Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experiences of Discrimination and Urinary Catecholamine Concentrations: Longitudinal Associations in a College Student Sample.

BACKGROUND Experiences of discrimination are a risk factor for subsequent cardiovascular disease. However, there is a lack of longitudinal research examining associations between discrimination and urinary catecholamines. This is surprising given the likely mediating role of sympathetic nervous system dysregulation in the association between psychosocial stress and cardiovascular morbidity. PURPOSE The current study examined the 3 year longitudinal association between experiences of discrimination and urinary catecholamines. METHODS The sample included 149 college students (mean age at baseline = 18.8, standard deviation = 0.96; 45% Black/African American; 55% White/European American). Concentrations of epinephrine and norepinephrine-urinary catecholamines with established links to psychosocial stress exposure and subsequent morbidity-were determined from 12 hr overnight samples. RESULTS Results indicated that experiences of discrimination were associated with increases in both epinephrine (β = .284, standard error [SE] = .117, p = .015) and norepinephrine (β = .306, SE = .114, p = .001). These longitudinal associations persisted after adjusting for negative affect, depression, and rejection sensitivity and did not vary as a function of race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that examination of overnight urinary catecholamines as a biological mediator of associations between experiences of discrimination and cardiovascular morbidity is warranted.
Electric-Field-Induced Second Harmonic Generation Nonlinear Optic Response of A4 β-Pyrrolic-Substituted ZnII Porphyrins: When Cubic Contributions Cannot Be Neglected

In this work, we have prepared a series of A4 ZnII porphyrins, carrying in the β-pyrrolic-position one or two π-delocalized ethynylphenyl moieties with a −NO2 acceptor or a −NMe2 donor pendant, and measured their second-order NLO response in CHCl3 solution at 1907 nm via the electric-field-induced second harmonic generation (EFISH) technique. For some of these compounds, we have recorded an unexpected sign and/or absolute value of μβ1907. Since their sterically hindered A4 structure should ensure the lack of significant aggregation processes in solution, we explain such anomalous EFISH results by invoking a non-negligible contribution of the electronic cubic term γ(−2ω; ω, ω, 0) to γEFISH, as supported by a qualitative evaluation of the third-order response through the measure of the cubic hyperpolarizability (γTHG) and by computational evidence.
It’s No Has Bean: A Review of the Effects of White Kidney Bean Extract on Body Composition and Metabolic Health

The rising prevalence of overweight and obesity is a global concern, increasing the risk of numerous non-communicable diseases and reducing quality of life. A healthy diet and exercise remain the cornerstone treatments for obesity. However, adherence rates can be low and the effectiveness of these interventions is often less than anticipated, due to compensatory changes in other aspects of the energy balance equation. Whilst some alternative weight-loss therapies are available, these strategies are often associated with side effects and are expensive. An alternative or adjunct to traditional weight-loss approaches may be the use of bioactive compounds extracted from food sources, which can be incorporated into habitual diet with a low cost and minimal burden. One product which has attracted attention in this regard is white kidney bean extract (WKBE), which has been suggested to inhibit the enzyme α-amylase, limiting carbohydrate digestion and absorption with small but potentially meaningful attendant beneficial effects on body weight and metabolic health. In this review, drawing evidence from both human and animal studies, we discuss the current evidence around the effects of WKBE on body composition and metabolic health. In addition, we discuss evidence on the safety of this supplement and explore potential directions for future research.
Effects of sublethal concentration of diazinon, fenitrothion and chlorpyrifos on demographic and some biochemical parameters of predatory bug, Andrallus spinidens Fabricius (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in laboratory conditions

