Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of tele-triage during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

Background Telehealth services were used by healthcare centers during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to identify and manage patients at the forefront of the healthcare system. As one of these technologies, tele-triage refers to the assessment of a patient's health status through telephone or another means of communication and recommending treatment or providing appropriate referrals in emergency rooms and primary care offices. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the evidence on the effectiveness of tele-triage, as one of these technologies, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant English articles published since the pandemic's onset until December 30, 2021. Studies investigating the tele-triage's effect on patient safety, clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction were included. Data on study characteristics, intervention characteristics, and their effects on study outcomes were extracted separately by two authors. A narrative synthesis of the included studies was ultimately performed. Results Out of the 6312 retrieved studies, 14 met the inclusion criteria. The tele-triage intervention was offered by an algorithm-based system in eight studies (57.14%) and by healthcare providers in six other studies (42.86%) to determine the patient's level of care. According to the results, tele-triage interventions during COVID-19 can reduce unnecessary emergency room visits (by 1.2–22.2%), improve clinical outcomes after intervention (such as would closure in diabetic feet), reduce mortality and injuries, and ensure patient satisfaction with tele-triage (53–98%). Conclusions This study found that tele-triage interventions reduced unnecessary visits, improved clinical outcomes, reduced mortality, and injuries, increased patient satisfaction, reduced healthcare provider workload, improved access to primary care consultation, and increased patient safety and satisfaction. Therefore, tele-triage systems are not only suitable for providing acute and emergency care remotely but they are also recommended as an alternative tool to monitor and diagnose COVID-19.
Prevalence and development of aortic dilation and dissection in women with Turner syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives Women with Turner syndrome (TS) have an increased risk of aortic disease, reducing life-expectancy. This study aimed to systematically review the prevalence of thoracic aortic dilatation, aortic dimensions and growth, and the incidence of aortic dissection. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted up to July 2022. Observational studies with an adult TS population were included, and studies including children aged <15 years old or specific TS populations were excluded. Results In total 21 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of ascending aortic dilatation was 23% (95% CI 19–26) at a mean pooled age of 29 years (95% CI 26–32), while the incidence of aortic dissection was 164 per 100.000 patient-years (95% CI 95–284). Three reporting studies showed aortic growth over time to be limited. Risk factors for aortic dilation or dissection were older age, bicuspid aortic valve, aortic coarctation, and hypertension. Conclusion In adult TS women, ascending aortic dilatation is common and the hazard of aortic dissection increased compared to the general population, whereas aortic growth is limited. Conventional risk markers do not explain all aortic dissection cases; therefore, new imaging parameters and blood biomarkers are needed to improve prediction, allowing for patient-tailored follow-up and surgical decision-making.
Molecular cloning, expression, mRNA secondary structure and immunological characterization of mussel foot proteins (Mfps) (Mollusca: Bivalvia)

Abstract The macroscale production of mussel foot proteins (Mfps) in the expression system has not succeeded to date. The principal reasons for this are low levels of expression and yield of Mfps, lack of post-translational modifications (PTMs), and immunological toxic effects on the host system. Identification of post-translational modification sites, suitable expression hosts, and immunological responses through an experimental approach is very costly and time-consuming. However, in the present study, in silico post-translation modification, antigenicity, allergenicity, and the immunological reaction of all available Mfps were characterized. Furthermore, all Mfps were codon optimized in three different expression systems to determine the best expression host. Finally, we performed the in-silico cloning of all codon-optimized Mfps in a suitable host (E. coli K12, pET28a(+) vector) and analyzed the secondary structure of mRNA and its structural stability. Among the 78 Mfps, six fps are considered potential allergenic proteins, six fps are considered non-allergenic proteins, and all other fps are probably allergenic. High antigenicity was observed in bacterial cells as compared to yeast and tumor cells. Nevertheless, the predicted expression of Mfps in a bacterial host is higher than in other expression hosts. Important to note that all Mfps showed significant immunological activity in the human system, and we concluded that these antigenic, allergenic, and immunological properties are directly correlated with their amino acid composition. The study’s major goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of Mfps and aid in the future genetic engineering and expression of Mfps and its diverse applications in different fields. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Psychosocial effects of hypnosis in patients with obesity: a pilot randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT The usefulness of hypnosis in patients with obesity needs to be better understood in terms of various outcomes, in addition to weight loss. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of hypnosis and self-hypnosis in combination with nutrition education for patients with obesity, as opposed to nutrition education alone, on the secondary outcomes of quality of life (QoL), coping strategies, and self-esteem within a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Eighty-two participants were included in this study (84.3% were women), with 41 in each group. Further, 70 participants had completed treatment. The intervention consisted of eight group sessions (about one every two weeks). Participants completed self-reported questionnaires assessing their QoL, coping strategies, and self-esteem (SF-36, CISS, SEI) before and after the intervention. Non-parametric analyses were performed. Both groups had comparable characteristics at inclusion (sociodemographic information, clinical information, and scores for the self-reported scales). At eight months (i.e. two months after intervention completion), patients from the hypnosis group used more task-oriented coping (p < .001), less emotion-oriented coping (p < .01) and distraction (p < .05), and had more energy/less fatigue (p < .001) compared to the group who did not undergo hypnosis. Other improvements were observed in the hypnosis group, but there were no significant differences compared with the non-hypnosis group in terms of QoL dimensions and general self-esteem. In conclusion, hypnosis and self-hypnosis in combination with nutrition education seem to be promising interventions to help patients deal with obesity, especially by improving their coping strategies.
Energy level structure and excited-state absorption properties of Er^3+-doped KPb_2Cl_5

