Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generalizing findings from a randomized controlled trial to a real-world study of the iLookOut, an online education program to improve early childhood care and education providers’ knowledge and attitudes about reporting child maltreatment

In recent years, real-world studies (RWS) are gaining increasing interests, because they can generate more realistic and generalizable results than randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT). In 2017, we published a RCT in 741 early childhood care and education providers (CCPs). It is the Phase I of our iLookOut for Child Abuse project (iLookOut), an online, interactive learning module about reporting suspected child maltreatment. That study demonstrated that in a RCT setting, the iLookOut is efficient at improving CCPs’ knowledge of and attitudes towards child maltreatment reporting. However, the generalizability of that RCT’s results in a RWS setting remains unknown. To address this question, we design and conduct this large RWS in 11,065 CCPs, which is the Phase II of the iLookOut. We hypothesize replication of the earlier RCT findings, i.e., the iLookOut can improve CCPs’ knowledge of and attitudes toward child maltreatment reporting in a real world setting. In addition, this RWS also explores whether demographic factors affect CCPs’ performance. Results of this RWS confirmed the generalizability of the previous RCT’s results in a real world setting. It yielded similar effect sizes for knowledge and attitudes as were found in the earlier RCT. Cohen’s d for knowledge improvement was 0.95 in that RCT, 0.96 in this RWS; Cohen’s d for attitude improvement was 0.98 in that RCT, 0.80 in this RWS. Also, we found several significant differences in knowledge and attitude improvement with regard to age, race, education, and employment status. In conclusion, iLookOut improves knowledge and attitudes of CCPs about child maltreatment prevention and reporting in a real-world setting. The generalizability of the initial RCT findings to this RWS provides strong evidence that the iLookout will be effective in other real world settings. It can be a useful model for other interventions aimed at preventing child maltreatment. Clinical trial registration for the original RCT: NCT02225301 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier)
Peer Leader Reflections on Promoting Discussion in Peer Group-Learning Sessions: Reflective and Practiced Advice through Collaborative Annual Peer-Advice Books

As research has shown, collaborative peer learning is effective for improving student learning. Peer-led team learning (PLTL) is one well-known collaborative-group approach in which groups are facilitated by trained undergraduate peer leaders. This paper contributes to the literature on peer-leader training by examining how peer leaders for a large introductory science course translate their training into practice during their sessions. By conducting qualitative analysis on annual advice books written by emergent peer leaders, we examined the practiced advice and strategies of these peer leaders as they facilitate PLTL groups in a university-level general chemistry course. These advice books are passed on to future peer instructors, creating a community of practice between new and more experienced peer leaders. From the analysis, we discovered that peer leaders focus on developing robust student–student discussion during complex problem solving by 1) creating a community-oriented social and intellectual environment, 2) adapting their tactics and the collaborative-learning strategies to balance different personalities and promote equal participation among all students, and 3) modifying collaborative group approaches when facilitating their sessions. Also, in their correspondence across cohorts, peer leaders provided near-peer support to one another. These annual books disseminate practiced advice between peer-leader generations and are used during new peer-leader training.
No Evidence for Circulating Retina Specific Autoreactive T-cells in Latent Tuberculosis-associated Uveitis and Sarcoid Uveitis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To detect circulating retina-specific autoreactive CD4+ T-cells and antiretinal antibodies (ARA) in latent tuberculosis (TB)-associated uveitis or sarcoid uveitis patients. Methods: The presence of crude retinal extract (RE) autoreactive CD4+ T-cells was determined by a highly sensitive flowcytometric-based technique examining co-expression of CD25 and CD134 (OX40) on RE stimulated PBMC. The presence of ARA in available matched serum samples was assessed by indirect immunofluorescence. Results: No autoreactive CD4+ T-cells against RE could be detected in either latent TB-associated uveitis or sarcoid uveitis patients, while ARA were detected in the serum of the majority (5/6) of latent TB-associated uveitis and all (3/3) sarcoid uveitis patients. Conclusion: Even with the use of this highly sensitive flowcytometric technique circulating retina-specific autoreactive CD4+ T-cells could not be detected. In contrast, ARA were detected in the majority of patients indicating an adaptive humoral immune response toward retinal antigens had occurred.
Temporal dynamics of free recall: The role of rehearsal efficiency in word frequency and bilingual language proficiency effects.

