Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Imaging Genetics Study Based on a Temporal Group Sparse Regression and Additive Model for Biomarker Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease

Imaging genetics is an effective tool used to detect potential biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in imaging and genetic data. Most existing imaging genetics methods analyze the association between brain imaging quantitative traits (QTs) and genetic data [e.g., single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)] by using a linear model, ignoring correlations between a set of QTs and SNP groups, and disregarding the varied associations between longitudinal imaging QTs and SNPs. To solve these problems, we propose a novel temporal group sparsity regression and additive model (T-GSRAM) to identify associations between longitudinal imaging QTs and SNPs for detection of potential AD biomarkers. We first construct a nonparametric regression model to analyze the nonlinear association between QTs and SNPs, which can accurately model the complex influence of SNPs on QTs. We then use longitudinal QTs to identify the trajectory of imaging genetic patterns over time. Moreover, the SNP information of group and individual levels are incorporated into the proposed method to boost the power of biomarker detection. Finally, we propose an efficient algorithm to solve the whole T-GSRAM model. We evaluated our method using simulation data and real data obtained from AD neuroimaging initiative. Experimental results show that our proposed method outperforms several state-of-the-art methods in terms of the receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve. Moreover, the detection of AD-related genes and QTs has been confirmed in previous studies, thereby further verifying the effectiveness of our approach and helping understand the genetic basis over time during disease progression.
One Step Photopolymerization of N, N-Methylene Diacrylamide and Photocuring of Carboxymethyl Starch-Silver Nanoparticles onto Cotton Fabrics for Durable Antibacterial Finishing

The PI/UV system ((4-trimethyl ammonium methyl) benzophenone chloride/UV) was used to synthesize carboxymethyl starch- (CMS-) stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs so prepared had round shape morphology with size of 1–7 nm. The prepared AgNPs were utilized to impart antibacterial finishing for cotton fabrics. The PI/UV system was further utilized to fix AgNPs onto cotton fabrics by photocrosslinking of AgNPs-CMS composite onto cotton fabrics to impart durable antibacterial properties. Effect of irradiation time and incorporating N, N-methylene diacrylamide (MDA) in different concentrations on antibacterial performance before and after repeated washing cycles was studied. S. aureus and E. coli were used to evaluate the antibacterial performance of finished fabrics. The antibacterial performance was directly proportional to the irradiation time and concentration of MDA but inversely proportional to the number of washing cycles. The inhibition zone of S. aureus and E. coli is the same although they are different in the cell wall structure and mode of action due to the nanosize structure formed.
Support can increase use of the AUDIT-C in Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services: a cluster randomised trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Unhealthy alcohol consumption is a key concern for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ('Indigenous') communities. It is important to identify and treat at-risk drinkers, to prevent harms to physical or social wellbeing. We aimed to test whether training and support for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) staff would increase rates of alcohol screening and brief intervention. DESIGN Cluster randomised trial SETTING: Australia. CASES Twenty-two ACCHSs that see at least 1,000 clients per year and use Communicare as practice management software. The study included data on 70,419 clients. INTERVENTION Training, regular data feedback, collaborative support, and funding for resources ($9,000). Blinding was not used. Comparator was wait-list control (equal allocation). MEASUREMENT AUDIT-C screening and records of brief interventions were extracted from practice management software at 2-monthly intervals. Observations described the clinical actions taken for clients over each 2-month interval. The Baseline period (28 August 2016 to 28 August 2017) was compared with the post-implementation period (29 August 2017 to 28 August 2018). We used multi-level logistic regression to test the hypotheses that clients attending a service receiving active support would be more likely to be screened with AUDIT-C (primary outcome), or to receive a brief intervention (secondary outcome). FINDINGS We observed an increase in the odds of screening with AUDIT-C for both groups, but the increase was 5.52 (95% CI 4.31, 7.07) times larger at services receiving support. We found little evidence that the support program increased the odds of a recorded brief intervention relative to control services (OR 2.06; 95% CI 0.90, 4.69). Differences in baseline screening activity between treatment and control reduce the certainty of our findings. CONCLUSIONS Providing Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services with training and support can improve alcohol (AUDIT-C) screening rates.
Life Prediction of Battery Using a Neural Gaussian Process with Early Discharge Characteristics

