Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Length of Hospital Stay, Hospitalization Costs, and Their Drivers in Adults with Diabetes in the Romanian Public Hospital System

The aim of this analysis was to assess the costs associated with the hospitalizations of persons with diabetes in a Romanian public hospital. We performed a retrospective “top-down” cost analysis of all adult patients discharged from a tertiary care hospital with an ICD-10 primary or secondary code of diabetes mellitus (type 1, type 2, or specific forms) between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2018. All costs were adjusted with the annual inflation rates and converted to EUR. We included 16,868 patients with diabetes and 28,055 episodes of hospitalization. The total adjusted hospitalization cost in the analyzed period was EUR 26,418,126.8 and the adjusted median cost/episode of hospitalization was EUR 596.5. The mean length of a hospital stay/episode was 7.3 days. In the multivariate regression analysis, higher adjusted average costs/episodes of hospitalization and longer lengths of hospital stays were associated with increasing age, the presence of cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and foot ulcerations. Moreover, a significant association between the average cost/episode of hospitalization and the length of hospital stay was observed (β = 0.704, p < 0.001). This study shows the burden on Romanian public hospitals of inpatient diabetes care and the main drivers of the costs.
Legionella pneumophila Infection of Human Macrophages Retains Golgi Structure but Reduces O-Glycans

Legionella pneumophila is an accidental pathogen that replicates intracellularly within the Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV) in macrophages. Within an hour of infection, L. pneumophila secretes effectors to manipulate Rab1 and intercept ER-derived vesicles to the LCV. The downstream consequences of interrupted ER trafficking on the Golgi of macrophages are not clear. We examined the Golgi structure and function in L. pneumophila-infected human U937 macrophages. Intriguingly, the size of the Golgi in infected macrophages remained similar to uninfected macrophages. Furthermore, TEM analysis also did not reveal any significant changes in the ultrastructure of the Golgi in L. pneumophila-infected cells. Drug-induced Golgi disruption impacted bacterial replication in human macrophages, suggesting that an intact organelle is important for bacteria growth. To probe for Golgi functionality after L. pneumophila infection, we assayed glycosylation levels using fluorescent lectins. Golgi O-glycosylation levels, visualized by the fluorescent cis-Golgi lectin, Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA), significantly decreased over time as infection progressed, compared to control cells. N-glycosylation levels in the Golgi, as measured by L-PHA lectin staining, were not impacted by L. pneumophila infection. To understand the mechanism of reduced O-glycans in the Golgi we monitored UDP-GalNAc transporter levels in infected macrophages. The solute carrier family 35 membrane A2 (SLC35A2) protein levels were significantly reduced in L. pneumophila-infected U937 and HeLa cells and L. pneumophila growth in human macrophages benefitted from GalNAc supplementation. The pronounced reduction in Golgi HPA levels was dependent on the translocation apparatus DotA expression in bacteria and occurred in a ubiquitin-independent manner. Thus, L. pneumophila infection of human macrophages maintains and requires an intact host Golgi ultrastructure despite known interference of ER–Golgi trafficking. Finally, L. pneumophila infection blocks the formation of O-linked glycans and reduces SLC35A2 protein levels in infected human macrophages.
Higher Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Is Associated with Greater High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Concentration in Adults: Cross-Sectional Results from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study

Background: Few studies have examined associations between ultra-processed food intake and biomarkers of inflammation, and inconsistent results have been reported in the small number of studies that do exist. As such, further investigation is required. Methods: Cross-sectional baseline data from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS) were analysed (n = 2018). We applied the NOVA food classification system to data from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to determine ultra-processed food intake (g/day). The outcome was high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration (hsCRP; mg/L). We fitted unadjusted and adjusted linear regression analyses, with sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle- and health-related behaviours as covariates. Supplementary analyses further adjusted for body mass index (kg/m2). Sex was assessed as a possible effect modifier. Ultra-processed food intake was modelled as 100 g increments and the magnitude of associations expressed as estimated relative change in hsCRP concentration with accompanying 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). Results: After adjustment, every 100 g increase in ultra-processed food intake was associated with a 4.0% increase in hsCRP concentration (95%CIs: 2.1–5.9%, p < 0.001). Supplementary analyses showed that part of this association was independent of body mass index (estimated relative change in hsCRP: 2.5%; 95%CIs: 0.8–4.3%, p = 0.004). No interaction was observed between sex and ultra-processed food intake. Conclusion: Higher ultra-processed food intake was cross-sectionally associated with elevated hsCRP, which appeared to occur independent of body mass index. Future prospective and intervention studies are necessary to confirm directionality and whether the observed association is causal.
Invasive Fungal Infection Caused by Magnusiomyces capitatus in an Immunocompromised Pediatric Patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Mexico City: A Case Report

