Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Challenge and hindrance appraisals of job demands: one man’s meat, another man’s poison?

ABSTRACT Background and objectives: Many job stress models assume that all workers experience a particular job demand in the same way – an assumption that may or may not be warranted and that has rarely been tested. Building on appraisal theory, we explore (a) how individuals appraise particular job demands (i.e., as a challenge or as a hindrance) and (b) how these appraisals affect the relationship between job demands and engagement/burnout. Design and Methods: A multi-occupation cross-sectional study was conducted among 527 Chinese workers (321 females, 60.9%; Mage = 32.74, SD = 6.70). The data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results: We found that the appraisal of job demands (time urgency, role conflict, and emotional demands) as a challenge moderated the associations between these demands and burnout/engagement. Generally, the results indicate that the presence of high job demands was associated with negative outcomes. However, these detrimental effects were weaker if workers appraised these characteristics as being high-challenge. Conclusions: This study extends research on job demands within the challenge–hindrance framework by focusing on the moderating effects of appraisals. Given the important role of appraisal, we conclude that researchers should include appraisal more systematically in their theorizing and research on the effects of job demands on well-being.
Efficacy of L-leucine Supplementation Coupled With Resistance Training in Untrained Midlife Women

Abstract Objective: This study investigated the effects of leucine supplementation with resistance training (RT) in untrained peri- and postmenopausal women on fat free mass, strength, and select anabolic-related hormones. Method: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, in which 36 untrained women were randomly assigned to either a leucine or placebo supplement group coupled with 10 weeks of RT, performed thrice weekly, while ingesting either 5 g of placebo or leucine. Before and after RT, body composition and muscle strength were assessed and venous blood samples obtained to determine the levels of estradiol, testosterone, insulin-like growth factor-1, growth hormone, and cortisol. Data were analyzed by utilizing separate 2 × 2 [group × time (pretest and posttest)] factorial analyses of variance with repeated measures (p ≤ .05). Results: There were no significant changes or differences between groups in fat free mass or with any of the serum hormones assessed in response to supplementation. However, there were significant increases in strength in both groups in response to RT, but not supplementation. Conclusions: Peri- and postmenopausal women had significant increases in strength following 10 weeks of RT, with no additional effects from supplementing with leucine. There were no significant changes in either group regarding fat free mass or serum hormones.
Hybridization of Bat and Genetic Algorithm to Solve N-Queens Problem

In this paper, a hybrid of Bat-Inspired Algorithm (BA) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) is proposed to solve N-queens problem. The proposed algorithm executes the behavior of microbats with changing pulse rates of emissions and loudness to final all the possible solutions in the initialization and moving phases. This dataset applied two metaheuristic algorithms (BA and GA) and the hybrid to solve N-queens problem by finding all the possible solutions in the instance with the input sizes of area 8*8, 20*20, 50*50, 100*100 and 500*500 on a chessboard. To find the optimal solution, consistently, ten run have been set with 100 iterations for all the input sizes. The hybrid algorithm obtained substantially better results than BA and GA because both algorithms were inferior in discovering the optimal solutions than the proposed randomization method. It also has been discovered that BA outperformed GA because it requires a reduced amount of steps in determining the solutions.
Introduction to the special issue on advancing assessment of, and interventions for, eating disorders via innovative uses of technology.

