Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Outcome of Transplanting Kidneys From Very Small Pediatric Deceased Donors

Background. Kidneys from very small pediatric donors (VSPDs, aged <2 y) are underutilized. Concerns regarding potentially inferior outcomes hinder the use in pediatric recipients. Methods. All pediatric kidney-only transplants from <18-year-old donors between January 2012 and May 2021 in our center were included in this study. Outcomes were compared between VSPD and normal pediatric donor (NPD, aged 2–18 y) groups, and 3-y death-censored graft survival was assessed by the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. Results. Of all 252 enrolled patients, 149 (59.1%) received kidneys from NPDs and 103 (40.9%) from VSPDs. The 3-y graft survival rates of the NPD and VSPD groups were 91.2% and 88.6%, respectively (P = 0.385). The adjusted hazard ratio of 3-y graft loss was 1.2 (95% confidence interval, 0.6-2.5; P = 0.659) for the VSPD group compared with the NPD group. There was no significant difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 3 y posttransplant observed between NPD and VSPD groups (86.9 ± 26.8 versus 87 ± 27.9 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = 0.991). Patients (n = 12, 4.8%) who received kidneys from donors <5 kg contributed 5 (5/39, 12.8%) with delayed graft function and the sole primary nonfunction in our cohort. Conclusions. Although attention to preventing complications is necessary, especially for kidneys from donors <5 kg, kidneys from VSPDs did not appear to impart added risk for 3-y graft loss and renal function.
Clinical performance of rapid antigen tests in comparison to RT‐PCR for SARS‐COV‐2 diagnosis in Omicron variant: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

The Omicron variant of concern has a high level of mutations in different genes that has raised awareness about the performance of immunological products such as vaccines and antigen detection kits. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we investigated whether Omicron had a significant influence on rapid antigen test (RAT) performance in comparison to PCR. We registered this systematic review and meta‐analysis in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42022355510. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases systematically to 1 August 2022. After article screening, we assessed the quality of the included studies based on the JBI checklist. Following data extraction, we performed a meta‐analysis using R software. We included 18 qualified articles presenting sufficient data about RATs performance in comparison to RT‐PCR in Omicron infections. The pooled specificity and sensitivity of RATs were 1.000 (0.997–1.000) and 0.671 (0.595–0.721), respectively. The FDA‐approved kits showed a better performance than WHO‐approved ones with a sensitivity of 0.728 (0.620–0.815). The use of RATs with nasal swabs showed a higher sensitivity compared with nasopharyngeal swabs. The sensitivity for samples with a CT‐value >25 was 0.108 (0.048–0.227). Rapid antigen tests show impaired performance for COVID‐19 diagnosis when the Omicron variant is circulating, particularly in samples with low viral loads.
Effects of Kinesio Taping on Tuck Jump Performance in Competitive Male Athletes

Abstract This study aimed to measure the acute effects of kinesio taping at different stretches on tuck jump performance in active individuals. Seventy-five males (23.01±2.24 years, 178.35±8.12 cm, 72.47±6.58 kg) were randomly distributed into three groups: (1) kinesio taping without stretch, (2) kinesio taping with approximately 50% stretch, and (3) kinesio taping with approximately 75% stretch. The tuck jump performance of all participants was determined at baseline, immediately after applying kinesio taping, and 24 and 72 hours later. The participants’ tuck jump performance did not improve immediately after the kinesio taping application, 24 hours, and 72 hours after the application. No significant differences were found between the kinesio taping groups at any time point ( p >0.05). This study demonstrated no effects of kinesio taping on neuromuscular performance.
Investigation of Frequency-Specific Loudness Discomfort Levels in Listeners With Migraine: A Case–Control Study

