Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the non-linear relationship and synergistic effect between urban built environment and public sentiment integrating macro- and micro-level perspective: a case study in San Francisco

Public sentiment can effectively evaluate the public’s feelings of well-being in the urban environment and reflect the quality of the spatial environment to a certain extent. Previous studies on the relationship between public sentiment and urban built environmental factors have yielded meaningful results. However, few studies have focused on the effect of micro-built environment on public sentiment at the street level, which directly shapes people’s perceptions. In addition, the nonlinear relationship and synergistic effect among urban built environmental factors have been commonly disregarded in previous studies, resulting in an incomplete understanding of the impact of urban built environment on public emotions. Therefore, this paper takes San Francisco as a study case to explore the complex relationship between urban built environmental factors and public emotions. Specifically, this paper measures the polarity of public emotions through sentiment analysis on Twitter data, establishes a comprehensive built environment index system from both macro- and micro- perspectives, and subsequently explores the complex relationship between the urban built environment and public sentiment through the OLS model and Shapley Additive Explanation algorithm. Results show that: (1) micro-built environmental factors have a significant influence on public emotion, although they have been frequently ignored. (2) Public sentiment tends to be more positive in areas with recreation facilities, mixed land use, rich street view visual environment, suitable thermal and acoustic environment, balanced income, and a suitable degree of high population density. (3) A nonlinear relationship and threshold effect exist between the built environmental variables and the semantic orientations of public emotion. Environment improvement strategies based on the synergic effect between variables can effectively promote the generation of positive emotions. Our empirical findings can offer valuable insights to promote feelings of well-being and foster an urban development approach through strategic interventions within the urban built environment.
Ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block versus thoracic epidural analgesia in open nephrectomy for renal malignancy: a randomized controlled study

Background & objective: Pain during nephrectomy has been reported to be extremely intense and may trigger complex biochemical and physiological stress response if managed inadequately. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) both have been advocated for pain management in adult patients undergoing open nephrectomy under general anesthesia. We compared the efficacy and the dynamics of both of these procedures. Methodology: This was a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial involving 54 patients were undergoing open nephrectomy for malignant kidney tumors. All patients were ASA class II, had a BMI 20-40 kg/m2, and were between the ages of 18-65 y. Through random assignment, people were divided into two identical, equivalent groups: Group A (n = 27) received TEA, whereas Group B (n = 27) received US-guided continuous ESPB. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intraoperative heart rate (HR) were recorded before and after incision, and at 30 min, 1 h, and 1.5 h. Postoperative HR, MAP were recorded at 6 h and 12 h, both at rest and when moving. Numerical rating scale (NRS) score was used to compare the intensity of postoperative pain. Results: Postoperative HR, MAP, at 6 h and 12 h, at rest and when moving, were substantially reduced in the TEA group than those in the ESPB group. The NRS score of the ESPB group was substantially greater than that of the TEA group. In contrast to the TEA group, much more total amount of morphine was consumed in the ESPB group. The time to first rescue analgesia was substantially shorter in ESPB group than that of the TEA group. Conclusions: The results of our study prove that US guided erector spinae plane block is effective in providing postoperative analgesia, decreasing use of intraoperative and postoperative opioids in patients having open nephrectomy. However, it is still inferior to thoracic epidural analgesia in terms of pain control after 6 h postoperatively. Otherwise, erector spinae plane block has fewer side effects compared to thoracic epidural analgesia. So, it may be used as an alternative to thoracic epidural analgesia. Key words: Erector Spinae Plane Block; Epidural Analgesia; Open Nephrectomy; Pain, Postoperative; Ultrasound Citation: Wadood MA, Abdelrahman MA, Mostafe MM, Abdelghafar EM. Ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block versus thoracic epidural analgesia in open nephrectomy for renal malignancy: a randomized controlled study, Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(1):26-32; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i1. 2377 Received July 24, 2023; Revised: September 08, 2023; Accepted: October 03, 2023
Transcriptomic Profiling for Prognostic Biomarkers in Early-Stage Squamous Cell Lung Cancer (SqCLC)

