Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MM-associated circular RNA downregulates microRNA-19a through methylation to suppress proliferation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells

ABSTRACT Opposite roles of circular RNA MM-associated circular RNA (circ-MYBL2) have been observed in different malignancies, and its role in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) is unknown. Our preliminary sequencing data revealed its inverse correlation with microRNA-19a (miR-19a). This study was performed to explore the role of circ-MYBL2 in PA and its crosstalk with miR-19a. The accumulation of circ-MYBL2 and miR-19a in PA was detected by RT-qPCR. Participation of circ-MYBL2 in the regulation of miR-19a and its RNA gene methylation was studied with an overexpression assay, followed by RT-qPCR and MSP analyses. The role of miR-19a and circ-MYBL2 in PA cell proliferation and movement was evaluated using the BrdU assay and the Transwell assay, respectively. Downregulation of circ-MYBL2 and upregulation of miR-19a were observed in PA. In PA cells, circ-MYBL2 decreased the accumulation of miR-19a but increased its RNA gene methylation. Overexpression of circ-MYBL2 decreased PA cell proliferation and movement, while overexpression of miR-19a showed an opposite effect. In addition, circ-MYBL2 suppressed the role of miR-19a in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, circ-MYBL2 was downregulated in PA and it downregulated miR-19a through methylation to suppress PA cell proliferation. Graphical Abstract
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A Multiplier Bootstrap Approach to Designing Robust Algorithms for Contextual Bandits

Upper confidence bound (UCB)-based contextual bandit algorithms require one to know the tail property of the reward distribution. Unfortunately, such tail property is usually unknown or difficult to specify in real-world applications. Using a tail property heavier than the ground truth leads to a slow learning speed of the contextual bandit algorithm, while using a lighter one may cause the algorithm to diverge. To address this fundamental problem, we develop an estimator (evaluated from historical rewards) for the contextual bandit UCB based on the multiplier bootstrap technique. Our proposed estimator mitigates the problem of specifying a heavier tail property by adaptively converging to the ground truth contextual bandit UCB (i.e., eliminating the impact of the specified heavier tail property) with theoretical guarantees on the convergence. The design and convergence analysis of the proposed estimator is technically nontrivial. The proposed estimator is generic and it can be applied to improve a variety of UCB-based contextual bandit algorithms. To demonstrate the versatility of the proposed estimator, we apply it to improve the linear reward contextual bandit UCB (LinUCB) algorithm resulting in our bootstrapping LinUCB (BootLinUCB) algorithm. We prove that the BootLinUCB has a sublinear regret. We conduct extensive experiments on both synthetic dataset and real-world dataset from Yahoo! to validate the benefits of our proposed estimator in reducing regret and the superior performance of BootLinUCB over the latest baseline.
Development and Validation of a Screening Questionnaire of COPD from a Large Epidemiological Study in China

Abstract Objective We aimed to establish an easy-to-use screening questionnaire with risk factors and suspected symptoms of COPD for primary health care settings. Methods Based on a nationwide epidemiological study of pulmonary health among adults in mainland China (China Pulmonary Health, CPH study) between 2012 and 2015, participants ≥40 years who completed the questionnaire and spirometry tests were recruited and randomly divided into development set and validation set by the ratio of 2:1. Parameters including sex, age, BMI, residence, education, smoking status, smoking pack-years, biomass exposure, parental history of respiratory diseases and daily respiratory symptoms were initially selected for the development of scoring system. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under curve (AUC), positive and negative predictive values were calculated in development set and validation set. Results After random split by 2:1 ratio, 22443 individuals were assigned to development set and 11221 to validation set. Ten variables were significantly associated with COPD independently in development set after a stepwise selection by multivariable logistic model and used to develop scoring system. The scoring system yielded good discrimination, as measured by AUC of 0.7737, and in the validation set, the AUC was 0.7711. When applying a cutoff point of ≥16, the sensitivity in development set was 0.69 (0.67 − 0.71); specificity 0.72 (0.71 − 0.73), PPV 0.25 (0.24 − 0.26) and NPV 0.94 (0.94 − 0.95). Conclusion We developed and validated a comprehensive screening questionnaire, COPD-CPHS, with good discrimination. The score system still needs to be validated by large cohort in the future. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15412555.2022. 2042504 .
Assuring the Quality of Unit Testing in a Continuous Delivery Environment

