Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping between EQ‐5D‐3L and EQ‐5D‐5L: A survey experiment on the validity of multi‐instrument data

Abstract EQ‐5D is a 5‐item questionnaire instrument designed to measure health‐related quality of life. It is extremely important, since it is used to measure health benefits in many studies providing evidence for reimbursement decisions by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England and similar policy bodies in other countries. EQ‐5D has been redesigned in a more detailed form (EQ‐5D‐5L), but much existing cost‐effectiveness evidence is based on the older version (EQ‐5D‐3L). Statistical mapping from one version to another is widely used, exploiting data from multi‐instrument surveys incorporating both variants. However, little is known about the robustness of data from such multi‐instrument surveys. We design a randomized experiment to investigate whether inclusion of both versions at different stages in a single interview gives a reliable picture of the relationship between health measures from the two instruments and embed it in individual interviews from the UK Understanding Society household panel. We find that sequencing of the two versions of EQ‐5D within an interview has a significant impact not only on the resulting data but also on the estimated mapping models. We illustrate the non‐negligible effects in two real‐world cost‐effectiveness examples and discuss the implications for future multi‐instrument survey design.
Computer vision guided embryo biopsy

Embryo biopsy, which is a process to remove a part of materials from a cell, is a necessary step of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). The rapid advancement of the PGD technique has been calling for easy, fast and precise automated embryo biopsy techniques to improve the efficiency, the throughput, and the survival rate of the PGD. In this thesis, a computer vision guided embryo biopsy system is introduced. This research is devoted to demonstrate several techniques that contribute towards the fully automated embryo biopsy system, including the embryo autofocusing, the embryo image segmentation, the embryo orientation, and the zona pellucida (ZP) dissection. A fast and robust autofocusing algorithm consisting of an automatic focus window selection method and an optimum searching algorithm based on the shuffled frog leaping (SFL) algorithm is proposed. The size-adjustable focus window is capable of improving the accuracy of the focus measurement function (FMF) graph of the target object by focusing only on the informative portion of the image, thus leading to an accurate embryo position estimation in Z axis. The proposed improved shuffled frog leaping (ISFL) searching algorithm is able to bypass local maxima and reach the global maximum in the non-unimodal FMF graph, which effectively identifies the most suitable focal plane for single blastomere. A technique that is able to select a suitable biopsy position on the zona pellucida automatically is also developed. The proposed technique consists of a method of estimating the elliptical internal and external ZP boundary and two methods of suitable ZP dissection position selection. The validity of this technique is demonstrated by both quantitative and qualitative results. The elliptical ZP boundary estimation can also be applied to measure zona pellucida thickness variance (ZPTV) and other ZP morphology measurements. A 3-point contact automated three-dimensional cell rotational system for single cell manipulation is developed. A high resolution in-house rotational stage and cellular structure recognition algorithms are designed and developed to facilitate the visual servo control. The system is capable of orienting a zebrafish embryo to the ideal viewing cross-section that is aligned with the focal plane of the microscope. Based on the investigations in the axial and lateral oscillations of the piezo-driven micropipette in cell membrane injection and dissection, a piezodriven lateral-oscillation micro-cutter is proposed to perform both singledirection and three-dimensional cell dissection. The proposed technique is superior to the classic manual technique in many ways such as higher precision, lower skill requirement and shorter processing time.
Amentoflavone attenuates Listeria monocytogenes pathogenicity through an LLO‐dependent mechanism

L. monocytogenes remain a leading cause of foodborne infection. Listeriolysin O (LLO), an indispensable virulence determinant involved in diverse pathogenic mechanisms of L. monocytogenes infection, represents a promising therapeutic target. In this study, we sought to identify an effective inhibitor of LLO pore formation and its mechanism of action in the treatment of L. monocytogenes infection.
The Effect of Patient Age and Surgical Appropriateness and Their Influence on Surgeon Recommendations for Primary TKA

