Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictors of early weight loss in post‐bariatric surgery patients receiving adjunctive behavioural treatments for loss‐of‐control eating

This study examined baseline patient characteristics as predictors of early weight loss, defined as any weight loss within the first month of treatment, among patients receiving adjunctive behavioural treatments for loss‐of‐control (LOC) eating about 6 months after bariatric surgery. Participants were 126 patients in a treatment trial for LOC‐eating (roughly 6 months postoperatively) categorized by early weight change following 1 month of treatment. Early weight‐loss, defined as any weight loss following 1 month of treatment, and weight‐gain, defined as any weight gain, groups were compared on sociodemographic and clinical variables assessed using a battery of reliably administered diagnostic and clinical interviews and established self‐report measures, and on surgery‐related variables (time since surgery, percent total [%TWL], and percent excess weight loss). Most patients (n = 99; 78.6%) lost weight after the first month of adjunctive treatments. Black patients (n = 24; 61.5%) were significantly less likely to achieve early weight loss compared to patients identifying as White (n = 60; 83%) or ‘other’ (n = 15; 100%) which was not predicted by any other sociodemographic variable. Severity of eating‐disorder psychopathology, psychiatric comorbidity, and a broad range of psychosocial measures were not significantly predictive of early weight changes. Duration since surgery and percent weight loss from time of surgery to study enrolment 6‐months post‐surgery differed by early weight‐loss and weight‐gain groups. Findings suggest that among post‐bariatric surgery patients receiving adjunctive behavioural treatments for LOC‐eating, baseline patient characteristics, aside from race and surgery‐related variables, do not predict early weight loss.
Puerarin Induces Ferroptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells via Triggering NCOA4 Upregulation

Abstract Puerarin shows promise as an anti-cancer compound, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Here we explored whether and how it promotes ferroptosis in a colorectal cancer cell line. The level of ferroptosis and expression of autophagy proteins were compared between puerarin-treated HT-29 cells expressing normal or reduced levels of the autophagy protein ATG5 or the ferritinophagy protein nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4). Puerarin increased lipid peroxidation and inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, indicating the induction of ferroptosis. These effects were partially reversed by ferrostatin-1, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species; by the iron chelator deferiprone; by repression of autophagy through administration of 3-methyladenine or knockdown of autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5); or by repression of ferritinophagy through NCOA4 knockdown. Puerarin may induce the proliferative inhibition of colorectal cancer cells by triggering ferroptosis through a mechanism requiring NCOA4 ferritinophagy.
Capivasertib in Hormone Receptor-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND AKT pathway activation is implicated in endocrine-therapy resistance. Data on the efficacy and safety of the AKT inhibitor capivasertib, as an addition to fulvestrant therapy, in patients with hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer are limited. METHODS In a phase 3, randomized, double-blind trial, we enrolled eligible pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal women and men with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer who had had a relapse or disease progression during or after treatment with an aromatase inhibitor, with or without previous cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor therapy. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive capivasertib plus fulvestrant or placebo plus fulvestrant. The dual primary end point was investigator-assessed progression-free survival assessed both in the overall population and among patients with AKT pathway-altered (PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN) tumors. Safety was assessed. RESULTS Overall, 708 patients underwent randomization; 289 patients (40.8%) had AKT pathway alterations, and 489 (69.1%) had received a CDK4/6 inhibitor previously for advanced breast cancer. In the overall population, the median progression-free survival was 7.2 months in the capivasertib-fulvestrant group, as compared with 3.6 months in the placebo-fulvestrant group (hazard ratio for progression or death, 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51 to 0.71; P<0.001). In the AKT pathway-altered population, the median progression-free survival was 7.3 months in the capivasertib-fulvestrant group, as compared with 3.1 months in the placebo-fulvestrant group (hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.65; P<0.001). The most frequent adverse events of grade 3 or higher in patients receiving capivasertib-fulvestrant were rash (in 12.1% of patients, vs. in 0.3% of those receiving placebo-fulvestrant) and diarrhea (in 9.3% vs. 0.3%). Adverse events leading to discontinuation were reported in 13.0% of the patients receiving capivasertib and in 2.3% of those receiving placebo. CONCLUSIONS Capivasertib-fulvestrant therapy resulted in significantly longer progression-free survival than treatment with fulvestrant alone among patients with hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer whose disease had progressed during or after previous aromatase inhibitor therapy with or without a CDK4/6 inhibitor. (Funded by AstraZeneca and the National Cancer Institute; CAPItello-291 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04305496.).
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing vs. conventional detection methods for detecting the pulmonary infections.

