Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Examining Sex and Racial/Ethnic Differences in Co-use of Alcohol, Cannabis, and Cigarettes in a Community Sample of Adolescents

Abstract Introduction: Although adolescents often co-use alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis, little is known about sex and racial/ethnic differences in the co-use of these substances. Therefore, this investigation examined sex and racial/ethnic differences in alcohol, cigarette, and cannabis co-use in a large and ethnically diverse group. Methods: Participants were drawn from a large, multi-site study of adolescents from three regions in the United States (N = 4,129; Mage=16.10 years, SD = 0.59; 51% female, 49% male; 37% Black, 37% Hispanic, 25% White). Participants were categorized into eight mutually exclusive groups based on their self-reported use of alcohol, cannabis, and cigarettes in the last 30 days. Results: Unadjusted multinomial logistic regression revealed that males were more likely than females to use cannabis-only and to co-use all three substances. Additionally, Black and Hispanic adolescents were more likely to use cannabis-only, while White adolescents were more likely than Black and Hispanic adolescents to co-use alcohol and cigarettes. After adjusting for other sociodemographic variables (age, household income, parental education, and parent marital status), males were more likely to use cannabis-only than females; White youth were more likely than Hispanic youth to use cigarettes only and co-use cigarettes and alcohol. White youth were more likely than Black youth to co-use alcohol and cigarettes and co-use all three substances. Discussion: These results indicate sex and racial/ethnic differences in substance co-use that were not explained by socioeconomic factors. Results of this work suggest potential strategies for targeted prevention efforts and underscore the importance of continued efforts to better understand patterns of alcohol and substance co-use.
The dermatoscopic spectrum of cutaneous lupus erythematosus: A retrospective analysis by clinical subtype with clinicopathological correlation

The skin is the most common organ of involvement during the course of lupus erythematosus (LE). The literature data concerning the dermatoscopic patterns of the different clinical variants of cutaneous LE (CLE), namely chronic (CCLE), subacute (SCLE), and acute (ACLE), are scarce. To determine the dermatoscopic spectrum of CLE and to correlate the dermatoscopic features with the histological findings. This was a retrospective, observational, multicenter, cohort study. We evaluated the dermatoscopic features in a cohort of patients diagnosed with CLE. Furthermore, we investigated their frequency per clinical subtype and correlated them with the anatomic alterations. We included 79 patients. The most prevalent dermatoscopic features of CCLE included follicular plugs (86.4%, P < .01), patchy distribution (75%, P = .1) of mostly linear curved vessels (56.8%, P = .8), white scales (68.2%, P < .01), and structureless white color (68.2%, P < .01). The most common criteria of SCLE were patchy distribution (90%, P = .1) of mostly linear curved vessels (53.3%, P = .8) and fine white scales (60%, P < .01), while ACLE was characterized by erythema (100%, P < .05) and patchy distribution (100%, P = .1) of mostly dotted vessels (60%, P = .4). Follicular plugs/rosettes in dermatoscopy strongly correlated with follicular plugs in histology (rho = 0.919). Hyperkeratosis significantly correlated with white (rho = 0.644) and yellow/brown scales (rho = 0.225), telangiectasia with linear curved vessels (rho = 0.321) and white color with dermal fibrosis (rho = 0.623). Depending on CLE subtype, distinct dermatoscopic patterns are recognized. In CLE there is a high correlation between certain dermatoscopic criteria and the underneath anatomic alteration.
Recent advances in understanding the biological roles of the plant nuclear envelope

ABSTRACT The functional organization of the plant nuclear envelope is gaining increasing attention through new connections made between nuclear envelope-associated proteins and important plant biological processes. Animal nuclear envelope proteins play roles in nuclear morphology, nuclear anchoring and movement, chromatin tethering and mechanical signaling. However, how these roles translate to functionality in a broader biological context is often not well understood. A surprising number of plant nuclear envelope-associated proteins are plant-unique, suggesting that separate functionalities evolved after the split of Opisthokonta and Streptophyta. Significant progress has now been made in discovering broader biological roles of plant nuclear envelope proteins, increasing the number of known plant nuclear envelope proteins, and connecting known proteins to chromatin organization, gene expression, and the regulation of nuclear calcium. The interaction of viruses with the plant nuclear envelope is another emerging theme. Here, we survey the recent developments in this still relatively new, yet rapidly advancing field.
Advanced mechanical ventilation modes: design and computer simulations

Abstract In this paper, three different advanced mechanical ventilation modes, pressure regulated volume control ventilation (PRVC), proportional assist ventilation (PAV), and adaptive support ventilation (ASV) are designed and simulated on the computer via MATLAB/Simulink. In the algorithms of advanced ventilation modes, a closed-loop control structure is used and recursive least squares method is considered for the estimation of respiratory mechanics. The designed algorithms are then applied to the human respiratory system model for the active and/or passive patient cases. Simulation results show that such algorithms can be designed and simulated on the computer successfully. In addition, the simulation environment helps us to understand the working principles of the advanced modes and to see the results such as ventilator waveforms, the effect of the parameter changes. Moreover, it also allows us to improve and test the algorithms and strategies quickly and efficiently.
Risk Characterization of Environmental Samples Using in Vitro Bioactivity and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Concentrations Data.