Objectives: Hypersensitivity to auditory stimuli is a commonly reported symptom in listeners with migraine, yet it remains relatively unexplored in research. This study aims to investigate loudness discomfort levels in listeners with migraine, while identifying the frequencies most affected by the phenomenon. Design: To achieve this, the study compared just audible level and loudness discomfort level ranges between participants with and without migraine from the United Kingdom, Greece as well as the participant recruitment platform Prolific, across 13 frequencies from 100 to 12,000 Hz, through an online listening test. Results: Fifty-five participants with migraine and 49 participants without migraine from both countries and Prolific were included in the analysis, where threshold ranges between just audible and mildly uncomfortable levels were compared in 13 frequencies. Migraineur group participants presented significantly smaller ranges between just audible and mildly uncomfortable level, due to lower thresholds of mild discomfort in 12 of the 13 frequencies when compared with the nonmigraineur group participants. Participants taking the test during their migraine attack or aura presented a tendency for smaller ranges. In addition, participants with self-reported higher severity migraine exhibited bigger ranges compared with participants with low severity migraine within the migraineur group. No relationship between ranges and medication or migraine attack frequency within the migraineur group was observed. Conclusions: Results from the study demonstrate a tendency for the migraineur group to present lower thresholds of mild discomfort compared with the nonmigraineur group, aligning with previous studies while extending the phenomenon to more frequencies than those previously examined. Though the present study presented no relationship between ranges and medication or attack frequency, further research is required to investigate a potential link between these factors.
Elasticity of Random Media

Existing rigorous theories of prediction of macroscopic elastic behavior of random media are discussed. Attention is focused on statistically homogeneous and isotropic multiphase materials and polycrystals and on fiber reinforced materials. Direct approaches for dilute suspension theory and variational approaches for arbitrary phase fractional volumes are surveyed. New results are given for elastic behavior of cubic polycrystalline mixtures and for a couple stress constant of a dilute spheres suspension.
Safety of biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis as used in clinical practice: results from the ARTIS programme

Objective Longitudinal clinical registry-infrastructures such as Anti-Rheumatic Therapies in Sweden (ARTIS) allow simultaneous comparison of the safety of individual immunomodulatory drugs used in clinical practice, with consistent definitions of treatment cohorts, follow-up and outcomes. Our objective was to assess and compare incidence rates of key safety outcomes for individual targeted synthetic or biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/ts DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), updating previous reports and including newer treatments including Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAKi). Methods Nationwide register-based cohort study including all patients with RA in Sweden registered as starting any b/tsDMARD 1 January 2010 through 31 December 2020, followed until 30 June 2021 (N=20 117). The incidence rates of selected outcomes, identified through national healthcare registers, were compared between individual b/tsDMARDs, adjusted for confounding by demographics, RA disease characteristics and comorbidity. Results There were marked differences in treatment discontinuations due to adverse events (rates per 1000 person-years ranged from 18 on rituximab to 57 on tofacitinib), but few significant differences were observed for the serious adverse events under study. Neither cardiovascular events nor general serious infections were more frequent on baricitinib or tofacitinib versus bDMARDs, but JAKi were associated with higher rates of hospital-treated herpes zoster (HR vs etanercept, 3.82 (95% CI 2.05 to 7.09) and 4.00 (1.59 to 10.06)). Low number of events limited some comparisons, in particular for sarilumab and tofacitinib. Conclusion Data from ARTIS supports that the b/tsDMARDs currently used to treat RA have acceptable and largely similar safety profiles, but differences exist in particular concerning tolerability and specific infection risks.
Development of a Cloud-Top Height Estimation Method by Geostationary Satellite Split-Window Measurements Trained with CloudSat Data

