Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PEGylation and antioxidant effects of a human glutathione peroxidase 1 mutant

Human glutathione peroxidase1 (hGPx1) is a good antioxidant and potential drug, but the limited availability and poor stability of hGPx1 have affected its development and application. To solve this problem, we prepared a hGPx1 mutant (GPx1M) with high activity in an Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)cys auxotrophic strain using a single protein production (SPP) system. In this study, the GPx1M was conjugated with methoxypolyethylene glycol-succinimidyl succinate (SS-mPEG, Mw = 5 kDa) chains to enhance its stability. SS-mPEG-GPx1M and GPx1M exhibited similar enzymatic activity and stability toward pH and temperature change, and in a few cases, SS-mPEG-GPx1M was discovered to widen the range of pH stability and increase the temperature stability. Lys 38 was confirmed as PEGylated site by liquid-mass spectrometry. H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to evaluate the effects of GPx1M and SS-mPEG-GPx1M on preventing or alleviating adriamycin (ADR)-mediated cardiotoxicity, respectively. The results indicated that GPx1M and SS-mPEG-GPx1M had good antioxidant effects in vitro and in vivo, and the effect of SS-mPEG-GPx1M is more prominent than GPx1M in vivo. Thus, PEGylation might be a promising method for the application of GPx1M as an important antioxidant and potential drug.
Betaine Ameliorates Brain Damage in a Rat Model of Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Brain ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury may lead to a poor prognosis for ischemic stroke, which could be alleviated by anti-oxidants with diminished oxidative stress. Betaine is a natural nutrient found in beetroot and seafood to improve cognitive performance in the elderly. The present study investigated whether betaine could protect the brain from I/R injury. Results showed that betaine treatment could reduce H2O2-induced cell death in the PC12 cell line. Pretreatment with betaine reduced the brain infarct volume and neuronal apoptosis in a rat I/R injury model induced by two-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Biochemical analyses indicated that betaine treatment decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production and reduced oxidative stress after I/R injury. Betaine increased the expression of anti-oxidative enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) and superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1), and anti-oxidative non-enzymatic genes, such as 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (Mpst), methionine sulfoxide reductases b1 (Msrb1), and Msrb2. These data suggest that betaine exerts a neuroprotective effect in I/R injury through enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidative systems and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Designing FIRA Medium-Sized Soccer Robot Vision System Using Particle Swarm Optimization

Enabling FIRA medium-sized soccer robots to recognize target objects according to color information requires that competing teams manually set the range of colors according to ambient lighting conditions prior to games. This color information is used to differentiate features of target objects, such as the ball, the goals, and the field. Constructing a color-feature model such as this is extremely time-consuming and the resulting model is unable to adapt dynamically to changes in lighting conditions. This study applied a look-up table method to execute RGB-HSV color space conversion to accelerate video processing. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) scheme was developed to detect the color-feature parameters of the target objects in the HSV color space. This enables the automatic completion of color-feature modeling and the construction of the knowledge model required by the robot for object recognition. Experiment results demonstrate that the proposed method is capable of enhancing the robustness of the robot vision system in determining changes in lighting conditions. In addition, the manpower and time required to set robot parameters prior to games were reduced significantly.
Impedance-derived phase angle is associated with muscle mass, strength, quality of life, and clinical outcomes in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Introduction We aimed to evaluate the association between the phase angle and muscle mass, muscle strength, physical performance tests, quality-of-life scales, mood scales, or patient and hospitalization-free survival rates in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods We included 83 HD patients. The patients were divided into tertiles based on phase angle value. The phase angle was measured using a bioimpedance analysis machine. Thigh muscle area per height squared (TMA/Ht2), handgrip strength (HGS), nutritional indicators, physical performance, quality-of-life, depression or anxiety status, and the presence of hospitalization or death regardless of cause were evaluated. Results In our study, no significant differences were observed in the serum albumin level and body mass index according to tertiles of phase angle. The phase angle tertiles were associated with TMA/Ht2 and HGS. The phase angle was also associated with physical performance measurements and depression or anxiety status. Subgroup analyses according to sex, age, and diabetes mellitus showed similar trends to those of the total cohort. Furthermore, the hospitalization-free survival rate and patient survival rate were favorable in patients with high values for the phase angle. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that the phase angle is associated with muscle mass, strength, physical performance, quality-of-life scale, and hospitalization-free survival in maintenance HD patients.
Asthma prevalence and the relationship between level of knowledge and quality of life among asthmatic schoolchildren in Malaysia

