Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High glucose reduces the expression of podocin in cultured human podocytes by stimulating TRPC6.

The transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) channel and podocin are co-localized in the glomerular slit diaphragm as an important complex to maintain podocyte function. Gain of TRPC6 function and loss of podocin function induce podocyte injury. We have previously shown that high glucose induces apoptosis of podocytes by activating TRPC6; however, whether the activated TRPC6 can alter podocin expression remains unknown. Western blot, confocal microscopy, and scanning ion conductance microscopy were used to examine both the expression levels of TRPC6, podocin, and nephrin and the morphological change of podocytes in response to high glucose. High glucose increased the expression of TRPC6, but reduced the expression of podocin and nephrin, both in cultured human podocytes and in type 1 diabetic rat kidney. The decreased podocin was diminished in TRPC6 knockdown podocytes. High glucose elevated intracellular calcium in control podocytes, but not in TRPC6 knockdown podocytes. High glucose also elevated the expression of a tight junction protein, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and induced the redistribution of ZO-1 and the loss of podocyte processes. These data together suggest that high glucose reduces the protein levels of podocin by activating TRPC6 and induces morphological changes of cultured podocytes.
Design fuzzy neural petri net controller for trajectory tracking control of mobile robot

In this paper, a Fuzzy Neural Petri Net (FNPN) controller has been designed established on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for controlling the path tracking of Wheeled Mobile Robot (WMR). The path planning controller problem has been solved using two FNPN controllers to get the desired velocity and azimuth. The PSO method has used to detection the optimal values parameters of FNPN controllers. The overall models of wheeled mobile robot for path tracking control created on PSO algorithm are implemented in Simulink-Matlab. Simulation outcomes demonstrate the suggested FNPN controllers is more effectiveness and has good dynamic performance than the conventional methods.
Climate impact from diet in relation to background and sociodemographic characteristics in the Västerbotten Intervention Programme

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to examine climate impact from diet across background and sociodemographic characteristics in a population-based cohort in northern Sweden. Design: A cross-sectional study within the Västerbotten Intervention Programme. Dietary data from a 64-item food frequency questionnaire collected during 1996–2016 were used. Energy-adjusted greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) for all participants, expressed as kg carbon dioxide equivalents/day and 4184 kJ (1000 kcal), were estimated using data from life cycle analyses. Differences in background and sociodemographic characteristics were examined between participants with low and high GHGE from diet, respectively. The variables evaluated were age, BMI, physical activity, marital status, level of education, smoking, and residence. Setting: Västerbotten county in northern Sweden. Participants: In total, 46 893 women and 45 766 men aged 29–65 years. Results: Differences in GHGE from diet were found across the majority of examined variables. The strongest associations were found between GHGE from diet and age, BMI, education, and residence (all P < 0·001), with the highest GHGE from diet found among women and men who were younger, had a higher BMI, higher educational level, and lived in urban areas. Conclusions: This study is one of the first to examine climate impact from diet across background and sociodemographic characteristics. The results show that climate impact from diet is associated with age, BMI, residence and educational level amongst men and women in Västerbotten, Sweden. These results define potential target populations where public health interventions addressing a move towards more climate-friendly food choices and reduced climate impact from diet could be most effective.
Meta-Analysis of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in patients at Low Surgical Risk.

AIMS Although transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) is officially indicated for severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients at intermediate or higher surgical risk, the procedure is increasingly being performed in patients who are at low surgical risk as well, data on the benefit of TAVI in this patient population is limited. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with propensity score matching (PSM) of TAVI vs. surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients who are at low surgical risk (mean STS score <4% and/or logistic EuroScore <10%). The primary outcome was mortality (examined at 30 days, year and longest available follow up). The secondary outcomes included procedural complications. Nine studies (n=6,124) were included. TAVI was associated with a numerically, but not statistically significant reduced mortality at 30 days (1.45 vs. 2.1%, p=0.05), and similar mortality at 1 year (5.1% vs. 5.0%, p=0.74),and a median of 2 years (10.8% vs. 9.8%, p=0.15). For both time points, there was significant heterogeneity between RCT/PSM studies, with the former suggesting survival advantage for TAVI and the latter for SAVR. In terms of periprocedural complications, TAVI was associated with reduced risk for stroke, bleeding and renal failure and an increase in vascular complications and Pacemaker implantation. CONCLUSIONS in patients who are at low surgical risk, TAVI seems to be associated with equivalent mortality up to a median follow up of 2 years compared to SAVR. More data is required before TAVI can be routinely considered as an alternative for SAVR in low risk patients.
Lumbar spinal cord neurons putatively involved in ejaculation are sexually dimorphic in early postnatal mice

