Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reconsidering a role for attachment in eating disorder management in the context of paediatric diabetes

We suggest a reconsideration of the role of ‘attachment orientation’ in the context of eating disorders and paediatric diabetes. Attachment orientation is a psychological construct that describes a relatively stable set of expectations and behaviours an individual relies upon in managing relationships. There is considerable evidence of an association between attachment orientation and the development and maintenance of disordered eating in individuals without diabetes, though evidence is more scant in populations with diabetes. We discuss the underpinning theory and critically examine the existing literature for the relationship between attachment orientation and disordered eating in paediatric diabetes. Finally, we draw on adjacent literatures to highlight potential future directions for research should this area be revisited. Overall, we contextualise our discussion in terms of patient-centred, holistic care that addresses the mind and body (i.e., our discussion of attachment orientation assumes a psycho-biological approach).
Pre-Emptive Versus Reactive Topical Clobetasol for Regorafenib-Induced Hand-Foot Reactions: A Preplanned Analysis of the ReDOS Trial.

BACKGROUND Hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) is the most common regorafenib-induced adverse event and is in need of effective prevention and palliation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Regorafenib Dose Optimization Study (ReDOS), a four-arm, previously published trial with a 1:1:1:1 randomization scheme, was analyzed in a manner in keeping with the original protocol to assess whether clobetasol 0.05% cream (a corticosteroid) applied to the palms and soles twice per day for 8 weeks was more effective when prescribed pre-emptively (before the development of HFSR) versus reactively (after the development of HFSR). Patients were assessed during the first two cycles of regorafenib. RESULTS Sixty-one patients received pre-emptive clobetasol, and 55 received reactive clobetasol. Groups were balanced on demographics. Over the first two cycles, no evidence of HFSR occurred in 30% with pre-emptive clobetasol versus 13% with reactive clobetasol (p = .03). During the first cycle, 54% and 45% of patients had no HFSR with pre-emptive and reactive clobetasol, respectively (p = .35). During the second cycle, 33% and 15% had no HFSR with pre-emptive and reactive clobetasol, respectively (p = .02). During the second cycle, rates of grade 1, 2, and 3 HFSR were 30%, 8%, and 3%, respectively, with pre-emptive clobetasol and 43%, 18%, and 7%, respectively, with reactive clobetasol (p = .12). Patient-reported outcomes showed HFSR compromised nearly all activities of daily living with worse quality of life in patients who received reactive versus pre-emptive clobetasol. No clobetasol-induced adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION Pre-emptive clobetasol might lessen regorafenib-induced hand-foot reactions compared with reactive therapy. Further confirmatory studies are needed in a larger patient cohort. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Regorafenib causes hand-foot skin reactions. Pre-emotive clobetasol, a high-potency topical corticosteroid, appears to lessen the severity of this adverse event. Although further study is needed, the favorable adverse event profile of this intervention might prompt clinicians to discuss this option with their patients.
Telehealth Demand Trends During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Top 50 Most Affected Countries: Infodemiological Evaluation