Lookuptablesforestimatingthecloud-topheightandvisibleopticalthicknessofupper-troposphericclouds by the infrared brightness temperature TB at 10.8 m m( T11) and its difference from TB at 12 m m( DT11‐12) measured by a geostationary satellite are presented. These lookup tables were constructed by regressing the cloud radar measurements by the CloudSat satellite over the infrared measurements by the Japanese geostationary multifunctional transport satellite MTSAT-1R. Standard deviations of measurements around the estimates were also displayed as an indicator of the ambiguity in the estimates. For the upper-tropospheric clouds with T11 , 240 K, the standard deviations of the height estimations were less than 1 km. The dependencesoftheestimatesofcloud-top heightateachpointinT112DT11‐12spaceonlatitude,season,satellite zenith angle, day‐night, and land‐sea differences were examined. It was shown that these dependences were considered uniform in the tropics except for the region with large satellite zenith angle. The presented lookup tables can provide hourly estimates of cloud-top height and optical thickness at a specified location and are fairly useful in comparing them with ground-based observations such as vertical profiles of humidity and/or wind.
Using canonical variate analysis to group small white bean cultivars canned in tomato sauce according to their canning quality

A laboratory-scale canning and evaluation method was employed to evaluate the canning quality of small white beans over cultivars, localities and seasons. Four small white bean cultivars, representing 15 localities from the 2001/02 season and six cultivars representing 17 localities from the 2002/03 season (n = 162 samples) were evaluated by determining the hydration coefficient, percentage washed drained weight, visual appearance, splits, size, texture, clumping and colour after canning. The data were interpreted using canonical variate analysis (CVA). Standard grade quality cultivars, PAN 185 and OPS-KW1, were used as references for the standard grade group and Teebus as the reference for choice grade. According to the CVA results, Teebus RR1, PAN 120, PAN 121 and PAN 123 corresponded with the choice grade standard canning quality of Teebus. These laboratory canning and evaluation methods in conjunction with CVA allowed cultivars to be grouped according to canning grades. The discriminative equations for CV1 and CV2, derived from the CVA, might be employed as a model in order to group the canning quality of samples to indicate similarity to a reference. After further verification this model might allow samples not included in these trials, but grown under similar conditions, to be evaluated for canning quality similarity to the choice grade reference.
BINSTAR: a new binary stellar evolution code - Tidal interactions

We provide a detailed description of a new stellar evolution code, BINSTAR, which has been developed to study interacting binaries. Based on the stellar evolution code STAREVOL, it is specifically designed to study low- and intermediate-mass binaries. We describe the state-of-the-art input physics, which includes treatments of tidal interactions, mass transfer and angular momentum exchange within the system. A generalised Henyey method is used to solve simultaneously the stellar structure equations of each component as well as the separation and eccentricity of the orbit. Test simulations for cases A and B mass transfer are presented and compared with available models. The results of the evolution of Algol systems are in remarkable agreement with the calculations of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) group, thus validating our code. We also computed a large grid of models for various masses (2 ≤ M/M� ≤ 20) and seven metallicities (Z = 0.0001, 0.001, 0.004, 0.008, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) to provide a useful analytical parameterisation of the tidal torque constant E2, which allows the determination of the circularisation and synchronisation timescales for stars with a radiative envelope and convective core. The evolution of E2 during the main sequence shows noticeable differences compared to available models. In particular, our new calculations indicate that the circularisation timescale is constant during core hydrogen burning. We also show that E2 weakly depends on core overshooting but is substantially increased when the metallicity becomes lower.
Interplay between APP and glypican-1 processing and α-synuclein aggregation in undifferentiated and differentiated human neural progenitor cells

Abstract In Parkinson’s disease, there is an accumulation of α-synuclein (SYN) aggregates in neurons, which is promoted by neuroinflammation. In neural cells, cytokine-induced SYN aggregation is modulated by heparan sulfate (HS) derived from glypican-1 (GPC1) by amyloid precursor protein (APP) and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent cleavage. We have explored possible interplay between APP, GPC1, and SYN in undifferentiated and differentiated neural progenitor cells (NPCs) by modulating APP and GPC1 processing. Effects were monitored by immunofluorescence microscopy and slot immunoblotting using antibodies recognizing APP degradation products, HS released from GPC1, and SYN aggregates (filamentous SYN [SYNfil]). Suppression of HS release from GPC1 by inhibition of β-secretase or by NO deprivation resulted in no or slight increase in SYNfil aggregation. Stimulation of HS release by ascorbate did not further increase SYNfil staining. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) induced increased APP and GPC1 processing and SYNfil formation, which was reduced when β-secretase was inhibited and when HS release was impeded by NO deprivation. Ascorbate restored APP and GPC1 processing but did not affect SYNfil formation. Ascorbate-dependent differentiation of NPC resulted in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) which colocalized with SYNfil. Suppression of APP processing by inhibition of β-secretase greatly disturbed the differentiation process. IL-6 induced coclustering of APP-degradation products, TH, HS, and SYNfil, which could be reversed by stimulation of HS release from GPC1 by excess ascorbate. We suggest that continuous release of HS from GPC1 moderates SYN aggregation and supports differentiation of NPC to dopaminergic neurons.
Androstadienone modulates human aggression in a sex-dependent manner

