Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND Whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) therapy can promote the improvement of clinical symptoms and lung function in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) has not been verified by large-scale randomized controlled trials, only a few small sample studies. METHODS English databases were searched using a combination of the following terms: "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease", "acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease", and "N-acetylcysteine". Studies examining NAC in the treatment of AECOPD were screened, so as to be a reference for the experimental group. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software (Cochrane, Northern Europe), with a total of 15 included literatures. RESULTS The heterogeneity test of improvement rate showed Chi2=1.89, df=7, I2=0% <50%, and P=0.97 (>0.01); the risk rate was 1.09, the 95% confidence interval (CI) was (1.04-1.14), Z=3.93, and P<0.0001. The heterogeneity test of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) showed that Tau2=63.39, Chi2=118.66, df=9, I2=92% >50%, and P=0.88 (<0.0001); the mean difference was 30.63 (95% CI: 25.48-35.78), Z=11.65, and P<0.0001. The results of the heterogeneity test of forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) showed that Tau2=60.03, Chi2=74.09, df=5, I2=93% >50%, and P<0.0001; the mean difference was 30.42 (95% CI: 24.00-36.85), Z=9.28, and P<0.0001. The heterogeneity test for glutathione sulfur transferase (GSH-ST) activity showed that Tau2=4.12, Chi2=58.12, df=5, I2=91% >50%, and P<0.0001; the mean difference was 3.10 (95% CI: 1.38-4.82), Z=3.63, and P=0.0004. CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis confirmed that NAC could promote the symptom improvement rate of patients with AECOPD, improve lung function in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC, and enhance the body's antioxidant capacity.
Linking Patterns of Infant Eye Movements to a Neural Network Model of the Ventral Stream Using Representational Similarity Analysis.

Little is known about the development of higher-level areas of visual cortex during infancy, and even less is known about how the development of visually guided behavior is related to the different levels of the cortical processing hierarchy. As a first step toward filling these gaps, we used representational similarity analysis (RSA) to assess links between gaze patterns and a neural network model that captures key properties of the ventral visual processing stream. We recorded the eye movements of 4- to 12-month-old infants (N = 54) as they viewed photographs of scenes. For each infant, we calculated the similarity of the gaze patterns for each pair of photographs. We also analyzed the images using a convolutional neural network model in which the successive layers correspond approximately to the sequence of areas along the ventral stream. For each layer of the network, we calculated the similarity of the activation patterns for each pair of photographs, which was then compared with the infant gaze data. We found that the network layers corresponding to lower-level areas of visual cortex accounted for gaze patterns better in younger infants than in older infants, whereas the network layers corresponding to higher-level areas of visual cortex accounted for gaze patterns better in older infants than in younger infants. Thus, between 4 and 12 months, gaze becomes increasingly controlled by more abstract, higher-level representations. These results also demonstrate the feasibility of using RSA to link infant gaze behavior to neural network models. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Evaluation of the sysmex UF-5000 fluorescence flow cytometer as a screening platform for ruling out urinary tract infections in elderly patients presenting at the Emergency Department

Abstract In this study, we evaluated the performance of the flow cytometer-based Sysmex UF-5000 automated urine analyzer as a screening tool for ruling out urinary tract infections in elderly patients presenting at the emergency department. A total of 1119 unselected patient samples (including 544 samples from elderly patients) submitted for urine culture were included in this study. Samples were measured on UF-5000 and dipsticks and the results were compared with interpretation of culture results, which is the gold standard. We obtained a diagnostic sensitivity of 99% and specificity of 51% with a low rate of false negatives (0.2%) and a negative predictive value of 99% at 108 colony forming bacteria/L (CFB/L). A bacterial count ≥ 50x106/L or yeast like cells ≥ 25x106/L was used as the cutoff value. At this cutoff value, 30% of the urine cultures would have been redundant. This resulted in 35% false positive samples, mainly due to particle contamination or nongrowing bacteria. In comparison, at best, the dipsticks have a diagnostic sensitivity of 89%, a specificity of 52% and a negative predictive value of 92% at 108 CFB/L.
Neurophysiology of embodied mental rotation: Event‐related potentials in a mental rotation task with human bodies as compared to alphanumeric stimuli

