Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of continuous positive airway pressure treatment in obstructive sleep apnea patients with atrial fibrillation

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is correlated with atrial fibrillation (AF). Over the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in the relationship between OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and progression or recurrence of AF. Methods: This investigation was an analysis of studies searched in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO, OVID, and Web of Science databases from inception to July 2020 to evaluate the recurrence or progression of AF in CPAP users, CPAP nonusers, and patients without OSA. Results: Nine studies with 14,812 patients were recruited. CPAP therapy reduced the risk of AF recurrence or progression by 63% in a random-effects model (24.8% vs 40.5%, risk ratio [RR] = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57–0.85, P = .035). Compared with non-OSA patients, AF recurrence or progression was much higher in CPAP nonusers (40.6% vs 21.1%, RR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.19–2.43, P = .000). However, AF recurrence or progression in the CPAP group was similar to that in the non-OSA group (24.0% vs 21.1%, RR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.87–1.47, P = .001). Begg correlation test and Egger regression test revealed no publication bias in this analysis. Conclusions: OSA is a salient factor in the progression or recurrence of AF. CPAP therapy for OSA may contribute to reduction of AF in patients for whom radiofrequency ablation or direct current cardioversion is not performed. Trial Registration: The protocol for this meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO with a registration No. CRD42019135229.
Different types of disease‐causing noncoding variants revealed by genomic and gene expression analyses in families with X‐linked intellectual disability

The pioneering discovery research of X‐linked intellectual disability (XLID) genes has benefitted thousands of individuals worldwide; however, approximately 30% of XLID families still remain unresolved. We postulated that noncoding variants that affect gene regulation or splicing may account for the lack of a genetic diagnosis in some cases. Detecting pathogenic, gene‐regulatory variants with the same sensitivity and specificity as structural and coding variants is a major challenge for Mendelian disorders. Here, we describe three pedigrees with suggestive XLID where distinctive phenotypes associated with known genes guided the identification of three different noncoding variants. We used comprehensive structural, single‐nucleotide, and repeat expansion analyses of genome sequencing. RNA‐Seq from patient‐derived cell lines, reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reactions, Western blots, and reporter gene assays were used to confirm the functional effect of three fundamentally different classes of pathogenic noncoding variants: a retrotransposon insertion, a novel intronic splice donor, and a canonical splice variant of an untranslated exon. In one family, we excluded a rare coding variant in ARX, a known XLID gene, in favor of a regulatory noncoding variant in OFD1 that correlated with the clinical phenotype. Our results underscore the value of genomic research on unresolved XLID families to aid novel, pathogenic noncoding variant discovery.
Synthesis of Ionic Vinylene-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks through Quaternization-Activated Knoevenagel Condensation.

We developed a simple approach to synthesize ionic vinylene-linked two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) through a quaternization-promoted Knoevenagel condensation at three aromatic methyl carbon atoms of N -ethyl-2,4,6-trimethylpyridinium halide with multitopic aromatic aldehyde derivatives. The resultant COFs exhibited a honeycomb-like structure with high crystallinity and surface areas as large as 1343 m 2 g -1 . The regular shape-persistent nanochannels and the positively charged polymeric frameworks allowed the COFs to be uniformly composited with linear polyethylene oxide and lithium salt, displaying ionic conductivity as high as 2.72 × 10 -3 S cm -1 .
What is the most accurate method for detecting caries lesions? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the performance of different methods for detecting carious lesions in permanent and primary teeth, considering all types of tooth surface. METHODS Two reviewers searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus and other sources up to November 2020 to identify published and nonpublished studies in English. We focused on three caries detection methods: visual inspection (VI), radiographic (RX) and fluorescence-based (LF). We included studies investigating at least one of these methods which (a) assessed the accuracy of the method in detecting caries lesions; (b) considered occlusal, proximal or free smooth surfaces in primary or permanent teeth; (c) used a reference standard other than one of the three methods; and (d) reported data on sample size and accuracy. Multilevel analyses, meta-regressions and comparisons of bivariate summary receiver operating characteristics curves were undertaken. RESULTS Two hundred and forty manuscripts from 14 129 articles initially identified met the inclusion criteria. VI was better than RX on occlusal surfaces at all caries lesion thresholds and proximal surfaces of permanent teeth only at all lesion thresholds in laboratory setting. LF was slightly better than VI for advanced lesions on occlusal surfaces of permanent teeth in the clinical setting and for all lesions on proximal surfaces of permanent teeth in the laboratory setting. Still, LF was worse than VI for advanced occlusal lesions in permanent teeth in the laboratory setting. Although LF showed slightly better performance than VI with advanced lesions, the latter had significantly higher specificity than other methods in all settings. CONCLUSION Visual caries detection alone is adequate for most patients in daily clinical practice regardless of tooth type or surface.
POLYVINYLPYRROLIDONE AS A NEW FLUORESCENT SENSOR FOR NITRATE ION

