Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multimodal assessment of autonomic dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder with predominant progressive degeneration of motor neurons and motor deficits, but non‐motor symptoms (NMS) such as cognitive and behavioural deficits are frequent and underestimated in current diagnostic pathways. Autonomic dysfunction has occasionally been described, although its frequency and relevance are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the autonomic nervous system in ALS using a multimodal approach.
Temporal–spatial organ response after blast‐induced experimental blunt abdominal trauma

Abdominal trauma (AT) is of major global importance, particularly with the increased potential for civil, terroristic, and military trauma. The injury pattern and systemic consequences of blunt abdominal injuries are highly variable and frequently underestimated or even missed, and the pathomechanisms remain still poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the temporal–spatial organ and immune response after a standardized blast‐induced blunt AT. Anesthetized mice were exposed to a single blast wave centered on the epigastrium. At 2, 6, or 24 h after trauma, abdominal organ damage was assessed macroscopically, microscopically, and biochemically. A higher degree of trauma severity, determined by a reduction of the distance between the epigastrium and blast inductor, was reflected by a reduced survival rate. The hemodynamic monitoring during the first 120 min after AT revealed a decline in the mean arterial pressure within the first 80 min, whereas the heart rate remained quite stable. AT induced a systemic damage and inflammatory response, evidenced by elevated HMGB‐1 and IL‐6 plasma levels. The macroscopic injury pattern of the abdominal organs (while complex) was consistent, with the following frequency: liver > pancreas > spleen > left kidney > intestine > right kidney > others > lungs and was reflected by microscopic liver and pancreas damages. Plasma levels of organ dysfunction markers increased during the first 6 h after AT and subsequently declined, indicating an early, temporal impairment of the function on a multi‐organ level. The established highly reproducible murine blunt AT, with time‐ and trauma‐severity‐dependent organ injury patterns, systemic inflammatory response, and impairment of various organ functions, reflects characteristics of human AT. In the future, this model may help to study the complex immuno‐pathophysiological consequences and innovative therapeutic approaches after blunt AT.
Safety and Effectiveness of Hyaluronic Acid Filler, VYC-20L, via Cannula for Cheek Augmentation: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Study

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. BACKGROUND Using cannulas to deliver facial fillers may reduce adverse events (AEs) compared with needle injection. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of VYC-20L (20 mg/mL hyaluronic acid gel with lidocaine) via cannula for midface age-related volume deficit. MATERIALS AND METHODS This multicenter, evaluator-blind, randomized, within-subject, controlled study enrolled adults with moderate to severe Mid-Face Volume Deficit Scale (MFVDS) scores. VYC-20L was administered in one cheek via cannula (with optional needle use in the zygomaticomalar region) and in the other cheek via needle. The primary effectiveness end point was the mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) paired difference between treatments in MFVDS score change from baseline to Month 1; an upper CI limit of less than 0.5 determined noninferiority. Injection-site responses (ISRs), procedural pain, and AEs were assessed. RESULTS Of 60 randomized and treated subjects, the mean change in MFVDS score from baseline to Month 1 was −1.8 with cannulas and −1.9 with needles, providing a mean (95% CI) paired difference of 0.1 (−0.05 to 0.25). Most ISRs were mild/moderate and resolved within 2 weeks. Procedural pain was minimal, and no serious AEs were reported. CONCLUSION VYC-20L for cheek augmentation was safe and effective using a cannula and noninferior to needle injection.
Imatinib has minimal effects on inflammatory and osteopenic phenotypes in a murine cherubism model.

OBJECTIVE Cherubism is a genetic disorder characterised by bilateral jawbone deformation. The associated jawbone lesions regress after puberty, whereas severe cases require surgical treatment. Although several drugs have been tested, fundamental treatment strategies for cherubism have not been established. The effectiveness of imatinib has recently been reported; however, its pharmaceutical mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we tested the effects of imatinib using a cherubism mouse model. METHODS We used Sh3bp2 P416R cherubism mutant mice, which exhibit systemic organ inflammation and osteopenia. The effects of imatinib were determined using primary bone marrow-derived macrophages. Imatinib was administered intraperitoneally to the mice, and serum tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), organ inflammation, and bone properties were examined. RESULTS The cherubism mutant macrophages produced higher levels of TNFα in response to lipopolysaccharide compared to wild-type macrophages, and imatinib did not significantly suppress TNFα production. Although imatinib suppressed osteoclast formation in vitro, administering it in vivo did not suppress organ inflammation and osteopenia. CONCLUSION The in vivo administration of imatinib had a minimal therapeutic impact in cherubism mutant mice. To establish better pharmaceutical interventions, it is necessary to integrate new findings from murine models with clinical data from patients with a definitive diagnosis of cherubism.
Constructability for reducing construction waste and improving building / Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman

Construction is a highly fragmented industry. It tends to create a division between designers and contractors through separating design from construction. This is because of the traditional procurement approach commonly used in construction projects and the multitude of various project participants from different organisations, with diverse objectives, skills and interests. This division obstructs contractors from delivering their comments and suggestions to designers and hinders the application of the concept of constructability which involves the integration of construction knowledge and experiences into the different stages of the project life cycle. Hence, ultimately increases construction waste and hampers the improvement of building performance. Because of the importance of the design phase and the vital role played by contractors in the construction industry, this paper aims to investigate the integration of construction knowledge and contractor’s experience in the design process as an approach for reducing construction waste and improving building performance. In order to achieve this aim, a research methodology is designed to accomplish four objectives. Firstly, reviewing the nature of the construction industry; constructability; architecture and the design process; waste management and measuring building performance. Secondly, presenting successful case studies and examples of successful projects benefited from applying the concept of constructability during the design process. Thirdly, developing an innovative yet, theoretical framework to facilitate the integration of construction knowledge and contractor’s experience in the design process and establishing the strategies that support its application. Finally, summarising research conclusions and recommendations useful to construction professionals and researchers.
Resting-state functional brain connectivity for human mentalizing: biobehavioral mechanisms of theory of mind in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Although neural hubs of mentalizing are acknowledged, the brain mechanisms underlying mentalizing deficit, characterizing different neurological conditions, are still a matter of debate. To investigate the neural underpinning of theory of mind (ToM) deficit in multiple sclerosis (MS), a region of interest (ROI)-based resting-state fMRI study was proposed. In total, 37 MS patients (23 females, mean age = 54.08 ± 11.37 years, median Expanded Disability Status Scale = 6.00) underwent an MRI and a neuro-psychosocial examination and were compared with 20 sex-age-education matched healthy subjects. A neuroanatomical ToM model was constructed deriving 11 bilateral ROIs and then between and within-functional connectivity (FCs) were assessed to test for group differences. Correlation with psychosocial scores was also investigated. Lower ToM performance was registered for MS both in cognitive and affective ToM, significantly associated with processing speed. A disconnection between limbic–paralimbic network and prefrontal execution loops was observed. A trend of aberrant intrinsic connectivity in MS within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was also reported. Finally, a correlation between cognitive ToM and intrinsic FC was detected in ACC and dorsal striatum, belonging to the limbic–paralimbic network, likely explaining the behavioral deficit in MS. The results suggest that aberrant intrinsic and extrinsic connectivity constitutes a crucial neural mechanism underlying ToM deficit in MS.
Gut microbiota: sculptors of the intestinal stem cell niche in health and inflammatory bowel disease

ABSTRACT Intestinal epithelium represents a dynamic and diverse cellular system that continuously interacts with gut commensals and external cues. Intestinal stem cells, which lie at the heart of epithelial renewal and turnover, proliferate to maintain a steady stem cell population and differentiate to form functional epithelial cell types. This rather sophisticated assembly-line is maintained by an elaborate micro-environment, sculpted by a myriad of host and gut microbiota-derived signals, forming an intestinal stem cell niche. This complex, yet crucial signaling niche undergoes dynamic changes during homeostasis and chronic intestinal inflammation. Inflammatory bowel disease refers to a chronic inflammatory response toward pathogenic or commensal microbiota, in a genetically susceptible host. Compositional and functional alterations in gut microbiota are pathognomonic of IBD. The present review highlights the modulatory role of gut microbiota on the intestinal stem cell niche during homeostasis and inflammatory bowel disease. We discuss the mechanisms of direct action of gut commensals (through microbiota-derived or microbiota-influenced metabolites) on ISCs, followed by their effects via other epithelial and immune cell types.
Streamer model based on electronic processes in liquids

In this paper a new streamer model based on electronic processes is presented for insulating liquids. The well known different streamer modes, primary, secondary and tertiary streamers are shown to be the consequence of different electronic conductivity mechanisms such as resonance tunneling, hopping processes and quasi-free electron conductivity. However, streamer modes don't change continuously from primary to secondary modes, but discretely, which may be explained by different conduction mechanisms. Many parameters influencing breakdown behaviour of dielectric liquids, e.g. temperature, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity, and electrical field strength are discussed.
Acute flaccid myelitis and Guillain–Barré syndrome in children: A comparative study with evaluation of diagnostic criteria

Differentiation between acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) and Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) can be difficult, particularly in children. Our objective was to improve the diagnostic accuracy by giving recommendations based on a comparison of clinical features and diagnostic criteria in children with AFM or GBS.
General Anesthesia in the First 36 Months of Life-a Study of Cognitive Performance in Children Aged 7-11 Years (ANFOLKI-36).