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to urgent calls for the adoption of telehealth solutions. However, public interest and demand for telehealth during the pandemic remain unknown. Objective We used an infodemiological approach to estimate the worldwide demand for telehealth services during COVID-19, focusing on the 50 most affected countries and comparing the demand for such services with the level of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure available. Methods We used Google Trends, the Baidu Index (China), and Yandex Keyword Statistics (Russia) to extract data on worldwide and individual countries’ telehealth-related internet searches from January 1 to July 7, 2020, presented as relative search volumes (RSV; range 0-100). Daily COVID-19 cases and deaths were retrieved from the World Health Organization. Individual countries’ ICT infrastructure profiles were retrieved from the World Economic Forum Report. Results Across the 50 countries, the mean RSV was 18.5 (SD 23.2), and the mean ICT index was 62.1 (SD 15.0). An overall spike in worldwide telehealth-related RSVs was observed from March 11, 2020 (RSV peaked to 76.0), which then tailed off in June-July 2020 (mean RSV for the period was 25.8), but remained higher than pre-March RSVs (mean 7.29). By country, 42 (84%) manifested increased RSVs over the evaluation period, with the highest observed in Canada (RSV=100) and the United States (RSV=96). When evaluating associations between RSV and the ICT index, both the United States and Canada demonstrated high RSVs and ICT scores (≥70.3). In contrast, European countries had relatively lower RSVs (range 3.4-19.5) despite high ICT index scores (mean 70.3). Several Latin American (Brazil, Chile, Colombia) and South Asian (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan) countries demonstrated relatively higher RSVs (range 13.8-73.3) but low ICT index scores (mean 44.6), indicating that the telehealth demand outstrips the current ICT infrastructure. Conclusions There is generally increased interest and demand for telehealth services across the 50 countries most affected by COVID-19, highlighting the need to scale up telehealth capabilities, during and beyond the pandemic.
Metacognition Mediates the Relationship Between Maladaptive Personality Traits and Levels of Personality Functioning

Abstract The impaired ability to reflect on one's own state of mind and that of others (called metacognition or mentalization) is a central feature of personality disorders (PDs). Metacognition involves different specific abilities, which can be selectively impaired with different PDs and personality maladaptive traits. Moreover, research in the field of PDs has indicated that personality features and metacognitive abilities are associated with the severity of personality pathologies. In this study, we tested a mediation model of the interactions between these variables on predicting levels of personality functioning in a sample of adults taken from the general population (N = 775). Results showed that the relationship between personality traits and personality functioning is partially mediated by metacognitive abilities. These findings support the hypothesis that metacognition plays a significant role in predicting the levels of impairment in personality functioning. These findings have several clinical implications.
Vicinal Vertex Allocation for Matrix Factorization in Networks

In this article, we present a novel matrix-factorization-based model, labeled here as Vicinal vertex allocated matrix factorization (VVAMo), for uncovering clusters in network data. Different from the past related efforts of network clustering, which consider the edge structure, vertex features, or both in their design, the proposed model includes the additional detail on vertex inclinations with respect to topology and features into the learning. In particular, by taking the latent preferences between vicinal vertices into consideration, VVAMo is then able to uncover network clusters composed of proximal vertices that share analogous inclinations, and correspondingly high structural and feature correlations. To ensure such clusters are effectively uncovered, we propose a unified likelihood function for VVAMo and derive an alternating algorithm for optimizing the proposed function. Subsequently, we provide the theoretical analysis of VVAMo, including the convergence proof and computational complexity analysis. To investigate the effectiveness of the proposed model, a comprehensive empirical study of VVAMo is conducted using extensive commonly used realistic network datasets. The results obtained show that VVAMo attained superior performances over existing classical and state-of-the-art approaches.
Predicting Cardiovascular Risk Using Social Media Data: Performance Evaluation of Machine-Learning Models

Background Current atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) predictive models have limitations; thus, efforts are underway to improve the discriminatory power of ASCVD models. Objective We sought to evaluate the discriminatory power of social media posts to predict the 10-year risk for ASCVD as compared to that of pooled cohort risk equations (PCEs). Methods We consented patients receiving care in an urban academic emergency department to share access to their Facebook posts and electronic medical records (EMRs). We retrieved Facebook status updates up to 5 years prior to study enrollment for all consenting patients. We identified patients (N=181) without a prior history of coronary heart disease, an ASCVD score in their EMR, and more than 200 words in their Facebook posts. Using Facebook posts from these patients, we applied a machine-learning model to predict 10-year ASCVD risk scores. Using a machine-learning model and a psycholinguistic dictionary, Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, we evaluated if language from posts alone could predict differences in risk scores and the association of certain words with risk categories, respectively. Results The machine-learning model predicted the 10-year ASCVD risk scores for the categories <5%, 5%-7.4%, 7.5%-9.9%, and ≥10% with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.78, 0.57, 0.72, and 0.61, respectively. The machine-learning model distinguished between low risk (<10%) and high risk (>10%) with an AUC of 0.69. Additionally, the machine-learning model predicted the ASCVD risk score with Pearson r=0.26. Using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, patients with higher ASCVD scores were more likely to use words associated with sadness (r=0.32). Conclusions Language used on social media can provide insights about an individual’s ASCVD risk and inform approaches to risk modification.
Structure and bonding in narrow gap semiconductors

