Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Concordance in COVID-19 serology, bone mineralization, and inflammatory analytes between venous and self-collected capillary blood samples exposed to various pre-analytical conditions

Background The COVID-19 has led to a significant increase in demand for remote blood sampling in clinical trials. This study aims to ascertain the concordance between venous versus capillary samples, processed immediately or exposed to various pre-analytical conditions. Methods Participants (≥12 years old) provided a venous blood sample (processed immediately) and capillary samples allocated to one of the following conditions: processed immediately or exposed to 12-, 24-, or 36-h delays at room temperature or 36-h delays with a freeze-thaw cycle. The analytes of interest included SARS-CoV-2 IgG, 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), alkaline phosphate (ALP), calcium (Ca), phosphate (Ph), and c-reactive protein (CRP). Paired samples were considered interchangeable if they met three criteria: minimal within-subject mean difference, 95% of values within desirable total errors, and inter-class correlation (ICC) > 0.90. Results 90 participants (44.1% male) were enrolled. When comparing rapidly processed venous with capillary samples, 25(OH)D, ALP, and CRP met all three criteria; SARS-CoV-2 IgG met two criteria (mean difference and ICC); and Ca and Ph met one criterion (mean difference). When considering all three criteria, concentrations of 25(OH)D, CRP, and ALP remained unchanged after delays of up to 36 h; SARS-CoV-2 IgG met two criteria (mean difference and ICC); Ca and Ph met one criterion (mean difference). Conclusion These findings suggest that remote blood collection devices can be used to measure anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, 25(OH)D, CRP, and ALP. Further analysis is required to evaluate the interchangeability between venous and capillary testing in Ca and Ph levels, which are more sensitive to pre-analytical conditions.
The Interaction of Jets with Crossflow

It is common for jets of fluid to interact with crossflow. This article reviews our understanding of the physical behavior of this important class of flow in the incompressible and compressible regimes. Experiments have significantly increased in sophistication over the past few decades, and recent experiments provide data on turbulence quantities and scalar mixing. Quantitative data at high speeds are less common, and visualization still forms an important component in estimating penetration and mixing. Simulations have progressed from the Reynolds-averaged methodology to large-eddy and hybrid methodologies. There is a general consensus on the qualitative structure of the flow at low speeds; however, the flow structure at low-velocity ratios (jet speed/crossflow speed) might be fundamentally different from the common notion of shear-layer vortices, counter-rotating vortex pairs, wakes, and horseshoe vortices. Fluid in the near field is strongly accelerated, which affects the jet trajectory, entrainment, .
Easing Tensions with Quartessence

Tensions between cosmic microwave background (CMB) observations and the growth of the large-scale structure (LSS) inferred from late-time probes pose a serious challenge to the concordance $\Lambda$CDM cosmological model. State-of-the-art CMB data from the Planck satellite predicts a higher rate of structure growth than what preferred by low-redshift observables. Such tension has hitherto eluded conclusive explanations in terms of straightforward modifications to $\Lambda$CDM, e.g. the inclusion of massive neutrinos or a dynamical dark energy component. Here, we investigate `quartessence' models, where a single dark component mimics both dark matter and dark energy. We show that such models greatly alleviate the tension between high and low redshift observations, thanks to the non-vanishing sound speed of quartessence that inhibits structure growth at late times on scales smaller than its corresponding Jeans' length. In particular, the $3.4\sigma$ tension between CMB and LSS observables is thoroughly reabsorbed. For this reason, we argue that quartessence deserves further investigation and may lead to a deeper understanding of the physics of the dark Universe.
Warmer winters result in reshaping of the European beech forest soil microbiome (bacteria, archaea and fungi) - with potential implications for ecosystem functioning.

