Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender Difference in the Association of Hyperuricemia with Insulin Resistance and beta-cell Function in Nondiabetic Korean Adults: The 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

ABSTRACT Aims This study was conducted to assess the association of uric acid (UA) with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta-cell function (HOMA-B) by gender in nondiabetic Korean adults. Materials and Methods The study was carried out using data from the 2019 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and included nondiabetic Korean men, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women aged 20 years or older. Results First, after adjusted for the related variables (excluding obesity), the prevalence of hyperuricemia (UA ≥ 7.0 mg/dL in men or UA ≥ 6.0 mg/dL in women) was positively associated with the quartiles of HOMA-IR and HOMA-B in men, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women. Second, when further adjusted for obesity, hyperuricemia was positively associated with the quartiles of HOMA-IR and HOMA-B in men and postmenopausal women but not in premenopausal women. Third, after adjusted for the related variables (including obesity), UA level was positively associated with the quartiles of HOMA-IR and HOMA-B in men and postmenopausal women but not in premenopausal women. Conclusions hyperuricemia is positively associated with insulin resistance and beta-cell function in nondiabetic Korean men and postmenopausal women but not in premenopausal women.
Problematic Internet Use, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Symptoms in Adults with COVID-19 Pandemic and Earthquake Experience: Insights from Croatian Online Survey

In 2020, Croatia was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and two earthquakes. As previous research showed that Internet use (IU) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, we carried out an online survey to determine the levels of problematic Internet use (PIU) and problematic specific Internet activities before and during the prolonged stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as earthquakes. We also determined the correlation between the PIU and specific Internet activities and anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. According to the responses of 1,118 participants from all Croatian regions, PIU increased by 14.1 percent (odds ratio [OR] 6.2), problematic social media use by 12.6 percent (OR 4.8), and uncontrolled online shopping by 5.3 percent (OR 5.8) in comparison with presurvey period. The PIU increase was significantly higher in participants reporting only pandemic-related stress than in those reporting both pandemic- and earthquake-related stress. Problematic social media use increased in those reporting only pandemic-related stress and both pandemic- and earthquake-related stress. The strongest correlation between PIU and problematic social media use and anxiety, depression, intrusion, and avoidance symptoms was found among those reporting both pandemic- and earthquake-related stress. The correlation between psychiatric measures and PIU and problematic specific Internet activities varied depending on the source of experienced or perceived stress. Our findings show the relationship between the problematic stress-related Internet behaviors, different types of stressors, and their impact on the overall PIU and problematic specific Internet activities in situations of prolonged stress.
Measuring working alliance and technical alliance from the perspective of healthcare professionals working with people with mild intellectual disabilities: adaptation, factor structure and reliability

Abstract Background The establishment of a valuable and meaningful working alliance between people with mild intellectual disabilities (IDs) and healthcare professionals is critically important for improving both the quality of life and impact of therapy for people with mild IDs. Measuring the working alliance as a treatment or support component is therefore of utmost relevance. In light of the increased use of eHealth tools, it is also essential to measure the alliance using these tools, which is referred to as technical alliance. There was a lack of validation of these two measurements for healthcare professionals working with people with mild IDs, which this study sought to address. Method Both the validated Working Alliance Inventory – Short Form – MID (WAI‐SF‐MID) and Technical Alliance Inventory – Short Form – MID (TAI‐SF‐MID) for general patient populations were adapted for healthcare professionals working with people with mild IDs. A two‐step approach was conducted to systematically adapt both measurements with an expert group of healthcare professionals. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test a three‐factor structure for both the WAI‐SF‐MID (N = 199) and the TAI‐SF‐MID (N = 139), and internal consistency was determined for both scales. Results An acceptable‐to‐good model fit was found for both the WAI‐SF‐MID and the TAI‐SF‐MID; confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a three‐factor model for both measurements. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega were excellent for both total scales (≥0.90) and acceptable to good for sub‐scales of both versions. Conclusion Both the WAI‐SF‐MID and the TAI‐SF‐MID are promising measurements for determining healthcare professionals' perspective on the (digital) working alliance with people with mild IDs.
Analysis, identification and confirmation of synthetic opioids using chloroformate chemistry: Retrospective detection of fentanyl and acetylfentanyl in urine and plasma samples by EI-GC-MS and HR-LC-MS

