Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of the lithosphere and the intraplate stress field

We outline the methodology of our numerical studies aimed at increasing the understanding of the relation between dynamics and stress field of the lithosphere with particular reference to oceanic lithosphere. The ridge-push force is modelled as a pressure gradient integrated over all contributing parts of the lithosphere. The slab-pull force is modelled as being dependent on the age of the subducting lithosphere. We parametrize the resistive forces and determine the unknown parameters by requiring the total torque of all forces acting on the plate to vanish. We illustrate the approach by the presentation and discussion of new modelling results for the Pacific plate.
Submucosal endoscopy: the present and future

Submucosal endoscopy or third-space endoscopy utilizes the potential space between the mucosal and muscularis layers of the gastrointestinal tract to execute therapeutic interventions for various diseases. Over the last decade, endoscopic access to the submucosal space has revolutionized the field of therapeutic endoscopy. Submucosal endoscopy was originally used to perform endoscopic myotomy in patients with achalasia cardia, and its use has grown exponentially since. Currently, submucosal endoscopy is widely used to resect subepithelial tumors and to manage refractory gastroparesis and Zenker’s diverticulum. While the utility of submucosal endoscopy has stood the test of time in esophageal motility disorders and subepithelial tumors, its durability remains to be established in conditions such as Zenker’s diverticulum and refractory gastroparesis. Other emerging indications for submucosal endoscopy include esophageal epiphrenic diverticulum, Hirschsprung’s disease, and esophageal strictures not amenable to conventional endoscopic treatment. The potential of submucosal endoscopy to provide easy and safe access to the mediastinum and peritoneal spaces may open doors to novel indications and rejuvenate the interest of endoscopists in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in the future. This review focuses on the current spectrum, recent updates, and future direction of submucosal endoscopy in the gastrointestinal tract.
Social support mediates the relationship between dispositional gratitude and psychological distress in caregivers of autistic children

ABSTRACT Grateful caregivers report lower levels of psychological distress. Social support, engendered by gratitude and buffering against stress, might mediate this effect. Here we explored whether the protective psychological effect of dispositional gratitude might be mediated by increased social support. A sample of 126 caregivers of autistic children completed questionnaires assessing dispositional gratitude, social support and psychological distress. Gratitude inversely predicted psychological distress, as did social support after adjusting for gratitude. Gratitude positively predicted social support. Gratitude no longer predicted psychological distress after adjusting for social support. Indirect effects analysis revealed the gratitude-distress relationship occurred indirectly via social support. Grateful caregivers reported higher levels of social support, and this predicted lower psychological distress. Gratitude, relatively stable as a disposition, has a state component that is sensitive to change, and healthcare professionals might do well to recommend gratitude enhancing interventions for caregivers of autistic children.
Novel Matrix Normalization Technique for Accurate LC‐ESI‐MS/MS Detection and Quantification of Drugs and Their Metabolites in Toxicology Research and Practice

Accurate identification and quantification of drugs and their metabolites (analytes) in biological matrices is an analytical foundation of clinical and forensic toxicology. For decades, liquid chromatography interfaced by electrospray ionization with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS) has been a widely used technology for analysis in the field of toxicology, as well as in many other fields of bioscience. It is also known that ion response in LC‐ESI‐MS/MS analysis is influenced by coeluting biological compounds and that preanalytical sample clean‐up is often insufficient in removing these interferences. As a result, a normalization technique is commonly used for assessment and compensation of matrix effects encountered in routine analysis. Internal standardization with a stable isotope analog of the analyte is the predominant normalization technique used in LC‐ESI‐MS/MS analysis. The technique, however, requires commercial availability or costly custom synthesis of an isotopic analog specific for each analyte. Here we describe an alternative technique for matrix normalization for use in high‐volume, multianalyte testing without the need for isotope analogs. The technique involves analysis of the original sample (neat analysis) followed by analysis of a second sample aliquot (spike analysis) that has been fortified with a controlled amount of reference analyte. A calibration procedure similar to internal standardization is employed, using an ion response ratio of neat to fortified analyte. As a demonstration of the technique in multianalyte testing, we provide a detailed protocol for simultaneous detection and quantification of 102 drugs and drug metabolites in human urine. We also provide a support protocol for addition of new analytes to the multianalyte panel, allowing convenient collection of the validation data during routine testing. The matrix normalization technique and testing principles may be applicable to a wide range of analytes and biological matrices, not only those encountered in toxicology but also in other fields of bioscience. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Atmospheric loadings of marine aerosol during a Hebridean cyclone

During a marine aerosol field trial at a coastal site in the Outer Hebrides, a depression formed in the North Atlantic, and moved directly over the site. Wind speeds on site gusted past 100m.p.h. , and some data were gathered at very high wind speeds. We found that the volume of sea salt aerosol at 30 ms−1 was more than an order of magnitude higher than that at 15 ms−1. This is contrary to previous, rather speculative, findings that the aerosol loadings of the atmosphere became less sensitive to wind speed as the wind speed increases beyond 15 ms−1.
Optical quality of intraocular lenses after several years in the human eye

