Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of structural modifications on sigma receptor binding

ABSTRACT The sigma receptor is a unique receptor family that has two subtypes: sigma1 and sigma2. The selective sigma1 ligands are found to have potential usage in central nervous system diseases, while sigma2 selective ligands can play an important role as biomarkers and therapeutic agents of tumor proliferation. Based on two well characterized lead compounds, structural modifications were conducted in order to find new ligands that can bind sigma receptor subtypes with both high affinity and high selectivity; the possibility of new ligands as potential SPECT imaging agents was also explored.
What factors make the diagnosis of Barrett’s esophageal lesions difficult?

Background Although the Japan Esophageal Society’s magnifying endoscopic classification for Barrett’s epithelium (JES-BE) offers high diagnostic accuracy, some cases are challenging to diagnose as dysplastic or non-dysplastic in daily clinical practice. Therefore, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy of this classification and the clinicopathological features of Barrett’s esophageal cases that are difficult to be diagnosed correctly. Methods Five endoscopists with experience of less than 10 cases of magnifying observation for superficial Barrett’s esophageal cancer reviewed 132 images of Barrett’s mucosa or carcinoma (75 dysplastic and 57 non-dysplastic cases) obtained using high-definition magnification endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI). They diagnosed each image as dysplastic or non-dysplastic according to the JES-BE classification, and the diagnostic accuracy was calculated. To identify the risk factors for misdiagnosed images, images with a correct rate of less than 40% were defined as difficult-to-diagnose images, and those with 60% or more were defined as easy-to-diagnose images. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for difficult-to-diagnose images. Results The sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy were 67%, 80% and 73%, respectively. Of the 132 ME-NBI images, 34 (26%) were difficult-to-diagnose images and 99 (74%) were easy-to-diagnose images. Logistic regression analysis showed low-grade dysplasia (LGD) and high-power magnification images were each significant risk factors for difficult-to-diagnose images (OR: 6.80, p=0.0017 and OR: 3.31, p=0.0125, respectively). Conclusions This image assessment study suggested feasibility of the JES-BE classification for diagnosis of Barrett’s esophageal lesions by non-expert endoscopists and risk factors of difficult diagnosis as high-power magnification and LGD histology. For non-experts, high-power magnification images are better to be evaluated with low-power magnification images and difficult endoscopic diagnosis needs to be confirmed by biopsy.
Follicular Dynamics during Estrous Cycle of Pubertal, Mature and Postpartum Crossbred (Nili Ravi × Jianghan) Buffaloes

Simple Summary The objective of this study was to observe the follicle dynamics and its relationship with different physiological (pubertal, sexual mature and postpartum) conditions of buffaloes. These data could be beneficial in establishing best reproductive model for future studies and enhancing the efficiency of advanced reproductive technologies (ARTs) in buffalo industry. The present study describes the estrous cycle characteristics (follicular wave pattern, ovulation, follicle growth, regression or atresia) in Chinese crossbred buffaloes during pubertal, sexual maturity and postpartum stages. This study would be helpful to provide the theoretical insight to overcome the poor reproductive performance by employing the ARTs to enhance fertility in crossbred buffaloes. Abstract The follicular dynamics is used as a reliable indicator for reproductive management in livestock. However, the follicular dynamics (follicle wave emergence, estrus cycle length, diameter of dominant follicle, follicular growth and atretic phases) during the estrous cycle of crossbred (Nili Ravi-Jianghan) buffalo is still unexplored. Therefore, the present study aimed to observe the follicular dynamics in estrous cycle of crossbred buffaloes at different physiological stages (pubertal; n = 28, sexual mature; n = 22 and postpartum; n = 18). In the present study, the follicular dynamics were ultrasonically examined at 12 h intervals throughout an estrous cycle during the breeding season. The results indicate that about 86.76% (59/68) crossbred buffaloes, irrespective of physiological stage, exhibited two follicular waves in estrous cycle with an average estrus cycle length was 20.7 ± 0.4 days. The estrus cycle length was significantly shorter (p < 0.05) in pubertal buffaloes (19.4 ± 0.4 days) compared with sexual mature (21.5 ± 0.3 days) and postpartum (21.9 ± 0.4 days) buffaloes. The first follicular wave emerged on same day during one- (pubertal vs. postpartum), two- (pubertal vs. mature vs. postpartum) or three-wave (mature vs. postpartum) estrous cycle buffaloes. The maximum diameter of dominant follicle (DF) in pubertal, sexually mature and postpartum crossbred buffaloes was 9.6 ± 2.0 mm, 10.6 ± 0.5 mm and 12.6 ± 0.7 mm with growth rate of 1.08 ± 0.04 mm/day, 0.92 ± 0.04 mm/day, and 0.9 ± 0.07 mm/day, respectively. In conclusion, similar to other buffalo breeds, Nili Ravi-Jianghan crossbred buffaloes showed the two-wave follicular pattern dominantly with an average duration of ~20 days estrous cycle. The observed follicular dynamics can be used as a reliable indicator for synchronization and fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) programs to improve the fertility of crossbred buffaloes.
An Empirical Exploration of Southeast Asian American Residential Patterns in the San Francisco Bay Area (2000–2019)

