Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictors of recurrence of major depressive disorder

A total of 201 patients with major depressive disorder from four hospitals in Malaysia were followed up for 5 years to determine the prognostic factors of recurrent major depressive disorder that could potentially contribute to improving the management of MDD patients. For each individual patient, at the time of recruitment as part of a case-control study, information was collected on recent threatening life events, personality and social and occupational functioning, while blood samples were collected to genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR), zinc transporter-3 (ZnT3), dopamine transporter-1 (DAT1), brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), serotonin receptor 1A (HT1A) and 2A (HT2A) genes. Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression were used to estimate hazard functions for recurrence of major depressive disorder. Individuals with severe MDD in previous major depressive episodes had five and a half times higher hazard of developing recurrence compared to mild and moderate MDD (HR = 5.565, 95% CI = 1.631–18.994, p = 0.006). Individuals who scored higher on social avoidance had three and a half times higher hazard of recurrence of MDD (HR = 3.525, 95% CI = 1.349–9.209; p = 0.010). There was significant interaction between ApaI +64978C>A single nucleotide polymorphism and severity. The hazard ratio increased by 6.4 times from mild and moderate to severe MDD for A/A genotype while that for C/A genotype increased by 11.3 times. Social avoidance and severity of depression at first episode were prognostic of recurrence. Screening for personality factors at first encounter with MDD patients needs to be considered as part of the clinical practice. For those at risk of recurrence in relation to social avoidance, the psychological intervention prescribed should be customized to focus on this modifiable factor. Prompt and appropriate management of severe MDD is recommended to reduce risk of recurrence.
Static stretch and dynamic muscle activity induce acute similar increase in corticospinal excitability

Even though the acute effects of pre-exercise static stretching and dynamic muscle activity on muscular and functional performance have been largely investigated, their effects on the corticospinal pathway are still unclear. For that reason, this study examined the acute effects of 5×20 s of static stretching, dynamic muscle activity and a control condition on spinal excitability, corticospinal excitability and plantar flexor neuromuscular properties. Fifteen volunteers were randomly tested on separate days. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied to investigate corticospinal excitability by recording the amplitude of the motor-evoked potential (MEP) and the duration of the cortical silent period (cSP). Peripheral nerve stimulation was applied to investigate (i) spinal excitability using the Hoffmann reflex (Hmax), and (ii) neuromuscular properties using the amplitude of the maximal M-wave (Mmax) and corresponding peak twitch torque. These measurements were performed with a background 30% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Finally, the maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque and the corresponding electromyography (EMG) from soleus, gastrocnemius medialis and gastrocnemius lateralis were recorded. These parameters were measured immediately before and 10 s after each conditioning activity of plantar flexors. Corticospinal excitability (MEP/Mmax) was significantly enhanced after static stretching in soleus (P = 0.001; ES = 0.54) and gastrocnemius lateralis (P<0.001; ES = 0.64), and after dynamic muscle activity in gastrocnemius lateralis (P = 0.003; ES = 0.53) only. On the other hand, spinal excitability (Hmax/Mmax), cSP duration, muscle activation (EMG/Mmax) as well as maximal voluntary and evoked torque remained unaltered after all pre-exercise interventions. These findings indicate the presence of facilitation of the corticospinal pathway without change in muscle function after both static stretching (particularly) and dynamic muscle activity.
Mechanical Effects of Cochlear Implants on Residual Hearing Loss: A Finite Element Analysis

