Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of otoacoustic emissions to improve outcomes and reduce disparities in a community preschool hearing screening program

Introduction Hearing loss substantially impacts pediatric development, and early identification improves outcomes. While intervening before school-entry is critical to optimize learning, early-childhood hearing screening practices are highly variable. Conditioned play audiometry (CPA) is the gold standard for preschool hearing screening, but otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing provides objective data that may improve screening outcomes. Objectives To compare outcomes of a community-based low-income preschool hearing program before and after implementation of OAE in a single-visit, two-tiered paradigm. We hypothesized that this intervention would reduce referral rates and improve follow-up while maintaining stable rates of diagnosed sensorineural hearing loss. Methods We performed a cohort study of 3257 children screened from July 2014-June 2016. Department of Public Health data were analyzed pre- and post-implementation of second-line OAE testing for children referred on CPA screening with targeted follow-up by DPH staff. Primary outcomes included referral rates, follow-up rates, and diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss. Results Demographics, pure-tone pass rates, and incidence of newly-diagnosed permanent hearing loss were similar across years. After intervention, overall pass rates increased from 92% to 95% (P = 0.0014), while only 0.7% remained unable to be tested (P<0.0001). 5% of children were unable to be tested by CPA screening but passed OAE testing, obviating further evaluation. Referral rate decreased from 8% to 5% (P = 0.0014), and follow-up improved from 36% to 91% (P<0.0001). Identification of pathology in children with follow-up increased from 19% to over 50%. Further, disparities in pass rates and ability to test seen in Year 1 were eliminated in Year 2. Conclusion and relevance In a community setting, implementation of second-line OAE screening for CPA referrals reduced referral rates, increased identification of hearing loss, reduced outcome disparities, and improved follow-up rates. This study provides lessons in how to improve outcomes and reduce disparities in early-childhood hearing screening.
The effect of piperlongumine on endothelial and lung adenocarcinoma cells with regulated expression of profilin-1

Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of piperlongumine (2 and 4 µM) on endothelial EA.hy926 and lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells with regulated expression of profilin-1 (PFN1). Material and methods The cytotoxicity of alkaloid was evaluated by MTT assay, while cell death was assessed using double staining with annexin V and propidium iodide. Subsequently, the level of PFN1 1) upregulation in EA.hy926 endothelial cells and 2) downregulation in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. The next step was the analysis of the effect of PFN1 manipulation on cytoskeletal proteins. Results The results showed that piperlongumine may inhibit proliferation of EA.hy926 and A549 cell lines and also induce cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, endothelial cells with PFN1 overexpression showed lower sensitivity to alkaloid and strengthening of cell–cell interactions. In the case of A549 cells, loss of PFN1 expression resulted in a lower percentage of early apoptotic cells, reorganization of F-actin and vimentin network, and reduction of migratory potential. Conclusion We suggest that upregulation of PFN1 in endothelial cell line may stabilize the cell junctions. In turn, PFN1 downregulation in A549 cells probably suppresses cell migration and sensitizes cells to anticancer agents.
Written-Word Concreteness Effects in Non-attend Conditions: Evidence From Mismatch Responses and Cortical Oscillations

It has been widely reported that concrete words have processing advantages over abstract words in terms of speed and efficiency of processing, a phenomenon known as the concreteness effect. However, little is still known about the early time-course of processing concrete and abstract words and whether this concreteness effect can still persist in conditions where attention is not focused on the words presented (automatic processing). This study aimed to shed light on these issues by examining the electrophysiological brain responses to concrete and abstract words. While participants were engaged in a non-linguistic color tracking task presented in the center of the monitor screen, matched Chinese concrete and abstract single-character words appeared within a passive oddball paradigm, out of the focus of attention. In calculating visual Mismatch Negativity (vMMN), Event-related potentials (ERPs) to words of the same semantic category were compared when these words were presented as deviants and standards. Before 320 ms, both abstract and concrete words yielded vMMN with left-lateralized distribution, suggesting similar verbal processing at an initial processing stage. After 320 ms, only concrete words additionally elicited vMMN with a central distribution. Time frequency (TF) analysis of the results also revealed larger theta power increase (200–300 ms) and theta power phase locking (200–450 ms) for concrete than for abstract words. Interestingly, there was more alpha power decrease for abstract than for concrete words from 300 to 450 ms. This may reflect the greater difficulty in processing abstract meaning. Taken together, our ERP and TF results point to the existence of different neural mechanisms underlying non-attentive processing of abstract and concrete words.
Influence of socio-demographic characteristics in the self-care of people with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of socio-demographic characteristics in the self-care of people with heart failure (HF). METHOD Cross-sectional, analytical study, held in three private hospitals in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, with 57 hospitalized patients. The data were collected through a demographic characterization form and a self-care assessment scale and were analyzed with inferential statistics, using mean comparison tests. RESULTS Self-care was best assessed in people with higher education level, higher household income and in a relationship. CONCLUSION The socio-demographic characteristics influenced seven self-care practices: dietary control; monitoring of body weight; effort in labor activities; knowledge about HF; up-to-date vaccination record; leisure activities; and family and social support network with strong bonds. The higher prevalence of answers indicating satisfactory self-care practices among the patients occurred in the areas of health promotion and tolerance to stress.
Pervasive iron limitation at subsurface chlorophyll maxima of the California Current

