Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Randomized Clinical Trial of Real-Time fMRI Amygdala Neurofeedback for Major Depressive Disorder: Effects on Symptoms and Autobiographical Memory Recall.

OBJECTIVE Patients with depression show blunted amygdala hemodynamic activity to positive stimuli, including autobiographical memories. The authors examined the therapeutic efficacy of real-time functional MRI neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) training aimed at increasing the amygdala's hemodynamic response to positive memories in patients with depression. METHOD In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, unmedicated adults with depression (N=36) were randomly assigned to receive two sessions of rtfMRI-nf either from the amygdala (N=19) or from a parietal control region not involved in emotional processing (N=17). Clinical scores and autobiographical memory performance were assessed at baseline and 1 week after the final rtfMRI-nf session. The primary outcome measure was change in score on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and the main analytic approach consisted of a linear mixed-model analysis. RESULTS In participants in the experimental group, the hemodynamic response in the amygdala increased relative to their own baseline and to the control group. Twelve participants in the amygdala rtfMRI-nf group, compared with only two in the control group, had a >50% decrease in MADRS score. Six participants in the experimental group, compared with one in the control group, met conventional criteria for remission at study end, resulting in a number needed to treat of 4. In participants receiving amygdala rtfMRI-nf, the percent of positive specific memories recalled increased relative to baseline and to the control group. CONCLUSIONS rtfMRI-nf training to increase the amygdala hemodynamic response to positive memories significantly decreased depressive symptoms and increased the percent of specific memories recalled on an autobiographical memory test. These data support a role of the amygdala in recovery from depression.
Open source paradigm: A synopsis of The Cathedral and the Bazaar for health and social care

Background Open-source software (OSS) is becoming fashionable in health and social care, although the ideas are not new. However, progress has been slower than many had expected. Objective The purpose is to summarise the Free/Libre Open Source Software paradigm in terms of what it is, how it impacts users and software engineers and how it can work as a business model in the health and social care sectors. Method Critical appraisal of key learning from Eric Raymond’s seminal book The Cathedral and the Bazaar, which was the first comprehensive description of the open-source ecosystem, set out in three long essays. Outputs The first part contrasts open and closed source approaches to software development and support. The second part describes the culture and practices of the open-source movement. The third part considers business models. Conclusion A key benefit of open source is that users can access and collaborate on improving the software if they wish. Closed source code may be regarded as a strategic business risk that that may be unacceptable if there is an opensource alternative.The sharing culture of the open-source movement fits well with that of health and social care.
Effect of exposure to solid wastes in relation to employment duration on some important markers of health and disease in waste management workers of Ogun State in southwest Nigeria

Waste management workers (WMWs) around the world are at risk of work-related health disorders. The influence of employment duration on individuals occupationally exposed to solid waste was investigated in this study. The study comprised (n = 280) 180 WMWs and 100 controls. Employment duration was obtained from questionnaire survey and categorized into three groups: group I (0.5–2 years), group II (>2–4 years) and group III (>4–6 years). Blood sample (10 ml) was collected from the antecubital vein of subjects for analysis. WMWs exhibited significantly (p < 0.001) elevated inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and ceruloplasmin (Cp)) relative to control. While Cp increased, ESR and CRP decreased with increasing WMWs’ employment duration. Alteration in oxidant/antioxidant markers was characterized by significant (p < 0.001) decrease in ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and catalase activity together with marked (p < 0.01) elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and uric acid (UA). TBARS, UA and FRAP increased while catalase decreased with WMWs’ employment duration. In addition, WMWs exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) elevated immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG, which also increased and decreased, respectively, with job duration. The significantly (p < 0.01) decreased haemoglobin and haematocrit levels as well as the significantly (p < 0.001) elevated total leukocytes in WMWs increased with employment duration. Alanine aminotransferase increased and albumin decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in WMWs, and these changes also increased and decreased, respectively, with job duration. Data suggest that levels of alteration of important systemic markers of health/disease are related to WMWs’ employment or exposure duration.
Resource Efficiency: A New Beamforming Design for Multicell Multiuser Systems

Apart from spectral efficiency (SE), energy efficiency (EE) has become an important metric for future wireless communication systems. However, how to achieve balance between SE and EE for a multicell multiuser coordinated beamforming system remains an open problem. In this paper, we propose a new paradigm for EE-SE balancing, namely, using a new metric called resource efficiency (RE) as the objective function to achieve a reasonable tradeoff between SE and EE. The considered optimization problem is more complex than traditional problems and, in general, is NP-hard for finding the globally optimal solution. To obtain insight into the problem, we first equivalently transform the original problem into a parameterized subtractive form optimization problem with some auxiliary variables by using the fraction programming theory. Then, a successive convex approximation method and the classical second-order cone programming method are jointly used to solve the equivalent problem. Finally, an effective algorithm with proven convergence is proposed to obtain the solution to the considered RE optimization. In addition, the algorithm is further extended to consider imperfect channel state information (CSI) using the worst-case design. Extensive numerical simulations are given to validate the effectiveness of our algorithm.
Sirtuin 1 regulates skeletal myoblast survival and enhances differentiation in the presence of resveratrol

