Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in IL-10's anti-inflammatory function: Greater STAT3 activation and stronger inhibition of TNF-α production in male blood leukocytes ex vivo.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production in blood leukocytes - an effect mediated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation. To examine potential sex-based differences in IL-10's anti-inflammatory function, we treated whole blood from healthy males and females (n=16 each; age: 28±6 years; body mass index: 23.5±2.3 kg/m2) with increasing concentrations of IL-10 (1-100 ng/mL) and quantified changes in phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) in CD14+ monocytes and CD4+ lymphocytes via flow cytometry. In parallel, liposaccharide (LPS)-stimulated whole-blood cultures were used to assess sex-based differences in IL-10's ability to inhibit tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α production. IL-10 concentration-dependently increased pSTAT3 mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) in CD14+ and CD4+ cells (main effects of concentration, P<0.01) with males exhibiting larger changes in pSTAT3 MFI in both cell types (main effects of sex, P<0.01). Accordingly, IL-10-mediated inhibition of TNF-α production was more pronounced in males (main effect of sex, P<0.01) with changes in other monocyte-derived cytokines (IL-1b, IL-1RA, IL-15) also supporting a sexual dimorphism in IL-10 action (P<0.05). These sex-based differences were not explained by differences in circulating plasma IL-10 concentrations, basal IL-10 receptor expression in unstimulated CD14+ and CD4+ cells, nor the basal expression of IL-10 signaling proteins (STAT3, SHIP1, p38 MAPK) in unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We conclude that IL-10's anti-inflammatory function differs between male and female blood leukocytes ex vivo. This sexual dimorphism should be considered in future work investigating IL-10's anti-inflammatory action in humans as it may represent a mechanism contributing to sex differences in overall immune function.
Asymmetry in cerebral perfusion from circle of Willis arterial variations in normal population

Background Angiographic and cadaveric studies have evidenced variations in the circle of Willis (CoW). Age-related changes in cerebral hemodynamics may be attributable to vascular variations. Objectives The objective is to assess interdependence of completeness of CoW with age using non-invasive MRA and cerebral perfusion using arterial spin labeling (ASL). Methods This single-center, prospective study segregated 189 subjects into three groups: ≤5, 5 to 18, and >18 years. Angiographic (complete CoW and vascular asymmetry index) using TOF and contrast-enhanced- (CE-) MRA, and perfusion (perfusion asymmetry index) data using ASL were obtained. Results One hundred and six (56.08%) subjects showed complete CoW on TOF and 100 (52.91%) on CE-MRA. Anterior and posterior collateral pathways were more prevalent in the younger population. Completeness of CoW decreased with increasing age, group 1 (54/60, 90% TOF; 51/60, 85% CE), group 2 (39/64, 60% TOF; 37/64, 56.92% CE), and group 3 (13/65, 20.31% TOF; 12/65, 18.75% CE); p-value < . 0001. A statistically significant decrease in cerebral and cerebellar perfusion with increasing age was seen. Cerebellar to frontal perfusion change was higher in group 1. Fetal posterior cerebral artery (PCA) led to ipsilateral low and contralateral hyperperfusion flow asymmetries between occipital lobes. Conclusions This study shows that a complete CoW is commoner in pediatrics than adults and with increasing age, the completeness of CoW decreases paralleled by decrease in cerebral and cerebellar perfusion. There is age-related shift of perfusion from hindbrain to forebrain and the regression of PCoA occurs with increasing age leading to alterations in cerebral perfusion and hemodynamics.
Security motives and negative affective experiences during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Objective Self-regulation can help individuals cope during stressful events, but little is known about why and when this might occur. We examined if being more focused on prevention was linked to negative affective experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also examined possible underlying mechanisms for this association, and whether social support buffered it. Design Pre-registered longitudinal study, with surveys every 2 weeks over one month (N = 1269). Main outcome measures Regulatory focus and worry for health (T1), adherence to self-isolation and preventive health behaviours (T2), negative affective experiences, positive affect, frequency of online interactions, and perceived social support (T3). Results Prevention focus was associated with health worries at baseline and linked to greater adherence to preventive health behaviours (T2). Only adherence to self-isolation was linked to more negative affective experiences (T3). Exploratory analyses showed that prevention focus was linked to more negative affective experiences (T3), but only for participants with fewer online interactions with their family and less perceived social support from family and friends. Conclusions Prevention motives in threatening times can be a double-edged sword, with benefits for health behaviours and consequences for negative affective experiences. Having a strong social network during these times can alleviate these consequences.
Are individuals with disabilities using wearable devices? A secondary data analysis of 2017 BRFSS

