Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Examining the Pro-Eating Disorders Community on Twitter Via the Hashtag #proana: Statistical Modeling Approach

Background There is increasing concern around communities that promote eating disorders (Pro-ED) on social media sites through messages and images that encourage dangerous weight control behaviors. These communities share group identity formed through interactions between members and can involve the exchange of “tips,” restrictive dieting plans, extreme exercise plans, and motivating imagery of thin bodies. Unlike Instagram, Facebook, or Tumblr, the absence of adequate policy to moderate Pro-ED content on Twitter presents a unique space for the Pro-ED community to freely communicate. While recent research has identified terms, themes, and common lexicon used within the Pro-ED online community, very few have been longitudinal. It is important to focus upon the engagement of Pro-ED online communities over time to further understand how members interact and stay connected, which is currently lacking. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore beyond the common messages of Pro-ED on Twitter to understand how Pro-ED communities get traction over time by using the hashtag considered to symbolize the Pro-ED movement, #proana. Our focus was to collect longitudinal data to gain a further understanding of the engagement of Pro-ED communities on Twitter. Methods Descriptive statistics were used to identify the preferred tweeting style of Twitter users (either as mentioning another user in a tweet or without) as well as their most frequently used hashtag, in addition to #proana. A series of Mann Whitney U tests were then conducted to compare preferred posting style across number of followed, followers, tweets, and favorites. This was followed by linear models using a forward step-wise approach that were applied for Pro-ED Twitter users to examine the factors associated with their number of followers. Results This study reviewed 11,620 Pro-ED Twitter accounts that posted using the hashtag #proana between September 2015 and July 2018. These profiles then underwent a 2-step screening of inclusion and exclusion criteria to reach the final sample of 967 profiles. Over 90% (10,484/11,620) of the profiles were found to have less than 6 tweets within the 34-month period. Most of the users were identified as preferring a mentioning style of tweeting (718/967, 74.3%) over not mentioning (248/967, 25.7%). Further, #proana and #thinspo were used interchangeably to propagate shared themes, and there was a reciprocal effect between followers and the followed. Conclusions Our analysis showed that the number of accounts followed and number of Pro-ED tweets posted were significant predictors for the number of followers a user has, compared to likes. Our results could potentially be useful to social media platforms to understand which features could help or otherwise curtail the spread of ED messages and activity. Our findings also show that Pro-ED communities are transient in nature, engaging in superficial discussion threads but resilient, emulating cybersectarian behavior.
Spectral and lifetime resolution of fundus autofluorescence in advanced age‐related macular degeneration revealing different signal sources

To determine the fundus autofluorescence (FAF) lifetimes and spectral characteristics of individual drusen and hyperpigmentation independent of those with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in geographic atrophy (GA) areas in late‐stage age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).
Implication of integrin α2β1 in senescence of SK-Mel-147 human melanoma cells

This investigation addressed the impact of integrin-initiated signaling pathways on senescence of tumor cells. In a model of human SK-Mel-147 melanoma cells, the silencing of integrin α2β1 strongly reduced cell proliferation and enhanced the percentage of SA-β-Gal-positive cells, a phenotypic feature of cellular senescence. These changes were accompanied by a significant increase in the activity of Akt and mTOR protein kinases and also in the expression of p53 and p21 oncosuppressors. Pharmacological inhibition of Akt and mTORC1 and genetic inhibition of p53 and p21 reduced the senescence of α2β1-depleted SK-Mel-147 cells to the level of control cells. Based on our earlier data on the non-canonical functions of Akt isomers in the invasion and anoikis of SK-Mel-147 cells, we investigated the role of Akt isomers in senescence induced by α2β1 suppression. The inhibition of Akt1 strongly reduced the percentage of SA-β-Gal-positive cells in the α2β1-depleted cell population, while the inhibition of Akt2 did not have a noticeable effect. Our data demonstrated for the first time that α2β1 is involved in the protection of tumor cells against senescence and that senescence, which is induced by the downregulation of α2β, is based on a signaling mechanism in which Akt1 performs a non-canonical function.
Real world effectiveness and satisfaction with secukinumab in the treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis: a population survey in five European countries

