Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease Associated With Hemodialysis for End-Stage Renal Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiac insufficiency often co-exist, particularly in uremic patients on hemodialysis (HD). The occurrence of abnormal renal function in patients with cardiac insufficiency is often indicative of a poor prognosis. It has long been established that in patients with cardiac insufficiency, poorer renal function tends to indicate poorer cardiac mechanics, including left atrial reserve strain, left ventricular longitudinal strain, and right ventricular free wall strain (Unger et al., Eur J Heart Fail, 2016, 18(1), 103–12). Similarly, patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly uremic patients on HD, often have cardiovascular complications in addition to abnormal endothelial function with volume overload, persistent inflammatory states, calcium overload, and imbalances in redox responses. Cardiac insufficiency due to uremia is therefore mainly due to multifaceted non-specific pathological changes rather than pure renal insufficiency. Several studies have shown that the risk of adverse cardiovascular events is greatly increased and persistent in all patients treated with HD, especially in those who have just started HD treatment. Inflammation, as an important intersection between CKD and cardiovascular disease, is involved in the development of cardiovascular complications in patients with CKD and is indicative of prognosis (Chan et al., Eur Heart J, 2021, 42(13), 1244–1253). Therefore, only by understanding the mechanisms underlying the sequential development of inflammation in CKD patients and breaking the vicious circle between inflammation-mediated renal and cardiac insufficiency is it possible to improve the prognosis of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This review highlights the mechanisms of inflammation and the oxidative stress that co-exists with inflammation in uremic patients on dialysis, as well as the mechanisms of cardiovascular complications in the inflammatory state, and provides clinical recommendations for the anti-inflammatory treatment of cardiovascular complications in such patients.
Qingda Granule Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Renal Apoptosis and Activation of the p53 Pathway

Background: Qingda granules (QDG) exhibit antihypertension and multiple-target-organ protection. However, the therapeutic potential of QDG on hypertensive renal injury remains unknown. Therefore, the main objective of the current study is to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of QDG treatment on renal injury in angiotensin (Ang) II-infused mice. Methods and results: Mice were infused with Ang II (500 ng/kg/min) or saline for 4 weeks with subcutaneously implanted osmotic pumps. After infusion, mice in the Ang II + QDG group were intragastrically administrated with QDG daily (1.145 g/kg/day), whereas the control group and Ang II group were intragastrically administrated with the same amount of double-distilled water. Blood pressure of the mice monitored using the CODA™ noninvasive blood pressure system revealed that QDG treatment significantly attenuated elevated blood pressure. Moreover, hematoxylin–eosin staining indicated that QDG treatment ameliorated Ang II-induced renal morphological changes, including glomerular sclerosis and atrophy, epithelial cell atrophy, and tubular dilatation. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) identified 662 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) in renal tissues of Ang II-infused mice, which were reversed after QDG treatment. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis based on DETs in both comparisons of Ang II vs. Control and Ang II + QDG vs. Ang II identified multiple enriched pathways, including apoptosis and p53 pathways. Consistently, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining and Annexin V staining revealed that QDG treatment significantly attenuated Ang II-induced cell apoptosis in renal tissues and cultured renal tubular epithelial cell lines (NRK-52E). Furthermore, western blot analysis indicated that Ang II infusion significantly upregulated the protein expression of p53, BCL2-associated X (BAX), cle-caspase-9, and cle-caspase-3, while downregulating the protein expression of BCL-2 in renal tissues, which were attenuated after QDG treatment. Conclusion: Collectively, QDG treatment significantly attenuated hypertensive renal injury, partially by attenuating renal apoptosis and suppressing p53 pathways, which might be the underlying mechanisms.
Social Emotional Learning Competencies in Belize Children: Psychometric Validation Through Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling

In the nation of Belize, and in particular the south side of Belize City, the main metropolitan area of the nation, significant economic disparities have led to child and adolescent exposure to high rates of violent crime, gang activity, unsafe neighborhoods, sexual, and physical violence. Problems associated with poor Social-Emotional Character Development are especially prevalent among boys. Consequently, valid culture-relevant measures are required that identify problematic behavior for policy-based intervention and evaluation of educational programs designed to ameliorate this problem. The present study demonstrates the application of Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling to existing measures through the investigation of structural validity and generalizability of the Social-Emotional and Character Development Scale with a large sample of children from schools in Belize (N = 1,877, Ages 10–13). Exploratory structural equation modeling results demonstrate the original factor correlations were reduced, providing less biased estimates than confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Moreover, a multi-group Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling analysis illuminates significant differences between latent factor scores of males and females for most factors. Using this newer factor analytic procedure, original factors are reconceptualized to better situate the Social Emotional Character Development Scales into the larger body of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies literature.
Research Progress of Biodegradable Polymers in Repairing Achilles Tendon Injury

