Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Meta-analysis of University STEM Summer Bridge Program Effectiveness

University science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) summer bridge programs provide incoming STEM university students additional course work and preparation before they begin their studies. These programs are designed to reduce attrition and increase the diversity of students pursuing STEM majors and STEM career paths. A meta-analysis of 16 STEM summer bridge programs was conducted. Results showed that program participation had a medium-sized effect on first-year overall grade point average (d = 0.34) and first-year university retention (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.747). Although this meta-analytic research reflects a limited amount of available quantitative academic data on summer STEM bridge programs, this study nonetheless provides important quantitative inroads into much-needed research on programs’ objective effectiveness. These results articulate the importance of thoughtful experimental design and how further research might guide STEM bridge program development to increase the success and retention of matriculating STEM students.
Interfacility transfer communication of multidrug-resistant organism colonization or infection status: Practices and barriers in the acute-care setting

Abstract Objective: To describe interfacility transfer communication (IFTC) methods for notification of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) status in a diverse sample of acute-care hospitals. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Participants: Hospitals within the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) Research Network (SRN). Methods: SRN members completed an electronic survey on protocols and methods for IFTC. We assessed differences in IFTC frequency, barriers, and perceived benefit by presence of an IFTC protocol. Results: Among 136 hospital representatives who were sent the survey, 54 (40%) responded, of whom 72% reported having an IFTC protocol in place. The presence of a protocol did not differ significantly by hospital size, academic affiliation, or international status. Of those with IFTC protocols, 44% reported consistent notification of MDRO status (>75% of the time) to receiving facilities, as opposed to 13% from those with no IFTC protocol (P = .04). Respondents from hospitals with IFTC protocols reported significantly fewer barriers to communication compared to those without (2.8 vs 4.3; P = .03). Overall, however, most respondents (56%) reported a lack of standardization in communication. Presence of an IFTC protocol did not affect whether respondents perceived IFTC protocols as having a significant impact on infection prevention or antimicrobial stewardship. Conclusions: Most respondents reported having an IFTC protocol, which was associated with reduced communication barriers at transfer. Standardization of protocols and clarity about expectations for sending and receipt of information related to MDRO status may facilitate IFTC and promote appropriate and timely infection prevention practices.
Microbiome-immune interactions in tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an infectious disease of global significance and a leading cause of death in low- and middle-income countries. Significant effort has been directed towards understanding Mycobacterium tuberculosis genomics, virulence, and pathophysiology within the framework of Koch postulates. More recently, the advent of “-omics” approaches has broadened our appreciation of how “commensal” microbes have coevolved with their host and have a central role in shaping health and susceptibility to disease. It is now clear that there is a diverse repertoire of interactions between the microbiota and host immune responses that can either sustain or disrupt homeostasis. In the context of the global efforts to combatting TB, such findings and knowledge have raised important questions: Does microbiome composition indicate or determine susceptibility or resistance to M. tuberculosis infection? Is the development of active disease or latent infection upon M. tuberculosis exposure influenced by the microbiome? Does microbiome composition influence TB therapy outcome and risk of reinfection with M. tuberculosis? Can the microbiome be actively managed to reduce risk of M. tuberculosis infection or recurrence of TB? Here, we explore these questions with a particular focus on microbiome-immune interactions that may affect TB susceptibility, manifestation and progression, the long-term implications of anti-TB therapy, as well as the potential of the host microbiome as target for clinical manipulation.
Identification and Characterization of Species-Specific Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Physicochemical Properties

There is an urgent need to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) so that vaccines and treatments can be devised. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has genetic similarity with bats and pangolin viruses, but a comprehensive understanding of the functions of its proteins at the amino acid sequence level is lacking. A total of 4320 sequences of human and nonhuman coronaviruses was retrieved from the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data and the National Center for Biotechnology Information. This work proposes an optimization method COVID-Pred with an efficient feature selection algorithm to classify the species-specific coronaviruses based on physicochemical properties (PCPs) of their sequences. COVID-Pred identified a set of 11 PCPs using a support vector machine and achieved 10-fold cross-validation and test accuracies of 99.53% and 97.80%, respectively. These findings could provide key insights into understanding the driving forces during the course of infection and assist in developing effective therapies.
Associations between unmet needs for daytime activities and company and scores on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire in people with dementia: a longitudinal study

