Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
QRS micro-fragmentation as a mortality predictor

Abstract Aims Fragmented QRS complex with visible notching on standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is understood to represent depolarization abnormalities and to signify risk of cardiac events. Depolarization abnormalities with similar prognostic implications likely exist beyond visual recognition but no technology is presently suitable for quantification of such invisible ECG abnormalities. We present such a technology. Methods and results A signal processing method projects all ECG leads of the QRS complex into optimized three perpendicular dimensions, reconstructs the ECG back from this three-dimensional projection, and quantifies the difference (QRS ‘micro’-fragmentation, QRS-μf) between the original and reconstructed signals. QRS ‘micro’-fragmentation was assessed in three different populations: cardiac patients with automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, cardiac patients with severe abnormalities, and general public. The predictive value of QRS-μf for mortality was investigated both univariably and in multivariable comparisons with other risk factors including visible QRS ‘macro’-fragmentation, QRS-Mf. The analysis was made in a total of 7779 subjects of whom 504 have not survived the first 5 years of follow-up. In all three populations, QRS-μf was strongly predictive of survival (P < 0.001 univariably, and P < 0.001 to P = 0.024 in multivariable regression analyses). A similar strong association with outcome was found when dichotomizing QRS-μf prospectively at 3.5%. When QRS-μf was used in multivariable analyses, QRS-Mf and QRS duration lost their predictive value. Conclusion In three populations with different clinical characteristics, QRS-μf was a powerful mortality risk factor independent of several previously established risk indices. Electrophysiologic abnormalities that contribute to increased QRS-μf values are likely responsible for the predictive power of visible QRS-Mf.
TEsorter: An accurate and fast method to classify LTR-retrotransposons in plant genomes

© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nanjing Agricultural University. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Horticulture Research, 2022, 9: uhac017
Exploring genetic variation and population structure in a threatened species, Noturus placidus, with whole genome sequence data.

The Neosho madtom (Noturus placidus) is a small catfish, generally less than 3 inches in length, unique to the Neosho-Spring River system within the Arkansas River Basin. It was Federally listed as threatened in 1990, largely due to habitat loss. For conservation efforts, we generated whole genome sequence data from ten Neosho madtom individuals originating from three geographically separated populations to evaluate genetic diversity and population structure. A Neosho madtom genome was de novo assembled, and genome size and content were assessed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were assessed from de Bruijn graphs, and via reference alignment with both the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) reference genome and Neosho madtom reference genome. Principal component analysis and structure analysis indicated weak population structure, suggesting fish from the three locations represent a single population. Using a novel method, genome-wide conservation and divergence between the Neosho madtom, channel catfish, and zebrafish (Danio rerio) was assessed by pairwise contig alignment, which demonstrated that genes important to embryonic development frequently had conserved sequences. This research in a threatened species with no previously published genomic resources provides novel genetic information to guide current and future conservation efforts and demonstrates that using whole genome sequencing provides detailed information of population structure and demography using only a limited number of rare and valuable samples.
3D-printed resins for provisional dental restorations: Comparison of mechanical and biological properties.

OBJECTIVES To characterize the mechanical and biological properties of three commercially available resins, which are currently used for provisional restorations and to compare them to an experimental resin intended for definitive fixed dental prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three commercially available resins: Crowntec (CT, Saremco), Temporary C&B (FL, Formlabs), C&B MFH (ND, Nextdent), and the experimental resin: Permanent Bridge (PB, Saremco) were printed and subjected to biaxial flexural strength test, finite element analysis, Weibull analysis, scanning electron microscopy, cell proliferation, immunohistochemistry and cytotoxicity assays. Samples from CT, PB, and ND were provided directly from the manufacturers ensuring ideal workflow. FL was printed using the workflow as recommended by the manufacturer, using a Formlabs 2 printer and their post-processing units Form Wash and Form Cure. RESULTS From the tested resins, PB yielded the best overall results in terms of mechanical properties. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity did not show any significant differences among materials. PB showed higher values for probability of survival predictions (35%) when subjected to 250 MPa loads, whereas the other materials did not reach 10%. SIGNIFICANCE Despite mechanical differences between the evaluated materials, the outcomes suggest that 3D printed provisional resins may be used in clinical settings, following the manufacturers indications. New materials intended for long-term use, such as the PB resin, yielded higher mechanical properties compared to the other materials. Alternative printing and post-processing methods have not yet been evaluated and should be avoided until further literature is available. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE 3D printed resins for provisional restorations have become popular with the emergence of new technologies. In this study, we evaluated three different commercially available resins for provisional restorations and one new experimental resin. The results from this study indicate that commercially available resins could be used in clinical settings under certain conditions and limited periods of time. Following the manufacturers protocols is of paramount importance to not compromise these properties.
Protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid on bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis through the repression of NADPH Oxidase 4 and TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathways

The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), which is known as a powerful antioxidant, and the possible related molecular mechanisms that mediate its favorable action on skin fibrosis in the bleomycin (BLM)-induced scleroderma (SSc) model in mice. The experimental design was established with four groups of eight mice: Control, ALA (100 mg/kg), BLM (5 μg/kg), and BLM + ALA group. BLM was administered via subcutaneous (sc) once a day while ALA was injected intraperitoneally (ip) twice a week for 21 days. Histopathological and biochemical analyses showed that ALA significantly reduced BLM-induced dermal thickness, inflammation score, and mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the skin. Besides, the mRNA expressions of the subunits of NADPH oxidase, which are Nox4 and p22phox, were found to be significantly induced in the BLM group. However, ALA significantly reduced their mRNA expression, which were in parallel to its decreasing effect on serum total oxidant status (TOS) level. Moreover, it was found that ALA downregulated the mRNA expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I and fibronectin in the skin tissue of the BLM group. Additionally, it was shown that ALA reduced significantly the TGF-β1 and p-Smad3 protein expressions in the BLM + ALA group. On the other hand, ALA did not exhibit any significant effect on the p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) activation induced by BLM. All these findings point out that ALA may be a promising treatment for the attenuation of skin fibrosis in SSc patients.
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Increase the Efficiency of Memory Functioning for Trauma-Related Information

Abstract Objective: The present study explored the resources reallocation explanation for memory biases in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), whereby a preferential allocation of cognitive resources to the processing of threatening stimuli could result in both improvements in their memorization and deficits for other types of information. Method: To this end, 25 participants presenting significant symptoms of PTSD (i.e., total PCL-5 score ≥33) and 32 participants presenting low levels of symptoms (i.e., total PCL-5 score <20) took part in a Remember/Know recognition procedure associated with a dual-task encoding of positive, neutral, negative, and trauma-related words. In order to manipulate the availability of cognitive resources, the encoding of each word was associated with a simultaneous encoding of series of letters and numbers. Results: Results replicated the increased production of Remember recognitions for trauma-related words in participants with significant PTSD symptoms. However, the dual-task load only impaired remember recognitions for non-trauma-related words. Conclusions: Contrary to expectations, these findings suggest that the encoding of trauma-related information in PTSD is relatively independent from the availability of cognitive resources. Thus, rather than reflecting an increased allocation of cognitive resources to the processing of threatening information, memory biases in PTSD appeared to be supported by an enhanced efficiency of their processing.
Cultural Safety: teachers’ engagement with an Indigenous pedagogical method in undergraduate nursing education

Background: Given the continued disparity between the health of Indigenous Australian people’s health and that of the broader Australian population, cultural safety is mandated as a component of undergraduate education as a strategy to improve health care. Evidence suggests that academics are not confident to teach cultural safety to undergraduate nursing students. Objectives: To explore the efficacy of an Indigenous teaching method (Teaching in Circle) to create culturally safe classrooms and to build the capacity and confidence of teachers to teach about cultural safety. Design: An Indigenous pedagogy was adapted for use in tutorials by teachers, with mentorship provided by an Indigenous knowledge expert. Teaching in Circle (TiC) methodology was implemented by teachers in tutorials. Methods: All nurse academics teaching in the Bachelor of Nursing program at a small regional Australian university were eligible to participate. Information about the project was provided in team meetings, with invitations to participate. Teachers provided a written reflection on the method and participated in regular on-line mentored support meetings throughout the teaching session. Data were analysed, using a reflective, inductive systematic process. Results: Final themes were “Sticking with initial disconcertment and discomfort”; “A renewed enjoyment of teaching”; “Learning and adapting”, “The influence of the method on safety” and “Shifts in classroom dynamics”. Impact Statement: ‘Teaching in Circle’, underpinned by respectful practice, positively influences culturally safe teaching and learning environments. The method enhances academics’ confidence to teach cultural safety to undergraduate nursing students and supports an understanding of the essential components of culturally safe health care. Conclusions: Evidence suggests the method built capacity to teach and foster experiential learning of safety, and thus what is required to create a culturally safe teaching and learning space.
The Association between Severity of Radiographic Knee OA and Recurrent Falls in middle aged and older adults: The Osteoarthritis Initiative.

