Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of multi-assay algorithms for identifying individuals with recent HIV infection: HPTN 071 (PopART)

Background Assays and multi-assay algorithms (MAAs) have been developed for population-level cross-sectional HIV incidence estimation. These algorithms use a combination of serologic and/or non-serologic biomarkers to assess the duration of infection. We evaluated the performance of four MAAs for individual-level recency assessments. Methods Samples were obtained from 220 seroconverters (infected <1 year) and 4,396 non-seroconverters (infected >1 year) enrolled in an HIV prevention trial (HPTN 071 [PopART]); 28.6% of the seroconverters and 73.4% of the non-seroconverters had HIV viral loads ≤400 copies/mL. Samples were tested with two laboratory-based assays (LAg-Avidity, JHU BioRad-Avidity) and a point-of-care assay (rapid LAg). The four MAAs included different combinations of these assays and HIV viral load. Seroconverters on antiretroviral treatment (ART) were identified using a qualitative multi-drug assay. Results The MAAs identified between 54 and 100 (25% to 46%) of the seroconverters as recently-infected. The false recent rate of the MAAs for infections >2 years duration ranged from 0.2%-1.3%. The MAAs classified different overlapping groups of individuals as recent vs. non-recent. Only 32 (15%) of the 220 seroconverters were classified as recent by all four MAAs. Viral suppression impacted the performance of the two LAg-based assays. LAg-Avidity assay values were also lower for seroconverters who were virally suppressed on ART compared to those with natural viral suppression. Conclusions The four MAAs evaluated varied in sensitivity and specificity for identifying persons infected <1 year as recently infected and classified different groups of seroconverters as recently infected. Sensitivity was low for all four MAAs. These performance issues should be considered if these methods are used for individual-level recency assessments.
Dietary Tryptophan and the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: Total Effect and Mediation Effect of Sleep Duration

Purpose Tryptophan affects energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, blood pressure, and sleep. However, studies investigating the association between tryptophan and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) are rare. We aimed to investigate the associations of dietary tryptophan with MetSyn incidence and potential mediation via sleep duration. Methods Data of 7890 participants were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1997–2011) (male: 49.9%; mean age=43.43 years;median follow-up=129.76 months; MetSyn incidence: 16.3%). A combination of individual 24-hour recall and household survey was used to assess dietary intake. In total, 6720 and 4474 participants who reported sleep duration and had blood samples taken, respectively, were incorporated into subgroup analyses. MetSyn was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP) III criteria (2004), and tryptophan consumption and sleep duration were assessed by self-report in each survey. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess the associations between tertiles of tryptophan intake and MetSyn. Generalized linear regression models were used to evaluate the effect of tryptophan on sleep duration and plasma biomarkers. Results Dietary tryptophan showed a protective effect on the risk of MetSyn. The hazard ratio (95% CI) of MetSyn was 0.77 (0.65–0.90) for individuals with a high tertile of tryptophan. Sleep duration was significantly higher, and HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and apolipoprotein B (APO-B) were lower in the high tertile of tryptophan compared to the low tertile (P<0.05). In addition, mediation effects on the association between tryptophan intake and MetSyn risk were observed for sleep duration (estimated mediation percentage: 26.5%). Conclusion Our study demonstrated a negative association between dietary tryptophan and MetSyn incidence, and the mediation effect of sleep duration on this association, after adjusting for numerous confounders such as nutrients and food patterns. These findings may have important public health implications for the improvement of cardiometabolic health.
Hospitalization for ischemic stroke was affected more in independent cases than in dependent cases during the COVID-19 pandemic: An interrupted time series analysis

Background The pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected health care systems globally. The aim of our study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of hospital admissions for ischemic stroke by severity in Japan. Methods We analysed administrative (Diagnosis Procedure Combination—DPC) data for cases of inpatients aged 18 years and older who were diagnosed with ischemic stroke and admitted during the period April 1 2018 to June 27 2020. Levels of change of the weekly number of inpatient cases with ischemic stroke diagnosis after the declaration of state of emergency were assessed using interrupted time-series (ITS) analysis. The numbers of patients with various characteristics and treatment approaches were compared. We also performed an ITS analysis for each group (“independent” or “dependent”) divided based on components of activities of daily living (ADL) and level of consciousness at hospital admission. Results A total of 170,294 cases in 567 hospitals were included. The ITS analysis showed a significant decrease in the weekly number of ischemic stroke cases hospitalized (estimated decrease: −156 cases; 95% confidence interval (CI): −209 to −104), which corresponds to −10.4% (95% CI: −13.6 to −7.1). The proportion of decline in the independent group (−21.3%; 95% CI: −26.0 to −16.2) was larger than that in the dependent group (−8.6%; 95% CI: −11.7 to −5.4). Conclusions Our results show a marked reduction in hospital admissions due to ischemic stroke after the declaration of the state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic. The independent cases were affected more in proportion than dependent cases.
Numerical Study on 3D Coupled Heat Transfer of Thrust Chamber with Regenerative Cooling