The optical quality of explanted intraocular lenses (IOLs) was analysed to verify if their quality is maintained after having been in the human eye for several years. Twenty-five explanted IOLs were studied, 10 because of intraocular luxation and 15 from corneal donors. The dioptric power and modulation transfer function (MTF) were determined to discover the image quality of the IOLs. The spectral transmission was also established to ascertain whether the filter against ultraviolet (UV) radiation was still effective. The results show that the MTF of implanted IOLs is maintained and therefore so is the image quality they provide. Only decay in the MTF of some of the explanted IOLs was observed because of intraocular luxation. The transmission of the UV filters incorporated in the different IOLs hardly varied; thus they maintained their effectiveness.
Augmentation of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in cranial neural crest cells in mice deforms skull base due to premature fusion of intersphenoidal synchondrosis

Craniofacial anomalies (CFAs) are a diverse group of disorders affecting the shapes of the face and the head. Malformation of the cranial base in humans leads CFAs, such as midfacial hypoplasia and craniosynostosis. These patients have significant burdens associated with breathing, speaking, and chewing. Invasive surgical intervention is the current primary option to correct these structural deficiencies. Understanding molecular cellular mechanism for craniofacial development would provide novel therapeutic options for CFAs. In this study, we found that enhanced bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in cranial neural crest cells (NCCs) (P0‐Cre;caBmpr1a mice) causes premature fusion of intersphenoid synchondrosis (ISS) resulting in leading to short snouts and hypertelorism. Histological analyses revealed reduction of proliferation and higher cell death in ISS at postnatal day 3. We demonstrated to prevent the premature fusion of ISS in P0‐Cre;caBmpr1a mice by injecting a p53 inhibitor Pifithrin‐α to the pregnant mother from E15.5 to E18.5, resulting in rescue from short snouts and hypertelorism. We further demonstrated to prevent premature fusion of cranial sutures in P0‐Cre;caBmpr1a mice by injecting Pifithrin‐α through E8.5 to E18.5. These results suggested that enhanced BMP‐p53‐induced cell death in cranial NCCs causes premature fusion of ISS and sutures in time‐dependent manner.
Promoting health literacy and sense of coherence in primary care patients with long-term impaired work ability—a pilot study

Abstract Objective Evaluate feasibility, partnerships, and study design of intervention to minimise sick leave. Design and setting The design was a pilot single arm intervention study in primary health care. Outcome measures at follow-ups for each participant were compared with baseline data for the same person. Subjects Twenty primary health care patients with recurrent or long-term sick leave or health-related unemployment. Intervention Patient education through interactive study groups that met half a day a week for eight subsequent weeks. Groups were led by experienced but not medically trained facilitators. The intervention was designed to improve participant health literacy, sense of coherence, health-related quality of life, and patient involvement in healthcare. Main outcome measures Primary outcome was the level of sick leave. Sick leave data were obtained from medical records when available, otherwise patient reported. Secondary outcomes regarding health literacy, sense of coherence, and health-related quality of life were measured with validated questionnaires at baseline and follow-ups. Results Level of sick leave decreased significantly and participation in work preparatory activities increased during follow-up. Health literacy, sense of coherence (subscale sense of meaningfulness), and health-related quality of life (subscale social functioning) showed statistically significant improvement. Intervention, partnerships, and study design were feasible. Conclusion An educational programme, conducted in cooperation between primary health care and partners outside the healthcare system, was feasible and showed an impact on sick leave, health literacy, sense of coherence, and health-related quality of life. KEY FINDINGS A pilot study to evaluate an educational programme with study groups conducted in cooperation between primary health care and partners outside the healthcare system showed good feasibility. Sick leave decreased significantly six months after baseline. Health literacy, sense of coherence (subscale sense of meaningfulness), and health-related quality of life (subscale social function) improved significantly 6 months after baseline.
Structure-guided mutagenesis of the capsid protein indicates that a nanovirus requires assembled viral particles for systemic infection

