Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social Media as a Research Tool (SMaaRT) for Risky Behavior Analytics: Methodological Review

Background Modifiable risky health behaviors, such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, being overweight, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits, are some of the major factors for developing chronic health conditions. Social media platforms have become indispensable means of communication in the digital era. They provide an opportunity for individuals to express themselves, as well as share their health-related concerns with peers and health care providers, with respect to risky behaviors. Such peer interactions can be utilized as valuable data sources to better understand inter-and intrapersonal psychosocial mediators and the mechanisms of social influence that drive behavior change. Objective The objective of this review is to summarize computational and quantitative techniques facilitating the analysis of data generated through peer interactions pertaining to risky health behaviors on social media platforms. Methods We performed a systematic review of the literature in September 2020 by searching three databases—PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus—using relevant keywords, such as “social media,” “online health communities,” “machine learning,” “data mining,” etc. The reporting of the studies was directed by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We extracted the required information from the selected studies. Results The initial search returned a total of 1554 studies, and after careful analysis of titles, abstracts, and full texts, a total of 64 studies were included in this review. We extracted the following key characteristics from all of the studies: social media platform used for conducting the study, risky health behavior studied, the number of posts analyzed, study focus, key methodological functions and tools used for data analysis, evaluation metrics used, and summary of the key findings. The most commonly used social media platform was Twitter, followed by Facebook, QuitNet, and Reddit. The most commonly studied risky health behavior was nicotine use, followed by drug or substance abuse and alcohol use. Various supervised and unsupervised machine learning approaches were used for analyzing textual data generated from online peer interactions. Few studies utilized deep learning methods for analyzing textual data as well as image or video data. Social network analysis was also performed, as reported in some studies. Conclusions Our review consolidates the methodological underpinnings for analyzing risky health behaviors and has enhanced our understanding of how social media can be leveraged for nuanced behavioral modeling and representation. The knowledge gained from our review can serve as a foundational component for the development of persuasive health communication and effective behavior modification technologies aimed at the individual and population levels.
Cell‐derived microparticles and sickle cell disease chronic vasculopathy in sub‐Saharan Africa: A multinational study

Although most individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) live in sub‐Saharan Africa, the natural history of the disease on this continent remains largely unknown. Intravascular haemolysis results in activation of circulating blood cells and release of microparticles (MPs) that exert pro‐inflammatory effects and contribute to vascular damage. We designed a case‐control study nested in the CADRE cohort (Coeur‐Artère‐DRÉpanocytose, clinical trials.gov identifier NCTO3114137) and based on extreme phenotypes, to analyse blood cell‐derived MPs in 232 adult SS patients at steady state in Bamako and Dakar. Thirty‐six healthy adult controls matched by age and sex were recruited in Bamako. The MPs concentrations were higher in SS patients compared to AA controls with a predominance of erythrocyte‐ and reticulocyte‐derived MPs. These erythroid‐derived MPs were significantly lower in patients with retinopathy (P = 0·022). Reticulocyte‐derived MPs were significantly negatively and positively associated with a history of priapism (P = 0·020) and leg ulcers (P = 0·041) respectively. We describe for the first time the comparative patterns of plasma MPs in healthy subjects and
Analgesic Efficacy of “Burst” and Tonic (500 Hz) Spinal Cord Stimulation Patterns: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Crossover Study

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy in reducing pain intensity in adult subjects suffering from chronic back and leg pain of burst (BST) and tonic sub‐threshold stimulation at 500 Hz (T500) vs. sham stimulation delivered by a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) device capable of automated postural adjustment of current intensity.
ATF4‐modified serum exosomes derived from osteoarthritic mice inhibit osteoarthritis by inducing autophagy

Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is critical for chondrocyte proliferation and bone formation. Exosomes are considered as promising gene‐delivery vehicles for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). This study utilized the serum‐derived exosomes from OA mice as the gene‐delivery vehicles for ATF4 gene therapy and explored their therapeutic effects on OA. Meniscus injury‐induced OA model was established by the excision of anterior part of medial meniscus in the right knee of C57BL/6J mice. Exosomes were isolated from serum samples of sham and OA mice, and were referred to as sham‐Exo and OA‐Exo, respectively. ATF4‐overexpressing OA‐Exo (ATF4‐OA‐Exo) was developed by introducing ATF4 mRNA into OA‐Exo via electroporation. Four weeks after surgery, OA mice received intra‐articular injections of sham‐Exo, OA‐Exo, and ATF4‐OA‐Exo, respectively. The results showed that intra‐articular injection of ATF4‐OA‐Exo alleviated articular cartilage degeneration or damage and inflammatory response of OA mice. Autophagy was weakened in knee joint cartilage of OA mice, which was partially restored by intra‐articular injection of ATF4‐OA‐Exo. Further in vitro assays revealed that ATF4‐OA‐Exo promoted chondrocyte autophagy and inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis in the TNF‐α‐ or tunicamycin‐treated chondrocytes. Together, ATF4‐modified serum exosomes derived from OA mice protect cartilage and alleviate OA progression by inducing autophagy.
A Computational and Experimental Investigation of the Origin of Selectivity in the Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Enantioselective Minisci Reaction