The effects of cochlear implants on residual hearing loss is investigated through a finite element model of human auditory periphery consisting of the cochlea and middle ear. The simulation results show that a round window stiffness is the dominant factor in residual hearing loss. The increased round window stiffness to five times caused over 4 dB residual hearing loss at low frequencies below 500 Hz. Without considering round window ossification, inserting a cochlear implant can show at most 4 dB difference of residual hearing loss in magnitude from the no-implant case although the cochlear implant's geometry and position has been varied. If the stiffness of the round window is the same, the simulation results suggest to use a thin-straight-cochlear implant inserted into the lateral side in order to preserve residual hearing at frequencies below 700 Hz. In addition, when the distance between the basilar membrane and a cochlear implant is closer, the residual hearing loss becomes severe at high frequencies above 1 kHz. The results would be helpful for choice of a cochlear implant depending on a patient's condition.
Recruiting Immigrant and Refugee Arab American Mother–Father–Infant Triads Resettling in the United States: A Feasibility Study

Background Recent Iraqi and Syrian immigrant families are exposed to stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms due to civil war. Recruitment challenges specific to conducting research within this population include the lack of knowledge about research, stigma of mental illness, and mistrust. Purposes Among immigrant Iraqi and Syrian families: (1) evaluate the approach to recruitment and retention; and (2) evaluate the acceptability of the study procedures. Methods This feasibility study was conducted based on the work of Orsmond and Cohn. It is focused on the evaluation of recruitment capability and resulting sample characteristics and evaluation of acceptability and suitability of the study procedures. Mother–father–infant triads were recruited from a community center. Parents completed questionnaires about stress and depressive symptoms. Buccal swab samples were obtained from the triads to measure telomere length, and infant hair samples were obtained to measure cortisol level. Telomere length and hair cortisol were utilized as measures of chronic stress. Results Ten mother–father–infant triads were enrolled out of 11 approached. Challenges faced this study included inability to reach families by telephone and the effect of cultural norms where the husband’s permission was needed before proceeding, resulting in a slow pace of recruitment. The study strategy and procedures appeared to be feasible as all of the families who participated completed all study protocols. Conclusion This study provides feasibility data to inform the launching of a larger study to examine the associations of family stress with infant stress and development. These findings from Iraqi and Syrian families may be generalizable to studies seeking to recruit these and other immigrant and refugee population families.
A novel strigolactone-miR156 module controls stomatal behaviour during drought recovery.

miR156 is a conserved microRNA whose role and induction mechanisms under stress are poorly known. Strigolactones are phytohormones needed in shoots for drought acclimation. They promote stomatal closure ABA-dependently and independently; however, downstream effectors for the former have not been identified. Linkage between miR156 and strigolactones under stress has not been reported. We compared ABA accumulation and sensitivity as well as performances of wt and miR156-overexpressing (miR156-oe) tomato plants during drought. We also quantified miR156 levels in wt, strigolactone-depleted and strigolactone-treated plants, exposed to drought stress. Under irrigated conditions, miR156 overexpression and strigolactone treatment led to lower stomatal conductance and higher ABA sensitivity. Exogenous strigolactones were sufficient for miR156 accumulation in leaves, while endogenous strigolactones were required for miR156 induction by drought. The "after-effect" of drought, by which stomata do not completely re-open after rewatering, was enhanced by both strigolactones and miR156. The transcript profiles of several miR156 targets were altered in strigolactone-depleted plants. Our results show that strigolactones act as a molecular link between drought and miR156 in tomato, and identify miR156 as a mediator of ABA-dependent effect of strigolactones on the after-effect of drought on stomata. Thus, we provide insights into both strigolactone and miR156 action on stomata. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
How Ethnicity, Expression, and Study Design Influence First Impressions of Approachability

Over two studies, participants (total N = 642) rated a community sample of photographs of Black, East Asian, and White males who were smiling or portraying a neutral expression to see how participant ethnicity, target ethnicity, and target expression influence judgments of approachability (i.e., trustworthiness, friendliness, and threat). We also examined how a commonly used study design, in which each participant is asked to evaluate different groups of people, may motivate participants to adjust their ratings in an effort to avoid appearing biased. Results showed that the White participant group tended to rate smiling targets as friendlier (Studies 1 and 2) and more trustworthy (Study 1) than did the non-White participant group, which could be due to cultural differences based on majority versus minority status among the participants. In addition, the White participant group tended to rate White targets more positively than did the non-White participant group, suggesting an in-group bias. Finally, differences in results between Studies 1 and 2 suggest that study design can influence the degree of bias responding, highlighting the importance of incorporating a diversity of methods to better understand first impression judgments.
Implicit? What Do You Mean? A Comprehensive Review of the Delusive Implicitness Construct in Attitude Research