We present a detailed study of the spectroscopy and fluorescence properties of the Er:KPb2Cl5 laser crystal, together with complementary data to complete the existing literature in the visible and near UV spectral domain. It deals with fluorescence decays, with anti-Stokes emission spectra and of calibration of excited-state absorption and emission spectra in the cross-section unit in the region of optical excitation around 800 nm. It brings new data for analyzing laser operation under one- and two-photon excitation conditions and for characterizing the involved energy transfer processes.
Adaptations to environmental extremes by multicellular organisms

Abstract Microbes, particularly Archaea, are well-known for their superb adaptation to extreme environments. However, amazing adaptations to extreme stresses do not only occur in microbes, but also in many multicellular organisms. Examples include tardigrades and their capability to survive freezing to near absolute zero, the Pompeii worm withstanding temperatures of up to 105°C, the Crucian carp remaining active in anoxic conditions for several months, and resurrection plants, which can survive near-complete desiccation. Here, we review some of the cryptobiotic strategies and adaptations exhibited in multicellular organisms, and point out their relevance to astrobiology.
ALOS PALSAR L-band polarimetric SAR data and in situ measurements for leaf area index assessment

Leaf area index (LAI), a key parameter controlling crop growth and yield models, has been widely estimated using optical satellite measurements. The estimation of LAI from high-resolution optical satellite data is limited by cloudy conditions and this may be a problem when systematic monitoring during the growing season is required. Synthetic Aperture Radar data are less susceptible to atmospheric effects than optical data and have been related to standing biomass over a number of landscapes. Here we quantify the relationship between LAI and both Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) L-band data and ENVISAT Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar C-band data under relatively uniform soil moisture conditions. Digital hemispherical photographs were taken from large corn, soybean and pasture fields and forest plots on 4–5 July 2006 and processed using the CANEYE software to estimate in situ LAI. Estimates derived from PALSAR L-band polarimetric radar backscatter of crop (corn and soybean) fields and forest plots were in good agreement with measured LAI values, but the C-band Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery showed weak relationships. The study shows that PALSAR L-band polarimetric data have the potential to provide useful estimates of LAI, providing a possible alternative when optical data are limited by cloud cover. However, additional work is required to characterize the temporal variability of the relationship between PALSAR backscatter and LAI over varying soil moisture and soil surface conditions.
Statistical inference for a random coefficient autoregressive model

A first-order autoregressive (AR(1)) model is considered, involving a coefficient that is a random variable, and may vary over realizations. In the usual AR(1) model the coefficient has a degenerate distribution, and is thus constant over realizations. We show how moments of the coefficient can be identified in terms of the autocovariances. Using mixed cross-section and time series data, we show how the moments can be estimated, and establish the strong consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimators. We suggest several parametric forms for the distribution of the coefficient, and show how unknown parameters may be determined. The results are applied to real data.
Neurotypical, but not autistic, adults might experience distress when looking at someone avoiding eye contact: A live face-to-face paradigm

