Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discovery of photochemical damage mechanisms using in vitro and in silico models

A computer-based model has been built that simulates the response of the retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cell to laser exposure in the photochemical (non-thermal) damage exposure range (≥ 100 s exposures). The modeling approach used is knowledge-based, modular, and hierarchical, allowing the explicit modeling of the cascades of intracellular events in response to laser application. Thus, the model can be used to both analyze existing in vitro data sets, as well as efficiently direct sampling strategies for future in vitro and in vivo studies. This model has been validated using laboratory data from several studies reported in the literature using blue light (413 nm and 458 nm) lasers with 100 s, 200 s, and 3600 s exposure durations. The model was able to predict the in vitro ED50 response curve from these studies, as well as the results for which we have no in vitro data (extrapolated based on irradiance reciprocity), within 1-6% for the shorter duration exposures. Based on exploration of this computer model using lethal vs. non-lethal laser exposure scenarios, the RPE cell’s oxidative stress response differs quantitatively very little with respect to typical oxidative stress sources such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. However, in the lethal exposure scenarios the model points to a potential tipping point in the oxidative stress response of the mitochondrial-based cellular energetics. Further studies are underway to explore issues related to the levels of ATP/ADP and GSH/GSSG that are predicted by the model in these lethal vs. non-lethal exposure scenarios.
North American Contact Dermatitis Group Patch Test Results: 2019-2020.

Background: Patch testing is an important diagnostic tool for assessment of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Objective: This study documents the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) patch testing results from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. Methods: At 13 centers in North America, patients were tested in a standardized manner with a screening series of 80 allergens, and, as indicated, supplemental allergens. Results: Overall, 4121 patients were tested; 2871 (69.7%) had at least 1 positive/allergic patch test reaction and 2095 patients (51.2%) had a primary diagnosis of ACD. The most commonly positive allergens were nickel (18.2%), methylisothiazolinone (MI) (13.8%), fragrance mix (FM) I (12.8%), hydroperoxides of linalool (HPL) (11.1%), and benzisothiazolinone (BIT) (10.4%). Compared with that of 2017-2018, prevalence of top 20 allergens statistically increased for FM I, HPL, BIT, propolis, and hydroperoxides of limonene (3.5%). For the first time, MI positivity did not increase between reporting periods. Approximately one-fifth of patients (20.3%) had ≥1 clinically relevant reaction(s) to allergens/substances not on the NACDG series. Conclusions: The epidemic of MI contact allergy in North America may have reached a plateau. Patch testing using a robust screening series, and supplemental allergens as indicated, is necessary for comprehensive evaluation of ACD.
A single‐breath‐hold protocol for hyperpolarized 129Xe ventilation and gas exchange imaging

Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI (Xe‐MRI) is increasingly used to image the structure and function of the lungs. Because 129Xe imaging can provide multiple contrasts (ventilation, alveolar airspace size, and gas exchange), imaging often occurs over several breath‐holds, which increases the time, expense, and patient burden of scans. We propose an imaging sequence that can be used to acquire Xe‐MRI gas exchange and high‐quality ventilation images within a single, approximately 10 s, breath‐hold. This method uses a radial one‐point Dixon approach to sample dissolved 129Xe signal, which is interleaved with a 3D spiral (“FLORET”) encoding pattern for gaseous 129Xe. Thus, ventilation images are obtained at higher nominal spatial resolution (4.2 × 4.2 × 4.2 mm3) compared with gas‐exchange images (6.25 × 6.25 × 6.25 mm3), both competitive with current standards within the Xe‐MRI field. Moreover, the short 10 s Xe‐MRI acquisition time allows for 1H “anatomic” images used for thoracic cavity masking to be acquired within the same breath‐hold for a total scan time of about 14 s. Images were acquired using this single‐breath method in 11 volunteers (N = 4 healthy, N = 7 post‐acute COVID). For 11 of these participants, a separate breath‐hold was used to acquire a “dedicated” ventilation scan and five had an additional “dedicated” gas exchange scan. The images acquired using the single‐breath protocol were compared with those from dedicated scans using Bland–Altman analysis, intraclass correlation (ICC), structural similarity, peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, Dice coefficients, and average distance. Imaging markers from the single‐breath protocol showed high correlation with dedicated scans (ventilation defect percent, ICC = 0.77, p = 0.01; membrane/gas, ICC = 0.97, p = 0.001; red blood cell/gas, ICC = 0.99, p < 0.001). Images showed good qualitative and quantitative regional agreement. This single‐breath protocol enables the collection of essential Xe‐MRI information within one breath‐hold, simplifying scanning sessions and reducing costs associated with Xe‐MRI.
Total Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden Predicts the Outcome of Acute Stroke Patients after Intra-Arterial Thrombectomy