Methods to assess environmental exposure to hazardous chemicals have primarily focused on quantification of individual chemicals, although chemicals often occur in mixtures, presenting challenges to the traditional risk characterization framework. Sampling sites in a defined geographic region provide an opportunity to characterize chemical contaminants, with spatial interpolation as a tool to provide estimates for non-sampled sites. At the same time, the use of in vitro bioactivity measurements has been shown to be informative for rapid risk-based decisions. In this study we measured in vitro bioactivity in 39 surface soil samples collected immediately after flooding associated with Hurricane Harvey in Texas in a residential area known to be inundated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminants. Bioactivity data were from a number of functional and toxicity assays in five human cell types (induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes, neurons and endothelial cells, as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Data on concentrations of PAH in these samples was also available and the combination of data sources offered a unique opportunity to assess the joint spatial variation of PAH components and bioactivity. We found significant evidence of spatial correlation of a subset of PAH contaminants and of cell-based phenotypes. In addition, we show that the cell-based bioactivity data can be used to predict environmental concentrations for several PAH contaminants, as well as overall PAH summaries and cancer risk. This study's impact lies in its demonstration that cell-based profiling can be used for rapid hazard screening of environmental samples by anchoring the bioassays to concentrations of PAH. This work sets the stage for identification of the areas of concern and direct quantitative risk characterization based on bioactivity data, thereby providing an important supplement to traditional individual chemical analyses by shedding light on constituents that may be missed from targeted chemical monitoring.
Contemporary use of real-world data for clinical trial conduct in the United States: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE Real-world data (RWD), defined as routinely collected healthcare data, can be a potential catalyst for addressing challenges faced in clinical trials. We performed a scoping review of database-specific RWD applications within clinical trial contexts, synthesizing prominent uses and themes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Querying 3 biomedical literature databases, research articles using electronic health records, administrative claims databases, or clinical registries either within a clinical trial or in tandem with methodology related to clinical trials were included. Articles were required to use at least 1 US RWD source. All abstract screening, full-text screening, and data extraction was performed by 1 reviewer. Two reviewers independently verified all decisions. RESULTS Of 2020 screened articles, 89 qualified: 59 articles used electronic health records, 29 used administrative claims, and 26 used registries. Our synthesis was driven by the general life cycle of a clinical trial, culminating into 3 major themes: trial process tasks (51 articles); dissemination strategies (6); and generalizability assessments (34). Despite a diverse set of diseases studied, <10% of trials using RWD for trial process tasks evaluated medications or procedures (5/51). All articles highlighted data-related challenges, such as missing values. DISCUSSION Database-specific RWD have been occasionally leveraged for various clinical trial tasks. We observed underuse of RWD within conducted medication or procedure trials, though it is subject to the confounder of implicit report of RWD use. CONCLUSION Enhanced incorporation of RWD should be further explored for medication or procedure trials, including better understanding of how to handle related data quality issues to facilitate RWD use.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in aortic regurgitation: The U.S. experience

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) can be an effective option for high‐risk Aortic Regurgitation (AR) patients. Although international experiences of TAVR for AR are published, U.S. data are limited. This study sought to report the short‐term outcomes of TAVR in AR in the U.S. population.
Peeling Back the Layers: How Expressive Writing about Heterosexist Events Benefits Sexual Minority Adults

ABSTRACT Expressive writing exercises, in which participants self-reflect upon a difficult experience, are widely researched interventions. These exercises have been adapted to address a host of concerns, including trauma, mental distress, physical health, and minority stress. Although several theories exist about the mechanisms through which expressive writing yields psychological benefits, the direct perspectives of those who have completed expressive writing exercise has remained unexplored. This study used grounded theory methods to analyze sexual minority adults’ interviews about their experience of engaging in various formats of expressive writing exercises about personal heterosexist events. Participants described both what they found helpful and frustrating about the writing process and reflected on how their perspectives shifted throughout the process. These findings contribute to the literature on how change occurs in expressive writing and provide guidance on how to assist sexual minority adults in healing from heterosexism in their lives.
Individuals' privacy concerns and adoption of contact tracing mobile applications in a pandemic: A situational privacy calculus perspective

