Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment adherence mediates the relationship between HIV-related stigma and health-related quality of life

ABSTRACT There is a strong association between HIV-related stigma (HS) and health-related quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS, yet few studies, to date, have examined mediators of this link. This study examined the mediating role of antiretroviral medication adherence (MA) on association between HS and HRQoL. Respondents were 969 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) (628 males and 341 females, Mean age = 35.55, years), conveniently drawn from four hospital facilities in Enugu and Ebonyi States of Nigeria. Data were collected using HIV Stigma Scale, Morisky Medical Adherence Scale, and Patient Reported Outcome Quality of Life-HIV. Data were analysed using the Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS which uses a regression-based, path-analytical framework. Results showed that HS across dimensions (personalised stigma, disclosure concern, concern about people’s attitude and negative self-image) were negatively associated with MA (r = −.16; p < .001, r = −.13; p < .00, r = −.22; p < .001 and r = −.21; p < .001, respectively) HRQoL. MA was positively associated with HRQoL (r = . 24; p < .001). MA mediated HS-HRQoL association. These findings suggest that stigma associated with HIV/AIDS is associated with poor adherence to active antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment regimen, which can result in poor health and treatment outcome among PLWH. The findings may be helpful in improving HRQoL among PLWH.
Routine saliva testing for the identification of silent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in healthcare workers

Abstract Objective: Current COVID-19 guidelines recommend symptom-based screening and regular nasopharyngeal (NP) testing for healthcare personnel in high-risk settings. We sought to estimate case detection percentages with various routine NP and saliva testing frequencies. Design: Simulation modeling study. Methods: We constructed a sensitivity function based on the average infectiousness profile of symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases to determine the probability of being identified at the time of testing. This function was fitted to reported data on the percent positivity of symptomatic COVID-19 patients using NP testing. We then simulated a routine testing program with different NP and saliva testing frequencies to determine case detection percentages during the infectious period, as well as the presymptomatic stage. Results: Routine biweekly NP testing, once every 2 weeks, identified an average of 90.7% (SD, 0.18) of cases during the infectious period and 19.7% (SD, 0.98) during the presymptomatic stage. With a weekly NP testing frequency, the corresponding case detection percentages were 95.9% (SD, 0.18) and 32.9% (SD, 1.23), respectively. A 5-day saliva testing schedule had a similar case detection percentage as weekly NP testing during the infectious period, but identified ~10% more cases (mean, 42.5%; SD, 1.10) during the presymptomatic stage. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the utility of routine noninvasive saliva testing for frontline healthcare workers to protect vulnerable patient populations. A 5-day saliva testing schedule should be considered to help identify silent infections and prevent outbreaks in nursing homes and healthcare facilities.
CXCL5 contributes to the tumorigenicity of cervical cancer and is post-transcriptionally regulated by miR-577.

BACKGROUND C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5), an important chemokine, has been validated to promote human tumorigenesis. However, the clinical significance and the underlying molecular mechanisms of CXCL5 have not been completely explored in cervical cancer. Herein, the aim was to investigate miR-577-mediated CXCL5 signaling in cervical tumorigenicity. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-one pairs of cervical cancer specimens and para-carcinoma tissues were collected to measure miR-577 and CXCL5 expression levels. miR-577 mimics and/or si-CXCL5 were transfected into cervical cancer cell lines, Hela, and SiHa cells, to determine their effect on cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that CXCL5 is overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of CXCL5 with specific siRNA transfection in Hela and SiHa cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration and induced apoptosis in vitro. We also report that CXCL5 is a direct target of miR-577. Additionally, transfection of miR-577 mimics can inhibit CXCL5 protein expression, but not mRNA in Hela cells. miR-577 mimic transfection significantly inhibits migration and induces apoptosis in Hela and SiHa cells. However, the antineoplastic activities of miR-577 are reversed by overexpression of CXCL5 in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Overexpression of CXCL5 is involved in tumor development of cervical cancer. Inhibition of CXCL5 by its post-transcriptional regulator, miR-577, may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with cervical cancer.
Importance of incorporating quantitative imaging biomarker technical performance characteristics when estimating treatment effects

