Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical features and outcomes of elderly patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis: a single-center retrospective study

Background We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients aged ≥65 years with antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-positive ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) in Korea. Methods Seventy patients diagnosed with ANCA-positive AAV from 2006 to 2019 at a single center were analyzed and categorized into younger (aged <65 years) or elderly (aged ≥65 years) groups. Initial induction treatments were investigated according to age group. All-cause mortality and kidney outcomes were evaluated. Results After categorization by age, 34 (48.6%) and 36 patients (51.4%) were in the younger and elderly groups, respectively. In the elderly group, more patients were treated with oral cyclophosphamide (CYC) (30.6%) than with intravenous CYC (19.4%). During a median follow-up of 14.6 months (range, 3.0–53.1 months), 13 patients died (elderly group: 11 patients, 84.6%). In the elderly group, older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.90; p = 0.01), lower hemoglobin (HR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08–0.60; p = 0.003), and higher serum creatinine level (HR 14.17; 95% CI, 1.29–155.84; p = 0.03) were significant risk factors for all-cause mortality after adjustment. Oral CYC + steroid treatment was associated with decreased all-cause mortality compared to untreated induction immunosuppressants (HR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.001–0.47; p = 0.02). Kidney failure or kidney recovery outcomes were not significantly different between the younger and elderly groups. Conclusion Patients aged ≥65 years had higher mortality rates than younger patients, and mortality was associated with older age, lower hemoglobin, higher serum creatinine level, and nontreatment compared to oral CYC + steroids.
Pulsed phase thermography reviewed

Pulsed Phase Thermography has considerably evolved since it was originally introduced in 1996. In this paper, a general review of the technique is presented. The different types of uncertainties related to data acquisition and processing are identified. Equivalence between discrete and continuous Fourier Transforms when applied to thermographic data is discussed in detail. As will be pointed out, the optimal solution for a Pulsed Phase problem, qualitative or quantitative, arises from a compromise between sampling rate, truncation window size and the available computer power. The theoretical concepts introduced here are reinforced with a variety of experimental results.
Digital in-line holography with numerical reconstruction

Digital in-line holography with numerical reconstruction has been developed in our group into a tool that routinely achieves both lateral and depth resolution at and below the micron level. The experimental and numerical procedures have been incorporated into a program package with a very fast reconstruction algorithm that is now capable of real time reconstruction. This is demonstrated for such diverse objects as fibers, suspensions of microspheres and biological samples (epithelial cells, the eye of Drosophila melanogaster larva), and the advantages are discussed by comparing the holographic reconstructions with images taken with conventional optical microscopy.
Predictors of mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy in a long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy (EDMD) is an extremely rare muscular dystrophy due to either emerinopathy (EMD) or laminopathy (LMNA). The main risk for patients is that of cardiovascular complications. AIMS The aim of this study was to identify predictors of adverse clinical events in patients with EDMD in long-term follow-up observation. METHODS A total of 45 patients with confirmed EMD or LMNA mutation were included in the study. The relationships between clinical parameters, the overall survival rate, and risk factors for disease progression were assessed. The primary endpoint was defined as death, while the secondary endpoint comprised death, resuscitated cardiac arrest (RCA), heart transplant (HTX), stroke, end-stage heart failure (ESHF), and hospitalization due to heart failure (HF). RESULTS During a median length of follow-up observation of ten years (interquartile range, 5-15), ten patients (22%) died, one suffered RCA, two had HTX, and six suffered ischemic strokes (13%). Seven patients developed ESHF and eight were hospitalized due to HF. The secondary endpoint occurred in 16 patients (36%). LMNA mutation (hazard ratio [HR], 6.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61-22.4; P = 0.008) and higher serum N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.06-1.56 per 100 pg/ml; P = 0.01) increased the risk of death. Higher tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) decreased the risk for the secondary endpoint (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.90 mm; P <0.001). NT-proBNP >257 pg/ml and TAPSE <21 mm may be assumed as the best cut-off values for the primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. CONCLUSIONS LMNA mutation and higher NT-proBNP concentration were associated with increased mortality in EDMD. Lower TAPSE was a predictor of a composite secondary endpoint in EDMD.
Nanometer-resolution in situ structure of the SARS-CoV-2 postfusion spike protein

