Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of a Positive Empathetic Interaction on Conditioned Pain Modulation and Manipulation-induced Analgesia in People With Lateral Epicondylalgia

Objective: Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and manipulation-induced analgesia (MIA) are 2 forms of endogenous analgesia. Many forms of analgesia can be influenced by the nature of the patient-clinician interaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of an empathetic and supportive interaction on CPM and MIA in people with lateral epicondylalgia (LE). Material and Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, 68 participants with LE were assigned to 2 groups: the empathetic and neutral interaction groups. The interactions were carried out by a trained, professional role-play actor, playing the part of a research assistant. The research assistant actor spent 15 minutes before CPM and MIA assessment interacting with the participants in an empathetic or neutral manner. Immediately after the interaction, a blinded assessor measured pressure pain threshold at the symptomatic elbow and ipsilateral wrist during CPM and MIA testing. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate differences in CPM and MIA responses between the interaction groups. Results: There was a significant difference in Consultation and Relational Empathy scores between the groups (P<0.001), indicating that the intervention group experienced a more empathic interaction. Both groups showed a significant increase in pressure pain threshold measures, indicative of a CPM and MIA analgesic response (P<0.001), however, the analgesic responses were greater in the group that had experienced a supportive, empathetic interaction (post CPM, wrist: P<0.001; elbow: P=0.001) (post MIA wrist: P<0.001; elbow: P=0.001). Discussion: A single session of empathetic interaction positively influenced both CPM and MIA responses in people with LE.
Understanding usual care in randomised controlled trials of complex interventions: A multi-method approach

Background: Evaluations of complex interventions compared to usual care provided in palliative care are increasing. Not describing usual care may affect the interpretation of an intervention’s effectiveness, yet how it can be described remains unclear. Aim: To demonstrate the feasibility of using multi-methods to describe usual care provided in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of complex interventions, shown within a feasibility cluster RCT. Design: Multi-method approach comprising usual care questionnaires, baseline case note review and focus groups with ward staff completed at study end. Thematic analysis of qualitative data, descriptive statistics of quantitative data, followed by methodological triangulation to appraise approach in relation to study aim. Setting/participants: Four general medical wards chosen from UK hospitals. Purposive sampling of healthcare professionals for usual care questionnaires, and focus groups. Review of 20 patients’ notes from each ward who died during admission or within 100 days of discharge. Results: Twenty-three usual care questionnaires at baseline, two focus groups comprising 20 healthcare professionals and 80 case note reviews. Triangulation of findings resulted in understanding the usual care provided to the targeted population in terms of context, structures, processes and outcomes for patients, families and healthcare professionals. Usual care was described, highlighting (1) similarities and embedded practices, (2) heterogeneity and (3) subtle changes in care during the trial within and across sites. Conclusions: We provide a feasible approach to defining usual care that can be practically adopted in different settings. Understanding usual care enhances the reliability of tested complex interventions, and informs research and policy priorities.
Can Age-Friendly Planning Promote Equity in Community Health Across the Rural-Urban Divide in the US?

In the US, rural communities face challenges to meet the community health needs of older adults and children. Meanwhile, rural areas lag in age-friendly built environment and services. AARP, a US based organization promoting livability for all ages, has developed a Livability Index based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) domains of age-friendly communities: health, housing, neighborhood, transportation, environment, engagement, and opportunity. This study links the 2018 AARP Livability Index categories with demographic structure and socio-economic factors from the American Community Survey at the county level in the US to examine if the physical, built and social environment differentiate communities with better community health across the rural–urban divide. Results show that the neighborhood built environment has the largest impact on community health for all county types. Although rural areas lag in community health, those which give more attention to engagement and opportunity rank higher. Rural communities with more African Americans, children, and poor Whites, rank lower on community health. While neighborhood characteristics have the strongest link to community health, a broader approach with attention to age, race, poverty and engagement and opportunity is needed for rural areas.
Pulmonary artery enlargement is associated with pulmonary hypertension and decreased survival in severe cystic fibrosis: A cohort study