Polymeric materials are widely applied in many areas, such as drug delivery', biomedical device', electrochemical' and fluorescence sensor'". As for the fluorescence sensor, the most investigated polymeric material is the conjugated one. In this study, non-conjugated polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is investigated for the first time as the potential polymeric material to sense nitrate ions by fluorescence spectroscopy. Since the toxic nitrate ions (NO,") leads to environmental pollution if present in high concentration, the unsatisfied detection limit and narrow linear detection range ofexisting nitrate ion sensor urges researchers to develop a better nitrate sensor'. Therefore, a good fluorescent sensor needs to be developed to overcome this problem. In this study, the PVP was diluted into various concentrations (3-10%) and used to sense the nitrate ions with different concentrations (10-4_10-1 M), based on the fluorescence spectroscopy quenching. PVP showed two excitation peaks at 285 and 330 nm due to the presence of C~ and N-C, respectively. As shown in Fignre 1, the two excitation peaks gave one strong emission at around 408 nm, which was used as the monitored wavelength for the sensing performance. It was found that the emission intensity increased proportionally with the concentration of the PVP. In order to investigate the sensing capability of the functional fluorescent groups, the quenching tests were carried out at excitation wavelength of 285 and 330 nm, At both excitation wavelengths, linear relationship was observed between the nitrate ions concentrations and the relative emission intensity. The quenching constants at excitation wavelength of 285 nm were much higher than those at 330 nm. This result indicated that C=O site was more favorable to sense NO," ions than the N-C site. The PVP 7% gave the highest quenching constant; the K,vvalue was 9.89 M 1 and 2.45 M 1 for excitation at 285 and 330 nm, respectively. The sensing capability was evaluated in the presence of interference ions (SOl-, HCO,-, OIr, and CI) It was observed that the interference ions interacted strongly with the C~, but weakly with the N-C. Therefore, in the presence of the interference ions, the PVP would be a potential fluorescent sensor when it is excited at 330 nm.
Role of the central renin-angiotensin system in hypertension (Review)

Present in more than one billion adults, hypertension is the most significant modifiable risk factor for mortality resulting from cardiovascular disease. Although its pathogenesis is not yet fully understood, the disruption of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), consisting of the systemic and brain RAS, has been recognized as one of the primary reasons for several types of hypertension. Therefore, acquiring sound knowledge of the basic science of RAS and the under- lying mechanisms of the signaling pathways associated with RAS may facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets with which to promote the management of patients with cardiovascular and kidney disease. In total, 4 types of angiotensin II receptors have been identified (AT1R-AT4R), of which AT1R plays the most important role in vasoconstriction and has been most extensively studied. It has been found in several regions of the brain, and its distribution is highly associated with that of angiotensin-like immunoreactivity in nerve terminals. The effect of AT1R involves the activation of multiple media and signaling pathways, among which the most important signaling pathways are considered to be AT1R/JAK/STAT and Ras/Raf/MAPK pathways. In addition, the regulation of the nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and cyclic AMP response element-binding (CREB) pathways is also closely related to the effect of ATR1. Their mechanisms of action are related to pro-inflammatory and sympathetic excitatory effects. Central AT1R is involved in almost all types of hypertension, including spontaneous hypertension, salt-sensitive hypertension, obesity-induced hypertension, renovascular hypertension, diabetic hypertension, L-NAME-induced hypertension, stress-induced hypertension, angiotensin II-induced hyper- tension and aldosterone-induced hypertension. There are 2 types of central AT1R blockade, acute blockade and chronic blockade. The latter can be achieved by chemical blockade or genetic engineering. The present review article aimed to high- light the prevalence, functions, interactions and modulation means of central AT-1R in an effort to assist in the treatment of several pathological conditions. The identification of angiotensin-derived peptides and the development of AT-2R agonists may provide a wider perspective on RAS, as well as novel therapeutic strategies.
A Modular Mobile Health App for Personalized Rehabilitation Throughout the Breast Cancer Care Continuum: Development Study