Significance The vertical distribution of phytoplankton cells and chlorophyll concentrations throughout the sunlit water column is rarely uniform. In many ocean regions, chlorophyll concentrations peak in distinct and persistent layers deep below the surface called subsurface chlorophyll maximum layers (SCMLs). SCML formation is hypothesized to reflect the consequences of phytoplankton light/macronutrient colimitation, behavior, and/or photoacclimation. We discovered unexpectedly persistent and widespread phytoplankton iron limitation and iron/light colimitation in SCMLs of the California Current and at the edge of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre using shipboard incubations, metatranscriptomics, and biogeochemical proxies. These results suggest that interactions and feedbacks between iron and light availability play an important and previously unrecognized role in controlling the productivity and biogeochemical dynamics of SCMLs. Subsurface chlorophyll maximum layers (SCMLs) are nearly ubiquitous in stratified water columns and exist at horizontal scales ranging from the submesoscale to the extent of oligotrophic gyres. These layers of heightened chlorophyll and/or phytoplankton concentrations are generally thought to be a consequence of a balance between light energy from above and a limiting nutrient flux from below, typically nitrate (NO3). Here we present multiple lines of evidence demonstrating that iron (Fe) limits or with light colimits phytoplankton communities in SCMLs along a primary productivity gradient from coastal to oligotrophic offshore waters in the southern California Current ecosystem. SCML phytoplankton responded markedly to added Fe or Fe/light in experimental incubations and transcripts of diatom and picoeukaryote Fe stress genes were strikingly abundant in SCML metatranscriptomes. Using a biogeochemical proxy with data from a 40-y time series, we find that diatoms growing in California Current SCMLs are persistently Fe deficient during the spring and summer growing season. We also find that the spatial extent of Fe deficiency within California Current SCMLs has significantly increased over the last 25 y in line with a regional climate index. Finally, we show that diatom Fe deficiency may be common in the subsurface of major upwelling zones worldwide. Our results have important implications for our understanding of the biogeochemical consequences of marine SCML formation and maintenance.
Cryoballoon Ablation for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: A  Meta-analysis

Background: Ablation therapy is the treatment of choice in antiarrhythmic drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). It is performed by either cryoballoon ablation (CBA) or radiofrequency abla-tion. CBA is gaining popularity due to simplicity with similar efficacy and complication rate com-pared with RFA. In this meta-analysis, we compare the recurrence rate of AF and the complications from CBA versus RFA for the treatment of AF. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed for the articles that compared the outcome of interest. The primary outcome was to compare the recurrence rate of AF between CBA and RFA. We also in-cluded subgroup analysis with complications of pericardial effusion, phrenic nerve palsy and cerebral microemboli following ablation therapy. Results: A total of 24 studies with 3527 patients met our predefined inclusion criteria. Recurrence of AF after CBA or RFA was similar in both groups (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.65, 1.07; I2=48%, Cochrane p=0.16). In subgroup analysis, heterogeneity was less in paroxysmal AF (I2=0%, Cochrane p=0.46) compared to mixed AF (I2=72%, Cochrane p=0.003). Procedure and fluoroscopy time was less by 26.37 and 5.94 minutes respectively in CBA compared to RFA. Complications, pericardial effusion, and silent cerebral microemboli, were not different between the two groups, however, phrenic nerve palsy was exclusively present only in CBA group. Conclusion: This study confirms that the effectiveness of CBA is similar to RFA in the treatment of AF with the added advantages of shorter procedure and fluoroscopy times.
Effects of polyamines on the ultrafiltration of plasmid DNA

It is well established that the structure of plasmid DNA is a strong function of solution ionic conditions due to changes in intramolecular electrostatic interactions between the charged phosphate groups along the DNA backbone. Multivalent cations like spermine and spermidine play a critical role in compacting and controlling the structure of supercoiled DNA in living cells. The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of these polyamines on the ultrafiltration of plasmid DNA, including possible opportunities to use these polycations to enhance the purification of specific plasmid isoforms. Data were obtained using a wide range of spermine and spermidine concentrations to evaluate DNA transmission through Biomax polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes. Spermine has a very strong effect on DNA transmission, with the sieving coefficient of the supercoiled plasmid decreasing by more than an order of magnitude upon addition of only 15 μM spermine. A comparable change in DNA transmission required >300 μM of the trivalent spermidine. The polyamines were able to significantly increase the selectivity for the separation of DNA from a model protein, but they were unable to provide a significant increase in the selectivity for separating DNA isoforms under the conditions examined in this study. The results do demonstrate that both spermine and spermidine can be used to control the extent of DNA transmission/purification during ultrafiltration. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 35: e2765, 2019.
Centromere protein F (CENPF), a microtubule binding protein, modulates cancer metabolism by regulating pyruvate kinase M2 phosphorylation signaling

