Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of selected psychosocial risk factors: stress, job burnout, and bullying in the case of medical staff as part of workplace ergonomics during the COVID-19 pandemic—A prospective pilot study

Background The purpose of the pilot study conducted by the authors was to assess occupational risk in selected areas of psychosocial risk factors among health professions in a pilot study. Medical staff working in the healthcare sector experience stress, job burnout and bullying on a daily basis. Monitoring occupational risks in the above areas provides an opportunity to take appropriate preventive measures. Methods The prospective online survey included 143 health care workers from various professional groups. Eighteen participants did not complete the survey, and the results of 125 participants were eventually included in the analysis. The study used health and safety questionnaires in the healthcare sector, which are not widely used as screening tools in Poland. Results The following statistical methods were performed in the study: the Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunn's test. In addition, multivariate analysis was performed. The results obtained in the study indicate that the questionnaires used in the study can be widely used by employers or occupational medicine as screening tools. Conclusions Our findings show that level of education attainment in healthcare is correlated with higher chance of experiencing stress and burnout. Among the surveyed professions, nurses reported a higher amount of stress and burnout. Paramedics reported the highest chance of being bullied at work. This can be explained by their nature of work which requires directly interacting with patients and their families. In addition, it should be noted that the tools used can be successfully applied in workplaces as elements of workplace ergonomics assessment in the context of cognitive ergonomics.
Correlation analysis of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and clinical characteristics and cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus comorbid major depressive disorder

Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are both chronic diseases, and they are often co-morbid. Usually, T2DM and MDD are associated with cognitive impairment, and the comorbidity status of both may increase the risk of cognitive impairment, but the underlying pathogenesis is not clear. Studies have shown that inflammation, especially monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), could be associated with the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus comorbid major depressive disorder. Aims To investigate the correlations of MCP-1 with clinical characteristics and cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients combined with major depressive disorder. Methods A total of 84 participants were recruited in this study, including 24 healthy controls (HC), 21 T2DM patients, 23 MDD patients, and 16 T2DM combined with MDD (TD) patients, to measure the serum MCP-1 levels using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). And the cognitive function, depression, and anxiety degree were assessed using Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), respectively. Results (1) Serum MCP-1 expression levels in the TD group were higher than HC, T2DM, and MDD groups, respectively (p < 0.05). And compared with HC and MDD groups, serum MCP-1 levels in the T2DM group were higher (p < 0.05) statistically. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve showed that MCP-1 could diagnose T2DM at cut-off values of 503.8 pg. /mL (sensitivity 80.95%, specificity 79.17%, AUC = 0.7956) and of 718.1 pg. /mL for TD (sensitivity 81.25%, specificity 91.67%, AUC = 0.9271). (2) Group differences in cognitive function were significant. Compared with the HC group, total RBANS scores, attention scores, and language scores in the TD group were lower, respectively (p < 0.05), and total RBANS scores, attention scores, and visuospatial/constructional scores in the MDD group were lower, respectively (p < 0.05). Compared with the T2DM group, immediate memory scores in HC, MDD, and TD groups were lower, respectively, and total RBANS scores in TD were lower (p < 0.05). (3) Correlation analysis showed that hip circumference was negatively correlated with MCP-1 levels in the T2DM group (R = −0.483, p = 0.027), but the correlation disappeared after adjusting age and gender (r = −0.372; p = 0.117), and there were no significant correlations between MCP-1 and other variables. Conclusion MCP-1 may be involved in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients combined with major depressive disorder. And MCP-1 may be significant for the early evaluation and diagnosis of TD in the future.
Combined group and individual therapy for patients with avoidant personality disorder—A pilot study

Objective Avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) is a common disorder within mental health services, associated with significant psychosocial impairment. The disorder has been neglected in research. There are currently no evidence-based treatments for AvPD, and there is a need for treatment studies focusing particularly on this form of personality pathology. The present study was a pilot study of combined group and individual therapy for patients with AvPD, based on mentalization-based and metacognitive interpersonal therapy. The aim was to investigate the feasibility of the treatment program and the course of symptoms and personality functioning during treatment and 1-year follow-up. Methods The study included 28 patients. Clinical evaluation at baseline comprised structured diagnostic interviews and patients' self-report of symptoms, psychosocial function, interpersonal problems, personality functioning, alexithymia, self-esteem, attachment style, therapeutic alliance, and client satisfaction. Patients' self-report were repeated at the end of treatment and 1-year follow-up. Results The drop-out rate was 14%. Average treatment length among the 22 treatment completers was 17 months. Mean levels of therapeutic alliance and client satisfaction were satisfactory. Effect sizes were large for global symptom distress, depression, anxiety, and psychosocial adjustment, and in the moderate range for aspects of personality functioning. Yet, the results showed a wide range of outcomes among the patients. Conclusions This pilot study shows promising results for combined group- and individual therapy for AvPD patients with moderate to severe impairment. Larger scale studies should be conducted to increase empirically based knowledge to guide development of differentiated treatments adapted to patients' various levels of AvPD severity and profiles of personality dysfunction.
Kidney transcriptome and cystic kidney disease genes in zebrafish

