Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased contribution of KCa channels to muscle contraction induced vascular and blood flow responses in sedentary and exercise trained ZFDM rats

In resistance arteries, endothelium‐dependent hyperpolarization (EDH)‐mediated vasodilatation is depressed in diabetes. We hypothesized that downregulation of KCa channel derived EDH reduces exercise‐induced vasodilatation and blood flow redistribution in diabetes. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated vascular function in response to hindlimb muscle contraction, and the contribution of KCa channels in anaesthetised ZFDM, metabolic disease rats with type 2 diabetes. We also tested whether exercise training ameliorated the vascular response. Using in vivo microangiography, the hindlimb vasculature was visualized before and after rhythmic muscle contraction (0.5 s tetanus every 3 s, 20 times) evoked by sciatic nerve stimulation (40 Hz). Femoral blood flow of the contracting hindlimb was simultaneously measured by an ultrasonic flowmeter. The contribution of KCa channels was investigated in the presence and absence of apamin and charybdotoxin. We found that vascular and blood flow responses to muscle contraction were significantly impaired at the level of small artery segments in ZFDM fa/fa rats compared to its lean control fa/+ rats. The contribution of KCa channels was also smaller in fa/fa than in fa/+ rats. Low‐intensity exercise training for 12 weeks in fa/fa rats demonstrated minor changes in the vascular and blood flow response to muscle contraction. However, the KCa‐derived component in the response to muscle contraction was much greater in exercise trained than in sedentary fa/fa rats. These data suggest that exercise training increases the contribution of KCa channels among endothelium‐dependent vasodilatory mechanisms to maintain vascular and blood flow responses to muscle contraction in this metabolic disease rat model.
The Value of Extracting Clinician-Recorded Affect for Advancing Clinical Research on Depression: Proof-of-Concept Study Applying Natural Language Processing to Electronic Health Records

Background Affective characteristics are associated with depression severity, course, and prognosis. Patients’ affect captured by clinicians during sessions may provide a rich source of information that more naturally aligns with the depression course and patient-desired depression outcomes. Objective In this paper, we propose an information extraction vocabulary used to pilot the feasibility and reliability of identifying clinician-recorded patient affective states in clinical notes from electronic health records. Methods Affect and mood were annotated in 147 clinical notes of 109 patients by 2 independent coders across 3 pilots. Intercoder discrepancies were settled by a third coder. This reference annotation set was used to test a proof-of-concept natural language processing (NLP) system using a named entity recognition approach. Results Concepts were frequently addressed in templated format and free text in clinical notes. Annotated data demonstrated that affective characteristics were identified in 87.8% (129/147) of the notes, while mood was identified in 97.3% (143/147) of the notes. The intercoder reliability was consistently good across the pilots (interannotator agreement [IAA] >70%). The final NLP system showed good reliability with the final reference annotation set (mood IAA=85.8%; affect IAA=80.9%). Conclusions Affect and mood can be reliably identified in clinician reports and are good targets for NLP. We discuss several next steps to expand on this proof of concept and the value of this research for depression clinical research.
Evaluation of a long‐acting injectable formulation of omeprazole in healthy dogs

Abstract Background To evaluate the efficacy of a single intramuscular adminsitration of long‐acting omeprazole (LA‐OMEP) in increasing gastric pH in dogs. Hypothesis We hypothesized that LA‐OMEP would meet in healthy dogs the clinical goals defined for human patients for treatment of gastroduodenal ulceration. Animals Nine healthy research dogs. Methods Prospective experimental study. Dogs were given a 4 mg/kg intramuscular injection of LA‐OMEP. Intragastric pH was continuously recorded on treatment days 0 to 7. Daily mean pH and mean percentage time (MPT) intragastric pH was ≥3 or ≥4 were determined. Results The mean onset of action for the LA‐OMEP was 98.11 min (SD 46.39). The mean number of days the dogs' pH met established goals for MPT pH ≥3 was 5.5 days (range, 3‐7) and 5.25 days for MPT pH ≥4 (range, 3‐7). Long‐acting omeprazole met the human clinical goals pH ≥3 for 72 hours in 8/8 of the dogs and MPT pH ≥4 for 96 hours in 7/8 of dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The LA‐OMEP formulation produced gastric acid suppression in healthy dogs for an average of 5 days and up to 7 days, after a single intramuscular injection. No major adverse effects were observed.
In-vivo and in vitro assessments of the radioprotective potential natural and chemical compounds: a review