Achilles tendon injury has become a common sports injury clinically, and its treatment and rehabilitation are essential, while the regenerative capacity of the Achilles tendon in adult mammals is limited. Therefore, it is necessary to promote the repair and remodelling of the Achilles tendon through efficient interventions. Biodegradable polymer materials are one of the most popular in the treatment and repair of soft tissues, ligaments, muscles, and organs injured by organisms to enhance the function of their wounded sites. Thus, it plays a specific role in “compensation” and is widely used in clinical medicine and rehabilitation. This review summarized the progress of poly (ε-caprolactone), polylactic acid, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid), poly (trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC), and polydioxanone (PDS) in repairing Achilles tendon injury, indicating that the biodegradable polymers have succeeded in improving and treating Achilles tendon injuries. However, some problems such as lack of good affinity with cells and uncontrollable degradation of the biodegradable polymers should be overcome in repairing Achilles tendon injury. Therefore, the development of modified biodegradable polymers to make them an ideal repair material that meets the requirements is vital in improving Achilles tendon injuries. With the continuous development and close cooperation of life sciences and material sciences, excellent materials for repairing Achilles tendon injuries will undoubtedly be produced. The treatment of Achilles tendon injuries will be more straightforward, which will be a boon for many athletes.
Does Instructional Quality Impact Male and Female University Students Differently? Focusing on Academic Stress, Academic Satisfaction, and Mental Health Impairment

Gender differences in university students’ well-being and mental health are prominent concerns in higher education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, male and female students have reported specific stressors that have impacted their well-being and mental health, including difficulty concentrating, concerns about academic performance, and classroom workload. All of these stressors could be mitigated by instructional quality in courses. This study sought to better understand the associations between instructional quality and mental health impairment, i.e., poor mental health and high psychological distress, among male and female undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked whether perceived instructional quality has a protective effect on students’ mental health with regard to academic stress and academic satisfaction across genders. We used longitudinal data from an ethnically diverse sample of 209 students (68% females, 82% freshmen, 50% Asian, 32% Hispanic, 13% White, 5% other) from a public university in Southern California, United States. Data were assessed during the winter and spring quarters of the academic year 2019–2020, i.e., before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Associations between instructional quality and students’ mental health impairment did not differ across genders. The findings indicated that perceived instructional quality at the beginning of the spring quarter 2020 was indirectly related to male and female students’ mental health impairment at the end of this quarter. This association was mediated by academic satisfaction. This finding points to a protective effect of instructional quality on students’ mental health. However, no effect was found concerning changes to mental health. Gender differences occurred in the link between academic stress and mental health impairment. Academic stress was a stronger predictor of mental health impairment for female students compared to male students. Furthermore, for female students alone, academic stress predicted changes in mental health impairment. We discuss practical implications for higher education. First, our study highlighted that instructional quality in higher education courses might lead to academic satisfaction and thereby help protect university students’ mental health. Second, higher education might consider providing additional support for (female) students to improve their stress management. We argue that improving and enhancing the academic environment are more important than reducing the burden of stressors.
Treatment of Pregnant Women With Fear of Childbirth Using EMDR Therapy: Results of a Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial

Fear of childbirth (FoC) occurs in 7. 5% of pregnant women and has been associated with adverse feto-maternal outcomes. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has proven to be effective in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety; however, its effectiveness regarding FoC has not yet been established. The aim was to determine the safety and effectiveness of EMDR therapy for pregnant women with FoC. This single-blind RCT (the OptiMUM-study, www.trialregister.nl, NTR5122) was conducted in the Netherlands. FoC was defined as a score ≥85 on the Wijma Delivery Expectations Questionnaire (WDEQ-A). Pregnant women with FoC and a gestational age between 8 and 20 weeks were randomly assigned to EMDR therapy or care-as-usual (CAU). The severity of FoC was assessed using the WDEQ-A. Safety was indexed as worsening of FoC symptoms, dropout, serious adverse events, or increased suicide risk. We used linear mixed model analyses to compare groups. A total of 141 women were randomized (EMDR n = 70; CAU n = 71). No differences between groups were found regarding safety. Both groups showed a very large (EMDR d = 1.36) or large (CAU d = 0.89) reduction of FoC symptoms with a mean decrease of 25.6 (EMDR) and 17.4 (CAU) points in WDEQ-A sum score. No significant difference between both groups was found (p = 0.83). At posttreatment, 72.4% (EMDR) vs. 59.6% (CAU) no longer met the criteria for FoC. In conclusion, the results are supportive of EMDR therapy as a safe and effective treatment of FoC during pregnancy, albeit without significant beneficial effects of EMDR therapy over and above those of CAU. Therefore, the current study results do not justify implementation of EMDR therapy as an additional treatment in this particular setting.
Importance of Duration, Duty-Cycling and Thresholds for the Implementation of Ultraviolet C in Marine Biofouling Control