The Minisci reaction is one of the most valuable methods for directly functionalizing basic heteroarenes to form carbon–carbon bonds. Use of prochiral, heteroatom-substituted radicals results in stereocenters being formed adjacent to the heteroaromatic system, generating motifs which are valuable in medicinal chemistry and chiral ligand design. Recently a highly enantioselective and regioselective protocol for the Minisci reaction was developed, using chiral phosphoric acid catalysis. However, the precise mechanism by which this process operated and the origin of selectivity remained unclear, making it challenging to develop the reaction more generally. Herein we report further experimental mechanistic studies which feed into detailed DFT calculations that probe the precise nature of the stereochemistry-determining step. Computational and experimental evidence together support Curtin–Hammett control in this reaction, with initial radical addition being quick and reversible, and enantioselectivity being achieved in the subsequent slower, irreversible deprotonation. A detailed survey via DFT calculations assessed a number of different possibilities for selectivity-determining deprotonation of the radical cation intermediate. Computations point to a clear preference for an initially unexpected mode of internal deprotonation enacted by the amide group, which is a crucial structural feature of the radical precursor, with the assistance of the associated chiral phosphate. This unconventional stereodetermining step underpins the high enantioselectivities and regioselectivities observed. The mechanistic model was further validated by applying it to a test set of substrates possessing varied structural features.
Depressive Symptom Trajectories in Family Caregivers of Stroke Survivors During First Year of Caregiving.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of depressive symptom trajectory and examine the associations of the symptom trajectory with caregiving burden, family function, social support, and perceived health status of caregivers of stroke survivors during the first year of caregiving after discharge from rehabilitation center. METHODS Caregivers of stroke survivors completed a survey of depressive symptoms, caregiving burden, family function, perceived availability of social support, and perceived health status at postdischarge and 1 year. Patterns of depressive symptom trajectory (ie, symptom-free, symptom relieved, symptom developed, and persistent symptom groups) were identified by grouping depressive symptoms based on 2 assessments using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine the associations. RESULTS Of the 102 caregivers, 57.8% were symptom-free, 20.6% experienced persistent depressive symptoms, 11.8% relieved depressive symptoms, and 9.8% developed depressive symptoms. There were significant changes in family function (Wilks λ = 0.914, P = .038) and perceived health status (Wilks λ = 0.914, P = .033) among the groups during the first year of caregiving. The persistent symptom group reported the highest level of burden and the lowest level of family function and perceived availability of social support at both assessment times. Compared with symptom-free caregivers, caregivers with persistent depressive symptoms were 7 times more likely to have fair/poor health rather than excellent/very good health at 1 year (odds ratio, 7.149; P = .012). CONCLUSION Caregivers with persistent depressive symptoms are the most vulnerable to negative psychosocial outcomes and poor perceived health status during the first year of caregiving from discharge for stroke survivors.
Implementing a Substance Use Screening Protocol in Rural Federally Qualified Health Centers

INTRODUCTION: In 2018, nearly 20% of Americans aged 12 years and older reported using illicit substances, with higher rates in rural areas. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide health care to one in five rural Americans. However, estimates suggest that only 13.6% of patients in rural FQHCs receive substance use (SU) screening compared with 42.6% of patients in urban FQHCs. AIMS: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve patient quality and safety and meet Health Resources and Services Administration reporting requirements. These aims were achieved through the design and implementation of a new SU screening protocol in four FQHCs in rural Indiana. METHOD: Deming’s plan–do–study–act model was used to implement QI interventions to increase SU screening rates. A new SU screening tool, the National Institute on Drug Abuse –Modified Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Testwas implemented, and staff were trained on its use. the screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment model was used as a guiding framework. Outcome measures included a comparison of SU screening rates from the first quarter of 2019 to the first quarter of 2020, as well a pretest–posttest designed to measure staff knowledge and attitudes regarding SU. RESULTS: Baseline SU screening rate in 2019 was 0.87%. This increased to 24.8% by March 2020. Additionally, posttest results demonstrated improvement from staff on all indices, and an approval rating of 77% of the new SU screening practices. CONCLUSIONS: This project demonstrated that a low-cost QI intervention can increase SU screening rates in rural FQHCs, as well as improve staff knowledge and attitudes regarding SU.
Utilization of synchrotron-based and globar-sourced mid-infrared spectroscopy for faba nutritional research about molecular structural and nutritional interaction

