Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Artificially intelligent chatbots in digital mental health interventions: a review

ABSTRACT Introduction Increasing demand for mental health services and the expanding capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years has driven the development of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs). To date, AI-based chatbots have been integrated into DMHIs to support diagnostics and screening, symptom management and behavior change, and content delivery. Areas covered We summarize the current landscape of DMHIs, with a focus on AI-based chatbots. Happify Health’s AI chatbot, Anna, serves as a case study for discussion of potential challenges and how these might be addressed, and demonstrates the promise of chatbots as effective, usable, and adoptable within DMHIs. Finally, we discuss ways in which future research can advance the field, addressing topics including perceptions of AI, the impact of individual differences, and implications for privacy and ethics. Expert opinion Our discussion concludes with a speculative viewpoint on the future of AI in DMHIs, including the use of chatbots, the evolution of AI, dynamic mental health systems, hyper-personalization, and human-like intervention delivery.
Citrate‐Citric Acid RNA Isolation (CiAR) for Fast, Low‐Cost, and Reliable RNA Extraction from Multiple Plant Species and Tissues

RNA isolation is routinely carried out in many laboratories for different downstream applications. Although protocols for this can vary between labs depending on the specific plant species and tissues under study and the preferences of their researchers, these protocols usually include the use of volatile organic and toxic chemicals. As an alternative, several companies offer less hazardous RNA extraction kits, but these kits significantly increase the cost per sample and are thus not affordable for every lab, especially when a large number of samples is to be processed. We have previously described a fast and efficient method for RNA isolation from plant vegetative tissues that requires only two home‐made, simple, inexpensive, and nontoxic buffers. Both buffers have low concentrations of citric acid and its sodium salt. The first buffer also contains a detergent to help with nucleic acid solubilization while keeping RNases inactive. The second buffer has sodium chloride at high molarity to separate protein from nucleic acids. RNA is precipitated, and contaminating DNA can then be optionally removed. Here, we describe and expand on this approach, which we call the citrate–citric acid RNA isolation, or CiAR, method. We provide a detailed description of the protocol, describe a modification to make it compatible with non‐vegetative tissues, and compile and extend the number of species and tissues to which it can be applied. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Randomized Trial of Cytoreductive Surgery for Relapsed Ovarian Cancer.

BACKGROUND Treatment for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer has been mainly based on systemic therapy. The role of secondary cytoreductive surgery is unclear. METHODS We randomly assigned patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who had a first relapse after a platinum-free interval (an interval during which no platinum-based chemotherapy was used) of 6 months or more to undergo secondary cytoreductive surgery and then receive platinum-based chemotherapy or to receive platinum-based chemotherapy alone. Patients were eligible if they presented with a positive Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie (AGO) score, defined as an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance-status score of 0 (on a 5-point scale, with higher scores indicating greater disability), ascites of less than 500 ml, and complete resection at initial surgery. A positive AGO score is used to identify patients in whom a complete resection might be achieved. The primary end point was overall survival. We also assessed quality of life and prognostic factors for survival. RESULTS A total of 407 patients underwent randomization: 206 were assigned to cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy, and 201 to chemotherapy alone. A complete resection was achieved in 75.5% of the patients in the surgery group who underwent the procedure. The median overall survival was 53.7 months in the surgery group and 46.0 months in the no-surgery group (hazard ratio for death, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.59 to 0.96; P = 0.02). Patients with a complete resection had the most favorable outcome, with a median overall survival of 61.9 months. A benefit from surgery was seen in all analyses in subgroups according to prognostic factors. Quality-of-life measures through 1 year of follow-up did not differ between the two groups, and we observed no perioperative mortality within 30 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS In women with recurrent ovarian cancer, cytoreductive surgery followed by chemotherapy resulted in longer overall survival than chemotherapy alone. (Funded by the AGO Study Group and others; DESKTOP III ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01166737.).
Ascorbic acid-2 glucoside mitigates intestinal damage during pelvic radiotherapy in a rat bladder tumor model

