Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A prospective cohort study of dynamic cell-free DNA elevation during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

Cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are associated with a systemic inflammatory reaction that occasionally induces a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by the dysregulated host response to the damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). In severe inflammation, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and histones are released by inflammatory cells and damaged tissue and act as DAMPs. We sought to characterize the changes in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels during CPB. Primary outcomes were renal failure, ventilation time (>18 hr), length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) (>48hr), hospital LOS (>15 days), and death. We looked for associations with blood tests and comparison to standard scores. In a prospective cohort study, we enrolled 71 patients undergoing non-emergent coronary artery bypass grafting. Blood was drawn at baseline, 20 and 40 minutes on CPB, after cross-clamp removal, and 30 minutes after chest closure. cfDNA was measured by our fast fluorescent method. Baseline cfDNA levels [796 (656–1063) ng/ml] increased during surgery, peaked after cross-clamp removal [2403 (1981–3357) ng/ml] and returned to baseline at recovery. The difference in cfDNA from 20 to 40 minutes on CPB (ΔcfDNA 40–20) inversely correlated with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), longer ventilation time, and longer ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of ΔcfDNA 40–20 for long ICU-LOS (>48hr) was with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.738 (p = 0.022). ROC AUC of ΔcfDNA 40–20 to long Hospital LOS (>15 days) was 0.787 (p = 0.006). Correction for time on CPB in a multivariate logistic regression model improved ROC-AUC to 0.854 (p = 0.003) and suggests that ΔcfDNA 40–20 is an independent risk factor. To conclude, of measured parameters, including STS and Euroscore, the predictive power of ΔcfDNA 40–20 was the highest. Thus, measurement of ΔcfDNA 40–20 may enable early monitoring of patients at higher risk. Further studies on the mechanism behind the negative association of ΔcfDNA 40–20 with PVD and outcomes are warranted.
The salivary exosomal microRNA as a potential biomarker in patients with periodontitis and oral cancers

Periodontitis and oral cancers are the most common oral diseases in the human population. The early diagnosis of oral diseases allows the efficient therapy of the patient. During oral diseases, resident cells in the affected tissue secrete exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) into saliva. As these miRNAs have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of oral diseases, they have been suggested as non‐invasive and validated biomarkers in predicting periodontitis severity and cancer progression. Several attempts have been performed to evaluate the expression of salivary exosomal miRNAs in patients with periodontitis and oral cancers. Some miRNAs are differentially expressed in the saliva of the affected patients when compared to healthy individuals. These miRNAs are reviewed in this narrative review. Collectively, it seems that salivary exosomal microRNAs could be used as a diagnostic biomarker in oral diseases. However, further studies are required to validate them.
Patient experiences and views on pharmaceutical care during adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer: A qualitative study

Abstract Objective The use of adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) after primary treatment of hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer reduces the risk of recurrence and mortality. However, non‐adherence is still common. Limited consideration has been given to how users deal with AET and the role of pharmaceutical care. Therefore, this study aims to obtain insight into the needs and wishes of women using AET regarding pharmaceutical care and eHealth. Methods This is a qualitative explorative study comprising semi‐structured interviews (n = 16) and a focus group (n = 5) among women who use or used AET after primary early‐stage breast cancer (EBC) treatment using a thematic analysis approach. Results Three themes emerged from the interviews and focus group: (1) experiences with AET use, (2) experiences with provided information and (3) needs and wishes regarding pharmaceutical care. Most women were highly motivated to use AET and indicated to have received useful information on AET. However, many expressed a strong need for more elaborate tailored and timely provided information on AET. They acknowledged the accessibility of pharmacists but reported that currently, pharmacists are hardly involved in AET care. Several women considered eHealth useful to obtain counselling and reliable information. Conclusion Women need more comprehensive information and follow‐up in primary setting after initial cancer treatments. A more elaborate role for the pharmacy and eHealth/mHealth, especially with regard to counselling on side effects and side effect management, could potentially improve pharmaceutical care.
RNPS1 functions as an oncogenic splicing factor in cervical cancer cells