Effects of three insecticides, diazinon, fenitrothion and chlorpyrifos on Andrallus spinidens Fabricius (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a predator of lepidopterous larvae in rice fields were investigated. The insecticides were applied topically at lethal dose (LD30) on the fifth instar nymphs of A. spinidens and evaluated on life table and some biochemical parameters of the predatory bugs. The results showed that pre-oviposition period, fecundity and longevity of treated bugs were significantly affected compared with the control. Analysis of life table parameters of A. spinidens revealed adverse effects of insecticides on net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), doubling time (DT) and mean generation time (T). Among the tested insecticides, fenitrothion was the most toxic insecticide. The lowest value of r was 0.060 day−1 in fenitrothion. Effects of insecticides on the detoxification enzymes showed that all compounds had inhibitory effect on esterases, acetylcholinesterases and glutathione S-transferases. According to this study, the insecticides cause harmful effects on demographic and biochemical parameters of A. spinidens and are not compatible with the predatory bug even at sublethal concentration.
Loss of Concentration May Occur by Blink Inhibition in DED Simulation Models

Purpose: Patients with dry eye disease (DED) often suffer productivity loss and distress due to bothersome symptoms. The aim of this study was to objectively quantify and compare productivity-related emotional states obtained from brain waveforms in natural and simulated DED conditions. Method: 25 healthy adults (6 females and 19 males; mean age ± standard deviation, 22.6 ± 8.3 years) were recruited for the study, which included an electroencephalogram (EEG), measurements of interblinking time, and questionnaires. DED was simulated by suppressing blinking, while spontaneous blinking served as a control. Elements of concentration, stress, and alertness were extracted from the raw EEG waveforms and the values were compared during spontaneous and suppressed blinking. The relation with DED-related parameters was then explored. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results: All participants successfully completed the experimental protocol. Concentration significantly decreased during suppressed blinking in 20 participants (80%), when compared with spontaneous blinking, whereas there were no or small differences in stress or alertness between spontaneous and suppressed blinking. The change in concentration was correlated with interblinking time (β = −0.515, p = 0.011). Conclusion: Loss of concentration was successfully captured in an objective manner using the EEG. The present study may enable us to understand how concentration is affected during blink suppression, which may happen in office work, particularly during computer tasks. Further study using detailed ocular evaluation is warranted to explore the effect of different interventions.
Ameliorative Effect of Gum Acacia on Hookah Smoke-Induced Testicular Impairment in Mice

We investigated some reproductive actions of hookah smoke (HS) exposure (30 min/day, for 30 days) in male mice, and the possible mitigative effect of the prebiotic agent gum acacia (GA) thereon. Control mice were air-exposed (AE). Twenty-four hours after the last exposure, the levels of some plasma reproductive hormones, biochemical markers of inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress and testicular histopathology were assessed. The urinary level of cotinine, a major nicotine metabolite, was also measured. HS exposure induced significant decreases in testosterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, and androgen binding protein, as well as glutathione reductase activity and levels of nitrite and total nitrite. Plasma inhibin B, alkaline phosphatase, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, lipid peroxidation, 8-oxo-2’-deoxyguanosine, and cytochrome C were significantly increased following HS exposure. In testicular homogenate, nuclear factor-κB (NF-ĸB), nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), interleukin- 6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), transforming growth factor-β1(TGF- β1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) were all significantly elevated, and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) significantly decreased. Histopathologically, there was slight impairment and disorganization of spermatogenesis. Urinary cotinine concentration was elevated significantly in the HS-exposed group compared with the air-exposed group. GA co-administration mitigated the adverse actions of HS measured. In conclusion, daily exposure to HS at the above dose induced adverse actions on the reproductive system of male mice. GA co-administration significantly mitigated these effects by reducing the inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress, via a mechanism involving Nrf2, and reduction of StAR expression.
Decision Support Algorithm for Selecting an Antivirus Mask over COVID-19 Pandemic under Spherical Normal Fuzzy Environment

