Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes of Blink Reflex in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Blink reflex provides an objective assessment of the cranial and central nervous systems. However, the relationships between body mass index, dizziness, and BR have not been explored in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, R2 duration, one of the parameters of the blink reflex, has not been studied to date. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics and influencing factors of blink reflex in patients with T2DM. We included 45 healthy subjects and 105 hospitalized patients with T2DM. The relationships between these parameters and sex, age, body mass index, duration of T2DM, hemoglobin A1c, distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN), and dizziness symptoms were analyzed. The results showed that blink reflex latencies (including R1, ipsilateral R2, and contralateral R2 latency) were negatively associated with body mass index but were positively correlated with the duration of T2DM. There were no correlations between blink reflex parameters and sex, age, and hemoglobin A1c. Patients with DSPN had longer blink reflex latencies and shorter R2 durations than those without DSPN. Patients with dizziness had longer latencies (including R1, ipsilateral R2, and contralateral R2 latencies) and shorter R2 durations (including ipsilateral R2 and contralateral R2 durations) than those without dizziness. R2 duration was also a predictive factor for blink reflex abnormality. R2 latency was the most sensitive factor and the optimal predictor of dizziness. These results demonstrate that patients with T2DM with low body mass index, longer duration of T2DM, DSPN, and dizziness-related symptoms had more abnormal blink reflex parameters, indicating more serious injuries to the cranial nerves or the central nervous system.
Effects of Audiovisual Memory Cues on Working Memory Recall

Previous studies have focused on topics such as multimodal integration and object discrimination, but there is limited research on the effect of multimodal learning in memory. Perceptual studies have shown facilitative effects of multimodal stimuli for learning; the current study aims to determine whether this effect persists with memory cues. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect that audiovisual memory cues have on memory recall, as well as whether the use of multiple memory cues leads to higher recall. The goal was to orthogonally evaluate the effect of the number of self-generated memory cues (one or three), and the modality of the self-generated memory-cue (visual: written words, auditory: spoken words, or audiovisual). A recall task was administered where participants were presented with their self-generated memory cues and asked to determine the target word. There was a significant main effect for number of cues, but no main effect for modality. A secondary goal of this study was to determine which types of memory cues result in the highest recall. Self-reference cues resulted in the highest accuracy score. This study has applications to improving academic performance by using the most efficient learning techniques.
Predictors of Health Behaviors Among Undergraduate Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Predictive Study

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health behaviors of university students. Thus, factors influencing students’ health behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak should be examined. Purpose To our knowledge, little is known about stress, adversity quotient, and health behaviors of university students in Thailand. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine the relationships among socioeconomic factors, stress, and adversity quotient influencing university students’ health behavior during the COVID-19 crisis. Patients and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional predictive study; it was included 416 undergraduate students ≥18 years of age at a university in Thailand. We used descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, and stepwise multiple linear regression for data analysis. Results The results indicated that most participants were women (71.90%), and the highest proportion of students were enrolled in College of Politics and Governance (25.24%). Most of the students had a high stress level (M = 3.54, SD = 0.53), high adversity quotient (M = 3.77, SD = 0.63), and good health behavior (M = 3.06, SD = 0.53). Adversity quotient, stress, and current faculty/college were significant predictors of health behaviors of undergrad students (total variance: 37.2%). Conclusion Total adversity quotient was the strongest predictor of health behavior, followed by stress and current faculty/colleges. On the basis of our results, we suggested that faculty members, caretakers, and interdisciplinary care teams should consider adversity quotient and stress in developing activities to encourage and promote students’ physical and mental health behaviors, particularly during the COVID-19.
Deuterium isotope effects on 31P NMR parameters: hydrogen bonding in a solid urea–phosphoric acid adduct