Abstract Purpose The study of the radioactive role of natural and chemical substances on human and animal studies has been the subject of research by some researchers. Therefore, the review of some of the past and current studies conducted in this field, can provide helpful information to elucidate of the importance of radioprotective components in reducing radiation exposure side effects. Methods The authors search for keywords including In vitro, In vivo, Radioprotective, Ionizing radiation, and Vitamin in ScienceDirect, Scopus, Pubmed, and Google Scholar databases to access previously published articles and search for more reference articles on the role of radioprotective materials from natural and chemical compounds. Results Radiation exposure can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body, however most of which are eliminated by the body’s natural mechanisms, but when the body’s antioxidant systems do not have enough ability to neutralize free radicals, oxidative stress occurs, which causes damage to DNA and body tissues. Therefore, it is necessary use of alternative substances that reduce and inhibit free radicals. Conclusion In general, recommended that antioxidant component(s) can be protect tissue damages in humans or animals, due to the their ability to scavenge free radicals generated by ionizing radiation.
Transporters and Toxicity: Insights From the International Transporter Consortium Workshop 4

Over the last decade, significant progress been made in elucidating the role of membrane transporters in altering drug disposition, with important toxicological consequences due to changes in localized concentrations of compounds. The topic of “Transporters and Toxicity” was recently highlighted as a scientific session at the International Transporter Consortium (ITC) Workshop 4 in 2021. The current white paper is not intended to be an extensive review on the topic of transporters and toxicity but an opportunity to highlight aspects of the role of transporters in various toxicities with clinically relevant implications as covered during the session. This includes a review of the role of solute carrier transporters in anticancer drug‐induced organ injury, transporters as key players in organ barrier function, and the role of transporters in metal/metalloid toxicity.
Experiences and perceptions of dementia in Vietnam and among the Vietnamese diaspora: a systematic review of qualitative studies

Abstract Objectives: This paper aimed to review and synthesise the qualitative research evidence on the experiences and perceptions of dementia in Vietnam and among the Vietnamese diaspora. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in June 2019 using Medline, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO and Cochrane electronic databases, as well as grey literature. Keywords and Medical Subject Headings [MeSH terms] for dementia and associated terms were combined with keywords for Vietnam and its provinces. Qualitative research articles published in English or Vietnamese were included to examine evidence on the life experiences of Vietnamese people with dementia using thematic analysis. Results: Our searches resulted in 3,940 papers, from which 21 qualitative research studies were included for final analysis. The majority of research has not been undertaken in Vietnam but with the Vietnamese diaspora in Western countries and has taken a cultural perspective to analyses. Research in Western countries has focused on the need for culturally adapted and culturally sensitive models of care. Emerging themes about the life experiences of Vietnamese people with dementia identified from the studies included: many people do not have diagnostic terms for dementia but use the descriptive language of symptoms; stigma was a reported problem and on occasions can be observed in the descriptive language used for people with dementia; cultural and traditional values create both an opportunity and a barrier, supporting compassion, family care and relaxation, but creating barriers to accessing health services or long-term residential care. Conclusions: This is the first systematic review reporting qualitative evidence on the life experiences of people with dementia in Vietnam and among the Vietnamese diaspora. Future research is needed on the voice of people with dementia themselves and their caregivers particularly in Vietnam, and low and middle-income countries with regards to living with dementia, pathways to care from diagnosis, treatment, care and support, additional social care and preparedness for end of life care for people with dementia.
Mobile Learning in Engineering Education: The Jordan Example

