Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of an observational measure of symptoms of Reactive Attachment Disorder

ABSTRACT Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is presumed to be a consequence of social neglect and deprivation of the kind particularly associated with institutional care. Despite its clinical relevance there is a lack of assessment tools for RAD based on the direct observation of child–caregiver interaction. Here we describe the development and validation of such a tool for use with preschool children, the Rating of Inhibited Attachment Disordered Behavior (RInAB). The RInAB is composed of 17 ratings grouped in three subscales assessing (1) Attachment, (2) Exploratory, and (3) Socioemotional behavior. Participants were 134 institutionalized preschool children (M = 54.84 months; SD = 10.83; 60% boys) and their caregivers. Adequate reliability was found for RInAB subscales and total score. Confirmatory factor analyses documented the three aforementioned RInAB subscales. Correlational analyses documented: (i) construct validity via positive and significant associations with caregiver sensitivity and quality of child–caregiver relationship; (ii) convergence validity via association evidence with some emotionally/withdrawn inhibited items of the Disturbed Attachment Interview (DAI), as well as, with Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)’s somatic complaints and withdraw syndrome scales; and (iii) discriminant validity via nonsignificant or negative associations with DAI-indiscriminate subscale, Rating of Infant and Stranger Engagement (RISE) and CBCL-externalizing problems. Discussion highlights the contributions complementary roles of RInAB for a comprehensive assessment of child RAD-related functioning.
Life events and depressive symptoms among pregnant women in India: Moderating role of resilience and social support

Background: Recent life events may be significant risk factors for depression during pregnancy. However, its association with the individual’s resilience and social support is not clear. Aims: To understand the association between life events and depression during pregnancy and whether the association is moderated by resilience and social support. Methods: This study is part of a prospective cohort study on perinatal mental health in an urban antenatal clinic, which included 589 women recruited in the first and early second trimester. Participants were administered the Life Events Checklist adapted from the Social Readjustment Rating Scale by the authors to assess life events; Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-10 to assess depression and resilience, respectively. The relationship between life events (12 months prior to the time of assessment) and antenatal depression and the moderating role of resilience and social support was analysed. Results: Thirty-eight women (6.5%) who had depression (EPDS score ⩾ 11) had significantly higher number of life events (i.e. on average three; U = 3,826; p < .01), lower resilience scores (U = 4,053; p < .01) and lower perceived social support (U = 2,423; p < .01) as compared to those who were negative for depression on EPDS. Life events predicted depression during pregnancy; however, the relationship was moderated by social support but not by resilience. Conclusion: The pregnant women who experienced life events may experience depression during the first trimester of pregnancy, but the effect could possibly be reduced by enhancing the social support.
Using Sigma metrics to establish analytical product performance requirements and optimize analytical performance of an in vitro diagnostic assay using a theoretical total PSA assay as an example

Introduction Establishing analytical performance requirements for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays is a challenging process. Manufacturers try to optimize analytical performance by choosing amongst many combinations of different product performance characteristics. Sigma metrics and method decision charts can be helpful aids in choosing appropriate analytical performance requirements. The objective of this research was to demonstrate the use of Sigma metrics and method decision charts to help establish analytical performance requirements and to optimize analytical performance at medical decision concentrations for an IVD assay. Materials and methods A range of possible Sigma metrics were determined using three sources for total allowable error (TEa) and hypothetical total PSA assay results. Method decision charts were created for each TEa source and used to identify the maximum precision and bias that the assay could have to maintain sigma level performance of at least 3. Results To achieve a sigma performance level of at least 3 for a hypothetical total PSA assay, the maximum allowable coefficient of variation ranged from 5.0% to 11.2% depending on the TEa source. To achieve a sigma performance level of at least 6, the maximum allowable coefficient of variation ranged from 2.5% to 5.6% depending on the TEa source. Conclusions Using Sigma metrics and method decision charts when establishing analytical performance requirements can help manufacturers choose product requirements that will optimize IVD assay product performance.
The Benefit of Generating Errors During Learning: What Is the Locus of the Effect?

