Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Finite Element Analysis and Circuit Modelling Methodology for Studying Electrical Impedance Myography of Human Limbs

<italic>Objective:</italic> Electrical impedance myography (EIM) measures bioimpedance over muscles. This paper proposes a circuit-based modelling methodology originated from finite element analysis (FEA), to emulate tissues and effects from anthropometric variations, and electrode placements, on EIM measurements. The proposed methodology is demonstrated on the upper arms and lower legs. <italic>Methods:</italic> FEA evaluates impedance spectra (Z-parameters), sensitivity, and volume impedance density for variations of subcutaneous fat thickness (t<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{f}$</tex-math></inline-formula>), muscle thickness (t<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{m}$</tex-math></inline-formula>), and inter-electrode distance (IED), on limb models over 1Hz-1 MHz frequency range. The limbs’ models are based on simplified anatomical data and dielectric properties from published sources. Contributions of tissues to the total impedance are computed from impedance sensitivity and density. FEA Z-parameters are imported into a circuit design environment, and used to develop a three Cole dispersion circuit-based model. FEA and circuit model simulation results are compared with measurements on ten human subjects. <italic>Results:</italic> Muscle contributions are maximized at 31.25 kHz and 62.5 kHz for the upper arm and lower leg, respectively, at 4 cm IED. The circuit model emulates variations in t<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{f}$</tex-math></inline-formula> and t<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{m}$</tex-math></inline-formula>, and simulates up to 89 times faster than FEA. The circuit model matches subjects measurements with RMS errors <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathbf {< \;}36.43\boldsymbol{\Omega }$</tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathbf {< \;}17.28\mathbf {^{\circ }}$</tex-math></inline-formula>, while FEA does with <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathbf {< \;}36.59\boldsymbol{\Omega }$</tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mathbf {< \;}4.36\mathbf {^{\circ }}$</tex-math></inline-formula>. <italic>Conclusions:</italic> We demonstrate that FEA is able to estimate the optimal frequencies and electrode placements, and circuit-based modelling can accurately emulate the limbs’ bioimpedance. <italic>Significance:</italic> The proposed methodology facilitates studying the impact of biophysical principles on EIM, enabling the development of future EIM acquisition systems.
It's a hard knock life for some: Heterogeneity in infection life history of salmonids influences parasite disease outcomes

Abstract Heterogeneity in immunity occurs across numerous disease systems with individuals from the same population having diverse disease outcomes. Proliferative kidney disease (PKD) caused by Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, is a persistent parasitic disease negatively impacting both wild and farmed salmonids. Little is known of how PKD is spread or maintained within wild susceptible populations. We investigated an aspect of fish disease that has been largely overlooked, that is, the role of the host phenotypic heterogeneity in disease outcome. We examined how host susceptibility to T. bryosalmonae infection, and the disease PKD, varied across different infection life‐history stages and how it differs between naïve, re‐infected and persistently infected hosts. We investigated the response to parasite exposure in host phenotypes with (a) different ages and (b) heterogeneous infection life histories. Among (a) the age phenotypes were young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) fish and juvenile 1+ fish (fish older than one) and, for (b) juvenile 1+ infection survivors were either re‐exposed or not re‐ exposed to the parasite and response phenotypes were assigned post‐hoc dependant on infection status. In fish not re‐exposed this included fish that cleared infection (CI) or had a persistent infection (PI). In fish re‐exposed these included fish that were re‐infected (RI), or re‐exposed and uninfected (RCI). We assessed both parasite‐centric (infection prevalence, parasite burden, malacospore transmission) and host‐centric parameters (growth rates, disease severity, infection tolerance and the immune response). In (a), YOY fish, parasite success and disease severity were greater and differences in the immune response occurred, demonstrating an ontogenetic decline of susceptibility in older fish. In (b), in PI and RI fish, parasite success and disease severity were comparable. However, expression of several adaptive immunity markers was greater in RI fish, indicating concomitant immunity, as re‐exposure did not intensify infection. We demonstrate the relevance of heterogeneity in infection life history on disease outcome and describe several distinctive features of immune ontogeny and protective immunity in this model not previously reported. The relevance of such themes on a population level requires greater research in many aquatic disease systems to generate clearer framework for understanding the spread and maintenance of aquatic pathogens.
Neonatal Nurses' Perceptions of Palliative Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract Purpose: Neonatal palliative care is widely endorsed as an essential aspect of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) practice, yet inconsistencies in its use continue to exist. We examined neonatal nurses' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to palliative care in their NICU setting. Study Design and Methods: A cross-sectional design using the Neonatal Palliative Care Attitude Scale (NiPCAS™©) was administered using an online survey distributed to neonatal nurses through the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN). Parametric statistical analyses were conducted to explore relationships between unit policy and neonatal palliative care (NPC) education, and the nurses' perceptions. Results: Ninety-nine of 1,800 AWHONN members who identified as NICU nurses completed the survey, representing a response rate of 5.5% and 101 of 4,000 NANN members who subscribe to the MYNANN message boards completed the survey, reflecting a 2.5% response rate. N = 200 surveys were completed with minimal data missing, resulting in a final sample of 200. Exploratory factor analysis yielded these subconstructs: Unit Culture, Resources, and Perceived Inappropriate Care. Barriers identified were Perceived Inappropriate Care and Societal Understanding of NPC. A positive correlation was noted for NiPCAS™© scores and unit culture support (r(185) = . 66, n = 187, p < . 01), unit NPC policy (r(184) = . 446, n = 186, p < . 01), and NPC education (r(185) = . 373, n = 187, p < . 01). Clinical Implications: Nurses who work in a NICU with an NPC policy and who have received palliative care education demonstrated more favorable attitudes toward NPC. Policy and educational programs are important strategies to promote high-quality care for high-risk infants and their families. Guidelines for neonatal palliative care have existed for over 20 years, yet less than 4% of children who meet criteria for palliative care receive these services. Neonatal intensive care unit nurses are uniquely positioned to influence end-of-life care for infants and their families' experiences. N = 200 neonatal intensive care nurses in the United States participated in a survey about neonatal palliative care. Nurses who work in a unit with a neonatal palliative care policy and who have received palliative care education demonstrated more favorable attitudes toward neonatal palliative care. Policy and educational programs are important strategies to promote high-quality care for high-risk infants and their families.
AmotL2, IQGAP1, and FKBP51 Scaffold Proteins in Glioblastoma Stem Cell Niches

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) live in a continuous process of stemness reprogramming to achieve specific cell commitment within the so-called GSC niches, specifically located in periarteriolar regions. In this review, we analyze the expression levels, cellular and subcellular location, and role of three scaffold proteins (IQGAP1, FKBP51, and AmotL2) in GSC niches. Scaffold proteins contribute to cell differentiation, migration, and angiogenesis in glioblastoma. It could be of diagnostic interest for establishing stages, for therapeutic targets, and for improving glioblastoma prognosis, which is still at the experimental level.
Quantification of Aluminum-Induced Changes in Wheat Root Architecture by X-ray Microcomputed Tomography

ABSTRACT Root architectural traits are of fundamental importance for plant performance, especially under unfavorable soil conditions. This study examined the effect of aluminum (Al) toxicity in different growing media (nutrient solutions and soil) on root architecture of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars with different Al tolerances. Seedlings were grown in acidic and limed soil and in two contrasting nutrient solutions. Root systems of soil-grown plants were scanned using x-ray microcomputed tomography (µCT) while that of nutrient solution–grown plants were assesses using WinRhizo, 3 and 5 days after planting (DAP), respectively. Aluminum caused significant reduction of all examined root traits (number of seminal roots, root length, length of the longest seminal root, root surface area, and root volume). Growth in acidic soil caused significant reduction in root length, length of the longest seminal root, and root surface area at 5 DAP. Soil-grown plants produced a larger root system compared to plants grown in nutrient solutions. Aluminum toxicity–induced differences of root traits were also found between different nutrient solutions. Beside the well-known reduction of root length, Al toxicity had a profound effect on other root architectural traits. X-ray µCT has revealed root architectural changes under specific conditions of acidic, Al-toxic soil. Differences obtained in Al-induced effects on root architecture between different nutrient solutions as well as between different growing systems emphasize the need for further study of root architecture, especially under specific conditions of Al toxicity in acidic soils.
Mental health literacy in Ghana: Implications for religiosity, education and stigmatization

Research on Mental Health Literacy (MHL) has been growing internationally. However, the beliefs and knowledge of Ghanaians about specific mental disorders have yet to be explored. This vignette study was conducted to explore the relationships between religiosity, education, stigmatization and MHL among Ghanaians using a sample of laypeople (N = 409). The adapted questionnaire presented two vignettes (depression and schizophrenia) about a hypothetical person. The results revealed that more participants were able to recognize depression (47.4%) than schizophrenia (15.9%). Religiosity was not significantly associated with recognition of mental disorders but was positively associated with both social and personal stigma for depression, and negatively associated with personal and perceived stigma for schizophrenia. Moreover, education was found to be positively associated with disorder recognition, and negatively with perceived stigma. Finally, perceived stigma was positively associated with disorder recognition, whereas personal stigma for schizophrenia related negatively to recognition of mental disorders. In conclusion, education but not religiosity predicted identification accuracy, but both predictors were associated with various forms of stigma. Findings from this study have implications for MHL and anti-stigma campaigns in Ghana and other developing countries in the region.
Association between social network and functional disability in brazilian elderly.

OBJECTIVE to verify the association between social network and functional disability in elderly Brazilians. METHODS a cross-sectional study with secondary data of 11,177 elderly people, available on Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics' website. Social network components were having trusted friends/relative, living with their spouse, practicing social activity, performing voluntary or paid work. The outcome was functional disability, measured by the difficulty in performing instrumental and basic activities of daily living. Logistic regression models were used. RESULTS disability prevalence for instrumental activities was 28.0% (95%CI: 26.7-29.4), and for basic activities, 15.5% (95%CI: 14.4-16.6). Not having components social network components was associated with greater chances of functional disability, especially among women. CONCLUSION there was an association between not having social network components with functional disability. There are differences in this association according to sex. Strengthening actions that expand social network can reduce the chance of this outcome in elderly people.
Clinico-pathological classification of rheumatic mitral valve damage and surgical strategy

Background There is a lack of established pathological indications for rheumatic valve repair. Therefore, we summarized the pathological classifications of rheumatic heart diseases and their correlations with the surgical strategies. Methods This observational study enrolled patients with rheumatic heart diseases who underwent mitral valve repair (MVP) or replacement at our centre between January 2017 and January 2019. Mitral leaflet, mitral commissural, and sub-valvular apparatus were classified into three grades from mild to severe, according to their degree of pathological damage. Based on certain principles and the grade of mitral leaflet, mitral commissural, and sub-valvular apparatus damage, three pathological types were identified (types I to III), based on which all patients were classified. The features of each pathological type were summarised. Differences between the three pathological types were analysed using chi-square test of tendency. These data were used to propose a clinico-pathological classification of rheumatic mitral valve damage in Chinese patients. Results Of 398 patients, 284 (70%) underwent MVP for rheumatic mitral valve diseases. There were 58 type I (15%) patients in the study, all of whom underwent repair (repair rate, 100%). Preoperative moderate-to-severe regurgitation with mild pathological lesions was observed in 64% of these patients. In 260 type II (65%) patients, the repair rate was 76% (197/260); preoperative moderate-to-severe stenosis was observed in 88% of these patients. In 80 type III (20%) patients, the repair rate was 36% (29/80); the preoperative rates of extremely severe stenosis and moderate-to-severe regurgitation in these patients were 50% and 40%, respectively. Several preoperative parameters show the change in trend with the increase in the pathological classification severity. Conclusions Our clinico-pathological classification of rheumatic mitral valve damage is applicable to MVP. Considering that the classification principles are based on the possibility of mitral repair, it provides a phased and achievable target ratio for MVP and a principle of screening patients who should undergo rheumatic MVP.
Prodigiosin inhibits bacterial growth and virulence factors as a potential physiological response to interspecies competition

Prodigiosin, a red linear tripyrrole pigment, has long been recognised for its antimicrobial property. However, the physiological contribution of prodigiosin to the survival of its producing hosts still remains undefined. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the biological role of prodigiosin from Serratia marcescens, particularly in microbial competition through its antimicrobial activity, towards the growth and secreted virulence factors of four clinical pathogenic bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) as well as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Prodigiosin was first extracted from S. marcescens and its purity confirmed by absorption spectrum, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS/MS). The extracted prodigiosin was antagonistic towards all the tested bacteria. A disc-diffusion assay showed that prodigiosin is more selective towards Gram-positive bacteria and inhibited the growth of MRSA, S. aureus and E. faecalis and Gram-negative E. coli. A minimum inhibitory concentration of 10 μg/μL of prodigiosin was required to inhibit the growth of S. aureus, E. coli and E. faecalis whereas > 10 μg/μL was required to inhibit MRSA growth. We further assessed the effect of prodigiosin towards bacterial virulence factors such as haemolysin and production of protease as well as on biofilm formation. Prodigiosin did not inhibit haemolysis activity of clinically associated bacteria but was able to reduce protease activity for MRSA, E. coli and E. faecalis as well as decrease E. faecalis, Salmonella Typhimurium and E. coli biofilm formation. Results of this study show that in addition to its role in inhibiting bacterial growth, prodigiosin also inhibits the bacterial virulence factor protease production and biofilm formation, two strategies employed by bacteria in response to microbial competition. As clinical pathogens were more resistant to prodigiosin, we propose that prodigiosin is physiologically important for S. marcescens to compete against other bacteria in its natural soil and surface water environments.
Lung cancer screening: who pays? Who receives? The European perspectives

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and its early detection is critical to achieving a curative treatment and to reducing mortality. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is a highly sensitive technique for detecting noninvasive small lung tumors in high-risk populations. We here analyze the current status of lung cancer screening (LCS) from a European point of view. With economic burden of health care in most European countries resting on the state, it is important to reduce costs of screening and improve its effectiveness. Current cost-effectiveness analyses on LCS have indicated a favorable economic profile. The most recently published analysis reported an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €3,297 per 1 life-year gained adjusted for the quality of life (QALY) and €2,944 per life-year gained, demonstrating a 90% probability of ICER being below €15,000 and a 98.1% probability of being below €25,000. Different risk models have been used to identify the target population; among these, the PLCOM2012 in particular allows for the selection of the population to be screened with high sensitivity. Risk models should also be employed to define screening intervals, which can reduce the general number of LDCT scans after the baseline round. Future perspectives of screening in a European scenario are related to the will of the policy makers to implement policy on a large scale and to improve the effectiveness of a broad screening of smoking-related disease, including cardiovascular prevention, by measuring coronary calcium score on LDCT. The employment of artificial intelligence (AI) in imaging interpretation, the use of liquid biopsies for the characterization of CT-detected undetermined nodules, and less invasive, personalized surgical treatments, will improve the effectiveness of LCS.
Out-group animosity drives engagement on social media

Significance Almost four billion people around the world now use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, and social media is one of the primary ways people access news or receive communications from politicians. However, social media may be creating perverse incentives for divisive content because this content is particularly likely to go “viral. ” We report evidence that posts about political opponents are substantially more likely to be shared on social media and that this out-group effect is much stronger than other established predictors of social media sharing, such as emotional language. These findings contribute to scholarly debates about the role of social media in political polarization and can inform solutions for creating healthier social media environments. There has been growing concern about the role social media plays in political polarization. We investigated whether out-group animosity was particularly successful at generating engagement on two of the largest social media platforms: Facebook and Twitter. Analyzing posts from news media accounts and US congressional members (n = 2,730,215), we found that posts about the political out-group were shared or retweeted about twice as often as posts about the in-group. Each individual term referring to the political out-group increased the odds of a social media post being shared by 67%. Out-group language consistently emerged as the strongest predictor of shares and retweets: the average effect size of out-group language was about 4.8 times as strong as that of negative affect language and about 6.7 times as strong as that of moral-emotional language—both established predictors of social media engagement. Language about the out-group was a very strong predictor of “angry” reactions (the most popular reactions across all datasets), and language about the in-group was a strong predictor of “love” reactions, reflecting in-group favoritism and out-group derogation. This out-group effect was not moderated by political orientation or social media platform, but stronger effects were found among political leaders than among news media accounts. In sum, out-group language is the strongest predictor of social media engagement across all relevant predictors measured, suggesting that social media may be creating perverse incentives for content expressing out-group animosity.
A Microporous Porphyrin-Based Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework for Gas Separation

A hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF), HOF-7, based on a zinc porphyrin-based building block (ZnTDPP) with diaminotriazine moieties has been successfully constructed and structurally characterized (ZnTDPP = 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-(2,4-diaminotriazinyl)phenyl)porphyrinato zinc). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that HOF-7 is built by the 2D layered subunits connected by the intermolecular hydrogen-bonding and π–π interaction, exhibiting two kinds of micropores with sizes of 3.2 × 4.7 A2 and 4.2 × 6.7 A2, respectively. This HOF exhibits permanent porosities as demonstrated in the CO2 sorption and selective adsorption of CO2 over N2.