Background/aims Quantitative imaging biomarkers have the potential to detect change in disease early and noninvasively, providing information about the diagnosis and prognosis of a patient, aiding in monitoring disease, and informing when therapy is effective. In clinical trials testing new therapies, there has been a tendency to ignore the variability and bias in quantitative imaging biomarker measurements. Unfortunately, this can lead to underpowered studies and incorrect estimates of the treatment effect. We illustrate the problem when non-constant measurement bias is ignored and show how treatment effect estimates can be corrected. Methods Monte Carlo simulation was used to assess the coverage of 95% confidence intervals for the treatment effect when non-constant bias is ignored versus when the bias is corrected for. Three examples are presented to illustrate the methods: doubling times of lung nodules, rates of change in brain atrophy in progressive multiple sclerosis clinical trials, and changes in proton-density fat fraction in trials for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Results Incorrectly assuming that the measurement bias is constant leads to 95% confidence intervals for the treatment effect with reduced coverage (<95%); the coverage is especially reduced when the quantitative imaging biomarker measurements have good precision and/or there is a large treatment effect. Estimates of the measurement bias from technical performance validation studies can be used to correct the confidence intervals for the treatment effect. Conclusion Technical performance validation studies of quantitative imaging biomarkers are needed to supplement clinical trial data to provide unbiased estimates of the treatment effect.
Influence of Rose Bengal Dimerization on Photosensitization

Protein crosslinking photosensitized by rose Bengal (RB2−) has multiple medical applications and understanding the photosensitization mechanism can improve treatment effectiveness. To this end, we investigated the photochemical efficiencies of monomeric RB2− (RBM2−) and dimeric RB2− (RBD2−) and the optimal pH for anaerobic RB2− photosensitization in cornea. Absorption spectra and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements were used to estimate the fractions of RBM2− and RBD2−. RB2− self‐photosensitized bleaching was used to evaluate the photoactivity of RBM2− and RBD2−. The pH dependence of anaerobic RB2− photosensitization was evaluated in ex vivo rabbit corneas. The 549 nm/515 nm absorption ratio indicated that concentrations > 0.10 mm RB contained RBD2−. Results from DLS gave estimated mean diameters for RBM2− and RBD2− of 0.70 ± 0.02 nm and 1.75 ± 0.13 nm, respectively, and indicated that 1 mm RB2− contained equal fractions of RBM2− and RBD2−. Quantum yields for RB2− bleaching were not influenced by RBD2− in RB2− solutions although accounting for RB2− concentration effects on the reaction kinetics demonstrated that RBD2− is not a photosensitizer. Optimal anaerobic photosensitization occurred at pH 8.5 for solutions containing 200 mm Arg. These results suggest potential approaches to optimizing RBM2−‐photosensitized protein crosslinking in tissues.
Using the Integrated Genome Viewer to reveal amplicon‐derived polymorphism enriched at the phenylthiocarbamide locus in the teaching lab

Due to its distinct phenotype and relatively simple inheritance pattern, the phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) loci is frequently utilized in teaching laboratories to demonstrate genetic concepts such as Mendelian inheritance and population genetics. We have developed a next‐generation sequencing and bioinformatics approach to analyze the PTC gene locus to reveal single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variation at nucleotide position 785 that predicts tasting ability in humans. Here students purify DNA from their own cheek cells, perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the PTC gene followed by cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) testing. Students perform a second PCR on the PTC loci using high‐fidelity Taq to create bar‐coded amplicons for next‐generation sequencing on the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine. Bioinformatic verification reveals polymorphic variation by aligning the entire class PTC PCR fragment sequence to the human gene using Bowtie2 and visualizing the results in the Integrated Genome Viewer. This exercise presents a learning opportunity for students to use next‐generation sequencing to predict their own PTC taste sensitivity phenotype coupled with the standard CAPS method. This approach brings the PTC teaching method into the genomics era.
Novel magnetic ion imprinted polymer as a highly selective sorbent for extraction of gold ions in aqueous samples