Magnusiomyces capitatus (also denominated “Geotrichum capitatum” and “the teleomorph stage of Saprochaete capitata”) mainly affects immunocompromised patients with hematological malignancies in rare cases of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Few cases have been reported for pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in part because conventional diagnostic methods do not consistently detect M. capitatus in infections. The current contribution describes a systemic infection in a 15-year-old female diagnosed with ALL. She arrived at the Children’s Hospital of Mexico City with a fever and neutropenia and developed symptoms of septic shock 4 days later. M. capitatus ENCB-HI-834, the causal agent, was isolated from the patient’s blood, urine, bile, and peritoneal fluid samples. It was identified with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and a phylogenetic reconstruction using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S ribosomal sequences. The phylogenetic sequence of M. capitatus ENCB-HI-834 clustered with other M. capitatus-type strains with a 100% identity. In vitro antifungal testing, conducted with the Sensititre YeastOne susceptibility system, found the following minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (μg/mL): posaconazole 0.25, amphotericin B 1.0, fluconazole > 8.0, itraconazole 0.25, ketoconazole 0.5, 5-flucytosine ≤ 0.06, voriconazole 0.25, and caspofungin > 16.0. No clinical breakpoints have been defined for M. capitatus. This is the first clinical case reported in Mexico of an IFI caused by M. capitatus in a pediatric patient with ALL. It emphasizes the importance of close monitoring for a timely and accurate diagnosis of neutropenia-related IFIs to determine the proper treatment with antibiotics, antifungals, and chemotherapy for instance including children with ALL.
Legitimate Peripheral Participation by Novices in a Dungeons and Dragons Community

Introduction Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a cooperative tabletop roleplaying game in which players gather together to tell stories. Expert players have a wealth of experiences and game knowledge from which to draw upon while playing the game. Novices, on the other hand, have little experience to depend on when navigating the first few gaming sessions. Objectives The primary objective of this investigation was to describe how different novices become socialized to the D&D culture in this small community at the beginning of a new gaming campaign. Methods The present study is a cross-sectional qualitative participant observation of D&D novice socialization through the lens of communities of practice (CoP). Observation and interviews of two experts and five novice fifth edition D&D players revealed interactions and choices made by players related to the dissemination of cultural and practical knowledge and the fluidity of player and character identity within the scope of observed gameplay. Results The results showed that for some novices explicit in-game training was required to learn their role at the table, but socialization could come more quickly for novices who took extra steps to gain experience by engaging in the wider distributed and virtual community through online forums or viewing streamed actual-play D&D games. Three interaction types—player-to-player, player-to-dungeon master (DM), and character-to-character—for three distinct purposes—understanding game mechanics, describing scenes, and interacting in narrative—were observed. Additionally, the character choices regarding gender and in-game actions were explored. Conclusion The cooperative nature of D&D can afford novices explicit training from expert players at the table. However, as was observed during the game and confirmed in the interviews, socialization into this D&D gaming community also came from legitimate peripheral participation of the novices who engaged in the wider, virtual D&D community through online forums, actual-play streams and podcasts, and general knowledge of the fantasy genre.
Machine Learning for Musculoskeletal Modeling of Upper Extremity

We propose a novel machine learning (ML)-driven methodology to estimate biomechanical variables of interest traditionally obtained from upper-extremity musculoskeletal (MSK) modeling. MSK models facilitate personalized modeling, perform “what-if” analyses, and potentially enhance clinical decision-making. In certain settings, MSK models are driven by inertial motion capture (IMC) data. IMC systems are portable, user-friendly, and relatively affordable as well as provide additional biomechanical information. However, MSK models can be computationally expensive, often require extensive data, and can be prohibitively slow in making real-time predictions. Our ML method—involving a rigorous hyperparameters search—predicts kinematic and kinetic biomechanical information associated with human upper-extremity movements solely using IMC input data, thereby bypassing MSK models. The scaled cadaver-based MSK model was based on the Dutch Shoulder Model and the spine model implemented in the AnyBody Managed Model Repository. We employ neural networks (NNs), which are trained on IMC data obtained from five nondisabled subjects in subject-exposed (SE) settings (at least a trial from all subjects is used in training) and subject-naive (SN) settings (no information from test subjects is used in training). We compare the predictions of our ML model with that of an MSK model and find an excellent agreement in SE settings (average Pearson’s <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${r}={0.96}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text {normalized RMSE (NRMSE)} ={0.23}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) and strong correspondence in SN settings (average <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${r}={0.89}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text {NRMSE} ={0.45}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>). The linear model performed poorly for SN settings, which motivated a more complex ML model. Our findings suggest that an ML-based approach is highly viable for estimating upper-extremity biomechanical information solely from IMC data.
The Profile of Markers of Bone Turnover, Inflammation and Extracellular Neutrophil Traps on Bone Mass in Haemophilia and the Development of Haemophilic Arthropathy

