Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Defining self-disclosure of personal cancer coping experiences in oncology social workers’ helping relationships: When cancer “hits home”

Abstract Purpose Oncology social workers are increasingly finding themselves diagnosed with or caring for a loved one with cancer. Self-disclosure may be useful for building a therapeutic alliance. Yet, practice-informed guidelines for psychosocial oncology providers do not exist. Research Approach Twenty-three psychosocial oncology providers diagnosed with and/or providing care to someone with cancer completed semi-structured interviews eliciting attitudes and utilization regarding self-disclosure. Methodological Approach Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using grounded theory’s constant comparative method, researchers conducted open and theoretical coding. Findings Participants expressed consensus in defining, and reported a range of evolving practices regarding, self-disclosure. Recommendations for responsible self-disclosure included self-awareness, ongoing assessment, supervision, and enhanced educational programming. Interpretation and Implication Therapeutic tools must evolve as core features of psychosocial oncology care. A flexible and context-specific framework for clinician self-disclosure related to personal experiences with cancer can guide oncology social work practice.
Class-Imbalanced Deep Learning via a Class-Balanced Ensemble

Class imbalance is a prevalent phenomenon in various real-world applications and it presents significant challenges to model learning, including deep learning. In this work, we embed ensemble learning into the deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to tackle the class-imbalanced learning problem. An ensemble of auxiliary classifiers branching out from various hidden layers of a CNN is trained together with the CNN in an end-to-end manner. To that end, we designed a new loss function that can rectify the bias toward the majority classes by forcing the CNN’s hidden layers and its associated auxiliary classifiers to focus on the samples that have been misclassified by previous layers, thus enabling subsequent layers to develop diverse behavior and fix the errors of previous layers in a batch-wise manner. A unique feature of the new method is that the ensemble of auxiliary classifiers can work together with the main CNN to form a more powerful combined classifier, or can be removed after finished training the CNN and thus only acting the role of assisting class imbalance learning of the CNN to enhance the neural network’s capability in dealing with class-imbalanced data. Comprehensive experiments are conducted on four benchmark data sets of increasing complexity (CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, iNaturalist, and CelebA) and the results demonstrate significant performance improvements over the state-of-the-art deep imbalance learning methods.
Performance of different methods for testing polymyxin B: comparison of broth microdilution, agar dilution and MIC test strip in mcr‐1 positive and negative Escherichia coli

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing with the last‐resort antibiotics polymyxins (polymyxin B and colistin) is associated with several methodological issues. Currently, broth microdilution (BMD) is recommended for colistin and polymyxin B. BMD is laborious and the utility of alternative methods needs to be evaluated for polymyxin B susceptibility testing. In this study, using BMD as a reference method, the performance of agar dilution (AD) and MIC test strips (MTS) were evaluated in polymyxin B susceptibility testing. BMD, AD and MTS were used to determine MICs of 193 clinical isolates of Escherichia coli. Seventy‐nine were positive for the polymyxin resistance gene mcr‐1. Method performances were evaluated based on pair‐wise agreements with the reference method (BMD) and statistical testing. AD and MTS showed an unacceptable number of very major errors (VMEs) compared with BMD, 9·3 and 10·7%, respectively. The essential agreement (EA) was low for AD (49·7%), but high for MTS (97·8%). However, statistical testing showed that MTS tended to yield a one‐step lower MIC (P < 0·01) compared with BMD. The discordances observed with MTS and AD in comparison with BMD for polymyxin B susceptibility testing for E. coli suggest their inapplicability in routine testing. A large number of isolates clustered around the susceptibility breakpoint (2–4 mg l−1) and several mcr‐1 positive isolates (17%) were determined as susceptible with BMD. A screening breakpoint for mcr‐1 of 2 mg l−1 should also be considered.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism reduces systemic oxidative stress, as measured by markers of RNA and DNA damages.