Sirtuin 1 also known as NAD‐dependent deacetylase sirtuin 1, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the Sirt1 gene. Sirt1 is an enzyme that deacetylates proteins that contribute to cellular regulation and is a key regulator of cell defenses and survival in response to stress. Deletion of Sirt1 abolishes the increase in lifespan induced by calorie restriction or sublethal cytokine stress, indicating that Sirt1 promotes longevity and survival. We have demonstrated that administration of a sublethal dose of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α; 1.25 ng ml−1) inhibits myotube formation, and co‐incubation with insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I; 1.5 ng ml−1) facilitates C2 myoblast death rather than rescuing differentiation. A higher dose of TNF‐α (10 ng ml−1) resulted in significant apoptosis, which was rescued by IGF‐I (1.5 ng ml−1; 50% rescue; P < 0.05). We aimed to investigate the role of Sirt1 in the conflicting roles of IGF‐I. Quantitative real‐time PCR revealed that Sirt1 expression was elevated in myoblasts following incubation of 10 ng ml−1 TNF‐α or 1.25 ng ml−1 TNF‐α plus IGF‐I (fivefold and 7.2‐fold increases versus control, respectively; P < 0.05). A dose of 10 ng ml−1 TNF‐α induced ∼21 ± 0.7% apoptosis, which was reduced (∼50%; P < 0.05) when administered with IGF‐I. Likewise, Sirt1 expression was elevated following 10 ng ml−1 TNF‐α administration, but was reduced (∼30%; P < 0.05) in the presence of IGF‐I. C2C12 myoblasts, a subclone of the C2 cell line produced for their differentiation potential and used to examine intrinsic ageing, unlike C2 cells, do not die in the presence of TNF‐α and do not upregulate Sirt1. As conditions that induced the greatest myoblast stress/damage resulted in elevated Sirt1 expression, we investigated the effects of Sirt1 gene silencing. Treatment with 10 ng ml−1 TNF‐α or co‐incubation with 1.25 ng ml−1 TNF‐α and 1.5 ng ml−1 IGF‐I resulted in apoptosis (20.33 ± 2.08 and 19 ± 2.65%, respectively), which was increased when myoblasts were pretreated with Sirt1 small interfering RNA (31 ± 2.65 and 27.33 ± 2.52%, respectively; P < 0.05) and was reduced (14.33 ± 3.05%, P < 0.05 and 12.78 ± 4.52%, P= 0.054) by resveratrol, which also significantly rescued the block on differentiation. In conclusion, Sirt1 expression increases in conditons of stress, potentially serving to reduce or dampen myoblast death.
Academic advising practices that support retention rates in two-year college in the Southeastern United States

The academic advising practices of two-year colleges with high retention rates was examined using general inductive qualitative study. Participants were all mangers or deans who oversaw the advising practice at their college. The colleges interviewed were all located in the Southeastern United States. The study uncovered five key findings: (a) early identification and intervention of high-risk students; (b) increased communication with students, particularly at significant dates for enrollment; (c) implementation of support coaches; (d) training of faculty and staff who serve as advisors; and (e) mandatory advising sessions for students. The findings validated the importance of academic advising in improving and sustaining retention rates. Implementing these practices in other two-year colleges may help improve institution retention rates and student success.
Is the South-Mediterranean Canopy-Forming Ericaria giacconei (= Cystoseira hyblaea) a Loser From Ocean Warming?

Canopy-forming brown algae support highly productive ecosystems whose decline has been attributed to the interplay of several anthropogenic disturbances. Climate change could have disruptive effects on the biology of these species, but the role of temperature in the development of early life stages is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the response of Ericaria giacconei, a winter-reproducing Southern–Mediterranean endemic species, to thermal stress by testing five temperatures (12, 15, 18, 24, and 28°C) on adults and early stages. Chlorophyll a fluorescence of adult plants was measured at 0, 24, 72, and 120 h on nine fronds in each of the three aquaria per treatment. To assess egg release, zygote settlement, and embryo growth rate, approximately 1,200 receptacles were cultured on six Petri dishes per temperature treatment, and 10 random subsections of 2 ×2 mm were examined in three Petri dishes at 0, 20, 44, and 92 h after fertilization. Adult plants showed a plastic physiological response, and thermal stress had no significant effect on PSII efficiency. Embryos fully developed only at 12 and 15°C. Mortality increased at 18 and 24°C, and no zygotes survived at 28°C. In a scenario of further increasing temperatures, the effects of warming could affect the recruitment of E. giacconei and increase its vulnerability to further stresses. These effects on the survival of early stages, which are the bottleneck for the long-term survival of the species, should be taken into account in conservation and restoration measures to maintain canopy-forming macroalgal populations and associated biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Determination of Benzophenones in River-water Samples Using Drop-based Liquid Phase Microextraction Coupled with Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

