Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Water affordability and human right to water implications in California

Water affordability is central to water access but remains a challenge to measure. California enshrined the human right to safe and affordable water in 2012 but the question remains: how should water affordability be measured across the state? This paper contributes to this question in three steps. First, we identify key dimensions of water affordability measures (including scale, volume of water needed to meet ‘basic’ needs, and affordability criteria) and a cross-cutting theme (social equity). Second, using these dimensions, we develop three affordability ratios measured at the water system scale for households with median, poverty level, and deep poverty (i.e., half the poverty level) incomes and estimate the corresponding percentage of households at these income levels. Using multiple measures conveys a fuller picture of affordability given the known limitations of specific affordability measures. Third, we analyze our results disaggregated by a key characteristic of water system vulnerability–water system size. We find that water is relatively affordable for median income households. However, we identify high unaffordability for households in poverty in a large fraction of water systems. We identify several scenarios with different policy implications for the human right to water, such as very small systems with high water bills and low-income households within large water systems. We also characterize how data gaps complicate theoretical ideals and present barriers in human right to water monitoring efforts. This paper presents a systematic approach to measuring affordability and represents the first statewide assessment of water affordability within California’s community water systems.
Paragonimus westermani metacercariae in two freshwater crab species in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, as a possible source of infection in wild boars and sika deer

Paragonimiasis is a particular foodborne parasitic disease that is endemic to southern Kyushu, including Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. We previously detected Paragonimus westermani triploid larvae in meat samples obtained from wild boars and sika deer hunted in Akune City, Kagoshima Prefecture. These mammals act as paratenic hosts and their meat is a source of human paragonimiasis. Paratenic host mammals and humans become infected with the lung fluke, P. westermani, following consumption of second intermediate hosts, freshwater crab species, namely, Geothelphusa dehaani or Sawagani in Japanese, and Eriocheir japonica or Mokuzugani in Japanese. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the current infection status of P. westermani in freshwater crabs in Akune City. We collected freshwater crabs from 15 locations and found that the prevalence of P. westermani metacercariae was 1.6% for Sawagani (15 of 941 examined) and 22.1% for Mokuzugani (21 of 95 examined). Based on the morphological characterization of metacercariae and molecular analyses of the internal transcribed spacer 2 region and mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene region using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing, all metacercariae were identified as the triploid form of P. westermani. These results indicate that Sawagani and Mokuzugani serve as second intermediate hosts to maintain the life cycle of triploid P. westermani. Further, infection in crabs potentially leads to subsequent P. westermani infections in wild mammals, including wild boars and sika deer, both of which are considered important types of game meat in Japan.
High‐Dose Spinal Cord Stimulation Reduces Long‐Term Pain Medication Use in Patients With Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Who Obtained at Least 50% Pain Intensity and Medication Reduction During a Trial Period: A Registry‐Based Cohort Study

High‐dose spinal cord stimulation (HD‐SCS) revealed positive results for obtaining pain relief in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). However, it is less clear whether HD‐SCS also is able to reduce pain medication use. The aim of this registry‐based cohort study is to explore the impact of HD‐SCS on pain medication use in FBSS patients.
Novel Lytic Phages Protect Cells and Mice against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection

Novel lytic phages isolated from various environmental settings were systematically characterized for their critical genetic traits, morphology structures, host ranges against laboratory strains and clinical multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, and antibacterial capacity both in vitro and in mouse models. First, we characterized the genetic traits and compared them with those of other existing phages. ABSTRACT With the fast emergence of serious antibiotic resistance and the lagging discovery of novel antibacterial drugs, phage therapy for pathogenic bacterial infections has acquired great attention in clinics. However, the development of therapeutic phages also faces tough challenges such as the laborious screening and time to generate effective phage drugs since each phage may lyse only a narrow scope of bacterial strains. Identifying highly effective phages with broad host ranges is crucial for improving phage therapy. Here, we isolated and characterized several lytic phages from various environments specific for Pseudomonas aeruginosa by testing their growth, invasion, host ranges, and potential for killing targeted bacteria. Importantly, we identified several therapeutic phages (HX1, MYY9, and TH15) with broad host ranges to lyse laboratory strains and clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa with multidrug resistance (MDR) both in vitro and in mouse models. In addition, we analyzed critical genetic traits related to high-level broad-host-range coverages by genome sequencing and subsequent computational analysis against known phages. Collectively, our findings establish that these novel phages may have potential for further development as therapeutic options for patients who fail to respond to conventional treatments. IMPORTANCE Novel lytic phages isolated from various environmental settings were systematically characterized for their critical genetic traits, morphology structures, host ranges against laboratory strains and clinical multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, and antibacterial capacity both in vitro and in mouse models. First, we characterized the genetic traits and compared them with those of other existing phages. Furthermore, we utilized acute pneumonia induced by laboratory strain PAO1 and strain W19, an MDR clinical isolate, and chronic pneumonia by agar beads laden with FRD1, a mucoid-phenotype strain isolated from the sputum of a cystic fibrosis (CF) patient. Consequently, we found that these phages not only suppress bacteria in vitro but also significantly reduce infection symptoms and disease progression in vivo, including lowered bug burdens, inflammatory responses, and lung injury in mice, suggesting that they may be further developed as therapeutic agents against MDR P. aeruginosa.
The effects of partner perceptions on the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and aspects of parenting.

OBJECTIVE Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with parenting difficulties, but the role of partner perceptions in this relationship is unclear. The present study aimed to (a) examine the links between partner perceptions, three PTSD symptom clusters (i.e., avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, changes in arousal and reactivity), and aspects of parenting (i.e., support, satisfaction, involvement) and (b) determine if partner perceptions moderate these relationships. METHOD In total, 225 trauma-exposed parents (M = 36.87, SD = 8.32, 64% female, 52.9% White) were assessed via self-report measures. RESULTS As expected, the negative alterations in cognitions and mood and arousal and reactivity clusters were negatively associated with partner perceptions (r = -.17 and -.24, respectively) and all three parenting indices (rs = -.15 to -.35). Avoidance symptoms were unrelated to partner perceptions but were tied to parental support and satisfaction (rs = -.15). Partner perceptions moderated the relationships between negative alterations in cognitions and mood and support and satisfaction (βs = .02), as well as changes in arousal and reactivity and support (β = .02). CONCLUSIONS Parents with negative alterations in cognitions and mood and arousal and reactivity symptoms who perceive their partners negatively may be at higher risk for experiencing lower levels of parental support or satisfaction. Additionally, the negative links between the aforementioned symptom clusters and parenting disappeared in the context of positive partner perceptions, indicating a potential protective factor. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Factors associated with low adherence to medication among patients with type 2 diabetes at different healthcare facilities in southern Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Background: Diabetic individuals must adhere to their medications to control their glucose levels and prevent diabetes-related complications. However, there is limited evidence of medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes in Bangladesh. Objectives: We assessed the level of adherence and factors associated with low adherence to anti-diabetic medication among patients with type 2 diabetes at different health facilities in southern Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2,070 patients with type 2 diabetes who presented at five health facilities in the Chittagong Division between November 2018 and June 2019. We assessed medication adherence using a self-reported, structured, eight-item questionnaire and performed multiple logistic regression to investigate the factors associated with low medication adherence. Results: The overall prevalence of low medication adherence was 46.3% (95% CI: 41.4–55.8%) of our study population. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that males (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.13–1.67), those with a family income of < 233 USD (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.17–2.03), and those with a diabetic ulcer (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.04–1.94) showed low adherence. Diabetic ulcers, retinopathy, and obesity were relatively more elevated among diabetic patients with low medication adherence. Conclusion: Low medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes in southern Bangladesh is a key public health challenge. Factors such as male sex, low annual family income, and diabetic ulcers were associated with low medication adherence. Patient counseling and awareness programs may enhance medication adherence among people with type 2 diabetes. Our findings will help physicians and public health workers to develop targeted strategies to increase awareness of the same among their patients.
The Psychological Vulnerability of French University Students to the COVID-19 Confinement