This article provides a comprehensive review of divergent conceptualizations of the “implicit” construct that have emerged in attitude research over the past two decades. In doing so, our goal is to raise awareness of the harmful consequences of conceptual ambiguities associated with this terminology. We identify three main conceptualizations of the “implicitness” construct: the procedural conceptualization (implicit-as-indirect), the functional conceptualization (implicit-as-automatic), and the mental theory conceptualization (implicit-as-associative), as well as two hybrid conceptualizations (implicit-as-indirect-and-automatic, implicit-as-driven-by-affective-gut-reactions). We discuss critical limitations associated with each conceptualization and explain that confusion also arises from their coexistence. We recommend discontinuing the usage of the “implicit” terminology in attitude research and research inspired by it. We offer terminological alternatives aimed at increasing both the precision of theorization and the practical value of future research.
HSP90AA1, ADRB2, TBL1XR1 and HSPB1 are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-related genes that facilitate squamous cell lung cancer progression

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and squamous cell lung carcinoma (SCC) are smoking-related diseases. However, the connection between the two is poorly understood. Microarray gene expression profiles in bronchial epithelium from patients with SCC with or without COPD were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus repository. Differentially expressed genes associated with COPD and SCC were identified and visualized using the Advanced Network Merger module in Cytoscape. COPD-associated genes in SCC progression were further identified using the BisoGenet plug-in in Cytoscape. The genetic interaction network was predicted using the Network Analysis function. Heat shock protein 90 α family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1), adrenoceptor β2 (ADRB2), transducin β like 1 X-linked receptor 1 (TBL1XR1) and heat shock protein family B (small) member 1 (HSPB1) were identified to be differentially expressed in SCC and COPD cases. The overall survival rate associated with the gene signatures was investigated using clinical samples from patients with SCC and COPD from the PROGgene database. The results suggest that the pathogenesis of SCC caused by COPD is regulated by HSP90AA1, ADRB2, TBL1XR1 and HSPB1. These genes may serve as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of patients with COPD-related SCC.
Ld-EEG Effective Brain Connectivity in Patients With Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

The characterization of brain cortical activity in heart-failure patients affected by Cheyne-Stokes Respiration might provide relevant information about the mechanism underlying this pathology. Central autonomic network is gaining increasing attention for its role in the regulation of breathing and cardiac functions. In this scenario, evaluating changes in cortical connectivity associated with Cheyne-Stokes Respiration may be of interest in the study of specific brain-activity related to such disease. Nonetheless, the inter subject variability, the temporal dynamics of Central-Apnea/Hyperpnea cycles and the limitations of clinical setups lead to different methodological challenges. To this aim, we present a framework for the assessment of cortico-cortical interactions from Electroencephalographic signals acquired using low-density caps and block-design paradigms, arising from endogenous triggers. The framework combines ICA-decomposition, unsupervised clustering, MVAR modelling and a permutation-bootstrap strategy for evaluating significant connectivity differences between conditions. A common network, lateralized towards the left hemisphere, was depicted across 8 patients exhibiting Cheyne-Stokes Respiration patterns during acquisitions. Significant differences in connectivity at the group level were observed based on patients’ ventilatory condition. Interactions were significantly higher during hyperpnea periods with respect to central apneas and occurred mainly in the delta band. Opposite-sign differences were observed for higher frequencies (i.e. beta, low-gamma).
Effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on respiratory function in patients with breast cancer

