Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of an Occupational Therapy Intervention for Older Adults With Chronic Conditions in a Primary Care Clinic.

IMPORTANCE Occupational therapy can play a role in primary care management of chronic diseases among older adults. OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility of delivering a primary care occupation-focused intervention (Integrated PRimary care and Occupational therapy for Aging and Chronic disease Treatment to preserve Independence and Functioning, or i-PROACTIF) for older adults with chronic disease. DESIGN Feasibility study comparing i-PROACTIF with complex care management using a two-group randomized controlled trial design with data gathered at baseline and during and after the 8-wk intervention. SETTING Family medicine clinic serving an urban, low-income, working-class community. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Feasibility indicators were recruitment, retention, utility of clinical assessments, and acceptability of interventions assessed through feedback surveys completed by patients and primary care providers (PCPs). Patient outcomes, including perspectives on chronic illness care, occupational performance, and overall well-being, were collected using standardized, validated measures and analyzed descriptively. PARTICIPANTS Eighteen adult volunteers, ages ≥50 yr, with heart disease, arthritis, and uncontrolled diabetes completed the study. Ten PCPs completed feedback surveys. INTERVENTION i-PROACTIF focuses on preserving functional independence, is based on the Person-Environment-Occupation framework, and consists of two assessment sessions and six weekly treatment sessions. RESULTS Recruitment goals were achieved, with an 86% retention rate. Clinical measures unearthed deficits in areas that were unreported or underreported by patients. Participants reported being extremely satisfied with the intervention. Physicians and nurses also supported the intervention. Both groups showed improved scores on most outcomes. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Delivering and evaluating i-PROACTIF was feasible and acceptable. Future efficacy trials are needed before it can be used in clinical settings. WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS The results of this study can inform future occupational therapy interventions and clinical trials in primary care for older adults with chronic conditions.
A Comparison of the Macroinvertebrate Assemblage in Doe Run Creek, Kentucky: 1960 and 1990

We compared the macroinvertebrate assemblage of Doe Run Creek, Kentucky, in 1990 with that found by Minckley in 1960. Physico-chemical variables such as discharge, current velocity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH were similar in both studies, although dissolved iron concentration increased and light transmission to the stream's surface decreased. Similarly differences between 1960 and 1990 in total invertebrate density and taxonomic richness did not exceed annual, seasonal, and among-habitat differences. Although individual invertebrate-habitat associations often changed between the two studies, differences were also within the range seen annually or seasonally. This spring-fed stream is thus a fairly stable ecological system, at least in terms of system-level parameters like total abundance and taxonomic richness.
Targeted Palliative Radionuclide Therapy for Metastatic Bone Pain

Bone metastasis develops in multiple malignancies with a wide range of incidence. The presence of multiple bone metastases, leading to a multitude of complications and poorer prognosis. The corresponding refractory bone pain is still a challenging issue managed through multidisciplinary approaches to enhance the quality of life. Radiopharmaceuticals are mainly used in the latest courses of the disease. Bone-pain palliation with easy-to-administer radionuclides offers advantages, including simultaneous treatment of multiple metastatic foci, the repeatability and also the combination with other therapies. Several β¯- and α-emitters as well as pharmaceuticals, from the very first [89Sr]strontium-dichloride to recently introduced [223Ra]radium-dichloride, are investigated to identify an optimum agent. In addition, the combination of bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals with chemotherapy or radiotherapy has been employed to enhance the outcome. Radiopharmaceuticals demonstrate an acceptable response rate in pain relief. Nevertheless, survival benefits have been documented in only a limited number of studies. In this review, we provide an overview of bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals used for bone-pain palliation, their effectiveness and toxicity, as well as the results of the combination with other therapies. Bone-pain palliation with radiopharmaceuticals has been employed for eight decades. However, there are still new aspects yet to be established.
Is Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation a Tool for Recovery after a Water Rescue? A Cross-Over Study with Lifeguards

This study aimed to evaluate the degree to which transcutaneous electrical stimulation (ES) enhanced recovery following a simulated water rescue. Twenty-six lifeguards participated in this study. The rescue consisted of swimming 100 m with fins and rescue-tube: 50 m swim approach and 50 m tow-in a simulated victim. Blood lactate clearance, rated perceived effort (RPE), and muscle contractile properties were evaluated at baseline, after the water rescue, and after ES or passive-recovery control condition (PR) protocol. Tensiomiography, RPE, and blood lactate basal levels indicated equivalence between both groups. There was no change in tensiomiography from pre to post-recovery and no difference between recovery protocols. Overall-RPE, legs-RPE and arms-RPE after ES (mean ± SD; 2.7 ± 1.53, 2.65 ± 1.66, and 2.30 ± 1.84, respectively) were moderately lower than after PR (3.57 ± 2.4, 3.71 ± 2.43, and 3.29 ± 1.79, respectively) (p = 0.016, p = 0.010, p = 0.028, respectively). There was a significantly lower blood lactate level after recovery in ES than in PR (mean ± SD; 4.77 ± 1.86 mmol·L−1 vs. 6.27 ± 3.69 mmol·L−1; p = 0.045). Low-frequency ES immediately after a water rescue is an effective recovery strategy to clear out blood lactate concentration.
Effects of habitat on dickcissel abundance and nest success in conservation reserve program fields in Kansas