In this study, a fast, simple and highly sensitive method that employs liquid phase microextraction (LPME)-GC/MS was developed to analyze trace benzophenones (BPs) in river-water samples. The tip of a 10-µl microsyringe filled with toluene (3 µl) was inserted into 2 µl of a river-water sample, and fixed at 5 mm below the water surface of the sample. A toluene droplet was made on the tip of the syringe, and extraction was conducted while agitating at 500 rpm for 15 min. After extraction, 2.0 µl of the extract was put into the syringe again, and directly introduced to GC/MS. The limits of detection ( S / N = 3) and quantification ( S / N >10) of BPs were 10 and 50 pg ml^−1, respectively. The results of a recovery test ranged over 93.3–101.1% (RSD, less than 10%; n = 6). The results of BPs determinations in the river-water samples showed that BPs (ND-68.9 pg ml^−1) were detected.
Multi-form hierarchical representation of image categories for browsing and retrieval

In this paper, we present a multi-form image representation and adaptive weighting approach for image browsing and retrieval systems. To support the development of the multi-form representation with understanding on users' image searching behavior, we conducted an interview study with users of various image browsing and retrieval systems. Based on the insights gained from the user study we propose an adaptive weighting method for multi-form structures. The proposed adaptive weighting approach aims at improving the efficiency and accuracy of the system. Users' behaviors are modeled based on statistics of the past actions and weights of the forms are updated adaptively on iterations of browsing and retrieval. The proposed method has been evaluated and results are illustrated in the paper. It is shown that, satisfactory improvements can be achieved with adaptive weighting approach in the multi-form scheme.
Compact CRLH CPW Antennas Using Novel Termination Circuits for Dual-Band Operation at Zeroth-Order Series and Shunt Resonances

A series of termination circuits for unbalanced composite right/left-handed transmission lines (CRLH TLs) are proposed to enable simultaneous excitation of the zeroth-order series and shunt resonances. The proposed termination circuits are very simple and consist merely of a capacitor or inductor in series/parallel with a parallel/series LC tank. Their operational mechanisms are explained in terms of the equivalent circuit models for CRLH TLs at the two zeroth-order resonances, which can also be used to justify the absence of one of the two zeroth-order resonances in conventional open- or short-ended CRLH TLs. Design formulas to estimate the element values of the termination circuits are derived, and some design considerations are discussed as well. Then, the proposed termination circuits are connected to unbalanced CRLH coplanar waveguides (CPWs) to realize two dual-band compact zeroth-order resonator (ZOR) antennas. Unlike conventional dual- or multi-band ZOR antennas formed by open- or short-ended CRLH TLs, in which only one of the zeroth-order resonances can be excited, our proposed ZOR antennas can operate simultaneously at the zeroth-order series and shunt resonances. It is demonstrated that the proposed antennas have similar input impedance responses, slot-like radiation patterns, and peak gains within the two bands. The antenna size is very compact (of about at the upper resonance) since both designs are formed by only two CRLH CPW unit cells.
Structural Studies of Human Autoantibodies

The three-dimensional structure of the Fab of TR1.9, a high-affinity IgG1,κ human autoantibody to thyroid peroxidase, was determined crystallographically to a resolution of 2.0 Å. The combining site was found to be relatively flat, like other antibodies to large proteins. Sequence differences from the most closely related germline genes mainly occur at positions occupied by residues with outward-pointing side chains. An increased deformability of the second and third complementarity-determining regions of the heavy chain may result from the replacement of two germline asparagines and the presence of several glycines, and may allow “induced fit” in the binding to antigen. Four exposed charged residues, resulting from the use of a particular D (diversity) and J (joining) segments in the assembly of the heavy chain, may contribute to the high affinity of antigen binding. The crystal structure of TR1.9 Fab is the first for a human IgG high-affinity autoantibody.
ADORA2A polymorphism predisposes children to encephalopathy with febrile status epilepticus