Background Although many mobile health (mHealth) apps have evolved as support tools for self-management of breast cancer, limited studies have developed a comprehensive app and described the algorithms for personalized rehabilitation throughout the breast cancer care continuum. Objective This study aimed to develop a comprehensive mobile app and to describe an algorithm that adjusts personalized content to facilitate self-management throughout the breast cancer care continuum. Methods The development process of the modular mHealth app included the following 4 steps: (1) organizing expert teams, (2) defining evidence-based fundamental content and modules, (3) classifying user information for algorithms to personalize the content, and (4) creating the app platform and connectivity to digital health care devices. Results We developed a modular mHealth app service, which took 18 months, including a review of related literature and guidelines and the development of the app and connectivity to digital health care devices. A total of 11 functionalities were defined in the app with weekly analysis. The user information classification was formulated for personalized rehabilitation according to 5 key criteria: general user information, breast operation type, lymph node surgery type, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy use, and change in treatment after surgery. The main modules for personalized content included a self-monitoring screen, personalized health information, personalized exercise, and diet management. Conclusions The strength of this study was the development of a comprehensive mHealth app and algorithms to adjust content based on user medical information for personalized rehabilitation during the breast cancer care continuum.
High mobility field-effect transistors based on MoS2 crystals grown by the flux method

Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have great potential for use in optical and electronic device applications; however, the performance of MoS2 is limited by its crystal quality, which serves as a measure of the defects and grain boundaries in the grown material. Therefore, the high-quality growth of MoS2 crystals continues to be a critical issue. In this context, we propose the formation of high-quality MoS2 crystals via the flux method. The resulting electrical properties demonstrate the significant impact of crystal morphology on the performance of MoS2 field-effect transistors. MoS2 made with a relatively higher concentration of sulphur (a molar ratio of 2.2) and at a cooling rate of 2.5 °C h−1 yielded good quality and optimally sized crystals. The room-temperature and low-temperature (77 K) electrical transport properties of MoS2 field-effect transistors (FETs) were studied in detail, with and without the use of a hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) dielectric to address the mobility degradation issue due to scattering at the SiO2/2D material interface. A maximum field-effect mobility of 113 cm2 V−1 s−1 was achieved at 77 K for the MoS2/h-BN FET following high-quality crystal formation by the flux method. Our results confirm the achievement of large-scale high-quality crystal growth with reduced defect density using the flux method and are key to achieving higher mobility in MoS2 FET devices in parallel with commercially accessible MoS2 crystals.
Percutaneous Revascularization for COVID-19 Induced Spontaneous Arterial Thrombosis

The optimal management strategy of acute limb ischemia in non-ventilated patients with COVID-19 is uncertain. We propose that non-ventilated patients who develop COVID-19 related spontaneous arterial thrombosis with associated limb threat may be best suited with percutnaeous revascularization to achieve limb salvage. Herein we describe 5 cases of patients who had severely threatened limbs with complete thrombosis of all 3 tibial arteries who were treated with percutaneous revascularization. All 5 patients were felt to be facing inevitable amputation without revascularization should they survive their COVID hospitalization. We were able to achieve limb salvage in all 5 patients selected for therapy, although 2 ultimately succumbed to respiratory failure.
A parsimonious mechanistic model of reproductive and vegetative growth in fruit trees predicts consequences of fruit thinning and branch pruning.

Productivity of fruit tree crops depends on the interaction between plant physiology, environmental conditions and agricultural practices. We develop a mechanistic model of fruit tree crops that reliable simulate the dynamics of variables of interest for growers and consequences of agricultural practices while relying on a minimal number of inputs and parameters. The temporal dynamics of carbon content in the different organs (i.e., shoots, S, roots, R, and fruits, F), are the result of photosynthesis by S, nutrient supply by R, respiration by S, R and F, competition among different organs, photoperiod and initial system conditions partially controlled by cultural practices. We calibrate model parameters and evaluate model predictions using unpublished data from a peach (Prunus persica) experimental orchard with trees subjected to different levels of branch pruning and fruit thinning. We finally evaluate the consequences of different combinations of pruning and thinning intensities within a multi-criteria analysis. The predictions are in good agreement with the experimental measurements and for the different conditions (pruning and thinning). Our simulations indicate that thinning and pruning practices actually used by growers provide the best compromise between total shoot production, which impacts next year's abundance of shoots and fruits, and current year's fruit production in terms of quantity (yield) and quality (average fruit size). This suggests that growers are not only interested in maximizing current year's yield, but also in its quality and its durability. The present work provides for modelers a system of equations based on acknowledged principles of plant science easily modifiable for different purposes. For horticulturists, it gives insights on the potentialities of pruning and thinning. For ecologists, it provides a transparent quantitative framework that can be coupled with biotic and abiotic stressors.
Vibrotactile Display of Patterned Surface Textures With Kinesthetic Haptic Devices Using Balanced Impulses