To obtain temperature distribution in regenerative-cooled liquid propellant rocket nozzle quickly and accurately, three-dimensional numerical simulation employed using empirical formulas. A reduced one-dimensional model is employed for the coolant flow and heat transfer, while three dimensional heat transfer model is used to calculate the coupling heat transfer through the wall. The geometrical model is subscale hot-firing chamber. The numerical results agree well with experimental data, while temperature field in nozzle obtained. In terms of computing time and accuracy of results, this method can provide a reference for optimization design and performance estimation.
Clinical outcome of Maggot Debridement Therapy followed by Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for chronic hand wound with Multi-Drug Resistant Organism infection: Two cases and review of the literature

The advancement in science and research has led to development of medical maggots which feed exclusively on dead tissue. Medical maggots have three important functions namely debridement, disinfection, and stimulation of wound healing. The modern use of medical maggots now goes by the term “Maggot Debridement Therapy” (MDT) for use in wound management. MDT is still used infrequently due to the effectiveness of surgical debridement and antibiotics for treatment of wound infection. Lately, there was emergence of Multi-Drug Resistant Organism (MDRO) likely due to inappropriate antibiotics usage. Maggot secretions have been shown to be effective in inhibiting some MDRO, for example, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, thus making MDT an attractive option for wounds with MDRO. We report two patients with multiple medical comorbidities, diagnosed with serious MDRO Diabetic Hand Infections treated with three cycles of MDT followed by Negative Pressure Wound Therapy.
Influence of Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle Thickness on Rectus Femoris Echo Intensity in Younger and Older Males and Females

Ultrasound measurements of muscle echo intensity are commonly used surrogates of muscle composition (eg, intramuscular adipose tissue). However, given that soundwaves are increasingly attenuated with tissue depth, the interpretation of echo intensity may be confounded by adipose and skeletal muscle thickness. Our objectives are to compare the associations between adipose or muscle tissue thickness and rectus femoris echo intensity in younger and older males and females.
Effects of a Multitouch Keyboard on Wrist Posture, Typing Performance and Comfort

This study compares the use of a conventional keyboard (CK) and a prototype ultra-low profile MultiTouch keyless keyboard (MTK) that only requires contact force to register a keystroke and allows mousing and gestural input on the same surface. Twelve subjects completed eight randomly assigned 7.5- minute typing tasks of text passages of similar difficulty and identical length for each keyboard condition. Typing speed, accuracy, wrist postures and user comfort were measured. Subjects, typed slower (F1,11 = 41.86, p=0.000) and less accurately (F1,11 = 23.55, p=0.001) on the MTK during the typing tasks. Mean wrist extension was lower for the MTK (F1,11= 10.205, p=0.000) while radial and ulnar deviation did not differ significantly between the two keyboards. Subjects preferred the CK and reported a higher level of ease (F1,11 = 49.732, p=0.00) and enjoyment (F1,11 = 51.129, p=0.00) during its use. In terms of comfort, subjects reported a higher level of ease and enjoyment in the CK condition. Familiarity and fatigue effects affected the results.
Platinum microheater integrated silicon optical bench assembly for endoscopic optical coherence tomography

A novel platinum microheater and comb isolator integrated silicon optical bench (SiOB) assembly method has been successfully demonstrated to provide electrical connection and high precision alignment for a two-axis gimbal-less micromirror. Localized heating and wetting of plastic core micro solder balls is achieved by the integrated platinum heater, and the maximum measured temperature of the platinum heater is about 250 °C. In addition, assembly procedures are significantly simplified by involving a comb isolator made by deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) in comparison with our previously reported design. DRIE is also applied to form a 45° trench on the lower silicon substrate with a nearly vertical sidewall for the micromirror. Hence, the overall dimensions of the SiOB assembly can be reduced further to meet the requirements of endoscopic optical coherence tomography (EOCT) for miniaturization.
Sexual Enrichment Aids: A Mixed Methods Study Evaluating Use, Hygiene, and Risk Perception among Women

