Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of amine proton exchange for analyzing the specificity and intensity of the CEST effect: from humans to fish

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) at about 2.8 ppm downfield from water is characterized besides other compounds by exchanging amine protons of relatively high concentration amino acids and is determined by several physiological (pH, T) and experimental (B0, B1, tsat) parameters. Although the weighting of the CEST effect observed in vivo can be attributed mainly to one compound depending on the organism and organ, there are still several other amino acids, proteins and molecules that also contribute. These contributions in turn exhibit dependences and thus can lead to possible misinterpretation of the measured changes in the CEST effect. With this in mind, this work aimed to determine the exchange rates of six important amino acids as a function of pH and temperature, and thus to create multi‐pool models that allow the accurate analysis of the CEST effect concerning different physiological and experimental parameters for a wide variety of organisms. The results show that small changes in the above parameters have a significant impact on the CEST effect at about 2.8 ppm for the chosen organisms, i.e. the human brain (37 °C) and the brain of polar cod (1.5 °C), furthermore, the specificity of the CEST effect observed in vivo can be significantly affected. Based on the exchange rates ksw(pH, T) determined for six metabolites in this study, it is possible to optimize the intensity and the specificity for the CEST effect of amino acids at about 2.8 ppm for different organisms with their specific physiological characteristics. By adjusting experimental parameters accordingly, this optimization will help to avoid possible misinterpretations of CEST measurements. Furthermore, the multi‐pool models can be utilized to further optimize the saturation.
Growing media for horticultural bedding plants yield under agriculture organic systems

ABSTRACT The aim of this experiment was to test on-farm growing after composting the mixture of following legume plants Crotalaria juncea, Cajanus cajan, Mucuna aterrima with the grass Sorghum bicolor. The treatments were compared to commercial growing medium (CGM) and CGM+NPK to produce bedding plants of lettuce, broccoli, kale, and cabbage. The nutrient contents in CGM and CGM+NPK were higher than the values found in the mixture of the legumes plants with the grass. The pH was higher in the growing media from legume plants as well as the electrical conductivity in the combination CroSor and CajSor. The water retention capacity was higher in the treatments MucSor and CGM. The chemical attributes indicated that CroSor, CajSor, MucSor and CGM+NPK were better than CGM. The growing media from the mixture of legume with grass are an affordable alternative to produce bedding plants of lettuce, broccoli, kale and cabbage under organic agriculture system.
Stability of proteins encapsulated in Michael‐type addition polyethylene glycol hydrogels

Degradable polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels are excellent vehicles for sustained drug release due to their biocompatibility, tunable physical properties, and customizable degradation. However, protein therapeutics are unstable under physiological conditions and releasing degraded or inactive therapeutics can induce immunogenic effects. While controlling protein release from PEG hydrogels has been extensively investigated, few studies have detailed protein stability long‐term or under stress conditions. Here, lysozyme and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) stability were explored upon encapsulation in PEG hydrogels formed through Michael‐type addition. The stability and structure of the two model proteins were monitored by measuring the free energy of unfolding and fluoresce quenching when confined in a hydrogel and compared to PEG solution and buffer. Hydrogels destabilized lysozyme structure at low denaturant concentrations but prevented complete unfolding at high concentrations. ADH was stabilized as the confining mesh size approached the protein radius of gyration. Both proteins retained enzymatic activity within the hydrogels under stress conditions, including denaturant, high temperature, and agitation. Conjugation between lysozyme and PEG‐acrylate was identified at long reaction times but no conjugation was observed in the time required for complete gelation. Studies of protein stability in PEG hydrogels, as the one detailed here, can lead to designer technologies for the improved formulation, storage, and delivery of protein therapeutics.
The Value of Additional Conventional Transbronchial Biopsy in the Negative Results of Rapid On-site Evaluation During Endobronchial Ultrasound With Guide Sheath to Diagnose Small Peripheral Lung Cancer