Significance Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a severe threat to public health and the global economy. Its spike protein is responsible for the membrane fusion and is thus a major target for vaccine and drug development. Our study presents the in situ structure of the spike protein in the postfusion state with higher resolution, giving further insights into the design of a viral entry inhibitor. Our observation of the oligomerization states of spikes on the viral membrane implies a possible mechanism of membrane fusion for viral infection. The spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mediates membrane fusion to allow entry of the viral genome into host cells. To understand its detailed entry mechanism and develop a specific entry inhibitor, in situ structural information on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in different states is urgent. Here, by using cryo-electron tomography, we observed both prefusion and postfusion spikes in β-propiolactone–inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virions and solved the in situ structure of the postfusion spike at nanometer resolution. Compared to previous reports, the six-helix bundle fusion core, the glycosylation sites, and the location of the transmembrane domain were clearly resolved. We observed oligomerization patterns of the spikes on the viral membrane, likely suggesting a mechanism of fusion pore formation.
Conjugation of Silver Nanoparticles With De Novo–Engineered Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides: Exploratory Proposal

Background Cationic antimicrobial peptides have broad antimicrobial activity and provide a novel way of targeting multidrug-resistant bacteria in the era of increasing antimicrobial resistance. Current developments show positive prospects for antimicrobial peptides and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) individually. Objective The primary objective is to propose another method for enhancing antimicrobial activity by conjugating AgNPs with cationic antimicrobial peptides, with a subsequent preliminary assessment of the minimum inhibitory concentration of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The secondary objective is to evaluate the safety of the conjugated compound and assess its viability for in vivo use. Methods The proposal involves 3 stages. First, WLBU2C, a modified version of the antimicrobial peptide WLBU2 with an added cysteine group, needs to be synthesized using a standard Fmoc procedure. It can then be stably conjugated with AgNPs ideally through photochemical means. Second, the WLBU2C-AgNP conjugate should be tested for antimicrobial activity according to the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute manual on standard minimum inhibitory concentration testing. Third, the cytotoxicity of the conjugate should be tested using cell lysis assays if the above stages are completed. Results I-TASSER (iterative threading assembly refinement) simulation revealed that the modified peptide WLBU2C has a secondary structure similar to that of the original WLBU2 peptide. No other results have been obtained at this time. Conclusions The addition of AgNPs to already developed de novo–engineered antimicrobial peptides provides an opportunity for the development of potent antimicrobials. Future prospects include emergency last-line therapy and treatment for current difficult-to-eradicate bacterial colonization, such as in cystic fibrosis, implantable medical devices, cancer, and immunotherapy. As I do not anticipate funding at this time, I hope this proposal provides inspiration to other researchers. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/28307
PPDTS: Predicting potential drug–target interactions based on network similarity

Abstract Identification of drug–target interactions (DTIs) has great practical importance in the drug discovery process for known diseases. However, only a small proportion of DTIs in these databases has been verified experimentally, and the computational methods for predicting the interactions remain challenging. As a result, some effective computational models have become increasingly popular for predicting DTIs. In this work, the authors predict potential DTIs from the local structure of drug–target associations' network, which is different from the traditional global network similarity methods based on structure and ligand. A novel method called PPDTS is proposed to predict DTIs. First, according to the DTIs’ network local structure, the known DTIs are converted into a binary network. Second, the Resource Allocation algorithm is used to obtain a drug–drug similarity network and a target–target similarity network. Third, a Collaborative Filtering algorithm is used with the known drug–target topology information to obtain similarity scores. Fourth, the linear combination of drug–target similarity model and the target–drug similarity model are innovatively proposed to obtain the final prediction results. Finally, the experimental performance of PPDTS has proved to be higher than that of the previously mentioned four popular network‐based similarity methods, which is validated in different experimental datasets. Some of the predicted results can be supported in UniProt and DrugBank databases.
Multiobjective optimisation method for life-cycle design of mechanical products

Manufacturing that minimises the exhaustion of natural resources, energy used and deleterious environmental impact is increasingly demanded by societies that seek to protect global environments as much as possible. To achieve this, life-cycle design (LCD) is an essential component of product design scenarios; however, LCD approaches have not been well integrated in optimal design methods that support quantitative decision-making. This study presents a method that yields quantitative solutions through optimisation analysis of a basic product design incorporating life-cycle considerations. We consider two types of optimisation approaches that have different aims, namely, (1) to reduce the use of raw materials and energy consumption and (2) to facilitate the reuse of the product or its parts when it reaches the end of its useful life. We also focus on how the optimisation results differ according to the approach used, from the viewpoint of the 3R concept (Reduce, Reuse and Recycling). Our method obtains optimum solutions by evaluating objectives fitted to each of these two optimisation approaches with respect to the product's life-cycle stages, which are manufacturing, use, maintenance, disposal, reuse and recycling. As an applied example, a simple linear robot model is presented, and Pareto optimum solutions are obtained for the multiobjective optimisation problem whose evaluated objectives are the operating accuracy of the robot and the different life-cycle costs for the two approaches. The characteristics of the evaluated objectives and design variables, as well as the effects of using material characteristics as design parameters, are also examined.
Autoinducer‐2‐mediated quorum‐sensing system resists T4 phage infection in Escherichia coli