ABSTRACT Sexual Enrichment Aids (SEAs), or “sex toys” like dildos or vibrators, are used to enrich sexual experiences, either alone or with sexual partners. Although SEA use has become increasingly prevalent in recent decades, there remain significant gaps in knowledge regarding sexual behaviors and hygiene surrounding their use. In this study, we use mixed methods approaches (cross-sectional survey of n = 800 women and qualitative semi-structured interviews of n = 24 women) to better understand sexual behavior, potential risks, and hygiene practices of women who self-identify as having sex with men, with women, or with women and men when using SEAs. We identified SEA use is common, with 79.9% of women using an SEA. Among these women, 31.8% of women indicated that they share SEAs with sexual partners. Further, condom use is rare while sharing SEAs, with only 14% of women utilizing condoms regularly. The majority (81.8%) of women wash their SEAs, primarily with soap and water. Yet, there is no consensus among women interviewed regarding the perceived risk associated with SEA use. Together, our findings support the need for increased evidence-based education for women to increase safety and hygiene of SEA use.
Determinants of Virtual Exercise Equipment Use: An Integrated Model Investigation.

BACKGROUND Given the limited research on behavioral determinants of using virtual exercise machines to engage in exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study applied an integrated behavior change model to identify behavioral determinants using these machines. METHOD Adult owners of livestreaming virtual exercise equipment (N = 123) completed measures of social cognition, planning, motivation, virtual exercise machine features, and sociostructural variables at an initial occasion (T1) and 4 weeks later (T2). Hypothesized relations among model constructs were tested using a cross-lagged structural equation model with past behavior and sociostructural variables as covariates. RESULTS Autonomous motivation predicted intentions and habit indirectly via attitudes and perceived behavioral control at T1; virtual exercise machine features predicted intention and habit indirectly via social cognition constructs at T1; and intention and habit at T1 predicted exercise behavior at T2. CONCLUSIONS This study supports social cognition constructs and virtual features as predictors of exercise using virtual exercise machines.
Chemical principles of Boophone, Nerine, Crossyne, Clivia, Cryptostephanus, Haemanthus and Scadoxus of the South African Amaryllidaceae and their biological properties

The Amaryllidaceae features prominently amongst bulbous flowering plant families. Accommodating about a third of its species, South Africa affords a sound basis for Amaryllidaceae plant research. Boophone, Nerine, Crossyne, Clivia, Cryptostephanus, Haemanthus and Scadoxus have been well-represented in such endeavors. The account herein summarizes the studies undertaken between 2013-2020 on these genera in regards to their chemical and biological characteristics. A total of 136 compounds comprising 63 alkaloids and 73 non-alkaloid entities were described during this period from eighteen members of the title genera. The alkaloids were reflective of the structural diversity found in eight isoquinoline alkaloid groups of the Amaryllidaceae. Of these, the crinane (29 compounds), lycorane and homolycorine (11 compounds each) groups were the most-represented. The non-alkaloid substances were embracive of the same number of unrelated groups including, acids, phenolics, flavonoids and triterpenoids. A wide variety of assays were engaged to ascertain the biological activities of the isolated compounds, notably in regards to cancer and motorneuron-related diseases. There were also attempts made to determine the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of some of the substances. New information has also emerged on the herbicidal, insecticidal and plant growth regulatory effects of selected alkaloid principles. Coupled to the biological screening measures were in instances probes made to establish the molecular basis to some of the activities, particularly in relation to cancer and Parkinsonʹs disease.
Zero‐fluoroscopy ablation in patients with cardiac electronic implantable devices

Utilizing a three‐dimensional (3‐D) mapping system and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has allowed ablation procedures with less or without fluoroscopy; however, there is limited data for patients with cardiac electronic implantable device (CIED) leads regarding the suspected risk of lead injury. Therefore, we sought to explore technics to perform safe trans‐septal approach and catheter manipulation technique in patients with CIED leads.
Privacy, Self-Esteem, Anxiety in Women Having Pelvic Examination

This study aims to determine the privacy perception, self-esteem and anxiety levels of women undergoing pelvic examination and influencing factors. This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 415 women who underwent pelvic examination. The data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Body Privacy Scale for Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the State Anxiety Inventory. It was found that self-esteem (R2 = .055, p < .0001) and state anxiety (R2 = .037, p: .004) were significantly related to body privacy perceptions. The results of the study showed that making a statement to the women before the examination positively affected their perception of privacy. It is recommended for health professionals to be trained on the importance of privacy and communication during pelvic examination to increase their awareness on the topic.
Ancient Demographics Determine the Effectiveness of Genetic Purging in Endangered Lizards