Objectives: To examine asthma prevalence and the relationship between the level of knowledge and quality of life (QoL) among asthmatic secondary school children aged 13-14 years old in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire containing demographic characteristics, asthma symptoms, knowledge on asthma, and QoL. Results: Data from 2891 asthmatic schoolchildren aged 13-14 years old from secondary schools in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, were analyzed. According to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) scoring for asthma prevalence, the number of children who exhibited signs and symptoms of asthma was 9% (n=260). The mean score for total knowledge indicated a low knowledge level (82.7%). No significant relationship was found between knowledge level and QoL. Only the race factor was associated with asthma knowledge. Conclusion: This study has provided valuable information on asthma prevalence among Malaysian adolescents and their knowledge on asthma condition. Further research should explore the correlation factors of asthma knowledge and QoL.
Expanding PrEP Services for Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Persons Through Health Department Programs: Key Processes and Outcomes From Project PrIDE, 2015-2019

Objective: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) Implementation, Data to Care, and Evaluation (PrIDE) was a demonstration project implemented by 12 state and local health departments during 2015-2019 to expand PrEP services for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender persons at risk for HIV infection. We describe findings from the cross-jurisdictional evaluation of the project. Methods: We analyzed work plans, annual progress reports, and aggregate quantitative program data submitted by funded health departments (n = 12) to identify key activities implemented and summarize key project outcomes. Results: PrIDE jurisdictions implemented multiple health equity–focused activities to expand PrEP services to priority populations, including building program capacity, conducting knowledge and awareness campaigns, providing PrEP support services, and addressing barriers to PrEP use. Overall, PrIDE jurisdictions identified 44 813 persons with PrEP indications. Of these, 74.8% (n = 33 500) were referred and 33.1% (n = 14 821) were linked to PrEP providers, and 25.3% (n = 11 356) were prescribed PrEP. Most persons prescribed PrEP were MSM or transgender persons (87.9%) and persons from racial and ethnic minority groups (65.6%). However, among persons with PrEP indications, non-Hispanic Black/African American persons (14.9% of 18 782) were less likely than non-Hispanic White persons (31.0% of 11 633) to be prescribed PrEP (z = −33.57; P < .001). Conclusions: PrIDE jurisdictions successfully expanded PrEP services for MSM, transgender persons, and racial and ethnic minority groups by implementing health equity–focused activities that addressed barriers to PrEP services. However, PrEP prescription was generally low, with significant disparities by demographic characteristics. Additional targeted interventions are needed to expand PrEP services, achieve equity in PrEP use, and contribute to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.
An Association of Adverse Childhood Experiences with Binge Drinking in Adulthood: Findings from a Population-Based Study

Abstract Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a major public health issue linked to negative health outcomes. Yet, few recent studies drawing on national data have examined the association between ACEs and binge drinking. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the association between ACEs and binge drinking among adults in the United States and whether this association is dependent on sex. Methods: Data for this study were obtained from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. An analytic sample of 41,322 adults aged 18–64 years (50.7% male) from 17 states was analyzed using binary logistic regression. The outcome variable was binge drinking, and the main explanatory variable was ACEs. Results: Of the 41,322 respondents, 21.3% engaged in binge drinking. About 30% of the respondents had no ACEs and 23.9% had four or more ACEs. In the multivariable logistic regression, we observed that sex moderated the association between ACEs and binge drinking. Odds were 1.36 times higher for females who experienced two ACEs (aOR = 1.36 p < .05, 95% CI = 1.04–1.77) and 1.58 times higher for females who experienced three ACEs (aOR = 1.58 p < .01, 95% CI = 1.17–2.12) to engage in binge drinking. Other factors associated with binge drinking include younger age, non-Hispanic White, higher income level, higher education, not being married, being overweight, and history of cigarette smoking. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the importance of developing sex-appropriate screening and intervention strategies to support individuals exposed to ACEs and potentially mitigate negative health outcomes later in life.
Incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the United States, 2014–2016

Abstract Objective: To estimate the incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the United States for calendar years 2014–2016 using data from the National ALS Registry (Registry). The Registry collects data on ALS patients in the United States to better describe the epidemiology of ALS, examine risk factors such as environmental and occupational exposures, and characterize the demographics of those living with the disease. Methods: To identify adult incident cases of ALS, the Registry compiles data from three national administrative databases (maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Veterans Health Administration, and the Veterans Benefits Administration). For cases that are not included in these databases, the Registry includes data collected from patients who voluntarily enroll via a secure web portal. Results: The Registry identified 5695 ALS cases in 2014; 6045 cases in 2015; and 4861 cases in 2016 for age-adjusted incidence rates of 1.8 (2014), 1.6 (2015), and 1.6 (2016) per 100,000 U.S. population, respectively. ALS was more common among whites, males, and persons aged 60–79 years. Conclusions: This is the first time administrative and self-reported databases have been used to describe the incidence of ALS for the United States resulting in a better estimate of disease demographics.
Examination of Telemental Health Practices in Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with Mental Illnesses: A Systematic Review