Electron Impact Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (EI-GC-MS) and High Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HR-LC-MS) have been used in the analysis of products arising from the trichloroethoxycarbonylation of fentanyl and acetylfentanyl in urine and plasma matrices. The method involves the initial extraction of both synthetic opioids separately from the matrices followed by detection of the unique products that arise from their reaction with 2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl chloride (Troc-Cl), namely Troc-norfentanyl and Troc-noracetylfentanyl. The optimized protocol was successfully evaluated for its efficacy at detecting these species formed from fentanyl and acetylfentanyl when present at low and high levels in urine (fentanyl: 5 and 10 ng/mL and acetylfentanyl: 20 and 100 ng/mL) and plasma (fentanyl: 10 and 20 ng/mL and acetylfentanyl: 50 and 200 ng/mL), values that reflect levels reported in overdose victims. The HR-LC-MS method’s LOQ (limit of quantitation) for the Troc-norfentanyl and Troc-noracetylfentanyl products was determined to be ~10 ng/mL for both species. Even though the superiority in the detection of these species by HR-LC-MS over EI-GC-MS, the latter method proved to be important in the detection of the second product from the reaction, namely 2-phenylethyl chloride that is crucial in the determination of the original opioid. This observation highlights the importance of using complimentary analytical techniques in the analysis of a sample, whether biological or environmental in nature. The method herein serves as a complementary, qualitative confirmation for the presence of a fentanyl in collected urine, plasma and by extension other biological samples amenable to the common extraction procedures described for opioid analysis. More importantly, the method’s main strength comes from its ability to react with unknown fentanyls to yield products that can be not only detected by EI-GC-MS and HR-LC-MS but can then be used to retrospectively identify an unknown fentanyl.
Early life events in functional abdominal pain disorders in children

Objectives Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) are common gastrointestinal problems in children, and the pathophysiology is thought to be multifactorial. Adverse early life events (ELE) induce alterations in the central nervous system, perhaps predisposing individuals to develop FAPDs. We aimed to study the potential adverse ELE that are associated with FAPDs. Methods We steered a school-based survey involving 1000 children from 4 randomly selected schools. FAPDs were assessed using the translated Rome III questionnaire, and ELE were identified using a pre-tested, parental questionnaire. FAPDs were diagnosed using the Rome III criteria. Results Hundred and eighty-two (182) children had FAPDs (62.1% girls, mean age 8.5, SD 2.1). ELE of them were compared with 571 children without FAPDs (51.1% girls, mean age 8.8, SD 1.9). According to the binary logistic regression analysis, family members with abdominal pain, family member with chronic pain other than abdominal pain, prenatal maternal complications and interventional deliveries, were recognized as potential risk factors for the development of FAPDs. Breast feeding over two years has shown to reduce the prevalence of FAPDs.a. Conclusions Prenatal maternal medical problems are associated a with higher prevalence of FAPDs later in life. Prolonged breastfeeding and normal vaginal delivery could be considered as factors that reduce the vulnerability of developing FAPDs in children. Therefore, minimizing pregnancy-related complications, encouraging vaginal deliveries, and encouraging breastfeeding are potentially valuable measures to prevent FAPDs during childhood.
STAT1‐ and NFAT‐independent amplification of purinoceptor function integrates cellular senescence with interleukin‐6 production in preadipocytes

Senescent preadipocytes promote adipose tissue dysfunction by secreting pro‐inflammatory factors, although little is known about the mechanisms regulating their production. We investigated if up‐regulated purinoceptor function sensitizes senescent preadipocytes to cognate agonists and how such sensitization regulates inflammation.
Accuracy of home blood pressure measurement: the ACCURAPRESS study – a proposal of Young Investigator Group of the Italian Hypertension Society (Società Italiana dell’Ipertensione Arteriosa)

Abstract Purpose Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) might be considered a valid alternative to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for both the diagnosis and management of hypertension. Correct information on how to perform HBPM are crucial for its reliability. The aim of the present survey was to assess if hypertensive patients followed current recommendation on how to correctly perform HBPM measurements. Materials and methods The survey included 30 different items on how to perform the HBPM. It was developed by the ‘Young Investigators’ group of the Italian Society of Arterial Hypertension (SIIA) and it was administered during the office visit between May 2019 and December 2021. Results A total of 643 hypertensive patients participated in the study. Main results show that, despite the rate of informed patients was relatively high (71% of the whole population), unacceptable number of patients did not follow indications on how to perform a correct HBPM. Patients who were informed on how to measure home BP had a significantly higher rate of correct position during measurement (78 vs. 22%, p < 0.01), avoidance of talking and moving during measurement (68 vs. 32%, p < 0.0001), and correct number and time interval between two measurements (85 vs. 15%, p < 0.001). More accurate measurements of home BP were associated with less prevalence of carotid plaque. Conclusions Correct performance for HBPM is low among patients treated in Italian hypertension centers. These findings shed light on the importance of correct HBPM measurements for the detection of accurate BP values for the proper management of hypertensive patients.
Constructing Professional Intervention with IPV Across Generations in a Faith-Based Society: An Intersectional Perspective

