Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physiological Responses of Continuous and Intermittent Swimming at Critical Speed and Maximum Lactate Steady State in Children and Adolescent Swimmers

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare physiological responses during continuous and intermittent swimming at intensity corresponding to critical speed (CS: slope of the distance vs. time relationship using 200 and 400-m tests) with maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) in children and adolescents. Methods: CS and the speed corresponding to MLSS (sMLSS) were calculated in ten male children (11.5 ± 0.4 years) and ten adolescents (15.8 ± 0.7 years). Blood lactate concentration (BL), oxygen uptake (V·O2), and heart rate (HR) at sMLSS were compared to intermittent (10 × 200-m) and continuous swimming corresponding to CS. Results: CS was similar to sMLSS in children (1.092 ± 0.071 vs. 1.083 ± 0.065 m·s−1; p = 0.12) and adolescents (1.315 ± 0.068 vs. 1.297 ± 0.056 m·s−1; p = 0.12). However, not all swimmers were able to complete 30 min at CS and BL was higher at the end of continuous swimming at CS compared to sMLSS (children: CS: 4.0 ± 1.8, sMLSS: 3.4 ± 1.5; adolescents: CS: 4.5 ± 2.3, sMLSS: 3.1 ± 0.8 mmol·L−1; p < 0.05). V·O2 and HR in continuous swimming at CS were not different compared to sMLSS (p > 0.05). BL, V·O2 and HR in 10 × 200-m were similar to sMLSS and no different between groups. Conclusion: Intermittent swimming at CS presents physiological responses similar to sMLSS. Metabolic responses of continuous swimming at CS may not correspond to MLSS in some children and adolescent swimmers.
Computational Investigation of Tuning the Electron-Donating Ability in Metal-Free Organic Dyes Featuring an Azobenzene Spacer for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

A series of donor–π-conjugated spacer–acceptor (D–π–A) organic dyes featuring an azobenzene spacer were designed as chromic dyes and investigated computationally. The electron-donating strength was modified by introducing electron-donating units to the donor side. In particular, the trans–cis isomerization of the azobenzene-based dyes and its effect on the optical and electronic properties were further scrutinized. In both trans and cis conformers, a gradual increase in electron-donating strength promoted the natural charge separation between donor and acceptor moieties, thereby allowing the absorption of a longer wavelength of visible light. Importantly, the conformational change of the azobenzene bridge resulted in different absorption spectra and light-harvesting properties. The azobenzene-based dyes will open up a new research path for chromic dye-sensitized solar cells.
Development of Primary Care Research in North America, Europe, and Australia From 1974 to 2017

Research is a necessity for high-quality medicine. We used the MEDLINE database to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research output with respect to primary care by 21 countries. For the period 1974 to 2017, the United States and the United Kingdom stood out in terms of publication volume, and the UK, Canada, and Australia had the greatest percentage of publications in primary care. As of 2017, publications in primary care represented a small proportion of total publications. The countries with the greatest publication productivity possess factors that should be considered with respect to strengthening research in primary care.
Molecular mechanisms of heparin-induced modulation of human interleukin 12 bioactivity

Human interleukin-12 (hIL-12) is a heparin-binding cytokine whose activity was previously shown to be enhanced by heparin and other sulfated glycosaminoglycans. The current study investigated the mechanisms by which heparin increases hIL-12 activity. Using multiple human cell types, including natural killer cells, an IL-12 indicator cell line, and primary peripheral blood mononuclear and T cells, along with bioactivity, flow cytometry, and isothermal titration calorimetry assays, we found that heparin-dependent modulation of hIL-12 function correlates with several of heparin's biophysical characteristics, including chain length, sulfation level, and concentration. Specifically, only heparin molecules longer than eight saccharide units enhanced hIL-12 activity. Furthermore, heparin molecules with three sulfate groups per disaccharide unit outperformed heparin molecules with one or two sulfate groups per disaccharide unit in terms of enhanced hIL-12 binding and activity. Heparin also significantly reduced the EC50 value of hIL-12 by up to 11.8-fold, depending on the responding cell type. Cytokine-profiling analyses revealed that heparin affected the level, but not the type, of cytokines produced by lymphocytes in response to hIL-12. Interestingly, although murine IL-12 also binds heparin, heparin did not enhance its activity. Using the gathered data, we propose a model of hIL-12 stabilization in which heparin serves as a co-receptor enhancing the interaction between heterodimeric hIL-12 and its receptor subunits. The results of this study provide a foundation for further investigation of heparin's interactions with IL-12 family cytokines and for the use of heparin as an immunomodulatory agent.
Clinical features of hepatocellular carcinoma in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients without advanced fibrosis

The prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD‐HCC) is increasing. Unfortunately, NAFLD frequently develops into HCC without liver cirrhosis. Therefore, we investigated the clinical features of HCC in NAFLD patients without advanced fibrosis.
Developments in the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is among the most commonly diagnosed solid malignancies, but until recently there were few systemic treatment options for advanced disease. Since 2005, the treatment landscape has been transformed by the development of several novel systemic therapies. In particular, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway have been instrumental in improving outcomes in patients with metastatic disease. Areas covered: The armamentarium of TKIs available for the treatment of RCC has expanded in recent years. The most active area of research at this time is the development of treatment regimens combining newer-generation TKIs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Emerging data point to a role for combination therapy in the frontline management of advanced RCC. Other ongoing areas of research include the use of TKIs in the adjuvant setting and the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy within a changing treatment landscape. Expert opinion: Although TKIs and immune checkpoint inhibitors have incrementally improved outcomes for patients with advanced RCC, long-term survival remains poor. The development of regimens combining these agents represents the next step in the evolution of the field. For the clinician, this will offer exciting possibilities and novel challenges. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02493751. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02133742. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02501096. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02496208. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02684006. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02853331. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02811861. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03141177.
Development and evaluation of a hearing aid manual in the Malay language

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to (a) translate a hearing aid (HA) manual into Malay language and revise the translated manual based on best practice guidelines; (b) compare the effectiveness of the translated and the revised Malay HA manuals in helping individuals to perform HA management tasks. Design: Cross-sectional, randomised, single-blinded study. Study sample: An Oticon-Dynamo HA manual was translated and revised based on best practice guidelines. Ninety participants aged 55 years and above participated in this study. They were randomly assigned into the control group (received translated manual) and the experimental group (received the revised translated manual). The Hearing Aid Management (HAM) test, which was developed in a previous study, was conducted to evaluate participant’s ability to perform HA management tasks using the translated and the revised version of Malay HA manual. Results: The revised Malay HA manual had a lower reading grade level relative to the initial translated Malay HA manual. The ability to perform HA management tasks was better in the experimental group (mean = 12.2, SD = 1.15) versus the control group (mean = 8.7, SD = 2.11). Conclusion: Further revision of existing HA manuals based on best practice guidelines is recommended to help individuals better manage their HAs.
Self-perception of transgender clinic referred gender diverse children and adolescents

Transgender children and adolescents show high rates of co-occurring psychopathology, which might be related to low self-confidence. Earlier research showed that compared to the norm population, transgender clinic–referred children have lower self-perception on two domains: physical appearance and global self-worth. This study aimed to compare self-perception in a sample of transgender clinic–referred children and adolescents with their standardization samples and to examine differences between these two groups. To measure self-esteem, the Self-Perception Profile for Children was administered to 305 referred children (162 assigned males at birth (AMABs) and 143 assigned females at birth (AFABs), mean age = 9.05 (SD, 1.47), range = 5.9–13.00 years), and the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents was administered to 369 referred adolescents (118 AMABs and 251 AFABs, mean age = 15.27 (SD, 1.80), range = 10.73–18.03 years). To measure the severity of gender dysphoria, the parents of the children completed the Gender Identity Questionnaire and the adolescents completed the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale. Referred children and adolescents had a significantly lower self-concept compared to the normative population, whereby referred adolescents felt less competent compared to referred children. Compared to their peers, childhood referred AFABs perceived themselves even better on scholastic and athletic competence and social acceptance. With regard to gender differences, referred AFABs generally showed a better self-perception compared to referred AMABs. The lower self-perception of transgender clinic–referred children and adolescents compared to same age peers deserves clinical attention and interventions aimed at, for example, improving social and physical self-worth.
The Mix Ratio Study of Self-Stressed Anti-Washout Underwater Concrete Used in Nondrainage Strengthening