Declining avian populations in the Midwest have increased interest in various aspects of grassland habitats and their effects on grassland birds. We studied the effects of vegetation characteristics, woody field edges, and surrounding land use on abundance and daily nest survival of the dickcissel (Spiza americana) in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields in northeastern Kansas. We observed 873 dickcissels during surveys on 11 CRP fields during the summers of 1994 and 1995. In those fields, we located 186 dickcissel nests of which 13.2% were successful in 1994 and 14.9% were successful in 1995. The vertical density of vegetation in CRP fields, wooded area surrounding the fields, and amount of woody edge bordering fields were associated with dickcissel abundance (P = 0.001). Live and dead canopy cover and litter cover were associated with daily nest survival (P = 0.005). Therefore, the habitat quality of CRP fields for dickcissels might be enhanced by modifying vegetation characteristics. The outcome of any modifications of CRP habitat for dickcissels should be judged on changes in the number and success of their nests rather than on the abundance of birds.
Transcriptome analysis of mouse aortae reveals multiple novel pathways regulated by aging

Vascular aging has been documented as a vital process leading to arterial dysfunction and age-related cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of age-related phenotypes in the vascular system is incomplete. Here we performed bulk RNA sequencing in young and old mouse aortae to elucidate age-associated changes in the transcriptome. Results showed that the majority of upregulated pathways in aged aortae relate to immune response, including inflammation activation, apoptotic clearance, and phagocytosis. The top downregulated pathway in aged aortae was extracellular matrix organization. Additionally, protein folding control and stress response pathways were downregulated in the aged vessels, with an array of downregulated genes encoding heat shock proteins (HSPs). We also found that circadian core clock genes were differentially expressed in young versus old aortae. Finally, transcriptome analysis combined with protein expression examination and smooth muscle cell (SMC) lineage tracing revealed that SMCs in aged aortae retained the differentiated phenotype, with an insignificant decrease in SMC marker gene expression. Our results therefore unveiled critical pathways regulated by arterial aging in mice, which will provide important insight into strategies to defy vascular aging and age-associated vascular diseases.
Ponesimod for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis

ABSTRACT Introduction Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated, complex, chronic inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Among the several therapeutic options developed over the last decade for relapsing MS (RMS), fingolimod, a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulator, was the first oral treatment. The adverse events associated with fingolimod have limited its use in certain populations, thus further stimulating the search for other S1PR modulators. Areas covered The authors reviewed the English-published literature on ponesimod using the PubMed database. The search terms used were ‘ponesimod’ or ‘ACT-128,800’ and ‘multiple sclerosis. ’ Available data on the pharmacological profile of ponesimod and the information on clinical efficacy and safety drawn from clinical trials in comparison with other S1PR modulators are presented and discussed. Expert opinion Published peer-reviewed data on long-term safety and efficacy are still lacking but have been collected and regulatory authorities expressed a favorable opinion to market access. At present, we believe that ponesimod has little chance of becoming a leading treatment for RMS due to the availability of many alternative options and the timing of market access. Given its favorable risk-benefit and convenience profile, however, ponesimod might become a leading option among S1P receptor modulators used for RMS.
Interactive Effects of an Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatile and Color on an Insect Community in Cranberry