Objective To evaluate changes in chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and quality of life in female breast cancer patients who had been treated with four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of a regimen of cyclophosphamide, epirubicin and 5-fluorouracil (CEF regimen), and to determine the correlation between pulmonary function parameters and declined quality of life. Methods Twenty-nine eligible female patients diagnosed with breast cancer at the first visit who were 20−60 years old, were classified as the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I−II and patients whose body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2 were recruited and subjected to chest X-ray examinations, PFTs and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) questionnaire before and after receiving 4 cycles of the CEF regimen. Results In this study, chest X-rays showed no abnormal changes after chemotherapy, but significant decreases in carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) and percentage of the DLCO predicted value (DLCO%) (P<0.001). A significant increase in maximal ventilatory volume (MVV) (P=0.004) was observed, and most patients experienced dyspnea (P=0.031) and fatigue (P<0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between the changes in these PFTs parameters and the results of the EORTC QLQ-C30 (P>0.05). Conclusions Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can reduce lung diffusion function and quality of life in females with breast cancer.
Melatonin improves rice salinity stress tolerance by NADPH oxidase-dependent control of the plasma membrane K+ transporters and K+ homeostasis.

This study aimed to reveal the mechanistic basis of the melatonin-mediated amelioration of salinity stress in plants. Electrophysiological experiments revealed that melatonin decreased salt-induced K+ efflux (a critical determinant of plant salt tolerance) in a dose- and time-dependent manner and reduced sensitivity of the plasma membrane K+ -permeable channels to hydroxyl radicals. These beneficial effects of melatonin were abolished by NADPH oxidase blocker DPI. Transcriptome analyses revealed that melatonin induced 585 (448 up- and 137 down-regulated) and 59 (54 up- and 5 down-regulated) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the root tip and mature zone, respectively. The most noticeable changes in the root tip were melatonin-induced increase in the expression of several DEGs encoding respiratory burst NADPH oxidase (OsRBOHA and OsRBOHF), calcineurin B-like/calcineurin B-like-interacting protein kinase (OsCBL/OsCIPK), and calcium-dependent protein kinase (OsCDPK) under salt stress. Melatonin also enhanced the expression of potassium transporter genes (OsAKT1, OsHAK1, and OsHAK5). Taken together, these results indicate that melatonin improves salt tolerance in rice by enabling K+ retention in roots, and that the latter process is conferred by melatonin scavenging of hydroxyl radicals and a concurrent OsRBOHF-dependent ROS signaling required to activate stress-responsive genes and increasing the expression of K+ uptake transporters in the root tip. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The Development and Exploratory Psychometric Properties of the Traumatic and Routine Stressors Scale on Emergency Nurses (TRSS-EN)

Emergency nurses are exposed to traumatic events and routine stressors, both of which can lead to the development of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptomatology. However, there are currently no instruments designed to assess the impact and frequency of such sources of stress in nurses. The Traumatic and Routine Stressors Scale on Emergency Nurses (TRSS-EN) was built for this purpose. A sample of 147 emergency nurses from three hospitals in Madrid (Spain) completed this 13-item scale. The analyses showed a factorial structure composed of two factors. The first is characterized by items regarding traumatic and stressful events and procedures of severe magnitude (traumatic stressors), and the second by items related to stressful events and procedures of moderate magnitude (routine stressors) but hypothesized to possess a substantial traumatic potential. Analyses provided evidence of both adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.92; first factor α = 0.91 and second factor α = 0.86) and test–retest reliability. In addition, concurrent validity also proved to be satisfactory. In short, TRSS-EN seems to be a reliable and valid tool in a healthcare emergency nursing setting for screening the frequency and impact of exposure to everyday work-related traumatic stressors, either event-related or routine.
Radiomics and Deep Learning: Hepatic Applications