In this work a novel ion imprinted polymer (IIP), based on dipyridyl amine-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs), was synthesized as a novel magnetic sorbent for rapid extraction, preconcentration and determination of trace amounts of gold ions. This was characterized by IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis (CHN) and thermal analysis (TGA/DSC). The optimum conditions, including pH of sample, eluent type and concentration and also the least amount of eluent necessary for desorption of gold ions and the time of adsorption were obtained. The effect of various cationic interferences on the adsorption of gold, specifically Pt(II) and Pd(II) ions, were evaluated. The analytical efficiency and relative standard deviation values for the determination of gold ions were 98.6% and 1.08, respectively, under the optimum conditions. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.43 ng mL−1 for gold extraction. The maximum capacity of the IIP modified magnetic nanoparticles was found to be greater than 76 mg g−1. Furthermore, the accuracy of this method was confirmed using various standard materials. This method was also applied successfully for preconcentration and determination of gold ions in some real samples.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles prevent multidrug resistant Staphylococcus-induced footpad dermatitis in broilers

ABSTRACT The current experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementations of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONPs) on some behavioural, performance, welfare and histopathological changes in broilers exposed to multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-induced footpad dermatitis (FPD). Eighty-four male Indian River (IR) broilers were randomly allotted to six different dietary treatments as follows: C−ve, C+ve, 10, 20, 30 and 40 ppm ZONPs from 7 to 49d of age. At day 28, broilers (n = 70) were sub-cutaneously injected with 0.5 ml of saline containing 5.3 × 107 CFU/ml of S. aureus (MRSA) in each metatarsal foot pad. Control (non-infected) broilers were given 0.5 ml of saline (n = 14). Results clarified that non-infected birds and ZONPs-fed birds had significantly higher standing and feeding activities and lower resting activities in comparison with the infected group. Also, the S. aureus infected group had significantly lower body weight gain (BWG) and higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the non-infected group. In addition, the non-infected birds and ZONPs groups had significantly lower object crossing and tonic immobility times (TI) and gait scores (GS) in comparison with the S. aureus group. Only ZONPs 30, 40 ppm and non-infected groups had a significantly higher latency to lie time (LLT) and lower serum cortisol level in comparison with the S. aureus group. Moreover, there were significant changes in the gross lesion score and histopathological lesions between the different groups. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of ZONPs can reduce S. aureus-induced negative effects of FPD in broilers.
DNA methylation markers for cancer risk prediction of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia

Current clinical and histological classifications are unable to determine the risk of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) in high‐grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), making prognostic biomarkers highly needed. We studied host‐cell DNA methylation markers in high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and differentiated VIN (dVIN) without VSCC, in HSIL and dVIN adjacent to VSCC and in human papillomavirus (HPV) positive and negative VSCC, relative to control vulvar tissues. A series of 192 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded vulvar samples, including VSCC (n = 58), VIN adjacent to VSCC (n = 30), VIN without VSCC during follow‐up (n = 41) and normal vulvar tissues (n = 63), were tested for 12 DNA methylation markers with quantitative multiplex methylation‐specific PCR (qMSP). HPV status was determined by p16INK4A immunohistochemistry and high‐risk HPV PCR analysis. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine methylation patterns and methylation marker performance for VIN and VSCC detection. Methylation markers showed significantly higher methylation levels with increasing severity of disease. VIN adjacent to VSCC showed a similar methylation‐high pattern as VSCC, while VIN without VSCC displayed a heterogeneous methylation pattern. Vulvar carcinogenesis is associated with increased DNA methylation. Higher DNA methylation levels in VIN seem to reflect higher cancer risk, emphasizing the high potential of DNA methylation biomarkers in the diagnostic workup of VIN. As a next step, longitudinal studies are needed to verify the prognostic value of methylation biomarkers as a clinical tool for stratification of cancer risk in women with VIN.
Numerical study of the interaction of photons with mouse brain based on Monte Carlo method