Under a recall model in which presentations and rehearsals are treated as equivalent encoding events, we investigated whether rehearsal efficiency differences explain the effects of word frequency and bilingual proficiency on the temporal dynamics of rehearsal and free recall. Experiments 1 and 3 were conducted with monolingual English speakers, and Experiments 2 and 4 were conducted with Spanish-English bilinguals with matched age, education, and socioeconomic status. In Experiments 1 and 2, lower word frequency, lower proficiency, and bilingualism were associated with less accurate free recall of items from early serial positions, beginning recall with items from later serial positions, and making fewer transitions to items from later or adjacent serial positions. These effects were replicated and rehearsal-based explanations were validated in Experiments 3 and 4 using a rehearse-aloud protocol. With lower frequency words or lower language proficiency, rehearsal was less efficient with fewer rehearsals between item presentations. As a result, items from early serial positions had fewer rehearsals that stopped earlier in the study sequence, less spacing between repeated rehearsals, and fewer transitions to items from later or adjacent serial positions. Rehearsal-contingent analyses revealed that these rehearsal patterns were associated with less accurate recall, beginning recall with items from later serial positions, and consistent transition patterns from rehearsal to recall. These patterns support a model in which presentations and rehearsals are treated as equivalent encoding events and the effects of word frequency and language proficiency on recall accuracy are mediated by less efficient rehearsal. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Tyrosine nitration on calmodulin enhances calcium-dependent association and activation of nitric-oxide synthase

Production of reactive oxygen species caused by dysregulated endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) activity is linked to vascular dysfunction. eNOS is a major target protein of the primary calcium-sensing protein calmodulin. Calmodulin is often modified by the main biomarker of nitroxidative stress, 3-nitrotyrosine (nitroTyr). Despite nitroTyr being an abundant post-translational modification on calmodulin, the mechanistic role of this modification in altering calmodulin function and eNOS activation has not been investigated. Here, using genetic code expansion to site-specifically nitrate calmodulin at its two tyrosine residues, we assessed the effects of these alterations on calcium binding by calmodulin and on binding and activation of eNOS. We found that nitroTyr–calmodulin retains affinity for eNOS under resting physiological calcium concentrations. Results from in vitro eNOS assays with calmodulin nitrated at Tyr-99 revealed that this nitration reduces nitric-oxide production and increases eNOS decoupling compared with WT calmodulin. In contrast, calmodulin nitrated at Tyr-138 produced more nitric oxide and did so more efficiently than WT calmodulin. These results indicate that the nitroTyr post-translational modification, like tyrosine phosphorylation, can impact calmodulin sensitivity for calcium and reveal Tyr site-specific gain or loss of functions for calmodulin-induced eNOS activation.
The need for clean air: The way air pollution and climate change affect allergic rhinitis and asthma

Air pollution and climate change have a significant impact on human health and well‐being and contribute to the onset and aggravation of allergic rhinitis and asthma among other chronic respiratory diseases. In Westernized countries, households have experienced a process of increasing insulation and individuals tend to spend most of their time indoors. These sequelae implicate a high exposure to indoor allergens (house dust mites, pets, molds, etc), tobacco smoke, and other pollutants, which have an impact on respiratory health. Outdoor air pollution derived from traffic and other human activities not only has a direct negative effect on human health but also enhances the allergenicity of some plants and contributes to global warming. Climate change modifies the availability and distribution of plant‐ and fungal‐derived allergens and increases the frequency of extreme climate events. This review summarizes the effects of indoor air pollution, outdoor air pollution, and subsequent climate change on asthma and allergic rhinitis in children and adults and addresses the policy adjustments and lifestyle changes required to mitigate their deleterious effects.
Prognostics for pain in osteoarthritis: Do clinical measures predict pain after total joint replacement?