Background Pulmonary artery (PA) enlargement, defined as pulmonary artery to ascending aorta diameter ratio (PA:A)>1 on computed tomography (CT), is a marker of pulmonary vascular disease in chronic lung diseases. PA enlargement is prevalent in cystic fibrosis (CF), but its relationship to hemodynamics and prognostic utility in severe CF are unknown. We hypothesized that the PA:A would have utility in identifying pulmonary hypertension (PH) in severe CF and that PA enlargement would be associated with reduced transplant-free survival. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of adults with CF undergoing lung transplant evaluation at a single center between 2000 and 2015. CT, right heart catheterization (RHC), and clinical data were collected. The PA:A was measured from a single CT slice. We measured associations between PA:A and invasive hemodynamic parameters including PH defined as a mPAP ≥25mmHg using adjusted linear and logistic regression models. Kaplan-Meier and adjusted Cox regression models were used to measure associations between PA:A>1, RHC-defined PH, and transplant-free survival in severe CF. Results We analyzed 78 adults with CF that had CT scans available for review, including 44 that also had RHC. RHC-defined PH defined as a mPAP ≥25mmHg was present in 36% of patients with CF undergoing transplant evaluation. The PA:A correlated with mPAP (r = 0.73; 95% CI 3.87–7.80; p<0.001) and PVR (r = 0.42, p = 0.005) and the PA:A>1 was an independent predictor of PH (aOR 4.50; 95% CI 1.05–19.2; p = 0.042). PA:A>1 was independently associated with increased hazards for death or transplant (aHR 2.69; 95% CI 1.41–5.14; P = 0.003). The presence of mPAP ≥25mmHg was independently associated with decreased survival in this cohort. Conclusions PA enlargement is associated with pulmonary hemodynamics and PH in severe CF. PA enlargement is an independent prognostic indicator of PH and decreased survival in this population.
Draft Genome Sequences of Vibrio alginolyticus Strain S6-61 and Vibrio diabolicus Strain S7-71, Isolated from Corals in the Andaman Sea

We report the draft genome sequences of Vibrio alginolyticus strain S6-61 and Vibrio diabolicus strain S7-71, isolated from the corals Pocillopora verrucosa and Fungia danai, respectively. The genomes of strains S6-61 and S7-71 contain 4,880 and 4,641 protein coding genes, respectively, and harbor genes associated with the ectoine biosynthesis pathway. ABSTRACT We report the draft genome sequences of Vibrio alginolyticus strain S6-61 and Vibrio diabolicus strain S7-71, isolated from the corals Pocillopora verrucosa and Fungia danai, respectively. The genomes of strains S6-61 and S7-71 contain 4,880 and 4,641 protein coding genes, respectively, and harbor genes associated with the ectoine biosynthesis pathway.
Site‐specific Bioconjugation and Convergent Click Chemistry Enhances Antibody–Chromophore Conjugate Binding Efficiency

Photosensitizer (PS)–antibody conjugates (photoimmunoconjugates, PICs) enable cancer cell‐targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT). Nonspecific chemical bioconjugation is widely used to synthesize PICs but gives rise to several shortcomings. The conjugates are heterogeneous, and the process is not easily reproducible. Moreover, modifications at or near the binding sites alter both binding affinity and specificity. To overcome these limitations, we introduce convergent assembly of PICs via a chemo‐enzymatic site‐specific approach. First, an antibody is conjugated to a clickable handle via site‐specific modification of glutamine (Gln) residues catalyzed by transglutaminase (TGase, EC 2.3.2.13). Second, the modified antibody intermediate is conjugated to a compatible chromophore via click chemistry. Utilizing cetuximab, we compared this site‐specific conjugation protocol to the nonspecific chemical acylation of amines using N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) chemistry. Both the heavy and light chains were modified via the chemical route, whereas, only a glutamine 295 in the heavy chain was modified via chemo‐enzymatic conjugation. Furthermore, a 2.3‐fold increase in the number of bound antibodies per cell was observed for the site‐specific compared with nonspecific method, suggesting that multiple stochastic sites of modification perturb the antibody–antigen binding. Altogether, site‐specific bioconjugation leads to homogenous, reproducible and well‐defined PICs, conferring higher binding efficiency and probability of clinical success.
Local adaptation fuels cryptic speciation in terrestrial annelids

Uncovering the genetic and evolutionary basis of cryptic speciation is a major focus of evolutionary biology. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) allows the identification of genome-wide local adaptation signatures, but has rarely been applied to cryptic complexes - particularly in the soil milieu - as is the case with integrative taxonomy. The earthworm genus Carpetania, comprising six previously suggested putative cryptic lineages, is a promising model to study the evolutionary phenomena shaping cryptic speciation in soil-dwelling lineages. Genotyping-By-Sequencing (GBS) was used to provide genome-wide information about genetic variability between seventeen populations, and geometric morphometrics analyses of genital chaetae were performed to investigate unexplored cryptic morphological evolution. Genomic analyses revealed the existence of three cryptic species, with half of the previously-identified potential cryptic lineages clustering within them. Local adaptation was detected in more than 800 genes putatively involved in a plethora of biological functions (most notably reproduction, metabolism, immunological response and morphogenesis). Several genes with selection signatures showed shared mutations for each of the cryptic species, and genes under selection were enriched in functions related to regulation of transcription, including SNPs located in UTR regions. Finally, geometric morphometrics approaches partially confirmed the phylogenetic signal of relevant morphological characters such as genital chaetae. Our study therefore unveils that local adaptation and regulatory divergence are key evolutionary forces orchestrating genome evolution in soil fauna.
Policy gradient optimization of controllers for natural dynamic mono-pedal gait