Objective: The accuracy of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) during endobronchial ultrasonography with guide sheath (EBUS-GS) was reported to be approximately 90% for diagnosing small peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). When ROSE during EBUS-GS for diagnosing small peripheral lung cancer is carried out and does not include malignant cells in a position whereby the probe was located within or adjacent to the lesion, the best technique for overcoming the lower diagnostic yield remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate factors affecting positive results of ROSE during EBUS-GS in such a probe position. Moreover, when the results of ROSE were consistently negative, we evaluated the effectiveness of conventional transbronchial biopsy (TBB) in addition to EBUS-GS alone. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent EBUS-GS combined with ROSE for diagnosing small peripheral lung cancer (≤30 mm). We classified the results of ROSE into two groups based on the presence of malignant cells: the ROSE positive group (included malignant cells) and the ROSE negative group (did not include malignant cells). The significant predictors of positive ROSE results during EBUS-GS were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: We identified 67 lesions (43 lesions in the ROSE positive group and 24 lesions in the ROSE negative group, respectively). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the significant factor affecting positive ROSE results was lesion size (>15 mm) (OR = 9.901). The diagnostic yield of additional conventional TBB to EBUS-GS was significantly higher than that of EBUS-GS alone (75.0% vs 33.3%, P = .041). Conclusion: The positive results of ROSE during EBUS-GS were significantly influenced by lesion size (>15 mm). When the results of ROSE during EBUS-GS were consistently negative in a position whereby the probe was located within or adjacent to the lesion, additional conventional TBB was effective to improve the diagnostic yield compared with EBUS-GS alone.
Glutamine deficiency shifts the asthmatic state toward neutrophilic airway inflammation

The administration of L‐glutamine (Gln) suppresses allergic airway inflammation via the rapid upregulation of MAPK phosphatase (MKP)‐1, which functions as a negative regulator of inflammation by deactivating p38 and JNK mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). However, the role of endogenous Gln remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism by which endogenous Gln regulates MKP‐1 induction and allergic airway inflammation in an ovalbumin‐based murine asthma model.
A Neural Networks Approach to Determine Factors Associated With Self-Reported Discomfort in Picking Tasks

Objective A neural networks approach has been proposed to handle various inputs such as postural, anthropometric and environmental variables in order to estimate self-reported discomfort in picking tasks. An input reduction method has been proposed, reducing the input variables to the minimum data required to estimate self-reported discomfort with similar accuracy as the neural network fed with all variables. Background Previous works have attempted to explore the relationship between several factors and self-reported discomfort using observational methods. The results showed that this relationship was not a simple linear relationship. Another study used neural networks to model the function returning reported discomfort according to static posture, age, and anthropometrics variables. The results demonstrated the model’s ability to predict reported discomfort. But all the available variables were used to design the neural network. Method Eleven subjects carried-out picking tasks with various masses (0, 1, 3 kg) and imposed duration (5, 10, or 15 s). Continuous REBA score, anthropometric and environmental data were computed, and subjects’ discomfort were collected. The data set of this work consisted in the computed continuous REBA score, anthropometric, environmental data and collected subjects’ discomfort. Results The results showed that the correlation between the estimated and experimental tested data was equal to 0.775 when using all the 14 available variables. After data reduction, only 6 variables were left, with a very close performance when predicting discomfort. Conclusion A neural network approach has been proposed to estimate self-reported discomfort according to a minimum set of postural, anthropometric and environmental variables in picking tasks. Application This method has the potential to support ergonomists in workstation designing processes, by adding discomfort prediction to virtual manikins’ behaviors in simulation tools.
Cost determinants among adults hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus in the United States, 2017–2019

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are common in adults, but data describing the cost of RSV‐associated hospitalization are lacking due to inconsistency in diagnostic coding and incomplete case ascertainment. We evaluated costs of RSV‐associated hospitalization in adult patients with laboratory‐confirmed, community‐onset RSV.
Antihypertensive Medications Prior to Shock Onset Do Not Impact Initial Vasopressor Requirements in Patients With Shock

Purpose: The effect of the use of antihypertensive agents in patients prior to the development of shock is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of antihypertensive agents on vasopressor dose and duration in shock. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, single-center study included patients with shock who received at least one vasopressor for at least 24 hours after shock onset from January 1 to June 30, 2017. Patients taking an antihypertensive agent(s) were compared to those who were not. The primary outcome was the number of vasopressor-free hours at 72 hours. Secondary outcomes included maximum and cumulative vasopressor doses, intensive care unit length of stay, and 30-day mortality. Results: One hundred and sixty-eight patients were included and 99 (59%) were on antihypertensives. Distributive shock was the most common type of shock (75.5%) and more patients taking antihypertensives had hypertension, coronary artery disease, and dyslipidemia at baseline. There was no difference in the number of vasopressor-free hours at 72 hours between patients taking an antihypertensive medication(s) and the control group (2 hours vs 1 hour; P = .11). No difference was found between any of the secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Patients taking antihypertensive agents prior to shock onset did not require increased vasopressor doses or duration.
The unfavorable effects of COVID‐19 on Dutch advanced melanoma care

