, use, and recommend the test, ease of use, preference over standard tests, and partner testing) and feasibility (error rate, readability, and diagnostic performance) parameters were followed for the inclusion of articles. A narrative synthesis was done to present findings from included studies on the acceptability and feasibility of HIVST. Results A total of 5091 records were identified through database search, and 362 were deleted after deduplication. The screening process resulted in 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Results indicated a high acceptability rate due to convenience, increasing awareness about HIVST, availability, and affordability of test kits, and confidentiality of test results. A high feasibility rate was reported due to a low occurrence of errors in self-testing, interpretability of results, and a low percentage of invalid and false-reactive results. Issues identified include costs of HIVST for individual use, distribution mode, type of supervision, counseling, geographic location, and socioeconomic status. Conclusions Evidence supports the acceptability and feasibility of HIVST in Southeast Asia. There is a need to regulate and license HIVST in Southeast Asia to have better recognition as a supplement to HTS.
Clinical Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis

Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFPs) are osteoporotic pelvic fractures or insufficiency pelvic fractures caused by the low energy injury or stress fracture in daily livings in the elderly more than 60 years, which the incidence is increasing with the aging population in our country. FFPs result in considerable morbidity and mortality and as well as massive financial burden on the already strained health systems throughout the world.
Testing for associations between HbA1c levels, polygenic risk and brain health in UK Biobank (N = 39 283)

To investigate whether continuous HbA1c levels and HbA1c‐polygenic risk scores (HbA1c‐PRS) are significantly associated with worse brain health independent of type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosis (vs. not), by examining brain structure and cognitive test score phenotypes.
The Importance of Directly Derived Information in the Basketball Jump Shot. A Comparison of Changed Visual Conditions from Different Shooting Spots

The basketball jump shot as a movement, allowing visual feedback based corrections, can be considered as a generalized or a specialized motor skill. The purpose of this study is to look into the connection between visual perception and the specialization of a motor skill. Therefore, six male basketball players were asked to perform jump shots under different viewing conditions from their favourite spot (sweet spot) and a second, middle-distance spot. The question was, if performance is affected by the changed visual conditions and whether the shooting spot plays a role in a potentially change in performance. The different visual conditions were first, a regular basketball hoop with no adjustment, second a regular basketball hoop with a covered backboard, and third a regular basketball hoop with a covered rim. Between the different visual conditions, performance did not differ significantly, neither from the sweet spot, nor from the neutral defined spot. However, players showed a significantly better performance from sweet spot than from the neutral spot under regular viewing conditions.
Convectively coupled Kelvin waves in aquachannel simulations: 1. Propagation speeds, composite structures, and comparison with aquaplanets

Convectively coupled Kelvin waves (CCKWs) represent a significant contribution to the total variability of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). This study analyzes the structure and propagation of CCKWs simulated by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model using two types of idealized domains. These are the “aquachannel,” a flat rectangle on a beta plane with zonally periodic boundary conditions and length equal to the Earth's circumference at the equator, and the “aquapatch,” a square domain with zonal extent equal to one third of the aquachannel's length. A series of simulations are performed, including a doubly nested aquapatch, in which convection is solved explicitly along the equator. The model intercomparison is carried out throughout the use of several techniques such as power spectra, filtering, wave tracking, and compositing, and it is extended to some simulations from the Aquaplanet Experiment (APE). Results show that despite the equatorial superrotation bias produced by the WRF simulations, the CCKWs simulated with this model propagate with similar phase speeds (relative to the low‐level mean flow) as the corresponding waves from the APE simulations. Horizontal and vertical structures of the CCKWs simulated with aquachannels are also in overall good agreement with those from aquaplanet simulations and observations, although there is a distortion of the zonal extent of anomalies when the shorter aquapatch is used.
SCUBA2 observations of prestellar cores