Background: Rising total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rates in younger patients raises concern about appropriateness. We asked: are younger individuals who seek consultation for TKA less likely to be appropriate for and, controlling for appropriateness, more likely to be recommended for surgery? Methods: This cross-sectional study was nested within a prospective cohort study of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients referred for TKA from 2014 to 2016 to centralized arthroplasty centers in Alberta, Canada. Pre-consultation, questionnaires assessed patients’ TKA appropriateness (need, based on knee symptoms and prior treatment; readiness/willingness to undergo TKA; health status; and expectations) and contextual factors (for example, employment). Post-consultation, surgeons confirmed study eligibility and reported their TKA recommendation. Using generalized estimating equations to control for clustering by surgeon, we assessed relationships between patient age (<50, 50 to 59, ≥60 years) and TKA appropriateness and receipt of a surgeon TKA recommendation. Results: Of 2,037 participants, 3.3% and 22.7% were <50 and 50 to 59 years of age, respectively, 58.7% were female, and 35.5% were employed. Compared with older participants, younger participants reported significantly worse knee symptoms, higher use of OA therapies, higher TKA readiness, and similar willingness, but had higher body mass index and were more likely to smoke and to consider the ability to participate in vigorous activities, for example, sports, as very important TKA outcomes. TKA was offered to 1,500 individuals (73.6% overall; 52.2%, 71.0%, and 75.4% of those <50, 50 to 59, and ≥60 years, respectively). In multivariate analyses, the odds of receiving a TKA recommendation were higher with greater TKA need and willingness, in nonsmokers, and in those who indicated that improved ability to go upstairs and to straighten the leg were very important TKA outcomes. Controlling for TKA appropriateness, patient age was not associated with surgeons’ TKA recommendations. Conclusions: Younger individuals with knee OA referred for TKA had similar or greater TKA need, readiness, and willingness than older individuals. Incorporation of TKA appropriateness criteria into TKA decision-making may facilitate consideration of TKA benefits and risks in a growing population of young, obese individuals with knee OA. Clinical Relevance: Younger people seeking TKA for knee OA had significant OA pain and disability despite recommended OA therapies, suggesting appropriateness for surgical consideration. However, they were significantly more likely to have morbid obesity, to smoke, and to consider return to vigorous activities, like sport, as important TKA outcomes. Whether the short- and longer-term risks of TKA are outweighed by the benefits is unclear and warrants additional research.
The Impact of Recreational Marijuana Legalization on Simple Assault in Oregon

There has been heightened public concern about the implications of recreational marijuana legalization to public safety. Prior research on this issue has primarily focused on Colorado and Washington State—the two states that first legalized recreational marijuana in the U.S.—and on legalization’s impact on major crimes. This study extends this line of research to Oregon (OR, legalized in late 2014) and examines the impact of legalization on a less serious form of violent crime—simple assault. Using Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program data from 2007 to 2017 and a quasi-experimental research design, this study found that counties in OR have experienced increases in simple assault rate following legalization, relative to rates in the 19 non-legalized states. Findings suggest the need for more scholarly efforts to explore the potential impact of marijuana legalization on different subtypes of violent crime in other legalized states.
Muscle-strengthening activities are associated with lower risk and mortality in major non-communicable diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Objective To quantify the associations between muscle-strengthening activities and the risk of non-communicable diseases and mortality in adults independent of aerobic activities. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Data sources MEDLINE and Embase were searched from inception to June 2021 and the reference lists of all related articles were reviewed. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Prospective cohort studies that examined the association between muscle-strengthening activities and health outcomes in adults aged ≥18 years without severe health conditions. Results Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria. Muscle-strengthening activities were associated with a 10–17% lower risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD), total cancer, diabetes and lung cancer. No association was found between muscle-strengthening activities and the risk of some site-specific cancers (colon, kidney, bladder and pancreatic cancers). J-shaped associations with the maximum risk reduction (approximately 10–20%) at approximately 30–60 min/week of muscle-strengthening activities were found for all-cause mortality, CVD and total cancer, whereas an L-shaped association showing a large risk reduction at up to 60 min/week of muscle-strengthening activities was observed for diabetes. Combined muscle-strengthening and aerobic activities (versus none) were associated with a lower risk of all-cause, CVD and total cancer mortality. Conclusion Muscle-strengthening activities were inversely associated with the risk of all-cause mortality and major non-communicable diseases including CVD, total cancer, diabetes and lung cancer; however, the influence of a higher volume of muscle-strengthening activities on all-cause mortality, CVD and total cancer is unclear when considering the observed J-shaped associations. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020219808.
Relationships between executive functioning and health-related quality of life in adult survivors of brain tumor and matched healthy controls

