Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating client experience of rehabilitation following acquired brain injury: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective: To implement a service-wide approach in the collection of data to evaluate client experience of brain injury rehabilitation. Methods: Mixed methods study. Clients with brain injury and family members of the Liverpool Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit completed a purpose-designed Patient Experiences Survey for Brain Injury Rehabilitation (PES-BIR) which included closed and free-text responses, as well as the Client Services Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8). The survey was completed by clients across the inpatient, community rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation and community-based residential services. Results: 118 questionnaires were completed in relation to 102 clients. The majority of respondents were clients (n = 79, 66.9%) with a small proportion of family members represented (n = 39, 33.1%). High levels of satisfaction were reported (CSQ-8 28.4 ± 3.8) and positive patient experience (PES-BIR total, 37.2 ± 5.5) across all services. Themes identified from the free-text responses suggested that client experience was influenced by communication with the client about their progress and within the team, tailoring of rehabilitation, access to specialist services, integration of care across the rehabilitation continuum and the rehabilitation environment. Implications for practice: Routine collection and evaluation of client experience data in brain injury rehabilitation can be used to evaluate service delivery quality and guide further service improvements.
Exploration of key residues and conformational change of anti‐terminator protein GlpP for ligand and RNA binding

Anti‐terminator protein GlpP regulates gene expression of glycerol uptake operon at post‐transcriptional level in a number of bacteria. By now, the molecular dynamics details of ligand and RNA binding by GlpP are still obscure. In this study, we employed the molecular dynamic (MD) simulation and constructed a functional verification platform of GlpP to resolve these puzzles. By combining molecular docking, MD simulation and alanine scanning mutagenesis, a ligand binding pocket consisting of R14, R104 and R157 was identified. Among these residues with positive charge, R14 was dominant for binding glycerol‐3‐phosphate (G3P). Moreover, the “parallel to crossed” conformational change of the predicted RNA binding region was observed in MD simulation. In this process, the interaction between R104 and E129 was crucial to trigger the conformational change. To further verify this speculation, three ligand independent mutants were obtained by error‐prone PCR. The MD simulation indicated that the conformational change happened in all the three mutants, confirming the “parallel to crossed” conformational change endowed GlpP the activity of binding RNA. In recent years, as a potable biological part, anti‐terminator was more and more widely used to regulate gene expression in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. The work in this study deepened our understanding to the typical anti‐terminator GlpP, contributing to the further engineering and application of this type of regulator.
Construction of a immune-associated genes based prognostic signature in bladder cancer

Abstract Current studies indicated that immune-associated genes (IAGs) have important roles in the occurrence and development of bladder cancer (BC). The current work aims to identify the prognostic values of IAGs in BC and establish a prognostic signature based on IAGs. RNA sequencing data and protein expression data were used to identify differentially expressed IAGs in BC. An IAGs based signature was further constructed and the prognostic and predictive values of the signature were evaluated by survival analysis and nomogram. RNA isolation and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were further performed to investigate the expression levels of IAGs in BC cells and were used to explore the relationship between IAGs and M2 tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) secreted transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in BC cells. We selected five IAGs to develop an IAGs signature model, which were significantly related to survival outcomes of BC patients. RT-qPCR showed that five IAGs were significantly differentially expressed and three IAGs were positively correlated with M2 TAMs secreted TGF-β1 in T24 cells. We identified and validated an IAGs based signature to predict the prognosis of BC patients. Furthermore, M2 TAMs may promote the expression of IAGs in BC via the TGF-β1 signalling pathway.
Optical Properties of New Terbium(III) Ternary Complexes Containing Anionic 6,6,7,7,8,8,8‐heptafluoro‐2,2‐dimethyl‐3,5‐octanedione and Neutral Sensitizers in Solution, Solid and PMMA Thin Films: Intra and Interphase Colour Tuning

Four new terbium(III) ternary complexes, [Tb(fod)3(indazole)] (1), [Tb(fod)3(tptz)] (2), [Tb(fod)3(impy)] (3) and [Tb(fod)3(tppo)2] (4) with 6,6,7,7,8,8,8‐heptafluoro‐2,2‐dimethyl‐3,5‐octanedione, (Hfod) and N and O donors are synthesized and structurally characterized. The photoluminescence of the complexes are studied in solid, chloroform solution and thin PMMA hybrid films (PMMA is a poly(methyl methacrylate)). The ligand‐based emission is dominant in solution of 3 and 4. The effect of ancillary ligands on the photoluminescence of terbium(III) ion is investigated. The mechanism of energy transfer is discussed and correlates the luminescence of acceptor terbium ion with the triplet state energy level of donor ligands. Among the four complexes studied, the luminescence from 1 is most intense followed by 2, 4 and 3. The Commission International de I’Eclairage (CIE) color coordinates of these complexes are calculated and presented. The complexes 3 and 4 show intraphase color tuning when excited under different UV wavelengths. The emission color of [Tb(fod)3(tppo)2] (4) changes from pure blue to turquoise green via almost pure white under 360, 328 and 280 nm UV excitation wavelengths respectively. The [Tb(fod)3(impy)] (3) show similar results. The complex [Tb(fod)3(tptz)] (2) displays interphase color tuning from yellow (solution) to turquoise green (solid) and fascinatingly incorporation of complex in PMMA polymer generates white light under same excitation wavelength (360 nm).
Modelling of plasma aerodynamic actuation driven by nanosecond SDBD discharge