In temperate regions climate warming alters temperature and precipitation regimes. During winter, a decline in insulating snow cover changes the soil environment, where especially frost exposure can have severe implications for soil microorganisms and subsequently for soil nutrient dynamics. Here we investigated winter climate change responses in European beech forests soil microbiome. Nine study sites with each three treatments (snow exclusion, insolation, and ambient) were investigated. Long-term adaptation to average climate was explored by comparing across sites. Triplicated treatment plots were used to evaluate short-term (one single winter) responses. Community profiles of bacteria, archaea and fungi were created using amplicon sequencing. Correlation between the microbiome, vegetation and soil physicochemical properties were found. We identify core members of the forest-microbiome, and link them to key processes e.g. mycorrhizal symbiont and specialized beech wood degraders (fungi) and nitrogen cycling (bacteria, archaea). For bacteria, the shift of the microbiome composition due to short-term soil temperature manipulations in winter was similar to the community differences observed between long-term relatively cold to warm conditions. The results suggest a strong link between the changes in the microbiomes and changes in environmental processes, e.g. nitrogen dynamics, driven by variation in winter climate. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Phosphodiesterase inhibitor and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor combination therapy versus monotherapy for the treatment of major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Selective serotonin reuptakeinhibitors (SSRIs) are the gold standard treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the use of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors in the treatment of MDD remains unclear. Our study aims to compare the effect of PDE inhibitor combination therapy to SSRI monotherapy for the treatment of MDD. We performed a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases, for studies that assess the impact of PDE inhibitor therapy on MDD patients. The primary outcome of our study was treatment response rate at the end of study time. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random-effects model. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of four randomized control trials (RCTs), including 270 patients with MDD, were included in the analysis. Follow-up periods ranged from 6 to 12 weeks. The PDE inhibitor group was associated with a significantly higher treatment response rate (OR, 4.77; 95% CI, 2.05–11.12; P = 0.0003). Our meta-analysis demonstrated that MDD patients receiving PDE inhibitor combination therapy had a higher treatment response rate than MDD patients receiving SSRI monotherapy. Further large-scale RCTs with long-term follow-ups are necessary to validate our findings.
How Does ChatGPT Perform on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)? The Implications of Large Language Models for Medical Education and Knowledge Assessment

Background Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is a 175-billion-parameter natural language processing model that can generate conversation-style responses to user input. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the performance of ChatGPT on questions within the scope of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 exams, as well as to analyze responses for user interpretability. Methods We used 2 sets of multiple-choice questions to evaluate ChatGPT’s performance, each with questions pertaining to Step 1 and Step 2. The first set was derived from AMBOSS, a commonly used question bank for medical students, which also provides statistics on question difficulty and the performance on an exam relative to the user base. The second set was the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) free 120 questions. ChatGPT’s performance was compared to 2 other large language models, GPT-3 and InstructGPT. The text output of each ChatGPT response was evaluated across 3 qualitative metrics: logical justification of the answer selected, presence of information internal to the question, and presence of information external to the question. Results Of the 4 data sets, AMBOSS-Step1, AMBOSS-Step2, NBME-Free-Step1, and NBME-Free-Step2, ChatGPT achieved accuracies of 44% (44/100), 42% (42/100), 64.4% (56/87), and 57.8% (59/102), respectively. ChatGPT outperformed InstructGPT by 8.15% on average across all data sets, and GPT-3 performed similarly to random chance. The model demonstrated a significant decrease in performance as question difficulty increased (P=.01) within the AMBOSS-Step1 data set. We found that logical justification for ChatGPT’s answer selection was present in 100% of outputs of the NBME data sets. Internal information to the question was present in 96.8% (183/189) of all questions. The presence of information external to the question was 44.5% and 27% lower for incorrect answers relative to correct answers on the NBME-Free-Step1 (P<.001) and NBME-Free-Step2 (P=.001) data sets, respectively. Conclusions ChatGPT marks a significant improvement in natural language processing models on the tasks of medical question answering. By performing at a greater than 60% threshold on the NBME-Free-Step-1 data set, we show that the model achieves the equivalent of a passing score for a third-year medical student. Additionally, we highlight ChatGPT’s capacity to provide logic and informational context across the majority of answers. These facts taken together make a compelling case for the potential applications of ChatGPT as an interactive medical education tool to support learning.
Mode structure and attenuation characteristics of hollow parabolic waveguides

The mode structure and attenuation constants in parabolic hollow waveguides with arbitrary parabolic domains are investigated based on the exact vector field expressions and characteristic equations. Normalized attenuation charts are provided for a variety of mode numbers, parities, and polarizations. The analysis is not restricted to parabolic waveguides with a symmetric cross section.
The impact of drug-eluting bead (vs. conventional) transarterial chemoembolization on hepatic fibrosis in treating intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

ABSTRACT Objective Limited studies have reported the impact of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) on hepatic fibrosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study evaluated multiple hepatic fibrosis indicators, aiming to comprehensively compare the influence of DEB-TACE and conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) on hepatic fibrosis in treating HCC patients. Methods Intermediate/advanced HCC patients (N = 121) were divided into the DEB-TACE group (n = 62) and the cTACE group (n = 59) based on their chosen treatment. Serum hyaluronic acid (HA), pro-collagen type-III (PC-III), collagen type-IV (IV-C), and laminin (LN) were detected; aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis index based on the four factors (FIB-4) were calculated; liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was assessed by real-time shear wave elastography. Results HA, PC-III, IV-C, and LN at 1 month after the second TACE and at 12 months after the first TACE were all decreased in DEB-TACE group compared with cTACE group (all P < .050). Then, APRI, FIB-4, and LSM were further assessed, which also showed a decreasing trend at aforementioned timepoints in DEB-TACE group compared with cTACE group (all P < .050). Additionally, the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that DEB-TACE (vs. cTACE) was independently associated with reduced occurrence of severe hepatic fibrosis at 12 months (OR = 0.215, 95%CI: 0.058–0.802, P = .022). Concerning the liver function indexes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin after treatment were not different between the two groups (all P > .050). Conclusion DEB-TACE displays attenuated hepatic fibrosis progression and noninferior tolerance compared to cTACE in treating intermediate- or advanced-stage HCC patients.
Application of decellularization-recellularization technique in plastic and reconstructive surgery

