Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of pulmonary vein isolation with pulsed field ablation vs. novel cryoballoon ablation system for atrial fibrillation

Abstract Aims Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a novel treatment technology for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Cryoballoon (CB) is the most frequently used single shot technology. A direct comparison to a novel CB system is lacking. We aimed to compare pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using PFA vs. a novel CB system regarding efficiency, safety, myocardial injury, and outcomes. Methods and results One hundred and eighty-one consecutive patients underwent PVI and were included (age 64 ± 9.7 years, ejection fraction 0.58 ± 0.09, left atrial size 40 ± 6.4 mm, paroxysmal AF 64%). 106 patients (59%) underwent PFA (FARAPULSE, Boston Scientific) and 75 patients (41%) underwent CB ablation (PolarX, Boston Scientific). The median procedure time, left atrial dwell time and fluoroscopic time were similar between the PFA and the CB group with 55 [interquartile range (IQR) 43–64] min vs. 58 (IQR 48–69) min (P < 0.087), 38 (30–49) min vs. 37 (31–48) min, (P = 0.871), and 11 (IQR 9.3–14) min vs. 11 (IQR 8.7–16) min, (P < 0.81), respectively. Three procedural complications were observed in the PFA group (two tamponades, one temporary ST elevation) and three complications in the CB group (3× reversible phrenic nerve palsies). During the median follow-up of 404 days (IQR 208–560), AF recurrence was similar in the PFA group and the CB group with 24 vs. 30%, P = 0.406. Conclusion Procedural characteristics were very similar between PFA and CB in regard to procedure duration fluoroscopy time and complications. Atrial fibrillation free survival did not differ between the PFA and CB groups.
Bayesian hierarchical modeling in interim futility analysis for two parallel clinical trials

Incorporating interim analysis into a trial design is gaining popularity in the field of confirmatory clinical trials, where two studies may be conducted in parallel (ie, twin studies) in order to provide substantial evidence per the requirement of FDA guidance. Interim futility analysis provides a chance to check for the "disaster" scenario when the treatment has a high probability to be not more efficacious than the control. Therefore, it is an efficient tool to mitigate risk of running a complete and expansive trial under such scenario. There is no agreement among trial designers that interim analysis should be based on individual study data or pooled data under the twin study scenario. In fact, it is a dilemma for most scientists when specifying the interim analysis strategy at the design stage as the true treatment effects of the twin studies are unknown no matter how similar they are intended to be. To address the issue, we developed a Bayesian hierarchical modeling method to allow dynamic data borrowing between twin studies and demonstrated a favorable characteristic of the new method over the separate and pooled analyses. We evaluated a wide spectrum of the heterogeneity hyperparameters and visualized its critical impact on the Bayesian model's characteristic. Based on the evaluation, we made a suggestion on the heterogeneity hyperparameter selection independent of any a priori knowledge. We also applied our method to a case study where predictive powers of different methods are compared.
Exergames improve cognitive function in older adults and their possible mechanisms: A systematic review

Objective The degree of aging in China is deepening, leading to cognitive decline and seriously affecting the health status of the elderly. This article explores the benefits of exergames in improving cognitive function in older adults through a literature review, with aim of contributing to the development of healthy aging. Methods Using PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, dimensional spectrum, search for research papers from 2005 to April 2023 by using keywords such as a somatosensory game, cognitive function, execute function, working memory, aged and suppression control. PEDro Scale was used to check the quality of the literature. Results A total of 16 papers were included in the review. Exergames improve the executive function of the elderly and support the relationship between exergames and cognitive performance in older adults. From a mechanistic perspective, somatosensory play promotes signal transduction of brain neurotrophin, thereby protecting the structure and function of neurons in specific brain regions and delays the decline of executive function in older adults as much as possible. Conclusions It is recommended to use exergames as an intervention measure for the physical and mental health preservation of older adults. Suggest adopting personalised exergames in the future to explore the impact of cognitive and physical functions in elderly people, as well as measurable changes in brain structure.
Evaluating the Relationships of Bus Transit with Street and Off-Street Robberies