The brain is composed of the cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalon and brainstem. The cerebrum is the superlative part of the central nervous system and also the main part of the brain. There are differences and similarities between humans and mouse. The study of mouse brain model is helpful to understand the process in clinical trials and also has reference significance for the study of human brain. Therefore, the study of mouse brain is particularly important. As the skull has a large scattering effect on light, it is difficult for us to image the brain through the skull directly. Therefore, we often use methods such as optical clearing or thin skull to reduce or remove the influence of the skull on imaging. In this paper, the transmission of photons in mouse brain was studied using Monte Carlo method. In the study of photon trajectories, the photon distribution without intact skull went farther in both longitudinal and transverse directions compared with that of with intact skull. In terms of the optical absorption density and fluence rate. On the condition of with intact skull, the distribution of optical absorption density and fluence rate was fusiform and rounder on the whole. The radial distribution range of optical absorption density and fluence rate was 0.25 cm, which was approximately 2.5 times of that of with intact skull. In the depth direction, due to the strong scattering and absorption of the scalp and skull, the optical absorption density dropped sharply from 0.890 cm-1 to 0.415 cm-1 . When the photons arrived at the gray matter layer, only a few photons were reserved. Due to the strong absorption and scattering effect of the gray matter layer, only a few photons left, the optical absorption density increased from 0.415 cm-1 to 0.592 cm-1 , and then decreased again. When the depth was 1.35 cm, the optical absorption density dropped to 0 cm-1 . After removing the skull, due to the weak absorption and scattering effect of normal saline and cerebrospinal fluid, the optical absorption density was low (0.119 cm-1 ) and dropped slowly. When the photons arrived at the gray matter layer, most of the photons were reserved. Due to the strong absorption and scattering effect of the gray matter layer, the optical absorption density increased from 0.117 cm-1 to 0.812 cm-1 , then the optical absorption density decreased to 0 cm-1 at a depth of 1.35 cm. The distribution of radiant fluence rate is similar to that of optical absorption density. This study will provide reference and theoretical guidance for the optical imaging of mouse brain and the study of the mouse and human brain.
Tweaking a BODIPY Spherical Self-Assembly to 2D Supramolecular Polymers Facilitates Excited State Cascade Energy Transfer.

Excited state properties such as emission, exciton transport, electron transfer, etc., are strongly dependent on the shape, size and molecular arrangement of chromophore based supramolecular architectures. Herein, we demonstrate creation and control of distinct supramolecular energy landscapes for the reversible control of the excited-state emission processes through cascade energy transfer in chromophore assemblies, facilitated by an unprecedented solvent effect. In methylcyclohexane, a tailor-made Y-shaped BODIPY derivative self-assembles to form an unusual spherical architecture of 400-1200 nm size, which exhibits a single emission at 540 nm upon 475 nm excitation through a normal excitation deactivation process. However, in n -decane, the same BODIPY derivative forms two-dimensional supramolecular sheets, exhibiting multiple emission peaks at 540, 610, 650, 725 and 790 nm with 475 nm excitation due to cascade energy transfer. Further control on the morphology and excitation energy transfer is possible with variable solvent composition and ultrasound stimulation, resulting in enhanced near-infrared emission with an overall pseudo Stokes shift of 7105 cm -1 .
Chemical composition, statistical analysis of the unit cell, and electrostatic modeling of the structure of Al-saturated chlorite from metamorphosed rocks

