Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin following oral administration of a generic levofloxacin tablet and intravenous administration to dogs.

OBJECTIVE To determine the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin following oral administration of a generic levofloxacin tablet and IV administration to dogs and whether the achieved plasma levofloxacin concentration would be sufficient to treat susceptible bacterial infections. ANIMALS 6 healthy adult Beagles. PROCEDURES Levofloxacin was administered orally as a generic 250-mg tablet (mean dose, 23.7 mg/kg) or IV as a solution (15 mg/kg) to each dog in a crossover study design, with treatments separated by a minimum 2-day washout period. Blood samples were collected at various points for measurement of plasma levofloxacin concentration via high-pressure liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed with compartmental modeling. RESULTS After oral administration of the levofloxacin tablet, mean (coefficient of variation) peak plasma concentration was 15.5 μg/mL (23.8%), mean elimination half-life was 5.84 hours (20.0%), and mean bioavailability was 104% (29.0%). After IV administration, mean elimination half-life (coefficient of variation) was 6.23 hours (14.7%), systemic clearance was 145.0 mL/kg/h (22.2%), and volume of distribution was 1.19 L/kg (17.1%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In these dogs, levofloxacin was well absorbed when administered orally, and a dose of approximately 25 mg/kg was sufficient to reach pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic targets for treating infections with susceptible Enterobacteriaceae (ie, ≤ 0.5 μg/mL) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ie, ≤ 1 μg/mL) according to clinical breakpoints established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.
Involuntary full- and part-time work: employees' mental health and the role of family- and work-related resources

Resources related to a good work-life balance may play an important role for the mental health of workers with involuntary working hours. This study investigates whether involuntary part-time (i.e., working part-time, but preferring full-time work) and involuntary full-time work (i.e., working full-time, but preferring part-time work) are associated with a deterioration of mental health and whether family- and work-related resources buffer this association. Data were obtained from the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP) with baseline information on involuntary working hours and resources. This information was linked to changes in mental health two years later. We found impaired mental health for involuntary full-time male workers and increased mental health for regular part-time female workers. The mental health of involuntary full-time male workers is more vulnerable, compared to regular full-time workers, when having high non-standard work hours and when being a partner (with or without children). Involuntary part-time work is detrimental to men’s mental health when doing a high amount of household work. This study is one of the first to emphasize the mental health consequences of involuntary full-time work. Avoiding role and time conflicts between family and work roles are important for the mental health of men too.
Macrophage-derived exosomes accelerate wound healing through their anti-inflammation effects in a diabetic rat model

Abstract Chronic, subclinical inflammation was often observed in the diabetic wound area, causing inadequate and delayed wound-healing effects by failing to initiate cell migration, proliferation, and extracellular matrix deposition. Therefore, we presented macrophage-derived exosomes (Exos) and explored their potential for inhibiting inflammation and accelerating diabetic wound healing in a skin defect, diabetic rat model. A thorough investigation demonstrated that Exos exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines. Furthermore, they accelerated the wound-healing process by inducing endothelial cell proliferation and migration to improve angiogenesis and re-epithelialization in diabetic wounds.
The relationship of thyroid nodule size on malignancy risk according to histological type of thyroid cancer

Background Although several studies have examined the value of thyroid nodule size as a malignancy predictor, the results are conflicting. Purpose To investigate the relationship between nodule size and malignancy risk and to evaluate the impact of nodule size on the false-negative rate of fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy according to the histological type of thyroid cancer. Material and Methods From January 2013 to December 2013, 3970 thyroid nodules that underwent ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy were retrospectively reviewed. We assessed the relationship between nodule size and malignancy risk according to histological type of thyroid cancer. In addition, we compared the false-negative rate by thyroid nodule size category. Results Of 3970 thyroid nodules, 1170 nodules were malignant. For papillary thyroid carcinoma, nodule size was inversely related to malignancy risk, whereas in nodules of follicular carcinoma and follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma, nodule size was positively related to malignancy risk (P < 0.001). The false-negative rate tended to increase as nodule size increased (P = 0.002) for all nodules and the overall false-negative rate was 2.3%. Conclusion Overall, nodule size does not correlate with risk of malignancy, but the relationship between nodule size and malignancy risk depends on the histological type of thyroid cancer.
Efficacy of microsurgery in combined with topical-PDT in treating recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: compare JORRP with AORRP