Abstract Chemosensory communication is ubiquitous in human social interaction. Androstadienone is a potential candidate human sex pheromone that is associated with social dominance and competition. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of androstadienone on aggression. We specifically distinguished two types of aggression, namely proactive and reactive aggression. Two hundred and six male and female participants received either androstadienone or a control carrier in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-participants design. Participants performed two aggression tasks, one on reactive aggression and the other on proactive aggression, while they were exposed to the olfactory stimuli. The results revealed that for men, smelling androstadienone reduced both reactive and proactive aggression, whereas it increased reactive aggression in women. These effects were present despite the olfactory stimuli not being explicitly discriminable. These findings provide direct evidence that androstadienone modulates human aggression in a sex-dependent manner.
Aspiring physicians program: description and characterization of the support processes for an undergraduate pathway program to medicine

ABSTRACT Latinx physician rates are lower than non-Latinx white physicians. Many pathway programs to careers in medicine have been established for underrepresented students, yet few focus on premedical college education or undergraduate pathway programs, which marks a critical junction in the commitment to and preparation for application to medical school. Moreover, little is known about the program components which prepare and support learners. Framed by Swail’s Model for Persistence and Achievement, we characterize how a given program’s components impact support and growth for participating students. Using the process step of the Context, Input, Process, and Product evaluation model, we conducted focus groups at the end of the program, with four cohorts of student participants between 2019 and 2022. Focus groups identified strengths and limitations in content and delivery to improve program effectiveness and plan for the future of a program. We used thematic analysis, following an inductive approach, to analyze data from transcribed focus groups. A total of 66 of 81 (81.5%) students participated in focus groups. Students described that supportive program components include long-term mentorship and advising that builds trust, academic preparation for medical school, early exposure to clinical career exploration, tools to articulate students’ personal narrative, methods to recognize and address challenging situations in the professional environment, community leadership development, and leveraging health policy and advocacy to empower students to create systems change within communities. Our findings affirm and provide a needed account of program components known to be contributors to student success in undergraduate pathway programs. Our evaluation also characterizes additional supportive processes not discussed elsewhere. Our findings contribute to knowledge about development and implementation of undergraduate pathway programs and the components by which these programs create opportunities for success among underrepresented students aspiring to careers in medicine.
Influence of ICU Surge and Capacity on COVID Mortality Across U.S. States and Regions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background To describe the influence of COVID-19 caseload surges and overall capacity in the intensive care unit (ICU) on mortality among US population and census divisions. Methods A retrospective analysis of the national COVID ActNow database between January 1, 2021 until March 1, 2022. The main outcome used was COVID-19 weekly mortality rates, which were calculated and incorporated into several generalized estimation of effects models with predictor variables that included ICU bed capacity, as well as ICU capacity used by COVID cases while adjusting for ratios of vaccinations in populations, case density, and percentage of the population over the age of 65. Results Each 1% increase in general ICU capacity is correlated with approximately 5 more weekly deaths from COVID-19 per 100,000 population and each percentage increase in the number of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU resulted in approximately 10 more COVID-19 deaths per week per 100,000 population. Significant differences in ability to handle caseload surges were observed across US census divisions. Conclusions A strong association was observed between COVID-19 ICU surges, overall ICU surge, and increased mortality. Further research is needed to reveal best practices and public health measures to prevent ICU overcrowding amidst future pandemics and disaster responses.
Presence of ovarian stromal aberrations after cessation of testosterone therapy in a transgender mouse model