The aim of this editorial is to introduce a Special Issue of the International Journal of Eating Disorders on "Advancing Assessment of, and Interventions for, Eating Disorders via Innovative Uses of Technology. " The 10 contributions to the Special Issue focus on the following main questions: (a) How can we optimize technology-enhanced interventions for eating disorders? (b) To what extent can technology help professionals to reach underserved populations? (c) How can innovative technology-enhanced tools improve assessment and treatment of eating disorders? The findings cumulatively suggest that technology can play a critical role in the detection and treatment of eating disorders, and may be used to enhance understanding of the etiology, maintenance, and course of these conditions. The contributions to this Special Issue have important implications for the conceptualization, design, and evaluation of technology-enhanced interventions as well as for the optimization of current assessment methods. Hopefully, they will stimulate future research in this quickly evolving field.
Factors associated with appendicular skeletal muscle mass among male Chinese patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Limbs muscle wasting is a common disorder in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that limits daily activities and exercise intolerance, especially in males. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) in male patients with stable COPD. In addition, factors associated with parameters of ASM were also investigated. We recruited 116 male patients with stable COPD from the outpatient clinic between September 2016 and December 2017. For each patient, we obtained demographic characteristics and measured post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second, symptoms, exacerbations history, and ASM. ASM was defined as the sum of the muscle masses of the 4 limbs. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) in male patients with stable COPD was 8.2 ± 0.9 kg/m2, and the prevalence of low skeletal muscle mass was 7.8% (9 of 116 patients). Multiple linear-regression analysis showed that body mass index, occupation, fat-free mass index, and the modified medical research council scale were significantly correlated with ASMI. Compared with nonexercise group, lower limb muscle mass and ASM were significantly improved in physical exercise group. Underweight, retirement, fat-free mass depletion, and severe dyspnea are all risk factors for ASM in male patients with stable COPD. Our findings also justify the importance of exercise training in improving ASM.
Synbiotics for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia: a probiotics strain-specific network meta-analysis

Objective Probiotics may be efficacious in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to clarify the efficacy of different types of probiotics for preventing VAP. Methods This systematic review and NMA was conducted according to the updated preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic literature search of public databases from inception to 17 June 2018 was performed. Results NMA showed that “Bifidobacterium longum + Lactobacillus bulgaricus + Streptococcus thermophiles” was more efficacious than “Ergyphilus” in preventing VAP (odds ratio: 0.15, 95% confidence interval: 0.03–0.94). According to pairwise meta-analysis, “B. longum + L. bulgaricus + S. thermophiles” and “Lactobacillus rhamnosus” were superior to placebo in preventing VAP. Treatment rank based on surface under the cumulative ranking curves revealed that the most efficacious treatment for preventing VAP was “B. longum + L. bulgaricus + S. thermophiles” (66%). In terms of reducing hospital mortality and ICU mortality, the most efficacious treatment was Synbiotic 2000FORTE (34% and 46%, respectively). Conclusions Based on efficacy ranking, “B. longum + L. bulgaricus + S. thermophiles” should be the first choice for prevention of VAP, while Synbiotic 2000FORTE has the potential to reduce in-hospital mortality and ICU mortality.
Parental alcohol consumption and the risk of congenital heart diseases in offspring: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective The aim of this study was to provide updated evidence to assess the association between parental alcohol consumption and the risk of total congenital heart diseases (CHDs) and specific CHD phenotypes in offspring, and explore the possible dose–response pattern. Methods PubMed, Embase and Chinese databases were searched with an end-date parameter of July 24, 2019 to identify studies meeting pre-stated inclusion criteria. A random-effects model was used to calculate the overall combined risk estimates. A meta-analysis of the dose–response relationship was performed. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and Galbraith plot were conducted to explore potential heterogeneity moderators. Results A total of 55 studies involving 41,747 CHD cases and 297,587 controls were identified. Overall, both maternal (odds ratio (OR) = 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–1.27) and paternal (OR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.19–1.74) alcohol exposures were significantly associated with risk of total CHDs in offspring. Additionally, a nonlinear dose–response relationship between parental alcohol exposure and risk of total CHDs was observed. With an increase in parental alcohol consumption, the risk of total CHDs in offspring also gradually increases. For specific CHD phenotypes, a statistically significant association was found between maternal alcohol consumption and risk of tetralogy of fallot (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.08–1.33). Relevant heterogeneity moderators have been identified by subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis yielded consistent results. Conclusions Although the role of potential bias and evidence of heterogeneity should be carefully evaluated, our review indicates that parental alcohol exposures are significantly associated with the risk of CHDs in offspring, which highlights the necessity of improving health awareness to prevent alcohol exposure during preconception and conception periods.
Interplay between REVEILLE1 and RGA-LIKE2 regulates seed dormancy and germination in Arabidopsis.

