Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Noncanonical necrosis in 2 different cell types in a Caenorhabditis elegans NAD+ salvage pathway mutant

Abstract Necrosis was once described as a chaotic unregulated response to cellular insult. We now know that necrosis is controlled by multiple pathways in response to many different cellular conditions. In our pnc-1 NAD+ salvage deficient Caenorhabditis elegans model excess nicotinamide induces excitotoxic death in uterine-vulval uv1 cells and OLQ mechanosensory neurons. We sought to characterize necrosis in our pnc-1 model in the context of well-characterized necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy pathways in C. elegans. We confirmed that calpain and aspartic proteases were required for uv1 necrosis, but changes in intracellular calcium levels and autophagy were not, suggesting that uv1 necrosis occurs by a pathway that diverges from mec-4d-induced touch cell necrosis downstream of effector aspartic proteases. OLQ necrosis does not require changes in intracellular calcium, the function of calpain or aspartic proteases, or autophagy. Instead, OLQ survival requires the function of calreticulin and calnexin, pro-apoptotic ced-4 (Apaf1), and genes involved in both autophagy and axon guidance. In addition, the partially OLQ-dependent gentle nose touch response decreased significantly in pnc-1 animals on poor quality food, further suggesting that uv1 and OLQ necrosis differ downstream of their common trigger. Together these results show that, although phenotypically very similar, uv1, OLQ, and touch cell necrosis are very different at the molecular level.
MIR210HG is aberrantly expressed in the seminal plasma of varicocele patients and associated with varicocele‐related dyszoospermia

This study aimed to confirm the expression of the seminal plasma long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) microRNA210 host gene (MIR210HG) in varicocele (VC) patients, to further explore the association between MIR210HG and VC severity and to evaluate whether MIR210HG can predict VC‐related dyszoospermia. Semen samples from 188 VC patients and 92 healthy men were collected. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR detected seminal plasma MIR210HG levels. Receiver operating characteristic analysis assessed the ability of MIR210HG to screen patients with VC, or to screen VC patients with abnormal semen quality. Logistic analysis assessed the value of MIR210HG in predicting dyszoospermia in VC patients. The levels of MIR210HG in seminal plasma of VC patients were upregulated, which could screen VC patients. In addition, the levels of seminal plasma MIR210HG were upregulated with VC severity and were downregulated at 6 months after surgery in VC patients. Moreover, elevated MIR210HG levels in VC patients with abnormal semen quality could screen patients with abnormal semen quality and could independently predict the occurrence of dyszoospermia in VC patients. Seminal plasma MIR210HG expression is upregulated in VC patients, is associated with the severity of VC and may function as an independent predictor of VC‐related dyszoospermia.
SARS-CoV-2 antibodies protect against reinfection for at least 6 months in a multicentre seroepidemiological workplace cohort

Identifying the potential for SARS-CoV-2 reinfection is crucial for understanding possible long-term epidemic dynamics. We analysed longitudinal PCR and serological testing data from a prospective cohort of 4,411 United States employees in 4 states between April 2020 and February 2021. We conducted a multivariable logistic regression investigating the association between baseline serological status and subsequent PCR test result in order to calculate an odds ratio for reinfection. We estimated an odds ratio for reinfection ranging from 0.14 (95% CI: 0.019 to 0.63) to 0.28 (95% CI: 0.05 to 1.1), implying that the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at baseline is associated with around 72% to 86% reduced odds of a subsequent PCR positive test based on our point estimates. This suggests that primary infection with SARS-CoV-2 provides protection against reinfection in the majority of individuals, at least over a 6-month time period. We also highlight 2 major sources of bias and uncertainty to be considered when estimating the relative risk of reinfection, confounders and the choice of baseline time point, and show how to account for both in reinfection analysis.
Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for acute and chronic pain in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 381 studies (the meta-TENS study)

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for relief of pain in adults. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources Medline, Cochrane Central, Embase (and others) from inception to July 2019 and updated on 17 May 2020. Eligibility criteria for study selection Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing strong non-painful TENS at or close to the site of pain versus placebo or other treatments in adults with pain, irrespective of diagnosis. Data extraction and synthesis Reviewers independently screened, extracted data and assessed risk of bias (RoB, Cochrane tool) and certainty of evidence (Grading and Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Mean pain intensity and proportions of participants achieving reductions of pain intensity (≥30% or >50%) during or immediately after TENS. Random effect models were used to calculate standardised mean differences (SMD) and risk ratios. Subgroup analyses were related to trial methodology and characteristics of pain. Results The review included 381 RCTs (24 532 participants). Pain intensity was lower during or immediately after TENS compared with placebo (91 RCTs, 92 samples, n=4841, SMD=−0·96 (95% CI −1·14 to –0·78), moderate-certainty evidence). Methodological (eg, RoB, sample size) and pain characteristics (eg, acute vs chronic, diagnosis) did not modify the effect. Pain intensity was lower during or immediately after TENS compared with pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments used as part of standard of care (61 RCTs, 61 samples, n=3155, SMD = −0·72 (95% CI −0·95 to –0·50], low-certainty evidence). Levels of evidence were downgraded because of small-sized trials contributing to imprecision in magnitude estimates. Data were limited for other outcomes including adverse events which were poorly reported, generally mild and not different to comparators. Conclusion There was moderate-certainty evidence that pain intensity is lower during or immediately after TENS compared with placebo and without serious adverse events. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019125054.
A Movement Tool Kit for the Divergent and Convergent CPS Guidelines: Instruction Cards and Activity Floor Mats