The intersectionality between the social and personal dimensions influencing the construction of intimate partner violence in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community is examined by studying attitudes toward professional intervention among community members coping with IPV. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 38 information-rich participants coping with IPV, from three generations in the ultra-Orthodox community. Three themes emerged: “Don't think you can do it alone”: Professional intervention as a preferred option; “I did everything to hide the situation”: The end of the era of shame? ;“If it's not his problem, then it's my problem”: Professional intervention as a concept of reference. The study findings indicate the ways in which professional intervention among ultra-Orthodox couples coping with IPV is affected and affects the community.
Perturbation-based Balance Training to improve postural responses and falls in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Purpose To determine the effects of Perturbation-based Balance Training (PBT) on postural responses and falls in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and compare the results with conventional balance training (CBT). Materials and methods Thirty-four PwMS were randomized to receive 4 weeks of PBT or CBT. Latency of postural responses to external perturbations, Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), 10-meter-walk (10MW), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) were measured at baseline and post-training. Also, the proportion of fallers and fall rate were assessed at a 3-month follow-up. Results The latency of postural responses significantly decreased in PBT compared to CBT. TUG, 10MW, BBS, and ABC, at post-training, and relative risk of falls and fall rate at 3-month follow-up had no statistically significant between-group differences. Conclusions The results show that PBT is at least as effective as CBT in improving balance and decreasing falls, while it has superiority over CBT whenever the clinicians mainly aim to improve reactive balance strategies. Future studies with a larger sample size are warranted to complement the results of this study. Implication for rehabilitation Perturbation-based Balance Training is at least as effective as conventional balance training (CBT) in improving proactive postural control in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Perturbation-based Balance Training has superiority over CBT in improving reactive postural control in PwMS. Perturbation-based Balance Training has no superiority over CBT in improving fall-related outcomes.
Default mode network scaffolds immature frontoparietal network in cognitive development

Abstract The default mode network (DMN) is a workspace for convergence of internal and external information. The frontal parietal network (FPN) is indispensable to executive functioning. Yet, how they interplay to support cognitive development remains elusive. Using longitudinal developmental fMRI with an n-back paradigm, we show a heterogeneity of maturational changes in multivoxel activity and network connectivity among DMN and FPN nodes in 528 children and 103 young adults. Compared with adults, children exhibited prominent longitudinal improvement but still inferior behavioral performance, which paired with less pronounced DMN deactivation and weaker FPN activation in children, but stronger DMN coupling with FPN regions. Children’s DMN reached an adult-like level earlier than FPN at both multivoxel activity pattern and intranetwork connectivity levels. Intrinsic DMN-FPN internetwork coupling in children mediated the relationship between age and working memory-related functional coupling of these networks, with posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) coupling emerging as most prominent pathway. Coupling of PCC-DLPFC may further work together with task-invoked activity in PCC to account for longitudinal improvement in behavioral performance in children. Our findings suggest that the DMN provides a scaffolding effect in support of an immature FPN that is critical for the development of executive functions in children.
Laboratory Detection of HSiCN and HSiNC

Two new silicon-bearing molecules, the closed-shell asymmetric tops cyanosilylene HSiCN and its isomer HSiNC, have been detected in a laboratory discharge by molecular beam Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. The rotational spectra of the normal and deuterated isotopic species of both molecules have been analyzed to derive precise spectroscopic constants, which allow the astronomically most interesting transitions up to 120 GHz to be calculated to an accuracy better than 1 km s-1 in equivalent radial velocity. Both molecules are good candidates for astronomical detection, closely related in structure and composition to known astronomical molecules, and they are highly polar, with estimated dipole moments of 3.5 D for HSiCN and 2.5 D for HSiNC.
Role of progesterone on dexamethasone-induced alterations in placental vascularization and progesterone receptors in rats