Objective: Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) is a childhood encephalopathy following severe febrile seizures, leaving neurologic sequelae in many patients. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we clarified that genetic variation in the adenosine A2A receptor (ADORA2A), whose activation is involved in excitotoxicity, may be a predisposing factor of AESD. Methods: We analyzed 4 ADORA2A single nucleotide polymorphisms in 85 patients with AESD. The mRNA expression in brain samples, mRNA and protein expression in lymphoblasts, as well as the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) by lymphoblasts in response to adenosine were compared among ADORA2A diplotypes. Results: Four single nucleotide polymorphisms were completely linked, which resulted in 2 haplotypes, A and B. Haplotype A (C at rs2298383, T at rs5751876, deletion at rs35320474, and C at rs4822492) frequency in patients was significantly higher than in controls (p = 0.005). Homozygous haplotype A (AA diplotype) had a higher risk of developing AESD (odds ratio 2.32, 95% confidence interval 1.32–4.08; p = 0.003) via a recessive model. mRNA expression was significantly higher in AA than AB and BB diplotypes, both in the brain (p = 0.003 and 0.002, respectively) and lymphoblasts (p = 0.035 and 0.003, respectively). In lymphoblasts, ADORA2A protein expression (p = 0.024), as well as cellular cAMP production (p = 0.0006), was significantly higher in AA than BB diplotype. Conclusions: AA diplotype of ADORA2A is associated with AESD and may alter the intracellular adenosine/cAMP cascade, thereby promoting seizures and excitotoxic brain damage in patients.
Gender Differences and Postoperative Delirium in Adult Patients Undergoing Cardiac Valve Surgery

Background: Postoperative delirium (POD) is common in patients following cardiac surgery. According to studies on non-cardiac surgery, males suffered from higher incidence of POD. However, there is no report about effect of gender differences on POD occurrence in cardiac surgery patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gender differences on POD occurrence in adult patients after cardiac valve surgery. Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study. We recorded the clinical data in adult patients who underwent elective cardiac valve surgery from May 2019 to October 2020. POD was assessed by the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit. Univariate analysis was used to screen the potential risk factors. Collinearity analysis was conducted to detect overlapping predictor variables on the outcomes. A multivariate logistic regression with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the independent risk factors. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was performed to show the good calibration of the logistic regression model. Results: In total, we recorded the perioperative data in 431 adult patients, including 212 males and 219 females. Sixty patients suffered from POD, including 39 males and 21 females. Twenty-one perioperative variables were selected, and 11 were screened by univariate analysis. We did not detect the severe collinearity among the 11 variables. Male gender was identified as a significant risk factor in POD occurrence in patients undergoing cardiac surgery (Adjusted OR: 2.213, 95% CI: 1.049–4.670, P = 0.037). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test demonstrated good calibration of the logistic regression model (χ2 = 7.238, P = 0.511). Besides, compared with females, the relationship of male and delirium subtypes was as follows: (1) hyperactive: adjusted OR: 3.384, 95% CI: 1.335–8.580, P = 0.010; (2) hypoactive: adjusted OR: 0.509, 95% CI: 0.147–1.766, P = 0.287. A Stratification analysis by age demonstrated that the males showed higher POD incidence in patients aged younger than 60 years (adjusted OR: 4.384, 95% CI: 1.318–14.586, P = 0.016). Conclusions: Male gender is an important risk factor in POD occurrence in patients following cardiac surgery. Furthermore, the incidence of hyperactive delirium is higher in males. Besides, the male patients aged younger than 60 years are at high risk of POD. We should pay more attention to the male patients to prevent their POD occurrence.
Associations Between Psychological and Immunological Variables in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Systematic Review

Background: Little emphasis has been given to the fact that various psychological processes and behaviors in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) have neural correlates that affect—and are affected by—the immune system. The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the literature on cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between psychological and immunological variables/changes in CFS/ME. Methods: The systematic literature search was conducted on Dec 10, 2020 using PubMed. Original research studies investigating associations between a predefined set of psychological and immunological variables in CFS/ME were included. Specifically, the review was focused on studies examining the following psychological variables: executive function, emotion regulation, interpersonal function, sleep, mental health, anxiety, depression, and/or other psychiatric symptoms. In terms of immunological variables, studies investigating interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), CD4+, and/or CD8+ were included. Besides original research papers, other potentially relevant papers (e.g., literature reviews) were carefully read and reference lists were checked in order to identify any additional relevant studies. Available data was summarized in text and tables. Results: The literature search identified 897 potentially relevant papers. Ultimately, 14 studies (807 participants in total) were included in the review of which only two were longitudinal in nature. The review indicated that executive function is associated with IL-1 and IL-6, and interpersonal function is associated with IL-6 and TNF-α. Further, the available data suggested that emotion regulation is associated with IL-2 and sleep is associated with IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-2. Interestingly, poorer emotion regulation, interpersonal function, and sleep have all been found to be associated with higher cytokine levels. Executive function has shown both positive and negative relationships with cytokines and among these psychological constructs, it is also the only one that has been found to be associated with CD4+ and CD8+ counts/percentages. Conclusions: Correlations exist between psychological and immunological variables in CFS/ME. However, there are few consistent findings and there is almost a complete lack of longitudinal studies. This review points to a gap in existing CFS/ME research and hopefully, it will inspire to the generation of innovative, psychoneuroimmunological hypotheses within the CFS/ME research field.