Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rescued Cats Prefer to Scratch Fabrics Commonly Used to Cover Upholstered Furniture

ABSTRACT Preference responses of cats for scratching fabrics commonly used on furniture were evaluated during four consecutive days in three Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that rescue companion animals. Cats were grouped and their choices were registered at a group level (no individual identification). Daily choices for chenille, suede, synthetic leather, or waterproof grosgrain fabrics were evaluated for the cats’ groups. A preference for chenille and non-preference for synthetic leather and waterproof grosgrain was found, independent of the NGO. In conclusion, although not using chenille does not assure that cats stop scratching furniture – especially if no other option to scratch is available – synthetic leather and waterproof grosgrain seem to be less attractive fabrics for these animals. Further studies are needed to investigate whether these findings apply to cats in a home scenario, when just one or a few individuals are usually present and only one type of fabric covering furniture is commonly available. Although we did not investigate the effect of providing scratching posts for these animals, we recommend such posts are available in the environment as scratching behavior is important to cats.
Genetic differences between lung metastases and liver metastases from left-sided microsatellite stable colorectal cancer: next generation sequencing and clinical implications

Background Data regarding the clinical characteristics and outcomes of lung metastases (LuM) from colorectal cancer (CRC) are different from those of liver metastases (LiM) from CRC. However, little is known about the genetic features of LuM. This study aimed to identify the different genetic characteristics of LuM and LiM from left-sided microsatellite stable CRC. Methods Tissue samples of the primary tumors and paired metastases from 18 CRC patients with isolated LuM (LuM cohort), 18 patients with isolated LiM (LiM cohort), and 10 locally advanced CRC patients without metastases (control cohort) were selected for next-generation sequencing. Patients in the LiM cohort had matched clinicopathological characteristics with the LuM cohort. The single-nucleotide variations (SNVs), copy number variations (CNVs), pathway alterations, and tumor mutation burdens (TMBs) were also calculated and analyzed. Results The CNV results showed that ZFHX4, GATA2, and FAM131B amplifications were more common in the metastatic cohorts than in the control cohort, while RECQL4 and FLCN amplifications were common in the controls. The LuM cohort had significantly higher proportions of HNF4A, BRD4, and U2AF1 amplification. The LuM, LiM, and control cohorts were successfully separated using pathway alteration analysis. The LuM cohort had more frequent alterations in the RTK/RAS pathway, HIPPO pathway, KRAS, and MET than the LiM group. The LuM cohort also had relatively higher TMBs than the LiM cohort. Conclusions CNVs in primary tumors could identify patients with LuM. Targeting the HIPPO pathway or MET and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with other agents might be novel therapies for LuM.
Current noise of a protein‐selective biological nanopore

1/f current noise is ubiquitous in protein pores, porins, and channels. We have previously shown that a protein‐selective biological nanopore with an external protein receptor can function as a 1/f noise generator when a high‐affinity protein ligand is reversibly captured by the receptor. Here, we demonstrate that the binding affinity and concentration of the ligand are key determinants for the nature of current noise. For example, 1/f was absent when a protein ligand was reversibly captured at a much lower concentration than its equilibrium dissociation constant against the receptor. Furthermore, we also analyzed the composite current noise that resulted from mixtures of low‐affinity and high‐affinity ligands against the same receptor. This study highlights the significance of protein recognition events in the current noise fluctuations across biological membranes.
Effective therapeutic strategies in a preclinical mouse model of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease

Abstract Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease is a neuropathy that lacks effective therapy. CMT patients show degeneration of peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and loss of proprioception. Loss of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation proteins and enzymes of the antioxidant response accompany degeneration of nerves in skin biopsies of CMT patients. Herein, we followed a drug-repurposing approach to find drugs in a Food and Drug Administration-approved library that could prevent development of CMT disease in the Gdap1-null mouse model. We found that the antibiotic florfenicol is a mitochondrial uncoupler that prevents the production of reactive oxygen species and activates respiration in human GDAP1-knockdown neuroblastoma cells and in dorsal root ganglion neurons of Gdap1-null mice. Treatment of CMT-affected Gdap1-null mice with florfenicol has no beneficial effect in the course of the disease. However, administration of florfenicol, or the antioxidant MitoQ, to pre-symptomatic GDAP1-null mice prevented weight gain and ameliorated the motor coordination deficiencies that developed in the Gdap1-null mice. Interestingly, both florfenicol and MitoQ halted the decay in mitochondrial and redox proteins in sciatic nerves of Gdap1-null mice, supporting that oxidative damage is implicated in the etiology of the neuropathy. These findings support the development of clinical trials for translation of these drugs for treatment of CMT patients.
First-episode psychosis integrative treatment: Estonian experience

Abstract Purpose Research on first-episode psychosis early intervention has shown significant positive effects on psychopathological, functional and quality-of-life outcome measures. The effects reported have however been short-term and there is still only limited information about the long-term effects. This article will present the short-term results of an effectiveness study in a Baltic country and the first results of a registry-based long-term follow-up. Methods One hundred and ninety-nine first-episode psychosis patients were included in the early intervention effectiveness study in 2004–2008, and 107 were available for a follow-up after two years. Registry-based ten-year follow-up (n = 116) was conducted with a retrospectively formed control group (n = 114). Results Patients who received early intervention had substantial symptomatic improvement (BPRS score reduction > 50%) after 6 months of treatment, the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores were significantly improved after 6 months, and the quality of life after 12 months was significantly higher than at the beginning of treatment. After 2 years employment increased by 14% (43.9–57.9%). Long-term follow-up revealed that significantly fewer patients in the intervention group had been in supported housing compared to the control group. Patients in the intervention group had spent more time working during the follow-up period and had almost two times larger incomes, suggestive of higher employment/salary level. Conclusions Early intervention with flexible duration has positive long-term effects on the functioning of patients.
1D NMR Analysis of a Quaternary MEA–DEAB–CO2–H2O Amine System: Liquid Phase Speciation and Vapor–Liquid Equilibria at CO2 Absorption and Solvent Regeneration Conditions

New procedures were developed for our recently developed 1D NMR calibration method for quantitative liquid phase speciation analysis of a complex quaternary CO2 loaded blended amine solution such as MEA–DEAB–CO2–H2O at high and low temperatures respectively representing CO2 stripping and absorption conditions. The ion speciation analyses were performed in conjunction with the corresponding vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) of the system to enable the estimation of possible CO2 capture performance. Accurate speciations were performed for a quaternary amine system using four concentrations consisting of 5.0 M MEA blended with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 1.25 M DEAB solutions with different CO2 loadings at 24 °C, and for the first time, at higher temperatures using only the NMR calibration method. By comparison, the NMR calibration method with the new procedures was shown to be valid and perhaps the only approach for determining ion speciation for quaternary amine solutions at higher temperatures.
Exosomal transfer of miR-25-3p promotes the proliferation and temozolomide resistance of glioblastoma cells by targeting FBXW7

Intrinsic or acquired resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) is a frequent occurrence in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Accumulating evidence has indicated that the exosomal transfer of proteins and RNAs may confer TMZ resistance to recipient cells; however, the potential molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Thus, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the possible role of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in the acquired resistance to TMZ in GBM. A TMZ-resistant GBM cell line (A172R) was used, and exosomes derived from A172R cells were extracted. Exosomal miR-25-3p was identified as a miRNA associated with TMZ resistance. The potential functions of exosomal miR-25-3p were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, as well as cell viability, colony formation and soft agar assay, flow cytometry, western blot analysis, BrdU incorporation assay, tumor xenograft formation, luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. It was found that A172R-derived exosomes promoted the proliferation and TMZ resistance of sensitive GBM cells. Moreover, miR-25-3p epxression was upregulated in the exosomes of A172R cells and in serum samples of patients with GBM treated with TMZ. The depletion of exosomal miR-25-3p partially abrogated the effects induced by the transfer of exosomes from A172R cells. By contrast, miR-25-3p overexpression facilitated the proliferation and TMZ resistance of sensitive GBM cells. F-box and WD repeat domain-containing-7 (FBXW7) was identified as a direct target of miR-25-3p. FBXW7 knockdown promoted the proliferation and TMZ resistance of GBM cells. Furthermore, the exosomal transfer of miR-25-3p promoted c-Myc and cyclin E expression by downregulating FBXW7. Our results provided a novel insight into exosomal microRNAs in acquired TMZ resistance of GBM cells. Besides, exosomal miR-25-3p might be a potential prognostic marker for GBM patients.
Italian adaptation of the Beaumont Behavioral Inventory (BBI): psychometric properties and clinical usability