ABSTRACT Introduction Few studies have considered health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as a primary outcome measure in adult survivors of primary brain tumor (PBT), and fewer still have studied the cognitive factors that may influence it. Research suggests that executive functions (EFs) are associated with HRQOL, but there is scant evidence to support this. The present study was conducted to (1) extend prior findings about HRQOL limitations in a sample of stable, long-term adult survivors of PBT, (2) investigate the associations between objective/reported EFs and HRQOL, and (3) identify the EFs that contribute most to HRQOL. Method We recruited 40 survivors of PBT (> 2 years post-treatment) and 40 matched healthy controls. Participants completed an objective EF assessment (inhibition, working memory, shifting, and rule detection) and two self-report questionnaires probing EFs (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult) and HRQOL (Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36). Participants’ relatives completed observer-rated versions of these questionnaires. Results Patients’ objective EF performances were relatively intact. However, patients and caregivers reported significantly more problems than healthy controls and their relatives, for both EFs and HRQOL. There were only negligible links between objective EFs and HRQOL, whereas numerous associations were found between reported EFs and HRQOL components. ANCOVA models revealed that specific reported EF processes contributed to both the physical and mental components of HRQOL, regardless of group. Conclusions From a clinical point of view, this study demonstrates that even several years after end of treatment, adult PBT survivors experience substantial problems across different HRQOL domains. HRQOL assessment should therefore be part of the long-term follow-up of PBT survivors, and clinicians should consider EF limitations when designing appropriate survivorship care plans. These findings indicate that cognitive interventions targeting EFs could improve HRQOL.
Effects of breeds and dietary nutrient levels on expression patterns of paired box genes and myogenic regulatory factors in pigs

