Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Through COVID-19 and beyond: developing a multidisciplinary telehealth family intervention in first episode psychosis

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges to high quality, safe Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service provision. Due to the necessity to ensure EIP continues despite this, we developed a multidisciplinary, blended, telehealth intervention, incorporating psychoeducation and peer support, for family members of first episode psychosis service users: PERCEPTION. This perspective article aims to: describe PERCEPTION; offer reflections on our experience of delivering it; make recommendations for future research; and synthesise key learning to assist the integration of similar interventions in other EIP services. We provide a descriptive account of PERCEPTION’s development and implementation, with reflections from the clinicians involved, on supporting families using this approach. We experienced telehealth as patient-focused, safe, and efficient and believe the intervention’s blended nature augmented families’ engagement. The approach adopted can assist service providers to attain balance between protecting public health and offering a meaningful, therapeutic intervention to support families in the current epoch.
Androgen Excess Increases Food Intake in a Rat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model by Downregulating Hypothalamus Insulin and Leptin Signaling Pathways Preceding Weight Gain

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive and metabolic disorder characterized by high androgen levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hyperandrogenism on the hypothalamus and subsequently on the food intake and obesity in females. Methods: A dihydroxy testosterone (DHT)-induced rat model was established to recapitulate the hyperandrogenism features of PCOS patients. Body weight and food intake of the rats were recorded. The food intake of DHT-induced rats was restricted by pair feeding to exclude possible effects of weight gain on the hypothalamus. The expression levels of relevant proteins and mRNAs in the hypothalamus and primary hypothalamic neurons exposed to DHT were analyzed by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. The leptin levels in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured, and leptin was injected via the intracerebroventricular (ICV) route to test the leptin sensitivity of the hypothalamus. Results: The excessive prepuberty androgen levels in the DHT-induced rats markedly elevated food intake prior to weight gain. Consistent with this, the expression of neuropeptide Y and agouti-related peptide mRNAs was upregulated, which occurred prior to obesity and even with restricted food intake. In addition, the hypothalamic sensitivity to insulin and leptin was also impaired in the DHT-induced rats before obesity and with restricted food intake. DHT significantly reduced the leptin levels in the CSF, and ICV injection of leptin inhibited the DHT-induced increase in food intake. Conclusions: Androgen excess increased food intake in rats and promoted obesity by downregulating insulin and leptin signaling in the hypothalamus, most likely by suppressing leptin levels in the CSF.
Evaluation of ocular biometric parameters in keratoconic eyes relative to healthy myopic eyes

Objective To assess the biometric features of keratoconic eyes using the Lenstar LS900 and Pentacam systems relative to healthy myopic eyes. Materials and Methods Seventy-three eyes of keratoconic subjects and 83 eyes of control subjects were enrolled. To evaluate the reproducibility of the Lenstar and Pentacam devices’ measurements, keratometric readings [in flattest meridian (Kf), in steepest meridian (Ks), and mean (Km)], central corneal thickness (CCT), and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were obtained using both systems. Axial length and lens thickness (LT) were measured by the Lenstar. The compatibility between the two devices was investigated using the Bland-Altman statistical method. Results Axial length was longer in the myopic group than in eyes with keratoconus (24.94 ± 0.7 and 23.88 ± 0.96 mm, respectively, p < 0.001). LT and vitreous depth were also higher in the myopic group, although ACD values were similar. Compared to the Lenstar, the Pentacam measured the ACD and CCT values higher in the myopia group [with a difference of 0.07 ± 0.12 mm (p <0.001) and 4.47 ± 11.33 µm (p = 0.001), respectively] and measured the CCT values higher in the keratoconus group. Pentacam found all keratometry values significantly lower than Lenstar in the keratoconus group. Conclusions Axial length was longer in the myopic eyes due to the differences starting from the lens and extending to the posterior segment. Lenstar and Pentacam can be used interchangeably for Km, Kf, and ACD in the myopic group and only for ACD in the keratoconus group.
Evolution under Spatially Heterogeneous Selection in Solid Tumors

Abstract Spatial genetic and phenotypic diversity within solid tumors has been well documented. Nevertheless, how this heterogeneity affects temporal dynamics of tumorigenesis has not been rigorously examined because solid tumors do not evolve as the standard population genetic model due to the spatial constraint. We therefore, propose a neutral spatial (NS) model whereby the mutation accumulation increases toward the periphery; the genealogical relationship is spatially determined and the selection efficacy is blunted (due to kin competition). In this model, neutral mutations are accrued and spatially distributed in manners different from those of advantageous mutations. Importantly, the distinctions could be blurred in the conventional model. To test the NS model, we performed a three-dimensional multiple microsampling of two hepatocellular carcinomas. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed a 2-fold increase in mutations going from the center to the periphery. The operation of natural selection can then be tested by examining the spatially determined clonal relationships and the clonal sizes. Due to limited migration, only the expansion of highly advantageous clones can sweep through a large part of the tumor to reveal the selective advantages. Hence, even multiregional sampling can only reveal a fraction of fitness differences in solid tumors. Our results suggest that the NS patterns are crucial for testing the influence of natural selection during tumorigenesis, especially for small solid tumors.
Systematic review of studies examining contribution of oral health variables to risk prediction models for undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes

To conduct systematic review applying “preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses statement” and “prediction model risk of assessment bias tool” to studies examining the performance of predictive models incorporating oral health‐related variables as candidate predictors for projecting undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (Type 2)/prediabetes risk.
Lessons Learned from Implementation of an Interferon Gamma Release Assay to Screen for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in a Large Multicenter Observational Cohort Study in Brazil

The IGRA has emerged as a useful tool for identifying persons with LTBI. Although the implementation of IGRAs is of utmost importance, to our knowledge there is scarce information on the identification of logistical and technical challenges for systematic screening for LTBI on a large scale. ABSTRACT The interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) has emerged as a useful tool for identifying latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). This assay can be performed through testing platforms such as the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) assay. This in vitro test has been incorporated into several guidelines worldwide and has recently been considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the diagnosis of LTBI. The possibility of systematically implementing IGRAs such as the QFT-Plus assay in centers that perform LTBI screening has been accelerated by the decreased availability of the tuberculin skin test (TST) in several countries. Nevertheless, the process to implement IGRA testing in routine clinical care has many gaps. The study utilized the expertise acquired by the laboratory teams of the Regional Prospective Observational Research in Tuberculosis (RePORT)-Brazil consortium during study protocol implementation of LTBI screening of tuberculosis (TB) close contacts. RePORT-Brazil includes clinical research sites from Brazilian cities and is the largest multicenter cohort of TB close contacts in the country to date. Operational and logistical challenges faced during IGRA implementation in all study laboratories are described, as well as the solutions that were developed and led to the successful establishment of IGRA testing in RePORT-Brazil. The descriptions of the problems identified and resolved in this study can assist laboratories implementing IGRAs, in addition to manufacturers of IGRAs providing effective technical support. This will facilitate the implementation of IGRA testing in countries with large TB burdens, such as Brazil. IMPORTANCE The IGRA has emerged as a useful tool for identifying persons with LTBI. Although the implementation of IGRAs is of utmost importance, to our knowledge there is scarce information on the identification of logistical and technical challenges for systematic screening for LTBI on a large scale. Thus, the descriptions of the problems identified and resolved in this study can assist laboratories implementing IGRAs, in addition to manufacturers of IGRAs providing effective technical support. This will facilitate the implementation of IGRA testing in countries with large TB burdens, such as Brazil.
β3-Adrenoceptor Agonist for the Treatment of Bladder Dysfunction in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: ß3-adrenergic receptor agonists (ß3 agonists) have been used in treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) and neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in adults. However, their use in children has only recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for patients with NDO. As in adults, the role of ß3 agonists in children may include conditions such as OAB. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to understand the intended use, efficacy and safety of ß3 agonists in the pediatric population. Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed in February 2021 across MEDLINE®, Embase®, Scopus®, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov. No language restrictions were placed. All records describing the clinical use of ß3 agonists in pediatric patients (<18 years of age) were included, regardless of the methodological design or outcomes assessed. The identified records were screened by 2 independent authors. The reporting was compliant with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. Data extraction was performed by 2 independent reviewers, blinded to each other’s extractions. The data were pooled using the fixed effects model. Results: Of 367 records identified, 8 studies were included in the review (3 prospective and 5 retrospective). ß3 agonists led to improvements in both urodynamics parameters and self-reported outcomes such as incontinence. Commonly reported side effects were headaches (3%‒5.9%), constipation (3.5%‒5.7%), rhinitis/nasopharyngitis (1.7%‒5.8%) and blurred vision (1.7%‒2.9%). Clinically meaningful changes in safety outcomes (blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram-related changes, liver function) were rare. Before and after ß3 agonist use, pooled effect estimates for maximum cystometric capacity for 171 patients were mean difference of +98.84 ml (95% CI 74.72, 122.96); for complete dryness, assessment of 235 patients showed a Peto odds ratio of 8.68 (95% CI 5.22, 14.45). Conclusions: ß3 agonists appear to be a promising, effective and safe alternative/adjunctive therapy in management of pediatric NDO or OAB, with improvements in both objective urodynamics parameters and subjective patient-reported outcomes following their use.
MSCET: A Multi-Scenario Offloading Schedule for Biomedical Data Processing and Analysis in Cloud-Edge-Terminal Collaborative Vehicular Networks