OF PROJECT A Movement Tool Kit for the Divergent and Convergent CPS Guidelines: Instruction Cards and Activity Floor Mats Movement is as natural to humans as breathing is, and, yet, passivity starts early in schools. We are taught to sit still and in silence for long periods of time. By the time we reach adulthood and enter the workforce, we have almost forgotten our sense of embodiment. This lack of movement is counter-productive, not only to learning but to the development of creativity as well. For this project, I designed a tool to recapture the joy and playfulness of movement. Furthermore, the tool seeks to improve kinesthetic intelligence and build a bridge between movement and creativity. I’ve included a series of cards for creativity practitioners and activity floor mats for participants, which seem simple at first glance. However, once experienced, they have the capacity to deepen understanding of the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) divergent and convergent thinking guidelines. The work presented here is based on rich academic research in the areas of embodiment, metaphors, gestures, movement, Gaga methodology, and the science of creativity. The underpinning theories supporting each are briefly reviewed, but I have provided an extensive bibliography for the reader who craves further exploration. The development, outcomes, and key learning of this project, as well as the results of its evaluation, are also provided. ________________________ Adela Vangelisti ________________________ Date
Are K‐strategists yield‐strategists in disguise? An example from autotrophic nitrogen removal

The behavior of heterotrophic bacteria growing in systems with low or no external supply of chemical oxygen demand (COD) has become more relevant within the wastewater context. Growth strategies help to clarify how bacteria behave and adapt to different environmental conditions. In the case of substrate limited conditions, research has been mainly focused on the k‐strategy, whereas another important strategy: the yield strategy has not been explored intensely. Some authors have, however, demonstrated the implications of bacteria pursuing the yield strategy when living in structured environments and facing low‐substrate concentrations. This study uses a one‐dimensional biofilm model to study the influence of the affinity constant, the maximum growth rate, and the growth yield on the heterotrophic formation of dinitrogen gas (N2) in a completely autotrophic partial nitritation anammox system. The effect of these parameters on the composition and the diversity of the heterotrophic community is also evaluated. In a first scenario, heterotrophic bacteria are allowed to grow only on the COD produced by biomass decay. In a second step, the competition with a second group of heterotrophs using external COD as electron donor is assessed. For both evaluated scenarios, the results suggest that the yield plays a crucial role in the heterotrophic biomass and dinitrogen gas formation. Moreover, in the case of the community diversity the yield seems to be the decisive parameter. Finally, we conceptually compared the K and the yield strategy and give some insight to the possibility of both either being closely related or even being the same strategy.
The Role of Procalcitonin for Predicting Kawasaki Disease

Abstract Background: Some studies have estimated the diagnostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) for Kawasaki disease (KD), but the results are not always consistent. The aim of this study was to ascertain the diagnostic value of PCT for KD. Methods: Relevant and eligible articles assessing the diagnostic significance of PCT in KD were systematically searched from PubMed as well as the CNKI databases (last update: October 31, 2020), followed by bivariate models to evaluate the overall diagnostic significance of PCT in KD. This systematic review and meta-analysis included four articles. Results: The overall diagnostic specificity and sensitivity were 0.78 (95% CI: 0.74–0.82) and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.69–0.76), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve (AUC) was 0.82. The negative likelihood ratio (NLR) and positive likelihood ratio (PLR) values for PCT were 0.34 and 3.23, respectively. Conclusions: By analyzing the accessible articles, we showed PCT is not a particularly useful test for KD diagnosis.
Evaluation of mHealth Apps for Diverse, Low-Income Patient Populations: Framework Development and Application Study