Simple Summary Plants often increase their odor emissions after herbivore feeding damage, which in turn attract natural enemies of the herbivores such as insect predators. Synthetic versions of these so-called herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) can be used to monitor populations of beneficial insects in agriculture. In addition, HIPVs can potentially attract the herbivores themselves. However, whether synthetic HIPVs interact with color to affect insect communities in farms is unknown. In this study, we tested a lure containing the HIPV methyl salicylate (named ‘PredaLure’) in combination with five different colored sticky traps to monitor insect populations in cranberry fields (also known as bogs). We found that hoverflies (also called flower flies or syrphid flies), whose larvae are predators of several insect pests including aphids and thrips, were attracted to PredaLure but this attraction was affected by the color of the trap. In fact, the numbers of hoverflies were 2–4 higher on yellow and white traps baited with PredaLure than on unbaited traps. Irrespective of trap color, plant-feeding thrips were also more attracted to PredaLure-baited than unbaited traps. Our study provides guidelines for the use of odor-baited colored sticky traps to monitor natural enemies such as hoverflies in an agricultural system like cranberries. Abstract Synthetic herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) could be used to monitor insect populations in agroecosystems, including beneficial insects such as natural enemies of herbivores. However, it is unknown whether insect responses to HIPVs are influenced by visual cues, e.g., color. We hypothesized that the HIPV methyl salicylate (MeSA) interacts with color to affect insect captures on sticky traps. To test this, we conducted a 5 × 2 factorial field experiment in a commercial cranberry farm to monitor numbers of insect predators, parasitoids, and herbivores by using five colored sticky traps that were either baited with a MeSA lure (named ‘PredaLure’) or unbaited. At the community level, PredaLure increased captures of predators. At the individual-taxon level, captures of the hoverfly Toxomerus marginatus (Diptera: Syrphidae) and thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) were higher on PredaLure-baited traps. However, only captures of T. marginatus on PredaLure-baited traps interacted significantly with color such that the numbers of this hoverfly on yellow and white traps were 2–4 times higher when baited with PredaLure. This study is the first to document the interactive effects of synthetic HIPVs and color on an insect community. Our findings have implications for optimal selection of HIPV-baited colored traps to monitor natural enemy populations in agroecosystems.
Improved cardiovascular risk prediction using targeted plasma proteomics in primary prevention

Abstract Aims In the era of personalized medicine, it is of utmost importance to be able to identify subjects at the highest cardiovascular (CV) risk. To date, single biomarkers have failed to markedly improve the estimation of CV risk. Using novel technology, simultaneous assessment of large numbers of biomarkers may hold promise to improve prediction. In the present study, we compared a protein-based risk model with a model using traditional risk factors in predicting CV events in the primary prevention setting of the European Prospective Investigation (EPIC)-Norfolk study, followed by validation in the Progressione della Lesione Intimale Carotidea (PLIC) cohort. Methods and results Using the proximity extension assay, 368 proteins were measured in a nested case–control sample of 822 individuals from the EPIC-Norfolk prospective cohort study and 702 individuals from the PLIC cohort. Using tree-based ensemble and boosting methods, we constructed a protein-based prediction model, an optimized clinical risk model, and a model combining both. In the derivation cohort (EPIC-Norfolk), we defined a panel of 50 proteins, which outperformed the clinical risk model in the prediction of myocardial infarction [area under the curve (AUC) 0.754 vs. 0.730; P < 0.001] during a median follow-up of 20 years. The clinically more relevant prediction of events occurring within 3 years showed an AUC of 0.732 using the clinical risk model and an AUC of 0.803 for the protein model (P < 0.001). The predictive value of the protein panel was confirmed to be superior to the clinical risk model in the validation cohort (AUC 0.705 vs. 0.609; P < 0.001). Conclusion In a primary prevention setting, a proteome-based model outperforms a model comprising clinical risk factors in predicting the risk of CV events. Validation in a large prospective primary prevention cohort is required to address the value for future clinical implementation in CV prevention.
Reciprocal Interactions between Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and Human Gut Microbiota In Vitro

Interaction of tea phenolics with gut microbiota may play an integral role in the health benefits of these bioactive compounds, yet this interaction is not fully understood. Here, the metabolic fate of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and its impact on gut microbiota were integrally investigated viain vitro fermentation. As revealed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography hybrid quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), EGCG was promptly degraded into a series of metabolites, including 4-phenylbutyric acid, 3-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, and 3-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, through consecutive ester hydrolysis, C-ring opening, A-ring fission, dehydroxylation, and aliphatic chain shortening. Microbiome profiling indicated that, compared to the blank, EGCG treatment resulted in stimulation of the beneficial bacteria Bacteroides, Christensenellaceae, and Bifidobacterium. Additionally, the pathogenic bacteria Fusobacterium varium, Bilophila, and Enterobacteriaceae were inhibited. Furthermore, changes in concentrations of metabolites, including 4-phenylbutyric acid and phenylacetic acid, were strongly correlated with changes in the abundance of specific gut microbiota. These reciprocal interactions between EGCG and gut microbiota may collectively contribute to the health benefits of EGCG.
Light-induced engagement of microglia to focally remodel synapses in the adult brain

Microglia continuously monitor synapses, but active synaptic remodeling by microglia in mature healthy brains is rarely directly observed. We performed targeted photoablation of single synapses in mature transgenic mice expressing fluorescent labels in neurons and microglia. The photodamage focally increased the duration of microglia-neuron contacts, and dramatically exacerbated both the turnover of dendritic spines and presynaptic boutons as well as the generation of new filopodia originating from spine heads or boutons. The results of microglia depletion confirmed that elevated spine turnover and the generation of presynaptic filopodia are microglia-dependent processes.
Consideration on the Mechanism of Expression of Dwarf Genes in Rice Plants. II. The Actions of Dwarf Genes on Cell Division and Cell Elongation in Parenchyma of Internode.

