Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A tale of two genomes: What drives mitonuclear discordance in asexual lineages of a freshwater snail?

We use genomic information to tell us stories of evolutionary origins. But what does it mean when different genomes report wildly different accounts of lineage history? This genomic “discordance” can be a consequence of a fascinating suite of natural history and evolutionary phenomena, from the different inheritance mechanisms of nuclear versus cytoplasmic (mitochondrial and plastid) genomes to hybridization and introgression to horizontal transfer. Here, we explore how we can use these distinct genomic stories to provide new insights into the maintenance of sexual reproduction, one of the most important unanswered questions in biology. We focus on the strikingly distinct nuclear versus mitochondrial versions of the story surrounding the origin and maintenance of asexual lineages in Potamopyrgus antipodarum, a New Zealand freshwater snail. While key questions remain unresolved, these data inspire multiple testable hypotheses that can be powerfully applied across a broad range of taxa toward a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of mitonuclear discordance, the maintenance of sex, and the origin of new asexual lineages.
Effect of intra-operative chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin on the survival of patients with colorectal cancer after radical surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background: The effect of intra-operative chemotherapy (IOC) on the long-term survival of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the independent effect of intra-operative infusion of 5-fluorouracil in combination with calcium folinate on the survival of CRC patients following radical resection. Methods: 1820 patients were recruited, and 1263 received IOC and 557 did not. Clinical and demographic data were collected, including overall survival (OS), clinicopathological features, and treatment strategies. Risk factors for IOC-related deaths were identified using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. A regression model was developed to analyze the independent effects of IOC. Results: Proportional hazard regression analysis showed that IOC (hazard ratio [HR]=0.53, 95% confidence intervals [CI] [0.43, 0.65], P < 0.001) was a protective factor for the survival of patients. The mean overall survival time in IOC group was 82.50 (95% CI [80.52, 84.49]) months, and 71.21 (95% CI [67.92, 74.50]) months in non-IOC group. The OS in IOC-treated patients were significantly higher than non-IOC-treated patients (P < 0.001, log-rank test). Further analysis revealed that IOC decreased the risk of death in patients with CRC in a non-adjusted model (HR=0.53, 95% CI [0.43, 0.65], P < 0.001), model 2 (adjusted for age and gender, HR=0.52, 95% CI [0.43, 0.64], P < 0.001), and model 3 (adjusted for all factors, 95% CI 0.71 [0.55, 0.90], P = 0.006). The subgroup analysis showed that the HR for the effect of IOC on survival was lower in patients with stage II (HR = 0.46, 95% CI [0.31, 0.67]) or III disease (HR=0.59, 95% CI [0.45, 0.76]), regardless of pre-operative radiotherapy (HR=0.55, 95% CI [0.45, 0.68]) or pre-operative chemotherapy (HR=0.54, 95% CI [0.44, 0.66]). Conclusions: IOC is an independent factor that influences the survival of CRC patients. It improved the OS of patients with stages II and III CRC after radical surgery. Trial registration: chictr.org. cn, ChiCTR 2100043775.
SASG-GCN: Self-Attention Similarity Guided Graph Convolutional Network for Multi-Type Lower-Grade Glioma Classification

Identifying the subtypes of low-grade glioma (LGG) can help prevent brain tumor progression and patient death. However, the complicated non-linear relationship and high dimensionality of 3D brain MRI limit the performance of machine learning methods. Therefore, it is important to develop a classification method that can overcome these limitations. This study proposes a self-attention similarity-guided graph convolutional network (SASG-GCN) that uses the constructed graphs to complete multi-classification (tumor-free (TF), WG, and TMG). In the pipeline of SASG-GCN, we use a convolutional deep belief network and a self-attention similarity-based method to construct the vertices and edges of the constructed graphs at 3D MRI level, respectively. The multi-classification experiment is performed in a two-layer GCN model. SASG-GCN is trained and evaluated on 402 3D MRI images which are produced from the TCGA-LGG dataset. Empirical tests demonstrate that SASG-GCN accurately classifies the subtypes of LGG. The accuracy of SASG-GCN achieves 93.62%, outperforming several other state-of-the-art classification methods. In-depth discussion and analysis reveal that the self-attention similarity-guided strategy improves the performance of SASG-GCN. The visualization revealed differences between different gliomas.
Laminectomy With Fusion is Associated With Greater Functional Improvement Compared With Laminectomy Alone for the Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Study Design. Systematic review and Meta-analysis. Objective. To compare outcomes and complications profile of laminectomy alone versus laminectomy and fusion for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS). Summary of Background Data. Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis is a common cause of back pain and functional impairment. DLS is associated with high monetary (up to $100 billion annually in the US) and nonmonetary societal and personal costs. While nonoperative management remains the first-line treatment for DLS, decompressive laminectomy with or without fusion is indicated for the treatment-resistant disease. Methods. We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE for RCTs and cohort studies from inception through April 14, 2022. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute risk of bias tool. We generated odds ratio and standard mean difference estimates for select parameters. Results. A total of 23 manuscripts were included (n=90,996 patients). Complication rates were higher in patients undergoing laminectomy and fusion compared with laminectomy alone (OR: 1.55, P<0.001). Rates of reoperation were similar between both groups (OR: 0.67, P=0.10). Laminectomy with fusion was associated with a longer duration of surgery (Standard Mean Difference: 2.60, P=0.04) and a longer hospital stay (2.16, P=0.01). Compared with laminectomy alone, the extent of functional improvement in pain and disability was superior in the laminectomy and fusion cohort. Laminectomy with fusion had a greater mean change in ODI (−0.38, P<0.01) compared with laminectomy alone. Laminectomy with fusion was associated with a greater mean change in NRS leg score (−0.11, P=0.04) and NRS back score (−0.45, P<0.01). Conclusion. Compared with laminectomy alone, laminectomy with fusion is associated with greater postoperative improvement in pain and disability, albeit with a longer duration of surgery and hospital stay.
Validation of the German Registry for Acute Aortic Dissection Type A Score in predicting 30-day mortality after type A aortic dissection surgery