ABSTRACT Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of different breeds and dietary nutrient levels on expressions of paired box (Pax) genes and myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) in pigs. Thirty Large White (LW) barrows and thirty Chenghua (CH, a native breed of China) barrows were performed in experiment 1. Results exhibited that in the CH pigs the abundances of Pax3 at 105 and 220 d of age, Mrf4 at 63 d of age, Myf5 and Mrf4 at 220 d of age were higher than those in the LW pigs (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expressions of MyHC-І and ІІa in the CH pigs were upregulated, and the abundance of MyHC-ІІb were downregulated compared with those in the LW pigs at 105 and 220 d of age (p < 0.05). Moreover, the meat quality of the CH pigs was better than in the LW pigs (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, sixty LW pigs were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments meeting their nutrient requirements (NRC) or a diet with moderately reduced digestible energy, crude protein and Lys level by 560 kJ/kg, 1.48% and 0.34%, respectively (LOW diet). The results showed that the reduced dietary nutrient level increased (p < 0.05) the expressions of MyoG and Mrf4 at 105 d of age, Pax3, Myf5, and Mrf4 at 220 d of age, and upregulated (p < 0.05) the abundance of MyHC-ІІa at 105 and 220 d of age in LW pigs. In addition, a decrease in dietary nutrient level improved the meat quality in LW pigs (p < 0.05). Collectively, the expressions of Pax genes and MRFs were markedly different between the CH and LW pigs. The CH pigs exhibited higher expression levels of Pax3, Myf5, Mrf4, MyHC-І and ІІa, which may improved the meat quality. A decrease in dietary nutrient level upregulated the abundances Pax3, Mrf4, Myf5, MyoG, and MyHC-ІІa, and might enhance the meat quality in the LW pigs.
Degree of Freedom of Gene Expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The complexity of genome-wide gene expression has not yet been adequately addressed due to a lack of comprehensive statistical analyses. In the present study, we introduce degree of freedom (DOF) as a summary statistic for evaluating gene expression complexity. ABSTRACT The complexity of genome-wide gene expression has not yet been adequately addressed due to a lack of comprehensive statistical analyses. In the present study, we introduce degree of freedom (DOF) as a summary statistic for evaluating gene expression complexity. Because DOF can be interpreted by a state-space representation, application of the DOF is highly useful for understanding gene activities. We used over 11,000 gene expression data sets to reveal that the DOF of gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is not greater than 450. We further demonstrated that various degrees of freedom of gene expression can be interpreted by different sequence motifs within promoter regions and Gene Ontology (GO) terms. The well-known TATA box is the most significant one among the identified motifs, while the GO term “ribosome genesis” is an associated biological process. On the basis of transcriptional freedom, our findings suggest that the regulation of gene expression can be modeled using only a few state variables. IMPORTANCE Yeast works like a well-organized factory. Each of its components works in its own way, while affecting the activities of others. The order of all activities is largely governed by the regulation of gene expression. In recent decades, biologists have recognized many regulations for yeast genes. However, it is not known how closely the regulation links each gene together to make all components of the cell work as a whole. In other words, biologists are very interested in how many independent control factors are needed to operate an artificial “cell” that works the same as a real one. In this work, we suggested that only 450 control factors were sufficient to represent the regulation of all 5800 yeast genes.
Understanding Farmworker Fluid Intake Using Intersectionality Theory

In the United States, Latino farmworkers are disproportionately at risk for death from heat-related illnesses. To elicit Latino farmworker perceptions on their fluid intake and heat stress, a qualitative descriptive, community-informed research study was conducted in eastern North Carolina. A total of 28 Mexican farmworkers participated in one of 4 focus groups. Using content analysis and guided by Intersectionality theory, themes and subthemes were identified. The first theme was Absence of Protection, represented by 2 subthemes: (1a) Intense Climate Considerations; and (1b) Workplace Exploitation. The second theme, Freedom to Drink, included 2 subthemes: (2a) Distance and Distaste; and (2b) Culture of Farm Work. Farmworkers perceived extreme outdoor temperatures as the greatest workplace barrier to staying hydrated and reported water accessibility and quality issues. Farmworker fluid intake was influenced by interlocking social categories and power systems. Policy recommendations that prevent farmworker heat-related illness and promote hydration are discussed.
Application of an improved particle swarm algorithm in logistics and distribution routing problem

Logistics and distribution vehicle routing optimization in the logistics field was focused in recent years by researchers.Path optimization problem is a NP-hard and difficult to get the optimal and satisfactory solution.Based on the design of an adaptive mutation particle swarm algorithm,which is the mutation operator may change with the variance of the fitness groups,local convergence point of the particle swarm was studied.And more for multiple depot vehicle routing problem with delivery of a new coding scheme designed to reduce the number of iterations.In MatLab 2011b platform for simulation,the experimental results show that the algorithm is of optimal value,correcting the error rate and having a greater mean improvements.
How competing risks affect the epidemiological relationship between vitamin D and prostate cancer incidence? A population‐based study

