Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Combined Approach for Health Assessment in Adolescent Endurance Runners

Background: It has been shown that prolonged exhaustive exercise, such as half-marathon running, could lead to transient post-exercise elevation of cardiac troponins, increase in oxidative stress, and mild decline in renal function in adolescent athletes. With increases in sports participation involving young people, there has been much interest in pre and post health evaluations following exercise. Evaluations can be used to identify pre-existing health confounders and to examine any detrimental responses that may occur post exercise. Study purpose & Methods: The purpose of this study was to evaluate pre and post exercise measures of cardiac function, serum albumin, systemic immunoglobulin (Serum IgA and IgG), cortisol and testosterone in adolescent (age: 16.2 ± 0.6) male endurance runners performing in 21-km maximal run. Results: Results revealed that cortisol, IgA and IgG levels significantly decreased 2, 4, and 24 h post exercise compared to pre-exercise levels (p < 0.05). Testosterone levels reduced 4 h post exercise (p < 0.05) but were restored to baseline values following 24 h. There were no changes recorded for albumin levels post exercise (p > 0.05). ECG assessments did not show any abnormalities at the T wave axis, ST segments and Q wave pre or post exercise. Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that a single bout of prolonged maximum running is not likely to induce abnormal electrical activity in the heart, but does decrease serum immunoglobulin, and homeostasis of anabolic and catabolic hormones in trained adolescent endurance runners.
A narrative review of acute pancreatitis and its diagnosis, pathogenetic mechanism, and management

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease that can progress to severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), which increases the risk of death. AP is characterized by inappropriate activation of trypsinogen, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and destruction of secretory cells. Other contributing factors may include calcium (Ca2+) overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In addition, exosomes are also associated with pathophysiological processes of many human diseases and may play a biological role in AP. However, the pathogenic mechanism has not been fully elucidated and needs to be further explored to inform treatment. Recently, the treatment guidelines have changed; minimally invasive therapy is advocated more as the core multidisciplinary participation and “step-up” approach. The surgical procedures have gradually changed from open surgery to minimally invasive surgery that primarily includes percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD), endoscopy, small incision surgery, and video-assisted surgery. The current guidelines for the management of AP have been updated and revised in many aspects. The type of fluid to be used, the timing, volume, and speed of administration for fluid resuscitation has been controversial. In addition, the timing and role of nutritional support and prophylactic antibiotic therapy, as well as the timing of the surgical or endoscopic intervention, and the management of complications still have many uncertainties that could negatively impact the prognosis and patients’ quality of life. Consequently, to inform clinicians about optimal treatment, we aimed to review recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of AP and its diagnosis and management.
A Model Describing Liquid Phase Migration Within an Extruding Microcrystalline Cellulose Paste

A quantitative, one-dimensional model has been developed to predict liquid phase migration, and hence the redistribution of water, within a microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) paste undergoing ram extrusion. The process features an initial compaction stage, followed by paste convection after the onset of flow. Compaction is treated similarly to the consolidation of soils, with Darcy-type liquid flow behaviour and stresses estimated using the Janssen–Walker analysis. The forces required in the convection stage are calculated using the modified Benbow–Bridgwater model, incorporating water-content-dependent pseudo-plastic and shear deformation terms. The model estimates extrusion pressure–time and liquid content distributions. Factors affecting liquid phase migration, such as the extrusion rate and die geometry, have been considered. The model shows reasonable comparison with experiment and mimics the observed trends. A dimensionless number has been defined, being the ratio of the maximum initial liquid phase velocity relative to the solids phase, to the absolute solids velocity, which suggests a criterion for the occurrence of significant liquid phase migration. The model does not incorporate pore suction pressure effects, which are likely to be important in other paste systems.
A serological survey of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in dogs in Wuhan

Abstract The novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has resulted in an unprecedented public health crisis and economic losses. Although several cases of cats and dogs infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 have been reported during this outbreak, the prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in dog and its transmission among other companion animals are still unknown. Here, we report an extensive serological study of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in dogs in Wuhan and analyse the infection rates at different stages of the pandemic outbreak. A total of 946 dogs serum samples were collected from Wuhan, of which 36 samples were obtained prior to the pandemic outbreak. Indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that 16 sera collected during the outbreak were detected as positive through the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of SARS‐CoV‐2. Of these 16 sera, 10 exhibited measurable SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific neutralizing antibodies whose titres ranged from 1/20 to 1/180. No serological cross‐reactivity was detected between SARS‐CoV‐2 and canine coronavirus (CCV). Furthermore, with the effective control of the outbreak, a decrease in the SARS‐CoV‐2 seropositive dog number was observed. Our results suggest that SARS‐CoV‐2 has infected companion dogs during the outbreak, and that COVID‐19 patient families have a higher risk of dog infection. Our findings deepen our understanding of the infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in dogs and provide an important reference for prevention of COVID‐19.
COVID-19 associated anxiety enhances tinnitus