OBJECTIVE The study sought to develop and empirically validate an integrative situational privacy calculus model for explaining potential users' privacy concerns and intention to install a contact tracing mobile application (CTMA). MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey instrument was developed based on the extant literature in 2 research streams of technology adoption and privacy calculus. Survey participants (N = 853) were recruited from all 50 U.S. states. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to validate and test the model. RESULTS Individuals' intention to install a CTMA is influenced by their risk beliefs, perceived individual and societal benefits to public health, privacy concerns, privacy protection initiatives (legal and technical protection), and technology features (anonymity and use of less sensitive data). We found only indirect relationships between trust in public health authorities and intention to install CTMA. Sex, education, media exposure, and past invasion of privacy did not have a significant relationship either, but interestingly, older people were slightly more inclined than younger people to install a CTMA. DISCUSSION Our survey results confirm the initial concerns about the potentially low adoption rates of CTMA. Our model provides public health agencies with a validated list of factors influencing individuals' privacy concerns and beliefs, enabling them to systematically take actions to address these identified issues, and increase CTMA adoption. CONCLUSIONS Developing CTMAs and increasing their adoption is an ongoing challenge for public health systems and policymakers. This research provides an evidence-based and situation-specific model for a better understanding of this theoretically and pragmatically important phenomenon.
Bariatric Surgery as a Bridge to Heart Transplantation in Morbidly Obese Patients

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Class 2 obesity or greater [body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2] is a relative contraindication for heart transplant due to its associated perioperative risks and mortality. Whether bariatric surgery can act as a potential bridging procedure to heart transplantation is unknown. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the role of bariatric surgery on improving transplant candidacy in patients with end-stage heart failure (ESHF). MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and PubMed databases were searched up to September 2019 for studies that performed bariatric surgery on patients with severe obesity and ESHF. Outcomes of interest included incidence of patients listed for heart transplantation after bariatric surgery, proportion of patients that successfully received transplant, the change in BMI after bariatric surgery, and 30-day complications. Pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis of proportions. Eleven studies with 98 patients were included. Mean preoperative BMI was 44.9 (2.1) kg/m2 and BMI after surgery was 33.2 (2.3) kg/m2 with an absolute BMI reduction of 26.1%. After bariatric surgery, 71% [95% confidence interval (CI), 55–86%] of patients with ESHF were listed for transplantation. The mean time from bariatric surgery to receiving a heart transplant was 14.9 (4.0) months. Of the listed patients, 57% (95% CI, 39–74%) successfully received heart transplant. The rate of 30-day mortality after bariatric surgery was 0%, and the 30-day major and minor complications after bariatric surgery was 28% (95% CI, 10–49%). Bariatric surgery can facilitate sustained weight loss in obese patients with ESHF, improving heart transplant candidacy and the incidence of transplantation.
Effects of 2.45 GHz Wi‐Fi exposure on sleep‐dependent memory consolidation

Studies have reported that exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMF) emitted by mobile telephony might affect specific sleep features. Possible effects of RF‐EMF emitted by Wi‐Fi networks on sleep‐dependent memory consolidation processes have not been investigated so far. The present study explored the impact of an all‐night Wi‐Fi (2.45 GHz) exposure on sleep‐dependent memory consolidation and its associated physiological correlates. Thirty young males (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 24.1 ± 2.9 years) participated in this double‐blind, randomized, sham‐controlled crossover study. Participants spent five nights in the laboratory. The first night was an adaptation/screening night. The second and fourth nights were baseline nights, each followed consecutively by an experimental night with either Wi‐Fi (maximum: psSAR10g = <25 mW/kg; 6 min average: <6.4 mW/kg) or sham exposure. Declarative, emotional and procedural memory performances were measured using a word pair, a sequential finger tapping and a face recognition task, respectively. Furthermore, learning‐associated brain activity parameters (power spectra for slow oscillations and in the spindle frequency range) were analysed. Although emotional and procedural memory were not affected by RF‐EMF exposure, overnight improvement in the declarative task was significantly better in the Wi‐Fi condition. However, none of the post‐learning sleep‐specific parameters was affected by exposure. Thus, the significant effect of Wi‐Fi exposure on declarative memory observed at the behavioural level was not supported by results at the physiological level. Due to these inconsistencies, this result could also be a random finding.
Celecoxib and Afatinib synergistic enhance radiotherapy sensitivity on human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells

Abstract Purpose Radioresistance is highly correlated with radiotherapy failure in clinical cancer treatment. In the current study, we sought to examine the efficacy of Celecoxib and Afatinib co-treatment as radiosensitizers in the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells. Materials and methods Generally, A549 cells were cultured with the treatment of Celecoxib and/or Afatinib for 24 h. Then, the cells were exposed to irradiation at 2 Gy/min for 1 min. After the end of treatment, cell viability, clonogenic survival, apoptosis and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) Elisa assays were performed. Transcriptional levels of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) affected by Celecoxib and/or Afatinib were measured by RT-qPCR. Posttranscriptional level of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-related gene was measured by Western blotting analysis. Results Here, we, for the first time, reported that the co-treatment of Celecoxib and Afatinib regulates the resistance of NSCLC A549 cells to radiation. The co-treatment of Celecoxib and Afatinib sensitized radiotherapy through the radiation-induced loss of cell viability and colony formation, as well as apoptosis. Mechanistically, Celecoxib and Afatinib-treated cells showed the inhibition of COX-2 and EGFR expression, which may be responsible for the A549 cells’ increased resistance to radiation. Conclusion Our results suggested that Celecoxib and Afatinib regulate cell sensitivity to apoptosis, and thus modulate the resistance of NSCLC to radiation.
The impact of propranolol on apoptosis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas.

OBJECTIVES Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common cancer in Caucasian populations. Treatments registered for high-risk cSCC are still undetermined. Experimental data have demonstrated possibly useful effects of a combined application of beta‑blockers in cancer therapy. The goal of this study was to examine the efficacy of propranolol in the treatment of cSCC and its impact on apoptosis. Thus, we aimed to investigate the apoptotic pathway protein levels and activity in beta‑blocker‑treated cSCC cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was performed on human cSCC cancer cell line culture. One of the cSCC cell lines was treated with propranolol, whereas no treatment was given to the other group. Then, the levels of apoptotic pathway proteins were determined by ELISA test in both groups. RESULTS The propranolol treatment group exhibited a remarkable difference as compared with the other group. It was found that propranolol treatment enhanced the activity of caspase-3 while the expression of bax, wee1, gadd153, grp78 and AIF decreased bcl-2 which is antiapoptotic protein in cSCC cell lines. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that propranolol treatment has anti-cancer properties with an effect on various apoptotic pathways in cSCC. These data are important because propronalol may be involved in future cSCC treatment (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 22).
Fluid mechanics with applications

1. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics. 2. Properties of Fluids. 3. Fluids at Rest: Pressure Considerations. 4. Fluids at Rest: Force Considerations. 5. Fluids in Motion: The Bernoulli Equation. 6. Fluids in Motion: The Energy Equation. 7. Flow of Viscous Fluids in Pipelines. 8. Series and Parallel Piping Systems. 9. Open Channel Flow. 10. Forces Due to Change in Fluid Motion. 11. Pumps: Operating Features and Applications. 12. Gas Flow: Fans, Blowers, and Compressors. 13. Flow Over Immersed Bodies: Drag and Lift. Appendix A. Properties of Water. Appendix B. Properties of Air. Appendix C. Dynamic Viscosity of Common Fluids as a Function of Temperature (SI Units). Appendix D. Kinematic Viscosity of Common Fluids (at Atmospheric Pressure) as a Function of Temperature (SI Units). Appendix E. Unit Conversion Factors. Appendix F. References. Appendix G. Answers to Selected Odd-Numbered Exercises. Index.
First case report on the occurrence of Trypanosoma evansi in a Siam B Mare in Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract This is the first case report for the positive Trypanosoma evansi incident in Kelantan, Malaysia confirmed through protozoa detection in a Siam B mare. The horse was presented with complaints of lethargy and inappetence and it collapsed on the day of visit. Normal saline and dextrose solution were administered intravenously, while multivitamins and nerve supplements were given intramuscularly to stabilise the horse before further treatment. Haematological findings showed normocytic hypochromic anaemia and are suggestive of regenerative anaemia. Thin blood smear and examination revealed the presence of Trypanosoma sp. , and it was confirmed as T. evansi through molecular identification. The horse was found dead 2 days after and post‐mortem was conducted. Histopathology revealed that the horse had developed a neurological form of the disease, besides the detection of the protozoa in heart, spleen and kidney tissue. This first positive Surra case in Kelantan, Malaysia, that is bordering Thailand confirms the increasing concern of transboundary infections. In conclusion, Surra is a potential emerging disease and should be considered as differential diagnosis in horses with pale mucous membrane. This condition is particularly imperative in horses found in these regions as Surra is endemic.