Abstract In the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, the loss of organs or tissues caused by diseases or injuries has resulted in challenges, such as donor shortage and immunosuppression. In recent years, with the development of regenerative medicine, the decellularization-recellularization strategy seems to be a promising and attractive method to resolve these difficulties. The decellularized extracellular matrix contains no cells and genetic materials, while retaining the complex ultrastructure, and it can be used as a scaffold for cell seeding and subsequent transplantation, thereby promoting the regeneration of diseased or damaged tissues and organs. This review provided an overview of decellularization-recellularization technique, and mainly concentrated on the application of decellularization-recellularization technique in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including the remodeling of skin, nose, ears, face, and limbs. Finally, we proposed the challenges in and the direction of future development of decellularization-recellularization technique in plastic surgery.
Heterogeneity of B cell lymphopoiesis in patients with premalignant and active myeloma

To better characterize the heterogeneity of multiple myeloma (MM), we profiled plasma cells (PCs) and their B cell lymphopoiesis in the BM samples from patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, smoldering MM, and active MM by mass cytometry (CyTOF) analysis. Characterization of intra- and interneoplastic heterogeneity of malignant plasmablasts and PCs revealed overexpression of the MM SET domain (MMSET), Notch-1, and CD47. Variations in upregulation of B cell signaling regulators (IFN regulatory factor 4 [IRF-4], CXCR4, B cell lymphoma 6 [Bcl-6], c-Myc, myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 [MYD88], and spliced X box-binding protein 1 [sXBP-1]) and aberrant markers (CD319, CD269, CD200, CD117, CD56, and CD28) were associated with different clinical outcomes in clonal PC subsets. In addition, prognosis was related to heterogeneity in subclonal expression of stemness markers, including neuroepithelial stem cell protein (Nestin), SRY-box transcription factor 2 (Sox2), Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF-4), and Nanog. Furthermore, we have defined significantly elevated levels of MMSET, MYD88, c-Myc, CD243, Notch-1, and CD47 from hematopoietic stem cells to PCs in myeloma B cell lymphopoiesis, noted even in premalignant conditions, with variably modulated expression of B cell development regulators, including IRF-4, Bcl-2, Bcl-6, and sXBP-1; aberrant PC markers (such as CD52, CD44, CD200, CD81, CD269, CD117, and CXCR4); and stemness-controlling regulators, including Nanog, KLF-4, octamer-binding transcription factor 3/4 (Oct3/4), Sox2, and retinoic acid receptor α2 (RARα2). This study provides the rationale for precise molecular profiling of patients with MM by CyTOF technology to define disease heterogeneity and prognosis.
Neural unscrambling of temporal information during a nonlinear narrative

Abstract Although we must experience our lives chronologically, storytellers often manipulate the order in which they relay events. How the brain processes temporal information while encoding a nonlinear narrative remains unclear. Here, we use functional magnetic resonance imaging during movie watching to investigate which brain regions are sensitive to information about time in a narrative and test whether the representation of temporal context across a narrative is more influenced by the order in which events are presented or their underlying chronological sequence. Results indicate that medial parietal regions are sensitive to cued jumps through time over and above other changes in context (i.e., location). Moreover, when processing non-chronological narrative information, the precuneus and posterior cingulate engage in on-the-fly temporal unscrambling to represent information chronologically. Specifically, days that are closer together in chronological time are represented more similarly regardless of when they are presented in the movie, and this representation is consistent across participants. Additional analyses reveal a strong spatial signature associated with higher magnitude jumps through time. These findings are consistent with prior theorizing on medial parietal regions as central to maintaining and updating narrative situation models, and suggest the priority of chronological information when encoding narrative events.
Infrasound from Convective Storms. Part IV. Is It Useful for Storm Warning

Abstract An experiment was carried out to collect statistics on the observability of severe-storm infrasound at three stations during the 1973 storm season. The results have been evaluated with the help of four “indices of usefulness”: •False-alarm rate, which tells how often infrasound from other sources is mistaken for that from storms. We devised a sorting procedure that reduces the false-alarm rate to 15–20%, and still lower rates seem achievable. •Detection rate, which tells what fraction of severe storms are detected. Here the big problems are defining what we mean by “severe storm” and verifying their occurrence; we estimate a 65% detection rate for tornadic storms, a 31% detection rate for tornadoes themselves, and a 33% detection rate for storms with radar tops above 50,000 ft. •Timeliness, which tells how much advance warning the waves give compared to dangerous storm effects. It was practical to consider only tornadoes from this viewpoint, and we found that the emissions tend to precede tornado.
Serum concentrations of progesterone and prolactin as predictors of success in in vitro fertilization: A retrospective cohort study