With the rapid outbreak of COVID-19, most people are facing antivirus mask shortages. Therefore, it is necessary to reasonably select antivirus masks and optimize the use of them for everyone. However, the uncertainty of the effects of COVID-19 and limits of human cognition add to the difficulty for decision makers to perfectly realize the purpose. To maximize the utility of the antivirus mask, we proposed a decision support algorithm based on the novel concept of the spherical normal fuzzy (SpNoF) set. In it, firstly, we analyzed the new score and accuracy function, improved operational rules, and their properties. Then, in line with these operations, we developed the SpNoF Bonferroni mean operator and the weighted Bonferroni mean operator, some properties of which are also examined. Furthermore, we established a multi-criteria decision-making method, based on the proposed operators, with SpNoF information. Finally, a numerical example on antivirus mask selection over the COVID-19 pandemic was given to verify the practicability of the proposed method, which the sensitive and comparative analysis was based on and was conducted to demonstrate the availability and superiority of our method.
Antitumor Activity of Amivantamab (JNJ-61186372), an EGFR-cMet Bispecific Antibody, in Diverse Models of EGFR Exon 20 Insertion-Driven NSCLC.

EGFR exon 20 insertion driver mutations (Exon20ins) in NSCLC are insensitive to EGFR-TKIs. Amivantamab (JNJ-61186372), a bispecific antibody targeting EGFR/cMet, has shown preclinical activity in TKI-sensitive EGFR-mutated NSCLC models and in an ongoing first-in-human study in advanced NSCLC patients. However, the activity of amivantamab in Exon20ins-driven tumors has not yet been described. Ba/F3 cells and patient-derived cells/organoids/xenograft models harboring diverse Exon20ins were used to characterize the antitumor mechanism of amivantamab. Amivantamab inhibited proliferation by effectively downmodulating EGFR/cMet levels and inducing immune-directed antitumor activity with increased IFN-γ secretion in various models. Importantly, in vivo efficacy of amivantamab was superior to cetuximab or poziotinib, an experimental Exon20ins targeted-TKI. Amivantamab produced robust tumor responses in two Exon20ins patients, highlighting the important translational nature of this preclinical work. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the activity of amivantamab and support its continued clinical development in Exon20ins patients, an area of high unmet medical need.
Dynamic Expansion and Functional Evolutionary Profiles of Plant Conservative Gene Family SBP-Box in Twenty Two Flowering Plants and the Origin of miR156

Conservative gene families in plants, which are closely related to innovations in flowering plants, have long and complex evolutionary histories. Here, we used the SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein (SBP-box) gene family as an example to study conservative gene families in flowering plants. In total, 11 groups, including nine angiosperm-conservative groups and two monocot- and eudicot-specific groups, were identified. Among the nine angiosperm-conservative groups, four are conserved in all land plants and the remaining five are angiosperm-specific. The five angiosperm-specific groups exhibit structural and functional diversity and evolved together, along with the evolution of flowering plants. The expansion of SBP genes was affected by miR156, and the miR156-regulated SBP genes tend to retain more copies. Our results reflect the dynamic evolutionary process of the different groups, with the identification of two genetic lines via synteny analyses. In addition, miR156 showed a close evolutionary relationship with SBP genes, suggesting that it may originate from face-to-face tandem duplication of SBP genes. SBP genes without an miR156 binding locus are usually functionally conservative or housekeeping like, belonging to the terrestrial-conservative group. In contrast, SBP genes with miR156 binding sites are selected by angiosperms to regulate more complex physiological processes.
Reproductive biology of Ameerega trivittata (Anura: Dendrobatidae) in an area of terra firme forest in eastern Amazonia