Even before the current pandemic, university students were known to have high levels of hassles, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. In all probability, the advent of COVID-19 has substantially raised these levels. The present study measured the emotional state of university students during lockdown and identified the relevant situational and psychological factors. To this end, 1,297 French university students were assessed during lockdown, which lasted from 16 March to 11 May in France. Situational factors included the belief that lockdown was compromising their future job prospects, COVID-19 symptoms, and health concerns. Psychological factors included students’ implicit theory of emotion, and the coping strategies they used during lockdown. We explored the extent to which these factors were associated with levels of hassles, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Results indicated that students’ belief that lockdown was compromising their future job prospects was positively related to hassles (r = .34, p < .001), while concerns about their own health and that of relatives were positively associated with anxiety (r = .37 and .34; p < .001). In addition, use of the positive reframing coping strategy mediated the effect of students’ implicit theory of emotion on their depressive symptoms. Even though the national lockdown is now over, the pandemic will continue to have a major impact on university students over the coming months. It is therefore essential for universities to provide them with adequate psychological support.
Bildung oktaedrischer Komplexe durch cis-Addition an planar-quadratisches Bis(oxamidoximato)nickel(II): drei Strukturbeispiele

Bei der Umsetzung des orangeroten planarquadratischen Bis(oxamidoximato)nicke(II) mit Sauren entstehen blaue bis blaugrune oktaedrische Komplexe mit neutralen Oxamidoximliganden und zwei Saureanionen in cis-Stellung. Drei Verbindungen werden beschrieben: cis-Dichlorobis(oxamidoxim)nickel(II) (1), NiCl2(C2H6N4O2)2, Mr = 365,81, monoklin P21/n, a = 6,641(2), b = 14,086(4), c = 13,473(3) A, β = 96,26(2)°, V = 1252,8 A3, Z = 4, dc = 1,94 gcm−3, Rw = 0,031 fur 4090 Reflexe. Im cis-Di(sulfanilato)bis(oxamidoxim)nicke(II) Dihydrat (2) koordiniert ein Sulfanilsaureanion uber die Sulfonsauregruppe, das andere uber die Aminogruppe; Ni(C6H6NO3S)2(C2H6N4O2)2 · 2H2O, Mr = 675,30, monoklin P21, a = 6,879(3), b = 14,305(5), c = 13,930(5) A, β = 103,62(4)°, V = 1332 A3, Z = 2, dc = 1,68 gcm−3, R = 0,067 fur 2693 Reflexe. Bei catena-μ-(Phthalato)bis(oxamidoxim)nicke(II)-Tetrahydrat (3) fuhren verbruckende Phthalatanionen zur Kettenbildung; Ni(C8H4O4)(C2H6N4O2)2 · 4 H2O, Mr = 531,09, monoklin P21/c, a = 10,633(8), b = 11,324(5), c = 17,680(14) A, β = 98,25(7)°, V = 2107 A3, Z = 4, dc = 1, 67 gcm−3 R = 0,110 fur 3290 Reflexe. Formation of Octahedral Complexes via cis-Addition to Square Planar Bis (oxamideoximato)nickel(II): Three Structure Examples In the reaction of orange square planar bis(oxamide oximato)nickel(II) with acids, blue to blue-green octahedral complexes are formed with neutral oxamide oximide ligands and two acid anions in cis-positions. Three compounds are described: cis-dichlorobis(oxamide oxime)nickel(II) (1), NiCl2(C2H6N4O2)2, Mr = 365.81, monoclinic P21/n, a = 6.641(2), b = 14.086(4), c = 13.473(3) A, β = 96.26(2)°, V = 1 252.8 A3, Z = 4, dc = 1.94 gcm−3, final Rw = 0.031 for 4090 reflections. In cis-di(sulfanilato)bis(oxamide oxime)nickel(II) dihydrate (2) one sulfanilic anion coordinates via the sulfonic acid group, the other one via the amino group; Ni(C6H6NO3S)2(C2H6N4O2)2 · 2 H2O, Mr = 675.30, monoclinic P21, a = 6.879(3), b = 14.305(5), c = 13.930(5) A, β = 103.62(4)°, V = 1332 A, Z = 2, dc = 1.68 gcm−3, R = 0.067 for 2693 reflections. In catena-μ-(phthalato)bis(oxamide oxime)nickel(II) tetrahydrate (3) bidentate bridging phthalate anions lead to chain formation; Ni(C8H4O4)(C2H6N4O2)2 · 4H2O, Mr = 531.09, monoclinic P21/c, a = 10.633(8), b = 11.324(5), c = 17.680(14) A, β = 98.25(7)°, V = 2107 A3, Z = 4, dc = 1.67 gcm−3. Final R = 0.110 for 3290 reflections.
Efficacy of chemotherapy and palliative hypofractionated radiotherapy for cats with nasal lymphoma