OBJECTIVE The absence of proper pathogen treatment in the early stages can result in missing out on treatment chances or the overuse of antibiotics, both of which are the primary factors behind fatalities caused by lung infections. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in comparison to conventional detection methods in detecting infectious pathogens. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, the infection pathogens of 104 patients were examined, and 86 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), eight pleural effusions, and ten sputum samples were collected. The conventional detection approaches and mNGS analysis were used to determine the infection pathogen profiles and their detection rates were analyzed. RESULTS Our study showed that mNGS was more sensitive (89.42%) than the conventional detection methods (56.73%) (p < 0.001), with a 32.69% improvement in sensitivity. The efficacy of mNGS in detecting mixed infections was significantly higher than that of conventional detection methods, with a detection rate of 85.29% compared to 17.65% (p < 0.001). The study demonstrated that mNGS had a higher sensitivity than the conventional detection methods when it came to diagnosing pulmonary infections, making it a potentially useful tool for clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Combining mNGS with other pathogenic detection techniques can be an effective way to increase the rate of detecting pulmonary infections, as well as to provide guidance for treatment adjustments. Furthermore, the timing of sample collection and antibiotic administration can influence the effectiveness of mNGS when used on BALF specimens.
Motor unit placement in a realistic muscle cross section model: performance of a new algorithm and effects of muscle architecture on surface EMG power spectral components

Objetive. Surface electromyogram (sEMG) characteristics are strongly dependent on the spatial localization of motor units (MU). Thus, the definition of the muscle architecture is a crucial step in the simulation of sEMG. Muscles cross section or even the shape of the MU territories is not a regular geometric figure. Moreover, MU may have different fibre densities, and its distribution may not be random but follow a spatial regionalization by type. Despite these prior conditions, the method for MU placement in a muscle model should be able to achieve constant muscle fibre density, which is a generally accepted property of any muscle. Approach. An algorithm was developed that meets the previously established requirements for the distribution of MU in a muscle model. The algorithm considers the muscle cross section and MU territories as bitmaps and encodes the muscle fibre density distribution by pixel brightness. This allowed the use of digital image processing techniques to optimally distribute the MU. The impact of the different muscle architectures on sEMG was investigated using one of the most accepted models of motor unit pool recruitment combined with a model of MU action potential simulation. element-citationitalic Main results. The algorithm produced a completely regionalized architecture with constant muscle fibre density in a muscle with both an irregular cross-section and elliptic MU territory. Significance. In addition to the improvement in the realism of the muscle simulations, the algorithm allowed the investigation of the influence of the spatial distribution of MU on the sEMG power spectrum, thus helping to explain the existing inability to detect changes in motor unit recruitment strategies through the spectral analysis of interference patterns.
Analysis of cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients with checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis and pulmonary infection: A case–control study

The discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is a breakthrough in the field of cancer therapy. However, ICIs may cause immune‐related adverse reactions, including checkpoint inhibitor‐related pneumonitis (CIP). The aim of this study was to investigate cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with CIP compared with patients with pulmonary infection and patients with cancer.
Associated factors for postoperative delirium following major abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common postsurgical complication. The early identification of its risk factors is the first step toward reducing POD. The predictive factors for POD in patients after major abdominal surgery remain obscure. Therefore, this meta‐analysis aimed to comprehensively summarize the risk factors of POD after major abdominal surgery.
Entomological surveillance on Aedes aegypti during covid 19 period in Cape Coast, Ghana: Risk of arboviral outbreaks, multiple insecticide resistance and distribution of F1534C, V410L and V1016I kdr mutations

Background The study assessed the risk of transmission of Aedes-borne arboviruses in a community at Cape Coast during the Covid-19 restriction period in 2020 based on entomological indices. The spatial distribution of insecticide resistance was also assessed in Ae. aegypti population from Cape Coast. Methods Three larval indices were calculated from a household larval survey in 100 randomly selected houses. WHO susceptibility bioassay was performed on female adult Ae. aegypti that were reared from the larvae collected from household containers and other receptacles located outside houses against four insecticides. The mosquitoes were also screened for F1534C, V1016I, and V410L kdr mutations. Results The estimated larval indices in the study community were House index– 34%, Container index– 22.35%, and Breteau index– 2.02. The mosquito population was resistant to Deltamethrin (0.05%), DDT (4%), Fenitrothion (1%), and Bendiocarb (0.1%). A triple kdr mutation, F1534C, V410L and V1016I were detected in the mosquito population. Conclusion The study found the risk of an outbreak of Aedes-borne diseases lower in the covid-19 lockdown period than before the pandemic period. The low risk was related to frequent clean-up exercises in the community during the Covid-19 restriction period. Multiple insecticide resistance couple with three kdr mutations detected in the study population could affect the effectiveness of control measures, especially in emergency situations. The study supports sanitation improvement as a tool to control Ae. aegypti and could complement insecticide-based tools in controlling this vector.
The psychometric properties of the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS‐6) and its associations with well‐being indicators in Hong Kong older adults