Long-range deuterium isotope effects on the 31P NMR shielding tensor were studied for the perdeuteriated urea–phosphoric acid adduct (ND2)2CO · D3PO4. This complex contains a short hydrogen bond linking its molecular components, for which a single-minimum potential energy well has been suggested. The results indicate that (σ11–σiso) decreases and (σ33–σiso) increases for the deuteriated complex with respect to the undeuteriated adduct. This fact is consistent with the hypothesis of a single-minimum potential energy surface for the short hydrogen bond.
External Validation of the S.T.O.N.E. Score in Predicting Stone-Free Status After Rigid Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy

Background The Size, Topography, Obstruction, Number, and Evaluation of Hounsfield units (S.T.O.N.E.) scoring system has been proposed as a novel prognostic surgical classification for urolithiasis in predicting success rate and complications. Objective We carried out an externally validated S.T. O.N. E. score on rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy (rURS). Materials and Methods The data of patients who had undergone rURS between 2012 and 2019 at a tertiary referral center were audited retrospectively. The S.T. O.N. E. score was calculated based on factors determined through preoperative computed tomography images and was analyzed in association with stone-free rate (SFR), operating time, surgical complications, and length of stay (LOS). Results A total of 155 patients were included in the study with a median stone size of 10 mm (7–12) and a median S.T. O.N. E. score of 9 (8–10). The overall SFR was 89.68%. SFRs were 100.0%, 97.83%, and 77.42% in low (5), moderate (6–9), and high (10–13) score groups, respectively. The S.T. O.N. E. score (p = 0.002) and stone size (p = 0.037) were predictive factors for SFR in multivariate analysis. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between the S.T. O.N. E. score and operative time, LOS, and presence of complications (r = 0.22, p = 0.006; r = 0.30, p < 0.001; and r = 0.27, p < 0.001, respectively). The area under the curve of the receiving operator characteristics’ curve for the S.T. O.N. E. score was 0.815. Conclusion The S.T. O.N. E. scoring system is simple and effective in predicting postoperative outcomes; therefore, this score would be a valuable tool in clinical planning for every patient who undergoes rURS.
Effects of lumican expression on the apoptosis of scleral fibroblasts: In vivo and in vitro experiments

Lumican serves an important role in the maintenance of sclera biomechanical properties. However, whether lumican expression is altered in myopia and the mechanisms of action involved are unknown. In the present study, the expression of lumican in cultured scleral fibroblasts and in the scleral tissue of a rat model of form-deprivation myopia was assessed. It was confirmed that diopter was decreased, whereas axial length was increased in modeled eyes relative to normal control eyes, indicating that the model of myopia was successfully established. These pathologic changes were accompanied by the upregulation of lumican and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-2, as well as the downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-14. The same trends in TIMP-2, MMP-2 and MMP-14 expression were observed when lumican was overexpressed in cultured scleral fibroblasts. Additionally, cell proliferation decreased whereas apoptosis increased compared with those of control cells. Inhibiting lumican expression had no effect on cell proliferation or apoptosis, but stimulated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-14 while decreasing that of TIMP-2. The results suggested that lumican overexpression contributed to myopia by promoting apoptosis in scleral fibroblasts via the modulation of TIMP-2, MMP-2 and MMP-14 expression.
Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Modulates Locomotor Acceleration Induced by Nitric Oxide but not Serotonin in Clione limacina Central Pattern Generator Swim Interneurons

Synopsis Both nitric oxide (NO) and serotonin (5HT) mediate swim acceleration in the marine mollusk, Clione limacina. In this study, we examine the role that the second messenger, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), plays in mediating NO and 5HT-induced swim acceleration. We observed that the application of an analog of cGMP or an activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) increased fictive locomotor speed recorded from Pd-7 interneurons of the animal’s locomotor central pattern generator. Moreover, inhibition of sGC decreased fictive locomotor speed. These results suggest that basal levels of cGMP are important for slow swimming and that increased production of cGMP mediates swim acceleration in Clione. Because NO has its effect through cGMP signaling and because we show herein that cGMP produces cellular changes in Clione swim interneurons that are consistent with cellular changes produced by 5HT application, we hypothesize that both NO and 5HT function via a common signal transduction pathway that involves cGMP. Our results show that cGMP mediates NO-induced but not 5HT-induced swim acceleration in Clione.
An Assessment of Pharmacy School Curricula in Florida and Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV) Administration to Pregnant Women