To investigate if the anxiety associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a promoting factor to tinnitus. A retrospective research design collected from 188 tinnitus patients, was used to compare the clinical characteristics of tinnitus between the patients in 2020 under pandemic pressure and those from the matching period in 2019. While anxiety was quantified using the Zung’s Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), tinnitus severity was evaluated using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire and the test of tinnitus loudness (TL). The assessments were repeated after the sound therapy plus educational counselling (STEC) for 38 patients in 2020 and 58 patients in 2019 and compared with EC alone therapy for 42 patients in 2020 and 17 patients in 2019. A large increase in anxiety was evident in 2020 in both case rate and SAS. The treatment of both methods was less effective in 2020. SAS, THI and TL were all deteriorated after the EC alone treatment in 2020, while an improvement was seen in 2019. This suggests that EC alone could not counteract the stress by COVID-19 at all, and the stress, if not managed well, can significantly increase the severity of tinnitus and associated anxiety. By using the EC subgroup in virtual control, we conclude that anxiety can serve as a promoting factor to tinnitus. We believe that this is the first study report that confirm the causative/promotive role of anxiety on tinnitus during COVID-19 pandemic.
Cross-cultural measurement invariance of the fear of COVID-19 scale in seven Latin American countries

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the cross-cultural measurement invariance of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in 7 Latin American countries (Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay). The participants were 2944 people, selected through non-probability sampling for convenience, where the majority were women. Data collection occurred between 12 June and 14 September 2020. The results indicated that the model with two related factors presents a better fit to the data and has partial scalar invariance among the 7 countries. Differences in emotional and physiological reactions were observed between the countries.
Communicative functions of parents’ child-directed speech across dyadic and triadic contexts

Abstract This study examined the roles of parental gender and context in the communicative functions of parents’ child-directed speech. Seventy three families with toddlers participated in the study. Dyadic and triadic parent-toddler interactions were videotaped during structured play activities. Results indicated context-dependent variability in parents’ facilitative speech and gentle guidance. Parental gender effects were observed in parents’ directive speech but no gender or contextual effects were observed in parents’ referential speech. Results suggest the need for a closer examination of parental gender and contextual factors related to parents’ speech functions.
A rare case of Bacillus megaterium soft tissues infection

Background and aim of the work: To report the history and clinical presentation of a 60-year-old male who developed a rare soft tissue infection of the right leg caused by Bacillus megaterium and to perform a Literature review focusing on clinical manifestations and diagnostic difficulties of the aforementioned bacterium. Methods: Medical history and clinical presentation suggested the infectious etiology, which led to the surgical procedure of fistulectomy and to further histological and microbiological investigations with bacterial cultures. Results: The histological report tested negative for osteomyelitis. Bacterial cultures revealed Bacillus megaterium, which was sensitive to all antibiotics against which it was tested. The oral antibiotic therapy was set for 12 days with benefits. The patient has always been apyretic, inflammation indexes and white cells count have been within normal limits. Conclusions: This was a rare case of soft tissue infection caused by Bacillus megaterium known to be a “non-pathogenic” bacterium. The infection was likely acquired by the penetration through the injury wound. The combination of surgical and antibiotic therapy lead to complete skin healing and infection resolution at the 6-months follow up.
Elucidation of the dimeric interplay of dual MRAP2 proteins in the zebrafish

The melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) plays an essential role in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis and deletion of which results in severe obesity syndrome in mice and human. Mammalian MRAP2 is recognized as an endogenous physiological mediator through the potentiation of the MC4R signaling in vivo. Two isoforms of MRAP2 are identified in zebrafish genome, zMRAP2a and zMRAP2b. However, the mechanism of assembling dual topology and the regulatory roles of each complex on the melanocortin cascades remains unclear. In this study, we showed the bidirectional homo‐ and hetero‐dimeric topologies of two zebrafish MRAP2 isoforms on the plasma membrane. Orientation fixed chimeric proteins could affect the trafficking and pharmacological properties of zMC4R signaling. Reciprocal replacement of zMRAP2a and zMRAP2b proteins elucidated the major participation of the carboxyl terminal as the functional domain for modulating zMC4R signaling. Our findings revealed the complex and dynamic conformational regulation of dual zebrafish MRAP2 proteins in vitro.
Anthropometric and musculoskeletal gender differences in young soccer players.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to clarify potential gender differences across a comprehensive set of anthropometric and musculoskeletal characteristics within a young soccer player population. METHODS This study included 227 (121 males and 106 females with mean ages of 19.0 and 17.5 years, respectively) young elite soccer players. Anthropometric measurements were obtained. In addition, general joint laxity tests assessing the wrist, elbow, shoulder, trunk, hip, knee, and ankle were performed. Muscle flexibility tests were performed on the iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, hamstring, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles. Moreover, isometric knee extension and flexion strength and isometric hip abduction strength were measured. Single- and double-leg balance tests were also performed. RESULTS Male soccer players were taller, heavier, and had lower fat mass and percent body fat, and greater skeletal muscle mass and body minerals than female soccer players. Female soccer players had significantly greater laxity in all tests for general joint laxity. Female soccer players demonstrated significantly better hamstring and soleus flexibility than male soccer players but worse iliopsoas flexibility. Consequently, no significant differences were noticed in the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles between the male and female soccer players. However, female soccer players demonstrated significantly weaker knee extension and flexion and hip abduction. The hamstring- quadriceps ratio was significantly lower in female soccer players. Although no significant difference exists in the center of pressure excursion in the double-leg balance test between male and female soccer players, female soccer players displayed a significantly lower center of pressure excursion in the single-leg balance test. CONCLUSIONS Young male and female soccer players demonstrate significantly different anthropometric and musculoskeletal profiles.
The presence of microorganisms in follicular fluid and its effect on the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment cycles.

OBJECTIVES To determine if the presence of microorganisms in follicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) adversely affects the outcome of the treatment cycles. METHODS Follicular fluid was collected from 86 women enrolled for IVF-ET at the National Hospital, Abuja from June 1, 2018 to December 1, 2018. Microscopy imaging and cultures were performed to identify bacteria and fungi in the follicular fluid and the vagina. Women with follicular fluid microorganisms were the test group while the controls were those without follicular fluid microorganisms. Fertilization and pregnancy rates were subsequently determined and their association with the presence of follicular fluid microorganisms was assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling. RESULTS The mean age and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of the participants were 35(± 3.5) years and 28(± 4.9) kg/m2 respectively. Bacteria and fungi were isolated in 17% of the follicular fluid samples collected (n = 15/86). Most common isolates were Streptococcus spp. (n = 4/15), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 7/15), Enterococcus spp. (n = 4/15), Lactobacillus species (n = 2/15) and Candida albicans (n = 2/15). There was no statistically significant difference in the fertilization rates (adjusted odds ratio [AdjOR] 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-7.34; P = 0.10) and pregnancy rates (AdjOR 4.02, 95% CI 0.56-28.92; P = 0.19) between the group of women with positive follicular fluid bacterial /fungal colonization as compared against those with negative follicular fluid colonization. CONCLUSION Isolation of microorganisms from follicular fluid did not adversely affect fertilization and pregnancy rates following IVF-ET treatment cycles at the fertility centre of National Hospital, Abuja.
The Association between Maternal Experiences of Interpersonal Discrimination and Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

In the present systematic review, we argue that maternal experiences of interpersonal discrimination at least partially account for the disproportionate rates of adverse birth outcomes in minority populations. Since the 1990s, research in this area has slowly, but steadily increased, shedding more light on the insidious nature of interpersonal discrimination and its toxic health effects. With the aim of bringing this topic to the fore in academic as well as clinical settings, this paper provides a state-of-the-art review of the empirical knowledge on the relationship between maternal experiences of discrimination and birth outcomes. Of 5901 articles retained in the literature search, 28 met the predefined inclusion criteria. Accounting for a range of health and behavioral factors, the vast majority of these studies support the notion that maternal experiences of interpersonal discrimination predict a range of adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and various physiological markers of stress (allostatic load) in both mother and child pre- and postpartum. Several moderators and mediators of this relationship were also identified. These related primarily to the type (first-hand and vicarious), timing (childhood, adolescence, and adulthood), frequency, and pervasiveness of discrimination experienced, as well as to maternal mental health and coping. More research into these factors, however, is required to definitively determine their significance. We discuss these findings as they relate to the general health repercussions of interpersonal discrimination, as well as in terms of applied prenatal care and interventions. Ultimately, we argue that assessing maternal experiences of interpersonal discrimination in prenatal care may represent a considerable asset for mitigating existing majority-minority disparities in adverse birth outcomes.
Simulation-Based Assessment of the Impact of Non-Adherence on Endoxifen Target Attainment in Different Tamoxifen Dosing Strategies