The COVID‐19 pandemic had a severe impact on medical care. Our study aims to investigate the impact of COVID‐19 on advanced melanoma care in the Netherlands. We selected patients diagnosed with irresectable stage IIIc and IV melanoma during the first and second COVID‐19 wave and compared them with patients diagnosed within the same time frame in 2018 and 2019. Patients were divided into three geographical regions. We investigated baseline characteristics, time from diagnosis until start of systemic therapy and postponement of anti‐PD‐1 courses. During both waves, fewer patients were diagnosed compared to the control groups. During the first wave, time between diagnosis and start of treatment was significantly longer in the southern region compared to other regions (33 vs 9 and 15 days, P‐value <.05). Anti‐PD‐1 courses were postponed in 20.0% vs 3.0% of patients in the first wave compared to the control period. Significantly more patients had courses postponed in the south during the first wave compared to other regions (34.8% vs 11.5% vs 22.3%, P‐value <.001). Significantly more patients diagnosed during the second wave had brain metastases and worse performance status compared to the control period. In conclusion, advanced melanoma care in the Netherlands was severely affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic. In the south, the start of systemic treatment for advanced melanoma was more often delayed, and treatment courses were more frequently postponed. During the second wave, patients were diagnosed with poorer patient and tumor characteristics. Longer follow‐up is needed to establish the impact on patient outcomes.
Support for Aboriginal health services in reducing harms from alcohol: 2‐year service provision outcomes in a cluster randomized trial

Abstract Background and aims There is a higher prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use among Indigenous populations, but there have been few studies of the effectiveness of screening and treatment in primary health care. Over 24 months, we tested whether a model of service‐wide support could increase screening and any alcohol treatment. Design Cluster‐randomized trial with 24‐month implementation (12 months active, 12 months maintenance). Setting Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled primary care services. Participants Twenty‐two services (83 032 clients) that use Communicare practice software and see at least 1000 clients annually, randomized to the treatment arm or control arm. Intervention and comparator Multi‐faceted early support model versus a comparator of waiting‐list control (11 services). Measurements A record (presence = 1, absence = 0) of: (i) Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test—Consumption (AUDIT‐C) screening (primary outcome), (ii) any‐treatment and (iii) brief intervention. We received routinely collected practice data bimonthly over 3 years (1‐year baseline, 1‐year implementation, 1‐year maintenance). Multi‐level logistic modelling was used to compare the odds of each outcome before and after implementation. Findings The odds of being screened within any 2‐month reference period increased in both arms post‐implementation, but the increase was nearly eight times greater in early‐support services [odds ratio (OR) = 7.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.04–15.63, P < 0.001]. The change in odds of any treatment in early support was nearly double that of waiting‐list controls (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.19–2.98, P = 0.01) but was largely driven by decrease in controls. There was no clear evidence of difference between groups in the change in the odds of provision of brief intervention (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 0.53–7.17, P = 0.32). Conclusions An early support model designed to aid routine implementation of alcohol screening and treatment in Aboriginal health services resulted in improvement of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test—Consumption screening rates over 24 months of implementation, but the effect on treatment was less clear.
Minimally invasive versus open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for single segmental lumbar disc herniation: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies on the comparison of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and open-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (O-TLIF) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) have been published, but there is no clear conclusion. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of MIS-TLIF compared with O-TLIF in the treatment of LDH in the Chinese population by meta-analysis. METHODS: Studies on the treatment of LDH by MIS-TLIF versus O-TLIF were searched in Pubmed, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, CNKI, VIP and China Wanfang databases from the establishment of the databases to January 2020. The meta-analysis was used to analyze the pooled operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, postoperative ground movement time, Waist and leg Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score and Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA) score. Mean difference (MD) and standard mean difference (SMD) were used as the effect size. RESULTS: Eleven studies with 1132 patients were included. The results showed that MIS-TLIF compared with O-TLIF, MD =-133.82 (95% CI: -167.10 ∼-100.53, P< 0.05) in intraoperative blood loss, MD =-114.43 (95% CI: -141.12 ∼-87.84, P< 0.05) in postoperative drainage, MD =-3.30 (95% CI: -4.31 ∼-2.28, P< 0.05) in postoperative ground movement time, SMD =-1.44 (95% CI: -2.63 ∼-0.34, P< 0.05) in postoperative low back pain VAS score, SMD = 0.41 (95% CI: 0.15 ∼ 0.66, P< 0.05) in postoperative JOA score, MD = 4.12 (95% CI: -11.64 ∼ 19.87, P> 0.05) in the average operation time, SMD =-0.00 (95% CI: -0.36 ∼ 0.36, P> 0.05) in leg pain VAS score, and SMD =-0.59 (95% CI: -1.22 ∼ 0.03, P> 0.05) in ODI score. CONCLUSION: MIS-TLIF was superior to O-TLIF in the treatment of LDH, especially in the intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, postoperative ground movement time and low back pain in the Chinese population.
Financial Hardship and Psychological Resilience during COVID-19: Differences by Race/Ethnicity.