Abstract Objectives To describe the effectiveness of secukinumab in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and associated physician satisfaction with secukinumab treatment, in routine clinical practice across five European countries. Methods A retrospective analysis of PsA patients receiving secukinumab for ≥4 months in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK from March to December 2018. Data based on physician-completed questionnaires at initiation of treatment and at the data collection consultation were collected and used to assess effectiveness. Results 572 PsA patients with a mean age of 47.9 years, 57.0% were male, with 5.6% of patients with mild, 55.2% with moderate and 38.1% severe PsA prior to treatment initiation were included. 33.0% of patients received a dosage of 150 mg and 67.0% a dosage of 300 mg secukinumab. Around 84% of patients received secukinumab for 6 months or longer. Symptoms seen at current assessment in over 20% of patients were tender or swollen joints or psoriatic skin lesions. Between initiation of treatment and the current consultation, improvements in skin, joint and overall severity were reported. Physician satisfaction with secukinumab’s ability to control disease was very high during the study period, greater than 90%, and was seen irrespective of disease severity at initiation, prior biologic use, treatment duration, time since diagnosis or onset of symptoms, treatment history, and BMI. Conclusion Physicians were satisfied with the ability of secukinumab to control disease and it was effective in the treatment of PsA patients in routine clinical settings.
Elevated Fatty Liver Index Is Independently Associated With New Onset of Hypertension During a 10‐Year Period in Both Male and Female Subjects

Background Fatty liver index (FLI), a predictor of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, has been reported to be associated with several metabolic disorders. Because of a sex difference in FLI level, we hypothesized that FLI is associated with development of hypertension to a greater extent in men or women. Methods and Results We investigated the relationship between FLI and development of hypertension during a 10‐year period in a general population of subjects who received annual health examinations (n=28 990). After exclusion (44.9%) of subjects with missing data and those with hypertension at baseline, a total of 15 965 subjects (men/women: 9466/6499) were included. FLI level was significantly higher in men than in women. During the 10‐year period, 2304 men (24.3%) and 745 women (11.5%) had new onset of hypertension. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models with a restricted cubic spline showed that the hazard ratios (HRs) for development of hypertension after adjustment of age, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, habits of smoking and alcohol drinking, family history of hypertension, and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia increased gradually with increase in FLI in men and increased rapidly and then slowly with increase in FLI in women. There was a significant interaction between FLI and sex for the risk of hypertension in all of the subjects (P=0.049). The addition of FLI to traditional risk factors significantly improved the discriminatory capability. Conclusions A high level of FLI predicts the development of hypertension in both men and women, although distribution patterns of HRs were different between sexes.
Three-dimensional segmentation and depth-encoded visualization of choroidal vasculature using swept-source optical coherence tomography

The choroid provides nutritional support for the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors. Choroidal dysfunction plays a major role in several of the most important causes of vision loss including age-related macular degeneration, myopic degeneration, and pachychoroid diseases such as central serous chorioretinopathy and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. We describe an imaging technique using depth-resolved swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) that provides full-thickness three-dimensional (3D) visualization of choroidal anatomy including topographical features of individual vessels. Enrolled subjects with different clinical manifestations within the pachychoroid disease spectrum underwent 15 mm × 9 mm volume scans centered on the fovea. A fully automated method segmented the choroidal vessels using their hyporeflective lumens. Binarized choroidal vessels were rendered in a 3D viewer as a vascular network within a choroidal slab. The network of choroidal vessels was color depth-encoded with a reference to the Bruch’s membrane segmentation. Topographical features of the choroidal vasculature were characterized and compared with choroidal imaging obtained with indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) from the same subject. The en face SS-OCT projections of the larger choroid vessels closely resembled to that obtained with ICGA, with the automated SS-OCT approach proving additional depth-encoded 3D information. In 16 eyes with pachychoroid disease, the SS-OCT approach added clinically relevant structural details, including choroidal thickness and vessel depth, which the ICGA studies could not provide. Our technique appears to advance the in vivo visualization of the full-thickness choroid, successfully reveals the topographical features of choroidal vasculature, and shows potential for further quantitative analysis when compared with other choroidal imaging techniques. This improved visualization of choroidal vasculature and its 3D structure should provide an insight into choroid-related disease mechanisms as well as their responses to treatment.
Ist2 recruits the lipid transporters Osh6/7 to ER–PM contacts to maintain phospholipid metabolism

Tethering proteins at ER–plasma membrane contacts may have specific functions in addition to tethering. This study shows that the yeast TMEM16 tethering protein Ist2 recruits the phosphatidylserine-transporting proteins Osh6 and Osh7 to ER–PM contacts, with this interaction being required for aminophospholipid metabolism in the absence of the phosphatidylserine decarboxylase PSD1.
2-Hydro-2-aminophosphasilene with N–Si–P π Conjugation

The first 2-aminophosphasilene, [Ar(Me3Si)N]HSi═PAr′ (4, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3, Ar′ = 2,6-Mes2C6H3), bearing a hydride ligand on the three-coordinate silicon atom has been synthesized and structurally characterized. Both X-ray data of 4 and DFT calculations on the model compound (H2N)HSi═PH (4′) disclosed that the amino group on the silicon atom results in significant N–Si–P π conjugation.
Oral Colonization and Virulence Factors of Candida spp. in Babies With Cleft Palate