Abstract Objectives To examine prospectively the association between unmet needs for daytime activities and company and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Methods We included 451 people with mild or moderate dementia, from eight European countries, who were assessed three times over 12 months. Unmet needs were measured with the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly. Three sub-syndromes of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire were regressed, one-by-one, against unmet needs for daytime activities and company, adjusting for demographic and clinical-functional covariates. Results Unmet needs for daytime activities were associated with more affective symptoms at baseline, six and twelve months, mean 0.74 (p < 0.001), 0.76 (p < 0.001) and 0.78 (p = 0.001) points higher score respectively, and with more psychotic symptoms at baseline (mean 0.39 points, p = 0.007) and at six months follow-up (mean 0.31 points, p = 0.006). Unmet needs for company were associated with more affective symptoms at baseline, six and twelve months, mean 0.44 (p = 0.033), 0.67 (p < 0.001) and 0.91 (p < 0.001) points higher score respectively, and with more psychotic symptoms at baseline (mean 0.40 points, p = 0.005) and at six months (mean 0.35 points, p = 0.002) follow-up. Conclusion Interventions to reduce unmet needs for daytime activities and company could reduce affective and psychotic symptoms in people with dementia.
Acceleration of Brain TOF-MRA with Compressed Sensitivity Encoding: A Multicenter Clinical Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The clinical practice of three-dimensional TOF-MRA, despite its capability in brain artery assessment, has been hampered by the relatively long scan time, while recent developments in fast imaging techniques with random undersampling has shed light on an improved balance between image quality and imaging speed. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of TOF-MRA accelerated by compressed sensitivity encoding and to identify the optimal acceleration factors for routine clinical use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred subjects, enrolled at 5 centers, underwent 8 brain TOF-MRA sequences: 5 sequences using compressed sensitivity encoding with acceleration factors of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 (CS2, CS4, CS6, CS8, and CS10), 2 using sensitivity encoding with factors of 2 and 4 (SF2 and SF4), and 1 without acceleration as a reference sequence (RS). Five large arteries, 6 medium arteries, and 6 small arteries were evaluated quantitatively (reconstructed signal intensity, structural similarity, contrast ratio) and qualitatively (scores on arteries, artifacts, overall image quality, and diagnostic confidence for aneurysm and stenosis). Comparisons were performed among the 8 sequences. RESULTS: The quantitative measurements showed that the reconstructed signal intensities of the assessed arteries and the structural similarity consistently decreased as the compressed sensitivity encoding acceleration factor increased, and no significant difference was found for the contrast ratios in pair-wise comparisons among SF2, CS2, and CS4. Qualitative evaluations showed no significant difference in pair-wise comparisons among RS, SF2, and CS2 (P > .05). The visualization of all the assessed arteries was acceptable for CS2 and CS4, while 2 small arteries in images of CS6 were not reliably displayed, and the visualization of large arteries was acceptable in images of CS8 and CS10. CONCLUSIONS: CS4 is recommended for routine brain TOF-MRA with balanced image quality and acquisition time; CS6, for examinations when small arteries are not evaluated; and CS10, for fast visualization of large arteries.
Towards advanced paramagnetic nanoassemblies of highly ordered interior nanostructures as potential MRI contrast agents

This paper reports on the synthesis, physicochemical characterisation and relaxation properties of a novel paramagnetic amphiphile, Gd–DTPA–Tris–trioleate (Gd–DTPA–Tris–TO), designed with the aim of obtaining paramagnetic nanoassemblies of highly ordered internal nanostructures made solely from the paramagnetic amphiphiles. The synthesis involved conjugating a Gd(III) chelated diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid to three unsaturated acyl chains (oleates) via a tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane molecule. Bulk lyotropic mesophases of the amphiphile were found to possess hexagonal nanostructures in excess water as characterised by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Upon dispersion of the bulk mesophases in an aqueous solution containing a steric stabiliser, stable nanoassemblies were obtained, which were confirmed to be liposomal when imaged by cryogenic-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and analysed by synchrotron SAXS. Relaxation properties were determined by the analyses of the variable temperature 1H nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion (NMRD) profiles using the classical inner and outer sphere theories, and a ‘model-free’ Lipari and Szabo approach. The relaxivities of the paramagnetic nanoassemblies were found to be higher than for Magnevist® (Gd–DTPA), and comparable to previously reported nanoassemblies with paramagnetic amphiphiles. The Gd–DTPA–Tris–TO nanoassemblies were found to be slowly reorientating and their water exchange rate comparable to Omniscan™ (Gd–DTPA–bis(methylamide) or Gd–DTPA–BMA). The ability of these nanoassemblies to deliver large payloads of Gd(III) ions along with slow molecular reorientation and high relaxivity makes them suitable candidates to be explored as advanced MRI contrast agents.
Insulin Stimulation Reduces Aortic Waveform in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome.

Adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have increased fasting arterial stiffness and altered central hemodynamics that contribute, partly, to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Although insulin affects aortic wave reflections in healthy adults, the effects in individuals with MetS are unclear. We hypothesized that insulin stimulation would reduce measures of pressure waveforms and hemodynamics in people with MetS. Thirty-five adults with obesity (27F; 54.2 ± 6.0 yr; 37.1 ± 4.8 kg/m2) were selected for MetS (ATP III criteria) following an overnight fast. Pulse wave analysis was assessed using applanation tonometry before and after a 2hr euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (90 mg/dl, 40 mU/m2/min). Deconvolution analysis was used to decompose the aortic waveform (augmentation index corrected to heart rate of 75 bpm (AIx@75); augmentation pressure (AP)) into backward and forward pressure components. Aerobic fitness (VO2max), body composition (DXA), and blood biochemistries were also assessed. Insulin significantly reduced augmentation index (AIx@75, 28.0 ± 9.6 vs. 23.0 ± 9.9 %, P<0.01), augmentation pressure (14.8 ± 6.4 vs. 12.0 ± 5.7 mmHg, P<0.01), pulse pressure amplification (1.26 ± 0.01 vs. 0.03 ± 0.01, P=0.01), and inflammation (hsCRP: P=0.02; MMP-7: P=0.03) compared to fasting. In subgroup analyses to understand HTN influence, there were no insulin stimulation differences on any outcome. VO2max, visceral fat, and blood potassium correlated with fasting AIx@75 (r=-0.39, P=0.02; r=0.41, P=0.03; r=-0.53, P=0.002). Potassium levels were also associated with insulin-mediated reductions in AP (r=0.52, P=0.002). Our results suggest insulin stimulation improves indices of aortic reflection in adults with MetS.
Exposure to Select Pathogens in an Expanding Moose ( Alces alces) Population in North Dakota, USA

Abstract: Forty female moose (Alces alces) captured in North Dakota, US, in March 2014 were tested for antibodies to a variety of pathogens. Antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) were detected in 39 (98%) moose following a year with a high number of human cases, suggesting the population accurately reflects WNV activity. Fifteen percent of moose (6/40) had antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, implying expansion of the tick vector into the area. Antibodies to Anaplasma spp. were detected in 55% of moose (22/40), a higher rate than previously detected in cattle from the region. Low titers (100–400) to one or more serovars of Leptospira spp. were detected in 23% of moose (9/40), a common finding in wild ruminants. Exposure to other pathogens was uncommon (<8%; <3/40) or not documented. Survival and recruitment were high during the study period, suggesting a limited population-level impact at current levels of exposure and environmental co-stressors.
Hormone Therapy in Menopause: Concepts, Controversies, and Approach to Treatment

Abbreviations: BMD, bone mineral density; CAC, carotid artery calcium; cBHT, compounded bioidentical hormone therapy; CEEs, conjugated equine estrogens; CGHFBC, Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer; CHD, coronary heart disease; CIMT, carotid artery intima-media thickness; COC, combined oral contraceptive; CVD, cardiovascular disease; DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone; DVT, deep vein thrombosis; E 2 , estradiol; E-alone, estrogen-alone trial; EEs, esterified estrogens; ELITE, Early vs Late Intervention Trial with Estradiol; EPT, estrogen and progestin therapy; ER, estrogen receptor; FDA, US Food and Drug Administration; FMP, final menstrual period; GSM, genitourinary syndrome of menopause; HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; Abstract Hormone therapy (HT) is an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms and genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Randomized trials also demonstrate positive effects on bone health, and age-stratified analyses indicate more favorable effects on coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality in younger women (close proximity to menopause) than in women more than a decade past menopause. In the absence of contraindications or other major comorbidities, recently menopausal women with moderate or severe symptoms are appropriate candidates for HT. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) hormone therapy trials—estrogen and progestin trial and the estrogen-alone trial—clarified the benefits and risks of HT, including how the results differed by age. A key lesson from the WHI trials, which was unfortunately lost in the posttrial cacophony, was that the risk:benefit ratio and safety profile of HT differed markedly by clinical characteristics of the participants, especially age, time since menopause, and comorbidity HT trials, we aim to provide readers with an improved understanding of the importance of the timing of HT initiation, type and route of administration, and of patient-specific considerations that should be weighed when prescribing HT.
Residential area and screening venue location features associated with spatial variation in breast cancer screening invitation response rates: an observational study in Greater Sydney, Australia