A significant proportion of osteoarthritis (OA) patients continues to experience moderate to severe pain after total joint replacement (TJR). So far, preoperative factors related to pain persistence have been mainly studied using individual predictor variables and distinct pain outcomes, thus leading to lack of consensus in the field. In this prospective observational study, we evaluated knee and hip OA patients before, 3 and 6 months post-TJR searching for clinical predictors of pain persistence. We assessed multiple measures of quality, mood, affect, health and quality of life, together with radiographic evaluation and performance-based tasks, modeling four distinct pain outcomes. Multivariate regression models were built, and a network analysis was applied to pain related biopsychosocial measures and their change with surgery. A total of 106 patients completed the study. Pre-surgical pain levels were not related to post-surgical residual pain. Distinct pain scales were associated with different aspects of the pain experience. Multi-factorial models did not reliably predict post-surgical pain in knee OA across four distinct pain scales and did not generalize to hip OA; however, network analysis of pain related biopsychosocial measures showed significant changes post-surgery in both groups. Our results show that although tested clinical and biopsychosocial variables are reorganizing after TJR in OA, they do not present as a robust markers for post-surgery pain outcomes. A better understanding of mechanisms underlying pain persistence after TJR is necessary to derive clinical prognostic factors.
High‐resolution expression profiling of selected gene sets during plant immune activation

Summary The plant immune system involves detection of pathogens via both cell‐surface and intracellular receptors. Both receptor classes can induce transcriptional reprogramming that elevates disease resistance. To assess differential gene expression during plant immunity, we developed and deployed quantitative sequence capture (CAP‐I). We designed and synthesized biotinylated single‐strand RNA bait libraries targeted to a subset of defense genes, and generated sequence capture data from 99 RNA‐seq libraries. We built a data processing pipeline to quantify the RNA‐CAP‐I‐seq data, and visualize differential gene expression. Sequence capture in combination with quantitative RNA‐seq enabled cost‐effective assessment of the expression profile of a specified subset of genes. Quantitative sequence capture is not limited to RNA‐seq or any specific organism and can potentially be incorporated into automated platforms for high‐throughput sequencing.
H,K-ATPase type 2 regulates gestational extracellular compartment expansion and blood pressure in mice.

The modifications of the hemodynamic system and hydromineral metabolism are physiological features characterizing a normal gestation. Thus, the ability to expand plasma volume without increasing the level of blood pressure is necessary for the correct perfusion of the placenta. The kidney is essential in this adaptation by reabsorbing avidly sodium and fluid. In this study, we observed that the H,K-ATPase type 2 (HKA2), an ion pump expressed in kidney and colon and already involved in the control of the K+balance during gestation, is also required for the correct plasma volume expansion and the maintain of a normal blood pressure level. Indeed, compared to WT pregnant mice that exhibit a 1.6-fold increase of their plasma volume, pregnant HKA2-null mice (HKA2KO) only modestly expand their extracellular volume (x1.2). The renal expression of the epithelial Na channel (ENaC) alpha and gamma subunits and that of the pendrin are stimulated in gravid WT mice whereas the Na/Cl-cotransporter (NCC) expression is downregulated. These modifications are all blunted in HKA2KO mice. This impeded renal adaptation to gestation is accompanied with the development of hypotension in the pregnant HKA2KO mice. All together, our results showed that the absence of the HKA2 during gestation leads to an "underfilled" situation and established this transporter as a key player of the renal control of salt and potassium metabolism during gestation.
Preparation, evaluation and metabolites study in rats of novel amentoflavone-loaded TPGS/soluplus mixed nanomicelles