A two-dimensional air plasma kinetics model (16 species and 44 processes) for nanosecond discharge under atmospheric pressure was developed to reveal the spatial and temporal distribution of discharge characteristics of a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) actuator. An energy transfer model, including two channels for energy release from external power source to gas, was developed to couple plasma with hydrodynamics directly in the same dimension. The governing equations included the Poisson equation for the electric potential, continuity equations for each species, electron energy equations for electrons taking part in reactions, and Navier–Stokes equations for non-isothermal fluid. The model was validated through current–voltage profile and electron temperature obtained from experiments. Calculations for discharge characteristics as well as the responses of fluid field from tens of nanoseconds to tens of seconds were performed. Results have shown that local air is heated to 1170 K within tens of nanoseconds and then decreases to 310 K at the end of a discharge period. 30% of the total power is transferred from electric field to electrons while only 20% of this energy is then released to gas through quenching processes. 9% of the total energy is released through ion collision. A micro-shock wave is formed and propagates at the speed of sound. High local density gradient and dynamic viscosity induces vortexes which whirl the heated air downstream. The combined effects of heating convection and vortexes in repetitive pulse discharges lead to the formation of a steady jet, in agreement with experimental results.
Comprehensive analysis of glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX1) expression and prognostic value in three different types of renal cell carcinoma

Background Glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX1) is generally expressed in tissues with high oxygen tension such as the kidneys and lungs, and its main function is to degrade reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protect cells from oxidative stress. Studies have shown that GPX1 is upregulated in many tumor tissues and is closely related to tumor progression and metastasis. This study aimed to explore the possibility of GPX1 as a biomarker for kidney chromophobe cell carcinoma (KICH), kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP), and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Methods The Oncomine and GEPIA databases were used to analyze the GPX1 expression differences between tumor and normal tissues, and the UALCAN, GEPIA and DriverDBv3 databases were used to perform the survival analyses. The GeneMANIA interactive tool was then used to find the GPX1-related protein-protein interaction (PPI). Following this, the LinkedOmics database was used for the enrichment analysis of GPX1, and the Timer database was used to estimate the abundance of immune infiltration. Finally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed on patient specimens collected in the clinic to confirm the database findings. Results In our study, we found that the expression of GPX1 in three types of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were upregulated, and the high expression of GXP1 was related to the poor prognosis of patients with KICH and KIRC. On the contrary, KIRP patients with a high expression of GPX1 had a better prognosis. In addition, GPX1 was related to the abundance of immune cell infiltration. The results of the qPCR analysis confirmed that the expression of GPX1 in RCC was increased compared with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Our results indicate that the expression of GPX1 is related to the prognosis of three types of RCC. As such, GPX1 expression could be a reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for RCC and, more importantly, may provide a new direction for therapeutic strategies.
Competition-Based Cell Assay Employing Soluble T Cell Receptors to Assess MHC Class II Antigen Processing and Presentation

Accurate assessment of antigen-specific immune responses is critical in the development of safe and efficacious biotherapeutics and vaccines. Endosomal processing of a protein antigen followed by presentation on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II constitute necessary steps in the induction of CD4+ T cell immune responses. Current preclinical methods for assessing immunogenicity risk consist of in vitro cell-based assays and computational prediction tools. Cell-based assays are time and labor-intensive while in silico methodologies have limitations. Here, we propose a novel cell-based assay capable of investigating an antigen’s endosomal processing and MHC class II presentation capabilities. This novel assay relies on competition between epitopes for MHC class II binding and employs labeled soluble T cell receptors (sTCRs) as detectors of epitope presentation.
Devices and techniques used to obtain and analyze three‐dimensional cell cultures