Background: The aim of the study is to evaluate selected biomarkers of bone turnover, inflammation, neutrophil trap and factors predisposing haemophiliacs to bone loss, and to analyse their relationship with clinical features, treatment and complications. Methods: The levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6); citrullinated histone (CH3); osteocalcin (BGLAP); bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP); N-terminal procollagen type I propeptide (P1NP); and C-terminal collagen type I telopeptide (C1CP) were examined in 60 patients with haemophilia. Results: The cut-off value for BGLAP is 26.41 ng/mL, and 929.7 pg/mL for CH3. There is a statistically significant difference between BGLAP, BALP, C1CP and CH3 concentrations, depending on the prophylaxis used. The median concentration of BGLAP in patients taking the factor on demand is 28.0 ng/mL, BALP 322.5 U/L, C1CP 191.2 ng/mL and CH3 1114.4 pg/mL. In patients taking recombinant coagulation factor VIII/IX as prophylaxis of bleeding, the median BGLAP concentrations are 35.9 ng/mL, BALP 280.9 U/L, C1CP 161.6 ng/mL and CH3 952.5 pg/mL. BGLAP and BALP concentrations are dependent on the development of haemophilic arthropathic. Conclusions: The concentrations of selected markers of bone turnover and NETs may help to identify patients at particular risk of developing haemophilic arthropathy and bone metabolic turnover abnormalities.
Cardiovascular Anomalies among 1005 Fetuses Referred to Invasive Prenatal Testing—A Comprehensive Cohort Study of Associated Chromosomal Aberrations

This retrospective cohort study comprehensively evaluates cardiovascular anomalies (CVAs) and associated extracardiac structural malformations (ECMs) among 1005 fetuses undergoing invasive prenatal testing at a single tertiary Polish center in the context of chromosomal aberrations detected in them by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and G-band karyotyping. The results of our study show that CVAs are among the most common malformations detected in fetuses undergoing invasive prenatal testing, as they affected 20% of all cases seen in our department. Septal defects predominated among fetuses with numerical aberrations, while conotruncal defects were the most common findings among fetuses with pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs). In 61% of cases, CVAs were associated with ECMs (the diagnosis was confirmed postnatally or in cases of pregnancy termination by means of autopsy). The most common ECMs were anomalies of the face and neck, followed by skeletal defects. In total, pathogenic chromosomal aberrations were found in 47.5% of CVAs cases, including 38.6% with numerical chromosomal aberrations. Pathogenic CNVs accounted for 14.5% of cases with CVAs and normal karyotype. Thus, our study highlights the importance of assessing the anatomy of the fetus, and of the genetic testing (preferably aCGH) that should be offered in all CVA and ECM cases.
Manufacturing and Characterization of Modified Wood with In Situ Polymerization and Cross-Linking of Water-Soluble Monomers on Wood Cell Walls

Fast-growing plantation wood has poor dimensional stability and easily cracks, which limits its application. As wood modification can improve the dimensional stability, strength, and other properties of wood, it has been extensively used. In this study, 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and glyoxal were applied to treat poplar wood (Populus euramevicana cv.I-214) by using vacuum pressure impregnation to improve its dimensional stability. The weight percentage gain (WPG), anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), water absorption rate (WAR), leachability (L), and other properties of modified wood were examined. Results showed that the modifier was diffused into the cell walls and intercellular space and reacted with the wood cell wall after heating to form a stable reticular structure polymer which effectively decreased the hydroxyl content in the wood and blocked the water movement channel; thus, further improving the physical performance of wood. These results were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). When the ratio of the modifier was 80:20, the concentration of the modifier was 40%, and the curing temperature was 120 °C, the modified poplar had the best performance, which showed a low WAR (at its lowest 58.39%), a low L (at its lowest 10.44%), and a high ASE (of up to 77.94%).
The Mediating Role of Positive Orientation in the Relationship between Loneliness and Meaning in Life