The relationship between public transit and crime has been extensively investigated for decades. Compared to rail systems, limited research has been conducted on bus transit and its surrounding robbery influence. In particular, most of the studies have focused on either all types of robbery as a whole or street robbery only. Street and off-street robberies have distinct spatial characteristics, however: The former occurs on the street, whereas the latter occurs not on the street but at indoor places or in (semi)public areas. Therefore, they might have different proximity to bus transit. Furthermore, as bus transit is not operated twenty-four hours a day, it is questionable to connect bus transit with robbery when bus transit is not in service. This study uses exploratory spatial data analysis and statistical modeling to compare and contrast street and off-street robberies to discover how their relations with bus transit vary in space and time. Results reveal that both street and off-street robberies decrease as the distance from bus stops increases. Compared to off-street robbery, street robbery is inclined to occur on the street without bus routes and during nonservice hours, respectively. These findings suggest that the preference of street robbery is related to the excess of suitable targets over capable guardians away from bus routes and when bus transit is not in operation, whereas off-street robbery is connected with the residential and commercial attractions along bus routes and people's frequent activities at these places during transit service hours.
Sustained hyperglycemia specifically targets translation of mRNAs for insulin secretion

Pancreatic β cells are specialized for coupling glucose metabolism to insulin peptide production and secretion. Acute glucose exposure robustly and coordinately increases translation of proinsulin and proteins required for secretion of mature insulin peptide. By contrast, chronically elevated glucose levels that occur during diabetes impair β cell insulin secretion and have been shown experimentally to suppress insulin translation. Whether translation of other genes critical for insulin secretion is similarly downregulated by chronic high glucose is unknown. Here, we used high-throughput ribosome profiling and nascent proteomics in MIN6 insulinoma cells to elucidate the genome-wide impact of sustained high glucose on β cell mRNA translation. Before induction of ER stress or suppression of global translation, sustained high glucose suppressed glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and downregulated translation of not only insulin, but also mRNAs related to insulin secretory granule formation, exocytosis, and metabolism-coupled insulin secretion. Translation of these mRNAs was also downregulated in primary rat and human islets following ex vivo incubation with sustained high glucose and in an in vivo model of chronic mild hyperglycemia. Furthermore, translational downregulation decreased cellular abundance of these proteins. Our study uncovered a translational regulatory circuit during β cell glucose toxicity that impairs expression of proteins with critical roles in β cell function.
Quantitative SSTR-PET/CT for predicting response and survival outcomes in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors receiving CAPTEM

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the predictive and monitoring role of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) and clinical parameters in patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM) from pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) receiving capecitabine and temozolomide (CAPTEM). Patients and methods This retrospective study included twenty-two patients with pNET and NELM receiving CAPTEM who underwent pre- and post-therapeutic 68Ga-DOTATATE/-TOC PET/CT. Imaging (including standardized uptake value [SUV] of target lesions [NELM and pNET], normal spleen and liver) and clinical (Chromogranin A [CgA], Ki-67) parameters were assessed. Treatment outcome was evaluated as response according to RECIST 1.1, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results The median PFS (mPFS) was 7 months. Responders had a significantly longer mPFS compared to non-responders (10 vs. 4 months p = 0.022). Median OS (mOS) was 33 months (mOS: responders = 80 months, non-responders = 24 months p = 0.182). Baseline imaging showed higher SUV in responders, including absolute SUV, tumor-to-spleen (T/S), and tumor-to-liver (T/L) ratios (p < 0.02). All SUV parameters changed only in the responders during follow-up. Univariable Cox regression analysis identified baseline Tmax/Smean ratio and percentage change in size of pNETs as significant factors associated with PFS. A baseline Tmax/Smean ratio < 1.5 was associated with a shorter mPFS (10 vs. 4 months, (p < 0.05)). Prognostic factors for OS included age, percentage change in CgA and in T/S ratios in univariable Cox regression. Conclusions SSTR-PET/CT can be useful for predicting response and survival outcomes in pNET patients receiving CAPTEM: Higher baseline SUV values, particularly Tmax/Smean ratios of liver metastases were associated with better response and prolonged PFS.
Patient-centered health care planning in acute inpatient mental health settings: a best practice implementation project

ABSTRACT Objectives: The current project aimed to improve the quality of health care by promoting evidence-based practice (EBP) regarding mental health care planning (MHCP) for adult inpatients. Introduction: The implementation of the best evidence in the process of developing and documenting nursing care plans is currently an important legal requirement that contributes to increasing the quality of care. Methods: This implementation project was based on the JBI evidence implementation approach and included a baseline audit of seven criteria, implementation of strategies, and a follow-up audit. The project was conducted in an acute psychiatric setting at a university hospital in Bucharest, Romania. The sample included 17 nurses and 30 ward patients. Results: The baseline audit revealed low compliance (33%–37%) for criterion 3 (a comprehensive care plan) and criterion 4 (patient involvement); moderate compliance (55%) for criterion 1 (care plan for all patients); and increased compliance (97%–100%) for criterion 2 (assessment of patient's needs), criterion 5 (education of patients/caregivers), criterion 6 (providing a copy at discharge), and criterion 7 (education of professionals). As a result of implementing the most appropriate strategies, the maximum improvement (100%) was observed across all five audit criteria that were found to be deficient in the baseline audit. Conclusion: The development and implementation of strategies adapted to specific care need to play a key role in the implementation of EBP. In this case, educating nurses, facilitating nurses’ access to EBP for care planning, and improving procedures proved effective in achieving maximum compliance with all the audit criteria.
Gully erosion in Mangatu Forest, New Zealand, estimated from digital elevation models