Simple Summary Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, characterized as a disease usually diagnosed in the advanced stages with limited therapeutic options. Significant progress in the treatment of lung cancer has been achieved by the application of targeted therapy and immunotherapy based on the identification of molecular abnormalities of the tumor tissue. However, only a small proportion of patients is carrying genetic alterations and will benefit from targeted therapy. Here, we conducted transcriptomic profiling and a comprehensive biostatistics analysis of the squamous-cell lung carcinoma (SqCLC), a histological subtype of the non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), aiming to identify the specific transcriptomic signature of SqCLC and evaluate the functional relevance of identified genes. This study sheds light on individual SqCLC tumors’ transcriptomic landscape and discusses the therapeutic and prognostic potential of identified biomarkers. Abstract Squamous cell lung carcinoma (SqCLC) is associated with high mortality and limited treatment options. Identification of therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers is still lacking. This research aims to analyze the transcriptomic profile of SqCLC samples and identify the key genes associated with tumorigenesis, overall survival (OS), and a profile of the tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Differential gene expression analysis, pathway enrichment analysis, and Gene Ontology analysis on RNA-seq data obtained from FFPE tumor samples (N = 23) and healthy tissues (N = 3) were performed (experimental cohort). Validation of the results was conducted on publicly available gene expression data using TCGA LUSC (N = 225) and GTEx healthy donors’ cohorts (N = 288). We identified 1133 upregulated and 644 downregulated genes, common for both cohorts. The most prominent upregulated genes were involved in cell cycle and proliferation regulation pathways (MAGEA9B, MAGED4, KRT, MMT11/13), while downregulated genes predominately belonged to immune-related pathways (DEFA1B, DEFA1, DEFA3). Results of the survival analysis, conducted on the validation cohort and commonly deregulated genes, indicated that overexpression of HOXC4 (p < 0.001), LLGL1 (p = 0.0015), and SLC4A3 (p = 0.0034) is associated with worse OS in early-stage SqCLC patients. In contrast, overexpression of GSTZ1 (p = 0.0029) and LILRA5 (p = 0.0086) was protective, i.e., associated with better OS. By applying a single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), we identified four distinct immune subtypes. Immune cell distribution suggests that the memory T cells (central and effector) and follicular helper T cells could serve as important stratification parameters.
Adipose tissue derived stem cell secretome induces motor and histological gains after complete spinal cord injury in Xenopus laevis and mice

Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies have been studied for spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment due to their paracrine action upon damaged tissues. MSCs neuroregenerative role may relate to the contents of their secretome in anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth-permissive factors. We propose using the secretome of MSCs isolated from the adipose tissue—adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) as a cell-free based therapy for SCI. In vivo studies were conducted in two SCI models, Xenopus laevis and mice, after complete spinal cord transection. Our results on both models demonstrated positive impacts of ASC secretome on their functional recovery which were correlated with histopathological markers of regeneration. Furthermore, in our mice study, secretome induced white matter preservation together with modulation of the local and peripheral inflammatory response. Altogether, these results demonstrate the neuroregenerative and potential for inflammatory modulation of ASC secretome suggesting it as a good candidate for cell-free therapeutic strategies for SCI.
Environmental and climate changes reflected in the Domuraty 2 section (NE Poland) based on analysis of plant macroremains

Abstract Research in the Domuraty 2 section was focused on a series of lacustrine-river-swamp deposits in which the full spectrum of vegetation and climate changes was recognised in a detailed analysis of plant macroremains and a comparison with the results of pollen analysis. Based on plant macrofossil data, two (Dom II, Dom III) of three palynologically documented warm units were distinguished in the Domuraty succession. The palaeobotanical data from the Domuraty succession document several successive local vegetation changes in both interglacial and glacial periods, which can be related to global climate oscillations. The succession of local vegetation stands and changes in the vegetation, climate, water level, and trophy during the period of the Domuraty succession were analysed and compared with corresponding parameters of the Augustovian and Ferdynandovian interglacials. The taxonomically most diverse unit is Warm unit Dom II, with the highest share of taxa with high thermal requirements, which was compared to the older Augustovian (A II) and younger Ferdynandovian (F II) units. The comparison of the Domuratovian interglacial flora to that of the Korchevian interglacial in Belarus shows high similarity; most of the extinct taxa or taxa unknown in the present-day flora are common to the Korchevian and Domuratovian floras, suggesting similar age for these two communities. However, the Domuratovian flora lacks a few species important to the Korchevian flora, such as Stratiotes goretskyi, Carex rostrata-pliocenica, Brasenia sp. , Caulinia antiqua, Aldrovanda borysthenica, and A. zusii.
Depositional and Rank Controls on the Petroleum Potential of Coaly Source Rocks

