Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Imputing missing patient-level data and propensity score matching in cost-effectiveness analysis in Crohn's disease

ABSTRACT Objectives The effect of imputing missing data followed by propensity score analysis on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in a cost-effectiveness analysis is unknown. The objective was to compare alternative approaches in grouping data following imputation and prior to calculating propensity scores for use in economic evaluation. Methods Patient-level data from an observational study of 573 children with Crohn’s disease were used in a microsimulation model to determine the incremental cost of early anti-tumor necrosis factor-α treatment compared to standard care per remission week gained. Multiple imputation of a missing covariate followed by propensity score matching to create comparator groups was approached in two ways. The Within approach calculated propensity scores on each imputed dataset separately, while the Across method averaged propensity scores to create one matched population resulting in multiple sets of health state transition probabilities. Results The incremental cost per remission week gained ranged from CAD$2,236 to CAD$12,464 (mean CAD$4,266) with Within datasets and was CAD$4,679 per remission week gained with the Across dataset. Conclusion Imputation of missing patient-level data and propensity score analysis increases methodological uncertainty in cost-effectiveness analysis. The present study indicated that the Across approach may be less cumbersome, and slightly reduce bias and variance.
Photocatalytic degradation of a textile dye in aqueous phase over ZnO nanoparticles embedded in biosilica nanobiostructure

AbstractIn the present study, ZnO nanoparticles immobilized on biosilica nanobiostructure were used for the photocatalytic degradation of Acid Red 88 (AR88) in aqueous phase. UV-induced ZnO/biosilica nanocomposite (78.84%) was more efficient than visible light-induced ZnO/biosilica nanocomposite (21.87%). The results of UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) indicated that the enhanced UV–vis absorption of the nanocomposite could be attributed to biosilica support. Increasing the adsorbent dosage from 0.1 to 1.5 g/L caused a sharp increase in the decolorization efficiency from 15.30 to 98.54%, respectively, while further increase in the amount of photocatalyst to 2 g/L led to a little drop in the decolorization efficiency, decreasing to 93.63%. Decreasing the initial AR88 concentration from 70 to 10 mg/L enhanced the apparent reaction rate constant (kap) from 0.0078 to 0.1579 min−1 and diminished the consumption of electrical energy (EE0) from 2,813 to 139 kW h/m3, respectively. The decolorization and m.
Systematic analysis of goal‐related movement sequences during maternal behaviour in a female mouse model for Rett syndrome

Rodent dams seek and gather scattered pups back to the nest (pup retrieval), an essential aspect of maternal care. Systematic analysis of the dynamic sequences of goal‐related movements that comprise the entire behavioural sequence, which would be ultimately essential for understanding the underlying neurobiology, is not well‐characterized. Here, we present such analysis across 3 days in alloparental female mice (Surrogates or Sur) of two genotypes; Mecp2Heterozygotes (Het), a female mouse model for Rett syndrome and their wild type (WT) siblings. We analysed CBA/CaJ and C57BL/6J WT surrogates for within‐strain comparisons. Frame‐by‐frame analysis over different phases was performed manually using DataVyu software. We previously showed that surrogate Het are inefficient at pup retrieval, by end‐point analysis such as latency index and errors. Here, the sequence of searching, pup‐approach and successful retrieval streamlines over days for WT, while Het exhibits variations in this pattern. Goal‐related movements between Het and WT are similar in other phases, suggesting context‐driven atypical patterns in Het during the pup retrieval phase. We identified proximal pup approach and pup grooming as atypical tactile interactions between pups and Het. Day‐by‐day analysis showed dynamic changes in goal‐related movements in individual animals across genotypes and strains. Overall, our approach (1) highlights natural variation in individual mice on different days, (2) establishes a “gold‐standard” manually curated dataset to help build behavioural repertoires using machine learning approaches, and (3) suggests atypical tactile sensory processing and possible regression in a female mouse model for Rett syndrome.
A facile extraction method followed by UPLC-MS/MS for the analysis of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in raw coffee beans