The reproductive success of tropical amphibians is influenced by factors such as body size and the characteristics of breeding sites. Data on reproductive biology are important for the understanding of population dynamics and the maintenance of species. The objectives of the present study were to examine the abundance of Ameerega trivittata, analyze the use of microhabitats by calling males and the snout-vent length (SVL) of breeding males and females, the number of tadpoles carried by the males and mature oocytes in the females, as well as the relationship between the SVL of the female and both the number and mean size of the mature oocytes found in the ovaries. Three field trips were conducted between January and September, 2009. A total of 31 plots, with a mean area of 2.3 ha, were surveyed, resulting in records of 235 individuals, with a mean density of 3.26 individuals per hectare. Overall, 66.1% of the individuals sighted were located in the leaf litter, while 17.4% were perched on decaying tree trunks on the forest floor, 15.7% on the aerial roots of Cecropia trees, and 0.8% on lianas. Males were observed transporting a mean of 10.8 tadpoles on their backs. A significant correlation was found between the size of the females and the mean diameter of the oocytes. New data were collected on the size of oocytes and no pattern was found in the type of perches used by calling males of the different Ameerega species.
Trends in oral anticoagulant prescribing in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a population-based study in the UK

Objective To evaluate oral anticoagulant (OAC) prescribing trends in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the UK from 2001 to 2015. Design A cross-sectional drug utilisation study. Setting Electronic health records from The Health Improvement Network primary care database in the UK. Participants Individuals with T2DM who received a record of OAC prescription. Outcome measures The prescribing trends of OAC medications in individuals with T2DM were examined from 2001 to 2015, stratified by age, gender and therapeutic classifications. Results A total of 361 635 individuals with T2DM were identified, of whom 36 570 were prescribed OAC from 2001 to 2015. The prevalence of OAC prescribing increased by 50.0%, from 1781 individuals receiving OAC prescriptions (IROACP) (4.4 (95% CI 4.2 to 4.6) per 100 persons) in 2001, to 17 070 IROACP (6.6 (95% CI 6.5 to 6.7) per 100 persons) in 2015. The prevalence of warfarin prescribing decreased by 14.0%, from 1761 individuals receiving warfarin prescriptions (IRWP) (98.9 (95% CI 98.4 to 99.4) per 100 persons) in 2001, to 14 533 IRWP (85.1 (95% CI 84.6 to 85.7) per 100 persons) in 2015. This corresponded with increased prescribing of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), from 18 individuals receiving DOAC prescriptions (IRDOACP) (0.1 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.23) per 100 persons) in 2010, to 3016 IRDOACP (17.6 (95% CI 17.1 to 18.2) per 100 persons) in 2015, during the same period. Conclusions Prescribing of OACs in individuals with T2DM increased from 2001 to 2015. Since the introduction of DOACs, there has been a clear shift in prescribing towards these agents. Future studies are needed to assess the safety of coadministration of OAC medications and antidiabetic therapy with T2DM.
The Schwartz Centre Rounds: Supporting mental health workers with the emotional impact of their work.

In healthcare settings, there is an emotional cost to caring which can result in compassion fatigue, burnout, secondary trauma, and compromised patient care. Innovative workplace interventions such as the Schwartz Rounds offer a group reflective practice forum for clinical and non-clinical professionals to reflect on the emotional aspects of working in health care. Whilst the Rounds are established in medical health practice, this study presents an evaluation of the Rounds offered to mental health services. The Rounds were piloted amongst 150 mental health professionals for 6 months and evaluated using a mixed-methods approach with standardized evaluation forms completed after each Round and a focus group (n = 9) at one-month follow-up. This paper also offers a unique six-year follow-up of the evaluation of the Rounds. Rounds were rated as helpful, insightful, and relevant, and at six years follow-up, Rounds were still rated as valuable and viewed as embedded. Focus groups indicated that Rounds were valued because of the opportunity to express emotions (in particular negative emotions towards patients that conflict with the professional care-role), share experiences, and feel validated and supported by colleagues. The findings indicate that Schwartz Rounds offer a positive application in mental healthcare settings. The study supports the use of interventions which provide an ongoing forum in which to discuss emotions, develop emotional literacy, provide peer support and set an intention for becoming a more compassionate organization in which to work.
The CFTR Mutation c.3453G > C (D1152H) Confers an Anion Selectivity Defect in Primary Airway Tissue that Can be Rescued by Ivacaftor