This paper explores three methods of reporting residential patterns: (1) concentration profiles, (2) density maps, and (3) proximity profiles. I analyze U.S. Census data to map and evaluate the residential patterns for Southeast Asian Americans in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. Drawing from the field of urban planning, I report two measures of segregation and concentration: (a) dissimilarity indices and (b) spatial proximity indices, and I discuss their limitations. Since mapping and spatial statistics are essential to understanding the histories, development, and advancement of Southeast Asian American communities, it is important to promote their broad usage. The paper's findings lend evidence to three arguments: (1) pioneering moments (the establishment of new immigrant communities) can in fact start path-dependent community growth, (2) clustering and dispersion to some extent can be predicted by classic theories of spatial assimilation, but new dynamics are playing out in today’s communities from Asian and Latino origins, including Southeast Asian American communities, and (3) residential clustering cases are circumstantial, dependent on unique local circumstances.
Equivalent Circuit of Distribution Line for Lightning‐Induced Voltage Analysis Using Analytical Formulas

This paper proposes an equivalent circuit at a transition point of distribution line for lightning‐induced voltage analysis. The lightning‐induced voltages caused by a piecewise linearly varying lightning current are expressed by analytical formulas. The equivalent circuit is represented by resistors and current sources, which are known from past history and given by the lightning‐induced voltage on an infinite‐length line. Transient voltages and currents at the transition point are accurately obtained in small computation time using the equivalent circuit. Thus, the proposed equivalent circuit is very convenient for analyzing the lightning‐induced effect in complicated electric power networks. This paper presents an example of EMTP data cards to use the proposed equivalent circuit in the EMTP.
Comparison of the In Vitro Photodynamic Activity of the C1α and C1β Anomers of a Glucosylated Boron Dipyrromethene

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an established treatment modality for a range of superficial and localized cancers. There has been tremendous interest in the development of advanced photosensitizers that exhibit superior photophysical properties, high tumor selectivity, and improved pharmacokinetics. Glucose is one of the well-studied targeting moieties that can deliver various therapeutic agents to cancer cells selectively via the Warburg effect. However, the use of glucosylated photosensitizers for targeted PDT has remained little studied and to the best of our knowledge, the PDT effect of the positional isomers of these conjugates has never been compared. We report herein the preparation and photophysical properties of the C1α and C1β anomers of a glucosylated boron dipyrromethene-based photosensitizer. The cellular uptake and photocytotoxicity of both anomers were also studied and compared using A549 human lung carcinoma cells and HEK293 human embryonic kidney cells. Interestingly, the cellular uptake of the C1α anomer was approximately 2-fold higher than that of the C1β anomer regardless of the cell type and incubation time. The uptake pathway of both anomers was also studied. It was found that they were internalized through energy-dependent receptor/protein-mediated endocytosis rather than the well-known glucose transporters and sodium-driven glucose symporters.
Self-Determination as a Mechanism for Personality Sustainability in Conditions of Daily Stress

During the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty, threat to life, and repeated lockdowns have significantly undermined people’s psychological well-being. In such situations, the basic needs for self-determination (SDT) are disrupted—autonomy, connectedness, and competence—but it is the resulting dissatisfaction that actualizes a search for strategies to cope with the problem. The objective of this article is to critically review the literature on various ways that people are coping with specific experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and their relationship to basic needs to maintain sustainability. We searched on the Web of Science CC database for relevant studies (2020–2021) and their systematization from the standpoint of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). This showed the dynamics of coping methods, reflecting a transition from confusion when confronted with stress, to the selection of effective strategies, confirming that when basic needs are blocked for a long time, people begin to search for a way to satisfy them. We present three levels of grouped coping methods: (1) physiological, (2) behavioral, and (3) cognitive, demonstrating their interrelationship with orientation (to oneself or to the context), assessment (a threat or a challenge), and basic psychological needs. The proposed model opens up prospects for creating effective coping and training programs for sustainable development of the individual in crisis situations.
Sustainable cross-border tourism management: COVID-19 avoidance motive on resident hospitality