Guessing translations of foreign words (hodei? ), before viewing corrective feedback (hodei-cloud), leads to better subsequent memory for correct translations than studying intact pairs (hodei-cloud), even when guesses are always incorrect (Potts & Shanks, 2014), but the mechanism underlying this effect is unknown. Possible explanations fall into two broad classes. One puts the locus of the effect at retrieval: Items studied through a generation process have more potential retrieval cues associated with them, or a more distinctive context, and are therefore more accessible at final test. The other puts the locus at encoding and involves enhanced encoding of the correct answer following the generation of an error compared with passive studying (Potts & Shanks, 2014). In 6 experiments we found support for the proposal that generating errors benefits memory through stimulating curiosity to learn correct answers following an incorrect guess, leading to enhanced processing of targets following generation. In Experiment 1, generating possible translations after seeing correct answers did not produce better memory than studying without generating, suggesting that an element of surprise or anticipation is necessary for generating to benefit memory. Experiments 2a–2c found enhanced recognition memory for targets following generating, suggesting increased focus on targets following a guess. In Experiments 3 and 4, participants rated their curiosity to learn correct answers higher when ratings were given after generating than before, suggesting that the act of generation increases curiosity to learn the answers. These findings imply that enhanced processing of feedback is a key consequence of errorful generation.
MiR-200a promotes cell invasion and migration of ovarian carcinoma by targeting PTEN.

OBJECTIVE To explore the role of miR-200a combined with PTEN in the progression of ovarian carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS The human ovarian cancer tissues and normal adjacent tissues (n = 57) were obtained from our hospital. The human ovarian cancer cell lines OVCAR3 and A2780, the human ovarian surface epithelial cell line (HOSEpiC), and HEK293T cells were used in this study. Cell migration assay and invasion assay were used to detect the ability of cell migratory. Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of miRNA and proteins. RESULTS The clinic pathological analysis suggested a significant correlation with lymph node metastasis and tumor-lymph node metastasis (TNM) stage. Moreover, miR-200a was identified as aberrantly up-regulated in ovarian carcinoma tissues and cell lines. Through transwell analysis, the miR-200a overexpression significantly enhanced the cell migratory and invasive abilities. Luciferase assay validated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was a miR-200a's direct and functional target gene. The miR-200a overexpression reduced the PTEN expression in OVCAR3 cells while the expression of PTEN was increased via miR-200a inhibitor as confirmed by Western blot. Furthermore, over-expression of PTEN was found reversing the inhibition of cell migration and invasion caused by miR-200a. CONCLUSIONS MiR-200a has a carcinogenic effect on ovarian cancer through regulating PTEN.
Superior anti-neoplastic activities of triacontanol-PEG conjugate: synthesis, characterization and biological evaluations

Abstract Triacontanol (TA, C30H62O), abundantly present in plant cuticle waxes and bee waxes, has been found to display promising anti-neoplastic potentials. As a long chain fatty alcohol, TA possesses limited aqueous solubility, which hinders its medicinal application. To overcome its solubility barrier, a polymer prodrug was synthesized through attaching TA to poly ethylene glycol (PEG), using succinic acid as a linker with bifunctional amide and ester bonds. Anti-neoplastic effects of PEG-TA were assessed in LoVo and MCF7 cells, anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing activities were subsequently confirmed in mouse xenograft model. Encouragingly, PEG-TA possessed selective anti-cancer ability. It did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity on normal cells. Mechanistic examination revealed inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation, suppression on matrix degradation enzyme and down-regulation of angiogenic signaling might contribute to its anti-malignant effects. Pharmacokinetics clearly indicated PEGylated TA (named as mPEG2K-SA-TA) substantially enhanced TA delivery with increased plasma exposure (19,791 vs. 336.25 ng·mL−1·h−1, p < .001), mean residence time (8.46 vs. 2.95 h, p < .001) and elimination half-life (7.78 vs. 2.57 h, p < .001) compared to those of original TA. Moreover, mPEG2K-SA-TA appeared to be safe in preliminary toxicological assessment. PEGylated TA also emerged as a functional carrier to deliver hydrophobic chemotherapeutic agents, since it readily self-assembled to micelles in aqueous solution with a low critical micelle concentration (CMC, 19.1 µg·mL−1). Conclusively, PEG-TA conjugate displayed superior anti-neoplastic activities and low toxicity, as well as facilitated the delivery of other hydrophobic agents, which appeared to be an innovative strategy for cancer therapy.
A meta-analysis supports core needle biopsy by radiologists for better histological diagnosis in soft tissue and bone sarcomas

Background: Although surgical biopsy has historically been considered to be the standard diagnostic biopsy for soft tissue and bone sarcomas, recent literature suggests that percutaneous core needle biopsy yields similar results. Therefore, an evaluation of the exact diagnostic accuracy and associated influential variables of core needle biopsy that is based on a large data set would be useful. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE to identify core needle biopsy studies for predicting final histological subtypes of musculoskeletal lesions. The diagnostic accuracies of core needle biopsy and of surgical biopsy were assessed and compared by using random-effect meta-analyses. The factors relevant to diagnostic accuracy were evaluated by meta-regression and subgroup analyses. Results: We selected 32 studies comprising 7209 musculoskeletal lesions. The pooled proportion estimate for the diagnostic accuracy of core needle biopsy was 0.84 (95% confidential interval, CI: 0.81–0.87), which indicated an approximate 84% concordance between core needle biopsy results and final histological diagnoses. The findings of meta-regression and subgroup analyses suggested that radiologists were better core needle biopsy operators than surgeons. An additional meta-analysis for direct comparison between core needle biopsy and surgical biopsy demonstrated that diagnostic accuracy was significantly lower for core needle biopsy than for surgical (pooled odds ratio: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.20–0.76). Conclusion: Our results suggested that core needle biopsy should be performed by expert radiologists and that surgical biopsy should be performed if diagnosis following core needle biopsy does not match the clinical presentation and radiographic findings
Contribution of herpesviruses in the progression of periodontal and peri‐implant diseases in systemically healthy individuals