Background: There is a high risk for morbidity and mortality in pregnant women associated with influenza virus illness. Vaccine uptake rates in pregnant women remain lower than the targeted Healthy People 2020 goals despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Few studies have examined the role of the pharmacist in providing immunization services to pregnant women, fewer still have directly examined the PharmD curricula and the perspectives of pharmacy students on how they perceive their role in providing influenza inactivated vaccine (IIV) to pregnant women. Objective: This study examined the PharmD curricula instruction with regard to immunizing pregnant women and how pharmacy students perceive it. Methods: Semi-structured, in-depth, in-person qualitative interviews were conducted with the six Academic Deans of the accredited schools of pharmacy in Florida, and three focus group sessions were held with third- and fourth-year pharmacy students (n = 18) in Florida. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Most academic deans reported providing instruction on immunization in schools with respect to vaccine administration in pregnant women and called for a need for all schools to make it compulsory to include pregnant-women-specific content. Pharmacy students reported a gap in knowledge of content related to administering the IIV in pregnant women, but feel that when presented with the opportunity, they will be willing to provide IIV to pregnant women. Conclusions: Pharmacists are in a good position to play a role in increasing IIV rates among pregnant women. Implications for practice include the need for incorporation of pregnancy-specific content to immunization curricula.
A Longitudinal Assessment of the Quality of Insulin Prescribing with Different Prescribing Systems

Accurate and complete prescriptions of insulin are crucial to prevent medication errors from occurring. Two core components for safe insulin prescriptions are the word ‘units’ being written in full for the dose, and clear documentation of the insulin device alongside the name. A retrospective review of annual audit data was conducted for insulin prescriptions to assess the impact of changes to the prescribing system within a secondary care setting, at five time points over a period of 7 years (2014 to 2020). The review points were based on when changes were made, from standardized paper charts with a dedicated section for insulin prescribing, to a standalone hospital wide electronic prescribing and medicines administration (ePMA) system, and finally an integrated electronic health record system (EHRS). The measured outcomes were compliance with recommended standards for documentation of ‘units’ in full, and inclusion of the insulin device as part of the prescription. Overall, an improvement was seen in both outcomes of interest. Device documentation improved incrementally with each system change—34% for paper charts, 23%–56% for standalone ePMA, and 100% for ePMA integrated within EHRS. Findings highlight that differences in ePMA systems may have varying impact on safe prescribing practices.
How Multidimensional Is Emotional Intelligence? Bifactor Modeling of Global and Broad Emotional Abilities of the Geneva Emotional Competence Test

Drawing upon multidimensional theories of intelligence, the current paper evaluates if the Geneva Emotional Competence Test (GECo) fits within a higher-order intelligence space and if emotional intelligence (EI) branches predict distinct criteria related to adjustment and motivation. Using a combination of classical and S-1 bifactor models, we find that (a) a first-order oblique and bifactor model provide excellent and comparably fitting representation of an EI structure with self-regulatory skills operating independent of general ability, (b) residualized EI abilities uniquely predict criteria over general cognitive ability as referenced by fluid intelligence, and (c) emotion recognition and regulation incrementally predict grade point average (GPA) and affective engagement in opposing directions, after controlling for fluid general ability and the Big Five personality traits. Results are qualified by psychometric analyses suggesting only emotion regulation has enough determinacy and reliable variance beyond a general ability factor to be treated as a manifest score in analyses and interpretation. Findings call for renewed, albeit tempered, research on EI as a multidimensional intelligence and highlight the need for refined assessment of emotional perception, understanding, and management to allow focused analyses of different EI abilities.
Subdose of human chorionic gonadotropin applied at the Hou Hai acupoint on follicular dynamics and luteal development in donkeys