Radiomics and deep learning have recently gained attention in the imaging assessment of various liver diseases. Recent research has demonstrated the potential utility of radiomics and deep learning in staging liver fibroses, detecting portal hypertension, characterizing focal hepatic lesions, prognosticating malignant hepatic tumors, and segmenting the liver and liver tumors. In this review, we outline the basic technical aspects of radiomics and deep learning and summarize recent investigations of the application of these techniques in liver disease.
Impact of 12-Month Smartphone Breathing Meditation Program upon Systolic Blood Pressure among Non-Medicated Stage 1 Hypertensive Adults

(1) Background: Hypertension (HTN) affects ~50% of adults and is a major risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease. In 2017, the SPRINT trial outcomes led to lowering of HTN cutoffs by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA). The Joint National Committee (JNC8) and National High BP Education Program recommend that lifestyle modifications be used as first-line HTN treatment. Chronic stress is a risk factor for HTN and cardiovascular disease. A recently completed 12 month randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a breathing meditation smart phone app (Tension Tamer, TT) involving JNC8 designated pre-HTN adults provided an opportunity to examine its impact upon individuals now classified as having stage 1 HTN. The TT app captures continuous real-time heart rate (HR) from a user’s fingertip placed over a video camera lens during sessions. Users receive immediate feedback graphs after each session, showing their HR changes. They also receive motivational and social reinforcement SMS text messages the following day based upon levels of adherence. We conducted ancillary analyses of a 2-arm, 12-month, small-scale efficacy RCT among a subgroup of our total sample of participants, who are now classified as having stage 1 non-medicated systolic HTN. Primary outcome was change in resting systolic blood pressure (SBP). Secondary outcomes were change in resting diastolic blood pressure, adherence to the TT protocol, and perceived stress levels. (2) Methods: 30 adults (mean age: 45.0 years; 15 males; 16 White; 14 Black) with ACC/AHA 2017 defined systolic HTN (130–139 mmHg) on 3 consecutive sessions (mean SBP: 132.6 mmHg) were randomly assigned to TT or lifestyle education program delivered via smartphone (SPCTL). Each group received a twice-daily dosage schedule of TT or walking (month 1: 15 min; months 2 and 3: 10 min; months 4–12: 5 min). (3) Results: Mixed modeling results revealed a significant group x time effect for SBP (p<.01). The TT group showed greater SBP reductions at months 3 (−8.0 vs. −1.9), 6 (−10.0 vs. −0.7), and 12: (−11.6 vs. −0.4 mmHg; all p-values <0.04). (4) Conclusion: The TT app was beneficial in reducing SBP levels among adults with stage 1 systolic HTN. The TT app may be a promising, scalable first-line tactic for stage 1 HTN. Preparations are underway for an efficacy RCT involving uncontrolled stage 1 HTN patients.
Identification of Telocytes in the Pancreas of Turtles—A role in Cellular Communication

The existence of telocytes (TCs) has not yet been established in the pancreases of aquatic reptiles. Here, we report TCs in the exocrine pancreas of Pelodiscus sinensis using transmission electron microscope (TEM), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) techniques. TCs surrounded the acini and ducts of the connective tissue of the exocrine pancreas and between lobules and gland cells. The cells were located preferably close to the blood vessels, interlobular ducts, and nerve fibers. Ultrastructurally, TCs exhibited small and large bodies with thick and thin portions, podoms, and podomers, and prolongations that form dichotomous branching with hetero-cellular and homo-cellular junctions. The podom (thick) portions showed caveolae, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and vesicles. The nucleus carries heterochromatin and is irregular in shape. The shape of TCs depends on the number of telopodes (Tps) bearing long, short, spindle, triangular, and “beads on a string” shapes with twisted, tortuous prolongations and ramifications. Shed extracellular vesicles and exosomes were found frequently released from projections and Tps within connective tissue in the vicinity of the acini and collagen fibers. IHC and IF results showed CD34+, α-SMA+, and vimentin+, long and triangle-shaped TCs, consistent with the TEM findings. The presence of shaded vesicles from TCs might implicate their possible role in immune surveillance, tissue regeneration as well as regulatory functions in the reptilian pancreas.