Environmental light signal and gibberellins (GAs) hormone synergistically regulate seed dormancy and germination. The phytochrome B (phyB) photoreceptor regulates expression of the REVEILLE1 (RVE1) transcription factor, which directly inhibits GIBBERELLIN 3-OXIDASE2 transcription, suppressing GA biosynthesis. However, the question whether phyB-RVE1 coordinates with GA signaling in controlling seed dormancy and germination remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that RVE1 regulation of seed dormancy and germination requires a DELLA repressor, REPRESSOR OF GA-LIKE2 (RGL2), in Arabidopsis thaliana. RVE1 interacts with both RGL2 and its E3 ubiquitin ligase SLEEPY1 (SLY1) and promotes RGL2 stability by restraining the RGL2-SLY1 interaction. Furthermore, RVE1 and RGL2 synergistically regulate global transcriptome changes; RGL2 enhances the DNA-binding capacity and transcriptional activity of RVE1 in regulating downstream gene expression. Moreover, RGL2 expression is repressed by phyB. Our study reveals a novel regulatory mechanism in which the RVE1-RGL2 module coordinately controls seed dormancy and germination by integrating light perception, GA metabolism, and GA signaling pathways.
Magnetic particle templating of hydrogels: engineering naturally derived hydrogel scaffolds with 3D aligned microarchitecture for nerve repair

Objective. Hydrogel scaffolds hold promise for a myriad of tissue engineering applications, but often lack tissue-mimetic architecture. Therefore, in this work, we sought to develop a new technology for the incorporation of aligned tubular architecture within hydrogel scaffolds engineered from the bottom-up. Approach. We report a platform fabrication technology—magnetic templating—distinct from other approaches in that it uses dissolvable magnetic alginate microparticles (MAMs) to form aligned columnar structures under an applied magnetic field. Removal of the MAMs yields scaffolds with aligned tubular microarchitecture that can promote cell remodeling for a variety of applications. This approach affords control of microstructure diameter and biological modification for advanced applications. Here, we sought to replicate the microarchitecture of the native nerve basal lamina using magnetic templating of hydrogels composed of glycidyl methacrylate hyaluronic acid and collagen I. Main results. Magnetically templated hydrogels were characterized for particle alignment and micro-porosity. Overall MAM removal efficacy was verified by 96.8% removal of iron oxide nanoparticles. Compressive mechanical properties were well-matched to peripheral nerve tissue at 0.93 kPa and 1.29 kPa, respectively. In vitro, templated hydrogels exhibited approximately 36% faster degradation over 12 h, and were found to guide axon extension from dorsal root ganglia. Finally, in a pilot in vivo study utilizing a 10 mm rat sciatic nerve defect model, magnetically templated hydrogels demonstrated promising results with qualitatively increased remodeling and axon regeneration compared to non-templated controls. Significance. This simple and scalable technology has the flexibility to control tubular microstructure over long length scales, and thus the potential to meet the need for engineered scaffolds for tissue regeneration, including nerve guidance scaffolds.
Effects of aerobic exercise using cycle ergometry on balance and functional capacity in post-stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