Social networks play a vital role in facilitating late‐life health and well‐being. The current research sought to examine the psychometric properties of the abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS‐6) among community‐dwelling Hong Kong Chinese older adults and to explore the association between social network and well‐being indicators such as life satisfaction, functional social support, loneliness and anxiety.
A systematic review on prognostic factors and models for changes in quality of life and depressive symptoms after multi‐domain cognitive training in healthy older adults: Who benefits?

As we age, cognitive abilities decline which can lead to a decrease in quality of life (QoL) and an increase in depressive symptoms even in healthy (i.e., non‐clinical) older adults. Cognitive trainings (CT) are a promising approach to not only improve cognition, but also QoL and mood. However, it is unclear which prognostic factors are associated with changes in QoL and depression after CT.
Sex and age-related differences in outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction: MINOCA versus MIOCA.

BACKGROUND To evaluate the impact of sex on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients' clinical presentation and outcomes, comparing those with non-obstructive and obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA vs MIOCA). METHODS We enrolled 2455 patients with AMI undergoing coronary angiography from January 2017 to September 2021. Patients were divided according to the type of AMI and sex: male (n=1593) and female (n=607) in MIOCA; male (n=87) and female (n=168) in MINOCA. Each cohort was further stratified based on age (≤/> 70 years). The primary endpoint (MAE) was a composite of all-cause death, recurrent AMI, and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) at follow-up. Secondary outcomes included: all-cause and cardiovascular death, recurrent AMI, HF re-hospitalization and stroke. RESULTS MINOCA patients were more likely to be females compared to MIOCA ones (p<0.001). The median follow-up was 28 [15-41] months. The unadjusted incidence of MAE was significantly higher in females compared to males, both in MINOCA [45 (26.8%) vs 12 (13.8%); p=0.018] and MIOCA cohorts [203 (33.4%) vs 428 (26.9%); p=0.002]. Age was an independent predictor of MAE in both cohorts. Among MINOCA patients, females ≤70-year-old had a higher incidence of MAE [18 (23.7%) vs 4 (5.9%); p=0.003] compared to male peers, mainly driven by a higher rate of re-hospitalization for HF (p=0.045) and recurrence of AMI (p=0.006). Only in this sub-group of MINOCA patients, female sex was an independent predictor of MAE (HR=3.09; 95%CI: 1.02-9.59; p=0.040). MINOCA females ≤70-year-old had worse outcomes than MIOCA female peers. CONCLUSION MINOCA females ≤70-year-old had a significantly higher incidence of MAE, compared to males and MIOCA female peers, likely due to the different pathophysiology of the ischemic event. TRIAL REGISTRATION data were part of the ongoing observational study AMIPE: Acute Myocardial Infarction, Prognostic and Therapeutic Evaluation. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03883711.
Transnational Backlash and the Deinstitutionalization of Liberal Norms: LGBT+ Rights in a Contested World

Integration into the international community is typically used to explain liberal outcomes. However, is it possible that such integration can also explain rising illiberalism? Using the case of LGBT+ rights, I argue that backlash to liberal norms is increasingly organized transnationally and that exposure to global norms via integration explains both liberal and illiberal outcomes. I test this argument through extensive original data collection and by using time-series cross-section, multinomial, and cross-lagged panel models. Robust findings reveal how exposure to global norms spurs policy backlashes—not just expansions—depending on how countries are situated within pro- and anti-LGBT+ transnational networks. This study contributes to our understanding of the changing international system by revealing how illiberal actors use mechanisms built by the liberal international community to transnationally organize and advance illiberal norms—ultimately fueling the deinstitutionalization of once-dominant liberal models.
Lexical Semantics with Vector Symbolic Architectures

Conventional approaches to the construction of word vectors typically require very large amounts of unstructured text and powerful computing hardware, and the vectors themselves are also difficult if not impossible to inspect or interpret on their own. In this paper, we introduce a method for building word vectors using the framework of vector symbolic architectures in order to encode the semantic information in wordnets, such as the Open English WordNet or the Open Multilingual Wordnet. Such vectors perform surprisingly well on common word similarity benchmarks, and yet they are transparent, interpretable, and the information contained within them has a clear provenance.
Local Buckling of Outstands in Stiffened Plates