Cell cultures are indispensable for both basic and applied research. Advancements in cell culture and analysis increase their utility for basic research and translational applications. A marked development in this direction is advent of three‐dimensional (3D) cultures. The extent of advancement in 3D cell culture methods over the past decade has warranted referring to a single cell type being cultured as an aggregate or spheroid using simple scaffolds as “traditional. ” In recent years, the development of “next‐generation” devices has enabled cultured cells to mimic their natural environments much better than the traditional 3D culture systems. Automated platforms like chip‐based devices, magnetic‐ and acoustics‐based assembly devices, di‐electrophoresis (DEP), micro pocket cultures (MPoC), and 3D bio‐printing provide a dynamic environment compared to the rather static conditions of the traditional simple scaffold‐based 3D cultures. Chip‐based technologies, which are centered on principles of microfluidics, are revolutionizing the ways in which cell culture and analysis can be compacted into table‐top instruments. A parallel evolution in analytical devices enabled efficient assessment of various complex physiological and pathological endpoints. This is augmented by concurrent development of software enabling rapid large‐scale automated data acquisition and analysis like image cytometry, elastography, optical coherence tomography, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and biosensors. The techniques and devices utilized for the purpose of 3D cell culture and subsequent analysis depend primarily on the requirement of the study. We present here an in‐depth account of the devices for obtaining and analyzing 3D cell cultures.
Assessment of Personality Functioning in Adolescence: Development of the Adolescent Personality Structure Questionnaire

Adolescence is a crucial period for the development of personality and its dysfunctions. In this regard, it is essential to evaluate the nature and degree of maladaptive personality functioning. However, measures currently available present some limitations, mainly being adaptations from adult’s tailored instruments and length. Moreover, no instrument considers the crucial dimensions related to body development and sexuality. This contribution presents data on the Adolescent Personality Structure Questionnaire (APS-Q) development, a self-report measure to capture core aspects of personality functioning in adolescence while being agile and reliable. On two large samples of adolescents (total N = 1,664), we investigated the psychometric properties of the APS-Q. We explored its factor structure and construct and incremental validity in the first sample, testing specific associations with existing measures of severity of personality pathology, maladaptive personality traits, and psychological distress. In the second sample, we confirmed its factor structure, assessing gender and age invariance. Overall, our findings support the APS-Q’s validity as a reliable and useful measure to assess personality functioning. Moreover, the APS-Q highlighted developmentally vital dimensions such as self-functioning (encompassing mental and bodily changes and considering the dimension of sexuality), interpersonal functioning (discriminating the dimensions of family and peers), and emotion regulation.
Squarylium Dyes: Structural Factors Pertaining to the Negative Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Response

Off-resonant electric field induced second harmonic generation (EFISH) and resonant third harmonic generation (THG) measurements of two squarylium dyes are reported. The magnitude of y is large for both processes. The EFISH measurement clearly shows that the off-resonant third-order polarizability is negative, a consequence of the dominance of a non-two-photon mechanism. This unusual result is in agreement with our earlier reports on two other squarylium dyes. Resonant THG measurements strongly suggest that the two-photon contribution, while smaller than the one-photon contribution, is not negligible and cannot be entirely ignored when defining the overall third- order optical susceptibility. Consequently, the squaryliums are best qualitatively described by a three-level model that truncates to two dominant perturbation terms. Also reported is the isomeric distribution of squaryliums. Proton Nh4R results are interpreted by way of molecular mechanics to show that the squaryliums can readily exist as a mixture of isomers. The possible effects on nonlinear optical (NLO) measurements via an orientational contribution to the EFISH y are discussed. An X-ray structure for the squarylium dye TSQ is presented and interpreted. The X-ray structure clearly suggests that the squarylium dyes are extensively bond delocalized with relatively little bond length alternation.
Silencing the alarm: an insect salivary enzyme closes plant stomata and inhibits volatile release

Summary Herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) are widely recognized as an ecologically important defensive response of plants against herbivory. Although the induction of this ‘cry for help’ has been well documented, only a few studies have investigated the inhibition of HIPVs by herbivores and little is known about whether herbivores have evolved mechanisms to inhibit the release of HIPVs. To examine the role of herbivore effectors in modulating HIPVs and stomatal dynamics, we conducted series of experiments combining pharmacological, surgical, genetic (CRISPR‐Cas9) and chemical (GC‐MS analysis) approaches. We show that the salivary enzyme, glucose oxidase (GOX), secreted by the caterpillar Helicoverpa zea on leaves, causes stomatal closure in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) within 5 min, and in both tomato and soybean (Glycine max) for at least 48 h. GOX also inhibits the emission of several HIPVs during feeding by H. zea, including (Z)‐3‐hexenol, (Z)‐jasmone and (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, which are important airborne signals in plant defenses. Our findings highlight a potential adaptive strategy where an insect herbivore inhibits plant airborne defenses during feeding by exploiting the association between stomatal dynamics and HIPV emission.
Evaluation of the Reitman Centre CARERS program for supporting dementia family caregivers: a pre–post intervention study