The present study examines if the neural signature of information processing in mental rotation tasks is moderated by stimulus characteristics (e.g., body‐related vs. non‐body‐related stimuli). In the present experiment, stimulus sets of human figures (back view; left vs. right arm abduction) and alphanumeric characters (‘R’; normal vs. mirrored view) were scrutinized with event‐related potentials (ERPs) in the electroencephalography (EEG). Participants had to judge parity between an upright (0° orientation) and a comparison stimulus (stimulus disparity; 0°, 45°, 90°, 135° or 180°). There was a main effect of stimulus disparity for the behavioural (response time and error rates), as well as for the neural data (rotation‐related negativity, RRN). The interaction of stimulus disparity and stimulus type was significant for the RRN, but not for the response time. Lower RRN amplitudes for letters indicate a more pronounced use of alternative processes (e.g., memory retrieval), which seems to be reflected in higher N350 amplitudes. Moreover, the increase of the RRN amplitude and the increase in response time as a function of disparity were positively correlated. Task differences were evident for several ERP components (i.e., N150, P150 and N250), being independent of disparity, which might reflect differences in early and late object cognition prior to the mental rotation process itself. This might be associated with the task‐dependent activation of embodied cognition processes in mental rotation tasks.
The interplay of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and constraints imposed by the structure and functionality of its proteins

The unprecedented pace of the sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus genomes provides us with unique information about the genetic changes in a single pathogen during ongoing pandemic. By the analysis of close to 200,000 genomes we show that the patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 virus mutations along its genome are closely correlated with the structural and functional features of the encoded proteins. Requirements of foldability of proteins’ 3D structures and the conservation of their key functional regions, such as protein-protein interaction interfaces, are the dominant factors driving evolutionary selection in protein-coding genes. At the same time, avoidance of the host immunity leads to the abundance of mutations in other regions, resulting in high variability of the missense mutation rate along the genome. “Unexplained” peaks and valleys in the mutation rate provide hints on function for yet uncharacterized genomic regions and specific protein structural and functional features they code for. Some of these observations have immediate practical implications for the selection of target regions for PCR-based COVID-19 tests and for evaluating the risk of mutations in epitopes targeted by specific antibodies and vaccine design strategies.
Analysis of environmental dust in goat and sheep farms to assess Coxiella burnetii infection in a Q fever endemic area: Geographical distribution, relationship with human cases and genotypes

Real‐time PCR analysis of environmental samples (dust and aerosols) is an easy tool to investigate the presence of Coxiella burnetii in the farm environment. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of C. burnetii DNA in dust collected inside animal premises from 272 small ruminant farms in Bizkaia (northern Spain), a region with recent reports of human Q fever cases and outbreaks. Within each farm, 5 samples of dust were collected from difference surfaces, and data on animal census, management procedures, characteristics of the premises and geographic location were collected. Real‐time PCR analysis of the dust samples detected presence of C. burnetii DNA in 98 farms (36.0%), flock‐prevalence being higher in sheep (38.9%) or mixed ovine‐caprine production systems (36.8%), compared to goats (25.0%). Larger bacterial burdens were observed in mixed farms, compared to sheep (p < .05). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis identified 5 different genotypes, with SNP8 being the predominant genotype (73%), followed by SNP6 (11%), SNP2 (9%), SNP4 (5%) and SNP1 (2%). Proportion of farms where C. burnetii DNA was detected differed among the different agricultural counties, and a higher proportion of C. burnetii DNA positive farms was associated with the occurrence of recent human Q fever outbreaks at several geographical locations. Dust sampling in domestic ruminant farms coupled with real‐time PCR to screen for the presence of C. burnetii and estimate bacterial load can be a useful tool to identify herds and regions with high prevalence, define priority actions and monitor the effect of control measures. If combined with molecular genotyping and spatial distribution maps, it can help to identify farm contamination sources and trace the origin of human outbreaks.
Regional specific differentiation of integumentary organs: SATB2 is involved in α‐ and β‐keratin gene cluster switching in the chicken

Animals develop skin regional specificities to best adapt to their environments. Birds are excellent models in which to study the epigenetic mechanisms that facilitate these adaptions. Patients suffering from SATB2 mutations exhibit multiple defects including ectodermal dysplasia‐like changes. The preferential expression of SATB2, a chromatin regulator, in feather‐forming compared to scale‐forming regions, suggests it functions in regional specification of chicken skin appendages by acting on either differentiation or morphogenesis.
Measurement Invariance of the Sex-Related Cannabis Expectancies Scale across Age and Gender

ABSTRACT Sex-related cannabis expectancies have been found to be associated with intentions to use cannabis, cannabis use, and sexual behavior. However, the construct of sex-related cannabis expectancies has been adapted from research with limited examination of the scales themselves. We tested (N = 350 adolescents age 13–17; N = 929 young adults age 18–29) measurement invariance of a sex-related cannabis expectancies scale and found the scale invariant between adolescents and emerging adults as well as between genders. But the partial invariance across age groups suggested that one item from the scale contained systematic errors in assessing the age group differences and warrants additional examination. Latent mean difference tests revealed that young people’s sex-related cannabis expectancies differ between age groups and genders.
Spatio-temporal equalization multi-window algorithm for asynchronous SSVEP-based BCI