Abstract Background Previous studies have shown that aerobic exercise with cycle ergometer improves motor control. Purpose The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to evaluate evidence about the effects of aerobic exercise with cycle ergometer on the balance of post-stroke patients, evaluated by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and functional capacity, evaluated by the maximal oxygen intake and six-minute walk test (6MWT). Methods The research was conducted on MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Google Scholar until March 2018 (CRD42015020146). Two independent reviewers performed the article selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment. The main outcome was balance assessed by the Berg scale and the secondary outcome was functional capacity of the maximal oxygen intake and the 6MWT. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects method, and mean pre-post intervention difference with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results The review included 5 papers and a total of 258 patients. It was observed that the cycle ergometer did not improve balance in this population (0.03 [−0.57 to 0.64] p = 0.91) or functional capacity in maximal oxygen intake (2.40 [−0.24 to 5.04] p = 0.07) and 6MWT (−40.49 [−131.70 to 50.72] p = 0.38). Conclusions The cycle ergometer aerobic exercise did not seem to improve balance or functional capacity in post-stroke patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Aerobic exercise with cycle ergometer does not improve balance in patients after chronic stroke, but the results for functional capacity are more promising. Beneficial changes in functional capacity can be seen after 12–4 weeks of training, and are dependent on the initial level of physical fitness of each individual. The use of the cycle-ergometer to improve balance and functional capacity was not superior when compared to conventional physiotherapy; therefore, a combination of therapeutic modalities would be ideal for rehabilitation and post-stroke patients.
Readmission Risk Trajectories for Patients With Heart Failure Using a Dynamic Prediction Approach: Retrospective Study

Background Patients hospitalized with heart failure suffer the highest rates of 30-day readmission among other clinically defined patient populations in the United States. Investigation into the predictability of 30-day readmissions can lead to clinical decision support tools and targeted interventions that can help care providers to improve individual patient care and reduce readmission risk. Objective This study aimed to develop a dynamic readmission risk prediction model that yields daily predictions for patients hospitalized with heart failure toward identifying risk trajectories over time and identifying clinical predictors associated with different patterns in readmission risk trajectories. Methods A two-stage predictive modeling approach combining logistic and beta regression was applied to electronic health record data accumulated daily to predict 30-day readmission for 534 hospital encounters of patients with heart failure over 2750 patient days. Unsupervised clustering was performed on predictions to uncover time-dependent trends in readmission risk over the patient’s hospital stay. We used data collected between September 1, 2013, and August 31, 2015, from a community hospital in Maryland (United States) for patients with a primary diagnosis of heart failure. Patients who died during the hospital stay or were transferred to other acute care hospitals or hospice care were excluded. Results Readmission occurred in 107 (107/534, 20.0%) encounters. The out-of-sample area under curve for the 2-stage predictive model was 0.73 (SD 0.08). Dynamic clinical predictors capturing laboratory results and vital signs had the highest predictive value compared with demographic, administrative, medical, and procedural data included. Unsupervised clustering identified four risk trajectory groups: decreasing risk (131/534, 24.5% encounters), high risk (113/534, 21.2%), moderate risk (177/534, 33.1%), and low risk (113/534, 21.2%). The decreasing risk group demonstrated change in average probability of readmission from admission (0.69) to discharge (0.30), whereas the high risk (0.75), moderate risk (0.61), and low risk (0.39) groups maintained consistency over the hospital course. A higher level of hemoglobin, larger decrease in potassium and diastolic blood pressure from admission to discharge, and smaller number of past hospitalizations are associated with decreasing readmission risk (P<.001). Conclusions Dynamically predicting readmission and quantifying trends over patients’ hospital stay illuminated differing risk trajectory groups. Identifying risk trajectory patterns and distinguishing predictors may shed new light on indicators of readmission and the isolated effects of the index hospitalization.
Infectious keratitis secondary to canaliculitis with concretions

Abstract Rationale: Canaliculitis is a frequently overlooked and misdiagnosed disease. Concurrent corneal ulceration with canaliculitis is uncommon. We report such a case. Patient concerns: An 87-year-old woman complained of swelling and pain of the right eye after acute angle closure glaucoma attack. Slit-lamp examination was compatible with the features of infectious keratitis, and the cultures from corneal scrapings grew Streptococcus anginosus later. Hourly topical vancomycin (25 mg/ml) was instilled, then the corneal ulceration improved initially but became stationary after 1-week treatment. Diagnosis: Discharge from the upper punctum was noted subsequently and canalicular concretions were found through curettage. The cultures from canalicular discharge and concretions also revealed the presence of S. anginosus. Thus, infectious keratitis secondary to canaliculitis was diagnosed. Interventions: Canaliculotomy was performed to remove the large concretion and vancomycin was injected locally. Outcomes: The corneal ulceration resolved after canaliculitis was appropriately treated. Lessons: Canaliculitis could be a reservoir for organisms that may make compromised corneas liable to infections. Only the appropriate diagnosis and aggressive treatment of canaliculitis leads to the eradication of associated corneal infections.
p53 deficiency augments nucleolar instability after ionizing irradiation