Objective The aim of this study is to determine whether the serum concentrations of progesterone and/or prolactin after fresh embryo transfer are associated with pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization treatment. Methods This retrospective cohort study evaluated in vitro fertilization treatments with fresh embryo transfer, which were performed between 2013 and 2019 in a private clinic in Curitiba, Brazil. The serum concentrations of progesterone and prolactin were evaluated by chemiluminescence nine days after oocyte retrieval. The type of progesterone supplementation and pituitary blockage during the cycle of oocyte stimulation were evaluated. Results 330 fertilization cycles were performed in the 293 studied patients. The mean age of patients was 35.5±4.1years. The most seen isolated infertility factor was endometriosis (24.2% of the cases), while progesterone supplementation was performed intramuscularly in 73.9% of the cases. The progesterone values above 32.1ng/ml at day 9 (D9) were associated with better pregnancy rates. In cycles using antagonist and intramuscular luteal phase supplementation, higher pregnancy rates with progesterone values above 37.83ng/ml were observed. Moreover, prolactin showed no significant association with any of the studied variables. Conclusions The serum progesterone concentrations above 32.1ng/ml at D9 that were taken one week before pregnancy testing were associated with successful in vitro fertilization treatment. Furthermore, prolactin showed no significant association with any of the studied variables.
Multiple initiatives to conquer KRAS G12C inhibitor resistance from the perspective of clinical therapy

ABSTRACT Introduction KRAS G12C targeted covalent inhibitors for cancer therapy are revolutionary. However, resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitors in clinical trials is a proven fact. Areas covered The authors focus on providing coverage and emphasizing the strategy of conquering KRAS G12C inhibitor resistance from the perspective of clinical therapy. The authors also provide the readers with their expert perspectives for future development. Expert opinion It is essential to improve the therapeutic effect and achieve long-term disease control through accumulating rapid exploration of drug resistance mechanisms in preclinical trials and developing rational combination dosing approaches from clinical practice. Our presentation of the perspective provides insights into drug resistance in this groundbreaking area of research.
Development of a nicotine aerosol self-administration model in rats and the effects of e-liquid flavors

Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) use is maintained by the positive reinforcement associated with preferred flavors. These flavors become conditioned reinforcers through pairings with primary reinforcers. This study sought to extend prior research with intravenous nicotine self-administration and develop a more ecologically valid preclinical model of aerosol self-administration in rats that incorporated flavors paired with sucrose. Rats were first trained to respond for oral sucrose with or without raspberry flavor to establish the flavor as a conditioned reinforcer for some groups. Rats were then exposed to aerosol self-administration. All groups responded for raspberry-flavored aerosol with or without nicotine. Rats responded more for raspberry flavored sucrose than unflavored sucrose. Despite raspberry increasing responding for sucrose, the flavor did not function as a conditioned reinforcer during aerosol self-administration and did not increase responding for nicotine. Throughout the aerosol self-administration phase, most groups responded more on the active than inactive lever, and some groups increased their response when the fixed ratio value was increased. At the end of the study, rats in nicotine groups earned similar or fewer aerosol deliveries than rats in vehicle groups. Aerosolized nicotine did not function as a reinforcer in this study, whereas aerosolized raspberry flavor may have maintained self-administration. Further preclinical investigation is needed to articulate the impact of flavors on ENDS use and whether they offset some aversive effects of nicotine or maintain responding on their own. If flavors reduce some aversive effects of self-administered nicotine, then policies to regulate flavors in e-liquids are prudent.
Antiviral therapies for influenza

Purpose of review The heavily suppressed global influenza activity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is expected to return upon relaxation of travel restriction and nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPI). We reviewed the four marketed neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI e.g., oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, laninamivir) and the only endonuclease inhibitor (baloxavir) on their clinical therapeutic effects and the ability of viral suppression in various groups of patients of different clinical settings based on the latest evidence. Recent findings Early initiation, preferably within 48 h of symptom onsets, of antiviral treatments with NAI and baloxavir, is crucial to produce favourable outcomes in patients with influenza infection. Updated evidence does not suggest routine use of combined antiviral agents in patients with influenza infection. Treatment-emergent resistant influenza variants may occur during NAI and baloxavir use, but it has no major impact on subsequent recovery. Early treatment of index patients with influenza infection and post-exposure prophylaxis in specific populations is crucial in preventing influenza transmission. Summary Antiviral therapy is the major defence therapeutically in the community and hospital settings to expedite early recovery and reduce influenza-related complications. Early treatment of index patients and post-exposure prophylaxis in susceptible close contacts may mitigate the spread of infection.