Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pre‐lab video demonstrations to enhance students' laboratory experience in a first‐year chemical engineering class

The limited capabilities of teaching laboratories, combined with an increasing number of students enrolled in university, require constant augmentation of instructional approaches. By enhancing laboratory demonstrations with digital technology, these structural issues can be addressed while at the same time enhancing student understanding and learning. Our case study focuses on the fermentation lab part of the Reaction Equilibria and Thermodynamics (RET) module, a first‐year chemical engineering course at the University of Birmingham. Video demonstrations were used to introduce students to the laboratory set‐ups and walk them through each step and technique. The video demonstrations allowed the students to attend the in‐person lab sessions having established knowledge and understanding of the processes involved and the outcomes desired, which decreased the burden on the facilities and the staff. A knowledge‐based quiz and a student survey conducted at the end of the module showed that the pre‐lab videos encouraged more active participation in the laboratory sessions and reinforced learning. Approximately 70% of the students polled in the first survey conducted within this project felt more confident going into the laboratory sessions after watching the pre‐lab videos and attempting the knowledge quiz, while 92% of the students polled in the second survey judged the pre‐lab video sessions as beneficial to them. Overall, the teaching method has the potential to improve student participation and access, boost confidence and learning, and provided a more structured and flexible approach to laboratory learning outcomes.
Effect of Polarized Light Therapy (Bioptron) on Wound Healing and Microbiota in Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) complications are the most common cause of morbidity in diabetic patients. Bioptron light therapy is a new adjuvant therapy for wound healing. This study aimed to investigate the effect of polarized light therapy on the healing and microbial nature of DFUs. Methods: Forty type 2 diabetic patients with Wagner grade 1 or 2 DFUs were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the light therapy group, which received Bioptron light therapy using the Bioptron lamp for 12 min three times per week, plus standard wound care, or the control group, which received standard wound care only. Both interventions were given over a 2-month period. Wound surface area, volume, and ulcer microbial cultures were all measured before and after the study period. Results: There was a significant reduction in ulcer surface area between groups in favor of the light therapy group, with a relative ulcer size reduction of 51.44% ± 23.76% compared with 24.5% ± 9.6% in the control group (p < 0.001). Besides, a significant difference was observed between groups in the microbial cultures (p = 0.02); by the end of the 8th week, the number of patients with negative ulcer culture was 12 (60%) in the light therapy group compared with 3 (15%) in the control group. Conclusions: Bioptron light therapy seems to be an effective therapeutic intervention combined with standard care in decreasing wound size and reducing ulcer microbiota for DFUs. It reduces ulcer bacterial infection and speeds up ulcer healing. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04446767.
A new framework combining hydrological connectivity metrics and morphological spatial pattern analysis for the hydrological connectivity evaluation of wetlands

The quantitative evaluation of wetland hydrological connectivity is essential to the hydrological connectivity restoration‐oriented ecological conservation and environmental management of wetlands. We proposed a framework to evaluate wetland hydrological connectivity with a combination of hydrological connectivity metrics and morphological spatial pattern analysis and recognized potential sites and links that had been generally overlooked in previous studies. Variations in hydrological connectivity revealed a decreasing trend followed by a gradual recovery from the critical time node of 2005 in Baiyangdian Lake. The core, one of the most important landscape types, played a dominant role in maintaining wetland hydrological connectivity at both temporal and spatial scales, and its variations matched those of hydrological connectivity. More importantly, we redressed the conventional ignorance of peripheral patches and links and recognized their importance in improving the hydrological connectivity of wetlands. The proposed framework provides an effective and practical tool for the hydrological connectivity evaluation of wetlands, expanding new insights into maintaining the health and integrity of wetland ecosystems. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1064–1078. © 2022 SETAC
Effect of COVID‐19 vaccination on semen parameters: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination on semen parameters through systematic review and meta‐analysis. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched by June 2022. Studies were considered eligible if they compared semen parameters before and after COVID‐19 vaccination or between vaccinated and unvaccinated men, with no restrictions on vaccine types or doses. The effect size was calculated as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random‐effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the sources of heterogeneity measured by the I2 statistic, with publication bias evaluated by Egger's test. Twelve cohort studies involving 914 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In a comparison of vaccinated versus unvaccinated group, the pooled data revealed no significant differences in semen volume (MD = 0.18 ml, 95% CI −0.02 to 0.38), sperm concentration (MD = 1.16 million/ml, 95% CI −1.34 to 3.66), total sperm motility (MD = −0.14%, 95% CI −2.84 to 2.56), progressive sperm motility (MD = −1.06%, 95% CI −2.88 to 0.77), total sperm count (MD = 5.92 million, 95% CI −10.22 to 22.05), total motile sperm count (MD = 2.18 million, 95% CI −1.28 to 5.63), total progressively motile sperm count (MD = −3.87 million, 95% CI −13.16 to 5.43), and sperm morphology (MD = 0.07%, 95% CI −0.84 to 0.97). The results also remained similar across messenger ribonucleic acid, viral‐vector, and inactivated COVID‐19 vaccines. Sensitivity analysis identified two individual studies that contributed to heterogeneity, while the effect size was not materially altered. No obvious publication bias was detected among included studies. Our finding suggested that COVID‐19 vaccination had no detrimental impact on semen quality, which could be potentially helpful to reduce male vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination coverage.
The Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Patients with Oral, Oropharynx, Nasopharynx, and Hypopharynx Cancers: A Retrospective Longitudinal Cohort Study in Taiwan