Abstract The psyche-altering effects of COVID-19 pandemic on sustainable tourism behaviors are underexplored. More so, the scant research largely presents tourists’ perspective. Extending this body of work, our study – deploying evolutionary tourism paradigm, examines whether, the why and when perceived COVID-19 infectability (pathogen avoidance motive) impairs resident hospitality, using a multi-wave data from MTurk U.S. workers (N = 857). As predicted, perceived COVID-19 infectability relates positively with tourist negative stereotype, which then relates negatively with resident hospitality. Unexpectedly, perceived COVID-19 infectability’s relation with resident hospitality was positive. However, tourist negative stereotype transmits the negative effect of perceived COVID-19 infectability to resident hospitality. Moreover, COVID-19 origin belief amplifies the positive effect of perceived COVID-19 infectability on tourist negative stereotype, and further strengthens the indirect effect of perceived COVID-19 infectability on resident hospitality through tourist negative stereotype. Theoretical, social, and managerial implications for sustainable tourism development have been discussed.
Evaluation of Renal Blood Flow in Dogs during Short-Term Human-Dose Epoprostenol Administration Using Pulsed Doppler and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography

Simple Summary Since there is a lack of information regarding how epoprostenol, a prostacyclin, affects canine renal blood flow (RBF), we investigated the effects of short-term administration of epoprostenol at human doses of 2, 5, and 10 ng/kg/min intravenously for 20 min on RBF in six healthy dogs under anesthesia. The effects of short-term administration were investigated. As the dose of epoprostenol increased, peak systolic and end diastolic velocities of the renal arteries, maximum and minimum venous flow velocities of the interlobular and renal veins, and heart rate all tended to increase. However, these increases were not significant. These results indicate that the administration of human doses of epoprostenol to dogs does not produce significant changes in renal or systemic circulation. Abstract Prostacyclin is an in vivo bioactive substance that regulates renal blood flow (RBF). Information regarding how epoprostenol, a prostacyclin preparation, affects RBF in dogs is lacking. We investigated the effects of short-term epoprostenol administration on RBF in six healthy dogs under anesthesia by administering it intravenously at human doses—2, 5, and 10 ng/kg/min for 20 min. RBF was evaluated before and during epoprostenol administration using pulsed Doppler ultrasonography, and renal perfusion was evaluated using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Effects on renal and systemic circulation were evaluated by measuring systolic arterial, mean arterial, diastolic arterial, pulmonary arterial, mean right atrial, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures; heart rate; and cardiac output. Kruskal–Wallis and Bonferroni multiple comparison tests and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used for statistical analyses. As epoprostenol dosage increased, the peak systolic and end diastolic velocity of the renal artery, maximum and minimum venous flow velocities of the interlobular and renal veins, and heart rate all tended to increase, although not significantly. Our results indicate that human-dose epoprostenol administration in dogs does not cause significant changes in renal or systemic circulation. However, the human doses used may have been too low to produce a clinical effect in dogs.
Perceived stress and resilience levels during the COVID-19 pandemic among critical care nurses in Saudi Arabia: a correlational cross-sectional study

Background The continuous spreading of the respiratory coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has been a threat to global health, especially among those fighting directly against it. Nurses who work in critical care have reported very high levels of stress during these extreme circumstances. It is very important to measure the level of stress and resilience among these nurses in order to diminish further psychological distress. This study aims to assess the levels of perceived stress and resilience among critical care nurses. Methodology In this correlational cross-sectional study, critical care nurses (n = 139) were recruited by gatekeepers in a governmental university hospital in Riyadh City between 12 March and 8 April 2021 to complete an online questionnaire. The measurement tools used in this study were the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10 (CD-RISC-10) and the Perceived Stress Scale of COVID-19 (PSS-10 items). Data were analyzed using a descriptive and inferential analysis to calculate frequencies to determine the distribution of stress and resilience, and multiple regression was applied to assess the relationship between them. Results One hundred and thirty-nine critical care nurse (64%) responded. The perceived levels of stress reported were: no stress (8%; n = 12), mild stress (14%; n = 21), moderate stress (38%; n = 55), high stress (22%; n = 32), and severe stress (18%; n = 26). The levels of resilience reported were: very low (8%; n = 11), low (18%; n = 26), moderate (42%; n = 62), and high (32%; n = 47). The level of stress and resilience reported by the majority of critical care nurses was moderate; there was no significant correlation between COVID-19-related stress and resilience among the critical care nurses. Severe levels of stress were mostly reported among critical care nurses working in the NICU and high levels of stress were reported among those working in the emergency department. The nurses reported being highly confident that they were able to handle personal epidemic related problems with a mean score of 2.36. This reflects having a high level of resilience (42%; n = 62) and was significantly associated with years of experience as a nurse (p < 0.0027). Conclusion Although COVID-19 cases had declined significantly during the study period in Saudi Arabia, the majority of nurses were still experiencing moderate to high levels of stress about the epidemic, but were, at the same time, moderately resilient. Continued monitoring of the stress levels of this high-risk group is highly essential. Conducting more research is needed to measure the effectiveness of psychosocial support interventions.
The Use of Low-Dose Methadone as Add-On to Ongoing Opioid Treatment in Palliative Cancer Care—An Underrated Treatment?