Abstract Purpose Ascorbic acid is a strong antioxidant and has potent radioprotective effects on radiation injuries. Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside (AA2G) is a stabilized derivative of ascorbic acid and rapidly hydrolyzed into ascorbic acid and glucose. Since there is the possibility that AA2G treatment interferes with the antitumor activity of radiotherapy, we investigated the effect of AA2G treatment during radiotherapy on acute radiation enteritis and antitumor activity of radiotherapy in rats. Materials and methods AY-27 rat bladder tumor cells were used to induce bladder tumors in rats. Two weeks after inoculation rats received fractionated pelvic radiotherapy in eight fractions for 4 weeks totaling 40 Gy. During radiotherapy, one group of rats received per os AA2G (ascorbic acid: 250 mg/kg/day) and its bolus engulfment (ascorbic acid: 250 mg/kg) 8 h before each X-irradiation fraction. Seven days after the last X-irradiation, we studied histology, DNA double strand break (DSB) damage (by 53BP1 foci staining), and the M1/M2 macrophage response by immunohistochemistry of paraffin-fixed bladder and intestinal tissues. Results AA2G treatment reduced the intestinal damage (shortening of villi) but did not reduce antitumor effectiveness of radiotherapy against bladder tumors. Like the controls, AA2G-treated rats showed no residual tumor lesions in the bladder after X-irradiation. Both AA2G-treated and control groups showed similar persistent DSB damage (53BP1 foci) both in bladders and ilea seven days after radiotherapy. Radiotherapy tended to reduce CD163+ M2 macrophages, which are considered as an anti-inflammatory subtype favoring tissue repair, in the bladders. X-irradiation also reduced the occurrence of M2 macrophages in the ilea. AA2G treatment significantly increased CD163+/CD68+ macrophage ratio in the ilea of rats after pelvic irradiation in comparison to the sham irradiated control rats. AA2G treatment increased, albeit not significantly, the CD163+/CD68+ macrophage ratio in the irradiated bladders relative to the control irradiated rats. On the other hand, bladders and ilea of the irradiated rats with and without AA2G treatment showed similar frequencies of CD68+ macrophages. Conclusions AA2G treatment mitigated radiation-induced intestinal damage without reducing antitumor activity after fractionated pelvic radiotherapy against bladder tumors in rats. The beneficial effect of AA2G treatment seems to promote a restoration of the M2 answer as well as tissue remodeling and wound healing. Similar residual DNA damage in bladders and ilea seven days post-irradiation is consistent with tumor control in both groups.
Integral membrane protein 2A enhances sensitivity to chemotherapy via notch signaling pathway in cervical cancer

ABSTRACT As the second most common cancer among women, cervical cancer is a huge threat to their health all over the world. Integral membrane protein 2A (ITM2A), a member of the Type II Integral Membrane protein (ITM2) family, has been reported to act as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Moreover, the low expression of ITM2A was associated with cervical adenocarcinoma. However, the function of ITM2A in drug resistance in cervical cancer remains unclear. Here, we used bioinformatics methods to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) closely related to chemotherapeutic relapse cervical carcinoma. ITM2A is downregulated in cervical tumor tissues and is associated with poor survival. Furthermore, ITM2A is also downregulated in cervical cancer cells with cisplatin resistance. Overexpression of ITM2A increases the cisplatin sensitivity of cervical cancer cells. Mechanically, ITM2A upregulation mediates the sensitivity of cervical cancer cell through Notch signaling pathway. Our study suggests that ITM2A may serve as a target in mediating cisplatin-resistant cervical cancer.
Can Magnetic Multilayers Propel Artificial Microswimmers Mimicking Sperm Cells

Abstract We formulate and solve the equations governing the dynamics of a microscopic artificial swimmer composed of a head and of a tail made of a thin film of permanent magnetic material. This is a variant of the model swimmer proposed by Dreyfus et al. in 2005, whose tail is a filament obtained from the assembly of superparamagnetic beads. The swimmer is actuated by an oscillating magnetic field, and its geometry is inspired by that of sperm cells. Using values for the geometric and material parameters that are realistic for a magnetic multilayer, we show that the model swimmer can reach swimming speeds exceeding one body length per second, under reasonable values of the driving magnetic field. This provides a proof of principle for the viability of the concept. In addition, we discuss the possibility to steer the system along curved paths. Finally, we compare the propulsion mechanism (swimming “gait”) of our swimmer with that of sperm cells. The main difference between the two is that, contrary to its.
Pneumonectomy for primary lung cancer: contemporary outcomes, risk factors and model validation