Abstract Many trends in the behavior of elements and their compounds are immediately visible by comparison with their position in the periodic table. The most obvious trend is that the elements to the left and in the lower part of the periodic table are metals while the rest are covalently-bonded semiconductors or insulators; the coordination number of the covalently-bonded materials is generally given by the 8-N rule (N is the column number). The next clear trend comes in the consideration of binary compounds; here we find that the horizontal separation of the two elements in the periodic table is a good indication of their ionicity. For example, this explains the trends in the forbidden energy gap and the crystal structure along an isoelectronic series (e.g. KBr, Case, ZnSe, GaAs, Ge).
Redox controls RecA protein activity via reversible oxidation of its methionine residues

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause damage to DNA and proteins. Here, we report that the RecA recombinase is itself oxidized by ROS. Genetic and biochemical analyses revealed that oxidation of RecA altered its DNA repair and DNA recombination activities. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that exposure to ROS converted four out of nine Met residues of RecA to methionine sulfoxide. Mimicking oxidation of Met35 by changing it for Gln caused complete loss of function, whereas mimicking oxidation of Met164 resulted in constitutive SOS activation and loss of recombination activity. Yet, all ROS-induced alterations of RecA activity were suppressed by methionine sulfoxide reductases MsrA and MsrB. These findings indicate that under oxidative stress MsrA/B is needed for RecA homeostasis control. The implication is that, besides damaging DNA structure directly, ROS prevent repair of DNA damage by hampering RecA activity.
Concurrent validity and reliability of an activity monitoring for rehabilitation (AMoR) platform for step counting and sitting/lying time in post-stroke individuals

ABSTRACT Background Objective and reliable measurements to investigate daily behavior patterns in people with stroke could help therapeutic interventions after a stroke. Objective To evaluate whether the Activity Monitoring for Rehabilitation (AMoR) platform has adequate concurrent validity and reliability for step counting and time spent sitting/lying in people post-stroke and to investigate its percentage accuracy for step counting at different walking speeds. Methods Cross-sectional observational study. Fifty chronic post-stroke subjects used the AMoR platform and SAM simultaneously while a Video camera recorded the same activities during clinical trials. Spearman’s correlation coefficient, the mean absolute percentage error, the intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plot analyses were used to estimate the validity and reliability of the AMoR platform and StepWatchTM Activity Monitor (SAM). The accuracy percentage was calculated for each device and plotted as a function of the walking speed during the 10-meter walk test (10MWT). Results There was a very high correlation for step counting in all tests and a high correlation for time spent sitting/lying. The mean absolute percentage error values remained below 4% for step counting and time sitting/lying. The AMoR platform also showed excellent reliability for step counting and sitting/lying time, with values within the limit of agreement in the Bland-Altman plots. A high percentage of accuracy for step counting in the AMoR platform was observed during the 10MWT. Conclusion The AMoR platform is valid and reliable for step counting and time spent sitting/lying, with a high percentage of accuracy at different walking speeds in the post-stroke population.
Development and preliminary validation of a self-rating anxiety inventory for maintenance haemodialysis patients