Many autistics report being distressed by eye contact, but eye-tracking studies suggest that eye contact is associated with hypo-arousal rather than hyper-arousal in autism. Within a live face-to-face paradigm combining a wearable eye-tracker with electrodermal activity sensors, 80 adults (40 autistics) defined words in front of an experimenter either staring at their eyes (direct gaze condition) or looking elsewhere (averted gaze condition). Autistics did not differ from neurotypicals in their eye behaviours nor their skin conductance responses. Autistics did not appear distressed when they were looking at the experimenter’s eyes in the direct gaze condition. However, neurotypicals, compared to autistics, might experience more stress when looking at the experimenter in the averted gaze condition, even after controlling for social anxiety and alexithymia. In comparison to autistics, neurotypicals might be hyper-aroused when they look at someone avoiding eye contact. Based on a bidirectional perspective on interactional difficulties in autism, we speculate that the neurotypicals’ distress when their attempts to eye contact are not reciprocated could make their behaviour insistent, which, in turn, could make the autistics uncomfortable. In our study, participants’ partner remained passive, displaying no specific reaction when a mutual gaze was shared or not. Future studies should test different partner reactions to gaze in various social contexts. Lay abstract What is already known about the topic? Autistics are usually reported to share less eye contact than neurotypicals with their interlocutors. However, the reason why autistics might pay less attention to eyes looking at them is still unknown: some autistics express being hyper-aroused by this eye contact, while some eye-tracking studies suggest that eye contact is associated with hypo-arousal in autism. What this paper adds? This study is based on a highly controlled live face-to-face paradigm, combining a wearable eye-tracker (to study eye behaviours) with electrodermal activity sensors (to assess potential stress). We draw a nuanced picture of social attention in autism, as our autistic participants did not differ from our neurotypical group in their eye behaviours nor their skin conductance responses. However, we found that neurotypicals, compared to autistics, seemed to be much more distressed when their interlocutor did not gaze at them during the experiment. Implications for practice, research or policy: Our study encourages to consider social interaction difficulties in autism as a relational issue, instead as an individual deficit. This step might be first taken in research, by implementing paradigms sensitive to the experimenter’s role and attitude.
A process for converting an in-person training to increase church capacity to implement physical activity and healthy eating practices and policies to an online format

Abstract The implementation of evidence-based public health programs into practice is critical for improving health, but trainings for organizational change agents are often not scalable. To describe the process of converting a training that targets faith-based organizational capacity development from an in-person to an online format. We engaged in an iterative process to convert the training delivery mode from in-person to online that included assessing stakeholder support, consulting the literature on best practices, seeking a design team, consolidating content, designing engaging lessons, and building an online site. Feedback from end-users and other audiences was incorporated throughout. Pilot participants with characteristics like intended training users were then recruited via community and faith-based partner networks. They rated their agreement with statements about the effectiveness as well as design and functionality of each lesson and the overall training (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) and participated in a structured follow-up interview. Nine pilot participants (representing 9 churches in 7 states; 6 African American, 5 with health ministries) rated the online lessons favorably (all ratings ≥ 4.5). Most (90.4%) perceived the lesson duration to be “just right” and spent 52.5 ± 9.9 minutes/lesson. Participants evaluated the overall training positively (all ratings ≥ 4.7). Lesson content, resources, multimedia, and program ideas were most-liked aspects of lessons, while content, staff responsiveness, discussion board, and pace were most-liked aspects of the overall training in open-ended and interview responses. This paper shares a replicable process for converting training modalities from in-person to online with the goal of increased scalability.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐2 mRNA‐binding protein 3 promotes cell migration, invasion, and epithelial−mesenchymal transition of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting zinc finger E‐box‐binding homeobox 1 mRNA

The role and mechanism of insulin‐like growth factor‐2 mRNA‐binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) in the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. In this study, IGF2BP3 mRNA and protein expression levels were evaluated in ESCC tissues. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), plasmid overexpression, and stable lentivirus transfection were used to manipulate intracellular IGF2BP3 expression levels. The role of IGF2BP3 in ESCC tumorigenesis was investigated in vitro and in vivo. IGF2BP3 target transcripts were detected, and the acetylation effect ratios of the IGF2BP3 promoter region by H3K27ac were determined. IGF2BP3 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in ESCC tissues than in normal esophageal tissues. Increased IGF2BP3 expression levels were detected in node‐negative ESCC tissues and correlated with greater lesion depth in ESCC. Overexpression of IGF2BP3 promoted ESCC development in vitro and in vivo, and IGF2BP3 knockdown caused an opposite effect. IGF2BP3 was found to directly bind to the zinc finger E‐box‐binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1) mRNA, and the downregulation of IGF2BP3 reduced the stability of Zeb1 mRNA. IGF2BP3 induced epithelial−mesenchymal transition in ESCC cells in a Zeb1‐dependent manner. IGF2BP3 was transcriptionally activated in ESCC cell lines via H3K27 acetylation. Our results demonstrate that IGF2BP3 plays a vital role in ESCC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis and is a potential therapeutic target for treating ESCC.
Second harmonic plasma emission involving ion sound waves

The theory for second harmonic plasma emission by the weak turbulence (or random phase) processes L + L ± S→T, proceeding in two three-wave steps, L ± S→L′ and L + L′→T, where L, S and T denote Langmuir. ion sound and electromagnetic waves, respectively, is developed. Kinematic constraints on the characteristics and growth lengths of waves participating in the wave processes, and constraints on the characteristics of the source plasma, are derived. Limits on the brightness temperature of the radiation and the levels of the L′ and S waves are determined. Expressions for the growth rates and path-integrated wave temperatures are derived for simple models of the wave spectra and source plasma.
Investigation of the Protective Effect of Extracellular Vesicle miR-124 on Retinal Ganglion Cells Using a Photolabile Paper-Based Chip