In response to the restriction of nutrients and predation by natural enemies, bacteria have evolved complex coping strategies to ensure the reproduction and survival of individual species. Quorum sensing (QS) is involved in the bacterial response to phage predation and regulation of cellular metabolism. However, to date, no clear evidence exists regarding the involvement of autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2)‐mediated QS systems in Escherichia coli in response to the challenges of nutrient restriction and phage infection. In this study, the role of the AI‐2‐mediated QS system in resisting T4 phage infection and regulating cell mechanisms in E. coli was revealed for the first time. This effect of the AI‐2‐mediated QS was achieved by simultaneously downregulating the T4 absorption site and carbon and glucose metabolism. Additionally, we found that lsrB, a metabolic brake, participates in AI‐2‐mediated regulation and maintenance of the normal metabolic balance of cells. The novel phage defense strategy and regulation and maintenance of cellular metabolism effectively limited the expansion of the phage population.
Thriving under pressure: The effects of stress-related wise interventions on affect, sleep, and exam performance for college students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Nearly all students experience stress as they pursue important academic goals. Because stress can be magnified for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, it becomes important to identify interventions that can help mitigate this stress, particularly for these populations as they enter academic environments. We examine the effects of stress mindset and stress management interventions administered to students from disadvantaged backgrounds (N = 140) before freshman year. We compare effects on affect, sleep, and performance during end-of-year exams seen in a subset of these students who could be tracked via experience sampling (N = 57) to those of a comparison group at the same elite university (N = 74) receiving no such stress interventions. As predicted, we find significant differences in exam-week positive affect between the stress mindset and comparison groups. However, there was no difference in positive affect between the stress mindset and management groups or the stress management and comparison groups. For negative affect, stress, sleep, and exam performance, we find no significant differences between any of the three groups. However, both stress interventions decoupled the significant negative association between exam-week stress and exam performance exhibited by the comparison group, rendering the relationship nonsignificant. The reduction in this association was somewhat more pronounced for the mindset relative to the management group. These findings suggest that mindset and management approaches both confer benefits in certain circumstances and highlight the potential value of targeting mindsets about stress using a "wise intervention" approach for students from disadvantaged backgrounds during stressful times. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Impact of a culturally tailored informative video on cervical cancer: a pilot study with Amazonian women in treatment for cervical cancer

Abstract The present study is a randomised pilot study that evaluated a culturally tailored video promoting information about cervical cancer (CC), developed with Amazonian women in treatment for CC. The sample included 63 patients in treatment for CC who were randomly assigned to three groups of 21 patients. The experimental group watched an informative video about CC. The active control group watched a video on healthy habits and the passive control group received no intervention. The groups were compared in terms of change in knowledge and illness perceptions, over time. The results showed that the experimental group was the only one with a significant increase in knowledge (β = .166; p = .03) that was not maintained over time (β = –.195; p = .04). Threatening illness perceptions about the disease increased in all groups over time (β = .105; p = .001). Future studies should replicate the results testing the efficacy of an audiovisual strategy in a larger sample, in health services that serve populations with similar social and cultural characteristics. This study emphasises the importance of interprofessional oncology teams providing clear information regarding CC, during all stages of the disease, and patients’ treatment. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Latin American countries, such as Brazil, the low coverage of screening for CC can be related to the low education of women and their difficulty of access to health care. Hence, educational interventions may be a good strategy to reinforce the importance of screening and increase knowledge about illness prevention and treatment. What the results of this study add? An audiovisual informational intervention on CC was developed, addressing prevention, causes, control, consequences and treatment while respecting the patients’ cultural and social reality through an approach that is simple and easy to understand. The group that watched the informative video was the only one that increased knowledge, revealing that it was a good CC informational strategy. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study confirmed the importance of developing informational and educational strategies that are appropriate to patients' social and cultural reality. The video is now available to health teams in primary, secondary and tertiary care units, as a strategy for health promotion and CC prevention.
Salmonella Genomic Island 1 requires a self‐encoded small RNA for mobilization