Abstract OBJECTIVES No reliable scores are available to predict mortality following surgery for type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD). Recently, the German Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection Type A (GERAADA) score has been developed. We aim to compare how the GERAADA score performs in predicting operative mortality for TAAAD to the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II. METHODS We calculated the GERAADA score and EuroSCORE II in patients who underwent TAAAD repair at the Bristol Heart Institute. As there are no precise criteria to calculate the GERAADA score, we used 2 methods: a Clinical-GERAADA score, which evaluated malperfusion with clinical and radiological evidence, and a Radiological-GERAADA score, where malperfusion was assessed by computed tomography scan alone. RESULTS 207 consecutive patients had surgery for TAAAD, and the observed 30-day mortality was 15%. The Clinical-GERAADA score showed the strongest discriminative power with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71–0.89], while the Radiological-GERAADA score had an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI 0.67–0.87). EuroSCORE II showed acceptable discriminative power with an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI 0.67–0.87). CONCLUSIONS Clinical GERAADA score performed better than the other scores and it is specific and easy to use in the context of a TAAAD. Further validation of the new criteria for malperfusion is needed.
Effect of a Compassion Fatigue Resiliency Program on Nurse Managers' Professional Quality of Life, Stress, and Resilience

Background: Compassion fatigue, stress, and burnout have an adverse impact on nurse managers. Purpose: To evaluate the impact of a compassion fatigue resiliency program on nurse managers and to obtain their views of the program. Methods: This mixed-methods study was conducted with 16 nurse managers. The compassion fatigue resiliency program was implemented; compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, burnout, perceived stress, and resilience were assessed before and after implementation of the program. Results: The mean compassion fatigue and perceived stress scores of nurses decreased significantly after the intervention. Four themes were identified from qualitative analysis, including awareness, coping with stress, effective communication skills in team management, and recommendations. Conclusions: The current study shows the training program reduced nurse managers' compassion fatigue and stress and enabled nurse managers to improve their coping skills and awareness.
Unplanned Extubations Requiring Reintubation in Pediatric Critical Care: An Epidemiological Study

OBJECTIVES: Unplanned extubations are an infrequent but life-threatening adverse event in pediatric critical care. Due to the rarity of these events, previous studies have been small, limiting the generalizability of findings and the ability to detect associations. Our objectives were to describe unplanned extubations and explore predictors of unplanned extubation requiring reintubation in PICUs. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study and multilevel regression model. SETTING: PICUs participating in Virtual Pediatric Systems (LLC). PATIENTS: Patients (≤ 18 yr) who had an unplanned extubation in PICU (2012–2020). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We developed and trained a multilevel least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression model in the 2012–2016 sample that accounted for between-PICU variations as a random effect to predict reintubation after unplanned extubation. The remaining sample (2017–2020) was used to externally validate the model. Predictors included age, weight, sex, primary diagnosis, admission type, and readmission status. Model calibration and discriminatory performance were evaluated using Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit (HL-GOF) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), respectively. Of the 5,703 patients included, 1,661 (29.1%) required reintubation. Variables associated with increased risk of reintubation were age (< 2 yr; odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–1.9) and diagnosis (respiratory; OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1–1.6). Scheduled admission was associated with decreased risk of reintubation (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6–0.9). With LASSO (lambda = 0.011), remaining variables were age, weight, diagnosis, and scheduled admission. The predictors resulted in AUROC of 0.59 (95% CI, 0.57–0.61); HL-GOF showed the model was well calibrated (p = 0.88). The model performed similarly in external validation (AUROC, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.56–0.61). CONCLUSIONS: Predictors associated with increased risk of reintubation included age and respiratory primary diagnosis. Including clinical factors (e.g., oxygen and ventilatory requirements at the time of unplanned extubation) in the model may increase predictive ability.
Uncovering the social determinants of brain injury rehabilitation