Abstract In this systematic review, effects of telemental health (TMH) practices’ on caregivers of children/adolescents with mental illnesses were investigated. The literature review included databases, and reference lists of published studies. All studies published until September 2021 were reviewed. Eleven studies were included. Several services were provided via TMH: education, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), parent training, caregiver behavior training, family CBT. The effectiveness of TMH interventions on caregivers varied from low to high. Most reproducible findings were on caregivers’ satisfaction, stress, therapeutic alliance and caregiver burden. Studies had a low to high bias risk. Most studies had small samples. Results built on the small but growing literature support TMH interventions’ promising role in caregivers of children with mental illness. Future studies should estimate outcomes with medium to low effect size. Other caregiver groups, rarely considered in previous studies, should be included. Bias risk should be minimized. Larger, more methodologically rigorous studies should be conducted.
Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence-Based Intraoperative Guidance Tools for Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery.

Importance Complications that arise from phacoemulsification procedures can lead to worse visual outcomes. Real-time image processing with artificial intelligence tools can extract data to deliver surgical guidance, potentially enhancing the surgical environment. Objective To evaluate the ability of a deep neural network to track the pupil, identify the surgical phase, and activate specific computer vision tools to aid the surgeon during phacoemulsification cataract surgery by providing visual feedback in real time. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study evaluated deidentified surgical videos of phacoemulsification cataract operations performed by faculty and trainee surgeons in a university-based ophthalmology department between July 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021, in a population-based cohort of patients. Exposures A region-based convolutional neural network was used to receive frames from the video source and, in real time, locate the pupil and in parallel identify the surgical phase being performed. Computer vision-based algorithms were applied according to the phase identified, providing visual feedback to the surgeon. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcomes were area under the receiver operator characteristic curve and area under the precision-recall curve for surgical phase classification and Dice score (harmonic mean of the precision and recall [sensitivity]) for detection of the pupil boundary. Network performance was assessed as video output in frames per second. A usability survey was administered to volunteer cataract surgeons previously unfamiliar with the platform. Results The region-based convolutional neural network model achieved area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.996 for capsulorhexis, 0.972 for phacoemulsification, 0.997 for cortex removal, and 0.880 for idle phase recognition. The final algorithm reached a Dice score of 90.23% for pupil segmentation and a mean (SD) processing speed of 97 (34) frames per second. Among the 11 cataract surgeons surveyed, 8 (72%) were mostly or extremely likely to use the current platform during surgery for complex cataract. Conclusions and Relevance A computer vision approach using deep neural networks was able to pupil track, identify the surgical phase being executed, and activate surgical guidance tools. These results suggest that an artificial intelligence-based surgical guidance platform has the potential to enhance the surgeon experience in phacoemulsification cataract surgery. This proof-of-concept investigation suggests that a pipeline from a surgical microscope could be integrated with neural networks and computer vision tools to provide surgical guidance in real time.
Eliminating Explicit and Implicit Biases in Health Care: Evidence and Research Needs

Health care providers hold negative explicit and implicit biases against marginalized groups of people such as racial and ethnic minoritized populations. These biases permeate the health care system and affect patients via patient–clinician communication, clinical decision making, and institutionalized practices. Addressing bias remains a fundamental professional responsibility of those accountable for the health and wellness of our populations. Current interventions include instruction on the existence and harmful role of bias in perpetuating health disparities, as well as skills training for the management of bias. These interventions can raise awareness of provider bias and engage health care providers in establishing egalitarian goals for care delivery, but these changes are not sustained, and the interventions have not demonstrated change in behavior in the clinical or learning environment. Unfortunately, the efficacy of these interventions may be hampered by health care providers’ work and learning environments, which are rife with discriminatory practices that sustain the very biases US health care professions are seeking to diminish. We offer a conceptual model demonstrating that provider-level implicit bias interventions should be accompanied by interventions that systemically change structures inside and outside the health care system if the country is to succeed in influencing biases and reducing health inequities.
Salt sensitivity of blood pressure and aldosterone: interaction between Lysine-specific demethylase 1 gene, sex, and age.