Introduction: Various types of cerebral small vessel diseases (cSVD) markers commonly coexist. The neurological function outcome is affected by their combined effect. To investigate the effect of cSVD on intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT), our study aimed at developing and testing a model with fusing a combination of multiple cSVD markers as total cSVD burden to predict the outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients after IAT treatment. Methods: From October 2018 to March 2021, continuous AIS patients with IAT treatment were enrolled. We calculated the cSVD markers identified by magnetic resonance imaging. The outcomes of all patients were assessed according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days after stroke. The relationship between total cSVD burden and outcomes was analyzed by logistics regression analysis. Results: A total of 271 AIS patients were included in this study. The proportions of score 0∼4 in the total cSVD burden group (i.e., score 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 groups) were 9.6%, 19.9%, 23.6%, 32.8%, and 14.0%, respectively. The higher the cSVD score, the more patients with a poor outcome. Heavier total cSVD burden (1.6 [1.01∼2.27]), diabetes mellitus (1.27 [0.28∼2.23]), and higher national institute of health stroke scale (NIHSS) on admission (0.15 [0.07∼0.23]) were associated with poor outcome. In the two Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression models, model 1 using age, duration from onset to reperfusion, Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS), NIHSS on admission, modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) and total cSVD burden as variables perform well on predicting short-term outcome in area under curve (AUC) of 0.90. Model 2, including all of the variables above except cSVD, showed less predictive capability than model 1 (AUC 0.90 vs. 0.82, p = 0.045). Conclusions: The total cSVD burden score was independently associated with the clinical outcomes of AIS patients after IAT treatment and it may be a reliable predictor for poor outcomes of AIS patients after IAT treatment.
The concept of recovery in gaming disorder: A scoping review

Abstract Background Recovery from mental health and behavioral disorders is classically defined as a reduction in symptoms. More recent definitions see it as a process in which individuals improve their health, wellness and other life domains. The inclusion of gaming disorder (GD) in the 11th International Classification of Diseases in 2019 prompted growing interest in GD. However, relatively little is known about recovery from GD, and there is scant literature describing or assessing its course. Objectives This scoping review was designed to explore the state of the art on recovery from GD (e.g., terminology and measures used to assess recovery, main topics in studies about recovery from GD). Methods PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched and critically reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines. We included empirical studies in English covering individuals across all age groups who met the diagnostic criteria of GD/internet gaming disorder (IGD) according to valid scales that relate to recovery or any change, and were published before February 2022. Results A total of 47 out of 966 studies met the inclusion criteria. Recovery as a concept is not explicitly mentioned in GD studies. Rather, changes in subjects' disorders are described in terms of decreases/reductions in symptom severity, or improvement/increases. These changes are primarily measured by scales that evaluate symptom reduction and/or improvement in GD and other psychopathologies. Conclusions The concept of recovery is included in the GD field but is not clearly mentioned or used. Therapists and researchers should aim to promote and integrate the notion of recovery in GD.
Analysis of Stress Concentration Due to Irregular Ligaments in an Infinite Domain Containing a Row of Circular Holes*

The effects of irregular ligaments among a row of infinite circular holes are analyzed. For rigorous calculations of simplicity, an efficient alternating method is used to study interactions among multiple holes with irregular distributions. Numerical results for stress concentration factors are presented for various patterns and hole spacing. Based on these analyses, acceptance crierion irregularities in a row of circular holes is also evaluated.
Regularization-based sub-grid scale (SGS) models for large eddy simulations (LES) of high-Re decaying isotropic turbulence

Regularization-based subgrid-scale (SGS) turbulence models for large eddy simulations (LES) are quantitatively assessed for decaying homogeneous turbulence (DHT) and transition to turbulence for the Taylor-Green vortex (TGV) through comparisons to laboratory measurements and direct numerical simulations (DNS). LES predictions using the Leray-α, LANS-α, and Clark-α regularization-based SGS models are compared to the classic nondynamic Smagorinsky model. Regarding the regularization models, this work represents their first application to relatively high-Re decaying turbulence with comparison to the active-grid-generated decaying turbulence measurements of Kang et al. (J. Fluid Mech., 2003) at Re λ ≈ 720 and the Re = 3000 DNS of transition to turbulence in the TGV of Drikakis et al. (J. Turbulence, 2007). For DHT the nondynamic Smagorinsky model is in excellent agreement with measurements for the turbulent kinetic energy and energy spectra but higher-order moments show slight discrepancies. For TGV too, the energy decay rates of Smagorinsky agree reasonably well with DNS. Regarding the regularization models stable results are not obtained as compared to the Smagorinsky model at the same grid resolution for various values of α; and at higher grid resolutions, they are in worse agreement. However, with additional dissipation such as in mixed α-Smagorinsky models, results are acceptable and show only slight deviations from Smagorinsky.
Honokiol, an inducer of sirtuin‐3, protects against non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐induced gastric mucosal mitochondrial pathology, apoptosis and inflammatory tissue injury