Abstract Objective. Up to 50% of patients affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) show behavioral changes within the spectrum of frontotemporal degeneration (FTD). Behavioral dysfunctions in ALS patients negatively impact on management, prognosis and survival. It is, thus, crucial to develop ALS-specific psychometric tools for early detecting alterations in behavior. This study aimed at investigating psychometric properties and feasibility of the Beaumont Behavioral Impairment (BBI), a proxy-report questionnaire designed to screen for FTD-like behavioral symptoms in ALS patients. Methods. Ninety ALS patients were compared to 100 healthy participants (HPs) on the BBI. ALS patients underwent clinical, cognitive, mood/anxiety and further behavioral (Frontal System Behavior Scale, FrSBe; Frontal Behavioral Inventory, FBI) evaluation. Validity, reliability, sensitivity and specificity of the BBI were assessed. Results. The BBI was significantly related to FrSBe and FBI scores, whereas not to other measures. A Principal Component Analysis yielded a mono-component structure; Cronbach’s α was . 93. The BBI proved to be sensitive to changes in behavior as well as to discriminate between different degrees of dysfunction. By addressing the FrSBe as the gold standard, the BBI reached optimal sensitivity (85.7%) and specificity (79.7%) at a cutoff of 10.5. Moreover, the BBI proved to be more accurate than the FrSBe and the FBI in clinical classifications. Conclusion. The BBI showed high internal consistency, as well as good construct, convergent and divergent validity. Its clinical usability is encouraged in ALS patients as being able to sensitively and specifically detect FTD-like behavioral changes.
Equation of state of dense hydrous magnesium silicate phase A, Mg7Si2O8(OH)6

Abstract The isothermal equation of state (EoS) of phase A, Mg7Si2O8(OH)6, has been determined using high-pressure single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A third-order Birch-Murnaghan EoS fit to pressurevolume data collected from room pressure and temperature to 7.6 GPa results in V0 = 512.56(3) Å3, K0 = 97.5(4) GPa, and K' = 5.97(14). Compression of the hexagonal (P63) structure is anisotropic with the c axis, which is perpendicular to the distorted close-packed planes of anions, approximately 23% less compressible than the a axis: Ka = 90.1(5) GPa with Ka' = 5.4(2) and Kc = 116.8(9) GPa with Kc' = 7.5(3). The bulk modulus of phase A is intermediate between those of brucite (Br) and forsterite (Fo) and less than those of hydroxylclinohumite and hydroxylchondrodite, in a manner that is entirely consistent with its water content and density in relation to the Fo-Br series of minerals.
Effects of Empagliflozin on Myocardial Flow Reserve in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The SIMPLE Trial