(1) Background: Previous research revealed that increased loneliness resulted in decreased meaning in life (MIL). Little is known, however, about the underlying mechanisms of this relationship. The aim of the study was to determine if the set of positive evaluations of oneself, one’s life, and one’s future discussed by Caprara as positive orientation (POS) was a mediator between loneliness and MIL. (2) Methods: A sample of 304 Polish participants aged 19–45 (M = 25.61 years, SD = 6.1) completed the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, the Presence subscale of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and the Positivity Scale. (3) Results: The study showed that loneliness was negatively associated with POS and MIL, while POS and MIL were positively correlated with each other. It also turned out that POS partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and MIL. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that, by inhibiting POS, loneliness makes it difficult to perceive life as meaningful. The interrelationships between loneliness, POS, and MIL are discussed in light of the evolutionary theory of loneliness.
Could lysosomal acid lipase enzyme activity be used for clinical follow-up in cryptogenic cirrhosis?

Background/aim Cholesterol ester storage disease (CESD) is one of the rare causes that should be kept in mind in the etiology of cirrhosis. Recent studies detected that significantly reduced lysosomal acid lipase deficiency enzyme (LAL) in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis (CC). Moreover, studies have evaluated that LAL activity is as effective as scoring systems in assessing the severity of cirrhosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the CESD with LAL level and mutation analysis of LIPA gene in patients diagnosed with CC and to compare LAL activities between patients with CC and healthy volunteers. Materials and methods Laboratory parameters and cirrhosis stage (CHILD and MELD) were recorded for the patient group included in the study. In addition, blood samples were taken from each case included in the study for LAL activity determination and LIPA gene analysis. Results A statistically significant decrease in LAL activity was found in patients diagnosed with CC compared to the healthy group. LIPA gene analysis did not detect CESD in any patient group. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between LAL activity and white blood cell and platelet counts in both healthy volunteers and CC patient groups. In the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of the parameters associated with the MELD of ≥10 in patients with CC, significant relationship was found between the MELD of ≥10 and the LAL activity. Conclusions In our study, LAL activity was significantly lower in CC patients than in the normal population. LAL activity level appears to be a parameter that can be used to assess the severity of cirrhosis.
915 MHz Miniaturized Loop Conformal Antenna for Capsule Endoscope

High-performance miniaturized antennas are one of the goals that have been pursued in the design of wireless communication systems for implantable medical devices. In this article, a 915 MHz novel-shape loop antenna conforming to the inner wall of the capsule is developed by comprehensively adopting meander and symmetrical structure patch, folding technique, and vector current reversal technique. Through electromagnetic simulation, testing, and experimentation, the antenna shows good characteristics such as small size, ultra-wideband, circular polarization, strong robustness, and safety. Specific performances include the following: 1) the size of the developed miniaturized loop conformal antenna is only 30.5 mm <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 4.6 mm <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 0.05 mm and the maximum gain is −21.5 dBi at 915 MHz, which solves the problem of low gain due to the small antenna radiation area; 2) the antenna has a 4.5 GHz ultra-wideband impedance matching bandwidth (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\vert S_{11}\vert < -10$ </tex-math></inline-formula> dB) from 0.5 to 5 GHz. Even if the parameters such as the implantation depth and the thickness of the capsule shell change, or there exists a wireless power transfer system, the antenna can still cover the required frequency band with strong robustness; and 3) the specific absorption rate (SAR) of human tissues radiated by the antenna is far lower than the safety limit in IEEE standards and ICNIRP guidelines. The experimental platform using pork to simulate human tissues was built for antenna performance testing and communication testing. The measurement results verified the good resonance performance, radiation characteristics, and omnidirectionality of the developed antenna. The antenna link loss model is also given, which has been used in wireless communication and localization.
Gromov-Witten theory and cycle-valued modular forms

In this paper, we proved generating functions of Gromov-Witten cycles of the elliptic orbifold lines with weights (3,3,3), (4,4,2), and (6,3,2) are cycle-valued quasi-modular forms. This is a generalization of Milanov and Ruan's work on cycle-valued level. First we construct a global cohomology field theory (CohFT) for simple elliptic singularities (modulo an extension problem) and prove its modularity. Then, we apply Teleman's reconstruction theorem to prove mirror theorems on cycled-valued level and match it with a CohFT from Gromov-Witten theory of a corresponding orbifold.This solves the extension property as well as inducing the modularity for a Gromov-Witten CohFT.