Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Sensor Placement and Number on Physical Activity Recognition and Energy Expenditure Estimation in Older Adults: Validation Study

Background Research has shown the feasibility of human activity recognition using wearable accelerometer devices. Different studies have used varying numbers and placements for data collection using sensors. Objective This study aims to compare accuracy performance between multiple and variable placements of accelerometer devices in categorizing the type of physical activity and corresponding energy expenditure in older adults. Methods In total, 93 participants (mean age 72.2 years, SD 7.1) completed a total of 32 activities of daily life in a laboratory setting. Activities were classified as sedentary versus nonsedentary, locomotion versus nonlocomotion, and lifestyle versus nonlifestyle activities (eg, leisure walk vs computer work). A portable metabolic unit was worn during each activity to measure metabolic equivalents (METs). Accelerometers were placed on 5 different body positions: wrist, hip, ankle, upper arm, and thigh. Accelerometer data from each body position and combinations of positions were used to develop random forest models to assess activity category recognition accuracy and MET estimation. Results Model performance for both MET estimation and activity category recognition were strengthened with the use of additional accelerometer devices. However, a single accelerometer on the ankle, upper arm, hip, thigh, or wrist had only a 0.03-0.09 MET increase in prediction error compared with wearing all 5 devices. Balanced accuracy showed similar trends with slight decreases in balanced accuracy for the detection of locomotion (balanced accuracy decrease range 0-0.01), sedentary (balanced accuracy decrease range 0.05-0.13), and lifestyle activities (balanced accuracy decrease range 0.04-0.08) compared with all 5 placements. The accuracy of recognizing activity categories increased with additional placements (accuracy decrease range 0.15-0.29). Notably, the hip was the best single body position for MET estimation and activity category recognition. Conclusions Additional accelerometer devices slightly enhance activity recognition accuracy and MET estimation in older adults. However, given the extra burden of wearing additional devices, single accelerometers with appropriate placement appear to be sufficient for estimating energy expenditure and activity category recognition in older adults.
Benzodiazepines in autism spectrum disorder—wise or otherwise?

Clinicians are generally reluctant to prescribe benzodiazepines (BDZs) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the ground that children and especially those with neurodisabilities are at a heightened risk of paradoxical reactions. Anticognitive actions of BDZs in this special population with limited cognitive reserve (circa a quarter has comorbid intellectual disability as well) is also detracting. 1
A Systematic Review of New Approaches to Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening Framed in the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior Model of Implementation Science

Abstract Chlamydia and gonorrhea are 2 of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. Rising chlamydia and gonorrhea rates along with increased closing of STI clinics has led many to seek STI testing in clinical settings such as urgent cares and walk-in clinics. However, with competing priorities, providing effective and efficient STI care can be difficult in these settings. This has left a growing need for the implementation of novel STI screening programs in other clinical settings. This review summarizes previous studies that have evaluated the clinical implementation of chlamydia and gonorrhea screening programs in these settings. Literature from January 2015 to February 2020 regarding the implementation or evaluation of STI screening programs in clinical settings was reviewed. Constructs from the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior model were used to organize results, as this model can aid in identifying specific strategies for behavior/process change interventions. We found that multiple STI screening programs have been implemented and evaluated in 5 different countries and multiple health care facilities including sexual health clinics, urgent cares, walk-in clinics, and university health clinics. When implementing new STI screening programs, sample-first, test-and-go services and molecular point-of-care (POC) testing approaches were found to be effective in increasing screening and reducing costs and time to treatment. At the health care systems level, these programs can help reduce STI screening costs and generate additional revenue for clinics. At the provider level, clear communication and guidance can help clinical and administrative staff in adopting new screening programs. Finally, at the patient level, new programs can reduce time to treatment and travel costs in visiting clinics multiple times for testing and treatment services.
Isopentenyltransferases as master regulators of crop performance: their function, manipulation, and genetic potential for stress adaptation and yield improvement

Summary Isopentenyltransferase (IPT) in plants regulates a rate‐limiting step of cytokinin (CTK) biosynthesis. IPTs are recognized as key regulators of CTK homeostasis and phytohormone crosstalk in both biotic and abiotic stress responses. Recent research has revealed the regulatory function of IPTs in gene expression and metabolite profiles including source‐sink modifications, energy metabolism, nutrient allocation and storage, stress defence and signalling pathways, protein synthesis and transport, and membrane transport. This suggests that IPTs play a crucial role in plant growth and adaptation. In planta studies of IPT‐driven modifications indicate that, at a physiological level, IPTs improve stay‐green characteristics, delay senescence, reduce stress‐induced oxidative damage and protect photosynthetic machinery. Subsequently, these improvements often manifest as enhanced or stabilized crop yields and this is especially apparent under environmental stress. These mechanisms merit consideration of the IPTs as ‘master regulators’ of core cellular metabolic pathways, thus adjusting plant homeostasis/adaptive responses to altered environmental stresses, to maximize yield potential. If their expression can be adequately controlled, both spatially and temporally, IPTs can be a key driver for seed yield. In this review, we give a comprehensive overview of recent findings on how IPTs influence plant stress physiology and yield, and we highlight areas for future research.
Comparative Trial of the Effects of Left Ventricular and Biventricular Pacing on Indices of Cardiac Function and Clinical Course of Patients With Heart Failure: Rationale and Design of the READAPT Randomized Trial