Nasal lymphoma (NL) is the most common nasal tumor in cats, and radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments have been described as the treatment for this disease. However, the previous studies included various machines and protocols of radiotherapy. Therefore, we aimed to retrospectively compare the prognosis among cases treated with palliative hypofractionated radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and a combination of them with united machine and protocol of radiotherapy. When compared overall survival and progression free survival, there was no significant difference among these three groups. The data of this study suggested that similar efficacy could be achieved by palliative hypofractionated radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of them.
Heparanome-Mediated Rescue of Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Quiescence following Inflammatory Demyelination

The proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ, which is chronically elevated in multiple sclerosis, induces pathologic quiescence in human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) via upregulation of the transcription factor PRRX1. In this study using animals of both sexes, we investigated the role of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in the modulation of IFN-γ signaling following demyelination. We found that IFN-γ profoundly impaired OPC proliferation and recruitment following adult spinal cord demyelination. IFN-γ-induced quiescence was mediated by direct signaling in OPCs as conditional genetic ablation of IFNγR1 (Ifngr1) in adult NG2+ OPCs completely abrogated these inhibitory effects. Intriguingly, OPC-specific IFN-γ signaling contributed to failed oligodendrocyte differentiation, which was associated with hyperactive Wnt/Bmp target gene expression in OPCs. We found that PI-88, a heparan sulfate mimetic, directly antagonized IFN-γ to rescue human OPC proliferation and differentiation in vitro and blocked the IFN-γ-mediated inhibitory effects on OPC recruitment in vivo. Importantly, heparanase modulation by PI-88 or OGT2155 in demyelinated lesions rescued IFN-γ-mediated axonal damage and demyelination. In addition to OPC-specific effects, IFN-γ-augmented lesions were characterized by increased size, reactive astrogliosis, and proinflammatory microglial/macrophage activation along with exacerbated axonal injury and cell death. Heparanase inhibitor treatment rescued many of the negative IFN-γ-induced sequelae suggesting a profound modulation of the lesion environment. Together, these results suggest that the modulation of the heparanome represents a rational approach to mitigate the negative effects of proinflammatory signaling and rescuing pathologic quiescence in the inflamed and demyelinated human brain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The failure of remyelination in multiple sclerosis contributes to neurologic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. The activation and proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) is a necessary step in the recruitment phase of remyelination. Here, we show that the proinflammatory cytokine interferon-γ directly acts on OPCs to induce pathologic quiescence and thereby limit recruitment following demyelination. Heparan sulfate is a highly structured sulfated carbohydrate polymer that is present on the cell surface and regulates several aspects of the signaling microenvironment. We find that pathologic interferon-γ can be blocked by modulation of the heparanome following demyelination using either a heparan mimetic or by treatment with heparanase inhibitor. These studies establish the potential for modulation of heparanome as a regenerative approach in demyelinating disease.
Early clinical and CT features of COVID-19 and community-acquired pneumonia from a fever observation ward in Ningbo, China.