ABSTRACT A UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), aflatoxin G2 (AFG2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in raw coffee samples. Mycotoxins were extracted using a modified QuEChERS method with little sample preparation excluding clean-up and enrichment procedures. Linearity was demonstrated for the five mycotoxins in the range 0.125–20 µg/kg. This method shows negligible matrix effect for individual concentrations, thus allowing the use of an external standard procedure. Limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.45 to 1 μg/kg. Recoveries between 63% and 89% were achieved. The intra- and inter-day precisions were lower than 15%. The applicability of the method was demonstrated, taking into account fitness for purpose, with simplicity, reliability, low costs and environmental friendliness. The results show that 3 out of 4 samples were contaminated with OTA.
How Do Values Affect Behavior? Let Me Count the Ways

The impact of personal values on preferences, choices, and behaviors has evoked much interest. Relatively little is known, however, about the processes through which values impact behavior. In this conceptual article, we consider both the content and the structural aspects of the relationships between values and behavior. We point to unique features of values that have implications to their relationships with behavior and build on these features to review past research. We then propose a conceptual model that presents three organizing principles: accessibility, interpretation, and control. For each principle, we identify mechanisms through which values and behavior are connected. Some of these mechanisms have been exemplified in past research and are reviewed; others call for future research. Integrating the knowledge on the multiple ways in which values impact behavior deepens our understanding of the complex ways through which cognition is translated into action.
Supports for Maternal Communication About Peer Pressure to Have Sex Among Puerto Rican Families

This research tests the independent contribution of social capital and the use of the internet to obtain health information to support maternal-child communication about peer pressure to have sex among Puerto Rican families. A sample of 413 Puerto Rican households in Springfield, MA provides the data to independently test these hypotheses. The results of a logistic regression model suggest that Puerto Rican mothers with increased social capital and who accessed the internet for health information are more likely to communicate with their adolescent children about peer pressure to have sex. The combination of these two mechanisms provide opportunities to convey culturally generated resources to Puerto Rican mothers to assist them in helping their children develop healthy sexual behaviors.
Targeting angiopoietin‐like 3 in atherosclerosis: From bench to bedside

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the largest cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lipid‐lowering therapies are the current major cornerstone of ASCVD management. Statins, ezetimibe, fibrates and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors effectively reduce the plasma low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) level in most individuals at risk of atherosclerosis. Still, some patients (such as those with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia), who do not respond to standard therapies, and other patients who cannot take these agents, remain at a high risk of ASCVD. In recent years there has been tremendous progress in understanding the mechanism and efficacy of lipid‐lowering strategies. Apart from the recently approved PCSK9 and ATP citrate lyase inhibitors, angiopoietin‐like 3 (ANGPTL3) is another potential target for the treatment of dyslipidaemia and its clinical sequalae of atherosclerosis. ANGPTL3 is a pivotal modulator of plasma triglycerides (TG), LDL‐C and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels, achieved by inhibiting the activities of lipoprotein lipase and endothelial lipase. Familial combined hypolipidaemia is derived from the Angptl3 loss‐of‐function mutations, which leads to low levels of LDL‐C, HDL‐C and TG, and has a 34% decreased risk of ASCVD compared with non‐carriers. To date, monoclonal antibodies (evinacumab) and antisense oligonucleotides against ANGPTL3 have been investigated in clinical trials for dyslipidaemia therapy. Herein, we review the biology and function of ANGPTL3, as well as the latest developments of ANGPTL3‐targeted therapies. We also summarize evidence from basic research to clinical trials, with the aim of providing novel insights into the biological functions of ANGPTL3 and related targeted therapies.
European guidelines from the EHTG and ESCP for Lynch syndrome: an updated third edition of the Mallorca guidelines based on gene and gender