The methodology and errors involved in determining the amount of sediment produced during two (19·5 and 33·2 year) periods by 11 (c. 0·01 − >0·20 km2) gullies within a 4 km2 area in the headwaters of the Waipaoa River basin, New Zealand, using sequential digital elevation models are described. Sediment production from all gullies within the study area was 0·99 ± 0·03 × 106 t a−1 (2480 ± 80 t ha−1 a−1) during the period from 1939 to 1958. It declined to 0·62 ± 0·02 × 106 t a−1 (1550 ± 50 t ha−1 a−1) during the period from 1958 to 1992, when many of the smaller gullies were stabilized by a programme of afforestation, which commenced in 1960. Both figures are very high by global standards. The two largest (the Tarndale and Mangatu) gully complexes together generated 73 and 95 per cent of the sediment in the specified time periods, but the latter amount is equivalent to only c. 5 per cent of the total annual sediment load of the Waipaoa River. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Origin of the Bendigo saddle reefs with comments on the formation of ribbon quartz

"Several textural varieties of quartz, together with ore textures and structural relations, indicate that (1) open-space filling, (2) replacement, and (3) growth by accretion were active processes in the formation of saddle reefs and related quartz bodies of the Bendigo goldfield, Australia. The relative importance of each process varied with the type of quartz body. Book structure, ribbon structure, and 9crinkly banding9 probably resulted primarily from the replacement of previously sheared or foliated zones in wall rock; the individual leaves and ribbons are usually residues from the replacement process. "
THE USE OF LA-ICP-MS AS AN AUXILIARY TOOL TO ASSESS THE PULMONARY TOXICITY OF MOLYBDENUM(IV) SULFIDE (MoS2) NANO- AND MICROPARTICLES

Objectives: Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has considerable applicative potential for both qualitative and quantitative analyses of elemental spatial distribution and concentration. It provides high resolutions at pg-level detection limits. These qualities make it very useful for analyzing biological samples. The present study responds to the growing demand for adequate analytical methods which would allow to assess the distribution of nanostructured molybdenum(IV) disulfide (MoS2) in organs. It was also motivated by an apparent lack of literature on the biological effects of MoS2 in living organisms. The study was aimed at using LA-ICP-MS for comparing micro- and nanosized MoS2 ditribution in selected rat tissue samples (lung, liver, brain and spleen tissues) after the intratracheal instillation (7 administrations) of MoS2 nano- and microparticles vs. controls. Material and Methods: The experimental study, approved by the Ethics Committee for Animal Experiments was performed using albino Wistar rats. This was performed at 2-week intervals at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. , followed by an analysis after 90 days of exposure. The MoS2 levels in control tissues were determined with the laser ablation system at optimized operating conditions. The parameter optimization process for the LA system was conducted using The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) glass standard reference materials. Results: Instrument parameters were optimized. The study found that molybdenum (Mo) levels in the lungs of microparticle-exposed rats were higher compared to nanoparticle-exposed rats. The opposite results were found for liver and spleen tissues. Brain Mo concentrations were below the detection limit. Conclusions: The LA-ICP-MS technique may be used as an important tool for visualizing the distribution of Mo on the surface of soft samples through quantitative and qualitative elemental mapping.
Early Miocene stratigraphy of central west Anatolia, Turkey: implications for the tectonic evolution of the eastern Aegean area

Small‐mammalian faunas enable the discrimination and correlation of uppermost Lower Miocene lacustrine sedimentary units in central western Anatolia. On the basis of sequential stratigraphic relationships, early Early Miocene and latest Early Miocene relative ages are suggested for the older lacustrine mass‐flow deposits and younger paper shale units, respectively, which are devoid of age‐diagnostic fossils.
Extensional collapse of orogens