Background The use of mobile technology or smartphones has grown exponentially in the United States, allowing more individuals than ever internet access. This access has been especially critical to households earning less than US $30,000, the majority of whom indicate that smartphones are their main source of internet access. The increasing ubiquity of smartphones and virtual care promises to offset some of the health disparities that cut through the United States. However, disparities cannot be addressed if the medical information offered though smartphones is not accessible or reliable. Objective This study seeks to create a framework to review the strengths and weaknesses of mobile Health (mHealth) apps for diverse, low-income populations. Methods Focusing on smoking cessation, diabetes management, and medication adherence as models of disease management, we describe the process for selecting, evaluating, and obtaining patient feedback on mHealth apps. Results The top 2 scoring apps in each category were QuitNow! and Smoke Free-Quit Smoking Now for smoking cessation, Glucosio and MyNetDiary for diabetes management, and Medisafe and MyMeds for medication adherence. Conclusions We believe that this framework will prove useful for future mHealth app development, and clinicians and patient advisory groups in connecting culturally, educationally, and socioeconomically appropriate mHealth apps with low-income, diverse communities and thus work to bridge health disparities.
Electricians’ Health After Electrical Shocks

Objectives: To examine whether demographic and health factors are associated with risk of electrical shocks and compared mental and physical health before and after an electrical shock. Methods: A 6-month cohort study of 6960 electricians involved weekly questionnaires regarding exposure to electrical shocks, and health. We examined the association between health and demographic factors and the risk of eventual electrical shocks and health before and after a shock Results: Youth and poor health were associated with risk of shocks. Reporting of numbness, cramps/spasms, tremors, tinnitus, dizziness, and flashbacks increased in the week of the shock, but only tinnitus and flashbacks persisted, as other symptoms receded. Severity, high voltage, cross-body exposure, wet entry/exit points, and direct current as well as health worries and/or neuroticism increased some estimates Conclusion: Electrical shocks are common, but rarely result in health effects.
Neurofilament Light Chain Levels in Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis and Primary Psychiatric Psychosis

Background and Objectives An important challenge in diagnosing anti–NMDA receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis (NMDARe) is differentiating it from a first episode of psychosis (FEP) caused by a psychiatric disease (pFEP). CSF antibody testing distinguishes these diseases, but spinal taps are difficult to obtain in psychiatric facilities. A separate problem is the lack of biomarkers of NMDARe severity and outcome. Here we assessed the performance of neurofilament light chain (NfL) testing in these settings. Methods In this observational study, NfL levels were determined with single-molecule array in patients with NMDARe, pFEP, herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), and healthy participants (HC), with the last 2 groups used as controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to assess the prediction accuracy of serum NfL (sNfL) levels for NMDARe and pFEP and to obtain clinically useful cutoffs. Results One hundred eighteen patients with NMDARe (33 with isolated psychosis at presentation), 45 with pFEP, 36 with HSE, and 36 HC were studied. Patients with NMDARe with seizures/status epilepticus, intensive care unit admission, and CSF pleocytosis (>20 white blood cells/µL) and without early immunotherapy were more likely to have higher NfL (mainly in CSF) than individuals with NMDARe without these features. NfL levels at diagnosis of NMDARe did not correlate with outcome at 1-year follow-up assessed with the modified Rankin Scale. Patients with NMDARe had significantly higher sNfL than individuals with pFEP and HC and lower sNfL than patients with HSE. ROC analysis of sNfL between NMDARe with isolated psychosis and pFEP provided an area under the curve of 0.93 (95% CI 0.87–0.99) and an sNfL cutoff ≥15 pg/mL to distinguish these disorders (sensitivity 85%, specificity 96%, positive likelihood ratio 19.3). Forty-three of 45 (96%) patients with pFEP had sNfL<15 pg/mL, whereas only 5 of 33 (15%) with NMDARe with isolated psychosis were below this cutoff (risk estimation NMDARe vs pFEP: odds ratio 120.4 [95% CI 21.8–664], p < 0.001). None of the patients with HSE and 35 of 36 (97%) HC had sNfL<15 pg/mL. Discussion NfL measured at diagnosis of NMDARe associated with features of disease severity but not with long-term outcome. Young patients with FEP and sNfL ≥15 pg/mL had a 120 times higher chance of having NMDARe than those with pFEP. This cutoff correctly classified 96% of patients with pFEP and 85% of patients with NMDARe with isolated psychosis. Patients with FEP of unclear etiology and sNfL ≥15 pg/mL should undergo CSF NMDAR antibody testing.
Avalanche criticality in individuals, fluid intelligence, and working memory