A crucial role in ejaculation is thought to be played by a population of lumbar spino‐thalamic neurons (LSt), which express galanin and other neuropeptides. In rats, these neurons are activated with ejaculation and their lesion selectively abolishes ejaculation but not other mating behaviors. Consistently with their role, in adult rats and humans, LSt neurons are sexually dimorphic, being more numerous in males. Here we examined whether sexual dimorphism arises early in development, using a transgenic mouse line in which the expression of fluorescent protein is driven by the galanin promoter. We focused on postnatal day 4, shortly after a transient perinatal androgen surge in males that could play an organizational role in LSt development. We found a population of brightly fluorescent neurons organized in bilateral columns dorsolateral to the central canal in segments L1–L5, the expected location of the LSt group. Their number was close to that of adult preparations and significantly greater in male than in female siblings (+19%; CI95%: +13% to +27%; p < .01). This was not due to a generalized higher galanin expression in the male since fluorescent L4 DRG neurons, innervating the hindlimbs and lower back, were not significantly dimorphic (−4%; CI95%: −10% to +8%; p = .92). Unexpectedly, we found in cervical segments a population of fluorescent neurons having a location relative to the central canal similar to the LSt. Thus, the LSt group is sexually dimorphic soon after birth. However, it is possible that only a subset of its neurons participate in the control of ejaculation.
Project ImPACT for Toddlers: Pilot outcomes of a community adaptation of an intervention for autism risk

This study reports child and family outcomes from a community-based, quasi-experimental pilot trial of Project ImPACT for Toddlers that is a parent-mediated, naturalistic, developmental behavioral intervention for children with or at-risk for autism spectrum disorder developed through a research–community partnership. Community early interventionists delivered either Project ImPACT for Toddlers (n = 10) or Usual Care (n = 9) to families based on Part C assigned provider. Twenty-five families participated, with children averaging 22.76 months old (SD = 5.06). Family and child measures were collected at intake, after 3 months of service, and after a 3-month follow-up. Results indicate significantly greater improvements in positive parent–child interactions for Project ImPACT for Toddlers than usual care families, as well as large, but non-significant, effect sizes for Project ImPACT for Toddlers families in children’s social and communication skills.
Molecular identification of the etiologic agent of human gnathostomosis in an endemic area of Mexico.

Human gnathostomosis, endemic in Mexico, is a worldwide health concern and mainly caused by consumption of raw or insufficiently cooked fish meat, containing the advanced third-stage larvae (AL3A) of Gnathostoma species. Gnathostomosis diagnosis is based on an epidemiological survey and immunological diagnostic tests; when a larva is recovered, species can be identified by molecular techniques. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the second internal transcription spacer (ITS-2) is useful to identify nematode species, including Gnathostoma species. This study aims to develop a duplex-PCR method of the ITS-2 region for differentiating G. binucleatum and G. turgidum parasites that coexist in the same endemic area and to identify the Gnathostoma larvae recovered from biopsies of two gnathostomosis patients from Sinaloa, Mexico. The duplex PCR established based on the ITS-2 sequence showed that the length of the amplicons was 321 bp for G. binucleatum and 226 bp for G. turgidum. The amplicons from the AL3A of both patients were 321 bp. Furthermore, the length and composition of these amplicons were identical to that deposited in GenBank as G. binucleatum (accession No. JF919679), corroborating our previous morphological finding that G. binucleatum is the etiological agent for human gnathostomosis in an endemic area of Sinaloa, Mexico.
Cognitive processes predicting advanced theory of mind in the broader autism phenotype

Little is known about executive functions (EFs) associated with advanced theory of mind (ToM) abilities. We aimed to determine if advanced ToM abilities were reduced in individuals with subclinical traits of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), known as the “Broader Autism Phenotype” (BAP), and identify the EFs that predicted unimpaired performance on an advanced ToM task, the faux pas test. We assessed 29 participants (13 males) with the BAP who were relatives of children with ASD. Thirteen participants showed reduced ability to understand a faux pas. A discriminant function analysis correctly classified 79% of cases as impaired or unimpaired, with high sensitivity (80%) and specificity (77%), which was best predicted by language‐mediated EFs, including verbal generativity, working memory, cognitive inhibition, and flexibility. Autism Res 2020, 13: 921‐934. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elucidation of multiple alkane hydroxylase systems in biodegradation of crude oil n‐alkane pollution by Pseudomonas aeruginosa DN1

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the characteristics of multiple alkane hydroxylase systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa DN1, including two homologues of AlkB (AlkB1 and AlkB2), a CYP153 homologue (P450), and two homologues of Alm‐like (AlmA1 and AlmA2).
What is ‘moral distress’ in nursing? A feminist empirical bioethics study