BACKGROUND Knee osteoarthritis(KOA) is the most prevalent type of OA and a leading cause of disability in the United States. Falls are a major public health concern in older adults. Our aim was to examine how the severity of radiographic KOA impacts recurrent falls in a cohort of middle and older aged individuals enrolled in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). METHODS 3,972 participants, mean age of 63 years, 58% female were included. Participants were divided into 5 mutually exclusive groups based on their worst Kellgren-Lawrence grade of radiographic KOA from annual x-rays from baseline to 36-months. Generalized estimating equations for repeated logistic regression were used to model the association between KOA severity and the likelihood of recurrent falls (≥ 2 falls/year) over 5 years follow-up (>36-96 months). RESULTS Older adults (≥age 65) with KOA were at higher odds of recurrent falls in comparison to individuals without KOA in multivariate models (possible OA OR= 2.22, 95% CI= 1.09-4.52; mild OA OR=2.48, 95% CI= 1.34-4.62; unilateral moderate-severe OA OR= 2.84, 95% CI= 1.47- 5.50; bilateral moderate-severe OA OR= 2.52, 95% CI= 1.13-5.62). Middle aged adults(age 45-64) with KOA did not have increased odds of recurrent falls in comparison to those without KOA except for possible KOA (OR= 1.86, 95% CI=1.01-2.78) (KOA severity*age interaction = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS Older adults with radiographic evidence of KOA have an increased likelihood of experiencing recurrent falls in comparison to those without KOA independent of established risk factors. Our results suggest fall prevention efforts should include older adults with all stages of KOA.
Serious Game for Change in Behavioral Intention Toward Lifestyle-Related Diseases: Experimental Study With Structural Equation Modeling Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

Background Health activities should be tailored to individual lifestyles and values. To raise awareness of health behaviors, various practices related to health education, such as interactive activities among individuals with different backgrounds, have been developed. Moreover, serious games have been used as a tool for facilitating communication. However, there have been few investigations that are based on the framework of the theory of planned behavior on the mechanisms of health-related behavioral intention change from playing serious games. Objective We aimed to investigate the mechanisms of behavioral intention change among various age groups after an intervention using a serious game to increase awareness of lifestyle-related diseases. Methods Adults, undergraduates, and high school students played a serious game, called Negotiation Battle, and answered a questionnaire—Gaming Event Assessment Form for Lifestyle-related Diseases—before, immediately after, and 2-4 weeks after the game. The questionnaire was composed of 16 items based on the theory of planned behavior. We used structural equation modeling to compare responses from the 3 groups. Results For all 3 age groups (adults: mean 43.4 years, range 23-67 years; undergraduates: mean 20.9 years, range 19-34 years; high school students: mean 17.9 years, 17-18 years), perceived behavior control was the key factor of behavioral intention change. Immediately after the game, causal relationships between perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention were enhanced or maintained for all groups—adults (before: path coefficient 1.030, P<.001; after: path coefficient 2.045, P=.01), undergraduates (before: path coefficient 0.568, P=.004; after: path coefficient 0.737, P=.001), and high school students (before: path coefficient 14.543, P=.97; after: path coefficient 0.791, P<.001). Analysis of free descriptions after intervention suggested that experiencing dilemma is related to learning and behavioral intention. Conclusions The study revealed that the serious game changed the behavioral intention of adolescents and adults regarding lifestyle-related diseases, and changes in perceived behavioral control mediated the alteration mechanism.
Grade‐dependent changes in sphingolipid metabolism in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

There is a host of evidence for the role of bioactive sphingolipids in cancer biology, and dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism was observed in many malignant tumors. The aim of the present study was to provide more detailed data on sphingolipid metabolism in different stages of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Samples of the tumor and noncancerous fragments of the same kidney were collected from patients who underwent a radical nephrectomy. The subjects were stratified according to the degree of malignancy of the tumor (n = 14 for G2, 12 for G3, and 9 for G4). The content of bioactive sphingolipids/glycosphingolipids was measured with an HPLC and HPTLC method, and the mRNA and protein expression of sphingolipid transporters and metabolizing enzymes was evaluated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Compared to healthy kidney tissue, ccRCC was characterized by accumulation of sphingosine, sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), ceramide, dihydrosphingosine, and dihydroceramide. However, in the case of the latter two, the accumulation was limited to higher malignancy grades. In addition, compared to the healthy tissue, the content of gangliosides in the tumor was increased at the expense of globosides. We also found profound grade‐dependent changes in the mRNA level of S1P‐metabolizing enzymes, and spinster homolog 2. In general, their expression was much higher in G2 tumors compared to higher malignancy grades. We conclude that ccRCC is characterized by profound and multilevel alterations in sphingolipid metabolism, which to a large extent are grade‐dependent. We hypothesize that dysregulation of sphingolipid metabolism contributes to the progression of ccRCC.
The Predictor Potential Role of the Glucose to Potassium Ratio in the Diagnostic Differentiation of Massive and Non-Massive Pulmonary Embolism