The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of low-dose methadone treatment in palliative cancer care. In Sweden, methadone is quite common in specialized palliative care, where almost a tenth of patients are prescribed this drug. Negative attitudes towards methadone do not seem to prevent it from being used for pain management, and by starting with low doses and then increasing slowly and gradually, methadone can apparently be introduced safely. It is still uncertain whether methadone has a better analgesic effect than other opioids. However, for pain relief in cancer patients with severe and complex cancer-related pain, NMDA receptor inhibition with methadone may, in selected cases, be an attractive alternative, especially in the form of low-dose supplements to other ongoing opioids. Due to long half-life and complex metabolism, the use of methadone requires an experienced physician and solid follow-up. Continuous administration of opioids, including low-dose methadone, has been proven effective and safe in reducing pain in dying patients without increasing the risk of confusion, regardless of age.
Increasing Stocking Density Reduces Emissions of Fugitive Dust from Cattle Feedyards

Abstract. The moisture and compaction dynamics of an open-lot corral surface in a cattle feedyard depend strongly on the spatial density at which the animals are stocked. Because the moisture content and bulk density of the corral surface directly influence its intrinsic dust susceptibility, emission of fugitive dust from a feedyard surface should be sensitive to changes in stocking density. In the summer of 2012 we measured airborne dust concentrations upwind and downwind of feedyard pens stocked at two different densities, 718 (control) and 1,435 hd ha -1 , over a 160-d feeding period. Doubled stocking density was achieved in two different ways, by (A) confining cattle to half the pen area using electric cross-fencing and (B) doubling the number of cattle in the pens. Path-averaged dust concentrations were measured upwind and downwind of feedyard pens using an optical particle sizer (OPS model 3330, TSI Inc., Shoreview, Minn.) and an earlier-model optical sensor (model DUSTTRAK II 8530, TSI Inc., Shoreview, Minn.) mounted on mobile monitoring platforms. Because the monitoring platforms used different instruments, during the data analysis phase DUSTTRAK data were compared only to DUSTTRAK data, and OPS data were compared only to OPS data. Downwind 1-min concentrations of dust varied from 1 to 4,478 I¼g m -3 for the control pens, 1 to 2,431 I¼g m -3 for the pens with cross-fencing (treatment A), and 1 to 2,872 I¼g m -3 for the pens with twice as many cattle as the control pens (treatment B). Dispersion modeling using AERMOD revealed that the apparent dust-emission fluxes from treatments A and B were 79.4% and 80.6% lower, respectively, than the apparent emission flux from the control pens (23.45 I¼g m -2 s -1 ). We conclude that stocking-density manipulation is likely to be a viable Beneficial Management Practice (BMP) for controlling fugitive dust from open-lot cattle feedyards but that improved, path-averaged monitoring techniques appropriate to the feedyard source geometry are needed.
Decline in the Nutrient Inventories of the Upper Subtropical Northwest Pacific Ocean

The surface nutrient concentrations of the Northwest Pacific Ocean have shown distinct changes over the past four decades, which have been variably attributed to changes in anthropogenic nitrogen inputs or stratification. Here, we present a new data compilation that demonstrates a long‐term decline in the surface nutrient concentrations caused by a significant decrease (∼25%) in the nutrient inventories of the permanent thermocline (100–850 m) rather than by enhanced stratification. This subsurface nutrient decrease is likely due to the northward expansion of high‐temperature, low‐nutrient subtropical gyre waters associated with climate change and a regional physical regime shift. Furthermore, a declining trend in the N:P ratio pointing toward greater N‐limitation is observed in this research, in contrast to current assumptions inferring P‐limitation by anthropogenic nitrogen inputs. Our results imply that these shifts may influence new production as well as carbon sequestration in this region.