ABSTRACT Prostate cancer (PC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and is the second leading cause of male cancer-related death in North America. Metabolic adaptations in malignant PC cells play a key role in fueling the growth and progression of the disease. Unfortunately, little is known regarding these changes in cellular metabolism. Here, we demonstrate that centromere protein F (CENPF), a protein associated with the centromere-kinetochore complex and chromosomal segregation during mitosis, is mechanically linked to altered metabolism and progression in PC. Using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, we silenced the gene for CENPF in human PC3 cells. These cells were found to have reduced levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers and inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Silencing of CENPF also simultaneously improved sensitivity to anoikis-induced apoptosis. Mass spectrometry analysis of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins from CENPF knockout (CENPFKO) and control cells revealed that CENPF silencing increased inactive forms of pyruvate kinase M2, a rate limiting enzyme needed for an irreversible reaction in glycolysis. Furthermore, CENPFKO cells had reduced global bio-energetic capacity, acetyl-CoA production, histone acetylation, and lipid metabolism, suggesting that CENPF is a critical regulator of cancer metabolism, potentially through its effects on mitochondrial functioning. Additional quantitative immunohistochemistry and imaging analyzes on a series of PC tumor microarrays demonstrated that CENPF expression is significantly increased in higher-risk PC patients. Based on these findings, we suggest the CENPF may be an important regulator of PC metabolism through its role in the mitochondria.
The Clinical Characteristics of Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis in the Lumbar Spine

Background Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a rare disease, defined as diffuse hypertrophy of unencapsulated adipose tissue causing spinal canal compression and progressive neurologic deficits. However, there are few studies on SEL in Korea. Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and clinical characteristics of SEL in Korea. Methods Of the 3702 symptomatic patients (1575 males and 2127 females) who underwent lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the age of 20 years or older from January 2014 to December 2016, 42 patients (27 males and 15 females) diagnosed with SEL were selected. Medical records and telephone counseling were used to document sex, age, height, weight, clinical symptoms, coexistent spinal disease, accompanying diseases, and alcoholism and smoking status. One radiologist classified the severity of epidural lipomatosis into three grades from I to III according to Borre et al. We obtained four linear measurements at the axial plane parallel based in the narrowest on MRI image. Results The incidence of SEL in the lumbar spine was 1.1%, which was 1.71% in men and 0.7% in women. The mean age was 69.4 ± 10.9 years and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.4 ± 3.5 kg/m2. The most common clinical symptoms were lower back pain and radiating leg pain (26 patients, 61.9%). The level of affected SEL was found to be most prevalent at L5 - S1 (21 patients, 50%). Concomitant diseases were hypertension (26 patients, 61.9%) and diabetes (12 patients, 28.5%). The most common SEL grade was type III (21 patients, 50%), followed by types II (17 patients, 40.4%) and I (4 patients, 9.5%). Conclusions Lumbar spine MRI at one hospital showed that the incidence of symptomatic SEL was 1.1%; SEL is common at the L5-S1 level and in male patients, and severity grade is often severe.
cAMP/PKA signalling pathway regulates redox homeostasis essential for Sporisorium scitamineum mating/filamentation and virulence

The fungal pathogen Sporisorium scitamineum causes sugarcane smut disease. The formation and growth of dikaryotic hypha after sexual mating is critical for S. scitamineum pathogenicity, however regulation of S. scitimineum mating has not been studied in detail. We identified and characterized the core components of the conserved cAMP/PKA pathway in S. scitamineum by reverse genetics. Our results showed that cAMP/PKA signalling pathway is essential for proper mating and filamentation, and thus critical for S. scitamineum virulence. We further demonstrated that an elevated intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) level promotes S. scitamineum mating-filamentation, via transcriptional regulation of ROS catabolic enzymes, and is under regulation of the cAMP/PKA signalling pathway. Furthermore, we found that fungal cAMP/PKA signalling pathway is also involved in regulation of host ROS response. Overall, our work displayed a positive role of elevated intracellular ROS in fungal differentiation and virulence.
Promoting Teacher Engagement with Research Evidence