CONTEXT Salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, especially in individuals of African descent, although underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a salt-sensitive epigenetic regulator associated with SSBP and aldosterone dysfunction. An LSD1 risk allele in humans is associated with SSBP and lower aldosterone levels in hypertensive African but not European descent. Heterozygous knockout LSD1 mice display SSBP and aldosterone dysregulation, but this effect is modified by age and biological sex. This might explain differences in cardiovascular risk with aging and biological sex in humans. OBJECTIVE To determine if LSD1 risk allele (rs587618) carriers of African descent display a sex-by-age interaction with SSBP and aldosterone regulation. METHODS We analyzed 297 individuals of African and European descent from the HyperPATH cohort. We performed multiple regression analyses for outcome variables related to SSBP and aldosterone. RESULTS LSD1 risk allele carriers of African (but not European) descent had greater SSBP than non-risk homozygotes. Female LSD1 risk allele carriers of African descent had greater SSBP, mainly relationship-driven by women of low estrogen (postmenopausal). There was a significant LSD1 genotype-sex interaction in aldosterone response to angiotensin II stimulation in individuals ≤50 years, with female carriers displaying decreased aldosterone responsiveness. CONCLUSIONS SSBP associated with LSD1 risk allele status is driven by women of deplete estrogen state. Mechanisms related to a resistance to develop SSBP in females are uncertain but may relate to an estrogen modulating effect on mineralocorticoid receptor activation and/or LSD1 epigenetic regulation of the mineralocorticoid receptor.
Associations between Sex, Rumination, and Depressive Symptoms in Late Adolescence: A Four-Year Longitudinal Investigation

ABSTRACT Objective The literature on the association between sex, rumination, and depression indicates significant variability from childhood to adulthood. Although this variability indicates the need for a developmental lens, a surprising lack of research has been conducted on the association between these variables from middle to late adolescence. Method The present study seeks to bridge this gap using structured equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate the reciprocal associations between sex, brooding rumination, reflective rumination, and depressive symptoms in a sample of students measured at 8th grade, 9th grade, and 12th grade time points. Results In line with findings across the lifespan, female participants indicated significantly higher average levels of both subtypes of rumination and depressive symptoms versus males. Novel results of this study include the findings that for male participants in this age range, brooding rumination predicted later depressive symptoms, while for female participants, early depressive symptoms predicted later brooding. For female participants, early reflective rumination predicted later depressive symptoms. Conclusions This is the first investigation of its kind to demonstrate deleterious longitudinal effects of self-reflective rumination. Findings are interpreted through an ecological framework and mark the transition to high school as a potential risk for interrupted problem-solving of circumstances related to adolescents’ distress.
Élaboration d'un indice de complexité des éditeurs d'équations : L'exemple de la comparaison de HandiMathKey et Libreoffice: Elaboration of an equation editor complexity index: Example of the comparison between HandMathKey and Libre Office

Pupils with a grapho-motor disorder have difficulties with handwriting]. To compensate for these problems, the use of a computer is recommended but is not suitable for inputting mathematical formulae. A new software called "HandiMathKey" (HMK) has been developed to address the difficulties encountered. In order to determine whether this tool is efficient, we compared HMK and Libre Office (LO) with pupils from the sixth grade in secondary school. In order to make this comparison, standard methods (time, success.) have limitations and do not allow for a specific comparison of tasks and editors between them, nor of the procedures performed by the participants. We have therefore carried out an in-depth analysis of the task and defined variables that allow a cognitive evaluation of the activity. Based on this analysis, we were able to design a complexity index allowing the comparison of the editors but also of the participants' actual tasks and procedures. The design of this index is innovative and provides new possibilities of measurement for the study of artefact instrumentalization. Les élèves présentant un trouble grapho-moteur rencontrent des difficultés lors de l’écritures manuscrite. Pour compenser ces troubles, l'usage d'un ordinateur est recommandé mais s'avère inadapté pour la saisie de formules mathématiques. Un nouveau logiciel nommé « HandiMathKey » (HMK) a été conçu dans l'objectif de répondre aux difficultés de saisie rencontrées. Afin de déterminer si cet outil est efficient, nous avons comparé HMK et Libre Office (LO) auprès d’élèves scolarisés en sixième. Pour faire cette comparaison, les méthodes standard (temps, réussite…) présentent des limites et ne permettent pas de comparer spécifiquement les tâches et les éditeurs entre eux, ni les procédures effectuées par les participants. Nous avons donc réalisé une analyse approfondie de la tâche et défini des variables qui permettent une évaluation cognitive de l'activité. A partir de cette analyse, nous avons pu concevoir un indice de complexité permettant la comparaison des éditeurs mais aussi des tâches et procédures effectives des participants. La conception de cet indice est innovante et ouvre des possibilités nouvelles de mesure pour l’étude sur l'instrumentalisation d'artefact.