Abstract We show data from the SCUBA2 camera on JCMT, of molecular clouds. We focus on starless cores within the clouds. We present data of the Taurus region and show how the environment is affecting some cores' appearance in this region. We compare the SCUBA2 data with Herschel data and discuss the sensitivity of SCUBA2 to surface brightness in the sub-millimetre. We show how this leads to its ability to pick out the densest cores at a given temperature. Hence SCUBA2 preferentially picks out gravitationally bound pre-stellar cores. We discuss the effects of the magnetic field, and how this lends support to a model for the formation and evolution of cores in filamentary molecular clouds.
Automated detection of regions of interest in cartridge case images using deep learning

This paper explores a deep‐learning approach to evaluate the position of circular delimiters in cartridge case images. These delimiters define two regions of interest (ROI), corresponding to the breech face and the firing pin impressions, and are placed manually or by an image‐processing algorithm. This positioning bears a significant impact on the performance of the image‐matching algorithms for firearm identification, and an automated evaluation method would be beneficial to any computerized system. Our contribution consists in optimizing and training U‐Net segmentation models from digital images of cartridge cases, intending to locate ROIs automatically. For the experiments, we used high‐resolution 2D images from 1195 samples of cartridge cases fired by different 9MM firearms. Our results show that the segmentation models, trained on augmented data sets, exhibit a performance of 95.6% IoU (Intersection over Union) and 99.3% DC (Dice Coefficient) with a loss of 0.014 for the breech face images; and a performance of 95.9% IoU and 99.5% DC with a loss of 0.011 for the firing pin images. We observed that the natural shapes of predicted circles reduce the performance of segmentation models compared with perfect circles on ground truth masks suggesting that our method provide a more accurate segmentation of the real ROI shape. In practice, we believe that these results could be useful for firearms identification. In future work, the predictions may be used to evaluate the quality of delimiters on specimens in a database, or they could determine the region of interest on a cartridge case image.
Microbiome Engineering Using Probiotic Yeast: Saccharomyces boulardii and the Secreted Human Lysozyme Lead to Changes in the Gut Microbiome and Metabolome of Mice

Our study identified changes in the microbiome by administering wild-type S. boulardii in mice to healthy mice based on long-read sequencing and demonstrated that a recombinant protein secreted by engineered S. boulardii in the intestine could change the microbiome. Our results provide valuable information for the development of therapeutics using engineered S. boulardii that changes the gut microbiome and host physiology. ABSTRACT The probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii has great potential for use as a chassis for microbiome engineering because of its high resistance to environmental stress, well-developed genetic tools, and the ability to secrete recombinant proteins in the intestine. As oral feeding of lysozyme has been reported to change the gut microbiome and fecal metabolites, we engineered S. boulardii to secrete human lysozyme, and investigated the changes in the microbiome and fecal metabolites in response to the administration of the engineered probiotic yeast into mice. Administration of S. boulardii changed the structure of the gut microbiome by promoting the growth of clostridia and increasing the diversity of strains. The human lysozyme secreted by S. boulardii in the intestine resulted in a unique gut microbiome structure through selective growth. In addition, the administration of probiotic yeast S. boulardii affected host energy metabolism and decreased blood urea and fructose levels, suggesting a mechanism of health benefits in mice. IMPORTANCE Our study identified changes in the microbiome by administering wild-type S. boulardii in mice to healthy mice based on long-read sequencing and demonstrated that a recombinant protein secreted by engineered S. boulardii in the intestine could change the microbiome. Our results provide valuable information for the development of therapeutics using engineered S. boulardii that changes the gut microbiome and host physiology.
Maternal hypertensive traits and adverse outcome in pregnancy: a Mendelian randomization study