Automated tests have always been essential for changing a piece of software. They let developers detect and locate faults early on and provide confidence in the product’s quality. With the rise of Continuous Delivery (CD) in software development, changes are being deployed multiple times a day. Maintaining a high quality test suite has therefore never been more important. Based on the CD practices at ING and its delivery pipeline we have created Spectata, a tool that helps development teams assure the quality of their unit test code. Every time a change in the code is made Spectata calculates metrics that reflect the adequacy, fault finding effectiveness and maintainability of the test suite. It provides a quality verdict on those aspects, recommended refactorings and a detailed comparison with the quality of prior builds. To evaluate Spectata we perform four case studies in which we compare Spectata’s verdict and recommendations to ones given by the developers and ourselves. The results demonstrate that the testing quality verdict aligns with our own opinion and that the tool is able to help development teams assess, maintain and improve the quality of their test suites.
Real Time Pest Detection and Identification Using Image Processing

Timely pest detection and identification in agricultural crops is essential to ensure good production. This action helps fight the pests and also reduce the use of pesticides. There exist different techniques which areused for detection and identification of bio-agressors, the major one being image processing. Image processing involves capturing a static or dynamic image and applying various preprocessing techniques to the image to highlight and detect the object in the image or motion in case of video analysis.
The COVID-19 pandemic: asthma control, tobacco use, and mental health among African American and Latinx college students

Abstract Objective This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on tobacco use and mental health in US African American and Latinx college students with asthma. Associations among asthma control, tobacco use, and mental health were also examined. Methods 105 African American and Latinx college students with asthma (18–23 years) completed two online questionnaires (June 2019-March 2020 for Time 1; August 2020-October 2020 for Time 2). Participants completed the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory (measure of COVID-19 impact), Asthma Control Test, Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (measure of depression), Perceived Stress Scale, and items related to tobacco use. Results Asthma control improved (t = −3.326, p = 0.001) from Time 1 to 2, and e-vapor product use decreased (χ 2 104 = 6.572, p = 0.010). COVID-19 impact was positively associated with students’ symptoms of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress (B = 0.201, p < 0.001; B = 0.179, p < 0.001; and B = 0.199, p = 0.001, respectively) at Time 2. These results remained significant with the Benjamini-Hochberg correction. Asthma control at Time 1 was negatively associated with anxiety symptoms at Time 2 (B = −0.418, p = 0.023); however, associations with perceived stress (B = −0.514, p = 0.019) and all other tobacco product use (B = −0.233, p = 0.030) did not remain significant with the Benjamini-Hochberg correction. Conclusions As hypothesized, a higher COVID-19 impact score was associated with students endorsing more mental health symptoms. Better control of asthma symptoms before the pandemic predicted fewer anxiety symptoms during the pandemic.
Structural characterization and preventive effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease of oligosaccharides from Bletilla striata.

In this study, Bletilla striata polysaccharides were degraded into oligosaccharides. The structural features were analyzed by HPLC, HPLC-MS, FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopy. The results indicated that Bletilla striata oligosaccharides (BOs) were composed of mannose and glucose with a molar ratio of 5.2 : 1, and the main backbones of BOs contained (1→4)-linked-α-D-Man, (1→2)-linked-α-D-Man, and (1→2)-linked-α-D-Glc. By using a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mouse model, we demonstrated that BOs had an improving effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Using the metabolomics assay, we found that BOs significantly regulated the hepatic metabolism of fatty acids, arachidonic acid, and other related metabolites in HFD-fed mice, accompanied by the reduction of lipid accumulation and fibrosis in liver tissues. In summary, BOs displayed high potential for the treatment of NAFLD as a functional food.
Fitness Cost of Sequential Selection with Deltamethrin in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract In Mexico, Aedes aegypti (L.) is the primary dengue vector, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. The continued use of synthetic pyrethroids has led to the development of resistance in target populations, which has diminished the effectiveness of vector control programs. Resistance has been associated with disadvantages that affect the biological parameters of resistant mosquitoes compared to susceptible ones. In the present study, the disadvantages were evaluated by parameters related to survival and reproduction (‘fitness cost’) after selection with deltamethrin for five generations. The parameters analyzed were the length of the development cycle, sex ratio, survival, longevity, fecundity, egg viability, preoviposition, oviposition and postoviposition periods, and growth parameters. In the deltamethrin-selected strain, there was a decrease in the development cycle duration, the percentage of pupae, the oviposition period, and eggs viability. Although mean daily fecundity was not affected after the selection process, this, together with the decrease in the survival and fecundity levels by specific age, significantly affected the gross reproductive rate (GRR), net reproductive rate (Ro), and intrinsic growth rate (rm) of the group selected for five generations with deltamethrin compared to the group without selection. Identifying the ‘cost’ of resistance in biological fitness represents an advantage if it is desired to limit the spread of resistant populations since the fitness cost is the less likely that resistant individuals will spread in the population. This represents an important factor to consider in designing integrated vector management programs.
Psychological Distress, Cognition, and Functional Disability Trajectory Profiles of Aging in Primary Care Older Adults