Abstract Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is manifested by lower maternal progesterone levels, smaller placental size, and decreased placental vascularity indicated by lower expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Studies showed that progesterone increases angiogenesis and induces VEGF expression in different tissues. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of progesterone on placental vascular bed and VEGF expression and the modulation of nuclear and membranous progesterone receptors (PR) in dexamethasone-induced rat IUGR model. Methods: Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were allocated into four groups and given intraperitoneal injections of either saline, dexamethasone, dexamethasone, and progesterone or progesterone. Injections started on gestation day (DG) 15 and lasted until the days of euthanization (19 and 21 DG). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate plasma progesterone levels. Real-time PCR and western blotting were used to evaluate gene and protein expressions of VEGF, and PR in labyrinth and basal placental zones. Immunohistochemistry was used to locate VEGF and different PRs in placental cells. Immunofluorescence was used to monitor the expression of blood vessel marker (αSMA). Results: Dexamethasone decreased the vascular bed fraction and the expression of VEGF in both placental zones. Progesterone co-treatment with dexamethasone prevented this reduction. Nuclear and membrane PRs showed tissue-specific expression in different placental zones and responded differently to both dexamethasone and progesterone. Conclusions: Progesterone treatment improves the outcomes in IUGR pregnancy. Progesterone alleviated DEX-induced IUGR probably by promoting placental VEGF and angiogenesis. Summary Sentence Dexamethasone-induced reduction in placental angiogenesis and alteration in the expression of progesterone receptor subtypes during pregnancy are partially reversed by progesterone. Graphical Abstract
A search for X-ray polarization in cosmic X-ray sources

Fifteen strong X-ray sources were observed by the X-ray polarimeters on board the OSO-8 satellite from 1975 to 1978. The final results of this search for X-ray polarization in cosmic sources are presented in the form of upper limits for the ten sources which are discussed elsewhere. These limits in all cases are consistent with a thermal origin for the X-ray emission.
Critical Ising lines of the d=2 Ashkin-Teller model

The universal critical point ratio $Q$ is exploited to determine positions of the critical Ising transition lines on the phase diagram of the Ashkin-Teller (AT) model on the square lattice. A leading-order expansion of the ratio $Q$ in the presence of a non-vanishing thermal field is found from finite-size scaling and the corresponding expression is fitted to the accurate perturbative transfer-matrix data calculations for the $L\times L$ square clusters with $L\leq 9$.
A note on the assignment mechanisms in Rubin's model

A product space is introduced in order to describe the elements of an assignment mechanism. Unconfoundedness corresponds to the case that the probability on the product space is a product measure. If the probability to be treated is equal for all units criteria can be given for identifying causal effects in the strong sense. In any case there is an unbiased estimator for expected causal effects if the probabilities to be treated are known.
Logistic Regression-Guided Identification of Cofactor Specificity-Contributing Residues in Enzyme with Sequence Datasets Partitioned by Catalytic Properties

Changing the substrate/cofactor specificity of an enzyme requires multiple mutations at spatially adjacent positions around the substrate pocket. However, this is challenging when solely based on crystal structure information because enzymes undergo dynamic conformational changes during the reaction process. Herein, we proposed a method for estimating the contribution of each amino acid residue to substrate specificity by deploying a phylogenetic analysis with logistic regression. Since this method can estimate the candidate amino acids for mutation by ranking, it is readable and can be used in protein engineering. We demonstrated our concept using redox cofactor conversion of the Escherichia coli malic enzyme as a model, which still lacks crystal structure elucidation. The use of logistic regression with amino acid sequences classified by cofactor specificity showed that the NADP+-dependent malic enzyme completely switched cofactor specificity to NAD+ dependence without the need for a practical screening step. The model showed that surrounding residues made a greater contribution to cofactor specificity than those in the interior of the substrate pocket. These residues might be difficult to identify from crystal structure observations. We show that a highly accurate and inferential machine learning model was obtained using amino acid sequences of structurally homologous and functionally distinct enzymes as input data.
Management of polycythemia vera: A survey of treatment patterns in Italy

Polycythemia vera (PV) is an acquired clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by the overproduction of red blood cells. It has long been underlined that there are differences in treatment patterns in routine practice. Therapeutic strategies have also expanded, and in recent years the JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib has emerged as a second‐line therapeutic option in patients who are intolerant to or resistant to hydroxyurea. Determining the impact of changes on practice patterns is of interest, especially for aspects that lack detailed guidance for management.
Analog Gated Recurrent Unit Neural Network for Detecting Chewing Events

We present a novel gated recurrent neural network to detect when a person is chewing on food. We implemented the neural network as a custom analog integrated circuit in a 0.18 <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu$</tex-math></inline-formula>m CMOS technology. The neural network was trained on 6.4 hours of data collected from a contact microphone that was mounted on volunteers' mastoid bones. When tested on 1.6 hours of previously-unseen data, the analog neural network identified chewing events at a 24-second time resolution. It achieved a recall of 91% and an F1-score of 94% while consuming <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1.1\,\mu$</tex-math></inline-formula>W of power. A system for detecting whole eating episodes—like meals and snacks—that is based on the novel analog neural network consumes an estimated <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$18.8\,\mu$</tex-math></inline-formula>W of power.