The Centre was asked by the Cabinet Secretary for Education to review the evidence on how best to support teacher engagement with research. Working with colleagues at the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co‑ordinating Centre (EPPI Centre) at University College London (UCL), we have: 1) Reviewed and synthesised what is known about what works when seeking to improve teacher engagement with, and use of, evidence. 2) Started to build a picture of existing initiatives in Wales (particularly at national and regional level) that seek to improve teacher engagement with, and use of, evidence. 3) Provided some suggestions for how teacher engagement with, and use of, evidence can be supported and improved in Wales in the short, medium, and long term.
Orienting to polarized light at night – matching lunar skylight to performance in a nocturnal beetle

ABSTRACT For polarized light to inform behaviour, the typical range of degrees of polarization observable in the animal's natural environment must be above the threshold for detection and interpretation. Here, we present the first investigation of the degree of linear polarization threshold for orientation behaviour in a nocturnal species, with specific reference to the range of degrees of polarization measured in the night sky. An effect of lunar phase on the degree of polarization of skylight was found, with smaller illuminated fractions of the moon's surface corresponding to lower degrees of polarization in the night sky. We found that the South African dung beetle Escarabaeus satyrus can orient to polarized light for a range of degrees of polarization similar to that observed in diurnal insects, reaching a lower threshold between 0.04 and 0.32, possibly as low as 0.11. For degrees of polarization lower than 0.23, as measured on a crescent moon night, orientation performance was considerably weaker than that observed for completely linearly polarized stimuli, but was nonetheless stronger than in the absence of polarized light. Summary: A degree of polarization threshold for orientation behaviour is reported for nocturnal dung beetle Escarabaeus satyrus in the context of measurements showing changes in the degree of polarization of skylight with lunar phase.
Development and validation of a novel computer-aided score to predict the risk of in-hospital mortality for acutely ill medical admissions in two acute hospitals using their first electronically recorded blood test results and vital signs: a cross-sectional study

Objectives There are no established mortality risk equations specifically for emergency medical patients who are admitted to a general hospital ward. Such risk equations may be useful in supporting the clinical decision-making process. We aim to develop and externally validate a computer-aided risk of mortality (CARM) score by combining the first electronically recorded vital signs and blood test results for emergency medical admissions. Design Logistic regression model development and external validation study. Setting Two acute hospitals (Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust Hospital (NH)—model development data; York Hospital (YH)—external validation data). Participants Adult (aged ≥16 years) medical admissions discharged over a 24-month period with electronic National Early Warning Score(s) and blood test results recorded on admission. Results The risk of in-hospital mortality following emergency medical admission was 5.7% (NH: 1766/30 996) and 6.5% (YH: 1703/26 247). The C-statistic for the CARM score in NH was 0.87 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.88) and was similar in an external hospital setting YH (0.86, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.87) and the calibration slope included 1 (0.97, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.00). Conclusions We have developed a novel, externally validated CARM score with good performance characteristics for estimating the risk of in-hospital mortality following an emergency medical admission using the patient’s first, electronically recorded, vital signs and blood test results. Since the CARM score places no additional data collection burden on clinicians and is readily automated, it may now be carefully introduced and evaluated in hospitals with sufficient informatics infrastructure.
Alterations of Renal Epithelial Glucose and Uric Acid Transporters in Fructose Induced Metabolic Syndrome

Background/Aims: Hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia are two major disorders of Metabolic syndrome. Kidney plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of uric acid and glucose. The aim of the study was to examine the changes of renal glucose and uric acid transporters in animals with metabolic syndrome. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with high fructose diet (60%) for 3 months (FR-3) and 5 months (FR-5). At the end study, serum and urine biochemical data were compared. Gene expression and protein abundance of renal GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT9, SGLT1, SGLT2, UAT and URAT1 was investigated by using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Results: Metabolic syndrome was induced by high-fructose diet. Systolic blood pressure and proteinuria was significantly increased in FR-5 animals. In kidney tissue, gene expression of GLUT2 and SGLT2 increased significantly in a time dependent manner. GLUT9, SGLT1 and UAT were also significantly upregulated in FR-5. Immunohistochemical study showed a significant increase of SGLT1 in both FR-3 (413.5 ± 88.3% of control, p< 0.001) and FR-5 (677.6 ± 26.5% of control, p< 0.001). Also, SGLT2 protein was increased in both FR-3 (643.1 ± 41.3% of control, p< 0.001) and FR-5 (563.3 ± 21.7% of control, p< 0.001). Fructose rich food also induced increase of UAT by nearly 5-fold in both FR-3 and FR-5 (both p< 0.05) and more than 3-fold of GLUT-9 in FR-3 and FR-5 (both p< 0.05). Conclusion: Long term high fructose diet induced metabolic syndrome with increased blood pressure and proteinuria in rats. Metabolic syndrome was associated with dual increase in renal glucose and uric acid transporters, including SGLT1, SGLT2, GLUT2, GLUT9 and UAT.