The introduction of a surface into the marine environment begins a process known as biofouling, which increases the weight and hydrodynamic drag of the fouled structure. This process is detrimental to maritime vessels and costs the industry ∼$150B in fuel and maintenance spending annually. Preventing the settlement of fouling organisms mitigates these issues and limits the spread of non-indigenous species (NIS). This is primarily achieved via antifouling paints. Ultraviolet light is a sterilization method used in water purification, food storage packaging, and within medical fields. Ultraviolet C (UV-C) radiation interacts with DNA to prevent growth, proliferation, and survival of bacteria, and biofilm formation. Recent progress in microelectronics technology has advanced the range of commercially available light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to include the UV wavelengths, and the reduced size and cost has allowed their integration into previously inaccessible locales. This study builds on recent progress in integrating UV-C LEDs into UV-lucent silicone tiles for fouling control. The operational cycle needed to prevent growth of Navicula incerta cells was determined. Constant irradiance at a peak of 5.77 μW/cm2 resulted in a significant reduction in diatoms within 2 h, and a 2 log and 3 log reduction after 48 h and 5 days, respectively. Duty cycling (pulsing) in all variations from 50 to 2.5%, indicated significant reductions in cell densities, and the lowest cycle could effectively reduce biofouling growth and increase the longevity of the LEDs for up to 45.6 years. Irradiance and exposure were altered over a set duration and indicated a restriction in growth between 0.01–0.82 J/cm2 and an increased mortality at irradiances > 2.65 J/cm2, suggesting an effective antifouling threshold between these dosages. The effective dosage for 1 log reduction in fouling was estimated to be 25 J/cm2 but varied according to irradiance delivery method. Effective dosage for a 1 log reduction between experimental methods was variable indicating that UV treatment of N. incerta departed from the Bunsen-Roscoe reciprocity law expectancy. The variation in densities at similar dosages could be explained with further investigation of DNA repair mechanisms. In conclusion, UV-B/C use was effective at all irradiances, including as low as 0.01 J/cm2, and holds considerable promise for marine biofouling control.
Leg Length Discrepancy and Nonspecific Low Back Pain: 3-D Stereophotogrammetric Quantitative Posture Evaluation Confirms Positive Effects of Customized Heel-Lift Orthotics

Background: The literature reports evidence of leg length discrepancy (LLD) associated with musculoskeletal disorders, alterations in spinopelvic alignment, and body posture, leading to low back pain and lumbar scoliosis. The most common conservative treatment for LLD is the use of internal or external shoe lifts although no treatment guidelines have been established. Aim: The study aimed to contribute to low back pain–LLD relationship comprehension, highlighting the benefits of LLD correction in the nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) population. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study recruited a cohort of 80 NSLBP patients (48 females, 32 males) with LLD, age (μ = 35 ± 17.2). Entire body posture, including 3-D spine shape reconstruction, was measured using a nonionizing 3-D optoelectronic stereophotogrammetric approach. After the first 3-D posture evaluation, patients were provided with customized orthotics, including 100% LLD heel lift correction. No other therapeutic interventions were considered. Pain level was assessed using the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS). The gender, age-related, and time-dependent effects of LLD equalization treatment in NSLBP patients was investigated during 2 years of follow-up. The statistical analysis was performed at the global level using multivariate methods by Hotelling T 2 tests and intrasubject-level using t-test. Results and Discussion: An initial average NPRS = 7.8 was determined. In the medium-term follow-up group (4 months), the NPRS dramatically decreased (NPRS = 1.1). The pain disappeared in the long-term (2 years) follow-up group (NPRS = 0). The study results highlight that LLD equalization treatment led to clear statistically significant improvements in all the postural parameters of the frontal plane, including the underfoot load asymmetry. No worsening has been detected. An adaptation period long enough is needed to obtain progressive pain relief improvements and structural posture changes. Younger NSLBP patients showed slightly better improvements than older ones. Minimal differences between healthy young adults’ and NSLBP patients’ postures were found either in natural erect standing posture or when LLD equalization is applied. Conclusion: Heel-lift customized orthotics with 100% LLD correction are an effective short- and long-term treatment in patients with nonspecific LBP, inducing pain symptom recession and stimulating the improvement of postural parameters without contraindications.
Helicobacter Pylori and Autoimmune Diseases: Involving Multiple Systems