OBJECTIVES Research on the impact of COVID-19 among older adults has primarily focused on relatively acute virus outcomes, but it is likely financial hardships during this time have eroded the adaptive capacity of older adults. It is also possible these impacts vary by race and ethnicity. We examine changes in psychological resilience (PR) among older adults before and during the pandemic to determine whether financial hardships and other stressors have altered this resource for White, Black, and Hispanic older adults. METHOD Using the COVID module released by the HRS (n=735), we examined changes in PR between 2016 and 2020 related to financial hardships during COVID. We tested interactions to determine whether the effects were patterned by race and ethnicity. RESULTS Consistent with previous literature, resilience was relatively stable during this time on average. Financial hardship during COVID-19 diminished resilience, but this effect was concentrated primarily among White Americans. DISCUSSION The results suggest that PR is a relatively stable resource in later life, even during the pandemic. However, this resource may be impacted in the face of specific challenges in later life. Policies related to financial hardship during the pandemic should be seen as supporting the capacity for older adults to adapt to current as well as future challenges.
Lateral entorhinal cortex supports the development of prefrontal network activity that bridges temporally discontiguous stimuli

The lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) is an essential component of the brain circuitry supporting long‐term memory by serving as an interface between the hippocampus and neocortex. Dysfunction of the LEC affects sensory coding in the hippocampus, leading to a view that the LEC provides the hippocampus with highly processed sensory information. It remains unclear, however, how the LEC modulates neural processing in the neocortical regions. To address this point, we pharmacologically inactivated the LEC of male rats during a temporal associative learning task and examined its impact on local network activity in one of the LEC's efferent targets, the prelimbic region of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Rats were exposed to two neutral stimuli, one of which was paired with an aversive eyelid shock over a short temporal delay. The LEC inhibition reduced the expression of anticipatory blinking responses to the reinforced stimuli without increasing responses to nonreinforced stimuli. In control rats, both the reinforced and nonreinforced stimuli evoked a short‐lived, wide‐band increase in the prelimbic network activity. With learning, the initial increase of gamma‐band activity started to extend into the interval between the reinforced neutral stimulus and the eyelid shock. LEC inhibition attenuated the learning‐induced sustained activity, without affecting the initial transient activity. These results suggest that the integrity of LEC is necessary for the formation of temporal stimulus associations and its neural correlates in the mPFC. Given the minimal effects on the innate network responses to sensory stimuli, the LEC appears not to be the main source of sensory inputs to the mPFC; rather it may provide a framework that shapes the mPFC network response to behaviorally relevant cues.
Prevention of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) with endobronchial valves (EBVs) has emerged as an important treatment method for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are a frequent complication following BLVR with EBV. However, there is no consensus on the prevention of AECOPD.
Extensive calcification of the mitral valve annulus in transcatheter aortic valve implants

Abstract OBJECTIVES This study sought to report the calcification pattern of the mitral valve annulus and its implications for procedural and safety outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve implantation. METHODS Between November 2018 and September 2019, a total of 305 patients had transcatheter aortic valve implants at our institution. The extent of calcification of the mitral valve annulus was analysed, and the impact on safety outcomes was evaluated. RESULTS The prevalence of mitral annular calcification (MAC) was 43%. Calcification of the mitral valve annulus was either less than or at least one-third of the posterior annulus (34% and 32%), the whole posterior annulus (28%) or the extension to the attachment of the anterior leaflets (7%). Severe circumferential MAC revealed moderate paravalvular leaks in 5/8 (63%) patients and was associated with right branch bundle block [odds ratio (OR) 2.01 (0.39–3.06); P = 0.098] and low cardiac output [OR 3.12 (1.39–7.04); P = 0.033]. Subannular calcification at the anterolateral trigonum represented a risk factor for left ventricular outflow tract injury [OR 3.54 (1.38–8.27); P = 0.001] in balloon-expandable valves, associated with relevant rhythm disorders [OR 2.26 (1.17–5.65); P = 0.014] and female gender (7/8, 88%). The 30-day all-cause mortality in circumferential MAC reaching into the anterior annulus (grade IV) compared to patients with less MAC (grade I–III) was 13% vs 2% with a mean valve size of 24.6 vs 25.7 mm. CONCLUSIONS Extensive MAC was associated with moderate paravalvular leaks, with implications for the prosthesis size and survival in transcatheter aortic valve implants. In severe MAC, we recommend implanting oversized self-expandable prostheses, the goal being to reduce the risk of right branch bundle block and paravalvular leaks. Subj collection 122, 125