Numerous recent studies suggest that cancer‐specific splicing alteration is a critical contributor to the pathogenesis of cancer. RNA‐binding protein with serine‐rich domain 1, RNPS1, is an essential regulator of the splicing process. However, the defined role of RNPS1 in tumorigenesis still remains elusive. We report here that the expression of RNPS1 is higher in cervical carcinoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA‐cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma) compared to the normal tissues. Consistently, the expression of RNPS1 was high in cervical cancer cells compared to a normal cell line. This study shows for the first time that RNPS1 promotes cell proliferation and colony‐forming ability of cervical cancer cells. Importantly, RNPS1 positively regulates migration‐invasion of cervical cancer cells. Intriguingly, depletion of RNPS1 increases the chemosensitivity against the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin in cervical cancer cells. Further, we characterized the genome‐wide isoform switching stimulated by RNPS1 in cervical cancer cell. Mechanistically, RNA‐sequencing analysis showed that RNPS1 regulates the generation of tumor‐associated isoforms of key genes, particularly Rac1b, RhoA, MDM4, and WDR1, through alternative splicing. RNPS1 regulates the splicing of Rac1 pre‐mRNA via a specific alternative splicing switch and promotes the formation of its tumorigenic splice variant, Rac1b. While the transcriptional regulation of RhoA has been well studied, the role of alternative splicing in RhoA upregulation in cancer cells is largely unknown. Here, we have shown that the knockdown of RNPS1 in cervical cancer cells leads to the skipping of exons encoding the RAS domain of RhoA, consequently causing decreased expression of RhoA. Collectively, we conclude that the gain of RNPS1 expression may be associated with tumor progression in cervical carcinoma. RNPS1‐mediated alternative splicing favors an active Rac1b/RhoA signaling axis that could contribute to cervical cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Thus, our work unveils a novel role of RNPS1 in the development of cervical cancer.
Short-term outcomes of da Vinci Xi versus Si robotic systems for minor hepatectomies

Background and aim: In the recent years, robotic technology has been drastically improved and the last generation of robotic platforms is hardly comparable with the earlier ones. The present study aims to investigate the short-term outcomes of minor hepatectomies performed with da Vinci Xi surgical system vs. Si surgical systems. Methods: Consecutive patients operated on between 2013 and 2020 in two referral centers were selected if underwent elective robotic minor hepatectomy (<3 consecutive segments) for primarily resectable benign or malignant lesions. Operative, postoperative, and cost outcomes were compared between the two groups by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Eighty-nine patients were selected (64 in the Si system vs. 25 in the Xi system group). Wedge resection was the most performed procedure (49.4%). The Si system group showed a significantly greater total incisional length (+8.99 mm; p<0.0001) related to the use of a higher number of robotic/laparoscopic ports. Pedicle clamping was more frequent in patients operated on by the Xi system (80% vs. 21.9%; p<0.0001) but without group differences in ischemia duration when clamping. A significantly shorter time to flatus (-0.75 days; p=0.015) was observed for patients operated on by the Xi system, whereas no group differences were found for operative time, conversion rate, estimated blood loss, postoperative complications, mortality, use of analgesics, and costs. Conclusion: The da Vinci Xi system represents a technological advancement with a potential clinical relevance, although further studies are needed to clearly detect the clinical impact of the use of this robotic platform in liver surgery. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Analysis of Realized Volatility in Two Trading Sessions of the Japanese Stock Market(Financial and Consumer Markets,Proceedings of the YITP Workshop on Econophysics,Econophysics 2011-The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Economy-)

We analyze realized volatilities constructed using high-frequency stock data on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. In order to avoid non-trading hours issue in volatility calculations we define two realized volatilities calculated separately in the two trading sessions of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, i.e. morning and afternoon sessions. After calculating the realized volatilities at various sampling frequencies we evaluate the bias from the microstructure noise as a function of sampling frequency. Taking into account of the bias to realized volatility we examine returns standardized by realized volatilities and confirm that price returns on the Tokyo Stock Exchange are described approximately by Gaussian time series with time-varying volatility, i.e. consistent with a mixture of distributions hypothesis.
An alternative formulation for exact scaling relations in hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic turbulence

We propose an alternative formulation for the exact relations in three-dimensional homogeneous turbulence using two-point statistics. Our finding is illustrated with incompressible hydrodynamic, standard and Hall magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. In this formulation, the cascade rate of an inviscid invariant of turbulence can be expressed simply in terms of mixed second-order structure functions. Besides the usual variables like the velocity u, vorticity ω, magnetic field b and the current j, the vectors u×ω, u×b and j×b are also found to play a key role in the turbulent cascades. The current methodology offers a simple algebraic form which is specially interesting to study anisotropic space plasmas like the solar wind, with, a faster statistical convergence than the classical laws written in terms of third-order correlators.
Prospective single-center paradigm shift of surgical stabilization of rib fractures with decreased length of stay and operative time with an intrathoracic approach