The aim of this review was to assess the contribution of herpesviruses in the subgingival oral biofilm in the progression of periodontal and peri‐implant diseases in systemically healthy individuals. The literature review was customized to summarize the pertinent information for the following reasons: (1) A systematic review regarding the role of herpesviruses in the etiopathogenesis of periodontal disease has recently been published; and (2) a limited number of studies have assessed the association of herpesviruses with peri‐implant diseases. To date, five observational studies have assessed the presence of herpesviruses in the subgingival oral biofilm of individuals with peri‐implant diseases. In these studies, dental implants were in place for up to approximately 8 years. In two studies, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was more often isolated from the peri‐implant sulci of sites with than without peri‐implantitis. In one study, a low prevalence of HCMV compared with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) was associated with the progression of peri‐implantitis. In previous studies, the presence of EBV in the subgingival oral biofilm was associated with the onset of peri‐implantitis and peri‐implant mucositis, respectively. Major limitations of the studies assessed were the absence of blinding and lack of power analysis for sample size estimation. In conclusion, the presence of herpesviruses in the periodontal and peri‐implant subgingival oral biofilm is an indicator of periodontal and peri‐implant diseases in systemically healthy individuals; however, further studies with a statistically justified sample‐size are needed to understand and refine this association.
A novel one-step lens cleaning device using air and water flow for endoscopic surgery

In a surgical operation requiring endoscopy, it is essential to obtain a clear endoscopic view. However, it is often disturbed by the contamination on the lens during the surgery. No device can clean the lens surface simply and completely. Many surgeons are hampered by the impaired view and the distraction by the repeated cleaning of the lens. Therefore, we developed a novel endoscope cleaning device to address this problem. The device was made of 3D-printed rubber-like plastic. It contains a syringe filled with saline and an aspiration system. It would be used intraoperatively to wash the lens surface in a few seconds with rapid flow of water and air. The cleaning ability of the device was evaluated using mayonnaise with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as a model contaminant. The gauze-wiping maneuver was selected as control. After each maneuver, the clarity of the endoscopic view was evaluated, and residual contaminants were assessed quantitatively with ATP assay. The cleaning device obtained a crisp and clear view and eliminated the contaminant on the lens every time after a single cleaning maneuver. The gauze-wiping maneuver required for the lens to be wiped at least three times to obtain a clear view, and even then, some contaminants remained. Repeated contamination and cleaning using gauze led to accumulation of contaminants on the lens, which resulted in difficulty in cleaning the lens as the operation proceeded. The cleaning device did not show such accumulation. Our novel cleaning device with air and water flow has been shown to wash out the lens contaminants completely and immediately in a simple manner. It is expected to improve the safety and cost-effectiveness of endoscopic surgery.
Prostaglandin E1 administration for prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury

Background: PGE1 has been studied for prevention of CI-AKI in several RCTs and significant heterogeneous results exist. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to December 26, 2017 for RCTs comparing PGE1 with placebo or other active medications for the prevention of CI-AKI in patients. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for pooling dichotomous data, while mean difference and 95% confidence interval for pooling continuous data. Results: Seven RCTs involving 1760 patients were included in this meta-analysis. All these 7 trials reported the incidence of CI-AKI and compared with placebo or other treatment options, PGE1 was associated with a reduced risk of CI-AKI (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.28–0.53; P < .001) and only a trend for lower post procedure serum creatinine (Scr) levels compared with control groups at 48 hours (MD: −0.03 mg/dL, 95% CI: −0.08 to 0.02 mg/dL; P = .25; 6 trials combined). But the postprocedure Scr levels were significantly reduced in PGE1 groups compared with control groups at 72 hours (MD: −0.07 mg/dL, 95% CI: −0.11 to −0.04 mg/dL; P < .001; 4 trials combined). We also meta-analyzed the postprocedure cystatin C (CysC) at 24 and 48 hours with 2 trials. There were lower postprocedure CysC levels in PGE1 groups than those in control groups (MD: −0.18 mg/L, 95% CI: −0.33 to −0.03 mg/L; P = .02 at 24 hours and MD: −0.14 mg/L, 95% CI: −0.23 to −0.06 mg/L; P = .001 at 48 hours). Conclusions: PGE1 provides effective nephroprotection against CI-AKI and may act as a part of effective prophylactic pharmacological regimens.
Diurnal Cortisol Profiles, Inflammation, and Functional Limitations in Aging: Findings From the MIDUS Study