Mitochondrial oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis primarily underlie gastric mucosal injury caused by the widely used non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Alternative gastroprotective strategies are therefore needed. Sirtuin‐3 pivotally maintains mitochondrial structural integrity and metabolism while preventing oxidative stress; however, its relevance to gastric injury was never explored. Here, we have investigated whether and how sirtuin‐3 stimulation by the phytochemical, honokiol, could rescue NSAID‐induced gastric injury.
Web-Based Digital Storytelling for Endometriosis and Pain: Qualitative Pilot Study

Background Endometriosis is a complex chronic disease characterized by pain, including painful sex, that can contribute to considerable sexual function, self-esteem, and relationship challenges. Digital storytelling is an arts-based, participatory methodology wherein individuals create and share their illness experiences in detailing their lived experiences. Objective The study objective was to pilot-test a web-based digital storytelling workshop focused on endometriosis to understand storytellers’ experiences of workshop participation. We assessed the feasibility of story cocreation and sharing, including the emotional impact of workshop participation, the acceptability of the workshop for the subject matter, and the storytellers’ willingness to share their stories with broader audiences as a method for knowledge translation. Methods This study used a community-based participatory methodology supplemented with patient-oriented research and integrated knowledge translation. Study participants, referred to as storytellers, cocreated 3- to 5-minute individual digital stories about their lived experiences of endometriosis during a web-based workshop (comprising five 2-hour sessions over 6 weeks) facilitated by The Center for Digital Storytelling. Data were collected through participant observations at the workshop, storyteller weekly reflective journals, and an end-of-workshop focus group interview with storytellers. These data were analyzed using a qualitative interpretive description approach. Results A total of 5 women and 1 nonbinary storyteller aged 19 to 39 years who had experienced endometriosis for 4 to 22 years participated in the study. We characterized storytelling workshop participation and the acceptability of story cocreation by describing participants’ experiences of opportunity, commitment, and connection; complex emotions that were healing; and a desire to share. Feasibility was demonstrated through 100% engagement in the workshops. All 6 storytellers reported feeling empowered by publicly sharing their cocreated digital stories through social media and the Sex, Pain & Endometriosis website. Conclusions Despite the complexities of the story-building process, the workshop and the cocreation and sharing of digital stories were feasible. The storytellers found that this process allowed for emotional healing and personal empowerment by offering a unique way to talk about painful sex, which also facilitated a connection among those in the workshop. The use of digital storytelling as a knowledge translation tool shows promise, and this approach also has potential as a therapeutic intervention.
Cardiovascular and Perceptual Responses to Resistance Training with Practical Blood Flow Restriction Induced by a Non-Elastic Band vs. Pneumatic Cuff: A Crossover Randomized Study

Our purpose in this study was to analyze perceptual and cardiovascular responses in low-load resistance training (RT) sessions associated with a fixed non-elastic band compressed to the proximal region of the arms (p-BFR) versus a pneumatic cuff inflated to a pressure of 150 mmHg (t-BFR). Participants (16 healthy trained men) were randomly assigned to two conditions of low-load RT (20% one repetition maximum [1RM]) with BFR (p-BFR or t-BFR). In both conditions, the participants performed five exercises (4 sets/30-15-15-15) for the upper-limbs, but in one of the conditions, the exercises were performed with a p-BFR induced by a non-elastic band, while in the other, the exercises were performed with a t-BFR using a device with similar width. The devices used to generate the BFR had similar widths (5 cm). Brachial blood pressure (bBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured before, after each exercise and after the experimental session (5-, 10-, 15-, and 20 min post-session). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and rating of pain perception (RPP) were reported after each exercise and 15 minutes post-session. HR increased during the training session in both conditions, with no differences between p-BFR and t-BFR. Neither intervention increased diastolic BP (DBP) during training, but there was a significant post-session reduction in DBP in the p-BFR, with no differences observed between conditions. There were no significant differences in RPE and RPP in the two training conditions, with both conditions associated with higher RPE and RPP at the end versus beginning of the experimental session. We conclude that when BFR device width and material are similar, low-load training with t-BFR and p-BFR promotes similar acute perceptual and cardiovascular responses in healthy trained men.
Tropical Cyclone Kinematic Structure Retrieved from Single-Doppler Radar Observations. Part II: The GBVTD-Simplex Center Finding Algorithm