In this paper, we examine the development of mobile learning into the rapidly changing teaching and learning environment in Jordan in order to provide a meaningful direction for the future development of Engineering Education in Jordan. A number of applications that may contribute to the establishment of mobile learning in educational institutions were investigated and expectations concerning the impact of mobile technologies on teaching and learning were explored.
Long-term changes of pancreatic function in patients with complicated walled-off necrosis

Abstract Objectives Walled-off necrosis (WON) is a serious complication to necrotizing acute pancreatitis with a high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term changes in pancreatic function, metabolic function and body composition in patients with WON. Material and methods Observational study including patients with WON who underwent endoscopic transmural drainage and necrosectomy. Patients were prospectively evaluated at baseline, 3–6 months after discharge, and 12 months after discharge. Patients were characterized with fecal elastase, blood samples, computer tomography, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and Lundh’s test. Results The study includes 17 patients (11 men) with WON. The etiologies were gallstones (53%) alcohol intake (35%) and 12% had an unknown etiology. The body mass index (BMI) dropped during baseline and 3 months after discharge (p = .03) and increased 12 months after discharge (p = .002). Twelve months after discharge, 29% had mild exocrine insufficiency, 7% moderate insufficiency and 50% severe insufficiency based on the Lundh’s test. Fecal elastase was <100 μg/g in 35% and <200 μg/g in 59% 12 months after discharge. Only, 24% required pancreatic enzyme substitution. Endocrine insufficiency developed in 24%. These patients also had exocrine insufficiency. Conclusions A considerable proportion of patients with WON experience both endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency suggesting that long-term follow-up is needed in order to ensure adequate treatment.
Effect of hollow fiber packing density and housing shape on the solute removal performance of CRRT filters for acute blood purification

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has a good therapeutic effect in a variety of diseases, such as acute kidney injury. CRRT filters should feature small membrane surface area, excellent water permeability and solute removal performance for long-term use. Solute removal performance depends on the physicochemical structure of the dialysis membrane as well as on the housing design. On the basis of the same hollow fiber membrane, optimizing the housing design can maximize the performance of the dialysis membrane. In this article, we experimentally demonstrated the influence of hollow fiber packing density (PD) and housing shape (effective hollow fiber length (L) and inner housing diameter (D) ratio (L/D ratio)) on the performance of CRRT filters. In each continuous hemodialysis mode and post-diluted continuous hemodiafiltration mode, we tested nine CRRT filters with the same high-flux membrane but with different PDs (50%, 55%, and 60%) and L/D ratios (2.9, 5.3, and 9.3), and we evaluated the effect of different combinations of the two design factors on solute clearance. Our results showed that unlike with the clearance of small molecular weight solutes, the clearance of medium molecular weight solute was obviously affected by PD and L/D ratio, and the design providing the best removal of medium molecular solutes among the nine experiments was PD = 60% and L/D ratio = 9.3. This article will help address the lack of research on CRRT filter housing design as well as lead to the development of higher performance filters for acute blood purification.
Relationships between stress appraisals and intolerance of uncertainty with psychological health during early COVID-19 in the USA

ABSTRACT Background and objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased psychological distress and decreased quality of life (QoL), but limited research has evaluated cognitive appraisals of COVID-19. This study aimed to examine the role of three stress appraisals of the COVID-19 pandemic – threat appraisal, harm/loss appraisal, and challenge appraisal – and the interaction between these appraisals and intolerance of uncertainty (IU) on psychological distress and QoL. Design This was a cross-sectional survey study using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. Methods A sample of 327 adults living in the U.S. completed a series of questionnaires investigating IU, appraisal of the pandemic, psychological distress, and QoL in May 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Controlling for demographic variables, IU and harm/loss appraisal positively related to psychological distress and negatively related to QoL. Challenge appraisals negatively related to distress and positively related to QoL. Moderation analyses revealed that higher levels of IU led to stronger positive relationships between threat appraisal and psychological distress. Conclusions Cognitive appraisals of COVID-19 are associated with psychological health, though the relationship between threat appraisal and psychological distress are strongest for those with difficulty tolerating uncertainty. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Experimental and numerical assessment of RHS T‐joints subjected to brace and chord axial forces