Our initial experience with ITP revealed that patients who underwent ITP had a decreased operative time and hospital LOS compared with an ETP cohort with similar injury severity. #SSRF #minimalinvasivesurgery #ribplating #ribfractures INTRODUCTION Intrathoracic surgical stabilization of rib fractures allows for a novel approach to rib fracture repair. This approach can help minimize muscle disruption, which may improve patient recovery compared with traditional extrathoracic plating. We hypothesized patients undergoing intrathoracic plating (ITP) to have a shorter length of stay (LOS) and intensive care unit (ICU) LOS compared with extrathoracic plating (ETP). METHODS A prospective observational paradigm shift study was performed from November 2017 until September 2021. Patients 18 and older who underwent surgical stabilization of rib fractures were included. Patients with ahead Abbreviated Injury Scale score ≥3 were excluded. Patients undergoing ETP (July 2017 to October 2019) were compared with ITP (November 2019 to September 2021) with Pearson χ2 tests and Mann-Whitney U tests, with the primary outcome being LOS and ICU LOS. RESULTS Ninety-six patients were included, 59 (61%) underwent ETP and 37 (38%) underwent ITP. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle collision (29%) followed by falls (23%). There were no differences between groups in age, comorbidities, insurance, discharge disposition and injury severity score (18 vs. 19, p = 0.89). Intrathoracic plating had a shorter LOS (10 days vs. 8 days, p = 0.04) when compared with ETP but no difference in ICU LOS (4 days vs. 3 days, p = 0.12) and ventilator days. Extrathoracic plating patients more commonly received epidural anesthesia (56% vs. 24%, p < 0.001) and intercostal nerve block (56% vs. 29%, p = 0.01) compared with ITP. However, there was no difference in median morphine equivalents between cohorts. Operative time was shorter for ITP with ETP (279 minutes vs. 188 minutes, p < 0.001) after adjusting for numbers of ribs fixed. CONCLUSION In this single-center study, patients who underwent ITP had a decreased LOS and operative time in comparison to ETP in patients with similar injury severity. Future prospective multicenter research is needed to confirm these findings and may lead to further adoption of this minimally invasive technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.
Observational study to predict the efficacy and optimal duration of nivolumab treatment in patients with previously treated advanced or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including nivolumab, are essential agents for treating non-small cell lung cancer. However, predictive markers are currently lacking, especially using factors based on patient-reported outcomes. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study of 244 patients with advanced or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer treated with second- or later-line nivolumab from August 2016 to December 2017. Patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life, were evaluated by the EQ-5D-5L before and during nivolumab treatment. To predict the efficacy of nivolumab during the early treatment phase, we also analyzed the patients’ clinical characteristics, responses and immune-related adverse events at 9 weeks of therapy. The primary endpoint was the disease control rate at 25 weeks after the initiation of nivolumab. Results The objective response and disease control rates at 25 weeks were 18.5 and 41.2%, respectively. The emergence of immune-related adverse events at 9 weeks did not significantly affect the disease control rate at 6 months. The response at 9 weeks and patient-reported quality of life were potentially predictive of disease control at week 25. Disease control on week 9 and patients-reported outcomes were potential predictive factors for the overall survival. Conclusions This study found no new baseline factors predicting the outcome of nivolumab treatment in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, but response to nivolumab was a robust predictor of overall efficacy. In addition, patient-perceived quality of life could predict the durable efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Laplacian Energy of Directed Graphs and Minimizing Maximum Outdegree Algorithms

Energy has been studied in mathematical perspective as well as physical perspective for several years ago. In spectral graph theory, the eigenvalues of several kinds of matrices have been studied, of which Laplacian matrix attracted the greatest attention [5]. Recently, in 2009, Adiga considered Laplacian energy of directed graphs using skew Laplacian matrix, in which degree of vertex is considered as total of the out-degree and the in-degree. Since directed graphs play an important role in identifying the structure of web-graphs as well as communication graphs, we consider Laplacian energy of simple directed graphs and find some relations by using the general definition of Laplacian matrix. Unlike in [1], we derived two types of equations for simple directed graphs and symmetric directed graphs with n ≥ 2 vertices by considering out-degree of vertex. Further we consider the class P ( ) which consists of non isomorphic graphs with energy less than some and find 47 non isomorphic directed graphs for class P (10). Our objective extended to enumerate the structure of directed graphs using the Laplacian energy concept. Minimization maximum outdegree(MMO) algorithm defined in [3] can be used to find the directed graphs with minimum Laplacian energy.
Evaluation of barometric whole-body plethysmography for therapy monitoring in cats with feline lower airway disease