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an hCG subdose applied at the Hou Hai acupoint as an ovulation inducer in donkeys. Eleven donkeys were distributed in randomized blocks in T1 = application of 1,500 IU of hCG intravenous (IV); T2 = 450 IU of hCG applied at the false acupoint (IV), and T3 = 450 IU of hCG applied at the Hou Hai acupoint. There was no difference (P > 0.05) between the treatments regarding the mean diameter of the pre-ovulatory follicle (34.5 ± 1.3 mm), the ovulation rate (96.97%), the interval between induction and ovulation (58.07 ± 16.82 h), the mean diameter of the CL (D0 = 23.0 ± 0.6; D2 = 27.7 ± 1.9 and D8 = 28.2 ± 0.8mm), and serum P4 concentrations (10.50 ± 2.99 ng.mL-1). The application of 450 IU of hCG at the Hou Hai acupoint increased ovulation rate (72.73%) more than 48 h after induction (P = 0.03) and a larger diameter of the CL on D4 (30.7 ± 5.1 mm) (P = 0.04). The vascularization area of the CL on D8, obtained by minimum number of colored pixel (NCP), was greater (P < 0.05) in the donkeys that received 1,500 IU of IV hCG (T1, 41.91 ± 1.17), and we found a positive correlation (P < 0.05) between mean NCP and P4 concentration in the donkeys that received 450 IU of hCG IV at the false acupoint (T2) or at the Hou Hai acupoint (T3). The application of 450 IU of hCG by IV route at the false acupoint or the Hou Hai acupoint was sufficient to induce ovulation in donkeys, demonstrating that the average dosage commonly used for this species is too high.
Identification of Novel Alectinib-Resistant ALK Mutation G1202K with Sensitization to Lorlatinib: A Case Report and in silico Structural Modelling

Background Drug resistance caused by G1202R/G1202del mutation in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) represents a great challenge in the clinic. The effect of other mutation(s) at G1202 on the available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in the clinic remains unknown. Case Presentation A 50-year-old Chinese male non-smoker with lung adenocarcinoma progressed with spinal metastasis after receiving chest radiation together with Pemetrexed and Cisplatin as adjuvant chemotherapy. Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) identified EML4-ALK gene fusion in the resected left lung tissue. Local radiation followed by Crizotinib were used in the following treatment and the spinal metastasis was found to shrink, but the progression free survival (PFS) only lasted for 2 months with the appearance of brain metastasis. Afterwards, the patient benefited from the therapy of Alectinib with a PFS of 8 months. Then he progressed with metastases in right lung and pleural, and did not show response to the chemotherapy with Docetaxel plus Bevacizumab. The targeted sequencing consistently identified EML4-ALK gene fusion in both plasma and pleural effusion (PE), as well as a novel ALK G1202K mutation (c.3604_3605delGGinsAA). Given the lack of established or known drug treatment for this novel mutation, we implemented molecular dynamics (MD) simulation-guided drug sensitivity prediction, which results suggested Lorlatinib remains potent against G1202K mutant ALK. Therefore, Lorlatinib was used as the fourth-line therapy, which lead to the considerable efficacy with improved performance status (PS) score and reduced lung metastases. The structural mechanism underlying G1202K-induced drug resistance to different ALK-TKIs was also discussed. Conclusion Our case suggested the ALK-G1202K mutation may serve as a novel mechanism underlying the resistance to Alectinib, and provide direct evidence to support its sensitization to Lorlatinib. Our work represented an example of integrating in silico predictions into clinical practice.
What Do Young Adults Think about the Safety of Over-the-Counter Analgesics? Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey

Analgesics are commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) medicines readily available for purchase, sometimes without advice of a health professional. However, analgesics can cause harm even when taken according to dosing recommendations. Young adults may be more vulnerable to harm if they perceive low risk with OTC analgesic use, or struggle to interpret dosing instructions. This study aimed to explore factors affecting how young adults use OTC analgesics and associated perceptions of safety. An online survey was distributed to school-leavers and university students (17 to 25 years), in South-East Queensland, Australia, in the period November–December 2019. Most of the 302 respondents (school-leavers n = 147, university students n = 155) did not use analgesics frequently. School-leavers deferred to parents for analgesic information, while university students preferred the internet. The majority of respondents appeared safety conscious and did not take outside indicated use or instructions. However, a small proportion reported taking analgesics for an inappropriate indication. The difference in preferred source of analgesic information may reflect experience with analgesic use, increasing autonomy or decreased parental influence. Whilst it is encouraging that the majority of young adults appeared safety conscious, greater insight is needed into factors influencing decision making on OTC use, e.g., medicines knowledge, and changes with increasing age.
Mechanisms of Adiponectin in Regulation of Proinflammatory Cytokine Production and Migration in Macrophages

Introduction Evidence indicate that adiponectin may exert pro-inflammatory effects on inflammatory cells. We have found that adiponectin knockout decreased inflammatory reaction and tubular damage in the ischemia-reperfusion kidney in APN-knockout mice. Globular adiponectin and full-length adiponectin (g-APN and f-APN) were used in this study to investigate the effects of adiponectin on proinflammatory cytokines production and migration in Raw 264.7 cells. Methods Proinflammatory cytokines production was detected by real-time RT-PCR. NF-kappaB activation was interrupted through Ad-DN-IκBα or SN-50 to confirm how g-APN induces proinflammatory cytokines production. The siRNA against AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 was investigated to uncover the signaling pathway that may involve in NF-kappaB activation and migration in Raw 264.7 cells. Results g-APN, not f-APN, was found triggering the production of inflammatory cytokine MIP-2, IL-6, TNFα, and MCP-1 in Raw 264.7 cells. NF-kappaB Inhibition by Ad-DN-IκBα expression or cell-permeable NF-κB inhibitor SN-50 could decrease NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and subsequently decrease inflammatory cytokine expression triggered by globular ANP. However, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 were not found involved in NF-kappaB activation in this study. Full-length APN, not g-APN, was involved in the promotion of macrophage migration. The migration induced by full-length APN could be inhibited by knockdown of AdipoR1 expression with siRNA. The migration effect could also be inhibited by PI3Kγ inhibitor, AS-605240. Discussion These results suggested that full-length adiponectin increases macrophage migration through Adiponectin-AdipoR1-PI3Kgamma signaling pathway. However, NF-κB activation induced by g-APN in this study was independent of AdipoR1 or AdipoR2. The exact signaling pathway of NF-κB activation by adiponectin should be further studied to find a new anti-inflammatory target.
Psychometric Properties of the General Anxiety Disorders-7 Scale Using Categorical Data Methods: A Study in a Sample of University Attending Ethiopian Young Adults

Background Few studies have investigated the psychometric validation of the General Anxiety Disorders-7 Scale (GAD-7) using appropriate data assumptions. This study examined the reliability, factorial validity, divergent validity, and item analysis of the GAD-7 using categorical data methods in a sample of Ethiopian young adults. Methods A sample of 270 students in the age group (18–20 years) was recruited during February-May of 2017 in this cross-sectional study using simple random sampling. The participants completed a tool for socio-demographic details, the GAD-7, and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). Results The cumulative variance rule (> 40%), the scree test, Kaiser’s criteria (Eigenvalues > 1), and the parallel analysis found a 1-factor model for the GAD-7 (factor loadings, 0.38 to 0.63). Fit indices suggested a 1-factor model: the tests applied included the weighted root mean square residual (0.030), comparative fit index (1.000), the goodness of fit index (1.00), root mean square error of approximation (0.037) and the non-normed fit index (1.00). McDonald’s Omega (0.772) implied that the scores had adequate internal consistency. Divergent validity was supported by significant but weak correlations that were found between the GAD-7 and PSS-10 scores (r = 0.11 to 0.25, p<0.05). Conclusion The psychometric validity of the GAD-7 in Ethiopian university attending young adults was supported by the categorical data method.