The demand for the use of hollow section structures in construction has experienced great progress in Brazil, despite being widely used for a long time in Europe and developed countries. The release of a Brazilian Technical Standard specifically for the design of hollow sections confirms this trend, together with the need for increased dissemination and implementation of studies and research to enable a better understanding and development of this technology. This paper presents experimental and numerical evaluations of the influence of chord normal stresses on the behaviour of tubular T‐joints. The experimental programme consisted of six tests applying compressive loads to the brace. These results were compared with the numerical results obtained from a finite element model simulation performed in ANSYS to extend the results to cases with tension forces on the brace. The results were compared with the design provisions in Eurocode 3, Brazilian standard NBR 16239:2013 and ISO 14346. A new equation for the case where compression loads are applied to the chord for n ≤ ‐0.5 is therefore proposed, providing better agreement with the experimental and numerical results.
Community‐based models of alcohol and other drug support for First Nations peoples in Australia: A systematic review

Abstract Issues The transgenerational impacts of colonisation—inclusive of dispossession, intergenerational trauma, racism, social and economic exclusion and marginalisation—places First Nations peoples in Australia at significant risk of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and its associated harms. However, knowledge and evidence supporting community‐based AOD treatment for First Nations adults is limited. Therefore, this review aimed to examine the impact and acceptability of community‐based models of AOD support for First Nations adults in Australia. Approach A systematic search of the empirical literature from the past 20 years was conducted. Key Findings Seventeen studies were included. Nine studies evaluated the program's impact on substance use and 10 studies assessed program acceptability (two studies evaluated both). Only three out of nine studies yielded a statistically significant reduction in substance use. Acceptable components included cultural safety, First Nations AOD workers, inclusion of family and kin, outreach and group support. Areas for improvement included greater focus on holistic wrap‐around psychosocial support, increased local community participation and engagement, funding and breaking down silos. Implications Culturally safe, holistic and integrated AOD outreach support led by First Nations peoples and organisations that involves local community members may support First Nations peoples experiencing AOD concerns. These findings may inform the (re)design and (re)development of community‐based AOD services for First Nations peoples. Conclusion There is a limited evidence‐base for community‐based AOD programs for First Nations peoples. First Nations‐led research that is controlled by and co‐produced with First Nations peoples is necessary to extend our understanding of community‐based programs within First Nations communities.
The polymorphisms in cGAS-STING pathway are associated with mitochondrial DNA copy number in coke oven workers

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the interaction effects of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure and variants in cGAS-STING genes on mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) in workers. Methods The mtDNAcn was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase-chain reaction in 544 PAHs-exposed workers and 238 office workers. The polymorphisms were detected by flight mass spectrometry. Results The mtDNAcn in PAHs exposure group was significantly lower than non-occupational exposure population (P < 0.00). The cGAS rs610913 CA+AA had significant interaction effects with STING rs11554776 GG+GA (P = 0.035), rs7380824 CC+CT (P = 0.026), and rs78233829 GC+CC (P = 0.034) on mtDNAcn. The generalized linear model results showed that the influencing factors of mtDNAcn include PAHs exposure (P < 0.001) and the interaction of PAHs exposure and cGAS rs 311678 AA+AG (P = 0.047). Conclusion The influencing factors of mtDNAcn include PAHs exposure and the interaction of PAHs exposure and cGAS rs 311678 AA+AG.
Rate of Stuttering and Factors Associated With Speech Fluency Characteristics in Adult Struggling Readers