Abstract Some transmasculine individuals may be interested in pausing gender-affirming testosterone therapy and carrying a pregnancy. The ovarian impact of taking and pausing testosterone is not completely understood. The objective of this study was to utilize a mouse model mimicking transmasculine testosterone therapy to characterize the ovarian dynamics following testosterone cessation. We injected postpubertal 9–10-week-old female C57BL/6N mice once weekly with 0.9 mg of testosterone enanthate or a vehicle control for 6 weeks. All testosterone-treated mice stopped cycling and demonstrated persistent diestrus within 1 week of starting testosterone, while control mice cycled regularly. After 6 weeks of testosterone therapy, one group of testosterone-treated mice and age-matched vehicle-treated diestrus controls were sacrificed. Another group of testosterone-treated mice were maintained after stopping testosterone therapy and were sacrificed in diestrus four cycles after the resumption of cyclicity along with age-matched vehicle-treated controls. Ovarian histological analysis revealed stromal changes with clusters of large round cells in the post testosterone group as compared to both age-matched controls and mice at 6 weeks on testosterone. These clusters exhibited periodic acid–Schiff staining, which has been previously reported in multinucleated macrophages in aging mouse ovaries. Notably, many of these cells also demonstrated positive staining for macrophage markers CD68 and CD11b. Ovarian ribonucleic acid-sequencing found upregulation of immune pathways post testosterone as compared to age-matched controls and ovaries at 6 weeks on testosterone. Although functional significance remains unknown, further attention to the ovarian stroma may be relevant for transmasculine people interested in pausing testosterone to carry a pregnancy. Summary Sentence After testosterone is paused for reproductive purposes in a transgender mouse model, estrous cyclicity resumes, but ovaries demonstrate stromal aberrations and an upregulated inflammatory reaction. Graphical Abstract
Reaction intensification for biocatalytic production of polyphenolic natural product di‐C‐β‐glucosides

Polyphenolic aglycones featuring two sugars individually attached via C‐glycosidic linkage (di‐C‐glycosides) represent a rare class of plant natural products with unique physicochemical properties and biological activities. Natural scarcity of such di‐C‐glycosides limits their use‐inspired exploration as pharmaceutical ingredients. Here, we show a biocatalytic process technology for reaction‐intensified production of the di‐C‐β‐glucosides of two representative phenol substrates, phloretin (a natural flavonoid) and phenyl‐trihydroxyacetophenone (a phenolic synthon for synthesis), from sucrose. The synthesis proceeds via an iterative two‐fold C‐glycosylation of the respective aglycone, supplied as inclusion complex with 2‐hydroxypropyl β‐cyclodextrin for enhanced water solubility of up to 50 mmol/L, catalyzed by a kumquat di‐C‐glycosyltransferase (di‐CGT), and it uses UDP‐Glc provided in situ from sucrose by a soybean sucrose synthase, with catalytic amounts (≤3 mol%) of UDP added. Time course analysis reveals the second C‐glycosylation as rate‐limiting (0.4–0.5 mmol/L/min) for the di‐C‐glucoside production. With internal supply from sucrose keeping the UDP‐Glc at a constant steady‐state concentration (≥50% of the UDP added) during the reaction, the di‐C‐glycosylation is driven to completion (≥95% yield). Contrary to the mono‐C‐glucoside intermediate which is stable, the di‐C‐glucoside requires the addition of reducing agent (10 mmol/L 2‐mercaptoethanol) to prevent its decomposition during the synthesis. Both di‐C‐glucosides are isolated from the reaction mixtures in excellent purity (≥95%), and their expected structures are confirmed by NMR. Collectively, this study demonstrates efficient glycosyltransferase cascade reaction for flexible use in natural product di‐C‐β‐glucoside synthesis from expedient substrates.