Abstract Natural Al-saturated chlorite having a wide range of Mg:Fe ratios [Mg/(Mg + Fe) = 0.357 to 0.943] was studied to determine the effect of Mg-Fe substitution on the unit-cell parameters. With a nearly constant Al content [AlT/(AlT + Mg + Fe) = 0.362 to 0.416, where AlT represents total Al contents in both tetrahedral and octahedral sites], the only major variable affecting the unit-cell dimensions of natural chlorite is the Mg:Fe ratio. The value of about 0.4 for the Al content represents apparent Al saturation for chlorites in metamorphosed rocks. Unit-cell parameters were determined by least-squares refinement from 39 chlorite samples obtained over a large range in metamorphic grades, from X-ray data derived from Gandolfi pattern simulations (via single crystals and a single-crystal diffractometer) from this study and from traditional powder diffractometer data from the literature. Nine of the samples were analyzed for their Fe3+ contents (= 0.147 to 0.304 atoms) by Mössbauer spectroscopy; chemical compositions were generally obtained by electron-microprobe analysis. Statistical tests show that the change of the crystallographic a and b axes are linear over the range of Mg:Fe ratios studied, whereas the crystallographic c axis and the β angle have no significant relationship to these Mg:Fe ratios. Equations relating the effect of Mg:Fe ratio on a and b are: a (Å) = −0.092 x + 5.408; x = Mg/(Mg + Fe) and b (Å) = − 0.162 x + 9.370, respectively. Electrostatic models involving Pauling.s electrostatic valency principle for Al-saturated chlorite were determined assuming: (1) Al-Al avoidance for Al-substituted tetrahedra, (2) no vacancies, and (3) no Al3+ substitution in the M1 sites. Electrostatic restrictions occur for R3+ → R2+ substitutions in the M2 sites of the 2:1 layer. These restrictions produce an Al saturation in chlorite at AlT/(AlT + Mg + Fe) ratios of near 0.4. This saturation limit requires that 37.5% of the tetrahedral sites (1.5 out of 4 sites) are occupied by Al, and the electrostatic charge (electrostatic valency units, e.v.u.) close to +1 e.v. u. is favored for the interlayer to offset the net negative charge on the 2:1 layer.
The relationship between duration of abstinence and gray-matter brain structure in chronic methamphetamine users

ABSTRACT Background: Brain structural findings in chronic methamphetamine users have been inconsistent. Identifying contributing influences (e.g., sex, abstinence duration) can help clarify the clinical course of recovery. Objectives: We studied the effects of long-term methamphetamine abstinence on gray-matter volume. Our hypothesis was that smaller volume early in abstinence would precede long-term recovery. Methods: Individuals who used methamphetamine (≥100 g lifetime use, mandated to residential treatment for methamphetamine-positive urine; 40 men, 21 women), undergoing supervised abstinence (men: 12–400 days; women: 130–594 days), were compared to healthy controls (49 men, 36 women) using T1-weighted MRI. Volumes of orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate and parietal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum were measured using Freesurfer software. Associations of volumes with abstinence duration were tested in males and females separately because their abstinence times differed (121.5 ± 124.5 vs. 348.0 ± 128.6 days, p < 0.001); only males were studied in early abstinence. The General Linear Model was used to test effects of abstinence duration and group (methamphetamine users vs. controls). Results: In males, duration of abstinence was multivariate significant for gray-matter volumes (p = 0.017). Abstinence duration was associated with increases in volumes of the orbitofrontal and parietal cortices (ps = 0.031, 0.016) and hippocampi (ps = 0.044). Irrespective of abstinence, male methamphetamine users had smaller hippocampi than male controls (p = 0.008). Females showed no significant effects of group or abstinence. Conclusions: In males, abstinence from methamphetamine appears to result in volumetric increases in regions important for cognitive function, which may affect recovery during the course of treatment. Data from the period of early abstinence are required to evaluate volumetric changes in females.
Early Clinical Evaluation of Percutaneous Full‐endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Pedicle Screw Insertion for Treating Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

To compare the clinical efficacy of percutaneous full‐endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo‐TLIF) with percutaneous pedicle screws (PPSs) performed by using a visualization system with that of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS‐TLIF) for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).