Objective: To examine oral colonization and virulence factors of Candida spp. in patients aged from 0 to 18 months with cleft palate (CP). Materials and Methods: Sixty babies were allocated into 3 groups: CP, CP with orthodontic plate (CPwP), and control group (Ctrl) without CP. Information on feeding habits, hygiene, and history of candidosis was collected. The presence of Candida spp. was investigated in samples of saliva. Fungal hydrophobicity, protease, esterase, phospholipase, and hemolysin were evaluated in a semiquantitative manner. Results: Positive oral isolations of Candida spp. were detected in CP (89.5%), CPwP (100%), and Ctrl (44%) groups. Candidosis was more reported in the cleft groups than in the Ctrl group (P ≤ .023). There was a higher prevalence of Candida albicans, followed by Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis in all groups. There was no uniformity of expression of virulence factors, either among different species or among different groups. Conclusion: Candida spp. colonization occurred in all groups, being superior in CPwP group. Candidosis episodes were more reported in patients from CPwP than in other groups, although candidosis was also registered in other groups. Candida albicans was the predominant species and virulence factors did not exhibit any pattern for species or groups of patients.
High-temperature phonon transport properties of SnSe from machine-learning interatomic potential

As a promising thermoelectric material, tin selenide (SnSe) is of relatively low thermal conductivity. However, the phonon transport mechanisms in SnSe are not fully understood due to the complex phase transition, dynamical instability, and strong anharmonicity. In this work, we perform molecular dynamics simulations with a machine-learning interatomic potential to explore the thermal transport properties of SnSe at different temperatures. The developed interatomic potential is parameterized using the framework of moment tensor potential, exhibiting satisfactory predictions on temperature-dependent lattice constants and phonon dispersion, as well as phase transition temperature. From equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations, we obtained the thermal conductivity tensor from 200 K to 900 K. The origins of temperature-dependent thermal conductivity anisotropy and the roles of four-phonon scatterings are identified. The obtained interatomic potential can be utilized to study the mechanical and thermal properties of SnSe and related nanostructures in a wide range of temperatures.
The epidemiology of autoimmune bullous diseases in Sudan between 2000 and 2016

Objectives Autoimmune bullous diseases vary in their clinico-epidemiological features and burden across populations. Data about these diseases was lacking in Sudan. We aimed to describe the epidemiological profile and to estimate the burden of autoimmune bullous diseases in Sudan. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at Khartoum Dermatological and Venereal Diseases Teaching Hospital. We used routinely collected health care data, and included all patients with an autoimmune bullous disease who presented to the hospital between 2001 and 2016. Results Out of the 4736 patients who were admitted to the hospital during the study period, 923 (19.5%) had an autoimmune bullous disease. The average rate of patients at the hospital was 57.7 per year representing 1.3 per 100,000 population per year. After exclusion of patients where the final diagnosis was missing, 585 were included in the further analysis. Pemphigus vulgaris was the most common disease (50.9%), followed by bullous pemphigoid (28.2%), linear IgA disease/chronic bullous disease of childhood (8.4%), and pemphigus foliaceous (8.2%). Pemphigoid gestationis and IgA pemphigus constituted 1.4% and 1.2% of the cohort, respectively. Paraneoplastic pemphigus, mucous membrane pemphigoid, lichen planus pemphigoidis, bullous systemic lupus erythematosus, and dermatitis herpetiformis were rare. None of the patients had epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Conclusions The clinico-epidemiological characteristics vary among the types of autoimmune bullous diseases. Females were more predominant in most of them. Sudanese patients tended in general to present at a younger age than other populations. The pool of Sudanese patients with autoimmune bullous diseases is large which requires investigation for the local risk factors and presents a field for future trials.
Determination of Isomaltooligosaccharides in Milk Powder by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

ABSTRACT Isomaltooligosaccharides are widely used in food with health benefits. A sensitive and selective method for the determination of three isomaltooligosaccharides is reported using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The method was validated by characterization of the linearity, accuracy, precision, and the limits of detection and quantification. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration relationships were linear for the analytes with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.998. The recoveries were from 91.5% to 107.6% with coefficients of variation below 9.0%. The limits of detection and quantification were 1.20 µg mL−1 and 3.60 µg mL−1 for isomaltose, 0.15 µg mL−1 and 0.50 µg mL−1 for panose, and 0.55 µg mL−1 and 1.80 µg mL−1 for isomaltotriose. The validated method was employed for the determination of isomaltooligosaccharides in milk powder.
Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir plus ribavirin for Child-Pugh B and Child-Pugh C hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis

Background/Aims Real-world studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) plus ribavirin (RBV) for Child-Pugh B/C hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis are limited. Methods We included 107 patients with Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis receiving SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks in Taiwan. The sustained virologic response rates at off-treatment week 12 (SVR12) for the evaluable population (EP), modified EP, and per-protocol population (PP) were assessed. Thesafety profiles were reported. Results The SVR12 rates in the EP, modified EP and PP were 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.5–94.2%), 94.1% (95% CI, 87.8–97.3%), and 100% (95% CI, 96.2–100%). Number of patients who failed to achieve SVR12 were attributed to virologic failures. The SVR12 rates were comparable regardless of patient characteristics. One patient discontinued treatment because of adverse events (AEs). Twenty-four patients had serious AEs and six died, but none were related to SOF/VEL or RBV. Among the 96 patients achieving SVR12, 84.4% and 64.6% had improved Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores. Multivariate analysis revealed that a baseline MELD score ≥15 was associated with an improved MELD score of ≥3 (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.16–14.71; P=0.02). Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1 had more significant estimated glomerular filtration rate declines than patients with CKD stage 2 (-0.42 mL/min/1.73 m2/month; P=0.01) or stage 3 (-0.56 mL/min/1.73 m2/month; P<0.001). Conclusions SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks is efficacious and well-tolerated for Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis.
A β‐ketoacyl carrier protein reductase confers heat tolerance via the regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis and stress signaling in rice

Summary Heat stress is a major environmental threat affecting crop growth and productivity. However, the molecular mechanisms associated with plant responses to heat stress are poorly understood. Here, we identified a heat stress‐sensitive mutant, hts1, in rice. HTS1 encodes a thylakoid membrane‐localized β‐ketoacyl carrier protein reductase (KAR) involved in de novo fatty acid biosynthesis. Phylogenetic and bioinformatic analysis showed that HTS1 probably originated from streptophyte algae and is evolutionarily conserved in land plants. Thermostable HTS1 is predominantly expressed in green tissues and strongly induced by heat stress, but is less responsive to salinity, cold and drought treatments. An amino acid substitution at A254T in HTS1 causes a significant decrease in KAR enzymatic activity and, consequently, impairs fatty acid synthesis and lipid metabolism in the hts1 mutant, especially under heat stress. Compared to the wild‐type, the hts1 mutant exhibited heat‐induced higher H2O2 accumulation, a larger Ca2+ influx to mesophyll cells, and more damage to membranes and chloroplasts. Also, disrupted heat stress signaling in the hts1 mutant depresses the transcriptional activation of HsfA2s and the downstream target genes. We suggest that HTS1 is critical for underpinning membrane stability, chloroplast integrity and stress signaling for heat tolerance in rice.
Electronic Hand Hygiene Quality and Duration Monitoring in Pre-School Children: A Feasibility Study

Background Hand hygiene is regarded as the most important measure to prevent spread of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a prototype application in an electronic device in educating, stimulating and monitoring hand hygiene quality in young children. Method A pre-school was provided with an interactive hand hygiene application for two months. The device features an online administrator dashboard for data collection and for monitoring the children’s hand washing steps and duration. A good hand washing is defined as hand washing which comprise all of the steps outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Results The prototype managed to capture 6882 hand wash performed with an average of 20.85 seconds per hand wash. Washing hands palm to palm was the most frequent (79.9%) step performed, whereas scrubbing fingernails and wrists were the least (56%) steps performed. Conclusions The device is a good prototype to educate, stimulate and monitor good hand hygiene practices. However, other measures should be undertaken to ensure sustainability of the practices.
Genome-wide analyses of human noroviruses provide insights on evolutionary dynamics and evidence of coexisting viral populations evolving under recombination constraints

Norovirus is a major cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Over 30 different genotypes, mostly from genogroup I (GI) and II (GII), have been shown to infect humans. Despite three decades of genome sequencing, our understanding of the role of genomic diversification across continents and time is incomplete. To close the spatiotemporal gap of genomic information of human noroviruses, we conducted a large-scale genome-wide analyses that included the nearly full-length sequencing of 281 archival viruses circulating since the 1970s in over 10 countries from four continents, with a major emphasis on norovirus genotypes that are currently underrepresented in public genome databases. We provided new genome information for 24 distinct genotypes, including the oldest genome information from 12 norovirus genotypes. Analyses of this new genomic information, together with those publicly available, showed that (i) noroviruses evolve at similar rates across genomic regions and genotypes; (ii) emerging viruses evolved from transiently-circulating intermediate viruses; (iii) diversifying selection on the VP1 protein was recorded in genotypes with multiple variants; (iv) non-structural proteins showed a similar branching on their phylogenetic trees; and (v) contrary to the current understanding, there are restrictions on the ability to recombine different genomic regions, which results in co-circulating populations of viruses evolving independently in human communities. This study provides a comprehensive genetic analysis of diverse norovirus genotypes and the role of non-structural proteins on viral diversification, shedding new light on the mechanisms of norovirus evolution and transmission.