Stuttering is a disorder that affects about 1% of the population and manifests as speech disfluencies. Reading difficulties and disabilities are commonly found in this population. Nonetheless, speech disfluencies have not been explored in adult struggling readers (ASRs). In the current study, we examined the rate of stuttering in ASRs as well as the relationships between their speech fluency and reading skills. A total of 120 participants were interviewed about their experiences with reading and administered standardized reading and reading-related assessments. Speech fluency and the criterion for stuttering were based on the interview. About 18.3% of the sample met the criterion for stuttering. ASRs who stutter (ASRs-S) and ASRs who do not stutter (ASRs-NS) did not differ in their reading and reading-related skills. ASRs-S had higher rates of negative correlations between reading and reading-related skills compared with ASRs-NS. Correlation patterns between performance on standardized assessments point to higher rates of uneven skills or dissociations in ASRs-S. These findings may have implications for the assessment and instruction for ASRs.
Ursolic acid inhibits Th17 cell differentiation via STAT3/RORγt pathway and suppresses Schwann cell-mediated Th17 cell migration by reducing CXCL9/10 expression

Th17 cells represent important immune cells. Ursolic acid (UA) can regulate immune cell activities. This study was aimed to explore the effects of UA on Th17 cell differentiation and Schwann cell(SCs)-mediated migration and the potential mechanism. Naïve CD4+ T cells were isolated from rat peripheral blood, induced for Th17 cell differentiation, and treated with UA. The proportion of Th17 cells was detected by flow cytometry assay. SCs were co-cultured with Th17 cells. Th17 cell migration was detected by Transwell assay. The molecule expression was determined by Western blot and qRT-PCR. UA inhibited the Th17 cell differentiation and suppressed the STAT3/RORγt pathway. STAT3 overexpression up-regulated p-STAT3 and RORγt expression and promoted Th17 cell differentiation under the UA treatment. In LPS- and IFN-γ-stimulated-SCs, UA suppressed the expression of chemokines CXCL9/10, but had no significant effect of CCL20 expression. The expression CXCL9/10 receptor CXCR3 was higher in Th17 cells than that in Treg cells, while the expression CCL20 receptor CCR6 was lower in Th17 cells than that in Treg cells. UA, anti-CXCR3, and anti-CCR6 treatment inhibited SCs-mediated Th17 cell migration, and anti-CXCR3 exerted stronger inhibitory effect than Anti-CCR6. UA inhibited Th17 cell differentiation through STAT3/RORγt pathway and suppressed Th17 cell migration through down-regulating CXCL9/10 expression in SCs.
Endoscopic type 1 tympanoplasty: comparison of the effects of three different thicknesses grafts

Abstract Background The effects of graft thickness on tympanoplasty is uncertain. Objective To compare the results of endoscopic tympanoplasty using different thicknesses of autologous tissues. Methods This retrospective analysis included 186 patients who received type I tympanoplasty, divided into three main groups based of grafting material: perichondrium (A), cartilage–perichondrium (B), or cartilage–perichondrium plus additional perichondrium (C). Group A was subdivided based on whether the placement was inside (A1) or outside (A2) of the malleus. The hearing improvement, graft success rate, and surgery duration were analysed. Results Statistical analysis showed significant hearing improvement in the three main groups (p < .001); recovery in group A occurred the earliest. Six months postoperatively, group A1 showed significantly greater hearing recovery compared with groups B and C (p < .05). There were no statistical differences the other groups (p > .05) or in the graft success rate among the three main groups (p = .235). The surgery duration of group A was significantly longer than that of groups B and C (p < .001). Conclusion and significance Our results suggest that graft thickness affects hearing recovery; however, graft thickness does not affect the rate of grafting success. Endoscopic transplantation of the perichondrium is more difficult and requires more time.