Background Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduce hospitalizations for heart failure and cardiovascular death, although the underlying mechanisms have not been resolved. The SIMPLE trial (The Effects of Empagliflozin on Myocardial Flow Reserve in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) investigated the effects of empagliflozin on myocardial flow reserve (MFR) reflecting microvascular perfusion, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at high cardiovascular disease risk. Methods and Results We randomized 90 patients to either empagliflozin 25 mg once daily or placebo for 13 weeks, as add‐on to standard therapy. The primary outcome was change in MFR at week 13, quantified by Rubidium‐82 positron emission tomography/computed tomography. The secondary key outcomes were changes in resting rate‐pressure product adjusted MFR, changes to myocardial flow during rest and stress, and reversible cardiac ischemia. Mean baseline MFR was 2.21 (95% CI, 2.08–2.35). There was no change from baseline in MFR at week 13 in either the empagliflozin: 0.01 (95% CI, −0.18 to 0.21) or placebo groups: 0.06 (95% CI, −0.15 to 0.27), with no treatment effect −0.05 (95% CI, −0.33 to 0.23). No effects on the secondary outcome parameters by Rubidium‐82 positron emission tomography/computed tomography was observed. Treatment with empagliflozin reduced hemoglobin A1c by 0.76% (95% CI, 1.0–0.5; P<0.001) and increased hematocrit by 1.69% (95% CI, 0.7–2.6; P<0.001). Conclusions Empagliflozin did not improve MFR among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and high cardiovascular disease risk. The present study does not support that short‐term improvement in MFR explains the reduction in cardiovascular events observed in the outcome trials. Registration URL: https://clinicaltrialsregister.eu/; Unique identifier: 2016‐003743‐10.
Results of Coarctation Repair by Thoracotomy in Pediatric Patients: A Single Institution Experience

Background: Aortic coarctation is among the most common cardiovascular congenital abnormalities requiring repair after birth. Besides mortality, morbidity remains an important aspect. Accordingly, we reviewed our 20-year experience of aortic coarctation repair by thoracotomy, with emphasis on both short- and long-term outcomes. Methods: From 1995 through 2014, 214 patients underwent coarctation repair via left thoracotomy. Associated arch lesions were distal arch hypoplasia (n = 117) or type A interrupted aortic arch (n = 6). Eighty-four patients had isolated coarctation (group 1), 66 associated ventricular septal defect (group 2), and 64 associated complex cardiac lesions (group 3). Median follow-up was 8.4 years. Results: There was one (0.5%) procedure-related death. Nine (4.2%) patients died during index admission. In-hospital mortality was 0.7% in group 1 and 2 and 12.5% in group 3 (P < .001). No patient had paraplegia. Actuarial five-year survival was 97.5% in group 1, 94% group 2 and 66% in group 3. Recurrent coarctation developed in 29 patients, all but four (1.8%) successfully treated by balloon dilatation. Freedom from reintervention (dilatation or surgery) at five years was 86%. At hospital discharge, 28 (13.5%) patients were hypertensive. At follow-up, hypertension was present in 11 (5.3%) patients. Conclusions: Long-term results of aortic coarctation repair by thoracotomy are excellent, with percutaneous angioplasty being the procedure of choice for recurrences. Patient prognosis is dependent on associated cardiac malformations. In this study, the prevalence of late arterial hypertension was lower than previously reported.
Does early activation within hours after cochlear implant surgery influence electrode impedances?