BACKGROUND Experimental data have shown that the developing brain is especially vulnerable to exogenous noxious substances. The potential effects of anesthetic drugs on brain growth and development are a matter of concern. Clinical studies of children who underwent general anesthesia in their earliest years can make a major contribution to our understanding of the effects of anesthetic drugs on infants and toddlers (i.e., children under age 5). METHODS Children born at term during the years 2007-2011 who were exposed to general anesthesia before their third birthday were included in the study. Data on general anesthesia were retrospectively evaluated, and the overall intelligence quotient (IQ) was determined prospectively as the primary target parameter. Children who had not been exposed to general anesthesia were recruited as a control group. The non-inferiority threshold was set at a difference of 5 IQ points out of a consideration of clinical relevance. RESULTS 430 complete data sets were available from exposed children and 67 from members of the control group. The exposed group achieved a mean IQ score of 108.2, with a 95% confidence interval of [107; 109.4]; the corresponding values in the control group were 113 [110; 116.1]. Both groups achieved a mean score that was higher than the expected 100 points. After adjustment for age, socioeconomic status, and sex, the difference between the two groups was 2.9 points [0.2; 5.6], indicating a significantly better outcome in the control group than in the exposed group. The non-inferiority threshold of 5 IQ points was within the confidence interval; thus, non-inferiority was not demonstrated. CONCLUSION The fact that both groups achieved a higher IQ score than the expected 100 points may be attributable, at least in part, to the restriction of the study to children born at term. The results indicate that general anesthesia in early childhood is not associated with markedly reduced intelligence in later years, although non-inferiority could not be demonstrated.
MiR-495 Inhibits Cisplatin Resistance and Angiogenesis in Esophageal Cancer by Targeting ATP7A

Background: Cancer resistance to chemotherapy is closely associated with changes in transporter systems. In this study, we investigated the possible regulation of 1 copper ion transporter (ATP7A; ATPase copper transporting alpha) by microRNA miR-495 and its implications in cisplatin resistance and angiogenesis in esophageal cancer. Methods: MiR-495 and ATP7A mRNA expression in clinical tissue samples and 2 cancer cell lines (Eca-109 and TE1) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The levels of miR-495 and ATP7A expression in Eca-109 and TE1 cells were increased by transfection with miR-495 mimics and ATP7A-overexpression vectors. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis were assessed by CCK-8, flow cytometry, and tube formation assays, respectively. The levels of TNF-α and VEGF in cell culture supernatants were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and in situ expression of NLRP3 was measured by immunofluorescence. The binding of miR-495 to ATP7A sequences was verified by dual luciferase reporter assays. Results:ATP7A expression was significantly increased, while miR-495 expression was decreased in the cancer tissues of esophageal cancer patients. MiR-495 mimics decreased the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of cisplatin-resistant Eca-109 and TE1 cells. Furthermore, tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells, TNF-α and VEGF secretion, and the levels of MRP1, ABCG1, ABCA1, and NLRP3 expression in cisplatin-resistant Eca-109 and TE1 cells were all reduced by miR-495 mimics. MiR-495 was shown to directly bind to ATP7A gene sequences to repress ATP7A expression in Eca-109 and TE1 cells. ATP7A overexpression substantially abrogated the changes in proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and above-mentioned gene expression in cisplatin-resistant Eca-109 and TE1 cells. Conclusions: MiR-495 suppressed cisplatin resistance and angiogenesis in esophageal cancer cells by targeting ATP7A gene expression.
Raised mortality in old adults with a history of hyperthyroidism following iodine fortification

A transient rise in the occurrence of hyperthyroidism ensued the introduction of iodine fortification (IF) of salt in Denmark. Older adults are at risk of complications to hyperthyroidism that could prove fatal to vulnerable individuals. We evaluated the association between thyroid function and mortality in older adults before and after nationwide implementation of IF.
Phenolic profile, antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects of Maclura tinctoria leaves extract

Abstract Considering the drawbacks elicited by the conventional antidepressants, the interest in natural products for the management of major depressive disorder has increased in the last years. Therefore, this study investigated the phenolic profile of Maclura tinctoria leaf aqueous extract (MtAE) and its possible antidepressant-like effect in mice. The LC-MS/MS analysis demonstrated MtAE has epicatechin as the major phenolic, followed by catechin, gallic acid, quercetin, syringaldehyde, ferulic acid, and syringic acid. Moreover, the acute treatment of MtAE elicited an antidepressant-like response in mice. Importantly, this antidepressant-like effect produced by MtAE was reinforced in the chronic corticosterone (20 mg/kg p.o.) administration model. MtAE treatment was also effective to protect hippocampal and cerebrocortical slices against glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Our results indicated that MtAE displayed antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects and these responses could be associated with the presence of the phenolic compounds identified. Graphical Abstract
Generalized self-efficacy and compliance with health behaviours related to COVID-19 in the US