Introduction Given the prevalent use of tobacco and betel nut in the Taiwanese community, an increase risk of oral, oropharynx, and hypopharynx cancers (head and neck cancers) is apparent. The use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture is both common and conveniently accessible in Taiwan, with treatments being financially supported by the National Health Insurance (NHI). This study aims to investigate the use of TCM in head and neck cancers in Taiwan through a longitudinal cohort study. Methods: The Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) was utilized in order to conduct this study. The study populations consisted of oral, oropharynx, nasopharynx, and hypopharynx cancers (head and neck cancer) patients in 2002, which were then followed up until 2007 in regards to TCM use, until 2013 in regards to acupuncture use and until 2014 for all-cause mortality. Patients were divided into 4 groups. Common symptoms, Chinese herbs and formula used, TCM visits and 5 and 12 years all-cause mortality were analyzed. Results: The use of TCM was increased in the second to fourth-year post-diagnosis. TCM use in nasopharynx cancer patients was higher compared to other cancers. The number of TCM visits per patient was increased post-diagnosis. The findings suggest a non-significant reduction in 5 and 12 years all-cause mortality between TCM II and CON II groups. Conclusion: The use of TCM in new patients suffering from head and neck cancers was increased in close proximity to the cancer diagnosis. The relation between TCM use and mortality of head and neck cancer should be investigated through larger scale studies.
Circulating Soluble CD163, Associations With Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality, and Identification of Genetic Variants in Older Individuals: The Cardiovascular Health Study

Background Monocytes/macrophages participate in cardiovascular disease. CD163 (cluster of differentiation 163) is a monocyte/macrophage receptor, and the shed sCD163 (soluble CD163) reflects monocyte/macrophage activation. We examined the association of sCD163 with incident cardiovascular disease events and performed a genome‐wide association study to identify sCD163‐associated variants. Methods and Results We measured plasma sCD163 in 5214 adults (aged ≥65 years, 58.7% women, 16.2% Black) of the CHS (Cardiovascular Health Study). We used Cox regression models (associations of sCD163 with incident events and mortality); median follow‐up was 26 years. Genome‐wide association study analyses were stratified on race. Adjusted for age, sex, and race and ethnicity, sCD163 levels were associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08 [95% CI, 1.04–1.12] per SD increase), cardiovascular disease mortality (HR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.09–1.21]), incident coronary heart disease (HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.04–1.16]), and incident heart failure (HR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.12–1.25]). When further adjusted (eg, cardiovascular disease risk factors), only incident coronary heart disease lost significance. In European American individuals, genome‐wide association studies identified 38 variants on chromosome 2 near MGAT5 (top result rs62165726, P=3.3×10−18),19 variants near chromosome 17 gene ASGR1 (rs55714927, P=1.5×10−14), and 18 variants near chromosome 11 gene ST3GAL4. These regions replicated in the European ancestry ADDITION‐PRO cohort, a longitudinal cohort study nested in the Danish arm of the Anglo‐Danish‐Dutch study of Intensive Treatment Intensive Treatment In peOple with screeNdetcted Diabetes in Primary Care. In Black individuals, we identified 9 variants on chromosome 6 (rs3129781 P=7.1×10−9) in the HLA region, and 3 variants (rs115391969 P=4.3×10−8) near the chromosome 16 gene MYLK3 . Conclusions Monocyte function, as measured by sCD163, may be predictive of overall and cardiovascular‐specific mortality and incident heart failure.
V-ATPase/TORC1-mediated ATFS-1 translation directs mitochondrial UPR activation in C. elegans