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop a self-rating anxiety inventory for maintenance haemodialysis patients (AI-MHD) and perform preliminary validation to provide a simple, effective, and highly specific practical tool for effective anxiety disorder screening in haemodialysis patients. Based on existing general anxiety disorder screening scales and common symptoms of MHD patients as a reference and after expert discussions and preliminary validation at a single dialysis centre, a self-rating AI-MHD containing 12 items was developed. Subsequently, the AI-MHD was applied in 4 dialysis centres and compared with GAD-7 and HADS-A. Further multicentre validation showed that Cronbach's alpha for the scale was 0.918; the AI-MHD score not only significantly differed between the anxiety disorders group and the non-anxiety disorders group (p<0.001) but also correlated with GAD-7 and HADS-A scores (p<0.001). In addition, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) score was 0.847, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (x2=849.45, p<0.001). The anxiety disorder detection rate was 93%, and the specificity was 90%, which were significantly better than the screening results using the GAD-7 and HADS-A scales in the same groups. Although there were limitations, such as the sample size and regionality, the AI-MHD showed good efficacy and reliability in rating anxiety in MHD patients.
Convenient Synthesis of an Isoxazole Compound, KRIBB3, as an Anticancer Agent

Abstract A diaryl isoxazole compound, KRIBB3, which exhibits strong antimigratory and antimitotic activities against cancer cells, was prepared in a practical synthetic way. The synthetic method may provide easy access to KRIBB3 analogs with various substituents at an aryl moiety for structure–activity relationships (SAR), as well as a large quantity of KRIBB3 for in vivo studies. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Cluster Ion Thermal Decomposition (II): Master Equation Modeling in the Low-Pressure Limit and Fall-Off Regions. Bond Energies for HSO4-(H2SO4)x(HNO3)y

The thermal decomposition kinetics of a wide range of cluster ions in and near the low-pressure limit were modeled with a master equation analysis based on an exponential up energy transfer model and an orbiting transition state. Cluster ion bond energies and helium-cluster ion energy transfer parameters were derived. Analysis of the temperature and pressure dependent decomposition kinetics of a set of clusters, for which bond enthalpies have been measured, showed that the master equation approach reproduces the literature bond energies to better than 1 kcal mol-1. The helium-cluster ion energy transfer was found to be very efficient, resembling the predictions of ergodic collision theory. On the basis of the results of the modeling of the calibration clusters, the analysis was extended to derive bond energies for the important atmospheric cluster ions of the form HSO4-(H2SO4)x(HNO3)y, ((x, y) = (1−5, 0), (0, 1−2), and (1, 1)).
Suicide prevention in psychiatric patients

An increased risk of suicide has been reported for psychiatric patients. In several world regions, an underlying psychiatric disorder is reported in up to 90% of people who die from suicide, though this rate seems to be considerably lower in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Major psychiatric conditions associated with suicidality are mood disorders, alcohol and substance use disorders, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. Comorbidity between different disorders is frequently associated with a higher suicide risk. A history of suicide attempts, feelings of hopelessness, impulsivity and aggression, adverse childhood experiences, severe psychopathology, and somatic disorders are common risk factors for suicide among psychiatric patients. Stressful life events and interpersonal problems, including interpersonal violence, are often triggers. A comprehensive and repeated suicide risk assessment represents the first step for effective suicide prevention. Particular attention should be paid during and after hospitalization, with the first days and weeks after discharge representing the most critical period. Pharmacological treatment of mood disorders and schizophrenia has been shown to have an anti‐suicidal effect. A significant reduction of suicidal thoughts and behavior has been reported for cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Brief interventions, including psychoeducation and follow‐ups, are associated with a decrease in suicide deaths. Further development of suicide prevention in psychiatric patients will require a better understanding of additional risk and protective factors, such as the role of a person's decision‐making capacity and social support, the role of spiritual and religious interventions, and the reduction of the treatment gap in mental health care.
PECAM‐1 supports leukocyte diapedesis by tension‐dependent dephosphorylation of VE‐cadherin