The present stucly was attempted to investigate how some dwarf genes act on cell division and cell elongation in internodes of rice plants. Materials used were five dwarf rice varieties differing one another in internode distribution patterns in culm, namely, M342, Tanginbozu, Sankei 10, Kotake-tamanishiki and Shoryu-shinriki, and four normal rice varieties having close genetic relations to each of the dwarf rice varieties mentioned above, namely, Norin 8, Ayanishiki, Tamanishiki and Shinriki 11. Two parenchyma cell files, file A, being in a row just inside the vascular bundle, and file B, the third cell file counted from the file A to the central lacuna of internode, were observed for measurement of cell numbers per file and cell length in each of upper five internodes.
Digoxin Effectively Decreased Proliferation of Liver Cancer Cell Line

Introduction: Cardiac glycosides such as digoxin have been considered recently as anticancer drugs based on some epidemiological evidences. However, controversies results have been obtained in several experimental and clinical researches following using them. Therefore, in the present study the antiproliferative properties of digoxin and its mechanisms on the liver cancer cell line have been studied. Methods: HepG2 cell line was cultured with different concentrations of digoxin for 6, 12, 24 and 48 hrs. The cell proliferation and viability were determined with MTT assay and trypan blue respectively. Also, hematoxilin staining was applicated for nucleus morphology. Results: Cell proliferation and viability were decreased after treatment of the cells with digoxin in all groups compared to control. Colony formation decreased significantly in groups received digoxin. Also, nucleus morphology showed apoptotic changes in the cells after digoxin especially after 48 h. Conclusions: Digoxin decreases the cell proliferation and viability in liver cancer cell line. It is suggested that digoxin exerts its antitumor properties through antiproliferative properties and apoptosis. Since, digoxin is cytotoxic on the cells, finding the doses that have the minimum toxicity in the patients are necessary. In vivo studies in future help us to know more about the mechanisms involve in antitumoral effects of glycosides.
The value of a tiered cytology diagnostic reporting system in assessing the risk of malignancy in indeterminate serous effusions

The International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology was recently proposed as a tiered structure to provide consistent reporting terminology for serous effusions. Because of the variation in reporting practices for indeterminate serous effusions, namely, the atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) and suspicious for malignancy (SFM) groups, the authors retrospectively reviewed cases in these 2 categories at their institution and determined the associated risk of malignancy (ROM).
Optimization of electroporation and other non‐viral gene delivery strategies for T cells

CAR‐T therapy is a particularly effective treatment for some types of cancer that uses retroviruses to deliver the gene for a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to a patient's T cells ex vivo. The CAR enables the T cells to bind and eradicate cells with a specific surface marker (e.g., CD19+ B cells) after they are transfused back into the patient. This treatment was proven to be particularly effective in treating non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but the current CAR‐T cell manufacturing process has a few significant drawbacks. For example, while lentiviral and gammaretroviral transduction are both relatively effective, the process of producing viral vectors is time‐consuming and costly. Additionally, patients must undergo follow up appointments for several years to monitor them for any unanticipated side effects associated with the virus. Therefore, several studies have endeavored to find alternative non‐viral gene delivery methods that are less expensive, more precise, simple, and safe. This review focuses on the current state of the most promising non‐viral gene delivery techniques, including electroporation and transfection with cationic polymers or lipids.
Left Ventricular Geometry in COPD Patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and left ventricular (LV) geometric abnormalities often coexist. This study showed that LV geometry is associated with COPD severity and physical status. Specifically, LV remodeling is associated with increased airflow limitation and decreased functional capacity whereas increased LV mass is associated with decreased grip strength. Purpose: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and abnormalities of left ventricular (LV) geometry often coexist. This study aimed to verify whether LV geometry is associated with airflow obstruction, functional capacity, and grip strength in COPD patients. Methods: Thirty-seven COPD patients (GOLD II, III, and IV) were allocated to three groups according to LV geometry as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography: normal (n = 13), concentric LV remodeling (n = 8), and concentric LV hypertrophy (LVH) (n = 16). Lung function was assessed using spirometry. The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) was used to estimate functional capacity, and grip strength measurement was performed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer. Results: The concentric LVH group presented lower DASI scores (P = .045) and grip strength (P = .006) when compared with the normal group. Correlations analysis showed the following: relative wall thickness negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in the first second (r = −0.380; P = .025) and DASI score (r = −0.387, P = .018); LV mass index negatively correlated with grip strength (r = −0.363, P = .038). Conclusions: In COPD patients, LV geometry is associated with airflow limitation, functional capacity, and grip strength. Specifically, concentric LV remodeling is associated with increased airflow limitation and decreased functional capacity whereas increased LV mass is associated with decreased grip strength.