Abstract OBJECTIVES Despite the increased rate of adverse outcomes compared to lobectomy, for selected patients with lung cancer, pneumonectomy is considered the optimal treatment option. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for mortality in patients undergoing pneumonectomy for primary lung cancer. METHODS Data from all patients undergoing pneumonectomy for primary lung cancer at 2 large thoracic surgical centres between 2012 and 2018 were analysed. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with 90-day and 1-year mortality and reduced long-term survival, respectively. RESULTS The study included 256 patients. The mean age was 65.2 (standard deviation 9.4) years. In-hospital, 90-day and 1-year mortality were 6.3% (n = 16), 9.8% (n = 25) and 28.1% (n = 72), respectively. The median follow-up time was 31.5 months (interquartile range 9–58 months). Patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy had a significantly increased risk of 90-day [odds ratio 6.451, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.867–22.291, P = 0.003] and 1-year mortality (odds ratio 2.454, 95% CI 1.079–7.185, P = 0.044). Higher Performance Status score was associated with higher 1-year mortality (odds ratio 2.055, 95% CI 1.248–3.386, P = 0.005) and reduced overall survival (hazard ratio 1.449, 95% CI 1.086–1.934, P = 0.012). Advanced (stage III/IV) disease was associated with reduced overall survival (hazard ratio 1.433, 95% CI 1.019–2.016, P = 0.039). Validation of a pneumonectomy-specific risk model demonstrated inadequate model performance (area under the curve 0.54). CONCLUSIONS Pneumonectomy remains associated with a high rate of perioperative mortality. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, Performance Status score and advanced disease emerged as the key variables associated with adverse outcomes after pneumonectomy in our cohort.
Seeing the complete picture: A systematic review of mental health consumer and health professional experiences of diagnostic overshadowing.

AIM To systematically identify, explore and synthesise qualitative data related to mental health consumer and health professional experiences of diagnostic overshadowing. BACKGROUND Mental health consumers experience significantly high rates of physical illness, poorer health outcomes and are more likely to die prematurely of physical illnesses than the general population. Diagnostic overshadowing is a complex and life-threatening phenomenon that occurs when physical symptoms reported by mental health consumers are misattributed to mental disorders by health professionals. This typically occurs in general healthcare settings. METHODS Drawing on JBI methodology for systematic reviews, four scholarly databases and grey literature was searched, followed by eligibility screening and quality assessment using JBI QARI frameworks, resulting in six studies for inclusion. Findings were synthesised using meta-aggregation. The PRISMA checklist was adhered to throughout this process. FINDINGS Five synthesised findings emerged. Three from the health professional experience: working in ill-suited healthcare systems, missing the complete diagnostic picture, and misunderstanding the lived experience of mental illness. Two from the mental health consumer experience: not knowing if the cause is physical or mental, and surviving and ill-suited health care system. CONCLUSIONS Diagnostic overshadowing is a multidimensional experience of interconnecting factors including systematic healthcare system issues, health professionals limited mental health knowledge and skills, stigmatic attitudes and mental health consumers miscommunicating their physical healthcare needs. Further research is needed to make diagnostic overshadowing visible and mitigate against this phenomenon that deprives mental health consumers of equitable access to quality healthcare. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Those who govern healthcare systems have an obligation to recognise and address the unique needs of mental health consumers who seek help for physical illnesses to ensure they receive quality and safe care. Forming collaborative partnerships with mental health consumers in the development of knowledge translation initiatives targeting healthcare policy, practice and education are urgently required.
Immobilization of horseradish peroxidase on lysine-functionalized gum Arabic-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles for cholesterol determination

Abstract Background Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) is ranked as one of the most important industrial enzymes that is extensively used in industry. Cholesterol is routinely detected indirectly by cholesterol oxidase in the presence of O2, liberating H2O2 as a by-product. The H2O2 content is determined through the HRP activity in the presence of a redox dye, producing a red colored quinoneimine which can be measured quantitatively. Herein, we have designed a magnetic nanoparticle for reusing and easily separating HRP as the most expensive compartment for the low-cost cholesterol assay. Methods The gum Arabic coated magnetic nanoparticles were functionalized with L-lysine linker for maintaining protein flexibility on nanoparticle. Enzyme-loaded nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, FTIR, DLS, VSM and XRD analysis. Results The immobilization efficiency was ∼65% and the immobilized HRP retained 60% of its activity after 8 times reuse. The optimum pH and thermal stability shifted from 7.0 to 8.0 and 60 to 70 °C after immobilization, respectively. Storage stability of HRP was improved by 10%, at 4 °C for 60 days. Immobilized HRP showed more catalytic activity in presence of Fe2+, Ca2+ and Na+. The designed system has cholesterol detection linearity range from 0.2 to 5.0 mM and detection limit of 0.08 mM and acceptable correlation coefficient of 0.9973 and 0.9982 on sample serum using both chromogens. Conclusion The HRP-loaded magnetic nanoparticles are capable of being used as a cost-effective system for cholesterol determination in laboratory due to its reusability and stability benefits.
Improved Outcome in Children With Newly Diagnosed High-Risk Neuroblastoma Treated With Chemoimmunotherapy: Updated Results of a Phase II Study Using hu14.18K322A