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with adverse feto-maternal outcomes. Existing evidence is mostly limited to observational studies, which are liable to confounding and bias. This study investigated the causal relevance of component hypertensive indices on multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes using Mendelian randomization. Methods: Uncorrelated (r2 < 0.001) genome-wide significant (P < 5 × 10−8) single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with SBP, DBP and pulse pressure (PP) were selected as instrumental variables. Genetic association estimates for outcomes of preeclampsia or eclampsia, preterm birth, placental abruption and hemorrhage in early pregnancy were extracted from summary statistics of genome-wide association studies in the FinnGen cohort. Two-sample, inverse-variance weighted Mendelian randomization formed the primary analysis method. Odds ratios (OR) are presented per-10 mmHg higher genetically predicted hypertensive index. Results: Higher genetically predicted SBP were associated with higher odds of preeclampsia or eclampsia [OR 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.68–1.96, P = 5.45 × 10−49], preterm birth (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.16, P = 0.005) and placental abruption (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.05–1.68, P = 0.016). Higher genetically-predicted DBP was associated with preeclampsia or eclampsia (OR 2.54, 95% CI 2.21–2.92, P = 5.35 × 10−40). Higher genetically predicted PP was associated with preeclampsia or eclampsia (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.47–1.92, P = 1.9 × 10−14) and preterm birth (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.06–1.30, P = 0.002). Conclusion: This study provides genetic evidence to support causal associations of SBP, DBP and PP on multiple adverse outcomes of pregnancy. SBP and PP were associated with the broadest range of adverse outcomes, suggesting that optimized management of blood pressure, particularly SBP, is a key priority to improve feto-maternal health.
A review of plant epigenetics through the lens of almond

While genomes were originally seen as static entities that stably held and organized genetic information, recent advances in sequencing have uncovered the dynamic nature of the genome. New conceptualizations of the genome include complex relationships between the environment and gene expression that must be maintained, regulated, and sometimes even transmitted over generations. The discovery of epigenetic mechanisms has allowed researchers to understand how traits like phenology, plasticity, and fitness can be altered without changing the underlying deoxyribonucleic acid sequence. While many discoveries were first made in animal systems, plants provide a particularly complex set of epigenetic mechanisms due to unique aspects of their biology and interactions with human selective breeding and cultivation. In the plant kingdom, annual plants have received the most attention; however, perennial plants endure and respond to their environment and human management in distinct ways. Perennials include crops such as almond, for which epigenetic effects have long been linked to phenomena and even considered relevant for breeding. Recent discoveries have elucidated epigenetic phenomena that influence traits such as dormancy and self‐compatibility, as well as disorders like noninfectious bud failure, which are known to be triggered by the environment and influenced by inherent aspects of the plant. Thus, epigenetics represents fertile ground to further understand almond biology and production and optimize its breeding. Here, we provide our current understanding of epigenetic regulation in plants and use almond as an example of how advances in epigenetics research can be used to understand biological fitness and agricultural performance in crop plants.
Myositis-associated interstitial lung disease

Purpose of review In idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), interstitial lung disease (ILD) is common and the autoantibody profile, made up of myositis-specific and myositis-associated (MSA and MAA) antibodies, can predict the clinical phenotype and progression over time. This review will focus on the characteristics and management of antisynthetase syndrome related ILD and anti-MDA5 positive ILD, which are the most clinically relevant subtypes. Recent findings The prevalence of ILD in IIM has been estimated in Asia, North America and Europe at 50, 23 and 26%, respectively, and is increasing. In antisynthetase syndrome related ILD, the clinical presentation, progression and prognosis varies among anti-ARS antibodies. ILD is more common and severe in patients with anti-PL-7/anti-PL-12 antibodies when compared with anti Jo-1 patients. The prevalence of anti-MDA5 antibodies is higher in Asians (11–60%) than in whites (7–16%). Sixty-six percent of antisynthetase syndrome patients had ‘chronic ILD’ compared with the more rapidly progressive ILD (RP-ILD) seen in 69% of patients with anti-MDA5 antibodies. Summary ILD is most common in the antisynthetase subtype of IIM and can be a chronic indolent or RP- ILD. The MSA and MAAs are associated with different clinical phenotypes of ILD. Treatments typically involve combinations of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants.