Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alcohol Drinking and the Risk of Chronic Kidney Damage: A Meta-Analysis of 15 Prospective Cohort Studies.

The relationship between alcohol drinking and chronic kidney damage, mainly including declined glomerular filtration rate (GFR), proteinuria, and end-stage renal disease, was conflicting. Thus, a meta-analysis was conducted to investigate their potential associations. PubMed and Web of Science were searched to identify prospective studies assessing the associations between alcohol drinking and chronic kidney damage published up to March 2019. Random-effects model was employed to pool the relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup meta-analyses stratified by the basic characteristics of subjects were performed. A total of 15 cohort studies were included in the present study, with 268,723 participants and 31,766 incident cases. Participants with low (<13 g/d), moderate (13 to 26 g/d), and high (26 to 60 g/d) dose of alcohol drinking had 12% (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83 to 0.93), 24% (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.70 to 0.83), and 21% (RR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.88) lower risk of chronic kidney damage compared with the reference group (non- or occasional drinkers), respectively. The lower risk for chronic kidney damage remained significant for the declined GFR, or in men, or for participants aged less than 55 yrs, or studies with longer than 8 yrs of follow-up, while severe alcohol drinking (≥60 g/d) insignificantly increased 7% risk of chronic kidney damage (RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.53 to 2.15). No obvious heterogeneity and no publication bias were observed. Based on our meta-analysis, participants with alcohol drinking less than 60 g/d were at lower risk of declined GFR, especially in men or participants aged less than 55 yrs. Much more prospective cohort studies are required to confirm our present findings.
Eigenvalues of (↓2)H and convergence of the cascade algorithm

This paper is about the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of (/spl darr/2)H. The ordinary FIR filter H is a convolution with a vector h=(h(O),. ,h(N)), which is the impulse response. The operator (/spl darr/2) downsamples the output y=h*x, keeping the even-numbered components y(2n). Where H is represented by a constant-diagonal matrix, this is a Toeplitz matrix with h(k) on its kth diagonal, the odd-numbered rows are removed in (/spl darr/2)H. The result is a double shift between rows, yielding a block Toeplitz matrix with 1/spl times/2 blocks. Iteration of the filter is governed by the eigenvalues. If the transfer function H(z)=/spl Sigma/h(k)z/sup -k/ has a zero of order p at z=-1, corresponding to /spl omega/=/spl pi/, then (/spl darr/2)H has p special eigenvalues 1/2 , 1/4 . ,( 1/2 )/sup p/. We show how each additional "zero at /spl pi/" divides all eigenvalues by 2 and creates a new eigenvector for /spl lambda/= 1/2 . This eigenvector solves the dilation equation /spl phi/(t)=2/spl Sigma/h(k)/spl phi/(2t-k) at the integers t=n. The left eigenvectors show how 1,t,. ,t/sup p-1/ can be produced as combinations of /spl phi/(t-k). The dilation equation is solved by the cascade algorithm, which is an infinite iteration of M=(/spl darr/2)2H. Convergence in L/sup 2/ is governed by the eigenvalues of T=(/spl darr/2)2HH/sup T/ corresponding to the response 2H(z)H(z/sup -1/). We find a simple proof of the necessary and sufficient condition for convergence.
Isolated Decompression for Transverse Sacral Fractures with Cauda Equina Syndrome

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of isolated decompression for patients with transverse sacral fractures and cauda equina syndrome, which have been rarely reported before. Material/Methods Twelve neurological impaired patients with transverse sacral fracture from January 2010 to March 2017 treated in our institution were evaluated. All patients went through isolated decompression and were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Fracture causes, classifications, associated injury, radiologic results, clinical outcomes using the Majeed index, and neurological outcomes using the Gibbons criteria were evaluated. Results Motor vehicle accidents and falling injuries were the major causes of trauma. The average time from trauma to surgery was 89.8 days. Eleven patients underwent laminectomy with no more than 3 segments resected and 1 patient had S1-S4 excised. Three patients with fracture involving the lumbopelvic joint had L5 laminectomy. All patients achieved bony union, with 7 patients (63.6%) showing satisfactory pelvic outcome. Average Gibbons scores improved from 2.8 to 1.9 at 18-month average follow-up, but most patients were left with residual pain. No surgical-related complications were seen in any patients. Conclusions Isolated decompression can be considered for patients who present a stable sacrum with non-displaced fracture or an old fracture that shows fracture healing. Favorable pelvic outcomes and neurological recovery, along with acceptable stability, can be acquired.
Environmental Education, Knowledge, and High School Students’ Intention toward Separation of Solid Waste on Campus

To achieve substantial and sustainable levels of separation of municipal solid waste (MSW), it is essential to engage young people as they are important drivers of change and will have a major influence on the future of the world. This study aimed to understand Chinese high school students’ intention toward the separation of solid waste on campus (SSWC). The study has used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as its theoretical framework, and further incorporates two additional constructs (environmental education and environmental knowledge) to explain the separation of solid waste (SSW) behavior of 562 high school students. The results indicate that environmental education is essential to ensure that students have required knowledge and positive attitudes toward SSWC. Knowledge was the best predictor of high school students’ separation behavior. Moreover, a lack of subjective norm from the important people could prevent students from participating in this process, regardless of their positive attitudes. The implications for policy and scope for further research are discussed.
Occupational survey of airborne metal exposures to welders, metalworkers, and bystanders in small fabrication shops

Abstract The objective of this study was to characterize worker exposure to airborne metal and particulate matter in shops where multiple types of metalworking tasks were performed. The sampling strategy included full-shift and task-based personal samples on workers who performed flux-cored arc welding, personal samples on workers performing non-welding metalworking tasks, and area samples near welders, representing bystanders to welding. Size-fractionated particulate matter adjacent to welding activities was measured using real-time monitoring devices. Samples were analyzed for 21 individual metals, of which 8 were frequently detected. Exceedance fractions were calculated based on the distribution of results for each frequently detected metal. Exceedance fractions were <5% for all metals, except manganese (6% of the REL, 55% of the inhalable TLV-TWA and 91% of the respirable TLV-TWA) and iron oxide (10% of the REL and TLV-TWA) for Shop 1 bystander samples, manganese (68% for the inhalable TLV-TWA and 98% of the respirable TLV-TWA) for welder samples, and manganese (35% for the inhalable TLV-TWA and 80% of the respirable TLV-TWA) and iron oxide (12% for the PEL and 23% for the REL and TLV-TWA) for metalworker samples. Particulate matter concentrations measured at distances of 0.9–1.5 m and 2.1–2.7 m from the welder were within the same order of magnitude. The results of this study allow for comparison to health-based exposure limits for select individual components of welding fume with a low to medium degree of censorship.
Protective Effect of 4% Titanium Tetrafluoride Varnish on Dentin Demineralization Using a Microcosm Biofilm Model

This study evaluated the effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) varnish on the development of dentin carious lesions. Bovine root dentin samples were treated for 6 h with: (A) 4% TiF4 varnish (2.45% F); (B) 5.42% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish (2.45% F); (C) 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel – positive control; (D) placebo varnish; or (E) untreated – negative control (n = 4 × biological triplicate, n = 12). Treated dentin samples were exposed to human saliva mixed with McBain saliva (1:50) for the first 8 h in 24-well plates. Thereafter, the medium was removed, and McBain saliva containing 0.2% sucrose was applied for 16 h. From days 2 to 5, McBain saliva with sucrose was replaced daily (37°C, 5% CO2). The demineralization was measured using transverse microradiography, while the effect on biofilm was analyzed using viability, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS), and lactic acid production assays. The data were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). All treatments (fluorides and CHX) significantly reduced the biofilm viability compared to placebo varnish and negative control. However, none of them was able to reduce the colony-forming unit counting for total microorganism, total streptococci, and Streptococcus mutans. NaF significantly reduced the number of Lactobacillus sp. compared to negative control. No effect was seen on lactic acid production neither on EPS synthesis, except that CHX significantly reduced the amount of insoluble EPS. Both fluorides were able to reduce dentin demineralization compared to placebo varnish and negative control; TiF4 had a better effect in reducing mineral loss and lesion depth than NaF. Therefore, TiF4 varnish has the best protective effect on dentin carious lesion formation using this model.
Proniosomal gel-derived niosomes: an approach to sustain and improve the ocular delivery of brimonidine tartrate; formulation, in-vitro characterization, and in-vivo pharmacodynamic study

Abstract Brimonidine tartrate (BRT) is a hydrophilic α2 adrenergic agonist used for the treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma is an ocular disease affecting the anterior segment of the eye requiring lifetime treatment. Owing to the obstacles facing ocular delivery systems and hydrophilicity of BRT, frequent administration of the eye drops is required. Niosomes have been widely used to improve the ocular bioavailability of the topically applied drugs and to enhance the ocular residence time. However, they have drawbacks as physical instability, aggregation, and loss of the entrapped drug. For this reason, BRT proniosomes were prepared to overcome niosomal instability issues. A D-optimal design was utilized to determine the optimum conditions for preparation of the proniosomal gels. Independent variables were amount of surfactant, surfactant:cholesterol ratio, and type of surfactant used. The dependent variables were entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size, percentage of drug released after 2 h (Q2h), and percentage of drug released after 24 h (Q24h). The optimum formula was suggested with desirability 0.732 and the composition of 540 mg Span 60 and 10:1 surfactant:cholesterol ratio. The results obtained after reconstitution were; EE% of 79.23 ± 1.12% particle size of 810.95 ± 16.758 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) 0.6785 ± 0.213, zeta potential 59.1 ± 0.99 mV, Q2h40.98 ± 1.29%, Q8h 63.35 ± 6.07%, and Q24h = 91.11 ± 1.76%. Transmission electron microscope imaging of the formula showed the typical spherical shape of niosomes. In-vivo pharmacodynamic study assured the improved ocular bioavailability of BRT selected formula when compared with Alphagan®P with relative AUC0–24 of 5.024 and 7.90 folds increase in the mean residence time (MRT). Lack of ocular irritation of the formula was assured by Draize test.
Comparative Genomics of Cyanobacterial Symbionts Reveals Distinct, Specialized Metabolism in Tropical Dysideidae Sponges

Natural products provide the inspiration for most clinical drugs. With the rise in antibiotic resistance, it is imperative to discover new sources of chemical diversity. Bacteria living in symbiosis with marine invertebrates have emerged as an untapped source of natural chemistry. While symbiotic bacteria are often recalcitrant to growth in the lab, advances in metagenomic sequencing and assembly now make it possible to access their genetic blueprint. A cell enrichment procedure, combined with a hybrid sequencing and assembly approach, enabled detailed genomic analysis of uncultivated cyanobacterial symbiont populations in two chemically rich tropical marine sponges. These population genomes reveal a wealth of secondary metabolism potential as well as possible reasons for historical difficulties in their cultivation. ABSTRACT Marine sponges are recognized as valuable sources of bioactive metabolites and renowned as petri dishes of the sea, providing specialized niches for many symbiotic microorganisms. Sponges of the family Dysideidae are well documented to be chemically talented, often containing high levels of polyhalogenated compounds, terpenoids, peptides, and other classes of bioactive small molecules. This group of tropical sponges hosts a high abundance of an uncultured filamentous cyanobacterium, Hormoscilla spongeliae. Here, we report the comparative genomic analyses of two phylogenetically distinct Hormoscilla populations, which reveal shared deficiencies in essential pathways, hinting at possible reasons for their uncultivable status, as well as differing biosynthetic machinery for the production of specialized metabolites. One symbiont population contains clustered genes for expanded polybrominated diphenylether (PBDE) biosynthesis, while the other instead harbors a unique gene cluster for the biosynthesis of the dysinosin nonribosomal peptides. The hybrid sequencing and assembly approach utilized here allows, for the first time, a comprehensive look into the genomes of these elusive sponge symbionts. IMPORTANCE Natural products provide the inspiration for most clinical drugs. With the rise in antibiotic resistance, it is imperative to discover new sources of chemical diversity. Bacteria living in symbiosis with marine invertebrates have emerged as an untapped source of natural chemistry. While symbiotic bacteria are often recalcitrant to growth in the lab, advances in metagenomic sequencing and assembly now make it possible to access their genetic blueprint. A cell enrichment procedure, combined with a hybrid sequencing and assembly approach, enabled detailed genomic analysis of uncultivated cyanobacterial symbiont populations in two chemically rich tropical marine sponges. These population genomes reveal a wealth of secondary metabolism potential as well as possible reasons for historical difficulties in their cultivation.
Biologic Characteristics of Shoulder Articular Cartilage in Comparison to Knee and Ankle Articular Cartilage From Individual Donors

Objective To describe histological and metabolic characteristics of glenohumeral joint (GHJ) articular cartilage and compare to knee and ankle joints. Design Macroscopically healthy human humeral head, glenoid, knee, and ankle articular cartilage were obtained from tissue donors (N = 16, 9 males, 7 females; age 45-78 years), within 24 hours of death. Gross morphology of each joint was assessed using Collins grading. Cartilage explants were removed from the entire surface of each joint, cultured for 48 hours with or without interleukin-1β and processed for histology with Safranin O, proteoglycan (PG) synthesis/content, and polymerase chain reaction for collagen II, aggrecan, and SOX9. Results were compared between uncultured and cultured controls and across all 3 joints. Results Structural differences were seen on histology between GHJ cartilage and knee and ankle cartilage of the same Collins grade, specifically, depletion of Safranin O staining in the extracellular matrix. Treatment of glenoid and humerus specimens with IL-1β demonstrated a trend toward decreased PG synthesis in each explant but this decrease did not reach significance. There was no significant difference in PG synthesis between humerus, glenoid, knee, and ankle samples at baseline, day-0 control, 48-hour control, and 48 hours after treatment with 0.1 ng or 10 ng of IL-1β. There were no significant increases in collagen II, SOX9, and aggrecan expression in glenoid and humeral head cartilage samples treated with IL-1β compared to baseline controls. Conclusions GHJ articular cartilage did not significantly differ from ankle or knee cartilage with regard to PG synthesis and gene expression. However, it did differ in its histological appearance in normal state.
Possible association of decreased serum CXCL14 levels with digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis

CXCL14 serves as a chemoattractant for activated macrophages, immature dendritic cells and natural killer cells, as well as an antiangiogenic factor by preventing the migration of endothelial cells. CXCL14 also exerts an inhibitory effect on the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway, which is involved in the maintenance of T‐helper (Th)2 bias, and promotes Th1 immune response under the physiological and pathological conditions. Because CXCL14‐mediated biological processes seem to be involved in the development of systemic sclerosis (SSc), which is characterized by Th2/Th17‐skewed immune polarization and impaired neovascularization, we investigated the clinical correlation of serum CXCL14 levels in patients with this disease. Serum CXCL14 levels were significantly decreased in SSc patients compared with healthy individuals and in diffuse cutaneous SSc patients relative to limited cutaneous SSc patients. SSc patients with digital ulcers had serum CXCL14 levels significantly lower than those without. Furthermore, i.v. cyclophosphamide pulse significantly increased serum CXCL14 levels as compared with the baseline in SSc patients with interstitial lung disease successfully treated with this therapy. These results indicate that decreased CXCL14 expression may contribute to the maintenance of Th2‐skewed immune polarization and dysregulated neovascularization, both of which underlie the developmental process of SSc.
Real‐World Data Approaches for Early Detection of Potential Safety and Effectiveness Signals for Generic Substitution: A Metoprolol Extended‐Release Case Study

Real‐world spontaneous adverse event reports and administrative health care data were utilized as one part of a multipronged approach to verify surveillance signals related to generic drug formulations. This study used metoprolol succinate extended release as a historic case example from which to develop an analytic framework. The US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System was utilized for disproportionality analyses and to identify outcomes of interest. Claims data were analyzed for generic uptake, proportion of prescriptions with “dispense as written” orders, time to discontinuation or switching, and relative rates of clinical events. Adverse Event Reporting System data showed that the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities terms for product quality were higher for generic metoprolol cases and that a number of clinical events were increased that could be side effects of high or low variability in drug levels. Compared to amlodipine‐benazepril, which also had a first‐approved generic at the same time, market share data showed that metoprolol succinate had lower utilization and more prescriptions written as dispense as written. Switching and discontinuation were generally higher for metoprolol users compared to amlodipine‐benazepril users. Finally, clinical event rates were generally higher for generic versus brand metoprolol but lower for the same comparison for amlodipine‐benazepril users. In the claims‐based analyses, the 90‐day period immediately after generic entry provided stronger signal capture than using the entire study period. This analytic framework can be implemented to actively monitor new generic formulations for potential bioequivalence failures. Signals from these analyses require confirmation (eg, via pharmacometric analyses) to be informative for regulatory action.
Arabidopsis CHOLINE/ETHANOLAMINE KINASE 1 (CEK1) is a primary choline kinase localized at the ER and involved in ER stress tolerance.

Choline kinase catalyzes the initial reaction step of choline metabolism that produces phosphocholine, a prerequisite for the biosynthesis of a primary phospholipid phosphatidylcholine. However, the primary choline kinase and its role in plant growth remained elusive in seed plants. Here, we showed that Arabidopsis CHOLINE/ETHANOLAMINE KINASE 1 (CEK1) encodes functional CEK that prefers choline than ethanolamine as a substrate in vitro and affects contents of choline and phosphocholine but not phosphatidylcholine in vivo. CEK1 is localized at endoplasmic reticulum (ER); upon tunicamycin-induced ER stress, a null mutant of CEK1 showed hyper-sensitive phenotype in seedlings albeit no enhanced choline kinase activity. Our results demonstrate that CEK1 is a primary ER-localized choline kinase in vivo that is required for ER stress tolerance possibly through the modulation of choline metabolites. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Controlled Cortical Impact Leads to Cognitive and Motor Function Deficits that Correspond to Cellular Pathology in a Piglet Traumatic Brain Injury Model.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, with children who sustain a TBI having a greater risk of developing long-lasting cognitive, behavioral, and motor function deficits. This has led to increased interest in utilizing large animal models to study pathophysiologic and functional changes after injury in hopes of identifying novel therapeutic targets. In the present study, a controlled cortical impact (CCI) piglet TBI model was utilized to evaluate cognitive, motor, and histopathologic outcomes. CCI injury (4 m/sec velocity, 9 mm depression, 400 msec dwell time) was induced at the parietal cortex. Compared with normal pigs (n = 5), TBI pigs (n = 5) exhibited appreciable cognitive deficiencies, including significantly impaired spatial memory in spatial T-maze testing and a significant decrease in exploratory behaviors followed by marked hyperactivity in open field testing. Additionally, gait analysis revealed significant increases in cycle time and stance percent, significant decreases in hind reach, and a shift in the total pressure index from the front to the hind limb on the affected side, suggesting TBI impairs gait and balance. Pigs were sacrificed 28 days post-TBI and histological analysis revealed that TBI lead to a significant decrease in neurons and a significant increase in microglia activation and astrogliosis/astrocytosis at the perilesional area, a significant loss in neurons at the dorsal hippocampus, and significantly increased neuroblast proliferation at the subventricular zone. These data demonstrate a strong relationship between TBI-induced cellular changes and functional outcomes in our piglet TBI model that lay the framework for future studies that assess the ability of therapeutic interventions to contribute to functional improvements.