PURPOSE We evaluated whether combining a humanized antidisialoganglioside monoclonal antibody (hu14.18K322A) throughout therapy improves early response and outcomes in children with newly diagnosed high-risk neuroblastoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a prospective, single-arm, three-stage, phase II clinical trial. Six cycles of induction chemotherapy were coadministered with hu14.18K322A, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2). The consolidation regimen included busulfan and melphalan. When available, an additional cycle of parent-derived natural killer cells with hu14.18K322A was administered during consolidation (n = 31). Radiation therapy was administered at the end of consolidation. Postconsolidation treatment included hu14.18K322A, GM-CSF, IL-2, and isotretinoin. Early response was assessed after the first two cycles of induction therapy. End-of-induction response, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. RESULTS Sixty-four patients received hu14.18K322A with induction chemotherapy. This regimen was well tolerated, with continuous infusion narcotics. Partial responses (PRs) or better after the first two chemoimmunotherapy cycles occurred in 42 of 63 evaluable patients (66.7%; 95% CI, 55.0 to 78.3). Primary tumor volume decreased by a median of 75% (range, 100% [complete disappearance]-5% growth). Median peak hu14.18K322A serum levels in cycle one correlated with early response to therapy (P = .0154, one-sided t-test). Sixty of 62 patients (97%) had an end-of-induction partial response or better. No patients experienced progressive disease during induction. The 3-year EFS was 73.7% (95% CI, 60.0 to 83.4), and the OS was 86.0% (95% CI, 73.8 to 92.8), respectively. CONCLUSION Adding hu14.18K322A to induction chemotherapy improved early objective responses, significantly reduced tumor volumes in most patients, improved end-of-induction response rates, and yielded an encouraging 3-year EFS. These results, if validated in a larger study, may be practice changing. Anti-GD2 mAb hu14.18K322A with induction chemotherapy improves outcomes in high-risk neuroblastoma.
A Microfluidic Cancer-on-Chip Platform Predicts Drug Response Using Organotypic Tumor Slice Culture

The Cancer-on-Chip platform with a 6-well plate design incorporating silicon-based microfluidics can enable optimal patient-specific treatment strategies through parallel culture of multiple tumor slices and diagnostic assays using primary tumor material. Optimal treatment of cancer requires diagnostic methods to facilitate therapy choice and prevent ineffective treatments. Direct assessment of therapy response in viable tumor specimens could fill this diagnostic gap. Therefore, we designed a microfluidic platform for assessment of patient treatment response using tumor tissue slices under precisely controlled growth conditions. The optimized Cancer-on-Chip (CoC) platform maintained viability and sustained proliferation of breast and prostate tumor slices for 7 days. No major changes in tissue morphology or gene expression patterns were observed within this time frame, suggesting that the CoC system provides a reliable and effective way to probe intrinsic chemotherapeutic sensitivity of tumors. The customized CoC platform accurately predicted cisplatin and apalutamide treatment response in breast and prostate tumor xenograft models, respectively. The culture period for breast cancer could be extended up to 14 days without major changes in tissue morphology and viability. These culture characteristics enable assessment of treatment outcomes and open possibilities for detailed mechanistic studies. Significance: The Cancer-on-Chip platform with a 6-well plate design incorporating silicon-based microfluidics can enable optimal patient-specific treatment strategies through parallel culture of multiple tumor slices and diagnostic assays using primary tumor material.
Formant extraction from phase using weighted group delay function

A method to extract formants from Fourier transform (FT) phase using a group delay (GD) function is presented. The GD function of the speech is difficult to process owing to the prescence of large amplitude spikes. The spikes are de-emphasised by modifying the expression for computing the GD function, which faciliates formant extraction.
An observational study of infusing Design Thinking into the CDIO framework.

Design Thinking (DT) is a human centric way of designing product, process, system and services, which has the potential to provide learning opportunities for engineering students to explore human desirability, technical feasibility and business viability. This paper attempts to outline how DT can be infused into a CDIO framework in the context of capstone projects since they allow students to appreciate the whole product lifecycle at logical stages (i.e. C-DI-O). Engineering students were asked to innovate on ordinary consumer products in order to make explicit the effects of the Design Thinking process for transformative solutions based on the insights gained from ethnographic studies. Salient points for reflection, based on project supervisor’s observation as well as students’ feedback are also presented. While DT may leads to non technical solutions, the author feels a need to skilfully steer engineering students to utilise some of their disciplinary knowledge and skills.
Longitudinal changes in serum testosterone and sex hormone‐binding globulin in men aged 40–69 years from the UK Biobank

Testosterone and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations are reported to decline during male ageing, but whether these changes reflect physiological ageing or age‐related comorbidities remains uncertain. We examined longitudinal changes in serum testosterone and SHBG concentrations in middle‐aged to older men, concordance between baseline and follow‐up values and relationships with concomitant changes in lifestyle and medical factors.