The state of health (SOH) prediction of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is of crucial importance for the normal operation of the battery system. In this paper, a new method for cycle life and full life cycle capacity prediction is proposed, which combines the early discharge characteristics with the neural Gaussian process (NGP) model. The cycle data sets of commercial LiFePO4(LFP)/graphite cells generated under different operating conditions are analyzed, and the power characteristic P is extracted from the voltage and current curves of the early cycles. A Pearson correlation analysis shows that there is a strong correlation between P and cycle life. Our model achieves 8.8% test error for predicting cycle life using degradation data for the 20th to 110th cycles. Based on the predicted cycle life, capacity degradation curves for the whole life cycle of the cells are predicted. In addition, the NGP method, combined with power characteristics, is compared with other classical methods for predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of LIBs. The results demonstrate that the proposed prediction method of cycle life and capacity has better battery life and capacity prediction. This work highlights the use of early discharge characteristics to predict battery performance, and shows the application prospect in accelerating the development of electrode materials and optimizing battery management systems (BMS).
Ca2+-Dependent Protein Kinase 6 Enhances KAT2 Shaker Channel Activity in Arabidopsis thaliana

Post-translational regulations of Shaker-like voltage-gated K+ channels were reported to be essential for rapid responses to environmental stresses in plants. In particular, it has been shown that calcium-dependent protein kinases (CPKs) regulate Shaker channels in plants. Here, the focus was on KAT2, a Shaker channel cloned in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, where is it expressed namely in the vascular tissues of leaves. After co-expression of KAT2 with AtCPK6 in Xenopus laevis oocytes, voltage-clamp recordings demonstrated that AtCPK6 stimulates the activity of KAT2 in a calcium-dependent manner. A physical interaction between these two proteins has also been shown by Förster resonance energy transfer by fluorescence lifetime imaging (FRET-FLIM). Peptide array assays support that AtCPK6 phosphorylates KAT2 at several positions, also in a calcium-dependent manner. Finally, K+ fluorescence imaging in planta suggests that K+ distribution is impaired in kat2 knock-out mutant leaves. We propose that the AtCPK6/KAT2 couple plays a role in the homeostasis of K+ distribution in leaves.
A Novel Nutraceutical Formulation Can Improve Motor Activity and Decrease the Stress Level in a Murine Model of Middle-Age Animals

Ageing is a genetically programmed physiological process that is modulated by numerous environmental factors, associated with decreasing physiological function, decreasing reproductive rate and increasing age-related mortality rate. Maintaining mobility performance and physical function in the elderly is the main objective of the successful ageing concept. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the beneficial effect of a novel nutraceutical formulation containing Centella asiatica L. extract, vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol) on motor activity and anxiety with the use of a murine model of old animals, as a means of providing proof for clinical use in the elderly, for enhancing physical strength and improving life quality. Eighteen Sprague Dawley 18 months old male rats were divided into three groups and received corn oil (the control group) or 1 capsule/kg bw Reverse supplement (treatment group 1) or 2 capsules/kg bw Reverse supplement (treatment group 2), for a period of 3 months. The Reverse supplement (Natural Doctor S.A, Athens, Greece) contains 9 mg Centella asiatica L. extract, vitamin C (200 mg as magnesium ascorbate), zinc (5 mg as zinc citrate), vitamin D3 (50 µg as cholecalciferol) per capsule. Before and after the treatment, the motor function and behavioral changes for anxiety and depression were evaluated using the open-field test, elevated plus-maze test and rotarod test. The supplementation with Reverse (Natural Doctor S.A) supplement can improve the locomotor activity in old rats in a dose-dependent manner, as demonstrated by an increase in the latency to leave from the middle square, in the number of rearings in the open field test, in the time spent in the open arms and time spent in the center in the elevated plus-maze test and the latency to all in all three consecutive trials in the rotarod test. Stress also decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner, following the treatment with Reverse supplement, as was demonstrated by the decrease in the number of groomings at the open field test and time spent in the dark and the number of groomings at the elevated plus-maze test.
Managing intergroup silos to improve patient flow