Abstract Background Lynch syndrome is the most common genetic predisposition for hereditary cancer but remains underdiagnosed. Large prospective observational studies have recently increased understanding of the effectiveness of colonoscopic surveillance and the heterogeneity of cancer risk between genotypes. The need for gene‐ and gender‐specific guidelines has been acknowledged. Methods The European Hereditary Tumour Group (EHTG) and European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) developed a multidisciplinary working group consisting of surgeons, clinical and molecular geneticists, pathologists, epidemiologists, gastroenterologists, and patient representation to conduct a graded evidence review. The previous Mallorca guideline format was used to revise the clinical guidance. Consensus for the guidance statements was acquired by three Delphi voting rounds. Results Recommendations for clinical and molecular identification of Lynch syndrome, surgical and endoscopic management of Lynch syndrome‐associated colorectal cancer, and preventive measures for cancer were produced. The emphasis was on surgical and gastroenterological aspects of the cancer spectrum. Manchester consensus guidelines for gynaecological management were endorsed. Executive and layperson summaries were provided. Conclusion The recommendations from the EHTG and ESCP for identification of patients with Lynch syndrome, colorectal surveillance, surgical management of colorectal cancer, lifestyle and chemoprevention in Lynch syndrome that reached a consensus (at least 80 per cent) are presented.
RNA interference activity of single-stranded oligonucleotides linked between the passenger strand and the guide strand with an aryl phosphate linker

Abstract Recently, we demonstrated that asymmetrical 18 base-paired double-strand oligonucleotides comprised of alternately combined 2’-O-methyl RNA and DNA, termed MED-siRNAs, show high RNase resistance, efficient cleavage of target mRNA, and the subsequent reduction of target protein expression. The 5’-terminal phosphate group and the 3’-overhang of the guide strand were required to fully activate the RNAi activity of MED-siRNAs. Here, we evaluated MED-siRNAs modified with aryl phosphate groups at the 5’-end of the guide strand. The 5’-aryl phosphorylated MED-siRNAs showed highly efficient reduction of target protein expression comparable to 5’-phosphorylated MED-siRNAs. Moreover, 5’-aryl phosphorylated MED-siRNAs linked between the aryl phosphate group at the 5’-end of the guide strand and the hydroxyl group at the 3’-end of the passenger strand with alkyl amide linkers or peptides (e.g., DL-Ser-L-Ala-L-Tyr), resulted in single-stranded MED-siRNAs with a highly efficient cleavage activity of target mRNA with binding to Argonaute 2 via an RNA interference mechanism. These linker techniques could also be used to create siRNAs composed of naturally-occurring molecules such as amino acids. These findings suggest the possibility of using these single-stranded MED-siRNAs as siRNA reagents. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15257770.2021. 1927077 .
A comparison of breast cancer survival across different age groups: a multicentric database study in Penang, Malaysia

This study compared breast cancer survival and the prognostic factors across different age groups of women in Penang, Malaysia. Data on 2,166 women with breast cancer who had been diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 were extracted from the Penang Breast Cancer Registry and stratified into 3 age groups: young (< 40 years old), middle-aged (40-59 years old), and elderly (≥ 60 years). The overall and relative survival rates were calculated using the life table method, median survival time was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and comparisons between groups were conducted using the log-rank test. Prognostic factors were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model. The 5-year overall and breast cancer-specific survival rates for women with breast cancer in Penang were 72.9% and 75.2%, with a mean survival time of 92.5 months and 95.1 months, respectively. The 5-year breast cancer-specific survival rates for young, middle-aged, and elderly women were 74.9%, 77.8%, and 71.4%, respectively, with a mean survival time of 95.7 months, 97.5 months, and 91.2 months. There was a significant difference in breast cancer survival between age groups, with elderly women showing the lowest survival rate, followed by young and middle-aged women. Disease stage was the most prominent prognostic factor for all age groups. Survival rates and prognostic factors differed according to age group. Treatment planning for breast cancer patients should be age-specific to promote better cancer care and survival.
Use of the 33-Item Hypomania Checklist (HCL-33) to Distinguish Bipolar Disorder From Major Depressive Disorder in Older Adults