The modern Gastroenterology have witnessed an essential stride since Helicobacter pylori was first found in the stomach and then its pathogenic effect was discovered. According to the researches conducted during the nearly 40 years, it has been found that this bacterium is associated with a natural history of many upper gastrointestinal diseases. Epidemiological data show an increased incidence of autoimmune disorders with or after infection with specific microorganisms. The researches have revealed that H. pylori is a potential trigger of gastric autoimmunity, and it may be associated with other autoimmune diseases, both innate and acquired. This paper reviews the current support or opposition about H. pylori as the role of potential triggers of autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune liver diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as Sjogren’s syndrome, chronic urticaria and psoriasis, and tried to explain the possible mechanisms.
Alteration of Porcine Intestinal Microbiota in Response to Dietary Manno-Oligosaccharide Supplementation

Manno-oligosaccharide (MOS) is a prebiotic derived from natural plants or yeasts. Here, we explored the response of intestinal microbiota and epithelial functions after ingestion of MOS in a porcine model. Sixteen pigs were randomly assigned into two treatments and fed with basal or MOS-containing (0.3% MOS) diet for 21 days. Results showed that MOS supplementation increased the cecal acetate content and ileal 16S rRNA gene copies (p < 0.05). Importantly, MOS decreased the abundance of phylum Proteobacteria in cecal digesta (p < 0.05). Moreover, MOS elevated the expression level of SCL5A8 and GPR109A but decreased the expression levels of HDAC1 and TNF-α in the ileal and cecal mucosa (p < 0.05). MOS upregulated the expression levels of tight-junction protein (ZO-1, claudin-1, and occludin) and IGF-1 in the ileum and cecum (p < 0.05). This study presents the alteration of intestinal microbiota composition and intestinal barrier function after MOS administration, and facilitates our understanding of the mechanisms behind the dietary MOS-modulated intestinal microbiota and health.
MicroRNA-5112 Targets IKKγ to Dampen the Inflammatory Response and Improve Clinical Symptoms in Both Bacterial Infection and DSS-Induced Colitis

Inflammation is a double-edged sword that can be induced by various PAMPs, resulting in the control of infection by invading pathogens or injuries. The inflammatory response requires strict and precise control and regulation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression via translational inhibition or mRNA degradation. However, the role of miRNAs in inflammation induced by flagellin (ligand of TLR5) has yet to be fully determined. In this study, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs in murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) between flagellin treatment and medium alone using miRNA microarray. We found that flagellin stimulation downregulated miR-5112 expression in BMDCs and spleen DCs in vitro and in vivo. The overexpression of miR-5112 decreased inflammatory cytokine production, accompanied by a reduction of IKKγ in flagellin-stimulated BMDCs. We demonstrated that miR-5112 could directly target IKKγ to inhibit inflammatory cytokine production. Furthermore, miR-5112 inhibited the inflammatory response induced by flagellin or Salmonella infection in vivo. Interestingly, miR-5112 could also dampen the inflammatory response and alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice. These results suggest that miR-5112 could be a novel therapeutic target for both bacterial infection and DSS-induced colitis model.
Exploring the Metabolic Landscape of AML: From Haematopoietic Stem Cells to Myeloblasts and Leukaemic Stem Cells

Despite intensive chemotherapy regimens, up to 60% of adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) will relapse and eventually succumb to their disease. Recent studies suggest that leukaemic stem cells (LSCs) drive AML relapse by residing in the bone marrow niche and adapting their metabolic profile. Metabolic adaptation and LSC plasticity are novel hallmarks of leukemogenesis that provide important biological processes required for tumour initiation, progression and therapeutic responses. These findings highlight the importance of targeting metabolic pathways in leukaemia biology which might serve as the Achilles’ heel for the treatment of AML relapse. In this review, we highlight the metabolic differences between normal haematopoietic cells, bulk AML cells and LSCs. Specifically, we focus on four major metabolic pathways dysregulated in AML; (i) glycolysis; (ii) mitochondrial metabolism; (iii) amino acid metabolism; and (iv) lipid metabolism. We then outline established and emerging drug interventions that exploit metabolic dependencies of leukaemic cells in the treatment of AML. The metabolic signature of AML cells alters during different biological conditions such as chemotherapy and quiescence. Therefore, targeting the metabolic vulnerabilities of these cells might selectively eradicate them and improve the overall survival of patients with AML.