Abstract The purging of deleterious alleles has been hypothesized to mitigate inbreeding depression, but its effectiveness in endangered species remains debatable. To understand how deleterious alleles are purged during population contractions, we analyzed genomes of the endangered Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus), which is the only surviving species of its family and currently isolated into small populations. Population genomic analyses revealed four genetically distinct conservation units and sharp declines in both effective population size and genetic diversity. By comparing the relative genetic load across populations and conducting genomic simulations, we discovered that seriously deleterious alleles were effectively purged during population contractions in this relict species, although inbreeding generally enhanced the genetic burden. However, despite with the initial purging, our simulations also predicted that seriously deleterious alleles will gradually accumulate under prolonged bottlenecking. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of maintaining a minimum population capacity and increasing the functional genetic diversity in conservation efforts to preserve populations of the crocodile lizard and other endangered species.
Axis deviation in nonischemic cardiomyopathy with left bundle branch block: Insights from left bundle branch pacing

Biventricular pacing has shown excellent results in patients with heart failure and left bundle branch block (LBBB). Studies have shown that the patients with abnormal axis deviation may benefit less from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) as compared to those with the normal axis. The exact reason for left axis deviation (LAD) in LBBB is not known but could be due to diseased left anterior fascicle, left ventricular enlargement, or due to advanced electrical remodeling.
Notch1 promotes ordered revascularization through Semaphorin 3g modulation of downstream vascular patterning signalling factors

Here we genetically and functionally addressed potential pathways of Notch signalling in mediating vascular regeneration in mouse models. We first used transgenic adult mice with either gain‐ or loss‐of‐function Notch signalling in vascular endothelial cells and monitored perfusion in the hindlimb following ischaemia induced by femoral artery ligation. Mice deficient in Notch signalling showed defective perfusion recovery and expansion of collateral arteries. Transcriptomics analysis of arterial endothelial cells in the Notch mutants identified the guidance factor Sema3g as a candidate gene mediating reperfusion downstream of Notch. Studies in the retinal circulation showed the central role of SEMA3G downstream of Notch signalling in the orderly regulation of vascular patterning. These studies in multiple vascular beds show the primacy of Notch signalling and downstream generation of guidance peptides such as SEMA3G in promoting well‐ordered vascular regeneration.
Using the MMPI-3 in Legal Settings

Abstract In this paper, we review the historical evolution of the MMPI instruments, consider the empirical foundations for its use in Forensic Mental Health Assessments (FMHAs) with particular emphasis on the applicability of MMPI-2-RF research to these evaluations, and identify ways in which the inventory can be effectively but also inappropriately used in these assessments. We also review appellate court decisions related to forensic uses of the MMPI and discuss implications for cross-examination on MMPI-3-based testimony, emphasizing the need for forensic practitioners to be familiar with the empirical research available to guide MMPI-3 use in FHMAs. We identify areas needing further research, including the utility of the test in assessments of persons of color, investigations of the applicability of MMPI-3 results in various specific forensic assessments and rehabilitative applications, and further research on implications of the new English and Spanish-language norms. Potential contributions of studies using the updated MMPI-3 scales in descriptive research on forensic populations are also discussed. We conclude that when used properly to assess for evidence of invalid responding that may affect FMHAs, or psychological functioning relevant to answering psycho-legal referral questions, the MMPI-3 rests on solid empirical foundations that can withstand the scrutiny inherent in forensic evaluations.
Psychometric Validation of the CLEFT-Q Patient Reported Outcome Measure: A Prospective Study to Examine Cross-Sectional Construct Validity

Objective CLEFT-Q is a condition-specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). The aim of this study was to examine the cross-sectional construct validity of the CLEFT-Q scales. Design Construct validity was assessed through a prospective study that tested hypotheses regarding correlations of scores with other PROMs that measure related constructs. Setting Seven cleft centres in Canada, the USA, and UK were involved. Patients/Participants Patients were aged eight to 29 years with CL/P. Interventions Before undergoing rhinoplasty, orthognathic, cleft lip scar revision, and alveolar bone graft, participants were asked to complete the following PROMs: CLEFT-Q (9 scales), Child Oral Health Impact Profile (socio-emotional subscale) and Cleft Hearing Appearance and Speech Questionnaire (features 1 subscale). Main Outcome Measure(s) The correlation coefficients examining the relationship between the scales were the main outcome measures. Correlations (Spearman) were calculated and interpreted as follows: <0.3 weak, 0.30 to 0.50 moderate, ≥0.50 strong. Results Participants (n = 177) were mostly male (61%) and aged between eight and 11 years (42%). Overall, 38 of 52 (73%) hypotheses tested were supported. More specifically, 20 of 26 (77%) hypotheses about correlations between the appearance scales were supported, two of three (67%) hypotheses about correlations between the health-related quality of life scales were supported, and 16 of 23 (70%) hypotheses about correlations between the appearance and health-related quality of life scales were supported. Conclusions Cross-sectional construct validity of the CLEFT-Q scales adds further evidence of the psychometric properties of this instrument.