We have previously suggested a biologically-inspired natural dynamic controller for biped locomotion, which applies torque pulses to the different joints at particular phases of an internal phase variable. The parameters of the controller, including the timing and magnitude of the torque pulses and the dynamics of the phase variable, can be kept constant in open loop or adapted to the environment in closed loop. Here we demonstrate the implementation of this approach to a mono-ped robot and the optimization of the controller parameters to enhance robustness via policy gradient. Policy gradient was applied in simulations rather than the actual robot due to safety and hardware considerations. A grounded action transformation (GAT) was learned and used to facilitate the transfer of the learned policy from simulation to hardware. We demonstrate how GAT improves the match between simulations and experiments and how learning enhances the performance and robustness of the mono-ped robot.
Rigorous Analysis of Free Solution Glycosaminoglycan Dynamics Using Simple, New Tools.

Heparin/heparan sulfate (H/HS) are ubiquitous biopolymers that interact with many proteins to induce a range of biological functions. Unfortunately, how these biopolymers recognize their preferred protein targets remain poorly understood. It is suggested that computational simulations offer attractive avenues but a number of challenges, e.g., difficulty of selecting a comprehensive force field, few simple tools to interpret data, among others, remain. This work addresses several such challenges so as to help ease the implementation and analysis of computational experiments. First, this work presents a rigorous comparison of two different recent force fields, CHARMM36 and GLYCAM06, for H/HS studies. Second, it introduces two new straightforward parameters, i.e., end-to-end distance and minimum volume enclosing ellipsoid, to understand the myriad conformational forms of oligosaccharides that evolve over time in water. Third, it presents an application to elucidate the number and nature of inter and intra molecular, non-direct bridging water molecules, which help stabilize unique forms of H/HS. The results show that non-specialists can use either CHARMM36 or GLYCAM06 force fields because both gave comparable results, albeit with small differences. The comparative study shows that the HS hexasaccharide samples a range of conformations with nearly equivalent energies, which could be the reason for its recognition by different proteins. Finally, analysis of the non-direct water bridges across the dynamics trajectory shows their importance in stabilization of certain conformational forms, which may become important for protein recognition. Overall, the work aids non-specialists employ computational studies for understanding the solution behavior of H/HS.
Detection of retinal microvascular changes in von Hippel-Lindau disease using optical coherence tomography angiography

Purpose Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a hereditary disorder that can lead to ophthalmic manifestations, including retinal capillary hemangioma (RCH). The diagnosis of RCH is often guided by wide-field fluorescein angiography. In some cases, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) serves as a non-invasive alternative to FA. Herein, we used OCT-A to examine the macular microvasculature in patients with VHL disease. Subjects Subjects were selected from patients with a diagnosis of VHL. The control group included eyes without retinal diagnosis from patients with an episode of unilateral retinal detachment or trauma and age ≤ 50 years old. Methods Subjects were scanned on the Optovue RTVue-XR device to acquire 3mm x 3mm OCT-A images of the superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP). SCP and DCP vessel density (VD) were calculated after the images were binarized. Furthermore, for subjects with RCH, each OCT-A image was divided equally into four quadrants. SCP and DCP VD of quadrants with RCH were compared to those without RCH. T-tests were performed for statistical analysis. Results 67 eyes with a history of VHL disease were included as study subjects, while 16 eyes were included as controls. Significant increases in VD were found in patients with VHL disease for both the SCP (p = 0.0441) and DCP (p = 0.0344). When comparing quadrants with associated RCH development to those without, we found no significant difference in SCP VD (p = 0.160) or DCP VD (p = 0.484). Conclusions OCT-A can detect changes in the retinal microvasculature in the macula of patients with VHL disease. OCT-A imaging may be an additional tool for screening and early detection of patients at risk of developing ocular complications of VHL disease. Future studies should explore subtle progression on OCT-A associated with the pathogenesis and development of RCH, particularly with larger scan patterns.
Coagulation of TiO2, CeO2 nanoparticles, and polystyrene nanoplastics in bottled mineral and surface waters. Effect of water properties, coagulant type, and dosage