Abstract Purpose The study aims to investigate the prevalence of individuals with disabilities who reported using wearable devices, to examine the association between wearable device usage and disability status, and to determine the characteristic of individuals with disabilities associated with wearable device usage using the 2017 Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) through secondary data analysis. Materials and methods Data from the 2017 BRFSS of eight states were used in the analysis. Descriptive analysis, chi-square analysis, and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. Subsample analyses were also conducted for individuals with disabilities and different types of disability, including visual impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive disability, independent living disability, self-care disability, and mobility disability on wearable device usage. Results 14.6% (95% CI [11.7, 17.5]) of participants with disabilities were wearable device users. Individuals with disabilities were . 63 (95% CI [.48, .83], p < 0.001) and . 67 (95% CI [.50, .90], p = 0.007) times the odds of individuals without disabilities in using wearable devices, respectively, according to unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression. Individuals with mobility disability were less likely to utilise wearable devices than their counterparts. Among individuals with disabilities, those who were age 65 years or older had a lower odds of using wearable devices (OR = .55, 95% CI [0.35, 0.85), p = 0.007). Conclusion Individuals with disabilities are using wearable devices in collecting various health-related information. Further research is needed to determine reasons why individuals with disabilities are not using wearable devices and how individuals with disabilities are using wearable devices. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Wearable devices can track various health-related information such as physical activity levels, sleep patterns, calories intakes, and chronic health conditions. Using nationally represent data, individuals with disabilities have access and utilise wearable devices in free living setting. Compare to individuals without disabilities, individuals with disabilities are less likely to utilise wearable devices in free living setting. Further research is needed to determine the accessibility of wearable devices for individuals with disabilities and its usage in rehabilitation setting.
Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction for Anteromedial Instability of the Knee: A Biomechanical Study In Vitro

Background: Although a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury is associated with anteromedial rotatory instability (AMRI) and often with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, there has been little work to develop anteromedial (AM) reconstruction to address this laxity. Purpose: To measure the ability of a novel “anatomic” AM reconstruction technique to restore native knee laxity for isolated AM insufficiency and combined AM plus posteromedial insufficiency. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 12 cadaveric knees were mounted in a kinematic testing rig that allowed the tibia to be loaded while the knee flexed-extended 0° to 100° with 88-N anteroposterior translation, 5-N·m internal rotation–external rotation (ER), 8-N·m valgus, and combined anterior translation plus ER to simulate AMRI. Joint motion was measured using optical trackers with the knee intact, after superficial MCL (sMCL) and deep MCL (dMCL) transection, and after AM reconstruction of the sMCL and dMCL with semitendinosus autografts. The posteromedial capsule (PMC)/posterior oblique ligament (POL) was then transected to induce a grade 3 medial injury, and kinematic measurements were repeated afterward and again after removing the grafts. Laxity changes were examined using repeated-measures analysis of variance and post-testing. Results: sMCL and dMCL deficiency increased valgus, ER, and AMRI laxities. These laxities did not differ from native values after AM reconstruction. Additional PMC/POL deficiency did not increase these laxities significantly but did increase internal rotation laxity near knee extension; this was not controlled by AM reconstruction. Conclusion: AM reconstruction eliminated AMRI after transection of the dMCL and sMCL, and also eliminated AMRI after additional PMC/POL transection. Clinical Relevance: Many MCL injuries occur in combination with ACL injuries, causing AMRI. These injuries may rupture the AM capsule and dMCL. Unaddressed MCL deficiency leads to an increased ACL reconstruction failure rate. A dMCL construct oriented anterodistally across the medial joint line, along with an sMCL graft, can restore native knee ER laxity. PMC/POL lesions did not contribute to AMRI.
Research into the characteristics of horizontal gaseous jets underwater

The gaseous jet of the solid rocket motor running under water is influenced by both gravity and buoyancy, which will have a significant influence on the flow field structure and thrust of the motor, especially in the initial period when vehicles are launching horizontally. The work in this paper consists of three parts: firstly, to understand the mechanism of the thrust oscillation characteristics and the jet structure of a solid rocket motor running under water, as affected by gravity and buoyancy, a 3-d numerical simulation using the volume of fluid (VOF) model was established. Compared with those results neglecting gravity and buoyancy, conclusions were obtained that the jet structure, considering gravity and buoyancy, are more consistent with the experimental results. Secondly, the principle of momentum was used to analyze the flow field structure and the thrust oscillating characteristics in the initial period of operation. Finally, after analyzing the density gradient along the axis of the motor, results indicated that the length of jets under the influence of gravity and buoyancy varies linearly and the slope of the line is related to the working conditions. Comparing the trajectories under different conditions, a common theme emerged. The laws of thermodynamics are also used to simulate the jets as gas-water-vapor, three-phase, systems. The effect of phase transitions on the structure of jets and the characteristics of their thrust form the key conclusions.
The moderating role of trait and state mindfulness between daily sleep and physical pain symptoms: an ecological momentary assessment and actigraphy study