Abstract Amentoflavone (AMF) is a kind of biflavonoids existing in Ginkgo biloba leaves. It has many biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral, hypoglycemic, anti-tumor and inducing apoptosis. However, its solubility and bioavailability are poor and there are a few studies on it in vivo. In this study, to improve its solubility and bioavailability, the nanomicelles were prepared with TPGS and soluplus as carriers for the first time. The particle size, Zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, stability, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and metabolites in rats were studied. Cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and metabolites in rats of AMF-loaded TPGS/soluplus mixed micelles were compared with those of AMF. As a result, AMF-loaded TPGS/soluplus mixed micelles with a particle size of 67.33 ± 2.01 nm and Zeta potential of −0.84133 ± 0.041405 mV were successfully prepared. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of the mixed nanomicelles were 99.18 ± 0.76% and 2.47 ± 0.01%, respectively. The physical and chemical properties of the mixed micelles were stable within 60 d, and the cytotoxicity of the mixed micelles was much greater than that of AMF monomers. Thirty-four kinds of metabolites of AMF were identified in rats. The metabolites were mainly distributed in rat feces. No metabolites were detected in bile and plasma. 14 kinds of metabolites of the mixed micelles in rats were detected, including 11 in feces, 6 in urine, and 3 in plasma, which indicated that the bioavailability of AMF has been improved. And the toxicity to cancer cells was enhanced, which laid a foundation for the development of new drugs.
The buildup of an urge in obsessive–compulsive disorder: Behavioral and neuroimaging correlates

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is highly heterogeneous. While obsessions often involve fear of harm, many patients report uncomfortable sensations and/or urges that drive repetitive behaviors in the absence of a specific fear. Prior work suggests that urges in OCD may be similar to everyday “urges‐for‐action” (UFA) such as the urge to blink, swallow, or scratch, but very little work has investigated the pathophysiology underlying urges in OCD. In the current study, we used an urge‐to‐blink approach to model sensory‐based urges that could be experimentally elicited and compared across patients and controls using the same task stimuli. OCD patients and controls suppressed eye blinking over a period of 60 s, alternating with free blinking blocks, while brain activity was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging. OCD patients showed significantly increased activation in several regions during the early phase of eyeblink suppression (first 30 s), including mid‐cingulate, insula, striatum, parietal cortex, and occipital cortex, with lingering group differences in parietal and occipital regions during late eyeblink suppression (last 30 s). There were no differences in brain activation during free blinking blocks, and no conditions where OCD patients showed reduced activation compared to controls. In an exploratory analysis of blink counts performed in a subset of subjects, OCD patients were less successful than controls in suppressing blinks. These data indicate that OCD patients exhibit altered brain function and behavior when experiencing and suppressing the urge to blink, raising the possibility that the disorder is associated with a general abnormality in the UFA system that could ultimately be targeted by future treatments.
Efficacy of mosapride citrate with a split dose of polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid for bowel preparation in elderly patients

Abstract Background/Aims: Old age is a risk factor of suboptimal bowel preparation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mosapride citrate with a split dose of polyethylene glycol (PEG) plus ascorbic acid for bowel preparation in elderly patients (aged ≥65 years) before they underwent a colonoscopy. Materials and methods: This prospective investigator-blinded randomized study was conducted from November 2017 to October 2018. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups, a mosapride group (mosapride citrate with a split-dose of PEG plus ascorbic acid) or a non-mosapride group (a split-dose of PEG plus ascorbic acid alone). Mosapride citrate 15 mg (Gastin CR) was administered once with each split-dose of the bowel preparation. The bowel preparation quality was assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). Results: A total of 257 patients were finally included and analyzed in our study. The total BBPS score was significantly higher in the mosapride group than in the non-mosapride group (8.53 vs 8.24, P = .033). The BBPS scores of the right colon and mid-colon were 2.75 vs 2.61 (P = .044) and 2.89 vs 2.79 (P = .030), respectively. The rate of adequate bowel preparation (BBPS ≥ 6) was similar in both groups (98.4% vs 98.5%, P = .968), while the rate of excellent bowel preparation (BBPS = 9) was higher in the mosapride group than in the non-mosapride group (73.8% vs 61.1%, P = .029). The total incidence of adverse events during the administration of the bowel cleansing agent, particularly abdominal fullness, was lower in the mosapride group (11.9% vs 30.5%, P < .001). Conclusion: The administration of mosapride citrate with a split-dose of PEG plus ascorbic acid in elderly patients showed an increase in bowel preparation efficacy and reduced adverse events, particularly abdominal fullness, during the administration of a bowel cleansing agent.
IMPACTS OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY CHILDREN UPON PARENT'S QUALITY OF LIFE