Objectives Feline lower airway disease (FLAD) is a common respiratory condition in cats. Traditionally, response to therapy is monitored only by evaluation of clinical signs and radiographic examination of the lungs. Barometric whole-body plethysmography (BWBP) is considered a non-invasive, well-tolerated form of measuring airway reactivity in cats. The aim of the study was to assess pulmonary function testing by BWBP for non-invasive evaluation of response to therapy in cats with FLAD and to investigate whether BWBP parameters correlate with clinical severity. Material and methods The prospective study included 25 client-owned cats, diagnosed with FLAD on the basis of their medical history, clinical signs, radiographic findings, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) examination. At three time points (day 0, 14, and 60), a standardised owner questionnaire, a clinical examination and BWBP measurements were carried out. Results of the questionnaire and the clinical examination were evaluated using a clinical 12-point score. Individual therapy was administered to all patients after diagnosis, based on the severity of disease and compliance of the cat. Results The total clinical score significantly improved over the entire study period (p<0.001). Significant improvement was detected for the frequency of coughing (p = 0.009), respiratory distress (p = 0.001), lung auscultation findings (p = 0.002), and general condition and appetite (p = 0.045). The BWBP parameter Penh, an indicator of bronchoconstriction, improved significantly under initial therapy between day 0 and 14 (p = 0.009). A significant correlation between Penh and the severity of auscultation findings was seen on day 0 (r = 0.40; p = 0.013). Conclusion The study supports the role of Penh as a non-invasive parameter for monitoring initial treatment response in cats with FLAD. Further studies are needed to address whether other BWBP parameters might be suitable for non-invasive therapy monitoring of FLAD. Clinical evaluation is always essential in cats with FLAD to evaluate treatment response.
How emotions induced by reading influence sleep quality in young and older adults

Abstract Objectives This study examined whether emotions induced by reading before sleep influence sleep quality in young and older adults. Method Sixty older adults (64–75 years) and 60 young adults (18–35 years) were randomly assigned to three conditions: positive reading, neutral reading, and control. The reading groups read a short story at bedtime, whereas the control group kept its routine. Participants completed measures of affective states, subjective sleep parameters, and self-reported sleep quality related to emotions over 7 consecutive days. Results Older adults reported much longer sleep latency and lower sleep efficiency than young adults. In both reading conditions, older adults reported reduced sleep latencies compared to the control group. In the positive reading condition, older adults reported an increased sleep duration compared to younger adults and the other conditions. Young and older adults in the positive condition showed better self-reported sleep quality than those in the neutral conditions, regardless of age. Conclusions Reading at bedtime appears to reduce older adults’ time to fall asleep and increase their sleep duration. Positive emotions induced by reading short stories at bedtime seem to be a sleep-promoting factor that improves bedtime and wake time in young and older adults.
Cognitive and Behavioral Outcomes in Male and Female NCAA Soccer Athletes across Multiple Years: A CARE Consortium Study

ABSTRACT Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine changes in neurocognitive, psychosocial, and balance functioning in collegiate male and female soccer players across three consecutive years of baseline testing compared with a control group of noncontact athletes. Methods Generalized estimating equations were used to compare changes in annual, preseason baseline measures of neurocognitive function, neurobehavioral and psychological symptoms, and postural stability between collegiate soccer players (n = 75; 51 [68%] female soccer players) and noncontact athletes (n = 210; 133 [63%] female noncontact athletes) across three consecutive years. Results Among all participants, the group–time interaction was not significant for any outcome measures. Overall, soccer players reported lower (better) Brief Symptom Inventory 18 Depression (P = 0.004, Exp(B) = 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.18–0.73), Global Severity Index (P = 0.006, Exp(B) = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.33–0.84), and Post-Concussion Symptom Scale Symptom Severity (P < 0.001, Exp(B) = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.22–0.95) scores than noncontact athletes. No other outcome measures were different between soccer players and noncontact athletes. Conclusions Among collegiate athletes, soccer players report similar or better psychosocial functioning and symptom scores than noncontact athletes. Importantly, neurocognitive functioning, neurobehavioral and psychological symptoms, and postural stability do not worsen over time in collegiate soccer players relative to their noncontact counterparts. Our findings suggest that despite possible exposure to repetitive head impacts, collegiate soccer players do not exhibit changes in observable function and symptoms across multiple seasons.
Interference Heating Due to Shock Impingement

Abstract : Investigation of the interference heating phenomenon was conducted at Mach number 8 over a Reynolds number range from 400 thousand to 3.7 million per ft in the hypersonic wind tunnel. Shock generator models consisted of 1.5, 5, 10 and 15 deg wedges; 2.5, 7.5 and 12.5 deg cones; . 5 and 2.0 in. diameter hemispheres, and an orbiter-type vehicle. Shock receiver models included sharp and blunt flat plates and a booster vehicle. Both pressure distributions and heat transfer distributions were obtained in the regions of shock impingement. The test program was organized in a building-block approach. A limited number of sharp plate runs were performed with a boundary layer trip to obtain turbulent data for comparison with other experiments.