Nonresponse to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been related with right ventricular dysfunction. Ventriculoarterial coupling (VAC) assesses energy efficiency of the failing heart and stroke work maximization for a given contractility, for both systemic and pulmonary circulations. Preferential left ventricular pacing (pLVP) can overcome iatrogenic right ventricular dysfunction by achieving left ventricle resynchronization and by allowing for intrinsic activation of the right side, with ramifications extending beyond cardiac output and atrial fibrillation occurrence. In the present article, we detail the design of a single-center randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effects of a pLVP algorithm. More specifically, following randomization of 220 CRT-eligible patients to standard biventricular pacing and pLVP, their clinical course will be followed for 12 months, through echocardiography to study indices of systolic and diastolic function of ventricles, left and right side VAC to evaluate efficiency, and cardiopulmonary exercise test to objectively document improvements in functional status, as well as a self-reported quality of life questionnaire. Device programming will be based on echocardiography-evaluated maximization of stroke volume and subsequent interventricular and atrioventricular delay adjustments delegated to the device. Findings of this trial may provide evidence for alternative programming of the devices, linking pLVP to improved clinical outcomes.
In vivo confocal microscopy study of corneal nerve alterations in children and youths with Type 1 diabetes

To determine whether children and youths with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) have early alterations of the corneal subbasal nerve plexus detectable with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and to investigate the role of longitudinally measured major risk factors for diabetes complications associated with these alterations.
Qualidade de silagens de milho para gado leiteiro produzidas na Região Sul do Brasil quanto às micotoxinas

Silage corn (Zea mays L.) quality was evaluated from January 2010 to December 2012 for the presence of field (fumonisins-FBs and zearalenoneZON) and storage (aflatoxins-AFLs) mycotoxins, supplied to dairy cattle in the Southern Brazil. A total analysis of 1,006, 1,077 and 1,080 for FBs, ZON and AFLs were performed by the immunoenzymatic (ELISA) methodology with LOQ of 500, 25 and 5 μg/kg, respectively. From the data obtained it was observed that there was contamination in different samples, the levels varied and so the toxin evaluated throughout the period of the year. Although, not much difference among the states that comprise the region (temperate climate) under study, was detected. The toxin produced by Fusarium graminearum, ZON, was present ranging from 28.2 to 1538 μg/kg indicating a large variability between levels (standard deviation-SD & relative standard deviation-RSD% of 131 & 65.4%) regardless of the origin of the sample or trial period. There is no ZON limit established in Brazil for feed. Out of these samples, 75.5% were above the maximum tolerable (LMT) established in Uruguay (200 μg/kg) for cereals for animal feed, although the country does not specify for silage. The FBs were the toxins that had the lowest percentage of contaminated samples (11.4 to 34.4%) between the years of study, with the year 2011 presenting the highest levels yet, all below LMT U.S.A. (30,000 μg / kg) and 7.3% above the limit set by Switzerland (1,000 μg / kg). There are no limits set for FBs in Brazil feed. Regarding AFLs, the percentage of samples contaminated with levels higher than the Brazilian LMT (Ministry of Agriculture 50 μg/kg) was 11.6% (125) of the total of 1080 tested silages. The levels varied among the positives samples with 9.7% (46-97), 11.3% (31-125.8) and 14.5% (48-105.4) for the states of PR, RS and SC, respectively. Although the levels detected for FBs were low, AFLs and ZON were higher, being some above the LMT of different countries. Therefore there is the need for HORN, M.B. et al. Qualidade de silagens de milho para gado leiteiro produzidas na Região Sul do Brasil quanto às micotoxinas. PUBVET, Londrina, V. 8, N. 2, Ed. 251, Art. 1664, Janeiro, 2014. agricultural practices adequacy in the production of silage for dairy cattle through several stages (harvesting / milling plant / fermentation / compression & silo type / size & closure) as well as its constant monitoring in order to avoid or minimize any economic losses. This is the first work reporting toxins of temperate climate in silage.
Crystallization behavior of fatty acid methyl esters and biodiesel based on differential scanning calorimetry and thermodynamic model