Objective: The current study examined the association between diurnal cortisol profiles, inflammation, and functional limitations, among adults ranging in age from 34–84 years. Method: Participants (N = 799) completed Waves 2 (between 2004 and 2006) and 3 (between 2014 and 2016) of the Midlife Development in the United States Survey. At Wave 2, participants provided saliva samples across 4 consecutive days, from which cortisol was assayed. Previously validated diurnal cortisol profiles (i.e., normative, flattened, or elevated) were examined in relation to concurrent inflammation risk burden and to predict long-term changes in functional limitations. Results: Compared with participants with normative profiles across all interview days, participants with dysregulated profiles across all interview days (i.e., all days elevated, flattened, or a combination of elevated and flattened) showed greater concurrent inflammation risk burden and more functional limitations at follow-up. Regions of significance testing indicated that the association was significant beginning at age 60 for inflammation risk burden and beginning at age 66 for functional limitations. Variable profiles (i.e., a mix of normative and flattened and/or elevated across the four days of assessment) were not significantly associated with these health indices. Conclusions: Findings, consistent with the theoretical model of Strength and Vulnerability Integration, illustrate the importance of considering age when examining cortisol and its association with other health indices.
Towards a Scalable Software Defined Network-on-Chip for Next Generation Cloud

The rapid evolution of Cloud-based services and the growing interest in deep learning (DL)-based applications is putting increasing pressure on hyperscalers and general purpose hardware designers to provide more efficient and scalable systems. Cloud-based infrastructures must consist of more energy efficient components. The evolution must take place from the core of the infrastructure (i.e., data centers (DCs)) to the edges (Edge computing) to adequately support new/future applications. Adaptability/elasticity is one of the features required to increase the performance-to-power ratios. Hardware-based mechanisms have been proposed to support system reconfiguration mostly at the processing elements level, while fewer studies have been carried out regarding scalable, modular interconnected sub-systems. In this paper, we propose a scalable Software Defined Network-on-Chip (SDNoC)-based architecture. Our solution can easily be adapted to support devices ranging from low-power computing nodes placed at the edge of the Cloud to high-performance many-core processors in the Cloud DCs, by leveraging on a modular design approach. The proposed design merges the benefits of hierarchical network-on-chip (NoC) topologies (via fusing the ring and the 2D-mesh topology), with those brought by dynamic reconfiguration (i.e., adaptation). Our proposed interconnect allows for creating different types of virtualised topologies aiming at serving different communication requirements and thus providing better resource partitioning (virtual tiles) for concurrent tasks. To further allow the software layer controlling and monitoring of the NoC subsystem, a few customised instructions supporting a data-driven program execution model (PXM) are added to the processing element’s instruction set architecture (ISA). In general, the data-driven programming and execution models are suitable for supporting the DL applications. We also introduce a mechanism to map a high-level programming language embedding concurrent execution models into the basic functionalities offered by our SDNoC for easing the programming of the proposed system. In the reported experiments, we compared our lightweight reconfigurable architecture to a conventional flattened 2D-mesh interconnection subsystem. Results show that our design provides an increment of the data traffic throughput of 9.5% and a reduction of 2.2× of the average packet latency, compared to the flattened 2D-mesh topology connecting the same number of processing elements (PEs) (up to 1024 cores). Similarly, power and resource (on FPGA devices) consumption is also low, confirming good scalability of the proposed architecture.
Tunable molecular tension sensors reveal extension-based control of vinculin loading

Molecular tension sensors have contributed to a growing understanding of mechanobiology. However, the limited dynamic range and inability to specify the mechanical sensitivity of these sensors has hindered their widespread use in diverse contexts. Here, we systematically examine the components of tension sensors that can be altered to improve their functionality. Guided by the development of a first principles model describing the mechanical behavior of these sensors, we create a collection of sensors that exhibit predictable sensitivities and significantly improved performance in cellulo. Utilized in the context of vinculin mechanobiology, a trio of these new biosensors with distinct force- and extension- sensitivities reveal that an extension-based control paradigm regulates vinculin loading. To enable the rational design of molecular tension sensors appropriate for diverse applications, we predict the mechanical behavior, in terms of force and extension, of additional 1020 distinct designs.