The SGI1‐family elements that are specifically mobilized by the IncA‐ and IncC‐family plasmids are important vehicles of antibiotic resistance among enteric bacteria. Although SGI1 exploits many plasmid‐derived conjugation and regulatory functions, the basic mobilization module of the island is unrelated to that of IncC plasmids. This module contains the oriT and encodes the mobilization proteins MpsA and MpsB, which belong to the tyrosine recombinases and not to relaxases. Here we report an additional, essential transfer factor of SGI1. This is a small RNA deriving from the 3′‐end of a primary RNA that can also serve as mRNA of ORF S022. The functional domain of this sRNA named sgm‐sRNA is encoded between the mpsA gene and the oriT of SGI1. Terminator‐like sequence near the promoter of the primary transcript possibly has a regulatory function in controlling the amount of full‐length primary RNA, which is converted to the active sgm‐sRNA through consecutive maturation steps influenced by the 5′‐end of the primary RNA. The mobilization module of SGI1 seems unique due to its atypical relaxase and the newly identified sgm‐sRNA, which is required for the horizontal transfer of the island but appears to act differently from classical regulatory sRNAs.
Variants of psychopathic personality in Korean and UK incarcerated offenders: Using latent profile analysis and discriminant analysis

Since the popularization of the Psychopathy Checklist‐Revised (PCL‐R), research on the construct of psychopathy has drastically increased. However, there has been little research examining the extent to which psychopathy varies across different cultures. This study is the first to use latent profile analysis to examine cultural variations in psychopathic traits between large samples of male inmates in Korean (n = 1102) and UK (n = 1316) prisons. Supplementary discriminate analysis was also used to validate the classification profiles and determine which items of the PCL‐R were most important in defining the differences or similarities between each of the classes in the two large samples. Based on the analysis, two variants of primary psychopathy could be distinguished in the Korean sample but not in the UK sample. Conversely, only secondary psychopathy was identified in the UK sample. This result was also confirmed by supplementary analysis, which verified classification accuracy and also provided structure matrixes listing the correlations between each PCL‐R item and the two discriminant functions. Our results point to the possibility of cultural differences in the structure of psychopathy and provide practical implications for clinical assessment and diagnosis.
From standard 3PL provider to service developer: a case study from the Swedish furniture industry

The strong competition between companies has resulted in an increased outsourcing of activities that are not considered core activities. This has created an emerging business opportunity in logistics, attracting several new actors and companies to enter the market and fill the demand for new services. These actors represent several types of providers who are often called Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the environment of a 3PL provider that also develops services. The focus is particularly on how the provider has evolved and identifying the key issues on how to be successful in the 3PL industry. The primary research strategy is a descriptive embedded single case study. The findings reveal that the case company has evolved from being a standard 3PL provider to a service developer, since it, in addition to traditional services, nowadays also provides more value-added services. These services involve a set of more standardised activities that can be combined according to each customer's wishes and requirements. The findings also reveal that the main requirements to be a successful service developer are a clear customer understanding and focus, value-added and customised services and reliable deliveries (both in terms of time and a low percentage of damaged goods), as well as the utilisation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
Seizure Prediction in Genetic Rat Models of Absence Epilepsy: Improved Performance through Multiple-Site Cortico-Thalamic Recordings Combined with Machine Learning

Abstract Seizure prediction is the grand challenge of epileptology. However, effort was devoted to prediction of focal seizures, while generalized seizures were regarded as stochastic events. Long-lasting local field potential (LFP) recordings containing several hundred generalized spike and wave discharges (SWDs), acquired at eight locations in the cortico-thalamic system of absence epileptic rats, were iteratively analyzed in all possible combinations of either two or three recording sites, by a wavelet-based algorithm, calculating the product of the wavelet-energy signaling increases in synchronicity. Sensitivity and false alarm rate of prediction were compared between various combinations, and wavelet spectra of true and false positive predictions were fed to a random forest machine learning algorithm to further differentiate between them. Wavelet analysis of intracortical and cortico-thalamic LFP traces showed a significantly smaller number of false alarms compared with intrathalamic combinations, while predictions based on recordings in Layers IV, V, and VI of the somatosensory-cortex significantly outreached all other combinations in terms of prediction sensitivity. In 24-h out-of-sample recordings of nine Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS), containing diurnal fluctuations of SWD occurrence, classification of true and false positives by the trained random forest further reduced the false alarm rate by 71%, although at some trade-off between false alarms and sensitivity of prediction, as reflected in relatively low F1 score values. Results provide support for the cortical-focus theory of absence epilepsy and allow the conclusion that SWDs are predictable to some degree. The latter paves the way for the development of closed-loop SWD prediction-prevention systems. Suggestions for a possible translation to human data are outlined.