Abstract Background: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) remains a challenging and frustrating disease to treat. Objective: To explore the efficacy of microsurgery in combined with Topical-PDT in treating recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Materials and methods: Fifty patients with RRP were treated with microsurgery in combined with Topical-PDT. Medical document of each patient was retrospectively reviewed. Detailed clinical information, metrics of clinical course, and current results were evaluated. Results: Juvenile onset RRP (JORRP) might experience a more aggressive course than AORRP (adult onset RRP) with higher Derkay score (p < .01) and higher operation frequency per year (p < .01). Microsurgical excision combined with Topical-PDT every 25 days achieved “remission” of disease in 78% of patients, “clearance” of disease in 52%, and “Cured” in two patients. Each patient who achieved “remission” of disease, performed 6.82 ± 3.39 operations, and continued 8.93 ± 7.03 months of treatment duration. No statistically differences were found in these two aspects between JORRP and AORRP. A negative correlation between tracheotomy and the efficacy of microsurgery in combined with Topical-PDT was found (p = .025, Pearson’s r = –0.3). Conclusions and significance: Microsurgery in combined with Topical-PDT might be a powerful method to treat RRP. Tracheotomy is a negative factor for this therapy.
Helminth eggs inactivation efficiency by sludge co-composting under arid climates

ABSTRACT Primary sludge (PS) from the wastewater treatment plants is constituted of organic matter and other nutrients that could be reused as soil fertilizers. However, primary sludge amendment is hampered due to the presence of pathogens that could be responsible for several infections in various ways depending on the prevalence of the human sources. This study investigates helminth eggs (HE) removal and inactivation efficiency by co-composting. So, PS was mixed with date palm waste as a bulking material at a 1:1 volume ratio. The C/N ratio decreased from 25:1 to 12:1 and temperatures above 50ºC were observed since 33 days. The initial concentration of HE eggs in the PS is 135.9 per 10 g DR. Microscopic examination of the PS, according to the Bailenger method, showed the presence of nematodes and Cestodes represented by: Ascaris lombricoïde, Ancylostomes duodenale, Trichuris trichiura, Capilaria spp, Hymenolepis nana, Taenia saginata, and Ascaris lombricoïde. After 60 days of co-composting, the charge of parasites was reduced to 18 eggs per 10 g per DR. The viability of ascaris eggs was examined using a light microscope and the percentage of the embryonated eggs was determined. No viable eggs were observed in the final compost. The result corroborates the WHO guidelines for the application of the composted sewage sludge safely for agriculture purposes.
Exploring the Relationship between Law Students’ Prior Performance and Academic Achievement at University

As Finnish university admissions are reformed, more information is needed on the relationship between performance in prior education and later academic achievement. Transition to university is a critical period, and low performance in prior education is associated with challenges in later study. In the present study, law students’ (n = 426) performance in the National Matriculation Examination was investigated in relation to later academic achievement at university. Quantitative methods were used. Findings showed that prior performance was not only associated with study success but also with study progress. The results also showed that law students who had grades in the advanced mathematics course were faster and more successful at university. This work contributes to the existing knowledge of university admissions ahead of the Finnish reform by providing new insights into prior performance and how it is related to academic achievement at university.
Design process for a scale horizontal axis tidal turbine blade

If tidal energy extraction is to be maximised then emphasis needs to be placed on the design of the rotor geometry to optimise performance. The work documented in this paper describes the process used in the design and validation of a new blade based on the Wortmann FX63-137 aerofoil. BEMT was used as an initial tool to redesign the blade due to speed in which calculations can be completed. CFD models were produced after to incorporate the hydrodynamics and provide a 3D solution. The performance coefficients for CP and CT were calculated by each of the two computational methods for comparison with the experimental testing. The experimental testing was conducted at the INSEAN tow tank to provide validation for the computational models. The CFD model was found to closely predict the performance coefficients of the turbine at low TSR at and peak power. The BEMT model over predicted both the CP and the CT when compared to the experimental work, however was found to be good as an initial method for redesigning the blade.
Immediate impact of minimum unit pricing on alcohol purchases in Scotland: controlled interrupted time series analysis for 2015-18