Purpose Photolabile paper-based chips were developed to isolate extracellular vesicles (EVs) from small-volume samples (less than 30 µL), such as vitreous humor. Putative neuroprotective effects of EVs’ microRNAs were investigated by using the paper chip and a rodent model with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (rNAION). Methods rNAION was established using laser-induced photoactivation of rose bengal administered intravenously. On days 0, 0.25, 1, 3, and 7 after rNAION induction, CD63-positive EV microRNAs (CD63+-EV miRNAs) in vitreous humor samples were enriched using the paper chip and assessed using microarray and quantitative RT-PCR analyses. The viability and visual function of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were further assessed by measuring photopic flash visual evoked potentials (FVEPs). Results We identified 38 different variations of CD63+-EV miRNAs with more than twofold altered expressions. Among them, M1-related miRNA, mR-31a-5p, and M2-related miRNA, miR-125a-5p, miR-182, miR-181a-5p, and miR-124-3, were capable of coordinating anti-inflammatory reactions during rNAION because of their capacity to activate macrophages. In particular, miR-124, having the most dramatic alteration of gene expression, was synthesized and injected intravitreally. Compared to controls, rats that received miR-124 had shown increased RGC survivability and improved visual function. Conclusions Our research team has developed a paper-based chip capable of capturing EVs that can be released after UV exposure. The quantity and quality of EV-miRNAs extracted are adequate for microarray and quantitative RT-PCR analyses. Animal studies suggest that miR-124 may play a neuroprotective role in the natural recovery of rNAION and holds the potential to be a novel treatment option.
Reweighting estimators to extend the external validity of clinical trials: methodological considerations

ABSTRACT Methods to extend the strong internal validity of randomized controlled trials to reliably estimate treatment effects in target populations are gaining attention. This paper enumerates steps recommended for undertaking such extended inference, discusses currently viable choices for each one, and provides recommendations. We demonstrate a complete extended inference from a clinical trial studying a pharmaceutical treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to a realistic target population of European residents diagnosed with AD. This case study highlights approaches to overcoming practical difficulties and demonstrates limitations of reliably extending inference from a trial to a real-world population.
The magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of radicular cysts and granulomas.

OBJECTIVES Limited studies have differentiated radicular cysts and granulomas with MRI. Therefore, we investigated the MRI characteristics of the two lesions and clarified features for distinguishing between them. METHODS We collected data of 27 radicular cysts and 9 granulomas definitively diagnosed by histopathology and reviewed the fat-saturated T2 weighted, T1 weighted, and contrast-enhanced fat-saturated T1 weighted images. We measured the maximum diameter and apparent diffusion coefficient values of the lesions. We employed Fisher's exact test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and independent t-tests to compare the two lesions and created a decision tree for discriminating between them. RESULTS There were significant differences between radicular cysts and granulomas with respect to five imaging characteristics-signal intensity of the lesion centre on fat-saturated T2 weighted images; signal intensity, texture, and contrast enhancement of the lesion centre on contrast-enhanced fat-saturated T1 weighted images; and maximum diameter of the lesion. The cut-off diameter for radicular cysts was 15.9 mm. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.971, 85.2%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS From the decision tree analysis, maximum diameter, lesion centre contrast enhancement on contrast-enhanced fat-saturated T1 weighted images, and lesion centre signal intensity on fat-saturated T2 weighted images were important for discriminating between radicular cysts and granulomas.
Latent CMV infection of Lymphatic endothelial cells is sufficient to drive CD8 T cell memory inflation

CMV, a ubiquitous herpesvirus, elicits an extraordinarily large T cell response that is sustained or increases over time, a phenomenon termed ‘memory inflation. ’ Remarkably, even latent, non-productive infection can drive memory inflation. Despite intense research on this phenomenon, the infected cell type(s) involved are unknown. To identify the responsible cell type(s), we designed a Cre-lox murine CMV (MCMV) system, where a spread-deficient (ΔgL) virus expresses recombinant SIINFEKL only in Cre+ host cells. We found that latent infection of endothelial cells (ECs), but not dendritic cells (DCs) or hepatocytes, was sufficient to drive CD8 T cell memory inflation. Infection of Lyve-1-Cre and Prox1-CreERT2 mice revealed that amongst EC subsets, infection of lymphatic ECs was sufficient. Genetic ablation of β2m on lymphatic ECs did not prevent inflation, suggesting another unidentified cell type can also present antigen to CD8 T cells during latency. This novel system definitively shows that antigen presentation by lymphatic ECs drives robust CD8 T cell memory inflation.