Background The phenomenon of ‘moral distress’ has continued to be a popular topic for nursing research. However, much of the scholarship has lacked conceptual clarity, and there is debate about what it means to experience moral distress. Moral distress remains an obscure concept to many clinical nurses, especially those outside of North America, and there is a lack of empirical research regarding its impact on nurses in the United Kingdom and its relevance to clinical practice. Research aim To explore the concept of moral distress in nursing both empirically and conceptually. Methodology Feminist interpretive phenomenology was used to explore and analyse the experiences of critical care nurses at two acute care trauma hospitals in the United Kingdom. Empirical data were analysed using Van Manen’s six steps for data analysis. Ethical considerations The study was approved locally by the university ethics review committee and nationally by the Health Research Authority in the United Kingdom. Findings The empirical findings suggest that psychological distress can occur in response to a variety of moral events. The moral events identified as causing psychological distress in the participants’ narratives were moral tension, moral uncertainty, moral constraint, moral conflict and moral dilemmas. Discussion We suggest a new definition of moral distress which captures this broader range of moral events as legitimate causes of distress. We also suggest that moral distress can be sub-categroised according to the source of distress, for example, ‘moral-uncertainty distress’. We argue that this could aid in the development of interventions which attempt to address and mitigate moral distress. Conclusion The empirical findings support the notion that narrow conceptions of moral distress fail to capture the real-life experiences of this group of critical care nurses. If these experiences resonate with other nurses and healthcare professionals, then it is likely that the definition needs to be broadened to recognise these experiences as ‘moral distress’.
Topical Application of Human Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells Accelerates Mouse Sciatic Nerve Recovery and is Associated with Upregulated Neurotrophic Factor Expression

Peripheral nerve regeneration following injury is often slow and impaired, which results in weakened and denervated muscle with subsequent atrophy. Human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSC) have potential regenerative properties which, however, remain unknown in mouse nerve recovery. This study investigated the effect of the topical application of hWJ-MSC onto repairing transected sciatic nerves in a mouse model. Human adipocyte-derived stem cells (hADSC) were used as a positive control. The sciatic nerve of BALB/c mice was transected at a fixed point and repaired under the microscope using 10-0 sutures. hWJ-MSC and hADSC were applied to the site of repair and mice were followed up for 1 year. The hWJ-MSC group had significantly better functional recovery of five-toe spread and gait angles compared with the negative control and hADSC groups. hWJ-MSC improved sciatic nerve regeneration in a dose-dependent fashion. The hWJ-MSC group had a better quality of regenerated nerve with an increased number of myelinated axons throughout. hWJ-MSC appear to be safe in mice after 1 year of follow-up. hWJ-MSC also expressed higher levels of neurotrophic factor-3, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial-derived neurotrophic factor than hADSC. hWJ-MSC may promote better nerve recovery than hADSC because of this upregulation of neurotrophic factors.
A comparative study on the structures of Grifola frondosa polysaccharides obtained by different decolourization methods and their in vitro antioxidant activities.

Decolourization of polysaccharides is one of the crucial procedures that affects their structure, which is closely related to their bioactivity. Here, Grifola frondosa polysaccharide (GFP) was decolourized with H2O2 and AB-8 macroporous resin. Then, two main fractions, named DGFP and SGFP, were obtained by purification with Sepharose CL-4B. The molecular weights of these two polysaccharides were determined to be 6.306 × 106 (±0.410%) Da and 1.174 × 107 (±0.299%) Da by HPSEC. Monosaccharide analysis indicated that DGFP was composed of glucose, mannose, and galactose (32.20 : 1.00 : 1.75), while SGFP consisted entirely of glucose. Despite a backbone →4)-α-Glcp-(1→ in two polysaccharides, reducing ends Rα →3)-α-Glcp and Rβ →4)-β-Glcp were observed in DGFP by 1D/2D NMR. The results suggested that decolourization with low concentrations of H2O2 might alter the structure of GFP and generate new reducing ends. In vitro antioxidant results implied that DGFP exhibited a higher ability to scavenge DPPH and hydroxyl radicals and reduced the over-generated ROS levels in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggested that the antioxidant effects of GFP could be activated by decolourization with H2O2. Therefore, DGFP might be a more promising natural antioxidant than SGFP.
Risk Factors Associated With Food Insecurity in the Medicare Population.