Intensive use of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) results in their release into aquatic systems and consequently into drinking water resources. Therefore, it is important to evaluate how NPs can be effectively removed through water treatment processes, such as coagulation, to control environmental and health risks associated with NP exposure. This work investigates the effect of two conventional coagulants, polyaluminum chloride (PACl) and iron chloride (FeCl3), on NPs. Three bottled mineral and Lake Geneva waters, currently used as drinking water resources, were considered to get an insight into coagulation efficiency. TiO2, CeO2 NPs, and polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics were selected, owing to their large number of applications and contrasting surface charge and aggregation behavior at environmental pH. Our findings indicate that PACl is more efficient compared with FeCl3 since lower dosages are required to coagulate all nanoparticles. On the other hand, nanoplastic coagulation is found less efficient compared with TiO2 and CeO2 NPs. This is an important outcome indicating that nanoplastic stability and dispersion state will be more pronounced and therefore more challenging to eliminate. Results highlight the key role of NP and PS nanoplastic surface charge, as well as water properties, coagulant type, and dosage on nanoparticle elimination from aquatic systems.
Glycerin suppositories used prophylactically in premature infants (supp): A pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Glycerin suppositories are often used to facilitate meconium evacuation in premature infants. The evidence for this practice is inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a multicenter randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of this treatment strategy. STUDY DESIGN We conducted an external pilot study for a multicenter randomized controlled trial of premature infants randomized to glycerin suppositories or placebo procedure. Participants were included if they were gestational age of 24 weeks 0 days to 31 weeks 6 days and/or birthweight of 500 to 1500 grams. We excluded infants with life-threatening congenital anomalies, contraindications to receiving suppositories, or signs of clinical instability. Outcomes included cost, recruitment, and treatment-related adverse events. RESULT A total of 109 were screened, 79 were initially eligible, and 34 consented to participate. Four of these infants were excluded prior to randomization due to thrombocytopenia, 30 were randomized, and 26 reached full enteral feeds. Three infants (10%) experienced rectal bleeding 5 to 43 days after completing study treatments. An anal fissure was noted in two of these patients. There were no cases of rectal perforation but one infant assigned to active treatment developed necrotizing enterocolitis. CONCLUSIONS Conducting a multicenter randomized controlled trial on the use of glycerin suppositories in premature infants is feasible. Minor modifications to the study protocol are needed to increase participant recruitment and simplify the administration of study treatments.
Behavioral phenotype of 49,XXXXY syndrome: Presence of anxiety‐related symptoms and intact social awareness

49,XXXXY is a rare X and Y chromosome variation that occurs in 1:85,000 to 1:100,000 live male births and is notable for variable motor, speech, and behavioral deficits. Case studies have described boys with this disorder as shy, impulsive, and aggressive with low frustration tolerances; however, previous studies have been limited due to cohort size. This study reports on the largest cohort of boys with 49,XXXXY to date with an emphasis on the prevalence of anxiety‐related symptoms and sociability from preschool to adolescence. The Child Behavior Checklist, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, 2nd edition, and Social Responsiveness Scale, 2nd edition were completed by parents on a cohort of 69. The cohort demonstrated deficits in social cognition and communication beginning in preschool, however, presented with consistent social awareness and motivation for social activities not previously appreciated in this disorder. In addition, signs of anxiety presented during preschool years and increased in severity with age, particularly in internalizing problems. Boys with 49,XXXXY presented with wide behavioral variability across all ages and domains. Further research into the potential influences of culture, birth order, biological treatment, and frequency of services is needed to better define the behavioral phenotype of children with this disorder.
Disability and Recovery After Hospitalization for Medical Illness Among Community‐Living Older Persons: A Prospective Cohort Study

To determine for each basic, instrumental, and mobility activity after hospitalization for acute medical illness: (1) disability prevalence immediately before and monthly for 6 months after hospitalization; (2) disability incidence 1 month after hospitalization; and (3) recovery time from incident disability during months 2 to 6 after hospitalization.
Functional health literacy among left-behind students in senior high schools in an ethnic minority area

Abstract To verify the validity of functional health literacy scale and analyze what influences functional health literacy. Using convenience sampling method based on cross-sectional data to select 589 left-behind senior high-school students in an ethnic minority area, using the functional health literacy scale. The scale results were relatively strong, and the absolute fitness index, value-added fitness index, and simple fitness index reached the fitness standards. The overall functional health literacy score was (0.65 ± 0.12), which falls within the upper middle class. Gender(t = 2.40, P < .05), ethnicity (t = 4.28, P < .001), place of residence (t = = 4.51, P < .001), mother's education level (F = 3.608, P < .05), self-assessment of grades for 1 year (F = 25.781, P < .001), and whether the participant liked the health education content (F = 9.416, P < .001) had impacts on overall functional health literacy. The study results show that relatively satisfactory reliability and validity and can be applied further analysis for improving students functional health literacy levels.