Abstract Objective: Poorer sleep quality and insufficient sleep increase the risk of physical pain. The current study examined the daily associations between sleep and physical pain symptoms and tested the moderating role of trait and state mindfulness in this relationship. Methods: Sixty hospital nurses (Mage=35.4 ± 11.8 years) completed 14-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and sleep actigraphy. EMA measured physical pain frequency and interference (1×/day) and state mindfulness (3×/day). Multilevel modelling was used to examine the associations at the between-person and within-person levels. Results: After nights with poorer sleep quality, lower sleep sufficiency, and more insomnia symptoms, the frequency of physical pain symptoms and pain interference were greater than usual. Overall, those with poorer sleep quality, lower sleep sufficiency, and more insomnia symptoms reported more physical pain symptoms and greater pain interference. Higher state mindfulness buffered the negative within-person association between sleep efficiency and physical pain frequency. There was evidence that the joint moderating effects of trait and state mindfulness yielded more protective benefits in the relationship between sleep quality and physical pain than trait or state mindfulness alone. Conclusion: Even without mindfulness training, one’s mindfulness may be protective against the adverse effects of poor sleep quality on physical pain.
The making of suberin

Summary Outer protective barriers of animals use a variety of bio‐polymers, based on either proteins (e.g. collagens), or modified sugars (e.g. chitin). Plants, however, have come up with a particular solution, based on the polymerisation of lipid‐like precursors, giving rise to cutin and suberin. Suberin is a structural lipophilic polyester of fatty acids, glycerol and some aromatics found in cell walls of phellem, endodermis, exodermis, wound tissues, abscission zones, bundle sheath and other tissues. It deposits as a hydrophobic layer between the (ligno)cellulosic primary cell wall and plasma membrane. Suberin is highly protective against biotic and abiotic stresses, shows great developmental plasticity and its chemically recalcitrant nature might assist the sequestration of atmospheric carbon by plants. The aim of this review is to integrate the rapidly accelerating genetic and cell biological discoveries of recent years with the important chemical and structural contributions obtained from very diverse organisms and tissue layers. We critically discuss the order and localisation of the enzymatic machinery synthesising the presumed substrates for export and apoplastic polymerisation. We attempt to explain observed suberin linkages by diverse enzyme activities and discuss the spatiotemporal relationship of suberin with lignin and ferulates, necessary to produce a functional suberised cell wall.
Empiric radioiodine for hyperthyroidism: Outcomes, prescribing patterns, and its place in the modern era of theranostics

The modern era of radioiodine (I‐131) theranostics for metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer requires us to rationalize the role of traditional empiric prescription in nonmalignant thyroid disease. We currently practice empiric I‐131 prescription for treatment of hyperthyroidism. This study aims to assess outcomes after treatment of hyperthyroidism by empiric I‐131 prescription at our centre, evaluate factors that impact on outcomes and prescribing practice, and gain insight into whether there is a place for theranostically‐guided prescription in hyperthyroidism.
Identifying Taxonomic Units in Metagenomic DNA Streams on Mobile Devices

With the emergence of portable DNA sequencers, such as Oxford Nanopore Technology MinION, metagenomic DNA sequencing can be performed in real-time and directly in the field. However, because metagenomic DNA analysis tasks, e.g., classification, taxonomic units assignment, etc., are compute and memory intensive, and the available methods are designed for batch processing, the current metagenomic tools are not well suited for mobile devices. In this work, we propose a new memory-efficient approach to identify Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) in metagenomic DNA streams on mobile devices. Our method is based on finding connected components in overlap graphs constructed over a real-time stream of long DNA reads as produced by the MinION platform. We propose an efficient algorithm to maintain connected components when an overlap graph is streamed and show how redundant information can be removed from the stream by transitive closures. We also propose how our algorithms can be integrated into a larger DNA analysis pipeline tailored for mobile computing. Through experiments on simulated and real-world metagenomic data, executed on the actual mobile device, we demonstrate that our resulting solution is able to recover OTUs with high precision. Our experiments also demonstrate the compounding benefits of introducing feedback loops in the DNA analysis pipeline.
Intracerebral hemorrhage and thrombin-induced alterations in cerebral microvessel matrix