INTRODUCTION We aimed to compare the early clinical manifestations, laboratory results and chest computed tomography (CT) images of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with those of other community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients to differentiate COVID-19 before reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results are obtained. METHODS The clinical and laboratory data and chest CT images of 51 patients were assessed in a fever observation ward for evidence of COVID-19 between January and February 2020. RESULTS 24 patients had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, whereas 27 individuals had negative results. No statistical difference in clinical features was found between COVID-19 and CAP patients except for diarrhoea. There was a significant difference in lymphocyte and eosinophil counts between COVID-19 and CAP patients. 22 (91.67%) COVID-19 patients had bilateral involvement and multiple lesions according to their lung CT images; the left lower lobe (87.50%) and right lower lobe (95.83%) were most often affected, and all lesions were located in peripheral zones of the lung. The most common CT feature of COVID-19 was ground-glass opacity, found in 95.83% of patients, compared to 66.67% of CAP patients. CONCLUSION Diarrhoea, lymphocyte counts, eosinophil counts and CT findings (e.g. ground-glass opacity) could help to distinguish COVID-19 from CAP at an early stage of infection, based on findings from our fever observation ward.
Reoperation and Mortality Rates Following Elective 1 to 2 Level Lumbar Fusion: A Large State Database Analysis

Study Design: Retrospective cohort. Objective: Reoperation to lumbar spinal fusion creates significant burden on patient quality of life and healthcare costs. We assessed rates, etiologies, and risk factors for reoperation following elective 1 to 2 level lumbar fusion. Methods: Patients undergoing elective 1 to 2 level lumbar fusion were identified using the Health Care Utilization Project (HCUP) state inpatient databases from Florida and California. Patients were tracked for 5 years for any subsequent lumbar fusion. Cox proportional hazard analyses for reoperation were assessed using the following covariates: fusion approach type, age, race, Charlson comormidity index, gender, and length of stay. Distribution of etiologies for reoperation was then assessed. Results: 71, 456 patients receiving elective 1 to 2 level lumbar fusion were included. A 5-year reoperation rate of 13.53% and mortality rate of 2.22% was seen. Combined anterior-posterior approaches (HR = 0.904, p < 0.05) and TLIF (HR = 0.867, p < 0.001) were associated with reduced risk of reoperation compared to stand-alone anterior approaches and non-TLIF posterior approaches. Age, gender, and number of comorbidities were not associated with risk of reoperation. From 1 to 5 years, degenerative disease rose from 43.50% to 50.31% of reoperations; mechanical failure decreased from 37.65% to 29.77%. Conclusions: TLIF and combined anterior-posterior approaches for 1 to 2 level lumbar fusion are associated with the lowest rate of reoperation. Number of comorbidities and age are not predictive of reoperation. Primary etiologies leading to reoperation were degenerative disease and mechanical failure. Mortality rate is not increased from baseline following 1 to 2 level lumbar fusion.
Efficacy and safety of thalidomide on psychological symptoms and sleep disturbances in the patient with refractory ankylosing spondylitis.

BACKGROUND Thalidomide has been used to treat ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, but the efficacy and safety of thalidomide on psychological symptoms and sleep disturbances in the patient with refractory AS has not been evaluated. METHODS In this 6-month open study, 35 cases of patients with refractory AS were recruited, using thalidomide at a dose of 150 mg/d before sleep. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), fingertip-to-floor distance, nocturnal pain, total back pain, psychological symptoms, and sleep were assessed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months respectively. RESULTS Clinical parameters, included BASDAI, BASFI, fingertip-to-floor distance, nocturnal pain, total back pain, ESR, CRP, SAS, SDS and PSQI lower levels of month 3 were found when compared to initial levels (P<0.05). In the 6th month, the levels of BASDAI, fingertip-to-floor, nocturnal pain, total back pain, SDS were further lower than those in the 3rd month (P<0.05). The levels of BASMI were lower than this at baseline (P<0.05). The most tolerable common adverse reactions were drowsiness (10/35), dry mouth (8/35), constipation (8/35), dandruff (7/35), dizziness (4/35). CONCLUSIONS Thalidomide can improve effectiveness and safety in the treatment of physical, as well as psychological symptoms and sleep disturbances accompanying refractory AS.