Nanoviruses are plant multipartite viruses with a genome composed of six to eight circular single-stranded DNA segments. The distinct genome segments are encapsidated individually in icosahedral particles that measure ≈18 nm in diameter. Recent studies on the model species Faba bean necrotic stunt virus (FBNSV) revealed that complete sets of genomic segments rarely occur in infected plant cells and that the function encoded by a given viral segment can complement the others across neighbouring cells, presumably by translocation of the gene products through unknown molecular processes. This allows the viral genome to replicate, assemble into viral particles and infect anew, even with the distinct genome segments scattered in different cells. Here, we question the form under which the FBNSV genetic material propagates long distance within the vasculature of host plants and, in particular, whether viral particle assembly is required. Using structure-guided mutagenesis based on a 3.2 Å resolution cryogenic-electron-microscopy reconstruction of the FBNSV particles, we demonstrate that specific site-directed mutations preventing capsid formation systematically suppress FBNSV long-distance movement, and thus systemic infection of host plants, despite positive detection of the mutated coat protein when the corresponding segment is agroinfiltrated into plant leaves. These results strongly suggest that the viral genome does not propagate within the plant vascular system under the form of uncoated DNA molecules or DNA:coat-protein complexes, but rather moves long distance as assembled viral particles.
Efficacy and safety of tixagevimab‐cilgavimab as pre‐exposure prophylaxis for COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Some proportions of populations, such as immunocompromised patients and organ transplant recipients might have inadequate immune responses to the vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). For these groups of populations, administering monoclonal antibodies might offer some additional protection. This review sought to analyze the effectiveness and safety of tixagevimab‐cilgavimab (Evusheld) as pre‐exposure prophylaxis against COVID‐19. We used specific keywords to comprehensively search for potential studies on PubMed, Scopus, Europe PMC, and ClinicalTrials.gov sources until 3 September 2022. We collected all published articles that analyzed tixagevimab‐cilgavimab on the course of COVID‐19. Review Manager 5.4 was utilized for statistical analysis. Six studies were included. Our pooled analysis revealed that tixagevimab‐cilgavimab prophylaxis may decrease the rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.15–0.40, p < 0.00001, I2 = 75%), lower COVID‐19 hospitalization rate (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.07–0.24, p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%), decrease the severity risk (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.07–0.24, p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%), and lower COVID‐19 deaths (OR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.03–0.99, p = 0.05, I2 = 72%). In the included studies, no major adverse events were reported. This study proposes that tixagevimab‐cilgavimab was effective and safe for preventing COVID‐19. Tixagevimab‐cilgavimab may be offered to those who cannot be vaccinated or have inadequate immune response from the COVID‐19 vaccine to give additional protection.
Season‐Long Simplification of Insect Communities in Dung From Cattle Treated With an Extended‐Release Formulation of the Parasiticide Eprinomectin

Cattle treated with LongRange®, an injectable formulation of the parasiticide eprinomectin, fecally excrete insecticidal residues for an extended period post application. We examined the nontarget effect of these residues by comparing insect communities developing in dung of untreated cattle (week 0) with those developing in dung of cattle treated 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 or 25 weeks previously. Chemical analyses of dung showed that eprinomectin concentrations peaked at 1 week post application and were still detectable at 25 weeks. Results from two separate experiments showed that dung of untreated cattle supported more total insects (beetles, flies, parasitoid wasps) and insect species than did dung of cattle treated for ≤12 weeks (Experiment 1) and ≤25 weeks (Experiment 2) previously. For the two experiments, an effect of residue on individual taxa was either not detected (nine cases) or was determined to suppress insect development in dung of cattle treated for 8–12 weeks (two cases), 12–16 weeks (three cases), 16–20 weeks (two cases), or 24 or 25 weeks (six cases) previously. Flies and their parasitoid wasps were particularly sensitive to residues with suppression often at or near 100%. These results show that cattle treated with LongRange in spring will fecally excrete residues for the entire grazing season with an associated simplification of the dung insect community. The effect of this simplification on the long‐term health on dung‐breeding populations of insects on pastures and dung degradation was not examined in the present study, but merits future research. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:684–697. © 2023 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry © 2023 SETAC. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada.
A new children’s hospital with a larger floor space, single rooms, and V-shaped ward design: A pre–post evaluation of nurse time providing patient care and nurse, patient, and family experiences

Background The impact of hospital building design on patients, families and nurses related to nursing care interactions is not well understood. This study reports a pre–post intervention study to understand the effects of the move to a new children’s hospital in Perth, Australia, on nurse workflow activities and on patient, family, and nurse experiences. Methods We used a pre–post explanatory sequential design involving observation of nurse work tasks; measurement of the Practice Environment Scale and Nurse Work Index; weekly surveys of nurse, patient and family experiences; and nurse focus groups and interviews with patients and families. Survey data were analysed using linear regression; qualitative data analysis used a thematic approach. Results Nurse time spent walking almost doubled (p < 0.001), from an estimated 10 min at T1 (pre-move) to around 20 min at T4 (12 months post-move), but there was no difference in nurse time providing patient care (p = 0.114). The Practice Environment Scale and Nurse Work Index showed significantly reduced scores for nursing foundations for quality of care (adjusted mean difference −0.08, p = 0.016) and staffing and resource adequacy (adjusted mean difference −0.19, p < 0.001). This fall was mirrored in nurse experience surveys with a reduction in mean scores from T1 to T3 (3 months post-move) of −0.7 (p < 0.001) and from T1 to T4 of −0.4 (p = 0.002). Thematic analysis of qualitative data found that initial challenges appeared to reduce over time. Nurses reported difficulties managing workflow in the new wards and feelings of exhaustion at T3, but this changed to more positive accounts at T4. For patients and families there was a tension between leaving the old and familiar, enjoying the light and space of the new and shared observations that nurses appeared to be busier at T3. At T4, these experiences had changed to ‘being a family in hospital’ and confidence that a nurse was always close by. Conclusions Both benefits and challenges of the new hospital design were encountered from the perspective of nurses, patients, and families. Nurses spent double the time walking in the new environment, but time spent providing patient care was unchanged. Over time, the initial practice challenges reduced as nurses adapted to working in the new environment. Trial Registration ACTRN12618000775213.
Associations of breast cancer related exposures and gene expression profiles in normal breast tissue—The Norwegian Women and Cancer normal breast tissue study