Leukocyte extravasation is an essential step during the immune response and requires the destabilization of endothelial junctions. We have shown previously that this process depends in vivo on the dephosphorylation of VE‐cadherin‐Y731. Here, we reveal the underlying mechanism. Leukocyte‐induced stimulation of PECAM‐1 triggers dissociation of the phosphatase SHP2 which then directly targets VE‐cadherin‐Y731. The binding site of PECAM‐1 for SHP2 is needed for VE‐cadherin dephosphorylation and subsequent endocytosis. Importantly, the contribution of PECAM‐1 to leukocyte diapedesis in vitro and in vivo was strictly dependent on the presence of Y731 of VE‐cadherin. In addition to SHP2, dephosphorylation of Y731 required Ca2+‐signaling, non‐muscle myosin II activation, and endothelial cell tension. Since we found that β‐catenin/plakoglobin mask VE‐cadherin‐Y731 and leukocyte docking to endothelial cells exert force on the VE‐cadherin–catenin complex, we propose that leukocytes destabilize junctions by PECAM‐1‐SHP2‐triggered dephosphorylation of VE‐cadherin‐Y731 which becomes accessible by actomyosin‐mediated mechanical force exerted on the VE‐cadherin–catenin complex.
The Srs2 helicase dampens DNA damage checkpoint by recycling RPA from chromatin

Significance In this work, we elucidate a checkpoint dampening mechanism in yeast. Using complementary biochemical and genetic approaches, we show that the Srs2 DNA helicase removes one of the first DNA damage sensors and the associated checkpoint kinase from chromatin, thus preventing hyperactivation of the DNA damage response. We further show that this role of Srs2 is separable from its well-known function as an antirecombinase and mainly accounts for Srs2’s contribution to genotoxin resistance. Our findings also shed light into potential means to regulate the dynamic association of RPA with single-stranded DNA in other cellular contexts and stimulate studies of checkpoint dampening and RPA regulation in other organisms. The DNA damage checkpoint induces many cellular changes to cope with genotoxic stress. However, persistent checkpoint signaling can be detrimental to growth partly due to blockage of cell cycle resumption. Checkpoint dampening is essential to counter such harmful effects, but its mechanisms remain to be understood. Here, we show that the DNA helicase Srs2 removes a key checkpoint sensor complex, RPA, from chromatin to down-regulate checkpoint signaling in budding yeast. The Srs2 and RPA antagonism is supported by their numerous suppressive genetic interactions. Importantly, moderate reduction of RPA binding to single-strand DNA (ssDNA) rescues hypercheckpoint signaling caused by the loss of Srs2 or its helicase activity. This rescue correlates with a reduction in the accumulated RPA and the associated checkpoint kinase on chromatin in srs2 mutants. Moreover, our data suggest that Srs2 regulation of RPA is separable from its roles in recombinational repair and critically contributes to genotoxin resistance. We conclude that dampening checkpoint by Srs2-mediated RPA recycling from chromatin aids cellular survival of genotoxic stress and has potential implications in other types of DNA transactions.
Association between serum osteoprotegerin level and mortality in kidney transplant recipients ‐ a prospective observational cohort study

Paradoxically, higher serum levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG: a vascular calcification inhibitor) have been associated with increased arterial stiffness, risk of cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality. A few studies reported that post‐transplant OPG levels are associated with mortality in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. In this study, this association was assessed in a cohort of prevalent KT recipients, adjusting for previously untested potential confounders, including fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6). Socio‐demographic and clinical parameters, medical and transplant history, and laboratory data were collected from 982 prevalent KT recipients. The association between serum OPG and all‐cause mortality over a 6‐year follow‐up period was examined using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression models. Participants with high serum OPG were more likely female, older, deceased donor KT recipients and have more comorbidity, lower eGFR, higher FGF23, higher IL‐6, and longer dialysis vintage. Each 1 pmol/l higher serum OPG level was associated with a 49% higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.49 [1.40–1.61]). This association persisted after adjusting for confounders (HR [95% CI]: 1.20 [1.10–1.30]). In conclusion, serum OPG was associated with all‐cause mortality independent of several novel confounders in prevalent KT recipients.