ABSTRACT Objectives To identify profiles of aging by combining psychological distress, cognition and functional disability, and their associated factors. Methods Data were drawn from the Étude sur la Santé des Aînés-Services study and included 1585 older adults. Sociodemographic, psychosocial, lifestyle and health factors were informed from structured interviews. Group-based multi-trajectory modeling and multinomial logistic regression were used to identify aging profiles and correlates. Sampling weights were applied to account for the sampling plan. Results The weighted sample size was 1591. Three trajectories were identified: a favorable (79.0%), intermediate (14.5%), and severe scenario (6.5%). Factors associated with the severe scenario were older age, male gender, lower education, the presence of anxiety disorders, low physical activity, and smoking. Membership in the intermediate scenario was associated with daily hassles, physical disorders, anxiety and depression, antidepressant/psychotherapy use, low physical activity, and no alcohol use. High social support was protective against less favorable profiles. Conclusions Symptoms of anxiety and depression and high burden of physical disorders were associated with less favorable trajectories. Modifiable lifestyle factors have a significant effect on healthy aging. Clinical implications Assessment and management of anxio-depressive symptoms are important in older adults. Clinical interventions including access to psychotherapy and promotion of healthier lifestyles should be considered.
Characterizing Use of a Multicomponent Digital Intervention to Predict Treatment Outcomes in First-Episode Psychosis: Cluster Analysis

Background Multicomponent digital interventions offer the potential for tailored and flexible interventions that aim to address high attrition rates and increase engagement, an area of concern in digital mental health. However, increased flexibility in use makes it difficult to determine which components lead to improved treatment outcomes. Objective This study aims to identify user profiles on Horyzons, an 18-month digital relapse prevention intervention for first-episode psychosis that incorporates therapeutic content and social networking, along with clinical, vocational, and peer support, and to examine the predictive value of these user profiles for treatment outcomes. A secondary objective is to compare each user profile with young people receiving treatment as usual (TAU). Methods Participants comprised 82 young people (aged 16-27 years) with access to Horyzons and 84 receiving TAU, recovering from first-episode psychosis. In addition, 6-month use data from the therapy and social networking components of Horyzons were used as features for K-means clustering for joint trajectories to identify user profiles. Social functioning, psychotic symptoms, depression, and anxiety were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up. General linear mixed models were used to examine the predictive value of user profiles for treatment outcomes and between each user profile with TAU. Results A total of 3 user profiles were identified based on the following system use metrics: low use, maintained use of social components, and maintained use of both therapy and social components. The maintained therapy and social group showed improvements in social functioning (F2,51=3.58; P=.04), negative symptoms (F2,51=4.45; P=.02), and overall psychiatric symptom severity (F2,50=3.23; P=.048) compared with the other user profiles. This group also showed improvements in social functioning (F1,62=4.68; P=.03), negative symptoms (F1,62=14.61; P<.001), and overall psychiatric symptom severity (F1,63=5.66; P=.02) compared with the TAU group. Conversely, the maintained social group showed increases in anxiety compared with the TAU group (F1,57=7.65; P=.008). No differences were found between the low use group and the TAU group on treatment outcomes. Conclusions Continued engagement with both therapy and social components might be key in achieving long-term recovery. Maintained social use and low use outcomes were broadly comparable with TAU, emphasizing the importance of maintaining engagement for improved treatment outcomes. Although the social network may be a key ingredient to increase sustained engagement, as users engaged with this more consistently, it should be leveraged as a tool to engage young people with therapeutic content to bring about social and clinical benefits.
Reverse-Phase Ultra-Performance Chromatography Method for Oncolytic Coxsackievirus Viral Protein Separation and Empty to Full Capsid Quantification

Oncolytic virus immunotherapy is emerging as a novel therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. Immunotherapy clinical drug candidate V937 is currently in phase I/II clinical trials and consists of a proprietary formulation of Coxsackievirus A21 (CVA21), which specifically infects and lyses cells with overexpressed ICAM-1 receptors in a range of tumors. Mature Coxsackievirus virions, consisting of four structural virion proteins, (VPs) VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4, and the RNA genome, are the only viral particles capable of being infectious. In addition to mature virions, empty procapsids with VPs, VP0, VP1, and VP3, and other virus particles are produced in V937 production cell culture. Viral protein VP0 is cleaved into VP2 and VP4 after RNA genome encapsidation to form mature virions. Clearance of viral particles containing VP0, and quantification of viral protein distribution are important in V937 downstream processing. Existing analytical methods for the characterization of viral proteins and particles may lack sensitivity or are low throughput. We developed a sensitive and robust reverse-phase ultra-performance chromatography method to separate, identify, and quantify all five CVA21 VPs. Quantification of virus capsid concentration and empty/full capsid ratio was achieved with good linearity, accuracy, and precision. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04521621 and NCT04152863.
COVID-19 patients require multi-disciplinary rehabilitation approaches to address persisting symptom profiles and restore pre-COVID quality of life