Normal breast tissue is utilized in tissue‐based studies of breast carcinogenesis. While gene expression in breast tumor tissue is well explored, our knowledge of transcriptomic signatures in normal breast tissue is still incomplete. The aim of this study was to investigate variability of gene expression in a large sample of normal breast tissue biopsies, according to breast cancer related exposures (obesity, smoking, alcohol, hormone therapy, and parity).
Efficacy comparison between ultrasound-guided injections of 5% dextrose with corticosteroids in carpal tunnel syndrome patients

ABSTRACT Background There is no standard guideline for treating mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). 5% dextrose perineural injection has been a potential and innovative treatment with long-term effects for CTS; however, there is few published randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of 5% dextrose perineural injection versus corticosteroid injection in treating CTS. Materials and Methods In this double-blinded randomized active-controlled trial, we randomly allocated 1 session of either 2 cc 5% dextrose or 1 cc methylprednisolone acetate mixed with 1 cc normal saline in 36 patients with mild to moderate CTS of single or both their wrists. The baseline VAS, BCTQ, electrophysiological studies, and sonography assessment of median nerve CSA were carried out at the baseline and 1-month and 3-month follow-ups, as well as recording demographic variables. Results A statistically significant decreasing trend in VAS (P < 0.0001), BCTQ-ss (P < 0.0001), median nerve CSA (P = 0.05), SNAP-PL (P < 0.0001), and CMAP-OL (P = 0.048) in both methylprednisolone and 5% dextrose groups was observed. No significant difference was observed in slope of the trend of studied parameters, including VAS (P = 0.95), BCTQ-ss (P = 0.88), BCTQ-F (P = 0.34), median nerve CSA (P = 0.321), SNAP-PL (P = 0.9), CMAP-OL (P = 0.799), SNAP-amplitude (P = 0.798), and CMAP-amplitude (P = 0.584). Conclusion 5% dextrose perineural injection is an effective and safe treatment for mild to moderate CTS, in comparison with the short-term results attained from corticosteroids. Further randomized clinical trials with longer follow-up periods are warranted.
Association of post-stroke fatigue with physical activity and physical fitness: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: It has been hypothesized that post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is associated with reduced physical activity (PA) and impaired physical fitness (fitness). Understanding associations between PSF and PA, and/or fitness could help guide the development of targeted exercise interventions to treat PSF. Aims: Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate PSF’s associations with PA and fitness. Summary of review: Following a registered protocol, we included studies with cross-sectional or prospective observational designs, published in English or a Scandinavian language, which reported an association of PSF with PA and/or fitness in adult stroke survivors. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from inception to November 30, 2022. Risk of bias was assessed using Quality in Prognosis Studies. Thirty-two unique studies (total n = 4721 participants, 55% male), and three study protocols were included. We used random-effects meta-analysis to pool data for PA and fitness outcomes, and vote-counting of direction of association to synthesize data that could not be meta-analyzed. We found moderate-certainty evidence of a weak association between higher PSF and impaired fitness (meta r = –0.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) = –0.33, –0.15; n = 905, 7 studies), and very low-certainty evidence of no association between PSF and PA (meta r = –0.09; 95% CI = –0.34, 0.161; n = 430, 3 studies). Vote-counting showed a higher proportion of studies with associations between higher PSF and impaired fitness (pˆ = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.44, 0.97; p = 0.22, n = 298, 6 studies), and with associations between higher PSF and lower PA (pˆ = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.51, 0.90; p = 0.08, n = 2566, 16 studies). Very low- to moderate-certainty evidence reflects small study sample sizes, high risk of bias, and inconsistent results. Conclusions: The meta-analysis showed moderate-certainty evidence of an association between higher PSF and impaired fitness. These results indicate that fitness might protect against PSF. Larger prospective studies and randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of exercise on PSF are needed to confirm these findings.