This study aimed to assess the quality of life of parents having child with intellectual disability. A descriptive study was conducted in Awat institute center of brain rehabilitation in Erbil city – Kurdistan region - Iraq, between 15th of February to 20th May, 2015. A standardized questionnaire (WHO - QoL, 1998) was used to assess the parent's quality of life. Fourteen related experts were validated on the questionnaire with reliability 0.918. The data collected was conducted through a direct interview, and analyzed by SPSS version 20, using frequencies, percentages, chi-square, Mann-Whitney U Test. The finding of the study found that fathers felt sensory dysfunction and pain and discomfort, but mothers were feeling low self-esteem because of their age, level of education, occupation, and body mass index. The fathers complained of social support because of their age while mothers complained of social support because of their body mass index. Overall the study found that both parents were under the burden, in addition to that the mothers were affected more than the father. The finding indicated that most mothers complained of psychosocial problems while fathers complained of the physical and social problem. But the study indicated that overall there was a significant difference between parent’s quality of life.
A study on metaphors used by female teachers to describe their work-related stresses and psychological exhaustion: reflecting on potential interventions

The past three decades saw the research development in the field of metaphoric thinking that laid a foundation within cognitive science on which culturally embedded concepts and action tendencies can potentially be explored. The present study aimed to identify female teachers’ perceptions of work-related stresses and emotional challenges in Saudi Arabia. Using a qualitative methodology, a semi-structured interview along with two metaphor inventories, namely Stem-Sentence Test (SST) and Metaphor Inventory (MI) were employed to collect data. Forty female teachers participated in this study; 20 newly employed (NE) teachers and 20 teachers who have currently applied for early retirement (ER). Thematic analysis was used to categorise participants’ metaphorical expressions and interpret the extracted themes. The findings show that there are differences and similarities in metaphors generated by the two groups. ER teachers compared with NE participants tended to have more pessimistic views, negative thoughts and unpleasant feelings towards the teaching profession. They expressed metaphors connected to circular, incomplete and dark thematic dimensions. However, both groups produced metaphors linked with restricted and harmful subthemes which implies the inherent systemic shortcomings in the teaching environment for female teachers. The findings might suggest clinical and therapy-related implications. Cognitive and behaviour change through changing metaphors will be reflected upon.
PCR and qPCR-based applications in rumen microbiology research: a review

The rumen and its microbial ecosystem play a central role in the overall nutrition and health of ruminant animals. However, development and homeostatic state of the entire gut system is influenced by different interrelated factors. Recent developments in molecular diagnostic tools by using amplicon sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA and use of high-throughput data generated through applications of pyrosequencing is a promising approach to defining the rumen microbial genome. Several procedures such as genome-wide shotgun sequencing for metagenomic data generation to predict how the rumen microbiota works, bacterial DNA integration in order to construct or edit genomes of isolated microbes and several other “omic”-based technologies based on PCR and real-time PCR (qPCR), have elucidated the complexity of the rumen microbiota. These tools are more sensitive and precise in quantitation, identification and functional characterisation of the entire rumen microbiome. PCR/qPCR enables investigations of changes in the microbiome and microbiota with respect to age, diet, species and environmental variations thus providing new information about rumen microbial genome. In this review, we will highlight recent findings using PCR and qPCR-based procedures in investigating the complex nature of the rumen microbial population which has advanced our knowledge and understanding of the rumen microbiome.