Stressed mitochondria activate the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) to improve organismal health. Li et al. show that increased ATFS-1 translation, mediated by v-ATPase/TORC1 and involving multiple cellular organelles including lysosomes and ribosomes, plays an essential role in UPRmt activation and mild mitochondrial stress-induced longevity.
Natural history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats from rehoming centers: The CatScan II study

Abstract Background The natural history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats has been mainly studied in cats referred for suspected heart disease, which can skew the results towards cats with clinical signs. Few data are available on factors associated with development of HCM in cats. Hypotheses (1) Clinical variables can predict which cats will develop HCM; (2) HCM in cats not referred for suspected heart disease is associated with a low rate of cardiovascular events. Animals One hundred seven cats from rehoming centers without a history of clinical signs of cardiac or systemic disease at the time of adoption. Methods Prospective longitudinal study. After rehoming, shelter cats were reexamined for serial echocardiograms. Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictors of development of HCM in cats that were normal at baseline. Adverse cardiovascular events including heart failure, thromboembolism, or sudden death were recorded. Results Cats were monitored for a median of 5.6 [1.2‐9.2] years. At baseline, 68/107 cats were normal, 18/107 were equivocal and 21/107 had HCM. Nineteen cats developed HCM during the study period. The factors at baseline associated with increased hazard of developing HCM were lower left atrial fractional shortening, higher left ventricular fractional shortening, and higher body weight. Cardiovascular events were observed in 21% of cats with HCM. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Cardiovascular events were common in cats with HCM from a rehoming center study sample. Lower left atrial systolic function appears to precede overt HCM.
College Student Perceptions of the Root Causes of Sexual Violence Before and After a Curricular Intervention

Campus sexual violence is prevalent and consequential. After a climate survey at our university revealed high rates of sexual violence, a semester-long academic course was designed as a curricular intervention for first-year students. This study examines an assignment completed at the beginning and end of the course. Students were asked: “What are the root causes of sexual violence? ” Thematic analysis of papers revealed that many students altered or expanded their thinking to more complex, structural factors compared to their initial perceptions. An academic course may broaden students’ understanding of the determinants of sexual violence.
Individual-Specific Relationship Between External Training and Match Load and Creatine-Kinase Response in Youth National Team Soccer Players

Background: Previous studies have examined the relationship between external load and creatine-kinase (CK) response at the team level. This study aimed to build individualized CK prediction models for elite youth national team soccer players. Hypothesis: The CK response of youth soccer players can be categorized as being sensitive to micromovements (MM), high-velocity (HV) parameters, or the combination of both, measured during training sessions and matches. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: A total of 25 U16-U17 youth national team soccer players were monitored during training sessions and matches using global positioning system (GPS) units. Individual CK values were measured every morning from whole blood. The data set consisted of 57 ± 17 individual datapoints per player. Individual prediction models were used to examine the relationship between external load and consecutive CK changes. Numerous models were built for each player using MM, HV parameters, or the combination of both. The performance of the models was described by the R2 and the root mean square error (RMSE, U/l for CK values). Results: The MM models were superior for 8 players (R2 = 0.68; RMSE = 113 U/l), followed by HV (8 players; R2 = 0.69; RMSE = 88 U/l) and the combined models (2 players; R2 = 0.64; RMSE = 141 U/l). For the remaining 7 players, the R2 of the models was <0.5. The recovery time between efforts was more important in the HV model. Conclusion: Players could be categorized on sensitivity to MM, HV movements, or the combination of both. Clinical Relevance: These findings can be used to individualize postmatch recovery strategies and to optimize weekly training periodization to maximize match performance.
Agricultural Producers’ and Stakeholders’ Perceived Effectiveness and Participation in COVID-19 Protective Behaviors