Objective. Asynchronous brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) show significant advantages in many practical application scenarios. Compared with the rapid development of synchronous BCIs technology, the progress of asynchronous BCI research, in terms of containing multiple targets and training-free detection, is still relatively slow. In order to improve the practicability of the BCI, a spatio-temporal equalization multi-window algorithm (STE-MW) was proposed for asynchronous detection of steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) without the need for acquiring calibration data. Approach. The algorithm used SIE strategy to intercept EEG signals of different lengths through multiple stacked time windows and statistical decisions-making based on Bayesian risk decision-making. Different from the traditional asynchronous algorithms based on the ‘non-control state detection’ methods, this algorithm was based on the ‘statistical inspection-rejection decision’ mode and did not require a separate classification of non-control states, so it can be effectively applied to detections for large-scale candidates. Main results. Online experimental results involving 14 healthy subjects showed that, in the continuously input experiments of 40 targets, the algorithm achieved the average recognition accuracy of 97.2±2.6% and the average information transfer rate (ITR) of 106.3±32.0 bitsmin−1 . At the same time, the average false alarm rate in the 240 s resting state test was 0.607±0.602 min−1 . In the free spelling experiments involving patients with severe amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the subjects achieved an accuracy of 92.7% and an average ITR of 43.65 bits min−1 in two free spelling experiments. Significance. This algorithm can achieve high-performance, high-precision, and asynchronous detection of SSVEP signals with low algorithm complexity and false alarm rate under multi-targets and training-free conditions, which is helpful for the development of asynchronous BCI systems.
Positive flow cytometry crossmatch with discrepant antibody testing results following COVID-19 vaccination

The impact of COVID‐19 vaccination on the alloimmunity of transplant candidates is unknown. We report a case of positive B cell flow cytometry crossmatch in a patient waiting for second kidney transplantation, 37 days after receiving the COVID‐19 vaccine. The preliminary crossmatch, using sample collected before COVID‐19 vaccination, was negative. The antibodies to mismatched donor HLA‐DR7 were detected only with multi‐antigen beads but not with single‐antigen beads, excluding possible prozone effects in solid‐phase antibody assays. The crossmatches were positive with HLA‐DR7–positive surrogates (n = 2) while negative with HLA‐DR7–negative surrogates (n = 3), which confirms the HLA‐DR7 alloreactivity. The antigen configurations on B lymphocytes are similar to that on the multi‐antigen beads while distinct from the single‐antigen beads. HLA‐DR7 was the repeating mismatched antigen with the failing first kidney allograft. The newly emerged antibody to HLA‐DR7 probably is the consequence of bystander activation of memory response by the COVID‐19 vaccination. This case highlights the importance of verifying allo‐sensitization history and utilizing multiple assays, including cell‐based crossmatch and solid‐phase assays with multi‐antigens. COVID‐19 immunization may deserve special attention when assessing the immunological risk before and after organ transplantation.
From anxious loneliness to meditation: a mental health self-care strategy to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract It has been a matter of public knowledge that physical and mental health are intertwining concerns. With a high association between the individuals’ experience of the novel Corona Virus Disease in 2019 (COVID-19) and their psychological distress, mental health experts recognized mental health as a coterminous public health concern with the COVID-19 pandemic. In this journal, a systematic review study pointed out that mental health is the most affected issue concerning implementing governments worldwide adopted policies like staying at home, social distancing and ‘lockdown’ measures. However, we argue that these containment measures could be non-detrimental to mental health when one transforms his or her experience of anxious loneliness into an avenue of practicing meditation as a strategy of mental health self-care.
Redox interactions of immune cells and muscle in the regulation of exercise-induced pain and analgesia: implications on the modulation of muscle nociceptor sensory neurons