This paper reports on an investigation of the effect of local elastic buckling of stiffener outstands on the overall behaviour of stiffened plates. A simplified mathematical model has been developed, based on the post-buckling analysis of the stiffener, and gives a simple expression which indicates that, for the plate geometry investigated, the maximum load carried varies asymptotically between the local critical load of the stiffener and a reduced Euler load. Also, there is a marked imperfection sensitivity arising from the interaction of the local and overall buckling modes. Experiments were carried out to confirm the analytical prediction for the elastic buckling behaviour of the stiffened plates. The models were constructed of Araldite, to allow large deformation within the elastic strain range. Experimental results showed very good agreement with the theory.
Guidelines for the management of trigeminal neuralgia

Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) advocate for a multidisciplinary team approach to improve the care of patients with acute and chronic TN. Evidence-based discussions and decisions are encouraged to establish care pathways for prompt diagnosis and treatment, and long-term outcomes data collection to improve care. The guidelines include summary materials for patients to inform them about their condition and available treatments. Care pathways for patients with trigeminal neuralgia vary widely. The most recent UK guidelines emphasize the need for evidence-based care plans for multidisciplinary management.
Will teachers continue to teach online post-COVID-19?

ABSTRACT Numerous studies have captured the experiences of teachers teaching online, but the current ‘emergency’ to teach online is unprecedented and has been challenging. Grounded in the theory of cognitive dissonance, this paper attempts to recapitulate the experiences of university teachers and analyses whether they have developed the consonant cognitions to teach online during the pandemic period or would they prefer switching back to ‘normal’ teaching as soon as the circumstances permit. Technology-enabled teaching has been found to be complex as it mandates teaching in a computerised setting and lacks an element of social interaction, which is at the heart of face-to-face teaching. Using Structural Equation Modelling, this study presents the determining factors that motivate teachers to embrace technology-driven teaching more convincingly. The study finds that in the absence of adequate training imparted to the teachers for developing technological and pedagogical knowledge (TPK), high psychological capital and facilitating conditions are the two most important factors ensuring teaching proficiency, creating positive online experiences and a continued intention to teach online.
Bayesian mismeasurement t-models for censored responses

This paper aims at introducing a Bayesian robust error-in-variable regression model in which the dependent variable is censored. We extend previous works by assuming a multivariate t distribution for jointly modelling the behaviour of the errors and the latent explanatory variable. Inference is done under the Bayesian paradigm. We use a data augmentation approach and develop a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to sample from the posterior distributions. We run a Monte Carlo study to evaluate the efficiency of the posterior estimators in different settings. We compare the proposed model to three other models previously discussed in the literature. As a by-product we also provide a Bayesian analysis of the t-tobit model. We fit all four models to analyse the 2001 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data.
Parabrachial nucleus activity in nociception and pain in awake mice

The parabrachial nuclear complex (PBN) is a nexus for aversion and for the sensory and affective components of pain perception. We have previously shown that during chronic pain PBN neurons in anesthetized rodents have amplified activity. We report a method to record from PBN neurons of behaving, head-restrained mice while applying reproducible noxious stimuli. We find that both spontaneous and evoked activity are higher in awake animals compared with urethane anesthetized mice. Fiber photometry of calcium responses from calcitonin-gene-related peptide–expressing PBN neurons demonstrates that these neurons respond to noxious stimuli. In both males and females with neuropathic or inflammatory pain, responses of PBN neurons remain amplified for at least 5 weeks, in parallel with increased pain metrics. We also show that PBN neurons can be rapidly conditioned to respond to innocuous stimuli after pairing with noxious stimuli. Finally, we demonstrate that changes in PBN neuronal activity are correlated with changes in arousal, measured as changes in pupil area. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The parabrachial complex is a nexus of aversion, including pain. We report a method to record from parabrachial nucleus neurons of behaving mice while applying reproducible noxious stimuli. This allowed us to track parabrachial activity over time in animals with neuropathic or inflammatory pain. It also allowed us to show that the activity of these neurons correlates with arousal states and that these neurons can be conditioned to respond to innocuous stimuli.
Ocean surface pressure fields from satellite-sensed winds

Abstract The University of Washington's planetary boundary layer model is inverted to use remotely sensed satellite scatterometer-derived surface winds as input to calculate maritime surface pressure fields. The analysis of three different synoptic storm situations is performed using the model and is then compared to conventional National Weather Service analyses. Agreement is good. Isolation of the PBL secondary flow, stratification and thermal wind effects in the model revealed that each may be significant under certain conditions. However, the model shows sensitivity to the thermodynamic features only in a general sense and even a neutral stratification solution gives a good approximation. The high density of the scatterometer data produces mesoscale (hundreds of kilometers) dynamic details, which cannot be confirmed by conventional data at this stage.