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Background Health care managers face the critical challenge of overcoming divisions among the many groups involved in patient care, a problem intensified when patients must flow across multiple settings. Surprisingly, however, the patient flow literature rarely engages with its intergroup dimension. Purpose This study explored how managers with responsibility for patient flow understand and approach intergroup divisions and “silo-ing” in health care. Methodology/Approach We conducted in-depth interviews with 300 purposively sampled senior, middle, and frontline managers across 10 Canadian health jurisdictions. We undertook thematic analysis using sensitizing concepts drawn from the social identity approach. Results Silos, at multiple levels, were reported in every jurisdiction. The main strategies for ameliorating silos were provision of formal opportunities for staff collaboration, persuasive messages stressing shared values or responsibilities, and structural reorganization to redraw group boundaries. Participants emphasized the benefits of the first two but described structural change as neither necessary nor sufficient for improved collaboration. Conclusion Silos, though an unavoidable feature of organizational life, can be managed and mitigated. However, a key challenge in redefining groups is that the easiest place to draw boundaries from a social identity perspective may not be the best place from one of system design. Narrowly defined groups forge strong identities more easily, but broader groups facilitate coordination of care by minimizing the number of boundaries patients must traverse. Practice Implications A thoughtfully designed combination of strategies may help to improve intergroup relations and their impact on flow. It may be ideal to foster a “mosaic” identity that affirms group allegiances at multiple levels.
Lung Mast Cells Have a High Constitutive Expression of Carboxypeptidase A3 mRNA That Is Independent from Granule-Stored CPA3

The mast cell granule metalloprotease CPA3 is proposed to have important tissue homeostatic functions. However, the basal CPA3 mRNA and protein expression among mast cell populations has remained poorly investigated. Using a novel histology-based methodology that yields quantitative data on mRNA and protein expression at a single-cell level, the present study maps CPA3 mRNA and protein throughout the MCT and MCTC populations in healthy skin, gut and lung tissues. MCTC cells had both a higher frequency of CPA3 protein-containing cells and a higher protein-staining intensity than the MCT population. Among the tissues, skin MCs had highest CPA3 protein intensity. The expression pattern at the mRNA level was reversed. Lung mast cells had the highest mean CPA3 mRNA staining. Intriguingly, the large alveolar MCT population, that lack CPA3 protein, had uniquely high CPA3 mRNA intensity. A broader multi-tissue RNA analysis confirmed the uniquely high CPA3 mRNA quantities in the lung and corroborated the dissociation between chymase and CPA3 at the mRNA level. Taken together, our novel data suggest a hitherto underestimated contribution of mucosal-like MCT to baseline CPA3 mRNA production. The functional consequence of this high constitutive expression now reveals an important area for further research.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: the role of lateral posterior tibial slope as a potential risk factor for failure

Background and aim of the work: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions is an extremely frequent surgery. The analysis of anatomical factors is becoming increasingly important and the study of clinical, arthroscopic and radiological methods to evaluate and understand them aims to positively affect the patient’s outcome. This work aims to analytically analyze the anatomical factors that can influence the failure of an ACL reconstruction, to evaluate the data collected on a sample of patients undergoing ACL revision and compare them with those is present in the literature. Materials and Methods: At the Clinic of Orthopedic of Udine, between November 2018 and August 2020 were performed 47 revisions of the ACL. We analyzed MRI scans about Lateral Posterior Tibial Slope (LPTS). Patient surveys were analyzed by a single senior orthopedic surgeon who was blinded to patient history, age and gender. Results: Comparing with a value considered in the norm (LPTS estimated 6.5°) we see how the difference between the average LPTS values in the sample is significantly higher than the normal values (P <.0001). Dividing the simple according to sex, we notice that the LPTS in female patients is 11.8 while in male patients it is 8.7° (P <.005). Conclusion: The data collected show how an increased posterior lateral tibial slope can be correlated with a higher risk of ACL failure. The results are in line with what is present in the literature. Our analysis is absolutely preliminary, but it is intended to be the starting point of a path that allows us to think of the reconstruction of the ACL as an intervention to be planned more carefully based on the individual characteristics of the patient. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Efficacy and safety of anti-angiogenic drugs combined with erlotinib in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND To determine the efficacy and safety of anti-angiogenic drugs combined with erlotinib in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we performed a meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS An electronic literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and other databases was performed. Literature was retrieved on December 2, 2019. We collected and compared RCTs on antiangiogenic drugs combined with erlotinib (A + E) for NSCLC, and analyzed outcomes including overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and incidence of severe adverse events (grade ≥3 AEs). RESULTS Compared with the control group, combined treatment did not increase the ORR (RR 1.03, 95% CI: 0.95-1.11, P=0.52) or prolong OS (HR 1.03, 95% CI: 0.91-1.17, P=0.24); however, a significant improvement was seen in PFS (HR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.57-0.70, P<0.001). The subgroup analysis showed that patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and patients with adenocarcinoma could benefit from combination therapy, as could those from Asian populations. Although combination therapy was found to carry an increased incidence of grade 3 or higher adverse events including diarrhea and proteinuria, these remained within controllable levels. CONCLUSIONS Anti-angiogenic drugs used in combination with erlotinib can significantly prolong PFS in patients with advanced NSCLC.
Use of Bispectrum Analysis to Inspect the Non-Linear Dynamic Characteristics of Beam-Type Structures Containing a Breathing Crack