Introduction: Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a condition where fluid filled cysts form on the kidney which leads to overall renal failure. Zebrafish has been recently adapted to study polycystic kidney disease, because of its powerful embryology and genetics. However, there are concerns on the conservation of this lower vertebrate in modeling polycystic kidney disease. Methods: Here, we aim to assess the molecular conservation of zebrafish by searching homologues polycystic kidney disease genes and carrying transcriptome studies in this animal. Results and Discussion: We found that out of 82 human cystic kidney disease genes, 81 have corresponding zebrafish homologs. While 75 of the genes have a single homologue, only 6 of these genes have two homologs. Comparison of the expression level of the transcripts enabled us to identify one homolog over the other homolog with >70% predominance, which would be prioritized for future experimental studies. Prompted by sexual dimorphism in human and rodent kidneys, we studied transcriptome between different sexes and noted significant differences in male vs. female zebrafish, indicating that sex dimorphism also occurs in zebrafish. Comparison between zebrafish and mouse identified 10% shared genes and 38% shared signaling pathways. String analysis revealed a cluster of genes differentially expressed in male vs. female zebrafish kidneys. In summary, this report demonstrated remarkable molecular conservation, supporting zebrafish as a useful animal model for cystic kidney disease.
Development of brain-penetrable antibody radioligands for in vivo PET imaging of amyloid-β and tau

Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the misfolding and aggregation of two major proteins: amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau. Antibody-based PET radioligands are desirable due to their high specificity and affinity; however, antibody uptake in the brain is limited by the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Previously, we demonstrated that antibody transport across the BBB can be facilitated through interaction with the transferrin receptor (TfR), and the bispecific antibody-based PET ligands were capable of detecting Aβ aggregates via ex vivo imaging. Since tau accumulation in the brain is more closely correlated with neuronal death and cognition, we report here our strategies to prepare four F-18-labeled specifically engineered bispecific antibody probes for the selective detection of tau and Aβ aggregates to evaluate their feasibility and specificity, particularly for in vivo PET imaging. Methods We first created and evaluated (via both in vitro and ex vivo studies) four specifically engineered bispecific antibodies, by fusion of single-chain variable fragments (scFv) of a TfR antibody with either a full-size IgG antibody of Aβ or tau or with their respective scFv. Using [18F]SFB as the prosthetic group, all four 18F-labeled bispecific antibody probes were then prepared by conjugation of antibody and [18F]SFB in acetonitrile/0.1 M borate buffer solution (final pH ∼ 8.5) with an incubation of 20 min at room temperature, followed by purification on a PD MiniTrap G-25 size exclusion gravity column. Results Based on both in vitro and ex vivo evaluation, the bispecific antibodies displayed much higher brain concentrations than the unmodified antibody, supporting our subsequent F18-radiolabeling. [18F]SFB was produced in high yields in 60 min (decay-corrected radiochemical yield (RCY) 46.7 ± 5.4) with radiochemical purities of >95%, confirmed by analytical high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and radio-TLC. Conjugation of [18F]SFB and bispecific antibodies showed a 65%–83% conversion efficiency with radiochemical purities of 95%–99% by radio-TLC. Conclusions We successfully labeled four novel and specifically engineered bispecific antibodies with [18F]SFB under mild conditions with a high RCY and purities. This study provides strategies to create brain-penetrable F-18 radiolabeled antibody probes for the selective detection of tau and Aβ aggregates in the brain of transgenic AD mice via in vivo PET imaging.
Extracellular RNA in melanoma: Advances, challenges, and opportunities