Kinesthetic haptic devices are designed primarily to display quasistatic and low-bandwidth forces and moments. Existing methods for vibrotactile display sometimes introduce haptic and/or audio artifacts. In this article, we propose a method to display vibrotactile stimulus signals of moderate to high frequency (20–500 Hz) using kinesthetic haptic devices with a standard 1 kHz haptic update rate. Our method combines symmetric square-wave signals whose periods are even multiples of the haptic update period with asymmetric square-wave signals whose periods are odd multiples of the haptic update period, while ensuring that the positive and negative impulses are balanced in both cases, and utilizing the just noticeable difference in frequency discrimination to avoid the need to display other frequencies. For frequencies at which the above method is insufficient, corresponding to a small band near 400 Hz for a 1 kHz update rate, we utilize a signal-mixing method. Our complete method is then extended to render haptic gratings by measuring scanning velocity, converting the local spatial frequency to its equivalent instantaneous temporal frequency, and displaying a single full-period vibration event. In a series of human-subject studies, we showed that our proposed method is preferred over existing methods for vibrotactile display of signals with relatively high-frequency content.
Physical Activation of Rice Husk Pyrolysis Char for the Production of High Surface Area Activated Carbons

A study has been performed on the production of high quality activated carbon from rice husk char obtained by flash pyrolysis in a conical spouted bed reactor. In order to enhance both the quality of the adsorbents obtained and the economy of the process, the amorphous silica contained in the char has been recovered with Na2CO3. Subsequently, the resulting carbonaceous material has been subjected to physical activation at 800 °C using steam and carbon dioxide as activating agents. Although the maximum BET surface areas obtained with carbon dioxide and steam are similar, 1514 and 1365 m2 g–1, respectively, significant differences are observed in the performance of the two oxidizers. Thus, steam gasification kinetics is faster than that of carbon dioxide. The carbons produced by activation using both steam and carbon dioxide have a wide pore size distribution, with microporous structure being more developed when the latter is used.
A comparative study of glottis visualization according to the method of lifting the epiglottis in video laryngoscopy: indirect and direct lifting methods

Background The direct entry of the camera under the epiglottis may provide a better view of the glottis than the indirect lifting of the epiglottis by placing the Macintosh blade tip on the vallecula when using the video laryngoscope. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of two different methods of lifting the epiglottis during the visualization of glottis using video laryngoscopy in the same patient. Methods This prospective study enrolled 60 patients who underwent general anesthesia with tracheal intubation. In each patient, glottic views were obtained by directly (group DE) and indirectly lifting the epiglottis (group IE). These two methods were compared using the modified Cormack and Lehane grade and the percentage of glottis opening (POGO) score as assessment parameters. Results Modified Cormack and Lehane grade showed a significant difference between the groups DE and IE (P = 0.004). The difference in the POGO score between the groups DE and IE was also statistically significant (87.5% and 64.4%, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusions Our results, therefore, revealed that the method of directly lifting epiglottis was better at exposing glottis than the method of indirectly lifting epiglottis using a video laryngoscope.
In vivo assessment of a delayed release formulation of larazotide acetate indicated for celiac disease using a porcine model

There is no FDA approved therapy for the treatment of celiac disease (CeD), aside from avoidance of dietary gluten. Larazotide acetate (LA) is a first in class oral peptide developed as a tight junction regulator, which is a lead candidate for management of CeD. A delayed release formulation was tested in vitro and predicted release in the mid duodenum and jejunum, the target site of CeD. The aim of this study was to follow the concentration versus time profile of orally administered LA in the small intestine using a porcine model. A sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to quantify LA concentrations in porcine intestinal fluid samples. Oral dosing of LA (1 mg total) in overnight fasted pigs resulted in time dependent appearance of LA in the distal duodenum and proximal jejunum. Peak LA concentrations (0.32–1.76 μM) occurred at 1 hour in the duodenum and in proximal jejunum following oral dosing, with the continued presence of LA (0.02–0.47 μM) in the distal duodenum and in proximal jejunum (0.00–0.43 μM) from 2 to 4 hours following oral dosing. The data shows that LA is available in detectable concentrations at the site of CeD.
A double-blind study of empathic support and expectation as mechanisms of symptom change

ABSTRACT Objective: A novel brief intervention was used to investigate how empathic support and expectation can induce changes in mood, anxiety, and perceived stress. Method: Seventy-six undergraduates with high negative affect were assigned to three conditions of a program involving tasks with no known therapeutic benefit. In Group 1: Expectation Only, participants were given a deceptive description of the benefits of the program to quantify the magnitude of symptom change due to expectation alone. In Group 2: Empathic Support + Expectation, participants were also instructed to write about past and current sources of distress and provided with supportive notes each week to quantify the role of empathic support plus expectation. In Group 3: Control, participants were told they were “norming” the instruments. Results: Participants in Groups 1 and 2 demonstrated decreases in depression, anxiety, and rumination, with significant medium effect reductions found in the empathic support plus expectation condition. Conclusions: Evidence suggests that empathic support and expectation cause reduction of symptoms spanning depression and anxiety.