Integrated assessment of the Rock-Eva! and coal chemical properties of Late Cretaceous-Tertiary coaly sediments in the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand, has revealed complex stratigraphic variations in bulk petroleum potential and provided insights of their origins. Using the Suggate rank scale, significant oil generation commences at Rank(S,) -9 10 (R0 -0.55-0.6%, Rock-Eva! Tmax -420 430°C) and expulsion of oil at Rank(S.-) -11 12.5 (R0 -0.65-0.85%, Tmax -430440°C). The indicated rank ranges for the generation and expulsion thresholds are probably the result of variation in kerogen type. The coaly sediments comprise three primary lithologies carbonaceous (coaly) mudstone, shaly coal and coal -each containing mixed gasand oil-prone, Type III kerogen. The three lithologies form a continuum of source rocks characterised by increasing TOC and S 1 +52, from carbonaceous mudstone to coal, as a result of decreasing clastic influx. All coals, shaly coals, and carbonaceous mudstones with >-3% TOC constitute good potential sources of gas and oil and should be included in source rock assessments. Their generative potential and oil-proneness are additionally influenced by brackish conditions within most of the coal measure formations. Strongly marine-influenced coaly sediments typically have greater S 1 +52 and HI values than less marine-influenced to fully terrestrial lithologies of equivalent TOC and rank. Though generative potential and oil-proneness are initially controlled by depositional factors, measured values of S 1 +52 and HI are also strongly affected by rank. QI ([S 1 +52]/TOC) and HI display pronounced increases from immature coals to equivalent-type coals near the onset of oil expulsion. These increases are attributed mainly to structural rearrangement of the coal macromolecular matrix during diagenesis and catagenesis. As a consequence, the generative potential and oil-proneness of immature Taranaki Basin coals are underestimated by S l +52 and HI, and for modelling purposes, these values need to be adjusted (upwards) to corresponding values near the onset of oil expulsion. A graphical method of adjustment is presented. The identified major causes of stratigraphic variations in the petroleum potential of Taranaki coaly sediments clastic influx, synsedimentary marine influence, and structural rearrangement of kerogen are fundamental processes common to many basins of eastern Australasia. The challenge remains to establish their full implications for kerogen kinetics and gas:oil ratios, and to incorporate into basin models the stratigraphic variations in source rock properties that have significant impact on the timing, volumes and products of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion.
Virtual Care for Patients with Advanced Well Differentiated Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (GEP-NET)

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unprecedent shift towards virtual cancer care, including the care of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of virtual care for GEP-NETs during the COVID-19 pandemic at a high-volume academic cancer center. Methods: This retrospective, observational study performed at the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Center in Canada evaluated adult patients with GEP-NETs seen in consultation by medical oncology between 1 June 2019 and 31 December 2022. Demographic, clinicopathologic, cancer treatment and visit data were collected. Univariable and multivariable analyses assessed the relationship between patient characteristics and virtual care use. Results: A total of 103 patients with well-differentiated GEP-NETS were included. Overall, 18/103 (17.5%) consults and 594/781 (76.1%) follow-ups were performed virtually. All consultation visits returned to in-person assessment by 2022, while 67.0% and 41.4% follow-ups remained virtual in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The year of follow-up, sex, employment and Charlston comorbidity index were associated with virtual follow-up use in the multivariable analysis. Discussion: Virtual care remained a predominant method of GEP-NET patient assessment in the peri-pandemic period. These results highlight an opportunity to improve access to subspecialty neuroendocrine cancer care through the continued use of virtual care.
Pharmaceutical and Recreational Drug Usage Patterns during and Post COVID-19 Determined by Wastewater-Based Epidemiology

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) was applied to evaluate the consumption trends of pharmaceuticals (i.e., antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptics, antihypertensives, and others), as well as recreational drugs (caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine), in Latvia from December 2020 to July 2023. The time period covers both the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-pandemic periods; therefore, the impact of the implemented restrictions and the consequences of the illness in terms of the usage of pharmaceuticals thereon were investigated. Additionally, the seasonality and impact of the seasonal flu and other acute upper respiratory infections were studied. The results revealed that the pandemic impacted the consumption of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, as well as several pharmaceuticals, such as antihypertensives, antidepressants, psychiatric drugs, and the painkiller ibuprofen. The findings suggest that the imposed restrictions during the pandemic may have had a negative effect on the population’s health and mental well-being. Distinct seasonal trends were discovered in the consumption patterns of caffeine and alcohol, where lower use was observed during the summer. The seasonal consumption trends of pharmaceuticals were discovered in the case of antibiotics, the antiasthmatic drug salbutamol, and the decongestant xylometazoline, where higher consumption occurred during colder seasons.
An inventory of herpetofauna from Wadi Sayq, Dhofar, Oman