Abstract Objective Investigate the role of generalized self-efficacy (GSE) in compliance with COVID-19 health behaviours such as wearing masks and social distancing. Design Two studies conducted online in the US: 312 adults in Study 1 and 253 adults in Study 2. Main outcome measures In Study 1, participants reported compliance with four health behaviours related to COVID-19: social distancing, hand washing, avoiding non-essential travel, and wearing masks. In Study 2, participants reported expected compliance with wearing masks when it was framed as a national requirement, a state requirement, or a recommendation. Results In Study 1, GSE positively affected reported compliance with COVID-19 health behaviours. This result was mediated by the perception that these behaviours would offer enhanced control. Psychological reactance negatively affected reported compliance, while trust in science-based institutions and perceived threat from COVID-19 exerted positive effects. In Study 2, requiring (vs. recommending) masks led to higher willingness to comply with COVID-19 health behaviours. This was moderated by GSE, which significantly impacted compliance only when masks were required rather than recommended. Conclusion Higher GSE predicted increased compliance with health behaviours related to COVID-19, such as wearing masks. This effect was strongest when these behaviours were framed as required rather than recommended.
CDC6: A novel canine tumour biomarker detected in circulating extracellular vesicles

Abstract Circulating nucleic acids and extracellular vesicles (EV) represent novel biomarkers to diagnose cancer. The non‐invasive nature of these so‐called liquid biopsies provides an attractive alternative to tissue biopsy‐based cancer diagnostics. This study aimed to investigate if circulating cell cycle‐related E2F target transcripts can be used to diagnose tumours in canine tumour patients with different types of tumours. Furthermore, we assessed if these mRNAs are localised within circulating EV. We isolated total RNA from the plasma of 20 canine tumour patients and 20 healthy controls. Four E2F target genes (CDC6, DHFR, H2AFZ and ATAD2) were selected based on the analysis of published data of tumour samples available in public databases. We performed reverse transcription and quantitative real‐time PCR to analyse the plasma levels of selected E2F target transcripts. All four E2F target transcripts were detectable in the plasma of canine tumour patients. CDC6 mRNA levels were significantly higher in the plasma of canine tumour patients compared to healthy controls. A subset of canine tumour patient and healthy control plasma samples (n = 7) were subjected to size exclusion chromatography in order to validate association of the E2F target transcripts to circulating EV. For CDC6, EV analysis enhanced their detectability compared to total plasma analysis. In conclusion, our study reveals circulating CDC6 as a promising non‐invasive biomarker to diagnose canine tumours.
Measured effects of workload and auditory feedback on remote pilot task performance

Abstract Absent or reduced sensory cueing can deprive pilots operating remotely piloted aircraft beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) of vital information necessary for safe flight. The present study tested the effects of real-time auditory feedback on remote pilot perception and decision-making task performance in an automated BVLOS flight, under three levels of workload (Low, Moderate and High). Results from 36 participants revealed workload and auditory feedback influenced perception task performance in terms of error type count, with misses more frequent than wrong identifications. In terms of performance in the decision-making task, under low and moderate levels of workload, auditory feedback was found to improve performance. Conversely, under high workloads, an inflexion or tipping point occurred whereby auditory feedback became detrimental to task performance. These results correspond with the expected behavioural responses to external stressors as predicted by the Arousal and Maximal Adaptability theory, and build upon previous findings related to workload, auditory feedback and remote pilot task performance. Practitioner summary: This study tested the effect of real-time auditory feedback and dynamic workloads on remote pilots’ task performance. Auditory feedback and workload each influenced the perception tasks in terms of error types committed. Auditory feedback improved decision-making task performance under low and moderate workloads, and reduced performance under high workloads. These results may benefit practitioners by considering the nuanced effects of auditory feedback on human task performance within sensory deprived working environments, including those utilising teleoperated systems.
A Survey of Fetal Deaths as Reported to a Medical Examiner's Office

Abstract This article is a review of the fetal deaths reported to the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner in Tucson, Arizona, from January 2000 to May 2020. The 115 cases included in this study were analyzed for the decedent's estimated gestational age, sex, maternal drug use, toxicology results, and cause of death. The male/female ratio was 0.95:1.0. The average gestational age of nonterm infants older than 20 weeks was 27.2 weeks. Nearly half of the cases had suspected or known maternal drug use. In these cases, cocaine and methamphetamine were most often detected in postmortem testing of the fetus. The most common causes of death in descending frequency were intrauterine fetal demise of unknown etiology, drugs, infection, and prematurity. Other notable causes of death included trauma and placental abruption. Congenital malformations were detected in only 3.5% of cases.