Abstract Objective To assess the immediate impact of the introduction of minimum unit pricing in Scotland on household alcohol purchases. Design Controlled interrupted time series analysis. Setting Purchase data from Kantar Worldpanel’s household shopping panel for 2015-18. Participants 5325 Scottish households, 54 807 English households as controls, and 10 040 households in northern England to control for potential cross border effects. Interventions Introduction of a minimum price of 50p (€0.55; $0.61) per UK unit (6.25p per gram) for the sale of alcohol in Scotland on 1 May 2018. Main outcome measures Price per gram of alcohol, number of grams of alcohol purchased from off-trade by households, and weekly household expenditure on alcohol. Results The introduction of minimum unit pricing in Scotland was associated with an increase in purchase price of 0.64p per gram of alcohol (95% confidence interval 0.54 to 0.75), a reduction in weekly purchases of 9.5 g of alcohol per adult per household (5.1 to 13.9), and a non-significant increase in weekly expenditure on alcohol per household of 61p (−5 to 127). The increase in purchase price was higher in lower income households and in households that purchased the largest amount of alcohol. The reduction in purchased grams of alcohol was greater in lower income households and only occurred in the top fifth of households by income that purchased the greatest amount of alcohol, where the reduction was 15 g of alcohol per week (6 to 24). Changes in weekly expenditure were not systematically related to household income but increased with increasing household purchases. Conclusions In terms of immediate impact, the introduction of minimum unit pricing appears to have been successful in reducing the amount of alcohol purchased by households in Scotland. The action was targeted, in that reductions of purchased alcohol only occurred in the households that bought the most alcohol.
Diet Associations With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in an Ethnically Diverse Population: The Multiethnic Cohort

Epidemiological data on dietary risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from population‐based studies, particularly in an ethnically diverse population, are scarce. We examined dietary factors in relation to NAFLD risk in African Americans, Japanese Americans, Latinos, native Hawaiians, and whites in the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC).
Actin and myosin dynamics are independent during Drosophila embryonic wound repair

Collective cell movements play a central role in embryonic development, tissue repair, and metastatic disease. Cell movements are often coordinated by supracellular networks formed by the cytoskeletal protein actin and the molecular motor nonmuscle myosin II. During wound closure in the embryonic epidermis, the cells around the wound migrate collectively into the damaged region. In Drosophila embryos, mechanical tension stabilizes myosin at the wound edge, facilitating the assembly of a supracellular myosin cable around the wound that coordinates cell migration. Here, we show that actin is also stabilized at the wound edge. However, loss of tension or myosin activity does not affect the dynamics of actin at the wound margin. Conversely, pharmacological stabilization of actin does not affect myosin levels or dynamics around the wound. Together, our data suggest that actin and myosin are independently regulated during embryonic wound closure, thus conferring robustness to the embryonic wound healing response.
Morphological and Apparent‐Level Stiffness Variations Between Normal and Osteoarthritic Bone in the Humeral Head

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by morphological changes that alter bone structure and mechanical properties. This study compared bone morphometric parameters and apparent modulus between humeral heads excised from end‐stage OA patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (n = 28) and non‐pathologic normal cadavers (n = 28). Morphometric parameters were determined in central cores, with regional variations compared in four medial to lateral regions. Linear regression compared apparent modulus, morphometric parameters, and age. Micro finite element models estimated trabecular apparent modulus and derived density–modulus relationships. Significant differences were found for bone volume fraction (p < 0.001) and trabecular thickness (p < 0.001) in the most medial regions. No significant differences occurred between morphometric parameters and apparent modulus or age, except in slope between groups for apparent modulus versus trabecular number (p = 0.021), and in intercept for trabecular thickness versus age (p = 0.040). Significant differences occurred in both slope and intercept between density–modulus regression fits for each group (p ≤ 0.001). The normal group showed high correlations in the power‐fit (r2 = 0.87), with a lower correlation (r2 = 0.61) and a more linear relationship, in the OA group. This study suggests that alterations in structure and apparent modulus persist mainly in subchondral regions of end‐stage OA bone. As such, if pathologic regions are removed during joint replacement, computational models that utilize modeling parameters from non‐pathologic normal bone may be applied to end‐stage OA bone. An improved understanding of humeral trabecular bone variations has potential to improve the surgical management of end‐stage OA patients. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:503–509, 2020
Simulation-based research in emergency medicine in Canada: Priorities and perspectives.

OBJECTIVE Simulation plays an integral role in the Canadian healthcare system with applications in quality improvement, systems development, and medical education. High-quality, simulation-based research will ensure its effective use. This study sought to summarize simulation-based research activity and its facilitators and barriers, as well as establish priorities for simulation-based research in Canadian emergency medicine (EM). METHODS Simulation-leads from Canadian departments or divisions of EM associated with a general FRCP-EM training program surveyed and documented active EM simulation-based research at their institutions and identified the perceived facilitators and barriers. Priorities for simulation-based research were generated by simulation-leads via a second survey; these were grouped into themes and finally endorsed by consensus during an in-person meeting of simulation leads. Priority themes were also reviewed by senior simulation educators. RESULTS Twenty simulation-leads representing all 14 invited institutions participated in the study between February and May, 2018. Sixty-two active, simulation-based research projects were identified (median per institution = 4.5, IQR 4), as well as six common facilitators and five barriers. Forty-nine priorities for simulation-based research were reported and summarized into eight themes: simulation in competency-based medical education, simulation for inter-professional learning, simulation for summative assessment, simulation for continuing professional development, national curricular development, best practices in simulation-based education, simulation-based education outcomes, and simulation as an investigative methodology. CONCLUSION This study summarized simulation-based research activity in EM in Canada, identified its perceived facilitators and barriers, and built national consensus on priority research themes. This represents the first step in the development of a simulation-based research agenda specific to Canadian EM.
A Human IgE Antibody Binding Site on Der p 2 for the Design of a Recombinant Allergen for Immunotherapy