A breathing crack is a typical form of structural damage attributed to long-term dynamic loads acting on engineering structures. Traditional linear damage identification methods suffer from the loss of valuable information when structural responses are essentially non-linear. To deal with this issue, bispectrum analysis is employed to study the non-linear dynamic characteristics of a beam structure containing a breathing crack, from the perspective of numerical simulation and experimental validation. A finite element model of a cantilever beam is built with contact elements to simulate a breathing crack. The effects of crack depth and location, excitation frequency and magnitude, and measurement noise on the non-linear behavior of the beam are studied systematically. The result demonstrates that bispectral analysis can effectively identify non-linear damage in different states with strong noise immunity. Compared with existing methods, the bispectral non-linear analysis can efficiently extract non-linear features of a breathing crack, and it can overcome the limitations of existing linear damage detection methods used for non-linear damage detection. This study’s outcome provides a theoretical basis and a paradigm for damage identification in cracked structures.
AAV-Mediated CRISPRi and RNAi Based Gene Silencing in Mouse Hippocampal Neurons

Uncovering the physiological role of individual proteins that are part of the intricate process of cellular signaling is often a complex and challenging task. A straightforward strategy of studying a protein’s function is by manipulating the expression rate of its gene. In recent years, the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9-based technology was established as a powerful gene-editing tool for generating sequence specific changes in proliferating cells. However, obtaining homogeneous populations of transgenic post-mitotic neurons by CRISPR/Cas9 turned out to be challenging. These constraints can be partially overcome by CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), which mediates the inhibition of gene expression by competing with the transcription machinery for promoter binding and, thus, transcription initiation. Notably, CRISPR/Cas is only one of several described approaches for the manipulation of gene expression. Here, we targeted neurons with recombinant Adeno-associated viruses to induce either CRISPRi or RNA interference (RNAi), a well-established method for impairing de novo protein biosynthesis by using cellular regulatory mechanisms that induce the degradation of pre-existing mRNA. We specifically targeted hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, which are widely expressed in neuronal tissues and play essential physiological roles in maintaining biophysical characteristics in neurons. Both of the strategies reduced the expression levels of three HCN isoforms (HCN1, 2, and 4) with high specificity. Furthermore, detailed analysis revealed that the knock-down of just a single HCN isoform (HCN4) in hippocampal neurons did not affect basic electrical parameters of transduced neurons, whereas substantial changes emerged in HCN-current specific properties.
When the going gets tough: Power affects the process of making tough decisions

ABSTRACT Powerful roles often require individuals to cope with impactful, complicated decisions. The present article reports two experiments investigating the effect of manipulated power mindset on the process of decision-making under different conditions: high vs. low choice conflict (Exp. 1) or high vs. no cognitive load (Exp. 2). Results showed that under the high-choice conflict and high-cognitive load conditions, high-power participants were more likely than low-power participants to take less time, adopt an alternative-based (rather than attribute-based) strategy, rate the tasks as easier, and report higher confidence in and satisfaction with their decisions. Power had no effect on the decision-making process under the low-choice conflict and no-cognitive load conditions. These results suggest that power interacts with choice difficulty to affect the decision-making process.
The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome According to Grip Strength in Teenagers

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adolescents is increasing. Recently, the relevance of grip strength as a factor of metabolic syndrome in this population has raised questions. This study investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to grip strength in children and adolescents using large-scale data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHNS). From 2014 to 2018, 1527 boys and 1292 girls participated in the KNHNS. The participants were classified into three groups according to age: 10–12 years (early teenager, ET), 13–15 years (middle teenager, MT), and 16–18 years (late teenager, LT). The participants were classified as having metabolic syndrome if they fulfilled three of the adolescent metabolic syndrome criteria. The grip strength was divided into groups with high and low grip strength, respectively, and the cutoff value for the prevalence was calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. There were significant differences in waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels based on grip strength in the ET, MT, and LT groups. Therefore, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was lower when grip strength was higher. The cut-off values of the relative grip strength (kg/body weight) to predict metabolic syndrome among boys were 0.349, 0.466, and 0.485 for the ET, MT, and LT groups, respectively. The corresponding cut-off values for girls were 0.373, 0.383, and 0.382, respectively. In conclusion, there is a non-linear relationship between grip strength and metabolic syndrome in adolescents.