Abstract This paper is the second of a series and focuses on developing an algorithm to objectively identify tropical cyclone (TC) vorticity centers using single-Doppler radar data. The first paper dealt with the formulation of a single-Doppler radar TC wind retrieval technique, the ground-based velocity-track-display (GBVTD), and the results are verified using analytical TCs. It has been acknowledged that the quality of the GBVTD-retrieved TC circulation strongly depends on accurately knowing its center position. However, existing single-Doppler radar center finding algorithms are limited to estimate centers for axisymmetric TCs. The proposed algorithm uses a simplex method to objectively estimate the TC vorticity center by maximizing GBVTD-retrieved mean tangential wind. When tested with a number of axisymmetric and asymmetric analytical TCs, the accuracy of the TC centers estimated by the GBVTD-simplex algorithm is ≈340 m from the true center. When adding 5 m s−1 random noise to the Doppler velocities,.
Calculation of the electromagnetic fields induced in the head of an operator of a cordless telephone

This paper shows the capability of the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method to predict the interaction between the human body and the electromagnetic field generated by a cordless telephone. Both the influence of the human head on the performance of the cordless telephone and the energy deposited in the human head have been determined. The interaction has been evaluated for a simple dipole model and for an accurate “box” model of the telephone. The FDTD method is a versatile method for refining the antenna model. The results show that the use of the accurate box model in combination with a realistic model of the head derived from a nuclear magnetic resonance image is a prerequisite for accurate determination of the near fields induced in the head. The total amount of power absorbed in the head has been compared to the radiated power. From our calculations we found that about 15% of the antenna input power at 900 MHz is absorbed in the head.
Noise Complaints and Land Rezoning as a Predictor of Hate Crimes in a New York City Borough

Hate crimes generally have severe victim outcomes compared to other crimes, and therefore warrant further investigation. These types of crimes can often happen in neighborhoods where people from various cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, etc. meet. Understanding how neighborhood tensions impact the level of hate crimes is important in reducing hate crimes and building community. The current study investigates neighborhood level predictors of hate crimes in a borough of New York City (NYC). Using symbolic threat and defended neighborhoods frameworks, we consider how 311 noise complaints and land use rezoning data can be predictors of hate crimes. We use data from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and NYC Land Use Tax Output. We find that hate crimes are more likely in the neighborhoods where the noise complaints and land use rezoning are higher than the median. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed below.
Facilitation of sensory transmission to motoneurons during cortical or sensory‐evoked primary afferent depolarization (PAD) in humans

Sensory and corticospinal tract (CST) pathways activate spinal GABAergic interneurons that have axoaxonic connections onto proprioceptive (Ia) afferents that cause long‐lasting depolarizations (termed primary afferent depolarization, PAD). In rodents, sensory‐evoked PAD is produced by GABAA receptors at nodes of Ranvier in Ia afferents, rather than at presynaptic terminals, and facilitates spike propagation to motoneurons by preventing branch‐point failures, rather than causing presynaptic inhibition. We examined in 40 human participants whether putative activation of Ia‐PAD by sensory or CST pathways can also facilitate Ia afferent activation of motoneurons via the H‐reflex. H‐reflexes in several leg muscles were facilitated by prior conditioning from low‐threshold proprioceptive, cutaneous or CST pathways, with a similar long‐lasting time course (∼200 ms) to phasic PAD measured in rodent Ia afferents. Long trains of cutaneous or proprioceptive afferent conditioning produced longer‐lasting facilitation of the H‐reflex for up to 2 min, consistent with tonic PAD in rodent Ia afferents mediated by nodal α5‐GABAA receptors for similar stimulation trains. Facilitation of H‐reflexes by this conditioning was likely not mediated by direct facilitation of the motoneurons because isolated stimulation of sensory or CST pathways did not alone facilitate the tonic firing rate of motor units. Furthermore, cutaneous conditioning increased the firing probability of single motor units (motoneurons) during the H‐reflex without increasing their firing rate at this time, indicating that the underlying excitatory postsynaptic potential was more probable, but not larger. These results are consistent with sensory and CST pathways activating nodal GABAA receptors that reduce intermittent failure of action potentials propagating into Ia afferent branches.