With the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoTs), an increasing number of computation intensive or delay sensitive biomedical data processing and analysis tasks are produced in vehicles, bringing more and more challenges to the biometric monitoring of drivers. Edge computing is a new paradigm to solve these challenges by offloading tasks from the resource-limited vehicles to Edge Servers (ESs) in Road Side Units (RSUs). However, most of the traditional offloading schedules for vehicular networks concentrate on the edge, while some tasks may be too complex for ESs to process. To this end, we consider a collaborative vehicular network in which the cloud, edge and terminal can cooperate with each other to accomplish the tasks. The vehicles can offload the computation intensive tasks to the cloud to save the resource of edge. We further construct the virtual resource pool which can integrate the resource of multiple ESs since some regions may be covered by multiple RSUs. In this paper, we propose a Multi-Scenario offloading schedule for biomedical data processing and analysis in Cloud-Edge-Terminal collaborative vehicular networks called MSCET. The parameters of the proposed MSCET are optimized to maximize the system utility. We also conduct extensive simulations to evaluate the proposed MSCET and the results illustrate that MSCET outperforms other existing schedules.
Dynamics of epigenetic modifiers and environmentally sensitive proteins in a reptile with temperature induced sex reversal

Abstract The mechanisms by which sex is determined, and how a sexual phenotype is stably maintained during adulthood, have been the focus of vigorous scientific inquiry. Resources common to the biomedical field (automated staining and imaging platforms) were leveraged to provide the first immunofluorescent data for a reptile species with temperature induced sex reversal. Two four-plex immunofluorescent panels were explored across three sex classes (sex reversed ZZf females, normal ZWf females, and normal ZZm males). One panel was stained for chromatin remodeling genes JARID2 and KDM6B, and methylation marks H3K27me3, and H3K4me3 (Jumonji Panel). The other CaRe panel stained for environmental response genes CIRBP and RelA, and H3K27me3 and H3K4me3. Our study characterized tissue specific expression and cellular localization patterns of these proteins and histone marks, providing new insights to the molecular characteristics of adult gonads in a dragon lizard Pogona vitticeps. The confirmation that mammalian antibodies cross react in P. vitticeps paves the way for experiments that can take advantage of this new immunohistochemical resource to gain a new understanding of the role of these proteins during embryonic development, and most importantly for P. vitticeps, the molecular underpinnings of sex reversal. Summary sentence Immunostaining of important chromatin modifiers, histone marks, and environmental response proteins across the three functional sexes in Pogona vitticeps shows protein dynamics differ between males, females, and sex reversed females.
SET8，a novel regulator to ameliorate vascular calcification via activating PI3K/Akt mediated anti-apoptotic effects.

Previous studies have showed that the apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) underlies the mechanism of pathological calcifications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). SET domain-containing protein 8 (SET8), as an efficient protein has been reported to modulate cell apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell, esophageal squamous cell and neuronal cell through regulating pathological processes, such as cell-cycle progression and transcription regulation. However, whether SET8 is involved in high phosphorus induced vascular calcification by mediating apoptosis remains undefined. Here, we reported that SET8 was located both in nucleus and cytoplasm, and significantly downregulated in calcification models. SET8 deficiency promoted the apoptosis of VSMCs, which was indicated by the increased Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3/total caspase-3 ratios. Mechanistically, PI3K/Akt pathway was mediated by SET8 and inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by giving LY294002 or transfecting Akt phosphorylation inactivated mutation plasmid increased apoptosis and calcification. Akt phosphorylation constitutively activated mutation could reduce apoptosis and calcification of VSMCs. Furthermore, exogenous overexpression of SET8 could reverse the effect of PI3K/Akt inhibition on the apoptosis and calcification of VSMCs. In summary, our researches suggested that SET8 overexpression ameliorated high phosphorus induced calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells via activating PI3K/Akt mediated anti-apoptotic effects.
Panic‐like responses of female Wistar rats confronted by Bothrops alternatus pit vipers, or exposure to acute hypoxia: Effect of oestrous cycle

Anxiety‐related diseases are more than twice as common in women than in men, and in women, symptoms may be exacerbated during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Despite this, most research into the underlying mechanisms, which drives drug development, have been carried out using male animals. In an effort to redress this imbalance, we compared responses of male and female Wistar rats during exposure to two unconditioned threatening stimuli that evoke panic‐related defensive behaviours: confrontation with a predator (Bothrops alternatus) and acute exposure to hypoxia (7% O2). Threatened by venomous snake, male and female rats initially displayed defensive attention, risk assessment, and cautious interaction with the snake, progressing to defensive immobility to overt escape. Both males and females displayed higher levels of risk assessment but less interaction with the predator. They also spent more time in the burrow, displaying inhibitory avoidance, and more time engaged in defensive attention, and non‐oriented escape behaviour. In females, anxiety‐like behaviour was most pronounced in the oestrous and proestrus phases whereas panic‐like behaviour was more pronounced during the dioestrus phase, particularly during late dioestrus. Acute hypoxia evoked panic‐like behaviour (undirected jumping) in both sexes, but in females, responsiveness in late dioestrus was significantly greater than at other stages of the cycle. The results reveal that females respond in a qualitatively similar manner to males during exposure to naturally occurring threatening stimuli, but the responses of females is oestrous cycle dependent with a significant exacerbation of panic‐like behaviour in the late dioestrus phase.
Low delta-I noise CMOS circuits based on differential logic and current limiters