ABSTRACT This study was designed to identify the perceived effectiveness of COVID-19 protective behaviors and participation in COVID-19 protective behaviors among agricultural producers and stakeholders in the Midwest, United States. A questionnaire was disseminated online to agricultural producers and stakeholders in April–July 2020. Respondents (N = 1,876) shared their perceptions of the effectiveness of COVID-19 protective behaviors and participation in those behaviors. Respondents were primarily agricultural producers (85.5%), aged 64 or younger (66.4%), male (81.2%), white (98.3%), and rural residents (88.7%). About three-quarters of respondents thought washing hands with soap and water and covering a cough or sneeze is very effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19, however, only 30% thought wearing a face mask when in contact with others or in public is very effective. Similarly, over 80% reported washing hands with soap regularly every day and covering their cough or sneeze every day in the past two weeks. In contrast, less than 40% reported staying home as much as possible and wearing a face mask when in public every day in the past two weeks. Rural residents were less likely than urban or suburban residents to report wearing a face mask when in public or with people outside their household. Agricultural producers and stakeholders were found to be at risk of getting COVID-19 due to the perceptions and practices, especially those related to protective social measures. Understanding engagement in protective behaviors and perceptions of their effectiveness is critical to developing effective public health interventions for agricultural communities.
Early patient-reported outcomes of cataract surgery with implantation of the trifocal liberty 677MY intraocular lens: A pilot study

Purpose To report our first clinical and patient-reported outcomes in the early postoperative period with a new model of trifocal diffractive intraocular lens (IOL). Methods Pilot prospective analysis of the results of 26 eyes of 13 patients (age, 44–79 years) undergoing cataract surgery with implantation of the trifocal diffractive IOL Liberty 677MY (Medicontur Medical Engineering Ltd., Zsámbék, Hungary). The following clinical outcomes were evaluated during the first postoperative month: measurement of distance, intermediate and near visual acuity, binocular defocus curve, and level of spectacle independence, patient satisfaction, perception of photic phenomena, and difficulty in performing several vision-related daily tasks by means of a questionnaire. Results Mean binocular LogMAR uncorrected distance, intermediate and near visual acuities were −0.03 ± 0.13, 0.21 ± 0.16, and 0.16 ± 0.09, respectively. Furthermore, 100.0%, 84.6% and 92.3% of patients achieved a binocular corrected distance, distance-corrected intermediate and distance-corrected near visual acuity of 20/32 or better, respectively. In the defocus curve, visual acuities were better than 0.2 logMAR for defocus levels between +1.00 and −3.00 D. Spectacle independence was referred by all patients, with any of them reporting dissatisfaction with the outcome of the surgery. The postoperative vision did not lead to difficulties in the daily life in 92.3% of patients. Bothersome halos, glare or starbursts were only reported by only 7.7% of patients. Conclusions The trifocal IOL evaluated provides a successful visual rehabilitation with minimal photic phenomena associated, leading to high levels of spectacle independence and patient satisfaction.
Uniportal robotic‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery for early‐stage lung cancer with the Da Vinci Xi: Initial experience of two cases

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques, currently considered the gold standard in the treatment of early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), are mainly represented by video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), both uniportal and multiportal, and by robotic‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS). While multiportal RATS has been accepted as a valid alternative to VATS, carrying the advantages of three‐dimensional high‐definition visualisation and improved maneuverability, very few reports exist in literature on the application of uniportal RATS (U‐RATS). Therefore, we describe our initial experience with this recently developed method in the treatment of early‐stage NSCLC.
Deep Learning for Multi-Tissue Segmentation and Fully Automatic Personalized Biomechanical Models from BACPAC Clinical Lumbar Spine MRI

Abstract Study Design In vivo retrospective study of fully automatic quantitative imaging feature extraction from clinically acquired lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Objective To demonstrate the feasibility of substituting automatic for human-demarcated segmentation of major anatomic structures in clinical lumbar spine MRI to generate quantitative image-based features and biomechanical models. Setting Previous studies have demonstrated the viability of automatic segmentation applied to medical images; however, the feasibility of these networks to segment clinically acquired images has not yet been demonstrated, as they largely rely on specialized sequences or strict quality of imaging data to achieve good performance. Methods Convolutional neural networks were trained to demarcate vertebral bodies, intervertebral disc, and paraspinous muscles from sagittal and axial T1-weighted MRIs. Intervertebral disc height, muscle cross-sectional area, and subject-specific musculoskeletal models of tissue loading in the lumbar spine were then computed from these segmentations and compared against those computed from human-demarcated masks. Results Segmentation masks, as well as the morphological metrics and biomechanical models computed from those masks, were highly similar between human- and computer-generated methods. Segmentations were similar, with Dice similarity coefficients of 0.77 or greater across networks, and morphological metrics and biomechanical models were similar, with Pearson R correlation coefficients of 0.69 or greater when significant. Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility of substituting computer-generated for human-generated segmentations of major anatomic structures in lumbar spine MRI to compute quantitative image-based morphological metrics and subject-specific musculoskeletal models of tissue loading quickly, efficiently, and at scale without interrupting routine clinical care.