Tamoxifen is widely used in breast cancer treatment and minimum steady-state concentrations of its active metabolite endoxifen (CSS,min ENDX) above 5.97 ng/mL have been associated with favourable disease outcome. Yet, about 20% of patients do not reach target CSS,min ENDX applying conventional tamoxifen dosing. Moreover, 4–75% of patients are non-adherent, resulting in worse disease outcomes. Assuming complete adherence, we previously showed model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) to be superior to conventional and CYP2D6-guided dosing in minimising the proportion of patients with subtarget CSS,min ENDX. Given the high non-adherence rate in long-term tamoxifen therapy, this study investigated the impact of non-adherence on CSS,min ENDX target attainment in different dosing strategies. We show that MIPD allows to account for the expected level of non-adherence (here: up to 2 missed doses/week): increasing the MIPD target threshold from 5.97 ng/mL to 9 ng/mL (the lowest reported CSS,min ENDX in CYP2D6 normal metabolisers) as a safeguard resulted in the lowest interindividual variability and proportion of patients with subtarget CSS,min ENDX even in non-adherent patients. This is a significant improvement to conventional and CYP2D6-guided dosing. Adding a fixed increment to the originally selected dose is not recommended, since it inflates interindividual variability.
Effects of flock age, storage temperature, and short period of incubation during egg storage, on the albumen quality, embryonic development and hatchability of long stored eggs

ABSTRACT 1. The effect of breeder flock age, storage temperature and a short period of incubation during egg storage (SPIDES) on albumen quality, development of blastoderm, and hatchability of long-stored eggs was evaluated. 2. Hatching eggs were collected from 28-week-old (young) and 40-week-old (prime) Ross female line grandparent flocks and were stored for 14 d at 12, 15 or 18°C. During storage, the eggs were either kept continuously in the storage room (control) or were subjected to SPIDES treatment. 3. Embryonic development was more advanced in eggs from the prime flock, exposed to SPIDES and warmer (18°C) storage temperature (P ≤ 0.05). There was a difference in the albumen pH for flock ages (P < 0.05), but the SPIDES treatment did not affect albumen height and pH (P > 0.05). On d 14 of storage, albumen pH was positively (P < 0.05) correlated with storage temperature. Hatchability was higher in the prime flock (P < 0.05). 4. At both flock ages, hatchability increased (P < 0.05) by storing the eggs at 15°C, compared to 18°C, with 12°C intermediate. The hatchability improvement was due to reduced early embryonic mortality. 5. The SPIDES treatment decreased late embryonic mortality and the percentage of second-grade chicks (P < 0.05), which increased the hatchability of fertile eggs (P < 0.05). SPIDES only reduced (P < 0.05) early embryonic mortality in eggs stored at 18°C. 6. The highest hatchability was observed in the eggs stored at 15°C and exposed to one SPIDES treatment during 14 d storage.
The effects of viscoelastic properties on the cellular morphology of silicone rubber foams generated by supercritical carbon dioxide

Supercritical fluid foaming technology has been investigated for use in silicone rubber foam production due to its many unique properties. The viscoelastic properties of silicone rubber play a vital role in the supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) foaming process. This paper investigated for the first time the effect of silica content, saturation temperature and pressure on the viscoelastic properties of silicone rubber compounds. Further, the cellular morphology of silicone rubber foams generated by scCO2 was investigated with rheological analysis, which will be helpful for uncovering the connection between the cellular structure and the viscoelastic properties. This study could provide an environmentally-friendly and convenient way to better control the cellular morphology of rubber by adjusting experimental conditions.
Forearm muscles fatigue induced by repetitive braking on a motorcycle is best discriminated by specific kinetic parameters

Maneuvering a motorcycle in racing conditions or for prolonged time is sufficiently demanding that on many occasions forearm muscles reach a state of functional failure when riders cannot properly brake or operate the throttle. This study intends to discriminate which ones of the several dynamometric parameters used in the literature to characterize the Force-time (F-t) curve during voluntary contractions are more sensitive to neuromuscular fatigue in simulated motorcycle-riding conditions. Thirty-three adults performed an intermittent fatiguing protocol (IFP) that simulated the brake-pulling and throttle-twisting actions, by using a hydraulic system equipped with a pressure sensor. Sixty pressure-time (P-t) curve parameters, including the rate of pressure development (RPD) and area under the curve were measured to characterize the time course of the braking maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Two types of variables were used to analyze the P-t curve: 1) Times interval (from 0 to 30-50-100-500-1000 and 2000 ms); 2) Percentages of MVC (10-30-60-90%MVC). Overall significant (p ≤ 0.05) fatigue-related declines were observed only at time intervals longer than 100 ms and contraction intensities higher than 30%MVC. Strong and significant linear declines (p < 0.001) were observed at 500 ms and 1 s for normalized pressures, as well as for the ratio RPD60%MVC/MVC (p < 0.003) throughout the IFP. Our results suggest considering RPD at time windows of 0–500 ms and 0–1 s, and contraction intensities comprised between 30% and 60% of MVC, as more suitable criteria to study fatigue-related decrements in performance rather than the classical MVC force.