Switching noise is becoming an important constraint in mixed signal design. In this paper we present an approach to implement combinational circuits that generate low levels of delta-I noise by obtaining a trapezoidal current waveform shape. We use a differential logic (ECDL) together with current limiters to implement a 4/spl times/4 multiplier. We present the results of the simulation of this multiplier and the comparison with the static complementary-metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) implementation.
Single-walled carbon nanotube/polyaniline coated cellulose based electro-active paper (EAPap) as hybrid actuator

Cellulose based electro-active paper (EAPap) has been discovered as an attractive EAP material for artificial muscles due to its advantages in terms of light weight, biodegradability, low cost, large displacement output, low actuation voltage and low power consumption. However, EAPap exhibits low force output and frequency band. To enhance EAPap actuators, a hybrid EAPap actuator is developed by coating a composite of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)/polyaniline (PANi) with different dopants (Cl− and ClO4−). SWNT is dispersed in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and the SWNT suspension is mixed and sonicated with dopants. The resulting solution is coated on both sides of EAPap by spin coating. The actuation performance of hybrid EAPap actuators is tested in terms of bending displacement, blocked force, mechanical power output and electrical power consumption. The hybrid EAPap actuators show improved force and resonance frequency as a result of enhanced stiffness of the actuators. Although the displacement output is a little bit decreased, the required electrical field strength and the electrical power consumption are low, which are promising for achieving ultra-lightweight smart actuators.
Epigenetic Regulation during Primordial Germ Cell Development and Differentiation

Germline development varies significantly across metazoans. However, mammalian primordial germ cell (PGC) development has key conserved landmarks, including a critical period of epigenetic reprogramming that precedes sex-specific differentiation and gametogenesis. Epigenetic alterations in the germline are of unique importance due to their potential to impact the next generation. Therefore, regulation of, and by, the non-coding genome is of utmost importance during these epigenomic events. Here, we detail the key chromatin changes that occur during mammalian PGC development and how these interact with the expression of non-coding RNAs alongside broader epitranscriptomic changes. We identify gaps in our current knowledge, in particular regarding epigenetic regulation in the human germline, and we highlight important areas of future research.
Resonant power conversion topologies for inductive charging of electrical vehicle batteries

This thesis is concerned with inductive charging of electric vehicle batteries. Rectified power from the 50/60 Hz utility feeds a dc-ac converter which delivers highfrequency ac power to the electric vehicle inductive coupling inlet. The inlet configuration has been defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers in Recommended Practice J-1773. This thesis studies converter topologies related to the series resonant converter. When coupled to the vehicle inlet, the frequency-controlled series-resonant converter results in a capacitively-filtered series-parallel LCLC (SP-LCLC) resonant converter topology with zero voltage switching and many other desirable features. A novel time-domain transformation analysis, termed Modal Analysis, is developed, using a state variable transformation, to analyze and characterize this multi-resonant fourth-order converter. Next, Fundamental Mode Approximation (FMA) Analysis, based on a voltagesource model of the load, and its novel extension, Rectifier-Compensated FMA (RCFMA) Analysis, are developed and applied to the SP-LCLC converter. The RCFMA Analysis is a simpler and more intuitive analysis than the Modal Analysis, and provides a relatively accurate closed-form solution for the converter behavior. Phase control of the SP-LCLC converter is investigated as a control option. FMA and RCFMA Analyses are used for detailed characterization. The analyses identify areas of operation, which are also validated experimentally, where it is advantageous to phase control the converter. A novel hybrid control scheme is proposed which integrates frequency and phase control and achieves reduced operating frequency range and improved partial-load efficiency. The phase-controlled SP-LCLC converter can also be configured with a parallel load, and is an excellent option for the application. The resulting topology implements softswitching over the entire load range and has high full-load and partial-load efficiencies. RCFMA Analysis is used to analyze and characterize the new converter topology, and good correlation is shown with experimental results. Finally, a novel single-stage power-factor-corrected ac-dc converter is introduced, which uses the current-source characteristic of the SP-LCLC topology to provide power factor correction over a wide output power range from zero to full load. This converter exhibits all the advantageous characteristics of its dc-dc counterpart, with a reduced parts count and cost. Simulation and experimental results verify the operation of the new converter.