Anti-washout underwater concrete (AWC) is widely used in nondrainage strengthening; however, there still exist some problems with it, such as high strength loss and poor interfacial bond in practical engineering application. Based on the study of self-stressed concrete (SSC), a research on the mix ratio for the C30 self-stressed anti-washout underwater concrete (SSAWC) was carried out in this paper in hope of solving the above problems, specifically, by adding an expansive agent to the AWC. The parameters, such as strength, fluidity, anti-dispersity, and expansibility, were picked as target indices in determination of the mix ratio. The orthogonal test design and range analysis were used to determine the reasonable mix ratio and study the influence of various parameters on the performance of SSAWC. The experimental program conducted includes a series of strength, fluidity, anti-dispersity, and expansibility tests on 18 groups of specimens. The results show that C30 SSAWC has an excellent performance using the optimal mix ratio. Compared with AWC, the expansibility and self-stress of the SSAWC can be easily observed, and the compressive strength ratio of the SSAWC casted in water to that casted in air is much bigger. This implies that SSAWC is applicable to the nondrainage strengthening.
Lifting the veils on TMEM16E function

The TMEM16E protein (synonymous to anocta min 5) has been attracting a great deal of interest, since mutations in the human TMEM16E gene were implicated in two different types of hereditary diseases: in gnathodiaphyseal dysplasia (GDD), a rare skeletal syndrome [1], and in muscular dystrophies, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy-2L (LGMD2L) and distal Miyoshi myopathy (MMD3) [2]. Yet for many years, it was not even known which may be the very basic function carried out by this membrane protein, let alone how this function may contribute to physiological and pathophysiological settings. Several facets have contributed to this uncertainty surrounding TMEM16E function. While proteins of the TMEM16 family were initially considered Ca-activated chloride channels, it became clear later that many of them are in reality Ca-activated lipid scramblases mediating the stimulus-induced passive transport of phospholipids, in particular phosphatidylserine (PtdSer), between the leaflets of the membrane bilayer (for review [3]). Moreover, early localization studies indicated that native or heterologously expressed TMEM16E protein was restricted to intracellular membranes and therefore inaccessible to classical approaches like whole-cell patchclamp and scrambling assays [4]. This uncertainty has now been dispelled. Several studies published in recent years concur on the fact that TMEM16E belongs to the group of family members with Ca-activated phospholipid scrambling (PLS) activity. A first hint in favour of the “scramblase” option came from a chimeric approach in which a 35-aa-long stretch connecting trans-membrane domains 4 and 5 (designated “scrambling domain” in the TMEM16F sister protein [5]) was swapped between TMEM16E and the plasma membrane-localized TMEM16A. Introduction of the short TMEM16E stretch was sufficient to endow the Ca-activated chloride channel TMEM16A with lipid scrambling activity [6]. Work from our group provided direct demonstration of Ca dependent PLS for the human TMEM16E wild-type protein exploiting its partial plasma membrane (PM) localization following transient overexpression in HEK293 cells [7]. Targeting of a TMEM16E-EGFP fusion to the cell surface was shown by colocalization with the PM marker FM4-64. Additional independent evidence for partial PM localization came from surface biotinylation assays on HEK293 cells stably overexpressing a codon-optimized hTMEM16E version [8]. It is not yet clear if the PM localization of TMEM16E has relevance in its diverse physiological contexts or if it is simply a consequence of protein overexpression. Data from isolated mouse muscle cells indicate that TMEM16E PLS activity may indeed contribute to extracellular PtdSer exposure [8] (see below). Detection of PLS typically relies on annexin-V binding to PtdSer accumulating in the outer leaflet of the membrane as a consequence of scrambling activity. In both HEK293 cell models [7,8], scrambling assays concurrently revealed annexin-V binding at the cell surface of TMEM16E-expressing cells, which
La Reutilización del patrimonio industrial como recurso turístico. Aproximación geográfica al turismo industrial

L'article analitza el patrimoni industrial des del punt de vista de les possibilitats ofertes com a recurs turistic. La recuperacio del passat i el reforc de la memoria col·lectiva son a la base de totes les experiencies de reutilitzacio turistica d'aquest ric i extens patrimoni. Els exemples son nombrosos a tots els paisos desenvolupats, tot i que van comencar en primer lloc als paisos del Nord d'Europa. Museus, centres culturals, centres d'interpretacio. s'han creat on abans hi havia velles fabriques, despres abandonades. Unides de vegades a rutes turistiques de caracter industrial, s'han convertit ja en un important atractiu pels nombrosos visitants que busquen les fites mes significatives del nostre passat industrial. Apareix aixi una nova tendencia turistica, el turisme industrial, que te una clara referencia geografica perque busca els valors culturals d'uns paisatges de vella vocacio industrial i de fort contingut economic i social.
Quality of Life and Depression in Turkish Patients with β-Thalassemia Major: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Thalassemias are the most common monogenic disorders worldwide. Thalassemia patients experience difficulties in their schooling, finding jobs and/or marriage because of functional and physical limitations caused by this disease. It is expected that the quality of life (QoL) of patients with thalassemia will be lower than those without this disease. The aim of this study was to benefit worldwide thalassemia patients in terms of QoL and mental health. This cross-sectional study was performed in Turkey. The study population consisted of of 57 β-thalassemia major (β-TM) patients and the control group. The short form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire and Beck depression inventory (BDI) were used. The mean age of the patients was 21.6 ± 6.6 (age range 15-39) and the male-to-female ratio was 0.7. The mean SF-36 scores of the patient and the control groups were 59.2 ± 12.4 and 75.7 ± 11.8, and the mean BDI scores of the patients and controls were 13.5 ± 6.4 and 6.1 ± 3.7, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the total SF-36 and BDI scores of patients and controls. We aimed to investigate the effects of the decrease in morbidity and mortality of β-thalassemia (β-thal) due to regular transfusions and chelation therapy on the QoL and mental health of patients. The β-TM patients have a comparatively worse QoL score than the normal population. Improving QoL should be the target of clinicians who are monitoring adolescent or young adult β-TM patients.
Clinical significance of cervical MRI in brachial plexus birth injury

Background and purpose — Patient selection for nerve surgery in brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) is difficult. Decision to operate is mostly based on clinical findings. We assessed whether MRI improves patient selection. Patients and methods — 157 BPBI patients were enrolled for a prospective study during 2007–2015. BPBI was classified at birth as global plexus injury (GP) or upper plexus injury (UP). The global plexus injury was subdivided into flail upper extremity (FUE) and complete plexus involvement (CP). Patients were seen at set intervals. MRI was scheduled for patients that had either GP at 1 month of age or UP with no antigravity biceps function by 3 months of age. Type (total or partial avulsion, thinned root), number and location of root injuries and pseudomeningoceles (PMC) were registered. Position of humeral head (normal, subluxated, dislocated) and glenoid shape (normal, posteriorly rounded, pseudoglenoid) were recorded. Outcome was assessed at median 4.5 years (1.6–8.6) of age. Results — Cervical MRI was performed on 34/157 patients at median 3.9 months (0.3–14). Total root avulsions (n = 1–3) were detected on MRI in 12 patients (8 FUE, 4 CP). Reconstructive surgery was performed on 10/12 with total avulsions on MRI, and on all 10 with FUE at birth. Sensitivity and specificity of MRI in detecting total root avulsions was 0.88 and 1 respectively. Posterior shoulder subluxation/dislocation was seen in 15/34 patients (3.2–7.7 months of age). Interpretation — Root avulsion(s) on MRI and flail upper extremity at birth are both good indicators for nerve surgery in brachial plexus birth injury. Shoulder pathology develops very early in permanent BPBI.
The Effects of Quercetin Supplementation on Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage

The aim of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that quercetin (Q) may prevent the strength loss and neuromuscular impairment associated with eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EEIMD). Twelve young men (26.1 ± 3.1 years) ingested either Q (1000 mg/day) or placebo (PLA) for 14 days using a randomized, double-blind, crossover study design. Participants completed a comprehensive neuromuscular (NM) evaluation before, during and after an eccentric protocol able to induce a severe muscle damage (10 sets of 10 maximal lengthening contractions). The NM evaluation comprised maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and force–velocity relationship assessments with simultaneous recording of electromyographic signals (EMG) from the elbow flexor muscles. Soreness, resting arm angle, arm circumference, plasma creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also assessed. Q supplementation significantly increased the isometric strength recorded during MVIC compared to baseline (+4.7%, p < 0.05). Moreover, the torque and muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) decay recorded during the eccentric exercise was significant lower in Q compared to PLA. Immediately after the EEIMD, isometric strength, the force–velocity relationship and MFCV were significantly lower when participants were given PLA rather than Q. Fourteen days of Q supplementation seems able to attenuate the severity of muscle weakness caused by eccentric-induced myofibrillar disruption and sarcolemmal action potential propagation impairment.
Analysis of Complications of Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy Using CT-Guidance Modalities In a Multicenter Cohort of 10568 Biopsies

Objective To analyze the complications of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy using CT-based imaging modalities for needle guidance in comparison with fluoroscopy in a large retrospective cohort. Materials and Methods This study was approved by multiple Institutional Review Boards and the requirement for informed consent was waived. We retrospectively included 10568 biopsies from eight referral hospitals from 2010 through 2014. In univariate and multivariate logistic analyses, 3 CT-based guidance modalities (CT, CT fluoroscopy, and cone-beam CT) were compared with fluoroscopy in terms of the risk of pneumothorax, pneumothorax requiring chest tube insertion, and hemoptysis, with adjustment for other risk factors. Results Pneumothorax occurred in 2298 of the 10568 biopsies (21.7%). Tube insertion was required after 316 biopsies (3.0%), and hemoptysis occurred in 550 cases (5.2%). In the multivariate analysis, pneumothorax was more frequently detected with CT {odds ratio (OR), 2.752 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.325–3.258), p < 0.001}, CT fluoroscopy (OR, 1.440 [95% CI, 1.176–1.762], p < 0.001), and cone-beam CT (OR, 2.906 [95% CI, 2.235–3.779], p < 0.001), but no significant relationship was found for pneumothorax requiring chest tube insertion (p = 0.497, p = 0.222, and p = 0.216, respectively). The incidence of hemoptysis was significantly lower under CT (OR, 0.348 [95% CI, 0.247–0.491], p < 0.001), CT fluoroscopy (OR, 0.594 [95% CI, 0.419–0.843], p = 0.004), and cone-beam CT (OR, 0.479 [95% CI, 0.317–0.724], p < 0.001) guidance. Conclusion Hemoptysis occurred less frequently with CT-based guidance modalities in comparison with fluoroscopy. Although pneumothorax requiring chest tube insertion showed a similar incidence, pneumothorax was more frequently detected using CT-based guidance modalities.