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is often misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD) in older patients. This study examined the psychometric properties of the 33-item Hypomania Checklist (HCL-33) and its accuracy to differentiate BD from MDD among older adults. Method: A total of 215 depressed older patients were recruited; 107 were diagnosed with BD (71 with BD-type I and 36 with BD-type II) and 108 with MDD. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to explore the factor structure of the HCL-33. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to test the internal consistency. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to measure test-retest reliability. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to generate the optimal cut-off value to differentiate between BD and MDD. Results: Two factors were identified in the PCA analysis accounting for 33.9% of the total variance. The Cronbach’s alpha value for the HCL-33 was 0.912, with 0.922 for factor I and 0.664 for factor II. The test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC: 0.891). The optimal cut-off of the HCL-33 total score for discriminating between MDD and BD was 14, with a sensitivity of 88.8% and specificity of 82.4%. Conclusion: The HCL-33 had satisfactory reliability and validity and could be used to distinguish BD from MDD in older adults.
Relationship between fasting blood glucose and subsequent vascular events in Chinese patients with mild ischaemic stroke: a cohort study

Objective To characterise the relationship between fasting blood glucose (FBG) and the incidence of subsequent vascular events (SVE) during the 6 months following a mild ischaemic stroke (MIS) in Chinese patients. Methods Data from patients with MIS were retrospectively analysed. The primary endpoint was an SVE during the 6-month follow-up period. The participants were allocated to three groups (tertiles), according to their FBG concentration. Results Of the 260 participants, 51 (19.6%) reported an SVE during the follow-up period. The incidence of SVE significantly differed among the tertiles of FBG. The odds ratio (OR) was 2.361 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.551–3.594) for FBG as a continuous variable and that for FBG categorised according to tertile was 13.30 (95% CI: 3.519–50.322) in the fully adjusted model. Curve fitting showed that the incidence of SVE gradually increased with increasing FBG, with the highest tertile showing the highest mean incidence (46.7%; 95% CI: 16.2%–79.9%). In addition, participants with or without diabetes mellitus, hypertension, headache, dizziness, mild cognitive impairment or anterior circulation artery lesion showed similar associations between FBG and the incidence of SVE. Conclusion FBG is an independent predictor of 6-month SVE risk in Chinese patients with MIS.
Evaluación de un sistema de tratamiento doméstico para reúso de agua residual

In Mexico there are rural and urban marginal zones without sewage and the wastewater is directly discharged in the soil, revains and water courses, which generates health and pollution issues. The objective of this work was to evaluate a system of easy and economical operation and maintenance that could treat the wastewater from one house. This wastewater treatment system (WTS) combines the operation in series of a septic tank (ST) a biofilter (BF) and a constructed wetland (CW). The BF uses wood chips as filtration media (FM). The CW works with a horizontal sub-superficial flow, and was packed with gravel and seeded with papyrus and other ornamental plants. The WTS was full scale and has a capacity for 2-4 people in regions with a low access and low per capita dotation of water (130 L/d). The WTS was operated for 220 days to evaluate the effect of applying two different flows (Q): 0.2 m 3 /d and 0.4 m 3 /d, affecting the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the ST (5.5 d and 2.75 d), the filtration velocity (FV) into the BF (1.26 m/d and 2.52 m/d) and the FV into the CW (0.05 m/d and 0.1 m/d). The combined WTS presented an excellent performance, and when the slowest flow was applied, the effluent quality obtained was good enough to be directly reused in yards, washing activities, irrigation of green areas and toilet use, considering the analyzed parameters (biochemical oxygen demand, fecal coliforms, helmint eggs, oil and greases), and according to the Mexican norm NOM-003-ECOL-1997 and the American (USEPA 2004) regulations. If the second flow (0.4 m3/d) wants to be applied, an additional disinfection is necessary.
Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): Chronic Hepatitis B Virus among post-conflict affected populations living in mid-Northern Uganda