BACKGROUND Whole-body oxidative stress can be estimated by the urine excretion of oxidized guanosine species, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), derived from RNA and DNA, respectively. These oxidative stress markers are not well explored in thyroid disorders. METHODS Urinary excretion of 8-oxoGuo and 8-oxodG was measured in 51 hyperthyroid patients (toxic nodular goiter (TNG), n=30; Graves' disease (GD), n=21) before or shortly after initiation of therapy and when stable euthyroidism had been achieved for at least 12 months. RESULTS Adjusting for age, the baseline urinary excretion of oxidative stress markers correlated positively with plasma thyroxine (8-oxoGuo: p=0.002; 8-oxodG: p=0.021) and was significantly higher in GD than in TNG patients (p=0.001 for both oxidative stress markers). Restoration of euthyroidism significantly affected the excretion of the oxidative stress markers. In TNG, 8-oxoGuo decreased from geometric mean 2.11 nmol/mmol creatinine (95%CI:1.85-2.39) to 1.91 nmol/mmol (95%CI:1.67-2.19), p=0.001, while 8-oxodG decreased from 1.65 nmol/mmol (95%CI:1.41-1.93) to 1.48 nmol/mmol (95%CI:1.27-1.74), p=0.026. In GD, 8-oxoGuo decreased from 2.25 nmol/mmol (95%CI:1.95-2.59) to 1.79 nmol/mmol (95%CI:1.63-1.97), p=0.0003, while 8-oxodG decreased from 2.02 nmol/mmol (95%CI:1.73-2.38) to 1.54 nmol/mmol (95%CI:1.31-1.81), p=0.001. In the euthyroid state, there were no differences between groups. CONCLUSION Restoration of euthyroidism in patients with hyperthyroidism significantly decreased the systemic oxidative stress load by 10-25%. Our findings may help to explain the higher morbidity and mortality linked to hyperthyroid diseases, as shown in observational studies.
Is muscular strength a critical physical attribute for the apprehension of a simulated non-compliant suspect?

Abstract This investigation determined the influence of technique and experience on arm retraction force required to apprehend a non-compliant suspect. Phase-One: Nine experienced RAAF military-police completed four apprehension simulations, peak arm retraction force was measured; i) Control(CON), ii) Pressure-Point(PP), iii) Targeted-Striking(TS) and iv) 2-Person(2Per) techniques. Phase-Two: Experienced (EXP, n = 8) or Inexperienced (INEXP, n = 22) military-police completed CON, PP and Pressure-Point + Coaching(PP + C). Strength was assessed in INEXP. EXP produced more force (178.7 N ± 25.9) than INEXP during CON, but no participant successfully apprehended the suspect. All EXP were successful with PP, arm retraction force 357 N (CI: 233.7,480.2) was lower compared to CON, but no difference was observed between PP and CON for INEXP. PP + C, 82% of INEXP were successful, force declined 138.2 N (CI: 67.8,208.5) compared to CON. All EXP required PP for successful apprehension. INEXP required PP + C for apprehension success. Muscular strength had a limited relationship with arm retraction force. Practitioner summary: For law enforcement personnel, apprehension of a suspect is a critical and physically demanding task, where success is associated with muscular strength and technique. We observed success in the apprehension of a simulated suspect by military law enforcement personnel was primarily determined by participant skill and experience and not muscular strength.
Nano-Magnetic Sulfonic Acid Catalyzed Facile Synthesis of Diverse Amide Derivatives

Abstract The excellent surface catalytic potential of Fe3O4–OSO3H is utilized in the synthesis of symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted urea derivatives via transamidation reactions. The scope of the surface catalysis is further extended in transamidation reactions of cyclic and acyclic amide derivatives, and in the amidation of fatty acids. In both transamidation and amidation reactions, the catalyst is reusable up to five times without significant loss in its activity.
Independent real‐world application of a clinical‐grade automated prostate cancer detection system

Artificial intelligence (AI)‐based systems applied to histopathology whole‐slide images have the potential to improve patient care through mitigation of challenges posed by diagnostic variability, histopathology caseload, and shortage of pathologists. We sought to define the performance of an AI‐based automated prostate cancer detection system, Paige Prostate, when applied to independent real‐world data. The algorithm was employed to classify slides into two categories: benign (no further review needed) or suspicious (additional histologic and/or immunohistochemical analysis required). We assessed the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs), and negative predictive values (NPVs) of a local pathologist, two central pathologists, and Paige Prostate in the diagnosis of 600 transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate needle core biopsy regions (‘part‐specimens’) from 100 consecutive patients, and to ascertain the impact of Paige Prostate on diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. Paige Prostate displayed high sensitivity (0.99; CI 0.96–1.0), NPV (1.0; CI 0.98–1.0), and specificity (0.93; CI 0.90–0.96) at the part‐specimen level. At the patient level, Paige Prostate displayed optimal sensitivity (1.0; CI 0.93–1.0) and NPV (1.0; CI 0.91–1.0) at a specificity of 0.78 (CI 0.64–0.89). The 27 part‐specimens considered by Paige Prostate as suspicious, whose final diagnosis was benign, were found to comprise atrophy (n = 14), atrophy and apical prostate tissue (n = 1), apical/benign prostate tissue (n = 9), adenosis (n = 2), and post‐atrophic hyperplasia (n = 1). Paige Prostate resulted in the identification of four additional patients whose diagnoses were upgraded from benign/suspicious to malignant. Additionally, this AI‐based test provided an estimated 65.5% reduction of the diagnostic time for the material analyzed. Given its optimal sensitivity and NPV, Paige Prostate has the potential to be employed for the automated identification of patients whose histologic slides could forgo full histopathologic review. In addition to providing incremental improvements in diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, this AI‐based system identified patients whose prostate cancers were not initially diagnosed by three experienced histopathologists. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Cultivable and metagenomic approach to study the combined impact of nanogypsum and Pseudomonas taiwanensis on maize plant health and its rhizospheric microbiome

In the present study we examined the effect of nanogypsum and Pseudomonas taiwanensis strain BCRC 17751on plant and soil health using conventional and metagenomics approaches. Soil physicochemical properties and agronomical parameters of maize plants were reported to be better when applied with nanogypsum and bacterial inoculum together. When compared to control a significant increase in total bacterial counts, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK) solubilizing bacterial population and soil enzyme activities (fluorescein diacetate, alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, arylesterase and amylase) was reported in treatments. The metagenomics studies revealed dominance of beneficial bacteria such as Proteobacteria, Bacteriodetes, Planctomycetes, Acidobacteria and Nitrospirae in treated soil. On the other hand some novel bacterial diversity was also reported in treated soil which was evident from presence of taxonomically unclassified sequences. Hence, it can be concluded that combined application of nanogypsum and Pseudomonas taiwanensis in maize help in improving the structure and function of soil which affects the plant health without causing any toxic effect. However, in situ validation of the prescribed treatment is required under field conditions on different crops in order to give maximum benefits to the farmers and the environment.
Does rapid withdrawal of antiseizure medication increase risk of seizure recurrence in epilepsy? A Cochrane Review summary with commentary

BACKGROUND Antiseizure medication is the standard treatment to achieve remission of epilepsy; approximately a third of people with epilepsy require one or more antiseizure medications to control their seizures. Prolonged antiseizure medication use can be associated with adverse effects on cognition and behaviors. Thus, the treating practitioner may consider antiseizure medication withdrawal once a person with epilepsy has achieved remission. The American Academy of Neurology recommends 2 to 5 years after being seizure-free, while a study from the UK required a 2-year seizure-free period. There is, however, no general consensus on how antiseizure medication withdrawal should be performed in terms of timing (duration of seizure-free period) and rate (rapid vs slow), and how this influences seizure recurrence.
Tenderness-related index and proteolytic enzyme response to the marination of spent hen breast by a protease extracted from Cordyceps militaris mushroom

Objective The effects of a crude protease extracted from Cordyceps militaris (CM) mushrooms on the postmortem tenderization mechanism and quality improvement in spent hen breast were investigated. Methods Different percentages of the crude protease extracted from CM mushrooms were introduced to spent hen breast via spray marination, and its effects on tenderness-related indexes and proteolytic enzymes were compared to papain. Results The results indicated that there was a possible improvement by the protease extracted from CM mushroom through the upregulation of endogenous proteolytic enzymes involved in the calpain system, cathepsin-B, and caspase-3 coupled with its nucleotide-specific impact. However, the effect of the protease extracted from CM mushroom was likely dose-dependent, with significant improvements at a minimum level of 4%. Marination with the protease extracted from CM mushroom at this level led to increased protein solubility and an increased myofibrillar fragmentation index. The sarcoplasmic protein and collagen contents seemed to be less affected by the protease extracted from CM mushroom, indicating that substrate hydrolysis was limited to myofibrillar protein. Furthermore the protease extracted from CM mushroom intensified meat product taste due to increasing the inosinic acid content, a highly effective salt that provides umami taste. Conclusion The synergistic results of the proteolytic activity and nucleotide-specific effects following treatments suggest that the exogenous protease derived from CM mushroom has the potential for improving the texture of spent hen breast.
Endothelial cell invasion is controlled by dactylopodia

Significance In this report, we describe how endothelial cells, the cells lining the interior of blood vessels, invade into tissues to form new vessels through sprouting angiogenesis. We found that endothelial cells use a specific lamellipodia-related membrane protrusion for invasion, which we termed dactylopodia. These protrusions have a special morphology, originate from filopodia, are linked to membrane-ruffling activity, and are specialized in invading into avascular extracellular matrix. Our work lays the foundations for drug discovery targeting sprouting angiogenesis. Sprouting angiogenesis is fundamental for development and contributes to cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Sprouting angiogenesis depends on the invasive properties of endothelial tip cells. However, there is very limited knowledge on how tip cells invade into tissues. Here, we show that endothelial tip cells use dactylopodia as the main cellular protrusion for invasion into nonvascular extracellular matrix. We show that dactylopodia and filopodia protrusions are balanced by myosin IIA (NMIIA) and actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) activity. Endothelial cell-autonomous ablation of NMIIA promotes excessive dactylopodia formation in detriment of filopodia. Conversely, endothelial cell-autonomous ablation of Arp2/3 prevents dactylopodia development and leads to excessive filopodia formation. We further show that NMIIA inhibits Rac1-dependent activation of Arp2/3 by regulating the maturation state of focal adhesions. Our discoveries establish a comprehensive model of how endothelial tip cells regulate its protrusive activity and will pave the way toward strategies to block invasive tip cells during sprouting angiogenesis.
Vitamin-mineral supplements do not guarantee the minimum recommendations and may imply risks of mercury poisoning in dogs and cats