Objective Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the main causes of death and has a course as massive (MPE) or non-massive (NMPE). The study investigates the indicator potential of Glucose to Potassium ratio (GPR) in the differential diagnosis of MPE and NMPE. Materials and Methods The study was designed as a retrospective cross-sectional clinical cohort in patients with PE. A total of 111 participants enrolled in the research separating two groups: MPE (n:54) and NMPE (n:67). The GPR was calculated by dividing serum glucose by potassium levels and its results were compared with D-Dimer, Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAP), and C-Reactive Protein Test (CRP). Results D-Dimer was measured as 6.5 ± 5.7 µg/L in the MPE and found higher than the NMPE (3.9 ± 5.2 µg/L) (P = .019). CRP (100 ± 83.5 to 30.9 ± 42.7 mg/L; P = .0001) and PAP (49.5 ± 11.9 to 34.8 ± 7.3 mmHg; P = .0001) were found increased in the MPE. GPR strongly increased in the MPE (30.7 ± 7.5 to 24.9 ± 4.3; P = .0003) in line with CRP, D-Dimer and PAP. GPR showed a stronger diagnostic value (AUC: 0.733; P = .00001; Sensitivity:72%; Spesifity:70%; Cut-off: 26.5). PAP and GPR showed significant efficiency on occurrence of the MPE according to the binary logistic regression. Conclusion The GPR, as a novel and cheap marker, can be useful for diagnostic differentiation of MPE from NMPE, but weaker than PAP and better than D-dimer. Type of Study and Level of Evidence Level-II, Retrospective clinical cohort study.
Anthropometric, Psychosocial, Physiological, and Postural Observances During Ramadan in Men With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This study aimed to carry out a Ramadan observance (RO) on anthropometric, psychosocial, physiological, and postural characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twenty COPD patients were evaluated. Tests performed 1 week before Ramadan (C), and during the second (R-2) and the fourth weeks of Ramadan (R-4) included standard anthropometry, spirometry, a quality of life questionnaire (VQ11), a 6-minute walking test (6MWT), measurement of maximal voluntary contraction force of the quadriceps (MVC), Timed Get Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Unipedal Stance (UST). During R-2, there were significant decreases in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volumes, 6MWT distance, MVC, BBS, and UST, with significant increases in TUG and significant changes in VQ11. During R-4, there was some recovery, but all variables remained significantly different from initial control data. To conclude, RO adversely affects pulmonary function, exercise performance, postural balance, and quality of life in COPD, with some recovery by the R-4. Although a number of functional consequences remain to be elucidated, functional losses were insufficient to limit daily living in our sample, but further studies are recommended in those with more severe COPD, paying particular attention to postural disturbances and a possible increase in the risk of falls.
Deep Learning Models for Data-Driven Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Analysis of Interstitial Oxygen Impurities in Czochralski-Si Crystals

Analytical advantages of facile and expeditious spectral data collections from laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) are often offset by the low-accuracy quantitative analyses offered by the technique due to non-equilibrium plasma–matrix interactions. Herein, we developed a one-dimensional (1D) convolutional neural network (CNN) and a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) models for LIBS data analyses to predict trace amounts of interstitial oxygen impurities in commercial Czochralski-silicon (Cz-Si) crystals with known interstitial oxygen concentrations at 0–16 parts per million (ppm). While traditional spectral analyses from O(I) (777.2 nm) atomic lines offer poor accuracy, CNN and LASSO analyses generate excellent predictions for the interstitial oxygen concentrations. Specifically, CNN-based spectral analyses uniquely identified systematic alterations in LIBS fingerprints manifested by laser-matter interactions. Our results pave the path for combining facile and voluminous LIBS data collection with deep learning driven high-fidelity data analytics. Graphical Abstract
Seasonality and Biting Behavior of Mansonia (Diptera, Culicidae) in Rural Settlements Near Porto Velho, State of Rondônia, Brazil

Abstract Mansonia (Diptera: Culicidae) are known to cause discomfort to the local populations of Amazon. Considering the fact that the effective control of these mosquitoes can only be obtained by understanding their ecology and behavior, entomological monitoring becomes essential. In view of this, mosquitoes of the genus Mansonia were collected by human landing catches (HLC) from 2015 to 2019, in four locations of Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil. The collections were performed inside and outside the homes, once in every four months, uninterrupted for 24 hr. Human bite indices/hour was used to analyze the hourly activity of the species for different seasons and environment (indoor and outdoor). Moreover, nonparametric Mann–Whitney tests were conducted to indicate if there were differences between exophagic and endophagic behavior. The seasonality of Mansonia species was also analyzed. Overall, 96,766 specimens were collected over five years of sampling. Mansonia titillans (Walker) was found to be the most abundant species (76.9%). The highest percentage of mosquitoes was collected in February (48.4%), followed by October (39.6%) and June (12.0%). The biting activity of the two most abundant species showed peak host seeking activity/behavior during twilight and night, more perceptible in the outdoor environment (peridomiciliary). In general, seasonality showed a tendency towards a reduction in the abundance of Mansonia in the years after 2015. Our results will be essential in the formulation of effective control methodology for Mansonia in the studied area.