Melanoma, a malignant mass lesion that originates in melanocytes and has a high rate of malignancy, metastasis, and mortality, is defined by these characteristics. Malignant melanoma is a kind of highly malignant tumor that produces melanin and has a high mortality rate. Its incidence accounts for 1%–3% of all malignant tumors and shows an obvious upward trend. The discovery of biomolecules for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant melanoma has important application value. So far, the exact molecular mechanism of melanoma development relevant signal pathway still remains unclear. According to previous studies, extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) have been implicated in tumorigenesis and spread of melanoma. They can influence the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of melanoma by controlling the expression of target genes and can also influence tumor progression by participating in signal transduction mechanisms. Therefore, understanding the relationship between exRNA and malignant melanoma and targeting therapy is of positive significance for its prevention and treatment. In this review, we did an analysis of extracellular vesicles of melanoma which focused on the role of exRNAs (lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs) and identifies several potential therapeutic targets. In addition, we discuss the typical signaling pathways involved in exRNAs, advances in exRNA detection and how they affect the tumor immune microenvironment in melanoma.
The dynamical organization of the core pluripotency transcription factors responds to differentiation cues in early S-phase

DNA replication in stem cells is a major challenge for pluripotency preservation and cell fate decisions. This process involves massive changes in the chromatin architecture and the reorganization of many transcription-related molecules in different spatial and temporal scales. Pluripotency is controlled by the master transcription factors (TFs) OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG that partition into condensates in the nucleus of embryonic stem cells. These condensates are proposed to play relevant roles in the regulation of gene expression and the maintenance of pluripotency. Here, we asked whether the dynamical distribution of the pluripotency TFs changes during the cell cycle, particularly during DNA replication. Since the S phase is considered to be a window of opportunity for cell fate decisions, we explored if differentiation cues in G1 phase trigger changes in the distribution of these TFs during the subsequent S phase. Our results show a spatial redistribution of TFs condensates during DNA replication which was not directly related to chromatin compaction. Additionally, fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy revealed TF-specific, subtle changes in the landscape of TF-chromatin interactions, consistent with their particularities as key players of the pluripotency network. Moreover, we found that differentiation stimuli in the preceding G1 phase triggered a relatively fast and massive reorganization of pluripotency TFs in early-S phase. Particularly, OCT4 and SOX2 condensates dissolved whereas the lifetimes of TF-chromatin interactions increased suggesting that the reorganization of condensates is accompanied with a change in the landscape of TF-chromatin interactions. Notably, NANOG showed impaired interactions with chromatin in stimulated early-S cells in line with its role as naïve pluripotency TF. Together, these findings provide new insights into the regulation of the core pluripotency TFs during DNA replication of embryonic stem cells and highlight their different roles at early differentiation stages.
Does wood mulch trigger microbially mediated positive plant-soil feedback in degraded boreal forest sites? A post hoc study

Introduction Reforestation of degraded lands in the boreal forest is challenging and depends on the direction and strength of the plant-soil feedback (PSF). Methods Using a gradient in tree productivity (null, low and high) from a long-term, spatially replicated reforestation experiment of borrow pits in the boreal forest, we investigated the interplay between microbial communities and soil and tree nutrient stocks and concentrations in relation to a positive PSF induced by wood mulch amendment. Results Three levels of mulch amendment underlie the observed gradient in tree productivity, and plots that had been amended with a continuous layer of mulch 17 years earlier showed a positive PSF with trees up to 6 m tall, a closed canopy, and a developing humus layer. The average taxonomic and functional composition of the bacterial and fungal communities differed markedly betweenlow- and high-productivity plots. Trees in high-productivity plots recruited a specialized soil microbiome that was more efficient at nutrient mobilization and acquisition. These plots showed increases in carbon (C), calcium (Ca), nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P) stocks and as well as bacterial and fungal biomass. The soil microbiome was dominated by taxa from the fungal genus Cortinarius and the bacterial family Chitinophagaceae, and a complex microbial network with higher connectivity and more keystone species supported tree productivity in reforested plots compared to unproductive plots. Discussion Therefore, mulching of plots resulted in a microbially mediated PSF that enhances mineral weathering and non-symbiotic N fixation, and in turn helps transform unproductive plots into productive plots to ensure rapid restoration of the forest ecosystem in a harsh boreal environment.
Review of Higgs results at LHC (ATLAS and CMS results)

The status of Higgs sector studies at the Large Hadron Collider from the ATLAS and CMS experiments is reviewed. The Run 1 legacy on Higgs-boson discovery is presented: the combined data samples of the two experiments were used for the measurements of the Higgs-boson mass and couplings; the CP and spin analysis done separately by the CMS and ATLAS experiments are also described and the searches for H→ bb̄ decay channel are illustrated. Finally, a first look to Run 2 data with few searches for additional Higgs-boson states beyond that of the Standard Model are presented. Emphasis is given to searches that include b-quarks in the final state, and profit from their presence. Presently no statistically significant deviations from the Standard Model predictions are observed.
Extremely high energy neutrinos in six years of IceCube data