Lithospheric extension is sited, preferentially, along orogenic belts because they have a thicker continental crust, contain structural inhomogeneities, and suffer extensional orogenic collapse caused by body forces resulting from isostatically compensated elevation and sharp elevation gradients. Collapse occurs especially where rapid advective thinning of the shortened thermal boundary conduction layer occurs beneath an orogen and causes rapid uplift. Where boundary forces are compressional, extension is balanced by radial thrusting to form oroclinal loops around collapsed extensional basins. Where, as in the disruption of Pangea, boundary forces change rapidly from compressional to tensional, body force collapse is continued by general extension which may lead to continental splitting. Even where overall convergence is continuing, orogenic collapse may be enhanced by subduction rollback into small remnant oceans. The extensional collapse of orogens offers a partial explanation for why oceans cyclically close and reopen in roughly the same places, preservation of very high pressure metamorphic rocks, for the return of orogenic large crustal thicknesses to normal without very much erosional denudation with the widespread preservation of supracrustal sequences, high temperature metamorphic assemblages and the minimum-melting granite suite.
Past, present and future therapeutic approaches in nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) encompass over 30 different entities and although they share post-thymic T- or NK-cell derivation, the disease biology and genomic landscape are very diverse across subtypes. In Western populations, nodal PTCL are the most frequently encountered entities in clinical practice and although important achievements have been made in deciphering the underlying biology and in therapeutic advances, there are still large gaps in disease understanding and clinical scenarios in which controversy over best practice continues. CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone)-based chemotherapy continues to be the ‘standard’ treatment, with the addition of brentuximab vedotin (BV) in the combination CHP (cyclosphosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone)-BV representing a new treatment paradigm in CD30+ PTCL although its benefit is less certain in the non-anaplastic large cell lymphoma subtypes. Given the high risk of relapse, consolidative auto-logous stem cell transplant is considered in nodal PTCL, outside of ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma; however, in the absence of a randomized controlled trials, practices vary. Beyond CHP-BV, most study activity has focused on adding a novel agent to CHOP (i.e., CHOP + drug X). However, with high complete remission rates observed with some novel therapy combinations, these regimens are being tested in the front-line setting, with a particular rationale in follicular helper T-cell lymphomas which have a clear sensitivity to epigenetic modifying therapies. This is well exemplified in the relapsed/refractory setting in which rational combination therapies are being developed for specific subtypes or guided by underlying biology. Taken together, we have finally moved into an era of a more personalized approach to the management of nodal PTCL.
Prevention of bone deterioration by whole-body vibration in a rat model of pre-type 2 diabetes

Objectives: To examine effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on bone properties in pre-type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. Methods: Six-week-old male Hos:ZFDM-Leprfa, fa/fa (DM) and Hos:ZFDM-Leprfa, fa/+ (CON; untreated non-DM) rats were used in the experiments. Half of DM rats were subjected to WBV (45 Hz, 0.5 g, 15 min/day, 5 days/week) for 8 weeks (WBV group), and the other half was not (DM group). Results: Bone mass, trabecular bone microstructure (TBMS), and cortical bone geometry (CBG) parameters were worse in the DM and WBV groups compared with the CON group. Maximum load was significantly decreased in the DM group compared with the CON group, and the break point was significantly higher in the WBV group compared with the DM group. Serum levels of bone specific alkaline phosphatase were significantly lower in the WBV group compared with the CON group. Glycemic control was not worse in the WBV group compared with the DM group, but not the same levels as the CON group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that WBV can potentially delay the decrease in maximum load, although it does not prevent the deterioration of bone mass, TBMS, and CBG parameters.
Fluid inclusions at different depths in the Sanshandao gold deposit, Jiaodong Peninsula, China

The Sanshandao gold deposit, located at northwestern edge of the Jiaodong Peninsula, eastern North China Craton, is one of the largest gold deposits in the Jiaodong gold province. In the deposit, disseminated- and stockwork-style ores are hosted in Mesozoic granitoids. Mineralization and alteration are largely controlled by the regional Sanshandao–Cangshang fault. Sericite separated from alteration rocks in the mineralized zone yields an Rb–Sr isochron age of 117.6 ± 3.0 Ma. The ore-forming fluids in the Sanshandao gold deposit contain CO2-H2O-NaCl±CH4 with low to intermediate temperatures and low salinities. Microthermometric analysis shows that homogenization temperatures gradually decrease from the early mineralizing stage (258–416°C) to main mineralizing stage (180–321°C) and to late mineralizing stage (112–231°C). Homogenization temperatures from the same mineralizing stage are nearly same and do not show an increase with depth. The nature of the ore-forming fluids remains nearly the same over a 2000 m vertical depth interval.