Four phase III clinical trials of oral direct factor Xa or thrombin inhibitors demonstrated significantly lower intracranial hemorrhage compared to warfarin in patients with nonvalvular-atrial fibrillation. This is counter-intuitive to the principle that inhibiting thrombosis should increase hemorrhagic risk. We tested the novel hypothesis that anti-thrombin activity decreases the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage by directly inhibiting thrombin-mediated degradation of cerebral microvessel basal lamina matrix, responsible for preventing hemorrhage. Collagen IV, laminin, and perlecan each contain one or more copies of the unique α-thrombin cleavage site consensus sequence. In blinded controlled experiments, α-thrombin significantly degraded each matrix protein in vitro and in vivo in a concentration-dependent fashion. In vivo stereotaxic injection of α-thrombin significantly increased permeability, local IgG extravasation, and hemoglobin (Hgb) deposition together with microvessel matrix degradation in a mouse model. In all formats the direct anti-thrombin dabigatran completely inhibited matrix degradation by α-thrombin. Fourteen-day oral exposure to dabigatran etexilate-containing chow completely inhibited matrix degradation, the permeability to large molecules, and cerebral hemorrhage associated with α-thrombin. These experiments demonstrate that thrombin can degrade microvessel matrix, leading to hemorrhage, and that inhibition of microvessel matrix degradation by α-thrombin decreases cerebral hemorrhage. Implications for focal ischemia and other conditions are discussed.
Effects of Seismic and Progressive Collapse Designs on the Vulnerability of RC Frame Structures

AbstractBuildings are exposed to multiple natural hazards over their service lives. Multihazard analysis and design of building structures has become a research hotspot worldwide. For these structures, earthquake and progressive collapse are two of the most commonly encountered hazards. However, little research has been conducted to examine the effects of the seismic and progressive collapse designs on the resistance of buildings against multiple hazards. In this study, a series of six-story reinforced concrete (RC) frames are considered, and their seismic and progressive collapse designs are performed independently according to the corresponding design codes. Fragility curves are used to assess the seismic and progressive collapse resistance. The interactions between the two designs are discussed by analyzing the fragility curves and the collapse modes. Results show that the progressive collapse design of the RC frame may lead to an undesirable failure mode (i.e., strong-beam-weak-column) under earthquak.
The arteries of the musculoskeletal system of siamangs, and a comparison with other hylobatids, greater apes, and humans

Limited research on the gross anatomy of the blood vessels has been conducted on hylobatids, or lesser apes, so far. Here, we present a detailed study of the arteries of siamangs (Symphalangus) and compare our findings with data compiled from our previous studies as well as from the literature about other hylobatids, greater apes, and humans. In particular, a three‐dimensional full‐body computed tomography data set of a siamang neonate was analyzed in detail for this study, with notable findings in the head and neck, thorax, upper limb, abdomen and pelvis, and lower limb. Of the 62 arteries that we studied in detail, a total of 20 arteries that have never been described in detail in hylobatids are reported in this study. Key similarities to other apes differing from humans include the existence of a humeral common circumflex trunk and the origination of the dorsalis pedis from the posterior tibial artery or saphenous artery instead of the anterior tibial artery. Similarities to humans differing from other apes include the separation of the lingual and facial arteries and the origination of the profunda brachii from the brachial artery instead of the axillary artery. Our research and broader comparisons, therefore, contribute to knowledge about the soft tissues of hylobatids, other apes, and primates in general and facilitate a better understanding of the anatomical evolution and key differences and similarities among these taxa.
Safety and efficacy of Sinopharm vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) in elderly population of Faisalabad district of Pakistan

Introduction The first case of novel SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) in Pakistan was detected on 26 February 2020. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies have been tried to lessen the mortality and morbidity burden. Various vaccines have been approved. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan gave emergency approval for Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV) COVID-19 vaccine in December 2021. The phase 3 trial of BBIBP-CorV included only 612 participants aged 60 years and above. The primary aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of BBIBPP-CorV (Sinopharm) vaccine within the Pakistani adult population aged 60 or above. The study was carried out in the Faisalabad district of Pakistan. Methods A test negative case–control study design was used to assess safety and efficacy of BBIBP-CorV in individuals aged 60 and above against symptomatic infection, hospitalisations and mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 among vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. ORs were calculated using logistic regression model at 95% CI. ORs were used to calculate the vaccine efficacy (VE) by using the following formula. VE= (1-OR) ×100. Results 3426 individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 were PCR tested between 5 May 2021 and 31 July 2021. The results showed that Sinopharm vaccine 14 days after the second dose was efficient in reducing the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 infection, hospitalisations and mortality by 94.3%, 60.5% and 98.6%, respectively, among vaccinated individuals with a significant p value of 0.001. Conclusion Our study showed that BBIBP-CorV vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection, hospitalisations and mortality due to COVID-19.