Ribosomes are important cellular components that maintain cellular homeostasis through overall protein synthesis. The nucleolus is a prominent subnuclear structure that contains ribosomal DNA (rDNA) encoding ribosomal RNA (rRNA), an essential component of ribosomes. Despite the significant role of the rDNA-rRNA-ribosome axis in cellular homeostasis, the stability of rDNA in the context of the DNA damage response has not been fully investigated. In the present study, the number and morphological changes of nucleolin, a marker of the nucleolus, were examined following ionizing radiation (IR) in order to investigate the impact of DNA damage on nucleolar stability. An increase in the number of nucleoli per cell was found in HCT116 and U2OS cells following IR. Interestingly, the IR-dependent increase in nucleolar fragmentation was enhanced by p53 deficiency. In addition, the morphological analysis revealed several distinct types of nucleolar fragmentation following IR. The pattern of nucleolar morphology differed between HCT116 and U2OS cells, and the p53 deficiency altered the pattern of nucleolar morphology. Finally, a significant decrease in rRNA synthesis was observed in HCT116 p53−/− cells following IR, suggesting that severe nucleolar fragmentation downregulates rRNA transcription. The findings of the present study suggest that p53 plays a key role in protecting the transcriptional activity of rDNA in response to DNA damage.
The prednisolone phosphate‑induced suppression of the angiogenic function of tumor‑associated macrophages enhances the antitumor effects of doxorubicin on B16.F10 murine melanoma cells in vitro.

Several lines of evidence have clearly demonstrated the role of the tumor microenvironment in favoring the drug resistance of melanoma cells, as well as the progression of this cancer type. Since our previous studies proved that the accumulation of prednisolone disodium phosphate (PLP) in melanoma tissue inhibited tumor growth by exerting anti‑angiogenic effects on the most abundant cells of the tumor microenvironment, tumor‑associated macrophages (TAMs), the present study investigated whether PLP could enhance the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin (DOX) on B16.F10 murine melanoma cells. To assess the antitumor efficacy of the combined therapeutic approach based on PLP and DOX, we used a co‑culture system composed of bone marrow‑derived macrophages (BMDMs) and B16.F10 murine melanoma cells at a cell density ratio that approximates the melanoma microenvironment in vivo, ensuring the polarization of the BMDMs into TAMs. Thus, we assessed the combined therapeutic effects of PLP and DOX on melanoma cell proliferation and apoptosis, as well as on supportive processes for tumor growth, such as oxidative stress as well as the angiogenic and inflammatory capacity of the cell co‑culture. Our data demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of DOX was potentiated mainly via the anti‑angiogenic activity of PLP in the melanoma microenvironment in vitro. Moreover, the amplitude of the cytotoxicity of the combined treatments may be linked to the degree of the suppression of the pro‑angiogenic function of TAMs. Thus, the potent decrease in the expression of the majority of the angiogenic and inflammatory proteins in TAMs following the concomitant administration of PLP and DOX may be associated with their anti‑proliferative, as well as pro‑apoptotic effects on B16.F10 melanoma cells. However, the combination therapy tested did not affect the immunosuppressive phenotype of the TAMs, as the levels of two important markers of the M2‑like phenotype of macrophages (IL‑10 and Arg‑1) were not reduced or even increased following these treatments. On the whole, the findings of this study indicated that PLP improved the therapeutic outcome of DOX in the melanoma microenvironment via the inhibition of the pro‑angiogenic function of TAMs.