Abstract The mechanistic interactions among redox status of leukocytes, muscle, and exercise in pain regulation are still poorly understood and limit targeted treatment. Exercise benefits are numerous, including the treatment of chronic pain. However, unaccustomed exercise may be reported as undesirable as it may contribute to pain. The aim of the present review is to evaluate the relationship between oxidative metabolism and acute exercise-induced pain, and as to whether improved antioxidant capacity underpins the analgesic effects of regular exercise. Preclinical and clinical studies addressing relevant topics on mechanisms by which exercise modulates the nociceptive activity and how redox status can outline pain and analgesia are discussed, in sense of translating into refined outcomes. Emerging evidence points to the role of oxidative stress-induced signaling in sensitizing nociceptor sensory neurons. In response to acute exercise, there is an increase in oxidative metabolism, and consequently, pain. Instead, regular exercise can modulate redox status in favor of antioxidant capacity and repair mechanisms, which have consequently increased resistance to oxidative stress, damage, and pain. Data indicate that acute sessions of unaccustomed prolonged and/or intense exercise increase oxidative metabolism and regulate exercise-induced pain in the post-exercise recovery period. Further, evidence demonstrates regular exercise improves antioxidant status, indicating its therapeutic utility for chronic pain disorders. An improved comprehension of the role of redox status in exercise can provide helpful insights into immune-muscle communication during pain modulatory effects of exercise and support new therapeutic efforts and rationale for the promotion of exercise.
Safety implications of different forms of understaffing among nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the processes through which personnel understaffing and expertise understaffing jointly shape near misses among nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Background Inadequate staffing is a chronic issue within the nursing profession, with the safety consequences of understaffing likely being exacerbated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Design This study used a three‐wave, time‐separated survey design and collected data from 120 nurses in the United States working on the frontline of the pandemic in hospital settings. Methods Participants were recruited through convenience sampling in early April 2020. Eligible nurses completed three surveys across a 6‐week period during the COVID‐19 pandemic from mid‐April to the end of May 2020. Study hypotheses were tested with path analyses. Results/Findings Results reveal that personnel understaffing and expertise understaffing jointly shape near misses, which are known to precede and contribute to accidents and injuries, through different mechanisms. Specifically, personnel understaffing led to greater use of safety workarounds, which only induced near misses when cognitive failures were high. Further, higher levels of cognitive failures appeared to be the result of greater expertise understaffing. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of addressing issues of understaffing, especially during times of crisis, to better promote nurse and patient safety. Impact This study was the first to examine the distinct mechanisms by which two forms of understaffing impact safety outcomes in the form of near misses. Understanding these mechanisms can help leaders and policymakers make informed staffing decisions by considering the safety implications of understaffing issues.
A comparative analysis of rumen pH, milk production characteristics, and blood metabolites of Holstein cattle fed different forage levels for the establishment of objective indicators of the animal welfare certification standard

Objective This study was conducted to obtain an objective index that can be quantified and used for establishing an animal welfare certification standard in Korea. For this purpose rumen pH, ruminating time, milk yield, milk quality, and blood components of cows reared in farms feeding high forage level (90%) and farms feeding low forage level (40%) were compared. Methods Data on rumen pH, rumination time, milk yield, milk fat ratio, milk protein ratio, and blood metabolism were collected from 12 heads from a welfare farm (forage rate 88.5%) and 13 heads from a conventional farm (forage rate 34.5%) for three days in October 2019. Results The rumination time was longer in cattle on the welfare farm than on the conventional farm (p<0.01), but ruminal pH fluctuation was greater in the cattle on conventional farm than the welfare farm (p<0.01). Conventional farms with a high ratio of concentrated feed were higher in average daily milk yield than welfare farms, but milk fat and milk production efficiency (milk fat and milk protein corrected milk/total digestible nutrients) was higher in cattle on welfare farms. Blood test results showed a normal range for both farm types, but concentrations of total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acid were significantly higher in cows from conventional farms with a high milk yield (p<0.01). Conclusion The results of this study confirmed that cows on the animal welfare farm with a high percentage of grass feed had higher milk production efficiency with healthier rumen pH and blood metabolism parameters compared to those on the conventional farm.
Adjusting for Measurement Noninvariance with Alignment in Growth Modeling

Abstract Longitudinal measurement invariance—the consistency of measurement in data collected over time—is a prerequisite for any meaningful inferences of growth patterns. When one or more items measuring the construct of interest show noninvariant measurement properties over time, it leads to biased parameter estimates and inferences on the growth parameters. In this paper, I extend the recently developed alignment-within-confirmatory factor analysis (AwC) technique to adjust for measurement biases for growth models. The proposed AwC method does not require a priori knowledge of noninvariant items and the iterative searching of noninvariant items in typical longitudinal measurement invariance research. Results of a Monte Carlo simulation study comparing AwC with the partial invariance modeling method show that AwC largely reduces biases in growth parameter estimates and gives good control of Type I error rates, especially when the sample size is at least 1,000. It also outperforms the partial invariance method in conditions when all items are noninvariant. However, all methods give biased growth parameter estimates when the proportion of noninvariant parameters is over 25%. Based on the simulation results, I conclude that AO is a viable alternative to the partial invariance method in growth modeling when it is not clear whether longitudinal measurement invariance holds. The current paper also demonstrates AwC in an example modeling neuroticism over three time points using a public data set, which shows how researchers can compute effect size indices for noninvariance in AwC to assess to what degree invariance holds and whether AwC results are trustworthy.