Social determinants of health (SDH), such as social isolation and loneliness, are often more frequently experienced in brain injury survivors. The paper explores the personal experiences of loneliness among brain injury survivors during lockdown to negate health inequalities and improve rehabilitation for this population in the future. Twenty-four brain injury survivors participated in semi-structured interviews and questionnaires relating to loneliness, resilience and wellbeing. Three themes (the experience of loneliness, loneliness during the pandemic and loneliness after the pandemic) explored survivors’ experiences of loneliness generally post-brain injury, but also chronicle how these feelings developed in lockdown and survivors’ feelings regarding society returning to ‘normal’. Future interventions should focus on reframing survivors’ beliefs regarding societal expectations and minimise the pressure they experience to keep up with their peers physically and emotionally. Additionally, we recommend creating accessible peer support options for all brain injury survivors as an important step for alleviating loneliness.
An Immune Atlas of T Cells in Transplant Rejection: Pathways and Therapeutic Opportunities

Short-term outcomes in allotransplantation are excellent due to technical and pharmacological advances; however, improvement in long-term outcomes has been limited. Recurrent episodes of acute cellular rejection, a primarily T cell–mediated response to transplanted tissue, have been implicated in the development of chronic allograft dysfunction and loss. Although it is well established that acute cellular rejection is primarily a CD4+ and CD8+ T cell mediated response, significant heterogeneity exists within these cell compartments. During immune responses, naïve CD4+ T cells are activated and subsequently differentiate into specific T helper subsets under the influence of the local cytokine milieu. These subsets have distinct phenotypic and functional characteristics, with reported differences in their contribution to rejection responses specifically. Of particular relevance are the regulatory subsets and their potential to promote tolerance of allografts. Unraveling the specific contributions of these cell subsets in the context of transplantation is complex, but may reveal new avenues of therapeutic intervention for the prevention of rejection.
Ultrathin GaN quantum wells in AlN nanowires for UV-C emission

Molecular beam epitaxy growth and optical properties of GaN quantum disks in AlN nanowires were investigated, with the purpose of controlling the emission wavelength of AlN nanowire-based light emitting diodes. Besides GaN quantum disks with a thickness ranging from 1 to 4 monolayers, a special attention was paid to incomplete GaN disks exhibiting lateral confinement. Their emission consists of sharp lines which extend down to 215 nm, in the vicinity of AlN band edge. The room temperature cathodoluminescence intensity of an ensemble of GaN quantum disks embedded in AlN nanowires is about 20% of the low temperature value, emphasizing the potential of ultrathin/incomplete GaN quantum disks for deep UV emission.
Comparing the Validity of MMPI-3 Scores in Prehire Psychological Screenings of Male and Female Police Officer Candidates

Abstract Psychological testing is an important component of the screening process for public safety officers. The use of standardized measures is intended to increase the objectivity of preemployment evaluations, highlighting the importance of examining tests used in these assessments for evidence of differential validity. Differential validity is indicated when a screening measure is unequally associated with, or systematically over- or under-predicts, a criterion across demographic groups. In the current study, we examined for differential validity in Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) scores in a sample of 527 police officer candidates (455 males, 72 females). We first calculated correlations between MMPI-3 scores and job-relevant historical variables. Next, for variable pairings that yielded at least a small effect size, regression models were estimated in a multi-group framework comparing associations between MMPI-3 scores and the historical variables across men and women. The analyses yielded statistical evidence of negligible differential validity across gender in police officer screenings. Implications of these findings and limitations of this study are discussed.
Ocular surface immune cell diversity in dry eye disease