The IceCube neutrino observatory is capable of detecting ultra-high-energy cosmic neutrinos even above PeV - EeV energies. These extremely high energy (EHE) neutrinos (≥ 10 PeV) are produced from interactions of the most energetic cosmic rays (≥ 1 EeV) and ambient photons/matter in the sources or diffuse photon fields such as the cosmic microwave background. Therefore, observations of these EHE neutrinos can be used to probe the origin of the highest energy cosmic rays with energies extending up to 100 EeV. We present the results of an updated analysis of the EHE neutrino sample with energies greater than ~ 1 PeV in 6 years of IceCube data (3 years of partially completed IceCube data (2008-2011) and 3 years of completed IceCube data (2011-2014)). While one event depositing an energy of 770±200 TeV was observed, it is incompatible with a hypothesis of cosmogenic origin. The resultant improvement in the upper limit corresponds to a factor of more than 2.5 from the previous study of two years of data from the nearly completed IceCube detector. Our limits disfavor the parameter space of sources of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays for which the cosmological evolution is stronger than the star formation rate, where the source candidate classes of active galactic nuclei (AGN) and gamma-ray bursts (GRB) belong, assuming the cosmic-ray composition is proton dominated. Results from a 7-year data analysis by adding another year’s worth of data to the current sample are also anticipated soon.
Gene Selection for Cancer Classification Using DCA

The problem of gene selection for cancer classification is considered.A combined SVM-feature selection approach based on the smoothly clipped absolute deviation(SCAD)penalty is developed,minimizing directly the classifier performance.To solve the optimization problems,apply the DCA(difference of convex functions algorithms) which is a general framework for nonconvex continuous optimization.This leads to a successive linear programming algorithm with finite convergence.Preliminary computational experiments on different real data demonstrate that this method accomplishes the desired goal:Suppression of a large number of features with a small error of classification.
Influence of Activation Time on Hemodynamic Parameters: a Simulation Study

Ventricular activation time (AT [ms]) is the time required to activate the ventricle electrically. The in uences of AT on hemodynamics are of interest in clinical studies on methods for improving left ventricle (LV) function. However, the cardiovascular system is a dynamic system, in which many parameters are interrelated with each other, and teasing out the causality of the effects of AT within the system experimentally is dif cult. In this research, we focused on analyzing the effects of changing AT on hemodynamics using a hemodynamic model by incorporating a cardiac tissue model into an LV geometric model within a circulation model. The cardiac tissue model is constructed by connecting 10 cardiac cellular contraction models in the ber direction. In our cardiac tissue model, AT is represented by adding a constant delay time, δdelay [ms], to the starting times of calcium transients between adjacent contraction models. Thus, AT becomes δdelay × 9 [ms]. Simulations were performed under two conditions: normal AT (99 [ms], physiological); and prolonged AT (207 [ms], pathological). AT prolongation caused slight decreases in stroke volume (SV [mL]) and ejection fraction (EF [%]) by 2.10% and 6.00%, respectively, since both LV end-systolic and LV end-diastolic volumes increased by similar amounts. Maximum elastance (Emax [mmHg/mL]) decreased by 15.4%. The maximum rate of LV pressure rise (max dp/dt [mmHg/ms]) decreased markedly by 43.7% at longer AT. The cellular mechanisms underlying changes in half sarcomere length were analyzed individually in 10 cells. Even though hemodynamic parameters did not change signi cantly, we concluded that large differences in cell behaviors existed.
Network traffic anomaly detection method based on cascade model

Traffic modeling as one of the ways to describe the normal behavior of network traffic was used to detect anomaly.Due to the self-similar model and multi-fractal model were inherently unable to capture the nature of traffic data in all time scales.This paper proposed a novel anomaly detection method based on cascade model analysis to describe the characteristic of traffic data more accurately. By studying the influences of anomalous traffic on the estimation of cascade model through wavelet transform modulus maxima,defined a cumulative deviation to estimate abnormal behavior.The simulation results show that this method is more sensitive to small anomalous traffic than detection methods based on H parameter analysis,and can accurately detect the anomalies which will not cause the Hurst parameter change evidently.Therefore,it is suite for the early stage detection of anomaly traffic.