Abstract The traditional wet chemistry analysis is to use combination of specific chemical reactions to quantify a group of compounds with similar chemical and nutritional properties. However, plant cell wall complex is not uniform in terms of chemical, physical or nutritional characteristics and the digestion progress is achieved by a series of enzymatic hydrolysis of specific chemical bonds which cannot be revealed by wet chemistry analysis. Synchrotron-based and globar-sourced mid-infrared spectroscopy instead utilizing the unique absorption of mid-infrared light at different frequencies and more information about specific chemical bonds can be revealed. As a result, taking spectral change during digestion into consideration may give some insight about nutritional utilization features. However, the utilization of synchrotron-based and globar-sourced mid-infrared spectroscopy on feed and food nutritional research is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide idea about how to systematically study the nutritional and spectral structure feature of faba bean with traditional and advanced synchrotron-based and globar-sourced vibrational molecular spectroscopy. The study reviews (1) Utilization of faba bean for human and animal consumption; (2) Traditional evaluation methods for faba bean nutritional characteristics and (3) Contribution of synchrotron-based and globar-sourced mid-infrared (Mid-IR) spectroscopy techniques to evaluate faba bean structural and molecular properties.
Inborn differences in emotional behavior coincide with alterations in hypothalamic paraventricular motor projections

Integrated behavioral responses to emotionally salient stimuli require the concomitant activation of descending neural circuits that integrate physiological, affective, and motor responses to stress. Our previous work interrogated descending circuits in the brainstem and spinal cord that project to motor and sympathetic targets. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a key node of this circuitry, integrates multiple motor and sympathetic responses activated by stress. The present study sought to determine whether descending projections from the PVN to targets in muscle and adrenal gland are differentially organized in rats with inborn differences in emotionality and stress responsivity. We utilized retrograde transsynaptic tract‐tracing with unique pseudorabies virus (PRV) recombinants that were injected into sympathectomized gastrocnemius muscle and adrenal gland in two rat models featuring inborn differences in emotional behavior. Our tract‐tracing results revealed a significant decrease in the number of PVN neurons with poly‐synaptic projections to the gastrocnemius in male Wistar Kyoto [WKY] rats (versus Sprague Dawley rats) and selectively bred Low Novelty Responder [bLR] rats (versus selectively bred High Novelty Responder [bHR] rats). These neuroanatomical differences mirrored behavioral observations showing that both WKY and bLR rats display marked inhibition of emotional motor responses in a variety of settings relative to their respective controls. Our findings suggest that, in male rodents, PVN poly‐synaptic projections to skeletal muscle may regulate emotional motor and coping responses to stress. More broadly, perturbations in PVN motor circuitry may play a role in mediating psychomotor disturbances observed in depression or anxiety‐related disorders.
Improving the Assessment of Resident Competency

Abstract In 2015, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education published the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Milestones 1.0 as part of the Next Accreditation System. This was the culmination of more than 20 yrs of work on the part of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education to improve graduate medical education competency assessments. The six core competencies were patient care, medical knowledge, systems-based practice, practice-based learning and improvement, professionalism, and interpersonal and communication skills. While providing a good foundation for resident assessment, the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Milestones 1.0 was not without faults. With input from program directors, national organizations, and the public, the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Milestones 2.0 strives to further advance resident assessment, providing improvements through the integration of the harmonized Milestones and the addition of a supplemental guide.
Accuracy of self-reported HIV testing history and awareness of HIV-positive status among people living with HIV in four Sub-Saharan African countries.