Given the importance of using the vitamin-mineral supplements to guarantee the minimum nutritional recommendations for pets in homemade foods, and hypothesizing that these products may contribute to toxic metals contamination, the present study aimed to determine the concentrations of essential minerals and toxic metals in vitamin-mineral supplements available in the Brazilian market and calculate if the amount recommended by the manufacturer guarantees the minimum recommendations of NRC (2006) and FEDIAF (2020), as well as calculating the amount of toxic metals that animals would consume, according to the amounts recommended by the manufacturer. Seven vitamin-mineral supplements were analyzed. The determination of essential minerals and toxic metals was performed using ICP-OES. Comparisons were made with the minimum recommendations for essential minerals, and with the maximum tolerated levels of toxic metals established by the FDA (2011), descriptively. Most of the vitamin-mineral supplements, in the quantities recommended by the manufacturers, do not guarantee the minimum recommendations of NCR (2006) and FEDIAF (2020) for the following elements: calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. Only one supplement had detectable selenium concentrations. Three supplements provided more than 0.02mg of mercury/kg of body weight, the safe upper limit used to establish the maximum tolerated level of this element. It is concluded that most vitamin-mineral supplements do not meet the minimum recommendations for most essential minerals and, if formulated by untrained professionals, even with supplementation, homemade foods may still be nutritionally deficient. Furthermore, some vitamin-mineral supplements analyzed may imply risks of mercury poisoning in pets.
Distinct interspecific and intraspecific vulnerability of coastal species to global change

Characterising and predicting species responses to anthropogenic global change is one of the key challenges in contemporary ecology and conservation. The sensitivity of marine species to climate change is increasingly being described with forecasted species distributions, yet these rarely account for population level processes such as genomic variation and local adaptation. This study compares inter‐ and intraspecific patterns of biological composition to determine how vulnerability to climate change, and its environmental drivers, vary across species and populations. We compare species trajectories for three ecologically important southern African marine invertebrates at two time points in the future, both at the species level, with correlative species distribution models, and at the population level, with gradient forest models. Reported range shifts are species‐specific and include both predicted range gains and losses. Forecasted species responses to climate change are strongly influenced by changes in a suite of environmental variables, from sea surface salinity and sea surface temperature, to minimum air temperature. Our results further suggest a mismatch between future habitat suitability (where species can remain in their ecological niche) and genomic vulnerability (where populations retain their genomic composition), highlighting the inter‐ and intraspecific variability in species’ sensitivity to global change. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of considering species and population level climatic vulnerability when proactively managing coastal marine ecosystems in the Anthropocene.
Cross‐generational response of a tropical sea urchin to global change and a selection event in a 43‐month mesocosm study

Long‐term experimental investigations of transgenerational plasticity (TGP) and transgenerational acclimatization to global change are sparse in marine invertebrates. Here, we test the effect of ocean warming and acidification over a 25‐month period of Echinometra sp. A sea urchins whose parents were acclimatized at ambient or one of two near‐future (projected mid and end of the 21st century) climate scenarios for 18 months. Several parameters linked to performance exhibited strong effects of future ocean conditions at 9 months of age. The Ambient‐Ambient group (A‐A, both F0 and F1 at ambient conditions) was significantly larger (21%) and faster in righting response (31%) compared to other groups. A second set of contrasts revealed near‐future scenarios caused significant negative parental carryover effects. Respiration at 9 months was depressed by 59% when parents were from near‐future climate conditions, and righting response was slowed by 28%. At 10 months, a selective pathogenic mortality event led to significantly higher survival rates of A‐A urchins. Differences in size and respiration measured prior to the mortality were absent after the event, while a negative parental effect on righting (29% reduction) remained. The capacity to spawn at the end of the experiment was higher in individuals with ambient parents (50%) compared to other groups (21%) suggesting persistent parental effects. Obtaining different results at different points in time illustrates the importance of longer term and multigeneration studies to investigate effects of climate change. Given some animals in all groups survived the pathogenic event and that effects on physiology (but not behavior) among groups were eliminated after the mortality, we suggest that similar events could constitute selective sweeps, allowing genetic adaptation. However, given the observed negative parental effects and reduced potential for population replenishment, it remains to be determined if selection would be sufficiently rapid to rescue this species from climate change effects.