We hypothesized that controversial results regarding the epidemiological relationship between circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D, and risk of prostate cancer (PCA) incidence are partly due to competing risks. To test the hypothesis, we studied associations across 25(OH)D, PCA and death in 2578 middle‐aged men belonging to the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. The men were free of cancer at baseline, and the mean (SD) follow‐up time was 23.3 (9.1) years. During this period, 296 men had a PCA diagnosis, and 1448 men died without the PCA diagnosis. The absolute risk of developing PCA was highest in the highest 25(OH)D tertile (15%), whereas that of death was highest in the lowest 25(OH)D tertile (67%). A competing risk analysis showed that belonging to the highest 25(OH)D tertile increased the risk of PCA incidence and improved survival with the respective hazard ratios (HR) of 1.35 (95% CI = 1.07−1.70) and 0.79 (95% CI = 0.71−0.89). Adjusting for 10 covariates together with 25(OH)D did not significantly change the results, but the respective adjusted HRs for PCA and death were 1.20 and 0.87. To conclude, the competing risk analysis did not eliminate the direct relationship between 25(OH)D and PCA but rather strengthened it.
Parents’ vaccination information seeking, satisfaction with and trust in medical providers in Switzerland: a mixed-methods study

Objectives The aim of this study was to better understand parental trust in and satisfaction with information sources and medical providers regarding decision making about childhood vaccines. Setting The study was part of a Swiss national research programme investigating vaccine hesitancy and underimmunisation. Participants We conducted qualitative interviews with 37 providers and 30 parents, observed 34 vaccination consultations, and then conducted quantitative surveys with 130 providers (both complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) oriented and biomedically oriented) and 1390 parents. Main outcome measures Participants’ vaccination information sources used in their decision-making process, parents’ trust in and satisfaction with these sources and providers. Results Based on the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines scale, we considered 501 parents as vaccine-hesitant (VH) and 889 parents as non-VH. Whereas both groups mentioned providers as the most trusted source of information, VH-parents were less likely to mention paediatricians (N=358 (71%) vs N=755 (85%)) and public health authorities (N=101 (20%) vs N=333 (37%)) than non-VH-parents. VH-parents were more likely to have consulted another provider (N=196 (39%) vs N=173 (19%)) than non-VH-parents, to express less satisfaction with both their primary (N=342 (82%) vs N=586 (91%)) and other providers (N=82 (42%) vs N=142 (82%)) and less trust in their primary (N=368 (88%) vs N=632 (98%)) and other providers (N=108 (55%) vs N=146 (84%)). VH-parents were less likely to be satisfied with their biomedical primary provider than non-VH-parents (100 (69%) vs 467 (91%)). However, when the primary provider was CAM-oriented, there were similar levels of satisfaction among both groups (237 (89%) VH-parents vs 118 (89%) non-VH-parents). All differences were significant (p<0.05). Conclusions While the provider remains the main information source, VH parents turn to additional sources and providers, which is likely related to VH parents being rather dissatisfied with and distrusting in obtained information and their provider. Ethics The local ethics committee (Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz, EKNZ; project ID number 2017-00725) approved the study.
Synthesis of novel silica encapsulated spiropyran-based thermochromic materials

A series of novel spiropyrans were synthesized through the condensation of substituted 3,3-dimethyl-2-methyleneindoline with different nitro-substituted o-hydroxy aromatic aldehydes. Indoles were initially substituted with a variety of alkanes and esters moieties. The substituted 3,3-dimethyl-2-methyleneindoline was then reacted with nitro-substituted o-hydroxy aromatic aldehydes to yield the respective spiropyrans. The synthesized novel spiropyrans were encapsulated in silica nano-shells to protect them from the effect of moisture and pH. The thermochromic behaviour of novel spiropyrans was studied by UV-visible spectroscopy. The thermally induced isomerization of spiropyran derivatives was carried out in a water/ethanol mixture. The thermal isomerization of spiro-heterocyclic (colourless form) to merocyanine (MC) (coloured form) was a discontinuous process and was observed in a temperature range of 5–60°C via UV-visible spectrometer. The absorption process occurs reversibly regardless of the heating/cooling sequence. The spiropyran derivatives, therefore, have a potential application for colorimetric temperature indication.