BACKGROUND In many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, self-reported HIV testing history and awareness of HIV-positive status from household surveys are used to estimate the percentage of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who know their HIV status. Despite widespread use, there is limited empirical information on the sensitivity of those self-reports, which can be affected by non-disclosure. METHODS Bayesian latent class models were used to estimate the sensitivity of self-reported HIV testing history and awareness of HIV-positive status in four Population-based HIV Impact Assessment surveys in Eswatini, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. Antiretroviral (ARV) metabolites biomarkers were used to identify persons on treatment who did not accurately report their status. For those without ARV biomarkers, the pooled estimate of non-disclosure among untreated persons was 1.48 higher than those on treatment. RESULTS Among PLHIV, the model-estimated sensitivity of self-reported HIV testing history ranged from 96% to 99% across surveys. The model-estimated sensitivity of self-reported awareness of HIV status varied from 91% to 97%. Non-disclosure was generally higher among men and those aged 15-24 years. Adjustments for imperfect sensitivity did not substantially influence estimates of PLHIV ever tested (difference <4%) but the proportion of PLHIV aware of their HIV-positive status was higher than the unadjusted proportion (difference <8%). CONCLUSIONS Self-reported HIV testing histories in four Eastern and Southern African countries are generally robust although adjustment for non-disclosure increases estimated awareness of status. These findings can contribute to further refinements in methods for monitoring progress along the HIV testing and treatment cascade.
Digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia promotes later health resilience during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic

Abstract Study Objectives Stressful life events contribute to insomnia, psychosocial functioning, and illness. Though individuals with a history of insomnia may be especially vulnerable during stressful life events, risk may be mitigated by prior intervention. This study evaluated the effect of prior digital cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBT-I) versus sleep education on health resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods COVID impact, insomnia, general- and COVID-related stress, depression, and global health were assessed in April 2020 in adults with a history of insomnia who completed a randomized controlled trial of dCBT-I (n = 102) versus sleep education control (n = 106) in 2016–2017. Regression analyses were used to evaluate the effect of intervention conditions on subsequent stress and health during the pandemic. Results Insomnia symptoms were significantly associated with COVID-19 related disruptions, and those who previously received dCBT-I reported less insomnia symptoms, less general stress and COVID-related cognitive intrusions, less depression, and better global health than those who received sleep education. Moreover, the odds for resurgent insomnia was 51% lower in the dCBT-I versus control condition. Similarly, odds of moderate to severe depression during COVID-19 was 57% lower in the dCBT-I condition. Conclusions Those who received dCBT-I had increased health resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults with a history of insomnia and ongoing mild to moderate mental health symptoms. These data provide evidence that dCBT-I is a powerful tool to promote mental and physical health during stressors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical Trial Registration NCT02988375
Vitamin D-regulated Gene Expression Profiles: Species-specificity and Cell-specific Effects on Metabolism and Immunity

Abstract Vitamin D has pleiotropic physiological actions including immune system regulation, in addition to its classical role in calcium homeostasis. Hormonal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) signals through the nuclear vitamin D receptor, and large-scale expression profiling has provided numerous insights into its diverse physiological roles. To obtain a comprehensive picture of vitamin D signaling, we analyzed raw data from 94 (80 human, 14 mouse) expression profiles of genes regulated by 1,25D or its analogs. This identified several thousand distinct genes directly or indirectly up- or downregulated in a highly cell-specific manner in human cells using a 1.5-fold cut-off. There was significant overlap of biological processes regulated in human and mouse but minimal intersection between genes regulated in each species. Disease ontology clustering confirmed roles for 1,25D in immune homeostasis in several human cell types, and analysis of canonical pathways revealed novel and cell-specific roles of vitamin D in innate immunity. This included cell-specific regulation of several components of Nucleotide-binding Oligomerization Domain-like (NOD-like) pattern recognition receptor signaling, and metabolic events controlling innate immune responses. Notably, 1,25D selectively enhanced catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in monocytic cells. BCAA levels regulate the major metabolic kinase mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR), and pretreatment with 1,25D suppressed BCAA-dependent activation of mTOR signaling. Furthermore, ablation of BCAT1 expression in monocytic cells blocked 1,25D-induced increases in autophagy marker LAMP1. In conclusion, the data generated represents a powerful tool to further understand the diverse physiological roles of vitamin D signaling and provides multiple insights into mechanisms of innate immune regulation by 1,25D.
Verifying nomenclature of DNA variants in submitted manuscripts: Guidance for journals

Documenting variation in our genomes is important for research and clinical care. Accuracy in the description of DNA variants is therefore essential. To address this issue, the Human Variome Project convened a committee to evaluate the feasibility of requiring authors to verify that all variants submitted for publication complied with a widely accepted standard for description. After a pilot study of two journals, the committee agreed that requiring authors to verify that variants complied with Human Genome Variation Society nomenclature is a reasonable step toward standardizing the worldwide inventory of human variation.