Abstract Objective This study aims to determine if early device activation can influence cochlear implant electrode impedances by providing electrical stimulation within hours after cochlear implant surgery. Design Electrode impedances were measured intraoperatively, at device activation, and one-month after device activation in three groups: users whose devices were activated (1) on the same day (Same Day), (2) the next day (Next Day), and (3) 10–14 days (Standard), after cochlear implant surgery. Study sample Electrode impedances are reported in fifty-one patients implanted with a Cochlear™ Nucleus® Cochlear Implant. Results Compared to intraoperative levels, impedances dropped within hours for the Same Day activation group (p < 0.001) and continued dropping on the next day after surgery (p < 0.001). Similarly, electrode impedances were significantly (p < 0.001) lower at device activation for the Next Day group as compared to their intraoperative measurements. For Standard activation, impedances increased significantly from intraoperative levels, prior to device activation (p < 0.001). One-month after initial activation, impedances were not statistically different between the Same Day, Next Day, and Standard activation groups. Conclusions Early device activation does not influence long-term impedances in a clinically meaningful manner.
Dexmedetomidine alleviates early brain injury following traumatic brain injury by inhibiting autophagy and neuroinflammation through the ROS/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health problem and a major cause of mortality and disability that imposes a substantial economic burden worldwide. Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a highly selective α-2-adrenergic receptor agonist that functions as a sedative and analgesic with minimal respiratory depression, has been reported to alleviate early brain injury (EBI) following traumatic brain injury by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis and autophagy. Autophagy is a programmed cell death mechanism that serves a vital role in neuronal cell death following TBI. However, the precise role of autophagy in DEX-mediated neuroprotection following TBI has not been confirmed. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects and potential molecular mechanisms of DEX in TBI-induced EBI by regulating neural autophagy in a C57BL/6 mouse model. Mortality, the neurological score, brain water content, neuroinflammatory cytokine levels, ROS production, malondialdehyde levels and neuronal death were evaluated by TUNEL staining, Evans blue extravasation, ELISA, analysis of ROS/lipid peroxidation and western blotting. The results showed that DEX treatment markedly increased the survival rate and neurological score, increased neuron survival, decreased the expression of the LC3, Beclin-1 and NF-κB proteins, as well as the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, which indicated that DEX-mediated inhibition of autophagy and neuroinflammation ameliorated neuronal death following TBI. The neuroprotective capacity of DEX is partly dependent on the ROS/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling pathway. Taken together, the results of the present study indicated that DEX improves neurological outcomes in mice and reduces neuronal death by protecting against neural autophagy and neuroinflammation.
Solubility Prediction of Potassium Chloride in the System KCl-MgCl_2-H_2O

The model for predicting the solubility of potassium chloride was developed by calculating solubility of potassium chloride in ternary system of KCl-MgCl2-H2O using Pitzer model under 25 ℃. And using literature data,the solubility prediction model of potassium chloride in the above system with different temperature was established.Solubility of potassium chloride is correlated to the second polynomial of concentration of magnesium chloride,and its coefficients are changed with temperature.This model is applied well when MgCl2 concentration is less than 2 mol/kg H2O.Thus,it could be used in prediction of the solubility of potassium chloride in uncommon or wide temperature range.
Sustained reduction of tinnitus several years after sequential cochlear implantation

Abstract Objective This study aimed to explore the short- and long-term effects of a second cochlear implant (CI-2) on the reduction of tinnitus annoyance and tinnitus handicap. Design In a combined retrospective and prospective cohort study, tinnitus annoyance was measured before receiving the CI-2 (Pre), more than two years after (Post1) and more than seven years after (Post2), using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), the Visual Analog Scale for the assessment of perceived tinnitus loudness (VAS-L) and annoyance (VAS-A), and a self-report questionnaire. Study sample Twenty sequentially bilaterally implanted adults with bothersome tinnitus. Results CI-2 implantation resulted in a statistically significant reduction of tinnitus handicap from severe at Pre to mild at Post1 (THI mean score reduced from 61.3 [SD = 19.4] to 29.3 [SD = 23.5]). The reduction in tinnitus annoyance was statistically significant from Pre to Post 2 (VAS-A reduced from 7.1 [SD = 1.5] to 3.4 [SD = 2.2]). The reduction in tinnitus loudness was not statistically significant. Conclusions The provision of a CI-2 for severely and profoundly hearing-impaired individuals with bothersome tinnitus is an effective method of providing long-term tinnitus relief.
Adultification, anger bias, and adults’ different perceptions of Black and White children

ABSTRACT Adultification, perceiving a child as older and more mature, and anger bias, perceiving anger where it does not exist, are two phenomena disproportionally imposed on Black children compared to White children. The current study assessed whether perceiving a Black child as older increases the odds of mistakenly perceiving anger. Participating were 152 parents who viewed video representations of 40 children in an emotion understanding paradigm. Black children were not seen as older than White children but they did have 1.27 higher odds of being misperceived as angry (p < .05). Additionally, for each year increase in perceived age, the odds of anger bias increased by 1.04 for the Black children (p < .05), but did not increase for White children. Implications of this finding include Black children receiving increased consequences when adults perceive them as older and angry.