Key Points The structure of mite Der p 2 in complex with murine IgG mAb 7A1 was determined. Human IgE construct identified from phage-display library overlaps with mAb 7A1. Epitope mutagenesis analysis contributes to designing hypoallergens for therapy. Der p 2 is one of the most important allergens from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Identification of human IgE Ab binding epitopes can be used for rational design of allergens with reduced IgE reactivity for therapy. Antigenic analysis of Der p 2 was performed by site-directed mutagenesis based on the x-ray crystal structure of the allergen in complex with a Fab from the murine IgG mAb 7A1 that binds an epitope overlapping with human IgE binding sites. Conformational changes upon Ab binding were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance using a 7A1–single-chain variable fragment. In addition, a human IgE Ab construct that interferes with mAb 7A1 binding was isolated from a combinatorial phage-display library constructed from a mite-allergic patient and expressed as two recombinant forms (single-chain Fab in Pichia pastoris and Fab in Escherichia coli). These two IgE Ab constructs and the mAb 7A1 failed to recognize two Der p 2 epitope double mutants designed to abolish the allergen–Ab interaction while preserving the fold necessary to bind Abs at other sites of the allergen surface. A 10–100-fold reduction in binding of IgE from allergic subjects to the mutants additionally showed that the residues mutated were involved in IgE Ab binding. In summary, mutagenesis of a Der p 2 epitope defined by x-ray crystallography revealed an IgE Ab binding site that will be considered for the design of hypoallergens for immunotherapy.
Effectiveness of the 5A's Model for Changing Physical Activity Behaviors in Rural Adults Recruited From Primary Care Clinics.

BACKGROUND Most rural adults do not meet current guidelines for physical activity (PA). A 12-week feasibility study tested the effectiveness of using the 5A's model for PA counseling on rural adults' PA behaviors. METHODS Inactive rural adults recruited from a primary care clinic were randomized to an intervention (n = 30) or control (n = 29) group. All subjects wore a Fitbit to track steps and active minutes. The intervention group completed action plans to improve self-regulatory PA strategies and received weekly motivational text messages to improve PA behaviors. Theory of planned behavior constructs and self-regulatory strategies of planning, goal setting, and tracking (steps and active minutes) were measured with both groups. The control group received the Fitbit only. RESULTS All individuals became more physically active; however, no significant differences between groups in active minutes or steps were found. All subjects, regardless of group, increased steps (P > .05). There were no statistically significant differences between groups on any of the theoretical variables. CONCLUSIONS It is vitally important to continue to find ways to make PA a priority to improve the overall health and well-being of rural adults. Future research warrants adjusting the intervention dose and strategies to increase PA that can be maintained long term.
Inhibition of tumor propellant glutathione peroxidase 4 induces ferroptosis in cancer cells and enhances anticancer effect of cisplatin

Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) has been confirmed to inhibit ferroptosis in cancer cells, however, whether GPX4 serves as an oncogene is not clear. In this study, the expression of GPX4 and its influence to survival of patients with cancer were analyzed via public databases. Furthermore, the epigenetic regulation of GPX4 and the relation between GPX4 and chemoresistance of different anticancer drugs was also detected. Most importantly, cytological assays were performed to investigate the function of GPX4 in cancer cells. The results showed that GPX4 was higher expressed in cancer tissues than normal and was negatively associated with prognosis of patients. Furthermore, at upstream of GPX4 there was low DNA methylation sites and enhanced level of H3K4me3 and H3K27ac, indicating that high level of GPX4 in cancer may resulted from epigenetic regulation. Moreover, GPX4 was positively related to chemoresistance of anticancer drugs L‐685458, lapatinib, palbociclib, and topotecan. In addition, GPX4 may potentially be involved in translation of protein, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I assembly, electron transport oxidative phosphorylation, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and metabolic pathways. Finally, we detected that GPX4 inhibited ferroptosis in cancer cells, the inhibition of GPX4 via RSL3 could enhance the anticancer effect of cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, GPX4 acts as an oncogene and inhibits ferroptosis in cancer cells, the anticancer effect of cisplatin can be enhanced by GPX4 inhibition.