The critical brain hypothesis suggests that efficient neural computation can be achieved through critical brain dynamics. However, the relationship between human cognitive performance and scale‐free brain dynamics remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the whole‐brain avalanche activity and its individual variability in the human resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. We showed that though the group‐level analysis was inaccurate because of individual variability, the subject wise scale‐free avalanche activity was significantly associated with maximal synchronization entropy of their brain activity. Meanwhile, the complexity of functional connectivity, as well as structure–function coupling, is maximized in subjects with maximal synchronization entropy. We also observed order–disorder phase transitions in resting‐state brain dynamics and found that there were longer times spent in the subcritical regime. These results imply that large‐scale brain dynamics favor the slightly subcritical regime of phase transition. Finally, we showed evidence that the neural dynamics of human participants with higher fluid intelligence and working memory scores are closer to criticality. We identified brain regions whose critical dynamics showed significant positive correlations with fluid intelligence performance and found that these regions were located in the prefrontal cortex and inferior parietal cortex, which were believed to be important nodes of brain networks underlying human intelligence. Our results reveal the possible role that avalanche criticality plays in cognitive performance and provide a simple method to identify the critical point and map cortical states on a spectrum of neural dynamics, ranging from subcriticality to supercriticality.
9.3.1 Trade Studies with Uncertain Information

During every stage of the design process, designers trade off performance, cost, and risk in an evolutionary process whose goal is to find a satisfactory solution. This paper explores a recent method to manage the trade study process especially when uncertainty is pervasive and decisions are a mix of quantitative and qualitative information. We believe that it is possible to support a trade study process that is sensitive to the uncertainties in evolving system information, a key ingredient in managing risk, robustness, changes and spiral development. In this paper we explore what is needed to support such activities. To do so we follow an example as it gets increasingly complex and realistic. As the issues addressed increase in computational need, we make use of Accord, a decision support system base on Bayesian Team Support methods.
Direct cellular reprogramming enables development of viral T antigen–driven Merkel cell carcinoma in mice

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer that frequently carries an integrated Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) genome and expresses viral transforming antigens (TAgs). MCC tumor cells also express signature genes detected in skin-resident, postmitotic Merkel cells, including atonal bHLH transcription factor 1 (ATOH1), which is required for Merkel cell development from epidermal progenitors. We now report the use of in vivo cellular reprogramming, using ATOH1, to drive MCC development from murine epidermis. We generated mice that conditionally expressed MCPyV TAgs and ATOH1 in epidermal cells, yielding microscopic collections of proliferating MCC-like cells arising from hair follicles. Immunostaining of these nascent tumors revealed p53 accumulation and apoptosis, and targeted deletion of transformation related protein 53 (Trp53) led to development of gross skin tumors with classic MCC histology and marker expression. Global transcriptome analysis confirmed the close similarity of mouse and human MCCs, and hierarchical clustering showed conserved upregulation of signature genes. Our data establish that expression of MCPyV TAgs in ATOH1-reprogrammed epidermal cells and their neuroendocrine progeny initiates hair follicle–derived MCC tumorigenesis in adult mice. Moreover, progression to full-blown MCC in this model requires loss of p53, mimicking the functional inhibition of p53 reported in human MCPyV-positive MCCs.
Flexible conductive silk-PPy hydrogel toward wearable electronic strain sensors

Conductive hydrogels have been studied as promising materials for the flexible and wearable bioelectronics, because of their unique electrical and mechanical properties. Addition of conducting polymers in biomaterial-based hydrogel matrix is a simple yet effective way to construct hydrogels with good conductivity and flexibility. In this work, a conductive hydrogel composed by a silk hydrogel and a conducting polymer, polypyrrole (PPy), is developed via in situ polymerization of pyrrole into the silk fibroin network. The silk-PPy hydrogel shows high conductivity (26 S m−1), as well as sensitive and fast responses to corresponding conformation changes. Taking advantages of these properties, flexible and wearable strain sensors are proposed for the monitoring of various body movements, which can detect both the large and subtle human motions with good sensitivity, reproducibility and stability. The hybridization of biomaterials and conducting polymers endows the multifunctions of the conductive hydrogels, thus showing considerable potentials in the advancement of the wearable electronics.
Low SAR planar monopole antenna for wireless communication applications

Simple internal multiband monopole antenna with low specific absorption rate (SAR) for most wireless communication applications is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna is an unequal arms monopole antenna with a meander stripoin the other substrate side. The antenna has a simple structure and it is sufficiently small in size to be easily fitted on the housing of a mobile phone or a universal serial bus (USB) dongle with size 20 × 50 × 0.8 mm3. The antenna is designed to operate in different bands to cover most of allocated wireless communication bands in the frequency range from 0.9 to 6 GHz. The proposed antenna has an acceptable average gain of about 2.75 dBi and an average efficiency of about 85% while providing a monopole radiation pattern in both horizontal and elevation planes, with average half-power beam width of 65° in the elevation plane. The simulation and the experimental results of the antenna are in agreement. The SAR in the human head is investigated by using CST 2012 Microwave Studio Hugo Voxel Model.