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial chronic ocular surface inflammatory condition. Disease severity has been directly related to the immuno-inflammatory status of the ocular surface. Any perturbation in the orchestrated functional harmony between the ocular surface structural cells and immune cells, both resident and trafficking ones, can adversely affect ocular surface health. The diversity and contribution of ocular surface immune cells in DED have been of interest for over a couple of decades. As is true with any mucosal tissue, the ocular surface harbors a variety of immune cells of the innate-adaptive continuum and some of which are altered in DED. The current review curates and organizes the knowledge related to the ocular surface immune cell diversity in DED. Ten different major immune cell types and 21 immune cell subsets have been studied in the context of DED in human subjects and in animal models. The most pertinent observations are increased ocular surface proportions of neutrophils, dendritic cells, macrophages, and T cell subsets (CD4+; CD8+; Th17) along with a decrease in T regulatory cells. Some of these cells have demonstrated disease-causal association with ocular surface health parameters such as OSDI score, Schirmer's test-1, tear break-up time, and corneal staining. The review also summarizes various interventional strategies studied to modulate specific immune cell subsets and reduce DED severity. Further advancements would enable the use of ocular surface immune cell diversity, in patient stratification, i.e. DED-immunotypes, disease monitoring, and selective targeting to resolve the morbidity related to DED.
Contact lenses in dry eye disease and associated ocular surface disorders

Dry eye disease (DED) is prevalent in all age groups and is known to cause chronic ocular discomfort and pain, and greatly affects the quality of life. Patients with ocular surface disease (OSD) may also have reduced tear secretion due to lacrimal gland damage, thus leading to aqueous deficient DED. Even with conventional management modalities such as lubricating eyedrops, topical corticosteroids, autologous serum eyedrops, or punctal plugs, many patients continue to suffer from debilitating symptoms. Contact lenses are increasingly being used in OSD providing surface hydration, protection from environmental insults, mechanical damage from abnormal lids, and as a modality for constant drug delivery to the ocular surface. This review describes the role of soft lenses and rigid gas-permeable scleral lenses in the management of DED associated with OSD. The efficacy of contact lenses, lens selection, and optimal lens fit are reviewed for specific indications.
EMIC waves observed at geosynchronous orbit under quiet geomagnetic conditions (Kp ≤ 1)

We statistically study the local time distribution of the helium band electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves observed at geosynchronous orbit when geomagnetic activity was low (Kp ≤ 1). In order to identify the geosynchronous EMIC waves, we use high time resolution magnetic field data acquired from GOES 10, 11, and 12 over a 2 year period from 2007 and 2008 and examine the local time distribution of EMIC wave events. Unlike previous studies, which reported high EMIC wave occurrence in the postnoon sector with a peak around 1500–1600 magnetic local time (MLT) during magnetically disturbed times (i.e., storm and/or substorm), we observed that quiet time EMIC waves mostly occur in a region from morning (∼0600 MLT) to afternoon (∼1600 MLT) with a peak around 1100–1200 MLT. To investigate whether the quiet time EMIC wave occurrence has a causal relationship with magnetospheric convection enhancement or solar wind dynamic pressure variations, we performed a superposed epoch analysis of solar wind parameters (solar wind speed, density, dynamic pressure, and interplanetary magnetic field Bz) and geomagnetic indices (AE and SYM‐H). From the superposed epoch analysis we found that solar wind dynamic pressure variation is a more important parameter than AE and SYM‐H for quiet time EMIC wave occurrence.
Relationships between total reserve and financial indicators of Bangladesh: Application of generalized additive model

Background The reserve of a country is a reflection of the strength of fulfilling its financial liabilities. However, during the past several years, a regular variation of the total reserve has been observed on a global scale. The reserve of Bangladesh is also influenced by several economic and financial indicators such as total debt, net foreign assets, net domestic credit, inflation GDP deflator, net exports (% of GDP), and imports of goods and services (% of GDP), as well as foreign direct investment, GNI growth, official exchange rate, personal remittances, and so on. Therefore, the authors aimed to identify the nature of the relationship and influence of economic indicators on the total reserve of Bangladesh using a suitable statistical model. Methods and materials To meet the objective of this study, the secondary data set was extracted from the World Bank’s website which is openly accessible over the period 1976 to 2020. Moreover, the model used the appropriate splines to describe the non-linearity. The performance of the model was evaluated by the Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), and adjusted R-square. Results The total reserve of Bangladesh gradually increased since 2001, and it reached its peak in 2020 which was 43172 billion US dollars. The data were first utilized to build a multiple linear regression model as a base model, but it was later found that the model has severe multicollinearity problems, with a maximum value of VIF for GNI of 499.63. Findings revealed that total debt, inflation, import, and export are showing a non-linear relationship with the total reserve in Bangladesh. Therefore, the authors applied the Generalized Additive Model (GAM) model to take advantage of the nonlinear relationship between the reserve and the selected covariates. The overall response, which is linearly tied to the net foreign asset in the GAM model, will change by 14.43 USD for every unit change in the net foreign asset. It is observed that the GAM model performs better than the multiple linear regression. Conclusion A non-linear relationship is observed between the total reserve and different economic indicators of Bangladesh. The authors believed that this study will be beneficial to the government, monetary authorities also to the people of the country to better understand the economy.