ABSTRACT Objectives: While family caregivers (CGs) of persons with dementia are cost-effective for the health system, this form of caregiving leads to disproportionate vulnerability to physical, mental, and social adverse health consequences among CGs. The study goal was to determine the effect of the Reitman Centre CARERS program on key outcomes in family CGs of people with dementia. The Reitman Centre CARERS program is an innovative, group psychotherapeutic skills training intervention based on integrated problem-solving techniques (PST), simulation learning, and group psychotherapy designed to address each CGs’ unique situation. Design: A quasi-experimental, non-randomized, pre–post evaluation, multiple groups, multisite trial. Setting: Multisite group intervention provided in community agencies and hospital-based locations. Participants: Spousal or adult child family CGs (n = 264) living in the community and providing care to community-dwelling family members with dementia. Measurement: CGs were assessed for depression (CES-D); stress (PSS); burden (12-item SZBI); role overload, mastery, caregiving competence, and role captivity (Perlin scales), coping (CISS – Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations), CG reactions to CR’s memory and behavioral symptoms (RMBPC). Care recipients (CRs) were assessed on basic and complex activities of daily living (Katz and Lawton). Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for statistical analysis of both the whole group and a more compromised subgroup of CGs. Results: For the group as a whole, CGs showed significant positive change on post-intervention outcome measures of stress, depression, burden, competence, role captivity, overload, mastery, coping, and reaction to memory issues. The intervention showed especially robust effect sizes (ES) in more compromised CGs. These positive outcomes emerged despite a significant measured deterioration in CRs’ function. Conclusion: The CARERS program may be an effective multicomponent intervention to improve the well-being, functioning, and coping skills of dementia CGs.
An automation-based adaptive seamless design for dose selection and confirmation with improved power and efficiency

In a drug development program, the efficacy and safety of multiple doses can be evaluated in patients through a phase 2b dose ranging study. With a demonstrated dose response in the trial, promising doses are identified. Their effectiveness then is further investigated and confirmed in phase 3 studies. Although this two-step approach serves the purpose of the program, in general, it is inefficient because of its prolonged development duration and the exclusion of the phase 2b data in the final efficacy evaluation and confirmation which are only based on phase 3 data. To address the issue, we propose a new adaptive design, which seamlessly integrates the dose finding and confirmation steps under one pivotal study. Unlike existing adaptive seamless phase 2b/3 designs, the proposed design combines the response adaptive randomization, sample size modification, and multiple testing techniques to achieve better efficiency. The design can be easily implemented through an automated randomization process. At the end, a number of targeted doses are selected and their effectiveness is confirmed with guaranteed control of family-wise error rate.
Quality of Life and Depressive Symptomatology in Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study Between the USA and Spain.

BACKGROUND For multinational clinical trials in multiple sclerosis (MS), identifying cross-country differences on quality of life (QoL) is important for understanding patients' response variability. No study has compared QoL between Spanish and American MS samples. This study aims to: 1) compare QoL and depressive symptomatology between Spanish and American patients, and against normative data; 2) compare the interrelationship between such constructs between countries; and 3) compare sociodemographic and clinical predictors on these outcomes. METHOD 114 participants with MS were included and matched for gender, disability and education. The SF-36 Health Survey and BDI-FastScreen (BDI-FS) were the outcomes. ANCOVA, partial-correlations and multiple regression analyses were compared between countries. RESULTS Spaniards reported worse depressive symptomatology and QoL, and clinically significant impairment in all QoL dimensions, while Americans showed clinically significant impairment only in physical domains. Among Spaniards, more Bodily pain was more related to worse Social functioning and Vitality, and worse Vitality was more related to worse Social functioning than among Americans. From the regression models, Physical functioning predicted BDI-FS greater among Americans. Conversely, disability and Role-emotional predicted BDI-FS and Mental health, respectively, significantly stronger in Spain. CONCLUSIONS Spaniards show worse QoL and depressive symptomatology and greater clinically significant impairment than the Americans.
The Influence of Polyurethane Component on the Properties of Polyurethane-Rubber Composites Obtained from Waste Materials

Properties of the polyurethane-rubber composites obtained from used products were studied. The influence of the amount of polyurethane glue and amount of isocyanate diphenylmethane 4,4′-diisocyanate (MDI) on composites selected properties was observed. The dynamic thermo-mechanical analysis allowed us to determine the glass transition temperature Tg and the course of the relaxation processes in the composites. The analysis of the changes in the storage module E′ and loss module E″ as a function of temperature enabled the calculation of the activation energy for relaxation processes of various polyurethane glues and polyurethane-rubber composites.