ABSTRACT Background Long-COVID diagnosis is prominent, and our attention must support those experiencing debilitating and long-standing symptoms. To establish patient pathways, we must consider the societal and economic impacts of sustained COVID-19. Accordingly, we sought to determine the pertinent areas impacting quality of life (QoL) following a COVID-19 infection. Research methods Three hundred and eighty-one participants completed a web-based survey (83% female, 17% male) consisting of 70 questions across 7 sections (demographics, COVID-19 symptoms; QoL; sleep quality; breathlessness; physical activity and mental health). Mean age, height, body mass and body mass index (BMI) were 42 ± 12 years, 167.6 ± 10.4 cm, 81.2 ± 22.2 kg, and 29.1 ± 8.4 kg.m2, respectively. Results Participant health was reduced because of COVID-19 symptoms (‘Good health’ to ‘Poor health’ [P < 0.001]). Survey respondents who work reported ongoing issues with performing moderate (83%) and vigorous (79%) work-related activities. Conclusions COVID-19 patients report reduced capacity to participate in activities associated with daily life, including employment activities. Bespoke COVID-19 support pathways must consider multi-disciplinary approaches that address the holistic needs of patients to restore pre-pandemic quality of life and address experienced health and wellbeing challenges. Plain Language Summary: The long-term impact of long-COVID has a dramatic impact upon daily activities and lifestyle. The development of bespoke support pathways to support patients must address the physical and psychological considerations to adequately restore pre-COVID quality of life and address broader societal and economic implications, especially for those that are of working age.
Cas9-mediated maternal effect and derived resistance alleles in a gene-drive strain of the African malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles gambiae

Abstract CRISPR/Cas9 technologies are important tools for the development of gene-drive systems to modify mosquito vector populations to control the transmission of pathogens that cause diseases such as malaria. However, one of the challenges for current Cas9-based drive systems is their ability to produce drive-resistant alleles resulting from insertions and deletions (indels) caused principally by nonhomologous end-joining following chromosome cleavage. Rapid increases in the frequency of such alleles may impair gene-drive dynamics. We explored the generation of indels in the germline and somatic cells in female gene-drive lineages using a series of selective crosses between a gene-drive line, AgNosCd-1, and wild-type mosquitoes. We find that potential drive-resistant mutant alleles are generated largely during embryonic development, most likely caused by deposition of the Cas9 endonuclease and guide RNAs in oocytes and resulting embryos by homozygous and hemizygous gene-drive mothers.
Expectation of others' cooperation, efficacy beliefs, and willingness to sacrifice personal interests for the environment

This paper departs from the view that the social dilemma literature provides a useful framework to delineate possible barriers to the adoption of environmentally friendly lifestyles. One domain in which tensions between personal and collective interests might occur are travel decisions in the context of tourism, where it has been shown that even those people who are very committed to environmental practices at home tend to reduce respective commitments on vacation. Data from a cross‐sectional survey N = 771 were analyzed to investigate if the expectation that other tourists travel environmentally friendly can in part explain individual travel decisions with environmental implications. Results showed that this expectation of others' cooperation added explanatory value in willingness to sacrifice (personal interests) for the environment. Further analyses indicated that the relationship between expectation of others' cooperation and willingness to sacrifice for the environment is sequentially mediated by collective efficacy and self‐efficacy. We discuss implications for initiatives to gain a better understanding of travel decisions that can help limit environmentally harmful impacts.
Risk factors of infection of totally implantable venous access port: A retrospective study

Background: Infection is the most frequent complication associated with the use of totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP). This retrospective study was conducted to determine the risk factors affecting TIVAP-related infection. Methods: A total of 1406 patients implanted with TIVAP at our center were included in this retrospective study. Incidence of perioperative infection, patient characteristics and bacteriologic data were retrieved and analyzed. Univariable analyses and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors. Results: Overall, 72 (5.1%) patients had perioperative infection, and TIVAP was finally removed from 12 (0.85%) patients. There was significantly more hematologic malignancy in the infection group, compared to the non-infection group. Patients with chemotherapy and infection within 30 days before operation also had more infections. There were more inpatients in the infection group than in the non-infection group. The rate of hematoma was higher in the infected patients. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that hematoma (OR 5.695, p < 0.001), preoperative hospital stay (⩾14d) (OR 2.945, p < 0.001), history of chemotherapy (OR 2.628, p = 0.002), history of infection (within 30 days) (OR 4.325, p < 0.001) were independent risk factor for infection. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that hematoma, preoperative hospital stay (⩾14d), history of chemotherapy and history of infection (within 30 days) are independent risk factor for all patients.