Risk Factors Associated With Food Insecurity in the Medicare Population Food insecurity is defined as the inability to obtain adequate food for explicitly financial reasons. Associations between food insecurity and worse health outcomes have been attributed to insufficient nutritional intake, trade-offs between food and medical treatment, and functional impairments.1 Medicare enrollees, who are 65 years or older or who have long-term disabilities, are especially vulnerable to food insecurity. We present detailed national estimates of food insecurity prevalence within the Medicare population.
Electrocardiogram characteristics of P wave associated with successful pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Significance of changes in P‐wave duration and notched P wave

The mechanisms involved in changes in P wave following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) are uncertain. This study aimed to assess the relationship between changes in P‐wave morphology and pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection following ablation by the assessment of 12‐lead surface electrocardiogram and signal‐averaged electrocardiogram.
Printability and critical insight into polymer properties during direct- extrusion based 3D printing of medical grade polylactide and copolyesters.

Various 3D printing techniques currently use degradable polymers such as aliphatic polyesters to create well-defined scaffolds. Even though degradable polymers are influenced by the printing process, and this subsequently affects the mechanical properties and degradation profile, degradation of the polymer during the process is not often considered. Degradable scaffolds are today printed and cell-material interactions evaluated without considering the fact that the polymer change while printing the scaffold. Our methodology herein was to vary the printing parameters such as temperature, pressure, and speed to define the relationship between printability, polymer microstructure, composition, degradation profile during the process and rheological behavior. We used high molecular weight medical-grade (co)polymers-poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PCLA), poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), and poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PDLGA)-with L-lactide content ranging from 25 to 100 mol percent, for printing in an extrusion-based printer (3D Bioplotter®). Optical microscopy confirmed that the polymers were printable at high resolution and good speed, until a certain degree of degradation. The results show also that printability can not be claimed just by optimizing printing parameters and highlight the importance of a careful analysis of how the polymer's structure and properties vary during printing. The polymers thermally decomposed from the first processing minute and caused a decrease in the average block length of the lactide blocks in the copolymers and generated lower crystallinity. Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and PCLA are printable at a higher molecular weight, less degradation before printing was possible, compared to PLGA and PDLGA, a result explained by the higher complex viscosity and more elastic polymeric melt of the copolymer containing glycolide (GA) and lactide (LA). In more detail, copolymers comprising of LA and ε-caprolactone (CL) formed lower molecular weight compounds over the course of printing while the PLGA copolymer was more susceptible to intermolecular transesterification reactions, which do not affect the overall molecular weight but cause changes in the copolymer microstructure. This results in a longer printing time for PLGA than PLLA and PCLA.
Recognizing software names in biomedical literature using machine learning

Software tools now are essential to research and applications in the biomedical domain. However, existing software repositories are mainly built using manual curation, which is time-consuming and unscalable. This study took the initiative to manually annotate software names in 1,120 MEDLINE abstracts and titles and used this corpus to develop and evaluate machine learning–based named entity recognition systems for biomedical software. Specifically, two strategies were proposed for feature engineering: (1) domain knowledge features and (2) unsupervised word representation features of clustered and binarized word embeddings. Our best system achieved an F-measure of 91.79% for recognizing software from titles and an F-measure of 86.35% for recognizing software from both titles and abstracts using inexact matching criteria. We then created a biomedical software catalog with 19,557 entries using the developed system. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using natural language processing methods to automatically build a high-quality software index from biomedical literature.
Three‐dimensional echocardiographic comparison of left ventricular geometry and systolic function between dilated cardiomyopathy and mitral regurgitation with similar left ventricular dilation

This study aimed to analyze left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with LV dilation using three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography, and to compare geometry and systolic function between patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and with mitral regurgitation (MR) but similar LV dimension.
Changing stress mindsets with a novel imagery intervention: A randomized controlled trial.

Changing individuals' stress mindset has emerged as a technique that may be effective in aiding stress management, but there is limited data on the effects of this technique in managing stress in "real-world" contexts beyond a few days. This study aimed to (a) evaluate the efficacy of a novel imagery-based intervention in changing stress mindset and (b) evaluate the effect of the intervention on stress-related outcomes, compared to a control, after 2 weeks. The study adopted a preregistered randomized controlled trial design. University students (N = 150) attended a research laboratory twice over 2 weeks, receiving the intervention or control condition stimuli in Session 1, and completing measures in both sessions. Academic performance data was collected from university records. Mixed model ANOVAs revealed a large-sized difference in stress mindset among intervention group participants immediately following the intervention and at the follow-up relative to controls. There were also robust effects of the intervention on perceived distress, positive and negative affect, proactive behavior, and academic performance at the follow-up in individuals with high baseline perceived distress, although not in the whole sample. Findings indicate that the intervention is a promising approach for changing individuals' stress mindset and that changing stress mindset can have beneficial effects on coping with ecological stressors. Future research should use intensive longitudinal designs to examine momentary activation of stress mindset and responses to ecological stress. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).