Objectives Participation in breast cancer screening (BCS) varies at the small-area level, which may reflect environmental influences. This study assessed small-area variation in BCS invitation response rates (IRRs) and associations between small-area BCS IRR, sociodemographic factors, BCS venue distance and venue location features in Greater Sydney, Australia. Methods BCS IRR data for 2011–2012 were compiled for 9528 Australian Bureau of Statistics Statistical Area Level 1 (SA1) units (n=227 474 women). A geographial information system was used to extract SA1-level sociodemographic features (proportions of women speaking English at home, full-time employed and university educated, and proportion of dwellings with motor vehicles), SA1-level distance to closest venue(s) (expressed as quartiles), and closest venue(s) colocated with bus stops, train station, hospital, general practitioner and shops. Associations between area-level features, BCS venue distance, venue location features and IRR were estimated using ordinary least square-type spatial lag models including area education as a covariate. Results BCS IRR varied across SA1s (mean=59.8%, range: 0%–100%), with notable spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I=0.803). BCS IRR was positively associated with greater SA1-level proportion of women speaking English at home (β=2.283, 95% CI 2.024 to 2.543), women’s education (in the model including speaking English at home β=0.454, 95% CI 0.211 to 0.697), dwellings with motor vehicles (β=1.836, 95% CI 1.594 to 2.078), greater distance to venue (eg, most distant quartile compared with closest: β=6.249, 95% CI 5.489 to 7.008), and BCS venue colocated with shops (β=0.762, 95% CI 0.273 to 1.251). Greater SA1-level women employment (β=−0.613, 95% CI −0.898 to −0.328) and venue colocated with train station (β=−1.889, 95% CI −2.376 to −1.402) or hospital (β=−0.677, 95% CI −1.164 to −0.189) were inversely related to BCS IRR. Conclusions Small-area variation in BCS IRR exists for Greater Sydney and is strongly related to sociodemographic factors that, together with BCS venue location features, could inform targeted attempts to improve IRR.
The role of extracellular DNA (exDNA) in cellular processes

ABSTRACT Nowadays, extracellular DNA or circulating cell-free DNA is considered to be a molecule with clinical applications (diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring of treatment responses, or patient follow-up) in diverse pathologies, especially in cancer. Nevertheless, because of its molecular characteristics, it can have many other functions. This review focuses on the participation of extracellular DNA (exDNA) in fundamental processes such as cell signaling, coagulation, immunity, evolution through horizontal transfer of genetic information, and adaptive response to inflammatory processes. A deeper understanding of its role in each of these processes will allow development of better tools to monitor and control pathologies, as well as helping to generate new therapeutic options, beyond the applicability of DNA in liquid biopsy.
Usability of a Mobile App for Real-Time Assessment of Fatigue and Related Symptoms in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Observational Study

Background Although fatigue is one of the most debilitating symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), its pathogenesis is not well understood. Neurogenic, inflammatory, endocrine, and metabolic mechanisms have been proposed. Taking into account the temporal dynamics and comorbid mood symptoms of fatigue may help differentiate fatigue phenotypes. These phenotypes may reflect different pathogeneses and may respond to different mechanism-specific treatments. Although several tools have been developed to assess various symptoms (including fatigue), monitor clinical status, or improve the perceived level of fatigue in patients with MS, options for a detailed, real-time assessment of MS-related fatigue and relevant comorbidities are still limited. Objective This study aims to present a novel mobile app specifically designed to differentiate fatigue phenotypes using circadian symptom monitoring and state-of-the-art characterization of MS-related fatigue and its related symptoms. We also aim to report the first findings regarding patient compliance and the relationship between compliance and patient characteristics, including MS disease severity. Methods After developing the app, we used it in a prospective study designed to investigate the brain magnetic resonance imaging correlates of MS-related fatigue. In total, 64 patients with MS were recruited into this study and asked to use the app over a 2-week period. The app features the following modules: Visual Analogue Scales (VASs) to assess circadian changes in fatigue, depression, anxiety, and pain; daily sleep diaries (SLDs) to assess sleep habits and quality; and 10 one-time questionnaires to assess fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleepiness, physical activity, and motivation, as well as several other one-time questionnaires that were created to assess those relevant aspects of fatigue that were not captured by existing fatigue questionnaires. The app prompts subjects to assess their symptoms multiple times a day and enables real-time symptom monitoring through a web-accessible portal. Results Of 64 patients, 56 (88%) used the app, of which 51 (91%) completed all one-time questionnaires and 47 (84%) completed all one-time questionnaires, VASs, and SLDs. Patients reported no issues with the usage of the app, and there were no technical issues with our web-based data collection system. The relapsing-remitting MS to secondary-progressive MS ratio was significantly higher in patients who completed all one-time questionnaires, VASs, and SLDs than in those who completed all one-time questionnaires but not all VASs and SLDs (P=.01). No other significant differences in demographics, fatigue, or disease severity were observed between the degrees of compliance. Conclusions The app can be used with reasonable compliance across patients with relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive MS irrespective of demographics, fatigue, or disease severity.