ABSTRACT Biodiesel is mainly composed of methyl palmitate (MeC16), methyl stearate (MeC18), and methyl oleate (MeC18:1). In order to explore the crystallization behavior of biodiesel, the thermal parameters of the three fatty acid methyl esters, their binary mixtures, and biodiesel have been analyzed based on the differential scanning calorimeter. Supposing that biodiesel is a complex solution of various fatty acid methyl esters, the saturated fatty acid methyl esters MeC16 and MeC18 are treated as solutes and the unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester MeC18:1 is served as the solvent; thus a thermodynamic model according to the solid–liquid equilibria for predicting the crystallization onset temperature has been established. As a result, the model is effectively verified when the estimated crystallization onset temperatures for four types of actual biodiesel are compared with the experimental results.
Differential Effectiveness of Atypical Antipsychotics on Hallucinations

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Abstract Background Most studies investigating antipsychotic effectiveness report either total psychopathology or symptom cluster findings. Studies focusing on a separate symptom, such as hallucinations, a hallmark symptom in schizophrenia, are scarce. Therefore, the current study aims to compare the antihallucinatory effectiveness of 3 pharmacologically different antipsychotics: olanzapine, amisulpride, and aripiprazole. Methods The present study is part of the Bergen-Stavanger-Innsbruck-Trondheim study, a 12-month prospective, randomized, pragmatic antipsychotic drug trial in active-phase schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The primary outcome of the present study was change of hallucinations as measured by item P3 (hallucinatory behavior) from the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale in the subgroup with hallucinations at baseline. Primary analyses were intention to treat. Results A total of 144 participants were included in the study, where 105 (72%) had a score of 3 or more on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale P3 item at baseline, indicating the presence of hallucinations (HALL subgroup). In the HALL subgroup, a significantly less reduction of hallucinations was revealed for participants using olanzapine in weeks 12, 26, 39, and 52 when compared with amisulpride and in weeks 26 and 52 when compared with aripiprazole. In subanalyses for participants never exposed to antipsychotic drugs (antipsychotic-naive) and those who had used antipsychotics before entering the study, antihallucinatory differences were revealed only in the latter group. Conclusions A differential antihallucinatory effect of the 3 study drugs was present. The inferior effect of olanzapine seems to be driven by the subgroup of participants exposed to antipsychotic treatment before entering the study.
Perceived Experiences of Community Violence Among Adolescents: A School Survey From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Community violence (CV) is a global public health problem due to its high frequency and severe consequences. Although CV is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents, little is known about the everyday CV situations that do not lead to death. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of exposure to and involvement in CV situations among adolescent students from public and private schools in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study of 693 individuals in their second year of high school selected through stratified multistage random sampling. Information about their exposure to and involvement in CV was collected through a self-completed multidimensional questionnaire in the classrooms. For approximately 30% of the adolescents, someone close to them had been murdered, and 40% had already seen the corpse of a victim of homicide. Seventeen percent reported having been directly involved in CV situations. Approximately 38%, 13%, and 25% had been victims of robberies, interpersonal aggression, and death threats to either themselves or their relatives, respectively. Many of these situations occurred more than once. In general, CV was more frequently reported by boys and by those who did not live with both parents. Adolescents from higher economic classes experienced more interpersonal aggression and felt a greater need to carry a gun. Those who belonged to the lower economic classes and studied in public schools were more exposed to lethal violence than other students. The results call attention to the very high percentage of adolescent students that are involved in CV situations as well as to the differences in violence rates among population subgroups. Such findings should be considered when planning CV prevention and management actions in schools and other socialization spaces for adolescents.
Invasive neuromonitoring and neurological intensive care unit management in life-threatening central nervous system infections

Purpose of review Patients with infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) commonly require treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). In a subset of patients with a life-threatening course, a more aggressive and invasive management is required. Treatment relies on the expertise of the intensivists as most recommendations are currently not based on a high level of evidence. Recent findings Published data suggest that an invasive brain-focused management should be considered in life-threatening CNS infections. Brain resuscitation by adequate control of intracranial pressure (ICP) and optimization of cerebral perfusion, oxygen and glucose delivery supports the idea of personalized medicine. Recent advances in monitoring techniques help to guide clinicians to improve neurocritical care management in these patients with severe disease. Robust data on the long-term effect of decompressive craniectomy and targeted temperature management are lacking, however, these interventions can be life-saving in individual patients in the setting of a potentially fatal situation such as refractory elevated ICP. Summary Advances in the neurocritical care management and progress in monitoring techniques in specialized neuro-ICUs may help to preserve brain function and prevent a deleterious cascade of secondary brain damage in life-threatening CNS infections.
Patient-Specific induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hepatocyte-Like Cells as a Model to Study Autosomal Recessive Hypercholesterolemia.

Autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia (ARH) is a rare monogenic disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) adaptor protein-1 (LDLRAP1) gene, encoding for the LDLRAP1 protein, which impairs internalization of hepatic LDLR. There are variable responses of ARH patients to treatment and the pathophysiological mechanism(s) for this variability remains unclear. This is in part caused by absence of reliable cellular models to evaluate the effect of LDLRAP1 mutations on LDLRAP1 protein function and its role in LDLR internalization. Here we aimed to validate patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) as an appropriate tool to model ARH disease. Fibroblasts from an ARH patient carrying the recently reported nonsense mutation, c.649G>T, were reprogrammed into hiPSCs using Sendai viral vectors. In addition, we used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/ CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) to create an LDLRAP1 gene (also known as ARH) knockout in 2 different human iPSC lines. ARH patient-derived iPSCs, ARH-knockout iPSC lines and control iPSCs were efficiently differentiated into HLCs. Western blot analysis demonstrated the absence of LDLRAP1 in HLCs derived from patient and KO iPSCs, and this was associated with a decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) uptake in ARH-mutant/knockout HLCs compared to control HLCs. In conclusion, we determined that the recently described c.649G>T point-mutation in LDLRAP1 induces absence of the LDLRAP1 protein, similar to what is seen following LDLRAP1 knockout. This causes a decreased, although not fully absent, LDL-uptake in ARH-mutant/knockout HLCs. As knockout of LDLRAP1 or presence of the c.649G>T point-mutation results in absence of LDLRAP1 protein, residual LDL uptake might be regulated by LDLRAP1-independent internalization mechanisms. Patient-specific iPSC-derived HLCs can therefore be a powerful tool to further decipher LDLRAP1 mutations and function of the protein.
The Location and Nature of Accumulated Phosphorus in Activated Sludge

Electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis was used to demonstrate that granules in Acinetobacter contained in excess of 25 % (m/m) phosphorus with a Ca:P ratio between 0.15 and 0.36. Accumulation was possible under continuous aerobic culture and was enhanced by the presence of fermentation products from raw sewage.
An Integrated Approach for Assessing the Impact of Renal Impairment on Pharmacokinetics of Drugs in Development: Pivotal Role of PBPK Modelling

Strategies for conducting renal impairment (RI) studies during clinical development of small molecules requires integration of the “totality of evidence” approach. Although it is acknowledged that physiologicallybased pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling can provide valuable insights for clinical study design and dose optimization in kidney disease, the approach has yet to become established in assessment of RI during drug development and regulatory submissions. Emerging data support an expanded integration of a PBPK modelinformed approach in regulatory guidances on RI.
Simultaneous hepatic iron and fat quantification with dual-energy CT in a rabbit model of coexisting iron and fat.

Background Liver iron and fat are often co-deposited, synergistically aggravating the progression of chronic liver disease. Accurate determination of liver iron and fat content is helpful for patient management. To assess the accuracy of hepatic iron/fat decomposition using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) for simultaneously quantifying hepatic iron and fat when both are present. Methods Sixty-eight New Zealand rabbits on a high-fat/cholesterol diet plus iron injections were used to establish a model of coexisting hepatic iron/fat. Abdominal imaging was performed using dual-source DECT. The iron and fat fractions (Iron-CT and Fat-CT, respectively) were calculated using a 3-material decomposition algorithm. The spectroscopic liver iron concentration (LIC) grading (normal, mild, moderate, severe, and massive iron overload) and the histopathological fat fraction (Fat-ref) grading (normal, mild, moderate, severe steatosis) were used as references. Correlations between the DECT parameters and the references were analyzed. Hepatic iron/fat quantification equations were established and validated. Analysis of covariance was used to assess the influence of fat on iron measurements and vice versa. Results Iron-CT highly correlated with LIC (r=0.94, P<0.001), and Fat-CT highly correlated with Fat-ref (r=0.88, P<0.001). Both the Iron-CT- and Fat-CT-derived LIC and fat fraction showed good agreement with spectroscopy/histology. The linear relationship between Iron-CT and spectroscopic LIC was not affected by the grade of hepatic fat (F=1.93, P=0.16). The linear relationship between Fat-CT and Fat-ref was unaffected by hepatic iron grades from normal to severe (F=0.18, P=0.91). However, with massive iron overload [>15.0 mg Fe/g (270 µmol/g)] the regression began to deviate, causing fat underestimation (F=5.50, P=0.04). Conclusions Our DECT-based iron/fat decomposition algorithm accurately measured hepatic iron and fat when both were present in a rabbit model. Hepatic fat may be underestimated when there is massive iron overload.