The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene variant, c.3453G > C (D1152H), is associated with mild Cystic Fibrosis (CF) disease, though there is considerable clinical variability ranging from no detectable symptoms to lung disease with early acquisition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The approval extension of ivacaftor, the first CFTR modulator drug approved, to include D1152H was based on a positive drug response of defective CFTR-D1152H chloride channel function when expressed in FRT cells. Functional analyses of primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNE) from an individual homozygous for D1152H now revealed that while CFTR-D1152H demonstrated normal, wild-type level chloride conductance, its bicarbonate-selective conductance was impaired. Treatment with ivacaftor increased this bicarbonate-selective conductance. Extensive genetic, protein and functional analysis of the nasal cells of this D1152H/D1152H patient revealed a 90% reduction of CFTR transcripts due to the homozygous presence of the 5T polymorphism in the poly-T tract forming a complex allele with D1152H. Thus, we confirm previous observation in patient-derived tissue that 10% normal CFTR transcripts confer normal, wild-type level chloride channel activity. Together, this study highlights the benefit of patient-derived tissues to study the functional expression and pharmacological modulation of CF-causing mutations, in order to understand pathogenesis and therapeutic responses.
A method for determination of gender from bill measurements in Otago blue penguins (Eudyptula minor)

Abstract Ability to distinguish the gender of individuals of any animal population is a useful field tool. Blue penguins (Eudyptula minor) exhibit a sexual dimorphism in bill size which has not been confirmed for any New Zealand population solely by internal anatomy. In this study, bill and head dimensions were taken from birds sexed by dissection. Measurements taken from a reference group of morphologically adult birds were used to construct equations by discriminant analysis. Those equations were applied to the bill measurements of a separate, opportunistically collected test sample, including juveniles, the gender of which was known from necropsy. We found a 15% inaccuracy in the test group, mostly derived from errors in identifying juvenile males. Removal of those individuals reduced the error to 10%. Application of the equation to 47 pairs of living birds of a monitored breeding population determined the gender wrongly for only two of 94 birds. Except for juvenile males, this method is useful for identifying gender in unselected populations of blue penguins in the field. The principle is readily applicable to other New Zealand populations.
A Critical Assessment of the Golden Hour and the Impact of Procedural Timing in Stroke Thrombectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous studies in acute ischemic stroke have demonstrated the importance of minimizing delays to endovascular treatment and keeping thrombectomy procedural times at <30–60 minutes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of thrombectomy procedural times on clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively compared 319 patients having undergone thrombectomy according to procedural time (<30 minutes, 30–60 minutes, and >60 minutes) and time from stroke onset to endovascular therapy (≤6 or >6 hours). Clinical characteristics of patients with postprocedural intracranial hemorrhage were also assessed. Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of poor outcome at 90 days (mRS ≥3). RESULTS: Greater age (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06; P = .016), higher admission NIHSS score (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.16; P = .001), history of diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.05–3.65; P = .034), and postprocedural intracranial hemorrhage were independently associated with greater odds of poor outcome. Modified TICI scale scores of 2c (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04–0.28; P < .001) and 3 (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.06–0.38; P < .001) were associated with reduced odds of poor outcome. Although not statistically significant on univariate analysis, onset to endovascular therapy of >6 hours was independently associated with increased odds of poor outcome (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.11–4.36; P = .024) in the final multivariate model (area under the curve = 0.820). Procedural time was not independently associated with clinical outcome in the final multivariate model (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Thrombectomy procedural times beyond 60 minutes are associated with lower revascularization rates and worse 90-day outcomes. Procedural time itself was not an independent predictor of outcome. While stroke thrombectomy procedures should be performed rapidly, our study emphasizes the significance of achieving revascularization despite the requisite procedural time. However, the potential for revascularization must be weighed against the risks associated with multiple thrombectomy attempts.