Background The legacy of war in Northern Uganda continues to impact people’s health and wellbeing in the Acholi region. Despite increasing attention to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in Uganda and globally, concerns remain that unique drivers of infection, and barriers to screening, and treatment, persist among those affected by conflict. Methods Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant) cohort survey involved conflict-affected adults aged 13–49 in three mid-Northern Uganda districts (Gulu, Amuru and Nwoya). Baseline (2011–2012) samples were tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV e-antigen (HBeAg), antibodies to HBV surface antigen (HBsAb), antibodies to HBV e-antigen (HBeAb), and antibodies to HBV core antigen (HBcAb). All HBsAg positive samples were tested for IgM antibodies to HBV B core antigen (HBc-IgM) and where available, >6-month follow-up samples were tested for HBeAg and HBV DNA. Data were analyzed using STATA 15 software. Logistic regression accounted for variance due to complex two-stage sampling that included stratification, unequal selection probabilities and community clustering. Odds ratios measured effect potential risk factors associated with chronic HBV infection. Results Among 2,421 participants, 45.7% were still susceptible to HBV infection. HBsAg seropositivity was 11.9% (10.9–13.0), chronic HBV was 11.6% (10.4–12.8), acquired immunity resulting from vaccination was 10.9%, and prior natural infection was 31.5%. Older age (OR:0.570; 95%CI:0.368–0.883) and higher education (OR:0.598; 95%CI:0.412–0.868) were associated with reduced odds of chronic HBV infection. Being male (OR:1.639; 95%CI:1.007–2.669) and having been abducted (OR:1.461; 95%CI:1.055–2.023) were associated with increased odds of infection. Among women, having 1 or 2 pregnancies (compared to none or >2) was associated with increased odds of infection (OR:1.764; 95%CI:1.009–3.084). Conclusion Chronic HBV is endemic in Gulu, Amuru and Nwoya districts. Recommended strategies to reduce post-conflict prevalence include establishment of Northern Uganda Liver Wellness Centres, integration of screening and treatment into antenatal care, and roll out of birth-dose vaccination.
Route planning methods in indoor navigation tools for vision impaired persons: a systematic review

Abstract Objective Route planning is key support, which can be provided by navigation tools for the blind and visually impaired (BVI) persons. No comprehensive analysis has been reported in the literature on this topic. The main objective of this study is to examine route planning approaches used by indoor navigation tools for BVI persons with respect to the route determination criteria, how user context is integrated, algorithms adopted, and the representation of the environment for route planning. Methods A systematic review was conducted covering the period 1982–July 2018 and thirteen databases. Results From the 1709 articles that resulted from the initial search, 131 were selected for the study. Route length was the sole factor used to determine the best route in the majority of the studies. Routes with less obstacles, less turns, more landmarks and close to walls were selected by the other studies. User variations were considered in few studies. Unique needs of the BVI persons were addressed by few novel algorithms which had integrated multiple parameters and BVI-friendly route modelling. Conclusion Differences between the navigation capabilities of the sighted and the BVI community were not a major concern when deciding the optimum routes in the majority of BVI indoor navigation tools. How to trade-off between factors affecting optimum routes, and how to model suitable routes in complex buildings needs to be studied further, looking from the user perspective. Implications for rehabilitation Navigation differences between sighted and blind and vision-impaired (BVI) communities are not concerned frequently when planning routes in indoor navigation tools of BVI persons. Selecting routes avoiding areas difficult to traverse, close to walls, having landmarks, and less turns are some approaches used to address the unique needs of the BVI community. Assisting for recovery from veering and real-time obstacle detouring are useful features offered by these tools. Identifying and prioritizing different factors contributing to better routes, concerning user variations, and adopting multi-objective route optimization will help to develop improved route planning methodologies for BVI indoor navigation tool