Two research expeditions surveyed the herpetofauna within the monsoon-influenced zone of Wadi Sayq, a coastal wadi system 31.5km in length, situated in the southwestern Jabal Qamar mountain range, Dhofar, Oman. Surveys were undertaken from 02 to 29 February 2012, and from 06 February to 07 March 2013. Ninety-three individuals belonging to 15 species were recorded. Morphological data was collected for 10 species. An elevation gradient in habitat preference is observed for the genus Hemidactylus , and the discovery of four Coluber thomasi individuals significantly increases the total global records for this species.
A Plant-Based Cholesterol-Lowering Diet Score Correlates with Serum LDL-Cholesterol Levels

Background: A cholesterol-lowering diet score was previously developed for epidemiological studies; its association with serum lipid profile was not confirmed yet. Methods: The score was developed as an adaptation of the dietary portfolio for cholesterol reduction, assigning one point for adherence to seven dietary indicators and ranging from 0 (null adherence) to 7 (highest adherence). The score was calculated for breast cancer patients enrolled in the DEDiCa study using a 7-day food record; serum lipid profile, including total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), was evaluated in serum at baseline. Results: Patients with the highest adherence to the cholesterol-lowering diet (i.e., score ≥ 4) reported lower LDL-C level than women with score 0–1 (median: 107 mg/dL and 122 mg/dL, respectively; p < 0.01). The proportion of women with LDL-C above the recommended limit of 116 mg/dL was 60.0% with score 0–1 and 42.6% with score ≥4. Although the score directly correlates with consumption of foods from vegetal sources, it was mildly associated with the healthful plant-based diet index (r-Spearman = 0.51) and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (r-Spearman = 0.30) Conclusions: These results provide experimental evidence that the cholesterol-lowering diet score is capable of detecting a specific plant-based dietary pattern that affects circulating cholesterol levels.
Antidepressant drug treatment in Child and adolescent Psychiatry

Since the late 1990s, there has been a substantial increase in the use of antidepressant drug treatment in child and adolescent psychiatric care [1]. Although regulatory warnings prompted in a decline in pediatric antidepressant use from 2003 to 2005, their use has since rebounded [2]. And while most products have not been approved for use in this population, off-label use of antidepressants is widespread practice [3]. Antidepressants, like all medications, warrant concerns over their efficacy, tolerability, and safety in child and adolescent psychiatry. Generally, antidepressants have several side effects, such as weight gain, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. However, the wide diversity of antidepressants support the individualized selection of treatment, allowing clinicians to personalize treatment for their pediatric patients based on psychiatric symptoms and undesirability of certain side effects. The purpose of this review was to investigate the classes of antidepressant medications, and their associated efficacy, tolerability, and safety in pediatric psychiatry. A review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses of antidepressant medications in pediatric populations for the treatment of a range of psychiatric indications, such a major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder, was conducted. A subsequent review of the available naturalistic studies for antidepressants in this population was carried out. The latter highlighted the paucity of studies available and the need for naturalistic studies in diagnostically heterogeneous pediatric populations receiving antidepressant drug treatment. Lastly, the common methodological and ethical limitations of naturalistic studies was assessed and addressed. The aim of this report was to emphasize the clinical significance of naturalistic studies and to better inform the proposal of a naturalistic prospective study of antidepressant medications in child and adolescent psychiatry. Antidepressant Drug Treatment
Student problem solving on Textbook and YouTube Problems pertaining to Vapor Liquid Equilibrium

Faculty often utilize homework problems to help students practice problem solving. Recently, with textbook solution manuals being freely available online, students are prone to copying/cheating, which can severely limit improvements in problem solving. One hypothesis is that YouTube problems could serve as alternatives to textbook problems to significantly reduce cheating and promote better problem solving. YouTube problems are student-written problems that were inspired by events in a video publicly available online. While our previous studies have showcased positive attitudes related to engineering, high engagement, and rigor of YouTube problems, the current study examines a subset of problems related to one major course topic, namely vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE). The cohorts included engineering students from a public university who were assigned homework problems as part of a Material and Energy Balance (MEB) course. Two constructs were explored: problem solving and perception of problem difficulty. The study adopted an established and validated rubric to quantify performance in relevant stages of problem solving, including problem identification, representation, organization, calculation, solution completion, and solution accuracy. While problem solving can be influenced by perception of problem difficulty, the widely used NASA Task Load Index (TLX) was adopted to measure the problem rigor. This compared textbook and YouTube problems with respect to overall problem-solving ability as well as within each stage of problem solving. Furthermore, paper investigated whether disparities exist in students’ perceptions when solving VLE problems. Students displayed at least 7% higher problem solving abilities when solving YouTube problems compared to when a Textbook problem was completed. Finally, problem solving and perception of problem difficulty negatively correlated with a stronger correlation for the Textbook problem compared to YouTube problems.